Woman fights for veteran husband's pension to save home
Feb. 21, 2012
By Craig Lucie
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — The clock is ticking for the wife of a veteran to save her home from being sold at a foreclosure auction.
Army Veteran Byron Womer died in 2009. Since then, his wife has been fighting the Department of Veterans Affairs to get his pension to help save their home.
“I can’t get any help from anywhere,” Brenda Womer told Channel 2’s Craig Lucie.
Brenda Womer said the bank locked her out of the Senoia home she and her husband shared for 10 years.
“They booted me out,” Womer said.
read more here
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Dover Port Mortuary will need more training and reviews
More training, reviews needed, Dover panel says
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 21, 2012
SAN ANTONIO — The military should conduct regular inspections, tighten training standards and increase oversight over mortuary operations, according to the group tasked with assessing operations at Dover Port Mortuary after a scandal involving the mishandled remains of fallen troops.
The group, led by retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, former commanding general of U.S. Central Command, briefed its findings and recommendations Tuesday to the Defense Health Board, which is a federal advisory committee to the defense secretary.
The final report is to due to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta by Feb. 29.
“What could be more important than in their fallen last measure that we properly take care of our service men and women?” Abizaid said.
read more here
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 21, 2012
SAN ANTONIO — The military should conduct regular inspections, tighten training standards and increase oversight over mortuary operations, according to the group tasked with assessing operations at Dover Port Mortuary after a scandal involving the mishandled remains of fallen troops.
The group, led by retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, former commanding general of U.S. Central Command, briefed its findings and recommendations Tuesday to the Defense Health Board, which is a federal advisory committee to the defense secretary.
The final report is to due to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta by Feb. 29.
“What could be more important than in their fallen last measure that we properly take care of our service men and women?” Abizaid said.
read more here
Center opens near Campbell to help vets in need
Center opens near Campbell to help vets in need
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 21, 2012 15:17:11 EST
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — A center for homeless veterans has opened near Fort Campbell, offering temporary living quarters and help to get back on their feet permanently.
Pennyroyal Veterans Center coordinator Howard Dixon told the Kentucky New Era that the goal is to help veterans in need.
“From homelessness to self-sufficiency, that’s my trademark or my philosophy,” Dixon said. “We want to identify homeless veterans and provide them treatment whether that is substance abuse, mental health or job skills — all with the final goal of discharging them to their own living environment that they can pay for.”
It took almost three years from the proposal for the center in Hopkinsville until the doors opened on Monday, an event attended by more than 150 people.
The facility has 25 rooms which can each house two men in addition to a kitchen and dining room, a laundry facility, a common room and several other features. The center also touts a “homey” feel.
“This is not just a homeless shelter,” said Michael Munley, an Army veteran and a state service officer who provides aid to veterans needing help with issues such as employment and medical bills. “They will have programs that deal with drug rehab, education benefits — you can actually stay here and go through vocational rehab.”
read more here
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 21, 2012 15:17:11 EST
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — A center for homeless veterans has opened near Fort Campbell, offering temporary living quarters and help to get back on their feet permanently.
Pennyroyal Veterans Center coordinator Howard Dixon told the Kentucky New Era that the goal is to help veterans in need.
“From homelessness to self-sufficiency, that’s my trademark or my philosophy,” Dixon said. “We want to identify homeless veterans and provide them treatment whether that is substance abuse, mental health or job skills — all with the final goal of discharging them to their own living environment that they can pay for.”
It took almost three years from the proposal for the center in Hopkinsville until the doors opened on Monday, an event attended by more than 150 people.
The facility has 25 rooms which can each house two men in addition to a kitchen and dining room, a laundry facility, a common room and several other features. The center also touts a “homey” feel.
“This is not just a homeless shelter,” said Michael Munley, an Army veteran and a state service officer who provides aid to veterans needing help with issues such as employment and medical bills. “They will have programs that deal with drug rehab, education benefits — you can actually stay here and go through vocational rehab.”
read more here
Wounded Body Warrior Spirit: Darkhorse Marine Cpl. Josue Barron
Wounded Body Warrior Spirit: Cpl. Josue Barron
Defense Media Activity - Marines
Story by Lance Cpl. Chelsea Flowers
Cpl. Josue Barron lost his left leg and left eye in an improvised explosive device blast, Oct. 21, 2010. But he will never forget where he came from or who he is: a member of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment ... the Darkhorse Battalion. It is this pride that drives him to excel as he competes against other Wounded Warriors in the 2012 Marine Corps Trials. Barron is from Cudahy, Calif.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Pride. That’s one thing Cpl. Josue Barron will always have. You can see it as he sinks three-pointers on the basketball court and as he maneuvers his hand-crank bicycle to the front of a race. Most of all, you can see it in his eyes – his eye to be exact. Where Barron’s left eye once was, a prosthetic stamped with the symbol of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, stares out. Barron’s prosthetic leg also sports a 3/5 patch, a custom design of his own.
To Barron, pride in where he came from means everything. And pride is what drives him as a Wounded Warrior.
In October 2010, Barron, a native of Cudahy, Calif., was deployed with 3/5, the Darkhorse Battalion. During the deployment, Darkhorse lost 24 men, more than any other Marine unit in Afghanistan in support of operations there. During a patrol, Barron’s friend stepped on an improvised explosive device and lost both his legs and a few of his fingers. Barron lost his left leg and left eye. He considers himself lucky.
Now Barron is competing in wheelchair basketball and hand-cycling with more than 300 injured Marines, veteran and allies in the 2012 Marine Corps Trials.
Barron sat down with us for a few minutes to share his perspective on a life very unique for a 22-year-old.
read more here
Defense Media Activity - Marines
Story by Lance Cpl. Chelsea Flowers
Cpl. Josue Barron lost his left leg and left eye in an improvised explosive device blast, Oct. 21, 2010. But he will never forget where he came from or who he is: a member of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment ... the Darkhorse Battalion. It is this pride that drives him to excel as he competes against other Wounded Warriors in the 2012 Marine Corps Trials. Barron is from Cudahy, Calif.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Pride. That’s one thing Cpl. Josue Barron will always have. You can see it as he sinks three-pointers on the basketball court and as he maneuvers his hand-crank bicycle to the front of a race. Most of all, you can see it in his eyes – his eye to be exact. Where Barron’s left eye once was, a prosthetic stamped with the symbol of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, stares out. Barron’s prosthetic leg also sports a 3/5 patch, a custom design of his own.
To Barron, pride in where he came from means everything. And pride is what drives him as a Wounded Warrior.
In October 2010, Barron, a native of Cudahy, Calif., was deployed with 3/5, the Darkhorse Battalion. During the deployment, Darkhorse lost 24 men, more than any other Marine unit in Afghanistan in support of operations there. During a patrol, Barron’s friend stepped on an improvised explosive device and lost both his legs and a few of his fingers. Barron lost his left leg and left eye. He considers himself lucky.
Now Barron is competing in wheelchair basketball and hand-cycling with more than 300 injured Marines, veteran and allies in the 2012 Marine Corps Trials.
Barron sat down with us for a few minutes to share his perspective on a life very unique for a 22-year-old.
read more here
Chief Master Sergeant Kathryn Godfrey passed away
Kathryn Godfrey, of Melbourne, mother, dauaghter, sister, hero and friend passed away February 16, 2012. Born in Pensacola, FL October 3, 1952, she died at the young age of 59. She fought for her Country by serving in the United States Air Force for 30 years participating in six different campaigns eventually earning and retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Independence, courage, generosity, sensitivity, integrity, dignity, goofy and fun, are some of the words that family and friends would use to describe her. She lived and loved life to its fullest and will be missed and remembered for years to come.
She is survived by her two daughters, Crystal Madison and Stephanie Jorgenson; her grandchildren, Aries, Alexis, Alyssa and Eva; her mother, Barbara Mendoza; her brothers, Phillip Mendoza, Rick Mendoza and Danny Mendoza; her best friend, Teresa James and son many more.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm on Patrick Air Force Base at the South Chapel. At 2:30 pm a precession will go to Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL for her burial and at 3:30 pm we will head to the Patrick Air Force Base Marina for a Celebration of Life.
read more here to find out how you can donate in her honor
She is survived by her two daughters, Crystal Madison and Stephanie Jorgenson; her grandchildren, Aries, Alexis, Alyssa and Eva; her mother, Barbara Mendoza; her brothers, Phillip Mendoza, Rick Mendoza and Danny Mendoza; her best friend, Teresa James and son many more.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 1:00 pm on Patrick Air Force Base at the South Chapel. At 2:30 pm a precession will go to Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL for her burial and at 3:30 pm we will head to the Patrick Air Force Base Marina for a Celebration of Life.
read more here to find out how you can donate in her honor
Employing Our Soldiers: LearnSmart wants YOU
Guest Post
Employing Our Soldiers: LearnSmart wants YOU!
Tabrea Shaw
Since 1997, LearnSmart has been improving the way individuals learn and businesses train and develop their professional staff. From advanced technology and software training to office productivity, business management, and professional development courses, LearnSmart provides the training solutions that are crucial to the success of you and your businesses.
LearnSmart is proud to employ the brave men and women who have served our nation and is also a proud member/supporter of many local Tampa-area veteran and active-duty military organizations. LearnSmart has a strong history of actively recruiting and hiring veterans. Veterans posses the discipline, intelligence, and work ethic we find crucial to growing our business. Hiring them isn't just good for the country, it's good for business.
As a featured member of the Spike TV Hire-a-Vet Honor Roll, LearnSmart is a proud member of an exclusive group of organizations committed to assisting our country’s veterans find jobs. Spike TV and LearnSmart know that these men and women are some of the best trained, most dedicated leaders and teammates this nation has to offer. The Hire-a-Vet campaign is dedicated to making sure that message is heard. If you are a veteran of the US Armed Forces and have the desire to excel in the competitive world of training and technology, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
For more information on positions available, please click here.
Employing Our Soldiers: LearnSmart wants YOU!
Tabrea Shaw
Since 1997, LearnSmart has been improving the way individuals learn and businesses train and develop their professional staff. From advanced technology and software training to office productivity, business management, and professional development courses, LearnSmart provides the training solutions that are crucial to the success of you and your businesses.
LearnSmart is proud to employ the brave men and women who have served our nation and is also a proud member/supporter of many local Tampa-area veteran and active-duty military organizations. LearnSmart has a strong history of actively recruiting and hiring veterans. Veterans posses the discipline, intelligence, and work ethic we find crucial to growing our business. Hiring them isn't just good for the country, it's good for business.
As a featured member of the Spike TV Hire-a-Vet Honor Roll, LearnSmart is a proud member of an exclusive group of organizations committed to assisting our country’s veterans find jobs. Spike TV and LearnSmart know that these men and women are some of the best trained, most dedicated leaders and teammates this nation has to offer. The Hire-a-Vet campaign is dedicated to making sure that message is heard. If you are a veteran of the US Armed Forces and have the desire to excel in the competitive world of training and technology, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
For more information on positions available, please click here.
Sen. Patty Murray hears more problems from veterans with PTSD
Vets get Sen. Patty Murray's ear during roundtable
Six local veterans brought their concerns to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in a listening session Monday at Harbor Wholesale Foods in Lacey. Murray, who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, periodically holds the roundtables to get feedback.
MATT BATCHELDOR; STAFF WRITER
Published: 02/21/12
Returning from war with post-traumatic stress disorder, but being discouraged from receiving treatment. Waiting for more than two months for a doctor’s appointment with Veterans Administration. Being afraid to write the word “veteran” on a job application.
Those were among the concerns that six local veterans brought to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in a listening session Monday at Harbor Wholesale Foods in Lacey. Murray, who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, periodically holds the roundtables to get feedback.
Each veteran described the often difficult transition from war to civilian life.
“My unit suffered a lot of casualties,” said Sarah Lilegard, an intelligence analyst for four years who deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 with a Stryker brigade, the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
She was diagnosed with PTSD shortly after returning from combat, “and at the time I just wanted to feel kind of normal,” she said. “But when it’s you, you really don’t want to admit to it.”
read more here
Six local veterans brought their concerns to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in a listening session Monday at Harbor Wholesale Foods in Lacey. Murray, who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, periodically holds the roundtables to get feedback.
MATT BATCHELDOR; STAFF WRITER
Published: 02/21/12
Returning from war with post-traumatic stress disorder, but being discouraged from receiving treatment. Waiting for more than two months for a doctor’s appointment with Veterans Administration. Being afraid to write the word “veteran” on a job application.
Those were among the concerns that six local veterans brought to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray in a listening session Monday at Harbor Wholesale Foods in Lacey. Murray, who chairs the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, periodically holds the roundtables to get feedback.
Each veteran described the often difficult transition from war to civilian life.
“My unit suffered a lot of casualties,” said Sarah Lilegard, an intelligence analyst for four years who deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 with a Stryker brigade, the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
She was diagnosed with PTSD shortly after returning from combat, “and at the time I just wanted to feel kind of normal,” she said. “But when it’s you, you really don’t want to admit to it.”
read more here
North Carolina Iraq vet wins $200,000 with "Extreme Green" scratch
N.C. Iraq vet wins $200,000
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012
By NEWS & OBSERVER OF RALEIGH
RALEIGH — An Iraq War vet from Sanford stopped for gas on his way to pick up his son from school Friday and found something slightly more shocking and financially appealing than slowly rising fuel prices: a lottery ticket worth $200,000.
Ralph Fernandez bought a $5 Extreme Green ticket at the Lakes County Store on Buffalo Lake Road, and that investment will net $136,001 after taxes.
read more here
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2012
By NEWS & OBSERVER OF RALEIGH
RALEIGH — An Iraq War vet from Sanford stopped for gas on his way to pick up his son from school Friday and found something slightly more shocking and financially appealing than slowly rising fuel prices: a lottery ticket worth $200,000.
Ralph Fernandez bought a $5 Extreme Green ticket at the Lakes County Store on Buffalo Lake Road, and that investment will net $136,001 after taxes.
read more here
Madigan chief placed on leave amid investigations into PTSD diagnoses
Madigan chief placed on leave amid investigations into PTSD diagnoses
ADAM ASHTON
Staff writer
Published February 21, 2012
The head of Madigan Army Medical Center has been removed from command while the Western Region Medical Command concludes its investigation into a psychiatry team that adjusted diagnoses of certain soldiers who were seeking medical retirements.
Col. Dallas Homas’ leave was announced Monday evening by Maj. Gen. Phillip Volpe, who leads the Western Region Medical Command. Col. Mike Heimall, commander of Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, Kan., is taking Homas’ place as interim commander.
Meanwhile, the Army Surgeon General this week is contacting the families of 14 soldiers whose diagnoses for post-traumatic stress disorder were adjusted by the Madigan forensic psychiatry team in such a way that the former soldiers did not receive full disability pensions. The soldiers’ cases were reviewed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center over the past few weeks.
Last fall, memos show that members of the forensic psychiatry team urged behavioral health professionals to consider the long-term costs of a PTSD diagnosis on taxpayers. One memo said a PTSD diagnosis for a veteran could cost up to $1.5 million over time. Those documents have lawmakers asking whether the psychiatrists changed diagnoses to reduce expenses.
read more here
ADAM ASHTON
Staff writer
Published February 21, 2012
The head of Madigan Army Medical Center has been removed from command while the Western Region Medical Command concludes its investigation into a psychiatry team that adjusted diagnoses of certain soldiers who were seeking medical retirements.
Col. Dallas Homas’ leave was announced Monday evening by Maj. Gen. Phillip Volpe, who leads the Western Region Medical Command. Col. Mike Heimall, commander of Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, Kan., is taking Homas’ place as interim commander.
Meanwhile, the Army Surgeon General this week is contacting the families of 14 soldiers whose diagnoses for post-traumatic stress disorder were adjusted by the Madigan forensic psychiatry team in such a way that the former soldiers did not receive full disability pensions. The soldiers’ cases were reviewed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center over the past few weeks.
Last fall, memos show that members of the forensic psychiatry team urged behavioral health professionals to consider the long-term costs of a PTSD diagnosis on taxpayers. One memo said a PTSD diagnosis for a veteran could cost up to $1.5 million over time. Those documents have lawmakers asking whether the psychiatrists changed diagnoses to reduce expenses.
read more here
Monday, February 20, 2012
A suicidal veteran’s plea for help could land him in jail
Aside from everyone being upset over this, it is keeping veterans from calling out of fear they will be arrested too!
Linked from Stars and Stripes
Original story
A suicidal veteran’s plea for help could land him in jail
By Christian Davenport,
At the lowest moment of his life, Sean Duvall pulled out his cellphone just past midnight and called a suicide hotline. He was carrying a final note to his family, a letter confirming his eligibility to be buried in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery and a homemade gun fashioned from a pipe.
He told the Department of Veterans Affairs counselor who answered the phone that June night that he was going to kill himself.
Stay put, the counselor urged him, after learning that Duvall had wandered onto the campus of Virginia Tech. Help is on the way.
Soon a police officer arrived and took the 45-year-old homeless Persian Gulf War veteran to a psychiatric facility, where he was treated for depression and began feeling better.
Had it ended at that, Duvall’s story would be evidence that the efforts to save veterans — who take their lives at a rate of 18 a day — are having an impact. But what happened next has infuriated veterans groups and mental health advocates.
Shortly after Duvall was released from the hospital, he found himself in trouble again. This time with the law.
read more here
Linked from Stars and Stripes
Original story
Another veteran arrested after calling crisis line
February 12, 2012
Suicidal veteran's case pits promise, federal law
After calling a crisis line for troubled veterans, Sean Duvall found himself charged with a weapons violation.
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