West Bloomfield jobless man begs to save home and care for dad
O and E Media
Joanne Maliszewski
October 3, 2014
Bob Hollerud of West Bloomfield has been unemployed since last year and has been unable to find a job to avoid eviction and to care for his elderly father, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
(Photo: John Stormzand | Staff Photographer )
When Bob Hollerud of West Bloomfield would see men and women holding signs and asking for financial help or food while perched on the side of a road, he had one thought: They didn’t have a plan.
“Well, I had a plan,” said the U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, who stood along 14 Mile Road, west of Orchard Lake, Thursday afternoon.
The sign Hollerud held to his chest as traffic backed up on 14 Mile read:
“US Navy veteran. Need a little help. If you can. God bless all. Help me stay in our home.”
Hollerud admits his plan didn’t account for what life unexpectedly threw at him. First of all, he was laid off from his job with an Ann Arbor company last year. Unemployments benefits gave him a bit of a reprieve for 20 weeks. For about one year, he has been working with Veterans Affairs to get benefits for his father, who has Alzheimer’s. Hollerud cares for his father, a World War II veteran, in his home at Haggerty and Maple.
“The money has run out,” he said.
But Hollerud, who dresses in a suit and tie while he asks for help, believes he is not so different than others. “Many are just a paycheck away from disaster.”
He insists he looks daily for new work. But nothing so far. In fact, his former colleagues let him know that when he was laid off on a Friday, a younger person took his place on Monday for a much lower wage.
“It is absolutely my age,” said Hollerud, who is 62.
read more here
Friday, October 3, 2014
Vietnam Veteran Wears Suit and Tie Panhandling for WWII Dad
If this doesn't change your mind about veterans asking for money, nothing will! He is a Vietnam veteran, asking for donations while wearing a suit and tie. He isn't looking for help for himself, but for his Dad!
Walgreens Joins Forces with Flu Fight
Pilot Immunization Program in Florida Expands Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will join forces with retailer Walgreens to provide greater access to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended vaccinations to Veterans across the country. This partnership grew out of a successful pilot program that began in Florida to provide flu vaccines to Veterans throughout the state. Based on those results, VA is expanding the pilot nationwide.
Through its nearly 8,200 locations nationwide, Walgreens will offer flu and other recommended vaccinations to Veterans. Pharmacists can administer vaccinations to Veterans and will leverage eHealth Exchange, through its Walgreens Cloud Electronic Health Records platform, to securely share immunization records with VA to help ensure complete patient medical records.
Vaccinations are available daily during all pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary and are subject to availability.
“VA is proud to partner with Walgreens to provide needed vaccines to our nation’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “This partnership is a great example of how government and the private sector can work together to effectively and efficiently provide Veterans the care and benefits that they've earned.”
“Walgreens is committed to supporting our Veterans, and we are proud to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide convenient access to vaccines,” said Walgreens President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Wasson. “This is an excellent opportunity for our pharmacists to help VA educate Veterans about the importance of vaccinations, to improve immunization rates through greater access and to contribute to helping veterans get, stay and live well.”
“The VA-Walgreens partnership gives Veterans greater choice in time and location for getting their flu shots without having to complete any other VA forms,” said Interim Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Carolyn Clancy. “With this program, the Veteran patient’s record is integrated, and VA maintains a complete immunization record that allows us to more effectively provide patient-centered care.”
Vaccines are subject to availability. Age, state and health related restrictions may apply. Many immunizations may be covered by commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D. As part of this launch and under the agreement, VA funding can provide approximately 75,000 flu shots for enrolled veterans. Patients are encouraged to check with their health plan for specific coverage details. To find the nearest Walgreens, veterans can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visitwww.walgreens.com. For more information about VA’s immunization program, visithttp://www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp
Veterans need to fight back against fake PTSD service dogs
Up until today I was telling veterans they should show the papers for their service dogs and not be so defensive. The owners do not need to know why veterans have them but they should have some assurance the dog has been highly trained to do a job and not belong to a fraud.
I was wrong.
Today was an eyeopener. I heard someone say they know someone who bought the papers and vest online. All they had to do was come up with the money and bingo, they suddenly had a "service dog" that has no training at all.
Another friend did some digging while I was at work and discovered this.
What good does it do to have papers of a real service dog when this is going on? It costs thousands of dollars and countless hours to train a dog properly but these jerks are ruining it for everyone.
The intent of a PTSD service dog is to get veterans back out into the world so they stop isolating. All too often veterans end up getting even more upset by situations where they are face to face with an owner or employee of a business refusing to allow the dog in without documentation. All they want to do is make sure it is really a service dog that won't cause a fuss for the rest of the customers. Unfortunately, we've seen that happen all too often.
A dog could very well have graduated at the top of the class in training then again, some fake could walk in with the papers acting like my dog. Mine? Well, he is a breed that was raised to hunt lions and be guard dogs. He's not dangerous as long as no one comes near me. I am a responsible owner so I think about others. Too many just want to be able to travel with their dogs and don't give a damn about anyone but themselves.
Veterans have to fight back. Contact your member of Congress and get them to right a bill to stop the jerks from taking what they want. Tell them you want to make sure anyone with a vest for a dog has earned the right to use what you fought so hard for.
I was wrong.
Today was an eyeopener. I heard someone say they know someone who bought the papers and vest online. All they had to do was come up with the money and bingo, they suddenly had a "service dog" that has no training at all.
Another friend did some digging while I was at work and discovered this.
Service Dog Certification -- Spotting Fake Certification/Registration/ID
Who does it hurt when you pass your pet off as a service dog when it' isn't? Be sure to check out our article On the Consequences of Fake and Undertrained Service Dogs
Certification does not mean an individual dog is a service dog. Neither does registration or an official looking ID. There are several businesses selling fake certification, registration and IDs over the internet. All a person need do to get these products is pay a fee. Their dog is never tested and their disability is never verified. All the product really means is that the person was willing to pay money to get it.
If you question whether ID or certification is legitimate, a quick internet search of the name of the organization will reveal whether it is an agency that actually trains service dogs, or one that merely certifies, registers, or identifies any dog sight-unseen for a fee.
How can you tell a REAL service dog if ID cards and certificates are actually meaningless? The US Department of Justice permits businesses to ask two questions:
1. Is this a service dog required because of disability?
2. What is it trained to do to mitigate the disability?
Remember that "[a]nimals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals..." so a service animal must be specifically trained to DO something.
Additionally, if the animal behaves inappropriately, by disrupting business, behaving aggressively, interfering with other patrons or clients (say by sniffing them or jumping up on them), or toileting inappropriately, then it doesn't matter whether it is a service dog because you can still exclude it on the basis of "fundamental alteration" or "direct threat."
BE WARNED: when you see a fake certification, it is a STRONG indication that the dog is not a legitimate service dog. People with legitimate service dogs tend to be familiar with laws and know that certification is not required so long as the dog meets the legal definition. Those who purchase fake certification do so because they, or those they encounter, doubt their dog's real status and it is easier to purchase a fake document than to actually get their dog properly trained and evaluated by an expert.
What good does it do to have papers of a real service dog when this is going on? It costs thousands of dollars and countless hours to train a dog properly but these jerks are ruining it for everyone.
The intent of a PTSD service dog is to get veterans back out into the world so they stop isolating. All too often veterans end up getting even more upset by situations where they are face to face with an owner or employee of a business refusing to allow the dog in without documentation. All they want to do is make sure it is really a service dog that won't cause a fuss for the rest of the customers. Unfortunately, we've seen that happen all too often.
A dog could very well have graduated at the top of the class in training then again, some fake could walk in with the papers acting like my dog. Mine? Well, he is a breed that was raised to hunt lions and be guard dogs. He's not dangerous as long as no one comes near me. I am a responsible owner so I think about others. Too many just want to be able to travel with their dogs and don't give a damn about anyone but themselves.
Veterans have to fight back. Contact your member of Congress and get them to right a bill to stop the jerks from taking what they want. Tell them you want to make sure anyone with a vest for a dog has earned the right to use what you fought so hard for.
Lawmakers want answers after 6 veterans died at Pittsburgh VA
Lawmakers demand answers on Legionnaires' outbreak from new VA secretary
TribLive News
Mike Wereschagin
October 2, 2014
Six congressional Republicans are asking the secretary of Veterans Affairs to intervene personally in their attempt to find out who was disciplined over a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak at VA Pittsburgh.
“The lack of responsiveness and bureaucratic stonewalling is unacceptable, and we believe this now deserves your immediate and personal attention,” states the letter dated Oct. 1 to Secretary Robert McDonald. Three Western Pennsylvania House members, two committee chairs and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Lehigh County signed the letter.
Members of Congress have repeatedly asked for details about discipline in the nearly two years since VA officials disclosed the outbreak.
read more here
TribLive News
Mike Wereschagin
October 2, 2014
At least six veterans died and at least 16 others were sickened during the outbreak.
Tribune-Review
Six congressional Republicans are asking the secretary of Veterans Affairs to intervene personally in their attempt to find out who was disciplined over a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at VA Pittsburgh.
Six congressional Republicans are asking the secretary of Veterans Affairs to intervene personally in their attempt to find out who was disciplined over a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak at VA Pittsburgh.
“The lack of responsiveness and bureaucratic stonewalling is unacceptable, and we believe this now deserves your immediate and personal attention,” states the letter dated Oct. 1 to Secretary Robert McDonald. Three Western Pennsylvania House members, two committee chairs and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey of Lehigh County signed the letter.
Members of Congress have repeatedly asked for details about discipline in the nearly two years since VA officials disclosed the outbreak.
read more here
Iraq Veteran Cameron Anestis Went to VA for Help Sent Away Twice
We tell them to get past the stigma of PTSD because there is nothing to be ashamed of. We tell them to go for help to heal after surviving war. We tell their families to be supportive and encourage them to ask for help.
Cameron Anestis was just 21 years old, already a combat veteran needing help in Kentucky. He did what he needed to do in Iraq and then did what he needed to do back home. The problem is, he was turned away from two different VA hospitals. He committed suicide. He's gone yet the assurances from the DOD and the VA keep coming while they keep filling graves.
Cameron Anestis was just 21 years old, already a combat veteran needing help in Kentucky. He did what he needed to do in Iraq and then did what he needed to do back home. The problem is, he was turned away from two different VA hospitals. He committed suicide. He's gone yet the assurances from the DOD and the VA keep coming while they keep filling graves.
Judge: VA botched handling of suicidal Marine
Associated Press
BY BRETT BARROUQUERE
October 2, 2014
"For whatever reason, they violated their own policy, it's never explained why."Cameron Anestis, United States Marine Corps, served in Iraq.
LOUISVILLE, KY. — A Veterans Affairs hospital botched the treatment of a suicidal Marine by sending him to another medical facility even though he had an emergency condition, a federal judge said.
The Marine, Cameron Anestis, 21, of Georgetown, killed himself after he was turned away from a second facility in Lexington because he did not have a form showing he was a combat veteran. The VA had a duty to help Anestis, U.S. District Judge David Bunning ruled Wednesday.
"It must treat those who suffer from an emergency condition," Bunn said.
Anestis, a lance corporal in the Marine reserves, went to a Lexington VA medical center on Aug. 16, 2009, but was turned away after being told treatment wasn't available there. Anestis went to a second VA center in Lexington the next day and again was rejected.
Unable to find the form he needed, Anestis became frustrated and violent, attacking his wife, who called 911 from another room. While Tiffany Anestis was on the phone, she heard a gunshot and found that her husband had committed suicide.
read more here
Thursday, October 2, 2014
PTSD The Battle of Wounded Soul
Nose spray after death, bombs and bullets? Ya sure that'll work! but this is nothing new considering they have been trying all kinds of stupid stuff that hasn't worked in the last 40 years but they just keep repeating it. It's kind of like using dishwashing soap on your hair. Sure it will get it clean but it may leave you bald.
Sorry to be sarcastic but after all these years you'd think they would have figured out the strength of soldiers' minds is not the problem. It is the reason. Emotions live in the mind. It is because your emotions are so strong, you suffer after. On the flip side, the good emotions you haven't felt in a long time are just as strong as always but you've been consumed with the pain and may not have understood what you can do.
You just feel it all more. Much like many Medal of Honor Heroes have PTSD, it has nothing to do with lack of courage or being weak on anything. As for forgetting anything, you should never try to. You should seek to make peace with it instead.
Don't believe me? Would you believe MOH Vietnam Hero Sammy Davis? We sat down a couple of years ago and he has a message for you.
PTSD actually means after wound. Trauma is Greek for wound. It isn't a battle for your body, although your body does pay a price, that doesn't start with your body. It is what your mind does to your nerves. It is a battle of a wounded soul. It is what humans live with, heal from and change again. It is a part of you but doesn't have to defeat you. They need to start learning what it is before they actually do something to "cure" it.
Sorry to be sarcastic but after all these years you'd think they would have figured out the strength of soldiers' minds is not the problem. It is the reason. Emotions live in the mind. It is because your emotions are so strong, you suffer after. On the flip side, the good emotions you haven't felt in a long time are just as strong as always but you've been consumed with the pain and may not have understood what you can do.
You just feel it all more. Much like many Medal of Honor Heroes have PTSD, it has nothing to do with lack of courage or being weak on anything. As for forgetting anything, you should never try to. You should seek to make peace with it instead.
Don't believe me? Would you believe MOH Vietnam Hero Sammy Davis? We sat down a couple of years ago and he has a message for you.
PTSD actually means after wound. Trauma is Greek for wound. It isn't a battle for your body, although your body does pay a price, that doesn't start with your body. It is what your mind does to your nerves. It is a battle of a wounded soul. It is what humans live with, heal from and change again. It is a part of you but doesn't have to defeat you. They need to start learning what it is before they actually do something to "cure" it.
Could a pill make soldiers' MINDS stronger?
Drug may boost resilience on the battlefield - and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder
A pill or nasal spray could help treat post-traumatic stress disorder in future
It contains a chemical called neuropeptide Y (NPY) that is produced in the brain to help people cope with extremely stressful situations
Drug could also make soldiers more resilient in pressurised battle situations
It's being developed by scientists at Yale University in Connecticut and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City
Drug is being tested on PTSD patients and results are expected in spring
Daily Mail
By SARAH GRIFFITHS FOR MAILONLINE
2 October 2014
A simple pill or nasal spray containing a natural stress-relieving chemical, could once day help PTSD survivors recover from stress faster and become less fearful and anxious. The drug could also be used to make soldiers more resistant in battle situations, experts say. A stock image of a soldier under stress is pictured
From road accidents to military attacks, it is thought that a third of people who survive a terrifying experience have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There is now hope that in the future, a simple pill or nasal spray containing a natural stress-relieving chemical, called neuropeptide Y (NPY), could help survivors recover from stress faster and become less fearful and anxious.
The drug could also be used to make soldiers more resilient in battle situations, experts say.
read more here
Military left out training to transition to life as veteran
Most veterans return to LA unprepared for civilian life, USC report finds
Few veteran services focus on prevention of chronic conditions, such as unemployment and homelessness
USC News
by Claudia Bustamante
September 30, 2014
Many service members leaving the military and returning to Los Angeles County are not prepared for the transition home and have a range of needs that cannot be easily provided by a single organization, according to a new USC School of Social Work report released today.
“The State of the American Veteran: The Los Angeles County Veterans Study” by the school’s Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families outlines the findings of a survey conducted in fall 2013 of more than 1,350 veterans. The first comprehensive study of a large urban military population, which also included follow-up focus groups with 72 veterans, explored transition challenges, employment and finances, housing, health and access to veteran services, among other areas.
Few veteran services focus on prevention of chronic conditions, such as unemployment and homelessness
USC News
by Claudia Bustamante
September 30, 2014
“The State of the American Veteran: The Los Angeles County Veterans Study” by the school’s Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families outlines the findings of a survey conducted in fall 2013 of more than 1,350 veterans. The first comprehensive study of a large urban military population, which also included follow-up focus groups with 72 veterans, explored transition challenges, employment and finances, housing, health and access to veteran services, among other areas.
The study found that many veterans leave the military without having lined up some key elements that could complicate their transition home.
Nearly eight in 10 veterans left the military without a job, expecting to quickly find meaningful employment.
About 40 percent of veterans left the military unsure of where they would be living.
Many left active duty with untreated physical and mental health issues, which was higher among post-9/11 veterans.
Among the most recent veteran population, one-third had made a plan to commit suicide but did not seek help, compared to 24 percent of pre-9/11 veterans.
read more here
NBC Exposes Soldier Hiring "Wives" in Scam
Give them a "wife" they won't be happy with,,,,,in Leavenworth! They are giving military families a slap in the face and do not deserve to serve with other soldiers honoring their commitment.
Hidden cameras reveal how US soldiers 'shop' for wives to get more pay, benefits
NBC News
Jeff Rossen and Jovanna Billington
October 2, 2014
It's an open secret at military bases across the country: Soldiers looking for contract marriages. On Craigslist you'll find dozens of ads, many so blatant that soldiers put the term right on the subject line, not even trying to hide it.
If you're married in the military, you make more money and get better benefits. So soldiers from the Army, the Navy and all branches of the military pay women to marry them, just to get the perks on the taxpayer's dime.
"These guys are criminals," said Col. Jack Jacobs, a 20-year Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam War. "There's no doubt about it."
Jacobs, a military analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, says these soldiers aren't looking for love; they want that marriage certificate. And it pays off: A married soldier can make tens of thousands of dollars more than a single one.
read more here
Oak Ridge Boys Join American Legion in Battle of PTSD
Oak Ridge Boys unite with Legion
The American Legion
September 30, 2014
The American Legion and Grammy Award-winning artists, The Oak Ridge Boys, are uniting to raise awareness and support for needs of U.S. military veterans, including better detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), help with the VA benefits process, and education and career opportunities for those who served our nation in uniform.
The American Legion is the country’s largest veterans service organization, with 2.4 million members who work every day on behalf of the men and women who have served our nation in uniform.
The Oak Ridge Boys will participate in a national fundraising and awareness campaign to support the detection and treatment of mental health issues among veterans, 22 of whom are lost each day to suicide. As one of country music’s longest-running groups, The Oak Ridge Boys’ legacy extends back to the end of World War II.
The current group – which consists of lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden – recently celebrated more than 40 years performing together. In that time, The Oak Ridge Boys have produced more than 30 top 10 hit songs, 12 gold records, three platinum records, one double-platinum album and a double-platinum single, with combined sales totaling 41 million records sold. They maintain a vigorous touring schedule and released a live album in April, “Boys Night Out.”
read more here
The American Legion
September 30, 2014
Grammy-winning and long-running country music group, The Oak Ridge Boys, will serve as spokespersons for The American Legion.
The American Legion and Grammy Award-winning artists, The Oak Ridge Boys, are uniting to raise awareness and support for needs of U.S. military veterans, including better detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), help with the VA benefits process, and education and career opportunities for those who served our nation in uniform.
The American Legion is the country’s largest veterans service organization, with 2.4 million members who work every day on behalf of the men and women who have served our nation in uniform.
The Oak Ridge Boys will participate in a national fundraising and awareness campaign to support the detection and treatment of mental health issues among veterans, 22 of whom are lost each day to suicide. As one of country music’s longest-running groups, The Oak Ridge Boys’ legacy extends back to the end of World War II.
The current group – which consists of lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden – recently celebrated more than 40 years performing together. In that time, The Oak Ridge Boys have produced more than 30 top 10 hit songs, 12 gold records, three platinum records, one double-platinum album and a double-platinum single, with combined sales totaling 41 million records sold. They maintain a vigorous touring schedule and released a live album in April, “Boys Night Out.”
read more here
News on Veteran Suicide at Orlando VA buried in another report
From transcript on report about Robert McDonald coming to Orlando today.
McDonald scheduled to tour local VA hospitals Thursday
WESH 2 Orlando
Oct 02, 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. —The secretary of Veterans Affairs visited VA hospitals in Orlando as part of a nationwide tour on Wednesday.
Robert McDonald first visited the VA Medical Center near Lake Baldwin Park, where he toured the facility and greeted veterans.
The facility was opened as a hospital for the former Naval Training Center in 1968. Two months ago, local leaders decided to keep it open, although a detailed description of all the services that the facility will provide has yet to be revealed.
VA officials said McDonald was briefed on the Orlando VA Medical Center’s mission and projects in process.
Rep. John Mica and several other local leaders also attended McDonald’s tour.
"It is absolutely packed -- good to see it packed on the day that the veteran’s secretary came here.
That’s the argument I’ve been making to keep this facility open," said Mica.
read more here
CONGRESSMAN MICAH DID TALK ABOUT THE 84-YEAR-OLD VETERAN WHO SHOT AND KILLED HIMSELF ON MONDAY. HE TOLD US THAT HE WAS GETTING SERVICES IN LEESBURG, BUT CAME HERE AND DIDN'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. HE DOESN'T BELIEVE THE SUICIDE HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH CARE BUT THIS PARTICULAR GENTLEMAN HAD A DIFFICULT HEALTH SITUATION THAT WAS TERMINAL.VA Secretary Robert McDonald tours Orlando hospitals
McDonald scheduled to tour local VA hospitals Thursday
WESH 2 Orlando
Oct 02, 2014
ORLANDO, Fla. —The secretary of Veterans Affairs visited VA hospitals in Orlando as part of a nationwide tour on Wednesday.
Robert McDonald first visited the VA Medical Center near Lake Baldwin Park, where he toured the facility and greeted veterans.
The facility was opened as a hospital for the former Naval Training Center in 1968. Two months ago, local leaders decided to keep it open, although a detailed description of all the services that the facility will provide has yet to be revealed.
VA officials said McDonald was briefed on the Orlando VA Medical Center’s mission and projects in process.
Rep. John Mica and several other local leaders also attended McDonald’s tour.
"It is absolutely packed -- good to see it packed on the day that the veteran’s secretary came here.
That’s the argument I’ve been making to keep this facility open," said Mica.
read more here
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