OBAMA DECLARES AN END TO COMBAT MISSION IN IRAQ

WASHINGTON — President Obama declared an end on Tuesday to the seven-year American combat mission in Iraq, saying that the United States has met its responsibility to that country and that it is now time to turn to pressing problems at home.

In a prime-time address from the Oval Office, Mr. Obama balanced praise for the troops who fought and died in Iraq with his conviction that getting into the conflict had been a mistake in the first place. But he also used the moment to emphasize that he sees his primary job as addressing the weak economy and other domestic issues — and to make clear that he intends to begin disengaging from the war in Afghanistan next summer. READ MORE »

OBAMA: END OF IRAQ COMBAT EFFORT, “NO VICTORY LAP”

WASHINGTON — Closing a divisive chapter of American history, President Barack Obama marked the end of the nation’s combat mission in Iraq on Tuesday without declaring victory, winding down the U.S. role in a war he considered a terrible mistake.

Obama’s defiant pledge to end the war helped catapult him into office. Now as commander in chief, he is intent on assuring the nation and the stretched military that all the work and bloodshed in Iraq was not in vain, declaring that because of it “America is more secure.” READ MORE »

COALITION MEMBER IN THE RUNNING FOR 50K! VOTE IN THE PEPSI REFRESH PROJECT.

Goals

• To install a digital entertainment library at Ft. Stewart, GA
• To provide FREE DVDs to over 450 wounded soldiers & family members
• To provide FREE video games to wounded soldiers at Ft. Stewart
• To show wounded soldiers they have the support of a grateful nation READ MORE »

SENATORS ANNOUNCE NEW MILITARY FAMILY CAUCUS

On Wednesday a group of 20 senators announced the formation of the Senate Military Family Caucus, the first legislative coalition in that chamber to focus on the impact of war on spouses and children of troops.The move comes almost a year after House members launched their own military family caucus. In a statement organizers said the Senate caucus members will work closely with their house colleagues to “improve programs and services for military families, and to focus on the unique and growing challenges they face.” That includes a closer focus on military childcare, family health care, education benefits, spouse employment programs, and mental health services for troops’ families.  READ MORE »

JUDGE EXTENDS DEADLINE TO JOIN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BY THREE MONTHS FOR OEF/OIF VETS WITH PTSD WHO WERE SHORTCHANGED ON BENEFITS

Veterans’ advocates win extension through November 10, 2010 for Sabo v. United States. NVLSP calls on friends and families of OEF/OIF vets to encourage class members to “opt-in”.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON— Veterans discharged from military service due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between December 17, 2002 and October 14, 2008 and shortchanged on their military benefits READ MORE »