Defense Department Releases Women in Service Review Implementation Plans
Today, the Defense Department released the U.S. military services’ and U.S. Special Operations Command’s plans for implementing women into previously closed positions.
These plans, which were reviewed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, outline how the services and U.S. Special Operations Command will manage the incremental opening of these previously closed positions.
The successful integration of women into currently closed positions requires the department to be thoughtful and deliberate in determining the next steps. The department will proceed in a measured and responsible way to open positions to women. In all cases, notification to Congress is required prior to opening these positions. Full implementation by the services should occur by Jan. 1, 2016.
The secretary’s memo
The U.S. Army’s plan
The U.S. Navy’s plan
The U.S. Air Force’s plan
The U.S. Marine Corps’ plan
The U.S. Special Operations Command’s plan
The decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule for women was originally announced Jan. 24, 2013, by former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Gen. Dempsey.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs employees sue state
Employees sue state Veterans Affairs department
Arkansas Times
Posted by Leslie Newell Peacock
Jun 17, 2013
Employees and former employees of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs have filed suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court alleging wage and hour violations at the now-closed Little Rock Veterans Home and the incident-plagued Fayetteville Veterans Home.
The numbers of people in the class could exceed 50, lawyer John Holleman said today. Holleman represents named plaintiffs Darlene Okeke, Debra Jackson, Rita Culberson, Patricia Burton, Sandra Stewart, Linda Hopkins and Peggy Johnson in the suit against ADVA. Their complaint, filed June 18 in Pulaski County Circuit Court, makes several allegations: That they were required to work off the clock and then falsify records to indicate they had not, were not always allowed to take promised compensatory time, and that comp time was awarded on an hour per hour basis rather than the hour and a half that is the rate of pay for overtime.
The complaint says the “policy of failing to compensate Plaintiffs for all hours worked” had been in place for more than three years and “is continuing and ongoing.” Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages equal to the unpaid back wages at the overtime rates as well going back three years as well as “liquidated damages” (back pay).
Holleman said one of the plaintiffs, for example, had accumulated 400 hours of comp time but was not allowed to take a day off to go to her child’s wedding. Management was also deducting a half hour from pay for lunch, he said, though employees had to work through lunch to get their jobs done. He said the facilities were understaffed and “mismanaged.”
read more here
Arkansas Times
Posted by Leslie Newell Peacock
Jun 17, 2013
Employees and former employees of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs have filed suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court alleging wage and hour violations at the now-closed Little Rock Veterans Home and the incident-plagued Fayetteville Veterans Home.
The numbers of people in the class could exceed 50, lawyer John Holleman said today. Holleman represents named plaintiffs Darlene Okeke, Debra Jackson, Rita Culberson, Patricia Burton, Sandra Stewart, Linda Hopkins and Peggy Johnson in the suit against ADVA. Their complaint, filed June 18 in Pulaski County Circuit Court, makes several allegations: That they were required to work off the clock and then falsify records to indicate they had not, were not always allowed to take promised compensatory time, and that comp time was awarded on an hour per hour basis rather than the hour and a half that is the rate of pay for overtime.
The complaint says the “policy of failing to compensate Plaintiffs for all hours worked” had been in place for more than three years and “is continuing and ongoing.” Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages equal to the unpaid back wages at the overtime rates as well going back three years as well as “liquidated damages” (back pay).
Holleman said one of the plaintiffs, for example, had accumulated 400 hours of comp time but was not allowed to take a day off to go to her child’s wedding. Management was also deducting a half hour from pay for lunch, he said, though employees had to work through lunch to get their jobs done. He said the facilities were understaffed and “mismanaged.”
read more here
A veteran's two-year wait for benefits
Because we didn't make changes before new veterans were created with two wars, veterans are waiting too long for help now. Why? No one paid much attention when Vietnam veterans were waiting even longer in the 80's and 90's. My husband's claim took six years and was finally approved in 1999. Imagine if we had really done something about all of this back then. Would veterans be waiting this long now? Would they be suffering financially and emotionally still?
Read this as what we can expect to hear from OEF and OIF veterans years from now if we do nothing again.
Read this as what we can expect to hear from OEF and OIF veterans years from now if we do nothing again.
A veteran's two-year wait for benefitsHis claim was approved a year ago but look what he had to go through. The truth was still the truth and the need was still the need. It is also a testament of the simple fact that the majority of VA claims in the backlog are from Vietnam veterans.
By Janelle Wetzstein
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF
Published: Monday, June 17, 2013
When Gary “Zach” Zacharatos first returned to San Francisco after a four-year deployment during the Vietnam War in 1972, he didn’t sleep well.
“I had dreams — vivid, violent ones that would wake me up repeatedly,” said the 62-year-old man as he sat on his couch in his West Street home — clutching his dog Lacy closely to his chest as he remembered his nightmares. “But it was the ’70s and I was a Marine at heart. I didn’t ask for help because that’s not what we did.”
Instead, Zacharatos suffered in silence for many years, often sleepwalking and waking up with no memory of the conversations he’d had or the combat scenes he’d reenacted while asleep.
It wasn’t until 2004 that Zacharatos finally sought help — after he experienced such severe anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation that he had a complete mental and physical breakdown. By then, Zacharatos’ condition had gotten so bad that he could no longer work, let alone get out of bed. After a local psychiatrist diagnosed him with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Zacharatos and his friend, Linda Pickenheim, began to search for assistance.
Little did they know that their request for veteran’s benefits, which was first filed in February of 2010, would take almost two and a half years to be approved. During that time, Zacharatos lost the home his grandparents had left to him, most of his belongings and was days away from living out of his car before his claim was finally approved in April of last year.
read more here
USA Secure Data Systems seeking to hire Michigan veterans
Military veterans sought for customer service work at USA Secure Data Systems
MLive
By Al Jones
June 17, 2013
BENTON HARBOR, MI-- The USA Secure Data Systems is looking for military veterans to join its team as customer service and call center representatives.
The work is expected to pay $11 to $19 per hour, according to information provided by Alicia Razor, a Michigan veterans employment representative.
USA Secure Data Systems works with a number of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, U.S. Marshal Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of State, Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
read more here
MLive
By Al Jones
June 17, 2013
BENTON HARBOR, MI-- The USA Secure Data Systems is looking for military veterans to join its team as customer service and call center representatives.
The work is expected to pay $11 to $19 per hour, according to information provided by Alicia Razor, a Michigan veterans employment representative.
USA Secure Data Systems works with a number of federal, state, and local governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Service, U.S. Marshal Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of State, Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
read more here
Bank of America whistle-blower’s bombshell: “We were told to lie”
Bank of America whistle-blower’s bombshell: “We were told to lie”
Bombshell: Bank of America whistle-blowers detail horrid schemes to fleece borrowers, reward foreclosures
Salon.com
(UPDATED)
BY DAVID DAYEN
JUN 18, 2013
Bank of America’s mortgage servicing unit systematically lied to homeowners, fraudulently denied loan modifications, and paid their staff bonuses for deliberately pushing people into foreclosure: Yes, these allegations were suspected by any homeowner who ever had to deal with the bank to try to get a loan modification – but now they come from six former employees and one contractor, whose sworn statements were added last week to a civil lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts.
“Bank of America’s practice is to string homeowners along with no apparent intention of providing the permanent loan modifications it promises,” said Erika Brown, one of the former employees. The damning evidence would spur a series of criminal investigations of BofA executives, if we still had a rule of law in this country for Wall Street banks.
The government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which gave banks cash incentives to modify loans under certain standards, was supposed to streamline the process and help up to 4 million struggling homeowners (to date, active permanent modifications number about 870,000). In reality, Bank of America used it as a tool, say these former employees, to squeeze as much money as possible out of struggling borrowers before eventually foreclosing on them. Borrowers were supposed to make three trial payments before the loan modification became permanent; in actuality, many borrowers would make payments for a year or more, only to find themselves rejected for a permanent modification, and then owing the difference between the trial modification and their original payment. Former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner famously described HAMP as a means to “foam the runway” for the banks, spreading out foreclosures so banks could more readily absorb them.
read more here
Bombshell: Bank of America whistle-blowers detail horrid schemes to fleece borrowers, reward foreclosures
Salon.com
(UPDATED)
BY DAVID DAYEN
JUN 18, 2013
Bank of America’s mortgage servicing unit systematically lied to homeowners, fraudulently denied loan modifications, and paid their staff bonuses for deliberately pushing people into foreclosure: Yes, these allegations were suspected by any homeowner who ever had to deal with the bank to try to get a loan modification – but now they come from six former employees and one contractor, whose sworn statements were added last week to a civil lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts.
“Bank of America’s practice is to string homeowners along with no apparent intention of providing the permanent loan modifications it promises,” said Erika Brown, one of the former employees. The damning evidence would spur a series of criminal investigations of BofA executives, if we still had a rule of law in this country for Wall Street banks.
The government’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which gave banks cash incentives to modify loans under certain standards, was supposed to streamline the process and help up to 4 million struggling homeowners (to date, active permanent modifications number about 870,000). In reality, Bank of America used it as a tool, say these former employees, to squeeze as much money as possible out of struggling borrowers before eventually foreclosing on them. Borrowers were supposed to make three trial payments before the loan modification became permanent; in actuality, many borrowers would make payments for a year or more, only to find themselves rejected for a permanent modification, and then owing the difference between the trial modification and their original payment. Former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner famously described HAMP as a means to “foam the runway” for the banks, spreading out foreclosures so banks could more readily absorb them.
read more here
Retired General David Petraeus joins TEAM RUBICON
Retired General David Petraeus joins TEAM RUBICON
TR Nation
Almost one month ago, an EF-5 tornado hit the city of Moore, OK, leaving catastrophic damage in its wake. As Moore picked itself up from the rubble, a tremendous outpouring of support came in from across the country.
Team Rubicon was on the ground the very next day, and as we built out the framework for the long-term recovery efforts, we saw what kind of impact TR Nation would have on Operation: Starting Gun.
Four weeks later, we've collected 2,374 damage assessments, completed over 250 work orders on damaged structures, and deployed over 300 veteran volunteers from all ten regions. Because of your support, we estimate TR has saved the community roughly $1.1 million in demolition and debris removal costs.
And today, we're pleased to announce that Team Rubicon is adding General David Petraeus USA (Ret.) to our Board of Advisors. Between his time in uniform and as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General Petraeus served our Nation for over 38 years. By joining our Board of Advisors, General Petraeus is making good on his promise to help our veterans continue their service and ease the transition from military to civilian life. His ability to develop and implement radical strategies will serve Team Rubicon greatly as we attempt to revolutionize disaster response and veteran reintegration.
There is still a lot of work to be done in Moore. Your continued support will put more volunteers on the ground and provide us the equipment needed to help Moore rebuild. Can you help?
We couldn't do this without you.
Thanks,
The Team
TR Nation
Almost one month ago, an EF-5 tornado hit the city of Moore, OK, leaving catastrophic damage in its wake. As Moore picked itself up from the rubble, a tremendous outpouring of support came in from across the country.
Team Rubicon was on the ground the very next day, and as we built out the framework for the long-term recovery efforts, we saw what kind of impact TR Nation would have on Operation: Starting Gun.
Four weeks later, we've collected 2,374 damage assessments, completed over 250 work orders on damaged structures, and deployed over 300 veteran volunteers from all ten regions. Because of your support, we estimate TR has saved the community roughly $1.1 million in demolition and debris removal costs.
And today, we're pleased to announce that Team Rubicon is adding General David Petraeus USA (Ret.) to our Board of Advisors. Between his time in uniform and as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General Petraeus served our Nation for over 38 years. By joining our Board of Advisors, General Petraeus is making good on his promise to help our veterans continue their service and ease the transition from military to civilian life. His ability to develop and implement radical strategies will serve Team Rubicon greatly as we attempt to revolutionize disaster response and veteran reintegration.
There is still a lot of work to be done in Moore. Your continued support will put more volunteers on the ground and provide us the equipment needed to help Moore rebuild. Can you help?
We couldn't do this without you.
Thanks,
The Team
Army colonel in Japan suspended; civilian deputy reassigned
Army colonel in Japan suspended; civilian deputy reassigned
Stars and Stripes
By Seth Robson
Published: June 18, 2013
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The U.S. Army has suspended more officials at its Tokyo headquarters pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct, officials say.
The Army confirmed this week that Col. Eric D. Tilley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, has been suspended and that his civilian deputy, Jeffrey Wertz, has been “temporarily detailed to other duties locally.”
“Col. Tilley was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct,” garrison spokesman Slade Walters said in an email. “I don’t have any specific information on allegations or ongoing investigations. No additional details are available at this time.”
read more here
Stars and Stripes
By Seth Robson
Published: June 18, 2013
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The U.S. Army has suspended more officials at its Tokyo headquarters pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct, officials say.
The Army confirmed this week that Col. Eric D. Tilley, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, has been suspended and that his civilian deputy, Jeffrey Wertz, has been “temporarily detailed to other duties locally.”
“Col. Tilley was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct,” garrison spokesman Slade Walters said in an email. “I don’t have any specific information on allegations or ongoing investigations. No additional details are available at this time.”
read more here
Cape community pulls together to pay for fallen veteran's funeral
Cape community pulls together to pay for fallen veteran's funeral
Cape Cod Online
By Cynthia Mccormick
June 17, 2013
The town of Barnstable, a nonprofit veterans fund, a South Yarmouth funeral home and community members have stepped up to help a Cape family pay for the funeral of a 24-year-old Iraq War veteran.
Edward F. Merigan, director of Barnstable District Veterans Services, petitioned the Massachusetts secretary of veterans services to allow the town of Barnstable to contribute $2,000 toward funeral expenses for U.S. Army Spc. Christian Estrada.
The former soldier, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, died June 5 in his apartment in Killeen, Texas, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, his family said.
A Massachusetts law providing for the burial of indigent veterans who die alone allows the veteran’s town of residency to pay up to $2,000 for the funeral, Merigan said.
The family is allowed to contribute another $1,000, keeping the cost of the funeral to $3,000, he said. Merigan said any additional expenses are absorbed by the funeral home providing the service.
read more here
Cape Cod Online
By Cynthia Mccormick
June 17, 2013
The town of Barnstable, a nonprofit veterans fund, a South Yarmouth funeral home and community members have stepped up to help a Cape family pay for the funeral of a 24-year-old Iraq War veteran.
Edward F. Merigan, director of Barnstable District Veterans Services, petitioned the Massachusetts secretary of veterans services to allow the town of Barnstable to contribute $2,000 toward funeral expenses for U.S. Army Spc. Christian Estrada.
The former soldier, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, died June 5 in his apartment in Killeen, Texas, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, his family said.
A Massachusetts law providing for the burial of indigent veterans who die alone allows the veteran’s town of residency to pay up to $2,000 for the funeral, Merigan said.
The family is allowed to contribute another $1,000, keeping the cost of the funeral to $3,000, he said. Merigan said any additional expenses are absorbed by the funeral home providing the service.
read more here
Marine from Florida died in Afghanistan
Marine death in Helmand Province under investigation
Examiner
BY: SUSY RAYBON
COMMUNITY ISSUES
JUNE 18, 2013
Late last night, the Department of Defense announced the military is investigating the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Lance Cpl. Jared W. Brown, 20, of Youngstown, Fla., died June 16, 2013, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The circumstances surrounding this death have not been disclosed.
Lance Cpl. Brown was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
read more here
Examiner
BY: SUSY RAYBON
COMMUNITY ISSUES
JUNE 18, 2013
Lance Cpl. Jared W. Brown, 20, of Youngstown, Fla., died June 16, 2013, while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The circumstances surrounding this death have not been disclosed.
Lance Cpl. Brown was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
read more here
Hundreds gather to pay respects to a fallen soldier
Final salute to a selfless hero
Times Union
By Dennis Yusko
June 18, 2013
Mourners lined Wolf Road and other Colonie streets Monday to welcome home the body of fallen Army Lt. Col. Todd Clark.
A military jet carrying Clark's remains arrived just before 10 a.m. at Albany International Airport. A motorcycle escort accompanied the hearse and family members as they took a slow drive through Colonie.
"I just feel terrible about what happened to him and everyone else over there," said Wayne Chandler, a retired plumber from Colonie. "We're over there trying to help them, and they are killing us."
Clark, 40, died June 8 in eastern Afghanistan, where he and two other Americans were shot to death by a disgruntled Afghan soldier they were mentoring, Clark's family said.
read more here
Times Union
By Dennis Yusko
June 18, 2013
Hundreds gather to pay respects to a fallen soldier
 |
| An Army honor guard marches across the tarmac to receive the casket carrying the remains of Lt. Col. Todd Clark at the Albany International Airport Monday June 17, 2013, in Colonie, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union) |
Mourners lined Wolf Road and other Colonie streets Monday to welcome home the body of fallen Army Lt. Col. Todd Clark.
A military jet carrying Clark's remains arrived just before 10 a.m. at Albany International Airport. A motorcycle escort accompanied the hearse and family members as they took a slow drive through Colonie.
"I just feel terrible about what happened to him and everyone else over there," said Wayne Chandler, a retired plumber from Colonie. "We're over there trying to help them, and they are killing us."
Clark, 40, died June 8 in eastern Afghanistan, where he and two other Americans were shot to death by a disgruntled Afghan soldier they were mentoring, Clark's family said.
read more here
Defective weapon used by military kills hundreds a year
Defective weapon used by military kills hundreds a year
Wounded Times Blog
Kathie Costos
June 18, 2013
There is a weapon the Department of Defense has spent billions a year on. This weapon is more deadly to our own troops but no one seems care. The weapon is not used to kill opponents on the battlefield. The billions of dollars spent have been making contractors and stock holders very wealthy. It has also been filling graves.
What has the Department of Defense been claiming they have been doing on addressing military suicides? They have over 900 prevention programs but suicides have gone up every year. They claim they have addressed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and getting rid of the stigma with "resilience training" but the troops are still reluctant to even ask for help as the number of servicemen and women needing help rises.
What they claim has not been based on reality. This is their reality.
Their reality is they are still not seeking help because of what else is happening. Other than honorable discharges are still happening when most of them want to be treated so they can do the job they always wanted to do. They don't want to leave the military. Given the option to heal and stay in, most want to stay because they never thought of doing anything else but serving their country.
Their reality is, they are still receiving medications that do more harm than good. How many warnings on drugs do they need to read before they refuse to take them? How many times are they punished for what the medications are doing to them? How many warnings did the DOD need to hear before they acknowledged they are not monitoring the medicated?
Their reality is their families are falling apart because of what PTSD is doing to them but the military blames suicides on relationship problems while failing to acknowledge the simple fact that a third of the troops with PTSD do not seek help. No diagnosis, no tie to PTSD. They must be able to live with that fact and satisfied to use that excuse.
Their reality is, they are trained to not seek help. They are told they can train their brains to be resilient. If they end up with problems, the message prevents them from seeking help. Would you knowing there was the threat of being discharged with an "other than honorable" hanging over your head for the rest of your life when all you want to do is stay in? The message of telling them what they can do if they train right actually puts the blame on their shoulders. To them it means they are mentally weak and didn't train right.
How many times do you have to read on Facebook that another service member has taken their own life before you get clued in on what is behind it? How many times do you have to read about another OEF or OIF veteran taking their own life back home before you give a damn about what is going on? How many times do you have to read about what the reality is for the men and women risking their lives before you understand this weapon is the most deadly of all?
If they are discharged from the military, they are no longer a "military problem" and become a VA problem.
One last thing to leave you with is the fact that none of this is new. It has been researched for the last 40 years. Would you find it acceptable to spend billions a year on a weapon that was doing more harm than good for our own forces? UPDATE here is another report of not seeking help within the military.
Wounded Times Blog
Kathie Costos
June 18, 2013
There is a weapon the Department of Defense has spent billions a year on. This weapon is more deadly to our own troops but no one seems care. The weapon is not used to kill opponents on the battlefield. The billions of dollars spent have been making contractors and stock holders very wealthy. It has also been filling graves.
What has the Department of Defense been claiming they have been doing on addressing military suicides? They have over 900 prevention programs but suicides have gone up every year. They claim they have addressed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and getting rid of the stigma with "resilience training" but the troops are still reluctant to even ask for help as the number of servicemen and women needing help rises.
What they claim has not been based on reality. This is their reality.
“The issue with PTSD is that so many Marines and sailors are not diagnosed or seeking treatment,” said Jim Askins, the department head of health promotions. “Marine Corps public health estimates that 10 to 30-percent are undiagnosed from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Marine and Navy team go to combat against PTSD
By THOMAS BRENNAN
Daily News Staff
Published: Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The awareness campaign, held on Friday at the Marine Corps Exchange aboard Camp Lejeune, brought together the Health Promotion and Wellness department from the Naval Hospital and the Marine Corps Community Services resiliency education department to de-stigmatize and raise awareness about a disorder that affects many service members. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after you have gone through an extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death.
Their reality is they are still not seeking help because of what else is happening. Other than honorable discharges are still happening when most of them want to be treated so they can do the job they always wanted to do. They don't want to leave the military. Given the option to heal and stay in, most want to stay because they never thought of doing anything else but serving their country.
Their reality is, they are still receiving medications that do more harm than good. How many warnings on drugs do they need to read before they refuse to take them? How many times are they punished for what the medications are doing to them? How many warnings did the DOD need to hear before they acknowledged they are not monitoring the medicated?
Their reality is their families are falling apart because of what PTSD is doing to them but the military blames suicides on relationship problems while failing to acknowledge the simple fact that a third of the troops with PTSD do not seek help. No diagnosis, no tie to PTSD. They must be able to live with that fact and satisfied to use that excuse.
Their reality is, they are trained to not seek help. They are told they can train their brains to be resilient. If they end up with problems, the message prevents them from seeking help. Would you knowing there was the threat of being discharged with an "other than honorable" hanging over your head for the rest of your life when all you want to do is stay in? The message of telling them what they can do if they train right actually puts the blame on their shoulders. To them it means they are mentally weak and didn't train right.
How many times do you have to read on Facebook that another service member has taken their own life before you get clued in on what is behind it? How many times do you have to read about another OEF or OIF veteran taking their own life back home before you give a damn about what is going on? How many times do you have to read about what the reality is for the men and women risking their lives before you understand this weapon is the most deadly of all?
A more complete tally of U.S. military suicides last year: 524
LA TImes
By Alan Zarembo
June 17, 2013
In data compiled by the Defense Department on military suicides, perhaps the most surprising statistic is that between 2008 and 2011, 52% of service members who took their own lives had never been deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq.
That figure, which challenges the popular belief that exposure to war is the primary driver of a surge in suicides, became the basis for an L.A. Times story Sunday.
But another statistic in the story also deserves attention: 524. That is the number of suicides in the military last year. To those who have followed the issue, it may seem like a misprint. The Pentagon recently announced that the 2012 total was 349.
The Defense Department, however, has only tracked suicides of military personnel who were on active duty when they died.
For a more complete tally, The Times went directly to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines for the data. That added three suicides to the Defense Department's figure, bringing the active-duty count for 2012 to 352. More significantly, it added 172 suicides of reservists and National Guard members who were on inactive status at the time of their deaths.
Little is known about the suicides of service members not on active duty. Military researchers say they are compiling and analyzing the demographics of the victims, their deployment histories and other characteristics. The Defense Department has yet to publish their suicide rate.
If they are discharged from the military, they are no longer a "military problem" and become a VA problem.
Military veteran who shot up mother's home goes to trial next weekThe reality for families is also much different than what we have been told.
Mother claims son, Adan Castaneda, has PTSD
Published On: Jun 17 2013
COMAL COUNTY, Texas
Maria Anna Esparza still can't believe her 27-year-old Marine sniper son, Adan Castaneda, shot at her home while she and her husband slept.
She said Adan had been home from Iraq for two years when the shooting happened.
"He was a scout sniper for the U.S. Marines, so if he wanted us dead, he knew where we slept, he knew exactly where we were in the house, but that was not his intention," said Esparza.
According to police, Adan used his own .45 caliber gun and fired off 23 shots. They said he started shooting at the top of the house and worked his way down.
Castaneda has been diagnosed with Posttraumatic stress disorder. Next week he will stand trial for attempted murder of his mother and stepfather after shooting up their house back in May 2011.
“They had to watch beheadings on their computers daily as part of their training,” said Esparza.
Suicide rates among military family members are on the riseThis is why I wrote THE WARRIOR SAW, SUICIDES AFTER WAR. I listened to what the reality is for them and their families. The military however has not been listening to them. They are pushing the program that actually prevents them from understanding what PTSD is and seeking help to heal.
Washington Times
Life Lines by Susan L Ruth
June 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2013—The last report tracking military suicides showed that there is no decrease in the rate of deaths by service members own hands and now there are other military suicides that are gaining attention.
Experts are reporting that they are seeing an increase in the number of military family members killing themselves as well, although the exact rates are not known because these cases are not being tracked at this time.
The growing rate of suicides among the military has been a problem that the chain of command has not been able to get under control since it came to light about 11 years ago.
One last thing to leave you with is the fact that none of this is new. It has been researched for the last 40 years. Would you find it acceptable to spend billions a year on a weapon that was doing more harm than good for our own forces? UPDATE here is another report of not seeking help within the military.
‘You Have To Get Help’ — Vets Share Stories Of Living With PTSD
CBS News
June 18, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Jason Probst described what it was like last year in January when he was driving a vehicle down a street and hit a road side bomb in Afghanistan.
“It was like driving and hitting a wall,” he said.
The cab filled with smoke. He hit his head, causing a brain injury. He now deals with the aftermath of war in many ways."
Loud noises, and sudden noises startle me…and sleeping at night is different,” he said.
His mother, Deb Probst, remembers hearing news of the explosion and fearing the worst.
“So he had angels with him that day,” she said.
Probst has reached out for help at the VA but says there’s still a stigma associated with mental illnesses, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Patriot Guard Riders escorting Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas Jr. body home
The Patriot Guard has been requested to escort and stand in honor for SSgt Jesse L. Thomas Jr.
This will be a two part mission. SSgt Thomas was KIA on June 10, 2013 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
We will receive SSgt Thomas's remains upon arrival from Dover, DE at the Pensacola Aviation Center, 4145 Jerry L. Maygarden Rd., Pensacola. Aircraft arrival is scheduled for 11:00 AM, June 20, 2013. We will then escort SSgt Thomas to the Joe Morris Funeral Home, 701 N. DeVillers St., Pensacola.
The second part of this mission will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Funeral services are scheduled at the East Hill Church of God in Christ, 400 East Jordan St. Pensacola at 1:00 PM. We will set a flag line up prior to the service. Following the service, we will escort SSgt Thomas to Barrancas National Cemetery for honors. Honors at Barrancas National Cemetery are scheduled for 3:15 PM. Joe Morris Funeral Home, 701 N. DeVillers St., Pensacola is in charge of arrangements.
SSgt Thomas was assigned to the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command out of Kleber Kaserne, Germany.
He leaves behind his wife, Michelle, also an active duty member, 3 step children, and his Mother, Irma Oliver. SSgt Thomas earned the following awards during his service to this country. The Army Commendation Medal (3) {3rd posthumous}, Army Achievement Medal (3), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal (2), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), and posthumous NATO Medal.
SSgt Jesse L. Thomas Jr. age 31Pensacola, Fl.June 20 and 22, 2013
The second part of this mission will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Funeral services are scheduled at the East Hill Church of God in Christ, 400 East Jordan St. Pensacola at 1:00 PM. We will set a flag line up prior to the service. Following the service, we will escort SSgt Thomas to Barrancas National Cemetery for honors. Honors at Barrancas National Cemetery are scheduled for 3:15 PM. Joe Morris Funeral Home, 701 N. DeVillers St., Pensacola is in charge of arrangements.
SSgt Thomas was assigned to the 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command out of Kleber Kaserne, Germany.
He leaves behind his wife, Michelle, also an active duty member, 3 step children, and his Mother, Irma Oliver. SSgt Thomas earned the following awards during his service to this country. The Army Commendation Medal (3) {3rd posthumous}, Army Achievement Medal (3), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal (2), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), and posthumous NATO Medal.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sequester hits wounded at Fort Bragg Medical Center
Federal budget cuts hit Fort Bragg Army hospital
Associated Press
Posted on June 16, 2013
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — The Army medical center at Fort Bragg is cutting services and telling workers to take unpaid time off as a result of federal budget cuts ripple through the Defense Department.
Womack Army Medical Center and its clinics and pharmacies serve more than 200,000 Fort Bragg soldiers, airmen, their families and retired military veterans.
read more here
Associated Press
Posted on June 16, 2013
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — The Army medical center at Fort Bragg is cutting services and telling workers to take unpaid time off as a result of federal budget cuts ripple through the Defense Department.
Womack Army Medical Center and its clinics and pharmacies serve more than 200,000 Fort Bragg soldiers, airmen, their families and retired military veterans.
read more here
Vietnam veteran fighting for life after Agent Orange
Vietnam veteran fighting for life
June 17, 2013
By Jenni Vincent
MARTINSBURG - Life has never been easy for Army veteran Tyrone Harlan, who left the hustle-and-bustle of his hometown, Washington, D.C., when he was drafted in 1968 and sent to Vietnam the next year.
In many ways, that was the beginning of his real difficulties - antisocial problems that plagued him as he returned home as well as continuing war-related health problems that are now life-threatening.
Even now, Harlan, 65, is in the fight of his life but determined not to give up.
read more here
June 17, 2013
By Jenni Vincent
MARTINSBURG - Life has never been easy for Army veteran Tyrone Harlan, who left the hustle-and-bustle of his hometown, Washington, D.C., when he was drafted in 1968 and sent to Vietnam the next year.
In many ways, that was the beginning of his real difficulties - antisocial problems that plagued him as he returned home as well as continuing war-related health problems that are now life-threatening.
Even now, Harlan, 65, is in the fight of his life but determined not to give up.
read more here
Military plans would put women in most combat jobs
Military plans would put women in most combat jobs
Associated Press
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
June 17, 2013
WASHINGTON (AP) — Women may be able to start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later under plans set to be announced by the Pentagon that would slowly bring women into thousands of combat jobs, including those in elite special operations forces.
Details of the plans were obtained by The Associated Press. They call for requiring women and men to meet the same physical and mental standards to quality for certain infantry, armor, commando and other front-line positions across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reviewed the plans and has ordered the services to move ahead.
The move, expected to be announced Tuesday, follows revelations of a startling number of sexual assaults in the armed forces. Earlier this year, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said the sexual assaults might be linked to the longstanding ban on women serving in combat because the disparity between the roles of men and women creates separate classes of personnel — male "warriors" versus the rest of the force.
read more here
Associated Press
By LOLITA C. BALDOR
June 17, 2013
WASHINGTON (AP) — Women may be able to start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later under plans set to be announced by the Pentagon that would slowly bring women into thousands of combat jobs, including those in elite special operations forces.
Details of the plans were obtained by The Associated Press. They call for requiring women and men to meet the same physical and mental standards to quality for certain infantry, armor, commando and other front-line positions across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reviewed the plans and has ordered the services to move ahead.
The move, expected to be announced Tuesday, follows revelations of a startling number of sexual assaults in the armed forces. Earlier this year, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey said the sexual assaults might be linked to the longstanding ban on women serving in combat because the disparity between the roles of men and women creates separate classes of personnel — male "warriors" versus the rest of the force.
read more here
Ohio veterans passing up $1,500 bonus for serving?
Deadline looms for Ohio veterans to claim bonuses from state
The Associated Press
By Lisa Cornwell
June 16,2013
CINCINNATI — Time is running out for eligible military veterans to claim Ohio bonuses of up to $1,500, and officials are worried that thousands of veterans may miss out by not applying.
Navy veteran Robert Erb III describes his bonus for service in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan war eras as a “real blessing” for him and his family.
“You don’t join for the benefits, but they can really help when you come back home,” said Erb, 41, of northeast Ohio’s Fairport Harbor.
Ohio voters in 2009 approved a $200 million bond issue to fund bonuses for veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq war eras, and the Persian Gulf-era application deadline is Dec. 31.
read more here
The Associated Press
By Lisa Cornwell
June 16,2013
CINCINNATI — Time is running out for eligible military veterans to claim Ohio bonuses of up to $1,500, and officials are worried that thousands of veterans may miss out by not applying.
Navy veteran Robert Erb III describes his bonus for service in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan war eras as a “real blessing” for him and his family.
“You don’t join for the benefits, but they can really help when you come back home,” said Erb, 41, of northeast Ohio’s Fairport Harbor.
Ohio voters in 2009 approved a $200 million bond issue to fund bonuses for veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq war eras, and the Persian Gulf-era application deadline is Dec. 31.
read more here
Gold Star father offers aid to others
Gold Star father offers aid to others
Killeen Daily Herald
Sarah Rafique
Herald staff writer
Posted on June 16, 2013
Former Staff Sgt. John Harris heard the doorbell buzzer ring inside his small apartment complex in Denver, Colo.
He stopped putting together a package for his son, Sgt. Blake A. Harris, who was deployed to Iraq. As he walked to the window, Harris wondered who would unexpectedly visit him at 9 p.m.
When he peered at the street below, Harris saw a captain and first sergeant in the doorway.
“I saw them standing there, and I knew what it was about,” Harris said. “People don’t come dressed in (green Class A uniforms) just to say ‘hi.’”
The two Fort Carson, Colo., soldiers told Harris his 22-year-old son died earlier that day, March 5, 2007, in Iraq, after a command-detonated improvised explosive device went off while he was on patrol in a Humvee. He was assigned to Fort Hood’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
The visiting soldiers sat with Harris, an 11-year veteran who served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam, for about an hour before finally leaving the father whose only “little red-headed boy” died following his footsteps.
read more here
Killeen Daily Herald
Sarah Rafique
Herald staff writer
Posted on June 16, 2013
Former Staff Sgt. John Harris heard the doorbell buzzer ring inside his small apartment complex in Denver, Colo.
He stopped putting together a package for his son, Sgt. Blake A. Harris, who was deployed to Iraq. As he walked to the window, Harris wondered who would unexpectedly visit him at 9 p.m.
When he peered at the street below, Harris saw a captain and first sergeant in the doorway.
“I saw them standing there, and I knew what it was about,” Harris said. “People don’t come dressed in (green Class A uniforms) just to say ‘hi.’”
The two Fort Carson, Colo., soldiers told Harris his 22-year-old son died earlier that day, March 5, 2007, in Iraq, after a command-detonated improvised explosive device went off while he was on patrol in a Humvee. He was assigned to Fort Hood’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
The visiting soldiers sat with Harris, an 11-year veteran who served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam, for about an hour before finally leaving the father whose only “little red-headed boy” died following his footsteps.
read more here
With help, vets can recover and contribute
What has Wounded Warrior Project done on PTSD since they started? I keep looking to find what their programs are but there doesn't seem to be much other than links to other groups. Do they fund the other groups?
With help, vets can recover and contribute
Stars and Stripes
By Mitzi Perdue
Published: June 17, 2013
Between Memorial Day, which honors those who have fallen, and Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, are those who for many years were forgotten: those who have been wounded in war.
Increasingly, worthwhile organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project help us honor — by giving our thanks, respect and assistance — those who have suffered grievous physical injuries in battle. On May 30, the traditional Memorial Day, WWP presents its Courage Awards, which honor those wounded who inspire others to reach (and succeed at) what is thought impossible, but that they are driven to achieve.
It is high time that we do more to give honor to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems. Their suffering is just as real, if not as apparent, as those who have been physically wounded.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is taking the lead on this issue, and needs the help of every American, especially employers, to help return these “wounded warriors” to a happy and productive life.
Recently there has been positive news for veterans on the jobs front, as the veterans’ unemployment rate has been falling. However, according to Joan Ryan, a clinical psychologist and director of Recovery Services at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a very real unemployment problem among veterans faces those who have PTSD or other mental health issues.
read more here
Fully developed VA claims get resolved faster than doing it yourself
Veterans seem shocked when I tell them they need to go and get help to file their claims. The simplest reason is, when a processor sees a claim submitted by a service officer, they knew most of what is needed is in the claim.
Here are just a few to contact to get help making sure your claim is ready to go.
American Legion Service Officers
Disabled American Veterans Service Officers
Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officers
Here are just a few to contact to get help making sure your claim is ready to go.
American Legion Service Officers
Disabled American Veterans Service Officers
Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Officers
VA tackles problem of incomplete claims from local veterans
Glut of bad applications clog the system, advocates say
By Ben Wolford
Sun Sentinel
June 16, 2013
"Any veteran who files a Fully Developed Claim will receive expedited processing," said Bruce Clisby, a VA spokesman in St. Petersburg.The Department of Veterans Affairs has promised to erase the backlog of compensation and pension claims of thousands of veterans in South Florida and nationwide in two years by shifting resources and going digital.
But it is also attempting a lesser-known fix by encouraging "Fully Developed Claims."
Veterans advocates say local VA offices have been bogged down by a barrage of incomplete or meritless applications. The result is that thousands of claims are delayed, often for years, while frail veterans suffer from declining health and financial hardship.
"People were filing claims, and they actually didn't know what they were doing," said Jim Ellard, a veterans services officer at the Fort Lauderdale chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Under pressure from Congress, the VA has rolled out initiative after initiative to try to relieve the glut in its regional offices. This month, it publicized a new six-page form called a Fully Developed Claim, which asks the veteran to certify he or she has no more evidence backing up the claim.
read more here
How many veterans will take their own lives this year?
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| Over 8,000 veterans a year end their lives. Wounded Times |
These are just a few of their stories since May. How many do you think will lose so much hope they take their own lives as well?
PTSD hits soldier's family hard on the Cape
Christian Estrada shot himself dead in his Killeen apartment June 5.
On May 22, Sergeant Brad Farmer lost his battle with the psychological wounds of war when he took his own life. He was 30 years old.Documents show vet committed suicide at Atlanta VA during federal probe into mismanagement
Found in an eighth floor bathroom, Joseph Petit had committed suicide a day earlier with a plastic bag, still in his wheelchair. The medical examiner's report said Joseph Petit had shown up in the ER "having a mental health crisis."
Team Rubicon mourns the loss of a veteran, volunteer, and brother. Neil LandsbergDoes anyone know why there are so many now after all the bills, plans and programs were pushed? After all the charities started popping up to "help them" heal and "raise awareness" of what is going on? Any clues? Do you even care?
Yoga offers healing to wounded war fighters
Find what works for taking care of your mind, your body and your spirit. Keep looking until it all works together to help you heal.
Wounded veterans turn to yoga for strength and solace
At Naval Medical Center San Diego, amputees and trauma victims practice an ancient Hindu tradition. The military is increasingly using alternative therapies.
By Tony Perry
Los Angeles Times
June 16, 2013
SAN DIEGO — Army 1st Sgt. Chris Montera, who lost both legs above the knee and suffered third-degree burns over 60% of his body in a mortar attack in Afghanistan, is doing a headstand, guided by yoga instructor Sunny Keays.
"It takes a lot of pressure off my back and spine," said Montera, 33, who was on his fourth combat tour when he was hurt. "It helps with the pain."
Marine Sgt. James Bernard, 25, who returned from combat in Helmand province in Afghanistan with a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder, is going through a series of stretching, relaxing and breathing exercises nearby, under the gentle guidance of yoga instructor Barbara Lyon.
Bernard's wife, Keely, 25, said yoga is helping her husband regain the composure and self-confidence that he had before he went to war. She accompanies him to yoga classes at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
"He seems more aware now of who he is," she said.
To help military personnel overcome the physical and emotional wounds from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, hospitals run by the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs are increasingly turning to the ancient Hindu practice of yoga and other alternative therapies, including tai chi, transcendental meditation and Reiki.
read more here
Raped by other Marines veteran talks of baby she lost
Marine Corps Veteran Raped in Military Speaks Out
NBC San Diego
By Lea Sutton
Sunday, Jun 16, 2013
A local Marine Corps veteran who was sexually assaulted while serving in the military is speaking out about her experience as lawmakers take on the issue of how sexual assault in the military should be prosecuted.
Saturday was a tough day for Marine Corps veteran Everlyn Thomas. The day marked 23 years since the death of her newborn son, Taj.
Thomas says she was raped by four Marines while on active duty more than two decades ago and became pregnant. She says that when she reported the rape, she was retaliated against.
“The four marines, my rapist, put me through emotional, physical and mental abuse,” Thomas told NBC 7. Thomas was just six months into her pregnancy when Taj was born in June 1990. The newborn lived only one day.
“I went from elation, to numbness, to anger,” she recalled.
Thomas’ story, though it happened long ago, is a topical one.
read more here
NBC San Diego
By Lea Sutton
Sunday, Jun 16, 2013
A local Marine Corps veteran who was sexually assaulted while serving in the military is speaking out about her experience as lawmakers take on the issue of how sexual assault in the military should be prosecuted.
Saturday was a tough day for Marine Corps veteran Everlyn Thomas. The day marked 23 years since the death of her newborn son, Taj.
Thomas says she was raped by four Marines while on active duty more than two decades ago and became pregnant. She says that when she reported the rape, she was retaliated against.
“The four marines, my rapist, put me through emotional, physical and mental abuse,” Thomas told NBC 7. Thomas was just six months into her pregnancy when Taj was born in June 1990. The newborn lived only one day.
“I went from elation, to numbness, to anger,” she recalled.
Thomas’ story, though it happened long ago, is a topical one.
read more here
Letters provide soldier's account of Battle of Gettysburg
Letters provide soldier's account of Battle of Gettysburg
Jacqueline Baylon
Digital First Media
Posted:06/16/2013
GETTYSBURG, Pa. - Union Army Sgt. Esek Hoff took cover on Cemetery Ridge under heavy fire as the Pennsylvania farmland filled with smoke.
Historians later would call the Civil War battle at Gettysburg a turning point for the United States, but all Hoff knew on that summer day in 1863 was that he was fighting for his life.
The 29-year-old Hoff and his unit, the 111th New York Infantry Volunteers, were in the middle of the Union's defensive line, trying to hold off advancing troops led by Confederate Gen. George Pickett. Hoff's unit was looking to redeem itself after surrendering to Stonewall Jackson's veterans at Harpers Ferry and getting branded "Harpers Ferry Cowards."
On July 2-3, 1863, they successfully held the center of the Union line, playing a key role in a battle that turned the tide of the Civil War.
On the 150th anniversary of that battle, which totaled about 51,000 casualties, Americans are pausing to remember the terrible fighting and what it means today. As re-enactors prepare to put on uniforms and head to Gettysburg, Hoff's detailed letters offer eyewitness accounts of that fight and others.
"I do not want nor would anyone desire to see such a sight again," Hoff wrote near Gettysburg on July 5, 1863, after the battle had ended. "Well in the charge of the rebels we lost some of our best men."
read more here
Jacqueline Baylon
Digital First Media
Posted:06/16/2013
 |
| This is Esek Hoff, 29, in uniform. He joined the 111th New York Infantry Volunteers. (Courtesy of Ken Harris) |
Historians later would call the Civil War battle at Gettysburg a turning point for the United States, but all Hoff knew on that summer day in 1863 was that he was fighting for his life.
The 29-year-old Hoff and his unit, the 111th New York Infantry Volunteers, were in the middle of the Union's defensive line, trying to hold off advancing troops led by Confederate Gen. George Pickett. Hoff's unit was looking to redeem itself after surrendering to Stonewall Jackson's veterans at Harpers Ferry and getting branded "Harpers Ferry Cowards."
On July 2-3, 1863, they successfully held the center of the Union line, playing a key role in a battle that turned the tide of the Civil War.
On the 150th anniversary of that battle, which totaled about 51,000 casualties, Americans are pausing to remember the terrible fighting and what it means today. As re-enactors prepare to put on uniforms and head to Gettysburg, Hoff's detailed letters offer eyewitness accounts of that fight and others.
"I do not want nor would anyone desire to see such a sight again," Hoff wrote near Gettysburg on July 5, 1863, after the battle had ended. "Well in the charge of the rebels we lost some of our best men."
read more here
Soldier Mom returns from Afghanistan to triplet 2 year old sons
Valley soldier returns home, reunites with her triplet boys
FOX 10 News
Posted: Jun 15, 2013
PHOENIX
It was a very special reunion for a military family Saturday after a valley soldier returned home from Afghanistan.
Technical Sergeant Tenequa Styles-Glenn is stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was deployed for six months overseas.
She was reunited with her 2-year-old triplet boys and her husband who also serves in the military.
read more here and see great video report that was too big to post here.
FOX 10 News
Posted: Jun 15, 2013
PHOENIX
It was a very special reunion for a military family Saturday after a valley soldier returned home from Afghanistan.
Technical Sergeant Tenequa Styles-Glenn is stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was deployed for six months overseas.
She was reunited with her 2-year-old triplet boys and her husband who also serves in the military.
read more here and see great video report that was too big to post here.
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