Doctor Arrived at Hospital With 0.39 BAC: Medical Board
An accusation says Jason Lane, M.D., was "self-medicating" with alcohol to deal with PTSD
NBC News San Diego
By Andie Adams
Aug 15, 2014
A doctor who showed up to work with a blood alcohol content of nearly five times the legal driving limit had “self-medicated” with alcohol to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to an accusation filed by the Medical Board of California.
Jason Lane, M.D., could now lose his medical license because of the incident on Oct. 22, 2013. At that time, Lane was working as a physician and surgeon for Southern California Permanente Medical Group, dividing his time between the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Grantville and Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.
But the problem worsened after he enlisted in the military in 2011 and worked as a trauma ICU physician in Afghanistan for four months.
"Upon his return from that deployment, respondent (Lane) admitted using alcohol to 'self-medicate' issues that he later identified as posttraumatic stress disorder," Kirchmeyer says in the document.
read more here
Saturday, August 16, 2014
VA San Diego couldn't take care of own doctor with PTSD?
A VA doctor was self-medicating PTSD after working as a trauma doctor in Afghanistan. That says something right there. Not only did they fail a veteran with PTSD, they failed one of their own!
Congress sends message to PTSD veterans BOHICA
BOHICA
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 16, 2014
Members of Congress say they fixed problems with the VA with their latest bill worth billions.
Sounds great unless you look back at all the other bills congress put out to fix the problems beginning with the first Congress making promises to veterans.
First House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 1946, moving on up to when President Ronald Reagan appointed the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1988.
When you consider how long this nation has depended on men and women risking their lives for the rest of us, it is harder to believe most of the things members of Congress say.
When some people talk, they use certain words and we think we know what they mean, but words are so tricky. Believe me, since I come from Massachusetts but live in Florida. You have no idea how much time is taken up explaining what I just said because our words are much different. (Ok so is the accent.) I use the word "wicked" when I want to exaggerate something. Some people hear the word "wicked" and think it is bad. In this case, the two meanings came crashing together.
In 2010 the VA rules changed to make it easier to have PTSD claims approved.
The latest part of the new Bill is to allow veterans to seek private healthcare if the VA is unable to deliver what they need, where they need it. Ok, and how well did it work after all these years they needed to put out another bill? It was happening in the 90's long before this latest Bill. It is called Fee Basis
This isn't the worst of it considering the VA has to treat what the military is doing to the troops before they even get to the VA. The Army started Comprehensive Soldier Fitness in 2009 designed to train soldiers to be resilient.
This is the meaning of resilient
This was a horrifying move and clearly put soldiers at risk. Once they received the message they could train their brains to be "resilient" they assumed the worst within themselves and being mentally weak was part of it. Didn't matter what 40 years of research had discovered. Didn't matter that researchers started to look at the connection between combat and what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in WWI.
No matter how much Congress spent year after year the number of suicides went up and so did "bad paper discharges" in the thousands by every branch of the military. At least they stopped shooting soldiers for being cowards and malingering.
Courage
That is the point missed whenever you hear someone say "resilient" especially when talking about combat veterans.
Surviving youth enough to want to join the military is resilient.
Surviving basic training or boot camp is resilient.
Surviving deployment is resilient.
Doing everything you had to do while deployed into combat zones no matter how much pain you were in is beyond resilient.
That is far more valuable than being resilient. Being "resilient" won't give you what you need to take a bullet for the soldier next to you but being courageous will. This is what Congress still doesn't get. They just keep passing bills and spending on programs that have been failures on a massive scale.
What is it that veterans want in return for service? Simple. To be able to live as veterans among the civilians without having to sacrifice their futures because members of Congress have gotten away with decades of twisting words to make them sound as if they care.
Take care of their wounds and pay compensation when their service caused the loss of being able to work for paychecks but you better make damn sure caring for their wounds is actually what they need and the best there is instead of pushing what failed. Take care of the widows and orphans because while they were in fact GI. ("Government issue - supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government") they belonged to the rest of the family first and they were the last to say goodbye.
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 16, 2014
Members of Congress say they fixed problems with the VA with their latest bill worth billions.
The measure approved Thursday includes $10 billion in emergency spending to help veterans who can't get prompt appointments with VA doctors to obtain outside care; $5 billion to hire doctors, nurses and other medical staff; and about $1.5 billion to lease 27 new clinics across the country.
Sounds great unless you look back at all the other bills congress put out to fix the problems beginning with the first Congress making promises to veterans.
In 1789, with the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the first Congress assumed the burden of paying veterans benefits. The first federal pension legislation was passed in 1789. It continued the pension law passed by the Continental Congress.To the creation of the Veterans Administration in 1929 and 1933 when President Roosevelt gained the authority to issue new veterans benefits.
First House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 1946, moving on up to when President Ronald Reagan appointed the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1988.
President Reagan signed legislation in 1988 to elevate VA to Cabinet status and, on March 15, 1989, the Veterans Administration became the Department of Veterans Affairs. Edward J. Derwinski, VA administrator at the time, was appointed the first Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
When you consider how long this nation has depended on men and women risking their lives for the rest of us, it is harder to believe most of the things members of Congress say.
When some people talk, they use certain words and we think we know what they mean, but words are so tricky. Believe me, since I come from Massachusetts but live in Florida. You have no idea how much time is taken up explaining what I just said because our words are much different. (Ok so is the accent.) I use the word "wicked" when I want to exaggerate something. Some people hear the word "wicked" and think it is bad. In this case, the two meanings came crashing together.
BOHICA(Don't even try to turn this into a patch. Only one company is being authorized to do it.)
BOHICA stands for bend over, here it comes again. It is an item of acronym slang which grew to regular use amongst the United States armed forces during the Vietnam War.
It is used colloquially to indicate that an adverse situation is about to repeat itself, and that acquiescence is the wisest course of action. It is commonly understood as a reference to being sodomized. An alternative etymology relates the expression to the days of sail and avoiding being struck by the boom, which would swing around the mast due to shifts in wind or the vessel's course.
Although it originated in the United States military forces, and is still commonly used by United States Air Force fighter crew chiefs and armament crews, its usage has spread to civilian environments, used to describe unavoidable, unpleasant situations that have inconvenienced someone before and are about to yet again.
In 2010 the VA rules changed to make it easier to have PTSD claims approved.
The VA is liberalizing the standard for veterans complaining PTSD by relaxing the evidence requirements for proving an in-service stressful event or stressor, streamlining the processing of PTSD claims which will result in veterans receiving more timely decisions.This sounded really good but Congress didn't manage to increase mental health teams and claims processors enough to cover the flood of veterans finally trying to get the treatment and compensation they needed. The next step was changing the diagnosis so that more would not meet the criteria for PTSD. "About 1 in 3 soldiers found to have PTSD under the previous diagnostic standards were missed by the new criteria, according to today’s research in the journal the Lancet Psychiatry." Hey, it made sense to them for a reason. So bend over, here it comes again. Make it sound as if they were doing something to make it right for veterans and then take it away when they were not looking.
The latest part of the new Bill is to allow veterans to seek private healthcare if the VA is unable to deliver what they need, where they need it. Ok, and how well did it work after all these years they needed to put out another bill? It was happening in the 90's long before this latest Bill. It is called Fee Basis
The Fee Basis Unit processes payment to non-VA providers who have been issued formal authorizations by the medical center to deliver care. For example, the Washington DC VA Medical Center does not provide certain women’s health services. When such services are determined necessary, a VA provider will initiate a consult, requesting approval to send the patient to a non-VA provider. If that request for an non-VA authorization is approved, the Fee Basis office will process payment to the provider after the services are provided. By law, VA payment for services not authorized in advance is strictly limited.
This isn't the worst of it considering the VA has to treat what the military is doing to the troops before they even get to the VA. The Army started Comprehensive Soldier Fitness in 2009 designed to train soldiers to be resilient.
This is the meaning of resilient
: able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happensResilient does not mean forever. Corelle has dish sets that last a long time. I have the same set I bought when I got married 30 years ago and some cups my Aunt had given me long before that. We use them everyday. These plates hold up to a lot but if you drop one on a tile floor, they shatter into millions of pieces. They are resilient but not indestructible. CSF made soldiers think they were not supposed to feel anything enough to make them change, or as General Ray Odierno put it last year when talking about military suicides going up, "Some of it is just personal make-up. Intestinal fortitude. Mental toughness that ensures that people are able to deal with stressful situations."
: able to return to an original shape after being pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc.
: characterized or marked by resilience: as
a : capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture
b : tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
This was a horrifying move and clearly put soldiers at risk. Once they received the message they could train their brains to be "resilient" they assumed the worst within themselves and being mentally weak was part of it. Didn't matter what 40 years of research had discovered. Didn't matter that researchers started to look at the connection between combat and what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in WWI.
No matter how much Congress spent year after year the number of suicides went up and so did "bad paper discharges" in the thousands by every branch of the military. At least they stopped shooting soldiers for being cowards and malingering.
Courage
mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
That is the point missed whenever you hear someone say "resilient" especially when talking about combat veterans.
Surviving youth enough to want to join the military is resilient.
Surviving basic training or boot camp is resilient.
Surviving deployment is resilient.
Doing everything you had to do while deployed into combat zones no matter how much pain you were in is beyond resilient.
That is far more valuable than being resilient. Being "resilient" won't give you what you need to take a bullet for the soldier next to you but being courageous will. This is what Congress still doesn't get. They just keep passing bills and spending on programs that have been failures on a massive scale.
What is it that veterans want in return for service? Simple. To be able to live as veterans among the civilians without having to sacrifice their futures because members of Congress have gotten away with decades of twisting words to make them sound as if they care.
Take care of their wounds and pay compensation when their service caused the loss of being able to work for paychecks but you better make damn sure caring for their wounds is actually what they need and the best there is instead of pushing what failed. Take care of the widows and orphans because while they were in fact GI. ("Government issue - supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government") they belonged to the rest of the family first and they were the last to say goodbye.
Green Berets Afghanistan Veterans Donate History to 9-11 Museum
Green Berets Donate Never-Before-Seen Photographs To 9/11 Museum
CBS News New York
August 15, 2014
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Green Berets who served in Afghanistan are donating never-before-seen photographs to the National September 11 Memorial Museum.
Before the War in Afghanistan began — only a month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — less than 300 Special Forces soldiers went into Afghanistan on a mission that continues today, 1010 WINS’ Roger Stern reported.
“It’s not in the headlines, you don’t see a lot of it, but right now in the dusty, remote villages of Afghanistan, Green Berets are living and working among Afghan villagers, continuing to try to find ways to help them stand up for themselves,” retired Green Beret Col. Scott Mann said.
When those soldiers returned home, they realized they have a treasure trove of photographs, which they’re now giving to the 9/11 museum.
read more here
CBS News New York
August 15, 2014
Photograph donated by the Green Beret Foundation to the National September 11 Memorial Museum. (CREDIT: Green Beret Foundation)
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Green Berets who served in Afghanistan are donating never-before-seen photographs to the National September 11 Memorial Museum.
Before the War in Afghanistan began — only a month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — less than 300 Special Forces soldiers went into Afghanistan on a mission that continues today, 1010 WINS’ Roger Stern reported.
“It’s not in the headlines, you don’t see a lot of it, but right now in the dusty, remote villages of Afghanistan, Green Berets are living and working among Afghan villagers, continuing to try to find ways to help them stand up for themselves,” retired Green Beret Col. Scott Mann said.
When those soldiers returned home, they realized they have a treasure trove of photographs, which they’re now giving to the 9/11 museum.
read more here
Friday, August 15, 2014
Sucicial veteran turned away from VA because he didn't have an appointment?
Suicidal veteran: Phoenix VA denied me care because I had no appointment
By KTAR.com
Originally published: Aug 13, 2014
PHOENIX -- A suicidal veteran claimed he was denied care at a Phoenix Veterans Affairs facility Wednesday because he did not have an appointment.
The veteran, an acquaintance of Rob and Karie co-host Rob Hunter who wishes to remain anonymous, said he told a nurse at the VA he "was not feeling well" and "did not trust himself" when asking for care. The nurse allegedly informed him that appointments were required and a mental health professional would contact him.
Dr. Sam Foote, one of the whistle blowers who gave life to the VA scandal investigation, said the veteran's status with the VA could have played a small part.
"If you have an established provider, they can usually grease the wheels for you," he told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR's Rob and Karie.
However, his status aside, Foote said the administration is prepared to handle suicidal veterans at all times.
"I don't know who turned him away or said we'd call him back later," he said. "That's not normally we like to handle something like that. Normally you want them to have them triaged by somebody who's a professional in mental health and those people are certainly available at the downtown medical center."
The veteran also claimed he contacted the VA earlier this week to request an appointment. He informed them he had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Iraq, but was told he must be diagnosed at a Phoenix VA facility. Given no other option, he walked into the VA where he was turned away, a potentially dangerous scenario.
read more here
By KTAR.com
Originally published: Aug 13, 2014
PHOENIX -- A suicidal veteran claimed he was denied care at a Phoenix Veterans Affairs facility Wednesday because he did not have an appointment.
The veteran, an acquaintance of Rob and Karie co-host Rob Hunter who wishes to remain anonymous, said he told a nurse at the VA he "was not feeling well" and "did not trust himself" when asking for care. The nurse allegedly informed him that appointments were required and a mental health professional would contact him.
Dr. Sam Foote, one of the whistle blowers who gave life to the VA scandal investigation, said the veteran's status with the VA could have played a small part.
"If you have an established provider, they can usually grease the wheels for you," he told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR's Rob and Karie.
However, his status aside, Foote said the administration is prepared to handle suicidal veterans at all times.
"I don't know who turned him away or said we'd call him back later," he said. "That's not normally we like to handle something like that. Normally you want them to have them triaged by somebody who's a professional in mental health and those people are certainly available at the downtown medical center."
The veteran also claimed he contacted the VA earlier this week to request an appointment. He informed them he had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Iraq, but was told he must be diagnosed at a Phoenix VA facility. Given no other option, he walked into the VA where he was turned away, a potentially dangerous scenario.
read more here
Gideons Bibles are going back into Navy lodges
I do not approve of any member of the military feeling forced to do anything against their will when it comes to the personal choice of matters of faith or the lack of it. That said, I approve of this move because some choose to believe and Bibles have a long history in the military.
Navy Tells Lodges to Put Bibles Back in Rooms
Stars and Stripes
by Travis J. Tritten
Aug 15, 2014
WASHINGTON -- Gideons Bibles are going back into Navy lodges.
The Navy on Thursday ordered the Bibles returned to rooms and said it is reviewing a decision by the Navy Exchange to remove them from its worldwide network of military hotels.
Atheists had cheered a victory after a complaint prompted the exchange to begin moving the Bibles to its lost-and-found bins this summer, but the Navy said the decision was made without consulting senior leadership.
"That decision and our religious accommodation policies with regard to the placement of religious materials are under review," Navy spokesman Cmdr. Ryan Perry wrote in an email to Stars and Stripes.
"While that review is under way, religious materials removed from Navy Lodge rooms will be returned." Bibles donated by Gideons International are a common sight in Navy lodges and at hotels around the world.
"This will allow the commanding officer to determine ... whether the materials will be accepted and how they will be handled and distributed," Mayhue wrote.
The memo was prompted by a complaint in March by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a Wisconsin atheist group that claims 21,000 members including hundreds of active-duty troops and veterans.
read more here
Venting for Veterans
A couple of friends emailed wondering what sent me off yesterday when I posted Assholes Among Us. I guess I worried a few people especially a friend called last night worried about what was behind the anger.
I told him it was one thing after another but came to a head when a veteran I've been helping called while I was heading home from work, stuck in traffic.
He told me how hard it had been finding groups to join with all the groups online. Then I told him "You can always tell an asshole from an advocate because when you leave an advocate, you feel better but worse when you walked away from an asshole." Summing it up, if he found a place where he felt welcomed and better then great but walk away from groups that made him feel worse.
As I listed the rest of the things setting me off to my buddy, the fabulous video from Five Finger Death Punch was a big part of it.
I watched the video several times and cried. It is wonderful even though some of the numbers were wrong, that did not make the message less powerful. Keep in mind I've been doing this for over 30 years plus living with it, so for me to be brought to tears over a video, that says something.
The video didn't get me upset, but the comment left on their page did. Foolish jerks unable to open up their minds and close their mouths long enough to learn about the veterans they are attacking is undefendable. Top that off with this piece of news about the video and the group.
The other thing was the CNN special I was looking forward to, but changed the channel half way into it because I was too angry over hearing a group of veterans being told they were messed up before they went into the military. I gave a halfway rant on this because I don't like to slam charities. The truth is, most of the time peer support is the biggest help of all for them, so put them in with each other is a hell of a lot better than leaving them alone. Too many bring the war home in the form of post-traumatic stress. I was more angry over CNN's lousy job of explaining what is going on with so many of our veterans.
By the time I got the call from the veteran on the way home, it felt as if my brain was going to explode, so I posted exactly what needed to be said. There are assholes among us pretending to care but disguising what it is they really care about and it isn't making veterans lives better.
Looks like I just got one more reason to vent and it takes us right back to the video from Five Finger Death Punch. It is brought to you by Dan Lamothe on the Washington Post.
New Five Finger Death Punch music video highlights veteran homelessness…but is it accurate? and he takes apart all the numbers used but somehow manages to avoid the biggest factor of all. The majority of the veterans suffering are not Iraq or Afghanistan but Vietnam veterans. They are the majority of the claims, backlog and the highest percentage of the suicides as well as homeless veterans.
What was Lamothe's point? A group does a fabulous job for the sake of veterans and he slammed the numbers they used which were in fact valid years ago. There were over 300,000 homeless veterans and the number of suicides were reported for years to be 18 a day. I posted how many veterans were listed as homeless in each state back in 2006. Given all we know now, even as efforts have reduced the number of homeless veterans, unless we take care of everything they need, we will insure the numbers will go back up.
If we don't get all of this right once and for all veterans now, Vietnam veterans will be replaced by Gulf War, Afghanistan War and Iraq War veterans wondering why we didn't do something when we had the chance to change what was happening.
I told him it was one thing after another but came to a head when a veteran I've been helping called while I was heading home from work, stuck in traffic.
He told me how hard it had been finding groups to join with all the groups online. Then I told him "You can always tell an asshole from an advocate because when you leave an advocate, you feel better but worse when you walked away from an asshole." Summing it up, if he found a place where he felt welcomed and better then great but walk away from groups that made him feel worse.
As I listed the rest of the things setting me off to my buddy, the fabulous video from Five Finger Death Punch was a big part of it.
I watched the video several times and cried. It is wonderful even though some of the numbers were wrong, that did not make the message less powerful. Keep in mind I've been doing this for over 30 years plus living with it, so for me to be brought to tears over a video, that says something.
They have some of the numbers wrong. For a start, the number of veterans committing suicide every day is over 22. That means over 8,030 a year. That does not include the hundreds of active duty military also leaving us because they could not find hope enough to live one more day.
The part that is even sadder is, most made it out of combat, living long enough to get their buddies back home before their ended the same pain they had while they served right next to them. Imagine that. Imagine what it was like for them to push past all that emotional pain because someone needed them only to not be able to find someone there for them to help them live.
This has to be one of the most powerful videos I've seen in a very long time.
The video didn't get me upset, but the comment left on their page did. Foolish jerks unable to open up their minds and close their mouths long enough to learn about the veterans they are attacking is undefendable. Top that off with this piece of news about the video and the group.
In tandem with the video's premiere, the group ignited a special crowd-funding campaign for a jersey entitled 5FDP4VETS "No One Gets Left Behind" on Indiegogo. The campaign's goal of raising $50,000 was bested by double in less than two day's time — exceeding $100,000. The campaign continues to run and the proceeds will benefit organizations that joined forces with the group to raise awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD.
The other thing was the CNN special I was looking forward to, but changed the channel half way into it because I was too angry over hearing a group of veterans being told they were messed up before they went into the military. I gave a halfway rant on this because I don't like to slam charities. The truth is, most of the time peer support is the biggest help of all for them, so put them in with each other is a hell of a lot better than leaving them alone. Too many bring the war home in the form of post-traumatic stress. I was more angry over CNN's lousy job of explaining what is going on with so many of our veterans.
By the time I got the call from the veteran on the way home, it felt as if my brain was going to explode, so I posted exactly what needed to be said. There are assholes among us pretending to care but disguising what it is they really care about and it isn't making veterans lives better.
Looks like I just got one more reason to vent and it takes us right back to the video from Five Finger Death Punch. It is brought to you by Dan Lamothe on the Washington Post.
New Five Finger Death Punch music video highlights veteran homelessness…but is it accurate? and he takes apart all the numbers used but somehow manages to avoid the biggest factor of all. The majority of the veterans suffering are not Iraq or Afghanistan but Vietnam veterans. They are the majority of the claims, backlog and the highest percentage of the suicides as well as homeless veterans.
What was Lamothe's point? A group does a fabulous job for the sake of veterans and he slammed the numbers they used which were in fact valid years ago. There were over 300,000 homeless veterans and the number of suicides were reported for years to be 18 a day. I posted how many veterans were listed as homeless in each state back in 2006. Given all we know now, even as efforts have reduced the number of homeless veterans, unless we take care of everything they need, we will insure the numbers will go back up.
If we don't get all of this right once and for all veterans now, Vietnam veterans will be replaced by Gulf War, Afghanistan War and Iraq War veterans wondering why we didn't do something when we had the chance to change what was happening.
Donors to homeless veteran family want refunds?
Donors to once-homeless veteran’s family seek their money back, saying they were misled
BY Q13 FOX NEWS STAFF
AUGUST 13, 2014
EVERETT — The community rallied around a disabled veteran and his homeless family with cash donations and home supplies, but then many of the contributors asked for their money back.
“I am 40 years old. I spent 15 years and four tours in Iraq. If I had money given to me, why would I have another grown adult tell me how to spend it?” asked disabled vet Eric Wells, alluding to those donors who were upset at how the family was spending the money.
Wells, his wife, Nicole, and their three children were homeless and living on the streets of Everett a few weeks ago. Their belongings were in a shopping cart. A woman driving by snapped a photo of them and posted it on the Snohomich County Crime and Community Facebook page.
Wells said he lost his job a few years ago and was evicted from his home after he couldn’t pay the rent. He hasn’t been able to find work in years and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and knee and back problems.
When their plight received media attention, the community rallied around them. A gofundme.com page was set up and donations poured in.
read more here
BY Q13 FOX NEWS STAFF
AUGUST 13, 2014
EVERETT — The community rallied around a disabled veteran and his homeless family with cash donations and home supplies, but then many of the contributors asked for their money back.
“I am 40 years old. I spent 15 years and four tours in Iraq. If I had money given to me, why would I have another grown adult tell me how to spend it?” asked disabled vet Eric Wells, alluding to those donors who were upset at how the family was spending the money.
Wells, his wife, Nicole, and their three children were homeless and living on the streets of Everett a few weeks ago. Their belongings were in a shopping cart. A woman driving by snapped a photo of them and posted it on the Snohomich County Crime and Community Facebook page.
Wells said he lost his job a few years ago and was evicted from his home after he couldn’t pay the rent. He hasn’t been able to find work in years and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and knee and back problems.
When their plight received media attention, the community rallied around them. A gofundme.com page was set up and donations poured in.
read more here
Central Florida Veterans Events Features Fundraiser for Sgt. John Peck
Always something for veterans to do in Central Florida but this one needs a bit of special attention:
Benefit Concert for Marine Sgt. John Peck - Fri Aug 29 - Marie Bogdonoff of The Villages has organized a benefit concert for Peck at American Legion Post 347, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Singer Roy Michaels will perform his “music of our lives” show from 6pm to 9pm. Four years ago when Peck was 24, he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. The Marine, who also served in Iraq, lost both arms and legs. That made him the third quadruple amputee of the Afghan and Iraq wars. Peck is currently a candidate for a potential double-arm transplant surgery in early November. The cost will be close to $500,000. Some of the surgical and other costs are being donated but Peck is facing a dire financial burden. He has to travel to Boston, MA. for the surgery. Then he will face about three years of rehabilitation in Boston. He must have a caretaker with him at all times. Hotel, travel and food costs will be staggering, not to mention the physical toll of surgery and recovery. His home is in Virginia but he certainly has friends in Florida! Info: Post #347 at 352-750-2099. Or to mail donations contact Rob at 516-521-5925
August list - veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.
JUST FOR FUN: August, this year, will have 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens only once every 823 years. The Chinese call it 'Silver pockets full'.
“Veterans of Influence” nominations – deadline Fri. Aug 15 - Orlando Business Journal has a new award this year for which they are holding a luncheon to honor those nominated. Go to the website before to nominate veterans that you know who deserve to be honored. www.bizjournals.com/orlando/nomination Contact Denise Hicks (herself a Marine Corps vet!) of Orlando Business Journal at 407.241.2893 dhicks@bizjournals.com
"One Nation Under God" - A Celebration of Christian Patriotism – Fri Aug 15 and Sat Aug 16. Operation Safety 91 (OS91) promotes this dinner and program as a stirring live Musical and Visual Christian Patriotic presentation to honor our Veterans and 1st Responders, and to spread the message of OS91. Doors open at 6 pm. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. followed by the 50 minute "One Nation Under God" program. Donations for the dinner will be accepted. BYSM Worship Arts Theater at 13355 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, 34787 (in the strip mall behind Taco Bell.) Also presented nightly on Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd, Fri 29th, and Sat 30th. Reserve Tickets for free dinner and program at www.byyoursideministries.com/boxoffice Info: Dave Gillum at: dave@byyoursideministries.com 321-305-1111
Air Force Sergeants Association National Convention – Sat. Aug 16 – Wed. 20th in Jacksonville, FL www.hqafsa.org
VA Benefits Seminar – Sat. Aug 16 – 9am-2pm at Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Free assistance provided by AVET Project for you to get your DD214, service medical records and awards. Hotel at 2080 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, 32931. Info: kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046
Wills and Directives legal assistance - Sat. Aug 16 –Free help for veterans in preparing wills and advanced directives provided by various Brevard County legal resources. Death is inevitable but you can have some control. 10am – 2pm; Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Pre-register at 321-631-2500 x14. Info: brevardlegalaid@yahoo.com.
Teen Challenge, Commander’s Call - Sat. Aug 16 - Museum of Military History - 9am – 3pm. Skills offered in a combination of class room and field training for ages 12 to 17. Presented by veterans knowledgeable in both fundamentals and application. A five block series of skills includes Basic First Aid/CPR; Compass/Map reading; Health/Physical Fitness/Basic Self-Defense (no hitting, sparing, contact); Field skills and Knot tying; US Military History. $20 fee includes 1 MRE (lunch) and dogtag with double chain and silencer. Limited enrollment. Call 407-507-3894 for further information. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com Commander’s Call is a continuing education and sharing project provided by the Museum.
Copout Adventures TV Show Fundraiser – Sat Aug 16 – A fun night of food, drinks, silent auction and raffle at Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grille, 5pm – 9pm; 610 Glen Cheek Drive, Port Canaveral, 32920. Portions of all food and drink purchased go into this fundraiser. Copout gives away (as in completely free) fishing trips for wounded law enforcement officers (LEO) and other first responders as a way of saying thank you for their service. This event will help cover the cost of these trips. The show can be seen on the World Fishing Network and coming soon to Destination America. Auction items include a foursome round of golf at Grand Cypress Resort; A 3 day 2 night stay (with all taxes and gratuities included) at the beautiful Abaco Beach Resort; a box each of Montecristo, Rocky Patel and Romeo cigars, and more! Do you know of a LEO who deserves a trip? Nominate him/her on the website! copoutadventures.com Contact: Jeff at 407-810-3474 jeff@copoutfishing.com
FAVOB – Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses – Mon Aug 18 – 11am-1pm. Meeting at Doc’s Streetside Grille, 1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32806 (Across from ORMC Hospital) Association developed as a 'chamber of commerce' and voice for Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses in the Great State of Florida. ALL Veteran owned businesses are welcome! Small businesses run by Veterans don't have the same status when competing against other small businesses in regards to bidding and vendor status. Visitwww.FAVOB.org to learn more. chairman@favob.org
Cocktails for a Cause – Thurs Aug 21 – Fundraiser to benefit Heroes' Commons at Jefferson Park. Sponsored by Florida Real Estate Foundation, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. $50 per person Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction to include heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at The University Club of Orlando, 150 E Central Blvd, Orlando, 32801. Heroes' Commons at Jefferson Park is located in Orlando's historic Parramore neighborhood. The housing village will feature six detached, single-family homes that offer flexible floor plans designed to accommodate veterans and their families as the homeowners, including those with physical challenges. Register at www.floridarealestatefoundation.com or contact marym@orlandorealtors.org 407.513.7277.
Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat Aug 23 – The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports with the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference! After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:35 pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #1867 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
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 THURS. Sept 4; Two local hubs at two airports (Sanford and OIA) on Sat. Sep 27; Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2. (Dates subject to change)
Ocoee Military History show – Sat. Aug 30 – (Labor Day Weekend) - A “show and tell” of artifacts and interests from Seminole War to present. 8am – 5pm at the Tom Ison Center, 1701 Adair Street, Ocoee, 34761. Military History buffs: Come share your items and knowledge! Space is limited but there are still tables available inside. No sales – just displays. There is ample room outside for vehicle displays and tents. Admission will be free, donations gladly accepted. Event POC: Glen Richardson at 407-877-7472 cappouch@aol.com
TEACHERS – Schools start again in mid-August. Please consider extra credit for student attendance at this History event!
Orlando Veterans Stand Down Organizing meeting – Tues. Sep 2, 2pm. Members of Veterans Service organizations, Members of Veterans Service Providers, Volunteers, non-Veterans. Basically, anyone who wants to help us make this year's event even better than last year's. It's a good opportunity to become actively involved in helping our homeless or financially challenged Veterans. Stand Downs (this year on Sat. Sep 27) provide services to veterans and their families. Services included showers, haircuts, Veterans benefits counseling, medical exams, employment counseling, rent and utility assistance, legal assistance, a warm meal, and Veteran camaraderie. Meeting location: VAMC Orlando, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803, Room C100 in building 503. (Old CLC at the Lake Baldwin Campus.) POC: Sean Gibbs, Veteran Services Coordinator, Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. (407) 893-0133 x 212 sean.gibbs@hsncfl.org
Honor Flight Welcome Home –THURS Sept 4 – The WW2 and Korean War veterans truly appreciate the “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports with the flags and patriotic signs – It makes a difference! After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:05 pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! Bring your flags, banners and signs! Southwest Airlines #130 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property with free shuttle to airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
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. Sep 27 - Two local hubs at two airports (Sanford and OIA); Sat. Oct 18; and Sun. Nov 2. (Dates subject to change)
Central Florida Heroes on the Water – Sat and Sun Sep 6 and 7 – This group will host its monthly kayak fishing trip with a two day campout at Twin Oaks Park . It is for "warriors" (Active Duty and Veterans) family members, Caregivers (fishing buddies also) and service dogs. We do a shore lunch and provide all of the equipment and instruction, the cost is always the same FREE. They are a 501.c.3 that operates from donations and grants and since this chapter started in Oct of 2013 have proudly served 231 warriors. There are 10 active chapters across the state and warriors can participate at any event by reserving their spot. Future local trips are Oct 4 at Ralph V. Chisolm Park East Lake Toho; Nov 1 on Shingle Creek; and Dec 6 on Lake Jackson. Contact Tom Welgos, 407.414.8393 centralfl@heroesonthewater.org www.heroesonthewater.org and click on the local chapter.
Stick Marsh Veterans Bass Challenge - Sat Sep 6 - Fishing teams of up to 3 (1 military veteran or active, 1 Municipal Leader, plus 1 Boat Captain) at The Stick Marsh, 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach. Bragging rights and prizes will be awarded afterwards at the Bass Challenge BBQ hosted at Bass Pro Shops. Sponsorship opportunities at multiple levels are available. Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233 orJustin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk – Sat Sep 6 - Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs. Commemorative 9/11 run/walk. On 9/11/2001, off-duty FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller strapped on 65 pounds of firefighting gear on his back and ran 3 miles through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers where he died at Ground Zero. Being the youngest of 7 and orphaned at the age of 10, as well as having a wife and 5 kids, Stephen was loved by everyone which is why his family and friends started the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Funds raised will go towards their many programs, including the signature program, Building for America's Bravest which builds Smart Homes for the most catastrophically injured veterans. Contact Race Director Kyle Albano at kylealbano@gmail.com (c) 407-383-1992 www.t2trun.org Event info relayed by Mark Owens.
Seminole County Veterans Service Officer Ed Burford shares: 2014 is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of WWI, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Europe at Normandy, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War and the 10th anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.
And I will add: Sept 14 is the 200th Anniversary of the writing of the poem that later became our national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote “Defence of Fort M’Henry” (yes – that was the original spelling!) after witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. When renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” it later became the national anthem of the United States of America by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931, which was then signed by President Herbert Hoover.
On the Horizon – Mark your Calendar – more info to come
Sep 11, Thurs. - 3rd Annual 9/11 Tribute in Avalon Park. Free vendor spaces and for affiliated non-profit organizations. Contact Laura Burk, Game Plan Media at 407-900-1915.
Sep 13, Sat - 10th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride – honoring Osceola Co. Marine LCpl who died in Iraq. Sponsorships and early registrations welcomed. www.usobenefitride.com
Sep 19, Fri. - POW/MIA Day – see Sept 26 event.
Sep 19, Fri - 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
Sep 26, Fri - Orlando City Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will host a POW-MIA recognition ceremony in Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 10am. Local WW2 and Vietnam POW’s will attend.
Sep 27, Sat - Orlando Veterans Stand Down – providing services to veterans, especially homeless vets. Volunteers needed, sponsors and supporters welcomed. Sean Gibbs at 407-893-0133 www.standdown.HSNCFL.org
Oct 3, Fri – Central FL Navy League Golf Tournament fundraiser – open to all. See website for participation and sponsorship info. Proceeds go to scholarships and support of area youth groups.
Oct 4, Sat – Navy Ball – sponsored by Central FL Navy League. Open to all interested persons. See website for ticket info and sponsorships.
Nov 1, Sat – Battle of the Branches – Satellite Beach. Sponsors welcomed. Planning by Melbourne Regional Chamber and AVET Project. Info: www.avetproject.org kim@avetproject.org
Nov 7, Fri –The UCF College of Business Administration, Wells Fargo, and OrlandoJobs.com will host the second annual Central Florida Veterans Job Fair. Matching motivated veteran job seekers with top employers from around the region. Join us now in our efforts to register 100 legitimately hiring employers (no scammers) to meet more than 1,000 job seekers to achieve our goal of raising $25,000 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit veterans-service organization.
Nov 8, Sat. – Orlando Veterans Day Parade in downtown Orlando. Applications for parade entries can be submitted NOW online at cityoforlando.net/mayor/events
Nov 8, Sat – Central Florida Marine Corps Ball (Marine Corps birthday is Nov 10, 1775.) Open to all interested persons. Ticket info to be provided in future.
Nov 9, Sun - Mount Dora Patriot Cruise and Salute. Sponsors and volunteers welcomed. www.mountdorapcs.org More info to come. Event Awareness from Rozann Abato.
Nov 9, Sun - Veterans Concert –- at Trinity Prep School auditorium in Winter Park. Portion of the proceeds go to Pets for Vets – which helps heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter animal that is specially selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the animals and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. As seen in People magazine, CNN, NPR, etc. Timacua White House. 407-595-2713. More info to come. Event awareness from Wendy Wallenberg.
Nov 11, Tues – Veterans Day Luncheon –Double Tree Hilton in Cocoa Beach. Sponsors welcomed. Proceeds assist the Not-for-profit 501(c)3 AVET Project with continuing help for community vets and military events. kim@avetproject.org 321-373-7046 www.avetproject.org
Nov 22, Sat. - Villages Honor Flight Golf Tournament - This fun event is their major fundraising undertaking of the year. Sponsorships welcomed. www.villageshonorflight.org Event awareness from John Driscoll.
EXTRAS
Voting - This is the only type of political event information that will be listed in these event lists.
Florida is a closed primary state. If you wish to vote in a partisan primary, you must be registered with that particular party affiliation. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote on issues and non-partisan races. If you changed your address or want to change your party affiliation, you need to change your voter’s registration. If you did not do that or you were not registered to vote by July 28, you will NOT be able to vote in the Primary Elections. Primary Elections will be on Tues. Aug. 26 at your assigned polling place. Early voting is available in each County starting Fri Aug 15 through Sun Aug 24 only at selected sites. Absentee Ballot request deadline is Wed. Aug 20 at 5 pm and must be received back to the office by 7pm on Election night.
The General Election for ALL registered voters is Tues Nov 4. If you change your address, you need to change your voter’s registration. First time voters need to register. Voter registration deadline for the General Election is Mon. Oct 6.
If you have any questions about your registration or your polling place/time, contact your County Voter’s Registration office.
If you are eligible to vote you owe it to your community and even possibly your ancestors to do so. Blood from military personnel and others has been spilt in the past to allow you this right. If you are eligible to vote and don’t, there are very few good excuses. Others, including myself, then do NOT want to hear your complaints! Get educated on the candidates and issues. Do the correct thing and vote….. Make it count….
For veterans considering college, remember these 8 questions. Hyperlink to Article Bangor Daily News: The Federal Trade Commission advises those consumers to ask eight questions of those representing institutions of higher learning. The goal is to cull the responsible ones from the diploma mills that are most interested in getting their hands on veterans’ tuition money. Visitwww.consumer.ftc.gov and search “choosing a college.” If you are using your GI Bill for schooling, make it count….
Depression - Many people have been shocked and saddened with the news of the recent death of actor Robin Williams. It takes a Hero to ask for help! Depression is Treatable: Take This Online Screening. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, visit Military Pathways to take a free, anonymous, online self-assessment for common mental health conditions such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions are treatable, and a self-assessment is not only easy but can be the first step you take toward getting the help you need. Learn more about depression and its symptoms from the below blog post we’re revisiting by Dr. James Bender. Depression has been referred to as “both the common cold and cancer of health care.” It’s like the common cold in that it can affect anyone at any time (depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults annually). It’s like cancer because it can be deadly. Take, for example, someone who is clinically depressed and commits suicide. Depression also increases the chances of someone experiencing a heart attack.
Veteran Owned Businesses – Coming soon: a compiled list of 25 Veteran-Owned Businesses that will be printed. That’s almost like FREE advertisement! The Orlando Business Journal has weekly lists of businesses that are compiled annually into a Book of Lists. It provides a reliable and reputable source of business information and contacts. Fill out a survey and allow your business to be included. Larger businesses, including cities, counties, utilities, etc., are sometimes making provisions of contracting specifically to Veteran Owned Businesses. We hope you will help us update this important reference resource. Contact Denise Hicks (herself a Marine Corps vet!) of Orlando Business Journal at 407.241.2893 dhicks@bizjournals.com or FAVOB at chairman@favob.org
Burn Pit Exposure Registry – veterans with service listed below should register their exposure for future possible lung and other health conditions. Research may find airborne hazards and you will want to be notified. Contact your local county or vet organization Veteran Service Officer.
Eligible Veterans include those who served in:
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn
Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11, 2001
Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990
Modern waste contains significant amounts of plastic and other material which may emit toxic aerosol compounds and particulates when burned. In Iraq and Afghanistan the U.S. military, or its contractors such as KBR, operated large burn pits for long periods of time burning many tons of assorted waste. Active duty personnel reported respiratory difficulties and headaches in some cases and some veterans have made disability claims based on respiratory system symptoms.
Local military, veterans, patriotic and associated organizations – Please send me information about your groups. (No political groups please.) I would like to provide a future list of groups that will allow interested persons to contact you and perhaps become a new member/supporter! We get new people moving to the area all the time and existing residents sometimes want to get involved. Retirees also want to volunteer! This may be your opportunity to find new members!
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central Florida
407-239-8468
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Assholes among us
What is the difference between a PTSD advocate and an asshole? An advocate knows why you feel like crap and an asshole wants to make sure you feel worse.
Hey, if it is ok enough that Merriam Webster has it up, I can use it too.
If you talk to assholes, you get wrong answers that make you feel worse. If you talk to advocates, you usually walk away feeling a lot better.
Asshole will say "You were messed up before you went into the military."
Advocate will say, "Your lifetime struggles were not enough to stop you from risking that same life for someone else. You were able to overcome all you went through before the military but then needed help because of the military part of your life." In other words, since you were not too messed up to join and make it past their mental health evaluations, blaming your past doesn't make much sense.
An asshole will say, "Man up" "Grow a pair" and try to make you as "tough" as they think they are.
(Like to see them try that on some of the veterans with a Medal of Honor around their neck and the list of MOH heroes talking about their own battles with PTSD grows all the time.)
An advocate will say, "The pain was not caused by being back home. It was caused by being there. You had all that pain inside you but still managed to do your duty, watch out for those you were with until you all made it back home.
We can keep doing this all night but you get the point. All the crap you've been hearing lately about how your PTSD was not caused by the military but your past, isn't anything new. They used to shoot soldiers for being cowards when it was clearly PTSD. Now they just make sure you feel about as bad about yourself as possible so you stop blaming them and spend your own money on the bullet.
Got dumped by someone? Well that's why you're F'ed up. Why bother pointing out that your relationship was fine until you started to experience what PTSD does?
Got trouble sleeping? Well that's why you feel like crap all day. Why bother explaining why you have nightmares and flashbacks? Easy on that one. Helping you work through what is going on inside of you takes time. Slogans happen fast.
Want to share something with someone you hope will help only to end up feeling worse? Assholes don't care about what you want to say. They only care about what they want you to hear. This is happening all over Facebook in groups where veterans pour out their hearts only to get nonsense back like "I'll pray for you" while you don't have money to eat, have a gun in your hand or had everyone in your life walk away from you.
Same thing with charities. If you ask them for help for what they keep claiming they do and they don't, that means their mission has become getting money and fame for themselves and not about you.
Too many conversations lately about veterans reaching out for help and not getting the right kind of help just shows during a time when there have never been so many people out there claiming to help, it gets worse for veterans for a reason. There are assholes among us and when it comes to PTSD, refer back to #2 "stupid, incompetent, or detestable person"
Hey, if it is ok enough that Merriam Webster has it up, I can use it too.
Definition of ASSHOLE
1 usually vulgar : anus
2 a usually vulgar : a stupid, incompetent, or detestable person
b usually vulgar : the worst place —used in phrases like asshole of the world
If you talk to assholes, you get wrong answers that make you feel worse. If you talk to advocates, you usually walk away feeling a lot better.
Asshole will say "You were messed up before you went into the military."
Advocate will say, "Your lifetime struggles were not enough to stop you from risking that same life for someone else. You were able to overcome all you went through before the military but then needed help because of the military part of your life." In other words, since you were not too messed up to join and make it past their mental health evaluations, blaming your past doesn't make much sense.
An asshole will say, "Man up" "Grow a pair" and try to make you as "tough" as they think they are.
(Like to see them try that on some of the veterans with a Medal of Honor around their neck and the list of MOH heroes talking about their own battles with PTSD grows all the time.)
An advocate will say, "The pain was not caused by being back home. It was caused by being there. You had all that pain inside you but still managed to do your duty, watch out for those you were with until you all made it back home.
We can keep doing this all night but you get the point. All the crap you've been hearing lately about how your PTSD was not caused by the military but your past, isn't anything new. They used to shoot soldiers for being cowards when it was clearly PTSD. Now they just make sure you feel about as bad about yourself as possible so you stop blaming them and spend your own money on the bullet.
Got dumped by someone? Well that's why you're F'ed up. Why bother pointing out that your relationship was fine until you started to experience what PTSD does?
Got trouble sleeping? Well that's why you feel like crap all day. Why bother explaining why you have nightmares and flashbacks? Easy on that one. Helping you work through what is going on inside of you takes time. Slogans happen fast.
Want to share something with someone you hope will help only to end up feeling worse? Assholes don't care about what you want to say. They only care about what they want you to hear. This is happening all over Facebook in groups where veterans pour out their hearts only to get nonsense back like "I'll pray for you" while you don't have money to eat, have a gun in your hand or had everyone in your life walk away from you.
Same thing with charities. If you ask them for help for what they keep claiming they do and they don't, that means their mission has become getting money and fame for themselves and not about you.
Too many conversations lately about veterans reaching out for help and not getting the right kind of help just shows during a time when there have never been so many people out there claiming to help, it gets worse for veterans for a reason. There are assholes among us and when it comes to PTSD, refer back to #2 "stupid, incompetent, or detestable person"
Iraq now has Ex-Prime Minister al Maliki
Iraq's al-Maliki gives up post to rival
The Associated Press
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA AND SINAN SALAHEDDIN
Published: August 14, 2014
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister for the past eight years, says he is relinquishing the post to fellow Dawa Party member Haider al-Abadi.
Al-Maliki says his decision is based on his desire to "safeguard the high interests of the country," adding that he will not be the cause of any bloodshed.
"I will stay a combat soldier to defend Iraq and its people," he added in the televised address late Thursday, with al-Abadi standing by his side.
Iraq's President Fouad Massoum named al-Abadi on Monday to form the next government, but al-Maliki had until now refused to step aside.
read more here
The Associated Press
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA AND SINAN SALAHEDDIN
Published: August 14, 2014
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister for the past eight years, says he is relinquishing the post to fellow Dawa Party member Haider al-Abadi.
Al-Maliki says his decision is based on his desire to "safeguard the high interests of the country," adding that he will not be the cause of any bloodshed.
"I will stay a combat soldier to defend Iraq and its people," he added in the televised address late Thursday, with al-Abadi standing by his side.
Iraq's President Fouad Massoum named al-Abadi on Monday to form the next government, but al-Maliki had until now refused to step aside.
read more here
Oldest female US Marine veteran honored
VIDEO: Oldest female US Marine veteran honored
Poughkeepsie Journal
John W. Barry
August 12, 2014
RHINEBECK – She was born in 1910.
She enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943.
And after serving in Hawaii and the Philippines, she was discharged in 1946.
Ruth Milliot of Rhinebeck, while in the service, kept track of personnel records for wounded Marines and those killed in action. A resident of the Thompson House, a nursing home on the campus of Northern Dutchess Hospital and an affiliate of Health Quest in LaGrange, Milliot, 103, is the oldest female Marine veteran in the nation.
On Monday, she was honored by U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, for her military service. The occasion, held in the Thompson House lobby, was also used to draw attention to services available to female military veterans. Milliot, who received the Women's Veterans Challenge Coin, was not available for an interview. But her niece, Dot Milliot, passed along a message from her aunt.
read more here
Poughkeepsie Journal
John W. Barry
August 12, 2014
RHINEBECK – She was born in 1910.
She enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943.
And after serving in Hawaii and the Philippines, she was discharged in 1946.
Ruth Milliot of Rhinebeck, while in the service, kept track of personnel records for wounded Marines and those killed in action. A resident of the Thompson House, a nursing home on the campus of Northern Dutchess Hospital and an affiliate of Health Quest in LaGrange, Milliot, 103, is the oldest female Marine veteran in the nation.
On Monday, she was honored by U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, for her military service. The occasion, held in the Thompson House lobby, was also used to draw attention to services available to female military veterans. Milliot, who received the Women's Veterans Challenge Coin, was not available for an interview. But her niece, Dot Milliot, passed along a message from her aunt.
read more here
New DAV Commander, Vietnam Veteran Ronald Hope
Combat-Injured Vietnam Veteran Named DAV National Commander
DAV.org
AUGUST 13, 2014
LAS VEGAS – Combat-injured veteran of the Vietnam War Ronald F. Hope of Clemmons, N.C., was unanimously elected National Commander of the 1.2 million-member DAV (Disabled American Veterans) today at the organization’s 93rd National Convention.
“As our weary nation winds down from combat operations after nearly 13 years of war, those veterans will be making that very challenging evolution that we’ve all experienced ourselves,” Commander Hope told DAV members today. “The transition out of uniform and back to your civilian life is difficult. But that’s where DAV is at its best.”
Hope served 31 years as a DAV National Service Officer, a decade of which was spent as National Area Supervisor overseeing Service Offices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. His career was dedicated to assisting veterans to ensure they received the benefits they earned.
His devotion to DAV and all of America’s injured and ill veterans and service members is what drew him to seek National Office.
Prior to his DAV career, Hope earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a major in marketing from Tarleton State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 until his medical retirement in 1970.
After accepting his new post, he urged his fellow veterans to keep the newest generation in mind. “Be ready to teach them, to reach out to them, to show them the impact we make in peoples’ lives and to give them a role to serve,” Hope said.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as your National Commander and I pledge to you I’ll work tirelessly to ensure your voices are heard as we continue our nearly 95-year mission of service to the men and women who raised their hand, said ‘send me,’ and went forward to conduct America’s business when called.”
Read more about the DAV here
DAV.org
AUGUST 13, 2014
LAS VEGAS – Combat-injured veteran of the Vietnam War Ronald F. Hope of Clemmons, N.C., was unanimously elected National Commander of the 1.2 million-member DAV (Disabled American Veterans) today at the organization’s 93rd National Convention.
“As our weary nation winds down from combat operations after nearly 13 years of war, those veterans will be making that very challenging evolution that we’ve all experienced ourselves,” Commander Hope told DAV members today. “The transition out of uniform and back to your civilian life is difficult. But that’s where DAV is at its best.”
Hope served 31 years as a DAV National Service Officer, a decade of which was spent as National Area Supervisor overseeing Service Offices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. His career was dedicated to assisting veterans to ensure they received the benefits they earned.
His devotion to DAV and all of America’s injured and ill veterans and service members is what drew him to seek National Office.
Prior to his DAV career, Hope earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a major in marketing from Tarleton State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 until his medical retirement in 1970.
After accepting his new post, he urged his fellow veterans to keep the newest generation in mind. “Be ready to teach them, to reach out to them, to show them the impact we make in peoples’ lives and to give them a role to serve,” Hope said.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as your National Commander and I pledge to you I’ll work tirelessly to ensure your voices are heard as we continue our nearly 95-year mission of service to the men and women who raised their hand, said ‘send me,’ and went forward to conduct America’s business when called.”
Read more about the DAV here
WWII soldier buried with enemy no longer MIA
US soldier killed in WWII finally being laid to rest
Stars and Stripes
By Matthew M. Burke
Published: August 13, 2014
The remains of a U.S. World War II soldier, identified by French scientists earlier this year, are to be interred Wednesday on the 70th anniversary of his death.
Army Pfc. Lawrence Gordon was one of two soldiers killed on Aug. 13, 1944, when his M8 armored car was struck by a German anti-tank shell near Carrouges, France. His remains were first interred in an American cemetery as “unknown,” despite the fact that his bloody wallet was sent home to his family and the man killed next to him was identified.
The remains were then reburied seven months later as an unknown in a German cemetery in France because the body was found with German clothing or equipment.
Despite years of research and evidence compiled by an amateur research team that the remains actually belonged to the U.S. soldier, accounting officials at the Joint Prisoners of War, Missing in Action Accounting Command decided against exhuming and testing the remains last year. Instead, Gordon was positively identified Feb. 13 by France’s national crime laboratory with the support of German authorities.
Stars and Stripes
By Matthew M. Burke
Published: August 13, 2014
The remains of a U.S. World War II soldier, identified by French scientists earlier this year, are to be interred Wednesday on the 70th anniversary of his death.
Army Pfc. Lawrence Gordon was one of two soldiers killed on Aug. 13, 1944, when his M8 armored car was struck by a German anti-tank shell near Carrouges, France. His remains were first interred in an American cemetery as “unknown,” despite the fact that his bloody wallet was sent home to his family and the man killed next to him was identified.
The remains were then reburied seven months later as an unknown in a German cemetery in France because the body was found with German clothing or equipment.
Despite years of research and evidence compiled by an amateur research team that the remains actually belonged to the U.S. soldier, accounting officials at the Joint Prisoners of War, Missing in Action Accounting Command decided against exhuming and testing the remains last year. Instead, Gordon was positively identified Feb. 13 by France’s national crime laboratory with the support of German authorities.
“Thank God he was in a German cemetery,” Henry said Tuesday, still en route to Eastend. “If he was in an American one, there is no chance in hell he’d be home right now getting buried. He’d still be an unknown.”
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Veterans are being eliminated from PTSD diagnosis
The DOD is still doing discharges under Personality Disorders or what some call "Bad Paper" in an effort to avoid having to pay for treatment and compensation. The DOD washes their hands of these men and women, then the VA is off the hook as well since they receive nothing.
The VA has been dealing with an influx of PTSD veterans seeking help including the majority coming from the Vietnam War. They never had enough mental health staff.
All of these results came from billions a year being spent on stupid, doesn't work and never will. They are oblivious and hope we are too.
One more step in the injustice happened right under our nose and that is now cutting off veterans from the care they were promised. Veterans are being eliminated from PTSD diagnosis.
Some Soldiers May Not Get Post-Trauma Help With New Rules
Bloomberg News
By Nicole Ostrow
Aug 13, 2014
Study Results
Researchers in the study surveyed 1,822 U.S. soldiers, including 946 who had been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The surveys included questions under the old and new criteria.
They found a similar number of soldiers were positive for post-traumatic stress disorder under each criteria. The study found that about 30 percent who were positive under the older criteria weren’t classified as having PTSD under DSM-5. The research also showed that about 20 percent of soldiers were positive for PTSD only under the 2013 criteria.
Hoge said the new diagnostic guidelines, while similar, aren’t an improvement. In his practice, he said, if a patient meets the definition under the old criteria he still will diagnose them as having post-traumatic stress disorder.
Some U.S. soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after service in Iraq and Afghanistan may not be diagnosed with the condition because of new guidelines to assess the illness, a study found.
About 1 in 3 soldiers found to have PTSD under the previous diagnostic standards were missed by the new criteria, according to today’s research in the journal the Lancet Psychiatry.
About 5.2 million adults in the U.S. suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder each year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Today’s study, one of the first to compare the two sets of diagnostic standards in infantry soldiers, shows that more research is needed to determine how the new rules will affect patient care, said Charles Hoge, the lead study author and a senior scientist at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“For military service members and veterans if they’ve been treated for PTSD or are in treatment for PTSD according to the old criteria, their diagnosis isn’t going to change,” Hoge said in a telephone interview. “New people coming into treatment now, it is possible some of those individuals would’ve gotten a diagnosis of PTSD but they are not receiving that diagnosis now.”
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