How`s My Vending?

Shelter Wish List
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New Generation of Homeless Vets
Coffee
Coffee Cups
Canned Foods
Toothbrush
Diapers & Wipes
Medical Supplies
Toothpaste
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Combs
Towels
Wash Clothes
Men's Clothes
1203 N. Federal Highway
Hollywood, FL 33020
Cathy’s
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Brian
Sara
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Dave Nerau
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His Prison Ministry
Gloria Parker
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Donald Collins
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Eva Sofo
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Michael Manning
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Steve & Donna
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Sherri
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To add a name to the list call
954
410--6275
954--410
No monetary donations needed
How’s My
Vending?
Call (954)
925-6466
X101
Veterans
A
Here, Iraq veteran Mike Lally walks through the main entrance of a veterans shelter
P
eter Mohan traces the path from the Iraqi battlefield to this lifeless
conference room, where he sits in a kilt and a Camp Kill Yourself Tshirt and calmly describes how he became a sad cliche: a homeless veteran.
Different Wars, Same Problems
With the war in Afghanistan in its seventh year and the war in
Iraq in its fifth, the Department of Defense says about 1,500 veterans of
the conflicts are homeless -- and many more could be in the coming years.
There was a happy homecoming, but then an accident — car crash, broken
collarbone. And then a move east, close to his wife's new job but away
from his best friends.
And then self-destruction: He would gun his motorcycle to 100
mph and try to stand on the seat. He would wait for his wife to leave in the
morning, draw the blinds and open up whatever bottle of booze was closest.
(Continued on page 6)
Ford feature will let parents set limits for teens
S
come out late next summer. The
feature will spread to the entire
o you think junior is a little too
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup
lead-footed when he drives the
as models are updated, spokesman
family car? Starting next year,
Wes Sherwood said.
Ford Motor Co. will give you the
Ford arrived at the 80
power to do something about it.
mph limit even though freeway
The company will roll out
speed limits are
a new feature on many
lower in most states
2010 models that can
“Speeding is a major
because it wanted to
limit teen drivers to 80
mph, using a computer
factor in teen crashes” leave a margin in
case an unusual
chip in the key.
situation
arises,
Parents also
Buczkowski said. In some states,
have the option of programming
freeway speed limits are above 70
the teen's key to limit the audio
mph, Sherwood said.
system's volume, and to sound
"Just lopping it off at excontinuous alerts if the driver doesactly 70 mph was felt to be too
n't wear a seat belt.
"Our message to parents limiting," Buczkowski said.
The company already uses
is, hey, we are providing you some
computer chips in its keys to preconditions to give your new drivers
vent thefts. The car won't start
that may allow you to feel a little
unless it recognizes the chip in the
more comfortable in giving them
key.
the car more often," said Jim
"It's making use of existBuczkowski, Ford's director of
ing technology, and through the
electronic and electrical systems
magic of software, we're able to
engineering.
build features on top of the features
The feature, called
we already have," Buczkowski
"MyKey," will be standard on an
said.
unspecified number of Ford mod(Continued on page 7)
els when the 2010 cars and trucks
s we send troops off to Iraq to fight for
our freedom and safety they are coming
back injured and disabled. The President is
firm on using these soldiers for their duty and
that duty is to protect America. However,
when they come back we the people, we
America should be there for them so we do
not have another Vietnam situation where our
Vets are treated as garbage. It seems that we
are so eager to send them off to war but when
they return disabled we do not give them
what they deserve.
I am glad the President has decided
to protect us but I am upset at this current
war, maybe we could have done something a
little different. I am not saying it is his entire
fault it is our entire leaders fault. I am very
upset that this Country sends people off to
war but as we have all learned this week that
the government intends on cutting funding
for our veterans. It is a very sad day in our
American History.
Last month you all saw a little story
about this issue and learned that the Homeless Voice has been lobbying government
leaders to make sure that we don’t have
homeless vets from this Iraq War like we did
in the past. We formed The American Veter(Continued on page 7)
Plantation teen gets life in
prison for beating death of
homeless man
P
arents' details of neglect, dysfunctional upbringing fail to win son a
second chance
A life sentence was harsher
than Samuel Gaynor anticipated for the
man who clubbed his sleeping son to
death on a Fort Lauderdale bench.
"It touched me when she said
'life,'" Gaynor said about hearing Broward Circuit Judge Cynthia Imperato
sentence Thomas Daugherty, 19, on
Thursday. "Such a short word, such a
long time."
At his trial last month,
Daugherty was shown on videotape repeatedly walloping a defenseless man
with a baseball bat.
That attack on Jacques Pierre at
the Las Olas Boulevard campus of Florida Atlantic University was the first of
three attacks on homeless men in the
early morning hours of Jan. 12, 2006.
Pierre, 60, survived. So did the
third victim, Raymond Perez, 52. Norris
Gaynor, 45, did not.
On Sept. 19, Broward County
jurors convicted Daugherty and Brian
Hooks, 21, both of Plantation, of seconddegree murder and attempted murder for
the string of unprovoked attacks.
Hooks' sentencing hearing is
scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.
Daugherty tearfully apologized
to Gaynor's family, saying he had "failed
as a human being."
"I wasted a human life," he
said, fighting sobs. "I treated him less
(Continued on page 11)
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 2
HOMELESS VOICE
Mail check to:
For just $15.00 a month you can keep a
homeless family off the streets for a day.
COSAC Foundation
P.O. Box 292-577
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click on “Online Store”
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The Targett Family
Patrick Helings
John Bendor
In Loving Memory of
Uncle Joe & Nana
Shannon Brooks
Lisa Cebrat
Pakita Price
The Watsons
Sally Lister
Judith Kelly
Martha Roman
The Baptista Family
John Criasia
Daniel Harrison
The Martinez Family
Amanda Reynolds
Dolores R. Cerra
Bob Hall
Tressie W. Osborne
Clark Rogers
The Savir Family
Corinne James
Chris Sanchez
Hugo DeCarpintini
Mario Yuio
Richard Friedman
Diane Friedman
Uylna Quadrino
Arnold Reemer
In Loving Memory of
Peter Sullivan
Maryann Springer
Elaine Snaith
Marshal Bugin
Keith Yude
Bruce Wethersoon
Isabelle J. Henry
Raul Cardenas M.D.
Wendy Bryan
Jacqueline McCarty
Darla King
Paula King
Richard Gomez
Anthony Ralph
Jennifer Hicky
Timothy Lukehard
Thomas Rua
Justin Rowan
Mary Green
Morris Grazi
Marvin Shatze
Ronald Shafer
Vance Gunn
Adam Staler
Allen Yancy
Jimmy Daniels
Mel Blount
Carol Lockette
Anna Marye Levier
Magan Narduzzi
Andre Johnson
Antione Collins
Eric Harrison
Jessica Padilla
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Sheldon Jones
Carlo Harrison
Jason Emrik
Dan Gilcert
Amber Rowan
Jackie Johnson
Ricky Cambell
Todd Palgon
The Morabito Family
Todd Palgon
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Dorr’e Terry
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Nichole Faber
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The Cable Family
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Barbara Strong
Grace Marth
Regla J Ferrer
The Baldwin Family
C.R. Gallagher
Jonathan Burger
Russell J. Ferguson
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In Loving Memory Of
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Cathy and Kids
The Davis Family
Graham R. Mitchell
Essential Oil Healthline
Amparo L. Korey
John’s Plumbing Service
Thank You Winn Dixie
Ms. Marilyn Smith
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Ruth C Grey
Mike Cross
Tamara Southard
Raul Cardenas MD PA
Al and Annie
Hurricane Prevention Inc
Adriana Fernandez
Andrea Brown
The Kunicki Family
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OTD Messenger, Inc
M. Smith
Yorick and Bonita
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Parrica Lee Russ &
Delores B Mordon
Robert Jesus Llanes
Comet Couriev
Proietto Family
In Memory of
Billy Corwin
Josh Searles
Patricia Lee Russ
Delores B Mordon
Everglades Moon,
Covenant of Goddess,
Elibet Hanson
Judy B. Pascarella
John Gaeta
Michael R. Prokop, Jr.
Surfin’ Seniors Inc
Jackie M. McCarty
In Memory of
Charles Horton
In Memory of
William F. Judge
In Loving Memory of
Florence & Nat Popkin
Tailored Advertising, Inc
Claudia K. Tapolow
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Margie Jones
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In memory of
Wesley H. Woodall
Maria M. Riveiro
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Gottlieb & Blair Family
Pioneer Middle School
Youth Crime Watch
Rhenals-Mei Family
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Ronald Prescia
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In Memory of
Brian Groleau
Laura Flash
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The Strikowski family
Margie Jones & Friends
Jacqueline M. McCarty
The Herrmann Family
The Monserrate Family
Madeline Butera
Jennifer S. Nickel
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David Thawley
On Behalf of
Matthew Lambert
Mustafa Mehmet Gokoglu
In Memory of
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In Memory of
Melba DeSanto
In Memory of My Mother
Pearl McCann,
Love Teresa
Barbara Desanto
Leah and Ray
Michael & Michale Rhett
Marie Sutera
Floyd and Luana Coats
Doug Boucher Family
Kevin Jones
Dorothy Griffith Family
In Loving Memory of
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Kevin “KJ” Jones
Douglas Boucher
The Swartout's
Ivonne Fernandez
The Verny &
Stewart Families
In Loving Memory of
Frances Klein
The Herrmann Family
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Lois, for all your help.
–Joan Futscher & Kids
McAvoy Family
The Geise Family
Mrs. Jenkins
Richard & Margaret Martin
Kenny Angela
Adriana N. Quila
Elizabeth P. Sublett
Barbara N Robinson
Mark E. Johnson
Adrienne and Mike
Julio A. Izquierdo
Ann M. Hamilton
Nicole Lee Nelson
Anthony Rhodes
Susan P Brady
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K.J. Williams
Renato & Malika Vasconez
Christine McAuliffe
In Memory of
Chief George J. Hodges
Real Breakthrough
Solutions
Hartford Property
Connection, Inc.
In Loving Memory of
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In Loving Memory of
Jose A. Estruch, Jr.
Ronald & Cathy Walker
Ms. Evelyn Salerno
Nicole Lee Nelson
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In Loving Memory of
Isabel Grimany
Dr Mary Michaela Farren
In Memory of My Good
Friend
Pat Gibson
Fred T Verny JR
Nicole Lee Nelson
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In Memory of Dan Holland
Sheila Holder
Merav & Ezra Alexander
In Memory of Maxima
Oakland Park
Elks Lodge # 2407
J. Coffee
In Memory of
Stanley Smolen
In Memory of Martin Grey
God Bless Florence Menard
Sebastian Parks
Kellie Jones
Jesus Diaz
Virginia H. Bailey
Naomi Ross
Deborah H Green
In Loving Memory of
Giankarlo Squicemari
In Loving Memory of My
Daughter Melissa Lurz
In Loving Memory of
Charles J. Youngman
In Loving Memory of
Martin E. Grey
Sabrina Thorton, Former
Ms. Ft. Lauderdale
Beth Farans,
Saks Jewelry Designer
Margaret D. Neverdousky
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Sandra L. Wilhelm
The Schneider Family
John Dinielli
Dorothy Kay Garbutt
In Memory of Bill Sledge
The Ramos Family
In Memory of
Gertrude Chong
In Memmory of
Steven Maderman
Roy T. Bruno, Jr.
In Memory of
George Ericson
Albert J. Hamilton Ph D
Laura & Bill Fash
David V Torlone
Rainer Hansen
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John Evans & Family
Constance Lessoff
Maria Nieto
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Raymund Joseph
James &
K. Heather Molans
Ronald Prescia
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Janet Campbell
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Andrew N. Daly
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Denis and Bertha Arenstein
Steve Goolsby
Baumann Family
The Matsuura Family
Susan Brady
Carol Murray
Phyllis R. Bebko
George & Carmen Gulisano
Dawn Monfries
Intercontinental
Management
Consulting Group, Inc.
Connie & Ginger Murphy
Calvary Chapel of Doral
Mr. and Mrs. Bocanegra
Richard Rios
Robert and Betty Short
Brad and Krystal Kelly
Thomas A Kramer
Lavances Wright-Rolle
Otto Garcia
Mr. and Mrs. Carson
Dawn Sinka
Tom Thumb Food Stores
In Memory of
Martha Hughes
Zlata and Alfredo Jr Salazar
Charles K. Wilson
In memory of Irene Grady
Johnson
Karen B Povlock
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Bill and Priscilla La Gasse
Evan V Jones
Bonita L Akinji
G.R. and J.D. Falbey
Kaveh Vassal
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Paola C Mollica
YOUR NAME HERE
In Loving Memory of Shirley Coulson
John C. Burt
Renato & Malika Vasconez
In Memory of C.T.R.
Thank you so much, Sean &
In Loving Memory of Donald Fraser
Page 3
Volume X, Issue 10
HOMELESS VOICE
LE TT ER S TO TH E E DITO R
SEN D T O:
P.O. BOX 29 2-577
Dear Supporters,
Again I wanted to thank you
personally for taking care of
the Gaynor family while they
stayed in South Florida for the
trials of their son's murder.
Your direct donations helped
house them in one of our
Condo Units, pay for food as
well as taking them out a few
times when they were here.
Your donations also helped
provide airfare as well. I
know the Gaynor's appreciated it a whole lot. They
asked us to thank everyone
involved during this trying
time. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sean Cononie
DAVIE , FLO RIDA 33 329
Go to Hate Without a Home
student documentary
www.HateWithoutAHome.com
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The Voice of the Homeless
Page 4
HOMELESS VOICE
ADVANTAGE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
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ACI supports the Homeless Voice and the Cosac Foundation in raising awareness and
providing solutions to homelessness in our neighborhoods.
ACI knows that lending aid to human beings in need is good for our souls, our
communities and is simply the right thing to do.
ACI would like to thank all people who are actively engaged in helping humanity here
on the blue planet.
God bless the Cosac Foundation
Commercial, Industrial, & Government 2-way Radio
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Mark Lavallee, President 954-961-2642
Excellence in Radio
Second youth in Fort Lauderdale homeless attacks, Brian Hooks, is sentenced to 30 years in prison
B
rian Hooks was the second youth seen on
videotape setting upon a defenseless homeless man with a baseball bat, running in, landing
one blow and fleeing.
For his lesser degree of involvement in
that attack and two others on Jan. 12, 2006, Hooks
was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday.
Hooks' sentencing came one day after
Circuit Judge Cynthia Imperato sent his codefendant, Thomas Daugherty, 19, to prison for
life.
"The court still can't get over the senseless nature of these crimes," Imperato said of the
attacks that left Norris Gaynor dead and two other
homeless men critically injured. "It's just a horrible, horrible night and a horrible choice you
made."Upon hearing 30 years, Hooks, 21, gave a
slight, nearly imperceptible nod.
Jacques Pierre, 60, the man on video,
survived. Gaynor, 45, died with a cracked skull.
Raymond Perez, 52, the third victim, also survived.
Last month, Broward County jurors convicted both Plantation men of second-degree murder and attempted murder.
Imperato said she based her decision on
trial evidence and testimony that showed Hooks'
strike Pierre once; take a running swing at Gaynor
with a garden rake after Daugherty dealt the death
blow; and was present, but not actively involved,
in Perez's beating.
Hooks, in a dark suit, cuffed and shackled, hobbled to the witness stand where he unfolded a piece of notebook paper.
He quietly apologized to the Gaynor family and spoke of shame, remorse and his stoic de-
"The court still can't get over the
senseless nature of these crimes,"
meanor.
"I don't feel sorry for myself but for all
those who have suffered because of my actions,"
he said. "I always felt like I deserved punishment,
and I know that. I never acted out of malice or
hatred. I just didn't think. I'm equally remorseful
and regretful for that."
Hooks spent much of the hearing with his
head lowered nearly to the table in front of him as
his mother, father, sister, grandmother and hockey
coaches implored the judge for mercy.
They portrayed a family-oriented, wholesome life as starkly contrasting to Daugherty's
dysfunctional, neglectful upbringing as the prison
sentences the two men would receive.
Hooks was in-line hockey team captain,
avid boater and fisherman, high school graduate
with a gift for math, son to parents solidly wed for
23 years and grandson who wrote poetry with his
grandmother.
Daugherty was abandoned by his mother
at 2, a pawn in his parent's ugly divorce, shuffled
from home to home, a dropout with an eighthgrade education turned on to crystal methamphetamine by his mother at 16.
Hooks' mother and father, Brenda and
Brent, described an affectionate, soft-hearted, affable, yet immature son.
"Brian was a young 18," Brenda Hooks
said. "Obviously, his decision-making that night
underscores his lack of maturity and reflection."
Later at the elevators, Brent Hooks offered his hand to Norris Gaynor's mother, Georgia.
"Hey, I'm sorry," he said, shaking her
hand. "There's nothing that I can do. I'm just
sorry."
-Tonya Alanez, Sun-Sentinel
When John Comes Marching Home Again…
When young men and women first
don their new military uniforms they
are filled with a justifiable pride in
themselves, in the corps to which
they are glued by their sweat and
tears, and in the high ideals they
believe they represent. In Basic
Training they were stripped of everything which made them individuals--their hair styles, their clothing,
their personal choices of when and
with whom to eat and sleep; they
were reshaped and molded, and now
re-born as Rudyard Kipling’s soldiers:
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die…
Home and Whole
Republicans and Democrats. Rich and poor. Gay and
straight. Old and young. Men and
women. Whatever the perceived
differences among people, almost
everyone everywhere wants the
troops to withdraw from Iraq. We
want our young people to come
home, safe and “sound”; tragically,
that won’t happen.
The Wounded
Anyone who has witnessed,
even participated in some of the
worst deeds one group of human
beings can inflict on another must be
fundamentally changed. We are
lucky in the high numbers of men
and women who survive combat,
who have--or someday will have-come home. (Especially compared
to the hundreds of thousands of
Iraqis--military and civilian, men,
women, and children--who have not
survived.) But how many come
home “sound”, that is, whole? One
very obvious group that doesn’t are
the amputees.
Young men and
women who were physically fit,
even athletic, when they joined the
service must adapt each day and
redesign their futures to the limitations of missing and prosthetic
limbs.
Another “unwhole” group
consists of those with head injuries
and other mortal wounds: they
would have died in Vietnam or the
first Gulf War; they live now because of medical advancements.
When BobWoodruff, a television
network anchor, received a serious
head wound in Iraq, we learned how
devastating, longterm, and often
permanent an injury can be. And we
understood from the VA hospitals’
subsequent bad press that rarely do
veterans have access to the high
level of medical care and rehabilitation given to the newsman.
The Walking Wounded
Still to be numbered are the
sons and daughters with mental injuries, whether physical or emotional.
According to Dr. Amy Fairweather’s
report for Swords to Plowshares’
Iraq Veteran Project cited below,
hardest to diagnose is Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI), which occurs
when the brain slams against the
inside of the skull. This is caused by
a blunt force injury or a nearby explosion. Dr. Fairweather calls TBI
the “signature wound of the Iraq
war.” TBI and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) have similar
symptoms, which can include antisocial behaviors (such as substance
abuse, bar fights, reckless driving);
problems in relationships; memory
War medals won in battle.
and concentration lapses. Troops
with TBI may get in trouble with the
law. Many end up with dishonorable discharges, their behaviors
blamed on bad character prior to
their enlistment. Thus, they’re not
diagnosed and given no access to
veterans’ benefits.
They can still qualify for tax
-supported housing, however: In
1998, there were 225,000 veterans
incarcerated in the nation’s jails and
prisons.
Some people (both in and
out of the military) are still of the
opinion that PTSD is just a catch-all
category used to excuse personal
failure. Like mental illness in general, there is a stigma attached, an
(Continued on page 5)
Advantage Communications, Inc.
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"Excellence in Radio"
Page 5
Volume X, Issue 10
HOMELESS VOICE
When John Comes Marching Home Again…
given night, and 400,000 who experience homelessness in a year.
erroneous belief that it reflects weakThe Department of Veterans Affairs
ness of character: A sufferer should
(VA) boasts that its homeless treat“just pull himself together and snap
ment and assistance network (a partout of it!” Dr. Fairweather’s report
nership with community service prodocuments that the Department of
Defense refers “just one in five viders) addresses the needs of
100,000 veterans annually.
This
troops to treatment who report risk
means 300,000 homeless vets turn to
factors for PTSD.” Further, “The
local government and private sector
DOD is returning troops to combat
service agencies.
who have been
And this is bediagnosed with
fore an influx of
PTSD…” which
“Theirs not to
OEF/OIF veterexacerbates the
ans. By 2006,
condition. In May
reason why,
2006, the Hart- Theirs but to do and die…” nearly 600 Iraq
veterans already
ford Courant rehad applied to
ported that of the
the
VA
for
veterans of the
homeless healthcare services.
war in Afghanistan (OEF--Operation
In Florida, the Homeless
Enduring Freedom) and the veterans
Providers Grant and Per Diem Proof the war in Iraq (OIF--Operation
gram provides funding for 430 beds;
Iraqi Freedom) who applied for VA
the reported number of homeless
healthcare, over 35% were diagveterans is 19,394. (Source: 2005
nosed with mental disorders. PTSD
VA CHALENG Report)
may not surface until several years
after the traumatic experience.
OEF/OIF Veterans at Higher Risk
Most experts, including the
for Homelessness
Besides the scarcity of afNational Coalition for Homeless
fordable housing in today’s market,
Veterans (NCHV) (www.nchv.org)
and salaries that have not kept pace
identify mental illness as a major
with rising costs, OEF and OIF vetcontributing factor to homelessness.
erans --150,000 of whom are women
Homeless Veterans Today
-- have greater exposure to the risk
Most of the statistics cited
factors that lead to homelessness.
in reports come from the National
Fairweather’s report, “Risk and ProSurvey of Homeless Assistance Protective Factors for Homelessness
viders and Clients (NSHAPC), comamong OIF/OEF Veterans”, displeted in 1996 and updated in 1999.
cusses them fully. Briefly, while in
We’re told 23% of all homeless peothe service these veterans have freple are veterans, or 33% of the male
quent, urban combat exposure and
homeless population. Although dosustain debilitating injuries and
ing the math with published estihighly stressful experiences. Further,
mates of homeless totals (23% of 2.3
extended deployment is policy (two,
million to 3.5 million) renders a
three, and even four tours of duty are
higher number, the NCHV conservanot exceptional), and there is the
tively repeats the VA estimate of
“stop loss” loophole in their con200,000 homeless veterans on any
(Continued from page 4)
tracts. Lack of deployment options
must be especially hard on the Reservists and National Guard (40% of
the fighting force) who have been
sent into urban combat half a world
away. Additional risk factors bred in
the service are family disruption and
mental illness.
After service, the transition
to civilian life is not easy. Many
Uniforms and weapons always ready
will have lost time and advancement
in their careers; others find themselves un- or under-employed. Still
mize employability seems like an
others, fresh out of high school when
obvious solution. But how do these
they enlisted, find that the jobs they ideas materialize? It may not be a
did in the service don’t readily transquestion of “more money”; the Leglate to the civilian workplace.
islature and the VA have been generSometimes, the jobs that do carry
ous with their--that is, our-- millions.
over (truck drivers and paramedics,
What may be more necessary is a
for example) can’t be continued beclear direction and purpose to the
cause they trigger PTSD. And veterspending, and firm accountability
ans with mental health problems
and management of available funds.
often don’t seek help because of the
Information on this topic is
readily available on the Internet; this
stigma attached. Not enough outwriter used the dogpile.com search
reach and assistance is being offered
engine.
by a system that was inadequate before the current war. Fairweather’s
PS: The Other OIF (Operation
report identifies
Iraqi Freedom)
current programs
Homeless
“...they served us and risked So far, two miland shows why
they are not work- their lives all in the name of the lion Iraqis have
refuge
ing. One particu- United States of America, yet sought
from the war
larly interesting
when they come home they are
with
their
point is that “[the]
homeless.”
neighbors, JorVA expected to
dan and Syria.
treat only 2,900
Another two million Iraqis have been
war veterans for PTSD; however, as
displaced from their homes and vilof June [2006] they had seen
lages but remain in their country.
34,000.”
To date, the United States has
Solutions and Further Reading
granted asylum to about 1100.
The NCHV, in agreement with VolThere is a bill in Congress which
unteers of America and the Corporawould widen the parameters for asytion for Supportive Housing, as a
lum to include, among others, orresult of a Policy Leadership Diaphaned children. For further inforlogue event (sic), recommends
“affordable, permanent housing cou- mation, go to the International Rescue Committee website www.irc,org
pled with supportive services as a
powerful tool for preventing and
-Margo Poulson
ending homelessness.” Supportive
housing along with training to maxi-
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 6
HOMELESS VOICE
New Generation of Homeless Vets
should?
For as long as the United
He would pull out his gun,
States has sent its young men — and
a .45-caliber, semiautomatic pistol.
later its young women — off to war,
He would lovingly clean it, or just
it has watched as
look at it and put
a segment of
it away. Some“336,000 veterans in the them come home
times place it in
his mouth.
United States who were and lose the battle
with their own
"I don't
homeless at some
memories, their
know what to do
point in 2006”
own scars, and
anymore,"
his
wind up without
wife, Anna, told
homes.
him one day. "You can't be here
The Civil War produced
anymore."
thousands of wandering veterans.
Peter Mohan never did find
Frequently addicted to morphine,
a steady job after he left Iraq. He
they were known as "tramps,"
lost his wife — a judge granted their
searching for jobs and, in many
cases, literally still tending their
wounds.
More than a decade after
the end of World War I, the "Bonus
Army" descended on Washington —
demanding immediate payment on
benefits that had been promised to
them, but payable years later — and
were routed by the U.S. military.
And, most publicly and
perhaps most painfully, there was
Vietnam: Tens of thousands of warThis soldier
weary veterans, infamously rejected
painted his
or forgotten by many of their own
fellow citizens.
face for
Now it is happening again,
maximum
in small but growing numbers.
For now, about 1,500 vetercamouflage
ans from Iraq and Afghanistan have
been identified by the Department of
divorce this fall — and he lost his
Veterans Affairs. About 400 of them
friends and he lost his home, and
have taken part in VA programs
now he is here, in a shelter.
designed to target homelessness.
He is 28 years old. "People
The 1,500 are a small,
come back from war different," he
young segment of an estimated
offers by way of a summary.
336,000 veterans in the United
This is not a new story in
States who were homeless at some
America: A young veteran back
point in 2006, the most recent year
from war whose struggle to rejoin
society has failed, at least for the for which statistics are available,
moment, fighting demons and left according to the National Alliance
to End Homelessness.
homeless.
But it is happening to a
new generation. As the war in Afghanistan plods on in its seventh
year, and the war in Iraq in its fifth,
a new cadre of homeless veterans is
taking shape.
And with it come the questions: How is it that a nation that
became so familiar with the archetypal homeless, combat-addled Vietnam veteran is now watching as
more homeless veterans turn up
from new wars?
What lessons have we not
learned? Who is failing these people? Or is homelessness an unavoidable byproduct of war, of young
men and women who devote themselves to serving their country and
then see things no man or woman
(Continued from page 1)
Still, advocates for homeless veterans use words like "surge"
and "onslaught" and even "tsunami"
to describe what could happen in the
coming years, as both wars continue
and thousands of veterans struggle
with post-traumatic stress.
People who have studied
postwar trauma say there is always a
lengthy gap between coming home
— the time of parades and backslaps
and "The Boys Are Back in Town"
on the local FM station — and the
moments of utter darkness that leave
some of them homeless.
In that time, usually a period of years, some veterans focus
on the horrors they saw on the battlefield, or the friends they lost, or
why on earth they themselves de-
served to come home at all. They
self-medicate, develop addictions,
spiral down.
How — or perhaps the better question is why — is this happening again?
"I really wish I could answer that question," says Anthony
Belcher, an outreach supervisor at
New Directions, which conducts
monthly sweeps of Skid Row in Los
Angeles, identifying homeless veterans and trying to help them get over
addictions.
"It's the same question I've
been asking myself and everyone
around me. I'm like, wait, wait, hold
it, we did this before. I don't know
how our society can allow this to
(Continued on page 10)
MISSING: PAMELA BIGGERS
M
ost people think that the homeless are just
people who do not want to work. Not so, there
are thousands of cases of homeless individuals
who are homeless just because they are off their
meds. These types are considered Missing Mental Health Consumers who may be homeless
simply because they are in crisis. Have you seen
Pamela? She is one of these cases.
On January 27, 2008, Mrs. Biggers
traveled from her home in Hueytown, Alabama
to Panama City Beach, Florida with co-workers.
Mrs. Biggers checked into the LaQuinta Inn. On
the morning of January 28, 2008, co-workers
did not find Mrs. Biggers in her room. A search
Pamela before her disappearance
of her room was conducted and all of her clothing and personal items including purse, wallet,
and keys were found inside. The room appeared undisturbed with no evidence of foul
play. Mrs. Bigger's car remained in the parking lot of the motel.
Mrs. Biggers has stopped taking her medication and is possibly having a
schizophrenic episode.
Any one with information is asked to contact the Bay County Sheriff's Office (850) 747-4700, Investigator Mitch Pitts (850) 747-4700 Ext. 2616 or local Law
Enforcement with any information.
www.FindPamBiggers.com
Update:
On October 12 to celebrate Pam’s 53rd birthday, family and friends released approximately 250 balloons with a card containing Pam’s picture and information on it. If
anyone finds one of these balloons, the family is asking that they fill out a form on the
“contact” page on www.findpambiggers.com and let them know that a balloon was
found and where it was found.
Page 7
Volume X, Issue 10
HOMELESS VOICE
Ford feature will let parents set limits for teens
I
Veterans
(Continued from page 1)
n addition to speed limits, MyKey
also will limit the volume of the audio system, and it will sound a sixsecond chime every minute if seat
belts are not fastened. The chime
sounds for adult drivers, too, but
ends after five minutes to avoid annoying adults who adamantly don't
want to wear seat belts, Buczkowski
said.
Parents also have the option
of having the car sound a chime if
the teen exceeds 45, 55 or 65 mph.
The feature will debut on
the 2010 Focus compact car and
quickly move to other company
models as a standard feature, the
company said.
Ford said its market research shows 75 percent of parents
like the speed and audio limits, but
as you might expect, 67 percent of
teens don't like them.
Danisha Williams, a 16year-old senior at Southfield-Lathrup
High School in suburban Detroit,
said she's against the idea.
"I wouldn't want my parents
to have that much control over how
I'm driving," she said. "If your parents are holding your hand, you're
never going to learn."
Brittany Hawthorne, 17,
another Southfield-Lathrup senior,
said there may be emergency situations where she'd have to drive more
than 80, possibly to accelerate to
avoid a crash.
Ford's research shows that
parents would be more likely to let
Tips for staying
One of the new Ford models to have “MyKey” installed.
tor in teen crashes, especially novice
teens use their vehicles with the systeen drivers," said Anne McCartt,
tem, Sherwood said, and if it gets
the institute's senior vice president
them the car more often, the number
for research. "So I
of teens objecting drops
think a system that
by nearly half.
tries to correct the
A top official
“If your parents are
speeding behavior
from the Insurance Inholding your hand,
stitute for Highway
you're never going to has the potential to
improve safety."
Safety, a research group
learn”
More than 5,000
funded by the auto inU.S. teens die each
surance industry that is
year in car crashes. The rate of
pushing to raise the minimum drivcrashes, fatal and nonfatal, per mile
ing age to 17 or 18, found the key
driven for 16-year-old drivers is alintriguing and said she was not
most 10 times the rate for drivers
aware of any other manufacturer
ages 30 to 59, according to the Naoffering such a feature. IIHS says car
tional Highway Traffic Safety Adcrashes are the leading cause of
ministration.
death among teenagers.
Several U.S. auto insurers
"Research we've done has
shown that speeding is a major fac- have begun offering in-car cameras
or global positioning equipment to
help parents monitor their teens'
driving behavior, in the hope of reconnected in disasters
T
ips on how to keep your communications alive in a disaster such
as a hurricane:
— Keep your cell phones
charged. Buy extra batteries if you
can, and remember to charge them.
— A car adapter will let
you recharge from the car battery if
power goes out.
— Keep phones and batteries dry in a waterproof plastic bag.
— Program numbers for
relatives, friends, emergency responders and insurance companies
into your phones.
— Landline phones may
work even if the electricity goes out,
since they're powered through the
phone line itself. However, those
lines are vulnerable to wind and
water.
— If disaster strikes, both
landline and wireless networks may
be overloaded. The capacity for text
messages is higher, so use those
instead, and free up voice capacity
for emergency calls. Sprint Nextel
Corp. recommends customers who
have push-to-talk phones to use that
service.
— If you need to evacuate,
forward your home phone calls to
your cell phone.
AP Mobile News Network.
GO GREEN
We are pleased to introduce the COSAC Waste
Management and Recycling Services.
Please bring your aluminum cans, car batteries, ink
toner, copper and air conditioners to the COSAC
Quarters. We will turn your junk into cash to help
the homeless.
For more information call 954-924-3571.
Thank You For Being A Friend!
ans of the Iraq War National Homeless
Coalition Inc. in the month of February
and the year of 2005. At this time we
wrote letters to our members of Congress asking them to re-think how we
treat our service people at the time of
departure when they served during war
time. We were getting vets from Desert
Storm and the current Iraq war, most
who were disabled. We said to ourselves, it is a crying shame that these
men and women are homeless when
they served us and risked their lives all
in the name of the United States of
America, yet when they come home
they are homeless. When we wrote our
letters, we said it was now the time to
start programs and not wait until we had
large numbers of Homeless Vets. It is
time for each and every one of us to
write to our elected leaders letting them
know we are mad that funds will be cut
to our Veterans. They need to tell the
President that this is not fair and he
needs to come up with a better plan than
cutting funds.
By the way, most experts
predict that there are not enough beds
now and what is planned in the future
for the influx of homeless vets. It will be
the worst time for vets unless we act
now.
We are here to tell you we will
try our best. If you have a few minutes
please watch this short little video on
Homeless Vets from the TV series West
Wing to see a sad story. It happens
every day in this great Country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfOfUtkbiHQ
-Sean Cononie
ducing the number of crashes.
The Associated Press
By TOM KRISHER
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 8
HOMELESS VOICE
Call for AD
Space
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We want your
old fruit!!!
If you have a tree and the
fruit is on the ground or your
tree needs picking call us at
954-924-3571 x1277
Or simply bring it to our
shelter at
1203 N. US1,
Hollywood, Fl 33020
Advantage Communications, Inc.
is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation
"Excellence in Radio"
Page 9
Volume X, Issue 10
HOMELESS VOICE
We Still Need Your Help!!!
•
You can set up payroll deduction through your employer to support the COSAC Foundation’s Homeless Voice
•
Your company might even match your donation
•
See your human resource or department manager
W
HELP PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE
We need just
e are having a hard time making
16,519 people to send in a check for $20.00,
our monthly budget. We are making it
Or
but the economy has halted our expan6,608 people to send in a check for $50.00,
sion plans.
We seem to be exOr
tremely full for this bad economy and we
3,304 people to send in a check for $100.00,
need to expand fast to be able to handle
Or
the needs of the new breed of homeless
331 people to send in a check for $1,000,
people. New Breed... this means we are
Or
seeing many new faces of first timers
Just one wonderful person or business to
who have never been homeless in the
send a check for the entire $330,375;
past but now are because they simply
We will name the shelter after you or
can’t keep a roof over their head. These
whomever you choose
Remember the donation is tax deductible!!
are the first timers in the world of homePlease send your checks to:
less shelters. So many new faces, so
The
COSAC Building Fund
many new stories, and so many new
P.O. Box 292-577
reasons to expand.
Davie,
Florida 33329
We need to finish paying off
We do thank you
the money we used up to pay off our
main mortgage and that is going
good. We also need to finish paying off
counties beds. They cannot run a shelthe latest two new homes we bought for
ter like we can because we keep our
the elderly and the families who are not
cost low due to keeping our expenses
making it on their own. That comes to a
down.
new total of $265,000.00 just for the
Then we just have a little clean
homes.
up to do at the main shelter which will
We also need to put an air
cost us about $65,000.00 and that is it.
conditioner in our kitchen area for the
The good thing about our
cooks, it is just too hot for them and that
budget is that we were able to get rid of
will be a fee of about $5,000.00. We
some rentals that were costing us about
also need to put one new central AC in
$3500.00 a month. We bought some
my office. Yes, my office, as most of
new property to lower our monthly
you know we all work about 18 to 20
budget therefore actually adding another
hours a day with no days off and I live
ten beds for no cost whatsoever. We
in my office and frankly it is so stressful
even got all the furniture for free. This
with the current
was just a great
AC system not
thing.
doing what it
We were really
needs to do to
hurting for a
keep the temwhile because of
send in your plans to
p e r a t u r e s
fuel cost but that
helptheworld@homelessvoice,org
down.
With
has gone down
and we will send you an
working so many
saving us another
hours we have to
$ 1 8 0 0
a
email to the meeting dates
make sure the
month. However
and times
stress
levfood cost has
els remain low.
gone out of conThe
cheapest
trol. It seems that
unit we found is
even with gas
going to cost
down the grocery
about $9,000. Also I need to hire somestores did not lower their food prices as
one to help me because we are getting
of yet. Hopefully they will in time.
The total we want to raise for
behind and that will cost us about
this Christmas Campaign is quite a bit of
$30,000 a year.
money but it is essential at this time. It
Then of course we have to do
is very reachable and we will make it.
some maintenance in the front of the
Before I give you the final amount we
building to keep our shelter looking as
have to raise I want to talk about many
nice as some of the other buildings on
of
you
opening
up
your
Federal highway. We had the bricks
own charity. Remember it does not
donated and we need another $3500. to
always take money to open up your own
dress it up to keep the city off our
agency. Many things can be done with
backs.
no money at all or with less than a few
The next move will also cost
hundred dollars for state fees. This is a
us about $450,000.00 and that is to add
great gift you can give the world or
another 60 beds to our bed invenmaybe the gift is just for one person
tory. The good thing about our beds is
only. Let’s look at one of the cheapest
that they are much cheaper than the
agencies you can open that
will put a thousand smiles
COSAC
on the faces of the old or
the terminally ill.
Custom Photo
ID Cards
Order at
www.homelessvoice.org
Get yours today!
Before you help us this year
think about starting your own
agency. Nursing homes or hospice centers have many people who sit and lay in
bed each and every day with no visitors. No friends or family to sit with
them for a few hours now and then letting them know that you love them and
you want them to be happy. Imagine
being 70 years of age with children who
do not come and visit you in the nursing
home. This happens all the time to the
elderly parents who took care of their
children for a life time.
Then of
course there are those who had no kids
and everyone they know has died and
really they have not one person to call a
friend. This plan is so easy to do and it
will make a world of difference to many
sick and dying people. You do have the
love in your heart because you apparently bought our paper so you are 80
percent already there to start your own
agency. That is correct you have what it
takes to make a world of difference. Today it is us who is going to also
give you a Christmas Present. What
kind of Present can the homeless give
you? How can Sean Cononie ask you
the public to give us donations to help us
grow but at the same time offer you a
Christmas Present?
Well, we can because I believe so much that it is vitally important
for you to start your own agency to help
make the world a better place. Whether it
be a teen at risk program, an adopt a
nursing home program or even a program that gets food from restaurants that
are left over and then bring it to your
local homeless settlers. It all does the
world a bit of good. And when we involve our children it helps give them
bonds and ties to the community which
helps develop them into great caring
adults. The present is this, we will be
offering meetings once a month for a
questions and answer period on how to
start your own agency. This will go on
for a whole year.
All you have to do is send in
your plans to this email address, helptheworld@homelessvoice,org and we will
send you an email to the meeting dates
and times. In some cases we may even
try to donate some money if we can afford it or help you get the state fees paid
so you are a real not for profit charity.
You may ask again how can we do this
when we are asking for donations ourselves, it is simple. We have been
blessed and we must give back in either
time or funds if we can. You do know if
all the not for profits in the world did
this and helped others out, the world
would simply be better… We at the
Homeless Voice have always done
things that other not for
profit would not do and I
think this is why we are
blessed. Our first major
effort was de-worming one
million people of Haiti. That project has
resulted in many homes for orphans not
only supported by us but many others
have formed coalitions to open up more
homes and now many kids in different
parts of the world have been saved from
the streets. Some just a few months old
that the parents could not help because
they were so sick and they could not
afford to get them medical treatment or
even food for their tummies. Planting
Peace Inc. has grown to providing many
great programs and was even featured on
CNN heroes and the Larry King
show. SO in a nut shell we can offer
love and compassion to many others in
the world and all it takes is a idea in your
head and then to go ahead and start it
up.
Now back to us and our Christmas Campaign. We only need to raise
$827,000.00 and you know what? We
can! Many of you buy our paper each
and every month. If all of you sent in
just an extra $25.00 in the month of November and December we will meet our
goals. This is not unreachable but we
need you to all reach out and tell your
friends and relatives. At the work place
you all can give checks to us instead of
exchanging presents, this works real
well. Last year an Insurance Agency
reached out and all their 85 employees
instead of giving gifts to each other sent
in 85 checks which totaled $1700.00
then some of them also reached out with
their family and friends and raised another $3200.00. This was a very simple
plan and it worked. It does not matter
the amount of the donation all it matters
is that you gave from the heart. Even if
it is one dollar and that is all a person
can afford and they send it in that dollar
becomes such a great donation because
it’s straight from the heart.
So from me to you, this year
have a safe holiday season and yes it will
be the great start for the new year as
well.
Also, let’s all pray every day
for a cure for Cancer and food for
the poor. Each and every day please say
a prayer and ask for a cure for all Cancer.
Remember to send your checks to:
Cosac Homeless Assistance Center,
Inc
P.O. Box 292-577
Davie, Florida 33329
Written by Sean Cononie
The Voice of the Homeless
Page 10
HOMELESS VOICE
New Generation of Homeless Vets
stress disorders are much better understood now than they were a genhappen again."
Mental illness, financial eration ago, advocates say.
"There's something about
troubles and difficulty in finding
going back, and a third and a fourth
affordable housing are generally
time, that really aggravates that level
accepted as the three primary causes
of stress," said Michael Blecker,
of homelessness among veterans,
executive director of Swords to
and in the case of Iraq and AfghaniPlowshares, a San Francisco homestan, the first has raised particular
less-vet outreach program.
concern.
"And being in a situation
Iraq veterans are less likely
where you have these IEDs, everyto have substance abuse problems
where's a combat
but more likely to sufzone. There's no
fer mental illness, parreally safe zone there.
ticularly
postI think that all is just
traumatic stress, ac"You have served
cording to the Veter- your country, you get a stew for posttraumatic stress disorans Administration.
damaged, and you
der."
And that stress by itcome back and we
Others point to someself can trigger subdon't take care of
thing more difficult
stance abuse.
to define, something
Some advoyou….”
about American culcates say there are also
ture that — while
some factors particular
celebrating and honto the Iraq war, like
oring troops in a very real way upon
multiple deployments and the proliferation of improvised explosive de- their homecoming — ultimately forgets them.
vices, that could be pulling an early
This is not necessarily due
trigger on stress disorders that can
to deliberate negligence. Perhaps
lead to homelessness.
because of the lingering memory of
While many Vietnam veterVietnam, when troops returned from
ans began showing manifestations of
an unpopular war to face open hosstress disorders roughly 10 years
tility, many Americans have taken
after returning from the front, Iraq
care to express support for the troops
and Afghanistan veterans have
even as they solidly disapprove of
shown the signs much earlier.
the war in Iraq.
That could also be because
But it remains easy for veterans home from Iraq for several
and teetering on the edge of
Eddie’s Silverware years,
losing a job or home, to slip into the
shadows. And as their troubles
Campaign
mount, they often feel increasingly
alienated from friends and family
members.
"War changes people," says
John Driscoll, vice president for operations and programs at the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. "Your trust in people is strained.
You've been separated from loved
ones and friends. The camaraderie
between troops is very extreme, and
now you feel vulnerable."
The VA spends about $265
million annually on programs targetThe homeless Shelter is
ing homeless veterans. And as Iraq
in desperate need of
and Afghanistan veterans face problems, the VA will not simply "wait
utensils, glass wear and
for 10 years until they show up,"
most importantly plastic
Pete Dougherty, the VA's director of
cups. These items can
homeless programs, said when the
be dropped off anytime
new figures were released.
"We're out there now trying
or sent to 1203 North
to get everybody we can to get those
Federal Highway. For
kinds of services today, so we avoid
more information call
this kind of problem in the future,"
954-924-3571.
he said.
These are all problems defined in broad strokes, but they cas(Continued from page 6)
COSAC'S CHURCH
Come to the Church that is a
Church of Service and Charity
Learn of Jesus and learn how to
put Gods' words into action.
Sunday 2pm to 2:45pm
1203 N. Federal Highway
Hollywood Florida 33020
954-924-3571 x316
•
•
•
Free Weddings
Free Memorial Services
Alternatives to Abortion
•
Healing Services
cade in very real and acute ways in
the lives of individual veterans.
Take Mike Lally. He thinks
back now to the long stretches in the
stifling Iraq heat, nothing to do but
play Spades and count flies, and
about the day insurgents killed the
friendly shop owner who sold his
battalion Pringles and candy bars.
He thinks about crouching
in the back of a Humvee watching
bullets crash into fuel tanks during
his first firefight, and about waiting
back at base for the vodka his
mother sent him, dyed blue and concealed in bottles of Scope mouthwash.
It was a little maddening,
he supposes, every piece of it, but
Lally is fairly sure that what finally
cracked him was the bodies. Unloading the dead from ambulances and
loading them onto helicopters. That
was his job.
"I guess I loaded at least
20," he says. "Always a couple at a
time. And you knew who it was.
You always knew who it was."
It was in 2004, when he
came back from his second tour in
Iraq with the Marine Corps, that his
own bumpy ride down began.
He would wake up at night,
sweating and screaming, and during
the days he imagined people in the
shadows — a state the professionals
call hypervigilence and Mike Lally
calls "being on high alert, all the
time."
His father-in-law tossed
him a job installing vinyl siding, but
the stress overcame him, and Lally
began to drink. A little rum in his
morning coffee at first, and before he
knew it he was drunk on the job, and
then had no job at all.
And now Mike Lally, still
only 26 years old, is here, booted out
of his house by his wife, padding
around in an old T-shirt and sweats
at a Leeds shelter called Soldier On,
trying to get sober and perhaps, on a
day he can envision but not yet
grasp, get his home and family and
life back.
"I was trying to live every
day in a fog," he says, reflecting
between spits of tobacco juice. "I'd
think I was back in there, see people
popping out of windows. Any loud
noise would set me off. It still does."
Soldier On is staffed entirely by homeless veterans. A handful who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan, usually six or seven at a time,
mix with dozens from Vietnam. Its
president, Jack Downing, has spent
nearly four decades working with
addicts, the homeless and the mentally ill.
6 American soldiers raising the American
flag at Iwo Jima, Japan during WW II
Next spring, he plans to
open a limited-equity cooperative in
the western Massachusetts city of
Pittsfield. Formerly homeless veterans will live there, with half their
rents going into individual deposit
accounts.
Downing is convinced that
ushering homeless veterans back
into homeownership is the best way
out of the pattern of homelessness
that has repeated itself in an endless
loop, war after war.
"It's a disgrace," Downing
says. "You have served your country, you get damaged, and you come
back and we don't take care of you.
And we make you prove that you
need our services."
"And how do you prove it?"
he continues, voice rising in anger.
"You prove it by regularly failing
until you end up in a system where
you're identified as a person in crisis.
That has shocked me."
Even as the nation gains a
much better understanding of the
types of post-traumatic stress disorders suffered by so many thousands
of veterans — even as it learns the
lessons of Vietnam and tries to learn
the lessons of Iraq — it is probably
impossible to foretell a day when
young American men and women
come home from wars unscarred.
At least as long as there are
wars.
But Driscoll, at least, sees
an opportunity to do much better.
He notes that the VA now
has more than 200 veteran adjustment centers to help ease the transition back into society, and the existence of more than 900 VAconnected community clinics nationwide.
"We're hopeful that five
years down the road, you're not going to see the same problems you
saw after the Vietnam War," he says.
"If we as a nation do the right thing
by these guys."
-The Associated Press
Things We Need…
As you all know times are tough and we need more
help than ever. Some people have gotten together in their
complexes or neighborhoods and have done a food
drive. We had a small group of condos with only 16 units
and they raised almost a weeks worth of breakfast. All they
did was put up signs on each door of the condos saying
when you go to the grocery store this week and for the next
8 weeks buy some extra items and we will help feed the
poor and homeless!
Please email us at weneedyou@homelessvoice.org
Or call 954-924-3571
Advantage Communications, Inc.
is a proud supporter of The Cosac Foundation
"Excellence in Radio"
Page 11
Volume X, Issue 10
HOMELESS VOICE
Plantation teen gets life in prison for beating death
of homeless man
child abandoned by his mother."
When Bridget Daugherty
than a human being. … It's sick
took her turn on the witness stand,
what happened that night. It was
she admitted she delighted in being
demented."
the "cool mom" who smoked pot
Norris Gaynor's mother,
with her son and his friends, bought
Georgia, said Daugherty's apology
them alcohol and let girls sleep over.
felt sincere.
She admitted to turning her
"God bless him and go with
son on to crystal
him," she said.
meth, which be"And even though
they failed him, he "God is the forgiver," he came "an almost
daily thing." At 4
has people that love
said. "We only can try to a.m. one day she
him."
And those cover the scratches on our found him crawling
souls."
on the living room
who failed him,
floor with a flashDaugherty's parlight, hunting for
ents, Thomas and
specks of the drug to ingest.
Bridget, admitted it Thursday.
"I know I am the cause of
In an effort to persuade the
my son's demise," Bridget
judge to give their son a second
chance, they detailed his dysfunc- Daugherty said through sobs.
"I threw away my life," she
tional, neglectful upbringing. He
said, looking at the teen she called
shuttled between his father's home
Tom Tom. "And I feel like I threw
in Plantation and his mother's in
away yours."
Tennessee, where she introduced
Daugherty's attorney asked
him to crystal methamphetamine
for a 20-year sentence. State senwhen he was 16.
tencing guidelines called for almost
More committed to hard
drinking and drugs, Bridget 30. Prosecutors suggested 40. The
judge chose life.
Daugherty abandoned her son at 2,
Later, Samuel Gaynor was
Thomas Daugherty Sr. said, only to
asked if he could forgive.
reappear throughout his life, cam"God is the forgiver," he
paign for him to live with her and
said. "We only can try to cover the
fill his head with "false fantasies of
scratches on our souls."
a good life together."
-Tonya Alanez, Sun-Sentinel
"He put her on a pedestal to
make up for all her shortcomings,"
Daugherty Sr. said. "I will never be
able to understand what happens to a
Things we need so bad:
Thin Set
Surge Protectors
Dishes
Microwaves
Bedspreads
TV’s
Coffee
Garbage Bags
Sugar
Rice
Spaghetti
Home Depot Gift Cards
Publix Gift Cards or Frozen Meats
Butter
Spaghetti Sauce
Barbecue Sauce
Ice Tea Mix
Frozen Orange Juice
Milk
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
(Continued from page 1)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the
fourth Thursday in November, at
the end of the harvest season, is
an annual American Federal holiday to express thanks for one's
material and spiritual possessions. The period from Thanksgiving Day to New Year's Day
often is called the holiday season. Most people celebrate by
gathering at home with family or
friends for a holiday feast.
Thanksgiving generally is
considered secular and is not directly based in religious canon or
dogma. Though the holiday's
origins can be traced to harvest
festivals that have been celebrated in many cultures since
ancient times, the American holiday has religious undertones related to the deliverance of the
English settlers after the brutal
winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts. –Wikipedia
Thanksgiving comes to us out
of the prehistoric dimness,
universal to all ages and all
faiths. At whatever straws we
must grasp, there is always a
time for gratitude and new
beginnings.
J. Robert Moskin
Old House Telephones?
We Need Them! Send To:
1203 N. Federal highway
Hollywood, Fl 33020
Thank-You!!! See page 1 for address
NCH Report Calls For Action
T
he National Coalition for the
Homeless released a report
today forecasting an increase in
homelessness due to the foreclosure
crisis. The report, Foreclosure to
Homelessness: the Forgotten Victims of the Subprime Crisis, summarizes the findings of a national
survey of state and local homeless
coalitions conducted in winter 2008
to ascertain whether their communities were seeing an increase in
homelessness due to the foreclosure
crisis.
Among the survey findings:
•61 percent of survey respondents reported an increase in
homelessness in their communities
since the foreclosure crisis began in
2007.
•Respondents reported a
variety of living arrangements
among the newly homeless victims
of the foreclosure crisis, including
stays with family and friends, in
emergency shelters, and on the
streets.
The report criticizes state
legislatures and Congress for their
inattention to homelessness prevention initiatives in their response to
the foreclosure crisis. “Nearly forgotten in the foreclosure crisis are
the thousands of homeowners and
renters who have become homeless
once their equity is exhausted,” said
Bob Erlenbusch, President of the
National Coalition for the Homeless.
“We hope this report will sound an
alarm and inspire policymakers to
take proactive measures that prevent
more Americans from falling from
foreclosure to homelessness.”
Among the policy recommendations offered by NCH to
A man tries to get some sleep on a park bench.
break the foreclosure to homelessness cycle is an infusion of funds
into the federal Emergency Food
and Shelter Program, a highly effective program already in place to
provide rental and mortgage assistance to persons at risk of homelessness. At the request of NCH and
other organizations, Congress is
now considering action on this recommendation as part of foreclosure
relief measures.
Foreclosure to Homelessness: the Forgotten Victims of the
Subprime Crisis, is available on the
NCH web site:
www.nationalhomeless.org
Please go to www.menactra.com
for important information on side
effects or check with your
child's doctor.
Patient Information
Menactra®
Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135)
Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine
What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet provides information and answers common questions consumers may have about MENACTRA
vaccine. It is not intended to take the place of talking with your health-care professional. Rather, it is meant to
inform you so that together you can make the best possible choices concerning your health. Vaccines, like all
other medications, have risks and benefits. Together with your health-care professional, you should consider
this as well as other important information concerning MENACTRA vaccine.
What is MENACTRA vaccine and what does it do?
MENACTRA vaccine is given to protect persons 2 through 55 years of age against meningococcal disease. It
allows the body to produce enough antibodies to provide a defense against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. As with any vaccine, vaccination with MENACTRA vaccine may not protect all of the people who
get the vaccine.
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that is caused by bacteria. These bacteria may cause meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. They also can cause septicemia, a very serious blood infection. Although meningococcal disease is rare (about 1400 to 2800 cases are reported
each year), onset and progression of the disease can be very rapid. Approximately 10% of cases of
meningococcal disease are fatal despite medical treatment, and 11% to 19% of those who survive
have permanent disabilities, such as limb amputation, hearing loss, and brain damage.
Who should receive MENACTRA vaccine?
MENACTRA vaccine is intended for persons 2 through 55 years of age.
Who should not receive MENACTRA vaccine?
Any person who has a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine,
including latex, which is used in the vial stopper, or to any person who has had a life-threatening
reaction after getting a vaccine containing similar components • Any person who has been previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Children younger than 2 years of age or adults older than 55 years of age
When should extra care be used?
The health-care professional should make sure the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks when recommending MENACTRA vaccine for:
Women who are pregnant or nursing
Women who are pregnant or become aware that they were pregnant when they received MENACTRA vaccine
should contact their health-care professional or Sanofi Pasteur Inc. at 1-800-822-2463.
How is MENACTRA vaccine administered?
A single dose of MENACTRA vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm (preferably) of persons 2
through 55 years of age.
It should be noted that clinical studies have been conducted to show that MENACTRA vaccine is safe when
given at the same time as Td (tetanus and diphtheria) and typhoid vaccines.
You should tell your health-care professional if you or your child:
Has been previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or any brain disorder
Is pregnant or nursing
This information should not take the place of talking with your health-care professional about MENACTRA
vaccine.
What are possible side effects of MENACTRA vaccine?
While side effects from vaccine administration are always possible, people receiving MENACTRA vaccine
may not experience any side effects at all.
The most common local side effects with MENACTRA vaccine include pain, tenderness, redness, hardness,
and swelling at the site of injection. Systemic side effects include headache, fatigue, weakness, body aches,
diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These side effects usually clear up within a few days. If events continue or become severe, tell your doctor. There is a potential for an increased chance of Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination. Other adverse events are possible. Please consult with your health-care professional.
What ingredients are present in MENACTRA vaccine?
MENACTRA vaccine contains noninfectious meningococcal A, C, Y, and W-135 polysaccharides that are
attached to a diphtheria toxoid protein carrier. Sodium chloride and sodium phosphate salts are also present in
each dose.
For more information about MENACTRA vaccine, talk to your doctor or health-care professional. You may
also visit www.MENACTRA.com.