VA Official Takes Heat From VFW Over Chantix/PTSD Disclosure!

-The Washington Times/ABC News investigative report into the VA’s smoking cessation research program involving Chantix, has caused some serious questioning of VA accountability. Chantix has been linked to almost 40 suicides and more than 400 incidents of suicidal behavior. The drug's manufacturer and the FDA have recently cautioned healthcare providers about adverse side effects that could produce changes in behavior ranging from anxiety and depression to suicide. So, why was the drug given to 143 veterans suffering from PTSD? Who better to ask than VA's Chief of Research and Development, Joel Kupersmith? We'll sit down with him for some hard-hitting questions, and hopefully, some answers. (Click here to read VFW's press release)
HOT TOPICS: Scammers prey on troops' families! l Veterans wants Iraq duty to count toward jail term! l Gen. Lynch requires soldiers to take motorcycle refresher course!

The U.S. Army Celebrates 233 years!

- On Saturday June 14, 2008 the U.S Army will celebrate 233 years of protecting our nation. We will speak with Brigadier General Jeff Phillips, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, a mobilized Army Reserve Soldier who has worked for the Veterans Administration and for Veterans Committees on the Hill, on what this landmark means to the Army.
- Brave Spirits, a new line of patriotic, 100% American-made premium spirits launched earlier this year was founded to honor, remember, and celebrate those who protect and defend America. Founder, David Fox, explains how this new line of product is benfiting veterans, wounded service members, their families, and numerous veterans charities.
HOT TOPICS: Marines smash recruiting records! l Pakistan government groups aid Taliban! l GAO finds Army medical evaluations lacking! l Marine expelled for "puppy-toss" video! l Six get Presidential Medal of Freedom!

Homeless Veterans...A National Disgrace!

- According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, at least 200,000 veterans are homless on any given night, and more than 400,000 are homeless at some point during the year. We'll speak with Arthur E. Fillmore II, Founder and Co-Chariman of Heart of America Standown, an organization dedicated to providing homeless veterans with access to the many resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.
HOT TOPICS: Another data breach at Walter Reed!

Finally...A GI Bill for the 21st Century?

- VFW's Commander-in-Chief, George Lisicki, met with President Bush in the Oval Office just days before the new GI Bill was overwhelmingly passed by the Senate. Though Lisicki used the opportunity to voice the VFW's strong support of the new GI Bill for the 21st century, the President is still threatening to veto it! We talk with George Lisicki about his sit-down with Bush and more.
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is one of many universitys across the nation taking great strides to help returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans feel more at ease on campus. We'll speak with P.J. Kennedy, Director of Counseling Services and co-advisor to UW-Eau Claire's veteran's club on this increasingly important matter.
HOT TOPICS: Congress and funding the GWOT! l IG: Billions in defense spending unchecked! l Number of troops with PTSD up 50%! l Sopranos outfit sale to benefit wounded! l More Iraq veterans running for Congress!