Amputee Iraq Veteran Focused on Her Journey to Beijing

Amputee Iraq veteran hands triathlon challenge to Fort Carson troops
Colorado Springs.com
By Tom Roeder
Published: January 24, 2016

"It is all about going from Baghdad to Beijing and realizing it's the journey that really mattered."Melissa Stockwell

Iraq war veteran Melissa Stockwell shows her prosthetic leg while speaking with members of Ft. Carson's Wounded Warrior Transition Unit and others about her experiences Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette

Iraq amputee Melissa Stockwell told a group of wounded, injured and ill Fort Carson soldiers that triathlon training saved her life after a bomb took her leg.

"It healed me from the inside out," Stockwell said last week during a breakfast gathering that urged the troops to join the Southeast Armed Services YMCA's new triathlon training team.

She's widely considered a triathlon medal contender at the Paralympic Games this summer in Rio De Janeiro.

Stockwell was a lieutenant in the Army's 1st Cavalry Division when her Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb in 2004.

"I looked down and there was blood where my leg should have been," she said.

She was evacuated from Baghdad to Germany and then sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for treatment.

"Nobody told me my leg was gone," she recalled.

Stockwell, though, didn't have time to mourn her injuries at Walter Reed.

"I looked around and saw so many soldiers who were worse off than I was," she said.
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Florida Police Officer Survives Ambush Attack

Police chief: Florida officer shot in "ambush" attack 
CBS NEWS
By CRIMESIDER STAFF
 January 22, 2016

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- A south Florida police officer has been shot and wounded in what his chief is calling an ambush attack. Miami Gardens Police Chief Antonio Brooklen told reporters Friday that Officer David Starling's injuries are not life-threatening.

Brooklen says officers arrested a suspect after a short car chase that ended when the suspect's vehicle crashed. read more here

Firefighter-Iraq Veteran Marine Fights For PTSD Service Dog

Service dog leads to conflict, conversation about Joliet man's PTSD
Local veteran: Work dispute spotlights disconnect with disability rights
The Herald News
Lauren Leone-Cross
Jan. 21, 2016

Leverence – a firefighter and paramedic with the Aurora Fire Department and member of Aurora Firefighters Local 99 – said unchecked PTSD symptoms not only were getting in the way of his relationship with his wife and three daughters, but also were creating problems on the job.

Kevin Leverence sits on the floor with his service dog, America, after coming home from work as a firefighter Wednesday in Joliet.

JOLIET – Service dogs have for years helped people with physical disabilities, but increasingly they are being trained to help people cope with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Among those people are veterans such as Kevin Leverence, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Joliet who earned a Purple Heart for injuries received during his nine-month deployment to Iraq in 2004.

Leverence is two months into his relationship with America, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever service dog from Puppies Behind Bars, an organization in which inmates train service dogs exclusively for veterans.

“My whole goal with this is to make this more normal. We’re going to see more and more service dogs, and better ways to handle mental health than with piles of pills,” Leverence said. “[I want to] bust this conversation wide open that it’s OK to have trouble.”
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Iraq Veteran Sammy Vasquez "Undefeated" With PTSD

Vasquez's victory keeps the Pennsylvania product unbeaten after he served two stints in Iraq for the Army and returned with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Boxing has helped Army veteran Sammy Vasquez work through PTSD
LA Times
Lance Pugmire January 21, 2016

"You can't prepare yourself for what you think war is. You see someone you're there with every day, talk about getting home … and then one of them ends up dead. That jacks your brain up … you get a lot of anger, aggression." Sammy Vasquez

Sammy Vasquez is unbeaten in 20 fights, winning 14 of them by knockout.

Undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez (20-0, 14 knockouts) and his Saturday night co-main event opponent Aron Martinez of Los Angeles are linked by their desire to win a boxing title one day.

But Vasquez's cause is something more.

"Mine is for America," Vasquez said.

Not only does the Pennsylvania fighter want to discuss his upcoming Fox-televised fight at Staples Center, he feels compelled to open the conversation with a discussion of military service.

Vasquez was 17 when he committed to the idea of joining the Army after being shaken by 9/11 as a younger boy.

He served two duties in Iraq, a 2005-06 stint in which he served on quick-reaction and security teams, and a 2008-09 assignment in which he worked alongside and helped train members of the Iraqi military and police.
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Awe Sweet of Trump Caring About Soviet Veterans!

Looks like intern he blamed will hear "You're fired" after this but he approved the ad.

Trump video mistakes Soviet veterans for Americans
CNN
By Chris Moody, Senior Digital Correspondent
January 22, 2016

"In the Veterans Administration, the incompetence is beyond. We will stop that," Trump says in the video before showing images of Soviet veterans that was taken in Russia in May last year, according to the stock video site that hosts the footage. "We are going to take care of our veterans."

(CNN)In a single morning, Donald Trump promoted a photo that originated from a neo-Nazi Twitter account and posted a campaign video that mistook Soviets for U.S. military veterans.

Trump's campaign on Friday shared a Facebook video vowing to reform the Veterans Administration that included stock footage of Russian -- not American -- former servicemen with medals that bore the communist sickle and hammer symbol.
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Ex-Wife Gave Key Evidence to Convict Navy Veteran of VA Fraud

Jury: Blythewood man defrauded VA, Social Security of $1.5 million in claiming hyped-up MS disabilities 
The State
John Monk
January 22, 2106

The case is unusual in that such a large amount of alleged fraud – a combined $1.5 million in VA and Social Security benefits, mostly from the VA – by one person is seldom-rarely brought to trial or even investigated by the government.

Dennis Paulsen leaving court earlier
this week. John Monk The State

COLUMBIA, SC
A federal jury on Friday found a Blythewood man guilty of stealing $1.5 million from the Veterans Administration and Social Security by falsely claiming for years that he suffered extreme impairments from multiple sclerosis.

While the man, Dennis Paulsen, 45, did in fact have multiple sclerosis, government prosecutors presented evidence during the six-day trial that Paulsen had for years led an active life that enabled him to claim some $9,400 a month in tax-free benefits instead of a far lesser amount.

The yearly tax-free income of some $112,000 from the VA and Social Security enabled Paulsen to live a nice life – unlike most people, Paulsen didn’t have a regular job – at his two-story home in Blythewood, which he shared for years with his now ex-wife, Kristine, and two sons.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Paulsen had for years led a highly active life, playing multiple sports at a high level and even running in the Marine Corps Mud Run in 2008. On the last leg of that mud run, he picked up a stretcher with a person on it and lugged it to the finish line, evidence showed.

Key pieces of evidence were photos and writings from an Internet blog kept by Paulsen’s former wife, Kristine Paulsen, from about 2006-2011. During that time, Dennis Paulsen was receiving his major benefits.

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Acting Secretary of Army Patrick Murphy Thinks Fort Hood "Role Model"

Unless Patrick Murphy actually pays attention, forget about anything getting better. He's ready to expand Fort Hood's program calling it a role model of all things. Seriously?

January 16, 2015 Maj. Troy Donn Wayman, 44, was found in his home in Nolanville, Texas, near Fort Hood.

January 3, 3016 Staff Sgt. Devin Schuette "left a note, she said, expressing love for his wife, their children, other family and for his country and the Army. “But he felt like he was broken,” she said. Schuette is survived by his wife, Tannie, and three children."

November 10, 2015 Army Times reported "Spc. Cecelia Devonna Shannon was found unresponsive in her off-post residence in Killeen, Texas" gunshot wound.

We could keep going on this but frankly, this other article from NBC sums up what the truth is about this "role model" at Fort Hood.

On September 7, 2015 NBC News told this ugly truth. Soldiers Waited Days, Weeks for Counseling at Fort Hood: Investigation Army says it’s understaffed, but that soldiers are getting the help they need when they need it

"Demand for care is not letting up. Records show counselors at Fort Hood are still handling between 11,000 to 13,000 appointments each month. That’s down only slightly from four years ago when they were seeing 13,000 to 16,000 a month."

The report went on to add

"But records show some soldiers still wait an average of 21 days for routine follow-up appointments. That’s longer than the Army’s target goal of seven days."

And then took a look at the Warrior Transition Unit

"Soldiers receiving behavioral health care include troops recovering at Fort Hood’s Warrior Transition Unit or WTU. NBC 5 Investigates teamed up with The Dallas Morning News for a year-long investigation that uncovered hundreds of complaints about treatment inside the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit’s (WTUs) that were designed to help injured soldiers heal."

This is why the claim of this or any other program being touted as a role model should make every military family cringe! It's all more of the same FUBAR that produced so many suicides in the military and in the veterans community.

Top Army Leader Visits Fort Hood, Impressed by Soldier Programs
KCEN News
By Tiffany Pelt
Posted: Jan 20, 2016

"We need to model that on every post across the globe that has an Army soldier on it," said Murphy.

Courtesy: Fort Hood

FORT HOOD - It's often called the 'Great Place', and on Wednesday the Army's top civilian leader got a lesson on why.

"There was a lot of love in central Texas for Fort Hood and for the mission they take on for our country," said Patrick J. Murphy, acting Secretary of the Army. "To be back with soldiers who are really the tip of the spear here at Fort Hood was a honor and privilege."

Fort Hood was Murphy's first stop since taking over as the acting secretary. To start his trip, the Iraq War veteran suited up and joined the soldiers for their morning PT workout. He then spent the remainder of his time focused on the soldier and family programs.

"Fort Hood is really the model when it comes to the Soldier for Life programs," he said. "As acting Secretary of the Army we need to expand on those programs throughout the country."

Murphy was most impressed by the opportunities made available to Fort Hood soldiers transitioning out of the military. Fort Hood programs like 'Shifting Gears' and 'Veterans in Piping' teach soldiers specific job skills, and many have jobs lined up before they even leave the Army.
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Fort Hood Death of Major Ruled Suicide

Army major's gunshot death near Fort Hood ruled a suicide
Army Times
Staff report
January 22, 2016

Wayman served two tours in Saudi Arabia, including during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also deployed twice to Iraq and once to Kosovo.

Maj. Troy Wayman was found dead Jan. 16, 2015, in his home near Fort Hood, Texas.

(Photo: Army)

The Army on Friday released the name of a soldier who died Saturday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Maj. Troy Donn Wayman, 44, was found in his home in Nolanville, Texas, near Fort Hood. He was pronounced dead by Bell County Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, according to the statement from First Army Division West officials.
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Palin Didn't Care About PTSD Until It Happened To Her Son

Truth, most veterans with PTSD, or anyone else for that matter, are more of a danger to themselves than anyone else. Suicides are a lot higher than criminal cases. But with that said, the other truth is anyone can end up suffering with PTSD after any traumatic event. Most of the time you never know someone has it unless you care to learn about them and their life. When you do take the time, you discover that had you gone through the same thing, you'd be changed too.

Maybe you wouldn't end up with PTSD, but during the days and weeks after a traumatic event, that changes you from that point on.

If you are like me you're probably wondering why we are still having the same discussion on how there is still such a strong stigma on PTSD. After all, 4 decades, billions of dollars on awareness and prevention, and folks still don't have the basic idea of what PTSD actually is. Just sad all the way around.

Sarah Palin, This Is What PTSD Is Really Like
New York Times
By NATE BETHEA
JAN. 22, 2016
AS a veteran, I want politicians and public figures to try and understand what military deployment is like, and to relate to my experiences. But I’m not sure I want Sarah Palin weighing in.

That process begins by speaking frankly. Facing up to destructive or abusive behavior comes next, along with the assertion that we are responsible for our actions, no matter what burdens we carry. Post-traumatic stress is no excuse for violence or abuse, nor should it be considered a default association.
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Palin wants to blame Obama because her son was arrested on domestic violence charges and has PTSD. Palin needs to see what others saw long ago looking at her because when she had the chance to help veterans in Alaska she didn't.

Veterans For America, a veterans advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., released a report on the Alaska Army National Guard Oct. 15 that stated the Guard does not adequately care for soldiers who return from deployment. The report accuses Gov. Sarah Palin of not taking action to address this issue.

Did I mention that report came out before Obama was even elected? It came out in 2008. Guess she wasn't interested in what was happening to the troops, National Guardsmen in Alaska or any other veteran until it happened to her own son.

That is something veterans remember. Older veterans remember how many decades they have waited while politicians make speeches using them to get votes.

'Nightly Show' To Sarah Palin: 'Please Leave Us The F**k Alone' (VIDEO)

The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore
Get More: The Nightly Show Full Episodes,The Nightly Show on Facebook,The Nightly Show Video Archive

Linked from Talking Points Memo

SWAT Raided Pot Growers in Colorado?

Roommates sue Denver, Jeffco after military-style marijuana raid
The Denver Post
By Jennifer Brown
January 22, 2016

Three roommates in Conifer are suing Denver police and JeffCo sheriff's after a SWAT raid on marijuana operation

Derek Smith and Shannon Riley, who are engaged, and their roommate Eric Hepper grew medical marijuana and sold it to Vietnam War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as well as cancer patients, their lawsuit says.

Three roommates who grew medical marijuana are suing two law enforcement agencies after their rural Conifer home was raided "military-style" with armored vehicles, machine guns and flash grenades.

A year after the raid, none of the three has been charged with a crime, and they have received minimal response from Denver police and Jefferson County sheriff's officials about why they confiscated $70,000 in cash, 28 firearms and a pickup truck, their attorney said.

Heavily armed SWAT officers knocked in doors and threw flash grenades during the Jan. 23, 2015, raid, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday. Officers "assaulted" dogs at the "peaceful mountain home" and destroyed more than 350 marijuana plants.
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