Marine investigated in Ill. killings: Report
An ex-Marine charged in the brutal rape of a woman in Prince William County has been linked by DNA evidence to the 2005 deaths of two girls in Zion, Ill, the man's sister told the Chicago Tribune.
Jorge "George" Torrez is accused in the Feb. 27 attack on two women in northern Virginia, during which he allegedly raped and beat one of the victims within an inch of her life.
According to Sara Torrez, Jorge Torrez’s DNA has been matched with evidence found on one of the bodies of two girls -- Laura Hobbs, 8, and Krystal Tobias, 9 – who were found beaten and stabbed to death in a park in Zion, a city about 50 miles north of Chicago. Torrez is from Zion.
An Illinois state's attorney quoted by the Tribune would not confirm that Torrez's DNA was found on evidence connected to the killings.
The new evidence could mean exoneration for Laura’s father Jerry Hobbs, who has been held for five years after a confession he says was coerced by police, the Tribune reported.
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Marine investigated in Ill killings
Friday, July 9, 2010
50 troops wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan gather in Concord firehouse
50 troops wounded in Iraq, Afghanistan gather in Concord firehouse
Vincent Barone
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Injured servicemen and women from the Walter Reed Medical Center came to Rescue Co. 5 and Engine 160's fire house today to kickoff this year's weekend stay at Breezy Point, Queens.
One hundred family members, firefighters and police officers came to welcome the troops, some of whom used wheelchairs, others with prosthetic arms or legs.
"All these guys at Rescue 5 and Engine 160 do a great job," said Acting Staten Island Borough Commander Michael Marrone. "We consider it an honor -- to show our appreciation to the troops."
Many of the troops came from all over the country and have never been to New York. At the fire house they were treated to Staten Island pizza and sandwich heroes, but most of all, to their loved ones' support.
After their luncheon at the firehouse, police vehicles and fire trucks escorted the troops on a parade down the Belt Parkway to Rockaway Beach, where they will spend a weekend with citizens of Breezy Point who have opened their homes to the troops.
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Concord firehouse
Vincent Barone
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Injured servicemen and women from the Walter Reed Medical Center came to Rescue Co. 5 and Engine 160's fire house today to kickoff this year's weekend stay at Breezy Point, Queens.
One hundred family members, firefighters and police officers came to welcome the troops, some of whom used wheelchairs, others with prosthetic arms or legs.
"All these guys at Rescue 5 and Engine 160 do a great job," said Acting Staten Island Borough Commander Michael Marrone. "We consider it an honor -- to show our appreciation to the troops."
Many of the troops came from all over the country and have never been to New York. At the fire house they were treated to Staten Island pizza and sandwich heroes, but most of all, to their loved ones' support.
After their luncheon at the firehouse, police vehicles and fire trucks escorted the troops on a parade down the Belt Parkway to Rockaway Beach, where they will spend a weekend with citizens of Breezy Point who have opened their homes to the troops.
go here for more
Concord firehouse
Vietnam Vet walking across US so PTSD veterans can stand tall
Vet crossing US barefoot for his comrades
By KELLEY KING
WORCESTER - Vietnam veteran Ron Zaleski is trying to bring attention to the need for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling for military personnel anyway he can.
Even if it means walking across the country barefoot.
"People ask me about my feet, and how hard the walk is. The walk isn't hard," Zaleski said as he passed through this area this week.
"What's hard is when I'm walking along the side of the road, and a car will do a U-turn and a woman will get out and stand there and cry," he said.
"Then she'll come to me and tell me how her son came home diagnosed with PTSD, and then he went back in and volunteered for another tour overseas."
Zaleski, a native of Hampton Bays, N.Y., and a Marine from 1970-72, started The Long Walk Home in 2006 to raise awareness for the need for mandatory PTSD counseling for all military troops prior to discharge.
go here for more
Vet crossing US barefoot for his comrades
By KELLEY KING
WORCESTER - Vietnam veteran Ron Zaleski is trying to bring attention to the need for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) counseling for military personnel anyway he can.
Even if it means walking across the country barefoot.
"People ask me about my feet, and how hard the walk is. The walk isn't hard," Zaleski said as he passed through this area this week.
"What's hard is when I'm walking along the side of the road, and a car will do a U-turn and a woman will get out and stand there and cry," he said.
"Then she'll come to me and tell me how her son came home diagnosed with PTSD, and then he went back in and volunteered for another tour overseas."
Zaleski, a native of Hampton Bays, N.Y., and a Marine from 1970-72, started The Long Walk Home in 2006 to raise awareness for the need for mandatory PTSD counseling for all military troops prior to discharge.
go here for more
Vet crossing US barefoot for his comrades
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Veteran Blames VA Hospital For Terminal Diagnosis
Veteran Blames VA Hospital For Terminal Diagnosis
Reported by: Will Ripley
Last Update: 7/07 11:09 pm
LA FERIA - Vietnam veteran Dave Ebbert says mistakes made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may have cost him his life.
"They just don't care anymore about me. About us," he said. "And what are we supposed to do? Sit here and wait?"
Ebbert, 63, has a long list of medical problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, skin cancer, diabetes, and terminal pancreatic cancer.
Ebbert says he cancer went undiagnosed for 9 months because VA doctros failed to perform a simple blood test. He claims doctors repeteadly ignored his complaints that his symptoms were worsening. Meanwhile the cancer had spread from his pancreas to his endocrine system, liver, and lungs.
Ebbert's wife Linda believes that 9-months will eventually cost her husband his life.
Making matters worse for the Ebberts, the VA has been processing their application for financial benefits for two years. The couple was forced to move in with their daughter Connie Bearden.
go here for more
Veteran Blames VA Hospital For Terminal Diagnosis
Reported by: Will Ripley
Last Update: 7/07 11:09 pm
LA FERIA - Vietnam veteran Dave Ebbert says mistakes made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may have cost him his life.
"They just don't care anymore about me. About us," he said. "And what are we supposed to do? Sit here and wait?"
Ebbert, 63, has a long list of medical problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, skin cancer, diabetes, and terminal pancreatic cancer.
Ebbert says he cancer went undiagnosed for 9 months because VA doctros failed to perform a simple blood test. He claims doctors repeteadly ignored his complaints that his symptoms were worsening. Meanwhile the cancer had spread from his pancreas to his endocrine system, liver, and lungs.
Ebbert's wife Linda believes that 9-months will eventually cost her husband his life.
Making matters worse for the Ebberts, the VA has been processing their application for financial benefits for two years. The couple was forced to move in with their daughter Connie Bearden.
go here for more
Veteran Blames VA Hospital For Terminal Diagnosis
Registration Opens for VA Forum on Women Veterans
Registration Opens for VA Forum on Women Veterans
VA to Help Build Women Veterans Communities and Networks
WASHINGTON (July 8, 2010) - The Department of Veterans Affairs opened
registration on July 8 for a women Veterans forum that will address the
quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways
for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women
Veterans.
"The VA forum will bring advocates for women Veterans together to learn
about VA services and to share valuable information with each other,"
said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The forum will
also give Veterans' advocates the tools they need to help build women
Veterans networks and communities throughout VA."
Shinseki and VA department heads will attend the forum on July 28 at the
Women's Memorial in Arlington, Va.
Because of anticipated demand, available seats will be filled on a
first-come, first-served basis, and confirmed registrants will be
notified by email once registration is filled. Registration-through the
Center for Women Veterans by e-mail at 00W@va.gov -- closes when either
all seats are filled or no later than July 16.
The Forum will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with morning presentations and
an afternoon information marketplace in which participants are invited
to move through the gallery and gather resources and materials provided
by VA program offices, Veterans Service Organizations and advocacy
organizations. There will also be an afternoon screening of the updated
"Lioness" documentary film.
VA's women Veterans health conference held earlier in the month will
help inform the Forum with the most up-to-date information available
from VA's health care system.
Presentations from the event will be made available online. Feedback
about this event and announcements on future events will be available to
Forum participants. For more information contact the Center for Women
Veterans at (202) 461-6193 or by e-mail at 00W@va.gov.
VA has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet
the unique health care needs of women Veterans and provide the best
quality care at every VA medical center. In addition, the agency is
working to shorten the delays for claims processing, improve access to
VA health services for minority and rural Veterans, end Veteran
homelessness, and ease the transition back to civilian life.
There are about 1.8 million women Veterans among the nation's total of
23 million living Veterans. VA estimates women Veterans will comprise
10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020.
VA to Help Build Women Veterans Communities and Networks
WASHINGTON (July 8, 2010) - The Department of Veterans Affairs opened
registration on July 8 for a women Veterans forum that will address the
quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways
for VA to continue improving access to the care and benefits for women
Veterans.
"The VA forum will bring advocates for women Veterans together to learn
about VA services and to share valuable information with each other,"
said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The forum will
also give Veterans' advocates the tools they need to help build women
Veterans networks and communities throughout VA."
Shinseki and VA department heads will attend the forum on July 28 at the
Women's Memorial in Arlington, Va.
Because of anticipated demand, available seats will be filled on a
first-come, first-served basis, and confirmed registrants will be
notified by email once registration is filled. Registration-through the
Center for Women Veterans by e-mail at 00W@va.gov -- closes when either
all seats are filled or no later than July 16.
The Forum will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with morning presentations and
an afternoon information marketplace in which participants are invited
to move through the gallery and gather resources and materials provided
by VA program offices, Veterans Service Organizations and advocacy
organizations. There will also be an afternoon screening of the updated
"Lioness" documentary film.
VA's women Veterans health conference held earlier in the month will
help inform the Forum with the most up-to-date information available
from VA's health care system.
Presentations from the event will be made available online. Feedback
about this event and announcements on future events will be available to
Forum participants. For more information contact the Center for Women
Veterans at (202) 461-6193 or by e-mail at 00W@va.gov.
VA has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet
the unique health care needs of women Veterans and provide the best
quality care at every VA medical center. In addition, the agency is
working to shorten the delays for claims processing, improve access to
VA health services for minority and rural Veterans, end Veteran
homelessness, and ease the transition back to civilian life.
There are about 1.8 million women Veterans among the nation's total of
23 million living Veterans. VA estimates women Veterans will comprise
10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020.
Fort Hood victim's family fighting for grave marker
Fort Hood victim's family fighting for grave marker
by JASON WHITELY
WFAA
Posted on July 7, 2010 at 11:32 PM
DALLAS — The family of a Fort Hood soldier who was murdered in the massacre on post last November is now fighting to place a headstone on his unmarked grave.
"When I drive up and see nothing there, it breaks my heart every time," Leila Hunt-Willingham said.
Her little brother was Army Specialist J.D. Hunt, 22. Eight months after he was killed at Fort Hood, his grave remains without a permanent headstone — an unmarked patch of grass.
"To continue to dishonor him by not allowing a headstone for people to pay respects to him is just unfathomable," Hunt-Willingham added.
She and her mother, Gale Hunt, who live in North Texas, are frustrated at Hunt's widow.The couple married two months before his death, and legally it is her decision whether to mark his grave at a cemetery just outside Oklahoma City.
"I am legally his sister," Hunt-Willingham said. "I have been his sister for 22 years, and she's been his mother for 22 years. To put all the power and decision in a wife who was married to him for two months — I don't think that's right."
In e-mails to friends last March, Hunt's widow, Jennifer Hunt, said it is her headstone, too. She wrote that she would get it taken care of, but she's not rushing it.
"I am trying my hardest to get it done, but it's hard with everything I have going on," Jennifer Hunt told News 8 in an e-mail from her Oklahoma home on Wednesday. "Despite what most people think, my life did not stand still that day — only my marriage. I still have kids, I am a single mom, I have activities for them and unpacking in our new home. I am doing my best, but no one is ever happy. I will get the headstone as soon as I can, it isn't something to rush!"
read more here
Fort Hood victims family fighting for grave marker
by JASON WHITELY
WFAA
Posted on July 7, 2010 at 11:32 PM
DALLAS — The family of a Fort Hood soldier who was murdered in the massacre on post last November is now fighting to place a headstone on his unmarked grave.
"When I drive up and see nothing there, it breaks my heart every time," Leila Hunt-Willingham said.
Her little brother was Army Specialist J.D. Hunt, 22. Eight months after he was killed at Fort Hood, his grave remains without a permanent headstone — an unmarked patch of grass.
"To continue to dishonor him by not allowing a headstone for people to pay respects to him is just unfathomable," Hunt-Willingham added.
She and her mother, Gale Hunt, who live in North Texas, are frustrated at Hunt's widow.The couple married two months before his death, and legally it is her decision whether to mark his grave at a cemetery just outside Oklahoma City.
"I am legally his sister," Hunt-Willingham said. "I have been his sister for 22 years, and she's been his mother for 22 years. To put all the power and decision in a wife who was married to him for two months — I don't think that's right."
In e-mails to friends last March, Hunt's widow, Jennifer Hunt, said it is her headstone, too. She wrote that she would get it taken care of, but she's not rushing it.
"I am trying my hardest to get it done, but it's hard with everything I have going on," Jennifer Hunt told News 8 in an e-mail from her Oklahoma home on Wednesday. "Despite what most people think, my life did not stand still that day — only my marriage. I still have kids, I am a single mom, I have activities for them and unpacking in our new home. I am doing my best, but no one is ever happy. I will get the headstone as soon as I can, it isn't something to rush!"
read more here
Fort Hood victims family fighting for grave marker
Homeless veterans in San Antonio have "brothers" honor them with funerals
Brothers Of Fallen Heroes On Patriotic Mission
Final Farewells for Homeless Veterans
Jessie Degollado, KSAT 12 News Reporter
POSTED: Sunday, July 4, 2010
UPDATED: 12:31 pm CDT July 5, 2010
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Almost every Wednesday, members of Brothers of Fallen Heroes gather at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery to bid their farewells to homeless veterans, who had no one else in their lives.
"You're not alone. We're here by your side," said Bert Hernandez, the group's president and co-founder, a U.S. Marine veteran.
A new member, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Verdinez will never forget the sadness of his first such funeral.
"There was nobody there that could actually claim our brother," said Verdinez.
Last week, 49-year-old Calvin Thomas, who served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1982, became the 108th funeral for a homeless veteran that they have attended since the group's inception three years ago.
The services are usually organized by local funeral homes, the federal government or the American G.I. Forum, a long-standing veterans organization that reaches out to those who are homeless.
The ceremony now involves veterans groups that accept the U.S. flag taken from the casket and folded by members of the homeless veteran's branch of service, a three-volley salute and taps by National Cemetery volunteers, and even a bagpipe playing in the distance.
read more here
http://www.ksat.com/news/24142195/detail.html
Final Farewells for Homeless Veterans
Jessie Degollado, KSAT 12 News Reporter
POSTED: Sunday, July 4, 2010
UPDATED: 12:31 pm CDT July 5, 2010
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Almost every Wednesday, members of Brothers of Fallen Heroes gather at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery to bid their farewells to homeless veterans, who had no one else in their lives.
"You're not alone. We're here by your side," said Bert Hernandez, the group's president and co-founder, a U.S. Marine veteran.
A new member, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Verdinez will never forget the sadness of his first such funeral.
"There was nobody there that could actually claim our brother," said Verdinez.
Last week, 49-year-old Calvin Thomas, who served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1982, became the 108th funeral for a homeless veteran that they have attended since the group's inception three years ago.
The services are usually organized by local funeral homes, the federal government or the American G.I. Forum, a long-standing veterans organization that reaches out to those who are homeless.
The ceremony now involves veterans groups that accept the U.S. flag taken from the casket and folded by members of the homeless veteran's branch of service, a three-volley salute and taps by National Cemetery volunteers, and even a bagpipe playing in the distance.
read more here
http://www.ksat.com/news/24142195/detail.html
Chevrolet puts out call for 'Cell Phones for Soldiers'
Chevrolet puts out call for 'Cell Phones for Soldiers'
Got a used cell phone that still works? Chevrolet wants to put it in the hands of a U.S. armed service member far from home to help them stay in touch with loved ones.
Chevy's drive began over the past two days at the big NASCAR race at Daytona. Fans were urged to donate unwanted, gently used cell phones for recycling. It will continue at local Chevrolet dealers. And is will work in companion with a program to provide pre-paid calling cards to troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
"We feel 'Cell Phones for Soldiers' is a worthy cause that fits well with GM's long-standing commitment to support the men and women serving our country," said Mark Degnan, GM director of local advertising, marketing and training. "Personally, with a brother and a nephew in active duty in Iraq, I know how important every call home can be for soldiers overseas, and their families at home."
read more here
Chevrolet puts out call for Cell Phones for Soldiers
Got a used cell phone that still works? Chevrolet wants to put it in the hands of a U.S. armed service member far from home to help them stay in touch with loved ones.
Chevy's drive began over the past two days at the big NASCAR race at Daytona. Fans were urged to donate unwanted, gently used cell phones for recycling. It will continue at local Chevrolet dealers. And is will work in companion with a program to provide pre-paid calling cards to troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
"We feel 'Cell Phones for Soldiers' is a worthy cause that fits well with GM's long-standing commitment to support the men and women serving our country," said Mark Degnan, GM director of local advertising, marketing and training. "Personally, with a brother and a nephew in active duty in Iraq, I know how important every call home can be for soldiers overseas, and their families at home."
read more here
Chevrolet puts out call for Cell Phones for Soldiers
Vt. National Guard Mourn Soldier's Loss
Fellow Guardsman Remembers Fallen Soldier
Vt. National Guard Mourn Soldier's Loss
BRADFORD, Vt. -- A small town closely tied to the Vermont National Guard spent the Fourth of July mourning a lost soldier whose friends called him compassionate and kind.
Guardsman Ryan Pero shared more than just his first name with his friend, Spc. Ryan Grady, he also shared memories.
"Both of us had the first name Ryan, and there's a lot of Ryan's in this unit so all the Ryan's liked to hang out together, (and) him and I struck up a friendship," Pero said.
Grady was killed Friday outside Bagram Air Force Base when his convoy hit a very large IED.
Also with him were four other guardsman, all from the same Bradford unit and all injured in the attack.
Pero was supposed to be deployed with that unit, but a surgery held him back.
read more here
http://www.wptz.com/news/24141279/detail.html
Vt. National Guard Mourn Soldier's Loss
BRADFORD, Vt. -- A small town closely tied to the Vermont National Guard spent the Fourth of July mourning a lost soldier whose friends called him compassionate and kind.
Guardsman Ryan Pero shared more than just his first name with his friend, Spc. Ryan Grady, he also shared memories.
"Both of us had the first name Ryan, and there's a lot of Ryan's in this unit so all the Ryan's liked to hang out together, (and) him and I struck up a friendship," Pero said.
Grady was killed Friday outside Bagram Air Force Base when his convoy hit a very large IED.
Also with him were four other guardsman, all from the same Bradford unit and all injured in the attack.
Pero was supposed to be deployed with that unit, but a surgery held him back.
read more here
http://www.wptz.com/news/24141279/detail.html
Activist group Orlando Food Not Bombs to appeal
You can understand what business owners have to say considering they don't want their customers reminded that while they have money in their pockets and credit cards to use to buy things, there are people right here in Orlando without food or for many, even a place to go home to. After all, would you want to spend over $20.00 for lunch when you know right around the corner there are people thanking God for one good meal to eat all day long?
That really is the point to all of this. The people of Orlando have a conscience and it breaks their hearts to be reminded of so many with so little. It is heartwarming to know there are caring people out there trying to make a difference in the lives of others who have fallen on hard times. Most of us are one pay check away from joining them. Seeing other people doing good makes others feel guilty over what they have to enjoy. Yet instead of businesses encouraging the spirit of generosity and helping people to feel good about themselves, they want to hide the poor away from the shoppers. You'd think that they would welcome the opportunity to have goodwill reputations instead of pulling something like this when they actually want to stop feeding the hungry.
People think twice about spending money in places that are all about themselves instead of customers and yes, even the most needy in the communities they do business in.
That really is the point to all of this. The people of Orlando have a conscience and it breaks their hearts to be reminded of so many with so little. It is heartwarming to know there are caring people out there trying to make a difference in the lives of others who have fallen on hard times. Most of us are one pay check away from joining them. Seeing other people doing good makes others feel guilty over what they have to enjoy. Yet instead of businesses encouraging the spirit of generosity and helping people to feel good about themselves, they want to hide the poor away from the shoppers. You'd think that they would welcome the opportunity to have goodwill reputations instead of pulling something like this when they actually want to stop feeding the hungry.
People think twice about spending money in places that are all about themselves instead of customers and yes, even the most needy in the communities they do business in.
Homeless advocates decry court ruling restricting feedings in parks
Activist group Orlando Food Not Bombs will ask full appeals court to rehear the case
By Kate Santich, Orlando Sentinel
10:51 p.m. EDT, July 7, 2010
Orlando's homeless community and its advocates expressed outrage Wednesday over a federal appeals-court ruling that allows the city to severely restrict large group feedings in downtown parks — a restriction that has primarily targeted those who feed the homeless.
Orlando Food Not Bombs, a plaintiff in the original lawsuit disputing the constitutionality of the city's feeding law, decided late Wednesday to challenge the ruling by asking the full 11th Circuit U.S. District Court of Appeals to rehear the case. Tuesday's ruling came from a panel of three judges, two of whom ruled in favor of the restrictions.
Eric Montanez, a member of Orlando Food Not Bombs, helped carry on the group's regular Wednesday night feeding at Lake Eola Park as scheduled — and pledged to continue doing so regardless of what happens.
"The city is criminalizing homelessness and poverty and criminalizing individuals and organizations in the community that are trying to address those problems," Montanez said.
read more here
Activist group Orlando Food Not Bombs
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