The TAPS Daily - November 5, 2020

Welcome to The TAPS Daily - curated news and resources relevant to military, veterans, and their families. For more news and resources, visit our Government Resources page.

1. World holds collective breath over U.S. election outcome
   The Hill
   A global audience is following the drama of the U.S. presidential election with heightened interest, anxiously watching to see how it plays out.
2. Defense Secretary Esper has prepped resignation letter, say officials
   NBC News
   Defense officials say Secretary of Defense Esper prepared his letter because he is one of the Cabinet officials long expected to be pushed out after the election.
3. November 5th marks 11th anniversary of Fort Hood terror attack
   FOX Local
   Back in 2009, a then-U.S. Army major opened fire at the base – killing 13 unarmed soldiers and injuring more than 30 others.
4. For the first time, U.S. sees 100,000 new coronavirus cases in one day
   NBC News
   According to the data, there were 104,429 new cases, breaking a single-day record set last week.
5. Veterans Affairs COVID-19 cases at record highs
   Connecting Vets
   The number of VA patients and staff sick because of the coronavirus has reached record highs for four straight days as of November 5 -- more than doubling since September.
6. Local, State Elections Hit Unique Diversity Milestones
   NPR
   Many candidates from underrepresented backgrounds made history on Tuesday when they were elected to serve at state and local levels.
7. Marine Who Earned Medal of Honor in Vietnam Finally Receives Burial at Arlington
   Military.com
   Marine Pfc. Bruce Carter was buried in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery November 4, 2020.
8. Clots, Strokes And Rashes. Is COVID-19 A Disease Of The Blood Vessels?
   NPR
   COVID-19 have increasingly led researchers to focus on how the novel coronavirus sabotages the body's blood vessels.
9. Meet the deaf and blind chef who just landed his dream job at a Marine base
   Task & Purpose
   His culinary skills make him a standout since he joined the galley crew last week.

• Veterans Day 2020
  Military.com
  What do you need to know about celebrating Veterans Day? Here’s some more information.
• Veterans Day Fast Facts
  CNN
  Here's a look at Veterans Day, a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the US armed forces. Observed annually on November 11 -- the anniversary of the end of World War I.
• NCA unveils "Find A Veteran, Post A Tribute" campaign - VAntage Point
  VA.gov
  VA’s National Cemetery Administration launched its new “Find A Veteran, Post A Tribute” campaign.

• Bereavement During Childhood and Adolescence
  NIH.gov
  The tendency to impose adult models on children has generally led to a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding about children's grieving.
• Children and Grief Statistics
  Children’s Grief Awareness Day
  1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18 according to TAPS Advisory Board Member, Dr. Kenneth Doka.
• How Does The Death Of A Parent Affect A Child
  Parenting for Brain
  The death of a parent is one of the most traumatic events that can occur in childhood.
• Talented military child finds purpose and resiliency through cooking
  We Are The Mighty
  Since her mother’s diagnosis, cooking has taken on a much more prominent role in Maria’s life, as she uses her culinary skills to channel her emotions while creating a safe and secure space.

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Upcoming Events
  Make plans to join your TAPS Family at an upcoming event.
• TAPS News Archive
  Catch up on all the TAPS news stories over the years on the TAPS media resource page.

• Former military leaders: Trump's tweet is 'attack on our electoral process'
  Military.com
  A number of legal absentee ballots arriving after Election Day are coming from military members and their families, who, under law, are allowed extra transit time for mailed absentee ballots.
• Hawaii Air Guard member wins seat vacated by Gabbard in U.S. House
  Military Times
  Democratic state Senator Kai Kahele won the Hawaii House seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday.
• OPM proposes rule to fix the burden of vets' miscalculated pensions
  Federal Times
  The rule would enable agencies to front the cost of miscalculated retirement deposits, rather than the employees themselves.
• 7 things you need to do before leaving the military
  Task & Purpose
  Facing the next chapter in your life can also feel daunting when you think about everything you need to accomplish before joining the civilian ranks.

• Beyond the Presidential Race: Voters Address Mental Health Issues
  Psychiatric Times
  Around the nation, voters have made their voices heard on numerous down-ballot issues directly related to psychiatry and mental health.
• Psychiatrist provides tips on how to prioritize mental health amid tense election
  CBS News
  More than 2/3 of American adults say the 2020 presidential election has been a significant source of stress in their lives, according to a recent survey from the American Psychological Association.
• Mental health day tips for remote workers during the pandemic
  Insider
  Here are seven therapist-backed tips for taking mental health days while working remotely.
• How a Rage Run Can Help Your Mental Health—and Your Training Performance
  Self
  Rage running in particular, can be one part of a self-care plan to help some people stay afloat in chaotic times.

• National Guard activated, election demonstrators arrested in Seattle and Portland
  Connecting Vets
  The Oregon National Guard had been on standby before the election.
• DoD Starts Random COVID-19 Testing on Patriot Express Passengers
  Military.com
  The military has begun random COVID-19 testing for troops and contractors flying Patriot Express for official duty to overseas locations.
• This Syrian-Born U.S. Soldier Is Using His Background to Save Lives
  Military.com
  His family was hesitant about his decision to join the United States Army. But serving in the military was something he had wanted to do since he was a kid.
• Air Force NCO killed in New Mexico car accident
  Task & Purpose
  An airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base died Wednesday night in an off-base car accident, base officials said on Thursday.

• These are the Marines who died at Belleau Wood
  Marine Corps Times
  The Battle of Belleau Wood, where the Marines helped stop the German advance, was the Corps' first introduction to modern warfare.
• Florida school district fires Marine vet over medical marijuana use
  Marine Corps Times
  A Florida high school dean has been fired after testing positive for marijuana, even though it had been prescribed for him to treat post-traumatic stress disorder he incurred in the Marines.

Banner photo courtesy of the School of Advanced International Studies | John Hopkins University.