Blog Post

Daily News Brief 05.11.12
Posted by Jacob Worrell on May 11 2012

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. 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) Texas program links veterans to jobs

The lone star state is singular for its ability to connect new veterans with employers. The government of Texas has a special office that identifies recently returned veterans for companies eager hire vets. States like Virginia, Maine and South Carolina have similar programs.

2) Oakland VA office mishandled claims, inspector general finds

An alarming report issued by VA Inspector General on Thursday found staff at Oakland VA regularly make errors when evaluating claims. The report also found VA staff routinely fail to notify returning service members that they are eligible for free mental health care. VA is also bedeviled by extended wait times on claims decisions, which can sit undecided for up to eight and a half years. Read IAVA’s latest statement on VA wait times.

3) Faris Family Fights For Their Military Marriage

After serving decades in special operations, Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Faris struggled to save his marriage. Three years later, Chris and his wife Lisa are using their story to help other military families who have weathered the emotional trauma of multiple deployments.

AFGHANISTAN

Afghan security forces successfully repelled a Taliban attack on government buildings in Patika province, losing three police officers but winning the confidence of the region.
A new report authored by the United Nations says civilian casualties have dropped in 2012.
A man wearing an Afghan army uniform opened fire on NATO troops in eastern Afghanistan on Friday, killing one service member.

IRAQ

Iraq’s prodigious oil production--the highest since pre-1979--signals an end to the Saddam Hussein era, writes Bloomberg.
On Thursday, a court postponed for a second time the fugitive Vice President’s trial as the exile’s lawyers demanded a special tribune to hear the case.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

After the parents of a captured soldier broke their silence, the Pentagon emphasized its commitment to locating Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
A prominent psychiatrist’s opposition to dropping the 'D' from post-traumatic stress disorder has endangered the entire movement, writes PBS.
Sergeant Major King has been reinstated as commandant of the Army’s drill sergeant school, but she will continue to battle gender discrimination as the first female in command, reports The New York Times.
A new report issued by NYSHealth-funded Rochester Veterans Outreach Center suggests ways to embrace military families in local communities.

NEW GREATEST GENERATION

On Thursday evening, NBC Nightly News host Brian Williams reported on the new “Got Your Six” campaign, which is dedicated bridging the military-civilian divide through public awareness and better resources.
Tune into CNN at 8:00pm EST on Sunday for a special documentary on veteran unemployment. “Vets Wanted” follows a National Guard unit in Atlanta as they transition home from a tour in Afghanistan.
Facebook has partnered with Blue Star Families and the Department of Veterans Affairs to launch a suicide prevention program.
A U.S. soldier offers a wry account of how he achieved the religious designation of “Pastafarian” on his dog tags.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

The House Armed Services Committee voted to include a ban on gay marriage at military bases in the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.
After a House Committee added funding to the National Defense Act, Defense Secretary Panetta asked Congress not to stray from the military's strategic direction.
On Thursday, the First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden hosted afternoon tea for a group of mothers and honored the sacrifices of military spouses.