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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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