New Rules on Soldiers' Life Insurance in House Bill

U.S. House Bill Would Set New Rules on Soldiers' Life Insurance
By Patrick O’Connor and David Evans - Aug 2, 2010 11:09 AM

Representative Debbie Halvorson wants Congress to set new rules for life insurance companies that profit from accounts that hold death benefits from policies of dead U.S. soldiers and veterans.

The first-term Illinois Democrat introduced legislation on July 30 that would require companies such as Prudential Financial Inc. to tell beneficiaries how their money will be invested and how much the insurer stands to make from holding the funds.

Her legislation follows the start of a probe by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs into what has become a common industry practice. Officials at the Pentagon and the White House have said they’ll support that investigation.

Bloomberg Markets magazine reported on July 28 that life insurance companies keep money in their own accounts, instead of paying a lump sum directly to survivors when a policy holder dies. The insurers pay uncompetitive interest rates and offer misleading guarantees about the safety of accounts that aren’t federally insured.
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U.S. House Bill Would Set New Rules on Soldiers Life Insurance

Unanswered questions about plans for military memorial

Attorney general investigating Fallen Heroes Foundation
Posted on July 29, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Updated Thursday, Jul 29 at 10:34 PM
Just two days after a News 8 investigation was broadcast, the organizer of the United States Fallen Heroes Foundation has resigned and state officials are trying to answer questions about the organization



Unanswered questions about plans for military memorial

by BYRON HARRIS

WFAA

Posted on July 27, 2010 at 10:38 PM


NEWS 8 INVESTIGATES

KENNEDALE — Questions are swirling around a $50 million project in Kennedale to honor veterans who have died since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The Texas Attorney General is looking into documentation behind the United States Fallen Heroes Foundation.

What exactly is the United States Fallen Heroes Foundation?
Why does its founder use two names?
And is it a tax-exempt organization?
The memorial project was introduced to the public during a slick presentation at a news conference two months ago. An animation showed 15 acres of land in Kennedale that would be the site of a memorial. A Web site honoring veterans was set up, and TV spots in which families of vets were used to solicit money.
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Unanswered questions about plans for military memorial

President Obama's speech to the DAV

President Barack Obama addresses the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 89th National Convention in Atlanta, Ga., DAV National Commander Roberto Barrera listens at left, August 2, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The White House Blog
President Obama on the End of Combat Operations in Iraq & Our Troops: "While Our Country Has Sometimes Been Divided, They Have Fought Together as One"
Posted by Jesse Lee on August 02, 2010 at 02:06 PM EDT
This morning the President discussed the great honor he felt to be speaking at the national convention of Disabled American Veterans in Atlanta, Georgia -- one of the great organizations carrying on the values of America's proud military. The occasion was all the more meaningful because yet another momentous turning point in that history is upon us:

Today, your legacy of service is carried on by a new generation of Americans. Some stepped forward in a time of peace, not foreseeing years of combat. Others stepped forward in this time of war, knowing they could be sent into harm’s way. For the past nine years, in Afghanistan and Iraq, they have borne the burdens of war. They, and their families, have faced the greatest test in the history of our all-volunteer force, serving tour after tour, year after year. Through their extraordinary service, they have written their own chapter in the American story. And by any measure, they have earned their place among the greatest of generations.

Now, one of those chapters is nearing an end. As a candidate for President, I pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. (Applause.) Shortly after taking office, I announced our new strategy for Iraq and for a transition to full Iraqi responsibility. And I made it clear that by August 31st, 2010, America’s combat mission in Iraq would end. (Applause.) And that is exactly what we are doing -- as promised and on schedule. (Applause.)

Already, we have closed or turned over to Iraq hundreds of bases. We’re moving out millions of pieces of equipment in one of the largest logistics operations that we’ve seen in decades. By the end of this month, we’ll have brought more than 90,000 of our troops home from Iraq since I took office -- more than 90,000 have come home. (Applause.)

The White House has released a fact sheet detailing just how extensive this drawdown has been, and what it will mean for our broader security. It brings toward a close a war that was at the center of passionate debate in America for much of the last decade, including the last election. But as the President pointed out, support for our troops was -- and will continue to be -- a great unifying force:

These men and women from across our country have done more than meet the challenges of this young century. Through their extraordinary courage and confidence and commitment, these troops and veterans have proven themselves as a new generation of American leaders. And while our country has sometimes been divided, they have fought together as one. While other individuals and institutions have shirked responsibility, they have welcomed responsibility. While it was easy to be daunted by overwhelming challenges, the generation that has served in Iraq has overcome every test before them.

And just as Vice President Biden made clear last week, the President spoke to the fact that while we should all salute those who have served -- and who will continue to serve -- our government owes it to them to keep our country's commitment in deeds as well as words. At the very beginning of his remarks, he recounted a visit from DAV's Commander Roberto Barrera:

Now, there’s another visit I won’t forget. I was in the Oval Office expecting a visit from the DAV. And in comes Bobby carrying a baseball bat. (Laughter.) Now, it’s not every day that somebody gets past the Secret Service carrying a baseball bat. (Laughter.) You may have heard about this. It turns out it was a genuine Louisville Slugger -- (applause) -- a thank you for going to bat for our veterans on advanced appropriations.


Later in his speech, the President began to recount some of the accomplishments that earned that Slugger, along with the accomplishments that came afterwards. That includes the largest percentage increases to the VA budget in the past 30 years; help for about about 200,000 Vietnam vets who may have been exposed to Agent Orange, as well as help for Gulf War vets with specific infectious diseases; eliminating co-pays for catastrophically disabled veterans; increased funding for veterans' health care across the board; eliminating delays both in the funding for medical care and the claims process; pooling the wisdom of VA employees to help cut through red tape; and an ongoing fight to end homelessness amongst veterans, which has already seen significant progress. His success so far eliminating the claims backlog, and his promise to stop it from returning with new claims processors and streamlined technlogy, was met with a "Hallelujah!"

He then spoke particularly to the concerns facing veterans coming out of the service today:

Finally, we’re keeping faith with our newest veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. We’re offering more of the support and counseling they need to transition back to civilian life. That includes funding the post-9/11 GI Bill, which is already helping more than 300,000 veterans and family members pursue their dream of a college education. (Applause.)

And for veterans trying to find work in a very tough economy, we’re helping with job training and placement. And I’ve directed the federal government to make it a priority to hire more veterans, including disabled veterans. (Applause.) And every business in America needs to know our vets have the training, they’ve got the skills, they have the dedication -- they are ready to work. And our country is stronger when we tap the incredible talents of our veterans. (Applause.)

For those coming home injured, we’re continuing to direct unprecedented support to our wounded warriors in uniform -- more treatment centers, more case managers -- delivering the absolute best care available. For those who can, we want to help them get back to where they want to be -- with their units. And that includes service members with a disability, who still have so much to offer our military.

We’re directing unprecedented resources to treating the signature wounds of today’s wars -- traumatic brain injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Applause.) And I recently signed into law the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. That’s a long name, but let me tell you what it does. It not only improves treatment for traumatic brain injury and PTSD, it gives new support to many of the caregivers who put their own lives on hold to care for their loved one. (Applause.)

And as so many of you know, PTSD is a pain like no other -- the nightmares that keep coming back, the rage that strikes suddenly, the hopelessness that’s led too many of our troops and veterans to take their own lives. So today, I want to say in very personal terms to anyone who is struggling -- don’t suffer in silence. It’s not a sign of weakness to reach out for support -- it’s a sign of strength. Your country needs you. We are here for you. We are here to help you stand tall. Don’t give up. Reach out. (Applause.)

We’re making major investments in awareness, outreach, and suicide prevention -- hiring more mental health professionals, improving care and treatment. For those of you suffering from PTSD, we’re making it a whole lot easier to qualify for VA benefits. From now on, if a VA doctor confirms a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, that is enough -- no matter what war you served in. (Applause.)

These are the commitments my administration has made. These are the promises we’ve worked to keep. This is the sacred trust we have pledged to uphold -- to you and all who serve.
White House Blog DAV Convention

President of United States Veterans Initiative passed away at 55

Dwight Radcliff was head of the Veterans Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to sheltering homeless veterans and helping them get back on their feet. Anne Cusack, Los Angeles Times August 2, 2010

Obituary: Dwight Radcliff dies at 55; led program to help homeless veterans
By Carla Rivera, Los Angeles Times

August 2, 2010

As president of United States Veterans Initiative, he led a nonprofit that daily provides job training and placement, counseling and housing to more than 2,000 veterans and their families.

Dwight Radcliff, an Air Force veteran who overcame homelessness to lead a national organization providing services for former soldiers facing similar obstacles, has died. He was 55.

Radcliff died Saturday of a heart attack at Marina del Rey Hospital, near his home, said Nicole Ward, a family spokeswoman and longtime friend and associate.

As president and chief executive of United States Veterans Initiative, Radcliff led a nonprofit organization that provides job training and placement, counseling and housing to more than 2,000 veterans and their families daily in five states and the District of Columbia.

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Dwight Radcliff dies at 55

Armed for Success

EVENT: Armed for Success - Online/Virtual 2 Day Event

WHAT: A FREE Virtual Campus Web Event for Active and Transitioning Military, Veterans and Family

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, September 17th-18th 2010
9 AM-6 PM Pacific Daylight Time

WHERE: ONLINE – No Travel Required

COST: FREE to all Military, Veteran and Family Attendees

EVENT OVERVIEW:
Armed for Success simulates the “look and feel” of an in-person event but brings it all together into a live two-day online, interactive web event.
Your one-stop source for information from schools, the VA, and experts to help you understand your benefits and how you can use them.

DID YOU KNOW?

Under the new post 9/11 GI Bill, $78 billion will be paid out through 2019 in education benefits
Many veterans who served post 9/11 are eligible for full tuition and fees including housing and books
The Post 9/11 GI Bill will allow nearly half a million veterans and their families to attend an institution of higher learning with little or no cost to them

SIGN UP TODAY at: http://www.armedforsuccess.com/

Marine starts Project Guardian Angel

Local Marine starts Project Guardian Angel

HOPE HODGE

Stumble out of a Jacksonville night spot with keys in your hand, and you just might be met with a friendly question and a pop breathalyzer test.

Robbie Johnson, a Marine corporal with Camp Lejeune’s Headquarters and Support Battalion, is the founder of a new organization, Project Guardian Angel, designed to ensure that troops have no excuse for getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking.

The organization is in the process of securing 501(c)3 nonprofit status, Johnson said, and is an answer for those Marines and sailors who might be worried about using the base’s Arrive Alive program for transportation.

“Marines (sometimes) don’t want to use it because they don’t want their commands to think they’re alcoholics, or they don’t want to return to the barracks,” Johnson said. “We give them someone to have their back and help them make those choices.”

In Project Guardian Angel, the name of the game is stealth. A team of five volunteers will enter a club around 9 p.m. on a weekend night, Johnson said, hanging out and chatting with the clientele — but not drinking.

Around 11 p.m., when people begin to leave, the volunteers will tactfully approach those who look like they’ve had too much and encourage them not to drive. For those who protest that they’re fine, volunteers can produce an individual breathalyzer test. If the Marine or sailor is over the legal limit, another team of volunteers has vehicles waiting outside, ready to transport him or her to a destination of choice.
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Local Marine starts Project Guardian Angel

Oviedo church devastated with loss of father and three sons

From left, Nathan McConnell, Roy McConnell, Kelly McConnell and Roy McConnell III (Facebook)

"He was not a Christian when he started coming to church," said MacLaren. "He sat in the back and he folded his arms. Yet he ended up being one of our most passionate people in the church, about ministry and Jesus." University Carillon United Methodist Church in Oviedo

Police: Orlando man, three sons killed by drunken driver who ran red light
By Susan Jacobson, Sara K. Clarke and Linda Shrieves, Orlando Sentinel

10:11 p.m. EDT, August 1, 2010
Four members of an Orlando family on a beach vacation were killed early Sunday morning when a drunken driver ran a red light and slammed into their car in St. Petersburg, police said.

Elroy "Roy" McConnell, 51, an accountant and triathlete, was at the wheel of a Ford Fusion about 12:45 a.m. when a speeding southbound Chevrolet Impala ran the light on Dr. Martin Luther King Street North at 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg police said.

McConnell, 51, and his sons, Elroy "Roy" McConnell III, 28, of Pineville, La.; Nathan McConnell, 24, of Orlando; and Kelly McConnell, 19, of Orlando were pronounced dead at the scene. The collision propelled their car into a large support beam for a sign.

The driver of the Impala, Demetrius D. Jordan, 20, was arrested on four counts of DUI manslaughter, along with DUI causing serious bodily injury and possession of alcohol by a minor. Jordan and a passenger in his car, Mario D. Robinson, 20, were taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg with serious injuries.
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Orlando man three sons killed by drunken driver

Cooling Glitch Sets Off Alarms on Space Station

Cooling Glitch Sets Off Alarms on Space Station

Terence Neilan

(Aug. 1) -- Alarms woke up the six astronauts circling the globe in the International Space Station after a cooling system broke down, but NASA said today that the crew was not in any danger.

"It's pretty clear that we're going to want to have a course of action to take as quickly as possible. This is not something we want to linger over," the NASA spokesman at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Rob Navias, told Reuters.

If attempts to fix the problem onboard are not successful, NASA said in a statement that two spacewalks might be needed this week to replace a pump module that sends ammonia through the station's two cooling systems.

After the first failure of one of the cooling systems on Saturday a crew member set to work to fix it so that the other system, which serves as a backup, didn't power down as well. The cooling loops serve to cut down on heat generated by equipment on the station, a $100 billion project supported by 16 countries.

Tracy Caldwell Dyson worked on the problem while the rest of the crew went back to bed, The Associated Press reported.
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Cooling Glitch Sets Off Alarms on Space Station

650 Massachusetts National Guards head to Afghanistan but not one picture?

Sorry but this article is about 650 National Guardsmen/women, being sent to Afghanistan leaving behind families and friends. You'd think that in this couple of paragraphs of reporting, AP could have snapped a picture or two or bothered to tell some kind of story to match this deployment, but this is common now. At least they did report on it. I lived in Massachusetts all my life before the move to Florida and I am just as upset when Florida National Guards/Reservists are forgotten about.

Thousands send off 181st Infantry to Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Sunday, August 1, 2010

WORCESTER - Thousands of family members and friends have given a send-off to more than 650 soldiers headed for Afghanistan where they will provide security and help build public works projects.

The soldiers of the Massachusetts National Guard’s 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment left Sunday at a Commerce Bank Field ceremony in Worcester. About 5,000 friends and relatives and Gov. Deval Patrick participated.

The Massachusetts National Guard’s commitment is highest since World War II. More than 1,200 soldiers from Massachusetts serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. This deployment brings the number to nearly 1,900.
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Thousands send off 181st Infantry to Afghanistan

Iraq veteran found fabricating stories about Iraq and Ground Zero

Honored Iraq veteran from Verona is found fabricating stories
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Mark Mueller/The Star-Ledger


VERONA — On Memorial Day, as Americans honored the nation’s war dead, Angelo Otchy bowed his head to accept a medal from officials in Verona for his sacrifice and service.

The 35-year-old Army veteran told a reporter that day about his three tours of duty in Iraq. Voice dropping to a near-hush, he spoke, too, about the buried bomb that ripped through his Humvee, injuring him and claiming the lives of three friends, one of them a soldier from Paterson.

“I’m haunted by that day every day of my life,” Otchy told The Star-Ledger.

But Otchy wasn’t in that Humvee. He was at home in New Jersey when the soldiers died. And he didn’t serve three tours of duty in Iraq. He served half of one tour before he was sent back to the States for extended rest and relaxation.

A Star-Ledger examination of Otchy’s claims — including a review of Army records and interviews with military officials, members of his battalion and the blasted Humvee’s lone survivor — show the Verona man fabricated his story.

Otchy’s uncle, a retired Army colonel who now works as a surgeon in Fairfax, Va., alerted The Star-Ledger two weeks ago to the discrepancies in his nephew’s background. Daniel Otchy called his nephew a troubled man who has been in and out of the military all of his adult life and has a need to seek affirmation.

“I have always tried to support my nephew,” he said, “but what he’s done here is just not right.”

Doubt also has been cast on claims Otchy made Sept. 11, 2001, when he was interviewed by reporters near a triage station along the West Side Highway in Lower Manhattan.

Dressed in camouflage fatigues, he said he was a New Jersey Army National Guard soldier who had been conducting search-and-rescue operations atop the ruins of the collapsed Twin Towers.

“I must have come across body parts by the thousands,” Otchy said. His comments, captured by television cameras and picked up in an Associated Press report, were carried in newspapers around the world, translated into German, Japanese and Afrikaans.

A slightly longer account would later be published in the book “America’s Heroes,” about the response of rescue workers on 9/11.

Records show Otchy wasn’t in the National Guard in 2001. In addition, Otchy’s uncle said his nephew told him he didn’t work on the pile at Ground Zero.

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Iraq veteran from Verona is found fabricating stories