Camps offered to families of deployed troops
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Sep 3, 2009 20:50:53 EDT
Service members and their families who have experienced deployments within the last 15 months are eligible to attend a free four-day camp at one of four national park locations, sponsored by the National Military Family Association.
In addition, families who attend these Operation Purple Family Retreats will receive a $200 stipend per family when they arrive at the retreat site to cover the cost of travel.
Families will be paired with specialized field science educators who will guide them through activities like nature hikes, canoeing, beach exploration, and arts and crafts. In addition, FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress), a program designed to help military families build resiliency to face the challenges of multiple deployments, will provide activities to help the families strengthen their relationships, according to the NMFA.
Eligible are service members from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard — active duty, National Guard or reserve — as well as families of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/military_familycamps_090309w/
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Gay former sailor says hazing led to PTSD
Gay former sailor says hazing led to PTSD
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, September 5, 2009
WASHINGTON — Former Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Rocha says he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after being physically and sexually abused by fellow sailors over a two-year period. But after a Navy investigation into widespread hazing allegations within the unit, the only sailor discharged was Rocha, because he also admitted that he is gay.
According to documents released by Youth Radio this week, Navy investigators found dozens of hazing incidents over a two-year span at the Military Working Dog unit in Naval Support Activity-Bahrain. At one point, the documents show, Rocha was hog-tied, fed dog food and tossed into a dog kennel full of feces. Commanders also openly questioned his sexuality and forced him to simulate oral sex on other men.
Following the investigation, Rocha sought treatment for PTSD and later admitted he is gay, the news outlet reported. Shortly thereafter, he was discharged under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibits homosexual troops from serving openly in the ranks.
However, the commander in charge of the unit at the time of the hazing did not lose his job, and was recently promoted to senior chief, documents show.
None of the alleged abusers was punished, according to the report.
read more here
Gay former sailor says hazing led to PTSD
Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Saturday, September 5, 2009
WASHINGTON — Former Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Rocha says he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after being physically and sexually abused by fellow sailors over a two-year period. But after a Navy investigation into widespread hazing allegations within the unit, the only sailor discharged was Rocha, because he also admitted that he is gay.
According to documents released by Youth Radio this week, Navy investigators found dozens of hazing incidents over a two-year span at the Military Working Dog unit in Naval Support Activity-Bahrain. At one point, the documents show, Rocha was hog-tied, fed dog food and tossed into a dog kennel full of feces. Commanders also openly questioned his sexuality and forced him to simulate oral sex on other men.
Following the investigation, Rocha sought treatment for PTSD and later admitted he is gay, the news outlet reported. Shortly thereafter, he was discharged under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibits homosexual troops from serving openly in the ranks.
However, the commander in charge of the unit at the time of the hazing did not lose his job, and was recently promoted to senior chief, documents show.
None of the alleged abusers was punished, according to the report.
read more here
Gay former sailor says hazing led to PTSD
GOP Chairman Jim Greer must really hate those who serve
’Socialist indoctrination’ means that anyone that gives of themselves for the sake of others, must be a bad thing and that must also include the people entering into political office. After all, aren't they supposed to be serving the public good? Isn't that what they keep telling us when they want our votes?
This man must also hate people that enter into the military since they enter into it for the greater good as well and to serve others. They surely don't risk their lives for themselves.
Then we have the National Guards, again, people going into that field do it for the sake of others.
Then police officers, again, risking their lives for the sake of others.
Then firefighters, yes, in it for the sake of others.
Then you have the others working in public service, all from tax payer funds and then others under non-profits like service organizations. Teachers, tax payer funded. City and town employees, tax payer funded.
They are the people you count on when you are in trouble or facing danger, the people you count on to defend this nation and the first people you think about when you need them but evidently the first people forgotten about when someone can use words to make a call to serve others as a bad thing.
As a Chaplain, committed to serving others, I find this deeply offensive. I was raised to do it by a Korean War vet and WWII uncles I had as a role model. They all enlisted to serve others. Frankly, I think Jim Greer's agenda has gotten way out of control because he'd have to be a fool to think serving others is a bad thing. I think he owes the people in this country a deep apology for what he said.
This man must also hate people that enter into the military since they enter into it for the greater good as well and to serve others. They surely don't risk their lives for themselves.
Then we have the National Guards, again, people going into that field do it for the sake of others.
Then police officers, again, risking their lives for the sake of others.
Then firefighters, yes, in it for the sake of others.
Then you have the others working in public service, all from tax payer funds and then others under non-profits like service organizations. Teachers, tax payer funded. City and town employees, tax payer funded.
They are the people you count on when you are in trouble or facing danger, the people you count on to defend this nation and the first people you think about when you need them but evidently the first people forgotten about when someone can use words to make a call to serve others as a bad thing.
As a Chaplain, committed to serving others, I find this deeply offensive. I was raised to do it by a Korean War vet and WWII uncles I had as a role model. They all enlisted to serve others. Frankly, I think Jim Greer's agenda has gotten way out of control because he'd have to be a fool to think serving others is a bad thing. I think he owes the people in this country a deep apology for what he said.
FL GOP: Obama’s speech to schoolkids ’socialist indoctrination’
By Daniel Tencer
Published: September 2, 2009
UPDATE: After complaints about an Obama administration plan to have students’ lesson plans include an assignment on “how to help” the president — the White House has reversed course and says they’ll rewrite the primer.
Among the ideas suggested for pre-K to 6th grade students was to “write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.”
White House spokesman Tommy Vietor told Fox News that new language will make “lesson plans clearer,” and that a planned Obama speech to students “is not a policy speech, but is intended to encourage kids to work hard and commit to school.”
Raw Story’s original story follows. The White House’s initial lesson plan (PDF) can be seen here.
The head of the Florida Republican Party says a speech President Barack Obama plans to give to the nation’s schoolchildren is an attempt to “indoctrinate” America’s youth into a “socialist” ideology.
“I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology,” Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer said in a press release.
read more here
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/02/obamas-speech-children-indoctrination/
Historians Press For Access To Files On Civil War Soldiers From Connecticut
If we are ever going to get to the point where no one ever feels ashamed of serving this country and ending up paying for it with PTSD, this is the way we get there. Uncovering what was known way back in the Civil war, what they went through and what happened to them after is vital to illuminating one simple fact, humans go to war and suffer after it. It really is that simple.
If you read the Bible, it's in there. If you read any history books about ancient warfare, it's in there. Talk to any veteran and you'll see it. None of this is new because humans have the same original design they always did. We can talk all we want about what to do when veterans ask for help but getting them to even want to admit they need help is the hardest battle of all to win. You have to take someone that was trained to kill and risk their lives everyday, then ask them to be "weaker" in their own minds asking for help. This is one of the hardest things to get past. If they understood what it was, they would know it had nothing to do with courage or their ability. It only had to do with being human and being compassionate.
If you read the Bible, it's in there. If you read any history books about ancient warfare, it's in there. Talk to any veteran and you'll see it. None of this is new because humans have the same original design they always did. We can talk all we want about what to do when veterans ask for help but getting them to even want to admit they need help is the hardest battle of all to win. You have to take someone that was trained to kill and risk their lives everyday, then ask them to be "weaker" in their own minds asking for help. This is one of the hardest things to get past. If they understood what it was, they would know it had nothing to do with courage or their ability. It only had to do with being human and being compassionate.
Historians Press For Access To Files On Civil War Soldiers From Connecticut
By JESSE LEAVENWORTH
The Hartford Courant
September 3, 2009
HARTFORD — - Historians seeking to probe the mental health records of Connecticut Civil War veterans pressed their case Wednesday at a state Freedom of Information Commission hearing.
The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has refused to allow researchers unfettered access to records at what is now Connecticut Valley Hospital, formerly the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane.
The main sticking point is researchers' insistence that they be allowed to use individual patients' names in a planned book on Connecticut's role in the war. The state's position is that research could be allowed, but unrestricted use of names would violate patient confidentiality laws.
read more here
Historians Press For Access To Files On Civil War
Health-care overhaul debate puts VA in the spotlight
It looks like some people would rather treat veterans so badly they will allow them to feel as if they are just not as capable as the rest of the people in this country making their own choices when it comes to the end of their lives. As I've posted here many times, we used our right with the VA and with a lawyer to make sure our own choices would be honored when we couldn't speak for ourselves. Too bad some think they can use veterans in a political game, but it's even worse when others just play along instead of finding out what the truth is. Veterans deserved a lot better out of all of us.
Health-care overhaul debate puts VA in the spotlight
While Republicans are calling a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-planning booklet a "death book" that encourages veterans to kill themselves or forgo care, ethicists and legal and medical experts say it's a reasonable attempt to help veterans plan for the end of their lives.
By Chris Adams
McClatchy Newspapers
Republicans call VA's "Planning ... " a "death book."
WASHINGTON — While Republicans are calling a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-planning booklet a "death book" that encourages veterans to kill themselves or forgo care, ethicists and legal and medical experts say it's a reasonable attempt to help veterans plan for the end of their lives.
Jim Towey, former director of President George W. Bush's White House office of faith-based initiatives, wrote in The Wall Street Journal last month that the VA's "Your Life, Your Choices" booklet encourages veterans to "hurry up and die." Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the VA effort aimed at veterans was "encouraging them to commit suicide."
"There is nothing in this pamphlet or in any of the VA effort in this area that is aimed at asking that veterans be allowed to die to save money," said the University of Pennsylvania's Arthur Caplan, one of the nation's leading bioethicists. "To say otherwise is just an exercise in ludicrous, inflammatory rhetoric."
VA chaplains said "Your Life" is helpful.
read more here
Health-care overhaul debate puts VA in the spotlight
Healthcare supporter bites off opponent’s pinky
Not only were the people shocked, this has gotten way out of hand and totally ironic when you think the man that was against public healthcare, used it to get his finger put back on.
Healthcare supporter bites off opponent’s pinky
By John Byrne
Published: September 3, 2009According to reports, the man then picked up his finger and promptly walked to a nearby hospital for treatment. Neither individual was identified.
The altercation took place outside at a rally sponsored by MoveOn.org.
The news comes just a day after a man was reportedly punched in the face and knocked to the ground by a supporter of the public health insurance option in Miami.
An Associated Press report published Thursday afternoon indicates that the protester had successful surgery on his finger, and was covered by a government health plan.
“A hospital spokeswoman says the man lost half the finger, but doctors reattached it and he was sent home the same night,” the AP reports. “She says he had Medicare.”read more here
Teen crashes into war memorial
Teen crashes into war memorial
By Brenna R. Kelly • bkelly@nky.com • September 2, 2009
ERLANGER – Three granite stones that memorialize Kenton County residents who died in the Vietnam War will have to be replaced after a car slammed into the Erlanger Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wednesday.
Police say a 16-year-old Elsmere boy was driving drunk in a stolen 2003 Hyundai Elantra was speeding down Dixie Highway while fleeing from police early Wednesday morning. The teen lost control, hit the curb and crashed into the memorial, knocking the stones off their bases and bending a flag pole.
Vietnam veteran Allen Thomas, who lives nearby, surveyed the damage Wednesday morning.
“It’s a sad feeling…but it’s property – we can rebuild it,” said Thomas, secretary of the Northern Kentucky chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. “We’ll feel bad for a few days or a few weeks until we get it back up.”
The memorial, which has been at the intersection more than 20 years, lists the names of all the Kenton County residents killed in the war. The chapter, which had insurance on the monument, will likely hold a rededication ceremony after the memorial is fixed, Thomas said.
read more here
Teen crashes into war memorial
By Brenna R. Kelly • bkelly@nky.com • September 2, 2009
ERLANGER – Three granite stones that memorialize Kenton County residents who died in the Vietnam War will have to be replaced after a car slammed into the Erlanger Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wednesday.
Police say a 16-year-old Elsmere boy was driving drunk in a stolen 2003 Hyundai Elantra was speeding down Dixie Highway while fleeing from police early Wednesday morning. The teen lost control, hit the curb and crashed into the memorial, knocking the stones off their bases and bending a flag pole.
Vietnam veteran Allen Thomas, who lives nearby, surveyed the damage Wednesday morning.
“It’s a sad feeling…but it’s property – we can rebuild it,” said Thomas, secretary of the Northern Kentucky chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. “We’ll feel bad for a few days or a few weeks until we get it back up.”
The memorial, which has been at the intersection more than 20 years, lists the names of all the Kenton County residents killed in the war. The chapter, which had insurance on the monument, will likely hold a rededication ceremony after the memorial is fixed, Thomas said.
read more here
Teen crashes into war memorial
Pastor Mistakenly Killed In Drug Sting
Friends: Pastor Mistakenly Killed In Drug Sting
GBI Investigating Fatal Shooting
POSTED: 3:53 pm EDT September 2, 2009
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. -- A pastor was shot and killed following a drug sting in Stephens County, Ga., on Tuesday, and the officers involved and friends of the pastor are giving different versions of what led up to the shooting.
The Stephens County coroner confirmed that 28-year-old Jonathan Ayers was pronounced dead at Stephens County Hospital on Tuesday.
Ayers, a father-to-be, was the pastor of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He maintained a personal blog linked off the church's Web page, jonathanayers.blogspot.com.
read more here
http://www.wyff4.com/cnn-news/20690809/detail.html
GBI Investigating Fatal Shooting
POSTED: 3:53 pm EDT September 2, 2009
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. -- A pastor was shot and killed following a drug sting in Stephens County, Ga., on Tuesday, and the officers involved and friends of the pastor are giving different versions of what led up to the shooting.
The Stephens County coroner confirmed that 28-year-old Jonathan Ayers was pronounced dead at Stephens County Hospital on Tuesday.
Ayers, a father-to-be, was the pastor of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He maintained a personal blog linked off the church's Web page, jonathanayers.blogspot.com.
read more here
http://www.wyff4.com/cnn-news/20690809/detail.html
Sen. Udall Opens Regional Office, Talks PTSD and Afghanistan
Sen. Udall Opens Regional Office, Talks PTSD & Afghanistan
Posted: Sep 2, 2009 05:37 PM EDT
Updated: Sep 2, 2009 06:12 PM EDT
by Zach Thaxton
z.thaxton@krdo.com
COLORADO SPRINGS - Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) announced the grand opening Wednesday of his new Pikes Peak Regional Office. It's located inside the Pikes Peak Regional Development Center at 2880 International Circle near Memorial Park. During an afternoon press conference, Sen. Udall also announced the formation of and first meeting with a new 12-member military advisory committee made up of statewide leaders with a range of military expertise. The Senator will confer with the committee twice a year.
Sen. Udall also addressed the topics of Post-Traumatic Stress and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. A half-dozen Fort Carson have been charged in Southern Colorado murders committed after returning from conflict in Iraq. An Army report concluded combat stress may have been a contributing factor in their violent acts back on U.S. soil. Sen. Udall says enhanced diagnosis and treatment tactics were among the first topics discussed by his new committee. He told the gathered press Wednesday, "The mind is a marvelous organ. It's probably the most powerful human weapon that we have, but it's also very fragile. And we're increasingly aware of ways in which you can train troops before they go into theater as to how to maintain the health of your mind, how to deal with the inevitable stresses and strains of being in a combat setting."
read more here
Sen Udall Opens Regional Office, Talks PTSD and Afghanistan
Senator to visit Carson, meet base officials
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Sep 3, 2009 8:29:08 EDT
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., is meeting with Fort Carson military officials to discuss the role of soldiers from the base in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Udall will meet with Maj. Gen. David Perkins and other military leaders Thursday. A Udall spokeswoman says the senator and the military officials will discuss the soldiers’ training and making sure they have all the resources they need.
Udall is also expected to talk about health and behavioral care for soldiers, and helping returning veterans adapt to civilian life after their deployments.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_army_udall_carson_090309/
Posted: Sep 2, 2009 05:37 PM EDT
Updated: Sep 2, 2009 06:12 PM EDT
by Zach Thaxton
z.thaxton@krdo.com
COLORADO SPRINGS - Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) announced the grand opening Wednesday of his new Pikes Peak Regional Office. It's located inside the Pikes Peak Regional Development Center at 2880 International Circle near Memorial Park. During an afternoon press conference, Sen. Udall also announced the formation of and first meeting with a new 12-member military advisory committee made up of statewide leaders with a range of military expertise. The Senator will confer with the committee twice a year.
Sen. Udall also addressed the topics of Post-Traumatic Stress and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. A half-dozen Fort Carson have been charged in Southern Colorado murders committed after returning from conflict in Iraq. An Army report concluded combat stress may have been a contributing factor in their violent acts back on U.S. soil. Sen. Udall says enhanced diagnosis and treatment tactics were among the first topics discussed by his new committee. He told the gathered press Wednesday, "The mind is a marvelous organ. It's probably the most powerful human weapon that we have, but it's also very fragile. And we're increasingly aware of ways in which you can train troops before they go into theater as to how to maintain the health of your mind, how to deal with the inevitable stresses and strains of being in a combat setting."
read more here
Sen Udall Opens Regional Office, Talks PTSD and Afghanistan
Senator to visit Carson, meet base officials
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Sep 3, 2009 8:29:08 EDT
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., is meeting with Fort Carson military officials to discuss the role of soldiers from the base in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Udall will meet with Maj. Gen. David Perkins and other military leaders Thursday. A Udall spokeswoman says the senator and the military officials will discuss the soldiers’ training and making sure they have all the resources they need.
Udall is also expected to talk about health and behavioral care for soldiers, and helping returning veterans adapt to civilian life after their deployments.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_army_udall_carson_090309/
Iraq war vet in Vicksburg threatens suicide
Iraq war vet in Vicksburg threatens suicide
A 23-year-old man engaged police in a nearly four-hour standoff outside Vicksburg Municipal Court after being sentenced this morning on a domestic violence charge.
Torrance Burnett of Vicksburg walked out of the courtroom after being assigned to counseling, went to his car and retrieved an automatic handgun, Chief Walter Armstrong said.
"He didn't have the gun in the courthouse," Armstrong said. "But some people in the courtroom indicated (to authorities) that he had a weapon with him. Officers went outside and saw him with his hands in his pockets."
Upon seeing police, Burnett ran, the chief said. Officers chased him for a block before Burnett stopped behind the library on Washington Street and pointed the gun at his own head.
"He kept it there for three or four hours," Armstrong said.
read more here
Iraq war vet in Vicksburg threatens suicide
A 23-year-old man engaged police in a nearly four-hour standoff outside Vicksburg Municipal Court after being sentenced this morning on a domestic violence charge.
Torrance Burnett of Vicksburg walked out of the courtroom after being assigned to counseling, went to his car and retrieved an automatic handgun, Chief Walter Armstrong said.
"He didn't have the gun in the courthouse," Armstrong said. "But some people in the courtroom indicated (to authorities) that he had a weapon with him. Officers went outside and saw him with his hands in his pockets."
Upon seeing police, Burnett ran, the chief said. Officers chased him for a block before Burnett stopped behind the library on Washington Street and pointed the gun at his own head.
"He kept it there for three or four hours," Armstrong said.
read more here
Iraq war vet in Vicksburg threatens suicide
Saved from bullet by a Vera Bradley handbag
Saved from bullet by a handbag
Suspect arrested in shooting at Kennedy Krieger, but incident points to continuing challenges near Hopkins
By Justin Fenton justin.fenton@baltsun.com
September 3, 2009
Sitting in her car Tuesday night outside the Kennedy Krieger Institute as police investigated a shooting, Ana Matheus held up what may have spared her from serious injury: her Vera Bradley handbag.
She reached in and pulled out her pocketbook. Inside was a checkbook, a credit card and a $20 bill - all pierced by a bullet that narrowly missed striking her as she left work at Kennedy Krieger.
Matheus was not harmed, but a female co-worker was wounded when one of the stray bullets struck her in the hand about 6:30 p.m. Matheus said the woman was walking just a foot in front of her when the shots rang out. With the errant bullet piercing the bag that was slung over her shoulder, Mathus was inches away from being wounded herself.
"I've always felt pretty safe with the security guards on the corners, but I don't know, it definitely feels less safe now," said Matheus, a 27-year-old social worker in the pediatric hospital at Kennedy Krieger. "It's pretty surreal."
read more here
Saved from bullet by a handbag
Suspect arrested in shooting at Kennedy Krieger, but incident points to continuing challenges near Hopkins
By Justin Fenton justin.fenton@baltsun.com
September 3, 2009
Sitting in her car Tuesday night outside the Kennedy Krieger Institute as police investigated a shooting, Ana Matheus held up what may have spared her from serious injury: her Vera Bradley handbag.
She reached in and pulled out her pocketbook. Inside was a checkbook, a credit card and a $20 bill - all pierced by a bullet that narrowly missed striking her as she left work at Kennedy Krieger.
Matheus was not harmed, but a female co-worker was wounded when one of the stray bullets struck her in the hand about 6:30 p.m. Matheus said the woman was walking just a foot in front of her when the shots rang out. With the errant bullet piercing the bag that was slung over her shoulder, Mathus was inches away from being wounded herself.
"I've always felt pretty safe with the security guards on the corners, but I don't know, it definitely feels less safe now," said Matheus, a 27-year-old social worker in the pediatric hospital at Kennedy Krieger. "It's pretty surreal."
read more here
Saved from bullet by a handbag
Do our elected deserve better healthcare than us?
UPDATE, Looks like we now know why
Six lobbyists per lawmaker enough on health care?
Posted: 01:09 PM ET
FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:
Want to know why they’re having trouble getting health care reform passed in Washington? Consider this: There are six…. count ‘em — six, lobbyists for each of the 535 members of Congress.
This translates to 3,300 lobbyists working on health care — or three times the number who lobby on defense. These groups reportedly spent more than $263 million on lobbying during the first six months of this year — with drug makers alone spending more than $134 million.
One expert tells Bloomberg news: “The sheer quantity of money that’s sloshed around Washington is drowning out the voices of citizens and the groups that speak up for them.”
And let’s talk about that money for a minute. According to The Center for Responsive Politics, health-related companies gave almost $170 million to federal lawmakers in 2007 and 2008.
It's really amazing the same people saying government healthcare is no good, are also the same people thinking private healthcare is not good enough for them. Why do you think that is? Could you imagine if we told them that they have to give their's up and live like the rest of us?
Six lobbyists per lawmaker enough on health care
Six lobbyists per lawmaker enough on health care?
Posted: 01:09 PM ET
FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:
Want to know why they’re having trouble getting health care reform passed in Washington? Consider this: There are six…. count ‘em — six, lobbyists for each of the 535 members of Congress.
This translates to 3,300 lobbyists working on health care — or three times the number who lobby on defense. These groups reportedly spent more than $263 million on lobbying during the first six months of this year — with drug makers alone spending more than $134 million.
One expert tells Bloomberg news: “The sheer quantity of money that’s sloshed around Washington is drowning out the voices of citizens and the groups that speak up for them.”
And let’s talk about that money for a minute. According to The Center for Responsive Politics, health-related companies gave almost $170 million to federal lawmakers in 2007 and 2008.
It's really amazing the same people saying government healthcare is no good, are also the same people thinking private healthcare is not good enough for them. Why do you think that is? Could you imagine if we told them that they have to give their's up and live like the rest of us?
Six lobbyists per lawmaker enough on health care
GOPers Decrying "Socialized Medicine" Go To Govt. Hospital For Surgeries
By The Huffington Post News Team, Huffington Post
Republicans in Congress have raised the specter of a bloated, "socialized," bureaucrat-run nightmare of a health care system as a means of undermining the White House's effort at a systematic overhaul. And yet, as Democratic sources are now pointing out, when medical crisis hit close to home, many of these same officials turned to a government-run hospital for their own intensive care and difficult surgeries.
Take, for instance, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who warned that "a government takeover of health care" would "take away the care that people already have [and] are perfectly satisfied with." In its place, the senator said, would be "a system in which care and treatment will be either delayed or denied."
That was July 2009. In February 2003, McConnell actually went to one of those government-run institutions (where treatment is, apparently, "either delayed or denied") for a procedure of his own. The Kentucky Republican traveled to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to have an elective coronary artery bypass surgery after it had been revealed that he had arterial blockages.
Also known as Bethesda Naval Hospital, the National Naval Medical Center is the premier branch of the United States Navy's system of medical centers -- as in, the government runs it. It's also the place where elected officials of all ideological stripes and political branches often go get surgery performed. Indeed, members of Congress pay an annual fee for the privilege of getting treatment at Bethesda Naval Hospital or, for that matter, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It is, as longtime Democrat Martin Frost wrote for Politico, "like belonging to an HMO." Only, in these cases, the surgery is conducted at a public facility.
read more here
GOPers Decrying Socialized Medicine
Service Dogs Help Traumatized Veterans Heal
Service Dogs Help Traumatized Veterans Heal
These trained canines alert owners to warning signs of PTSD, experts say
By Amanda Gardner, HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Sept. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Iraq war veteran Jennifer Pacanowski was unaware that she was racing dangerously down the freeway at 85 miles an hour when she felt a wet nose nudge her elbow.
She immediately slowed down.
The wet nose belonged to Boo, Pacanowski's 110-pound Bull Mastiff, warning her that her anxiety levels were rising, a dangerous state given that Pacanowski has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her experiences as a medic in the war.
Boo, who turned 1 in August, has been with Pacanowski, helping her deal with the world since last December.
"Sometimes I forget where I am and will go back to the war in Iraq. He brings me back to reality and makes me realize that I can't run people off the road. It's a frequent thing with PTSD to have road rage," said Pacanowski, who returned to the United States at the end of 2004 and now lives in northeastern Pennsylvania. "He's a comfort. I also know I'm not alone, and people can't just sneak up on me without his knowledge."
Boo is one of a team of "psychiatric service dogs" being used all over the country to help people with various mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and, perhaps most notably, PTSD.
read more here
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100244515
These trained canines alert owners to warning signs of PTSD, experts say
By Amanda Gardner, HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Sept. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Iraq war veteran Jennifer Pacanowski was unaware that she was racing dangerously down the freeway at 85 miles an hour when she felt a wet nose nudge her elbow.
She immediately slowed down.
The wet nose belonged to Boo, Pacanowski's 110-pound Bull Mastiff, warning her that her anxiety levels were rising, a dangerous state given that Pacanowski has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her experiences as a medic in the war.
Boo, who turned 1 in August, has been with Pacanowski, helping her deal with the world since last December.
"Sometimes I forget where I am and will go back to the war in Iraq. He brings me back to reality and makes me realize that I can't run people off the road. It's a frequent thing with PTSD to have road rage," said Pacanowski, who returned to the United States at the end of 2004 and now lives in northeastern Pennsylvania. "He's a comfort. I also know I'm not alone, and people can't just sneak up on me without his knowledge."
Boo is one of a team of "psychiatric service dogs" being used all over the country to help people with various mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and, perhaps most notably, PTSD.
read more here
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100244515
Iraq, Afghan Vet Drug Problems Could Surpass Those of Vietnam Era
Iraq, Afghan Vet Drug Problems Could Surpass Those of Vietnam Era
Published August 31st, 2009
A report from the recent Wounds of War Conference at Columbia University focused on the issue of Veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with a host of issues, including drug and alcohol abuse and untreated PTSD. Experts projected that drug problems for young Veterans will exceed those of the Vietnam era.
Today's soldiers have spent more time deployed in combat than their Vietnam era counterparts, according to experts at the conference, which is contributing to more soldiers suffering from PTSD. The drugs on which service men and women become dependent are frequently pharmaceutical painkillers issued to them for combat injuries. They often do not realize how reliant they have become on the drugs to help them cope with the anxiety of their war experiences until they return home. Illicit drug and alcohol abuse then often take the place of painkillers and other prescribed drugs
Presenters at the conference addressed the fact that many returning soldiers are just out of their teens, have transitioned from the structure of high school, to the structure of the military, and have witnessed and been a part of extreme acts of violence while deployed. Former soldiers are then are sent home as civilians and left to figure out how to live their lives while coping with the aftereffects of war.
Only a third of returning Veterans seek out help from the VA after leaving the services, and many former soldiers are uncomfortable getting counseling from a government organization. In particular, female Veterans, who report high rates of sexual abuse and rape while in the military report feeling unsafe in VA buildings full of “men in uniforms.”
read more here
http://www.nvfnews.org/news
Published August 31st, 2009
A report from the recent Wounds of War Conference at Columbia University focused on the issue of Veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with a host of issues, including drug and alcohol abuse and untreated PTSD. Experts projected that drug problems for young Veterans will exceed those of the Vietnam era.
Today's soldiers have spent more time deployed in combat than their Vietnam era counterparts, according to experts at the conference, which is contributing to more soldiers suffering from PTSD. The drugs on which service men and women become dependent are frequently pharmaceutical painkillers issued to them for combat injuries. They often do not realize how reliant they have become on the drugs to help them cope with the anxiety of their war experiences until they return home. Illicit drug and alcohol abuse then often take the place of painkillers and other prescribed drugs
Presenters at the conference addressed the fact that many returning soldiers are just out of their teens, have transitioned from the structure of high school, to the structure of the military, and have witnessed and been a part of extreme acts of violence while deployed. Former soldiers are then are sent home as civilians and left to figure out how to live their lives while coping with the aftereffects of war.
Only a third of returning Veterans seek out help from the VA after leaving the services, and many former soldiers are uncomfortable getting counseling from a government organization. In particular, female Veterans, who report high rates of sexual abuse and rape while in the military report feeling unsafe in VA buildings full of “men in uniforms.”
read more here
http://www.nvfnews.org/news
Florida Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion
CORRECTING and REPLACING Florida Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion
Wed Sep 2, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(Business Wire)--
Please replace the correction dated Aug. 27, 2009 with the following corrected
version due to multiple revisions.
The corrected release reads:
FLORIDA VETERAN ELECTED LEADER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
A retired U.S. Navy captain has been elected national commander of the nation`s
largest veterans organization.
Delegates to The American Legion`s 91st National Convention here chose Clarence
Hill of Jacksonville, Fla., to lead the 2.5 million-member organization of
wartime veterans for a one-year term.
The new national commander plans to increase The American Legion`s outreach
efforts using social media networks and other technologies. His goals also
include diversifying The American Legion by recruiting more minorities and
increasing awareness of issues affecting women veterans. While veterans from any
war era will always be welcome in The American Legion, Hill plans to expand
outreach efforts to Vietnam era, post-Vietnam era and current War on Terrorism
veterans.
A native of Martin`s Ferry, Ohio, Hill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in
1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Heserved 19 of the next 24 years on sea
duty and retired in 1996. His afloat service included one frigate, two
destroyers, two cruisers, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12 in Mayport, Fla, and the
Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. He served as officer-in-charge of a PT boat,
commanded the Naval Communications Station United Kingdom in Thurso, Scotland,
for three years, and the guided missile frigate USS MCINERNEY (FFG-8) for two
years, including combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. Ashore, he
earned two masters degrees, one from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey,
Calif., and the other from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
A 27-year Legionnaire, Hill is a Life Member and three-time Post Commander of
American Legion Post 316 in Atlantic Beach, Fla. He is a dual member belonging
to SAL Squadron 316. He attended the National American Legion College in 2000
and was an instructor in 2001. He was department commander for Florida from July
2002 to July 2003, achieving an all-time-high in membership. Hill earned eight
"Gold Brigade Awards" for recruiting 50 or more members of The American Legion
in a single year. He served for three years as the national chairman of The
American Legion National and Homeland Security Commission and belongs to The
American Legion Riders.
Cmdr. Hill took the oath of office along with five other national officers.
Serving as national vice commanders are Eugene A. Schumacher of Aberdeen, S.D.;
James C. Morris of Cardington, Ohio; Dr. Gordon B. Browning of Chestertown, Md.,
Mark A. Avis of Palmer, Mass., and Morris M. Bentley of Grangeville, Idaho.
National Historian James T. Higuera of Arcadia, Calif., National Chaplain John
L. Beaver of Mobile, Ala., and Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Martel of Pierson, Fla.,
were appointed to their positions by Cmdr. Hill following the close of the
national convention.
Florida Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion
Wed Sep 2, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(Business Wire)--
Please replace the correction dated Aug. 27, 2009 with the following corrected
version due to multiple revisions.
The corrected release reads:
FLORIDA VETERAN ELECTED LEADER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
A retired U.S. Navy captain has been elected national commander of the nation`s
largest veterans organization.
Delegates to The American Legion`s 91st National Convention here chose Clarence
Hill of Jacksonville, Fla., to lead the 2.5 million-member organization of
wartime veterans for a one-year term.
The new national commander plans to increase The American Legion`s outreach
efforts using social media networks and other technologies. His goals also
include diversifying The American Legion by recruiting more minorities and
increasing awareness of issues affecting women veterans. While veterans from any
war era will always be welcome in The American Legion, Hill plans to expand
outreach efforts to Vietnam era, post-Vietnam era and current War on Terrorism
veterans.
A native of Martin`s Ferry, Ohio, Hill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in
1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Heserved 19 of the next 24 years on sea
duty and retired in 1996. His afloat service included one frigate, two
destroyers, two cruisers, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12 in Mayport, Fla, and the
Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. He served as officer-in-charge of a PT boat,
commanded the Naval Communications Station United Kingdom in Thurso, Scotland,
for three years, and the guided missile frigate USS MCINERNEY (FFG-8) for two
years, including combat operations during Operation Desert Storm. Ashore, he
earned two masters degrees, one from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey,
Calif., and the other from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
A 27-year Legionnaire, Hill is a Life Member and three-time Post Commander of
American Legion Post 316 in Atlantic Beach, Fla. He is a dual member belonging
to SAL Squadron 316. He attended the National American Legion College in 2000
and was an instructor in 2001. He was department commander for Florida from July
2002 to July 2003, achieving an all-time-high in membership. Hill earned eight
"Gold Brigade Awards" for recruiting 50 or more members of The American Legion
in a single year. He served for three years as the national chairman of The
American Legion National and Homeland Security Commission and belongs to The
American Legion Riders.
Cmdr. Hill took the oath of office along with five other national officers.
Serving as national vice commanders are Eugene A. Schumacher of Aberdeen, S.D.;
James C. Morris of Cardington, Ohio; Dr. Gordon B. Browning of Chestertown, Md.,
Mark A. Avis of Palmer, Mass., and Morris M. Bentley of Grangeville, Idaho.
National Historian James T. Higuera of Arcadia, Calif., National Chaplain John
L. Beaver of Mobile, Ala., and Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Martel of Pierson, Fla.,
were appointed to their positions by Cmdr. Hill following the close of the
national convention.
Florida Veteran Elected Leader of The American Legion
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