Blog Post

Daily News Brief 05.17.12
Posted by Jacob Worrell on May 17 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) IAVA testifies on President's Executive Order, new GI Bill and deceptive marketing tactics

On Wednesday, IAVA Deputy Policy Director Tom Tarantino testified before a subcommittee about the challenges new veterans face when identifying which school to attend on new GI Bill. The President's Executive Order helps new veterans identify which schools are veteran-friendly, but more work needs to be done. Read a transcript of Tom's testimony.

2) Study: War vets', athletes' brain injuries similar

New research suggests that traumatic brain injuries triggered by bomb blasts may have more in common with the head injuries of athletes than previously thought. Over 200,000 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with a brain injury in the last ten years. IAVA Membership Coordinator Nick Colgin discusses how his TBI has impacted his transition to civilian life.

3) Army probing PTSD diagnoses

On Wednesday, the Army launched a review of how it diagnoses and treats service members with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health evaluations at all facilities since 2001. The review was ordered after revelations that veterans at Madigan Army Center in Washington state had their PTSD status reversed because of the cost of their treatments. So far, 100 of the 400 cases of PTSD at Madigan Army Center have had their diagnoses restored.

AFGHANISTAN

• Seven Afghans were killed in an attack on a government compound in western Afghanistan.
• Pakistan has suggested a $5,000 transit fee for each NATO container that passes through its territory.

IRAQ

• Tensions between Turkey and Iraq remain high as Baghdad summons the Turkish diplomat for a public rebuke.
• The people of Babylon are wresting between economic prosperity and preserving their heritage as a new pipeline threatens ancient ruins.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• Just days after she was reinstated, the Army has replaced the first female commandant of a prestigious drill sergeant school.
• The Army may send female soldiers to Ranger school, one of the more grueling tests for future infantrymen.
• On Wednesday, the President posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to a soldier killed in the Vietnam War.

NEW GREATEST GENERATION

• SB Nation is hosting the favorite sports memories of veterans on its YouTube channel this Memorial Day. Submit your memory.
• A veteran who lost both of his limbs to an IED will make his debut on the big screen this Friday in the new film Battleship.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• On Wednesday, IAVA Deputy Policy Director Tom Tarantino testified before a subcommittee about the challenges new veterans face when identifying which school to attend on new GI Bill.
• Vets in the Oakland VA area are invited to attend a public forum with VA and local government officials on Monday, May 21.

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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