Four Suicides Among MO National Guard Soldiers In 2012

Four Suicides Among MO National Guard Soldiers In 2012
Carol Daniel
August 29, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMOX) - So far this year there have been four suicides by members of the Missouri National Guard.

“Well one suicide is too many,” says Gary Gilmore, Joint Force Chaplain/Senior Army and Air National Guard. “Four is not okay.”

Gilmore tells KMOX News that with National Guard soldiers serving an average of three deployments the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life is extremely difficult.

“When an active-duty unit comes back they go right back to their same job, same pay, same health insurance, same everything,” Gilmore explains. “A National Guard soldier comes back from war and he gets six months of medical benefits.”
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Lejeune Marine pleads guilty to assaulting reality TV star

Lejeune Marine pleads guilty to assaulting reality TV star
JD News.com
August 28, 2012

F. T. Norton - The StarNews of Wilmington
Battery and drug charges were dismissed Monday against Jenelle Evans, star of MTV’s Teen Mom2, while her ex-boyfriend Gary Head pleaded guilty to assaulting her in a June domestic dispute in Leland that ended in both their arrests.

In exchange for the plea, charges of possession of marijuana, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed against Head, an active-duty Marine station at Camp Lejeune.
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White Sox Donnie Veal says trip to Walter Reed won't be his last

White Sox visit Walter Reed Military Medical Center
 August 28, 2012
DAN HAYES

BALTIMORE -- Five players and several other members of the White Sox visited with Wounded Warriors in Bethesda, Md. before Tuesday’s game.

Pitchers Jake Peavy, Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain, Donnie Veal and Nate Jones all traveled to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to spend time with injured armed forces veterans.

The team makes the trip annually and Crain said he had gone several times previously. The reliever said he enjoys the chance to visit with patients to recognize their efforts to safeguard the country and for their sacrifice. He also knows the positive impact a visit can have.

“I just want to go and lift their spirits if they’re down, though most of them have a great attitude about it,” Crain said. “But just to show our appreciation, it’s fun to do that. It is important for us to show that we support them and that we think about them and what they’re doing for us. It brings light and doesn’t let us forget about what’s going on in the world and what’s allowing us as a player to play or for a fan to go watch a game.”

Veal said it was his first trip and it won’t be his last.
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Presidential Proclamations Thanking Vietnam Veterans

Legion Distributes Thousands of Presidential Proclamations Thanking Vietnam Veterans for Their Service
Published: August 29, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — As part of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, The American Legion honored veterans of that war today during the organization’s 94th National Convention in Indianapolis.

After getting an overview of the commemoration, the Legion began distributing thousands of presidential proclamations to Vietnam veterans in attendance. The proclamation was signed by President Obama on May 25 and states, in part:

In recognition of a chapter in our Nation's history that must never be forgotten, let us renew our sacred commitment to those who answered our country's call in Vietnam and those who awaited their safe return... The Federal Government will partner with local governments, private organizations, and communities across America to participate in the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War – a 13-year program to honor and give thanks to a generation of proud Americans who saw our country through one of the most challenging missions we have ever faced. While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor. Let us renew our commitment to the fullest possible accounting for those who have not returned.
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Maine guardsman dies in Kuwait

Maine guardsman dies in Kuwait
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Aug 29, 2012

PORTLAND, Maine — A soldier from Maine who served in the National Guard has died in Kuwait, military officials said Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Wing, 42, of Glenburn, died Monday, the Department of Defense said. Officials said her death wasn’t related to combat, but they didn’t provide details on the circumstances.

Wing was a helicopter crew chief assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment out of Bangor. The unit provides medical evacuation to patients and military personnel using medically equipped UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
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