Top 10 Veterans Stories in Today’s News – October 22, 2013

Veterans! Here’s your Top 10 News stories of the day compiled from the latest sources

We encourage you to browse our list so that you can take what you want and keep what you need

 
1.   As Afghanistan war ends, NATO shifts focus to preparation for future ops.  As NATO shifts away from a war-fighting footing with the end of combat operations in Afghanistan approaching, the alliance must find new, more affordable ways to maintain combat readiness, according to NATO’s commander of land forces.

2.   NATO to help set up new Libyan military.  NATO said on Monday it would help Libya rebuild a functioning military amid warnings about worsening turmoil in the country.

3.   Wilkerson says ‘politics’ led to his dismissal; critics call it slap on wrist.  The Air Force fighter pilot and former inspector general for Aviano Air Base in Italy whose sexual assault conviction was overturned by his commander last year is complaining that his demotion and forced retirement is unfair, while one of his biggest critics in Congress called the punishment “nothing more than a slap on the wrist.”
 
4.   21 members of Tucson Air Guard unit indicted on fraud charges.  A colonel and 20 other members of an Arizona Air National Guard unit based in Tucson have been indicted on charges they defrauded the government out of $1.4 million.

5.   As National Guard reclaims incentives, soldiers feel pain.  When Staff Sgt. Troy Torres and his wife, Sgt. Lori Torres, joined the California National Guard more than five years ago, they were stirred by patriotism and persuaded by something more tangible — the prospect of paying down some student loans. Each was promised $20,000 in loan repayments over six years, an enticement for recruits. Now, the Guard is asking for it back.
6.   Armona woman pleads guilty to stealing VA benefits.  Hyperlink to Article Fresno Bee:  A woman from Armona pleaded guilty Monday to stealing about $77,000 in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs after her husband died, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner said.
7.   Bronx Veteran’s Treatment Court aims at helping troubled returning soldiers.  Hyperlink to Article News 12 The Bronx:  The new Bronx Veteran’s Treatment Court aims at helping veterans seek treatment for mental health or drug-related issues as an alternative to incarceration. It will also assist them to find housing and receive job training.
 
8.   VA claims backlog fell during shutdown, despite warnings.  The veterans claims backlog continued to drop this month despite the two-week government shutdown and dire claims from Veterans Affairs leaders that momentum on the problem had been lost.
9.   VA: Backlog of Claims Didn’t Grow During Shutdown.  Hyperlink to Article The Wall Street Journal:  Despite warnings of a backup of veteran-benefits claims because of the government shutdown, Veterans Affairs tallies show the claims backlog held steady during the two-week furlough period.
10. USF program helps military medics adapt to civilian nursing.  Hyperlink to Article Tampa Tribune:  USF’s program, called V-CARE, was designed in part by input from medics, Navy corpsmen and veterans. Many said rigid university rules didn’t recognize military medical experience, and forced them to compete against civilian students for a limited number of spots, said Rita D’Aoust, the college’s associate dean for academic affairs and interprofessional initiatives.

Have You Heard?

Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month – when individuals, families, schools, and communities across the nation help to raise awareness about bullying prevention.
Read the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Statement