Veteran Veritas

Whose Side is Netanyahu On?

Michael Brewer — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 09:28:29 +0000

I watched the Prime Minister of Israel,Mr. Netanyayu’s entire speech on C-Span tonight. Never have I seen such a exhibition of disdain and irresponsible bellicosity that embodies the very taunts that troubles his nations security with Palestine. On how many playgrounds of war can you prop up your bully behavior without our grandchildren coming to your defense? Tell us where our United States sovereignty is at stake here. Tell us how this falls into the Just War doctrine.
The Ambassador from Jordan made a declaration of uncommon honesty on a recent Charlie Rose show, by stating, “this is our war.” “We need to clean up the hijacking of the Islamic faith.” Why did this get no ink in the Main Stream Media? Are they quietly complicitous in the intractable war machine? How has the production and distribution of oil to the Western world been extricated from all dialogues?
Does anyone recall the often quoted tirades of Bin Laden in 2002 leading up to our invasion in March of 2003? Most all of our broadcast news outlets ran his quotes over and over again to get us juiced up. He boasted, ” I will destroy your western financial markets as we did to Russia in Afghanistan.” So, is not the clear and present danger the breaking of the bank by maxing our budgetary tolerance while sacrificing nearly all viable job creation and infrastructure inside the United States? Does anyone recall that this caveat was at one time the dominant position of the seminal John Birch Society? This being the very reason to this day that they are adamant about vacating our unity with the United Nations. I am not of this ilk, however the warnings of the early Bircher’s is now prophecy in action, and the breaking of our bank with all the collective costs of war, inclusive of 35 billion dollars paid out annually to disabled veterans, is a tactic that unfolds as we sleep.

What is the tipping point for our war abacus? Are not the weapons of mass destruction the tens of thousands of traumatic head injuries from IED’s sent home one at a time? Sort of slow drip torture on both morale and the long term obligation to care for those who borne the battle. Are not the bad guys as much as interested draining our financial resources as much as battlefield victories? Did not the stalemate in Korea and the evacuation of Saigon teach us anything?
It seems that the learning curve for asymmetrical warfare is begging for attention.
Knowing that the track record of the last 50 years of Generals has not exactly been luminous, I would add my humble observation as an in the dirt Marine grunt squad leader.
The theatrics of Mr. Netanyahu have not a damn thing to do with Iran. The Hezbollah and Hamas are sitting on his border with rockets aimed at Tel Aviv. His conspicuous by absence mention of Palestine did not pass muster. He wants some help being a bully, but with impunity. He wants us to pony up our boys for a showdown with Palestine.
Why not speculate,no one including our own military Sanhedrin have ever guessed right yet in the Middle East since 1967.
Lets call the old owl Henry Kissinger and see if he can get one right.

Blog Merging

Michael Brewer — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 08:17:46 +0000

When the TucsonCitizen.com shut down operations last year, I thought all my posts were lost in cyberspace. My daughter and her boyfriend and my son, found and salvaged them. I got the whole 5 years of blogging as a Fathers Day gift. Very sweet. However, I began another blog by the same name, Veteran Veritas, … Continue reading →

Best Fathers Day for “A Man In Full”

Michael Brewer — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 08:18:14 +0000

On Fathers Day in Santa Monica with my wife, Lydia, son, Ryan and daugther, Heather, they had me cozy up to them on the couch to open my gifts and to peek at the laptop sitting on the coffee table. Boom, there are all of the posts from the “TucsonCitizen.com,” where Veteran Veritas had its origin in June of 2009, until the sudden and perfunctory closing of the site by Gannett news on January 31st, 2o14. I thought for sure all of our archives were gone. But no, my wonderful kids and my daughters significant other, Nigel, found them and created this Blog as a gift. I cried. So here we go, on the next round of blogesphere adventure.

Transcendental Meditation Retreat At Picture Rocks Retreat House

Michael Brewer — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:02:47 +0000

And to think, some of us old vets started meditating in the early 1970’s. If Paul and Ringo can do it..so can we. And who knows maybe you will end up on the Grammy’s!

Maharishi invincibility center • TUCSON, AZ (520) 881-0110

TIME IS RUNNING OUT

We can hold a TM Retreat at the Desert Renewal Center

(Picture Rocks Retreat House) over the weekend of

February 28^th- March 2^nd

Would you like to attend?

(Or if you know someone or have a friend who’d like to attend. Call me!)

Enjoy profound knowledge and refreshing deep rest at a weekend TM Retreat at
Picture Rocks Retreat House, just north of Tucson, 5 minutes west of I-10, on Feburary 28^ththrough March 2^nd, 2014.

This is a lovely place in the desert—photos here:

http://www.desertrenewal.org/rrc/event_hosting.html

The course fee is $385 for the weekend, from Friday afternoon to Sunday after lunch.
New meditators attending their first Retreat receive a $50 discount so their course fee is $335.

We recommend that everyone have a single room in order to get really good rest.

A TM Retreat is a great opportunity to gain extra benefit from your TM. Over the weekend you will enjoy extra TM sessions, great knowledge, an opportunity to discuss your experiences, and extra rest. You will learn a simple yoga asana series that can be enjoyed before your TM.

People who attend a TM Retreat report feeling highly refreshed and revitalized after the weekend, and gaining extra appreciation of the value and usefulness of TM in their lives.

SPECIAL FOR NEW MEDITATORS – if you have learned TM in the last year, and this is your first TM Retreat, you’ll receive a $25.00 per night discount.
This makes the price for the weekend $335

Let us know right away, so we can reserve your space.

Sincerely,

Denise and Joseph Gerace

jgerace@TM.org

Entire contents copyright © 2011 Maharishi Foundation USA, a non-profit educational organization.
All rights reserved. Transcendental Meditation® and TM® are protected trademarks and
are used in the U.S. under license or with permission.

Wounded Warriors Pilgramage To Lourdes.

Michael Brewer — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 04:39:44 +0000

2014 Pilgrimage

The 2014 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage for Wounded or Disabled Military Personnel for the 56th Annual International Military Pilgrimage will take place on May 13-19, 2014.

The pilgrimage, sponsored by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA and the Knights of Columbus, is the latest event in a long history of both organization’s involvement in Lourdes and in service to the military.

Wounded or disabled military personnel and their essential companion-caregivers will travel to the Marian shrine for a time of resting, praying, and healing. The five-day pilgrimage will consist of a number of spectacular and spiritual events, including: a war memorial ceremony, special Masses and events for the American pilgrims, Eucharistic procession and benediction, and a grand closing ceremony that draws tens of thousands to the sacred shrine.

“We will journey and pray with pilgrims from around the world,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese of Military Services. “It will be an occasion to raise our hearts and minds to the Prince of Peace and beg for an increase in understanding and a decrease in strife.”

Read the Pilgrimage Brochure: US version | EU version — for overseas military.

Wounded or disabled military personnel who are approved by the medical assessment team will be invited to join the pilgrimage free of charge. Wounded or disabled military personnel spouses or essential companion-caregivers are invited to attend. Volunteers are also needed.

To apply to be a pilgrim or volunteer for the 2014 pilgrimage, click here.

Archbishop Broglio’s Message to Priests

Iraq Democracy is Fini. Triggers Anyone?

Michael Brewer — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 06:09:03 +0000

Attached is the link to the USA Today Story about the vacating of Iraq. I watched this live in the middle of the night in 2011 when the Army 4th Infantry was the last one out the door. Coupled with vivid memories of the evacuation of Saigon, April 30th, 1975,I never in my life thought I would see something like this again, especially not such a rapid occupation and reversal of effort. This speaks tomes to the conduct of asymmetrical warfare and the concept of a “Just War.” No Marshall Plan for these guys. They owe us buckets of oil. Now.

I am left with something akin to the urban legend about Papa Hemingway’s six word crafted short story, “Baby Shoes, For Sale, Never Worn.”

“The War Is Over, All is ? “

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/01/12/many-iraq-war-gains-now-lost-or-threatened/4393439/

Dr. John Keifer Friend To Veterans To Hold Health Fair

Michael Brewer — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:56:37 +0000

Doctor John has been a part of our family for three decades,as both healer and friend. He is one you want in your life boat when in distress. The man is a virtual Wikipedia of healing modalities, and he knows which ones work. Without John, my body would be crumbs.

MINI HEALTH FAIR!!!

CELEBRATING 33 YEARS OF SERVICE TO TUCSON!!!

KEIFER WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. John R. Keifer

Enjoy an afternoon of Food, Fun, Education, Demonstrations, Chair Massages, Reiki, Herbal Body Wraps, Detoxification, Cold Laser, PEMF, SMT and much more!

Not sure what all this is or how it can improve your health? You will experience and understand how these modalities can decrease stress, pain, toxins, excessive belly fat, and increase energy, health and in general promote an overall sence of well being.

Saturday, Feb 1, 2014, 11am to 3pm

Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation

3182 N. Swan Road (East side of Camp Lowell and Swan intersection)

Admission is $10 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Tucson Food Bank. Let’s all fight Hunger!!

RSVP by 1/25/14 a must!! Seating limited.

Purchase tickets in advance by calling 520-577-1717

Dr. John R. Keifer D.C.

Chiropractic Physician

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Classes Continue Free To Veterans.

Michael Brewer — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 08:19:27 +0000

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Upcoming Classes – Free to Veterans

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an experiential, manualized and evidence-based 8-week program that teaches a learnable set of skills in mindful awareness practices. Thanks to donations to the Mindful Veterans Project,

the classes are offered to veterans and their partners for free.

The next session begins this week.

We are offering 3 classes this session – Wednesday in Tucson,

Thursday in Green Valley, and Friday in Tucson. The Wednesday and Thursday

classes are open to the community and free to veterans and their partners.

The Friday class at the Tucson Vet Center is free and only open to women veterans.

Wednesday MBSR Tucson

Ada McCormick Building

1401 E. First St. (at Highland Ave.)

INTRODUCTION

Required Prerequisite for MBSR

Jan. 8 * 5:00 – 6:00 pm

8-WEEK CLASS

Jan. 8 – Feb. 26 * 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Sat. * Feb. 15 * 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday MBSR

Green Valley

Anza Athletic Club

1490 N. Quail Range Loop, Building #4

INTRODUCTION

Required Prerequisite for MBSR

Jan. 9 * 4:00 – 6:00 pm

8-WEEK CLASS

Jan. 16 – Mar. 6 * 4:00 – 6:30 pm

Sat. * Feb. 22 * 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday MBSR – Tucson

for Women Veterans

Tucson Vet Center * 3055 N. 1st Ave.

INTRODUCTION

Required Prerequisite for MBSR

Jan. 3 * 6:00 – 8:00 pm

8-WEEK CLASS

Jan. 10 – Feb. 28 * 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Sat. * Feb. 15 * 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Taking an MBSR course requires a commitment to a change in lifestyle. The class meets for two to three hours every week and participants are asked to engage in up to an hour per day of home practice. Many people who are interested in learning mindful awareness skills do not wish to commit to making the time for the full MBSR program, others may presently lack sufficient stability to make the necessary commitment.

We now offer a drop-in meditation class at the Tucson Vet Center (3055 N. 1st Ave.) on Monday evenings, 6 – 7:30 pm. This class may be perfect for people looking for basic instruction in mindfulness meditation and/or MBSR graduates who want to keep their practice alive.

Thank you for your interest and your referrals.

Sincerely,

Dr. Teri Davis

Purple Mountain Institute

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Be Careful of Pension Poaching

Michael Brewer — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 21:28:28 +0000

DON’T BE A VICTIM:
BE AWARE OF PENSION POACHING SCAMS
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension exists
to help financially disadvantaged wartime Veterans and
their survivors.
Individuals and organizations are available to help you
file a VA pension claim free of charge. A searchable list of
VA-accredited representatives including Veterans Service
Organizations, agents, and attorneys is available at the VA
Office of General Counsel website:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.
To get more information about VA pension,
visit www.benefits.va.gov/pension
or call 1-800-827-1000.
PENSION

Pay Raise For Disabled Veterans

Michael Brewer — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 07:07:43 +0000

So as to not confuse this with the current legislation that addresses Military Retirees who are still in the workforce, I have just posted this as it was received. The former is the legislation of Rep.Paul Ryan.

VA COLA for 2014 Checks Update 04 ► Monthly Payment Amounts

Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. “We’re pleased there will be another cost-of-living increase for Veterans, their families and their survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The increase expresses in a tangible way our Nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service-disabled and wartime Veterans.” For the first time, payments will not be rounded down to the nearest dollar. Until this year, that was required by law. Veterans and survivors will see additional cents included in their monthly compensation benefit payment. For Veterans without dependents, the new compensation rates will range from $130.94 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,858.24 monthly for 100 percent. The full rates are available on the Internet at http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp

The COLA increase also applies to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, disabled Veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits. Under federal law, cost-of-living adjustments for VA’s compensation and pension must match those for Social Security benefits. The last adjustment was in January 2013 when the Social Security benefits rate increased 1.7 percent. In fiscal year 2013, VA provided over $59 billion in compensation benefits to nearly 4 million Veterans and survivors, and over $5 billion in pension benefits to more than 515,000 Veterans and survivors. For Veterans and separating Servicemembers who plan to file an electronic disability claim, VA urges them to use the joint DoD/VA online portal, eBenefits. Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000. [Source: VA News Release 4 Dec 2013 +]