Vacations For Vets

There are some folks in St. Mary's County who would like to offer get-aways to local vets.
I received this e-mail on the program. The Greenwell Foundation is also looking for volunteers and donations. Contact information is listed.


This is information on a program in St. Mary's County
for wounded veterans and their families. If you know a service member
who might like to participate in the Vacations for Vets(tm) program,
please contact Vacation for Vets at 301-373-9775 or
vacationsforvets@greenwellfoundation.org
Next event: 18-20 April 2008


Greenwell's Vacations for Vets(tm) Program

Program Overview
The Greenwell Foundation, with the support of local community members,
has developed a program to offer some respite for our nation's injured
service members. "Vacations for Vets(tm)" offers weekend stays at our
Francis Knott Lodge to disabled veterans currently undergoing treatment
at DC Metro area military hospitals and their families. Each weekend can
accommodate six soldiers with an average of three family members each,
for a total of 24 people each weekend. These service members include
wounded veterans from all branches of service and from throughout
the United States. The participants and their families will have
members of all ages including young children, grandparents, servicemen
and women on their first tour and career officers. Participants are
eligible based on their interest and with doctor's approval. No other
criteria, including race, gender, or religion applies. These vacations
are provided at no cost to the veterans and their families. The program
gives our valued veterans a break from the daily demands of recovering
from their traumatic experiences. It's our way of saying thank you and
honoring those who have suffered while serving our country.

How Vacations for Vets(tm) Began
In 2007, local community members suggested that the Greenwell Foundation
provide use of its facilities for disabled service members to vacation
with their family while staying at Walter Reed Medical Center. The
first weekend, held in September in 2007, brought eight recovering
service members and their families for a weekend stay at Greenwell. The
weekend was a success, but we recognized that to sustain the program
community support and involvement would be key. A volunteer steering
committee was formed and charged with planning, promoting, coordinating,
and running Greenwell's Vacations for Vets(tm) program. The steering
committee is made up of Greenwell Foundation staff and board, active
duty service members, reservists, veterans, local government officials
and employees, defense contractor employees, local business people, and
interested community members. The steering committee also serves as the
advisory board for future endeavors that serve disabled service members.

The Greenwell Foundation's Role
As the host organization of the Vacations for Vets(tm) program, the
Greenwell Foundation develops and implements programming ideas, provides
administrative support, public relations and fundraising guidance, and
overall program management and coordination. Volunteers who wish to work
with the Vacations for Vets(tm) program are screened, trained and
supervised by Greenwell staff. Our staff members lead the recreational
activities during the weekend and provide on-site coordination for each
weekend. Greenwell provides use of the lodge facility and amenities and
offers use of all recreational equipment and programs that are available
at the park.

The Future of the Program
While initially serving 24 service members and 72 family members in
2008, there is great potential for the Vacations for Vets(tm) program to
be the foundation on which many other programs are built. We envision
providing more vacation opportunities for disabled veterans as well as
one-day activities/events or ongoing membership programs for local
veterans and their family members.

How You Can Get Involved
The Vacations for Vets(tm) program requires a massive amount of "people
power." Volunteers are needed for every aspect of this program - whether
you have one hour to give or a hundred, we need help:
* collecting donated items
* cooking meals
* leading activities
* helping with logistical support
* providing child care during the weekend
* planning fundraisers
* working in the office

All volunteers who work directly with service members and their families
must complete a volunteer application, agree to a criminal background
check, sign a confidentiality agreement and participate in
1 - 2 hours of volunteer training, prior to the weekend they work. For
information on volunteering please contact us at 301-373-9775 or e-mail
us at vacationsforvets@greenwellfoundation.org. Volunteer applications
can be downloaded from Greenwell's Website www.greenwellfoundation.org.


2008 Schedule & Weekend Activities
Weekend 1 April 18 - 20
Weekend 2 August 15 - 17
Weekend 3 June 20 - 22
Weekend 4 September 12 - 14

Each weekend begins on Friday afternoon and ends on Sunday after lunch.
Transportation is available from the medical center to Greenwell State
Park and back. During these weekends, service members and their
families can participate in activities such as horseback riding,
kayaking, hiking, picnicking, fishing, sailing, etc. While activities
are offered, the weekend is loosely structured to allow families time to
relax and be together in whatever way is most comfortable for them.
Because of Greenwell's universally accessible facilities there are no
limitations on participants with physical disabilities. Accessible
equipment, such as golf carts, adaptive fishing poles and all terrain
wheelchairs, is available so that everyone can experience the park as
independently as possible. Meals and snacks are provided by local
community groups who donate the food and their time to prepare and serve
the meals.

If you know of a service member who might like to participate in the
Vacations for Vets(tm) program, please contact us at 301-373-9775 or
vacationsforvets@greenwellfoundation.org .




On another subject, TAPS, Traagedy Assistance Program for Survivors, is holding its fundraiser on Tuesday, April 15th. Information on the event follows along with contact information.


INAUGURAL TAPS HONOR GUARD GALA TO HELP FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN, APRIL 15Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen to Deliver Keynote AddressForty Family Members Losing Loved Ones in Iraq or Afghanistan to Attend GalaBen Stein, Senator Kit Bond to Receive Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2008

WASHINGTON – The inaugural TAPS Honor Guard Gala will be held in Washington, DC on April 15, 2008 from 6:00pm-9:30pm to benefit the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). The black tie dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium will be hosted by CNN journalist Kyra Phillips. The keynote speaker will be Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Attendees will include corporate donors and TAPS supporters, as well as forty family members who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 2008 Honor Guard Congressional Award will be presented to Senator Kit Bond by Taylor Heldt, age 10, who lost her father in 2005 to a roadside bomb in Iraq. An award will be presented to Ben Stein by Admiral Mike Mullen.

A photo opportunity featuring Admiral Mike Mullen and the families of the fallen will occur before dinner. Media will also be able to film the awards presentations and Admiral Mullen’s speech during dinner. Media coverage of this event requires rsvp by Thursday, April 10, 12noon (media rsvp to ami@taps.org).

Funds raised will support TAPS programs and services for bereaved families who have lost loved ones serving in the Armed Forces. TAPS is the national veteran’s service organization that provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free crisis line at 800.959.TAPS.

TAPS Honorary Chairs, General and Mrs. Joseph W. Ralston, Gala Committee Chair M.L. “Buzz” Hefti, Host Committee Co-Chairs Deborah Mullen and Mary Jo Myers will attend.

Event sponsors include: AAI Corporation, Alder Foods, Inc., Alion Science and Technology, AM General LLC, Blackwater Worldwide, CACI International Inc., GEICO, Green Beans Coffee Company, Inc., Family of First Lieutenant Travis Manion, Health Net Federal Services, Honeywell International, Inc., Humana Military Healthcare Services, Intellidyne LLC, L-3 Communications Corp, Mayer Brown LLP, Militec-1, Milliman, Inc., QinetiQ North America, Rolls Royce North America, Inc, R&R Partners, Textron, The Mechanic Group, Inc., the PMA Group, the Sandi Group, Triple Canopy, Inc., TriWest, and Van Scoyoc Associates. Additional sponsorship opportunities and individual event tickets are still available. More information is online at www.taps.org.

** MEDIA INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT **MEDIA RSVP FOR COVERAGE REQUIRED BY THURS. APRIL 10, 12 NOON
Who: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
What: TAPS Honor Guard Gala to benefit TAPS services for bereaved families
Where: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW
When: April 15, 2008, 6:00pm-9:30pmContact/Media RSVP: Ami Neiberger-Miller, 703.887.4877, ami@taps.org

Adamouski Anniversary

This weekend marked the 5th anniversary of the loss of Capt. James Adamouski. The Lee High School graduate was the first person from Northern Virginia killed in combat during the war in Iraq.

He was remembered Saturday by his family and friends with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. His father, Frank Adamouski, let me know that about two dozen of classmates from West Point came to town to honor Jimmy.

I asked his Dad what inspired them to return for the anniversary. He told me that Jimmy was the guy who pulled the group together. He always encouraged them to do things as a group. When his friends get together now, Jimmy always comes up in their conversations.

Captain Adamouski was killed on April 2, 2003 in the crash of a Black Hawk helicopter in central Iraq. Five men under his command were also killed in action.

Judy and Frank's only son was due to go to Harvard to work on his MBA in business. He was completing his command with the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Aviation Regiment when he was killed.

His family remembered him as a patriot who served because he wanted to make the world safer for America's children. Jimmy had been married to Meighan just seven months when he gave his life for his country.

The helicopter pilot was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60.

Farewell to Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen

When I opened my newspaper on March 16th and saw a story about another soldier who had given his life for our country, I started to post a link to that article. I'm glad I waited because today I learned so much more about Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen.




His story came to life as I sat inside of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Landover Hills. Rev. Samuel Giese talked about how hard it was to say goodbye to a husband, father, son, brother and friend as full of life as Collin was. Griese, who is a chaplain for the Maryland Army National Guard, brought laughter from the tears when he reminded everyone that Collin had entered a Latin dance contest on a cruise and won! He then told his family and friends to remember the Fallen Warrior dancing with God in Heaven.


Outside the church, I was touched by the sight of the Patriot Guard Riders who came to escort the soldier on his final journey. One of the motorcycle riders handed teddy bears to Collin's daughters.


This was not a time to try to talk to any of his family members, but commanders and soldiers who served with Collin praised his courage and commitment. The complete interviews with 1st Lt. Christopher Keene, Major T. J. Sullins, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Lowe, and Major Robert Paolucci are worth hearing.

His story aired on 9 NEWS NOW on March 25th. You can still see it here and read the web story.

Bowen was wounded in an IED explosion that killed two other American soldiers and there Afghan interpreter on January 2nd. He fought for life until he died on March 14th. A website dedicated to Collin and produced by his widow, Ursula, has many touching photos and messages about this dedicated soldier and family man.

Five Years Later...

This week our nation marked the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq. While the debate over what needs to be done rages on, I have been reaching out to people and agencies involved in the lives of military families.




I have more than a few things to mention to you that might be of interest to those who are serving, who have loved ones serving or who want to assist military families.




TAPS VOLUNTEERS




The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is looking for volunteers to work at its summer camp. TAPS sponsors the camp to give the children of Fallen Warriors a chance to bond with others who have lost a parent or loved one. Here's the full news release from TAPS and the contact information:





MILITARY MENTORS SOUGHT FOR TAPS GOOD GRIEF CAMP ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKENDMore Than 300 Children of the Fallen Will Find Comfort & Grieve Loved Ones Lost



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 2008

WASHINGTON – Mentors can play a critical role in helping children grieving the loss of a loved one in the Armed Forces, and TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, is recruiting 300+ mentors to help at its 14th annual Good Grief Camp being held Memorial Day Weekend near Washington, DC.
“We’ve found that children who have attended the Good Grief Camp felt a closeness to each other like many have never experienced as they are surrounded by others their age who have experienced a similar loss,” said Heather Campagna, the director of the Good Grief Camp for 2008. “There is a comfort when someone says they understand…and for the first time in many instances, they know it is true..

Campagna says that finding mentors with a military background is critical to the camp’s success – and she needs 300+ mentors on-site for the three days, so each child will have a special friend to talk to and lean on and understand that they are not alone and that the military still cares for them. Training is provided and required prior to mentoring at the camp.

“When a child loses a parent or another relative in the military, often they suffer secondary losses that are not acknowledged in their lives,” said Campagna. “They might move away from a home, be away from a military base when that is the only thing they have known, have to attend a new school, notice the achingly empty chair at Thanksgiving dinner, and miss their confidante. Connecting with a mentor can be an empowering experience for a child who has already lost so much.”

Mentors from past camps say that the experience is very rewarding. “I loved working with the kids. The first time I was exhausted at the end of each day, but I never felt more proud to be in uniform than when a child who has lost a loved one looks up at me,” said Corporal Phillip Vilkas, US Marine Corps

Training is provided for mentors, and is mandatory. Veterans, those in active duty, and military family spouses are encouraged to consider being a mentor.

More than 500 surviving family members and 300 children are expected to attend the TAPS National Seminar and Good Grief Camp. Many of the event’s attendees have suffered recent losses in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To apply to be a mentor, go to the TAPS website at www.taps.org. Click on the banner for the 2008 National Seminar and Good Grief Camp, or go to events to select it.

Families who have lost a loved one serving in the Armed Forces may sign up through www.taps.org to attend the National Seminar and Good Grief Camp. Workshops and seminars are held concurrently with the good grief camp that are designed to help bereaved families cope with their losses and develop new support networks.

TAPS is the national veteran’s service organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free crisis line at 800.959.TAPS.










FREE MEDIATION SERVICE





Did you know that returning veterans can receive free mediation services in Maryland? turning from violent front lines or stressful deployments can make it difficult to transition into life at home. Read below for information on the services and where to obtain them.





Free Mediation Services can Help Returning Veterans
Re-connect with Their Family and Community

Mediation can provide valuable assistance to reintegrate returning veterans back into their families and communities in Maryland. According to Pentagon data, nearly half of returning National Guard soldiers report some challenges, such as alcohol and/or drug abuse, inappropriate anger, sleeplessness and conflicts with family and work associates. There are additional challenges for soldiers who have been severely wounded and face long and arduous recovery periods. That and the stress of combat as well as multiple deployments also create issues for soldiers, their families and employers.

Free mediation services provided by community mediation centers can prevent and resolve a lot of the conflict often found in this transition. Mediation is a process that lets people have a difficult conversation, explore issues in a conflict, and develop solutions which meet the needs of everyone involved. Mediation can be used for collaborative planning to prevent a conflict, after a conflict has been going on for awhile, or even if a conflict has escalated significantly.

Conflicts or tensions may occur for any of the following reasons:



v Returning veterans may well be exhausted and unable to resume their previous responsibilities in the family and conflict can result when neither spouse feels that their needs are being met.



v The veteran may want to jump right back into their role within the family and run into conflict if the other spouse has gotten used to managing things alone.



v Children may be afraid for the soldier parent who is in harm’s way and for themselves because the parent is not there to do all the things they did before. Because children may not understand their own emotions they frequently act out in ways that cause more stress for themselves and the rest of the family. When the deployed parent first returns home, everyone anticipates a return to normal, whatever that may mean to each of them, but their expectations may be very different from each others’.



v Veterans may have seen their interactions change in the time they have been away. Perhaps they have experienced how important it is to respond instantly in combat and have come to expect that same level of response from others, including family members, even if that had not been a family dynamic previously.



v The children who have become used to the sometimes different discipline of the parent remaining home may be unwilling to hear the words of the newly returned parent and act out because of confusion or an unwillingness to express feelings out of fear of rejection.
All of these conflict situations can be assisted by a conversation and problem solving process facilitated by two professionally trained mediators

In addition to specific conflicts regarding family interactions reintegration issues for veterans may be the result of trauma, physical or emotional, that occurred in a combat zone. Many times it becomes difficult for the returning soldier to broach a discussion with family and vice versa. Mediation can help make that happen and will also provide the family with a safe environment in which to ask questions and agree on solutions.

All of the scenarios described above, as well as others, may be addressed through mediation with trained, neutral mediators to assist with creating understanding and resolving disputes. Mediation is available at no cost and at a time and place convenient to participants through Community Mediation Centers located throughout Maryland. To find a center near you, go to www.mdmediation.org or call 888-826-2262.






MARYLAND HOUSE & SENATE BILLS





Maryland lawmakers are working on several pieces of legislation that could be of interest to servicemen and women. Take a look at the following bills and where they stand as of March 19th.





2008 Regular Session bill profile information current as of March 19, 2008 - 9:30 a.m.

PROFILE - VETERANS & MILITARY RELATED LEGISLATION


HB 64
Status as of March 17, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Finance
HearingMARCH 201:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegate Kipke
Entitled: Fallen Soldier Privacy Act of 2008


CommitteeAssignments
House: Economic MattersSenate: Finance

HB 152
Status as of February 18, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education Health and Environmental Affairs
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Delegate Rudolph
Entitled: Joint Committee on Base Realignment and Closure - Additional Members
CommitteeAssignments
House: Economic MattersSenate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

HB 175
Status as of January 23, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
HeardFEBRUARY 52:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Aumann, Bates, Boteler, G. Clagett, DeBoy, Eckardt, Elliott, Elmore, Frank, Haddaway, Impallaria, Jennings, Krebs, Lafferty, Manno, McComas, McDonough, Miller, Minnick, Myers, Riley, Shewell, Smigiel, Sossi, and Stocksdale
Entitled: State Retirement and Pension System - Military Service Credit - Eligibility
CommitteeAssignments
House: Appropriations

HB 176
Status as of February 18, 2008:Bill is in the House - Withdrawn Ways and Means
Sponsored By
Delegates Aumann, Boteler, McComas, McDonough, Riley, and Stocksdale
Entitled: Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grants - Base Realignment and Closure(BRAC) Related Businesses
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 346
Status as of February 25, 2008:Bill is in the House - Unfavorable Judiciary
Sponsored By
Delegates Shewell, DeBoy, Ali, Aumann, Barkley, Bartlett, Beidle, Beitzel, Bohanan, Boteler, Bromwell, G. Clagett, Conaway, Dwyer, Eckardt, Elliott, Elmore, Frank, George, Glenn, Heller, Holmes, Impallaria, James, Jameson, Jennings, Kach, Kelly, King, Krebs, Kullen, Lafferty, Levy, Love, Malone, McComas, McConkey, McDonough, McKee, Miller, Minnick, Montgomery, Myers, Niemann, Norman, O'Donnell, Riley, Schuh, Schuler, Shank, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Sossi, Stifler, Stocksdale, Stull, Walkup, Weir, Weldon, and Wood
Entitled: Family Law - Child Custody and Visitation - Military Deployment
CommitteeAssignments
House: Judiciary

HB 366
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 2011:00 a.m.
Sponsored By
The Speaker (By Request - Administration) and Delegates Rudolph, Love, James, Barnes, Branch, Braveboy, Bronrott, Dumais, Elmore, Feldman, Frick, Glenn, Griffith, Guzzone, Haynes, Kullen, Lafferty, Mathias, Nathan-Pulliam, Niemann, Pena-Melnyk, Sophocleus, Stein, Stifler, Stukes, F. Turner, V. Turner, Valderrama, Vallario, and Walker
Entitled: BRAC Community Enhancement Act
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means and Economic Matters

HB 371
Status as of February 13, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
HeardMARCH 41:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
The Speaker (By Request - Administration) and Delegates Aumann, Bobo, Bohanan, Branch, Bronrott, Busch, Cane, Cardin, G. Clagett, Dumais, Eckardt, Elmore, Feldman, Frick, Gaines, George, Guzzone, Hammen, Haynes, Healey, Hecht, Hubbard, James, Jones, Kaiser, Kramer, Krebs, Kullen, Lee, Levy, Love, Manno, Mathias, Minnick, Montgomery, Morhaim, Nathan-Pulliam, O'Donnell, Proctor, Riley, Rosenberg, Rudolph, Schuh, Shank, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Stein, Tarrant, and Waldstreicher
Entitled: Divestiture from Iran
CommitteeAssignments
House: Appropriations

HB 372
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations
HeardFEBRUARY 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
The Speaker (By Request - Administration) and Delegates Ali, Aumann, Bobo, Bohanan, Branch, Braveboy, Bronrott, Cane, G. Clagett, Conway, Doory, Dumais, Eckardt, Elmore, Frick, Gaines, Gilchrist, Guzzone, Hammen, Haynes, Healey, Hecht, Heller, Holmes, Hubbard, Hucker, James, Jones, Kaiser, Kramer, Krebs, Kullen, Lee, Levy, Love, Manno, Mathias, McKee, Minnick, Montgomery, Morhaim, Nathan-Pulliam, O'Donnell, Pendergrass, Proctor, Ramirez, Riley, Rosenberg, Rudolph, Shank, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Stein, Tarrant, F. Turner, and Vaughn
Entitled: Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 412
Status as of January 30, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Judiciary
HeardFEBRUARY 201:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegate Dumais
Entitled: Maryland Uniform Power of Attorney Act
CommitteeAssignments
House: Judiciary

HB 469
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 202:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegate Love
Entitled: County Property Tax - Interest in Federal Government Property - Payment in Lieu of Taxes
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 522
Status as of January 30, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
HeardFEBRUARY 52:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates G. Clagett, Aumann, Barkley, Benson, Bohanan, Boteler, V. Clagett, Costa, DeBoy, Dwyer, Eckardt, Elliott, Elmore, Frank, George, Guzzone, Haddaway, Harrison, Healey, Hecht, James, Jones, Kach, Kipke, Levy, Love, Mathias, Minnick, O'Donnell, Proctor, Riley, Robinson, Rudolph, Schuh, Schuler, Shewell, Sossi, Stifler, Stukes, F. Turner, V. Turner, Walkup, Weir, and Wood
Entitled: Military Service Credit - Eligibility
CommitteeAssignments
House: Appropriations

HB 549
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Love, Aumann, Barkley, Barnes, Bates, Beidle, Beitzel, Bohanan, Boteler, Bromwell, Cane, V. Clagett, Costa, DeBoy, Donoghue, Dwyer, Eckardt, Elliott, Elmore, Feldman, Frank, Gaines, George, Hammen, Harrison, Haynes, Howard, Hucker, Impallaria, Jameson, Jennings, Kach, Kelly, King, Kipke, Kirk, Krebs, Krysiak, Kullen, Lafferty, Levy, Manno, Mathias, McComas, McDonough, McHale, McKee, Miller, Minnick, Mizeur, Montgomery, Myers, Nathan-Pulliam, Olszewski, Pena-Melnyk, Ramirez, Riley, Rudolph, Schuh, Shank, Shewell, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Sossi, Stifler, Stocksdale, Taylor, V. Turner, Valderrama, Vaughn, Walkup, Weir, and Wood
Entitled: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Military Retirement
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 669
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 191:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates F. Turner, Bartlett, Bates, Bohanan, Boteler, Cardin, Conway, DeBoy, Elliott, Elmore, George, Gilchrist, Guzzone, Howard, Ivey, Jameson, Jennings, Kach, Kipke, Krebs, Kullen, Levy, Mathias, Miller, Minnick, Murphy, Olszewski, Pendergrass, Proctor, Ramirez, Rice, Ross, Shewell, Stocksdale, Stukes, Walker, Weir, Weldon, and Wood
Entitled
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax - Exemption for Returning Military Members
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 704
Status as of March 12, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education Health and Environmental Affairs
HearingMARCH 261:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Chair, Appropriations Committee (By Request - Departmental – Higher Education Commission)
Entitled: Higher Education Investment Fund - Expenditures - Base Realignment and Closure Process
CommitteeAssignments
House: AppropriationsSenate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

HB 708
Status as of March 10, 2008:Bill is in the House - Unfavorable Environmental Matters
Sponsored By
Delegates Costa, Dwyer, Love, McKee, and Weir
Entitled: Vehicle Laws - Gold Star License Plates - Fees and Eligibility
CommitteeAssignments
House: Environmental Matters

HB 747
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations
HeardFEBRUARY 271:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegate Minnick
Entitled: Procurement - Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Participation
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 749
Status as of March 15, 2008:Bill is in the House - Second Reading Passed with Amendments

Sponsored By
Chair, Economic Matters Committee (By Request - Departmental - Labor, Licensing and Regulation)
Entitled: Unemployment Insurance - Eligibility - Voluntary Quit to Follow a Spouse
CommitteeAssignments
House: Economic Matters

HB 780
Status as of February 27, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardMARCH 131:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Harford County Delegation
Entitled: Harford County - War Veterans' Organizations - Slot Machines
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 784
Status as of February 14, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Kaiser, Barkley, Bartlett, Bates, Beitzel, Bohanan, Bromwell, Cardin, Carr, Costa, DeBoy, Dumais, George, Gutierrez, Hecht, Howard, James, Kelly, Kipke, Levy, Love, Mathias, McKee, Minnick, Montgomery, Robinson, Rudolph, Schuh, Schuler, Shank, Smigiel, Sophocleus, Stukes, Taylor, Weir, Weldon, and Wood
Entitled: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 984
Status as of February 13, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations
HeardMARCH 111:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Montgomery, Ali, Aumann, Barkley, Bates, Benson, Boteler, Bronrott, Cane, Carr, G. Clagett, V. Clagett, Costa, Doory, Dumais, Eckardt, Feldman, Frick, Frush, Gilchrist, Gutierrez, Guzzone, Hecht, Hixson, Hubbard, Hucker, James, Kach, Kaiser, Kipke, Kirk, Krysiak, Kullen, Lee, Levy, Manno, Mathias, McDonough, McHale, Minnick, Nathan-Pulliam, Oaks, Pena-Melnyk, Riley, Rosenberg, Shewell, Sophocleus, Stocksdale, Taylor, and V. Turner
Entitled: Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Mental Health Pilot Program
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 1009
Status as of February 8, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardFEBRUARY 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Cardin, Beitzel, Boteler, Bromwell, Donoghue, Frank, Kach, Kipke, Kullen, Manno, Minnick, Montgomery, Morhaim, Nathan-Pulliam, Ramirez, Riley, Tarrant, Weir, and Weldon
Entitled: Income Tax Exemption - Military Health Care Pensions - Health Care Workforce Shortage
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 1181
Status as of February 11, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
HeardFEBRUARY 191:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Rudolph and James
Entitled: Teachers' Retirement System and Teachers' Pension System - Reemployment of Retirees - BRAC
CommitteeAssignments
House: Appropriations

HB 1262
Status as of February 13, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations
HeardMARCH 111:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Hucker, Bronrott, Donoghue, Feldman, Hubbard, Kullen, Manno, McConkey, Montgomery, Nathan-Pulliam, Pena-Melnyk, Ramirez, Reznik, Schuler, Valderrama, and Weir
Entitled: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Behavioral Health Services for Veterans of War in Iraq or Afghanistan
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 1319
Status as of February 13, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Hucker, Barve, Carr, Donoghue, Doory, Gilchrist, Hixson, Holmes, Howard, Jennings, Kullen, McHale, McIntosh, Myers, Ross, Sossi, Taylor, F. Turner, Valderrama, Waldstreicher, and Weir
Entitled: Expanded Early Childhood Education
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 1417
Status as of March 10, 2008:Bill is in the House - Withdrawn Environmental Matters
Sponsored By
Delegates Stein, Boteler, Cardin, Glenn, Morhaim, Shewell, and Weldon
Entitled: Housing and Community Development - Program for Military Health Care Workers
CommitteeAssignments
House: Environmental Matters

HB 1425
Status as of February 12, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Environmental Matters
HeardMARCH 111:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Chair, Environmental Matters Committee (By Request - Departmental -Veterans Affairs)
Entitled: Vehicle Laws - Gold Star Registration Plates
CommitteeAssignments
House: Environmental Matters

HB 1431
Status as of February 27, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Health and Government Operations
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee (By Request -Departmental - Veterans Affairs)
Entitled: Procurement - Small Business Preference Program - Veteran-Owned and Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 1435
Status as of March 15, 2008:Bill is in the House - Second Reading Passed

Sponsored By
Chair, Appropriations Committee (By Request - Departmental – Veterans Affairs)
Entitled: State Employees - Veterans Seniority Points
CommitteeAssignments
House: Appropriations

HB 1511
Status as of February 27, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Health and Government Operations
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee and Chair, Ways and Means Committee (By Request - Departmental - Veterans Affairs)
Entitled: Maryland Veterans Trust Fund
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations and Ways and Means

HB 1521
Status as of March 5, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Ways and Means
HearingMARCH 201:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates Murphy, Bohanan, Boteler, Cardin, Frick, Gilchrist, Kullen, Levy, O'Donnell, and Wood
Entitled: Sales and Use Tax - Exemption - Veterans' Organizations
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 1576
Status as of March 7, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Ways and Means
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegates F. Turner, Doory, Gilchrist, Rice, Stukes, and Walker
Entitled : Statewide Phase-Out of Electronic Gaming Devices
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 1582
Status as of March 12, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Ways and Means
HearingMARCH 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Delegate Ross
Entitled: Income Tax Credit - Maryland Defense Force - Travel, Training, and Uniform Expenses
CommitteeAssignments
House: Ways and Means

HB 1586
Status as of March 18, 2008:Bill is in the House - Withdrawn Health and Government Operations
Sponsored By
Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee (By Request -Departmental - Military)
Entitled: Military Department - Employees - Authority of the Adjutant General
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 1592
Status as of March 12, 2008:Bill is in the House - Re-referred Health and Government Operations
HearingMARCH 191:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Chair, Health and Government Operations Committee (By Request -Departmental - Military)
Entitled: Military Department - Sale of Superfluous Property and Disposition of Proceeds
CommitteeAssignments
House: Health and Government Operations

HB 1617
Status as of March 11, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Delegates Cardin, Bromwell, Levy, Minnick, Morhaim, Murphy, Rosenberg, and Stein
Entitled: Sales and Use Tax - Exemption - Veterans' Organizations
CommitteeAssignments
House: House Rules and Executive Nominations

SB 3
Status as of March 17, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Economic Matters
HearingMARCH 251:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Simonaire, Harris, Edwards, Greenip, Astle, Brinkley, Brochin, Colburn, Conway, Currie, DeGrange, Della, Dyson, Forehand, Frosh, Garagiola, Gladden, Haines, Glassman, Harrington, Jacobs, Jones, Kasemeyer, King, Kittleman, Klausmeier, Kramer, Lenett, Madaleno, McFadden, Middleton, Miller, Mooney, Munson, Muse, Peters, Pinsky, Pipkin, Pugh, Raskin, Robey, Rosapepe, Stoltzfus, Stone, and Zirkin
Entitled: Fallen Soldier Privacy Act of 2008
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: FinanceHouse: Economic Matters

SB 12
Status as of February 15, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Senator McFadden
Entitled: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary -Requirements
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and TaxationHouse: Ways and Means

SB 39
Status as of March 5, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Economic Matters
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Dyson, Conway, Rosapepe, Colburn, Greenip, Lenett, and Peters
Entitled: Joint Committee on Base Realignment and Closure - Additional Members
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental AffairsHouse: Economic Matters

SB 87
Status as of March 12, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Judiciary
HearingMARCH 271:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Kelley, Colburn, Conway, Currie, Della, Forehand, Jacobs, Lenett, Muse, Raskin, Stone, and Simonaire
Entitled: Maryland Uniform Power of Attorney Act - Loretta's Law
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Judicial ProceedingsHouse: Judiciary

SB 206
Status as of February 13, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardFEBRUARY 271:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
The President (By Request - Administration) and Senators Dyson, DeGrange, Astle, Conway, Currie, Della, Forehand, Lenett, Madaleno, Peters, Rosapepe, and Simonaire
Entitled: BRAC Community Enhancement Act
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 210
Status as of March 14, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Health and Government Operations
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
The President (By Request - Administration) and Senators Astle, Brochin, Currie, Della, Edwards, Frosh, Garagiola, Gladden, Kasemeyer, King, Klausmeier, Lenett, Madaleno, Peters, Rosapepe, Stone, Middleton, Exum, and Glassman
Entitled: Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: FinanceHouse: Health and Government Operations

SB 214
Status as of February 14, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardFEBRUARY 203:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
The President (By Request - Administration) and Senators Miller, Brinkley, Brochin, Colburn, Currie, DeGrange, Frosh, Garagiola, Gladden, King, Kramer, Lenett, Madaleno, McFadden, Peters, Robey, Stoltzfus, and Stone
Entitled: Divestiture from Iran
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 300
Status as of February 15, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee(By Request - Departmental -Transportation) and Senators Currie, Brinkley, DeGrange, Edwards, Jones, Kasemeyer, King, Kramer, Madaleno, McFadden, Munson, Peters, Robey, Stoltzfus, and Zirkin
Entitled: Motor Vehicle Excise Tax - Exemption for Returning Military Members
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and TaxationHouse: Ways and Means

SB 315
Status as of January 30, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardFEBRUARY 131:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Lenett, Garagiola, Klausmeier, Muse, Peters, Robey, and Rosapepe
Entitled: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Military Retirement Income
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 332
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Judicial Proceedings
HeardMARCH 111:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senator Simonaire
Entitled: Motor Vehicles - Single Registration Plate and Front Plate Program
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Judicial Proceedings

SB 425
Status as of February 27, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardMARCH 103:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senator Peters
Entitled: State Retirement and Pension System - Military Service Credit - Eligibility
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 426
Status as of February 20, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardMARCH 51:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Peters, Jacobs, and Rosapepe
Entitled: Income Tax Subtraction Modification - Military Pay
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 428
Status as of March 11, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Senators Pinsky, Raskin, Conway, Della, King, Lenett, and Madaleno
Entitled: Education - Military Recruiters - Student Contact Information - Opportunity to Opt Out
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental AffairsHouse: Ways and Means

SB 457
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education Health and Environmental Affairs
HeardFEBRUARY 211:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senator Astle
Entitled: Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

SB 520
Status as of February 27, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardMARCH 103:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators DeGrange, Astle, Brinkley, Currie, Della, Dyson, Edwards, Garagiola, Glassman, Greenip, Harris, Klausmeier, Lenett, Madaleno, McFadden, Munson, Peters, Robey, and Stone
Entitled: Military Service Credit - Eligibility
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 608
Status as of March 10, 2008:Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Senators Garagiola, Astle, DeGrange, Dyson, Lenett, Mooney, Peters, Raskin, Simonaire, Stone, Klausmeier, Colburn, Conway, Harris, and Rosapepe
Entitled: Education - Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship -Extension
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental AffairsHouse: Ways and Means

SB 625
Status as of February 20, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardMARCH 51:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senator Muse
Entitled: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Military Retirement Income
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 648
Status as of February 20, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education Health and Environmental Affairs
HeardMARCH 141:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Peters, Astle, Dyson, and Munson
Entitled: Procurement - Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Participation
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

SB 715
Status as of February 20, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Budget and Taxation
HeardMARCH 51:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Klausmeier, Astle, Colburn, Glassman, Jacobs, Kittleman, Mooney, and Stone
Entitled: Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Military Compensation Outside the State
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Budget and Taxation

SB 804
Status as of February 6, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Senate Rules
No HearingScheduled
Sponsored By
Harford County Senators
Entitled: Harford County - War Veterans' Organizations - Slot Machines
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Senate Rules

SB 872
Status as of March 17, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - Favorable with Amendments Finance

Sponsored By
Senator Peters
Entitled: Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Mental Health Pilot Program
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Finance

SB 912
Status as of March 5, 2008:Bill is in the Senate - Re-referred Education Health and Environmental Affairs
HeardMARCH 181:00 p.m.
Sponsored By
Senators Dyson and DeGrange
Entitled: Early Childhood Education - Children in Military Families
CommitteeAssignments
Senate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

Working For Warriors

How much responsibility does our nation have to support Americans who have volunteered to serve and go off to war? It is a question I've often wondered about as I have seen and heard references to "Support Our Troops."

Most of us who read or watch the news are aware that our nation sometimes falls short of providing the services and benefits that many believe our veterans deserve. Whether it is help for the wounded, the traumatized or the financially strapped veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a nation that spends billions on fighting her enemies should be there for those who serve (even if it is their jobs).

With that in mind, I wanted to fill you in on some legislation that could make a difference for Americans newest veterans. The Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress have bills pending that would expand the help available to servicemen and women.

In Maryland, Senate Bill 210 was passed unanimously today by the Senate. The legislation known as the "Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health" bill is aimed at providing a safety net for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who are having difficulties getting behavioral health services.

If the measure (and/or HB 372) wins final approval, the state would work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure the veterans have access to mental health services. With the disturbing rate of suicide among those who have served in the fight against terrorism, this legislation could help veterans with PTSD or other mental health issues get assistance more quickly, especially in the rural areas of Maryland.

Here is an excerpt from SB 210 that details how the two agencies would coordinate services:

13–2702.
(A) SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS OF ITS BUDGET, THE DEPARTMENT:
(1) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, THE MARYLAND NATIONAL GUARD, AND THE MARYLAND DEFENSE FORCE, SHALL PROVIDE SERVICE COORDINATION FOR VETERANS IN ALL GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE STATE TO CONNECT THEM TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WHICH MAY BE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS;

(2) (I) WHERE SERVICES ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE OR
ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS, SHALL PROVIDE SERVICE COORDINATION FOR VETERANS IN ALL
GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE STATE TO CONNECT THEM TO BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH SERVICES WHICH MAY BE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE MENTAL HYGIENE ADMINISTRATION OR THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE ADMINISTRATION, UNTIL SUCH FEDERAL SERVICES CAN BE ACCESSED AND OBTAINED; AND

SENATE BILL 210
(II) THE PROVISION OF SERVICES THROUGH THE MENTAL
HYGIENE ADMINISTRATION OR THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE
ADMINISTRATION SHALL BE BASED ON ELIGIBILITY AND MEDICAL NECESSITY CRITERIA ESTABLISHED BY THESE ADMINISTRATIONS;

The state's Health & Human Hygiene would administer the program. Constance A. Walker, CAPT, USN (Ret) testified before a U.S. Senate Committee last October. She is President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness/Southern Maryland. Her testimony is packed with information about PTSD and examples of the problems vets face getting help.

I'll keep you posted on SB 210 and its progress.

On another front, there is encouraging news about the "21st Century G.I. Bill" first introduced by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) The bill backed by Sen. John Warner (R-Va) now has 50 co-sponsors. The word from Sen. Webb's office is that supporters hope to get the bill included as part of the Iraq War Supplemental Spending bill. Members of Congress will vote on the spending bill in early April. It is possible that the G.I. bill could be written into that legislation or included as an amendment. It could come up for a vote sometime after the Senate returns from its Easter recess.

The bill would increase the benefits available for today's veterans. Some reservists and active duty personnel are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for college or get the benefits they thought would be provided for those who serve. A PBS report that aired last month summed up the challenges they face.

As you probably have heard, Sen. Webb's son served in Iraq. He also has nine other veterans on his Senate staff. Here he is shown with seven of the staff members who have served their country.

If you know of any Iraq or Afghanistan veterans who are dealing with issues related to PTSD or G.I. benefits, let me hear from you at parmstrong@wusa9.com . That's all for now, folks.

TAPS Peer Support

The 2008 Presidential Race grabs our attention and the headlines. It is an interesting time in America as voters try to figure out who should be our next Commander-in-Chief.

While we debate and speculate, the people directly affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to face the challenges of having loved ones deployed, wounded or killed.

I received this news release and photo from Amy Neiberger-Miller who works with TAPS. It is an encouraging look at how people are supporting each other through painful and difficult times.

If you have stories like this you want to share, contact me at parmstrong@wusa9.com .

GRIEVING BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE FALLEN FIND HELP & COMFORT IN PEER SUPPORTFirst-Ever TAPS Sibling Retreat Helps Online Network Members Find Understanding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2008GRAPHIC AVAILABLE
San Antonio, Texas – A sibling relationship should be a lifelong friendship, but for those losing a brother or sister to the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, the pain and sorrow can be overwhelming. Adult siblings left behind must contend with their own grief and shock, adjust to an altered family structure and assume new responsibilities.

To help brothers and sisters cope, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS held its first retreat for siblings for three days in San Antonio. The retreat was modeled after the organization’s regional seminars, which help surviving family members process their grief reactions, develop coping skills, and establish support networks.

“Siblings often experience what is known as disenfranchised grief,” said Stephanie Frogge, director of peer support programs for TAPS. “Everyone asks how their parents are doing, but no one asks how they are coping with their loss. This heightens their feelings of isolation and grief.”

Peer support programs, like the one TAPS provides, often play a critical role in healing from the traumatic loss of a loved one. Jenny Claiborn, 24, of Wister, Okla., told a reporter from the San Antonio Express-News that she struggled to grieve after her brother, Buddy Hughie, died in Afghanistan. "As soon as I got home, the questions I got were, are they (her parents) OK? Are you making sure they're eating? I answered the phones. I arranged the funeral. I don't feel I ever had time to sit down and grieve the way I should have."

All of the retreat’s attendees lost a brother or sister in Iraq or Afghanistan, and are part of the TAPS Sibling Network, a virtual online support community. Membership in the network has swelled in recent months, doubling in size from 45 members in August to more than 90 today. Participants share their feelings and concerns through a confidential listserve and participate in monthly chat room dialogues on the TAPS website at www.taps.org.

About a third of the network’s members attended the retreat. For many, it was their first opportunity to meet face-to-face with people they have interacted with online. Those still fresh in their grief and loss, turned to others for advice. Casey Umbrell, 24, of Savannah, Ga., lost her brother, Colby Umbrell, in 2007 and saw her fiancé deployed to Iraq only a week after Colby’s death.

She told the San Antonio News-Express that talking with other brothers and sisters through the network and at the retreat is helping her cope. She noted that you never “get over it” and said, "It doesn't get easier, it gets different."

Debra Shirley, 38, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, lost her brother Nathan Shirley twelve years ago in a helicopter crash has a more long term view. “It never goes away but you do incorporate it into your daily living. It’s like a scar – not readily apparent to others but you’re aware of it. As I get older Nathan’s death means different things to me. He and I were going to help my parents make decisions when they got older and now it’s just me.”

Membership in the TAPS sibling network is free and restricted to individuals who have lost a brother or sister serving in the Armed Forces. To sign-up go to the TAPS website at www.taps.org or call 800.959.TAPS (8277).

“How grief is experienced is mirrored by the relationships affected,” said Bonnie Carroll, who founded TAPS in 1994 with other surviving military families, following a National Guard plane crash that took the lives of 8 soldiers, including her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll. “If you are a big brother and you lose your younger sibling, your identity is impacted. Your parents are now grieving the loss of a child and that also affects family relationships. There is a caring community within TAPS to help siblings.”

Headquartered in Washington, DC, TAPS is a national Veterans Service Organization providing compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, seminars, case work assistance, and 24/7 crisis intervention care for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free crisis line at 800.959.TAPS.

A Note from Iraq

I opened my e-mail last Thursday and was glad to see a note from a Fairfax County police detective who is deployed in Iraq.

Sgt. James Sparks and I met when I did stories on his family and other Fairfax County police officers serving their country. He is on the right in this photo and Tyler Butterworth is on the left.

Covering the deployment of his unit stirred a lot of feelings about the people separating from their friends and loved ones. There was so much pride as well as many tears that summer day.

It will mean a great deal to me to be there when Sgt. Sparks and his fellow soldiers come home to their families.



Sgt. Spark's Note:



Phyllis,
I just wanted to let you know all is well here at Al-Asad Air Base, Iraq. This tour has been much less violent than my last tour in Ramadi. Which is a welcome change, it seems that the troop surge has worked (some what). After we last met, I was made the Squad Leader for 1st Platoon, 2nd Squad. I now have 26 men on my Squad now, and I will tell you they have all performed flawlessly. These young men have shown great restraint under fire, along with superb discipline. Enclosed is a picture of one of my top gunners, Tyler Butterworth from Fairfax Co Va. I know I have said this before, these young men really do instill great pride in the younger generation and their Country. They have made me proud and continue to execute their duty in a professional manner. Thank you for all the support at home, and the kindness you have shown my family. All my best to you and the Channel 9 News Crew.
SSGT Jim Sparks
B Co 1st Pl 2nd Sqd
3-116th Infantry