Although Gen. David Petraeus’ progress report in Iraq appeared to signal military support for President Bush’s stay-the-course strategy, other indicators suggest this may not be the best policy to adopt, especially if you’re running for Bush’s replacement. One such indicator is the study, “The Other Iraq Surge,” released Thursday by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics, which shows Sen. Barack Obama, D-Il., and Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tx., leading the list of president hopefuls receiving campaign contributions from people who work for the four military branches of government and the National Guard.
On the Democrat side, Obama is one of two presidential candidates, who has stood against the war in Iraq from the beginning, while Paul is the only candidate on the Republican side who has been vehemently opposed to the war. Ironically, the more Bush ratchets up his support-the-troops rhetoric, the more the troops are supporting candidates who don’t support the war. During the first six months of this year, Obama received 44 contributions worth about $27,000 and Paul 23 for about $19,300.
"Paul and Obama are talking straight to soldiers, and what they are saying is resonating," Larnell Exum, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, said in the USA Today. Exum, who gave $500 to Obama, works for the Army as a congressional liaison and is a Democrat but voted for George Bush in 1992.
In the big picture, donations by military personnel comprise only a small fraction of the overall contributions made during the first half of this year, but who they’re contributing to resonates symbolically -- especially with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan spilling into the next presidential term. In 2004, military personnel contributed $1.2 million to presidential and congressional candidates, the center said. This year, those donations are about $200,000.
Traditionally, U.S. military members have voted Republican, but since the start of the war in Iraq in 2003, military personnel have dramatically shifted their allegiance to the Democrats:
In the 2000 and 2002 election cycles, uniformed service members gave about three-quarters of their federal contributions to Republicans. The percentage dropped to 59 percent in the 2004 cycle and has remained there since. This shift toward Democrats is most visible among members of the Army, who gave 71 percent of their money to Republicans before the war began. So far this year, members of the Army have given a mere 51 percent to the GOP, spreading their contributions nearly evenly between the two major parties.
In the 2002 election cycle, the last full cycle before the war had begun, the Democrats received a mere 23 percent of military members' contributions. So far this year, 40 percent of military money has gone to Democrats for Congress and president.
"People are saying now enough is enough," said Lt. Col. Joyce Griggs, an intelligence officer who said she spent two months in Baghdad earlier this year, speaking for herself and not the Army in the report’s study. "If you're a soldier, you're going to do your job, do what you're commanded to do. But that sentiment is wide and deep."
The drop in contributions to Republicans suggests that military personnel, who cannot speak out against military policy and directives, are using the power of the purse to express themselves.
Showing posts with label Iowa Front Weekly Roundup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iowa Front Weekly Roundup. Show all posts
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
As families gather for this holiday weekend to celebrate and honor the “working man,” I hope they’ll include the men and women working for us in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to one such person, Master Sgt. Scott Carney of Ankeny, who was laid to rest Friday. Carney, age 37, was killed in Afghanistan Aug. 24, when his Humvee rolled over in a convoy near Herat, while serving with the Iowa Army National Guard’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. Carney is the 20th member of the Iowa Army National Guard and the 60th soldier with Iowa ties to die while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since March 2003. Carney is survived by his wife, Jeni, and their two twin sons, Jacob and Justin. (Des Moines Register)
A recently released Gallup poll shows that the military veterans’ presidential preferences closely mirror the national polls. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan expected to be waged through next year’s November election, the candidates have targeted military veteran voters, which comprise roughly one out of every six Americans. These efforts, however, have yet to show any major impact in the polls thus far.
Another reason why the candidates are attempting to shore up support from veterans, is that most of them have not served in the military themselves and a strong veteran endorsement will help validate their support of the troops. A few interesting anomalies in the poll did manifest. On the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, received a high favorable rating by veterans, but this favorability did not translate to solid preferential ratings when compared to his Republican rivals. Conversely, on the Democrat side, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton received low favorability ratings among veterans, but she received the highest preferential rating among her competitors, thus indicating that veterans are weighing more factors than just military and veterans’ issues. (Gallup Poll News Service)
As Congress prepares to reconvene Tuesday, a number of bills affecting military members and veterans await. One of these bills, the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, is one such bill; however, a hold was placed on the bill by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who cited issues concerning the second amendment as the reason for his hold. (Iowa Independent)
A recently released Gallup poll shows that the military veterans’ presidential preferences closely mirror the national polls. With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan expected to be waged through next year’s November election, the candidates have targeted military veteran voters, which comprise roughly one out of every six Americans. These efforts, however, have yet to show any major impact in the polls thus far.
Another reason why the candidates are attempting to shore up support from veterans, is that most of them have not served in the military themselves and a strong veteran endorsement will help validate their support of the troops. A few interesting anomalies in the poll did manifest. On the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war, received a high favorable rating by veterans, but this favorability did not translate to solid preferential ratings when compared to his Republican rivals. Conversely, on the Democrat side, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton received low favorability ratings among veterans, but she received the highest preferential rating among her competitors, thus indicating that veterans are weighing more factors than just military and veterans’ issues. (Gallup Poll News Service)
As Congress prepares to reconvene Tuesday, a number of bills affecting military members and veterans await. One of these bills, the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, is one such bill; however, a hold was placed on the bill by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who cited issues concerning the second amendment as the reason for his hold. (Iowa Independent)
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
Political/Veterans’ Front
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney may have won the Ames Straw Poll fundraiser Saturday, but his “surge for support” in the veterans’ community had trouble gaining traction in the days leading up to the event.
“Iraq Vet Confronts Mitt”: While stumping at the Iowa Sate Fair on Thursday, Romney was confronted by wounded Iraq War veteran Ron Devoll Jr., a 26-year old from Cedar Falls. Cut off by Romney’s traveling secretary Eric Fehrnstrom, Devoll never got an opportunity to finish his line of questioning. "I think that Romney was disrespectful," Devoll told reporters after the candidate had left. "I tried to ask him questions. You know I am an Iraq vet who served my country and he can't give me a few minutes of his time, and he wants to walk off. I think that's really disrespectful," he said. The online journal, “Salon,” captured the complete transcript of the conversation. (“War Room”)
“Romney’s Sons Surge to Support Him, Not Troops”: At an “Ask Mitt Anything” campaign stop Wednesday, Rachel Griffiths, a member of the Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good and sister of an Army major who had served in Iraq, asked Romney, in light of his support of the troop surge, why none of his five sons were serving in Iraq. Romney responded, "One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president.” (Political Fallout)
“Iowa Veterans Put Politics Aside to Raise Funds for Wounded Comrades”: The spirit of bipartisanship has broken out on the presidential campaign trail in Iowa. The Iowa Democratic Veterans Caucus is hosting a fund-raiser Monday (Aug. 13) in Des Moines to assist wounded soldiers and veterans. The event, "Iowa Veterans' Presidential Extravaganza," is open to all veterans, regardless of their political affiliation. "From the day you put on the uniform, you learn to take care of your fellow soldier. This is no different. Black, white, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat, Independent; we are all in this together. You may or may not like our politics, but you cannot deny that we are comrades in arms," said Bob Krause, chair of the IDP Veterans' Caucus.
All of the Democratic presidential candidates have been invited, but only Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Con., has confirmed he will attend, while John Edwards, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, Sen. Barack Obama, D.-Ill., and New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson have confirmed they are sending high-level aides on their behalf. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is also scheduled to speak at the event. The event will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate veterans and their families who will be attending the State Fair. (Iowa Independent)
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney may have won the Ames Straw Poll fundraiser Saturday, but his “surge for support” in the veterans’ community had trouble gaining traction in the days leading up to the event.
“Iraq Vet Confronts Mitt”: While stumping at the Iowa Sate Fair on Thursday, Romney was confronted by wounded Iraq War veteran Ron Devoll Jr., a 26-year old from Cedar Falls. Cut off by Romney’s traveling secretary Eric Fehrnstrom, Devoll never got an opportunity to finish his line of questioning. "I think that Romney was disrespectful," Devoll told reporters after the candidate had left. "I tried to ask him questions. You know I am an Iraq vet who served my country and he can't give me a few minutes of his time, and he wants to walk off. I think that's really disrespectful," he said. The online journal, “Salon,” captured the complete transcript of the conversation. (“War Room”)
“Romney’s Sons Surge to Support Him, Not Troops”: At an “Ask Mitt Anything” campaign stop Wednesday, Rachel Griffiths, a member of the Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good and sister of an Army major who had served in Iraq, asked Romney, in light of his support of the troop surge, why none of his five sons were serving in Iraq. Romney responded, "One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping me get elected because they think I'd be a great president.” (Political Fallout)
“Iowa Veterans Put Politics Aside to Raise Funds for Wounded Comrades”: The spirit of bipartisanship has broken out on the presidential campaign trail in Iowa. The Iowa Democratic Veterans Caucus is hosting a fund-raiser Monday (Aug. 13) in Des Moines to assist wounded soldiers and veterans. The event, "Iowa Veterans' Presidential Extravaganza," is open to all veterans, regardless of their political affiliation. "From the day you put on the uniform, you learn to take care of your fellow soldier. This is no different. Black, white, Hispanic, Republican, Democrat, Independent; we are all in this together. You may or may not like our politics, but you cannot deny that we are comrades in arms," said Bob Krause, chair of the IDP Veterans' Caucus.
All of the Democratic presidential candidates have been invited, but only Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Con., has confirmed he will attend, while John Edwards, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, Sen. Barack Obama, D.-Ill., and New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson have confirmed they are sending high-level aides on their behalf. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is also scheduled to speak at the event. The event will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate veterans and their families who will be attending the State Fair. (Iowa Independent)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
Last night I attended the ceremony at West Branch’s annual Hooverfest honoring Iowa’s 57 soldiers killed in the Iraq War. The event was also intended to pay tribute to the soldiers’ families who have been left behind. Iowa’s commander-in-chief, Gov. Chet Culver, spoke at the ceremony, and the event culminated with a firework show accompanied by contemporary patriotic music. Be sure to read tomorrow’s Iowa Independent for a more detailed write up.
Political/Veterans’ Front
“Legislation Clears Senate to Name Marshalltown Post Office after Fallen Soldier”: One of the fallen soldier honored at the ceremony was Major Scott Nisely, whose public service was recognized by companion bills passed by both chambers of Congress. Legislation to name the Marshalltown Post Office after Nisley cleared the Senate last week. The bill, first introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Bruce Braley, D.-1st Dist., had already passed in the House. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law.
“This is a fitting tribute to Major Nisely and the welcoming home of his National Guard unit. He was the epitome of a great American and served his country valiantly for nearly 30 years in the military, but his public service didn’t stop there. He also worked for 12 years with the United States Postal Service,” Grassley said in a press release. “I know he is missed by his family, friends, co-workers and fellow Guard members. I hope this will serve as positive reminder of a man who gave so much to his country.”
Nisely’s military service included nearly 25 years with the United States Marine Corps and Marines Corps Reserve during which he achieved the rank of Major. Most recently, he took a significant decrease in rank to serve in the Iowa Army National Guard for close to four years. His public service also includes 12 years with the United States Postal Service.
“Lifelong Republican and Marine Veteran Breaks Ground with "Support the Troops, End the War" Yard Sign”: Americans Against Escalation in Iraq “Iraq Summer” Campaign officially kicked off its "Support the Troops, End the War" yard sign drive in Iowa Monday as part of an ongoing effort to convince Senator Chuck Grassley and U.S. Representative Tom Latham to change course and vote for the safe and responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq. The first yard sign of the 6,000 sign statewide campaign drive was planted in the yard of Dr. Larry Koenig, a lifelong Republican who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Both his daughter and son joined the United States Army, and his son is still on active duty.
“The current culture of divisiveness is making it hard to end the war,” said Dr. Larry Koenig. “It’s not about being a Republican or a Democrat – it’s about doing the right thing. These signs bring awareness that our troops are in a situation that is not in their best interest or our country’s.”
“It’s wonderful to have someone like Dr. Koenig whose family has given so much for this country standing with us in this effort to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq,” said Sue Dinsdale, mother of an Iraq war veteran and the Field Director for Iowa’s ‘Iraq Summer’ Campaign.
“We hope Senator Grassley and Congressman Latham get the message that Iowans all of walks of life, of both political parties, are united in calling for an end to this war. These signs are a great way to show neighbors our love and support for our US military - and a great way to show our representatives in Washington that the best way they can show their support for our troops is to vote to bring them home safe.”
“Iraq Summer” is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on Republican members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national “Take a Stand” day on August 28th, when members will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.
In Cedar Rapids, Gulf War veteran Joe Stutler, was the first person in eastern Iowa to place a “Support the Troops, End the War” yard sign as part of the campaign. Be sure to read Lynda Waddington’s account of the event in the Iowa Independent.
Political/Veterans’ Front
“Legislation Clears Senate to Name Marshalltown Post Office after Fallen Soldier”: One of the fallen soldier honored at the ceremony was Major Scott Nisely, whose public service was recognized by companion bills passed by both chambers of Congress. Legislation to name the Marshalltown Post Office after Nisley cleared the Senate last week. The bill, first introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Bruce Braley, D.-1st Dist., had already passed in the House. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law.
“This is a fitting tribute to Major Nisely and the welcoming home of his National Guard unit. He was the epitome of a great American and served his country valiantly for nearly 30 years in the military, but his public service didn’t stop there. He also worked for 12 years with the United States Postal Service,” Grassley said in a press release. “I know he is missed by his family, friends, co-workers and fellow Guard members. I hope this will serve as positive reminder of a man who gave so much to his country.”
Nisely’s military service included nearly 25 years with the United States Marine Corps and Marines Corps Reserve during which he achieved the rank of Major. Most recently, he took a significant decrease in rank to serve in the Iowa Army National Guard for close to four years. His public service also includes 12 years with the United States Postal Service.
“Lifelong Republican and Marine Veteran Breaks Ground with "Support the Troops, End the War" Yard Sign”: Americans Against Escalation in Iraq “Iraq Summer” Campaign officially kicked off its "Support the Troops, End the War" yard sign drive in Iowa Monday as part of an ongoing effort to convince Senator Chuck Grassley and U.S. Representative Tom Latham to change course and vote for the safe and responsible redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq. The first yard sign of the 6,000 sign statewide campaign drive was planted in the yard of Dr. Larry Koenig, a lifelong Republican who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Both his daughter and son joined the United States Army, and his son is still on active duty.
“The current culture of divisiveness is making it hard to end the war,” said Dr. Larry Koenig. “It’s not about being a Republican or a Democrat – it’s about doing the right thing. These signs bring awareness that our troops are in a situation that is not in their best interest or our country’s.”
“It’s wonderful to have someone like Dr. Koenig whose family has given so much for this country standing with us in this effort to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq,” said Sue Dinsdale, mother of an Iraq war veteran and the Field Director for Iowa’s ‘Iraq Summer’ Campaign.
“We hope Senator Grassley and Congressman Latham get the message that Iowans all of walks of life, of both political parties, are united in calling for an end to this war. These signs are a great way to show neighbors our love and support for our US military - and a great way to show our representatives in Washington that the best way they can show their support for our troops is to vote to bring them home safe.”
“Iraq Summer” is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on Republican members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national “Take a Stand” day on August 28th, when members will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.
In Cedar Rapids, Gulf War veteran Joe Stutler, was the first person in eastern Iowa to place a “Support the Troops, End the War” yard sign as part of the campaign. Be sure to read Lynda Waddington’s account of the event in the Iowa Independent.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
Veterans/Political Fronts
“Don’t ‘Fire” Draws Veteran’s Ire”: Jim Kantaris, a Korean veteran, was more than a little perturbed when he found out his VFW post wouldn’t be able to fire off their guns during a 4th of July parade in Mason City due to the security measures made to accommodate the Clintons. "There's too much political stuff," Kantaris, quartermaster of Post 733, told the Mason City Globe Gazette. "They're making us change 50 years of tradition because of two people. And one of them is a draft-dodger who turned the White House into a whorehouse." Kantaris later apologized for his comments, but the breaking of a 50-year tradition still did not resonate well with fellow VFW members. Read more of Jim Carlson’s article in the Des Moines Register.
“Obama Aims to Quell Defense Doubts”: Sen. Barack Obama kicks of his “Commander in Chief” tour this week in Iowa. A group of military veterans who served in Iraq, including some from Iowa, will campaign in the state this week in support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. They will be joined by Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Gration as they cross the state. For more information about the tour and schedule of events, go to the Des Moines Register.
“Golf Program Will Help Vets”: Injured and disabled veterans soon will get the opportunity to develop their swing on the area's newest golf course.Thanks to a new partnership between the Blue Top Ridge at Riverside golf course, the Iowa PGA and the VA Iowa City Health Care System, the Iowa Veterans for Golf four-part program is intended to improve the mental, social, physical and emotional well-being for veterans served by the medical center. (The Press-Citizen)
“Grassley Announces $7.6 Million for Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter”: Sen. Chuck Grassley today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a $7.6 million grant to create a new State Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. The new cemetery will be called the Iowa Veterans Cemetery and is the first State Veterans Cemetery in Iowa. Nearly 70,000 veterans and their families live within the service area of this Dallas County Cemetery.
Military Front
“Two Return, One Goes Back: Second Tour of Iraq Separates Pair with Similar Backgrounds”: chronicles two members of the Iowa National Guard’s 833rd Engineer Company, which is scheduled to redeploy to Iraq later this month. Mark McLaughlin and Jason Beatty had become the best of friends while serving in Iraq, but they’ll be separated during this upcoming tour of duty, because Beatty has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Read more about their relationship and struggles in Mark Kilen’s Des Moines Register article.
“Republicans Defeat Troop Readiness Amendment”: A measure that would improve military readiness and require periods of down time for National Guard and reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan before redeploying them was defeated Wednesday by a Senate Republican filibuster. At the very minimum, the proposed down-time requirements would be equal to the time of served during previous deployment. Currently, there are no mandated restrictions set by the Department of Defense.
The amendment, S. AMDT. 2012, was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which is currently being debated in both chambers of Congress. The vote was 56-41 to end debate on Webb's amendment, with 60 votes needed to move to a full up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.
After the filibuster succeeded, Webb, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his disappointment on the Senate floor with Republican colleagues: "Today the Republicans decided to filibuster an amendment that goes straight to the well-being of our troops. I deeply regret this move. I would remind my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle that the American people are watching us today. They expect us to take the sort of positive action that might stabilize the operational environment in which are troops are being sent again and again."
“Don’t ‘Fire” Draws Veteran’s Ire”: Jim Kantaris, a Korean veteran, was more than a little perturbed when he found out his VFW post wouldn’t be able to fire off their guns during a 4th of July parade in Mason City due to the security measures made to accommodate the Clintons. "There's too much political stuff," Kantaris, quartermaster of Post 733, told the Mason City Globe Gazette. "They're making us change 50 years of tradition because of two people. And one of them is a draft-dodger who turned the White House into a whorehouse." Kantaris later apologized for his comments, but the breaking of a 50-year tradition still did not resonate well with fellow VFW members. Read more of Jim Carlson’s article in the Des Moines Register.
“Obama Aims to Quell Defense Doubts”: Sen. Barack Obama kicks of his “Commander in Chief” tour this week in Iowa. A group of military veterans who served in Iraq, including some from Iowa, will campaign in the state this week in support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. They will be joined by Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Gration as they cross the state. For more information about the tour and schedule of events, go to the Des Moines Register.
“Golf Program Will Help Vets”: Injured and disabled veterans soon will get the opportunity to develop their swing on the area's newest golf course.Thanks to a new partnership between the Blue Top Ridge at Riverside golf course, the Iowa PGA and the VA Iowa City Health Care System, the Iowa Veterans for Golf four-part program is intended to improve the mental, social, physical and emotional well-being for veterans served by the medical center. (The Press-Citizen)
“Grassley Announces $7.6 Million for Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter”: Sen. Chuck Grassley today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a $7.6 million grant to create a new State Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. The new cemetery will be called the Iowa Veterans Cemetery and is the first State Veterans Cemetery in Iowa. Nearly 70,000 veterans and their families live within the service area of this Dallas County Cemetery.
Military Front
“Two Return, One Goes Back: Second Tour of Iraq Separates Pair with Similar Backgrounds”: chronicles two members of the Iowa National Guard’s 833rd Engineer Company, which is scheduled to redeploy to Iraq later this month. Mark McLaughlin and Jason Beatty had become the best of friends while serving in Iraq, but they’ll be separated during this upcoming tour of duty, because Beatty has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Read more about their relationship and struggles in Mark Kilen’s Des Moines Register article.
“Republicans Defeat Troop Readiness Amendment”: A measure that would improve military readiness and require periods of down time for National Guard and reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan before redeploying them was defeated Wednesday by a Senate Republican filibuster. At the very minimum, the proposed down-time requirements would be equal to the time of served during previous deployment. Currently, there are no mandated restrictions set by the Department of Defense.
The amendment, S. AMDT. 2012, was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which is currently being debated in both chambers of Congress. The vote was 56-41 to end debate on Webb's amendment, with 60 votes needed to move to a full up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.
After the filibuster succeeded, Webb, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his disappointment on the Senate floor with Republican colleagues: "Today the Republicans decided to filibuster an amendment that goes straight to the well-being of our troops. I deeply regret this move. I would remind my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle that the American people are watching us today. They expect us to take the sort of positive action that might stabilize the operational environment in which are troops are being sent again and again."
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Veterans/Political Fronts
After posting disappointing campaign fundraising numbers for the second quarter in a row, Sen. John McCain downsized his Iowa staff, including his veterans outreach aide.
Veterans gathered at the Fort Dodge Public Library on Thursday for a session on veterans affairs led by Robert Hamill, a staff member of U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. One of the biggest concerns was the waiting periods and bureaucratic delays regarding their health care needs. Hamill said the Thursday’s discussion was part of a series of similar sessions across the state. He mentioned two bills under consideration in Congress: the ‘‘Coming Together for National Guard and Reserve Families Act’’ and the ‘‘Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act.’’
“DCCC Launches Ads Attacking GOP's Record on Troops and Veterans”: Gearing up for the 2008 election, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee began targeting 14 vulnerable Republican districts this week by launching its Independence Day ad campaign. "Republicans are going home to talk up their support for our nation's troops and veterans. But, their constituents deserve to know that the Republican record on veterans is all talk and no action," said campaign chairman Chris Van Hollen. "America's troops and veterans deserve more than patriotic speeches this Independence Day."
“This Unusual Alliance is for the Soldiers”: Internet activism has forged an unlikely alliance between 15-year-old YouTube video producer Lizzi Palmer, the hard-rock band Drowning Pool and a group called Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. They want to help educate young people about veterans' health care issues and encourage youth to actively participate in the political process. The campaign, "This Is For the Soldiers," is encouraging supporters to send a petition to U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, asking the California Democrat to take action on the Lane Evans Bill (H.R. 1354) pending in the House. This bipartisan legislation would require mandatory mental-health counseling for combat veterans and ensure a better transition for troops leaving the military.
After posting disappointing campaign fundraising numbers for the second quarter in a row, Sen. John McCain downsized his Iowa staff, including his veterans outreach aide.
Veterans gathered at the Fort Dodge Public Library on Thursday for a session on veterans affairs led by Robert Hamill, a staff member of U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. One of the biggest concerns was the waiting periods and bureaucratic delays regarding their health care needs. Hamill said the Thursday’s discussion was part of a series of similar sessions across the state. He mentioned two bills under consideration in Congress: the ‘‘Coming Together for National Guard and Reserve Families Act’’ and the ‘‘Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act.’’
“DCCC Launches Ads Attacking GOP's Record on Troops and Veterans”: Gearing up for the 2008 election, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee began targeting 14 vulnerable Republican districts this week by launching its Independence Day ad campaign. "Republicans are going home to talk up their support for our nation's troops and veterans. But, their constituents deserve to know that the Republican record on veterans is all talk and no action," said campaign chairman Chris Van Hollen. "America's troops and veterans deserve more than patriotic speeches this Independence Day."
“This Unusual Alliance is for the Soldiers”: Internet activism has forged an unlikely alliance between 15-year-old YouTube video producer Lizzi Palmer, the hard-rock band Drowning Pool and a group called Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. They want to help educate young people about veterans' health care issues and encourage youth to actively participate in the political process. The campaign, "This Is For the Soldiers," is encouraging supporters to send a petition to U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, asking the California Democrat to take action on the Lane Evans Bill (H.R. 1354) pending in the House. This bipartisan legislation would require mandatory mental-health counseling for combat veterans and ensure a better transition for troops leaving the military.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
Military Front
Dien Judge reported on Sunday’s Iowa National Guard send-off in Ottumwa: “Amid Fanfare and Emotion in Ottumwa, Guard Company Heads Back to Iraq.”
Iowa lost another son, when Cpl. Llythaniele Fender, 21, was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device. Fender was Iowa’s 57th fallen soldier with Iowa ties to have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read the “Des Moines Register” for more coverage.
Iowa National Guardsmen return to Iowa from tour in Afghanistan and are greeted by families and warning signs outside of Newton: “Desperate Women Ahead.”
“Another Native Iowa Soldier Killed by an IED” on Friday.
Veterans’ Front
“Iowa Veterans Blog” unofficially launched this week. The mission of the new blog is to keep veterans connected to news stories and veterans’ affairs in Iowa, monitor current legislation that affects veterans and their families, provide advocacy tools for veterans and their families, and serve as a home base for veterans to share their stories and experiences with other veterans. The site will officially launch sometime next week, beginning with an outreach campaign to other veterans and respective outlets in Iowa.
Political Front
Sen. Grassley sponsored tax-relief bill for troops.
The Human Rights Campaign kicked off its national “Legacy of Service” tour in Des Moines Tuesday night. The campaign features gay military veterans, who are speaking out against the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with the intent of replacing it with the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which attempts to eliminate the current discriminatory practices enacted against GLBT soldiers. Read Part I and Part II of the series; stay tuned next week for Parts III and IV.
Dien Judge reported on Sunday’s Iowa National Guard send-off in Ottumwa: “Amid Fanfare and Emotion in Ottumwa, Guard Company Heads Back to Iraq.”
Iowa lost another son, when Cpl. Llythaniele Fender, 21, was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device. Fender was Iowa’s 57th fallen soldier with Iowa ties to have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read the “Des Moines Register” for more coverage.
Iowa National Guardsmen return to Iowa from tour in Afghanistan and are greeted by families and warning signs outside of Newton: “Desperate Women Ahead.”
“Another Native Iowa Soldier Killed by an IED” on Friday.
Veterans’ Front
“Iowa Veterans Blog” unofficially launched this week. The mission of the new blog is to keep veterans connected to news stories and veterans’ affairs in Iowa, monitor current legislation that affects veterans and their families, provide advocacy tools for veterans and their families, and serve as a home base for veterans to share their stories and experiences with other veterans. The site will officially launch sometime next week, beginning with an outreach campaign to other veterans and respective outlets in Iowa.
Political Front
Sen. Grassley sponsored tax-relief bill for troops.
The Human Rights Campaign kicked off its national “Legacy of Service” tour in Des Moines Tuesday night. The campaign features gay military veterans, who are speaking out against the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy with the intent of replacing it with the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which attempts to eliminate the current discriminatory practices enacted against GLBT soldiers. Read Part I and Part II of the series; stay tuned next week for Parts III and IV.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Iowa Front: Military & Veterans’ Weekly Roundup
Military Front
The Iowa National Guard’s 833rd Engineer Company out of Ottumwa is headed back to Iraq to serve its second tour of duty. Send-off ceremonies will take place at the Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Earlier this week, the “Des Moines Register’s” John Carlson wrote a moving column, “Some of Iowa's 'Very Best' Troops to Return to Iraq.” The local paper, the “Ottumwa Courier” had two pieces related to the send-off: “Preparing to Leave,” and “A Brave Send-off for Our Troops.”
Speaking of John Carlson, he had another column in today’s “Register.” The piece, “Mom Planning Benefit Hopes Someone Cares,” is about P.J. Sesker Green of Grimes, aunt of Iowa National Guard Sgt. Daniel Sesker who was killed in Iraq in 2006, and her frustrating attempts to raise money for Operation First Response. Sekser-Green has been planning a golf fund raiser since February, but has received little response and support from the corporate world. All the proceeds are to benefit Operation First Response, a national organization that supports wounded troops and their families.
Veteran Front
“Human Rights Campaign to Launch Nation Tour in Iowa to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay civil rights organization, will start its "A Legacy of Service" tour against the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in Des Moines. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Iowa Historical Society in downtown Des Moines. The national tour features the voices of a diverse group of veterans who have served under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, including former Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first U.S. service member wounded in Iraq. Alva lost his leg on March 21, 2003, when he stepped on a landmine while traveling in Iraq in a convoy.
Political Front
On his way to the send-off ceremony in Ottumwa, Rep. Dave Loebsack made a brief stop at the Progressive Iowa Network conference in Iowa City and made a few brief remarks on behalf of military veterans:
“President Bush keeps sending more troops over to Iraq and Afghanistan, but when they return, his administration is not treating them properly – the way they’re supposed to be treated. There are three appropriations bills coming up soon in Congress, and the Democratic majority will be pushing for more money for our veterans.”
Speaking of John Carlson, he had another column in today’s “Register.” The piece, “Mom Planning Benefit Hopes Someone Cares,” is about P.J. Sesker Green of Grimes, aunt of Iowa National Guard Sgt. Daniel Sesker who was killed in Iraq in 2006, and her frustrating attempts to raise money for Operation First Response. Sekser-Green has been planning a golf fund raiser since February, but has received little response and support from the corporate world. All the proceeds are to benefit Operation First Response, a national organization that supports wounded troops and their families.
Veteran Front
“Human Rights Campaign to Launch Nation Tour in Iowa to Repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay civil rights organization, will start its "A Legacy of Service" tour against the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in Des Moines. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Iowa Historical Society in downtown Des Moines. The national tour features the voices of a diverse group of veterans who have served under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, including former Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first U.S. service member wounded in Iraq. Alva lost his leg on March 21, 2003, when he stepped on a landmine while traveling in Iraq in a convoy.
Political Front
On his way to the send-off ceremony in Ottumwa, Rep. Dave Loebsack made a brief stop at the Progressive Iowa Network conference in Iowa City and made a few brief remarks on behalf of military veterans:
“President Bush keeps sending more troops over to Iraq and Afghanistan, but when they return, his administration is not treating them properly – the way they’re supposed to be treated. There are three appropriations bills coming up soon in Congress, and the Democratic majority will be pushing for more money for our veterans.”
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