Blog Post

IAVA Daily News Brief 06.19.12
Posted by Gretchen Andersen on June 19 2012

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings that IAVA is tracking. Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom and click here to get the News Brief delivered to your inbox every morning. 

MUST READS

1.) Food Stamps Cuts Could Hit Military Members, Veterans

Since the start of the recession, politicians have been asking for cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. In the broader population, Census data suggests that some 1.5 million households with a veteran were receiving SNAP benefits. But the 2013 budget resolution passed by House Republicans could cut the program by $134 billion over 10 years -- potentially causing “collateral damage” in the military. 

2.) IAVA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and VOWS Host Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair This Thursday 

Sign up for IAVA and U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair in partnership with Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS). The hiring fair - to be held this Thursday on Wall Street - is free for vets and will feature over 80 employers looking to hire veterans across various industries. IAVA will have resources like resume workshops and interview skills training on-site. For a complete list of employers and to RSVP, click here.

3.) “The Invisible War” Opens Friday in Theaters 

“The Invisible War,” a powerful documentary that looks into sexual assaults and rape in the military, opens this Friday nationwide. Producer Amy Ziering, Director Kirby Dick and IAVA Board Member Wes Moore joined MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to discuss the challenges women warriors face in today’s military and the film's impact to improve military policy toward Military Sexual Trauma and rape.

AFGHANISTAN

• An American service member was killed and nine others injured on Monday when individuals dressed in Afghan police uniforms attacked them in southern Afghanistan, U.S. officials said.The number of insider attacks in Afghanistan has escalated, with more than a dozen fatal assaults already this year, that have led to more than 20 deaths.
• The United Nations refugee agency reported Monday that Afghanistan continues to be the top producer of refugees with 2.7 million.

IRAQ

• Brett McGurk, Obama’s pick for ambassador to Iraq, withdrew his nomination after a series of romantic emails between him and a Wall Street Journal reporter were leaked.
• A suicide attack has killed at least 15 people at a Shia funeral in Baquba, north of Baghdad, officials say.
• To monitor stability in the region, the United States is planning to keep a  larger military presence in Kuwait, with 13,500 troops according to a congressional report.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• A military judge will consider to delay the trial of an Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan, charged in the fatal 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood in Texas. Hasan’s pre-trial hearing was delayed because Hasan had grown a beard, against Army regulations.
• The military is making an effort during training to teach survival tactics when service members are behind enemy lines.
• On Friday, the U.S. and South Korean militaries are scheduled to honor the 62nd anniversary of the Korean War with the largest one-day, joint live-fire exercise they have ever conducted.

THE NEW GREATEST GENERATION

• The Daily News helped two veterans secure jobs who were highlighted in the “Hire Me! Veterans.”
• Kent Dell, a student at MSU and paratrooper in the 82 Airborne, learned how to get involved on campus after working with “Tower Guard” and then Student Veterans Association.
• A combat-wounded Marine and two other Marine veterans continued their bicycle trek across Northwest Florida on Monday, raising awareness and funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
• Anthony Pizzifred, who lost his leg while patrolling in Afghanistan, has not let his injury stop him from earning a college degree, having a job he loves, and flying an airplane.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• ProPublica has published an investigative piece about the number of killings drone strikes caused during the Obama administration.
• Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is urging the Veterans Affairs Department to change the way it collects overpayments of GI Bill benefits to reduce the possibility that a student veteran might be forced to drop out of school.
• Senator John McCain on Monday called for the United States to lead a military coalition to rid Syria of President Assad.

A wide-range of views, positions, and publications are represented in these articles. These views, positions and publications are not endorsed by nor do they necessarily represent the views of IAVA.

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