A soldier is missing in Afghanistan and believed to be captured by insurgents. Its hard to even find updated information on this story. On most of the news websites, its buried behind more "important" celebrity news. Disgusting that our media isn't paying more attention to this.
From Fox News...
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529816,00.html
Prayers for this soldier and his family.
Visit this website for more information:
www.serviceflagpetition.com
Below is the text of the letter (provided by the above website) that you can send to your Congressman:
Copy and Paste the sample letter text below to send off!
RE: Letter in Support of H. R. 2546 IH
Dear Congressman (or Senator) Name,
I am writing to ask you to support H. R. 2546 which is intended to ensure that the right of an individual to display the Service Flag on residential property not be abridged.
The Service Flag is an official banner regulated by the Department of Defense, and has been displayed in the United States since World War I. It is displayed by families who have family members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities. Each blue star on the Service Flag represents one family member serving. If a member dies or is killed, the blue star is covered by a gold star. Blue stars represent hope and pride, and gold stars represent sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.
H. R. 2546, sponsored by Congressman John A. Boccieri (D-OH), protects families who live in areas with certain home owner association restrictions. It would allow these families to display the Service Flag in honor of their loved one while they serve in the Armed Forces.
I ask that you support this measure, politics aside, in support of our military and their families.
In a recent roundtable discussion, the new paternity leave policy was explained. First, let me say that I think this is great that it has been made law. With my husband's unit, they were great about giving soldiers time off after the baby arrived as well as being sure they were home for the birth (even if that meant sending them home from deployment). But I know that is not the case for every unit so I think this policy is very important and long overdue.
The new policy, which actually went into effect in October of 2008, allows the soldier to take 10 consecutive days of leave in conjunction with the birth of a baby. The leave must be taken within 45 days of the baby's birth, unless the soldier is deployed at the time. In that case, the soldier has 60 days from the time of redeployment to use the 10 days of leave time. This leave is non-chargeable!
This policy mainly applies to male spouses so they are able to have that bonding time as a family after their new arrival. Female soldier who give birth as well as soldier who choose to adopt fall under different guidelines.
What are your thoughts on this new policy?
This is a program that is in its beginning stages with the expanded benefits. Originally, it was slated to help those affected by base closures or realignments. The program now is set to include extended benefits that can possibly help homeowners who faced a loss or foreclosure due to a PCS move during the mortgage crisis. They are still a few more hoops to jump through before applications can be accepted but its definitely worth looking into once all of the program details are made available.
Check out the website for eligibility:
http://hap.usace.army.mil/homepage.html
Below, please find a special article written by Col. David Sutherland, the Middle East
Region Division Chief on the Joint Staff who served as the commander of the 3rd
Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Diyala province,
Iraq from October 2006 to December 2007. It’s about remembering our Gold
Star families, a very important topic as we prepare to honor our fallen
Soldiers this Memorial Day weekend.
While immense honor is paid to our men and women who have died in combat, I was recently reminded of a void where we, as citizens of this brave nation, often fall short.
A mother of one of my fallen Soldiers recently expressed sadness at how unfamiliar most American’s are with the concept of Gold Star families, those who have lost loved ones in a time of war. They bravely remain at home with a silent fear, constantly praying they never receive that dreaded knock on their doors.
Unfortunately, Memorial Day has been embedded with the myriad of holidays we often forget the true meaning of and take for granted. Unless directly affected, it often becomes a reason to sleep in, party or shop, rather than the day of remembrance and tribute it was declared to be.
However, this amazing American, like many Gold Star mothers before her, turned her sacrifice and loss into inspiration for service—leaving a lucrative position at a consulting firm to serve in a Contractor Team in Iraq. Other Gold Star families have started non-profits focused on serving those that protect and harness our freedom. They devote their lives to the service of our service men and women, shipping supplies to schools in Iraq, forming support groups for others mourning loss, or by becoming politically active to advocate veterans’ causes.
Through all of their difficulties, the dedication of our military families remains. It is, after all, their support that allows us to remain the greatest fighting force in the world. As our servicemembers raise their right hand to enlist or re-enlist, our families are right there with them. These families are the cornerstone of our strength – their sacrifices are great.
I recently had the honor of presenting General David Petraeus, U.S. Central Command commander, with the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation’s Freedom Award. During the ceremony, which honors the children of our fallen men and women, there were many Gold Star families in attendance. It was an honor to be amongst such strength and perseverance.
I asked one of the spouses what she would want the world to know about her husband, Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon. With a moment of reflection, she boldly said, “Donnie was not just known for his sacrifice in the Army, but also for his family.
The love for his wife and four children – Shabria, Donnie Jr., Ta'Mya, and D'Andre, was his strength. “When we did our video teleconference [just before he was killed], I remember asking him why was he back out on patrol after [having been wounded in a recent suicide bombing]. His response was, ‘Ma, this is my job.’
“Right then I knew that after serving 17 years in the military, his heart was much bigger than I realized. Donnie not only lived his life Army Strong, but left us with a smile that would last a lifetime.”
Donnie and countless others unselfishly left their Gold Star families behind to continue the struggle in their absence. These families have lost their father, brother, sister, mother, son, daughter and the love of their lives while serving a cause far greater than most can imagine.
As I reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, I humbly honor those members of the military I had the pleasure of serving with, most importantly my fallen and wounded Soldiers, who fought as true warriors and ultimately paid the greatest sacrifice. They are my heroes – their sacrifices are great.
Today, extensive security tasks remain before us as we achieve our objectives in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, defeat the al Qaeda network, and build greater partnership capacity. We execute this mission with the support of a great cadre of Veterans looking forward to a Middle East region of secure, stable, independent, peaceful and responsibly governed states, where the freedom and dignity of the peoples of the region are protected.
So this Memorial Day I ask you to join me. Recommit yourselves to not only remember our fallen service members, but the other half of our fallen who quietly serve, and often continue serving on their Soldiers’ behalf after their loved ones are gone. Never forget that this day is not only a symbol of our Soldiers’ sacrifices, but the sacrifices of their families, friends and comrades in arms.
Col. David Sutherland is Middle East Region Division Chief on the Joint Staff and served as the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Diyala province, Iraq from October 2006 to December 2007.
I recently wrote about the new Post 9/11 GI Bill that goes into effect on August 1st here:
http://marriedtothearmy.typepad.com/married_to_the_army/2009/03/new-gi-bill.html
The rates for the state of Georgia have been revised. With this change, it works out to be fairly close to even with the payment rates of the current GI Bill (for my husband's situation). However, he is now looking into a Master's program that is only offered online through the college he attends in Dahlonega. Under the new GI Bill, it will cover the costs of the program but because it is online only, he won't receive the housing allowance each month. So once again, it appears it is best for us to stick with the current MGIB-AD plan.
We did receive a letter a few weeks ago informing him how to apply for the new Post 9/11 GI Bill. It states that once the election has been made, it cannot be undone. If you're looking between the two options to decide which is best, be sure to run a few different scenarios before you make your election.
Better safe than sorry!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090429/ap_on_go_ot/us_stimulus_social_security
"WASHINGTON – More than 50 million retirees can expect to receive $250 payments from the government in the next few weeks as their share of the economic stimulus package enacted in February.
Economists say the payments will be a timely boost just as the recession is showing signs of easing a little.
The payments are part of the $787 billion package of spending and tax cuts enacted in February to help boost the economy. They will go to people who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, railroad retirement or veteran's disability benefits..."
This will be a nice little boost! With all that was going on with my health, I wasn't able to update the blog to let everyone know that my husband heard back from his latest evaluation and was moved to PDRL (Permanent Disability Retirement List)! Which is incredible news for us, especially considering I'm pregnant.
He's a little upset just because he figures that the likelihood of ever finding out what caused his respiratory issues has dwindled even more now. But at least we will always have health coverage to deal with whatever may come from it in the future. Best of all, there won't be any more stress and tension every year from these evaluations!
So, overall, we're very happy about it!
It has been a very scary few weeks for me as the words "inflammatory breast cancer" were introduced into my vocabulary. Luckily, after much heartache and worrying, I was given a clean bill of health but that is often not the case with these symptoms.
I promised the inflammatory breast cancer support group that I would do my part to increase awareness about this rare and very aggressive cancer. So here I am! I just posted three articles on the website, including my personal story. Please forward (at the very least) the link about the symptoms for this type of cancer to every woman you care about.
Unfortunately, it seems only a small part of the medical community is knowledgeable about this cancer and even fewer have seen it first hand. Educate yourself about it and know what to look for.
My husband went to Ft Gordon for his TDRL reevaluation on Wednesday. The doctor said that he did not see any change at all and that he could not recommend that he would ever be able to go back to active duty status. We pretty much knew that already but it was a relief (and sad at the same time) to actually have him say it.
So now we wait on the packet to arrive here so he can sign off on the findings before it goes to the board. Then some more waiting to hear back a final decision from them. We assume it will be the same as its always been since the doctor said he didn't see any change. But we all know how dangerous it is to assume anything with the Army!
In the meantime, we're testing out the unofficial Army motto of "hurry up and wait". Did I mention I don't have much patience? :)
Normally, I try to stay away from politics on here. However, between the Dover decision and this one, I'm just floored. Even more so by this one! The first part of the article is below and you can click the link to read the article in full:
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
To: POLITICAL EDITORS
Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion, +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans!"
