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![Ret. Lt. Col. Bob Alexander leaning against a Pride Flag outside of his home](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bob-alexander-veteran-kc-7_slide-c5e3803db987f6c6c2ba78f1a0fe86aed625de89-scaled-e1688307120189-900x422.jpg)
Discharged over sexual orientation, military still owes thousands of vets
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — Bob Alexander joined the Air Force in 1990, planning to make it his career. He knew there was a big issue to deal with: Alexander was… Read More
![Some 1,892 American flags are installed on the National Mall in Washington, DC in 2014. The Iraq and Afghanistan veterans installed the flags to represent the 1,892 veterans and service members who committed suicide this year as part of the "We've Got Your Back: IAVA's Campaign to Combat Suicide."](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gettyimages-480888143-2daea2519658fd3ebb94156249d560c993767004-scaled-e1596576607904-900x422.jpg)
White House Plan Breaks Taboo: A Focus On Guns And Veteran Suicide
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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The Trump Administration’s new suicide prevention strategy mentions the touchy subject of gun-safety. It will aim to fight the stigma around people seeking help during a mental health crisis.
![The Washington Monument and the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building are visible behind the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., on Memorial Day.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/memday-dbce4d92e9e5fb7abbb57730d3230180031a8dce-900x422.jpg)
Memorial Day Honor Flights Canceled Because Of Coronavirus Crisis
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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Thousands of people who were planning to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day had to cancel this year. That includes veterans traveling with the nonprofit network Honor Flight.
![Retired Staff Sgt. Matt Lammers holds the hand of his wife, Alicia, before the swimming competition at the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Clearwater, Fla. Alicia has been Matt's official caregiver for nearly eight years, but she was cut from the Department of Veterans Affairs' caregiver program last December.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mattlammers_edelheit_13-edit-1c228eba6226abd2baa837b20dd8796b91bc3ee2-e1565272757923-900x422.jpg)
Veterans Urge Changes Before Expansion Of VA Caregivers Program
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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Veterans are warning that the Department of Veterans Affairs has not resolved serious flaws in the way the program is administered.
![A Wisconsin combat veteran was driving down the highway in February when he suddenly found his name, license plate number and mental health information broadcast on the radio, on television and posted on electronic billboards across the state as part of a "Green Alert." A new Wisconsin law allows authorities to put that information out the same way an AMBER Alert publicizes missing children.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9746-edit1-3364de55821498dd0196bb8c1766c411ae50b322-e1554843009668-900x422.jpg)
Balancing Safety And Privacy When A Veteran Goes Missing
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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Wisconsin created the Green Alert – a statewide call-out when family, friends or caregivers report a troubled veteran is missing. That may save lives, but it exposes a personal crisis to all.
![Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie said his department is on the mend after a tumultuous 2018.](https://woub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dsc4565-720285a29800e2589026efea5dc330b1009fccab-e1541783935982-900x422.jpg)
After A Year Of Turmoil, New VA Secretary Says ‘Waters Are Calmer’
By: Quil Lawrence | NPR
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Robert Wilkie is President Trump’s second VA secretary; his first was fired after clashing with political appointees. Wilkie insists he’s put an end to infighting at the department.