Friday, June 24, 2011
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
I'm Voting in Honor of a Veteran
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!!!VOTING AT THE AMERICAN LEGION
YOU CAN REGISTER TODAY AS WELL!!!
I'M VOTING IN HONOR OF A VETERAN...
CHESTER HOPKINS, VIETNAM
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
A Memorial Day Dedication
died in our nation's service.
(flowers by M&W Farms & Greenhouses, Greenwood, Maine)
267th Combat Communications Squadron, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 01, 2010
Women's History Month Celebration
TSgt Jennifer Norris, Satellite Communications TechnicianWomen's History Month Celebration
March 12, 2010 11-1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Sanford Vet Center
628 Main St, Springvale, Maine
Please RSVP by calling 490-1513
Women Veterans, come celebrate the contributions of women in the military
with your local sisters-in-arms!!
Come enjoy a light lunch with other women veterans, learn about VA benefits,
network and share about your piece of history.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Leaders to Address State Fiscal Crisis: News Conference To Call For Cuts In War Spending as Vehicle to Fund State Programs
For Immediate Release
Leaders from peace, church, health care, education, and social service communities will hold a news conference in Augusta, Maine on Thursday, January 14 at 11:00 am to call for cuts in war spending as a way to help Maine state government deal with its current fiscal crisis. The news conference will be held in the Hall of Flags inside the state capital in Augusta.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have already cost Maine taxpayers $2.5 billion according to the National Priorities Project. http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home
“If not for the money that has been wasted on the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan we would not be in the fiscal crisis that we face today in Maine,” said Lisa Savage, public school teacher and a leader in the new statewide coalition called Bring Our War $$ Home. http://www.bringourwardollarshome.org/
“We will bring people together from around the state who are willing to address the elephant in the middle of the room. Our spending on endless war is killing the national economy as more than 40 states are now in fiscal crisis. We are not going to be able to cut our way out of this mess, tax our way out, nor will we be able to ‘grow’ our way out of this. Unless we cut military spending immediately there will be no serious recovery and no real stabilization of our state budget,” Savage stated.
A recent study, “The Employment Effects of Downsizing the U.S. Military” by UMASS-Amherst Economics Department, found that military spending actually creates fewer jobs than any other kind of investment.
The UMASS study reveals that for every $1 billion of spending on military production 8,555 jobs are created. But when that same amount of money is spent on home weatherization 12,804 jobs are created or when spent on education 17,687 jobs result. http://www.peri.umass.edu/fileadmin/pdf/working_papers/working_papers_151-200/WP152.pdf
“The little reported truth is that military spending is bad for the economy and creates fewer jobs and less tax revenue for state and local government than does other kinds of investment,” said Savage.
Bring Our War $$ Home is calling on all elected officials in Maine to immediately begin addressing this issue of mounting military spending while education, social spending, and infrastructure funding are cut.
Among those planning to speak at the January 14 news conference in Augusta are:
- Michael Brennan – former State Senator from Portland
- Dr. Robert Hayes - D.O. from Winslow
- Rachel Talbott Ross – NAACP from Portland
- Lisa Savage – Peace activist and public school teacher from Solon
- Rep. Peter Stuckey – State Representative from Portland
- Mary Beth Sullivan – Social worker from Bath
- Rev. Gary Vencill – United Methodist Church minister from Prospect
Bring Our War $$ Home is a new coalition in Maine that intends to actively take this message to the citizens across the state. The coalition is made up of the following organizations: Americans Who Tell the Truth; Camp Alex For Peace; Code Pink Maine; Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space; The Kennebunks Peace Department; Maine Green Independent Party; Maine Veterans for Peace; Midcoast Peace & Justice; Pax Christi Maine; Peace Action Maine; Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine; PeaceWorks; Peninsula Peace & Justice - Blue Hill; Union of Maine Visual Artists; and Waterville Area Bridges for Peace & Justice
Monday, January 11, 2010
Check Out the Military Order of the Purple Heart Website
http://www.purpleheart.org/The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specificaHistory of the Orderlly a combat decoration.
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans.
Funds for welfare, rehabilitation and/or service work carried on by the organization are derived through the collection of used household items, the operation of thrift stores, through the donation of automobiles and, at the community level, The Purple Heart Violafrom the annual distribution of its official flower, the Purple Heart Viola. Violas are assembled by disabled and needy veterans, many of whom receive little or no compensation from other sources. Thus, your contribution to our programs serve are two-fold. First, they help the veterans who participate in these endeavors and, secondly, they enable the organization to do many things on behalf of hospitalized and needy veterans and their families.
Wives, mothers, daughters, step-daughters and adopted daughters of Purple Heart recipients are eligible to belong to the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which also does important work nationally and locally in veterans' hospitals.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Check Out What the 101st Air Refueling Wing Does for Our Country
Maine Air National Guard
Bangor, Maine
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Bill O's Pinheads and Patriots featuring Stephen King of Bangor, Maine
Saturday, December 12, 2009
About Global Security Dot Org
GlobalSecurity.org is the leading source of background information and developing news stories in the fields of defense, space, intelligence, WMD, and homeland security. Launched in 2000, GlobalSecurity.org is the most comprehensive and authoritative online destination for those in need of both reliable background information and breaking news. GlobalSecurity.org, is well-respected, trusted and often-referenced in the media, both domestically and internationally.
Along with its rapid growth in audience and traffic, GlobalSecurity.org has developed a reputation as a trusted source of military information. It is a frequently visited destination for other news organizations as they build their own coverage of developing events.
GlobalSecurity.org’s unique positioning enables it to reach both a targeted and large diversified audience. The content of the website is updated hourly, as events around the world develop, providing in-depth coverage of complicated issues. The breadth and depth of information on the site ensures a loyal repeat audience. This is supplemented by GlobalSecurity.org’s unique visibility in the mass media, which drives additional growth.
Along with its rapid growth in audience and traffic, GlobalSecurity.org has developed a reputation as a trusted source of military information. It is a frequently visited destination for other news organizations as they build their own coverage of developing events.
GlobalSecurity.org’s unique positioning enables it to reach both a targeted and large diversified audience. The content of the website is updated hourly, as events around the world develop, providing in-depth coverage of complicated issues. The breadth and depth of information on the site ensures a loyal repeat audience. This is supplemented by GlobalSecurity.org’s unique visibility in the mass media, which drives additional growth.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/
Friday, December 11, 2009
15 B-52s Take Off From Minot AFB, ND
Brief Overview of Conditions in Somalia, Africa
by TSgt Jennifer Norris
Can you imagine life in the US without our current form of government or our Armed Forces? What if our streets were dominated by rival gangs like the Bloods and the Crypts? This is what life is like for the people who live in Somalia, Africa except much worse.
Purpose: To help you understand why the US is concerned that Somalia may be vulnerable to terrorist activity.
Overview:
1. The National Considerations alone are reason to be concerned because freer, more open borders provide access to havens, capabilities and other support to terrorists.
a. Government - No functioning Government since 1991
i. Since then there has been inter-clan fighting/random bigotry
ii. A Transitional Federal Charter was developed in 2004 but not by Somalia
b. Allies/Adversaries – Currently supported by Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt)
i. Once aligned with the Soviet Union/China – as a socialist state
ii. Since 1991, they have been in conflict with their neighbor – Ethiopia
c. Military - No Somali Armed Forces currently
i. Prior to 1991, SNA (army, navy, air force, & air defense command)
ii. Now, various groups/factions control militias – but have limited weapons
2. The Economic Interests are also reason to be concerned because underlying conditions such as poverty create opportunities for terrorists to exploit.
a. Base - Lacks natural resources
i. Pastoral and agricultural w/ livestock
ii. Livestock exports banned/Drought
b. Economic Development - Faces major challenges because limited natural resources
i. Internal transportation limited – no railways, limited cargo plane transportation
ii. Dependent on remittances from abroad including money from the US
c. Communications Infrastructure – Good but will also promote terrorist activity
i. Cellular phone service available throughout country
ii. Linked to the outside world via private telecommunications
3. Finally, the US Interest & Relationship with Somalia is important because stability & security cannot be achieved without an end to terrorism.
a. Financial Aid – Terminated military aid in 1989
i. Controversy over human rights policies
ii. Continued to provide food assistance
b. Peace Talks – Led by a regional organization but stalled since 2003
i. Civil unrest obstacle to economic growth & development
ii. Opportunities for trafficking in arms/contraband
c. US National Interests - Encourage return of Somalia to international community
i. Active role in peace process & humanitarian assistance
ii. Support for long-term economic, social, and democratic development
It is in the best interest of the US to keep a close eye on things in Somalia, and to assist in whatever capacity necessary so as to prevent further terrorist activity from evolving. If we don’t get involved in one way or another, we are only going to hurt ourselves in the long run. I will definitely think twice before I complain about our foreign aid policies. Our government is doing what they have to do to prevent another 9/11 and I respect that.
Can you imagine life in the US without our current form of government or our Armed Forces? What if our streets were dominated by rival gangs like the Bloods and the Crypts? This is what life is like for the people who live in Somalia, Africa except much worse.
Purpose: To help you understand why the US is concerned that Somalia may be vulnerable to terrorist activity.
Overview:
1. The National Considerations alone are reason to be concerned because freer, more open borders provide access to havens, capabilities and other support to terrorists.
a. Government - No functioning Government since 1991
i. Since then there has been inter-clan fighting/random bigotry
ii. A Transitional Federal Charter was developed in 2004 but not by Somalia
b. Allies/Adversaries – Currently supported by Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt)
i. Once aligned with the Soviet Union/China – as a socialist state
ii. Since 1991, they have been in conflict with their neighbor – Ethiopia
c. Military - No Somali Armed Forces currently
i. Prior to 1991, SNA (army, navy, air force, & air defense command)
ii. Now, various groups/factions control militias – but have limited weapons
2. The Economic Interests are also reason to be concerned because underlying conditions such as poverty create opportunities for terrorists to exploit.
a. Base - Lacks natural resources
i. Pastoral and agricultural w/ livestock
ii. Livestock exports banned/Drought
b. Economic Development - Faces major challenges because limited natural resources
i. Internal transportation limited – no railways, limited cargo plane transportation
ii. Dependent on remittances from abroad including money from the US
c. Communications Infrastructure – Good but will also promote terrorist activity
i. Cellular phone service available throughout country
ii. Linked to the outside world via private telecommunications
3. Finally, the US Interest & Relationship with Somalia is important because stability & security cannot be achieved without an end to terrorism.
a. Financial Aid – Terminated military aid in 1989
i. Controversy over human rights policies
ii. Continued to provide food assistance
b. Peace Talks – Led by a regional organization but stalled since 2003
i. Civil unrest obstacle to economic growth & development
ii. Opportunities for trafficking in arms/contraband
c. US National Interests - Encourage return of Somalia to international community
i. Active role in peace process & humanitarian assistance
ii. Support for long-term economic, social, and democratic development
It is in the best interest of the US to keep a close eye on things in Somalia, and to assist in whatever capacity necessary so as to prevent further terrorist activity from evolving. If we don’t get involved in one way or another, we are only going to hurt ourselves in the long run. I will definitely think twice before I complain about our foreign aid policies. Our government is doing what they have to do to prevent another 9/11 and I respect that.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Veterans' Benefits Update: VA and DoD Announce Disability Evaluation System Pilot Expansion
To expedite the delivery of benefits to many injured Service Members who receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities. The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began in November 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a single physical examination serves as the basis for determining whether military personnel are fit enough to stay on active duty and to determine their eligibility for VA disability compensation.
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