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December 20, 2012

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Senate approves protections for veterans receiving GI benefits
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that aims to prevent schools from using unethical tactics to recruit veterans with GI Bill benefits. The bill also requires the Veterans Affairs Department to begin helping veterans with the college-selection process. The measure now heads to the House. Army Times (12/20)

In the Pentagon

Pentagon to make $688 million payment to Pakistan
The Pentagon plans to release a $688 million payment to Pakistan to reimburse costs associated with the presence of 140,000 troops along the Afghan border. The move suggests improving relations between U.S. and Pakistan, as similar reimbursements have been held up in the past over disputes involving CIA operations and NATO supply lines. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/17)

Other News

Britain announces partial pullout of troops from Afghanistan
The Washington Post/The Associated Press (12/19)

On the Hill

Obama threatens to veto House GOP's "Plan B"
Discussions to avert the "fiscal cliff" turned tense this week after President Barack Obama threatened to veto the House Republicans' alternative fiscal measure, which they call "Plan B." GOP lawmakers themselves were divided over the plan's tax increase on high-income Americans. Meanwhile, the stock market registered investors' jitters over the lack of a deal as the year-end deadline gets closer. Reuters (12/20)

On the Home Front

Social media helps double amputee get moving again
Army infantryman Noah Galloway faced a long path to recovery after losing an arm and a leg in Iraq, but he credits social media with motivating him, helping him to overcome addiction and inspiring him to train for extreme sports and endurance competitions. "It would be a whole different ballgame for me if not for Facebook and Twitter," Galloway says. "None of this would be possible." Mashable (12/19)

Service Section News

Air Force laser research offers insight into IED blast effects
Research conducted for the Air Force by defense contractor TASC has led to the creation of computer models that could be used to develop gear that better protects against IED blasts. The research was originally aimed at studying how laser energy causes damage to the eyes and body. Defense News (12/20)

Reserve Life

Microsoft works to give Kinect military therapy applications
Microsoft has paired its Kinect body-motion-driven gaming accessory with software in a package to help wounded troops and veterans do physical therapy exercises at home. Microsoft is collaborating with the Air Force to define the system and plans to open talks with the Army. Defense News (12/17)

J.R. Martinez discusses transition to civilian life
Shaking off the "stigma" of being a combat solider can be a real challenge for veterans looking to find civilian employment, J.R. Martinez says in this video interview. The former Army infantryman who was severely burned in an IED incident has become a motivational speaker and is perhaps most well-known for his appearance on "Dancing with the Stars." MonsterThinking.com (12/19)

Other News

Pentagon orders systemwide review of day care centers
SeattlePI.com/The Associated Press (12/19)

SmartQuote

No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true."

--Nathaniel Hawthorne,
American author

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