News
Bill to Update Alaska Military Code of Justice Advances
Friday, January 22, 2016 | Category: Legal/Justice - Alabama
The bill to reform the Alaska Guard's Uniform Code of Military Justice passed through the Judiciary Committee to be scheduled for a full House vote. The impetus for the reform was a "scathing" report documenting actual and perceived favoritism, ethical misconduct, and fear of reprisal all of which were eroding trust and confidence in the Alaskan National Guard leadership. In 2014, past Alaskan Governor Sean Parnell asked the bureau to investigate reports of sexual assault, rape, and fraud amongst its Guard members.
Andrzejczak Bill to Make It Easier for Women Veterans to Access Services Now Law
Friday, January 22, 2016 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - New Jersey
Five New Jersey legislators sponsored law A-3750 tasking "the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create a public webpage with vital information specifically tailored for female veterans." They see a one-step web site as common sense instead of veterans having to gather information in a piecemeal process. They believe it will be a great help to women veterans transitioning to civilian life, many of whom take care of children in addition to their own needs.
1st of 9 Defendants Sentenced in Massive Navy Bribery Case
Friday, January 22, 2016 | Category: Department of Defense - International
A petty officer first class, the first of nine defendants in a far reaching U.S. Navy bribery case, was sentenced. He provided classified information to a Malaysian defense contractor. The defense contractor, Fat Leonard, "admitted to bribing numerous Navy officials with lavish gifts, including prostitutes, luxury hotels, and Cuban cigars." With the bribes Fat Leonard "beat out the competition to get Navy captains to steer ships to Pacific ports where he overcharged the Navy." Three admirals were censured but never charged.
MyVA: Modernizing VA Through Veteran-centered Transformation
Thursday, January 21, 2016 | Category: Department of Veterans Affairs - National
VA Secretary Bob McDonald briefed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on VA’s transformation strategy, MyVA, specifically addressing its plan to modernize VA. He highlighted 12 priorities designed to improve delivery of timely care and benefits, improving the veteran experience, and reforming internal systems. Briefing attendees expressed hope for lasting change. The MyVA concept has been deployed to states with the intent of generating local MyVA boards. Former president and chief executive officer of USAA, retired Army Major General Joe Robles, serves as the national MyVA committee chairman.
Here Are The Women Who First Joined Each Branch Of The Military
Thursday, January 21, 2016 | Category: History/Heritage - National
Columnist James Clark reports on who historical documents report are the first women to join the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Protect Our Defenders Announces First Annual Justice Award Winners
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
On January 20, 2016, two attorneys from the California Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC), Cacilia Kim, Special Counsel, and Elizabeth Kristen, Director of their Gender Equity & LGBT Rights Program, received the "2016 Protect Our Defenders Justice Award." Ms. Kim and Ms. Kristen received the inaugural award for their tireless work on behalf of military sexual assault survivors through Protect Our Defenders (POD) "Pro Bono Network." POD is the only national human rights organization solely dedicated to ending harassment and sexual assault in the U.S. military. Former Chief Prosecutor of the U.S. Air Force and President of Protect Our Defenders, Colonel Don Christensen, will present the awards..
Journal Shares Discoveries on Women Veterans' Long-Term Health Outcomes
Tuesday, January 19, 2016 | Category: Health Care - National
The "Women Veterans in the Women's Health Initiative" supplemental to "The Gerontologist," published in February 2016, includes 13 articles by Department of Veterans Affairs researchers and colleagues comparing aging and mortality differences between veteran and non-veteran women. Research findings were extracted from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a long-term study funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and begun in 1991. Researchers stated that "prior military service identifies a group of women who face special challenges as they grow older."
Veteran Underemployment Represents Growing Concern
Sunday, January 17, 2016 | Category: Employment - National
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterans continue to have a higher unemployment rate than non-veterans and veterans of the recent Middle East conflicts have a higher rate than other veteran populations. Female veterans with Gulf War-era II experience have greater unemployment rates than male veterans who served during this same time period. And, active duty servicewomen may struggle more finding employment than National Guard and Reserve women.
Advocates: Connecticut working to end veteran homelessness
Sunday, January 17, 2016 | Category: Housing/Experiencing Homelessness - Connecticut
In January 2015, it was estimated that 47,725 veterans were homeless nationwide on a single night with about 34 percent unsheltered. While most were men, 4,338 were women. According to the same study, between 2009 and 2015, there was a 35 percent decrease in the homeless veteran population. "Homes for the Brave" provides transitional housing and support services for veterans. Forgotten Heroes, a partner of Homes for the Brave, is the only facility specifically for female veterans in Connecticut.
Mass. Agency Aims to Help Businesses Run by Women, Veterans and Minorities
Friday, January 15, 2016 | Category: Business - Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. (MGCC) aims to assist small-business owners, particularly minorities and women, to obtain a line of credit. The quasi-public agency fills the gap between banks and online lenders, assisting more than 260 companies with capital financing commitments totaling $83.8 million. The MGCC recently launched "Diversity Goal Support" which helps minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses with up-front capital to fund initial start-up costs like payroll and supplies when competing for state contacts.