Veterans' Thread

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:43 am

I started this one for all Veterans out there...Thank you for your service to your country!

I'll try to post updates on the VA data SNAFU, among other things...

Feel free to post anything having to do with Veterans, young and old...

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:58 am

Latest news on Veterans' data compromise:

Recovery of Stolen Laptop?

NEW: I heard news reports the computer laptop and hard drive stolen was recovered by law enforcement. Is this true?

Yes. On Thursday, June 29, 2006, Veterans Affairs announced that law enforcement authorities have recovered the laptop and external hard drive stolen in early-May.

NEW: Do authorities believe the information was copied or accessed while it was missing?

A preliminary review of the equipment by computer forensic experts determined that the database remains intact and has not been accessed since it was stolen. A thorough forensic examination of the recovered computer equipment is underway, and the results will be shared once the investigation is completed.

NEW: Will VA still offer free credit monitoring?

VA will make a determination once it receives information on the results of more thorough forensic examination of the recovered computer equipment. A more thorough examination of the equipment is underway.

A preliminary review of the equipment by computer forensic experts determined that the database remains intact, and has not been accessed since it was stolen.

ElfDude · Post by **ElfDude** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:55 pm

I don't have any news or anything, but I want to thank the vets too!

Kares4Rush · Post by **Kares4Rush** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 10:07 am

Yes, thank you to the vets!!!

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 9:54 am

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.

For those who take the time to read it, it makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our troops.

The Marine

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done.

"FREEDOM isn't FREE...
someone pays for you and me."

ElfDude · Post by **ElfDude** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:23 am

It sounds good in my head if I imagine John Wayne reading it...

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:29 am

or Clint Eastwood

awip2062 · Post by **awip2062** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:48 pm

Sounds good without any man's voice in my head.

Just plain sounds good.

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:55 pm

thanks t...it's a real poem...I just chose to keep the author anonymous, since he or she is in harm's way...if anyone can't handle that....move to France

awip2062 · Post by **awip2062** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:11 pm

I like grapes.

ElfDude · Post by **ElfDude** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:23 pm

*has a nice cool glass of grapes of wrath juice*

awip2062 · Post by **awip2062** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:28 pm

I much prefer the Grapes of Math brand.

ElfDude · Post by **ElfDude** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:20 pm

From Al-Reuters yesterday:

Thu Jul 13, 6:01 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - No data has been taken from a stolen laptop computer containing sensitive information on more than 26 million U.S. military veterans and service members, the FBI said on Thursday.

The FBI and the Veterans Affairs Department Office of Inspector General, or VA OIG, have conducted a forensic examination of the laptop, stolen along with an external hard drive from a VA employee's residence in May.

"Based on all of the facts gathered thus far during the investigation, as well as on the results of the FBI and VA OIG computer forensics examinations, the FBI and VA OIG are highly confident that the files on the external hard drive were not compromised," the FBI said in a statement.

The laptop and hard drive were turned in to the FBI's Baltimore field office on June 28. The FBI has not identified the person who turned over the equipment.

The theft of the laptop raised fears that nearly all military personnel were at risk of identity theft. Authorities have said the theft was part of a routine burglary in which other items were taken.

Lawmakers and veterans' advocates have criticized the government for failing to safeguard that data that included Social Security numbers and disability ratings that could be used in credit card fraud and other crimes.

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:25 pm

"Al"-Reuters.....LMAO

good one Elfie

CygnusX1 · Post by **CygnusX1** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 5:06 am

Latest Information on Veterans Affairs Data Security

NEW: Subcontractor Notifies VA of Missing Computer with Vet Files

On August 7, 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that a subcontractor, hired to assist in insurance collections for VA's medical centers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, informed VA that a desktop computer containing personal information on some veterans is missing from the company's offices.

Sig's Response:

A WHOLE FRIGGIN DESKTOP??? WHO'S WATCHING THE STORE PEOPLE??? THAT'S OUTSOURCING FOR YA...
Trust the nation's Vets' info to a bunch of contractors...Not EVEN DoD/Gov't employees!!! STOP THE MADNESS!!