The DoD has an online presence full of resources for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. The web portal uses the latest technologly to provide site visitors with easy to use self-assessment tools, social networking, support Apps, and toll free phone numbers for warriors who need immediate assistance. The website is packed with education and support for over 18 common areas of struggle including post-traumatic stress, anger, depression, family conflict, substance abuse and more. Visitors can even chat live with a health resource consultant.
Visit http://www.afterdeployment.org
To speak with someone in the Outreach Center phone 866-966-1020
To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone  
 
 
Mark your calendar for the following November flag flying days. Show your American pride!
  
  Nov 2nd (Tuesday) - Election Day
  Nov 10th (Weds) - Marine Corps. Birthday
  Nov 11th (Thurs) - Veterans Day
  Nov 25th (Thurs) - Thanksgiving

Of course, the U.S. flag can be flown every day, weather permitting. the
 
 
Increasing numbers of Veterans who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan experience mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. According to a study published by Management Science, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will affect as many as 35% of Veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. It has become clear that public education, early intervention, and comprehensive care are critical in the mission to assist these veterans.

To that end, Sandy Island Press has decided to provide Friends for Life to mental health professionals for only the cost of shipping. Counselors, doctors, and organizations working with Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families can receive free copies of the book now through December 31, 2010, while supplies last.

While our family members were deployed, we realized that most people don't know of understand the trials a military family experiences during a loved one's deployment.  We wrote the book to help people understand these experiences.  It is important to remember that PTSD affects not only the veteran, but the veteran's family, friends, and coworkers.  As the soldier deals with his own feelings of anger, confusion, fear and grief, the family struggles to understand and cope.

To request free copies of Friends for Life, contact Sandy Island Press:
http://friendsforlifebook.weebly.com/contact-us.html
 
 
The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay deadline for application has been extended to s been extended to Dec. 3, 2010. Although over 145,000 service members are eligible, less than fifty percent have submitted claims. It's simple and easy to find out if you qualify.

Visit www.defense.gov/stoploss for details.

In the words of Admiral Mike Mullen, "It’s your money."
 
 
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CNN reported last week that the Department of Defense purchased and destroyed approximately 9,500 copies of Army Reserve Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer's memoir of time served in Afghanistan titled "Operation Dark Heart." 

The Pentagon confirmed the report and stated the move was in response to the book's exposure of classified information. A second printing of the Bronze Star medal recipient's book, which retails for $25.99, blacks out some names, sentences and paragraphs which the Pentagon determined dangerous to national security.

As with other war memoirs, both the author and publisher must work to ensure that the security of our troops and nation are not compromised while at the same time give the reader as much information as possible. It is a balancing act. In Lt. Col. Shaffer's defence, he did clear his manuscript with superiors within the Army Reserve prior to publication.

Read the full story from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/25/books.destroyed/index.html

 
 
IAVA announced a new programs sponsored by JC Penney and Clothier Josephh Abboud that will provide $1,000,000 in business attire to Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Dressing for success can often make the difference when interviewing for a job. In these tough economic times, Veterans need every break they can get.

Eligibility requirements includes IAVA membership (which is free). Beginning Oct. 8, 2010 on IAVA’s website, the first 5,000 qualified entries will receive $200 in certificates. These certificates are good for purchase of career apparel from JOE Joseph Abboud clothing, shoes and accessories for men, available exclusively at JCPenney. Qualified entries from female veterans may select professional apparel from Worthington®, JCPenney’s modern career wear brand.

Visit the Rucksack page on IAVA to learn  more:
http://rucksack.iava.org/dc_RewardDetails?giveid=a0Q800000039YX4EAM  
 
 
The National Archives maintains military records at it's NPRC storage facility in St. Louis. Veterans can easily request copies of their DD-214, personnel file, health and medical records with a simply online tool called eVetRecs.
Visit eVetRecs: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html

Requests for replacement medals and awards are processed separately by each service branch, but the NPRC assists with this process.
Learn more: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html

These services are also available to the next-of-kin of deceased service veterans.
For more information, phone 1-866-272-6272
 
 
Nancy Grace of Headline News will be airing a tribute to fallen hero, Army SPC Clint Gertson. The Headline News airs tribute will air on Tuesday 8/3 @ 7:55pm and 9:55 pm (CST).  Please watch and join in honoring the memory of Clint.
 
 
A new, independent film is set for release on July 30th. In the movie, The Dry Land, a Veteran of the War in Iraq and his family fight an uphill battle as they struggle with the young soldier's PTSD. The trailer is moving and reminiscent of my own family's experience. The link below will take you to the film's website where you can watch the trailer and find useful resources for dealing with PTSD. The aim of the film's producers is to bring to light the obstacles some of our Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are facing when they return home.

http://thedrylandmovie.com
 
Gold Star Wives 05/28/2010
 
Each Memorial Day, our country honors the memory of fallen American Service Members.  Gravemarkers are decorated with American flags, ceremonies are held, moving speeches are made, and many of us enjoy a three-day weekend complete with cookouts and fun.

It is vitally important for our country to remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by brave Americans who died serving in combat.  Let's also remember another very special group this Memorial Day, Gold Star Wives.  Gold Star Wives Of America, Inc. (GSW) was founded in 1945 and is a service organization of military widows whose spouse died during service. 

This group supports widows and widowers in a number of ways.  Not only dot hey provide support and friendship, they also volunteer at VA hospitals and participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day activities. Another important role for GSW members is assisting widows and widowers in navigating the state and federal benefits available to them.   What a wonderful service that might otherwise be too daunting for a grieving spouse. 

To read more about the Gold Star Wives, follow the link below.  Please join m in rememembering both the fallen and their families this Memorial Day.

http://www.goldstarwives.org/