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Military personnel costs for retirees versus active-duty service members are among the “most politically sensitive” competing interests within the fiscal 2013 Defense Department budget process, according to a new analysis from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Andrew Krepinevich, CSBA’s president, called personnel costs in the future years’ defense plan “the 600-pound gorilla,” and CSBA senior fellow Todd Harrison urged leaders to address the uncomfortable topic now. http://www.govexec.com/defense/2012/02/budget-debate-pits-military-retiree-interests-against-those-active-duty-analysts-warn/41141/

This is my tribute to our brave warriors who served in Vietnam. Our forgotten war which we Americans have yet to come to terms with. The truth needs to be told some day.

"Sixty-three years ago this week something happened in Three Rivers, 80 miles south of here, that put the town on Page 1 of the Jan. 13, 1949, New York Times: “GI of Mexican Origin, Denied Rights in Texas, to Be Buried in Arlington.” And, said Walter Winchell, renowned radio newsman of the day: “The state of Texas, which looms so large on the map, certainly looks small tonight.” The story became a blot on Three Rivers and was a catalyst for the American GI Forum and the spread of civil rights and pride among Mexican Americans here and elsewhere. However,...

Three individuals - including a former top aide to Gov. Scott Walker - were charged Thursday with felonies as part of the ongoing John Doe investigation into Walker staffers. Tim Russell, a longtime Walker campaign and county staffer, was charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor count of embezzlement. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said the charges are tied to Operation Freedom, an annual military appreciation day held at the zoo. Chisholm said some of the stolen money was intended for the families of Wisconsin soldiers who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Funds also were used...

Christmas light shows are always a big hit around this time of year, but this one goes the extra mile. This year, Freedom AutoSport put together this fantastically awesome patriotic display. Check it out below, and please be sure to visit SemperFiFund.org to help give back to those who protect our freedom.

The mayor of Richmond, Calif. plans to skip her city’s Veterans Day memorial events to attend an Occupy rally, a choice that’s prompting anger and criticism. Mayor Gayle McLaughlin will miss a Veterans Day salute Friday in favor of an Occupy Richmond “public speak out,” the San Jose Mercury News reported. McLaughlin defended her decision, telling the newspaper that the city is not sponsoring the Veterans Day event, and the rally she will attend will honor Scott Olsen, the Iraq war veteran injured at an Occupy Oakland rally last month. Richmond and Oakland, both in the San Francisco Bay Area,...

I was talking with a young man about his experience in Iraq and I said,… I served in a different era the Vietnam War and we had the likes of Jane Fonda. He did not have a clue as to who Jane Fonda was and what she had done. Bang Big Surprise!

Vietnam Veterans Tribute This video I did for the Veterans Museum in Chehalis, WA for their Vietnam Vets tribute. I think the story shows the the medal of everyday Americans who serve our country and are put into difficult positions.

President Barack Obama vowed on Monday to do “everything” in his “power” to “act on behalf of the American people with or without Congress.” Obama announced three administrative actions that the White House is taking to help veterans find employment as “part of a series of executive actions to put Americans back to work and strengthen the economy.”

Restaurants: Abuelo’s Mexican Food - Abuelo’s offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included. Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at Applebee’s on Veterans Day. Chili’s — Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day. Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on Nov. 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome. Hooters — All...

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul blasted President Obama's budget-reduction proposal Tuesday, saying that the suggestion to raise co-pays for military veterans is "unjust and immoral." "Failing to meet the promises we have made to our troops would be unjust and immoral," Paul said in an open letter to Obama. "Our military men and women have fought bravely. In exchange, our country made a promise to them, and we must honor it." The Obama plan proposes a $200 annual fee for retired military families who want to continue coverage under a Tricare-for-Life program that supplements Medicare coverage for veterans over 65....

snip... By far the most contentious proposal circulating in Washington is from a Pentagon advisory panel, the Defense Business Board. It would make the military pension system, a defined benefit plan, more like a 401(k) plan under which the Pentagon would make contributions to a service member’s individual account; contributions by the troops themselves would be optional. Mr. Panetta has said that if adopted, the plan would not apply to current military personnel.

SIERRA VISTA — The carillon pealed 11 times at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Tuesday. Once the echoes of the bells chiming the time of day faded, a voice yelled out, “Detail Attention,” followed by, “Present Arms.” It was the start of a ceremony to honor veterans whose remains had not been claimed, either because they were homeless or indigent when death took them. Soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen carried the urns holding the cremains of 18, who were honored before being taken to a columbarium in the cemetery to be placed in individual niches. They were to finally...

SIERRA VISTA — A pair of events to honor veterans will be held Friday and Tuesday at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery off of Buffalo Soldier Trail. One event will honor Army Air Forces fighter pilots of World War II, seven of whom are holding their last reunion in Arizona. Included among the seven is Sierra Vista resident John Olmstead, 88, who flew on combat missions over Europe with the 374th Squadron, which was part of the 361st Fighter Group. His wife, Nancy, said age is the main reason for making this the last reunion, as the former fighter...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) - A Marine who fought in the Battle of Okinawa urged Americans on Friday to honor those who served in World War II now, while veterans from that conflict are still alive. E. Bruce Heilman, speaking at a ceremony marking the 66th year since the end of the war, noted fewer than 2 million of the 16 million men and women who served in the war are alive. They are dying at a rate of 30,000 per month, he said.

Veterans Summoned to White House, Told to Brace for CutsUpdated Wednesday, July 27, 2011; 07:21 PM By Anne Moore BECKLEY -- Leaders of veterans groups met with administration officials Tuesday to discuss what is at stake if Congress cannot come to a consensus. President Obama has said that if a default occurs, the administration will be forced to prioritize who gets paid. That means those receiving veterans benefits, social security, unemployment insurance, tuition grants, food stamps, and child care subsidies may be forced to compete for coverage. “If that happens, and we default, we would not have enough money to...

New Jersey: Christie Veto of Planned Parenthood Tax-Funds Upheld Trenton, NJ -- Democrats in the New Jersey legislature were unable to override a veto pro-life Gov. Chris Christie issued to prevent taxpayers in the Garden State from having to fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business. http://www.lifenews.com/2011/07/11/new-jersey-christie-veto-of-planned-parenthood-tax-funds-upheld/

Need a little help with voting

VOTE ON Wed., JUNE 15, 2011 for Aleethia Foundation at facebook.com/toyotaGet more info The Aleethia Foundation supports recently injured troops in their rehabilitation upon returning home Dear Friends and Supporters of The Aleethia Foundation: Thank you for visiting the Aleethia Foundation's web site. We are a small non profit dedicated to helping the newly injured troops. We are just a few people, all volunteers, trying to aid in the initial phase of recovery. We do this by providing dinners, short term recreation outings and small grants. We have been doing dinners every Friday night since October of 2003. We occasionally take pictures...

I cannot find ANY live feed for the Rolling Thunder rally. I thought C-Span was supposed to start coverage starting 12:45 - 2pm, but they aren't. Did they get "notice" not to? I'm really ticked off.

A vet's body lies alone in a cooled room in the Gates of Heaven Funeral Home in Detroit, thanks to the grace of its 66-year-old owner, Joseph Norris, who said, "My heart told me I had to do this."

FORT HUACHUCA — For many, MIA means missing in action, signifying the location of the remains of members of America’s armed forces are unknown. But there is another meaning for a special MIA project — missing in America. It involves the remains of indigent, homeless or unclaimed remains of veterans. Monday, 18 sets of cremains, of veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, along with service in what is considered the Cold War, will be interred at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, along with the wife of one of...

In honor of Military Families Week, AOL salutes the many movie stars who've served our country, many of whom -- like George C. Scott and Henry Fonda -- also starred in the most famous war movies of all time. Clark Gable enlisted at age 43 after losing wife Carole Lombard to the war effort, but some stars, including Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Stewart, were already in the service when the U.S. entered World War II. Others, like Gene Hackman and Harvey Keitel, did their service before becoming famous. (And both left home early to join up.) Please join us in...

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., March 30, 2011 – Sheila James threw her arms up in joy, flashing a smile that stretched from ear to ear as she celebrated a personal victory during the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic here yesterday. Elden Miller, a former Army sergeant blinded during a truck explosion at Fort Carson, Colo., finds the “Miracle on the Mountain” while blazing independently down the wide-open spaces of Colorado’s Snowmass Mountain at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, March 29, 2011. Accompanying him is volunteer ski instructor Jerry Miserandino. DOD photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution...

NASHUA – Following a community outcry, organizers of a respected women's seminar have retracted their invitation to have actress Jane Fonda speak at the event. With threats of a possible protest looming, Fonda will no longer serve as the keynote speaker for the New Hampshire Women's Leadership Summit scheduled for June 10 at Nashua Community College. Last week, several veterans spoke in opposition of Fonda's public appearance in New Hampshire, calling her a traitor and anti-American. "In recent days, we have heard voices in our community expressing moving objections to the selection of our main keynote speaker," Dr. Annabel Beerel,...

Jim Beam and Kid Rock, The Secret to Getting Things Done? Even though they’re not familiar with his songs, I hope the Vietnam vets attending the Kid Rock concert Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena receive an acknowledgment from the star of the show — and maybe a few of the fans at the sold-out event. It’s been more than 40 years in the making. To understand the significance of what is happening Tuesday, we need to go back to the mid 1960s, when Grand Rapids resident Rick Falls joined a handful of other teenage and 20-something soldiers from around...

Retired Master Sergeant LeRoy Foster is haunted by the job that launched his 20-year career in the US Air Force—spraying herbicides along perimeter fences and fuel pipelines at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. This duty seemed inconsequential, field maintenance work done amid B-52 bombers thundering in and out to refuel for bombing raids over Vietnam and a beehive of other military operations buzzing at Navy bases on the small island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. Despite nasty outbreaks of acne that a military doctor recorded in a 1968 medical report, he couldn’t imagine that the government-issued weed-killers might be planting...

SOLDIERS who suffer repeated wounds or injury on frontline service, including in Afghanistan, are being denied compensation under a government scheme. The grouped assessment used by the Department of Veterans Affairs means that points allocated to a previous wound or injury can cancel out those for a later one. Diggers who have already been compensated for being hurt in a war zone face the prospect of being turned down if they are injured again on their return to active duty. Lawyers for defence personnel affected by the anomaly are launching legal appeals against the government to secure payouts for them...

Vietnam Wall First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear. Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person, or at least their bio and medals.

"Let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived... and died"This Reagan speech over some exceptional footage and soundtrack was put together last year, and well worth 6 minutes of your time on this Veterans Day 2010... a little bit of due respect for our nation's greatest from Ronaldus Maximus can only do you good while we're still stuck with the insolent, ingrateful, and clueless Obama Administration. Enjoy, and like The Gipper so often said- may God Bless the United States of America...[orig. video at YouTube -here-] VIDEO/links/more at Reaganite Republican_________________

On this Veterans Day, please take a moment to remember all those who served in uniform past and present. Though the words in this famous poem are about a soldier, they apply to every member of our armed services. God bless them all. May we never forget the sacrifices made to secure our liberty. It’s the Soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us the freedom of the press. It’s the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech. It’s the Soldier, not the politicians, Who ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of...

In July, the (NEH) sponsored a workshop on “History and Commemoration: The Legacies of the Pacific War in WWII” for college professors in Hawaii. Professor Penelope Blake, a veteran professor of Humanities at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill., was one of 25 American scholars chosen to attend the workshop, but was reportedly disheartened to find the conference “driven by an overt political bias and a blatant anti-American agenda.” Professor Blake is now reportedly calling on Congress to implement better oversight over the NEH. In a letter addressed directly to her Illinois congressman, Rep. Don Manzullo, Blake documents conference details...

All right... all you guys... listen up! I just got off the phone with Sarah Palin. She is coming to Orlando for a big Victory 2010 rally.... and she has invited all vets to attend for free! That's right, she wants all us current and former Grunts, Squids, Blue suiters, Marines, and Coasties to be her special guests this Saturday, October 23d. The event is at the Marriott World Center near Walt Disney World. Admission is normally as much as $90 for this Victory 2010 fundraiser, with all the profits going to ensure a strong Conservative victory this year! If...

Despite the idiotic VFW support of LTC (ret) Allen West's opponent, over 500 VFW members supported LTC West at this event hosted by the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Leathernecks MC. Congressional candidate LTC (ret) Allen West addressing a gathering of veterans at the Vets For West Rally in Delray Beach, FL on September 25, 2010.

SNIP On Saturday, Olivarez took Mia to the Westcott Veterinary Care Center on Grand River in Detroit to put her down. Afterward, he took the dog's remains back home and put them in his garage as he planned to bury the dog on Sunday. But when he went into the garage the next morning, he discovered Mia wide awake. "I was shocked," said Olivarez. SNIP

Despite a federal law requiring military ballots to mail by 9/18, military ballots across New York have not mailed as of today. The Justice Department has done nothing but talk about it. The 2010 debacle involving military ballots just became surreal. New York City and Westchester Country are but two of the several New York jurisdictions which admitted that they failed to mail military ballots. This fact should have been known on October 2, when the Justice Department should have marched into court seeking an immediate order that the ballots be sent — preferably by rapid express mail.Instead, a Justice...

"Iraq Veteran Stripped of Right To Bear Arms," 5 News Ft Smith-Fayetteville tells us.Why?"A year ago the Irelan's began receiving a small stipend from Veterans Affairs because Lana had to take over the family's finances...The V.A. declared Wayne Irelan incompetent and now his right to own a gun is gone."Why would they do that, and what are the repercussions? "Irelan has post traumatic stress disorder from the Iraq war, but his wife says he has never been violent...The couple didn't know Wayne's gun rights had been terminated until they went to get a gun out of pawn. Days later Wayne...

...“This is personal to me,” he said. “I would be speaking with a German accent right now instead of a French accent if it weren’t for you,” he told the vets. French is the national language of Belgium. Diplomats from both Belgium and Luxembourg were in attendance at both events Saturday. Belgian Air Force Brig. Gen. Mike Delobel, defense attaché for the Belgian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Consul Mario Wiesen of Luxembourg said they were there to recognize the contribution the veterans made in the liberation of their countries. “It’s a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’,” Wiesen said....

Demetri “Dee” Paris of Silver Spring, Md., stood on the 50-yard line of Williams-Brice Stadium next to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, “2001” blaring, fans roaring and Gamecock players flooding the field in what has been called the greatest entrance in sports. “Wow,” said the 95-year-old president of the national Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge organization, who had just tossed the coin to open the game. “I live near the University of Maryland, but it’s nothing like this. This is wild!” Battle of the Bulge veteran Leif Maseng from Columbia rode with other veterans in a procession from Uptown...

War is never a lukewarm topic of discussion – most are either for it or against it, none lacking opinions. War may be between countries, but in the trenches it is about the people: troops on the ground, in the air, on the sea. It is people who fight, people who are wounded, people who come home to loved ones – or not. Such casualties are not forgotten, but live on in memories others cherish as the bodies rest in graves. Birthdays are remembered and anniversaries marked in a myriad of ways as families honor those who served. The U.S....

Share a NiteCap and an interview with HonestConservative, Tonight at 8 pm est. Welcome our guests to this most important show. Welcome back to Freedom Radio, Tim Brown retired firefighter of the FDNY, survivor of the 911 attacks and founder of http:thebravest.com . We will shine the light of truth on the finances behind the Ground Zero Mosque, and who is responsible. The terrorist links between these investors and the project will be revealed. Go to http://911familiesforamerica.org for more. Tim is also one of this year's recipients of the Freedom Flame Award from the Center for Security Policy. Kieran Lalor...

Recent media reports have declared that timely, dignified care should be provided to returning servicemen and women. At the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, we completely agree. America's soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen deserve the very finest medical care. Earned at enlistment, it is America's sacred promise to them. Nationally, and here in southeast Texas, VA works hard to honor that promise. Since 2003, more than 1.5 million military personnel have served and returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Roughly 40% have enrolled for care in a high-tech, quality-focused VA system, including more than 8,500 southeast Texas sons...

A few months back I wrote a story about Veterans for Congress, focusing in particular on Marine Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch, who is running for Congress in San Diego’s 51st district. “Gunny Pop” as he was affectionately known in the Corps, was grievously wounded in the first battle for Fallujah, Iraq, when he was hit in the head by an enemy RPG. Medically retired, he lost one eye and retains 8 percent use in his second eye, only because of the medical staff’s heroic efforts and Nick’s indomitable spirit. Nick earned the Silver Star for his battlefield bravery and innovation....

I Fought For You By The Sound Tank

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government is taking what President Barack Obama calls "a long overdue step" to aid veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, making it easier for them to receive federal benefits. The changes that Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki will announce Monday fulfill "a solemn responsibility to provide our veterans and wounded warriors with the care and benefits they've earned when they come home," Obama said in his weekly radio and online address Saturday. The new rules will apply not only to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but also those who served in previous conflicts.

Some of the best reporting to come out of Normandy in the aftermath of the D-day landings. Even across the gap of years, his words are incredibly powerful. Column 1 A Pure Miracle NORMANDY BEACHHEAD, June 12, 1944 - Due to a last-minute alteration in the arrangements, I didn’t arrive on the beachhead until the morning after D-day, after our first wave of assault troops had hit the shore. By the time we got here the beaches had been taken and the fighting had moved a couple of miles inland. All that remained on the beach was some sniping and...

A news story tonight reported that only 40% of those surveyed knew someone who had died in the service of Ameica. SAo, this being Memorial Day weekend, I'd like to ask my fellow FReepers to list the names of those you personally knew who have given their lives in the service of their country. I will start. Pfc John Mark Price Army killed during operation Just Cause in Panama, 1989 Hometown: Conover, Wisconsin http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/historical_information/casualties_just_cause.html

Last month the Supreme Court declared that the Mojave Cross on Sunrise Rock could stay where it was. It was put up 75 years ago to honor World War I troops.10 days later (leftist) vandals stole the 75 year-old cross from the rock. Yesterday federal authorities removed the second cross that was put up to replace the first one. The Press-Enterprise reported: The Mojave Cross saga took yet another unexpected turn Thursday, when the contested symbol that vanished last week reappeared briefly before being taken down by federal officials. National Park Service officials learned Thursday morning that a cross again...

Decorated Vietnam prisoner of war Orson Swindle Wednesday endorsed Republican Rob Simmons in the Connecticut Senate race. The support comes at an opportune time -- just two days after the New York Times reported that leading Democratic candidate Attorney General Richard Blumenthal had wrongly said he had served in Vietnam. Swindle was Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) from 1997 to 2005 and he also served the Reagan administration. He retired from the Marine Corp as a Lieutenant Colonel. In a statement, Swindle praised Simmons as “my fellow Vietnam Veteran” and offered a sharp critique of Blumenthal that recalled his own days...

One of those who stood with the AG has already drawn scrutiny. Elliott Storm of Milford. Conservative veterans groups and bloggers claim that Storm is a poser who invented a record of heroism . . . Phil Vasington, president of Leathernecks Connecticut MC, a group of Marines who also happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts, was annoyed when he spotted a newspaper photo of one of his members at the press conference wearing the club's official regalia. "We're a non-political organization,'' Vasington said this morning. "We're not taking a stance on the issue." But when a member wearing the group's vest...