Sergeant Blogger

H.R. 1297

2011-04-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Every service member goes through “Basic” and “Advanced” training when entering the service. This training provides a backstop for dealing with contingencies and conditions they will potentially face in combat.

But where is the training for them and their families to deal with the duress caused when Congress fails to act withholds their pay? Maybe DOD can create scenario… a one week survival course where they are kicked out of their houses for not paying rent and have to find a homeless shelter? Maybe they can establish Rendezvous points, where they can meet up with the rest of their unit and their families and create a tent city?

Since the Congress is guaranteed their pay, (Twenty-seventh Amendment), can’t we also amend the Constitution to insure the same for our active duty service members?

Please contact your Congressional Representatives in support of H.R. 1297 the "Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act."

Microsoft... a helping hand.

2010-05-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

What is really great about our country is how our society honors the Veteran. It is not uncommon for Veterans or Service Members to walk the streets with people coming up to them and saying “Thank you for your service to our country”.
Applebee’s, Golden Corral, Outback Steakhouse and Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que have been staunch supporters of our Service Veterans. So also have the home improvement stores Home Depot and Lowe’s initiated programs lending their support. Within hometown communities, there have been a plethora of small, local companies who regularly provide discounts and services for those who have donned the uniform.
But now the leviathan “MICROSOFT®”
Microsoft has announced the Elevate America's Veterans Initiative to help prepare our country's veterans and their spouses with the skills and resources they need to be successful in today's workplace. This fantastic opportunity is available at:
http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/us/communityinvestment/veterans.aspx

Where is the noise?

2010-04-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Up until this past election, war protests seem reminiscent to the days of Vietnam. “Code Pink” was building up frequent flyer miles to Washington and the Hollywood elite were vilifying our military with impunity with movies like “Rendition”.

What happened to all the noise? Is it because they have become great fans to the success? Maybe they have suddenly developed a deep abiding love affair with our soldiers.

Somehow I don’t think that the welfare of our troops is nearly as important now. Matter of fact, mainstream media can’t afford to send reporters there for fear that a good story might leak out.

Remember when...

2010-01-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

Remember when... lefties would have to attach a brass deflector on their M-16s or have hot brass flipping down the collar of their cotton fatigues?
Remember when... you repelled out of a “Slick” and clearing the skid was the hardest part?
Remember when... you were at the live fire range and firing the 50cal,... you’d have to have a ridiculous lead on the drone and hope it would fly into your fire?
Remember when... the M-114 recon vehicle with a 160 hp Chevrolet engine capable of the awesome speed of 35mph?
Remember when... C-Rations had a “4-pack” of cigarettes like Lucky Strikes, Lark and Chesterfields, along with my favorite meal... “Beans w/meatballs and tomato sauce” or “Ham and Eggs Chopped”?
Remember when... the first time you used a “P-38” and thought it was the greatest tool ever invented?

"Shadow of the Sword"

2009-12-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

This is a true account of Marine Sergeant Jeremiah Workman and his amazing heroism which earned him the coveted Navy Cross along with a lifetime of guilt for the ones he could not save.
In this chilling account of a real American Hero; Sgt. Workman illustrates all of the exhausting and relentless elements of combat in Iraq. Through the hail of gunfire of the Mujahideen, he describes his relentless effort to save the lives of his fellow Marines at the bloody battle of Fallujah.
In his compelling story, Workman vividly paints the images of overwhelming odds and the strain of inexorable combat. But there is the one battle that he carries with him, deep in the shadows of his mind. For the war does not stay in Iraq, it is with him back at home, he relives every chilling detail over and over again asking the question… “Why did I not Die?”

David Cotton (Sgt. Blogger)
sgtblogger.com

After over twenty three years of dealing with survivors of trauma from child abuse, domestic violence, crime and war as an investigator and as a therapist I find "Shadow of the Sword" by Jeremiah Workman an inspiring, insightful and revealing self study of the trauma of battle and ensuing Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) that can result. His description of the war environment is graphic and intense; his description of the consequences of PTSD for himself, family and those around him is courageously revealed. My own father had PTSD from World War Two, so for me it is also very close and personal.
I believe this book will be helpful to veterans, especially veterans, and other victims of trauma who so often delay getting help, entering treatment or even sharing with others there is a problem. Just as Workman has faced his own history and seeks to reconcile it, so must every trauma survivor. It starts with honesty, no more secrets. Every day of silence is just another day lost! Well Done to Mr. Workman for facing his demons and being brave enough to share and encourage others. For this work he deserves something far greater than his well earned Navy Cross, he deserves an award that can be given by no mortal person - for he will never fully know how many lives he will touch nor how many he will in fact save.

Don Van Natta, MSSW, LCSW

Workman’s description of the “Shadow of the Sword” was riveting at times and gave the reader a true sense of what it feels like to be confronted by the enemy. The author characterizes the war frame by frame. He allows the reader to feel the uncomfortable situations that led him through his remarkable journey including the loss and bereavement of three brave Marines Raleigh, James, and Eric in Fallujah. The author writes, “To think that fate can deal us an unwinnable hand is to admit a level of human frailty we’ve been programmed to reject.” The death of these brave Marines led Workman through a process of self-discovery. You feel his high and low points as he works through the emotions trying to heal from guilt, shame, and loss.
From a clinical aspect Jeremiah Workman redeems the loss of self and learns how to cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The author states, “I’m not afraid of myself anymore. I don’t break contact and look away, suffused in guilt.”
Based upon research, most providers recommend psychotherapy treatment in conjunction with medication for the treatment of PTSD. Moreover, evidenced-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Therapy help the individual to confront the fear that often times paralyzes individuals who suffer from PTSD. Some therapists recommend family therapy to be used in conjunction with other modalities as symptoms of PTSD not only disturb the victim but their entire family unit as stated by Jeremiah.
Working with Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans may be challenging to clinicians because you have to allow veterans time to confront their realities and to become engaged in treatment. The moving point begins when he confronted his fears. He states, I am Jeremiah Workman, Marine, father-to-be, and husband, a veteran of Fallujah. We went to Iraq nine hundred strong. We buried nineteen of our brothers and carried home two hundred and seventy Purple Hearts. PTSD has many dimensions and implications with veterans and their families. In the case of this “Kill Hat,” the support of his wife, mother, and in-laws was the ultimate benefit. Workman’s honesty and courage is to be commended.

S.B. Williams, MA

The Soldier... The Veteran

2009-10-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

The Soldier-
…He puts on the uniform because of his deep seeded patriotism. He continues to serve because he loves his mother… his wife… his children….
He storms the battlefield for the cry of freedom. He hungers and thirsts…he freezes in the cold and burns in scorching sun… and endures because of his training.
He’ll fight for a beer and die for his friends.

The Veteran-
… His heart swells with pride when he sees the flag and aches when he sees the memorials of the fallen. He remembers what he learned, and if ever called... always ready to serve again. He is first to follow, but always ready to lead.
After twenty years, he still knows the maximum effective range of an M-16… but can never remember his wife’s birthday.

Go to the Afghan frontline...
Afghan Quest http://afghanquest.com/?p=392
The Sandbox http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/

Veterans- Not Protected!

2009-05-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

H.R. 1913, named the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act of 2009, expands the pre-existing laws which govern hate crimes.

The former laws covered crimes based on race, religion, color or national origin.

While at first glance, the appeal of a Congressional Act which would enhance and expand these laws seem obvious. In addition to those already covered under this judicial umbrella are those victims of violence against individuals based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Instead of a blanket protection for "all groups" who are victims of crimes based on their group identity; specific groups are identified while other groups are omitted.

Under this new legislation, pedophiles who are victims of violence are protected. However, those who are victims of violence based on being a Veteran are not protected.

The Bill was passed in the House along party lines, 249 to 175 in favor of the legislation and now goes before the Senate.

When Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) was asked... Why not punish hate crimes against our Troops?

Her reply was...

"Because comparing abused military personnel to "real victims" like blacks and homosexuals is "belittling" to the privileged special interest groups favored by progressives."

Now... Not only does our government consider our Veterans to be "Potential Terrorist", but when they are spit on and beaten for the service that they provide, we will not protect them.

But hey... That never happens, does it?

Blog Blog Blog Blog…

2008-06-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Some of my greatest ideas have an origin from something I read or heard. The Internet has provided an omnipotent source of knowledge and resources.

This is particularly true for both the military service man and the veteran.

This blog was originally developed to provide resources and a sounding board for the voices of those who serve(d). With the exponential growth of the Internet, I do well to act as a guidepost or directory. Sometimes I feel as if I’m holding a flood back with a fork! This is one of those times.

milblogging.com is cornucopia of military blogs.

The vetting of the individual blogs of this site would be impossible. It would be like vetting the phonebook!

Vets For Freedom

2008-05-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

After all of the partisan politics...
at the end of the day...
What is really going on in Iraq?
What do the troopers who were right in the thick of it really think?
Please, please, please... check out "vetsforfreedom.org"
What you won't hear on CNN, MSNBC and yes... not even FOX!

Course correction…”New Directions”

2008-03-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles has it all!

They also have 11% of all homeless veterans.

Substance abuse, PTSD and an array of mental and medical health problems, Los Angeles certainly does have it all.

“New Directions”, a comprehensive treatment organization, is attacking the Veteran plight, with a unique “Kitchen Sink” approach.

Residential Treatment, Housing, and Jobs are only part of their amazing program.

………….Follow the link >New Directions

It pays to look!

2008-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Every Veteran is vaguely familiar with the services and benefits offered by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. What many veterans don’t know is that every state offers veterans benefits and recognition of their service uniquely to its own residents.

The following are examples of benefits and information which are easily accessed at “Military.com”
Information and benefits offered by states are constantly changing. For an accurate list of benefits, details and information regarding eligibility, check with your state agency.

The Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette provides nursing and domiciliary care for any Hoosier Veteran with at least one day of wartime service. Property tax deductions are also available to disabled Hoosier Veterans.
The state of Virginia offers Honorary High School Diplomas for veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and were not able to finish high school.
The Iowa Veteran's Housing Grant Program gives a $5,000 matching grant to any veteran for the purchase of a home, tax free for veterans who served more than 90 days after 9/11/2001. The State of Iowa also provides a program called the Injured Veteran Grant Program.
Missouri resident veterans, honorably discharged and having a service-related disability of 60% or more can receive a free hunting and fishing license.
Florida tuition deferment is available to any veteran or other eligible student covered under Title 38, U.S.C. Allows one tuition deferment each academic year and an additional deferment when a delay in benefits occurs.