Military salute outgrows venue, finds new home at Second Baptist
By RUSTY GRAHAM
The Examiner
Barbara Hayley was sitting in the Worship Center at Second Baptist Church on Easter Sunday when divine inspiration struck.
Looking around the modern, cavernous, high-tech sanctuary, she knew she’d found a home for Operation Military Salute, an outgrowth from the Houston West Chamber of Commerce’s annual recognition of the military and veterans.
“I looked up and thought ‘I wonder if the church would let us have it here’,” said Hayley.
Not only did it agree, Hayley said, the church is lending all its resources to the Nov. 4 event.
She hopes to fill the 4,200-seat capacity Worship Center with active-duty military and veterans, their families, Patriot Riders and community.
A joint event between the Houston West chamber and the PTSD Foundation of America, Operation Military Salute will, obviously, salute the military and veterans, but also raise money for the PTSD Foundation, and raise awareness of military members and the sacrifices they and their families make, Hayley said.
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Thursday, September 29, 2011
Three homeless veterans buried with honor
Three homeless veterans buried with honor
by Brian New / KENS 5
SAN ANTONIO - They served their country, yet ended up without a home and without family to be found.
Wednesday, three homeless veterans were buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery -
"We are their family,” said John Rodriguez.
The former Marine and Vietnam War veteran has attended nearly 150 military funerals for homeless men and woman.
He said their service deserves his respect.
read more here
by Brian New / KENS 5
SAN ANTONIO - They served their country, yet ended up without a home and without family to be found.
Wednesday, three homeless veterans were buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery -
Of the nearly fifty veterans in attendance at the burial, none had ever met any of the three, and yet they came.U.S. Air Force veteran Peyton Brown, 51,U.S. Army veteran Craig Burton, 57,U.S. Navy veteran Richard Owen, 71.
"We are their family,” said John Rodriguez.
The former Marine and Vietnam War veteran has attended nearly 150 military funerals for homeless men and woman.
He said their service deserves his respect.
read more here
VA Hospital Aims To Serve New, Younger Vets
VA Hospital Aims To Serve New, Younger Vets
Dorn Medical Center breaks ground on facilities for Afghanistan and Iraq combat veterans
By: ELLEN MEDER
Published: September 28, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. --
The Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center broke ground on new facilities that will serve the changing demographic of veterans returning from war.
In a ceremony in Columbia Wednesday, hospital officials and veterans celebrated the new Freedom Health Center, which will help give combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan outpatient care.
Construction on the 10,000-square foot building will begin Friday. The project will give the hospital staff much needed office space, and more exam rooms for patients who need specialty care, labs and x-rays.
The medical center, as well as its seven satellite facilities through the Upstate and Midlands, aim to screen all returning combat veterans for spinal injuries, hazardous exposure, post traumatic stress disorder and depression.
read more here
Dorn Medical Center breaks ground on facilities for Afghanistan and Iraq combat veterans
By: ELLEN MEDER
Published: September 28, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. --
The Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center broke ground on new facilities that will serve the changing demographic of veterans returning from war.
In a ceremony in Columbia Wednesday, hospital officials and veterans celebrated the new Freedom Health Center, which will help give combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan outpatient care.
Construction on the 10,000-square foot building will begin Friday. The project will give the hospital staff much needed office space, and more exam rooms for patients who need specialty care, labs and x-rays.
The medical center, as well as its seven satellite facilities through the Upstate and Midlands, aim to screen all returning combat veterans for spinal injuries, hazardous exposure, post traumatic stress disorder and depression.
read more here
Army veteran Nicholas Horner's trail delayed again
Ex-soldier's Pa. double-murder trial delayed again
Published 08:20 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2011
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — The death penalty trial of an Iraq war veteran has been delayed by two weeks so a psychiatrist can further study his state of mind when police questioned him about a sandwich shop robbery that led to two fatal shootings.
Jury selection was to begin Oct. 4 in the trial of 31-year-old Army veteran Nicholas Horner, but it will now begin Oct. 18 with testimony starting a week later at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg.
read more here
Original story
Three tour veteran Fellow Soldier Says Shooting Suspect Was In 'Combat Mode'
Solider goes on alleged shooting rampage
Published 08:20 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2011
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — The death penalty trial of an Iraq war veteran has been delayed by two weeks so a psychiatrist can further study his state of mind when police questioned him about a sandwich shop robbery that led to two fatal shootings.
Jury selection was to begin Oct. 4 in the trial of 31-year-old Army veteran Nicholas Horner, but it will now begin Oct. 18 with testimony starting a week later at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg.
read more here
Original story
Three tour veteran Fellow Soldier Says Shooting Suspect Was In 'Combat Mode'
Solider goes on alleged shooting rampage
Medals of America creates ways to support PTSD veterans
Medals of America Releases PTSD Items in Support of Our Veterans Suffering from this Serious Disorder
Medals of America supports returning soldiers and retired veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder through PTSD merchandise, recognizing this disorder.
Fountain Inn, SC (PRWEB) September 27, 2011
Medals of America, the premier source for military medals, military ribbons and more, understands the seriousness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and is doing its part to raise awareness and support this disorder through the release of new PTSD merchandise, including PTSD shirts, challenge coins and military hats. All PTSD items are great for both active and retired military members helping let all of our soldiers know that they are supported.
Close to one-third of all soldiers returning home after war suffer from this disorder. Despite being angry, confused and even suicidal, many of these men and women refuse to seek help—afraid it will be seen as a weakness or stigma. Sometimes, it is only through the aid of friends, family, and military leaders that these individuals pull through and can begin the healing process.
read more here
Medals of America supports returning soldiers and retired veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder through PTSD merchandise, recognizing this disorder.
Medals of America, the premier source for military medals, military ribbons and more, understands the seriousness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and is doing its part to raise awareness and support this disorder through the release of new PTSD merchandise, including PTSD shirts, challenge coins and military hats. All PTSD items are great for both active and retired military members helping let all of our soldiers know that they are supported.
Close to one-third of all soldiers returning home after war suffer from this disorder. Despite being angry, confused and even suicidal, many of these men and women refuse to seek help—afraid it will be seen as a weakness or stigma. Sometimes, it is only through the aid of friends, family, and military leaders that these individuals pull through and can begin the healing process.
read more here
Vietnam Veteran Pays Respects at Soldier’s Funeral
Vietnam Veteran Pays Respects at Soldier’s Funeral
Reported by: Melissa Correa
September 28, 2011
MISSION - Victor Romo never met Staff Sgt. Estevan Altamirano, who was killed in Iraq. That didn't stop him from grieving.
He quietly crept into an Edinburg church. He witnessed true devotion to a son, father, husband and soldier.
“This morning I was thinking we were in the same steps because when I went to Vietnam, I was married. I had a wife,” says Romo.
Romo put himself in the shoes of Altamirano. He felt the grief and pain. With a simple gesture, Romo became connected.
read more here
Reported by: Melissa Correa
September 28, 2011
MISSION - Victor Romo never met Staff Sgt. Estevan Altamirano, who was killed in Iraq. That didn't stop him from grieving.
He quietly crept into an Edinburg church. He witnessed true devotion to a son, father, husband and soldier.
“This morning I was thinking we were in the same steps because when I went to Vietnam, I was married. I had a wife,” says Romo.
Romo put himself in the shoes of Altamirano. He felt the grief and pain. With a simple gesture, Romo became connected.
read more here
Facebook users care about troops sacrifices and love
For those I love I will sacrifice is a post that has me stunned right now.
Sometime yesterday, someone on Facebook managed to do what I have not been able to do in the four years this blog has been up. They sent this post out and the hits kept coming.
Usually I am thrilled with 1,000 hits a day on this blog. Last night the blog was getting that many in an hour.
I have no clue what Facebook user managed to do this but I want to offer my heartfelt appreciation!
Above this post about combat medics in Afghanistan on Forward Operating Base PASAB. One of the photos taken was of a young soldier, Pfc. Kyle Hockenberry, wounded by an IED. What made him stand out from the other outstanding pictures in this Stars and Stripes article was his tattoo. On his right side he has the words, For those I love I will sacrifice.
To me, there could not have been a more clear message. That is exactly what they are like. I've been doing this for almost 30 years now and I can tell you that they are brave beyond measure but they are also more loving than they get credit for. You can't do what they do every day if they did not love so deeply. Imagine being willing to die for the sake of someone else by choice and not by circumstance. That requires love.
Anyway, click the link above and you'll know what else I had to say about this. The blessing went beyond this post. My video documentaries also received more views and these videos are my passion. They are about people the media pretty much ignore. The National Vietnam War Museum is getting more attention. First Church of Christ, the church that took in a homeless Vietnam veteran out of love is getting more attention. Pastor Joel took in Staff Sgt. Andrew Wright and his son managed to find him after searching for all his life for him. He found him while serving in Iraq in the Marines. Homes for Our Troops is getting more attention and the outstanding veterans in the video are being paid attention to.
This act of love out of a Facebook user will end up helping more than they ever dreamed of and much more than I prayed for.
If you are the one who spread the word about this post, please contact me so that I can know who my guardian angel is.
Sometime yesterday, someone on Facebook managed to do what I have not been able to do in the four years this blog has been up. They sent this post out and the hits kept coming.
Usually I am thrilled with 1,000 hits a day on this blog. Last night the blog was getting that many in an hour.
I have no clue what Facebook user managed to do this but I want to offer my heartfelt appreciation!
Above this post about combat medics in Afghanistan on Forward Operating Base PASAB. One of the photos taken was of a young soldier, Pfc. Kyle Hockenberry, wounded by an IED. What made him stand out from the other outstanding pictures in this Stars and Stripes article was his tattoo. On his right side he has the words, For those I love I will sacrifice.
To me, there could not have been a more clear message. That is exactly what they are like. I've been doing this for almost 30 years now and I can tell you that they are brave beyond measure but they are also more loving than they get credit for. You can't do what they do every day if they did not love so deeply. Imagine being willing to die for the sake of someone else by choice and not by circumstance. That requires love.
Anyway, click the link above and you'll know what else I had to say about this. The blessing went beyond this post. My video documentaries also received more views and these videos are my passion. They are about people the media pretty much ignore. The National Vietnam War Museum is getting more attention. First Church of Christ, the church that took in a homeless Vietnam veteran out of love is getting more attention. Pastor Joel took in Staff Sgt. Andrew Wright and his son managed to find him after searching for all his life for him. He found him while serving in Iraq in the Marines. Homes for Our Troops is getting more attention and the outstanding veterans in the video are being paid attention to.
This act of love out of a Facebook user will end up helping more than they ever dreamed of and much more than I prayed for.
If you are the one who spread the word about this post, please contact me so that I can know who my guardian angel is.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Looking After the Soldier, Back Home and Damaged
Looking After the Soldier, Back Home and Damaged
By CATRIN EINHORN
September 27, 2011
RAY CITY, Ga. — April and Tom Marcum were high school sweethearts who married after graduation.
For years, she recalls, he was a doting husband who would leave love notes for her to discover on the computer or in her purse. Now the closest thing to notes that they exchange are the reminders she set up on his cellphone that direct him to take his medicine four times a day.
He usually ignores them, and she ends up having to make him do it.
Since Mr. Marcum came back in 2008 from two tours in Iraq with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, his wife has quit her job as a teacher to care for him. She has watched their life savings drain away. And she has had to adjust to an entirely new relationship with her husband, who faces a range of debilitating problems including short-term memory loss and difficulties with impulse control and anger.
read more here
By CATRIN EINHORN
September 27, 2011
RAY CITY, Ga. — April and Tom Marcum were high school sweethearts who married after graduation.
For years, she recalls, he was a doting husband who would leave love notes for her to discover on the computer or in her purse. Now the closest thing to notes that they exchange are the reminders she set up on his cellphone that direct him to take his medicine four times a day.
He usually ignores them, and she ends up having to make him do it.
Since Mr. Marcum came back in 2008 from two tours in Iraq with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, his wife has quit her job as a teacher to care for him. She has watched their life savings drain away. And she has had to adjust to an entirely new relationship with her husband, who faces a range of debilitating problems including short-term memory loss and difficulties with impulse control and anger.
read more here
Retired Vietnam veteran receives Soldier's Medal at Ft. Eustis
Retired Vietnam veteran receives Soldier's Medal at Ft. Eustis
September 26, 2011
Today, retired Lt. Colonel Harold Campbell received the Soldier’s Medal for Bravery for saving about 50 civilian refugees in Vietnam after their camp caught fire.
"I feel good about what we did and the fact so many people took so much time to make this day happen,” says Campbell.
Retired Lt. Colonel says receiving the Soldier’s medal for bravery means more to him today than it would have in 1968.
read more here
September 26, 2011
Today, retired Lt. Colonel Harold Campbell received the Soldier’s Medal for Bravery for saving about 50 civilian refugees in Vietnam after their camp caught fire.
"I feel good about what we did and the fact so many people took so much time to make this day happen,” says Campbell.
Retired Lt. Colonel says receiving the Soldier’s medal for bravery means more to him today than it would have in 1968.
read more here
101st Airborne soldiers help welcome Vietnam veteran home
101st Airborne soldiers help welcome Vietnam veteran home
Hundreds turn out for Grundy County funeral
Sep. 27, 2011
Written by
Philip Grey
The Leaf-Chronicle
PALMER, Tenn. — As rain poured in sheets on a small cemetery in Grundy County on Monday, the family of Spc. Marvin Foster Phillips closed a chapter of their lives that had remained open for 45 years.
Phillips was declared missing in action in Vietnam after his helicopter was shot down over the South China Sea. Since his disappearance, many friends and relatives over the years had traced out his name on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.
And finally, he is home.
In commemorating Phillips' return Monday, the honor guard from 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, performed flawlessly, from standing guard at Layne Funeral Home, to transporting the remains to the Grundy County High School gymnasium, to graveside honors at Palmer Cemetery.
read more here
Hundreds turn out for Grundy County funeral
Sep. 27, 2011
Written by
Philip Grey
The Leaf-Chronicle
PALMER, Tenn. — As rain poured in sheets on a small cemetery in Grundy County on Monday, the family of Spc. Marvin Foster Phillips closed a chapter of their lives that had remained open for 45 years.
Phillips was declared missing in action in Vietnam after his helicopter was shot down over the South China Sea. Since his disappearance, many friends and relatives over the years had traced out his name on the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.
And finally, he is home.
In commemorating Phillips' return Monday, the honor guard from 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, performed flawlessly, from standing guard at Layne Funeral Home, to transporting the remains to the Grundy County High School gymnasium, to graveside honors at Palmer Cemetery.
read more here
Wounded Iraq Veteran Still Dancing With the Stars
Martinez continues on 'Dancing with the Stars'
Written by
Alane S. Megna
The Leaf-Chronicle
Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez and his professional partner Karina Smirnoff advanced on Tuesday's results show to the third week of competition in ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." In the previous night's competition, they had tied for second on the judges' leaderboard based on the strength of high-flying jive.
Martinez is a former infantry soldier with the 101st Airborne Division's Strike Brigade at Fort Campbell. After being severely injured in the war and leaving the Army, he became a motivational speaker and an actor.
read more here
Written by
Alane S. Megna
The Leaf-Chronicle
Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez and his professional partner Karina Smirnoff advanced on Tuesday's results show to the third week of competition in ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." In the previous night's competition, they had tied for second on the judges' leaderboard based on the strength of high-flying jive.
Martinez is a former infantry soldier with the 101st Airborne Division's Strike Brigade at Fort Campbell. After being severely injured in the war and leaving the Army, he became a motivational speaker and an actor.
read more here
Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, still wants to serve
September 26, 2011, 9:06 PM
Medal of Honor Recipient Gets Extension for Fire Dept. Application
By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS
Richard Perry/The New York Times
Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, at the National September 11 Memorial.
A Marine who fought his way into an ambush in Afghanistan to rescue dozens of people wants to continue to save people by becoming a New York City firefighter.
A federal judge in Brooklyn agreed on Monday to extend the New York Fire Department application period for 24 hours for the Marine, who was awarded the Medal of Honor, to make that happen.
The application period will reopen for the Marine, Dakota Meyer, a sergeant in the inactive reserve, at midnight Monday and close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, but it will be open for him only.
His lawyer says that is a problem. “My client does not feel that he deserves any special treatment,” said the lawyer, Keith M. Sullivan. “He has said that it’s not what he wanted and he doesn’t think it’s fair.”
read more here
Medal of Honor Recipient Gets Extension for Fire Dept. Application
By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS
Richard Perry/The New York Times
Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, at the National September 11 Memorial.
A Marine who fought his way into an ambush in Afghanistan to rescue dozens of people wants to continue to save people by becoming a New York City firefighter.
A federal judge in Brooklyn agreed on Monday to extend the New York Fire Department application period for 24 hours for the Marine, who was awarded the Medal of Honor, to make that happen.
The application period will reopen for the Marine, Dakota Meyer, a sergeant in the inactive reserve, at midnight Monday and close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, but it will be open for him only.
His lawyer says that is a problem. “My client does not feel that he deserves any special treatment,” said the lawyer, Keith M. Sullivan. “He has said that it’s not what he wanted and he doesn’t think it’s fair.”
read more here
More than 3,000 motorcycle riders set to honor Vietnam fallen
More than 3,000 motorcycle riders set to honor Vietnam fallen
By: Mike Vielhaber, newsnet5.com
CLINTON, Ohio - It’s truly a unique way to honor those who died during the Vietnam War. On Saturday, Nov. 12, the day after Veterans Day, 3,095 motorcycles will thunder through Summit County to honor those killed during the Vietnam War.
The Ride for 3,095 is being organized by those who volunteer and operate the Ohio Memorial Veterans Park in the small town of Clinton, south of Akron in Summit County.
There were 3,095 Ohioans killed during the Vietnam War and each name is displayed on the Wall in Clinton. Organizers are making flags for each of the 3,095 Ohio armed service members that were killed during the war to be displayed on motorcycles.
Each flag will have the fallen service member's name, rank and branch of military, along with a large image of the Purple Heart.
read more here
By: Mike Vielhaber, newsnet5.com
CLINTON, Ohio - It’s truly a unique way to honor those who died during the Vietnam War. On Saturday, Nov. 12, the day after Veterans Day, 3,095 motorcycles will thunder through Summit County to honor those killed during the Vietnam War.
The Ride for 3,095 is being organized by those who volunteer and operate the Ohio Memorial Veterans Park in the small town of Clinton, south of Akron in Summit County.
There were 3,095 Ohioans killed during the Vietnam War and each name is displayed on the Wall in Clinton. Organizers are making flags for each of the 3,095 Ohio armed service members that were killed during the war to be displayed on motorcycles.
Each flag will have the fallen service member's name, rank and branch of military, along with a large image of the Purple Heart.
read more here
New York Councilman helps Vietnam vet evicted by city
Vietnam vet evicted by city on the list for a new home after councilman intervention
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Wednesday, September 28th 2011
David Maurinac served his country as a Marine, worked as a missionary, cared for his sick father and paid his rent on time.
But last Friday, the New York City Housing Authority kicked him to the curb, says a local City Councilman.
NYCHA moved to evict Maurinac from the Pelham Parkway Houses due to a technicality: the 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran never added his name to the lease for the apartment he inherited.
Maurinac was headed for the shelter system until City Councilman James Vacca (D-East Bronx) persuaded NYCHA to delay the eviction and found the vet a new home. Now Vacca wants NYCHA to do more to educate and relocate its tenants.
"I did absolutely nothing wrong," Maurinac said. "I paid my rent every month."
The Iona College graduate - who served 13 months in Vietnam and worked as a Catholic missionary in Taiwan - grew up in the Pelham Parkway Houses.
He moved back to the housing project more than 15 years ago to care for his cancer-stricken father, who died in 2004.
read more here
BY DANIEL BEEKMAN
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Wednesday, September 28th 2011
David Maurinac served his country as a Marine, worked as a missionary, cared for his sick father and paid his rent on time.
But last Friday, the New York City Housing Authority kicked him to the curb, says a local City Councilman.
NYCHA moved to evict Maurinac from the Pelham Parkway Houses due to a technicality: the 70-year-old Vietnam War veteran never added his name to the lease for the apartment he inherited.
Maurinac was headed for the shelter system until City Councilman James Vacca (D-East Bronx) persuaded NYCHA to delay the eviction and found the vet a new home. Now Vacca wants NYCHA to do more to educate and relocate its tenants.
"I did absolutely nothing wrong," Maurinac said. "I paid my rent every month."
The Iona College graduate - who served 13 months in Vietnam and worked as a Catholic missionary in Taiwan - grew up in the Pelham Parkway Houses.
He moved back to the housing project more than 15 years ago to care for his cancer-stricken father, who died in 2004.
read more here
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