The Department of Defense announced Tuesday night that all U.S. troops would soon be pulled from Ebola zones in Liberia. NBC News reported that about half of the forces originally sent to the region have already been taken out.
According to The New York Times, only 100 of the 3,000 troops who have been sent to Liberia will still be there come April. The source explained that while the deadly disease remains an issue for the area, its spread has slowed down significantly and the situation is no longer officially considered a crisis. While just a few months ago medical workers were handling upwards of 1,000 cases each week, there have only been 12 cases reported in the past three weeks. Originally, public health experts anticipated a death toll of 1 million by the end of January, but domestic and international aid helped keep this rate down to 9,000 casualties.
The 100 troops who will stay in Liberia will be in charge of running the special medical centers that were constructed by the U.S. They will continue to be available in the event that the disease starts to spread quickly once again. While officials say this scenario is highly unlikely, the troops will also be in charge of teaching Liberian health workers how to use medical testing equipment donated by the U.S. American forces are also helping local authorities track down people who came in contact with Ebola patients in an effort to completely stop the spread of the virus.
NBC noted that upon returning to the U.S., troops will still be subject to a 21-day quarantine period to ensure that they have not been infected with the disease.
The U.S. recently sent $25 million worth of weapons and ammunition to Beirut, Lebanon, reported The Associated Press. The supplies are intended to assist Lebanon's armed forces as they continue their fight against Islamic extremists.
According to the source, the delivery included over 70 M198 howitzers, various types of artillery and over 26 rounds of ammunition. The shipment helped make Lebanon the fifth-largest recipient of military assistance from the U.S. Over the past eight years, the nation has received over $ billion worth of American weapons, with $100 million of supplies donated last year alone. Lebanon is also receiving help from France and Saudi Arabia, explained the source. Shipments from these countries are expected to arrive in early April.
Islamic extremist groups have been targeting Lebanese troops over the past few months, largely due to the country's proximity to Syria. The jihadist organizations have been launching attacks over the Syrian border, even capturing Lebanese soldiers. The Associated Press noted that Lebanon's army is indicative of the country's diversity and includes soldiers that identify as Christian, Druze, Sunni and Shiite. While the force is often praised as a unifying force, it has been struggling to maintain domestic peace in the face of political unrest.
In a statement issued by the Embassy of the United States, Ambassador David Hale explained that providing support to Lebanese troops is a crucial component in the ongoing international war against terror.
"We are fighting the same enemy, so our support for you has been swift and continuous. I am confident that, with the right equipment, Lebanon's soldiers can defend Lebanon successfully. And the equipment we are providing is exactly what the army leadership has asked for, and exactly what the army needs," he said.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, a bill aiming to improve mental health care for veterans passed in the Senate. According to the Washington Times, the legislation is named the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. It is named for a Marine who, after finding it difficult to access adequate mental care through Veterans Affairs facilities, took his own life.
Bill calls for change
The New York Times reported that the act, which passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, will focus on improving the quality of mental care provided by the VA. Existing programs will undergo regular outside assessments. Those in charge of the evaluations will examine all 800 VA clinics and hospitals around the nation with the hopes of figuring out what practices are efficient and what techniques should be retired.
If passed by President Obama, the legislation will also prompt the creation of a new website devoted to the mental health of veterans. The page will be interactive and easy to use, noted The New York Times. In addition to providing former soldiers with a number of helpful resources, it will feature information and support for concerned family members, friends and colleagues looking to get their loved ones help.
Five of the VA's 22 regional networks will also create peer-support programs for returning soldiers. This proposed initiative would match veterans transitioning to civilian life with more experienced peers who will be able to offer them help and support for all of their mental health issues. The bill also addresses the organization's lack of qualified and committed mental health professionals. The legislation would create a medical school loan repayment program in an effort to recruit talented physicians.
Lastly, the bill calls for an extension on the current period late-stage combat troops returning from either Iraq or Afghanistan have to take advantage of VA health benefits without showing a service-related disability, noted The New York Times. Currently, the window is five years, but if passed the bill will extend this time by 12 months.
Suicide a prominent issue for veterans
According to CNN, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives each day in the U.S., which amounts to one death every 65 minutes. While this figure is notable, the source explained that the true number is most likely much higher. About one-fifth of all suicides in America are former soldiers. The New York Times reported that between 2009 and 2011, the suicide rate for male veterans ages 18-24 jumped from 46.1 per 100,000 to 79.1 per 100,000.
"We may never completely end this terrible epidemic that is plaguing our country, but if we can save one parent from having to bury their child, one son from losing his mother or one sister from losing her brother, it's worth trying with all our might," said Rep. Timothy J. Walz, D- Minn., the lawmaker responsible for introducing the bill into the House, upon the act's passing in the Senate.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life is no easy task, especially when it comes to choosing a new career path. A recent study, conducted by CareerCast.com and published in Forbes magazine, revealed that while many exiting soldiers feel lost and underqualified in their job search during life after service, the skills acquired by people in the military can actually transfer nicely to a number of high-paying jobs. Though some might require additional training, there are many positions out there that are great potential fits for people with armed forces experience. For the report, CareerCast.com used over 100 veteran-friendly criteria to figure out which jobs were best for people leaving the military.
1. Administrative services manager
This position, which typically pays upward of $80,000 annually, is a wonderful option for veterans who excelled in leadership positions during their time as soldiers. Good time management and excellent organizational skills are also crucial qualifications for this job, noted the report.
2. Electrician
According to CareerCast.com, this trade is a union position, so it involves a lot of the camaraderie and teamwork present in military life. For soldiers who enjoyed this aspect of the service, this job, which has a median salary of around $50,000, could be a great fit. Additionally, vets can take advantage of the GI Bill to fund their post-military electrician training.
3. Software engineer
Tech companies are taking off as the world moves toward an increasingly digital lifestyle. Not only are these companies helping to reshape the world and improve the way people are staying connected, but they are also some of the most veteran-friendly employers on today's job market. CareerCast.com noted that for soldiers who were not able to gain tech experience during their time in the military, many companies, like Microsoft, have implemented on-the-job training initiatives. The median salary for this position is just over $85,000 per year.
4. Emergency medical technician
Legislation that passed in February 2013 made it possible for former servicemembers with relevant medical experience gained during their time in the military to apply this training toward becoming an EMT. For veterans that completed applicable programs while in the service, this position, with a median salary of just over $30,000, can be a good transition job. Additionally, for those looking to pursue careers in the medical field, being an EMT is an excellent way to gain experience in the industry.
5. Construction program manager
This position comes highly recommended by CareerCast.com for a number of reasons. In 2014, many construction companies across the U.S. joined an initiative to hire 100,000 veterans by 2020. These jobs are great for veterans because they involve leadership, organization and teamwork skills – all characteristics taught by serving in the armed forces. With a median salary of over $80,000, being a construction program manager is also relatively high-paying.
Forbes noted that many of the positions ranked by CareerCast.com have "manager" in the title, largely because of the inherent leadership skills it takes to be a soldier. Servicemembers should highlight these qualifications in their resumes to give them an edge when it comes to applying for managerial positions. Additionally, the source explained that soldiers who have experience in a legal setting should consider applying for positions like paralegals, which they could thrive in.
CareerCast.com noted that former servicemembers should also investigate positions in the finance industry. Though they may not have gained in-depth industry knowledge during their time as soldiers, many financial organizations have veteran-friendly internship programs that can set former soldiers on the path to a fulfilling career.
Sports make up a large portion of American culture, and football is one that's especially dear to the country. Knowing this, it only makes sense that sports teams would contribute to the honoring of those who have served. Many athletes have shown their support for the troops with personal visits, charitable donations and other forms of appreciation. Recently, one veteran was even awarded with a ticket to the upcoming Super Bowl.
Ticket to Phoenix
Super Bowl XLIX will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1. Dustin Butler, a Marine Corps veteran of Cherokee descent, will be in attendance to see what's sure to be an action-packed game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, reported the Muskogee Phoenix. The tickets were donated by Operation Enduring Respect, an organization that gives veterans the opportunity to attend professional sports events during life after service. In addition to the tickets, the group will cover the fees for transportation, food, souvenirs and lodging, and even provide Butler with the chance to attend a private NFL Hall of Fame luncheon with some of the most well-respected NFL legends.
"I've been watching the Super Bowl since I was old enough to remember, and I never expected to ever go in person," Butler told the news source. "Words don't describe how happy I am to be going and experiencing this firsthand."
It's this kind of appreciation that drives Kevin Phelps and Brian McKee, founders of the organization, to continue the good deeds they're doing for those who have served.
NFL and veterans
The NFL shows its support for veterans in its own way. The NFL website noted that its Salute to Service campaign connects football teams with those who have served and strives to give them an experience they'll never forget. Not only that, but all donations made to the campaign go directly to their military sponsors, which include well-known organizations like USO, Wounded Warrior Project and Pat Tillman Foundation.
The website explains that "through its long standing partnerships and support from our 32 teams, the NFL takes pride in supporting military personnel and remains committed to raising awareness for the sacrifices they make on our behalf." The United States Automobile Association is the official military sponsor of the program, and continues to make many valuable contributions to the troops. The company also recently ran a social media campaign that encourages users to post messages of appreciation to those who have served with the hashtag #SaluteToService.
Veterans and their families are well aware of the strain that serving can put on a relationship. It can be difficult to be apart from each other for so long, and some risk never seeing each other again. For those who have experienced the latter, one veteran decided to write a book that would help them through.
Katerina's Tears
Michael Galitello, now 80 years old, worked with ghost writer Rob Carr to write "Katerina's Tears," a romance novel that detailed the fictional life of one couple's experience with war, reported The Register Citizen. A touching story, the book was started in January 2014 and submitted to the publisher in October. Galitello wanted to write the book as a tribute to fallen soldiers who were not able to reunite with the loves of their lives.
"It's a love story for the guys that never made it back to meet their 'Katerina' and also for the 'Katerinas' who might have not met their guys who didn't make it back," Galitello told the news source.
In addition to the story, the cover of the book was inspired by real-life events. It features the silhouette of a woman, which is an actual picture that Galitello found one day. In fact, it was what inspired the story in the first place.
"I got that inspiration of love, love will find you, love is there, love is waiting," he added.
Other novels
"Katerina's Tears" is one of many books written by veterans. After that one was published, Galitello started writing his second one, a Christmas story called "The Ornament." Writing can be an effective way of expressing oneself during life after service. There are many organizations that promote the art form as a healthy form of therapy. Veterans' Voices, Warrior Writers and Veterans Writing Project are all programs that developed to help veterans find a healing hobby.
While some of these organizations teach courses and hold seminars on writing, others simply provide veterans with a group of like-minded individuals who are interested in getting together and sharing their stories. Specifically, Veterans' Voices accepts online submissions for prose and poetry and consistently posts it on the site for all to read. The Veterans Writing Project lists literary, social and therapeutic as the three main goals of the program. It brings together veterans and teaches them how to effectively express themselves through writing with the expert-led courses and mentoring program.
As baby boomers age, so does a large population of World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans. As a result, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is assigned the task of developing programs that will keep them comfortable and healthy throughout their years.
End-of-life care
NPR recently reported on a portion of the money being put into end-of-life care for veterans. One way they are beefing up resources for older vets during life after service is their partnership with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Together, the two teams work to make veterans and their families as comfortable as possible as they age. What sets those who have served apart from others in hospice is what they have witnessed throughout their lives and how they have coped. Some get sporadic reminders of war later in life, and health care workers should be trained to prepare for that and learn how to ease their patients back to rest.
"People who have PTSD, maybe have not had it unmasked their whole life, but … all of a sudden they get flashbacks," Alice Beal, Ph.D., who directs VA palliative care for most of New York City, told NPR.
Paying special attention to veterans in their end-of-life care can help show respect to those who have served and make sure that they're comfortable and at peace.
Long-term care
It's not just hospice services that are available to senior veterans. The VA also helps with geriatrics and extended care services, which can provide care for those with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, as well as disability or injury. According to the VA's website, this includes:
- Nursing homes and residential settings – Community living centers, medical foster homes and assisted living communities are just some of the options offered for older veterans in need. These communities typically include many different socialization and wellness activities for like-minded residents to take advantage of. They can range from independent living communities with minimal assistance to nursing care with medical help.
- Home-based services – As the name implies, this service covers things like visiting aids, adult day care and other services that can provide support within a person's current residence. This can be beneficial for those who need light assistance, but prefer not to leave their home.
One of the most defining periods of American history, World War II was a trying time for soldiers and their families all over the world. When the U.S. armed forces went to concentration camps around Germany and freed the innocent members inside, they were performing heroic acts that would go down in history – both for the country as well as the individuals they saved.
One survivor's story
Joshua Kaufman, now 87, is living in America with his family after being freed from a concentration camp 70 years ago, reported The Huffington Post. He was forced into the camp when he was a teenager, and his mother and all three of his siblings were killed in the Holocaust. However, Kaufman's life was saved by machine gunner Daniel Gillespie, a U.S. Army veteran just a few years his senior. Together, Gillespie and his team freed 30,000 prisoners at the camp – an accomplishment for which Kaufman is forever grateful.
Gillespie spends his life after service in California, where he also has a family of his own. The pair recently reunited for a documentary, "Dachau concentration camp – The hour of the liberators," that is set to air May 31, 2015, on History Germany. When they met, they were overcome with emotion. Kaufman saluted, hugged and kissed the veteran who saved him so long ago.
"I promised one day if I will come to America, any American soldier who I will see, I will fall down on my knees and I will hug him and I will kiss him," Kaufman told CBS Los Angeles.
Other stories of gratitude
Kaufman is just one of many survivors of the Holocaust to share their gratitude for their heroes. Martin Greenfield, who entered a concentration camp when he was 15 years old and was saved by U.S. soldiers several years later, wrote a book, "Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor," describing the details of his escape. He wrote an opinion piece in the New York Post that highlighted his appreciation for the armed forces and drew references to today's conflicts. He explained that, while the issues the country is currently experiencing may seem overwhelming, he has faith that the U.S. soldiers will push through this the same way they did all of the other times.
"America is bigger and stronger than the vexing problems we now face," he said. "Lest one doubt this, simply look at our nation's 2.4 million Armed Forces members. There you will find the best of us."
Employers will soon need to give more thought to the part of their job applications that ask about veteran status. The Washington Post recently reported on a new rule that requires contractors to compile information on their veteran hiring practices for the year. This Labor Department regulation is intended to help solve the ongoing issue of the high percentage of unemployed veterans.
Unemployment rates
It's no secret that the veteran unemployment rate is incredibly high – specifically, the rate for post-9/11 veterans, which U.S. News & World Report explained is higher than that of the overall population. While the rate for this group has slightly improved since its peak, there's still a long road of improvement ahead.
Lida Citroën, a workforce transition course teacher at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, told the news source that the veteran unemployment rate is significant for a number of reasons.
"Anytime you take a community that has volunteered to serve something as big and as bold and scary and important as what they did … you take somebody at that level of commitment and bring them back into a society that maybe doesn't understand them or doesn't value them, that has to be emotionally devastating," she said. "If they don't have access to the resources, if they don't feel connected to a community … it would be natural that somebody could get lost."
Measures to improve the job market
Lawmakers are hopeful that this rule will help improve the job market for veterans. While it may not be immediate and it will take some time for results to show, requiring employers to report on this statistic forces them to be more conscious of the gaps in their hiring. Not only do they need to collect this data and make the number transparent to the Labor Department, but they also need to have a plan in place to increase their veteran onboarding.
This effort is just one of several initiatives to lower the veteran unemployment rate. In 2011, the 100,000 Jobs Mission was started to increase job opportunities for this group of people. Close to 180 private sector companies worked together to create positions for veterans, and U.S. News & World Report explained that the group was set to exceed their goal by the end of 2014. The initiative, coupled with the new rule for veteran hiring data, is making an impact in the community and helping to improve life after service.
Those in the military are no strangers to moving multiple times throughout their lives. Often, they receive little notice and are forced to pack their belongings, pick up their families and relocate to an entirely different area. In fact, those in active duty are expected to move every two to four years, reported Miltary.com. As you move more and more, you will likely develop a set of your own tips and tricks for streamlining the process. Until then, make the following considerations when packing up for a military move.
1. Purge old items
You are probably already aware that the government will pay for your moving fees, provided that your belongings fall under a certain weight. Therefore, it's important to purge all broken or unnecessary items before your move so you're not wasting valuable space in the moving truck on things you don't need. Your new home should only contain furniture and household supplies that you'll actually use. Anything else can rack up the cost to move, and you could be forced to pay out of pocket for everything that falls outside of the reimbursed amount.
2. Consider a DIY move
Also known as a personally procured move (PPM), a move that requires you to move your own belongings can provide certain benefits. For starters, you'll be in control of what you pack and how you store it, reducing the chance of broken or lost items. You essentially have more autonomy, and the move can be done in baby steps on your own timeline. When you're not being asked to move immediately, this can be a great choice for families who want to take their time putting together their belongings.
3. Stay away from the peak move times
It's no secret that the summer months are popular for moving. The weather, combined with school vacations and more availability, makes them the ideal time to uproot your life. That's why, if you're able to make the move outside of the busy season, you'll be better off. You'll have better access to moving trucks and you could save some money in the process.
4. Know your housing options
Military families are offered the opportunity to live on a base or rent or buy a home nearby. It may be beneficial to take advantage of living on a base to improve life after service for veterans and bring together similar families to help one another get settled. Whatever you choose, make sure you perform substantial research beforehand so you make the best decision for your new living arrangement.
5. Anticipate your next move
While you should settle into your place and encourage your whole household to do the same, it's also important to keep your eye on the bigger picture.
"Anticipating your next move is important because when your orders finally arrive, you may have only a few weeks before you hit the road," The United States Army website reported, as in the military families money and mobility brochure that is distributed during first-term PCS Money and Moving classes.
This means keeping moving boxes, a list of items to pack, medical records and all other materials that are required when you're relocating. If you don't wish to keep them in your home, look to a storage company that can keep all of these necessary items for when you need them.
6. Get insurance
When you let the government move your belongings, all of your items are automatically insured. However, if you opt for PPM, it's up to you to either get them insured or hope for the best. In this case, it's important to be as prepared as possible. Ask your moving company for more information regarding their insurance policies, and consider taking advantage of them. There's nothing worse than having your valuables lost or broken without any compensation.