Impeachment, Impeach Bush, Cheney: The Bush, Pelosi Kill List, Reality

I Guess I must have hit a nerve somewhere again because the level of my “unfriendly fire” email has soared, you know the kind that likes to call people all kinds of incendiary names and make such blatantly stupid claims as: “The press is blowing our casualty numbers all out of proportion by including everyone who go to a medic for a band aid for a paper cut suffered while opening their mail.” All I can say is, that with folks like that running around on the loose running their mouths with impaired connection to their brains; it is no wonder that George W. Bush has been able to get away with level of criminality he has to date, and still have the delusional balls, in the face of facts, numbers and the on scene assessment that the more service personnel we put in Iraq the higher the death/casualty rate/count becomes….duh!

Oh well, I expect the recent bunch of Bushit writers are more versed in the reality TV programs of the day and were probably among the folks who were upset with the ending of The Sopranos, priorities, you know. So I have decided that I would provide them with some more reality, if they have the guts to read this and the brains to digest it. Read on. This is your Patriot Report June Update, better known as The Bush/Pelosi Kill List!

And to round out the reality report a couple extras to think about all you name slinging flag waving Bush Flockers!

THE REPUBLICAN’S LOST WAR:
http://www.tbrnews.org/Archives/a2703.htm

The Harring Report: America’s Young Man’s Meat Grinder

by Brian Harring, Domestic Intelligence Reporter brianharring@yahoo.com

Note: Viewers of TBR News who would like a copy of the original Department of Defense Supplemental Casualty lists from 2003 to mid-2005, showing facsimiles of the actual casualties, as opposed to the heavily redacted official listings, may write to Mr. Harring at brianharring@yahoo.com for a full copy of the original documents.

This list is free of charge. As of June 3 ,2007, Mr. Harring has sent out 25, 892 lists Mr. Harring wishes his readers to note that he does not work for any American governmental agency.

Once it became evident that what had been expected to be a short, successful military campaign against Saddam Hussein had turned into a long drawn out and escalating guerilla war, the Department of Defense, acting on orders from the White House, began to reduce the daily public casualty list.

Families and survivors of the dead were duly notified and the bodies were shipped back to the States for private burial but the numbers of the dead, and the wounded, were deliberately kept as low as possible for political reasons.

For internal use only, a realistic, and accurate, monthly report was issued for those concerned but it was not made public. When this private report was located by outside sources and sent around the Internet, the site was immediately shut down.

This original listing showed that as of mid-2005, the death count in both Iraq and Afghanistan topped 10,000 with 20,000 seriously wounded. By 2007, the death toll has risen to over 15,000 (and rising daily) with officially reported serious woundings (required out of theater hospitalization) at 50,508 as per a report published in the New York Times of January 30, 2007.

Also not discussed are the over 10,000 desertions (from March, 2003 to date)

The Bush-Cheney & Congressional Butchers’ Bill

Officially 64 military deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq from 1 June to 15 June, 2007 with a total of 4,451 total official casualties to date.

Official Casualty Lists for June, 2007

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered on May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:

Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas.

Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.

Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas.

Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.

Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.

Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo.

Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Chadrick O. Domino, 23, of Ennis, Texas, died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he encountered enemy small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Al Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Doonewey White, 26, of Milpitas, Calif., died May 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations May 28 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Romel Catalan, 21, of Los Angeles, died June 2 in Ameriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt. Col. Michael A. Robinson, 42, of Sylacauga, Ala., died June 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan. His death is under investigation. Robinson was assigned to Mobilization Command, Deployment Processing Command, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, of Bozeman, Mont., died June 1 in Al Yusufiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Atkins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, or Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Support Command, Fliegerhorst, Germany.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 30 in Upper Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed apparently due to enemy fire. They were assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher M. Allgaier, 33, of Middleton, Mo.

Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Rodgers, 29, of Carson City, Nev.

Staff Sgt. Charlie L. Bagwell, 28, of Lake Toxaway, N.C.

Sgt. Jesse A. Blamires, 25, of West Jordan, Utah.

Sgt. Brandon E. Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Ala.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Charles R. Browning, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., died June 1 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona National Guard, Gilbert, Ariz.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:

Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif. He died June 2 in Baghdad.

Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla. He died June 3 in Baghdad.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Killed were:

Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill.

Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were both assigned as Special Agents to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Killed were:

Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind.

Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 3 in Thania, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles.

Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.

Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.

Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Andrews J. Higgins, 28, of Hayward, Calif., died June 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Jacob M. Lowell, 22, of New Lenox, Ill., died June 2 near Gowardesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr., 28, of Missouri City, Texas, died June 6 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Shawn D. Gajdos, 25, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Justin A. Verdeja, 20, of La Puente, Calif., died June 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Kimel L. Watt, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Matthew Soper, 25, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died June 6 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1461st Transportation Company (Combat Heavy Equipment), Michigan Army National Guard, Jackson, Mich.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.Pfc. Timothy R. Vimoto, 19, of Fort Campbell, Ky., died June 5 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senior Airman William N. Newman, 23, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., died June 7 south of Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team of the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Greg L. Sutton, 38, of Spring Lake, N.C., died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 212th Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Eric M. Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, died June 10 as result of an improvised explosive device attack on an Air Force convoy about 100 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Charles E. Wyckoff Jr., 28, of Chula Vista, Calif., died June 6 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Brian M. Long, 32, of Burns, Wyo., died June 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosive ordnance. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Scott A. Miller, 20, of Casper, Wyo., died June 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Cory M. Endlich, 23, of Massillon, Ohio, died June 9 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Dariek E. Dehn, 32, of Spangle, Wash., died June 2 in Sharkat, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 10 in Karbala, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Cpl. Llythaniele Fender, 21, of Medical Lake, Wash. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Cpl. Meresebang Ngiraked, 21, of Koror, Republic of Palau. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Spc. Adam G. Herold, 23, of Omaha, Neb. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Cameron K. Payne, 22, of Corona, Calif., died June 11 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device that detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. William C. Johnson, 22, of Oxford, N.C., died June 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Johnny R. Strong, 21, of Waco, Texas., died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Damon G. Legrand, 27, of Lakeside, Calif., died June 12 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with anti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, 52, of Lake Park, Ga., died June 11 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. His death is under investigation.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Josiah W. Hollopeter, 27, of San Diego, Calif., died June 14 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire in Al Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Casey S. Carriker, 20, of Hoquiam, Wash., died June 13 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Disability claims soar from Bush's wars: More than 176,000 vets file

June 12, 2007
by Lisa Hoffman
Capitol Hill Blue

Deep in a newly released 300-page report on the benefits system for the nation's veterans lies a first look at the dimensions of the disabilities the Iraq- and Afghanistan- war injured are suffering.

Through March, more than 176,000 U.S. veterans of those ongoing conflicts had filed claims for disability compensation, according to a report released Thursday by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science.

Some of the most common conditions were---tinnitus, or ear ringing (36,000 claims granted); ---back strain (33,000); ---problems with ankle motion (16,000) ---and post-traumatic stress disorder (16,000).

More than 550 troops have become amputees.

Almost one-fourth of those suffered the loss of more than one limb.

At least 1,100 "war on terror" vets have been treated for blindness or significant visual injuries.

The report also estimates that at least 300,000 U.S. veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom ultimately will be added to the nation's disability-compensation rolls, which currently number 2.7 million veterans receiving a total of $27 billion a year.

Homeless Vets Struggle Long After War's End

June 13, 2007
by Aaron Glantz
InterPress Service

The U.S. Vets Westside Residence Hall is a hulking eight-story structure a few blocks from Los Angeles International Airport. It's the largest transitional housing and employment center for homeless veterans in the country, hosting 700 veterans annually.

Michael Hall is one of its residents. The 31-year-old Army staff sergeant enlisted shortly after high school and served as a heavy equipment mechanic and technical weapons specialist in Bosnia, Cuba, Kuwait, and Afghanistan before being severely injured in Iraq in 2003.

"I was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade," Hall told IPS as he limped into a recreation room on the building's ground floor. "I suffer from compression of the spine. I used to be six foot four. Now I'm six two and a half."

"I got knocked through a wall," he added, almost as an afterthought.

The federal government's Veterans Administration considers Hall to be 100-percent disabled. He has difficulty walking, dragging his feet with each step he takes. He also suffers from mental problems – bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder – conditions he didn't have before he went to Iraq.

Hall said his problems really started when he got back to the United States and started using methamphetamines to dull the pain.

"I knew a lot of people who were killed in Iraq," he said, "so the pain of losing loved ones on the battlefield, the pain of not being there for my children, of not knowing how to live in this civilian society after so many years in the military – I stuffed these things down deep inside because I considered myself a hard-core guy. But after the effects of the methamphetamine went away, I still felt the same. No matter how much I could do or how much I could smoke the results were the same. It was the insanity of it all."

Hall has four children, ages seven, four, two, and one. But his behavior since being released from the military has kept him away from them. In addition to using drugs, he started dealing as well. Since leaving the military in 2003, he has served time in federal prison in Oklahoma for felony home invasion and has had numerous other run-ins with the law. Within three years, he hit rock bottom – one of 27,000 homeless vets on the streets of Los Angeles.

Dwight Radcliff is chief operating officer of U.S. Vets, a public-private partnership founded in 1993 to serve homeless veterans. He told IPS his organization is increasingly coming into contact with relatively young homeless veterans involved in custody disputes over their children.

"It's a sign of the times," he said. "It's a lot freer now than even in the 1970s. So it's not surprising to see a veteran who is 23 years old who has children, who cannot get along with the custodial parent who needs support and help to navigate that system."

Radcliff added that the presence of those children can also be a motivator to get the veteran off the streets and clean from drugs. For example, U.S. Vets helped former Staff Sgt. Michael Hall win custody of his children after he got off methamphetamine. The children are currently living with Hall's parents until he finds a permanent place to live.

"These are guys who are pretty much going straight from deployment to the streets," added Rachel Feldstein, associate director of New Directions, a residential care center for homeless veterans inside the VA complex in West Los Angeles. She says veterans of the Iraq war are becoming homeless much more quickly than Vietnam vets.

While about half of the estimated 400,000 homeless veterans served during the Vietnam years, Feldstein said most did not usually become homeless until nine to 12 years after their discharge.

Already, she said, Iraq war vets are living on the streets of Los Angeles, getting seriously addicted to drugs and falling into criminal behavior, she said.

Firm estimates of the number of homeless Iraq war veterans are hard to come by. In June 2005, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reported the number of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) veterans seeking assistance from community-based homeless services providers had exceeded 400.

The group Veterans for America, formerly the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, estimates that 10,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are now living on the street.

Sixteen Iraq war veterans have entered residential drug rehab at New Directions over the last four years. Most have been referred to the program as an alternative sentence after being convicted of a crime.

"What's unique about the men and women coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan is that they're not able to integrate with their family," Feldstein said. "They've seen horrible things. They've been in horrible places and their family can't relate. And so you become homeless in the last place you lived."

Activists concerned about increases in the number of homeless veterans argue for greater federal investment in affordable housing and social services. Of particular concern is the wait for mental health care, which can run as long as six months.

A recent study by Harvard's Kennedy School of Government found that by the time the Iraq and Afghanistan wars end, there will be at least two and a half million vets. Because of that, the Harvard study concluded, Congress will have to double the VA's budget simply to avoid cutting services.

HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS INSANITY ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT?