VA Expediting Decision on Claims
By Harold Hutchison

The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving to expedite decisions on claims that have been languishing for over a year.

"Too many veterans wait too long for a decision, and this has never been acceptable," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in a release by the Department. "That is why we are implementing an aggressive plan to eliminate the backlog in 2015. This initiative is the right thing to do now for veterans who have waited the longest."

Video by U.S. Navy

Video by 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

U.S., Philippines Start Balikatan As Korea Crisis Continues
By Harold Hutchison

American and Philippine troops began their preparations for the Balaikatan exercises as tensions on the Korean peninsula remained high. The annual exercises, mostly involving disaster relief, will involve over 8,000 troops from the two countries.

B-2s Take Part in Exercises
By Harold Hutchison

In a sign of increasing tensions, B-2 Spirits have taken part in exercises on the Korean peninsula. The bombers are one of the most valuable assets in the American military arsenal, with only 21 having been built.

The B-2, which halted production in 1995, has seen combat over Serbia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The bomber not only carries precision-guided bombs, but it also carries nuclear weapons. The bombers flew the round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base, in Missouri.

Korean War Ace Laid to Rest
By Harold Hutchison

Korean War Ace Boots Blesse was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on 22 March. Blesse, who had ten kills during the Korean War, died on 31 October, 2012.

Blesse was a Distinguished Service Cross recipient, although the medal was not awarded until 1998 for actions taken on 8 September, 1952. Blesse was buried near his father, a brigadier general, in Arlington.

USS John C. Stennis Leaves Fifth Fleet
By Harold Hutchison

The United States is down to one carrier to not only support Operation Enduring Freedom and keep an eye on Iran. This is due to the departure of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) from the region.

The carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), which was slated to deploy, instead remains in Norfolk due to the sequester. The only carrier in the region is USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Video by Coast Guard District 11

“Amazing Race” Episode Featured Propaganda
By Harold Hutchison

Sunday evening, viewers of “The Amazing Race” were treated to a message before the episode apologizing to America’s veterans. The apology comes after a week of controversy surrounding an episode that took place in Hanoi.

During the 17 March episode in Hanoi, race participants had to stop at a route marker set at a memorial centered on a B-52 downed during the Vietnam War. The leg of the race also featured a Vietnamese propaganda show.

Here is the full text of the statement CBS placed before the 24 March episode: