Blog Post

IAVA Daily News Brief 06.08.12
Posted by on June 8 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.) AP IMPACT: Suicides are surging among US troops

Among U.S. troops, suicides are rising at the fastest rate in the nation’s decade of war, averaging one a day. According to the AP article, there has been an 18 percent increase this year among active-duty suicides, totaling 154 through June 3, 2012 compared to 130 at this point last year.Reasons for the surge in suicides are unclear, however some studies have pointed to combat exposure, post traumatic stress, misuse of prescription medications and personal financial problems.

2.) Citi and CredAbility Join with IAVA to Launch Online Financial Education and Counseling Program for New Veterans and Families

IAVA has joined with Citi, CredAbility, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and the Military Spouse Corporate Career Center (MSCCN)  to create CredAbility ReConnect, which is aimed to service members, veterans and their families to assist with financial difficulties and economic security.

3.)Even slight head trauma increases risk of PTSD

Research released Wednesday from the University of Rochester found that a roadside bomb attack can predispose military personnel to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder even if the injuries are minimal. Researchers said their work shows the need for simpler tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging tests, to detect head trauma. On Thursday, 2,000 former NFL players sued the NFL accusing the league of hiding information that linked football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries.

AFGHANISTAN

• After the death of Al Qaeda’s deputy leader Abu Yahya al-Libi this week, experts say power is likely to shift from Pakistan, loosening the hierarchical structure of the terrorist organization. Al-Libi’s death “tore at the connective tissue” between leadership in Pakistan and affiliates across the Middle East and Africa.
• Rolling Stone’s Michael Hastings reports on the last prisoner of war between Afghanistan and the United States -- Private First Class Bowe Bergdahl, who was captured three years ago. Bergdahl’s family, who has had no contact with him since his captivity, is fighting to bring him home despite numerous barriers.
• Marine Gen. John Allen, commander of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan, traveled to Logar province in Afghanistan to apologize for the deaths of women, children and elders in a coalition strike that occurred Wednesday.

IRAQ

• In Sinjar, a northwest community of Iraq, officials are alarmed by a high number of suicides this year, particularly among women who are forced into arranged marriages. Officials say there have been as many as 50 suicides this year in this city of 350,000 — at least double the rate in the United States — compared with 80 all of last year.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• Francis Gary Powers, the pilot whose plane was shot down in 1960 over the Soviet Union, will receive a Silver Star posthumously.
• San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and City Hall have started a “100 Days,” campaign, which hopes to house 50 homeless veterans in San Francisco.

NEW GREATEST GENERATION

• "Warrior Champions," premiering on the Documentary Channel on June 10th,  follows a group of wounded American soldiers as they fight to turn their nightmares of war into Olympic dreams.
• Three American artists are creating a major symphony of war from the view of a soldier to pay tribute to their service titled “Dreams of the Fallen.” The lyrics will be from the poems of veteran Brian Turner, who served in Iraq as an infantryman.
• Are veterans too entitled? Foreign Policy gives thought to the issue of “veteran entitlement,” highlighting that America need its veterans to take a leadership role in their communities.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said on Thursday that the president will not appoint a special counsel to investigate leaks of classified information regarding secret programs and national security.

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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