Police: Death of pregnant soldier suspicious
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 19:08:37 EDT
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” death of a pregnant soldier after her body was found at a Fayetteville motel just days after she arrived at Fort Bragg from Germany, officials said.
Spc. Megan Lynn Touma was identified Tuesday, two days after her body was found in a motel room identified by an odor. The 23-year-old dental specialist with the 19th Replacement Company was from Cold Springs, Ky., and was born in Seoul, South Korea.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_pregnant_soldier_062408/
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Woman Who Shot Cop Struggled With Mental Illness
Woman Who Shot Cop Struggled With Mental Illness, Family Says
KUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA
Written by: Doug G. Ware
Email: dware@kutv2.com
Last Update: 6/24 11:50 pm
SALT LAKE CITY - The woman who shot a Lehi police captain twice in the head during a traffic stop Monday struggled with mental illness over the past year, and was working toward a new life, family members said.
According to a report in Tuesday's Salt Lake Tribune, Kelly Wark suffered from "severe" mental illness -- which might have included post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.
Wark, 34, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was shot to death in Lehi on Monday following a traffic stop -- during which she pulled a handgun and shot Lehi Police Capt. Harold Terry twice in the head. (Click for photos of Kelly Wark)
A gas station clerk nearby called police and claimed Wark seemed a bit unstable and was driving erratically. The shootout occurred when Capt. Terry stopped her less than a mile away.
Terry was hospitalized with critical injuries, but was expected to survive.
An investigation into the shooting continued Tuesday, as officials try to determine what led a troubled young woman to turn to violence during a seemingly minor offense.
click above for more
KUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA
Written by: Doug G. Ware
Email: dware@kutv2.com
Last Update: 6/24 11:50 pm
SALT LAKE CITY - The woman who shot a Lehi police captain twice in the head during a traffic stop Monday struggled with mental illness over the past year, and was working toward a new life, family members said.
According to a report in Tuesday's Salt Lake Tribune, Kelly Wark suffered from "severe" mental illness -- which might have included post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.
Wark, 34, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was shot to death in Lehi on Monday following a traffic stop -- during which she pulled a handgun and shot Lehi Police Capt. Harold Terry twice in the head. (Click for photos of Kelly Wark)
A gas station clerk nearby called police and claimed Wark seemed a bit unstable and was driving erratically. The shootout occurred when Capt. Terry stopped her less than a mile away.
Terry was hospitalized with critical injuries, but was expected to survive.
An investigation into the shooting continued Tuesday, as officials try to determine what led a troubled young woman to turn to violence during a seemingly minor offense.
click above for more
Death of Spc. Ciara Durkin ruled suicide
Death of Quincy soldier in Afghanistan ruled a suicide
By Sue Scheible
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:20 AM
Last update Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:00 PM
QUINCY — The Army has ruled that Ciara Durkin, a 30-year-old National Guard corporal who died in mysterious circumstances last fall in Afghanistan, killed herself.
Her body was found on Sept. 28 near a church at Bagram Air Base with a single bullet wound to the head, her M-16 rifle nearby.
Durkin’s family, aided by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, has been pushing for almost nine months for answers regarding the soldier’s death.
The family posted the following on their web site early Tuesday morning:
“The Durkin family has received the Army's final report into Ciara's death with their conclusion that she took her own life. We are very upset and saddened by their conclusion.
“We have borne an extraordinary amount of pain over the past nine months, compounded by a protracted and at times ambiguous investigation. We now need time and privacy to grieve, and let our Ciara finally rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
The Gaelic expression means, “May her noble soul be at the right hand of God.”
By Sue Scheible
GateHouse News Service
Posted Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:20 AM
Last update Jun 24, 2008 @ 11:00 PM
QUINCY — The Army has ruled that Ciara Durkin, a 30-year-old National Guard corporal who died in mysterious circumstances last fall in Afghanistan, killed herself.
Her body was found on Sept. 28 near a church at Bagram Air Base with a single bullet wound to the head, her M-16 rifle nearby.
Durkin’s family, aided by U.S. Sen. John Kerry, has been pushing for almost nine months for answers regarding the soldier’s death.
The family posted the following on their web site early Tuesday morning:
“The Durkin family has received the Army's final report into Ciara's death with their conclusion that she took her own life. We are very upset and saddened by their conclusion.
“We have borne an extraordinary amount of pain over the past nine months, compounded by a protracted and at times ambiguous investigation. We now need time and privacy to grieve, and let our Ciara finally rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
The Gaelic expression means, “May her noble soul be at the right hand of God.”
The Boston Globe reported in November that a friend said Durkin had several years prior been taking medication for depression, but she stopped because she found it made her manic.
go here for more
http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x222994713/Death-of-Quincy-soldier-in-Afghanistan-ruled-a-suicide-family-says
UK:Homeless veterans still sleeping rough
Homeless veterans still sleeping rough
Alexandra Topping
The Guardian,
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The number of homeless ex-forces veterans in London has dropped dramatically, but the group remains vulnerable and hard to reach, according to new research. The percentage of former service personnel in London's homeless population has dropped from 22% in 1997 to 6% in 2007, according to a study by York University. The number of homeless veterans remained significant, however, with an estimated 1,100 non-statutory homeless ex-service personnel living in London on any given night.
Only one in six homeless veterans cited problems adjusting to civilian life as the cause of their difficulties, and only a small minority suffered from military-related problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. But a military background had an impact on how veterans experience homelessness, with many considering themselves better equipped to deal with the hardships of street life and less inclined to seek help.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jun/25/housing.communities?commentpage=1
Alexandra Topping
The Guardian,
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The number of homeless ex-forces veterans in London has dropped dramatically, but the group remains vulnerable and hard to reach, according to new research. The percentage of former service personnel in London's homeless population has dropped from 22% in 1997 to 6% in 2007, according to a study by York University. The number of homeless veterans remained significant, however, with an estimated 1,100 non-statutory homeless ex-service personnel living in London on any given night.
Only one in six homeless veterans cited problems adjusting to civilian life as the cause of their difficulties, and only a small minority suffered from military-related problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. But a military background had an impact on how veterans experience homelessness, with many considering themselves better equipped to deal with the hardships of street life and less inclined to seek help.
go here for more
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/jun/25/housing.communities?commentpage=1
Shelter Plus Care caring for disabled and homeless
Shelter Plus Care Program helps the homeless
Updated: June 23, 2008 06:13 PM EDT
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Chronically homeless people who also have disabilities have a new opportunity to get housing. Shelter Plus Care is part of the Weed and Seed initiative and will be funded through state agencies. For the next 6 years, the program will receive $700,000 to help those in need with rental assistance. The first recipients will be two grateful men. Frederick Clark became homeless several years ago after he suffered a hip injury and lost his job.
"It started through an injury I had, where I finally had to have a hip replacement, and through drug addictions, and chronic depression and through those situations I became homeless," Clark said.
Clark said ever since times have been tough.
" It's been a battle and a struggle," Clark said.
Dennis McKim, a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a Military Veteran said being homeless is like wearing your house on your back.
go here for more
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8543232&nav=menu591_3
Updated: June 23, 2008 06:13 PM EDT
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Chronically homeless people who also have disabilities have a new opportunity to get housing. Shelter Plus Care is part of the Weed and Seed initiative and will be funded through state agencies. For the next 6 years, the program will receive $700,000 to help those in need with rental assistance. The first recipients will be two grateful men. Frederick Clark became homeless several years ago after he suffered a hip injury and lost his job.
"It started through an injury I had, where I finally had to have a hip replacement, and through drug addictions, and chronic depression and through those situations I became homeless," Clark said.
Clark said ever since times have been tough.
" It's been a battle and a struggle," Clark said.
Dennis McKim, a lifelong resident of Lafayette and a Military Veteran said being homeless is like wearing your house on your back.
go here for more
http://www.wlfi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8543232&nav=menu591_3
Soldier who beat infant sons spared jail time
Soldier who beat infant sons spared jail time
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WINNIPEG -- He's lost his children -- but regained his freedom.
A Canadian soldier who repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplets walked out of jail Tuesday after a judge ruled he doesn't have to serve more time behind bars.
The 25-year-old father -- who can't be named to protect the identity of his children -- broke down in tears after being given an 18-month conditional sentence that allows him to remain free in the community.
The disturbing case has raised the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder for soldiers.
The court heard this week the Winnipeg-based soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors -- including his time spent in Afghanistan -- when he repeatedly assaulted his children.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last summer. They have since recovered.
go here for more
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=610824
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
WINNIPEG -- He's lost his children -- but regained his freedom.
A Canadian soldier who repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplets walked out of jail Tuesday after a judge ruled he doesn't have to serve more time behind bars.
The 25-year-old father -- who can't be named to protect the identity of his children -- broke down in tears after being given an 18-month conditional sentence that allows him to remain free in the community.
The disturbing case has raised the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder for soldiers.
The court heard this week the Winnipeg-based soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors -- including his time spent in Afghanistan -- when he repeatedly assaulted his children.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last summer. They have since recovered.
The man will be under a curfew and must attend therapy and counselling. He is also banned from having any unsupervised contact with his children or any children under the age of 18.
go here for more
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=610824
Update on the sham for SHAD vets
Lily over at Healing Combat Trauma sent me an update on SHAD. This is a sham and a shame our veterans are still being treated as if their lives just didn't matter.
June 24, 2008
Needless Trauma: What Vietnam Vets Still Don't Know about Their Service Could Hurt Them
Saw this recent press release from a California congressman, who himself is a decorated Vietnam vet, and wondered about the pain that comes from NOT knowing the full extent of what you've been exposed to, as you were serving your country. For the particulars, keep on reading:
– Today (June 12), Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) took another step toward helping veterans who were unknowingly tested with chemical and biological weapons in the 1960s and 70s.
The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held a hearing on a Thompson-authored bill that would give these veterans health benefits and compensation for illnesses resulting from “Project 112” weapons tests. Thompson hopes this hearing will ultimately push his bill toward consideration by the House.
Project 112, which included ship-based Project SHAD, was conducted between 1963 and 1973 by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. The DoD now admits that during these projects, unknowing military personnel were involved a number of chemical weapon tests such as VX nerve gas and Sarin nerve gas and were exposed to biological weapons such as E. Coli, Tularemia (Rabbit Fever) and Q fever.
“First the government denied the tests existed. Then they said the tests happened but were harmless. Now they admit dangerous substances were used on our military personnel, yet they still refuse to give them care for their illnesses,” said Thompson. “We can’t change the past, but we can begin to right this wrong by giving these men the proper healthcare and compensation they earned.”
HR 5954, introduced by Thompson and Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) in May, provides veterans of Project 112 a “Presumption of Service Connection.” This means the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presumes the relationship between service and a health condition, making the veterans involved eligible for medical benefits and/or compensation for their conditions. For example, veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are already given a “Presumption of Service Connection.”
go here for more
http://www.healingcombattrauma.com/2008/06/what-vietnam
-vets-dont-know-could-still-hurt-them.html
Homer's epic is finally pinned down
The end of an odyssey - Homer's epic is finally pinned down
For years, debate has raged over Homer's epic. Now research on astronomical detail in the story of Odysseus dates its dramatic climax to one particular day...
By Steve Connor
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
The Odyssey is one of the great works of ancient Western literature, written eight centuries before the birth of Christ and four centuries after the fall of Troy. Generations of classicists have pored over the many lines of Homer's epic description of the long journey taken by the hero Odysseus to his home island of Ithaca. Now two scholars have found evidence to support the idea that one line, in the poem's 20th book, refers to a total solar eclipse that occurred on 16 April 1178 BC – the day when Odysseus returned home to kill his wife's suitors. If true, this would date the fall of Troy itself to precisely 1188 BC.
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If you want to know how old PTSD is, you can begin with this or pick up your Bible someday and begin with King David.
Pressing fight spurs more OEF deaths
Pressing fight spurs more OEF deaths
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 19:01:30 EDT
The recent spike in U.S. troop deaths in Afghanistan is the result of greater contact with enemy insurgents, a growth in the complexity of their attacks and, in the east, their ability to slip away into a safe haven across the Pakistani border, the senior U.S. troop commander in that region said Tuesday.
At least 25 U.S. troops have been killed in Afghanistan since May 25, nine of them in NATO’s Regional Command East. The total exceeds the number of troops killed over the same period in neighboring Iraq, where far more U.S. troops are deployed. 22 troops have lost their lives in Iraq over the past four weeks.
According to the independent Web site icasualties.org, which tracks coalition deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq, 110 coalition troops, 57 of them U.S., have been killed in Afghanistan so far this year.
The figures include four soldiers — three of them New York National Guardsmen — killed June 21 in Kandahar. Those deaths were announced by the Pentagon late Tuesday afternoon.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_afghanistan_casualties_062408w/
These are the deaths.
887 06/21/08 Walton, James J. Lieutenant Colonel 41 US U.S. Army Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Hostile - hostile fire - IED, small arms fire Kandahar Afghanistan Rockville Maryland
886 06/21/08 Mangano, Anthony L. Specialist 36 US U.S. Army National Guard 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition) Hostile - hostile fire - IED, small arms fire Kandahar Afghanistan Greenlawn New York
885 06/21/08 Ramirez, Nelson D. Rodriguez Sergeant 22 US U.S. Army National Guard 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition) Hostile - hostile fire - IED, small arms fire Kandahar Afghanistan Revere Massachusetts
884 06/21/08 Seabrooks, Andrew Sergeant 36 US U.S. Army National Guard 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition) Hostile - hostile fire - IED, small arms fire Kandahar province Afghanistan Queens New York
890 06/20/08 Mendoza, Matthew E. Sergeant 24 US U.S. Marine 2nd BN, 7th Marine Reg, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Hostile - hostile fire Helmand Province Afghanistan San Antonio Texas
889 06/20/08 Burnett, Dustin Kelby Hospitalman 19 US U.S. Navy
http://icasualties.org/OEF/Afghanistan.aspx
Why do we forget about Afghanistan? Why do we never seem to hear the reporters even ask about Afghanistan after all these years? Wasn't Afghanistan supposed to be about 9-11? Then why have we forgotten?
We argue about Iraq and ignore Afghanistan. In doing so, we fail to even attempt to witness the events the troops are going through simply because they are sent into both occupations. Some here in the US feel that there is nothing going on in Afghanistan but they are wrong. There is a lot being accomplished there, but one can't help but wonder what could have been accomplished had Iraq never been invaded? The men and women we send are worn out and the redeployments increase the risk of PTSD by 50% for each time sent back. Some thought the rates would remain low for PTSD with the lower rate of violence but they ignore the news coming out of Afghanistan and the tactics the Afghan Taliban have adopted with the suicide bombings and roadside bombs. The increase in violence there has allowed no time for rest for any of the troops. Being sent into Afghanistan is no longer an easier deployment. We need to pay attention to both occupations if we are ever really going to get prepared for what the troops will have to face when they come home. We are no where close to being able to take care of the wounded we have thus far. Where are we going to be a year from now, two years or ten years from now? Are we even worried enough to make sure we have it all in place for them?
Who are you really supporting? The Troops or Bush?
This has been bothering me for a long time. While I read what the pro-war bloggers seem to find oh so important to spread all over the net, there is very little they do post about the troops, other than what they believe will "support" Bush. While I do see their point that good news does not get reported on the nightly news, apparently they didn't notice the bad news does not get reported either.
Consider this from the GAO
Since the surge, we've heard the surge is working even while the death count of US forces reached an all time yearly high. In April when the death count of US forces increased to over 50, not one word was said yet as soon as the death count dropped, it was all over the pro-war blog sites. Had they really supported the troops they would post the bad with the good because both parts of events in Iraq involve them.
When they come home wounded and not taken care of properly, they are again ignored by the pro-war bloggers. The media was attacked for reporting on the bad conditions. All in all, when they claim to be supporting the troops, they are really supporting Bush and don't care how he treats them. Wounds not taken care of are no problem to them. Backlogged claims, no problem. Food stamps and unemployment lines and homelessness, no problem for the pro-war bloggers. Very, very sad. I'd like to say at least they are paying attention to the troops, Iraq and Afghanistan, but they aren't. If they were, they would post whatever news they could find since very little is coming out on either occupation.
Consider this from the GAO
GAO Report Faults Post-'Surge' Planning
Lack of Comprehensive Strategy Cited, but Pentagon Study Sees Gains in Iraq
By Karen DeYoung
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 24, 2008; A14
The administration lacks an updated and comprehensive Iraq strategy to move beyond the "surge" of combat troops President Bush launched in January 2007 as an 18-month effort to curtail violence and build Iraqi democracy, government investigators said yesterday.
While agreeing with the administration that violence has decreased sharply, a report released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office concluded that many other goals Bush outlined a year and a half ago in the "New Way Forward" strategy remain unmet.
The report, after a bleak GAO assessment last summer, cited little improvement in the ability of the Iraqi security forces to act independently of the U.S. military, and noted that key legislation passed by the Iraqi parliament had not been implemented while other crucial laws had not been passed. The report also judged that key Iraqi ministries spent less of their allocated budgets last year than in previous years, and said that oil and electricity production had repeatedly not met U.S. targets.
go here for more
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/23/AR2008062302050_pf.html
Since the surge, we've heard the surge is working even while the death count of US forces reached an all time yearly high. In April when the death count of US forces increased to over 50, not one word was said yet as soon as the death count dropped, it was all over the pro-war blog sites. Had they really supported the troops they would post the bad with the good because both parts of events in Iraq involve them.
When they come home wounded and not taken care of properly, they are again ignored by the pro-war bloggers. The media was attacked for reporting on the bad conditions. All in all, when they claim to be supporting the troops, they are really supporting Bush and don't care how he treats them. Wounds not taken care of are no problem to them. Backlogged claims, no problem. Food stamps and unemployment lines and homelessness, no problem for the pro-war bloggers. Very, very sad. I'd like to say at least they are paying attention to the troops, Iraq and Afghanistan, but they aren't. If they were, they would post whatever news they could find since very little is coming out on either occupation.
Wounds You Can’t See
Wounds You Can’t See
By BOB HERBERT
Published: June 24, 2008
The U.S. has been at war for years now, but ordinary Americans have never been asked to step up and make the kind of sacrifices that wars have historically required.
There is no draft. There are no shortages of food, consumer items or gasoline. We’re not even paying for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That multitrillion-dollar obligation has been shoved off to future generations. Incredibly, taxes have been lowered, not raised, since the wars began.
On the home front, this is as pleasant a wartime environment as one could imagine.
That’s actually an added danger for the young men and women who have volunteered to fight in those far-off lands. It’s too easy for the larger society to put them out of sight and out of mind. I asked a college student in Bridgeport, Conn., the other night if she or her friends ever talked about the war in Iraq. She said no.
By BOB HERBERT
Published: June 24, 2008
The U.S. has been at war for years now, but ordinary Americans have never been asked to step up and make the kind of sacrifices that wars have historically required.
There is no draft. There are no shortages of food, consumer items or gasoline. We’re not even paying for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That multitrillion-dollar obligation has been shoved off to future generations. Incredibly, taxes have been lowered, not raised, since the wars began.
On the home front, this is as pleasant a wartime environment as one could imagine.
That’s actually an added danger for the young men and women who have volunteered to fight in those far-off lands. It’s too easy for the larger society to put them out of sight and out of mind. I asked a college student in Bridgeport, Conn., the other night if she or her friends ever talked about the war in Iraq. She said no.
Studies have shown that fewer than half of the G.I.’s with psychological wounds of one sort or another are receiving treatment. And according to the RAND study, “Even when individuals receive care, too few receive quality care.”
National Guard at work to save Clarksville MO
Guard soldiers fight to save MO town from flood
Soldiers bulk up a sandbag levy to help fight encroaching floodwaters in Clarksville, MO.
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/062008_clark_flood/
The United Female Veterans of America convention is this weekend in St. Louis. Thanks National Guards! With you there saving the towns, I'm not worried about going there now.
Soldiers bulk up a sandbag levy to help fight encroaching floodwaters in Clarksville, MO.
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/062008_clark_flood/
The United Female Veterans of America convention is this weekend in St. Louis. Thanks National Guards! With you there saving the towns, I'm not worried about going there now.
Soldier, found unconscious, dies at Schofield
Soldier, found unconscious, dies at Schofield
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 8:59:15 EDT
HONOLULU — A 25th Infantry Division soldier died after being found unconscious and not breathing at Schofield Barracks, the Army said.
The Army says the incident is under investigation and is withholding the soldier’s name until it notifies the soldier’s next of kin.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_schofield_062408/
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 24, 2008 8:59:15 EDT
HONOLULU — A 25th Infantry Division soldier died after being found unconscious and not breathing at Schofield Barracks, the Army said.
The Army says the incident is under investigation and is withholding the soldier’s name until it notifies the soldier’s next of kin.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_schofield_062408/
Mental Health.net takes on Perez email
When it's used to address the need for further testing then it's an appropriate diagnosis. But if it's used for political purposes - like to save the VA from having to pay out money to a disabled veteran - then that amounts to malpractice.
Mental Health Web Site Addresses Differences in Diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder and PTSD in Veterans Mental Health
MentalHelp.Net addresses the controversial email from Dr. Norma Perez and urges better care for soldiers at VA Hospitals.
(PRWEB) June 24, 2008 -- On March 20th Dr. Norma Perez, mental health specialist and coordinator of her hospital's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) clinical team, sent a startling email to her staff.
"Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking veterans," she wrote. "I'd like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out. Consider a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder."
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Homeless veterans important issue to Adm. Mike Mullen
Chairman Calls Homeless Veterans ‘Hugely Important Issue’
By AmericasNewsToday.Org staff
Calling the issue "hugely important," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today said the nation must fully integrate efforts to help homeless veterans.
"How do we reach out to them, and how do we create opportunities?" Navy Adm. Mike Mullen asked an audience of about 200 members of various organizations that make up the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in a speech at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.
"I consider [homeless veterans] to be a hugely important issue," Mullen said. "We need to do everything we can, as a country, to fully integrate our efforts to understand and help those – our veterans – who have given so much."
The coalition, which is holding its annual convention this week, is dedicated to strengthening and increasing funding for homeless veteran assistance programs, ranging from employment to housing issues. It provides information about program development and administration, as well as governance and funding guidance to all of the nation’s homeless veteran service providers, according to the organization’s Web site.
Mullen shared his appreciation for the coalition and its work.
"I am incredibly grateful for what you do and keeping [homeless veteran] issues bubbling; not just based on homeless veterans of [the war on terror], but of the entire population and past wars," he said.
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White River Junction:Peake answers questions at town hall
Home / News / Local / N.H.
In Vermont, new VA chief hears complaints from veterans
By John Curran
Associated Press Writer / June 23, 2008
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt.—Some had beefs about their medical care. Some came to say how great their doctors and nurses were.
Some wanted an answer about a claim, or to find out what Uncle Sam was doing for homeless veterans. One wanted to know where his military records were.
U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake got an earful Monday as about 250 people -- aging veterans, spouses, VA employees -- turned out for the second of two Town Hall-style meetings organized by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. About 175 turned out for an earlier one in South Burlington.
Peake, a West Point graduate and former military surgeon who took the job six months ago, opened the 90-minute meeting at the White River Junction VA Medical Center by telling those gathered for the meeting that his priorities are making the soldier-to-civilian transition a smoother one.
The VA, which employs about 250,000 people and has an annual budget of $80 billion, must improve its "outmoded" system of processing claims and go to a paperless system, he said.
When he opened the room up for a question-and-answer session, no one was shy about calling him on the carpet.
click post title for more
You have to give Peake some credit because he is trying a lot harder than Nicholson ever did.
In Vermont, new VA chief hears complaints from veterans
By John Curran
Associated Press Writer / June 23, 2008
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt.—Some had beefs about their medical care. Some came to say how great their doctors and nurses were.
Some wanted an answer about a claim, or to find out what Uncle Sam was doing for homeless veterans. One wanted to know where his military records were.
U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake got an earful Monday as about 250 people -- aging veterans, spouses, VA employees -- turned out for the second of two Town Hall-style meetings organized by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. About 175 turned out for an earlier one in South Burlington.
Peake, a West Point graduate and former military surgeon who took the job six months ago, opened the 90-minute meeting at the White River Junction VA Medical Center by telling those gathered for the meeting that his priorities are making the soldier-to-civilian transition a smoother one.
The VA, which employs about 250,000 people and has an annual budget of $80 billion, must improve its "outmoded" system of processing claims and go to a paperless system, he said.
When he opened the room up for a question-and-answer session, no one was shy about calling him on the carpet.
click post title for more
You have to give Peake some credit because he is trying a lot harder than Nicholson ever did.
Homeless woman killed by hit and run driver in Vegas
“The next time you see a homeless person,” she said, “I'd like for you to remember me and know that person probably has a family member somewhere who loves them.”
Dead Vegas homeless woman's family tells sad tale
LAS VEGAS – When Karin Solomonson saw the 702 area code on her telephone, the North Carolina resident assumed it was her beloved Aunt BeBe calling from the streets of Las Vegas.
Instead, it was the Clark County coroner's office, calling to notify Solomonson about the death of her 65-year-old aunt, Cora Angie Law.
Police said they were still looking for the large gray or burgundy sport utility vehicle with chrome rims and large tires that hit Law, who investigators think was in a crosswalk.
click post title for more
If anyone saw this or knows who did it, remember, this woman had people who loved her, but she didn't have a place to call her home. Call the police and let them know what you know. Her life had meaning and her death should not be seen as "no big deal" just because she was homeless.
Canadian Soldier who beat babies blames war zone stress
Soldier who beat babies blames war zone stress
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Monday, June 23
WINNIPEG - A Canadian soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors - including his time spent in Afghanistan - when he repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplet sons, a Winnipeg court heard Monday.
Psychologist David Kolton submitted a 21-page report to the court providing a detailed look into the mind of the 25-year-old father, who has pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm.
Provincial court Judge Marvin Garfinkel is expected to sentence the man Tuesday afternoon. He is seeking time served - nine months - plus probation, while the Crown wants him to serve an additional 18 months behind bars.
Defence lawyer Rod Brecht told the court Monday his client didn't intend to inflict pain on his baby boys and was actually stunned to see the extent of their injuries.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last September. They have since recovered.
The father - a Winnipeg-based soldier who can't be named to protect the children's identities - was already dealing with a number of difficult personal issues when he joined the military in 2001, including being abandoned by his own father at a young age, court was told.
He was deployed to Kandahar in 2006 for a 3 1/2-month tour and came back a much different person, said Kolton, psychologist.
The soldier's job was to load equipment on to military planes and trucks and he became extremely frustrated by the lack of front-line action he saw.
That resulted in various run-ins with authority during which his explosive temper quickly took over.
"I wanted to get out there and do something. I knew many of the infantry . . . I could see it in their eyes that they expected more from me. I felt helpless," he told Kolton.
He also got into trouble during a sidetrip to Budapest in which he claims to have been drugged in a bar, beaten and robbed.
click post title for more
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Monday, June 23
WINNIPEG - A Canadian soldier was suffering from a serious mental disorder caused by several factors - including his time spent in Afghanistan - when he repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplet sons, a Winnipeg court heard Monday.
Psychologist David Kolton submitted a 21-page report to the court providing a detailed look into the mind of the 25-year-old father, who has pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm.
Provincial court Judge Marvin Garfinkel is expected to sentence the man Tuesday afternoon. He is seeking time served - nine months - plus probation, while the Crown wants him to serve an additional 18 months behind bars.
Defence lawyer Rod Brecht told the court Monday his client didn't intend to inflict pain on his baby boys and was actually stunned to see the extent of their injuries.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last September. They have since recovered.
The father - a Winnipeg-based soldier who can't be named to protect the children's identities - was already dealing with a number of difficult personal issues when he joined the military in 2001, including being abandoned by his own father at a young age, court was told.
He was deployed to Kandahar in 2006 for a 3 1/2-month tour and came back a much different person, said Kolton, psychologist.
The soldier's job was to load equipment on to military planes and trucks and he became extremely frustrated by the lack of front-line action he saw.
That resulted in various run-ins with authority during which his explosive temper quickly took over.
"I wanted to get out there and do something. I knew many of the infantry . . . I could see it in their eyes that they expected more from me. I felt helpless," he told Kolton.
He also got into trouble during a sidetrip to Budapest in which he claims to have been drugged in a bar, beaten and robbed.
click post title for more
PTSD Is Normal
Opinion piece on Chattanoogan.com
Denny Haldeman
Soddy Daisy
PTSD Is Normal
posted June 23, 2008
The recent coverage of Post Traumatic Stress "Disorder" in veterans is long overdue and brings out important aspects of this affliction that affects millions of veterans, their families and friends, as well as others in our society. I am compelled to ponder this in honor of yet another brother who finally succumbed to a war wound of the soul long ago, who found final peace by his own hand.
By calling post traumatic stress, this natural response to the fight or flight chemistry of our brains, a "disorder," it automatically stigmatizes those who are affected by PTSD. It's no wonder that half of our recent veterans affected by PTSD will not seek help for now, in large part because of that stigma of a "disorder" or a weakness, and the implications that go with it professionally and personally. The psychological/emotion/physical response to the horrors of war are every bit as much a wound to be expected, as the bullet or bomb that mangle the physical bodies of those thrust into harm's way.
go here for more
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_130325.asp
Denny Haldeman
Soddy Daisy
PTSD Is Normal
posted June 23, 2008
The recent coverage of Post Traumatic Stress "Disorder" in veterans is long overdue and brings out important aspects of this affliction that affects millions of veterans, their families and friends, as well as others in our society. I am compelled to ponder this in honor of yet another brother who finally succumbed to a war wound of the soul long ago, who found final peace by his own hand.
By calling post traumatic stress, this natural response to the fight or flight chemistry of our brains, a "disorder," it automatically stigmatizes those who are affected by PTSD. It's no wonder that half of our recent veterans affected by PTSD will not seek help for now, in large part because of that stigma of a "disorder" or a weakness, and the implications that go with it professionally and personally. The psychological/emotion/physical response to the horrors of war are every bit as much a wound to be expected, as the bullet or bomb that mangle the physical bodies of those thrust into harm's way.
go here for more
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_130325.asp
Monday, June 23, 2008
Disgruntled Official kills 2 US wounds 4
UPDATE from earlier post
Disgruntled official kills 2 soldiers in Iraq
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated PressPosted : Monday Jun 23, 2008 16:58:14 EDT
BAGHDAD — A disgruntled local official opened fire Monday on U.S. soldiers attending a municipal council meeting southeast of Baghdad, killing two of them and wounding four other Americans, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.
The assailant died in a hail of gunfire after the attack, which occurred in the town of Madain, also known as Salman Pak, about 15 miles south of Baghdad in an area with a history of Sunni-Shiite tension.
U.S. officials confirmed two American soldiers died and that four Americans, including a civilian interpreter, were wounded. However, the U.S. officials released no further details except that the assailant was killed.
Iraqi police and witnesses said the attack took place in front of the Madain municipal building where the Americans had come to confer with local authorities.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_iraq_062308/
Disgruntled official kills 2 soldiers in Iraq
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated PressPosted : Monday Jun 23, 2008 16:58:14 EDT
BAGHDAD — A disgruntled local official opened fire Monday on U.S. soldiers attending a municipal council meeting southeast of Baghdad, killing two of them and wounding four other Americans, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.
The assailant died in a hail of gunfire after the attack, which occurred in the town of Madain, also known as Salman Pak, about 15 miles south of Baghdad in an area with a history of Sunni-Shiite tension.
U.S. officials confirmed two American soldiers died and that four Americans, including a civilian interpreter, were wounded. However, the U.S. officials released no further details except that the assailant was killed.
Iraqi police and witnesses said the attack took place in front of the Madain municipal building where the Americans had come to confer with local authorities.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_iraq_062308/
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