Shocking! You Don't Have to Be A Veteran To Drive Like You Are?

Veteran wants proof you deserve that military license plate 
Tampa Tribune
By Howard Altman
Tribune Staff
October 31, 2015

Earlier this month, Connie O’Dell went to the department of motor vehicles office in Ruskin to get a new license plate for her husband, Navy veteran Mike O’Dell.

As a result, O’Dell is on a new mission — trying to change how plates commemorating the five branches of the armed services are issued in Florida.

O’Dell says his wife saw a Navy license plate, asked if she could purchase it and was told she could — even though she was never in the Navy and didn’t have to show discharge papers or any other proof that she served.

O’Dell said he did some research and found out those are indeed the rules. But he wants them changed.

“I asked at least three or four dozen veterans since then and none of them were aware that the people driving around with those license plates weren’t necessarily in the service,” said O’Dell, who served in the Navy from 1971 to 1973. “They were not happy to find that out. We served our country. We deserve those plates. Those who did not, don’t deserve those plates.”

The bigger issue, O’Dell said, is concern that non-veterans with nefarious intent might try to pass themselves off as veterans. He said civilians who want to show their support should get a “supporter” plate instead.
read more here

John McCain Defends Colleges Over Veterans

This makes sense today considering it is Halloween. Is this trick or treat? Trick is McCain is pulling a switch on who is getting the treat and who the trick is being played on. Does the word delusional come to mind?

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), in a speech on the Senate floor yesterday afternoon, charged that fellow Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has "orchestrated" a "shameful ... vendetta against for-profit universities." McCain upped the ante by asserting that Durbin has a "well-known record of not supporting the men and women who are serving in the military."

Yep! He really said that even though we all know how much McCain does not support veterans as he constantly reminds them he is one of them.

In his own floor speech yesterday, Durbin encouraged the Pentagon to continue its investigation. Durbin noted that Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said that the University of Phoenix was the "worst by far" for-profit college in terms of taking advantage of the vets who are members of his organization.

Top that off with the fact McCain strongly opposed Jim Webb's GI Bill calling it "too generous" and now he is defending those responsible for getting that "generosity" by using veterans. Statement of Senator Jim Webb on the White House's Embrace of his 21st Century GI Bill

This bipartisan coalition consistently rejected the allegations of this Administration, and of Senators McCain, Burr and Graham, among others, who claimed that the bill was too generous to our veterans, too difficult to administer and would hurt retention.

You can read the rest of this on The Huffington Post McCain Lashes Out At Durbin, Defends Veteran-Abusing For-Profit Colleges

Here are a few more of what McCain got wrong. John McCain needs to remember he's a veteran

Massachusetts Town Canceled Veterans Parade?

Veteran's parade canceled in Marshfield Posted: Oct 29, 2015

Parade organizers say the timing of the parade means fewer and fewer attend. And they had added problems this year, including a loss of funding and a complaint that the parade tied up traffic for too long.

WOW!

"Year Incorporated As a town: 1640"

The Town of Marshfield is located in Southeastern Massachusetts in Plymouth County. A coastal community 30 miles from Boston, Marshfield has a yearly population of about 25,000 people which grows to about 40,000 in the summer months. The town's rich history of over 350 years dates back to the pre-revolutionary war era and is best known as the home of Daniel Webster from 1832 until his death in 1852. While a resident he was a very important national political figure and was known as "the Farmer of Marshfield".

Guess they don't want to bother remembering how men and women stepped up to make this nation free and others stepped up to retain that freedom.

Fort Riley Soldier Found Dead

Soldier dies from gunshot wound on Fort Riley 
KSNT News
By Brian Dulle
Published: October 29, 2015

FORT RILEY (KSNT) – Officials in Fort Riley says around 5:50 p.m. Wednesday evening a 1st Infantry Division Soldier died of a gunshot wound in his residence on the installation.

The identity of the soldier is not being released at this time pending notification to family.
check for updates here

22 veteran suicides a day — a misused statistic

Finally! Finally someone is talking about what veterans have been saying all along but reporters just didn't care enough to learn the facts. The truth is even more stunning than that simplistic quote of "22 a day" when researchers looked at the demographics. Most are over the age of 50, yet were responsible for all the research started 40 years ago and are the last to be helped by all the "awareness" groups out there. They never talk about the fact veteran suicides are double civilian population.

They survived combat but couldn't survive back home? Younger ones are triple their peer rate yet they are the topic of every awareness charity raising money while it all gets worse for the veterans. Does it still feel good to write a check when it gets worse for veterans?

22 veteran suicides a day — a misused statistic
My San Antonio
Express-News Editorial Board
Published 12:00 am, Saturday, October 31, 2015

Now and then we hear reference to a powerful statistic about our veterans. It’s often expressed with the best of intentions but without proper context.

The statistic is this: There are 22 veteran suicides a day in this country. As in all veterans, but it’s often mistakenly framed around combat veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The statistic comes from a 2012 Department of Veterans Affairs suicide data report. That report is based on data from 21 states between 1999 and 2011. The report is clear that the statistic 22 suicides a day applies to all veterans, not just those who have served more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, the vast majority of the suicides, about 69 percent, involved veterans who were at least 50 years old, the Los Angeles Times and others have reported.
read more here

Sounds like someone may actually have been reading Wounded Times and thought about it for real change!

Philanthropist Lois Pope Making Sure Disabled Veterans Are Honored

Philanthropist helps put disabled veterans documentary on TV 
Associated Press
By MARISA GOTTESMAN
Saturday, October 31, 2015

“I had no idea about the horrors of war and the devastation it can cause to human beings’ minds and bodies until the moment I walked into the room at Rusk Rehabilitation and saw dozens of Vietnam veterans, some without legs and arms, some mutilated, some burned so badly and some blind.” Lois Pope

ADVANCE FOR USE SATURDAY, OCT. 31 - In this photo taken Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, Palm Beach County philanthropist Lois Pope poses at her home in Boynton Beach, Fla., with a DVD copy of a PBS documentary about disabled military

MANALAPAN, Fla. (AP) - A Manalapan philanthropist is making good on her promise to herself to share the story of the nation’s disabled veterans with as many people possible.

On Nov.10, the documentary “Debt of Honor: Disabled Veterans in American History” is set to premiere nationwide on PBS. The hourlong film chronicles American wars starting with the American Revolution up to the current conflict in the Middle East, with a focus on the disabled veterans who come home to fight their own personal war of survival once they leave the battlefield.

The $1 million budget film is funded by philanthropist Lois Pope, who for decades has wanted to share the story of the nation’s disabled veterans if she ever had the financial means to do so. It is directed by six-time Emmy award winning director Ric Burns.

“It’s an unflinching report,” Pope said. “It’s a candid chronicle of disabled veterans.”

And Max Cleland was a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War when a grenade exploded and caused him to lose his legs and one arm.

“Once second I am a tall, strapping 6-foot-2, young Army captain the next second I’m laying on the ground bleeding to death,” he said.
read more here

Palm Beach County philanthropist helps bring disabled veterans documentary that airs Nov. 10 on PBS

"History books tell us who won and lost wars. They never tell us the story of the continuing suffering of those who come back home disabled for life." Lois Pope

Published on Aug 19, 2015
Attendees of the 97th National Convention in Baltimore can attend a special screenings of this documentary film, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Ric Burns. The movie is a tribute to the history of disabled veterans, the documentary features images and archival footage from the Revolutionary War to today's conflicts in the Middle East, as well as personal stories from disabled veterans.

Central Florida Veterans Events Part 1

Central Florida Veterans Events

From Cathy Haynes

November list #1  – Preliminary list of veteran, military and patriotic events in Central FL

Events thru Sun. Nov 8 – that I am aware of….There MAY be other events.  Please get your groups Veterans Day recognitions and ceremonies to me ASAP (like in 5 minutes!) because people cannot attend or join what they don’t know about……

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Misc. info

Everyone and especially Veterans – please plan to attend the various school programs.  There MAY be events at some schools near your home that are not listed here.  Our young ones need to be aware of who veterans are and how they have served our country.  Your attendance reinforces the efforts that some teachers are trying to provide.  Be an example – be someone that the young generation will remember and model after…

Just a bit of reminder for folks - There is a difference between veterans and military.  Sometimes people get confused that veterans were once active military but they are not officially serving anymore.  And our military are serving now and will one day be veterans.  Retired veterans served a specified required time in service.  All military retirees are veterans but not all veterans are military retired.   Veterans Day honors all persons who once were in the military - especially the living.  Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military.  Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May - it was established in 1950 to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force Days.  That is a day to pay tribute to men and women who currently serve the United States’ armed forces.

October was Agent Orange Awareness Month.  The organization Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) encourages your education and support of the Federal Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 (S.901 and H.R.1769) 

Who is deployed?  - Attn. persons with any family member currently deployed to Afghanistan and other “rough areas.” - Local groups are seeking the names and addresses for warriors in such areas. Care packages would like to be sent.  Send names and addresses of Central Florida deployed military service men and women to Cyndi Landers – cyndilanders @ msn.com of AUSA (Association of the United States Army, Sunshine Chapter).

There are more than 600 deployed Soldiers (and a few Marines too) from our own local 2-124th Florida National Guard and 143rd ESC Army Reserve.  Care package groups want to send boxes of snacks, good food, hygiene items, and things that may not be readily available to warriors in those “frontlines.”  Providing names and addresses early (NOW) will allow the warriors to provide such items as gifts to their battle buddies during the holidays.  AUSA (Association of the United States Army, Sunshine Chapter) is collecting items and monies needed for shipping.  Drop off donations on Mon, Tues and Wed, November 2, 3 & 4 at L-3 Communications, 12351 Research Parkway, Orlando, 32826  (POC:  Karen Thaldorf, 407-382-4482.) Additional contacts: Daila Espeut-Jones – 407.924.0810 – daila.espeut-jones @ zeltech.com ; Greg Maida – 407.497.5688 – gsmaida @ comcast.net   Another group is  J.O.S.H. - Just Our Soldiers' Helpers Inc.  Contact Kathy at 407-314-1607  kathy @ joshsupport.org  

Shopping consideration – As we are preparing for the upcoming holidays, please consider buying items that are made in this country.  Buying “Made in U.S.A.” allows employment for more persons in this country and some of those workers may be veterans, reservists, or guardsmen/women.  UPC barcodes do not always indicate the country of manufacture.  Look for the “Made in U.S.A.” labeling.

Mentors needed - Veteran Courts ARE succeeding!  Longer term success is possible with community mentors and there are mentoring programs in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties.  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, or PTS anger issues that are being rechanneled.  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 your local Veterans Court resource.

Vietnam Veterans of America Daytona Beach Chapter 1048 had a "Welcome Home" for 25 Permanently Hospitalized Vietnam War Veterans from Emory L. Bennett VA Nursing Home as new members to VVA Chapter 1048. www. vva1048. com 1920 Mason Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32117.  After a short ceremony, VVA Chapter 1048 hosted a luncheon for all Emory L Bennett Veterans and the staff members, who are dedicated caring professionals for our Veterans.  Thank you for remembering and recognizing our former warriors!

For more information please contact Rod Phillips at 386.690.9553

Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America offers ONCE IN A LIFETIME SPECIAL, LIFE MEMBERSHIP for $100. This offer will be good between November 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.  Contact Rod Phillips 386.690.9553  The offer is available to anyone, whether new or existing members, unless you are already a fully paid up Life Member at this time. This includes people who are currently annual or 3 year members, and it even includes those who have already signed up for a Life Membership on time payments!

Military Recognition Program by Orlando Solar Bears – Solar Bears Hockey Team is seeking active military/veterans/guard or reserve personnel from all branches to honor at their home games for the 2015-16 season.  He/she should be in uniform or wear their military branch themed clothing and provide a short bio.  Contact the office to nominate yourself or someone else and to get further information.  Recognition will include complimentary game tickets & parking for that game! Wheelchair seating available upon request (based on availability); Numerous home games.  Contact Taylor Bartz, Community Relations Coordinator for Orlando Solar Bears,  407.951.8200 x124  tbartz @orlandosolarbearshockey.com  

EVENTS

Nam Knights & Monster Challenges Mud Obstacle Benefit Run  - Sat. Oct 31 - This Green Swamp Nam Knight event is for the sole purpose of supporting “Home at Last”, the organization constructing a specially adapted house for Marine Staff Sergeant Brandon Wittwer.  He is a Marine Corps Scout Sniper, injured in Iraq and medically retired in Nov 2014. 100% of the proceeds will go to “Home at Last”.   Registration is now closed for competition but spectator admission is $10.  Monster Challenges is a 4+ mile, 28+ mud obstacle event including snow and zip lines!  Little Monster's course is nearly 3/8 mile and is designed for children under the age of 10. With safety being the most important aspect, there is plenty of opportunity for the Little Monsters to get down and dirty just like their folks! All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Arnold Groves and Ranch, 15000 Frank Jarrell Rd, Clermont, 34714.  Info:  Monster Challenges  352-978-2898   contact @monsterchallenges.com
The mission of the Nam Knights is to honor the memory of American Veterans and Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, to assist Veterans and Police Officers in their time of need, and to promote community awareness through sponsorship and participation in various community and fund-raising events.”

“The Nam Knights Motorcycle Club continues to grow and thrive due to the extraordinary dedication of its members, their families and our benevolent supporters.”  Nam Knights Info:  contact is needed!

Info:  Home at Last Project, Inc.  dad @ mcquillanfamily.com  407.876.2472

Halloween Party Military and Family Friendly – Sat. Oct 31 - There will be a Haunted House, treats, snacks and games for the children.  Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  3pm – 5pm at American Legion Family at Post 286 Pine Castle, 529 E. Fairlane Ave., Orlando, 32809 (north of Sand Lake Road on Orange Ave. in south Orlando.)  The American Legion Post 286 Pine Castle Department of Florida members, the Legionnaires, American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion, make up what is known as The Legion Post 286 Family.  “Working Together as ONE”,  all three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship and  better places in which to live.   

Children and Youth Committee embraces all activities for improvement of conditions of life in the community where the American Legion Family is located. It has been a major activity of The American Legion and Auxiliary since 1926, and has resulted in the completion of a vast number of projects to make American communities.  This is a very pro-active and involved Post!  407-859-1460

Daylight Savings Time ends – Sun. Nov 1 – Turn your clocks back one hour.  Use that bonus time to do something nice for our veteran and service personnel!

Election Day – Tues. Nov 3 – Become educated and do your civic duty – VOTE!  Our local elections tend to have a more direct impact on us.

Student Veteran Story Day – Tues. Nov 3 – event presented by the UCF History Dept. and the Community Veterans History Project, Colbourn Hall, UCF Main Campus, UCF Main campus, 9am to 5pm.  The UCF Community Veterans History Project is collecting, preserving, and making accessible to the public the experiences of Central Florida's veterans so that future generations will better understand the realities of conflict. It is a collaborative endeavor supported by multiple departments and offices at UCF. The histories, which students began recording during the fall 2010 semester, are archived and made digitally available through the UCF library and selected veterans' histories to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.  Pre-registration required, visit: riches.cah.ucf.edu/veterans  Info: Program Coordinator of Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) Joshua.Johnson @ ucf.edu  407-823-5874

The First Academy Veteran’s Day Celebration – Wed. Nov 4 – The students of Wounded Warrior Club of The First Academy would like to honor members of the Armed Forces.  10am in Faith Hall.  First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, 32805. (North of I-4 and John Young Pkwy, exit 79.)  Info/RSVP’s appreciated for head count planning to 407-206-8659  or  marygooseman @ thefirstacademy.org      Shared by Brian Rose, Principal.  Event flyer available.

"Debt of Honor" Movie Screening – Wed. Nov 4 – WUCF presents this FREE movie screening followed by a panel discussion with local veterans and support providers. 6:30pm – 9:30pm.  Orlando Science Center, 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, 32803.  Free parking!  Kindly register your attendance at WUCF website.

The movie is scheduled to be on WUCF TV at 9pm on Wed. Nov 10.

“Debt of Honor: Disabled Veterans in American History” is a new documentary film by six-time Emmy Award-winning director Ric Burns.  It will “examine the way in which the American government and society as a whole have regarded disabled veterans throughout history, beginning in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War and continuing through today’s conflicts in the Middle East. The film combines personal stories, told by distinguished disabled veterans, with deep history narrated by leading scholars in the fields of disability studies, history and psychology to illustrate the human cost of war and the enormous sacrifices of military service. These sacrifices are brought to life through hundreds of carefully curated still images and archival footage from across the country.“  Info: catherine.hiles @ wucftv.org   407.823.5554  Event flyer available.

US Army Field Band & Soldier’s Chorus Live Concert - Wed Nov 4 – FREE concert in Lake County begins at 7:30 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Clermont, Wesley Center, 715 W. Juniata Street, downtown Clermont, 34711. The Concert Band regularly travels and performs with the Soldiers’ Chorus, together presenting a powerful and diverse program of marches, overtures, popular music, patriotic selections, and instrumental and vocal solos.  The Band has invited 16 outstanding students from the local high school bands to perform with them on stage. Reserve FREE tickets at  armyfieldband114. eventbrite. com. Limited seating. Tickets must be presented at the door for entry.  Info:  352-394-2412   Source:  Found by accident at The News Ledger Four Corners news.

Veterans Day Golf Tournament – Fri. Nov 6 – Fairways for Warriors (Orlando Chapter) sponsors this four-person scramble at Eagle Creek Golf Club, 10350 Emerson Lake Blvd, Orlando, 32832. Registration deadline November 1st. Maximum entries 120. If you’re not able to attend, PLEASE consider making a donation to this great cause. All donations are tax deductible.  Registration 7:30 am, Shotgun start 8:30 am.  F4W provides golf equipment, instruction, and outings to wounded warriors and their family members. Golf has proved to be an excellent tool for mental and physical rehabilitation. It has given these brave men and women the opportunity to heal from their significant injuries (amputations) and some injuries that we can’t see such as depression, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and others. F4W is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and is dependent on tax-deductible financial donations with 96% of the monies going toward the program!  Info:  Tom Underdown   tom @ fairwaysforwarriors.org 407-399-0977   fairwaysforwarriors. org

Winter Park Veteran's Day Celebration - Fri Nov 6 - Col. Lance Kildron, USAF is the guest speaker at the Ruby Ball Amphitheater located outdoors at 721 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, 32789. He is Commander of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 159 and professor of Aerospace Studies at UCF (University of Central Florida.)  The veteran informational gathering will begin promptly at 9:30 am, and the official program will commence at 10am thru 11am with music, anecdotal speakers and recognition of veterans.  Info: Clarissa Howard, Communications Director at 407-599-3428  choward @ cityofwinterpark.org

Veterans Day Weekend Open House, Sat and Sun Nov 7 and 8 - The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum will provide free admission to the museum for all military, active or retired.  Also, ALL Florida residents will be admitted free.  ID is required.  A highlight of the open house will be your first look at the massive cockpit of a combat veteran B-52, the world’s famous jet bomber.  In addition to our collection of vintage aircraft, we will be featuring plastic modelers and radio controlled modelers, and a visit from Jungle Jim with his Florida wildlife.  If you have a classic car that you would like to show on Saturday and/or Sunday, please contact the museum.  9AM-5PM, Saturday and Sunday.  Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.  Space Coast Regional Airport, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, 32780.  Info:  Ron Davis, Public Relations Officer, 321-268-1941. Publicrelationsofficer @ vacwarbirds.net

“Freedom Isn’t Free” and "One Nation Under God"– various dates and locations - By Your Side Ministries produces this 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, and in partnership with Operation Safety 91.  Check Operation Safety 91website for specifics:  www. OS91.com   407-484-4506

November 7 - Lake Ridge Village, Eustis.

November 8 - First Christian Church, Kissimmee.

November 11 - "One Nation Under God", BYSM Theater, Winter Garden (see below.)

November 20 – Apopka VFW/Community Center, Apopka.

November 21 - Atria at Lake Forest, Sanford.

By Your Side Ministries Theater, 13355 W Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, 34787 (in the strip mall behind Taco Bell.)  Doors open at 6 pm. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm.  50 minute program "One Nation Under God" starts at 7:15pm. Donations for the dinner will be accepted.  Reserve Tickets for free dinner and program at  www. byyoursideministries. com/ boxoffice     Info:  Dave Gillum at: dave @ byyoursideministries.com   321-305-1111

Veteran’s Day Parade – Sat. Nov 7 – in Kissimmee, Osceola County.  Units still welcomed to participate.  Contact ASAP.  Parade line up starts at 8am at the Osceola County Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, 34741.  Parade starts at 10am.  Numerous units including pick-up truck with seats for Purple Heart recipients.  Sponsored by the Osceola County Veterans Council.  Contact TJ Palmer at  tpalmer44 @ cfl.rr.com  407.552.7124  or Gary at 301)275-5403.     Shared by TJ Palmer.

4th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Nov 7 - "Walk a Mile in Their Boots" at Medical City in Lake Nona.  Sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation to benefit warriors, past and present, and their families who seek counseling for PTS issues.  3, 6 or 12 mile challenge at Lake Nona. You can participate as a Walker or a Runner; or compete for prizes as a Warrior, in which you must carry at least 35 lb. in your ruck sack or backpack.  The first 400 registered receive a Ruck Sack March shirt & commemorative dog tags. This event is chip timed and top finishers will be awarded with a medal. Prizes will also be awarded for top finishers and fundraisers. The goal is not only to raise awareness about Camaraderie Foundation’s mission of helping to heal the invisible wounds of war for our Military Service Members and their families, but to raise funds to help implement our counseling scholarships and programs for them.  Marriages, families, and LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED.  Registration and Sponsorships available at www. rucksackmarch2015 .kintera. org   Contact Jackie at 407.841.0071    camaraderiefoundation. com 

Concert to honor veterans – Sun Nov 8 – The Orlando Concert Band and the pipe organ of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke will be joined by a choir of over 200 singers from The Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Luke, St. James Catholic Cathedral, All Saints Episcopal Church, Lake Brantley and Colonial high schools.  Free concert at 2pm, 130 N. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, 32801.  Info: 407-849-0680.  Source: Orlando Sentinel.

Mount Dora Patriot Cruise and Salute - Sun. Nov 8 – 23 veterans, many of whom are wounded, ill or injured, and their families will be taken on a scenic boat ride, this 4rd Annual event.  At 12noon, after their return, a patriotic ceremony and picnic will be held. Gilbert Park in downtown Mt. Dora. 310 S Tremain St, Mount Dora, 32757.  Details: www. mountdorapcs. org  Info to volunteer or help:  Rozann Abato  fra10 @ aol.com  305-772-5246  

Veteran’s Day Luncheon – Sun. Nov 8 – First United Methodist Church of Oviedo Military Support Team sponsors this to honor all who have served.  ALL Veterans and their spouse or guest(s) are invited.  Lunch is FREE but reservations are requested by Thurs. Nov 5 for proper planning. A “turkey with trimmings” lunch will be served at no cost in the Christian Life Center / Gymnasium, 263 King Street, Oviedo, FL 32765.  The luncheon will include a Color Guard and Missing Member Table ceremony, beginning at 12noon.  Guest speaker is the Colonel Todd Wasmund, Commander, 3d Infantry Division Artillery and son of member Charlotte Wasmund.  Hot meal and the fascinating talk! RSVP to the Church office (407-365-3255) or to Bronco7a @ gmail.com

Wounded Warrior Appreciation Dance - Sun Nov 8 - Orlando Chapter of USA Dance and Macy’s Furniture Gallery present this “Gala in the Gallery” fundraiser. Come dance in a beautiful, unique, new dance venue where you can dance down the aisles and in the center court of the Macy's Furniture Gallery.  7pm – 9:30pm at 820 West Town Parkway, Altamonte Springs, 32714 (From SR's 434 & 436, go 2 traffic lights South on SR 434, East on West Town Parkway.) Army Specialist B.J. Jackson and his family will be recognized for service and sacrifice while serving in Iraq.  DJ's Bobby & Judi Chapman (The Dancing Chapmans) will play your requests for any style of dance.  ALL DANCERS INVITED! Entertainment includes the exciting "Spartan 300 Warriors' Salsa Performance by Ultimate Alliance Team.  USA Dance has served the Central Florida dance community for 24 Years with teaching, exhibitions, and an outlet for having fun with ballroom, swing, and Latin dancing.  Also providing programs for special needs and and senior dances. Admission  $10   Info:  407-614-3472  twelvedancer @ aol.com   Also see:  orlando-usadance. com  

Caring and sharing,

Cathy Haynes

Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL

407-239-8468

chaynes11629 @  yahoo.com

Fort Carson Soldiers Among Betrayed

Soldiers with mental health issues dismissed for 'misconduct'
Colorado Public Radio · NPR
Daniel Zwerdling , Michael De Yoanna
Oct 28, 2015

Staff Sgt. Eric James, an Army sniper who served two tours in Iraq, paused before he walked into a psychiatrist's office at Fort Carson, Colo. It was April 3, 2014. James clicked record on his smartphone, and then tucked the phone and his car keys inside his cap as he walked through the door to the chair by the therapist's desk.

As he sat there sharing his fears and telling the therapist he'd been thinking about suicide — all while secretly recording the entire session — James was inadvertently helping to bring a problem within the Army to light: As it tries to deal with thousands of soldiers who misbehave after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and then being diagnosed with mental health disorders and traumatic brain injuries, the military sometimes moves to kick them out of the service rather than provide the treatment they need.

The Army tried to dismiss James in 2013, because he had been stopped for drunken driving two years earlier. This despite pledges by Army commanders and a 2009 congressional edict to make sure such misconduct is not the result of mental issues brought home from the wars.

Saying he wanted evidence to protect himself, James made secret recordings of more than 20 hours of sessions with therapists and officers at Fort Carson. In the recordings, counselors can be heard berating him for suggesting he has serious mental health problems. They try to convince him his experiences in Iraq were not too traumatic — and even seem to ignore him when he talks about wanting to commit suicide.

When Army leaders heard about the recordings, they ordered an investigation. It concluded that James had been mistreated, and two of his therapists were subsequently reprimanded.
read more here

If you doubt this, then read about the reporting done out of Dallas on Warrior Transition Units.

Suicides Went Up Because of CSF Contagious Stigma Feeder

How the Army Killed Off Hope
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
October 30, 2015


This question came from an article on the New York Times about the 2/7 Battalion. They lost 20 to war but so far 13 more to suicide.

Q. Are multiple combat deployments a contributing factor to suicide?

Dave Philipps: The data suggest there is little or no added suicide risk associated with multiple deployments, but those studies have been unable to address the amount of combat seen. Second, no study has looked at this question after active duty. We simply don’t know. Anecdotally, nine of 13 members of the 2/7 who killed themselves did multiple tours. And I think it is important to note the quick succession of these tours, with less than a year between.

The answer is, redeployments have a lot to do with the suicides and the Army knew it back in 2006

The report also found a doubling of suicides among soldiers serving in the Iraq war from 2004 to 2005, the latest period for which data are available. Twenty-two soldiers took their own lives in Iraq and Kuwait in 2005, compared with 11 in 2004 and 25 in 2003, Army officials said.

That was from the Washington Post Repeat Iraq Tours Raise Risk of PTSD Army Finds

U.S. soldiers serving repeated Iraq deployments are 50 percent more likely than those with one tour to suffer from acute combat stress, raising their risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the Army's first survey exploring how today's multiple war-zone rotations affect soldiers' mental health.

Earlier Army studies have shown that up to 30 percent of troops deployed to Iraq suffer from depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with the latter accounting for about 10 percent.

The findings reflect the fact that some soldiers -- many of whom are now spending only about a year at home between deployments -- are returning to battle while still suffering from the psychological scars of earlier combat tours, the report said.

If you are serious about understanding any of this, I strongly suggest you go and read the whole report that is still active online. All the answers came from what the Army started and the Marines paid for along with the Airmen and Sailors.


How a Marine Unit’s High Suicide Rate Got That Way
New York Times
By DAVE PHILIPPS
OCT. 29, 2015

The funeral for Eduardo Bojorquez, a member of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment, who committed suicide in June. Credit Todd Heisler/The New York Times

Since coming back from Afghanistan in 2008, the hard-hit Second Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment has struggled to adjust. The battalion, known as the 2/7, lost 20 men in war. In the years since, it has lost 13 more to suicide. The battalion now has a suicide rate 14 times that for all Americans.

The New York Times asked Dr. Charles Engel, of the RAND Corporation, and two Marines who served with the battalion in Afghanistan, Arthur Karell and Keith Branch, to answer readers’ questions about the devastating effects of combat and the high suicide rate among veterans. The conversation took place on Facebook in October, moderated by Dave Philipps, a reporter for The Times who covers veterans’ affairs. Here are some of the questions and answers, which have been condensed and edited. read more here This is another important piece on the report

A.K.: The events of the past inform the outlook for the future. When the events of the past repeatedly trigger an anguish that doesn’t abate, it may cause a veteran to question what kind of future they have in store. I’ve heard of post-combat stress described as a response to deep moral trauma, as war is just about the most intense and certainly the largest-scale moral trauma humans inflict on one another. For veterans, post-military activities, pursuits and/or careers that involve or embody a shared purpose, go a long way toward recovery from that moral trauma.

That stigma is due to the program that had been sold as the answer to not just to preventing suicides, but in preventing PTSD. It is called Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.

OVERVIEW
Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) is designed to build resilience and enhance performance of the Army Family — Soldiers, their Families, and Army Civilians. CSF2 does this by providing hands-on training and self-development tools so that members of the Army Family are better able to cope with adversity, perform better in stressful situations, and thrive in life.

It didn't take long to understand this program has in fact fed the stigma and should have been ended as soon as suicides increased after its implementation in 2009. Even I knew it would and predicted the inevitable outcome of increasing suicides. Telling them they could take this training to become resilient managed to translate into their thinking that if they ended up with PTSD, they were mentally weak and didn't train right.

Instead of ending this fubar farce, they pushed it harder. It didn't matter it was an unproven research project.

The Dark Side of “Comprehensive Soldier Fitness”
Mandatory "resilience training" program for all U.S. soldiers raises concerns.
Psychology Today
Roy Eidelson Ph.D. Roy Eidelson Ph.D.
Dangerous Ideas
Posted Mar 25, 2011

Although its advocates prefer to describe Comprehensive Soldier Fitness as a training program, it is indisputably a research project of enormous size and scope, one in which a million soldiers are required to participate. Reivich, Seligman, and McBride write in one of the special issue articles, "We hypothesize that these skills will enhance soldiers' ability to handle adversity, prevent depression and anxiety, prevent PTSD, and enhance overall well-being and performance" (p. 26, emphasis added). This is the very core of the entire CSF program, yet it is merely a hypothesis - a tentative explanation or prediction that can only be confirmed through further research.

This is yet another good place to learn some facts because as the Army tends to point toward the high number of non-deployed soldiers committing suicide, they fail to mention this program was so insufficient that it could even keep them alive, refusing to even consider the fact they expected it to work on those with multiple deployments.

Top that off with the other factor of the high number of young veterans receiving this training only to commit suicide stateside after surviving combat overseas and you get the idea they failed to see.

When you hear someone saying they are "raising awareness" make sure they are made aware of this since so far few have a clue of what I knew would happen after listening to them complain about Battlemind, the predecessor to CSF. As for Congress, they just kept paying for it, over and over and over again along with all the other money they have spent over the years to produce more deaths after combat than during it. It should have been called Contagious Stigma Feeder because that is exactly what it did!

The Army managed to explain less about the facts on PTSD. They don't know what PTSD is, why they have it or the simple fact that it does not mean they are stuck suffering the way they are today.

PTSD is set of by trauma, not them. They are not weak. As a matter of fact it is the strength of their emotional core that causes them to feel everything more deeply than others.  Feel more love and feel a lot more pain.

They can heal and the sooner they get it the better when it is mild and most can be reversed.

None of this is new and Vietnam veterans pushed for all the research going back to the 70"s.

We learned a lot because of what they started yet it appears the Army is still loading the same old BS they used when Patton slapped a soldier.

Will Iraq Veteran Matthew Ladd Ever See Justice Jury Awarded?

WPB Iraqi war vet continues to battle city to get $888,000 verdict
Palm Beach Post
Jane Musgrave
October 29, 2015
Filed in: 15th Circuit, 4th District Court of Appeal, Civil, Florida Legislature

Former West Palm Beach police officer Matthew Ladd while serving in Afghanistan in 2005.

Two years after a Palm Beach County jury ordered West Palm Beach to pay an Iraqi war veteran $888,000 for improperly firing him as a police officer, an appeals court this week ordered the city to pay up.

But whether 30-year-old Matthew Ladd will ever see the money still remains an open question.

A jury in 2013 agreed the city used PTSD as a ruse to fire Ladd, days after a psychiatrist declared him fit for duty.

In an unusual move, city officials earlier this year filed a separate lawsuit, claiming Ladd lied to the jury about his condition. In the lawsuit, they claim they obtained medical records that showed Ladd was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007 and he was taking experimental drugs when he worked as a city cop.

Garcia claims Ladd, who served two years in Iraq and Afghanistan, wasn’t diagnosed with PTSD until 2012, two years after he was fired. He branded the city’s action “a vexatious, bad faith attempt to punish Mr. Ladd” for winning the $888,000 verdict. read more here