Mesothelioma Patient & Family Resources: Mesotheliomahelp is provided by Belluck & Fox, LLP as a comprehensive resource for mesothelioma victims and their families. The site provides up-to-date information on the latest news and treatment options as well as an easy to use search feature to find local mesothelioma doctors and health care clinics.
We fight for veterans harmed by asbestos: Veterans with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer should know they have options: the opportunity to bring a suit against manufacturers and sellers of the asbestos that caused their illness. If you were harmed by asbestos exposure, for example, in ships or military housing, contact Weitz & Luxenberg to get a free case review.
Important Information for Veterans: Asbestos products were often used on military ships and within military housing, and Veterans may have been exposed. Previous exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal cancer that has no cure and affects countless Veterans and loved ones. For more information regarding military asbestos exposure visit Mesothelioma.com
VA Police Get Shoveled in Shameless Showdown with Purple Heart Veterans
By Robert L. Rosebrock, Staff Writer
June 28, 2009 is a day that will live in both infamy and honor in the lives of America's Military Veterans and We the People.
On that day, the sleazy VA bureaucrats of the West Los Angeles Medical Center infamously ordered a surveillance van to park within 100 feet from the front gate where The Veterans Revolution hold their peaceful Sunday Rallies to “Save Our Veterans Land,” and to monitor their every move.
Amateurish and Phony The government's silver Ford van with blackened windows and no license plates was as conspicuous as a drag queen in a football team huddle. Moreover, the government's amateurish attempt to disguise their despicable spy machine as a gardener's truck with a shovel, rake and hoe at its side was as insulting as a Veteran having to shake hands with a corrupt politician.
News: N.J. judge rules blogger not protected by newspaper shield laws, can be sued for slander
"Courts are now being faced with the task of evaluating a virtually limitless number of people who claim to be 'reporting' on issues, but who are, many times, doing little more than shouting from atop a digital soapbox,"
A judge in Freehold ruled today that a Washington State blogger who posted comments about the pornography industry is not covered by shield laws that protect newspaper reporters and can be sued for defamation.
"To say that everybody who blogs and is entitled to the shield nullifies what it's there for,He understood the internet is just another means of communication. It doesn't mean you can communicate anything you want-horrible things without checking them out."
Opinion: Escalating Afghan War Will Destroy Obama Presidency, Law School Dean Warns
by Sherwood Ross, Staff Writer
Escalating the war in Afghanistan will destroy the Obama presidency “almost as surely as (Viet) Nam and Iraq destroyed Johnson’s, Nixon’s and Bush II’s,” a noted law dean warns.
Obama “seems to be drinking the same Kool Aid that was drunk by, and destroyed the presidencies” of those predecessors, writes Lawrence Velvel, dean of the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover.
Obama’s policy of striking on the Afghan “central front” to thwart terrorist attacks in their sanctuary while rebuilding roads and providing electricity “is all very reminiscent of ---in parts identical to---Johnson’s and Nixon’s statements about Nam, Nixon’s about Cambodia (a claimed sanctuary for planning and refitting), and Bush II’s about Iraq,” Velvel recalls.
News: U.S. Department of Defense Announces Latest Contract Awards: 7-2-09
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $441,938,182 modification to definitize the previously awarded Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Air System Low Rate Initial Production Lot III advance acquisition contract (N00019-08-C-0028) to a cost-plus-incentive-fee/award-fee contract. In addition, this modification provides for common and unique performance based logistics support and hardware for the sustainment of seven U.S. Air Force and one Government of the Netherlands Conventional Take-Off and Landing aircraft; seven U.S. Marine Corps and two United Kingdom (UK) Short Take-Off Vertical-Landing aircraft; material necessary to support activation of JSF bases; two Aircraft Systems Maintenance Trainers; one Weapons Loader Trainer; two Full Mission Simulators; one USMC and one UK Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer; sixteen LM-STAR avionics test stations; hardware and software for the Integrated Training Center; CVN Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) shipboard certification and deployment; ALIS depot trade study; and associated technical and financial data.
Special Report: HELP NEEDED: MEDALS OF HONOR MISSING FROM OHIO MUSEUM COLLECTION
MEDALS OF HONOR MUST BE RECOVERED
PLEASE HELP!
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER
Toledo, Ohio is slated to get a new veterans and military history exhibit tied to the opening of the new VA medical center. Working with Rep. Marcy Kaptur's office, the Toledo Museum of Art, the Tennesee State Historical Society, the Smithsonian Institution and a number of other museums and organizations, we are seeking missing military relics that were on display at a now closed local museum
Many important pieces have been misplaced, including at least 5 Medals of Honor. The Medal of Honor Society has furnished us with a list of medals issued. If any private collector of museum is in possession of any of these medals, please contact us. We wish to "repatriate" them to a place of honor.
If you can help us in any way, the veterans of Ohio would be thankful. Please contact: Gordon Duff gpduf@aol.com or Dan Foote dan.foote@mail.house.gov .
News: Top 10 Veterans News from Around the Country 7-02-09
What's Inside Today's Local News for Veterans
1. Shinseki's Rural Tour Visit Seen As Tied Into Presidential Campaign Concerns. 2. Obama, Shinseki, Congress Urged To Deal With Claims Backlog. 3. Duckworth Says VA Is "Going Through A Whole Transformation." 4. Duckworth Touts Benefits Offered By New GI Bill. 5. DeBakey VAMC Receives Grant To Create Brain Injury Center. 6. Buffalo VAMC Director Prioritizes Timely Completion Of Medical Examinations. 7. Fox News, Iraq Vet Raising Money For Special Operations Warrior Fund. 8. Rove Notes Sacrifice Made In Iraq By "Remarkable" US Family. 9. VAPAHCS Breaks Ground On New Mental Health Facility. 10. Vets Thank Psychiatrist For Post-Retirement Service.
Military Veterans and Active Military Personnel Honored with Apartment Rent Discount Program
Military Veterans and Active Military Personnel Honored with Apartment Rent Discount Program
Empirian Property Management to offer a 30% rent discount for military veterans and active military personnel.
Montvale, NJ -- Empirian Property Management is proud to offer a rent discount program for military personnel called the Service Appreciation Program. The Service Appreciation Program, which grants up to a 30% discount on monthly rent, is available in over 350 apartment communities across 17 states (For a complete list, visit www.empirianprogram.com) to any military veteran or active member of the military.
“With the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, it’s a honor to be able to show our appreciation for the fine men and women who bravely serve our country,” says Eli Feller, Assistant VP of Acquisitions, “in these challenging financial times, we are grateful to have the opportunity to assist in reducing their largest expense – rent.”
Special Report: "SNOOPGATE" VA CLAIMS: VET GROUPS MISTAKEN FOR IRANIAN TERRORISTS
COVERT SPY OPERATIONS AGAINST VETERANS TRYING TO SAVE THEIR PARK FROM CROOKED DEVELOPERS - THE DVA RESPONDS:
"WE DO IT ALL THE TIME"
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER
Read it yourself. This is the email:
"From: Tillman, Ralph D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Incident on June 28, 2009 To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 2:01 PM
Commander Martin: It was a pleasure meeting with you yesterday. We appreciate your willingness to bring to our attention an incident that concerned you. As requested, we have reviewed the incident over the weekend including a review of police reports and discussions with the officers involved. We, once again, confirm that surveillance activities were occurring during the weekend, primarily due the Iranian election protest adjacent to our property.
(EDITORS NOTE: NOT ADJACENT/HALF A MILE AWAY) As you can imagine, the first and foremost responsibility for our VA police is to assure the safety and well being of the veterans and staff that are on our campus.(SPYING ON PTSD PATIENTS?) The situation with the demonstration at the Federal Building was potentially very serious. (DEMONSTATORS WERE PRO-AMERICAN ACTIVISTS) When the car you were riding in drove across the grass in an aggressive manner and your group confronted our police officer (DRESSED AS A GARDENER AND CARRYING A RAKE AND SHOVEL), we had no way to ascertain what your intentions were. (GARDENING ADVICE?)The response from the officer in the surveillance van(?????)and the subsequent responding officers was very measured(ILLEGALLY DETAINING VETERANS GROUP LEADERS ON VETERANS LAND) and appropriate considering the situation as it unfolded. However, we do regret any inconvenience this may have caused.(ILLEGAL SPYING AND DETENTION IS "INCONVENIENCE?") Please know that our goal is the meet the needs of our veterans. If I can be of further service, please do not hesitate to call. Ralph Tillman/Acting Chief Public Communications/DVA"
HOWEVER:
THE IRANIANS BEING WATCHED WERE ACTUALLY AMERICAN VETERANS NOWHERE NEAR THE PRO-DEMOCRACY PROTESTS
THE VA LATER ADMITTED TILLMANS STATEMENT NOT ACCURATE - SPYING WAS ON VETS
HOW DO WE TELL WHO ARE LEGITMATE VA EMPLOYEES WHEN GROUNDS KEEPERS ARE POLICE SPIES AND DELIVERY VEHICLES ARE BORROWED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY? THINK ABOUT THIS FOR A MINUTE...
Special Report: PROJECT SALUTE: On-line Attorney Training for VA Certification July 23 and 24th , 2009
This is a follow-up to my previous article,LIST OF ATTORNEYS FOR VETERANS SEEKING VA BENEFITS. We have learned here at Veterans Today that the supply of lawyers certified by the VA to represent Veterans can hardly keep up with the increasing demand for services, especially from the youngest generation of Vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. However, there is a shortage of lawyers familiar with Veterans Law across the board. In an attempt to encourage attorneys, especially lawyers willing to accept pro bono services for Veterans, several law schools have begun offering training sessions leading to VA certification.
The increasing demand for Veterans Law Attorneys
Veterans' law deals with certain special rights that veterans are entitled to as a result of their service in the armed forces. The Executive Branch of the United States government created the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer and enforce these laws. Most of the laws that apply especially to veterans deal with retirement, disability, healthcare, vocational and educational services, and death benefits for dependents of veterans. Veterans' law is a very specific and detailed area of the law, and more complex and difficult issues than those listed above are likely to arise. However, to offset this complexity the Department of Veterans Affairs is accessible to veterans, and attorneys making information regarding important aspects of veterans' law easily attainable if one knows where to look.
The majority of the rules and regulations addressing aspects of Veterans law can be found in Title 38 of the United States Code. All of the laws under this title are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, its officers and subsidiary departments. Due to the complex and specialized nature of veterans' law, attorneys who practice it must have their qualifications approved by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
When attorney training and VA certification opportunities arise, we will attempt to spread the word throughout the legal community through Bar Associations, and attorney blogs and forums, such as the Justice News Ladders.
News: VA Assistant Secretary Raises Awareness About Post-9/11 GI Bill
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, L. Tammy Duckworth, the assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, made a successful visit to Vermont to promote the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet with veterans.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill throws open the doors of the country’s colleges and university to Veterans,” Duckworth said. “The Department of Veterans Affairs is working with those educational institutions to help Veterans improve their lives through education.”
News: President Obama Signs Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to Women Airforce Service Pilots
President Obama Signs Bill Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to Women Airforce Service Pilots
First women to fly American military aircraft served courageously, blazed trails during WWII
WASHINGTON – President Obama today signed into law S. 614, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). WASP was established during World War II with the primary mission of flying non-combat military missions in the United States thus freeing their male counterparts for combat missions. Its pilots were the first women ever to fly American military aircraft and flew almost every type of aircraft operated by the United States Army Air Force during World War II on a wide range of missions.
News: U.S. Department of Defense Announces Latest Contract Awards: 7-1-09
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
TW Metals, Inc., Carol Stream, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract to be a metals prime vendor for the northeast region of the United States. Other locations of performance are Exton, Pa., and various other locations. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were four proposals originally solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract has a two-year base and three possible one-year options. The date of performance completion is June 30, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM8EG-09-D-0009).
Special Report: MURDER IN MINNESOTA: THE SENATE NIGHTMARE IS FINALLY OVER
THE STRANGE CASE OF SENATOR PAUL WELLSTONE
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER
This week, Senator Al Franken takes office after a vicious and wasteful court battle with former Senator Norm Coleman. Coleman's election, over 6 years ago, was the result of the mysterious death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter and 4 others. Wellstone was Karl Rove's number one political enemy.
This isn't a "stand alone" death. In Ohio, recently, Mike Connell, slated to testify on rigging election machines at the bidding of Karl Rove, died in a mysterious plane cash. Connell had sought police protection stating that Rove had threatened his life.
Two Bush "elections" were based on Mike Connell's work for Karl Rove.
Features: What does it mean to be a progressive American veteran?
What does it mean to be progressive American veteran? We get asked that question a lot here at Veterans Today.
by Tom Barnes, Staff Writer
And it is a good question so lets look at some quotes from the some of the great human minds of the past few centuries. I stole most of these from Quote Garden (http://www.quotegarden.com/civil-disobedience.html). Essentially a progressive protests what he sees loudly, through action and through free speech. He does not conserve. He tears down the impediments to freedom that confront him. He is an actor, not a talker.
This is what we aim for here at Veterans Today. Why? Because the system, the government, the D.V.A., the veterans' organizations, all of them and more, have largely failed us. And they failed us deliberately and with malice. Here are some progressive quotes...it should help anyone who reads this website understand our VT mindset better. We serve our fellow veterans by constantly screaming, "More must be done for them. They have been betrayed."
Opinion: De-Valuing America on the backs of Soldiers
By D. C. Liberty Staff Writer
Never will science over come fact of aged deterioration. Even if humankind were to achieve accomplishment of material, genetic or otherwise which with stands the test of time. Deterioration of the space in time still exists. In other words, that classic car setting in your garage may look like new run like new but it is old and time of existence has marked it space.
As greed permeates every square inch of Earth, trade value is placed on every single thing which exists. Science works diligently to extract value from thin air separating particles accelerated in time, sifting value, for sole purpose of GREED. Humankind is blinded, such that all walks of life, at every level of intellect are swallowed up in self indulgent desire of power and control over others, every single one is unable to recognize that they too are embedded with GREED.
Opinion: The aftermath of Lawsuits Against the VA – Part Two
As mentioned in my previous article, way back in July 2007, two Veterans Advocate organizations Veterans for Common Sense (VCS) and Veterans United for Truth (VUFT) filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs. About 16 months after, two additional VSOs filed a law suit that was more encompassing. It too would be thrown out by a federal judge to now be in Appeal. It these lawsuits accomplished nothing else; it brought media focus on just how shameful the American government was and continues to treat America's Veterans. Some of these Veterans groups despite their non-partisan political charters and design will be labeled partisan cronies of the Democratic Party, however those that remain truly non-partisan continue to appeal, expose Congressional mismanagement of the VA, mismanagement within the VA system, and the systemic problems of the VA. At least one, Veterans for Common Sense (VCS) is working closely with attorney organizers to increase the number of attorneys available to America's Veterans. I know from personal experience here in Ohio that finding a VA certified attorney very difficult to do. We need to turn this around, so that more Veterans have access to an attorney without having to go through an Old Guard VSO to get to one.
News: Top 10 Veterans News from Around the Country 7-01-09
What's Inside Today's Local News for Veterans
1. Shinseki Part Of White House's "Rural Tour." 2. Some Oregon Vets Complaining About VA. 3. Duckworth Tours Vermont. 4. University Of Charleston Participating In Yellow Ribbon Program. 5. Veterans Groups Seek Release Of Detainee-Abuse Photos. 6. CEO Says Hospital In Texas May Serve VA. 7. Perry Point VAMC Scaling Back Late-Night Hours. 8. VA, Military Urged To Do More To Reduce Smoking Rates. 9. FDA Advisers Recommend Banning Two Painkillers, Reducing Tylenol Dosages. 10. Dedication Ceremony To Be Held For New VA Clinic In Washington State.
Opinion: CIA Crucified and DeHumanized Captive in Abu Ghraib Prison
by Sherwood Ross
The Central Intelligence Agency crucified a prisoner in Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad, according to a report published in The New Yorker magazine.
“A forensic examiner found that he (the prisoner) had essentially been crucified; he died from asphyxiation after having been hung by his arms, in a hood, and suffering broken ribs,” the magazine’s Jane Mayer writes in the magazine’s June 22nd issue. “Military pathologists classified the case a homicide.” The date of the murder was not given.
VA ADMITS TO ROUTINE SPY OPERATIONS AGAINST VET ORGANIZATIONS
VETERANS TODAY REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER with Robert Rosebrock in Los Angeles
As most veterans know, Veterans Affairs manages billions in land donated for use by veterans, some for parks, golf courses and some for housing for aging veterans. Some of this land was given to veterans over 100 years ago. ALL WAS GIVEN UNDER OBLIGATION TO KEEP LAND EXCLUSIVELY FOR VETERANS USE....FOREVER.
Robert Rosebrock, Walter Martin, Anita Martin and Luis Riveria met with the Department of Veterans Affairs regional director to discuss concerns with VA surveillance and how upsetting learning of these practices will be on the welfare of veterans being treated.
Last week, the VA was "worried" about veterans groups displaying the flag in the "distress mode" upsetting patients. How do they think their admission of spying operations on veterans will make patients feel? How can you diagnose "paranoid delusions" in people you are spying on?
News: Memorial Fund Observes 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War's First Combat Casualties
MEMORIAL FUND OBSERVES 50th ANNIVERSARY OF VIETNAM WAR’S FIRST AMERICAN COMBAT CASUALTIES AT JULY 8 CEREMONY Ceremony Begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Washington, D.C. — The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first two American combat casualties of the Vietnam War with a special ceremony and wreath laying at The Wall on Wednesday, July 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m., said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Memorial Fund.
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Chester Ovnand and Maj. Dale Buis died on July 8, 1959, when their compound was attacked by North Vietnamese communists. Theirs are the first two names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, occupying panel 1E, Row 1, at the apex of The Wall.
By Robert L. Rosebrock, Staff Writer
MEDALS OF HONOR MUST BE RECOVERED
COVERT SPY OPERATIONS AGAINST VETERANS TRYING TO SAVE THEIR PARK FROM CROOKED DEVELOPERS - THE DVA RESPONDS:
This is a follow-up to my previous article, 
When attorney training and VA certification opportunities arise, we will attempt to spread the word throughout the legal community through Bar Associations, and attorney blogs and forums, such as the Justice News Ladders. 
THE STRANGE CASE OF SENATOR PAUL WELLSTONE
What does it mean to be progressive American veteran? We get asked that question a lot here at Veterans Today.
As mentioned in my previous article, way back in July 2007, two Veterans Advocate organizations Veterans for Common Sense (VCS) and Veterans United for Truth (VUFT) filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs. About 16 months after, two additional VSOs filed a law suit that was more encompassing. It too would be thrown out by a federal judge to now be in Appeal. It these lawsuits accomplished nothing else; it brought media focus on just how shameful the American government was and continues to treat America's Veterans. Some of these Veterans groups despite their non-partisan political charters and de
sign will be labeled partisan cronies of the Democratic Party, however those that remain truly non-partisan continue to appeal, expose Congressional mismanagement of the VA, mismanagement within the VA system, and the systemic problems of the VA. At least one, Veterans for Common Sense (VCS) is working closely with attorney organizers to increase the number of attorneys available to America's Veterans. 
VA ADMITS TO ROUTINE SPY OPERATIONS AGAINST VET ORGANIZATIONS
