Author Archives: Team VCS

Swelling the ranks of an old crisis: our veterans

It was recently announced that according to Pentagon figures, more than 100,000 Middle East war veterans are likely to require mental health treatment in the years ahead. Typically, official bad news numbers are low, and the report explained that even … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Tagged | Comments Off on Swelling the ranks of an old crisis: our veterans

For Some, the War Won’t End

Editor’s Note: The following editorial from the New York Times demonstrates an ongoing assault against veterans.  Sally Satel of the American Enterprise Institute argues that many veterans who served in Vietnam are filing for compensation for post-traumatic stress solely in … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on For Some, the War Won’t End

Two Texas veterans running in tough congressional races

Two Texas veterans who have never run for public office say they are in tough congressional races for the same reasons they fought in Iraq: to help their country. David T. Harris is trying to defeat the most powerful Texan … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Tagged | Comments Off on Two Texas veterans running in tough congressional races

Personal Essay: To A Soldier

  I saw you in the airport, in desert pattern combat fatigues, a duffle bag over your shoulder. Briefly, I saw myself in 1968, in this same airport, my head nearly shaved, my uniform looking like a clown suit on … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Tagged , | Comments Off on Personal Essay: To A Soldier

Slain soldier’s legacy: Changes in easing families’ losses

Three days before Army 1st Lt. Ken Ballard was killed by friendly fire in Iraq, he told his mom how “thrilled” he was about saving his hostile fire pay to buy a customized BMW. It was going to be blue, … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Slain soldier’s legacy: Changes in easing families’ losses

Rice faces questions about U.S. push for democracy in Mideast

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is encountering sharp questions as she tries to sell the Bush administration’s policy of promoting democracy in the Middle East. Arab journalists want Rice to explain how the United States can … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Rice faces questions about U.S. push for democracy in Mideast

Strain and battle fatigue of war hit home front

The situation at Robins, where thousands of workers repair military aircraft, is a case study on how the war overseas has affected those serving on the home front. Here, a different kind of strain and battle fatigue has surfaced, often … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Strain and battle fatigue of war hit home front

Father, son back home after tour

 Recently returned from Iraq, single father Jeff McFall and his son, Josh, support expanded outreach for counseling and other service, though they haven’t needed to take advantage of these services yet themselves. Jeff, 43, and Josh, 21, both served in … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Father, son back home after tour

Veteran fights for help as he copes with stress

The war in Iraq was too much for Brandon Price to cope with. Now the former Army reservist is fighting new battles here at home. The 21-year-old Lawrence man is trying to escape the clutches of alcohol and deal with … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Veteran fights for help as he copes with stress

Friendly fire probe reopened

The Army said Wednesday it is reevaluating the way it handled the 2004 friendly fire shooting of a 21-year-old Ohio soldier whose death was initially blamed on a vehicle crash in Iraq. Among other things, the Army inspector general will … Continue reading

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Friendly fire probe reopened