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Substance Abuse Resources for Veterans
844.352.5605
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Veterans and Addiction
Veterans often cope with stress after returning from multiple deployments. They may also suffer from illnesses and injuries that can contribute to a substance use disorder. Addiction delays an already complex social reintegration process and can have negative repercussions. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers treatment plans to support veterans as they recover from...
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Rolling Thunder comes to an end; 2019 will be last ride | WTOP
wtop.com
WASHINGTON — One of the nation’s most iconic displays of support for military veterans, those missing in action and prisoners of war is coming to an end.
The annual Rolling Thunder ride — which has brought thousands of bikers to the D.C. area for decades — is hitting the brakes. They won’t be riding after their May 2019 run, group officials confirmed to WTOP.
The key issues cited by the group are costs and communication problems with the Pentagon Police Department.
“We had so many problems in the last two or three years with the [Pentagon Police] and the parking facilities after we leave the Pentagon parking lot,” Rolling Thunder, Inc. board member Gus Dante told WTOP. 
“And then it came to a boil this year when, the south lot, we had not one motorcycle. In the year before we had 10,000 bikes,” Dante said. “In the main lot, they were being turned away.”
Police escorted members to various areas around the National Mall, Dante explained. But bikes were supposed to go to the Lincoln Memorial, where a stage had been set up for ceremonies after the run.
“It cost us $60,000 just to rent the Pentagon parking lot, about $200,000 for the whole ball of wax — to promote the POW/MIA issue and veterans causes,” Dante said. “So that’s one of the main reasons.”
“They just had enough,” he said.
After the 2019 run, “We are going to do it in our local areas, various states,” he said.
It’s now up to the 90 chapters themselves to independently put rides together. For example, the New Jersey chapters can team up with Pennsylvania and New York, and maybe part of New England, and gather at a centralized location.
Dante says there are a lot of members who believe independent organization will work out even better than Washington.
He believes future rides will be “more personal” and get “more coverage” for veterans issues.
“Let’s face it, we got coverage for a few seconds in D.C. and that was the end of it,” Dante told WTOP.
The reason the ride exists is to raise money and awareness for veteran issues.
“I’m a POW activist,” Dante said. “We’re trying to bring that [to] the forefront. … We can never forget POWs, MIAs that are still missing — 83,000 are still unaccounted for from all the wars.”
Rolling Thunder, Inc. Founder and Executive Director Sgt. Artie Miller sent an excerpt of the January 2019 letter that he will be sending to the group’s millions of supporters:
“Rolling Thunder® XXXII, “Ride for Freedom” will take place on May 26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. — the final Thunder Run in D.C. This will be the last demonstration the organization does as a unit in Washington. It has been a hard decision to make, after much discussion and thought over the last six months Rolling Thunder National Officers have concluded to end our 32 year annual D.C. Memorial Weekend event.
As a result of changing times the organization and Mission needed to be reorganized and reevaluated. Reasons which determined our decision were the Pentagon Security Police/Washington Police officials continued lack of cooperation, increased harassment to our supporters and sponsors. As demonstrated this past Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom” XXXI many of our supporters were diverted and prevented from entering the South Pentagon/Boundary Lots. Event staging costs have soared to $200,000.00 plus, lack of new Corporate Sponsor funding and the general public declined support of our event product sales (patches/pins/stick flags) in the Pentagon Lots. Financial factors are draining the organization funds if we continued this major costly annual event in Washington.
We will continue the POW/MIA Mission through our ninety Rolling Thunder State Chapters across America coordinating demonstrations starting 2020 Memorial Weekend in their own states, or joining forces with other state chapters. Hopefully, many supporters who could not make the trip to DC can participate in their state and we may get more media coverage on the state level on the POW/MIA issue than we received in DC. This will be the final mailing of our Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom” Washington, DC. See our website rollingthunder1.com periodically for updates regarding 2020 State Chapter “Ride for Freedom” demonstrations. Remember our POWs/MIAs, our Troops serving and God Bless the United States of America! Hope to see you at Rolling Thunder XXXII, “Ride for Freedom” the last thunder demonstration in Washington, DC.”
The story was first reported by WTOP news partner NBC Washington.
Rolling Thunder was established in 1987 to call attention to any prisoners of war or those listed as missing in action. Riders said they are also committed to helping U.S. veterans from all wars.
Many of the bikes fly American flags or the black and white POW/MIA flag, which features the silhouette of a bowed head and the words, “You Are Not Forgotten.”
“This is a tribute to all the fighting men and women of the United States, the sacrifices they made, and it’s to honor them,” said John Santillo of Vernon, New Jersey, told WTOP during the 2018 event.
WTOP’s Kristi King and John Domen contributed to this report.
Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to engage in conversation about this article and others.
© 2018 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
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JEREMIAH
Special | 56m 46s
Jeremiah Denton battled the North Vietnamese for eight long years as a prisoner in the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. Family, friends, and fellow POWs help tell the story of this American hero who returned from Vietnam and became a U.S. Senator from Alabama in this new APT original film.
PictureAdding pieces to the puzzle.
VILLAGES FOR VETERANS IS HELPING SGT. PAM KELLY
WHAT'S GOING ON | FEBRUARY 21, 2018 
 BY LEIGH NEELY
​Tuesday night at Lake Miona Recreation Center in The Villages, the whole gang gathered to lend a hand to Villagers for Veterans. The group had a fundraiser to help Sgt. Pam Kelly, who was injured while training for deployment to Iraq. As result, she lost the use of both legs and her right arm. Previously, the group raised money to help Pam get a service dog.
Now, Villagers for Veterans wants to build a house or modify an existing house in The Villages so Pam can be more independent and do activities on her own. For the fundraiser, Marie decided to get a photo of Pam in front of a typical house in The Villages. The photo was then made into a large jigsaw puzzle. Each person was asked to buy a puzzle piece for $50. Though the puzzle is large, the individual pieces, which are magnetic, are small. Marie hopes this will increase the amount of money the group can raise.

Marie is not shy about helping veterans. She began the organization because she wanted to provide whatever these men and women who served so bravely need to help in healing.
Pam says she had a lot of trouble adjusting to life after her accident. “I had planned to be in the army for life,” she says. “I didn’t know what to do to be a civilian. I felt like I had lost my soul.”

According to her story posted on the Villagers for Veterans website, she became active in adaptive sports and found renewed joy. She excelled in bicycling, swimming, and archery. Unfortunately, this ended when she had to have surgery on her good arm, which left her with painful nerve damage and means more surgeries in the future.

Her small home in Tampa is not equipped for Pam’s wheelchair and the room she needs to move about independently. Villagers for Veterans wants to help her find a home in The Villages, possibly on the historic side, so she can be more independent and get out to enjoy activities in the town square.

A good time was had by all!

If you’d like to donate, go to their website www.villagersforveterans.org and follow the instructions. The fourth annual Orchid Gala, the group’s biggest fundraising event, is April 28, 6-9pm, at Savannah Center in The Villages. Tickets are also available on the website.
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Thank You Kent Lamberson
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http://uscode.house.gov/statutes/pl/85/425.pdf
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Some gave all for Freedom
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY."

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Veteran died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a Veteran
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Veteran,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever-waffling stand?

Or would you want a Veteran
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Veteran,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Veteran,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Veteran's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honour
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A VETERAN DIED TODAY."

Honor Flight Network - National 
Honor Flight Network in The Villages

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Honor Flight Network

Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices.
​Oct 2015 - Newsletter - Click here
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Villagers For Veterans 
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Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog
BANKRATE STAFF
FEBRUARY 28, 2019  in PERSONAL FINANCE

David Osberg/Getty Images
Service dogs are trained to provide assistance and therapy to various people with disabilities. They can aid in navigation for people who are visually impaired, assist a child who is having a seizure, calm a veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can even dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Many individuals depend on service dogs to help them live their everyday lives.
According to the ADA, service dogs are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack or performing other duties. 
Tahoma Guiry, chief marketing officer for K9s for Warriors says that what a service dog can do for veterans specifically is nothing short of astounding. “Some veterans will come in and will not have been to a store in a few years, have insomnia, panic attacks, depression, and when they come into our facility, you can see a transformation. They get more and more confident.”
Service dogs differ from emotional support dogs in that a service dog is trained to perform a job that his or her owner cannot. On the other hand, an emotional support dog is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefits. Support animals do not have to be specifically trained. Service dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access (ACA) Act. 
Costs of getting and owning a service dogNaturally, service dogs require extensive training. That training, in addition to veterinary costs, staff and dog trainers, registration and more, runs the average cost of a service dog between $20,000 and $60,000. For many individuals who need a service dog, these costs can be way out of their budget. However, there are several options to make a service dog more affordable, and many organizations provide service dogs free of charge to qualified veterans.
Every situation is different, but it is important to keep in mind additional costs to upkeep your dog. These costs can include the following: 


There are several organizations that provide free or partial financial assistance to veterans, those who are visually impaired, and physically disabled individuals in need. They also provide alternative methods of financing a service dog, even if you don’t meet the specific requirements to receive full financial assistance.
Financing options The initial costs and subsequent upkeep of a service dog can be overwhelming, but there are other financing options available. They include: 
GrantsSeveral organizations can provide grant assistance for individuals who need a service dog. Organizations that can help include the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides service dog benefits and matches vets with accredited organizations. Non-profit organizations also train and match service dogs with people in need. For a full list of resources, see below.
FundraisingSome organizations provide partial financial assistance for the cost of their service dog and encourage families to fundraise the remaining amount in their community through various channels.
FSA accountsYou can use a flexible spending account (FSA) attached to your insurance policy to buy a service dog if you get a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. 
Personal loansIf you don’t meet specific requirements for financial assistance from an organization and are unable to fundraise, personal loans can be another option for financing your service dog. 
Programs that provide complete or partial financial assistanceIt’s important to research the best organization from your specific area and needs. Below is a list of fully accredited organizations, programs and grants that can help. For a geographical search of all accredited service dog organizations, visit Assistance Dogs International and enter your exact geographical location. 
VeteransThe VA provides service dog benefits and refers people to accredited agencies. Many of these organizations do not charge for the dog or the dog’s training.
America’s VetDogs  – the Veteran’s K-9 Corps, Inc.: The service dog programs of America’s VetDogs® were created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities.
Brigadoon Service Dogs: Brigadoon Service Dogs provides trained service dogs for veterans, children, adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities to promote a more independent and enriched life.
Patriot Paws: This organization trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to help them restore their physical and emotional independence. 
K9s for Warriors: K9s for Warriors provides service canines to veterans who suffer from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post 9/11. K9s for Warriors works to return veterans to civilian life with dignity and independence.
NEADS: Service dogs for veterans programs match highly skilled service dogs with United States veterans from any conflict who have a permanent physical disability, are deaf or who have profound hearing loss, or have MS or other progressive conditions. (These disabilities do not need to be combat-related.)
Retrieving Freedom, Inc.: Retrieving Freedom is an ADI accredited 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to serve the needs of veterans and children with autism. 
AutismService dogs may employ any number of combinations to work with autistic individuals, including behavior disruption to distract and disrupt repetitive behaviors or meltdowns, tethering to prevent and protect a child from wandering, and search and rescue tracking if a child does wander. 
Can Do Canines: Can Do Canines provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities, free of charge. Fully-trained dogs, sometimes adopted from local animal shelters, are provided to clients with mobility challenges, hearing loss or deafness, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness or children with autism.
Dogs for Better Lives: Certified professional staff train and place assistance dogs with individuals who are deaf or who have hearing loss and with children who are on the autism spectrum. Professionals also use our dogs in their work with special needs students and others who benefit from the dogs’ calming presence.
Canine Companions for Independence: Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities (including individuals with autism) by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. 
Paws With A Cause: Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained assistance dogs. PAWS® also works especially with deaf/hearing impaired individuals, individuals with seizure disorders, children with autism and people with physical disabilities.
NEADS: Service dogs through the NEADS Social Dog Program are trained in a variety of tasks that can address a range of issues facing a child with autism and his or her family.
Retrieving Freedom, Inc.: Retrieving Freedom is an ADI accredited 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to serve the needs of veterans and children with autism. 
People with physical disabilities Physical disabilities could include those with mobility issues, including MS, muscular dystrophy, spinal injury, amputation, arthritis, cerebral palsy, or it could include visually impaired or hearing impaired individuals.  
Mobility issues
Brigadoon Service Dogs: Brigadoon Service Dogs provides trained service dogs for veterans, children, adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities to promote a more independent and enriched life.
Canine Partners of the Rockies: CaPR specializes in training mobility assistance dogs. These dogs assist people with mobility limiting disabilities by retrieving objects, pulling wheelchairs, opening and closing doors, turning light switches off and on, barking to indicate that help is needed, etc.  
The Service Dog Project (SDP): The SDP has donated over 150 Great Dane service dogs to assist mobility-impaired individuals to achieve greater independence. Preference is given to veterans and their families as well as residents of the New England area. The Service Dog Project is a registered 501(c)(3) and is fully accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
Paws With a Cause: Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained assistance dogs. PAWS® also works especially with deaf/hearing impaired individuals, individuals with seizure disorders, children with autism and people with physical disabilities.
Canine Companions for Independence: Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities (including individuals with autism) by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
Service Dogs, Inc.: Service Dogs, Inc. builds better lives for Texans overcoming challenges through partnerships with custom trained assistance dogs provided free of charge, and helps individuals in particular who have severe hearing loss or loss of mobility.
Canine Partners for Life: CPL increases the independence and quality of life of individuals with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities or who are in other situations of need. CPL provides and sustains professionally-trained service and companion dogs.
Can Do Canines: Can Do Canines provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities, free of charge. Fully-trained dogs, sometimes adopted from local animal shelters, are provided to clients with mobility challenges, hearing loss or deafness, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness or children with autism.
Visual impairmentThe Seeing Eye: The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization intended to enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs. 
Guide Dogs for the Blind: Exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors and volunteers prepare highly qualified guide dogs to empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada. 
Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Guiding Eyes for the Blind has a simple mission: to create meaningful connections between exceptional guide dogs and people with vision loss at no cost so that they can experience all of life’s adventures.
Guide Dogs of America: Guide Dogs of America empowers people who are blind and visually impaired to live with increased independence, confidence and mobility by providing expertly matched guide dog partners. Services are provided free of charge and available to people within the U.S. and Canada.
Guide Dogs of the Desert: Guide Dogs of the Desert has made a difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired over the past 45 years. More than 1,400 client/guide dog teams from around the country have graduated from Guide Dogs of the Desert – enjoying richer, fuller lives.
HealthPaws With a Cause: Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained assistance dogs. PAWS® also works especially with deaf/hearing impaired individuals, individuals with seizure disorders, children with autism and people with physical disabilities.
Eyes Ears Nose and Paws: Eyes Ears Nose and Paws is a nonprofit organization located in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, North Carolina. The organization trains and place mobility assistance and medical alert dogs and provides ongoing support to working assistance dog teams that have graduated through its programs.
Canine Partners for Life: CPL increases the independence and quality of life of individuals with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities or who are in other situations of need, including dogs who can detect low or high blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) in the early stages.
Can Do Canines: Can Do Canines provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities, free of charge. Fully-trained dogs, sometimes adopted from local animal shelters, are provided to clients with mobility challenges, hearing loss or deafness, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness or children with autism.
Children
Brigadoon Service Dogs: Brigadoon Service Dogs provides trained service dogs for veterans, children, adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities to promote a more independent and enriched life.
Canine Partners of the Rockies: CaPR specializes in training mobility assistance dogs. These dogs assist people with mobility limiting disabilities by retrieving objects, pulling wheelchairs, opening and closing doors, turning light switches off and on, barking to indicate that help is needed, etc.
Can Do Canines: Can Do Canines provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities, free of charge. Fully-trained dogs, sometimes adopted from local animal shelters, are provided to clients with mobility challenges, hearing loss or deafness, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness or children with autism.
Paws With a Cause: Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained assistance dogs. PAWS® also works especially with deaf/hearing impaired individuals, individuals with seizure disorders, children with autism and people with physical disabilities.
NEADS: Service dogs through the NEADS Social Dog Program are trained in a variety of tasks that can address a range of issues facing a child with autism and his or her family.
Retrieving Freedom, Inc.: Retrieving Freedom is an ADI accredited 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs to serve the needs of veterans and children with autism. 
The importance of accreditation“We are proud to say that we’re accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI),” says Sarah Mathers, development assistant at Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities and PTSD to help them restore their physical and emotional independence. “ADI Standards are the benchmarks for excellence in the assistance dog industry and we strongly encourage anyone who is looking for a service dog organization to start with those organizations listed on the ADI website.” 
Mathers says that she strongly encourages any individual to look at service dog organizations that are accredited by ADI, which set industry and worldwide standards for individuals who train dogs.
Other financial considerationsIf you don’t qualify for full financial assistance, it’s possible to adopt your own dog and utilize a certified independent trainer to offset some of the larger costs associated with using one organization for adopting a dog, training and medical needs.
  • If you need to travel with your dog, service dogs are protected by the ACA Act, and can travel with you on any airline, free of charge.
  • If you need pet financial aid, there are several organizations and resources for pet owners who need help with vet bills and other expenses. Check out the Humane Society website for more information.
  • The IRS allows you to claim service dogs on your taxes, including dog purchase, maintenance (food, veterinary care and grooming) and training costs.
  • Pet insurance covers dental, illness, accidents and more, so to protect your pricey service dog investment, consider getting pet insurance.
  • Certain dog food companies offer discounted rates for service dogs. Here’s an example of a discount with Darwin’s Natural Pet Products.
  • Veterinarians often offer discounts to individuals with service dogs. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
  • Landlords are required as part of the Fair Housing Act to make reasonable accommodations to service dogs, so don’t assume that only really expensive apartment complexes will allow service dogs. 
Bottom line Mathers said that there are countless stories of transformation. Patriot PAWS’ own veteran coordinator, Aaron Mixell, an Army veteran seriously injured by an IED blast that left him with traumatic brain injury and debilitating post-traumatic stress. “As a result of his PTSD, Aaron was literally living in his closet,” Mathers said.
Mixell and his service dog, Chief, have been a team for about four years now, and Aaron is a completely different person,” says Mathers. “He would tell you that Chief saved his life.”
Mathers says, “It takes about 18-24 months and costs $35,000 to fully train and certify a Patriot PAWS service dog. We rely completely on private donations and grants to fund our training programs and do not charge our veterans a penny. The veterans we serve have already paid the ultimate price and this is the least we can do in return.”
Service dogs can be expensive for some. However, there are avenues you can take to afford one. If you need help in the form of a furry companion, don’t automatically assume it’ll be too expensive to get a service dog of your own.
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Our Brave Veterans

By Colleen Young
Our American flag flies high in the breeze
In honor of those in the military
Who fight to keep our country free
Who have died to protect our liberty
Never shirking responsibility
Never avoiding work or their duty
Ready to meet head on obligations
Ready to give all for our nation
Stars and stripes, wave high with pride
Our pledge and allegiance we will not hide
With Respect and honor
And untold wonder
We will always remember 
And forever ponder
What our flag stands for
Praise God for our brave veterans
Outstanding men and women
Remaining firm and true to the end
Thank them all again and again
For in service to our great country
They have suffered, bled, and died
Our homeland is kept safe
As they continue to take their place
Living lives of sacrifice                                                          
THE BATTLING BOYS OF BENGHAZI 
We're the battling boys of Benghazi 
No fame, no glory, no paparazzi. 
Just a fiery death in a blazing hell 
Defending our country we loved so well. 

It wasn't our job, but we answered the call, 
fought to the Consulate and scaled the wall. 
We pulled twenty Countrymen from the jaws of fate 
Led them to safety, and stood at the gate. 

Just the two of us, and foes by the score, 
But we stood fast to bar the door. 
Three calls for reinforcement, but all were denied, 
So we fought, and we fought, and we fought ‘til we died. 

We gave our all for our Uncle Sam, 
But Barack Obama didn't give a damn. 
Just two dead seals who carried the load 
No thanks to us..........we were just 
"Bumps In The Road".
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Dear Lord,
 Hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them & their families for the selfless acts they perform
for us in our time of need. 
In Jesus name,
Amen
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Silent Professionals
The most trusted source for vetted private security and military contractor professionals. New jobs are posted daily – sign up for custom job notifications to be sent directly to your inbox.
J.P. Cormier HomeTown Battlefield 
Published on Apr 3, 2014
The new studio recording of and Lyric Video for JP's newest smash sensation, a song depicting the trials of Canadian Veterans and Veterans everywhere... over 1,000,000 hits on facebook alone. 20% of all online sales will be donated to Paws Fur Thought a non profit service organization for PTSD sufferers. They train and place service dogs with these soldiers that ease and sometimes erase the symptoms of this horrible affliction. Please help us share this message and this song of hope. Love to you http://www.pawsfurthought1.com
About Detox.com
Detox.com is a network of addiction treatment facilities that provide drug and alcohol detox, support, and comprehensive substance abuse treatment services to the individuals and families struggling with addiction. In addition to offering medical detox in safe, controlled stabilization units, we also offer a wide range of patient care services for ongoing addiction treatment and recovery needs...
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Jade Recovery
Veteran Specialized Program
​Active military personnel face extraordinarily challenging, dangerous, and exclusively unique experiences that can leave both physical and mental scars. Post-deployment, the adjustment to civilian life can be just as challenging as the after effects of a military tour.
At Jade, it is an honor to serve our Veteran community through understanding the specific culture and experiences that comes from military involvement. We understand that acclimation to civilian life is complex and can affect many areas of life. Through integrative and comprehensive treatment services that address the re-adjustment needs of veterans and their families, Jade strives to offer state-of-the-art care that helps you overcome your obstacles. If you, or someone you love is a veteran struggling with substance use or mental health contact us today to learn more about our program. We are here to help.

Welcome to the Veterans Crisis Line Website

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The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1,chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available. 

More about the Veterans Crisis Line
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Marie Bogdonoff, Founder of Villagers For Veterans
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Friends of Special Operations Speaks (SOS) We are building a NEW Special Operations Speaks (SOS) and Vets in the Fight (VIF) Website. Please visit our Twitter feed at @SpecOpsSpeaks and our Facebook page "Special Operations Speaks". On weekends listen to the conservative DonSmithShow.com Saturdays, from noon to 2:00pm (ET) and hear our Vets in the Fight Situation Report (SITREP).

"Betrayed" Exposing the High Cost of the War on Terror.

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Betrayed’ – Billy Vaughn and MG Vallely’s new book on Extortion 17 (With Foreword By Lt. General ‘Jerry’ Boykin)
 
“Grief and politics don’t mix. When raw, aching grief and the dirtiest kind of politics meet, a hot volcano of pain and outrage erupts that is unstoppable. But it is necessary. It is the only way things might ever be clean again.” ~ Diana West

http://www.specialopsbetrayed.com/           http://www.standupamericaus.org

The warriors on that CH-47 Chinook helicopter were compromised by their leaders:
  • the same ‘leaders’ who stood by and did nothing as a national embassy was overrun,
  •  the same ‘leaders’ who have ordered surveillance on Americans through the NSA,
  • the same ‘leaders’ who have used the IRS to stymie voices of dissent in our country,
  • the same ‘leaders’ who investigated the press and media, and singled out news organizations,
  • the same ‘leaders’ who force unwanted and crushing regulations and laws upon us,
  • the same ‘leaders’ who leave not just our fighting men and women at risk, but also our country, our homes, and our families unprotected and unsafe.
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Karen & Billy Vaughan's 
Son Aaron Vaughan resting in Arlington National Cemetery

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Combat Veterans to Careers Mission Statement
"Our Mission is to Provide 360 Degrees of Support and Opportunities and to Enhance the Quality of Life For Our Combat Veterans and Their Families".
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PictureSergeant Pam Kelly thought she would spend her entire career in the U.S. Army, but she suffered a paralyzing accident, and became a quadriplegic when a helicopter's cables snapped, and the load fell on her. (Fox News/Michael Bogdonoff)
Paralyzed Florida veteran fights to help others despite physical challenges
By Emily DeCiccio | Fox News​
Injured US Army sergeant with PTSD finds new hopeSergeant Pam Kelly thought she would spend her entire career in the U.S. Army, but that all changed when she suffered a paralyzing accident. 
In 2002, Kelly worked sling load operations, which is when a helicopter picks up a load and carries it from one area to another. The 37-year-old instantly became a quadriplegic when one of the helicopter's cables snapped, and the load fell on her.

"It crushed my spine, my head, and both of my shoulders," said Kelly. "I lost everything. I basically lost my soul."
She revealed that her injury had caused her to become isolated from society. But Kelly always had loved athletics, and said that she found a new outlet when she learned about adaptive sports.
She was able to use a special bike, and took up adaptive cycling.  "Cycling became my passion and love," she said, "because I still needed to live and to have a purpose."
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Diego Hernandez works with veterans who suffer a wide variety of injuries. He spoke to Fox News about the benefits of adaptive sports, and explained that training and competition provide necessary challenges for personal growth and the physical conditioning needed for health and wellbeing. “I believe adaptive sports creates the opportunity for these service members to discover what they are truly capable of post-injury,” Hernandez said. 
Despite all of her setbacks, Pam Kelly, said she’s inspired to improve the world around her. "I want to start helping others to achieve their goals," she said. "They say, once you become a soldier, you're always a soldier, and that's what my motto is today."  (Fox News/Michael Bogdonoff)
After three-and-a-half years of dedicating herself to cycling, however, Kelly suffered another setback. She had to have emergency surgery on her elbow, which she said, caused severe damage in the nerve, and gave her limited use of one arm. 
In 2015, Kelly found new hope with the group Villagers for Veterans in Sumter County, Florida. The mission of the nonprofit organization is to provide severely injured veterans with tools and services to improve their mobility and independence, and their overall quality of life. 
Villagers for Veterans did just that for Kelly. The group helped Kelly receive an all-terrain wheelchair and a Sleep Number bed. The bed helped Kelly effectively sleep at an elevation because she has problems with her esophagus. The nonprofit now is working to build Kelly a smart home in the Villages. 
Villagers for Veterans not only has given Kelly tangible tools to improve the quality of her life, but the group has also given Sergeant Kelly a community that believes in her. "Attitude is gratitude,” said Sergeant Kelly, “I've grown a family here." 
In 2015, Pam Kelly found new hope with the group Villagers for Veterans in Sumter County, Florida. The mission of the nonprofit organization is to provide severely injured veterans with tools and services to improve their mobility and independence, and their overall quality of life.  (Fox News/Michael Bogdonoff)
Marie Bogdonoff is president of Villagers for Veterans and spoke to Fox News about Kelly.  "When we first met Sergeant Pam Kelly, she was very withdrawn, quiet, and was not one to talk much," said Bogdonoff. "She saw the love and affection of people here in the Villages, the support that she never had, and so the change has been nothing but miraculous." 
Despite all of her setbacks,  Kelly, said she’s inspired to improve the world around her. "I want to start helping others to achieve their goals," she said. "They say, once you become a soldier, you're always a soldier, and that's what my motto is today." 
Emily DeCiccio is a video producer and writer for Fox Digital Originals. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyDeCiccio 

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