Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
I was there filming the parade so now you can see what went on before your friends see the commercial during Super Bowl. I know I can't wait to see what they do with this fantastic day!
Extraordinary stories of veterans making a difference
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
New T-Shirts are ready
Join the fight to save veterans from suicide
Point Man has been saving veterans since 1984 and healing their broken souls so they can live better lives. Changed by combat, they learn how to change again and know they are loved.
There is the story of Point Man. There is the picture I created from some of the events I covered. Here is the design for the T-shirt.
Please show your support. There are only 10 days left
Point Man has been saving veterans since 1984 and healing their broken souls so they can live better lives. Changed by combat, they learn how to change again and know they are loved.
More about this campaign
Since 1984, when Seattle Police Officer and Vietnam Veteran Bill Landreth noticed he was arresting the same people each night, he discovered most were Vietnam vets like himself that just never seemed to have quite made it home. He began to meet with them in coffee shops and on a regular basis for fellowship and prayer. Soon, Point Man Ministries was conceived and became a staple of the Seattle area. Bills untimely death soon after put the future of Point Man in jeopardy.
However, Chuck Dean, publisher of a Veterans self help newspaper, Reveille, had a vision for the ministry and developed it into a system of small groups across the USA for the purpose of mutual support and fellowship. These groups are known as Outposts. Worldwide there are hundreds of Outposts and Homefront groups serving the families of veterans.
PMIM is run by veterans from all conflicts, nationalities and backgrounds. Although, the primary focus of Point Man has always been to offer spiritual healing from PTSD, Point Man today is involved in group meetings, publishing, hospital visits, conferences, supplying speakers for churches and veteran groups, welcome home projects and community support. Just about any where there are Vets there is a Point Man presence. All services offered by Point Man are free of charge.
There is the story of Point Man. There is the picture I created from some of the events I covered. Here is the design for the T-shirt.
Football Players lift up Vietnam War ex-POW
Football players lift spirits of hospitalized Vietnam veteran
The Auburn Plainsman
by Kelsey Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
January 18, 2014
In December 1972, when most Auburn fans were still absorbing the glory following the Tigers’ historic ‘Punt Bama Punt’ Iron Bowl win, 1966 graduate Ray Bean was being transported from one room to the next in a North Vietnam prison of war.
The guards typically confined the soldiers to groups who were brought into the prison at the same time to prevent them from obtaining knowledge from new prisoners. However, on the day Bean was moved, the guards made a mistake.
“When we moved into this room, there was one guy in there all by himself who had just been shot down, which was unusual,” Bean said.
The group of men drilled the newcomer with questions, thirsting for information from the outside. Answers were given and questions tapered off, but Bean, who was in the company of an Alabama graduate, had one more inquiry.
“Finally, at the end of about an hour, it had kind of quieted down and I said, ‘All right, let’s find out the real important stuff. Who won the Auburn-Alabama game?’”
Forty-four years later, Bean is still the die-hard Auburn fan he was the year he asked about the Iron Bowl outcome in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp.
“My dad went [to Auburn], my brothers went there, I went there, and then my daughter went there,” Bean said while explaining the Auburn roots that run throughout his family.
“My cousins all went there, and all their kids. So, it’s a pretty big family connection.”
After his release as a POW, Ray continued to serve in the Air Force for 30 years. He earned numerous decorations, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He later retired to Montgomery as a colonel.
But nearly one year ago, Bean braved battle again when he was diagnosed with cancer. On a week when he was out of town visiting family in Atlanta, complications from the illness sent him to Northside Hospital. He wasn’t in his team’s home state, but in a sea of bulldogs, Bean managed to find an other member of the Auburn Family.
Read more: - Football players lift spirits of hospitalized Vietnam veteran
The Auburn Plainsman
by Kelsey Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
January 18, 2014
In December 1972, when most Auburn fans were still absorbing the glory following the Tigers’ historic ‘Punt Bama Punt’ Iron Bowl win, 1966 graduate Ray Bean was being transported from one room to the next in a North Vietnam prison of war.
The guards typically confined the soldiers to groups who were brought into the prison at the same time to prevent them from obtaining knowledge from new prisoners. However, on the day Bean was moved, the guards made a mistake.
“When we moved into this room, there was one guy in there all by himself who had just been shot down, which was unusual,” Bean said.
The group of men drilled the newcomer with questions, thirsting for information from the outside. Answers were given and questions tapered off, but Bean, who was in the company of an Alabama graduate, had one more inquiry.
“Finally, at the end of about an hour, it had kind of quieted down and I said, ‘All right, let’s find out the real important stuff. Who won the Auburn-Alabama game?’”
Forty-four years later, Bean is still the die-hard Auburn fan he was the year he asked about the Iron Bowl outcome in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp.
“My dad went [to Auburn], my brothers went there, I went there, and then my daughter went there,” Bean said while explaining the Auburn roots that run throughout his family.
“My cousins all went there, and all their kids. So, it’s a pretty big family connection.”
After his release as a POW, Ray continued to serve in the Air Force for 30 years. He earned numerous decorations, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He later retired to Montgomery as a colonel.
But nearly one year ago, Bean braved battle again when he was diagnosed with cancer. On a week when he was out of town visiting family in Atlanta, complications from the illness sent him to Northside Hospital. He wasn’t in his team’s home state, but in a sea of bulldogs, Bean managed to find an other member of the Auburn Family.
Read more: - Football players lift spirits of hospitalized Vietnam veteran
Veteran Marine sends Soldier and Family to Patriots Game
Fort Carson soldier Gary Petro and his family were enjoying a night at Katie Mullen's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Denver where Pikes Peak Pats were celebrating.
Marine Veteran Brian Miller was there too from Massachusetts. He thanked Gary for his service, then told him that he bought Gary and his family tickets to the game!
Patriots fan gives Ft. Carson family game day gift. 9NEWS Colorado 1/18/14
Marine Veteran Brian Miller was there too from Massachusetts. He thanked Gary for his service, then told him that he bought Gary and his family tickets to the game!
Patriots fan gives Ft. Carson family game day gift. 9NEWS Colorado 1/18/14
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Orlando Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach Day
Orlando Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach Day
Wounded Times and Civvies Report
Kathie Costos
January 19, 2014
Last night proved beyond a doubt that when people come together for a common cause, mountains are moved out of the way!
Last year, Mary Ingrassia heard about a Green Beret double amputee Josh Burnette and decided to do something to help him. Semper Fidelis America President John Murphy has always been about team work. Just ask any of the veterans groups in Central Florida and they will tell you how active he and his wife Teresa are. Doug Pattelena, Commander VFW Post 4287 also knows this. Because they worked together, Josh knew how much he was loved with a fabulous night of appreciation, fun and over $10,000 in donations for his future.
Durning the event Mary heard about another young combat wounded hero, Bo Reichenbach. Bo, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. It was his time to be star of the show at the VFW.
Even Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer sent a proclamation declaring Bo Reichenbach Day!
It was such a wonderful night that I filled two video cards with footage. Check back in a day or two for the videos on this fabulous night! UPDATE More pictures
UPDATE first video with more to come.
Jan 20, 2014
Orlando Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach Day at VFW Post 4287 the crowd was wowed by 3 year old Justin Roman doing Frank Sinatra tunes.
Steve Roman Rat Pack
Bo and Graceland
Jan 21, 2014
Bo Reichenbach. Bo, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. It was his time to be star of the show at the VFW. Marian J. Cocke, nurse of Elvis Presley was at the event. She arranged for Priscilla Presley to be able to talk to Bo on the phone. Bo was invited out to Graceland.
Tributes to Bo
With five hours of filming it has taken a lot longer to edit the event. Coming up are the singers videos. What a show they put on!
Willy Clatron
Tom Burkhead
The Propellers
Jan 23, 2014
Bo Reichenbach, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. VFW and Semper Fidelis America held a fundraiser for him and Sky Walters performance had the crowd on their feet and very moved by two songs.
Wounded Times and Civvies Report
Kathie Costos
January 19, 2014
Last year, Mary Ingrassia heard about a Green Beret double amputee Josh Burnette and decided to do something to help him. Semper Fidelis America President John Murphy has always been about team work. Just ask any of the veterans groups in Central Florida and they will tell you how active he and his wife Teresa are. Doug Pattelena, Commander VFW Post 4287 also knows this. Because they worked together, Josh knew how much he was loved with a fabulous night of appreciation, fun and over $10,000 in donations for his future.
Durning the event Mary heard about another young combat wounded hero, Bo Reichenbach. Bo, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. It was his time to be star of the show at the VFW.
Even Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer sent a proclamation declaring Bo Reichenbach Day!
Bo and John
Bo and Mary
It was such a wonderful night that I filled two video cards with footage. Check back in a day or two for the videos on this fabulous night! UPDATE More pictures
Paul "Russ" Marek
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Melbourne, FL
Branch: Army
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Home: Melbourne, FL
UPDATE first video with more to come.
Jan 20, 2014
Orlando Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach Day at VFW Post 4287 the crowd was wowed by 3 year old Justin Roman doing Frank Sinatra tunes.
Steve Roman Rat Pack
Bo and Graceland
Jan 21, 2014
Bo Reichenbach. Bo, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. It was his time to be star of the show at the VFW. Marian J. Cocke, nurse of Elvis Presley was at the event. She arranged for Priscilla Presley to be able to talk to Bo on the phone. Bo was invited out to Graceland.
Tributes to Bo
With five hours of filming it has taken a lot longer to edit the event. Coming up are the singers videos. What a show they put on!
Willy Clatron
Tom Burkhead
The Propellers
Jan 23, 2014
Bo Reichenbach, a Navy SEAL, lost both of his legs in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. VFW and Semper Fidelis America held a fundraiser for him and Sky Walters performance had the crowd on their feet and very moved by two songs.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Fundraiser event for Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach
This afternoon at the VFW Post 4287 in Orlando, Semper Fidelis America fundraiser for double amputee Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach will show how much the members of our Armed Forces mean to Orlando. Check back later today and tomorrow because I am heading out to film it.
These videos are from last year's event and it was the first one they did. Imagine how special today will be!
Billings Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan
Billings Gazette
By Cindy Uken
August 14, 2012
A 24-year-old Navy SEAL from Billings is recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., after being critically wounded in Afghanistan by a makeshift bomb.
Navy SEAL Bo Reichenbach was injured by an improvised explosive device in July, said U.S. Navy Lt. Dave Lloyd, public affairs officer for Naval Special Warfare Group 2. He would not disclose the extent of Reichenbach’s injuries.
Lloyd also would not disclose the nature of Reichenbach’s mission, other than to say it was part of the U.S. forces’ “ongoing operations in Afghanistan.”
Reichenbach, the father of a 4-year-old son, Landon, grew up in the Lockwood area. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 2008 and became a Seal in May 2010.
SEALs take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. Their small, highly trained teams usually conduct some of the nation’s most critical missions.
read more here
These videos are from last year's event and it was the first one they did. Imagine how special today will be!
Jan 14, 2013 On Saturday Semper Fidelis held a fundraiser for a Green Beret, double amputee at the VFW Post 4287 in Orlando. Mary Ingrassia arranged the event and all of her hard work paid off. Everyone had a great time and over $10,000 was raised for Josh's recovery.
Jan 15, 2013 Here is one more highlight from the fundraiser for SFC Josh Burnette the VFW and Semper Fidelis Orlando had on Saturday. Way too funny seeing all the ladies swoon!
Former Marine gives chase to armed bandits, nearly hit in gunfire
This man's actions deserve to be cross posted!
Former Marine gives chase to armed bandits, nearly hit in gunfire
Brian Cotts bravely chased after the armed bandits after they held up an armored truck outside a Checkers restaurant in Maryland on Thursday. The suspects opened fire, hitting Cotts' truck, but the good Samaritan suffered only minor injuries during the wild ordeal. Cops soon joined the pursuit and cuffed the suspects.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
BY JOE KEMP
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014
NBC4 WASHINGTON
Cotts was not hit by any bullets, but was cut from the shattered glass in his windshield.
A former Marine was nearly killed when a pack of bandits opened fire on him during a wild chase after an armored truck heist in Maryland.
But Brian Cotts claimed it was the only way he knew to help.
“I’m still in a daze,” Brian Cotts told NBC News. “I’m really, really proud of myself because I saved a life.”
Cotts said that he was sitting in his red pickup truck with a passenger when he saw four men hold up a Garda truck outside a Checkers restaurant in Suitland about 11 a.m. on Thursday.
read more here
Monday, January 13, 2014
Veterans for Veterans helps homeless veterans find apartments
Veterans for Veterans helps homeless veterans find apartments
Jan 11, 2014
The organization Veterans for Veterans is helping homeless veterans find apartments in Downtown Amarillo, but those apartments need major work before tenants could move in. For more news from the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Eastern New Mexico, visit www.ConnectAmarillo.com.
Volunteers makeover downtown apartments for veterans
by Marissa Lucero
Posted: 01.11.2014
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Once a field of run-down apartments, is now becoming a complex of homes for disabled veterans in Amarillo.
Vietnam Veteran Alvin Coffee's landlord evicted him from his apartment just weeks before Christmas.
"I was never getting ahead so me and her boyfriend got into it and she just waited for the opportune moment to tell me she wanted me to leave." Coffee said.
Coffee then met Veterans for Veterans President Eric Smith who already had finding Coffee and other homeless veterans a place to call home on his list of things to do.
The organization helps veterans of all branches apply and obtain their benefits, but Smith decided to take the organization's services to the next level one hammer and paint brush at a time.
Smith contacted Laura Mara who purchased 12 apartments on the corner of Seventh and South Jackson. She agreed to hold nine of them for veterans, but those nine need major work from plumbing to electrical.
read more here
The organization Veterans for Veterans is helping homeless veterans find apartments in Downtown Amarillo, but those apartments need major work before tenants could move in. For more news from the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Eastern New Mexico, visit www.ConnectAmarillo.com.
Volunteers makeover downtown apartments for veterans
by Marissa Lucero
Posted: 01.11.2014
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Once a field of run-down apartments, is now becoming a complex of homes for disabled veterans in Amarillo.
Vietnam Veteran Alvin Coffee's landlord evicted him from his apartment just weeks before Christmas.
"I was never getting ahead so me and her boyfriend got into it and she just waited for the opportune moment to tell me she wanted me to leave." Coffee said.
Coffee then met Veterans for Veterans President Eric Smith who already had finding Coffee and other homeless veterans a place to call home on his list of things to do.
The organization helps veterans of all branches apply and obtain their benefits, but Smith decided to take the organization's services to the next level one hammer and paint brush at a time.
Smith contacted Laura Mara who purchased 12 apartments on the corner of Seventh and South Jackson. She agreed to hold nine of them for veterans, but those nine need major work from plumbing to electrical.
read more here
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Disabled Vietnam Veteran wins new van
Disabled Vietnam vet gets a new van from Darrell Waltrip and Toyota
FOX Sports
Posted by Tom Jensen
Charlie Harvey wept.
"I get to go see my mom," the retired Army Corporal and Vietnam vet said, wiping away tears as he accepted his new 2013 Toyota Sienna SE van with VMI Access360 Northstar In-floor Conversion.
Harvey, who has suffered three strokes in the last 16 years and is dependent on a wheelchair and scooter for mobility, was presented with the new van Wednesday by NASCAR Hall of Fame member Darrell Waltrip at Waltrip's Harrisburg, N.C. shop.
The van was first prize in the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute national contest, which was open to all disabled U.S. veterans and entered by more than 850 U.S. military vets. Harvey's name was drawn as the winner on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2013.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. donated the van, while VMI donated the Access360 Northstar system.
The event, which was attended by Harvey's family, was an emotional one.
"It means a lot," said Waltrip, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and FOX commentator. "I think guys like Charlie probably think, 'No one cares, I'm one of those forgotten people.' He kept saying over and over again, 'I've never won anything, I've never won anything.'"
read more here
FOX Sports
Posted by Tom Jensen
Charlie Harvey wept.
"I get to go see my mom," the retired Army Corporal and Vietnam vet said, wiping away tears as he accepted his new 2013 Toyota Sienna SE van with VMI Access360 Northstar In-floor Conversion.
Harvey, who has suffered three strokes in the last 16 years and is dependent on a wheelchair and scooter for mobility, was presented with the new van Wednesday by NASCAR Hall of Fame member Darrell Waltrip at Waltrip's Harrisburg, N.C. shop.
The van was first prize in the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute national contest, which was open to all disabled U.S. veterans and entered by more than 850 U.S. military vets. Harvey's name was drawn as the winner on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2013.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. donated the van, while VMI donated the Access360 Northstar system.
The event, which was attended by Harvey's family, was an emotional one.
"It means a lot," said Waltrip, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and FOX commentator. "I think guys like Charlie probably think, 'No one cares, I'm one of those forgotten people.' He kept saying over and over again, 'I've never won anything, I've never won anything.'"
read more here
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Camp Pendleton cadets form Team Owyn to support Marine's family
Courage of sick Marine's son motivates cadets
UT San Diego
By Linda McIntosh
JAN. 7, 2014
CAMP PENDLETON — A military training camp for teens that focused on courage and determination was dedicated to the critically-ill son of a local Marine.
Hundreds of youth from across the country participated in boot camp and intense training last week at Camp Pendleton that drew its inspiration from a 1 1/2 year old fighting for his life.
The annual week-long winter training sponsored by the Naval Sea Cadet Corps culminated Sunday morning in the graduation of more than 500 Sea Cadets and the news that 19-month Owyn Mick, son of Sgt. Brandon Mick, is out of intensive care and on the mend in his fight against bacterial meningitis.
While Mick’s father was deployed in Afghanistan, cadets at Camp Pendleton joined “Team Owyn” in an effort to boost the family’s morale.
read more here
UT San Diego
By Linda McIntosh
JAN. 7, 2014
More than 520 Naval Sea Cadets formed a "team Owyn" banner at a field at Camp Pendleton to cheer on the critically-ill son a local marine.
Photo by LTJG Crystal Cox, Naval Sea Cadets, Pacific Southwest Region.
CAMP PENDLETON — A military training camp for teens that focused on courage and determination was dedicated to the critically-ill son of a local Marine.
Hundreds of youth from across the country participated in boot camp and intense training last week at Camp Pendleton that drew its inspiration from a 1 1/2 year old fighting for his life.
The annual week-long winter training sponsored by the Naval Sea Cadet Corps culminated Sunday morning in the graduation of more than 500 Sea Cadets and the news that 19-month Owyn Mick, son of Sgt. Brandon Mick, is out of intensive care and on the mend in his fight against bacterial meningitis.
While Mick’s father was deployed in Afghanistan, cadets at Camp Pendleton joined “Team Owyn” in an effort to boost the family’s morale.
read more here
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Female Sergeant beats cancer, volunteers for Afghanistan deployment
Sergeant overcomes cancer, deploys to Afghanistan
DVIDS
Story by Staff Sgt. Tramel Garret
18th Military Police Brigade
January 7, 2014
She was recently assigned to Germany and the doctors believed her problems were due to her not being acclimatized. After a couple weeks off she decided to try running again; this would change her life forever.
Echols was awakened by a total stranger after she collapsed on the side of the road. She received medical attention and numerous blood tests, which led to the removal her gallbladder in December 2010.
After a successful surgery, it was time for a follow up appointment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. She believed her medical troubles were over but it was just the beginning.
read more here
DVIDS
Story by Staff Sgt. Tramel Garret
18th Military Police Brigade
January 7, 2014
The 18th Military Police Brigade Human Resource Noncommissioned Officer Sgt. Jessica Echols, a native of the District of Columbia, is pictured here Jan. 15 in Bagram, Afghanistan. Echols is a cancer survivor who volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.CAMP SABALU-HARRISON, Afghanistan – On a warm summer day in July 2010, U.S. Army Sgt. Jessica Echols, 18th Military Police Brigade, decided to go for a run to relieve some stress. While running she began to have problems breathing and also experienced excruciating stomach pain.
She was recently assigned to Germany and the doctors believed her problems were due to her not being acclimatized. After a couple weeks off she decided to try running again; this would change her life forever.
Echols was awakened by a total stranger after she collapsed on the side of the road. She received medical attention and numerous blood tests, which led to the removal her gallbladder in December 2010.
After a successful surgery, it was time for a follow up appointment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. She believed her medical troubles were over but it was just the beginning.
read more here
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Navy Vet running for fallen in Disney Marathon at 67
Navy vet runs marathons as tribute to fallen troops
Orlando Sentinel (MCT)
by Stephen Hudak
Published: January 4, 2014
Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Sid Busch plans to run next Sunday's Disney Marathon with an American flag in his hands and a photo of a fallen airman on his back.
Busch, 67, thinks it's the least he can do for the memory of Air Force Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, who died at age 22, a year after he was critically wounded in Afghanistan. Busch will participate in the 26.2-mile race through Disney parks with Porfirio's picture pinned to his running shirt.
"It's not about me," he said. "The people I'm running for have done all the important stuff."
Busch, who served aboard submarines during a 26-year Navy career, has dedicated 40 road races to fallen American troops in the past nine years, usually wearing a photo of a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine killed in action and carrying a 3-foot-by-5-foot flag on a wooden pole as he runs.
read more here
Orlando Sentinel (MCT)
by Stephen Hudak
Published: January 4, 2014
Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Sid Busch plans to run next Sunday's Disney Marathon with an American flag in his hands and a photo of a fallen airman on his back.
Busch, 67, thinks it's the least he can do for the memory of Air Force Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, who died at age 22, a year after he was critically wounded in Afghanistan. Busch will participate in the 26.2-mile race through Disney parks with Porfirio's picture pinned to his running shirt.
"It's not about me," he said. "The people I'm running for have done all the important stuff."
Busch, who served aboard submarines during a 26-year Navy career, has dedicated 40 road races to fallen American troops in the past nine years, usually wearing a photo of a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine killed in action and carrying a 3-foot-by-5-foot flag on a wooden pole as he runs.
read more here
Wounded Veterans Track Down Child Predators
Wounded veterans work to put away child predators
Associated Press
By KEVIN FREKING
January 5, 2014
WASHINGTON (AP) — Oskar Zepeda has had pretty much one mission in his life: kill or capture.
After serving nine tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, he now has a new target — child predators.
Zepeda, 29, is part of a 17-member class of veterans trained in computer forensics and sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement field offices. They aren't paid, and there's no guarantee that they'll have a full-time job when their one-year stint ends.
But the interns are finding the purpose of their new mission outweighs financial considerations.
"I love challenges. And I have a family of my own," said Zepeda, whose military career was cut short by a hand grenade and the 25 operations that followed. "I feel I'm still serving my country and protecting my family at the same time."
For Shannon Krieger, who was in the Army and is now assigned to an ICE office in New Orleans, "This was a new fight I could sink my teeth into. That's what really I was looking for. I wasn't just going to take a job so I can have a paycheck."
Federal officials say a children's lobbying group, PROTECT, pitched the idea of incorporating wounded veterans in the fight against child pornography. ICE Special Agent Patrick Redling said the agency, where veterans account for 30 percent of the workforce, ran with the idea.
read more here
Associated Press
By KEVIN FREKING
January 5, 2014
In this Dec. 16, 2013, photo, Army Staff Sgt. Oskar Zepeda poses for a photo at the entrance to a Digital Forensics Lab at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Seattle, where he is serving a one-year internship. Zepeda, who served nine tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, before being wounded, is part of a 17-member class of veterans deployed to ICE field offices throughout the country to use his newly acquired skills in computer forensics to help capture and prosecute child predators.
Photo: Ted S. Warren, AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — Oskar Zepeda has had pretty much one mission in his life: kill or capture.
After serving nine tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, he now has a new target — child predators.
Zepeda, 29, is part of a 17-member class of veterans trained in computer forensics and sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement field offices. They aren't paid, and there's no guarantee that they'll have a full-time job when their one-year stint ends.
But the interns are finding the purpose of their new mission outweighs financial considerations.
"I love challenges. And I have a family of my own," said Zepeda, whose military career was cut short by a hand grenade and the 25 operations that followed. "I feel I'm still serving my country and protecting my family at the same time."
For Shannon Krieger, who was in the Army and is now assigned to an ICE office in New Orleans, "This was a new fight I could sink my teeth into. That's what really I was looking for. I wasn't just going to take a job so I can have a paycheck."
Federal officials say a children's lobbying group, PROTECT, pitched the idea of incorporating wounded veterans in the fight against child pornography. ICE Special Agent Patrick Redling said the agency, where veterans account for 30 percent of the workforce, ran with the idea.
read more here
DAV and American Legion join forces for disabled veterans
"DAV Chapter 38, Park Rapids, has donated money and volunteered to maintain physical control of the vehicle. The American Legion Post 212, has provided a home for the vehicle. The American Legion Riders have donated money."
Transportation for vets’ doctor appointments available
Park Rapids Enterprise
Transportation for vets’ doctor appointments available
Park Rapids Enterprise
Three Ford Flex vehicles have been purchased to transport regional veterans to medical appointments at veterans facilities. Local and state vets groups raised $130,000 for the purchase of the vehicles, which will be stationed in Park Rapids, Bemidji and Wheaton. The funds also go to pay the cost of a dispatcher.
Double amputee bikes for veterans charities
"Rob Jones was hit by an IED in July 2010 and lost both his legs. It was during his time of recovery that he came up with the idea to bike across America.
Crazy, right? Well, 81 days in and over 2,100 miles down, there is no stopping him."
Marine pedals for a cause, KFVS News, Allison Twaits, January 2, 2014
Crazy, right? Well, 81 days in and over 2,100 miles down, there is no stopping him."
Marine pedals for a cause, KFVS News, Allison Twaits, January 2, 2014
Twentynine Palms Marines catch rides in style
"Erica Stone founded SOS more than six years ago to provide active-duty military and their families with rides between Palm Springs and the combat center."
Marines head to Palm Springs to ride in style
(The Desert Sun, Written by Colin Atagi January 3, 2014)
Marines head to Palm Springs to ride in style
(The Desert Sun, Written by Colin Atagi January 3, 2014)
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Troops wear uniforms but veterans wear civvies
Troops wear uniforms but veterans wear civvies
Civvies Report
Kathie Costos
January 4, 2014
When servicemen and women show up at events, they have uniforms on to let people know they are among the less than 1% serving this country. When veterans show up at events they have on civvies, civilian clothes looking just like everyone else. They are only 7% of the population but they do extraordinary things everyday.
The Civvies Report is about them. Positive, uplifting stories of their lives and what they do after the uniforms come off.
Over the years it has been an honor to post about them across the country on Wounded Times. It has been a joy to spend most of my time with them in the Orlando area filming their events.
There will be no stories on suffering but there will be plenty of overcoming. There will be no stories on what they are doing without but there will be stories on what they are doing for others. No stories on suicides but stories on healing.
If you think Wounded Times is depressing to read sometimes, I feel the same way but perhaps more because as much as you read there, I am reading even more reports. When it gets to be too much for me, I go back and look at some of the stories I've read and get refueled.
There won't be any advertising getting in the way. This site will depend on your financial support as well as sharing the stories you'll find here. We're going to build this site together. Check back in the next couple of days as this site is being built and give feedback on what you'd like to see here. Make sure as the days go on that if you find a story that you'd like to share, give a link to it so others may find it as well.
Civvies Report
Kathie Costos
January 4, 2014
When servicemen and women show up at events, they have uniforms on to let people know they are among the less than 1% serving this country. When veterans show up at events they have on civvies, civilian clothes looking just like everyone else. They are only 7% of the population but they do extraordinary things everyday.
The Civvies Report is about them. Positive, uplifting stories of their lives and what they do after the uniforms come off.
Over the years it has been an honor to post about them across the country on Wounded Times. It has been a joy to spend most of my time with them in the Orlando area filming their events.
There will be no stories on suffering but there will be plenty of overcoming. There will be no stories on what they are doing without but there will be stories on what they are doing for others. No stories on suicides but stories on healing.
If you think Wounded Times is depressing to read sometimes, I feel the same way but perhaps more because as much as you read there, I am reading even more reports. When it gets to be too much for me, I go back and look at some of the stories I've read and get refueled.
There won't be any advertising getting in the way. This site will depend on your financial support as well as sharing the stories you'll find here. We're going to build this site together. Check back in the next couple of days as this site is being built and give feedback on what you'd like to see here. Make sure as the days go on that if you find a story that you'd like to share, give a link to it so others may find it as well.
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