Iraq War Veterans Don't Get Parade, But Giants Do; Best Veteran Employers; 93 Year Old Army Vet Finally Gets Purple Heart; Red Fridays; RIP Police Officer Steven Green; Ground Zero Cancer Rates

"Some Gave All; All Gave Some."...Billy Ray Cyrus

NY Giants To Get Parade in NY City; Iraq War Vets Get Snubbed

Several weeks ago, I (and others) wrote about Mayor Bloomberg's decision not to have a parade honoring our returning Iraq War Veterans. He said the Pentagon brass voiced objections.  Yet, two weeks ago the City of St. Louis honored Iraq War Vets with a parade. Over 600 vets marched and an estimated crowd of over 100,000 showed up. In addition, at least 12 more cities are planning such an event. And, according to USA TODAY this week, a Pentagon spokesperson said they do NOT have an objection to a parade in New York. But Bloomberg and city officials did not hesitate to announce a parade for the NY Giants this week. So who is deserving of that honor more---football players or genuine heroes? I know how most Americans would answer that question.

Best Veteran Employers

Military.com published their list of the best veteran employers. Dedicated to Heroes believes these employers should be celebrated. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Amazon
• BNSF Railway
• CACI International--IT Solutions
• Center Point Energy
• Cintas
• CSX Corporation
• Northop Grunman
• Progressive Insurance Co.
• Sears Holding Co.
• Sprint
• Verizon Communications

You can see the entire list at http://www.military.com/


He's Finally Getting His Purple Heart On His 93rd Birthday

Aaron Narvol is 93 years of age. He's an Army veteran. He's also a recipient of a silver star and two bronze stars. But, after being shot in Okinawa in April 1945, he never received his Purple Heart. He contacted Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., of Pennsylvania. The senator broke through the red tape and Mr. Narvol finally received his long overdue Purple Heart on his 93rd birthday. Hooah!




Red Fridays: Let Everyone Know You Support Our Troops

Consider wearing Red on Fridays. It's an outward expression of our support of our troops. Red shirt or red hat or red jacket are fine.  Consider sending this strong message to our troops: We Support You.

RIP Police Officer Steven Green

Officer Steven Green, Mobile Alabama Police Department, was stabbed to death by a prisoner outside of the Mobile County Metro Jail on Friday, February 3, 2012. Officer Green was with the department for only 20 months. He's survived by his wife and children. Officer Green is the 16th police officer nationwide who died in the line of duty this young year.  Officer Down Memorial Page


Ground Zero Cancer Rates Soar

The number of healthy, young police officers who worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 is alarming. To date, 297 police officers have been diagnosed with cancer. Shockingly, the average age of diagnosis is 44. Since 9/11, 56 officers have died from cancer.  NY Post

High cancer rates have also been found among FDNY members who worked at Ground Zero. And FDNY study confirmed that cancer rates are at higher rates than before 9/11. According to sources in the Fire Department, some types of cancer are "bizarrely off the charts." Firehouse