Blog Post

Daily News Brief 05.18.12
Posted by Jacob Worrell on May 18 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 Sits Down with Letterman

On Wednesday, May 16, IAVA Member Veteran Moses Maddox appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. A former corporal in the Marine Corps, Moses talked about his experience serving two tours in Iraq, the importance of getting an education and his frustrations with his job search when transitioning out of the military.

2) U.S. Redefines Afghan Success Before Conference

Ahead of a NATO summit in Chicago this weekend, the White House has tried to redirect the conversation on the war in Afghanistan. White House officials are now working to lower expectations for the 2014 security situation, invoking the phrase “Afghan good enough.” The U.S. is also asking allies to help foot the bill.

3) House to Vote on $554 Billion Defense Bill, Defying Obama

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, in defiance of the President’s warning that he will veto the measure. The bill is roughly $4 billion more than what the President has said he would spend, including extra provisions such as a missile defense system for the East Coast.

AFGHANISTAN

• Six months after a U.S. airstrike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, White House officials continue to debate the merits of an official apology.
• A massive, state-of-the-art prison in Parwan is riddled with flaws, including cell doors that are unable to lock.

IRAQ

• The diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Iraq has boosted Turkey’s ties with the Kurdish region of Iraq.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• Fearful of delays, a group of VSOs have warned the Veteran Health Administration not to delay the purchase of prosthetics by switching to an untested system.
• Anti-war activists are gathering in Chicago for the NATO summit, including a veteran group.
• Thirty-four companies have pledged to hire military spouses, including major companies like Tri-West and MetLife.

NEW GREATEST GENERATION

• A Marine who may have developed breast cancer because of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune uses his experience to help others.
• Two veterans are biking across the U.S. Before they do, they took a pit stop in Fayetteville.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• The FBI has raided the offices of a for-profit school in Florida, which is connected to a Florida lawmaker, according to Republic Report.
• The President is scheduled to speak at the Vietnam wall on Memorial Day.

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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