Fort Carson:9 men,10 murders from one brigade

Before you attempt to write these soldier off as just criminals, consider this. They were willing to risk their lives for this country with two military campaigns going on. Afghanistan was invaded in 2001 and Iraq was invaded in 2003. All of them volunteered to risk their lives because the government said they were needed. Is that the act of a criminal? Is that the act of someone with absolutely no regard for human life? No. Are there some trying to get into the military so they can "kill people" and get away with it? Sure there is that possibility but I'd like to see them pass the mental evaluation and pull it off. Even if you know absolutely nothing about PTSD, I'm sure even you would understand the difference in character the men and women in the military have from the rest of us. If nothing else, allow that to enter into your brain before you read this.

For my readers up to speed on PTSD, this requires absolutely no more explanation for you to understand so please read it and then contact your elected officials, yes even the ones who were just elected to office so they have a game plan when they get to Washington. There is no time to waste.

Deadly duty for Fort Carson
Fort Carson has sent thousands of troops into action overseas. But nine may have brought too much of the war home with them and have been linked to violent crimes.
By David Olinger
The Denver Post

John needham, 25, pictured at left atop an armored personnel carrier in Iraq, was arrested in Orange County, Calif., in September and charged with murder in the death of a 19-year-old woman found beaten at a condominium in San Clemente. (Photo courtesy of Mike Needham )

COLORADO SPRINGS — Erica Ham was walking to a bus stop, heading for work as a nursing-home housekeeper, when a car struck her from behind.

Three men jumped out. "Get on the ground!" one with a gun ordered. Another stabbed her repeatedly, puncturing a lung and slitting her left eyelid. Police found her unconscious but alive, her cellphone at her ear.

Matthew Orrenmaa was shot as he walked to get gas for his truck, Zachary Szody as he talked with a friend in front of a Colorado Springs house. Cesar Ramirez-Ibanez and Amairany Cervantes were gunned down as they posted a garage-sale sign. Kevin Shields was shot to death on his 24th birthday, Robert James for the cash in his wallet, Jonathan Smith in an attempted robbery, Sara

Sherwood by a husband who then killed himself. Judilianna Lawrence was murdered by a rapist who slit her throat. Jacqwelyn Villagomez was beaten to death.

The victims had just one thing in common: The men accused of attacking them all went to war in Iraq with the same Fort Carson unit, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

In three years, nine men from that single 3,700-soldier Army brigade have been charged in 10 murders and attempted homicides, all but two in or around Colorado Springs. Some of the attacks appear frighteningly random; victims were shot and stabbed by men they had never seen before. Four of the victims — Orrenmaa, Szody, Shields and James — also served at Fort Carson.

Of the accused, one had been sent home early from Iraq with mental-health problems. Another had been hospitalized with post-traumatic stress disorder. Another had become addicted to painkillers prescribed for his wounds.
go here for more
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_10996605
Linked from
http://icasualties.org/oif/

Haley VA center apologizes after vet dies

"It just don't seem right," said Szamlewski's widow, Marie. "I just don't understand why they didn't give it to him. Maybe my story can help somebody else to know they've got to stay on the VA every minute."

Haley VA center apologizes after vet dies
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 15, 2008



TAMPA — During his recovery from cancer surgery, doctors put Jim Szamlewski on oxygen to help keep him alive.

But they discharged him from the James A. Haley VA Medical Center without the thing most essential to his survival: oxygen.

For up to six agonizing hours on Sept. 5, the 75-year-old Army veteran struggled for breath as his condition deteriorated, his wife said. The oxygen finally arrived. But Szamlewski's heart stopped 12 hours after his discharge. Though it was restarted, his brain had been irreparably damaged.

Szamlewski, of Land O'Lakes, died with the removal of life support on Sept. 9.

His is the third case detailed by the St. Petersburg Times in recent months in which a veteran died after either being misdiagnosed or discharged without vital supplies or equipment.

After a Times inquiry, the Department of Veterans Affairs regional director requested a review of the Szamlewski case by the agency's independent watchdog, the Office of Medical Inspector.
go here for more
http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/veterans/article903950.ece

President Elect Obama's last day as senator

Obama says thanks on last day as senator
President-elect Barack Obama said "a very affectionate thanks" to the people of Illinois in a letter published Sunday in newspapers across his home state. Several Illinois Democrats have been mentioned as possible Senate replacements for Obama. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is assembling a panel to look over likely candidates. full story

When they rush to help, do you pray?

Firefighters shift focus to north Orange County as 26,000 evacuate
By Tami Abdollah, Howard Blume 2:38 p.m.
The Triangle Complex fire burns uncontrolled and threatens to cross the 57 Freeway. Firefighters make better progress in Sylmar area and Santa Barbara.

I live just outside of Orlando and around here, the sound of a fire engine is pretty common. Each time I hear one, I offer a prayer for the firefighters rushing to help others. A little while ago, several passed nearby. They reminded me of what is happening in California right now. With all the people losing their homes to the fires, it's easy to acknowledge they need help and offer a prayer of comfort for them. What we too often take for granted is the firefighters. They need prayers of comfort and to be watched over as they battle the fires. Please take a moment and pray for them.

We also forget about the police officers who also risk their lives on a daily basis. Unless one of them is caught committing some kind of abuse, we don't read much about them. That is unless it's too late and one of them has fallen in the line of duty and we see their funerals covered on TV. Please pray for them as well.

And then that takes us back to the men and women serving in the National Guards, Reservists and active military. We should also offer up prayers for the families waiting for them to come home as we pray for them. Offer prayers for the wounded veterans. Prayer takes so little time but it does require something not everyone is willing to do. Set aside your own needs for a moment a day and pray for those who do so much for us. Here's a few links if you can't think of what to pray but remember, God does not care if you are eloquent with your words. He can hear your heart.



(St. Michael is used in most of the posts I do on the fallen)


Patron Saints of the Military Other Than St. Michael:

ST. BRENDAN, PATRON OF SAILORS

ST. JOSEPH CUPERTINO, CONFESSOR, PATRON OF PILOTS AND ASTRONAUTS

ST. JOHN CAPISTRANO, PATRON OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS

ST. ERASMUS [ELMO], MARTYR, ONE OF THE 14 HOLY HELPERS, PATRON OF SAILORS

ST. GEORGE, ONE OF THE 14 HOLY HELPERS, MARTYR AND PATRON OF SOLDIERS

THE LITANY OF THE 14 HOLY HELPERSST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA,

PATRON OF SOLDIERS

THE LITANY OF ST. IGNATIUS

ST. JOAN OF ARC, MARTYR, PATRON OF MILITARY LEADERSTHE LITANY OF ST. JOAN



ST. SEBASTIAN, MARTYR, PATRON OF SOLDIERS

FOR OUR ARMED FORCES

O God, I beg Thee, watch over those exposed to the dangers of a soldier's, sailor's, or airman's life. Give them such strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it or fear to practice it. Strengthen them by Thy grace against the influence of bad examples so that, being preserved from vice and by serving Thee faithfully, they may be ready to meet death, if it should come to them on land, at sea, or in the air.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, inspire them with sorrow for sin and grant them pardon. Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, protect them. Amen.

Our Lady of Victory, we humbly beg thee to protect all our armed forces everywhere and to give them unflinching courage age to defend our country with honor and dignity. Guard our churches, our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings, and all therein from harm and peril. Protect our land from enemies within and without. Grant us an early peace and victory founded upon justice. Instill into the hearts and minds of men everywhere, a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all. Amen.






PRAYER FOR A SERVICEMAN

O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, look after my beloved wherever he may be. Talk with him during the silent watches of the night and spur him to bravery when he faces the cruel foe. Keep him inspired by a never undying faith in God our Savior. Wherever his duty takes him, keep his spirit high, and his purpose unwavering. He is my choicest treasure, take care of him, O Mother of God! Keep him in health and sustain him under every possible circumstance. Touch him with thy smile of benevolence, comfort him and give him full confidence in thy intercession and my prayers for his every brave pursuit. Fail him not and may he not fail God, his country, nor the ones who love him.

http://www.catholictradition.org/war-time6.htm#1

Pvt. Paul Timothy Muse, passed away after brain surgery

GI found dead was recovering from brain surgery

The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 16, 2008 10:27:46 EST

SPERRY, Okla. — A Sperry soldier found dead in his barracks room at an Arizona Army post had been recovering from surgery to remove a tumor on his brain stem, his father said.

Pvt. Paul Timothy Muse, 22, was found in his bed Nov. 8 during a morning inspection at the Warriors in Transition unit at Fort Huachuca, located southeast of Tucson, Ariz.

The unit provides physical and mental health help to soldiers wounded in action and other troops recovering from medical conditions. A Fort Huachuca spokeswoman said Muse arrived at the unit Oct. 6.

The soldier’s father, Douglas Muse, told the Tulsa World his son began preparing last fall for a December deployment to Iraq.

“He was getting headaches and blacking out from time to time,” the father stated in an e-mail to the newspaper.

On Nov. 6, his son went to the base hospital because his head and ears had swollen. Doctors managed to reduce his swelling, and he was discharged the next day.

go here for more

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_muse_111608/

Veterans Turn to VA Clinics in Tough Economic Times

Veterans Turn to VA Clinics in Tough Economic Times
KSAX ABC News

Nov 15, 2008
November 13, 2008 - The worsening economy is taking a big toll on veterans.The Anoka County Veterans Services Office says it could see as much as a 25 percent increase in new clients this year.
Many veterans say that in this economy, they wouldn't be able to pay for medical care without their veteran’s benefits."I would probably just take the medicines I thought I could afford, which would be skimping on my health," said Michael Calistro, a veteran. "I would not be able to afford it."Another factor driving the increase in new clients is an aging veteran population, especially in veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Click here to watch this news story.

CNN Faces of Faith: Unlikely duo, helping homeless

Unlikely duo reach out to homeless
Unlikely help for homeless 3:34
CNN's T.J. Holmes reports on an unlikely duo that is raising money and awareness for the nation's homeless.


This is their site
http://www.samekindofdifferentasme.com/about.aspx
About Same Kind of Different As Me

DENVER MOORE'S BIOGRAPHY


Denver was born in rural Louisiana in January 1937, and after several tragic events went to live on a plantation in Red River Parish with his Uncle James and Aunt Ethel, who were share croppers.

Sometime around 1960, he hopped a freight train and began a life as a homeless drifter until 1966 when a judge awarded him a 10 year contract for hard labor at the Louisiana State School of Fools, aka, Angola Prison!

According to Denver, he went in a man and left a man and received a standing ovation from prisoners in the yard as he walked out of there in 1976. For the next 22 years he was homeless on the streets of Fort Worth, Texas. However, there were a few times after a brush with the law, he'd ride the rails visiting cities and hobo jungles across America, sampling regional cuisine like Vienna sausage with fellow passengers.

In 1998, "He never met Miss Debbie," Miss Debbie met him and his life was changed forever.

Today, he is an artist, public speaker, and volunteer for homeless causes. In 2006, as evidence of the complete turn around of his life, the citizens of Fort Worth honored him as "Philanthropist of the Year" for his work with homeless people at the Union Gospel Mission.
click link for more
CNN video is at the bottom of this blog under Faces of Faith

Col. Stephanie Dawson First woman to lead Harlem Hellfighters unit

First woman to lead Harlem Hellfighters unit

The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Nov 15, 2008 10:56:11 EST

NEW YORK — The first female brigade commander in New York National Guard history will lead the legendary Harlem Hellfighters.

Col. Stephanie Dawson is to become the commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade during a ceremony Saturday at the Harlem Armory.

The unit was formed during World War I as an all-black regiment and was among the first brigades to arrive in France. The soldiers of the unit were also among the most decorated veterans of that war.

Dawson is the assistant director of operations at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The 52-year-old Queens resident is also a decorated veteran with a Bronze Star for her service in Iraq.

The Harlem Hellfighters lost 1,500 soldiers during World War I.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_hellfighters_111508/

Medicaid cuts: Providers close doors to poor

During the two year presidential campaign, we heard a lot of speeches, but more we heard a lot of reasons why people were voting for McCain/Palin. "Socialized medicine" was one of the reasons along with "they want to give my money away" but the people who complained the loudest must have never been touched by something like this, faced loosing everything because they got sick or were too poor to be taken care of. The same people would also claim that they are "Christian" and vote on "morals and family values" without thinking of how these two things are against each other.

We know what Christ had to say about taking care of the poor, needy, ill, young, elderly and how we were supposed to treat others the way we want to be treated. Would Christ approve of this? I hardly think so.

When supporters of McCain made statements about the way tax money is spent, how is it that they found nothing wrong with tax money being given to corporations with tax cuts? How is it that they found nothing wrong with getting accountability from the government on how our money is being used? Did they ever consider their money was in fact feeding the rich while ignoring the poor? Millions of families across this country are one paycheck away from being homeless. When people lose their jobs, they lose their healthcare. They worked. They worked hard and tried to do the best they could, then ended up suffering thru no fault of their own. Do the others ever think of what it would be like if it was their job? Their family? No, they take it for granted that they deserve their jobs and their incomes, but others did not. Doesn't matter to them the state of others.

So here's a short story of what happens next. In January I lost my job. I took a part time job working for a Church as the Administrator of Christian Education. I only wanted to work part-time so that I could work with veterans more hours. I had to work (and I still do) but even though I was good at my job, dedicated and loved what I did, I had no control over the budget. My two year joy of a job was gone and the position was eliminated. Working for a Church, they didn't pay into the unemployment system. I didn't even get unemployment checks. My family has been suffering ever since. Now, do I stop helping veterans with PTSD who are suffering more, dump all the hours and go to work at Wal-Mart, that seems to be the only company hiring, so that I can be viewed as "hard working" in their eyes? Isn't 16 hours a day enough? The only difference is I don't get a pay check. I brought home paychecks since I was 14. But that's not the worst.

My brother also got laid off. Less than a week later, he passed away of a massive heart attack at the age of 56. He worked his whole life, went to college to become an engineer and built buildings in New England. He had an expensive house in an executive area and earned every dime of his pay. He died on October 9th and I flew back home to bury him. What did he do wrong? What did he do to be ashamed of? Nothing. He did everything we're supposed to do. So did I but others in this country are under some delusion if you are not working, you did something wrong or you want to suck off the system and "live off their money" instead of working.

Keep all of this in mind as you read the following story. Then open your eyes as well as your heart.

Providers close doors to poor
Medicaid cuts leave no choice, says doctors, hospitals
By Marshall Allen

Sun, Nov 16, 2008
Budget cuts in the state’s Medicaid program are forcing a major shift in where Nevada’s poor can seek health care.

Cancer patients who had received outpatient treatment at University Medical Center, for instance, will have to seek treatment at other hospitals and clinics because UMC, citing reductions in Medicaid payments, says it can no longer afford to offer cancer treatment.

Low-income children with bone and spine problems may need to leave Las Vegas altogether for treatment, because pediatric orthopedists are no longer accepting payment from Medicaid because of cutbacks to their reimbursements.

And on Tuesday, UMC administrators will tell Clark County commissioners what treatments and programs they may need to drop because Medicaid payments don’t cover the hospital’s costs, and the hospital can’t afford to go in the hole.

Indeed, the Nevada State Medical Association said other pediatric specialists may also stop taking Medicaid patients because the government reimbursements don’t cover the cost of delivering the care.

“I really feel we’re heading for a precipice and I think somebody needs to be candid about this,” said Dr. Carl Heard, chief executive of Nevada Health Centers, a nonprofit organization that operates clinics for low-income patients. “I just don’t know that we’ve seen a path to follow or that the leadership is stepping up to fill the void.”
go here for more
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/16/medicaid-cuts-hitting-poor/
Linked from RawStory

Scotland:Veterans’ charity at centre of two mental health initiatives

Veterans’ charity at centre of two mental health initiatives
Sunday Herald - Glasgow,Scotland,UK
By Rachelle Money
Ex-services personnel to benefit from projects led by Combat Stress
SCOTLAND IS leading the way in its treatment of war veterans with the announcement of two projects that will help those who continue to suffer from mental health problems after they leave the armed forces.

An Edinburgh-based pilot scheme, aimed at providing a one-stop shop for veterans, will launch in the new year. Another community-based outreach project looks set to help ex-servicemen and women across the country from April.

The First Point scheme in the capital will be delivered by NHS Lothian's Traumatic Stress Centre (formerly known as the Rivers Centre) and will be funded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the NHS. It will be run in conjunction with the charity Combat Stress, which runs the only Scottish-based treatment centre, in Ayrshire. A Combat Stress welfare officer will visit the project once a week and veteran mentors will also offer support to those using the service.
click link for more