Veterans Medical Scandal: Reigniting American Altruism

During international travel, one becomes aware of a striking difference between America and many other nations: the pride with which we honor our flag throughout public places.

As one walks the streets of our cities, American flags are proudly displayed everywhere. Our flag is more than fabric—it is our sacred symbol of respect for America. It reminds us of the unity, devotion, and sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.

But with the current veteran’s medical scandal, honoring our flag must be reignited with action for those in need. America must assist our veterans who have honored the flag by serving their country. A nation’s greatness is measured in the manner by which those in need are served. America must have a heart of altruism—serving veterans when the wounds of war, sickness, and age fail them.

Current Veterans Medical Scandal
During the last few weeks, a medical scandal has blistered America’s conscience—and there is no end in site as the crisis continues to unfold. Reports paint a heart-wrenching commentary on the scope of the scandal including:
•Deaths of veterans at VA hospitals nationwide due to treatment delays and the manipulation of patient waiting times—commonly referred to as “cooking the books”
•A secret list at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care system, used to falsify wait times, which may have contributed to the deaths of as many as 40 veterans
•Email documentation from a Cheyenne, Wyo., veterans facility on “gaming the system a bit”
•A list of patients requiring care being kept on paper at a Gainesville, Fla., VA hospital—not in the VA’s computerized system. Three supervisors were placed on paid leave.
•The American Legion commander’s statement, “a pattern of scandals that has infected the entire system”
•Lawmakers reprimanding VA officials at a hearing stating the scandal is an outrage and American disaster

Veterans Administration: A Troubled History
The recent timeline of VA troubles includes:
•Extreme ethical violations in 1999 by hospital researchers at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center—with failures for patient consents before conducting research involving them
•A 2003 presidential commission reporting over 236,000 veterans waiting six months or more for medical assistance
•VA officials receiving bonuses up to $33,000 in 2007 despite hundreds of thousands of backlogged cases nationwide
•Squalid conditions at the former Walter Reed Medical Center in 2007—one of America’s so-called premier military medical facilities. The secretary of defense at the time stated, “The problem at Walter Reed appears to be problems of leadership.”
•Indictment of a VA director from Ohio in 2013 for taking bribes to steer contracts to a company

America’s Call to Leadership in a Culture of Scandals
Since the Columbine tragedy in 1999, I have been privileged to address audiences nationwide on America’s leadership crisis.
Although often inspired by exemplary Americans, I have also experienced, in various schools, communities, and agencies, a culture of apathy and antagonism—so contradictory to the ideals of America and the dignity our flag signifies. Contrary to this negativity, I continually encourage altruism—so critical to leadership principles.

The principles of altruistic leadership are critical to America. I define this leadership style as a selfless ethical code that is fully dedicated to the welfare of others. Altruistic leadership is the golden rule in action: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When altruism comes from the heart, it cultivates compassion, respect, and dignity and is powerfully transforming.
When altruism is present, leadership makes an impact, fostering achievements, character, and community.

Altruism—The Heart of America’s Action Plan
Many more details will come forth in the VA scandal. There will be reviews, political maneuvering through committee hearings, terminations, public chastisements, political appointees, and sophisticated action plans. But only when America reignites a culture of authentic altruism as the heart of any action plan will we see authentic transformation and the reawakening of the nation.

As Published in Vincent’s weekly column title Reawakening the Nation for the Epoch Times, Friday, May 30, 2014 edition.

Photo's
1. American Flags, Rockefeller Center, NYC (Vincent J. Bove)
2. Veteran Jose Gonzalez pauses at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in New York City during the Memorial Day Observation on Monday, May 26, 2014. Gonzalez served in Vietnam 1968–1972. (Vincent J. Bove)
3. American Marines playing during Memorial Day 2011 weekend in Times Square. (Vincent J. Bove)
4. U.S. Oak Hill Sailors Brain Shepard (left) and Travis Snelling (right) receiving a NYC orientation by Vincent J. Bove (center) at Grand Central Terminal during Fleet Week on May 22, 2014.

Memorial Day: Honoring America's Sacred Sacrifices

“Mom … remember that my leaving was in the service of something that we loved, and that most people can’t comprehend its scope … our sacred honor.”

As we honor Memorial Day, I am compelled to remember the words of Lt. Mark Dooley to his mother in a letter to be opened only after his death. His sentiments symbolize the true meaning of honor—attained by so many Americans—who have given their lives for our nation.

Arlington National Cemetery Interment Ceremony

On July 13, 2007, I was privileged to attend the full military interment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery of Army 1st Lt. Mark H. Dooley, 27—killed in Iraq on Sept. 19, 2005. Lt. Dooley’s assignment was in the 2nd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), 42nd Infantry Division, Vermont Army National Guard.

I was invited to this solemn event by his parents, Marion and Peter Dooley. I met Marion Dooley at a school violence prevention presentation for the Wallkill School District in New York on Nov. 22, 2006. Because I honor American military personnel at each of my presentations, Marion shared with me the story of her son.

Although there are many vignettes that can be used to capture the event, I will never forget the expressive faces of those who honored Mark and the “clip-clop” of horse hooves in soothing cadence as they transported the caisson that carried Mark’s remains. It was the perfect orchestration of nature and emotions during the one-mile procession to Mark’s final resting place—as though even the horses sympathized with the gravity of the interment.

After the interment ceremony, I had the opportunity to speak with Dooley’s parents about his life.

Peter Dooley, Mark’s Father

Peter Dooley served in the U.S. Air Force. He said, “My son Mark was dedicated to the service of his country and to giving the Iraqi people the opportunity to experience the freedom and liberty which we are so privileged to have.

“Mark was an example of the values of our society which need to be resurfaced. Character, honor, truthfulness, family, virtue, service, discipline, and valor were very real to him.”

Marion Dooley, Mark’s Mother
Undoubtedly, the most important reflections shared about Mark come from the heart of his mother:

“Mark had a unique sense of dedication, care, and responsibility toward his family, friends, his military companions, and his country. I remember the sensitivity in which he gave me a sealed envelope prior to his deployment to Iraq and his request that I promise not to open it unless he did not return. As promised, this document was only to be opened after his death. I am confident that sharing it will allow everyone to have the insight into the remarkable person who was my son.”

A Son’s Letter
Below are excerpts from a letter from Lt. Mark H. Dooley, to be opened only if he did not return from deployment:

“Mom, I have no delusions that reading or even hearing this letter read can fill my absence. Please forgive me for not being able to be there; but also remember that my leaving was in the service of something that we loved, and that most people can’t comprehend its scope … our sacred honor …

“Time will ease pain, and the best way to pay respect is to value why a sacrifice was made. Remember time is a gift, use it to enjoy life … continue to live fulfilling happy lives with God’s hands holding you safely. I will see you all in God’s perfect time …”

With Loving Affection and Endearment,
MARK

This abbreviated version was originally authored by Vincent J. Bove for The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, September, 2007 edition and titled Sacred Honor: Police Officer, Soldier, Patriot

Also published in Vincent’s weekly Epoch Times column on Friday, May 23, 2014, titled Reawakening the Nation.

Photos-Interment at Arlington National Cemetery (Vincent J. Bove)
Lt. Mark H. Dooley-Profile Photo-Courtesy of his mother, Marion Dooley.

NYPD Commissioner Bratton: Collaboration is Critical to Effective Policing

On Thursday, May 22, 2014, NYPD Commissioner Bratton was the featured speaker for the ASIS International NYC Chapter luncheon at the Yale Club.

As an attendee-with over 160 law enforcement and private security professionals-I appreciated Commissioner Bratton’s emphasis on the NYPD’s dedication to internal collaboration as well as their unity of effort with other agencies and the private sector.

Commissioner Bratton stressed that in the 1990's New York was one of the world's most dangerous cities-now it is one of the safest. He further emphasized:

•Collaboration is a force multiplier which empowers law enforcement to safeguard democracy and the sacred freedoms of speech, press and religion so vital to American life
•Law enforcement must remain dedicated to fighting traditional crime but adapt to the new challenges of terrorism, cyber crime, financial crime and identity theft
•New York City remains the world’s pre-eminint terror target and every resource must be utilized to protect our city
•The NYPD will initiate a Grand Larceny Division involving over 300 detectives in collaboration with five district attorneys and two U.S. Attorneys
•The Facial Recognition Unit, Intelligence Bureau and effective deployment of over 7,000 CCTV’s throughout the city are essential to security
•New York City experienced a record low 334 homicides in 2013 and we are on pace and dedicated to breaking this record in 2014
•Sixteen terror plots against New York City have been thwarted-a reminder that we must remain vigilant and focus intense energy to protect our people
•The killing of Osama Bin Laden diminished but does not disintegrate Al Qaeda. The group-and many in support of their ideology- remain dedicated to terror
•Lone Wolf terrorists remain a threat
•Foreign fighters leaving Syria return discontented and dedicated to inflicting terror in various countries

Commissioner Bratton’s remarks on collaboration today compliments my previous coverage of his professionalism in my newest book, articles, Epoch Times column and blogs including:

Spotlight on Community Policing: NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton

William J. Bratton, a man dedicated to the principles of community policing will return to the New York City Police Department as its next police commissioner as announced on Thursday, December 5, 2013.

Commissioner Bratton has served law enforcement over 40 years including the top police post previously in New York City and also in Boston and Los Angeles.

During his introduction today, Commissioner Bratton stressed bringing the police and community together, I will work very hard and very quickly to bring legitimacy and trust between the citizens and the police department...

He also stated his goals as maintaining low crime rates, insuring the city remains safe from terrorism and bringing the NYPD and its 50,000 members and 8 1/2 million New Yorkers together with mutual trust and respect.

Bratton's additional concerns included the criticality of public safety as the foundation of democracy with an emphasis on safe streets, safe subways and traffic safety. But he emphasized that police will do it constitutionally, respectfully and with compassion.

Bratton held high a children's book titled Your Police which he has cherished since he was a nine-year-old boy. He shared the books final words, We must always remember that whenever you see a policeman he is your friend. He is there to protect you. He has dedicated his life to the preservation of the laws, properties, civil rights and people he serves. He would not hesitate to save your life at the cost of his own.

As a community policing practitioner and board certified crime prevention specialist, I appreciated Bratton's concluding thought from Sir Robert Peel who wrote long ago this first ethical mandate in the Nine Principles of Policing, the basic mission for which police exist is to prevent crime and disorder. The prevention of crime should be accomplished without intruding unnecessarily into the lives of citizens.

I first quoted Bratton in a blog written on May 8, 2007 when he was Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. He responded with honesty and wisdom to a violation of civil rights at an immigration rally by stating, I'm not going to defend the indefensible.

Post Script Click here to read Vincent's full length article titled Community Policing Spotlight: NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton in The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine/January 2014 edition

Over 250 Law Enforcement Officials Attend Inaugural Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership

On May 12, 2014, the Inaugural New Jersey Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership was hosted by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Over 250 law enforcement attended the event-local, county, state and federal officials including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and FBI filled the campus center to capacity.

Responding to America's Head-On Collision
As an event organizer-in collaboration with The Rodgers Group, LLC, Resolution Group International, the United States Military Academy and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police-I was privileged to deliver the opening presentation titled Visionary Leadership Principles: Responding to America’s Head-On Collision.

This lead-off presentation depicted the nation’s crisis of character and culture of violence through the metaphor of two trains in a catastrophic head-on train collision. The repercussions of shattered families with many filling the void of brokenness with substance abuse and gang involvement was also addressed. This presentation included a call to action, renewing a sense of purpose and passion, principles of leadership as inspired by the life of Abraham Lincoln and a tribute to the American Military.

Ethical Leadership
After my opening presentation, LT General Robert L. Caslen, Jr., Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point served as the keynote speaker and shared thoughts on character, ethics and leadership including:
*Honor-adherence to the highest standards of integrity
*Respect-treating people with dignity
*Servant leadership- focus on putting others before ourselves
*Living lives of integrity-doing what is morally and ethically right even when no one is watching us

LT General Caslen candidly shared concerns of the violation of ethics taking place within society. He emphasized that all are vulnerable to ethics breaches including the military as witnessed in various scandals. He also stressed the importance of the West Point Honor Code, “A cadet shall not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do” as essential to building trust, instilling values and developing a team mentality. LT General Caslen concluded by stating that ethical imperatives must include:

*We not I
*Dignity and respect
*Never walking away from weakness but using it to be a stepping stone to personal growth
*Training to perfection
*Balance (profession, family, community responsibilities)

The Ethical Protector
The concluding presentation was delivered by Jack Hoban, President of Resolution Group International and author of The Ethical Warrior. Jack emphasized that law enforcement and military personnel are called to be Ethical Protectors and their responsibility is to serve all because each human being demands respect, dignity and protection.

Jack’s presentation complimented his 3 day certification program which enhances abilities to resolve physical, verbal and cross-cultural conflict and:

*Ethics and Personal Integrity
*Communication Skills (Verbal Judo/Verbal Defense and Influence)
*Martial Arts and Defensive Tactics

The heart of Jack’s program is expressed in The Warrior Creed by Robert L. Humphrey, a U.S. Marine who served on Iwo Jima and was his mentor, friend and inspiration:

Wherever I go,
everyone is a little safer because I am there.
Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend.
Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there.
It's a better life.

Final Reflection
It is America’s destiny to be a moral beacon for the world. This destiny will be realized only after an honest assessment of our crisis. America can then be realigned by enhancing the character, ethics, and leadership that lie within the heart of each of us.

Follow Up Certification Courses
Today’s program will have follow up certification courses conducted by Jack Hoban and Vincent J. Bove at the Center For Public Safety & Security of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in the fall of 2014:

*The Ethical Protector Conflict Resolution Certificate Program by Jack Hoban
*Violence Prevention/Crisis Planning/Transformational Leadership Certificate Program by Vincent J. Bove

Also published in Vincent's column titled Reawakening the Nation in the Friday, May 16, 2004 edition of Epoch Times.

Photo’s
1.Conference attendees (Vincent J. Bove)
2.Vincent J. Bove with LT General Robert L. Caslen, Jr.
3.Jack Hoban delivering his presentation (Vincent J. Bove)

America's High-Seeking Culture: Prom Night Alert

Although prom night should be an enchanted memory lasting a lifetime, for many it becomes a night of trauma and loss of life.

Despite America’s under the influence culture, being high on prom night is never an acceptable rite of passage, especially when combined with driving-a toxic combination.

As I drove past Millburn High School in New Jersey this week there was a sobering reminder of a prom night tragedy. A wrecked Mustang sedan was on the lawn at the main entrance of school property.

School officials hope it will remind students and parents of the serious repercussion of irresponsibility.

Similar wrecked vehicle exhibits can be observed at schools nationwide during prom season when lives are lost due to our high society absurdity.

Aside from grim news reports of vehicle fatalities, there are other prom season afflictions including date rape, sexual assaults, unintended pregnancies or STD’s.

Prom Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes prom safety including:

•Just say no to drinking and driving which is responsible for over 4,500 deaths among young people per year.
•Do not get into vehicles with drivers under the influence.
•Dating violence-verbal, emotional, physical or sexual-is never acceptable. Speak up and report abuse.
•Prom parties deserve responsible supervision-free of alcohol and drugs. Trusted family members should always know where students are and respond immediately should the need arise.

Tragedy to DWI Prevention Champion
On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, I attended the 25th Anniversary of Life Dinner in honor of Steven Benvenisti, Esq. in Washington Township, New Jersey. The event-attended by 300 friends, family and students, commemorated Steven’s miraculous escape from death after being struck as a pedestrian by a drunk driver while he was on spring break as a college student.

Steven told his story.
“Six weeks before graduation, I went to Daytona Beach, Florida with my fraternity brothers for Spring Break. One night while we were walking, a repeat offender drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into my legs, with my face smashing through the outside windshield and my body being thrown 70 feet. I sustained catastrophic injuries including:

•Severe brain damage
•Comatose for 10 days
•Crushed lower legs
•Fractured clavicle
•Significant loss of blood requiring transfusions
•Horrible open flesh wounds necessitating emergency skin grafting

“My family was asked permission for organ donation because the severe brain damage, brain bleeding and swelling, meant survival was not likely and if I did survive, that I would be completely and totally disabled.”

Steven dispelled all odds through sheer determination and went on to graduate law school, raise a family and become a certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

He shows his appreciation for life by representing personal injury victims and educating students on impaired driving dangers and traumatic brain injury. Steven has addressed tens of thousands of students during the last 25 years, turning his adversity to triumph by empowering them to say “no” to drinking and driving.

Final Reflection
Tragic prom night headlines are rampant due to America’s under the influence society. But these tragedies are preventable by empowering youth to say no and encouraging them to lives of character through example, vigilance and guidance.

As published in Vincent's weekly column for the Epoch Times on Friday, May 9, 2014.

Photos
1.Mustang wreck on the lawn at the entrance of Millburn High School, New Jersey reminding students during prom season of the dangers of driving under the influence. May 5, 2014 (Vincent J. Bove)
2. Attendees at the “25th Anniversary of Life Dinner” of Steven Benvenisti, Esq. on March 25, 2014 at Seasons in Washington Township, New Jersey. (Vincent J. Bove)
3. PowerPoint slide from Steven Benvenisti’s “25th Anniversary of Life Dinner” PowerPoint presentation on March 25, 2014 at Seasons in Washington Township, New Jersey. (Vincent J. Bove)

Note Well: A more comprehensive version of this blog and Epoch Times column, including "Vital Signs: Drinking and Driving Among High School Students", "Dating Violence" and "Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use" was published in The New Jersey Police Chiefs Magazine, June 2014 edition.

America's Forgotten Homeless: Awareness, Compassion, Dignity

America is as great as its commitment to respecting the dignity of each person especially the poor. All human beings must be celebrated and we must always see beyond superficial externals of social status, humbly understanding we are all the human family.

Whenever a human being is ostracized, distressed or impoverished, a nation must respond with moral courage, compassion and resolve. When the poor are a burden, inconvenience or annoyance-or treated with a discriminatory indignation for their hardship-the nation is on the wrong path and must be reawakened.

’How the Other Half Lives’
In 1890, a book titled How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis, touched the nerve of society. His masterpiece seared the conscience of America-especially the well-to-do-with words and photo’s on the miserable living conditions of poor immigrants in New York City slums.

The book was based on his previous magazine article-so graphically depicting the poor, New York’s rich newspaper owners refused to publish it.

The initial rejection Riis experience eventually evolved into success. Aside from addressing failed tenement housing and the plight of immigrants, Riis called upon the wealthy of New York to have the moral courage to fix the problem.

Everything Old is New Again
How the Other Half Lives spoke to the heart and reminded society-particularly the upper class-of their moral obligation to assist the poor. This clarion moral trumpet must resound again in New York City, the greatest city in the world.

The Coalition for the Homeless paints the following picture of the New York City homelessness crisis:

•Homelessness in New York City has reached the highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s. In January 2014, there were an all-time record 53,615 homeless people, including 12,724 homeless families with 22,712 homeless children, sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system. Families comprise nearly four-fifths of the homeless shelter population.
•Over the course of last year (FY 2013), more than 111,000 different homeless men, women, and children slept in the New York City municipal shelter system. This includes more than 40,000 different homeless New York City children.
•The number of homeless New Yorkers sleeping each night in municipal shelters is now 73 percent higher than in January 2002.
•Research shows that the primary cause of homelessness, particularly among families, is lack of affordable housing. Surveys of homeless families have identified the following causes of homelessness: eviction; doubled-up or severely overcrowded housing; domestic violence; and hazardous housing conditions.

America’s Wake-Up Call
As one walks the New York City streets, the homeless must touch our conscience and inspire action. Although throughout the city and often can be easily circumvented, there are moments when kindness toward the homeless stops us in our tracks. One such experience for me was seeing the compassion of the Missionaries of Charity-commonly known as the Sisters of Mother Teresa-tending to the homeless near Central Park’s entrance at Columbus Circle.

Although one normally associates these sisters caring for the poorest of the poor in the slums of Calcutta, here they were in the heart of New York, one of civilizations most affluent societies, home to the richest people on the planet. The Missionaries of Charity, serving the homeless of New York City-the world’s epicenter of wealth, culture, education, tourism and diversity. Yet, here were the sisters, serving a wake-up call to America’s conscience-reminding us of the suffering on New York City streets.

America must respond to this anguish of our human family and triumph with full force, courage, compassion and dignity.

As published in Vincent's weekly column for the Epoch Times on Friday, May 2, 2014.


Photo's (Vincent J. Bove)
1. Bethseda Terrace, Angel of the Waters Fountain, Central Park, April 4, 2013
2. Times Square, July 27, 2011
3. Missionaries of Charity, Columbus Circle, New York on September 4, 2011