Tennessee joint operation recovers 150 missing kids

Some of the missing children were identified as possible human trafficking victims

A total of 150 missing children from Tennessee have been recovered during a months-long joint law enforcement operation, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) on Wednesday. 

Authorities said the missing children -- ranging in age from 3 to 17 -- were recovered during three sweeps across the state in January and February. 

At least one child was identified as a human trafficking victim. Four others are possible human trafficking victims, the TBI said in the release. 

The children were recovered during "Operation Volunteer Strong" a collaboration between TBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Tennessee Department of Children's Services.

"I hope this operation changes the course for 150 young lives and leads them to the path of opportunities every child deserves," said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. "Our efforts should also serve notice to those who prey on society's most vulnerable that these children are not forgotten."






 

Reporter's Notebook: Chicago pastor turns gangsters' lives around with stunning compassion

Pastor Corey Brooks' 'magic sauce' is his compassionate form of judgment

CHICAGO - When I first met Pastor Corey Brooks in Chicago several years ago, I was somewhat caught off guard by his gentle and peaceful nature. I admit I expected him to be more in the mold of a fiery, in-your-face type of preacher. After all, this was the pastor that established his New Beginnings Church and Project H.O.O.D., a community center, in the heart of Woodlawn, one of the most violent of 77 communities that make up Chicagoland.

While most people in that neighborhood are salt-of-the-earth, working-class folk, it is also home to some of the most notorious and violent gangsters. How could this pastor transform these cancerous elements into productive members of society with his gentle and peaceful nature? What was his magic sauce, so to speak?

A few weeks ago, I returned to the South Side and met Pastor Brooks in his office on the second floor of the church where he ministers every day. In the middle of our talk, the door opened and the Bentley Twins walked in and sat down. Born Varney and Varmah Voker, they grew up as "project babies" in the 16-story Calumet Building that once stood just a few blocks from the church. The Twins had joined the Black Disciples gang at a very young age and rose quickly to become two of the most legendary gangsters with an affinity toward Bentleys, hence their moniker. They were and still are also known as the BD Twins due to their Black Disciples affiliation. 

After serving their sentences in federal prisons, the Twins returned to Woodlawn intent on rebuilding their drug empire when they encountered Pastor Brooks. I first heard the story of this encounter when I met Varney over a year ago while filming my documentary "What Killed Michael Brown?" During that interview, Varney explained that the pastor told him he was the "new sheriff in town" and that if he returned to the streets, he'd better do it in another neighborhood. Varney also pointed out that the pastor had opened his eyes to how he had destroyed his own community with the drugs that enriched him.


 

Gary Sinise 'Blessed' to Serve, Honor Veterans in Lifelong Mission

Gary Sinise 'Blessed' to Serve, Honor Veterans in Lifelong Mission

By Movieguide® Staff

Actor Gary Sinise recently launched The Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network, which seeks to aid defenders, veterans, and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress and TBI (traumatic brain injury).

"It's critically important to me that our military service members, first responders, and their families all know how deeply we are here for them, we are not going to forget them, and we will always do more to protect and support them," Sinise told Forbes. "During the past 40 years or so, since my Chicago days working with the Steppenwolf Theatre in the early '80s when I was supporting local Vietnam veteran groups there, into the 90's supporting our wounded after playing Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, and then post 9/11, 2001 and the terrorist attacks on our country, it's become my lifelong mission to serve and honor our defenders, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. I feel blessed to be able to do something and honored that Gary Sinise Foundation is a part of this new Avalon Network initiative."

Sinise has influenced many with his on-screen performances like FORREST GUMP and faith-based movie I STILL BELIEVE. However, his heart for service has extended beyond acting for many years.

"Back in the 80's I saw first-hand the struggles our Vietnam veterans, some on my wife's side of our family, were going through when returning from war to a nation that was divided, and it stuck with me," Sinise said. "After the war in Vietnam, our veterans did not get the welcome back or the help they so desperately needed following their service.

"I have met too many veterans from that war who are fighting those demons still today, and the lack of support they received upon returning home only amplified this pain. When we began deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, I felt there was a role for me to play in trying to ensure that today's veteran would have the support and appreciation they deserved before, during and after the battle. Since the attacks on September 11th, 2001, almost 3 million Americans have been deployed to war zones across the globe, and this has taken a tremendous toll on our nation's heroes in terms of both visible and invisible wounds. Nearly 1 out of every 3 of those deployed are dealing with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress. An estimated 30% of our nation's first responders are also experiencing symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress."

Despite the ongoing pandemic restricting travel, Sinise said he does not intend to slow his efforts to help those in need.

"Like all of us, my life looks very different today than a year ago," Gary said. "For decades now it seems I have been traveling here, there and everywhere. I've stayed home for months now. I'm not able to tour military bases with the Lt. Dan Band like we normally do to show our gratitude and appreciation to the troops in person. But a strong component of the Gary Sinise Foundation mission is filling the 'needs' gap, so at the start of the pandemic we immediately pivoted our services for the defender, veteran and first responder communities to also help those on the frontlines of the pandemic during their time of need."

AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM:




Effective March 1, 2021, the Tennessee Right to Life Board of Directors has elected Stacy Dunn as its new President. She succeeds Brian Harris who resigned December 31, 2020.

Dunn has been involved with the organization in various capacities for many years and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Knox County Chapter. She also has served as Vice President of the organization until her recent election.

"Stacy's 20 plus years of leadership in building a culture of life in Tennessee and her experience in directing the most active county chapter in the state will be invaluable as she steps into this important role as President of Tennessee Right to Life," said Lorene Steffes, Tennessee Right to Life Board Member.  
    
    
"I am grateful to be able to serve as President to this organization that has a long history of protecting unborn children and their mothers. My goal for Tennessee Right to Life is to continue to educate our fellow Tennesseans about the beauty of life in all its ages, stages and conditions and to work for legislation that will protect the most vulnerable among us."

Dunn is married to former State Representative Bill Dunn.