The Obama administration recently announced that it will sign a new lease to keep a military base in the country of Djibouti, providing a military presence in Africa for the next 20 years. According to The New York Times, this base is the only U.S. military presence on the African continent, and is being pursued to serve as a counter-terrorism bulwark against militancy in Somalia and Yemen. This is further evidence of the far-flung nature of the U.S. military, as life after service for many soldiers brings them back to the U.S. from exotic locations all over the globe.
Obama administration sees base as a crucial resource in region
"Obviously, Camp Lemonnier is extraordinarily important not only to our work throughout the Horn of Africa but throughout the region," said Obama, as quoted by the news source.
Djibouti is a small East-African country, but many see it as providing strategic value to America's global commitments. For example, All Africa noted that the military installation has been used in the past to coordinate attacks on Al-Qaeda fighters, lending credence to what the source refers to as Obama's view of the installment as "critical" in diminishing militancy in Africa and globally.
"The U.S. has calculated that putting the money into what's seen as a relatively stable country in a very strategic location with access to a lot of unstable countries will pay off both in the near and the long term," said Joe Siegle, research director at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, according to All Africa.
Siegle's comments reflect on the administration's goal to provide more stable environments to countries that have, unfortunately, experienced the devastating effects of war and the lack of the rule of law, inequities that the administration's commitments in Djibouti clearly want to improve.
Other considerations said to precipitate move to 20-year lease
"More and more oil is being imported there from Africa into the United States, as well as other strategic minerals," said Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of Pan-African News Wire, according to the source, "That, in our opinion, is guiding this increased military presence."
Thus, the U.S. seeks to ensure continuity in its military presence in Africa, while also trading resources with the small African country, which may help to expand economic opportunity in the region. This information may be appealing to those involved in providing army benefits, who may desire to see Africa grow, both militarily and economically.
The Times also noted that the Obama administration's pending 20-year lease came close to encountering awkwardness, as Russia also wanted a small portion of land in the African country, though the Times suggests that the pending agreement between the U.S. and Djibouti seems to preclude any deal with Russia, which has recently drawn the ire of the U.S. and the international community for the kerfuffle in the Ukraine.
"The Russians came to see us; they wanted facilities in our country," said Mahmoud Ali Youssef, Djibouti's foreign minister, according to the source.
As the U.S. seeks to build solidarity and support in Africa, it also desires to buttress this by providing a significant amount of material aid. The source said that the U.S. plans to invest a billion dollars in the military installation, which may even lead to benefits for veterans who served at the African base.
"Our relation is a relation of strategic partnership," said Ismail Omar Guelleh, president of Djibouti, according to the source, "The fact that we welcome U.S. forces in our country shows our support for international peace, and for peace in our region as well."
The administration's efforts to burnish the U.S.'s military presence in Africa will be sure to provide interesting commentary in the future, especially regarding U.S. commitments worldwide.
Life after service can be a stressful time for veterans. The rhythms and cadences of civilian life are vastly different from the rigor of military life, which may require some mechanisms to cope with the stresses of daily life and the residual scars from the battlefield. Luckily, there are various ways for returning veterans to manage their stress, and some might be more surprising than others.
Ceramic art represents crafty way to manage stress
According to the Daily Sundial, arts therapy is an outlet for veterans who seek to vent pent-up stress. The source noted that a recent arts therapy workshop was run by a Marine Corp veteran, Thomas Dang, who also has a Master's in Fine Arts, which allows him to be supple in straddling the worlds of art and the more rigorous world of the military. The program garnered accolades from military men and women who participated in it, lending credence to the holistic benefits of certain kinds of arts and crafts.
Physicality is key in warding off anxiety
Military.com noted that an excellent way for veterans to diminish feelings of anxiety is to participate in physical sports. The source suggested that sports like jogging and tennis can be an excellent way to loosen feelings of anxiety. A more low-key sport such as golf may not be the best option here, however, as greater exertion will help create a more positive outlook on problems. Returning soldiers have to contend with various factors, such as obtaining army life insurance, that may create stress. Therefore, knowing what to do when stress sets in can be essential.
Yoga a viable resource in contending with stress
Yoga can also help veterans deal with feelings of stress. According to Reuters, many specialists have suggested that yoga can help diminish symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.
"You want to feel comfortable with your instructor, especially if you're new to this – you want to know that they'll come around and help you align and feel comfortable with them doing that so you don't hurt yourself and also you have a more positive experience if you feel connected with the instructor," said Michelle Hamilton of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, according to Reuters.
Hamilton's comments shed light on the necessity of veterans forming solidarity with instructors and others after military service. While this may be arduous, there are certainly benefits to be had in developing a closer relationship to a yoga instructor, working on establishing bonds and trust. The Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare system even cited a story in which a Vietnam veteran, who suffered from PTSD, was able to sleep better after he pursued yoga to help relieve stress. While no solution is a panacea, veterans may be sanguine about the benefits yoga presents.
Meditation helps veterans grapple with negative feelings
"All these practices are designed to foster a calm, non-judgmental awareness of your sensations and feelings," said Dr. Autumn Gallegos, a researcher at VA's Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, according to the Veterans Administration. "We call it Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. The idea is to be present in the moment, to be fully aware and alive. And if you can do that, you can choose how you're going to respond to unpleasant events or memories. You become the captain of your own ship."
The source noted that meditation practices like mindfulness can help bring a veteran suffering from anxiety to feel more calm and tranquil, avoiding the deleterious effects of stress. Yoga often links up with this type of meditation, allowing a veteran to combine stress-releasing activities to help regain an inherent sense of placidness in oneself.
A veteran will probably have numerous interactions with organizations like the Veterans Administration and various philanthropic organizations in a lifetime. The latter includes such organizations as Wounded Warrior Stables, which donates cash that is derived from the winnings of horse races to veterans, according to Kentucky Derby.com. Wounded Warrior Stables is emblematic of the various ways altruism can permeate through numerous organizations, helping veterans in creative ways.
Uncle Sigh to wear purple heart in honor of troops
According to The Augusta Chronicle, George McEwen III is a long-time horse owner who decided two years ago to donate 10 percent of his winnings to veterans. This is excellent news for former servicemembers, news that is trebled due to the fast approaching Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The owner's horse in the race is named 'Uncle Sigh' and will wear a Purple Heart during the race to signify the owner's solidarity with veterans.
The Wounded Warrior Project is analogous to numerous civic organizations dedicated to benefiting veterans across the U.S. Other organizations in this vein include the Fallen Patriot Fund and Folds of Honor. Military benefits, of course, can be obtained through the Veterans Administration, but other services are often difficult to obtain for veterans. This accentuates the impact that private charity can have on the daily lives of veterans, helping facilitate easy adjustments to civilian life.
George McEwen's description of Wounded Warrior Stables Project
"It's not about me, it's about them, and getting them in the forefront of people's minds again because it's easy to forget we've been at war since 2001," said owner McEwen, according to The Augusta Chronicle. "It was then that I realized that I had to do more for people like that than buy a wristband or a T-shirt to support them."
McEwen's comments reflect a commitment to veterans services, which may lead many to zealously anticipate the outcome of Saturday's race. Owner McEwen has said that his decision to begin the Wounded Warrior Stables Project was precipitated by a procession for a wounded young soldier in North Carolina.
"That was the moment that changed everything for me," said McEwen, according to the Courier-Journal, "When you think about somebody who's been wounded in a war, you don't really think about their family members and how that entire dynamic is changed forever — all because they put their lives on the line to protect our freedom."
The race on Saturday promises to be exciting, as horse racing fans and military veterans alike passionately wait to see which thoroughbred will cross the finish line first.
Life after service displays large shifts for men and women who were in the armed services. Thankfully, there are sundry charities and civic groups that seek to help veterans readjust to civilian life. Recently, first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden announced that they are seeking to help veterans across the country – principally by promoting foundations and organizations in the U.S. whose stated goals are to give assistance to veterans. This charitable work can be a great complement to the work the Veteran's Administration does in helping returning soldiers track down army life insurance. Hopefully the first lady's passionate entreaty to provide more resources for veterans is both genuine and successful.
Obama calls for more resources for veterans in passionate opinion piece
In an opinion piece jointly written by the first lady and Dr. Biden in the Military Times, the two women called forcefully for more services to be available for veterans. The piece discussed the joyful occasion that a returning solider brings to many families – as veterans have been away from their families for extended periods of time, in overseas locations. The piece suggests that this is often seen as the terminus of a veteran's journey, while, according to the source, it is actually just the beginning.
Still work to be done after veterans return home
The two women noted the various difficult tasks inherent in civilian life, such as finding a well-paying job to provide for a family. Military benefits help with some of this, but, the source suggests that the onus of war mandates an intense response among civil society to bring veterans into a warm community.
"We cannot allow ourselves to forget their service to our country," said first lady Michelle Obama, as quoted by The Huffington Post, "We've got to show our military families that our country is there for them not just while they're in uniform but for the long haul."
Opinion piece emblematic of commitment to veterans
In line with Obama's rousing rhetoric, the opinion piece clearly shows that this will be backed up by a significant amount of capital. According to the piece, the Veterans Philanthropy exchange, a collection of charity organizations dedicated to helping veterans in life after military, have pledged 102 million dollars in just the next five years. This comes on top of previous multi-million dollar donations, accruing a viable charitable avenue for veterans to pursue.
"The Phoenix tragedy, Fort Hood shooting and the latest Pentagon suicide numbers all sadly underscore the urgent need for a sustained, national effort to ensure all our vets get the care and support they deserve," said Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, according to The Huffington Post, "This challenge is much more than the government can handle alone. These leading foundations have made a bold, visionary commitment."
Returning soldiers who may have heard about the first lady's initiative, but are unsure of how to track down military benefits, should peruse Military Times, and visit the websites of organizations like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America to elicit further information on the many benefits available to veterans of the recent conflicts that the U.S. has been involved in.
The opinion piece concludes with a call to action, suggesting that complacency and apathy will be inimical to a process that requires the commitment and participation of citizens and philanthropists alike. The writers equate this commitment to helping show returning veterans the love that will help build dignity, an indispensable virtue to have when navigating the new environment of civilian life. Veterans should check out the information pertaining to this philanthropic initiative, as they will gain handy resources they may have been previously unapprised of.
Civilian life throws veterans back into the quotidian tasks of civilian life – concern over obtaining veterans benefits, getting a job and creating a warm and loving family. A New Jersey insurance company, Zufall Health, is seeking to ease this burden, by giving veterans the chance to obtain more affordable dental insurance. Veterans benefits are often harder to come by then most people expect, so the company's initiative could help give veterans the chance to obtain quality dental care.
Affordable dental clinic open to veterans
According to the Independent Press, Zufall Health is using its resources to bring a health van to a clinic at a Veterans center twice a month. This allows veterans a number of opportunities to obtain discount dental insurance per month, making the chances of festering cavities and other mouth-related problems easier to deal with. If caught early, these issues can be dealt with quickly, excellent news for returning soldiers concerned about what their veterans insurance covers.
"It was nearly 14 years ago that the Morris Freeholders joined with the Veterans Administration and Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen to open our clinic, which greatly improved convenience and health care options for veterans in Morris, Sussex, and Warren Counties," said Freeholder John Krickus, according to the news source. "This program is a perfect complement to the services already provided, and we're really proud to join with Zufall so that our veterans can take advantage of all it offers."
Veterans residing in New Jersey who are interested in the program should check out Zufall Health Center's website, which provides information on the company's goals and resources. The site also provides a calendar that clearly shows where the dental van is slated to arrive. The month of May will bring the van to Morristown and Hackettstown, viable New Jersey locations that a resident veteran should travel to if interested in having a check up done.
Zufall's CEO welcomes initiative
"This initiative gives us a great opportunity to better serve our region's veterans population," said Eva Turbiner, Zufall's chief executive officer, according to the Independent Press. "We are indeed grateful for the county's collaboration and the cooperation of the Veterans Administration without which this would not have been possible."
The coordination of the Veterans Administration might make the process of obtaining dental care more efficient, allowing veterans to discover information on Zufall's initiative through a worker at the Veterans Administration. The New Jersey Veterans Administration has various links to sources for dental care, that will be a helpful complement to Zufall's dental van.
"This really completes the portfolio for needed health care, not only for veterans enrolled in the VA Health System, but for veterans who for various reasons are unable to participate," said Charles Jurgensen, Morris County veteran's service officer, according to the source, "Now, every veteran will have an opportunity for affordable dental care."
Hopefully Zufall's plan helps veterans obtain necessary dental care, further easing the adjustment back to civilian life.
Life after service represents a time of transition for numerous veterans looking to get back in the swing of civilian life. The recent grant that the U.S. Paralympics gave to returning veterans who are disabled in some way presents a great way for athletically oriented veterans to participate in visceral competition, helping to bring some of that famous military rigor to civilian life. According to Scuttlebutt Sailing News, the Olympic board will subsidize United States Sailing Association, Inc., to help disabled veterans tap into their seafaring side.
Enterprise gives veterans a chance to participate in sports
According to the source, the program pioneered by the U.S. Paralympics and the Veterans Administration helps provide grants ranging from $13,000 to $500,000 to local communities passionate about helping veterans with life after service.
It is truly an honor to be able to introduce the sport of sailing to wounded, ill and injured service men and women," said Betsy Alison, Paralympic coach for U.S. Sailing and the U.S. Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider, the national sailing team, as quoted by the source. "US Sailing and the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider are so pleased to be able to offer an experience which we hope will lead to ongoing pipeline programming for those with a physical disability and other accompanying injuries like TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)."
Veterans Administration provides ample funds
The Chicago Tribune noted the visible extent of the Veterans Administration's involvement in supplying funds for local communities, as the administration has contributed $7.5M to numerous community organizations across the country. This could be a wonderful complement to essentials for veterans that the Administration provides, such as military life insurance. However, the Veterans Administration understands that sports can be a great way to further integrate a former service member in a community, so the funds help to serve a purpose that many civilians and veterans alike may see as noble.
"This funding has allowed thousands of veterans and service members with physical disabilities to participate in Paralympic sport at the community level," Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics, USOC, told the Chicago Tribune. "Through the leadership at Veterans Affairs and within Congress, these funds have a tremendous impact on the availability of programs across the country, not to mention thousands of lives."
Military benefits comprise a vast swathe of necessities for veterans – and the addition of Paralympics offers the chance for disabled veterans to display their prowess on the athletic field, helping build avenues for recreation and community.
'Miss Saigon' is a play that features a plot derived from the famous dark themes of "Madame Butterfly," which featured a Vietnam veteran who returns to Saigon to a former lover. According to The Observer, a local New York Paper, Miss Saigon is coming to the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck in May. Returning veterans should considering checking out the play, given that the actors consulted veterans of the Vietnam War to make their roles authentic, full of the realism of the '60s and '70s conflict.
Actors consult veterans to establish realism
"Hearing the first-hand accounts of the war from the vets … was very inspiring and moving, to say the least," said actor Jarek Zabczynsk, according to the source. "As an actor, it makes a role like this feel all that more real when you hear from people who have actually experienced some of what you are trying to portray. It reminds you that this isn't all fantasy, some of these things really happened."
The source noted that some of the actors in the cast had experience contending with post traumatic stress disorder, which may have given insight into the psychological makeup needed to represent a convincing portrait of life for a distraught Vietnam veteran. Former service members who have settled in Rhinebeck for life after service may be interested to see if the play can persuasively show an authentic portrayal of the war.
High School solicits similar advice for play
'Miss Saigon' was also performed in March by Union High School students in New Jersey, according to NJ.com. Like the play being performed next month in New York, the high school actors benefited from the counsel of Vietnam War veterans.
"This whole experience has made me realize the importance of the veterans past, present and future. I will never forget the moment they presented us with the 'Endless Wall' for as long as I live," said high school student Jonathan Duvelson. "The 'Endless Wall' will go on display in the theater room for the cast and those future theatre students to remember the commitment soldiers then and now continue to make."
Life after military, especially for veterans of the Vietnam War, has been an arduous experience. The dedication of actors across the country – seeking to produce a play that is faithful to an honest depiction of life in Indochina during the conflict may pique the interest of former solders. Regardless, whatever your status, civilian or military, get down to New York for 'Miss Saigon.'
Life after military may be challenging for many veterans. Thankfully, civilians who have service members as loved ones and friends have a chance to make a positive impact on their lives like never before, through various charity programs, civic institutions and other groups dedicated to improving the spiritual and material lives of returning veterans. Essentials like military life insurance is obviously a must, though it is simple acts of love and charity that can help a returning veteran feel at home in a warm and hospitable habitation in civilian life.
Trip designed to convey gratitude
One way to demonstrate your solidarity with a veteran may be to follow the method employed by Honor Flight Network, which arranges for World War II veterans to see the memorial dedicated to the veterans' sacrifice in Washington, D.C. According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, a number of veterans would have been unable to visit the memorial without the assistance that this nonprofit provides. Commuting to Washington for a veteran living in Seattle or Maine can be very unfeasible and especially difficult in the still sluggish U.S. economy.
The nonprofit has attempted to ameliorate this – in the process allowing more than 300 veterans of the war to see the memorial in Washington.
"I'm really impressed with the people who have come out to see us and to help," said the U.S. Army veteran., Bob Sears, a veteran of the war, according to the source, "There's so many people who came … who care."
Honoring veterans by contributing to parades and charities
According to the New York Daily News, Sen. Chuck Schumer recently called for a parade in New York City to celebrate the sacrifice of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, in an area of New York called the Canyon of Heroes, which is reputed to be imbued with a historical spirit.
"With the war in Afghanistan winding down, now is the time to keep with longstanding American tradition and kick off a campaign for the first New York City welcome home parade for troops that served in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Schumer, according to the source.
Parades can be a fitting testament to beloved veterans, demonstrating a nod of support while having the added benefit of avoiding overtly political statements. These wars are still fresh in the American psyche, presenting tributes that will probably show much more nuance than a tribute to veterans of WWII, the latter a conflict that is popularly seen as a necessary and just cause among Europeans and Americans.
"The brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation with courage and skill in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve a recognition for their sacrifice," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, as quoted by the source, "I stand with Senator Schumer in his call for a parade to honor our veteran heroes, and New York City would be proud to host this important event."
The support of leading New York politicians may usher in a successful parade, one that pays a fitting tribute to veterans in America's most recent wars.
Seeking out reputable military charities can also be an excellent source for helping veterans. Benefits for veterans are helped significantly by the Veterans Administration, but citizens can also do their part by tracking down viable and transparent charities for veterans by visiting sites like Great Nonprofits that provide indispensable links to various charities for veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Troop Appreciation and Soldiers' Angels.
The time has never been more fortuitous to help a veteran with a return to civilian life, in the process cultivating solidarity and contributing to a warm sense of community.
President Barack Obama's current trip to Asia comes amid the growing ascension of various squabbles in the region. According to Yahoo News, Obama's itinerary includes visits to several Asian countries, including Malaysia, South Korea and Japan. The president's visits are taking place at a time when tensions are high. This is certainly the case with theSenkaku Islands, which are currently the subject of an acrimonious ownership dispute between China and Japan.
Obama shows fealty to Japan
"We don't take a position on final sovereignty" over the islands, said Obama, as quoted by The New York Times, "But historically, they have been administered by Japan, and we do not believe they should be subject to change unilaterally."
The president's words reflects America's allegiance to Japan, bound by a defense treaty to protect the Asian nation's ownership of the island. Many view U.S. foreign policy as having a pivotal role in Asia, especially for the purposes of quelling nationalistic squabbles.
"This is a very important turning point for the United States-Japan alliance because it means the period of drift under President Obama has finally come to an end," said Yuichi Hosoya, an expert on American-Japanese relations at Keio University in Tokyo, according to The New York Times. "The fact that this was said by the president will have a huge psychological impact on Japanese officials and people."
This suggests Obama's trips is founded on significantly increasing solidarity between Japan and the U.S., and more broadly, with all of America's Asian allies.
Obama shows solidarity with South Korea
"Obviously we come here at a time when there has been provocative language from North Korea, and it's important for us to show complete solidarity with our ally, the Republic of Korea, in standing up to those provocations," said Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser, as quoted by Yahoo News.
This comment suggests the administration's commitment to defending South Korea, should North Korea increase aggressive stances against its southern neighbor. The president's visit also comes amid tragedy, as a South Korean ferry sunk just a week before Obama's visit.
In his trip to South Korea, the president spoke of what many see as the deep loyalty held between the U.S. and the Korean democracy.
"Our solidarity is bolstered by the courage of our service members, both Korean and American, who safeguard this nation," noted Obama while in South Korea, as quoted by Yahoo News.
U.S. soldiers who returned to civilian life after military tenure in the Korean War may have appreciated the president's comments, reflecting the shared historical bond South Korea and the U.S. share. South Korea is increasingly worried about the nuclear ambitions of North Korea. Therefore, the stakes of the president's visit are quite high, as reflected in the rousing speeches he made while in South Korea.
The volatile climate suggests the intense level of statesmanship necessary to be a U.S. president, balancing the numerous conflicting issues to maintain a suitable balance of power, though only the future will tell what the outcomes will be.
A veteran represents one of the most venerated individuals in society. With many soldiers contending with life after service, it is obvious that the military is changing in vast and revolutionary ways. A relatively recent aspect of military life is the introduction of woman into the ranks. This historical event has lead women to perform admirably and heroically in the armed services. A brief summary of women veterans and their role in military life is thus in order, especially given that March was women's history month.
Early history of women in military
According to The Huffington Post, the number of women in the U.S. armed services has reached an "unprecedented" level. The source noted that women were involved in military preparation during the American Revolutionary War, serving as nurses and other non-combative roles. However, despite the prohibition on women in combat until relatively recently, many women found a way to the front lines. This may have been indicative of the eagerness that women have shown throughout U.S. history to enter the ranks of the military, although this was only reflected legally in recent decades. Deborah Sampson, a woman of the revolutionary generation, disguised herself as a man to serve in George Washington's army for a year in 1781, according to History.org. Another prominent woman during the American Revolution was Mary Ludwig, who helped bring water to patriot troops in the Battle of Monmouth.
Seminal influence of "Molly Pitcher"
Monmouth is located in central New Jersey, playing a significant role in the tide turning to the patriot side in the war. Ludwig earned the moniker "Molly Pitcher" for her life-saving efforts to bring sustenance to troops, even taking up the mantle as a cannon gunner when her husband was incapacitated during the battle. Her memory lives on today in the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey, a posh restaurant and hotel that overlooks the placid Navesink River.
The U.S. has filled the venerable legacy of Molly Pitcher, having a significant number of women in the army, not to mention female soldiers who will receive veterans insurance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a special section on their website called the Center for Women Veterans providing information on health, resources, community engagement and public service. This can be an excellent resource if returning veterans are unsure of the benefits they are entitled to. Likewise, the Veterans Affairs website offers information for the family and spouses of returning veterans, a valuable resource for loved ones eagerly awaiting a solider from overseas.
Influential moments in the history of women's role in the armed services
According to History. Org, women were officially allowed in the armed services in 1973, when the draft was ended. This lead to the creation of an all-volunteer-army, helping to exponentially increase the number of women in the ranks.
Another prominent turning point occurred when women began to be permitted at military service academies, such as West Point. The glass ceiling has continued to crack, with thousands of women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and other hotspots.
The source noted that 41,000 women were deployed during the Persian Gulf War, a testament to the quick ascension women have made in the army in the relatively short time they have been authorized to serve.
For some, the gains may seem slow and incremental. The source also suggests this, displaying the progress throughout the years that women have made in the armed services. For example, a woman commanded a warship for the first time in 2000, while the first time a woman commanded a fight squadron only occurred in 2004.