Burglars steal triple amputee's hand movement
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
BY ALIA MALIK
AUGUST 22, 2014
SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ben Eberle was smoking a cigarette Nov. 19, 2011, in the Tangi Valley of Afghanistan when he saw the blue wire.
He took one last drag of his cigarette, knowing what would come the moment the enemy detected his movement. He took off running and the IED exploded.
Eberle threw up his right arm to protect his face from the blast. He lost that hand, and both of his legs.
Almost three years later, Eberle, now 27 and medically retired, smoked a cigarette as he described the overnight burglary that cost him his right hand for the second time.
Eberle awoke sometime after 10 a.m. Friday to the news that someone had smashed the window of his pickup and stolen an iPod Touch out of the center console.
It was no ordinary iPod Touch. The device had an application called i-limb, which Eberle manipulated with the pinky of his prosthetic right hand to achieve a range of movements that otherwise would be impossible with so many damaged nerves.
read more here
Monday, August 25, 2014
Why do police departments get military equipment?
How and why local police departments get military surplus equipment
Stars and Stripes
By Jon Harper
Published: August 24, 2014
WASHINGTON — After seeing TV footage of the police in Ferguson, Mo., deploying Humvees and brandishing assault rifles in the face of protesters, some Americans are questioning whether local law enforcement agencies should be allowed to acquire military equipment from the Pentagon. A congressional review has been scheduled, with the president’s backing.
But few understand how the Defense Department’s 1033 Program actually works. Even Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had to ask his staffers this week to explain it to him.
The ongoing controversy raises important questions: Why does the program exist? Why do many police officers believe they need military-grade equipment? And what safeguards are in place to ensure that weapons and vehicles designed for combat zones are used responsibly in towns like Ferguson?
How it came to be
The 1033 Program was an invention of Congress, not the Pentagon. It came into being through the 1990-1991 National Defense Authorization Act, and the program’s original scope was much narrower than it is today. As the federal government’s “war on drugs” escalated, the 1990-1991 NDAA authorized the transfer of excess DOD property to federal and state agencies for use in counterdrug activities. A few years later, the program was broadened considerably to include materiel that could be used for “the execution of law enforcement activities,” to include counterdrug and counterterrorism missions, according to DOD.
The theory behind the initiative was that the military’s unneeded equipment might as well be put to good use, rather than be destroyed or warehoused.
read more here
Stars and Stripes
By Jon Harper
Published: August 24, 2014
WASHINGTON — After seeing TV footage of the police in Ferguson, Mo., deploying Humvees and brandishing assault rifles in the face of protesters, some Americans are questioning whether local law enforcement agencies should be allowed to acquire military equipment from the Pentagon. A congressional review has been scheduled, with the president’s backing.
But few understand how the Defense Department’s 1033 Program actually works. Even Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had to ask his staffers this week to explain it to him.
The ongoing controversy raises important questions: Why does the program exist? Why do many police officers believe they need military-grade equipment? And what safeguards are in place to ensure that weapons and vehicles designed for combat zones are used responsibly in towns like Ferguson?
How it came to be
The 1033 Program was an invention of Congress, not the Pentagon. It came into being through the 1990-1991 National Defense Authorization Act, and the program’s original scope was much narrower than it is today. As the federal government’s “war on drugs” escalated, the 1990-1991 NDAA authorized the transfer of excess DOD property to federal and state agencies for use in counterdrug activities. A few years later, the program was broadened considerably to include materiel that could be used for “the execution of law enforcement activities,” to include counterdrug and counterterrorism missions, according to DOD.
The theory behind the initiative was that the military’s unneeded equipment might as well be put to good use, rather than be destroyed or warehoused.
read more here
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Australia Rolling Thunder Vietnam More Than Music
Rolling Thunder Vietnam delivers history via the big hits of the era
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
JO LITSON ARTS WRITER
AUGUST 23, 2014
WHEN musician Wes Carr was approached about performing in Rolling Thunder Vietnam, it was the thought of his two-year-old son one day being conscripted into national service that brought home the project.
A “concert drama” about the Vietnam War, told from a predominantly Australian perspective, Carr plays a young Sydney man who is conscripted in the National Ballot.
“Although I studied the Vietnam War growing up, essentially (I knew about it) through the music (of the era),” Carr says.
“Then I read the script and I started thinking about how if in 17 years time they called my son up to go to a war where they didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, as a father they’d have to lock me up before they could get to him.”
Subtitled Songs That Defined A Generation, Rolling Thunder Vietnam boasts a kick-arse selection of 20 classic hits including War, The Real Thing, Born To Be Wild, Killing Me Softly With His Song, Most People I Know Think That I’m Crazy, All Along The Watchtower and We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place.
read more here
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
JO LITSON ARTS WRITER
AUGUST 23, 2014
The show features screens that play archival footage from the Vietnam War.
WHEN musician Wes Carr was approached about performing in Rolling Thunder Vietnam, it was the thought of his two-year-old son one day being conscripted into national service that brought home the project.
A “concert drama” about the Vietnam War, told from a predominantly Australian perspective, Carr plays a young Sydney man who is conscripted in the National Ballot.
Almost 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam between 1963 and 1973.
More than 1000 were wounded and 521 were killed.
“Although I studied the Vietnam War growing up, essentially (I knew about it) through the music (of the era),” Carr says.
“Then I read the script and I started thinking about how if in 17 years time they called my son up to go to a war where they didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, as a father they’d have to lock me up before they could get to him.”
Subtitled Songs That Defined A Generation, Rolling Thunder Vietnam boasts a kick-arse selection of 20 classic hits including War, The Real Thing, Born To Be Wild, Killing Me Softly With His Song, Most People I Know Think That I’m Crazy, All Along The Watchtower and We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place.
read more here
Highway through Idaho is now officially Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
I-84 now officially Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
Eye On Boise
Spokesman Review
Posted by Betsy
Aug. 12, 2014
I-84 through Idaho is now officially Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, under legislation passed and signed into law this year; new signs for the route were unveiled at a ceremony on the state Capitol steps this morning. “It has been far too long for this recognition to come,” declared Sen. Mike Crapo, addressing a crowd of more than 100, including many veterans. He called the choice of the state’s busiest freeway for the designation “incredibly fitting.”
read more here
Eye On Boise
Spokesman Review
Posted by Betsy
Aug. 12, 2014
read more here
Community Helps Triple Amputee Afghanistan Veteran After Fire
Community helps disabled veteran after tragic house fire
NBC Today
Elizabeth Murray
August 24, 2014
Captain Edward Klein has seen his share of pain and loss. Two years ago, the veteran soldier stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, losing both his legs, and arm and most of his remaining fingers.
After 18 months in rehab, Klein and his wife Jessica were just starting a new life together, putting the worst behind them until 10 days ago when their Maryland home caught fire.
"I started to see the smoke," Klein said. " About that time the alarms started going off."
But Klein and his wife Jessica were in the basement, and due to his injuries, Klein needed help escaping the flames.
"She was able to pull me out onto the front porch," Klein said. "And this is the really amazing part — that by the time I got outside, there were neighbors already standing on the porch waiting to help."
But that wasn't the only help neighbors and others in the community were willing to give.
read more here
NBC Today
Elizabeth Murray
August 24, 2014
Captain Edward Klein has seen his share of pain and loss. Two years ago, the veteran soldier stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, losing both his legs, and arm and most of his remaining fingers.
After 18 months in rehab, Klein and his wife Jessica were just starting a new life together, putting the worst behind them until 10 days ago when their Maryland home caught fire.
"I started to see the smoke," Klein said. " About that time the alarms started going off."
But Klein and his wife Jessica were in the basement, and due to his injuries, Klein needed help escaping the flames.
"She was able to pull me out onto the front porch," Klein said. "And this is the really amazing part — that by the time I got outside, there were neighbors already standing on the porch waiting to help."
But that wasn't the only help neighbors and others in the community were willing to give.
read more here
Little girl starts miracle for Iraq Veteran to have PTSD service dog
A little girl with a big heart gives an even bigger hand to a wounded Iraq vet
BIZ Pac Review
by Don Noel
August 24, 2014
An Iraq war veteran got an unexpected helping hand from an 8-year-old girl, reminding us that America is still a special place to live.
Nick Bailey, who served two tours in Iraq, was badly injured in 2007, when he survived a mortar attack that killed a fellow member of his unit, WCSC News reported Saturday.
Bailey, who served for more than 12 years, suffers from severe spinal pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and permanent mobility issues, the station reported.
The government offered Bailey the aid of a service dog, but the veteran and his wife already had a young German shepherd named Abel. Though he wasn’t trained as a service animal, the pet had a strong bond with the ex-soldier.
read more here
BIZ Pac Review
by Don Noel
August 24, 2014
An Iraq war veteran got an unexpected helping hand from an 8-year-old girl, reminding us that America is still a special place to live.
Nick Bailey, who served two tours in Iraq, was badly injured in 2007, when he survived a mortar attack that killed a fellow member of his unit, WCSC News reported Saturday.
Bailey, who served for more than 12 years, suffers from severe spinal pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and permanent mobility issues, the station reported.
The government offered Bailey the aid of a service dog, but the veteran and his wife already had a young German shepherd named Abel. Though he wasn’t trained as a service animal, the pet had a strong bond with the ex-soldier.
read more here
Iraq Veteran still trying to prove to VA he isn't dead yet
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
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
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.
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