Rolling Thunder MC member hit by pickup truck

Henderson, KY (May 24, 2023) - A member of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, was hit by a pickup truck and sent to the hospital, according to witnesses. According to the president of the chapter, Tim Centers, the crash happened while en route to crossing the blue bridge into Indiana.

Tim Centers witnessed a pickup truck run a red light at the intersection of 4th and J.R. Miller Blvd in Owensboro. 73-year-old Boots Alton Edwards was hit by the pickup in the intersection. 

 

Witnesses say several members had to swerve to avoid getting hit. Edwards was taken to Owensboro Regional Health for injuries to his chest, arms, and hands. Edwards is a Navy veteran. 

The president of the Kentucky Rolling Thunder chapter, Jim De-Armond, says ten members were in the motorcycle convoy. He said Edwards is expected to recover and soon be released from the hospital.

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Two Killed in Explosion at VA Hospital

West Haven, Connecticut (November 13, 2020) - Two people were killed in an explosion at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in West Haven on Friday morning.

West Haven Police and Connecticut State Police responded to the scene at the request of the city’s fire marshal. 

Officials on scene said that one of the deceased was a hospital employee and the other was an outside contractor.

A spokesperson for the VA told News 8 the incident was due to a leak in the steam plant, which is not part of the hospital building. The pair was fixing the leak when the explosion occurred.

It is unclear exactly what happened.

State police told the Associated Press they are sending three detectives from their fire and explosion investigation unit.

Smoke could be seen coming from the building when News 8 arrived.

Roudebush Cited for Inadequate COVID-19 Protocol

Indianapolis, IN (September 11, 2020) VRI - Federal job site investigators say the people caring for military veterans suffering from COVID-19 in Indianapolis weren’t well protected from the deadly virus during the early days of the pandemic.

The Roudebush Medical Center is where the men and women who served in our armed forces go for their medical care, but a report from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found problems with the way workers were protected responding to the early waves of potential COVID-19 patients coming to the hospital for treatment.

Three complaints labeled serious found that in March Roudebush did not provide surgical masks or face shields for employees involved in screening protocols, did not provide appropriate respirators for workers at the release of information desk or the Cardiology department or those who stood at the hospital entrances and screened everyone walking in the door.

Since the start of the pandemic, Roudebush has treated 503 coronavirus patients and 55 of them have died. Placing Roudebush at number 12 in the nation for mortality among all VA medical centers.

The OSHA violation notice was filed Tuesday and gives Roudebush 15 days to prove its corrected the “unsafe or unhealthful working conditions.” However, since these violations date back six months, it’s possible the appropriate personal protective equipment was provided long ago.

Indiana 9/11 Memorial Gets Donation

Indianapolis, IN (September 8, 2020) - American Legion posts from across Indiana have donated $50,000 for a planned expansion of the downtown Indianapolis memorial to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

That donation will be presented Friday, on the attacks' 19th anniversary, during an event at the memorial to kick off fundraising efforts for the $450,000 project. Donations for the expansion are tax-deductible and the project will receive no public funds.

The decade-old Indiana 9/11 Memorial was dedicated to the first responders and people who perished in the attacks. It includes parts of two steel beams taken from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

The planned expansion will allow it to memorialize the more than 5,000 U.S. military service members who have died fighting terrorism in the past two decades. It will also honor U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Tim Maude, a Hoosier serving at the Pentagon who was the most senior service member killed that day.

In addition, the expansion will add an 800-pound piece of Indiana limestone from the Pentagon crash site and a “Survivor Tree” from the World Trade Center. The aim is to complete the expansion and re-dedicate the site on the attacks' 20th anniversary, on Sept. 11, 2021.

Veterans Employment Website Launches

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (September 6, 2020) VRI – Veterans seeking employment can now connect to Indiana employers via a website.

In 2016, a study by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics proved that Indiana is the best place for employment for veterans. The Hoosier state is working to keep the unemployment rate low while attracting more veterans and local lawmakers announced the launch of INvets.

The website is a free resource for veterans to interact and find information about job opportunities. Veterans can create a profile to attract employers and browse careers by type. The career industries veterans can choose from include health care, logistics, manufacturing and other high-demand trades.

Not only is the website used to help current Indiana veterans, but it is aiming to attract more veterans to the Hoosier state.

Once a service member completes his or her profile on the site, his or her information is directed to participating companies. Employers who sign up for INvets have free access to upload company information, job opportunities and review veteran profiles. Click here to sign up.

Additional resources are available through the Military Family Relief Fund COVID-19 Emergency Assistance program, which is designed to help military families experiencing financial hardship. Click here for more information.

Memorial Day Verses Veterans Day

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (May 22, 2020) VRI — Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day. Inevitably, someone will say something demonstrating their confusion over the difference between Memorial Day, Veterans Day and even Labor Day.

Memorial Day means something much, much bigger than the start of summer. The day feels fraught with memories of those we've lost, mixed with gratitude for the times we've had. While it is true that every day is Memorial Day for the families of the fallen, they aren't asking that you stay inside and wallow. But we do owe it to them to pause. Reflect. Remember. Honor.

Here’s what they all mean:

Memorial Day: Celebrated the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a somber holiday dedicated to honor military fallen, with a special focus on those killed during military service or through enemy contact.

The website for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs recounts the start of Memorial Day this way:

“Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.”

The passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 by Congress made it an official holiday.

Veterans Day: This federal holiday falls on November 11 and is designated as a day to honor all who have served in the military. According to Military.com, Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.

“In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans,” the site says. “With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.”

Also, for good measure, we will also post some information about Labor Day because, believe it or not, we’ve seen folks thanking troops on that holiday.

Labor Day: The first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers, not the military.

The Department of Labor says it is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” 

There you have it, Lt. Dan

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Indiana National Guard Helps Indiana Inmates

Plainfield, Indiana, USA (April 18, 2020) VRI — The Indiana National Guard is helping the Indiana Department of Correction run its warehouse operations supplying inmates with commissary items during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Indiana National Guard troops from the 519th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Terre Haute, and the 38th Special Troops Battalion, Kokomo, worked at the Plainfield Correctional Facility April 14 to fulfill 1,170 commissary orders on day one of the mission.

“Our main focus is the safety and security of the facility, our offenders and the outside population,” said Lloyd Arnold, chief operating officer of the Indiana Correctional Industries. “What a relief it was when the Guard said they could help.”

An Indiana National Guard Soldier from the 38th Sustainment Brigade, Indiana prepares items to fulfill commissary orders for Indiana offenders at the Plainfield Correctional Facility, Plainfield, Indiana on April 14, 2020. (Staff Sgt. Justin Andras)

Due to the global pandemic, the facility decided to suspend staffing in the warehouse by inmates and get help from the Guard. The facility’s warehouse, a component of the Indiana Correctional Industries, supplies commissary items for more than 27,000 Indiana offenders at 21 facilities throughout the state. Items such as personal hygiene products, food and magazines can be purchased by offenders.

“This is one of our most important industries because it supports the offender population,” said Arnold, an Indiana National Guard veteran. “Our mission is to give these men job opportunities while incarcerated and give them soft skills they can use when released.”

Concern about the interruption of the IDOC’s commissary component was what led James Basinger, deputy commissioner of operations, Arnold and others to formally request the assistance of the National Guard. Basinger and Arnold, both military veterans, knew that disruption of the commissary operation would cause problems across the entire state.

To support the growing needs of all state agencies, including IDOC, the Indiana National Guard was recently activated by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb to serve the community where needed.

“In times like this, it’s best when we all come together to work towards the common goal to overcome this,” said Capt. Adam Foss, commander of the 138th Composite Supply Company, Brazil, and officer in charge at the facility. “Every mission for us is different and nothing is exactly the same, but we are very adept at taking on these odd situations.”

Dealing with a considerable backlog of commissary orders, Foss knew there was a challenge to get the facility back on track, in addition to the added requirements that his team maintain proper social distancing and wear personal protective equipment at all times. However, Foss was confident his group would succeed.

“We’re Hoosiers, we’re doers and we find ways to take care of our neighbors and our problems,” said Arnold.

SOURCE: U.S. Army

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VA Suspends Funeral Honors

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (March 21, 2020) VRI — All large funeral services and military burial honors will cease at veterans cemeteries nationwide starting next week as part of federal efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Veterans Affairs officials made the announcement Friday afternoon, with the new policies effective on March 23. That means that funeral services scheduled for this weekend at veterans cemeteries will continue as planned.

But starting Monday, “committal services and the rendering of military funeral honors will discontinue until further notice,” according to the department notice.

In a statement, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said the move was necessary for the sake of public health.

“We are committed to the safety of our veterans, their families and employees, and (we) have implemented an aggressive public health response to COVID-19,” he said. “At the same time, we continue to take steps to provide flexibility to veterans and their loved ones, where possible.”

More than 130 veteran cases have been confirmed in patients at 38 different VA medical centers across the country. The New Orleans VA Medical Center has the most, with at least 42 cases so far.

Two deaths have also been attributed to coronavirus in veterans under the department’s care: One in Vermont and one in Oregon.

Nationwide, more than 15,000 cases of the illness have been confirmed, and more than 200 deaths connected to the fast-spreading virus.

In response, several states have called for residents to limit their public movements and avoid mass gatherings. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump said that for the next few weeks, Americans should avoid any events or interaction with groups of more than 10 people.

VA officials have already put in place limitations on visitors to VA medical centers and other facilities, and encouraged individuals showing symptoms of the virus to call ahead to doctors before visiting any hospitals.

The new cemeteries notice said that even with the new restrictions, immediate family members will be allowed to witness the burial of their loved ones at veterans cemeteries. However, those groups will be limited to no more than 10 people.

Families wishing to postpone a funeral service scheduled for after March 23 can contact local officials to make other arrangements. Individuals can also call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 or access the office online to see their options.

“Although VA national cemeteries remain open to visitors, guests are strongly urged to obey local travel restrictions and avoid unnecessary travel,” the VA announcement said. “Certain portions of a cemetery typically open to the public, such as public information centers or chapels, may be closed to the public.”

VA handles burial services for more than 130,000 veterans and eligible family members annually, according to department records.

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Data for PTSD Claims Stolen

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (February 19, 2020) VRI — Hackers have gained access to sensitive data from at least five law firms in the past four months, releasing stolen data that includes pain diary entries from veterans’ personal injury cases, Emsisoft, a cybersecurity and anti-malware company, told Military Times.

Maze, a hacking and ransomware group, has breached several law firms, local government databases and other companies, demanding payments for data recovery and deletion. The posted information includes VA documents, patient care records, legal fee agreements and HIPPA consent forms.

Two of those hacks targeted Texas-based law firm Baker Wotring in November and Woods and Woods LLC in Evansville, Indiana, this month, the Evansville Courier & Press reported.

Woods and Woods is a nationwide disability benefits firm that deals with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs litigation.

“[Woods and Woods LLC] has notified the FBI and has taken and continues to take prompt action to contain the incident, mitigate its effects, and fully investigate,” said Neil Woods in an emailed statement to Military Times. “The firm is able to continue conducting its business since it had backups in place. The firm will provide additional information to its clients as the investigation continues.”

It is unclear, however, whether clients from the firms are aware some of their sensitive information has already posted to the web. Read more HERE

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Navy SEAL Team 6 Operator Found Guilty

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (February 10, 2020) VRI — Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Aaron Howard was sentenced to 30 days in the brig, reduction in rank to petty officer second class, and a loss of $500 pay each month for three months, according to Navy Times, which first reported on the verdict.

Military prosecutors accused Howard of pretending to be someone else by "spoofing" phone numbers to text-message victims and request nude photos under false pretenses.

Lt. Kirwinn Mike, a Navy prosecutor, claimed Howard had in one incident pretended to be a female performance dietitian who was assigned to SEAL Team 6, The Virginian-Pilot reported. According to Mike, Howard texted a woman that he could provide a body-fat analysis if she sent a photo of herself naked from the neck down.

"It's 100% safe," one text message said. "You don't have to worry."

Howard was accused of soliciting nude photos from two civilians and a female sailor. Charges involving the female sailor were later dropped and the jury found Howard not guilty of charges related to one of the civilians.

Investigators with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service said they were able to trace the internet address of the text messaging apps used to Howard's home address, according to The Virginian-Beach Pilot. But Howard's attorneys argued that their client was wrongfully accused, and the text messages could've come from anywhere.

According to Navy Times:

Howard's military defense counsel, Marine Capt. Douglas Germano, said the prosecution sought a sentence of 18 months behind bars and a dishonorable discharge. Germano said he was glad that the jury recognized Howard's service to his country by delivering a verdict that will allow him to seek a medical retirement.

Reading a prepared statement before his sentencing, Howard, 34, indicated that he needed medical care for the hidden wounds of war, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, hearing loss and traumatic brain injury.

The Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Michael Waddington, Howard's civilian attorney.

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House passes VA funded service dogs for veterans

Washington, DC, USA (February 7, 2020) VRI — House lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that would lay the groundwork for the Department of Veterans Affairs to start funding service dog programs and connect veterans with canines that could be critical for their mental health care.

The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act authored by Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, would kick-off a pilot program to issue federal grants to nonprofits that provide service dogs to veterans suffering from mental health issues, and require the VA to assess the effectiveness of dog therapy.

“Our veterans fought for our freedom, and I’ve heard from many veterans who say that’s exactly what their service dog gives them – freedom. They’re free to go to restaurants, to fly on planes, to go to the movies, things that post-traumatic stress [disorder] had made impossible,” Stivers said.

Lawmakers on the House and Senate Committees for Veterans’ Affairs have made tackling veterans suicide a top priority after years of legislative measures and efforts that haven’t stemmed the crisis. Some veteran advocacy groups frustrated with Congress’ inability to make progress on the issue have called for more creative thinking.

"Congress continues to ignore damning reports released by [The Journal of the American Medical Association] and others regarding our current mental health approaches failing veterans. We have not heard a peep about it from this leadership.” Joe Chenelly, national executive director of American Veterans, said in a statement last month. “When it comes to curbing suicide the time to act is now...Every day matters and the status quo is untenable.”

The number of veterans committing suicide dwarfs combat fatalities since 9/11. Between 2005 and 2017, 78,875 veterans took their own lives, according to the most recent data from VA. In comparison, about 7,000 troops have been killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan combined, across two decades.

Nonprofits are one of the only avenues for veterans to adopt service dogs. The VA doesn’t provide any funds for service or emotional-support animals but concluded a congressionally mandated study on the benefits of dogs for PTSD care in July, according to Christina Mandreucci, a spokeswoman for the department. The results of one part of the study on whether service or emotional-support dogs can help veterans with PTSD is expected to be released in the summer, and the results on whether dogs can lead to overall health care savings with fewer hospital stays and less reliance on medication is expected by the end of the year.

“Mental wellness does not have a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why VA must provide innovative and out-of-the-box treatments to help veterans combat these invisible illnesses and thrive in their civilian lives,” said Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., the ranking member of the House VA committee. “There is no question that the companionship and unconditional love offered by man’s best friend can have powerful healing effects on men and women from all walks of life, including our men and women in uniform.”

There is no vote scheduled yet for the Senate version of the measure.

SOURCE: Stars and Stripes

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Zent wants to honor vets with highway designation

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (January 31, 2020) VRI — Rep. Denny Zent, R-Angola, on Jan. 27 in the Statehouse presented a resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a section of U.S. 20 as the Indiana Medal of Honor Memorial Highway.

Rep. Denny Zent, R-Angola, left, on Jan. 27 presents a resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename U.S. 20 in honor of Hoosier Medal of Honor recipients at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Zent, a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran who serves on the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, said designating a national Medal of Honor Memorial Highway is a coordinated effort among the 12 states impacted by U.S. 20. The highway runs through the two counties Zent represents, nearly all of LaGrange and Steuben counties.

“We can never fully repay the debt owed to those who protected our state and nation,” Zent said. “Indiana is the Crossroads of America, and it is only fitting for us to join the other states from Oregon to Massachusetts in creating a national Medal of Honor Memorial Highway. By doing so, those who travel along the 163 miles of Hoosier roadway will be reminded of the freedom we have and the sacrifices made by these distinguished veterans.”

Since being established in 1861, more than 3,500 veterans have been given a Medal of Honor, with 100 of those service members from Indiana. To receive a Medal of Honor, military members must have distinguished themselves by personal acts of valor far beyond the call of duty.

For more information about House Concurrent Resolution 11, visit iga.in.gov.

Veteran collapses after learning value of Rolex

West Fargo, North Dakota, USA (January 29, 2020) VRI — The “Antiques Roadshow” guest kept his cool as an appraiser said his watch, snagged decades ago in the Air Force, was no ordinary Rolex. Informed that it was a lot like a model once worn by Paul Newman that auctions for $200,000, the camouflage-bandanna-clad owner just nodded.

David on Antiques Roadshow

Then the appraiser noted the tiny word “Oyster” inscribed on the clock’s face. That made the trinket “extremely, extremely rare,” the kind of watch that sells for $400,000.

The man toppled backward to the ground with enough force that his feet flew up into the air.

There was laughter and a mildly concerned “You OK?” — but also more good news to come. The Rolex was also in nearly perfect condition, the grinning watch-owner heard next. The discount purchase that set him back $345.97 in 1974 — in the range of a month’s military salary — was now worth between $500,000 and $700,000.

Appraiser Peter Planes declared it one of the greatest watches he’d ever seen on “Antiques Roadshow.” The moment, filmed on tour in a North Dakota pioneer town, would top the season’s finds and would delight staff who said they’ve never seen a guest literally floored, even on a TV show that thrives on stunning people with the value of objects often tucked away for years.

“It’s one of the rarest Paul Newman models, and in this condition, I don’t think there’s a better one in the world,” Planes said in Monday’s kickoff for the program’s 24th season.

The watch’s owner, whom “Antiques Roadshow” has identified only as David, greeted the final dollar estimate with closed eyes and a word that was bleeped out.

David explained on Monday’s show that he became interested in a Rolex while stationed in Thailand in the 1970's, working to clear roads of land mines and to clean up munition storage spots. He noticed that airline pilots seemed to wear the watches — but they were out of his price range.

A fan of scuba diving, he said, he eventually decided to spring for a watch that could survive under water and ordered a Rolex through his base exchange at a 10% discount. But when the fancy accessory arrived, he ended up locking it away in a safety deposit box.

“I looked at it and I said, ‘you know, this is really too nice to take down in the salty water, ” David said.

He claims he only took it out two or three times until the summer that “Antiques Roadshow” came to the Fargo area’s historic Bonanzaville. That’s part of what makes this particular Oyster Cosmography, also known as a Daytona, so valuable, said Planes, of Luxe Auctioneers. The numbered foil sticker on its back, normally the first thing to wear off, was still intact.


Also a boon, he said: the fact that Newman popularized the Daytona Rolex in the 1969 drama “Winning.” The watch became intertwined with the actor and race car driver’s image, as Travis Andrews reported for The Washington Post:

“The mechanical watch radiated coolness, much like its owner. It was a constant companion to Newman’s left wrist in magazine shoots, paparazzi photos and while he was speeding around in his racecars. The model, which was ‘made famous by him thanks to this very timepiece,’ was eventually nicknamed the ‘Paul Newman Daytona,’ Phillips Auction House said in a news release.”

Newman’s actual watch was auctioned off in 2017 for a world-record-breaking $17,752,500 after 12 minutes of bidding.

The “Antiques Roadshow” guest’s watch might not have graced a star’s wrist, but it’s actually more special than the model Newman wore, Planes told David. The word Oyster indicates that this accessory had a particularly water-resistant case, he said.

And with the immaculate condition and the saved paperwork to boot — the blank warranty paper alone is probably worth about $2,000, Planes guessed — the watch was a season highlight.

“Unbelievable,” David said on the show.

VFW leader set up hidden camera to record minor

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (January 17, 2020) VRI —The state adjutant for Indiana’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is facing federal charges.

Authorities say Steven McDanield, 55, secretly recorded a minor in the bathroom of his Carmel home. He’s facing seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possession of child pornography.

In addition to his job as state adjutant, McDanield also serves as director of operations for the VFW state headquarters. He previously served as the commander for VFW Post 10003 in Carmel and is currently listed as a Trustee on the Post’s website.

In December of 2019, someone spotted a camera in his bathroom and alerted Carmel police. That bathroom was primarily used by a minor. It was suspected that McDanield was able to use his phone to access the camera, because it was observed that he would use his phone when someone was in that bathroom.

According to a federal complaint, when McDanield was confronted about the device, he claimed it was a WiFi network extender. Shortly after the confrontation, “McDanield locked himself in the bathroom for approximately one hour. After exiting the bathroom, the device was no longer there,” according to court documents.

Police interviewed McDanield on Jan. 13. He allegedly admitted to having captured photos of the minor using the hidden camera. Federal officials say he also admitted to being sexually attracted to teenagers, as well as seeking and possessing child abuse material from online sources including darknet sites.

McDanield admitted to taking photos while having sexual contact with the minor, according to court documents.

While executing a search warrant, authorities found a hard drive with abuse images of the victim. Some of the pictures were taken while the victim “appears to be unconscious,” according to court documents. The hard drive was locked with the password, “8675309.”

David Capshaw, Interim State Commander for VFW of Indiana, issued this statement:

“We were shocked and frankly disgusted to hear of the cause for the investigation of one of our state level leaders. While this remains a fluid situation, this individual ha been prohibited from participating in all VFW activity. We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities during their investigation.”

SOURCE: FOX59

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Veteran Homelessness increases in Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (November 14, 2019) VRI — Number of homeless vets in Indiana increases 6.1% since last year but declines by 25.4% since 2010.

Veteran homelessness in the U.S. continues to decline according to a new national estimate announced by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson. HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report finds the total number of reported veterans experiencing homelessness in 2019 decreased 2.1 percent since last year.

“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and now it’s our duty to make certain they have a home to call their own,” said Secretary Carson. “We’ve made great progress in our efforts to end veteran homelessness, but we still have a lot of work to do to ensure our heroes have access to affordable housing.”

“In Indiana, the increase in veterans experiencing homelessness indicates that our collaborative efforts are helping us to more readily find and assist veterans experiencing homelessness,” said HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph P. Galvan. “We can do better for those who put their lives on the line so we that we could remain the land of the free and home of the brave.”

Each year, thousands of local communities around the country conduct one-night “Point-in-Time” estimates of the number of persons experiencing homelessness—in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs and in unsheltered locations. This year’s estimate finds 37,085 veterans experienced homelessness in January 2019, compared to 37,878 reported in January 2018.

HUD estimates among the total number of reported veterans experiencing homelessness in 2019, 22,740 veterans were found in sheltered settings while volunteers counted 14,345 veterans living in places not meant for human habitation. View local estimates of veteran homelessness.

SOURCE: Hud Exchange

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New veterans outreach coordinator unites military students

Bloomington, Indiana, USA (November 14, 2019) VRI — Sarah Bassett spent seven years serving in the U.S. Army. Now, she dedicates her time to creating a supportive community for women veterans on campus.

Bassett started her role as IU’s first women veterans outreach coordinator in September. IU Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council funded this position through a $10,000 grant.

Sarah Bassett stands Nov. 12 on the front porch of the Center for Veteran and Military Students. Bassett is the new outreach coordinator for female veterans. IZZY MYSZAK

“We were really fortunate that they saw a need for women veterans to come together and support each other,” Bassett said.

Bassett works at the Center for Veteran and Military Students to mentor and connect women veterans with each other. She said she hopes to create a community where they can be vulnerable and express any struggles they face.

“The military mindset is ‘suck it up and drive on,’ and I want to break that down because in the civilian world, without the backing of the military, it can be a lot harder,” she said.

Bassett joined the U.S. Army in 2005, before graduating high school in 2006. She was first stationed in South Korea for a year. She then volunteered for deployment from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division. After re-enlisting in 2008, she was later deployed from Hawaii to Afghanistan with the 25th Infantry Division.

Bassett graduated from IU last May with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. She said she frequently visited the Center for Veteran and Military Students during her time as a student, and it allowed her to meet other women veterans.

“When you walk into a room of male veterans, sometimes you don’t feel like you necessarily fit in,” she said. “Having other female veterans in the room made me feel like I belonged.”

John Summerlot, director of the center for veteran and military students, said one concern is that women veterans at IU graduate at a lower rate than their male counterparts.

“Our women veterans are not graduating at the same rate that male veterans are,” he said. “Sarah is researching the reason for that gap and seeing what we can do to fix this.”

Bassett meets with women veterans to address academic concerns or ways to adjust to college life.

“She’s been able to provide input to me about how we can ensure that our programs, outreach and efforts meet the needs of women veterans as much as male veterans,” Summerlot said.

Bassett serves as a source of information and guidance for women veterans. She said one of the challenges of connecting with these women is finding them.

“Sometimes women are less likely to identify as veterans because the world doesn’t really see them as a veteran,” Bassett said. “I’m just trying to reach out, and find them.”

Summerlot said Bassett’s role is important because she’s the first woman veteran on the center’s staff.

“Since we hired her, I have seen and interacted with more female veterans than I have in the last couple of years,” Summerlot said.

SOURCE: IDS

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Veterans targeted by sophisticated financial scams

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (November 7, 2019) VRI — Veteran LaVerne Foreman believed he was helping fellow service members at risk of suicide, but a fake veterans’ aid fund was taking his money and diverting it robbing him of the much-needed financial means instead.

“I am proud to be a veteran,” Foreman, 82-year-old Army and Air Force vet from Herndon, Pennsylvania, told the Senate Committee on Aging. “It never occurred to me that someone would be so cold-hearted to make calls and claim to be caring for veterans when in reality they were lining their own pockets.”

Veterans are twice as likely to unknowingly participate in a scam as the general population, Carroll Harris, a U.S. Postal Inspection Service senior law enforcement official, said at the hearing.

According to a 2017 AARP survey, 16 percent of U.S. veterans have lost money to fraudsters, while 78 percent have been targeted by scams specifically crafted to exploit their service history.

One of those targeted is a member of the Committee on Aging. “As a veteran, I get one of these every week,” said Arizona Sen. Martha McSally, an Air Force veteran, waving a printout of a scam email she received.

Foreman’s ordeal began in 2014, when he received a call from the Disabled and Paralyzed Veterans Fund asking for a donation. He complied, but when the invoice arrived, it asked for more than what Foreman had offered; he sent the group a check for the higher amount.

Next year, it was the same routine, but the amount was bigger. The veteran sent the requested amount and asked to have his name removed from the fund’s contact list. In 2016, Foreman noticed that the fund withdrew money from his account without consent. That’s when he reached out to Pennsylvania’s attorney general’s office.

“I was glad to hear that there was an investigation,” said Foreman.

Foreman’s request was forwarded to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which eventually found the scammers and referred them to the Department of Justice for prosecution. According to a Committee on Aging official, the perpetrators likely will be prosecuted in federal court.

Ben Wells, Air Force veteran and a volunteer for Vet2Vet talks at a Senate hearing Wednesday 

(Niko Boskovic/Medill News Service)

Harris said there is an array of services available for veterans who are victims of scams. In 2017, AARP and the Postal Inspection Service launched Operation Protect Veterans to reach out to veterans and warn them of the sophisticated schemes and scams. Wary veterans can call veteran service organizations, the Senate Special Committee on Aging, or visit the Postal Inspection Service’s website, as well as the federal government’s MilitaryConsumer.gov website.

Committee Chairwoman Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said some veterans are too embarrassed to report that they fell for a scam, suggesting that the reported number of scams is deflated. She emphasized the need to protect veterans before they become victims, focusing on preventing scams instead of providing remedies.

“I don’t believe we can contain or get rid of every scam that exists,” said Ben Wells, volunteer for Vet2Vet nonprofit organization. “However, with preventive measures, we can hopefully safeguard the most vulnerable among us.”

Indiana Sen. Mike Braun, a Republican, said that the federal government, banks and phone companies can do more to monitor these types of scams. Braun said the scams are especially unscrupulous in targeting service men and women, particularly the most vulnerable among them.

In a recent case, a Michigan con artist was convicted of stealing nearly $200,000 from 36 victims who thought they were donating to charities benefiting veterans. On top of financial fraud, the scammer attempted to steal victims’ identities using personal information they had provided.

“Fortunately, through the good work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, this criminal is now behind bars,” Collins said.

SOURCE: Military Times 

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LEGION Act signed into law

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (July 30, 2019) VRI — In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.

Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.

“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing thousands of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”

Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”

SOURCE:  The American Legion 

Motorized wheelchair stolen from Navy veteran

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (July 27, 2019) VRI — A military veteran is aiming for the attention passing motorists in his ongoing search for his stolen electric wheelchair.

Jeff Slaasted says the thief targeted his Harmony Subdivision home in the middle of the night. Now, Slaasted is going to several lengths to get it back.

Slaasted, who lives in a cul-de-sac, said his eyes have been open since the incident.

“We have been searching everywhere,” he said. His family helped him hang a large, easy-to-read poster on the back of his truck.

With the word 'stolen' in bold letters, the poster contains all the information about the missing wheelchair. He's passed out the same information in a flyer in hopes that someone will spot it. “I have given flyers to the VA. I have hung them in the VA where allowed. I have gone to the markets in the area," he said.

Slaasted noticed the chair missing early Sunday, just before leaving for church. A Quantum Q6 Edge Series, it went missing from Slaasted's front porch, where a custom-made access ramp made the chair accessible to the home.

He said thefts aren't common in his neighborhood and he never suspected anyone would steal anything from his cul de sac, least of all a much-needed wheelchair.


Family and friends helped the the Navy veteran search the subdivision. “My daughter looked around the neighborhood, couldn't find it. My neighbor went the other way."

The double amputee says the theft impacts his health. His prosthetic legs allows him to walk, but with limitations. He also relies on help from his service dog of several years, Ginger.

His ongoing job seach has been impacted, but Slaasted says he refuses to just sit at home. He proudly flies the American flag on the same front porch where the theft happened. “It was a crime of opportunity,” he said. “Hey look, we can get this chair.”

If you have any information that could help investigators, call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.

SOURCE: WTHR

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Calling All Veterans

Madison, Indiana, USA (July 12, 2019) VRI — Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre is asking members of the armed services, veterans and the public to attend the military burial of a 64-year-old man who passed away Thursday at a Greencastle nursing home.

According to a post on Morgan & Nay’s Facebook page, the unnamed man was a Specialist 4 soldier and a Vietnam Era Veteran with no family attending the services.

The Facebook post says Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre firmly believes that no veteran should be put to rest alone.

“The individual qualifies for burial and military protocol at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery here in Madison, and that certainly will happen,” said funeral director Alan Burnham.

Morgan & Nay say they have donated a casket and traveled to Greencastle to pick him up, but those are only materials things.

“Only his cohorts, regardless of branch or rank, know the realities and commitment of military service, with or without war. We thus issue an invitation to all veterans who can accommodate the Tuesday time frame, to please come and honor a comrade who like you sacrificed much for our country. We hope you can join us to create a spirit of family and a closure of dignity,” said the statement,

“Calling All Veterans” A Vietnam veteran, about 100 miles away, died today. We know his name but that detail really...
Posted by Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre on Thursday, July 11, 2019

Services will be held Tuesday, July 16 at 1 p.m. in the cemetery chapel at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery off Lanier Drive on Madison’s hilltop.

According to the statement, the public is also welcome to show respect and attend the service.

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