Trial set to begin at Fort Bragg for general facing sex charges
The Associated Press
BY MICHAEL BIESECKER
March 4, 2014 Updated 1 hour ago
FORT BRAGG — Once a rising star among the U.S. Army's top battle commanders, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair is now fighting sexual assault charges that could land him life in a military prison if convicted.
Sinclair, who was the deputy commander of the 82nd Airborne, was set to appear Tuesday in a Fort Bragg courtroom to face court martial on criminal charges that include physically forcing a female captain under his command to perform oral sex.
While denying that accusation, lawyers for the married father of two have said he carried on a three-year extramarital affair with the junior officer during war tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The admission of an affair will almost certainly end his Army career.
Sinclair, 51, has pleaded not guilty to eight criminal charges including forcible sodomy, indecent acts, violating orders, and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Marine deserter accused of murder and beating another woman
Marine deserter's motive for Ore. attacks remains a mystery
The Associated Press
March 3, 2014
PENDLETON, ORE. — Although he talked freely about how he committed the crimes, it’s still unclear why a Marine deserter from California fatally stabbed an Eastern Oregon motel maid and beat another woman with a metal pipe, an investigator says.
Lukah Chang pleaded guilty in January and has been sentenced to life in prison for the two attacks that unnerved Pendleton.
In an extensive story that also reported on an interview with Chang’s sister, the East Oregonian described law enforcement authorities as still puzzled about Chang’s motive.
“I don’t think even he can answer that,” said Police Chief Stuart Roberts. “If he could, he would have.”
In July 2012, Chang got on a bus and left the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He arrived at Pendleton in Eastern Oregon in August.
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The Associated Press
March 3, 2014
PENDLETON, ORE. — Although he talked freely about how he committed the crimes, it’s still unclear why a Marine deserter from California fatally stabbed an Eastern Oregon motel maid and beat another woman with a metal pipe, an investigator says.
Lukah Chang pleaded guilty in January and has been sentenced to life in prison for the two attacks that unnerved Pendleton.
In an extensive story that also reported on an interview with Chang’s sister, the East Oregonian described law enforcement authorities as still puzzled about Chang’s motive.
“I don’t think even he can answer that,” said Police Chief Stuart Roberts. “If he could, he would have.”
In July 2012, Chang got on a bus and left the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. He arrived at Pendleton in Eastern Oregon in August.
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Monday, March 3, 2014
Quadruple Amputee on Late Night Show tonight
UPDATE
Wounded warrior Brendan Marrocco visits 'Late Show with David Letterman' (with video)
By Mark D. Stein/Staten Island Advance
March 03, 2014
U.S. Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco, the rare recipient of a double arm transplant, will appear on "Late Show with David Letterman" during the 11:35 p.m. telecast on CBS tonight to discuss his surgery.
He'll be joined by his surgeon, Dr. Andrew Lee.
read more here
UPI forgot there are 5 quadruple amputees
His biggest applause of the night came at the end of the segment, when he told of his recent experience attending the Daytona 500 as its special honoree."They're singing the National Anthem, and all of a sudden I realize to myself that I'm holding my hand over my heart...thinking how (expletive) cool is this." Brendan Marrocco, soldier who lost four limbs in 2009 attack, to appear on 'Late Show with David Letterman' Monday
By Mark D. Stein/Staten Island Advance
March 03, 2014
Retired Infantryman Brendan M. Marrocco wheels himself into a news conference followed by lead surgeon W.P. Andrew Lee, M.D., Tuesday, Jan. 29. 2013 at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. Marrocco received a transplant of two arms from a deceased donor after losing all four limbs in a 2009 roadside bomb attack in Iraq.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The hero soldier from Prince’s Bay who lost all four limbs in Iraq will be appearing on television sets across the country Monday.
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
U.S. Army Specialist Brendan Marrocco, the rare recipient of a double arm transplant, will appear on "Late Show with David Letterman" during the 11:35 p.m. telecast on CBS tonight to discuss his surgery.
He'll be joined by his surgeon, Dr. Andrew Lee.
read more here
UPI forgot there are 5 quadruple amputees
Reno Veterans Administration office ranks worst in the nation for claims
RGJ Investigates: Reno VA office ranks worst in nation for processing veterans' claims
Reno's Veterans Administration office ranks worst in the nation for processing veterans' benefit claims
Ray Hagar
March 2, 2014
Since Sgt. Michael Alarcon was discharged from active duty with the Nevada Army National Guard last summer, his life has turned into a purgatory of paperwork and despair.
Severely injured by a bomb in Iraq in 2009, the veteran’s spine is held together with rods and pins. Although he recovered enough to return to active duty, complications from the injury now leave him in daily pain. He recently underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injured in his final weeks of active duty, and he needs additional surgeries because of complications from his spinal injury.
After his discharge in June after 23 years of military service, Alarcon began applying to receive disability benefits from the Veterans Administration, a process that is still unresolved eight months later.
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Reno's Veterans Administration office ranks worst in the nation for processing veterans' benefit claims
Ray Hagar
March 2, 2014
Since Sgt. Michael Alarcon was discharged from active duty with the Nevada Army National Guard last summer, his life has turned into a purgatory of paperwork and despair.
Severely injured by a bomb in Iraq in 2009, the veteran’s spine is held together with rods and pins. Although he recovered enough to return to active duty, complications from the injury now leave him in daily pain. He recently underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injured in his final weeks of active duty, and he needs additional surgeries because of complications from his spinal injury.
After his discharge in June after 23 years of military service, Alarcon began applying to receive disability benefits from the Veterans Administration, a process that is still unresolved eight months later.
read more here
VA claim fraud received over $9,000 a month
Holland man, 56, charged with fraud in getting VA, workers’ comp benefits
Buffalo News
NEWS STAFF REPORT
March 2, 2014
A Holland man has been charged with receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration and workers’ compensation under false pretenses, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced.
Richard L. Klaffka, 56, was charged with making false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud and fraud.
Conviction on the charges could carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Klaffka has been receiving more than $9,000 per month in tax-free benefits from both government entities as a result of his false claims, according to the complaint.
Beginning in 2008, Klaffka told the Veterans Administration that, as a result of an injury connected with his military service in 1978, he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to engage in everyday activities such as walking, driving and dressing himself or both, according to the criminal complaint.
read more here
Buffalo News
NEWS STAFF REPORT
March 2, 2014
The defendant was already receiving benefits for the service-related injury and was appealing for a significant increase in those benefits, Hochul said.
A Holland man has been charged with receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration and workers’ compensation under false pretenses, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced.
Richard L. Klaffka, 56, was charged with making false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud and fraud.
Conviction on the charges could carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Klaffka has been receiving more than $9,000 per month in tax-free benefits from both government entities as a result of his false claims, according to the complaint.
Beginning in 2008, Klaffka told the Veterans Administration that, as a result of an injury connected with his military service in 1978, he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to engage in everyday activities such as walking, driving and dressing himself or both, according to the criminal complaint.
read more here
Florida Vietnam "hero" fraud wanted more money from VA
This fraud was not caught for any other reason than he got too greedy and wanted an increase in his VA benefits.
February 28, 2014
Fraud Vietnam veteran claiming Purple Heart and Bronze Star pleads guilty
Veteran who lied about Purple Heart pleads guilty
Walter Eatman claimed to have PTSD, Purple Heart
WESH.com By Melissa Catalanotto
Feb 28, 2014
ST. CLOUD, Fla. —A veteran from St. Cloud has pleaded guilty to making false statements to receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and stealing government funds.
According to court documents, Walter Clarence Eatman, 68, of St. Cloud, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, applied for and received VA benefits for five years. Court documents said he falsely claimed he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss and tinnitus.
Court documents also say he lied about serving in combat in Vietnam for two years and being awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Officials said Eatman never served in Vietnam, nor did he earn a Purple Heart or Bronze Star.
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'War hero' admits lying to get government benefitsA friend sent Wounded Times a link to this story, which makes it all even worse.
Walt 'Sandman' Eatman of St. Cloud never served in Vietnam, nor was he wounded, federal prosecutors say.
Orlando Sentinel
By Susan Jacobson
February 28, 2014
Walter Eatman of St. Cloud claimed that he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after being haunted by memories of combat in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
The trouble is, none of the claims were true, federal prosecutors said.
Eatman, 68, on Thursday pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and making false statements. Prosecutors say he stole about $106,000 in government money and benefits, including mental-health counseling and medication, by lying about his service.
Eatman, whose nickname is "Sandman," is a former Marine. But he did not serve in Vietnam from August 1965 to August 1967 as he claimed.
Eatman came to the attention of prosecutors after he tried to have his Veterans Affairs benefits increased in September 2010 by claiming that was suffering from PTSD.
read more here
Left to right- Don Smith, museum CEO, Art Schwabe, American Legion Florida Commander
and Walt Eatman, Vice Commander pause during their tour of the museum.
American Legion Commander Visits Museum of Military History
The Bringing Honor Home: Campaign 2013 raises funds to support educational exhibits, special events and programs.The Museum of Military History was honored with a visit by current American Legion, Department of Florida, Department Commander Art Schwabe on August 15th. Commander Schwabe was accompanied by Steve Shuga 6th District Vice Commander and Assistant Commander Walt Eatman. Commander Schwabe’s entourage was escorted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle police unit.
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Sunday, March 2, 2014
Fighter jet crashed in Nevada
SAD UPDATE
Pilot dead after Marine jet crashes in Nevada
Pilot dead after Marine jet crashes in Nevada
Navy: Fighter jet in Nevada crash 'total loss'
Associated Press
Published: March 1, 2014
FALLON, Nev. — A fighter jet that crashed during a training exercise in western Nevada is a total loss and the pilot's condition is unknown, a spokeswoman for the Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said Sunday.
It took rescue crews several hours to reach the site after the 3 p.m. Saturday crash because of a snow storm and mountainous, remote terrain, Lt. Reagan Lauritzen said.
read more here
Navy finds missteps in deadly SEAL Humvee crash at Fort Knox
Navy finds missteps in deadly SEAL Humvee crash at Fort Knox
Associated Press
Published: March 1, 2014
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A series of missteps led to a deadly Humvee accident last May at Kentucky's Fort Knox, a Navy investigation concludes.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan H. Kaloust of Massapequa, N.Y., was partially ejected and killed during the training exercise, which was conducted under "blacked out" conditions. That means the vehicle's headlights were off and the sailors participating in the exercise were wearing night goggles.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Saturday the incident prompted Naval Special Warfare Command to re-examine its safety requirements for Humvee training missions. The heavily redacted investigative report was obtained Friday by the Norfolk newspaper through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The report said the accident could have been prevented.
The Humvee was among three loaded with Navy SEALs from Virginia Beach during the training exercise along a remote gravel road.
read more here
Associated Press
Published: March 1, 2014
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A series of missteps led to a deadly Humvee accident last May at Kentucky's Fort Knox, a Navy investigation concludes.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan H. Kaloust of Massapequa, N.Y., was partially ejected and killed during the training exercise, which was conducted under "blacked out" conditions. That means the vehicle's headlights were off and the sailors participating in the exercise were wearing night goggles.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Saturday the incident prompted Naval Special Warfare Command to re-examine its safety requirements for Humvee training missions. The heavily redacted investigative report was obtained Friday by the Norfolk newspaper through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The report said the accident could have been prevented.
The Humvee was among three loaded with Navy SEALs from Virginia Beach during the training exercise along a remote gravel road.
read more here
Where was God when we needed Him?
This is the most asked question from veterans.
No matter what happened
they never stopped caring.
Wounded Veteran Trades Wheelchair for Skis
Colorado veteran gets second chance to serve US in Paralympic Games
9News Colorado
Taylor Temby
March 2, 2014
DENVER - Americans choose to serve their country in different ways, but few of us are given an opportunity to serve like Coloradan Joel Hunt.
Hunt is an Iraqi war veteran who will be competing as an alpine skier in the Sochi Paralympic games this week, but his journey to skiing was rather unconventional.
Hunt joined the U.S. army back in 1998. He served for almost 10 years including three tours in Iraq. During his service, Hunt says he was hit with several roadside bombs. When he finally came home, he was bound to a wheelchair, suffering from a traumatic brain injury, paralysis in his leg and PTSD.
"I came home [and] found myself confined to a wheelchair in 2007 after I retired," he said. "I was confined to a wheelchair more for my traumatic brain injury, my dizzy spells and blackouts."
read more here
9News Colorado
Taylor Temby
March 2, 2014
DENVER - Americans choose to serve their country in different ways, but few of us are given an opportunity to serve like Coloradan Joel Hunt.
Hunt is an Iraqi war veteran who will be competing as an alpine skier in the Sochi Paralympic games this week, but his journey to skiing was rather unconventional.
Hunt joined the U.S. army back in 1998. He served for almost 10 years including three tours in Iraq. During his service, Hunt says he was hit with several roadside bombs. When he finally came home, he was bound to a wheelchair, suffering from a traumatic brain injury, paralysis in his leg and PTSD.
"I came home [and] found myself confined to a wheelchair in 2007 after I retired," he said. "I was confined to a wheelchair more for my traumatic brain injury, my dizzy spells and blackouts."
read more here
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