Equine Therapy, Wartorn, Articles of Interest

This week on Thursday I interviewed Theresa Flaigle, a therapist who is starting an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning program for veterans here in the Wichita, Kansas area.  Go here to listen to the complete interview about the therapeutic value of working with horses helps those who have experienced trauma. 

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is dedicated to improving the mental health of individuals, families, and groups around the world by setting the standard of excellence in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning, also known as "horse therapy" or "equine therapy."

Theresa also provided these contact numbers for those interested in learning more:


Flint Hills Therapeutic Riding:  316-733-8943
Innerworks Holistic Healing Center:  316-946-0990
Theresa's mobile:  316-617-3032


I just had the chance to watch Wartorn 1861-2010.  It's an HBO documentary produced by James Gandolfini and it highlights real veterans and their personal stories and struggles from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam and present day.  It is an important documentary for anyone who knows or cares about a veteran.  A Civil War veteran commits suicide after the war - his family said he came home "changed".  A WWI officer writes "I closed up like an oyster because I realized my friends, my country - spoke a different language".  A mother cries out "they put him through a paper shredder and then sent him back to us to put the pieces together", and a wife says "he's home, but he's not home".

That's what GallantFew is all about.  Helping our veterans come home.  If you can mentor, sponsor, or help in any way, please visit our website and plug in.

V/R and RLTW

Karl

Articles of interest this week:

COMBAT & OPERATIONAL STRESS/PTS/TBI

·         Half the Afghanistan and Iraq veterans treated by VA receive mental health care: (NEXTGOV) --- Slightly more than half of all Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans treated by the Veterans Affairs Department received care for mental health problems, roughly four times the rate of the general population, according to statistics compiled by the advocacy group Veterans for Common Sense based on data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.  http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110322_2917.php?oref=topnews#

SUICIDE

·         Aftershock: The Blast That Shook Psycho Platoon (ALL THINGS CONSIDERED-NPR,) --- At 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2010, Iraq veteran Brock Savelkoul decided it was time to die. He lurched from his black Tacoma pickup truck, gripping a 9-mm pistol. In front of him, a half dozen law enforcement officers crouched behind patrol cars with their weapons drawn. They had surrounded him on a muddy red road after an hour-long chase that reached speeds of 105 miles per hour. http://www.propublica.org/article/aftershock-the-blast-that-shook-psycho-platoon/single

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT

·         Transplant stirs up veteran’s wounds: (BOSTON HERALD) --- Col. Barry Martin, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, stopped short of calling Dallas Wiens’ new face a miracle, opting instead for the clinical description of “an encouraging next step” in the restorative process.  “It may be decades before we fully understand all the immune suppression issues at play in such a procedure,” Martin said. “I like to think of what happened up there at the Brigham as part of a slow evolution rather than a revolution.” http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2011_0323transplant_stirs_up_veterans_wounds/

 

·         The National Intrepid Center for Excellence: (DOD LIVE) --- [Video Only]  n this video, we take a look at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Located  in Bethesda, Md., the center was developed in order to provide comprehensive care for patients that suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury. Programs like this help the Navy accomplish its mission of taking care of service members as well as give researchers better information on how to care for, prevent, and properly diagnose these types of injuries.  http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/03/bia-the-national-intrepid-center-for-excellence/#

WOUNDED WARRIOR RECOVERY

·         Injured Army 2nd Lieutenant becomes paralympic swimmer: (AMERICAN MORNING – CNN) --- [Video Only]  April, 2004, Army 2nd Lieutenant Melissa Stockwell's convoy in Baghdad was hit by a roadside bomb. Stockwell's leg, which was struck, had to be amputated. It was during rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center that Stockwell discovered her new passion for swimming. Four years later, Stockwell was competing in the 2008 paralympics in Beijing. Stockwell talks to American Morning about swimming and her participation in The Hartford's "Achieve without Limits" campaign.  http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/22/injured-army-2nd-lieutenant-becomes-paralympic-swimmer/

 

·         Soldier Inspires Others With Brain-injury Recovery: (DOD NEWS) --- “One of the biggest things that I struggled with when I was going through [traumatic brain injury] is the impression that my career and life as I knew it was over, that there was no way I could stay on active duty, much less an armor officer,” he said.  But with hard work and perseverance, he was able not only to remain on active duty, but also to take on his current job as the rear detachment commander for the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, at Fort Carson, Colo.  http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63263

HOMELESS VETERANS

·         Help To Be Offered Homeless Vets This Week: (KVVU-TV, LAS VEGAS) --- Years after serving their country, many homeless veterans in the Las Vegas valley will receive help from a veteran-focused intervention program.  http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/27288326/detail.html

VA

·         Shinseki: VA Demand Grows: (SUN-HERALD, GULFORT, MS) --- Patients, budget, backlog all still climbing, but headway is being made on veteran homelessness, secretary tells Legionnaires. The number of veterans receiving VA health care and benefits has grown by nearly 800,000 since Eric Shinseki took office as secretary in 2009. The number now stands at a record 8.4 million and is projected to hit 8.6 million by 2012.  http://www.sunherald.com/2011/03/23/2965938/shinseki-va-demand-grows.html

 

·         Survey: Female vets frustrated with VA health care: (STARS & STRIPES) --- Female veterans still face significant frustration getting medical care, even in Veterans Affairs facilities with female-specific services, according to a new survey released by the American Legion on Tuesday.  One in four female veterans said the availability of gender-specific health care was poor within the VA system, and more than half felt the sexual trauma services at those facilities were inadequate, according to the report.  http://www.stripes.com/news/survey-female-vets-frustrated-with-va-health-care-1.138566#

OPINION/COMMENTARY

·         One homeless veteran is one too many: (TIMES-GAZETTE, HILLSBORO, OR) --- Ohio veterans have also earned the right to return to civilian life with their basic human dignity intact.  We cannot afford to pass a budget that fails to protect the veterans who have protected America.  http://www.timesgazette.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=382&ArticleID=178626

·         Rallying behind veterans starts with a simple thank-you: (REGISTER-GUARD, EUGENE, OR)  --- Because March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, I wish for civilians to find a way to honor our veterans and service members — not just this month, but all year. For instance, simply being aware that your neighbor or the person in the checkout line at the grocery store may be a veteran struggling with disorganized thoughts and constant fear goes a long way toward building a community of understanding and compassion.  http://www.registerguard.com/web/opinion/26023016-47/veterans-traumatic-brain-feel-injury.html.csp

Shelter Dogs and Veterans

Earlier this week I interviewed Dr. Rebecca Johnson, she runs a pilot program that pairs recent veterans (Desert Storm to present) with shelter dogs.  Hang in there through the slow start, it's worth listening.  Currently eleven veterans in the program in Columbia, Missouri with slots available for fifty.  Next year a program will open in Springfield, Missouri for another fifty veterans.  Seeking veterans of the War on Terror, that includes Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.  Their website is www.rechai.missouri.edu.  For information about the program, call 573-882-2266.

Preventing suicide among veterans article.

From last November, but a great video clip featuring the crew from the View.  Note that Hasselbeck needs no cue cards as she talks about the numbers of women and others serving (unlike her co-host).

RLTW  Karl

Useful and interesting this week:

COMBAT & OPERATIONAL STRESS/PTS/TBI

·       Trauma expert says common PTSD treatments may not be the best: (KOAA-TV, COLORADO SPRINGS) --- "I'm very concerned that the treatments that are being taught may not be the best treatment for the soldiers that are being seen," says Dr. Van der Kolk. "I think there is too much emphasis on talking in treatment often times, and not enough emphasis on making people feel safe."  http://www.newsfirst5.com/news/trauma-expert-says-common-ptsd-treatments-may-not-be-the-best/ 

SUICIDE

·       Army Released February Suicide Data: (DOD NEWS) --- The Army released suicide data today for the month of February.  Among active-duty soldiers, there were eight potential suicides:  none have been confirmed as suicide, and eight remain under investigation.  http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14346 

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT 

·       Ray of hope for disfigured heroes: (BOSTON HERALD) --- “This is why this is so important,” Harris said yesterday of the $3.4 million grant awarded Brigham and Women’s to help fund face transplants for both civilians and veterans.  Right now, such a procedure is still considered experimental. More research, more surgeries and more studies are needed before face transplants can become a mainstream procedure.  http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2011_0322ray_of_hope_for_disfigured_heroes/ 

·       Clinical trials seek to improve warriors' burn care: (ARMY NEWS) --- New hope is on the horizon for wounded warriors suffering debilitating burns as the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine and its partners at leading medical research centers launch three promising clinical trials.  http://www.army.mil/-news/2011/03/21/53544-clinical-trials-seek-to-improve-warriors-burn-care/

WOUNDED WARRIOR & FAMILY SUPPORT

·       Researchers seek to tap bartenders at VFW canteens: (USA TODAY) --- "Bartenders have naturally been thought of as these de facto counselors over time. So people often tell their troubles to bartenders," says Keith Anderson, lead author and an assistant professor of social work at Ohio State. "What we found, as anticipated, was that (VFW) bartenders were very close to the veterans, often referring to them as similar to family."  http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2011-03-22-bartender22_ST_N.htm

·       Segways Changing Lives Of Injured Vets: (KGTV-TV, SDGO) --- "We started by giving three away to deserving veterans," Kerr said. "In five years, we've been able to give 500 away."  Army Sgt. Armando Mejia, who was wounded in Iraq, has never been on one before but took to it immediately.  "You don't remember you have your injuries. You just whoosh and I always wanted to be this tall, too," said Mejia.  http://www.10news.com/news/27270272/detail.html

·       Canine companions misunderstood often: (AUGUSTA CHRONICLE) --- Mosley has been on an apartment complex's waiting list for six years and was recently notified that there was an opening. During the paperwork process, though, Mosley disclosed that he had a service dog that weighed more than 40 pounds and the deal was suddenly off.   It was a shock for Mosley and his wife, Ginny, because they've never run into problems in public places before. "What are you going to tell a blind person? That they can't have a dog that weighs over 40 pounds?" David Mosley said.  http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/health/2011-03-21/canine-companions-misunderstood-often 

WOUNDED WARRIOR RECOVERY

·       Wounded Soldier has Big Plans: (KULR-TV, BILLINGS, MT) --- Five months later, Williams is improving by leaps and bounds. "I was held at a high standard in the army," Williams said. "When I got injured my goal was to be the best injured soldier. My wounds are something I'm proud of. I gave my limbs for this country and I wouldn't take them back for a second."  http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/Wounded-Soldier-has-Big-Plans-118401954.html 

HOMELESS VETERANS

·       New program to give homeless female veterans a Welcome Home: (HERALD-MAIL, FREDERICK, MD) --- Way Station Inc. of Frederick, Md., parent organization of Turning Point of Washington County, plans to start work this summer on a 27-bed facility on East North Avenue in Hagerstown that will serve as a home for homeless female veterans in the state.http://articles.herald-mail.com/2011-03-21/news/29173050_1_homeless-female-veterans-veterans-affairs-new-program 

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

·       Military widow dismayed by limits on new Va. tax break: (VIRGINIA PILOT, NORFOLK) --- The enacting legislation adopted by the Assembly last month limits the spousal exemption to spouses of veterans who die on or after Jan. 1 of this year.  That means Padilla is out of luck. Her husband, Albert Padilla, a Navy veteran, died at 66 in May of a progressive neurological disease.  http://hamptonroads.com/2011/03/military-widow-dismayed-limits-new-va-tax-break

The New American Veteran Interviews Dan Horkey of GTOPI, Plus

Wow this has been a crazy busy couple of weeks.  Things are coming from all angles and I'm trying to knock down the close in targets, but some of them are getting through.

Last Thursday had the privilege to interview Mr. Dan Horkey, of GTOPI.com.  GTOPI stands for Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Limbs.  Think of the highly customized, beautiful fuel tank on a Harley bike and now take that design or chrome treatment to a prosthetic limb.  It's awesome, and Dan has worked with the VA to cover all costs to the veteran.  Visit the GTOPI website, and listen to the interview here.

Article:  One in five Iraq/Afghanistan veterans unemployed.

Article on Bob Dunn, new advisory board member.

Jarrett Edwards is a professional fisherman who we connected with at a trade show in Long Beach last week.  His story of surviving cancer and then his dedication to give back (and he picked veterans) is phenomenal.  Watch for more with GallantFew and Jarrett, and his lovely wife Rebecca.  They currently support the Lone Survivor Foundation.

V/R
Karl

Great articles from this past week:

COMBAT & OPERATIONAL STRESS/PTS/TBI

·         Mental health treatment for military family members has grown 15 percent annually since 2001: (NEXTGOV.COM) --- Visits by family members of active-duty military personnel to mental health professionals have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent since 2001, the Military Health System disclosed in a report to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 1.  http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20110301_7205.php?oref=topnews#

·         For brain injuries, a treatment gap: (USA TODAY) --- The first two doctors who examined Scott Hamilton 's fractured skull told his wife that he wouldn't make it through the night. A third believed he could save Hamilton's life.  http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/treatments/2011-03-02-RW_BRAIN01_ST_N.htm

SUICIDE

·         Malmstrom chaplain shares story of contemplating suicide: (USAF NEWS) --- Chaplain (Capt.) John VanderKaay knows what it is like to contemplate suicide. He also knows what it's like to seek help for his feelings and begin the healing process. He has been there and shares his story with anyone it might help. http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123244647

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT

·         Report: TBI center leadership ‘unfocused’: (STARS & STRIPES) --- More than three years after its inception, the Pentagon’s premier entity for addressing the invisible injuries of war continues to be plagued by a lack of direction and mismanagement, according to a report released this week. http://www.stripes.com/news/report-tbi-center-leadership-unfocused-1.136347#

WOUNDED WARRIOR & FAMILY SUPPORT

·         Lt. Gen. John Kelly, who lost son to war, says U.S. largely unaware of sacrifice: (WASHINGTON POST) --- Four days earlier, 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly , 29, had stepped on a land mine while leading a platoon of Marines in southern Afghanistan. He was killed instantly. Without once referring to his son's death, the general delivered a passionate and at times angry speech about the military's sacrifices and its troops' growing sense of isolation from society.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030106355.html

·         Army family survivors find help through SOS program: (CNN) --- Sudarat Kirby transitioned from wife to widow with two children and too many questions.  Her husband, Staff Sgt. Darian Kirby, died in March 2010. After an unexpected turn in health, he was gone.  “I thought once my husband passed, that's it, we're out of the (Army) system," said Sudarat. "But no, that's not what happened."  http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-564095

“SEA OF GOOD WILL”

·         Worthwhile investments: (PUEBLO CHIEFTAN, CO) ---  As the Army's fourth largest post with nearly 30,000 soldiers, Doty said Fort Carson also is emerging as a leader in programs to help soldiers make a smoother transition to civilian life and is heavily focused on the "wounded warriors" who face even more obstacles in that process.  Programs aimed at identifying soldiers who may be at risk for developing emotional or stress-related problems in the field are targeted for extra resiliency training before deployment. In-field screening has improved to the point that returning soldiers who need help get it from the moment they step off the plane back home, Doty said.  http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/worthwhile-investments/article_eb71dd5a-448f-11e0-9ddc-001cc4c03286.html

HOMELESS VETERANS

·         Budget cuts may hit homeless vets: (CNN) --- Among the more controversial GOP budget cut proposals is an effort to kill $75 million that's slated to house homeless veterans.  http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/01/news/economy/homeless_veterans_housing_cuts/

VA

·         Vets panel chairman: protect benefits, cut fat: (MILITARY TIMES) --- The new Republican chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee pledged Tuesday to protect benefits and services for veterans.   http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/03/military-miller-house-veterans-committee-030211w/

LEGAL AFFAIRS

·         Unanimously, Supreme Court Backs Veterans In 2 Cases: (NY TIMES) --- In one, the court relaxed a filing deadline that had served to deny benefits to disabled veterans. In the other, it made it easier for military personnel to sue private employers for discriminating against them based on hostility to their service.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/us/02veterans.html

OPINION/COMMENTARY

·         Pentagon Falls Short In Tackling Sexual Assault In The Ranks – Our View: (USA TODAY) --- Several other nations — Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom — have put decisions of whether to press charges where they belong, in the hands of professional prosecutors. In the USA, Congress would have to change the law, and that's unlikely without a big push from the Defense Department. So far, at least, the Pentagon appears to prefer tough talk and modest change to real reform. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20110302/editorial02_st.art.htm

·         'We Clearly Need To Do More' – Opposing View: (USA TODAY) --- Sexual assault has absolutely no place in our military and cannot be tolerated. I say this not just as a senior leader in the Department of Defense and a retired Marine Corps general, but also as the father of a daughter serving in our military. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2011-03-02-editorial02_ST1_N.htm

JCS Articles of Interest This Week

COMBAT, OPERATIONAL & POST-DEPLOYMENT STRESS

1.      Growing Up While Mom And Dad Are Off Fighting A War

(CNN, 08 MAR 11)

Warsaw, Ohio (CNN) -- Seth Rice is a 2-year-old boy full of energy, curiosity and emotions. Watching him play with his toys, you don't notice any of the emotional toll that having a parent deploy can take on a little boy.

2.      Marines In Deadly Afghan Valley Face Combat Stress

(WASHINGTON POST, 05 MAR 11) BY SEBASTIAN ABBOT (AP)

SANGIN, Afghanistan -- When U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Derek Goins deployed to the most dangerous place in Afghanistan five months ago, he mentally prepared for the risk of getting shot by the Taliban or stepping on bombs buried throughout this southern river valley.

3.      Taking The 'Disorder' Out Of Post-War Stress

(NORTH COUNTY TIMES, SDGO, 11 MAR11) ... By Rick Rogers

Soldier's heart, shell shock, war neurosis, combat fatigue ---- and now, especially for the last decade in Iraq and Afghanistan, post traumatic stress disorder.

4.      Female Gis Struggle With Higher Rate Of Divorce

(WASHINGTON POST, 08 MAR 11) ... By Kimberly Hefling, AP

WASHINGTON -- Two failed marriages were the cost of war for Sgt. Jennifer Schobey.

5.      David Cameron Calls For A 'National Change In Attitude' Towards Veterans' Mental Health

David Cameron Has Called For A “National Change In Attitude” Towards Mental Health Problems Among Former Soldiers.

(U.K. TELEGRAPH, 11 MAR 11) ... By Christopher Hope

The news came as the Prime Minister launched a 24 hours a day helpline for veterans suffering from battlefield trauma years after they have left the armed forces.

6.      'I Had A Nervous Breakdown. I Just Couldn't Cope'

(BBC NEWS, 11 MAR 11) ... By Philippa Roxby

Hugh Forsyth spent 11 years in the Army in the Royal Engineers, with an ordnance disposal regiment, serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

7.      Canadian Soldiers In Afghanistan Suffer High Rate Of Brain Trauma

(GLOBE AND MAIL, TORONTO, 07 MAR 11) ... Julian Sher

216 comments Email Tweet Print Decrease text size Increase text size Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan were hospitalized for traumatic brain injury between 2006 and 2009 at almost three times the rate of Americans fighting there in earlier years before the war escalated, according to a National Defence study obtained by The Globe and Mail.

8.      Can Video Games Quell Nightmares?

(NEW SCIENTIST, 08 MAR 11) ... Michael Reilly

Video games often get a bad rap, but their ability to desensitise players to violence could help soldiers sleep better. According to an online survey of 98 military personnel, regularly playing games that involve war and combat - like Call of Duty - decreased the level of harm and aggression experienced when they dreamed about war.

TBI

9.      Growing Threat To Soldiers: Traumatic Brain Injury

(FOXBUSINESS, 09 FEB11) ... By Barbara Mannino

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by explosions has produced a high incidence of casualties among U.S. troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The propensity of this injury and the damaging, long-term chronic consequences experienced by the soldiers on these fronts has led to TBI being labeled a signature injury of these recent wars.

10.  TBI Stands For: To Be Improved

I’d Like To Introduce Guest Blogger Army Staff Sgt. Victor Medina, Who Sustained A Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury During His Third Deployment In Iraq In 2009. Several Months Later, Medina Started A Blog Titled “TBI Warrior” To Help Educate Other Survivors And Caregivers Affected By A Brain Injury Through His Own Experiences — Before And After TBI.

(DOD NEWS, 07 MAR 11) ... By Army Staff Sgt. Victor Medina

Let me take you back to the first day of my new life. The day was June 29, 2009. The mission was a mounted patrol to escort supplies and route reconnaissance from a main contingency operating base to a joint security station. The route would take about three hours. We maneuvered through one of the largest cities in Iraq during the three-hour mission.

NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVES

11.  Dr. Biden Pledges Support For Guard Families

(DOD NEWS, 07 MAR 11) ... By TSgt. John Orrell, USAF

NEW CASTLE, Del., March 7, 2011 – Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, promised National Guard members and their families here that she will support them during every deployment.

12.  Minnesota National Guard Officials Confront Mental Health Stigma Ahead Of Deployment

(MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO, 09 MAR 11) ... Jessica Mador

St. Paul, Minn. — It's been almost four years since Coon Rapids Army Reservist Molly Black returned from Iraq but she still thinks about her deployment at least a dozen times a day.

13.  National Guard Soldiers Honored In Missoula

(KPAX-TV, MISSOULA, MT, 06 MAR 11) ... Allyson Weller

MISSOULA – The Montana National Guard honored more than 30 soldiers from the 230th Vertical Engineer Company based out of Hamilton at the Freedom Salute Ceremony.

WOUNDED WARRIOR CARE/TREATMENT

14.  Military Task Force Evaluating Care For Wounded Soldiers Starts With Visit To Fort Campbell

(ASSOCIATED PRESS, 09 MAR 10) ... Kristin M. Hall

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — A military task force directed by Congress to evaluate care for wounded soldiers has begun its research with a visit to Fort Campbell, where thousands of soldiers are returning this year from Afghanistan.

15.  Army Opens TBI Rehabilitation Center In Europe

(ARMY NEWS, 11 MAR 11) ... By Chuck Roberts

LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Germany, March 10, 2011 -- The first center offering comprehensive care for European-based mild Traumatic Brain Injury patients celebrated its grand opening Feb. 25, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, here.

16.  Aust, US To Launch Veteran Health Study

(SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 08 MAR 11)

Australia and the United States will launch a joint research project on the mental and physical health of veterans of recent conflicts.

17.  Soldiers Prescribed Yoga To Recover From War Wounds

(WPLN-NPR, 08 MAR1 11) ... By Blake Farmer

For many wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, push-ups, pull-ups and platoon runs have become impossible. For them, the Army has been developing what it calls “enhanced” physical training.

18.  Major Who Lost Legs In IED Bashes Veteran Benefits

(THE CANADIAN PRESS, 08 MAR 11)

A major who lost both his legs in Afghanistan says the Harper government's financial treatment of injured war veterans is an "abject betrayal" of a new generation of soldiers.

WOUNDED WARRIOR & FAMILY SUPPORT

19.  Flanagan Asks School Districts To Identify Children Of Military Families

(HOLLAND SENTINE, MI, 09 MAR)

Lansing, MI — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan has asked every local school district in Michigan to help out with a national and state initiative to provide support to children of military families.

20.  Proposal Exempts Some Military Spouses From Federal Hiring Time Limit

(WASHINGTON POST, 10 MAR 11) ... By Joe Davidson

The Office of Personnel Management plans to give certain military spouses expanded benefits from special federal hiring provisions.

21.  Hawks Have Life-Changing Experience Visiting Troops

High Spirits Of Rehabbing Soldiers Give Stanley Cup Champions Different Perspective On Life

(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11 MAR 11) ... By Chris Kuc

WASHINGTON — As they slowly filed off the bus on a rainy afternoon in the nation's capital, many Blackhawks players, coaches and front-office personnel believed the atmosphere they were about to encounter inside would match the gloomy weather outside.

22.  Student Veterans Continue To Help Fellow Soldiers Off The Battlefield Through Fundraisers, Organizations

(DAILY BRUIN, UCLA, 07 MAR 11) ... By Jake Greenberg

Though they have since returned from their campaigns in the Middle East, student veterans like Oliver Kay have remained committed to their fellow soldiers long after stepping off the battlefield.

23.  'This Can No Longer Be A One Percent War'

(THE LEAF-CHRONICLE, CLARKSVILLE, TN, 07 MAR 11) ... By Philip Grey

Rebecca Townsend, a psychologist who works with soldiers and families through several grassroots support organizations, began the conversation by relating the story of another conversation with a friend from Nashville.

24.  Caregivers Of Wounded Vets Hold Conference In Tampa

(TAMPA TRIBUNE, 09 MAR 11) ... By Howard Altman

TAMPA - For Veronica Thomas, the call that changed her life came Jan. 18, 2008, while she was at a livestock show in Texas.

WOUNDED WARRIOR RECOVERY

25.  Injured Marine Regains His Stride

(DOD NEWS, 08 MAR 11) ... By Cpl. M.C. Nerl, USMC

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif – For Lance Cpl. James Grove, a member of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center’s Wounded Warrior Detachment here, conventional methods of rehabilitation don’t cut it.

26.  Quantico Wounded Warrior Gets Back In The Fight, Encourages Others To Do Same

(USMC NEWS, 07 MAR 11) ... By Cpl. Jahn R. Kuiper, USMC

QUANTICO, Va. - The “Crossroads of the Marine Corps” is a hodgepodge of people, organizations and missions, but one Marine stands out not only for excelling in competition after being injured, but also recruiting other to do the same.

27.  Wounded Warrior Trains At KU For Paralympics

(UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, 11MAR 11) ... By Brad Gilbert

Lawrence, Kan. — Thirty-year-old Kortney Clemons is an outstanding and extremely decorated track and field athlete. He participates in the 100 meters, 200 meters and the long jump. He has earned numerous first-place finishes in each event, qualified and competed against the world’s best in international meets, broken the American record in the 200 meters this past January and is a member of the U.S. national team. Currently he is working toward earning a spot on the U.S. Team to compete in the 2012 Olympics to be held in London, and is doing so with the help of the Kansas track and field team.

“SEA OF GOOD WILL”

28.  Admiral Urges Communities To Help War Veterans

(ARIZONA REPUBLIC, PHOENIX, 11 MAR 11) ... By Maria Polletta

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is working to raise awareness of the "thousands and thousands of (veterans) who have been to hell and back" and encourage communities to help ease their transition back into society.

29.  Mullen Urges Communities To Assist Returning Troops

(DOD NEWS, 08 MAR 11) ... By Cheryl Pellerin

WASHINGTON – As the men and women who serve in today’s military leave active duty, communities around the country should tap their potential as employees for the benefit of the nation, the top U.S. military officer said yesterday.

30.  Adm. Mullen Leery Of Budget Cuts

(EL PASO TIMES, 11MAR 11) ... By John Hall

FORT BLISS -- Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to students at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss on Thursday about concerns such as budget cuts and the care and support of military families.

31.  US Department Of Labor Announces ‘Stand Down’ Grants To Assist About 10,000 Homeless Veterans

(LABOR.GOV, 10 MAR 11)

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service today announced the availability of $600,000 in "Stand Down" grants that will provide an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans with opportunities to reintegrate into society. The grants are being awarded under the department's Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program.

32.  NIOSH Focuses On Reintegrating Reservists, Guardsmen Into Workplace

(RISK & INSURANCE, 11 MAR 11)

Many of the reservists and National Guard members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan go back to their civilian jobs and find themselves struggling with the physical and emotional effects of combat. For unsuspecting employers, it can be jarring and confusing when a former model employee exhibits inappropriate behaviors.

HOMELESS VETERANS

33.  For San Diego's Homeless, One Man Offers Hope

(MORNING EDITION- NPR, 07 MAR 11) ... Pam Fessler

Hundreds of people sleep on San Diego's streets each night, on corners, beneath the interstate and across from the public library. They hang out in small groups or sit alone, watching the time pass. But when a wiry man with dark glasses approaches, everyone seems to perk up.

34.  Help Hard To Find For Homeless Female Veterans

(STAR-TELEGRAM, FT.WORTH, 08 MAR 11) ... Alex Branch

FORT WORTH -- Clara "Ruth" Gordon, an Air Force veteran, spent four years homeless, living in shelters along East Lancaster Avenue.

35.  Ritz To Become Home For Veterans

(STAR-BANNER, OCALA, FL, 07 MAR 11) ... By Harriet Daniels

The Ritz Historic Inn, a landmark that has weathered foreclosures, bankruptcies and multiple owners in recent years, is set to become transitional housing for homeless veterans.

36.  Transition To Civilian Life Challenging For Homeless Female Veterans

(SACRAMENTO BEE, 06 MAR 11) ... By Marisa Agha

SAN DIEGO – Ann Reeder was living in a cardboard box on Skid Row in Los Angeles with a bottle of Jack Daniel's and a crack pipe in her hand when she felt time stop and started running.

LEGAL AFFAIRS

37.  Unique Jail Caters To Veterans Serving Timetuesday, March 08, 2011

(KGO-TV, SFRO, 08 MAR 11) ... Carolyn Tyler

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (KGO) -- Officials with the Veterans Administration in Washington are taking a close look at a unique program in the Bay Area designed to help former soldiers who are out of the service, but in jail, held in a separate unit just for them.

OPINION/COMMENTARY

38.  Combat Stress: 'These People Fought For Us. It’s Now Time We Looked After Them',

(UK TELEGRAPH, 11 MAR 11) ... By David Cameron, U.K. Prime Minister

There are those, however, who suffer painfully. Some of the scars of war are physical – and as I have seen for myself, our wounded troops are treated magnificently at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and at Headley Court in Surrey. But the battlefield can leave mental scars as well. It could be the marine who wakes up every night, unable to forget about the comrades he lost in a mortar attack. It could be the young TA soldier who finds it impossible to adjust to life back in their town. These people fought for us. It’s now time we looked after them.

39.  A Soldier's View: We Have A Duty To Provide Support To All Returning Vets

(NEWS TRIBUNE, DULUTH, MN, 10 MAR11) ... By Matthew Bisbee,

The front-page article Saturday, “dark moment in TIME,” brought to light the troubles that returning National Guard members face as they try to reintegrate into society upon their return from combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. The National Guard has a reintegration program called Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. It’s spearheaded by a chaplain who’s available to all Guard units upon their return from combat tours.

40.  3 New Walter Reed Developments, One Promising For Health Care

(HUFFINGTON POST, 23 FEB 11) ... By Hal Donohue

Last week, I viewed Walter Reed Army Medical Center from the inpatient perspective. The amazing dedication and commitment of all the staff reaffirms my belief in military health care. Even as this medical center is being resurrected at a new facility, the current staff concentrate on patient care. Apprehensions and uncertainty exist; some issues are being addressed and others ignored as the closure deadline approaches. Talking with staff and other patients, three issues caught my attention.

41.  Give Vets' Caregivers The Relief Congress Promised

When Congress Passed Legislation Last Year To Pay Family Caregivers Of Veterans Wounded In Iraq And Afghanistan, The Program Was Supposed To Be Up And Running By Now.

(NEWS-TRIBUNE, TACOMA, 08 MAR 11)