OFF THE WIRE
Have you thanked a Veteran for the Freedoms you enjoy Today?
US soldier needs to be brought back home –
April 4, 2012
The Peanut Gallery It has been 1,016 days, and Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl remains the only U.S. soldier to be held in captivity by the Taliban.
How many Americans know Bergdahl’s name? How many Whitworthians are aware that his hometown is Hailey, Idaho, and that he turned 26 years old on March 28 this year, his third birthday to be celebrated as a prisoner of war (POW) in Afghanistan?
Captured on June 30, 2009, Bergdahl, then a young, new soldier at the rank of Private First Class, has since been shown in five videos released by the Taliban, asking the U.S. government for ransom and the release of 22 Afghan prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay and Bagram prisons. One notable prisoner whom the Taliban wishes to have released is Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neurophysicist who attempted to murder U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and threatened to execute Bergdahl should the U.S. refuse to meet their demands.
While Taliban propaganda has claimed that Bergdahl was captured while drunk and off-base in the middle of the night, it has been corrected by the Department of Defense that Bergdahl was in fact ambushed after falling behind during a patrol. More Taliban propaganda has claimed that Bergdahl is cooperating with the Taliban in providing information and fighting against U.S. forces, though no evidence of these claims has been provided.
The most recent news of the only American POW was this past December, when it was learned that Bergdahl had attempted to escape his imprisoners three months before, but was recaptured three days later. Bergdahl had befriended his captors over the years, learning their language and helping hunt for food in the desert, and used this accumulated complacency to his advantage. Bergdahl was recaptured three days after his escape, found in a hole he had dug in the desert for cover. It is speculated that Bergdahl was attempting to reach a nearby village, whose custom is to welcome any stranger into one’s home. However, presence of the Taliban militia had driven the village away months before Bergdahl’s escape. Further news of his well-being is still being awaited.
Unlike previous conflicts, where the U.S. suffered numerous POWs, this conflict only has one man to rescue and bring home. Three years is too long, in my opinion, for a lone soldier to be a publicly paraded prisoner of the Taliban. Granted, the biggest difficulty with securing Bergdahl is the possibility that he is being shuttled between the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the prolonged POW status of this man brings several issues to the surface.
First, there is the issue that most Americans do not even know we have one POW still in Afghanistan, let alone that he has been a POW for three years now. Why isn’t this covered by the media? The most national coverage was by Fox News in 2010 (two years ago), which reported that, according to a Taliban spokesman, Bergdahl was aiding the enemy. More Americans need to know and care that Bergdahl is not home where he belongs.
Second, the problem of indecision seems to be at play. I cannot say this is the case; however, perception is reality. I can understand what it means for the U.S. government to be stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to negotiating with terrorists. But, if it is decided that negotiation is not an option, then what other options are left? Furthermore, what other option shall we take? Hanging in limbo while Bergdahl remains in the hands of his captors is not the best decision, in my opinion.
Third, even more important than the American public or Bergdahl himself are his parents, who have been waiting every day for the past three years for good news. Living in Idaho, the two faithful parents started a grassroots campaign called “Bring Bowe Home” that has begun to spread like wildfire, thanks to a caring community and the help of the National League of POW/MIA Families, an organization that provides support and encouragement to families who must suffer through the ordeals of having a missing loved one in combat. For the parents of Sergeant Bergdahl, we as a nation should feel compelled to bring this American back home.
April 9 is recognized by the U.S. government as Prisoner of War Remembrance Day. It is important to remember the POWs of the wars long embedded in our nation’s memory, but also to remember the one POW of this current conflict who, as far as we know, is still alive! Remember Bergdahl and take action Let’s bring Bowe home.
Female veterans are not adequately prepared for the obstacles they face in the civilian workforce and community.
Marine Earns Silver Star for Actions in Afghanistan 8Add a Comment April 03, 2012 Marine Corps News|by Lance Cpl. Timothy Childers MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The parade deck at San Mateo was filled with Marines March 29, as Sgt. Ryan T. Sotelo, a San Mateo, Calif. native, was awarded the Silver Star.
He was honored for the actions he took as a squad leader with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment while deployed to Sangin District, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, 1st Marine Division, presented the medal to Sotelo, who is now a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Silver Star Medal is the United States’ third highest award for combat valor and is fifth in the precedence of military awards.
“It was humbling when the general pinned on the star,” said Sotelo. “When we perform out in country we don’t do it for metals, we do it for the Marine on the right and left of us.”
On Nov. 25, 2010, Sotelo’s squad was ambushed in an open field with machinegun and small arms fire, killing the platoon commander. Without hesitation, Sotelo took charge of the unit and moved them to a nearby canal. He then sprinted through heavy fire across open ground to retrieve the body of his fallen lieutenant.
With the defensive position now unreachable because of intense small arms fire, he called in supporting arms to cover the squad’s movement to a nearby compound. As insurgents began to assault the position, he fearlessly led his squad as they repelled the enemy.
When one enemy combatant began to fire on an exposed Marine, Sotelo closed in on the insurgent and killed him with a grenade.
“As soon as we got across, we got lit up and engaged in every direction,” said Cpl. Jose Launder, Company K, 3rd Bn., 5th Marines. “Sotelo just ran over and threw a grenade.”
After a reinforcing Marine unit was pinned down by heavy fire from the insurgents, Sotelo again disregarded his own safety to engage the enemy machinegun with rifle, finally calling in an air strike that silenced the enemy fire.
“I think a lot of us are here because of his actions that day,” added Launder.
Realizing that his situation was dire, Sotelo lead a fighting withdrawal more than 600 meters through enemy fire to bring his squad back to friendly lines and safety. Sergeant Sotelo will continue serving his country as he prepares for the 15th MEU’s upcoming deployment scheduled for this summer.
Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney is Cutting Red Tape for Veterans and their Families
By Marketwire .
April 3, 2012 12:03 PM EDT
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/03/12
Editors' Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today another component of the "Cutting Red Tape for Veterans" initiative. With the new changes, Veterans will receive up-front payments for grounds maintenance and housekeeping services offered under the Veterans Independence Program (VIP). Veterans will no longer have to submit receipts for these two popular services. This eliminates cumbersome paperwork for Veterans and puts money into their hands faster, so they can remain independent in their own homes.
"This change is another concrete example of our Government's commitment to cutting red tape for Veterans," said Minister Blaney. "Veterans have told us they want a more hassle-free service from the Department and we are taking action. The new payments will eliminate unnecessary paperwork for approximately 100,000 Veterans and their families."
Once the changes are in effect, Veterans who receive grounds maintenance and housekeeping services through VIP will no longer have to obtain, track and submit receipts to receive the financial support they need. The payments will be based on an individual's needs and the local going rates for these services. Veterans will receive two payments each year. By replacing multiple reimbursements with simple up-front payments, Veterans Affairs Canada will ensure that Veterans will no longer face paying for expenses and being out of pocket while waiting to be reimbursed. These changes will also eliminate millions of transactions between Veterans and the Department.
"Our Government will continue to cut cumbersome red tape to provide our Veterans with the best possible service," said Minister Blaney. "Our Veterans served our country with pride and conviction so we can live in a better world. Our Government will continue to make changes so that Veterans receive the benefits and services they deserve without bureaucratic delays. We are making paperwork a thing of the past. By offering up-front payments, Veterans get the immediate support they need."
"The changes to the VIP program announced by Minister Blaney will make life easier for Veterans," said Gordon Jenkins, President of the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada. "Instead of having to submit individual receipts and burn up bureaucratic processing time, Veterans will now receive a grant to cover the cost. This benefits everyone."
For more information on the Veterans Independence Program and other services and benefits available to Veterans, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.
Backgrounder
Changes to Payments for VIP Housekeeping and Grounds Maintenance Services
-- As a result of these changes, Veterans will receive up-front payments for grounds maintenance and housekeeping services offered under the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).
-- This will replace the current payment process where those receiving support must obtain and submit receipts in order to receive reimbursements.
-- Once these changes are in effect, Veterans currently receiving these VIP benefits will have their payments converted to the new up-front payment system for housekeeping and grounds maintenance services when their contribution arrangement comes up for renewal.
-- The new up-front payments for housekeeping and grounds maintenance services will be based on each individual's needs and the local going rates for these services.
-- Veterans will receive their up-front payments through two instalments each year.
About VIP
The Veterans Independence Program is a national home care program provided by Veterans Affairs Canada. The program was established to help Veterans remain healthy and independent in their own homes or communities. Veterans may qualify for VIP if they have a health-related need for the services. Examples of Veterans who may be eligible include:
-- a disability benefit recipient who needs VIP as a result of their disability entitlement;
-- a wartime (First World War, Second World War and Korean War) pensioner with a disability that is pensioned at 48 percent or higher;
-- a wartime Veteran or overseas civilian who qualifies because of low income.
-- a totally disabled former prisoner of war; or
-- an overseas service Veteran who is at home on a wait-list for a Priority Access Bed.
Eligible Veterans may receive up to $9,991 per calendar year for housekeeping and grounds maintenance services as well as personal care, access to nutrition and health and support services. Primary caregivers and survivors may also be eligible for housekeeping and grounds maintenance services.
For more information on the Veterans Independence Program and other services and benefits available to Veterans, visit www.veterans.gc.ca.
To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120403-VIP-vetA800.jpg
Contacts: Media Inquiries: Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada 613-992-7468
Codie Taylor Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs 613-996-4649
THE MARINES WANT THIS TO ROLL ALL OVER THE U.S. , Canada and The World. Please don't delete this until you send it on, Let's send it around the world. FRIENDS ARE BORN, NOT MADE
This is a poem being sent from a Marine To his Dad. For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his dad at the bottom. It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops.
THE MARINE
We all came together, Both young and old To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold.
In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around..
Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way.
I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, And protest in our streets.
But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time.
I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U..S. MARINE!
So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won.
Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor. Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.
But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
July 23 Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US and Canada and The World. I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.' Well, now I know. And I do.. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron
Please let this Marine (and all our military) know we care by passing his poem onto your friends even if you don't usually take time to forward mail...do it this time! Thanks.
