Army Withdraws Evangelist Speech Invite
April 23, 2010
Stars and Stripesby Jeff Schogol
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army has disinvited Franklin Graham to speak at the Pentagon on National Prayer Day after a military advocacy group objected because Graham has reportedly described Islam as “evil” and “wicked.”
“I regret that the Army felt it was necessary to rescind their invitation to the National Day of Prayer Task Force to participate in the Pentagon’s special prayer service,” Graham said in a statement on Thursday.
I want to express my strong support for the United States military and all our troops. I will continue to pray that God will give them guidance, wisdom and protection as they serve this great country.”
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Army Withdraws Evangelist Speech Invite
Friday, April 23, 2010
Marine's Murder Conviction Overturned
Marine's Murder Conviction Overturned
It was the only murder conviction the government had gotten in one of the highest-profile criminal cases against U.S. troops to arise out of the war in Iraq. A military appeals court on Thursday overturned the murder conviction of Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III, who led troops charged in the April 2006 murder of an Iraqi in the village of Hamdania. Full Story
It was the only murder conviction the government had gotten in one of the highest-profile criminal cases against U.S. troops to arise out of the war in Iraq. A military appeals court on Thursday overturned the murder conviction of Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III, who led troops charged in the April 2006 murder of an Iraqi in the village of Hamdania. Full Story
Healing Power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for some but pain for others
There needs to be something said right here and right now. While it's true there is great healing for most at the Wall, there is also another part of this story. There are some veterans unprepared for the power of the Wall. There are some that find their PTSD awakened because of a journey to this magnificent expression of their grief and loss.
I've had a few over the years stunned by thinking they came home ok from Vietnam only to find that once they stand in front of the Wall, they walk away in pain. Pain that had been sleeping inside of them since the 60's or 70's, fully taking control over their lives after. For them, seeing the Wall is their secondary stressor.
If you know a Vietnam veteran, do not push them to go to see the Wall. Take them to see some of the traveling walls touring the country. Make sure you stay by their side and are there, ready to listen if they need to talk. If they react badly, it's not a good idea to take them to Washington. If they seem fine with the traveling wall or say they feel better after seeing it, then they are ready for the monument in Washington. Again, stay by their side and be ready for what they need from you.
The majority find it healing and that is very true but we cannot dismiss that for some it's more painful than they were prepared for.
I've had a few over the years stunned by thinking they came home ok from Vietnam only to find that once they stand in front of the Wall, they walk away in pain. Pain that had been sleeping inside of them since the 60's or 70's, fully taking control over their lives after. For them, seeing the Wall is their secondary stressor.
If you know a Vietnam veteran, do not push them to go to see the Wall. Take them to see some of the traveling walls touring the country. Make sure you stay by their side and are there, ready to listen if they need to talk. If they react badly, it's not a good idea to take them to Washington. If they seem fine with the traveling wall or say they feel better after seeing it, then they are ready for the monument in Washington. Again, stay by their side and be ready for what they need from you.
The majority find it healing and that is very true but we cannot dismiss that for some it's more painful than they were prepared for.
The Healing Power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
New research finds visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial helps vets suffering from PTSD. But a single visit isn’t enough.
April 23, 2010
By Tom Jacobs
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., occupies a “remarkable place in America’s collective heart,” as Colin Powell noted during a 2007 ceremony marking its 25th anniversary. But does visiting the famous wall, in which the names of the more than 58,000 American casualties are etched in highly polished black granite, help psychologically wounded survivors cope with their loss?
A newly published study suggests it does, although multiple visits are apparently required for the positive effect to take hold. The paper, in the journal Environment and Behavior, looks at the way veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder respond to the memorial’s various design features, which combine to facilitate the process of mourning.
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Healing Power of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
American Legion Post 293 gives a night out to wounded warriors
Thanking those who serve
Post 293 gives a night out to wounded warriors
Friday, April 23, 2010
By SARA K. TAYLOR
Staff writer
For members of American Legion Edwin Adams Post 293 in Waldorf, giving back is a way of life.
So when the National American Legion Headquarters, the largest veterans organization in the country, introduced a wounded warrior program designed to support injured servicemen and women returning stateside, Legion members were all for it.
Every few months the post calls on Joey Stretch, a White Plains limousine service, to head to Washington, D.C., to pick up recuperating soldiers and their spouses for a dinner at the Legion.
The ride to Waldorf is escorted by the Legion Riders, motorcyclists who are Legion members, who are devoted to various charity ventures.
For Ken Lake, 30-year Legion member and its vice commander, organizing the night out is just a way of saying "thanks" to those who serve in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We're just trying to do our part," said Lake, a Vietnam veteran. "When I got back from Vietnam, nobody treated me like this."
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Post 293 gives a night out to wounded warriors
Post 293 gives a night out to wounded warriors
Friday, April 23, 2010
By SARA K. TAYLOR
Staff writer
For members of American Legion Edwin Adams Post 293 in Waldorf, giving back is a way of life.
So when the National American Legion Headquarters, the largest veterans organization in the country, introduced a wounded warrior program designed to support injured servicemen and women returning stateside, Legion members were all for it.
Every few months the post calls on Joey Stretch, a White Plains limousine service, to head to Washington, D.C., to pick up recuperating soldiers and their spouses for a dinner at the Legion.
The ride to Waldorf is escorted by the Legion Riders, motorcyclists who are Legion members, who are devoted to various charity ventures.
For Ken Lake, 30-year Legion member and its vice commander, organizing the night out is just a way of saying "thanks" to those who serve in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"We're just trying to do our part," said Lake, a Vietnam veteran. "When I got back from Vietnam, nobody treated me like this."
read more here
Post 293 gives a night out to wounded warriors
Two teenagers arrested for killing Vietnam Vet
2 Arrested In Vietnam Vet's Murder At Carryout
Apr 23, 2010 10:35 am US/Eastern
Many Shocked By Carryout Murder Of 72-Year-Old Man(4/9/2010)
Man Killed In Carryout Shooting(4/9/2010)
Reporting
Kelly McPherson BALTIMORE (WJZ)
Police make two arrests in the shocking murder of an elderly Vietnam veteran gunned down in a robbery at a carryout.
CBS
Two teenagers are behind bars, accused of gunning down a Vietnam veteran in a robbery at a local carryout.
Kelly McPherson reports police announced two arrests in the crime Thursday evening and credit community outrage in helping to lead to the arrests.
Charles Bowman, 72, was not only a Vietnam veteran but also a security guard at a local paper.
His murder rocked the community more than any other murder, so much so that the police say his reputation is what motivated the public to come forward to help identify witnesses and ultimately two suspects.
"There's a lot of very upset people that this 72-year-old man, who everyone liked, on his way to work was senselessly murdered. So I think in this case, the victim's reputation helped," said Maj. Terrence McLarney, Homicide Division.
read more here
http://wjz.com/local/carryout.shooting.man.2.1650998.html
Apr 23, 2010 10:35 am US/Eastern
Many Shocked By Carryout Murder Of 72-Year-Old Man(4/9/2010)
Man Killed In Carryout Shooting(4/9/2010)
Reporting
Kelly McPherson BALTIMORE (WJZ)
Police make two arrests in the shocking murder of an elderly Vietnam veteran gunned down in a robbery at a carryout.
CBS
Two teenagers are behind bars, accused of gunning down a Vietnam veteran in a robbery at a local carryout.
Kelly McPherson reports police announced two arrests in the crime Thursday evening and credit community outrage in helping to lead to the arrests.
Charles Bowman, 72, was not only a Vietnam veteran but also a security guard at a local paper.
His murder rocked the community more than any other murder, so much so that the police say his reputation is what motivated the public to come forward to help identify witnesses and ultimately two suspects.
"There's a lot of very upset people that this 72-year-old man, who everyone liked, on his way to work was senselessly murdered. So I think in this case, the victim's reputation helped," said Maj. Terrence McLarney, Homicide Division.
read more here
http://wjz.com/local/carryout.shooting.man.2.1650998.html
Fort Campbell tries to stop soldier suicides
Fort Campbell tries to stop soldier suicides
BY: KRISTIN M. HALL, The Associated Press Writer Thursday, April 22, 2010
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) — Thousands of soldiers, their bald eagle shoulder patches lined up row upon row across the grassy field, stood at rigid attention to hear a stern message from their commander.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend addressed the 101st Airborne Division with military brusqueness: Suicides at the post had spiked after soldiers started returning home from war, and this was unacceptable.
"It's bad for soldiers, it's bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our Army and our country and it's got to stop now," he insisted. "Suicides on Fort Campbell have to stop now."
It sounded like a typical, military response to a complicated and tragic situation. Authorities believe that 21 soldiers from Fort Campbell killed themselves in 2009, the same year that the Army reported 160 potential suicides, the most since 1980, when it started recording those deaths.
But Townsend's martial response is not the only one. Behind the scenes, there has been a concerted effort at Fort Campbell over the past year to change the hard-charging military mindset to show no weakness, complete the mission.
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Fort Campbell tries to stop soldier suicides
BY: KRISTIN M. HALL, The Associated Press Writer Thursday, April 22, 2010
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) — Thousands of soldiers, their bald eagle shoulder patches lined up row upon row across the grassy field, stood at rigid attention to hear a stern message from their commander.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend addressed the 101st Airborne Division with military brusqueness: Suicides at the post had spiked after soldiers started returning home from war, and this was unacceptable.
"It's bad for soldiers, it's bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our Army and our country and it's got to stop now," he insisted. "Suicides on Fort Campbell have to stop now."
It sounded like a typical, military response to a complicated and tragic situation. Authorities believe that 21 soldiers from Fort Campbell killed themselves in 2009, the same year that the Army reported 160 potential suicides, the most since 1980, when it started recording those deaths.
But Townsend's martial response is not the only one. Behind the scenes, there has been a concerted effort at Fort Campbell over the past year to change the hard-charging military mindset to show no weakness, complete the mission.
Adam wrote a note telling his dad, "Sorry to be a disappointment." Then he shot himself inside a bathroom stall with his rifle.
Spc. Adam Kuligowski's problems began because he couldn't sleep.
Last year, the 21-year-old soldier was working six days a week, analyzing intelligence that the military gathered while he was serving in Afghanistan. He was gifted at his job and loved being a part of the 101st Airborne Division, just like his father and his great uncle.
But Adam was tired and often late for work. His eyes were glassy and he was falling asleep while on duty. His room was messy and his uniform was dirty.
His father, Mike Kuligowski, attributes his son's sleeplessness and depression to an anti-malarial medication called mefloquine that was found in his system. In rare cases, it can cause psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, depression, hallucination and psychotic behavior.
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Fort Campbell tries to stop soldier suicides
Fort Carson soldier died of gunshot wound, brother says
Fort Carson soldier died of gunshot wound, brother says
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE
A 28-year-old Fort Carson soldier who became his unit's first casualty after its recent deployment to Iraq died of a gunshot wound, the Army told family members without providing specifics.
Pfc. Charlie Antonio, of Kahului, Hawaii, was reportedly found dead Sunday on his post in southern Iraq. The Defense Department said Antonio died in a “non-combat related incident.”
“They’re still in the process of investigating,” said Marlon Antonio of Kahului, who spoke with Army casualty officers Monday.
Antonio served in the 4th Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, which deployed to southern Iraq in March. Its mission is to help train Iraqi security forces in preparation for the eventual U.S. withdrawal.
Marlon Antonio described his brother as a “good and kind” man who worked two hotel jobs in Maui before joining the Army a year ago.
read more here
http://www.gazette.com/articles/soldier-97577-fort-carson.html
LANCE BENZEL
THE GAZETTE
A 28-year-old Fort Carson soldier who became his unit's first casualty after its recent deployment to Iraq died of a gunshot wound, the Army told family members without providing specifics.
Pfc. Charlie Antonio, of Kahului, Hawaii, was reportedly found dead Sunday on his post in southern Iraq. The Defense Department said Antonio died in a “non-combat related incident.”
“They’re still in the process of investigating,” said Marlon Antonio of Kahului, who spoke with Army casualty officers Monday.
Antonio served in the 4th Infantry Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, which deployed to southern Iraq in March. Its mission is to help train Iraqi security forces in preparation for the eventual U.S. withdrawal.
Marlon Antonio described his brother as a “good and kind” man who worked two hotel jobs in Maui before joining the Army a year ago.
read more here
http://www.gazette.com/articles/soldier-97577-fort-carson.html
PTSD On Trial:Judge to rule on whether psychiatrist can testify
Judge to rule on whether psychiatrist can testify about capital murder defendant's PTSD
By MARTHA DELLER
mdeller@star-telegram.com
FORT WORTH -- State District Judge Scott Wisch is expected to decide today whether a defense psychologist can testify that Marine Corps veteran Eric Acevedo had post-traumatic stress disorder when he fatally stabbed his former girlfriend two years ago.
Tarrant County prosecutors say that on March 22, 2008, Acevedo, 23, broke into a Saginaw town house he had once shared with Mollieann Worden and fatally stabbed her. Because he broke in, what would have been a murder charge was elevated to capital murder.
Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, so if convicted, Acevedo will automatically be sentenced to life without parole.
Acevedo's attorneys, Jim Lane -- a former Army captain and military lawyer -- and David Richards, do not dispute that Acevedo killed Worden but say that because he was diagnosed with PTSD after returning from his third tour of Iraq in four years, he should not be convicted of capital murder.
Read more: Judge to rule on whether psychiatrist can testify
By MARTHA DELLER
mdeller@star-telegram.com
FORT WORTH -- State District Judge Scott Wisch is expected to decide today whether a defense psychologist can testify that Marine Corps veteran Eric Acevedo had post-traumatic stress disorder when he fatally stabbed his former girlfriend two years ago.
Tarrant County prosecutors say that on March 22, 2008, Acevedo, 23, broke into a Saginaw town house he had once shared with Mollieann Worden and fatally stabbed her. Because he broke in, what would have been a murder charge was elevated to capital murder.
Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, so if convicted, Acevedo will automatically be sentenced to life without parole.
Acevedo's attorneys, Jim Lane -- a former Army captain and military lawyer -- and David Richards, do not dispute that Acevedo killed Worden but say that because he was diagnosed with PTSD after returning from his third tour of Iraq in four years, he should not be convicted of capital murder.
Read more: Judge to rule on whether psychiatrist can testify
National Guard renews suicide prevention campaign
National Guard renews suicide prevention campaign
In response to a rising number of Soldier suicides last year within the Army, the Missouri National Guard is reemphasizing its suicide prevention program.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, Missouri Adjutant General, said no topic is more important.
“Every Guard and family member is equally important and an extremely valuable asset to our organization,” Danner said. “As such, we must take the necessary steps to care for the greatest resource this nation has to offer: our people.”
Danner’s remarks come in the wake of the highest number of suicides within the active duty Army in 28 years. According to the Department of Defense, there were 12 potential suicides among active duty soldiers in January and 14 in February. And there have been two potential suicides among Missouri National Guardsmen in the last six weeks.
With large numbers of National Guard troops being deployed for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Danner’s message to the troops is simple. Help is available.
To that end, soldiers of the Missouri National Guard are participating in suicide prevention and awareness classes. Sgt. 1st Class Robert Meyers recently presented the course to Soldiers of the 1038th Medium Truck Company at Jefferson Barracks.
“The message I want these soldiers to get is that we must help each other,” Meyers said. “Soldier suicide hits pretty close to home and we’ve got be able to look for identifying factors and get these Soldiers some help.”
read more here
National Guard renews suicide prevention campaign
In response to a rising number of Soldier suicides last year within the Army, the Missouri National Guard is reemphasizing its suicide prevention program.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, Missouri Adjutant General, said no topic is more important.
“Every Guard and family member is equally important and an extremely valuable asset to our organization,” Danner said. “As such, we must take the necessary steps to care for the greatest resource this nation has to offer: our people.”
Danner’s remarks come in the wake of the highest number of suicides within the active duty Army in 28 years. According to the Department of Defense, there were 12 potential suicides among active duty soldiers in January and 14 in February. And there have been two potential suicides among Missouri National Guardsmen in the last six weeks.
With large numbers of National Guard troops being deployed for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Danner’s message to the troops is simple. Help is available.
To that end, soldiers of the Missouri National Guard are participating in suicide prevention and awareness classes. Sgt. 1st Class Robert Meyers recently presented the course to Soldiers of the 1038th Medium Truck Company at Jefferson Barracks.
“The message I want these soldiers to get is that we must help each other,” Meyers said. “Soldier suicide hits pretty close to home and we’ve got be able to look for identifying factors and get these Soldiers some help.”
read more here
National Guard renews suicide prevention campaign
War will change your soul
Eventually no matter who you are, war will affect you. War will change your soul.
A US medic's tale of traumatic war stress treatment
BBC News
Specialist William B Allen is a US Army combat medic who served two tours in Iraq, spending 27 months there. He recently completed a three-week treatment programme for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at the Warrior Combat Stress Reset Center at Fort Hood, the largest US military base in the world.
Being a combat medic, we're on 24 hours a day. We had mass casualty events, female suicide bombers blowing up hospitals three times in a row. We'd be the ones to respond to that. I was always responding to these IED (improvised explosive device) blasts. I was blown up several times.
When you're back in America you never stop being hyper-vigilant. Insomnia set in for about four months. I was going bananas, I was going crazy.
I started drinking, substance abuse, I had suicidal ideas, even acted on those. I was tired of having the nightmares, I wanted to go see my dead friends.
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