Donate to Veterans

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The U.S. government does not go the extra mile to support veterans who have made sacrifices for this country, that's why we should donate to veterans. Why should veterans not receive the benefits they were promised when they took vows to fight for American freedom? Many disabled veterans have been waiting to receive benefits years after they were injured, and that seems very unfair and almost criminal. America can afford to spend billions of dollars on the war in Iraq but cannot support the ones who have been injured in previous wars?

George Bush does not care about anyone but himself, and he has proven this fact repeatedly. The very least he can do is make sure every veteran is taken care of when they come home. Since this will never be a reality, we as Americans should willingly do our part to help those who protect us. The same people who complain about their budget being tight are the same ones who buy meaningless items on a daily basis. They can afford to go out and buy a fifty thousand dollar car to make themselves feel good, but don't realize that without our veterans they wouldn't be able to buy a stick of gum!

We need to start thinking about what is important. 20 or 25 bucks a month is not too much too ask of anyone for an important cause. If you have a home, car and a phone you can afford to donate to veterans! The only question we need to ask ourselves is how much we can afford.

To make a donation to disabled veterans please visit http://www.disabledvetsinc.org

All Costs of the War in Iraq for the USA

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So far the war in Iraq cost America more than 2 trln. dollars and that sum keeps growing every day. Separate discussion is needed in order to comprehend just how big that amount is. In this article, however, we'll try to break down those costs by their nature and origin:

Human costs.

The reason to start from these costs is pretty straight forward. Human losses are unrecoverable and they can never be monetized. To the date the article was written, Iraq war cost the lives of 4,323 U.S. troops. Number of those wounded in action or injured in combat-zone accidents reached 31,368. Given the frequency of battles that US troops are currently exposed this figure is obviously not the final. Furthermore the toll data have been taken from official statistics provided by Pentagon which is widely criticized by public for understatement real casualties. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs - a government department autonomous from the Pentagon - the number of wounded has exceeded 50,000.

Combat operations costs.

To the date, $686 billion dollars have been allocated to the war in Iraq since its start in March 2003 to cover daily cash costs of running the combat operations, feeding, housing, transporting and equipping U.S. troops, paying for reconstruction costs, repairs and replacement parts and training Iraqi forces. The amount keeps growing by 200,000,000$! every day, so by the time you will finish reading this article it will increase by about half million of dollars! Such trend won't be affected by major changes at least till the end of 2009 as the whole spending have been approved in 2009 budget. Considering that Obama has already announced the withdrawal and eventual pullout of troops from Iraq, we can estimate around 130 bln. more to be spend provided that all troops will be withdrawn in a 1.5-2 years. That gives us in total 816 bln. dollars of direct costs spent on Iraq war. This also includes the payment of $500,000 in "death gratuity payment" and life insurance to the families of the fatalities in Iraq.

Health care costs.

These include all costs for the treatment of health problems of troops, such as blast injuries to arms and legs from improvised explosive devices, the historically high instances of traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder. A group of noted physicians predicted that healthcare for Iraq veterans could top $650 billion. We may also rely on available figures for veterans' disability payments. For example, a veteran without a spouse or dependents who is 100 percent disabled receives about $2,400 per month from the government. Over 50 years, that could total more than $1.4 million. Multiplying that by the number of totally disabled veterans would add up 10-15 billion dollars more. Furthermore an increasing number of soldiers are not seeking the care that they need, which affects their ability to get and maintain jobs what eventually leads to greater unseen costs.

Military replenishment costs.

War in Iraq has stretched the US military dangerously thin. The high level of casualties over half of decade has undermined the "human capital" of armed forces. Dealing with current difficulties in recruitment America will have to invest heavily in troops to restore their prewar levels of strength, fitness and readiness. Furthermore it may take more than decade to fully replenish and refurbish the military whose equipment and materiel have been greatly depleted by the war. Estimations show that over the period of fifteen years the military will require 250$-375$ bln to rebuild entire armed services.

Economic costs.

There are plenty of economic costs surrounding the war in Iraq. First it's a cost of deployment in Iraq of 40% of National Guard and Reserve forces. Quantifiable economic costs of it comprises of the difference between the civilian wages that these individuals would earn in their regular occupations and the lower wages they are usually paid in the Reserves. Another economic cost is the cost of military fatalities. It equals to the individual's earnings and contributions to the economy foregone due to their death. Here also comes the economic costs of those seriously injured, that comprises of additional healthcare expenditures that parties spend themselves apart from what government pays and the loss of economic services. Taking Stiglitz's calculations made by him in 2006 and extrapolating his figures to present day we'll get around 200 bln dollars of economic costs that US incurred due to the war in Iraq.

Uncounted costs.

Now let's try to list those costs that are obvious but not quantifiable. Consider the issue of security. War in Iraq and incidentally the overall instability in Middle East had aggravated the hatred of the United States throughout the world. That in its turn exacerbated the domestic threat of terror and made Americans obviously less safe and confident. There are of course many negative consequences of the war all of which cannot be comprehended. Below is just a shortlist of the costs omitted from above estimations:

* All costs borne by other countries, including Iraq.

* Costs of planning war.

* Costs of oil price volatility.

* Consequences of loss of credibility

* Reduced demands as a result of anti-American sentiment (e.g. loss of tourists)

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Security And Privacy Requirements To Support Exchange of Health Information

. OK, A WHOLE BUNCH OF HANDS WENT DOWN, RIGHT? WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT TOLERANCES FOR RISKS, AND WE MANAGE THE RISKS IN HOW WE MAKE DECISIONS EVERY DAY. PROBABLY MOST OF YOU HAVE HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE, I WOULD IMAGINE, IF YOU OWN A HOME, RIGHT? AND YOU HAVE AUTO INSURANCE, BUT YOU PROBABLY HAVE DIFFERENT DEDUCTIBLES, RIGHT? WE ALL MAKE THESE DECISIONS EVERY DAY. AS A CIO OF A FEDERAL AGENCY, I HAVE SOME LENIENCY IN THE DECISIONS THAT I MAKE, BUT OTHER PLACES, OMB AND NIST TELL ME I DON'T ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7KuVnD646E&hl=en

A Soldier's Final Farewell

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Josh spent Christmas Eve with his mother at the local mall looking at Christmas decorations and drinking hot chocolate.

After a long day, Josh was worn out from the day's activities. Before going to bed, he prayed for the health and safety of his beloved parents, David and Gail.

Josh eventually dozed off to the peaceful sounds of "O Christmas Tree."

After falling into a peaceful night of slumber, Josh felt the presence of someone in his bedroom. He opened his sleepy eyes to see his father sitting on his bed dressed in his military uniform.

David took Josh's tiny hand and held it tightly.

"Dad, what are you doing home? I thought you were in Iraq."

"I am still in Iraq, but I was granted a leave to see my little soldier for Christmas."

David told Josh how much he missed him and his mother. He also told Josh about his responsibilities as a captain in the U.S. Army Rangers. He commanded a group of loyal men and it was his job to keep them safe from harm and lead them into combat.

"Josh, I have an important message. I want you to tell your mother how much I love her and that I will always be in her heart."

Josh agreed to tell his mother.

David gave Josh a kiss on the forehead and told him to go back to sleep.

David stood up, took one last look at his son and gave him a military salute, then left.

Josh woke up looking for his father...he was nowhere to be found.

He then rushed to the stairway to deliver his father's message.

At the top of the stairway, Josh could hear his mother crying.

He saw two uniformed soldiers talking to his mother next to the Christmas tree. He couldn't hear what the soldiers were saying.

After the soldiers left, Josh went down the stairs to be greeted with a big hug from his mother. She told Josh that David had been killed a week ago in a firefight. He died while trying to save the lives of his men during an ambush.

Josh was stunned. His dad couldn't be dead. They had just spoken a few hours ago.

He didn't tell his mother about his father's visit. After all, his dad couldn't have visited last night if he died a week ago. Josh decided that his father's visit must have been a dream.

Friends and family came over to console him and his mother. Gail encouraged Josh to open his gifts but he was too sad to think about opening gifts.

Josh went back upstairs to think about his dream...it seemed so real.

He sat on his bed and began to cry as he thought about his father's memory. Josh always idolized his father for his courage and strength as a soldier.

Suddenly, Josh suddenly felt a cold breeze move throughout his room.

He got up to retrieve his robe.

After putting on his robe, he felt something in the right pocket.

It was a six inch Action figure in Army Ranger gear. The uniform matched the one worn by his father. It even had a rifle and a captain's insignia, just like his father's.

There was also a tag on the back of the action figure. It said "Merry Christmas to my little soldier, Love dad."

At that moment, Josh realized his father's visit was real.

Josh looked out the window to watch the falling snow. He remembered how much his dad loved the snow and their snowball fights.

Josh looked out the window and said "Merry Christmas, dad."

William Greene has a B.S. degree from I.W.U. and has made a career of working with the public. He has over 10 years experience in social services, including casework. William works with people of different nationalities and education levels. He operates a social dating website titled http://www.socialhearts.com He also posts his thoughts on dating, relationships and social issues on his blog at http://www.socialhearts.blogspot.com

WE ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE: CESAR CHAVEZ 1971/2008

Public reenactment of a speech given by Chicano labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez at a Vietnam veterans memorial rally at Exposition Park in Los Angeles on May 2, 1971. Chavez speaks about organizing migrant farm workers, the importance of sacrifice for justice, and offering youth an alternative to violence and war. Ricardo Dominguez, artist and co-founder of The Electronic Disturbance Theater, delivered the speech on location on July 19, 2008. This five-minute video is ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4FP4JVoKMo&hl=en

Military Uniforms Then and Now

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Around the world, organized military forces of governments have many different types of military uniforms that they wear. Clearly being one of the founding fathers of the uniform, the militaries of countries have contributed greatly towards what constitutes a good uniform today.

In addition to offering protective features from the elements or even enemy fire military uniforms are also worn to signify a specific job role within the military. After the early 1900's, uniforms stopped being supplied in bright colors and instead, were supplied in more drab colors. Partially to aid in combat, these colors would often blend in with the surrounding areas on the battlefields. The dress uniforms, however, would continue to remain colorful and elaborate.

Uniforms have been designed to serve many purposes. Among these purposes are distinction, camouflage, logistics and psychological warfare. A brief description of each purpose follows:

Distinction:

One main reason for having uniforms is so that combatants can distinguish individuals protected by the laws of war and those who are allowed to carry weapons. Some individuals in war who carry weapons and fight back are often not protected by these laws. One other reason was to prevent army deserters from being able to modify their clothing to reflect more ordinary civilian clothing. The uniforms themselves were so distinct in design and style that these deserters could be easily identified.

Visibility & Camouflage:

The evolution of military uniforms from bright colors (to help in identification on a battle field) to more camouflaged ones (where they become virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding landscape) is a clear indication of the purpose of a uniform. While previously important to find units in battle, the evolution of warfare has necessitated the more stealthier aspects of armies and hence more attention to camouflage.

Logistics:

During large wars, it is significantly easier to produce and equip armies with standard sized uniforms. This becomes a more economical way to outfit thousands of soldiers quickly and efficiently during a war.

Psychological Warfare:

In the past, uniforms were also used as a sort of psychological warfare. Form enhancing gear that make the soldiers appear larger and more formidable often strike fear into the opposing sides. Large caps, capes, specific colors all add to the psychological warfare of the military uniforms.

Modern day military uniforms are much more simpler. The US Army soldiers wear standard camouflage utilities for practically all purposes unless there is a dress parade or formal occasion where they will wear their full dress uniforms. Today, the tradition and reasons for wearing military uniforms still remain. It is unlikely that this tradition will change drastically in the future.

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A Tour of the Navy SEAL Museum

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Located at the northern part of the Hutchinson Island in Florida, the U.S. Navy SEAL Museum is nestled at the original place where the Frogmen underwent their training back in the early 1940s. The Navy SEAL Museum is dedicated to the elite group of the Naval Special Warfare, the only one in the whole world.

How It Started

The U.S. Navy Frogmen, the original name given to the Navy SEALs, were born and came to existence at Fort Pierce, Florida, where the National Navy SEAL Museum now stands. The U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and the U.S. Naval Combat Demolition Units were composed primarily of brave volunteers for the Second World War.

It was in November 1985 when the Navy SEAL Museum was formally dedicated to the elite group of the U.S. Special Operations Forces. Thereafter, an endless number of artifacts have continuously been sent to Fort Pierce.

What You Will Find

The Navy SEAL Museum provides a good venue for people to learn more about the history of the Naval Special Warfare. Inside the Navy SEAL Museum, one will be able to discover the beginnings of the Underwater Demolition Team, learn about their exploits in the Second World War, and understand more about the Navy SEALs by way of the artifacts and the many photographs displayed in the museum.

Outside, one will feel nostalgic seeing various modes of transportations that have been used by the Navy SEALs. A helicopter, two-man submarines, and patrol boats are artfully displayed outside the museum. The vehicle's story can be read on a statue that stands on each of them.

Inside, one will be greeted by a volunteer, who could be a retired SEAL, a retired Frogman, or a spouse of a Frogman or a SEAL. The volunteer will serve as your guide in your tour of the museum and will explain every memorabilia on display.

The Museum Store

Like the usual museum, the Navy SEAL Museum also has a shop for us navy seals visitors where they can purchase their choice of SEAL souvenirs such as a pin, a cap, or a book. Tactical gear like backpacks, gloves, bags, and holsters can likewise be bought at the Navy SEAL Museum store.

U.S. Navy SEAL shirts, polos, cammies, and other tactical apparel (ideally for souvenir purposes) are available at the museum shop. Items are moderately priced, and the museum also accepts donations for it maintenance. Also, for a $100 donation, one can make his name part of the great Navy SEAL history with his own memorial brick being used nowhere else but within the grounds of the museum.

About the Author:

This Article is written by James Kara Murat from USNavySealStore, the contributor of Navy Seal Store. More information on the subject is at A Tour of the Navy SEAL Museum, and related resources can be found at navy seal workout.