Married gays, lesbian still viewed as 'single' by military
By TOM PHILPOTT
Special to Stars and Stripes
Published: November 29, 2012
With the repeal last year of the "don’t ask, don’t tell" law, many military people, including senior leaders, assumed that married gay and lesbian couples had gained not only job security but also equality in allowances, benefits and access to family support programs. That assumption is wrong.
Since the law took effect 14 months ago, the Defense Department has kept in place policies that bar spouses of same-gender couples from having military identification cards, shopping on base, living in base housing or participating in certain family support programs.
Repeal of "don’t ask, don’t tell," says Army Lt. Col. Heather Mack, 39, “simply just prevented me from losing my job. It didn’t do anything else.”
Mack’s spouse, Ashley Broadway, also 39, can shop in stores on nearby Fort Bragg, N.C., only in the status of “caregiver” for their son, Carson. Lacking a military dependent ID card, Ashley has been challenged by checkout clerks when her shopping cart includes items such as deodorant that clearly aren’t needed by their 2-year old.
read more here
Friday, November 30, 2012
VA Claims-Processing Delays Hit 20-Year High
VA Claims-Processing Delays Hit 20-Year High
Nov 30, 2012
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
by Chris Adams
WASHINGTON -- The time needed to process veterans' disability claims shot up by nearly 40 percent last year despite years of effort by federal officials to streamline and shorten the process, records show.
The times necessary to process education benefits and burial benefits, as well as the time needed to wind through the Department of Veterans Affairs appeals process, also increased in fiscal 2012.
The disability-processing time is closely watched by Congress and veterans' advocates as a measure of VA efficiency. In fiscal 2012, the average days to complete a VA disability compensation or pension claim rose to 262 days, up from 188 days in fiscal 2011, according to a recently completely VA performance report.
The 262-day average is the highest that measure has been in at least the past 20 years for which numbers were available.
The VA's long-term goal is to get the processing time to an average of 90 days.
"The entire system is a mess," said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and chief executive of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a support and advocacy group. "They've been saying now for 10 years that it'll get better, and it still doesn't get better, and we've seen tremendous frustration from our members in the last few months. It's reached a breaking point."
The truth is while the Obama Administration has made it easier for older veterans to file claims for what they had been unable to do before, the number of VA employees was not increased enough to or fast enough to meet the number of veterans filing claims.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan Refresh
Nov 30, 2012
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
by Chris Adams
WASHINGTON -- The time needed to process veterans' disability claims shot up by nearly 40 percent last year despite years of effort by federal officials to streamline and shorten the process, records show.
The times necessary to process education benefits and burial benefits, as well as the time needed to wind through the Department of Veterans Affairs appeals process, also increased in fiscal 2012.
The disability-processing time is closely watched by Congress and veterans' advocates as a measure of VA efficiency. In fiscal 2012, the average days to complete a VA disability compensation or pension claim rose to 262 days, up from 188 days in fiscal 2011, according to a recently completely VA performance report.
The 262-day average is the highest that measure has been in at least the past 20 years for which numbers were available.
The VA's long-term goal is to get the processing time to an average of 90 days.
"The entire system is a mess," said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and chief executive of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a support and advocacy group. "They've been saying now for 10 years that it'll get better, and it still doesn't get better, and we've seen tremendous frustration from our members in the last few months. It's reached a breaking point."
The department has seen a massive increase in claims from veterans in recent years, both younger ones from Iraq and Afghanistan and older ones who have recently been able to file claims on new conditions. Claims the past four years have topped 1 million a year.read more here
While some decisions might be straightforward -- a soldier loses a limb in battle -- others are more complicated, requiring extensive medical reviews and research to tie a disability to the veteran's time in the military.
The truth is while the Obama Administration has made it easier for older veterans to file claims for what they had been unable to do before, the number of VA employees was not increased enough to or fast enough to meet the number of veterans filing claims.
VA has experienced unprecedented growth in the medical system workload over the past few years. The number of patients treated increased by 29 percent from 4.2 million in 2001 to nearly 5.5 million in 2008.
As of September 30, 2008, VA had 278,565 employees on the rolls. Among all departments and agencies of the federal government, only the Department of Defense has a larger work force. Of the total number of VA employees, 247,113 were in the Veterans Health Administration, 16,135 in the Veterans Benefits Administration, 1,549 in the National Cemetery System, 3,412 in the Veterans Canteen Service and 437 in the Revolving Supply Fund. The rest, 9,919 employees, are in various staff and facilities offices.
As of September 30, 2010 VA’s workforce (excluding Manila residents and non-US residents) totaled 305,847 permanent and temporary employees,
The White House’s budget plan released in February showed federal employment levels growing in 2013 by 2,400 employees, about 0.1 percent. It projected increases at the Veterans Affairs department to meet increased demand for veterans’ services; the Department of Homeland Security for airport and border security; the Justice Department for staffing new prisons; and the Treasury Department for increased tax enforcement. That plan further projected a decrease of about 7,500 Defense Department civilian employee jobs, largely offsetting those increases. Employment at most other agencies would be essentially flat.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan Refresh
Australian veterans talk about benefits of Ecstasy
NOT since Edina Monsoon's personal health crises on Absolutely Fabulous have we been so concerned with our wellbeing.
Matt Young
news.com.au
November 30, 2012
Herald Sun
Health, health, health, darling. Right, Eddie?
But thanks to the smart cookies at research departments across the globe, we’ve learnt a thing or two about the science behind the medicine.
Like the fact that mixing grapefruit with medication can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, acute kidney failure, or sudden death. For example.
Or that there is evidence to suggest that ecstacy is a feasible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So much so that retired Australian war vet major Steve McDonald is urging the Government to legalise the drug for treatment purposes in affected veterans.
"I think it's really important because the psychedelic medicines are showing really strong potential, and it's a new area of medicine that's unlocking different ways to heal people," said Maj McDonald.
News.com.au heard from a host of sufferers of PTSD, most who concurred with the findings.
"Having also been diagnosed with PTSD due to military deployments I have and am using all kinds of different prescriptions but am still living with depression, night terrors and nightmares and can’t be alone at night due to psychosis as well," wrote Albert in Sydney.
"I'd be quite happy to try something new to free me from my own prison."
Some went so far to say that it was the illicit drug that kept them alive.
"I totally agree with this, as I suffered from PTSD and I can state with 10000% accuracy that if it wasn't for ecstasy, I probably wouldn't be here today," one reader posted anonymously.
read more here
Matt Young
news.com.au
November 30, 2012
Herald Sun
Health, health, health, darling. Right, Eddie?
But thanks to the smart cookies at research departments across the globe, we’ve learnt a thing or two about the science behind the medicine.
Like the fact that mixing grapefruit with medication can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, acute kidney failure, or sudden death. For example.
Or that there is evidence to suggest that ecstacy is a feasible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
So much so that retired Australian war vet major Steve McDonald is urging the Government to legalise the drug for treatment purposes in affected veterans.
"I think it's really important because the psychedelic medicines are showing really strong potential, and it's a new area of medicine that's unlocking different ways to heal people," said Maj McDonald.
News.com.au heard from a host of sufferers of PTSD, most who concurred with the findings.
"Having also been diagnosed with PTSD due to military deployments I have and am using all kinds of different prescriptions but am still living with depression, night terrors and nightmares and can’t be alone at night due to psychosis as well," wrote Albert in Sydney.
"I'd be quite happy to try something new to free me from my own prison."
Some went so far to say that it was the illicit drug that kept them alive.
"I totally agree with this, as I suffered from PTSD and I can state with 10000% accuracy that if it wasn't for ecstasy, I probably wouldn't be here today," one reader posted anonymously.
read more here
Iraq Veteran teaches amputees how to drive again
Triple amputee takes to Beltway relearning to drive (VIDEO)
Darci Marchese
WTOP.com
WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of military service men and women have suffered catastrophic injuries in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coming home from the war often means months, if not years, of rehabilitation and being forced to learn how to do just about everything differently.
Eventually, that includes relearning how to drive.
That's where Army Reserve Capt. Tammy Phipps comes in. Phipps is an occupational therapist and a certified driving rehab specialist. She has two deployments to Iraq under her belt.
Phipps was asked to start up the driving rehabilitation program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in fall 2008. She continues the program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
It's a unique program - the only comprehensive driving rehab program run by the Department of Defense. Phipps is very proud of what she is able to accomplish.
read more here
Darci Marchese
WTOP.com
WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of military service men and women have suffered catastrophic injuries in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coming home from the war often means months, if not years, of rehabilitation and being forced to learn how to do just about everything differently.
Eventually, that includes relearning how to drive.
That's where Army Reserve Capt. Tammy Phipps comes in. Phipps is an occupational therapist and a certified driving rehab specialist. She has two deployments to Iraq under her belt.
Phipps was asked to start up the driving rehabilitation program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in fall 2008. She continues the program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
It's a unique program - the only comprehensive driving rehab program run by the Department of Defense. Phipps is very proud of what she is able to accomplish.
read more here
Firefighter answers call of duty for fallen son
Marine answers the call of duty for his slain son
by ERIC WILKINSON
KING 5 News
Posted on November 29, 2012
Mike Washington is one of three generations in his family who've dedicated their lives to serving others. The retired marine and 25 year Seattle firefighter taught his children the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves.
“I told them when people need help, why not help?” he said.
So, when Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast, Washington rallied the troops in the Northwest, bringing desperately needed relief to New York and New Jersey. For two weeks the Northwest members of "Team Rubicon," a nationwide band of military brothers and sisters, helped storm victims dig out of the ruins of their former lives. It was a proud moment for this humble marine.
“I look at these young people and they've stepped up before and now they're stepping up again and thriving,” said Washington. “This is what they were meant to do.”
But this story isn't about Mike Washington or Team Rubicon, or even the victims of Hurricane Sandy. It's about someone who never set foot in the disaster zone, but is helping to inspire much of the good work being done there.
That inspiration comes in the form of a black and white photo taped to Washington's firehouse locker, and a tribute typed below it. It’s a picture of hope and promise.
It’s a picture of Mike Washington’s 20 year old son, Michael, killed in action in Afghanistan.
read more here
by ERIC WILKINSON
KING 5 News
Posted on November 29, 2012
Mike Washington is one of three generations in his family who've dedicated their lives to serving others. The retired marine and 25 year Seattle firefighter taught his children the importance of being part of something bigger than themselves.
“I told them when people need help, why not help?” he said.
So, when Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast, Washington rallied the troops in the Northwest, bringing desperately needed relief to New York and New Jersey. For two weeks the Northwest members of "Team Rubicon," a nationwide band of military brothers and sisters, helped storm victims dig out of the ruins of their former lives. It was a proud moment for this humble marine.
“I look at these young people and they've stepped up before and now they're stepping up again and thriving,” said Washington. “This is what they were meant to do.”
But this story isn't about Mike Washington or Team Rubicon, or even the victims of Hurricane Sandy. It's about someone who never set foot in the disaster zone, but is helping to inspire much of the good work being done there.
That inspiration comes in the form of a black and white photo taped to Washington's firehouse locker, and a tribute typed below it. It’s a picture of hope and promise.
It’s a picture of Mike Washington’s 20 year old son, Michael, killed in action in Afghanistan.
read more here
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Congress finally takes on fixing 30,000 discharged for "personality disorders"
If you have been reading this blog all along you know this is a very important issue for me considering as of today we still don't know what happened to the men and women kicked out of the military because they didn't get the help they needed. What happened to them? How did they survive when they received nothing from the government except a discharge few employers would honor? How many committed suicide because they were betrayed? So many questions and so few answers but at least Congress is finally looking into doing the right thing. I just wonder how many it is too little to late for.
Changes sought for vets' psych disorder discharges
Kelly Kennedy
USA TODAY
Lawmaker says failing to provide these veterans with the help they need to function in society will cost more money in the long run.
1:05PM EST November 28. 2012 - WASHINGTON -- After nearly 30,000 servicemembers were forced out of the military for "personality disorders," often after combat service, a bipartisan House coalition hopes to require the Pentagon to review those cases in the hopes that some veterans could receive benefits.
Those processed out with a "personality disorder," which is considered a pre-existing condition, received an administrative discharge and no possibility of health benefits or disability retirement pay from the military. Many of those servicemembers had served in combat and showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Vietnam Veterans of America, which filed a lawsuit in 2010 demanding the records of those veterans. They were also not eligible for benefits from Veterans Affairs.
"It's pretty clear to us that it is our responsibility to make this right," said Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn. "They need to get back and get their cases adjudicated correctly."
read more here
Marines from Camp Pendleton receive Medals of Valor
4 IN PENDLETON MARINE SQUAD TO BE AWARDED VALOR MEDALS
UT San Diego
Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
Nov. 29, 2012
The secretary of the Navy is expected Monday to present four members of a Marine special operations team from Camp Pendleton with top awards for valor in combat for their actions in Afghanistan two years ago.
Sgt. William Soutra, a canine handler, will be awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest combat medal. Maj. James Rose, Staff Sgt. Frankie Shinost Jr., and Navy Hospitalman 1st Class Patrick Quill will each get the Silver Star, the third highest medal, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command announced.
The service members from Company B, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion had embarked with Afghan special operations commandos on a two-day operation in Helmand province on July 10, 2010, when they were surrounded by enemy forces, according to the Marine Corps and their award citations signed by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.
read more here
UT San Diego
Written by
Gretel C. Kovach
Nov. 29, 2012
The secretary of the Navy is expected Monday to present four members of a Marine special operations team from Camp Pendleton with top awards for valor in combat for their actions in Afghanistan two years ago.
Sgt. William Soutra, a canine handler, will be awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest combat medal. Maj. James Rose, Staff Sgt. Frankie Shinost Jr., and Navy Hospitalman 1st Class Patrick Quill will each get the Silver Star, the third highest medal, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command announced.
The service members from Company B, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion had embarked with Afghan special operations commandos on a two-day operation in Helmand province on July 10, 2010, when they were surrounded by enemy forces, according to the Marine Corps and their award citations signed by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.
read more here
Lt. General Donald M. Campbell Jr. leaving Fort Hood
Fort Hood’s top general relinquishes command
ABC News
Posted: Nov 28, 2012
By: Chris Cheng
FORT HOOD – Fort Hood and III Corps bid farewell to their commanding general, Wednesday, during a relinquishing of command ceremony on post.
Lt. General Donald M. Campbell Jr. handed over the position to Brigadier General James Richardson.
In his 19 months as leader of III Corps and Fort Hood, Campbell has championed suicide prevention and guided Fort Hood to the 2011 Army Community of Excellence Bronze Award and the 2012 Silver Award.
Richardson is currently serving as III Corps deputy commander and will assume responsibility of III Corps and Fort Hood until Campbell's replacement arrives.
Earlier this month, President Barack Obama nominated Fort Drum Commanding General, Major General Mark Milley, to lead Fort Hood.
read more here
ABC News
Posted: Nov 28, 2012
By: Chris Cheng
FORT HOOD – Fort Hood and III Corps bid farewell to their commanding general, Wednesday, during a relinquishing of command ceremony on post.
Lt. General Donald M. Campbell Jr. handed over the position to Brigadier General James Richardson.
In his 19 months as leader of III Corps and Fort Hood, Campbell has championed suicide prevention and guided Fort Hood to the 2011 Army Community of Excellence Bronze Award and the 2012 Silver Award.
Richardson is currently serving as III Corps deputy commander and will assume responsibility of III Corps and Fort Hood until Campbell's replacement arrives.
Earlier this month, President Barack Obama nominated Fort Drum Commanding General, Major General Mark Milley, to lead Fort Hood.
read more here
Anthony Edwards Spearheads Film About Veterans’ PTSD
Emmy-Winner Anthony Edwards Spearheads Film About Veterans’ PTSD
KHTS AM-1220
Wed, 11/28/2012
By Stephen K. Peeples
The producers of “Searching for Home: Coming Back from War,” a feature documentary about the trials of military veterans’ assimilation back into society from World War II to Afghanistan, have enlisted Emmy-winning executive producer Anthony Edwards and launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to help complete and release the film.
"It's an unflinching, emotionally involving, extremely personal look at veterans returning from war and their search for the ‘home’ they left behind, physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Eric Christiansen of Santa Clarita, the film's director and editor.
His EC Productions' credits include producing and directing the Emmy award-winning film “Faces in the Fire,” about people who had to deal with the trauma of losing their homes in a major firestorm, and directing the documentary film “Homecoming: A Vietnam Vet’s Journey.”
Once funded, Christiansen said, “Searching for Home: Coming Back from War” will be finished as a feature film with a possible theatrical and festival run, then will be distributed to public television for a three-year run. So far, he’s been able to raise enough to produce a trailer and a long-form preview, and figures he’s about ¼ of the way home. He’s shooting for completion by summer 2013.
“It is truly my calling,” Christiansen said.
As it was for some veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, the transition back to civilian life has been rough for more recent veterans of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, especially for those who saw combat and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
read more here
KHTS AM-1220
Wed, 11/28/2012
By Stephen K. Peeples
The producers of “Searching for Home: Coming Back from War,” a feature documentary about the trials of military veterans’ assimilation back into society from World War II to Afghanistan, have enlisted Emmy-winning executive producer Anthony Edwards and launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to help complete and release the film.
"It's an unflinching, emotionally involving, extremely personal look at veterans returning from war and their search for the ‘home’ they left behind, physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Eric Christiansen of Santa Clarita, the film's director and editor.
His EC Productions' credits include producing and directing the Emmy award-winning film “Faces in the Fire,” about people who had to deal with the trauma of losing their homes in a major firestorm, and directing the documentary film “Homecoming: A Vietnam Vet’s Journey.”
Once funded, Christiansen said, “Searching for Home: Coming Back from War” will be finished as a feature film with a possible theatrical and festival run, then will be distributed to public television for a three-year run. So far, he’s been able to raise enough to produce a trailer and a long-form preview, and figures he’s about ¼ of the way home. He’s shooting for completion by summer 2013.
“It is truly my calling,” Christiansen said.
As it was for some veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, the transition back to civilian life has been rough for more recent veterans of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, especially for those who saw combat and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
read more here
American Legion says use "Compassion instead of courts"
Marine Major says criminalizing attempted suicides "helps retain discipline"
Yes you read that right and now groups are trying to do something about it. Maybe instead of holding them accountable for trying to kill themselves it would be a better idea to hold the military and congress responsible for what they failed to do.
Top military court grapples with potential criminality of suicide attempts in military
By Edmund DeMarche
Published November 28, 2012
FoxNews.com
As the military grapples with chronic suicides, officials are trying to strike a balance between helping survivors and punishing them under the longstanding penalties for "self-injury."
The nation’s top military appeals court has been grappling with the law's guidelines given the fact that last year suicides accounted for 20 percent of military deaths.
"If suicide is indeed the worst enemy the Armed Forces has in 2012 — in terms of killing soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines — then why should we criminalize it when a guy fails? Seems to me like you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole," Judge Walter T. Cox III said, according to The Army Times.
Cox, along with four other members of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, listened Tuesday to a case involving Marine Corps Pvt. Lazzaric Caldwell. In 2010, Caldwell used a razor blade to slit his wrists while in Okinawa.
read more here
PRESS RELEASE
Nov. 28, 2012
American Legion Calls on DoD to Re-Examine Policies on Suicide Attempts by Troops
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov 28, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- "Compassion instead of courts" is the approach needed to stem the alarming rate of suicide among U.S. troops, according to the leader of the nation's largest veterans organization.
"If you succeed at committing suicide, you are often treated as a hero by grieving friends and family. But if you fail at suicide, you could be treated to a court-martial. This must change," said American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz, a Vietnam war veteran.
Koutz praised the progress the military has made in recent years to de-stigmatize those who seek treatment for suicidal thoughts but added that the Uniform Code of Military Justice still allows for the prosecution of those who make unsuccessful attempts. "This sends a mixed message," Koutz said. "On the one hand we are grateful for their service. We want to compensate you for your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury. But if you engage in a behavior that is often seen as a symptom of those injuries, we will punish you."
read more here
Top military court grapples with potential criminality of suicide attempts in military
By Edmund DeMarche
Published November 28, 2012
FoxNews.com
As the military grapples with chronic suicides, officials are trying to strike a balance between helping survivors and punishing them under the longstanding penalties for "self-injury."
The nation’s top military appeals court has been grappling with the law's guidelines given the fact that last year suicides accounted for 20 percent of military deaths.
"If suicide is indeed the worst enemy the Armed Forces has in 2012 — in terms of killing soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines — then why should we criminalize it when a guy fails? Seems to me like you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole," Judge Walter T. Cox III said, according to The Army Times.
Cox, along with four other members of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, listened Tuesday to a case involving Marine Corps Pvt. Lazzaric Caldwell. In 2010, Caldwell used a razor blade to slit his wrists while in Okinawa.
read more here
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