This week's update contains lots of important news you can use - an update about our lawsuit, info about a new web site on military violence against women, and info about an erroneous letter sent out by VA regarding ALS.

This update asks you to become a citizen co-sponsor or HR 952, the COMBAT PTSD Bill, and we finish this week's update with a bleak assessment of the deteriorating Afghanistan War.

New Website on U.S. Military Violence Against Women

A new web site, www.usmvaw.com, provides information, analysis, and news about the history of U.S. military violence against girls and women in Okinawa and Japan, and in numerous other locations around the world. Other related concerns include: sexual assault and violence against women within the U.S. armed forces; and militarization and violence against women.


VCS Asks VA to Investigate Erroneous Letter About ALS Mailed to Veterans

On Friday, August 21, VCS notified VA Central Office in Washington, DC about highlly unusual letters sent by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional offices to an unknown number of veterans. The VBA letters, dated within the past two weeks, advised the veterans they had ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a serious disease that is often fatal - when some of the veteran did not have ALS. Read our full update and a copy of VBA's letter.

VCS Asks You to Become Citizen Co-Sponsor of HR 952

Please read a special message from Representative John Hall of New York, the sponsor of HR 952, the COMBAT PTSD Act. VCS supports this critical legislation, and we ask you to become a citizen co-sponsor.

Finally, the "Deteriorating" Afghanistan War

As the world's focus shifts from the Iraq War fiasco to Afghanistan War escalation, VCS reminds our members that our military remains extended too far. Now the Taliban religious extremists and war lords are gaining power.

Even NATO's commander is putting a spin on the Afghanistan War. It will soon be eight years since U.S. toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan, and while there are a number of divergent opinions about just who's winning the war, everyone agrees that victory will not be secured any time soon.

A new U.S. public opinion poll shows Americans turning against Afghanistan War. A majority of Americans now see the war in Afghanistan as not worth fighting, and just a quarter say more U.S. troops should be sent to the country, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

How bad is it? Even Admiral Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, went on television on Sunday, August 23, and he lamented how the military situation on the ground in Afghanistan is "serious and deteriorating."

VCS relies on members like you so we can provide news and advocacy on issues you care about. We need $2,000 in contributions this week to make our August fundraising goal. Please help us reach our goal by donating to VCS today.