Fort Hood IDs soldier found dead in apartment
Posted On: Monday, Aug. 2 2010 10:51 PM
From staff reports
Fort Hood officials confirmed Monday the soldier found dead in his Killeen apartment Thursday was Sgt. Bradley Dale Penman, 34, of Punxsutawney, Pa.
Fort Hood officials also said that Penman's duty status and the circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
The Herald reported Saturday that Killeen police were investigating the death of a man whose body was found in the 4800 block of Norton Drive in south Killeen. Dave Penman said Friday that he was notified his brother, Bradley Penman, was found dead.
Friends of Bradley Penman said Friday they went to his home out of concern because they had not heard from him for more than a month. Killeen police spokeswoman Carroll Smith said Friday the cause of death is pending an autopsy at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
read more here
http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=43342
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ailing vets sue over burn pits
Ailing vets sue over smoke from trash fires in Iraq, Afghanistan
'You'd cough up black stuff, and you couldn't seem to catch your breath'
msnbc.com
updated 8/6/2010 5:22:20 AM ET
Some 241 military personnel and contractors who became ill after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are suing a Houston-based firm, claiming they were poisoned by smoke from trash fires, the Washington Post reported Friday.
The claimants, who are from 42 states, are suffering from a range of conditions including cancer and severe breathing problems, which they blame on the thick, black smoke. The symptoms were reportedly nicknamed "Iraqi crud" by troops.
They are taking legal action against Kellogg Brown & Root, which operated more than two dozen burn-pits in the two countries, the Post reported. It used to be a subsidiary of Halliburton, which is a also a defendant in the case.
These were used to get rid of garbage including plastic water bottles, Styrofoam food containers, mangled bits of metal, paint, solvent, medical waste and dead animals by dousing it in fuel and setting fire to it, the newspaper said.
read more here
Ailing vets sue over smoke from trash fires
linked from
http://icasualties.org/Iraq/index.aspx
'You'd cough up black stuff, and you couldn't seem to catch your breath'
msnbc.com
updated 8/6/2010 5:22:20 AM ET
Some 241 military personnel and contractors who became ill after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are suing a Houston-based firm, claiming they were poisoned by smoke from trash fires, the Washington Post reported Friday.
The claimants, who are from 42 states, are suffering from a range of conditions including cancer and severe breathing problems, which they blame on the thick, black smoke. The symptoms were reportedly nicknamed "Iraqi crud" by troops.
They are taking legal action against Kellogg Brown & Root, which operated more than two dozen burn-pits in the two countries, the Post reported. It used to be a subsidiary of Halliburton, which is a also a defendant in the case.
These were used to get rid of garbage including plastic water bottles, Styrofoam food containers, mangled bits of metal, paint, solvent, medical waste and dead animals by dousing it in fuel and setting fire to it, the newspaper said.
read more here
Ailing vets sue over smoke from trash fires
linked from
http://icasualties.org/Iraq/index.aspx
Driver in Toyota crash case freed after new evidence
Driver in Toyota crash case freed as prosecutors decide against pursuing a new trial
By Peter Whoriskey
The driver of a Toyota Camry that fatally careened into another family's car was freed from an eight-year prison term on Thursday, after the judge and prosecutors weighed new evidence that the accident might have been caused by defects in the vehicle.
Once the judge called for a new trial for Koua Fong Lee, 32, prosecutors opted against trying him again.
"I believe it is time to bring this very tragic situation to a close," Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner said. "He will not face further prosecution with the very sad events of June 10, 2006."
read more here
Driver in Toyota crash case freed
By Peter Whoriskey
The driver of a Toyota Camry that fatally careened into another family's car was freed from an eight-year prison term on Thursday, after the judge and prosecutors weighed new evidence that the accident might have been caused by defects in the vehicle.
Once the judge called for a new trial for Koua Fong Lee, 32, prosecutors opted against trying him again.
"I believe it is time to bring this very tragic situation to a close," Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner said. "He will not face further prosecution with the very sad events of June 10, 2006."
read more here
Driver in Toyota crash case freed
Mexico newborn baby declared dead revives inside coffin
Mexico Baby declared dead revives inside coffin
The Associated Press
Thursday, August 5, 2010; 7:15 PM
MEXICO CITY -- Authorities in Mexico say a newborn baby girl declared dead by doctors revived inside her coffin during her wake.
Hidalgo state Attorney General Jose Rodriguez says the parents heard a strange noise coming from the tiny casket. Opening it up, they found her crying and very much alive.
read more here
Mexico Baby declared dead revives inside coffin
The Associated Press
Thursday, August 5, 2010; 7:15 PM
MEXICO CITY -- Authorities in Mexico say a newborn baby girl declared dead by doctors revived inside her coffin during her wake.
Hidalgo state Attorney General Jose Rodriguez says the parents heard a strange noise coming from the tiny casket. Opening it up, they found her crying and very much alive.
read more here
Mexico Baby declared dead revives inside coffin
Hearing set for soldier in Obama birth certificate case
There is no doubt in my mind. I believe Obama was born in Hawaii and newspaper reports of his birth would have had to have been part of this grand conspiracy. Considering Obama is from a white Mom and African Dad, there wasn't a chance in hell at his birth his parents were thinking he could be the president one day. No matter how much proof is asked for, some people refuse to believe any of it. We really should be wondering why they have been so stubborn on this because some educated people still refuse to settle for "yes he is" as an answer.
They are not dumb people. They just believe the wrong people saying things for the wrong reasons. I'm still hearing people say Obama is a Muslim right after they bring up Rev. Wright just because they heard it from someone else.
With that in mind, I really feel sorry for Lt. Col. Lakin. I am sure he really believes there is a problem but just because he doesn't want to acknowledge the reality of Obama's presidency, that does not excuse him from doing his duty. All these years he must have served honorably and probably expected to retire in a couple of years. Now he can lose it all because someone brainwashed him into thinking a lie was true and the truth was a lie. This could only have happened if he wanted to believe in it in the first place. Why? Why would someone want to believe what no one has managed to prove with all the hate toward Obama out there? His birth record has been proven to everyone it needed to be proven to but still they refuse to believe any of it because they are happy to believe in a lie. Now Lakin could have to face losing it all for the sake of this lie.
They are not dumb people. They just believe the wrong people saying things for the wrong reasons. I'm still hearing people say Obama is a Muslim right after they bring up Rev. Wright just because they heard it from someone else.
With that in mind, I really feel sorry for Lt. Col. Lakin. I am sure he really believes there is a problem but just because he doesn't want to acknowledge the reality of Obama's presidency, that does not excuse him from doing his duty. All these years he must have served honorably and probably expected to retire in a couple of years. Now he can lose it all because someone brainwashed him into thinking a lie was true and the truth was a lie. This could only have happened if he wanted to believe in it in the first place. Why? Why would someone want to believe what no one has managed to prove with all the hate toward Obama out there? His birth record has been proven to everyone it needed to be proven to but still they refuse to believe any of it because they are happy to believe in a lie. Now Lakin could have to face losing it all for the sake of this lie.
Hearing set for soldier in Obama birth certificate case
By the CNN Wire Staff
August 6, 2010 8:56 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Lakin has said he does not believe Obama was born in the United States
Hawaiian officials have said they have documents that prove otherwise
(CNN) -- A court hearing is scheduled for Friday in the case of an Army officer who has refused to deploy to Afghanistan because, in his view, President Barack Obama has not proven that he was born in the United States and is therefore ineligible to be president.
Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin is scheduled to go before a judge in Virginia to enter a plea on charges that include disobeying a lawful order and dereliction of duty.
He is a decorated Army doctor and an 18-year veteran who is now facing court martial for disobeying orders to ship out for another tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Lakin says the orders are illegal because, he claims, Obama -- the commander-in-chief -- has not proven he was born in this country. Lakin wants Obama to produce his birth certificate.
read more here
Hearing set for soldier in Obama birth certificate case
Stop-loss now down to 4,000 soldiers, Army says
Stop-loss now down to 4,000 soldiers, Army says
By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Aug 5, 2010 22:54:15 EDT
The number of soldiers forced to serve beyond their commitment has been cut in half in the past year and is on track to be eliminated by March, Pentagon records and interviews show.
Stop-loss affected more than 15,000 troops at its peak in 2005 and has been cut to about 4,000. Experts on military morale say the steady decline in forcing troops to serve has dampened the controversy, though they say the Pentagon delayed action.
read more here
Stop loss now down to 4000 soldiers/
By Tom Vanden Brook - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Aug 5, 2010 22:54:15 EDT
The number of soldiers forced to serve beyond their commitment has been cut in half in the past year and is on track to be eliminated by March, Pentagon records and interviews show.
Stop-loss affected more than 15,000 troops at its peak in 2005 and has been cut to about 4,000. Experts on military morale say the steady decline in forcing troops to serve has dampened the controversy, though they say the Pentagon delayed action.
read more here
Stop loss now down to 4000 soldiers/
Phony hero gets to clean bed pans of real ones
Marine sentenced for faking medals
By O’Ryan Johnson
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Marine Corps veteran who faked a chestful of medals, posed with Mayor Thomas M. Menino and accepted an award from Toys for Tots soon may be changing bedpans at a veterans hospital to pay society back for the shameful charade after he was sentenced yesterday in federal court.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Michael Frisoli, 46, told a U.S. District Court judge in Boston during sentencing. “I’d like to put this behind me.”
Prosecutors said Frisoli, of Millbury posed for pictures at events around the state and accepted awards dressed as a 1st sergeant pinned with the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, Navy Commendation and Army Commendation - all with Vs for valor.
Prosecutor Anthony Fuller recommended that Frisoli “clean bedpans at the VA hospital.”
read more here
Marine sentenced for faking medals
By O’Ryan Johnson
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Marine Corps veteran who faked a chestful of medals, posed with Mayor Thomas M. Menino and accepted an award from Toys for Tots soon may be changing bedpans at a veterans hospital to pay society back for the shameful charade after he was sentenced yesterday in federal court.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Michael Frisoli, 46, told a U.S. District Court judge in Boston during sentencing. “I’d like to put this behind me.”
Prosecutors said Frisoli, of Millbury posed for pictures at events around the state and accepted awards dressed as a 1st sergeant pinned with the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, Navy Commendation and Army Commendation - all with Vs for valor.
Prosecutor Anthony Fuller recommended that Frisoli “clean bedpans at the VA hospital.”
read more here
Marine sentenced for faking medals
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Obama seeks to restore stars to John Lavelle
Obama seeks to restore stars to John Lavelle, a fallen general from Cleveland
Published: Wednesday, August 04, 2010, 10:10 PM James Ewinger
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Air Force Gen. John D. Lavelle did not live to see his rank and reputation restored, but the children and grandchildren of the Cleveland native are hoping to celebrate in his place.
The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that President Barack Obama has nominated Lavelle to be reinstated to the rank of general, the highest in the armed forces. Lavelle died in 1979, seven years after he was forced to retire and was demoted to major general. A general wears four stars; a major general, two.
read more here
Obama seeks to restore stars to John Lavelle
Published: Wednesday, August 04, 2010, 10:10 PM James Ewinger
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Air Force Gen. John D. Lavelle did not live to see his rank and reputation restored, but the children and grandchildren of the Cleveland native are hoping to celebrate in his place.
The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that President Barack Obama has nominated Lavelle to be reinstated to the rank of general, the highest in the armed forces. Lavelle died in 1979, seven years after he was forced to retire and was demoted to major general. A general wears four stars; a major general, two.
read more here
Obama seeks to restore stars to John Lavelle
Military’s casualty notification system often frustratingly uneven
Military’s casualty notification system often frustratingly uneven for families
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 5, 2010
The casualty notification officers somberly relayed their message: It was one of her twin sons, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, who had perished.
They couldn’t provide any more information to Harris, nothing else to help the reeling mother absorb or even comprehend the shock.
“Their job was to convey he died,” Harris said. “That’s it. I actually for a brief period of time thought he’d been murdered. That was even more horrible.”
It wasn’t until the next day that Harris was told that her son had been electrocuted in a shower, but still there were few details. Desperate for answers, Harris started hounding the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command, and three weeks later, she found out that an electrical system had shorted out, killing Maseth in the shower at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex in Baghdad.
“I don’t think I would have been told that unless I had constantly pressured and questioned [the military],” said Harris, who later filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against KBR, the contractor responsible for the wiring. “They told me it was difficult to relay information from Iraq to the U.S. I said, ‘How are you fighting a war?’ ”
read more here
Military casualty notification system often frustratingly uneven
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 5, 2010
The casualty notification officers somberly relayed their message: It was one of her twin sons, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, who had perished.
They couldn’t provide any more information to Harris, nothing else to help the reeling mother absorb or even comprehend the shock.
“Their job was to convey he died,” Harris said. “That’s it. I actually for a brief period of time thought he’d been murdered. That was even more horrible.”
It wasn’t until the next day that Harris was told that her son had been electrocuted in a shower, but still there were few details. Desperate for answers, Harris started hounding the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command, and three weeks later, she found out that an electrical system had shorted out, killing Maseth in the shower at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex in Baghdad.
“I don’t think I would have been told that unless I had constantly pressured and questioned [the military],” said Harris, who later filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against KBR, the contractor responsible for the wiring. “They told me it was difficult to relay information from Iraq to the U.S. I said, ‘How are you fighting a war?’ ”
read more here
Military casualty notification system often frustratingly uneven
$1.8 Billion Investment Improves Care and Services for Veterans
I wonder if the people saying the Recovery Act is a bad thing still think it is when it's used for veterans?
VA Obligates Last of its Recovery Act Funds to Help Veterans
$1.8 Billion Investment Improves Care and Services for Veterans
WASHINGTON (August 5, 2010)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
committed the last of its $1.8 billion in Recovery Act funds July 31,
one of the first federal agencies to achieve that milestone. Projects
at more than 1,200 sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and
Puerto Rico will increase access to health care and services to
Veterans, while creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
"Veterans across the Nation are benefiting from these Recovery Act
funds," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Recovery
Act projects are improving medical care, speeding claims processing,
enhancing our national cemeteries, advancing our energy efficiency, and
generating jobs for Americans."
VA rapidly put American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act)
funding to work to improve its medical facilities, revitalize its
national cemeteries, hire claims processors, upgrade technology systems
and assist states in acquiring, building or remodeling state nursing
homes and domiciliary facilities for Veterans.
The funding received by VA is part of President Obama's economic
recovery plan to improve services to America's Veterans. By obligating
these funds quickly, VA is revitalizing its infrastructure and moving
needed money into the economy.
Using Recovery Act funds, VA entered into 1,521 contracts with 696
contractors. Three-quarters of the contractors are Veterans owned
businesses, either service disabled Veteran owned businesses or Veteran
owned small businesses.
Health Care Services Enhanced
VA obligated $1 billion to improve VA medical care facilities across the
country through building renovations, roadway and walkway repairs, high
cost equipment replacement, security improvements, new construction,
replacement of steam lines and boiler plants, upgrades in emergency
power distribution, and purchases of additional emergency generators
among others.
To help Veterans access care, Recovery Act projects in VA medical
facilities will add or improve more than 26,000 parking spaces and 39
elevator banks are being built or upgraded. VA will upgrade nearly
14,000 inpatient bed spaces, while 16 pharmacy renovation projects will
help Veterans get medicines quicker and more efficiently. More than
14,400 clinical improvement projects, some with multiple exam rooms,
will be undertaken.
Funds are also helping ensure VA health care facilities function more
efficiently (by reducing annual recurring maintenance and upkeep cost)
and are equipped to provide world-class care to Veterans.
Specific projects include:
* Bedford, Mass., VA Medical Center (VAMC) mental
health unit renovation, $7.165 million;
* Philadelphia VAMC emergency room renovations,
$4.74 million;
* Cleveland VAMC surgical suite refurbishment, $8.5
million;
* New Haven, Conn., VAMC private and semi-private
inpatient units, $7.743 million;
* Hines, Ill., VAMC electrical distribution
infrastructure upgrade, $8 million.
*
VA serves 5.5 million Veterans annually in its hospitals, outpatient
clinics and rural health programs.
Energy Conservation
VA is promoting energy conservation and reducing its environmental
footprint by investing $200 million in Recovery Act funds for renewable
energy generation technologies, metering systems, and energy
conservation and water-saving measures. In total, the renewable energy
systems awarded represent more than 9 megawatts of planned power
generating capacity from solar, wind, and cogeneration technologies.
Two national cemeteries, in Bourne, Mass., and San Joaquin, Calif.,
anticipate producing enough electricity to supply nearly all of their
energy needs.
VA is installing solar photovoltaic systems at facilities in
Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Dublin, Ga.; Calverton, N.Y.; San
Joaquin, Calif., and Riverside, Calif.
VA is erecting a wind turbine in Bourne, Mass., and is constructing a
geothermal system at its medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.
In addition, VA is building renewably fueled cogeneration systems at
five medical facilities: Togus, Maine; White River Junction, Vt.;
Chillicothe, Ohio; Loma Linda, Calif.; and Canandaigua, N.Y.
VA is installing metering systems at all VA-owned facilities to monitor
energy utilities, including electricity, water, chilled water, steam,
and natural gas consumption.
VA is also investing $197 million in energy and water infrastructure
improvements. VA facilities across the country are upgrading their
facilities to reduce energy consumption and water usage and better
manage related costs.
Claims Processing Improvements
VA is working to improve the systems for processing claims to more
quickly and efficiently deliver benefits to Veterans. VA has obligated
$150 million to hire, train and equip new employees to improve claims
processing and speed the delivery of benefits to Veterans. VA has hired
approximately 2,700 temporary and permanent employees to assist with
processing Veterans' claims for VA benefits.
National Cemeteries Revitalized
Throughout VA's system of 131 national cemeteries, 391 improvement
projects are underway using $50 million in Recovery Act funding. VA is
restoring and preserving 49 historic monuments and memorials, becoming
more energy efficient by investing in renewable energy sources (solar
and wind), moving forward on nine energy conservation projects, and
improving access and visitor safety with 49 road, paving and grounds
improvement projects.
Recovery Act funds are also being used to raise, realign, and clean
approximately 200,000 headstones and markers, repair sunken graves, and
renovate turf at 22 VA national cemeteries.
One-time Benefit Payments
The Recovery Act provided one-time $250 economic recovery payments to
eligible Veterans, their survivors, and dependents to help mitigate the
effects of the current economy. $7.1 million were intended for
administrative support of the one-time benefit payments. VA was able to
successfully administer the program with a savings of approximately $6.1
million, and may return the remaining funds to the US Treasury.
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