Cell phones for soldiers stolen
The Associated PressPosted : Wednesday Nov 12, 2008 6:25:12 EST
WEYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — Police say a thief made off with 500 old cell phones that were intended for the Cell Phones for Soldiers charity on the evening before Veterans Day.
Rick Bruce says he was inside the Weymouth Elks Club on Monday night preparing for a drive for the CarePacks organization, which sends supplies to troops oversees.
The phones were in his car outside. Bruce, whose son is serving in Iraq, had been collecting them all summer and intended on donating them to Cell Phones for Soldiers, the Norwell nonprofit that recycles old phones to purchase phone cards for military personnel.
When Bruce went outside, his car, and the phones, were gone.
He called the theft “heartbreaking.”
Weymouth Sgt. Richard Fuller says police are investigating.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Congressman Kucinich's home hit by paintballs
Our congress was created to hear many voices. While the Senate allows for two senators from the states, the House holds representative from many areas of each state, across economical demographics, ideology, needs and thus we have a better representation of the people. In the House there are many voices from war hawks, to conservatives, to liberals, independents, different faiths and Congressman Kucinich has been the voice of peace. He values the constitution and life with compassion. His voice is desperately needed to counter those who would rather seek violent solutions. Yet this is exactly what these teenagers did. When they attacked the home of the Congressman with paintballs, maybe they thought it was funny but then again maybe they did it out of hatred. We will not know until they are found. This comes at the most inappropriate time to do something so dastardly. The Congressman's sister just passed away. Think of the pain the family is living with and then have this happen.
Kucinich home hit by paintballs
RAW STORY
Published: Wednesday November 12, 2008
Popular Ohio Democratic congressman Rep. Dennis Kucinich was targeted by vandals, according to police records reviewed by UPI.
"The wife of the congressman and former Democratic U.S. presidential candidate told authorities that vandals, likely teenagers, had hit their home with paint balls," the wire service reported.
The Plain Dealer said that Kucinich's wife heard a loud banging noise around 1:30 am last Thursday and subsequently noticed the outside of the Kucinich's home had been hit with orange paintballs. Elizabeth Kucinich said the vandals returned Friday and attacked their home with additional paintballs.
click link for more
TAPS announces training for working with bereaved
TAPS ANNOUNCES TRAINING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS, NURSES, CHAPLAINS, CASUALTY OFFICERS, FAMILY PROGRAM STAFF, COUNSELORS, MFLCs, and MILITARY LEADERSHIP www.taps.org/professionaleducation
TAPS provides peer based emotional support for military surviving families. Part of our mission is to improve the training and continuing education for health and mental healthcare professionals dealing with children and families who suffer from traumatic grief. We are proud to announce quarterly educational training WEBINARS with a special focus on working with military surviving families and veterans.
On December 4, 2008, TAPS will conduct training on "Working with the Bereaved: Suicide Risk Assessment." This Webinar features expert speaker Dr. David Jobes (see attached flyer for more info). The training is accredited for 1.0 CEUs for Nurses and Social Workers and has been approved by NASW.
Please share this information with staff, colleagues and chapter members. We are making our best effort to reach out to those partnering organizations who are interested in helping the families of the Fallen and returning veterans and asking their help in disseminating this information. Thank you for spreading the word!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jill Harrington LaMorie, jill@taps.org.
For more information and to register, please visit our website: www.taps.org/professionaleducation.
Thank you for your help!
Bonnie
Bonnie Carroll
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
910 17th Street, NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
www.taps.org
Office: 202.588.TAPS (8277)
Toll-Free: 800.959.TAPS (8277)
FAX: 202-457-8278
bonnie@taps.org
TAPS provides peer based emotional support for military surviving families. Part of our mission is to improve the training and continuing education for health and mental healthcare professionals dealing with children and families who suffer from traumatic grief. We are proud to announce quarterly educational training WEBINARS with a special focus on working with military surviving families and veterans.
On December 4, 2008, TAPS will conduct training on "Working with the Bereaved: Suicide Risk Assessment." This Webinar features expert speaker Dr. David Jobes (see attached flyer for more info). The training is accredited for 1.0 CEUs for Nurses and Social Workers and has been approved by NASW.
Please share this information with staff, colleagues and chapter members. We are making our best effort to reach out to those partnering organizations who are interested in helping the families of the Fallen and returning veterans and asking their help in disseminating this information. Thank you for spreading the word!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jill Harrington LaMorie, jill@taps.org.
For more information and to register, please visit our website: www.taps.org/professionaleducation.
Thank you for your help!
Bonnie
Bonnie Carroll
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
910 17th Street, NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
www.taps.org
Office: 202.588.TAPS (8277)
Toll-Free: 800.959.TAPS (8277)
FAX: 202-457-8278
bonnie@taps.org
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cambell Brown:We owe our veterans more
Brown: We owe our veterans more
'We owe our veterans more' 1:38
CNN's Campbell Brown reports veterans are having trouble getting disability claims reviewed and receiving benefits.
The story
On Veterans Day, we want to bring your attention to a different kind of battle that our disabled veterans are fighting.
Many vets are having an extremely difficult time getting their disability claims reviewed and in many cases getting the benefits they rightly deserve.
The problem is inefficiency at the Veterans Affairs Department, pretty astonishing inefficiency. And because of it, there are numerous stories of servicemen and women finding themselves stuck in limbo, playing an unfair, if not cruel, waiting game.
Just Tuesday, The Washington Post tells the story of Navy Veteran Chase McCombs, who served three years as a navy mechanic. Watch Campbell Brown's commentary
He suffered several injuries and told the Post he is now legally blind. His application for disability benefits has been denied twice. He appealed in December and is still waiting to hear from the VA. Read full article »
'We owe our veterans more' 1:38
CNN's Campbell Brown reports veterans are having trouble getting disability claims reviewed and receiving benefits.
The story
On Veterans Day, we want to bring your attention to a different kind of battle that our disabled veterans are fighting.
Many vets are having an extremely difficult time getting their disability claims reviewed and in many cases getting the benefits they rightly deserve.
The problem is inefficiency at the Veterans Affairs Department, pretty astonishing inefficiency. And because of it, there are numerous stories of servicemen and women finding themselves stuck in limbo, playing an unfair, if not cruel, waiting game.
Just Tuesday, The Washington Post tells the story of Navy Veteran Chase McCombs, who served three years as a navy mechanic. Watch Campbell Brown's commentary
He suffered several injuries and told the Post he is now legally blind. His application for disability benefits has been denied twice. He appealed in December and is still waiting to hear from the VA. Read full article »
Military atheists want new rules on prayer
The Four Chaplains Memorial FoundationThe Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation exists to further the cause of 'unity without uniformity' by encouraging goodwill and cooperation among all people.
Mission Statement
The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation exists to further the cause of “unity without uniformity” by encouraging goodwill and cooperation among all people. The organization achieves its mission by advocating for and honoring people whose deeds symbolize the legacy of the Four Chaplains aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester in 1943.
Vision
The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation's vision is to impart the principles of selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.
Overview
The Reverend Daniel Poling, in honor of his son Chaplain Poling's heroism, began the movement to celebrate the Four Chaplains acts of courage. The organization was dedicated on February 3, 1951 by President Harry S. Truman. In his dedication speech, the President said, “This interfaith shrine... will stand through long generations to teach Americans that as men can die heroically as brothers so should they live together in mutual faith and goodwill.”
This is what Chaplains were supposed to be doing.
Military atheists want new rules on prayer
Coalition complains of religious discrimination in the services
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 12, 2008
WASHINGTON — A coalition of atheists and agnostics wants the new White House to protect young military members from what they see as rampant religious discrimination in the services.
The Secular Coalition for America held a news conference Monday urging new rules against proselytizing and more training for chaplains on how to handle nonreligious troops.
"When they say ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’ it’s slanderous," said Wayne Adkins, a former Army first lieutenant who served in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. "To deny their existence is to deny that they serve."
The coalition also wants President-elect Obama to develop a new directive for all chaplains and commanders that eliminates public prayers from any mandatory-attendance events for troops and ensures the Defense Department will not endorse any single religion, or even the idea of religion over nonreligion.
Jason Torpy, a retired soldier and president of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, said his group isn’t opposed to Christianity or any other organized religion.
click link for more
But the problems for the men and women in the military are happening, not because there are some who do not believe in God, but because the Chaplains decided that they were going to be evangelists instead of Chaplains, mostly with the blessing of the brass.
If you are a Christian and find nothing wrong with this, then please consider how many other Christians from different branches of Christianity you agree with. Even Christians can't agree among themselves, so think about that because that is what's happening. Now think how you would feel to not be a member of the Christian faith and then put thru hell because you are Jewish, of Muslim, or an atheist. What if it was your son or your daughter being made to feel as if their own faith was not up to military standards?
That's why this bothers me. I'm Greek Orthodox. (I am also a civilian Chaplain working with veterans) I have yet to meet or read about a Greek Orthodox Chaplain, so it's very unlikely that if I were in the military I would be able to speak to one. Let's say that I had to see a Chaplain who did not believe the same way I did, which is usually the case since some Christians don't believe in the saints, blessing themselves three times for the Holy Trinity or kneeling when they pray. I would end up talking to someone who did not value my faith as I do.
There are many differences and not understanding what they are causes a lot of harm. I worked for a Presbyterian Church as the Administrator of Christian Education for two years. They respected my faith because I did not try to force it on them and I respected their's enough to honor it and learn it. Problems happen when there is no respect for what God put into all of us. The freewill to believe as we do or not. He didn't force us to worship Him so why is it that some in the military consider it their right to force their own faith on anyone? kc
Officials: Help limited for domestic violence victims overseas
Officials: Help limited for domestic violence victims overseas
By Natasha Lee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, November 13, 2008
Despite a decrease in domestic violence at military bases, some officials say limited resources overseas continue to make tackling abuse difficult.
At Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, referrals to its Family Advocacy Program regarding child and spousal abuse have declined from 259 cases reported in fiscal year 2006 to 197 in fiscal 2008.
But Kadena’s lack of the kinds of services available to military and civilians stateside — namely domestic violence shelters and child protective services — presents challenges for victims and advocates.
"It’s significant. It’s the most intense place in all of the nine PACAF (U.S. Pacific Air Forces) locations," said Air Force Capt. Sundonia Wonnum, chief of Kadena’s Family Advocacy Program, which provides resources and services for Air Force and Army victims.
The only domestic violence shelter that did service military families on Okinawa closed last November due to lack of funding, Wonnum said.
And a language barrier makes it difficult for victims to seek help outside military bases, she said.
click link for more
By Natasha Lee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, November 13, 2008
Despite a decrease in domestic violence at military bases, some officials say limited resources overseas continue to make tackling abuse difficult.
At Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, referrals to its Family Advocacy Program regarding child and spousal abuse have declined from 259 cases reported in fiscal year 2006 to 197 in fiscal 2008.
But Kadena’s lack of the kinds of services available to military and civilians stateside — namely domestic violence shelters and child protective services — presents challenges for victims and advocates.
"It’s significant. It’s the most intense place in all of the nine PACAF (U.S. Pacific Air Forces) locations," said Air Force Capt. Sundonia Wonnum, chief of Kadena’s Family Advocacy Program, which provides resources and services for Air Force and Army victims.
The only domestic violence shelter that did service military families on Okinawa closed last November due to lack of funding, Wonnum said.
And a language barrier makes it difficult for victims to seek help outside military bases, she said.
click link for more
Brothers in arms: WWII veterans bask in trip to Washington, hero's welcome home
Brothers in arms: WWII veterans bask in trip to Washington, hero's welcome home
WASHINGTON -- The people thanked him for his service and wished him well. They shook his hand and patted his back. John B. Williams was practically a celebrity. His hat was the key. It announced to everyone that he had served in World War II.
So as he strolled the grounds of the National World War II Memorial, all sorts of people approached him. The tourists appreciate the veterans and want them to know it.
John could have impressed his well-wishers. He could have told them about how he was a Buffalo Soldier, one of only a few hundred African-American men still alive who served with the famed black cavalry.
He could have told them how, after the Buffalo Soldiers traded their horses for tanks, he and the 7th Army invaded southern France in Operation Dragoon, the war's second D-Day.
He could have told them how he's spent a lifetime fighting for civil rights and racial equality.
Instead, every time someone acknowledged his service, he said this, or something like it:
"Well, thank you. Now let me tell you about my brother."
Just as they've done everything else, John and his brother, Robert F. "Bob" Williams, visited Washington together on Nov. 1. They were among 63 veterans on Honor Flight, a national program that flies World War II and terminally ill veterans to Washington free.
click link for more
WASHINGTON -- The people thanked him for his service and wished him well. They shook his hand and patted his back. John B. Williams was practically a celebrity. His hat was the key. It announced to everyone that he had served in World War II.
John Williams got his wish to meet Gen. Colin Powell during his visit to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
So as he strolled the grounds of the National World War II Memorial, all sorts of people approached him. The tourists appreciate the veterans and want them to know it.
John could have impressed his well-wishers. He could have told them about how he was a Buffalo Soldier, one of only a few hundred African-American men still alive who served with the famed black cavalry.
He could have told them how, after the Buffalo Soldiers traded their horses for tanks, he and the 7th Army invaded southern France in Operation Dragoon, the war's second D-Day.
He could have told them how he's spent a lifetime fighting for civil rights and racial equality.
Instead, every time someone acknowledged his service, he said this, or something like it:
"Well, thank you. Now let me tell you about my brother."
Just as they've done everything else, John and his brother, Robert F. "Bob" Williams, visited Washington together on Nov. 1. They were among 63 veterans on Honor Flight, a national program that flies World War II and terminally ill veterans to Washington free.
click link for more
Burglars stole from teen who lost both kidneys
Heartbreaking!
Thieves steal from ailing Ohio teen
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 1:20 PM
BELLVILLE, Ohio (AP) " Authorities in northern Ohio are looking for burglars who stole a widescreen TV and video game console from the bedroom of an ailing teen while he was the guest of honor at a fundraiser.
Sixteen-year-old Sam McCready of Bellville has lost both kidneys to Goodpasture's syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease, and now makes the 60-mile trip to Akron three times a week for dialysis. At a dinner on Saturday, three former Cleveland Browns players helped raise money for the boy's transportation and medical bills.
The Richland County Sheriff's Office says while the event was going on, thieves removed a window air conditioner to enter the McCready home and take Sam's new 32-inch TV and Sony PlayStation.
His father, Jim McCready, calls the theft pretty cold.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/11/11/asteal.html?sid=101
Hit and run killed Iraq Vet Brandon Kusmit. Do you know who?
Family seeks answers after Iraq veteran's death
by Michael Ferraresi - Nov. 11, 2008 04:05 PM
The Arizona Republic
Shards of auto glass and plastic pieces of motorcycle litter a dusty, dimly-lit corner of Greenway Road and 37th Street.
A candle burns next to a rock on the north side of intersection, near the spot where Brandon Kusmit was left for dead shortly after a hit-and-run traffic collision.
The corner of Greenway and 37th is merely blocks from both the Kusmit family's home and the mortuary where relatives mourned the 25-year-old's death during a Friday memorial service.
Kusmit, who grew up in northeast Phoenix before serving in the U.S. Army as part of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, died Nov. 2 after falling from his Yamaha R6 sports bike.
Phoenix detectives are searching for the driver of a pickup truck in connection to Kusmit's death. Family members put up $1,000 with the hope that witnesses come forward with information leading to an arrest.
"I just hope whoever did it confesses," said Jason Kusmit, 25, who spent the last week with family, mourning the loss of his twin brother.
"It feels like they're ruthless, to me," he said.
Brandon's son, Dakoda, celebrated his first birthday three days before his father's death. Jason's son, Jason Jr., is 2 years old.
You can help
• Phoenix vehicular crimes detectives interviewed some witnesses to the traffic collision that led to the Nov. 2 death of 25-year-old Brandon Kusmit.
• Anyone who was in the area of Greenway Road and 37th Street around 7:30 p.m., or who witnessed the incident is urged to call police to provide information.
• The Kusmit family offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
• The Phoenix Police Silent Witness program also provides up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest in an unsolved hit-and-run collision.
Silent Witness can be made by calling 480-WITNESS
go here for more
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/11/20081111phx-iraqvet1112.html
From War To Wal-Mart?
Enlistment plan joins Army Reserve, Wal-Mart
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Nov 11, 2008 18:23:12 EST
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has signed on to an Army Reserve program that allows the company and the Army to work together to recruit and train people interested in serving in the military and working for the giant retailer.
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest private employer, has more than 1.4 million U.S. employees.
An agreement signed Tuesday obligates Wal-Mart to interview and consider all qualified, participating soldiers for employment after they complete military occupational specialty training.
Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, was in Bentonville for the Veterans Day signing of the agreement.
When a reserve soldier who works at Wal-Mart is called to service, the company can draw on 1 million or so citizen soldiers to help identify a qualified replacement to work in the soldier’s place. The arrangement is expected to lower costs of recruiting and training for Wal-Mart.
The Army Reserve launched the program in April and has already linked with numerous companies, including Lowell-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Sears Holding Corp., Manpower Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corp., among others.
The program also helps the Army find trained professionals.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_walmart_army_111108/
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Nov 11, 2008 18:23:12 EST
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has signed on to an Army Reserve program that allows the company and the Army to work together to recruit and train people interested in serving in the military and working for the giant retailer.
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest private employer, has more than 1.4 million U.S. employees.
An agreement signed Tuesday obligates Wal-Mart to interview and consider all qualified, participating soldiers for employment after they complete military occupational specialty training.
Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, was in Bentonville for the Veterans Day signing of the agreement.
When a reserve soldier who works at Wal-Mart is called to service, the company can draw on 1 million or so citizen soldiers to help identify a qualified replacement to work in the soldier’s place. The arrangement is expected to lower costs of recruiting and training for Wal-Mart.
The Army Reserve launched the program in April and has already linked with numerous companies, including Lowell-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., Sears Holding Corp., Manpower Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corp., among others.
The program also helps the Army find trained professionals.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_walmart_army_111108/
Military TRICARE not covering rape kits for victims?
Raped in the Military? You May Have to Pay for Your Own Forensic Exam Kit
By Penny Coleman, AlterNet. Posted November 11, 2008.
This outrage gives "supporting the troops" a whole new meaning.
Editor's note: a correction was made to this story since publication. The uncorrected version stated incorrectly that the military doesn't cover forensic exam kits for the 20 percent of rape victims treated on military bases.
Sarah Palin's decision not to pay for rape kits when she was mayor of Walsilla was an issue in the campaign for the White House. But allow me to introduce the large pink elephant that has been sitting quietly in the corner of the room:
At the Winter Soldier Investigation in March, Spec. Patricia McCann, who served in Iraq with the Illinois Army National Guard from 2003-4, read a memo issued to all MEDCOM commanders clarifying that "SAD kits"-- which are forensic rape kits--"are not included in TRICARE coverage." *
TRICARE, the United States Department of Defense Military Health System that covers active duty members, will only pay for rape kits if the victim is seen in a military or a VA facility.
But the Pentagon acknowledges that 80 percent of military rapes are never reported. And that 80 percent who go off-base to protect their anonymity (and/or their careers) are on their own. If a soldier is on leave, or is five-hours from the nearest VA, or if a soldier is simply delivered to the nearest hospital by the local ambulance driver, their rape kits are not covered under TRICARE. Neither are other forensic exams that might be used in domestic violence situations.
Front-line treatment shouldn't be conditional on where a rape occurs or where the nearest treatment is available. This is not only a parity issue, but a further obstacle to treatment and justice.
Women in the military are twice as likely to be raped as their civilian counterparts. In fact, "women serving in the U.S. military today are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire in Iraq," Congresswoman Jane Harman, D-Calif., told the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs in May.
Harman said, "The scope of the problem was brought into acute focus for me during a visit to the West Los Angeles VA Health Center where I met female veterans and their doctors. My jaw dropped when the doctors told me that 41 percent of the female veterans seen there say they were victims of sexual assault while serving in the military, and 29 percent said they were raped during their military service."
go here for more
http://www.alternet.org/reproductivejustice/106307/raped_
in_the_military_you%27ll_have_to_pay_for_your_own_forensic_exam_kit/?page=entire
linked from RawStory
By Penny Coleman, AlterNet. Posted November 11, 2008.
This outrage gives "supporting the troops" a whole new meaning.
Editor's note: a correction was made to this story since publication. The uncorrected version stated incorrectly that the military doesn't cover forensic exam kits for the 20 percent of rape victims treated on military bases.
Sarah Palin's decision not to pay for rape kits when she was mayor of Walsilla was an issue in the campaign for the White House. But allow me to introduce the large pink elephant that has been sitting quietly in the corner of the room:
At the Winter Soldier Investigation in March, Spec. Patricia McCann, who served in Iraq with the Illinois Army National Guard from 2003-4, read a memo issued to all MEDCOM commanders clarifying that "SAD kits"-- which are forensic rape kits--"are not included in TRICARE coverage." *
TRICARE, the United States Department of Defense Military Health System that covers active duty members, will only pay for rape kits if the victim is seen in a military or a VA facility.
But the Pentagon acknowledges that 80 percent of military rapes are never reported. And that 80 percent who go off-base to protect their anonymity (and/or their careers) are on their own. If a soldier is on leave, or is five-hours from the nearest VA, or if a soldier is simply delivered to the nearest hospital by the local ambulance driver, their rape kits are not covered under TRICARE. Neither are other forensic exams that might be used in domestic violence situations.
Front-line treatment shouldn't be conditional on where a rape occurs or where the nearest treatment is available. This is not only a parity issue, but a further obstacle to treatment and justice.
Women in the military are twice as likely to be raped as their civilian counterparts. In fact, "women serving in the U.S. military today are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire in Iraq," Congresswoman Jane Harman, D-Calif., told the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs in May.
Harman said, "The scope of the problem was brought into acute focus for me during a visit to the West Los Angeles VA Health Center where I met female veterans and their doctors. My jaw dropped when the doctors told me that 41 percent of the female veterans seen there say they were victims of sexual assault while serving in the military, and 29 percent said they were raped during their military service."
go here for more
http://www.alternet.org/reproductivejustice/106307/raped_
in_the_military_you%27ll_have_to_pay_for_your_own_forensic_exam_kit/?page=entire
linked from RawStory
"Family Angel" Beth Ann Kucinich joins the angels
"Family Angel" Beth Ann Kucinich joins the angels
Congressman Dennis Kucinich's youngest sister, Beth Ann, passed away today.
Please keep her and the Kucinich family in your prayers and in your hearts.
CLEVELAND, OH (Tues. Nov. 11) - Proud Army Veteran, Beth Ann Kucinich, beloved youngest sister of Congressman Dennis Kucinich, died today, Veteran's Day, at Veteran's Hospital in Cleveland, after a battle with acute respiratory distress syndrome. She was 48 years old.
Her family was at her side throughout the three week ordeal, as she struggled to survive while on life support.
Beth Ann Kucinich served in the US Army at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. A talented musician as well as an artist, she sold many of her works of art to her fellow veterans at the Brecksville Veterans Center. Her specialty was drawing famous cartoon characters for friends and loved ones on special occasions.
An avid heavy metal fan, she attended many local area concerts and practiced her own music with a guitar, with an extraordinary impression of Janis Joplin.
"She was pure love. Every action, every sentiment, every piece of art, every word she spoke was an expression of love. Beth Ann was our family's angel, our 'Heavy Metal Angel', said her eldest brother Dennis.
"Our brother, Perry, passed away last December. Beth Ann never got over Perry's sudden passing. The two had been inseparable. She talked about Perry constantly and she longed to be with him," Dennis said.
She was the beloved mother of Asher; treasured sister of Dennis, Frank, Gary, Teresa, Larry, and the late Perry Kucinich; and dear aunt and a great aunt.
The Kucinich family will receive visitors at Golubski Funeral Home, 6500 Fullerton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday, November 12, 4pm to 9pm, and on Thursday from 9:30 am until 11:00. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, with interment at Calvary Cemetery
The Re-Elect Congressman Kucinich Committee
Fort Sill official fires back at gang report
Fort Sill official fires back at gang report
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Nov 11, 2008 8:55:20 EST
LAWTON, Okla. — Fort Sill’s liaison to the city of Lawton is firing back at a police officer’s comments that soldiers at the base are involved in gangs.
Col. Robert Bridgford issued a written statement saying information released by police Lt. Darrell Southerland “was completely inaccurate.”
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Nov 11, 2008 8:55:20 EST
LAWTON, Okla. — Fort Sill’s liaison to the city of Lawton is firing back at a police officer’s comments that soldiers at the base are involved in gangs.
Col. Robert Bridgford issued a written statement saying information released by police Lt. Darrell Southerland “was completely inaccurate.”
Bridgford’s statement says no soldier has been arrested or implicated in gang activity in the past year. It also says military police have no information of soldiers being a member of a gang or being involved in gang-related activities.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/11/ap_sillgangs_111108/
CT Gets $2 Million For War Vets Convicted Of Minor Crimes
CT Gets $2 Million For War Vets Convicted Of Minor Crimes
Associated Press
November 11, 2008
The federal government has given Connecticut $2 million to help military veterans with trauma-related disorders get their lives back on track after committing minor crimes, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Monday.
The money is for a five-year program designed to move veterans in jail for minor crimes back into the community and provide them with mental health treatment and other services they need.
The state wants to screen at least 500 Connecticut veterans annually for trauma-related disorders and divert a minimum of 250 veterans a year from the criminal justice system to community treatment, according to the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which is overseeing the new veterans' program.
In a report last month, the department said 1.65 million American military personnel have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 12,000 from Connecticut.
click link for more
Associated Press
November 11, 2008
The federal government has given Connecticut $2 million to help military veterans with trauma-related disorders get their lives back on track after committing minor crimes, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Monday.
The money is for a five-year program designed to move veterans in jail for minor crimes back into the community and provide them with mental health treatment and other services they need.
The state wants to screen at least 500 Connecticut veterans annually for trauma-related disorders and divert a minimum of 250 veterans a year from the criminal justice system to community treatment, according to the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which is overseeing the new veterans' program.
In a report last month, the department said 1.65 million American military personnel have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 12,000 from Connecticut.
click link for more
3-Year-Old Has Lower Leg Amputated After Mower Accident
3-Year-Old Has Lower Leg Amputated After Mower Accident
Courant Staff Report
4:39 PM EST, November 11, 2008
TORRINGTON - A 3-year-old boy had to have a leg amputated below the knee after his foot and lower leg were mangled by a lawn mower. The boy's father was using a riding mower to pick up leaves Monday afternoon when he accidentally backed over his son, Torrington police Sgt. Paul E. Zeller said Tuesday.
click link for more
Courant Staff Report
4:39 PM EST, November 11, 2008
TORRINGTON - A 3-year-old boy had to have a leg amputated below the knee after his foot and lower leg were mangled by a lawn mower. The boy's father was using a riding mower to pick up leaves Monday afternoon when he accidentally backed over his son, Torrington police Sgt. Paul E. Zeller said Tuesday.
click link for more
Chicago Firefighters search for missing daughter of one of their own
Firefighters aid search for missing girl
November 11, 2008
Chicago firefighters are helping a colleague's family search for their missing 15-year-old daughter, last seen heading to Lincoln Park High School on a CTA bus Monday morning.
About 50 other firefighters and paramedics joined Fabian Muentes canvassing businesses in the neighborhood and handing out fliers for his daughter, Tisha.
Tisha, a sophomore at Lincoln Park High School, was last seen leaving her grandparents' home Monday morning. She called a friend at 7:20 a.m. Monday, saying she was on a Halsted Street bus and on her way to school, her dad said. Her parents said she never turned up in school that day. They said she doesn't have a boyfriend and a quick look at her MySpace page has not turned up anything unusual.
click link for more
November 11, 2008
Chicago firefighters are helping a colleague's family search for their missing 15-year-old daughter, last seen heading to Lincoln Park High School on a CTA bus Monday morning.
About 50 other firefighters and paramedics joined Fabian Muentes canvassing businesses in the neighborhood and handing out fliers for his daughter, Tisha.
Tisha, a sophomore at Lincoln Park High School, was last seen leaving her grandparents' home Monday morning. She called a friend at 7:20 a.m. Monday, saying she was on a Halsted Street bus and on her way to school, her dad said. Her parents said she never turned up in school that day. They said she doesn't have a boyfriend and a quick look at her MySpace page has not turned up anything unusual.
click link for more
President Elect Obama and Tammy Duckworth place wreath in Chicago
Chicago Trib is blamed for the lack of people attending this. Read the comments on the below link. It appears that people are upset because the Trib didn't tell anyone about this before it happened.
Obama honors veterans
President-elect Obama hugs Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs director Tammy Duckworth after laying a wreath at Soldier Field. (Tribune photo / Zbigniew Bzdak)
Obama honors veterans
Only a few dozen spectators were present this morning.
President-elect Barack Obama placed a wreath on a bronze memorial at Chicago's Soldier Field this morning to pay his respects on Veterans Day in what was expected to be his only public appearance of the day.
About 11 a.m., Obama was joined for the ceremony by Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois Veterans' Affairs director.
Wearing a dark overcoat and with Duckworth at his side, Obama picked up a wreath that was placed in front of the memorial and carried it a few feet forward, before setting it in front of the memorial.
Obama bowed his head for a moment, according to a media pool report of the stop. Then, he put his right hand at his forehead, saluted and walked away with Duckworth. Only a few dozen spectators were present on the cool morning visit.
--John McCormick and Rick Pearson, Chicago Breaking News Center
click link for more pictures and comments.
Massachusetts War veterans receive a special thank-you from state
War veterans receive a special thank-you from state
By Brian R. Ballou
Globe Staff / November 11, 2008
Anthony Hinson will use his check for Christmas toys for his two children. Brendan Murphy will use his for a vacation to Aruba.
The two men were among nine US military service members invited yesterday afternoon to the State House to pick up $1,000 "Welcome Home" bonus checks, tax-free money given to war veterans who served in combat zones since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The state has issued about 17,000 checks since the Welcome Home Bill was signed into law three years ago by then-Governor Mitt Romney. There are about 7,000 more service members eligible for the bonus who have not yet applied, state Treasurer Timothy Cahill said during a press conference aimed at getting the word out about the bonus.
"As we think of our veterans today and tomorrow on Veterans Day, give thanks and say a prayer," Cahill said. "In these times of economic uncertainty . . . the purpose of this is to help."
State Representative Anthony Verga, cochairman of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, told the beneficiaries, "The idea that we're just giving this money to you, let me tell you something: We're not giving it. You've earned it."
The Welcome Home Bill also provides $500 to service members at least six months of active service, and according to Verga, veterans who served in the Vietnam War are eligible for up to $300 in other existing bonuses.
The service members were given large cardboard facsimiles of checks; Cahill handed them small white envelopes that contained the actual checks. Each soldier or Marine posed with Cahill, Verga, and Massachusetts National Guard Brigadier General Thomas Sellars, while the service members' spouses and other relatives snapped pictures. About 60 people attended the ceremony.
go here for more and for video
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/11/11
/war_veterans_receive_a_special_thank_you_from_state/
By Brian R. Ballou
Globe Staff / November 11, 2008
Anthony Hinson will use his check for Christmas toys for his two children. Brendan Murphy will use his for a vacation to Aruba.
The two men were among nine US military service members invited yesterday afternoon to the State House to pick up $1,000 "Welcome Home" bonus checks, tax-free money given to war veterans who served in combat zones since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The state has issued about 17,000 checks since the Welcome Home Bill was signed into law three years ago by then-Governor Mitt Romney. There are about 7,000 more service members eligible for the bonus who have not yet applied, state Treasurer Timothy Cahill said during a press conference aimed at getting the word out about the bonus.
"As we think of our veterans today and tomorrow on Veterans Day, give thanks and say a prayer," Cahill said. "In these times of economic uncertainty . . . the purpose of this is to help."
State Representative Anthony Verga, cochairman of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, told the beneficiaries, "The idea that we're just giving this money to you, let me tell you something: We're not giving it. You've earned it."
The Welcome Home Bill also provides $500 to service members at least six months of active service, and according to Verga, veterans who served in the Vietnam War are eligible for up to $300 in other existing bonuses.
The service members were given large cardboard facsimiles of checks; Cahill handed them small white envelopes that contained the actual checks. Each soldier or Marine posed with Cahill, Verga, and Massachusetts National Guard Brigadier General Thomas Sellars, while the service members' spouses and other relatives snapped pictures. About 60 people attended the ceremony.
go here for more and for video
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/11/11
/war_veterans_receive_a_special_thank_you_from_state/
Veteran's Day Message from Paul Rieckhoff
It's a nice site with great links. I was just in there. While I am not happy that IAVA has not used any of my work or my videos, no matter how many times I've offered in the past, setting that aside, they are doing great work and deserve to be supported as well as used.
I don't know what's wrong with me or the videos I do but when I've offered to help the IAVA, especially considering I've been doing this since before most of them were born, they have not taken me up on my offers. I even sent them copies of my videos but never heard back.
Maybe it's because they focus on the newer veterans? I don't know but considering what all of our veterans are going through along with their families dealing with PTSD, especially the citizen soldiers of the National Guards and Reservists, you'd think that everyone would all be working together but they don't. There are several organizations I work with but they don't work with the IAVA. It just doesn't make sense. ( Anyway, pet peeve.)
The site is good and the commercial message is meaningful.
I don't know what's wrong with me or the videos I do but when I've offered to help the IAVA, especially considering I've been doing this since before most of them were born, they have not taken me up on my offers. I even sent them copies of my videos but never heard back.
Maybe it's because they focus on the newer veterans? I don't know but considering what all of our veterans are going through along with their families dealing with PTSD, especially the citizen soldiers of the National Guards and Reservists, you'd think that everyone would all be working together but they don't. There are several organizations I work with but they don't work with the IAVA. It just doesn't make sense. ( Anyway, pet peeve.)
The site is good and the commercial message is meaningful.
From the IAVA
I want to share something very exciting with you.Today, IAVA is launching a ground-breaking Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign with the Ad Council. This historic, multi-year, national effort is aimed at easing the transition for veterans returning home from combat.
I want you to be the first to see the amazing new television ad, which will start running nationwide today. Click here to watch it now at CommunityofVeterans.org.
Even if you're not familiar with the Ad Council, you know their work. They have been behind some of our country's most iconic PSA campaigns, including Smokey the Bear, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk", and "A Mind is A Terrible Thing to Waste". Now, they've teamed up with IAVA to create the largest campaign to date focused on veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
And at the center of this campaign is a new private social network, exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, at CommunityOfVeterans.org.
Please help us spread the word about this historic campaign. Forward this email to your friends and family members, and tell the veterans in your life to check out CommunityofVeterans.org.
Together, we have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families nationwide.
Thank you for standing with us, and Happy Veterans Day.
Sincerely,
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director and Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Veterans Day ceremonies can rekindle bad memories
Veterans Day ceremonies can rekindle bad memories
Returning vets from the wars face problems
By Gregory Lewis South Florida Sun-Sentinel
November 11, 2008
Fermin Jimenez, a 47-year-old Army sergeant who did a year of duty in Iraq, may spend today riding his Harley-Davidson in a Veterans Day parade in Miami.
But, maybe not.
Jimenez ended his tour in Iraq in 2004. But it still isn't over for him. He doesn't like crowds. He suffers flashbacks. He gets angry. Physically, neck and back injuries pain him. He also experienced a hearing loss.
While Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the men and women who have fought in wars to keep America safe, it is also a reminder of the trials and tribulations they face after they come home.
Jimenez, of Miami Lakes, is among the 75,719 vets who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder since the Iraq war began.
Veterans Affairs is trying to help by reaching out to soldiers involved in the wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, by hiring counselors who focus specifically on them.
"Transitioning them back into civilian life and family life is our number-one goal," said Susan Ward, a spokeswoman for Veterans Affairs in Miami. "This is a whole new generation we are providing [an] active outreach team for."
Having learned from Vietnam War vets who came back traumatized and had to fight the military for treatment, the VA-operated veterans' centers have tried to be pro-active in helping this generation of soldiers, say VA counselors.
go here for more
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpiraqwarvets1111sbnov11,0,4725892.story
Returning vets from the wars face problems
By Gregory Lewis South Florida Sun-Sentinel
November 11, 2008
Fermin Jimenez, a 47-year-old Army sergeant who did a year of duty in Iraq, may spend today riding his Harley-Davidson in a Veterans Day parade in Miami.
But, maybe not.
Jimenez ended his tour in Iraq in 2004. But it still isn't over for him. He doesn't like crowds. He suffers flashbacks. He gets angry. Physically, neck and back injuries pain him. He also experienced a hearing loss.
While Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the men and women who have fought in wars to keep America safe, it is also a reminder of the trials and tribulations they face after they come home.
Jimenez, of Miami Lakes, is among the 75,719 vets who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder since the Iraq war began.
Veterans Affairs is trying to help by reaching out to soldiers involved in the wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, by hiring counselors who focus specifically on them.
"Transitioning them back into civilian life and family life is our number-one goal," said Susan Ward, a spokeswoman for Veterans Affairs in Miami. "This is a whole new generation we are providing [an] active outreach team for."
Having learned from Vietnam War vets who came back traumatized and had to fight the military for treatment, the VA-operated veterans' centers have tried to be pro-active in helping this generation of soldiers, say VA counselors.
go here for more
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbpiraqwarvets1111sbnov11,0,4725892.story
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