POTUS Against Veterans Fighting for Pot Instead of Pills

As administration wages war on legal marijuana, military veterans side with pot
Tribune Washington Bureau
Evan Halper and Lauren Rosenblatt
July 23, 2017

"We were hearing these compelling stories from veterans about how cannabis has made their lives better," said Joseph Plenzler, a spokesman for the American Legion. "That they were able to use it to get off a whole cocktail of drugs prescribed by VA doctors, that it is helping with night terrors, or giving them relief from chronic pain."

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) -- The Trump administration's attack on legal marijuana, already stymied by large states determined not to roll back the clock, is increasingly confronting an even more politically potent adversary: military veterans.

Frustrated by federal laws restricting their access to a drug many already rely on to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and opioid addiction, veterans have become an influential lobbying force in the marijuana debate after sitting on the sidelines for years.

The 2 million-member American Legion this spring got involved in a big way by launching a campaign to reduce marijuana restrictions, which it says hurt veterans and may aggravate a suicide epidemic.

The move reflects the changing politics of marijuana, and of a conservative, century-old veterans service organization facing new challenges as its membership grows with those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Remind Congress to Treat Veterans None The Less

DAV Magazine Unsung Heroes covers the battle to treat all disabled veterans-caregivers equally. Imagine that! 

You'd think that when the Congress does something for one generation, it would benefit all generations. Then again, you'd also have to think that Congress would have planned on taking care of them in the first place.

Social Security Judges Don't Have to Explain Cutting Disabled Veterans Benefits?

Veteran survives crash, stroke, heart attack, but denied benefits
WXIA
Andy Pierrotti
July 22, 2017

In the past, when a veteran was deemed unemployable by the VA, Social Security judges were required to explain why they disagreed with the VA’s disability ruling.

Starting this past march, judges are no longer required to do that.

Sleep is rare commodity for Daniel Norfleat. The Covington resident typically gets about three to four hours asleep a week.

“And without the sleep, I’m constantly going around in circles, a circle of pain,” said Norfleat, a U.S. Navy veteran.

The 53-year-old takes two dozen pills a day for pain, depression and a severe case of insomnia. The rare moments he does get shut-eye, he’s often woken by the screams of a deadly day serving onboard the U.S.S. Lexington, an air craft carrier.

In 1989, a pilot crashed his plane while trying to land. Five sailors died that day and Norfleat hasn’t been able to shake the image from his mind.

“We had fires. We had hurt bodies, hurt people,” said Norfleat. “I have a VA psychologist I see and we talk about it.”

In addition to post traumatic stress disorder, Norfleat has suffered a heart attack, a stroke, and knee surgeries.
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“Today I will make a difference.”

How can I make a difference in the world today?

Seacoast Online
By Jeff Chidester
Posted at 2:01 AM

"I know of Barker casually because of the same circles in which we travel. I have never met Leddy. However, it feels as though I know them both very well through their selfless acts. I know them through their compassion. I know them because their deeds deserve our attention."

Imagine if you woke up every day and asked yourself one simple question: “How can I make a difference in the world today?”

As lofty as the goal may sound before you have even had your first cup coffee, I want you to think about it for a moment. How would you answer that question? If you are not sure, let me assure you I know people who not only ask that question of themselves, but answer it.

Finding the answer in your heart to this simple question is 99 percent of making a positive difference in the world. You must hear yourself say, “Today, I will provide one meal for a person in need.” “Today I will help someone struggling with drug addiction.” “Today I will provide aid to a veteran thinking about suicide.”

The six most powerful words you can gift to yourself are “Today I will make a difference.” Far from a challenge, you will find these six words liberating. If you don’t believe me, then you need to get to know Lexi Leddy and Laura Barker.

Recently a Facebook post by local real estate agent Lexi Leddy caught my eye. It was unlike the common posts that now pollute social media. Leddy wanted to thank her clients “for trusting in her,” which I thought was a nice gesture. Leddy then announced part of her commission for that quarter would be donated to a local charity called Hero Pups (www.heropups.com). Researching her Facebook page, this was routine for Leddy. One person deciding to make a difference.
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UK Firefighters Help Comes In Tiny Stunt After Grenfell Towers

All of us remember hearing the news about Grenfell Towers burning. Few of us know what happened after the fire was put out.

Scotland Yard named 18 of the dead and withheld the identities of 22 more at the requests of their families. Besides those named by police, 15 people were identified when their inquests were opened and adjourned at Westminster coroner’s court . Officers believe that 255 people survived the fire.

And that is the problem. We never seem to be able to pay attention after the fire stops burning. Just as we never seem able to pay attention after wars start, police standoffs end and guns go quiet. 

We avoid asking any questions about the response our first responders get, because after all, it is their jobs to face everything they encounter and deal with it. Right? Isn't that what we expect?

Well, I'm here to tell you that they should be able to expect a lot out of us in return. This story is about firefighters in the UK, but they are just as human as firefighters all over the world and equally ignored. Its just so easy to forget they run into what all of us run away from for a reason.

Anyway, when they suffer for saving our lives, who the hell is fighting to save theirs?

Read this story but while you are, notice that the response to these first responders suffering is other members after a 1 day training course. Yep~

Police and firefighters seek help from mental health charity after Grenfell fire and terror incidents 
Evening Standard UK 
CHLOE CHAPLAIN 
3 hours ago 

But one officer said TriM was rushed in and was being delivered by "current police officers who have done a one-day training course."

A post-traumatic stress charity has issued a stark warning about poor mental health support for frontline staff and revealed members of the emergency services reached out for help in the wake of recent major incidents.

 (note: yes that is playground equipment)

Around 30 police officers and firefighters have been in contact with PTSD999 seeking support with the condition following the Grenfell Tower fire and recent terror attacks. Dany Cotton, commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, said the welfare of staff was paramount after the Grenfell disaster, while the Metropolitan Police said it had specialist programmes in place after recent high profile events.

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation, and Sean Starbuck, lead officer for mental health with the Fire Brigades Union, said care was improving but raised concerns over cuts to resources.

read more here

I've been doing this for almost 35 years and I'm still learning facts as much as I've read pure BS. I did two years of training to become a Chaplain and do Crisis Intervention as well as grief and loss, just to be able to work with the responders. Reading about a 1 day training in response to this, is a pathetic tiny stunt so they can say, "well we did something about it" instead of we did everything possible for them.

War Veterans At Food Banks--UK Shame, US Disgrace

This is the headline from the UK

BRITAIN’S SHAME: Poverty-struck war veteran was told to use FOOD BANKS

BRITISH war veterans are being sent to food banks in a shocking failure from the Government to provide adequate support for those who served in the forces – despite a national promise to honour them.

By ZOIE O'BRIEN

PUBLISHED: 16:39, Sat, Jul 22, 2017

After shocking revelations over nurses relying on hand-outs, an ex-serviceman has told express.co.uk he too has been told those who served their Queen and country have no right to expect extra help.A

Former Coldstream Guard, Joe Greensmith, revealed he was told to go looking for hand-outs – and offered a loan – when he went to the Jobcentre in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

Mr Greensmith, who toured in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and the first Gulf war, informed he should seek the free meals, despite having been diagnosed with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), when he fell into hard times.

Former Coldstream Guard, Joe Greensmith, revealed he was told to go looking for hand-outs

Mr Greensmith had won a pay-out for an injury in the workplace and had lived off that for the last seven years, reluctant to seek help from the state.

Yet when he needed to, he was left disappointed.

He said: “On one side I am being told I have severe PTSD and on the other I am having to fight tooth and nail just to be able to eat and pay my rent. 

“It is a disgrace.
read more here on this

Strange thing is, they act as if this is some kind of shock. Wonder if they know what has been happening right here in the US?

Here are some headlines that may help them catch up on when shame became a disgrace.

It isn't bad enough our disabled veterans also have have to use Food Banks. For the US, it is our current servicemembers and their families.

Study Finds 25% of Troops Use Food Banks report from 2014

Move on to National Guard citizen soldiers

National Guard Turns to Food Banks Because Rick Perry Hasn't Paid Them Yet

The National Guard troops Texas Gov. Rick Perry ordered to the U.S. Mexico border last month are using food and gas aid from a local food bank because they haven't been paid in weeks. report from 2014

 And from this year

Why we need Congress to help more military families qualify for food aid

When Active-Duty Service Members Struggle To Feed Their Families

Congress Unlikely to Expand Military Food Stamp Eligibility This Year 

A 2016 Government Accountability Office report citing U.S. Census Bureau data said that about 23,000 active-duty troops received food stamps in 2013.

And then remember how many reports we've had on veterans having to use the Food Banks, the same way they have to use shelters and then maybe, just maybe, you'll remember what a "grateful" nation actually does...and does not actually do.

Police Saved Veteran From Suicide

Police stop veteran from committing suicide at Ferndale home
MLIVE
July 21, 2017

Police prevented a man from committing suicide at a Ferndale home Friday, according to Sgt. Baron Brown.

The 41-year-old man, a military veteran, contacted several relatives indicating he would commit suicide about noon Friday...

Officers responded to the scene and established a security perimeter around the home. One of the officers who was on scene is a Marine Corps veteran and was able to communicate with the man about their service, police said.

After about two hours, police used a "distraction technique" to enter the home and secure the man, who was taken to a local hospital, said Brown, a department spokesperson.
read more here

Marine Honors Dying War Dog With Bucket List

UPDATE

Community turns out for U.S. Marine veteran dog's last ride

MUSKEGON, MI - More than 100 people, 30 Jeeps and about 35 American flags gathered in honor of a four-legged Marine veteran on Wednesday, July 26.


Muskegon Marine creates bucket list for dying war dog
WOOD 8 News
Evan Dean
Published: July 21, 2017

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s hard to forget the heartwarming reunion of U.S. Marine Cpl. Jeff DeYoung and his bomb-sniffing war dog, Cena.

Now, DeYoung is trying to make sure his partner’s final days are just as unforgettable.

Marine Lance Cpl. Jeff DeYoung is reunited with his combat dog Cena. (June 5, 2014) The pair’s 2014 reunion made national headlines. Since then, they’ve lived and worked side-by-side in Muskegon.

“It was me and him against the world overseas. And now it was me and him against the world back home. And that changed our war,” said DeYoung, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cena is now 10 years old, dealing with a wartime injury and a body that’s breaking down. A veterinarian visit last week revealed the worst.

“They diagnosed him with bone cancer,” DeYoung said Friday.

The war dog who served three combat tours overseas likely only has a couple of weeks left to live. DeYoung doesn’t want Cena to suffer any longer.
read more here

Making A Successful Comeback?

When you hear about an actor or musician making a "successful comeback" you may think it is a great thing, but I always wonder where they are coming back from. After all, they didn't stop reading scripts or pretending to be someone else. They didn't stop playing music. So where did they go making it necessary to comeback?

When men and women comeback from combat, it seems that far too many are not making it a successful one. Suicides are up even though it seems as if everyone is talking about them, the one person we can't hear from, is the one who accomplished it. Families are still fracturing. Veterans still end up homeless. Far too many have been discovering their comeback from combat was worse than combat itself.

The dishonorable treatment of far too many servicemembers has been going on through three presidents. The following article goes back to a review of dishonorable discharges during an election year. It was still President Bush as Commander-in-Chief while his replacement was on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007
The text of the bill below is as of Feb 28, 2007 (Introduced).
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 713

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 28, 2007
Mr. Obama (for himself, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Biden, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Brown, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Kerry, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Landrieu, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Snowe, and Mr. Conrad) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

5. Improved training for caseworkers and social workers on particular conditions of recovering servicemembers
(a)Recommendations 

Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report setting forth recommendations for the modification of the training provided to caseworkers and social workers who provide care for recovering servicemembers. The recommendations shall include, at a minimum, specific recommendations to ensure that such caseworkers and social workers are able to—(1)detect early warning signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal tendencies among recovering servicemembers; and

(2)promptly devise appropriate treatment plans as such signs are detected.

But as we've seen, just because someone knew something was happening, it didn't mean they made the necessary changes to fix it. To see all of this still going on leaves me wondering if our troops will ever make a successful comeback from combat.

Military must clean up discharge practices
My San Antonio
Express-News Editorial Board
Published July 22, 2017

In 2008, the military was using a different diagnosis — personality disorders — to accomplish the same thing. Congress generally put a stop to that.

Iraq War veteran Dustin Greco was less-than-honorably discharged because the military ignored the possibility that his behavioral problems stemmed from service-related issues. A mental issue arising from the trauma of war is as deserving of attention as any other combat-related injury. Photo: John Carl D’Annibale /Albany Times Union

Iraq War veteran Dustin Greco was less-than-honorably discharged because the military ignored the possibility that his behavioral problems stemmed from service-related issues. A mental issue arising from the trauma of war is as deserving of attention as any other combat-related injury.

In discharging — less than honorably — soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen with service-connected mental conditions, the U.S. military is making a mockery of the standards of honor it is sworn to uphold. The practice was detailed in a recent Express-News report by Martin Kuz.

It is a type of phenomenon not unknown to the Express-News, which wrote in its 2013 “Twice Betrayed” series of the military forcing out sexual assault victims rather than providing them the justice and the services they needed. That series resulted in congressional action that forced the military to remedy its practices in dealing with such victims.

Congress needs to take another look at whether the military is unjustly discharging members to spare the government the expense of providing the care and services due veterans with service-connected mental health issues.

Kuz wrote that the latest tactic likely involves military members diagnosed with adjustment disorders. This has resulted in less-than-honorable discharges, which deny those discharged care provided by the Veterans Affairs Department and a host of other benefits.
read more here

Now that you read that, think of one more thing. These men and women survived combat but were left to fight for themselves and that, that is clearly wrong!

Stephan Jenkins Gets PTSD But Doesn't Have It

Every once in a while, I find myself ready to stop reading something, then read one more paragraph. Something just causes me to not give up on it and this morning was just one of those times.

Stephan Jenkins has become involved in a foundation taking veterans surfing. He's doing it because he cares and because he believes it helps, but also seems to understand why they need the help.

Please read the whole article,  "Frankly, 3EB’s Stephan Jenkins is older, wiser and doesn’t give a damn." 

but here's the basic message.

Jenkins, who has always worked with causes close to his heart, is currently involved with the Jimmy Miller Foundation, an organization that teaches surfing to active-service Marines and vets who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle

“I’m not a therapist,” he says. “I don’t have any training in that whatsoever. But I have an intuitive understanding of what it is to not be here, as in, ‘I’m not with you right now — I’m with my troubles someplace else.’ A lot of these guys are just not home. But when a wave comes at you — you’re not thinking about anything else. You accept that moment and get into a flow state with it. You are present.”

read more here 

Clearly, he gets it even though he doesn't have it.