SAN ANTONIO — Air Force Airman Ronald F. Buhl graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Buhl's parents are Ronald and Theresa Buhl of Crestview.

He is a 2013 graduate of Crestview High School.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Buhl graduates U.S. Air Force basic training

A 25th anniversary reunion for Gulf War veterans of Operations Desert Storm or Desert Shield is scheduled for October.

The venue is a seven-night Caribbean Cruise aboard RCI's Navigator of the Seas. The ship will sail Oct. 11 from Galveston, Texas.

Any U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Army members who were active during Desert Storm may attend.

Prices start at $566.30, which includes all taxes and port charges.

See the group's Facebook page, http://on.fb.me/1r535gS, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Desert Storm, Desert Shield 25th anniversary reunion set

JACKSONVILLE — Wounded Warrior Project released the results of their 2014 Annual Alumni Survey today.

SEE a copy of the full report>>

Based on the responses of more than 21,000 wounded veterans, it includes the largest sample size of service members injured since Sept. 11 and is the most statistically relevant survey response of that population to date.

The results indicate the recent passage of sweeping legislation to improve care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comes at a time when more injured veterans are seeking that care as they move further away from their military service.

While not exclusive to VA care, the two most common problems in accessing both physical and mental healthcare were difficulty in scheduling appointments and lapsed or inconsistent treatment because of canceled appointments and switches in providers.

The survey also showed the primary type of current health insurance or coverage cited included Veterans Affairs at 59.2 percent, up from 52.7 percent in 2013. The percentage of warriors receiving VA disability benefits is 72 percent, up from 62.8 percent in 2013. Alumni with a VA disability rating of 80 percent or higher rose to 42.6 percent in 2014, from 36.2 percent in 2013.

The top resource used since deployment for addressing mental health concerns was VA medical centers at 62.5 percent, up from 54.1 percent in 2013.

“When our nation’s injured veterans speak to us, we must listen,” said Steve Nardizzi, WWP CEO. “Our survey data tells us where our warriors continue to struggle, allowing us to improve and strengthen our programs, and identify gaps in existing services and support. It is our sincere hope VA will do the same – listen to our injured veterans and rise to meet the challenge.”

Additional key findings include:

•The top five reported injuries and health problems experienced during post-Sept. 11 service were

1. sleep conditions (75.8 percent)

2. post-traumatic stress disorder (75.2 percent)

3. back, neck, and shoulder problems (72.3 percent)

4. depression (67.1 percent)

5. anxiety (64.2 percent)

•4 out of 5 warriorshave a friend who was seriously wounded or killed in action.

•Nearly 75 percent of warriorsreport the memory of an upsetting military experience has haunted them in the past month.

•59.2 percent of warriors say talking with another veteran is in their top five ways for coping with stress

•3 out of 4 warriors have less than a bachelor’s degree.

•The unemployment rate for respondents in the labor force is 13.9 percent.

•43.2 percent of warriorsreport having a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

•3 out of 10 warriorsneed the aid and attendance of another person because of their injuries and health problems; among them, more than one-fourth need more than 40 hours of aid per week.

•As a result of their injuries,7 percent of warriors are permanently housebound.

•82.3 percent of warriorsare overweight or obese.

 This is the fifth consecutive year WWP has conducted this research. The year-over-year data will allow WWP to establish a baseline; identify trends; compare these outcomes with those of other military populations; and measure the impact of and inform changes to WWP programs and services.

Programs such as Peer Support, Project Odyssey, Soldier Ride, and Warriors to Work were created based on previous feedback from alumni; and focus on peer mentorship, mental health, physical well-being, and economic empowerment, respectively.

The survey also helped inform warriors of the Independence Program and Long-Term Support Trust, programs designed to safeguard care and support as veterans and their families confront their long-term needs and goals.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Wounded Warrior Project releases new survey data

Air Force Airman Michael J. Leatherwood and Air Force Airman Jess L. Fisher graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airmen spent eight weeks training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Leatherwood — a 2012 Crestview High School graduate and the son of Mick and Carleen Leatherwood of Crestview — earned distinction as an honor graduate.

Fisher, the son of Gemini and Jess Fisher of Crestview, is a 2013 Crestview High School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview men graduate from basic military training

Army Pvt. Tyler Hansford, who always wanted to be in the army, graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. on Aug. 22.

The soldier received nine weeks of training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and using various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Tyler's mother is Rebekah Eastlack of Mossy Head. His grandparents are Robert and Mildred  Hansford and Howard and Karyn Eastlack  of Crestview.

Tyler's goal is to be an Army Ranger. He will take mountain training at Fort Drum, N.Y.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hansford completes U.S. Army basic training

NICEVILLE — The Military Order of the Purple Heart and Northwest Florida State College are proud to sponsor and welcome a visit by the Spirit of ’45 Day Express Aug. 19. The bus will be in front of the college’s Arena from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 19 at 100 College Blvd.

The visit includes a short welcome by College President Ty Handy and other dignitaries, at 10 am. Following the welcome, guest may tour the Spirit of 45 bus and the NWF State College Doolittle Raider Exhibit. Coffee, water and cookies will be available.

>>See a campus map showing the bus's location.

Auston and Bonnie O'Neill are driving the bus throughout America to help publicize Spirit of ’45 Day, which is Aug. 14, aligning with the anniversary of the end of World War II on Aug. 14, 1945. Their trip is also promoting interest in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2015.

The O'Neills have traveled more than 25,000 miles in the bus since early February, visiting 40 states. They will make several high-visibility stops this year, culminating in an appearance in the New York City Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

It is only fitting that Northwest Florida State College hosts the local visit. NWF was the first college in Florida to be designated a Purple Heart College by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The college is also  home to a permanent exhibit commemorating the Doolittle Raiders, whose daring air raid on Japan after Pearl Harbor helped lift the nation’s spirits and strengthen American resolve for the long fight ahead. The exhibit, located in the Arena, just steps from where the Spirit of ’45 Day Express will be parked, will be open in conjunction with the event, and Doolittle Raiders expert Dr. Frank Goldstein will lead exhibit tours.

For more about the Spirit of '45 initiative, visit www.Spiritof45.org.

For more on the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, visit www.purpleheart.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida welcomes Spirit of ’45 Day Express honoring World War II's end

Baker resident William “Bill” Everett is now the Military Order of the Purple Heart's National Junior Vice Commander. He was elected for the position during this year’s national convention in Denver, Colo.

Everett served in a distinguished 21-year Army career.

He earned the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for his bravery and wounds received in 1967 while serving in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. After the Viet Cong ambushed a convoy he was leading, despite his wounds, Everett provided covering fire that allowed wounded comrades to evacuate safely.

Everett served four tours in Vietnam, earning two more Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, two more Bronze Star medals for valor, the Soldier’s Medal, and numerous other awards and decorations.

Following his military service, Everett joined the Donald Trump Corporation, where he worked for 19 years as a facilities manager.

He joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart organization in 1984, and upon his second retirement, moved to Baker, where he has dedicated his free time to the organization.

He has served in numerous positions of responsibility in his local chapters in New Jersey and in Florida, in the Department of Florida, and the Southeast Region.

In 2008, Everett was recognized as the MOPH Patriot of the Year and in 2013 he received the MOPH National Commanders Award in recognition of his dedication to the order.

The organization, now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc., was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker man elected to Military Order of the Purple Heart leadership