Secretary Shinseki Resigns

Current press conference - ongoing now

POTUS:  "...misconduct not limited to a few VA facilities but many across the country...totally unacceptable.  (Sec. Shinseki)...firing many of the people responsible" and has cancelled possible bonuses.

Secretary Shinseki offered his resignation and the President accepted.

Ranger tabbed veteran and former USO President Sloan Gibson takes on acting VA Secretary position.

Later in the press conference POTUS says the problem "predates his administration" then says he knew about it when he was a Senator.  He has "thrown significant resources at the problem".  Deeds not words.

2014 Walleyes for Warriors June 14-15 Bay City Michigan

Nomadic Veterans

30 May UPDATE:  Give 'em some motivation and make a per mile donation.

27 May UPDATE:  Here's the Nomadic Veterans' Indiegogo page.

A couple'a Rangers contacted me about a week ago and told me they were planning this amazing Ranger trek - I'll let you see what they're up to.  It's going to be a lot of fun to see where they end up and how they accomplish getting there.

Also I have to say - I have great respect for these two men and am deeply honored at their support of our efforts to help Rangers transition peacefully, smoothly, and successfully.  The most important part of their trip will be the awareness they (with your help) are able to raise.  If Rangers (and other veterans) don't know about GallantFew, they won't volunteer as mentors or reach out for a connection as they transition.  Too many try it on their own, and it's not a one-man (or woman) patrol.  You always need a Ranger buddy, a Battle buddy.

Here's our interview:

See or listen to more TNAV.

Carrick Brain Center - Dallas Texas

Good Afternoon! 

I am writing on behalf of the Carrick Brain Center located in Irving, Texas. We are seeking Texas veterans who are currently experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress to participate in our treatment program. Currently, we are able to offer the program at NO COST to the veteran.   

A formal diagnosis of PTSD is not required. Carrick Brain Center is not affiliated with the VA or DOD and the treatment program is funded by the State of Texas. 

Veterans who are interested should complete this short survey and we also invite everyone to view the attached testimonials. 

If you have veterans who you believe will benefit or be interested in this program, please feel free to disseminate this email or have them contact Shara Hegr or Kara Williams at:

Office: 940-735-2618

Kwilliams@carrickbraincenters.com

Very Respectfully, 

Shara H

**Testimonials**

Ryan Newell, U.S. Army Veteran
https://vimeo.com/87222323

Ryan Parrott, U.S. Veteran
https://vimeo.com/89653925

Jason McClure, US Marine Corp. Veteran:
https://vimeo.com/94536685

SSG Dahlke Adventure Challenge - Benefiting the Sua Sponte Foundation (1st Ranger Battalion)

Rangers and Family Members

Bring Home the Honors - Picture your company and team on this plaque

Please support the SSG Jason Dahlke Adventure Challenge

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Fort McCallister, Richmond Hill

1030 - 1430 (10:30am - 2:30pm)

Bring the Family - Sign ups still available for teams

Free BBQ:  Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, hash - drinks

Leopold's Famous Ice Cream, cookies, cotton candy

Events for Kids 1000 - 1300

For More Details:  www.energy-oasis.com

Memorial Weekend

This post write up is from a buddy of mine Matt Bushong who wanted to remember his friend from high school who was KIA in Mosul Iraq in 2008. We both knew William Rudd, but Matt Bushong knew him the best. He spent years with him growing up and playing ball together. I met Bush after I left Ranger Battalion and signed into the 82nd. What I didn't know was that we both were impacted by Ricky in many different ways. This Memorial Day I would like to remember my brother SGT William Ricky Rudd. Serving with you was a true honor and I will never forget your sacrifice. Keep em cold brother.

 Those of us who grew up with him in small town western Kentucky knew him as 

“Patch.” To his brothers in Ranger Regiment he was known as “Ricky.” To a grateful nation he will always be remembered as Ranger SGT William Patrick Rudd of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. 

SGT Rudd was killed in action on his eighth combat deployment near the town of Mosul, Iraq on October 5, 2008. He had previously been deployed seven times in support of the War on Terror, five times to Iraq and two times to Afghanistan. During his time with Ranger Regiment he served as a rifleman, grenadier, and team leader. His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. 

Growing up with Patch it was easy to see that he had a special quality, something that set him apart from everyone else. Maybe it was his uncompromising commitment to putting others before himself, maybe it was his friendliness and acceptance of everyone he met, or maybe it was simply his nature. Writing this it is hard to pin down exactly what that quality was. It is indefinable yet I believe that it served him well while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment. I believe that his brothers whom he fought and died for recognize it. And I believe that though difficult to put a label on, this quality defines what it is to be a United States Army combat soldier. 

Like so many others who have answered the call of service and who have paid the highest price, this fallen Ranger should be foremost in our minds. His sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many others have given us the privilege of remembering them not only for what they gave, but also for who they were. Any stories, comments, or remembrances that you may have regarding SGT Rudd are very welcome. Please feel free to post them in the comments section. 

Matt Bushong

LEST WE FORGET

TNAV Memorial Day Edition

From a Gold Star Family Member:  Family and friends, this weekend is a tough one for us Gold Star Families as we remember our loved ones who died in service to this country. As you are enjoying this weekend listening to the Indy 500, having a family BBQ, or doing whatever you are doing, remember you can do these things because of those who have fought and died for our freedoms throughout history. Us Gold Stars and Battle Buddies have holes in our hearts that will never fill, but we persevere because we are proud of our loved one or battle buddy. Please do not say Happy Memorial Day, it is not happy for many of us.

Thank you my Gold Star family for our loved ones' sacrifice. May we continue to persevere, one day at a time, until we meet meet our angels.

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Remember don't say "Happy Memorial Day", rather say "Honor Memorial Day".

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SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY TNAV BROADCAST

There is a special Vets On Media TNAV broadcast tomorrow, Monday, May 26 at 1:00pm Central Time.

Karl has two guests scheduled for the show.  First up is Mr. Martin K.A. Morgan author of "The Americans On D-Day - A Photographic History of the Normandy Invasion".  This June 6th marks the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, and Mr. Morgan joins us from Fort Benning, where he is spending the day at the US Army Airborne School.

Following that, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson - mother of Corporal Ben Kopp - joins us.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 535-09 

July 20, 2009

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp, 21, of Rosemount, Minnesota, died July 18, 2009, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington of wounds suffered July 10, 2009, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Corporal Ben Kopp Memorial Ride is July 25-26.  Also if you haven't heard about how The Heart of a Hero Beats On, go here and read the story.

 Ben is buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Remember you can catch TNAV in several ways.  LISTEN LIVE, WATCH LIVE, or catch the archive at BlogTalkRadio, Vets On Media, or search the iTunes podcast for GallantFew.  Shows will be available for download approximately an hour after the show's live conclusion.

Other Memorial Day items:

The Honor and Remember Flag

Remembering Danny...

220,000 American flags posted at Arlington National Cemetery for Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2014 Quotes: 14 Sayings To Honor The Armed Forces

History Channel - Memorial Day


Honor Memorial Day ~ Karl