Pentagon Seeks Compromise With Senate on Hasan Files

A showdown may be brewing between the Obama administration and a Senate committee that's asking for materials relating to the shooting incident that took place last year at Fort Hood, near Killeen.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee subpoenaed all of the materials that the Pentagon holds relating to the shooting that killed 13 people, and materials on the suspect, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. The committee says they want to make sure the Pentagon is ensuring something similar doesn't happen again.

The Pentagon claims the material would put the case against Hasan in jeopardy, but agreed in a compromise to release Hasan's personnel file and a secret addendum detailing how the Pentagon failed to respond to tips on Hasan's behavior leading up to the incident.

John Galligan, Hasan's attorney, expressed concern that the information that the Senate committee is requesting is information he has asked for but not received.

You can read more at the Killeen Daily News.

Vietnam Memorial Replica Reminds People Price Some Paid for Freedom

The Wall that Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., toured Taylor this week.  People came out to remember the fallen men and women, and to meet people they don't even know.  Veterans say the wall brings other veterans and their families together.  Hear how some people view patriotism, and how an event like this connects communities.

City of Austin Honored For Support of Armed Service

The U.S. Department of Defense will honor Austin's support of its women and men in uniform at a ceremony today downtown.

The Texas Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a division of the DOD, has selected the City of Austin to receive the ESGR Prominence Award for the support the city has provided its Guard and Reserve employees.  The City is just the third employer in the entire state of Texas to receive the award.

Since 2006, city leaders have increased direct support to employees who are deployed, as well as their families.  The city has also established a reintegration program for employees returning from duty.

In 2008, the City of Austin was awarded ESGR's Pro Patria Award and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  That same year, the city began hosting a special luncheon for more than 1,300 military veteran employees in conjunction with Veterans Day events.

“The City’s reputation for supporting its military employees is widespread and being emulated by other municipal and county governments around the state,” said Dr. Jerry Icenhower, Texas ESGR Committee Chairman.  “We are extremely proud to recognize the City of Austin as one of America’s outstanding employers supporting its employees serving in our Reserve components.”

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Makes a Stop in Central Texas

Central Texans will have the chance to pay tribute to the military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States and its freedom.  The "Wall that Heals," which is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will make a stop in Taylor beginning Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28.  You can find it at the corner of Main Street and Mallard Lane.

Governor Rick Perry encouraged people to take time to visit the memorial.  “Throughout our nation’s history, the men and women of our armed forces have given their lives to ensure our nation’s freedom, and I encourage Texans to take advantage of this opportunity to honor those who have given their lives to create the country we know today,” Gov. Perry said. “It’s not every day that we see a historic monument travel to Texas and have the chance to participate in a ceremony of this magnitude.”

A special ceremony will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m., that will include a candlelight vigil, will honor fallen soldiers whose names are inscribed on the wall.  A flyover by the Commemorative Air Force will take place, and the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans will participate.

“Many Americans will not have an opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and this event provides the chance to experience some of what that landmark conveys,” Sen. Steve Ogden said. “I hope that everyone who can will pay tribute to those who served us all.”
 
There are more than 200,000 Texas veterans of the Vietnam War, with more than 3,400 Texans' names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  You can find more information about the "Wall that Heals" by going here.  

The memorial will be open for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.