Congress cut funding for more research on burn pit exposures for 2016

News5 Investigates: Vets and contractors believed to be sickened by war time burn pits
KOAA 5 News
By Maddie Garrett
February 5, 2016

"We have no idea what these veterans were exposed to day to day," said Daniel Warvi, Public Affairs Officer, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

COLORADO SPRINGS - A News5 investigation into so-called burn pits looks into how toxic fumes our service members and civilian contractors were exposed to in war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq on a daily basis are now believed to be causing serious health problems.

As thousands of veterans came home from war, doctors started noticing a common health problem, they reported having a cough and/or trouble breathing. Some cases developed into rare lung diseases, and few even ended in death. But just as more vets and civilians are being diagnosed as having respiratory problems, Congress cut funding for more research on burn pit exposures for 2016.

The burn pits were used to destroy all types of waste during wars in the Middle East, burning everything from trash and food waste, to vehicle parts, ammunition, tires, batteries, medical waste, animal carcasses, chemicals, plastic and in some cases even body parts.

The Department of Veterans Affairs said one of the challenges in understanding the risks of burn pits is that each one could contain varying kinds of waste and that could differ on a day-to-day basis.
read more here
KOAA.com | Continuous News | Colorado Springs and Pueblo

Philadelphia VA New Employees Not Trained in Suicide Prevention?

Seven VA Hospitals Flagged on Veteran Suicide
San Diego, Philadelphia, other facilities falling short on best practices
Free Beacon
Morgan Chalfant
February 4, 2016

In total, six of the VA medical centers evaluated since September did not meet requirements for training employees in suicide prevention or risk management. Three facilities, like the Philadelphia hospital, also did not properly execute all suicide prevention plans.

Multiple Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities across the country have been flagged in recent months for insufficiencies in their programs to prevent veteran suicides.

In the last five months, seven VA hospitals have been the subject of reports produced by the agency’s inspector general that highlighted insufficient employee training, patient monitoring, and safety planning in their respective suicide prevention programs.

The inspector general found fault with facilities in Butler, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; San Diego, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Anchorage, Alaska; and Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Philadelphia VA hospital was the site of a reported veteran suicide in November. The review of the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia was completed about a month before a disabled veteran allegedly jumped to his death from a parking garage after seeking psychiatric treatment.

According to the Jan. 14 inspector general report, the vast majority of new employees at the Philadelphia hospital were not trained in suicide prevention or suicide risk management within the required time frame. Fourteen of 15 employees did not undergo suicide prevention training within a year of being hired, hospital records indicated.
read more here

WWII Veteran Scared Ax Carrying Burglar at 92!

92-year-old WWII veteran scares off ax-wielding would-be burglar, authorities say 
Los Angeles Times Veronica Rocha February 2, 2016

“I let off a shot and he took off,” Milspaugh told the news station with a laugh. “He left his ax. He left his hat and everything else after that.”

A 92-year-old homeowner armed with a handgun fired a shot and scared off an ax-wielding man trying to break into his San Jacinto residence Sunday, authorities said. World War II veteran Joseph Milspaugh told KNBC-TV he heard a noise coming from his backdoor and quickly armed himself with his handgun. 

When he went to investigate he saw a man smashing an ax through one of his windows. read more here

‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’ and GI Janes

‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’ to Spotlight Women Veterans 
Variety 
Jackie Maffucci 
Guest Columnist 
FEBRUARY 3, 2016 

In the premiere episode of TBS’ new late night talk show, “Full Frontal,” Samantha Bee investigates how the Veterans Administration will be prepared for the needs of women, given that combat jobs will now be open to them. Guest columnist Dr. Jackie Maffucci offers her perspective on the needs of women in the service, and how they’re treated once they leave active duty.

As a kid, the military was a mystery to me. Service members were embodied by a cartoon and and an action figure: GI Joe. It’s only now that, after working for nearly a decade as a civilian in the military and veteran communities, I’m led to ask, what about GI Jane?

To this day, as a nation, we don’t see women as combat veterans. We only see GI Joe. And yet, the military is at its most diverse point, with women as the fastest growing population both in service and in the veteran community. 

They comprise nearly 20 percent of new recruits, 15 percent of the 1.4 million active duty force, and 18 percent of the 850,000 reserve component. In 2003, they represented six percent of the veteran population; today, they represent 10 percent. 

So what about GI Jane? Why do we still refuse to see her, to support her and acknowledge the sacrifices that she’s made for this country?
read more here

USS Butler WWII Veteran Finally Receives Purple Heart

WWII veteran awarded Purple Heart 70 years after battle 
CNN 
By Amanda Jackson 
February 2, 2016 

(CNN)Ninety-year-old Frederick Stone, a former Navy petty officer from New York, received the Purple Heart on Sunday, more than 70 years after the World War II battle where he gave his heroic service.

A Purple Heart medal is awarded to those service members who were killed or injured while serving.

In 1945, Stone was injured in battle while aboard the destroyer USS Butler off the island of Okinawa, Japan.

Although he was injured, Stone helped his fellow serviceman who was seriously wounded get to safety. After helping, Stone returned to his post.

Stone still has shrapnel embedded in his back, according to CNN affiliate News 12 Long Island.
read more here

Chicago Marine 7 Marathons for Chattanooga Slain Servicemembers

CHICAGO MARINE FINISHES 7 MARATHONS IN 7 DAYS ON 7 CONTINENTS - WITH RECORD TIME
ABC News Chicago
By Ravi Baichwal
Wednesday, February 03, 2016

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A U.S. Marine from Chicago is back home after a whirlwind global tour with an athletic twist that might take a moment or two to sink in.

Daniel Cartica added more than 180 miles to his trip in one of the hardest ways you could imagine: seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

Starting Saturday, January 23, day one was at Union Pass, Antarctica. From the icy course there, he hop-scotched the world to six other continents, finally finishing his amazing feat in Australia last Friday - and Cartica won the World Marathon Challenge in record time.

His trip around the world started at its bottom, Antarctica, then it was on to the Americas, over to Europe, down to Africa, across to the Middle East, then Down Under. Leading the pack in Antarctica was Cartica, a Marine who teaches at Northwestern University.

"I am always a guy who is trying to get out of his comfort zone," Cartica said.

That meant paying $23,000 for the chance to join a club more exclusive than Mount Everest climbers or the astronaut corps. After finishing, it was back into the group's Russian transport, where what little rest was to be gotten before the next marathon - in Punta Arenas, Chile.

"I wanted to do something for those family members of the servicemen that were killed," he said.

They were the five men who died in Chattanooga, Tenn., last July when they were ambushed by an armed gunman motivated, according to the FBI, by "foreign terrorist organization propaganda."
read more here

Homeless Vietnam Veteran Eton Gilmore Honorable Burial

Woman who served in Vietnam fights to get honorable burial for veteran who died homeless
FOX4 WDAF
Megan Dillard
FEBRUARY 3, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- At the top of his career, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart. Two weeks ago, he died disabled and homeless in an abandoned house, with no family. Thanks to the efforts of a fellow disabled veteran, Mr. Eton Gilmore will get the burial he deserves.

A quick drive down Woodland Avenue, and the red house seems just like any other. But there's more to the abandoned home and street-side trash pile. Beyond the rubbish is the story of a homeless veteran who lived and died in the home, and the woman who is fighting to make sure he's buried with honors.

Maryannah Mosley is a disabled Vietnam veteran. She spends her time feeding the homeless.

"If they’re veterans, I really reach out. I’m a disabled veteran myself," she said.

FOX 4 put her in touch with the Department of Veteran Affairs. In a telephone conversation, a spokesperson for the VA said, "He will be buried at no cost to anyone at one of these cemeteries." The spokesperson said the VA wants to help quickly, he appreciates Mosley's efforts, and he's proud of her. "As soon as we’re off the phone, I’m going to push this email over to them."
read more here

Fort Wainwright Soldier Died "Showing Gun Wasn't Loaded"

Police: Soldier dies trying to show firearm wasn't loaded
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Posted: February 3, 2016

FAIRBANKS — Fairbanks police say an Army sergeant died when he unknowingly fired a loaded gun to his head when trying to show a friend the weapon wasn’t loaded.

Image by KTUU-TV

Police in a Tuesday statement say 25-year-old Sgt. Nathan Michael Higginbotham died early Sunday.

Police say Higginbotham had consumed alcohol and was a friend’s home in Fairbanks. He was in the process of confirming his .40 caliber Springfield XD was unloaded. Police initially said the gun was a 9 mm pistol.
read more here

CBS Forgot Reports on Wounded Warrior Project Nothing New?

UPDATE FROM NEWS4JAX

Wounded Warrior Project board hires PR firm
Reports highlight claims of questionable spending practices at charity
By Lynnsey Gardner - Investigative reporter
Posted: 5:50 PM, February 04, 2016

The CEO of the board's new PR team, the Abernathy MacGregor Group based in New York City, said the board has hired Simpson Thatcher as its legal counsel.

With the CBS report on Wounded Warrior Project there is a lot that was missing. After this report this time, WWP demanded a retraction, then they promised to review all of it.

View More: Live News|More News Videos

Is Wounded Warrior Project A Country Crock? posted on March 24, 2012, it seems I scooped CBS. But so were a lot of other people as you can see from the links on the original post.

Example of what they report under Benefits Service
Media ad value $2,307,198
Salaries 696,683
Advertising 649,750
Consulting and outside services 176,994
Direct mail 265,480
Postage and shipping 247,931
Travel 161,183
Payroll tax and benefits 148,070
Meetings and events 14,111
Promotional items 23,629
Grants -
Depreciation 51,166
Occupancy 36,088
Telephone 23,334 Miscellaneous 1,227
Professional fees - Office equipment rental and services 15,820
Supplies 6,360
Printing 1,985
Insurance 6,096
Utilities 3,167
Staff education 896
Books and Subscriptions 1,825
Bank service charges -
Organizational membership fees and dues -
$4,838,993

They were not trying to hide it since that was public information. It doesn't seem as if they were trying to hide much at all, since it was all reported over the years.  

Last year there was this report.

How does the Wounded Warrior Project spend its donations?
News Channel 3
BY MATT KNIGHT AND MIKE MATHER
POSTED 7:45 PM, APRIL 26, 2015

Norfolk, Va. - The Wounded Warrior Project’s top executive says his charity has been unfairly saddled with lower grades from two top charity watchdogs in part because of the Florida-based charity’s high executive salaries and high fundraising costs.

The Jacksonville charity – founded a dozen years ago in Virginia – lists on its tax return the salaries for its eleven executives as $2.2 million. That includes a base salary to CEO Steve Nardizzi of $375,000. The charity also lists fundraising expenses of nearly $32 million. Those figures are, in part, responsible for lower grades from “Charity Watch” and “Charity Navigator,” two of the nation’s three main charity-checking organizations. read more here

Pretty much the same story that CBS News got this year but nothing changed. Oh, by the way, when you watch this video you need to pay attention to what they didn't say. They do not pay attention to pre-9-11 veterans.

It mentions how much they spend on PTSD in the millions, and they are probably right on that considering how much they donated in grants to colleges and other charities.


Then there was this announcement

$70M to be invested in veterans' mental health
Military Times
By Patricia Kime, Staff writer
7:56 a.m. EDT June 18, 2015

A new program funded by Wounded Warrior Project aspires to improve mental health services and care for veterans in the private sector.

The charity is using $70 million to fund an effort that will create outpatient programs at four of the nation's top academic medical facilities, aimed at helping sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Just didn't matter to corporations donating to them.

ATLANTA, Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/-- Georgia-Pacific, the maker of Brawny® paper towels, is proud to have donated more than $2 million to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) following its third year of partnering together. WWP is a national organization dedicated to honoring and empowering wounded service members transitioning back to civilian life through unique, direct programs and services.

This year alone, the Brawny® brand raised $600,000, achieving its 2014 goal.

"Proceeds raised by the campaign have helped WWP foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded veterans in our nation's history."

UCLA benefited with over $15 Million donation.

Wounded Warrior Project has approved a $15.7 million grant over three years for UCLA Health to expand its Operation Mend program. The grant will fund a new, intensive structured treatment program for service members suffering from mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Operation Mend expansion is part of Warrior Care Network, a first-of-its-kind medical network funded by Wounded Warrior Project that will connect wounded veterans and their families with world-class, individualized mental health care. In addition to Operation Mend, the network will include three other programs based at academic medical centers — the Veterans Program at Emory University in Atlanta, the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program in Boston, and the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

WWP and Warrior Care Network partners will commit a total $100 million over three years to fund the initiative, including $7.5 million each that the medical centers will contribute through their own fundraising efforts.

Then there was this grant

Dignity Receives $65,000 Grant from Wounded Warrior Project

We are excited to announce that Dignity has received a grant in the amount of $65,000 from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit veteran service organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The grant will expand Dignity’s ability to provide brand new clothing to injured service members.

Serving veterans is one of Dignity U Wear’s primary focus areas and the Wounded Warrior Project grant will support two programs: “Suits for Soldiers,” which provides work-appropriate clothing for veterans seeking employment; and “Helping Homeless Heroes,” which provides basic clothing necessities for those who have become homeless.

“We are thrilled to be a Wounded Warrior Project grant recipient,” said Barbara Truncellito, Dignity U Wear Executive Director. “The funds will allow us to expand our Suits for Soldiers program, which, with the help of our partner, Brooks Brothers, allows us to offer brand new, custom-fit business suits and accessories to veterans. The clothing increases their confidence and helps them prepare emotionally to ace an interview or begin a new position.

OSU named Wounded Warrior Project grant subcontract recipient

The Ohio State University announced its selection as a 2014 Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) grant recipient through a subcontract with The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University.

The WWP grant program bridges gaps in services and support for this generation of injured service members by supporting organizations that provide high-quality, high-touch, unique programming in remote or underserved regions. Through teamwork and collaboration, the $250,000 grant will enhance support for this generation of injured service members and foster healthy readjustment to civilian life through programmatic activities aimed at training civilian behavioral health specialists.

The award will be used to increase regional approaches to Star Behavioral Health Providers (SBHP), a program that MFRI first created in Indiana, in collaboration with the Center for Deployment Psychology, the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana Family Social Services Administration. SBHP is a training and registry system that prepares civilian behavioral health providers and other community-based professionals to serve members of veteran and military families. WWP funding will allow expansion of the program into Ohio and South Carolina and extend the programs currently operating in Indiana, Michigan, California and Georgia.

You can find more online since none of this is hidden. The really important thing to most of us is that all these donors and all these recipients of those grants, along with WWP itself, don't seem to be bothered by the fact they are ignoring older veterans waiting even longer but left out of all of this.

Rush to expand veterans program with Wounded Warrior Project grant
Rush University Medical Center's veterans program is set to receive $15 million from the Wounded Warrior Project, securing a spot as the Midwest's only hospital to receive such a grant.

The grant is part of a $100 million commitment the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Wounded Warrior Project launched to create a national medical care network connecting wounded veterans and their families.

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.

Hey but they have a year book! This is a new report and pretty shocking.

Wounded Warrior Project yearbooks raise more spending questions
By Lynnsey Gardner - Investigative reporter
Posted: 6:17 PM, February 02, 2016

A quote page includes one that reads: "Thanks for calling Wounded Warrior Project. What the (expletive) do you want?” which is presumably intended as humor.

There is also a social media section that appears to poke fun at some posts from the public to the charity titled "No words."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former employees are raising more red flags about possible questionable spending by the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Jacksonville-based charity is under fire across the country after whistleblowers spoke out against the nonprofit's spending choices.

More Investigations Headlines
Wounded Warrior Project responds to allegations
Wounded Warrior Project accused of spending too little on injured soldiers
Wounded Warrior Project suing 2 injured veterans
Now, former employees are questioning the group's practice of printing annual yearbooks for its staff. News4Jax was told those yearbooks cost more than $20,000 annually to produce.

Wounded Warrior Project has not responded to requests for confirmation of the cost of the yearbooks.
read more here

Mother of Homeless Veteran Shot by Deputy Getting $375,000

Mother of combat veteran killed by deputy will get $375K
My News LA
Hillary Jackson
February 2, 2016

Atkinson’s mental illness was also cited as a contributing factor. Atkinson left his family and mental health treatment in Texas to live on the streets in Los Angeles.

The Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to pay out $375,000 to the mother of a homeless combat veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, who was fatally shot after threatening the deputy with a wooden dowel rod.

On the afternoon of Oct. 6, 2013, deputies encountered 49-year-old Darrell Atkinson hiding or crawling behind a line of grocery carts under an overpass of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway near Venice Boulevard and Cadillac Avenue.

A news release from the Sheriff’s Department issued shortly after the shooting said Atkinson grabbed a wooden stick from one of the shopping carts.

“The suspect suddenly armed himself with a wooden stick,” Deputy Mark Pope of the Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau told a reporter following the shooting. “He advanced toward the deputies with the wooden stick overhead.”

The summary provided to the board referred to the weapon as a wooden club.
read more here

Army Discharged at Least 22,000 Combat Soldiers for Misconduct

Senators to Army: Stop misconduct discharges until review is completed
Army Times
By Michelle Tan
February 3, 2016

Since then, however, the Army has reportedly moved to separate at least one highly decorated combat soldier who was diagnosed with PTSD, according to a new NPR report.

A group of lawmakers wants the Army to stop discharging soldiers who have been diagnosed with mental health problems because of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan.

A group of U.S. senators wants the Army to stop discharging soldiers who have been diagnosed with mental health issues because of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, at least until the service completes an internal review.
(Photo: Army photo)

The move comes one month after the Army announced it would conduct a “thorough, multidisciplinary” review in response to a call from 12 senators to investigate reports that the service discharged for misconduct as many as 22,000 combat veterans who had been diagnosed with mental health problems.

“It doesn’t make sense to continue these discharges while the practice is in the midst of multiple reviews,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said in a statement. 

“Soldiers prevented from serving due to post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury should be treated like we treat those with physical injuries, not be discharged, cast aside and ignored. They fought for their country and have earned the benefit of the doubt.”

Murphy was one of the 12 senators to initially call on the Army to investigate the reports regarding the 22,000 soldiers. The issue was first reported by National Public Radio.

NPR in October reported that the Army, since 2009, has separated 22,000 soldiers for misconduct after they returned from Iraq or Afghanistan and had been diagnosed with mental health problems such as PTSD and TBI.
read more here

Navy SEAL Receiving Medal of Honor Was a Corpsman

SEAL Who Rescued Doctor in Afghanistan to Receive Medal Of Honor
Military.com
by Hope Hodge Seck
Feb 02, 2016

Byers, a native of Toledo, Ohio, began his 17-year Navy career as a hospital corpsman, serving with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

A Navy SEAL who was part of a courageous hostage rescue in Afghanistan in 2012 will receive the military's top award for heroism later this month, the White House announced today.

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers will be awarded the Medal of Honor on Feb. 29. He will be the 11th living service member to receive the award for actions in Afghanistan.

Byers, 36, was a member of the team that conducted a heroic raid Dec. 8 and 9, 2012 to rescue Dr. Dilip Joseph, an American who had been kidnapped in Afghanistan by the Taliban days before. Joseph was in the country as the medical director for Morning Star Development, a nonprofit organization training Afghan healthcare workers.

While Dilip was recovered safely from his captors, the operation proved costly. Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas Checque, 28, a member of the Navy's elite SEAL Team 6, was shot and killed during the raid.
read more here

Washington Rep. Graham Hunt Resigned After Military Record Questioned

Washington state lawmaker resigns over questions about military record
The Associated Press
February 2, 2016

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Rep. Graham Hunt of Orting announced his resignation from the Legislature on Tuesday after recent questions that he exaggerated his service in the military.

Hunt has faced increasing scrutiny over his military record since The Seattle Times reported last month that records did not verify his claims of being a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. He also claimed three medals the military has no record of him receiving.

In a statement on his website, Hunt wrote there are inconsistencies in the record of his military service. He said his constituents "deserve a full-time representative who can zealously advocate for their objectives without distraction."

Most recently, Washington state's Libertarian Party Chairman Steven Nielson said Hunt's statements last week saying he only suffered post-traumatic stress disorder is contrary to claims the lawmaker made in 2014 about being stabbed, according to The News Tribune.

"I was stabbed in Afghanistan and I was shot in Iraq so before you start talking about your thoughts and feelings on veterans realize first of all that I'm sorry that you've lost a loved one but I've lost brothers," Nielson claims Hunt wrote in a social media message in June 2014.
read more here

Florida Robber Picked Wrong Store, Army Veteran Fought Back

Video shows store clerk fighting back against would-be robber
Investigators searching for man between the ages of 19 and 22 years old
WESH News
By Chris Hush
Published 11:30 PM EST Feb 02, 2016

MIMS, Fla. —A Brevard County store clerk, who is also an Army veteran, came face to face with the barrel of a gun and fought back.

"Over a couple dollars. He wanted to ruin someone's life and I'm not going to lie, that makes me mad," said David Dick, the store clerk who was attacked.

It happened a week ago. Video shows the would-be robber storming into the Sugar Creek gas station and store in Mims, demanding cash. Little did the crook know that he picked the wrong person to mess with.

"Pulling the oven open to pull out the pastries for that night. Put it over here. As soon as I turned around, he was already standing here, coming at me," Dick said.

The man, caught on surveillance video, came in armed with an airsoft gun, looking for cash. But Dick, who was working that night, was ready to fight back.
read more here

Wounded Times Disabled Veterans Report

There is no better day than Groundhog Day to kick off a new site for veterans. After all, the problems veterans and families have been forced to endure go back decades. History keeps getting repeated by politicians providing paltry results after lofty speeches.

This all came about after yet another conversation when someone asked "Why isn't all this out there?" after nearly making his head explode by news he never heard before. I told him it was but he was just looking in the wrong places.

Now I'm pointing the way that is easier to find. Wounded Times Disabled Veterans Report is live.

Laskarina Bouboulina (Greek: Λασκαρίνα Μπουμπουλίνα, pronounced [laskaˈrina bubuˈlina]), 11 May 1771 – 22 May 1825) was a Greek naval commander, heroine of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, and an Admiral of the Imperial Russian Navy.

Wounded Times is not changing! After over 25,000 posts and more than 2.5 million hits, it was time to expand to provide disabled veterans with the news and information you should have about what is going on all over the country.

Every month you'll see links to all the reports from Wounded Times that are about you! No politics, no hype, no nonsense about raising awareness and no ads.

You will get facts! Real information on combat related PTSD and yes, sadly, suicides. The only awareness you really need raised is that you are not stuck suffering the way you are, why you have it, what you can do to heal and what your families need to know to help you do it!

After over 30 years researching and living with PTSD and my Vietnam veteran husband, I can assure you that none of this has to be the way it is!

The truth is we're obligated to help each other the same way it was done when you were in the military. No one fights those battles alone and no one should have to fight to have wounds taken care of alone either.

History has proven this has all gone on for generations. You'd think that since Congress has had since 1946 to make sure veterans received what they needed they would have fixed it all long ago, but we just heard more promises when they wanted votes and to pick our pockets.

This is what they control, write bills for and are supposed to be making sure works properly for veterans.

Legislation Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Veterans' measures generally.
Pensions of all the wars of the U.S., general and special.
Life insurance issued by the government on account of service in the Armed Forces.
Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education of veterans.
Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment of veterans.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief.
Readjustment of servicemen to civilian life.
National Cemeteries.

Yet you'll never hear them explain why they haven't done it or even apologize for not living up to their end of the deal. 

I work a full time job and then do this as much as I can because when it comes to veterans, this is my vocation and you are not a project but my passion. In other words, I do this work for free!

Starting as soon as I can, I'll put up the links from January to make it all easier for you to actually figure out what is going on across the country.  As this is an election year, one thing to keep in mind is, we can elect anyone but the truth is, nothing will change unless the folks we put in charge are held accountable.  We can't do that unless you know the truth about what they didn't do.

It is almost as if they decided it was time to act more like pirates than patriots.

You can also find videos I filmed and created on my YouTube page.

Green Beret Records Challenged After Volunteering Award

Red Cross volunteer's story challenged by Vietnam Veterans groups, individuals
Tulsa World
By Rita Sherrow
World Scene Writer
February 2, 2016

Vietnam War veteran John Smith, leaning next to the Disaster Relief vehicle he staffed during one of the California wildfires, pays it forward as a volunteer with the Tulsa chapter of the American Red Cross. After being lost in a Vietnam jungle for almost three months, it was the Red Cross that helped him let his family know he was alive.
JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

A Tulsa World story that profiled a Red Cross volunteer in October brought numerous questions and protests from Vietnam veteran military groups.

John Smith, a Red Cross volunteer who was nominated for an award with the Tulsa Area United Way, identified himself as a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served more than 20 years in military service.

The veterans group Green Beret Posers Exposed and others immediately challenged Smith’s story.

The Tulsa World has tried repeatedly since October to talk to Smith, advising him the story was being challenged and to verify his military record. He claimed health issues and other reasons for not answering repeated requests for another interview.

Green Beret Posers Exposed has supplied the Tulsa World with military documents, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, that indicate Smith was never in Special Forces and only served in the military for a limited time (U.S. Army 1970-1972 and U.S. Navy 1974-1975). Additionally, records show Smith receiving medals for serving in Vietnam, although he was never a Green Beret or member of the Special Forces.
read more here

Vietnam War veteran gives back to Red Cross that helped him in his time of need

Quantico Marine Corps Sued After Triple Killing on Base

Marine Base Blamed for Triple Killing
Courthouse News
By KATHERINE PROCTOR
February 1, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - The Quantico Marine Corps base's failure to monitor a mentally ill sergeant allowed him to kill his ex-girlfriend, her boyfriend and himself in the barracks, the late woman's father claims in Federal Court.

Isaac Castro sued the United States on behalf of his late daughter Sara Castromata's estate, claiming the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va. mishandled the medical records and weapons of Sgt. Eusebio Lopez.

Lopez, who had documented head trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, was transferred to Quantico, Va. from Camp Lejeune, N.C. in May 2012. Castro claims the Quantico base never obtained or reviewed Lopez's medical records, and that the sergeant stopped receiving treatment for his mental disability as a result.

Lopez moved into Quantico barracks in September 2012, but base command did not ensure that his weapons were registered and stored at the armory, Castro says. His weapons included a semi-automatic pistol, a shotgun and several large knives.
read more here

Korean War Veteran Made Pact With God--Became Philanthropist

Auto dealer’s philanthropy a pact with God 
Bob Baker has given millions to Catholic, veteran and homeless outreach groups
San Diego Union Tribune
Pam Kragen
Feb. 1, 2016

From ninth grade, his dream was to become a Catholic priest, but sons from divorced families weren’t allowed to enter the priesthood. Instead, right after high school in 1951, he and two buddies enlisted in the Army to fight in the Korean War. During his service overseas, Baker went on 27 night patrols, earned two Bronze Stars and avoided getting shot or killed on at least seven occasions.

Sixty-three years ago, Bob Baker was a young Army corporal stationed at Outpost Harry during the Korean War when he embarked on what his commanders warned would be a suicide mission. When he ended up in the middle of a minefield during the night patrol for Chinese soldiers, he decided it was a good time to make a deal with God.

Bob Baker, founder of the Bob Baker Auto Group, is especially interested in helping veterans reintegrate into society. — Howard Lipin

“I told him, if he spared me that night, I would go home, get married, have six children, become a success and do whatever he wanted me to do,” Baker said. “With all the millions of dollars I’ve given away over the years, I believe that’s what God wanted me to do.”

During the past 10 years, the founder of San Diego’s Bob Baker Auto Group has donated from $500,000 to $1.7 million a year for projects that have included Catholic churches and schools, programs for military veterans and underwriting for Solutions for Change, a nonprofit that helps get North County homeless families off the streets.

Baker, 84, said he’s drawn to causes where he feels a personal connection. The Rancho Santa Fe resident was homeless as a boy, his faith saw him through years of hardship, and he witnessed the horrors of war and knows how it can impact veterans trying to reintegrate into society.

“Bob is a hands-on kind of donor,” said Chris Megison, founding president for Solutions for Change in Vista. “A lot of philanthropists will want to see our audited financial statements and study our plans, but Bob is the kind of philanthropist who wants to get in the car with me and drive out to see what we’re doing firsthand.”

He discovered the Solutions for Change charity in 2013 and has since become one if its champions. Most recently, he signed on as title sponsor for its 2015 gala, which honored military veterans. He said he was drawn to the cause because the Vista nonprofit helps find homes for the families of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and addictions.
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Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Blasted After Investigation

Investigation blasts former veterans affairs secretary
The New Star
Greg Hilburn
February 1, 2016

Former Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary was fired by former Gov. Bobby Jindal Oct. 8.

(Photo: GANNETT LOUISIANA)

Former Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Dave LaCerte is accused of improperly funneling funds to a company owned by former law school classmates, lying about his military service record and inflating travel expenses in a joint report released today by the state's legislative auditor and inspector general.

LaCerte's attorney, Jarrett Ambeau of Baton Rouge, denied all of the investigation's findings in a letter to Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera.

"The Joint Investigation Report's findings are patently false, blatant character assassination and appear to be a calculated attack on the integrity and credibility for (LaCerte)," Ambeau wrote.

But former Interim Veterans Affairs Secretary Thomas Enright and newly-appointed Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland concurred with the findings in written responses.

"I am disturbed to learn that the previous LDVA secretary deviated from a veteran-focused mind-set and that this contributed to many of the problems cited in your report," Strickland wrote. "... I firmly believe that once the reforms I put in place are fully implemented, LDVA will be back on track and again focused on its mission of supporting Louisiana veterans and their families."
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Army Ranger Double Amputee Running For Congress

W Mich. native running for Congress in Fla.
24 Hour News 8 web staff
Published: January 31, 2016

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan native who lost both of his legs while serving overseas is now campaigning to represent part of Florida in Congress.

Brian Mast graduated from South Christian High School in Grand Rapids in 1999, after which he joined the U.S. Army. After more than 12 years in the service, he lost both of his legs in an explosion while serving as a bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan.

Now, he wants to represent Florida’s 18th Congressional District.

“I don’t know how I go through life and think that the best thing that I’ve done in my life is now in my past,” he told 24 Hour News 8 in a Facetime interview on Sunday. “Or the best defense that I’ve given our country is now behind me. And I told her that’s where I ultimately thought about running for Congress, hoping that the best would still be ahead of me.”

He was featured in an episode of “Live to Tell” on the History Channel. The episode aired Sunday night and was scheduled to air again at 2 a.m. Monday.
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