Local Woman Raises $40,000 to Help Wounded Warriors with a Cookbook
Gladys Rodriguez gathered recipes from Marine moms, wives, family and friends before she self-published a cookbook.
By Mitchelle Stephenson
Gladys Rodriguez is an American in love with her country. Sure, she loves her husband and her children and her job, but she really loves America in a way that only people who have lived in other places can.
The Crofton resident said it is the home she “chose.”
Rodriguez and her husband immigrated from Cuba (via Chile) in 1970 and took the oath of citizenship on July 4, 1976 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Rodriguez works full time in Davidsonville at Homestead Gardens.
But spend a few minutes talking to Rodriguez about her story and she quickly moves the conversation to her enthusiasm for a charity close to her heart.
That charity is the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which helps wounded warriors and their families with financial assistance and other necessities.
Rodriguez has raised more than $40,000 for the Semper Fi Fund through sales of a cookbook that she self-published with recipes from military wives and mothers.
read more here
Monday, November 28, 2011
Hunter kills himself after accidentally shooting friend
If you still don't understand what guilt can do to a person, read this and it may help you understand veterans with PTSD along with the recent report that guilt is a huge factor in their suffering.
The report says that after accidentally shooting Birch, Bolgnani killed himself according to another person there.
The report says that after accidentally shooting Birch, Bolgnani killed himself according to another person there.
Two dead in Vermont hunting accident
By WNYT.com
Two hunters from Bennington County, Vt., are dead after an apparent accidental shooting-suicide Saturday afternoon.
Vermont State Police say they were called to a location off of Howe Pond Road just after noon for a call of two men with gunshot wounds.
Upon arrival, troopers found the men, Benjamin Birch, 39, and Timothy Bolgnani, 49, both of Readsboro, dead.
read more here
PTSD veterans focus of Leverage episode
Last night while watching Leverage I thought about how right they were along with how most people wouldn't know it. Most of the programs for PTSD are nothing more than research with veterans being used as lab rats. When the report that Half of Vets Returning From Iraq and Afghanistan Need Medical Attention alarm bells should have shaken the entire country but they didn't seem to wake anyone up. This didn't wake anyone up either. Almost half of military suicides came after seeking help
Medications are given but found to either not help or in many cases, do more harm than good like Hundreds of Soldiers & Vets Dying From Antipsychotic--Seroquel
While the number of servicemen and women taking their own lives went up, no one was asking about who was being held accountable, what research programs were canceled for failures or what was being done to get it right for a change.
There is a lot of money to be made off veterans suffering. The Leverage episode focused on that as well. It should leave everyone wondering who is making money off of our veterans being tortured by what is supposed to be helping them. The people working for the VA can only use what they are given, only know what they are told, so if they are told this medication works, this program works, they use it. All of them are based on research done by companies making money off developing them.
Medications are given but found to either not help or in many cases, do more harm than good like Hundreds of Soldiers & Vets Dying From Antipsychotic--Seroquel
While the number of servicemen and women taking their own lives went up, no one was asking about who was being held accountable, what research programs were canceled for failures or what was being done to get it right for a change.
There is a lot of money to be made off veterans suffering. The Leverage episode focused on that as well. It should leave everyone wondering who is making money off of our veterans being tortured by what is supposed to be helping them. The people working for the VA can only use what they are given, only know what they are told, so if they are told this medication works, this program works, they use it. All of them are based on research done by companies making money off developing them.
'Leverage' Recap: 'The Experimental Job' (4.11)
November 27th, 2011 9:57pm EST
By: Brittany Frederick
TNT's Leverage crew returned tonight with the first of seven remaining season four episodes - and "The Experimental Job" made me glad to have them back.
When a homeless veteran dies in the middle of a party full of rich kids, the police write it off as a heart attack. His daughter thinks differently; she tells Nate and Eliot that her dad was part of a university sleep study involving PTSD and she's suspicious.
She has a reason to be: Hardison singles out a well-connected, BMW-driving kid named Travis (Jonathan Keltz), who also happens to be a member of the university's "Order of the 206," as in the 206 bones in the human body. No, that's not ominous at all.
The backdrop allows Nate, Parker and Hardison to go back to school, the former as a substitute professor and the other two as students. While Hardison befriends Travis, Parker gets to poke around in the research lab, where she gets trigger-happy with the button that electro-shocks a poor volunteer.
read more here
Sunday, November 27, 2011
SWAT team's shooting of Marine causes outrage
Nov 27, 1:49 PM EST
SWAT team's shooting of Marine causes outrage
BY AMANDA LEE MYERS
Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Jose Guerena Ortiz was sleeping after an exhausting 12-hour night shift at a copper mine. His wife, Vanessa, had begun breakfast. Their 4-year-old son, Joel, asked to watch cartoons.
An ordinary morning was unfolding in the middle-class Tucson neighborhood - until an armored vehicle pulled into the family's driveway and men wearing heavy body armor and helmets climbed out, weapons ready.
They were a sheriff's department SWAT team who had come to execute a search warrant. But Vanessa Guerena insisted she had no idea, when she heard a "boom" and saw a dark-suited man pass by a window, that it was police outside her home. She shook her husband awake and told him someone was firing a gun outside.
A U.S. Marine veteran of the Iraq war, he was only trying to defend his family, she said, when he grabbed his own gun - an AR-15 assault rifle.
What happened next was captured on video after a member of the SWAT team activated a helmet-mounted camera.
read more here
SWAT team's shooting of Marine causes outrage
BY AMANDA LEE MYERS
Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Jose Guerena Ortiz was sleeping after an exhausting 12-hour night shift at a copper mine. His wife, Vanessa, had begun breakfast. Their 4-year-old son, Joel, asked to watch cartoons.
An ordinary morning was unfolding in the middle-class Tucson neighborhood - until an armored vehicle pulled into the family's driveway and men wearing heavy body armor and helmets climbed out, weapons ready.
They were a sheriff's department SWAT team who had come to execute a search warrant. But Vanessa Guerena insisted she had no idea, when she heard a "boom" and saw a dark-suited man pass by a window, that it was police outside her home. She shook her husband awake and told him someone was firing a gun outside.
A U.S. Marine veteran of the Iraq war, he was only trying to defend his family, she said, when he grabbed his own gun - an AR-15 assault rifle.
What happened next was captured on video after a member of the SWAT team activated a helmet-mounted camera.
read more here
Afghan soldiers called in deadly NATO airstrike
Afghan soldiers called in deadly NATO airstrike
By Rahim Faiez and Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 27, 2011 10:26:46 EST
ISLAMABAD — Afghan troops and coalition forces came under fire from the direction of two Pakistan army border posts, prompting them to call in NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, Afghan officials said Sunday. The account challenges Islamabad’s claims that the attacks, which have plunged U.S.-Pakistan ties to new lows, was unprovoked.
It also pointed to a possible explanation for the incident Saturday on the Pakistan side of the border. NATO officials have complained that insurgents fire from across the poorly defined frontier, often from positions close to Pakistani soldiers, who have been accused of tolerating or supporting them.
read more here
By Rahim Faiez and Sebastian Abbot - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 27, 2011 10:26:46 EST
ISLAMABAD — Afghan troops and coalition forces came under fire from the direction of two Pakistan army border posts, prompting them to call in NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, Afghan officials said Sunday. The account challenges Islamabad’s claims that the attacks, which have plunged U.S.-Pakistan ties to new lows, was unprovoked.
It also pointed to a possible explanation for the incident Saturday on the Pakistan side of the border. NATO officials have complained that insurgents fire from across the poorly defined frontier, often from positions close to Pakistani soldiers, who have been accused of tolerating or supporting them.
read more here
After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge
Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011
'Punishment did not fit the crime': After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
BELLEVILLE -- Ralph Simonton grew up in rural Clinton County, the youngest son of a proud military family.
Each of his three brothers served in the armed forces. And each one received a burial with full military honors.
Simonton, 80, wants the same thing for himself.
The last surviving member of his family, and a wounded Korean War veteran, Simonton has spent the last decade fighting for the restoration of his military benefits, including the right to a military funeral.
He knows he's facing a tough battle. He also knows time is running out.
Simonton, of Belleville, has undergone surgeries for a heart ailment, a perforated colon and a hernia.
He continues to suffer from the nightmares, depression, anxiety and other symptoms of the severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he acquired after taking part in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Korean War.
"When I hear any loud noise, I jump," he said. "I want to take cover. I still have dreams about the war. ... I dream all the time about the guys who died. Almost every one of my friends were killed."
During one battle against Chinese troops, Simonton nearly died from a grenade attack. The rest of his platoon died.
Simonton was later nominated for the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. But he never received those decorations, nor will he under Department of Defense rules.
The same rules forbid him from obtaining access to Veterans Affairs health care or receiving a military burial.
read more here
'Punishment did not fit the crime': After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
BELLEVILLE -- Ralph Simonton grew up in rural Clinton County, the youngest son of a proud military family.
Each of his three brothers served in the armed forces. And each one received a burial with full military honors.
Simonton, 80, wants the same thing for himself.
The last surviving member of his family, and a wounded Korean War veteran, Simonton has spent the last decade fighting for the restoration of his military benefits, including the right to a military funeral.
He knows he's facing a tough battle. He also knows time is running out.
Simonton, of Belleville, has undergone surgeries for a heart ailment, a perforated colon and a hernia.
He continues to suffer from the nightmares, depression, anxiety and other symptoms of the severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he acquired after taking part in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Korean War.
"When I hear any loud noise, I jump," he said. "I want to take cover. I still have dreams about the war. ... I dream all the time about the guys who died. Almost every one of my friends were killed."
During one battle against Chinese troops, Simonton nearly died from a grenade attack. The rest of his platoon died.
Simonton was later nominated for the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. But he never received those decorations, nor will he under Department of Defense rules.
The same rules forbid him from obtaining access to Veterans Affairs health care or receiving a military burial.
read more here
Deployed Camp Pendleton Marine's Thanksgiving Message
Deployed Camp Pendleton Marine's Thanksgiving Message
A Marine in Afghanistan sends home a holiday message
By Lea Sutton
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011
Source: Deployed Camp Pendleton Marine's Thanksgiving Message | NBC San Diego
While we're here at home, enjoying the holiday with friends and family, many of our military men and women are deployed overseas.
Sgt. Bryan Mayorga is spending the holiday in Afghanistan. The Camp Pendleton Marine, a mechanic for “Huey” and “Super Cobra” helicopters, says he's staying busy.
"The tempo is high, we're working a lot. That's our main focus right now. Just focused on getting the job done," said Sgt. Mayorga.
From Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Sgt. Mayorga says its all work and no play for now.
He leads his Marines to keep helicopters safely flying. Those helicopters provide air support to keep coalition forces safe on the ground.
Bonding helps ease the deployment.
"I've noticed that [camaraderie] has really built up quickly in the past two weeks that we've been here, so that's always a good thing. It helps build a strong work center and a strong bond among the Marines," said Sgt. Mayorga.
read more here
A Marine in Afghanistan sends home a holiday message
By Lea Sutton
Thursday, Nov 24, 2011
Source: Deployed Camp Pendleton Marine's Thanksgiving Message | NBC San Diego
While we're here at home, enjoying the holiday with friends and family, many of our military men and women are deployed overseas.
Sgt. Bryan Mayorga is spending the holiday in Afghanistan. The Camp Pendleton Marine, a mechanic for “Huey” and “Super Cobra” helicopters, says he's staying busy.
"The tempo is high, we're working a lot. That's our main focus right now. Just focused on getting the job done," said Sgt. Mayorga.
From Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Sgt. Mayorga says its all work and no play for now.
He leads his Marines to keep helicopters safely flying. Those helicopters provide air support to keep coalition forces safe on the ground.
Bonding helps ease the deployment.
"I've noticed that [camaraderie] has really built up quickly in the past two weeks that we've been here, so that's always a good thing. It helps build a strong work center and a strong bond among the Marines," said Sgt. Mayorga.
read more here
View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.
When you are not "that" anymore
When you are not "that" anymore
by
Chaplain Kathie
I've had my share of successes and honestly, more failures, in my life. I went from being my parents little girl to a rowdy teenager in the blink of an eye. My parents are both gone now, so I am no one's daughter. I went from being the kid sister to two brothers, to being no one's sister after they passed away. One of my brothers passed away at the age of 42 and the other at the age of 56.
I've had a lot of jobs. Most of them came with a title and some power. With each job change came the realization I was not "that" person anymore. I'd go from being the "go to" person with all the answers into a new employee needing help finding the ladies room. While I took my experience with me, I had to let go of who I used to be.
I used to always have a date but then I got married to someone no one wanted me to marry. It lasted less than two years. I was no longer his wife and had to change my name back to the name I had all my life. Then I fell in love again and again had to change my name. 27 years ago I became Kathie DiCesare, wife, then Mom. Each time we moved I became someone else's neighbor. I was not "that" neighbor everyone knew. I became another stranger in a new neighborhood, discovering where to shop and the best way to get around traffic.
Almost 4 years ago I lost my job working for a church because of the economy. Not able to find anything I really wanted to do, I went back to college. In classes with students my daughter's age, with most knowing a lot more than I do about the equipment and programs we're using, I had to let go of my pride so I could learn what they know. I was a professional but I'm not that anymore. I'm a student.
Angel Art
I used to have a reputation of being Nam Guardian Angel. I've been online forever it seems but no matter how hard I worked or what I knew, time has proven me right, but it didn't do much good when no one with any power to change what was wrong knew I was alive. My website is shut down now because I just couldn't afford to keep it going or find the time to change it. After almost 20 years, I am no longer Nam Guardian Angel, but now just one more blogger trying to make a difference, hoping and praying what I do does some good to someone. While my "this and that" have changed, I am still the "who" I always was.
Each one of us goes through changes in our lives when we have to face the fact we are no longer "that" anymore and we become some other "that" looking back on what we used to be.
Young men and women leave ROTC heading for the place in their lives where they always wanted to be. They couldn't think of doing anything else. They go into the military planning on spending the rest of their working lives there but end up wounded and discharged from their dreams. They have to go from "that" career they always wanted to do into the unknown wondering what else can fulfill them the same way.
A combat medic going back to college is opening up text books remembering he used to have the life of a wounded soldier in the palm of his hands. He used to spend his days in danger but now spends them under pressure to pass a test so that he can become a "that" he wants to spend the rest of his life doing.
Each one of the veterans we have in this country has gone from being "that Soldier" "that Marine" "that Sailor" "that Airman" or citizen soldier in the National Guards or Reserves, into being civilian all over again. But for them, it isn't "all over again" because they've seen a side of humanity they will never forget. It has become a part of them. All the evil they saw mixed with love. Yes, love. The kind of love that developed to the point where they are willing to die to save the life of someone else. The love that causes them to give up everything the rest of us spend time with like our families, watching our kids grow up day to day and sleeping in our own bed every night. While they are no longer doing "that" in the next part of their lives, it is part of them.
The rest of us look at them and expect them to just move on but we never seem able to understand that we never really moved on from the "that" that we used to be. I am still my parent's daughter, my brother's sister, just as I still have the same mind that was able to learn each new job I was given a title to. I am still the same person that started to reach out to veterans almost 30 years ago in a local newspaper back home and face to face. Back then we did't have computers on our desk at home, laptops to take with us or even cellphones. While everything we "do" changes, who we are remains constant.
For combat veterans, the "who" they always used to be is still in there but we have to help them find themselves again after "that" part of their lives is over. While we all have regrets in our lives, their regrets involve lives. Help them to see what was good because they were there and doing "that" they managed to do. If they regret being where they were because they no longer see the reason as "honorable" help them to see their original intent was. Help them to see that it was about fighting for each other in the end because that is what it all boils down to.
There is one more thing that helps them. Help them feel "that" again. The sense of belonging to a group of people so unselfish they were willing to anything for someone else. There are so many groups in this country today they could join. Look them up online and find one that suits them. Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder, some motorcycle groups and organizations out there doing good for their communities seems to work best for them but as long as they feel that sense of belonging again, that's really all that matters.
by
Chaplain Kathie
I've had my share of successes and honestly, more failures, in my life. I went from being my parents little girl to a rowdy teenager in the blink of an eye. My parents are both gone now, so I am no one's daughter. I went from being the kid sister to two brothers, to being no one's sister after they passed away. One of my brothers passed away at the age of 42 and the other at the age of 56.
I've had a lot of jobs. Most of them came with a title and some power. With each job change came the realization I was not "that" person anymore. I'd go from being the "go to" person with all the answers into a new employee needing help finding the ladies room. While I took my experience with me, I had to let go of who I used to be.
I used to always have a date but then I got married to someone no one wanted me to marry. It lasted less than two years. I was no longer his wife and had to change my name back to the name I had all my life. Then I fell in love again and again had to change my name. 27 years ago I became Kathie DiCesare, wife, then Mom. Each time we moved I became someone else's neighbor. I was not "that" neighbor everyone knew. I became another stranger in a new neighborhood, discovering where to shop and the best way to get around traffic.
Almost 4 years ago I lost my job working for a church because of the economy. Not able to find anything I really wanted to do, I went back to college. In classes with students my daughter's age, with most knowing a lot more than I do about the equipment and programs we're using, I had to let go of my pride so I could learn what they know. I was a professional but I'm not that anymore. I'm a student.
Angel Art
I used to have a reputation of being Nam Guardian Angel. I've been online forever it seems but no matter how hard I worked or what I knew, time has proven me right, but it didn't do much good when no one with any power to change what was wrong knew I was alive. My website is shut down now because I just couldn't afford to keep it going or find the time to change it. After almost 20 years, I am no longer Nam Guardian Angel, but now just one more blogger trying to make a difference, hoping and praying what I do does some good to someone. While my "this and that" have changed, I am still the "who" I always was.
Each one of us goes through changes in our lives when we have to face the fact we are no longer "that" anymore and we become some other "that" looking back on what we used to be.
Young men and women leave ROTC heading for the place in their lives where they always wanted to be. They couldn't think of doing anything else. They go into the military planning on spending the rest of their working lives there but end up wounded and discharged from their dreams. They have to go from "that" career they always wanted to do into the unknown wondering what else can fulfill them the same way.
A combat medic going back to college is opening up text books remembering he used to have the life of a wounded soldier in the palm of his hands. He used to spend his days in danger but now spends them under pressure to pass a test so that he can become a "that" he wants to spend the rest of his life doing.
Each one of the veterans we have in this country has gone from being "that Soldier" "that Marine" "that Sailor" "that Airman" or citizen soldier in the National Guards or Reserves, into being civilian all over again. But for them, it isn't "all over again" because they've seen a side of humanity they will never forget. It has become a part of them. All the evil they saw mixed with love. Yes, love. The kind of love that developed to the point where they are willing to die to save the life of someone else. The love that causes them to give up everything the rest of us spend time with like our families, watching our kids grow up day to day and sleeping in our own bed every night. While they are no longer doing "that" in the next part of their lives, it is part of them.
The rest of us look at them and expect them to just move on but we never seem able to understand that we never really moved on from the "that" that we used to be. I am still my parent's daughter, my brother's sister, just as I still have the same mind that was able to learn each new job I was given a title to. I am still the same person that started to reach out to veterans almost 30 years ago in a local newspaper back home and face to face. Back then we did't have computers on our desk at home, laptops to take with us or even cellphones. While everything we "do" changes, who we are remains constant.
For combat veterans, the "who" they always used to be is still in there but we have to help them find themselves again after "that" part of their lives is over. While we all have regrets in our lives, their regrets involve lives. Help them to see what was good because they were there and doing "that" they managed to do. If they regret being where they were because they no longer see the reason as "honorable" help them to see their original intent was. Help them to see that it was about fighting for each other in the end because that is what it all boils down to.
There is one more thing that helps them. Help them feel "that" again. The sense of belonging to a group of people so unselfish they were willing to anything for someone else. There are so many groups in this country today they could join. Look them up online and find one that suits them. Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder, some motorcycle groups and organizations out there doing good for their communities seems to work best for them but as long as they feel that sense of belonging again, that's really all that matters.
Ret. Lt. General Hugh Smith tells PTSD Veterans they are not alone
Backed by retired Lt. Gen., 'Not Alone' helps veterans from all wars deal with PTSD
Nov. 26, 2011
Written by
Philip Grey
The Leaf-Chronicle
People meeting retired Lt. Gen. Hugh Smith for the first time likely get the impression of a tough, no-nonsense man who does not suffer fools gladly.
They would be right.
They also might get the impression of a hard-nosed combat veteran who would tell a soldier claiming to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to "suck it up, drive on and stop whining."
They would be dead wrong.
If the general has one message for PTSD sufferers, it is this: "You are not alone."
read more here
Nov. 26, 2011
Written by
Philip Grey
The Leaf-Chronicle
Whether welcoming troops home from deployments or working with PTSD sufferers, Smith is vociferous in his support of our warriors. / THELEAF-CHRONICLE/PHILIP GREY
People meeting retired Lt. Gen. Hugh Smith for the first time likely get the impression of a tough, no-nonsense man who does not suffer fools gladly.
They would be right.
They also might get the impression of a hard-nosed combat veteran who would tell a soldier claiming to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to "suck it up, drive on and stop whining."
They would be dead wrong.
If the general has one message for PTSD sufferers, it is this: "You are not alone."
read more here
American Legion Riders feel honored to ride for the fallen
American Legion Riders honored by their participation in motorcycle processions for fallen soldiers
8:08 PM, Nov. 26, 2011
Written by
Nicholas Huba
Staff Writer
American Legion Post 129 Rider Michael Schaffer was riding his motorcycle during the procession for fallen Army Sgt. John Lyons through Seaside Park and noticed something that struck him.
“Riding through Seaside in the winter, there is usually no one around. I remember coming around the corner and seeing this guy in his late 60s, early 70s standing in the parking lot by himself,” recalled Schaffer, 62, of Long Branch, regarding the Nov. 10 procession. “This guy made an effort to come out in awful weather and say ‘thank you.’ He did not have to, but he wanted to.”
The American Legion Riders, which was started nationally in 1993 in Garden City, Mich., are members of the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion who also are motorcycle enthusiasts.
read more here
8:08 PM, Nov. 26, 2011
Written by
Nicholas Huba
Staff Writer
American Legion Post 129 Rider Michael Schaffer was riding his motorcycle during the procession for fallen Army Sgt. John Lyons through Seaside Park and noticed something that struck him.
“Riding through Seaside in the winter, there is usually no one around. I remember coming around the corner and seeing this guy in his late 60s, early 70s standing in the parking lot by himself,” recalled Schaffer, 62, of Long Branch, regarding the Nov. 10 procession. “This guy made an effort to come out in awful weather and say ‘thank you.’ He did not have to, but he wanted to.”
The American Legion Riders, which was started nationally in 1993 in Garden City, Mich., are members of the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion who also are motorcycle enthusiasts.
read more here
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