Military Connection Archives

Military Connection: Remembering Our Fallen Exhibit

April 6, 2015/in Archived Blogs

Every year, on the last Monday in May, the people of our great nation unite to honor the memory of those killed while in the service of our armed forces. The purpose of the holiday is to acknowledge the sacrifice, mourn the loss, and honor the memory of the fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen. But for many, especially the families of the deceased, one day a year is not enough to truly remember the fallen.

It is for this reason that Bill and Evonne Williams of Omaha, Nebraska created “Remembering Our Fallen” in November 2010. It is this couple’s hope to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

While neither Bill nor Evonne are military Veterans, they do have four sons, all of whom have served. Their son Ben is an Army Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps; Tom is an Infantry Officer in the Marine Corps; Sam is an Army Officer; Max is a former Marine Sergeant, and is now an Air Traffic Controller with the Department of Defense at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan.

Even though the Williams family was fortunate enough not to have lost any family members in service, Bill and Evonne were inspired by a story that they had read in September, 2010. The story was about a father whose pain was even greater, four years after his son had died in Iraq, because he felt like his son had been forgotten.

In November of that same year, Bill and Evonne created an exhibit called “Remembering Our Fallen” that included the names and pictures of Nebraska natives who died in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 325 family members attended the first event, and it attracted more than 750 visitors. The exhibit has been travelling around the state ever since.

“Less than 1% serve in the military today, so most people don’t pay much attention to the fallen because it doesn’t affect them,” said Bill Williams. “The Gold Star family’s biggest concern is their loved ones will be forgotten. Our mission is that they will not be forgotten,” he said.

In accomplishing their mission, Remembering Our Fallen aims to make every day Memorial Day, where the memory, the sacrifice and the loss of the fallen is honored, and the men and women who died for their country are remembered.

Over the last four years, Remembering Our Fallen has expanded to include separate exhibits in other states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The ultimate goal of everyone at Remembering Our Fallen is to produce a collection of exhibits from all 50 states, and have them tour around the country.

To see a list of tour dates in your state, please visit www.rememberingourfallen.org. And be sure to inquire as to how you can Add Your Fallen Hero, Host a State Exhibit or Sponsor a State Exhibit.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Remembering Our Fallen Exhibit: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: VA Life Insurance Dividends

April 5, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

The VA is expected to pay over $100 million in life insurance dividends this year.

Dividends are the portions of the insurance company’s profits that are paid to policy holders, as if they were stock holders or investors. Over the course of 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is expected to pay $117.4 million to approximately 505,000 Veterans who served in the Armed Forces before 1956 and hold qualifying life insurance policies.

The VA will pay a combined total of $74 million to qualifying Veterans of World War II, who hold National Service Life Insurance policies, and whose policy numbers begin with the letter “V.”

The department is expected to pay a combined total of $40.6 million to Korean War era Veterans who hold Veterans’ Special Life Insurance policies, whose policy numbers begin with either “RS” or “W.”

The VA says that a combined total of $2.7 million will be paid to World War II era Veterans holding Veterans’ Reopened Insurance policies, whose policy numbers begin with either “J,” “JR,” or “JS.”

Additionally, a combined total of $120,000 is expected to be paid to Veterans who served after World War I, and up to 1940, and who hold U.S. Government Life Insurance policies, with policy numbers beginning with the letter “K.”

In order to be eligible to receive the dividends, Veterans must have had these VA life insurance policies in effect since they left the military, and would have received annual notifications about their policies.

There is no action required on the part of the Veterans who are due dividends. The VA will automatically pay the dividend on the anniversary date of the policy, and send the money to the insured Veteran. Dividend amounts will vary, based on the Veteran’s age, insurance type, and length of time that the Veteran has had the policy.

The VA administers the country’s 10th largest life insurance program, providing coverage to approximately seven million service members, as well as Veterans and their families, totaling $1.3 trillion in coverage.

Veterans who have questions about their policies should contact the VA at 1-800-669-8477 or email VAinsurance@va.gov.

For more information on VA life insurance, see http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: VA Life Insurance Dividends: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Corpsman to Receive Silver Star

April 5, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces, and is awarded for gallantry in action. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin D. Baskin was gallant and brave, and is now being awarded the Silver Star.

In 2013 during a deployment, Baskin and his team came under fire in Kushe village. The special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman, assigned to 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, saved the life of four members of his team by running through enemy fire to stabilize and evacuate his wounded team members. This act of heroism and bravery was performed in spite of Baskin being shot in the back.

Baskin’s award citation reads, “Although wounded, he continued treating casualties while refusing medical treatment for his own injuries. Under intense fire, while simultaneously directing the evacuation of the wounded Marines, partner forces and himself, he laid down suppressive fire until every team member had evacuated the kill zone. His actions ultimately saved the lives of four of his teammates.”

After recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois at the Navy’s Recruit Training Command, Baskin attended medical training at Field Medical Training Battalion West at Camp Pendleton, California. Baskin said he knew he wanted to serve with the Marines, and was soon selected for the special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman-training program.

His first deployment to Afghanistan came after Baskin was assigned to the 2^nd Marine Special Operations Battalion. The tour only lasted five months, due to a fragmentation from a rocket-propelled grenade that pierced Baskin. He was medically evacuated to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where he spent eight months working and healing from his wounds.

Baskin’s desire to get back into battle took him from Maryland to a six month long Amphibious Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman course, and back to Afghanistan with the 2^nd MSOB.

On April 25,2013, at one of their checkpoints, the team started taking fire from two separate groups had been closing in on them. The rate of fire increased, leaving the team pinned down behind a cemetery wall. One teammate ran to them with a 60mm Mortar and started firing down the range. The brave teammate ran to another wall 50 meters in front of his team when he had no ammunition left. He was shot when he tried to suppress the enemy. Baskin ran to his teammate and provided the aid needed to save his life, even after he, too, was shot.

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presented Baskin with the medal, praising his character: “[Baskin] went forward without thought of himself, to the point of protecting his fellow Marines with his own body. From a personal perspective, I appreciate who he is as a man, from how he takes care of his family to the quiet professional that he epitomizes.”

Baskin accepted the award, saying he was proud but he felt like he was, “just doing my job … what anyone else on the team would have done if put into the situation. It’s a very surreal feeling.”

We are proud to honor servicemen like Navy Petty Officer 1^st Class Kevin D. Baskin here at MilitaryConnection.com and would like to thank Petty Officer Baskin for his service and commitment.

To see a list of tour dates in your state, please visit www.rememberingourfallen.org. And be sure to inquire as to how you can Add Your Fallen Hero, Host a State Exhibit or Sponsor a State Exhibit.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Corpsman to Receive Silver Star: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Bergdahl Charged with Desertion

April 4, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

On March 25, 2015 it was announced that Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl would be charged for his role in his capture by the Taliban.

Bowe Bergdahl was reported missing from his unit in the Paktika Province of Afghanistan on June 30, 2009. He was captured by the Taliban and held for five years by the Haqqani Network, a militia group loyal to the Taliban. His highly publicized release on May 31, 2014, was secured by exchanging Bergdahl’s freedom for five Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay, known to be top Taliban players before their capture.

During the entirety of his capture, the circumstances of Bergdahl’s disappearance from his post were fiercely debated within the military community and throughout the mainstream media. But testimony from other soldiers in his unit, as well as his own words found in correspondence to his family, indicated that Bergdahl deserted his post.

Shortly after Bergdahl’s release, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army General Martin Dempsey said this about Bergdahl’s future: “The U.S. Army will not ignore any misconduct by released Taliban detainee Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, but he should be considered innocent until proven guilty.” He went on to say, “Our Army’s leaders will not look away from misconduct if it occurred. In the meantime, we will continue to care for him and his family.”

On June 16, 2014, the Army began conducting an investigation into Bergdahl’s disappearance. In December, 2014, the Army referred Bergdahl’s case to General Mark Milley, Commander of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).

General Milley had a variety of legal options to choose from in the case, including the option to drop any and all charges of misconduct against Sgt. Bergdahl. But with the findings of the investigation, which have not been made public, Gen. Milley saw fit to charge Bergdahl with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. If found guilty, Bergdahl could face a punishment of up to life in prison.

But it is widely speculated that due to his time spent in captivity, Bergdahl sentence would be little-to-no prison time, if he is found guilty. However, Bergdahl would forfeit any of his Veteran benefits and the back-pay that he would have been due for May 2009 through May 2014.

A general consensus around the military community is that Bergdahl’s actions put other service members’ lives at risk. This point is underlined in the fact that during the initial search for Bergdahl, six soldiers lost their lives. For that reason alone, many service members and Veterans want to see justice served.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Bergdahl Charged with Desertion: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Married Medics Unite for Coveted Medical Badge

April 4, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

When two people get married, they become each other’s biggest supporters. Sometimes they engage in a bit of competition. But for one military couple, they’ve turned their martial competition into a team effort.

Army 1^st Lts. Ashley and Grant Restuccio are competing side-by-side to earn the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge.

The couple first met at the Basic Officer Leadership Course in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, which is the Army’s premier medical training hub and their first duty station. After they got married in March, 2014, the couple received orders to Germany, where they both serve in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Ashley, originally from New York, works for the 21^st Theater Sustainment Command’s 30^th Medical Brigade as a medical surgical nurse. Her husband Grant, originally from California, works for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center as an intensive care unit nurse.

A few months ago both Restuccios attended an EFMB preparation course at Camp Aachen in Grafenwoehhr, Germany. During their qualification trials, they were assigned to the same platoon, allowing them to work together to earn the prestigious badge.

The Restuccios are competing with 187 other candidates for the honor of receiving the badge. Although the competition for the badge is tough, Grant says he and Ashley have an advantage.

“With both of us here, it’s easier to strive for excellence because neither of us wants to let the other one down,” Grant said. “We both expect the other to do the best we can, meanwhile holding each other accountable.”

This year’s candidate roster consists mainly of soldiers serving across Europe, but a handful of allied medics from the United Kingdom and Germany are also competing in the mix. However this has no effect on the Restuccios’ determination.

“We both want to be expert field medics and join the other elite badge holders in the Army medical department. That is why we are here,” Ashley said. “It’s just an added bonus to be competing together.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Married Medics Unite for Coveted Medical Badge: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: F-15E Drops Leaflets Over Syria

April 3, 2015/in Archived Blogs

A U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter jet was sent by the Pentagon to the town of Ar-Raqqa in Syria. The jet supplied an air raid of leaflets to the town, trying to persuade citizens not to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.

Airborne leaflet propaganda is a form of psychological warfare in which leaflets (flyers) are scattered in the air. Military forces have used aircraft to drop leaflets to attempt to alter the behavior of combatants and non-combatants in enemy-controlled territory, sometimes in conjunction with air strikes. Humanitarian air missions, in cooperation with leaflet propaganda, can turn the populace against enemy combatants.

“The message of this leaflet is, if you allow yourself to be recruited by Daesh, you will find yourself in a meat-grinder that is not beneficial to your health,” said Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren. Daesh is a derogatory Arabic nickname for the group that means, “to trample underfoot.”

The leaflets show a harrowing image: an ISIS recruiting office with the newly recruited, lined up, to join their efforts. A sign with an arrow points to “Da’ish Recruiting Office,” ultimately leading to a meat grinder labeled “Da’ish.” In the image you can see a television screen in the corner with the words “Now serving 6001.” A scared young man at the front of the line is holding a ticket with that number on it.

The U.S. and coalition partners have conducted other airstrikes near Ar-Raqqa, but this marks the first time that they have dropped leaflets.

Defense experts say the leaflets were aimed at trying to take advantage of divisions in the city. Reports say there are disputes over Western recruits being treated better than locals.

Nicholas Heras, the center for a New American Security said the Pentagon was “trying to set the stage for an internal uprising against ISIS.”

Experts have questioned the efficacy and tenor of the 60,000 copies dropped by the jet via canisters on board.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: F-15E Drops Leaflets Over Syria: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: How “The Good” Can Act

April 2, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Joe Silva

Edmund Burke was an 18^th Century Irish Statesman and member of British Parliament, who accurately predicted the American colonists’ determination to achieve liberty. He is often credited with the popular phrase, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

For more than two centuries, this foreign-born sentiment has been at the root of American ideals. It has prompted generations of “good” individuals to act when they saw evil gaining a foothold in their world. These words ring true to this day, and as we see evils taking root in our world, we are calling on the “good” to fight back.

We hear about the Islamic State, claiming land in Iraq and Syria, and gaining a foothold in the world. The Islamic State, commonly referred to as ISIS and ISIL, is an extremist terrorist organization responsible for the murder of tens of thousands, and the enslavement of thousands of women to be the wives of their soldiers. In response to the U.S. military’s airstrikes in support of the local regimes’ war against them, ISIS has taken to social media to declare war against all American service members. This includes calling for organized and lone-wolf attacks against military installations and service members.

It is important to understand that the successes that ISIS has found has a lot to do with the utilization of the internet and social media. Online recruitment videos have drawn young Islamic extremists, from all over the world, to their ranks, including individuals from within our own borders. But ISIS also uses cyber knowledge to mass-communicate their message of terror.

Back in January, groups associated with ISIS hacked U.S. Central Command’s Twitter and Youtube accounts, posting threats such as, “AMERICAN SOLDIERS, WE ARE COMING, WATCH YOUR BACK. ISIS.”

On March 20^th, ISIS posted the names, photos and personal information such as home addresses of 100 U.S. service members on the internet, calling for jihadist attacks against the individuals and their families.

It is remarkable that just days before the last threat was posted, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Brennan released a statement warning how ISIS is a serious danger beyond the geographic regions from which they operate.

“Threats in the cyber realm are an urgent national security priority, as America has no equivalent to the two wide oceans that have helped safeguard our country’s physical, maritime and aviation domains for centuries,” Brennan said in the statement.

The CIA director acknowledged that government cyber accounts, as well as those of large corporations, are “under constant assault.” Brennan said that the CIA is working with its partners across the federal government to improve the nation’s cyber defense.

But this leads me back to the famous quote. The threat of the Islamic State does not simply exist on our nightly news programs; it is real and it is triumphing in our world. Our present situation is calling on all “good” individuals to take a stand against ISIS and any evil that is trying to gain a foothold in the world.

That doesn’t mean that all patriotic Americans should enlist in the military. It is not about being a hero. Instead, it is calling out to all “good” individuals to act as citizens of the world. Be vigilant, notice wrongdoing in your neighborhood, and report suspicious activity to the proper authorities.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: How “The Good” Can Act: By Joe Silva

Military Connection: Army Expanding Credentialing Program to all MOS’s

April 2, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

One of the biggest obstacles that stand in the way of Veterans securing civilian jobs is the fact that many employers don’t recognize military qualifications as work experience. Every Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) has specified training, and requires qualifications that, in most cases, don’t carryover to the civilian world, once service members separate from the military.

But now, as the U.S. military is in the process of its largest draw down in generations, the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is leading efforts to give soldiers the opportunity to earn certifications and licenses for their military experience that will be recognized by civilian employers. The program is part of a recent directive, signed by Secretary of the Army John McHugh, and calls for the branch to improve its credentialing and career skills programs. The program is being pushed by Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) Dan Dailey.

“This is a win-win for the Army and its soldiers,” SMA Dailey said. “What better time than now, when the nation needs an Army of soldiers and leaders with creative and critical thinking skills to accomplish any mission the nation asks of us. We must be able to give them the most educated fighting force in the world.”

Soldiers are able to earn two types of credentials: One is a non-DOD government license, which include state-issued commercial driver’s licenses and licenses issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The other is a certification from an independent agency or industry-organization, such as the American Welding Society. The Army is looking to create licenses and certifications for every MOS.

The Army is hoping that its credentialing program will benefit soldiers and the branch by helping transitioning soldiers get hired in the civilian world, recognized as qualified workers. The DOD is responsible for unemployment compensation for the first 26 weeks after a service member separates. And according to the Department of Labor, the average recipient receives 21 weeks of unemployment compensation. The Army spent more than $320 million in unemployment compensation for soldiers, who were qualified workers, but lacked the proper civilian-recognized credentials.

The new program will also benefit soldiers who are wishing to make the Army their career. Earning credentials provides soldiers with promotion points, which will factor into their tallying at promotion time. For example, a sergeant looking to promote to staff sergeant can earn ten points for each certification, for a maximum of 50 points towards promotion.

With unemployment among Post-9/11-era Veterans among the highest in the nation, programs such as this could go a long way. Anything that can be done should be done to reduce this statistic for a generation of Veterans in recognition of their patriotism and sacrifice during the country’s longest period of war.

To see what credentials are available to soldiers, visit https://www.cool.army.mil/

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Army Expanding Credentialing Program to all MOS’s: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Companion Veteran Legislation

April 1, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

As a service member, you supported and defended the Constitution and the American way of life. As a Veteran, it’s important to continue that patriotism and citizenship by taking part in the processes that run your country. This means voting, being aware of current legislation and policies, and contacting your elected leaders and telling them how best to represent you, especially when it comes to Veteran-centric legislation.

On March 16, 2015, a pair of bills were introduced, one into each house of Congress, that are designed to provide Veterans with greater access to long-term care centers in their communities.

The Veterans Access to Extended Care Act has been introduced into the House as H.R. 1369 and into the Senate as S. 739. Together, this set of companion bi-partisan legislation is paving the way for improved programs for older Veterans and Veterans who need long-term care.

H.R. 1369 was introduced by Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Indiana) and co-sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii),and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), Rep. Ryan Costello (R-Pennsylvania).

S. 739 was introduced by Senator John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) and cosponsored by Joe Manchin (D- West Virginia).

The summary of both forms of the legislation read as:

Veterans Access to Extended Care Act of 2015

This bill modifies the treatment of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) agreements with service providers to furnish veterans with nursing home care, adult day health care, or other extended care services.

Any such agreement shall:

not be treated as a federal contract for the acquisition of goods or services and shall be not subject to any provision of law governing federal contracts for the acquisition of goods or services, and
include specified requirements (such as for medical licensing and VA review of staff and facilities) to ensure the safety and quality of care furnished to veterans pursuant to such agreement.

The failure of a provider to comply with a provision of the agreement may result in VA termination of the agreement.

Such agreements are exempted from the application of certain public contract labor laws.

Both bills were read on the floors of their respective chambers, and referred to their houses’ Committee on Veterans Affairs. Be sure to frequent www.Congree.gov to check on the Veterans Access to Extended Care Act in both forms of the bill, H.R. 1369 and S. 739. Be sure to contact your representatives and senators and tell them how you want them to vote on these and other bills on your behalf.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Companion Veteran Legislation: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Bikes for Wounded Vets Stolen from Naval Hospital

April 1, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

Bicycles intended for wounded Veterans have gone missing and your assistance is needed to get them back.

The bikes, many of them modified for disabled Veterans, were stolen from a shed used by Project HERO, on the campus of Naval Medical Center San Diego, commonly referred to as Balboa Hospital.

Project HERO is a system of recovery and rehabilitation programs that bring the benefits of cycling to wounded service members and Veterans through an organization called Ride 2 Recovery. Project HERO provides training and support in Veteran communities and at facilities that serve wounded service members, such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Naval Medical Center San Diego.

On March 31^st, the Project Hero Staff found that sixteen bikes, worth an estimated value of $10,000, were missing. The high price tags of the bikes are due to the fact that they are adaptive bikes, including hand cycles and recumbent bicycles. There were also bikes specially designed for multiple amputees, for use in conjunction with prosthetics.

The bikes are used for rehabilitating Veterans with physical and mental injuries sustained during their military service.For many of the Veterans who use them, the bikes are the only way to get out of a hospital bed and regain a feeling of freedom and normalcy, if only for a moment.

“It hurt me a lot that somebody stole from my fellow Marines, my fellow service members everybody that’s here that used this program for part of healing,” said Jamie Rihn, Project HERO Naval Medical Center San Diego Manager.

Besides their unique designs, the bikes are easily identified by distinctive stickers and markings. All of the bikes carry a distinctive identifier, either the words “Semper Fi” or “Ride 2 Recovery”, or the Ride 2 Recovery logo, which looks like a red and blue interstate highway sign, marked on them.

Naval base police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact them at (619) 556-1527.

So, if you live in or near the San Diego area, be on the lookout for these bikes intended for wounded warriors. If you see them or anyone riding them, please call the number provided, or your local police department.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.