WASHINGTON (AP) — Gay rights advocates from both parties are newly upbeat about the prospects for Senate passage of legislation that would bar employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The outlook for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act reflects the nation’s growing tolerance of homosexuality and the GOP’s political […]
military
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Iraq seeking new U.S. aid after pushing out troops
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly two years after pushing out the U.S. military, Iraq is asking for more American weapons, training and manpower to help fight a bloody resurgence of al-Qaida that has unleashed a level of violence comparable to the darkest days of the nation’s sectarian conflict. The request will be discussed during a White […]
advertisement
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Some troops turn to liposuction to pass fat test
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Soldiers often call plastic surgeon Adam Tattelbaum in a panic. They need liposuction — fast. Some military personnel are turning to the surgical procedure to remove excess fat from their waists in a desperate attempt to pass the Pentagon’s body fat test, which relies on measurements of the neck and waist […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Pingree addresses Navy nominee’s comments about sexual assault
PORTLAND — Controversial statements about how the military handles sexual assault claims by a woman nominated for the second highest civilian position in the Navy have caused a key U.S. Senate member to question whether she should get the job. Members of Maine’s congressional delegation, who have played key roles in trying to enact legislation […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Freedom Salute for 488th Military Police Company honors families
AUGUSTA — Carolyn Knights of Oxford was outside the Augusta Civic Center on Sunday morning awaiting the start of the Freedom Salute for the 488th Military Police Company, who returned to Maine on June 15 from a year-long deployment. “You don’t want to interview me. I’m just a grandmother,” she said before breaking into tears […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine Military Authority to cut 140 jobs
LIMESTONE, Maine (AP) — A business that got its start overhauling military Humvees and trucks is preparing to slash its workforce by more than half because of reduced demand. Maine Military Authority said Friday that it intends to cut 140 jobs beginning in October because of the drawdown of troops and equipment in Iraq and […]
Posted inOur View
U.S. should assume the best of military vets
The U.S. public will clearly not repeat the mistakes of the Vietnam era, when war veterans returned to a nation that failed to acknowledge their sacrifice and service. Veterans returning from America’s most recent wars are deservedly thanked and celebrated, personally and often publicly. But while we now recognize their service, there is another more […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Endangered species thrive on U.S. military ranges
SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. (AP) — The sign leaves no doubt about the risk in entering the steep seaside hills that North America’s rarest bird calls home: “Danger. Boom. Explosives. Unexploded Ordnance and Laser Range in Use. Keep Out.” Despite the weekly explosions that rock this Navy-owned island off the Southern California coast, the San […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Pentagon plan would grant benefits to same-sex spouses but deny them to unmarried gay couples
WASHINGTON (AP) — Same-sex spouses of military members could get health care, housing and other benefits by the end of August under a proposal being considered by the Pentagon. But earlier plans to provide benefits to gay partners who are not married may be reversed. A draft Defense Department memo obtained Wednesday by The Associated […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Connections
Military notes
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Air Force Reserve Airman Lorie E. Morgan graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. 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 […]