Cpl Sean A Stokes Legacy Project "Forget You Not"

Sign The Petition! 

Web Link and Petition

• Petition For:
  
  IDENTITY THEFT PENALTY ENHANCEMENT INCREASES FOR THE USE OF A
  KIA (Killed In Action) UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEMBER
  UNITED STATES CODE 18
  
  For over 200 years, our Country has been built upon the unrelenting dedication, work, sacrifices and commitment of our patriotic legal citizens. The highest price paid for our way of life is known as the 'Ultimate Sacrifice'. This term defines and differentiates what are known as our "Fallen Heroes". A particular group of individuals who stand above all others, who deserve our eternal respect, gratitude and love. It is with this in mind I and the undersigned respectfully submit this petition.
  
  During this time of terror in our history, we have a small number of exceptional young men and women who have stepped up and re-defined the definitions of service, duty, patriotism and love thru volunteering.
  Cpl Sean A. Stokes, USMC is one of these exceptional young patriots who has paid
  the highest price for every American.
  The identity of Cpl Sean A. Stokes (and possibly others Killed In Action) has been stolen and used.
  
  The following petition has been drafted to request immediate enhancements to the current identity theft laws. We request the penalties (prison sentences and fines) be substantially increased for the use of a United States Armed Forces KIA Service Member's identity or identification.
  
  We request it be elevated to and prosecuted as a Federal felony offense under all circumstances, in addition to State and local penalties and regardless of dollar amount involved.
  
  We also request additional increased enhancements for the use of a United States Armed Forces KIA Service Member's identity or identification if it also involves weapons, violence, drug trafficking/possession or a prior offense.
  
  This particular type of crime is an obscene desecration to the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our Country's Fallen and is also an affront to those of us who love and support our United States Armed Forces, Veterans, Country and Flag. Thank You.
  
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  WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE.
  
  TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL AND INCREASED ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT OF A
  KIA (Killed In Action) UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEMBER.
  
  TO BE IMMEDIATELY ENACTED BY THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AS FOLLOWS:
  
  Whoever, during and in relation to any identity theft felony violation produces, transfers, traffics, possesses, uses, aids or abets, without lawful authority or thru fraud, forgery or impersonation any means of identification of a United States Armed Forces KIA (Killed in Action) individual shall be sentenced to an enhanced additional term of imprisonment of a minimum 5 additional years (in addition to the punishment currently provided for such Federal felony and that constitutes a felony under any applicable State or local law) and a doubling of any and all fines.
  
  We also request increased additional enhancements for any/all use of a United States Armed Forces KIA Service Member's identity or identification if it also involves weapons, violence, drug trafficking/possession or a prior offense to an enhanced additional term of imprisonment of a minimum 10 additional years (in addition to the punishment currently provided for such Federal felony and that constitutes a felony under any applicable State or local law) and a doubling of any and all fines.
  
  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court shall not place on probation any person convicted of a violation of this section.
  
  In determining any term of imprisonment to be imposed for the felony during which the means of identification was produced, trafficked, transferred, possessed, used or aided or abetted in any way for any purpose, a court shall not in any way reduce the term to be imposed for such crime so as to compensate for, or otherwise take into account, any separate term of imprisonment imposed or to be imposed by any other jurisdiction or court.
  
  A term of imprisonment imposed on a person for a violation of this section may, in the discretion of the court, run concurrently, in whole or in part, only with another term of imprisonment that is imposed by the court at the same time on that person for an additional violation of this type.
  
  The production, trafficking, transfer, possession, use, aiding or abetting without lawful authority or thru fraud, forgery or impersonation of any United States Armed Forces KIA Service Member's identity or identification connected to and including (but not limited to) the following:
  
  Theft of public money, property, or rewards (including non-monetary).
  Connected to theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by an officer or employee of any financial institution.
  Connected to theft from employee benefit plans.
  The use of identification relating to false personation of citizenship.
  Relating to false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm.
  Connected to mail, bank, and wire fraud.
  Connected to nationality and citizenship.
  Any provision relating to passports and visas.
  Relating to obtaining customer, medical, financial or personal information of any type by false pretenses, forgery or impersonation.
  Any and all provisions contained in title 18 United States Code relating to fraud and false statements.
  
  The production, trafficking, transfer, possession, use, aiding or abetting without lawful authority or thru fraud, forgery or impersonation of any United States Armed Forces KIA Service Member's identity or identification connected to and including (but not limited to) the 'Immigration and Nationality Act', relating to willfully failing to leave the United States after deportation and creating a counterfeit alien registration card.
  
  We also request the United States Sentencing Commission also review enhance, increase and amend its guidelines and its policy statements to ensure that the offense levels and enhancements appropriately punish this particularly morally reprehensible form of identity theft involving our United States Armed Forces KIA Service Members.
  
  We request substantial increases to the sums appropriated to the Department of Justice for the investigation and prosecution of identity theft of a KIA United States Armed Forces Service Member.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Rita A. Stokes, VPMM Gold Star Mother
  In Loving Memory of
  Cpl. Sean A. Stokes, USMC
  KIA July 30, 2007, Al Anbar, Iraq
  
  Contact Info:
  Rita A. Stokes
  1304 Washington Drive
  Stafford, VA 22554
  
  Email: stokesritaa@hotmail.com
  
  Phone: 703-879-5704
  
  RAS 12/12/08 08:51:00 PM

Links For Veterans and Families 

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009
  Overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs implementation of the
  $1.4 Billion in the Recovery Act
  http://www.va.gov/recovery
  
  Appeals
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
  
  Board of Veteran's Appeals
  http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
  
  CARES Commission
  http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
  
  CARES Draft National Plan
  http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
  
  Center for Minority Veterans
  http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
  
  Center for Veterans Enterprise
  http://www.vetbiz.gov/
  
  Center for Women Veterans
  http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
  
  Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03
  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.html
  
  Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page
  http://www.va.gov/
  
  Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
  http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
  
  Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp
  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.html
  
  Due Process
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
  
  Duty to Assist
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
  
  Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
  http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
  
  Emergency, Non-emergency and Fee Basis Care
  http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
  
  Environmental Agents
  http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
  
  Environmental Agents M10
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
  
  Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
  
  EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC
  and
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
  
  See also
  Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet
  http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
  
  EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)
  http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
  
  Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206
  
  Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005
  http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
  
  Forms and Records Request
  http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
  
  Geriatrics and Extended Care
  http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
  
  Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG
  http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/
  
  Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health
  http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
  
  Gulf War Subject Index
  http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
  
  Hearings
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
  
  Homeless Veterans
  http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
  
  HSR&D Home
  http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
  
  Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P Exams
  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/ 21/benefits/exams/index.htm
  
  Ionizing Radiation
  http://www1.va.gov/irad/
  
  Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA
  http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
  
  M10 for Spouses and Children
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
  
  M10 Part III Change 1
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
  
  M21-1 Table of Contents
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
  
  Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
  
  Mental Health Homeless and Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs
  Directive 1162
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
  
  Mental Health Program Guidelines
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPubli cation.asp?pub_ID=1094
  
  Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
  http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
  
  Military Health System Blog
  http://mhs.osd.mil
  http://mhs.osd.mil/MHSBlog/ default.aspx
  
  MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence
  http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
  
  My Health eVet
  http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
  
  NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors
  http://www.nasdva.com/
  
  National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
  
  Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
  
  OMI (Office of Medical Inspector)
  http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
  
  Online VA Form 10-10EZ
  http://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
  
  Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
  http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf
  and
  http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
  
  Peacetime Disability Compensation
  http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgidbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
  
  This program is now referred to as "Gulf War Registry Program"
  View Publication 1232
  (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/searchform.cfm
  
  Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers View Publication 1006
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/searchform.cfm
  
  Phase I PGR Pub ID 1004
  http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/va_search.jsp?QT=gulf+war+report+02&RPP=10
  
  Phase II PGR Pub ID 1005
  http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/va_search.jsp?QT=gulf+war+report+02&RPP=10
  
  Policy Manual Index
  http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.html
  
  Power of Attorney
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ ch03.doc
  
  Project 112 (Including Project SHAD)
  http://www1.va.gov/shad/
  
  Prosthetics Eligibility
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
  
  Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page
  http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
  
  Public Health/SARS
  http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
  
  Publications Manuals
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
  
  Publications and Reports
  http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war. html
  
  Records Center and Vault Homepage
  http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
  
  Records Center and Vault Site Map
  http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
  
  Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
  
  Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
  http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
  
  Research and Development
  http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
  
  "Returning Veterans" of the Iraq & Afghan conflicts web site
  http://www.oefoif.va.gov
  
  Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
  http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
  
  Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
  
  Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc
  http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/ 000011.html
  
  Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6/ch07.doc
  
  Title 38
  Index
  Parts 0-17
  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/ text/textidx? sid=
  1b0c269b510d3157fbf 8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/ Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
  
  Part 18
  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/ textidx?sid=
  1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/ Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
  
  Title 38
  Part 3 Adjudication
  Subpart Aa
  Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
  1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_ main_02.tpl
  
  Title 38
  Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
  (also A 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)
  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
  1b0c269b510d3157fbf 8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_ main_02.tpl
  
  Title 38
  PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
  Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
  target=_blank>
  ab7641afd195c84a49a 2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0. 1.1.5.2&idno=38
  
  Title 38
  A 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the
  individual.
  PART 4a SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
  Subpart Aa
  General Policy in Rating
  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=
  1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0. 1.1.5.1.96.11&idno=38
  
  U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
  http://www.vetapp.gov/
  
  U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims/Opinion
  http://www.vetapp.uscourts.gov/ordersandopinions/Opinions.cfm
  
  VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual% 20final%206.pdf
  
  VA Fact Sheet
  http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
  
  VA Health Care Eligibility
  http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
  
  VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
  
  VA Life Insurance Handbook a Chapter 3
  http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3. htm#310
  
  VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans
  http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
  
  VA MS Research
  http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
  
  VA National Hepatitis C Program
  http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
  
  VA Office of Research and Development
  http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
  
  VA Settlement Claims
  http://www.veteransclass.com/
  
  VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War
  http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
  
  VA WMD EMSHG
  http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
  
  VA WRIISC-DC
  http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
  
  VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address
  http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.html
  
  Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service
  http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.html
  
  Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page
  http://www.vba.va.gov/
  
  Veterans Legal and Benefits Information
  http://valaw.org/
  
  VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals
  http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
  
  VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives
  http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
  
  VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page
  http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
  
  VHI Guide to Gulf War Veteransa(tm) Health
  http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
  
  Vocational Rehabilitation
  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
  
  Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence
  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
  
  VONAPP online
  http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
  
  WARMS - 38 CFR Book C
  http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
  
  Wartime Disability Compensation
  http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_ usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
  
  War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center
  http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
  
  Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site
  http://www.gibill.va.gov/
  
  WRIISC Patient Eligibility
  http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Visit Our Troop Supporting Merchants 

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• K-9 Support
  Our Forgotten Four Legged Heroes - Military Working Dogs
  As an animal lover, the natural beauty, abilities and instincts of all animals never ceases to amaze me. As a life long dog owner and lover, the combination of beauty, amazing intuition and intelligence in conjunction with genuine devotion exceeds all other domesticated animals. I might get some argument with that statement, but they are not called 'Man's Best Friend' for nothing. Our MWD (Military Working Dogs) are truly unsung heroes. The German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, Belgian Malinios and Sheepdog, Labrador Retrievers work at their handlers' side for incredibly long hours in the most extreme conditions with unflinching dedication, loyalty and courage. MWD save countless military and civilian lives each and every day. I gather (any way I can) a variety of products including treats, toys, first aid and health products for the dogs and for the handlers. These 'Doggie Bags' are either sent directly to the Handlers or base Kennel Masters in Iraq or delivered to the Kennel Master at Quantico for distribution overseas. Please contact me directly if you would like more information regarding MWD or if you are able to contribute supplies or funds for this 'pet' project. Thank you.
  
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  America's VetDogs - The Veteran's K-9 Corps
  http://www.vetdogs.com/
  Helping those who have served our country honorably to live with dignity and independence whether they are visually impaired or have other special needs, by using guide dogs, service dogs, and innovative technologies.
  
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  Military Police Honor Comrade, Iraq War Vet in Memorial Service
  3/26/2009 By Sgt. Judith Carver ,
  MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -The Marines of Security Battalion held a memorial service March 18 to honor one of their own, a two-time Iraq war veteran who carried out 32 missions in support of the Marine Corps.
  
  "She found countless weapons caches and improvised explosive devices," said Staff Sgt. Dana Brown. She no doubt saved untold lives.
  
  The memorial service honored not just any Marine, but a military working dog named Keve.
  
  "Our military working dogs help us accomplish the mission in Iraq," said Col. Richard A. Anderson, the commanding officer of Security Battalion. "It's important that we memorialize and honor these dogs because they are Marines, too."
  
  In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Keve conducted more than 300 building searches, inspected more than 2,000 vehicles and located more than 22 weapons caches.
  
  The actual cause of Keve's death is unknown; she was born in 2003 and was 5 years old when she passed away.
  
  "Keve's death was unexpected; she died in routine surgery," said Brown, the kennel master for Security Battalion. "It was really hard for us all."
  
  Military working dogs can detect narcotics or explosives, help during patrols and vehicle inspections, and support the United States secret service with presidential missions.
  
  "Keve loved to work. She was just an extraordinary dog," said Sgt. Cody Tallent, a military working dog handler with Security Battalion who worked with Keve for five months. "Having all of us here honoring Keve means so much."
  
  Military technology is always advancing, but even with the production of unmanned aerial vehicles and marcbots, Marines can always depend on the German shepherds, Czech shepherds and Belgian malinois that make up the Quantico K-9 unit.
  
  "We are using dogs to help us fight," said Tallent. "These animals help us counter our enemy's attacks on us and we depend on them. If there is an improvised explosive device out there, they will find it.
  
  "Most of the dogs are trained to locate explosives," said Tallent. "Out of all of the dogs here, four of them are trained to locate narcotics."The average length of service for a military working dog is 10 years.
  
  "She did her job very proficiently and kept the moral of the Marines high," said Cpl. Richard Bock, a military working dog handler with security battalion.
  
  During the memorial both Tallent and Bock received gifts in memory of Keve.
  
  Bock received Keve's dog collar and Tallent was presented with a preserved canine tooth from Keve on a necklace.
  
  "She made people happy."
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