By Debbie Gregory. You’re not seeing double when you visit the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS.) VA employees Judith Ruiz and Yolanda Ruiz-Isales are identical twins. But the similarities don’t end there: both had 27 year nursing careers, both attained advanced degrees in nursing management, and both completed officer training courses. The sisters […]
By Debbie Gregory. With Britain voting to leave the European Union (EU), many in the defense sector are wondering how the decision will affect the U.S. Pro-defense Prime Minister David Cameron announced his decision to resign after voters rejected his pleas for the UK to remain a member of the 28 nation EU. The EU […]
By Debbie Gregory. Under the framework of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, eligible transitioning service members can participate in job skills training, preparing them for veteran jobs. The DoD SkillBridge initiative promotes the civilian job training authority available for transitioning service members. Service members meeting certain qualifications can participate in civilian job and employment […]
By Debbie Gregory. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its roots back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. Veterans from these wars banded together and […]
By Debbie Gregory. President Obama has approved new authorities for U.S. forces in Afghanistan in an effort to better use the troops. The new rules give U.S. forces a greater ability to accompany conventional Afghan forces that are fighting the Taliban. “This makes good sense. It’s a good use of the combat power that we […]
By Debbie Gregory. The U.S. Senate recently passed, on a voice vote, a proposal by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., to help make sure traumatized veterans retain their G.I. benefits. Peters, along with Steve Daines, R-Mont., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C, had requested the measure as an addition to the annual National Defense Authorization […]
By Debbie Gregory. The Kurdish People’s Protection Union, also known by the initials YPG, is a predominantly Kurdish militia taking up arms against ISIS. The YPJ, also known as the Women’s Defense Units, is the YPG’s female brigade, which was set up in 2012. The Anti-ISIS fighters know firsthand the darkness that is ISIS. Most […]
By Debbie Gregory. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in his bid to modernize the military’s antiquated bureaucracy, has proposed a sidestep to the 100-year-old “up or out” promotion system via sweeping new proposals. Up or out mandates that officers passed over twice for promotion are required to be discharged from the military. It has been criticized […]
By Debbie Gregory. On May 9, 2006, Corey Clagett and his squad participated in Operation Iron Triangle in Thar Thar, Iraq. It was there and then that the 21-year-old U.S. Army private in the 101st Airborne Division said that he followed an order that would change his life forever. Clagett’s squad had been dropped by […]
By Debbie Gregory. When you are fighting for your country, it is inevitable to form a bond with your fellow soldiers. For Army Rangers 1st Lt. Andrew Yacovone and 1st Lt. Justin Wright, collectively known as “Interstate 10,” that bond goes even deeper. The two share a love of music, and as a duo, have […]
