by Zulma Weeks, Staff Writer

So, while I have had every intention of continuing my story, life has just taken over!  I find it best to write and just get it out of my system.  My friends, neighbors and family will appreciate it; there is only so much ranting one can take! 

I’ve learned over the months that: 1) widowhood is NOT for wimps.  The seedy people will take advantage or you will get walked all over by ‘caring’ strangers.  2) crying is necessary AND feels good—preferably in private so we don’t make ANYONE feel uncomfortable.  Our society and culture has so much to learn about grief!  3) support groups ARE NOT crutches to lean on forever but a very vital part of the healing/recovery process. 4) There really are good people left in this world that actually care.

by Barbie Perkins-Cooper

            As a writer and the proud wife of a Vietnam Veteran, I research information about the military, especially informative material to assist Veterans in their battles with the Veterans Administration.

Recently, I discovered the heartbreaking story of Denise and Terry Soles and their devastating experiences with V.A. medical benefits and care during the illness and eventual death of Terry Soles.

Denise Soles and I have a bit in common. My father died from esophageal cancer in 1999. Terry Soles was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 1998. Denise is a feisty, determined woman who does not take no for an answer, and like me, she documents the actions of medical care along with the comments doctors express.

by Zulma Weeks, Staff Writer

My name is Zulma Weeks.  I am 50 years old and a widow as of December 11, 2008.  My husband, Ernie Weeks, retired as a Lt Col in 2007 after 24 years of active duty service in the Air Force.

I want to share with other veterans and their families the joys, sacrifices and challenges I have lived through with my best friend and soul mate until his death 10 months ago.

I met Ernie in 1979 when we were both Air Force ROTC students at the University of Florida.  We were married in June 1982. Ernie went to Navigator School in Sacramento, California while I finished nursing school in Georgia. 

By Bruce Newman

In times of war, frontline troops occasionally are ordered to retreat to a place of relative safety -- known in military jargon as a "stand down" -- where soldiers can rest and receive medical attention before returning to combat. But for nearly 200 homeless veterans bivouacked among the redwoods at Boulder Creek this weekend, the South Bay Stand Down provided a welcome respite from the daily combat they face on the streets.

To remember homeless vets, 80-foot flag rises above coast
A.M. READ: Giant version of Old Glory is at American Legion post for 9/11 anniversary.

By JEFF OVERLEY

NEWPORT BEACH – Amid waterfront estates, bright white yachts and blue harbor vistas, an American flag is suddenly the most beautiful sight in town.

This version of Old Glory does have the advantage of being a basketball-court-sized 80-feet-by-50-feet. And it's conspicuous, dangling above the Balboa Peninsula not from a pole but a towering, crane-like device.

Secretary Shinseki Visits Meade High School, Encourages Students to Set Educational Goals

WASHINGTON – Heeding President Obama’s call for students to take charge of their education Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric K. Shinseki today visited Meade High School in Maryland to challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

“I am honored to be here at Meade High School to support President Obama’s important message of hope for you and our country,” Secretary Shinseki said to an audience of more than 700 students. “We are committed to helping you achieve greatness for yourselves, your communities, and the nation by encouraging each of you to set and achieve the highest educational goals. America will not succeed in the 21st century unless we do a far better job of educating you - our sons and daughters.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Dealing with credit card debt? Considering a house or refinance a mortgage? Preparing for retirement in a down economy? Is “cash for clunkers” for you? Looking for work?
Visitors to http://www.whatsonyourmind.com (sponsored by USAA) are dealing with these issues and many more on USAA’s first-ever conversation site. Other features include social media integration, job search support, and opinion through authorized USAA guests and bloggers.

The site allows Facebook users (including the 25,000 USAA fans) to seamlessly float between the two sites with one log-on via Facebook Connect. More importantly, http://www.whatsonyourmind.com, provides USAA’s approximately 7 million members a place to discuss the financial issues of the day; including unemployment.

Military members and their families are using more food stamps than in previous years

by Bob Hanafin, Staff Writer

Bryan Mitchell writes in an article that appeared July 22, 2009, "Military members and their families are using more food stamps than in previous years - redeeming them last year[2008] at nearly twice the civilian rate, according to Defense Commissary Agency figures.

The agency reports that more than $31 million worth of food stamps were used at commissaries nationwide in 2008 - an increase of about $6.2 million, or more than 25 percent - from the $24.8 million redeemed in 2007. That contrasts with a 13 percent overall increase in food stamp use by Americans for the same period, according to the Department of Agriculture, which administers the food stamp program..."

Washington, D.C. - On Thursday, July 16, 2009, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) conducted a hearing to discuss the purpose and the evolution of State Approving Agencies (SAA).  The authority of SAAs was established by Congress in 1947 to ensure that veterans and eligible dependents can use the G.I. Bill educational entitlement in an approved educational program.  Under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the key function of SAAs is to ensure that education and training programs meet VA standards through a range of approval activities. 

“The role of the SAAs has grown since its inception in 1947,” said Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin. “Through the program approval and supervision process, they provide assistance in reducing the opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse throughout the system.  We must determine how best to ensure our veterans are enrolled in an educational program where they can meet their educational goals.”

PROTECT TORTURERS AND ILLEGAL DOMESTIC SPYING FROM PROSECUTION

OR WE WILL LET MORE SICK KIDS DIE

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER

Are sick kids really dying for lack of healthcare in the US?  Actually, they are.  Each week, while the insurance lobby spends millions behind GOP obstruction for profit, 14000 new families join the uninsured millions.  Lives that would be saved by normal healthcare available in other western countries isn't available to our familes.  Tests that could save a life can cost a family their home.  Kids die.

Protecting our bloated and failed insurance/medical industry for a pocket of change is not enough.  Now, we are told, criminals can't be prosecuted or the GOP will hold up, not only medical care for kids but will they begin tearing down benefits for troops and veterans like they did when they were in power?

This isn't supporting the strong over the weak.  Yesterday I watched Glenn Beck attack Senator Daniel Inouye's military service in World War II.  According to Beck, Inouye snuck off to fight in a war so he could abuse his veteran status later.

Beck, the tearful sociopath of America's illiterates failed to notice Daniel Inouye's missing arm.  Beck, non-veteran and failed "disk jockey," failed to note Senator Inouye's Congressional Medal of Honor.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
July 4, 2009 

Hello and Happy Fourth of July, everybody....
 

The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at www.whitehouse.gov. 

Bill addresses unfair tax on Disabled Veterans

Congressman Joe Sestak continued to advocate for increased benefits for our nation's Veterans by cosponsoring and helping pass the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 (HR 2990).

The bill, which was approved by the House unanimously, temporarily allows for the concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation for Veterans with certain disability ratings, while creating a framework to extend benefits to service members with a lower disability rating and lengthen the eligibility period. Eligibility for concurrent payment would start on January 1, 2010 and last until September 30, 2010. 

Major League Baseball will once again honor veterans throughout the nation during the July 4th holiday weekend as part of its second year of national fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, a program which addresses the mental health and job needs of returning American Veterans.

As with the games on Memorial Day earlier this year, all Major League Baseball Clubs will wear special "Stars & Stripes" caps on Saturday and Sunday, July 4th and 5th. The caps have the American flag etched into the team's logo and are red in color (the Toronto Blue Jays hat incorporates a Maple Leaf design instead of the "Stars & Stripes").

By Josh Dawsey - jdawsey@thesunnews.com

Approximately 130,000 troops are expected to be out of major Iraq cities today as the Iraqi government takes over security in its major towns.

The government says the country is ready for self-governance. Some Grand Strand military families aren't so sure.

Bill addresses unfair tax on Disabled Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) continued to advocate for increased benefits for our nation’s Veterans by cosponsoring and helping pass the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009 (HR 2990). The bill, which was approved by the House unanimously, temporarily allows for the concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation for Veterans with certain disability ratings, while creating a framework to extend benefits to service members with a lower disability rating and lengthen the eligibility period. Eligibility for concurrent payment would start on January 1, 2010 and last until September 30, 2010.  

(The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (HR 1211),  Veterans Health Care Budget Reform & Transparency Act (HR 1016),  Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 (S 407). )

The Olympian-Veterans and military families can get assistance making home repairs or improvements under two initiatives from the Veterans Housing Initiative. Heroes at Home provides free home modifications and repairs for veterans, military widows and widowers, and active-duty military personnel and their families, with assistance based on income level.

Severely disabled veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom can take advantage of Serving Those Who Serve, a similar program. Immediate family members and caretakers living with a disabled veteran also qualify.

Applications for assistance can be downloaded at www.rebuildingtogether.org, then sent to Rebuilding Together National Headquarters, 1899 L Street N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, D.C., 20036.

Call 800-473-4229 for more information.

Celebrating in the military.milspouse.com-By Rosemary O'Brien

In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June each year.   Families take their dad out to dinner, let him watch TV all day, and give their dad a special card to let him know how much they love him.  When you come from a military family, however, you may have to come up with creative ways to honor your father.   What have some military families done to mark Father’s Day during a time when Dear Old Dad was deployed?

By Congressman Joe Sestak

As a 31-year Navy veteran, I'm grateful for the Daily News editorial on veterans and share your concern that few Americans are as aware of the true meaning of Memorial Day as they should be, and even fewer continue to recognize its purpose once it's passed.

A recent survey sponsored by Blue Star Mothers of America found that 94 percent of the military families polled felt they were disconnected from our society.  The group represents the relatively few American families touched by our current conflicts.  When we consider that less than one percent of our population is directly involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's all the more important that we never take those who are serving and waiting for granted.

MIAMI -- The federal government is exploring how to put Florida hurricane evacuees in foreclosed homes if a Katrina-like storm devastates the region and shelters, hotels and other housing options are full, The Associated Press has learned.

Officials told AP on Tuesday that it is an effort to find some benefit in the foreclosure crisis and keep people close to their homes and communities instead of scattering them around the country, which happened when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and other parts of coastal Louisiana and Mississippi almost four years ago. Thousands of victims who lost their homes in the storm moved to Houston, Atlanta and other cities, and many never returned.

New Orleans has been slow to recover, partly because of the lost population.

Pro-Peace Military family groups say blood is now on Obama’s hands.

"Way too many have died on all sides of these wars. If I remember correctly, President Obama won the Democratic nomination based on the promise to end the war in Iraq. But, between Iraq and Afghanistan, at the end of this year we will actually have more troops in harm's way then we did at the height of the 'surge.' That's just as bad as we had it under President Bush. These wars now belong to President Obama. The blood is on his hands." Warren Henthorn of Choctaw, OK, the father of Army Specialist. Jeffrey Henthorn who died in Iraq on Feb 8, 2005

Posted by:

Robert L. Hanafin

Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired

Military Families Speak Out - Ohio

(This is solely my opinion on behalf of MFSO and Gold Star Families Speak Out given they have little to no mainstream media or Congressional recognition despite having love one's in harms way or having lost love ones to the Bush/Obama wars)

PERSONAL AND FAMILY SAFETY AND THE LAW

THE POLITICS OF STAYING ALIVE IN AMERICA

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER

A discussion of "gun control" or "ammunition shortages" belongs some place else.  Laws vary too much, from state to state and each individual needs to know the laws of their own state and even own city.  This is wrong but it how things are.  Only recently, we got back the right to be armed in National Parks.  That there was a debate about that at all is insane.

Most of us who collect guns, or weapons of all kinds and are police and military trained shooters with martial arts experience and follow NRA publications are well versed but not always properly informed.  I want to thank my friends, Fred Coward and Dr. Phil Hayden, founders of the FBI's Hostage Rescue training center in Quantico and Lt. Col. George McClory of the US Special Forces for their hours of discussions on these subjects.

This is a controversial issue, not because of politics, but because guns, too often, kill family members and not criminals.  Weapon ownership is a right, certainly and guns are tools.  I don't give kids a chain saw.  We are going to start with home defense:

By Kevin G. Hall | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has rolled out several initiatives since mid-February to stem the rising tide of foreclosures by slowing the supply of homes coming onto a down market. Now there's a growing clamor for him to do more to spark moribund home sales.

Real estate agents, mortgage brokers and lenders all want a government refinance program expanded so that more homeowners whose properties have lost value — especially in hard-hit states such as Florida and California — can take advantage of today's low mortgage rates

By VICKY TAYLOR Staff writer

CHAMBERSBURG -- Veterans who attended a spaghetti dinner Saturday afternoon were impressed not only with the food and service at the event, but also the doctor who sponsored it.

Fayetteville's Dr. Paul Orange circulated around the room as veterans and their guests were served, introducing himself to each veteran, shaking their hands and thanking them for coming to the AMVETS banquet hall for the event.

"This is wonderful," said Vietnam-era vet Ralph Payne of Waynesboro. "It seems at times that so little is done for veterans, so something like this is really appreciated."

WDEF.com

 Congressional panel will discuss mistakes that put patients at three Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals at risk of possible exposure to HIV and other infectious body fluids.

Five patients have tested positive for HIV and 39 have tested positive for hepatitis after receiving treatment at VA hospitals in Murfreesboro, Miami and Augusta.

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs oversight and investigations subcommittee has set a June 16th hearing.

A Republican Disgrace

By Richard J. LaRossa

Marcia Karrow picked a strange day to smear Mike Doherty.  Two years ago, the New Jersey GOP, lead by State Chairman Tom Wilson and Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, issued a statement condemning a Republican consultant for a direct mail piece “used as an attack on a colleague”, calling that attack “inappropriate and offensive” and “not representing the values embraced by our party.”

The statement went on to state that the consultant who produced the advertisement had “crossed a line and we believe it would no longer be appropriate for him to do work on behalf of any candidate running as a Republican in this state.”

IS A VETERAN ONLY A "VETERAN" WHEN HE IS ASKING FOR MONEY OR VOTING?

By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER

Twice a year the press discovers veterans.  Photo crews go online to look for people to interview, parades or ceremonies to visit and something to fill time, fill space and move on.  Veterans are "leftovers." 

The dead go in cemeteries.  Arlington is, not only a cemetery but a tourist spot to boot.  Wounded and sick either die or are treated by a mysterious bureaucracy until they die, go away or sometimes get better.  Too many stay sick.

Victims of Gulf War syndrome were told, for years, it was their imagination.  You can visit many of them in our veteran cemeteries.  Agent Orange victims died by the thousands and are still sick and dying.  For years they were told it was their imagination.  PTSD victims didn't exist until 1982.  Now they have disappeared again.  They are now all fakers or had "preexisting conditions."

Now we only have time to talk of our new disaster while our old disasters, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm along with their families, the biggest victims of all, face the brunt of economic collapse, incompetence and simple fraud.