Maine Veterans Services Director "veterans with PTSD were really just “lost” or “depressed.”

Maine Voices: The Veterans’ Services director is failing at his job
Peter Ogden needs to work with younger veterans to implement recommended changes or step aside
Portland Press Herald
BY ADRIAN COLE
SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM
January 18, 2015

Of the 132,000 veterans who live in Maine, about 60,000 come from the most recent wars. It is these veterans who are falling through the cracks, a state report says. Amelia Kunhardt/Staff Photographer

TOPSHAM — The director of Maine’s Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Peter Ogden, is failing in his charge to support all veterans. While his efforts to help care for aging veterans and memorializing those who have passed are commendable, he has shown a consistent disrespect and lack of concern for anyone who served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I attended a meeting in December in Brunswick with state legislators, where Ogden laid out his agenda for the coming year.

He referred to the roughly 60,000 Maine veterans of America’s most recent wars as “kids” so many times that I lost count. This was only part of the insult, though, as his policy stance and inaction as a leader, revealed during the course of the meeting, proved more egregious than his insults.

For example, the report stated that returning veterans today are reluctant to seek help or take advantage of benefits for fear of being a burden on the system. But when Ogden was asked about the problems faced by this generation of veterans, he said, “Well, I think the kids today are saying, ‘You owe it to me, give it to me.’ If you push a red button and nothing happens, I think that’s the problem. I can tell a World War II guy, ‘Your claim, it will take a year to do your claim,’ he will be happy. If I tell a young kid today, (he’ll say) ‘Uh, I mean, why can’t that happen?’ ”

The report advised his office on many ways in which to reach out to veterans, centering mainly on information technology-based solutions. Ogden stated, “The young kids today come back and we don’t communicate the way they do. I don’t tweet, I don’t Twitter, I don’t do Facebook. I can barely answer my emails.” After citing staffing issues as an excuse as to why his office has failed to implement any of these recommendations, he then indicated that he would not be doing so any time soon.

At one point during Ogden’s talk, he gave a textbook definition of post-traumatic stress disorder and then told the room that veterans with PTSD were really just “lost” or “depressed.”

Adrian Cole of Topsham is a former Army captain who served two tours of duty in Iraq as an artillery officer with the 101st Airborne Division. He serves as the adjutant for the Bath Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7738.
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Agent Orange: Vietnam C-123 Airmen Fight for Claims Being Honored

Agent Orange report comes after years of VA denials
Military Times
By Patricia Kime
Staff Writer
January 17, 2015

A new Institute of Medicine report that found veterans were exposed to Agent Orange while flying in C-123 aircraft after the Vietnam War came three years after another federal agency reached a similar conclusion.

But despite a pronouncement in January 2012 by the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry that these crews' levels of exposure to dioxin were 182 times higher than acceptable amounts, representing a 200-fold risk for cancer, the Veterans Affairs Department refused to acknowledge any link between the veterans' current illnesses and a history of serving on that aircraft.

Instead, VA public health officials insisted that trace amounts of dioxin on internal aircraft surfaces were not "biologically available for skin absorption or inhalation because dioxin is not water- or sweat-soluble and does not give off airborne particles."

Meanwhile, since veterans found out in 2011 they may have been exposed, at least 10 with diseases associated with Agent Orange have had VA disability claims denied and some have died — although just how many have passed away as a result of exposure-related illnesses is difficult to pin down, said retired Air Force Maj. Wes Carter, founder of the C-123 Veterans Association.
read more here

Arkansas Veterans Group Puts Compassion into Action

New center helps Conway veterans get benefits 
THV11 News
Astrid Solorzano
January 17, 2015

CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV) - There are more than 250,000 men and women who served our country in Arkansas. Veterans Outreach Ministries has helped more than 8,000 veterans through the hurdles of receiving health care benefits. The group has two existing locations, one in Pleasant Plains and one in Searcy. Paul Bunn's offices help veterans and their families overcome struggles with health care. 

Now Bunn, with the help of more than 60 volunteers, have opened a new location in Conway. "Our veterans do not have access to proper representation when it comes to the Department of Veterans Affairs." The group's motto is 'healing by helping compassion in action.'

"Our Vietnam veterans were exposed to herbicides, Agent Orange," said Bunn, "There are automatically 12 presumptive illnesses they are exposed to, and can get treatment paid for."
read more here

Off Duty Oklahoma VA Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

Off-Duty Dept. Of Veterans Affairs Officer Involved In Fatal Tulsa Shooting
New On 6
Tony Russell
Posted: Jan 16, 2015

TULSA, Oklahoma - An off-duty officer on his way to the Garth Brooks concert with his family shot and killed a man who reportedly had attacked a woman on the street Friday evening, Tulsa police said. Police said the officer stopped to break up a fight on the side of the street, but the attacker pulled a gun and the off-duty officer opened fire.

We've learned Andrew Bryiant is from the Oklahoma City area and is a security officer for the Veterans Affairs department.

Downtown Tulsa was brought to a standstill during rush-hour traffic after shots were fired near 11th and Denver. Joy Smith was across the street and said she saw a fight break out across the street and someone pull a gun.

"It was a loud pop, pop, pop, pop," Smith said.

"I just truly went into shock. I thought about hitting the ground and, yeah, I just stood there."
read more here

Orlando Rocked for Cpl. Adam Devine

Adam's road to recovery has not ended yet and has had over 60 surgeries so far. Cpl. Adam Devine's facebook page.

Join Elbows for Adam This is a page for Adam. Please use this page to send well wishes and comments for Adam, Michelle, and Amya as they proceed down the road of recovery!!!

Adam Devine, Dixon IL had a longtime dream to serve his country as a United States Marine! He completed this goal and then some! We all love you Adam!

Adam played hockey as a kid, loved football and track - throwing. He worked hard at all he did. Striving to be the best he can be - always. He did well in sports in high school. Playing on the varsity football team during the 2007 run to the Elite Eight, Adam was a key member of the team. He competed in 2007 and 2008 Illinois State High School Track and Field in Shot Put. He applied to Augustana College in Moline, IL and was accepted for the 2008-09 year, paying football for the Vikings. However, college was not his dream - the Marine Corps was...so Adam worked very hard to meet the standards required and surpassed those qualifications.

Along the way to meeting those high standards of the USMC, Adam met a beautiful young lady named Michelle. It didn't take a whole lot and they fell in love! Adam and Michelle were married in January 2010, after Adam graduated from boot camp. In late May, a gorgeous little bundle of joy, Amya, joined the family. She is the apple of her daddy's eye!

Adam serves in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif. and has been a machine gunner with the Marines since April.

On Wednesday, December 28, about 12:30 p.m. in Afghanistan, or about 2 a.m. Central time, Adam was wounded in action by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was hospitalized at Bastion Role III Medical Treatment facility in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, transferred to another facility, in the Middle East, then transferred to base in Germany and soon will be treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD.

Adam is in stable condition, however seriously injured. He has suffered lower extremity amputations, however...those of us that know him, know that this will never stop him!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting this fabulous family at the 3rd Annual Orlando Rocks Fundraiser. This Marine and his family have been through terrible times, lots of trials and tribulations but side by side, they managed to do the nearly impossible for most people.

It was easy to tell when there is this much love, nothing can stop them!

Here are some pictures of the event and the video will go up later today so check back. There was also a news station out there interviewing Adam and I'm checking right now to find the report.s

UPDATE Here is the first video
Cpl. Devine got a call from Graceland! The nurse of Elvis Presley, Marion Justice Cocke spoke with Adam.

Mr. Postman got the crowd on their feet!


Orlando Rocks and Rolls
Orlando Rocks Patriotism Lives

Joshua Redding Found Safe, Family Thanks Community

Joshua Redding Found Safe

Today The Lord answered our prayers. Joshua Redding is home safe and unharmed.

I know a lot of people have questions but at this time his family asks to be alone to rest after this long grueling week and for time to love on him as they take this all in.

On behalf of his family we would like to say THANK YOU TO EVERYONE for your prayers, donations, and time spent looking for Joshua.

It means more than can truly be expressed in words.

Thank you just isn't enough for how much the community stepped forward and all the hard work put into his safe return.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU

Missing Osteen Army veteran found safe
13 News Orlando
By Jerry Hume, Reporter
January 18, 2015

After a week-long search, a missing Volusia County Army veteran is back home with his family.

Joshua Redding was reported missing by his family Monday, Jan. 12 after he was last seen Friday, Jan. 9 at his home.
read more here

Chris Kyle 4 tours of duty and a lifetime of giving

Some may want to see the movie American Sniper about Chris Kyle, for the action but if you do, you need to know there was so much more to him and his life than his service as a sniper.


Final salute: Thousands pay respects to Chris Kyle at Cowboys Stadium

Dallas News
By JEFF MOSIER
Staff Writer
Published: 11 February 2013

ARLINGTON — Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s autobiography introduced the public to the “most lethal sniper” in U.S. military history. But his public memorial service Monday at Cowboys Stadium reveled in the contrasts of the man called softhearted by family and the Devil of Ramadi by enemies in Iraq.

Kyle was a warrior who choked out countless friends as a gag, something they described as his hug. But one friend also spoke about how “that proud cowboy cried his eyes out” when one of his closest friends died.

Speaker after speaker — from family to military — described Kyle as a father who loved cuddling with his children, a passionate husband, the most devoted friend possible and a prankster with a “cackling” laugh. He was given the nickname The Legend by friends as a joke but eventually earned it with more than 150 confirmed kills, the most of any U.S. military sniper.

Taya Kyle, who spoke near the end of the two-hour ceremony, said she’ll need every bit of strength she learned from her husband.

“Chris always said, ‘The body will do whatever the mind tells it to,’” she said. “I’m counting on that now. I stand before you a broken woman, but I am now and always will be the wife of a man who was a warrior both on and off the battlefield.”
read more here

Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper hit their marks in ‘American Sniper’
Toledo Blade
BY KIRK BAIRD
BLADE STAFF WRITER
January 16, 2015

As the country’s deadliest sniper, with more than 160 confirmed kills, Chris Kyle put his life on the line during the Iraq War and in the process saved hundreds of fellow U.S. soldiers’ lives.

Such legendary battlefield exploits have all the makings of a great war film.

And it does. But that’s only part of Kyle’s story — the easiest part for a film to cover.

But as we’ve seen in the course of Clint Eastwood’s directorial career, he’s not interested in easy.

In the filmmaker’s acclaimed Western Unforgiven, for example, Eastwood adds a twist to the good guys wear white and the bad guys wear black genre motif, with Eastwood as a murderous outlaw anti-hero and Gene Hackman as a morally corrupt sheriff.

It’s much the same with American Sniper, a film about a national hero that doesn’t succumb to hero worship. Rather, its thrust is the stark honesty of the price of wartime heroism.

As a soldier on the battlefield, Kyle was nearly flawless. But as a soldier at home with his wife, Kyle was flawed and damaged, the result of a war he could leave but that never really left him.

The film is based on Kyle’s New York Times best-selling autobiography, and Eastwood’s adaptation is equal measures stirring and thrilling in its depiction of harrowing battles in which death could be waiting behind every locked door. Yet American Sniper’s biggest asset is its ability to place audiences who have never experienced the horrors of war outside of a movie theater into the mind and body of someone who has.
read more here

American Sniper - Official Trailer [HD]
Warner Bros. Pictures
American Sniper - Official Trailer 2 [HD]

Famous Navy SEAL Sniper Chris Kyle killed at Texas gun range

Ex-Navy SEAL died pursuing his passion
By JAMIE STENGLE AND CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN
The Associated Press
Published: February 4, 2013

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — The former top Navy SEAL sniper who authorities say was killed at a Texas shooting range was devoted to maintaining camaraderie and helping his fellow veterans find their way after leaving active duty.

Chris Kyle, author of the best-selling book "American Sniper," and his friend Chad Littlefield apparently were doing just that Saturday when, officials say, they were shot and killed by former Marine Eddie Ray Routh.

Kyle, 38, had left the Navy in 2009 after four tours of duty in Iraq, where he earned a reputation as one of the military's most lethal snipers. But he quickly found a way to maintain contact with his fellow veterans and pass on what had helped him work through his own struggles. By late 2011, he filed the paperwork to establish the nonprofit FITCO Cares, which received its nonprofit status the following spring, said FITCO director Travis Cox.

"Chris struggled with some things," Cox said. "He'd been through a lot and he handled it with grace, but yeah he did struggle with some things. And he found a healthy outlet and was proactive in his approach to deal with those issues and wanted to help spread his healing, what worked for him, to others. And that's what he died doing."

For Kyle that healthy outlet was exercise. At the heart of FITCO was giving in-home fitness equipment to physically and emotionally wounded veterans, as well as families who had lost a veteran, Cox said.
read more here

There was another sniper in the news. No, he didn't get a movie made. He got a headline instead.

Family of man who shot wife, himself pushes for PTSD awareness
My Meridian Press
Holly Beech
November 7, 2014

“It’s sad, the families have to go through this,” she said. “These issues are real and they need to be addressed so people don’t have tragedies.”

Family members of a 24-year-old Meridian man who shot his wife and then himself said he came back from war a changed man.

According to Meridian Police, Kevin Smith shot his wife, 32-year-old Kimberly Smith, on Sept. 20 in the garage of their home while her five children where in their rooms sleeping. The grandmother to three of the children was also in the home and called the police.

Kevin’s aunt, Diane Delvecchio, told Meridian Press in an email that Kevin suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury after serving two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army.

“PTSD and TBI are horrific,” she said. “Kevin was a good, kindhearted man that loved his family very much.”

According to a memorial site set up by his family, Kevin was honorably discharged with PTSD after serving for five years, including as a sniper.
read more here

This Marine sniper got a headline too.

Former Marine who shot deputy tormented, his ex says
Tampa Bay Times
Jessica Vander Velde
Times Staff Writer
Sunday, December 8, 2013

TAMPA — Matthew Buendia was a trained U.S. Marine Corps sniper. If he had wanted to kill the Hillsborough sheriff's deputy he shot at, he could have, his ex-girlfriend recently testified.

Jessica Gipson figured he was trying to commit suicide. She says that just before Buendia fired more than a dozen times at Hillsborough Deputy Lyonelle De Veaux on Sept. 30, 2011, he swallowed a handful of pills.

Gipson saw Buendia draw his gun and fire at close-range. Maybe the 24-year-old man wanted the deputy to shoot back, she thought.

"At this point, I don't know what his intentions were," Gipson testified three weeks ago.

Gipson's recent testimony provides new details about the troubled ex-Marine, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and at one point was taking 17 pills a day prescribed by U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs doctors.

This is the defense's approach as they head toward trial in March. No one is denying Buendia fired the shots. But Tampa defense attorney Mark O'Brien is arguing the young man served his country and came back from three Middle East deployments broken.

Without warning, he would become mean and aggressive, Gipson testified. Sometimes his face would change, as he'd fly into "one of these moods," she said.

Buendia was frustrated with the VA doctors, who he thought were not communicating with one another. He self-medicated with marijuana, Gipson said, which helped him eat and sleep.

He carried a seat belt cutter in his car — a response to seeing some friends burned alive in a vehicle while deployed abroad. read more here

Some will remember him as a sniper. Some will remember him as a veteran reaching out to make the lives of other veterans better. When you see the movie remember the price paid is not over when they come home.

Congress Got It Wrong With Clay Hunt Suicide Bill

Stateside Suicides Won't Change with Repeating Failures
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 17, 2015

Coming out against something so popular isn't easy but it would be harder for me to simply follow everyone else for me. I've looked into the eyes of far too many families after it was too late to prevent a stateside suicide of someone they loved. I've talked to too many veterans after they survived combat and then repeated attempts to end their own lives. They waited, hoped, prayed, Congress would finally get it right but more were failed by them than helped by them.

It is far too easy to simply support Clay Hunt's family on this bill instead of looking back at all the other families having to travel to Washington hoping to make a difference. They have done it for years. They have been wondering where all the outrage has been for their sake. Where are the editorials about holding someone accountable? Where are the editorials brave enough to mention how many other lives could have been saved if Congress ever once took a look at what they already did and failed with?

It isn't the money. It isn't the worthiness of Clay Hunt to have his name attached to a bill promoted as saving lives. It is the fact that there have been many more bills, just like this and suicides went up. It is the fact that Congress has not gotten a single bill written worthy of the suffering of any of them.

After years of Congress telling us they were doing something to save lives the results are veterans committing suicide at double the rate of the civilian population yet are only 7% of the general public. Younger veterans, OEF and OIF veterans, are committing suicide triple their peer rate. My heart breaks for Hunt's family. It breaks more knowing that they joined many more families hoping their loss will save lives only to discover, more suffered the same fate.

This bill should not be passed until Congress stops repeating what they have already done since 2007 with the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention BIll. That bill was pushed by another grieving family thinking they were going to make a difference only to discover Congress didn't know what they were doing. Clay Hunt deserved better than this bill and so did all the others.

The money Congress spent along with the DOD and the VA have been in the billions a year but the price cannot be measured with a dollar sign. It is measured by the tears shed for someone who should not be dead.

A soldier's suicide, our second chance
Star Tribune
Article by: EDITORIAL BOARD
January 16, 2015

It’s an outrage that vets’ legislation didn’t clear Congress last year.

The impromptu YouTube video made by Clay Hunt’s mom and stepdad last month wasn’t meant to be a tear-jerker. But it’s hard to watch the footage without being affected by the raw, emotional pain the couple shares.

Hunt, a Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, took his own life in 2011 after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. In mid-December, a much-needed bill named after the young Texan, one that would improve veterans’ mental health care and access to it, was poised to easily clear the U.S. Senate after unanimously passing the House. Then it hit a roadblock by the name of Sen. Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican known as “Dr. No” for both his medical degree and his willingness to single-handedly kill bills through procedural gamesmanship.

The last-ditch video by Susan and Richard Selke was shot near Coburn’s office as they became aware that he had concerns about the bill’s expense, $22 million over five years, and necessity. Hoping Coburn would see the video, Selke asks the senator, as a fellow father, to reconsider.

“I know there are things in there [the bill] that might have saved Clay’s life, might have saved some other veteran’s life,’’ Selke said, clearly struggling to hold back tears. “It’s on your back. This is personal. Please, please don’t say no.”
read more here

A Father-to-Father Message to Sen. Coburn from Clay Hunt's Step-Dad
Can you listen to their heartbreak and then tell them honestly this bill will make a difference knowing what you know now? I can't. What I can tell them is everyday I fought to try and prevent someone like Clay from committing suicide. He did everything right. He tried to get help. He got involved with other veterans. He volunteered with TEAM Rubicon responding to disasters around the world. What more could he have done? Nothing. The rest of us should have been up to the challenge and fought for them. What excuses will we have the next time another family goes to a funeral and then to Washington hoping to make a difference?

Camp Pendleton Grounds Site of Acjachemen Natives Conversion

What California Indians lost under Junipero Serra, soon to be saint 
LA Times
Karin Klein
January 16, 2015

Through those records, many of today’s Acjachemen know which villages were their ancestral homes. Some can trace their roots back to Panhe, which means they know where their ancestors stood 9,000 years ago.

An early photo of Mission San Juan Capistrano
one of the missions overseen by Father Junipero Serra
(Los Angeles Times)

Is there a word for the extinction of cultures? Not the people of those cultures, but the cultures themselves?

I ask because one of the notable consequences of the California mission movement founded by and overseen by Father Junipero Serra was the loss of various Native American cultures, to the point where many Indian groups cannot now get tribal recognition.

It seems odd that Pope Francis, known for his cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity, has chosen to confer sainthood on Serra, who played such a big role in obliterating indigenous culture in coastal California.

Several years ago, I was honored with an invitation to attend a traditional Acjachemen ceremony in San Onofre State Beach, just south of the Orange County border.

The members were celebrating the fact that the Coastal Commission had put a halt to a massive toll-road project that would have encroached on the site of the ancient Acjachemen village of Panhe, which their ancestors had inhabited continuously for 9,000 years, until shortly after the arrival of the Spanish. In fact, it was at Panhe that the first christening took place in California; the actual spot is on Camp Pendleton.
read more here

Vietnam Veteran with PTSD Proves It Ain't Over Yet

A veteran remembers 
Willits News
By Karen Rifkin
POSTED: 01/16/2015

In the early 1980s, when the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built, Anthony flew to D.C. to see it. "I walked across the green and saw vets dressed in their camouflage; I couldn't get closer than 100 yards and turned and got back on the plane for home. I didn't relate to being a Vietnam vet; I didn't talk with other men."

Tony Anthony, veteran. (Photo by Nathan DeHart)

It was 1967 and Tony Anthony was in his second year of college. "It seemed like all the guys were there to stay out of the Army; to me that felt like fraud." So he quit school, got a job and three months later was drafted. Afterward his head was spinning, "Oh my God, what have I done?"

Vietnam was raging; it was the height of the war and he was drafted in November of that year, the largest draft month ever. Completing his basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, he remembers it as being his coldest winter ever.

"The commander there had it in for college guys. There were eight of us; he put us all in the infantry and we were shipped to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for advanced infantry training," Anthony said.

"Even though I was drafted, I had been fighting the whole thing, but when we got to Fort Jackson, the guys who were training us had just returned and were missing body parts. I got serious then; I had to listen if I wanted to survive."

Graduating at the top of his class, his reward was being allowed to stay and teach the next cadre while the rest of his unit was sent to Vietnam. Seven months later Anthony was shipped out on his own.

"It was one thing going with a unit and a much harder thing to go on your own," he said.
read more here

John Preston, Iraq Veteran, Song to Fight Silent War of PTSD

East Bay Veteran Moved to Revive Music Career to Help Fight "Silent War" 
NBC Bay News
By Garvin Thomas
Jan 16, 2015

John Preston thinks the third time is the charm.

After two, failed runs at rock stardom John feels he finally has the right music, and the right message, to make the big time.

"How I feel right now is that, where we are at in life, we've written a hit," John says.

The 32-year-old Iraq War veteran and Palo Alto firefighter has recently released a single and EP, Your War Is Over, pledging 30% of the sales to a non profit that helps veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"Somewhere along the way something blessed me with a talent," John says. "We're going to take whatever I can do with that talent to raise awareness for the rest of the country."

John grew in up rural Kentucky, dreaming of being a rock star. Still, he always knew he would first follow in the steps of his father and two older brothers by enlisting in the Marines. John signed up in 2000. He was on a training exercise in Southern California on 9/11.
read more here

Texas Veterans Parade Tragedy Lawsuit Settled for 26

26 Settle Suit in Texas Veterans Parade Crash That Killed 4
Associated Press
By BETSY BLANEY
LUBBOCK, Texas
Jan 16, 2015

Twenty-six people who were hurt or had family members killed when a freight train struck a veterans parade float in Midland two years ago have settled their lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad, both sides said Friday.

Lawyer Kevin Glasheen, who represents the families, said the settlement is confidential but they "are very satisfied." The families of two of the four veterans killed in the November 2012 crash were part of the agreement. Many others were injured.

"It's sufficient to give them security and comfort in their lives," Glasheen said of the settlement amount.

Union Pacific spokesman Jeff DeGraff confirmed a settlement in an email but declined to give details or comment further. A trial involving 17 plaintiffs who are not part of the settlement is set for Jan. 26.

Just before the crash, the parade float filled with wounded veterans and their spouses was inching across a railroad track when the crossing gates began to lower and a freight train bore down on them, its horn blaring. Some of those seated on the float jumped off just moments before the train — traveling at more than 60 mph — crashed into the flatbed truck.
read more here

Friday, November 16, 2012
Veterans Parade ends in tragedy 4 dead 16 wounded

UPDATE
Veteran, survivor plans lawsuit

UPDATE
Staff Sgt. Joshua Michael died saving wife

Veterans Events for Central Florida

Veterans To Do List from Cathy Haynes

Mid-January notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida

Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!

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

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

Amputee Vet needs help this weekend – Sat. Jan 17 – Vet has the supplies, just needs the hand and muscle power.   Home is in Merritt Island.   Interior painting needed for 2k sq ft home, wood floors to be done, hot water heater needs to be installed by legitimate plumber.   8:30am until done.   Contact Kim of AVET Project atkim@avetproject.org   321-373-7046

Local Wounded Marine Gets His Home!  - Sat. Jan 17 – Public Welcomed!   Flag Raising and Dedication Ceremonies for Marine Sgt. Stephen Tovet and his wife, Krystina, to receive their specially adapted new home.   9am Flag Raising at 303 Cross St., Oakland, 34760 (western Orange County) and the Home Dedication Ceremony is at 11am at Oakland Presbyterian Church Christian Life Center, 218 East Oakland Ave.   Sgt. Tovet was born in Orlando and grew up in Apopka. He and his wife, Krystina were high school sweethearts and are graduates of Apopka High School.   Stephen enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 2006 and was deployed to Iraq in 2007. He was subsequently deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He was seriously wounded from a IED blast while on patrol in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.   The explosion severely injured his left leg, hand, and right lower leg.   He subsequently required amputation of his left leg above the knee and surgical reconstruction of his hand and right lower leg.

Special Guest Speaker at the Home Dedication will be Marine Maj. General Mike Regner, Staff Director at the Marine Corps Headquarters at the Pentagon.

This is the sixth local home built by Home At Last, Inc. which provides personally adapted homes for wounded warriors.   Donations still welcomed at Home at Last Project, Inc., PO Box 38, Oakland, FL, 34760.    Bill Criswell Home At Last, Chairman (a WW2 vet) 407-876-2472   wccriswell@earthlink.net

TOMORROW,,,,,,,TOMORROW,,,,,I'LL BE THERE WITH CAMERA READY. (look below for videos from the last two years)
Orlando Rocks Benefit for Marine Cpl. Adam Devine – Sat. Jan 17 - VFW Post 4287 at 3500 S Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, 32822.   (southeastern Orlando)   Doors open at 1pm. Escort is scheduled to arrive approximately at 2pm with the limousine carrying Cpl. Adam Devine to the event.   National Anthem is at 3pm.   On December 28, 2011 Adam Devine was WIA (Wounded in Action) and as a result lost both of his lower limbs and is still in Walter Reed Medical Center undergoing numerous surgeries and physical therapy.  Event open to the public.

"One Nation Under God" – Sat. Jan 17 –  7pm at First United Methodist Church in Oviedo presents this FREE celebration of Christian Patriotism.   It is a live musical Program with video and live testimonials honoring our 1st Responders and all branches of the military and veterans.   This event is also feature guest speaker Army Ranger LTC Danny McKnight whose story inspired the book and movie “Black Hawk Down.”   Program is compiled by By Your Side Ministries in partnership with Operation Safety 91.    Refreshments after the program.   FUMCO, 263 King Street, Oviedo, 32765.   407-365-3255   www.fumco.net   www. byyoursideministries.com/boxoffice    Operation Safety 91:   www. OS91.com    407-484-4506

The Scottish Highland Games – Sat & Sun Jan 17, 18 – Lots of fun for the whole family whether you have Scot/Irish ancestry or not.   Bagpipes are heard from all over the southern US, but especially nice are the First Responders who play.   Central Winds Park, 1000 E. SR 434, Winter Springs, 32708.   Quidditch, dancing, Scottish games, sheep dog herding display, bands, etc.  Saturday: 8am – 9pm $25 adult entry; Sunday: 9am – 5pm $20 adult entry.   Check online for schedules and more info.

Call to action:  Veteran Businesses = Jobs for veterans - Wed. Jan 21 - Public meeting notice about a study being done on small businesses in our community.   Please show up and be represented.   There is no mention of counting Veteran-owned businesses within this study.   Very disappointing.   Other Disparity Study contracted businesses across the country include veteran-owned businesses and it is the trend. Please attend and let your voices be heard.   4pm – 6pm at Orange County Orlando Magic Recreation Center, 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792.   FREE parking.   See:   orangecountydisparity.com

“Orange County, City of Orlando, Orange County Public Schools, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (Agencies) are conducting a study that will examine the procurement of services and products, the subcontracting participation of prime contractors/service providers who do business with the Agencies and in the private sector, and the anecdotal evidence collected from a broad cross section of all firms doing business with or interested in doing business with the Agencies.   The results of the study will provide an update to the Agencies’ current M/W/DBE, LDB, and ACDBE programs. Individuals and businesses are invited to learn about this disparity study (forum) and provide testimony of doing business or attempting to do business with the Agencies (hearing).”

Study conducted by MGT of America, Inc., contact Vernetta Mitchell at vmitchel@mgtamer.com ororangecountydisparity@mgtmer.com   (704) 531-4098.   Future meetings: Wed. March 11 (Apopka) and

Wed. April 8 (Winter Garden/Ocoee).

Local Developing Business (LDB) and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise – Fri. Jan 30 – Learn about these programs and other opportunities.   Presented by GOAA (Greater Orlando Aviation Authority) from 9am – 11:30am at Orlando Executive Airport, 365 Rickenbacker Dr, Orlando, 32803.   Info:   407-825-7133.

2015 Veterans Business Initiative (VBI) – Apply before Jan. 30 - The VBI will run for eight weeks through February and March with two sessions per day starting Thurs. Feb 5.   This is a no cost program for 100 qualified veterans who are seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, employment and continuing education. The VBI will be held at the Central Florida Disability Chamber of Commerce (CFDC) located at the National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Dr., Suite A-120, Orlando, 32803. The VBI is sponsored by Florida Hospital, Manpower US (Central Florida), Regions Bank and the Orlando Business Journal.   Partners include Disney, Rosen and Score.  Info: Rogue Gallart at   rogue@nationalec.org 407-420-4875 or Lisa Hancock at lisah@mnpwr.com

Valentine’s Day Dinner and Day – Sat. Feb 14 – sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 11488 and a portion of proceeds will benefit Home At Last that assists wounded warriors with local specially adapted homes. Tickets/information available by contacting Jim McQuillan at 407-877-2149.   Also available after the Masses at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, 32819.   (Southwest Orlando.) Obtain your tickets early, this event has sold out in previous years. Event will be in their St. Patrick Social Hall.   $25 Prime Rib dinner and dance from 6pm – 11pm.   Flyer available. dad@mcquillanfamily.com  

Charity Golf Tournament PVA of Central Florida – Mon. March 23 – Fund raiser for both Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Central Florida and The Disability Wellness Center in Sanford.   PVA assistance includes spinal injury and neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.   There are 27 known veterans with ALS in Central FL.   Tournament will be held at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes in Longwood, 32779.   Flyer available.   Sponsorships welcomed.   To register or for more information contact: John DeMauro, 407-328-7041   cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com

Spread the word - Seeking members of the World War II 384th Bomb Group to sign a Commemorative wall panel.  ASAP.   During WWII, the 384th Bombardment Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and was assigned to the Grafton Underwood Airfield in England.   Today, the 384th Bomb Group Commemorative Wing Panel Project provides those veterans a chance to sign their names on a genuine wing skin panel from a WWII B-17G.  The panel travels all over the United States for interested 384th veterans to sign.   A volunteer for the group, Keith Ellefson, will be touring Florida later this month with the wing panel.   Email him at B-17WingPanel@384thBombGroup.com, or call Keith Ellefson at (334) 733-4353.

A roster of members of the 384th Bomb Group and a record of their service in the 384th can be found atwww.384thbombgroup.com  

Volunteer Help needed - 27 trailer homes with disabled and elderly veterans residing in them need various repairs or help with painting, outdoor weed control, etc.   Also needed – someone with experience in leveling trailers.   Lists are being compiled to match the needs, the supplies and the volunteers.   Contact Cate Montuoro at cmontuoro@HBI.org   407-259-5069

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 Beatrice Brown, the Coordinator.   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 Beatrice Brown at 407-496-1307   wellsbrownlawgroup@gmail.com  

JOBS – especially for veterans or military connected

If you are looking for a job or have connections with providing jobs, I need to know who you are.   I receive notices about jobs, job fairs, employment assistance, etc. but I don’t always know who is interested - on either side.   Contact me so that people can be linked together for the benefit of all!   chaynes11629@yahoo.com

The above items that are shared provide information or assistance to living veterans, military and first responders. 

There are also events that honor the deceased veterans, military, and first responders:

Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) are made up of persons who provide flag lines at funeral homes and cemeteries only upon invitation of the family of the deceased.   They also may escort the deceased from the funeral homes to the final resting place. PGR also participates in patriotic events like welcoming home warriors, Honor Flights, parades, wounded warrior home dedications, etc. While some PGR ride motorcycles, motorcycles are not required.  Anyone who is interested is invited to join in the tributes.

While the ultimate final tribute to a former warrior is a flag line in his/her honor, it’s always best to show the appreciation while he/she is still alive….

Dave (Buzzard) Clarke - Florida Asst. State Captain Patriot Guard Riders  (Central FL, Leesburg, Bushnell Cemetery area)  dave_clarke1@msn.com  352-406-0343   or   David Shelton (Flyboy) (c)  321-689-4699dshelton01@aol.com (Central FL, Orlando area)

INFO to keep and share:

Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline:   1-800-273-8255, #1.  

Website at www. veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;

Or text 838255   for  24/7 confidential assistance.   They are there because they care….

Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families.     It works.   It has saved lives, marriages and families.  Contact Steven 407-841-0071

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

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/

EXTRAS:

·         Museum of Military History, 5210 West Irlo Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, 34746.   407-507-3894 for further information.   www.museumofmilitaryhistory.com

·         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

·         Wounded Times - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans and their families. Local, state and national news, events, and stories – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.

·         Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, 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

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

From 2013 Green Beret
From 2014 Navy SEAL

Vietnam Veterans Showing Younger Veterans How to Heal

Overcoming the Past to Help the Future
WHSV.com
Isabel Rosales
Jan 15, 2015

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- Virginia is home to nearly 800,000 veterans, but it's hasn't been until recent wars that the veterans administration studied and understood serious problems impacting our veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.

One Valley veteran who survived both is now helping other veterans who need a hand.

At the young age of 17, Charlie Joseph volunteered to fight in Vietnam. He joined the service as a confident teenager, not expecting the searing images that would take away more than his youth.

"You see a pile of Vietnamese that you piled up, that you shot that night and then you bury them. Just dig a big 'ole hole with our backhoe and then just bury them," explained Joseph.

He spent a year and a half in Vietnam where the spilled blood bound Charlie to his team. No longer fellow soldiers, but brothers in blood, until his time ran out.

He didn't know it at the time, but he was suffering from PTSD. His guilt and rage led to depression and then to thoughts of suicide.

"And finally one time I had insurance, $500,000 life insurance, and I said well that will take care of them," explained Joseph; however, he never got the chance. A friend dropped by at the exact time Joseph attempted to take his life and gave him a second chance.
read more here

More Stories
Veterans' Resource Guide
Related Links
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1061 website
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1061 Facebook group