Iraq War Vets

Magnetic bombs and the future of warfare

2009-07-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

Round-up of Daily Violence in Iraq - Sunday 5 July, 2009 McClatchy: "Diyala
A magnetic bomb was stuck to a civilian car and detonated at 11.30 a.m. Sunday in al Mualimeen neighbourhood. The explosion killed the driver and injured two civilian passers by."

Wow, this sure makes it easy to blow stuff up. Just slap this bomb on anything metal and walk away. Seems like criminals are becoming more innovative everyday. The more technologically advanced their opposition is the more creative they become. It just goes to show that if an insurgent has his mind set on killing someone than he will kill someone, no matter who it is. It's like they want to cause chaos just for the sake of causing chaos.
I'm not sure I quite understand why an insurgent would slap a magnetic bomb on any random vehicle, but I guess they think it will benefit their cause.
The longer I've been out of the Marines the more strange I find all this violence to be. . .

It seems to me like these insurgents are not just going to go away. They have managed to stay active throughout the U.S. military campaign in Iraq and have been able to spread their ideals throughout the globe. It will be impossible to capture or kill all the terrorists in the world, so what I suggest is a new strategy:
The military should cross-train soldiers in police-type work to include swat tactics, detective work and undercover operations in order to combat terrorists worldwide. The military should create more smaller special operations type units and spread them throughout the globe on sea, in the air and on the ground to combat international criminal networks like al Qaeda who continue to move from place to place without regard to borders.
It does not make sense to pile all of America's troops into one country to fight an enemy that is not restricted by borders. With smaller military units positioned around the globe the U.S. can track, kill, capture or deter more terrorists in more places. The U.S. should go at it alone and covertly in places that do not wish to cooperate and overtly and with others in places that do.

At first glance this may seem like I am proposing a world police state with the U.S. leading the way in providing the security apparatus, however this is exactly the opposite of what I am proposing. A world police state will occur if we let the war on terrorism evolve on its own. If the U.S. continues to fight this war as it has been doing than what we will see is a continuation of large scale military operations in different countries, by not just the U.S, but Russia, China and India as well. Each excursion will leave behind a militarized state with an organized police force prepared to fight alongside the larger nation which has propped it up. This is what happened during the Cold War and what is continuing to happen now.

What I propose will create a de-militirarization of nations by using small, unseen forces to do the dirty work, while the larger forces remain out of the limelight. By spreading these smaller units throughout the globe the U.S. can collect better intelligence while also building stronger relations with countries that would otherwise go unnoticed in Washington. It is important to focus on the detterrence factor that can be brought with such a restructuring of the military. Not only can these smaller units move in and out of countries unnoticed and conduct better cross-national training exercises, but they can also bring in much needed assistance to the countries they will be deployed in or near.

Many of these units will have plenty of down time to build better relations by providing humanitarian assistance to people in need. By providing this assistance the U.S. can prevent impoverished people from wandering into a life of crime. The military has the tools to provide this type of assistance, but without a strong civilian corps to do the work it may be impossible to bring assistance everywhere it is needed.

The more civilians that can be used to bring in medical supplies, books, food and infrastructure tools, the less the military will be needed in these areas and could eventually be phased out or used only as a small observatory security force, depending on the how active international criminals continue to be in these countries.
The war on terrorism really is a police action that should be fought as such, but at the same time the military should be prepared for conventinal warfare as well. If an enemy wants to fight in a designated area using traditional military frontline fighting tactics where uniforms and insignia are still worn than the U.S. should be ready for that, but they should be prepared for global police work as well, which the U.S. is not.
Yes, the U.S. military has become more accustomed to fighting a guerilla type war, but they have not beat the enemy at their own game. The enemy knows that the U.S. will stop short of sending troops into Somalia or Yemen, which is why they are fleeing there. They know they can blend in as civilians in Europe and North America without the fear of having a batallion of Marine sent after them.
The U.S. needs to be three or four steps ahead of al Qaeda and other terrorists networks, but so far they are not. As long as the U.S. military continues to send more troops into Afghanistan while ignoring other terrorists safe havens across the globe they will always remain a few steps behind.
It is time to restructure our military, not as a reaction to terrorists, but as an offensive move to prepare for the future of warfare.
Now if only we can figure out how to prevent warfare in the first place. . .

Biden to discuss long-term stability with Iraqi leaders

2009-07-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

According to a White House press release, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is in Iraq to visit with troops and to discuss the troop drawdown with Iraqi leaders.

The press release says, "He will discuss with Iraq’s leaders the importance of achieving the political progress that is necessary to ensure the nation’s long-term stability."

I hope he is discussing what type of educational, medical, and infrastructure assistance the United States will provide to ensure this long-term stability, because without this assistance the U.S. will surely fail in creating a stable long-term ally in Iraq.

The U.S. military can proudly walk away as victors in Iraq, having accomplished the mission of destroying any means the country had to build WMDs, while also overthrowing Saddam Hussein and creating a new semi-deomocracy that is friendly to the U.S., however the American people cannot claim victory until 20 or 30 years from now when we know that the country has gained the long-term stability Biden is discussing.

Once we have seen that the country has become an active and engaged world player which seeks to cooperate with the countries surrounding it and the rest of the international community than the United States can claim victory. For this is what is in the U.S.' best interests and this is, or should be, the true goal of the U.S.' war in Iraq.

Now that the troops will be coming home the U.S. can engage in a true democratic form of nation building, using the diplomatic corps to bring fresh innovative ideas to the country in order to create a long lasting friendship between the two nations.

2009-06-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

Fireworks cause anxiety among combat vets the best solution? Go somewhere more peaceful until the fourth of july is over.

Troops can leave but Iraq cannot be abandoned

2009-06-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Troop Drawdown Could Be Costly for Iraq - WSJ.com: "Power and prestige matter. Withdrawal from Iraq's cities is good politics in Washington, but when premature and done under fire it may very well condemn Iraqis to repeat their past."

And from the Washington Post - "Obama said Iraq's future was now "in the hands of its own people," and its Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish leaders had to make some hard choices to resolve disputes that have been obstacles to real political reconciliation."

So the question is will the Iraqis be condemned to repeat their past? The violent politics of the past could return to the region once the United States is gone, but unlike in the past the United States now has a duty to do something about it. The U.S. cannot leave Iraq without continuing to provide humanitarian assistance as was the case in Afghanistan after the defeat of the Soviets. Political chaos and violent upheavel can be dealt with by the police and security of local forces, but no one will want to go along the democratic path if the United States is seen as abandoning the people of Iraq.
The United States must continue to provide the necessary resources that will alow the country to have a good education system, modern medicine, access to the media and a strong infrastructure. If the United States does not provide aide and guidance to strengthen the fragile democratic institutions within Iraq then we may very well see the Iraqi people be condemned to repeat their past, just as the United States will be condemned to repeat the past mistakes that were made in Afghanistan and so many other countries the U.S. has used military force in.
The military did it's job which was to fight the Baathists and the insurgents and now the forces must leave to allow local security to take over and for the people to police themselves. Rebuilding Iraq into a democratic nation is not the job of the military, as the military is the United States' least democratic institution. Now it is time for real democracy to take shape in the country which will occur as long as the Iraqi people can be shown that democracy does not abandon the people it tries to convert.
And if the country does return to a violent authoritarian regime where political violence is the only way to power, then the United States must not return with their guns blazing. Instead, the United States must rally support from the international community to take action, rather than doing it alone.
The unilateral approach the U.S. took on Iraq before the invasion only destroyed the legitimacy of the United States' claim to democracy while also tearing apart the foundations of the United Nations which the U.S. worked so hard to build.

Death Toll Totals

2009-06-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press reported that there have been 4,316 U.S. military deaths in Iraq between March 2003 and June 26, 2009.

Iraqbodycount.org reports that about 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died from war related violence since the war began. The worst months for Iraqi civilian deaths were in March and April of 2003 at about 7,500 deaths for both months.
The same website says one in 160 of Baghdad’s 6.5 million population has been violently killed.

Various reports indicate that over 20,000 insurgents have been killed since the war began.

Many of the reports vary on the numbers for Iraqi civilians and insurgents killed. Numbers for U.S. deaths do not vary among the different reports.
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Veterans share Iraq and Afghanistan war experiences | FSRN

2009-06-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Veterans share Iraq and Afghanistan war experiences FSRN: "The White House yesterday confirmed President Obama´s plans to remove US soldiers from cities and towns in Iraq next week, despite two bomb explosions that killed two and injured more than 30 people today. And a motorcycle bomb that killed more than 60 people in Baghdad´s Sadr city on Wednesday."

Remembering the Invasion: Camp Commando

2009-06-22T00:16:00.001-07:00

We stood twelve hour posts in a tower behind a machinegun in freezing cold temperatures. It really sucked but I will always know how to have patience now. I remember reading a book about the previous U.N. inspectors who had been kicked out while watching new ones traveling toward the Iraqi border while I was on post. When I was relieved I would go to the chow hall and watch CNN show the same U.N. inspectors inside Iraq.
I would always hope to get the post on the Kuwaiti side of the base so I could practice my Arabic, eat some of their chow, and to check out what the Kuwaiti army was all about. During Ramadan they gave me tons of food and tea. They sat around and told stories about the Gulf War.
Several of the Kuwaitis I talked to had fought against the Iraqis right from where I was sitting. One of the Kuwaitis told me he had been held captive by Saddam’s army for several years. I heard other stories from the Kuwaitis about the Gulf War. After being overran by the Iraqi military many Kuwaitis were raped and tortured. I was told about relatives who had had their ears and tongues cut off. One Kuwaiti told me about a gunfight at Camp Commando that took the lives of Kuwaitis he served with.
Sometimes we would watch the Kuwaiti Commandos train their recruits. The training included a run around the base where the Kuwaitis would spray the recruits, who were only wearing shorts, with water in the middle of the night while it was freezing cold. We used to watch them do the confidence course where they would climb way up on this tower to climb around on some ropes. The amazing thing was that they didn’t use any safety equipment at all. The thing that blew my mind about the Kuwaiti’s was that they didn’t seem to have any kind of work schedule. They would arrive in nice sports cars, stand a couple hours of post, and then leave. They told me that they not only had free cars and gas, but that they also had free education, were paid tremendously well, and had special privileges like being able to smuggle alcohol across the border without getting in trouble.

Air Force Space Program Money Passes Armed Services Committee

2009-06-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 passed the U.S. House Armed Service Committe by a vote of 61 to 0 on Wednesday, June 17.

The bill will provide $25 million in funding for Kirtland Air Force Base's Operationally Responsive Space Program. The funding will be used for development and launch costs for the ORS Satellite-1.

The satellite is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. In a recent press release it states, "The ability to provide on-demand, multi-spectral images that cover miles of terrain would give our warfighters improved enemy awareness and could ultimately save American lives.

Kirltand Air Force Base's program offers added technology to the national Operationally Responsive Space program.

Homeless Vets Getting Assistance

2009-06-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that $75 million will be used to provide permanent supportive housing and VA case managers for 10,000 homeless veterans.

Approximately 10,000 rental assistance vouchers will be provided to assist homeless veterans across the United States.

"No one, especially veterans who have faithfully served our country should become homeless," Shinseki said.

The housing assistance program will allow veterans to rent privately owned housing. The VA will also provide eligible homeless veterans health care services. More than 100,000 homeless veterans access VA health care annualy.

For more information visit the veterans affairs supportive housing program website.

Sandia Labs Veterans Business Meeting

2009-06-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

A town hall meeting for veteran business owners will be held Tuesday, June 16 at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial at 1 p.m.

Sandia National Laboratories' Small Business Utilization Department will explain how veterans can bid on contract with Sandia Labs at the meeting.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, one out of seven small business are veteran owned. In New Mexico there are 22,000 veteran owned small businesses.

To find out more about the town hall meeting call (505) 823-2000.

Veteran Business Workshop In Las Cruces

2009-06-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services is sponsoring a June 24 Veteran Business Development Workshop at the Henderson Fine Arts Center on the San Juan College campus in Las Cruces. The event begins at 8 a.m. and ends at noon.
Veterans will receive information about creating a business plan and the importance of marketing strategy.
Veterans will also learn how they can apply for a Patriot Express Loan, a special low interest business loan for veterans.
A federal mandate which sets a goal that 3 percent of all federal contracts be awarded to businesses owned by service disabled veterans will be discussed.
Representatives will be on hand to help veterans file for the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.
For more information call (505) 566-3528.

I Need Your Input: What Should A Veterans' Court Consist Of?

2009-05-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today I attended a veterans' town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Martin Heinrich where veterans were given the opportunity to speak before Heinrich and a panel of state veterans' affairs representatives.

Topics addressed included retirement compensation, health care, education benefits and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I was urged to go before the panel by a member in the audience to speak of the issues I have faced after returning from Iraq. I told the panel that veterans of the most recent conflicts have had it better than the older vets in terms of the services we receive, but I told them I had a couple complaints.

After speaking my mind about vocational rehabilitation entitlements and dental care I asked NM Secretary of Veterans' Affairs John Garcia where the state stood in the creation of a veterans' court.

He told me what I already knew: that a committee had been formed to study the possibility of creating such a court.

Afterward I was approached by someone from the state veterans' affairs who asked me if I would schedule an appointment with him to discuss my ideas about what a veterans' court should consist of.

I agreed to his proposition and will call next week. I have a few ideas about how such a court should work, but I would like a few suggestions from other veterans. Anyone who reads this please comment about what you think a veterans' court should offer.

This is a great opportunity that I will not waste, so please pass this message to any veterans you know so that I can provide more input to the state.

Thanks All,

Scott

Three Marines Remembered This Memorial Day

2009-05-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

I was guarding the gates of Babylon when I heard over the radio that a helicopter had gone down in the nearby river. Soon after a voice came over the radio saying Sgt. Ski was amongst those that had been killed in the accident.
At first I couldn’t believe it. What was he doing on the helicopter I asked myself? Something didn’t seem right. This wasn’t how Sgt. Ski was supposed to go. He was the type that would die jumping on a grenade to save his Marines.
I was soon relieved from my post, but I stayed around the radio waiting to hear more information. I found out later that Ski had not been on the helicopter, but had jumped in the river to try to rescue the downed crew. He ended up getting swallowed in the river as well.
So my intuition was right: Ski died trying to save someone, not by a freak accident.
Sgt. Kirk Allen Straseskie died May 19, 2003 serving his country the only way he knew how. I will always remember Ski as a real hero. Ski’s actions that day were unselfish and valiant. Ski will be remembered long past this Memorial Day and the one’s to follow. He is in the heart and soul of this country, and lives on in the spirit of democracy and freedom.
I didn’t know Sgt. Parkerson had been killed right away because I was already out of the Marines and was going to college. When the word got to me of his death I not only felt sorrow, but I felt guilty as well. Guilty because I wasn’t there fighting next to this Marine that had been there for me and the other “boots” he whipped into shape.
Parkerson was a martial arts instructor and taught many of us grappling moves and crowd control maneuvers we often used in Iraq and on each other. Parkerson was the type that would party hard with his younger Marines, but still quick to remind us who was boss.
Sgt. Harvey E. Parkerson III died at age 27 from enemy action in Al Anbar province. I’m sure many beers were poured out in his memory this Memorial Day. Parkerson’s fury and good will lives in the battle flags we raise each morning and his fighting spirit flows through the men and women who watch over the land while the rest of us sleep at night.
Carter was the type you wanted to have your back during a firefight in Iraq or in a bar brawl Stateside. Carter was the type of Marine you didn’t want to make mad. He had so much piss and vinegar in him people you could see it on the sweat on his forehead.
I remember bringing him from Camp Pendleton to Albuquerque while on leave. We partied like there was no tomorrow when we got here. I remember being one of the first people to arrive at a party we found down the street from where we were at. By the time the sun was coming up Carter was clearing out the rooms in traditional Marine Corps urban warfare style. Even on leave he couldn’t stop being a hard ass leatherneck.
He slept in the bunk below me on ship, he lived in the room next to me on base, he fought from a couple Amtracks over during the invasion of Iraq and the memories I have of him will rest forever in a special place in my mind.
Joshua M. Carter passed away March 26, 2009 after a long battle with post traumatic stress disorder. Josh was especially with me this Memorial Day.
May all the servicemen and women who passed away in the name of the red, white and blue rest in peace. And may you forever be remember and honored for the sacrifices you made on behalf of the United States of America.

Obama Reminds Country of the Meaning of Memorial Day

2009-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

"That is what Memorial Day is all about. It is about doing all we can to repay the debt we owe to those men and women who have answered our nation's call by fighting under its flag. It is about recognizing that we, as a people, did not get here by accident or good fortune alone. It's about remembering the hard winter of 1776, when our fragile American experiment seemed doomed to fail; and the early battles of 1861 when a union victory was anything but certain; and the summer of 1944, when the fate of a world rested on a perilous landing unlike any ever attempted."

"It's about remembering each and every one of those moments when our survival as a nation came down not simply to the wisdom of our leaders or the resilience of our people, but to the courage and valor of our fighting men and women."

-President Barack Obama in his weekly address, Saturday, May 23, 2009-

Martin Heinrich to Host Veteran's Townhall

2009-05-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich will host a veteran's townhall meeting Wednesday, May 27, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, N.M.

Heinrich will listen to veterans as they speak about the issues facing them and their families.

Heinrich will also be a guest speaker at the 2009 Memorial Day & Fallen Warrior Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2009 at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Park in Albuquerque.

KAFB Captain to Receive Bronze Star

2009-05-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Capt. Shane Frith, Kirtland Air Force Base airmen, will receive the Bronze Star Medal May 15 at 1 p.m. for his work as an explosive ordinance disposal flight commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Frith led 391 combat missions that destroyed 126 IEDs, he was involved in operations that led to the kill or capture of 6 insurgents and 11 other "high -value" targets.

Frith was responsible for integrating his EOD team with the local Iraqi Police Counter Explosives Team.

The Bronze Star is awarded to any person who distinguishes themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with an enemy.

I don't know Frith, but it sounds like he sure deserves the medal. Anyone willing to risk getting themselves blown up to help provide a safer environment deserves my vote. Hopefully the Iraqi Police he worked with learned something and are succesful in reducing the amount of IEDs in Iraq.

It seems like IEDs are the weapon of choice in Iraq and they sure as hell are nasty. Every month someone gets killed by one of these things, and it's usually civilians that get taken out.

NM Guardsman Prepare to Deploy

2009-05-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Estancia - “I heard some of you joking about how I’m going to go over there and kill someone,” Capt. Michael Calhoon said. “I hope I don’t have to. We’re there to help the Iraqi government sustain themselves.”
Calhoon, an Estancia Middle School math teacher and National Guardsman about to deploy to Iraq, was talking to the Elementary and Middle School students at the school gym in Estancia on Tuesday, May 5. A special assembly was held for him and Specialist Jordan Brock, an Estancia high school graduate and Guardsman about to deploy to Afghanistan.
Calhoon may not want to have to use lethal force, but he told the students that, “there are people who don’t appreciate us being there.”
Calhoon had to finish the school year off early so he can take part in pre-deployment training before leaving for Mosul, Iraq. Calhoon is an infantryman deploying with the 515th Combat Service Support Batallion. He said his duties as a captain have changed and he is not sure exactly what role he will have in the batallion, but he did say he will be working out of forward operating bases’ headquarters.
Calhoon will spend 15 months away from family, friends, coworkers and students in a volatile and hostile region, but he is confident in the ability of his command saying, “We are the best trained, best equipped military on the planet.”
Although it will be difficult to leave his family, he said it is important for thing at home to be going smoothly.
“Our ability to do the job while deployed has a lot to do with what’s going on back home,” Calhoon said. “We have to have a clear mind.”
Brock, an engineer in the Guard’s 920th Engineering Company, said it is important for family and friends to write to the deployed soldiers. The unit, which is slated to help clear roads and minefields, will be on its first combat deployment. Brock will help with building and rebuilding the infrastructure in Afghanistan. He said because he will be back before Calhoon, also his former coach, he will have a dinner arranged upon his return.
The 920th was scheduled to deploy on Monday.
Captain Jason Pete, also a Guardsman, asked students who knew someone who had been deployed, is deployed or will be deployed. About a quarter of the students in the gym stood up.
He told the students how important of a job the military has in protecting their freedoms, but he also emphasized the importance of everyday heroes like teachers and nurses.
“We leave and fight on foreign soil if necessary to defend our way of life,” Pete said. “As soldiers we do what we do because of each one of you here today.
During the assembly students waved American flags and yelled hooahs in support of the soldiers. The high school quartet sang American Tears and the student council presented a gift to Calhoon. A tree will be planted in his honor and a group of students will record everything that goes on at the school while he is gone. Students and teachers will also where red shirts as a respect to the deployed soldiers.
County Commissioner Vanessa Chavez and Estancia Mayor Ted Barela attended the event at which Superintendent Carolyn Allen-Renteria introduced the guests.
“All of us in the crowd support you. We’re blessed to have you serving,” Renteria said. “We’ll miss you.”

Post 9/11 GI Bill Applications Being Taken

2009-04-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

As of May 1, 2009 the VA will be accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. For those of us who have used up all the entitlements of the Montgomery GI Bill there is still hope. If you qualify, veterans who used all of the MGIB entitlements can still receive up to 12 months of entitlements from the new bill. HOORAH!

For more information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Fort Detrick Bio-Hazhard

2009-04-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

The loss of the vials of Venezuelan equine encephatilis from Fort Detrick has people speculating about the possibility of a link between the lost vials and the recent outbreak of the swine flu. The vials were found missing when a researcher did a full inventory and couldn't account for these vials. Another researcher said they were probably lost years ago when a freezer failed and destroyed several samples. According to the report, the freezer failed before computerized databses were being used. There was no paper record of the freezer failure to verify the researcher's claim.

Venezuelan equine encephatilis is carried by mosquitos and can cause encephalitis in humans and horses. (21 Horses Die at Palm Beach Polo Match - any connection?) The virus causes flu like symptoms in humans, but rarely causes death. According to emedicine.com the virus "remains a potentially potent biological weapon." The site says the virus "is potentially susceptible to genetic manipulation in advanced laboratories," and that the alphaviruses have "characteristics that make them suited for weaponization." Furthermore, the alphaviruses "could potentially be produced in large quantities and delivered effectively via an aerosol route."

Whether or not there is a direct link to the lost virus and recent swine flu outbreaks doesn't matter. What matters is that these vials of potential biological weapons were not handled properly. Just because there was no computer record of the vials does not mean it is acceptable for them to be unaccounted for. Any kind of computer problem could wipe out the records and thousands more viruses could get lost. A systematic paper record accountability method should be in place at all times. Also, why wasn't the freezer incident recorded? Once again the question of the security of bio-labs comes to light. If military bio-labs in the United States aren't secure enough to know where their materials are, than what can be said about the bio-labs throughout the world which have much less stringent security controls?

Disconnect

2009-04-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

There's a war going on. Brought straight to your homes via satellite. Like video games this war is played. Chess pieces on bigscreens with gadgets of all types. Get patriotic, get excited and hyped. These pieces are people being shifted on the battlefield checkerboard. And when the blood's drawn the big men tack one off toward their score. So easily replacable and forgotten when the pieces withdraw from the game. Back to the world where the blood only bleeds on the tv screen. Wake up in a cold sweat from the nightmares, but no one hears the screams. Reality sinks in. No one around understands. Walking around in this wax museum. So disconnected. They're disconnected. No connection. Numb to the world. There's no pain really, no emotion, no notice. It all seems hopeless, so why even explain. It keeps eating at my brain. . . My brain. . . My brain is washed dirty with rotten thoughts of death and decay. Swimming in and slipping in my ways. Take it away. Take it all, I'll run, I only get closer the harder I try to make some distance. Struggle on. Or give in. The battle in the soul can only withstand so much resistance.

DHS Says Returning Vets Potential Recruits For RIght WIng Extremists

2009-04-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

FROM THE REPORT:

(U) Disgruntled Military Veterans
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and
radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from
military training and combat. These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the
capabilities of extremists—including lone wolves or small terrorist cells—to carry out
violence. The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist
groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from
the psychological effects of war is being replicated today.
— (U) After Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, some returning military
veterans—including Timothy McVeigh—joined or associated with rightwing
extremist groups.
— (U) A prominent civil rights organization reported in 2006 that “large numbers
of potentially violent neo-Nazis, skinheads, and other white supremacists are now
learning the art of warfare in the [U.S.] armed forces.”
— (U//LES) The FBI noted in a 2008 report on the white supremacist movement
that some returning military veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have joined extremist groups.

MY TAKE:

Everyone bitches and moans that this is unfair and that vets shouldn't be targeted this way, but I'm not suprised at the assesment. Not only are skinheads and neo-Nazis joining the military to learn how to fight, but so are gang members. Here's just one youtube video with the details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gqShQTSDCM.

But what do you expect? Civil disobedience and crime in many parts of the world can be blamed for the sudden loss of jobs for young males with previous military or police training. When the Soviet Union collapsed and young men in the military, police and intelligence found themselves out of work they turned to what they knew how to do best; kill, intimidate and spy, but they did it for gangs and international criminal networks. The same can be true in other parts of the world like El Salvador, so why would it be any different in the United States? Unemployment among veterans is higher than the national average, and yes, vets today are trained to kill and many have done so already. Not only are vets trained in warfare, but they have skills in many other areas including communications, small unit leadership, avionics, driving, etc. I can completely understand why a returning vet who has above average work skills and has done more than most civilians can become disgruntled when unable to find work. Not to mention the military gives little to no help to many vets who are in need of better health and dental care, educational assistance, housing, etc.

The solution is simple: STOP TREATING ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN LIKE SHIT AND GIVE THEM THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THEY NEED WHEN THEY GET OUT. We can give officers $60,000 a year pensions, but can't even give an enlisted grunt who served for a year and a half getting shot at in Iraq proper dental care for a couple months after getting out of the military. BULLSHIT! Well I guess this will put me on the DHS target list, but I've probably been on it for awhile anyway. Luckily for the government I'm not disgruntled, just a bit frustrated with how the whole system works, but I'm trying in the most legal and honest way to make it better.

More from me on preventing domestic terrorism: http://scott-albright.newsvine.com/_news/2008/07/07/1645330-how-to-prevent-domestic-terrorism

REST IN PEACE JOSH CARTER

2009-04-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.legacy.com/newsminer/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=125633802

Obituaries

Joshua M. Carter

Our beloved son, brother, father and friend, Joshua Marvin Carter, now rests with our Lord after a long, hard-fought battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. He passed away on March 26, 2009.
Josh was born Dec. 28, 1981, in RAF Lakenheath, England. Coming from a military family, he moved around frequently but spent the majority of his school years in North Pole, where he graduated from North Pole High School in 2000.
Soon after high school, Josh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served two tours in Iraq.
Josh is survived by his parents John and Debra O'Brien; his daughter, Taylor; his brothers, Nick Sweet and Thomas, Ian and Michael O'Brien; aunts, Vickie Salyers and Julie Steger; and many cousins and friends.
Josh's time with us was far too short and we all will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be hosted at 1 p.m., Friday, April 3, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, North Pole. All are welcome to attend.

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Published in the Daily News-Miner on 3/31/2009

Increased Benefits

2009-03-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the news release: The question is how much of an increase will vets get? I will find out asap!

House Passes Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Benefits, Assist Rural Vets
Rep. Luján Cosponsored Legislation to Help Veterans Across New Mexico

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation cosponsored by Rep. Ben Ray Luján that will help veterans across New Mexico. The Veterans Cost of Living Increase (H.R. 1513) provides a cost of living increase for disability benefits for veterans and dependency and indemnity for their families. The Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement (H.R. 1377) requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.

“Rural veterans often are not able to travel to VA facilities for emergency care. The Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act will help them receive emergency care in their communities without traveling long distances to VA facilities,” said Rep. Luján. “The Veterans Cost of Living Increase Act will make is easier for veterans who struggle as their cost of living increases without seeing equal increases in their benefits. We have a responsibility to provide our veterans with the benefits they have earned and deserve, and I will continue to fight for veterans throughout New Mexico.”

# # #

Mark Nicastre
Communications Director
Office of Congressman Ben Ray Luján (NM-03)
502 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: (202) 226-4256
Cell: (860) 685-1542
mark.nicastre@mail.house.gov

NM Bill Benefits Out of State Residents - No bill for New Mexico veterans though

2009-03-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

A bill that would allow residents from outside of New Mexico to be able to pay in state tuition rates is on the governors desk. Yes, this would bring money from outisde of New Mexico, but how does it help veterans who want to go to school already living in New Mexico?
Why aren't our state lawmakers creating ways for New Mexicans (veterans or not) to be able to afford school in New Mexico?
I appreciate the effort to provide more benefits to veterans, but as a New Mexico resident veteran I find it hard to believe that my lawmakers would approve this bill before coming up with something that will help me and my fellow veterans already paying into the state.

Heres a snippet from the press release:

Santa Fe-On its way to the Governor's desk is Senator Bill Payne's bill
to� offer in-state tuition at New Mexico universities to honorably
discharged veterans, their spouses and children no matter where they
live at the same time. The bill sponsored by Senate Minority Whip
attracts Federal GI Bill dollars to New Mexico Universities and to the
state's economy. The bill passed the House unanimously minutes ago.� It
also passed the Senate unanimously.
It is estimated that $40 million could pour into the state if 1,000
veterans attend school here.� �
"This is a way of attracting students to come here who have money from
the Federal GI bill for tuition,� as well as for living expenses. It is
a boon for the state. It is a benefit.� Also, it thanks our veterans for
their service to our country," Senator Payne said.� Right now, at least
300 veterans would qualify for the program and that could be a $12
million gain for universities and for the economy.
"In addition to benefiting the honorably discharged veteran and his or
her family, this bill benefits the state of New Mexico and the
universities," (BUT NOT NEW MEXICO'S VETERANS) Senator Payne said. "The state would be able to attract veterans to come to New Mexico to study and hopefully make New Mexico
their home. The college educated veterans could help improve the state's
economic development efforts by attracting more businesses looking for a
better educated work-force."

The military and school set me eight years back

2009-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Had I not joined the military or gone to school I would probably be making a lot more money right now, with less stress, less frustrations and more pride in my country. . .
Unfortunately I made a huge mistake and joined the service in order to better myself and to do something for my country. What I did for my country is I helped in the invasion of Iraq - how that's bettered my country I'm still not sure. But perhaps the military did help me to better myself. I was taught to do whatever it takes and to not give up. And hopefully I won't forget that because I need to be a persistent son of a bitch to make it all pay off now.
Four years of being a grunt didn't help any in terms of getting experience in the workforce. There's just not much in the civilian sector for a machinegunner. So I took on the task of earning a degree to help me get my foot in the door. Well that was a mistake because I went for the one type of degree that just doesn't pay off unless you know someone in the field, you are wealthy enough to buy your way into the field, or you go on to get a masters or doctorate. That's right, I got my degree in politics. And in New Mexico it's all politics.
The state's VA office denied my vocation rehabilitation entitlement because I have too much education, I can't find a job in politics because I don't have enough education, the school denied me entrance into the graduate program because I'm not a good enough candidate and much of the other jobs I am capable of doing won't hire me because I'm overqualified.
So I've stepped back to get another perspective on the situation only to find out that I'm eight years behind my peers who decided to go to work straight out of high school. They have good high paying jobs, own their homes and have a couple years experience as a father or husband.
Talk about keeping up with the Jones's! I thought the military and a good college education would set me out in front of the Jones's. Shit was I wrong.
As it turns out there's not much help. The state doesn't offer much in the way of special benefits for veterans, the school is not going to make any exception for me, thousands of people are competing for work and a veterans preference and bachelors degree doesn't seem to get me picked for work any faster than anyone else. So I'm in a pickle, but the real question is what to tell my son when he gets older.
Am I supposed to tell him that the military will make him feel good about his country? That it will make him feel like he's done something for his community? All I did was piss off a bunch of Iraqis and eat up the tax payers dollars for a war that hasn't done anything for America except make us look like a bunch of bullies. Should I tell my son to get an education and go off to school so he can pursue his interests? What if his interest are politics too? Or worse, philosophy?
Well whatever wil lbe will be and I'm sure I'll get by. I didn't need all that military training and college education to learn how to be a bum. They teach that on TV.
I guess I can thank myself for fighting for the freedom to live off the taxpayer dollar. Unemployment office here I come.