Mothers Sacrifice to Help Wounded GIs
By MICHELLE ROBERTS
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Rose Lage swears it is true: Suddenly, in the midst of a fitful night of sleep last June, she knew that her son had been injured in Iraq.
"I heard my son's voice," she recalls. "It might sound weird, but I heard him holler 'Mama!'"
In fact, Staff Sgt. Michael Lage was the only survivor of a blast that killed four others. Lage suffered third-degree burns to nearly half his body; part of his nose and ears were missing, and his face, scalp, arms and torso were seared. His left hand had to be amputated.
Rose Lage, 54, understood her son's life would change. But she didn't understand how much her own quiet life — a life spent playing with grandkids, fishing and preparing for her husband's retirement — would change, as well.
She would exchange her two-story house in Atlanta for a hotel room on an Army post, watch her nest egg shrink and spend her days helping a 30-year-old son change bandages and wriggle into garments meant to reduce scarring.
The sacrifices of injured soldiers, airmen and Marines are recognized with medals and commendations. But the mothers and wives who arrive here wide-eyed and afraid make their own sacrifices — abandoning jobs and homes and delaying retirement to help their wounded children reclaim their lives.
"The women here are the heroes, every bit the heroes as their soldiers," said Judith Markelz, who runs a 4-year-old program to aid the families of injured soldiers sent here for treatment. "These kids could not survive without their women."
___
The patients who arrive at Fort Sam Houston are among the worst wounded in war, suffering the kind of injuries that killed their predecessors in earlier conflicts.
So far, about 600 burn victims and 250 amputees have been sent here to recover at the Army's only burn center and at an amputee rehabilitation program set up since the start of the Iraq war.
Their injuries will take multiple surgeries and months or years of recovery and rehabilitation.
When the injured arrive, fathers and siblings are often here for the immediate aftermath or early surgeries. But the wives and mothers most often stay, Markelz said. They quit jobs, give up health insurance and abandon homes.
"None of us realized people were going to be here two years. That's not your normal hospital stay," Markelz said. "They didn't want to make San Antonio their home. Now, they can vote here."
Markelz, the wife of a retired Fort Sam deputy commander, was hired four years ago to start the Warrior and Family Support Center, a program that has morphed from a few computers in converted conference rooms to a catchall program for families of the wounded.
The Army provides housing for families in a post hotel or at one of the Fisher Houses, family-style dorms with a living room, large kitchen and dining room.
But most arrive here with few or no friends and with little understanding of what they or their wounded family member will now face.
"They come in with their purses like this," said Markelz, hugging her chest. "They look like a deer in headlights."
Markelz and her staff make sure no one gets past the door without getting noticed.
"Did you sign in?" she genially shouts at family members and wounded soldiers between phone calls and assigning tasks to volunteers.
In the past four years, family members and wounded have signed in 200,000 times and counting.
The assistance center — which will move to a new 12,000-square-foot building next year — provides meals, a place for baffled family members to seek advice, rides to Wal-Mart, just about anything Markelz and her staff find they can do to help.
Among the family members who stay for the long haul, about half are wives and half are mothers.
Markelz said it's especially hard on the wives of guardsmen and reservists and on the middle-aged mothers of soldiers — women who had well-established civilian lives away from the typically nomadic life of active military families.
"They didn't sign up for that," she said.
___
Staff Sgt. Michael Lage had always been an independent kid. The youngest of three and the only boy, he was the first to leave home. He joined the Army at 18.
He served two full tours in Iraq, first in 2003 and again two years later.
Through both tours, his mother prayed and lit a yellow candle every day at a shrine fashioned from his photo, angel figurines and military mementos in front of her fireplace in Atlanta. She continued the ritual when he was deployed a third time in May.
But less than a month later, his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by a bomb in Baghdad. Lage was the only one who managed to crawl out or get blown free of the wreckage. He was on fire, still carrying his gun, witnesses later told his family.
Rose Lage and her husband, Larry, arrived in San Antonio to find Michael in intensive care in a medically induced coma. He was covered in bandages with tubes coming in and out of his body.
His mother recognized her son by his long dark eyelashes.
But she wasn't allowed to touch him, couldn't embrace him the way she longed to.
"It took everything I had to be strong," she said, her voice breaking.
Now, six months have passed since she arrived in San Antonio with one large suitcase.
Her husband stayed as long as he could, but he had to return to work after the couple tapped their retirement savings for months.
Her two daughters, too, have come to help, but they have their own homes and young children to care for.
Rose hasn't gone anywhere.
Pieces of her wardrobe have arrived with family members as the seasons have changed and as she's lost weight from crisscrossing the post on foot. A few photos of grandkids have gone up around the hotel room, along with Indian dream catchers — charms traditionally meant to protect against nightmares.
Rose has cobbled together an unexpected life here, learning her way around town and building new routines and friendships she never imagined.
Days of housekeeping and care for grandkids have been replaced with new routines: the careful wrapping of gauze around reddened skin, vigilant adherence to medication regiments, the zipping and buttoning of Michael's clothes.
"We've given up a lot for him," Rose concedes, sitting in a hotel room where a giant flag signed by her son's unit hangs. "We'd give up a lot more for him."
Michael is grateful for his mother's help, but parents and adult children living together can get on each other's nerves. The close quarters and the stress chafe.
"I appreciate her being here, but living in a small hotel room with your mom tends to wear on you a bit," Michael says.
A career soldier and divorced father of 8-year-old twins, he never dreamed he'd be living with or reliant on his mother at age 30. (His son and daughter live in Tennessee with their mother.)
Even as a child, he was never good at asking for help, Rose says.
"That's what annoys her most: I never ask for help," he says.
Rose struggles, too, because she knows he doesn't tell her everything. He holds back some of the emotional and mental struggles that come with such serious injuries and with the memories of friends lost at war.
"It's been very hard because I know he is frustrated because I'm a mom and I haven't been there. I guess he thinks I don't know what's going on," she says.
"They forget that you're a person. You have a life, that you have feelings."
___
The Lages both finally left San Antonio on Dec. 15 for a Christmas trip to see Michael's kids and other family and friends.
But Michael will have to return in January to face a series of surgeries to reconstruct his elbow, and eventually his amputated arm and his nose and ears. It will probably take another year of treatment and rehabilitation.
That means Rose will be back, too.
"I will always be here for him no matter what. He can always depend on me. I will never leave him," she says, looking at Michael. "I'll be here for my other kids, too. That's what a mom's for. I would give up my life for him, and if I could give him my other hand, I would."
At that, Michael quickly brushes away a tear, and his mother adds one last thing: "He's my baby."
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Local artist finds Utah connection in honoring fallen soldiers
KSL News
December 24th, 2007 @ 5:18pm
John Hollenhorst reporting
A Utah man is honoring fallen soldiers around the country by creating their portraits in wood. In doing so, he made a surprising connection with a family in Roy.
Bob Morgan is one of 500 scroll-saw hobbyists around the country who've set a goal: to make wooden portraits of every soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"Being retired military myself, I just felt it was something I wanted to do to give back," Morgan explained.
The process begins at the computer, where Morgan captures a photo of a fallen soldier. The soldier is assigned to Morgan by national coordinators.
The photo is modified into a simple pattern. The printout becomes a guide for Morgan's scroll saw.
So far, he's been assigned portraits of soldiers from Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma. He usually knows nothing about the soldier and waits for instructions on where to mail it to his family. "We try to give something that's going to immortalize them in wood and not just a photograph," Morgan said.
Normally, when he's working on a portrait he has no idea what part of the country the soldier was from. However, when he finished one recently, he discovered a connection that astonished him.
Before dying in Iraq, Spec. Daniel Dolan lived in Roy--not far from where Morgan himself grew up. They even attended the same high school, 30 years apart.
He hand delivered the portrait to Dolan's family instead of mailing it. "It's Dan all the way. It's the look he could give you like, 'Here I am. See how innocent I am?'" Fay Dolan, Dan's mother, explained.
"When he brought it up, we were just so tickled to see it, and then we sat for the next two and a half hours talking and finding out how many different things we had in common," Dan's father, Tim, said.
"To have those kind of people out there that really do care does mean a lot, and you know they do because they're taking their own time, their own money, and their own effort. So, it's sweet," Fay said.
Morgan also made memorial ornaments for the Dolans; another reminder of their loss, but a welcome addition to their Christmas tree.
A separate project, Operation Never Forget, is being organized to create a bronze bust of every soldier killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
December 24th, 2007 @ 5:18pm
John Hollenhorst reporting
A Utah man is honoring fallen soldiers around the country by creating their portraits in wood. In doing so, he made a surprising connection with a family in Roy.
Bob Morgan is one of 500 scroll-saw hobbyists around the country who've set a goal: to make wooden portraits of every soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"Being retired military myself, I just felt it was something I wanted to do to give back," Morgan explained.
The process begins at the computer, where Morgan captures a photo of a fallen soldier. The soldier is assigned to Morgan by national coordinators.
The photo is modified into a simple pattern. The printout becomes a guide for Morgan's scroll saw.
So far, he's been assigned portraits of soldiers from Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma. He usually knows nothing about the soldier and waits for instructions on where to mail it to his family. "We try to give something that's going to immortalize them in wood and not just a photograph," Morgan said.
Normally, when he's working on a portrait he has no idea what part of the country the soldier was from. However, when he finished one recently, he discovered a connection that astonished him.
Before dying in Iraq, Spec. Daniel Dolan lived in Roy--not far from where Morgan himself grew up. They even attended the same high school, 30 years apart.
He hand delivered the portrait to Dolan's family instead of mailing it. "It's Dan all the way. It's the look he could give you like, 'Here I am. See how innocent I am?'" Fay Dolan, Dan's mother, explained.
"When he brought it up, we were just so tickled to see it, and then we sat for the next two and a half hours talking and finding out how many different things we had in common," Dan's father, Tim, said.
"To have those kind of people out there that really do care does mean a lot, and you know they do because they're taking their own time, their own money, and their own effort. So, it's sweet," Fay said.
Morgan also made memorial ornaments for the Dolans; another reminder of their loss, but a welcome addition to their Christmas tree.
A separate project, Operation Never Forget, is being organized to create a bronze bust of every soldier killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
From Twyla
What is a Veteran?
What is a veteran?
Just look around.
Right where you’re standing,
He fought for that ground.
A vet is a person who answered the call,
who went into war, and gave it his all.
For many the battles never will end,
Now they are civilians, and find they can’t blend.
Some are disabled, and some are disturbed.
After coming home from hell,
They find they’ve been curbed.
Now is the time to honor our vets.
Remember their pain, don’t ever forget.
Remember them now, and give them their due.
Stand by their side, 'cause they did it for you
What is a veteran?
Just look around.
Right where you’re standing,
He fought for that ground.
A vet is a person who answered the call,
who went into war, and gave it his all.
For many the battles never will end,
Now they are civilians, and find they can’t blend.
Some are disabled, and some are disturbed.
After coming home from hell,
They find they’ve been curbed.
Now is the time to honor our vets.
Remember their pain, don’t ever forget.
Remember them now, and give them their due.
Stand by their side, 'cause they did it for you
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
2 Utah soldiers given Bronze Stars
Published: December 18, 2007
Two Utah soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan received Bronze Star medals for what the military defines as "exceptionally meritorious service" during their deployments.
Army reservist Andy Burton of South Jordan and Army Staff Sgt. Edward J. Carey of Clearfield each recently received the award, considered one of the more rare honors given out by the military.
Burton served 28 years in the Utah National Guard and reached the rank of colonel before joining the reserves. He was part of a special forces group that served in Afghanistan earlier this year. Carey, who returned home this month, was the medical platoon sergeant while a member of the 1st Cavalry Division in Baghdad.
© 2007 Deseret News Publishing Company All rights reserved
Two Utah soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan received Bronze Star medals for what the military defines as "exceptionally meritorious service" during their deployments.
Army reservist Andy Burton of South Jordan and Army Staff Sgt. Edward J. Carey of Clearfield each recently received the award, considered one of the more rare honors given out by the military.
Burton served 28 years in the Utah National Guard and reached the rank of colonel before joining the reserves. He was part of a special forces group that served in Afghanistan earlier this year. Carey, who returned home this month, was the medical platoon sergeant while a member of the 1st Cavalry Division in Baghdad.
© 2007 Deseret News Publishing Company All rights reserved
Friday, December 14, 2007
Disable Veteran Payments Ruled Tax-Free
Disabled Veteran Payments Ruled Tax-Free
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 13, 2007) By WebCPA staff
The Internal Revenue Service said that payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs' Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program are no longer taxable and disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in the past three years can now claim refunds.
Recipients of CWT payments will no longer receive a Form 1099 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in tax years 2004, 2005 or 2006 can claim a refund by filing an amended return using IRS Form 1040X. According to the VA, more than 19,000 veterans received CWT in fiscal year 2007.
The IRS agreed with a Tax Court decision issued earlier this year, which held that CWT payments are tax-free veterans' benefits. The agency thereby reversed a 1965 ruling, which held that these payments were taxable and required the VA to issue 1099 forms to payment recipients.
The CWT program provides assistance to veterans unable to work and support themselves. Under the program, the VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work by veterans, who learn new job skills, re-learn successful work habits and regain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
Washington, D.C. (Dec. 13, 2007) By WebCPA staff
The Internal Revenue Service said that payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs' Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program are no longer taxable and disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in the past three years can now claim refunds.
Recipients of CWT payments will no longer receive a Form 1099 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Disabled veterans who paid tax on these benefits in tax years 2004, 2005 or 2006 can claim a refund by filing an amended return using IRS Form 1040X. According to the VA, more than 19,000 veterans received CWT in fiscal year 2007.
The IRS agreed with a Tax Court decision issued earlier this year, which held that CWT payments are tax-free veterans' benefits. The agency thereby reversed a 1965 ruling, which held that these payments were taxable and required the VA to issue 1099 forms to payment recipients.
The CWT program provides assistance to veterans unable to work and support themselves. Under the program, the VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work by veterans, who learn new job skills, re-learn successful work habits and regain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wreaths Across America
The Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.
Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 75,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. This year, Worcester Wreath Company will do even more to show its respect and appreciation for those who serve, by doing the following:
* Doubling its annual donation to 10,000 wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery.
* In addition to the Arlington Wreath Project, Worcester Wreath will donate 2,500 wreaths to the Maine Veterans Cemetery at Togus, and over 1,800 ceremonial wreaths, representing all branches of the armed forces, will be sent to over 200 other state and national veterans cemeteries across the Country.
* For the first time in 2007, ceremonial wreaths will also be donated to 24 veterans cemeteries on foreign soil, and aboard U.S. ships sailing in all seven seas.
* All wreath-laying ceremonies will be held concurrently on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.
* And lastly, on Monday, December 10th, 51 wreaths will be donated for a special wreath-laying ceremony at each State Capital and 36" ceremonial wreath for our Nation's Capital.
Needless to say Worcester Wreath Co. is by far the largest donor to the Wreaths Across America project and they are dedicated to this project for many years to come. It is a vision that we will one day honor every veterans' memory for the holidays, as a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.
Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit organization (501-C3 status - EIN 20-8362270) in 2007, in direct response to the many letters and requests from supporters all around the Country, about how they too could get involved and bring the Arlington Wreath Project experience to their local communities.
We invite you to come and participate in this year's wreath-laying ceremonies on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.
Utah State Veterans Cemetery - Bluffdale, UT
Contact InformationLead Squadron or Group: Utah Civil Air Patrol Headquarters
Location Leader: Lt DeVaughn SimperContact Number: 801-884-7654
*All Wreaths Across America ceremonies nationwide will take place on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 12:00 noon (EST).
Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 75,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. This year, Worcester Wreath Company will do even more to show its respect and appreciation for those who serve, by doing the following:
* Doubling its annual donation to 10,000 wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery.
* In addition to the Arlington Wreath Project, Worcester Wreath will donate 2,500 wreaths to the Maine Veterans Cemetery at Togus, and over 1,800 ceremonial wreaths, representing all branches of the armed forces, will be sent to over 200 other state and national veterans cemeteries across the Country.
* For the first time in 2007, ceremonial wreaths will also be donated to 24 veterans cemeteries on foreign soil, and aboard U.S. ships sailing in all seven seas.
* All wreath-laying ceremonies will be held concurrently on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.
* And lastly, on Monday, December 10th, 51 wreaths will be donated for a special wreath-laying ceremony at each State Capital and 36" ceremonial wreath for our Nation's Capital.
Needless to say Worcester Wreath Co. is by far the largest donor to the Wreaths Across America project and they are dedicated to this project for many years to come. It is a vision that we will one day honor every veterans' memory for the holidays, as a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.
Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit organization (501-C3 status - EIN 20-8362270) in 2007, in direct response to the many letters and requests from supporters all around the Country, about how they too could get involved and bring the Arlington Wreath Project experience to their local communities.
We invite you to come and participate in this year's wreath-laying ceremonies on Saturday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon EST.
Utah State Veterans Cemetery - Bluffdale, UT
Contact InformationLead Squadron or Group: Utah Civil Air Patrol Headquarters
Location Leader: Lt DeVaughn SimperContact Number: 801-884-7654
*All Wreaths Across America ceremonies nationwide will take place on Saturday, December 15th, 2007 at 12:00 noon (EST).
Friday, December 7, 2007
Horses for Heroes
BY GWENN WELCH
SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BANNERMARION COUNTY -
Horses for Heroes, a nationwide program, has come to the Horse Capital of the World.The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association established the program for America's wounded service personnel and veterans. Riders participating in recent pilot projects at Fort Hood, Fort Meyers and the Department of Veteran Affairs found improvements in physical balance, gait and morale.
Now the program is being offered through the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The local riding center promotes the benefits of horses for individuals with disabilities."Individuals with special needs have been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture coordination, motor development and emotional well being," said Kate Robbins, the local association's program coordinator. Marion Therapeutic Riding Association has been recognized by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association as a premier accredited center. They are one of seven therapeutic riding centers in the country to participate in the Horses for Heroes program. Robbins said the organization launched the new program by working with residents at the Fort McCoy VFW Retirement Home."We expect this project to be a great success," said Gera Judge, director of program development for the retirement home.
Last weekend, five veterans who recently returned from Iraq came to Marion County from the James Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa to participate in the Horses for Heroes program. Some were amputees and others had suffered brain injuries. Hospital workers felt their participation in the program would have a positive impact on their recovery. The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, located at 3143 17th St., will add a second facility in early 2008. The Greenway facility will be located at 6860 S.E. 41st Court, Ocala, and will include a covered riding arena."We feel that concept protects our clients, volunteers, horses and instructors from the elements," Robbins said. The 30 acres of land for the new facility were donated by the Florida Greenway; a Marion County Development Grant provided funds to build the structure."It's a new season, and new programs," said Robbins. "We have new faces and fabulous new horses to introduce this innovative program."
SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BANNERMARION COUNTY -
Horses for Heroes, a nationwide program, has come to the Horse Capital of the World.The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association established the program for America's wounded service personnel and veterans. Riders participating in recent pilot projects at Fort Hood, Fort Meyers and the Department of Veteran Affairs found improvements in physical balance, gait and morale.
Now the program is being offered through the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The local riding center promotes the benefits of horses for individuals with disabilities."Individuals with special needs have been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture coordination, motor development and emotional well being," said Kate Robbins, the local association's program coordinator. Marion Therapeutic Riding Association has been recognized by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association as a premier accredited center. They are one of seven therapeutic riding centers in the country to participate in the Horses for Heroes program. Robbins said the organization launched the new program by working with residents at the Fort McCoy VFW Retirement Home."We expect this project to be a great success," said Gera Judge, director of program development for the retirement home.
Last weekend, five veterans who recently returned from Iraq came to Marion County from the James Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa to participate in the Horses for Heroes program. Some were amputees and others had suffered brain injuries. Hospital workers felt their participation in the program would have a positive impact on their recovery. The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, located at 3143 17th St., will add a second facility in early 2008. The Greenway facility will be located at 6860 S.E. 41st Court, Ocala, and will include a covered riding arena."We feel that concept protects our clients, volunteers, horses and instructors from the elements," Robbins said. The 30 acres of land for the new facility were donated by the Florida Greenway; a Marion County Development Grant provided funds to build the structure."It's a new season, and new programs," said Robbins. "We have new faces and fabulous new horses to introduce this innovative program."
Sunday, December 2, 2007
3 Measures Highlight U.S. Veteran Issues
3 Measures Highlight U.S. Veteran Issues
By Stephen Speckman
Deseret Morning News
Published: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 12:06 a.m. MST
Three bills coming up for the 2008 Legislature seek a tax break for retired military members, equal housing and employment opportunities for veterans and a day off for schools in recognition of Veterans Day.
Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, was contacted by a Riverton High School history teacher and invited to the school for a meeting with students about why schools don't take one day off in honor of Veterans Day. Wimmer was a little suspicious at first.
"OK, here's a group of kids who just want another day off from school," he thought.
But as Wimmer and the students talked, he realized that about two-thirds of them had family members or close friends who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"That's when I realized this student population has been touched by war more so than any student population in decades," he said.
Wimmer has filed what will be a joint resolution to motivate the state school board to pass along to local school boards a directive to establish a day off on or around Veterans Day. Wimmer's father and three brothers, including one who served in Iraq, all have served in the military.
Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan, said he'd like to see a tax exemption given for retirement income earned by former military members, who he noted already have paid taxes once on that money. Mascaro said he isn't sure yet what the fiscal impact of his bill toward that end would be. Mascara, who spent six years in the Marine Corps reserve from 1965-71, said he has put forward legislation in support of the military for a long time.
"Big soft spot for veterans — and this is just a way of saying, 'Thanks,"' he said.
In an effort to avoid filing conflicting bills, Mascaro said he already has contacted another lawmaker who is drafting similar legislation, only the tax break there would be for income earned by active duty members.
The third bill is coming from Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, who was inspired by a radio program around Veterans Day to make sure something was written into Utah law that protects military members coming back from active duty against discrimination as they seek employment or housing.
Utah law already affords protection in those two areas under such headings as race, religion, color, sex and religion, but there's nothing there about veterans. He said the state's labor commission and Veterans Affairs officials are looking into how to draft the bill.
By Stephen Speckman
Deseret Morning News
Published: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 12:06 a.m. MST
Three bills coming up for the 2008 Legislature seek a tax break for retired military members, equal housing and employment opportunities for veterans and a day off for schools in recognition of Veterans Day.
Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, was contacted by a Riverton High School history teacher and invited to the school for a meeting with students about why schools don't take one day off in honor of Veterans Day. Wimmer was a little suspicious at first.
"OK, here's a group of kids who just want another day off from school," he thought.
But as Wimmer and the students talked, he realized that about two-thirds of them had family members or close friends who had served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"That's when I realized this student population has been touched by war more so than any student population in decades," he said.
Wimmer has filed what will be a joint resolution to motivate the state school board to pass along to local school boards a directive to establish a day off on or around Veterans Day. Wimmer's father and three brothers, including one who served in Iraq, all have served in the military.
Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan, said he'd like to see a tax exemption given for retirement income earned by former military members, who he noted already have paid taxes once on that money. Mascaro said he isn't sure yet what the fiscal impact of his bill toward that end would be. Mascara, who spent six years in the Marine Corps reserve from 1965-71, said he has put forward legislation in support of the military for a long time.
"Big soft spot for veterans — and this is just a way of saying, 'Thanks,"' he said.
In an effort to avoid filing conflicting bills, Mascaro said he already has contacted another lawmaker who is drafting similar legislation, only the tax break there would be for income earned by active duty members.
The third bill is coming from Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, who was inspired by a radio program around Veterans Day to make sure something was written into Utah law that protects military members coming back from active duty against discrimination as they seek employment or housing.
Utah law already affords protection in those two areas under such headings as race, religion, color, sex and religion, but there's nothing there about veterans. He said the state's labor commission and Veterans Affairs officials are looking into how to draft the bill.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
