March 28, 2010
Cobras complicate firefight
Firefighters in Volusia County got an unpleasant surprise arriving at a Holly Hill blaze: cobras.
read more here
http://blogs.tampabay.com/bizarre/2010/03/cobras-complicate-firefight.html
Monday, March 29, 2010
Murder-suicide shakes Glenwood neighbors, family
Murder-suicide shakes Glenwood neighbors, family
By MARK I. JOHNSON, STAFF WRITER
March 29, 2010 12:05 AM
Neighbors and family members remain perplexed Sunday about a murder/suicide in a quiet neighborhood west of DeLand.
Volusia County sheriff's investigators on Sunday released the names of the shooter and his 42-year-old victim -- the daughter of an ex-girlfriend -- in the shooting on Carr Street in the Glenwood community, but have not said why it occurred, according to sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught.
What they do know is Richard Danao, 57, of Grand Avenue went to the home of Sarah Hille, shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.
Hille's mother, Barbara Jane Price, 70, and the victim's 5-month-old daughter were in the residence at the time of the shooting, but neither was injured.
read more here
Murder suicide shakes Glenwood neighbors, family
By MARK I. JOHNSON, STAFF WRITER
March 29, 2010 12:05 AM
Neighbors and family members remain perplexed Sunday about a murder/suicide in a quiet neighborhood west of DeLand.
Volusia County sheriff's investigators on Sunday released the names of the shooter and his 42-year-old victim -- the daughter of an ex-girlfriend -- in the shooting on Carr Street in the Glenwood community, but have not said why it occurred, according to sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught.
What they do know is Richard Danao, 57, of Grand Avenue went to the home of Sarah Hille, shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday.
Hille's mother, Barbara Jane Price, 70, and the victim's 5-month-old daughter were in the residence at the time of the shooting, but neither was injured.
read more here
Murder suicide shakes Glenwood neighbors, family
CREW and Vote Vets files complaint against Sean Hannity over Freedom Concerts
Watchdog files complaint against ‘deceptive and illegal’ Hannity concerts
By David Edwards
Monday, March 29th, 2010 -- 1:28 pm
Allegations about a charity connected to a key Fox News personality have floated across the web for years, but less than two weeks after a conservative blogger took aim, a nonpartisan watchdog group that tends to focus on liberal issues has filed a complaint.
Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington (CREW) and Votevets.org have filed a complaint charging the Sean Hannity's Freedom Concerts with deceptive and illegal marketing practices.
The concerts, hosted by Freedom Alliance, raise funds to provide scholarships and services to disabled veterans and their families. According to an email distributed by CREW, the complaints "allege Lt. Col. North's Freedom Alliance has violated its charitable tax status by engaging in prohibited political activities. In addition, CREW's complaints charge Mr. Hannity's Freedom Concerts has engaged in deceptive and illegal marketing practices by suggesting that all concert ticket sale revenue goes directly to scholarships for children of killed and wounded service members."
By David Edwards
Monday, March 29th, 2010 -- 1:28 pm
Allegations about a charity connected to a key Fox News personality have floated across the web for years, but less than two weeks after a conservative blogger took aim, a nonpartisan watchdog group that tends to focus on liberal issues has filed a complaint.
Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington (CREW) and Votevets.org have filed a complaint charging the Sean Hannity's Freedom Concerts with deceptive and illegal marketing practices.
The concerts, hosted by Freedom Alliance, raise funds to provide scholarships and services to disabled veterans and their families. According to an email distributed by CREW, the complaints "allege Lt. Col. North's Freedom Alliance has violated its charitable tax status by engaging in prohibited political activities. In addition, CREW's complaints charge Mr. Hannity's Freedom Concerts has engaged in deceptive and illegal marketing practices by suggesting that all concert ticket sale revenue goes directly to scholarships for children of killed and wounded service members."
Earlier this month, columnist and blogger Debbie Schlussel claimed that Hannity is profiting from a charity that raises money for severely injured US soldiers and the children of troops killed in action, and she described the Freedom Alliance as "a huge scam."
"Less than 20% -- and in two recent years, less than 7% and 4%, respectively -- of the money raised by Freedom Alliance went to these causes, while millions of dollars went to expenses, including consultants and apparently to ferret [sic] the Hannity posse of family and friends in high style," Schlussel writes.
"And, despite Hannity's statements to the contrary on his nationally syndicated radio show," she continues, "few of the children of fallen soldiers got more than $1,000-$2,000, with apparently none getting more than $6,000, while Freedom Alliance appears to have spent tens of thousands of dollars for private planes."read more here
http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0329/watchdog-group-ftc-complaint-against-hannity-concert/
Fix Broken VA Claims System Now
VCS: Fix Broken VA Claims System Now !
Written by VCS
Saturday, 20 March 2010 00:00
VCS Appears Before "Claims Summit 2010" in Washington
Veterans for Common Sense urges Congress to pass a law and to fund a complete overhaul that would fix VA's broken claims processing system. A key Congressional leader and a top VA official agreed VA was broken and need of an urgent overhaul. Yet some VA leaders remain resistant to improving VA, thereby slowing down urgently needed reforms.
March 20, 2010 - Late last night, I returned from Washington to my home in Austin after attending Thursday’s “Claims Summit 2010: A Call for Solutions,” organized by Chairman Bob Filner. After 18 years working on veteran-related issues, this was a very exciting advocacy effort. VCS hopes that Congress and new VA leaders will work closely together and fix VA's failed claims processing system. VCS offered our insights based on nearly two decades of fighting to reform VA.
To begin, VCS was pleased to meet several new VA leaders who brought urgently needed fresh air into an old issue. Also attending were more than 40 veteran group leaders, industry executives, plus VA employee union leaders. Six Democratic Members attended, yet no Republican Representatives ever appeared. Ranking Member Steve Buyer was most likely out because his wife is ill and he is not seeking re-election.
read more here
Fix Broken VA Claims System Now
Written by VCS
Saturday, 20 March 2010 00:00
VCS Appears Before "Claims Summit 2010" in Washington
Veterans for Common Sense urges Congress to pass a law and to fund a complete overhaul that would fix VA's broken claims processing system. A key Congressional leader and a top VA official agreed VA was broken and need of an urgent overhaul. Yet some VA leaders remain resistant to improving VA, thereby slowing down urgently needed reforms.
March 20, 2010 - Late last night, I returned from Washington to my home in Austin after attending Thursday’s “Claims Summit 2010: A Call for Solutions,” organized by Chairman Bob Filner. After 18 years working on veteran-related issues, this was a very exciting advocacy effort. VCS hopes that Congress and new VA leaders will work closely together and fix VA's failed claims processing system. VCS offered our insights based on nearly two decades of fighting to reform VA.
To begin, VCS was pleased to meet several new VA leaders who brought urgently needed fresh air into an old issue. Also attending were more than 40 veteran group leaders, industry executives, plus VA employee union leaders. Six Democratic Members attended, yet no Republican Representatives ever appeared. Ranking Member Steve Buyer was most likely out because his wife is ill and he is not seeking re-election.
read more here
Fix Broken VA Claims System Now
Scott Brown joins Taunton POW rally
Scott Brown joins Taunton POW rally
By Ira Kantor
Monday, March 29, 2010
Vowing to keep supporting efforts to retrieve soldiers missing in action since the Vietnam War, Sen. Scott Brown joined more than 100 veterans and town officials at the Vietnam Memorial on Church Green in Taunton yesterday in honor of the city’s annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day.
read more here
Scott Brown joins Taunton POW rally
By Ira Kantor
Monday, March 29, 2010
Vowing to keep supporting efforts to retrieve soldiers missing in action since the Vietnam War, Sen. Scott Brown joined more than 100 veterans and town officials at the Vietnam Memorial on Church Green in Taunton yesterday in honor of the city’s annual POW/MIA Remembrance Day.
read more here
Scott Brown joins Taunton POW rally
Traveling Vietnam Wall plus 1000 flags in Oregon
Traveling Vietnam Wall & 1000 Flag Memorials Will Visit Newport
Salem-News.com
These Memorials are actually sanctuaries.
A real tribute to those who have served in the military will visit the Oregon coast this May.
(SALEM, Ore.) - A place for Hope and Healing for many Veterans, Families and Friends. The 1000 Flags will be on display by 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 26th in Newport Oregon, at the Newport Facilities in South Beach.
Organizers say there will also be a special Flag Presentation at 5:30 p.m. and an Honorable Service Medal presentation at 6:00 p.m. Families with flags being dedicated to a loved one will be escorted by a military member from the USANG and a person from the USCG, Yaquina Bay Station.
Tuesday April 27th there will also be another special Flag presentation at 5:30pm and another scheduled Honorable Service medal Presentation. Families with flags dedicated to a loved one will be escorted by a person from the USANG and a person from the USCG, Yaquina Bay Station.
read more here
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march292010/newport-veterans.php
Salem-News.com
These Memorials are actually sanctuaries.
A real tribute to those who have served in the military will visit the Oregon coast this May.
(SALEM, Ore.) - A place for Hope and Healing for many Veterans, Families and Friends. The 1000 Flags will be on display by 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 26th in Newport Oregon, at the Newport Facilities in South Beach.
Organizers say there will also be a special Flag Presentation at 5:30 p.m. and an Honorable Service Medal presentation at 6:00 p.m. Families with flags being dedicated to a loved one will be escorted by a military member from the USANG and a person from the USCG, Yaquina Bay Station.
Tuesday April 27th there will also be another special Flag presentation at 5:30pm and another scheduled Honorable Service medal Presentation. Families with flags dedicated to a loved one will be escorted by a person from the USANG and a person from the USCG, Yaquina Bay Station.
read more here
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march292010/newport-veterans.php
FBI charges 9 in plot to kill police officers
FBI Charges 9 in Midwest Raids
Devlin Barrett
AP WASHINGTON (March 29) -- Nine suspects tied to a Christian militia in the Midwest are charged with conspiring to kill police officers, then attack a funeral in the hopes of killing more law enforcement personnel, federal prosecutors said Monday.
U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said agents moved on the group because the Hutaree members were planning a violent reconaissance mission sometime in April - just a few days away.
Members of the group called Hutaree are charged in the case, including their leader, David Brian Stone, also known as "Captain Hutaree."
Once other officers gathered for a slain officer's funeral, the group planned to detonate homemade bombs at the funeral, killing more, according to newly unsealed court papers.
According to the indictment, the idea of attacking a police funeral was one of numerous scenarios discussed as ways to go after law enforcement officers. Other scenarios included a fake 911 call to lure an officer to his or her death, or an attack on the family of a police officer.
read more here
FBI Charges 9 in Midwest Raids
Devlin Barrett
AP WASHINGTON (March 29) -- Nine suspects tied to a Christian militia in the Midwest are charged with conspiring to kill police officers, then attack a funeral in the hopes of killing more law enforcement personnel, federal prosecutors said Monday.
U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said agents moved on the group because the Hutaree members were planning a violent reconaissance mission sometime in April - just a few days away.
Members of the group called Hutaree are charged in the case, including their leader, David Brian Stone, also known as "Captain Hutaree."
Once other officers gathered for a slain officer's funeral, the group planned to detonate homemade bombs at the funeral, killing more, according to newly unsealed court papers.
According to the indictment, the idea of attacking a police funeral was one of numerous scenarios discussed as ways to go after law enforcement officers. Other scenarios included a fake 911 call to lure an officer to his or her death, or an attack on the family of a police officer.
read more here
FBI Charges 9 in Midwest Raids
Veterans proud of service but left to feel ashamed after they survived it
It gets to me every time I hear it. They are proud they served but when you think about what happens to too many of them when they survive it because of claims denied or delayed, it's hard to understand why they feel that way. Think of how you'd feel after risking your life for this country and then left with nothing after because your body or your mind paid the price. These veterans have bills to pay. They have families to support. They have all the same needs and demands on them the rest of us face but unlike the rest of us, they put their bodies and their minds and their dedication on the line for the sake of the rest of us. Unlike the rest of us loving this nation enough to lay down their lives for it, cost them their future. We need to get this right once and for all of them.
Native American veterans claim racial discrimination by VA in South Dakota
By Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji)
© 2010 Native Sun News
March 29 2010
There is a credo lamented daily in the waiting rooms of the Veterans Administration Hospitals scattered across America. It goes, "First you apply, then they deny and hope you will die." This has a special meaning to Native American veterans.
For too many Indian veterans it strikes close to the bone. They are so entangled in bureaucratic red tape they are all but suffocating. Many have been reduced to living lives well below the poverty level set by the very government they fought for and nearly died defending.
Several months ago I wrote about one such veteran named Andres Torres, an Oglala Lakota, living in Rapid City. What has happened to this veteran since then?
"I was told to open a new claim called Unemployability which means I have not been able to work since the second operation they performed on me at Fort Meade VA Hospital in 1989. I filed the claim in February and I have not heard from the VA since. As far as I know it is still sitting on somebody's desk in Sioux Falls or Washington, D. C.," Torres said.
Torres said that since I wrote about his plight in 2009 he got a call from Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD) and was told that his office was interested in helping him and other veterans in similar situations.
read more here
Native American veterans claim racial discrimination by VA
Vietnam Vets:We are dying at the rate of 349 a day
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
By KIM LEDOUX
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
March 29, 2010 12:00 AM
NEW BEDFORD — Thanking Vietnam veterans for educating America about how veterans of all eras should be treated was the mission Sunday during a Vietnam Veterans' Recognition Day ceremony held at Fort Taber.
"Vietnam Veterans of America was founded 32 years ago with the vow that never again would one generation of veterans abandon anther generation of veterans," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, recognizing how Vietnam veterans created awareness of the need for quality medical and psychological care for all who have served.
"We took veterans for granted until the latter part of this century when the Vietnam vets stood up and indicated that the men and women serving and their families are owed a debt of gratitude. ... They completely educated the public on what it means to be a veteran."
I am not sure where LeBlanc got his suicide number from but studies over the years have place it between 150,000 and 200,000. Even one is too high just as with today's OEF and OIF veterans.
By KIM LEDOUX
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
March 29, 2010 12:00 AM
NEW BEDFORD — Thanking Vietnam veterans for educating America about how veterans of all eras should be treated was the mission Sunday during a Vietnam Veterans' Recognition Day ceremony held at Fort Taber.
"Vietnam Veterans of America was founded 32 years ago with the vow that never again would one generation of veterans abandon anther generation of veterans," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, recognizing how Vietnam veterans created awareness of the need for quality medical and psychological care for all who have served.
"We took veterans for granted until the latter part of this century when the Vietnam vets stood up and indicated that the men and women serving and their families are owed a debt of gratitude. ... They completely educated the public on what it means to be a veteran."
New Bedford Veterans Agent Donat "Dan" LeBlanc presented statistics showing how Vietnam veterans are dying at a rate higher than other Americans because of physical and psychological trauma that can be traced back to their service.
"Of the 2.7 million veterans who served in country in Vietnam, 800,000 are still alive today. ... We are dying at the rate of 349 a day. Using those statistics, according to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, we will all be gone in five years," LeBlanc said, adding, "I don't plan on leaving in five years."
According to LeBlanc, many of the Vietnam veterans, a total of 130,000, have died relatively young from suicide.
Others have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder or cancers likely brought on by exposure to Agent Orange, a carcinogenic and teratogenic defoliant used by the military.read more here
I am not sure where LeBlanc got his suicide number from but studies over the years have place it between 150,000 and 200,000. Even one is too high just as with today's OEF and OIF veterans.
Sorrow, Pride Expressed by Hundreds at Marine's Funeral
Sorrow, Pride Expressed by Hundreds at Marine's Funeral
Autumn Ziemba Fox 8 Reporter
6:10 PM EST, March 28, 2010
In a stunning tribute Sunday morning, Gunnery Sergeant Robert Gilbert of Richfield was laid to rest.
Thousands of people touched by the 28-year-old fallen marine packed the Revere High School gymnasium to celebrate life and say good-bye.
"I will truly miss him," Sgt. Gilbert's father, Robert Gilbert Sr., told Fox 8 Sunday morning. "But he told me I had to live for the both of us. It's a heck of a task to take on, but it's what I have to do."
"The world has lost a hero," said Sgt. Gilbert's best friend, Amy Tripp. "A part of me died the day he died, and [this service is] the new beginning of learning how to move on and live my life without him in it."
Sunday proved to be a somber day for many, yet one filled with immense pride.
Thousands rose to their feet in applause as Sgt. Gilbert's father was presented the bronze star for his son's heroic action, that ultimately cost him his life.
read more here
Sorrow Pride Expressed by Hundreds at Marine Funeral
Autumn Ziemba Fox 8 Reporter
6:10 PM EST, March 28, 2010
In a stunning tribute Sunday morning, Gunnery Sergeant Robert Gilbert of Richfield was laid to rest.
Thousands of people touched by the 28-year-old fallen marine packed the Revere High School gymnasium to celebrate life and say good-bye.
"I will truly miss him," Sgt. Gilbert's father, Robert Gilbert Sr., told Fox 8 Sunday morning. "But he told me I had to live for the both of us. It's a heck of a task to take on, but it's what I have to do."
"The world has lost a hero," said Sgt. Gilbert's best friend, Amy Tripp. "A part of me died the day he died, and [this service is] the new beginning of learning how to move on and live my life without him in it."
Sunday proved to be a somber day for many, yet one filled with immense pride.
Thousands rose to their feet in applause as Sgt. Gilbert's father was presented the bronze star for his son's heroic action, that ultimately cost him his life.
read more here
Sorrow Pride Expressed by Hundreds at Marine Funeral
Female suicide bombers blamed in Moscow leaving 38 dead
Female suicide bombers blamed in Moscow subway attacks
March 29, 2010 8:54 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Female bombers detonated explosions in Moscow subway stations, officials say
38 people killed, 65 wounded, government ministry reports
First blast occurred near the Kremlin and the nation's intelligence service
Web site associated with Chechen separatists claims responsibility for attacks
Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- Female suicide bombers detonated explosions that rocked two subway stations in central Moscow during rush hour on Monday morning, killing at least 38 people, officials said.
"It was a terrorist act carried out by the female suicide bombers," said Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, citing Russia's intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service. "They were specifically timed -- for ... the train was nearing the station -- to make the most damage.
"The blast was caused by 300 to 400 grams of explosives," he said.
Forensic teams were combing wreckage from the underground blasts for clues.
read more here
Female suicide bombers blamed in Moscow subway attacks
March 29, 2010 8:54 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Female bombers detonated explosions in Moscow subway stations, officials say
38 people killed, 65 wounded, government ministry reports
First blast occurred near the Kremlin and the nation's intelligence service
Web site associated with Chechen separatists claims responsibility for attacks
Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- Female suicide bombers detonated explosions that rocked two subway stations in central Moscow during rush hour on Monday morning, killing at least 38 people, officials said.
"It was a terrorist act carried out by the female suicide bombers," said Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, citing Russia's intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service. "They were specifically timed -- for ... the train was nearing the station -- to make the most damage.
"The blast was caused by 300 to 400 grams of explosives," he said.
Forensic teams were combing wreckage from the underground blasts for clues.
read more here
Female suicide bombers blamed in Moscow subway attacks
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thousands swindled using soldier-in-need ruse
Thousands swindled using soldier-in-need ruse
By Joe Gould - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Mar 28, 2010 12:41:28 EDT
Whoever said all’s fair in love and war never met these Internet hucksters.
Con men impersonating deployed U.S. servicemen are hooking civilian women on dating Web sites and swindling them into spending money on fictitious laptops, international telephones, “leave papers” and plane tickets, said Chris Grey, a spokesman for Army Criminal Investigation Command.
The scheme appears to be a sophisticated twist on the ubiquitous lottery letter scam, but it uniquely exploits the victims’ patriotism and emotions while misrepresenting the Army and soldier-support programs, Grey said.
“These are not soldiers, they are thieves,” he said.
Officials say the phony American soldiers are often in reality African con men who seduce women online by creating profiles on dating and social media sites that appropriate the names, ranks and photos of actual soldiers, typically those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/03/army_romance_scam_032810w/
By Joe Gould - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Mar 28, 2010 12:41:28 EDT
Whoever said all’s fair in love and war never met these Internet hucksters.
Con men impersonating deployed U.S. servicemen are hooking civilian women on dating Web sites and swindling them into spending money on fictitious laptops, international telephones, “leave papers” and plane tickets, said Chris Grey, a spokesman for Army Criminal Investigation Command.
The scheme appears to be a sophisticated twist on the ubiquitous lottery letter scam, but it uniquely exploits the victims’ patriotism and emotions while misrepresenting the Army and soldier-support programs, Grey said.
“These are not soldiers, they are thieves,” he said.
Officials say the phony American soldiers are often in reality African con men who seduce women online by creating profiles on dating and social media sites that appropriate the names, ranks and photos of actual soldiers, typically those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/03/army_romance_scam_032810w/
Overdue thanks for 'Nam vets
JACOBS: Overdue thanks for 'Nam vets
By PAUL JACOBS
For The Californian
Posted: March 28, 2010
A proclamation was made at Tuesday's Temecula City Council meeting recognizing March 30 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." Murrieta Councilmen Rick Gibbs and Doug McAllister were also present to issue a proclamation on behalf of their city.
Although I was never in the military, my dad served two decades in the Air Force. I chose a career in civil service as a health care provider instead.
By PAUL JACOBS
For The Californian
Posted: March 28, 2010
A proclamation was made at Tuesday's Temecula City Council meeting recognizing March 30 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." Murrieta Councilmen Rick Gibbs and Doug McAllister were also present to issue a proclamation on behalf of their city.
Although I was never in the military, my dad served two decades in the Air Force. I chose a career in civil service as a health care provider instead.
The display of humbleness and dedication to duty always leaves me in awe of the men and women who serve the public in quiet dedication. Whether wearing a military, law enforcement or firefighter uniform, all serve to protect the American public.The Law and Order Awards Dinner recognized police officers from Temecula and Murrieta, as well as a Highway Patrol officer and a Border Patrol agent.
Various agencies are invited to participate, but not all answer the call. It seems every year without fail, a surprised recipient modestly and earnestly says, "I was only doing my job."
I have already marked my calendar to fly the flag on Tuesday and every March 30.
Blessed are the peacemakers, but also thank God for peace officers and members of the military who put country first, regardless of political ideologies, personal faith ---- or lack thereof.
read more here
Overdue thanks for Nam vets
Vietnam Vets Ceremony A First For City
Vietnam Vets Ceremony A First For City
By: Ruschell Boone
Some Vietnam veterans got a special welcome home Saturday in honor of Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.
George Raboni was 17 years old when he went to war in Vietnam. When he returned home three years later, Raboni like so many of the veterans who gathered Saturday for a celebration to mark their service, thought he would get a hero's welcome but that was not the case.
There was a lot of turbulence going on in the country," Raboni recalled.
The thank yous were slow to come because the war was unpopular, but on Saturday area veterans were recognized for their service at the Inaugural Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.
"We had pride in ourselves and what we did to serve this country but now it is greatly appreciated that the country has come to recognize the service," Raboni said.
"This is the first day that officially by the city government and state government that they are honoring the Vietnam veterans -- long overdue," Patrick Gualtieri of United War Veterans.
For many, the event at Veteran's Plaza in Downtown Manhattan was bittersweet.
go here for more and video
Vietnam Vets Ceremony A First For City
By: Ruschell Boone
Some Vietnam veterans got a special welcome home Saturday in honor of Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.
George Raboni was 17 years old when he went to war in Vietnam. When he returned home three years later, Raboni like so many of the veterans who gathered Saturday for a celebration to mark their service, thought he would get a hero's welcome but that was not the case.
There was a lot of turbulence going on in the country," Raboni recalled.
The thank yous were slow to come because the war was unpopular, but on Saturday area veterans were recognized for their service at the Inaugural Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.
"We had pride in ourselves and what we did to serve this country but now it is greatly appreciated that the country has come to recognize the service," Raboni said.
"This is the first day that officially by the city government and state government that they are honoring the Vietnam veterans -- long overdue," Patrick Gualtieri of United War Veterans.
For many, the event at Veteran's Plaza in Downtown Manhattan was bittersweet.
"I think we've changed the structure so that people today understand how to separate the war from the warriors and that the veterans coming home, the men and women we see coming out of the military today are hopefully going to get treatments and programs that they need," said Vietnam Veterans of America President John Rowan.
go here for more and video
Vietnam Vets Ceremony A First For City
Veteran Learns to “Face her Demons” with VA PTSD Treatment
Veteran Learns to “Face her Demons” with VA PTSD Treatment
Fri at 5:07am
Michelle Covert had PTSD for 24 years but didn’t know it.
Today, thanks to her treatment at a VA hospital, she is working, happy and determined to be “a voice of hope.”
Michelle was in the Army from 1980 to 1984 and was raped by her drill instructor – the night before she graduated from Advanced Individual Training. Frightened, distraught and confused, she did not report the rape. She went on to a career as a data communications specialist.
Years later, while working at a VA hospital, she was approached, remarkably, by a Veteran receiving treatment for PTSD, who said, “I’ve been watching you. You’ve got what I’ve got.” What he had seen was Michelle breaking into tears and panic attacks when visitors or situations got out of hand.
That, and another severe “meltdown,” convinced her to seek treatment. Under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Chard of the VA, Michelle accepted the fact that her rape – in this case Military Sexual Trauma – was the cause of her life-long struggle with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Once she started receiving treatment, known as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Michelle realized that it was time to “come face to face with my demon.” She was able to finally accept the fact that the sexual abuse she experienced was not her fault.
read more here
Veteran Learns to Face her Demons with VA PTSD Treatment
Fri at 5:07am
Michelle Covert had PTSD for 24 years but didn’t know it.
Today, thanks to her treatment at a VA hospital, she is working, happy and determined to be “a voice of hope.”
Michelle was in the Army from 1980 to 1984 and was raped by her drill instructor – the night before she graduated from Advanced Individual Training. Frightened, distraught and confused, she did not report the rape. She went on to a career as a data communications specialist.
Years later, while working at a VA hospital, she was approached, remarkably, by a Veteran receiving treatment for PTSD, who said, “I’ve been watching you. You’ve got what I’ve got.” What he had seen was Michelle breaking into tears and panic attacks when visitors or situations got out of hand.
That, and another severe “meltdown,” convinced her to seek treatment. Under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Chard of the VA, Michelle accepted the fact that her rape – in this case Military Sexual Trauma – was the cause of her life-long struggle with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Once she started receiving treatment, known as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Michelle realized that it was time to “come face to face with my demon.” She was able to finally accept the fact that the sexual abuse she experienced was not her fault.
read more here
Veteran Learns to Face her Demons with VA PTSD Treatment
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