Orlando Veterans and Patriotic Events for October

Upcoming veterans events from Cathy Haynes
UPDATE

While all veterans are important, and some have lasting impacts, there are some who touch lives and make a true difference in our communities.  May we all have such an effect.

The veterans’ community has been deeply saddened with the loss of the former long time Manager of Orange County Veterans Service Program.  Mike Dixon, a retired Navy LCDR with service in Vietnam, died on Monday morning, 23 September. 

 

The following are some of the best, yet still understated, descriptive quotes:  “Mike had the reputation of being able to make things work for the veterans and people who had not had any success before found that Mike was able to resolve their issues.” And “He always seemed to think that your problems were more important and his problems remained in the background.”

 

As a result of Mike’s efforts and those of the VSO staff, they were able to assist over 11,000 veterans or their families a year, and over $10 million of earned benefits recovered for just Orange County veterans.  It was not unusual for his expertise and resources to cross county and state lines and even after normal business hours.

 

 The following are the arrangements to celebrate and honor his life:

Visitation:  Sat. Sept. 28     10 – 11am at Baldwin/Fairchild Funeral Home in Oviedo, 501 East Mitchell Hammock Rd., Oviedo, 32765.   

Service begins at 11am. 

 

Social Reception and Post-Everlasting Ceremony, open to all:  American Legion Post #112, 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.) on Saturday after the Oviedo service.

Light refreshments starting 12:30pm;  Ceremony after 1pm.  All are invited.

 

Interment:  Mon. Sept 30,  11am at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW. 102nd Ave. Bushnell, 33513. Cemetery office: (352)-793-7740.  The cemetery is about an hour and a half drive from Orlando.

 

Paying it back or passing it forward…Please consider donating a unit of blood and/or blood products in memory of Mike. It may help a veteran or someone that a veteran loves. 

September/October 2013 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida

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Please share with your friends and interested others.  Post where appropriate.

I need Veterans’ Day weekend events info ASAP!

Orange County Stand Down

Ride to the Rock for the Stone

Space Coast Honor Flight

Bicycle Warrior Grind-Fundraiser ride

The Bunker Karaoke and dinner

Gold Star Parents luncheon

Gold Star Mothers and Families ceremony

Deadline for Orlando Veterans Day Parade entries

Car Wash fundraising

Flag Retirement

Villages Honor Flight

Operation Giveback Golf Tournament

Navy League Golf Tournament

238^th Navy Birthday Ball

Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament

Museum of Military History Golf Tournament

Commander’s Call

Cadet Recognition Day

Honor Flight charter trip of two hubs

Veterans Home Service Project

Halloween Party

Community Legal Services

On the Horizon

Extras of Interest

Sat. Sept 28  -  2013 Veterans Stand Down in Orlando  -  9am – 3pm at Downtown Orlando Recreation Center, 649 W. Livingston St., Orlando, 32801 – within easy walking distance from the Lynx Bus Terminal.  Volunteers needed! Donations welcomed!  This event provides services to all veterans (particularly the homeless veterans) with medical care, dental screening, haircuts, clothing, VA benefits and info, food and more.  Color copies of the information flyer will provide FREE bus transportation to the Lynx Bus Terminal for this event. (Bus drivers will only accept COLOR copies.) Make and give the copies to homeless veterans so that they can receive help. Over 300 persons received assistance last year.   Info:  Sean Gibbs of the Homeless Services Network at  sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org  standdownvolunteers@gmail.com   407.893.0133  x107 or x212  or Orlando VAMC coordinator Ken at 407.631.7228.  (Cathy can also provide the color information flyers by email.)

Sat. Sept 28  -  Ride to the Rock for the Stone, benefitting the Bradley Summersill Foundation.  The foundation provides grave site markers to families who have lost a child and cannot afford a marker.  Three sign up locations at 11 AM – your choice:  Rock Springs Bar and Grill in Apopka, or “The Bunker” in Orlando, or the Winter Garden VFW Post 4305.  The cost is $5 per person, all vehicles welcome - you ride where you want and then meet up at the Rock Springs B & G at 3pm.  Entertainment starts at 3:30PM by Nora Ricci and Bubba.  Rock Springs B & G (family friendly!) – 4939 Rock Springs Road, Apopka, 32712;  “The Bunker” (Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum) -  3400 North Tanner Road,  Orlando, 32826;  VFW Post #4305 – 1170 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, 34787. Info:  bradsummersill@aol.com   407.256.9360.

Sat. Sept 28  -  Honor Flight – The Space Coast hub will take about 25 WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials. They will also go to Arlington Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  You are invited to welcome them home at the Orlando Int’l Airport.   They will leave the Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI) and arrive at Orlando Int’l Airport (MCO) aboard Air Tran Airlines #5211 at about 10pm.  Terminal A, Airside 2, Gates 100-129, in front of the Hotel/Starbucks.  A grand reception is planned at the Wickham Park Senior Center at about 11:30pm, 2785 Leisure Way  Melbourne, FL 32935.  www.spacecoasthonorflight.org   1-888-750-2522   info@spacecoasthonorflight.org   For Airport greeting and free off-site airport parking info :  Cathy Haynes  chaynes11629@yahoo.com   407-239-8468 

Sat. Sept 28 – Sun 29  - The Warrior Grind-Fundraiser – bicycling for 2 Days, and 250 Miles! Raising money for Operation Restored Warrior! Operation Restored Warrior (ORW) is a non-profit organization which seeks to heal combat warriors from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicide ideations, and similar struggles.  The ride event is from Longwood, Florida to Fort Pierce’s SEAL Museum (125 miles) on Saturday the 28th and back to Longwood again on Sunday the 29th. info@tridentfitness.net    

Sat. 28 Sept  -  Dinner and Karaoke - Dinner starts at 5pm and Karaoke at 6pm to 10pm.  Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road,  Orlando, 32826.  Website at: www.bunkerflorida.org      The museum is a place full of knowledge, experiences, and memories. It is here that you will discover many unique and historical artifacts of the Vietnam Era.  Open to the public with FREE admission on Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00pm to 4:00pm. 

Sun. Sept 29 – Gold Star Parents - District 18 VFW Ladies Auxiliary Gold Star Parents Program and luncheon.  1 PM at the Winter Springs VFW #5405, 420 N Edgemon Ave; Winter Springs, FL 32708   Please RSVP – Marilyn Mayo chairman 407-542-4459  or JerryAnn Henry at   JHenry@itsmymaitland.com

Sun. Sept 29  -  Gold Star Mothers and Families Day – Honoring and remembering the sons and daughters who died while serving our country.  3pm – 5pm, Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801.  Free parking available only at City Commons Garage on SW corner of Boone Ave. and South St.  Info: Stephanie  at 407.691.4536   stephanie.demos@vitas.com

Mon. 30 Sep –Orlando Veterans Day Parade – the last day for entries in Florida’s largest Veterans Day Parade on Sat. Nov 9.  http://www.cityoforlando.net/elected/mayor/veterans/events.htm 

Sat. 5 Oct  - Fundraising Car Wash - Boone High School Naval JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) car wash is at the Navy Exchange (NEX) 11am – 3pm.  NEX is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr.  7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827.

Sat. 5 Oct. - Flag Retirement - Fleet Reserve, Sanford, 11:00 AM:  Do you have an American Flag that is tattered and torn?  Don’t know the proper way to dispose of it?  The Fleet Reserve, located on SR 46 Sanford, is having a Flag Retirement Ceremony.  Drop off your battered Old Glory for proper disposal anytime before or bring it with you and observe this moving ceremony.  The public is invited to attend. 

Sat. 5 Oct. - Honor Flight - About 25 WWII veterans from the Lady Lake area of Villages Honor Flight will take a day trip to Washington DC to visit the war memorials.  They will also go to Arlington Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  You are invited to welcome them home at the Orlando Int’l Airport.  They return from Reagan National Airport (DCA) aboard USAir #1876 at about 8:30 pm – Terminal B, Airside 3, Gates 30-59 (NOT the hotel end.)  Or you can welcome them home to American Legion Post #347 where entertainment will start at 9:30 pm with Diamonds and Spurs.  The Village Cheerleaders, Twirlers and Clowns will be there to greet the buses and vets when they arrive, about 10:30 pm for a rousing patriotic event.  American Legion Post 347 at 699 W Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159.  Info contact:  (c) 352-391-0548  JohnDriscoll7656@comcast.net  www.villageshonorflight.org   For Airport greeting and free off-site airport parking info :  Cathy Haynes chaynes11629@yahoo.com   407-239-8468 

The next hub flight will be a joint charter flight by Space Coast Honor Flight and Honor Flight of Central Florida on Sat. Oct 19 at SANFORD’s airport.

Fri. 11 Oct – Operation Giveback Golf Tournament – Champions Gate International Course.  All proceeds will benefit Operation Giveback Section 60 program that assists children who lost a parent in the recent wars.  In 2012, Operation-Giveback (OGB) helped over 110 children have a better Christmas, birthday, and/or special occasion.  This year the goal is to assist 200 children – with your help.  Cost per golfer is $100 and includes golf, range balls, lunch, prizes, contests and more.  Sponsorships are welcomed!  OGB – a 501c3 non-profit - has wounded warriors who are giving back to others.  Info: Jeff@operation-giveback.org     Champions Gate (minutes from Disney) - 1400 Masters Blvd,
ChampionsGate, FL 33896  (Don’t recall ‘Section 60’? Think of Arlington Nat’l Cemetery’s Section 60.)

Fri. 11 Oct - The 1st Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament – Sponsored by the Navy League of Central Florida.  8am Shotgun start, Four-person scramble $70 per person, including lunch and range balls $50 for active military. Sponsors welcome!  Proceeds benefit local JROTC’s, scholarships.  Contact Brian Holmes  407.252.3008   Flyer available.

Sat. 12 Oct  -  238^th Navy Birthday Ball – “Call it Courage” Sponsored by the Navy League of Central Florida.  Hyatt Regency at OIA. Dinner, dancing, ceremony and special guest speaker.  Info:  www.cfnavyleague.org  or Mike at 407-600-5395.  Flyer available.

Sat. 12 Oct - Villages Honor Flight Inaugural Golf Tournament - Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club, Summerfield, FL.  Fundraising and honoring veterans with scramble golf, prizes, games and lunch. Price is $60 with the field limited to 256 players.  Info contact:  (c) 352-391-0548  JohnDriscoll7656@comcast.net  www.villageshonorflight.org

Sat. 12 Oct – Golf Tournament in support of Museum of Military History.  Tournament proceeds will provide funds for exhibits, artifacts, youth programs and events.  Remington Country Club in Kissimmee.  Registration donation of $300 per team (a corporate sponsorship of $360 per team of four players includes a one year Museum Corporate Membership) or $75 per player (includes a one year Museum membership) is requested. Golf tournament registration fee includes cart, lunch, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing and 18 holes of golf. Registration deadline is October 9th.  Sponsorships welcomed! contact the museum at 407-507-3894.   Marketing@MuseumofMilitaryHistory.com   Museum:  5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746.  www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com 

Sat. 19 Oct  -  Commander’s Call at Museum of Military History -  10am – 3pm.  The “Commander’s Call” is an ongoing program held the 3rd Saturday of each month. It will include the local Civil Air Patrol, Sea Cadets and other youth organizations. The event is a family oriented program and includes military memorabilia collectors, history buffs and food vendors. The public is invited to attend. Those interested in displaying or trading their military items such as honor coins, swords, photographs, military buttons, scale model boats and planes, military art, uniforms or other equipment should register in advance by calling the museum to reserve a spot. Re-enactors and veterans are also welcome to come in uniform to add to the history and authenticity of the military experience. Call 407-507-3894 for further information or to register your table space. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com 

Sat. 19 Oct – Cadet Recognition Day – Help to honor some fine kids!  Two outstanding local young cadet groups separately achieved #1 in the nation in recent competitions!  Centurion Battalion of Sea Cadets Orlando Devil Dog Young Marines will be honored at 3PM at the Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road, Orlando, 32826.  Entertainment will follow thru the evening; food and beverages for sale.  Website at:  www.bunkerflorida.org    Add’l info at  po87jcb@yahoo.com   508-523-7192

Sat. 19 Oct – Special Honor Flight- 75 veterans, the guardian escorts and staff of two Honor Flights make this special charter flight to Washington DC.  Honor Flight of Central Florida and Space Coast Honor Flight will be using SanfordAirport instead of Orlando Int’l Airport.  Waving them off for an eventful day is about 5:00 AM before security processing.  Allegiant Air departs at 7am for Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI).  They return to Sanford at about 9:15pm to a Welcome back reception.  Come join us for the last flights of 2013 for the Central Florida and Space Coast hubs!

For info: www.honorflightcentralflorida.org  ; call (407) 203-7010   honor.flight.central.florida@gmail.com

Space Coast hub has a grand reception is planned at the Wickham Park Senior Center at about 10:30pm, 2785 Leisure Way  Melbourne, FL 32935.   www.spacecoasthonorflight.org   1-888-750-2522   info@spacecoasthonorflight.org  

Tues 22 Oct - Disabled American Veterans Local Volunteer Assistance Program (LVAP) meeting – Volunteers meeting for the “Veterans Home Service Project - designed to provide veterans who are unable to physically or financially do for themselves, basic chores/minor repairs around their home.  A various collection of generous businesses, veterans networks and local contractors have volunteered to make this happen for Central Fl. disabled veterans!  At no charge to the recipient!

Exterior home service examples that can be provided: lawn and garden work, raking, tree & shrub trimming, pressure washing, screen door & window repair, painting, ramps/lifts, hand railings, disability access.  Interior home service examples that can be provided:  small handyman work around the house, painting, cleaning, and computer set-up.

      To qualify to receive assistance you must be residing in or near Orange County (for the time being) and a veteran.You DO NOT have to be a DAV member.  For an application to receive services, contact Ray Stone (Home Services Coordinator)  407-501-0767   furnray65@yahoo.com

      One or 2 days a month will be set aside for volunteer teams to do multiple projects based from requests we receive (shut-ins will have First Priority) Committees will comprise of members from all involved entities to determine in advance which project to be done that month and call you to make arrangements for the work requested. If your project is not selected for that month, it will be placed for the following month until completed as this is an on-going monthly program as long as there is member need for the program.

     Additional mtgs to join as a volunteer will be held on Nov.12 and Dec. 10. Times and locations of meetings may vary.  Info:  Ray Stone (Home Services Coordinator)  407-501-0767   furnray65@yahoo.com

Sat. 26 Oct – Halloween Party with costumes – 5pm – 10 pm, Adults Only, Pot Luck Dinner.  Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road, Orlando, 32826.  Website at: www.bunkerflorida.org    Add’l info at  po87jcb@yahoo.com   508-523-7192

Wed. 30 Oct  -  Community Legal Services in Orlando in partnership with the law firm of Baker Donelson will be available to veterans for completing simple wills and advanced directives.  FREE!  Pre-register by calling 1.866.428.0105 x2906  or  x2913.   Email:  probono@clsmf.org  to get list of what you need to bring.

On the Horizon….Mark your calendar

Sat. Nov 2 – Osceola County Veterans Stand Down

Sat. Nov 2 – Villages Honor Flight – final mission flight of 2013.

Sat. Nov 2 – Space Coast AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Golf Tournament.

Sun. Nov 3 – Seminole Cyclefest, Sanford bicycle ride.

Fri. Nov 8 – Ocoee’s Veterans’ Day ceremony

Sat. Nov 9 – Amvets 5k run/walk

Sat. Nov 9 – Orlando Veteran’s Day Parade – 11am-1pm, Downtown Orlando

Sat. Nov 9 – Veterans’ Day event and fireworks in Chuluota.

Mon. Nov 11 – Red Tail Pilots of Tuskegee Airmen Monument dedication – 10am

Mon. Nov 11 – Dedication of the Central Florida Veterans Memorial at Lake Nona VA Hospital – 11:30am

Mon. Nov 11 – Veteran’s Day Parade in Kissimmee.

Mon. Nov 11 – Marine Corp Toys for Tots Golf Tournament toy drive at Mayfair Country Club.

Thurs. Nov 14 – Disney’s Veterans Institute Workshop

Sat. Nov 16 – Camaraderie Foundation Ruck Sack March.

EXTRAS of Interest:

The Navy Exchange (NEX) still exists in Orlando for all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents.  There are some neat sales and events.  It is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr.  Competitive pricing and programs.  7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827.    www.mynavyexchange.com  407-857-3550

American Warrior Radio Show  from 11am-noon EDT on Saturdays, radio station WMEL - AM 1300    Nationwide broadcast: www.1300wmel.com 

iamveteran.com  - “A one stop resource for ALL veterans nationwide who are transitioning from military to civilian life.”  There are resources for all veterans, postings for new benefits, jobs, and more!

WoundedTimes.blogspot.com - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans and their families. Local, state and national news and events – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.

Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardmen, 100% service connected disabled, and retired military personnel and their families.  Go towww.shadesofgreen.org  for information.  Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates.  (407) 824-3400

Vet Centers are available for combat zone veterans to help with personal and family readjustment counseling and outreach services.   The nearest centers are located in Orlando, Melbourne, Clermont, and Daytona Beach.     www.vetcenter.va.gov

Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deployment, relationships, economics, grief, education, parenting and child care, and much more.  www.militaryonesource.mil

The journey after military service can be a difficult one.

If you are a Veteran or warrior in crisis or know of one who is,

Please call the VA’s 24/7 Suicide Prevention Line at

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

To speak with a trained counselor - It’s Confidential.

Or find a Crisis Center near you at www.veteranscrisisline.net

Caring and sharing,

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Vietnam Veteran Amputee Navy SEAL still fights for disabled rights

Vietnam Veteran Amputee Whose Late Mom's Car Was Crushed Asks Council for Towing Firm Audit
Hearing that Includes Citizen Input
Huntington News
BY TONY RUTHERFORD, EDITOR
September 24, 2013

A Vietnam veteran and former Navy Seal has asked Huntington City Council to honor employees of the West Huntington Cabell County Public Library as “Hometown Heroes” for their gracious assistance of the amputee.

Telling council that he has endured three serious falls from his crutches, he requested that council consider improving access to the library located across the street from Save-a-Lot.

Refusing to speak from a wheelchair, the veteran spoke on one leg using his right arm to steady himself at the podium.

Thompson asked that a review be conducted of the 48-hour towing ordinance. He stated that his late mom’s mint condition car had been towed in front of his home. Not having the full amount of funds to redeem the vehicle, he was forced to sign over the title and pay $90 just to get his tools from the vehicle.

Council’s Public Safety Committee recently heard input from towing companies objecting to newly proposed Huntington Police Department requirements for towing venders doing business with the city.

Thompson requested that input be taken from citizens who have had their cars towed. In addition, he requested that prior to doing business with the city, towing companies undergo a ten year audit of “everyone involved in the towing and storage business.”

In a prior letter to council members and other officials, Thompson indicated that “I was deeply hurt because I bought the car for my mom who is now deceased.” The vehicle was was “crushed” by the towing company, who (in his words) declined to wait until the first of the month when he would receive a pension check.
read more here

Experts prove they need to open their eyes to see answer on military suicides

Lisa Firestone, Psychology expert on relationships, parenting, self-destructive thoughts and suicide; author, 'Conquer Your Critical Voice' wrote a piece on the Huffington Post titled "Veteran Suicide Prevention: Getting To Treatment That Works" but failed to see that while they have been doing all this "stuff" oh the hell with it, all this shit, the numbers have been going up in a bad way.

How obvious does it have to get before the "experts" open their eyes that this shit does not work?

"Last year, more active-duty men and women in the military died by suicide than from combat. Recently released data from the Department of Veterans Affairs further shows that about 22 military veterans die by suicide every day. That means, on average, we lose a veteran to suicide every 65 minutes. The record-high number of military suicides in 2012 has left many experts seeking solutions to this tragic increase in lives lost. New treatment methods are bringing new hope, as they're used to directly target suicidality in veterans."

I told you all that I stopped playing nice a long time ago. I ran out of excuses for them. They started this crap back in 2007.

"One form of therapy that takes a targeted approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for suicidal patients (CBT), developed by Aaron Beck and Gregory Brown. This model draws upon some of the basic skills-training aspects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, a form of therapy developed by Marsha Linehan that focuses on teaching skills that help a person to regulate and tolerate their emotions. One important element CBT adds could be described as state-dependent learning. Previous research had demonstrated that suicide attempters can learn skills in a non-activated state, but when they are triggered, they can't access these skills. Therefore, the final step Dr. Beck and Dr. Brown added in therapy involves inducing the suicidal state in session and essentially testing the person's ability to implement the skills they have learned, when in the suicidal mode. The therapist is there if it is necessary to help the person through the induced suicidal state. However, the goal is for the person to demonstrate their ability to calm themselves down when triggered and survive on their own. Therapy continues until they can do this on their own."

I left this comment.

Don't you see what the problem is here? Since last year was the highest on record for suicides, and attempted suicides, after they started doing all they are doing including Cognitive therapy years ago, if it worked, we wouldn't be seeing these deadly results.

There were over 900 attempted suicides in the military in 2011 but we don't know about last year because the DOD hasn't released the report for 2012 yet. The last report from the VA had 1,000 attempts per month but again, no one talks about them either.

What works has worked for the last 40 years and that is taking care of the whole veteran. Their mind, their body and soul. Until all that is done together, numbers will go up. I posted in 2009 if Comprehensive Soldier Fitness was expanded, the suicides would go up and they did.

The Suicide Event Report for 2012 has still not been released but no one seems to feel the need to explain why the hell it has been delayed when they collected the data LAST YEAR so it shouldn't take 9 months to release the report.

I am so tired of these "experts" ignoring what has been slamming them on top of their heads for all these years. Enough is enough. One paragraph told about the problem then she went right into what has become part of the problem but didn't see it. Why?

I've been studying the trauma experts for over 30 years now and most of them have the answers but they are ignored. PTSD requires specialized training in trauma or the clients are out of luck on the healing they should have been getting instead of suffering while listening to the wrong people. They are not being pushed into the abyss, they are being catapulted into it. Get them high on meds and keep expecting a different outcome when the real experts say meds only numb them and can't heal them. Keep making them face the worst thing in their lives over and over again so they can be terrorized instead of being able to actually make peace with their lives so they can see there was nothing evil in them, forgive themselves as much as they can forgive others.

Unless they wake up and actually research what has been done in the last 40 years they will keep pulling sheets over heads instead of putting hands around them.

If prevention, the therapy they have been using, the 900 suicide prevention programs, the suicide prevention hotline and the behemoth Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, or any of this crap worked, more would be alive today and more would want to live because they were healing.

Oh hell! If you want to know more than read my book on Suicides After War. Then you'll know what the real experts said about what they have been doing.

Congress "Farm Bill" cut 170,000 veterans off from food stamps

From Vote VetsLast week, Republicans passed a Farm Bill that would kick 170,000 veterans off food assistance. 

Faced with a looming, losing debt ceiling fight, Tea Party Republicans have turned to veterans and the poor as a sacrifice designed to appease their austerity-starved base. 

We've been fighting this battle for a few months, but the stakes are higher than ever this week. 

It's critical that you send a letter to your Senator telling them to oppose any legislation that cuts food assistance for veterans and military family members. You can do that here: 

http://action.votevets.org/food-assistance 

It gets worse... 

A Department of Agriculture study last year found that over 5,000 active duty service members receive food assistance. And, in the same year of the study, over $100,000 in food aid was used on military bases. 

Hundreds of VoteVets veterans have also told us they're currently receiving assistance. We're going to fight for them on this issue. 

Thanks for standing with us in that effort. 

Camp Lejeune sixth grade teacher arrested on heroin charges

Camp Lejeune teacher, boyfriend arrested on heroin charges
WCTI 12 News
By Alison Parker
Sep 23 2013

CAMP LEJEUNE, ONSLOW COUNTY
A sixth-grade teacher at Camp Lejeune and her boyfriend have been arrested on heroin charges.

Thersea Catherine Fedor, 53, of Hubert, is a sixth-grade teacher at Brewster Middle School, according to Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Director Nat Fahy. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service took Fedor into custody at the district superintendent's office Friday morning, Fahy said.

Fedor has been placed on administrative leave pending results of the investigation, said Camp Lejeune District Superintendent Aldridge Boone.

"The welfare of the students is our primary consideration at this particular time," Boone said. "We will definitely have a qualified substitute teacher to come in and take over classes until this is resolved."
read more here

"Hidden Heroes": Soldiers' Caregivers

"Hidden Heroes": Soldiers' Caregivers
My FOX LA
By: Laura Diaz, Anchor
Posted by: FOX 11 Web Staff
September 24, 2013

The painful return of soldiers from wars around the world is well documented. Many will struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and bouts with alcohol abuse. These are the scars of war. But what about those who care for these soldiers struggling to assimilate back into civilian life? Who helps them? Enter former Senator Elizabeth Dole.

Mrs.Dole, of course, is married to former Senator Bob Dole. Her husband is a World War Two Hero. Several years ago when her husband was being treated at Walter Reed Army Hospital she spent months around the families of soldiers. What she discovered was heartbreaking. Nearly all of the responsibility of caring for the "wounded warrior" fell on the young spouses. Often they were overwhelmed by the crush of hours, expense and worry of caring for their loved family member. They had little money, little sleep and felt alone in their struggle to keep their families together.

Mr. and Mrs. Dole befriended the young families. And in a poignant account, she told me the Dole's invited these army families to their small Washington apartment for a party. They made room by pitching a tent in the backyard to accommodate the many deserving families. Later, they took the soldiers, their wives and kids to see the Washington D.C. monuments. Most had never seen them! It was a special evening. And she vowed to do more for the caregivers of soldiers.
read more here

Insanity plea accepted in Missouri VA hospital killing

Insanity plea accepted in Missouri VA hospital killing
The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 24, 2013

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A man accused of beating a fellow Veterans Affairs hospital patient to death won't be tried for murder after a prosecutor accepted his insanity plea Monday, citing a second doctor's diagnosis that the defendant is schizophrenic.

Rudy Perez, 33, of Sedalia, Mo., had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity or mental defect in the Feb. 1 killing of Robert O. Hill, 78, at Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Mo. Hill, of Warsaw, Mo., was a patient, and Perez was there on a 96-hour involuntary commitment from Pettis County after an alleged assault on his father.

Perez had been scheduled for trial Oct. 1 in Boone County Circuit Court. But prosecutor Dan Knight dropped the murder charge Monday, noting doctors' findings that Perez had a history of hallucinations and paranoid delusions, KRCG-TV reported.
read more here

UK soldier saved by hoody

Soldier stabbed as he tried to stop thieves is saved by Help for Heroes hoody slung over shoulder which deflected blade
Lance Corporal Gareth Barton was stabbed after grabbing an alleged thief
He said his Help for Heroes hoody reduced the impact of the knife
He is on medical leave after two seven months spells in Afghanistan
By JAMES RUSH
24 September 2013

Protection: Lance Corporal Gareth Barton was saved by his Help For Heroes hoody when he was stabbed after he tried to stop an alleged thief

A soldier who was stabbed when he tried to stop two thieves was saved by his Help For Heroes hoody which was slung over his shoulders.

Lance Corporal Gareth Barton survived after the knife became stuck in the garment’s thick material. Lance Cpl Barton, 35, spotted a man attempting to break into a Royal Mail van in the early hours of the morning while he was out getting fresh air.
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DOD releases names of soldier killed in Afghanistan

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
No. 679-13
September 24, 2013

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Sept. 21, at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with small arms fire while conducting range training in Gardez, Paktia Province, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Liam J. Nevins, 32, of Denver, Colo., assigned to 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Watkins, Colo.

Staff Sgt. Timothy R. McGill, 30, of Ramsey, N.J., assigned to 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, Middletown, R.I.

Spc. Joshua J. Strickland, 23, of Woodstock, Ga., assigned to Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Congressional idiots don't do jobs but Military would work through shutdown

This isn't a political blog but I am sick and tired of Congressional idiots not doing their jobs while folks in the military and veterans suffer. They manage to do their jobs to the point where it could cost them their lives but congress can't even manage to work together for the sake of what they got elected to do.

Military would work through shutdown; paychecks could be delayed
Stars and Stripes
By Chris Carroll
Published: September 23, 2013

WASHINGTON – Military troops, including those in conflict zones, may have their paychecks delayed if elected officials in Washington can’t work out a deal to fund government operations in the new fiscal year starting Oct. 1, the Pentagon said Monday.

Large numbers of civilians could be temporarily furloughed, however, and it would require an act of Congress for them to get retroactive pay.

In a memo sent late Monday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter told DOD employees that the White House Office of Management and Budget had directed the Pentagon update its plans for a shutdown, as reported by Stars and Stripes last week.

As has been the case in recent years when earlier shutdowns threatened, military members will continue to serve regardless of the funding status of the government, Carter wrote. A large number of civilians would be furloughed if the government shuts down, he said, with civilians deemed necessary for the safety of life and property expected to be required to stay on the job.
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They whined about Affordable Healthcare because there are problems with it. Ok, then why didn't they come up with another way of doing the right thing? Why do they believe government funded health insurance is fine for them but the American people don't deserve it?

They cut food stamps again never once considering that there are veterans on food stamps and a lot of National Guards/Reservist families need food stamps to make up for lost income because they were sent into Afghanistan by the congress. Wounded soldiers still wait for their claims to be approved but congress just whined about that too without ever thinking it is time to fix the VA once and for all so this doesn't keep happening.

They hold stupid hearings on things that really don't matter while billions are spent every year on PTSD and suicide programs that ended up producing more attempted suicides along with completed deaths leaving families behind wondering why nothing the DOD and the VA did worked. After all, these folks survived combat deployments but couldn't survive being back home and congress just funds the same programs that failed while they still whine about "Obamacare" that would at least let them find insurance coverage to cover what the congress screwed up in the first place!

Now they are facing yet another crisis because congress can't manage to get their heads out of their armpits long enough to do their jobs for the sake of the whole country. Something stinks in Washington and it is called CONGRESS!