Vietnam Veteran, Retired Lt. Col. James Walker, Discovers Roots Go Back to Civil War

Vietnam veteran finds ancestor who escaped slavery, joined Union Army
Decatur Daily News
By Evan Belanger Staff Writer
October 16, 2016

Retired Lt. Col. James Walker didn’t know his military heritage when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

But Walker, an Austin High School teacher who has a passion for history and has written six books, knows how to look back in time and find the stories that matter.

"If you don't know where you're going, you don't know where you've been," he said in a recent interview at Austin, where he is the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor.

Walker served 11 months and 28 days in Vietnam and was well into his 24-year career with the Army before he ever heard the name Thomas Lane.

In fact, he was 39 when his elderly aunt casually mentioned an ancestor of his fought in “the war.” Unsure of which war she meant, he quickly ran through the list: the Korean War, World War II, World I, the Spanish-American War.

“Now I’m getting interested,” Walker recalled when his aunt confirmed it was the Civil War.

On Christmas Eve, Lane ran away from the plantation and walked the 25 miles to Pulaski, Tennessee, where he joined the 111th U.S. Colored Infantry for the Union Army.

Walker speculates today that his ancestor’s sale to a man named Green accounts for the name change in military records.

“When he joined the Union, his last name was Green,” he said. “After the war, you could pick your own name, so he went back to Lane, which was probably also a slave name, but it was his first.”
read more here

UK PTSD Veteran: Eecognition That You Served Your Country Well

At last Harry hero gets his medal, all thanks to the Mail on Sunday: Veteran who served alongside the Prince in Afghanistan receives the award he should have had EIGHT years ago
Daily Mail
By NICK CONSTABLE FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
15 October 2016

Mr Smith, 44, said: ‘I can’t thank The Mail on Sunday enough. I left the Army with undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder and have had problems readjusting to civilian life. 'A lot of it stems from needing to feel valued and have recognition that you served your country well.

Served together: Prince Harry (left) is pictured with fellow soldiers including Sergeant Deane Smith (right) on his way into a church in Windsor for a remembrance service in 2008

An Army veteran who served alongside Prince Harry in Afghanistan has at last been given the service medal he should have received eight years ago – thanks to The Mail on Sunday.

Last week, this newspaper reported how Sergeant Deane Smith had lost a court battle for ownership of his Operational Service Medal.

It went missing shortly before it was due to be presented to him at a ceremony in 2008, at which the Prince and others who served with the Household Cavalry were given their honours.
read more here

Northern Ireland PTSD Beyond The Battlefild

NI charity helps more than 100 army veterans who tried to take their own lives
BBC News
October 16, 2016

A Northern Ireland charity is helping more than 100 army veterans who have tried to take their own lives, a BBC documentary has been told.

'Losing the Battle' will be broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster on Sunday.

Aaron Nixon said he had to pay for a private post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment at a Belfast clinic this month

It will examine issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, and attempted suicide among army veterans. The programme hears claims that increasing numbers of veterans are facing difficulties accessing help to deal with mental health problems.

Brett Savage, 28, who celebrated his 19th birthday in Afghanistan, said: "I didn't expect my life to be like this now. Never. You know I can't sleep and stuff. Stupid things remind me of things."

Alexander Gore described the changes he has faced since a homecoming parade in Belfast for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said it was "definitely a proud moment in my life" but that after it "things just started to go downhill with the post traumatic stress really".

"Now it is never going to go away, it is always going to be there and everybody is going to need help sooner or later with it," he added.
read more here

Beyond the Battlefield

Home Depot Foundation Built Home For Amputee in 7 Days Then Didn't Rest

FROM FOUNDATION TO FINISHING TOUCHES: TEAM DEPOT BUILDS CUSTOM HOME FOR VETERAN IN 7 DAYS
Home Depot Foundation
October 14, 2016

When you ask Cody Evans why he wanted to join the military, his answer is simple: to help others and serve his country.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. While on patrol a few weeks before Christmas, Cody encountered a bomb blast and lost both of his legs.

It took nearly a year of recovery before he was ready to return to his Tennessee home. However, his home was no longer suited to fit his needs. Major modifications were needed just for Cody to get through the front door.

That’s when Cody’s community, nonprofit organization A Soldier’s Journey Home and Team Depot stepped in to help, building Cody a brand new, specially-adapted home in just one week.
read more here

Missing Soldier Alert: Fort Hood

Family confirms missing Fort Hood soldier found dead
KVUE ABC News
Jim Hice and Katie Grovatt
November 4, 2016

FORT HOOD - A family member of missing Fort Hood PVT Dakota Stump confirmed to Channel 6 News Friday that he had been found dead on post.

Fort Hood officials said Stump's remains were found next to his flipped-over vehicle 100 yards from the roadway near Building 43028 on Fort Hood.

Soldiers conducting land-navigation training found his body approximately at 11:50 a.m. Thursday.
read more here

The Army needs your help finding a missing Fort Hood soldier
Army Times
By: Meghann Myers
October 14, 2016

Pvt. Dakota Stump has been missing since Monday, and his family and chain of command need your help.

Stump, 19, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, is missing from Fort Hood, Texas, a spokesman confirmed to Army Times Friday.

The 1st Cavalry Division is exhausting all resources to look for him, Master Sgt. Jacob Caldwell told Army Times. Leadership has contacted local police, hospitals and is in contact with his mother, brother and girlfriend in addition to monitoring his barracks room.

Stump's cellphone is ringing, but there is no answer, Caldwell said.

"They spoke with soldiers who work directly with Pvt. Stump to see if there was any change in his demeanor or mood that they could make sense of why he would go missing," he added.
read more here

John Hair has been missing since October 7

UPDATE

Camp Pendleton Marine Missing for Week Safely Returns to Base October 16, 2016 


Camp Pendleton Marine Missing, Family Desperate for Answers
NBC News San Diego



By Dave Summers and Jaspreet Kaur
October 14, 2016

A Camp Pendleton Marine, who went missing days before he was scheduled to report for duty, is now the subject of a missing person investigation in San Diego County.

Lance Corporal John Hair was last seen at the Oceanside Transit Station on Oct. 7 after returning from a two-week leave to visit his mother in Fresno, California. Security cameras at the station captured him at train stations in Los Angeles and Oceanside but his whereabouts after are unknown.

Hair's family told NBC 7 they are worried something may have happened to him.

“Every time I have talked to him, every time I have texted him or called him, even if he didn't answer right away, he answered eventually,” his sister Melissa Hair said.
read more here

Combat PTSD Comes With Moral Injury

They Grieve Because They Love
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
October 15, 2016

I was in a rush to get "Residual War, Something Worth Living For" up on Amazon because the script was already registered and was being read by more people than I was comfortable with. Right now I am doing some editing to fix my infamous typos and work on the past and present tenses. Not as easy as I thought it was since the script part is in the present tense yet the two chapters of the book are in the past tense. 

It is possible to rewrite the story of the lives within the pages of the book/script. I just delete words and replace them with others that make more sense. Add in information that was missing. Put in more substance to help explain how these soldiers ended up where they were. What isn't easy is for them to do the same in real life. 

I said "not easy" but it isn't impossible as long as we get the bullshit out of the way. When folks have based their efforts on bumper sticker slogans with a number, their intentions may be begin with a good heart but do not produce good results. Now it may be easier for some to just jump on the wagon and gain a feel good attitude for themselves, the results have shown the effort did not do anyone any good other than make the doers feel better about themselves.

You'd think something as serious as suicide would require them to actually take the time to discover what the truth is within Tweets and Facebook posts, but they didn't bother. That says something right there. I've gotten to the point where I want to slap someone defending their use of the reported number of suicides as "its just a number" instead of lives lost. They claim to care but they don't even care enough to learn what the truth is.

When asked to explain the results of their time, they have no answers other than "well I'm raising awareness" as if that in itself would do any good for anyone. We've seen the deadly results on this.

Back in 1999 the VA reported veterans were committing suicide at 20 per day. There were about 5 million more veterans in this country back then with WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, along with Gulf War veterans committing suicide, yet most of the folks getting attention believe all this is new just because it is news to them.

For all the efforts, the result is still being reported by the VA at 20 a day taking their own lives over a decade after PTSD hit the news.

Now we have new "experts" running around the country claiming that "moral injury" isn't part of combat PTSD. Yep, stunning!

Aaron Throckmorton was the subject of an article on the Texas Observer, "Combatting Moral Injury" with a subtitle of "For some veterans, guilt and shame can linger years after combat — and it’s not PTSD."

Aaron Throckmorton decided to join the military the day the Twin Towers fell. A standout high school linebacker at Midland Lee (of Friday Night Lights fame), Throckmorton quit his team that very afternoon. He doubled up on his schoolwork so he could finish early and become a Marine. There were military men in his family. His grandfather served during the Korean War, and an uncle was a “river rat” in Vietnam. But Throckmorton didn’t know much about their experiences.

It is easy to figure out the "experts" telling him it isn't PTSD know very little about trauma and even less about the type of PTSD military folks get. It is a whole different type than what civilians get. (But then again, what would I know considering I've read real experts for the last three decades topped off with living with it every day.) Real experts not only discuss different types of PTSD, they talk about the different levels of it.

What is obvious is that this next section of the article is discussing what we know as survivor guilt.

It wasn’t combat that had sparked his troubles, he told me. He had taken part in several firefights and so had naturally worried about his safety, and he described the “gruesome” deaths of several Afghan policemen killed during these fights. What haunted Throckmorton about his time in the military was not what he did, but what he didn’t do. “I should have been there for them,” he said of Marines he trained who later died in Iraq. “I could have trained them better.”

At this part is bullshit too,

Rita Nakashima Brock, director of the Soul Repair Center at Brite, the only program in the United States dedicated to educating the public about moral injury.

"The only program" maybe on the street it is on but far from the only one since the group I belong to has been repairing souls since 1984. Point Man International Ministries has been working with veterans and their families since a veteran/police officer noticed his fellow Vietnam veterans needed help healing from war. 

Is she aware of the fact that people walk away for "it" not as victims but as survivors of it? Is she aware they either walk away believing God spared them or did it to them? The "moral injury" is what follows them and it the number one factor that has to be addressed in order to actually give them something worth living for.

They can edit their own history but not the truth. They can change things around to make it sound as if they are doing something new, but when we see it has hardly improved for all the veterans they take a walk for, do pushups for or raise awareness for, it is time to change the conversation. So when do we talk about what actually works? When do veterans actually hear what they need to know in order to not become a number within those we grieve for but become a member of those we rejoice with?

These are the same men and women who believed there was something worth dying for. They survived everything attached to the horrors they endured in combat yet could not survive with the memories of it? Why? When do we talk about that?

When do we talk about the stupidity of researchers trying to remove memories with drugs instead of helping them find peace to live with those memories and begin to see that they are worthy of keeping? To forget the horrific moments is to forget those they served with. Those they loved enough to risk their lives for. That level of love is worthy of healing not forgetting about.

They are not damaged or broken. They do not deserve what some are willing to settle for but they are worthy of our time and devotion to help them see just how strong they really are. They grieve because they love. 

October Central Florida Veterans Events

Reminder from me,
Orlando Nam Knights Biketoberfest kicks off tomorrow with the memorial ceremony at 3:00

Oct 15th-Orlando Nam Knights Biketoberfest Party and Eternal Chapter Ceremony will be Saturday, October 15th at the clubhouse. We will be serving pulled pork, baked beans, chips and coleslaw. Party starts at 1300 hours with the Eternal Chapter Memorial Ceremony at 1500 hours.

This is from last year


These Are From Cathy Haynes
Voter Registration was extended in Florida to Oct 18 due to the hurricane situation. If you moved to different housing, make sure that you have updated your registration.

October is Agent Orange Awareness Month. The organization Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) encourages your education and support of the Federal Toxic Exposure Research.

Volunteering - Would you have liked to be able to help senior veterans, active military and veteran families after the hurricane? You still can, and it doesn’t require damage from hurricanes.

Hands On Orlando - Volunteer Central Florida - Brittany@ HandsOnOrlando .com 407.740.8652 (c) 407.375.9389 The Mission Continues - Orlando 1st Platoon –Daniel Kalagian at dkalagian@ missioncontinues .org or Eric Weiss, 2nd Platoon Leader Orlando eweiss@ missioncontinues .org Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) – Sherrie LaBarre at sherrie.labarre@gmail.com

October 13 – Happy Birthday, United States Navy! Established in 1775.

Orlando Navy Recruit Training Center Reunion – Wed –Sun Oct 12-16 – Former Orlando Navy boot-camp recruits and personnel are invited to come back to Orlando. Reunite with other former recruits, celebrate your service, recognize the company commanders who shaped recruits into Navy sailors. Tour the city park named after the former training ship. Yearbooks no longer wanted are welcomed. Over 600,000 lives were changed on this site. From 1968 until October 1994, NTC Orlando was also the sole location for providing recruit training for female enlisted personnel. Info: Tracey Tillman or Renata Cannon at rtcorlandoreunion@ gmail. com Check info online. Local: Brian.Warner @fla-intl .com 407-374-9072

Central FL Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) – Fri. Oct 14 – Event at Frogger’s Grill and Bar. 4:30-7pm at 27 Alafaya Woods Blvd, Oviedo, 32765. There is a nominal admission fee which covers beer and wings for yourself. This is a fund raising event for the chapter and a 50/50 raffle is held to provide funds for the chapter Scholarship Fund. Info: cflquada. blogspot. com 407-381-5311

Second Infantry Division (Indianhead) Association Reunion – Fri – Sun Oct 14-16 – Florida Branch gathering at the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn, 3455 Cheney Hwy, Titusville, 32780. Special room rates. Hospitality room, meetings and fun! Info: (919) 356-5692 or 2ida.mail @charter .net

AMVETS Auxiliary Yard Sale – Fri and Sat Oct 14, 15 – Auxiliary members of American Veterans Post 2006 in Leesburg hold this event from 8am – 2pm to support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Donations and clean, gently used items are welcomed. 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748. Info: 352-516-6904 cindycoletti @comcast .net .

Central Florida Navy Birthday Ball – Sat. Oct 15 – Join past and present Navy personnel and Navy supporters when we celebrate 241 years of USN service to our country! Guest speaker is MCPON James Herdt, (ret.) the ninth such person sworn in of this unique rank in US Navy history. Event sponsorships are available. Reception, ceremony, dinner and dancing at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando (near I-Drive.) Tickets are available from Central FL Navy League at www. cfnavyleague .org

Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home – Sat. Oct 15 - Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 11 veterans of WWII, 11 from the Korean War, and 3 Vietnam War vets return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. (This group includes a Vietnam War nurse, a WW2 medic, a WW2 Seabee, an Army Operation Overlord participant, a Korean War helicopter pilot, and 4 career veterans.) This Honor Flight hub is a part of the nation-wide organization that takes veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This particular group will return just about 9:30pm and enter the terminal area at (+/-) 10:00pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! –Southwest Airlines # 3575 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812. Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm 407-239-8468 chaynes11629 @yahoo .com
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper ticket upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will NOT work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly. Wave them off for a wonderful day!

(NOTE: Honor Flight Central Florida has a mission on Sat. Oct 22 but has not sent me any information. The final 2016 Honor Flights will be Nov 2. Then no more until next year! Don’t miss them!)

Victory Cruise Casino – Tues Oct 18 – Join AMVETS Post #2006 for this fun day on the water! The Leesburg post (500 N Canal St, Leesburg, 34748) invites interested others to join them when they depart Port Canaveral at 11am and returns at 4pm. Info: 352-323-8750

Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues Oct 18 - Meeting at 10am, a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, at American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. 19 states offer contract preferences to veteran owned businesses. Florida is NOT one of them. Our goal is to change that in big business, and with our state, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Chairman Michael Waldrop mwaldrop @blue-cord .com

FAVOB Lunch and learn - Wed Oct 19 – All interested persons are invited to join the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB) as speaker Alan Rosenburg of Morgan Stanley tells us about how the stock market reacts with politics and the political parties. $5 to attend, each person is responsible for their own lunch at Bulla Gastrobar located at 110 S Orlando Ave, Suite #7 Winter Park, 32789. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Trish Murphy 863-899-3703 trish @tridentorlando .com

Orange County Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council –Wed. Oct 19 – 1:30pm monthly meeting of numerous organizations and individuals for the benefit of Central FL veterans and active duty personnel. Planning of events and awareness is shared. Designated representatives allow groups to coordinate efforts and unite for the common cause. If your Orange County /Central FL vet/military associated group isn’t attending, it should plan to get involved. Mayor Teresa Jacobs is very supportive of a veteran-friendly community. Contact Chairman Col. Edwin Marrero for attendance and location information. emarrero81 @cfl.rr .com

Honoring our Veterans – Wed. Oct 19 - Camaraderie Foundation, with the help of Fifth Third Bank, launch their Annual Community Campaign with complimentary tasty small bites & beverages, music and more: special guest appearance by Major Baseball player Johnny Damon! 5:30-7:30pm at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, 810 Orlando Avenue, Maitland. Veterans and their families struggle every day from the psychological wounds of war, making return to civilian and family life difficult after deployment. With the support of people throughout our community we can give them the gift of mental health through Camaraderie's counseling scholarships. Save a LIFE. Save a MARRIAGE. Save a FAMILY. For more information, provide donations, or to RSVP for the event, contact (407) 841-0071 or events @camaraderiefoundation .org (FYI: As of September, about 200 situations received assistance – the number that was originally budgeted for the entire year! CONFIDENTIAL assistance for active military, veterans, and their families. The need is definitely there!)

Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) Golf Tournament - Fri Oct 21 – The Central Florida Chapter of MOAA sponsors this 11th Annual Golf Tournament for the JROTC Scholarship Fund. Stoneybrook East Golf Club, $80/pp. Includes: Breakfast, Greens Fee, Cart, Driving Range Balls, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, and Lunch. Option: Donate $80 and you sponsor a soldier from local Reserve or National Guard unit to play in tournament! Info: Dick Aldinger (407) 859-7436 famdinger @aol .com or Mike Patterson (407) 240-7609 dmphome @earthlink .net

Marine Corps Foundation Monthly Social – Fri. Oct 21 – Join the Central Florida MCF for Happy Hour at Buffalo Wild Wings from 4:30-7pm, 11400 University Dr., Orlando, 32817. Start the weekend with a grin as past Marines and others compare their results (and sore muscles) from the successful PFT Challenge (Physical Fitness Test) that was held on Oct. 1! Join friends, network, and learn how you can serve in the community to make Central Florida a better place! USMC membership not required. Happy Hour Info: sean.c.osmond @ gmail. com

Annual Chili Cook-Off – Sat. Oct 22 - 1PM at the Winter Springs VFW #5405, 420 N Edgemon, Winter Springs (407-327-3151) is the annual chili Cook-off Cancer benefit and Veterans and Family Support program. Chili buy in is $10 a pot (crock) prizes for the top three chilies. Auction and entertainment also. Info: President Carol McLaughlin, carol-greene123 @earthlink .net

“Run, Forrest, Run!” 5k Run/Walk/Roll – Sat. Oct 22 – This Villagers for Veterans fundraiser is a benefit for the Gary Sinise Foundation that assists wounded warriors. Gary Sinise is the actor who portrayed Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump” and he has continued selfless service for others with his real “Lt. Dan Band” and the Foundation. Register to participate in this fundraiser and gain some cardio-exercise at The Villages Polo Field, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages, 32162. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068, www. villagersforveterans .org This active group has provided monies for Villages Honor Flights, mobilized recreation wheelchairs for wounded warriors, sponsoring service dogs, and much more.

“An Evening with Forrest” – Sat. Oct 22 – Villagers for Veterans sponsors this event where you can dress in 60’s styles for this fundraiser Southern sit-down dinner and entertainment. Benefitting the Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary Sinise is the actor who portrayed Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump” and he has continued selfless service for wounded warriors with his real “Lt. Dan Band” and the Foundation. $75/pp at the Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages. Contact Marie Bogdonoff at 516-220-5068, www. villagersforveterans .org This active group has provided monies for Villages Honor Flights, mobilized recreation wheelchairs for wounded warriors, sponsoring service dogs, and much more.

5th Annual Ruck Sack March – Sat. Oct 29 – You are challenged to “Walk a Mile in their Boots.” Participants can choose from three different participation levels AND three different course lengths. You can walk for fun or compete as a Runner or Warrior. Warriors must carry at least 35 lbs. in a ruck sack or backpack. Then select a 5k, 10k or 12-mile course length so you can participate or compete at the level you want. First place finishers and top fundraisers receive great prizes. Families are welcome! Lake Nona will be the site and Registration is open; Sponsorship opportunities are available at http:// rucksackmarch2016.kintera .org or call us at (407) 841-0071. Participation in this Camaraderie Foundation event provides counseling resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for military, former warriors and their families seeking assistance. It works. It HAS saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071

Hats Off to Our Veterans – Nov 1 – 14 – AVET Project, based near Patrick Air Force Base, sponsors this fundraiser where businesses/groups offer special HATS that can be purchased for a donation. The HATS can hang on a chosen WALL – at work, at home, etc., for the month of November. The HATS are provided by AVET Project. Proceeds assist active military, veterans, and their families in MANY ways. Contact: Kim at kim@ avetproject .org

City of Orlando Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council – Thurs. Nov 3 – 1:30pm monthly meeting of numerous organizations and individuals for the benefit of local veterans and active duty personnel. Planning of functions (ie: Veterans Day parade) and awareness of events is shared. Designated representatives allow groups to coordinate efforts. If your Orlando area vet/military associated group isn’t attending, it should plan to get involved. Networking before and after the meeting. See website at cityoforlando.net, Office of the Mayor, Mayor’s Committees, Veterans. Contact Chairman Michael Waldrop for attendance and location information. mwaldrop@ blue-cord. com

Vietnam Era Veterans luncheon – Sat. Nov 5 – Sebastian in Brevard Co. but are welcome! The American Legion Auxiliary Dept of Florida 12th District have a special “Welcome Home” luncheon planned for all Vietnam era veterans. 11am – 3pm with special guest speaker. Hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189, at 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian 32958. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will award each Vietnam Era Veteran in attendance a special congressional pin and certificate. RSVP requested by Wed. Oct 19 for proper count for food and planning. RSVP/Info: Dorothy Walsh at dwalshusa @gmail .com or 321-426-6736

Daylight Savings Time ends – Sun. Nov 6 – Turn your clocks back one hour. Use that bonus time to do something nice for our veteran and service personnel!

Election Day – Tues. Nov 8 – Become educated and do your civic duty – VOTE! Our local elections tend to have a more direct impact on us.

The First Academy Veteran’s Day Celebration – Wed. Nov 9 – The students of Wounded Warrior Club of The First Academy would like to honor members of the Armed Forces. Special guest Lt. General Benjamin Mixon and the UCF USAF ROTC. 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 407-206-8748 Shared by Brian Rose. Event flyer available.

Lake Highland Preparatory School’s Veteran’s Day Tribute – Fri Nov 11 – “The American Dream Goes On” - Students and faculty presents its annual tribute of music, dancing, drama and video footage to honor veterans. Includes a performance by Project Magic. FREE Shows at 8:45 am, 10:45 am, and 1 pm in the Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts on campus, 901 N. Highland Ave., Orlando, 32803. Veterans, LHP friends and family are welcome to attend. 407-206-1900 Event flyer available.

Veterans Day Celebration – Fri. Nov 11 – Organized by the Town of Windermere and the Rotary Club of Windermere, 4-10pm in front of the Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St, Windermere, 34786. Marching band, 2 color guards, lots of food and beverages, mid-afternoon fun for the kids, and a popular music band in the evening. Honored guest speaker Lt General Jay Garner. Many of the supporting organizations are having information tables; More are invited but space is limited! A portion of the proceeds raised go to The Home at Last Project, The Lone Sailor Memorial at Baldwin Park's History Wall and the USO. Info: Dan Fanelli at 407 844-7632 dan@ protectovision .com

Veterans’ Day Parade in Orlando – Sat. Nov 12 – Beginning at 11am, units will march in one of the largest parades in the southeastern United States. Volunteers for the parade are very welcomed! Contact De at daila.espeut-jones@ zeltech .com for volunteering opportunities.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball – Sat. Nov. 14 – This 241st celebration will be at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, 9840 International Drive, 32819. Cocktails begin at 6pm and the ballroom doors open at 6:45. At 7:30 the ceremony begins with dinner and dancing following that. Dress is formal. special guests. Interested persons can get more information at the Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation website: centralfloridamarines .org or thru Jan Baka 407.745.3029 during business hours or jan.baka@ecs-federal.com SPONSORSHIPS welcomed! Only a few openings may be available. Semper Fi!

MISCELLANEOUS

The Central Florida Veterans Mental Council is recruiting new members. The CFVMHC represents an opportunity to have a real impact in mental health service delivery and help your fellow Veteran. The Council meets twice monthly for about an hour at the Lake Baldwin Campus (call-in line is available). If you are interested in more information or would like to complete an application for membership, please visit the Council's website. cfvmhc. org.

Lake Nona VA and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary’s – Residents undergoing various medical and counseling issues need bicycles, bicycle repair equipment, inner tubes, bicycle pumps and tools. Also needed are craft supplies, games and sports equipment. Idle hands need/want to be occupied in constructive ways! Contact: Jenny Danieli at 407-631-7110 jenny.danieli @va. gov

INFO to keep and share - because we care Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, #1. Or: Website at veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance; Or: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance. They are there because they care….

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

Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL 407-239-8468
chaynes11629@ yahoo .com

A Fallen Soldier's Parents Help Bust An Impostor

A Fallen Soldier's Parents Help Bust An Impostor - Stolen Valor Series.

Parents of Ryan Clark helped uncover the fraud.

Vietnam Veteran Restored Faith Helping Others

Vietnam veteran uses faith to help other veterans
WVLT News
By David Ball
Oct 12, 2016

Owens is no longer on the battle field, but is still in service at his church. He helps with parking and security. He also helped put together a Vietnam honor ceremony at East Tennessee Veteran's Memorial set for Thursday.

The ceremony expects hundred of veterans and their families to show up to say thank you to the Vietnam veterans. Each vet or their family will receive a bronze pin.

For Owens, it took him several years after the war to have peace with his faith.

"None of us really knew what war was about, so as I lost individuals it became a battle for me on the inside. I went there as a Christian and came back as someone who didn't really believe in the almighty. You take me to battle and you take all of my friends... and you send me back here to an empty world what am I supposed to do?" said Owens.

However God kept calling and as more veterans needed help, Owens found a new front line, his faith. Owens says Thursday's ceremony will give veterans the opportunity to feel welcomed when they didn't decades ago.
read more here

Remains of Major Troy Gilbert Returned from Iraq After 10 Years

Remains of Phoenix-area fighter pilot killed in Iraq returned 10 years later
The Republic
Jerod MacDonald-Evoy
October 12, 2016

A U.S. Air Force team carries the remains of Maj. Troy Gilbert at Dover Air Force Base.

(Photo: Senior Airman Aaron J. Jenne/U.S. Air Force)

The remains of an F-16 pilot from Litchfield Park who was killed in Iraq in 2006 have finally been returned, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Maj. Troy Gilbert crashed while leading two other jets in a strafing run against enemy forces that had shot down a helicopter near the town of Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 27, 2006, according to Mike Martin, secretary of Air Force Public Affairs.

Gilbert opted to use a 20-mm gun on his F-16 to help avoid civilian casualties and destroyed one of the trucks that was threatening coalition forces on the ground, according to Martin. On his second approach, he flew even lower and hit the ground, killing him instantly.
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Death of Fort Hood Solider Under Investigation

Fort Hood officials ID soldier found dead in Cove
Killeen Daily Herald
David Bryant
October 12, 2016

FORT HOOD — Fort Hood officials have released the name of a soldier found dead in his Copperas Cove residence on Friday.

Spc. Bradley Michael Acker, 25, whose home of record is listed as Canandaigua, N.Y., joined the Army in October 2010 as a Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmember and later reclassified as an aircraft power plant repairer.
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Amputee Marine Rides Harley Again With Help From Friends

Modified Harley allows Marine who lost leg to ride
Monroe News
Ray Kisonas
October 11, 2016

On Saturday, with a little help from his friends, Mr. Smith achieved his latest accomplishment by riding his 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster without fear of his prosthetic foot striking the pavement.

MILAN — When the mortar blast took his leg below the knee during the war in Iraq in 2006, Corey Smith, a Marine from Luna Pier, refused to feel sorry for himself.

In fact he actually tried to return to his unit after being fitted with a prosthetic only to be told his combat days were over.

Undeterred, Mr. Smith came back home, earned a college degree, got married and now works at the federal prison in Milan.

On Saturday, with a little help from his friends, Mr. Smith achieved his latest accomplishment by riding his 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster without fear of his prosthetic foot striking the pavement.

“It was so much better; I was very comfortable,” Mr. Smith, 29, said among 170 other bikers who rumbled into Milan to support veterans. “I didn’t have to worry about my foot dragging.”
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Navy Suicide Data Shows Higher Rate Than When They Did Nothing

In a few days the Navy Turns 241 but there are a lot of Sailors who will not see their next birthday.

As of October 6, 2016 there have been 38 Active Duty Sailors and 7 Reservists who committed suicide this year. 

Think about that for a second. Think about all the years of prevention training and talking that has been done, then add in the billions that have been spent to address the fact that they are killing themselves. 

Pissed off yet? Ok then, factor in something else. The percentage is more than it was before all this was done. As the chart shows in 2006 the rate was 9.1 and by the end of 2015 the rate was 13.1. The highest rate was in 2012 with 18.1.

Navy Suicide Data 2006 to 2015

This is for the Reservists

In 2006 it was 13 and in 2015 it was 14 with the highest number of 15 in 2014.

Driver of Fatal Crash That Killed 5 Sought Help From Hospital

Suspect in fatal Vermont wrong-way crash suffered from PTSD, documents say
WCVB ABC 5 News
Oct 11, 2016

Steven Bourgoin, 36, visited hospital three times before fatal crash

BURLINGTON, Vt. —Court documents are providing new information about the man police said caused a head-on crash that killed five teens.

The documents were filed Monday in Chittenden County Superior Court, according to WPTZ.

Prosecutors charged Steven Bourgoin, 36, of Williston, with reckless or grossly negligent operation of a vehicle and aggravated operating a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Detective Sgt. Benjamin Katz filed an affidavit detailing parts of the investigation. Investigators said Bourgoin was driving northbound in the southbound lanes just before midnight Saturday when he hit a car carrying five teenagers.

Bourgoin then stole an officer's cruiser, police said, and fled southbound -- only to turn around and return to the scene where he hit the victims' car a second time.

Williston Officer Eric Shepherd was the first officer on the scene. He told investigators Bourgoin was driving at nearly 100 mph when he caused the second crash.

The five teens were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven other cars were also hit, injuring five additional victims who received treatment at UVM Medical Center.
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PTSD Police Officers in Australia Betrayed by Bosses

Police officers suffering PTSD slam treatment by employer
New Castle Herald
Lisa Allan
10 Oct 2016

Adam is one of four Hunter Region police officers suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have spoken out about their treatment by the NSW Police Force and insurance agencies.

FOR former Hunter police officer Adam*, it is difficult to pinpoint where his troubles began. It was not a single job, or one bad shift, that pushed him over the edge and into the abyss of post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Adam does recall clearly from his 12 years of service in forensics, general duties and child protection is a lack of meaningful support when it was needed most.

“I was involved in three murders in six months and not one debrief,” he said. “He died straight in front of me, I tried to save him and I couldn’t,” he said. “Two weeks later, I was offered a debrief. All they do is tick the boxes.”

Adam’s illness has cost him. He lost his job and his partner. He left the force in 2013 and has been in and out of hospital as he fights the anger raging in his head. During that time, he has also been fighting another battle, with insurance agencies, in a bid to keep food on the table.

His wife left two years ago and he is raising two children alone on a $1200-a-fortnight workers’ compensation payment.
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North Carolina Veteran Saved From Flood By Brother, Twitter and Stranger with Drone

Brother uses Twitter to save veteran, dog in Matthew flooding
KHOU
October 10, 2016

HOPE MILLS, NC - A worried brother and a man with a drone used the power of social media to save someone trapped in their house.

Craig Williams was worried about his brother, Chris, and contacted WFMY News 2 early Sunday morning. Chris Williams is a Navy veteran with a dog who cannot swim in Cumberland County. He was stuck in his house because of Hurricane Matthew flooding.

We called Cumberland County 911 and they said they were working on getting someone to help, but could not get there due to the flooding.

Little did Craig know, a man posting drone pictures on social media could help.

Searching through #HopeMills on Twitter, the city his brother lives in, he found a drone picture of homes almost completely flooded.

Trying to cheer up his brother he sends this picture and teases him that at least this isn't his house.
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Camp Pendleton Marine Killed After Lying on Highway

Active Duty Marine Killed by Car While Lying on Freeway Identified

Grant Weidman, a 28-year-old Marine based in Camp Pendleton, was seen lying across the number one lane of westbound Interstate 8 in the College Area of San Diego at about 3:21 a.m. before he was killed, according to the Medical Examiner's office.

Marine fatally struck by car while lying on I-8
San Diego Union Tribune
Lyndsay Winkley
October 9, 2016

A Camp Pendleton Marine was hit by a car and died while lying the fast lane of Interstate 8 in San Diego early Sunday morning.

The 28-year-old was near College Avenue in the community of College Area when he was struck about 3:20 a.m.

The driver saw him but wasn’t able to stop in time, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. She pulled over and called 911 after the crash.

The Marine died before he could be taken to a hospital. He was not identified.
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Burn Pit Marine Abandoned After Burn Pit Exposure

Marine Dies, Family Blames Burn Pit for Terminal Illness
FOX 40 Sacramento
BY SONSEEAHRAY TONSALL
OCTOBER 7, 2016

SACRAMENTO -- What Agent Orange was to Vietnam veterans, some say toxic exposure from burn pits is to those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One local family has been told their Marine son will probably not survive the weekend and they believe it's because of a toxic war injury that's turned into a killer here at home.

"He's a hero. He's a fighter," Marty Robinson said of his stepson. "What he has done for this country ... he loved the Marines."

"It just made him feel like he had a purpose and that he was doing something really positive with his life," said mother Karen Robinson.

But the Robinsons, Ricky Wasco's parents, say that positive has turned into the negative that will take him from them, his highschool sweet heart wife and their three little girls.

After a failed bone marrow transplant, the 27-year-old corporal's organs are failing as he faces his last days with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
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Man Shot By Police After Crisis Call Survived in San Antonio

Police: Man shot after pointing gun at officer
FOX SAN ANTONIO
BY ZACK HEDRICK
OCTOBER 8TH 2016

"They need to find a purpose. They need to find their passion again. Just like we had a mission while in uniform, they need to find that elsewhere.” Richard Delgado

Police: Man shot after pointing gun at officer (Photo: Sinclair Broadcast Group)

SAN ANTONIO -- Police say a man armed with a gun who was trying to commit suicide was shot by an officer at a North Side.

Police say the call came in some time before six Saturday morning from Ballerina Court, which is just off Wetmore Road.

"It was a call for a man attempting to commit suicide,” said Chief Williams McManus. “It was called in by his wife."

The 39-year old man, who officers say is a veteran, was in the backyard when police arrived.

“He was there with a gun to his head,” said McManus. “He put the gun down, picked it back up, and pointed it at the officers. The officer at that time felt compelled to fire in fear for his life."

The veteran was hit once in the arm but police say he is in good condition.
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