That's the message from the Berkeley City Council, which voted 6-3, with Gordon Wozniak, Betty Olds and Kriss Worthington dissenting, to tell the Marines that its Shattuck Avenue recruiting station "is not welcome in the city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders." It also voted 7-2, with Wozniak and Olds dissenting, to explore enforcing its law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation against the Marines and to encourage the women's peace group Code Pink to protest in front of the station. In a separate item, the council voted 8-1 to give Code Pink a designated parking space in front of the recruiting station once a week for six months and a free sound permit for protesting once a week from noon to 4 p.m. Councilman Gordon Wozniak opposed both items. The Marines have been in Berkeley for a little more than a year, having moved from Alameda in December 2006. For about the past four months, Code Pink has been protesting in front of the station. "I believe in the Code Pink cause. The Marines don't belong here, they shouldn't have come here, and they should leave," Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said after votes were cast.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
By Terence P. Jeffrey, Editor-in-Chief
One of those bills would have completely repealed the new tax, another would have exempted those in veteran's health programs and members of TRICARE (the government insurance plan for military personnel, veterans and their families) from its impact, and a third would have exempted children and the disabled, including disabled veterans.
WASHINGTON — The military has agreed to expedite a review the records of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder to determine whether they were improperly denied benefits.
The agreement stems from a judge's order in a class action lawsuit originally filed by seven combat veterans who alleged the military illegally denied benefits to those discharged because of the disorder during a six-year period that ended Oct. 14, 2008.
Legal notices are currently being mailed to about 4,300 veterans informing them that they can "opt-in" to the lawsuit until July 24 to participate in the expedited review. Attorneys for the veterans estimate that millions could be paid to veterans under the agreement, with some veterans receiving hundreds or more dollars in increased monthly benefits.
The National Veterans Legal Services Program was to discuss the suit at a press conference Monday.
Former Army Sgt. Juan Perez, 36, of Owosso, Mich., said the resolution of the suit filed in 2008 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims was a relief. Perez, a father of five who did two tours in Iraq, said he struggles with migraine headaches and an eye injury related to a head injury sustained in Baghdad. He also has nightmares and takes medication for his mood related to PTSD.
Since he left the military, he said he and his wife were laid off from their jobs and declared bankruptcy, in part because of medical bills from the birth of his two youngest kids.
"I'm glad that they are finally moving forward and reevaluating the soldiers that need to be reevaluated and doing the right thing," Perez said. "It's been kind of a struggle not only for myself but a lot of individuals that didn't get what they were supposed to get in the first place."
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a terrifying event where the person was physically harmed or felt threatened. Symptoms range from flashbacks to problem drinking.
The lawsuit addresses the issue of the disability rating given by the military to veterans discharged with PTSD. Each of the seven plaintiffs was given a rating of 10 percent or less.
The law requires the military to assign a disability rating of at least 50 percent to those discharged for PTSD, said Bart Stichman, co-executive director the National Veterans Legal Services Program, a nonprofit organization that represents the veterans. Since October 2008, the military has given the 50 percent rating to those discharged with PTSD, Stichman said.
The higher rating ensures that the veteran receives lifelong monthly disability payments, free health care for the veteran and the veteran's spouse, as well as health care for the veteran's minor children.
If a veteran qualifies for a higher disability rating, they may receive back pay as well as reimbursement for health care expenses.
To help the affected veterans, the National Veterans Legal Services Program and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP law firm have coordinated about 100 volunteer lawyers to offer free counseling
OUR MISSION
To establish a tangible national symbol of gratitude, as a visible public reminder to all Americans, that perpetually recognizes all military lives lost in defense of our national freedoms.
http://www.honorandremember.org/index.php
As a member of the Staten Island Vietman Vets for years & a member of the 101st Cavalry for 16 years the S.I. Wall which holds 84 members, many my comrades & classmates from Staten Island Killed-In-Action in Vietnam is a special place. This video says it all. Please watch and remember "all gave some , some gave all".
http://media.causes.com/707780
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY UPDATE 11: According to a clinical perspective published in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology researchers at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, recommend that progesterone (PROG), a naturally occurring hormone found in both males and females that can protect damaged cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems, be considered a viable treatment option for traumatic brain injuries. "Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important clinical problem in the United States and around the world," said Donald G. Stein, PhD, lead author of the paper. "TBI has received more attention recently because of its high incidence among combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan. Current Department of Defense statistics indicated that as many as 30% of wounded soldiers seen at Walter Reed Army Hospital have suffered a TBI, a finding that has stimulated government interest in developing a safe and effective treatment for this complex disorder. Growing evidence indicates that post-injury administration of PROG in a variety of brain damage models can have beneficial effects, leading to substantial and sustained improvements in brain functionality. PROG given to both males and females can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce edema (swelling) levels after TBI; in different models of cerebral ischemia (restriction of blood supply), significantly reduce the area of necrotic cell death and improve behavioral outcomes; and protect neurons distal to the injury that would normally die," said Stein.
PROG was recently tested in two phase 2 clinical trials for traumatic brain injury and will begin a phase 3 NIH sponsored trial soon. "Given its relatively high safety profile, its ease of administration, its low cost and ready availability, PROG should be considered a viable treatment option - especially because, in brain injury, so little else is currently available," said Stein. This study appears in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. [Source: American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society Heather Curry article 3 Jan 2010 ++]
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VA BENEFITS-PROGRAMS STATEMENT: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants to inform Veterans and other beneficiaries of the following changes that will take effect in 2010:
· VA will Freeze Increase in Prescription Copayments: Any increase in Veterans out-of-pocket payments for pharmaceuticals will be delayed until June 30, 2010. This means the department will delay a scheduled $1 increase – to $9 – in the copayments facing Veterans for each 30-day supply of medicine for the treatment of conditions not related to military service. During this period, VA will also keep $960 as the maximum, annual out-of-pocket payments for pharmaceuticals for non-service-related conditions. The $960 cap will not apply to Veterans in priority groups seven and eight. The yearly maximum out-of-pocket payment was scheduled to increase to $1,080. There are no copayments associated with the treatment of conditions related to military service.
· VA will Distribute Insurance Dividends: Approximately 900,000 Veterans are in line to share $286.4 million in annual insurance dividends during 2010. VA operates one of the nation’s largest life insurance programs, providing more than $1 Trillion in coverage to seven million servicemembers, Veterans, and family members. These payments will be made to insurance policy holders on the anniversary date of their policies. Payments will be sent automatically through different payment plans and the amounts will vary based on the age of the Veteran, the type of insurance, and the length of time the policy has been in place. Consistent with private mutual insurance company practice, the VA is returning a portion of premium payments back to policyholders because the agency had strong financial results. Veterans who have questions about their policies may contact the VA insurance toll-free number at 1-800-669-8477 send an email to VAinsurance@va.gov. They may also visit the Internet at www.insurance.va.gov
Cape Cod AMVETS Post 333 has literally raised the roof for Veterans Day. And added one more chapter to the AMVETS motto, "Veterans Helping Veterans."
Three weeks ago Post 333 was contacted by the VA center in Hyannis regarding a Gulf War disabled vet in need of assistance. The Air Force vet had lost her husband and has a teenage girl. She was diagnosed with cancer, lost her jobs, and almost lost her house. After long and painful treatment, the cancer is in remission.
But her roof and kitchen ceiling were another story. A group from AMVETS went over to inspect the "leak" and discovered the entire roof needed replacement, and fast. Water was pouring in, and heat was pouring out. The AMVETS temporarily covered the roof with a tarp and put the call out to get the job done by Veterans Day. The new roof was installed on Monday, November 9, two days ahead of time.
This was a true community effort involving AMVETS, local businesses and organizations, and individual Cape Codders. The labor and expertise were donated by Healy Brothers Construction, the roof shingles by Mid-Cape Home Centers, and the disposal container by Nauset Disposal. Volunteers too numerous to mention will do the ceiling, the floors, and related work.
The vet is now attending Nursing School at Cape Cod Community College hoping to give back to those in need. And living in a dry, warm house.
NOV. 19th
Amvets Post 333 singers performed at the University of Rhode Island at their Veterans Expo.
Memorial Unserviceable Flag Boxes are now placed troughout the Mid-Cape Visit Amvets Post 333 for locations.
The VA Death Book brought back to life by President Barack Obama.
Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos of Yarmouthport died of combat wounds on 6/23/09 in Helmand province, Afghanistan
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/_flash/gallery/gallery.html&Avis=CC&Dato=20090725&Kategori=MEDIA0102&Lopenr=725002&Ref=PH http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090726/NEWS/907260332 http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090726/NEWS/907260334Artist Robert John Cook is hosting a local cable television program that is designed to bring together military veterans and artists Cape Cod Times
Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans
SPECIAL VA HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED IN COMBAT THEATERS1. SPECIAL VA HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED IN COMBAT
THEATERS
This info has been slow to get out! Please share at any and all
opportunities. Particularly those of you actively engaged in support of
the active military, Guard and Reserves.
It also has implications for Combat Veterans who applied for enrollment
after 16 January 2003 and for new enrollees discharged from active duty
on or after 28 January 2004.
Feed to Amvets Post 333 CH 17 TV programs
SOLON ECONOMOU'S EDITORIALS IN THE CAPE COD TIMES HAS SUPPORTED VETERANS FOR YEARS.
http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/Solon Amvets visit to Eagle Nursing Home 12/15
Amvets Veterans Day Cerremonies at Merrill Park 11/11
Welcome Home From Iraq Cookout for 126th Aviation Given by Amvets Post 333
Cape Cod Times article on State support for Veterans seeking lawyers at no cost
Cape veterans will have a new VA outreach soon. Thanks to all veterans and elected officials who made it happen.
VA to hire Iraq, Afgan Vets -For more info Visit
http://www.veteranshour.com/
bravenet.com