Veterans News & Updates

One in eight military families with children have used food banks in the past year, according to new research from the University of Georgia, shedding light on a severe problem in the military community. A recent study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition reveals racial inequalities in the military, finding that Asian, Black, and mixed families are roughly 50% more likely to depend on food assistance compared to their white counterparts. The study was conducted in 2021, with 8,326 military families participating nationwide during the COVID-19 epidemic. The analysis shows a shocking association, with the number of children in a household increasing the risk of using a food pantry by 35%. Assistant professor at the University of Georgia and lead author Catherine O'Neal made the following social observation: "If we look at the American population as a whole, roughly half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. So, it's not shocking that what we see with the military matches the larger public." The research highlights the need to tackle food poverty among military families, not just as a moral issue but also because of its strategic implications for keeping service members. According to previous studies, approximately one-fourth of military families are food insecure, which suggests that more families may benefit from aid than are now receiving it. The authors of the research hypothesize that social stigma prevents certain families from using food pantries, which contributes to the poor use of available resources. According to O'Neal, "it may be that those who need the resources are not using them." This exemplifies the need to raise people's levels of knowledge. Additional research shows differences within the armed services, with Army families being more likely to use food pantries than their Air Force counterparts. To further emphasize the difficulty of making ends meet on a single income, studies have shown that two-income families are less likely to apply for food stamps. The report suggests that community service organizations work together to increase people's knowledge of the resources they have at their disposal to combat this problem. Some recommendations include informing parents of these resources and placing lists of food distribution venues in daycares. The authors also suggest promoting the services of food banks and other community organizations. The research highlights the importance of assisting military spouses in finding jobs as a means to improve the financial stability of military families and lessen food insecurity. The authors advocate for resource awareness initiatives that specifically target low-income families and other vulnerable demographics. To solve the problem of food insecurity among military families, the University of Georgia research recommends a multifaceted strategy. Fighting prejudice, spreading information, and working together may positively affect the health of those who protect our country. To read more, click on the following source link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/study-finds-some-military-families-with-children-need-help-with-food/

Three teenagers in Chalkyitsik, Alaska, needed immediate medical attention after being injured in a snowmachine accident on October 31. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-52 General Support Aviation Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade successfully completed a daring mission to rescue them. The Arctic Dustoff aeromedical evacuation team was sent for the rescue mission after a call was made to the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. Army medical evacuation team commanded by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Johnathan Horvath took off from Fort Wainwright's Ladd Army Airfield at 11:22 p.m. despite poor weather and visibility. After crossing the White Mountains, the crew encountered limited visibility and a mixture of precipitation. Still, they persisted and landed at the Chalkyitsik airstrip at 1:00 a.m. so the wounded adolescents could be evacuated. Horvath recognized the problems, noting, "Here in Alaska, more often than not, there is some type of complication during MEDEVAC calls; this mission was no different." The crew and multiple air traffic control facilities coordinated flawlessly to get the patients where they needed to be on time and without incident. When they arrived at Chalkyitsik airstrip, the flight paramedic, Staff Sgt. Joseph Uribe evaluated the teens' health before putting them aboard the helicopter to take them to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The importance of communication was emphasized by Uribe, who said, "Each mission we launch on comes with its own set of challenges, but thanks to the coordination between Sgt. Perez, our pilots, and myself, we were able to optimize patient treatment and ensure the patients were cared for until they could be transferred to a higher role of care." At 2:51 p.m., the helicopter crew landed safely, and the youngsters were transferred to waiting ambulances. Major Jeff Crook, head of the Charlie Company, was impressed with the Army's rescue team's professionalism and resolve. He said, “We at Arctic Dustoff continuously work on improving our medical and flight capabilities for this very purpose. I am proud of our ability to assist the citizens of the state of Alaska on their worst days and proud of our flight crews for their dedication to the same.” The Army's dedication to giving vital aid under trying circumstances was on display throughout the successful rescue effort. The wounded youngsters were able to get the care they needed quickly due to the swift reaction and strong coordination among the team members. Ultimately, the lives of people in need will benefit from the soldiers' unwavering commitment to their task, which reflects the continuous efforts to improve skills and preparation for such emergency circumstances. Reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/us-soldiers-rescue-3-injured-teens-in-alaska/

United States Marine Corps Major Gen. Chris A. McPhillips revealed on Tuesday that U.S. Central Command has canceled the 248th Marine Corps Ball because of "unforeseen operational commitments." "Due to unforeseen operational commitments and the nature of our current mission, it is with great regret that we must cancel this year's event," McPhillips regretfully stated in communicating the decision. The Marine Corps' principal duty to protect American security and defense is the reason for Central Command's decision. McPhillips continued, "It is this commitment to duty that has necessitated the cancelation of what would undoubtedly have been an exceptional evening of camaraderie and tradition." Over 4 million square miles make up the U.S. Central Command's domain of responsibility, which presents many opportunities for conflict and rivalry. According to the CENTCOM website, the area is characterized by hostile ties between neighboring governments, conflicts between ethnic and religious groups, hostile influence, destabilizing actions, cyberthreats, and expanding stockpiles of highly advanced weaponry. The announcement of the cancelation coincides with rising Middle East tensions, including the recent confrontation between Israel and Hamas, which was brought on by a vicious attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. In addition, the Pentagon decided to send 300 extra American troops to the Middle East on the same day of the cancelation after the Department of Defense revealed that there had been 27 attacks against American personnel in the region since October 17. McPhillips thanked everyone involved in organizing the 248th Marine Corps Ball and emphasized that the cancelation acts as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American military members—especially the Marines—on behalf of the country. He emphasized that maintaining the highest levels of preparedness and carrying out operational duties weighed heavily in the decision-making process. The cancelation of the Marine Corps Ball highlights the difficulties and operational requirements that the U.S. military is now facing. The ball is a symbol of tradition and brotherhood. Maintaining preparedness and fulfilling obligations are still the major priorities when it comes to defending national interests in a dynamic and complicated international context. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/marine-corps-ball-canceled-due-to-unforeseen-operational-commitments/

Court records indicate that former Marine Corps lance corporal Liam Collins pled guilty to a gun charge after being removed from the military and arrested in connection with a neo-Nazi plan targeting energy facilities in the northwest U.S. Collins was one of five people charged in connection with activity on the defunct neo-Nazi message board "Iron March." The others were Army National Guardsman Joseph Maurino and former Marines Justin Hermanson and Jordan Duncan. Collins allegedly plotted to manufacture guns, stole military equipment, and tried to recruit veterans for a "modern day SS," according to court documents. Initially, he denied responsibility for the bombing of a power plant and other weapons offenses. However, FOX8 WGHP claimed that the guilty plea was for interstate trafficking of an unlicensed handgun. When contacted by Military.com, Collins' counsel remained silent. Collins is accused of taking military equipment from Camp Lejeune and sending it to co-defendants when he was a member of an extremist organization operating between 2017 and 2020. Former Marine and current military contractor Duncan amassed data on lethal weapons. One suspect was discovered with a handwritten list of prospective locations, and the gang had planned to buy 50 pounds of explosives by 2020. Northwest U.S. power grid components such as transformers and substations were included in the list. According to the indictment, the conspirators intended to use thermite, a homemade explosive composed of metal powder and metal oxide that can reach temperatures of over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, to blow up electrical transformers. George Washington University Program on Extremism scholar Jon Lewis voiced alarm about the case, saying, "This was a cell of violent neo-Nazis who attempted to create 'a modern-day SS' and who plotted to conduct attacks targeting the power grid." Collins, who spent three years in the Corps, used the handles "Disciple" and "Niezgoda" when he posted on the Iron March forum. In 2016, he laid out intentions for members of the organization to have military experience in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland. A spokeswoman for the United States Marine Corps said in the year 2020 that Collins' early release was the result of a failure to meet the expectations and standards of the Marine Corps. Other neo-Nazi veterans like Brandon Russell, a former member of the Army National Guard, have also been arrested for planning assaults on public facilities, so this is not a unique incident. Russell, a member of the Atomwaffen Division, was given a five-year term for explosives possession in 2018. Collins, who pleaded guilty in August 2023 as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors, will be sentenced in January 2024. Hermanson and Maurino, two co-defendants, entered into plea bargains in 2022 and 2023; their sentences are still pending. Lawyers for Duncan are still fighting to get the lawsuit dismissed on constitutional grounds. This case highlights worries regarding the infiltration of white supremacists into the military as well as the potential for violent extremism to flourish in its ranks. The source link is given below: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/25/marine-kicked-out-of-corps-and-indicted-alleged-neo-nazi-infrastructure-attack-plot-pleads-guilty.html  

San Antonio-Camp Bullis Joint Base, Texas — On Saturday afternoon, an unidentified motorist slammed through the main access point gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, prompting Air Force security guards to fire in self-defense. According to Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston spokesman Robert Strain, the burglar was "speeding in the wrong direction of traffic" as he approached the guards. The motorist bypassed the checkpoint, drove about the facility for a few minutes, and then sped out the back door. Authorities said the suspect did not enter any restricted parts of the facility, and thankfully, no Air Force personnel or property were hurt. As of Tuesday, authorities still had no leads on identifying the driver. More information is expected to be released by the San Antonio Police Department, which arrested the man about nine miles from Camp Bullis in connection with the incident. The majority of the nearly 27,000 acres that make up Camp Bullis in Bexar County are used for the training of ground combat troops from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Important field medical training takes place here for troops based out of the adjacent Brooke Army Medical Center. Joint Base San Antonio is always on guard to protect its three affiliated facilities: Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, and Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland (the center for the Air Force's basic training program). On Tuesday morning, the facility temporarily closed another gate and locked down multiple buildings after gunshots were heard coming from the surrounding woods. The off-base event prompted a quick response from the local police. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no government property was destroyed. However, the gates and buildings were unlocked again a few hours later. Several security breaches at military bases around the country preceded the incident. Earlier this year, an unauthorized driver slammed his car into a wall at California's Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Later, in a separate incident at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a resident opened fire on a trespassing intruder, necessitating yet another probe. The military and law enforcement are constantly beefing up security to protect these vital facilities and their people. Events like this highlight the persistent difficulty military outposts have in ensuring the safety of their perimeters in the face of ever-changing threats. While details emerge from ongoing investigations, the Air Force community at Joint Base San Antonio remains on high alert, placing a premium on the protection of its troops and property. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/24/air-force-guards-fired-shots-intruder-who-drove-car-through-gate-texas-base.html

Tuesday saw the devastating loss of 471 lives when an explosion struck a hospital in Gaza. It's shocking that multiple media sources got the story wrong and blamed Israel for the terrible attack. U.S. intelligence findings and government pronouncements have since contradicted this theory, however. Speaking to the White House National Security Council, Adrienne Watson said, "Our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza." Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) used Instagram to call out the media for their inaccurate coverage, posting headlines that incorrectly blamed Israel for the tragedy. In a stern tone, Crenshaw said, "Israel did not do that. Hamas rockets misfired. Even Palestinian and Arab news outlets reported it.” The false narrative was spread worldwide by headlines like "Hundreds Feared Dead or Injured in Israeli Air Strike on Hospital in Gaza, Palestinian Officials Say" from BBC News and "Breaking News: An Israeli airstrike hit a Gaza hospital on Tuesday, killing at least 200 Palestinians," according to The New York Times. The Associated Press and Reuters were also among the media that hurried to conclusions, with the former saying that an explosion "caused by an Israeli airstrike" killed at least 500 people and the latter alleging that an Israeli airstrike "killed hundreds of Palestinians." Israel's military took to social media to correct the record and call attention to the media's haste in publishing misleading stories without verifying their veracity. Israeli Defense Forces Spokesman Col. Jonathan Conricus said, "We now know that an Islamic Jihad rocket aimed at Israel misfired and hit the hospital in Gaza." Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Obama's vice president, Joe Biden, offered his condolences and acknowledged the chaotic nature of the situation. "I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion of the hospital in Gaza yesterday, and based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden told reporters. Israeli Defense Force spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a video message reiterating Israel's innocence. "I can confirm that an analysis of the IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit," he said. According to our little information, Islamic Jihad was responsible for the unsuccessful rocket attack that damaged a hospital in Gaza. I'll say it again: "This is the fault of Islamic Jihad, who bombed a hospital in Gaza, killing innocent people. The world is still trying to accept the horrific hospital explosion. Still, attention has switched from assigning blame to finding those responsible, in this case, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This should serve as a wake-up call to the media that, especially in times of crisis, they must put fact-checking ahead of sensationalism. Source Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/10/pics-media-wrongly-blames-israel-for-hospital-explosion-caused-by-palestinian-terrorists/

According to a statement released by the Pentagon on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has placed some 2,000 U.S. forces on high alert for future deployment in response to the current fighting between Israel and Hamas. This is the latest in a string of deployments and stance changes meant to increase support for Israel's fight against Hamas, the Palestinian organization in charge of the Gaza Strip. The Pentagon's Sabrina Singh said that Austin "placed approximately 2,000 personnel and a range of units in a heightened state of readiness through a prepare-to-deploy order." The order's recipients were not identified. Before this new deployment, two carrier strike groups and a Marine expeditionary battalion had already been sent to the area. These steps have been taken to bolster Israeli support and discourage other regional players, including Hezbollah and Iran, from becoming involved. The statement included an extension of the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying strike group, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier. Two Navy ships and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are also headed toward the seas around Israel. Off the coast of Israel, the Ford will be joined by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a cruiser, and two destroyers. The Middle East has also deployed more F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. U.S. officials, however, have stressed that no offensive activities are being carried out by military assets in the area against Hamas or the Gaza Strip. A tiny group of special operations personnel stationed at the American embassy in Israel is the sole military element from the United States active in the fight. These soldiers are advising and assisting with hostage rescue operations. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh deferred to President Joe Biden when asked about the legal authorization to interact with Hamas, saying instead that the military's mission is "to strictly be in a position to deter." The names of Hezbollah and Iran have been mentioned as potential threats. Hamas's October 7 coordinated strike inside of Israel resulted in dead and captives, including American citizens, and marked a dangerous war escalation. Israel launched retaliatory attacks the next day, suggesting a possible ground invasion in Gaza, and officially declared war on Hamas. This past week, several high-ranking American military officials, including Defense Secretary Austin, travelled to Israel. General Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, has arrived in Tel Aviv for high-level discussions to discuss the military needs of Israel, explain U.S. assistance activities, and reiterate the U.S. military's unshakable commitment to Israel. Kurilla underlined the need to keep the dispute from spreading. On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden stated that he would be traveling to the nation to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the U.S. commitment to regional stability in the wake of the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/17/pentagon-orders-2000-troops-prepare-deploy-israel-war-prompts-growing-us-military-presence.html

Congress is debating whether or not to increase U.S. military involvement in the confrontation between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas after a devastating assault by Hamas killed at least 1,200 people, including 22 Americans. On Wednesday, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Office of the Director for National Intelligence briefed House Armed Services Committee members on the horrible events of the weekend and the rising violence that has occurred. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general and current member of Congress, said, "Whatever Israel wants, they should be there to help us, and we should be there to help." This was about helping with the rescue of hostages. When asked about the possible participation of the U.S. military in raids, Representative Bacon said, "We should do whatever is needed to rescue Americans and kill those bad guys." Legislators from all parties agreed that liberating the hostages was the highest priority. The carrier strike group USS Gerald Ford was sent to the eastern Mediterranean as part of the United States' reaction. According to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the United States has sent captive recovery specialists to Israel to help coordinate rescue attempts and exchange information. Officials from the Department of Defense have stressed that they have no immediate plans to deploy American troops to combat. Still, the presence of the USS Gerald Ford is meant to send a message to Iran, Hezbollah, and anyone else hoping to take advantage of the chaos. According to the State Department, at least 22 Americans were killed in the latest incident, and 17 more are still missing. President Trump has requested help from the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team and U.S. special operations personnel after House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said "dozens" of Americans are being held hostage. McCaul drew parallels between the difficulties of rescuing hostages in Fallujah in 2005 and the problems of doing so now, especially when captives are employed as human shields. He warned of the risks but underscored the need to rescue the American and Israeli detainees. During a closed-door briefing, members discussed the likelihood of more U.S. military engagement in the rescue and evacuation of people, as reported by Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. However, the briefers still need to give concrete information. The subject of withdrawing American citizens from Israel has emerged as the situation has progressed. Congressional briefings have covered the difficulties of removing Americans since Ben Gurion Airport is still operational despite suspending many significant airlines' services. Marine Corps veteran and representative Jake Auchincloss discussed using private planes for evacuations. Auchincloss recognized the possible importance of the USS Gerald Ford in sending a strong signal to Hezbollah and Iran against establishing new fronts in the conflict, despite the United States' history of coordinating charter flights to evacuate Americans during international crises. As lawmakers attempt to make sense of the situation, the priority remains on protecting and rescuing Americans trapped in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. An expanded U.S. military participation is being considered in light of the growing threats on the ground. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/11/lawmakers-mull-deeper-military-role-israel-dozens-of-americans-are-held-hostage-hamas.html

The United States has warned sternly to avoid the crisis between Israel and Hamas. Despite strongly condemning Hamas's surprise assault, U.S. military and government leaders focus on deterrence, intelligence, and captive retrieval rather than deploying "boots on the ground." Many countries have come out supporting Israel and have condemned the terrorist act that precipitated the conflict over the weekend. In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, the State Department reaffirmed that no plans exist to send ground troops to fight ISIS or other terrorist groups. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced a significant change in force posture, with the USS Gerald Ford, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, joining four destroyers and a cruiser in the area as a show of deterrence. It was reaffirmed by Vice President Joe Biden, who said, "The United States has also enhanced our military force posture in the region to strengthen our deterrence." Special operations forces are already in Israel to aid with hostage rescue operations, but no military confrontation is planned. According to official statements, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's strike group's deployment to Europe is unconnected to the ongoing Israeli conflict and is instead part of the ship's routine operations. Hamas launched a surprise attack with "ISIS-level savagery," shocking authorities with cruelty. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, has threatened to extract a price that would echo through history. U.S. soldiers and militants in the area are not expected to come to blows, according to military analysts and officials. The United States military's primary objective is to maintain peace and prevent other countries from joining Israel's enemies. Organizations like Hezbollah are a source of concern in the north of Israel. Senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, Jonathan Lord, stressed the importance of the United States' involvement in resupplying the Israeli military via logistics and assistance. The United States has committed to providing Israel with the precision-guided missiles and interceptors it has sought for its Iron Dome. President Biden promised Israel that the United States would ensure it had all the resources to protect its cities and inhabitants even as the crisis escalated. The situation is made more complicated by the presence of American citizens in Israel, where 14 people have been confirmed dead and 20 remain missing. Even if direct military engagement isn't being considered, having the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group in the Eastern Mediterranean opens up opportunities for information sharing, non-combatant evacuation operations, and defensive capabilities. Center for Naval Analyses research scientist Zack Gold stressed the significance of U.S. deterrence in restraining Iran and its allies. He underlined the need to prevent other factions, notably Hezbollah and Iran, from joining the battle against Hamas. There has been a steady increase in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the United States increasing its maritime deterrent in reaction to Iran's activities in the Persian Gulf. To determine whether or not the Hamas assault had state-level support, intelligence sharing between partners is essential. U.S. forces, no matter where they are located as the war develops, are always within their legal right to defend themselves. Without sending ground forces, the goal remains to stabilize the area, discourage other participants, and return Israel to its former homeland. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/10/israel-conflict-us-military-warns-others-stay-out-no-boots-ground-now.html

The U.S. Marine Corps is now experiencing a significant scarcity of its woodland-pattern camouflage uniforms, which has prompted service personnel to seek out alternatives that are not generally permitted under Marine Corps uniform requirements. After returning from their Indo-Pacific trip, Commandant General Eric Smith and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz addressed the matter in an Instagram video. According to General Smith, "That problem is going to stay with us until the autumn of 2024 when the manufacturer can fill that backlog that has been created after Covid." In light of the current scarcity, individual companies may choose to wear FROG (Flame Resistant Organisational Gear) or desert cammies instead of the standard issue uniform. However, this is just a short-term solution that should keep the backlog at bay until the autumn of 2024. According to the 2016 Marine Corps Seasonal Uniform Guidance, forest camouflage uniforms are to be worn year-round. Training and deployments are exempt from this rule. From 2008 through 2016, summer uniforms were often issued in a desert camouflage pattern. Avoiding instances when Marines are seen with damaged cammies is a top priority, as stated by Gen. Smith: "That looks bad for the Corps." He apologized for the trouble and asked for patience as attempts were made to fix the problem. The Marine Corps is dedicated to excellence, although individual battalions and squadrons may grant service personnel permission to wear nonstandard uniforms if they see fit. Marine Corps spokesperson Maj. John Parry emphasized that commanders' choices should prioritize both "mission readiness" and "reducing the overall impact on daily operations." American Apparel Inc., the main provider of Marine Corps uniforms, is struggling to keep up with the soaring demand. Inflation and labor hikes have made it impossible to produce enough uniforms at the fixed price established in the Defence Logistics Agency contract, as CEO of American Apparel Chuck Lambert recently disclosed. Lambert said there were widespread shortages across the Marine Corps, and he blamed the company's inability to keep production up at the agreed-upon cost. Since the Marine Corps is short on basic uniforms, other measures have been approved to keep troops mission-ready while still meeting the highest standards set by the organization. The Marine Corps is working hard to resolve supply chain problems and reduce stress for its troops as a result of these setbacks. As the manufacturer works through the backlog caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, the situation is projected to improve over the next few years. Source Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/10/marine-corps-facing-camouflage-shortage/

A nonprofit group is creating waves for American veterans in a little hamlet in St. Clair County. Scott Gatto, a Marine Corps veteran, founded "Reunite The Fight" with the intention of uniting military members from all over the country by providing them with retreats, resources, and services to help them deal with the long-term effects of PTSD, survivor's guilt, and other physical and mental health challenges. Gatto's transformation from an idealistic young recruit to a seasoned fighter in charge of life-or-death operations in Iraq informed the philosophy of Reunite The Fight. The group, which has been around for seven years, aims to reduce the problematic rates of veteran suicide by offering a support structure that continues long after duty ends. Gatto, who was born at Mount Clemens and reared in Warren, enlisted in the United States Army in 2001 with the intention of serving in the Marines. After landing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on September 10, 2001, his life took an unexpected turn as he was immediately immersed in the turmoil of a world at war in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. During his military career, Gatto was sent to various war zones, including India, Pakistan, Japan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His third tour of duty was the one that changed everything, especially his time spent in the fierce urban battlefields of Fallujah, Afghanistan. Gatto, now in a commanding position, was confronted with the grim realities of war and assigned a task on par with the historic Normandy invasion. After returning to civilian life, Gatto was plagued by the mental torment of having witnessed a helicopter accident that took the lives of 31 Marines. Frustrated by the difficulties of reintegration, he encountered a human resources specialist who ignored his claims of having managed teams responsible for hundreds of people and complex strategic operations. After six more years of service, Gatto received a bachelor's degree in medical management and PTSD and then left the military. He eventually found serenity and comfort in nature, which he then shared with others. As a result of this insight, a group called Reunite The Fight was formed to assist soldiers in rediscovering peace and community through outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. Chesterfield Township's Justin Perez is one of the organization's benefactors who has spoken highly of how the group helped him rediscover his sense of self. Reunite The Fight provides a community of support to help soldiers adjust to civilian life and jobs by negotiating the bureaucratic maze that is the Military Administration. Volunteer Ron Gauthier, who is helping the group gain momentum by raising awareness and funds, has been vocal about the greater purpose that appears to drive Gatto. According to Gauthier, Reunite The Fight is an integral element of Gatto's bigger destiny, which he considers to be the fact that he has survived countless potentially fatal events. On December 1st, the Cherry Creek Golf Club will play home to a gala fundraiser for Reunite The Fight, complete with a seven-course gourmet lunch, a bar, and live entertainment. Event sponsorships, which can be purchased for $1,500 to $10,000, will all go toward funding the group's veteran services. You can find out more about Reunite The Fight and how you can help by visiting their website at: https://reunitethefight.org/default.asp Reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/10/u-s-veterans-are-being-served-by-reunite-the-fight/

Fort Drum, New York Helocast training, a key exercise simulating combat entrance circumstances, included over 70 troops from Fort Drum jumping off of helicopters into the St. Lawrence River. The United States Coast Guard was also present for this exciting training exercise, which provided an all-encompassing setting for improving the troops' self-assurance and ability to plan. Training commander Maj. Rachael Jeffcoat stressed the significance of this simulation in boosting military morale and preparing it for actual combat. The addition of the U.S. Coast Guard to the combined training operation increased the complexity and realism of the exercise. Interestingly, the men of the second brigade engineer battalion were the ones taking part in this high-stakes training in addition to the infantry. Their participation demonstrated how Helocast training can be used in situations outside of infantry combat. For further context, Major Jeffcoat said, "Ultimately, it's simply a strategy that we utilize to inject ourselves into areas of operation." On its first flight route, the Chinook chopper flew directly over an Uncle Sam Boat Tour, giving those on board a rare glimpse of the training exercise. Soldiers' training gained more attention from the public thanks to the dramatic image of them jumping out of helicopters and into the St. Lawrence River. There is an obvious benefit to having the St. Lawrence River so near to Fort Drum, as the major pointed out. Fort Drum's geography provides a one-of-a-kind training setting, even though identical exercises are undertaken at other military facilities. To practice for such challenges, she said, "We're incredibly lucky at Fort Drum to have such distinct terrain." Maj. Jeffcoat expressed appreciation to the local community for their patience and tolerance throughout these training activities and emphasized the significance of maintaining cordial relations between the military installation and the surrounding villages. In order to prepare for any circumstances that may arise during actual operations, troops jumped from helicopters at the height of around 10 feet as part of the Helocast training exercise. Such drills are crucial to ensuring that soldiers are ready and capable of carrying out high-stakes operations. The involvement of the U.S. Coast Guard enhanced interdepartmental coordination, providing an opportunity for service members to hone their abilities in tandem with members of other armed services. Training on how to work together in the event of an emergency is something that should never be overlooked. Recent Helocast training over the St. Lawrence River is just one example of Fort Drum's dedication to keeping its personnel in top fighting shape. Such drills are crucial to making sure soldiers can properly react to a variety of situations as tensions rise throughout the globe. Finally, the Helocast training across the St. Lawrence River highlighted the professionalism and commitment of the Fort Drum soldiers. They are still a strong force, ready to guard and defend the country whenever they are needed because of their capacity to adapt and thrive in difficult circumstances. Find the source from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/09/fort-drum-soldiers-train-helicopter-jumps-on-st-lawrence-river/

Two dogs have made it to the finals of the American Humane Hero Dog Awards competition thanks to their extraordinary acts of service and devotion. Both Maverick and Buda are heroes who have made substantial contributions to their communities and the lives of American soldiers. Therapy Dog Maverick: United Service Organizations (USO) therapy dog Maverick is a six-year-old European Blue Great Dane now stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. His dedication to the troops stationed there has landed him in the top five nominees for the annual Hero Dog Awards. Kelly Brownfield, who takes care of Maverick and also manages the USO facility at Fort Leonard Wood, said that the service dog is a source of inspiration for the military personnel stationed there. Maverick's duties include treating victims of trauma, injuries, and stress, as well as bringing consolation to service personnel on suicide watch and accompanying youngsters to military funerals. Brownfield said that the most satisfying aspect of Maverick's work is seeing the joy on the faces of service members and their families, even in the midst of adversity. She was pleased to have contributed to the establishment of the USO K-9 program in Missouri, which was inspired by her experience with her former therapy dog, Bandit. Coast Guard K-9 Buda: Maritime Security Response Team West in San Diego, California, employs a German shorthaired pointer named Buda, who is 4 years old. His handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Chase Leamer, is a Maritime Enforcement Specialist and an explosives detection canine handler for the United States Coast Guard. Leamer and Buda have an impressive record of accomplishment, having completed 185 operational deployments during which they made seizures totaling $195 million in contraband, conducted vessel sweeps, responded to bomb threats, and deployed to protect dignitaries and high-profile events like the Super Bowl and the World Athletic Championship. Leamer felt tremendous pride in being the Coast Guard's representative at the Hero Dog Awards in the military category. He stressed that this tournament is a great way to honor military working dogs like Buda, who are seldom thanked for their service until after they have retired. Leamer recognizes that winning the entire tournament would be fantastic, but he is overjoyed to have made it to the top five as a military finalist. Challenges and Rewards: Brownfield and Leamer, two different handlers, discussed the difficulties of their jobs. Brownfield said that participating in the military's therapy dog program may be emotionally draining since the dogs see the hardships that military families go through firsthand. She takes comfort in seeing Maverick make other people happy despite their difficulties. Leamer described the unusual routine of Coast Guard dog handlers, who take their canine companions, like Buda, home with them every night. Participation in community activities, particularly those geared at teaching and engaging with children, as well as intensive training, are all part of this round-the-clock commitment. Leamer acknowledged that the constant state of duty in caring for Buda had an impact on his personal life. But he hasn't wavered in his commitment to foiling terrorist plots and protecting the thousands of attendees at his concerts. The wonderful link between people and their faithful canine partners is on full display as two extraordinary canines, Maverick and Buda, compete for the title of American Humane Hero Dog. They will continue to inspire and motivate everyone they touch, no matter the result, because of their steadfast dedication to serving U.S. soldiers and their communities. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/09/pics-two-hero-dogs-recognized-for-supporting-us-troops/

U.S. CAPITAL -- The government has taken Washington's first steps to compensate those whose water supply was tainted at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina's Marine Corps base. More than 100,000 service members and their families have come forward, alleging that they suffered health problems as a result of drinking the poisonous water from the base, and many are calling for justice. Recent events follow the 2022 passage and implementation of the PACT Act, which seeks to compensate military personnel who are exposed to harmful chemicals, such as burn pits, during foreign military operations. Those who were harmed by the tainted water at Camp Lejeune between the years of the mid-1950s and the mid-1980s may submit damage claims to the Navy and bring lawsuits if they are not addressed within six months, according to provisions included in the PACT Act. After the first anniversary of the statute in August came and went without any settlements, federal authorities were under increasing pressure to resolve the over 93,000 claims at the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Office and the over 1,100 cases filed in federal court. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Navy responded to this mounting demand for action on September 6 by introducing the "elective option," which offers settlements between $100,000 and $550,000 depending on the length of time spent at Camp Lejeune and the degree of health harm sustained. Tier 1 illnesses covered by this plan include kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer, and sufferers may earn between $150,000 and $450,000 in compensation. Amounts ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 are available to those with "Tier 2" illnesses such as multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, again depending on the length of the exposure. When death is unexpectedly brought on by one of these conditions, the government will also pay $100,000. According to Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, the "Elective Option" is an important mechanism for expediting the determination of claims filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and providing relief to eligible claimants. Navy Undersecretary Erik Raven stressed how the procedure would simplify settlements and how it would seek to resolve issues in a fair and timely manner. However, a team of plaintiffs' lawyers, headed by Ed Bell of Georgetown, S.C.'s Bell Legal Group, found the settlement proposals to be unsatisfactory. Since July, federal courts in North Carolina have assigned them to handle the plaintiffs' claims. Breast cancer survivor Mike Partain voiced his displeasure, noting that the window of opportunity to exercise an optional choice is too small. Marine Corps veteran and accountability advocate Jerry Ensminger also voiced his displeasure with the settlements on offer. He threatened legal action if the settlement offer did not meet his needs. An estimated one million Marines, family members, and others were exposed to the polluted water at Camp Lejeune, and the entire cost of settlements and verdicts in the case might surpass $20 billion. An attorney representing 4,800 victims says the government's compensation program is a good first step, and he recommends it to families looking for closure. He cautioned that there is a major downside in pursuing cases because it may take years. There is still disagreement between plaintiffs' counsel and the DOJ on how and when to begin trials. In the coming months, four federal courts in North Carolina will decide on these issues. The plaintiffs' attorney Ed Bell requests that trials begin in early 2024, arguing that the government has had plenty of time to prepare. However, concerns have been raised that certain lawyers are pushing for trials that would increase their fee structure. Rep. Darrell Issa has proposed a measure that would restrict lawyer fees in Camp Lejeune disputes to between 12 and 17 percent. Nothing has happened in the House or Senate despite these bills being introduced. As victims of the tragedy at Camp Lejeune weigh their choices, the road to justice and compensation remains long, and the fight for fairness and resolution rages on. Reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/09/long-road-to-compensation-for-camp-lejeune-victims-takes-a-turn/

Camp Pendleton, California - September 19, 2023 - A Marine was killed on August 17 during a live-fire training exercise at Camp Pendleton, and a subsequent safety report from the Navy has provided new details about the incident. The report's finding that the Marine died from a careless discharge is a grim reminder of the dangers military personnel confront every day. Last month, a report from the Naval Safety Command was released detailing fatal occurrences in the Marine Corps and the Navy during the previous decade. According to the report, on that day, a military man at Camp Pendleton was killed during a live-fire small weapons training exercise because of a careless discharge. In the first draft of the report, four days after the sad death of Lance Cpl. Joseph Whaley at the School of Infantry-West on the base, the occurrence was reported as a "Ground Class-A Mishap" fatality happening on August 21. However, the Naval Safety Command has recently updated the date, confirming that Whaley's unfortunate death was also the result of a negligent discharge on August 17. In response, Safety Command Spokesperson Jeffrey Jones said, "There is just one occurrence, not two. The accident report has been revised to include the right date. The Marine Corps had previously confirmed the date of Whaley's death, but no other information about the circumstances of his passing had been disclosed at that time. Similarly, the Navy and the Marine Corps have not provided details on the negligent discharge incident, leaving open the issue of whether or not it might have been averted and whether or not other service members were involved. Nearly two weeks earlier, Military.com asked for proof that the Marine Corps report of Whaley's death was related to the Navy safety report, but they never heard back. Maj. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for the Marine Corps headquarters, was notified of the impending publication of the report and repeated his August remarks. According to the Marine Corps, they are still looking into what happened to Whaley. While in the Basic Reconnaissance Course, which trains Marines in amphibious reconnaissance, patrolling, surveillance, and communication, Whaley, a native of Tennessee, tragically lost his life. Prior to enrolling in the Basic Reconnaissance Course, Whaley had previously completed rifleman training at the School of Infantry-East at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Whaley's relatives were not reachable for comment despite repeated attempts. Whaley was a successful high school football player in Tennessee and was a passionate outdoorsman, according to his obituary. The Marine Corps has suffered many high-profile casualties this summer, including Whaley's. Carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles was ruled the cause of death for three Camp Lejeune Marines who were discovered dead in their vehicle in July. It was unclear what exactly led to their being exposed to the poisonous gas. In addition, four more Marines were killed in August accidents. Maj. Andrew Mettler, the plane's pilot, was killed on August 24 when his F/A-18D Hornet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Soon later, during a multinational exercise, a V-22 Osprey crashed off the northern coast of Australia, killing everybody aboard. A Marine Corps University student in Quantico, Virginia, was discovered dead in his car earlier this month; the circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. These events emphasize the constant necessity for safety precautions and attentiveness during training exercises and bring attention to the dangers and sacrifices that are inherent to military service. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/09/19/marine-died-negligent-discharge-during-live-fire-training-camp-pendleton-navy-report-indicates.html#google_vignette