Apparently, Francis Earl has slept through a decade of American history. In her latest pronouncement, she goes to great lengths to defend the American military and its veterans. But she greatly misstates two things. ...more

May 31, 2008

SEBRING — There are lots of interesting things to know about Hal Valeche. He was a carrier pilot in the Vietnam War who trained at Mirimar Naval Station. He was a Wall Street investment banker. He got into Yale at 16. But even more interesting is how well versed he is on "American Idol." After being interviewed at Inn on the Lakes, he stood out front and asked which contestant had the greatest chance of winning. ...more

May 29, 2008

A Marine Corps veteran injured in Vietnam told an audience at Rest Haven Memorial Park on Monday that community service and stronger voting turnout are a better tribute to fallen soldiers than somber ceremonies and rifle salutes. ...more

May 27, 2008

TAMPA - Somber moments and rifle salutes are fine to commemorate the nation's war dead, but year-round community service and turnout at the voting booth would be even better, an audience at Rest Haven Memorial Park was told this morning. ...more

May 26, 2008

Memorial Day is personal for me. I spent many summer nights listening to former vets tell stories about their experiences in Vietnam. I can't stop thinking about the Mickens High School graduate and two young men I knew who died in the Vietnam War. ...more

May 24, 2008

Tom Hall's life has taken many turns in the past 40 years. Among other things, the Valrico resident married his wife, Peggy. He raised two sons, one a teacher, the other a sheriff's deputy in Columbia, Mo. And the native Midwesterner and his wife moved to Valrico in 1999, where Hall has been active in the Tampa Bay and national chapters of Vietnam Veterans of America. ...more

May 24, 2008

Frank Cianci of Hudson says Reese's assessment of JFK flawed. ...more

May 24, 2008

Increasing numbers of U.S. troops have exited the military with damaged bodies and minds, an ever-larger pool of disabled veterans that will cost the nation billions for decades to come - even as the total population of America's veterans shrinks. ...more

May 13, 2008

WASHINGTON - Increasing numbers of U.S. troops have left the military with damaged bodies and minds, an ever-larger pool of disabled veterans that will cost the nation billions for decades to come - even as the total population of America's vets shrinks. ...more

May 11, 2008

Navy Lt. Melvin Spence Dry dropped out of a helicopter into choppy waters off the coast of North Vietnam in June 1972. On a classified mission to rescue two escaped U.S. prisoners of war, he died the moment he hit the water. ...more

February 26, 2008