VA Grants Disability to Military Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease

The ALS Association Michigan Chapter's

678 Front St ------- 675 Big Beaver Rd
Suite 159 ------- Suite 207
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 ------- Troy, MI 48083
Fax: 616.459.4522 ------- Fax: 248.680.6541

Contact:
Stacey Chase, Executive Director
866.927.CURE
Stacey@alsa-michigan.org

VA Grants Disability and Health Benefits to Military
Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease; The ALS Association
Michigan Chapter Calls New Policy a Historic Victory for Veterans

Troy, MI (September 25, 2008) - The Department of Veterans
Affairs published groundbreaking new regulations today that grant
military veterans diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease full access to
health and disability benefits, regardless of where or when they
served in the military. The new rules take effect immediately.

The decision to establish a presumption of service connection for ALS
(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a tremendous victory for veterans
living with the disease and is the culmination of years of work by The
ALS Association to expand benefits for those diagnosed with the fatal
neurodegenerative disease made famous by baseball legend Lou Gehrig.

The Association has been the leading organization advocating for this
policy change at the VA for many years. In 2001, The Association
strongly supported the VA’s decision to grant benefits to veterans of
the 1991 Persian Gulf War and has championed legislative efforts to
build on that policy so that it applies to all veterans with ALS.

“We are so pleased to see the efforts of so many ALS advocates
realized. We have many Veterans in Michigan with ALS that will
benefit from this legislation.” – Stacey Chase, Executive Director

According to studies, military veterans within the last century such
as Tom Franz, 62, of Flushing and Eric Fox, 38 of West Michigan are
nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as those with no history of
military service, regardless of where or when they served in the
military.

Most recently, The Association advocated for legislation (H.R. 5454)
introduced by Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC) that would have
established ALS as a service connected disease. Thanks to the
combined efforts of the VA Secretary James Peake, members of
Congress, The Association and veterans across the county this
legislation no longer is needed.

"Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general
population, and it was appropriate to take action," VA Secretary
James Peake said. "ALS is a disease that progresses rapidly, once
it is diagnosed. There simply isn't time to develop the evidence
needed to support compensation claims before many veterans
become seriously ill. My decision will make those claims much
easier to process, and for them and their families to receive the
compensation they have earned through their service to our
Nation."

“We are extremely grateful to Secretary Peake, Congressman
Brown and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for standing on the
side of veterans with ALS across the country,” said Gary Leo,
president and CEO of The Association. “Thanks to their
leadership, veterans with ALS will receive the benefits and care
they need, when they need them. Thanks to their efforts, no
veteran with ALS will ever be left behind.”

Veterans living with ALS across the county also played a vital role
in advancing this critical policy change, which was first identified
as a priority by The Association’s Veteran’s Affairs Issue Team.
Jeff Faull, a Navy veteran from The Association’s Greater
Philadelphia Chapter, Brigadier General Tom Mikolajcik (USAF Ret.),
who helped found The Association’s South Carolina Chapter and Jim
Thew, a Navy veteran from the Greater Chicago Chapter, all
testified to Congress and helped lead the effort to improve
benefits for all veterans with ALS.

“Veterans living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease now have one less
hurdle to face on an already difficult road,” said Steve Gibson,
The Association’s vice president of government relations and
public affairs. “Our heroes who have served in the military and
those serving today can now be reassured that our government
will fight for them just as they fought for us.”

ALS, a fatal progressive, neurodegenerative disease, is striking
at this nation’s heroes the hardest
(ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service);
however, the reasons are not known at this time.

The ALS Association is a leader in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. The mission of the organization is to lead the fight to cure
and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to
empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to
live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and
support.

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep

Wow! We made the front page, and without a big
Post Office "WANTED" Style Poster- LOL
Thanks to Clairice Still and the Staff of the ...
The Veterans Voice Newspaper
www.theveteransvoice.com

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

If You Value Your FREEDOM-
Thank A VET!!!

Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide

VA Oversight Update:
Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide Among
Veterans on July 9
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House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Jul 02, 2008
Related Articles: At War on the 4th of July - Dialog Between Vietnam
War and Iraq War Veterans
Major League Baseball Honors Veterans on July 4,
July 4, VCS in the News: Vets Mull Wins and Losses in Benefit Fight,
Veterans Celebrate Independence Day in Illinois,
War Photo Brought Dwyer an Unwelcome Fame

News Archives
July 3, 2008 - Why Does the VA Continue to Give a Suicide–
Inducing Drug to Veterans with PTSD

Chairman Bob Filner and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Schedules New Hearing on Suicide and PTSD.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 10:00 a.m.
334 Cannon House Office Building

Comment here (2 comments).
Veterans for Common SensePost Office Box 15514 Washington, DC 20003
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741

Google PTSD ALERT

Google PTSD Alert: 07-06-08

Hidden Casualties: Suicides, PTSD Haunt US Veterans
By Signs of the Times: A year and a half ago, Scott Eiswert, a
specialist in the Tennessee Army National Guard, returned
from Iraq, only to face an escalating battle with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). When he learned that his unit would
deploy again... Signs of the Times - http://www.sott.net

Re: Soldier in Nationally Published Photo Dies After
PTSD Struggle
Stories like this make my heart hurt. I have never seen combat, but
I can only imagine the horrors these men and women see in the war.
To have their brothers and sisters in arms falling around them, and
yet they can find it in their...
MyDeathSpace.com - http://mydeathspace.com/smf/index.php

Question: How best to help a loved one with PTSD/Depression?
By Langdon- My question is this: As a carer, what types of creative
things do you do that help encourage a PTSD sufferer who is
dealing with depression? A very important person in my life suffers
from PTSD and has had reoccuring depression at...
PTSD Forum - http://www.ptsdforum.org

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
By Guest - Many people associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) with the military, and that is a valid reason to have the
disorder; however, there are many other traumatic experiences
that can cause a person to experience PTSD...
Romow Health & Beauty Blog-http://www.romow.com/health-blog

Virtual War Zone on 4th of July (PTSD)
By Kilong Ung - Unfortunately, the (celabratory use of) fireworks
can easily trigger terrible fear, anxiety, loneliness, horrible
memory, depression and insomnia for those who have lived through
combat zone and now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)...Blog - http://kilong-ung.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741

PTSD - News Updates as of 7JULY 08

Google News

Echoes of Vietnam: VA Stalls, Dissembles While Vets Suffer and Die
AlterNet - San Francisco, CA, USA It read: "Given that we have
more and more compensation-seeking veterans, I'd like to suggest
that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out.
...See all stories on this topic

In this war, troops get a rousing welcome home
USA Today - USA By Rick Hampson, USA TODAY WARMINSTER,
Pa. — The young soldier hadn't slept in 48 hours or bathed in 72.
Now that he was finally back from Iraq, ...See all stories on this topic

Soldier in photo dies after PTSD struggleAirForceTimes.com
- Springfield,VA,USABut when he returned from war after three
months in Iraq, he developed the classic, treatable symptoms of
PTSD. like so many other combat vets,
...See all stories on this topic

Fireworks can upset veterans suffering from post-traumatic
stress ...MLive.com
- MI,USASince 2003, about 40000 troops from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan have been diagnosed with the illness, also known as PTSD,
including 14000 in 2007. ...See all stories on this topic

Bringing the stress of war back home
Newspaper Tree - El Paso,TX,USA
Suicide is the extreme manifestation of PTSD, which can affect
more than a quarter of combat veterans. Gary Larcenaire,
CEO of El Paso Mental Health and ...See all stories on this topic

Obama says America's veterans deserve betterBoston Globe -
United States... Veterans Affairs system with more funding, end
homelessness among veterans, and pay appropriate attention to
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
...See all stories on this topic

The Price of Freedom: Traumatic Brain Injuries Are the 'Invisible
...DiversityInc.com (subscription)
- USAAccording to the study, nearly 20 percent, or 300000 soldiers,
who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of
PTSD or major depression, ...See all stories on this topic

Federal appeals court rules Rehabilitation Act extends to post ...
JURIST - USAFinding that PTSD qualified as a "mental impairment"
and that sleep constituted a "major life activity," the court concluded
that the condition was covered ...See all stories on this topic

Powerful new MRI to benefit area veterans, soldiers
Waco Tribune Herald - Waco,TX, USA By Cindy V. Culp Untold
numbers of veterans and their family members will benefit from
research that will be done using a state-of-the-art machine
unveiled ...See all stories on this topic
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>

SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.moremilespergal.info/

Help For Veterans In PTSD Books!

PTSD Books Aim to Help Veterans

Jeff St. John
The Fresno Bee Jun 28, 2008

Related Articles:
I Can Still hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep,
By E. Everett McFall

Wounded Iraqi Forces Say They've Been Abandoned,
Congressional Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Help Veterans
Readjust After Military Deployments
Editorial Column: Veterans United for Truth Responds to Court Ruling
Disabled Vets Face Challenges Finding a JobUS,

News Archives
June 26, 2008 -

Dr. Lorie DeCarvalho has spent the past 14 years helping
veterans cope with post- traumatic stress disorder-
the anger, depression, disconnectedness and nightmares
that can linger long after veterans have returned home
from the horrors of war.

Now DeCarvalho, the founder and director of Behavioral Health
Services for Adventist Health in Hanford, has co- written two
books meant to help veterans, their families and friends and the
professionals who treat them -- and, sadly, she knows that the
demand for this kind of help is growing.

"There are literally thousands of individuals suffering from this
condition that drastically affects their ability to function in day-
to-day life," said DeCarvalho, who is also an associate clinical
professor of psychiatry at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Active-duty soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan can experience panic attacks or flashbacks of horrific
events they experienced on the battlefield, she said. Veterans may
find it difficult to reconnect with loved ones or to enjoy the
activities that used to bring them happiness.

DeCarvalho has studied post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD,
and has developed techniques to treat it during her previous years
with Veterans Affairs and at the National Center for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Honolulu.

But the two books she co-wrote with colleagues Dr. Julia Whealin
and Dr. Edward Vega are more practical "how-to" guides than
research tomes, she said.

The first, "Clinician's Guide to Treating Stress After
War," is aimed at the mental health professionals who work with
returning veterans and their families, DeCarvalho said.

The second, "Strategies for Managing Stress After War,"
is written as a "work book" for veterans undergoing treatment,
but it can also be a useful as a resource for people who are trying
to cope with a loved one suffering from PTSD, she said.

"If people want a better understanding of what veterans and
active -duty returning soldiers are dealing with, it's a good book
to pick up," she said.

DeCarvalho said there's a common misconception among some
people that PTSD is overdiagnosed in the military personnel
returning from America's wars abroad. Her experience has
taught her otherwise.

"We really haven't seen very many resources to date that
address all of the needs that veterans are experiencing when
they return from war," she said. "There is a great need."
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>

SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info

Returning Troops Encouraged to Seek Mental Health Treatment

By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often afflicts troops returning
from war. Last year The United States Army had the highest rate
of suicide in 30 years, according to published reports.

That's why, with the help of a half-million dollar grant, the Mental
Health America of Greater Dallas has started a free program to
help troops returning from Iraq or Afghanistan find appropriate
mental health care.

"The main goal is to help the veterans and service members to
relieve the stress issues related to post traumatic stress disorder,"
said Walter Norris, one of two coordinators of "Operation Healthy
Reunions."

Mental Health America of Greater Dallas and the American Red Cross
received a grant in the amount of $553,260 to support mental health
care and case management for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
and family members. Assistance paying for health services over
a two-year period will be provided through the Texas Resources
for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Fund (TRIAD) of The Dallas
Foundation.

"We don't want to be like Vietnam. Many of them had PTSD and
nothing was done," Norris said.

Troops as well as their families from counties including Dallas,
Denton and Collin are eligible to participate in Operation
Healthy Reunions."

Myself and the other coordinator do a psycho social assessment,
focused on whether they're having post traumatic stress disorder.
If they're experiencing problems due to trauma, we'll refer them
to counseling, to physiatrists, marriage counseling, substance abuse
or anger management counseling," Norris said. "Sometimes the
service member could be in Iraq and their family back here is
experiencing problems because the service member is deployed.

"Many troops don't seek treatment because there has been a
longtime stigma attached to mental health treatment."

For many years in the military, if they started having emotional
issues, they were discharged. In the past, they might lose their
ecurity clearance. The Department of Defense is making some
changes there to loosen up those rules," Norris said. "That culture
has been there many years, so it's hard to come forward and
admit they're having some post traumatic stress issues."

Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder, related
to a person witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event,
Norris said. The disorder can go away with proper treatment,
which usually includes therapy and may also include medicine.

Repercussions from not seeking treatment can have great impact
on the service member and his or her family. "They start having
family issues, start having marital problems, children start acting
out," Norris said. "The service member can become isolated,
anger issues arise, drinking, taking drugs. They avoid
talking about the war itself. They become depressed.
Depression is a big consequence of PTSD."

Troops and their families interested in more information on
Operation Healthy Reunions can contact the Mental Health
America of Greater Dallas at 214-871-2420 or visit mhadallas.org.

Contact Senitra Horbrook at 972-628-4074 or
shorbrook@acnpapers.com.

RECAP FACTS:
* The US Army last year had the highest rate of suicide in 30 years
* 25 percent of troops serving more than one deployment need
mental health care
* Up to one-fourth of returning troops struggle with psychological
injuries
* Stigma is the major deterrent for not seeking treatment
* Most all mental health illness is curable with proper treatment
* Care is for the service person and their families
* The Secretary of Defense has stated that mental health treatment
will not become a part of a troop's medical file, contrary to previous
regulations
Source: Mental Health America of Greater Dallas

Copyright © 2008 Star Community Newspapers
624 Krona Drive Suite 170,
Plano, Texas 75074
Contact Star Community Newspapers at 972-398-4200
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
by E. Everett McFall spotlight this

Veterans 'Betrayed' by Government Chantix Trial

Google News ptsd
Iraq Vets With PTSD Used as Chantix Guinea Pigs

Veterans 'betrayed' by government Chantix trial
WFAA - Dallas,TX,USABy JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA-TV A
stop smoking drug with potentially psychotic side effects, Chantix
has been the subject of an ongoing News 8 investigation
...See all stories on this topic

VA testing drugs on mentally distressed veterans.
Think Progress - Washington,DC,USABy Satyam at 12:21 pm
A Washington Times/ABC News investigation released today finds
that “mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are
being ...See all stories on this topic

';Wash Times': VA Using Iraq Vets as Guinea Pigs in Drug Tests
Editor & Publisher - USAABC aired an interview today with that man,
James Elliott, an Army sharpshooter who suffers from PTSD after
serving 15 months in Iraq. ...See all stories on this topic

VA launches PTSD helpline for veterans
WZZM - Grand Rapids,MI,USAWashington - The Veteran's
Administration announced it has created a new hotline for current
and former military members suffering severe emotional crisis
...See all stories on this topic

Obama Opposes Drug Testing on SoldiersRushPRnews.com
(press release) - Montreal, Quebec,Canada;
Chicago, IL (RUSHPNEWS) 06/19/2008 —
Below is a statement from Barack Obama on disturbing reports
that 'mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and
...See all stories on this topic
--------------------------------------------------------
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is
1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Iraq Vets With PTSD Used as Chantix Guinea Pigs

Why Is The VA Is Using A Known Dangerous Drug On Our Troops?

Posted by: Scott Kappes

June 17, 2008 - 05:48 PM Edited by: E. Everett McFall

Category: FDA & Prescription Drugs
Tags: Chantix, PTSD,

Today the Washington Times and ABC News are reporting
that our Combat Units-Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq
are being used as test patients for medications that have been
linked to serious adverse reactions.

According to reports, the Veterans Adiministration is offering cash
incentives to entice returning soldiers to participate in studies.
In one of the most disturbing cases, it took the VA over three
months to notify the veterans of a link to severe
nueropsychiatric events associated with Pfizer’s controversial
anti-smoking medication Chantix. The warning was not issued
until after one veteran taking the medication was nearly gunned
down by police while suffering from a psychotic episode allegedly
induced by Chantix.

Many of the soldiers / Marines returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and are in a very fragile state of mind when the initially get back
to the US. Taking advantage of soldiers in this condition is
simply unacceptable. The label of Chantix was updated in
February to advise patients that the drug may induce
thoughts of suicide and trigger even latent mental
health conditions to resurface.

To subject veterans in such delicate mental condition to a
medication that has been linked to mental problems is
tragedy waiting to happen.

In all, nearly 1,000 veterans with PTSD were enrolled in the
study to test different methods of ending smoking, with 143
using Chantix. Twenty-one veterans reported adverse effects
from the drug, including one who suffered suicidal thoughts,
the three-month investigation by The Times and ABC News found.

[Arthur] Caplan, who reviewed the consent and notification
forms for the study at the request of The Times and ABC News,
said the VA deserved an "F" and that it has an obligation to end
the study, given the vulnerability of veterans with PTSD and the
known side effects of Chantix. "Continuing it doesn't make
any ethical sense," he said.

Late last month Chantix was removed from the list acceptable
medications for pilots and air traffic controllers after a non-profit
foundation released a study further affirming suspected
adverse reactions associated with the drug.

RELATED:
Chantix Tested on Vets with PTSD
The Veterans Administration has recruited veterans with PTSD
for Chantix clinical trials, but did not inform trial participants of the
drug's link to suicide until late February. Digg / Health / upcoming - http://digg.com/health
Government is Testing Drugs on Vets with PTSD
By Michael Connery ABC News is reporting that the government is
testing drugs with possible violent and suicidal side effects on
veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with PTSD. Worse, it failed to
notify those veterans of these possible side effects:
Future Majority - - blogging... - http://www.futuremajority.com ----------------------------------------------------- For more information: The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/ Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/

--------------------------------------------> Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of WAR ---> by Penny Coleman I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep.. A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

FAREWELL DEAR FRIEND !

Tim Russert Dead At 58

This blog is and will continue to be dedicated to the needs of Veterans. However, Today I felt that we should offer a few words in memorandum to an honest, courageous champion of the "common man", as well as a patriot and fighter of & for the rights of those who had no voice... including the Veteran.

by Poliwonk USA
June 13, 2008 04:37 PM EDT

Whether you agreed with him or not, it will be hard not to remember Tim Russert. Today in the middle of recording a segment in the job he loved the most. Russert was in what is known as a tracking booth, recording voice-overs for the upcoming show, and started having problems breathing. He apparently collapsed and an ambulance was called.

He was unconscious as he left and never revived. He was the longest host of Meet The Press, but more importantly he was a beloved father and husband. He touched every network, and caused them all to be better. This is noted that every network ran coverage of his death. (CNN, MSNBC,CNBC, Fox News, ABC, CBS) Tom Brokaw came out of retirement to break the news. You could visibly notice Brokaw choking back tears and trying not to cry while reading the announcement.

Russert grew up in Buffalo, which Brokaw said Russert had just visited last week to assist in moving his father to a new home. Russert had hosted "Meet the Press" since 1991, taking the seat from Garrick Utley. Russert also authored two best-sellers, including "Big Russ and Me," which focused on the relationship with his father, and the "Wisdom of Our Fathers." Russert honed his hard-hitting interviewing style over the years, and became a make-or-break appearance for any major American politician, as well as must-see television for political observers, in and outside government.

He regularly interviewed the biggest names in domestic and international politics, and moderated presidential debates, including at least three during the 2008 presidential campaign cycle.

Russert, who also was an attorney and a former aide to New York former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., and Gov. Mario Cuomo (D), had a distinctive on-air style that included posting well-documented quotes and charts on air. During the 2000 election, Russert received light ribbing for repeated references to a white dry-erase board he continued to write on while explaining the ongoing tallies.

Our condolences and prayers to the family, and our thanks in knowing that he is at rest in heaven.

He will be greatly missed by both sides of the isle. The World has lost one of its brightest lights.

The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/ Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/ ------------------------------------------------> Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ... A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall Both Books are Available on Amazon.com