Blue Star Family. Leadership .Many are Ph.ds, Lawyers, leaders in, Academics, business owners. Some are veterans as well as married to active-serving, Mom's, Dads, Daughters, Sons, Husbands, Wives, Grandparents, and are proud to
Welcome- Mrs. Deborah Mullen as our new Board Member-
www.bluestarfam.orgmembership BSF and benefits, civic-engagements are caring, connecting and empowering by building bridges. Now in 40 cities and active in 70 bases around the world. For Pittsburgh Call - 412-403-6793 .
A House subcommittee approved the
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2009 Wednesday; legislation that would reduce the amount of time it takes for a veteran to appeal a benefits decision. The current process can add two to five years to the wait for benefits, but the proposed changes reduce that time by allowing the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to review an entire claim at once, not just one part at a time.
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During the ceremony, Alliance partner
Civic Enterprises released
All Volunteer Force: From Military to Civilian Service, the first-ever nationally representative survey of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. The report, underwritten by Target and the Case Foundation, finds that for the new generation of nearly 2 million veterans, service to their country continues even after veterans return home. Fifty percent of the veterans reported that they have performed some act of community service since returning from deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. To read the entire report,
click here.
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Captain Adam, Astro Physics Prof,,& USAF ROTC Cdr at Pitt, "Panters". MG Jones, USMC Ret & Jim at the Veterans Day breakfast. MG Jones was the keynote speaker hosted by the Friends of Danang, 11th Anniversay.Proceeds benefit the New School & Water Well Development Project and Construction of Compassionate Home.To help this valuable project contact
www.friendsofdanang.org* * *
INSIDE WASHINGTON
- www.operationfree.net/ Releases New National National Security Policy "Oil Addiction: Fueling Our Enemies," which outlines how our addictions to additives, Oil is putting our troops overseas and our communities at risk. National Security Experts have been very clear that we need to have a comprensive strategy. The Truman National Security report released today is just that fact-based report and is available at www.operationfree.net/
- In a new editorial today, Tammy Duckworth, the VA's assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, explains that President Obama "has charged...Shinseki and all of VA's leadership with a new mission: to transform" the agency "into a 21st-century organization." The Secretary, Duckworth adds, "has begun to do just that by making VA a more veteran-centered, results-oriented and forward-looking department."
- To coincide with Veterans Week, First Lady Michelle Obama has announced a new military-oriented community service organization called Mission Serve, an offshoot of the public-service group ServiceNation. Click here to learn more.
10/29/2009 From IAVA's Washington DC Office-.WWW.IAVA.ORG: File for Stop-Loss Benefits
most recent video update on the stop-loss payment rules
Expires October 2010.
Compass Headings & Research Findings:
Film Showing-Pittsburgh -Committe suggestion 4/2010,
We Hope to Bring to Pittsburgh the Recently Released
Film "Warrior Champions" The True Story
of OEF/OIF Veterans From Bagdhad to Beijing
and their Inspiring Olympics Journey.
(For Pittsburgh)
(Pittsburgh & Johnstown)
(Allegheny County Bar Assn)
Allegheny County Veterans Affairs
(412) 621-4357
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VA Office Of Investigations-It Works
"Apply For a Discharge UpGrade"
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Women Veteran active-duty, National Guard & Reserves
f There are over 1.8 million women veterans in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and our numbers are rising since women now comprise over 15% of Active Duty.
Women Veterans' Network
Women Veterans' Actions
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continue to explore "the nerve of it all"
Historic Day in Healthcare for Veterans: Our President signed the Advance Appropriations Legislation. Thank you all who signed petitions, called legislators, got active in this 20 year battle! Today is October 22,2009 and we are one day closer to a 21st Century Veterans Administrations as SECVA Shinseki has ordered.
Middle-class American youth are
entering the military in significant numbers today, drawn by more competitive pay, a battered civilian job market and the buzz surrounding an improved GI Bill education benefit. The Department of Defense announced last week that for the first time since the draft ended and the all-volunteer force began 36 years ago, every service branch and reserve component met or exceeded its recruiting goals, both in numbers and quality, in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. A closer look at data from recent years shows a rising number drawn from middle-income and higher-income families.
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Elinor Ostrom was born on August 7, 1933, and is an American political scientist. On October 12 2009 she was the first woman ever to be awarded the
2009 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, which she shared with Oliver E. Williamson. In particular, Ostrom's work emphasizes how humans interact with ecosystems to maintain long-term sustainable resource yields. Read more about Ms Ostrom’s research under
here. Elinor Ostrom.com
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Network News & Links
BG Jones, MD and Tripler Army Medical staff present our dear friend SSG Jones his MOPH award. On hand to share in the award was Dr. Wayne Nickens,MD The 2-0-3 of Pittsburgh Board Member and research director.
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Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Lipton on being named the recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of New Biology. * * * *
"Getting the Word Out" The Art of Advocacy:
Vote Vets Pa., "AJ" US Marine, Vet friends Council President Doug Shields, Congressman Mike Doyle (Pa), & Jim at the G-20 Event with Operation Free and the Truman National Security Project. As always the Veterans Solutions Team is talking about Green Jobs for our Veterans and Family members. Held at the Warhol Museum with a rally earlier at Point Park with "Vocal Warriors" AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, US Steel Workers Labor President Leo Gerald, Pittsburghs own Jack Shea & the Alliance for Climate Protection."We voiced warriors "Helmets to Hardhats" and good jobs for veterans and families. Yes Even Joan Jett Rocked the House to a packed Pittsburgh, host city for the G-20 forum.
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Team 2-0-3 in Pittsburgh.
clean energy jobs! Helmets 2 Hardhats
Veteran Affairs A/ Secretary Ms. Duckworth & Pete "The Judge" Dougherty
Jim meets with Undersecretary Ms Duckworth and director of homeless programs Mr. Peter Dougherty in Washington DC during the Pa legislators events held during the week. So much has been accomplished and so much more is coming. Thank You HCHV VA Leadership.
Jim meets with Mrs Casey, COO of The Hill publication in DC and presents a local tradition on behalf of Blue Star Families Western Pa. for her work as Blue Star Families Board Member serving military families around the world. Yes, her & General Casey's son is serving and is a "Huge Steeler" Fan!
Staggering Rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans:
A recent study conducted by Stanford University found that rates of PTSD among service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan may be as high as 35%. With two million troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, we can expect that an astounding 700,000 veterans will suffer from PTSD. Complete scientific report is available for free from advocates@twozerothree.org * * * * *
The 29th year of the Sharing & Caring Boat Ride in Pittsburgh! Fair Winds & Following Seas. Pictured Left to: Right County Veterans Manager and sponsor Ron Conley, S&C Volunteer, State Auditor"General" Jack Wagner, USMC Veteran without his leadership and golf-drive this annual event would not be as successful notes Jim White for Blue Star Families. Jim with Navy Cadets and with Command Chief Beltz HMC from US Navy NOSC-Pittsburgh discussing the Next Army-Navy Game and of course Army will win this year!
Hospitalized Veterans of the Land, Sea and Air Enjoyed Brunch, Prizes, Raffles, Song & Dance, With out volunteers this could not be as successful. Thank you sharing & caring team, VA staff and veteran service groups!
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Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Lipton on being named the recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award in recognition of his pioneering work in the field of New Biology.
Going beyond the commitment; the inspiration; the caring; the determination and the dedication, The VA HCHV Professionals and our partner communities were on site to assist and lead at this years Veteran Stand-Down 2009. It was a truly great event and solutions abound!
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The "203" Academic Studies Committee has joined forces in a national veteran survey with a think-tank in Washington, DC. The questions are Iraq & Afghan specific at this time and no names are exchanged. We will publish once available.
Veterans,J im White, Rev Mike Wurschmidt & Judge McCarthy, discussing the new county veterans court. Army, USAF & SeaBee! Targeted 11/10/2009. Mentors via VLP now in its 20th year. www.vlpwpa.org * * * *
-"Wars Silent Stress-The Family at Home" moving and well written.
"Bold New Study Regarding our Children"
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New Research
"The 203" Academic Studies Committee has signed a sensitive research partnership with science labs in Silver Springs, Chicago and Hawaii with Dr. Nickens, MD, GW Alumni to study an emerging process and groundbreaking analysis of PTSD/Tbi. We Are honored to be a small part of this new concept that may provide the DoD/VA with parallels to remote, triage, treatments and aftercare . We may travel to Iraq & Afghan in this research.
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"The 2-0-3"Founders Book Recommendation- 3 Stars: Dr. Jeremy Crosby,Ph.d- "A Mind Frozen in Time." Simple and practical and reminds us all how best to help re-unite returning military, veterans of all eras and families when related to absence and disruptions and confirms wellness is very possible. Easy to read .Suggested for family member to further understand some the concerns in the general study of PTSD. Not recommended as a clinical treatment, Consult with PCP for details, general knowledge only.
8/24/2009 -10/24/09.
Secretary Shinseki Moves to Simplify PTSD Compensation Rules
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist Veterans seeking compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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Veterans Round Table With Congressman
Sestak (Adm. USN, Ret) Discussing the Center of Excellence and his support for PTSD and Tbi research
in DoD/DVA healthcare centers. 
"The 2-0-3" has partnered with the DCoE outreach team on our communities 24 hr 7 day a week campaign.
1-866-966-1020, 24/7
This was a most needed access point for serving our area and we are truly humbled by being involved. The resources are private and available 24/7.
10/29/2009 From IAVA's Washington DC Office-.WWW.IAVA.ORG: File for Stop-Loss Benefits
most recent video update on the stop-loss payment rules
Expires October 2010.
Compass Headings & Research Findings:
HOME FRONT VSO'S AND SUPPORT GROUPS
Allegheny County Veterans Affairs
(412) 621-4357
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VA Office Of Investigations-It Works
"Apply For a Discharge UpGrade"
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Women Veteran active-duty, National Guard & Reserves
f There are over 1.8 million women veterans in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and our numbers are rising since women now comprise over 15% of Active Duty.
Women Veterans' Network
Women Veterans' Actions
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2009-Founders 4-Star Award
Navigate the VA Benefits Blueprint
Written: by Peter Gaytan & Marian E. Borden
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"Why Zebra's Don't Get Ulcers"
Stanford Scientist's Book will be Featured on a PBS special 9/24
Produced by National Geographic.
His Book is our Founders-4-Star Award Winner for Life Sciences.
"Doc"-Thank You !
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"The 2-0-3 Community Youth & Teens Committee" is proud to sponsor and support ."Building on Tomorrow"..Today
Mission:Secure America with Renewable Energy
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Veterans' Legal Affairs
Groundbreaking & Landmark Decision On VA Benefits Process from US Court of Appeals
August 13th, 2009
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"Change Your Brain-Change Your Life" Dr, Amen, MD
"Brain Scan Images and Successes"
"News You Can Use"
The Brain Scans on the left reflects a veteran who drank daily and stopped. The bottom scan image reflects a positive result in active wellness after six-months of stopping his daily drinking..The Brain heals itself given a chance.
Cool Science Update: 8/20/09
"Mediation and the Brain"
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"More Coming!"
10,000 New and Additional HUD-VASH
Vouchers to support our Veterans in transition! This is a first as 10,000 were presented last month! House Appr. Bill
Call your Congressional Leadership and get this passed!!!!
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Pittsburgh Military & Veteran Committee
"The 203"
Contact Us -Email
The "203" also assisted in the nations first military families survey presented to our US Congress by our membership:
www.bluestarfam.org
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PA National Guard Sees Largest Combat Deployment Since WWII
By Scott McFarlane, WPXI News
Even as Americans focus less on the war in Iraq, Pennsylvania National Guard members are stepping up their presence there. Reports from military and congressional sources show 5,000 local guard members are serving in Iraq as of Monday, including 4,000 of the state's 56th Stryker Brigade.
Click Here to read full article. .
"Books on Pa, Bases, Smiles on Faces"
Coming Soon
New Titles, ages 9 to 12.
Passed US Senate 8/7/09 Thank you Sen Casey, Congressmen Doyle, Murtha & Joe Sestak (Adm Ret USN) for getting this moved forward!!!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate has unanimously approved U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka’s (D-HI) legislation to secure timely and predictable funding for the veterans’ health care system. Akaka introduced the measure with the backing of leading veterans service organizations, shepherded the bill through the
Committee, and secured the backing of more than half of the Senate before securing its passage by unanimous consent last night, setting the stage for the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees to negotiate a final version of the legislation, which can then be approved by the full House and Senate.
“Congress has worked in recent years to reverse VA’s chronic underfunding, but we still need to address the broken way that we fund the nation’s largest health care system. With advance funding we will make sure that veterans’ health care receives timely and predictable funding, allowing VA health care dollars to go further for veterans and taxpayers,” said Akaka.
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Monday August 3rd, 2009-DC.
. . FAIRFAX, VA – U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) joined President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, VA Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth,
Chairman Akaka and Secretary Shinseki offer their advice to student veterans after the Post-9/11 GI Bill event..Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), a WWII Medal of Honor recipient who received degrees at the University of Hawaii and George Washington University on the original GI Bill, said:
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is necessary because America needs another shot in the arm to bolster the educational opportunities for our citizens. More information: http://www.gibill.va.gov/ (Thank you American Legion for writing the orginial-time honored GI-Bill!!)
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National Spokesman NaVOBA
Discover How To Start a Veteran/Military Owned Business from Pittsburgh's Own Rocky Bleier.
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"Ride 4 Homeless Veterans"
Shepheart.com Veteran & Partners Program is the Role Model
"The Civic-Generation"
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "The Gateway City"
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