Free Republic

Based on the group’s findings, Dr. David Chu, undersecretary of personnel and readiness, has decided that PTSD does not meet the requirements for the Purple Heart, Lainez said on Monday. "Historically, the Purple Heart has never been awarded for mental disorders or psychological conditions resulting from witnessing or experiencing traumatic combat events (e.g., combat stress reaction, shell-shock, combat stress fatigue, acute stress disorder, or PTSD),"

Now, his [First Sergeant Jeff McKinney] family says, he's a casualty of war. Two wars really: the war in Iraq, where he served honorably, and the war within the military over how to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. On July 11, 2007, McKinney, serving on his second tour, killed himself in front of his men. He had endured months of sleeplessness, nightmares and guilt over losing so many of the soldiers he commanded. ... Commanders at one army base posted a fake "Hurt Feelings Report" -- portraying a crying cartoon face -- to mock soldiers seeking help for combat stress....

The paper ties together the evolution in my train of thought concerning the veteran or soldier consumed by the ravages of full blown PTSD. The paper is long, but relevant to the plight of our returning combat soldiers and veterans. If you want to understand more about why a veteran or soldier runs afoul with law and society then you should read this.

Patriotic helmet needs to go, Newton Fire Chief says By Ben Terris, Globe Correspondent A veteran of the Iraq War, Richard Busa is used to fighting for the American flag. But never quite like this. After more than three years of rushing into fires with his signature red, white and blue helmet, the Newton firefighter has been told to paint it black. Newton Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix wants the patriotic decoration gone, saying it does not conform to the department's rules.

Jamie plops down on the couch with the two most significant members of her menagerie: Rex and Mike. Rex is an 8-year-old bomb-sniffing German shepherd. He was blown out of Jamie's Humvee after they searched a village outside Kirkuk. Rex suffered a singed nose, but Jamie thought he was dead. Mike is the Army medic who helped save her life that day in Iraq. And he later became her husband. {snip} Jamie spent four months at Walter Reed. She met Wayne Newton, was awarded the Purple Heart and discovered that her beloved Rex was alive. "They told me he was...

oleman found himself in Iraq three times after he enlisted in 2002. After what he called increasingly violent deployments, Coleman was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder when he left the Marines. The disorder develops in some war veterans and survivors of other traumatic experiences and can trigger violent episodes and flashbacks. Coleman is one of three war veterans featured tonight in a new episode of MTV's documentary series "True Life."

SAN ANTONIO — Mary Dague hears the catty whispers sometimes. "So ugly," the strangers say when they think she can’t hear. The 24-year-old has bright green eyes, a quick smile, and on the days she gets her husband’s help, perfectly applied mascara and blush. But all the gawkers really see are her arms, each amputated above the elbow. What they don’t suppose — with no fatigues or standard-issue Army T-shirt to clue them in — is that this chatty young woman, who likes to wear a little black dress to fancy parties as much as the next girl, is an...

Eight months later, in August, the heavily pregnant Rebekah began to notice that the military base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where her husband is based, and the neighbouring town of Fayetteville were overrun with new and expectant mothers. Nature had taken its course when the legendary 82nd Airborne Division began returning home from Iraq, along with special operations forces also based at Fort Bragg, and the result is a baby boom, which has left hospitals straining to cope not with combat casualties but bouncing newborn infants. Last weekend Rebekah Sandelin, 32, was one of 1,000 mothers from Fort Bragg...

SAN ANTONIO (AP) _ Mary Dague hears the catty whispers sometimes. "So ugly," the strangers say when they think she can't hear. The 24-year-old has bright green eyes, a quick smile, and on the days she gets her husband's help, perfectly applied mascara and blush. But all the gawkers really see are her arms, each amputated above the elbow.

This is the first time Marine Cpl. Zachary Briseno will be in his Fort Worth, Texas, home for Thanksgiving in four and a half years since his two tours of duty in Iraq. That’s something to be thankful for. But the 23-year-old has a furrier reason for thankfulness this week. Briseno, who lost both of his legs below the knees almost a year ago in an IED attack in Fallujah, is getting a specially trained guide dog to help him in his day-to-day tasks. The dog was trained through Carolina Canines for Veterans, an adjunct program of the local nonprofit...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008 – The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are fought in deserts and mountains far removed from the oceans’ blue waters. But U.S. Navy sailors are increasingly seeing desert and mountain combat as they augment the units of traditional foot soldiers and medics. Navy Senior Chief Jim Pitts, a non-clinical case manager for wounded warriors, talks with Veterans Affairs social work supervisor Scott Skiles and Army Sgt. 1st Class Lee Smith, a wounded warrior military liaison. All are stationed at the Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center in Palo Alto, Calif. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker...

California will send two new congressmen to Washington next year, and one of them will be Republican Duncan D. Hunter of Lakeside, son of Rep. Duncan Hunter, who has represented East County for 28 years. The younger Hunter soundly defeated Democrat Mike Lumpkin in the 52nd Congressional District, 57 percent to 39 percent, thereby keeping the seat in the GOP column. With Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad, beating back a challenge by Democrat Nick Leibham in the 50th Congressional District, none of San Diego's five congressional districts will change party affiliation. While Democrats may pick up 20 or more House seats...

John McCain's most powerful ad -- an open letter to Barack Obama in which an Iraq War veteran criticizes his stand on the war -- didn't cost the Republican candidate a dime. In "Dear Mr. Obama," army veteran Joe Cook stands in front of the camera and scolds the Democratic presidential candidate for calling the Iraq war a mistake. The two-minute video, which was posted on YouTube, has gotten more than 11 million hits and is the most popular election video on the site.

BELLMORE, New York (CNN) -- Walking through a crowded shopping mall can bring back memories of war. The shifting crowds, the jostle of passers-by and the din can all trigger Army Sgt. Kristofer Goldsmith's post-traumatic stress disorder.

Iraqi Veterans Group Endorses Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate Group met with both candidates in effort to clarify positions Richmond – Today, the IFVPP, announced their endorsement of former Governor and Army Veteran, Jim Gilmore for the United States Senate. Speaking of the endorsement, Rusty McGuire, chairman of the IFVPP said, “after meeting with both candidates it was crystal clear who best supported our interest as Iraqi Freedom Veterans”. The endorsement was based on the following criteria: - Operation Iraqi Freedom: Many of the members of IFVPP were wounded in Iraq and care strongly about our commitment in Iraq. Jim...

Dear Mr. Obama....a veteran of the Iraq war speaks about the positives coming from the war and the price of freedom

DALLAS -- Dallas police are looking into a shocking crime against an Iraq War vet that took place on a college campus. Overnight Tuesday, someone took vandalized 23-year-old Army veteran Viktor Whitlow's vehicle while it was parked at Dallas Baptist University. Ironically, the mascot at DBU is the Patriot. The vandals used a box cutter to destroy the inside of his jeep, they slashed five tires and smashed through the windshield. Perhaps the most shocking detail to the vandalism was the message spray painted on his hood. In red paint the vandals spraypainted the message, "Soldiers are murderers.".... Dallas police...

This commercial was done by a local kid. You have to watch the whole thing. When he finishes talking and walks away, you get a sense of how this could be the commercial of the campaign season. Hi, My son Joe just did a commercial for John McCain. Please pass this on. Thanks Bob Cook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

(English-language translation) [Puerto Rico's] legislators moved - chairs and all - to Roberto Clemente Coliseum to honor during a special session the Puerto Rican soldiers who fought in the United States war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Within the framework of the observance of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Popular Democratic Party (PPD) and New Progressive Party legislators held a special session in which they spoke for over an hour to the hundreds of soldiers and their families who arrived at the Coliseum. The main speech was given by San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini. At a cost of $80,000 - not...

Moving Ad Made by Iraq War Vet September 11, 2008BEGIN TRANSCRIPTRUSH: This is such a great thing. I found it on YouTube yesterday. There is mild controversy surrounding this ad because it is suggested by Democrats that it was paid for by John McCain and his campaign. It has not been. It was not paid for by anybody other than the man who did it. His name is Joe Cook, and Joe Cook is an injured Iraq war vet, lost his lower leg, foot. But you don't know that until the end of the piece. The piece starts with...

A wounded Iraqi war veteran is getting a hero's homecoming. Army Specialist Joe Cook is one of three brothers from Wauconda who have served in the war.

I know you are all busy, but you need to meet this guy. He is on his way today to NYC to speak to Marines and families tomorrow, on 9-11. He, too, has given a lot. I know a lot of you are strong supporters of our military and men and women who serve our country. Below is a link to a Hollywood-style book trailer on youtube.com we prepared for "Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery," by Nick Popaditch with Mike Steere (Savas Beatie, October 1, 2008). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPDpg7FC0sI YES, THAT IS...

DO NOT MISS THIS VIDEO OF A WAR HERO WHO SUPPORTS McCAIN

This is a very moving commercial made by a Iraq War Vet

Wow! Vets for Freedom is out with this fantastic ad called, "I am the Surge." It features American heroes saying, "I am the Surge," and they call on viewers to call Sen. Barack Obama and ask him to support a Senate Resolution 636 introduced to recognize the success of the Surge Strategy in Iraq. The resolution was introduced by Sen. Joe Lieberman and Sen. Lindsey Graham. Very powerful! . . . (see video)

Vets take Obama to task By: Mike Allen August 26, 2008 10:45 AM EST DENVER — The conservative group Vets for Freedom is launching a $1.1 million ad buy during the Democratic National Convention, using video of Iraq war veterans to take Barack Obama to task for not giving the surge policy sufficient credit for improvement in battleground conditions. The 30-second spot, called “I Am the Surge,” features three Iraq war veterans who served in the surge of U.S. military forces into Iraq: Gabriel Herrera, David Thul and Travis Quinlan. The ad will run in Denver and Minnesota during the...

DENVER — The conservative group Vets for Freedom is launching a $1.1 million ad buy during the Democratic National Convention, using video of Iraq war veterans to take Barack Obama to task for not giving the surge policy sufficient credit for improvement in battleground conditions. ADVERTISEMENT The 30-second spot, called “I Am the Surge,” features three Iraq war veterans who served in the surge of U.S. military forces into Iraq: Gabriel Herrera, David Thul and Travis Quinlan. The ad will run in Denver and Minnesota during the conventions, and for the next four weeks in the swing states of Ohio,...

"ATWATER, California (CNN) -- Jose Rivera survived two tours of duty in Iraq, but his job as a corrections officer at a high-security federal prison in California cost him his life." "He was alone guarding about 100 inmates at the time of the attack and had a radio to call for backup in case of trouble. He didn't have what many guards in California's state prisons routinely count on: pepper spray, a protective vest and a collapsible baton. Watch how Rivera's death has ignited debate on guard security » Federal officers are not allowed to have those items." "One officer...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2008 – The United Warrior Survivors Foundation will host its fifth annual West Coast Survivors Conference Aug. 22-25 in San Diego. “These conferences were established with the unique needs of Special Forces widows in mind, affording them a healing experience and sense of camaraderie and support,” Kelly Chott, foundation administrator, said. The conference brings together Special Forces widows at various stages of bereavement and includes an array of speakers and experts in the fields of military widowhood, bereavement, financial planning, benefits and entitlements, as well as practical classes in self-defense and coping with their children’s grieving...

My name is April Popaditch, wife of Gysgt Nick Popaditch (ret) AKA Cee-gar Marine to FreeRepublic. This web site was such a source of strength to my family and I when my husband was wounded in Fallujah, Iraq April 2004. The beauty of the words and prayers that we read on a daily basis from all of you, will stay in our hearts forever. Military life is a sacrifice but one you never regret. Support from people you've never met, is life affirming and gives us the strength to carry on our new missions in life. I hear on the...

The slogan is “Go West” and the enthusiasm is high-level. Retired Army Colonel and decorated war hero Allen West is poised to return Congressional District 22 in Florida to the side of the Republicans. His positions are clear and his motives are genuine. “I want to continue to serve my country. As an Officer in the Army I took an oath to abide by the U.S. Constitution. I will continue that devotion in Congress,” said LTC West while visiting Young Republicans and friends at the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, & Airman’s Club in New York City on August 4, 2008. What...

Moments after Army Lt. Col. William Russell ended his 28-year military career, the Iraq war veteran revved up his Harley-Davidson and set out on an improbable journey. In his first political outing, Russell is trying to topple a political giant. The 45-year-old Republican this weekend kicked off his campaign against U.S. Rep. John Murtha, 76, of Johnstown, a powerful Democrat and decorated Vietnam War veteran seeking a 19th term. "Murtha has a lot of issues on his hands, in terms of keeping his seat this November. There are chinks in the armor," contended Russell, who rode a motorcycle to greet...

Do any So Cal Freepers want to meet several true Heroes? Pfc xxxxx,US ARMY is home on leave from Ft. Sam Houston. He was hit by an IED in the sand box and suffered burns about his body. He lost several buddies in the attack. He is undergoing therapy at Fisher House in Texas. Our hero, xxxxx, wrote the following before he went in. "I go because" I go for a multitude of reasons, many which make sense to me alone and cannot be expressed in words, for words can never describe the deepest truisms in life. I go to...

A US army medic who became a symbol of American heroism and integrity in the Iraq war has died of an apparent drugs overdose.

Sunday JULY 20, 2008 Murtha outraised in most recent quarter By MICHELLE GANASSI Daily American Staff Writer In April, William Russell's name didn't even appear on the ballot because of a challenge to signatures on his nominating petition. Three months later, Russell has outraised Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, by $511,000 in the most recent fundraising quarter. The quarter ended on June 30. While the veteran congressmen still has more than $1.6 million in the bank compared to $918,000 for the Army lieutenant colonel, the money is a much needed boost for the political newcomer's campaign. “The average American is saying...

Daniel Gilyeat sauntered through the back door to the offices of Cycle Connections, an online motorcycle magazine, then paused and scratched his chin. He was more than a little aware that a roomful of mechanics and Hooters employees on a Saturday afternoon meant something was up. “Danny, you need to come here,” said sales manager Dave Miller. “For all the things you do to keep us safe, we wanted to give you an opportunity to get back on the road.” Miller then turned to the mechanics. “Go ahead.” Without a word, they pulled a sheet off a sparkling deep blue...

Vets for Freedom 'Four Months to Victory' Campaign On July 9, 2008, Vets for Freedom (VFF) kicked off a nationwide campaign entitled “Four Months For Victory.� This grassroots effort, combined with a $1.5 million media buy, will remind Virginians of the importance of success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror as a whole. VFF was founded two years ago by combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Today, our organization carries membership of 25,000 in all fifty states. The Virginia organization has 350 registered members, as well as countless supporters. We represent the courage, conviction and commitment...

"...Fred Wilpon, the owner of the New York Mets... unveiled this July Fourth weekend, is an ambitious effort to raise $100 million to provide free psychological counseling for returning veterans and jobs for those who need them."

For the first time, the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is about to get a substantial hand from advertisements by an outside group. Conservative and Republican groups have been largely quiet, leaving McCain heavily outmatched by Sen. Barack Obama's campaign fundraising juggernaut. Next week, Vets for Freedom — a 20,000-member, nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — plans to begin spending more than $1 million on a TV campaign that will include Ohio, Virginia and New Mexico. The group plans to spend millions more and to add other states to the...

 PHOENIX, AZ, June 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Tuesday, the State of Arizona passed a bill known as "Jesse's Law", which will help protect incapacitated patients from being euthanized.  The new law, inspired by the ordeal of Jesse Ramirez, closed a loophole in the decision-making process for patients who are physically unable to communicate their wishes regarding medical care.House Bill 2823 establishes a court process to obtain an emergency order to prevent a surrogate decision-maker from withdrawing the administration of food or fluid from an incapacitated patient.Jesse Ramirez was seriously injured in a May 30, 2007, car accident. Barely 10...

"The government is testing drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior on hundreds of military veterans, using small cash payments to attract patients into medical experiments that often target distressed soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, a Washington Times/ABC News investigation has found."

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2008 – Building or remodeling homes to accommodate the needs of severely wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is the way Kirt Rebello and everyone else involved with “Homes for Our Troops” have chosen to thank servicemembers for their sacrifice. “A wounded servicemember’s life is forever changed,” Rebello -- vice president and projects director for Homes for Our Troops – said during an interview on “ASY Live,” a program on BlogTalkRadio.com that’s part of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at...

On Friday, Vets for Freedom PAC released an advertisement featuring Iraq war veteran Sergeant Garrett Anderson. The ad points out that Senator Obama was unwilling to meet with Illinois veterans, has never met with General Petraeus, and hasn’t visited Iraq in over two years. The facts are the facts, and the ad speaks for itself.

Cannot post: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-26-iraqvets_N.htm

All too familiar with the gambles of war, Jimmy Kinsey, Kyle Riley and a few dozen fellow soldiers landed in the desert. But for these guys this Memorial Day, the most at stake is a few bucks. The soldiers-turned-high rollers took a private jet to Las Vegas over the weekend for an all-expenses-paid getaway with all the perks normally saved for casinos' richest regulars. They were greeted at the airport by Wayne Newton, chilled backstage with the guys from Blue Man Group and hobnobbed with Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino mogul who runs Las Vegas Sands Corp. and paid for...

US Marines poured into a lawless town in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province — the first time a sizeable American force has fought in the largely British sector of the country for several years. About 2,400 Marines, many veterans of the war in Iraq, were involved in the dawn assault on Garmser. Helicopters and armoured vehicles surrounded the town, known as a Taleban stronghold and big staging post for drug traffickers involved in the thriving opium trade in Helmand. “We haven’t seen anybody who isn’t carrying a gun,” said Major Tom Clinton, the commander of US forces at Forward Operating Base...

PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2008 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called on the citizens of Philadelphia last night to embrace those who have lost loved ones or who have been wounded in service to America. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen received the Gold Medal of the Union League of Philadelphia during a ceremony at the 1862 building, right down the street from City Hall. The league was established during the Civil War as an organization to help restore the Union, and it has pursued its mission to uphold the nation for the 135 years since. Mullen challenged...

To All,Lt. Col. Allen West is a candidate for the U.S. Congress,  22nd District of Florida.  I have been very impressed with what I have learned about Col. West and think he may have a real chance against his one-term opponent.  Here are some links and information to introduce you to this hero and to someone whom I believe will make an outstanding Congressman:  ALLEN WEST FOR CONGRESS-website (Note Col. West not only served in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq, but  was also a teacher!)  Meet Lt. Col. West through this VIDEO  There’s a case to be made against...

For thousands of troops who have seen the war in Iraq first hand, the mission is a personal one even after they take off the uniform. Concerns about where that war may be heading is putting some local veterans face to face with lawmakers, fighting a different side of Operation Iraqi freedom. For retired Navy Veteran Chris Chilson, time with family is a luxury he's still getting used to. Afternoons spent together were few and far between during his 20 years on board aircraft carriers, some of them spent in the searing heat of the Iraqi desert. Chilson says, "It...