Disabled Iraq War veteran Aaron Cornelius, floral shirt, is greeted by Marcus Luttrell, also an Iraq War veteran, as he is presented with Military Makeover's renovation of his home in Bradenton
Monday, April 16, 2018
If your group ignores older veterans shame on you!
Keep in mind that this chart is from the Veterans the VA knows about. Too many others were not counted. What it does show is that most of the veterans committing suicide in Missouri, as well as the rest of the country, are over the age of 50. If your group won't help the majority of the veterans needing help the most, shame on you!
Why shame on you? Just read what came with this report from St. Louis Post Gazette
Phillip Crews, 62, shot himself in the hospital’s emergency room waiting area just after 4 a.m. on March 26, city and VA officials said.
An estimated 20 to 22 veterans die of suicide each day, at an average age of 60. While it is unknown how many of those deaths occur at VA facilities, they include a 76-year-old who shot himself in a parking lot of a New York hospital in August 2016, a veteran of Afghanistan who hanged himself at age 32 in a Tennessee hospital in November 2016, a 63-year-old Navy veteran who shot himself in a car at a North Carolina hospital and a 35-year-old Marine who overdosed on fentanyl at a Massachusetts VA psychiatric facility.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Melbourne Vietnam Wall Escort into Wickham Park
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| Murray likes the reunion even though it is a long ride to get there! |
Blue Jacket Park Honors Female Sailors
Statue of female sailor at Blue Jacket Park honors Navy legacy, women who served at sea
On Saturday, a bronze statue of a woman in a Navy uniform was unveiled at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park, a community with more than 4,600 homes that sprouted after the 1,900-acre Naval Training Center was shuttered in the 1990s.read more from Orlando Sentinel here
The statue, named the Blue Jacket Recruit — a Navy term for an enlisted sailor, honors the 188,000 female recruits whose graduation from the nation’s first coed boot camp proved they were not only as ready as men but also willing and able to serve their country.
Five Years After Bombs, Boston Strong and Inspirational Survivors
CARLOS ARREDONDO
NOW: Arredondo continues to do whatever he can to help others. He volunteers with the Red Cross, and his Arredondo Family Foundation works to prevent military-related suicides and hand out Thanksgiving turkeys to veterans and their families. He's now preparing to run his first Boston Marathon.
In his own words: "What many people don't realize is that first responders also go through some of the same trauma as survivors. I've been dealing with some issues, but that doesn't slow me down. It's been an amazing journey."
read other inspirational stories of survivors here
AP FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2017 file photo, Carlos Arredondo, center, gives a thumbs-up before participating in a Salute to Service military appreciation campaign before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass. Arredondo helped save the life of marathon spectator Jeff Bauman after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. He now volunteers with the Red Cross, and his family foundation works to prevent military-related suicides. He is preparing to run in his first Boston Marathon on April 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)THEN: Millions know him as the man in the cowboy hat who helped save the life of marathon spectator Jeff Bauman, the double amputee played by Jake Gyllenhaal in the 2017 movie "Stronger." Arredondo had become an anti-war activist and suicide prevention advocate after one son was fatally shot by a sniper in Iraq and another killed himself, and he was at the finish line handing out American flags when the bombs went off. Instantly, Arredondo became a symbol of courage.
NOW: Arredondo continues to do whatever he can to help others. He volunteers with the Red Cross, and his Arredondo Family Foundation works to prevent military-related suicides and hand out Thanksgiving turkeys to veterans and their families. He's now preparing to run his first Boston Marathon.
In his own words: "What many people don't realize is that first responders also go through some of the same trauma as survivors. I've been dealing with some issues, but that doesn't slow me down. It's been an amazing journey."
read other inspirational stories of survivors here
Yoga, Goats and Disabled Firefighter Battle PTSD
Yoga instructor, entrepreneur shares road to recovery after traumatic injury and PTSD
KTLV News
by Genevieve Grippo
April 14th 2018
CENTRAL POINT — The goat yoga craze hit the Rogue Valley on Saturday, but the four-legged guests weren't the only special thing about the session.
The session's instructor, Drew Aversa, is no ordinary yoga teacher. He comes from a background of inspirational recovery after suffering from a traumatic injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"So many people are going through that today, and I wish they could just find yoga and get rid of ego, get rid of whatever stigma they have attached to this 3,000 year old practice that has continuously healed people," said Aversa.
The SOU grad started his working career as a firefighter in California, but a traumatic injury left him confined to a wheelchair.
"Yoga allows the mind and body to connect. It allows people to come together, it allows that pause in our day-to-day life to just be," he said.
read more here
KTLV News
by Genevieve Grippo
April 14th 2018
"You go from hero to zero," said Aversa. "It's devastating."
The session's instructor, Drew Aversa, is no ordinary yoga teacher. He comes from a background of inspirational recovery after suffering from a traumatic injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"So many people are going through that today, and I wish they could just find yoga and get rid of ego, get rid of whatever stigma they have attached to this 3,000 year old practice that has continuously healed people," said Aversa.
The SOU grad started his working career as a firefighter in California, but a traumatic injury left him confined to a wheelchair.
read more here
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Retired Firefighter Honors Brothers Lost to Cancer
Retired Orange County firefighter walks across state for fallen brothers
Click Orlando
By Amanda Castro - Reporter/Anchor
Posted: 12:18 PM, April 14, 2018
Tom "Bull" Hill raising awareness for cancer-related death benefits
MELBOURNE, Fla. - A retired Orange County firefighter is carrying the burden of his fallen brothers while walking hundreds of miles across the state to raise awareness for cancer-related death benefits.
Tom "Bull" Hill started his 700-mile journey in the Keys March 20. The 58-year-old has walked up the state and made his way to Melbourne Fire Station 74 Friday night.
On Saturday, he continued his journey up the Space Coast.
"It's an honor to carry these guys. That's the truth," Hill said.
Hill called it an honor and a burden as he stood over a table covered with photos of fallen firefighters and members of law enforcement. On the table were three large backpacks filled with more than 500 badges, shields and names of first responders who passed away.
The retired Orange County firefighter said he's keeping a promise and walking in memory of two fellow brothers who died from work-related cancer.
read more here
Click Orlando
By Amanda Castro - Reporter/Anchor
Posted: 12:18 PM, April 14, 2018
Tom "Bull" Hill raising awareness for cancer-related death benefits
Tom "Bull" Hill started his 700-mile journey in the Keys March 20. The 58-year-old has walked up the state and made his way to Melbourne Fire Station 74 Friday night.
On Saturday, he continued his journey up the Space Coast.
"It's an honor to carry these guys. That's the truth," Hill said.
Hill called it an honor and a burden as he stood over a table covered with photos of fallen firefighters and members of law enforcement. On the table were three large backpacks filled with more than 500 badges, shields and names of first responders who passed away.
The retired Orange County firefighter said he's keeping a promise and walking in memory of two fellow brothers who died from work-related cancer.
read more here
Historical Marine Corps' first female African-American general officer
A decorated colonel is set to be the first black woman to serve as a Marine Corps general
Task and Purpose
Jeff Schogol
Col. Lorna Mahlock was nominated on Tuesday to be the first female black general in the Marines. Mahlock, 49, has served in the prestigious post of deputy director of plans, policies and operations since July 2017.
Her next assignment will be announced later if she is confirmed by the Senate, according to the Marine Corps.
In a history-making move, Col. Lorna Mahlock has been nominated to become the Marine Corps' first female African-American general officer.
Mahlock, 49, has served in the prestigious post of deputy director of plans, policies and operations since July 2017. Her next assignment will be announced later if she is confirmed by the Senate, according to the Marine Corps. She was nominated on April 10 to get her first star.
read more here
Task and Purpose
Jeff Schogol
Col. Lorna Mahlock was nominated on Tuesday to be the first female black general in the Marines. Mahlock, 49, has served in the prestigious post of deputy director of plans, policies and operations since July 2017.
Mahlock, 49, has served in the prestigious post of deputy director of plans, policies and operations since July 2017. Her next assignment will be announced later if she is confirmed by the Senate, according to the Marine Corps. She was nominated on April 10 to get her first star.
read more here
Dying Vietnam Navy Veteran Wants Justice...and deserves it
Misdiagnosed veteran contends military medical records are missing
WFLA 8 News
Steve Andrews
April 13, 2018
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) - From his bed at Florida Hospital North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, Navy veteran Lonnie Kilpatrick has a message for the new secretary of the VA about spending money the right way.
"It's more important to take care of your veterans than it is to get approval for a bridge to nowhere," Lonnie said.
Arthritis the VA treated in Lonnie's back during the last four years turned out to be kidney cancer.
"Stage four, nothing they can do for me," explained Lonnie. "Make me comfortable, you know, maybe give me some drugs that will make me live a little longer."
This week, another blow.
The VA turned down his claim for Agent Orange disability benefits.
read more here
WFLA 8 News
Steve Andrews
April 13, 2018
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) - From his bed at Florida Hospital North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, Navy veteran Lonnie Kilpatrick has a message for the new secretary of the VA about spending money the right way.
"It's more important to take care of your veterans than it is to get approval for a bridge to nowhere," Lonnie said.
Arthritis the VA treated in Lonnie's back during the last four years turned out to be kidney cancer.
"Stage four, nothing they can do for me," explained Lonnie. "Make me comfortable, you know, maybe give me some drugs that will make me live a little longer."
This week, another blow.
The VA turned down his claim for Agent Orange disability benefits.
read more here
PTSD Sunday Morning Empowerment Zone Early
Fight to take your life back
PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
April 14, 2018
(editors note: filming escort of the Vietnam Memorial Wall tomorrow, so putting these up today instead of tomorrow. It is still the Sunday Morning Empowerment Zone, but just a day early. If that bothers you, watch these tomorrow.)
The road sign is "Hope Road" and nearby they are working on the roads around it, clearly marked by "Construction Entrance." Would be nice if all of us saw the signs like that.
Finding a way to hope is always a process of constructing the way to get there. Feed positive thoughts into it and you'll get there a lot faster. You need help to kick the crap out of you so there is room for good stuff to get in.
My buddy Jonnie has been going to the American Combat Club in Downtown Orlando. His VA therapist recommended them because they are giving three months of free classes to veterans battling to heal. Besides, he enjoys the fact he can punch stuff without getting into trouble.
read more here
From PTSD Patrol
Think of your brain like the engine of your car.
Your Mechanic explains how your engine can get clogged.
All the negative thoughts you put into the thing that drives you stops it from moving in the right direction. It doesn't matter how strong your body is if you don't have fuel to power it. It doesn't matter how smart you are if you're stupid enough to let the impurities invade your brain.
Doubt, fear, anger, paranoia, hatred of others and hating what you believe you turned into, leave little room for all the good stuff to get in.
You stay stuck. If it goes on too long, then you end up with a broken engine that could have been powering healing.
When social media decided that talking about veterans committing suicide was a hot topic, they managed to add all the bad outcomes and none of the good. It is like using the wrong grade of gas to power your ride.
PTSD Patrol
Kathie Costos
April 14, 2018
(editors note: filming escort of the Vietnam Memorial Wall tomorrow, so putting these up today instead of tomorrow. It is still the Sunday Morning Empowerment Zone, but just a day early. If that bothers you, watch these tomorrow.)
The road sign is "Hope Road" and nearby they are working on the roads around it, clearly marked by "Construction Entrance." Would be nice if all of us saw the signs like that.
Finding a way to hope is always a process of constructing the way to get there. Feed positive thoughts into it and you'll get there a lot faster. You need help to kick the crap out of you so there is room for good stuff to get in.
My buddy Jonnie has been going to the American Combat Club in Downtown Orlando. His VA therapist recommended them because they are giving three months of free classes to veterans battling to heal. Besides, he enjoys the fact he can punch stuff without getting into trouble.
read more here
From PTSD Patrol
Think of your brain like the engine of your car.
Your Mechanic explains how your engine can get clogged.
"Fuel injectors deliver fuel into the cylinder for combustion. Clogged fuel injectors can be caused by debris or impurities in the fuel. Fuel injectors are responsible for getting fuel into the engine. ... The fuel is then ignited and the engine keeps on moving."
All the negative thoughts you put into the thing that drives you stops it from moving in the right direction. It doesn't matter how strong your body is if you don't have fuel to power it. It doesn't matter how smart you are if you're stupid enough to let the impurities invade your brain.
Doubt, fear, anger, paranoia, hatred of others and hating what you believe you turned into, leave little room for all the good stuff to get in.
You stay stuck. If it goes on too long, then you end up with a broken engine that could have been powering healing.
When social media decided that talking about veterans committing suicide was a hot topic, they managed to add all the bad outcomes and none of the good. It is like using the wrong grade of gas to power your ride.
Dying Florida Vietnam Veteran Target of Thief
Largo woman accused of stealing $2,500 from Vietnam veteran
Police say Vietnam veteran was her neighbor
WFTS News
Adam Winer
Apr 13, 2018
LARGO, Fla. — A Vietnam veteran was the victim of theft at the hands of his own neighbor.
The Largo Police Department is accusing Sonya Herrick of writing a check to herself with her neighbor's checkbook without his knowledge.
The victim, John Gibbs, 84, is a Vietnam veteran with pancreatic cancer who lives near Herrick on Seminole Boulevard in Largo.
According to the arrest affidavit, Herrick wrote herself a $2,500 check back on April 6.
Investigators say Herrick befriended the victim in the days leading up to the theft with the intention of stealing from him.
read more here
Police say Vietnam veteran was her neighbor
WFTS News
Adam Winer
Apr 13, 2018
LARGO, Fla. — A Vietnam veteran was the victim of theft at the hands of his own neighbor.
The victim, John Gibbs, 84, is a Vietnam veteran with pancreatic cancer who lives near Herrick on Seminole Boulevard in Largo.
According to the arrest affidavit, Herrick wrote herself a $2,500 check back on April 6.
Investigators say Herrick befriended the victim in the days leading up to the theft with the intention of stealing from him.
read more here
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