Congress to CIA: Review Gulf War illness info
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jun 23, 2009 18:44:44 EDT
After a former CIA employee told a team created to investigate Gulf War illness that 1.5 million documents exist detailing poisonous gas exposures during Operation Desert Storm, Congress is asking the CIA to review the secret classifications of those documents.
“Ill Desert Storm veterans have been waiting for years for our government to make public any information in its possession about the kinds of toxic agents they may have been exposed to during and immediately after the 1991 war,” Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., said in a prepared statement. “This is a long-overdue stop toward meeting that goal.”
The intelligence authorization bill now includes language that would require the CIA to review the classification of those documents, with the intent of declassifying them.
Studies have shown that veterans exposed to sarin — which the military accidentally doused troops with when the 82nd Airborne Division destroyed an Iraqi chemical weapons dump in Khamisiyah in 1991 — are more likely to suffer from symptoms of Gulf War illness.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/military_gulfwar_cia_062309w/
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Troops pause to remember Capt. Kafele Sims at memorial
Troops pause to remember Captain at memorial
By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On Tuesday, Quinonez said farewell to Sims, the physician assistant who diagnosed him with appendicitis last August. Quinonez had persistent gas pains and went to see Sims.
"Within five minutes, [Sims] said, ‘You have acute appendicitis,’" Quinonez said. "I can’t tell you what happened 20 minutes later because I was knocked out and in surgery. I do know that I am here today because of [Sims’] actions and decisions. That day he saved my life."
Sims, 32, of Los Angeles, died June 16 in Mosul, Iraq, in a noncombat-related incident. The cause of Sims’ death is still under investigation, said Bruce Anderson, U.S. Army Europe spokesman. Sims was assigned to the 18th Engineer Brigade in Schwetzingen.
By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Wednesday, June 24, 2009
On Tuesday, Quinonez said farewell to Sims, the physician assistant who diagnosed him with appendicitis last August. Quinonez had persistent gas pains and went to see Sims.
"Within five minutes, [Sims] said, ‘You have acute appendicitis,’" Quinonez said. "I can’t tell you what happened 20 minutes later because I was knocked out and in surgery. I do know that I am here today because of [Sims’] actions and decisions. That day he saved my life."
Sims, 32, of Los Angeles, died June 16 in Mosul, Iraq, in a noncombat-related incident. The cause of Sims’ death is still under investigation, said Bruce Anderson, U.S. Army Europe spokesman. Sims was assigned to the 18th Engineer Brigade in Schwetzingen.
go here for more
Federal bill would allow GIs to sue for medical negligence
Federal bill would allow GIs to sue for medical negligence
Malpractice claim » A Utah colonel says the military botched her operation.
By Dawn House
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 06/23/2009 10:10:11 PM MDT
A colonel who underwent surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to remove a cancerous breast says her physician operated on the wrong side of her body, mistakenly removing several healthy lymph nodes and disfiguring her.
But the government rejected all claims brought by Col. Adele Connell of Stansbury Park under a law that makes it nearly impossible for GIs and their families to sue the military for medical malpractice.
Connell hopes a bill the House Judiciary Committee expects to consider today will allow military families like hers to hold the government accountable for noncombat-related injuries. The Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act would overturn the so-called Feres Doctrine, named for a 1950 Supreme Court case that effectively bars service members from collecting damages for death or injuries caused by negligence.
"These last eight months have been unbelievably difficult," said Connell, 57, who has served in the military for more than 30 years. "The reason I am going public is that I want to try to improve the military for soldiers serving all over the world."
Connell's attorney, Dean Swartz of Washington, D.C., said it's outrageous that imprisoned felons can sue for damages from medical malpractice, but that same right is denied members of the U.S. military.
"This is a no-brainer," he said. "When doctors operate on the wrong side of a patient and cause harm, there should be some compensation."
go here for more
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_12675099
Malpractice claim » A Utah colonel says the military botched her operation.
By Dawn House
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 06/23/2009 10:10:11 PM MDT
A colonel who underwent surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to remove a cancerous breast says her physician operated on the wrong side of her body, mistakenly removing several healthy lymph nodes and disfiguring her.
But the government rejected all claims brought by Col. Adele Connell of Stansbury Park under a law that makes it nearly impossible for GIs and their families to sue the military for medical malpractice.
Connell hopes a bill the House Judiciary Committee expects to consider today will allow military families like hers to hold the government accountable for noncombat-related injuries. The Carmelo Rodriguez Military Medical Accountability Act would overturn the so-called Feres Doctrine, named for a 1950 Supreme Court case that effectively bars service members from collecting damages for death or injuries caused by negligence.
"These last eight months have been unbelievably difficult," said Connell, 57, who has served in the military for more than 30 years. "The reason I am going public is that I want to try to improve the military for soldiers serving all over the world."
Connell's attorney, Dean Swartz of Washington, D.C., said it's outrageous that imprisoned felons can sue for damages from medical malpractice, but that same right is denied members of the U.S. military.
"This is a no-brainer," he said. "When doctors operate on the wrong side of a patient and cause harm, there should be some compensation."
go here for more
http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_12675099
Bill O'Reilly - Blowhard
Bill O'Reilly - Blowhard
Harmon Biehl
Miami Veterans Affairs Examiner
June 23, 1:46 PM
Greetings Vets, I am a relatively articulate person both in the spoken word as well as the written word. I am an amateur in the field of political coercion in the written word or the spoken word. I am like a fifth grader debating the college freshman in a debate about the dating habits of post adolescent teens. Occasionally I am way more knowledgeable about a topic than the experts, because the experts depend on hearsay and other people to do their footwork and real research homework before shooting off their mouths. Like Take Bill O'Reilly for example.
He has been shooting his mouth off about homeless veterans. He says they are few and far between. I, on the other hand know that to be bullhocky. In Orlando alone, of the homeless vets that are countable we have by my nose count 250 living on the streets and in overnight homeless shelters with the rest of the street people. Above that there are homeless veterans living at the V.A. facility on property in Orlando. I would guess there are at least 150 of them there. I know of homeless veterans that make the rounds of the Christian service centers as well as the Salvation Army's over night lodgings. Just the other day I was bringing a homeless Veteran to the Christian Union Rescue Mission, only to find out in intake that I was sitting next to another homeless veteran.
The other real place to look is in the county jail. The reason to look in the county jail is that Veterans living on the street are there for a reason. PTSD, ANGER, HOPELESSNESS, FEAR, MENTAL ILLNESS, and the list goes on and on. When a local cop asks them for ID or for some good reason why they are panhandling, these old warriors invariably tell the officer some obvious answer that is not flattering to the officers intelligence, which of course, their question was bait in the first place. Yes, Bill could find a bunch of homeless vets in jails all across the country. These were educated, uniformed, highly trained warriors in the employ of Uncle Sam at one time so mostly there is some underlying reason they are homeless. Of course this reason escapes the understanding of the V.A., but then so does a lot of stuff, both medical and psychological. That is an ongoing story though of gigantic proportions.
go here for more
Bill O'Reilly - Blowhard
I could think of another term to use for O'Reilly, but that would not make a difference to him or his viewers. They haven't cared all this time and it's doubtful they ever will. There are some people you just can't educate. They have no interest in learning or caring.
Much like the villains in our history, O'Reilly seems to think that if a woman is raped, it's more important to him what she was wearing at the time in order to discern if she was asking for it. Don't be so shocked over this because he has spent a long time shooting off his mouth blaming the victim of a crime. He instigates hatred and seems to enjoy it. Look back at some of the transcripts of his shows. The boy that was kidnapped, O'Reilly said he must have enjoyed it because he was away from the rules of his parents. The abortion doctor murdered in church, O'Reilly instigated hatred against him and when he was murdered, O'Reilly justified himself by pointing out how many "lives" were saved.
O'Reilly attacked homeless veterans, first by saying they were not real, then blamed them because they were "drug addicts and alcoholics" because he could not continue to ignore the fact. He had a chance to redeem himself once provided with some clue of their reality, but once again, he blamed them for their own suffering.
I used to think that O'Reilly had enough viewers to use his power for good, to inform them of what exactly was going on as any honest person would, but O'Reilly preferred to do more harm than good. His viewers apparently approve and agree. I read what they have to say all the time.
People like O'Reilly are all about themselves. They constantly attack anyone they see as a threat to their bubble. They have a view of President Obama, mostly because he's a Democrat, cling onto a bunch of nonsense and rumors ignoring the good he's done for veterans. They hold up people like McCain as heroes to veterans, even though he voted against them every time he had a chance to prove what they meant to him. It does not take a lot of insight to figure out they are not about the veterans needing this nation's loyalty in return for their service, it's about power.
I actually feel sorry for people like O'Reilly because fate has a way of teaching us lessons. Call it Karma if you wish, but it all boils down to what we do, what we send out, comes around to reward us accordingly to all of it. Each time he attacks veterans and victims, his reservations to the pit of hell are being upgraded and confirmed. People like him end up being in need of help one day and find there is no one there to help him up. They will stand and convict him as he has convicted others.
Disabled Vets:Salt Lake Utah makes it easier for tax exemptions
Disabled veterans given easier path to benefits
By Arthur Raymond
Deseret News
Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:14 p.m. MDT
Disabled veterans facing bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining property tax exemptions in Salt Lake County should have an easier path following a policy shift approved by the County Council Tuesday.
Terry Schow, executive director of the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs, said Tuesday that his office has been besieged with complaints from vets running into trouble securing benefits from the county.
"We've received more complaints from veterans with disabilities in Salt Lake County than the whole rest of the state combined," Schow said.
Disabled veterans are eligible for a break on property taxes, collected by the county treasurer, based on the percentage of their disability — a number that is determined by the Veteran's Administration. Schow said the benefit is offered to vets who have been determined to have a 10 percent or higher level of disability. Each 10 percent increment represents about a $25,000 decrease on the taxable value of their property, up to about $230,000, a number set by the Utah Tax Commission.
go here for more
Disabled veterans given easier path to benefits
By Arthur Raymond
Deseret News
Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:14 p.m. MDT
Disabled veterans facing bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining property tax exemptions in Salt Lake County should have an easier path following a policy shift approved by the County Council Tuesday.
Terry Schow, executive director of the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs, said Tuesday that his office has been besieged with complaints from vets running into trouble securing benefits from the county.
"We've received more complaints from veterans with disabilities in Salt Lake County than the whole rest of the state combined," Schow said.
Disabled veterans are eligible for a break on property taxes, collected by the county treasurer, based on the percentage of their disability — a number that is determined by the Veteran's Administration. Schow said the benefit is offered to vets who have been determined to have a 10 percent or higher level of disability. Each 10 percent increment represents about a $25,000 decrease on the taxable value of their property, up to about $230,000, a number set by the Utah Tax Commission.
go here for more
Disabled veterans given easier path to benefits
Advanced VA funding approved by House
Bill Seeks to End Delays in Veterans’ Care
By JAMES DAO
Published: June 23, 2009
The House approved legislation on Tuesday that is intended to prevent delays in federal financing for veterans’ health care programs, a problem that has disrupted services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for decades, officials say.
The bill, which has been a major lobbying priority of veterans’ organizations in Washington, would allow Congress to appropriate funds for health care programs one year in advance.
Officials say that for 19 of the last 22 years, the department’s budget has been approved late, usually because of fiscal wrangling on Capitol Hill. As a result, veterans’ groups and officials say, the directors of veterans’ health care centers and clinics have often been unable to proceed on time with new services, staff expansions or renovations.
go here for more
Bill Seeks to End Delays in Veterans Care
By JAMES DAO
Published: June 23, 2009
The House approved legislation on Tuesday that is intended to prevent delays in federal financing for veterans’ health care programs, a problem that has disrupted services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for decades, officials say.
The bill, which has been a major lobbying priority of veterans’ organizations in Washington, would allow Congress to appropriate funds for health care programs one year in advance.
Officials say that for 19 of the last 22 years, the department’s budget has been approved late, usually because of fiscal wrangling on Capitol Hill. As a result, veterans’ groups and officials say, the directors of veterans’ health care centers and clinics have often been unable to proceed on time with new services, staff expansions or renovations.
A similar bill sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Democrat of Hawaii and the chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has bipartisan support and is expected to pass the full Senate.
go here for more
Bill Seeks to End Delays in Veterans Care
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Search on for pilot in F-16 crash
Search on for pilot in F-16 crash
Story Highlights
Emergency responders from Hill Air Force Base in Utah searching for pilot
Crash site found in remote area of Utah Test and Training Range
No contact has been made with the pilot, who was on a routine training mission
(CNN) -- A search was under way Tuesday for the pilot of an F-16 that crashed over the Utah Test and Training Range west of Salt Lake City, Utah, the Air Force said.
An F-16 from Hill Air Force Base trains in Utah in 2001.
The F-16 crashed about 10:25 p.m. Monday, according to a posting on the Air Force's Web site.
go here for more
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/23/utah.f-16.crash/index.html
Story Highlights
Emergency responders from Hill Air Force Base in Utah searching for pilot
Crash site found in remote area of Utah Test and Training Range
No contact has been made with the pilot, who was on a routine training mission
(CNN) -- A search was under way Tuesday for the pilot of an F-16 that crashed over the Utah Test and Training Range west of Salt Lake City, Utah, the Air Force said.
An F-16 from Hill Air Force Base trains in Utah in 2001.
The F-16 crashed about 10:25 p.m. Monday, according to a posting on the Air Force's Web site.
go here for more
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/23/utah.f-16.crash/index.html
Iranian women stand up in defiance, flout rules
I've been reading what's been going on in Iran especially since the election. It's stunning. No matter what happens regarding the election many believe was fixed, I doubt Iran will ever be the same again. Regular people standing up and saying they've had enough and want to live differently. Threats against them, gunning them down in the streets, beating them, all their attempts to stop the protests and silence their voices will never work again. They have found the power of numbers.
Iranian women stand up in defiance, flout rules
Story Highlights
Recurring theme of Iranian protests: Women defiantly standing up against authority
19-year-old woman says, "When they want to hit me, I say hit."
A young woman named Neda has become the rallying cry of protesters
"This shows the new face of Iran -- the young women who are the vanguards of Iran"
(CNN) -- A young Iranian woman named Neda is gunned down in one of the most iconic images of the last week. Another walks down the street, defiantly showing off her hair and body in a revealing dress. And still another woman says she's not scared of paramilitary forces -- no matter how many times she gets beaten.
"When they want to hit me, I say hit. I have been hit so many times and this time it doesn't matter. I just want to help my brothers and sisters," says the 19-year-old woman whose identity is being withheld by CNN for her safety.
Amid the clashes and chaos, there has been a recurring scene on the streets of Tehran: Women, in their scarves and traditional clothing, at the heart of the struggle. Some are seen collecting rocks for ammunition against security forces, while video showed one woman trying to protect a fallen pro-government militiaman wounded in the government crackdown. At Shiraz University, riot police clubbed women dressed in black robes. "Don't beat them, you bastards," one man yells.
When security forces come to attack, the 19-year-old woman protester says she looks them in the eye and asks: "Why do you kill your brother? Why do you hit your mother, your sisters?"
"We all tell them, if you're Iranian, you shouldn't do that to your people, to your own country's people," she told CNN by phone.
go here for more
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/23/iran.women/index.html
Family and friends grieve at Wood family funeral
Family and friends grieve at Wood family funeral
The family of four was found dead in their Heathrow home.
Anthony Colarossi Sentinel Staff Writer
1:04 PM EDT, June 23, 2009
Family and friends of the Wood family gathered at First Baptist Church of Umatilla this morning to mourn the loss J.D., Cynthia, Dillon and Aubrey.
The four members of the Heathrow family died in a murder-suicide discovered early last week. Today's service at the Umatilla church was followed by a burial at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis.
Rev. Brooks Braswell urged the dozens of people attending today's service to turn to God for strength at a time when many might lose faith following a tragedy that is hard to explain or understand.
Braswell said people often "turn to substance abuse to drown out the pain of a loss." But he told the visitors of another way.
go here for more
Family and friends grieve at Wood family funeral
Murder Investigators pay respects to slain veteran at Fla. funeral
Investigators pay respects to slain veteran at Fla. funeral
By Patricia Burkett
WBTW Anchor/ Reporter
Published: June 22, 2009
FLORENCE — Friends, family and even strangers spent Monday remembering one of America’s heroes.
World War II veteran Clair C. Chaffin was shot to death June 8 as he packed his car to leave the Thunderbird Inn in Florence.
Chaffin, of Archer, Fla., was 83. He fought at Iwo Jima and Saipan, and earned the Silver Star in his lifetime.
Although Chaffin’s life was taken during an attempted robbery, it was what happened to him before that day that made a lasting impression on those working on the case. He made an impact on the entire community as well as local law enforcement, all of whom recognized the great service he gave to the country.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office investigators were so moved by Chaffin’s family and the story of his life, they felt it fitting to fly hundreds of miles to pay their final respects Monday.
“A decorated veteran, who served his country and gave his life — a majority of his life — for this country, 83 years old and had been through what he had to go through and then had to come back to this country and die like he did, it’s unacceptable,” Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.
Powers Aviation officials made the flight possible for the investigators, providing the plane and pilot for the trip to Gainesville, Fla., for Chaffin’s funeral.
go here for more
Investigators pay respects to slain veteran at Fla. funeral
By Patricia Burkett
WBTW Anchor/ Reporter
Published: June 22, 2009
FLORENCE — Friends, family and even strangers spent Monday remembering one of America’s heroes.
World War II veteran Clair C. Chaffin was shot to death June 8 as he packed his car to leave the Thunderbird Inn in Florence.
Chaffin, of Archer, Fla., was 83. He fought at Iwo Jima and Saipan, and earned the Silver Star in his lifetime.
Although Chaffin’s life was taken during an attempted robbery, it was what happened to him before that day that made a lasting impression on those working on the case. He made an impact on the entire community as well as local law enforcement, all of whom recognized the great service he gave to the country.
Florence County Sheriff’s Office investigators were so moved by Chaffin’s family and the story of his life, they felt it fitting to fly hundreds of miles to pay their final respects Monday.
“A decorated veteran, who served his country and gave his life — a majority of his life — for this country, 83 years old and had been through what he had to go through and then had to come back to this country and die like he did, it’s unacceptable,” Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone said.
Powers Aviation officials made the flight possible for the investigators, providing the plane and pilot for the trip to Gainesville, Fla., for Chaffin’s funeral.
go here for more
Investigators pay respects to slain veteran at Fla. funeral
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)