The VA scandal is still alive and well, despite what traditional media will tell you. In the fast paced world of politics, old media has a way of letting problems like this move to the back of the bus, never to be heard from again. And with the VA scandal…
Military
Time To Care For Our Veterans
Since the start of the Veterans Administration, there have been problems. These problems are not new. And no, it is not Bush’s fault. The problems within the VA can be traced back all the way to post-WW2 era. Since 1945, there have been veterans complaining…
Transgender Veterans Get Care While Others Wait
The VA scandal continues to get worse as days pass. It seems that everywhere you turn, there is another veteran coming out and authenticating the claims of the long secret wait times.
Sadly, many of these veterans are in serious need of being looked at by medical professionals for both physical and mental needs. It truly is outrageous that these men and women of service have to wait to be seen.
Those who don’t have to wait have are those with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria with transgender-specific care. That’s right!
In 2013, some 2,567 veterans were diagnosed.
One of these cases is PVT Bradley Manning. Chelsea, if you will, is currently an inmate at Fort Leavenworth serving out a 35 year sentence for leaking classified government information.
VA spokeswoman Ndidi Mojay said in an email, “The VA does not pay for or support sex reassignment surgeries.”
Mojay says that what they do offer is couseling, cross-sex hormone therapy, evaluations for sex reassignment surgeries performed outside the department and post-reassignment surgical care.
While Manning serves out his/her sentence, he/she will be taking advantage of these treatments.
Soldier Spotlight: SGT Kyle J. White
Today, the Medal of Honor will be awarded to SGT Kyle J. White, who will accept it in honor of the five Soldiers and one Marine “who gave their lives in the defense of freedom and the American way of life.”
“On May 13th, when I’m awarded the Medal of Honor, I will tell their stories and preserve their memories. They will not be forgotten,” the Seattle native told the press and bloggers. “Their sacrifice and the sacrifices of so many others is what motivates me to wake up each and every day to be the best I can. Everything I do in my life is done to make them proud.”
The Battle
On Nov. 8, 2007, members of 1st Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, headquartered at Combat Outpost Bella, prepared for movement to the village of Aranas, Afghanistan, for a Shura meeting with village elders. There had been little communication with the village after their suspected collusion on a major attack months earlier on Combat Outpost Ranch House – a former American post situated on the mountain overlooking the large village, that resulted in eleven wounded and the closure of the out-post.
Moving under cover of darkness, the 14 Americans and approximately one squad of Afghan National Army, or ANA, soldiers, made for the American-built schoolhouse in the heart of the village, where they would bunk for the night. READ ABOUT THE BATTLE
Soldier Spotlight: Sergeant Jack Weinstein
Biography
Medal of Honor nominee Jack Weinstein was born in Lamar, Mo., Oct. 18, 1928.
He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950.
Weinstein is being recognized for his exceptionally valorous actions on Oct. 19, 1951, in the vicinity of Kumson, Korea, when his platoon came under enemy attack. He volunteered to stay back and provide cover while his men withdrew from their positions. Weinstein killed six enemy combatants and, after running out of ammunition, used enemy grenades around him to keep the enemy forces back. Weinstein held his position until friendly forces moved back in and pushed the enemy back.
After a year and a half in Korea, Weinstein returned home, married, and settled in Saint Francis, Kan. Weinstein and his wife had five children, nine grand-children, and four great-grand-children. Weinstein passed away, April 20, 2006.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Weinstein received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
Sgt. Jack Weinstein, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy near Kumson, Korea.
On Oct. 19, 1951, near Hill 533, Sgt. Weinstein was in the lead as the first platoon of Company G attempted to take an enemy-held position. After gaining the ground, the platoon, consisting of two five-man squads, was hit by a fierce counter-attack by about 30 fanatical Chinese Communist troops. Most of the members of the platoon had been wounded in the previous action and withdrew under the heavy attack. Weinstein remained in his position and continued to fight off the onrushing enemy. At least six of the enemies were killed by Weinstein’s M-1 rifle before he ran out of ammunition. Although under extremely heavy enemy fire, he refused to withdraw and continued fighting by throwing enemy hand grenades which were lying near his position. Again, the enemy was stopped and suffered my casualties. Alone and unaided he held the ground his platoon had fought hard to take.
He held out against overwhelming odds until another platoon was able relieve him and drive-back the enemy. Weinstein’s leg had been broken by an enemy grenade and old wounds suffered in previous battles had reopened, but he refused to do withdraw in order that his wounded comrades could reach friendly lines.
His outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own life was an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Weinstein is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.
Soldier Spotlight: Private Miguel A. Vera
Biography
Medal of Honor nominee Miguel Armando “Nando” Vera was born in Puerto Rico.
Vera joined the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old.
Vera is being recognized for his heroic actions at Chorwon, Korea, Sept. 21, 1952. While Vera’s unit attempted to retake the right sector of “Old Baldy”, they came under heavy fire at close range and were forced back. Vera selflessly chose to stay behind and cover the troop’s withdrawal, and lost his life during this action.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Vera received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal with Silver Star.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Pvt. Miguel A. Vera, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Vera distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chorwon, Korea, on Sept. 21, 1952.
On that date, Vera’s unit was committed to assault and secure the right sector of “Old Baldy” and, although wounded in an earlier engagement, he voluntarily rejoined elements of the platoon regrouping at the base of the hill to resume the attack. Forging up the bare, rocky slope in skirmisher formation, the troops came within twenty yards of hostile positions when they were subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages and intense cross-fire from automatic weapons and grenades, which forced them to move back. He selflessly remained behind to cover the withdrawal and, maintaining a determined stand, poured crippling fire into enemy emplacements. During this action he lost his life.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Vera is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.
Soldier Spotlight: First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab
Biography
Medal of Honor nominee Donald K. Schwab was born, Dec. 6, 1918, in Hooper, Neb.
He joined the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school.
Schwab distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1944. His courage and determination resulted in the dismantling of a strong German position and he would take one prisoner of war.
Schwab served with the US Army until Oct. 26, 1945. Upon exiting the service Schwab returned to Hooper, Neb. and began a farming career. He later was employed with the postal service in Nebraska until retirement. In Hooper, Schwab was highly active in the church and community. He also enjoyed sports and played on various local softball and basketball teams.
Donald Schwab died on Feb. 19, 2005, at the age of 86.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Schwab received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, two Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, French Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button-WWII.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab, Infantry, Company E, 15th Infantry, for extraordinary heroism in action. On Sept. 17, 1944, at about 2 p.m. near Lure, France, Schwab led his company over 400 yards of bare, coverless ground against a formidable line of machine-guns and machine-pistols. Meeting intense, grazing fire, which burst without warning from a fringe of woods directly to his front, Schwab extricated his men from the attempted ambush and led them back to a defiladed position.
Ordered to overwhelm the enemy line, he organized his men into a skirmish line and, with indomitable courage, again led them forward into the lethal enemy fire. When halted a second time, Schwab went from man to man to supervise collection of the wounded and organize the withdrawal of his company.
From defilade, he rallied his decimated force for a third charge on the hostile strong-point, worked his way to within 50 yards of the Germans and ordered his men to “hit the dirt.” While automatic weapons fire blazed around him, he rushed forward alone, firing his carbine at the German foxholes, straight for the key enemy machine pistol nest which had sparkplugged German resistance and caused heavy casualties among his men. Spotlighted through the mist and rain by enemy flares, he reached the German emplacement. Ripping off the shelter-half cover of the hostile firing pit, he clouted the German gunner on the head with his carbine butt and dragged him back, through a hall of fire, to friendly lines.
His action so disorganized hostile infantry resistance that the enemy withdrew, abandoning his formidable defensive line. Schwab’s gallantry and determination to carry on related in breaking a powerful German position.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Schwab is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.
Soldier Spotlight: Master Sergeant Jose Rodela
Biography
Medal of Honor nominee Jose Rodela was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, June 15, 1937.
He entered the U.S. Army in September 1955, at the age of 17.
Rodela is being recognized for his valorous actions on Sept. 1, 1969, while serving as the company commander in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. Rodela commanded his company throughout 18 hours of continuous contact when his battalion was attacked and taking heavy casualties. Throughout the battle, in spite of his wounds, Rodela repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to attend to the fallen and eliminate an enemy rocket position.
Rodela retired from the Army in 1975. He currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Rodela received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with Silver Clasp and one Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, Korea Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Special Forces Tab, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class, Republic of Vietnam Special Forces Honorary Jump Wings, Columbian Army Parachutist Badge.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela, United States Army, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam, distinguished himself while serving as the company commander with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command.
On Sept. 1, 1969, the 3rd Battalion had the mission of moving in support of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force, which had suffered heavy casualties as a result of enemy contacts in Phuoc Long Province. The terrain in the area consisted of steep hills covered by dense underbrush and a double to triple canopy jungle. The sky was overcast. The temperature and humidity were both in the 90s.
While enroute to and approximately 800 meters from the intended objective; the 3rd Battalion came under extremely heavy 81mm mortar, rocket, light and heavy machine-gun, and small arms fire, from an unknown sized enemy unit. The initial volume of fire placed on the 3rd Battalion was so vicious that the battalion suffered 42 casualties almost immediately. Because of the intensity of the enemy fire and the numerous casualties, a critical state of confusion was present and the battalion was on the brink of panic.
Rodela’s company was located to the battalion’s east flank, and it was his enemy that received the largest concentration of the enemy’s fire during the initial attack. He realized that if his troops did not overcome the initial shock and reorganize, the entire battalion might be overrun in an enemy assault. Rodela disregarded the withering enemy fire, immediately began to move from man to man in his company, physically pushing them into defensive positions to form a half moon perimeter.
His clear thinking and quick action prevented much heavier casualties in his company and relieved the pressure of the remainder of the battalion, providing time to organize a defensive perimeter. The immense concentration of enemy fire which was brought to bear on Rodela’s position is practically impossible to describe with any justice.
His entire company was hidden by dust, smoke, and exploding enemy mortar and rocket rounds. The dead and wounded were laying the entire length of his defensive line. That his unit did not break and run to the rear is a great tribute to Rodela’s leadership. It was later determined that his company suffered 33 wounded and 11 killed in action. This includes one platoon leader and five squad leader in the initial few minutes. As the fire slackened, Rodela suddenly jumped up. He was the only member of his company who was moving and he began to run from one position to the next checking for casualties.
A few minutes later, he was moving the survivors into different positions in an attempt to form a stable defensive line. While this was staking placing, the dust from the bullets landing all around him was clearly visible, but unbelievably he was not touched.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Rodela is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.
Soldier Spotlight: Private First Class Demensio Rivera
Biography
Medal of Honor nominee Demensio Rivera, was born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, April 29, 1933.
He joined the U.S. Army, Sept. 26, 1950, in New York.
Then-Pvt. Demensio Rivera is being recognized for his actions at Changyongni, Korea, May 22-23, 1951. When the outpost area occupied by his platoon was assaulted during the night, Rivera, an automatic rifleman, held his forward position tenaciously, although exposed to very heavy fire. When his rifle became inoperative, Rivera employed his pistol and grenades, and eventually fought the enemy hand-to-hand and forced them back.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Rivera received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
Pfc. Demensio Rivera, received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
Rivera distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Changyong-ni, Korea, May 22-23, 1951. When the outpost area occupied by his platoon was assaulted during the night, Rivera, an automatic rifleman, held his forward position tenaciously, although exposed to very heavy fire. With his automatic rifle, he delivered a continuous and devastating fire at the approaching enemy until this weapon became inoperative, whereupon he employed his pistol and grenades and stopped the enemy within a few feet of his position.
During a renewed attack, he fought the enemy hand-to-hand and forced them back. Finally, as an overwhelming number of the enemy closed in on him, he killed four of them with his only remaining grenade, although they were in such close proximity he was severely wounded by the same explosion. When his position was retaken, he was recovered, seriously wounded, and lying with the bodies of the four enemy dead or dying.
Rivera’s fearless performance was a major factor in successfully repulsing the enemy’s attacks.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Rivera is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.
What’s going on at Air Force Academy?
by Todd Starnes
The Restore Military Religious Freedom coalition, a group of two dozen like-minded religious liberty organizations, announced Thursday that they are ready to offer assistance to any Air Force Academy cadet who faces repercussions for writing Bible verses on their hallway whiteboards.
The Air Force Academy admitted Wednesday that a cadet leader had to remove a Bible verse he had displayed outside his dorm room because it offended non-Christians and could “cause subordinates to doubt the leader’s religious impartiality.”
The controversy started when a cadet leader posted a passage of scripture on his whiteboard with a quote from the New Testament book of Galatians. “I have been crucified with Christ therefore I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” the verse from Galatians 2:20 read.
Friends of the cadet tell me the young man had posted the verse several months ago and considered the New Testament passage as a source of inspiration.