Patrick Murphy to be Sworn in as Undersecretary of the Army

Patrick Murphy, the first Iraq War veteran to serve in Congress, represented Pennsylvania's 8th district (Bucks County and part of Montgomery County and Philadelphia) for 2 terms,  This Wednesday he will be sworn in as the 32nd Undersecretary of the Army and Chief Management Officer.  He was confirmed as Undersecretary by the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this year.  On January 7th, President Obama asked him to serve as Acting Secretary of the Army.  He is currently responsible for a $143 million dollar budget and approximately 1.4 million soldiers and Department of the Army civilians, which would rank as a Fortune 10 company and behind only Wal-Mary in total personnel.

As Acting Secretary he has testified before the Senate and has traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, Texas, and other places, as well at the Walter Reed National Medical Center, to visit with military personnel. The Undersecretary serves as the Army’s principal adviser on matters related to the management and operation of the Army, including development and integration of the Army Program and Budget. As the Chief Management Officer (CMO) of the Army, he advises the Secretary on the effective and efficient organization of the Army’s business operations and initiatives for the business transformation of the Army.  Whle in Congress he co-authored legislation including the 21st Century GI Bill, the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and Hire Our Heroes legislation

Note From Patrick Murphy

This message was sent out from the Center for American Progress, signed by Patrick Murphy, recently confirmed by the Senate as Undersecretary of the Army:

Late on Friday I was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve once again in the U.S. Army.

As a third-generation veteran, it has been clear to me, since the day I was born, that there is no greater honor than serving in our nation’s military. It is a humbling honor to continue public service as Under Secretary of the United States Army—the #2 civilian position and the Chief Management Officer. I thank President Obama, Secretary Carter and Acting Secretary Fanning for their trust and confidence and also the United States Senate for their confirmation. Making sure that we have the best Army possible to defend our nation, and that our brave warriors have every tactical and technical advantage over our enemies, is a mission that I accept with extreme dedication.

I also want to take a moment to thank my family for their support and many sacrifices—I wouldn't be who I am without them. And to my friends and colleagues, your unwavering support is a constant source of inspiration—I hope to continue making you proud of my efforts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Go Army!

Patrick 

Patrick Murphy Confirmed as Undersecretary of the Army

Patrick Murphy, who represented Pennsylvania's 8th district (Bucks, and bits of Montgomery and Philadelphia counties) in Congress, was confirmed today as the Undersecretary of the Army.  You can find the video of his confirmation hearing before the Senate's Armed Forces committee (two other people nominated for other positions were testifying as well) online.  The same site has a 50+ page document with prepared questions and Murphy's answers.  I'm not sure how long the document and video will be up and available.

The Inquirer has a short article about his confirmation, "Senate confirms Murphy for Army job," by Jonathan Tamari, posted today.

This press release arrived in today's email:

Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden released to following statement after former CAP Senior Fellow Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) was confirmed to be undersecretary of the U.S. Army today:

Today, the Army and the nation are lucky to have former Rep. Patrick Murphy confirmed as undersecretary of the U.S. Army. When he was a member of Congress, CAP was proud to work with Rep. Murphy on issues he championed, such as the Affordable Care Act, and as he led the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. As a Senior Fellow, Murphy contributed greatly to our work by leading on issues that affect 21st-century fighters, and he will no doubt do the same for the Army. Murphy served the country twice, first in the Army and later as the first Iraq War veteran to serve in Congress, and we know he will bring the same service to the Army once again.

Patrick Murphy Hosts Veterans Day Program

from the inbox:

Fox Rothschild partner Patrick Murphy, the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress where he served two terms, will cohost a one-hour primetime TV special on Veterans Day about the 2015 Triumph Games in which 12 spectacular veteran-athletes vie in adaptive sports for $240,000 in prize money.

Jody Simon (Los Angeles), who chairs the Production Practice in Fox Rothschild’s Entertainment Department, served as general counsel for the show, which was produced by Our Vets Success.

The program will air on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. ET and again at 10 p.m. ET on the CBS Sports Network.

Wounded Warrior Project Wins Clio Award

There is a local connection to a Clio Award winning project.  The trailer for a new MSNBC documentary, Wounded:  The Battle Back Home, features a song by the band Imagine Dragons.  The documentary is connected to former Congressman Patrick Murphy's show on the same network, Taking the Hill.

Horsham Democrats Annual Reception

The Horsham Democrats held their annual reception on August 12, 2014 at the Horsham Pub in Ambler.  Several local officials and candidates attended.  Former 8th District Congressman Patrick Murphy was a special guest.  Joe Hoeffel, who has held office as a Congressman (13th), Montgomery County Commissioner, and State Representative (153rd) and is now an author (of Iraq Lies) was also in attendance but did not make formal remarks.

These are my rough notes from the event.  Public remarks were longer and more detailed; this is in no way intended as a transcript.  It is just my notes from what people said.  My apologies in advance for any errors or misconceptions.  A few personal observations are given at the end of the post. 

MC:  Horsham Dems co-chair Pat Costello

Co-host:  Horsham Dems vice chair Ron Kolla

In addition to speakers the following were present:

Joe Hoeffel, D. Bruce Hanes (Montco Register of Wills), Ann Thornburg Weiss (Montco Clerk of Courts, JeanneSorg (Mayor of Ambler) and Rick Taylor (First Gentleman of Ambler and former State Representative), Greg Holt (Montco State Democratic Committee), Mark Levy (Montco Prothonotary), Madeleine Dean (State Representative for 153rd district), Dottie Miller (State House candidate in 53rd district), RuthDamsker (former Montco County Commissioner, candidate for State Senate in 12th district), [Mary Ellen Balchunis -- 7th district congressional candidate -- she was mentioned but I'm not sure she was there in person]

Brendan Boyle, candidate for Congress in the 13th district and current state representative in the 170th district, who had to leave early, spoke before the other formal remarks.  He referenced being the first Democrat in history to win in his district, and now people were saying a Republican couldn’t win the seat.  He said he looked forward to growing the party.

Pat Costello gave opening remarks, welcoming everyone.  He pointed out the labor leaders in the room and said labor is the backbone of Horsham.  He mentioned candidates in the room (see list above)

Josh Shapiro, chairman of the Montco Commissioners:  Recognizes Pat Costello.  Understands what it takes to build a party.  Bullish on Horsham Dems.  Believe in one another.  This is a tremendous group of people, who know how to mobilize.  Ruth Damsker will vote with Tom Wolf to put more money back into education.  Starts with boots on the ground.  Introduces Patrick Murphy, watches him on MSNBC, doing great things with veterans.  Murphy is raising awareness, and being a voice for the voiceless.

Patrick Murphy, former congressmen in the 8th district:  thanks.  When he signed up with MSNBC he can no longer endorse candidates but got special permission to be here tonight.  The only thing you have is your word.  Special mention of Hoeffel, who is the conscience of the party in this area.  A lot of great things going on in Horsham.  He was only elected to Congress because of the voters Montgomery County who were in the 8^th district.  He recognizes Wendy Rothstein (??), who is also a lawyer at Fox Rothschild, and mentions that Montgomery party chair Marcel Groen is also at Fox Rothschild.  References Joe Hoeffel’s book, Iraq Lies.  Less than 1% of Americans have served in Iraq.  Many have come home broken.  Leave no one behind.  Every day 22 veterans commit suicide, over 70% with a gun.  Heart broken over Robin Williams’s death; he did a lot for veterans.  Tells the story of getting a death threat the night the Affordable Care Act.  He slept on the floor of his congressional office and someone called him and said he was dead.   Mentions that while in Congress he did the PX90 workout with Paul Ryan.  Mentions ISIS conflict, and humanitarian drops by US.  Says Tom Corbett has been called the most ineffective governor in the country. 

Leslie Richards, Montco Commissioner:  Great to see so many old and new faces.  When Josh and I won we made history.  Not possible without work by Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker.  Elect Ruth to the State Senate.  Let’s help Tom Corbett make history by being the first PA governor not to win a second term. 

Josh Shapiro:  Thanks Pat Costello and others.  

Personal observations:  This was a lively gathering.  Boyle, Hoeffel and Murphy were the popular kids; there was always a crowed around each of them.  The room was full and the event well-attended, especially on a rainy night.  The food looked good, too.  I had already eaten but did have some blueberries.  There were more influential women there than I am used to seeing, which was encouraging.

WaPo Mentions Patrick Murphy for VA Post

Josh Hicks and Colby Itkowitz wrote an article for the Washington Post on May 30,"Who will replace Shinseki in the long run," outlining the list of potential candidates to replace Eric Shinseki for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  The list has six names, including Patrick Murphy, former congressman for Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district (mostly Bucks County, some Philly, and then a sliver of Montco).  Murphy is currently in private law practice and has a monthly show on MSNBC focusing on veterans affairs.  Murphy was the first Iraq War veteran elected to congress and took the lead in ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military.

Itkowitz is a native of Lancaster, PA and used to write for the Morning Call.

Murphy's MSNBC "Taking the Hill" Becomes a Regular Program

Patrick Murphy, who represented the 8th congressional district for two terms and was the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, has a new venture.  In December he hosted a program on MSNBC focusing on veterans' issues.  

The program, "Taking the Hill," (also the title of Murphy's autobiography) will be a regular addition to the channel's schedule.  The show will be live from 30 Rockefeller Center on Sunday, January 26th at 1 p.m. EST; it will air the fourth Sunday of each month in 2014.  

Thie s first episode will feature a Wounded Warrior Project documentary on using exercise as a way to deal with PTSD; a discussion on sexual assaults in the military with Senator Kristen Gillibrand, MSNBC contributor Jack Jacobs and Anu Bhagwati, executive director of SWAN (Service Women’s Action Network, a nonpartisan civil rights organization founded and led by women veterans that seeks to transform military culture by securing equal opportunity and the freedom to serve without discrimination, harassment or assault).

Patrick Murphy "Taking the Hill" on MSNBC Sunday

recently noted:

MSNBC contributor Patrick Murphy returns as host of a one-hour conversation about veterans issues live from 30 Rockefeller Center on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Murphy, a former Congressman (D-PA) and Iraq War veteran, continues to examine issues affecting the veteran community as they navigate their postwar lives. MSNBC will also premiere “Wounded: The Battle Back Home” – the second hour of its “Taking the Hill” documentary series produced by Flow Nonfiction in conjunction with Wounded Warrior Project to commemorate the organization’s 10th anniversary. This new installment introduces Angie Peacock - an Iraq War Veteran who returned from combat suffering severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Wounded: The Battle Back Home” shares Angie’s story of determination as she fights toward recovery.

The Other 1%

Patrick Murphy's latest post on the MSNBC site, "Why I'm Thankful for the 1%," makes this point:

I’m so thankful for the 48,000 troops still serving in harm’s way during America’s longest war in Afghanistan. They serve on our behalf _ in danger _ always a mortar shell, roadside bomb or machine-gun fire away from the ultimate sacrifice. These heroic troops join 2.5 million from this generation who answered their nation’s call – less than 1% of all Americans.

MSNBC to Show Wound Warrior Project Films

Patrick Murphy's most recent column at MSNBC, "Leaving no one behind," announced not only his veterans day special, but also a year long celebration of veterans on the network:

That’s why I’m proud MSNBC is kicking off a year-long testament to the American veteran this Sunday at the National 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. MSNBC will highlight 12 inspirational films from the Wounded Warrior Project. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the lives of so many, especially the 2.5 million veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Many of these stories will illustrate the challenges facing this generation of veterans as they come back home. But most importantly, they demonstrate the principles of selfless service, a lesson all too often forgotten in the halls of power.

Murphy's Veterans Special

If you missed Patrick Murphy's MSNBC special on veterans, "Taking the Hill," you can watch it on video:  http://www.msnbc.com/taking-the-hill

Patrick Murphy on the Affordable Care Act

Former Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy has issued an op-ed on the Affordable Care Act ("Was losing my seat for Obamacare worth it?").  It appears on the MSNBC site.  Here is an excerpt:

But hearing the heartbreaking stories of so many families who were denied coverage–who went bankrupt because of medical bills–that was too much for me. In 2010 alone, 26,100 people prematurely died due to lack of health coverage. That is immoral. How can anyone rationalize that the greatest country on Earth, with the best doctors, stood by decade after decade as fellow Americans died prematurely because they didn’t have access to health insurance? Whether it was a pre-existing condition or affordability, something had to be done. Every major stakeholder–doctors, seniors, hospitals, PhRMA–all came together and endorsed Obamacare. But that is policy, not politics.

That's not the only thing he's in the news for today.  Politico has an article by Lucy McCalmont with the title:  "Patrick Murphy hints Gabby Giffords shooting tied to ACA vote."  I was at some of the Bucks County events and rallies that he mentions and things did get ugly.  The screaming and yelling was bad enough but the hateful comments (A woman saying "Jesus would throw you out!" to someone holding a What Would Jesus Do sign) were alarming. 

Murphy on the 4th

Patrick Murphy's latest post on the MSNBC blog are his thoughts on Independence Day and American military policy.  See "The fogotten war and the lessons of freedom."

Patrick Murphy: Sen. Gillibrand is Right

Patrick Murphy's latest blog post at MSNBC is on sexual assault in the military.  Here's an excerpt:

The Pentagon estimates that 26,000 sexual assaults occurred in the military last year, a 34% increase from 2010. What’s worse, the percentage of victims who actually reported the crime dropped to just 9.8%. If these numbers tell us anything, it’s that the sexual assault problem is getting worse, while service members have lost faith in the military criminal justice system.

Patrick Murphy on Memorial Day

from the inbox, a message from Patrick Murphy:

Jenni, the kids, and I want to wish you and your family a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. As you enjoy the long weekend and the beautiful weather, I ask that you take a moment to think about and honor the American troops who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I will especially think about my namesake, Specialist Patrick Ward, who gave his life in Vietnam, and the 19 men I served with in the 82^nd Airborne, who gave their lives almost ten years ago while serving in Iraq. Their service and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, I am at the West Point graduation. It will be an honor to see the cadets I nominated four years ago graduate from an institution where I was proud to teach, and now continue to serve as a member of their board. These charges will be commissioned leaders of character and will face many challenges, but I know they will rise to meet them with strength and dignity.

Please continue to keep our men and women in harm's way in all your thoughts and prayers.

Murphy: How to Get an "F"

In his autobiography, Taking the Hill, then Congressman Patrick Murphy (PA-08) mentioned that in high school he flunked algebra; he teacher gave him an F.

He also got an F from the NRA.  He writes about that in his most recent post on MSNBC, "How to get an F from the NRA."

Murphy is a firm believer in Second Amendment Rights but also in gun safety. 

Worth a read.

Murphy New MSNBC Contributor

Patrick Murphy, former 8th district congressional representative, added to his resume last night.  He is now an official MSNBC contributor.  His inaugural spot was on the Rachel Maddow Show discussing possibly changes to the US unmanned  drone aircraft program.  [video available]

DVLF Announces Heroes (including Patrick Murphy)

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, an organization that supports the community needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and straight-allied communities, will hold their 7th annual Heroes celebration on May 19th.  DVLF works to increase philanthropic awareness and grantmaking through endowment building, fundraising, outreach, and education.

At the Heroes event

DVLF seeks to identify youth, adults, non-profits, straight-allies & businesses who have bold ideas, act with selfless intention, are admired for their integrity, and are regarded as courageous in advancing the equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender community in the Delaware Valley and beyond. DVLF honors these Heroes annually in celebration of their character & in encouragement of others to act heroically.

This year's heroes include:

Individual HERO Award:

Franny Price

Straight Ally HERO Award:

Patrick Murphy

 

Lifetime Legacy Award:

John Cunningham

 

Youth HERO Award:

Chantel Wilson

Nonprofit Organization HERO Award:

The Philadelphia Foundation

Business/Corporation HERO Award:

Rossi Wellness Center

Murphy represented the 8th congressional district (primarily Bucks County) for two terms and was a leader in the successful effort to change the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule.  Murphy was the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress and is currently a lawyer in Philadelphia.

Patrick Murphy on DOMA

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy's latest post on MSNBC is on the Defense of Marriage Act as it affects military families.  Murphy is known for his work to rescind "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  Read "DOMA hurts our military families," 3/04/2013