Blog post

IAVA Daily News Brief 01.25.12
Posted by Megan Hemler on January 25

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA. Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom.

Here are some of today's top stories and happenings at IAVA.  Prefer to receive real-time updates about major stories and legislation that IAVA is tracking? Follow us on Twitter @IAVAPressRoom and click here to get the News Brief delivered to your inbox every morning.

MUST READS

1) Obama sets military as example for country
On Tuesday evening, President Obama lauded the achievements of the U.S. military during the State of the Union address. “Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example,” the President exhorted  Congress. He also proposed a new Veterans Job Corps to help reduce veteran unemployment. Read IAVA’s reaction to the State of the Union.

2) For-profit colleges under attack for treatment of veterans
For-profit colleges are facing Congressional scrutiny over aggressive recruiting practices. The veteran community has been a favorite for admissions committees because GI Bill money is distributed by the Department of Defense, not the Department of Education, allowing schools to draw more than their legal share of federal aid.

3) Burial problems found at VA cemeteries
An investigation by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration has discovered dozens of instances where remains were buried in the wrong place or misidentified. VA officials blame the mix-up on an outdated record system and sloppy renovation work.

AFGHANISTAN

• On Tuesday, NATO claimed that 2011 was a “remarkably successful” year for coalition operations.

• France has backpedaled on talk of withdrawing 4,000 troops from Afghanistan ahead of schedule.

IRAQ

• The Iraqi people are outraged that the purported ringleader of the 2005 Haditha massacre will receive no jail time.
• Sectarian violence continued on Tuesday, when 19 were killed and at least 80 wounded.
  

MILITARY AFFAIRS

• On Tuesday evening, Navy SEALs rescued an American hostage being held by Somali pirates.

• The Pentagon will announce the fiscal 2013 budget proposal on Thursday, with spending reduced by 5 percent.

NEW GREATEST GENERATION

• The founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) plays a role in a new film about a whale rescue.

INSIDE WASHINGTON

• At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, the White House will hold a Twitter Q&A with the veteran community using the hashtag #WHChat.
• On Wednesday, Rep. Duncan Hunter and Rep. Tim Murphy are introducing a resolution honoring U.S. troops who served in Iraq.