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The armed forces veterans' support sector is vast and, some would argue, overprovided for. At a time when some long-established ex-armed forces support organizations appear to be losing members, Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Clubs (AFVBCs) continue to grow. This article examines this phenomenon arguing that AFVBCs, which are organized in a somewhat unconventional way, provide a safe domain for veterans to reminisce, provide mutual support with others who share the same experiences, and understand military service and the difficulties of transition to civilian life, all factors which contribute to their well-being. They enable the generation and protection of military identity which is highly salient and prominent for many veterans. This study sees AFVBCs as a veteran's self-help community which can also provide a focus for those responsible for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant. A total of 250 veterans contributed to this study, the majority being those who 'do well' in civilian life but with a minority who suffer in some way and need help. Veterans attending AFVBCs come from all branches of the armed forces, some having served for a short period and others a full career. Data were collected face-to-face at one AFVBC, from a study of online testimonials, conversations with the AFVBC founder and an online survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing universal health care coverage may be the first step towards the provision of affordable, portable, and secure health insurance. Many people erroneously believe that health care reform in 1995 must be achieved in incremental steps. These types of reforms would target the insurance industry and would provide subsidies to help people with low incomes afford health insurance. This approach will cause health care costs to rise until health insurance becomes unaffordable. Subsidies financed through deficit reduction may fluctuate yearly and may be inadequate to purchase health insurance. Furthermore, incremental reforms do not address direct cost containment. Universal coverage in concert with specific cost control strategies will increase coverage, preserve choice of medical providers, and maintain affordability. Policymakers must inform the public that the health care system in 1995 already incorporates the costs of providing medical care to the uninsured. The costs of universal coverage are nominal compared to consequences of incremental reform.

On March 9, 1984, 25-year-old ironworker Michael Ricci was on his way to a job site in New Haven, Conn., when his car began giving him trouble. He pulled off [...]

Analyzes the foreign policy of the U.S. toward sub-Saharan Africa. Trade relations with sub-Saharan Africa; Scope of the congressional policy on trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa developed in March 1996; Changes in how the board of directors of U.S. Export-Import Bank operates.