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SOURCE:  Office of Senator Mitch McConnell

Remembering Tragic Loss, Heroism on September 11^th

‘Americans saw the worst of humanity in the attacks of 9/11, but they also saw the best of their country in its aftermath. We should never cease to remember both’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 and the response of the American people:

“Americans again bow their heads in solemn commemoration of tragic loss, resolving never to forget the thousands of innocent lives taken 14 years ago. Americans again raise their hearts in remembrance of uncommon heroism, resolving never to forget fearless bravery high above white clouds or selfless compassion deep within dark tempests of paper and glass.

“Americans saw the worst of humanity in the attacks of 9/11, but they also saw the best of their country in its aftermath. We should never cease to remember both — just as we should never fail to honor ‎the men and women, many in uniform, who endeavor so selflessly to bring justice to those who would do us harm.”

PHOTO(s) OF THE DAY

SOURCE:  Department of Defense /Defense News Lead Photo

Army Staff Sgt. Russell Vidler leaps over the wall at the Fit to Win obstacle course on Fort Jackson, S.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Vidler, a Reserve drill sergeant assigned to the 98th Training Division, was in a head-to-head competition for the title of Army Reserve’s top drill sergeant. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton

SOURCE:  Laureus / Cision

PENDLETON INSPIRES LAUREUS FUND-RAISERS AHEAD OF OXFORD HALF MARATHON

OXFORD – World and Olympic track cycling champion Victoria Pendleton passed on her inspiration and advice to #TeamSportForGood ahead of the Vitality Oxford Half Marathon.

Victoria, who recently made her impressive debut as an amateur jockey, coming second in a recent Flat Amateur Riders’ Handicap at Ripon, answered questions from runners on her illustrious career, preparing for a big race and what it takes to perform at the highest level.

The runners in attendance were all part of #TeamSportForGood, a group of runners who had signed up for the event in a bid to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport as a tool for social change, benefitting young people both in the UK and around the world.

World and Olympic track cycling champion Victoria Pendleton Photo Courtesy: Laureus

Speaking at the Oxford University running track at Iffley Road, where Roger Bannister became the first man to run the mile in less than four minutes in May 1954, Victoria praised the participants: “ I had a great day meeting and speaking with these inspirational runners who are gearing up for the Half Marathon next month. With all funds raised through their efforts going directly to Laureus, these participants are really bringing the ‘Sport for Good’ message to life.

“ I’ve been privileged enough to see first-hand the incredible work done around the world by Laureus, using sport as a tool to empower young people and giving them an opportunity to pave their own path in life .”

There are still a few places left in #TeamSportforGood. For more information and to sign up for the Oxford Half Marathon, go to http://www.laureus.com/run . The deadline for entries is September 29.

Over the next eight months, competitors have the chance to sign up for six more Vitality Run Series events: Oxford Half Marathon, October 11, 2015; WestRun 10k, November 15, 2015; Brighton Half Marathon, February 26, 2016; Bath Half Marathon, March 13, 2016; Liverpool Half Marathon, March 13, 2016; Reading Half Marathon, April 3, 2016.

Funds raised by #TeamSportforGood runners taking part in the Vitality Run Series, which includes six half marathons between now and the end of March, will go towards training 1,000 sports coaches who will work with 100,000 young people across the across the UK, using the power of sport to change their lives.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, whose mission is to use sport as the means to tackle social problems around the world, has raised more than €85 million since 2000.

SOURCE:  U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

By Debra Ceaser-Winbush

Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Baton Rouge Vet Center offers sanctuary and has become a lifeline for many Veterans and their loved ones. Staff at the BRVC connect with Veterans through outreach efforts at festivals, community gatherings and professional meetings.

As of August 1, team leader Dr. Paul Lamberty retired and Marva Harris has been tasked with his duties. As acting team leader, Harris has been proactive in keeping a strong relationship with Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System by serving on the MyVA Community Council and participating with SLVHCS staff on outreach programs.

Dr. Paul Lamberty (left) and Annie Rowe, Vet Center office manager celebrate his retirement Aug. 1. Photo by Debra Ceaser-Winbush

Vet Centers aim to help Veterans with an array of services and information, including marital and family counseling, alcohol and drug abuse assessment, referral services, and employment networking strategies and guidance. Staff members act as supporters and contacts to help Veterans with benefits, medical needs and offer their experienced assistance in working with other federal, state, and local agencies to obtain help.

The BRVC is equipped with offices for private counseling, a family counseling room, and two conference rooms for group counseling sessions.

“We are here to make it as stress-free as we can for our Veterans,” Harris said, “We are open Monday through Friday and have extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday we are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment as needed if the Veteran requires a Saturday appointment.”

The BRVC also goes out in the community to provide counseling to minimize the burden of travel on Veterans. BRVC currently has four outstations for counseling in Lafayette, New Iberia, Hammond and St. Francisville.
Vet Centers are open to:

1) Veterans and service members who have served in a war zone or an area of hostility and their families

2) Family members who experience an active duty death

3) Veterans of any era who have experienced any form of military sexual trauma or harassment. Veterans with MST issues are not required to have served in a war zone.

Congress first authorized Vet Centers in 1979, as a nontraditional approach to help Vietnam Veterans with post-combat adjustment issues. What was planned as a two-year program became so successful that it has been expanded and extended.

The Baton Rouge Vet Center is located at 7850 Anselmo Lane, Suite B in Baton Rouge. For information on Vet Center services and eligibility, Veterans can visit the center during operating hours, make an appointment by calling 225-761-3140, or visit the national website at http://www.VetCenter.va.gov. Veterans in the New Orleans can visit the Vet Center at 1250 Poydras Street, Suite 400. New Orleans, LA 70113 or by phone at 504-565-4977 for more information.