Dear Operation Truth Supporter,

Welcome to the second Operation Truth newsletter, your monthly dispatch from troops who served on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. This month:

Herold's Story: Homelessness among Iraq Vets
Straight from the Troops: Amazing Video of a Rocket Attack in Afghanistan, photos from Camp Anaconda and Fallujah, and OpTruth on PBS and MSNBC.
Best Blog: Army Misses Recruiting Goal! -- We told you so!
We need to build our online army of supporters. If you like what you read, tell a friend about us.

If you believe in our work, we are always in need of funding. Every dollar makes a difference, so click here to make a donation online now.

Thank you all for your support. We couldn't do any of this without you.

Best Regards,
Paul Rieckhoff, OIF Veteran
Executive Director
Operation Truth
www.optruth.org

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Herold's Story: Homelessness Among Iraq Vets

After meeting Herold Noel, a homeless Iraq veteran, Operation Truth launched a media campaign to draw attention to the growing problem of homelessness among Iraq vets. Herold became OpTruth's Vet of the Week, and his story generated widespread media coverage, including a full-page article in the New York Post, and stories on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" and CBS's "Evening News."


As public attention increased, an anonymous Good Samaritan who heard Herold's story offered to pay for Herold's housing, counseling, and job training for one year. Herold is now living with his family in a safe, modest apartment in the Bronx.

Over the past month, those of us here at OpTruth got to know Herold, his wife, Tamara, and his two-year-old son, Anthony, and we were touched by their courage and resilience. We will keep you updated on their story -- check our website for the most recent information.


But, as Herold pointed out in every interview he has done, this story isn't just about him. It's about the other Veterans coming home from war, only to fight another fight -- against unemployment, against poverty, and against the bureaucracy that keeps too many vets from the treatment and counseling they need. Herold may be among the first Iraq Veterans to face homelessness, but he certainly won't be the last. Recent estimates suggest that there are as many as 50 homeless Iraq Vets in New York City alone.


We can't let Herold's good fortune distract us from the larger lessons of his story. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan need better transitional services, and Operation Truth will continue to advocate for the troops both overseas and stateside. Our organization is in the early stages of a major new project to preempt homelessness for Iraq Vets here in New York. Check our website for updates.

Take Action: You can help homeless Vets directly. Click here to contact a homeless shelter in your community.

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Straight from the Troops: Video, Pictures, and More

Amazing Video Straight from Afghanistan: Check out this amazing video of a rocket attack at Camp Harriman, Afghanistan. This video shows you what it's like for our troops -- hear the incoming rockets as they land inside the U.S. compound. Forward this to your friends -- and see a new video every Tuesday on our website.

Featured Links: Each Wednesday Operation Truth posts a new featured link -- everything from blogs by Troops on the ground to official reports from military brass inside Iraq. Here are some of our most recent featured links on the insurgency:

Unclassified Iraq: Direct from Camp Fallujah -- see how equipment works in the field, from Humvee Armor to Wiley X sunglasses that can save a Soldier's eyes from flying shrapnel.
IEDs in Iraq: Check out this document from Camp Anaconda, Iraq, analyzing the Iraqi insurgency's use of Improvised Explosive Devices [roadside bombs].
Suicide Bombers: The Defense Intelligence Agency's report on suicide bombers -- tactics, equipment, and more

OpTruth on PBS' "NewsHour":

Operation Truth has gotten tremendous press coverage this month, including appearances on MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews," "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," and PBS's "NewsHour." Check out the videos here.

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Best Blog: Army Misses Recruiting Goal -- We Told You So!


"From USA Today:

"In what could be a troubling sign for the military, the active-duty Army missed its February recruiting goal by more than 27%. It was the first time in almost five years that the Army has failed to meet a monthly target.

'It's just going to be a rough year,' said Doug Smith, a spokesman for U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox in Kentucky."

Gee, Mr. Smith. Ya think? I'd say it is going to be a VERY rough year. The Army misses by 27%! The Guard recently missed its' recruiting goal by 30%. The Army Reserve was 10% short going in to February. Even the Marine Corps just flopped on its monthly target. That is the first time that has happened since Chesty Puller shot a rifle! It is going to be a rough year indeed, Mr. Smith.

The US is stressing the hell out of our forces, and the troops have been telling people about it for almost two years now. But no one was listening. They said we were undermining the war. They said we should shut our mouths. They said we were not supporting the Troops. We ARE the friggin' Troops and we know the truth and how to REALLY support them. We also know the current trend is not good for the military--or the USA.

And we told you so, dammit!"

Read the rest of the March 4th blog from Paul Rieckhoff here. And check out our blog for up-to-the-minute news and responses from our community of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

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