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Archive for the ‘Veterans’ Category

A New Option for Treating High Blood Pressure is Available to United States Veterans

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Ultrasound Renal Denervation, a Proven Treatment for High Blood Pressure, is Available to Veterans Thanks to a Partnership Between Recor Medical and Recon Supply

ST. CHARLES, Mo., May 16, 2025 — Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the “silent killer” because many people do not know they have it and, over time, it can lead to serious health issues. In fact, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. The 2020 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) guidelines on hypertension define uncontrolled hypertension as a reading above or equal to 130/90 mmHg.1 66% of veterans diagnosed with hypertension are considered uncontrolled by the VHA’s guidelines.2

Hypertension treatment typically begins with a change in diet, like reducing salt intake, and physical exercise. For some, medication may also be prescribed. However, about one-third of the patients who are treated for hypertension remain uncontrolled despite making healthy lifestyle changes and taking more than three medications. For these patients, medical device-based hypertension therapies, like the Paradise™Ultrasound Renal Denervation (uRDN) system, may be an additional treatment option.

Army veteran Richard Van Name is one such patient who was looking for another way to treat his uncontrolled hypertension. An Army pilot for more than 30 years, Richard noticed his blood pressure was increasing during the later part of his service, and he was diagnosed with hypertension after retirement. Despite adjusting his lifestyle and taking progressively more medications, his blood pressure had not reached a normal level. That’s when his physician recommended that he consider the Paradise uRDN treatment, a one-time, safe and minimally invasive procedure that is clinically proven to reduce blood pressure.3-6

“My blood pressure was starting to creep up in the last part of my career, but they were still within the limits for the military. When I was first diagnosed with hypertension, my blood pressure was 178 over 100. Diet and exercise did not bring it down any, and the medication brought it down to around the 150 to 160 region,” said Richard. “My cardiologist was not satisfied that the maximum he had prescribed had not brought it down to where he thought was best. The doctor prescribed ultrasound renal denervation, and the procedure had definite results. My wife and I feel a lot better because it relieves us of the chances of heart attack or stroke.”

The Paradise uRDN system is a first-of-its-kind ultrasound-based RDN technology designed to lower blood pressure by denervating the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries, reducing the overactivity that can lead to hypertension. The Paradise uRDN system delivers two to three doses of 360-degree ultrasound energy—lasting seven seconds each—through the main renal arteries to the surrounding nerves. The Paradise catheter features the exclusive HydroCooling™ system, which circulates sterile water through the balloon catheter during the procedure to help protect the renal artery wall. This minimally invasive procedure is supported by many medical societies including the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology and others.

Recor Medical—the manufacturer of the Paradise System—has partnered with Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Recon Supply to support the distribution of the Paradise System through the VHA and Department of Defense.

Recor has been focused on developing and testing uRDN for the treatment of hypertension since 2009, and completed three independently powered, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trials, all which demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the Paradise System, leading to FDA approval in late 2023. Recor has also initiated the US Global Paradise System (GPS) Post-Approval Study to collect real-world clinical evidence with long-term follow-up in 1,000 patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the United States.

The Paradise uRDN system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in hypertension patients in whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. A physician will make a medical assessment to determine if a patient is a candidate for ultrasound renal denervation. The most common risks include pain, vascular access site complications and vasospasm. Full important risk information can be viewed here.

  1. Defense DoVAaDo. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in the Primary Care Setting. 2020.
  1. Yamada et al. J Hypertens. 2023 Apr 17;41(6):995–1002.
  2. Azizi et al. JAMA. 2023;329(8):651-661.
  3. Azizi et al. Lancet. 2018 Jun 9;391(10137):2335-2345.
  4. Azizi et al. Lancet. 2021 Jun 26;397(10293):2476-2486.
  5. Kirtane et al. JAMA Cardiol. 2023;8(5):464-473.

For more information on Recon Supply’s offerings, visit www.Recon-Supply.com or contact Recon Supply at 314-317-0300.

Dropkick Murphys to Headline D-Day Rally in Support of Veterans

Saturday, May 17th, 2025

Unite for Veterans Welcomes Legendary Punk Band to June 6 Event on the National Mall in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Organizers of the upcoming Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally are proud to announce that acclaimed Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys will join forces with veterans and their allies on the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 2025, for a historic performance on the National Mall.

The band will headline the rally, delivering a high-energy set to support thousands of veterans protesting deep cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the federal workforce — where veterans make up nearly one-third of all employees.

“Since we started in 1996, Dropkick Murphys has always proudly supported the men and women of the United States military and are honored to count many of them among our most loyal fans,” said Dropkick Murphysfrontman, Ken Casey. “It will be a privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans on the anniversary of D-Day to raise our voices in defense of their jobs, their health care, and their dignity.”

The June 6 rally will take place near the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial — a powerful backdrop for a day of protest, remembrance, and unity. Organized by the Unite for Veterans Coalition, the event will spotlight attacks on earned benefits, call out attempts to privatize the VA, and rally the veteran community to defend the institutions that serve them.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the Dropkick Murphys,” said Will Attig, an Army veteran and lead organizer of the event. “Their music has long been a soundtrack for resolve and resilience — and the source of many post 9/11 war anthems. Veterans know the difference between patriotism and empty platitudes — and on D-Day, we’ll be rallying and singing for something real: veterans’ jobs, their healthcare, and American ideals.”

The rally remains nonpartisan and veteran-led, focused on upholding American values, preserving veterans’ benefits, and opposing any attempts to dismantle the systems that support those who served.

Veterans, union allies, and supporters are encouraged to join the effort and learn more at www.unite4veterans.org. Follow Unite for Veterans, Unite for America on Twitter/X and BlueSky for updates and details.

USMC Scout Sniper Association Rifle Raffle

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Mission Statement

The USMC Scout Sniper Association (SSA) is the only non-profit membership organization for Marine Scout Snipers in the world.
We exist to support the Scout Sniper community through programs that inspire brotherhood, encourage professionalism, and foster resiliency. Our community is comprised of those who have carried the long gun, those who have enabled our successes on the battlefield, and our families.
The USMC SSA also works and partners with other nonprofit Veterans Organizations to build and support the larger sniper community.

The Prize

The intrinsic value of this rifle can not be estimated.  This was hand built, in same shop, every USMC Sniper rifle was built; by the same gunsmiths who built every sniper rifle.  There are many rifles that look like this, but this is an actual brand new USMC sniper rifle.

USMC M40A5 Sniper Rifle

The M40A5 is a bolt-action sniper rifle utilized by the United States Marine Corps, building upon the legacy of the M40 series with enhancements tailored for modern combat requirements. Below is an overview of its primary components, parts, accessories, and the Standard Logistics (SL-3) kit.

Retail Value of Prize

This M40A5 Sniper Rifle prize package has an estimated value at auction of over $20,000.00.

To Enter, visit: rafflecreator.com/pages/90636/2025-m40a5-rifle-raffle

Retired Combat Controller Gifted His ‘Forever Home’

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

CRESTVIEW, Fla. —

“Everybody in a beret back there… that is the only reason these entire experiences from seven years ago to now has been tolerable.”

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Day reflected on his healing journey during a home-gifting ceremony on April 16 in Crestview, Florida where he and his family received a forever mortgage free home.

Day, a medically retired 6-year Air Force Special Tactics veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was deployed to Afghanistan in July 2018 when he stepped on a pressure plate initiated IED while conducting compound clearances. He was launched into the air and landed on his back. He lost his right foot, sustained severe hand injuries, and the lower half of his leg was stripped of all soft tissue.

As Day recovered from his injuries, he decided he wanted to call Crestview home with his two sons and Wednesday marked fruition of that decision.

A crowd of Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing and cheering supporters, community members, and volunteers waved American flags to greet Day and his family when they arrived at their new home. The patriotic procession escorting them included the Crestview Police Department, North Okaloosa Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, and Patriot Guard Riders.

“Nobody here had to do any of this, but you did,” said Day. “That’s why any of this life experience is palatable and worth it. Thank you specifically to the guys back there in berets, this community is amazing.”

The four-bedroom 1,800 square-foot home sits on land donated by retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Hughes and his wife, Ellen.

“This is a gift to my family and their future, more than it is for me,” said Day. “My two [sons] don’t know it yet, but this is a pivotal moment in their lives.”

The home was built by Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit organization committed to rebuilding lives and supporting injured Veterans.

By Capt Savannah Stephens, 24th Special Operations Wing

HunterSeven – Cancer Screening at SOF Week

Sunday, April 27th, 2025

MILITARY VETERANS – HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR CANCER SCREENING? Time is running out cause slots are filling up!

We’ve gotten many questions lately—“Are you guys going to SOF Week this year?”

And the answer is: Absolutely.

But we’re doing it our way.

This year, we’re flipping the script.

Instead of getting tangled in the red tape, we’re staying laser-focused on what matters most:

PREVENTING AS MANY PREVENTABLE CANCER DEATHS AS POSSIBLE.

You’ll find us down by the waterfront alongside our excellent partners— Crye, Arc’teryx, and a lineup of other badass companies—where we’ll be spreading the word about health promotion, early cancer detection, and what it means to take care of our own.

But the real magic? Wednesday night.

That’s when it all comes together.

At the DuckCancer Happy Hour—hosted and sponsored by: Black Rifle Coffee – Crye Precision – Arc’teryx – We will be running on-site blood-based cancer screenings for at-risk post-9/11 military veterans, right in the middle of the action!

We’re talking great people, amazing raffles, tactical ducks, and literal lives being saved in real-time.

Spots for screening are extremely limited, so if you’re a post-9/11 veteran—or you know one—don’t wait.

Let’s party with a purpose and keep pushing forward in the fight against cancer.

REGISTER via www.HunterSeven.org/DuckCancer

The Department of Defense Warrior Games Celebrates 15th Anniversary and 100 Days Out with a Return to Colorado Springs

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Colorado Springs, Colorado – April 9, 2025 – The Department of Defense (DoD) is excited to announce that the Warrior Games are returning to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the first time since 2018 for the 15th anniversary. This milestone year will showcase the strength, resilience, and unity of our wounded, ill, and injured service members representing five different teams on their road to healing and rehabilitation together. The 2025 DoD Warrior Games will take place July 18-26, 2025 at the main venue of Colorado College.

“As a community deeply rooted in military service and support for our nation’s heroes, Colorado Springs is once again honored to welcome the Warrior Games, a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of our nation’s wounded and injured service members and veterans,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “As Olympic City USA, we deeply value the power of sport to inspire, heal, and unite. To all the athletes, your courage and perseverance embody the very best of our country, and we are proud to stand with you and cheer you on.” 

The DoD Warrior Games, a celebration and healing journey for wounded, ill, and injured service members alongside their family and friends, showcase the incredible power of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment of our military community. Five teams of participants will be representing all military services: U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force/Space Force, and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The participants will be competing in 11 different adaptive sports including Archery, Cycling, Field, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Precision Air

Sports, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Track, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Rugby.

“We love this event and everything it stands for, but nothing can compare to the impact this event has on the service members, their family and friends, and the fans,” said Mr. David Paschal, Director of the DoD Warrior Games. “This event is truly life-changing, and it is a tremendous honor for our team to have built this event into what it is today after 15 years and to have supported and encouraged thousands of service members on their road to healing and rehabilitation.”  

The public are invited to join the celebration in the beautiful community of Colorado Springs this summer at the event’s main venue of Colorado College to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the DoD Warrior Games and support the service members who have or are serving our country. 

“We are thrilled to be part of the Department of Defense Warrior Games at Colorado College this July,” said Lesley Irvine, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Colorado College. “This event is a celebration of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of our nation’s service members and veterans. We look forward to welcoming these incredible athletes to our campus and providing a world-class experience for them, their families, and the community.”

More information about the Games, including the event schedule, volunteer opportunities, and ticketing information, will be available soon HERE.

98-year-old Pilot Sees Skyraider Legacy Live on in AFSOC’s OA-1K Skyraider II

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

At 98 years old, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Buice never imagined he’d see another Skyraider take flight.

Looking ahead, he smiled as the hum of the aircraft’s turboprop engine deepened as it drew closer.

Joined by his family and members of Air Force Special Operations Command, Buice watched as the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II arrived at Hurlburt Field, Florida, April 3, 2025.

As the OA-1K Skyraider II taxied, Buice said the moment brought back a wave of memories. To him, this was more than a new aircraft—it was a tribute to the original A-1 Skyraider, the plane he piloted during the Vietnam War until the day he was shot down nearly 60 years ago.

***

Rolling in for a pass to inspect the area below, Buice heard a sudden explosion.

It was July 9, 1968, and Buice, call sign “Firefly 16,” and his wingman, “Firefly 17,” were providing cover for a formation of American helicopters flying in northern Laos, near the Vietnam border.

Looking through the canopy of his A-1 Skyraider, he spotted a fire on the left wing of his aircraft.

Buice dumped the hydraulic system pressure to extinguish the flames. It worked, but the wing had a gaping hole, and the magnesium casting continued to burn.

He pulled the aircraft into a climbing turn, looking for a place to land. His teammates warned him over the radio.

“Not in the valley, whatever you do,” they urged, warning the enemy could be there.

Knowing he would soon lose complete control of the aircraft, he reversed his rudder controls, forcing the A-1 into a faster roll. Inverting the plane, he pulled the ejection handle as soon as he could see the sky through the canopy.

“The canopy disappeared with a bang,” Buice recalled. “Then nothing.”

He saw the jungle rushing up. His airspeed increased and altitude dropped. He pulled the handle again.

The rocket fired, pulling him from the cockpit. His parachute deployed, slowing his descent. He crashed through the jungle, hitting a tree and injuring his shoulder and quickly realized he couldn’t move his right arm.

Hearing noise nearby, he used his left hand to reach for his pistol and call for help with his radio.

Moments later, an Air America helicopter arrived. Owned and operated by the CIA, Air America was a cargo and passenger airline that provided air support for the U.S. and its allies during the Vietnam War.

A pilot came down to help Buice onto the lift, but as they ascended, the weight was too much.

“I insisted that he join me for the trip up, but it was too heavy,” Buice recalled. “So I gave him my radio and pistol, and he stayed behind, hoping another chopper would get to him before the bad guys did.”

Buice was airlifted to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand for urgent medical treatment. Ultimately, his shoulder injury would end his 20-year Air Force career.

For decades, Buice often thought about the man who had rescued him, wondering if he made it out alive.

***

Sitting beside Buice at the OA-1K delivery ceremony was Phillip Jennings, a retired Air America helicopter pilot—the very man who had saved him that day. Over the years, the two had reunited only a handful of times, making this moment even more special, Jennings noted.

“I knew from the moment I watched him get shot down that we would have to go get him,” Jennings said. “I’m elated to be able to be here to see him be recognized and honored. He was the real hero that day, saving the Air America helicopters from landing in the deadly gunfire that shot his A-1 down.”

Though the crash ended his flying career, Buice said he has always felt a connection to the A-1 Skyraider.

As a pilot, Buice liked the A-1 for it’s ability to fly for an extended period while also being able to carry a large payload of ammunition.

The OA-1K Skyraider II now carries on that role, equipped with advanced weapons systems for light attack and reconnaissance missions for AFSOC.

Taking a moment to look at the new aircraft, Buice reflected on what it meant for the next generation of Skyraider pilots.

“I hope they embrace the challenges, the accomplishments—even the fear and the adrenaline,” he said. “There will be a day when they can no longer do this. Today is not that day.”

Today, Buice lives at the Hawthorne House, an assisted living neighborhood in the Air Force Enlisted Village in nearby Shalimar, Florida. The Air Force Enlisted Village is a community for retired enlisted military members and their surviving spouses.

By SSgt Natalie Fiorilli, Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Call to Action – WW II Veteran Turns 100

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

Via US Army WTF Moments on IG:

*** MAIL CALL (Saugerties, NY) ***

Paul Donlon is turning 100 on May 2nd. Served with 3rd ID in WW2.

He is also the older brother of Roger Donlon, the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. Let’s get some birthday cards to him.

Send to:

Saugerties VFW Post 5034

30 John St.

Saugerties, NY 12477

(In care of Paul Donlon)