Veterans News & Updates

Joel Dameron is recognized for his service in the US Marine Corps (USMC) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today. Dameron lived in Hoyt, Kansas, where he served for almost ten years. Robert Wilkie, secretary of the VA, said, “Joel Dameron embodies the true spirit of a Marine." According to the statement, his contributions to our nation will not be ignored. Joel Dameron’s Service At the age of 22, Dameron joined the USMC in 2008. He went in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and various other missions while serving as an infantryman. Dameron received numerous honors and medals for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In 2016, he received an honorable release. Life After Service Dameron had participated in several veteran-focused initiatives ever since he left the military. He had assisted other veterans in making the move from the service to everyday life through the Salina Veterans of Foreign Wars. Additionally, he supported veteran advocacy, funding, and other community initiatives as a volunteer for Salina Post 2 and another local organization. Dameron supported homeless veterans. He devoted his free time to helping veterans in need and assisting in coordinating homes and assistance for homeless veterans in the Salina region. In addition to his service with veterans, Dameron belonged to the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the United States Navy Memorial. Honoring Dameron’s Service The VA recognizes Joel Dameronay for his service in the US Marine Corps. His dedication to his community, fellow veterans, and his home nation is a shining example of patriotism. Dameron's tomb at the Salina National Cemetery now bears a flower in remembrance as part of today's tribute by the VA. A special coin, a certificate of gratitude, and a note from Secretary Wilkie were also given to Dameron by VA. Joel's devotion and sacrifice for the country are eternally appreciated, said Wilkie. "We will always remember his bravery and dedication." Joel Dameron: A True American Hero Today, we honor Marine Veteran Joel Dameron for his devotion to our nation and dedication to assisting other veterans. His commitment to the United States and his fellow Marines will never be forgotten. We are proud to recognize Joel Dameron the Veteran of the Day for the VA. Source Link: https://news.va.gov/117328/veteranoftheday-marine-joel-dameron/

Over the weekend, a startling crime attempt shook Houston when a teenager attempted to rob a veteran in a wheelchair but was shot multiple times instead.   Houston shooting: A wheelchair-bound veteran of the military killed a teenager. Houston gunshot scene, where the attacker sustained numerous wounds. The incident took place in Cypress, TX, a neighborhood of Houston. The soldier was in a wheelchair when the teenage suspect approached him, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and attempted to rob him. The veteran, who was recognized as having served in the military, took out a pistol and fired, striking the teenager several times. The culprit suffered severe injuries and was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he is still being treated. The unidentified soldier was not hurt in the encounter. He was detained and interrogated by the police before being let go. Many Houston residents have expressed their shock and incredulity at the attempted theft of a veteran who is defenseless due to his disability, and the incident has caused anger in the city. According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the probe is continuing, and they are still looking for the suspect. According to the Sheriff's Office, the culprit is a man in his late teens. The attempted robbery serves as a reminder of the need for greater security and understanding of disabled veterans, especially those who use wheelchairs because they are more likely to be the focus of criminal activity. The incident has spurred calls for better safety measures for disabled veterans, with many people advocating for more security guards to be stationed in public areas where disabled veterans are known to gather. It is unknown if the veteran who was targeted in the episode will be charged because he has not been recognized. According to the Sheriff's Office, the veteran was lawfully permitted to own the firearm he used to protect himself, and no charges are anticipated to be brought against him. This incident has once again brought attention to the significance of correctly securing firearms as well as the need for greater security for disabled veterans. At this point, it is unknown how the teenage suspect is doing while still in the hospital. His name has not yet been made public, so it is unclear if he will be charged with anything for the attempted theft. The incident has sparked numerous inquiries about the security of disabled veterans and demands for improved security measures to shield them from criminals. It serves as a warning to all of us to be watchful and conscious of our circumstances, particularly in areas where it is known that disabled veterans visit. Source Link: https://www.express.co.uk/news/us/1752211/houston-shooting-military-vet-teenager-dxus

The United States will recognize and honor Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29. This holiday was created to pay tribute to those who fought in the Vietnam War and the sacrifices they made on behalf of their nation. This day offers an opportunity to honor the fortitude, commitment, and perseverance of all Vietnam War veterans and their families. Representative History of Vietnam Veterans Day: The Vietnam War was a very challenging and divisive time in American history. From 1955 to 1975, over three million Americans served in the Vietnam War, with roughly 58,000 dying in the war. Many soldiers continued to experience trauma, discrimination, and isolation long after the conflict was over. The celebration of Vietnam Veterans Day gives Americans an opportunity to unite and show their appreciation for the service and sacrifices made by the Vietnam veterans. On Vietnam Veterans Day, the country will stop to remember those who fought in the Vietnam War. The day will be observed with unique homages, ceremonies, and activities honoring veterans and their families. Many towns, groups, and companies will provide unique discounts and services to Vietnam veterans and their families. The US Department of Veterans Affairs will hold special activities across the nation to honor Vietnam veterans and their families. This features the Washington, D.C., National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony. The gathering will include keynote lecturers, special acts, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Other activities will be conducted in honor of Vietnam veterans, ranging from parades to community celebrations. The Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. is also a famous location for those who want to pay their honors to Vietnam veterans. More than 58,000 military personnel who died in the Vietnam War have their names engraved on the Wall. The efforts made by those who fought and their families can be considered by visitors. On November 11th, all Americans should assemble to pay tribute to those who fought in the Vietnam War. It's time to honor the bravery, commitment, and efforts of the soldiers and their families as well as to remember and honor their service. Additionally, now is a good opportunity to consider the Vietnam War's teachings and make sure the same errors are not made again. Let's all take some time to honor those who served and the members of their families by remembering them and expressing our appreciation for their efforts. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/veterans-day/vietnam-veterans-day

Anthony Morrissette, a Westminster veteran, was jobless, without a vehicle, and in danger of becoming homeless a few months ago. The Carroll County Veterans Independence Project assisted Morrissette, 40, in finding employment fast. However, work is useless without dependable transportation. Morrissette claimed that the CCVIP provided long-term assistance that was above and beyond what any other organization could have provided. When the veteran got a vehicle given by Kim Heard at LaScuola Motorworks Auto Repair last week, he was beaming with joy. Morrissette declared, "I'm a person who has always worked." "I don't like to beg people for anything very often. Since I've always been independent, I have to find a solution if I don't have one. I was in a situation where I felt like I was at my wits' end and had no clue what to do or what would happen before I got this car. I was annoyed. The exit of the passageway was not visible to me. When Morrissette thought back to his 10-year-old boy urging him to take care of himself, he realized he needed to take action. He claimed that the motivation he required to carry on came from his son, who resides in Virginia. After serving in the Marine Corps for eight years, until his discharge in 2011, Morrissette put a lot of effort into starting his own handyman company. Unluckily, Morrissette said that finding employment after the pandemic was difficult, and the veteran realized he needed a steady source of money to support himself. Morrissette said, "I needed to learn how to be autonomous. I wasn't able to take care of myself physically or mentally, and there's a saying that goes, "You can't take care of anyone else until you can take care of yourself." According to CCVIP Executive Director Jason Sidock, there is a shame associated with asking for assistance. However, after Morrissette entered the organization's doors last winter, experienced advocate Nicole Shifflett of Hampstead was able to guide him through each stage of his new starting. CCVIP was introduced in 2021. Army veteran Sidock, of Union Mills, stated that the group is special to Carroll because it offers long-term case management and upholds the credo of "never saying no to a veteran in need, no matter what the need." The Kahlert Foundation as well as countless other smaller contributors assist CCVIP. Morrissette said, “The assistance he received from CCVIP differed from that from other organizations because he always felt Shifflett treated him as a human needing help rather than a box to be checked off.” Morrisette stated, "I lost all hope." "I had no clue what was going to transpire. I was in danger of becoming destitute and had no idea how I would pay my rent or get around." Shifflett stated, "I want to create an atmosphere where veterans feel safe seeking assistance and then also demonstrating to them that the promise does come through." Although the veteran's boss kindly offered to transport him 45 minutes to and from work, Morrissette said this was not a long-term option. Unfortunately, getting assistance can be difficult in and of itself. Veterans who are in need can access resources thanks to CCVIP's collaboration with other neighborhood groups, but many services have revenue requirements. To solve this issue, we had to think outside the box. Shifflett stated that Kim Heard of Westminster, the mother of one of Shifflett's friends, occurred to be listening to her talk about her work when Heard realized she could assist Morrissette. Like everyone else, Heard admitted, "I'm guilty of saying something needs to be done and then doing nothing." Heard realized that giving someone who has already given the nation so much the 2004 Cadillac CTS she has resting in her driveway would be a simple gesture. Heard's late father, a Coast Guard veteran, used to drive that vehicle, and she claimed he would have loved the thought of giving it away to help a fellow veteran. Shifflett's fiancée happened to be a mechanic at LaScuola Motorworks and was able to persuade proprietor John LaScuola to contribute the components and labor to get the car ready for Morrissette.  Tires, belts, suspension components, and other items were repaired extensively, and the gift of materials and labor came to about $3,000. Westminster resident LaScuola remarked that giving Morrissette the keys to the vehicle was unexpectedly sentimental and that it felt good to be of service. "In my opinion, owning a local business entails more than just making money", said LaScuola. "The community is what enables us to exist in the first place, so any opportunity I can find to try and give back makes the most sense. I try to implement that even in smaller ways in my business. It’s part of our business mindset that our main goal is not really to earn money, our main goal is to help the community, and I think that if we do that money will follow.” The donation of tires was especially kind because LaScuola does not keep tires on hand, according to Sidock. The more recent LaScuola location in Eldersburg is where the repairs were done. The business opened in Randallstown in 1989. Veterans of Foreign Wars District 7 Morrissette received a free tank of gas from Cmdr. Aaron "Doc" Dockery and CCVIP paid for him to receive his tags. Morrissette said, "This enables me to try to get back on my feet, move into a new place, continue with a good job, have benefits, save up a little bit of money, and ultimately help someone else out." Sidock stated veterans face distinct hurdles in reacclimating to normal life and any contribution helps. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/03/maryland-businesses-vfw-and-veterans-independence-project-team-up-to-gift-westminster-veteran-with-a-car/

The Department of soldiers Affairs (VA) stated on May 31, 2021, that the interest rate for Native American soldiers looking to refinance their mortgages would be reduced. The action is part of an attempt to help Native American soldiers, who have historically had to deal with heavier financial burdens than other veterans. The loan rate for Native American soldiers has been reduced from 4.25 percent to 3.5 percent by the VA. Both veterans who have been given a Statement of Service (SOS) by their tribal government or a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the VA are eligible for this fee decrease. The VA additionally stated that this rate decrease is available for refinancing debts from any lender, not just the VA. The VA's move to reduce the interest rate for Native American soldiers was spurred by a clause of the Tribal Economic Assistance Act of 2021, which was approved by Congress in April. According to the law, the VA must lower the interest rate for Native American veterans to the same amount as the interest rate for all other veterans. The same cheap loan rates that other veterans have long benefited from are now available to Native American veterans. Veterans of Native American descent and those who support them have generally lauded the VA's move. President of the National Congress of American Indians Fawn Sharp said, "This is a tremendous victory for Native American veterans who have been denied access to the same home loan refinancing programs available to other veterans." Native American veterans and their families will benefit greatly from this rate decrease, making it simpler for them to maintain their homes and achieve financial stability. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is in charge of the VA's Home Loan Guaranty program, has also praised the ruling. The VA's move to lower the interest rate for Native American soldiers is encouraging, according to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. "This is a crucial step in ensuring that all veterans, regardless of race or ethnicity, have access to the same home loan benefits." The VA's decision to reduce interest rates for Native American veterans is one more move toward acknowledging their particular financial requirements. The VA has increased access to programs tailored specifically for Native American veterans as well as mental health services, and it is currently reaching out to more of them. These initiatives are part of the VA's larger mission to serve all veterans and recognize their unique needs and experiences. As the VA continues to improve its services and expand its outreach to Native American veterans, it is clear that the VA is making great strides in its mission to serve all veterans. Source Link: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/03/22/veterans-affairs-department-lowers-interest-rate-native-americans/9561679535192/

About: The US Army and the Thai Paratroopers have just concluded a successful joint exercise through the annual Cobra Gold 23 exercise. This exercise has been an important part of the US-Thai defense relationship since 1982, and this year’s iteration was no different. The US Air Force backed the drill by providing aerial support for the participating troops. The US Army and the Thai Paratroopers engaged in various activities during the exercise, including air assault operations, live-fire exercises, and airfield operations. These exercises allowed the two forces to get a better understanding of each other’s tactics and capabilities, and to work together more cohesively. The US Air Force provided air support during the exercise, which allowed the forces to move around the area quickly and safely. The US Army and the Thai Paratroopers also conducted several humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations during the exercise. The main objective of these activities was to help those who were in need in the neighborhood. This included providing medical care, food, water, and other supplies to those in need. Several training drills were also carried out during the exercises by the US Army and the Thai Paratroopers. These training drills covered a variety of subjects, from small-unit tactics to marksmanship, intending to improve the skills of both troops. The training was conducted in a variety of simulated environments and allowed both troops to hone their skills and become more effective in combat operations. In addition to the training and operations, the US Army and the Thai Paratroopers also conducted several cultural activities during the exercise. This included a performance by the Thai Army’s Royal Thai Air Force Band, as well as a variety of cultural exchanges and tours. Through these events, the soldiers were able to bond and learn more about one another's cultures and traditions. Concluded Situation: Overall, the US Army and the Thai Paratroopers conducted a successful joint exercise during Cobra Gold 23. The US Air Force provided invaluable air support during the exercise, and the two forces were able to conduct several operations and training exercises. The two forces also engaged in several cultural activities, which allowed them to get to know each other better. The exercise was a success, and the US Army and the Thai Paratroopers demonstrated their commitment to the US-Thai defense relationship. Reference link: https://www.usarpac.army.mil/Our-Story/Our-News/Article-Display/Article/3321920/cobra-gold-2023-airborne-drop/

History and Introduction: From 2003 to 2011, there was a war in Iraq that saw the fall of Saddam Hussein's government and the deaths of over 4,500 US service members. The effects of the Iraq War are still felt today, twenty years after it ended, both domestically and internationally. The governmental, economic, social, and security landscapes of Iraq have all been significantly impacted by the war. The 2003 US-led war on Iraq was intended to bring freedom and security to the nation, but these goals were ultimately not achieved. More than 100,000 Iraqis lost their lives as a result of ethnic strife and terrorism after the war, which led to a sharp rise in violence. Millions of people were also uprooted as a result, and many of them are still living in refugee centers today. The war's effects on the economy have been catastrophic. Between 2003 and 2011, Iraq's GDP decreased by 28%, and the jobless rate increased to over 50%. The Iraqi dinar lost nearly 80% of its worth as a result of the conflict, which also precipitated a record-breaking economic catastrophe. The security situation in Iraq has also been significantly affected by the conflict. Terrorist organizations like the Islamic State (ISIS) were able to establish a presence in the nation thanks to the security void left by the fall of Saddam Hussein's government. As a consequence of the war, there were more armed militias and weapons in circulation, which increased violent crime. The healthcare infrastructure in Iraq has suffered a great deal as a result of the conflict. Since many of the nation's hospitals and clinics were devastated during the war, many Iraqis now have more difficulty accessing medical treatment. The conflict also brought in a large number of migrants, many of whom have poor access to medical care. The conflict has also significantly weakened Iraq's societal fabric. Religious and sectarian tensions have increased, and women's liberties have been badly restricted. Many colleges and institutions in the nation are struggling due to a lack of financing, which is another unfavorable residue of the Iraq War. There have been some positive advances despite the negative effects of the Iraq War. The nation has taken action to rebuild its economy and re-establish a working government since the conclusion of the war. Along with a decline in bloodshed and an improvement in security, Iraq is also steadily recovering from the war. Even though the Iraq War was over 20 years ago, its effects can still be felt today both domestically and abroad. The political, economic, security, health, and social circumstances in Iraq have suffered greatly as a result of the war. It is crucial to keep in mind the lessons of the Iraq War and make sure they are not replicated as the nation proceeds to transition from a time of war to one of recovery. Reference Links: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/03/14/a-look-back-at-how-fear-and-false-beliefs-bolstered-u-s-public-support-for-war-in-iraq/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/20/us/politics/iraq-20-years.html?