On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the those who have fallen in defense of our nation. As we remember let's not forget the many among us still alive who have worn the uniform. We know that even though they may throw away the uniform it is still on them every step of their life. These are the burdens of the job. A veteran whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life. They are members of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known. ...more

May 24, 2008

More than half of all veterans who took their own lives after returning from Iraq or Afghanistan were members of the National Guard or Reserves, according to new government data that prompted activists on Tuesday to call for a closer examination of the problem. ...more

February 13, 2008

Multiple new efforts aimed at stemming suicides in the Army are falling short of their goal: The service anticipates another jump in the annual number of soldiers who killed themselves or tried to, including in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones. ...more

February 1, 2008

The American working class must declare war on Mexico, and we cannot expect any help from those who are supposed to lead. "They," in and out of government, are aiding and abetting illegal foreign nationals. First, we must demand that "our" National Guard be brought home from foreign nations, to patrol and secure our borders. Second, all illegal foreign nationals should be removed from American soil. The Guest Worker Program should also be stopped and those who have over-stayed should be sent home. Anchor babies of illegals should also not be given citizenship. Wet foot, Dry foot laws should also be changed. Many are coming by way of Mexico. Third, we must demand that NAFTA, Cafta, W.T.O, and all so called fair trade deals be overturned, and new deals in trade, where there is a level playing field, be brought in. ...more

January 5, 2008

It appears the Highlands County Commission is going to step up and do something good to support our troops who have been serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a wonderful gesture and sure to help any local soldiers who have been serving their country and placing themselves in danger. If approved – and it appears it will be – any soldiers who have served in a combat role will receive a $75 per month stipend, for every month they serve in combat, from the county, which could mean an extra $900 per year depending on amount of time. Commissioners are considering this instead of giving a property tax break, which would only benefit troops who own homes. Veterans officials suggested making it a stipend for all combat soldiers, instead of just property owners, since so many of the troops in harms way are young and just getting started with their lives. Some other Florida counties are offering the property tax rebate, but Highlands County would be one of three counties offering stipends. ...more

December 21, 2007

Regarding "Chats With Teen Girl Get Lafave Arrested" (Metro, Dec. 5): Stop the presses. Call out the National Guard. Fly in all the network anchors for the story of the year: Debra Lafave speaks to co-worker. ...more

December 11, 2007

A squadron of 10 airplanes and helicopters began a fourth day Thursday of a frustrating search for missing millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, whose small plane disappeared over Nevada's rugged high desert. ...more

September 8, 2007