News
The Military Needs To Stop Being A Part Of The Human Trafficking Problem
Friday, January 30, 2015 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - International
It's time to address the uncomfortable subject of the U.S. military's involvement with worldwide human trafficking. He states: "This is the problem. The Pentagon seemingly recognizes that military indulgence in human trafficking is an issue, but when we get down to the unit level, commanders and their surrogates just don’t care. During my 12 years in the Navy, it was very clear that many of the sailors aboard ship created a demand for the services rendered through human trafficking. What was also clear was that no one would be charged or prosecuted for these crimes." He notes that it is a slap in the face to the American people when the military turns a blind eye and challenges the Department of Defense (DoD) to "make 2015 the year that the DoD comes off the map as a consumer of human trafficking."
By the Numbers: How Well Do You Know the 114th Congress?
Sunday, January 25, 2015 | Category: Legislation - National
This article authored by Bill Lucey, is a statistical breakdown of the demographic characteristics, including military service experience, of the 114th Congress in session 2015-2017.
America's Women's Veterans Deserve Better
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 | Category: Health Care - National
Current data indicates our country doesn't fully meet the unique physical, emotional and employment needs of women veterans. They receive less support than their male counterparts from government programs primarily designed for men.
Who Is 'Fat Leonard'? Navy Corruption Scandal Sees Malaysian Defense Contractor Plead Guilty
Friday, January 16, 2015 | Category: Department of Defense - National
"Fat Leonard" was the CEO of the Glenn Defense Marina Asia group, headquartered in Singapore. Francis plied Navy officials between 2004-2013 with gifts of cash exceeding $500,000, promises of sex from prostitutes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, all-expense-paid hotel stays, Cuban cigars and various other material gifts, according to his plea agreement.
How Big Data Battles Human Trafficking
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - International
The Polaris Project is an anti-human trafficking organization based in the District of Columbia, operating a national hotline for victims to call when they're in desperate need of help. They needed a more "real time" computer system. Polaris met Palantir Technologies at the 2012 Google Ideas Conference. Palantir later created software streamlining Polaris resources into a single dashboard for call specialists to use. Palantir assists organizations and entities like the CIA, Department of defense, and large banks.
Veterans, Healing and the Arts
Sunday, January 11, 2015 | Category: Arts - National
Americans for the Arts coordinates the National Initiative for Arts and Health in the Military involves at least16 other national partners. The arts have meaningfully addressed a myriad of issues facing America's military service members, veterans and their families. This initiative hopes to promote the healing and transformative power the arts those with military connections.
Surviving Rape in the Military
Wednesday, December 17, 2014 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
A photo journalists study of the lives of servicewomen who were sexually assaulted while serving in the military.
Critics Say Progress on Military Sexual Assaults is An Illusion
Saturday, December 13, 2014 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
Article by Sig Christenson looks at data published in the President's mandated DOD report on sexual assault.
NY Congresswoman Can Impact Sexual Assault in the Military
Thursday, December 11, 2014 | Category: Sexual Harassment/Assault/Trauma - National
Newly elected Congresswoman Stefanik of District 21 was appointed to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
VA Honors Waters for Commitment to Women’s Veterans
Thursday, December 11, 2014 | Category: Department of Veterans Affairs - National
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) was honored by VA Secretary Bob McDonald for her work in creating the VA Center for Women Veterans. The Center is a special bureau within the VA that advocates for women veterans by ensuring health care benefits and other programs effectively meet women’s needs.