A Blackwater memoir from a reclusive former Navy SEAL
The founder of Blackwater, the private military company that did $2 billion worth of contract security work for the U.S. government in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, is releasing a memoir detailing the rise and fall of his company. Erik Prince has traditionally been evasive of the media, but decided to put his thoughts on paper on his own terms. Bill Sizemore of the Virginian-Pilot reviews the book and provides context for Blackwater’s history and Prince’s recollections.
Songwriting therapy for vets with PTSD
A music therapy program in Tennessee seeks to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with a constructive outlet for expression. The weekly program brings the veterans together with a songwriter and music therapist, who help them write songs about the issues they’re facing and their feelings about being back home. Todd Foster, one of the participants, says he hasn’t had much success yet with traditional therapy, but the songwriting program brings him relief. Amanda Haggard at the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal has the full story.
NY court gives suffering vets an alternative to jail
Veterans who have run into the law and are battling addiction issues have an alternative option in the Elmira, NY court — they can choose rehab over jail, and if they stick with the program, possibly avoid jail time altogether. The judge presiding over the program describes its philosophy this way: “If they do poorly, they get the stick. If they do well, they get the carrot.” Roger Neumann of the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin explains the details.
