http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/oifveterans/ en-us Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:50:29 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049398/posts Do any So Cal Freepers want to meet several true Heroes? Pfc xxxxx,US ARMY is home on leave from Ft. Sam Houston. He was hit by an IED in the sand box and suffered burns about his body. He lost several buddies in the attack. He is undergoing therapy at Fisher House in Texas. Our hero, xxxxx, wrote the following before he went in. "I go because" I go for a multitude of reasons, many which make sense to me alone and cannot be expressed in words, for words can never describe the deepest truisms in life. I go to... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049398/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:50:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048570/posts A US army medic who became a symbol of American heroism and integrity in the Iraq war has died of an apparent drugs overdose. telegraph.co.uk http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048570/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:48:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048412/posts Sunday JULY 20, 2008 Murtha outraised in most recent quarter By MICHELLE GANASSI Daily American Staff Writer In April, William Russell's name didn't even appear on the ballot because of a challenge to signatures on his nominating petition. Three months later, Russell has outraised Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, by $511,000 in the most recent fundraising quarter. The quarter ended on June 30. While the veteran congressmen still has more than $1.6 million in the bank compared to $918,000 for the Army lieutenant colonel, the money is a much needed boost for the political newcomer's campaign. “The average American is saying... Daily American (Somerset, PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048412/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:08:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044840/posts Daniel Gilyeat sauntered through the back door to the offices of Cycle Connections, an online motorcycle magazine, then paused and scratched his chin. He was more than a little aware that a roomful of mechanics and Hooters employees on a Saturday afternoon meant something was up. “Danny, you need to come here,” said sales manager Dave Miller. “For all the things you do to keep us safe, we wanted to give you an opportunity to get back on the road.” Miller then turned to the mechanics. “Go ahead.” Without a word, they pulled a sheet off a sparkling deep blue... KC Star http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044840/posts#comment Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:31:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044437/posts Vets for Freedom 'Four Months to Victory' Campaign On July 9, 2008, Vets for Freedom (VFF) kicked off a nationwide campaign entitled “Four Months For Victory.” This grassroots effort, combined with a $1.5 million media buy, will remind Virginians of the importance of success in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror as a whole. VFF was founded two years ago by combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Today, our organization carries membership of 25,000 in all fifty states. The Virginia organization has 350 registered members, as well as countless supporters. We represent the courage, conviction and commitment... Modern Conservative http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2044437/posts#comment Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:27:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041754/posts "...Fred Wilpon, the owner of the New York Mets... unveiled this July Fourth weekend, is an ambitious effort to raise $100 million to provide free psychological counseling for returning veterans and jobs for those who need them." Time http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041754/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:03:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041178/posts For the first time, the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is about to get a substantial hand from advertisements by an outside group. Conservative and Republican groups have been largely quiet, leaving McCain heavily outmatched by Sen. Barack Obama's campaign fundraising juggernaut. Next week, Vets for Freedom — a 20,000-member, nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — plans to begin spending more than $1 million on a TV campaign that will include Ohio, Virginia and New Mexico. The group plans to spend millions more and to add other states to the... Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041178/posts#comment Sat, 5 Jul 2008 18:25:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037021/posts  PHOENIX, AZ, June 26, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - On Tuesday, the State of Arizona passed a bill known as "Jesse's Law", which will help protect incapacitated patients from being euthanized.  The new law, inspired by the ordeal of Jesse Ramirez, closed a loophole in the decision-making process for patients who are physically unable to communicate their wishes regarding medical care.House Bill 2823 establishes a court process to obtain an emergency order to prevent a surrogate decision-maker from withdrawing the administration of food or fluid from an incapacitated patient.Jesse Ramirez was seriously injured in a May 30, 2007, car accident. Barely 10... LifeSiteNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037021/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:44:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032331/posts "The government is testing drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior on hundreds of military veterans, using small cash payments to attract patients into medical experiments that often target distressed soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, a Washington Times/ABC News investigation has found." Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032331/posts#comment Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:44:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025076/posts WASHINGTON, June 2, 2008 – Building or remodeling homes to accommodate the needs of severely wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is the way Kirt Rebello and everyone else involved with “Homes for Our Troops” have chosen to thank servicemembers for their sacrifice. “A wounded servicemember’s life is forever changed,” Rebello -- vice president and projects director for Homes for Our Troops – said during an interview on “ASY Live,” a program on BlogTalkRadio.com that’s part of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025076/posts#comment Tue, 3 Jun 2008 00:54:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2022748/posts On Friday, Vets for Freedom PAC released an advertisement featuring Iraq war veteran Sergeant Garrett Anderson. The ad points out that Senator Obama was unwilling to meet with Illinois veterans, has never met with General Petraeus, and hasn’t visited Iraq in over two years. The facts are the facts, and the ad speaks for itself. The Virginian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2022748/posts#comment Thu, 29 May 2008 01:49:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2021834/posts Cannot post: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-26-iraqvets_N.htm http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2021834/posts#comment Tue, 27 May 2008 12:32:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2021383/posts All too familiar with the gambles of war, Jimmy Kinsey, Kyle Riley and a few dozen fellow soldiers landed in the desert. But for these guys this Memorial Day, the most at stake is a few bucks. The soldiers-turned-high rollers took a private jet to Las Vegas over the weekend for an all-expenses-paid getaway with all the perks normally saved for casinos' richest regulars. They were greeted at the airport by Wayne Newton, chilled backstage with the guys from Blue Man Group and hobnobbed with Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino mogul who runs Las Vegas Sands Corp. and paid for... Yahoo news http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2021383/posts#comment Mon, 26 May 2008 12:11:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008948/posts US Marines poured into a lawless town in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand province — the first time a sizeable American force has fought in the largely British sector of the country for several years. About 2,400 Marines, many veterans of the war in Iraq, were involved in the dawn assault on Garmser. Helicopters and armoured vehicles surrounded the town, known as a Taleban stronghold and big staging post for drug traffickers involved in the thriving opium trade in Helmand. “We haven’t seen anybody who isn’t carrying a gun,” said Major Tom Clinton, the commander of US forces at Forward Operating Base... Times Online (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008948/posts#comment Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:58:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008861/posts PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2008 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called on the citizens of Philadelphia last night to embrace those who have lost loved ones or who have been wounded in service to America. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen received the Gold Medal of the Union League of Philadelphia during a ceremony at the 1862 building, right down the street from City Hall. The league was established during the Civil War as an organization to help restore the Union, and it has pursued its mission to uphold the nation for the 135 years since. Mullen challenged... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008861/posts#comment Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:16:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002404/posts To All,Lt. Col. Allen West is a candidate for the U.S. Congress,  22nd District of Florida.  I have been very impressed with what I have learned about Col. West and think he may have a real chance against his one-term opponent.  Here are some links and information to introduce you to this hero and to someone whom I believe will make an outstanding Congressman:  ALLEN WEST FOR CONGRESS-website (Note Col. West not only served in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq, but  was also a teacher!)  Meet Lt. Col. West through this VIDEO  There’s a case to be made against... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002404/posts#comment Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:24:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003902/posts For thousands of troops who have seen the war in Iraq first hand, the mission is a personal one even after they take off the uniform. Concerns about where that war may be heading is putting some local veterans face to face with lawmakers, fighting a different side of Operation Iraqi freedom. For retired Navy Veteran Chris Chilson, time with family is a luxury he's still getting used to. Afternoons spent together were few and far between during his 20 years on board aircraft carriers, some of them spent in the searing heat of the Iraqi desert. Chilson says, "It... The KTTC TV http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003902/posts#comment Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:37:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003334/posts Roughly one in every five U.S. troops who have survived the bombs and other dangers of Iraq and Afghanistan now suffers from major depression or post-traumatic stress, an independent study said Thursday. It estimated the toll at 300,000 or more. As many or more report possible brain injuries from explosions or other head wounds, said the study, the first major survey from outside the government. Only about half of those with mental health problems have sought treatment. Even fewer of those with head injuries have seen doctors. Army Surgeon General Eric Schoomaker said the report, from the Rand Corp., was... San Luis Obispo Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003334/posts#comment Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:47:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003282/posts 'One in five US servicemen has brain injury' By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent Last Updated: 3:26am BST 18/04/2008 The psychological toll of America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has touched one in five servicemen and its consequences will be long-lasting, a study suggested yesterday. The Rand Corporation, a leading research operation, said that 320,000 soldiers suffered brain injuries on the battlefield, while more than 300,000 suffered mental disorders on returning home. The report said that US veterans are incurring "invisible wounds" of war, most notably traumatic brain injury. A survey of 1,926 soldiers represented a statistically significant sample of... The Telegraph (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003282/posts#comment Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:21:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002803/posts A coalition of 16 Iraq War Veterans have united to support each other for a run at Capitol Hill. In a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. last week, timed to coincide with the arrival of Gen. David Petreus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker to Capitol Hill, six members of “Iraq Veterans for Congress,” IVC, outlined their frustration over the lack of representation in Congress of the new generation of veterans. (snip) Lt. Col. William Russell, an Airborne Ranger, husband, father and small business owner has a tougher fight on his hands in his congressional race than... Human Events http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002803/posts#comment Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:58:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003086/posts WASHINGTON (Reuters) - About 300,000 U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, but about half receive no care, an independent study said on Thursday. The study by the RAND Corp. also estimated that another 320,000 troops have sustained a possible traumatic brain injury during deployment. But researchers could not say how many of those cases were serious or required treatment. Billed as the first large-scale nongovernmental survey of its kind, the study found that stress disorder and depression afflict 18.5 percent of the more than 1.5 million U.S. forces who have deployed... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003086/posts#comment Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:54:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002165/posts WASHINGTON, April 15, 2008 – Wounded veterans who once enjoyed sports and being outdoors have the opportunity once again, courtesy of a program in Alabama. “Lakeshore Foundation’s ‘Lima Foxtrot Programs for Injured Military’ help servicemen and women adapt sports and recreation activities so they may get back to living healthy, active, independent lives,” said Susan Katz, the foundation’s communications coordinator. “These programs are open to military personnel who have sustained severe service-related injuries in recent warfare in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations in the world.” For more than 20 years, the Lakeshore Foundation has worked to enable people with... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002165/posts#comment Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:25:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999298/posts On a gray Tuesday morning on Capitol Hill Sen. John McCain addressed several hundred members of Vets for Freedom -- the largest Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' organizations in the country. In DC's upper Senate Park, McCain and other pro-victory Senators and Congressmen rallied for success in Iraq. The event was timed to support the same day U.S. Commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker returned to Washington to present their latest progress reports. Washington was one of VFF's last stops in the three-week National Heroes Tour, on which members spoke to and encouraged crowds... Human Events http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1999298/posts#comment Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:02:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1998423/posts In 2006, the Democrats had some success with a slate of veterans who used their military credentials to argue against the war... "Iraq's going to be a tough issue for everybody, but we're going to be uniquely positioned to deal with it," says former Marine Cpl. Keiran Lalor, a Republican running in the Hudson Valley of New York. "The Democrats went around and found the exception to the rule: They found the Iraq vets against the war." The Republican vets have linked themselves to Sen. McCain's presidential bid and hope to ride to victory on his coattails. While most of... Wall Street Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1998423/posts#comment Tue, 8 Apr 2008 14:02:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997598/posts One evening last July, Senator John McCain of Arizona arrived at the New Hampshire home of Erin Flanagan for sandwiches, chocolate-chip cookies and heartfelt talk about Iraq. They had met at a presidential debate, when she asked the candidates what they would do to bring home American soldiers — soldiers like her brother, who had been killed in action a few months earlier. Mr. McCain did not bring cameras or a retinue. Instead, he brought his youngest son, James McCain, 19, then a private first class in the Marine Corps about to leave for Iraq. Father and son sat down... The New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997598/posts#comment Sun, 6 Apr 2008 17:09:51 GMT