Washington State Veteran Events
Stay informed:

Calendar of Local Public Events - courtesy of WDVA

WDVA Publications

WDVA PTSD Counseling Services

Washington State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Flag/InscriptionProject - WDVA

Courtesy of WDVA

5 Dec 2011 Newsletter comment: We just received a letter from WDVA which indicates the inscription part of the project has been dropped. The letter stated in part:

"...During the course of the project, objections were raised by some Vietnam Veterans who felt strongly that the placement of the inscription was inappropriate near the existing Vietnam Memorial. WDVA committed early on that we would not allow this issue to become divisive among the Vietnam Veterans Community, and after several attempts to reach a consensus with the interested groups, it became clear that the project could not move forward.

"Because the flag poles were not a point of contention among the Vietnam Veterans, we have been asked to proceed with this portion of the project..."

For the record, this newsletter supported the project as it was originally proposed with the inscription included! Sadly, once again, division in the ranks has scuttled that portion of the proposal. However, we will continue to support the flag pole option.

Frankly, we are very disappointed in our fellow Vietnam Veterans who vehemently opposed the proposed inscription. We must now reconsider if our efforts with our newsletter will continue as those efforts were geared over the years in bringing our local veteran community together.

During my tour in Vietnam, my unit, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry worked closely with ARVN units in III & IV Corps and also inside Cambodia. Dinh, our honorable Kit Carson Scout, was killed-in-action alongside several of our Troopers in 1971. - Roger Young

Related articles:

Letter from Ms. Lan Phan Jones, Vietnamese-American community, 7 Dec 11

2 sides make cases in Olympia meeting about controversial Vietnam War memorial proposal - News Tribune - 1 Oct 2011

Joint memorial planned - Northwestmilitary.com - 31 Mar 2010

 

Support the troops

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war,
no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive
the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
- George Washington

 

 

Air Force Memorial

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial - Posted 31 Jan 07

Coalition to Salute America's Heroes - "The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes was created to provide a way for individuals, corporations and others to help our severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families rebuild their lives."

DoD Sites:

U.S. Central Command - Official CENTCOM site

Press Releases from the DoD

Defense News - News from the DoD

Special Reports from the DoD

Fallen Patriot Fund - Helping families and those seriously wounded and discharged from the military.

Fisher House -- Helping Military Families - OUTSTANDING program! These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

National Museum of the United States Army

Operation Homefront - Washington State Chapter

Rebuilding Seattle Together: Veteran's Program - Posted 11 May 2010

"In September 2009, in support of Rebuilding Together National’s Veterans Initiative to support more veterans in need, Rebuilding Together Seattle (RTS) launched an exclusive Veterans Program. RTS thanks the WA Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) and Veterans Conservation Corps for their support of our new program..."

Tribute & support for the current 3-17th Cav

Troop Scoop - Daily Afghan-Iraq Updates - Linked posted Oct '09

Women Organizing Women - "For Women Who Served In The Military" - Posted 29 Aug 08

Wounded Warrior Hospital Fund - A connection to contribute directly to our wounded at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Wounded Warrior Project

USO - Puget Sound Area

VA Programs to assist the survivors of military personnel who die on active duty - 17 Aug 04

Senate Intelligence Committee Reports: [PDF files]

Postwar Findings about Iraq's WMD Programs and Links to Terrorism and How they Compare with Prewar Assessments - Senate Intelligence Committee Report [Phase II]

The Use by the Intelligence Community of Information Provided by the Iraqi National Congress - Senate Intelligence Committee Report [Phase II]

Senate Armed Services Committee Press Releases & Reports:

See official site index [PDF files]

Other USG Reports:

PDF: The National Military Strategy of The United States of America 2011 - DoD - released 8 Feb 11

NIE Report - Iran: Nuclear Intentions & Capabilities [PDF] Courtesy of MSNBC - Nov 07

PDF file: Report to Congress by General Petraeus - Courtesy of DefenseLink - 10 Sep 07

PDF file: Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks - GAO - 4 Sep 07

PDF file: National Intelligence Estimate Report July 2007 - Courtesy of MSNBC

Iraq Study Group Report - 6 Dec 06

9-11 Commission Report - Released 22 July 2004

Health News:

AGENT ORANGE/DIOXIN COMMITTEE REPORT: Operation Flyswatter - V.V.A. - Posted 19 Jul 10

VA Eases Claims Process for Veterans with PTSD - DoD - 12 Jul 10

VA to Intensify Gulf War Illness Outreach, Care - DoD - 1 Apr 10

Shinseki: US Will Fix Broken VA System - Military.com - 22 Feb 10

Study Measures Traumatic Brain Injury - DoD - 5 Feb 10

More on Suicide and PTSD by Tom Berger - V.V.A. - Jan/Feb 2010

Costly Agent Orange-Heart Disease Link Looms - Military.com - 31 Dec 09

Sen. Murray Calls on Gates, Shinseki to Ensure Combat Experiences Are Being Documented on Discharge Papers - Sen. Murray - 10 Dec 09

Agent Orange: A Lethal Legacy by the Chicago Tribune - Posted 9 Dec 09

VA Recognizes Agent Orange Link to More Diseases - DefenseLink - 20 Nov 09

Agent Orange linked to serious heart disease - MSNBC - 24 Jul 09

TBI Fact Sheet (PDF) - Courtesy of Force Health Protection & Readiness - Posted 21 Jul 09

Defense, Veterans Affairs Collaborate on Brain Injuries - DefenseLink - 20 Jul 09

Soldiers' emotional battle scars put doctors in dilemma - Seattle Times - 20 Jul 09

Senate bill seeks mental-health screening for troops - Seattle Times - 20 Jul 09

VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of 60,000 New Veterans - VA - 22 Jun 09

PDF file: Agent Orange Dioxin Report - Courtesy of Vietnam Veterans of America - March/April 2009 - Posted 7 Apr 09

Mesothelioma courtesy of asbestos.com - Posted 3 Mar 09

"...Veterans are allowed to apply for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits for asbestos-related diseases, and the resources at Asbestos.com can assist veterans in applying for benefits..."

Veterans and Mesothelioma courtesy of Mesothelioma.com - Posted 27 Oct 09

Mesothelioma Prognosis - Posted 11 Mar 11

"Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that afflicts 3,000 people each year and that number is expected to grow in conjunction with the widespread use of asbestos throughout the last century. If you or a loved one is dealing with mesothelioma, your prognosis doesn't have to be impossible."

Psychological Health, Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center Opens - DefenseLink - 15 Jan 09

National Resource Directory Helps Wounded Warriors - DefenseLink - 26 Nov 08

National Resource Directory

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War -DoD - 26 Nov 08

"Bandages and sutures cannot heal the sleepless nights, broken families and shattered lives caused by the invisible wounds of war. Military chiefs are determined to help troops combat what has become known as post-traumatic stress disorder."

Word document: Gulf War Research Panel Finds 1 in 4 Veterans Suffers from Illness Caused by Toxic Exposure - Boston University School of Public Health - Released 17 Nov 08

Full PDF Report: RAC GWVI Report 17 Nov 08

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury - DoD - Posted 11 Nov 08 - Excellent resource site regarding PTSD & TBI

Warrior Care: Progress Includes Recovery Coordinators, Joint Care Plan - DefenseLink - 6 Nov 08

Army, National Institute of Mental Health Begin Suicide Study - DefenseLink - 30 Oct 08

Recently Wounded Vets Get Intro to Therapeutic Sports - DefenseLink - 1 Oct 08

'Virtual Iraq' Combats Horrors of War for Troops with PTSD - DefenseLink - 25 Sep 08

Mirror therapy shows promise in amputee treatment - Air Force Link - Posted 7 Jun 08

RAND Report - Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery - 17 Apr 08

Center Gears Up for Mental Health, Traumatic Brain Injuries - DefenseLink - 28 Jan 08

‘Ghosts and Demons’: Vietnam Vets Coping with PTSD By Heidi Russell Rafferty - courtesy of VFW, Nov 07

Troops Warned of Blood Clot Risk, Especially During Deployments - DefenseLink - 2 Nov 07

VA’s Suicide Hot Line Begins Operations - DVA - 30 Jul 07

"...The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA’s hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers..."

Technology Identifies Veterans at Risk for Diabetic Eye Disease - VA - 15 Feb 07

VA and DoD to Pursue Joint Electronic Health Record - VA - 24 Jan 07

War trauma tied to heart attacks - Seattle Times - 2 Jan 07

Agent Orange study ends, no cancer link found - MSNBC - 7 Sep 06

Agent Orange study findings called flawed by Clark Brooks - 26 Sep 06

PDF file: AGENT ORANGE HEALTH REGISTRY (AOR) PROGRAM PROCEDURES TO INCLUDE ALL VETERANS EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE AND SPECIAL HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS' CHILDREN - Posted 4 Oct 06

Trauma of war hits troops years later - NewScientist.com news service - 25 Aug 05

VVA Urges All Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange Be Screened for Prostate Cancer - VVA - Posted 13 Dec 11

VA Support & Benefits, DD 214s:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents 2008 Edition - VA - Posted 8 Mar 08

VA’s Suicide Hot Line Begins Operations - DVA - 30 Jul 07

"...The toll-free hot line number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). VA’s hot line will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y. They will take toll-free calls from across the country and work closely with local VA mental health providers to help callers..."

VA Suicide Prevention Panel Completes Draft Report - DVA - 9 Sep 08

Types of Headstones and Markers Available - DVA - Posted 1 Jul 10

VA News Releases

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)

WDVA PTSD Counseling Services

National Center for PTSD [VA]

Seamless Transition Home [DVA] - "Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) web site for returning Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. We honor the opportunity to provide benefits information and assistance to eligible veterans who honorably fought and served in our Nation's armed forces."

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War -DoD - 26 Nov 08

"Bandages and sutures cannot heal the sleepless nights, broken families and shattered lives caused by the invisible wounds of war. Military chiefs are determined to help troops combat what has become known as post-traumatic stress disorder."

eVetRecs: Request Copies of Military Personnel Records

Local Veteran Organization Sites:

Seattle Veterans Museum - Seattle, WA.

Veterans Memorial Museum - Chehalis, WA.

VVA Chapter 102 - Seattle, WA.

POW/MIA Sites:

(DPMO) Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office - Official USG site, databases, etc.

(JPAC) Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command - Formerly JTF-FA Official USG site, press releases, etc.

National Alliance of Families

National Leaque of POW/MIA Families

POW/MIA FOIA Litigation Account

DoD Doctrine on Recovering Captured Military Personnel:

See "Personnel Recovery," Joint Publication 3-50, January 5, 2007 (283 pages, 2.5 MB PDF): http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/dod/jp3_50.pdf

New Book on POWs:

An Enormous Crime: The Definitive Account of American POWs Abandoned in Southeast Aisa

Excerpt: THE 1983-1984 COVER-UP: How It Was Structured, How It Was Sustained

Jane Fonda and POWs by Snopes.com

Operation Homecoming:

Hanoi Taxi - Posted 16 Jan 08

"The Hanoi Taxi (tail #66-0177) was retired from active service in May 2006. She was the last of the 285 C-141s built by Lockheed to leave active service. She flew 100 POWs out of Hanoi on 12 February 1973, some of them tasting freedom for the first time in six years. Each POW put their shot-down date on the face of the oxygen panel during their flight to Clark AB in the Philippines. For her retirement ceremony, the POWs she brought home were brought back for the ceremony and one last flight by this gracious lady. Most of them are old men now but their enthusiasm, emotions, and excitement were evident during this flight and retirement ceremony. She was then flown to Dayton, OH where she will spend her final days in the Air Force Museum..."

Montagnard Sites: Keeping track of Human Rights abuses in Vietnam

Montagnard Human Rights Organization

Montagnard Foundation, Inc.

 

In the News

"No nation should put the burden of war on its military forces alone."
- General William C. Westmoreland, US Army, retired
[Following the Vietnam war]

We Want Your Feedback!
Northwest Veterans Newsletter Blog -

HOT BLOG TOPICS

Project Gunrunner aka Fast & Furious

 

 

Army doctor at Madigan suspended over PTSD comments - SeattleTimes - 3 Feb 12

Background: Army is reviewing Madigan's reversal of PTSD diagnoses - Seattle Times - 26 Jan 12

Local: Granite Falls teacher earns national VFW award - HeraldNet - 3 Feb 12

"Monte Cristo Elementary's Debra Howell honored for dedication to military..."

Dustoff crew wins Air/Sea Rescue award for mission in Afghanistan - Army.mil - 2 Feb 12

New report released by GOP lawmakers suggests top Justice officials had extensive knowledge of Operation Fast and Furious - FoxNews - 2 Feb 12

Holder: No cover-up in 'Fast and Furious,' no effort to hide details of the operation - FoxNews - 2 Feb 12

Pro-pot vets group changes name but keeps logo - ArmyTimes - 1 Feb 12

Pro-pot group draws ire for name, POW logo use - ArmyTimes - 31 Jan 12

Panetta: US looking to end 'formal combat role' in Afghanistan in 2013 - FoxNews - 1 Feb 12

Report: Classified US document says Taliban ready to take power in Afghanistan, backed by Pakistan - FoxNews - 31 Jan 12

Issa threatens contempt proceeding against Holder if Justice fails to comply with Fast and Furious subpoenas - FoxNews - 31 Jan 12

Army surgeon general: ‘We must be better’ - ArmyTimes - 31 Jan 12

"The new Army surgeon general called on military medical professionals to do better, citing high numbers of soldiers who are not ready to serve for medical reasons, as well as Army suicide and sexual assault statistics..."

In new 'Fast and Furious' report, Democrats clear Justice appointees of wrongdoing - FoxNews - 31 Jan 12

Five A-10 squadrons to be cut - ArmyTimes - 30 Jan 12

NATO sticking to 2014 pullout date for now - ArmyTimes - 30 Jan 12

Sergeant Major: 12 changes to expect in ’12 - ArmyTimes - 29 Jan 12

Crowds in St. Louis cheer on Iraq War veterans - ArmyTimes - 28 Jan 12

Scientists focus on heavy metals in combat vets - MarineCorpsTimes - 27 Jan 12

Opinion: Morning Bell: A Slashed and Burned Military by Mike Brownfield - 27 Jan 12

Struggling in US, F-35 fighter pushes sales abroad - FoxNews - 27 Jan 12

Army is reviewing Madigan's reversal of PTSD diagnoses - Seattle Times - 26 Jan 12

"The Army plans to review a Madigan Army Medical Center psychiatric team that reversed the PTSD diagnoses of more than a dozen soldiers, potentially weakening their case to receive a medical retirement..."

New Pentagon plan would cut ground forces by 100,000 - FoxNews - 26 Jan 12

Pentagon budget cuts hit force size, facilities - ArmyTimes - 26 Jan 12

Statement by Secretary Panetta on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia - DoD - 25 Jan 12

SEALs free American, Dane in Somalia raid - ArmyTimes - 25 Jan 12

Wounded Warrior headed to Paralympic Games - U.S. Army - 23 Jan 12

GAO: Homelessness rising among female vets - ArmyTimes - 23 Jan 12

Army scaling back officer promotion rates - ArmyTimes - 23 Jan 12

Major European pullout could start in October - ArmyTimes - 22 Jan 12

‘Red Tails,’ documentary show pioneering pilots - ArmyTimes - 20 Jan 12

Federal official in Arizona to plead the fifth and not answer questions on 'furious' - FoxNews - 20 Jan 12

Report: Afghanistan helo crash kills 6 Marines - ArmyTimes - 20 Jan 12

DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation - DoD - 19 Jan 12

Army Releases December & Calendar Year 2011 Suicide Data - DoD - 19 Jan 12

Opinion: Pipeline pushover: What Obama’s Keystone XL decision really tells the American public by Bob Beauprez - 18 Jan 12

Calif. family of fallen Marine given Navy Cross - FoxNews - 17 Jan 12

Large-scale Israeli-US war games postponed - FoxNews - 16 Jan 12

Marines name general to handle video probes - The Washington Times - 13 Jan 12

JCS chair: Military not victimized by new plan - ArmyTimes - 12 Jan 12

Officer recommends court-martial for Manning - ArmyTimes - 12 Jan 12

Taliban: Peace talks won’t mean end to fighting - ArmyTimes - 12 Jan 12

Amos vows to investigate desecration of dead - ArmyTimes - 12 Jan 12

Iran, West Approaching 'Turning Point' in 2012, Officials Warn - FoxNews - 10 Jan 12

U.S. Military Rescues Distressed Iranians at Sea for Second Time - FoxNews - 10 Jan 12

Massachusetts Teacher Denied Extra Paid Leave to Welcome Home Son Wounded in Afghanistan - FoxNews - 10 Jan 12

Ex-GI charged with trying to aid terror group - ArmyTimes - 9 Jan 12

Afghans demand cease-fire before Taliban talks - ArmyTimes - 9 Jan 12

Afghan Soldier Opens Fire, Kills U.S. Soldier - ArmyTimes - 9 Jan 12

Report: Iran Sentences U.S. Man to Death in CIA Spy Case - FoxNews - 9 Jan 12

Plan for new Navy wharf at Bangor fires up nuke debate - Seattle Times - 8 Jan 12

Soldiers on Lockdown After 'Sensitive' Military Equipment is Stolen from Washington Base - FoxNews - 8 Jan 12

Protested Navy Gulf fleet rescues Iranian crew - Seattle Times - 6 Jan 12

Young vets’ jobless rate rises to 13.3 percent - ArmyTimes - 6 Jan 12

Opinion: Obama Unveils Defense Cuts While Iran Threatens War by KT McFarland - 5 Jan 12

"...And, if you’re of the mind that America is a declining power, that its best days are behind it, that it will no longer keep open the seas lanes of communication and commerce, or honor all its treaty commitments, then you have just seen demonstrable evidence of it from the American commander in the chief..."

Newsletter comment: Following Vietnam our military was gutted. I saw many excellent Officers and NCOs discharged as the war was winding down. If history repeats. VA will become the next target of major budget cuts even before our troops come home from Afghanistan. Just after our President's statement from the Pentagon this morning, the DoD paraded news release upon news release from the SECDEF and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs [below] indicating they were onboard with these cuts. And as KT McFarland pointed out in her opinion piece, this is just the start of more major cuts to come.

The primary responsibility of the Federal government is to provide for our common defense - Roger Young, co-editor

PDF: Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense - DoD - 5 Jan 12

Obama: With Coming Cuts to Defense, New Military Will Be Leaner, Still Superior - FoxNews - 5 Jan 12

Statement as Prepared by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on the Defense Strategic Guidance - DoD - 5 Jan 12

Statement as Prepared by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey on the Defense Strategic Guidance - DoD - 5 Jan 12

 

 

Looking to Help Seattle Area Veterans:

Good morning Roger and Pam,

I am a veteran who works at a nonprofit organization who does free home repairs for low income housing, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. We started a veteran program in 2009 and looking at ways to expand our service to help more veterans in need. You can read more about our Veterans Program here… http://www.rtseattle.org/veteransprogram.php.

I came across your newsletter/website when I was at the Seattle Veterans Museum. I am looking for ways to get our program out to veterans to help more in need. We have been able to help over ten veterans this year, but I want to increase that number. I need more veterans applicants who are in need of some free home repairs. If you want to read about our organization you can click here Rebuilding Together Seattle

Please let me know if this opportunity is available or you know any other resources I can reach out to help fellow vets.

Thank you,

Jason Cummings
Program & Outreach Coordinator, Rebuilding Together Seattle
811 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
P: 206-682-1231/ F: 206-682-8962

 

FoxNews Ticker

 

Newsletter Special Features & Articles

Bellevue Traveling Vietnam Wall July 1st - 4th, 2011 Video

 

The Acacia Memorial Park Traveling Vietnam Wall 2009 - Shoreline, WA.

After-action Report Updated 19 Aug 09

Pam and nurse, Deborah S., placed a rose for 1Lt. Sharon Lane
© The Northwest Veterans Newsletter

Nurses Killed In Vietnam

Remembering 1Lt. Sharon Lane - KIA in Vietnam, 8 Jun 1969

Operation Babylift - Operation Babylift was an on-going effort to evacuate children from the orphanages before the fall of Saigon

Cambodian Incursions and U.S. POWs by 3/17th Troopers Dan Sutherland & Roger Young

The Vietnam Wall Experience 2001 - Bellevue, WA. - July 2001

Vietnam Women's Memorial Tribute by Pam Young dedicated to the Womens Memorial in D.C.

My Own 1993 Journey to D.C. by Pam Young -- USN 1970- 1974

Vietnam Woman Veteran Receives Soldier's Medal by Noonie Fortin - © 2001 [Posted with expressed permission]

A Salute to Martha Raye 1916 - 1994

Granite Falls Veterans Day Parade 1997 by Roger & Pam Young

Some Important Dates in the History of Military Women - Compiled by Pam in 1997

To Scotty, With Love © Joyce Daugirda, Vietnam-Era & Desert Storm U.S. Army

In Remembrance of Carrie Dixon by Roger & Pam Young

A Soldier's Christmas by A Troop, 3/17th Air Cav 'Silver Spurs'

 

Newsletter Special Awards

Presented to Pam in 2006 from A Troop, 3/17th Air Cav "Silver Spurs"
at their 2006 Spur reunion in Dothan [Ft. Rucker], Alabama

 

Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs Award

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
Roger & Pam Young
Outstanding Veteran Volunteer 2001
"You are commended for your
selfless service to veterans
and family members"

 

Glen A. Williams "Bronze Boonie" Memorial Award

The Glen Williams Award for 2000 is presented to
Roger "Bear" Young and Pam Young
For many years Pam and Bear have unselfishly given of their
time and personal finances to publish their newsletter as a
service to the Veteran community. The Northwest Veterans Newsletter
has entertained, educated and edified veterans
and their families and strongly supported veterans causes.

Personal commitment, dedication, and sacrifice are virtues
embodied in the American Veteran. Pam and Bear Young
certainly reflect those virtues. We honor you, congratulations.

M.R. Rogers - Trustee - 15 June 2000