California Army veteran trying to prove he is not actually dead
Marco Hernandez has been mistakenly listed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as deceased two years ago and the VA has yet to rectify the problem. The error has cost Hernandez thousands in missed benefits, and caused his bank account and credit cards to be frozen.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
BY JOEL LANDAU
Sunday, August 24, 2014
An Iraq veteran has been on a 2-year campaign to prove to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that he's not dead.
U.S. Army veteran Marco Hernandez, who served two tours in Iraq, was incorrectly listed as deceased by the VA when in fact Hernandez had called to inform the department his father had passed away, he told NBC Southern California.
"I pulled my credit report and I was laughing when I saw it because it said, 'items affecting your credit: deceased, deceased, deceased,'" Hernandez told the station.
read more here
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Veterans fit perfectly with their own
It Depends on Who You Think You Are Now
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 24, 2014
How can you fit in with people who don't know you? It all depends on who you think you are after military service.
They left their families, farms and businesses. What many do not talk about is the fact some of their neighbors were still loyal to the King of England and tried to kill them because they couldn't understand what freedom meant to those willing to die for it.
The Patriots obtained our freedom with their lives but it was the generations coming after them taking on the responsibility to retain it.
Army National Guards Units have been active ever since in each state across the nation. They signed up to protect and aid their own communities but ended up being deployed into combat operations with the other full time branches. Marine Corps Units, Army Units, Navy Units, Air Force.
Units became their family and the branch they served in became their community.
When veterans say "I just want to fit back in" the truth is, they never did and never will with civilians but they sure do fit in with other veterans. Civilians can't understand when someone sees defending this nation worthy or dying for.
We can read history but veterans lived it. They were hailed as heroes only a few times. The most memorable images were captured after WWII, but then again, everyone in this country was involved in that war in one way or another. Everyone was asked to do something, and they did. Doing something didn't stop when the war ended. They stepped up and geared up the government to take care of the wounded, the widows and orphans. They committed to helping veterans find jobs and places to live.
When I was growing up there were areas of cities nicknamed "Veterans Villages" where most veterans families settled. Even then veterans felt more at home with their own kind and so did their families.
My uncles served in WWII and my Dad served served in the Korean War. It was odd when my friends said their fathers didn't serve in the military at all but as I grew older the number of non-veteran families grew. For my husband, it was the same way. He's a Vietnam veteran. His Dad and uncles served in WWII. Most of his friends stayed home when he joined. When he came back home he never felt he belonged with any of them other than his buddy after he joined too. As he got older, he found more veterans just like him and knew that was where he felt "home" again.
Vietnam veterans were reviled by society back then. The older veterans didn't want anything to do with them but these veterans showed them what it meant to belong in this minority of military veterans. Vietnam veterans adopted a slogan “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another” and they kept that promise. Now they are so revered fakes claim to be one of them.
They managed to find each other long before the internet and social media groups connected veterans across the country because they knew they were among the rare.
Today less than 1% serve in the military and only 7% of the population are veterans.
When I hear a veteran say they don't fit in, I agree with them and say "thank God you don't" because if they did, they would be like the rest of us only worried about our own families and our own problems.
They fit in perfectly with other veterans. That is what they all need to be reminded of. Our history is written with their blood, sweat, tears, fears, sacrifices but above all of that, their past is seen in the eyes of other veterans who don't need to guess about what makes them different from the rest of the population.
They come home, leave the family they risked their lives with for 4 years or more and feel as if they don't belong here anymore. Most say they want to go back in because it became part of who they were. No longer Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman, no longer civilian, they earned the title of veteran and that is where they belong. That is where they are understood as equals in one of the smallest minority groups there is.
If you are a veteran seek out other veterans because you do fit in and you do belong with them no matter what war they will not leave you behind to fight the hardest battle alone.
Use the internet to find veterans groups in your area.
This has a list of Chartered Veterans Groups
There is one of my favorite groups, the Nam Knights
We spend most of our free time with the Orlando Nam Knights.
Another favorite is Point Man International Ministries dedicated to healing Combat PTSD with Out Post for veterans and Home Fronts for families.
I am the state coordinator for Florida and always looking for people to step up and take the lead of getting veterans into healing and out of hopelessness. The groups are designed to be small, much like a unit in the military where veterans feel like they are home again.
You are not alone!
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 24, 2014
How can you fit in with people who don't know you? It all depends on who you think you are after military service.
(NPR)
When average citizens stepped up to fight for freedom, they left their neighborhood without uniforms. Armed with their own weapons, wearing their own clothes, they knew they would have to fight against highly trained British forces.They left their families, farms and businesses. What many do not talk about is the fact some of their neighbors were still loyal to the King of England and tried to kill them because they couldn't understand what freedom meant to those willing to die for it.
The Patriots obtained our freedom with their lives but it was the generations coming after them taking on the responsibility to retain it.
Army National Guards Units have been active ever since in each state across the nation. They signed up to protect and aid their own communities but ended up being deployed into combat operations with the other full time branches. Marine Corps Units, Army Units, Navy Units, Air Force.
Units became their family and the branch they served in became their community.
When veterans say "I just want to fit back in" the truth is, they never did and never will with civilians but they sure do fit in with other veterans. Civilians can't understand when someone sees defending this nation worthy or dying for.
We can read history but veterans lived it. They were hailed as heroes only a few times. The most memorable images were captured after WWII, but then again, everyone in this country was involved in that war in one way or another. Everyone was asked to do something, and they did. Doing something didn't stop when the war ended. They stepped up and geared up the government to take care of the wounded, the widows and orphans. They committed to helping veterans find jobs and places to live.
When I was growing up there were areas of cities nicknamed "Veterans Villages" where most veterans families settled. Even then veterans felt more at home with their own kind and so did their families.
My uncles served in WWII and my Dad served served in the Korean War. It was odd when my friends said their fathers didn't serve in the military at all but as I grew older the number of non-veteran families grew. For my husband, it was the same way. He's a Vietnam veteran. His Dad and uncles served in WWII. Most of his friends stayed home when he joined. When he came back home he never felt he belonged with any of them other than his buddy after he joined too. As he got older, he found more veterans just like him and knew that was where he felt "home" again.
Vietnam veterans were reviled by society back then. The older veterans didn't want anything to do with them but these veterans showed them what it meant to belong in this minority of military veterans. Vietnam veterans adopted a slogan “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another” and they kept that promise. Now they are so revered fakes claim to be one of them.
They managed to find each other long before the internet and social media groups connected veterans across the country because they knew they were among the rare.
Today less than 1% serve in the military and only 7% of the population are veterans.
When I hear a veteran say they don't fit in, I agree with them and say "thank God you don't" because if they did, they would be like the rest of us only worried about our own families and our own problems.
They fit in perfectly with other veterans. That is what they all need to be reminded of. Our history is written with their blood, sweat, tears, fears, sacrifices but above all of that, their past is seen in the eyes of other veterans who don't need to guess about what makes them different from the rest of the population.
They come home, leave the family they risked their lives with for 4 years or more and feel as if they don't belong here anymore. Most say they want to go back in because it became part of who they were. No longer Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman, no longer civilian, they earned the title of veteran and that is where they belong. That is where they are understood as equals in one of the smallest minority groups there is.
If you are a veteran seek out other veterans because you do fit in and you do belong with them no matter what war they will not leave you behind to fight the hardest battle alone.
Use the internet to find veterans groups in your area.
This has a list of Chartered Veterans Groups
There is one of my favorite groups, the Nam Knights
Membership is made up of 50% police officers (active and retired) and also 50% Viet Nam and other military era veterans, plus a few "Patriots".The organization's main interests are to stress the importance of helping our fellow police officers and family members that may be in need of assistance. We also place a great deal of importance in the well-being of our veterans and to bringing out the message to the general public about our prisoners of war and those that are missing in action. We support legislation for the benefit of veterans and veteran's facilities, the advancement of studies and treatment of Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress and Hepatitis C. Many of our projects are to benefit the Paramus Veterans Home, police personnel and the betterment and enjoyment of motorcycle safety.
We spend most of our free time with the Orlando Nam Knights.
Another favorite is Point Man International Ministries dedicated to healing Combat PTSD with Out Post for veterans and Home Fronts for families.
PMIM is run by veterans from all conflicts, nationalities and backgrounds. Although, the primary focus of Point Man has always been to offer spiritual healing from PTSD, Point Man today is involved in group meetings, publishing, hospital visits, conferences, supplying speakers for churches and veteran groups, welcome home projects and community support. Just about anywhere there are Vets there is a Point Man presence. All services offered by Point Man are free of charge.
I am the state coordinator for Florida and always looking for people to step up and take the lead of getting veterans into healing and out of hopelessness. The groups are designed to be small, much like a unit in the military where veterans feel like they are home again.
You are not alone!
VA Contractor Put Veterans Info in Hands of Tampa Criminal
Man accused of stealing Haley VA patient ID info
Tampa Bay Times
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 22, 2014
TAMPA — The documents with the Social Security numbers of veterans treated at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center were supposed to be shredded by a company whose website warns, "Don't become a victim of identity theft."
But the firm, federal prosecutors say, employed a 24-year-old with a criminal history who kept those records out of the shredder, instead selling them to individuals who used the documents to file fraudulent tax returns.
Federal marshals on Wednesday arrested Willie Streater of E Hamilton Avenue in Tampa on eight charges accusing him of stealing the Social Security numbers of at least 34 veterans treated at Haley in 2011 and 2012. Prosecutors say $1.1 million was stolen.
It is the second case filed since 2013 charging someone with stealing identifying information of veterans treated at Haley.
Streater worked for Secure Waste Disposal Inc. of Orlando, a company under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs to shred documents at the North Tampa hospital, prosecutors say. The indictment did not say what kind of patient records were involved in the case.
read more here
Tampa Bay Times
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 22, 2014
VA policy requires a criminal background check for employees. It is unclear if that policy extends to contractors. The VA revamped rules concerning document shredding in 2008 after investigators found that agency employees improperly destroyed veteran claim documents.
TAMPA — The documents with the Social Security numbers of veterans treated at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center were supposed to be shredded by a company whose website warns, "Don't become a victim of identity theft."
But the firm, federal prosecutors say, employed a 24-year-old with a criminal history who kept those records out of the shredder, instead selling them to individuals who used the documents to file fraudulent tax returns.
Federal marshals on Wednesday arrested Willie Streater of E Hamilton Avenue in Tampa on eight charges accusing him of stealing the Social Security numbers of at least 34 veterans treated at Haley in 2011 and 2012. Prosecutors say $1.1 million was stolen.
It is the second case filed since 2013 charging someone with stealing identifying information of veterans treated at Haley.
Streater worked for Secure Waste Disposal Inc. of Orlando, a company under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs to shred documents at the North Tampa hospital, prosecutors say. The indictment did not say what kind of patient records were involved in the case.
read more here
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Reshaping VFW Posts
Young members explore ways to reshape the VFW
KANSAS CITY STAR
BY RICK MONTGOMERY
08/23/2014
Relaxing in a Lawrence courtyard at the new digs of Post 852, Iraq veterans Michael Siroky and Amanda Villa recalled the city’s former VFW hall.
Not many of their peers knew it existed. And when the two checked it out, they understood why.
“It was a round building, with no windows, out by the hospital,” said Villa, 30. “It looked as if the World War II veterans wanted to socialize in a bunker.”
So if they didn’t like it, get involved, a VFW Kansas Department commander urged her. It was up to the nation’s latest war veterans to change things.
Slowly and far between, younger veterans are reshaping their local VFW posts and practices, bringing glints of new life to an organization they respect.
“If our generation doesn’t do it,” said Villa, “who will?”
She joined a post committee looking to relocate. Boyfriend Siroky, 33, became post commander. And last year he cut the ribbon at the post’s new social spot in the center of Massachusetts Street nightlife.
The place is drawing dozens of new members, as are other VFW posts injected with youth.
KANSAS CITY STAR
BY RICK MONTGOMERY
08/23/2014
“If our generation doesn’t do it,” said Villa, “who will?”
Relaxing in a Lawrence courtyard at the new digs of Post 852, Iraq veterans Michael Siroky and Amanda Villa recalled the city’s former VFW hall.
Not many of their peers knew it existed. And when the two checked it out, they understood why.
“It was a round building, with no windows, out by the hospital,” said Villa, 30. “It looked as if the World War II veterans wanted to socialize in a bunker.”
So if they didn’t like it, get involved, a VFW Kansas Department commander urged her. It was up to the nation’s latest war veterans to change things.
Slowly and far between, younger veterans are reshaping their local VFW posts and practices, bringing glints of new life to an organization they respect.
“If our generation doesn’t do it,” said Villa, “who will?”
She joined a post committee looking to relocate. Boyfriend Siroky, 33, became post commander. And last year he cut the ribbon at the post’s new social spot in the center of Massachusetts Street nightlife.
The place is drawing dozens of new members, as are other VFW posts injected with youth.
Vietnam vet Jerry Karr, 64, was among the shrinking cadre keeping the old post going, sometimes taking out personal loans to pay the bills.
“It’s not about my war, their wars or World War II,” Karr said. “We’re also here for the kids in third grade whose conflict hasn’t happened yet.
“They’ll be coming home decades from now and will need us.”
read more here
Saint Cloud VA PTSD Veterans Ages From 19 to 91
PTSD is unending nightmare for vets
Saint Cloud Times
Kirsti Marohn
David Unze
During deployment, many service men and women were on alert around the clock, at constant risk for death or injury. They saw people killed or wounded, and perhaps had to kill or wound others. In some cases, their tours of duty were longer than expected, and many have been deployed several times.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates up to 20 percent of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder. Because not all veterans seek treatment, the numbers could be higher.
Veterans with PTSD may suffer from a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability and difficulty sleeping.
The risk of PTSD in service members is higher among those who served longer deployments, experienced more severe combat exposure or physical injury, and those who have family problems, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD. Women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress, as are members of the National Guard or Reserve.
For many veterans, the problems start after they’ve been home a while. A spouse or loved one notices that the veteran seems distant and disconnected. Or they might struggle with anger, depression or substance abuse.
read more here
Florida among the highest for veteran suicides
Saint Cloud Times
Kirsti Marohn
David Unze
The age of veterans treated for PTSD at the St. Cloud VA ranges from 19 to 91, Maurstad said. The average age is around 50, with many Vietnam-era veterans joined by a growing group of younger veterans. About half served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, he said.The long U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, but for many veterans, the anguish continues.
During deployment, many service men and women were on alert around the clock, at constant risk for death or injury. They saw people killed or wounded, and perhaps had to kill or wound others. In some cases, their tours of duty were longer than expected, and many have been deployed several times.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates up to 20 percent of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have post-traumatic stress disorder. Because not all veterans seek treatment, the numbers could be higher.
Veterans with PTSD may suffer from a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability and difficulty sleeping.
The risk of PTSD in service members is higher among those who served longer deployments, experienced more severe combat exposure or physical injury, and those who have family problems, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD. Women are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress, as are members of the National Guard or Reserve.
For many veterans, the problems start after they’ve been home a while. A spouse or loved one notices that the veteran seems distant and disconnected. Or they might struggle with anger, depression or substance abuse.
read more here
Florida among the highest for veteran suicides
Arizona military families struggling after veteran suicides
Arizona veteran suicides a tragic cost of broken VA system
AZ Central
Dennis Wagner
August 24, 2014
David Klein leaned forward, scrunching his face in deliberation.
A journalist had just asked whether, as a Department of Veterans Affairs suicide- prevention coordinator for seven years, he was able to meet the needs of Arizona veterans.
Charts and spreadsheets were piled in front of him on a table at the Phoenix VA's mental-health clinic, filled with data on suicides.
Klein paused before answering in a hushed voice: "Ummm, no. I wish I would have had a lot more people."
During the 2013 budget year, 226 Arizona veterans took their own lives, according to state records. More than 2,000 vets from metro Phoenix dialed the VA's central crisis line; 61 were "rescued" after they threatened to kill themselves. It was the second-highest number nationwide.
Amid the national outcry over VA health care — a controversy that first exploded in Phoenix — failures in the mental-health treatment system have been heavily criticized. According to VA calculations, 22 U.S. veterans kill themselves each day, using guns, blades, drugs and other means.
read more here
AZ Central
Dennis Wagner
August 24, 2014
K.J. Yett, 10, holds a photograph of himself when he was two with his father, Robert Yett at his home in Cottonwood on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. After serving with the U.S. Navy during several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Robert Yett committed suicide in November of 2010. He was trying to seek treatment for his post traumatic stress disorder from the VA.
(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)
David Klein leaned forward, scrunching his face in deliberation.
A journalist had just asked whether, as a Department of Veterans Affairs suicide- prevention coordinator for seven years, he was able to meet the needs of Arizona veterans.
Charts and spreadsheets were piled in front of him on a table at the Phoenix VA's mental-health clinic, filled with data on suicides.
Klein paused before answering in a hushed voice: "Ummm, no. I wish I would have had a lot more people."
During the 2013 budget year, 226 Arizona veterans took their own lives, according to state records. More than 2,000 vets from metro Phoenix dialed the VA's central crisis line; 61 were "rescued" after they threatened to kill themselves. It was the second-highest number nationwide.
Victoria Yett, 39, is seen with her four sons (from left) Zach, 19; K.J., 10; Kyal, 17; and Zane, 14; all holding a photograph of their father, Robert Yett, and other military items associated with him at their home in Cottonwood on Aug. 12, 2014. After serving with the U.S. Navy during several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Robert Yett committed suicide in November 2010. He was trying to seek treatment for his post traumatic stress disorder from the VA. (Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)
Amid the national outcry over VA health care — a controversy that first exploded in Phoenix — failures in the mental-health treatment system have been heavily criticized. According to VA calculations, 22 U.S. veterans kill themselves each day, using guns, blades, drugs and other means.
read more here
Victoria Yett discusses the details of the suicide of her husband, Robert Yett, of the U.S. Navy, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as he waited for his appointment for PTSD with the Phoenix VA. David Wallace/The Republic
"The deficiencies aren't new: In 2005, the VA told Congress it was building an electronic tracking system to monitor suicides. Nine years later, systemic shortcomings remain difficult to identify because VA officials are unable or unwilling to provide significant data to lawmakers, veterans' groups or the media."
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Wolfhounds, Vietnam Veterans Horrified By Condition of Memorial
Veterans upset about condition of Vietnam Veterans Memorial
FOX4kc
BY MELISSA STERN
AUGUST 22, 2014
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A place of honor was a place being shamed according to an assessment of Vietnam veterans about Kansas City’s Vietnam Memorial Park.
They say they’re tired of the poor shape it’s constantly in, and they want it restored to a true place of honor.
Vietnam War veterans from all over are in Kansas City honoring one of their fallen soldiers tomorrow. They came to Vietnam Memorial Park yesterday to inspect it for the event…only to find it completely trashed.
“The history of Kansas City and this memorial, has always been not in the best interest of the Vietnam veterans, or any veterans,” said Randy Hall, a Vietnam War veteran, who is hosting the reunion for the 25th Infantry Division known as the “Wolfhounds”, which will be attended by about 250 people.
“They’ve shopped, they’ve dined, they’ve spent their money, thousands of dollars in our city, and the last thing I wanted was for this to leave a bitter taste in their mouth when they went home,” added Hall.
read more here
FOX4kc
BY MELISSA STERN
AUGUST 22, 2014
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A place of honor was a place being shamed according to an assessment of Vietnam veterans about Kansas City’s Vietnam Memorial Park.
They say they’re tired of the poor shape it’s constantly in, and they want it restored to a true place of honor.
Vietnam War veterans from all over are in Kansas City honoring one of their fallen soldiers tomorrow. They came to Vietnam Memorial Park yesterday to inspect it for the event…only to find it completely trashed.
“The history of Kansas City and this memorial, has always been not in the best interest of the Vietnam veterans, or any veterans,” said Randy Hall, a Vietnam War veteran, who is hosting the reunion for the 25th Infantry Division known as the “Wolfhounds”, which will be attended by about 250 people.
“They’ve shopped, they’ve dined, they’ve spent their money, thousands of dollars in our city, and the last thing I wanted was for this to leave a bitter taste in their mouth when they went home,” added Hall.
read more here
Military Suicide Awareness or Healing Awareness?
Time to Raise Awareness of How to Heal Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 23, 2014
Too many veterans knew they needed help to heal but never found it. It is time to let them know there are many more veterans fighting their way out of the darkness. Suicide awareness needs to be replaced with healing awareness.
For years great efforts have been made, huge sums of money have been spent, collected and wasted on preventing suicides tied to the military. Wasted? Sure because the number of suicides went up after 2009 when it seemed as if everyone was paying attention but no one seemed to care it wasn't working. When do we stop being aware they survived combat but not being back home? When do we start to face the fact that what has been done, has failed them?
The VA undertook trying to figure out what the number of suicides were. They were looking backwards to January of 1999 up to December of 2004. Data was collected and entered from just 21 states. Veteran Suicide Research
At the time few paid attention to this part of the report.
They didn't pay much attention to this part either.
This pretty much slipped their minds too, "the majority (80%) of non-fatal events occur within four weeks of receiving VHA services. An additional 10% of events occur in the second month following last VHA service visit."
They paid attention to this part.
That was four years ago but while awareness has increased to the point where it seems more like one of the GEICO commercials with someone saying "everyone knows that" there doesn't seem to be very much awareness of the biggest part of all of this. Most veterans live with PTSD!
Is PTSD responsible for all veteran suicides? No, but most of them are because of what PTSD does up to and including what it does to relationships.
The other huge issue not being talked about is more veterans do more than just heal. They thrive.
That's what is missing in all the reports and research projects. We've talked about the reality far too many veterans face on a daily basis because, as you were just reminded, the numbers are not just about successful suicides but attempted ones as well. What we don't see in all the reports is more veterans decide this day matters. This day they still have something to give to others.
The first thing veterans say they want to do after they start healing is help other veterans heal too. They understand that level of pain few others can but on the flip side, they understand how wonderful it is to make the "P" in PTSD stand for the peace within themselves and with others.
I am tired of writing negative stories about what has gone wrong. I was starting to forget all the veterans I met over the years showing remarkable strength, courage and abundance of compassion. I don't want to forget any of them any more than I want to see more veterans lose the last battle after war.
From now until 12/13/14, the only topic I will write about is what is possible, sharing their stories and how amazing they are. Sure, I'll still post about the news reports I find across the country, but will not write about them. My job will be to address the biggest story of all and that is, more heal.
Kathie Costos
August 23, 2014
Too many veterans knew they needed help to heal but never found it. It is time to let them know there are many more veterans fighting their way out of the darkness. Suicide awareness needs to be replaced with healing awareness.
For years great efforts have been made, huge sums of money have been spent, collected and wasted on preventing suicides tied to the military. Wasted? Sure because the number of suicides went up after 2009 when it seemed as if everyone was paying attention but no one seemed to care it wasn't working. When do we stop being aware they survived combat but not being back home? When do we start to face the fact that what has been done, has failed them?
Suicide Prevention Month Army
What is it?
The Army will demonstrate our ongoing commitment to enhancing Health Promotion / Risk Reduction / Suicide Prevention (HP/RR/SP) programs for Soldiers, Department of the Army (DA) civilians, and families by observing Army Suicide Prevention Month, Sept. 1 - 30, 2010, in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 5 - 11, 2010. Suicide Prevention Month is an Army-wide opportunity to raise awareness, understanding, and use of Army HP/RR/SP programs among our key internal and external audiences.
What has the Army done?
Over 160 Active-duty Soldiers committed suicide during 2009, continuing a five-year trend of increasing suicides in the Army. In response, the Army instituted a multi-level, holistic approach to HP/RR/SP that recognizes the many challenges our Soldiers, families and Army civilians face.
Gen. Peter Chiarelli, vice chief of staff, U.S. Army, has said that "Soldiers today live a lifetime in their first 6 years of service; [they] experience more during their first enlistment than most of their civilian peers will in a lifetime."
Army programs aim to assist Soldiers, families and Army civilians with their "lifetime" of challenges, including substance abuse, financial and relationship problems, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.
In spring 2009 the Army established the Army Suicide Prevention Task Force (ASPTF), an organization focused on promoting Soldier, civilian and family wellness. The Army also launched the Army Campaign Plan for Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention (ACPHP) in an effort to better synchronize efforts between multiple programs focused on care and support services.
The VA undertook trying to figure out what the number of suicides were. They were looking backwards to January of 1999 up to December of 2004. Data was collected and entered from just 21 states. Veteran Suicide Research
Project Cost
The cumulative cost of the State Mortality Data Project has been $46,771.29 as of 11/16/2012; including FY12 expenditures of $35,094.23 and FY13 expenditures of $11,677.06. All costs associated with the State Mortality Data Project are related to state fees for processing and delivery of mortality data.
At the time few paid attention to this part of the report.
Limitations of Existing Data
Currently available data include information on suicide mortality among the population of residents in 21 states. Veteran status in each of these areas is determined by a single question asking about history of U.S. military service. Information about history of military service is routinely obtained from family members and collected by funeral home staff and has not been validated using information from the DoD or VA. Further, Veteran status was not collected by each state during each year of the project period. Appendix B provides a listing of the availability of Veteran identifiers by state and year.
Further, this report contains information from the first 21 states to contribute data for this project and does not include some states, such as California and Texas, with larger Veteran populations. Information from these states has been received and will be included in future reports.
They didn't pay much attention to this part either.
In 2012, non-fatal suicide events were reported for almost 11,000 VHA users. As some VHA utilizing Veterans experience multiple reported events, this corresponds to nearly 15,000 suicide suicide events reported in FY2012 compared to more than 16,000 in FY2011.
This pretty much slipped their minds too, "the majority (80%) of non-fatal events occur within four weeks of receiving VHA services. An additional 10% of events occur in the second month following last VHA service visit."
They paid attention to this part.
If this prevalence estimate is assumed to be constant across all U.S. states, an estimated 22 Veterans will have died from suicide each day in the calendar year 2010.
That was four years ago but while awareness has increased to the point where it seems more like one of the GEICO commercials with someone saying "everyone knows that" there doesn't seem to be very much awareness of the biggest part of all of this. Most veterans live with PTSD!
Is PTSD responsible for all veteran suicides? No, but most of them are because of what PTSD does up to and including what it does to relationships.
The other huge issue not being talked about is more veterans do more than just heal. They thrive.
That's what is missing in all the reports and research projects. We've talked about the reality far too many veterans face on a daily basis because, as you were just reminded, the numbers are not just about successful suicides but attempted ones as well. What we don't see in all the reports is more veterans decide this day matters. This day they still have something to give to others.
The first thing veterans say they want to do after they start healing is help other veterans heal too. They understand that level of pain few others can but on the flip side, they understand how wonderful it is to make the "P" in PTSD stand for the peace within themselves and with others.
I am tired of writing negative stories about what has gone wrong. I was starting to forget all the veterans I met over the years showing remarkable strength, courage and abundance of compassion. I don't want to forget any of them any more than I want to see more veterans lose the last battle after war.
From now until 12/13/14, the only topic I will write about is what is possible, sharing their stories and how amazing they are. Sure, I'll still post about the news reports I find across the country, but will not write about them. My job will be to address the biggest story of all and that is, more heal.
Montana VA intimidates DAV volunteer for picture reporter took?
VA 'intimidates' decorated war veteran for being photographed on VA property
Billings Gazette
By Cindy Uken
August 21, 2014
In a sworn affidavit, Ed Saunders, adjutant of Billings Chapter 10 of Disabled American Veterans, said he was at the Billings VA Clinic on Aug. 18 on DAV business when VA police officer Steve McCollum asked Saunders to come to his office.
McCollum said he wanted a written statement from Saunders about his involvement with the Billings Gazette photo that was published Aug. 15. The news article centered on glitches with the opening of the new $6.3 million Majestic Lane Clinic. Saunders was among those critical of the clinic.
McCollum claimed being in an unauthorized photo on VA property is in violation of VA rules and subject to a $50 fine, according to Saunders’ notarized statement.
Saunders was not aware of the photo rule and said as a DAV public affairs officer he has taken many photos of DAV activities on VA property, including dedication of the new clinic when Montana’s congressional delegation was on hand. Saunders said he has also taken photos of DAV vans parked on VA property.
read more here linked from The Republic
Billings Gazette
By Cindy Uken
August 21, 2014
Ed Saunders is seen in this Aug. 14 photo that the Veterans Administration is claiming is in violation of their rules because it was taken on their property at the Majestic Lane Clinic without authorization.
Ed Saunders StatementA man who helps disabled veterans with transportation to Montana’s VA facilities has been threatened with a $50 fine for appearing in a photo with a newspaper article critical of the new West End VA clinic.
Who is Ed Saunders?
Ed Saunders is one of Yellowstone County's most trusted and respected veterans. He is:
-- a Ret. Lt. Col in the U.S. Army
-- a decorated ground combat veteran, Persian Gulf War
-- a disabled veteran with service-related disabilities
-- a former member of the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery which has been renamed Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery
-- a member of the Big Sky Honor Flight Board of Directors
-- one of the veterans who led the effort to get public transportation to the West End VA Clinic.
-- a driver with the Disabled Veterans Transportation Network
-- a lifetime member of Disabled Veterans of America
-- a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Saunders has also helped numerous veterans get medals they earned but never received.
In a sworn affidavit, Ed Saunders, adjutant of Billings Chapter 10 of Disabled American Veterans, said he was at the Billings VA Clinic on Aug. 18 on DAV business when VA police officer Steve McCollum asked Saunders to come to his office.
McCollum said he wanted a written statement from Saunders about his involvement with the Billings Gazette photo that was published Aug. 15. The news article centered on glitches with the opening of the new $6.3 million Majestic Lane Clinic. Saunders was among those critical of the clinic.
McCollum claimed being in an unauthorized photo on VA property is in violation of VA rules and subject to a $50 fine, according to Saunders’ notarized statement.
Saunders was not aware of the photo rule and said as a DAV public affairs officer he has taken many photos of DAV activities on VA property, including dedication of the new clinic when Montana’s congressional delegation was on hand. Saunders said he has also taken photos of DAV vans parked on VA property.
read more here linked from The Republic
Veterans hold silent vigil to end suicides
Silent vigil protests loss of veterans to suicide
Daily News Journal
Christopher Merchant
August 22, 2014
They held cardboard signs with various messages written on them:
Matthew O'Dell, the owner of Reveille Joe Coffee Company on the Square and a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and Marines, organized the silent demonstration.
"On average, 22 veterans are dying every day," O'Dell said after the demonstration. "Because they suffer in silence, we'll stay out here in the 100-degree heat and stay silent."
The group selected to hold the event on the 22nd day of the month in reference to veterans committing suicide, O'Dell said. He intends to hold his silent vigil on the same day every month.
Another veteran who participated in the event, Matthew Lange, talked about the difficulty retired personnel can have when seeking care.
"There's still a stigma about being a soldier and talking about those things," said Lange, who served in three tours in Iraq . "I can remember getting ready to come back home, and that was the worst time."
read more here
Daily News Journal
Christopher Merchant
August 22, 2014
Veteran Matthew O'Dell, owner of Reveille Joe Coffee Co. and a veterans advocate, held a silent rally on the Public Square with other veterans to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans. Behind him is veteran Malcolm Stallard. The 22 indicates the number of veterans who commit suicide each day. (Photo: John A. Gillis/DNJ)MURFREESBORO – More than a dozen people stood silently Friday on the Murfreesboro Public Square.
They held cardboard signs with various messages written on them:
• "I am a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder."
• "There are 22 veterans who commit suicide each day."
• "I am a veteran who has contemplated suicide."
Matthew O'Dell, the owner of Reveille Joe Coffee Company on the Square and a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and Marines, organized the silent demonstration.
"On average, 22 veterans are dying every day," O'Dell said after the demonstration. "Because they suffer in silence, we'll stay out here in the 100-degree heat and stay silent."
The group selected to hold the event on the 22nd day of the month in reference to veterans committing suicide, O'Dell said. He intends to hold his silent vigil on the same day every month.
Another veteran who participated in the event, Matthew Lange, talked about the difficulty retired personnel can have when seeking care.
"There's still a stigma about being a soldier and talking about those things," said Lange, who served in three tours in Iraq . "I can remember getting ready to come back home, and that was the worst time."
read more here
Fruits of deeds and courage of paralyzed veteran
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
August 23, 2014
About a month ago Wounded Times posted the story of Randy Abbott "Paralyzed veteran beaten and robbed causes international reaction of love." What got to most people was not as much about what he did in the military, but what he did with his life after an operation to help him ended up paralyzing him.
Randy does what he can to help others enjoy surfing but more than that, he's helping them learn they can still enjoy life no matter what happened to them. To know that having a disabled body does not mean the person is disabled by the limitations.
Yesterday when I got home from work, there was an email from Randy with a message to call him. I wasn't sure who he was like most of the time when a veteran contacts me. I called, left a message and he called me back last night. No one knows about the conversations I have with veterans and they never will unless the veteran wants to share something. In this case, after you read what he wrote, you'll know why this story is different.
Randy said he wanted to apologize for lying. Still not sure of who I was talking to, I could hear the emotion in his soft voice. After a while it sunk in that I posted his story but I was still confused over the apology. The thing about his story that was reported in the news, wasn't about his military service, but was about what he did with his life afterwards.
Had this story been about his service in the military with him thumping a chest full of medals that turned out to be one of the thousands of frauds running around the country trying to get something for themselves, I would have understood the pain in his voice as I spoke about forgiveness, but it wasn't. It was a story of a veteran taking something bad that happened to him and making lives better for others.
I asked him if he lied about any of that and he said he didn't. That was all I needed to know because the simple fact he wanted to find forgiveness for something few knew about was humbling as well as inspirational.
I thought about how many times I've screwed up as a human in my own life, just like everyone else. I thought about my Dad doing the whole AA steps of making amenze knowing it was out of his power what people did with it but in his power to change his own life from that moment on. Just like every other human on the planet we can't change the past but can change with the next breath we take.
In Matthew 7, Jesus was addressing the difference between what men say and what they actually do.
The fruits of Randy's deeds are shown on the faces of all the kids and others he's met over the years. There will be some unable to acknowledge his actions are inspirational and change lives because they want to hold onto something wrong as if it will make them feel better about themselves.
Randy is like others in many ways. All of us can say whatever we want and many times we regret what we say. It takes a lot of courage to admit we were wrong and apologize. After being married for 30 years, I can attest to that fact of life and honestly I don't think I'm done needing to tell my husband I'm sorry for something plus the other way around. We've been married this long because we can see ourselves honestly knowing we are far from perfect. (I still haven't figured out how he puts up with me.)
When I told Randy he was already forgiven, he was quiet for extended time. Then he said "I do believe that." Then I asked him to do something for other veterans out there being tormented by something they think they did wrong. Knowing the power of forgiveness, I asked him to help others seek it for themselves. Without hesitation, he agreed. He knows what it feels like to have the weight on his soul but he also knows how being relieved of that empowers this moment on.
Randy showed courage when he joined the military just like everyone else along with compassion enough to be able to risk his life for the sake of others. Last night it required a tremendous about of courage for him to call someone like me not knowing how I would react or what I would do with what he had to say.
This was at the bottom of his email
Kathie Costos
August 23, 2014
About a month ago Wounded Times posted the story of Randy Abbott "Paralyzed veteran beaten and robbed causes international reaction of love." What got to most people was not as much about what he did in the military, but what he did with his life after an operation to help him ended up paralyzing him.
When asked his reaction to the outbreak of love and compassion generated by his story, Abbott is visibly shaken.
"When I have people who don't even know me and they call me from Hawaii, Australia and France and say 'Hey, just get back in the water and surf and you're gonna be ok. We love you buddy!' That means a lot to me."
KUSI News San Diego
Randy does what he can to help others enjoy surfing but more than that, he's helping them learn they can still enjoy life no matter what happened to them. To know that having a disabled body does not mean the person is disabled by the limitations.
Yesterday when I got home from work, there was an email from Randy with a message to call him. I wasn't sure who he was like most of the time when a veteran contacts me. I called, left a message and he called me back last night. No one knows about the conversations I have with veterans and they never will unless the veteran wants to share something. In this case, after you read what he wrote, you'll know why this story is different.
Randy said he wanted to apologize for lying. Still not sure of who I was talking to, I could hear the emotion in his soft voice. After a while it sunk in that I posted his story but I was still confused over the apology. The thing about his story that was reported in the news, wasn't about his military service, but was about what he did with his life afterwards.
Had this story been about his service in the military with him thumping a chest full of medals that turned out to be one of the thousands of frauds running around the country trying to get something for themselves, I would have understood the pain in his voice as I spoke about forgiveness, but it wasn't. It was a story of a veteran taking something bad that happened to him and making lives better for others.
I asked him if he lied about any of that and he said he didn't. That was all I needed to know because the simple fact he wanted to find forgiveness for something few knew about was humbling as well as inspirational.
I thought about how many times I've screwed up as a human in my own life, just like everyone else. I thought about my Dad doing the whole AA steps of making amenze knowing it was out of his power what people did with it but in his power to change his own life from that moment on. Just like every other human on the planet we can't change the past but can change with the next breath we take.
In Matthew 7, Jesus was addressing the difference between what men say and what they actually do.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
The fruits of Randy's deeds are shown on the faces of all the kids and others he's met over the years. There will be some unable to acknowledge his actions are inspirational and change lives because they want to hold onto something wrong as if it will make them feel better about themselves.
Randy is like others in many ways. All of us can say whatever we want and many times we regret what we say. It takes a lot of courage to admit we were wrong and apologize. After being married for 30 years, I can attest to that fact of life and honestly I don't think I'm done needing to tell my husband I'm sorry for something plus the other way around. We've been married this long because we can see ourselves honestly knowing we are far from perfect. (I still haven't figured out how he puts up with me.)
Do Not Judge
7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
When I told Randy he was already forgiven, he was quiet for extended time. Then he said "I do believe that." Then I asked him to do something for other veterans out there being tormented by something they think they did wrong. Knowing the power of forgiveness, I asked him to help others seek it for themselves. Without hesitation, he agreed. He knows what it feels like to have the weight on his soul but he also knows how being relieved of that empowers this moment on.
Randy showed courage when he joined the military just like everyone else along with compassion enough to be able to risk his life for the sake of others. Last night it required a tremendous about of courage for him to call someone like me not knowing how I would react or what I would do with what he had to say.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to acknowledge that I was dishonest about my military service. I have no excuse for my actions, dishonesty is dishonesty, and to those I have offended and or hurt I ask for your forgiveness. I did this with no malicious intent to hurt anyone or to gain anything, again to those I have hurt or offended I ask for your forgiveness.
After I was paralyzed and found myself dealing with all the medical issues and trying to learn how to live with being paralyzed, I wondered how many other people were dealing with the same thing. Thinking about all the things they will never be able to do again. I decided to start The View From 42, to help other people learn to live beyond their disabilities. Not knowing what it would become or how it would actually work. I have done no fundraiser; I have taken in no donations or financial contributions, I have funded everything from the beginning and to this date by myself. Do to some medical complications along the way things got put on hold for a time being. At first it was just going to be training service dogs for people, then after starting surfing and getting more active I realized how this help me and thought it could help other people.
People reached out to me for assistance with wheelchair purchases for their children, family members and or friends. Then people started asking if I could take them surfing, or help them get surfboards or wetsuits. I started of with tacking single individuals surfing with the help from volunteers. Bringing young people with disabilities and there families out for what we called a Southern California Surfing Experience. Then it turned into bigger one-day events with participants coming in from out of state. This was all done to help people with disabilities learn how to live beyond their disabilities, like I had done. A simple thing like a custom wheelchair or a surfing event put on just for them opens their mind to thinking about living their life beyond their disability. They start to see themselves as a person who has a disability instead of a disabled person. There is a difference, a big difference.
I still plan to continue to do this at whatever level I can; I am not sure how that will be now. This is a true honest desire just to help other people who have disabilities and have a desire to live beyond them.
Again I apologize for my dishonesty and misleading statements, and ask for your forgiveness.
Sincerely;
Randy
Email: pleasenojunk@mail.com
This was at the bottom of his email
A persons ability to enjoy life should not be hindered by their disability or their lack of accessibility to the world. Do not tell us what we can not do, help us do what we want to do.
Friday, August 22, 2014
We would never accept defeat on this major battle after war
What do you think when you hear there are 22 veterans everyday committing suicide? Almost one every hour and 8,030 each year.
Those numbers are men and women, far more than numbers, but we don't seem to care enough. If we had, we would never accept defeat on this major battle after war. Take a look at the numbers from combat and compare them to what you just read.
Vietnam War
Gulf War 1990-1991 Persian Gulf, Op Desert Shield/Storm 363 but we lose at least 660 each month to suicide.
In one year, we lost more veterans to suicide than we lost during the entire war in Iraq 4,476 from 2003-2012
In one year, we lost more veterans to suicide than during the entire war in Afghanistan 2,342 so far from 2001.
Major combat operations are far from over when they have a harder time staying alive back home than they did fighting the other part of war. If we do not change what we are doing, we have accepted defeat and given up on saving their lives.
Those numbers are men and women, far more than numbers, but we don't seem to care enough. If we had, we would never accept defeat on this major battle after war. Take a look at the numbers from combat and compare them to what you just read.
Vietnam War
Year of Death
Number of Records
1956 - 1959
4
1960
5
1961
16
1962
53
1963
122
1964
216
1965
1,928
1966
6,350
1967
11,363
1968
16,899
1969
11,780
1970
6,173
1971
2,414
1972
759
1973
68
1974
1
1975
62
Service Number of Records
Air Force
2,586
Army
38,224
Coast Guard
7
Marine Corps
14,844
Navy
2,559
Total Records
58,220
Gulf War 1990-1991 Persian Gulf, Op Desert Shield/Storm 363 but we lose at least 660 each month to suicide.
In one year, we lost more veterans to suicide than we lost during the entire war in Iraq 4,476 from 2003-2012
In one year, we lost more veterans to suicide than during the entire war in Afghanistan 2,342 so far from 2001.
Major combat operations are far from over when they have a harder time staying alive back home than they did fighting the other part of war. If we do not change what we are doing, we have accepted defeat and given up on saving their lives.
Veterans Fight Out of Dark Places Mixed Martial Arts
First Rule Of This Fight Club: You Must Be A Veteran
NPR
by QUIL LAWRENCE
August 22, 2014
About a dozen military veterans have locked themselves inside a caged boxing ring, in a rough part of San Diego, and they're starting to throw punches. It's therapeutic, they say.
"A lot of people say, 'You guys are punching each other in the face. How is that helpful?' " says Aaron Espinoza, a former Marine. "But it's a respect thing, it's mutual. I have to push him, he has to push me to get better."
Espinoza is a regular at P.O.W., which stands for Pugilistic Offensive Warrior, a mixed martial arts training session that's free for veterans. Iraq veteran Todd Vance founded the group after his own struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
"I was in a dark place for a long time and I personally used mixed martial arts to get myself back on track," says Vance. "Once I got back on track I went to school — studying social work."
read more here
NPR
by QUIL LAWRENCE
August 22, 2014
Iraq veteran Todd Vance is the founder of P.O.W. — or Pugilistic Offensive Warrior — mixed martial arts training for veterans in San Diego.
David Gilkey/NPR
About a dozen military veterans have locked themselves inside a caged boxing ring, in a rough part of San Diego, and they're starting to throw punches. It's therapeutic, they say.
"A lot of people say, 'You guys are punching each other in the face. How is that helpful?' " says Aaron Espinoza, a former Marine. "But it's a respect thing, it's mutual. I have to push him, he has to push me to get better."
Espinoza is a regular at P.O.W., which stands for Pugilistic Offensive Warrior, a mixed martial arts training session that's free for veterans. Iraq veteran Todd Vance founded the group after his own struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
"I was in a dark place for a long time and I personally used mixed martial arts to get myself back on track," says Vance. "Once I got back on track I went to school — studying social work."
read more here
More events for veterans in Central Florida
From Cathy Haynes
August event list #2 - veterans, military and patriotic events in Central FL
August event list #2 - 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 did not receive the August #1 list of events, please contact me and I will re-send.
If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.
Camaraderie Foundation Family Fun Day – SAT. Aug 23 - Kids Workshop and Back To School event for military and veteran families. Come and bond with other military families for a unique day of fun. Enjoy building a Kids Workshop Kit project and 3 Do It Yourself Classes for home owners. Workshops begin at 9:45am, 10:30am & 11:15am. All materials are provided FREE by Home Depot. Show your completed project and pick up free school supplies from the Back-To-School Brigade of Operation Homefront. 9am-12noon at Home Depot, 4600 W. Lake Mary Blvd., Lake Mary, 32746. (Only this location) Info: events@camaraderiefoundation.com
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)
Women Veterans Roundtable w/OPM Director Archuleta – MON Aug 25 - Katherine Archuleta, the United States Director of the Office of Personnel and Management will be visiting Orlando Monday to host a forum for female veterans. This Roundtable Discussion will take place starting at 4pm in the 2nd Floor Veterans Conference Room at the Orlando City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL). A major focus of the discussion will be the employment of women veterans in the federal government to understand any challenges, barriers, or successes that may have been experienced. Parking will be validated if you use the City Commons parking garage adjacent/connected to Orlando City Hall (use the skywalk to City Hall.) Annie Artis of local FL Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) and Karen Connors of Orlando City Mayors’ VAB will facilitate. Contact Annie at 517.862.1434 secretary@FAVOB.com
Central Florida Veterans Incorporated - Tues. Aug 26 - Dr Greg Welch is the guest speaker at 5:30 pm at the Orlando VA Clinic Canteen at Lake Baldwin, 5201 Raymond St, Orlando, 32803. Dr Welch has done extensive work for DoD and has recently joined the faculty at UCF. His current research interests include virtual and augmented reality, human tracking systems, 3D telepresence, computer vision, and stochastic estimation, in particular with applications to healthcare simulation. Open to all interested persons who care about the military and veterans.
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!
VetFest USA – Sat. and Sun. Aug 30 and 31 (Labor Day weekend) – Benefit festival for veterans groups located under I-4 near the Amway Center and Church St. in downtown Orlando. Events start at 11am each day and go into the night. About 50 food trucks, displays, lots of music, 50’ tall mechanical Robosaurus T-rex. $15 tickets available online OR if they are bought from these veterans groups, the group gets to keep the proceeds of the sales: Foreign Wars (VFW’s), United Service Organization (USO), Underwater Demolition Team-Sea, Air and Land (UDT-SEAL) Association, and the Joe Kittinger F-4 Vietnam Memorial Fund. See vetfestorlando.com 407-748-5084.
Add these to the Previous Calendar listings….
Free Legal Seminars – Weekly beginning Thurs. Sept 4 – Viera area. Free legal seminars offered to the public with the intention of providing information on a variety of legal topics for 6 weeks. “State and Federal Constitution and How They Work Together” on Thurs. Sept 4, 6pm-8pm. Provided/coordinated by Space Coast Community Law School, at Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Jury Assembly Room, Viera, 32940. Topic for Sept 11: Veterans Benefits, presented by Garren Cone of AVET Project. Info and list of future topics: spacecoastcommunitylawschool.com 321-269-6833
The Boogie Woogie Veterans Show – Fri Sept 5 – Join Company B with the Andrew Sisters Musical Tribute Act at the Henegar Center in downtown Melbourne, 7pm – 9pm, 625 E New Haven Ave #119, Melbourne, 32901. Open to the public, $25 per person – FREE for veterans! www.henegar.com Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233 orJustin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
Stick Marsh Veterans Bass Challenge - Sat Sept 6 – NEEDED: service connected disabled veterans and boaters willing to bring their boat out – NO charge! 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. Contact Justin at 321-724-5400 ext. 233 or Justin@MelbourneRegionalChamber.com
End of Summer Bash – Sat. Sept 6 – Fundraising event supporting Wounded Warrior Project with a dance, entertainment and dinner. The theme is Tropical Summer Nights from 4pm – 8pm, with a dinner of $2 hot dogs and $3 hamburgers. Raffles and 50/50 drawings with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. American Legion Post 286 Family at 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 32809 in South Orlando (half of block west of Orange Ave. between Oak Ridge Ave. and Fairlane Ave.) Sponsored by the Pine Castle area American Legion Family of friendly members (Legionnaires, Auxiliary and S.A.L Members.) Info: 407-859-1460.
Every Day is Veteran’s Day – Sat. Sept 13 – Special tribute to veterans from 10am-1pm. Keynote speaker will be Brig. General Wilma Vaught, USAF (ret.), one of the most highly decorated women in U.S. history. One Senior Place, 715 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, 32714. 407.949.6733 Organized by VITAS.
Veterans of Osceola County exhibit – Tues. Sept.16 – New exhibit opens with a ribbon cutting at the Museum of Military History, 4:30 pm. 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. 407-507-3894 for further information. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
Veterans Tribute & Museum/Museum of Military History Tenth Anniversary Celebration – Sat. Sept. 20 - All day affair, 10 am Commanders Call (vendors, displays, sharing, etc.) snacks, entertainment, door prize every thirty minutes, lots of meet & greet. Commemorative coins available. Museum of Military History, 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746. 407-507-3894 for further information. www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com
Gold Star Mothers and Families – Sun. Sept 28 –Honoring and remembering the loved ones who died while serving in the armed forces. 3pm-5pm in Orlando City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Gold Star families – bring a photo of your loved one. Refreshments after event. RSVP requested by Sept 24 to Jean at 407.691.4548 or 407.875.0028. Presented by VITAS, Dignity Memorial, and the City of Orlando.
Orlando National College Fair – Sun. Oct 12 - Over 200 college representatives from across the country will be at the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida. The fair is open to the public, 1 pm to 4 pm and this year there are two financial aid workshops at 12 noon and 2:15 pm. In addition, a representative from the UCF – Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) will be located near the counseling center to answer questions.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Golf Tournament – Fri. Oct 17 - Stoneybrook East Golf Course, 8am start time. Proceeds benefit the JROTC Scholarship Program. 2900 Northampton Ave, Orlando, 32828 in East Orlando. Contact Dick Aldinger at 407-859-7436 famdinger@aol.com or Mike Patterson at 407-240-7609dmphome@earthlink.net
Osceola County Stand Down – Sat. Oct 25 – Various services offered to veterans, including homeless veterans. Volunteers needed! Osceola County Veterans Service office, 330 N. Beaumont Ave., Kissimmee, 34741. Contact Tommie Maldonado, VSO at 407-742-8455, Ken Mueller, HCHV, at 407-631-7228. Register to volunteer with Chanel at 407-742-8455 cf66c@osceola.org
EXTRA
Horse Back riding and Equine Assisted Therapy – Free for military veterans. 321-412-8057. Endorsed by AVET Project.
Restaurants and attractions – Do you need an evaluation of your facilities with regards to wheelchair accessibility? The local PVA – Paralyzed Veterans of America – could assist you with fresh perspectives. The new program “Wheels on the Go” provides the mobility challenged an additional chance to vary daily routines by dining in restaurants or visiting attractions. The PVA-member veteran will then provide an evaluation of the facility for handicapped friendliness that will be shared with others. It’s a help-help, Win-Win situation for both sides. To offer your site for evaluation, contact Central FL PVA Exec. Director John DeMauro at 407-328-7041 cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
Ice Bucket Challenge and PVA - You have likely seen, heard or participated in the recent Ice Bucket Challenges. It brings awareness and donations for the research/cure of ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) There are 26 veterans just in Central Florida who have been diagnosed with ALS and are members of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Military veterans who have received spinal cord injuries or have diseases that involved the spinal cord/nerves are eligible for membership. The diseases along with ALS include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Lupus, spinal stenosis and others. Benefits of membership include, but are not limited to, adaptive sports, veteran-to-veteran mentoring, legal awareness, and medical awareness and advances. There are also volunteering opportunities. See website at pva.org or contact John at 407-328-7041 cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
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. Most of the offenders are DUI or possession. If you have experienced substance abuse – although not required - 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 Coordinator. A Mentor Training session will be held Wed. Sept. 17 at 12noon at the Orange County Public Defenders Office. Additional announcements will be made as the training approaches. 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
Home Depot and Lowe’s always support our Military by offering 10% off your purchase with Active, Reserve or Retired Military ID.
Inquire about Home Depot's efforts to repair and renovate veterans' homes at no cost. They have committed $50 Million to help with this initiative surrounding Veteran's Day.www.homedepot.com
Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance. www.operationhomefront.org
· Check out: hiredbyfriday.com and iamveteran.com. Both sites are for veterans and hiredbyfriday.com is a site for Veterans to upload their resumes and employers can look for skilled veterans there.
· 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.
· 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/
· Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardsmen, 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
· The Navy Exchange (NEX) –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. The big white building on the west side of Tradeport - 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
· MWR / ITT Ticket Office – Offers discounted attraction tickets to active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. It is locate adjacent to the Navy Exchange (NEX) listed above. Phone: 407-855-0116 or 407-851-4396 for details, email: mwrorl@gmail.com or Text MWROrlando to 30364 for MWR Specials.
· 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
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