MTV has worked with veterans’ groups across the country to identify priority actions that Elected Officials must take to help veterans returning from service. You can help by signing -The Bill of Rights for America’s Veterans!
Time To Go Home Michael Franti and Spearhead
Music
My taste in music is full spectrum depending on my mood, always has been this way. I'm featuring here a few of my favorite musicians, they are Vietnam Veterans. Right now my favorite CD is Walt Cronin-
The Gousters, his song is featured in my profile,"Flowers in her Hand" all of his songs are amazing! Click to visit CDBaby The Gousters CD and MP3s or The Gousters Website
Eclectic...I like most all music such as: classic 60'& 70's,blues, rock, hip-hop,oldies, singer-songwriter,world music,reggae, classical, celtic,techno, organic-trance, bands of the 90's, new bands & music & check out some of my favorite bands in my friends section! Musicians who are soldiers and veterans are my top friends
Movies
Watch The Video - Sign The Petition
1.5 million people have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Almost one-third of them will have a serious mental health problem – like depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. That’s why I’m supporting IAVA and Drowning Pool’s “This is For the Soldiers” campaign to make sure the mental health needs of our troops are a top priority.
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When I Came Home A harrowing documentary about the lives of returning Iraq War vets. Available now on UIM. When I Came Home is a documentary film about homeless veterans in America: from those who served in Vietnam to those returning from the current war in Iraq. The film looks at the challenges faced by returning combat veterans and the battle many must fight to receive their benefits from the Veterans Administration
Soldiers, veterans and their families. Stanley Strykowski-Ski-The VA Angel who helped my dad and so many other veterans People like you who support veteran's care and rights.
Laura Hammons founder of Daughters Of Vietnam Veterans-DOVV.NET and all DOVV sisters and brothers!
"It is illogical to put a cap on VA funding when it is impossible to put a cap on the number of those wounded and injured in service to their country." visit VAWatchdog.org
The parents, spouses, and children of fallen and wounded soldiers
'Video: Make VA go to the soldier' Father Of Soldier Speaks-VA failing PTSD Veterans 'Make VA go to the soldier'
Watch the video to see portraits of Fallen Soldiers made by artist Kaziah Hancock paints portraits of fallen soldiers and gives them to their next of kin.
hero paintings.com
Agent Orange Legacy Online Support and Empowerment for all Children, Families and friends of Vietnam Veterans Visit or join here
My first veteran's rights poem "When Will They Bring The Troops Home"
"Soldier's Daughter- War Never Ends" Poem.
In the war that never ends, he sits in his room.
For years his mind would pretend
that he hadn't lost it all, freedom, love, dignity.
Left with wounds so deep they never mend.
Maybe a wiser man to lose your mind,
when the visions that flicker on and on,
show a world gone so wrong.
He knows many are blind.
She cries in the night, that awakes her from sleep
haunted by voices, that scatter and seep in hallow asylum walls,
that echo in administration's war calls.
He was called to fight, he was the young, the strong, the fated pawn.
The warrior marches on,
with stories of combat undergone, memories of precious lives that fell.
Images of hell that tangle and twist in his mind,
and stories so buried he can never tell.
With his battle's scars, he dwells in fear,
in places so dark, who can he tell?
When no one seems to want to hear.
Traded a young man's dreams and wishes for death, partitions,
flag draped coffins, and ammunitions.
Close as breath a memory seems, his fear never softens.
Alone in his room he stares and stares
as the television blares,
he tells his daughter he's had a bad day,
but not to worry as it's been that way for years.
She feels her tears.
He says,"the news declares more troops died today"
He asks her "if anyone cares?" What can she say?
They all told him in Nam "you won't remember the wounded, the dead"
Yet, he remembers their faces and pain as he recites them by name,
with stories of how they each reached their end.
Lost for time in a battlefield haze that lives in his head.
Where his mind returns again and again to honor those slain.
Until he asks her again, "How much longer until we bring the troops home?"
He sees them all die again and again,
and prays for the ones who make it back home.
Home does not change, everything in their head.
He knows many will roam on a hard road to tread,
The meds, buried friends, hospital beds, a soldier, a vet alone.
In a system he knows well, too many will dwell.
They seal his fate and say he lost his mind,
as they lock away the soldier who knows.
It seems his thoughts become clear, when he has his daughter near.
His soldier's wisdom to find in prose.
He knows what he sees is so wrong,
He asks her to write a peace song,
War scenes on flicker on and on.
Though he has come home decades ago, he lives in war that never ends.
He wonders were it all went wrong, lost years,
and how many will come home to sing his sad song,
of a war that lasts far too long.
Click Here To Read My Latest Poem "Lady Liberty Cries" Published at WHYAREWEINIRAQ.COM This poem tells part of the story of many veterans I met and witnessed their suffering in the system. My poems are all true stories, I hope that when you read them you will want to do your part to help soldiers and veterans. I have made it easy for you to click on the links to help soldiers and veterans, your help means a lot to me and to all soldiers,veterans, and their families!
My profile song is written and performed by Walt Cronin a Vietnam Veteran
his band is The Goustersmy profile song is"Flowers in her Hand" all of his songs are amazing! Check out his CD and mp3s ! Click to visit CDBaby The Gousters CD and MP3s or The Gousters Website
I am an adoptee, a long lost daughter of a disabled Vietnam Veteran whom I finally was able to find & reunite with....after searching for him for years and finding red=tape that prevented us from meeting for years. The story of our reunion is a beautiful story of connection and healing but.... Four short years after we met I witnessed him die a slow death due to negligent medical care and lack of rights for mentally ill veterans. Despite our DNA test proof of parentage, our close relationship and my BEST efforts to protect his life and get him medical care I had NO RIGHTS to help him LEGALLY because I was adopted while he was overseas in Vietnam War
My father who was a disabled Vietnam Veteran is done with his suffering in the system, which went on for over 40 years. But after getting to know so many veterans, seeing veterans being treated so badly and hearing their stories. I can't let this issue rest until some changes are made for veterans and their families. In his honor and memory, I try to spread awareness, share petitions for veterans rights,and bring change so that more veterans will not suffer in system and die, like my father did. Older veterans and the soldiers returning from Iraq & Afghanistan wars are still suffering in the same failing and underfunded system.
Please support the troops and veterans and take a moment to sign the petitions I have below.
Thanks for stopping by my MYSPACE- you can read my 'Stop the War- War Never Ends Poem' or my latest Poem 'Lady Liberty Cries' here. I also have many resources here about veteran's rights, petitions to sign to improve care for veterans, and where to find useful advocacy organizations and resources for veterans and their families.
Please take a moment to do this for me- a daughter of a Vietnam veteran who saw the neglect, disrespect and failing medical and mental health-care that our country gives to veterans who served. By signing the petition you will be supporting the work of IAVA- they are taking actions to demand that returning troops will not live with the suffering and sadness that so many Vietnam veterans and their families have lived with for years.
The medical care we give our soldiers is appalling, and for those with mental illness it is even worse. Most of the staff I met are not trained to take care of soldiers with war related trauma issues (ptsd or mental health issues) which is inexcusable and makes the veterans symptoms even worse. Suicide and homeless rates for veterans is skyrocketing.
I have witnessed neglect, veterans treated with no human dignity, verbal abuse, total lack of respect to veterans in the very places they go to for help. I've seen men die while waiting for medical or psychological care.
I saw so many things occur that would anger and break the hearts of many. I hear the slogan "support the troops" or see a ribbon on a car and it makes me angry, as I have not witnessed real support for injured or disabled veterans or their families.
I met so many amazing and strong veterans who were also failed by the system, while I was fighting for my own father's rights and medical care.
My father died in a system that failed him- he knew that I would go an fighting and advocating for soldiers/ veterans care and rights and helping veterans and their families connect with services and advocates that can help to empower them and bring them healing.
My father suffered in the system since 1969 and then when he was only 59 years old he was denied his 'right to life' and medical care- despite my begging the courts and the VA to give him this medical care. I will never forget seeing him be put to slow death like this by the very country he 'served'. Nor will I ever forget all the veterans I saw suffering in the system. So many veteran's are suffering, being denied care, and forgotten. Please sign some of the petitions I have links to here it only takes a moment of your time!,
Read my "Stop The War- War Never Ends" poem below and do what you can to stop the war and to bring healing and health care to forgotten veterans.
The hospital my father died at is now being monitored by a task force initiated by a democratic Senator from his state. Read the article here. I know my many letters and efforts can make a difference for other soldiers and veterans. Another article about this issue is here. This shows that if enough people care, speak up for veterans, take action, sign petitions and contact their officials that we can help soldiers and veterans get the quality care the deserve!
Veterans and soldiers who return from Iraq and Afghanistan War are still suffering in the same system that my father suffered and died in.
Here are 3 easy ways to help take action to improve the lives of veterans:
You can show that you support the troops and veterans, right from your computer- it takes only a minute!
Let your elected official know you care about veterans!
Just take a moment to mention that you care about this and request that as your elected officials they will vote and work for: Veterans rights, better mental health care,improving health care for veterans, and to take action to reduce suicide and homeless rates of veterans, and pass the GI Bill! You can also tell them that you stand behind the missions of the IAVA and Standup4Vets.
It only takes a moment of your time, yet these action you can take now, will really help to improve the lives of soldiers and veterans. After all they sacrifice to serve our country, we need to show them that we do stand behind them - support our troops and veterans.
Other bills:
The Disabled American Veterans - are asking for signatures to Support "The Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act"
I also care greatly about the TBI BILL. Tell President Bush to sign the Traumatic Brain Injury Bill. Congress passed “The Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act (TBI)” now the president needs to sign it! email me with any other bills or petitions and I will add them!
Please sign petitions to let your elected officials know that you care about the returning soldiers and all veterans and help to demand better care for them.- Thank you.
Click on banner to visit my friends at DOVV- Daughters of Vietnam Veterans
I will be adding some more poems soon, add me as a friend, or email if you have a website or an announcement I will add to myspace, my STOP THE WAR squidoo lens, and my blogs. Check out my myspace friends for good organizations, people, and music.
"Stand Up For Veterans is an advocacy campaign of the Disabled American Veterans. Its purpose is to generate greater public awareness and support for strengthening federal policies that provide health care assistance to disabled veterans injured in the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those from prior eras and conflicts." There are awareness campaigns, resources and online petitions at standup5vets.org.
In addition, you will find how to submit your own peace poem to websites, music links with free music to listen to and share, activism merchandise, Iraq war news headlines, and a Plexo link section where you can vote for your favorite link &/or add your favorite links.
Ben Harper's Happy Everafter In Your Eyes
My dad, my hero, my guardian angel
the church bells are ringing and the children are singing,
as the angels come to take to you to rest
with your fallen honorable brothers from long ago.
Light and peace forevermore.
My biological father was in the Vietnam War when I was born. The poem featured was written in reaction to my many conversations with and in honor of him and all veterans and their families who live with this legacy of war.
I always wondered who my biological father was, how he was, and when I was as young as 4 years old, I can remember seeing convoys of Army trucks drive by on the highway and I had an eerie sense or knowing that my biological father was a soldier. I remember the Vietnam Veteran's held a large protest in my town and many were arrested that night, I remember this as if I was watching a movie of it right now. It was held on the Battle Green in Lexington Massachusetts- where the first shot from the Revolutionary War was fired.
I was only about 4, but somehow it seemed so significant. The Vietnam Veterans Against the War held this protest with John Kerry, at the time I did not know who was there, but I did now they were soldiers and other people who wanted to stop the war on my town Green protesting the war. Here is a link with the history, interviews, and photos of the Vietnam War protest on the Lexington Green 1971There is also a DVD for sale of all the documents and history of this event available at the link.
Thinking about it now it seems so odd to being so moved by this protest and eerily aware of what the protest, as if somehow I knew that the Vietnam War would be something that would impact my entire life. There was an ominous feeling even at that young age.
The next thing I remember about the WAR was the call to my house when my family got the call that my uncle's nephew had just killed himself due to the war. I saw at a young age the COST of WAR as his mother had to bury her son.
As a teenager I was pretty sure my bio-dad had died in Vietnam. I even had poster of the National Cemetery on my wall. My adopted family had been given no information about him.
When I met my birth-mother I was 27, I remember, at first not wanting to ask her about my bio-dad, as in some ways I did not want to hear that my feelings and thoughts about him being in Vietnam I had since I young were true. I did not want to hear that he was a soldier in Vietnam, as to hear that would mean that my feelings that he had died at war may also come true. But the first day I met my bio-mom she told me about him, though I never asked. She told me he was a soldier and was also concerned that within 4 days of hearing about her pregnancy with me they shipped him overseas, and she always wondered what happened to him overseas, or if he had died, as she had never heard from him again.
(she did not know until I found him that when he returned from overseas, after a stay at Walter Reed, in a post war trauma haze he came to Boston looking for her, and he found he she had moved a few towns away and was married. He never knew what became of me, though this thought worried him until we were finally able to meet.)
She offered to do whatever she could to help me to reunite with him. I also met her father who was a World War 2 Veteran, and her brother who is Vietnam Veteran and they also offered me support. I finally was able met my bio-dad 3 1/2 years ago. The first day I met him he also spoke of my birth mom and was concerned about her well-being, just as she had been about him. I could right pages about our first reunion and the 2 1/2 years we had before he got physically ill and was denied medical care, but the nightmare of the last year is, unfortunately, overshadowing most of those memories right now.
Although it took me more 10 years of trying to find & contact him we finally did reunite. The privacy laws that are supposed to protect, made for a lot of red-tape to find my bio-Dad who had been in the VA hospital system for over 35 years and actually prevented us from even knowing each other for over 10 years! Nobody would tell me where he was in what hospital etc.. even though I told them I was his daughter.
Last year he became physically ill, most of this myspace and my blog is about that part of our story. But, I had made this myspace and written my 'Stop The War Poem' long before he became so physically ill. I then used this myspace to share what was happening during the past year. Whenever you see a section called 'news' that was written while we were going through our battle with the VA and the Court for his right to life and medical care, you can also find old news in my blog
See old news on my myspace blog dated: Anytime after April 2007
They will not let him come to be near his daughter and grandson and get medical care here, which would be much better care and I have caused my family and son much distress because of my need to keep going out to OHIO all the time. The system sees me as nuisance because I care and 'try' to fight and advocate for his legal rights and care. Doctors have said there is treatment that would save his life and he is denied this due to his "mental illness, they said because 'he has had no quality of life', and his agitation symptoms" which are all due to service related ptsd". They think it is ok to let people die because they have war related disability, mental illness or get agitated due to ptsd! They said these things to me more than once.
They had the nerve to actually say this to me! Look at the photos- does this look like a man who should be left to die? Who are 'they' to judge "quality of life" for someone and deny them care that could save their lives,or base their decisions to not treat someone because they have a disability? This was the care provided to him by the country he served and it is what young soldiers coming home will get for care.
Update News:
This is only some of the story of the insane system and nightmare we have lived with, the rest will fill the pages of book. So much of what I saw is not just wrong, unfair, unkind, inhumane, and unjust.... it is illegal and this is how we, if don't speak up and demand better care, are allowing our soldiers and and veterans to be treated like this everyday.
I contacted some high profile politicians during this time, and only two took the time to get back to me or showed any concern for my father as a person or as a US Veteran. Someone who was on TV everyday touting their concern for people, saying how they listen to people, and sharing stories about meeting people and helping people, is one of the people who did not even take the time to have her office get back to me, with advice or where to turn for help for my father, a disabled veteran.
You will not hear many of the veteran's real stories, as they are locked away far from view and they would be the last ones to ever complain no matter how bad their care is. But take it from me it is happening everyday and we should all be outraged and make sure that the politician we elect 'walk their talk' when it comes to veterans issues and war.
I hope that we will bring the troops home soon, so that more veterans will not have to endure the heartbreak and suffering that so many Vietnam Veterans and their families live with everyday. Veteran's deserve legal rights, help for mental illness and homelessness, good medical care, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
We Can Work Together To Help Stop The War-Stop The Injuries, Mental Health Issues, PTSD, And Lack Of Proper Care For Veterans. My father is done with his suffering in the system, which went on for over 35 years. But after seeing so many others being treated so badly and hearing their stories I can't let this issue rest until some changes are made for them. In his honor and memory, I try to spread awareness and bring change so that more will not suffer and die, like my father did. Many thanks to twilightsaura.com for my myspace profile image which expresses more than I can in poetry and words.
Who I'd like to meet: Anyone who wants to help veterans, help veterans get health care, advocate for vet mental health issues, stop the war! Artists and musicians who want want to stop the war and help veterans!
adoptees, birthparents and organizations that work to change laws to support biological parents and children's rights
I am in the process of making a new website and writing a book to document our story and the fact the even if a Veteran has been locked away for 40 years there is still hope with some positive attention and care to give them a better quality of life and happiness and they all deserve this care It is amazing to have been a part of seeing recovery, connection, joy and spark of light turn on with my bio-dad. We need to demand new treatment options for both young and old soldiers for ptsd etc...they need caring and connection on a deep level- there are so many other Vietnam Veterans and other Vets that have been labeled hopeless, locked away, or living homeless where no one can see their sad story. Unlike how we all got to see when Walter Reed story broke in the news about how these new Vets coming home are treated, but imagine how the troops coming back from Vietnam were treated there? I have stories and it is very horrifying. Help homeless Veterans The next time you see a homeless vet on the street remember he was most likely mistreated by Veteran's services when he was only about 20 years old. We cannot let this same thing happen to Iraq Veterans! I want to get the word out by sharing my story, call attention to the fact that profound healing can happen for Vets and get people on board to help reach and demand care for other forgotten Vets. Every time I see the light, life and joy come back in his eyes it makes me have this wish that we can do this for more veterans, find new ways of connecting and bring healing to more Veterans, both young and the older ones (who never had a chance to get good care and attention after Vietnam) With this goal in mind I would like to meet anyone who can help me to spread the word that there is hope and call attention in 'a big way' to help the young Iraq War Veterans and the older Veterans who are living in this country, but who you never see on the news. I'm a interested in creating community based arts centers and hosting concerts for veterans and for fundraising for veterans causes- so contact me if you have ideas or resources to make this happen!
Some writers, directors, musicians I would like to meet In Alphabetical Order Film TV- Media
Anderson Cooper,Francis Ford Coppola,Richard Dreyfuss,*Angelina Jolie,Michael Moore, Robert Redford,Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Martin Sheen, Oliver Stone, & independent film companies.... Musicians:
David Bowie,David Byrne,Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Natalie Merchant,REM,Paul Simon, Eddie Vedder,& *Neil Young, Independent Musicians.
I'm sure there are more i'll add here soon- including authors and poets.
Already Met:
Baba Ram das, Marty Balin,Don Henley, & James Taylor
Peace Sunday, June 5, 1982, Rose Bowl, no nukes - nuclear disarmament - stop nuclear madness concert - NYC - Central Park - June 12, 1982, 1,000,000 person march and rally for Nuclear Freeze. Photography and presentation by Curtis Rainbow. 'Give Peace a Chance' music by Achim Schultz. Inspiration by Yoko Ono. Dedicated to John Lennon.
Hey peace baby, hope your taking good care over there.
New week, new season, a change in the air.
As long as theres warmth at home and love in your heart,
guess it don't matter what the season.
Stay you stay strong your friend across the waves, always.
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE is not just an outdated catch phrase!! It's still as important as when it was first written!!
We can still all do this.....and if you want to be part of the solution...
...then do consider adding my new song, "Think Peace" to your profile. It's easy to do, just go to my profile and right under the song title on the player is a place to choose "ADD".
The more that this song gets heard, the more that people will stop for a moment, interrupt their routine, and think about peace. If people do this, even just for a moment, there is an effect! So, YOU can be part of the solution....
And if you do add the song to your profile, PLEASE be sure to let me know so I can drop you a note and thank you personally! ;)
Think Peace! Sing Peace! BE peace! Much Love, Andrew
Poetry, peace and .... music, wonderful ! I hope all things for the better are flowing, growing and coming at you in startling regularity, as for the worse, blah, we illuminate 'em away. Sending, peace, light and songlines Heres to a cruzin' week, from a wintery Byron ....
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
I really appreciate your support and helping spread the word - as a group we can really make a difference! Hope you are doing well and you have a great week!
Help support our troops by visiting the Military Troops Calendar Myspace page (on my top friends), www. militarytroopscalendar. com or my Myspace page and click the Paypal button. Proceeds go to the Fisher House, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and allow us to send the calendars to the troops serving overseas free of charge to thank them for their service to our country. Our goal is to send 17,000 overseas within the next couple weeks. Thank you for your support!
Hi there! We want to share with you an exciting step in the life of our film: The 1000 Journals DVD is here! Loaded with bonus features, subtitles, commentary, chapters... Read more about it on the 1000 Journals website, or visit amazon. com. Many thanks!
Agent Orange Legacy is a grassroots movement dedicated to uniting the children of Vietnam veterans who are ill or not and adversely affected by their parent(s) service in Vietnam and exposure to agent orange and other toxins in order to lobby Congress to create or change public policy regarding the plight of these children and their children.
Agent Orange Legacy is a grassroots movement dedicated to uniting the children of Vietnam veterans who are ill or not and adversely affected by their parent(s) service in Vietnam and exposure to agent orange and other toxins in order to lobby Congress to create or change public policy regarding the plight of these children and their children.
Hey peace chirper ! Ahh .... the sparkle and wonder of Christmas, may your merriness be immense. Thanks for being here through the year, here's to 09 and beyond - peace and lotsa light's and rhythm's Craig.
