Report: The Community Service Desires, Civic Lives of Returning OEF/OIF Veterans

Flush with important skill sets and valuable experiences, military veterans can be counted among a community's greatest assets. Unfortunately, one barrier they face when out of uniform and in a civilian capacity is a feeling of disconnection from the very people they wish to serve.

So says a a 44-page report, All Volunteer Force: From Military to Civilian Service [pdf]. Published last November on Veterans Day by public policy firm Civic Enterprises, it presents the findings of a first ever nationally representative survey focusing on veterans' homecoming transition and civic lives.

The survey found that "only 13 percent of veterans strongly agree their transitions are going well. Yet those veterans who said they had volunteered since returning home had better transitions than those who had not." More:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 veterans said Americans could learn something from their example of service, yet only half considered themselves leaders in their communities as a result of their military service.
  
  
• Nearly 7 in 10 veterans had not been contacted by a community institution, local non-­‐profit, or place of worship after their return home.
  
  
• 92 percent of OIF/OEF veterans agreed that serving their community is important to them.
  
  
• Veterans said a diverse range of issues was important or very important to them: helping military families (90 percent), being involved with disaster relief (88 percent), working with at-risk youth (86 percent), and being involved with the environment/conservation (69 percent).
  
  
• 7 in 10 non-volunteering veterans said they do not have enough information of meaningful service opportunities.

In extended, a portion of the report's statistic-heavy intro.

Haiti: Natural Disaster Response Resources, Thoughts on Trauma and Children

Trauma is trauma.

Sometimes we inflict it. Sometimes it happens to us.

Sometimes it's both, as it is with combat veterans. While this blog focuses on military experience-derived injuries and stresses such as TBI and PTSD (clinical and encyclopedia definitions), traumas of all sort and stripe share one thing: surviving something life-threatening or outside everyday occurrence.

Being raped; a victim of an explosive hostage situation or other terrorist activity; in a severe auto, airplane or other vehicular accident; on the receiving end of domestic violence and/or abuse; serving in combat; or involved in a natural disaster like Haiti, for some may spark future PTSD symptoms.

We, however, are still in rapid response/logistical needs mode:

• Victoria Fine at HuffPost lists disaster relief organizations, helpful for those looking to donate.
• David Baldwin's Trauma Information Pages will hone your natural disaster response abilities (lots of info here).
• In the wake of Katrina, blogger AlphaGeek wrote a series of uber thorough posts on personal disaster preparedness.

In extended, Red Cross tips for helping disaster victims and a piece on how many in the U.S. are affected by the tragedy.

For those lost and hurting, this little reflection:

Like a bird
Singing in the rain,
Let grateful memories
Survive in time of sorrow.

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

Netroots For the Troops Readying Care Packages for Service Members Overseas

A real thrill tonight to have a turn as a guest poster for the Netroots For The Troops [on facebook] series over at Daily Kos.

NFTT is a collaborative of online bloggers who came together at last years' Netroots Nation Convention, having collected donations and purchased needed care package items in advance, to pack boxes and ship them to soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. By all accounts, it was a smashing success. So why mess with success?

IAVA Petition Still 10,000+ Short of Making Stephen Colbert Honorary Member

Last month, the perennially self-important showbiz legend-in-his-own-mind Stephen Colbert went to Iraq at the behest of the USO, setting out to both entertain the troops and the folks back home by taping a week's worth of Colbert Report shows.

Dubbing his brief tour "Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando," the Comedy Central comedian gained at least one fan for his efforts. Christina Everett, NY Daily News:

Colbert, 45, was a hit with the men and women of the armed services, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, who was a guest on Monday night’s episode. ...

One of the highlights of Colbert's trip was a video message from President Barack Obama ordering General Raymond Odierno to shave thehost's head in front of the audience of cheering troops.

Since the comedian's trip to Iraq was successful, Rieckhoff posed the question: If Colbert made it to Iraq and back in one piece, would he deserve to be an honorary IAVA Member?

Currently, 13,681 people have signed on to the IAVA petition, less than the 25,000 needed to reach the goal, so there's still a ways to go before Colbert receives the honor.

After learning about his partnership with DonorsChoose.org to raise funds for military children and viewing some of my favorite clips of Colbert's 'deployment' (including the haircut sequence mentioned above as well as the hilarious boot camp segments) in extended, you make the call. Should Stephen be so honored?

1st Annual Marine Week Kicks off in Chicago, Runs May 11-17, 2009

Marine Week will be hosted by different cities each year offering residents and visitors a chance to attend any number of free events. It also offers Marines a chance to give back directly to and interact directly with their own communities.

Details:

Established to recognize the contributions of local Marine heroes, their families, and the cities from which they came, Marine Week also showcases the rich history and traditions of our beloved Corps.

During the week, citizens will find Marines volunteering at local food kitchens and community parks, inspiring students by sharing their stories of service to their country, conducting intense physical fitness challenges and martial arts demonstrations, and performing with local musical groups.

The Marine Corps will also display aircraft, vehicles, and the latest technology and equipment used to protect and preserve our Nation and its citizens.

I am hoping to attend at least one event, if time permits.

When and if that happens, I'll be sure to share my photos and experience with you. Full schedule of private and public events (free public happenings in extended).

Dunkin' Donuts Helps Wounded Vets, Duckworth to Help VA Use New Media to Reach Vets, Coming Healthcare Crisis?, Veterans Corps Bill

• The Boston Globe | Dunkin' will help vets with Iced Coffee Day - "Dunkin' Donuts, the Canton-based chain of coffee-and-baked-goods shops, announced an Iced Coffee Day on April 21 that aims to benefit injured veterans. On Iced Coffee Day, the price for a small cup of iced coffee will be reduced to 50 cents at participating shops, the chain said; for every small iced coffee purchased on this day, Dunkin' Donuts said it will donate five cents to benefit Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans." For more, visit their special website or their Facebook event page.
  
  
• Honolulu Advertiser | VA nominee Duckworth plans online outreach to veterans - Duckworth told senators yesterday that: "To become a 21st-century organization, the DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) will have to change some past methods. It's no longer enough to hand out brochures at demobilization ceremonies. We must develop social networking strategies, use nontraditional outlets such as blogs, and employ the wide variety of new media available to get the message of available benefits to our veterans."
  
  
• GOOD | The Memory War - "We might be on our way out of Iraq but things are just starting to pick up in Afghanistan. With record-high number of veteran suicides and rising rates of PTSD and clinical depression in every branch of the armed forces, is the nation headed for a mental-healthcare crisis?"
  
  
• Navy Times | Senate OKs creation of Veterans’ Corps - "A program in which veterans would volunteer to help active-duty members make the transition to civilian life has moved a step closer to reality with the Senate’s March 26 vote to more than triple the number of national service jobs. The bill, HR 1388, authorizes a new Veterans’ Corps, whose success would be measured by the number of veterans who are helped to go to college or find jobs, the number of military families provided assistance, and the number of homeless veterans who find housing."
  

More PTSD Combat Diigo links.

YouTubers Speak Out Again: Let's Help Our Vets

It may be long in coming, slow in arriving, but Americans are finally beginning to realize that our defenders can use some defending, too.

And so, many are rising to the challenge and spreading the news, asking for others to join with us to care about our veterans. Gives me great hope. Though these are only videos, the sentiment behind them should shore up our courage to continue advocating for what's right.

These clips are varied, but the message is the same: America cares about you, and we're ready to cover your back dear soldier, sailor, airman and Marine.

Newman's Own and Pentagon Honor Returning Troops, Their Supporters

From the DoD's Daily Digest/America Supports You newsletter:

Several America Supports You homefront groups were honored during last Friday’s eighth annual Newman’s Own Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon, with ASY homefront organization Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation winning the top $15,000 award. Ten organizations, of ninety-nine groups that submitted entries, won grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

A panel of judges determined the winners based on the organization’s community impact, creativity and innovation. Representatives from the three organizations that sponsored the event and the grants - Newman’s Own, the Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Media Group - joined Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the ceremony.

Mike Conklin, who represented Sentinels of Freedom, called the award a “tremendous honor,” noting the money will help put more wounded servicemembers through their four-year program that includes housing, furniture, a vehicle and employment at a major corporation.

Other ASY homefront groups that were honored included: the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Hope for the Warriors, Operation Support Our Troops, Soldiers’ Angels, Operation First Response and Operation Homefront. Tom Indoe, President of Newman’s Own, thanked all the organizations for their work. “My experience working with charities is that the (volunteers are the backbone) of these charities…They are the threads that hold the fabric of these charities together. It is these volunteers that bring good value and goodness to this country.”

Read more, then view the related photo essay.

New Arizona Combat Reintegration Help Centers Seek Volunteers

From the Arizona Republic:

There will soon be two Veterans Readjustment Centers in the Valley. These facilities help retuning veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. They also help the families and provide bereavement counseling.

As part of the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Hospital, these centers also need need volunteers. The first has been open for some time at 77 E. Weldon Ave., Suite 100, in Phoenix. The second will open Aug. 1 at 1303 S. Longmore, Suite 5, in Mesa. The public is invited to the center's grand opening at 10 a.m.

Besides volunteers, items to furnish and decorate the new office are needed. For information on the Mesa center call Darlene Tryon at (480) 610-6727 or e-mail darlene.Tryon@va.gov. To reach the Phoenix center, call (602) 640-2981.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for Arizona-specific resources...

While visiting the Phoenix area, I learned of the complimentary retreat programs offered to returning veterans by the Merritt Center in Payson, Arizona. I even got to meet Betty Merritt herself at my stop at Changing Hands Books in Tempe. A great honor...

A recent post introduced you briefly to her programs; look for the latest offerings in our events listing or learn more on Merritt's retreats at their Welcome Home Program for Returning Combat Veterans page.

In addition, another special guest that thrilled me by his presence was Dr. David B. Monier-Williams, a psychotherapist, bio-energetist and spiritual counselor who sprang to action after reading an article (imagine that...) to offer complimentary counseling services to area female veterans.

Kudos to Arizona for these great resources!


Arizona-Related Posts

• Upcoming Reintegration Programs for Veterans, Military Families and Supporters
  
• Coming this Week: Phoenix and Seattle TV Spots Explore Combat PTSD
  
• One Man's Story: People Moved to Care for Our Returning Veterans
  
• Military Families and Vets: Share Your Experiences This Weekend on Radio Program
  
• Need Transition Help? Free Resources for OEF/OIF Troops
  
• Combat Trauma Management Tips
  
• Poetry in Motion: Using Art to Process PTSD

Family 'Respectfully Disagrees' With VA Report on Son's Suicide

From the Associated Press:

[Iraq vet Jonathan] Schulze had made at least 40 visits to the VA hospital in Minneapolis, where doctors diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder, the report said. But it said mental health workers at the St. Cloud hospital told investigators Schulze never mentioned suicide to them, and they would have taken it seriously if he had.

“The report and story has been whether something was, or was not, said,” [Family friend Robert] Herubin said. “The real issue is: Jonathan finally made the decision to change his life and get the help he needed. He made a commitment to become a good dad, and he packed his bags. Irregardless, he was put on a waiting list and was turned away.” ...

Schulze’s mother and stepfather, Eileen and John Carlson...said they’re now trying to move forward. They announced they have begun setting up the Jonathan Schulze “I Can’t Hear You” Foundation, using a favorite Marine phrase, to reach out to returning veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“So his death isn’t for nothing,” Eileen Carlson said. “I’m hoping that at least we will be able to help other people. I want to not only help other veterans, but I want to help their parents, too. Because I wish I would have had a better understanding of PTSD when I was going through this with Jonathan.” ... [Herubin] said the name of the foundation refers to the need to pay closer attention to what veterans might not be saying.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for more...

Continuing:

Eric Satersmoen said he was best friends with Schulze when they fought in Fallujah in 2004. “Every day there was some type of combat. ... Basically it was a lot of urban warfare, door to door, losing a lot of friends, a lot of carnages, everyday war, I guess you would say,” Satersmoen said. Satersmoen said he, too, was diagnosed with PTSD and is getting counseling through the VA. He said he “most definitely” believes the foundation can make a difference.

Schulze’s family and friends also announced plans for a benefit for Schulze’s daughter, Kaley, and soon-to-be-born son, Jonathan Jr. It will be at the Prior Lake VFW on May 19.

...........

Donations for Schulze’s children can be sent to “Kaley and Jonathan Schulze” while donations to the foundation can be sent to “Operation Jonny Schulze,” both in care of Wells Fargo Bank, 16817 Duluth St. SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

Wishing the Schulze family peace and commending them for the work they have now embarked upon.


 Related Posts

• VA Reports Nearly 300 Estimated OEF/OIF Veteran Suicides
  
• Jonathan Schulze "I Can't Hear You" Foundation Established in Honor of Minnesota Veteran
  
• Minnesota Holds First-Ever Combat Stress Conference
  
• Suicide Prevention Coordinators Assigned to Nation's Military Hospitals
  
• VA Report: MN Vet Did Not Warn of Suicide
  
• Thirteen Active Duty/Discharged Soldiers Committed Suicide Since 2003 in Minnesota Alone
• As Another Suicide Occurs, Minnesota Leaders Urge DoD to Revise Post-Deployment Contact Rules

Keep Returning Troops Surfing at Walter Reed

Can any of us live without our computers these days? They have become a quality-of-life issue for many, most especially those who are mobility-impaired.

Wounded troops receiving care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are no different. They'd like to be able to check their email, surf the web to listen to music or watch the latest videos uploaded on YouTube. More importantly, computers provide an alternate way to communicate for those who may be disabled due to their injuries. In addition, a large chunk of resources aimed at helping vets and their families navigate their way through the military medical system is found online, so access is vital.

Unfortunately, there aren't enough computers available at Walter Reed to meet the demand. Enter Laura Brown, a military mom who has sprung into action to fill the need, "one laptop at a time."

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for more...

From the Associated Press:

The 50-year-old from Cody, Wyo., was chatting on the Internet with the mother of a wounded soldier two years ago when the mother mentioned she had to print out her son's e-mails and take them to him at Walter Reed because there weren't enough laptop computers to go around.

Brown, whose own son had recently returned safely from the war, thought the solution to that problem seemed incredibly easy. "It just kind of hit me," she said. "If one person needed one, then there's others. ... I mean, my son had e-mail in Iraq. I was really stunned."

So Brown formed a group, Laptops for the Wounded, to raise money for the cause. Since its fundraising effort began in November 2005, Brown's organization has donated 27 computers to military hospitals around the country — 24 of them to Walter Reed.

A few details from the nonprofit's website:

Organization Mission:
We are non-profit organization with a goal to provide laptop computers WITH WEBCAMS for the wounded military personnel in hospitals, so they can have access to family and friends when they cannot be there with them. Unlike the other organizations that do similar work, our laptops will stay at the participating hospitals so they can continue to be used by the next wounded soldiers in those hospitals.

Donate by contacting Laura Brown
E-Mail: Laura Brown
Checks made out to: Laptops for the Wounded
Address: 1526 19th St., Cody, WY, 82414
Telephone/Voice Mail: 307-587-9371
Or donate online through Paypal.

Learn more by visiting the Laptops for the Wounded website, and consider joining together with Ms. Brown in this worthy effort. The power of one, indeed.

Video Submissions Requested for Online Iraq War Memorial Project

Director Robert Greenwald was a guest on the Ed Schultz Show yesterday, and described the Iraq Veterans Memorial project [listen to program -- interview begins a couple of minutes into segment]. The memorial is a "collection of video memories from family, friends, military colleagues, and co-workers of those that have fallen." Participation details for those who would like to contribute their own video.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags to view full memorial...

One memorial especially speaks of the psychological effects surviving combat forces face when losing a respected leader in battle:



The Iraq Veterans Memorial:

Let's Move a Nation to Care for Our Returning Troops...One Free Book at a Time

"In Moving A Nation to Care another tragic layer of the Iraq War is revealed through Meagher’s meticulous reporting. This is a must read for returning troops and their families. Ms. Meagher’s book will save lives.” -- Trish Wood, author of What Was Asked of Us: An Oral History of the Iraq War by the Soldiers Who Fought It

OK, let's get busy.
Let's have some fun.
Let's do some good!


Click on 'Article Link' below tags for full details...

My -- our -- upcoming book, Moving a Nation to Care: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and America's Returning Troops is heading off to the printer this week. My publisher tells me that the more pre-orders we receive before we go to print, the better. So, while trying to cook up something creative, I came up with an idea: rather than simply try to sell a few more books, why not find a way to get the book into the hands of more people out there who may not yet know about it?

So, here's the plan:

For every book pre-ordered today, March 5, 2007, from Amazon.com, I will personally send an additional signed, complimentary copy to a person or organization of your choice. What that means is this: for $10 and change today, you'll not only receive your own copy in May from Amazon.com, you'll also have the chance to gift a second copy to someone else. You're pretty special, eh?

“A meticulously researched book that is essential for any truly patriotic American who wants to delve beneath the generic headlines and shallow American talking points and discover the real costs of the war on our Armed Forces as well as our great country.” -- Zack Bazzi, Iraq veteran and cameraman/star of The War Tapes

So, how do you get your free book?

1. Pre-order Moving a Nation to Care from Amazon.com today, March 5, 2007.

2. Forward a copy of your Amazon.com order confirmation email (be sure I can see the date of the order, but delete your credit card and/or identifying info if you’d like to make your donation anonymously) to freebook@ptsdcombat.com.

3. Email me with the name, message (if any) and mailing address of the person or organization your free copy should be sent to, again to freebook@ptsdcombat.com.

“Ilona Meagher has done an impressive and important job in researching, assembling and chronicling the psychological suffering and neglect visited upon our new generation of veterans, their families and our nation. She assembles heartbreaking evidence from stories and statistics, journalism, social scientific research, historical record and first-person accounts. Our military servicemen and women are called to protect us. In turn, our duty as citizens is to help them return home and heal. Moving a Nation to Care sounds a citizens' alarm to action on behalf of our veterans. We all must answer its call.” -- Edward Tick, Ph.D., author of War and the Soul, The Golden Tortoise and The Practice of Dream Healing and Director of Soldier's Heart: A Veterans' Safe Return Initiative

Who might you want to send the book to?

The choice is yours. A few possibilities:

* A family member
* A friend
* A neighbor
* A co-worker
* A veteran
* A military family member
* A veterans' organization
* Your local Vet Center
* A local counselor/psychologist
* Your library
* Your local college
* Your local newspaper
* Your local radio station
* Your senator
* Your congressman
* Your governor
* Your mayor
* Your state representative
* Your favorite radio talk show host
* Your favorite television talk show host
* Oprah :o)
* You!

If you'd like to learn a little bit more about the book, check out early book reviews [ 1 | 2 ] as well as our flyer, my bio, my present tour schedule (more being added in the coming weeks), and all of the latest book news. Thanks so much for your early support. It is much appreciated and much-needed.

"PTSD is not a new phenomenon. But this painstakingly footnoted and researched guide reveals the little-recognized cost of the embedded pain and suffering wrought on returning U.S. troops by a high-tech, frontless, victoryless, faith-based, quagmire occupation of Iraq. This work by a second-career journalist shows that passion, persistence and Internet-honed training can produce as fine -- and as timely -- a work as any traditional news organization." -- Bill Densmore, director of The Media Giraffe Project at UMass Amherst

The fine print

This free book offer is only available for orders made through Amazon.com on March 5, 2007. It is not available to those who have previously pre-ordered a copy. Depending upon the response, I may have to limit this offer to a certain number of books -- I'm thinking 50 -- but may go over that limit a tad if necessary. If two orders come in with instructions to mail a book out to the same person or organization, I will honor the first emailer's order, and make alternate arrangements with the second. Responsibility to claim your free book is solely yours; please email me within the next week or so to let me know you're out there and where you wish me to mail your complimentary book when they arrive in May 2007.



Related Posts

• Moving a Nation to Care: Download and Share our Info Sheet
  
• Moving a Nation to Care: Latest News
  
• Moving a Nation to Care: Reviews
  
• Moving a Nation to Care: Book Tour Dates
  
• Moving a Nation to Care: Author Bio
  
• Visit my Amazon.com blog
  
• Moving a Nation to Care: Now Available for Pre-Order
  
• Looking Backwards. And Forwards.
  
• Follow My Work as I Research and Write

Happy Valentine's Day, Veterans

Last year I posted a list of Support the Troops on Valentine's Day ideas. I haven't had a chance to update for this year, but checked a number of the links and actions and they're useful still today if you're looking for something special to do. And don't forget, it's National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

Feb 11-17: National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week

Every day, some 98,000 veterans are treated in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. And every year, during Valentine's Week, a call goes out to the public to visit and honor these hospitalized veterans during National Salute Week. This year, the event runs from February 11 - 17, 2007.

From the VA:

VA invites individuals, veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and veteran recognition programs.

The week also provides an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the volunteer opportunities within the medical center.

Contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask for Voluntary Service to discover the wonderful things you, your group or organization can do to salute America's Heroes. Locate the facility nearest you.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for more details...

Jim Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, sent this invitation via a letter send to Dear Annie recently:

The week encourages Americans from all walks of life to deliver valentines to local Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and visit the veterans there.

Schoolteachers use this week to educate our young people about the importance of honoring veterans, especially hospitalized veterans. Community groups, veterans service organizations, professional athletes and others realize the importance of a personal touch, a heartfelt "thank you" and small acts of compassion in the lives of veterans who are patients at VA facilities. Volunteering at VA's hospitals is one way to participate.

Over the years, Annie, your generous support and the backing of your readers have helped this program generate more than 10 million cards and letters for hospitalized veterans and tens of thousands of visits from community members. Hundreds of people step forward each year to join the ranks of VA's volunteers.

Each card and letter is a message of caring for our hospitalized veterans and a sign of respect for their contributions to our country. But what really brightens a hospitalized veteran's day is a visit from someone who wants to spend a few moments to personally thank them for their military service.

There are numerous opportunities to become a volunteer and thousands of reasons to say "yes" to this important week. No special skills are necessary, just the willingness to help those who have served our country.

Read her reply, and then find the nearest VA facility in your area and spread some love around...

Bad News for Bears, Good News for Area Vet

Bad news for the Bears, that 29-17 loss to the Colts, but the Super Bowl was good news for one local veteran.

From Illinois Government News Network:

[On February 1, 2007], Lt. Governor Pat Quinn presented Homefront Hero Awards to Brad Buell of Libertyville and American Airlines for donating two tickets and first-class airfare for wounded hero Army SGT Bryan Anderson of Rolling Meadows to attend Sunday’s Super Bowl in Miami. Quinn was joined by Steve McMichael of the legendary ’85 Super Bowl Chicago Bears.

On October 23, 2005, the then 24-year old Army Spc. Bryan Anderson, was wounded by a roadside bomb while riding in his Humvee in Baghdad, Iraq. That day, Anderson became the fourth American servicemember to lose three limbs in the Iraq war. Anderson also suffered abdominal injuries and a collapsed lung. Recently promoted to Sergeant, Anderson has made an amazing recovery and will soon walk on artificial legs.

Anderson appears in a stunning January 2007 Esquire cover story. Well worth the read. Here's hoping his trip was a good one, no matter the Bears loss. Kudos to American Airlines and to Brad Buell for taking care of one local vet!

Thanksgiving Day: Remembering Those We Miss

As most of us head off to be with (or are already with) our loved ones today to share turkey and pie and all the warmth of their company, we take note of how blessed we are to have those moments.

Those moments that matter.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for more...

From Edward A. Powell, president and CEO of USO Worldwide Headquarters:

The year is full of magic moments -- moments that add meaning to our lives:

• a child dashing into your arms
  
• a long, lingering embrace
  
• a quiet chat with an old friend
  
• just a moment's peace, free from tension and fear

These are the moments that most of us take for granted, but that our soldiers at the front seldom have. It's a sacrifice they make for us, so that we here at home can enjoy our precious moments in peace and freedom...and safety.

That's what the USO is all about, and what we do all year long. We deliver the small precious moments, the human touch, a taste of home, a moment to escape the daily grind of war.

Whether it's helping a young soldier settle her family in a foreign land; counseling a child whose parents are both overseas; providing a place of refuge and a chance to call home for GIs in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and all over the world. Whatever it takes to support our men and women and their families, the USO is there....

"Until Every One Comes Home."

Edward A. Powell

Please consider giving this Thanksgiving to the USO. And a warm wish for those who are missing their loved ones this year; may you be together again, soon.

Protecting Our Troops from Traumatic Brain Injury

General Wesley Clark's Clark Community Network has just unveiled a new Troops and Vets issues blog, kicking things off today in fine form with the first in a series of articles on the signature injury of the Iraq War: traumatic brain injury (TBI).

You'll learn about one Marine's sister and the inspiring summer project she's taken up, advocating for Operation Helmet and for keeping all of our troops as safe as they can be.

NJ Assemblyman, Mayor Help Homeless Vets

Two local New Jersey officials have determined to do whatever they can to help our veterans. Fourth-district Assemblyman David Mayer and Assemblyman and Washington Township Mayor Paul Moriarty have introduced a bill benefitting the Veterans Haven Program, located in Winslow Township. Veterans Haven is a facility that provides assistance and shelter to up to 54 homeless veterans a night. Let's take a look at how these two fine gentlemen are supporting their troops where it counts most -- at the local level.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for more...

Coming on the heels of Tuesday's news that 25% of New Jersey's returning veterans are struggling with PTSD and other mental health problems, we see two gentlemen who are trying their best to alleviate one outcome linked to PTSD: homelessness.

Before winning the Assemblyman title, both men ran on the following veteran-friendly platform:

Recognizing, as General George Washington did that, “the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country,” Assembly candidates Paul Moriarty and David Mayer released their Veterans platform. ...

All Veterans in New Jersey would benefit from David Mayer’s plan to create a cabinet level position for Veterans in government. “Our Veterans need a voice at the table. Our government is pushing too much on one plate with military affairs and Veterans’ responsibilities in the same department,” said Mayer (D-Gloucester Township). “We need to make government more efficient and attentive to our Veterans’ needs.”

Listen to them discuss this issue.

Well, now that they're in office, they're getting busy:

The proposed bill would permit residents to contribute voluntarily to the Veterans Haven Program on their state income tax returns, according to Mayer.
"You and I, as taxpayers, will be able to check off a box that says, 'please make a donation to Veterans Haven.' That money will be earmarked for the program," Mayer said. That money, in turn, would go toward expanding the services provided by Veterans Haven. Currently, the facility acts as the core place in which homeless veterans seek and find shelter.

Right now, there aren't enough beds or rooms to accommodate those in need, according to Mayer. "They're at capacity all the time. We just can't place them," he said. ...

"I've noticed a tremendous need for resources to be dedicated to homeless veterans. These are individuals who have fought for our country," he said.
As it stands now, it is estimated that 8,300 veterans will be homeless tonight, according to the New Jersey Health Care System Homeless Veterans Programs. ...

Bruce Tornari, vice commander of Washington Township's VFW Post 6332, said that other programs designed to assist veterans have been stretched since the start of the recent war in Iraq. "Take the V.A. (the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs)." Before the Iraq war they were under-staffed, under-funded and overworked. Now it's 10 times worse." The new legislation, A-2663, will help those as deserving as our veterans, Moriarty indicated.

"New Jersey Veterans deserve an opportunity to pursue a life that is
productive and happy. We owe a special debt to our veterans and there are so many falling through the cracks in our society." Moriarty said. ...

They go on to say that a lot of their veterans are returning with PTSD and need the services that Veterans Haven provides all the more. Program details:

After first being medically evaluated at a VA medical center, candidates for aid at Veterans Haven must agree to a long-term program focusing on psychological, social and vocational rehabilitation. Veterans Haven is a drug- and alcohol-free program. Residents must abide by this zero tolerance rule while enrolled. There is random testing for each, with violators being immediately discharged from the program.

Furthermore, Veterans Haven is divided into three phases: Treatment (TR),
Self-Reclamation (SR), and Community Reintegration (CR). Each phase lasts
three to six months and is tailored to individual treatment needs and vocational interests. Veterans completing the program return to vocations, which will support them in years to come. Veterans Haven program participants have a 75 percent success rate

If you'd like to send accolades to either New Jersey official, please do. More information on Veterans Haven can be found in their brochure [pdf].

Join Operation Homefront in Sending Softballs to Our Troops

The Northwest Illinois Chapter of Operation Homefront has launched its Operation Softball program. From the website: "The original goal was to collect 1,016 softballs to build a pyramid of support for our soldiers. For months, softballs were distributed to area businesses, churches, and schools for people to sign and write words of support for our troops. Because of the tremendous outpouring of support, the program has been continued through April 15, 2006 and extended to the national level. The goal has now been raised to collect 10,000 softballs and baseballs for our soldiers.” Signed balls can be mailed to: Operation Homefront, 1204 South Maple, Freeport, IL, 61032. For more information, contact Mike Brinkmeier at (815) 579-8436.