Blog Post

IAVA Daily News Brief 11.22.11
Posted by Jim Drury on November 22 2011

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) Veterans jobs bill signed into law

In the presence of IAVA Member Veterans and IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, President Obama signed the Vow to Hire Heroes Act into law on Monday. It is the first jobs bill to come out of Congress this year, and it is a sign that Washington has veterans’ back despite bitter partisanship on the Hill. The law encourages companies to hire veterans by providing tax credits, and it eases the transition to civilian life by making the certification process easier and extending GI Bill benefits and Transition Assistance Programs. Learn more about how IAVA fought to turn this bill into law.

2) Hiring Vets Is Smart Business

IAVA Membership Director Jason Hansman sounds off on the White House Blog about the enormous potential of America’s newest veterans. Hiring veterans is more than patriotic, writes Hansman—it’s good business. After ten years of war, America’s New Greatest Generation has the leadership potential to get the country back on track.

3) How Can We Prevent Military Suicides?

Between 2005 and 2010, a U.S. service member committed suicide every 36 hours. The rate is even worse for veterans—every day, 18 die by their own hand. A panel of experts speculates on causes and solutions for the military’s suicide epidemic in The New York Times’ “Room for Debate.”

4) War-torn marriage: Family shattered by TBI, PTSD picks up pieces

Multiple deployments are taking a toll not just on the less than one percent of Americans who serve in the Armed Forces, but also the families of those who serve. Many service members come home with serious invisible injuries like post traumatic brain disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and their families are often left to help them deal with their disabilities and reintegrate into civilian society.

AFGHANISTAN

• Two foreign policy scholars have suggested a new tactic in Afghanistan, whereby the U.S. would provide the strategy, materials and intelligence support for the Afghans to win their own war against the insurgency.

• Pakistan has agreed to a cease-fire with the Taliban as a step towards future peace talks, an encouraging sign for coalition forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
  

IRAQ

• The top U.S. general in Iraq warned that the Baghdad government must make a serious effort to curb internal security threats as much as external threats.

• On Sunday, service members enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, the last time the holiday will be celebrated by the U.S. military in Iraq.

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• Iraq Veteran and IAVA Member J.R. Martinez has made it to the grand finale on "Dancing With the Stars," with the winner announced Tuesday evening.

• The girlfriend of J.R. Martinez says she sees beyond the scars and is in love with a great guy with a vivacious personality.

• For the NFL’s military appreciation night, a soldier in the Minnesota National Guard surprised his wife and two kids in front of 50,000 fans at a Vikings game.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• After the Supercommittee failed to come up with $1.2 trillion in savings, Defense Secretary Panetta urged Congress to stop $600 billion in automatic spending cuts scheduled for the DOD.

• Vice President Biden hosted twelve service members during his annual Thanksgiving dinner for wounded warriors on Monday.

• On Tuesday evening, the GOP presidential candidates will participate in a debate on national security, foreign policy and the economy.

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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