June 10, 2008 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Video
I came across this video over at Blackfive.net. It is described as the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Afghanistan performing a medevac mission of 3 “heroes” at night in the mountains. I encourage you to head over to http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/05/memorial-day–1.html and check out the video and text that goes along with the video. Blackfive does a good job and explaining the risks and factors that go into a mission like this. I could do a cut and paste, but I don’t want to steal from a fellow milblogger without giving them the credit.
So take 4 minutes out of your day and watch the very powerful video below, showing selfless service and bravery my pilots and medics to extract and save some war-fighters.
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By You Served Editorial Staff
Posted in Military News, News, Veteran Benefits
After some very publicized neglect when it comes to Veterans issues, such as the omission of Veterans Loans from the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, Congress is taking steps to improve the lives of Veterans. One such effort, the Helping Veterans Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 (HR 4884), is being led by Representative Bob Filner (D-CA). Filner is the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Although the rate of VA Loans going into foreclosure remains lower than the national average, many Veterans are still in danger of losing their homes. The bill aims to alter the guidelines for refinancing a VA Loan by removing the requirement that a Veteran must have 10% equity in his or her home to refinance. Another proposed change would lower the amount of the funding fee for VA Home Loans. With the exception of fee exemptions related to disabled and deceased Veterans, the fee currently ranges from 0.5% to 3.3% of the total loan amount. If the bill passes, the funding fee would be changed to a flat 1% of the total loan amount for all borrowers. VA Loan Limits would also be raised from $417,000 to $730,000.
Another bill seeking to aid Veterans is the Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008. The bill passed in the House and Senate and was sent to President Bush on June 6. The bill aims to financially aid Military personnel called to duty by allowing for penalty-free distributions from their 401(k)s. It also allows individuals who have flexible spending healthcare plans to cash in on their unused balances. Analysts expect the president to sign the bill into law.
Congress is also taking action to update the Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st century. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007, sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), would provide more money for Veterans to attend college and extend the time Veterans have to use their educational benefits from ten to fifteen years.
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June 6, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Military News, Top Posts, Uncategorized
A lot of people think that I’m a “Republican hack” or an “agent of Bush” or whatever because of my views. The fact is that I really can’t be classified. I like to think that I’m a realist, not a Republican or Democrat. I’m not registered under either party (technically, I’m a Libertarian).
I tend to look at things from a Soldier’s perspective. I joined the military to make my country stronger and protect my fellow citizens. So, naturally, I’m going to side with people whom I think are going to meet those goals. About a week ago, I attempted to compare the two G.I. Bills that are competing in Congress. From the limited information I was able to gather, I deduced that the McCain bill was better. While it is in some ways, I’ve been able to compare the two side by side and have changed my mind. Now that I have all the information, I think the Webb bill is actually better, though it has its faults. I’m not afraid to admit that I was wrong. Now, I need to convince you why. Warning: what follows is my inner nerd coming out again as I actually read through each bill and compared them to each other.
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June 4, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military, Top Posts
5. We don’t serve lobster tails and caviar at military dining facilities.
4. The Army beret reminds her too much of Monica Lewinsky.
3. She’s been offered the coveted position of being the first female Secretary of Defense (God help us!).
2. It would take longer than eight years to remodel the Pentagon.
1. Pant suits don’t come in digital camouflage.
For the final five reasons Hillary Clinton won’t be Commander In Chief, visit A Soldier’s Perspective.
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June 2, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
I’m used to being asked for my military ID. I need to get on post, shop at the PX, and pick up my meds at the hospital. I also have to use my ID card to access my computer at work (we’re a 21st century military!!)
Today is Anissa’s 12th birthday. That means a lot in our church. For the first time, she will be in the Young Women’s program instead of the Primary children’s program. She can start babysitting younger kids (though I don’t think she’s quite ready for that responsibility). 12 is about the next best thing to Sweet 16 I think, though I may just be a man and wrong about that.
For Anissa’s birthday cake, she wanted a Cold Stone Creamery cake. For dinner, I took her to one of our favorite restaurants, Red Robin, and then we went to CSC for the cake. I was still in my uniform since Emily picked me up from work and we went straight to the restaurant to beat the crowds.
I’m not shy about asking for a military discount. If a business is willing to give one, I’m willing to take. Every dollar saved can go towards something more important – like more CDs!! So, I asked the guy if they had a military discount, knowing full well they do since we go there about once or twice a month. He was a new employee so he had to ask and went into the back of the store. I quickly shoved my hands into the Peanut Butter Ice Cream tub and plowed into my face while he wasn’t looking…just kidding. Anyway, he comes back and says that they have a 10% military discount.
“Can I see your military ID?” he asked me. I simply stared blankly at him for about five seconds in my nicely pressed camouflage uniform and clean shaven face. Through the corner of my eye, I saw Emily suddenly look up and turn to me with that “did he just ask for your ID?” look in her eyes.
I got a good laugh out of that as he realized what he had just said and then applied my discount. I asked him if he was sure he didn’t want to see my ID. After all, I could have stolen this uniform, gotten a military style haircut, and just be pretending to be this worn out and tired!
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June 1, 2008 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military, Top Posts, Top Posts - My Post
I wrote a little about my experiences flying TO DC earlier. It was a very frustrating experience. However, on the way back, things weren’t so bad.
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