Category Archives: Veterans for Common Sense News

Military Personnel Face Unique Challenges, Consequences

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Team VCS

March 12, 2009 – At a family wedding, I had the chance to catch up with a cousin who has decided to join the military in lieu of unsubsidized education, blaming lack of personal direction and available work. This reason … Continue reading →

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Secrecy a Factor in Rise of Military Suicides

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Team VCS

March 11, 2009 – The Department of the Army has finally gone public and acknowledged the alarming rate of suicide among its ranks. While Army leadership is to be commended for breaking the barrier of silence regarding mental illness in … Continue reading →

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Army Stands Up Task Force to Prevent Suicides

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Team VCS

March 6, 2009 – Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire has been selected to head up a new task force to prevent suicides in the Army. “Suicide is a multi-dimensional problem and as such will take a multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with … Continue reading →

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Founders of Film School for Wounded Troops Take Flak from First Class

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Team VCS

March 10, 2009 –  This isn’t the script the directors of a San Diego film school had in mind when they opened their doors in January 2008 to train wounded troops in what was hailed as a nationally innovative program. … Continue reading →

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Some Wounded Soldiers More Likely to be Punished

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Team VCS

March 10, 2009, Fort Bragg, NC – Staff Sgt. Jason Jonas says when he goes to bed at night, he is terrified his medication will cause him to oversleep and miss morning roll call again. His commanders are fully aware … Continue reading →

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Vets Need Help Fighting War in Their Heads

Posted on March 11, 2009 by Team VCS

March 11, 2009 – President Obama’s new secretary for Veterans Affairs, retired general Eric Shinseki, is coming to town Friday to visit the VA Medical Center in North Chicago. Here’s hoping he meets Maj. Shari Johnson of the U.S. Army … Continue reading →

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Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Fight for Aid

Posted on March 10, 2009 by Team VCS

March 9, 2009 – It was during his first deployment in Iraq that Marine Cpl. David Tracy, 23, of Peekskill earned his Purple Heart. “I was up top behind the gun when we stopped at a checkpoint and a roadside … Continue reading →

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Editorial Column: The U.S. Must Refocus on Afghanistan

Posted on March 10, 2009 by Team VCS

March 9, 2009 – During the presidential campaign, Barack Obama and John McCain didn’t agree on much, but they did see eye-to-eye on one thing: the U.S. need for a big troop increase in Afghanistan. Yet, with the President announcing … Continue reading →

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Local Program Helps Vets With PTSD

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Team VCS

March 6, 2009 – The military describes the latest suicide figures as “very disturbing.” Authorities report 18 solider suicides last month and 24 in January. The suicide rate is now higher than the civilian rate for the first time on … Continue reading →

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U.S. to Pull 12,000 Troops from Iraq as Withdrawal Begins

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Team VCS

March 9, 2009 – Reporting from Baghdad and Washington — The U.S. will reduce its military presence in Iraq by 12,000 troops over the next six months as part of the first major drawdown since President Obama announced his plan … Continue reading →

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