"My son recently was deployed to Iraq. His cell phone carrier is Alltel. Prior to leaving for Irag, he cancelled his cell phone coverage before the completion of his 2 year contract commitment. As his father, I telephoned Alltell, explained the situation and asked Alltel to have the $200 early termination fee waived. Alltel explained they only waive the $200 early termination fee if the party is DECEASED."

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Mesothelioma is rare disease that forms in the lining of the lungs called the 'mesothelium.' This lining serves as a barrier against harmful cells that could be inhibiting the body. It also contains fluid that allows the organs to move freely and without friction around the body. This cancerous disease can also be found in the lining around the stomach and even around the sac that surrounds the heart. This type of cancer is often very hard to diagnose and treat. If a patient recognizes that they may be experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma, the cancer could be in a later stage. The later the cancer is diagnosed, the more difficult it is for doctors to treat and eliminate the cancerous cells.

April 21, 2007 Joyce Rommel receives the 4 Chaplains award at the conclusion of a POW/MIA Remembrance Service at St. Frances DeChantel RCC in Wantagh, New York. Pictured with Joyce are members from Vietnam War Veterans Assoc. of Nassau County, NY (VWVA), Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 82 (VVA 82), Nassau County VFW representatives and the POW/MIA cage. Joyce is President of the Long Island POW/MIA Coalition of Veterans and Concerned Citizens, Inc. among her many other past and present titles.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - High rates of mental health disorders are being diagnosed among US military personnel soon after being released from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to investigators in San Francisco.

They estimate that out of 103,788 returning veterans, 25 percent had a mental health diagnosis, and more than half of these patients had two or more distinct conditions.

President Bush said Wednesday the bipartisan panel he named to investigate problems at the nation's military and veterans hospitals would work to restore confidence in the system of caring for wounded troops. "Any report of medical neglect will be taken seriously by this administration," Bush said in an Oval Office meeting with the co-chairmen of the panel, former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., and Donna Shalala, who was secretary of health and human services during the Clinton administration.

"I'm confident that this commission will bring forth the truth," Bush said.

Paducah, KY - A U.S. veteran who lost both his legs in an Iraqi roadside bomb explosion in 2004 will begin a new career because his compelling and indomitable spirit moved a total stranger to give back to those who have served our country. The Kentucky soldier and the founder of one of the nation's largest pizza chains will proudly stand side-by-side for the grand opening celebration of the veteran's new pizza store on February 1, 2007.

Army Staff Sergeant Robbie Doughty, 32, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in July 2004 and began a long road to recovery where he faced an uncertain future with his young family. As he endured months of rehabilitation, he never gave up hope, never lost his courageous spirit and learned to walk again.

Though Melanie Troxel was born around the time the Vietnam War was ending, the importance of the crucial mission she has been selected to carry out isn't lost on her. Troxel, the defending CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals champion, will drive a Top Fuel dragster this weekend in Pomona dedicated to the Vietnam War veterans and those designated POW-MIA.

Troxel's primary objective is to create a source of positive memories from a 10-year conflict many prefer to forget and others just can't escape. Troxel and sponsor Evan Knoll plan to provide these veterans with a meaningful welcome home that many never received. Plans include recognition for the 1,700-plus service personnel still listed as Missing In Action in Southeast Asia.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new charitable program will transport troops, veterans and families affected by military deployment in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

At a recent news conference, Edward R. Boyer, CEO and president of Mercy Medical Airlift, announced the implementation and benefits of Air Compassion for Veterans (ACV). ACV was created to arrange and provide free air transportation for veterans and families, including air ambulance and commercial airline flights related to medical and support needs. It is supported by the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation.

OLYMPIA - Washington State soldiers are battling an unseen enemy in their hometowns - discrimination.

State lawmakers want to provide them with the weapon they need to win this battle.

A proposed bill would add veterans and people with military status to an existing law banning discrimination in matters of employment, credit, insurance and property transactions.

"Unfortunately, some Washingtonians have vented their anger about the Iraq war onto the men and women who followed orders and put their lives on the line," said bill author Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens.

LA FERIA - A federal official faced a room packed with angry military veterans Sunday at the American Legion hall, hearing a litany of problems faced by Rio Grande Valley veterans seeking health care.

Former soldiers, sailors, Marines and Air Force personnel confronted Timothy P. Shea, medical center director of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System for the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Antonio.

They related incidents of long-delayed appointments with doctors and specialists at Valley clinics or Audie Murphy DVA Hospital, difficulty filling prescriptions and transportation problems.