Associated Press
July 13, 2018
PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a man has been critically injured after shooting himself on the grounds of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs complex.
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Saturday, July 14, 2018
Veteran shot himself at Phoenix VA hospital Chapel
Man in critical condition after shooting himself at Phoenix VA
Associated Press
July 13, 2018
PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a man has been critically injured after shooting himself on the grounds of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs complex.
Phoenix police Sgt. Armando Carbajal says the shooting occurred just after 11 a.m. at the central Phoenix facility.
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Associated Press
July 13, 2018
PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a man has been critically injured after shooting himself on the grounds of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs complex.
read more here
"Soldier On Service Dogs" is in danger of closing its doors
Future Of Soldiers On Service Dogs Uncertain After CEO Resigns
KFSM News
Beraiah Baker
July 13, 2018
FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- "Soldier On Service Dogs" is in danger of closing its doors for good. The news comes as their CEO and Founder Angie Pratt announces her retirement and plans to sell the building, leaving the non-profit one week to find short-term funding to keep their doors open.
The unique program pairs local veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury with a trained dog at no cost.
"Roger for instance saved my life. I have flashbacks I have nightmares, bad nightmares." said Jonathan Christopherson. He teared up at the thought of the life-saving program ending.
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KFSM News
Beraiah Baker
July 13, 2018
The unique program pairs local veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury with a trained dog at no cost.
"Roger for instance saved my life. I have flashbacks I have nightmares, bad nightmares." said Jonathan Christopherson. He teared up at the thought of the life-saving program ending.
read more here
WWII veteran with PTSD feels the love from community on 94th birthday
Community has birthday surprise for vet, 94
The Chronicle
By Jennifer Bolton
July 13, 2018
A Dickinson woman who wanted her World War II veteran dad to have a special 94th birthday turned to a place some might think of as a risky platform for help — social media.
Summer Camp asked people on Facebook and Next Door to send messages to her father, Bob Camp to celebrate his birthday on July 8.
She was surprised at what happened. Despite rain and gloomy weather, scores of people showed up to cheer the frail but excited veteran.
A key participant was League City resident John Dawson, who decided that he and the surrounding community could do a little more than send notes.
The Chronicle
By Jennifer Bolton
July 13, 2018
"He is 100 percent disabled from his war injuries," Summer Camp said. "The doctors at the VA hospital said dad has the worst case of (post-traumatic stress disorder) that they've ever seen."
Summer Camp asked people on Facebook and Next Door to send messages to her father, Bob Camp to celebrate his birthday on July 8.
She was surprised at what happened. Despite rain and gloomy weather, scores of people showed up to cheer the frail but excited veteran.
A key participant was League City resident John Dawson, who decided that he and the surrounding community could do a little more than send notes.
Serving in the Army under Gen. George S. Patton, Bob Camp fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
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Firefighters save homeowner after heart attack and from HOA fines!
Firefighters save man having a heart attack and then finish his garden work
The Independent
Alina Polianskaya
3 days ago
Firefighters in Florida helped save the life of a man who was having a heart attack – and then finished laying down grass sod in his garden so he did not get into trouble.
Gene Work had been installing the grass palettes in his garden, anxious to get it done quickly for fear of a fine from the homeowners association, when his heart attack began, according to his wife who shared the story on Facebook.
The Independent
Alina Polianskaya
3 days ago
Firefighters in Florida finished off laying the grass for a man who suffered a heart attack ( Melissa Ann Work/Facebook )
Firefighters in Florida helped save the life of a man who was having a heart attack – and then finished laying down grass sod in his garden so he did not get into trouble.
Gene Work had been installing the grass palettes in his garden, anxious to get it done quickly for fear of a fine from the homeowners association, when his heart attack began, according to his wife who shared the story on Facebook.
“Before he knows it, seven firefighters and EMT's jumped out, put on gloves and said they came back because they knew Gene was in serious trouble and they wanted to lay the new sod so it didn't die. They knew he wouldn't be able to do any work for weeks so they came back.”
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Florida Firefighter Recovering After Falling Out of Truck
Florida firefighter falls out of truck on way to call
By Associated Press
July 12, 2018
Steven Dowd, 46, airlifted to hospital
TAMPA, Fla. - A Florida firefighter is recovering from serious injuries after falling out of a fire truck on the way to a call.
Hillsborough sheriff's officials said Steven Dowd, 46, was riding in the passenger seat of the truck as it left the station Tuesday.
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By Associated Press
July 12, 2018
Steven Dowd, 46, airlifted to hospital
Hillsborough sheriff's officials said Steven Dowd, 46, was riding in the passenger seat of the truck as it left the station Tuesday.
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Friday, July 13, 2018
VA Homeless Shelter Employees Charged With Stealing Money
2 VA Employees Charged With Stealing Gov. Money for Spending Spree
NBC 7 News San Diego
By Bridget Naso
Jul 11, 2018
Two San Diego Veterans Administration employees have been charged in federal court for using government money to buy luxury items for themselves, others and to sell online.
The spending spree started in 2013, according to court documents. Some of the items included large screen televisions, home theater systems, computers and sporting goods.
Nicholas Pilchak, assistant U.S. attorney said, “The indictment alleges over $23,000 in specific property that Mr. Soleimani misappropriated.”
Shawn Soleimani worked as a Social Service Assistant at the VA's Aspire Center. The Aspire Center is run by the San Diego VA Medical Center. It is a shelter with services for homeless veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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NBC 7 News San Diego
By Bridget Naso
Jul 11, 2018
"VASDHS leadership has been cooperating with the Office of Inspector General on this investigation since 2013. Now that the investigation is complete, we are pursuing appropriate personnel actions.
Two San Diego Veterans Administration employees have been charged in federal court for using government money to buy luxury items for themselves, others and to sell online.
Nicholas Pilchak, assistant U.S. attorney said, “The indictment alleges over $23,000 in specific property that Mr. Soleimani misappropriated.”
Shawn Soleimani worked as a Social Service Assistant at the VA's Aspire Center. The Aspire Center is run by the San Diego VA Medical Center. It is a shelter with services for homeless veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Days before wedding, Camp Pendleton Marine killed in car crash
Sergeant Galvan dies three days before wedding
23 ABC News Bakersfield
Emma Lockhart
Jul 12, 2018
BAKERSFIELD, CA - It was a day of honor at Hillcrest Memorial Park, where Sergeant George Daniel Galvan was laid to rest Thursday morning.
Friends, family and community members celebrated the life of the 23-year-old Marine from Bakersfield. Galvan died from a car crash on June 30th, 2018 near Camp Pendleton where he was stationed.
read more here and see video report
23 ABC News Bakersfield
Emma Lockhart
Jul 12, 2018
His death happened just three days before his wedding. He leaves behind his fianceé and unborn child.
Friends, family and community members celebrated the life of the 23-year-old Marine from Bakersfield. Galvan died from a car crash on June 30th, 2018 near Camp Pendleton where he was stationed.
read more here and see video report
Thursday, July 12, 2018
FDNY Battalion Chief cannot forget brother lost on 9-11
1st FDNY battalion chief to enter the north tower on 9/11 is retiring
ABC News
By ENJOLI FRANCIS, ERIC NOLL ESTHER CASTILLEJO
Jul 11, 2018
He told ABC News on Wednesday that Sept. 11, 2001, had started as a beautiful summer day. He was answering routine calls as a documentary crew followed along. He said they heard a plane noisily fly overhead. They then watched as it hit the World Trade Center.
"In that moment, I knew I was going to the largest incident of my life, the largest fire I've ever seen. And, I also knew that thousands of people were in need," Pfeifer told ABC News.
That summer day with its bright, blue skies quickly turned to darkness.
"Matter of fact, after the collapse, you couldn't even see a hand in front of your face," he said.
He was the first battalion fire chief to arrive and enter the north tower on Sept. 11. When he got there, he said, he heard there was a fire above the 78th floor so he ordered teams to go in and evacuate. One of those firefighters was his brother Lt. Kevin Pfeifer.
"We looked at each other, wondering if we were both going to be OK. And then I gave him the same orders as the other officers," he said. "That was the last time I saw my brother Kevin."
He said his brother's memory motivated him to continue.
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ABC News
By ENJOLI FRANCIS, ERIC NOLL ESTHER CASTILLEJO
Jul 11, 2018
"We looked at each other, wondering if we were both going to be OK. And then I gave him the same orders as the other officers," he said. "That was the last time I saw my brother Kevin."
Joe Pfeifer, right, is retiring from the New York Fire Department after 37 years of service.After nearly 37 years on the job, Joe Pfeifer, the first battalion fire chief to enter the north tower on Sept. 11, 2001, will be retiring.
He told ABC News on Wednesday that Sept. 11, 2001, had started as a beautiful summer day. He was answering routine calls as a documentary crew followed along. He said they heard a plane noisily fly overhead. They then watched as it hit the World Trade Center.
"In that moment, I knew I was going to the largest incident of my life, the largest fire I've ever seen. And, I also knew that thousands of people were in need," Pfeifer told ABC News.
That summer day with its bright, blue skies quickly turned to darkness.
"Matter of fact, after the collapse, you couldn't even see a hand in front of your face," he said.
He was the first battalion fire chief to arrive and enter the north tower on Sept. 11. When he got there, he said, he heard there was a fire above the 78th floor so he ordered teams to go in and evacuate. One of those firefighters was his brother Lt. Kevin Pfeifer.
"We looked at each other, wondering if we were both going to be OK. And then I gave him the same orders as the other officers," he said. "That was the last time I saw my brother Kevin."
He said his brother's memory motivated him to continue.
read more here
Deployed Fort Stewart Soldier told wife was murdered on base
UPDATE 7/31/2018
Wife of deployed soldier found dead on Army post, suspect at large
WSAV
Darius Johnson
Updated: Jul 12, 2018
FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV) -- A statewide manhunt underway after the wife of a deployed soldier was found dead inside her home on Fort Stewart in Georgia.
Fort Stewart Public Affairs officials say the woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was found dead inside her home on base Tuesday night.
This comes after military police were called that morning by one of her relatives to check on her. Her husband is currently deployed.
"It's hard to believe. And it makes you worry if there is going to be more incidents,” says long-time Hinesville resident Jodee Adams. “Is this an isolated situation. Were their children in the home. It's very concerning the fact that they don't know who it was and its at-large now. "
FORT STEWART, Ga. — Authorities are offering up to $20,000 in reward money for tips that help solve the slaying of a woman at a military base in Georgia.Read more here
Wife of deployed soldier found dead on Army post, suspect at large
WSAV
Darius Johnson
Updated: Jul 12, 2018
FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV) -- A statewide manhunt underway after the wife of a deployed soldier was found dead inside her home on Fort Stewart in Georgia.
Fort Stewart Public Affairs officials say the woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was found dead inside her home on base Tuesday night.
This comes after military police were called that morning by one of her relatives to check on her. Her husband is currently deployed.
"It's hard to believe. And it makes you worry if there is going to be more incidents,” says long-time Hinesville resident Jodee Adams. “Is this an isolated situation. Were their children in the home. It's very concerning the fact that they don't know who it was and its at-large now. "
Many on the base of Fort Stewart were surprised to hear Special Agents with the U.S. Criminal Investigation Command were investigating a homicide on base.read more here
Stolen Valor: 83 year old civilian collected VA disability benefits
Pensacola man pleads guilty in VA theft case
North West Florida Daily News
By staff reports
Posted Jul 11, 2018
PENSACOLA — An elderly Pensacola man who fraudulently claimed to have served with the Marines in the Korean War has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds by filing false benefit claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Between February 2005 and February 2018, 83-year-old Richard E. Kohl received VA benefit payments and services totaling nearly $220,000, according to a news release from the office of Christopher P. Canova, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Documents introduced at the time of the guilty plea indicated that at some point prior to July 3, 1996, Kohl created and signed a fictitious Form DD-214, a certificate of release or discharge from military service. The faked DD-214 claimed that Kohl served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was discharged on Dec. 20, 1961.
Kohl never served in any branch of the U.S. military, but used the falsified Form DD-214 as proof of military service to obtain veterans’ benefits he was not entitled to receive. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.
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North West Florida Daily News
By staff reports
Posted Jul 11, 2018
Additionally, Kohl received health care treatment and benefits totaling more than $45,000, and he also was able to stay in a VA vision rehabilitation facility at a cost of more than $63,000, according to court records.
PENSACOLA — An elderly Pensacola man who fraudulently claimed to have served with the Marines in the Korean War has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds by filing false benefit claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Between February 2005 and February 2018, 83-year-old Richard E. Kohl received VA benefit payments and services totaling nearly $220,000, according to a news release from the office of Christopher P. Canova, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Documents introduced at the time of the guilty plea indicated that at some point prior to July 3, 1996, Kohl created and signed a fictitious Form DD-214, a certificate of release or discharge from military service. The faked DD-214 claimed that Kohl served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was discharged on Dec. 20, 1961.
Kohl never served in any branch of the U.S. military, but used the falsified Form DD-214 as proof of military service to obtain veterans’ benefits he was not entitled to receive. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.
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