Charity provides service dog for injured veteran
4 PAWS 4 PATRIOTS TRAINS SERVICE DOGS THAT CAN HELP INJURED SERVICE MEMBERS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY
North County Times
Craig Shultz
Since retired Marine Cpl. Nathan Peck arrived home from a tour of duty in Iraq in 2009 with lower back injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, his life has not been easy, he said.
But thanks to a local charity, things are looking much brighter.
This week, Peck, 27, was given Cali, a 2-year-old golden retriever from 4 Paws 4 Patriots, a Menifee-based charity that matches injured veterans with service dogs.
“These two years, I’ve been in a very dark place,” Peck said. “Working with Cali, she calms me down, helps me out. She’s like my best friend, like my kid. Most importantly, she knows how to calm me down in those dark moments. Without Tim’s organization, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
Tim is Tim LeBlanc of Menifee, who formed the charity two years ago with fellow Menifee resident Greg Fletcher and John Banks of Temecula.
LeBlanc and Banks are military veterans and Fletcher said he has family members who served in the armed forces.
“These guys don’t get as much help as they should,” Fletcher said before Friday’s presentation at Sam’s Club in Murrieta. “We want to take the talents we have so we can give them a better life.”
LeBlanc has been training dogs since the 1970s and said statistics show that having a service animal helps wounded troops, especially those with PTSD.
read more here
Oct. 26, 2012
Iraq War veteran points to benefits of service dogs
By Kyle Martin
Staff Writer
MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF
Veteran Daniel Smith hugs his service dog, Jefferson. Jefferson assists in Smith's recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries from his 2005 service in Iraq. The black lab is trained to notice panic attacks and other symptoms.
Latest by JimS 8 min 50 sec ago
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently suspended a study that could have opened the door to funding service dogs for veterans with mental disorders.
Iraq War veteran Daniel Smith understands the reason for their delay but wishes more service members could receive the benefit of a service dog like his.
Before Smith brought his black Labrador, Jefferson, home in early 2011, he could barely make it through the crowds of Walmart without a panic attack.
Four months later, Smith was confidently walking through New York’s Grand Central Station with Jefferson by his side.
“I would have never thought a dog could help me like that,” Smith said.
From the VA’s perspective, Jefferson is a prosthetic because he assists in Smith’s recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries he suffered during his deployment to Iraq in 2005. The VA pays for dogs to assist veterans with physical disabilities, including vision and hearing problems. A study was commissioned in 2010 to examine the possibility of funding service dogs for veterans with PTSD, but it was suspended Sept. 5 amid concerns over the consistency of training by private kennels. The VA also says there is a lack of scientific evidence to show the dogs are capable of healing and treating PTSD. It’s unclear whether the study will resume.
Veterans across the country with service dogs are protesting the VA’s decision and providing their own anecdotal evidence.
Smith, of Beech Island, got his dog free from America’s VetDogs in 2011 because of his mobility impairments and seizures. The VA’s only involvement was signing off on the paperwork that verified his medical condition and a chaplain’s recommendation.
read more here
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Homeless Yakima veteran on benefits fair: 'Means a lot'
Homeless Yakima veteran on benefits fair: 'Means a lot'
By Michael Spears
Published: Oct 27, 2012
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A giant fair in Yakima went a long way at helping local veterans Saturday by offering everything from job help to free clothes and food.
Some veterans return home and find it hard to adjust back to civilian life while others find themselves falling on hard times with nowhere to go.
KIMA spoke with one veteran who said he struggles every day to survive.
"Get back on my feet. That's what I want to do: get back on my feet and this helps,” said Mark Hansen.
Mark Hansen was enlisted in the U.S. Army for 9 years. His time in the military took him overseas to places like Korea and Germany.
But after Hansen hung up his uniform for good he found himself struggling to make ends meet.
"When I first came back I was living with my mother and a series of unfortunate accidents took place and that's what found me homeless,” said Hansen.
With nowhere to go, Hansen turned to a group home with other homeless vets. He's now looking for a job with the help of Work Source.
read more here
By Michael Spears
Published: Oct 27, 2012
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A giant fair in Yakima went a long way at helping local veterans Saturday by offering everything from job help to free clothes and food.
Some veterans return home and find it hard to adjust back to civilian life while others find themselves falling on hard times with nowhere to go.
KIMA spoke with one veteran who said he struggles every day to survive.
"Get back on my feet. That's what I want to do: get back on my feet and this helps,” said Mark Hansen.
Mark Hansen was enlisted in the U.S. Army for 9 years. His time in the military took him overseas to places like Korea and Germany.
But after Hansen hung up his uniform for good he found himself struggling to make ends meet.
"When I first came back I was living with my mother and a series of unfortunate accidents took place and that's what found me homeless,” said Hansen.
With nowhere to go, Hansen turned to a group home with other homeless vets. He's now looking for a job with the help of Work Source.
read more here
Express Lube steps up after woman steals donations for Homeless Veterans
This was caught on security video. The woman is seen looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then she just takes the box of money intended for homeless veterans.
This could have been one more of the terrible stories out there about heartless people, but Express Lube turned it into a heartwarming story. They replaced the donations that were estimated to be about $100 with $500!
This could have been one more of the terrible stories out there about heartless people, but Express Lube turned it into a heartwarming story. They replaced the donations that were estimated to be about $100 with $500!
Woman Steals Donation Box for Homeless Veterans
FOX 29 San Antonio
By: Robert Price
A woman is caught on camera stealing a donation box full of money for homeless veterans.
Surveillance video shows the woman taking the money from the counter of an Express Lube at Babcock and Hillcrest.
Employees say the box had about one hundred dollars in it.
Express Lube has the donation boxes at sixteen of its locations around town. To make up for the lost money, it has donated five hundred dollars to the campaign.
read more here and see video
Saturday, October 27, 2012
One city, two policemen, one Afghan tour
One city, two policemen, one Afghan tour
By Mark Caudill
Mansfield, Ohio
News Journal Posted : Saturday Oct 27, 2012
MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield police officers Randy Carver and Nelson Kilgore didn’t cross paths during their recent tours of Afghanistan.
Kilgore was relieved they didn’t.
He was on the fallen comrade detail at his base when he got word three members of Carver’s unit had been killed this spring.
“He was freaking out when he heard about it because he knew where I was at,” Carver said.
Carver and Kilgore returned safely from Afghanistan recently. They will be back on their regular jobs in mid-November.
Carver, 33, is a staff sergeant with an Ohio Army National Guard unit near Toledo. Kilgore, 40, has been with the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard for 22 years. He is a master sergeant.
Both Carver and Kilgore joined the city police department in 2005.
click link for more
By Mark Caudill
Mansfield, Ohio
News Journal Posted : Saturday Oct 27, 2012
MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield police officers Randy Carver and Nelson Kilgore didn’t cross paths during their recent tours of Afghanistan.
Kilgore was relieved they didn’t.
He was on the fallen comrade detail at his base when he got word three members of Carver’s unit had been killed this spring.
“He was freaking out when he heard about it because he knew where I was at,” Carver said.
Carver and Kilgore returned safely from Afghanistan recently. They will be back on their regular jobs in mid-November.
Carver, 33, is a staff sergeant with an Ohio Army National Guard unit near Toledo. Kilgore, 40, has been with the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard for 22 years. He is a master sergeant.
Both Carver and Kilgore joined the city police department in 2005.
click link for more
4 Tours, Bronze Star Fort Drum Soldier Armed Standoff
Friday: New Details In Armed Stand-off
Story Published: Oct 26, 2012
A domestic dispute between Fort Drum soldier Jason Love and his wife turned into an armed standoff.
With 30 to 40 police officers surrounding his house during the five-hour standoff, Love, wearing full body armor, allegedly fired a rifle three or four times.
Eventually, police talked Love into surrendering.
He was charged with menacing a police officer, first degree reckless endangerment, second degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully wearing a body vest.
Love is a Bronze Star recipient who served four combat tours.
The obvious question is, was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - a factor? "The situation last night, there was alcohol involvement," said Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns.
"Was there any post-traumatic?" he said. "We're not sure." go here for more and video
Story Published: Oct 26, 2012
A domestic dispute between Fort Drum soldier Jason Love and his wife turned into an armed standoff.
With 30 to 40 police officers surrounding his house during the five-hour standoff, Love, wearing full body armor, allegedly fired a rifle three or four times.
Eventually, police talked Love into surrendering.
He was charged with menacing a police officer, first degree reckless endangerment, second degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully wearing a body vest.
Love is a Bronze Star recipient who served four combat tours.
The obvious question is, was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - a factor? "The situation last night, there was alcohol involvement," said Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns.
"Was there any post-traumatic?" he said. "We're not sure." go here for more and video
Police Identify Man Involved In Armed Standoff
Story Published: Oct 26, 2012
A five-hour armed standoff in the town of LeRay Thursday ended with the arrest of one man, but no injuries.
Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies say 33 year old Jason Love was charged with menacing a police officer, first degree reckless endangerment, second degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawfully wearing a body vest.
This is what Turner calls an apology for "good suicides"
This is what Turner calls an apology for good suicides
by Chaplain Kathie
Wounded Times Blog
October 27, 2012
Yesterday I had to ask Did Ted Turner say military suicide "is good" because I thought there had to be some kind of stroke or maybe he was drinking but I read the transcript. It is what he said. What was worse is that Morgan then came back without a followup question.
I would have loved to have heard, "How dare you?" "Do you have a single clue what it is like for them to come home after surviving combat but can't survive being home?" "Have you totally lost your own mind?" But Morgan's next question was about Turner giving money away. Nice way to suck up to the boss and slam all the veterans leaving behind grieving families.
This is what Turner calls an apology.
Excuse me but WTF! Maybe Turner didn't pay attention after Vietnam Veterans came home, suffered in silence with PTSD that, yes, was called PTSD in the 70's, or the fact they were being locked up because they tried anything and everything to stop the pain they had. Maybe he didn't notice when the jails were filling up with those veterans because they used drugs or drank too much to get numb. He sure as hell missed the numbers climbing of Vietnam Veterans committing suicide to the tune of 150,000 to 200,000 along with the fact that by 1978 500,000 Vietnam Veterans had PTSD. Homeless Veterans were walking the streets long before he made his fortune even though they didn't hang out in his neighborhood. He sure as shit didn't notice that everything available for OEF and OIF veterans was established because of the Vietnam veterans coming home and fighting for it!
That's the biggest offense of all in all of this. Turner is a "newsman" and as a newsman he should have given a damn about knowing what was going on even though he finds it reprehensible for this generation of men and women to feel so compassionately courageous they are willing to die to save someone else. Once again he missed that point. They don't join to kill. They join to save. They have to train how to kill because that is exactly what the other side is doing. They don't pick the battles they are sent to fight. Politicians do. Politicians are also the ones that are supposed to know WTF they are sending these men and women to risk their lives for. Just because they drop the ball, don't care to make sure they are 100% right about the necessity, and sure as hell don't bother to plan for any of the wounded coming home, that is not the fault of those who go.
Turner said he's all about peace but never once contemplated how peace was achieved and maintained throughout the history of this country.
Now he says it is good that the American people are aware? It would have been nice if Turner had fought to make sure the American people knew what I was reading everyday. Knew how families grieved because someone they loved came back so changed they no longer wanted to live. Knew what it was like for a Mom to stand by her son's grave and blame herself for not doing enough. Know what it like for them to learn that everything they needed to know was known but no one told them. Knew what it was like to discover the "resiliency" training they were getting was the reason why their sons and daughters thought it was because they were mentally weak and too ashamed to ask for help.
Ya, sure Turner can come out with another boatload of excuses for what he said this time but the truth is, he's had years to prove how he really feels.
by Chaplain Kathie
Wounded Times Blog
October 27, 2012
Yesterday I had to ask Did Ted Turner say military suicide "is good" because I thought there had to be some kind of stroke or maybe he was drinking but I read the transcript. It is what he said. What was worse is that Morgan then came back without a followup question.
I would have loved to have heard, "How dare you?" "Do you have a single clue what it is like for them to come home after surviving combat but can't survive being home?" "Have you totally lost your own mind?" But Morgan's next question was about Turner giving money away. Nice way to suck up to the boss and slam all the veterans leaving behind grieving families.
This is what Turner calls an apology.
“During my recent interview on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, I inadvertently used the word ‘good’ when asked for my thoughts on the increasing rate of suicide among U.S. military soldiers in the Middle East. It was certainly not my intent to imply that suicide is ‘good.’ Rather, I was implying that it is good that the public is more aware of these tragedies and is more averse to war and war-related fatalities,” Turner responded.
Excuse me but WTF! Maybe Turner didn't pay attention after Vietnam Veterans came home, suffered in silence with PTSD that, yes, was called PTSD in the 70's, or the fact they were being locked up because they tried anything and everything to stop the pain they had. Maybe he didn't notice when the jails were filling up with those veterans because they used drugs or drank too much to get numb. He sure as hell missed the numbers climbing of Vietnam Veterans committing suicide to the tune of 150,000 to 200,000 along with the fact that by 1978 500,000 Vietnam Veterans had PTSD. Homeless Veterans were walking the streets long before he made his fortune even though they didn't hang out in his neighborhood. He sure as shit didn't notice that everything available for OEF and OIF veterans was established because of the Vietnam veterans coming home and fighting for it!
That's the biggest offense of all in all of this. Turner is a "newsman" and as a newsman he should have given a damn about knowing what was going on even though he finds it reprehensible for this generation of men and women to feel so compassionately courageous they are willing to die to save someone else. Once again he missed that point. They don't join to kill. They join to save. They have to train how to kill because that is exactly what the other side is doing. They don't pick the battles they are sent to fight. Politicians do. Politicians are also the ones that are supposed to know WTF they are sending these men and women to risk their lives for. Just because they drop the ball, don't care to make sure they are 100% right about the necessity, and sure as hell don't bother to plan for any of the wounded coming home, that is not the fault of those who go.
Turner said he's all about peace but never once contemplated how peace was achieved and maintained throughout the history of this country.
Now he says it is good that the American people are aware? It would have been nice if Turner had fought to make sure the American people knew what I was reading everyday. Knew how families grieved because someone they loved came back so changed they no longer wanted to live. Knew what it was like for a Mom to stand by her son's grave and blame herself for not doing enough. Know what it like for them to learn that everything they needed to know was known but no one told them. Knew what it was like to discover the "resiliency" training they were getting was the reason why their sons and daughters thought it was because they were mentally weak and too ashamed to ask for help.
Ya, sure Turner can come out with another boatload of excuses for what he said this time but the truth is, he's had years to prove how he really feels.
WWII veteran died penniless, but rich with friends
He died penniless, but rich with friends
S.F. NEIGHBORHOODS
Kevin Fagan
October 26, 2012
It was just before sunrise when Bernie Kern wheeled himself to an outdoor plaza at Laguna Honda Hospital for his usual morning cigarette. He'd been living in the hospital for five years, but four decades of homelessness before that had left him with an enduring affection for the early morning chill and quiet.
The cigarette was done in a few minutes. It was his last.
Kern was found peacefully slumped in his wheelchair just outside the elevator, his heart given out from the long years on the streets.
That was Oct. 9. He was 90.
Having long outlived every relative he knew, there was no family to claim him. The normal city policy in such cases is to cremate him along with other unclaimed indigents, then scatter his ashes into the ocean with all the others on a routine run by a city-hired boat.
read more here
S.F. NEIGHBORHOODS
Kevin Fagan
October 26, 2012
It was just before sunrise when Bernie Kern wheeled himself to an outdoor plaza at Laguna Honda Hospital for his usual morning cigarette. He'd been living in the hospital for five years, but four decades of homelessness before that had left him with an enduring affection for the early morning chill and quiet.
The cigarette was done in a few minutes. It was his last.
Kern was found peacefully slumped in his wheelchair just outside the elevator, his heart given out from the long years on the streets.
That was Oct. 9. He was 90.
Having long outlived every relative he knew, there was no family to claim him. The normal city policy in such cases is to cremate him along with other unclaimed indigents, then scatter his ashes into the ocean with all the others on a routine run by a city-hired boat.
read more here
In veteran-heavy states, military issues magnified
This is an easy one to explain. Stop listening to what they say and start looking up their records. That's the only way to figure out what they will end up doing. Romney will cut the VA and privatize it. Aside from the Ryan budget he approved of we have his record in Massachusetts. He cut state VA funds, ended hiring preferences for veterans and cut public employees, most of the were veterans. Remember, veterans enter into law enforcement, fire departments and public service more than they return to the private sector. They always want to give more and serving makes them happy.
John McCain proved that it is not what they say but what they do as well. Look up his record on everything from the GI Bill, which he not only voted against but fought against it and go all the way back to when he was first sent to the Senate. He loved to say he was "one of us" until we weren't looking.
For President Obama, even the most staunch Republicans I know have admitted he has done a lot for veterans and to right some wrongs done against them. Gulf War veterans and Vietnam veterans were included in on all the changes for the better when the media was just paying attention to the newer veterans. Think of how many years that went on and no one did anything. Then think of the new veterans bill the Senate tied up that would have trained the OEF OIF veterans to be police officers and firefighters and you get a good picture of what is really going on.
John McCain proved that it is not what they say but what they do as well. Look up his record on everything from the GI Bill, which he not only voted against but fought against it and go all the way back to when he was first sent to the Senate. He loved to say he was "one of us" until we weren't looking.
For President Obama, even the most staunch Republicans I know have admitted he has done a lot for veterans and to right some wrongs done against them. Gulf War veterans and Vietnam veterans were included in on all the changes for the better when the media was just paying attention to the newer veterans. Think of how many years that went on and no one did anything. Then think of the new veterans bill the Senate tied up that would have trained the OEF OIF veterans to be police officers and firefighters and you get a good picture of what is really going on.
In veteran-heavy states, military issues magnified
timesleader.com
Associated Press
(AP) The far-flung swing states that have the most sway in the presidential election have something else in common a large share of military veterans who are getting special attention from the fiercely dueling campaigns.
In a White House campaign this hard-fought, no interest group can be ignored. But veterans are an especially prized group since so many live in battlegrounds including Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina and Virginia.
Backing those who have served the country also sends a feel-good patriotic message to the electorate at large. And although veterans traditionally lean Republican, both candidates see an opening to win over veterans this year.
The next president will face U.S. troops returning from Afghanistan and a continuing budget crisis with veterans benefits under scrutiny.
Navy veteran Rob Meurer fears for his own livelihood at a northern Virginia aerospace manufacturer if military spending cuts are enacted during a second administration for President Barack Obama. Defense cuts "could devastate our military and our business," Meurer said.
At the other end of the state, Hampton Roads area Air Force veteran Lawrence Ewing fears the quality of his health care will suffer should the government privatize benefits under Republican Mitt Romney.
"We simply cannot afford cuts to the VA," Ewing said.
read more here
Why would VoteVets spend $1 million against GOP?
VoteVets, Progressive Veterans Group, Spends $1 Million Against GOP Candidates
For Final Stretch
The Huffington Post
By Sabrina Siddiqui
Posted: 10/26/2012
VoteVets Action Fund, a progressive veterans group, announced a $1 million push on Friday against Republican congressional candidates in Virginia, Indiana and Montana for the final days of the 2012 election cycle.
The effort includes a television ad targeting U.S. Senate candidate George Allen's voting record on veterans' benefits and care. "There are over 800,000 veterans, like me, living in Virginia," says Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran David Nasse in the commercial. "Time and again, George Allen has turned his back on us."
"George Allen said, 'Whatever the government program is, no matter how essential it is, it is a waste,'" he continues. "If George Allen thinks veterans programs are a waste, maybe voting for him is the real waste."
The spot will run on broadcast and cable networks in Virginia for one week as part of a $200,000 ad buy.
read more here
Military family loses son to PTSD and blames themselves
The hardest thing we all need to face is that parents have to watch the casket carrying the body of their sons and daughters while blaming themselves for what happened. What the hell is wrong with us?
Military family loses son to PTSD
FOX 23.com
Reported by: Danica Lawrence
Published: 10/26 10:10 pm
The family of a United States Marine Corp. corporal who killed himself on Sunday wants to help veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Cpl. Wade Austin Toothman suffered from PTSD for three years. He served two tours in his four years with the Marine Corp. He deployed to Afghanistan from January 1, 2008 to August 31, 2008. Then he toured in Iraq from May 1, 2009 to October 31st of 2009.
He was held for three months after his return from Iraq to be officially medically discharged.
Cpl. Toothman’s aunt, Debi Hendrix said “When he came home the first time I looked in his eyes and he wasn’t there. He lost his best friend in an accident where he was blown up and I think that pretty much started everything.”
She said he got some help but not enough.
“He should have stayed longer but he just wanted to come home,” said Hendrix. “But he literally told them what they wanted to hear so he could come home. “
Hendrix was the first to read Cpl. Toothman’s suicide note. She said she feels guilty for not realizing how much he was suffering.
“I missed it,” said Hendrix. “We aren’t qualified. We aren’t doctors. We aren’t supposed to be; that’s why we have to find a way to help these people.”
read more here
It doesn't matter how many years I've been doing this because most of the time the people I am talking to have no clue what PTSD is or what they can do about it. They know the term but no one told them what it all means.
They know their veteran is suffering. As Cpl. Toothman's aunt said, she could see it but she didn't totally understand what she was seeing. Toothman did what most of them do when they want to come home. They lie about what is going on inside of them.
While we hear about the training they get on "being resilient" their parents are trained on how to plan for a funeral.
Now this family is doing what most end up doing when it is too late for them. They try to help someone else with what they learned so they don't have to go through the same pain. Why? Because no one else did it for them. No one told them. They know what it feels like. That is the most damaging indictment on the military "prevention" push that has yielded the opposite result by making them hopeless instead of "resilient"!
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