Central Florida Veterans Events for June

Upcoming Central Florida Veterans Events from Cathy Haynes

June – veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL

 

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

If you want people to attend your events, you might try to attend some of theirs first!  By networking you may find some great future members for your group.  There is strength in numbers!

If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.

 

Patrick Air Force Base 920th Rescue Wing Picnic – Sat. June 7 – 11am.  Volunteers NEEDED (9am – 4pm) and donations (food and monies) for 2K persons; crafts/prizes for 200 kids.  The 920th are the personnel who rescue and med-evac service personnel and civilians.  Contact Kim at 321-373-7046  kim@avetproject.org   www.avetproject.org  

 

Model for Our Military, Family Beach Runway – Sat. June 7 – Space Coast talent and military walk the runway from 1-4pm at Double Tree Hilton, 2080 North Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, 32931.  Special guest Tarralyn Ramsey from TV’s ‘The Voice’ will be performing. Family fun.  Tickets are $15 for ages up to 17, $25 for ages 18 and over.  Proceeds benefit not-for-profit AVET Project that helps military families.  Info: www.avetproject.org   kim@avetproject.org  321-373-7046

 

3rd Annual Shake the Lake – Sat. June 7 – 9am – 5pm.  Benefits Just Our Soldiers’ Helpers (JOSH) non-profit group which sends care packages to warriors.  Raffles, prizes, liquor baskets, great entertainment and food and the poker run!  Sponsored by MFC Motorcycle Club Central Florida.    American Legion Post 53, 2874 S. Sanford Avenue, Sanford, 32773.  www.justoursoldiershelpers  www.mfcorlando.org  352-406-8804

 

American Legion, Dept of FL Annual Convention – June 12-15 at The Renaissance Orlando at Sea World.  Info: members.floridalegion.org/convention   Mary at 407-295-2631 x232  (Personal note from Cathy – Not all posts are like your grandpa’s post!  There is a cyber-post!  Check it out!)

 

FLAG DAY – Sat. June 14.  Fly your American flags proudly.  Retire your faded, torn, or tattered flags. Flag World (728 Virginia Dr. in Orlando); and Orlando Flag Center (715 E. Colonial Dr.) sell American flags that are ONLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.  Bring in your flags to retire and replace it with one Made in U.S.A. Flag World is offering a 10% discount on an American flag with this email.  Orlando Flag Center is offering a 10% discount on an American flag with bringing in an American made flag for retirement.

 

Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 14, 12 noon at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center, 1485 Grand Rd., Winter Park, 32792. Sponsored by the Knights of St. Andrews with participation by scouts and veteran groups.  Gather your neighborhood retired flags, those that are torn, tattered and faded.  Bring them for proper retirement and disposal.  Or call for pickup – 407-657-4550 or to Don Martin at 407-538-0162.  Past years have had over 4000 flags respectfully retired.

 

Flag Day and Flag Retirement Ceremony – Sat. June 14, 6pm at the Museum of Military History, 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.  407-507-3894.  Program includes Civil Air Patrol,  Marine Corps League, Osceola County Veterans Council.  Bring your torn, tattered, and faded flags for proper retirement.

 

Let’s Pawty for Service Dogs! – Tues. June 17 – 5:30-7:30pm – Uno’s Chicago Grill restaurant, 8260 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne, 32940.  Free dog treats, kids eat free.  Info: 321-255-1400.  Or contact Kim at kim@avetproject.org   www.avetproject.org   321-373-7046

 

Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. June 21 and Wed. June 25 - After a day spent in Washington DC, veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   The single day will be spent visiting the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. 

June 21(Sat):  25 veterans, 25 travel guardians (some of them veterans) and Honor Flight medical personnel and staff. Returning to Orlando (MCO) from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) aboard Southwest Airline #4555; arrival approx. 9:30 pm.   

June 25 (Wed):  50 veterans, 50 travel guardians (some of them veterans) and Honor Flight medical personnel and staff. will make the Returning to Orlando (MCO) from Baltimore-Washington (BWI) aboard Southwest Airline #4029; arrival approx. 9pm .

Both flights can be greeted home in Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.)

For the Early Birds - you can wave them off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.

Honor Flights for the remainder of the year will be on Sat. Aug 23; Thurs. Sept 4; Two local hubs on Sat. Sep 27; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2.  (Dates subject to change)

 

100^th Birthday recognition for a Gold Star Mother – Fri. June 27 – 1pm – 2pm –Museum of Military History, 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, Kissimmee, 34746.  407-507-3894.  This centennial lady (lost her only son in Vietnam) will be honored for her 100 years with a reception at the Museum.  Info: Fred Robinson at 407-334-9491.

 

Salute to Soldiers and Sailors picnic – Thurs. July 3 - 11am to 3pm.  Clermont Vet Center at 1655 E Hwy 50, Suite 120, Clermont, 34711.  RSVP’s requested for planning - 352-536-6701.  Attendees are asked to bring a “pot luck” dish(es)  to share with others.  (And if it’s special, bring copy(ies) of the recipe!)  It will be a chance to interact with other veterans and families, while giving appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their family to have this special holiday.  Our Salute to Soldiers and Sailors picnic is OPEN to the public.  Invite a vet who may not be familiar with what we do and how we can help.   

 

The National Association of Blind Veterans National Convention – Fri July 4 – Opening session at Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.    www.nabv.org

 

Fireworks at Lake Eola – Fri. July 4 – Downtown Orlando.

 

On the Horizon

Sep 19  - Central Florida Building Homes for Heroes Golf Outing, Reunion Resort, Kissimmee.  Flyer available upon request. Sponsorships welcomed.  Contact Kim at 407-803-5398  kim.valdyke@buildinghomesforheroes.org

 

Nov 22- Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament - This fun event is their major fundraising undertaking of the year.  Sponsorships welcomed.  www.villageshonorflight.org

 

Community Extras

Hire Our Heroes - Providing Veterans Free Round Trip Airfare Anywhere that Southwest Airlines Flies.  This benefit is open to Veterans that transition in 90 days and have job interviews scheduled outside of the local area in which they currently live.  For more information, please go to hireourheroes.org/free-travel  or contact  Dan Caporale of Hire Our Heroes at  dan@hireourheroes.org 

 

Mentors needed - Orange County Veterans Court is succeeding!  Longer term success is possible with community mentors.  Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges.  No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring.  If you have experienced substance abuse (ie: alcohol or drugs) and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else.  If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact Diana Miers, the Mentor Coordinator.  Recruiting will be held over the summer with training sometime late summer or early fall. She or Judge Brewer have graciously offered to visit various groups and organizations to keep the mentor program in use.  It does make a difference and you can too…..  Contact dsm@dianamierslaw.com 407- 603-6538

 

Speaker, author available - Dr. Du Hua escaped the communists of Vietnam and came to the United States in 1982.  His book, “The Escapes and My Journey to Freedom” tells of his witnessing the killings, brutalizing, devastation and destruction in his village and former country.  It also tells the other side of the war after the fall of Saigon.  He had attempted to escape eleven times before succeeding and arriving to freedom.  Speaking available to clubs, and churches and veterans organizations.  Contact:  theescapes81@gmail.com   954-790-7797

 

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

·         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 to www.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/

·         The Navy Exchange (NEX) – Mgr. Jennifer McComas joins Orlando NEX as Mgr from Key West.  Stop by and say “Hi!”  NEX in Orlando is for all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents.  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

·         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

 

Caring and sharing,

 

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL

407-239-8468

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Soldier's body found in Fort Hood barracks

Jefferson Marine dies at Fort Hood in Texas
North Jersey.com
BY DAN SLYFIELD
STAFF WRITER
AIM JEFFERSON
JUNE 6, 2014

According to the Fort Hood Public Affairs Office, Sgt. Gene Robert Brandes Jr., a 28-year-old native of Oak Ridge, was found unresponsive in his barracks room at Fort Hood, Texas on May 27. Sgt. Brandes has served in the military for nearly 8 years, entering in August of 2006 as a PATRIOT Launching Station enhanced operator/maintainer, according to a press release issued by the public affairs office. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Fort Hood since April 2014.
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Not sure why they used "Marine" but everything in this article is Army.

Camp Lejeune Marine died at home

Marine from Wallington dies at his home near Camp Lejeune, N.C.
New Jersey.com
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
JUNE 5, 2014

Robert Drelich of Wallington wanted to join the Marines so much after high school that he worked out until he was able to shed 150 pounds to qualify. He finally fulfilled his dream and in quick succession was posted to Lebanon, Iraq and then Afghanistan.

But with nearly 10 years in the Marines, Sgt. Robert Drelich began suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and a shoulder wound that required surgery. His injuries forced him to join a battalion of wounded Marines near Camp Lejeune, N.C., six months ago.

Marines Rosito Andaya and Andrew Gallagher outside the wake for Sgt. Robert Drelich at Shook Funeral Home in Clifton on Thursday.

On May 29, Drelich, 31, died at the North Carolina home he shared with his wife, Susan. The military is investigating the cause, but his brother, Greg, who is a Garfield police officer, said Drelich’s death was related to his heart. He will be buried with full military honors Saturday at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Saddle Brook.
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Captain's death in Afghanistan under investigation

Army captain from Pennsylvania killed in Afghanistan 'loved by everybody'
Lehigh Valley Live
By Express-Times staff and wire
June 05, 2014

The investigation will probably continue for several weeks into Monday's death in Afghanistan of a U.S. Army captain from Pennsylvania, an Army spokeswoman said today.

Capt. Jason B. Jones, of Orwigsburg in Schuylkill County, died Monday in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, of wounds received from small-arms fire, military authorities said Tuesday. He was 29.

Army spokeswoman Major Allison Aguilar said today the death is under investigation by the Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan, a division-level headquarters that encompasses all NATO special operations forces and assets in Afghanistan.

"This is the type of an investigation that occurs anytime we have a death in theater, especially when it's in combat," Aguilar said.

Jones was assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, N.C. He deployed in April to Afghanistan and previously served in Iraq.
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D-Day for veterans

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
June 6, 2014

This should be Veterans D-Day in more ways that one. Veterans are the reason Americans live free. So why is it that politicians expect them to just settle for what they get no matter how bad it is?

Some people are shocked with what has been going on at the VA but truthfully veterans and families are not that shocked since we live with it everyday. We follow the news all the time. We know that this isn't about Democrats or Republicans being in control over our destiny.

We saw it, lived it and paid for politicians telling us that veterans and their families mattered for too many generations.

Just since troops were sent into Afghanistan and Iraq we saw it get worse as more money was being spent because no politician planned for the return of disabled veterans.

Anthony Principi became Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 2001. Replaced by Jim Nicholson who walked into $1 billion mess of underfunding.

"Within months of taking office at the VA, Nicholson had to deal with a $1 billion shortfall at the agency, requiring the administration to appeal to Congress for emergency spending.

James Peake replaced Nicholson in 2007.

The VA's backlog is between 400,000 and 600,000 claims, with delays of 177 days.

Nicholson in May pledged to cut that time to 145 days, but he has made little headway with thousands of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan returning home.

Veterans were dying waiting for their claims to be approved all those years and the years that followed but no one seemed interested in actually fixing anything. We knew it wasn't about one party over another. The last two years of the Bush Administration, Democrats had control of the House and the Senate. We saw what the Bush Administration left the Obama Administration, just as we saw what the Clinton Adminstration left Bush.

Let the rest of the population play politics. Veterans are still a debt owed no matter who is in control. Stop leaning left or right and start standing up for yourself. Vote as if your life depends on it knowing the lives of those who come after you depend on it too.

When you hear a politician say that veterans matter on days like today remember they have yet to prove it.

D-Day Draw: Why Normandy Still Lures Americans, 70 Years Later
NBC
BY BILL BRIGGS
June 6, 2014

Americans still arrive by the score on the sands of Normandy more than 70 years after Allied forces stormed the shore there -– drawn by a desire to connect with the audacious landing that happened, for many, well before they were born.

Normandy’s beaches, cliffs, gun bunkers and cemeteries -– site of the June 6, 1944 Allied landings that turned the tide of World War II –- mark a place where Americans truly stood together, according to sightseers and guides.

“We won there, but we won at tremendous sacrifice,” said Thom Cartledge, who visited Normandy in 2011 to honor his uncle, Thomas J. Sullivan –- an Army private killed in action during the operation.

“To make all of that possible, folks back in America had produced airplanes and ships at record speed. They worked overtime. They didn’t demand extra wages. Everybody pulled together. That’s not a sentiment we see a lot today,” Cartledge added. “Some people come because, for them, that’s also what Normandy represents –- it dawns on them that America really is a pretty cool country."

Or, as Edward Piegza, founder of Classic Journeys travel firm, describes Normandy: “It’s a unifying place for our country, an uplifting place where there is a common feeling of right over wrong.”

Each year, about 1 million people stroll the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, according to the American Battlefield Monuments Commission. That makes the memorial, the final resting place for 9,387 troops, the most visited graveyard among the 25 cemeteries tended by that federal agency.

“There are so few battlefields that Americans can name. But everybody knows the Normandy beaches,” said Mark Sullivan, France editor for Fodor’s Travel Guides.

Some of that historic resonance flows from the miles of film shot on D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. That morning in 1944, some 60,000 Americans, Brits, Canadians and other Allies stormed a 50-mile swath of the Nazi-fortified coastline from more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft.
read more here

Veterans have been suffering for decades.

Acting VA Secretary Gibson promises accountability

In case you read some of the emails going around on Gibson not serving, this should clear it up.

A 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Gibson earned both Airborne and Ranger qualifications and served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army

Statement from Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson

Gibson Announces Immediate Actions in Phoenix, Ariz.
PHOENIX (June 5, 2014)- Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson today announced immediate actions taken to address the recommendations outlined in the recent interim Office of Inspector General report. He made the following statement in Phoenix, Ariz.:

“No Veteran should ever have to wait to receive the care they have earned through their service and sacrifice. As the President said last week, we must work together to fix the unacceptable, systemic problems in accessing VA healthcare. I believe that trust is the foundation for everything we do – VA must be an organization built on transparency and accountability.

“That’s why we will release results from our nationwide audit, along with patient access data, for all medical centers next Monday. The data will demonstrate the extent of the systemic problems we have discovered.

“As a Veteran, I assure you I have the passion and determination to fix these problems – one Veteran at a time.

“The Inspector General confirmed we have serious issues when it comes to patient scheduling and access, and we have moved immediately to address those issues in Phoenix. VA has reached out to all Veterans identified in the Office of Inspector General’s interim report to discuss individual medical needs and immediately begin scheduling appointments. Getting this right is our top priority, and taking care of the Veterans here in Phoenix is a good place to start.

“We are using our current authority to immediately provide care in the community, to include primary care. In Phoenix, VA is working to award a contract which will extend the ability to use non-VA providers in the community for primary care.

“We’ve deployed a dedicated human resources team to support the hiring of additional staff. We are using temporary staffing measures, along with clinical and administrative support, to ensure these Veterans receive the care they have earned through their service. That includes three of our mobile medical units to take care of patients right here. That’s our first priority – to get all Veterans off waiting lists and into clinics. But more work remains.

“We now know there is a leadership and integrity problem among some of the leaders of our healthcare facilities, which can and must be fixed. That breach of integrity is indefensible. In Phoenix, we initiated the process to remove senior leaders. Across the country, VA has suspended all VHA senior executive performance awards for FY 2014. We will use all authority at our disposal to enforce accountability among senior leaders.

“Additionally, we will remove the 14-day scheduling goal from employee performance contracts to eliminate any incentives to engage in inappropriate behavior. We will revise, enhance, and deploy scheduling training, and we will continue medical center audits and site inspections.

“Veterans must feel safe walking into our VA facilities – they deserve to have full faith in their VA. I will not hold back from asking for help from other agencies, from community partners, from Congress – both sides of the aisle – or from the Veterans Service Organizations, who have been serving Veterans for decades. They are all our valuable partners.

“We will need the support of all our stakeholders to continue to improve the department. I look forward to working with them all to better serve our Veterans.”

John McCain takes first steps in killing the VA

Desperate times call for desperate men to take advantage of the situation instead of actually measuring what they need to do.

Take John McCain's sudden interest in the VA. Sudden? Yes, since he never sat on the Veterans Affairs Committee and still doesn't.

Senator John McCain is a member and former Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services; Member and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs; Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Armed Services
The Senate Committee on Armed Services is composed of 25 Senators. This Committee has jurisdiction for aeronautical and space activities peculiar to or primarily associated with the development of weapons systems or military operations; the common defense; the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force, generally; maintenance and operation of the Panama Canal, including administration, sanitation, and government of the Canal Zone; military research and development; national security aspects of nuclear energy; naval petroleum reserves, except those in Alaska; pay, promotion, retirement, and other benefits and privileges of members of the Armed Forces, including overseas education of civilian and military dependents; selective service system; and strategic and critical materials necessary for the common defense.

Senator McCain served as Ranking Member of the Committee from 2006 to 2012.

Really strange when you consider on the rise in military suicides his voice could shatter glass if he sang when he hit it with a sledgehammer. But suddenly he seems to have all the answers. OK? Huh?

This is what John McCain had to say on problems in the VA back in 2008 when he wanted to become the man in charge.

Does John McCain know he is being taped?

Stars and Stripes' interview with Sen. John McCain
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes online edition, Monday, August 11, 2008

Q: The backlog in the VA system is still very sizeable and a concern to even many of the younger guys. I don’t know how you’re looking at the issue, and how you fix something that the current administration has really struggled with.

I think the best thing we could possibly do is focus military medical care and the VA on treating the wounds directly related to combat: PTSD, combat wounds which they are uniquely qualified, through years of experience, to address.

I think in the case of veterans that have ordinary health care needs, routine health care needs, we should do everything we can to give them a card that they can take to the health care provider or doctor of their choice to get health care immediately.

Q: I know there has been a push by the current administration to take those healthier veterans and have them pay to help support the system, even a small, nominal fee. I don’t know if that’s something that you’d support.

First I think we’ve got to make sure that veterans receive the care, and then we have to worry about if there’s any necessary changes. I’m unalterably opposed to telling future generations of Americans that we’re not going to give them the health care they need in service for our country.

That means that I would be very reluctant, I would be opposed to imposing more financial costs.

Now McCain just may get his way on the start of privatizing the VA and getting veterans out of the care they were promised.

In September of 2013 this report came out "Veterans committing suicide at twice the rate of civilians" and Arizona was in the news.

"The rate of suicide among military veterans in Arizona is more than double the civilian rate Advocates say veterans need more than benefits when returning from war. The average veteran suicide rate in Arizona from 2005 through 2011 is almost 43 deaths per 100,000 people. That’s according to data compiled by News21, a national reporting project based out of Arizona State University. And the rate should increase as more veterans return home."

Well his view on military suicides was for veterans to learn to take better responsibility for themselves. This was when he was running for the nomination in 2008 in a letter sent to the NAMI convention. McCain also blocked a suicide prevention bill calling it "overreach."

A month later Vietnam Veteran with cancer left of the street to die because he was a homeless veteran in Arizona.

On Merchant Marines McCain wouldn't sign a bill for these WWII veterans. Now all these years later, the few Merchant Marine war veterans still alive would like to see Senate Bill S961 passed. The House of Representatives passed the bill in 2007. Our two Arizona senators, Jon Kyl and John McCain, have not signed on even though 57 other senators have.

Women in combat if you look at the link, you can read what he must have not known about.

In the 1991 debate over women pilots, McCain took a traditionalist stance. "This nation has existed for over 215 years," McCain said. "At no time in the history of our nation have women been in combat roles."

It is hard to keep track on how much he has been wrong on. Look up his record online and discover what you've missed all these years. As for me, I need a good stiff drink right now.

National Center for PTSD Awareness

PTSD Awareness Month is a good thing as long as people are aware of facts and don't settle for what is all too common online.

First is, veterans are not stuck where they are. There is help to heal and there are generations of other veterans living proof of that fact. There are sadly far too many who never found what they needed to heal. Those two facts are something the leaders need to become aware of so they can finally do something that will clue everyone in that after war does not have to be more dangerous to them.

Families are key to helping veterans heal but they need to be aware of what PTSD is and why someone they love is suffering so much.

Friends need to stop being stupid and stop saying things because they read something online or because they felt they had to say something. Stop talking and start listening. Most of the time your buddy just needs to talk about what is going on and feel supported, not judged. Be aware of they are in need of more support than you can give and clue someone in on it. If you are wrong, then you may lose your buddy but at least they'll know you cared about their life. If you're right, you can save their life.

About PTSD Awareness

The National Center for PTSD promotes awareness of PTSD and effective treatments throughout the year. Starting in 2010, Congress named June 27th PTSD Awareness Day (S. Res. 455). Since then, during the month of June, we ask everyone to help us raise PTSD awareness.

Following trauma, most people experience stress reactions but many do not develop PTSD. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not. However, if stress reactions do not improve over time and they disrupt everyday life, help should be sought to determine if PTSD is a factor.

The purpose of PTSD Awareness Month is to encourage everyone to raise public awareness of PTSD and its effective treatments so that everyone can help people affected by PTSD.

Raise PTSD Awareness

Learn. Connect. Share.

• Learn: PTSD treatment can help
• Connect: Reach out to someone
• Share: Spread the word

You can make a difference!

"There are many barriers that keep people with PTSD from seeking the help they need. Knowledge and awareness, however, are key to overcoming these barriers. For those living with PTSD, knowing there are treatments that work, for example, can lead them to seek needed care.

Greater public awareness of PTSD can help reduce the stigma of this mental health problem and overcome negative stereotypes that may keep many people from pursuing treatment." - Dr. Matthew Friedman, Former Executive Director of the National Center for PTSD

Commitment to Veterans and Others

VA provides effective treatment for our Nation's Veterans and conducts research on PTSD, including the prevention of stress disorders.

"As Americans, every day of the year should be focused on assisting those who have served this nation so bravely," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "But in June, we take special care in focusing on those with PTSD."

This started in 2010 but suicides went up so be aware, more has to be done but the right stuff not just anything. Be aware that as VA Secretary Shinseki had to resign over a few deaths, there are thousands more no one seems to think about. 12,000 veterans attempt suicide every year and over 8,000 succeed. Most of them are Vietnam veterans. Another topic no one seems to want to talk about.

Harrier AV-8B crashed into houses, pilot safe

Military jet crash sets homes ablaze in California
Jun 4th 2014

IMPERIAL, Calif. (AP) - A Marine jet crashed into a residential area in a Southern California desert community Wednesday, exploding and setting two homes on fire. The pilot ejected safely, and there was no immediate word of any injuries on the ground.

The Harrier AV-8B went down at 4:20 p.m. in Imperial, a city of about 15,000 near the U.S.-Mexico border about 90 miles east of San Diego. Witnesses described an explosion and thick plumes of smoke.

"It felt like a bomb was thrown in the backyard of the house," said Adriana Ramos, 45, whose home is less than a block from the crash scene. "The whole house moved."

Ramos fled with her 4-year-old granddaughter and 10-year-old daughter, who both cried at the sight outside. Another witness, Jose Santos, was driving nearby and saw the plane flying "really low." Then "it just fell down," he said.

Santos sped toward the crash site. On the way, he saw the pilot who had parachuted to the ground.
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Murder-suicide shocks neighborhood of National Guardsman

Husband, Wife Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Bristol
NBC News
By LeAnne Gendreau and Ari Mason
Wednesday, Jun 4, 2014

A young husband and wife were found dead in their home at 73 Henderson Street in Bristol on Wednesday morning in an apparent murder-suicide, according to police.

Authorities said children discovered the bodies of 26-year-old Alexander Ryng and his wife, 27-year-old Kyla Ryng and alerted neighbors. The two were found with gunshot wounds, police said.

The Associated Press reports that Kyla Ryng filed for divorce May 30, citing state court records.

The couple has three kids – ages 4 years, 3 years and 20 months – all of whom were home at the time. Police said none of the children were harmed.

Police responded to the neighborhood around 7 a.m. when a neighbor called after a visit from one of the youngsters.

It's not clear who killed whom. In a press conference late Wednesday afternoon, Bristol police Chief Thomas Grimaldi said Alexander Ryng legally purchased the weapon used in the shooting.

He did not identify Alexander and Kyla Ryng by name, but confirmed the shooting was a "domestic violence situation."

According to the U.S. Army National Guard, Ryng was a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard and was based in New London.
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