HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military KIA, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan - October 2014

Marines Wrap-Up Afghan Combat Operations, Coming Home

U.S. Marines end Afghan operations, prepare to come home

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - October 26, 2014 - In a ceremony Sunday morning in dusty desert sunlight, U.S. Marines and British combat troops officially marked the end of their operations in Afghanistan, transferring Camps Leatherneck and Bastion to Afghan control. As national anthems from the three countries played, service members from all three countries stood at attention. The Marine flags were ceremoniously furled and cased, in recognition of the end of mission.

"This transfer is a sign of progress," said Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, Commander of Regional Command South West. "It's not about the coalition, it's really about the Afghans and what they've achieved over the last 13 years. What they have done here is truly significant."

Every single combat Marine and British troop will soon board planes to head home - the exact date has been withheld for security reasons. It's a milestone in Helmand, the deadliest province for coalition forces throughout the war, with more than 940 troops killed, including 360 Marines. Five have died this year. read more>>>

FINAL BATTALION 10/27/2014 12:22 PM CDT A U.S. Marine prepares to load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The battalion was the final Marine Corps infantry battalion to serve in Helmand province as the Marine Corps ended its operations. The Marine is assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

LEAVING CAMP BASTION 10/27/2014 12:04 PM CDT U.S. Marines and sailors load onto a KC-130 aircraft on the Camp Bastion flightline, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended its mission in Helmand province the day prior, and all Marines, sailors and service members from the United Kingdom also withdrew from southwestern Afghanistan. The U.S. troops are assigned to Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan.

Marines, Brits Turn Over Helmand Bases to Afghan Forces

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014 – U.S. Marines and service members from the United Kingdom left Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, turning their facilities over to the Afghan security forces. read more>>>

The end of America's longest war October 27, 2014|U.S. Marines handed over the sprawling Helmand base to the Afghan army, which will now continue the fight against the Taliban. The local troops taking over from the Marines will inherit more than $200 million of U.S. equipment and infrastructure. Elizabeth Palmer reports.

Memorial at the New JPED facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del..OEF: Afghanistan - Pakistan!! There have been 3,478 coalition deaths -- 2,350 Americans, 41 Australians, 453 Britons, 1 Belgian, 158 Canadians, 10 Czech, 43 Denmark, 25 Netherlands, 9 Estonians, 2 Finn, 86 French, 54 Germans, 7 Hungarian, 48 Italians, 2 Jordan, 3 Latvian, 1 Lithuanian, 10 Norwegians, 40 Poles, 2 Portuguese, 21 Romanians, 1 South Korean, 34 Spaniards, 5 Swedes, 14 Turks, 11 New Zealand, 27 Georgian and 14 NATO/ISAF -- in the war on terror as of November 3 2014, according to a CNN and iCasulties count. Below are the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The troops died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or were part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. At least 20,037 {19,987 up to November 1, 2014} U.S. personnel have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. In addition to the military deaths, 11 U.S. intelligence operatives have died in Afghanistan.

Cmdr. Christopher E. Kalafut 49 Oceanside, California, USA Navy reservist assigned to Naval Amphibious Liaison Element, Combined Forces Air Component Center, U.S. Central Command Al Udeid Air Died of a non-combat related incident at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, on October 24, 2014

Maj. Jonathan Doyle Walker 44 Merriam, Kansas, USA Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Military Information Support Group Died of a non-combat related incident at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, on October 1, 2014

Obama, Military Hail Signing of U.S.-Afghan Agreement

Sept. 30, 2014 – Newly sworn-in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today signed the bilateral security agreement between his government and the United States, as well as a status of forces agreement with NATO.

The agreements mark an historic day in the U.S.-Afghan partnership that will help advance our shared interests and the long-term security of Afghanistan,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the White House. read more>>>

CNN Map U.S./Canada and Coalition Afghanistan Casualties

"If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too — not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

MIA/POW

If a Flag Waving 'Poser Patriot' in the 99%plus Served and Don't Feel Your Responsibility is to Sacrifice

And those 'Poser Patriots' served tell everyone just who wondered off, they get their FOX facts reality!!

Click on banner to visit the DoD Special Report page on In-Theater Operations

Back Into Iraq - Lured Back in the Continuing Blowback From the Previous Failed Policies of Quickly Abandoning the Missions and Those Sent to Accomplish After 9/11! That Created the Growth and Spread, and Now This ISIL or Islamic State, the Criminal Terror in That Region and Beyond of Many Groups Following the al Qaeda Terror Mold and even More Extreme:

‘Operation Inherent Resolve’ Pentagon chose the name to "reflect the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S."

* * * * * * * * * *

October 24, 2014 DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Lance Cpl. Sean P. Neal, 19, of Riverside, California, died Oct. 23, in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command, whose headquarters element deploys from Camp Pendleton, California.

Marine is first U.S. death in operations against Islamic State

Corporal Jordan Spears, 21 of Memphis, Indiana, was a crewman aboard a V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft flying off the USS Makin Island and went into the sea when the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, the Navy said on Friday.

Oct 3, 2014 - A U.S. Marine who went into the sea from a V-22 Osprey during a flight mishap over the northern Gulf this week was the first American killed in U.S. military operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. read more>>>

* * * * * * * * * *

Seeds of ISIL Planted By Bush/Cheney and Conservative Congresses

4 November 2014 - It was at Bucca that an unexpected and powerful alliance was formed between the Islamic extremists and the Ba'athists loyal to Saddam Hussein, who were angry at losing power.

"You put them together and you get a mixing of organized military discipline with highly motivated, highly active ideological fervor, and the result is what we see have today," Skinner said. read more with video report>>>

Operation Inherent Resolve Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

DoD Authorizes Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for Operation Inherent Resolve

October 31, 2014 - The Department of Defense announced today that service members deployed abroad in support of Operation Inherent Resolve are eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright signed a memorandum authorizing award of the medal.

This award provides immediate recognition to our service members supporting efforts to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. read more>>>

6 October 2014 U.S., Partner Nations Strike ISIL in Syria, Iraq

3 September 2014 - Obama Sending 350 More Troops to Iraq

8 August 2014 Obama authorizes limited air strikes against militants in Iraq

7 August 2014 Obama, With Reluctance, Returns to Action in Iraq

July 6, 2014 How Nearly 800 U.S. Troops Spent Their Fourth Of July In Iraq

July 6, 2014 Hagel: US To Secure Embassy, Assess Situation In Iraq

July 18, 2014 Most Think the U.S. Has No Responsibility To Act in Iraq

July 2, 2014 Dempsey: Leaders Wait to Hear From Iraq Assessment Teams

July 1 2014 Pentagon Spokesman Provides Update on Iraq Missions

30 June 2014 Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby on Additional Security Forces to Iraq

'A new chapter': United States shuts down Iraq war Nine years of conflict saw 4,488 Americans killed, 32,230 U.S. wounded and more than $800 billion spent

By the Numbers: 1.5 Million

Iraq Veterans: ‘National Day of Honor’ 19 March

OIF: Iraq, from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn on Sept 1, 2010

December 20 2011 - Ceremony to Retire Iraq Mission Colors on U.S. Soil

Though many still haven't come home from our previous wars, Iraq is Really Now Officially Over,All are out, All are home!!

There had been 4,804 coalition deaths 4,488 Americans
2 Australians, 1 Azerbaijani, 179 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, 1 Czech, 7 Danes, 2 Dutch, 2 Estonians, 1 Fijian, 5 Georgians, 1 Hungarian, 33 Italians, 1 Kazakh, 1 South Korean, 3 Latvian, 22 Poles, 3 Romanians, 5 Salvadoran, 4 Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, 2 Thai and 18 Ukrainians -- in the war in Iraq as of January 2, 2012, according to a CNN and iCasulties count.
Graphical breakdown of casualties. At least 32,230 U.S. troops had been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.

Iraq war ends with a $4 trillion IOU: 15 December 2011 - Veterans’ health care costs to rise sharply over the next 40 years

CNN Map U.S. and Coalition Iraq Casualties

Brown University - Iraq: 10 Years After Costs of War - Research Papers

Costs of War Project

The British Iraq War Inquiry

* * * Operation United Assistance * * *

* * * DoD Helps Fight EBOLA in West Africa * * *

The U.S. Africa Command, through U.S. Army Africa, provides coordination of logistics, training, and engineering support to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in West Africa to assist in the overall U.S. Government Foreign Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief efforts to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus/Disease, as part of the international assistance effort supporting the Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

“US Army Africa is establishing a Joint Force Headquarters in Monrovia at the direction of the President of the United States, to coordinate military support for the United States Agency for International Development-led comprehensive U.S. Government response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As the designated Joint Force Commander planning military support to this broad international effort to support the Government of Liberia, I am currently working here in Liberia with an assessment team to determine how to provide command and control, logistics expertise, training, and engineering support under Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE.” –Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, Commander, U.S. Army Africa

Ebola Information for Personnel read more with backlinks>>>

Pentagon Spokesman Notes Operation United Assistance Progress

U.S. Troops Help Fight Ebola In Liberia

Soldiers Prepare to Support Ebola Response

U.S. Military Stands Up Labs, Hospital in Liberia

Military Teams Building Up Infrastructure to Combat Ebola

18 October 2014 - Military Health Updates on Ebola Crisis

19 October 2014 - Pentagon Rapid Response Ebola Team Announced

"We got a huge round of tax cuts in this country a few weeks before9/11. Once 9/11 happened and we invaded Afghanistan, we kept the tax cuts anyway. How did we think we were going to pay for that war? Did we think it was free?"

"Then, when we started a second simultaneous war in another country, we gave ourselves a second huge round of tax cuts. After that second war started. The wars, I guess, we thought would be free, don`t worry about it, civilians. Go about your business." Rachel Maddow - 23 May 2013

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TX-19 Congressional Candidate Neal Marchbanks - Veteran: 28 March 2014 - "Congress controls the budget for the VA and it is the fault of Congress that the VA does not have enough employees and that the facilities are too small."

“Why in 2009 were we still using paper?” VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers “When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we’ve been operating on a six month wait for over a decade.” 27 March 2013

Fact: ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans

DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War.

Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

* * * The British Iraq War Inquiry * * * Released will carry private communications between GWBush and TBlair, like this already released: TB said there was a danger the Tories would see this as their chance to get rid of him … Bush said they would make it clear to the Tories that if they moved to get rid of TB "we will get rid of them".

Iraq War Promoted Terrorism Rather Than Reducing It 24 April 2014 - Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War promoted terrorism rather than reducing it and was a “strategic failure”, according to a major new report which estimated the cost of all UK conflicts since the end of the Cold War.
The Royal United Services Institute said the UK could face a bill of nearly £65bn, once the cost of long-term care for injured veterans was factored in, with most of the money was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The study, called Wars in Peace, said both conflicts were largely “strategic failures” for the UK, The Guardian reported."

Book review: ‘Section 60,’ at Arlington National Cemetery, by Robert M. Poole

November 7 2014 - There is as yet no national memorial to those who have fought in our three wars in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the battles in other countries that have harbored combatants in what used to be called the “Global War on Terror” but now, like the current war in Iraq, has no name. How could there already be a memorial, with the outcome so deeply in doubt not just in Iraq and Afghanistan, but across a major swath of the globe?

And so the families and loved ones of those who have fallen in these wars have nowhere to express their grief and love and despair and hope, except at the grave sites of the 7,000 Americans who have been killed in the effort. Many of those graves rest in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, a 14-acre plot that, Robert M. Poole tells us in this lovely, heartfelt and haunting book, “will serve as a memorial for the recent wars, a point of contact for the community of the living and the community of the dead.”

Poole, a former executive editor of National Geographic, reports on a handful of the members of those two communities, united by something that happened far away from Arlington but that resulted in internment on sacred ground in Section 60. read more>>>

Soldiers - Veterans - Families Of

Chris Hayes MSNBC: "If you can run a deficit to go to war, you can run a deficit to take care of the people who fought it" In response to Republican opposition to expanding Veterans' benefits on fiscal grounds

'Sea of Sacrifice; a Flood of Blood', 100th Anniversary of World War I

A flood of poppies in London

November 5, 2014 - It was a simple idea. Take the poppy, long a symbol of loss in war, and turn it into a commemoration worthy of the 100th anniversary of World War I - the war that was supposed to end all wars, but didn't.

And so, for each British and Empire soldier who died in that war, a ceramic poppy has been "planted" in what used to be the moat of the ancient Tower of London. And the result has astonished and captivated a nation.

Seen from the air, it is a sea of sacrifice; a flood of blood.

And, for the crowds who have come in the hundreds of thousands to witness it, it has been a lesson no history book can teach. read more>>>

That 'Sea of Sacrifice', that which the greater majority served, in recent decades, know nor care to know little about as they wave their flags of, poser, patriotism and labeling themselves, like religion, as more so then others are!!

More Military Families Are Relying On Food Banks And Pantries

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014
Neither of these recent wars have yet been paid for, let alone the results from, including the long ignored or outright denied existence of, till this Administrations Cabinet and Gen Shinseki, only Government branch consistent for the past six years, issues! As well as under deficits most of the, grossly under funded, VA budget is still borrowed thus added, problem creating, costs that shouldn't exist!

Highlighting Veteran Homelessness… “Wrong Side of Heaven”

Or this:

Veterans Administration: 'Facts' Are For Media To 'Report'

It is important that we openly and willingly discuss our mistakes and how we intend to improve. As we acknowledge areas where more work is needed, we also need to set the record straight when our work is unfairly mischaracterized.

Homeless Veterans': ‘stain on the soul of the nation’ - AMEN!

VA Announces New Grants to Help End Veteran Homelessness

26 August 2014 - HUD, VA, AND USICH ANNOUNCE 33% DROP IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS SINCE 2010

HUD & VA ANNOUNCE MORE VOUCHERS TO HELP HOMELESS VETS GET INTO PERMANENT HOMES

Homeless Veterans 'Stand Down' Events 2014

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

But alas don't worry be happy, we got us an expensive private corporate merc army, that also has yet to be paid for, that's also charged with intelligence gathering!!

Prior too this present Executive and Veterans administrations:

October 23, 2008 - And now VA investigators are trying to figure out if this one-time survey points to the likelihood that documents have been improperly destroyed for months or even years.

"Whatever this problem is, it didn't just start in the last two weeks," said Dave Autry, a spokesman for Disabled American Veterans. "It'd be unreasonable to assume that. Who knows what's been destroyed."

The documents, which didn't have duplicates at the VA, would have been critical in deciding veteran pension and disability claims. As a result, many veterans are asking whether their delayed or denied claims were affected by lost paperwork. read more>>>

Oct 16, 2008 - VA claims found in piles to be shredded

October 24, 2008 - House panel will target VA shredding

February 11, 2009 - Veterans' Claims Found in Shredder Bins
ProPublica and The Seattle Times Nov. 9, 2012 - Lost to History: Missing War Records Complicate Benefit Claims by Iraq, Afghanistan Veterans
"DeLara's case is part of a much larger problem that has plagued the U.S. military since the 1990 Gulf War: a failure to create and maintain the types of field records that have documented American conflicts since the Revolutionary War."
Army Says War Records Gap Is Real, Launches Recovery Effort

And the just above is just recent history, not all that has been for decades and wars from!!

"If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too" "not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

The real scandal is those Served have yet to Sacrifice, DeJa-Vu all over again!

June 29, 2014 Surge in patients outpaces fayetteville's VA health care's building boom

Veterans Administration, Health Care, Audits

GOP's Bad Memory on Screwing Over Veterans

Conservatives Continue Attacks on Individual Military Veterans'

Veterans Administration"The Bush White House was so concerned..............."

Congresses 'travesty' on Veterans Care

DeJa-Vu - Veterans' Get 'Lip Service' and Oh So Cheap 'Patriotic Symbols/Words'

To Those 99% Served, 'Build the Veterans Administration Promised!!'

"We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

Investigation finds "corrosive culture" at VA

“Why in 2009 were we still using paper?” VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers “When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we’ve been operating on a six month wait for over a decade.” 27 March 2013

"If military action is worth our troops’ blood, it should be worth our treasure, too" "not just in the abstract, but in the form of a specific ante by every American." -Andrew Rosenthal 10 Feb. 2013

February 27 2014 - Senate rejects far-reaching Veterans Affairs bill

To which directly after the vote they get this reply as to their Poser Patriotism honesty:

Sen. Bernie Sanders told Conservatives: “If you can’t afford to take care of your veterans, than don’t go war. These people are bearing the brunt of what war is about, We have a moral obligation to support them.” February, 26th, 2014

Then only a few months later they vote once again, after forced changes on same bill, and pass it, but:

June 13 2014 - VFW attacks the three Republicans who voted against Senate VA bill

Jun 22, 2014 - GOP: "It costs too much to fund the VA"

June 24, 2014 - Conservatives, the People Represented, Blasting Costs of Veterans Care - Again

And this is only a small part of what happens as problems develop from the ever present Congressional obstruction and then are compounded:

VA doctors only see ten patients a day, don't have the facilties or staff to handle more

VA Testimony Highlights Outdated Facilities

The Other Side, Reality, of the so called VA 'scandal'

VA Access Audit

At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), our most important mission is to provide the high quality health care and benefits Veterans have earned and deserve — when and where they need it. In mid-April, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs directed the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to complete a nation-wide Access Audit to ensure a full understanding of VA’s policy among scheduling staff, identify any inappropriate scheduling practices used by employees regarding Veteran preferences for appointment dates, and review waiting list management.

VA is already taking corrective action to address issues resulting from the audit. read more w/Twice Monthly Update links

VA Directs Monthly Meetings Between Local Health Facilities, Veterans Service Organizations in All 50 States

VA Releases Latest Nationwide Data on Access to Veterans Health Care

Bearing Witness: Shinseki Does Right for Vets

VA 'scandal'? It's the Country Served and Their Representatives 'SCANDAL'

Sen. Burr Is Not A Friend Of Veterans', Never Has Been!!

Veterans Administration 'scandal'? Conservative Ideology as Usual!!

Gen. Shinseki on the VA OIG Interim Report

New Rule Could Aid Veterans’ Access to Health Care for Some Traumatic Injuries

VA to Expand Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury

3 September 2014 - V.A. Rules May Enable Benefits Long Denied to Vietnam-Era Veterans

“Why in 2009 were we still using paper?” VA Assistant Secretary Tommy Sowers “When we came in, there was no plan to change that; we’ve been operating on a six month wait for over a decade.” 27 March 2013

What the Country Served, poser patriotism, should have already not only funded but built, as technologies advanced, decades and wars from especially, is finally coming into being.

After finding private businesses to contract and work with the DoD and the VA to develop and put into use, decades of problems from lack of funding, along with ignoring and even denying the costly issues of wars, and growing outdated practices which cost extremely much more to fix and are often compounded into other costly problems, personal and monetary, to bring these Government Agencies important issues into 21st century practice and use thus needing only regular maintenance costs to maintain as new technologies enhance their abilities.

This isn't only in sharing health care needs issues between these two agencies, which should have always been, especially in war related times, but existed especially in the Veterans Administration right up to these last recent years and way too long needs of developing updated practices while still working with obstructed and grossly under funded budgets thus taking from other area's, in this present executive administration with help from the other cabinet agencies, of the budget which created more problems that compound.

“We are dealing with veterans, not procedures—with their problems, not ours.” —General Omar Bradley, First Administrator of the Veterans Administration

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

Veterans' PSA: The Power of 1

08/28/2014 - One small act can make a big difference in the life of a Veteran or Service member in crisis. “The Power of 1,” a public service announcement from the Veterans Crisis Line, shows how taking the time to reach out can be the first step to getting those who served the support they need. A single action — one call, one chat, one text, one conversation — can have a significant impact. The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans or Service members in crisis, as well as their families and friends, with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, and text-messaging service. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Reach out. One call can open the door to support.

For the Veterans' Community Sisters: Women Veterans Health Care, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-66361-855-829-6636) New Hotline now up and running

DoD Special Report: National American Indian Heritage Month

Since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. The Defense Department honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives during National American Indian Heritage Month, as we remember the legacy of the first Americans and celebrate their vibrant culture and heritage.

Visit Report Site for more>>>

November is National Family Caregivers Month VA Offers Programs for Family Caregivers

As President Barack Obama has said, “Family caregivers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they assist, but their hours are long and their work is hard. Many put their own lives on hold to lift up someone close to them.”

Finding yourself in the role of a caregiver can be an overwhelming experience. Caregivers often find themselves taking on unfamiliar tasks with little experience and limited medical knowledge. It can be an extremely demanding job and many caregivers experience isolation and burnout.

VA’s Caregiver Support Program has developed several educational programs to assist caregivers in developing new skills sets and understanding the importance of self-care which helps avoid “caregiver burnout” and also helps caregivers achieve a sense of balance to their lives. read more>>>

Vets Are Amazing Artists 2014 NVCAF 1st Place Artwork

Spread the word! Vets are amazing artists. Check out this gallery of work from this year’s Creative Arts Festival

* * * Joining Forces * * *

Jobless Veterans to Employers: We're a very smart investment!

Today’s military: A well-educated force

A New Solar Energy Job-Training Pilot Program for Veterans

September 18, 2014 - Solar energy is shattering records in the United States. Since President Obama took office, installed solar power has increased 13-fold, topping nearly 16 gigawatts today – enough to power the equivalent of 3.2 million average American homes. As solar energy continues to grow, it is becoming a major source of high-paying American jobs – employing nearly 143,000 full-time professionals last year. read more>>>

First Lady Thanks Military Family Support Personnel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 – First Lady Michelle Obama teamed up with actor Bradley Cooper yesterday to place a conference call to military support personnel to thank them for their continued service to military families. read more>>>

First lady calls homeless vets a ‘stain on the soul of the nation’

Helping Military Veterans and Their Families: Jill Biden

New 'Warriors 4 Wireless' program builds on veterans' IT training and certifications

Joining forces for military children

"we cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country"

First lady announcing pledges for vets, families

* * * Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden at Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announcement * * *

* * * Got Your 6 * * *

Affordable Care Act and Veterans, a website

Affordable Care Act and Agent Orange

More veterans eligible for benefits as agent orange perimeter expands

VA Offers Dental Insurance Program

Health-care costs for wounded vets to increase for decades to come

Learn Your Benefits: VA’s 2013 Benefits Book Now Available

• Read the Trauma Guide

Rip-Off Artists' Flock to Veterans Charities

July 29, 2014 'Poser Patriots': While Sending Military to Wars, Predatory Lenders

Scoundrels … thieves … rip-off artists' flock to veterans charities

Why a Scam Artist Wants to Subpoena John Boehner

Real Bobby Thompson Meets Phony Vets Org Scammer 'bobby thompson'

Mysterious 'Mr. X' Found Guilty in $100M Vets Charity Scheme

28yrs. - John Donald Cody, aka 'Bobby Thompson', in Navy veterans charity fraud

Man Behind Bogus Veterans’ Raffle Gets Prison Term

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members’ Sacrifices

'Stolen Valor' POSER: 'Most Decorated Navy SEAL Ever'

Homeless Veterans Charity Scam Spreads Beyond Florida Grifting the American Veterans' and Country

January 25, 2014 - Another 'Stolen Valor' POSER: Impersonating Dead Green Beret

Camp Lejeune Health Benefits, Regulations Published: Water Contamination

From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals.

Desert Storm - Gulf War Service

VA Seeking Nominations for Appointment to the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses

Washington – October 6, 2014 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to serve as a member of the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (RAC).

The RAC was established pursuant to section 104 of Public Law 105-368 to provide advice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on proposed research studies, research plans, or research strategies relating to the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War. The Committee periodically releases reports that summarize and make recommendations regarding research on the health of Gulf War Veterans.

“VA recognizes and respects the service, dedication and many challenges faced by Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, and is committed to improving the health and well-being of these Veterans. Through its recommendations regarding relevant research, members of the RAC play an integral part in helping us achieve this goal,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “Widening our search for committee members to fill the upcoming vacancies will provide better diversity, and enable us to bring in new, well-qualified members with fresh perspectives and input.” read more>>>

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service

Visit Publichealth Exposures to learn about military exposures and VA benefits.

Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.

Reports on Veterans' Health Care Use

What are the most common diagnoses given to recent Veterans (OEF/OIF/OND) in VA health care facilities? Find out by checking the latest reports released in March 2013.

Epidemiology Research Studies

Mental Health Service Utilization by OIF and OEF Veterans Commentary: War costs last forever

March 29, 2013 - The past is never dead, as William Faulkner might have written if he were analyzing the federal budget, it’s not even paid for. Did you realize that World War II still costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion a year? Or that we haven’t closed the financial books on the Civil War yet? read more>>>

Defense Department Releases Crisis Support Guide for Families

Supporting Military Families in Crisis

A Great Resource for Family Caregivers

'The Country You Destroyed': A Letter to George W. Bush

Afghanistan & Iraq Civilian Casualties - War Refugee's

Recording Casualties: Victims of Armed Conflict Worldwide

Every Casualty.org: New Org Website Launched On Casualty Recording The one-stop source for information on conflict's casualties worldwide and the organisations that record them

Film Highlights Perils Faced By Iraqis Who Helped U.S.

THE LIST: Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies

A decade after US-led forces toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, IRIN examines the impact of the occupation on basic living standards.

Consistent coverage of the health consequences of Iraq’s conflict by the Lancet medical journal here

The Lancet: lraq's health system yet to heal from ravages of war

Afghanistan: World Report 2013

USCIRF Annual Report 2013 - Tier 2: Afghanistan

Exact Count of Civilian Casualties may never be known, as is the case in every conflict, especially an Invasion by another Country. For it is the Innocent Civilians and those Defending their Countries,of which All would be counted if this country, the U.S., were ever invaded, who suffer the most, during and long after!

All the Deaths, Maimings and Destruction are the Blood on All Our Hands, No One can Escape that Guilt!

Strasbourg judge: “Those who export war ought to see to the parallel export of guarantees against the atrocities of war”

The Rand Corporation Terrorism Report the press release here, you can get the full document here or a summary of the research brief here

Done "In Our Names"!

America’s Future will Help Define How the Nation Looks at its Veterans

Chairman Makes Case for Support to Veterans

Still Coming Home, Our Brothers of WWII, Korea and Vietnam - Rest in Peace, You're Finally Home

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Until They Are Home

HONORING THE FALLEN: US Military and Coalition Forces Killed in Action, Iraq & Afghanistan/Pakistan from 2001 to ................. - My Honor Rolls, and more, to Share

National World War II Memorial

National Korean War Memorial

National Vietnam Veterans Memorial - "The Wall"

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries

Arlington National Cemetery

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Dedicated on Oct 5th 2014