Latest news with #Gumbs
American Military News
7 days ago
- American Military News
Military base gambling issue exposed by Army vet
A U.S. Army veteran is encouraging the U.S. military to do more to prevent military members from struggling with gambling addiction as the Army Recreation Machine Program continues to grow and more service members use slot machines on U.S. military bases in foreign countries. According to Wired, Neil Gumbs, the general manager of the Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) Installation Management Command, confirmed that the ARMP currently has 1,889 slot machines in 79 different foreign U.S. base locations. The outlet noted that the ARMP generated $70.9 million from its slot machine games in Fiscal year 2024, resulting in $53 million in net proceeds. A 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office showed that the ARMP used to generate over $100 million in revenue; however, the revenue generated by the program dropped significantly from 2010 until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Wired reported that the ARMP has witnessed increased revenue over the past several years since the COVID-19 pandemic. The outlet cited Gumbs, who claimed that the increase in revenue could be attributed to a 'renewed investment in new equipment and cost/expense reductions aided in increasing entertainment on offer.' Dave Yeager, a U.S. Army veteran, told Wired that he first discovered the slot machines at a U.S. military base in Seoul, South Korea, shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. After winning one of the slot machine games, Yeager developed a 'devastating obsession' with the slot machines, which eventually resulted in him using up his savings, selling his belongings, and stealing from his military unit. Yeager told Wired that he did not tell anyone about his gambling addiction because he thought no one could help him. READ MORE: Army vet wins huge lottery prize Asked about Yeager's story regarding gambling addiction, Gumbs said, 'ARMP is affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Additionally, we promote responsible gambling, and all gaming areas and machines prominently display the national gambling hotline number.' Wired reported that the money generated by the ARMP's slot machines is used to support each military branch's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. The outlet noted that some of the revenue is used to provide libraries, golf courses, bowling alleys, and other forms of entertainment on U.S. military bases. Gumbs told Wired, 'Proceeds that are returned to MWR are decided and allocated by the garrison commander at each installation.' While Yeager acknowledged the importance of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation, he warned that the U.S. military needs to make additional investments to help prevent gambling addiction and help military members who suffer from gambling addiction. 'Educating soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that this is a real addiction and that there's treatment that could improve readiness and could bring people out of the woodwork who are scared to go to treatment,' Yeager stated. 'It would not be difficult to do.'
ABC News
27-04-2025
- ABC News
Hundreds protest gendered violence after death of Audrey Griffin in Central Coast
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains the name and image of a person who has died. Hundreds of people marched in heavy rain on the New South Wales Central Coast to protest violence against women. The rally, which started at Gosford Waterfront Park, was inspired by the death of 19-year-old local Audrey Griffin, whose body was found in Erina Creek on March 23 after a night out with her friends. Audrey Griffin's body was found in Erina Creek on March 23. ( Supplied ) Police charged Adrian Torrens, 53, of her murder, but he died in custody before going to trial. Mr Torrens was known to police with a criminal record including an AVO and was serving a community corrections order. Local resident, and one of the event organisers, Lauren Gumbs said Ms Griffin's death had left their tight-knit community "horrified" and it should not have happened. "We're marching today because enough is enough," Ms Gumbs said. One of the event organisers, Lauren Gumbs, says the issue of violence against women has not featured in the election. ( ABC News: Nabil Al Nashar ) If you or anyone you know needs help: Emergency services on triple-0 if you need immediate care "Last year they [the federal government] declared a national crisis and then they barely said anything about it. "Nobody said anything about it before the election, it just hasn't been an issue." Two days ago, when Ms Gumbs started organising the event, it was under the banner of "#23TooMany", in reference to the 23 women who have so far lost their lives to violence in Australia. A figure organisers attribute to the project that tracks all women killed nationally — Australia Femicide Watch. "Already another lady's been killed in Victoria. So we're up to 24 Too Many now," Ms Gumbs said. "We're gonna have to keep changing the hashtag unless something changes." According to Australia Femicide Watch, 24 women have been killed in Australia this year. ( ABC News: Nabil Al Nashar ) 'Emotionally taxing week for all women' Piper Wyanz went to school with Ms Griffin. She lamented that her death had become another statistic, saying that while the issue of gender-based violence affects everyone, women's safety had not been taken seriously. She added that inadequate transport services in the area added to the problem. "Politicians really love to use the word 'law reform', because we know that's an important thing that needs to happen, but it's also a long-winded process that can take years to do," Ms Wyanz said. "Where I live, the latest public transport I can get is at 6:30 at night, and that is in no way stopping women from having to walk home alone at night." Piper Wyanz, (left) went to school with Ms Griffin. Ruby Heronlittle, (right), says it's been an emotionally taxing week for women. ( ABC News: Nabil Al Nashar ) Ruby Heronlittle also braved the rain to attend the march, saying she had been feeling "anxious" after an "emotionally taxing week for all women". "Everyone is showing up in the rain just proves we won't stand for violence against women," Ms Heronlittle said. "We need action from parties to show us policies that are gonna make us feel safe in our communities and make women safe behind closed doors. "We're calling for urgent action, which is funding for women shelters and front-line services." Photo shows Two women wearing white hug on a beach More than 1,000 people have gathered on Terrigal Beach to mourn Audrey Griffin, a young woman who is alleged to have been murdered. The march ended at the Central Coast Leagues Club were several women gave speeches, including young teenage girls and domestic violence survivors. Another event organiser, Brianna Harvey from What Were You Wearing Australia, told the crowd violence was "not random, it is a pattern and it is preventable". "Where is the outrage from those in power and where is the emergency level funding?" Ms Harvey asked. Sixteen-year-old Scarlett Owens addressed the crowd, saying, "the Central Coast continuously ranks amongst the highest regions in New South Wales for domestic violence and it's not because women are asking for it". "It's because of what boys are being taught from a very young age," she said. "Today, I call upon all educators, public leaders and policy makers to consider how the way we respond or fail to respond to casual misogyny in both schools and communities shapes future generations."
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Fulton city council member enters race for mayor
South Fulton Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs announced Friday that she'd be running to be the next city mayor. If Gumbs wins against current Mayor Khalid Kamau, she'd be the first woman to be mayor in the city's nearly 10-year history. Gumbs held her first campaign event on Sunday afternoon at the Renaissance Church of Christ in South Fulton. According to a statement about her campaign, Gumbs is determined to 'right the ship' in city hall, following 'ethical challenges in the mayor's office.' Her campaign said Gumbs will focus on protecting taxpayer money, eliminating fraud and waste and will work to ensure the city government operates with the 'highest standards of integrity.' 'Our city deserves leadership that prioritizes accountability and transparency,' Gumbs said. 'I am running for mayor because South Fulton's best days are ahead of us, and with the right leadership, we can create a government that always puts the people first.' Channel 2 Action News reached out to South Fulton Mayor Kamau for comment and are waiting for their response. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 4 dead in overnight crash after driver runs red light in west Georgia, GSP says Lake Oconee dive searches for missing teacher suspended until further notice Neighbors speak out against controversial Atlanta BeltLine development [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
