The American Veteran Radio Show

Standing for What You Believe!!!

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:05:00 GMT

We are coming to the end of the election process for another four years for president. Again we have been given the opportunity to vote, not for who is best, but rather to keep the other candidate out. Over the years (70 +) I have seen many presidents come and go and have found out that we really do not get the best candidate but rather the one the people in power have selected. In fact whether you votedemocrat or republican, not much changes. Our veterans throughout the years have fought and died for our freedoms and we dishonor them by being afraid to do what we know to be right.

It is time to live up to your principles and NOT vote just because someone has been picked for you. I believe we should have a section that says NONE OF THE ABOVE and if the majority votes for this alternative the political parties must go back and pick someone who the populace REALLY wants.

In his book "Rule by Secrecy" by Jim Marrs, the author does an admirable job of pointing out who is and has ruled from the shadows for years. He missed a couple of organizations but has done well.

You should not be afraid to stand for what you believe and if the ruling parties (the media is selective on what and who they report on) do not meet your standards or live up to your principles you have the right to say so and no one has the right to keep you from free speech. People will argue and disagree but in the long run ONLY YOU can vote according to what you really feel without being intimidated.

We have easily given up many of our freedoms that our ancestors fought and died for. FOR WHAT, to become sheep going to the slaughter.

Do what you ought come what may!!!

Mike Ireton
U.S. Army (Retired)
The American Veteran Radio

PEARL HARBOR 2007

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:06:00 GMT

December 7th is a day that is famous in our history and the beginning of World War II. As FDR said, "...it is a day of infamy..." and it has never been forgotten in the minds of all Americans. Throughout the years veterans of all wars have lived up to the standards of those brave men and women who were at Pearl Harbor, and WWII only demonstrated that we would fight for what we believed in.

Thanks to the survivors of Pearl Harbor and WWII on this day.

During Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Iraq/Afghanistan our warriors have upheld the traditions set by our military in all wars. However, many so-called Americans would prefer to let these ideals and freedoms be thrown away because of greed, power, or to call it like it is "treason."

As a veteran, I would stand with all veterans to protect this country in which we live. Not because politicians say we should but because we do have the greatest nation in the world and the freedoms we still have left. Many of our freedoms have been taken away by our politicians and our country's principles are being thrown away because of greed and power. However, it is still the best place to live and veterans will not let that change.

American veterans need to make sure that the commitment to our current warriors is lived up to by the politicians and corporations that would like to see us fall. ALL VETERANS NEED TO UNITE TOGETHER REGARDLESS OF WHICH WAR WE WERE IN AND STAND TOGETHER. VETERANS SUPPORT VETERANS.

I ask the organizations (VFW, American Legion, VVA, and others) to put aside their individual differences and to fight together for what we all believe and for our current Warriors and Heroes. Stand up and support the veterans and not just with a yellow flag on your car.

Policy Regarding Bonuses & Wounded Veterans (UNCLASSIFIED)

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:20:00 GMT

In my last blog I was upset and very vocal about the CBS News Report on Wounded Veterans having to pay back their bonuses. Being U.S. Army (Retired) I am glad to acknowledge that the Dept. of the Army is taking care of its own. This was also broadcast on the news and will be in our next webcast. If there are any other questions please contact me (Mike Ireton, Co-host of The American Veteran Radio Show) at vets@theamericanveteran.com

I thank Colonel Dan Baggio, Chief of the Media Relations Division, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs at the Pentagon for setting the record straight in this area and hope that CBS News also gets the word. This is not to say there are not mistakes made but the good part is that it will be taken care of. I forward Colonel Baggio's email to me verbatim (bold items are my way of highlighting):

"I was told about your excellent radio show which supports veterans and I looked at your site, to include the blogs. I didn't see your phone number, but I did see this email address - I hope the right folks get this.

I wanted to send a BLOG response on the situation regarding Jordan Fox and any other potential veterans caught in similar situations - attached is the BLOG response (please do post it). The bottomline is that it is against Army policy to recoup any part of a bonus from a Soldier who was injured or wounded while serving honorably.

Also, I've attached an electronic version of our "Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline" @ 1-800-984-8523. This hotline can be used to solve many problems that our wounded Soldiers have - not just financial - it is manned 24/7 with real human beings who will get them an answer usually within 24 hours. Please disseminate this number and feel free to use the PDF and post it anywhere you wish prominately.

I appreciate all your service to our great country and what you do to support this current crop of veterans.

Don't hesitate to call me or my deputy - Mr. Paul Boyce - if you need anything else.

Sincerely and Very Respectfully,

COL Dan Baggio
Chief, Media Relations Division
Office of the Chief of Public Affairs
1500 Army Pentagon, Rm 1E475
Washington D.C., 20310-1500
Work (703) 693-4723
Fax (703) 697-2159

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED"

Wounded Soldiers Ordered to Repay Signing Bonus!!

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:23:00 GMT

THIS IS BULL SHIT!!

A person signs up to receive a bonus when he or she has completed their training and for a certain number of years. Then because we are at war, the person is wounded severely in the line of duty and has to be medically discharged and in many cases has lost a limb or more. Now the government wants to take back the signing bonus because the service member was wounded because of where our government sent him or her. Department of Defense is responsible for this happening and sending bills. You would think our own military would have some understanding of what this would do to our military members. Evidently the Generals are out to lunch with the politicians and are too worried about their own jobs to actually be good military leaders.

This is showing complete disrespect to the service member and all our military stands for. The patriotism and loyality to this country is being thrown in ALL veterans faces because of this treatment to our new generation of warriors. No veteran should allow this to happen but should make a stand on this to make our politicians responsible for their actions

THESE WOUNDED WARRIOR HAVE EARNED THAT DAMN BONUS AND A LOT MORE BESIDES!! IF OUR POLITICIANS CAN'T SEE THIS AND CORRECT THE DOD POLICY THEN THEY SHOULD STEP DOWN OR BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY ARE GIVING AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY AT OUR OWN MILITARY'S EXPENSE.

Let me know if you agree with me!!

Mike Ireton, Co-host
The American Veteran Radio Show
mireton@theamericanveteran.com

Veterans Day - 2007

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:21:00 GMT

As the Veterans Day week-end draws to a close, I have had the good fortune to have talked with or emailed heroes from World War II through the Iraqi War. There have been Medal of Honor, Silver Stars, Navy Crosses, and Distinguished Flying Crosses to mention only a few. There have been many Purple Hearts and other distinguished medals. There has been a Gold Star Mom, Debbie Lee, who is the mother of the first Seal killed in Iraq. All the veterans and their families I have met are heroes in one way or another. They have given so that this country can be strong.

I could not go through this blog without mentioning the USMC birthday which was celebrated on Saturday by a branch of service that should be held in high regard by all and have paid a bloody price many times as have our other branches. A best friend of mine was a member of the 1-9 (The Walking Dead) and to this day is still paying the price but devotes his life to helping combat veterans of war though his organization ACVOW (American Combat Veterans of War) and a new off-shoot of ACVOW called the Safe Warrior Program. Visit www.acvow.org for more information.

It is going to take the veterans in this country to reach out and help our Iraqi Warriors coming home. We need to help the families and the children of these heroes readjust to life. The Viet Nam veterans (of which I am one) were left without that assistance and we have the statistics to prove it. For the 58,000 plus that died on the wall, another 60,000 committed suicide. We had another 200,000 plus put in jail because PTSD and other symptoms were not recognized or treated by our government due to financial cost and veterans being put on the shelf after a war. After all, out of sight, out of mind.

Now our Brothers-in-Arms coming back from Iraq need us to help them readjust. Don't stand by and let anything happen to this generation of warriors. It is a matter of HONOR to help them regardless of what the politicians do or say. We must make our government responsible for the war they created. Our nation is at stake and IT IS OUR NATION not the politicians who serve us. They have lied to us enough, make them stand up and be responsible.

Veterans everywhere must stick together, because together we can make anything happen.

Cindy Sheehan visits Fort Benning, Georgia

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:50:00 GMT

Cindy Sheehan has made quite a name for herself and has offended many veterans and families of veterans through her protests. Yes, she is a Gold Star Mom and as such should be accorded all the courtesy that goes with that. That being said I believe that she is taking the principles that her son stood for and degraded them.

Deborah Tainsh is also a Gold Star Mom and has written a book and taken a positive stand for what her son stood for. Deborah has written an article entitled Mrs Sheehan and Me. I am copying it here verbatim with Deborah's approval. It is well worth reading the full article.

Quote:

Mrs. Sheehan and Me

Deborah Tainsh

July 15, 2007

I learned early last week that Cindy Sheehan would be visiting with her entourage near my home at Fort Benning, Georgia, on Saturday, July 14. I was immediately contacted by local radio, newspaper, and a tv news channel for comments about the visit. I was also contacted by several acquaintances that are part of the Gathering of Eagles and invited to be a part of their protest opposite Mrs. Sheehan. The invitation was tempting as there was a time shortly after Cindy began her protests that I wished I could meet her face to face. Our sons had died two months apart in Baghdad. I was appalled along with others about her behavior. When she camped in Crawford where white crosses were placed for each of the fallen, my husband called the sheriff’s department there and asked them to remove the cross with our son’s name. Dave and I were still in our initial months of grief and pain. We were angry and furious at Mrs. Sheehan’s actions. She did not, and still does not speak for us.

Since, in an attempt to control my negative emotions, I’ve worked diligently with my husband to seek positive ways to honor Patrick, his comrades, and all our military and their families. Over the past year I’ve spoken messages opposite Mrs. Sheehan. Dave and I have spoken in support of President Bush. I constantly call and send e-mails to Senator Saxby Chambliss’ office. Because of my views, a few Gold Star moms requested that I remove their names from my e-mail. In respect, I did so. I have accepted that with war, there are two sides, and families do eventually choose where they stand.

In my interviews with local media, I responded that Mrs. Sheehan still doesn’t speak for my family and many other Gold and Blue Star families that I know and love. I don’t respect her for actions such as visiting and hugging Hugo Chavez, saying our troops are terrorists, that the terrorists are merely “freedom fighters,” or that she is now seeking the impeachment of President Bush. But I do respect that she is a parent who has suffered the death of a child. A suffering of pain, grief, and emptiness that leads individuals to make choices for coping that fit their needs. Because of this and because I did not want to chance raising the head of my own anger again, I chose not to protest against Mrs. Sheehan, although my views were shared through local media.

I learned, following the protest, that Mrs. Sheehan did not obtain a permit therefore she was allowed only fifteen persons in her group. I also learned from one of my media acquaintances who interviewed Cindy that Mrs. Sheehan is seriously convinced that it is because of her actions and protests that the majority of the nation is now against President Bush and want the troops pulled from Iraq. My response was that I didn’t believe it was all her doing, but I do give tremendous credit to main stream media for placing her in the forefront and giving her huge amounts of air time when they won’t give Gold Star parents with opposite views a dot in comparison. I also give credit to the one sided negative media, negative egotistical politicians like Reid and Pelosi, and commentators whose headlines read “Bush’s un-winnable war grinds on” for polarizing our nation instead of doing what it would take to bring us together to let insurgents and terrorists know we won’t stand for their atrocities in Iraq or the United States.

Learning the name of Mrs. Sheehan’s newest march across the nation, the “Journey for Humanity,” I became confused. Which part of humanity? What are her goals for this part of humanity? Apparently her concern is not for our nation’s humanity or the Iraqi people since her call to pull the troops from Iraq and to impeach President Bush is a message that helps embolden the terrorists and insurgents against troops. How can one on a “Journey for Humanity” live with knowing that Iraq will become, as a Sergeant Major friend currently in Iraq for the second time told me, a slaughter house that will make Sadaam look like a girl scout and a control center for Al-Qaeda if our troops are pulled before they complete their mission to bring stability to the area. That, as my Sergeant Major friend told me, if our troops leave before stability is gained, we will have the greater fight on our soil against these radical Islamic terrorists who call us infidels and our nation the Great Satan.

Recently one of Patrick’s friends, also in Iraq for his second tour wrote and said, “As far as how things are going here, I would have to say pretty well. The Iraqi army and police are more or less doing their jobs. Some actually really care and do try to make a difference. Some want to have a nice safe country and they fight for it. I feel that they have made a lot of progress. There are some that we know are corrupt, but we can’t do much about them without hard evidence. I feel that if a timeline is given to pull out, then we’re telling the terrorists they win after this date. I feel that if we leave without winning it will mean that Pat and everyone else died for no reason.”

One of Patrick’s Iraqi interpreters who helped track down his killers wrote to me saying, “If we fail, Iraq will be divided into three main territories controlled by Iran, Turkey, and Al Qaeda.” Hussein also says that the American troops are the only impartial law enforcement that keeps down an all out civil war.

No, I don’t agree with Mrs. Sheehan. I don’t understand her thinking when she stands at the gates of Fort Benning and refers to its Western Hemisphere Institute for Security as a “cancer on our country.” I don’t understand which part of humanity it is that she’s on a journey for. I just know she’s a mom whose son died a hero, a mom whose heart is tortured, a mom whose belief system is opposite mine. A mom whose son wore proudly the uniform of his nation that I feel sure, as a young man who once wanted to be a priest, was concerned enough for humanity to want the Iraqi people to succeed and live in peace. A peace that I ,too, want desperately for everyone’s lives and hearts, a peace that in this earthly life is often bought through persistence with great struggle and sacrifice. A struggle we can’t afford to lose for the sake of our nation’s future. A struggle that will always cause differences of opinions like those of Mrs. Sheehan and me.

Unquote

Michael Ireton
Co-Host
The American Veteran Radio Show

Red Friday - Support our Troops

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:10:00 GMT

The following was forwarded to me and I believe it is worth passing on and thinking about to show our support for our troops.

Will you give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays."

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi."

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is
coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

Senator Bob Dole, Chairman of the Commission on Veterans Care

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:47:00 GMT

Saturday, June 30th, 2007 The American Veteran Radio Show will air our interview with Senator Bob Dole who is the Chairman of the Commission on Veterans Care. The Senator discusses some of the good things and bad things and tells when the report will be available. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran you will want to hear this interview. It will be aired Saturday evening at 8-9 p.m. PST on KCBQ 1170 in San Diego. For those who are out of the listening area you can go to theamericanveteran.com and click on the KCBQ logo.

If you miss the broadcast it will be on our podcasts of recent shows within a day or two of the original broadcast.

In addition to Senator Dole, the American Combat Veterans of War (ACVOW) are also interviewed and their work with the Warriors returing to Camp Pendleton especially in the area of PTSD.

Both of these interviews are well worth listening too and we at The American Veteran Radio Show are happy to be able to present these to you. Go to our website, listed above, for other previous interviews.

Michael Ireton
Co-Host
The American Veteran Radio Show

Identification Fraud

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:42:00 GMT

Identification fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. No one is exempt for getting picked on. Our Warriors overseas are particularly vulnerable.

A company called Lifelock.com is offering free services to all of our Iraqi bound troops or those already in Iraq. Go to their website lifelock.com and using the code name "serving" log in to help protect yourself against identify theft.

There have been horrendous stories of large amounts of charges built up against our troops overseas. Look into this free service and see if it is for you.

Michael Ireton
Co-Host
The American Veteran Radio Show

What does HMO stand for?

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:27:00 GMT

This is actually a variation of the phrase , "HEY MOE." Its roots go back to a concept pioneered by Moe of the Three Stooges, who discovered that a patient could be made to forget the pain in his foot if he was poked hard enough in the eye.

While this is only a spoof, all of the children and citizens of the United States who are without health care need to be taken care of. If this mean socialized medicine and it is spread equally to all of our citizens then so be it.

When I say equally, I also mean our government officials who have their own retirement plans and health cares which they make sure takes care of them, but does nothing for anyone else. All our elected officials, staff, etc. should be required to use the same health care and retirement system that they propose for everyone else. Then perhaps we would see retirements and health care keep pace with what is required.

Our political leaders feel that the money is theirs and they are doling it out. Actually it is ours and we should decide on how to dole it out for medical and social security. Both programs are in a shambles and our politicos continue to feed at the trough while many of their constituents starve

The government money river has been diverted to the politicians best interest. Maybe it is time to divert the river back and create a new channel. It is time to think outside of the box and create a more equitable system.

A LITTLE VOICE FROM IRAQ (FROM SANDRA MENDEZ)

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Fri, 11 May 2007 15:34:00 GMT

A little voice from Iraq.

Sandra:

I had the honor of re-visiting the city of Ar-Ramadi and walked the sacred ground where your family and many other families have given this country of Iraq and our nation the ultimate gift. I can tell you that those families as well as Our Doc Mendez's gift has not gone in vain.

I walked along side children, mothers and father's in the streets of Ramadi, just as he described in his letters, which demonstrates that their country is on it's way to renewing itself and allowing a life of peace for families here in Iraq.

The kids -not unlike American children- wanting candy and soccer
Balls; fathers had their shops open and were selling everything from
garments to whole goats, moms where keeping an ever watchful eye on
their children. Sandra, slowly all is coming together here despite whatever the media turns into ‘news’ these days…….

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Friend:

Thank you.

Keep fighting "the good fight".

Only last year we lost 27,931 lives to terrorist attacks everywhere. Whereas everyone is focused on Iraq, we have troops who are
holding back the madness in other places. WE, THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can do it.

Try to tell Our Troops “fighting the good fight” not only in Iraq but elsewhere, as well as those who, even as this words are written,are readying themselves to go into harm's way and their families:

“…Here, my Hero! Have ten bullets the Budget I prepared last Sunday after Church determines you may use today. Use them wisely. If at all possible, please save some for a later time, least my team decides to revise the Budget…”

There is no such a thing as being ‘just a little at war’……

The newly elected President of France has declared publicly that he will stand by President Bush, which promptly earned him the title of "The little American with the French passpo! rt". Th ese are OUR TROOPS and we ARE the most powerful country on earth, which is an enormous responsibility.

yet Our Troops are receiving more open support abroad than in the United States?

What exactly is the message that WE, THE PEOPLE, are trying to convey?

More to the point:

What are the lessons Our Blessed Fallen Warriors are trying to teach us, and

What are the truths they deserve to hear?

Por Siempre Fiel……
Doc Mendez Mom

My Men Are My Heroes

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:13:00 GMT

My Men Are My Heroes by SGM Brad Kasal, USMC, is an outstanding look at combat in Iraq. SGM Kasal, then First Sergeant, is a Warrior and a Hero of the first order. His book is well worth the read and you will find in the pages of the book many other heroes which are his men. Although severely wounded, SGM Kasal completed his objective of getting his men out of a "Hell House" in Fallujah in 2004. Refusing to have his leg amputated, SGM Kasal has returned to duty although he underwent 21 surgeries for the 7 gunshot wounds, 40 plus shrapnel wounds and the AK-47 burst that almost took off his leg. Almost all of the blood had drained from his body when he exited the "hell house" with his 9 mm at the ready.

Our best goes with this Navy Cross winner as he continues to show his leadership skills and work with troops in the USMC. He is the embodiment of all that is good in a Warrior and shows how a leader is supposed to lead and take care of his troops.

Many of our leaders today could take lessons from SGM Kasal on what is important to make a leader stand out. The main thing I believe is that he leads the men and does not just give directions on doing something he wouldn't do himself. The second thing is that his men are his main concern and that they are safe and taken care of. If only these two things could be said about our politicians and military upper echelon.

WE DO NOT KEEP FAITH WITH OUR WARRIORS' FAMILIES.

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:52:00 GMT

Deanna Salie, widow of SFC David Salie who was KIA in Iraq, wrote an article for the Atlanta Journal-Consitutions on 4/27/07. She describes how dependents' compensation offsets the Survivor's Benefit. Again the difference is between the VA and the DOD. Many families are left in financial ruin and need because we as a nation do not keep faith with our Warriors.

This is a sore subject that the DOD does not want breached because the Warrior would worry about his family and become less efficient and effective as a service member. Yet the Warrior is told his family will be taken care of. We are one big family and we take care of our own. Individually this is true because that is the only way the family is able to survive.

The politicians and their concern for their own programs does not reach down to the family members of those who died or are severely wounded in the service of their country. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE and we need to make sure the families are taken care of. If we lose faith with our Warriors and their families we will not be able to defend ourselves. Maybe it will be necessary to negotiate (like sports figures do) for a contract that contains medical, etc. for the families.

STAND UP AND LET THE POLITICIANS KNOW THAT OUR HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES DESERVE THE BEST.

FLAG FLOWN AT HALF-MAST EXCEPT FOR OUR WARRIORS!

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:59:00 GMT

The flag flown at half-mast is a symbol to remember someone who has died. That can be a well-known person or a group of people like the massacre at Virginia Tech recently. And the flying of the flag at half-mast is a sign of respect for someone we feel sorry has died.

ARE WE SAYING THAT OUR WARRIORS KILLED IN ACTION FOR US ARE NOT WORTH THE SAME RESPECT? The flag should fly at half-mast until the war in Iraq is finished and our service members are back home. The lead in this movement should be taken by all veteran organizations in the United States. Why do we deny our dead heroes the respect given to others. They have been placed "in harm's way" by our government and are denied the proper respect given to others.

Yes, our Warriors killed in action are given a military funeral and honor guard but that is momentary and for a grieving family that has lost a loved one. IT IS NOT A NATIONAL MOURNING THAT IS ENTITLED TO ALL WHO DIE FOR THEIR COUNTRY.

Our nation should be ashamed at the treatment given to our heroes and to their families. We need to make this right.

KILLED - FOR WHAT?

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:39:00 GMT

Doc Mendez, one of our fallen Warriors, wanted to serve his country and he died for it in combat along with his comrades. All were heroes and all returned in flag draped coffins. His mother, Sandra Aceves, has made it her goal as a Blue Star Mother and as a Gold Star Mother to never let any of our heroes be forgotten.

What were these men and women killed for? Their lives were taken in their prime because they believed in this country and the freedom under which we live. In other words they died for the flag most of us are so proud of -- they died for us. If we do not make sure our government treats all of the KIAs and wounded veterans with dignity and provides all the services they are so deserving of, then it is we who will be judged for our failure to stand and be counted.

After every war, our heroes have been treated poorly by our government. BUT NOT THIS TIME. This is a debt of honor, as I have said before which is only an echo of what George Washington said so many years ago. I ask all veterans and their families to unite in a just cause that will show our Warriors we really do appreciate them and make sure our government officials know that we will not back down. Our Warriors deserve no less than this.

Michael Ireton
Co-Host
The American Veteran Radio Show

A HERO HAS FALLEN

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 08:31:00 GMT

We have lost many heroes this year and many more wounded physically and mentally. However, this hero I was personally familiar with. His name is Curtis Spivey and he was a wounded Army service member and also had served in the Marines with two tours in Iraq. He was on his third tour when he was wounded. He died April 2nd from his injuries. He is survived by his parents and a wife and beautiful 2 year old daughter. His father is a Navy Retired veteran also.

I first became familiar with the name Curtis Spivey through his uncle, whom I met by accident at breakfast one morning. After talking with his uncle and learning that his wife and daughter needed transportation and a place to stay (the veterans organizations ran with this and it was taken care of). As a co-host on The American Veteran Radio Show, I dedicated a show to Curtis who was in the VA hospital from wounds suffered in Iraq.

He and his comrades were blown off their vehicle in Iraq and all received purple hearts. He was a Warrior who believed it important to serve his country and his loss along with all the others should help us to remember that Curtis' death affects us all.

His two year old daughter will grow up with out her daddy to help her. Curtis loved his daughter and wife very much. Let us now be able to reach out to his family and any family who has lost a loved one. By remembering them we remember their sacrifices. It is our duty to make sure that all of those killed in action, wounded, and their families are never forgotten.

Thank you Curtis. You are my hero and I will never forget you!!

THE BEST YEARS OF OUR OUR LIVES

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 06:44:00 GMT

I am sitting here this evening (Saturday) watching The Best Years of Our Lives for probably the umpteenth time. It always affects me because I grew up during WWII when my older cousins were all in the service and it always brings back good memories of growing up. However, what also affects me more is the way the WWII veteran was treated after returning home from a popular war. The same thing has happened in every war since and because Vietnam was an unpopular war it was worse. Now we are seeing the same stingy treatment of our Iraq War heroes. DOD does not want to pay the huge medical costs that will arise from this war and is giving our wounded lower disability rates than they are entitled to because it will save money. An article entitled Officers Outpace Enlisted Members On Disability Ratings, by Kelly Kennedy in the Navy Times, 19 Mar 07, tells about the inconsistencies in DOD policy for disability payment. Many times the service member is told to apply to VA which means they will not get family health, commissary privileges, etc. Our service members are entitled by a "Debt of Honor" to get what is coming to them. Our politicians have forgotten that they sent these young men and women in harm's way and then refuse to pick up the tab. Our officer corps has forgotten that they are supposed to be the learders and look after the welfare of their troops rather than become politicians trying to keep their jobs.

HOW THE PENTAGON CHEATS IRAQ VETS OUT OF MEDICAL CARE AND DISABILITY PAY!

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:25:00 GMT

"Over the past six years, some 22,500 soldiers have been discharged on grounds of 'personality disorder' --- a condition that can be alleged to have existed prior to their tour of duty --- thus absolving the Pentagon of its obligation to provide their medical care and pay their benefits." Article by Sherwood Ross, Infowars.net, 4/2/07.

"I cannot omit to mention the obligations this Country is under, to that meritorious Class of veteran Noncommissioned Officers and Privates who have been discharged for inability...It was a part of their hire, I may be allowed to say, it was the price of their blood and of your Independency, it is therefore more than a common debt, it is a debt of honor, it can never be considered as a pension or gratuity, nor be cancelled untill it is fairly discharged..." George Washington, 6/8/1783

A debt of honor is what is being denied to our veterans today when the Pentagon tries to use a personality disorder that was supposed to be prior to enlistment. All the services today do complete physicals and work ups on new enlistees and a personality disorder should be picked up at this time. To say 22,500 persons slipped in would only show how inept (and possibly corrupt) the enlistment process is. I don't believe this is the case but rather soldiers that have been wounded or disabled in combat and now to get out of paying this debt of honor, it is cheaper to claim personality disorders.

ALL VETERANS NEED TO STAND TOGETHER WITH THIS NEW GENERATION OF WARRIOR TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VIETNAM ERA VETERAN DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!!

LIONS IN WINTER

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 06:44:00 GMT

I had the opportunity, thanks to Bill Rider of ACVOW and a member of The Walking Dead (USMC 1/9), to attend a reunion of these heroes. Let me tell you it was a pleasure and a privilege to talk with these "Lions in Winter." The years are catching up with us from when we served in Vietnam, but these Marines are still willing to stand up and be counted. These are combat-hardened veterans that believe America and would fight for the freedoms we enjoy. They are ever vigilant and alert and I would put my trust in any of them to protect my back if needed. HOORAY FOR THESE LIONS IN WINTER. Semper Fi!!

VETERAN MENTORS NEEDED - APPLY NOW!!

mireton@theamericanveteran.com (Michael Ireton) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:46:00 GMT

VETERANS FROM ALL WARS YOU ARE NEEDED!! Mentors for our combat veterans are needed. Help our young warriors through a critical time and be there for them when they need to talk. Volunteer your services through one of the local groups in your communities that are helping returning veterans as they come home. There are those that are walking the talk and many others that are just talking about it but not helping out.

Remember your return from combat!! Many did not get help and needed it. Many fought the problems alone. There is no reason these returning veterans should be alone. REACH OUT AND MENTOR!!