Category Archives: Veterans for Common Sense News

VA chairman eyes steps to ‘modernize’ GI Bill

Posted on March 3, 2006 by Team VCS

  Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind., chairman of House Veterans Affairs Committee, wants active-duty veterans to have more “flexibility” to use Montgomery GI Bill benefits. He also will consider making Reserve MGIB benefits “portable” so they can be used after reservists … Continue reading →

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on VA chairman eyes steps to ‘modernize’ GI Bill

Hidden wounds of the war

Posted on March 1, 2006 by Team VCS

When Christian Lopez began his second tour of duty in Iraq, he was “psyched.” Then came the dreams. In them, the Marine watched friends die. He dreamed that an IED (improvised explosive device) blew off his leg. Eventually, he became … Continue reading →

Posted in Veterans for Common Sense News | Comments Off on Hidden wounds of the war

Swelling the ranks of an old crisis: our veterans

Posted on March 1, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on March 1, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on February 27, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on February 25, 2006 by Team VCS

  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

Posted on February 24, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on February 23, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on February 22, 2006 by Team VCS

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

Posted on February 21, 2006 by Team VCS

 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