RED HOT: New Guidance for Purple Heart Eligibility

Under new guidance, Veterans and Soldiers previously denied the Purple Heart for such an injury are highly encouraged to submit an application for reconsideration of the medal.

To be eligible, the concussive or m/TBI must have occurred on or after September 11, 2001. Active-duty and reserve-component Soldiers must work with their respective chains of command for reconsideration. Veterans can submit packages directly to U.S. Army Human Resources Command.

To learn more click the link at the end of this story to read an article published by the Army News Service, which discusses the Adjutant General's new guidance on awarding the Purple Heart for concussive or mild traumatic brain injuries and includes application instructions.

http://www.army.mil/article/63926/

UPDATE: Tragic Shooting at Little Rock, Ark., Recruiting Station

Yesterday afternoon, a young soldier lost his life outside of an Arkansas military recruiting station while taking part in the Army's Hometown Recruiting Assistance program. A fellow soldier was shot and injured on the scene. Military Times published an Associated Press report on the incident.

Further details surfaced over the motive behind the shootings. The gunman told police after his arrest that the shooting was political. The gunman was a recent Muslim convert who was upset over the U.S. military's mission. He saw the two young men in uniform and decided to open fire. Police say it was an isolated incident by one malcontent who took his skewed personal beliefs too far.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the two young soldiers, William Long and Quinton Ezeagwula, who only recently chose to serve their country.

This unconscionable act against unarmed troops should never happen on American soil. These brave young men simply sought some time at home to demonstrate to their peers their pride in serving as soldiers in the U.S. Army. They were not trained recruiters; simply everyday soldiers who made a noble choice to protect our nation.

To the Long family, our sincerest condolences. Though William never saw combat overseas, he gave his life in service to this country, protecting all that we cherish.

-Ryan

Obama visits with troops in Iraq

During his recent international tour, President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to troops serving on the front lines in Iraq. This visit marks the first time Obama has met with troops in the combat zone since taking office in January.

Obama took the opportunity to praise America's fighting men and women for their accomplishments in the conflict--specifically ousting Saddam Hussein, reducing fractious violence, and holding multiple national elections. Obama stressed responsibility in his approach to drawing down the U.S. presence in Iraq, to which he received a round of applause for the troops.



Obama then had a long sit-down at Camp Victory with U.S. commanders to assess the situationon the ground. Obama also met with key Iraqi leaders during his visit and called for increased cooperation among Iraqi factions to help ease the transition of U.S. troops out of the country.

The Washington Post reported that Obama's visit was met warmly by the Iraqi public and American troops alike.


(Media, Top: President Obama receives a fist-jab as he greets troops at Camp Victory in Iraq, White House photo by Pete Sousa. Middle: Video of Obama's speech to troops at Camp Victory, praising their accomplishments throughout the war in Iraq. Public video from the White House. Bottom: Obama pins an Army Sergeant with his Purple Heart medal during an awards ceremony at Camp Victory. White House photo by Pete Sousa. All White House media materials are part of the Creative Commons within the public domain.)