Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them.

If you have subjects of topical interest, please do not hesitate to reach out. Contact SFTT.

North Korea Threatens Nuclear Option Unless U.S. Steps Down
North Korea told the U.S. Thursday to withdraw its military assets from the region, warning via state-run media that a military showdown would end in nuclear destruction. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency released an article titled “U.S. Urged Not to Adventure Military Actions,” in which an official tasked with inter-Korean relations criticized the U.S.’s military moves in the region. Japan, an ally of Washington and rival of Pyongyang, began major naval and air force exercises Thursday with the U.S.’s Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan aircraft carriers, Reuters reported.  Read more  . . .

Department of Veterans Affairs Will Look at Medicinal Marijuana
Department of Veterans Affairs officials will review research that medical marijuana could provide health benefits to veterans undergoing treatment at the VA, Secretary David Shulkin told reporters Wednesday at the White House. “There may be some evidence that this is beginning to be helpful, and we’re interested in looking at that,” Shulkin said of medical marijuana.  Read more . . .

Veterans Treatment Court Success Reported in Michigan
Of the 446 veterans that entered one of Michigan’s VTC from October 2014 to September 2016, 66 percent successfully completed it, according to the state’s Problem Solving Courts 2016 annual report. The program is also credited with reducing unemployment among VTC grads by two-thirds. Since it was founded in 2013, the 51st District Court’s VTC has graduated 34 participants. District Judge Richard Kuhn said those who complete the course “demonstrate strength, dedication and perseverance.” Currently, 18 others are working their way through the program.  Read more . . .

Computer Based Program to Treat PTSD?
On Wednesday, Creighton, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a local nonprofit called At Ease USA announced a $1.2 million grant to pay for a new clinical trial of the cutting-edge PTSD treatment. The trial will also include PTSD-affected domestic violence victims as well as children suffering from post-traumatic stress.  If it goes as hoped, the study will replicate two initial trials — one performed in Omaha, one in Israel — that showed that the computer-based treatment significantly reduces symptoms and even normalizes the brain activity of Iraq and Afghan War veterans suffering from PTSD.  Read more . . .

Six PTSD Resources You Should Know About
Veterans have a variety of resources to turn to when they have concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Symptoms of the disorder don’t necessarily indicate PTSD and some reactions to stress and trauma are normal conditions. The best way to find out if you suffer from PTSD is through a medical professional, who can then advise treatment options. Doctors and online resources may identify the problem and help with the necessary treatment available.  Read more . . .

Veterans Training Service Dogs – Not Available from the VA
Dr. David Shulkin, appointed to his role in February announced he will launch a new initiative this summer ‘Getting to Zero’ to help end Veteran suicides as his top clinical priority.  Here in the Bay area, one local non-profit is trying to bring hope to veterans by ending the war on suicides and fighting PTSD by teaching veterans how to train their own service dogs.  Founder of K9 Partners for Patriots found a unique way to help veterans control their road to recovery by teaching them how to train a canine through commands and how to deal with interactions in public.  Read more . . .

Drop me an email at info@sftt.org if you believe that there are other subjects that are newsworthy.

Feel you should do more to help our brave men and women who wear the uniform or our Veterans? Consider donating to Stand For The Troops