Hundreds gather to remember fallen heroes

Memorial Day 2012: Hundreds gather to remember fallen heroes
Posted: Thursday, May 31, 2012
Amy Binkley Assistant managing editor
Camp Lejeune Globe

Photo by AMY BINKLEY Memorial Day 2012 A woman visits her fallen service member at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetary in Jacksonville, N.C., Monday.

She sits alone on the grave, face downcast. Though her thoughts are unheard, the cries of her heart echo as loud as thunder.

She has loved, and she has lost.

Her solace is found among the stars and stripes marking the final resting place of hundreds of brave warriors and knowing she is not alone in her mourning or her memories.

Service members, both past and present, their families and members of the community gathered to remember their fallen brothers during the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, N.C., Monday.

“We all have our own reasons for coming today,” said Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
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Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process

Warrior Wellness equine assistance important part of healing process
by Tech. Sgt. Mareshah Haynes
Air Force News Service
5/30/2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The relationship between man and his horse is a storied one. Winston Churchill once said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." The 19th century novelist Robert Smith Surtees said, "There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse." And the 20th century American novelist John Steinbeck said, "A man on a horse is spiritually as well as physically bigger than a man on foot."

For hundreds of years, people have recognized the healing qualities of horses. Here, on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy, equine specialists have taken those healing qualities to a whole new level with the equine assisted learning experience.

As part of the Warrior Wellness Program, service members can participate in the program as a way to cope with their mental and physical injuries, especially those that are combat related. Although the bulk of the guests are Soldiers from the southern Colorado area, the program is open to service members from all branches.

The stables are tucked away in a corner of the base that used to be a family housing area. Away from the space-themed structures on the main base, modern-day cowboys, clad in Stetsons and spurs, can be seen tending to the animals. And then there's Boris; the resident mule who thinks he's more akin to the family dog than a farm animal.

"Once you cross the rock bridge, it's like a different world," said Robert Templin, an animal caretaker and equine specialist. "It's like taking a step back in time. There's the Rocky Mountains right there and the river - it's a goose bump giver."
v The staff members at the equestrian center use their old-fashioned "cures" to help treat Soldiers who are dealing with an issue that plagues many service members who are returning from combat in today's conflicts.

"I can tell you firsthand, these people save lives," said an Airman who participated in the program and asked to remain anonymous. " I know that sounds melodramatic, but make no mistake, Mr. Barrett and his team save Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen from taking their own lives, and they allow military families an amazing venue to start healing together -- no doubt, no drama, no embellishment."
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Supporting a Family Member with PTSD

One Day at a Time: Supporting a Family Member with PTSD
Filed under FAMILIES, LEADERSHIP
By Paul Ross
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs and Editor, Navy Medicine Magazine

Author and brother

When my kid brother left for Iraq he was just that — a kid.

He returned home shattered inside. The “dark pit,” as he calls it, was hidden underneath his gruff, infantry-tattooed exterior. No one in our family could have predicted what he would experience or the after-effects that continue to haunt him today.

Many Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen return from deployments with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As a family member of a person suffering from PTSD, we must be strong for them in a variety of ways to help them combat the disorder.

I received an up-close and personal look at how it can affect a person, when my younger brother came to live with me after separating from the U.S. Army.

Shortly after graduating from the U. S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., my younger brother found his newly-issued boots on the sandy ground in Mosul, Iraq — during a time that would turn out to be one of the bloodiest during the war. His main duties were to provide infantry support to convoys, security detail, and to locate and apprehend insurgents.

He came home with an inescapable burden on his back. He continually woke up, drenched in sweat, with nightmares so real he could still see the terrifying images in his dark room. His mind was filled with the lives he had to take, the friends he lost — some to the enemy, some to suicide — and the near-misses of death’s cold, bony grip on his own neck.
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Helping veterans find work in a tight job market

Reminder: Don't forget about the spouse! My husband is 100% disabled and cannot work. I can work but have not been able to find a job under Veterans' Preference. (I do this blog for free) While it was wonderful I was able to go back to college and get certification in Digital Media with help from the VA, I'll still have student loans to pay back.

When I am lucky enough to get an interview in Digital Media and mention this to them, they have no idea what I'm talking about. If you are a spouse or Mom you need to know this.

Family Member Preference (Derived Preference)

Derived Preference is a method where you, as the spouse, widow/widower, or mother of a veteran may be eligible to claim veterans' preference when your veteran is unable to use it. You will be given XP Preference (10 points) in appointment if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Both a mother and a spouse (including widow or widower) may be entitled to preference on the basis of the same veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

NOTE: The derived preference for spouses is different than the preference the Department of Defense is required by law to extend to spouses of active duty members in filling its civilian positions. For more information on that program, contact your local Department of Defense personnel office.

Spouses are eligible when your veteran has a service-connected disability and has been unable to qualify for any position in the civil service.

Widows/Widowers are eligible if you did not divorce your veteran spouse, have not remarried, or the remarriage was annulled, and the veteran: served during a war or during the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized; OR died while on active duty that included service described immediately above under conditions that would not have been the basis for other than an honorable or general discharge.

Mothers of deceased veterans veterans are eligible when your son or daughter died under honorable conditions while on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Additionally, you must: be or have been married to the father of your veteran; AND live with a permanently disabled husband; OR be widowed, divorced, or separated from the veteran's father and have not remarried; OR if remarried be widowed, divorced, or legally separated from your husband at the time you claim derived preference.

Mothers of disabled veterans are eligible if your son or daughter was separated with an honorable or general discharge from active duty, including training service in the Reserves or National Guard, and is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected injury or illness. Additionally, you must: be or have been married to the father of your veteran; AND live with a permanently disabled husband; OR be widowed, divorced, or separated from the veteran's father and have not remarried; OR if remarried, be widowed, divorced, or legally separated from your husband at the time you claim derived preference.

NOTE: Preference is not given to widows or mothers of deceased veterans who qualify for preference under 5 U.S.C. 2108 (1) (B), (C) or (2). Thus, widows or mothers of deceased disabled veterans who served after 1955, but did not serve in a war, campaign, or expedition, would not be entitled to claim preference.

Military Spouse Preference is a Department of Defense program applicable to positions being filled both in the continental United States and at overseas locations. For more information contact you local Department of Defense personnel office.

If you are looking for a job, print this from the link above and take it on your interview.

Helping veterans find work in a tight job market
By Hayley Tsukayama
Published: May 30

Military veterans face a major communications gap when looking for jobs in the civilian world. That’s what a survey from Monster.com, one of the world’s leading job sites, found when it took a deeper look at how veterans fare in the job market once they leave military service.

On Wednesday, Monster released the Veterans Talent Index, a report based on surveys of veterans looking for work and of the employers who are seeking to hire them. This is the second index the company has done; Monster plans to revisit the project every six months or so.

“We created the VTI to shine a light on the problems that vets are having in finding jobs,” said Steve Cooker, Monster’s executive vice president and head of global government solutions.

Veterans’ confidence in being able to find a job is dropping, the study found, as they face a tough job market. The unemployment rate is particularly high for 18- to 24-year-old veterans, said Jeff Quinn, Monster Worldwide’s vice president of global insights. They are finding it tough to compete for scarce jobs against peers who have not served in the military but instead have a few years of additional education or work experience under their belts. Cooker said the problem will only get larger as government budget cuts prompt more people look for jobs outside of the military.
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Wounded Altavista Soldier Stays Positive

Wounded Altavista Soldier Stays Positive
Posted: May 30, 2012
Reporter: Carleigh Griffeth

Altavista, VA- An inspiring update on a soldier from Altavista, nearly killed in Afghanistan. Chris Walker was clearing a site of explosive devices when one went off, throwing him 30 feet.

He lost both of his lower arms, and a leg. Right now, he's at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Maryland. We got to speak with him.

He's been through so much, but he's very optimistic. He's not mad, he's not upset, he's not even worrying about the future. The only thing he is complaining about, is having to stay in bed. And from the looks of things, he won't be there long.

Chris Walker's mother remembers it like it was yesterday.

"I can't explain. I really can't explain the feeling that it, that you have when you get the call," said Donna Hammack, Chris' Mother.

The call that her son lost three limbs, and was clinging to life.

"It's nothing that I'd wish on nobody else," said Hammack.
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Cranston Rhode Island Veteran with PTSD getting help after standoff

Man surrenders after Cranston standoff
Residents allowed back into their homes
Published : Thursday, 31 May 2012
By Courtney Caligiuri
With Reporting by Andrew Adamson

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - People have been allowed back into their homes in a Cranston neighborhood after being evacuated during an hours-long standoff Wednesday night.

Police said a 30-year-old veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder was behind the incident.

Police responded to a home on Legion Way around 7 p.m. after being alerted by the man's family.

"He has had some issues in the past, and I'm happy to say he's going to a place where he's going to get the help he needs and all of our officers are going home safe," said Col. Polombo.

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Man surrenders after Cranston standoff: wpri.com

Veteran and Englewood Police Officer killed by hit and run driver

Hit-and-run kills officer
May 30, 2012.
Tom Munds

Englewood Police Officer Jeremy Bitner died from injuries he received when he was hit by an alleged drunk driver in the early-morning hours of Memorial Day.

Englewood Police Chief John Collins’ voice reflected the depth of his feelings at a May 29 press conference where he announced Bitner’s death. He said Bitner had died the day earlier – the same day as the crash – but the announcement was delayed at the request of the family and so Bitner’s desire to be an organ donor could be honored

Bitner served a tour in the Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Infantry and served a tour in Bosnia. He became a law enforcement officer and was a deputy with the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office before being hired by Englewood in December 2004. In his time as an Englewood police officer, Bitner served as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics team, was a field training officer for newly hired officers and was an instructor in the Citizen’s Academy.

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War hero, 91, targeted in Florida's purge of voter rolls

War hero, 91, targeted in Florida's purge of voter rolls
By Brittany Wallman and Kathleen Haughney
Sun Sentinel
Published: May 29, 2012
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.

Using an American war veteran as the face of their cause, two South Florida congressmen called on the governor Tuesday to immediately stop the state’s purge of the voter rolls.

And in a separate move, Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson sent a letter to the governor expressing his own concerns about the voter purging. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton, and U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, accused the Republican governor of using the roll cleanup as a ruse to disenfranchise voters just months before a presidential election.

Sitting in the retirement village in Davie where he lives, 91-year-old Bill Internicola listened Tuesday as Deutch read from a piece of his recent mail: “The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office has received information from the state of Florida that you are not a United States citizen; however you are registered to vote.’’
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In Sweat Lodge, Vets Find Healing 'Down To The Core'

In Sweat Lodge, Vets Find Healing 'Down To The Core'
by TAKI TELONIDIS
May 28, 2012

Substance abuse. Violence. Even thoughts of suicide. These are some of the problems that many veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are struggling with.

Today it's called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, but it has affected veterans going back much farther. While doctors and researchers put enormous efforts into developing new treatments, one group of veterans in Salt Lake City is finding relief in a very old tradition: a Native American sweat lodge.

If you didn't know to peer over the six-foot brick wall next to a parking lot at Salt Lake's Veterans Affairs center, you'd never guess it was there.

On a Friday afternoon, Cal Bench, a Vietnam veteran, is here early, gathering firewood like he does every week for the ceremony that will start in a few hours.

"I went into the service at 18 and I went to Vietnam at 19," Bench says. "And I had no idea how it would change or affect you mentally. The concept that I would carry that around forever was just hard. But I just never had any place to turn. I came here and I was given a blessing."
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What does Chris Hayes think a hero is?

Chris Hayes doesn't seem to understand what makes someone a hero. "Doing his job" a person puts on his /her uniform because they are very different from people like Hayes.

A hero is a regular person who rises about being ordinary. We use the word for regular people putting their own lives on the line for the sake of someone else, yet they live the same way the rest of us do the rest of the time. Same hopes, dreams and problems but they managed somehow to show the rest of us how very different they are.

We have some making it their careers to save lives. They go into law enforcement knowing they could be killed in the line of duty as well as usually being the last person you want to see unless you need them.

Firefighters and EMT responders know they could also die in the line of duty but people are happy when they show up simply because they only show up when you need them.

Even in these groups there are some going above and beyond what is expected of them, above the ordinary for their class. We call them all heroes but the difference comes when they call one of their own hero.

It looks like there is a heated debate going on about who is a hero.

Overheard on CNN.com: Does the uniform make the hero?
May 29th, 2012

Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.

When a soldier puts on his uniform for the first time, has he joined the ranks of our nation’s heroes? Or is he simply doing his job? MSNBC’s Chris Hayes chose Memorial Day to share his opinion that military service alone does not a hero make – an opinion he quickly rescinded and publicly apologized for amid a barrage of criticism.

While many thought the newsman was out of line, others supported him as simply exercising his rights to tell an uncomfortable truth.

It all depends on who is using the word.

Hero
he·ro   [heer-oh]

noun, plural he·roes; for 5 also he·ros
1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.
3. the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.
4. Classical Mythology

a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.
b.(in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.
c.(in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

Medals are given because someone higher up in the military thinks the serviceman or woman deserves it. Calling someone a hero is determined by the person using the word. To me, anyone putting their own lives, wants, desires and needs aside for someone else is a hero. As with everything else, there are different levels of heroic acts but in the end they are very different from the rest of us.