Once were warriors
After the horrors of war, many servicemen and women find themselves facing another battle: post-traumatic stress disorder. But a radical programme involving t'ai chi, meditation and Hawaiian "forgiveness" therapy is helping many of them find peace
• This article appears in Sunday's Observer Magazine
Louise Carpenter The Observer, Sunday 1 February 2009
Peter Stone was approaching the end of a long career in the army when he witnessed an event in Croatia in 1995 that was to ruin the next decade of his life. Walking through a village, he came across three Croatian children, aged 11, nine and seven. A father of four himself, Stone's instinct was to talk to them. He even reached into the pocket of his uniform and offered them some chocolate. Later, passing back through the village, he saw them again. They were lying in pools of their own blood by the roadside, their throats cut - punishment for speaking to the enemy.
Stone was an experienced soldier. He had served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands and Croatia. He had seen death and despair, and he had endured and pulled through explosions himself. And yet it was this singular, horrific event that was to be his unravelling. "Those children were innocent," he says, his voice faltering, "and I could not get the memory of them out of my mind, I could not get the thoughts to go [away] that I was responsible, that if it were not for me, they would still be alive today."
Years later, Stone was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common problem that usually becomes apparent in soldiers years after the experienced trauma. It is often triggered by a second, unrelated trauma. In Stone's case, it was the death of his son in a car crash, two weeks before his son's 21st birthday, in 2001. He had been out of the army for a year then, his marriage having broken down due to the stresses of his job.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Program aims to help vets get good jobs
Program aims to help vets get good jobs
By Matthew Cox - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 31, 2009 8:55:50 EST
Sgt. 1st Class Chad Sowash never stops working for soldiers.
The Indiana Reserve senior drill sergeant is in his second mobilization at Fort Benning, Ga., in four years.
When Sowash isn’t shaping civilians into soldiers, he spends his time finding job opportunities for veterans in the nation’s top-rated firms.
About 18 months ago, Sowash launched VetCentral, an Internet-based program designed to help veterans find success in the civilian workforce.
“It focuses on connecting Fortune 500 companies with veterans,” said Sowash, vice president for business development for Direct Employers Association, a nonprofit group that works with major corporations to help them recruit more effectively. “The jobs have always been there, but there has never been a pipeline in place to funnel those jobs to the veterans.”
This is particularly important now given that the country is in one of the worst economic crises in history, resulting in hundreds of thousands of layoffs across America.
At the same time, the Army is less willing to pay out large bonuses to keep soldiers in the service.
click link for more
By Matthew Cox - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 31, 2009 8:55:50 EST
Sgt. 1st Class Chad Sowash never stops working for soldiers.
The Indiana Reserve senior drill sergeant is in his second mobilization at Fort Benning, Ga., in four years.
When Sowash isn’t shaping civilians into soldiers, he spends his time finding job opportunities for veterans in the nation’s top-rated firms.
About 18 months ago, Sowash launched VetCentral, an Internet-based program designed to help veterans find success in the civilian workforce.
“It focuses on connecting Fortune 500 companies with veterans,” said Sowash, vice president for business development for Direct Employers Association, a nonprofit group that works with major corporations to help them recruit more effectively. “The jobs have always been there, but there has never been a pipeline in place to funnel those jobs to the veterans.”
This is particularly important now given that the country is in one of the worst economic crises in history, resulting in hundreds of thousands of layoffs across America.
At the same time, the Army is less willing to pay out large bonuses to keep soldiers in the service.
click link for more
Iraq vet helps others adjust to civilian life
Iraq vet helps others adjust to civilian life
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - Portland,OR,USA
by Barry Finnemore, Special to The Oregonian
Thursday January 29, 2009, 3:00 AM
Joshua Ray joined the Army in fall 2001, motivated to follow in relatives' footsteps, take care of his family financially and serve his country.
He served with the 101st Airborne and was deployed to Iraq before and during the first year of the war.
When he was discharged and moved back to Oregon in 2005, Ray, 28, suffered from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries so acute that he isolated himself from others.
"I basically locked myself up in my bedroom for two years," the Fairview resident and father of three young girls said. "I couldn't find the drive to do anything. One day I said, 'Enough of this.'"
Ray sought help and enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, where he is working toward degrees in business management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
click link for more
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - Portland,OR,USA
by Barry Finnemore, Special to The Oregonian
Thursday January 29, 2009, 3:00 AM
Joshua Ray joined the Army in fall 2001, motivated to follow in relatives' footsteps, take care of his family financially and serve his country.
He served with the 101st Airborne and was deployed to Iraq before and during the first year of the war.
When he was discharged and moved back to Oregon in 2005, Ray, 28, suffered from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries so acute that he isolated himself from others.
"I basically locked myself up in my bedroom for two years," the Fairview resident and father of three young girls said. "I couldn't find the drive to do anything. One day I said, 'Enough of this.'"
Ray sought help and enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, where he is working toward degrees in business management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
click link for more
IG report:No harm done on infamous PTSD email.
Why am I having a hard time believing this report? How do they know for sure this email did not change the outcome for veterans? Personality Disorder discharges were supposed to be appropriate too. Remember them? Diagnosing troops with PTSD as having the pre-existing condition of personality disorder made sure the government had no responsibility in the fact they were having flashbacks and nightmares along with the rest of the symptoms of PTSD. I really wonder how many of them had TBI on top of it but were cut loose by the DOD. As of now, no on knows what happened to the over 22,000 this happened to or if they ever received any justice, or ever will. Now the Inspector General report says the email sent had no bearing on the diagnosis of our veterans. This is really hard to swallow.
Inspector General Releases Investigation on VA Staffer's Email ...
Hawaii Reporter - Kailua,HI,USA
Chairman Akaka remains concerned that VA is overburdened and underfunded
By Jesse Broder Van Dyke, 1/29/2009 9:06:10 AM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, commented today on a new VA Inspector General (IG) report into an email sent by a VA psychologist last year that appeared to discourage health care staff from diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The IG investigation, requested by Akaka and released today, found that while the email was poorly written and inappropriate, it did not result in a change in diagnoses at that VA facility.
“I appreciate the IG’s investigation into this matter. It is fortunate that the actions of a single health professional did not result in an artificial decline in the number of veterans diagnosed with PTSD. I remain concerned that VA’s health care system is overburdened and underfunded as the needs of veterans grow greater and more complicated. I will continue to work towards making VA funding more timely, predictable, and robust,” Akaka said.
Chairman Akaka requested the IG’s investigation when the email was brought to light last year. He held a hearing on systemic indifference to invisible wounds on June 4, 2008.
The VA IG report is available here. VAO report
Jesse Broder Van Dyke is a spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka
Friday, January 30, 2009
Weakened Warriors?
Weakened Warriors?
by Chaplain Kathie
Iraq, Afghanistan VA Patients Exceed 400,000Thursday 29 January 2009
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t Report
As the number of veterans seeking health care continues to rise, the VA is straining to meet demands.
Amid talk of a drawdown of troops in Iraq, new statistics from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) show that US casualties are still climbing quickly. Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield injuries and deaths number 81,361, up from 72,043 last January, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Veterans for Common Sense (VCS). Veteran patients - including those who didn't seek care until their return home - shot up to 400,304 (from 263,909 in December 2007).
For the thousands of soldiers flooding the VA, mental illness tops the list of ailments. Forty-five percent of VA patients have already been diagnosed with mental health conditions, including a startling 105,000 diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These data do not include the incalculable number of mentally ill veterans who have not received a diagnosis or haven't sought treatment at the VA.
Health care for veterans has improved substantially in the past year, mostly due to legislative changes and funding boosts, according to Raymond Kelley, legislative director of AMVETS. The recently passed Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act entitles veterans to up to five years of free health care for military-related medical conditions. Other legislative victories include improvements to VA facilities, increased mental health care research and a boost for the claims processing system, which has been vastly understaffed and overburdened throughout the "war on terror."
However, many barriers to adequate care and compensation remain, particularly for veterans filing for disability benefits. Delays and denials of those claims are routine. Among vets with PTSD, 59 percent have not been approved for benefits, meaning that their claims are pending or rejected - or that, due to any number of deterrents, they have not filed a claim.
According to Paul Sullivan, executive director of VCS, the average wait-time for veterans to receive an answer after filing for disability compensation is more than six months. A recent VCS lawsuit against VA showed that PTSD patients face even longer delays.
click link for more
Suicides are up again. The cases of PTSD are going up and up, which is not totally a bad thing because it means more are seeking help for PTSD. The bad part of all of this is that the DOD and the VA are still not able to take care of all of them. They keep saying they're doing more but over and over again we find their "more" is not even close to what needs to be done.
For years they've relied on a program called "BattleMind" that was designed to prepare the warriors for combat and then casually addressed the fact that they could be wounded by PTSD after they told them they needed to mentally prepare for combat. The problem is how they did this ended up telling them that if they were weak, their minds not toughened enough, it was basically their fault they ended up with PTSD. This was not the intention of the program but the message was received this way.
That is one of the problems. The fact they have yet to understand what causes PTSD in some and not in others has been another problem. They don't understand there are basically three different types of people. One may be more self-centered. I have yet to hear from a veteran that was self-centered before combat developing PTSD. Another is the middle type, a little self-centered and a little sensitive. Some of them can and do become wounded by PTSD if their exposures to traumatic events happens one too many times. The other group, they are more sensitive and compassionate types. They seem to be wounded the most and the deepest. Being sensitive has nothing to do with not being courageous. Often it's the other way around. They see someone in need and because of their compassion, they do things no one else would dare to do in order to help.
The other thing that needs to be pointed out is that when they are deployed into combat, they do what needs to be done out of that same courage. They know lives depend on them and they set themselves aside to live up to the challenge. They put their own pain aside thinking of others. It is not until the lives of others are out of danger they crash. Most will not acknowledge they need help until they are far from danger. It's one of the biggest reasons they do not commit suicide while in a fire fight or on duty. They do it when they are in their bunks or back home.
While the Army study showed the redeployments increase the risk of PTSD by 50%, the DOD and the VA failed to do anything about it. Units are redeployed over and over again. Then there are the National Guardsmen and Reservists, also redeployed and on top of the stress of going into combat, they have the added stresses of trying to come back to their "normal" lives into a nation that has been oblivious as to what was expected of them and the hardships they had to endure.
BattleMind made them feel as if they were "weakened warriors" unable to cope with what was asked of them. It was not their fault. It was total lack of knowledge of what makes them so different.
I'll never forget a Marine I met at the VA in Orlando. He was trying to fill out paperwork to begin a claim with the VA as he sought treatment. He saw the Chaplain shirt I had on and we began to talk. The Marine put his hand over his face so that I would not see the tears coming. He said he was ashamed. He said he was a Marine and trained to be tough. He was falling apart because no one told him that he did his duty and was able to do whatever was asked of him because of his courage and was sustained by the dedication he had to his brothers. He didn't understand how much courage that took. There he was wounded by PTSD yet he was able to go into battle, able to overcome his own pain until he was no longer needed and back home.
This is what BattleMind should have addressed so they would not feel as if they were weak and it was their fault. They returned home feeling as if they just couldn't cut it.
Then when they came home, they realized they could no longer stuff the pain in the back of their minds. They knew they needed help but when they went for it, either their commanders belittled them or help was not able to keep up with the need. No one was prepared and they still are not even close. The VA is not able to help all of them even though data was known and there is no excuse for the lack of preparedness except the fact the people in charge thought they could get away with turning veterans away, denying claims and breaking them to the point where they simply dropped their claims. This is not a new attitude. It's been going on for a long time. What is new is the total contradiction of actions taken.
On one hand the VA and the DOD are reaching out to raise the awareness of PTSD, but the other hand is doing very little to be able to deal with the influx of new disability claims and treatment programs.
The VA and the DOD will pat themselves on the back for their suicide prevention programs but they will not address the fact the suicides have gone up every year or the fact that they are even brought to that point when treatments are supposed to be available so that no one should ever feel so hopeless they even contemplate suicide.
If people look back at what happened to Vietnam veterans they would have known exactly what was going to happen, but they didn't. Over and over again, I read "new studies" being done that were done over 30 years ago. I keep hoping for something new but they are wasting time.
This only address the issue of PTSD but then you have to add in Traumatic Brain Injury, other illnesses caused by contaminated water, depleted uranium, white phosphorous, Agent Orange and the host of other factors contributing to Gulf War Syndrome. The suffering of our veterans goes on and on. When they file a claim for what they know was caused by their service to this nation lead to being denied treatment and compensation for their condition, it dishonors the service they gave to the nation.
It is time we got this right or stopped pretending we are a grateful nation to them. We failed them and will keep failing until we do all that is necessary to meet the challenges we have when they come home, when their duty is done and their own challenges have been met because they did their duty.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." - George Washington
Army says body armor is "safe" for soldiers in combat
Army: Body armor safe for soldiers in combat
By Richard Lardner - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 30, 2009 5:58:09 EST
WASHINGTON — No U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan because their body armor was flawed and failed to protect them, a senior Army official said Thursday as the service defended how the lifesaving gear is tested before being used in combat.
A new audit by the Pentagon inspector general said the specially hardened ceramic plates from one body armor manufacturer — Armor Works of Chandler, Ariz. — were tested improperly and may not provide troops adequate protection.
The audit recommended that nearly 33,000 of the Armor Works plates be withdrawn from an inventory of about 2 million produced by nearly a dozen different companies.
Army Secretary Pete Geren disputed the inspector general’s findings, but agreed to withdraw the Armor Works plates as a precautionary step. In a move underscoring the tension between the inspector general’s office and the Army, Geren has asked a senior Pentagon official to settle the disagreement.
In a separate action, the Army in December voluntarily withdrew just over 8,000 plates because of testing gaps. Those plates were made by Armor Works and other manufacturers, including Ceradyne of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Simula, which is part of BAE Systems.
click link for more
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sen. Claire McCaskill wants answers on military substance abuse program
When they have an addiction and want help, that takes courage. I know because my father was not only a disabled Korean War veteran, he was also an alcoholic. It took a lot for him to get to the point where he wanted to do whatever it took to stop drinking. To have them made to feel as if they should have never sought help if appalling.
There is one more thing that needs to be considered here. That's self-medicating. Most of the time without the diagnosis of PTSD, self-medicating can appear to be the same as an addiction. The problem is, they are not addicted to the chemicals but addicted to killing off feelings they don't want to feel and claiming themselves down. Too many have been treated for addictions when they were not addicted and PTSD had gone untreated, so the treatment for addiction was worse than a waste of time. It prolonged the agony.
There is one more thing that needs to be considered here. That's self-medicating. Most of the time without the diagnosis of PTSD, self-medicating can appear to be the same as an addiction. The problem is, they are not addicted to the chemicals but addicted to killing off feelings they don't want to feel and claiming themselves down. Too many have been treated for addictions when they were not addicted and PTSD had gone untreated, so the treatment for addiction was worse than a waste of time. It prolonged the agony.
Senator wants substance-abuse program review
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jan 29, 2009 17:31:54 EST
A Missouri lawmaker wants service members who seek help for substance abuse problems to be shielded from disciplinary action.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is pushing for a review of military treatment and prevention programs for alcohol and substance abuse to look at whether the threat of punishment for admitting a problem is discouraging people from getting help.
She also is concerned about mismanagement and chronic understaffing of substance abuse programs.
Both Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Army Secretary Pete Geren have promised McCaskill they will investigate problems, but she is pressing ahead with legislation calling for a comprehensive review of current programs, new research into substance abuse treatment and an independent study of substance abuse in the ranks.
In a statement, McCaskill said her concerns come after looking into whistle-blower complaints involving the substance abuse program at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where the Army employee who pointed out problems said he later suffered reprisals. click link for more
DOD names soldiers from Kiowa Warrior helicopeters that crashed
Latest Coalition Fatalities
ICasualties.org
DOD names soldiers from Kiowa Warrior helicopeters that crashed
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (4 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin H. Todd, 29, of Colville, Wash...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (3 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Joshua M. Tillery, 31, of Beaverton, Ore...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (2 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley, 30, of Cameron, Mo...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (1 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Philip E. Windorski, Jr., 35, of Bovey, Minn...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
click link above for more
ICasualties.org
DOD names soldiers from Kiowa Warrior helicopeters that crashed
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (4 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin H. Todd, 29, of Colville, Wash...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (3 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Joshua M. Tillery, 31, of Beaverton, Ore...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (2 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley, 30, of Cameron, Mo...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
01/29/09 DoD Identifies Army Casualties (1 of 4)
Chief Warrant Officer Philip E. Windorski, Jr., 35, of Bovey, Minn...assigned to the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Reg, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division...died from wounds suffered when two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters crashed...
click link above for more
Body of Central Coast soldier who died in Afghanistan returns home
Body of Central Coast soldier who died in Afghanistan returns home
MSNBC - USA
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reported by: Danielle Lerner
Dozens of people gather to honor a local soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Joshua Townsend served in the Special Forces of the U.S. Army. Two weeks ago, the 30-year-old was found unconscious in his room and rescue crews were unable to revive him. Wednesday, family and friends gathered at the Santa Barbara Airport to receive his body.
For those who knew the Santa Ynez Valley High School graduate, it was another step on their long road to recovery. Many people in the crowd never met the soldier, but they say every hero deserves a homecoming.
The charter plane carrying the body of Staff Sergeant Townsend taxied on the runway as a patriotic crowd waved the American flag and saluted the fallen soldier. His brothers in green were waiting to receive him.
"We're here to honor him, and his sacrifice to this country, and to support his family at this time," said Chaplain James Rose of the U.S. Army.
click link for more
MSNBC - USA
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reported by: Danielle Lerner
Dozens of people gather to honor a local soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Joshua Townsend served in the Special Forces of the U.S. Army. Two weeks ago, the 30-year-old was found unconscious in his room and rescue crews were unable to revive him. Wednesday, family and friends gathered at the Santa Barbara Airport to receive his body.
For those who knew the Santa Ynez Valley High School graduate, it was another step on their long road to recovery. Many people in the crowd never met the soldier, but they say every hero deserves a homecoming.
The charter plane carrying the body of Staff Sergeant Townsend taxied on the runway as a patriotic crowd waved the American flag and saluted the fallen soldier. His brothers in green were waiting to receive him.
"We're here to honor him, and his sacrifice to this country, and to support his family at this time," said Chaplain James Rose of the U.S. Army.
click link for more
PTSD new pin coming soon
I received permission to post on this now. A member of NAMI designed a pin to honor the PTSD veterans. As veterans seem to be divided on awarding the Purple Heart for PTSD (and TBI) none of them seem to be confused as to what PTSD is and that is a wound.
It is my strong belief that we need to get this right. From the beginning of time people have been wounded by traumatic events. Regular people, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time often walk away changed in profound ways. Police and firefighters, facing traumatic events in the line of duty, exposed to the traumas of nature and man, often face them one time too much and end up wounded by PTSD. When it happens to them, well it seems to be easier to understand than when it happens to a combat warrior trained to go into where others run from. It is not just the attitude of the "tough" Marine or the "Army strong" soldier that gets in the way. It's the total disconnect between society and them. It's almost as if we want to be able to depend on them to defend this nation but want to avoid any knowledge of what they have to do in order to do it. Then we say we don't want to be bothered when they come home with wounds that need to be taken care of and lives to be provided for financially since their wounds prevent them from earning the wages they could have if they had not served.
Coming up with an award to show understanding of what they went through, giving them the honor we should show out of appreciation for what they went through, is only the right thing to do. I don't know if this pin will begin a wonderful action, inspire others to come up with an award the military can accept to honor the wounded with or not, but I have a feeling it just got us closer to it.
It is my strong belief that we need to get this right. From the beginning of time people have been wounded by traumatic events. Regular people, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time often walk away changed in profound ways. Police and firefighters, facing traumatic events in the line of duty, exposed to the traumas of nature and man, often face them one time too much and end up wounded by PTSD. When it happens to them, well it seems to be easier to understand than when it happens to a combat warrior trained to go into where others run from. It is not just the attitude of the "tough" Marine or the "Army strong" soldier that gets in the way. It's the total disconnect between society and them. It's almost as if we want to be able to depend on them to defend this nation but want to avoid any knowledge of what they have to do in order to do it. Then we say we don't want to be bothered when they come home with wounds that need to be taken care of and lives to be provided for financially since their wounds prevent them from earning the wages they could have if they had not served.
Coming up with an award to show understanding of what they went through, giving them the honor we should show out of appreciation for what they went through, is only the right thing to do. I don't know if this pin will begin a wonderful action, inspire others to come up with an award the military can accept to honor the wounded with or not, but I have a feeling it just got us closer to it.
Max A Gabriel from NYS NAMI - I am designing a PIN for Vets who have PTSD...I would like to know if you feel this would be a good idea to send out to the body of the National for their comments...I am looking at presenting these to Veterans who are rated with PTSD but are not getting any awards for it...such as the Gov't is not giving purple hrts for it... but will give a rating...this pin is 1 1/4 " round with a crouching black figure head in hand/ at the top -Cap letters PTSD...curved from left to right the words - wounded internally in the mind.
I would sell them for $2.50 a pin postage included to wherever they would be sent...production time for these is about 3 1/2 weeks and my 1st
order is for 1500..if you think it would go.....Sooooo I am asking if you would send out a blanket E-mail and get a response. I also got hold of a Gov't Contract Mgr/GSA and am looking into a 1.25" medal w/red white & blue 2" ribbon antique brass finish octagon...again with PTSD...
hoping to do this as a NATIONAL campaign ..............again looking into a grant for this one....thanks MAX
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Tyler Boudreau: Troubled minds and Purple Hearts
A member of NAMI designed a pin for PTSD veterans. The other day, I posted how it would be great if someone could come up with an award instead of the Purple Heart for PTSD wounded. I believe this is a good start. I also believe that if the military really wants to get rid of the stigma of PTSD, they should honor it as well as honoring all the wounded no matter if you can see the wound or not.
Max Gabriel designed one. I'll post it as soon as I have permission to post the picture of it.
Max Gabriel designed one. I'll post it as soon as I have permission to post the picture of it.
Tyler Boudreau: Troubled minds and Purple Hearts
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
04:18 PM CST on Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Pentagon's recent decision not to award the Purple Heart to veterans and soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress has caused great controversy. Historically, the medal has gone only to those who have been physically wounded on the battlefield as a result of enemy action. But with approximately one-third of veterans dealing with symptoms of combat stress or major depression, many Americans are disappointed with the Pentagon's decision; many more are downright appalled.
As a former Marine infantry officer and Iraq war veteran, I would urge the Pentagon to consider a different solution altogether.
When I was in Iraq, the most common wound behind the many Purple Hearts we awarded was the "perforated eardrum," an eardrum punctured by the concussion of a nearby explosion. In the vast majority of cases, no blood was ever shed. Seldom did these Marines ever miss a day of full duty. And yet they were all awarded the coveted medal.
A year later, back at Camp Lejeune, N.C., I was making calls to the families of wounded Marines – a difficult duty even when the wounds are minor. But I noticed during that time that I never once made a call to a family about a Marine's psychological wounds. I never got a casualty report for post-traumatic stress, despite the rising number of veteran suicides. Never once.
Why, I asked myself, if a combat wound is a combat wound no matter how small, shouldn't those people suffering from the "invisible wounds" of post-traumatic stress also receive the Purple Heart? Difficulty of diagnosis is one of the central justifications the Pentagon has given, citing the concern that fakers will tarnish the medal's image. Spilt blood cannot be faked.
But this seems an unconvincing argument not to honor those who actually do suffer from post-traumatic stress. For example, the possibility of fakers has not prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from awarding disability payments to service members who have received a diagnosis. Why should the military itself be different? click link for more
Army finally waking up on what does not work
The good news is that they are trying to come up with another program to address this. That must mean they finally understand that BattleMind does not work. The bad news, well they are still trying to pin the suicides on other problems other than PTSD. I'm no rocket scientist but when you have PTSD, you do have all the other problems because you have PTSD and are unable to deal with the "usual" problems the same way you used to be able to deal with them. The Army also seems to be unable to explain how it is that a lot of the suicides happened while being treated for "mental health issues" at the same time.
Did they look at troops deployed on medications for PTSD? I bet this plays a role as well considering they are supposed to be getting help with therapy and monitored by a doctor when they are on medication.
Did they look at troops deployed on medications for PTSD? I bet this plays a role as well considering they are supposed to be getting help with therapy and monitored by a doctor when they are on medication.
Officials: Army suicides at 3-decade high
The Associated Press
By PAULINE JELINEK – 2 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Suicides among U.S. soldiers rose last year to the highest level in decades, the Army announced Thursday. At least 128 soldiers killed themselves in 2008. But the final count is likely to be considerably higher because 15 more suspicious deaths are still being investigated and could also turn out to be self-inflicted, the Army said.
A new training and prevention effort will start next week. And Col. Elspeth Ritchie, a psychiatric consultant to the Army surgeon general, made a plea for more U.S. mental health professionals to sign on to work for the military.
"We are hiring and we need your help," she said.
The new suicide figure compares with 115 in 2007 and 102 in 2006 and is the highest since record keeping began in 1980. Officials calculate the deaths at a rate of roughly 20.2 per 100,000 soldiers — which is higher than the adjusted civilian rate for the first time since the Vietnam War, officials told a Pentagon news conference.
"We need to move quickly to do everything we can to reverse this disturbing ... number," Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli said.
Officials have said that troops are under tremendous and unprecedented stress because of repeated and long tours of duty due to the simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The stress has placed further burdens on an overwhelmed military health care system also trying to tend to huge numbers of troops suffering from post-traumatic stress, depression and other mental health problems as well as physical wounds and injuries of tens of thousands.
Yearly increases in suicides have been recorded since 2004, when there were 64 — only about half the number now. And they've occurred despite increased training, prevention programs and psychiatric staff.
When studying individual cases, officials said they found that the most common factors for suicides were soldiers suffering problems with their personal relationships, legal or financial issues and problems on the job. click link for more
Ohio family found dead in suspected murder-suicide
I have all the compassion in the world for people suffering so much they feel the need to end their lives, but I will never, ever understand what brings them to the point where they feel their families are better off dead as well. Please pray for the rest of the family members and friends coping with this.
Ohio family found dead in suspected murder-suicide
Story Highlights
NEW: Brother says, "There was no indication of anything like this coming"
Man, woman, two children shot to death in home, police say
Suicide note found, but police decline to reveal contents
Killings took place in Whitehall, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus
By Emanuella Grinberg
CNN
(CNN) -- A family of four has been found dead in a suburban Columbus, Ohio, home in what's believed to be a murder-suicide, authorities said Thursday.
Police in Whitehall, east of Columbus, responded to a call around 2 p.m. Wednesday and found the bodies of Mark Meeks, 51; his wife, Jennifer Dallas-Meeks, 40; and children Jimmy, 5, and Abbigail, 8.
"We're confirming all four victims had gunshot wounds, and a gun was found at the scene," Sgt. Dan Kelso said.
A suicide note purportedly written by Meeks also was found at the scene, but police are not releasing the note's contents, Kelso said.
Authorities believe Meeks shot his wife and two children and then himself, Kelso said.
It was the second time this week that a family died in an apparent murder-suicide. On Tuesday, the bodies of Ervin Antonio Lupoe, his wife and five children were found in their Los Angeles, California, area home after Lupoe faxed a letter to a local television station explaining that he and his wife had lost their jobs and felt it was better to end their lives.
click link for more
Wainwright GI on Iraq leave dies at family home
Wainwright GI on Iraq leave dies at family home
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 29, 2009 6:56:24 EST
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Army officials say a Fort Wainwright-based soldier has been found dead at his parent’s home.
The Army says 28-year-old Spc. Cody L. Lamb was discovered Sunday morning at the family home in Johnson City, Tenn.
Officials say the cause of death is pending autopsy results.
click link for more
Fort Carson looks at plans for PTSD and TBI
When Graham took over Fort Carson, I had high hopes, but since that day there have been too many reports of PTSD wounded being treated like, well, crap. I really hope he finally gets it and what he had to say about taking care of PTSD wounded is not just more empty words.
JANUARY 29, 2009
Fort Carson's top commander talks about mental-health care, classrooms and more
In general's terms
by Anthony Lane
The Army and its Mountain Post were taking heat in the form of allegations from combat veterans, who said they were being punished, ignored or even discharged as they struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological traumas. The Army soon calmed that furor, largely thanks to Fort Carson rolling out the promise of enhanced screening to identify soldiers with PTSD symptoms.
Another issue, however, has flared: In 2008, a string of local homicides and other violence tied to combat veterans from a single 4th Infantry Division brigade made national news. Then-U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, now secretary of the Interior, called for a task force to seek explanations for the violence.
It's been rough publicity for a post that's only getting bigger in this community, the result of an Army realignment plan announced in 2005. The 4th ID, which had been based at Fort Carson from 1970 to 1995 before moving to Fort Hood, Texas, is bringing thousands of soldiers and their families back to Colorado Springs and the region.
Three of the 4th ID's brigades are already here. The final brigade and division headquarters will return from Iraq to Texas in coming weeks, then make the move to Fort Carson as schools let out and through the coming summer. Combined with an additional aviation unit, Fort Carson should see 5,500 new soldiers by fall. Counting spouses and children, that should add up to about 10,000 new residents for Colorado Springs and the region this year.
Beyond that influx, the Bush administration's "Grow the Army" plan calls for other additions, including a fifth brigade for the 4th ID, which will bring 3,400 more soldiers to the post by 2011. All told, Fort Carson, which now has about 18,000 soldiers, should grow to nearly 30,000 by 2013, with as many as 45,000 of their family members living in the area.Indy: How will you handle the increased demand for medical care that Fort Carson growth will bring?
MG: We're doing a few things. One, we're expanding our hospital. Plus, we're also renovating our emergency services area in the hospital to make it more modern and increase its capacity. We also are working on a TBI [traumatic brain injury] clinic. We're continuing to work PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], behavioral health and TBI very closely.
Indy: Has the approach changed for soldiers getting mental health care?
MG: We want to make sure soldiers know it's a sign of strength, not weakness, to come forward and get help. We have seen that our medical professionals can give them help, but we've got to get them to come forward. That's why you have an increased number of soldiers that we're showing to have PTSD. The earlier they come forward, the sooner the medical professionals can start helping them get better. click link for more
Man Scared Woman to Death, Police Say
Man Scared Woman to Death, Police Say
By MARLON A. WALKER, AP
RALEIGH,N.C. (Jan. 29) -- Larry Whitfield was on foot, his getaway car wrecked, his rookie attempt at robbing a bank thwarted by a set of locked doors, according to detectives. Looking for a place to hide, police say, he found himself inside the home of a frightened old woman.
There's no evidence Whitfield ever touched 79-year-old Mary Parnell. Authorities say he even told the grandmother of five he didn't want to hurt her, directing her to sit in a chair in her bedroom. But investigators have no doubt he terrified her so much that she died of a heart attack.
Now Whitfield, a 20-year-old with no prior criminal record, is charged with first-degree murder, a rare defendant accused of literally scaring a person to death.
"He could've avoided all this by turning himself in, and life would've went on for Mrs. Parnell," said Capt. Calvin Shaw of the Gaston County Police Department, which handled the investigation.
Under a legal concept known as the felony murder rule, it's not uncommon for prosecutors to bring a murder charge against a defendant who doesn't intentionally harm a victim. The rule exists in some form in every state and lets authorities bring murder charges whenever someone dies during a crime such as burglary, rape, or kidnapping.
"If you're committing any of those offenses and a person dies, that's first-degree murder," said Locke Bell, Gaston County's district attorney and the prosecutor in Whitfield's case.
click link for more
By MARLON A. WALKER, AP
RALEIGH,N.C. (Jan. 29) -- Larry Whitfield was on foot, his getaway car wrecked, his rookie attempt at robbing a bank thwarted by a set of locked doors, according to detectives. Looking for a place to hide, police say, he found himself inside the home of a frightened old woman.
There's no evidence Whitfield ever touched 79-year-old Mary Parnell. Authorities say he even told the grandmother of five he didn't want to hurt her, directing her to sit in a chair in her bedroom. But investigators have no doubt he terrified her so much that she died of a heart attack.
Now Whitfield, a 20-year-old with no prior criminal record, is charged with first-degree murder, a rare defendant accused of literally scaring a person to death.
"He could've avoided all this by turning himself in, and life would've went on for Mrs. Parnell," said Capt. Calvin Shaw of the Gaston County Police Department, which handled the investigation.
Under a legal concept known as the felony murder rule, it's not uncommon for prosecutors to bring a murder charge against a defendant who doesn't intentionally harm a victim. The rule exists in some form in every state and lets authorities bring murder charges whenever someone dies during a crime such as burglary, rape, or kidnapping.
"If you're committing any of those offenses and a person dies, that's first-degree murder," said Locke Bell, Gaston County's district attorney and the prosecutor in Whitfield's case.
click link for more
Army IDs soldier found dead in Fort Hood barracks
Army IDs soldier found dead in Hood barracks
Staff report
Posted : Thursday Jan 29, 2009 10:45:10 EST
A soldier who died Jan. 25 at Fort Hood, Texas, has been identified as Sgt. 1st Class Christoffer Hans Tjaden, according to a press release.
Tjaden, 48, was found in his barracks room by fellow soldiers who were conducting a morale check. Officials are investigating the death; the press release said the cause of Tjaden’s death is unknown.
Tjaden joined the Army in January 1987 as an infantryman. He had been assigned to 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade since November 2007.
EXCLUSIVE: Army to recall armor
EXCLUSIVE: Army to recall armor
Sara A. Carter (Contact)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Army will withdraw from service more than 16,000 sets of ceramic body armor plates that the Pentagon's inspector general believes were not properly tested and could jeopardize the lives of U.S. service personnel, The Washington Times has learned.
A Defense official, speaking on the condition that he not be named, said the Army is acting proactively while challenging the contention of Inspector General Gordon S. Heddell that the armor could be unsafe.
"This decision reflects the Army's commitment to do everything within its power to be sure only the very best equipment is fielded to its soldiers," the official said.
He said, however, that there have been no reports of defects in the plates or deaths or injuries resulting from their use. The plates are being recalled so that soldiers will not worry that they are wearing unsafe armor, he said.
The equipment in question was manufactured between 2005 and 2007 and accounts for 1.6 percent of the 1.9 million plates that the Army has purchased to date, he said.
The recall was announced a day before the inspector general's office is to brief the chairman of the House Rules Committee, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter. Mrs. Slaughter, New York Democrat, has focused on the issue of body armor failures and procurement.
"Two years ago, I asked the Department of Defense Inspector General to make sure that the U.S. Army was doing their due diligence in ensuring that the quality of body armor being used by our Armed Forces meets the very highest standards to save lives," Mrs. Slaughter said in a statement.
click link for more
Sara A. Carter (Contact)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Army will withdraw from service more than 16,000 sets of ceramic body armor plates that the Pentagon's inspector general believes were not properly tested and could jeopardize the lives of U.S. service personnel, The Washington Times has learned.
A Defense official, speaking on the condition that he not be named, said the Army is acting proactively while challenging the contention of Inspector General Gordon S. Heddell that the armor could be unsafe.
"This decision reflects the Army's commitment to do everything within its power to be sure only the very best equipment is fielded to its soldiers," the official said.
He said, however, that there have been no reports of defects in the plates or deaths or injuries resulting from their use. The plates are being recalled so that soldiers will not worry that they are wearing unsafe armor, he said.
The equipment in question was manufactured between 2005 and 2007 and accounts for 1.6 percent of the 1.9 million plates that the Army has purchased to date, he said.
The recall was announced a day before the inspector general's office is to brief the chairman of the House Rules Committee, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter. Mrs. Slaughter, New York Democrat, has focused on the issue of body armor failures and procurement.
"Two years ago, I asked the Department of Defense Inspector General to make sure that the U.S. Army was doing their due diligence in ensuring that the quality of body armor being used by our Armed Forces meets the very highest standards to save lives," Mrs. Slaughter said in a statement.
click link for more
Iraq, Afghanistan VA Patients Exceed 400,000
Iraq, Afghanistan VA Patients Exceed 400,000
Thursday 29 January 2009
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t Report
As the number of veterans seeking health care continues to rise, the VA is straining to meet demands.
Amid talk of a drawdown of troops in Iraq, new statistics from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) show that US casualties are still climbing quickly. Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield injuries and deaths number 81,361, up from 72,043 last January, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Veterans for Common Sense (VCS). Veteran patients - including those who didn't seek care until their return home - shot up to 400,304 (from 263,909 in December 2007).
For the thousands of soldiers flooding the VA, mental illness tops the list of ailments. Forty-five percent of VA patients have already been diagnosed with mental health conditions, including a startling 105,000 diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These data do not include the incalculable number of mentally ill veterans who have not received a diagnosis or haven't sought treatment at the VA.
Health care for veterans has improved substantially in the past year, mostly due to legislative changes and funding boosts, according to Raymond Kelley, legislative director of AMVETS. The recently passed Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act entitles veterans to up to five years of free health care for military-related medical conditions. Other legislative victories include improvements to VA facilities, increased mental health care research and a boost for the claims processing system, which has been vastly understaffed and overburdened throughout the "war on terror."
However, many barriers to adequate care and compensation remain, particularly for veterans filing for disability benefits. Delays and denials of those claims are routine. Among vets with PTSD, 59 percent have not been approved for benefits, meaning that their claims are pending or rejected - or that, due to any number of deterrents, they have not filed a claim.
According to Paul Sullivan, executive director of VCS, the average wait-time for veterans to receive an answer after filing for disability compensation is more than six months. A recent VCS lawsuit against VA showed that PTSD patients face even longer delays.
click link for more
Thursday 29 January 2009
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t Report
As the number of veterans seeking health care continues to rise, the VA is straining to meet demands.
Amid talk of a drawdown of troops in Iraq, new statistics from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) show that US casualties are still climbing quickly. Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield injuries and deaths number 81,361, up from 72,043 last January, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Veterans for Common Sense (VCS). Veteran patients - including those who didn't seek care until their return home - shot up to 400,304 (from 263,909 in December 2007).
For the thousands of soldiers flooding the VA, mental illness tops the list of ailments. Forty-five percent of VA patients have already been diagnosed with mental health conditions, including a startling 105,000 diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These data do not include the incalculable number of mentally ill veterans who have not received a diagnosis or haven't sought treatment at the VA.
Health care for veterans has improved substantially in the past year, mostly due to legislative changes and funding boosts, according to Raymond Kelley, legislative director of AMVETS. The recently passed Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act entitles veterans to up to five years of free health care for military-related medical conditions. Other legislative victories include improvements to VA facilities, increased mental health care research and a boost for the claims processing system, which has been vastly understaffed and overburdened throughout the "war on terror."
However, many barriers to adequate care and compensation remain, particularly for veterans filing for disability benefits. Delays and denials of those claims are routine. Among vets with PTSD, 59 percent have not been approved for benefits, meaning that their claims are pending or rejected - or that, due to any number of deterrents, they have not filed a claim.
According to Paul Sullivan, executive director of VCS, the average wait-time for veterans to receive an answer after filing for disability compensation is more than six months. A recent VCS lawsuit against VA showed that PTSD patients face even longer delays.
click link for more
Orlando area veterans are about to get more support
by
Chaplian Kathie
I recently took a job with Veterans Outreach/
It's no secret how I feel about veterans, especially the wounded and in need of care from the VA. I am very careful about putting my limited time into any group but I have to say I'm totally excited about brining Veterans Outreach into the Orlando area. The site has not been chosen yet, but we're looking at opening an office by April.
Go to the web site and take a look at what Veterans Outreach has to offer the veterans as well as the people working for them. I will be in need of putting together a dedicated team to get the office fulfilling the needs of the veterans as I put my total focus on veterans and their families living with PTSD.
The need right here in the Orlando area is dire. As the VA builds the Lake Nona VA hospital, we only have the clinic, which is the size of a hospital, but as you've read in the past, they are overwhelmed. My last visit there, security was directing traffic because they had over 3,000 cars. This was a first since we moved into the area over 4 years ago. We have over 400,000 veterans in Florida and their numbers are growing as the troops along with the National Guard return from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers will also grow because of the fact outreach work on PTSD has begun to penetrate into the Vietnam veterans minds. They are finally becoming aware of exactly "what's wrong" with them by having a name attached to it. PTSD is not new to them, only the term is. They've been living with it since the 70's.
With the backlog of VA Claims, along with the backlog of appeals to be processed, there is a veteran in need. Most of the time there is also a family in need as well. That's what Veterans Outreach is going to be there for.
So far we've received support from the Orlando area Nam Knights. They are having a dedication ceremony for the memorial they built at the site of their club house on February 28th. I'll be there to spread the word about Veterans Outreach along with seeking donations to open the office.
If you live in the Orlando area or are coming in for bike week, it would be great to see you there. Go to the site for directions and for more about this event.
Please go to the Veterans Outreach site to find out more about what we will do for the Orlando area veterans and think about giving your financial support as well as prayers. There is another office in Bonita Springs. I was in Arcadia to meet some other members of the team there. We had a couple of tables outside of Wal-Mart. Most of the people were generous and donated but one woman really stands out in my mind. She said she didn't have money to donate. She seemed embarrassed by this. I put my arm around her and said, "That's ok because you can do something even better. Say a prayer." Relief came on her face, she smiled, said she could do that, and then walked away. A few minutes later, she pulled up in her car and handed me a dollar. She said that she would say a prayer as well. That reminded me of the story Christ told of the woman with two cents. She didn't have a lot of money, but she gave what she had. That one dollar that kind woman gave out of the goodness of her heart meant more to me than someone clearly with enough money to afford to be generous.
Most of the time the people who are the most generous are also in need themselves or have been in need at one time or another in their lives. It's not the big donations that make a difference but the little ones because those donating have taken it into their hearts. (Naturally I won't turn down large donations from companies in the area because I know they care about our veterans.)
Come back for more details on how this is going and when the office will be opened. Please also say a prayer for us that we receive the funds needed as soon as possible so that we can open as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you can contact John Ely, the President of Veterans Outreach for more information. I'm not giving his email because I want you to go to the site first.
Chaplian Kathie
I recently took a job with Veterans Outreach/
It's no secret how I feel about veterans, especially the wounded and in need of care from the VA. I am very careful about putting my limited time into any group but I have to say I'm totally excited about brining Veterans Outreach into the Orlando area. The site has not been chosen yet, but we're looking at opening an office by April.
Go to the web site and take a look at what Veterans Outreach has to offer the veterans as well as the people working for them. I will be in need of putting together a dedicated team to get the office fulfilling the needs of the veterans as I put my total focus on veterans and their families living with PTSD.
The need right here in the Orlando area is dire. As the VA builds the Lake Nona VA hospital, we only have the clinic, which is the size of a hospital, but as you've read in the past, they are overwhelmed. My last visit there, security was directing traffic because they had over 3,000 cars. This was a first since we moved into the area over 4 years ago. We have over 400,000 veterans in Florida and their numbers are growing as the troops along with the National Guard return from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers will also grow because of the fact outreach work on PTSD has begun to penetrate into the Vietnam veterans minds. They are finally becoming aware of exactly "what's wrong" with them by having a name attached to it. PTSD is not new to them, only the term is. They've been living with it since the 70's.
With the backlog of VA Claims, along with the backlog of appeals to be processed, there is a veteran in need. Most of the time there is also a family in need as well. That's what Veterans Outreach is going to be there for.
So far we've received support from the Orlando area Nam Knights. They are having a dedication ceremony for the memorial they built at the site of their club house on February 28th. I'll be there to spread the word about Veterans Outreach along with seeking donations to open the office.
Nam Knights Orlando
Feb 28- Bike Week party and Memorial dedication for the "Nam Knights Eternal Chapter" Everthing starts at 2:00 pm at our club house (official function)
Click here for (flyer)
If you live in the Orlando area or are coming in for bike week, it would be great to see you there. Go to the site for directions and for more about this event.
Please go to the Veterans Outreach site to find out more about what we will do for the Orlando area veterans and think about giving your financial support as well as prayers. There is another office in Bonita Springs. I was in Arcadia to meet some other members of the team there. We had a couple of tables outside of Wal-Mart. Most of the people were generous and donated but one woman really stands out in my mind. She said she didn't have money to donate. She seemed embarrassed by this. I put my arm around her and said, "That's ok because you can do something even better. Say a prayer." Relief came on her face, she smiled, said she could do that, and then walked away. A few minutes later, she pulled up in her car and handed me a dollar. She said that she would say a prayer as well. That reminded me of the story Christ told of the woman with two cents. She didn't have a lot of money, but she gave what she had. That one dollar that kind woman gave out of the goodness of her heart meant more to me than someone clearly with enough money to afford to be generous.
Most of the time the people who are the most generous are also in need themselves or have been in need at one time or another in their lives. It's not the big donations that make a difference but the little ones because those donating have taken it into their hearts. (Naturally I won't turn down large donations from companies in the area because I know they care about our veterans.)
Come back for more details on how this is going and when the office will be opened. Please also say a prayer for us that we receive the funds needed as soon as possible so that we can open as soon as possible. If you have any questions, you can contact John Ely, the President of Veterans Outreach for more information. I'm not giving his email because I want you to go to the site first.
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