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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec    Date: 02/09/2010 11:30:31

Good Morning.

Today is our 2,519th day in Iraq and our 3,047th day in Afghanistan.

We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of Antiwar.com:

American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4375
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4236
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3912
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3516
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 147

Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 325
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 984
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 640
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,395
Journalists - Iraq: 335
Academics Killed - Iraq: 431


We find this morning's cost of war passing through:

$ 958, 720, 700, 000 . 00



And finally, we pause a moment to remember Vietnam Vet and Congressman John Murtha.



Turning to our friends at IAVA...they're gearing up for their annual "Storm the Hill" campaign.

I won't link it here, but at the website, there's a new video about the latest set of challenges our returning veterans are facing.


A second storm is about to hit Washington, D.C. The first one left behind 20 inches of snow, but this one will leave an impact on the lives of millions of veterans.

This week, dozens of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from across the country are in Washington for IAVA's 5th Annual Storm the Hill trip. These vets are the best of their generation - smart, squared-away, and committed.

And they need your support.

Watch this short video, then Make Your Mark to help these vets pass IAVA's top legislative priority for 2010 - disability reform.

Throughout the week, we'll be posting live updates straight from Capitol Hill at our online headquarters, StormtheHill.org. You can follow all of the action, learn more about the vets, send messages of support, find out who we're meeting with, donate supplies, and more.

But most importantly, you can Make Your Mark on our map of support, and send a strong message to Washington that these vets aren't fighting alone - and that there are supporters across the country who have their back.

This week is crucial - not just for IAVA, but for all veterans of all generations. And your support has never been more important.

Thank you for storming with us.


Of course we know IAVA is nothing if not thorough...so make sure to check out their comprehensive list of Issue Reports.


To help inform the other 99 percent of the population on the struggles that these new veterans are facing, IAVA has produced an on-going series of in-depth Issue Reports.

More than 1.7 million veterans, or less than 1 percent of the population, have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For most, coming home from war has been a challenge. For these new veterans and their families, issues such as navigating the VA, seeking mental health care, or trying to find a job have become their new battles. IAVA Issue Reports offer comprehensive analysis and policy recommendations on these urgent issues. From traumatic brain injuries to homelessness, these reports provide the latest statistics and information, and are updated regularly. IAVA Issue Reports should be the go-to resource for lawmakers, journalists, activists, and anyone who cares about the well-being of America’s newest generation of veterans and their families. The full reports, along with accompanying Quickfacts, are now available for download. Be sure to look for new IAVA Issue Reports in coming weeks!

* NEW! Red Tape: Veterans Fight New Battles for Care and Benefits

* Women Warriors: Supporting She 'Who Has Borne the Battle'

* Careers After Combat: Employment and Education Challenges for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

* Coming Home: The Housing Crisis and Homelessness Threaten New Veterans

* Invisible Wounds: Psychological and Neurological Injuries Confront a New Generation of Veterans

* A Breaking Military: Overextension Threatens Readiness


And remember, since the Republicans have gained a Superminority, moving forward on the legislative agenda to take care of our vets is going to be harder than ever this year.

President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden get it. Dozens of Democrats (and a handful of Republicans, yes) in the House get it. 41 obstructionists in the Senate are positioning themselves to hold our veterans hostage for political expediency.

Call or Write today.


 

39 comments (Latest Comment: 02/09/2010 23:49:42 by m-hadley)
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Comment by wickedpam on 02/09/2010 14:09:51
Morning



Well, I'm once again in the same place I was last Friday while a hugh storm is poised to hit. The drive in this morning we stressfull and drive home I already know is gonna be worse. I'm not holding my breath for us to be let go early since we weren't open yesterday. I don't even want to think about tomorrow yet

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 14:31:52
Good Morning --



Oh mala -- let's hope the storm will show up after you get home...

Comment by wickedpam on 02/09/2010 14:32:58
THat would be wonderful, what's the latest report? Cause the last one I heard said it would start around noon

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 14:55:41
A little known fact about suing for medical malpractice ---



if you have employee sponsored health insurance -- you can't sue.

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 14:56:31
Quote by wickedpam:

THat would be wonderful, what's the latest report? Cause the last one I heard said it would start around noon


From the National Weather Service.

Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 14:56:48
great blog TriSec - let's get the word out!

Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 14:57:14
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

THat would be wonderful, what's the latest report? Cause the last one I heard said it would start around noon


From the National Weather Service.


Probably only an inch before evening.

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 15:17:27




Last nites KO had a special guest commentator...





Comment by wickedpam on 02/09/2010 15:18:34
yes but an inch of snow on roads that are already bad just make for a dangerous situation

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 15:19:28
I love the law geeks!

Comment by Scoopster on 02/09/2010 15:24:31
Morning all! Welp I got hit by a bomb last night.. my long lost friend re-appeared after two years.

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 15:33:01
Quote by Scoopster:

Morning all! Welp I got hit by a bomb last night.. my long lost friend re-appeared after two years.
Wow. that is nice. Where was this friend for 2 years?



Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 15:34:15
That KO Comment was HIGH-larious! I'm glad he pointed out that she crossed something out

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 15:45:21
The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Sarah Palin Uses a Hand-O-Prompter
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical HumorEconomy




Yes, he went there!

Comment by Scoopster on 02/09/2010 15:47:29
Quote by Raine:

Quote by Scoopster:

Morning all! Welp I got hit by a bomb last night.. my long lost friend re-appeared after two years.
Wow. that is nice. Where was this friend for 2 years?


Unfortunately in a really REALLY bad relationship... I dunno what kept her in it for so long.

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 15:55:05
FAYE !!!! They are reading your letter!

Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 16:02:46
Quote by Raine:

FAYE !!!! They are reading your letter!


I heard it!

Comment by wickedpam on 02/09/2010 16:05:38
What happened, I wasn't paying attention! What did Faye's letter say?

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 16:14:06
OK seriously... NOW they are complaining that Obama is killing too many bad guys too fast!



Dead Terrorists Tell No Tales

Is Barack Obama killing too many bad guys before the U.S. can interrogate them?







Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 16:14:50
Quote by wickedpam:

What happened, I wasn't paying attention! What did Faye's letter say?
She sent in a list of people for Momma to marry!



Comment by livingonli on 02/09/2010 16:27:47
Good morning everyone.



Interesting the first thing I hear is the dog v. cat debate. At least my cat doesn't do what Jazz does. She just looks for where the sun is in my room as her place to take a nap.

Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 16:28:19
So FAUX News is saying that Sarah Palin was using crib notes and speaking "off the cuff"....



No pun intended...

Comment by livingonli on 02/09/2010 16:29:55
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

What happened, I wasn't paying attention! What did Faye's letter say?
She sent in a list of people for Momma to marry!



Missed it by that much.

Comment by wickedpam on 02/09/2010 16:39:35
Quote by Raine:

Quote by wickedpam:

What happened, I wasn't paying attention! What did Faye's letter say?
She sent in a list of people for Momma to marry!







aaww Faye with the love connection for Steph

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 16:49:17
Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 17:15:25
This guy is so disengeniune.

Comment by TriSec on 02/09/2010 17:20:12
Afternoon folks!



Looking forward to my first snowstorm in the city since I last worked downtown around 1996 or so. (Kenmore Square).



I'm-a taking the train tomorrow.





Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 18:03:59
Quote by TriSec:

Afternoon folks!



Looking forward to my first snowstorm in the city since I last worked downtown around 1996 or so. (Kenmore Square).



I'm-a taking the train tomorrow.



Is it the YELLOW line going to Chinatown?



(see my earlier link)



Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 18:07:44
Quote by Raine:

Quote by TriSec:

Afternoon folks!



Looking forward to my first snowstorm in the city since I last worked downtown around 1996 or so. (Kenmore Square).



I'm-a taking the train tomorrow.



Is it the YELLOW line going to Chinatown?



(see my earlier link)



when the train wheels go over the gaps in the tracks, they make this "chink chink chink" sound...

Comment by Mondobubba on 02/09/2010 18:17:25
Quote by Raine:

A little known fact about suing for medical malpractice ---



if you have employee sponsored health insurance -- you can't sue.




Well that is news to me. I had (as did Mrs Mondo) employee sponsored insurance when I was investigating suing the nursing home when Mrs Mondo has her stroke. There was no mention of it at all.

Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 19:32:37
cool.





Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 20:17:32
Oh Gibbsy -- you scamp!





Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 20:40:30
http://web2.twitpic.com/img/64284946-16b8b48f7fa318fb67212e46a3efba82.4b71c7dd-full.jpg


Comment by Scoopster on 02/09/2010 20:44:16
Comment by TriSec on 02/09/2010 21:04:46
MBTA Orange Line goes to Chinatown.



I'm a hoofing it to Waltham Center...Commuter Rail to Porter...Red line to South Boston.





Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 22:48:25
Quote by Raine:

http://web2.twitpic.com/img/64284946-16b8b48f7fa318fb67212e46a3efba82.4b71c7dd-full.jpg


I think you need to be logged into Twitter to see this...

Comment by BobR on 02/09/2010 22:48:46
Quote by Scoopster:

Oh my.. Hipster puppies..




Comment by Raine on 02/09/2010 23:46:51
Comment by m-hadley on 02/09/2010 23:49:42
Quote by BobR:

Quote by Raine:

FAYE !!!! They are reading your letter!


I heard it!




Thanks Guys for the Heads Up!

I wasn't able to catch Momma this morning (work has been a bee-otch!), but I will try to give it a listen tonight after I get off work (not until 8pm). I thought that Steph was ignoring all the stuff I sent to her, good to know that she sometimes acknowledges the source of her material! Thanks again!!!

Cheers,

mfaye