War On Terror News

Op/Ed: Barack Obama? DAMN YOU!!!

 

I am sorry, but let me be clear:  What you have done to our precious Fallen Heroes (and their families) of our Military, has crossed MY 'red line'.  For your betrayal of that most sacred trust we all must hold with them, YOU are not fit to hold the highest office in the land I know and love as America.  You are also not remotely qualified - or worthy - to have the privilege of being Commander In Chief of one of the world's most dedicated armed forces:  the United States Military. 

 

Not only are you unqualified to be the President of the United States, you are also an out and out liar, and our Military and their families now are left in no doubt how hollow your words are.

 

 In March 2009 you said, as part of another of your never-ending empty rhetoric diatribes:

 

"For their service and sacrifice, warm words of thanks from a grateful nation are more than warranted, but they aren't nearly enough. We also owe our veterans the care they were promised and the benefits that they have earned. We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America. It's a commitment that begins at enlistment, and it must never end. But we know that for too long, we've fallen short of meeting that commitment. Too many wounded warriors go without the care that they need. Too many veterans don't receive the support that they've earned. Too many who once wore our nation's uniform now sleep in our nation's streets."

-President Barack Obama, March 19, 2009

Yes, I got that from *your own* White House site, where you then go on to post "Guiding Principles.   This under a huge sign that says, in what must be irony,  'Due to Congress’s failure to pass legislation to fund the government, the information on this web site may not be up to date.  

I suggest that your website is most certainly NOT up to date, as your actions, and those of your administration prove, time and again, that your flowery oratory has been more than outpaced by your actions.

Not only have you consistently showed America how unfit you are to be CinC, because all the photo-ops and speechifying contradict what you have DONE, but the rest of the world also has watched as Emperor Obama has been shown for the empty suit you really are.

 

Veterans to March on Washington 9AM ET, October 13th

Why? "The World War II memorial … the Vietnam Veterans Memorial … the Korean War Veterans Memorial – Obama has shut them all down to force his will" - See more at: http://vetmarch.com/#sthash.TgQJTg7q.dpuf http://vetmarch.com/

And, if you can't make it to Washington DC, there are other rallies at other locations: https://vetmarch.com/donate/rally-locations

Since the shutdown started, the Executive Branch of government, i.e. the President, has ordered the closure of anything that might be painful to the public.  Included in that was the erection of barricades to the War Memorials on the Mall, including the cemetary at Normandy, the Viet Nam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial.  It has prevented the payments to the families of the Fallen.  It is threatening to end payments to Veterans, for injuries incurred during their service to the Nation.

Last week, the first group of World War II Veterans encountered the original erection of barriers to their monument.  The monument built with private donations, spearheaded by Senator Bob Dole, a decorated hero of WWII, who was injured during that war.  Honor Flight and some members of Congress had called the White House, to ensure that these 80 and 90 year olds would be allowed to view their monument.  The White House did not just say "no," but kept the barriers up.  The 90 year old WWII Veterans "stormed" the barricades and accomplished their mission, anyway, with the escort of a few members of Congress.

A few days later, the barricades had been put back up, and this time wired together.  Another group of Veterans was en route.  This time, a group of bikers arrived ahead of the Veterans and disassembled the barricades.

While, it appears that the White House may have backed down from keeping WWII Veterans out of their memorial, it has re-doubled efforts at the Viet Nam memorial.  Viet Nam Veterans are being forcibly removed from viewing their memorial.

Keep in mind, it costs more money to barricade these monuments, than to allow them to be open.  There is no gate to man during normal operations.  The Park Rangers that are being used as the implement will still be paid, whether they simply roam the grounds, or they are massed to assemble barricades.  As far as I can determine, this is an unprecedented move, during ANY shutdown of the government.  I find no record of Clinton, Bush, or Reagan ordering the expenditure of more money to close "The Mall" than to just allow it to continue without service.  And to re-inforce the culpability of the Executive Branch (along with his enforcer, Harry Reid), the House has specifically passed legislation to keep "The Mall" and monuments open.

Related articles

Soldier escorts World War II Navy veteran on Honor Flight

POW/MIA Recognition Day is this Friday, 21 SEP 2012

Lawmaker says barricade of WWII memorial is 'Chicago thuggery'

WWII Memorial Barricade Wired Shut

Veterans Break Past World War II Memorial Barricade

World War 2 Vets to Storm Barricades Surrounding Iwo Jima Monument

Calling All Patriots: Million Veteran March On The D.C. Memorials October 13th

Paid SEIU Protesters at WORLD WAR II Memorial vs, World War II Vets

PHOTO: Veterans Arrested for Not Leaving the World War II Memorial

More veterans removed at Vietnam War Memorial

Tennessee Veterans to visit their Memorial

Today, 12 Oct 2013, an Honor Flight has departed Nashville Airport en route to Washington DC.  The World War II Veterans of Tennessee will visit their World War II memorial on the Mall.  When asked if they were concerned if the barricades of the Obama shutdown would keep them out, they expressed confidence that they would fulfill their mission, as Tennessee Representatives Marsha Blackburn, Dianne Black, and Scott Desjarlais have promised to assist in escorting the Veterans.

The Tennessee Representatives of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Districts have indicated that they will help remove barricades as needed, to any of the Monuments the group of aging Veterans wish to visit. 

Honor Flights from Tennessee are scheduled twice a year.

Marines Memorial Association

If you ever find yourself in San Francisco, I recommend staying at the Marines Memorial Association hotel there, or as I referred to it, the Veterans Consulate.  It is located in the high rent district, downtown, and about as close to everything as you can get.  You'll want to buy a membership in the Association first, $35 for active military, $150 for Veterans.  You'll save that much on a 2 day stay.  They give deep discounts to members, making it, by far the most cost efficient place to stay there.

And if you have a little flexibility in your scheduling, take a look at theirs.  In May, General Allen and Major General HR McMasters are both speaking at the hotel, along with several other events which are perks for guests and members.  Well known authors are often found speaking at the Hotel.

And the picture is from the hotel library.  That's not even half of the books, organized by military subject, and by war.  It's the kind of library, I'd love to have in my area.

I do have to caution you though, if you stay at the MMA hotel, you may not want to venture out of it, into the cold concrete jungle of San Francisco and do whatever it was that forced you to go there in the first place.  They have a great restaurant, a bar packed with Veterans, and great rooms in the part of town everyone wants to be in. 

As a sidenote, they have 20 annual scholarships, and the deadline for applying is 30 April.

If you do find yourself going to San Francisco, be sure to browse the website to see the rest of the facilities of the hotel.  And if you go, browse the halls of the various floors, as each is decorated with an enjoyable theme.

Video: What about the British Wounded Warriors?

May 24, 2012 by BritishForcesNews

Forces families Armed forces families coping with disability have been left disappointed at a conference attended by the Minister for Disabled People.

Maria Miller said her door was always open but she gave no reassurance to those worried about cuts to their benefits at the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Conference.

She talked about the support being given to injured service personnel from Afghanistan. However families here wanted to hear about what will be done for those coping with a disability, disabled child or partner.

Housing and adaptations to housing topped the list of worries at the conference. Families who are expected to move house in the forces are still struggling to get houses made suitable for special needs.

They have started a tri-service survey to pass on to the chain of command in the hope military homes can be adapted for special needs more effectively.

(c) MoD

Rating US Colleges for Veterans

Paul Szoldra, of the satirical military news site, The Duffel Blog (highly recommended), has started a petition for the US News & World Report to include an index of the Best Rated Universities for Military Veterans.  He also maintains the site: College Veteran.com, which is serious and attempts to provide information to Veterans striking out on the same path he has taken: Higher Education.

There is certainly a need for such a study and a ranking.  As Paul notes, there are many less than savory organizations out there that are just after the money that comes with enrollment in College by Military Veterans.  There are "non-profits" and for-profit businesses that get paid by the US government to provide information to Veterans.  And frankly the needs of the Veterans are not always their primary concern.

Some Unemployed Veterans Eligible for Retraining Funds

By Karen Parrish, AFPS, WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 - Unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 can apply for up to 12 months of paid training through a new program sponsored by the Departments of Labor (as paid for from DVA funds) and Veterans Affairs.

VA officials said the population the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program will serve is particularly in need. Of about 900,000 U.S. veterans who are unemployed, nearly two-thirds are between 35 and 60, according to the Labor Department.

The program, which began today, provides 12 months of training assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program, which currently pays $1,473 per month.

Participants must be enrolled in a community college or technical school program approved for VA benefits. The program must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree or certificate.

To qualify, a veteran also must:

Obama's Plan to Charge Military Retirees for Earned Benefits

There has been a feeling of betrayal in Troops and Veterans over the Obama Administration plan to charge Military Retirees for Health Care.  General Dempsey says he can afford it, though in other speeches he has told Army leaders that they should look out for their Troops and not just themselves.  General Dempsey can afford to pay a few thousand back to the government, because his retirement check will be more than his Active Duty check, about 20x more than he would pay back above his Active Duty check more.

I took a look at an average National Guard/Reserve Soldier's retirement instead.  I made him up, so he's neither extraordinary, nor lazy.  He joined the Guard when he was 18, and it was 1992.  He served his 1 weekend a month and his two weeks a year, but he didn't chase extra Active Duty assignments.  He served a year each in Iraq and a year in Afghanistan, when his unit was mobilized.  Over 20 years, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class, an E7.  In 2012, he'll retire, but he won't get a retirement check until he's 60, in 2034.  Based on my calculations, his check will be $644.83 a month when he turns 60, but he'll enroll in Tricare Prime in 2012, because he doesn't want to be fined under ObamaCare.

He'll "break even" in 2051, when he's 77 years old.  He'll have paid the government $129,137.21 for the joy of having served, before he gets there, if he gets there.

Tuition Assistance to be Cut Off at Some Colleges

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2012 - When a new policy takes effect -- probably this summer -- schools will need to have a signed memorandum of understanding to participate in the Defense Department's Tuition Assistance Program, Pentagon officials said.

A 90-day extension that expired March 30 allowed DOD officials to work with stakeholders to address issues associated with the memorandum, and a revised memorandum now is complete, officials said.

When the new policy takes effect, schools that provide education programs through the DOD Tuition Assistance Program must agree to the new memorandum and have a signed copy on file with the Defense Department for service members receiving tuition assistance approval to attend their institution, officials said.

Dr Woodson Justifies Charging Veterans for Health Care

Health System Seeks Savings While "Retaining Excellence"

By Jim Garamone, AFPS, WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 - Iraq and Afghanistan have been dangerous places over the past decade, but deployed troops often passed a saying on to new arrivals: "If you've got to get shot, this is the best place to do it."

The saying spread because the medical care for wounded service members was state-of-the-art, with the survival rates significantly higher than in previous conflicts.

Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, told the House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee yesterday that he wants to retain this excellence while controlling spiraling costs.

"Over the last 10 years, the men and women of the Military Health System have performed with great skill and undeniable courage in combat," Woodson said. "Their contributions to advancing military and American medicine are immense. The Military Health System's ability to perform this mission and be able to respond to humanitarian crises around the globe is unique among all military and nonmilitary organizations on this globe."

Video: For Veterans Searching for Work

Down to earth advise for Veterans in their job search:

From Ranger Up.
As the Administration tosses 100,000 Warriors into the Streets, more will need this advise.

Veterans and Beneficiaries Receive 2012 Cost of Living Adjustment

January 24, 2012

Information Available On-Line for E-Benefits Enrollees 

WASHINGTON – Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1.

“Veterans, their families and their survivors are entitled to benefits that keep pace with the cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “VA is also using the latest technology to provide Veterans and their families with access to current information about their benefits.”

The new compensation rates will range from $127 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,769 monthly for 100 percent.  The cost of living adjustments (COLAs) also apply to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits.  The full rates are available on the Internet at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/#BM01. 

Veterans Get Five More Years to qualify with Undiagnosed Illnesses

December 29, 2011

Rules Liberalized for Veterans with Undiagnosed Illnesses

Application Window Extended for Five Years

WASHINGTON – Veterans of the Persian Gulf War with undiagnosed illnesses have an additional five years to qualify for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Not all the wounds of war are fully understood,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “When there is uncertainty about the connection between a medical problem and military service, Veterans are entitled to the benefit of the doubt.”

A recent change in VA regulations affects Veterans of the conflict in Southwest Asia.  Many have attributed a range of undiagnosed or poorly understood medical problems to their military services.  Chemical weapons, environmental hazards and vaccinations are among the possible causes.

At issue is the eligibility of Veterans to claim VA disability compensation based upon those undiagnosed illnesses, and the ability of survivors to qualify for VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

Under long-standing VA rules, any undiagnosed illnesses used to establish eligibility for VA benefits must become apparent by Dec. 31, 2011.  The new change pushes the date back to Dec. 31, 2016.

Veterans or survivors who believe they qualify for these benefits should contact VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Further information about undiagnosed illnesses is available online at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar and www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif/index.asp

9/11 Survivors approach important January 2 deadline

There seems to be much confusion as to which 9/11 Survivors will be affected by the looming deadline of January 2, 2012.

The New York Times had this the other day:

Zero hour for 9/11 victims

By DAVID B. CARUSO

More than 1,600 people who filed lawsuits claiming their health was ruined by dust and smoke from the collapsed World Trade Center must decide by Jan. 2 whether to keep fighting in court, or drop the litigation and apply for benefits in a federal compensation fund.

For some, the choice is fraught with risk. Federal lawmakers set aside some $2.76 billion last winter for people who developed illnesses after spending time in the ash-choked zone.

But to be considered for a share of the aid, all potential applicants must dismiss any pending lawsuits by the deadline and give up their right to sue forever over 9/11 health problems. Anyone with a lawsuit still pending on Jan. 3 is barred from the program for life...

Confused enough yet?  A 9/11 group I belong to sent out a mass email today, which clarifies:

January 2, 2012 deadline regarding the Victims Compensation Fund

There has been great confusion over the January 2, 2012 deadline regarding the Victims Compensation Fund. I want to use this email to help clarify some points and help you protect your rights.

First, the January 2, 2012 deadline only applies to those men and women who have CURRENTLY PENDING LITIGATION BEFORE A STATE OR FEDERAL COURT. For those who have currently pending litigation, it is imperative that you discuss this matter with your attorney and decide whether to continue your litigation or withdraw such court action so that you may enter the Victims Compensation Fund. If you do not withdraw the pending litigation prior to January 2, 2012 you will be barred from entering the Victims Compensation Fund. This appears to be a steadfast statute of limitations issue and there will be no exceptions. Please do not miss this deadline without giving this issue due and proper consideration.

Please note, that if you have previously settled all your court claims and are simply awaiting your final payments, this deadline does not apply to you. However, if you are uncertain whether you have currently pending litigation before any federal or state court, I urge you to contact your attorney immediately to ascertain this information. No one should miss this deadline due to lack of information!

For those that know they have currently pending litigation, and are uncertain whether their attorney has withdrawn the matter, I again urge you to contact your counsel immediately and advise them of your wishes. If you are unable to contact counsel timely, but wish to withdraw your claims, I urge you to write letters both to your attorney and Judge Hellerstein advising of your desire to have your claims withdrawn. I would suggest that you send these letters via certified, overnight mail or FedEx in order to properly track them and show proof that you attempted to withdraw your matters in a timely fashion.

In closing, for those that have currently pending litigation, please do not take this issue lightly. It is a very difficult choice that you face and I urge you all to listen to the advise of your attorneys. Neither I nor anyone other than counsel can properly inform you which avenue to choose, but I can advise you that inaction will make the choice for you. ..

 

All the First Responders who worked within the madness that was 9/11 need to be sure they have the FACTS to protect their rights to what they so selflessly EARNED on that day, and in the weeks and months following.

SMA Chandler Discusses Uniforms, Decreasing Benefits w/Troops in Afghanistan

by Petty Officer 1st Class Farrukh DanielMASUM GHAR, Afghanistan - Raymond F. Chandler III, the 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, visited troops from 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25 Infantry Division, stationed at Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar Oct. 20th. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Chandler took time to discuss various changes coming in the Army that will impact soldiers everywhere. Chandler talked about changes in uniform standards, deployment length, retirement and changes in the size of the Army.

“The Army is getting smaller. We are recruiting fewer, higher quality people. We will be retaining fewer, higher quality people. And retention control points will start to get tighter,” Chandler said.

Pictured: Spc. Nicole Jurecko, with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, asks questions about where the Army is going, then listens to Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III respond during his visit to Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar, Afghanistan, Oct. 20.

Chandler said that uniforms will remain basically the same, with some changes from the field.

“There are a number of options that are being explored, but it is the goal of senior leadership to protect your benefits. If you have been planning to retire, we want to make sure you will be able to without losing anything.”

Chandler took time to recognize some of the Task Force “Arctic Wolves” soldiers present with his personal coin.

“You are the real heroes. Less than 0.67 percent of America is willing to do what you do. You joined after 9/11 knowing that you would come to this place. You’re my hero.”

[Editor's Note: The Obama Administration has requested that Congress approve moves to increase the cost of Health Benefits to Veterans, those Medically Retired, and those Retired after 20+ years, while also recommending that the Retirement pension plan be altered to significantly diminish the benefits.  This is within his scope of his view of "keeping faith with our troops," which is parroted by his Secretary of Defense.]

Veteran Health Care Costs Increase in October

Military retirees enrolling in the TRICARE Prime health plan after Oct. 1 will begin paying higher annual fees, Pentagon officials announced yesterday.

The fee change for fiscal 2012 means the plan will cost $260 per year for members and $520 per year for members and family, plus other fee increases.

Annual fees for retirees enrolled in TRICARE Prime prior to the Oct. 1 2011 will see their fees increase in October 2012. Retirees in Tricare PRIME have a catastrophic cap of $3,000, and TRICARE Prime co-pays are not changing, they added. 

Widows and Widowers of Troops killed on Active Duty, and Veterans medically retired due to war injuries who enroll or that renew their enrollment in the program, after October 1, 2011 will be charged the new fee.  

"This annual fee increase allows us to responsibly manage our costs in line with other secretary of defense initiatives announced earlier this year," by the Obama Administration said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

Troops & Veterans Aren't Paying Their Fair Share?

Well, the POTUS has declared that he has a plan to reduce the deficit by $1Trillion to $4 Trillion over the next 10 years, depending on what part of his marketing you're reading.  He has said that it's time for all of us to pay our "fair share," and pointed to the words of one of his biggest contributors: Warren Buffett.  Buffett is an astute investor who was able to put together a few million in campaign donations for Obama (and for Hillary) in 2008, ensuring they backed TARP which netted Buffett a few billion more in net worth.

Buffett has campaigned for higher taxes on the rich, for as long as he's been an Obama supporter.  To hear the spin, Buffett is paying less in taxes than his secretary, but Buffett doesn't say that being rich, he doesn't need (and likely doesn't take much of) an income.  He doesn't say how much he pays his secretary, but evidently, this translates into needing to raise taxes on those that make $250k/year, as opposed to the tens of billions that Buffett has in wealth.  At any rate, the reported increase in taxes on the small segment of America would supposedly increase tax revenue by $35 Billion, less than the worth of Warren Buffett, and a small part of the total claimed deficit reduction.  At best, it's a token (<1% to 3.5% of the claimed savings) and a slogan, to politicians, but a helluva cut in takehome pay for the people that employee others.

So, who are these miscreants that aren't paying their fair share?  The ones that will pay to balance the budget deficit?  Well, Military Retirees are evidently a big part of those not paying their fair share.  While the POTUS and his SecDef talk out of both sides of their mouths, the POTUS plans to slash military retirement pay and benefits.  Evidently, Twenty years of risking life and limb, of sacrificing comfort, and time with family, is insufficient to earn a full retirement.  He wants an "independent" commission to rubber stamp his idea of cutting up to 44 years of retirement pay($21 Billion).  And he wants those that do retire to pay for it themselves, with a 401k plan, instead of a retirement plan.

No Changes to Military Retirement Anytime Soon, Officials Say

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2011 - The military retirement isn't going to change any time soon, Defense Department officials said.

"There's no immediate plan to affect retirement," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told service members at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, July 31.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said any changes to military retirement should be studied carefully and should be "grandfathered" so the military doesn't break faith with those in the service.

Pentagon officials are reviewing all areas of the defense budget, and the goal

Obama Announces Veteran Workforce Initiatives

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2011 – President Barack Obama today announced a series of administration initiatives to help military veterans find jobs.

During remarks at the Navy Yard here, the president proposed a set of tax credits for companies hiring veterans, announced a new task force to develop reforms that will help service members transition to civilian jobs or higher education, and challenged industry to hire more veterans.

“Today's veterans are Americans who have done their duty,” the commander in chief said. “They have fought our wars with valor, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan.”

GI Bill Changes

By Alex Horton August 2, 2011

Since a revision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill was signed into law at the beginning of the year, we’ve made it a priority to explain the changes that could significantly impact students either attending school or about to start this fall. This week, many of those changes are being implemented, and it’s important that students understand how their benefits might be affected.

Why the changes?

Education benefits are now available for folks in the National Guard that accumulated active duty time under Title 32, and expands options for non-degree seeking students, like flight school and apprenticeships. That change puts education benefits into the hands of tens of thousands of Veterans. But to allow more Veterans to take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also known as Chapter 33), concessions had to be made to pay for it. Two changes to Chapter 33 will impact just about every student Veteran, and another change will change the way private school students receive tuition payments.

US Senators call for $80B cut in military benefits

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 21, 2011 10:06:53 EDT

A bipartisan Senate deficit-reduction plan would force smaller cost-of-living adjustments for military retirees as early as 2012 and give the House and Senate armed services committees no choice about making other cuts in military entitlements.

The so-called Gang of Six proposal, named for the three Democrats and three Republicans who drafted it, calls for cuts of $80 billion over 10 years in military entitlements, leaving details to be worked out by the armed services committees. If any committee fails to make the ordered cut, across-the-board reductions would be made in all entitlements under the committee’s jurisdiction.

New guide helps communities aid homeless women vets

by Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

7/20/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Officials with the Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor have released an online publication that will help community service providers aid homeless women veterans, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said July 20.

Solis addressed an audience of several hundred at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Theater on the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

"Where we're falling short in meeting the challenge of service women is when they come home," Solis said.

"Too many women who once wore our uniform now go to sleep in our streets," she added. "It breaks my heart to see that because many of them are sick (and) in need of help, and many are hungry. And it isn't just them.  Some of them have children."

The publication, called

Camp Leatherneck opens new education center

Regional Command Southwest

07.19.2011 Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Chandler CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- A new education center opened here in Helmand province with the help of University of Maryland University College, July 18.

A U.S. Marine asks a question during an introduction course given by the University of Maryland University College at the education center Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, July 18. The new education center can hold up to 32 students and will offer four classes during the inaugural semester.  Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Chandler

The new center can accommodate as many as 32 students. The University of Maryland University College will offer four classes in the inaugural semester: American History, Western Civilization, United States Government, and Understanding Movies. Each class is four hours long, lasts for eight weeks and worth three semester credits.

“Education is part of a soldiers’ benefits,

VA officials launch childcare pilot

7/18/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the launch of free, drop-in childcare service centers at three VA medical centers to an audience of more than 700 participants attending the Fifth National Summit on Women Veterans' Issues July 15 through 17 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

"We know that many veterans, particularly women veterans, are the primary caretakers of young children," Shinseki said. "We want these veterans to have the opportunity to access the high-quality health care that VA offers, and we believe that these childcare centers will make it easier for veteran caregivers to visit VA."

The pilot centers are part of the continuing effort of VA officials to improve access to health care for eligible veterans, particularly the growing number of women veterans. Congress established this childcare initiative as part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 which was signed by the president in May 2010.

The three sites and childcare details include:

DOD Sets Rules for Schools Receiving Tuition Assistance

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 - All schools participating in Title 10 tuition assistance will have to have a signed memorandum of understanding with the Defense Department under a new policy that will take effect Jan. 1.

Carolyn Baker, chief of voluntary education for DOD's military community family and policy office, explained to American Forces Press Service what the agreement covers.

"The MOU articulates the commitments and agreements between an educational institution and DOD prior to an institution accepting funds via the tuition assistance program," she said, adding that some schools already have begun the process of signing the memorandum.

DOD's tuition assistance program helps active-duty service members pay for college courses. The program covers undergraduate and most graduate courses delivered through on-line distance learning or traditional classroom instruction.

Guard members have one-stop information shop

National Guard Bureau

07.06.2011 Story by Tech. Sgt. Johnathon Orrell ARLINGTON , Va. – The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs have created a one-stop website for Guard members to access and administer their service benefits-related information in a secure manner, said the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

In a November 2010 memorandum to all the branches, Clifford L. Stanley announced that a new VA eBenefits web portal had been created as a solution for benefit-related information availability to current and former service members, to include all Guard members.

“The DS [DOD Self-Service Logon] is a secure, self-service logon ID that allows beneficiaries affiliated with the DoD or the VA access to several websites using a single username and password,” Stanley said.

FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T

Good evening and Happy Father's Day to those that are Dads.  I wanted to catch up with you all and let you know that the group I have been training and running race after race with are ramping up for another successful year to support those that supported us by sacrificing themselves in combat so that we can keep our country safe and free for our children and grand children to come.  

Hopefully you will feel compelled to assist our group raise the funds to continue taking care of every Hero that needs us.  It's really very easy on your part, all we need is your money ;))  Each penny you pay is accounted for and used as a direct support mechanism for someone that "NEEDS" it.  Imagine your dream home when you realize you can't reach the counter tops because you lost your legs from an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion.  Someone has to pay to make your dream house accessible to you (i.e. wheelchair ramps, wheelchair friendly doors, prosthetic limb, utility bill, etc...)  IMSFF is doing just that.  We ARE making a difference.  Many would be in big trouble if it weren't for the IMSFF.  

I don't want you to go broke, but I could use your support.  If you want to put a collection jar at your Church or store.  Hit up your boss and get your co-workers to get involved.  To give you an idea just how much it costs to lose a leg and want to have a chance of mobility without a wheelchair,

TRICARE: ID Cards to Change for Beneficiaries

TRICARE Informs Beneficiaries About ID Card Changes
No. 11-41

June 14, 2011 FALLS CHURCH, Va. – TRICARE beneficiaries should make sure they have their Social Security number (SSN) committed to memory.  It won’t be found on new Department of Defense (DoD) ID cards.

As of June 1, 2011, SSNs are no longer printed on new ID cards issued to members of the Uniformed Services, retirees and family members.  The new cards will look basically the same, but will have a unique DoD Identification number in place of the SSN. For those eligible for benefits, such as health care, a DoD Benefits number (DBN) will be on the back.

Family assistance vs. family readiness

Kansas Adjutant General's Department

06.12.2011 Story by Sgt. Jessica Barnett TOPEKA, Kan. - Serving in the military is more than a service member’s job; it’s their family’s duty, as well. Being part of a military family is a unique lifestyle. It can seem complicated and daunting at times, but there are many programs available to help.

One of the many people available to help military families is the Family Assistance Center Specialist. The FAC specialist provides assistance services for all military members, families and veterans regardless of service component. They help serve as a liaison between the chain of command and families.

“The FACS job is to find the answer. We are on call 24/7 and our focus is on making sure families get the information they need to relieve the stressors of deployment,” stated Cherie Herlinger, Kansas National Guard Family Assistance Coordinator. “We continue to work with the FRGs to maintain updated information on families and to relieve the workload of their volunteers.”

The FACS will provide assistance on six essential services:

Moving Families Can Transfer TRICARE Prime Enrollment

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 - Active duty military members and their families who are moving to a new location can now transfer their TRICARE Prime military health plan enrollment with a simple phone call.

The enrollment transfer includes a new primary care manager best suited to the location of the service member's work, home and anticipated medical needs, officials said.

Moving service members should call their current regional health care contractor to transfer their family's enrollment, and include a cell phone number and email address. The new regional contractor will contact them within five business days after the relocation date to finalize the TRICARE transfer.

Officials emphasized that active duty service members and their families will not have to worry about coverage during the transfer process, because they are continuously covered under TRICARE. Once settled, officials said, they can confirm coverage on the Beneficiary Web Enrollment website.

Is a Soldier's Death More Important?

Each year, in the United States, approximately 40,000 people are killed on American roads.  Over the last few years, approximately 40,000 people have been killed in Drug Cartel crimes in Mexico.  Recent Tornado's killed approximately 140 in the American South.  The final count on deaths from Tsunamis in Japan and previously Thailand will never be known for certain, but thousands and more than a 100,000 are conservative estimates.  Thousands of Afghan civilians and Thousands of Iraqi civilians are killed by terrorists every year.

Yet, the MSM doesn't publish the daily body counts in the Mexican Drug War, those of Iraqi based terrorists, Palestinian based terrorists, Afghanistan based terrorists, Pakistan based terrorists, civilian suicides, or those killed on American roadways, not even those killed by drug-crazed or drunken drivers.  They do give the daily body count of any American Servicemember remotely connected to Afghanistan (and used to do so on those remotely connected to Iraq).  Conversely, they'll use hours of broadcast time to tell the life stories of journalists that are killed in a combat zone, even if due to their own decisions to be in places of known extreme risk, as if the journalist were a saint.

War On Terror News does not report Fallen Soldiers as mere numbers, but by name.  Conversely, we also don't report on numbers or names of civilians killed by cars, or suicide.  This bears the question: Is a Soldier's Death  more important than a Civilian's?

No, it is not more important, but the way a man or woman lives is different.  No one can or should rejoice that someone has died.  No one is immune from bereavement when a loved one dies.  If a loved one is killed in a car accident, a tsunami, old age, or  war, it leaves a hole in the lives of all that truly knew them.  The families of the fallen are not immune from that, and neither is the grandson of a 90 year old woman.  But it is easier for our minds to justify the loss of someone to old age than for a mother to adjust to the loss of a child.

Continue reading "Is a Soldier's Death More Important Than Others?" »

Agent Orange Quilt of Tears

Henry Snyder, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife Shelia Snyder discuss the Agent Orange Quilt of Tears during the VVA 2010 Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Quilt, managed by the Agent Orange Victims & Widows Support Network, is a traveling memorial to the Vietnam veterans who have died due to cancers and illnesses caused by their exposure to Agent Orange during the war.

(Music by Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com)

For more information about the Quilt, visit http://www.agentorangequiltoftears.com/

College scholarships for children of fallen Guard soldiers

05 May 2011

A new scholarship fund has been set up for the children of National Guard members killed in the line of duty.

The National Guard Educational Foundation announced today that the fund will provide up to $6,250 per year to students attending college.

'This program will enable us to give something back to some families who have given so much to us, ' retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett Jr., the foundation's president, said in a press release. In the process, I hope it sends a message to some very special young people, ˜You remain part of the Guard family.

The national program is underwritten by DRS Technologies, Inc. of Parsippany, N.J.  It is open to children of Guard soldiers killed in operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom or New Dawn.

Deadline for applications for the 2011-2012 school year is June 30. For more information, go to www.drsfoundation.net/guard.

VA updates on Applications for New Family CareGiver Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published the interim final rule for implementing the Family Caregiver Program of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010. This new rule will provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who choose to receive their care in a home setting from a primary Family Caregiver.

18-24 YO Veterans: 21.9% Unemployed

Bureau of Labor Statistics: EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF VETERANS -- 2010

The unemployment rate for veterans who served in the military at any time since
September 2001--a group referred to as Gulf War-era II veterans--was 11.5 percent
in 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The jobless rate for
veterans of all eras combined was 8.7 percent, compared with 9.4 percent for non-
veterans. About 25 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans reported having a service-
connected disability in July 2010, compared with about 13 percent of all veterans.

MOD increases compensation for injured personnel

A Defence Policy and Business news article

9 Mar 11 Changes to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme that will mean significant increases to the awards paid to injured personnel have been published in a report by the Ministry of Defence today.

The changes, which will see an average 25 per cent increase to awards paid for injuries due to service, will be introduced following the recommendations from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Review, carried out by former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral the Lord Boyce last year.

The scheme pays a tax-free lump sum for injuries due to service, with the most seriously injured given a tax-free, index-linked Guaranteed Income Payment for life. This payment will be increased under the current changes to better reflect the lasting impact of injuries on future likely promotions and on the ability to work up to age 65.

Directory links wounded warriors, families to resources

by Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

2/3/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- From benefits and compensation, to education and training, an online directory is providing wounded warriors, veterans and their families a direct connection to thousands of state, local and national resources.

"There's so much information on the Web right now; it's nice to have one place to access all of the content, the services, the information you need," said John R. Campbell, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for wounded warrior care and transition policy. "It really permits the service member and family the ability to get information directly."

The Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs departments created the National Resource Directory,

Health Plan to Remain Free for Troops, Officials Emphasize

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

Story by Donna Miles

01.07.2011 WASHINGTON - Though Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates seeks modest premium increases for working-age military retirees who use the TRICARE Prime health plan, the benefit will remain free to service members, defense officials emphasized Jan. 7.

"For some time, I've spoken about the department's unaffordable health costs, and in particular the benefits provided to working-age retirees under the TRICARE program," the secretary told reporters.

"Many of these beneficiaries are employed full-time while receiving their full pensions, and often forego their employers' health plan to remain with TRICARE," he said. "This should not come as a surprise, given that the current TRICARE enrollment fee was set in 1995 at $460 a year for the basic family plan, and has not been raised since."

Gates noted the dramatic increase in insurance premiums during that period for private-sector and other government employees. Federal workers pay roughly $5,000 a year for a comparable health insurance program, he said.

Truth or Hoax - Email Warning about Veterans Affairs Services (VAS)

On November 28, 2010 we published an "email' warning about Veterans Affairs Services (VAS).  An email that has been widely circulated among veterans groups, and the internet.

VA Watchdog Today later linked to our email warning at their Rumor Control site. They had this advice regarding the email, and I quote:

"I can't find the origin but it almost appears to be an attempt at humor...something like Onion News."

"Ignore it."

I was content to let that be the end of the email.  Then late last night, a veteran contacted me regarding this same email.  We talked and I said there was some doubt surrounding this email.  I sent him the link to the VA Watchdog site.  He responded by saying that he had gotten a letter from VAS.  He thought it might be something I should look into.

WARNING TO VETERANS regarding Veterans Affairs Services (VAS)

UPDATED: Truth or Hoax-Email Warning About Veterans Affairs Services (VAS)

WARNING TO VETERANS

Forwarded purportedly by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Editor's Note:  This information has been passed on to me through several veterans groups!  There is a great deal of concern that veterans might think this group is affliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html

VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal.  Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.

In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below."

Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of the General Counsel (022G2)
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420

 

Related article

Truth or Hoax-Email Warning About Veterans Affairs Services (VAS)