Biden administration officials said Friday the Department of Veterans Affairs will expand health care coverage for certain groups of veterans and their families and create new programs meant to make care more accessible. Veterans Day fell on Saturday.
The VA will make coverage of certain toxic burn pit-related conditions available sooner than anticipated. Family members of veterans who served at North Carolina’s Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1953-1987 will be eligible to have the costs of treating Parkinson’s disease. And all World War II veterans will be eligible for no-cost health care, including at nursing homes, the department said in a series of news releases.
The administration will also create a new graduate medical education program to help expand health care availability for veterans in rural, tribal and other underserved communities, the department said. And the VA will spend $5 million on an advertising campaign aimed at having more veterans sign up for services.
“As we head into Veterans Day, we’re reminded of the fundamental promise that our country makes to anyone who signs up to serve in the military: If you fight for us, we’ll fight for you,” Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher told reporters on a Thursday call in advance of the announcements.
The administration announced five changes meant to expand veterans’ benefits.
The VA will speed up coverage for burn pit exposure that was part of a bipartisan law passed last year.
The law, which provides health care benefits to veterans exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan and certain other veterans, was written to be phased in over no more than 10 years.
But President Joe Biden is directing the VA to make all affected veterans eligible for expanded benefits by early next year, according to a White House fact sheet.
The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program will be expanded to cover Parkinson’s disease. The program, which covers a host of conditions related to the contaminated drinking water at the base, did not previously include Parkinson’s.
Veterans of World War II who served anytime from Dec. 7, 1941, to the end of 1946, are entitled to no-cost VA health care, meaning no co-pays or monthly premiums, the department said. That includes care at nursing homes.
To expand availability, the department is also creating a pilot program to reimburse residents and residency programs, including those outside of VA facilities, that serve veteran patients. The program would fund 100 physicians in rural, tribal and underserved communities, according to a VA news release.
And to encourage veterans to take advantage of their benefits, the department is planning a national advertising campaign focused on “some of the most tangible, cost-saving benefits” veterans are entitled to, according to the VA.
The multimedia campaign will tout the low-cost or no-cost health care, education, home loan and memorial service programs, the VA said.
JACOB FISCHLER
Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
Loveland, Ohio– Due to planned construction in Nisbet Park we will meet and begin the 5K at the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot, near Loveland Canoe and Kayakat at 10 AM.
Run for your HEROES in downtown Loveland as we remember Loveland High School graduate Capt. David Seth Mitchell, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on 26 October, 2009.
3.1 mile run and walk to begin and end at Nisbet Park in Historic Loveland.
Run/Walk Divisions:
18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 45-49, 50-59 and 60/over. No age group awards for 2023. Challenge coins will be given to all participants.
Chip Timing:
This year’s race will be chip timed with MyLaps Bibtags. No need to turn in your chip.
Awards:
Awards to the Overall Male and Female Runners
We will post age-group standings in the online results.
After the Race:
Join us for a festival after the race! Food, Games, and more..
Race Results:
Results will be posted online here following the race.
Virtual Option:
If you cannot join us in person, please join us Virtually. Complete your own 5K at the location of your choosing sometime in the month of October. Post your time (optional) on our virtual results page. We thank you for your support.
Pre-Registration:
5K Run/Walk: Kids (18 and under) $20, Adults $25. All entries include chip timing and a lunch ticket, Race T-shirt and finisher challenge coin.
Virtual Option: Kids (18 and under) $10, Adults $15. Registration includes a commemorative challenge coin.
Course Starts and ends on the bike trail next to the Linda Cox parking lot.
Chip Timing
This year’s event will be timed by Running Time Race Services using MyLaps Disposable bib tags. The chip will be on the bib number. No need to turn in pull tags or return the timing chip.
Republicans are holding their tongues after the Associated Press published a story indicating GOP congressional nominee J.R. Majewski exaggerated his service record. Majewski himself is lashing out at the AP, threatening to sue and insinuating they worked with his opponent U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-OH.
On the campaign trail Majewski has presented himself as combat veteran who deployed to Afghanistan. In reality, the AP reported, he spent the bulk of his active-duty career in Japan, before deploying in 2002 to an airbase in Qatar for six months.
That airbase provides support services throughout the Middle East, including Afghanistan. Part of Majewski’s job as a “passenger operations specialist” took him to airbases throughout the region to load and unload. But the AP reported his campaign didn’t initially address whether he ever traveled to Afghanistan. They further noted Majewski was not awarded a service medal for those who spent 30 days consecutively or 60 days non-consecutively in the country.
Majewski’s response
Since the AP’s story published, Majewski has attempted to push back.
In a friendly interview with NewsMax he insisted that yes, he had “set foot” in Afghanistan. He went on to describe his service and effectively confirmed the AP’s reporting.
Although working from an airbase more than 1,200 miles from Afghanistan’s Bagram Airfield seems far from “combat” to a lay person, it actually counts under federal law. As the AP noted, because of an executive order signed by George H.W. Bush, support bases are considered combat zones.
Still, he was clear that most of his time was spent away from the front lines.
“Myself and other airmen deployed to Qatar,” he said. “That was where CENTCOM was, that was our staging base and we deployed from there all throughout the area of responsibility. We’re the people who gave supplies to the front line. We’re the people that transported the fighters to the front line.”
Asked directly if he can call himself a combat veteran, Majewski offered: “I believe so.”
Friday, Majewski gave a more forceful denunciation. He called the story “blatantly false” and a “politically motivated hit piece.” He added that he was considering suing the reporters.
But Majewski offered no evidence to refute the story, instead insisting “anyone insinuating that I did not serve in Afghanistan is lying.” The AP’s report indicates Majewski didn’t deploy directly to Afghanistan, and that Majewski himself was evasive about whether and for how long he served there.
As for the medal, Majewski argued he separated from the Air Force honorably before the service began awarding it. Although he has the right to request an update to his records, Majewski said, he has yet to do so.
The Majewski campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment about whether he served enough time to earn honor or whether he has requested it.
What lawmakers had to say
Rep. Bill Johnson, R-OH, represents the southern and eastern rim of the state in congress. A veteran himself, Johnson guards the honors that men and women in uniform accrue. In 2011, he co-sponsored stolen valor legislation that would’ve fined and imprisoned anyone who fraudulently claimed to have “served in a combat zone” with “the intent to obtain anything of value.” That legislation didn’t pass, and instead a narrower measure tied medals went forward in 2013.
But in a statement, Johnson withheld judgment about Majewski. He explained that for nearly 27 years he lived by the Air Force’s core values.
“Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do,” Johnson said. “Those core values taught me, as a commander and a leader, not to make snap judgments about people without all the facts. And in this case I simply don’t have all the facts.”
Two other incumbent Ohio congressmen served in uniform as well. U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, served as a physician in the U.S. Army, and U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-OH, was U.S. Army Ranger. Neither lawmaker responded to a request for comment.
Veteran rhetoric on the campaign trail
Before securing former President Trump’s endorsement, the most substantial rhetorical blow J.D. Vance landed came at the expense of fellow candidate and Marine veteran Josh Mandel.
Throughout the primary race Mandel emphasized his service as a core reason for voters to choose him. He went so far as to end several ads with the tagline, “Send in the marine.” But after Mandel nearly came to blows with Mike Gibbons in a dispute about private sector employment, Vance criticized Mandel.
“I think the way you use the U.S. Marine Corps, Josh, is disgraceful — it’s not a political tool,” Vance said.
“This guy wants to be a U.S. Senator,” he added derisively. “He was up here, ‘hold me back, hold me back, I’ve got two tours in the Marine Corps.’ What a joke.”
But Vance’s campaign declined to weigh in on Majewski’s exaggerations of his service record.
Political fallout
Majewski has drawn scrutiny for suggesting states that voted for Donald Trump in 2020 secede and attending the January 6 “Stop the Steal” rally. He shelled out money to help others attend the rally as well. In an interview with Spectrum News he insisted he did nothing wrong.
“I hated what happened,” Majewski said of January 6, “And it’s a total injustice to keep having to answer questions about why I was there.”
But it appears Majewski’s descriptions of his service record may be more damaging to his candidacy.
FLASH —#OH09: NRCC IE is canceling TV ad schedules that it had booked for the final six weeks of the campaign (9/27-11/8)
In a statement, his opponent Rep. Kaptur said, “the idea that anyone, much less a candidate for the United States Congress, would mislead voters about their service in combat is an affront to every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of our great country. J.R. Majewski owes each of these heroes a full explanation about his deception.”
Republicans in Ohio may stay mum, but the National Republican Congressional Committee has announced it will cancel a roughly $1 million ad buy in the race. The main campaign committee for House Republicans abandoning a candidate is a significant signal of their read of the contest.
Congressional race watchers at Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed their rating from toss-up to leans Democratic shortly after the news came out as well.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is adding nine rare respiratory cancers linked to burn pit exposure to the list of illnesses eligible for disability and health benefits.
President Joe Biden, who has said his son Beau Biden’s exposure to toxic fumes from the pits could have led to his death, announced the policy change Monday, saying in a statement he hopes to avoid repeating mistakes of the past.
“We learned a horrible lesson after Vietnam, when the harmful effects of exposure to Agent Orange sometimes took years to manifest, and too many veterans were left unable to access the care they needed,” Biden said. “I refuse to repeat that mistake when it comes to the veterans of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
The VA said Monday that it will begin processing disability compensation claims for former U.S. military members who were in Southwest Asia from Aug. 2, 1990, to the present or in Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan from Sept. 19, 2001, to the present.
The cancers include squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea, adenocarcinoma of the trachea, salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea, adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung, large cell carcinoma of the lung, salivary gland-type tumors of the lung, sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.
The VA said it plans to contact veterans who fall under the new rule, which will be published on Tuesday, or survivors, to tell them how to apply for benefits.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement the change in policy will ensure “veterans who suffer from these rare respiratory cancers will finally get” the health care and benefits they “deserve, without having to prove causality between their service and their condition.”
The VA said “a focused review of scientific and medical evidence” determined that “there is biological plausibility between airborne hazards and carcinogenesis of the respiratory tract — and the unique circumstances of these rare cancers warrant a presumption of service connection.”
At the time, Biden said burn pits — which incinerated medical and hazard material, jet fuel and other substances — were one of the many dangers U.S. soldiers faced during deployments.
“When they came home, many of the world’s fittest and best trained warriors were never the same,” Biden said during his speech. “Headaches. Numbness. Dizziness. A cancer that would put them in a flag-draped coffin.”
Biden, in his State of the Union address and his statement Monday, called on Congress to “pass bipartisan legislation to comprehensively address toxic exposures and further deliver the vital benefits our veterans have earned.”
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill from Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Kansas GOP Sen. Jerry Moran in mid-February that is the first of three pieces of legislation meant to address health care needs linked to burn pits.
When announcing the $1 billion legislation in early February, Moran said that 3.5 million combat veterans have experienced some level of toxic exposure since 9/11.
“This is the first step on a continuum of trying to make certain that those who experienced toxic exposure, and as a result are suffering in their health and well-being, receive medical benefits,” Moran said at the time.
The U.S. House voted 256-174 in early March to approve a separate bill that would be much larger in scope and price.
That legislation, referred to as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics or PACT Act, would cost about $280 billion during the next decade.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Maryland Democrat, said during floor debate the legislation would “expand veterans’ health care access and benefits to address the effects of these toxic exposures that occurred during their military service.”
“We asked our veterans to go to battle for America, and they answered that call,” Hoyer said. “When they return home, veterans should not have to go to battle against red tape to receive the medical treatment and benefits they have earned through their service.”
Loveland, Ohio – After overnight rain, late Saturday morning turned perfect for the 12th running of the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K from Loveland’s Nisbet Park.
In this video, you will hear from one of Seth’s closest Loveland High School friends, Greg Carpinello, one of the classmates who organizes the walk/run to raise scholarship dollars for Loveland High School graduates. The event is also and perhaps most importantly, a day to keep the memory of Mitchell alive and the spirit of service that defined his life. Seth’s life was cut short when he died in a helicopter crash in a mission he volunteered for while serving in Afghanistan.
Seth’s father, Steve, introduced Tara Schamel the mother of Madeline Schamel. Tara reads a note to the racers from Natti that told the story of how grateful she was for being awarded a scholarship and what Seth’s legacy means to her.
Joshua Sust knew he needed to make a big life change when he found himself getting into the wrong crowd in high school. Motivated to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, Josh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman in hopes to better his future and make a difference.
On November 12, 2011, during his deployment to Musa Quala, Afghanistan with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Cpl Sust was on patrol when his vehicle drove over a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The blast ejected Josh out of the vehicle, resulting in severe damage to his left leg, left arm, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hearing loss.
For over three years, doctors attempted limb salvage on his left leg. During that time, Josh endured constant pain and a decreased quality of life. In August 2015, he made the life-changing decision to have an amputation below his left knee.
Joshua Sust (Provided Photo – HFOT)
Now medically retired, Joshua enjoys spending his days hunting and fishing. His time outdoors is a form of therapy and builds camaraderie with his friends. A huge Bengals football fan, he likes attending games whenever he can. He also motivates others with similar injuries as a member of the Amputee Coalition peer support effort.
Cpl Sust was on patrol when his vehicle drove over a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). (Provided photo by Joshua Sust)
Joshua posted the above photo on his FaceBook page this last November 12 and said:
Confucius once said “ You have two lives.
The second one begins when you realize
you only have one.”
For me that realization was 9 years ago
today. Also known as my Big Bang.
A lot has happened since then.
My biggest take away has just been to
grow as a person. Try to show with
action no matter who we are, where
we come from or what happened to us
does not define who we are.
The greatest gift we have is time.
Eventually it’s going to run out for all of
us. When it does I just want to be
remembered as a good person.
Enjoy this life, it’s the only one we
have to live.
Joshua will soon receive the freedom he describes in the video above when he moves into his new home on Zoar Road in Maineville. The digs are being custom-built for him by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT). The home is being built by Michalson Homes of Milford.
“What that means to me is freedom of movement. I no longer have to think about my next step or if I can use a wheelchair,” said Joshua “At my current home I have to either wear my prosthesis or use crutches because the doorways and hallways are not wide enough.”
Joshua’s home will be a handicap accessible home. Meaning the doorways are wider, grab bars in the shower, a roll-in shower in the master bedroom, and, hardwood floors on a single slab.
Provided Photo – HFOT
Joshua says that receiving a Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) home will be a game-changer. He is friends with several HFOT Veterans and has been inspired by their journey. He has witnessed the difference a specially adapted custom Homes For Our Troops home has made in their lives. In his current home, Joshua often gets discouraged because he cannot use a wheelchair and is forced to use a crutch for everything, including going downstairs to do laundry. With freedom and independence, the home will provide him, he will have more time and energy to host Amputee Coalition Peer Support groups in his home. Originally from Cincinnati, Joshua is choosing to remain in Ohio to be close to family and friends.
“The neighborhood I will move into can be summed up with being peaceful,” said Joshua. “I am currently in Colerain. I am an avid hunter and fisherman. The idea for moving near Loveland was country living with peace and quiet that I do not currently have.” He does not have a move-in date currently, but he said he is just amazed at the progress that has been completed since September.
The paying it forward motto of Joshua’s is, “I just do that as much as I can either financially or just helping people out. I’ve been blessed with a lot in life and it would be very selfish of me to just take and not give back as much as I can” He said that he is just trying to be a good human.
Recent progress on Joshua’s new home (Provided Photo – HFOT)
HFOT will be holding the community kick off on January 9th at the Loveland VFW.
There will also be a volunteer day where people in the community come and help with landscaping and laying sod. Joshua has been told that it might have to be after the “key ceremony” due to Covid 19 restrictions.
“The most important part I’m looking forward to is having my family over for the holidays. Or cookouts in the summer. I just want to share this amazing blessing with the ones I love,” said Joshua.
Joshua feels grateful to receive a specially adapted custom home and said about Homes For Our Troops, “First and foremost thank you all for this amazing life-changing gift. Without your donations, none of this would be possible. I will not take this for granted and will pay it forward every way I can. You gave me freedom and independence. It is men and women like you that make this country so great.”
Loveland, Ohio – The 2020 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K originally scheduled for October 10 is now be a VIRTUAL event taking place throughout the month of October and throughout the world.
Our local team of Damien Cook, Marisa Sobb, Mollie Schrichten and Greg Carpinello (recently moved to Portland, OR) have developed an event that should be fun for all. Additionally they have a new website and link to the event.
Jordan Collins (above left) is the 2020 recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth. She was/is involved in many theatrical and musical productions, is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope and works part time. Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs. She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity. She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.
Caroline Ginder (above right) is the 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references a “being self motivated and goal oriented…and a fine example of caring more about their teammate than herself”. She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., soccer, NEST and is a National Honor Society member. Caroline will attend Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders. Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs.
About Seth Mitchell
Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers. He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.
In other words, Seth was a hero for all.
We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive. We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.
Loveland, Ohio – The community of Loveland has always had a special place in their “Sweethearts” for war heroes as the city is not only home to some of the most beautiful veteran memorials, but is also what many veterans call home. For the last 10 years, Loveland has paid tribute to Captain David Seth Mitchell, a decorated war hero, and Loveland High School graduate, through the Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K. Captain Mitchell was killed on October 26th, 2009 at age 30 when two helicopters collided while he was supporting combat operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. At the time of tragedy, Captain Mitchell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and was part of the Marine Corp HMLA 367 Scarface unit. Captain Mitchell piloted an AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter.
The other Marines killed in the collision were Corporal Gregory M.W. Fleury, 23, of Anchorage, Alaska; Captain Eric A. Jones, 29, of Westchester, New York; and Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen, 29, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Being relatively new to the Loveland community I had never heard of Captain Mitchell before my Editor, David Miller suggested I take on the assignment of telling you his story. After countless hours of research and conducting interviews with people that knew him, I quickly realized that Mitchell accomplished great heroic acts for Loveland and the United States before he died. Miller told me that he had always been inspired by the way Seth lived his life and how it has inspired others. After finishing this article David and I decided we wanted to make Seth’s story a part of our “What’s In Loveland’s DNA” segment as Captain Mitchell was someone who easily made the city of Loveland what it is today…a place filled with LOVE!
Captain Seth Mitchell was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 17, 1979, but grew up in Loveland and attended Loveland City Schools from 6th grade forward. From a very young age, Mitchell knew what he wanted to do when he grew up, and that was fly a plane! According to Mitchell’s parents, Steve and Connie Mitchell, he dreamed of two things as a kid – to fly and be a Marine.
“In his pre-high school years, Seth was not much of a leader. Maybe, the opposite. Very mischievous and had many troubles with grades in middle school and early high school,” Mitchell’s Father Steve said, “As parents, we saw a tremendous change in Seth after his freshman year. He actually finished that school year outside Loveland schools due to a personal issue. Something changed in Seth and he became a boy on a mission,” Steve said, “Perhaps it was his involvement with church activities, perhaps it was getting the know the folks that would become his lifelong friends. Whatever it was, he changed. He led a Bible study class, became more involved in school activities, started doing homework, persisted with teachers to let him take AP courses, became more outgoing. He changed and ‘invented’ the Seth he would become through the rest of his life,” Steve added.
Although Captain Mitchell had his trials and tribulations as he grew up he overcame all of the obstacles standing in his way and decided to make a difference. Friends said that he became a “do something” kid, always staying active and wanting to experience all he could. Mitchell became part of Loveland High School’s track and field team as well as the football team and eventually came to be elected as Senior class president. Captain Mitchell was so personable and well-liked by his classmates he was also voted “Mr. Personality” his senior year at Loveland.
To help the community recognize the sacrifice of their son and as Gold Star parents, the Loveland Athletic Boosters honored Steve and Connie Mitchell as Homecoming Grand Marshals in 2010.
“I want people to know that Seth was not a scholar, nor a star athlete, but he had goals, declared them and worked hard to achieve them,” Steve told Loveland Magazine, “He never became the star athlete, but found his role. Never became top of the class academically, but did make the honor roll a few times due to his hard work. One of Seth’s friends described him as a ‘friend to all’. I think he really tried to see people through many lenses,” Steve added.
Mitchell graduated from Loveland High School in 1997 and went on to attend Virginia Tech where he majored in English. While at VT Mitchell decided to enroll in the Marines through the ROTC program his freshman year and shortly after was awarded an ROTC scholarship. The VT ROTC scholarship enabled Mitchell to transition from VT ROTC to the Marine Corp in 2001.
Before each race, Steve Mitchell introduces the students who received the past year’s Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship.
While stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Captain Mitchell was determined to make it into the flight program as an aviator. Unfortunately, the waiting process was prolonged when Mitchell discovered he did not meet the vision requirements for the flight program. He then decided to get corrective eye surgery so that he could live out his aviation dream. After the surgery and a lot of dedication, Mitchell was awarded his private pilot’s license and a Marine Aviation training spot. Captain Mitchell completed his flight training in Pensacola, Florida and finally earned the “wings” he always wanted in May of 2007. What hit home with many of Captain Mitchell’s family and friends is that he physically drove to the Pentagon to deliver his Marine Aviation application so that he knew 100 percent that his application would not get lost in the mail. Talk about determination! Captain Mitchell’s hard work paid off as he went on to become an AH-1 Super Cobra Helicopter Pilot.
After already serving tours in Okinawa, Haiti, and Iraq in an infantry unit, Mitchell then served as an intelligence officer and pilot in Iraq in 2008. Shortly after, Mitchell and another Marine volunteered to go to Afghanistan early because the unit there didn’t have enough “manpower.”
“Seth’s unit, HMLA 367 – Scarface was to replace the HMLA 169 – Vipers in Afghanistan in late October 2009,” Steve said. “ The Vipers unit, however, had a pilot shortage. At a briefing in 29 Palms, CA, Seth immediately volunteered himself and his friend, Cpt. Porter B. Jones to go early. His C.O. told him no on three occasions, but Seth persisted. He was always a persistent person,” Steve said.
On August 10th, family and friends said goodbye as he left for Afghanistan, not knowing that that would be the last time they spoke to him in person. Captain Mitchell died on October 26th in Afghanistan’s Helmand province along with 4 other U.S troops.
“On October 26, a high-value target was identified with a short time to act. Seth and the others were in the queue, the lead pilot was disqualified due to hours and Seth moved up to the lead,” Steve explained, “As the subsequent ‘investigation’ said, there were many things to cover and a short time to do it. Per the investigation, much of it was improvised in flight. This was cited as one of the causes of the accident. In the rush to the target the helicopters, which always flew in tandem with the prescribed distance between them, got too close and collided. Ironically Seth died on the day his unit, 367/Scarface landed in Afghanistan and was to replace the 169/Viper unit,” Steve said.
“Seth’s death in the crash was immediate. He died when the choppers collided. We got the word around 2 AM when the Marines showed up at our home,” Steve said, “We stayed with the casualty officers until around 5 AM. Three hours later we drove to where his brother Drew was living, to tell him. It was like we had to experience the devastation two times that morning,” Steve added.
Seth is buried in Section 60, site # 8948 Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain David Seth Mitchell was buried on November 6th, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery. Mitchell was the 113th casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom and the 577th service member from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to be buried at Arlington.
“Seth is buried in Section 60, site # 8948. On November 4 we had a church service in Cary, NC, where we lived. Seth was born in Charlotte, NC and was a native North Carolinian, however on his military forms, required before deployments he listed his hometown as Loveland, Ohio,” Steve said, “We’ve said many times that Loveland was home to Seth because that’s where he had his passions and his lifelong friends. Seth graduated in ’97, went to VA Tech than to the Marine Corps, so he never established another home after high school. We did move back to NC in ’01, so when he came home from Marine duties, he came to NC where we lived. However he did wind up in Loveland on many occasions during his Marine service,” Steve said.
Join us for the 10th annual Cpt Seth Mitchell HERO 5K on Saturday, September 21st! INFO & REGISTRATION
Picnic Lunch of Hamburgers and Hot Dogs Included!
Now for the 10th year in a row Captain Mitchell’s family, friends and the Loveland community will come together for the Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K happening on Saturday, September 21st. The race will begin at 11 AM at Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland. Over the past 10 years, Mitchell’s Loveland High School classmates have put on the Hero 5K as a way of representing the type of person Captain Mitchell was. Below is what Mitchell’s friends hope to achieve this year.
“We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s Loveland High School classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive. We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth. Please join us by donating, running, or volunteering – and keep Seth’s memory alive.”
For the Hero 5k this year, Mitchell’s supporters are looking for volunteers as well as donations for the Captain Seth Mitchell Scholarship Fund, a scholarship that is awarded to a few select Loveland High School students every year.
Greg Carpinello, who was a very close friend and classmate to Mitchell, is excited to not only keep Seth’s memory alive but to also continue to award students the Captain Seth Mitchell Scholarship.
Greg Carpinello and Seth Mitchell
“In the years that have followed, it has been an honor to work with other classmates to keep Seth’s legacy alive in Loveland. We have awarded over $40,000 in scholarship money to more than 20 graduating Loveland High School students, but his story has touched the lives of hundreds of students over the last 10 years through the 5K, the witness of Seth’s teachers who still work in Loveland, and the wonderful ways in which Seth’s story is easily passed through word of mouth,” Carpinello said.
“Seth was like a brother to me. Our friendship and unbreakable bond grew throughout high school. I cherish the memories of our time together, lots of laughter working on Student Council projects, lots of hours of driving to concerts all over the country, but most notably the loyalty he showed me as a true friend during my life’s up and downs,” Carpinello explained. “The news of his death devastated me. I’ll never forget the phone call I got from our mutual friend Joe Horst. I was living in Boston at the time. When I answered and he told me to sit down, I knew right away that it was about Seth. I had to call my parents to break the news too. My Dad, a former Marine himself, and Seth grew close over the years as Seth deployed but always stayed in touch via email. I didn’t sleep at all that night…. the anguish was too great. The next few days were a blur as I traveled to North Carolina for the funeral. It was a moving service. Seth was loved by so many people, from every era of his life. The service reflected that clearly,” Carpinello said.
“This year, we would really like to see a record turnout for the 5K. We hope people will join us on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00 am to run or walk a 5K in honor of Seth, a true Loveland Hero,” added Carpinello.
Carpinello is not the only friend of Captain Seth Mitchell that couldn’t help but reminisce on their time spent with Mitchell. When Loveland Magazine mentioned the Hero 5k, Jeff Geiger, a former teacher of Mitchell’s that still teaches in Loveland, remembered him as being, “Determined, personable and extremely hard working…an example of a true ‘Tiger!”
This bronze Tiger was placed in the media center at Loveland High to keep the memory of Capt. David Seth Mitchell alive for future students.
“When Seth was killed, it was a shock, of course, it is never easy losing a former student – unfortunately too many. It did, however, bring the war home to those of us who knew Seth,” said Geiger. Because it was so personal, Geiger took his son Mark to Washington for the funeral. “It touched both of us as to the sacrifices being made by families all over this country.” Geiger told Loveland Magazine that when he taught Seth that he was a hard worker and really did not say too much, but he remembered that he always had a smile on his face and seemed genuinely happy being in class and being a Tiger. “Seth’s legacy is one of determination and sacrifice. It is an example to all ‘Tigers’ of what hard work and determination can accomplish. Seth’s sacrifice has also been important in teaching students about the phrase ‘Freedom isn’t Free’. No longer is it just a phrase to be thrown around – we have Seth to bring home the sad truth of its reality.” Geiger remembers that when Connie, Seth’s mother was handed the neatly folded American flag at the Arlington gravesite it became emblematic of all the mothers and fathers across this country who have given so much. “Loveland and similar communities should be both humble and grateful for the sacrifices of men and women such as Seth,” Geiger added.
“I loved Seth and his family more than anything. His death was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face during my career in education,” Powers said.
Julie Powers, a former student council class advisor of Captain Mitchell’s and current Algebra 2 teacher at Loveland High School, chimed in on how wonderful Mitchell truly was.
“I loved Seth and his family more than anything. His death was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face during my career in education,” Powers said. “Sadly, I will not ever forget that day.” Powers remembers standing next to the sideboard in her room writing something on the board before school began. A friend and fellow teacher, Leah Evans, walked into her room and over to where she was standing. “I looked up at her face when she quietly asked, ‘Julie, you knew Seth Mitchell, right?’ My heart dropped at that moment. I knew immediately without her having to say a word that Seth was gone, gone from this world. We had lost him. He had been killed the day before, or, at least, I think Connie and Steve had received the news the day before. I remember not being able to stop crying,” Powers explained.
That whole class of students was one that I had gotten to know better than any other over the course of their high school careers. They had a closeness I have never before or after witnessed between all of the students. They did not have cliques that were separate from each other. There may have been ‘groups of friends’ in the class but it was a whole class of students who put everything they had into high school and enjoying the time they spent together at LHS. That morning, I remember walking to the office. Dr. Molly Moorhead and Debbie Hager, a guidance counselor and mother to Sarah Hager, also a graduate of the Class of ‘97, brought the few teachers left in the building who had taught Seth and knew him really well to Dr. Moorhead’s office so that we could speak with the Mitchells on the phone and be with each other. When I was speaking to Connie, she asked me had I taught Seth and I said: ‘yes, I had taught his Algebra 2 class.’ Connie’s response to me was ‘Aw, honey, Seth was never very good at math.’ I think I laughed a little with her because to me, being a student is more about a work ethic than the amount of raw talent someone has. And, I shared with her that Seth had been such an amazingly determined student. It did not matter that math was not his favorite class or that it may not have come as easily to him. He made the most of every day, always worked hard, harder than most to ‘get the math’ and he was always one of the most positive people in the class. I cannot, to this day, picture Seth’s face without a huge grin. He had such a knack for knowing if someone in the class was feeling down. Even if it might not have been his best friend, he would go over to that person and just check on them. These days, if you think about it, do you have any people at your job or in your neighborhood who do that? He was unbelievable. Always there to brighten someone’s day and sometimes that was my day, too. Having the chance to teach and work with Seth is a gift I have been given. His life has taught me so much about choosing to live and to dream big. His dreams were big and he worked at them to make them come true. When I think of Seth, I know he was a young man who had huge personal dreams of flying, he valued his friends and classmates a great deal, and nothing but his absolute best work was good enough for him. If someone needed him for anything, he was there.
“Simply put, if Seth had not volunteered to go to Afghanistan early, he would not have been there when his helicopter went down. He was due to deploy in November of 2009. He died on October 26, 2009. He died because he heard there was a pilot shortage over there and he wanted to help his fellow Marines. He volunteered to go early (several times before he was finally given the go-ahead to go early). Had he not been SETH, who always wanted to help out and give more than he could, he would never have given his life that October morning. That is the Seth Mitchell who will ALWAYS be my TRUE HERO. It is my truest honor to share the story of one of the most remarkable young people I have ever taught, Seth Mitchell, with each class who graduates from Loveland High School. I want them to know of his great heart, his selflessness, his work ethic, his dreams, his ever-present smile, his concerns for others, his fear of not reaching his dreams, overcoming that fear and living the life he was destined to live. He is a fellow Loveland Tiger who walked the same halls they walk, who sat in the same classrooms they sit in and who gave everything for each one of us. We can all learn from Seth’s life and his story. Life is too short. Live it. Don’t let it pass you by. Be there for each other. Dream and dream big. Reach for the stars and maybe you will make it out there among them. – Julie Powers
Drew, Connie, and Steven Mitchell at the 2014 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K.
We encourage all of the Loveland community to come together to support Captain Seth Mitchell on September 21st at the Hero 5k so that we can continue to spread the unbelievable amount of kindness, selflessness, and bravery Captain Mitchell showed everyone on a regular basis. If you would like to get involved visit the official Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5k website.
Watch this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video of the 2017 Hero 5K and listen to Greg Carpinello talk about why Seth’s friends are keeping his memory alive. Also included in the video is Marisa Sobb reading a letter from scholarship winner Katie McElveen describing how Seth Mitchell inspired her community spirit.
Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, September 22 The Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K will be held in Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland – for the ninth straight year. The race is organized each year by Mitchell’s former classmates who miss their friend and want to keep his memory alive. They represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. The race raises scholarship money for graduating seniors at Loveland High School.
Captain David Seth Mitchell
Mitchell was class president his senior year at Loveland High School in 1997. He died in 2009 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on a mission he volunteered for.
In the first LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you will see clips from last year’s event
The second video is Seth’s father Steven Mitchell thanking the participants, sponsors, and the organizing committee and announcing that last year was a record for the amount of money raised at the race, more than $10,000. Mitchell told the young people in the crowd to learn about and remember the life his son led, “You will make a difference in somebody’s life someday.”
Captain David Seth Mitchell is resting in Arlington National Cemetery
The event features a cookout and festival during and after the race.
For more information about the race and to participate in being a sponsor: please contact…
We need many volunteers to help with the race and festival.
If you’re not running or walking that day, please consider supporting us by serving in this vital capacity. Contact info@sethmitchell5k.org if you’re interested!
Loveland Magazine is a Sponsor of The Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K
Saturday – September 22nd, 2018
Pre-Race Event: Come early to hear from the Mitchell Family and past winners of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship.
The Course: Starting at 11am, the 5K course begins and ends in historic downtown Loveland at Nisbet Park and will include part of the Loveland Bike Trail.
ONLY at Nisbet Park on Saturday morning, Race Day, September 22nd starting at 9am.
Awards:
All kids 18 and under will receive participation HERO 5K Wrist Bands. Top 3 male/female walkers and runners in each age category will receive awards (19-29, 30-39,40-49,50-59, 60+) Race results will be posted on www.runningtime.net
Join us for a cookout and festival during and after the race! Nisbet ParkFood, Games, and more…
Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, September 23 The Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5K was run from Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland for the eighth straight year. The race is organized each year by Mitchell’s former classmates who miss their friend and want to keep his memory alive. They represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. The race raises scholarship money for graduating seniors at Loveland High School.
Captain David Seth Mitchell
Mitchell was class president his senior year at Loveland High School in 1997. He died in 2009 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on a mission he volunteered for.
In the first LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, you will see clips from the event and listen to Marisa Sobb read a letter from lasts year’s scholarship winner, 2017 Loveland High School graduate, Katie McElveen. In the letter, McElveen talks about the inspiration Seth Mitchell was for her as she strived to live her life with the ideals that Mitchell embodied.
In the second video, Seth’s father Steven Mitchell thanked the participants, sponsors, and the organizing committee and announced that this year was a record for the amount of money raised at the race, more than $10,000. Mitchell told the young people in the crowd to learn about and remember the life his son led, “You will make a difference in somebody’s life someday.”
Captain David Seth Mitchell is resting in Arlington National Cemetery
The event featured a cookout and festival during and after the race. Race results are posted on www.runningtime.net
For more information about the race and to participate in being a sponsor: please contact…
We need many volunteers to help with the race and festival.
If you’re not running or walking that day, please consider supporting us by serving in this vital capacity. Contact info@sethmitchell5k.org if you’re interested!
Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers. He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines. 
by Cassie Mattia
Being relatively new to the Loveland community I had never heard of Captain Mitchell before my Editor, David Miller suggested I take on the assignment of telling you his story. After countless hours of research and conducting interviews with people that knew him, I quickly realized that Mitchell accomplished great heroic acts for Loveland and the United States before he died. Miller told me that he had always been inspired by the way Seth lived his life and how it has inspired others. After finishing this article David and I decided we wanted to make Seth’s story a part of our “
Join us for the 10th annual Cpt Seth Mitchell HERO 5K on Saturday, September 21st! 
by David Miller,
