Help available for veterans with PTSD
August 31, 2009
DANIEL THOMPSON
Staff Writer
staffwriter1@occc.edu
Educators at OCCC can play a critical role in helping military veterans when they re-enter society through the doorway of higher education, said Rob Braese, a clinical psychologist.
Braese said he works at the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Hospital at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and one of his specialties is treating veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“You have a unique role and opportunity to help veterans re-tool their lives.” Braese said to the OCCC staff. “One of the more significant difficulties is readjustment.
“You do not just go into battle. A soldier has to be trained.”
Too often the flip side of the coin is ignored.
read more here
http://www.okc.cc.ok.us/pioneer/Archives/August_31_2009/news4.html
Friday, August 28, 2009
Congressman Crenshaw looking to honor Vietnam vets
This all sounds really good and should be done.
But according to VoteSmart, it is not what his practice has been, so maybe he should keep looking at how he can really honor the Vietnam Veterans and all veterans. It's easy to say you support veterans but it is proven when we really do it. He seems to have done better for the newer veterans but does not have a track record of support. Maybe there is hope for him?
Crenshaw looking to honor Vietnam vets
08/28/2009
from staff
Fourth-Congressional District Vietnam-era veterans will receive certificates of Special Recognition from U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw in a Nov. 10 ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The application deadline to receive the honor is Oct. 13.
“Vietnam veterans served our country with distinction during one of our most tumultuous times as a nation,” said Crenshaw. “They answered the call of duty, but when they returned home many did not receive the recognition they properly deserved. These brave individuals helped fight for freedom and democracy at a time when their country needed them, and this ceremony will help show our appreciation.”
In the past two years, Crenshaw has recognized nearly 500 Vietnam veterans eligible for either the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal. This year’s ceremony will recognize the contributions of all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marines, during the dates of the Vietnam War, March 1, 1961–April 1975. Armed Forces members who qualified for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal by service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965 will also be recognized. Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Diplomatic Corps members serving in Southeast Asia during the periods above are also eligible for special recognition. click link for more
But according to VoteSmart, it is not what his practice has been, so maybe he should keep looking at how he can really honor the Vietnam Veterans and all veterans. It's easy to say you support veterans but it is proven when we really do it. He seems to have done better for the newer veterans but does not have a track record of support. Maybe there is hope for him?
VoteSmart Vetean's Issues
http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=31130
Veterans Issues
(Back to top)
2007-2008 In 2007-2008 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Representative Crenshaw a grade of B.
2006 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 66 percent in 2006.
2006 In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Representative Crenshaw a grade of C+.
2006 Representative Crenshaw sponsored or co-sponsored 14 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.
2005 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2005.
2004 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2004.
2004 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 33 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 38 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the American Veterans 50 percent in 2003.
2003 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2003.
2003 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the The American Legion 40 percent in 2003.
2001 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 100 percent in 2001.
2001 Representative Crenshaw supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 77 percent in 2001.
Fundraisers scheduled for family of slain Tampa police Cpl. Mike Roberts
Fundraisers scheduled for family of slain Tampa police Cpl. Mike Roberts
By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, August 28, 2009
TAMPA — With three family-friendly events scheduled in the next week, people who want to donate to the grieving family of slain Tampa police Cpl. Mike Roberts have more options than heading to a local credit union.
From radio-controlled car racing to a professional hockey scrimmage to a barbecue, there are lots of choices.
Friday night, families can head over to Ronnie Setser Customs, 7321/2 N Dale Mabry Highway, where they'll be racing radio-controlled cars to raise money for Roberts' family.
Roberts was shot to death Aug. 19 while checking on a suspicious person. He leaves a 3-year-old son and a wife.
read more here
Fundraisers scheduled for family of slain Tampa officer
By Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, August 28, 2009
TAMPA — With three family-friendly events scheduled in the next week, people who want to donate to the grieving family of slain Tampa police Cpl. Mike Roberts have more options than heading to a local credit union.
From radio-controlled car racing to a professional hockey scrimmage to a barbecue, there are lots of choices.
Friday night, families can head over to Ronnie Setser Customs, 7321/2 N Dale Mabry Highway, where they'll be racing radio-controlled cars to raise money for Roberts' family.
Roberts was shot to death Aug. 19 while checking on a suspicious person. He leaves a 3-year-old son and a wife.
read more here
Fundraisers scheduled for family of slain Tampa officer
A far cry from City Hall
A far cry from City Hall
Harry Kitchen once ran for St. Petersburg mayor. Today, much of his time is spent seeking handouts.
click link for more
Harry Kitchen once ran for St. Petersburg mayor. Today, much of his time is spent seeking handouts.
click link for more
Report: Staff at veterans nursing home feels terrorized by administrator
Report: Staff at veterans nursing home feels terrorized by administrator
ANTHONY COLAROSSI
Sentinel staff report
2:57 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2009
DAYTONA BEACH - A State Department of Children and Families Inspector General's Investigation found that many staffers at a Daytona Beach Veteran's Nursing Home found the workplace environment to be problematic.
The probe found that 35 of 57 staff members had particular concerns about the administrator at the Emory L. Bennett Memorial State Veteran's Nursing Home. The administrator, Belkis Pineyro-Wiggins, was described by those 35 employees as "terrorizing" or "belittling" and "degrading" or "threatening," according to the 13-page Management Review completed earlier this month.
Pineyro-Wiggins could not be immediately reached for comment this afternoon.
In a comments section at the end of the report, the Inspector General's Office recommended that the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs review specific portions ot the document and determine appropriate actions.
read more here
Staff at veterans nursing home feels terrorized by administrator
ANTHONY COLAROSSI
Sentinel staff report
2:57 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2009
DAYTONA BEACH - A State Department of Children and Families Inspector General's Investigation found that many staffers at a Daytona Beach Veteran's Nursing Home found the workplace environment to be problematic.
The probe found that 35 of 57 staff members had particular concerns about the administrator at the Emory L. Bennett Memorial State Veteran's Nursing Home. The administrator, Belkis Pineyro-Wiggins, was described by those 35 employees as "terrorizing" or "belittling" and "degrading" or "threatening," according to the 13-page Management Review completed earlier this month.
Pineyro-Wiggins could not be immediately reached for comment this afternoon.
In a comments section at the end of the report, the Inspector General's Office recommended that the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs review specific portions ot the document and determine appropriate actions.
read more here
Staff at veterans nursing home feels terrorized by administrator
Hit and run driver was "swerving" and trying to dislodge the body from SUV
Hit-and-run claims life of motorcycle passenger
Driver critically injured; Make of suspect's vehicle identified
Susan Jacobson and Anthony Colarossi
Sentinel Staff Writers
3:38 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2009
A British woman is dead and a Clermont man seriously hurt after a hit-and-run vehicle struck their motorcycle last night, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Now traffic homicide investigators say the suspected vehicle is a 2000 to 20003 GMC SUV. It could be a Chevy Tahoe or a Chevy Suburban. It is silver and has damage to the left front, FHP officials said.
The left front headlight is broken and will probably not be working. Part of the left front bumper is also broken.
Driver critically injured; Make of suspect's vehicle identified
Susan Jacobson and Anthony Colarossi
Sentinel Staff Writers
3:38 p.m. EDT, August 28, 2009
A British woman is dead and a Clermont man seriously hurt after a hit-and-run vehicle struck their motorcycle last night, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Now traffic homicide investigators say the suspected vehicle is a 2000 to 20003 GMC SUV. It could be a Chevy Tahoe or a Chevy Suburban. It is silver and has damage to the left front, FHP officials said.
The left front headlight is broken and will probably not be working. Part of the left front bumper is also broken.
The crash happened a little after 10 p.m. at U.S. highways 192 and 27, on the Lake County side of Four Corners.
Dunkin R. Jackson, 53, of Clermont, was driving with his passenger on a Yamaha motorcycle when a gray or silver SUV struck the motorcyle on the westbound side of U.S. 192, FHP officials said.
Jackson was thrown into the center lane. His passenger, a British National who was not identified, was thrown into the path of the SUV. After the collision, the SUV continued on in the right lane and dragged the 50-year-old female passenger more than a quarter of a mile.
The SUV's driver was "swerving" and trying to dislodge the body from the vehicle, according to the FHP report. The woman's body was finally dislodged and the driver continued westbound on U.S. 192 toward U.S. Highway 27.
read more here and pass it on to find the person who did this please.
Hit and run claims life of motorcycle passenger
Coroner rules Jackson's death a homicide
I think we should all feel bad for the family with this double shock. I do hope it does not consume all news in the process though. You know the trial will.
Coroner rules Jackson's death a homicide
The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide. The pop star died from "acute propofol intoxication," a statement from the coroner's office said. "Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine effect," the statement said. developing story
Coroner rules Jackson's death a homicide
The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson's death was a homicide. The pop star died from "acute propofol intoxication," a statement from the coroner's office said. "Other conditions contributing to death: benzodiazepine effect," the statement said. developing story
Ala. guardsmen honored for aiding crash victims
Ala. guardsmen honored for aiding crash victims
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Aug 28, 2009 10:20:03 EDT
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama National Guard soldiers who rescued passengers when a Louisiana church bus wrecked on Interstate 20 are being honored with commendation medals.
The 47 soldiers were returning to Aliceville from drill at Camp Shelby, Miss., on July 12 when the tire blew out on a 30-passenger bus in front of them carrying members of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, La.
The bus rolled over three times. The soldiers had to lift the bus so trapped victims could be freed. They also directed traffic and helped the injured until emergency personnel arrived.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/08/ap_guard_alabama_bus_rescue_082809/
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Aug 28, 2009 10:20:03 EDT
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama National Guard soldiers who rescued passengers when a Louisiana church bus wrecked on Interstate 20 are being honored with commendation medals.
The 47 soldiers were returning to Aliceville from drill at Camp Shelby, Miss., on July 12 when the tire blew out on a 30-passenger bus in front of them carrying members of the First Baptist Church of Shreveport, La.
The bus rolled over three times. The soldiers had to lift the bus so trapped victims could be freed. They also directed traffic and helped the injured until emergency personnel arrived.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/08/ap_guard_alabama_bus_rescue_082809/
A solemn salute in Lynn
This brought back a lot of memories for me living in Massachusetts. I started writing into the Item, Letters to the Editor so many years ago, it's hard to remember most of them. Some of my fondest memories as going to Fraser field and see the traveling Wall come into the city. So many veterans from all wars gathering together among a sea of citizens holding flags and generations of families making sure the young never forget that all they have and enjoy came with a price. Mothers explained to young children what the names meant. Old veterans teary eyed standing in front of it an knowing full well what it meant as they remembered their own brothers long gone from this earth but not from their hearts.
Great sadness comes over me when I know that feeling, as deep as it is, for those who have not served, fade away so easily. They go home, go about their own lives, and forget all about how they felt standing in front of that black wall. So few in this country know what happened to the men and women that came home because of the over 58,000 names they see. Maybe their hearts just can't take more and knowing how many died because of Agent Orange or suicides or homelessness, would just be too much to take in. I don't know why people may be transformed for an hour or so and then just move on, but I am grateful these people bother to show up. Too many others don't.
To Thor in case you read this,,,wow do I miss my city! I've been home 9 times in 5 years.
Medal of Honor for Thomas Kelley
Medal of Honor
KELLEY, THOMAS G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, River Assault Division
Place and date: Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 June 1969
Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts
Born: 13 May 1939, Boston, Massachusetts
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon while serving as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces. Lt. Comdr. (then Lt.) Kelley was in charge of a column of 8 river assault craft which were extracting 1 company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa Province, when 1 of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a loading ramp.
At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft, Lt. Comdr. Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the protective cordon in direct line with the enemy's fire, and ordered the monitor to commence firing.
Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a direct hit on the coxswain's flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and the explosion spraying shrapnel in all directions. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lt. Comdr. Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to speak clearly into the radio, He succeeded in relaying his commands through 1 of his men until the enemy attack was silenced and the boats were able to move to an area of safety.
Lt. Comdr. Kelley's brilliant leadership, bold initiative, and resolute determination served to inspire his men and provide the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically evacuated by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
http://www.mishalov.com/Kelley.html
Great sadness comes over me when I know that feeling, as deep as it is, for those who have not served, fade away so easily. They go home, go about their own lives, and forget all about how they felt standing in front of that black wall. So few in this country know what happened to the men and women that came home because of the over 58,000 names they see. Maybe their hearts just can't take more and knowing how many died because of Agent Orange or suicides or homelessness, would just be too much to take in. I don't know why people may be transformed for an hour or so and then just move on, but I am grateful these people bother to show up. Too many others don't.
To Thor in case you read this,,,wow do I miss my city! I've been home 9 times in 5 years.
A solemn salute in Lynn
By Thor Jourgensen / The Daily Item
LYNN - "This makes you understand," said Kenneth Mailloux Thursday night, minutes after he joined other loved ones in presenting a wreath in memory of his uncle, John, at The Wall That Heals on Fraser Field.
Mailloux and the relatives of 18 other Lynn residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War saluted their brothers, son, uncles and nephews Thursday evening as an appreciative crowd applauded.
The two-hour event began with the posting of the colors and ended with a bagpiper playing as he slowly walked the length of the 250-foot, half-sized version of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. "Some of my men are on that wall," said Vietnam veteran and North Shore Community College President Wayne Burton as he watched the wreath-laying ceremony that included a presentation by Colleen Piper and Marblehead veterans in honor of the late Christopher Piper.
Medal of Honor recipient and state Veterans Services Secretary Thomas Kelley said the wall is a salute to courage and sacrifice.
read more here
http://www.thedailyitemoflynn.com/articles/2009/08/28/news/news01.txt
Medal of Honor for Thomas Kelley
Medal of Honor
KELLEY, THOMAS G.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, River Assault Division
Place and date: Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 June 1969
Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts
Born: 13 May 1939, Boston, Massachusetts
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon while serving as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces. Lt. Comdr. (then Lt.) Kelley was in charge of a column of 8 river assault craft which were extracting 1 company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa Province, when 1 of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a loading ramp.
At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around the disabled craft, Lt. Comdr. Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the protective cordon in direct line with the enemy's fire, and ordered the monitor to commence firing.
Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a direct hit on the coxswain's flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and the explosion spraying shrapnel in all directions. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor, Lt. Comdr. Kelley disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to speak clearly into the radio, He succeeded in relaying his commands through 1 of his men until the enemy attack was silenced and the boats were able to move to an area of safety.
Lt. Comdr. Kelley's brilliant leadership, bold initiative, and resolute determination served to inspire his men and provide the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically evacuated by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
http://www.mishalov.com/Kelley.html
Compassion fatigue -- how to protect yourself
This is great advice in this piece and something I practice all the time. Ok, sometimes not often enough. The post I did about God forsaking me was the result of not doing it often enough.
Not much has changed since that post, but the wondrous thing is that a lot of you emailed me letting me know you care, sharing your own stories, your own faith and it really helped a great deal.
One of the causes behind this blog is to show how we are all really connected. Some hurt but others help. Some are in need, but others give. The problem is when we forget that the really important thing is what binds us together. I don't pick and choose who I help because none of my heroes did. I don't want to get so swallowed up in the political division in this country that everything else vanishes. That hating anyone solves nothing, ignoring the truth and believing in lies makes bad things worse, plus it leaves behind a lot of people the same energy could be used to help. Focusing on what we can do makes a lot of people a lot better off.
It was also about sharing my own joys, pains, frustrations and struggles. That was also the reason I wrote the book. No, no nobility here. I had seen a therapist and was encouraged to write it as a way of healing and helping. Healing me, getting me over the anger I was still unable to move past along with the pain, was the primary goal. If you are a caregiver, it may help you especially if you are dealing with PTSD. Click the link on the side bar back to my website and you can read it in Adobe.
This article says that talking helps, but it's not just about talking, it's about sharing the fact that we are all human and none of us can overcome everything alone no matter how much faith we have.
Not much has changed since that post, but the wondrous thing is that a lot of you emailed me letting me know you care, sharing your own stories, your own faith and it really helped a great deal.
One of the causes behind this blog is to show how we are all really connected. Some hurt but others help. Some are in need, but others give. The problem is when we forget that the really important thing is what binds us together. I don't pick and choose who I help because none of my heroes did. I don't want to get so swallowed up in the political division in this country that everything else vanishes. That hating anyone solves nothing, ignoring the truth and believing in lies makes bad things worse, plus it leaves behind a lot of people the same energy could be used to help. Focusing on what we can do makes a lot of people a lot better off.
It was also about sharing my own joys, pains, frustrations and struggles. That was also the reason I wrote the book. No, no nobility here. I had seen a therapist and was encouraged to write it as a way of healing and helping. Healing me, getting me over the anger I was still unable to move past along with the pain, was the primary goal. If you are a caregiver, it may help you especially if you are dealing with PTSD. Click the link on the side bar back to my website and you can read it in Adobe.
This article says that talking helps, but it's not just about talking, it's about sharing the fact that we are all human and none of us can overcome everything alone no matter how much faith we have.
Compassion fatigue -- how to protect yourself
CNN
Story Highlights
Caretakers can struggle with demands on time, energy and patience
But they can also become overwhelmed if they're too empathetic
That can flood them with other person's pain, leaving them exhausted, angry
Meditate, keep a journal, keep in touch with outside and be unafraid to ask for help
By Tim Jarvis
(OPRAH.com) -- The next time someone dreams up a new superhero, she should be wielding a bedpan. And Kleenex. And playing cards and travel Scrabble.
Caregivers try to be empathetic but they run the risk of taking on the other's stress and depression.
As any of the more than 50 million Americans caring for an elderly, disabled, or chronically ill loved one knows, the task requires superhuman strength and patience -- and loads of compassion.
Given the constant demands on your time and energy -- for months or years on end -- as well as the stress and frustration involved, having large reserves of empathy is crucial.
Yet as strange as it sounds, all that empathy can backfire, flooding you with the other person's pain, and leaving you exhausted, angry, even unable to care anymore. No one likes to talk about these feelings; they seem selfish, shameful, indecent. They take a toll, however -- on both you and the patient. And they're a growing concern among physicians, who have a name for what's happening: compassion fatigue. Oprah.com: Caring for parents, keeping your sanity
"About 6 to 8 percent of physicians and nurses suffer compassion fatigue," says Michael Kearney, M.D., the lead author of a report on the subject published this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Unlike burnout, which is caused by everyday work stresses (dealing with insurance companies, making treatment choices), compassion fatigue results from taking on the emotional burden of a patient's agony.
In a way, it's similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, except that the stress is a reaction to the trauma of another. As with PTSD, symptoms include irritability, disturbed sleep, outbursts of anger, intrusive thoughts, and a desire to avoid anything having to do with the patient's struggle.
read more here
Compassion fatigue how to protect yourself
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