5 Years. Really? 5 Years??

Five Years. Really? Five Years? A winding (bumpy and gnarly) road. Still moving forward -- even if it takes one step forward and two back. Love conquers all. Happy Alive Day, Son!! We love you.

(turn on the sound... ignore the chanting)

PS No good guys killed (just many Tangos). Two wounded. Both recovered.

MY COUNTRY: SMASH HITS to Benefit Military

As those of you who are familiar with my blog know, Fisher House is very near and dear to my heart as the DH and I were guests at the Fisher House in Landstuhl, Germany when our son was wounded in Iraq in '05.

The Fisher House Foundation provides housing for the military, both active and retired as well as the families of military personnel who are receiving treatment at a military medical center. Fisher House Foundation has a network of 50 comfort homes in the United States. Each facility is 5,000 to 16,000 square feet, with as many as 21 suites, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs by the Fisher House Foundation. There is NO FEE to stay at these homes.

I have extolled Fisher House and the tremendous service they provide. We love Fisher House and will always be grateful that Zach Fisher (and the Fisher Family) so loved our military, saw a need and filled it!

I also love country music... my blog posts are filled with quotes and personal reviews of country songs and performances... so I was MORE than delighted to learn that MY COUNTRY: SMASH HITS will be released on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 and that all proceeds will benefit the Fisher House Foundation!!!  So you get great music for a truly great cause!! You just can't beat that.

The CD is a compilation of hits from a superstar line-up which includes Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins (in our house, the DH sometimes refers to Trace as my boyfriend and I regularly refer to Reba as his girlfriend LOL), Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Jypsi, Randy Houser, Big & Rich and Montgomery Gentry. The project is a multiple CD series with each annual volume benefiting the Fisher House Foundation.

Ken Fisher, Chairman - The Fisher House Foundation, says

“We appreciate the support of each artist and I am grateful that they chose to participate in this remarkable project by sharing their music. Fisher House is humbled to be the beneficiary of "My Country" and to have Stadium Entertainment and EMI partner with us in supporting military families has been phenomenal. Fisher House serves as a tangible symbol of our support for our military, and when someone walks through the doors of a Fisher House, we want them to know that there are others who care about them in their time of need - and when you purchase this CD, you're showing them that you not only have great taste in music, but that you care. That's my country!”

Legendary Doonesbury creator, cartoonist, Garry Trudeau graciously donated a special cartoon and designed the cover of MY COUNTRY: SMASH HITS (seen above).

I hope these artists and everyone involved in this project will accept my personal thanks for undertaking this effort.

You can pre-order MY COUNTRY: SMASH HITS at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Buy dot com .   Be sure to check out the Facebook page as well!!

URGENT!! OIF/OEF VETERANS DISCHARGED FOR PTSD

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

OIF/OEF Veterans: TIME IS RUNNING OUT. If you were discharged for PTSD and received LESS THAN A 50% disability rating from your service branch, you MAY be able to receive some additional benefits.

A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED THAT COULD HELP YOU.

YOU MUST FILE YOUR OPT-IN TO THIS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BY THIS SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010.

GO TO THIS WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION AND FORMS!!!

http://www.ptsdlawsuit.com/index.html

BE CAREFUL TO READ EVERYTHING AND/OR DISCUSS WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS AS THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES and YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS/CHOICES CHANGE IF YOU OPT IN TO THIS LAWSUIT.

Fun on the Fourth!

Fun on the Fourth!

Uncle Evan and Tom

Dad Noah and His Best  Buddy

Tom does NOT have a booboo on his head... he is "Mr. Band aid" these days!

He is so natural and unafraid on the ponies... now he wants one!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! YOU ARE THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON GOD'S EARTH! I LOVE YOU, AMERICA!!

GIVE SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY TO THE USO!!!

Bacardi USA’s “60 Second Cocktail Program,” is an initiative launched by Bacardi, USA in association with the USO. This summer, Bacardi, USA encourages Americans to toast to the troops with its “60 Second Cocktails Program”. Bacardi has committed to donate $75,000 to the USO at the onset of summer, with consumers (21+) able to increase the total donation; each time a fan joins Bacardi’s “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/60SecondCocktails and clicks DONATE, the company will send $1 to the USO. With just one click, anyone can give!

Civilian and military people alike understand the USO’s important mission to raise morale for soldiers overseas. From Operation Enduring Care to the Celebrity Entertainment Tour, the USO has been providing a home away from home for American servicemen and women since World War II.

On the “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook page, you will find easy grilling and cocktail recipes using Bacardi products from celebrity chef John Besh and seasoned mixologist Bryan Stowe, both of whom have served in the U.S. Marine Corps.  The “60 Second Cocktail Program” is fun for summer and an easy way to give to the USO.

So go over -- click the DONATE tab and give the USO some of Bacardi's money!! And spread the word!!!

____________
Disclosure: I have received no compensation in any form for this promotion.

SOME MARINES NEED SOME STUFF!!!

SOME WOUNDED MARINES NEED SOME STUFF. BOSTON MAGGIE SAYS SO (and I'd do what she says!!)

GO NOW AND READ... THEN SEND!!!

http://bostonmaggie.blogspot.com/2010/06/listen-up-i-want-something.html

The Grind & the Grindstone

I know I only occasionally blog around here any more... life moves on... the Army veteran attends school, works and is raising his son... the Navy son can't say much about his line of work and what he can say doesn't need to be posted. "My guys" have been deployed twice since Noah was with them and there isn't much to write home about these days (a pretty much "been there done that" from the guys). I'm not really a "diarist" that feels the need to document my daily life -- don't get me wrong -- I LOVE to read some of the diaries around the blogsphere (mostly because it reminds me how grateful I am that I don't have young ones to raise any more! WHEW! It is HARD WORK!)

I suppose I could post every time I discovered evidence on what moms, dads and spouses have all known for forever and is now being verified through clinical studies:

 Blasts in Iraq are causing long-term damage to veterans' brains

Specific PTSD Symptoms Related to Anger and Aggressiveness Among Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and Functional Impairment Among Active Component and National Guard Soldiers 3 and 12 Months Following Combat in Iraq

Military Still Failing To Diagnose, Treat Brain Injuries

The list could go on and on...

Which is what leads me to this post.

First, let's get clear that FAR MORE soldiers/marines come home from combat WITHOUT POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) than who suffer symptoms.  Even accepting the highest estimates of 15% with symptoms of post-traumatic stress there are even fewer with the more chronic form -- called PTSD. Which translates to more than 90% of returning combat veterans DO NOT have PTSD. (and I resent the efforts of organizations, the anti-war crowd and many in the mainstream media who are so eager to broad brush ALL combat veterans as somehow being abnormal or to be feared upon their return and ascribing all bad conduct by anyone who ever wore a uniform to this condition! more pointedly, I am entirely DISGUSTED by those who only CLAIM to be afflicted in order to game the system and be unjustly rewarded. To those I advise: What goes around, comes around.)

That being said, for those who suffer from PTSD  or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or both, the daily "getting on with it" can be a grind. The grindstone can be smaller some days and way larger the next. That grindstone of depression (sometimes), anxiety (sometimes), nightmares (sometimes), insomnia (sometimes), anger (sometimes)... it wears on these warriors. The need to take daily medications to control some symptoms -- or the resistance to being medicated -- wear on them, too. Their worry and efforts to define what is "normal" (hint: this IS "normal") adds to the grind.

Reintegrating into a world that doesn't quite get it -- however appreciative they are or say they are -- is grit on that wheel. Getting into school, getting a job, raising a family, dealing with family (basically living your life) -- all the situations, problems and stresses the unaffected world does -- but so much harder for those with the vagaries of memory problems, physical ailments, concentration issues, etc. This all speeds the grindstone's spin for those dealing with the effects of PTSD and mTBI.

The families of these people -- parents, spouses, siblings and children -- do not escape the grind or the grindstone. That temper, those nightmares, that depression and anxiety, memory issues and problems with concentration... and their WORRY for those they love can grind on them, too.

It has been five-and-one-half years since my son, Noah, deployed to Iraq. Just about five years since he was wounded. Four years since he was diagnosed with PTSD. Three years since he was medically discharged for all of the above. He has had to juggle many things in these five years -- marriage, a new child, divorce, school, job -- but he has done it. It has taken work on his part and a lot of tongue biting and sometimes gentle coaxing on family's part. It is a journey that has many twisted roads... it is not a journey that will be over any time soon. It will be a challenge for all of his lifetime.

Don't misinterpret this. The road to "recovery" is NOT a snake pit. It is NOT a losing proposition. On the contrary -- with the permission of the military and society to admit you suffer these things... with the encouragement to recognize the need and seek help from so many sources -- the prognosis is better than it has ever been! 

But it also requires a great deal of acceptance and understanding... and effort, commitment and resources on the part of those afflicted with PTSD and/or mTBI and their families. Is it hard? Can be. Is it a bumpy road? Usually. Will there be bad days? Yes. Will there be good days? Yes. Is it worth the effort? HELL YES!!

And the more we talk about it, the more encouraging we are, the more we applaud those who accept that challenge -- to be better, to get better... fight the grind and the grindstone -- the better we all -- as people and as a society -- will be. 

The important thing to understand is that THERE IS A BETTER. It is NOT a hole from which you cannot climb. It is NOT a permanent state of "sucks" and "sucks more"... "sucks less" and "doesn't suck" CAN be part of the vocabulary. Most importantly: you are NOT alone and you will NOT be left behind.  Our son Noah, our family and his friends can all testify to it.  Remember, grinding rock is what produces the brightest gems! :-D

PTSD RESOURCES

Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center

DCoE RESOURCES

Barney Frank Erotica

Barney Frank's wet dreams come true: he'll have 1.3 million guys in fancy uniforms at his beck and call (lalalala Y-M-C-A... Y-M-C-A....) -- MAYBE. Cut the number of those to do the work. Reduce the number of tools to do the job. Cut their pay. Cut their benefits. Increase their health care costs. Just  Who the hell will want to enlist or stay???

(from the MOAA newsletter my emphasis [my comments] )

Legislators Urge $100 Billion Cut in Military People Programs

On Tuesday, Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Ron Paul (R-TX), and Walter Jones (R-NC) as well as Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) released a copy of their letter to the National Commission of Fiscal Responsibility and Reform requesting serious consideration of major cuts in defense spending. They expressed "an ongoing commitment to strong national defense," but said the ever-growing national debt requires a reduction in defense spending over the next 10 years. [funny how that time period just happens to coincide with the astronomical debt calculations for gov't forced health care... why not just repeal obamacare if you really want to save some money and reduce the deficit, you moron!]

Specifically, their letter endorses the recommendations of the Sustainable Defense Task Force, a group of analysts and scholars [anyone with military experience??] seeking to reduce military spending in procurement, research and development, personnel, operations [you mean, like WARS??] and maintenance, and infrastructure. The Task Force proposes a series of measures that could possibly save $960 billion between 2011 and 2020. ["could possibly"? you mean coulda shoulda woulda maybe might perhaps???]

That task force proposed reducing personnel costs by more than $100 billion during that period by cutting 200,000 military personnel, yielding a peacetime active duty end strength of approximately 1.3 million, recalculating military compensation to curtail pay raises, and imposing substantial increases in military health care fees.

MOAA finds it appalling that, in the midst of a decade-long, two-front war - when we are demanding far greater sacrifices from military people and families than we have in generations - any panel of so-called "experts" can conclude that the force is too big and that military people don’t deserve their current compensation package. [could not have said it better myself!!]

But I will finish with this message to Bwaney Fwanks: ARE YOU FRIGGIN' NUTZ?? (ok, I may have answered that already!)

For the Yonbots: A MUST READ

UPDATED: Be sure to read THIS at the Mudville Gazette... just a little taste of reality...

If you think you should believe Mr. Yon -- a photographer/web author who is ONLY an OBSERVER -- over the voices of experienced (real) PARTICIPANTS in winning wars, then you should most definitely read Responding to the Yonbots.

Chuck whipped out his saber and gave a few quick slashes...

Z

and rode off into the light of day!!!

All I can add is HELL YES!!!

Summer 2010

there is no love better than this... and no laugh sweeter...

the water was ice freezing cold -- but kids don't seem to mind... near 100 for today and tomorrow and Monday, so the water will warm and cold water probably added... hard to get him out of the pool (although he is NOT crazy about the floating on a raft thing -- YET LOL! )

Memorial Day 2010

Because the current President is too busy vacationing to pay respect to this country's war dead at Arlington National Cemetary... you know, the ones who died for him, and you, and me, and mine. Personally. So I give thanks and honor those who gave their lives to honor, defend, and protect me.

Memorial Day

"And today we remember all who have died, all who are still missing and all who mourn. And on this day, especially, our nation is grateful to the brave and fallen defenders of freedom. In every generation of Americans we have found courage equal to the tasks of our country.

The farms and small towns and city streets of this land have always produced free citizens who assume the discipline and duty of military life. And time after time, they have proven that the moral force of democracy is mightier than the will and cunning of any tyrant."

-President George W. Bush

Learn more about United States National Cemeteries

Medal of Honor: Speak Out! Against Suicide

Medal of Honor: Speak Out!

As part of their commitment to serve their country, more than 30 of the 91 living Medal of Honor recipients have joined in a public service campaign designed to help stem the rising tide of suicides among military service members today.

These recipients, who have survived some of the most harrowing experiences in combat, including years as POWs, physical wounds and emotional trauma, felt compelled to speak out to America's military, share their experiences and encourage them to seek help for behavioral health issues that are often a result of deployment and combat. Their message is simple: Don't let the enemy defeat you at home!

In their own words, Medal of Honor recipients encourage America’s military by reminding them that seeking care is indeed a courageous act. One that shows they recognize the need to stay strong in mind and body.

Listen up, men & women!! Active duty, Guard, Reserve, Veterans.  Never give up! There is help... there is HOPE.

Need help? Need to find help??

http://www.militaryonesource.com/  1-800-342-9647

Veterans: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp

If you are in crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- 8255 Veterans press “1” after you call.

You can also go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline webpage to chat live with a crisis counselor at any time of day or night.

Arizona SB1070: Arizona did not make illegal, illegal.

From the (AZ) Daily Courier. (My emphasis)

5/11/2010 9:56:00 PM

Talk of the Town: SB 1070 simply says 'illegal' is illegal

By RUSSELL PEARCE

Special to the Courier

I am the author of Senate Bill 1070, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

Maybe liberals ought to read the Constitution, case law or even just the bill itself before citing incorrect information. Fear-mongering and misinformation are the opponents' only tool against this common sense legislation.

"Illegal" is not a race, it is a crime. SB1070 simply codifies federal law into state law, removes excuses and concerns about states' inherent authority to enforce these laws and removes all illegal "sanctuary" policies.

When do we stand up for Americans and the rule of law? If not now, when? We are a nation of laws, a Constitutional Republic.

Arizona did not make illegal, illegal. Illegal was already illegal. It is a crime to enter or remain in the U.S. in violation of federal law. States have had inherent authority to enforce immigration laws and have failed or refused to do so. Sanctuary policies are illegal under federal law (8 USC 1644 & 1373) yet we have them all over the United States.

Paul Kantner of the 1960s rock band Jefferson Airplane once remarked, "San Francisco is 49 square miles surrounded by reality." When I first heard that San Francisco was planning to boycott Arizona over the SB1070 legislation that I introduced, this description seemed fitting.

However, when neighboring Oakland's city council voted 7-0 to boycott Arizona last Tuesday, and President Pro Tem of the California State Senate Derrell Steinberg announced a campaign in the legislature to boycott us, it became clear that San Francisco is merely ahead of the California crazy curve.

Why did I propose SB1070? I saw the enormous fiscal and social costs that illegal immigration was imposing on my state. I saw Americans out of work, hospitals and schools overflowing, and budgets strained. Most disturbingly, I saw my fellow citizens victimized by illegal alien criminals. The murder of Robert Krentz - whose family had been ranching in Arizona since 1907 - by illegal alien drug dealers was the final straw for many Arizonans.

Illegal aliens have murdered dozens of other citizens of our state. Currently, 95 illegal aliens are in Maricopa County jail on murder charges.

Most of the hysterical critics of the bill do not even know what is in it. All SB1070 does is allow Arizona law enforcement officials to detain illegal aliens under state law. The law does not allow police to stop suspected illegal aliens unless they have already come across them through normal "lawful conduct" such as a traffic stop, and explicitly prohibits racial profiling.

Aside from the unfounded accusation of racial profiling, the chief complaint about the bill is that it infringes on federal jurisdiction by enforcing laws. However, a long legal precedent going back to 1976 allows states to enact legislation to discourage illegal immigration so long as it does not conflict with federal law. We specifically designed SB1070 to mirror federal immigration law to avoid such a conflict.

For all their newfound respect for the authority of federal immigration law, the open borders advocates who oppose SB1070 have no problems with "sanctuary cities" such as San Francisco that explicitly obstruct federal immigration authorities to protect illegal aliens. In 2008, San Francisco began a campaign to encourage illegal aliens to take advantage of the city's public services.

Mayor Gavin Newsom stated, "We have worked with the Board of Supervisors, Department of Public Health, labor and immigrant rights groups to create a city government-wide public awareness campaign so that immigrants know the city won't target them for using city services."

The results were tragic. A few months after the campaign, Edwin Ramos, an illegal alien and member of the MS 13 gang, murdered San Francisco resident Tony Bologna and his two sons whom he mistook for rival gang members. Ramos had a lengthy criminal record including a felony assault on a pregnant woman. Police arrested him on gang and weapons charges and promptly released him just three months before the murder. Not once did San Francisco report him to immigration authorities.

Our law is already working. One can just scan the newspapers and see dozens of headlines like "Illegal Immigrants Leaving Arizona Over New Law: Tough, Controversial New Legislation Scares Many in Underground Workforce Out of State,"

In contrast, American citizens are leaving California. For the past four years, more Americans have left the state than have moved in.

In criticizing the SB1070, President Barack Obama said, "Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others." There is nothing irresponsible about enforcing our law, but President Obama is right in that this is only necessary because the federal government does not do its job.

The solution is not "comprehensive immigration reform," a euphemism for amnesty. This will only encourage more illegal immigration. Making illegal aliens legal does nothing to change the social and fiscal costs they impose on Arizona or the nation as a whole. In fact, the Heritage Foundation's research puts the cost of amnesty at more than $2.5 trillion.

The federal government simply needs to enforce its immigration laws by cracking down on employers of illegal aliens, securing our borders, and deporting illegal alien criminals. Attrition by enforcement.

If states understand states' rights and our Constitutional duty and responsibility to our citizens this legislation in Arizona will be a model for states across the nation and the federal government and it will end illegal immigration to America, but President Obama is looking toward San Francisco instead.

Russell Pearce is a member of the Arizona State Senate representing Legislative District 18 and author of SB1070.

And just a note to the (cough) esteemed Gov. Schwarzenneger who said he was afraid if he came to AZ that we'd try to deport him... Why? Are you here illegally, Aaaahnold? Or are you just opposed to the enforcement of U.S. laws? Yah.

Finally... some great t-shirts & other gear from STAND WITH ARIZONA (And Against Illegal Immigration)  HERE.

ATTENTION ARIZONA WOMEN VETERANS

Attention all women who have or are currently serving in the military

2nd annual state-wide Arizona Military Women's Conference

When: Opening ceremonies are 1 p.m. Friday afternoon 5/21/10 (with a welcome reception from 5 - 8 p.m.) and Saturday 5/22/10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021

Why: You have benefits that you earned through honorable service to your country. You owe it yourself to find out more.

This year, we have great exhibitors and an excellent program. If you are interested in receiving updates as information becomes available, please send an email to gforsberg@azdvs.gov.

***** UPDATE - April 26, 2010 *****

The keynote speaker will be LTC Dawn Lake (USA, Retired) and our mistress of ceremonies will be COL Pam Rodriguez (USANG, Retired). MG Irene Trowell-Harris, R.N., Ed. D (USANG, Retired) will also provide information about the VA's Center for Women Veterans since her appointment in 2001. Each presenters is a hero who has a wealth of information to share.

You will also hear from experts on various benefits. These panelists can provide you immediate, accurate answers to your questions on various topic (such as compensation and pension, employment and small business opportunities, education, Women Veteran Coordinators, VA Eligibility and Minority Veterans, Vocational Rehab, Troops to Teachers, Education, Social Security, and medical benefits).

A mobile vets center will be available during the conference so that attendees will have the opportunity to confidentially speak with trained mental health counselors. Attendees who wish to initiate a claim will also have an opportunity to meet with professional Veterans Benefits Counselors.

We are keeping registration costs to a minimum ($30 for the conference includes lunch on Saturday). Please do not let your ability to pay keep you from attending, however. If you are having difficulty paying registration, contact the Registration Chair at (480) 833-9680 to learn about scholarships available.

DEADLINE May 5, 2010: To reserve lodging, please access the link Sheraton Crescent Hotel. The Sheraton Crescent Hotel is a beautiful pet-friendly and family-friendly hotel with great amenities. The rooms are being offered at $69 per night plus tax.

To make certain we have an accurate count on meals to serve on Saturday, we must also receive your registration no later than May 5, 2010 to ensure you will get a meal. Attendees are welcome to register at any time, however, and walk-ins are welcome at the conference.

GO HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORMS

Win an iPad!!!

UPDATE:  Go HERE for all the details -- time to bid!!! (and support a worthy cause  -- Soldiers' Angels who try to make sure that no soldier goes unloved!)


Here is this juicy little item from our friends at You Served... and how you can win an auction AND receive a brand new iPad...

Andrew Diabo: Fraud (Fake Marine)

Have limited time these days for blogging... so many other things taking my attention...

Go watch this video... and be sure to go to The Sandgram and read about this despicable person. Disgusting. I hope they catch this guy. You may argue the merits of the Stolen Valor Act, but when you use phony military service to defraud people, you should Expect No Mercy.

New Veterans' Caregivers Bill -- A Response to Molly

So Molly Pitcher said to my last post:

WOW. Where to start. Every veteran is entitled to treatment at a VA whether service connected or not. If you are service connected over 50% all treatment is free. Women do not receive adequate care. I would suggest reading recent GAO reports on the matter. What you take for granted in your private physicians office, I thank Congress for. Childcare: women vets are WAY younger than male vets. therefore childcare is a HUGE barrier to care. Its also true for most OIF/OEF vets. However, women are getting the spot light. It will benefit the single dad tho too. so why complain? To answer you question about a admitted vet: way too early to tell, these are pilot programs. Women are a small minority in the VA. We fight extremely hard to get equitable care (and it is not equitable). Please do some reading before writing against what we work hard for. Check out GAO please. I will be interested in what you post then. I mean you no disrespect and have a huge amount of respect for any mother with as many children as you in the service, however how many are daughters? Follow up with me at my email, and I will be happy to send you the different reports.

Different niches of veterans have been fighting for whats best for them since there were veterans groups. Women are finally doing the same. Don't discount that. esp. when they are the smallest minority in the VA.

Wow. Where to start? I was going to respond via email (but I didn't see an addy at her address), but when I thought about it, I realized it was a good opportunity to educate people -- not just on this particular bill, but on the Veterans Administration health care system... although I am far from an expert (Lord, can anyone be an expert on that bureacracy?) but I'll talk a little just on the points Molly makes.

Shall we begin?

First, Molly: I did read the 2009 GAO report; heh. To imagine that you had but I hadn't. Thanks for offering to provide copies, but I have them*:

Exec summary including recommendations: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-287#recommendations
Full report: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10287.pdf

On to the specifics.

Molly: Every veteran is entitled to treatment at a VA whether service connected or not. If you are service connected over 50% all treatment is free.

Molly, you really should have clicked on the link with the big red HERE that took you to the VA eligibility page (my emphasis):

1.VA must determine your eligibility [for VA health care] status as a veteran by reviewing your

◦Character of Discharge from active military service, and your
◦Length of active military service [snip].
2.VA must determine whether you qualify for one of the eight enrollment Priority Groups.
+ Enrollment Restriction:  In order to ensure the availability of quality and timely health care to veterans with service connected conditions, special authority based on military service, low income, and those with special health care needs, in January 2003 VA made the difficult decision to stop enrolling new Priority Group 8 (high income) veterans whose income exceeded VA Income Thresholds.

IF you are enrolled in the VA, care for ALL service-connected conditions is free -- even if it is not rated at or above 50% disabled (you're just in a lower priority group which has its own problems of getting services). The rules for care and medications you receive via the VA for non-service conditions are complex (can you say convoluted?) but the bottom line is that you MAY have to pay a co-pay or fee. Or not. Results may vary.

 

However, here's where I think Molly got the service-connected over 50% is free   (my emphasis)

Certain veterans do not need to be enrolled to receive medical care benefits.
You do not have to be enrolled if you:
•Have been determined by VA to be 50% or more disabled from service-connected (SC) conditions
•Are seeking care for a VA rated service-connected disability only
•It is less than one year since you were discharged for a disability that the military determined was incurred or aggravated by your service, but that VA has not yet rated

yeah. but it's still free. And it is true that any veteran can walk into the VA to seek treatment; whether it's free and how long the wait is a different story.

Molly: Women do not receive adequate care.

Horse hockey.  The 2009 GAO report found that there were varying levels of compliance with privacy configurations of check-in areas, waiting rooms and exam rooms at SOME VA facilities -- but made no finding or recommendation with respect to the SERVICES PROVIDED TO WOMEN VETERANS. Your statement that "women do not receive adequate care" is a talking point and a sensationalist headline, but not substantiated by the "recent GAO report" you so readily refer me.

As a matter of fact, the recommendations in the 2009 GAO report were to improve compliance WITH EXISTING PRIVACY POLICIES and mandates relating to access to information on women veterans services via the VA website and its materials. As the GAO noted, many of the problems with privacy compliance have to do with the lack of space, current [physical] configurations of VA facilities, standardizing reporting of implementation of privacy measures; special note is made that many of the VA facilities were having difficulty meeting the "one-stop care" measure because they could not attract physicians and mental health providers with gender-specific (i.e., women's health) training to satisfy the mandate -- especially at facilities that treat few women veterans.

The GAO report does enumerate many gender-specific services provided to women veterans:

The VA facilities GAO visited provided basic gender-specific and outpatient mental health services to women veterans on site, and some facilities also provided specialized services for women. Seventeen of the 19 medical facilities GAO visited offered basic gender-specific services including pelvic examinations and cervical cancer screening on site, and 15 offered access to one or more female providers for gender-specific care. The availability of specialized gender-specific services--such as treatment of reproductive cancers--and mental health services for women varied by service and facility. While some VAMCs offered a broad array of specialized gender-specific care on site, smaller CBOCs referred women to other VA or non-VA facilities for many or most of these services. Nationally, 9 VAMCs have residential mental health programs that are for women only or have dedicated cohorts for women.

One of the GAO's recommendations is for the VA to improve the information about these services and to make the information highly visible on the VA website. (see Summary, para. 2, and recommendations, generally). In their report (p. 10), the GAO said, "VA Facilities Provided Basic and Specialized Gender-Specific Services and Mental Health Services to Women Veterans, though Not All Services Were Provided On Site at Each VA Facility." They go on to note that those facilities that did not provide every female-specific service referred female veterans to other [VA] facilities for such care (same practice as for all veterans when services required are not offered at the closest VA facility). The GAO also reports that all facilities planned to offer all female-specific services in the future. In not one case did the GAO cite inadequacy of care or a disparity in care given to male v. /female veterans.

Is that a justification for the VA facilities for not having implemented the privacy measures that were noted all the way back in 1982 (and '92 and '94...)? Hell no. Should have been done LONG ago. But inadequate privacy is not the same as inadequate or inequitable care.

Now, if you were referring to the VA's Report of the Under Secretary for Health Workgroup, Provision of Primary Care to Women Veterans and the discussions of women veterans' dissatisfaction (performance) ratings for VA services... or the mismatch in utilization of services (immunizations, colo-rectal screenings, etc.) between male and female veterans, the assumption being that these services are not being offered or communicated as well to female veterans? OK. I get that. Something that needs attention. However, utilization of care is not the same as adequacy or equity of care. I heard no such allegations of inequity by the female veterans appearing before the Committee on Veterans Affairs (see discussion a bit later) nor did I read or hear examples of services provided to male veterans that women veterans did not also receive. Does that mean there aren't any disparities? No, but no one has recently spoken to some disparity or a level of disparity that exists and requires attention. Do service levels and quality differ from facility to facility? Yes, they do. But those measures are across the board and not explicit to women veterans. Poor (and exceptional) service affect men veterans at those facilities as well.

Molly: childcare is a HUGE barrier to care.

The GAO report (in addressing the "one-stop care" model mandated to better meet the needs of female veterans) states [at p.2]  (my emphasis),

Because many of these women work or have child care responsibilities, multiple visits can be problematic, especially when services are not available in the evenings or on weekends.

[Note that the footnote to this entry states that under current law, the VA cannot provide child care nor operate childcare facilities.]

Even in facilities that have "one-stop" providers, the GAO notes [p. 26, para. 2] that many of the women veterans themselves have opted to have their gynecological care from a VA provider separate from their VA PCP.  The GAO report does not say or even intimate that child care is a significant problem or bar to access and offers no facts, figures, suggestions or recommendation for such.

In fact, since the GAO report is silent on the issue, I was curious where the impetus had come from. Seems the child care "thing" resulted from testimony from two of five [hand-selected] female veteran panelists representing various veterans' organizations that appeared before the  July 2009 Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on "Women Veterans: Bridging the Gaps in Care".

According to the summary of the panel's testimony provided by Women's Rights/Change.org, the panelists "spoke about the vital need for child care at VA facilities, as well [as] the importance of making VA clinics and hospitals more child-friendly."  I watched the video of the hearing to ascertain who said what and the basis of this dire need. Ms Olds of the VFW listed child care among the needs of women veterans on par with hiring more physicians and mental healthcare providers, access to service, and outreach to women veterans, etc. It was a big issue for panelist Ms Williams, as well (she sits on the Board of a women's veterans organization whose name was not in her written testimony and I could not understand the organization's name from viewing her testimony.)

Ms Williams regales the Committee and guests with shocking stories of a woman veteran who had to change her child's diaper on the floor at a VAMC while waiting for appointments and of another who was told emphatically that if she couldn't find child care for her child, she should just not show up. I don't doubt for a second these stories are true -- who would make such things up?  I find no study, no data, no survey -- nothing in sworn testimony or reports or news stories -- to indicate whether, in fact, lack of childcare impacts in any way access to health care for veterans (male or female); there are just anecdotal accounts that it's a problem for two veterans.

In her testimony before the Committee, Ms Olds referred to the VA's  Report of the Under Secretary for Health Workgroup, Provision of Primary Care to Women Veterans and pointed to their findings generally -- which led me to think it contained facts or a discussion or study or recommendation on child care, but I could find no such information in that report on the need for child care. I did find (my emphasis): 

While no-show rates for general primary care have a target of 13 percent, the no-show rates for women’s gender-specific prevention clinics have ranged from 14 percent to well over 28 percent at most facilities. (f/n 70)   Factors related to no-show rates for women’s clinics differ from those for men, e.g., not missing work and childcare and eldercare responsibilities.

Don't get me wrong. I was a working mother with young children before most of the women on that panel were born; my former DIL is a working mother; we have a daughter who expects to be a working mother in a few years; and six nieces -- four of whom are currently mothers of very young children. I fully -- and I mean FULLY -- understand the problems of balancing work, family and all our other commitments as women -- including to our own health -- and the child care issue. It all just leads me to ask how all the mothers of young children in America who are NOT veterans get to medical appointments and what do they do with their children... and makes me wonder where all the child care facilities are in non-government hospitals and medical facilities around the country?

I am ok if the VA provides a stipend to cover child care costs the same way mileage is reimbursed, but not OK with using funds to create and staff child care facilities. Of course they should outfit restroom facilities with changing tables -- but childcare? I'd also be OK with the VA partnering with child care providers or day care centers to provide occasional care for veterans' children while they are at the VA. [Side note to Molly: My son would not really benefit from childcare at the VAMC since he and his child's mother -- also an enrolled veteran, fwiw -- provide child care for their child for ALL of their personal commitments.] 

Frankly, while it may be a problem for SOME women veterans -- and I empathize, I sincerely do -- is it a "HUGE" impediment in access to care? No.

Since both the GAO report and the VA Report also found that having a job could also be a factor that prevented female veterans from accessing care, is it proposed the VA pay them, too? Perhaps the Congress that is so willing to pass inane and often over-reaching laws should MAKE employers give veterans time off for medical appointments? Maybe it can be illegal to fire or suspend a veteran-employee for attending medical appointments? (Sure... one more reason not to hire a vet.) Besides, every attempt at legislating decency throughout history has failed.  Not sure what will have to be done about elder care responsibilities... (well, if Obamacare comes to pass, we won't have to worry about us elders. ok. /snark)

WHY should the VA provide newborn services? OK. I do get that the VA offers obstetrical care -- but not at its facilities. They do cover it... so I see where the whole newborn services got there... but that's not mentioned in the GAO report or the VA's report either!  Maternity and neo-natal care is available through private providers or community health care providers -- at facilities far better equipped to provide such services. In fact, the GAO notes that veterans requiring obstetrical care are routinely referred to non-VA facilities for such care and the report contains no note nor offers a recommendation to provide newborn services or provides a justification.

The use of resources to provide these services to the very small number of female veterans that might require them is a misplacement of resources. Could it be nominal in the scheme of things? Sure. But where does it end?

Molly: Women are a small minority in the VA.

You make my very point: if women veterans are such a small percentage of the overall veteran population (8% of 23,067,000) -- and child-bearing female veterans an even smaller percentage -- why siphon off dollars, resources (space and staff) and create programs for that small group of veterans when there are so many other needs to be met that could serve ALL veterans?

The original VA medical system's mission was quite explicit: "to provide care to veterans with service-connected disabilities. In addition, to the extent that staff and facilities are available, VA facilities can provide care for non-service disabilities to veterans who are unable to defray the cost of care elsewhere."

It seems that the purpose of the VA is now to be everything it can be to every single veteran -- that qualifies. The money earmarked (and I use that term deliberately) for these new expanded women-only services (some of which are not detailed) could well be used to expand the eligibility to veterans -- including women veterans -- who remain excluded from all VA medical services because they are above the even newly-revised financial threshold and do not have combat- or service-connected conditions.

I am not against providing services to female veterans. On the contrary: female veterans -- like male veterans -- have earned every service at the highest level. Where there are deficiencies -- in either male or female care -- they should be addressed. However, I am opposed to creating special programs that apply to a very tiny minority of veterans when the needs of ALL veterans -- male & female -- are better served by the use of those funds and facilities... especially when no need has been empirically established for things like childcare and newborn services. In fact, the money being spent on these measures could easily have been used to bolster and expand the class of providers caring for the wounded or increase the comepnsation level.

Molly: What you take for granted in your private physicians office

I take nothing for granted.

Molly: I mean you no disrespect
sure you do... if even a little or you wouldn't have admonished me as you did.

have a huge amount of respect for any mother with as many children as you in the service, however how many are daughters?
Jeez. I'm surprised you didn't pull the race card... or the chickenhawk argument... and you didn't mention that in addition to the three sons (two are veterans and one is active), my father was a disabled veteran, my husband is a veteran (note: 25 years, 2 combat tours, and not eligible to enroll for VA medical services!), one sister is a veteran of the USMC in the 70's, and we have a nephew also serving (AF). As for the daughter? She went to medical school. Aren't my husband and three sons enough?

Molly: I will be interested in what you post then.
Well, now you know.

_______________________

* Here's the links to the 1982 GAO Report , 1992 Report , the (limited scope) 1994 Testimony (report) and of course, the GAO's and VA's 2009 Report is linked above.

New Veterans Caregivers Bill: A Small Rant (I Don't get it.)

Well, I do get the principle parts of the bill -- and good that the approximately 2,000 family members who care for the severely wounded in their homes day in and day out. Yeoman's work... and long overdue for recognition and compensation.

But this I don't get.

From Many Angles to Caregiver Bill

Expand VA services for 1.8 million women veterans currently receiving VA care or expected to enroll in the system. VA for the first time will cover up to seven days of newborn care for enrolled female veterans. Other initiatives will force changes to the VA health system to make it respectful of privacy and other needs of female veterans. VA is directed to launch a pilot for providing patient childcare services too.

OK, I know I'll take heat for this... but can someone explain this to me?? EXPAND services???  Do women veterans not get the same services as male veterans?? Is there some service (besides GYN) that doesn't apply EQUALLY to men? What do they want to expand?? I don't get it.

The VA is now going to provide childbirth services?? NURSERIES? Is childbirth now a combat- or service-related medical condition? The VA has a hard enough time attracting physicians and medical professionals to treat the GENERAL veterans' community and now they'll have to hire OBs???

Do women veterans have some additional privacy concerns that aren't being extended and/or that don't apply to men?? In every treatment area in our VA there are curtains and private examining rooms... it's not a shower room atmosphere. If there was a problem at selected facilities, did that require a piece of legislation -- and funding??

"Other needs of female veterans??" That's a rather nebulous phrase. WHAT other needs?? I'd like to know.

Filner said other parts of S. 1963 focus on VA health care “access for people who don’t normally have access. Like women. It’s time to think about childcare, privacy curtains, to think about respect, basically.”

"Access for people who don't normally have access... Like women??" Since when? Every veteran -- male or female -- has access to the VA if they meet the eligibility requirements. If the intent is to grant women veterans access under conditions that men cannot qualify -- well I object. STRONGLY object. If they want to expand access, then they should open the VA health care eligibility to ALL veterans and not just the combat- and service-connected disabled or the very poor. (Oh, you didn't know that access to VA health care is limited to certain classes of veterans?? Go HERE.) They certainly shouldn't be granting special privileges to veterans who just happen to be women.

Childcare services? The VA is going to provide babysitters?? (This from a woman with a VA-enrolled son who has a child.) Will the VA be taking charge of the child/children when the veteran has to be admitted?

Older veterans will find it refreshing, he said, to see children of women veterans, from time to time, in waiting areas of VA medical facilities.

“It changes the whole ambiance of the place,” Filner said. “It’s no longer a bunch of dying people. There’s life! And so… childcare not only helps the families with kids but the whole atmosphere.”

Ambiance??? Atmosphere??? Atmosphere???  Are you kidding me??? If you want children's ambiance go to the play areas at McDonalds or to Chuck E Cheeze or volunteer at a day care center. Jeez. What happened to finding your own childcare and being responsible for your child/children? 

This is nuts! I'm damn sure this isn't what the VA was set up to do. YES I know there are women veterans... and I know that there are areas of "special" in that topic, but the VA as a Nanny?? FFS.

It is high time that we accept that there is no way to meet every single need of every single veteran for things NOT connected to their service. If it's service-connected, we should spare no effort or funds. However, given the demands -- practically and financially -- on the VA for medical and psychological care for SERVICE-CONNECTED conditions, is this really the best use of the money?? Birthing and childcare?? Turning this esteemed veterans medical provider into a new welfare program is a tragedy. What other needs common to ALL veterans will be shortchanged or not be attended while these new women-only mandates are established and funded?? It's just plain crazy, I tell you.

Next they'll be mandating sex-change operations for transgender veterans. These new women-only measures are plain pandering and electioneering. I'm sure I could come up with a list of services to ALL veterans that should be expanded or improved rather than adding obstetrics, newborn care and babysitting services.

OK. rant end.

The American Legion Steps Up (Again). You Can, Too.

Your son is killed in action and vile people come to his funeral carrying signs thanking G-d for his death...  they say it is protected speech. (It may be, but AT the Marine's funeral? How deeply can you hurt someone with your speech before it's over the line?) You exercise your right to sue to get the objectionable behavior stopped. You win in one court, lose in the Appeals court and then the Supreme Court -- THE Supreme Court -- agrees to hear the case. Then the Appeals Court judge -- not waiting to see how the Supreme Court holds -- orders you to PAY THE COSTS of those who have caused you such hurt.

Well, the American Legion has come forward to advance the funds for this father AND they are planning on filing a brief with SCOTUS supporting the father -- and all parents who have had to endure those despicable "protesters". Just hate mongers in sheeps' clothing.

Go read all of this and find out how to help over at the Legion's BURN PIT.

My kudos to the American Legion!!

Ant & Grasshopper: Old Story, New Moral

based on an email from my sister Paula...

OLD VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. He has a small business that employs 10 bugs of various colors. He provides a living wage and provides as many benefits (health insurance, holidays, sick time) as his business can afford and still have money left to invest and grow his business (so that he can hire more people).

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. He thinks nothing of spending his welfare money on the newest car, the newest phone, the newest game system and is outraged that anyone could expect him to spend money on adequate housing or health insurance.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed as are his employees.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself! Work hard, live within your means, save for a rainy day and your future.

MODERN (Democrats) VERSION

The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. He has a small business that employs 10 bugs of various colors. He provides a living wage and provides as many benefits (health insurance, holidays, sick time) as his business can afford and still have money left to invest and grow his business (so that he can hire more people).

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. He thinks nothing of spending his welfare money on the newest car, the newest phone, the newest game system and is outraged that anyone could expect him to spend money on adequate housing or health insurance.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed as are his employees.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant and the other hard-working bugs should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food...

America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'

ACORN stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We shall overcome." Then Rev. Jeremiah Wright has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight. Mrs. Obama says she has never been proud of the ant's country but likes the grasshopper's country better.

Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share of the grasshopper's needs (but not his own. The ant is too "rich".)

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and fined for laying off the green bugs he has employed because he can no longer afford the salaries, taxes and health insurance premiums for all, and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his business closes, all the bugs are unemployed, and the ant's home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it.

The ant disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again.

The grasshopper is found dead from over-consumption, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackle, once prosperous and once peaceful, neighborhood.

The entire Nation collapses under the debt created by self-serving legislation bringing the rest of the free world with it.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be very careful how you vote in 2010.

Soldiers Angels is Awesome and Doesn't Need Embellishment

Soldiers Angels is awesome and doesn't need embellishment. From my friend, MaryAnn - Soldiers' Angels Germany:

A word about the UK MailOnline story

How sad that the simple truths of a story can get lost in the retelling.

It was a story of how The Many pulled together and did everything in their power to meet The Needs of The One.

A story of how we as human beings take care of one another. A story of military medicine at it's finest. [snip]

Greyhawk has the real story, and tells it much better than I can.

We fight because it's the right thing to do; because all of humanity is our tribe.

God bless all who answer that call, and God bless those who care for them.

Be sure to read it all. MaryAnn is as selfless and as caring an individual anywhere on God's Earth, and our soldiers -- especially our wounded -- and thir families have no greater an ally and friend than she.

Update: I'm not the only one who thinks so highly of MaryAnn... READ Afghan Quest