Saturday, May 28, 2011
Orlando Navy Exchange 65th Anniversary
It was a great event at the Navy Exchange for their 65th year. Great way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. Great music, food and employees of the Navy Exchange! Wonderful job.
Iraq war vet was shot 70 times in home by SWAT captured on tape
Dramatic footage shows moment Iraq war vet was shot 70 times in home... as report reveals he did NOT open fire on SWAT team
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 6:19 PM on 27th May 2011
A U.S. Marine who was killed when he was gunned down in his home near Tucson, Arizona, never fired on the SWAT team that stormed his house firing 70 times in a hail of bullets, a report has revealed.
The revelation came as dramatic footage of the shooting was released, showing the armed team pounding down the door of Jose Guerena's home and opening fire.
Read more: Dramatic footage shows moment Iraq war vet was shot
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 6:19 PM on 27th May 2011
A U.S. Marine who was killed when he was gunned down in his home near Tucson, Arizona, never fired on the SWAT team that stormed his house firing 70 times in a hail of bullets, a report has revealed.
The revelation came as dramatic footage of the shooting was released, showing the armed team pounding down the door of Jose Guerena's home and opening fire.
Read more: Dramatic footage shows moment Iraq war vet was shot
Friday, May 27, 2011
Military has spent $32 billion on abandoned programs
Army report: Military has spent $32 billion since ’95 on abandoned weapons programs
By Marjorie Censer, Friday, May 27, 11:00 AM
The Army’s Comanche helicopter was envisioned as “the quarterback of the digital battlefield,” a technologically superior aircraft that could hide from enemies, operate at night and in bad weather, and travel farther than any other helicopter.
Gen. Richard Cody, a former vice chief of staff of the Army, called it the “most flexible, most agile” aircraft the country had ever produced.
read more here
Military has spent $32 billion
Linked from Stars and Stripes
By Marjorie Censer, Friday, May 27, 11:00 AM
The Army’s Comanche helicopter was envisioned as “the quarterback of the digital battlefield,” a technologically superior aircraft that could hide from enemies, operate at night and in bad weather, and travel farther than any other helicopter.
Gen. Richard Cody, a former vice chief of staff of the Army, called it the “most flexible, most agile” aircraft the country had ever produced.
read more here
Military has spent $32 billion
Linked from Stars and Stripes
180 troops will share in a settlement of more than $22 million
Banks settle for $22M in SCRA foreclosures case
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 26, 2011 17:57:49 EDT
About 180 troops will share in a settlement of more than $22 million that was reached with two lenders who allegedly wrongfully foreclosed on the service members’ homes without obtaining court orders, in violation of the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act, the Justice Department announced May 26.
“This will send a strong message to lenders and servicers that they will be held accountable” for protecting service members’ rights, said Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Troops “have our backs and they need to know we have theirs,” Perez said.
BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, previously known as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, will pay $20 million. That’s an average of $125,000 for each of the approximately 160 service members who lost their homes to foreclosure between January 2006 and May 2009, Perez said. The consent order was filed in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California in Los Angeles on May 26.
In the second settlement, Saxon Mortgage Services will pay $2.35 million, an average of $130,555 to each of 17 service members allegedly foreclosed on between January 2006 and June 2009 without court orders.
read more here
Banks settle for $22M in SCRA foreclosures case
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 26, 2011 17:57:49 EDT
About 180 troops will share in a settlement of more than $22 million that was reached with two lenders who allegedly wrongfully foreclosed on the service members’ homes without obtaining court orders, in violation of the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act, the Justice Department announced May 26.
“This will send a strong message to lenders and servicers that they will be held accountable” for protecting service members’ rights, said Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Troops “have our backs and they need to know we have theirs,” Perez said.
BAC Home Loans Servicing LP, previously known as Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation, will pay $20 million. That’s an average of $125,000 for each of the approximately 160 service members who lost their homes to foreclosure between January 2006 and May 2009, Perez said. The consent order was filed in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California in Los Angeles on May 26.
In the second settlement, Saxon Mortgage Services will pay $2.35 million, an average of $130,555 to each of 17 service members allegedly foreclosed on between January 2006 and June 2009 without court orders.
read more here
Banks settle for $22M in SCRA foreclosures case
Gov. Rick Scott cut $12 million from homeless veterans
He made promises to rich people that he would take care of them but when it came to our veterans after they were promised this nation would care about them, he forgot all about them. Did he think about them at all? No, I doubt it. If they had money, he'd be right there behind them.
Read more: BY BILL KACZOR
ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Rick Scott signed a $69.1 billion state budget Thursday, but before doing that he vetoed a record $615 million in spending, including money for environmental land purchases, college and university buildings, homeless veterans, public broadcasting and local projects ranging from health care to rowing.
The new Republican governor vetoed more than 150 line items after the GOP-controlled Legislature already had chopped nearly $4 billion in spending.
The austere spending plan is expected to result in layoffs for hundreds if not thousands of public employees, including teachers. A new retirement provision also will effectively cut the pay of those who still have jobs.
Scott went to The Villages, a central Florida retirement community that's a GOP and tea party stronghold, to sign the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 rather than do it in Tallahassee, home to thousands of public employees.
Sumter County sheriff's deputies escorted about two dozen protesters, some holding signs saying "Pink Slip Rick," from the town square. That's where Scott, a former hospital chain CEO, spoke to about 200 supporters at what one GOP staffer called a private event.
Read more: Scott budget
Scott also vetoed $12 million for a homeless veterans program in Brevard County pushed by Haridopolos, a Brevard resident.Scott signs new Fla. budget but vetoes $615M first
Scott spoke standing in front of a sign saying "Promises Made, Promises Kept."
Read more: BY BILL KACZOR
ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Rick Scott signed a $69.1 billion state budget Thursday, but before doing that he vetoed a record $615 million in spending, including money for environmental land purchases, college and university buildings, homeless veterans, public broadcasting and local projects ranging from health care to rowing.
The new Republican governor vetoed more than 150 line items after the GOP-controlled Legislature already had chopped nearly $4 billion in spending.
The austere spending plan is expected to result in layoffs for hundreds if not thousands of public employees, including teachers. A new retirement provision also will effectively cut the pay of those who still have jobs.
Scott went to The Villages, a central Florida retirement community that's a GOP and tea party stronghold, to sign the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 rather than do it in Tallahassee, home to thousands of public employees.
Sumter County sheriff's deputies escorted about two dozen protesters, some holding signs saying "Pink Slip Rick," from the town square. That's where Scott, a former hospital chain CEO, spoke to about 200 supporters at what one GOP staffer called a private event.
Read more: Scott budget
Marine Anthony Adams killed because someone wanted his car
U.S. Marine shot, killed in Greenville-area attempted robbery and carjacking
Friday, May 27, 2011
MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
A US Marine was gunned down in the Greenville section of Jersey City early yesterday and authorities have launched a manhunt to find his killer.
Anthony Adams, 23, of Yale Avenue in Jersey City, was shot during an attempted robbery and carjacking at Bidwell Avenue near Martin Luther King Drive, Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said.
Adams was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m., DeFazio said.
The prosecutor said there were numerous witnesses to the shooting and it appears Adams was still seated in his 2002 Ford Explorer when he was shot.
read more here
U.S. Marine shot, killed
Friday, May 27, 2011
MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
A US Marine was gunned down in the Greenville section of Jersey City early yesterday and authorities have launched a manhunt to find his killer.
Anthony Adams, 23, of Yale Avenue in Jersey City, was shot during an attempted robbery and carjacking at Bidwell Avenue near Martin Luther King Drive, Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said.
Adams was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m., DeFazio said.
The prosecutor said there were numerous witnesses to the shooting and it appears Adams was still seated in his 2002 Ford Explorer when he was shot.
read more here
U.S. Marine shot, killed
MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE from Sec. Shinseki
A MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE
FROM SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ERIC K. SHINSEKI
(May 30, 2011) Today, we pay homage to those who placed themselves on
the Altar of Freedom for love of country. Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, and respect-for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to the Nation.
On the last Monday of May each year, we observe moments of silence and moments of tribute to acknowledge the sacrifices by these brave few for principles greater than self. In answering their calls to duty-at Tarawa and Normandy, Seoul and Chosin, the Ia Drang and Khe Sanh, and at Baghdad and Mosul, the Shahe' Kot, Korengal, and Marja, or any of a host of other crossroads of conflict-these American men and women stood their ground, held back the dark forces of oppression and destruction, and advanced our founding principles, ideals, beliefs, and values about the right of self-determination. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.
Many lie in final rest in our national cemeteries. Whether at Gettysburg, one of our country's first national cemeteries, or at Washington Crossing, our most recent dedication, each VA national cemetery is a sacred place of honor befitting the great deeds and sacrifices of the Fallen.
More than 3.7 million Americans-Veterans of every war and conflict, from our Revolution to the Global War on Terror-have been laid to rest in these hallowed shrines. The quiet serenity, pristine nature, and strict adherence to time-honored Service traditions make our cemeteries the
healing places where families and friends can remember and honor those who gave, in President Lincoln's words, "the last full measure of devotion."
This Memorial Day, a Nation at war prays for peace and the safe return of our sons and daughters, even as it exacts justice from those who trampled our most cherished principles. Now, as then, in addition to our prayers for peace, we pray for the families of the Fallen. And we
pray for the Almighty's continued blessings on this great and wonderful country of ours.
Sexual assaults and domestic violence at Fort Hood prompts "stand-down"
Violence increase at Ft Hood prompts 'stand down day'
By: Chie Saito
Fort Hood Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell declared Thursday Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Stand Down Day. It was a day intended to help eliminate what the Army called "an enemy within their ranks."
Soldiers with Fort Hood’s Headquarter Support Company, III Corps, filled the Old Post Chapel Thursday as part of the post-wide event. Lt. Gen. Campbell ordered the stand down after concerns over a recent increase in the number of reported sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
According to Fort Hood officials, during the week of April 10th-16th there were 11 cases of domestic violence and two reported cases of sexual assault. From May 8th-14th, there were 10 reported cases of domestic violence and three cases of sexual assault.
During the event, soldiers completed classes that taught specific warning signs to look out for in fellow soldiers and intervention techniques to prevent sexual assault.
"After this training, I will be more engaged to watch people to make sure that if something dramatically has changed to where they're acting differently in a situation, I'll be there for them, ask questions and be more involved," Sfc Thomas Ribas said.
According to Army statistics for the 2009 fiscal year, sexual assaults comprised 67 percent of violence in the Army. Fifty-nine percent of those cases involved a soldier being assaulted by a fellow soldier.
read more here
Violence increase at Ft Hood prompts 'stand down day'
By: Chie Saito
Fort Hood Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell declared Thursday Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Stand Down Day. It was a day intended to help eliminate what the Army called "an enemy within their ranks."
Soldiers with Fort Hood’s Headquarter Support Company, III Corps, filled the Old Post Chapel Thursday as part of the post-wide event. Lt. Gen. Campbell ordered the stand down after concerns over a recent increase in the number of reported sexual assault and domestic violence cases.
According to Fort Hood officials, during the week of April 10th-16th there were 11 cases of domestic violence and two reported cases of sexual assault. From May 8th-14th, there were 10 reported cases of domestic violence and three cases of sexual assault.
During the event, soldiers completed classes that taught specific warning signs to look out for in fellow soldiers and intervention techniques to prevent sexual assault.
"After this training, I will be more engaged to watch people to make sure that if something dramatically has changed to where they're acting differently in a situation, I'll be there for them, ask questions and be more involved," Sfc Thomas Ribas said.
According to Army statistics for the 2009 fiscal year, sexual assaults comprised 67 percent of violence in the Army. Fifty-nine percent of those cases involved a soldier being assaulted by a fellow soldier.
read more here
Violence increase at Ft Hood prompts 'stand down day'
Vietnam Vet's example of overcoming PTSD and attitudes
Vietnam vet from Chandler to give Memorial Day speech
Legion leader has privately recalled lost buddies, now he's front, center
by Edythe Jensen - May. 27, 2011 08:05 AM
The Arizona Republic
In the 43 years since he returned from combat in Vietnam, Chandler veteran Damon Cecil has avoided Memorial Day ceremonies, preferring to privately remember his Army buddies killed in conflict during the late 1960s.
On Monday as the commander of Chandler American Legion Post 35, Cecil, 64, will deliver his first public Memorial Day speech at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road. It comes after years of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and struggles with the negative way returning soldiers were greeted after an unpopular war.
"It is a pretty personal day for me. I have the memories of guys I flew with in Vietnam, their names, their wives' names. I wasn't sociable on Memorial Day," he said.
Cecil and hundreds of others will stand before the graves of 4,240 veterans for an annual ceremony that has been part of Chandler for 30 years. It starts at 9 a.m. with about 20 American Legion motorcycle riders carrying flags into the cemetery from Chandler Heights Road. Participants will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" before a trumpet plays "Taps" followed by a 21-gun salute.
A decorated helicopter pilot, Cecil said he and other Vietnam vets weren't welcome by the American Legion when they returned from combat. He tells how he walked into a South Gate, Calif., Legion hall in 1971 wearing his uniform. An older member "asked me how come we're losing the war over there; are we smoking too much dope or what? I didn't want to hit the guy so I just finished my beer and left."
read more here
Vietnam vet from Chandler to give Memorial Day speech
Legion leader has privately recalled lost buddies, now he's front, center
by Edythe Jensen - May. 27, 2011 08:05 AM
The Arizona Republic
Photo courtesy Damon Cecil
Chandler resident Damon Cecil was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969. The photo was taken after one of his missions.
In the 43 years since he returned from combat in Vietnam, Chandler veteran Damon Cecil has avoided Memorial Day ceremonies, preferring to privately remember his Army buddies killed in conflict during the late 1960s.
On Monday as the commander of Chandler American Legion Post 35, Cecil, 64, will deliver his first public Memorial Day speech at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road. It comes after years of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and struggles with the negative way returning soldiers were greeted after an unpopular war.
"It is a pretty personal day for me. I have the memories of guys I flew with in Vietnam, their names, their wives' names. I wasn't sociable on Memorial Day," he said.
Cecil and hundreds of others will stand before the graves of 4,240 veterans for an annual ceremony that has been part of Chandler for 30 years. It starts at 9 a.m. with about 20 American Legion motorcycle riders carrying flags into the cemetery from Chandler Heights Road. Participants will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" before a trumpet plays "Taps" followed by a 21-gun salute.
A decorated helicopter pilot, Cecil said he and other Vietnam vets weren't welcome by the American Legion when they returned from combat. He tells how he walked into a South Gate, Calif., Legion hall in 1971 wearing his uniform. An older member "asked me how come we're losing the war over there; are we smoking too much dope or what? I didn't want to hit the guy so I just finished my beer and left."
read more here
Vietnam vet from Chandler to give Memorial Day speech
Marine Cpl. Jared Moore Killed in Motorcycle Accident
Marine Cpl. Jared Moore Killed in Motorcycle Accident
The Camp Pendleton Marine was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and was thrown from it, medical examiner's office says.
By Jared Morgan
May 26, 2011
A 21-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine identified as Cpl. Jared Moore of Lake County, Illinois was killed in a motorcycle accident at approximately 2:50 a.m. Saturday, 1st Marine Division spokesman 1st Lt. Joshua Benson told Camp Pendleton Patch.
read more here
Marine Cpl. Jared Moore Killed in Motorcycle Accident
The Camp Pendleton Marine was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and was thrown from it, medical examiner's office says.
By Jared Morgan
May 26, 2011
A 21-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine identified as Cpl. Jared Moore of Lake County, Illinois was killed in a motorcycle accident at approximately 2:50 a.m. Saturday, 1st Marine Division spokesman 1st Lt. Joshua Benson told Camp Pendleton Patch.
read more here
Marine Cpl. Jared Moore Killed in Motorcycle Accident
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