Seth Moulton is new to the world of politics, but that did not stop the former Marine from beating U.S. Rep. John Tierney in Sept. 9's Democratic primary elections for Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District. Moulton's defeat of Tierney marks the first time since 1992 that a sitting congressman has been defeated in a primary election, according to Military Times.
A native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Moulton graduated from Harvard University in 2001. According to Harvard Magazine, Moulton decided to become a Marine during his senior year of college. He joined following the attacks of Sept. 11 and served in Iraq. In his life after service, he returned to Harvard, receiving a joint Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy in 2008. The Washington Post noted that although he remains proud of his service, he openly opposed the war in Iraq and maintains an anti-war platform.
Moulton will face off against Republican nominee Richard Tisei for the spot. The Washington Post speculated that Democrats have a better chance at victory with the 35-year-old newcomer, since Tierney's personal life and low-energy campaign would have been easy targets for Republicans. Nonetheless, the race is expected to be fierce, since Tisei has already gained attention and financial support from conservative organizations, stated Military Times.
President Obama is set to announce his strategy for dealing with the Islamic militant issue in Syria on Wednesday, Sept. 10. According to CNN, Obama's plan will include economic, diplomatic and military action.
In a recent interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," the president touched upon some of the topics he will cover in his national address. He mentioned the implementation of a three-step plan that would include increasing airstrikes and further investigating members of the radical group who have started referring to themselves as the Islamic State. He described the new strategy as including more offensive tactics – something many have been hoping for since the extremist organization beheaded two American journalists earlier this month.
The New York Times noted that these gruesome murders, which were documented on video and distributed internationally via the Internet, have been instrumental in Obama's decisions. They have also swayed public opinion toward taking military action. The president considered using missiles in Syria last year when Bashar al-Assad began using chemical weapons, but he decided to cancel the plan when he received a lack of support from Congress. The determination and growing power of Islamic militants, however, has radically altered the political climate, according to the Times.
CNN noted that even though military action is a facet of the strategy, as of now President Obama will not be putting U.S. troops on the ground. Instead, he plans to provide support for Syrian and Iraqi troops. He told "Meet the Press" that while the religious extremist group is not currently an imminent threat to the U.S., it could evolve to be a problem if not handled properly and quickly.
"What I want people to understand is that over the course of months, we are going to be able to not just blunt the momentum of (ISIS), we are going to systematically degrade their capabilities, we're going to shrink the territory that they control and ultimately, we're going to defeat them," Obama said.
After the controversial Veterans Affairs scandal at the Phoenix, Arizona, facility in July, officials have been investigating allegations of wrongdoings in locations all over the country. The Phoenix location was under fire for its long wait times for emergency care, which are believed to have contributed to the avoidable deaths of many veterans, stated CNN. According to the source, this serious issue is believed to be a problem in over 70 locations throughout the U.S. The staff at these locations is believed to have been not only aware of these faulty practices, but compliant and even compensated for their participation.
One of the most notable stories from the Phoenix scandal is that of 76-year-old Navy veteran Edward Laird. Laird sought medical care in his life after service through the VA and instead got placed on a lengthy waiting list. The former servicemember remained on the 2 1/2-year list for a biopsy of a facial spot. By the time he received any care, cancer had spread rapidly, causing him to lose the majority of his nose, according to CNN. The FBI, VA Office of Inspector General and The Office of Special Counsel has been investigating similar cases since the controversial practices were brought to light.
Investigations are ongoing throughout the U.S. and findings are expected to be made public in the coming months, stated Military Times.
Peter Goutiere, now just shy of his 100th birthday, was reunited in Seattle with the Douglas C-47 plane he flew during WWII. He was only 29 years old when he piloted the aircraft on numerous missions over the Himalayan Mountains, braving tumultuous conditions and dangerous pathways to repeatedly deliver supplies to the Allied forces, according to The Herald of Everett, Washington.
CNN noted that Goutiere flew the plane for the China National Aviation Co. After the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Goutiere tried to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, but was rejected – at age 27 he was six months past the age limit. Determined to help his country, he joined CNAC in 1943. According to The Herald, the C-47 assigned to Goutiere holds historical as well as sentimental value. The aircraft was the 100th plane registered to CNAC and came to be known as Ship 100.
After Goutiere left CNAC in 1947, the plane cycled through various owners, including Pan American Airways, according to The Herald. In 2006, John Sessions, a New York-based aircraft broker, purchased and restored the plane. Together, Sessions and Goutiere piloted the C-47 from Seattle to San Francisco, where they met up with 102-year-old Moon Chin, another CNAC pilot. The two aviation veterans discussed their flying days as well as life after service. After flying the plane for the first time in 69 years, Goutiere told CNN "I was home."
Former Marine veteran Wallace T. Stewart will participate in the 2014 Alcatraz Invitational Swim on Sept. 14. Stewart will swim 1.25 miles through the San Francisco Bay to raise funds for a Korean War memorial, according to Military Times. The swim will pose a distinct challenge, since San Francisco water temperatures are notoriously frigid. Stewart is up for it, though. His life after service has been an active one: In addition to being a veteran of the Korean War, he has already completed the swim seven times, according to the Korean War Memorial Foundation.
The KWMF stated that this year's swim is special for a few reasons. Stewart will be participating with his grandson, Tom. Additionally, the race will take place the day before Sept. 15 – the 64th anniversary of the U.S. Marine landing in Incheon. This landing was a precursor to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, which was responsible for 1,000 deaths and 5,000 missing soldiers, noted Military Times.
Once adequate funds are raised, the Korean War Memorial will be built in the Presidio in San Francisco.
Ebola has spread rapidly throughout West Africa since cases started popping up earlier this year. The disease, which as of now has no proven cure, has been responsible for at least 2,100 deaths in the past few months, according to Global Post and The Washington Post. While Ebola is not currently an imminent threat to the health of Americans, the outbreak requires significant global attention. Because of this, President Obama announced on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he would be sending U.S. troops to bring aid to affected regions.
Doctors Without Borders, an organization that has been active in addressing the outbreak, was instrumental in requesting military aid, noted The Washington Post. The U.S. military will play a key role in helping DWB increase isolation centers and set up mobile labs. The U.S. Air Force will be transporting patients, health care staff and medical equipment. They also hope to help build a communicating hospital network throughout the area, according to The Washington Post.
The Navy Times noted that while Obama plans to contribute an estimated $22 billion to fight the outbreak, no American medical personnel will be sent to treat patients. The disease is known to have been transmitted from a number of patients to the health care professionals helping them. Even though America will not supply doctors and nurses, the U.S. armed forces' attention to detail, useful resources and logistical expertise is expected to be of immense help.
The Pentagon has announced roughly 200 U.S. servicemembers will be sent to train in Ukraine as part of an annual peacekeeping exercise called Rapid Trident, according to The Associated Press. The exercise, which will take place in western Ukraine, will run from Sept. 15 to Sept. 26.
Support far away from the conflict
According to The Hill, this will be the first time U.S. military members have traveled to Ukraine since government officials in Kiev began fighting against pro-Russian separatists in the country. American personnel will be stationed hundreds of miles away from the border of Ukraine and Russia.
The exercise will not include live fire weaponry. Instead, the AP reported that efforts would include practicing convoy operations, patrolling and learning tactics to locate and defuse improvised explosive devices. Soldiers involved in the exercises will be taken from Italy's 173rd Airborne Brigade. Although the troops will not support Ukrainian soldiers in combat, the Pentagon has announced that more non-lethal aid has been delivered to Ukrainian military personnel in the eastern part of the country. The delivered aid included helmets, explosive disposal robots, radios, body armor, first-aid kits and more.
Uniting against Russia
This is the latest step being taken to bolster support in NATO countries after Russia has reportedly entered Ukrainian territory. President Barack Obama denounced Russia's intervention in the region during a speech in Estonia, according to The Hill. Now, U.S. officials and NATO forces are beginning to plan additional military exercises in parts of eastern Europe. Further sanctions against Russia are also being considered, and Obama may propose the tougher measures during a NATO summit in the near future.
Obama has also revealed plans to strengthen ties between NATO and Ukraine, according to a White House press release. Increased engagement between the organization and Ukrainian civilians and military personnel is intended to reinforce the bonds between the two. Additionally, Obama and other allied leaders will meet with President Poroshenko at the Wales Summit to plan further measures to increase the ties between NATO and Ukraine.
Currently, the U.S. is focusing on constant rotations of air, sea and land personnel through Europe to show support to Allies nervous about the events in eastern Ukraine. Obama has also requested approval from Congress of a European Reassurance Initiative of $1 billion, which would allow for an increased military presence in the region and build greater partnerships with NATO allies.
President Barack Obama has authorized sending 350 additional military servicemembers to Iraq to help protect U.S. personnel and facilities following a Department of State request, according to a White House press release. The Department of State requested the increased military personnel following an interagency review, and the troops will be used for security and support of the Iraqi government. They will not serve in combat roles, however.
More military support in Baghdad
While the current number of troops in Iraq is 763, some troops will be leaving the country. Around 55 troops who have been in Iraq since June will be able to leave to other areas within the region. In total, the number of U.S. military members in Iraq once the 350 troops arrive will be roughly 820, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement. Just under half of that amount – 405 troops – will be stationed in Baghdad.
Those aren't the only military members stationed nearby U.S. facilities in Iraq. According to Military Times, sailors and marines in the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will lengthen their stay in the Fifth Fleet region – the area just off the coast of the Middle East – for three weeks. They will be stationed in the area while Obama and government officials continue to study ways to combat Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant insurgents.
Tensions between US and ISIL grow
Obama authorized airstrikes against ISIL targets on Aug. 28 to help besieged civilians in the town of Amirli, according to a White House press release. Those airstrikes were conducted on Aug. 30. Just days later, ISIL militants released a second video beheading an American citizen, Military Times reported. Steven Sotloff – a freelance journalist – read an ISIL statement before he was murdered on screen.
"You've spent billions of U.S. taxpayers' dollars and we've lost thousands of our troops in our previous fighting against the Islamic State," Sotloff said in the video. "So where is the people's interest in reigniting this war?"
Shortly afterward, a hooded ISIL militant – similar to the person in the previous James Foley video – appeared, saying another brief message before murdering Sotloff.
"I'm back, Obama, and I'm back because of your arrogant foreign policy towards the Islamic State," the man said.
The National Security Council has stated the video is authentic, according to Military Times. Since the video's release, Obama has stated the terrorists responsible for the murder of Sotloff will be found and taken to justice.
"We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us as a country and stiffen our resolve to take the fight against these terrorists," Obama said, according to Military Times. "And those who make the mistake of harming Americans will learn that we will not forget, and that our reach is long and that justice will be served."
ISIL militants are still holding at least one hostage – a British citizen, according to The Guardian. The government of the United Kingdom failed in rescuing the citizen during an operation earlier this year.
Government officials released an updated version of the G.I. Bill Comparison Tool recently, according to Stars and Stripes. The newest version of the tool is intended to give post-9/11 servicemembers, veterans and their families greater access to the tools necessary to learn about the educational benefits of certain learning institutions and discover more about VA-approved learning institutions and programs across the country.
Calculating the cost of school
Now, prospective students enrolled in the military can use the online tool to see how far their military benefits will take them based on what educational pursuit they intend to become a part of. The calculator will tell users how much GI Bill funds they may receive based on the length of their military service, according to New York Daily News. This is especially beneficial because users would normally have to visit a flurry of websites in order to estimate their costs themselves.
"In the past a student veteran would have to visit 15 to 20 websites just to estimate covering the cost for a single school," Will Hubbard, Student Veterans of America's vice president of government affairs, told the Daily News. "This is important for veterans to know upfront how far their benefits will take them when it comes to paying for school."
Warning veterans about for-profit colleges
One of the key reasons for developing a more effective cost calculator for veterans involves warning them against predatory for-profit institutions. According to the Daily News, President Barack Obama has already warned for-profit academic recruiters against preying on susceptible military personnel working to transition to civilian life.
The number of veterans enrolling in for-profit institutions has increased substantially over time, according to a report by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. While the overall number of veterans using the G.I. Bill program has more than doubled from 2009 to 2013 – up to 697,500 from 330,000 – the number of past military personnel joining nonprofit schools has climbed only slightly, while public college enrollments have actually decreased 12 percent. At the same time, veteran enrollments to for-profit schools has risen 8 percent.
For-profit schools can be a dangerous investment for veterans for various reasons, according to U.S. News & World Report. In an article published last year, past for-profit school recruiters and salesmen warned about some of the suspicious and detrimental details behind the scenes. In the article, for-profit school officials warn that they are pushed to promise prospective students jobs with higher salaries after graduation and forced to take advantage of and target military personnel specifically.
Senate Education Chairman Tom Harkin has openly criticized for-profit school programs after spearheading an investigation into the matter, U.S. News & World Report stated.
"For-profit schools see our active-duty military and veterans as a cash cow, an untapped profit resource," Harkin said, according to the news source. "It is both a rip off of the taxpayer and a slap in the face to the people who have risked their lives for our country."
The future of veteran education
The for-profit school trend may turn around, according to Stars and Stripes, however. Reportedly, nearly 350,000 people have used the G.I. Bill comparison tool over the past six months. Among the most popular schools researched were Harvard, University of Texasat Austin, American Public University, Arizona State University and University of Washington – all public or not-for-profit schools. Meanwhile, the refurbished program will offer estimations regarding educational outcomes from specific schools to judge whether investments in some institutions are actually worth what salesmen and particular marketing efforts claim.
Recently, military officials and reporters have warned of the imminent military airstrikes in Syria after President Barack Obama authorized aircraft surveillance missions over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant territory. However, the president stated in a press conference recently that airstrikes in Syria would not occur in the near future, as a plan of action in Syria is still being formulated.
No strategy in Syria yet
"We don't have a strategy yet," Obama told reporters. "We need to make sure that we've got clear plans, that we're developing them. At that point, I will consult with Congress and make sure that their voices are heard, but there's no point in me asking for action on the part of Congress before I know exactly what it is that is going to be required for us to get the job done."
Surveillance missions in Syria began just days before Obama gave statements in a press conference regarding military missions in the region. Now, it is clear the president will be taking his time to assess the threat posed by ISIL, sort through options designed by the Pentagon and consult with Congress about future measures in the country. Congress is still gone during the summer recess, and they will return come early September. According to CNN, Obama has made it clear that planning military intervention in Syria will take time, and a careful regional strategy must be formed before action is taken.
Commitment to Iraq
In the meantime, the president has reiterated military commitment to U.S. officials in Iraq. Airstrikes are already being used in defense of American personnel in Erbil and Baghdad, according to The Associated Press. ISIL militants have attempted to secure more area within the region and threaten U.S. individuals, but airstrikes have successfully pushed the militants back from the Mosul dam and from other key areas.
However, the military measures alone will not extinguish ISIL, according to the president.
"The idea that the United States or any outside power would perpetually defeat ISIS … is unrealistic," Obama said. "Our military is the best in the world. We can route ISIS on the ground and keep a lid on things temporarily. But then as soon as we leave, the same problems come back again."
Instead, Obama stated that a strong Iraqi government with a clear handle on defensive security will be necessary to make headway in the area. To establish that government, the people of Iraq would need to make compromises. In addition to that, the president encouraged surrounding regions and people to band together to help defeat ISIL.
"This should be a wake-up call to Sunni, to Shia – to everybody – that a group like ISIS is beyond the pale; that they have no vision or ideology beyond violence and chaos and the slaughter of innocent people," Obama said. "We've got to all join together – even if we have differences on a range of political issues – to make sure that they're rooted out."
An uncertain future
The AP equated Obama's aim to collaborate with Congress to similar events one year ago when the president sought to authorize airstrikes in Syria in retaliation for chemical weapons use. However, in a change of heart, Obama brought the issue to Congress for approval. Facing further scrutiny, Congress rebuffed his request for a vote and the president later canceled any plans to intervene in Syria. Some believe requesting another congressional vote could cause the same turn of events. However, Obama has not revealed plans to request a vote from Congress if he decides to authorize future airstrikes in the region.