Yearly Archives: 2005

Guard’s ‘draft’ duty in Iraq is backfiring Once upon a time, the National Guard’s job was what its name implies: Guard us against surprise disasters, organized violence or security threats at home, with short-term, relatively low-risk service. Not so any … Continue reading →

Failing those who served Veterans enter new battle – for benefits Tens of thousands of veterans find winning the disability payments they’re owed is often doomed by lengthy delays, hurt by inconsistent rulings and failed by the veterans reps who … Continue reading →

I served on a U.S. Army Civil Affairs team while deployed to Iraq. Among other things, Civil Affairs soldiers are tasked with evaluating and repairing the local infrastructure and minimizing the effects of battle on civilians. Typically, CA operates in … Continue reading →

Dispatches From The Quagmire: Safe at Home, Ill at Ease The biggest group of Washington soldiers who served in Iraq are starting to return, and it’s not clear we’re ready for them. In the Seattle armory on a recent Saturday … Continue reading →

Homegrown Osamas Before the “Rev. Dr.” Matt Hale, the white racist leader, was arrested for seeking the murder of a federal judge, and long before the judge returned home last week to find her husband and mother murdered, I had … Continue reading →

They’re back from Iraq, but are they OK? Ephrata guard unit loses no lives, but life is different EPHRATA — A guardsman walks into a local Wal-Mart, freaks, does a 180, and walks back out again. Even after seven months, … Continue reading →

‘Counter-recruiters’ shadowing the military NEW YORK — The Marines didn’t have to recruit Greg McCullough. He signed a promise to enlist last year, while he was still in high school. But now McCullough has had second thoughts, and he’s talking … Continue reading →

Veterans, It’s Time to Fight Again To the Editor: Bravo on “A Fighting Strategy for Veterans” (editorial, March 5). Veterans should do what they did in war: fight for all Americans and for the values of this country, for equality … Continue reading →

State Taxpayers Providing Relief to Military Families Taxpayers can donate their refunds in many states to the homeless, to victims of child abuse, to protecting endangered species or to a group of needy people whose taxpayer-financed salaries do not always … Continue reading →