Troops Medical Care Was Outsourced to Defense Contractors?

The following is just a part of what the Department of Defense paid out to contractors to take care of our wounded. Bet you're as shocked as I am to discover that medical care was not always done by servicemembers including the "care" we read about at Warrior Transition Units.

$1.9 billion bonanza
Brevard startup lands lucrative Air Force deal
Orlando Business Journal
Chris Kauffmann
Staff Writer
Sep 18, 2006

MERRITT ISLAND -- Not even a case of pneumonia could keep Jim Barfield from crawling out of bed and going to work Aug. 14.

That was the day the president of Luke and Associates Inc., a tiny, Brevard County startup staffing company that had never generated any contracts or revenue, signed a 10-year, $1.9 billion contract -- that's billion with a "B" -- with the U.S. Air Force to supply medical personnel to bases all over the country.

"I signed a contract for more zeros than I have ever seen in my life," says Barfield, who started the Merritt Island firm two years ago with partners Rich Hall and Glen Bottomley. "I wasn't surprised we got it once I woke up from passing out."

About 18 months of meticulous preparation, planning and research helped ease the shock of winning the contract, not to mention that Barfield is hardly unacquainted with the intricacies of winning government contracts.

As head of Barfield and Associates Inc. for the past 13 years, the 52-year-old former Bechtel Corp. employee has helped major aerospace and defense contractors (names cannot be revealed because of non-disclosure pacts) make proposals to win more than 100 government contracts with values up to $3.5 billion.
read more here

Luke and Associates, Inc. Awarded $20 million Contract at Fort Bliss, Texas
Space Coast Business
May 22, 2014

Luke and Associates, Inc. (Luke), a leading provider of medical and clinical services for the U.S. military, announced today the award of a contract to provide medical services at the Ft. Bliss Continental United States (CONUS) Replacement Center (CRC). Luke will medically assess personnel to ensure readiness for deployment and redeployment. This is a new contract which was awarded under full and open competition and is valued initially at $20 million.
read more here

Oviedo Florida Rock and Brews Memorial to Fallen Soldier

Tribute to Local Fallen Soldier
Unveiling of a memorial to Oviedo fallen warrior Army Spc. Brenden N. Salazar, KIA 2012 Afghanistan at the age of 20. Rock and Brews Restaurant, Dave Matthews, Never Forgotten Memorials.org presented a tribute to Brenden and all who gave their lives for this country.

Patriot Guard Riders

Next time you go to Rock and Brews, you'll know how this memorial got there.

Spc. Brenden Salazar Dedication January 26, 2013

On Friday, January 25, 2013, Hagerty High School of Oviedo FL dedicated a plaque and held a service to honor the life of Spc. Brenden Neal Salazar, killed in action in Afghanistan on July 22, 2012. Members of Patriot Guard Riders surrounded the area with flags in tribute to this young man. Both of his parents are Army Reservists and Brenden was born on Fort Bragg March 24, 1992. Brenden's sister Hannah has cystic fibrosis. woundedtimes.blogspot.com

Iraq Veteran's Journey From Silver Star to Veterans Court to Healing

Iraq Vet From NC Gets A Fighting Chance
CBS News
WFMY 2 News
Mark Strassmann
May 24, 2015

A FIGHTING CHANCE to make things right is what many veterans in trouble with the law say they want most. And in some cases, they're finding that chance in a special kind of courtroom. Our Cover Story is reported now by Mark Strassmann:

Staff Sgt. Tommy Reiman in Iraq(Photo: CBS News)

"Everybody coming here for one specific reason, and that's to give a second chance for every veteran." Staff Sgt. Tommy Rieman is a certified American hero, a recipient of the Silver Star for valor in Iraq. But the bravest thing he ever did was fight to get his life back.

To appreciate the significance of the ceremony held in Harnett County in North Carolina, you first have to learn Rieman's story -- all of it, its remarkable highs and sorrowful lows.

"I think I came out the womb with a uniform on," Rieman laughed. "For me, there was nothing greatest than the honor to put on the uniform and represent this country."

In December of 2003, Rieman was on his first deployment in Iraq when his three-vehicle convoy drove into a death trap.

"We were ambushed by 35 guys. Got hit with three RPGs, three IEDs and a bunch a small gun fire," he said. "And I used my body as a shield to protect my gunner, and took a shot in the arm and the chest and shrapnel to my legs.

"All eight of us survived. And for that I received the Silver Star and a Purple Heart."
read more here

Lincoln Awards Concert for Veterans and Military Families

A Concert for Veterans and The Military Family
PBS
May 22, 2015
Lincoln Awards
Enjoy a concert in celebration of the Lincoln Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement and excellence in providing opportunities and support to veterans and military families.

Therapist Says PTSD Can Be Cured?

I was just reading a report on an Iraq veteran with PTSD, Iraq veteran Gabriel Perez now in battle with PTSD, Lubbock Online by Karen Michael. Most of the article is pretty good and worth reading however this part left me flabbergasted.

Andy Young works with Lubbock police officers after incidents that could lead to PTSD. He also has a private therapy practice and teaches a semester-long class at Lubbock Christian University on identifying and treating PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be cured, Young said, noting as a therapist, he is always optimistic.

I really hope that was just a typo but it wasn't been the first time some said PTSD can be cured. It is something other doctors have claimed in the last 40 years right along with some denying it is real.

Ok then why haven't they cured it? Why have there been so many suffering all these years with PTSD and losing so much hope after surviving combat they end their own lives? Why haven't they cured it when suicides among veterans are double the civilian rate and most of them are over 50? Why do they spend billions a year on lifetime disability claims, prevention that has only prevented them from seeking help, awareness that has only spread word veterans kill themselves but remain silent on what helps them heal and even more money going to charities as more and more veterans end up in veterans courts along with facing off with police officers?

If PTSD can be cured then why are so many families still falling apart and blaming themselves? The list goes on showing that it cannot be cured as much as the list grows on how they can heal and live better lives. Saying PTSD can be cured makes about as much sense as the Three Stooges giving a class lesson on speech.
The veteran in the interview said,

"You come home and it's like, 'I missed so much. Where do I fit in? Where do I want to be?' "

Start with the Three Stooges and how it didn't matter to them they didn't fit in with anyone other than each other. They were understood perfectly and free to be themselves.

Veterans are not strange to other veterans. They are not some kind of oddity or freak to others. They are not someone to be dismissed or ignored. They do not hear "get over it" said to them by other veterans.

In the veterans community they are reassured that while the civilian population does not, or will not understand them, they are among their own kind with them. Other veterans know what it is like to attempt to assimilate into civilian life. They gave up as soon as they discovered the simple fact they never really fit in before they served since civilians were not interested in doing anything they did.

Everyone screams about their rights when they believe someone tries to take them away but no one screams about the servicemembers risking their lives everyday to retain that right. Everyone screams about useless wars but no one seems to remember they actually had the ability to change things all along when they refused to even show up to vote.

The conversations we have a a lot different than the ones going on in the civilian world where a claim of curing PTSD can be accepted but to us, it is more in line with the Three Stooges teaching the class.

Memorial Day Remembering Those Who Also Paid Price

This Memorial Day, let's also remember those who nearly made 'the ultimate sacrifice' 
The Star-Ledger
By Mark Di Ionno
May 24, 2015

And now for a Memorial Day history lesson.

The American tradition of treating veterans badly started right here in New Jersey. The Pennsylvania Line of Continental Army --- with their enlistments up -- were forced to stay in service. When they walked off the job at Jockey Hollow in 1781, citing deplorable conditions and lousy pay, it was called a mutiny.

When the New Jersey Line tried it a few weeks later in Pequannock, two mutineers where shot by firing squad.

Nationwide, Civil War veterans suffering from "Soldier's Heart," known today as post-traumatic stress disorder, or "Soldier's Disease" which was addiction to pain-killing heroin, went untreated. They spent their lives in jails, asylums or run-down soldiers' homes.

A large group of unemployed World War I veterans called the "Bonus Army" marched on Washington in 1932. Two were shot and killed by police, and their camp was routed by Army troops led by two famous names in American military history: Douglas MacArthur and George Patton.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge vetoed a bill giving those veterans benefits, saying "Patriotism bought and paid for is not patriotism." Easy for him to say; he wasn't a veteran. Neither was Herbert Hoover, who ordered the attack on the camp.

"So here are guys, who can't stay in the military, and can't return to their civilian jobs. They have that warrior ethos – some have actually said 'I don't want to disobey orders' when I've tried to get them better benefits -- just so they don't slip out of the middle-class life they had before they got injured.

"I think the military takes advantage of their warrior ethos. They (the wounded) are afraid to say 'I'm more screwed up than you say I am.' To them it's weakness. So somebody has to fight for them."
read more here

They’re crying out for help. But will anyone listen?

He Cries Alone: Black Men and PTSD
The Root
BY: ERICKA BLOUNT DANOIS
Posted: May 24 2015

Whether they are veterans or victims of violence, black men are less likely to seek the help they need when they have post-traumatic stress disorder.

They’re crying out for help. But will anyone listen?

They are African-American men, struggling with mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder—many are veterans, but many more are civilians struggling in secret, ashamed.

These are men like 26-year-old James Brown. Brown served two tours in Iraq. When he returned home he was diagnosed with PTSD. He ended up going to jail for a court-appointed sentence in 2012 in El Paso, Texas. That’s where several guards reportedly detained him in riot gear and forced him to the ground. He began bleeding through the ears, nose and mouth and his kidneys shut down. According to media reports, the guards did not order medical attention for him. He went into the jail on a Friday. By Sunday, he was dead.

Brown’s case, which is still pending investigation, points to many issues surrounding PTSD, the criminalization of mental health as it relates to black communities and disparities in treatment. PTSD severely affects people’s chances of gaining and maintaining steady employment. According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, on any given night, nearly 50,000 veterans are homeless and roughly 40 percent of those homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic.

“It wasn’t until 1979, that PTSD became a legitimate mental health diagnosis,” Ron Armstead tells The Root. Armstead works with the Black Caucus Veterans Brain Trust to level disparities for black veterans. “Prior to 1979, there were problems targeting PTSD as a legitimate diagnosis. There still isn’t a silver bullet treatment for it. But there are a variety of treatment modalities that people are using.”

The issues surrounding PTSD and diagnosis are compounded by health disparities in African-American communities. Many African-American men are reluctant to go to the doctor because of misdiagnosis or mistreatment. There is also the perceived weakness surrounding asking for help for men. Armstead says many men may not see PTSD as something for which one even go to the doctor.
read more here

Here is the story of Sgt. James Brown and as you just read, he did seek help for PTSD.

As for the claim of 1979 and the "legitimate mental health diagnosis" that is wrong. It happened before that year and there were already established efforts to address it.

The Etiology of Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
In its efforts to help these veterans, the 700,000-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) funded the FORGOTTEN WARRIOR PROJECT research on Vietnam veterans by John P. Wilson, Ph.D. at Cleveland State University. That research resulted in formation of the DAV Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program to provide counseling to these veterans in 1978. With 70 outreach offices across the United States, this DAV program served as a model for the Veterans Administration (VA) Operation Outreach program for Vietnam era veterans, which was established approximately a year later.

Clinically, the readjustment problems these veterans suffer were designated as Post Traumatic Stress Disorders in the American Psychiatric Association's DIAGNOSTIC and STATISTICAL MANUAL III (DSM III).

Counseling psychologists working with Vietnam veterans in the DAV and VA outreach programs emphasize that these disorders are not mental illnesses. Rather, they are delayed reactions to the stress these veterans--particularly combat veterans--underwent during the war in Southeast Asia.

The nature of post-traumatic stress disorders among Vietnam veterans is described in this paper by Jim Goodwin, Psy.D. Himself a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam combat, Dr. Goodwin worked as a volunteer counselor in the DAV Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program while doing graduate work at the University of Denver's School of Professional Psychology. Following these studies, Dr. Goodwin rejoined the Armed Forces and is now a captain on active duty with the U.S. Army.

I have a copy of this hanging on my wall.

With all these years passing between what they knew and when they knew it, no one seems to care even more are suffering instead of healing. Here's a link to the book Forgotten Warrior Project: Identity, Ideology and Crisis - The Vietnam Veteran in Transition Paperback – 1977 by John P. Ph.D. Wilson

Military Civilian World America's Great Divide

There is a great article on LA Times exploring the separation between those who serve and those who ignore them.

SPECIAL REPORT U.S. MILITARY AND CIVILIANS ARE INCREASINGLY DIVIDED 
LA Times
By DAVID ZUCCHINO AND DAVID S. CLOUD
Reporting from Fort Bragg
May 3, 2015

Soldiers including Spc. Aaron Schade, center left, wait at Pope Field in North Carolina to see their families after returning from deployment in July 2014. (James Robinson / For the Los Angeles Times)

Jovano Graves' parents begged him not to join the Army right out of high school in 2003, when U.S. troops were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But their son refused his parents' pleas to try college. He followed them both into the Army instead.

Last June, 11 years later, Staff Sgt. Jovano Graves returned home from Afghanistan, joining his mother, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Sonia Graves-Rivers, for duty here at Ft. Bragg.

"My family, going way, way back, has always felt so proud to be Americans," said Graves-Rivers, who comes from a family in which military service spans six generations, starting with her great-great-grandfather, Pfc. Marion Peeples, who served in a segregated black unit during World War I.

Her father, Cpl. Harvey Lee Peeples, fought in the Vietnam War. Her uncle, Henry Jones, was career Air Force. Another uncle, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Graves, spent 22 years in the Army. Her sister, Janice, served 24 years.
read more here
Here are some highlights to think about

Despite civilians' widespread admiration for troops, there's little overlap between their worlds

Congress with lowest rate of military service authorized today's wars, led by 3 presidents with no active duty

One-half of 1% of U.S. population enlisted — lowest rate since between World War I and II

The highest-rate contributors were Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Virginia and South Carolina. The District of Columbia was last.

The previous school year was a grim one here in Fayetteville, where the Cumberland County school district serves the communities outside Ft. Bragg. Between the beginning of the term in September 2013 and the following spring, six students committed suicide.

Five of them — four boys and a girl — were from Army families, with a parent deployed overseas. Two shot themselves with military weapons.

And this is why so many just don't care about any of them,

Yet only a 65-mile drive north of Ft. Bragg, in the college town of Carrboro near Durham, the military is a universe away. Many there have no connection save for the brief moment of gratitude and embarrassment they feel when they see a man in uniform at the airport, missing a leg.

"We glorify the military in this country in a way that's really weird," said Eric Harmeling, 21, a Carrboro-area resident who often argues with his father, a politically conservative minister, about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It's like the Roman legions.... It's like we're being told to kneel down and worship our heroes."

For me it was strange when I was growing up and my friends said their parents never served. Then the older I got, the more I realized it was odd that my Dad and uncles did. Much later after I met my husband, and he came from a military family as well, it no longer mattered what non-military families thought because we spoke a different language and live in different worlds. I didn't expect them to be willing to understand anything. While they were perfectly able to do it, they just didn't want to. We hang out with other veteran families.

Even More Central Florida Memorial Day Events

Even more to do for veterans and families for Memorial Day weekend

From Cathy Haynes

May #3, Memorial Day/weekend “Us too!” second list and updated events in Central Florida thru mid-June.  

Please share with others.   Post where appropriate.   Attend when able.

These are additional Memorial Day/weekend events that were shared after the May 19 was sent, and after the general event list that was sent out on May 1.   If you need the lists resent to you, just let me know.

If you receive this list at work – after the fact – please consider providing me your ‘home’ email address.

 

Sunday, May 24

Remembering and Honoring Our Heroes Day – 10:30 am.   Military and First Responders honored.  First Baptist Sweetwater, 3800 Wekiva Spgs Road, Longwood.   (Notice courtesy of Bob Jordan, USMC (ret.)

 

Tribute to Local Fallen Soldier – 2pm - Unveiling of a memorial to Oviedo fallen warrior Army Spc. Brenden N. Salazar, KIA 2012 Afgh., age 20.   Rock and Brews Restaurant, 7131 Red Bug Lake Rd. Oviedo, 32765. 407-956-4124.   Sponsored by NeverForgottenMemorials.org and Rock & Brews, Oviedo Salute Veterans. Info:   Dave Matthews   407-535-1728   Never Forgotten Memorials.org  NeverForgottenMemorials.org@ gmail.com

 

Memorial Day – Monday, May 25

 

9am – Ormond Beach - Memorial Remembrance Service – Music will be provided by Daytona Beach Concert Band.   Parking at the Casements, Fortunato Park and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum.  Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach.   Free. 386-676-3241. (Notice courtesy of Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel.)

 

9:30am – Brevard County Veterans Memorial Center – Traditional and touching ceremony.   Keynote speaker is Army MG John Cleland (ret.)   Viera High School Band and Rockledge JROTC will perform.  Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, 32952.   Free picnic afterwards courtesy of Chic-fil-a of Merritt Square Mall.

 

10am - Zellwood ceremony at Conquest Cemetery near the intersection of Yothers Road and U.S. Highway 441 near the entrance to Zellwood Station. The theme this year will be "Remember the Maine.” This was the battle cry during the Spanish-American war. As is traditional, the grave of each veteran buried at Conquest Cemetery will receive a flag and flowers. The Rev. Edwin Rose will deliver the message and music will be by the Rev. Darrell Reid. (Courtesy of John Peery, Apopka Chief newspaper.)

 

10am – Deltona – Memorial Day service sponsored by Veterans Community Education Partnership and Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery.   Memorial wreaths at the Memorial, presentation of colors by area veterans and affiliated community organizations.   Deltona Mem. Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City.   Free.   386-775-4260.   (Notice courtesy of Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel.)

 

10am – Port Orange – VFW Post 3282 host the ceremony.   Veterans Park across the lake from Port Orange City Hall, 1000 City Center Circle.   Free.  386-506-5936. (Notice courtesy of Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel.)

 

11am - The city of Apopka and VFW Post 10147 will host a ceremony at Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery off Highland Avenue and Monroe Avenue. Food and refreshments will follow at the Apopka Community Center/VFW, 519 S Central Avenue.    Speakers will be Steven R. Deviese, Mayor Joe Kilsheimer.   Special music provided by Pastors Doug and Roger Bankson.   Traditional cerelony with wreath, patriotic songs, color guard, release of doves, and Boy Scout Troop 211 will present the flags.

(Courtesy of John Peery, Apopka Chief newspaper.)

 

11am – Melbourne – Ceremony with the Massing of the Colors, music provided by the Melbourne Municipal Band and others.   Liberty Bell Memorial Museum, 1601 Oak St., Melbourne.   Free.   321-727-1776.   (Notice courtesy of Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel.)

 

6:30pm – “One Nation Under God” Christian patriotic program with live music, video presentation, and meal.   Free but donations gratefully accepted.   Presented by “By your Side Ministries” in Winter Garden.    Tickets at www .byyoursideministries.com

 

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Television - Highlighted patriotic programs

·        PBS - 5 pm - Sunday, May 24 - Silver Wings, Flying Dreams: The Complete Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII.   The documentary tells the story of the first women to pilot American military aircraft and their 66 year struggle to receive recognition for their service.  They finally received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010.   (Thank you, Bill Suchy, for bringing attention to this!)

·        PBS – 8pm – Sunday, May 24 - National ‪ ‎Memorial Day Concert -   On our local PBS TV station – WUCF   This concert is from Washington DC and is hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.   One of the most watched programs, and repeated at 9pm.

·        HBO-E – 6:30pm – Monday May 25 - “ Taking Chance” – True story, award winning movie of a Lt. Col. who escorts the body of Marine P1C Chance Phelps, killed in 2004 Iraq, to his family.

 

Support Blue Star Families by shopping – NOW EXTENDED TO SUNDAY, MAY 31.   Macy’s offers 15%-20% discount in return for a $3 donation made at the register.   Proceeds benefit “Got Your Six” and “Blue Star Families” programs and events for military families.   Your donation will support the work of “Got Your 6” and empower our country’s military veterans and families.

 

Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY!   This long awaited Ceremony starts at 10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the keynote address.   Ceremony includes music from the local VFW band.   Plan on arriving early to allow for time.   The dedication will culminate a week of special events, including a day for Veterans, the media, and our stakeholders as well.  Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.   Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.

 

Florida Governor’s Veterans Service Award Presentation – Wed May 27 - Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 South Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando, 32806.   9:30am ceremony.   Monthly medal ceremonies in other Florida cities are planned, but the schedule for the remainder of the year has not been released.   ARRIVE EARLY and REGISTER TO RECEIVE A MEDAL ON SITE - BRING PROOF OF YOUR MILITARY SERVICE (ie: DD214).   For more information, visit the FDVA website at    floridavets.org/gvsa/     Info:   Steve Murray at murrayr@fdva.state.fl.us       (Thank you Charley Price!)

 

Greeters needed!   Honor Flight Welcome Home –Wed. May 27 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 35 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans – including 1 Tuskegee airman and one petite woman who is a WWII Marine Sgt - return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.  The hub of the nation-wide organization will take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.   This group will return at about 9:45pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:15 – 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home!   “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference!   Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines # 2950 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.  

Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm   -   chaynes11629@yahoo.com    407-239-8468.

New:   Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage.   The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.

For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.   Wave them off for a wonderful day!

 

Pars & Stripes Forever Golf Tournament - Fri, May 29.   Disney’s Palm Golf Course is the site for this 5th annual event sponsored by Camaraderie Foundation. The Foundation provides counseling resources for warriors (past and present) and their families – especially for those experiencing Post Traumatic Stress.   The proceeds of this tournament assist with those resources.   CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED, and more can be helped with YOUR help.   Sponsorships (corporate and private) are VERY welcomed.   8am Shotgun Start.   Info online or to register at www   ParsandStripes2015.kintera.org   or contact Jackie Nelson at 407.841.0071jnelson@camaraderiefoundation.org

 

South Central Florida Stand Down – Sat. May 30 – open to all veterans of Brevard, Osceola and Indian River counties.   8am – 2pm at American Legion Post 117, 189 Veterans Dr., Palm Bay, 32909.   Services provided will include medical, dental, legal, chiro, PTS/TBI/MST screening and counseling, haircuts, mani/pedis, dog grooming, food stamp and housing assistance, food, much more.   Transportation can be provided.   To volunteer, donate or info contact Dorothy Walsh, 321-426-6736   standown2015@aol.com 

 

VN3KT’s Spring Charity Ball – Sat. May 30 – This not-for-profit group within the local Vietnamese Community sponsors this event as this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, the 40th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.   They are very appreciative of the American forces who served in their former country.   All proceeds go toward funding for Engraving Fallen Heroes' Names on Brick project – goal of 40 bricks from this event.  7pm to 12mn.   $15/pp.   Dance to live music, food, cash bar. Orlando Moose Lodge #766, 5001 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, 32810 – just north of Lee Road on OBT – west of I-4.   Info:   Jen at   jm_vn3kt@yahoo.com

 

Greeters needed!   Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. May 30 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 19 veterans of WWII, including 3 women,  and 6 Korean War veteransreturn home thru Orlando Int’l Airport.   8 vets are over 90!   The hub of the nation-wide organization will take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.   This group will return at about 9:00pm and enter the terminal area at about 9:30 - 10pm. Come welcome these former warriors home!   “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference!   Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines # 2642 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.  

Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm   -   chaynes11629@yahoo.com    407-239-8468.

New:   Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage.   The vouchers will not work if you use the SunPass transponders – we cannot credit the charge back.

For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location.  They process thru Security early and quickly.   Wave them off for a wonderful day!

 

American Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration - Sun. May 31 – 11am – The Post members along with Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with ceremony.   Public invited.  407-671-6404. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.)  

 

Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 13, 12 noon at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center, 1485 Grand Rd., Winter Park, 32792.   Sponsored by the Knights of St. Andrews with participation by scouts and veteran groups.   Gather your neighborhood retired flags, those that are torn, tattered and faded.   Bring them for proper retirement and disposal.   Or call for pickup – 407-657-4550. Past years have had over 4000 flags respectfully retired.   Alternatively, any American Legion or VFW Post will welcome flags for retirement.

 

Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner – Sat. Jun 13 in St. Augustine.   The Battle of Midway was a crucial and decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theatre of World War II.   Contact the Navy Leagues in Mayport or St. Augustine for info. 904-806-4712 anuday00@aol.com   (Note date correction.)  

 

240th Army Birthday Ball – Sat. June 20 – The local Sunshine Chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army) planning committee is working diligently to ensure we recognize our Government Civilians and Soldiers with a grand celebration.   Special invitations to Wounded Warriors, Soldiers, Gold Star families and our senior war veterans from Central Florida.   All interested persons are welcomed to attend with RSVP.   6pm – 11pm at Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.  Sponsorships welcomed.   Info:   Mike Flanagan or Tony Krogh at armyball@ausa-sunshine.org   407.277.8069, x 304, (c) 717.609.9665

AUSA - Interested in becoming an AUSA member?   Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates.   See the website or contact   john.reams@zeltech.com   407.571.9920

 

 

Compiled by Cathy Haynes

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468

Aurora VA Hospital Construction Back On, For Now

Senate passes stop-gap VA bill to continue work at Aurora hospital
The Denver Post
By Mark K. Matthews
POSTED: 05/22/2015

WASHINGTON — The VA hospital project in Aurora got a small reprieve Friday after the U.S. Senate passed a stopgap spending bill that keeps work going at the troubled site for about three weeks.

Its passage comes a day after the House agreed to a similar measure, which allows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Kiewit-Turner, the project's prime contractor, to spend about $20 million more and avoid a shutdown next week at the site.

The measure now heads to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it.

Veterans Administration hospital in Aurora

An aerial view of the VA hospital construction site

April 24, 2015. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

The extra time — and money — are needed to give the VA and Congress extra breathing room to negotiate a long-term funding deal for the estimated $1.73 billion facility.

"Much hard work remains to be done to deliver the world-class medical facility that veterans deserve and were promised," U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, said in a statement.

The project has seen its price tag skyrocket since the hospital was first conceived, and the VA said recently it needs $830 million more to finish the facility.
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