Veteran Newsletter July 2010

8/9/2019 Veteran Newsletter July 2010

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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee.

520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Good afternoon andthank you for reading.Welcome to our fourth

edition of the newsletter.I would like to thankeveryone for their helpin the past three months.We are looking forwardto continuing to buildthis idea as time goeson. Our hope is tocontinue to expand thenewsletter, and for that we need your input. So,again, if anyone has any article topics or wantsto write their own piece, we will gladly try to

work it in. Hope you enjoy, and please let usknow what you think. Thank you very much!

THE AID & ATTENDANCE PENSIONBy: www.veterandaid.org

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pensionprovides benefits for veterans and survivingspouses who require the regular attendance ofanother person to assist in eating, bathing,dressing and undressing or taking care of theneeds of nature. It also includes individuals whoare blind or a patient in a nursing home becauseof mental or physical incapacity. Assisted carein an assisting living facility also qualifies.

To qualify for A&A it needs to beestablished by your physician that you requiredaily assistance by others to dress, undress,bathing, cooking, eating, taking on or off ofprosthetics, leave home etc. You DO NOT haveto require

assistance with all of these. There simply needsto be adequate medical evidence that you cannot

function completely on your own.The A&A Pension can provide up to

$1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per monthto a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to acouple*.

Eligibility must be proven by filing theproper Veterans Application for Pension orCompensation. (Form 21-534 surviving spouse)(Form 21-526 Veteran.) This application willrequire a copy of DD-214 (see below for moreinformation) or separation papers, MedicalEvaluation from a physician, current medical

issues, net worth limitations, and net income,along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses.

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News July 2010 Vol. 1 No. 4

In This IssueCorrection from June 2010

The Aid & Attendance PensionAdditional Benefits for Active Duty Time ServedVeterans Can Revive Our EconomyFrontlines of FreedomUSO-Step Up and LeadJust Three WordsVeterans RadioLegion: Veterans preference being ignoredSergeant Vincent Paul Esposito-Part IIIVeteran Benefits and ServicesPVA-7th Annual Salute to Veterans GalaDisAbility Connections October Event with Dana

BowanOld Warrior Camp

Iwo Jima MemorialMore Career Resources for TroopsNew on the TRICARE FrontRolling ThunderVeterans Report- NewLegislationAddresses VA

ClaimsMichigans Vietnam Generation to Be Recognized

in Upcoming DocumentaryHow Big is Your Family?In Closing

Correction from the June 2010 NewsletterWe would thank everyone who pointed out apoint of confusion in the June Newsletter.The Article entitled the History of Tapswas based on an Urban Legend version ofthe story and not the true history of Taps.For this we apologize.For the other version of the Origin of Tapsplease click on the link below:http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asp

We would like to express our appreciation

to all of the fighting men and women in

the United States Military. Thank you for

your service to this county.
http://www.veteranaid.org/docs/21-534.pdfhttp://www.veteranaid.org/docs/21-526.pdfhttp://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asphttp://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asphttp://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asphttp://www.veteranaid.org/docs/21-526.pdfhttp://www.veteranaid.org/docs/21-534.pdf


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A DD-214 is issued to military membersupon separation from active service. DD-214swere issued to separated service membersbeginning in the 1950's. The term "DD-214" isoften used generically to mean "separationpapers" or "discharge papers", no matter whatform number was used to document active dutymilitary service. If the VA has a copy of a DD-214, it is usually because the veteran attached acopy (or sometimes, the original) to his or herapplication for disability or education benefits. Ifyou've lost your original DD-214 or a copy andyou are receiving (or applied for in the past)disability or education benefits from the VA,they may have a copy (or the original, if yougave it to them) on file. At the very least, if youare currently receiving benefits (or did in thepast), they should be able to provide a Statementof Service, which can be used instead of a "DD-214".

Veterans Can Revive

Our Economy

By: National Commander Clarence Hill - July 1,

2010 (From The American Legion Magazine

July 2010.)

Lets turn back the clock to a pivotalmoment in American history. World War II waswinding down. Millions of young veterans werecoming home from the great theaters in Europeand Asia. Many of them entered service as theirfamily farms were failing. Foreclosures were

rampant, and jobs were scarce. America had yetto recover from the Great Depression. Duringthe war, families rationed food, gas, metal andother materials for the effort, maintainingvigilance and austerity.

The first generation of Legionnaires hada masterful plan to absorb the shock of so many

veterans re-entering the civilian economy. They

pushed through a GI Bill of Rights that sentmillions to college, made home ownershipaffordable and offered job-training initiatives

that replaced uncertainty with prosperity.Around the same time, another measure to helpbridge the economic gap between war and peacewas passed: the Veterans Preference Hiring Actof 1944.

To request a copy of a DD-214 visit www.vetrec.archives.gov.

For more general information about the Aid & Attendance Pension,

please see our FAQ Section.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United

States Militar . Thank ou for our service to this count .

Additional Benefits for

Active Duty Time ServedDD FORM 214-SOCIALSECURITY BENEFIT

From: Social Security Administration (SSA)

Please share this with anyone who'shad active duty service between January1957 to December 31, 2001 and planning forretirement.In a nutshell it boils down to this: Youqualify for a higher social security paymentbecause of Military service, for active dutyany time from 1957 through 2001 (theprogram was done away with 1 January2002). Up to $1200 per year of earningscredit credited at time of application - whichcan make a substantial difference in socialsecurity monthly payments upon yourretirement. You must bring your DD-214 tothe Social Security Office and you must askfor this benefit to receive it! Social Securitywebsite:http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmthis is something to put in your files forwhen you apply for Social Security down theroad... It is NOT just for retirees, BUTanyone who has served on active dutybetween January1957 to December 31, 2001.FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you mustask for it!
http://www.vetrec.archives.gov/http://www.veteranaid.org/faq/index.php?action=showhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htmhttp://www.veteranaid.org/faq/index.php?action=showhttp://www.vetrec.archives.gov/


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The spirit behind that law was

clear. Those who risked theirlives in uniform for our nation deserved a bettershot than others at getting jobs in the federalgovernment. In practical terms, that meansveterans were to receive bonus points when theirapplications were graded for positions in federalagencies or offices.

We all know what the GI Bill meant forthe U.S. economy. It fueled a half-century ofgrowth and created the middle class. And whileit has needed updating at times, it remains aprominent reason for joining the military and a

viable contributor to the U.S. economy.Not so with the Veterans Preference

Hiring Act. It disturbs me to hear that only about30 percent of the Department of VeteransAffairs work force is composed of veteranemployees.

At a time when veteran unemploymentis outpacing that of the general population, theU.S. government must do a better job offulfilling the spirit of the Veterans PreferenceHiring Act. The percentage of veterans workingat VA should be 75, not 30. Likewise, laws that

require just 3 percent of U.S. governmentcontracts to be awarded to disabled-veteran-owned businesses can no longer be ignored, asthey currently are.

There are many reasons for thebreakdown. Foremost is communication.

Veterans are not adequately notified about job or

contract opportunities available in the federalgovernment. Some agencies have failed topublicize job opportunities, as required by law,that could be fulfilled by veterans. Contractprocurement is too great a mystery for too manyveterans. In todays environment of instant masscommunication, there is no reason veteransshould be left in the dark about opportunities.

The American Legion testified beforeCongress in May that programs must beprovided to better train veterans for governmentemployment, and to reach out on contract

procurement. www.legion.org/careersPresident Obama has established task

forces to close these gaps. VA Secretary EricShinseki has made economic recovery particularly for homeless veterans among hishighest priorities. And I have created a specialAmerican Legion committee to accelerate theeffort as partners, not adversaries to helpbring the federal government into compliancewith its own laws and finally fulfill the spiritbehind them.

JUST THREE WORDSBy: John Arend, SGT, USMC

As I was growing up, I never knew

exactly what my Uncle Bob did in World War

Two. All I remember was that everyone should

have an uncle like I did. My mind recalls a

jovial, barrel-chested, balding, gorilla of a manwho seemed to have an unfiltered Lucky Strike

perpetually stuffed between his two chubby

fingers. He and my Aunt Mary lived a twelve

hour drive away so most every time I ever saw

them, they were on vacation. Wed travel to

their home

STEP UP AND LEADFrom: The USO

In 2010, we're calling on the bravemen and women of our armed forces to make

some incredible sacrifices in Afghanistan,Iraq, and remote locations around the world.That means you and I need to make an extraeffort to show our support.

One of the best ways to let our troopsknow that you've got their back is bysupporting the work of the USO.Step Up and Lead -- support our troops by

signing up to be part of the USO today.

Please Support Frontlines of Freedom Military Talk RadioHosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem

You can hear it every Saturday at 1pm on 1260 AM the Pledge (Zeeland, MI),

or by visiting the website atwww.frontlinesoffreedom.com

You can find the Legion Magizine online athttp://www.legion.org/magazine
http://www.legion.org/careershttp://skm.purecastmail.com/raincoat/akjnqnhBh0367wBefkB7czxuvB96rBxs4kx/2/action.uso.org/action/aq-email-corp?sc=aq-email-corphttp://skm.purecastmail.com/raincoat/akjnqnhBh0367wBefkB7czxuvB96rBxs4kx/2/action.uso.org/action/aq-email-corp?sc=aq-email-corphttp://skm.purecastmail.com/raincoat/akjnqnhBh0367wBefkB7czxuvB96rBxs4kx/2/action.uso.org/action/aq-email-corp?sc=aq-email-corphttp://www.frontlinesoffreedom.com/http://www.frontlinesoffreedom.com/http://www.frontlinesoffreedom.com/http://www.legion.org/magazinehttp://www.legion.org/magazinehttp://www.legion.org/magazinehttp://www.frontlinesoffreedom.com/http://skm.purecastmail.com/raincoat/akjnqnhBh0367wBefkB7czxuvB96rBxs4kx/2/action.uso.org/action/aq-email-corp?sc=aq-email-corphttp://skm.purecastmail.com/raincoat/akjnqnhBh0367wBefkB7czxuvB96rBxs4kx/2/action.uso.org/action/aq-email-corp?sc=aq-email-corphttp://www.legion.org/careers


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and vice versa. As a result of this, the adults

always seemed to be relaxed and Uncle Bob and

my Dad frequently seemed to be fully equipped

with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the

other. The ice cubes made a tinkling sound asUncle Bob swirled the glass around in his hand.

He would take a healthy swig before setting the

drink in front of him on the living room carpet,

then adjust his thick black horned rimmed

glasses pulling the arms up, giving his ears a rest

from the constant rubbing. Then hed take

another look at the cards stuck in his meaty fist,

throw one down and hed move a peg in the

cribbage board.

Take that, hed chuckle to my Dad.Then hed glance up to the TV where the game

was playing and checked the score.

Drinking, smoking, cribbage and

watching sports on TV seemed to be just a few

of the activities that my father and Uncle

enjoyed doing together; and they did it with

gusto. I find it interesting now that many times I

saw him, would be Memorial Day.

When I got older and enlisted in the

Marine Corps, I always meant to ask him about

his experiences in the war, but time neverseemed to allow it. The last time I saw Uncle

Bob was at my wedding where he and my father,

reunited once again, resumed their typical

activities. The consumption of beer nuts

replaced the cribbage board, and they seemed

happy with that. It seemed so natural that I really

thought it would go on forever this way, but a

few months later things changed. As I returned

home to my beautiful new bride one evening inour rented condo near the base where I was

stationed, I got the call. Uncle Bob had died. He

went quickly when his heart gave out as he stood

and talked with my Aunt Mary in their living

room.

It was a few months later that my Aunt

Mary asked me if I would like my Uncle Bobs

Bronze Star Medal. My jaw dropped.

Absolutely, I said quietly, still a little

in shock. In the months that followed, I askedmy family about this, but no one could tell me

much about what would cause Uncle Bob to be

awarded such an honor. No one knew anything

because he never talked about his experiences in

the war. But my Dad was able to fill me in on

some things. He told me that my Uncle Bob was

a tank mechanic in General Pattons 3rd Army.

He started in North Africa, went across the

Mediterranean, through Sicily, up into Italy, then

on to Germany. Basically, he was with the same

unit for the duration of the war.It was then that I recalled a conversation

that I overheard some years before between my

mother and Aunt Mary.

Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving inthe armed forces of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice,to give them a forum where they are able to discuss their issuesand tell their stories. You can listento the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX (1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM(99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-AM, AppleValley CA) and KMRC (1430-AM Morgan City, LA).

Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at:www.veteransradio.net


States Military. Thank you for your service to this county.
http://www.veteransradio.net/http://www.veteransradio.net/http://www.veteransradio.net/http://www.veteransradio.net/


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He doesnt have those problems

anymore, Aunt Mary said, puffing on her

menthol cigarette.

Bob doesnt sleepwalk at all anymore?

Mom asked.

Uncle Bob sleepwalks? I blurted out

the only way a boy of eight or nine could when

he was eavesdropping and should not be. Why

would he do that?

Oh, he had a touch of battle fatigue,

Aunt Mary replied casually.

Whats battle fatigue? I asked.

Oh, just something he picked up in thewar, but hes fine now, dont you worry. Go run

along and play now.

Ok Aunt Mary.

After he died, I asked again about the

sleepwalking. I was told that he sometimes came

back to bed with dirt on his knees and elbows,

from crawling around in the yard. I imagined

him out there in his yard, crawling around,

reliving the horrors of the war.

I pressed my father for more details, he

never spoke about the war. Dad would say.

I tried my Aunt. He never talked about

it, she said.

Nothing? I urged. In all the years you

were married, he must have said something.

Aunt Mary frowned as she thought hard

and then she said, Yes, I remember now, he

did.

What was it? I eagerly asked, what did

he say?

He said three words.Three words? I was puzzled now.

Just three words.

How did that occur? I asked, What

were the three words?

Aunt Mary explained that one time years

ago, the two of them were watching TV, and a

war

movie was on. You know, the one with Henry

Fonda? The Battle of the Bulge.

I told her I remembered, I had seen the

movie.

Well you remember that the soldiers

were there over Christmas, and they thought that

they would get a break for the holiday. They

were supposed to get Christmas day off.

I remember. I also remembered that

the movie was correct in its depiction, I had read

up on the actual battle. The whole division had

to pack up and pull out on Christmas day. Those

men had to go back to work, back to thebusiness of war.

Well, Aunt Mary continued, I didnt

know so much about the history of the battle,

and I was shaking my head. I was just thinking

out loud; I said, did they really pull out on

Christmas day?

And your Uncle Bob said, yes, we

did.

Then that was it. He never said another

thing. That was the only thing he ever said about

World War Two. Just three words, yes we did.

Im sorry Johnny; I wish I had more for you.

Powerful words: Yes, we did. It is

now twenty four years since I had that

conversation with my Aunt Mary, she passed

away long ago. As I sit and write today in my

comfortable home with wall to wall carpet, it is

late at night. Quiet. The crickets are chirping a

springtime melody. My dog is curled up nearby,

snoring. My refrigerator is humming.

Occasionally I hear it drop some ice into the binso the next time I feel like a cold drink I can go

to the door, press a lever and out comes the ice. I

think about these comforts I have and how often

I take them for granted. Then I think about the

horror and tragedy that my Uncle Bob must have

witnessed, been a part of. And I think that to

earn a

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.

It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.~Ronald Reagan


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Bronze Star in Pattons Army a soldier needed

to do a heck of a lot more than keep tanks

running. And I think that sometimes three words

could fill up a book. Three words are plenty for

that old soldier. That old war hero. Yep, Uncle

Bobs a war hero alright, hes my hero! "JohnArend is a Realtor, Investor, and a Veteran

living in Kalamazoo.

Legion: Veterans preference

being ignoredThe American Legion - May 12, 2010

Testifying before a House subcommitteetoday, The American Legion said that veterans'preference in the federal job market "is being

unlawfully ignored by numerous agencies.The reality is that employment

opportunities are not being properly publicized,said Joe Sharpe, the Legions EconomicDivision director, in his written testimony.Federal agencies, as well as federal governmentcontractors and subcontractors, are required bylaw to notify theOffice ofPersonnelManagement ofjob opportunities.

Sharpetestified beforethe HouseSubcommittee

on Labor, Health

and Human

Services,Education and

RelatedAgencies, chairedby Rep. DavidObey, D-Wis. Sharpe said that such behavior on

the part of some federal agencies make theVeterans Employment and Training Service(VETS) a critically important program, since it

investigates violations of veterans' preferencepolicy and corrects unlawful practices.

"The mission of VETS is to promote theeconomic security of America's veterans,"Sharpe said. "The American Legion is eager tosee this program grow, and especially would liketo see greater expansion of entrepreneurial-based, self-employment opportunity training."

The American Legion has recommendedabout $340 million for fiscal 2011 to fund fiveDepartment of Labor programs created to serveveterans: Veterans Employment and Training Service(VETS): Offers employment and trainingservices to eligible veterans through non-competitive "Jobs for Veterans" state grantprograms. Transition/Disabled Transition AssistancePrograms(TAP/DTAP): Help service memberswho are separating from active duty with their

return to the civilian world and work force.($267 million, including VETS funding) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program(HVRP): A competitive state-grant program foragencies and organizations that offer jobs tohomeless veterans. ($50 million)

National Veteran'

Employment and

Training ServicesInstitute (NVTI):Ensures that staff forfederal and state

employment servicesare highly trained andproficient in dealingwith veterans' needs.($6 million) Veterans Workforce

Investment Program(VWIP): Providestraining and supportservices to veterans tolead to higher wages

and long-term careers - especially those with

service-connected disabilities, are recentlyseparated from active duty, or have significant

barriers to employment. ($20 million)Sharpe also recommended $61 million

in funding



Economic Division Director Joe Sharpe tells House members

how Legion-favored programs can help end joblessness and

homelessness among vets. Craig Roberts
http://www.legion.org/divisions#economichttp://www.legion.org/divisions#economichttp://www.legion.org/divisions#economichttp://www.legion.org/divisions#economichttp://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://www.obey.house.gov/http://www.obey.house.gov/http://www.obey.house.gov/http://www.dol.gov/vets/http://www.dol.gov/vets/http://www.taonline.com/TapOffice/http://www.taonline.com/TapOffice/http://www.taonline.com/TapOffice/http://www.hvrp.org/http://www.hvrp.org/http://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Workers+and+Unions&L2=Job+Seekers&L3=Special+Programs&L4=Veterans%27+Programs+and+Services&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dcs_special_programs_vet_vwip&csid=Elwdhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Workers+and+Unions&L2=Job+Seekers&L3=Special+Programs&L4=Veterans%27+Programs+and+Services&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dcs_special_programs_vet_vwip&csid=Elwdhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Workers+and+Unions&L2=Job+Seekers&L3=Special+Programs&L4=Veterans%27+Programs+and+Services&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dcs_special_programs_vet_vwip&csid=Elwdhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Workers+and+Unions&L2=Job+Seekers&L3=Special+Programs&L4=Veterans%27+Programs+and+Services&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dcs_special_programs_vet_vwip&csid=Elwdhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Workers+and+Unions&L2=Job+Seekers&L3=Special+Programs&L4=Veterans%27+Programs+and+Services&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dcs_special_programs_vet_vwip&csid=Elwdhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.nvti.ucdenver.edu/home/homePage.htmhttp://www.hvrp.org/http://www.taonline.com/TapOffice/http://www.taonline.com/TapOffice/http://www.dol.gov/vets/http://www.obey.house.gov/http://www.obey.house.gov/http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://appropriations.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=23http://www.legion.org/divisions#economichttp://www.legion.org/divisions#economic


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for the Office of Personnel Managementtoimprove compliance with veterans' preferencerights in the job market. He reminded thesubcommittee that employment rights ofveterans and service members are covered by theVeterans' Employment Opportunity Act of

1998and theUniformed Services Employmentand Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

The TAP and DTAP programs need tobe expanded quickly, The American Legionsays, to include many National Guard andreserve members whose businesses havesuffered -or have been lost - while they wereserving their country. While DoD estimates that79 percent of active-duty troops attend TAPseminars, only 35 percent of reserve componentsdo the same.

"These attendance numbers are a

disservice to all transitioning service members,"Sharpe said. The American Legion wants DoDto make its TAP and DTAP sessions mandatoryfor all service members leaving active duty.

Discussing the VWIP program, Sharpenoted that current funding allows it to operate inonly 15 states. "The problem is clearly a lack ofadequate funding. The budget baseline needs tobe increased to ... train eligible veterans in all 50states in fiscal 2011," he said.

At the start of the hearing, Obey - whochairs theHouse Appropriations Committee -

expressed frustration over congressionalreluctance to fully fund programs favored byThe American Legion and other veteransservice organizations.

He said he favored almost all of theprograms proposed by the score of testifyingwitnesses, but noted the combined cost wouldincrease President Obama's proposed FY 2011budget by $14 billion. But in light of themassive federal deficit, Obey said, Congress isbeing asked to trim $3.5 billion from thepresident's figure.

"Congress needs to realize that there aredeficits that need to be considered other thanfederal budget deficits," Obey said, "like deficitsin jobs and opportunities and care." With thatprologue, he opened the morning round oftestimony.Clickherefor Sharpe's testimony.

My Grandfather, Sergeant

Vincent Paul Esposito, US Army,

Memorial Day 2010 cont.Part III

By: Claude McManus Command Master Chief(Surface Warfare), USN Retired

The Australian Corp Commanderordered an artillery barrage on September 29, toprepare for the next attack. He refused to allowfor the remaining survivors of the 106 th to beevacuated from the front lines. They would haveto survive the best they could during thebombardment.

On September 29, Vincent Paul attackedagain with the remains of his company now

assigned to the 107th

regiment. They again tookGuillemont Farm from the Germans. Uponarriving, they found pockets of survivors of theoriginal attack still fighting Germans in the outerdefense of the Hindenburg Line.

The Germans reported after the War,that the fighting at Guillemont Farm had beenhand-to-hand. They had never seen this type offighting from the other Allies and they weresurprised at the refusal of the 106th to surrender.The type of combat was for the most part with

bayonet and

hand grenades.On

October 1, 1918,the 27th Divisionwas ordered torest and

reorganizebehind the frontlines. VincentPaul got fivedays rest. OnOctober 6, 1918,

his regimentattacked

Trencourt, thenHervilly area,and then

Brancourt,Beoguigny,

Busigny, and
http://www.opm.gov/http://www.opm.gov/http://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/Appointment%20Definitions/Veterans%20Employment%20Opportunities%20Act%20of%201998.htmhttp://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/Appointment%20Definitions/Veterans%20Employment%20Opportunities%20Act%20of%201998.htmhttp://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/Appointment%20Definitions/Veterans%20Employment%20Opportunities%20Act%20of%201998.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://appropriations.house.gov/http://appropriations.house.gov/http://appropriations.house.gov/http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/sharpe_dol.pdfhttp://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/sharpe_dol.pdfhttp://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/sharpe_dol.pdfhttp://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/sharpe_dol.pdfhttp://appropriations.house.gov/http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-userra.htmhttp://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/Appointment%20Definitions/Veterans%20Employment%20Opportunities%20Act%20of%201998.htmhttp://www.dm.usda.gov/employ/Appointment%20Definitions/Veterans%20Employment%20Opportunities%20Act%20of%201998.htmhttp://www.opm.gov/


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then Bellincourt.On October 11, 1918, Vincent Paul

again took the front line at Escaufoust. It wasdecided that there would another attack onOctober 15, 1918 against Jonc de Mer Farm.Again, they would man the tape and begin the

attack at 5:20 AM. At this point, the 106 thRegiment had 405 men total. Vincent Paul wasone of a few men left in F Company.

Officially, this period is known as theLe Selle River Operations. It is considered tohave been from October 17 through the 19.Again F Company was in the center of the frontline for the attack. On October 17, 1918, FCompany was advancing in open warfare acrossthe rolling fields near a village (maybe twentybuildings, I have photographs from 1920) calledArbre Guernon. F Company encountered heavy

machine gun fire from the hedges near thevillage. They cleared the village of Germans by12:15 PM on October 17.

The night of October 18, the Germansbegan a counter attack. From 8:00 PM to 3:00AM, the Germans hurled 300 mustard gas shellsat the Americans in Arbre Guernon. F Companysuffered nine men gassed, according to the GasDefense Officer published reports of causalities.This more than likely is the battle where VincentPaul was gassed. He was given up for dead. The

British 133rd Field Ambulance was assigned to

the 106th and it is the British doctors that savedVincent Paul. He was not evacuated, nor was hesent to a hospital. He was given air, washed ofthe mustard gas, and sent back to the fighting.

This publication is available online at:

http://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBe

nefits.htm
http://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htmhttp://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htmhttp://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htmhttp://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htmhttp://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htmhttp://elearn.mrs.state.mi.us/vr/vets/VeteranBenefits.htm


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Vincent Pauls NYNG index card recordindicates when his promotions occurred. It alsostates he was notwounded during the fighting. It

shows a consistent assignment to the 106thRegiment and F Company during the entire warcampaign. His Veterans Administrationregistration indicates that he was gassed andreceived medical benefits for this condition.Therefore, I conclude that consistent with thewritten policies of the 27th Division at the time,the British approach to gas victims, and thepromotion record, Vincent Paul continued withhis Company throughout the many battles.

After the night of October 18, 1918, the106th Regiment was considered ineffective (not

enough men left). General ORyan said,Special credit is due the 106th for the fortitudeto conduct continuous fighting since October 11,without relief. Since the 11th, they have beenunder continuous shell and gas bombardment,always under machine gun fire.

The 106th Regiment, what was left, wasrelieved by the British 6th Division on October20-21. Total casualties include 423 gassedduring the period of October 17-19, 1918. Atthis point, Vincent Paul is one of twelve men leftin his Company.

The King of Belgium, the AustralianCorp Commander, the British Corp Commanderand the American Corp Commander gaveofficial Commendations to the 27th Division.The 27th Division and the 106th Regiment hasbeen given the credit of breaking theHindenburg Line, and pursuing the offensivefrom trench warfare to open warfare. This hadthe effect of driving the Germans back to the LeSelle River and forcing the Germans to acceptan Armistice. To be continued

DisAbility ConnectionsOctober Event with

DANA BOWMAN

From: Monica Moser, BSW, MBA

History of disAbility Connections

~1925~

Our history goes back to 1916 when the

then one-year-old Rotary Club of Jackson

launched a club project by helping a child with a

disability living in Jackson County. This project

continued to grow and in 1924, the first clinic

was held at which two hundred children with

disabilities were examined. In 1925, the Jackson

County Society for Crippled Children was

incorporated as a nonprofit with Rotarians

serving as officers of the corporation.To help raise funds for the Society, the

first Easter Seals Sale was inaugurated in 1934

and an annual sale has been held ever since. This

event is now called the Rotary Ruler Days and

annually raises about $10,000 a year with the

help of the three local Rotary Clubs.

Dr. Ted Schmidt, Mary Heglund and

Alfreda McGuire started the first crippled

childrens summer camp project in 1945 at Wolf

Lake. With the cooperation of the Boy Scouts,

the local Community Chest, the Jackson County

Medical Society and the Rotary Club of Jackson,

the Society sponsored the annual adaptive

summer camp sessions through 1968.

Orthopaedic clinics for children with

physical disabilities were held with support of

the Rotary Clubs and the State Crippled

Childrens Commission at Mercy Hospital and

Foote Hospital with Dr. Richard Deming being

the first Jackson physician to be certified by the

State Commission to run these clinics.The Society remained an affiliate of

Easter Seals until 1978. At that time, the Board

of Directors voted to disaffiliate from the state

and national Easter Seals Society so that all

donated funds would stay in

Jackson County to serve

Jackson




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residents with disabilities. At that time the

Society also began serving adults with

disabilities as well as children with a new name~

Handicapped Children & Adults Society of

Jackson County.

In 1993, the Society created the

Handicapped Children & Adults Foundation of

Jackson County to provide a permanent base of

funding to ensure the longevity of the Society.

In November 1999, the Jackson County

Society for Handicapped Children & Adults and

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Jackson

merged to form a new nonprofit called

disAbility Connections, Inc. Because of this

merger, the Handicapped Children & Adults

Foundation also changed its name to the

disAbility Connections Foundation of Jackson

County.

As our programs and services have more

than doubled over the past few years, so has our

need for space. Mr. A.P. Cook (a Rotarian)came to our rescue and donated his building at

409 Linden Avenue. We successfully completed

a $752,000.00 capital campaign raising the

funds for the building renovation and 2,400

square foot addition. Thanks to the donated

architectu

re services of Dave Fleming (another Rotarian),

we have a new state-of-the-art technology

center, a universal design kitchen and an

accessible multi-purpose room for support

groups, workshops and meetings.

On October 1, 2005 we merged with theJackson Center for Independent Living. With

the help of a $126,023 grant from Michigan

Rehabilitation Services, we were able to expand

our services to include peer support, independent

living skills training and individual and systems

advocacy.

Our financial support comes from our

friends in the local community by way of

individual donations, bequests and memorials,

business contributions, foundation grants, The

Rotary Clubs of Jackson and other service clubs,

the Jackson Banjo Club and fundraising events.

Without the support of our community and local

partners, we would not have the ability to impact

individuals in their pursuit of independence.

The October Event- Dana Bowman hasastounded the nation and the world with hisdrive, determination, and will to succeed. He is a

retired FirstClass Sergeant

with the U.S.Army where hewas a SpecialForces Soldierand a member ofthe U.S. Armyselite parachuteteam, theGolden Knights.Dana Bowmanis a doubleamputee. He lost

his legs in anaccident during the annual Golden Knightstraining in Yuma, Arizona, in 1994.

On February 6, 1994, Bowman gainedworldwide attention when he and his teammateSgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during theteams annual training. Bowman and Aguillon

werepracticing a

Photo: Dana Bowman

Old Warrior CampFrom: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired,

ANG

This Hunting Camp was built by aretired Marine First Sergeant with theprimary purpose of facilitating theWounded Warriors as they begin theirJourney back to Civilian Life. The FirstSergeant is the Commander of the DisabledAmerican Veteran (Manistique Chapter 26)

He is also 100% totally disabled.There is no cost to vetsBring aValid Michigan Hunting License and yoursleeping bag. Contact Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times available.

We would like to express our appreciation

to all of the fighting men and women in

the United States Military. Thank you foryour service to this county.


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maneuver known as the Diamond Track. Themaneuver calls for the jumpers to streak awayfrom each other for about a mile and then turn180 degrees and fly back toward each other

crisscrossing in the sky. Bowman and Aguillonhad demonstrated the Diamond Track more thanfifty times without a mistake, but this time was

different.Rather than crisscrossing, the two

skydivers slammed into each other at acombined speed of 300 miles per hour. Aguillondied instantly. Bowmans legs were severedfrom his body, one above the knee and one

below the knee. Bowmans parachute opened onimpact. He was taken to a hospital in Phoenixwhere doctors closed his leg wounds andstopped his internal bleeding.

Nine months later, he turned this tragedyinto a triumph when he became the first double

amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army.Bowman re-enlisted in the United States Armyairborne style, skydiving with his commanderinto the ceremony, making his dream a reality.This achievement is just one example ofBowmans many successes under adversecircumstances.

After

Danas re-enlistment, he became the U.S.Parachute Teams lead speaker and recruitingcommander. Dana has been fortunate to have theopportunity to let hisspeeches touch so many from the physicallychallenged to the able-bodied. He strives to

show physically challenged people can stillwork and excel in todays society and military.Dana emphasizes the words amputee anduselessness are not synonymous.

Dana retired from the United StatesArmy in 1996. He received his bachelorsdegree in commercial aviation from UNDAerospace in Grand Forks, North Dakota in Mayof 2000.

Dana spends a great deal of his personaltime working with other amputees and disabledor physically challenged people. He also spends

time at different military hospitals helping thewounded soldiers during the current worldsituation. He enjoys visiting patients atnumerous healthcare facilities while on the roadspeaking.TOPICS

Its Not the Disability; Its the Ability Conquering Adversity Mastering Change: The Only Constant

The event takes place on October 28th

at GeneDavis Banquet Center in Jackson, MI

Please contact Monica Moser at (517-782-6054 [email protected]

more info about the event

Iwo Jima MemorialBy: Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army Veteran

The Iwo Jima Memorial is the largestbronze statue in the world and depicts one of themost famous photographs in history---that of six

brave Marines raising the American Flag on topof a rocky hill on the island of Iwo Jima, Japan.Here is part of their stories: Of the 6

Marines depicted, the first guy putting the polein the ground is Harlon Block. Harlon was anall-state football player. He enlisted in theMarine Corps with all the other senior membersof his high school football team. Harlon, at the

age of 21,

More Career Resources for TroopsFrom: Army, Navy Club of Grand RapidsJune 2010

As the United States economiccrisis lingers, returning veterans are finding itharder to translate the skills they havelearned on the battlefields onto a resume, butsome employers are working with themilitary to bridge the gap. The EmployerPartnership Office of the Armed Forces(EPO) is providing the resources needed tohelp enlisted soldiers, veterans, retirees and

spouses secure employment after their toursof duty end. Job seekers are matched withsuch employers as Wal-Mart, GeneralElectric and Con-Way. Among its placementand credentialing services, candidates receivecoaching, counseling and use of the

programs job search engine, among otherassistance.For more information, visit theEPO Website
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/EPI/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/EPI/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/EPI/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/EPI/Pages/default.aspxmailto:[email protected]


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died following critical wounds during battle.Many like to talk of the brave men

who go into battle, most of the brave marineswho died on this island were still in their teens.250 young soldiers hit the island.27 leftalive. The next soldier is Rene Gagnon from

New Hampshire. Rene carried a photo of his

girlfriend in the webbing of his steel pot. He putit there for protection because he was scared. Hewas 18 years old.

The third guy was Sergeant MikeStrank. Mike was the hero of all these guys.They called him old man because he was soold. He was already 24 years old. Instead of

telling his boys, lets go kill some Japs orLets die for our country, he told them, You

do what I say, and Ill get you home to yourmothers.

The 4th guy was a Pima Indian fromArizona, named Ira Hayes. Ira was one of thevery few to walk off Iwo Jima. He went to theWhite House where President Truman told himhe was a hero. Ira Hayes told reporters, Howcan I feel like a hero when 250 of my buddies hitthe island with me and only 27 of us walked offalive?

Ira Hayes was unable to get the horrorsof that island out of his mind. He died deaddrunk face down at the age of 32 (10 yrs. Afterthe famous picture was taken).

Around the other side of the statue, isFranklin Sousley from Hilltop, Kentucky.Franklin was a fun-loving boy. His best friendwho is now in his 70s, tells of a time when heand Franklin took two cows up onto the porchof the Hilltop General Store. They strung wireacross the stairs so the cows couldnt get backdown. They then fed the cows Epsom salts. You

can imagine the mess after a night of that.The last guy was John Bradley from

Antigo, Wisconsin. His son James Bradleywrote a book called Flags of Our Fatherswhich tells the full story of all six boys on theIwo Jima statue. John Bradley was also one ofthe few to survive Iwo Jima, he lived until 1994.John refused to give interviews. His family was

instructed to tell reporters that he was in Canada

fishing. John Bradley didnt fish, and never wentto Canada. John Bradley was a medic andprobably held over 200 of his buddies as theydied.

Of the 6 brave young men depicted onthat statue, only 3 lived to leave the island.Overall, 7,000 boys died on Iwo Jima. The Iwo

Jima Statue depicts 6 young Marines, yet if youlook closely, you can count 13 hands. When thecreator of the statue was asked why there were13, he answered that the 13th hand was the handof God.

Every day you wake up free, rememberthe brave boys who have put their lives on theline from the times of the revolutionary war totodays actions in Iraq & Afghanistan. It is onlybecause of the sacrifices of young Americansoldiers that we remain free. Thank our soldiersand veterans for their service, for Freedom is not

Free.

NEW on the TRICARE Front

From: Army, Navy Club of Grand Rapids June

2010

Hospice Benefits- TRICARESshospice care benefit is zero-deductible benefitthat gives TRICARE beneficiaries access to

personal care and home health aide assistance. Itinitially provides two 90-day periods of care,followed by an unlimited number of 60-dayperiods. Each period requires prior authorizationfrom the regional health care contractor. Not allcare is covered by the hospice benefit. Chargesfor medical care not related to the terminal

illness fallunder the




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beneficiarys basic TRICARE benefit. For moreinformation about the hospice benefit, visit theTRICARE website at www.tricare.mil; contactTRICARE For Life, the regional managed caresupport contractor for your TRICARE Areaoffice.

New TRICARE SMART Website-national Guard and Reserve members who maynot live near a military treatment facility orTRICARE Service Center no longer have to relyon printed publications as a main source ofTRICARE benefit information the TRICARESMART Website is a one-stop, onlineinformation portal full of accurate, up-to-dateinformation about TRICARE benefits thatmembers and their families can easily access inthe comfort of their homes. By Using theTRICARE SMART Website, National Guard

and Reserve members can stay informed aboutthe latest TRICARE programs created just forthem and their families.

TRICARE Extends TRIAP Program-The TRICARE Assistance Program has beenextended through March20, 2011. Thedemonstration program lets beneficiaries,service members, spouses of any age and familyover the age of 18, use webcam to speak face-to-face with mental health counselors online24/7 from the privacy of the beneficiarys homeor wherever else they may feel comfortable.

Eligible beneficiaries can use TRICAREAssistance Program (TRIAP) counselingservices an unlimited number of times, and noreferral or prior authorization is needed to useTRIAP. For more information about TRIAP orto link to the regional health care contractorsTRIAP sites, visit the TRICARE AssistanceProgram webpage atwww.tricare.mil/TRIAP.

Rolling ThunderFrom: Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army

Veteran

For those of you who are not familiarwith Rolling Thunder, every year on the Sundaybefore Memorial Day, 3,000 veterans onmotorcycles, (hundreds of which rodecompletely across the country, LA to DC with"Ride for

the Wall" leave the Pentagon, pass ArlingtonCemetery and parade through WashingtonDC straight down Constitution Ave.

It is a tremendously moving experience.That is absolutely fantastic. It is estimated that 3Million People, Families, Veterans, Bikers, and

folks of all kinds pack Washington DC over theMemorial Day Weekend for this event.

There is something also very specialabout it. One marine, referred to as the salutingmarine, stands there on Constitution Ave andsalutes at attention for three straight hours andnever drops his arm. It was 92 degrees there onSunday.

That has to kill your arm standing atpresent arms for three solid hours. The heat mustbe unbearable in dress blues. He did take a drinkof water with his left hand, but never dropped

his right.YouTube - Rolling Thunder 2010 - A Soldier'sVigil

For More information about RollingThunder and upcoming events please visithttp://www.rollingthunder1.com/index.html forthe national organization orhttp://www.rollingthundermichigan.com/ for theMichigan Chapter.

New Legislation

Addresses VA Claims

From: Military.com, Week of July 05, 2010

Senate Veterans' Affairs CommitteeChairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii)recently introduced legislation to makemuch-needed improvements to VA'sdisability claims processing. VA providesdisability compensation to approximately 3.1million veterans across the nation. TheClaims Processing Improvement Act of 2010(S.3517) would make various changes to theway VA processes disability compensationclaims. To read Senator Akaka's statement inthe Congressional Record introducing thebill, visit the U.S. Senate Committee onVeterans Affairs website.
http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/http://www.tricare.mil/TRIAPhttp://www.tricare.mil/TRIAPhttp://www.tricare.mil/TRIAPhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfnmDGk0KM&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfnmDGk0KM&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfnmDGk0KM&feature=relatedhttp://www.rollingthunder1.com/index.htmlhttp://www.rollingthunder1.com/index.htmlhttp://www.rollingthundermichigan.com/http://www.rollingthundermichigan.com/http://www.rollingthundermichigan.com/http://www.rollingthunder1.com/index.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfnmDGk0KM&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfnmDGk0KM&feature=relatedhttp://www.tricare.mil/TRIAPhttp://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/http://www.tricare.mil/


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MICHIGANS VIETNAM GENERATION

TO BE RECOGNIZED IN

UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY

From:www.ourvietnamgeneration.com

Director/Producer Keith Famie to direct the

camera lens on the oft-overlooked service of

Vietnam veterans

WIXOM, Mich. They fought on abattlefield as brutal as any other and moredeadly than most wars in the history of theUnited States. The only difference: theseveterans fought at a time when the United States

was deeply divided on one of the most opposedwars in history, the Vietnam War. To give theseveterans a voice, Director/Producer Keith Famie,of Visionalist Entertainment Productions, hasannounced he is filming Our VietnamGeneration, scheduled to debut in late 2010.

The documentary will focus on strugglesexperienced by Michigan Vietnam veterans whoreceived a much different homecoming thanother generations, set to the backdrop of theculture at a time marked by music, drugs, idealsof love and political upheaval. Depicted will be

some veterans who were able to becomesuccessful business and community leaders andothers who still suffer from haunting memoriesor wounds. Further, the documentary will shedlight on the families of these veterans, includingthose who still hold yearly vigils in hopes theremains of missing POWs will still be found.

Ever since we began working on ourdocumentary, Detroit:Our Greatest Generation,which focused on ourWorld War II veterans,

the most frequently posedquestion was, Whatabout our Vietnam vets?said Famie. These menand women, mostly nowpast 60 years old, stillhave deeply rootedfeelingsabout

their Vietnam experience, including how societyviewed them when they returned.

Featured in Our Vietnam Generation isa journey back in time for veteran Marine Pfc.Mark Spooner and his daughter Cpt. JenniferSpooner, an Iraq veteran Marine, as they

traveled to Vietnam. The father/daughterexpedition retraced Marks footsteps through histour of duty on Hills 41 and 37 during the TEToffensive and countless firefights in the Vietnamcountryside 40 years ago in an emotionalconfrontation of an era most would like toforget.

The next several months of productionfor Our Vietnam Generation, Famies eighthhuman interest documentary, will involvecountless personal interviews and events, suchas the flight of two Huey Choppers from the

group Huey 369 over the Detroit River, whichwill serve as the dramatic opening sequence ofthe film. Hundreds of Vietnam veterans will bepresent for the event and photographed togetherfor a commemorative piece acknowledging theirservices.

Several special bike rallies with RollingThunder and Patriot Guard will be featured inthe documentary, as well. All will culminate in aspecial media celebration premiere for theVietnam veterans in December, followed by thetelevision premiere on WDIV-TV in Detroit.

The leading title sponsor for last yearssuccessful documentary, Detroit: Our GreatestGeneration, American House founder BobGillette, has committed to support Our VietnamGeneration as one of the title presentingsponsors.

It was a different kind of battle thesepeople were fighting, said Gillette. The people
http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/


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fighting in Vietnam were not given the heroswelcome when they returned home like ourWorld War II veterans. This film is ouropportunity to do now what we should havedone then.

The Vietnam production was equally

inspirational as Mark and Jennifer visitedHanois Childrens Village to deliverOperation:Exchange of Hearts, a special book of artworkcreated by the children of Detroit MedicalCenter. In exchange, Mark and Jennifer pickedup a book of drawings from the Hanoi childrento deliver back to the DMC.

Part of the documentary is the one-on-one interview with American Ambassador toVietnam, Michael Michalak, who happens to befrom Rochester, Mich.

The documentary team also gained full

access to film at the Hoa Lo Prison HanoiHilton POW camp where Senator John McCainwas once held.

One of the most emotional wrenchingvisits involved the Joint POW/MIA AccountingCommand (JPAC), a United States militarybranch that relentlessly searches for missingsoldiers, both from the United States and fromU.S. allies.

Supporting the film so far are KeithKing, National Public Affairs Chair of theVietnam Veterans of America, American House

Senior Living Residences, Terry Desmond ofA.J. Desmond Funeral Homes, Joe Vicari ofAndiamo Restaurant Group Inc., DS Properties,Lakeshore Engineering Services, WDIV-TV,News/Talk WJR 760, HOUR Magazine, DigitalImage Studios, Gallagher-Kaiser, Vietnam

Battlefield Tours, Knot Just A Bar, The MedicalTeam, Advanced Care and Disabled AmericanVeterans.For more information and updates on OurVietnam Generation, visitwww.ourvietnamgeneration.com

HOW BIG IS YOUR FAMILY?

By: Larry Harr, MSgt, USAF Ret.

As any veteran should know, youalways have a military family. Do youremember when you first came home fromactive duty ready to settle into civilian life? Ithas been a difficult transition for many. As hardas immediate family members may try,something is missing. I remember my first week

home trying so hard to strike up a conversationwith my parents and sisters. It was difficult forthem to relate to what I was saying: militaryacronyms and the whole nine yards. Ill admitI had a tough time fitting into their social lifemeeting friends, bar hopping and even havingweekends off. Personally, it took over a year forme to finally feel like I belonged to my familyagain. As the months went by, it was great if Imet anyone who had served, regardless of thebranch of service, so we could talk about theAFSCs or MOSs, TDYs, ETSs; well you get

the picture.I recently met an Army Ranger who, for

the past 6 months, had been at Walter ReedArmy Medical Center with injuries he sustainedin Afghanistan. He began telling me what hadhappened. He said that shrapnel from an IED hithim in the back and some of his disks had to befused so he was learning to walk again but withvery numb legs. I could tell by his excitementhe was glad he could again share his story with afellow serviceman. As we talked he asked mewhat I did to fit back in and I just told him seek

out and talk to a Vet! I told him he could stopby and talk to me anytime. This is just a smallexample of how important it is for us veterans toshare the memories.

Every two years my old unit has areunion which is held at retired USAF Lt. ColHank Fuhs home. Many retired members and

even someactive

Some Useful LinksAir Force Times-http://www.airforcetimes.com/Navy Times-http://www.navytimes.com/

Marine Corps Times-http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/Army Times-http://www.armytimes.com/Military Times-http://www.militarytimes.com/TRICARE-http://www.tricare.mil/
http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/http://www.airforcetimes.com/http://www.airforcetimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.tricare.mil/http://www.militarytimes.com/http://www.armytimes.com/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/http://www.navytimes.com/http://www.airforcetimes.com/http://www.ourvietnamgeneration.com/


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members join in the festivities. A few come

from across the country to be with the family

again. The photos come out and the stories soonfollow. The stories range from serious to totallygut splitting-fall down laughing tales. Ofcourse, food is as plentiful as the stories.Everyone brings their special dish to pass soeverything from appetizers to desserts isavailable. We make sure we have currentaddresses/emails so we can stay in touch andkeep everyone in the loop about upcomingevents. At 1400hrs, we all raise a glass to saluteour fallen comrades with great respect andthankfulness for having known them.

Even though only a couple of yearsseparate the reunions, we never grow tired oftelling tales and sharing the memories time andtime again AND we always have new pictures toshow.

We can all take pride in being part of the

military family and recognize those who havegiven so much for the freedoms ofthis great country. So the nexttime you happen to bump into afellow vet, share some memoriesand mission stories and enjoy

each other as family. Youll beglad you did!

In Closing

Thank you for your service to ourcountry. Men and Women likeyou are what make this nationgreat.

We hope everyonessummer is going well and had a

Great 4th! Please keep in mind that it is with thehelp of all of who read and share ideas with thenewsletter that we are able to continue to growand reach more people. Thank you everyone forall the help you have given us so far.

If you have anything you would liketo share, any questions, or have an articleidea, please let me know. You can contactme anytime [email protected]

Sincerely,

Matthew X. Hauser

StaffLayout- Matthew X. Hauser ([email protected])Writers- Larry Harr Msgt USAF Retired

Denny Gillem Lt. Col., US Army, RetiredClaude McManus Command Master Chief

(Surface Warfare), USN, RetiredSean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army VeteranSherry Swann Secretary of Fort Custer

Advisory Committee and EventCoordinator

Sam Cottle Michigan State Captain PatriotGuard Riders

Sandra Eggers Family Service CounselorOakland Hills Memorial Park

Gary Lillie, MCB3, Chu Lai, RVN '66John Arend, SGT, USMC

Publisher- Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG

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Veteran Newsletter July 2010

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Transcript of Veteran Newsletter July 2010