The American Cold War Veterans are saddened to hear of the passing of another American
Hero.
Col. Robert L. Howard passed away on Dec 23, 2009 in Waco, Texas.
Col. Howard had enlisted in the US Army in 1956, he retired in 1992; according to some
historians he was the most highly decorated veteran in history.
As a Staff Sergeant of a highly secret organization he was nominated for a Medal of Honor on three separate occasions during a thirteen month span 1967-1968.
During a rescue operation in Cambodia Sergeant First Class Howard, although wounded himself, went to the rescue of the platoon commander. An enemy bullet stuck one of
his ammunition pouches causing further injuries. Sergeant Howard continued to give
first aid to his wounded platoon members.
He rallied the men and with air support they defeated a 2 company size enemy force.
In 1969 he received a direct appointment to 1st Lieutenant.
Among he awards and decorations are:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross (with one oak leaf cluster) (2 awards)
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with three oak leaf clusters) (4 awards)
Bronze Star (with three oak leaf clusters and "V" device) (4 awards)
Purple Heart (with a silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters) (8 awards)
Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters) (3 awards)
Air Medal (with "V" Device and numeral 3. One award for heroism and two for aerial achievement)
Joint Service Commendation
Army Commendation Medal (with "V" device and one each silver and bronze oak leaf clusters. 4 awards for valor and 3 for achievement)
Joint Service Achievement
Army Achievement
* Good Conduct Medal with four Good Conduct Loops (4 awards)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three service stars (3 awards)
* Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars (3 campaigns)
* Armed Forces Reserve Medal
* NCO Professional Development Ribbon with 2 device
* Army Service Ribbon
* Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Unit citations
* Army Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon Presidential Unit Citation (Army) with oak leaf cluster (2 awards)
* Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)
* Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation
* Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)
* Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation with Palm (Unit citation)
Foreign decorations
* Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (Corps citation), Silver Star (Division citation) and Bronze Star (Regiment/Brigade citation)
* Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, 1st Class
* Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Staff Service Medal, 2nd Class
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 bar
* Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit (Sam-Il Medal)
Badges, qualifications and tabs
* Ranger Tab
* Special Forces Tab
* Combat Infantryman Badge
* Expert Infantryman's Badge
* Aircrew Badge
* Master Parachutist Badge
* Pathfinder Badge
* Air Assault Badge
* Expert Marksmanship Badge
* Vietnamese Ranger Badge
* Vietnamese Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Master Parachute Wings
* Korean Master Parachute Badge
* Thai Balloonist Badge
* French Parachutist Badge
Our nation must never forget the brave men and women who fought and died to preserve
our freedom and the American Way. Without their willing sacrifice we would not be
the great country we have become.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A New Year, a better year for Cold War Veterans.
Christmas has come and gone, soon it will be the New Year.
Lets all hope that 2010 will be the year of the Medal!
Keep up with contacting your elected officials, tell them how you feel and what you want.
Urge both your senators to become a cosponsor for S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009.
Urge your representative to become a cosponsor for H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009,
and H.RES. 900 To designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
These bills should be easy and quick.
The old DoD arguments just do not hold water when exposed to the light of day. There is
nothing to equal the Cold War Medal. Actually it should be a Cold War Victory Medal. We
did in fact defeat the Soviet Union; it was just impossible for the Soviets to keep up.
The DoD money issue is also out of kilter, their estimates are too high. The number of veterans gets smaller every day. Plus some will not bother to apply for the medal.
Congress missed the opportunity to authorize the medal in the twentieth anniversary of
the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the seventeenth anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union; thus the end of the Cold War.
We have waited far too long for recognition. We should not have to wait any longer.
Make this the year of a long overdue chance to give respect and honor to all the Cold Warriors. Just a little Thank You from our country.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Lets all hope that 2010 will be the year of the Medal!
Keep up with contacting your elected officials, tell them how you feel and what you want.
Urge both your senators to become a cosponsor for S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009.
Urge your representative to become a cosponsor for H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009,
and H.RES. 900 To designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
These bills should be easy and quick.
The old DoD arguments just do not hold water when exposed to the light of day. There is
nothing to equal the Cold War Medal. Actually it should be a Cold War Victory Medal. We
did in fact defeat the Soviet Union; it was just impossible for the Soviets to keep up.
The DoD money issue is also out of kilter, their estimates are too high. The number of veterans gets smaller every day. Plus some will not bother to apply for the medal.
Congress missed the opportunity to authorize the medal in the twentieth anniversary of
the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the seventeenth anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union; thus the end of the Cold War.
We have waited far too long for recognition. We should not have to wait any longer.
Make this the year of a long overdue chance to give respect and honor to all the Cold Warriors. Just a little Thank You from our country.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Monday, December 21, 2009
Obama to declassify Cold War papers
If this does happen, and all the papers are released it might be a big help in
our quest for a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
The secrets will be revealed and truth will be told, so we hope.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
our quest for a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
The secrets will be revealed and truth will be told, so we hope.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Congress John Hall on Cold War Medal
Thank you for contacting me about H.R.4051, the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue.
H.R. 4051 amends Title 10 of the United States Code to give medals to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War. The bill defines an eligible person as one who served on active duty in the Armed Forces for 24 consecutive months or more between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. Other eligible persons include those who served overseas for 30 days or more during the same period, or those who performed another service in the Armed Forces that, according to the Secretary of Defense, deserves an award.
On November 6th, H.R. 4051 was introduced to Congress and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. It was then referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, where it is currently awaiting further action.
As a proud member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I strongly believe in honoring our veterans for their bravery and service to our country. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind if this bill comes to the House floor for a vote.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can assist in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Hall
Member of Congress
This is a little more than just a canned response. At least he knows what we want.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
H.R. 4051 amends Title 10 of the United States Code to give medals to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War. The bill defines an eligible person as one who served on active duty in the Armed Forces for 24 consecutive months or more between September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991. Other eligible persons include those who served overseas for 30 days or more during the same period, or those who performed another service in the Armed Forces that, according to the Secretary of Defense, deserves an award.
On November 6th, H.R. 4051 was introduced to Congress and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. It was then referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, where it is currently awaiting further action.
As a proud member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I strongly believe in honoring our veterans for their bravery and service to our country. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind if this bill comes to the House floor for a vote.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can assist in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Hall
Member of Congress
This is a little more than just a canned response. At least he knows what we want.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Appropriations
The Senate Defense Appropriations bill did not include the Cold War Service Medal.
Now it will have to be a "stand alone bill", which means we need cosponsors urgently.
So keep up the flow of emails, fax, phone calls etc to both your senators. Ask them
to cosponsor S.2743.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, INc
Now it will have to be a "stand alone bill", which means we need cosponsors urgently.
So keep up the flow of emails, fax, phone calls etc to both your senators. Ask them
to cosponsor S.2743.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, INc
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I am Persuaded that the Attack on USS Liberty was Deliberate Lies and Death in the Name of International Politics: The USS Liberty
A very well informed and insightful article, written by a young man that was not even born when the attack on the USS Liberty happened.
The survivors are still waiting and wanting the complete story to be released. Until the truth is produced they will continue in earnest
their quest for justice.
I am Persuaded that the Attack on USS Liberty was Deliberate Lies and Death in the Name of International Politics: The USS Liberty
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
The survivors are still waiting and wanting the complete story to be released. Until the truth is produced they will continue in earnest
their quest for justice.
I am Persuaded that the Attack on USS Liberty was Deliberate Lies and Death in the Name of International Politics: The USS Liberty
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
Cold War Bomb Shelters Get New Look
New world threats reviving cold war era bomb shelters
While the possibility of a nuclear attack in Los Angeles seems almost unthinkable, local officials are inventorying hundreds of old bomb and fallout shelters as part of their preparations for a "radiological or nuclear event."
Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas are drafting emergency plans while federal agencies study how to prepare the public for what county public health Director Jonathan Fielding describes as a "low-likelihood, huge-consequences event."
His department hosted a workshop last week for the emergency operations staff of the county's 88 cities in preparation for "Golden Phoenix," an exercise scheduled for June 2010 that simulates the scenario of a 10-kiloton nuclear device detonated in Los Angeles.
A seminar is planned for the medical community on Jan. 21 to provide information on what to expect and what actions they should take after a nuclear incident.
"These aren't comfortable things to talk about, but it all begins with preparations," said Angelo Bellomo, the county director of environmental health who oversees the Radiation Management unit.
"We think this is a great opportunity for us to open a dialogue with the 88 cities so they can begin to amend their emergency plans to include planning for a nuclear device."
Fears of nuclear destruction have their roots in the Cold War, when governments and residents built bomb and fallout shelters to protect occupants from radioactive debris. Interest insuch civil defense activities was renewed in recent years amid fears that a terrorist group or rogue nation like Iran or North Korea might gain access to nuclear weapons
The federal Homeland Security Council is urging state and local governments to prepare in the event of a nuclear detonation in a major city.
And Matthew Chandler, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is studying how to incorporate a nuclear detonation scenario into a citizen preparedness campaign.
President Barack Obama brought the issue to the public's attention during a speech at West Point on Dec. 1, when he called for a troop surge in Afghanistan.
"The stakes are even higher within a nuclear-armed Pakistan, because we know that al Qaeda and other extremists seek nuclear weapons, and we have every reason to believe that they would use them," Obama said.
Experts are also concerned about nuclear threats posed by Iran and North Korea and to a lesser extent, China and Russia. The president of Iran has threatened to annihilate Israel and the U.S. and experts believe North Korea has missiles that can hit the West Coast.
Experts are especially concerned about the possibility that Iran one day could launch ship-based nuclear missiles at the nation - a scenario Iran has already tested, said Brian Kennedy, president of The Claremont Institute's Ballistic Missile Defense Project.
"The West Coast of the U.S. has limited missile defense against a North Korean missile," Kennedy said. "And, unfortunately, we're almost completely vulnerable to a ship-launched ballistic missile attack."
Kennedy is also concerned a ship-launched nuclear missile detonated at a high altitude would create an electromagnetic pulse, possibly destroying electronic equipment and knocking out the nation's power grid - leaving the country with little or no communications and no ability to provide food and water to potentially hundreds of millions of people.
Congressional reports suggest such an attack could result in more than 100 million deaths in a year, said Sharon Packer, executive director of the American Civil Defense Association.
"I don't mean to minimize the efforts of Los Angeles County in creating fallout shelters," Packer said. "It is very important and a wonderful first step. The larger concern, in my estimation, is in the protection of our electrical grid and the storage of additional transformers to assure the continuance of our infrastructure."
The county's efforts to inventory its bomb and fallout shelters follows the recent discovery of a 1975 book by the county's Emergency
Preparedness Commission, "Los Angeles County & Cities Public Shelter Directory," which lists 6,200 fallout shelters with a capacity of 14.5 million people.
The shelters, including hundreds in the San Fernando Valley, include the basements and similarly protected areas in places such as hospitals, government buildings, courthouses, post offices, churches, movie studios, parking garages and tunnels. Many businesses are also listed, including McDonald's, J.C. Penney Co. and even a cellar at the Budweiser plant.
Ken Kondo, spokesman for the county's Office of Emergency Management, said the recent 50th anniversary of the county's Civil Defense program piqued a lot of interest in the shelters, along with the post-apocalyptic films, "The Road" starring Viggo Mortensen and "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington, slated for release in January.
"Hollywood is raising awareness about the aftermath of a mega disaster and what needs to be done to survive," Kondo said. "So to Hollywood, we say, `Thank you.' Now it's up to us to start to locate and find these fallout and bomb shelters and make preparations and plans to utilize them in the event that people need to take shelter because of a terrorist attack or man-made event."
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
While the possibility of a nuclear attack in Los Angeles seems almost unthinkable, local officials are inventorying hundreds of old bomb and fallout shelters as part of their preparations for a "radiological or nuclear event."
Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas are drafting emergency plans while federal agencies study how to prepare the public for what county public health Director Jonathan Fielding describes as a "low-likelihood, huge-consequences event."
His department hosted a workshop last week for the emergency operations staff of the county's 88 cities in preparation for "Golden Phoenix," an exercise scheduled for June 2010 that simulates the scenario of a 10-kiloton nuclear device detonated in Los Angeles.
A seminar is planned for the medical community on Jan. 21 to provide information on what to expect and what actions they should take after a nuclear incident.
"These aren't comfortable things to talk about, but it all begins with preparations," said Angelo Bellomo, the county director of environmental health who oversees the Radiation Management unit.
"We think this is a great opportunity for us to open a dialogue with the 88 cities so they can begin to amend their emergency plans to include planning for a nuclear device."
Fears of nuclear destruction have their roots in the Cold War, when governments and residents built bomb and fallout shelters to protect occupants from radioactive debris. Interest insuch civil defense activities was renewed in recent years amid fears that a terrorist group or rogue nation like Iran or North Korea might gain access to nuclear weapons
The federal Homeland Security Council is urging state and local governments to prepare in the event of a nuclear detonation in a major city.
And Matthew Chandler, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is studying how to incorporate a nuclear detonation scenario into a citizen preparedness campaign.
President Barack Obama brought the issue to the public's attention during a speech at West Point on Dec. 1, when he called for a troop surge in Afghanistan.
"The stakes are even higher within a nuclear-armed Pakistan, because we know that al Qaeda and other extremists seek nuclear weapons, and we have every reason to believe that they would use them," Obama said.
Experts are also concerned about nuclear threats posed by Iran and North Korea and to a lesser extent, China and Russia. The president of Iran has threatened to annihilate Israel and the U.S. and experts believe North Korea has missiles that can hit the West Coast.
Experts are especially concerned about the possibility that Iran one day could launch ship-based nuclear missiles at the nation - a scenario Iran has already tested, said Brian Kennedy, president of The Claremont Institute's Ballistic Missile Defense Project.
"The West Coast of the U.S. has limited missile defense against a North Korean missile," Kennedy said. "And, unfortunately, we're almost completely vulnerable to a ship-launched ballistic missile attack."
Kennedy is also concerned a ship-launched nuclear missile detonated at a high altitude would create an electromagnetic pulse, possibly destroying electronic equipment and knocking out the nation's power grid - leaving the country with little or no communications and no ability to provide food and water to potentially hundreds of millions of people.
Congressional reports suggest such an attack could result in more than 100 million deaths in a year, said Sharon Packer, executive director of the American Civil Defense Association.
"I don't mean to minimize the efforts of Los Angeles County in creating fallout shelters," Packer said. "It is very important and a wonderful first step. The larger concern, in my estimation, is in the protection of our electrical grid and the storage of additional transformers to assure the continuance of our infrastructure."
The county's efforts to inventory its bomb and fallout shelters follows the recent discovery of a 1975 book by the county's Emergency
Preparedness Commission, "Los Angeles County & Cities Public Shelter Directory," which lists 6,200 fallout shelters with a capacity of 14.5 million people.
The shelters, including hundreds in the San Fernando Valley, include the basements and similarly protected areas in places such as hospitals, government buildings, courthouses, post offices, churches, movie studios, parking garages and tunnels. Many businesses are also listed, including McDonald's, J.C. Penney Co. and even a cellar at the Budweiser plant.
Ken Kondo, spokesman for the county's Office of Emergency Management, said the recent 50th anniversary of the county's Civil Defense program piqued a lot of interest in the shelters, along with the post-apocalyptic films, "The Road" starring Viggo Mortensen and "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington, slated for release in January.
"Hollywood is raising awareness about the aftermath of a mega disaster and what needs to be done to survive," Kondo said. "So to Hollywood, we say, `Thank you.' Now it's up to us to start to locate and find these fallout and bomb shelters and make preparations and plans to utilize them in the event that people need to take shelter because of a terrorist attack or man-made event."
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Vetean and wife laid to rest with Honors
From MyFox Tampa Bay
This is a follow up to the story of the remains of a combat veteran and his wife
that were found in a dump
Veteran's once-discarded remains laid to rest
Updated: Wednesday, 16 Dec 2009, 9:15 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 16 Dec 2009, 9:15 PM EST
* Warren Elly
Warren
Elly
BUSHNELL - With two Tampa Police cruisers as escort, the remains arrived at Bushnell National Cemetery for military honors 26 years overdue.
Honors for Army Sargeant Delbert Hahn, who won the Bronze Star for Valor in the Normandy Invasion of June 1944 and, twice wounded, two purple hearts.
All that's left is a faded newsclipping from the day long after the war that Hahn received those metals.
Now finally his remains, and wife Barbara's, are honored for his service. The military was unable to find any surviving family.
"We commend to almighty God our brother and sister Delbert and Barbara, and we commit their bodies to their resting place," the chaplain said over the ashes, one set in an urn, the other, the wife's, still in a temporary cardboard tube.
Bushnell is a long, long way from the parking lot behind a closed college in Tampa, where the hero and his wife's urns had been dumped by a company clearing foreclosed homes.
Among the mourners were the young National Guardsman and his fiancée, who found the urns as they picked through the illegal dump for treasure.
"Its just what we wanted," said Mike Colt, wearing his class A Army uniform. "We didn't want him left in the parking lot or anything, we wanted this for him."
Even cemetery workers gathered as word spread about the Army Sergeant with two Purple Hearts -- forgotten, without family.
First came the 21 guns, then the taps.
The Tampa Police Officers that the couple went to with the urns are combat veterans themselves, and they knew what to do.
"This guy is truly an American hero," said Corporal Ed Croissant. "And the fact that his remains and the remains of his wife were just dumped behind a vacant building on Busch Boulevard is just a disgrace."
At last, an American hero is at rest, 66 years after acts of bravery and courage, no longer forgotten.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans,Inc.
This is a follow up to the story of the remains of a combat veteran and his wife
that were found in a dump
Veteran's once-discarded remains laid to rest
Updated: Wednesday, 16 Dec 2009, 9:15 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 16 Dec 2009, 9:15 PM EST
* Warren Elly
Warren
Elly
BUSHNELL - With two Tampa Police cruisers as escort, the remains arrived at Bushnell National Cemetery for military honors 26 years overdue.
Honors for Army Sargeant Delbert Hahn, who won the Bronze Star for Valor in the Normandy Invasion of June 1944 and, twice wounded, two purple hearts.
All that's left is a faded newsclipping from the day long after the war that Hahn received those metals.
Now finally his remains, and wife Barbara's, are honored for his service. The military was unable to find any surviving family.
"We commend to almighty God our brother and sister Delbert and Barbara, and we commit their bodies to their resting place," the chaplain said over the ashes, one set in an urn, the other, the wife's, still in a temporary cardboard tube.
Bushnell is a long, long way from the parking lot behind a closed college in Tampa, where the hero and his wife's urns had been dumped by a company clearing foreclosed homes.
Among the mourners were the young National Guardsman and his fiancée, who found the urns as they picked through the illegal dump for treasure.
"Its just what we wanted," said Mike Colt, wearing his class A Army uniform. "We didn't want him left in the parking lot or anything, we wanted this for him."
Even cemetery workers gathered as word spread about the Army Sergeant with two Purple Hearts -- forgotten, without family.
First came the 21 guns, then the taps.
The Tampa Police Officers that the couple went to with the urns are combat veterans themselves, and they knew what to do.
"This guy is truly an American hero," said Corporal Ed Croissant. "And the fact that his remains and the remains of his wife were just dumped behind a vacant building on Busch Boulevard is just a disgrace."
At last, an American hero is at rest, 66 years after acts of bravery and courage, no longer forgotten.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans,Inc.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Korea Defense Veteans of America
More sad news for members of the Korea Defense Veterans of America. Their leader
and driving force passed away a short while ago.
Now the group is being dissolved. It is a shame that this wonderful group will not
be able to carry on with the fine work that they were doing.
http://phpbb.cavalrycountry.org/viewtopic.php?t=498&sid=2a28590da42e1fc5ac766a5653b439b0
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:25 pm Post subject: Korea Defense Veterans of America To Dissolve!
Troops,
Not only have we lost Norm, but we have lost the fight to save the KDVA.
Last night I was tasked with posting the following notice on the KDVA web site;
Notice to all KDVA members: Due to complications concerning KDVA Inc. Pat Tredway's attorney will file articles of dissolution and other papers necessary to the state of New Jersey.
In thirty days or less the web site will close.
Tom Murray
1st VP, KDVA.
I believe that says it all! Sorry folks, we tried!
We at American Cold War Veterans offer our support and best wishes for all members
of the KDVA, and share their sorrow.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
and driving force passed away a short while ago.
Now the group is being dissolved. It is a shame that this wonderful group will not
be able to carry on with the fine work that they were doing.
http://phpbb.cavalrycountry.org/viewtopic.php?t=498&sid=2a28590da42e1fc5ac766a5653b439b0
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:25 pm Post subject: Korea Defense Veterans of America To Dissolve!
Troops,
Not only have we lost Norm, but we have lost the fight to save the KDVA.
Last night I was tasked with posting the following notice on the KDVA web site;
Notice to all KDVA members: Due to complications concerning KDVA Inc. Pat Tredway's attorney will file articles of dissolution and other papers necessary to the state of New Jersey.
In thirty days or less the web site will close.
Tom Murray
1st VP, KDVA.
I believe that says it all! Sorry folks, we tried!
We at American Cold War Veterans offer our support and best wishes for all members
of the KDVA, and share their sorrow.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Friday, December 11, 2009
An Article About Pearl Harbor
An interesting article about Pearl Harbor, and the changing face of the US Navy.
I added a comment, the author seems to be like everyone else and forgets the Cold War,
so I added a little Navy History
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/120609/opi_532438800.shtml
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
I added a comment, the author seems to be like everyone else and forgets the Cold War,
so I added a little Navy History
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/120609/opi_532438800.shtml
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
SC monument honors submariners for sacrifice during World War II | islandpacket.com
Added as part of the Cold War Memorial, a tribute to submarine sailors of WWII. A well deserved tribute to those on Eternal Patrol
SC monument honors submariners for sacrifice during World War II | islandpacket.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
SC monument honors submariners for sacrifice during World War II | islandpacket.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
Louisiana to privatize Veterans Homes
Is this the first step to total change in VA Homes?
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11653548
This may or may not help veterans care, but seems a strange way to go.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11653548
This may or may not help veterans care, but seems a strange way to go.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Pearl Harbor
It is sad, even though there were many ceremonies to remember Dec. 7, 1941; that
not all agree with American Military Strength to keep our country free.
Notice the part about the Cold War, and how Communists aided and fomented dissent.
Now is it about to happen again? Have we learned nothing from the past?
The link goes to The Clark County Conservative.
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/pearl-harbor-how-soon-we-forget/
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
not all agree with American Military Strength to keep our country free.
Notice the part about the Cold War, and how Communists aided and fomented dissent.
Now is it about to happen again? Have we learned nothing from the past?
The link goes to The Clark County Conservative.
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/pearl-harbor-how-soon-we-forget/
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A True American Hero
Defenders recall chaos at K-Bay
'We were getting our clocks cleaned,' Medal of Honor winner say
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward Writer
KANE'OHE — Some 68 years have passed since John Finn picked up a .50-caliber machine gun to fend off the Japanese attack on what was then known as Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay. But the 100-year-old Medal of Honor winner said there are some things he'll never forget.
For one, he remembers the whipping they took. He also remembers his anger.
"I grew up thinking the Navy, Marines and Army were invincible, and here we were getting our clocks cleaned," Finn, a retired Navy lieutenant, said yesterday at a service to remember the 18 sailors and two civilians who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941, at the Kane'ohe base, which the Japanese first struck on their way to Pearl Harbor. "We got caught so flat-footed. ... They really kicked the living hell out of us on Dec. 7."
Of the 36 PBY Catalina aircraft stationed there, 27 were destroyed, six were heavily damaged and three that were out on patrol escaped unharmed.
Building namesake
Finn, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the attack, traveled from California to attend the Klipper Memorial Ceremony and to be honored for his actions that day.
He was among the first Medal of Honor recipients recognized at the start of World War II. The headquarters building for the Patrol and Reconnaissance Force at the Marine base was dedicated and named for him in 1999. About 200 people were in attendance.
Yesterday's event was to have taken place at the Klipper Monument, which was dedicated to the solemn occasion in 1981, but steel gray overcast skies and a cold drizzly rain moved the ceremony indoors to the base theater.
Also honored at the event was Carol Shimada, 82, for 65 years of employment with the federal government which earned her the title of the longest serving civilian "Marine" at the base.
The Marine Corps band played, including a moving rendition of taps played after the reading of the names of the sailors and civilians who died there on Dec. 7, 1941.
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Marine base commander Col. Robert Rice spoke of the dedication of Finn and Shimada.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Finn, then a chief aviation ordnanceman, was home with his wife trying to decide who would make the coffee, said Capt. Rod Urbano, commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2 at the base.
Aircraft and machine-gun fire hadn't raised any concern, but soon a neighbor knocked on Finn's door and told him he was wanted at the airfield, Urbano said.
On his way there, a low-flying Japanese Zero fighter plane made it clear what was happening, and at the field he found the planes under attack.
Multiple wounds
Sailors grabbed whatever weapons they could find, firring back with .50-caliber machine guns mounted on pipes driven into the concrete with sledge hammers.
Finn was wounded several times during the first wave of the attack, sought basic first aid and returned for the second wave, Urbano said.
"Chief Finn's position was totally exposed to enemy strafing and bombing attacks, but he kept it up for more than two hours despite being injured more than five times," Urbano said.
Finn received the Medal of Honor on Sept. 15, 1942, from Adm. Chester Nimitz on the USS Enterprise.
After yesterday's ceremony, Marines, sailors and members of the public lined up to shake Finn's hand and to greet him.
Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Rhodes and Pfc. Anthony Smith said they were motivated by Finn and wanted to honor him.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Rogers said he joined the Navy for its history and to see the world.
"I think it's magical to be around someone with a great history," Rogers said. "To talk to someone of such great significance and importance is very special to me."
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Vetrans, Inc
Monday, December 7, 2009
Deployed In Place vs Deployed
Does everyone know the definition of "Deployed in Place".
It is a concept long understood but has a name more used. Deployed in Place is attached to units or specialties that are considered Deployed despite their location or mobility overseas. Deployed in Place units are considered part of the fight and campaign. Those subject to this were removed from traditional deployments due to mission impact, critical nature of the job, time to train specialties, UP Tempo, and retention. Today for example a predator troop may not be allowed forward deployment but is granted expeditionary deployed status even though he sits in a office on base in NV. Or, units that have always done the same mission, like Those in ICBM duties today that are today considered Deployed in Place.
This was also the situation during the Cold War Conflict. Units in this category should be granted the same 30/60 day criteria as for traditionally "Deployed" for the Cold War Service Medal. Or as they are in the current fight granted expeditionary credit retroactively for the Cold War period. This could be done with extending the AFEM to these units backward.
ICBM personnel do get the ASCM. The recent debacle with the nuclear weapons management review has recommended that all Missile Complex personnel to be part of the Air Expeditionary Forces. So, since James Schlesinger wrote the review to reflect that they meet the criteria for Deployed in place to include for promotional purposes. The jobs are declared mandatory fill and critical, ineligible for TDY for most billets or other OCONUS deployments. This was his review and uses the past SAC model as the example during the Cold War when there was an enemy opposing force. They understand the duty in SAC in these units to be this and admit it. The report in my eyes gives status to these units today as War Veterans with the expeditionary explanation, so what does that make what we did when there was an opposing force and the posture was more serious pre 1991. In the least they get the AFE Ribbon and it's good for promotion reasons. We were deployed.
Typical meaning of Being Deployed
Being Deployed
Deployed is a military term that means a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine has been given orders to be sent to a certain area(in this case Iraq) to perform his/her duties for his/her country
a. To position (troops) in readiness for combat, as along a front or line.
b. To bring (forces or material) into action.
c. To base (a weapons system) in the field.
2. To distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically.
Forward Deployed
A force that has been placed in close proximity to a conflict or potential
conflict and has not been introduced to hostilities.
Deployment stress: Related to stress that occurs at any point in a deployment, from notification through the process of returning home or permanent assignment.
Deployment: A troop movement resulting from a Joint Chiefs of Staff/Unified Command Deployment Order for 30 continuous days or greater to a land-based location outside the United States, e.g. peace keeping, conflict
1. In naval usage, the change from a cruising approach or contact disposition to a disposition for battle. 2. The movement of forces within areas of operations. 3. The positioning of forces into a formation for battle. 4. The relocation of forces to desired areas of operations. (NATO)
Another Example of Deployed In Place:
US Army Unit Deployed to Home Front
Nonlethal force for civil unrest
By Andrew Orlowski • Get more from this author
Posted in Government, 25th September 2008 13:34 GMT
Free whitepaper – Thermal design of Dell PowerEdge server
A US army brigade combat unit will be deployed at home for the first time, the Army Times reports.
The 1st BCT (Brigade Combat Team), numbering about 650 personnel, has returned from Iraq. But rather than dealing with enemy combatants, it may be called to deal with unruly Americans.
The Team "may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control or to deal with potentially horrific scenarios such as massive poisoning and chaos in response to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive, or CBRNE, attack."
The troops will be testing "a new modular package of nonlethal capabilities" for the first time. The BCT will be based in Georgia, the paper reports.
The Posse Comitatus Act forbids the use of the US military at home. So the task of dealing with domestic "emergencies" has been the role of the National Guard, for whom there is an exemption. But the demarcation has blurred in recent years, with the National Guard called up to bolster the military occupation of Iraq.
October is traditionally the month of surprises in the US political calendar. But this year, October has come early.
So units can be deployed in place and should be considered the same as forward deployed units
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
It is a concept long understood but has a name more used. Deployed in Place is attached to units or specialties that are considered Deployed despite their location or mobility overseas. Deployed in Place units are considered part of the fight and campaign. Those subject to this were removed from traditional deployments due to mission impact, critical nature of the job, time to train specialties, UP Tempo, and retention. Today for example a predator troop may not be allowed forward deployment but is granted expeditionary deployed status even though he sits in a office on base in NV. Or, units that have always done the same mission, like Those in ICBM duties today that are today considered Deployed in Place.
This was also the situation during the Cold War Conflict. Units in this category should be granted the same 30/60 day criteria as for traditionally "Deployed" for the Cold War Service Medal. Or as they are in the current fight granted expeditionary credit retroactively for the Cold War period. This could be done with extending the AFEM to these units backward.
ICBM personnel do get the ASCM. The recent debacle with the nuclear weapons management review has recommended that all Missile Complex personnel to be part of the Air Expeditionary Forces. So, since James Schlesinger wrote the review to reflect that they meet the criteria for Deployed in place to include for promotional purposes. The jobs are declared mandatory fill and critical, ineligible for TDY for most billets or other OCONUS deployments. This was his review and uses the past SAC model as the example during the Cold War when there was an enemy opposing force. They understand the duty in SAC in these units to be this and admit it. The report in my eyes gives status to these units today as War Veterans with the expeditionary explanation, so what does that make what we did when there was an opposing force and the posture was more serious pre 1991. In the least they get the AFE Ribbon and it's good for promotion reasons. We were deployed.
Typical meaning of Being Deployed
Being Deployed
Deployed is a military term that means a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine has been given orders to be sent to a certain area(in this case Iraq) to perform his/her duties for his/her country
a. To position (troops) in readiness for combat, as along a front or line.
b. To bring (forces or material) into action.
c. To base (a weapons system) in the field.
2. To distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically.
Forward Deployed
A force that has been placed in close proximity to a conflict or potential
conflict and has not been introduced to hostilities.
Deployment stress: Related to stress that occurs at any point in a deployment, from notification through the process of returning home or permanent assignment.
Deployment: A troop movement resulting from a Joint Chiefs of Staff/Unified Command Deployment Order for 30 continuous days or greater to a land-based location outside the United States, e.g. peace keeping, conflict
1. In naval usage, the change from a cruising approach or contact disposition to a disposition for battle. 2. The movement of forces within areas of operations. 3. The positioning of forces into a formation for battle. 4. The relocation of forces to desired areas of operations. (NATO)
Another Example of Deployed In Place:
US Army Unit Deployed to Home Front
Nonlethal force for civil unrest
By Andrew Orlowski • Get more from this author
Posted in Government, 25th September 2008 13:34 GMT
Free whitepaper – Thermal design of Dell PowerEdge server
A US army brigade combat unit will be deployed at home for the first time, the Army Times reports.
The 1st BCT (Brigade Combat Team), numbering about 650 personnel, has returned from Iraq. But rather than dealing with enemy combatants, it may be called to deal with unruly Americans.
The Team "may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control or to deal with potentially horrific scenarios such as massive poisoning and chaos in response to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive, or CBRNE, attack."
The troops will be testing "a new modular package of nonlethal capabilities" for the first time. The BCT will be based in Georgia, the paper reports.
The Posse Comitatus Act forbids the use of the US military at home. So the task of dealing with domestic "emergencies" has been the role of the National Guard, for whom there is an exemption. But the demarcation has blurred in recent years, with the National Guard called up to bolster the military occupation of Iraq.
October is traditionally the month of surprises in the US political calendar. But this year, October has come early.
So units can be deployed in place and should be considered the same as forward deployed units
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Friday, December 4, 2009
U.S. Cold War Veterans Not The Only Ones Seeking Recognition
Here in the U.S. we have been trying for 17 years to gain recognition and a Cold War
Medal, without success.
We are not alone in our quest, other governments do not want to remember the Cold War
and the sacrifices made by veterans.
Our friends and brothers and sisters in arms in Canada have been struggling for years also. This year a bill was introduced to create a Defence of Canada Medal to Honor
Cold War Veterans. Introduced by MP Carol Hughes, see the men and women who protected
Canada receive a medal to recognize their service.
"This Act represents the hard work of one of my constituents, retired Captain Ulrich Krings of Elliot Lake, who presented me with his proposal to have a medal struck to honour the men and women who served in the Defence of Canada during the Cold War,” said Hughes.
Veterans in Great Britain have been working for years to get a National Defence Medal issued, but no luck there either. Veterans Minister Kevan Jones “not appropriate” to award a National Defence Medal to our proud sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen for protecting the nation since the Second World War.
Likewise our fellow veterans in Holland have been denied a medal, and are still seeking justice.
Russia has a "commemorative Cold War Medal" (We also have several different "commemorative medals" sold by private vendors.
Several states here in the U.S. have broached the subject, but it usually gets defeated. At present Louisiana has a Cold War Medal for their National Guard, and
Alaska has issued a Cold War Ribbon to its National Guard.
That is the extent of recognition currently extended to Cold War Veterans. I would say very pathetic and downright neglectful of veterans.
Possibly things will change this year. Contact both of your senators, urge them to
become cosponsors for bil S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009.
Contact your Representative urge them to cosponsor H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act
2009 This is a sister bill to the bill in the senate.
Also ask for cosponsor ship of
H.RES.CON 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
H.RES 900 Supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals.
This bill would designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
Lets bring to an end this long time disregarding and disrespecting of our veterans.
A small Thank You from our country would be greatly appreciated by all.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Medal, without success.
We are not alone in our quest, other governments do not want to remember the Cold War
and the sacrifices made by veterans.
Our friends and brothers and sisters in arms in Canada have been struggling for years also. This year a bill was introduced to create a Defence of Canada Medal to Honor
Cold War Veterans. Introduced by MP Carol Hughes, see the men and women who protected
Canada receive a medal to recognize their service.
"This Act represents the hard work of one of my constituents, retired Captain Ulrich Krings of Elliot Lake, who presented me with his proposal to have a medal struck to honour the men and women who served in the Defence of Canada during the Cold War,” said Hughes.
Veterans in Great Britain have been working for years to get a National Defence Medal issued, but no luck there either. Veterans Minister Kevan Jones “not appropriate” to award a National Defence Medal to our proud sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen for protecting the nation since the Second World War.
Likewise our fellow veterans in Holland have been denied a medal, and are still seeking justice.
Russia has a "commemorative Cold War Medal" (We also have several different "commemorative medals" sold by private vendors.
Several states here in the U.S. have broached the subject, but it usually gets defeated. At present Louisiana has a Cold War Medal for their National Guard, and
Alaska has issued a Cold War Ribbon to its National Guard.
That is the extent of recognition currently extended to Cold War Veterans. I would say very pathetic and downright neglectful of veterans.
Possibly things will change this year. Contact both of your senators, urge them to
become cosponsors for bil S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009.
Contact your Representative urge them to cosponsor H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act
2009 This is a sister bill to the bill in the senate.
Also ask for cosponsor ship of
H.RES.CON 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
H.RES 900 Supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals.
This bill would designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
Lets bring to an end this long time disregarding and disrespecting of our veterans.
A small Thank You from our country would be greatly appreciated by all.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. to stop counting new missiles in Russia - Washington Times
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. to stop counting new missiles in Russia - Washington Times
So now we will no longer know just how many missiles Russia has. This is a big mistake, and a step backwards; especially since Russia continues
to build their military.
Were it not for the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan the US would be reducing our military. Already several
programs that were in process have been cut back or eliminated.
We are not ready for another Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
So now we will no longer know just how many missiles Russia has. This is a big mistake, and a step backwards; especially since Russia continues
to build their military.
Were it not for the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan the US would be reducing our military. Already several
programs that were in process have been cut back or eliminated.
We are not ready for another Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Maine Veterans Wonder
There are four bills in Congress that are of great interest to veterans.
In the Senate, Senator Snowe, with 4 cosponsors has introduced a bill
S. 2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009
Please contact Senator Collins on her website,
or phone, or fax
Ask her to become a cosponsor, and vote for rapid passage of S.2413 The Cold War Medal Act 2009
In the House there are three bills to be considered. Please contact your Representative
Congressman Michaud
Or Congresswoman Pingree
Ask them to become a cosponsor and vote for rapid passage of
H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009(a sister bill to S.2743)
H.CON.RES 207 Regarding the victory of the United States in the Cold War
H.RES 900 Cold War Veterans Recognition Day (this is similar to the Cold War Victory
Day as proclaimed by several states in the last few years.
You might mention that this year is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 17th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
For those of you not living in Maine, please contact both your senators and the Representative from your district asking them to become cosponsors of the above bills. Ask your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers etc to contact their elected officials.
Thank you
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans Inc.
"We Remember"
In the Senate, Senator Snowe, with 4 cosponsors has introduced a bill
S. 2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009
Please contact Senator Collins on her website,
or phone, or fax
Ask her to become a cosponsor, and vote for rapid passage of S.2413 The Cold War Medal Act 2009
In the House there are three bills to be considered. Please contact your Representative
Congressman Michaud
Or Congresswoman Pingree
Ask them to become a cosponsor and vote for rapid passage of
H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009(a sister bill to S.2743)
H.CON.RES 207 Regarding the victory of the United States in the Cold War
H.RES 900 Cold War Veterans Recognition Day (this is similar to the Cold War Victory
Day as proclaimed by several states in the last few years.
You might mention that this year is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 17th anniversary of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
For those of you not living in Maine, please contact both your senators and the Representative from your district asking them to become cosponsors of the above bills. Ask your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers etc to contact their elected officials.
Thank you
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans Inc.
"We Remember"
Helping Veterans with PTSD
From West Roxbury Mass
http://www.wickedlocal.com/west-roxbury/news/x1792908722/Helping-our-veterans-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder
West Roxbury -
From the Civil War to the Vietnam War, it has been called nostalgia, shell shock, soldier’s heart and battle fatigue, but today the diagnosis sounds far more clinical: post-traumatic stress disorder.
On Nov. 20, the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and held an eight-hour conference on educating and caring for the mental health needs of veterans and their families.
More than 100 mental health-care providers and educators came together to discuss treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain trauma sustained in the line of duty, depression and suicide intervention.
“As a culture, we tend to celebrate the upside of conflict,” said MSPP President Nicholas Covino in his opening remarks to the symposium, calling PTSD “a major mental health issue” that has been neglected since the Vietnam era.
PTSD, an anxiety disorder that can plague soldiers returning from combat, is a debilitating condition that can occur after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Thomas Kelley, secretary of the state veterans’ office, lost one eye while serving as a U.S. Navy lieutenant in Vietnam. A recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military honor— Kelley, 70, who had addressed the audience, later said mental health-care workers are not always equipped to treat the needs of returning soldiers.
“I’m trying to let people know when men and women come out of the service, especially if they’ve been in combat in a war zone, that they’re going to come back as a changed person,” said Kelley, a retired captain. “They’ve been under stress and they’re re-entering a new environment, and our job, all of us, should [be to] try to keep that stress from becoming a disorder.”
Since October 2001, more than 1.7 million soldiers have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Of them, nearly 280,000 have been sent back for at least one more tour of duty, according to the National Center for PSTD, a research arm of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
Meanwhile, veterans affairs officials said there has also been a resurgence of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, there has been a 59 percent increase in Vietnam veterans seeking counseling, the center reported.
Navy Reserve Commander Marybeth O’Sullivan, 56, of Brockton, said support might come from people other than health-care professionals, such as a civilian neighbor or classmate.
“It’s the everyday person in the community who is going to be empowered — that needs be empowered — to help with reintegration,” she said.
O’Sullivan, a nurse with a 24-year military career, said she had “a vested interest” in the conference. Her son and son-in-law have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Referring to tales from Homer’s “Iliad,” O’Sullivan spoke for an hour about the psychological consequences of war.
“As long as we’ve had war, there’s been PTSD,” said O’Sullivan, who spoke of the way Greek war hero Achilles reacted — smearing himself with ash and fasting — to death of his friend, Patroclus.
Symptoms of PTSD include mood changes, anxiety, flashbacks and emotional numbness.
She said the general population might be scared to approach the issue.
“Because of what they may remember — and maybe even feel some guilt — feeling and thinking about Vietnam vets who were not getting any help,” O’Sullivan said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder was given a name in the late 1980s, more than a decade after the end of the Vietnam conflict, she said.
In addition to PTSD, O’Sullivan also talked to mental health-care workers about mild traumatic brain injury, a type of head injury that 20 percent of military personnel reported to have been exposed to in combat.
“Getting out of the military is a tough enough challenge,” O’Sullivan said. “Getting out of the military after seeing some stuff — bad stuff — and doing some rough stuff? It’s a whole other experience.”
Holly Marston, 29, has seen what the trauma of war can do to a loved one. Her father served in Vietnam. Now, she is one of seven outreach coordinators for Mass SAVE, Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment.
The group defines its mission as suicide prevention and benefits advocacy. Marston said some veterans are “not getting the help they need.”
“That could put them on the path to a better life,” she said.
O’Sullivan said one of the obstacles is that more than 40 percent of those in the military experiencing mental health problems refuse treatment due to a fear that seeking treatment could hurt their image, ruin their military career or limit civilian job opportunities.
Covino said mental health professionals have an increased responsibilities but the clinical expertise is insufficient.
The school plans to have additional conferences in March and June to discuss PTSD and the effects on families.
“We have 1.6 million returning veterans and [an] equally large number of family members that are going to be touched by this,” Covino said. “This is a new culture — there are values, [morals], customs, special needs that mental health practitioners really need to understand.”
For more information about the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, visit www.mspp.com. To learn more about veterans services in Massachusetts, visit www.mass.gov/veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://www.wickedlocal.com/west-roxbury/news/x1792908722/Helping-our-veterans-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder
West Roxbury -
From the Civil War to the Vietnam War, it has been called nostalgia, shell shock, soldier’s heart and battle fatigue, but today the diagnosis sounds far more clinical: post-traumatic stress disorder.
On Nov. 20, the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and held an eight-hour conference on educating and caring for the mental health needs of veterans and their families.
More than 100 mental health-care providers and educators came together to discuss treating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, brain trauma sustained in the line of duty, depression and suicide intervention.
“As a culture, we tend to celebrate the upside of conflict,” said MSPP President Nicholas Covino in his opening remarks to the symposium, calling PTSD “a major mental health issue” that has been neglected since the Vietnam era.
PTSD, an anxiety disorder that can plague soldiers returning from combat, is a debilitating condition that can occur after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Thomas Kelley, secretary of the state veterans’ office, lost one eye while serving as a U.S. Navy lieutenant in Vietnam. A recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military honor— Kelley, 70, who had addressed the audience, later said mental health-care workers are not always equipped to treat the needs of returning soldiers.
“I’m trying to let people know when men and women come out of the service, especially if they’ve been in combat in a war zone, that they’re going to come back as a changed person,” said Kelley, a retired captain. “They’ve been under stress and they’re re-entering a new environment, and our job, all of us, should [be to] try to keep that stress from becoming a disorder.”
Since October 2001, more than 1.7 million soldiers have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Of them, nearly 280,000 have been sent back for at least one more tour of duty, according to the National Center for PSTD, a research arm of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.
Meanwhile, veterans affairs officials said there has also been a resurgence of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, there has been a 59 percent increase in Vietnam veterans seeking counseling, the center reported.
Navy Reserve Commander Marybeth O’Sullivan, 56, of Brockton, said support might come from people other than health-care professionals, such as a civilian neighbor or classmate.
“It’s the everyday person in the community who is going to be empowered — that needs be empowered — to help with reintegration,” she said.
O’Sullivan, a nurse with a 24-year military career, said she had “a vested interest” in the conference. Her son and son-in-law have served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Referring to tales from Homer’s “Iliad,” O’Sullivan spoke for an hour about the psychological consequences of war.
“As long as we’ve had war, there’s been PTSD,” said O’Sullivan, who spoke of the way Greek war hero Achilles reacted — smearing himself with ash and fasting — to death of his friend, Patroclus.
Symptoms of PTSD include mood changes, anxiety, flashbacks and emotional numbness.
She said the general population might be scared to approach the issue.
“Because of what they may remember — and maybe even feel some guilt — feeling and thinking about Vietnam vets who were not getting any help,” O’Sullivan said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder was given a name in the late 1980s, more than a decade after the end of the Vietnam conflict, she said.
In addition to PTSD, O’Sullivan also talked to mental health-care workers about mild traumatic brain injury, a type of head injury that 20 percent of military personnel reported to have been exposed to in combat.
“Getting out of the military is a tough enough challenge,” O’Sullivan said. “Getting out of the military after seeing some stuff — bad stuff — and doing some rough stuff? It’s a whole other experience.”
Holly Marston, 29, has seen what the trauma of war can do to a loved one. Her father served in Vietnam. Now, she is one of seven outreach coordinators for Mass SAVE, Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment.
The group defines its mission as suicide prevention and benefits advocacy. Marston said some veterans are “not getting the help they need.”
“That could put them on the path to a better life,” she said.
O’Sullivan said one of the obstacles is that more than 40 percent of those in the military experiencing mental health problems refuse treatment due to a fear that seeking treatment could hurt their image, ruin their military career or limit civilian job opportunities.
Covino said mental health professionals have an increased responsibilities but the clinical expertise is insufficient.
The school plans to have additional conferences in March and June to discuss PTSD and the effects on families.
“We have 1.6 million returning veterans and [an] equally large number of family members that are going to be touched by this,” Covino said. “This is a new culture — there are values, [morals], customs, special needs that mental health practitioners really need to understand.”
For more information about the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, visit www.mspp.com. To learn more about veterans services in Massachusetts, visit www.mass.gov/veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Friday, November 27, 2009
Another loss of life incident in the Cold War
I received this information from Wendell Pruitt
On January 11, 1985 as Member of the 56th Field Artillery G-3 Training Staff I was sent to Camp Redleg, Heilbronn, Germany when an accident was reported involving C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery.
Three soldiers were killed in an explosion. The explosion occurred while removing a missile stage from the storage container during an assembly operation of a Pershing II Missile.
An investigation later revealed that the Kevlar rocket bottle had accumulated a triboelectric charge in the cold dry weather; as the engine was removed from the container the electrical charge began to flow and created a hot spot that ignited the propellant.
The Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country and Peace were Staff Sergeant John Leach, Sergeant Todd A Zephier and Private First Class Darryl L Shirley
Once again, loss of life not counted in the
official causality list as Cold War Losses
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
On January 11, 1985 as Member of the 56th Field Artillery G-3 Training Staff I was sent to Camp Redleg, Heilbronn, Germany when an accident was reported involving C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery.
Three soldiers were killed in an explosion. The explosion occurred while removing a missile stage from the storage container during an assembly operation of a Pershing II Missile.
An investigation later revealed that the Kevlar rocket bottle had accumulated a triboelectric charge in the cold dry weather; as the engine was removed from the container the electrical charge began to flow and created a hot spot that ignited the propellant.
The Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country and Peace were Staff Sergeant John Leach, Sergeant Todd A Zephier and Private First Class Darryl L Shirley
Once again, loss of life not counted in the
official causality list as Cold War Losses
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
Mesothelioma Cancer
Anyone who was exposed to Asbestos at anytime is subject to this disease.
Most ships built before about 1975 contained large amounts of asbestos. Just normal
duties exposed you, but if you were aboard during shipyard periods then it was even worse.
This might be of interest to anyone exposed to asbestos
My name is Carl Jewett and I’m the Veteran Liaison for the Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos.com); an organization devoted to assisting veterans through their application processes for VA benefits, and helping them obtain the maximum benefits for which they are entitled. I’m also the Executive Director of the Veterans Assistance Network, and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. While I was browsing through a number of Veterans sites I came across your website and was very impressed by the information you have listed.
Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships primarily because of its resistance to fire. Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases are not always recognized by the VA, which is why I’m reaching out to veterans -- in hopes of helping them win the rights to their benefits.
The Mesothelioma Center provides a complete list of occupations, ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. In addition, they have thousands of articles regarding asbestos and mesothelioma and they’ve even created a veterans-specific section on their website in order to help inform them about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Because so many veterans visit your site, I thought that you may be interested in helping to educate our nation’s veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure by linking to our website from your resources page at americancoldwarvets.org/links.html. Please let me know. I'm available by e-mail at carl.jewett “@” asbestos.com. With your help, we can save some lives. Thanks again.
Carl Jewett
Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Most ships built before about 1975 contained large amounts of asbestos. Just normal
duties exposed you, but if you were aboard during shipyard periods then it was even worse.
This might be of interest to anyone exposed to asbestos
My name is Carl Jewett and I’m the Veteran Liaison for the Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos.com); an organization devoted to assisting veterans through their application processes for VA benefits, and helping them obtain the maximum benefits for which they are entitled. I’m also the Executive Director of the Veterans Assistance Network, and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. While I was browsing through a number of Veterans sites I came across your website and was very impressed by the information you have listed.
Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was commonly used in hundreds of military applications, products, and ships primarily because of its resistance to fire. Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases are not always recognized by the VA, which is why I’m reaching out to veterans -- in hopes of helping them win the rights to their benefits.
The Mesothelioma Center provides a complete list of occupations, ships, and shipyards that could have put our Veterans at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases. In addition, they have thousands of articles regarding asbestos and mesothelioma and they’ve even created a veterans-specific section on their website in order to help inform them about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Because so many veterans visit your site, I thought that you may be interested in helping to educate our nation’s veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure by linking to our website from your resources page at americancoldwarvets.org/links.html. Please let me know. I'm available by e-mail at carl.jewett “@” asbestos.com. With your help, we can save some lives. Thanks again.
Carl Jewett
Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos.com
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Young German Citizen Thanks the US
A seventeen year old exchange student from Germany, attending school in Upland, California thanks America for winning the Cold War.
Although he is too young to remember the Cold War, and the Berlin Wall, this young
man living with an American family while attending Upland High School made a special
stop.
He walked down the street to visit Dr. Robert Kamansky, Capt. US Army (ret) to say
"Thank you" to America for helping to bring an end to the Cold War. He felt the
reunification of Germany was the most important happening at the turn of the century.
He wishes to pass on thanks to all Americans in general, and the veterans of the Cold War in particular, for all the help given to his country. He wanted to acknowledge the
long hard struggle that the U.S. went through to preserve freedom.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Although he is too young to remember the Cold War, and the Berlin Wall, this young
man living with an American family while attending Upland High School made a special
stop.
He walked down the street to visit Dr. Robert Kamansky, Capt. US Army (ret) to say
"Thank you" to America for helping to bring an end to the Cold War. He felt the
reunification of Germany was the most important happening at the turn of the century.
He wishes to pass on thanks to all Americans in general, and the veterans of the Cold War in particular, for all the help given to his country. He wanted to acknowledge the
long hard struggle that the U.S. went through to preserve freedom.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Pennsylvania to issue Veterans License Plates
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091120/NEWS/911200350/-1/rss01
By Pocono Record staff report
November 20, 2009
HARRISBURG — Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces have a new way to proudly display their service. PennDOT has announced the availability of a new series of military license plates honoring veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
"On any given day, members of our armed forces are serving around the globe protecting our freedom," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler. "PennDOT is pleased to announce this new series of military plates recognizing their sacrifices in service to our nation."
The new plates feature the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white and yellow along with the applicable branch of service emblem or logo on the left side of the plate. Pennsylvania is printed at the top of the plate, with the name of the branch of service at the bottom. To get one of these plates, honorably discharged veterans must complete and mail Form MV-150, application for U.S. Military Veteran registration plate, to PennDOT and include a certified copy of their DD-214, along with a $20 fee.
Form MV-150 is available on PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us, via the Military License Plates link under the Military Personnel/Veterans Information Center. Additional information and images of the new license plates are also available on this Web page
Jerald Tewilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
By Pocono Record staff report
November 20, 2009
HARRISBURG — Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces have a new way to proudly display their service. PennDOT has announced the availability of a new series of military license plates honoring veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
"On any given day, members of our armed forces are serving around the globe protecting our freedom," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler. "PennDOT is pleased to announce this new series of military plates recognizing their sacrifices in service to our nation."
The new plates feature the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors of blue, white and yellow along with the applicable branch of service emblem or logo on the left side of the plate. Pennsylvania is printed at the top of the plate, with the name of the branch of service at the bottom. To get one of these plates, honorably discharged veterans must complete and mail Form MV-150, application for U.S. Military Veteran registration plate, to PennDOT and include a certified copy of their DD-214, along with a $20 fee.
Form MV-150 is available on PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us, via the Military License Plates link under the Military Personnel/Veterans Information Center. Additional information and images of the new license plates are also available on this Web page
Jerald Tewilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Friday, November 20, 2009
An article from the Portland Press Herald
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=296833&ac=PHedi
Editorials
Encourage Congress to pass honors for Cold War veterans
November 18, 2009
The Cold War was America's longest war, lasting from September 1945 to December 1991. Yet it seems to be something few people remember; especially how close the world came to nuclear war.
Yet there is no medal or award to honor the brave and dedicated men and women who defended us during that time. We faced the same dangers and did the same jobs as today's military, who have all kinds of medals being issued. At the present time there is legislation in Congress that will correct this injustice, and bring honor and respect so long overdue.
Sen. Olympia Snowe, along with Sens. James Webb, D-Va., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., have introduced a bill to end this oversight (S. 2743, The Cold War Medal Act of 2009).
In the House, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., has introduced a parallel bill, H.R. 4051, and has also introduced House Resolution 900, to designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 207, expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I ask everyone to ask their elected officials to become cosponsors and vote for rapid passage of these bills. Include the bill number and name to ensure the proper bill is considered.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
South Portland
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=296833&ac=PHedi
Editorials
Encourage Congress to pass honors for Cold War veterans
November 18, 2009
The Cold War was America's longest war, lasting from September 1945 to December 1991. Yet it seems to be something few people remember; especially how close the world came to nuclear war.
Yet there is no medal or award to honor the brave and dedicated men and women who defended us during that time. We faced the same dangers and did the same jobs as today's military, who have all kinds of medals being issued. At the present time there is legislation in Congress that will correct this injustice, and bring honor and respect so long overdue.
Sen. Olympia Snowe, along with Sens. James Webb, D-Va., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., have introduced a bill to end this oversight (S. 2743, The Cold War Medal Act of 2009).
In the House, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., has introduced a parallel bill, H.R. 4051, and has also introduced House Resolution 900, to designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 207, expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I ask everyone to ask their elected officials to become cosponsors and vote for rapid passage of these bills. Include the bill number and name to ensure the proper bill is considered.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
South Portland
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Secretary Napolitano Unveils New Veterans Website Designed to Highlight Veteran Employment and Contracting Opportunities « ResourceShelf
A new website for veterans to find information about the Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Napolitano Unveils New Veterans Website Designed to Highlight Veteran Employment and Contracting Opportunities « ResourceShelf
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
Secretary Napolitano Unveils New Veterans Website Designed to Highlight Veteran Employment and Contracting Opportunities « ResourceShelf
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Medal of Honor receipent Millet passes
From the US Report
American Hero Lewis Millett, Medal of Honor recipient passes. Leaving 93 living recipients.
http://www.theusreport.com/the-us-report/medal-of-honor-recipient-lewis-millett-hero-of-battle-of-bay.html
Medal of Honor recipient Lewis Millett, hero of Battle of Bayonet Hill, passes
DateMonday, November 16, 2009 at 08:38AM
by Chris Carter
Capt. Louis L. Millett, 88, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Nov. 14 in Loma Linda, Calif.[Photo from Crushing Chris}
In 1940, Lewis L. "Red" Millett, a 17 year old native of Mechanic Falls, Maine, dropped out of high school and joined the Army Air Corps in order to fight the increasing fascist threat in Europe. But when President Roosevelt stated that the U.S. would not be entering the war, Millett decided to become a deserter and head to Canada - not to avoid combat, but to seek it out as part of the Canadian army. He was sent to London where he served as an anti-aircraft gunner during the Nazi's "Blitz" bombing campaign.
"I deeply believe that if you're a free man, then you should stand up and support freedom wherever it is," Millett said during an interview on the 2003 PBS documentary American Valor.
When the U.S. joined the war in 1942, Millet was able to transfer back to the American Army. Joining the 1st Armored Division, Millett earned the Silver Star - the nation's third-highest award for valor - for his actions in North Africa. He also fought at Salerno and Anzio, but the paperwork of his desertion caught up to Millett, who was court-martialed, demoted to private, and fined $52.
However following his punishment, Millett received a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant and a Bronze Star.
Then on Feb. 7, 1951 during the Korean War, Millett - who had been promoted to Captain - was leading an under-strength company of 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds" against a strongly held enemy position on Hill 180, which is now part of Osan Air Base in South Korea.
"The Chinese had put out the word that we were afraid of bayonets," Millett told Stars and Stripes in a 1975 interview. "'Americans afraid of bayonets' is just ridiculous, I thought, so I intended to prove a point."
During the attack, one of Millett's platoons became pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and "buffalo gun" anti-tank fire. Millett ordered another platoon forward, telling his men to "Fix bayonets and follow me!"
Despite being wounded by a grenade blast, Millett charged forward - firing his rifle, throwing grenades, and striking enemies with his rifle and bayonet. When Millett reached a three-man buffalo gun emplacement, he killed all three with his bayonet. Once at the top of the hill, Millett waved his rifle over his head, encouraging his men by shouting "Grenades and cold steel!" - while still fighting the enemy.
Millett's charge was so effective that the remaining Communist forces fled, but not before 47 North Korean and Chinese soldiers lay dead, 18 of which had been killed by bayonets.
Capt. Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor - the nation's highest decoration for valor - for his actions on Hill 180, which came to be known as the Battle of Bayonet Hill.
"I was surprised, I never expected it," Millett told Stars and Stripes. "Of course, a lot of real fine people had to die so that a few might get decorated. There's an awful lot of men who lie buried over here, and the only recognition they received was the purple heart."
Lewis L. Millett, 88, passed away Saturday morning in Loma Linda, Calif. His passing means that only 93 living recipients of America's Medal of Honor remain.
In Sept. 2010, the Medal of Honor Society will hold its national convention in Charleston, S.C., giving Americans the opportunity to honor those like Lewis Millett who have given so much for this country.
We mourn the passing of a great American Hero who fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Among his awards are:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Legion of Merit (3)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart (4)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
American Hero Lewis Millett, Medal of Honor recipient passes. Leaving 93 living recipients.
http://www.theusreport.com/the-us-report/medal-of-honor-recipient-lewis-millett-hero-of-battle-of-bay.html
Medal of Honor recipient Lewis Millett, hero of Battle of Bayonet Hill, passes
DateMonday, November 16, 2009 at 08:38AM
by Chris Carter
Capt. Louis L. Millett, 88, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Nov. 14 in Loma Linda, Calif.[Photo from Crushing Chris}
In 1940, Lewis L. "Red" Millett, a 17 year old native of Mechanic Falls, Maine, dropped out of high school and joined the Army Air Corps in order to fight the increasing fascist threat in Europe. But when President Roosevelt stated that the U.S. would not be entering the war, Millett decided to become a deserter and head to Canada - not to avoid combat, but to seek it out as part of the Canadian army. He was sent to London where he served as an anti-aircraft gunner during the Nazi's "Blitz" bombing campaign.
"I deeply believe that if you're a free man, then you should stand up and support freedom wherever it is," Millett said during an interview on the 2003 PBS documentary American Valor.
When the U.S. joined the war in 1942, Millet was able to transfer back to the American Army. Joining the 1st Armored Division, Millett earned the Silver Star - the nation's third-highest award for valor - for his actions in North Africa. He also fought at Salerno and Anzio, but the paperwork of his desertion caught up to Millett, who was court-martialed, demoted to private, and fined $52.
However following his punishment, Millett received a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant and a Bronze Star.
Then on Feb. 7, 1951 during the Korean War, Millett - who had been promoted to Captain - was leading an under-strength company of 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds" against a strongly held enemy position on Hill 180, which is now part of Osan Air Base in South Korea.
"The Chinese had put out the word that we were afraid of bayonets," Millett told Stars and Stripes in a 1975 interview. "'Americans afraid of bayonets' is just ridiculous, I thought, so I intended to prove a point."
During the attack, one of Millett's platoons became pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and "buffalo gun" anti-tank fire. Millett ordered another platoon forward, telling his men to "Fix bayonets and follow me!"
Despite being wounded by a grenade blast, Millett charged forward - firing his rifle, throwing grenades, and striking enemies with his rifle and bayonet. When Millett reached a three-man buffalo gun emplacement, he killed all three with his bayonet. Once at the top of the hill, Millett waved his rifle over his head, encouraging his men by shouting "Grenades and cold steel!" - while still fighting the enemy.
Millett's charge was so effective that the remaining Communist forces fled, but not before 47 North Korean and Chinese soldiers lay dead, 18 of which had been killed by bayonets.
Capt. Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor - the nation's highest decoration for valor - for his actions on Hill 180, which came to be known as the Battle of Bayonet Hill.
"I was surprised, I never expected it," Millett told Stars and Stripes. "Of course, a lot of real fine people had to die so that a few might get decorated. There's an awful lot of men who lie buried over here, and the only recognition they received was the purple heart."
Lewis L. Millett, 88, passed away Saturday morning in Loma Linda, Calif. His passing means that only 93 living recipients of America's Medal of Honor remain.
In Sept. 2010, the Medal of Honor Society will hold its national convention in Charleston, S.C., giving Americans the opportunity to honor those like Lewis Millett who have given so much for this country.
We mourn the passing of a great American Hero who fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Among his awards are:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Legion of Merit (3)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart (4)
Croix de Guerre (France)
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Sunday, November 15, 2009
When Will Cold War Veterans be Remembered
Another Veterans Day has passed, parades, pomp and circumstance; all across American
our nation paid homage to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other heroes.
One noted exception: No One thinks about the Cold War Veterans Those who stood nose to nose with the Soviets. The brave men and women who lost their lives preserving freedom once again failed to be recognized.
Yes a lot has been written lately, public officials may mention it in passing but it is soon forgotten again.
Even our Commander-in Chief, President Obama has stated publicly of his "supposed support".
In an email to a Cold War Veteran President Obama said
I agree that the Cold War Victory medal would be an appropriate honor. The Cold War was a period that required both skilled diplomacy and military readiness. For veterans who had to be prepared to fight a war that most people agreed would be catastrophic, there certainly should be some recognition of service and willingness to defend and go to battle for the United States.
In each of the past two years, the Cold War Victory Medal has passed the House as part of its version of the annual defense authorization bill but has been stymied by influential members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I certainly share your hope that this impasse can be broken soon.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
On 01-08-08 President Obama stated "As president, he would sign legislation creating a cold war medal."
Would an Executive Order be appropriate? Can our President remember his statements? Or was it all just more, tell them what they want and then forget them?
Now that S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 has been introduced in the Senate; and H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 a sister bill introduced in the House possibly he will have a chance to keep his word.
Also in the House of Representatives are two other bills that will recognize and honor Cold War veterans: H.CON.RES 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
And H.RES.900 which would designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. This has been another of our long-term goals. Several states have designated May 1 as Cold War Victory Day, to have a national day of recognition would be a great honor for veterans.
Please contact you Senators and Representatives in Congress ask them to become cosponsors of these three bills.
At last as a country let us say Thank You to all Cold War Veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
our nation paid homage to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other heroes.
One noted exception: No One thinks about the Cold War Veterans Those who stood nose to nose with the Soviets. The brave men and women who lost their lives preserving freedom once again failed to be recognized.
Yes a lot has been written lately, public officials may mention it in passing but it is soon forgotten again.
Even our Commander-in Chief, President Obama has stated publicly of his "supposed support".
In an email to a Cold War Veteran President Obama said
I agree that the Cold War Victory medal would be an appropriate honor. The Cold War was a period that required both skilled diplomacy and military readiness. For veterans who had to be prepared to fight a war that most people agreed would be catastrophic, there certainly should be some recognition of service and willingness to defend and go to battle for the United States.
In each of the past two years, the Cold War Victory Medal has passed the House as part of its version of the annual defense authorization bill but has been stymied by influential members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I certainly share your hope that this impasse can be broken soon.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
On 01-08-08 President Obama stated "As president, he would sign legislation creating a cold war medal."
Would an Executive Order be appropriate? Can our President remember his statements? Or was it all just more, tell them what they want and then forget them?
Now that S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 has been introduced in the Senate; and H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 a sister bill introduced in the House possibly he will have a chance to keep his word.
Also in the House of Representatives are two other bills that will recognize and honor Cold War veterans: H.CON.RES 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
And H.RES.900 which would designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. This has been another of our long-term goals. Several states have designated May 1 as Cold War Victory Day, to have a national day of recognition would be a great honor for veterans.
Please contact you Senators and Representatives in Congress ask them to become cosponsors of these three bills.
At last as a country let us say Thank You to all Cold War Veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cold War Veterans Waiting For Recognition
AS the world marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the veterans of the Cold War are still unrecognized, ignored, and forgotten.
Many of the brave and dedicated men and women faced danger and death everyday, at far flung bases around the world. As they sat in missile silos, or on the line in the Fulda Gap; facing forces ten times their numbers. They spent long months at sea, on and under the surface; or long hours on patrol in planes, flying near the enemy borders. At bases around the world, from from family and loved ones.
Despite all this, there is no medal or award they can point out to family and say
"Yes I was there to protect freedom." No simple Thank You from our country. Only memories that often they are not allowed to speak about, sworn to secrecy that they
hold dear even today so many years later.
That may change this year! At the present time their are bills in both Houses of Congress to correct this wrong, and finally acknowledge the service of all Cold War Veterans.
S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 introduced in the Senate by Senator Snowe, Senator Webb, Senator Lincoln and Senator Landrieu would authorize a Cold War Service Medal to these veterans.
H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 is a sister bill introduced by Congressman Israel.
H.RES 900 Supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals. Also introduced by Congressman Israel would designate May 1 as "Cold War Veterans Recognition Day"
H.CON.RES 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Would remember and recognize these Cold War Veterans.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives ask them to become a cosponsor of these bills, and vote for rapid passage as the bills reach the floor for vote.
Tell thee veterans that their service did matter and the lives lost were not in vain.
It is no longer proper and right to push this 46 years of waiting and hoping never to heard "the balloon went up" into the dust pile of history. Give them at long last,
a Thank You from our country.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Many of the brave and dedicated men and women faced danger and death everyday, at far flung bases around the world. As they sat in missile silos, or on the line in the Fulda Gap; facing forces ten times their numbers. They spent long months at sea, on and under the surface; or long hours on patrol in planes, flying near the enemy borders. At bases around the world, from from family and loved ones.
Despite all this, there is no medal or award they can point out to family and say
"Yes I was there to protect freedom." No simple Thank You from our country. Only memories that often they are not allowed to speak about, sworn to secrecy that they
hold dear even today so many years later.
That may change this year! At the present time their are bills in both Houses of Congress to correct this wrong, and finally acknowledge the service of all Cold War Veterans.
S.2743 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 introduced in the Senate by Senator Snowe, Senator Webb, Senator Lincoln and Senator Landrieu would authorize a Cold War Service Medal to these veterans.
H.R. 4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009 is a sister bill introduced by Congressman Israel.
H.RES 900 Supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals. Also introduced by Congressman Israel would designate May 1 as "Cold War Veterans Recognition Day"
H.CON.RES 207 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Would remember and recognize these Cold War Veterans.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives ask them to become a cosponsor of these bills, and vote for rapid passage as the bills reach the floor for vote.
Tell thee veterans that their service did matter and the lives lost were not in vain.
It is no longer proper and right to push this 46 years of waiting and hoping never to heard "the balloon went up" into the dust pile of history. Give them at long last,
a Thank You from our country.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Gig Harbor Veteran Recounts Long Military Career : Gig Harbor : Gig Harbor Life
Gig Harbor Veteran Recounts Long Military Career : Gig Harbor : Gig Harbor Life
Another brave veteran with a long history. Read his comments about the Cold War
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Another brave veteran with a long history. Read his comments about the Cold War
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Cold War's Greatest Generation
An article from Forbes. Yes We Won the Cold War
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/09/cold-war-berlin-wall-opinions-contributors-matthew-kaminski.html
Jerald Terwilligr
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/09/cold-war-berlin-wall-opinions-contributors-matthew-kaminski.html
Jerald Terwilligr
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
2266 Veterans died in 2008 with no insurance
From Truth Out
http://www.truthout.org/topstories/111009ms02
Study: 2,266 Veterans Died Due to Lack of Insurance in 2008
Tuesday 10 November 2009
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t | Report
More than 2,200 veterans under the age of 65 died last year due to lack of health insurance, according to a study out of Harvard Medical School released today. This number - 2,266 in one year - is more than 14 times the number of US troops who died in Afghanistan in 2008.
The researchers also found that, in 2008, 1,461,615 veterans between the ages of 18 and 64 lacked insurance.
Steffie Woolhandler, one of the study's authors, pointed out that most uninsured veterans fall into a common coverage gap: they aren't poor enough to qualify for Medicaid or special VA benefits, but earn too little to pay for health care on their own.
"Uninsured veterans have the same problems getting the care they need as do other unsinsured Americans," Woolhandler said in testimony before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. "Moreover, many uninsured veterans have serious illnesses requiring extensive care."
Many veterans cannot receive care from the VA, even if they've been through combat, according to Woolhandler. Generally, VA facilities only treat medical problems or disabilities specifically acquired during military service.
The Harvard researchers stressed that the health care bill that recently passed the House would do little to address veterans' health care woes, and that the "solution that works for all veterans" would be a single-payer health insurance plan.
http://www.truthout.org/topstories/111009ms02
Study: 2,266 Veterans Died Due to Lack of Insurance in 2008
Tuesday 10 November 2009
by: Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t | Report
More than 2,200 veterans under the age of 65 died last year due to lack of health insurance, according to a study out of Harvard Medical School released today. This number - 2,266 in one year - is more than 14 times the number of US troops who died in Afghanistan in 2008.
The researchers also found that, in 2008, 1,461,615 veterans between the ages of 18 and 64 lacked insurance.
Steffie Woolhandler, one of the study's authors, pointed out that most uninsured veterans fall into a common coverage gap: they aren't poor enough to qualify for Medicaid or special VA benefits, but earn too little to pay for health care on their own.
"Uninsured veterans have the same problems getting the care they need as do other unsinsured Americans," Woolhandler said in testimony before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. "Moreover, many uninsured veterans have serious illnesses requiring extensive care."
Many veterans cannot receive care from the VA, even if they've been through combat, according to Woolhandler. Generally, VA facilities only treat medical problems or disabilities specifically acquired during military service.
The Harvard researchers stressed that the health care bill that recently passed the House would do little to address veterans' health care woes, and that the "solution that works for all veterans" would be a single-payer health insurance plan.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Article from the Stars and Stripes
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=65989
Thank Cold War veterans too
Stars and Stripes
Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, October 10, 2009
Twenty years ago it fell. It was the symbol of intimidation, of subjugation of the entire world, one heartbeat away from total annihilation. The world called it the Berlin Wall, and for 27 years it was a visible sign of cancerous evil.
Before the wall was built, an unbroken line of barbed wire, gun towers and bunkers created, in Winston Churchill’s remarkable phrase, an Iron Curtain that extended from the North Sea to the Adriatic. Only Berlin remained open. In 1961, that too was closed, by the Berlin Wall.
Country after country was targeted for subjugation. In Korea and Vietnam, cold words turned into open warfare. The power that crafted these conflicts shifted between open warfare in eastern lands to intimidation in the West. In Berlin, the difference between freedom and tyranny was absolutely clear. It was the season of the Cold War, lasting 44 years.
Generations of Americans, Europeans and other lovers of freedom stood guard on the Iron Curtain and at the wall. One step from mass destruction, they resisted subjugation and tyranny. They faced that evil and said clearly, “No Entry” in Europe and Asia.
To every thing there is a season. This Veterans Day is the season to salute veterans of the Cold War. They served in Vietnam, Korea, Europe and many other lands. It is the season to say “thank you” to generations who were neither thanked nor welcomed home.
On Nov. 11, as the wall is remembered, thank those generations who made the fall of the wall possible and saved the world from annihilation.
Dave Theis
Mannheim, German
Thank Cold War veterans too
Stars and Stripes
Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, October 10, 2009
Twenty years ago it fell. It was the symbol of intimidation, of subjugation of the entire world, one heartbeat away from total annihilation. The world called it the Berlin Wall, and for 27 years it was a visible sign of cancerous evil.
Before the wall was built, an unbroken line of barbed wire, gun towers and bunkers created, in Winston Churchill’s remarkable phrase, an Iron Curtain that extended from the North Sea to the Adriatic. Only Berlin remained open. In 1961, that too was closed, by the Berlin Wall.
Country after country was targeted for subjugation. In Korea and Vietnam, cold words turned into open warfare. The power that crafted these conflicts shifted between open warfare in eastern lands to intimidation in the West. In Berlin, the difference between freedom and tyranny was absolutely clear. It was the season of the Cold War, lasting 44 years.
Generations of Americans, Europeans and other lovers of freedom stood guard on the Iron Curtain and at the wall. One step from mass destruction, they resisted subjugation and tyranny. They faced that evil and said clearly, “No Entry” in Europe and Asia.
To every thing there is a season. This Veterans Day is the season to salute veterans of the Cold War. They served in Vietnam, Korea, Europe and many other lands. It is the season to say “thank you” to generations who were neither thanked nor welcomed home.
On Nov. 11, as the wall is remembered, thank those generations who made the fall of the wall possible and saved the world from annihilation.
Dave Theis
Mannheim, German
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Memories of Germany
For those of you who stood the line in Germany, a link to a site that might bring
back a lot of memories, good or bad
http://bit.ly/1DL7yV
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
back a lot of memories, good or bad
http://bit.ly/1DL7yV
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Senator Snowe Introduces bill for Cold War Medal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Julia Wanzco (Snowe)
November 5, 2009 202.224.1304
Kimberly Hunter (Webb)
202.228.5258
Leah Vest DiPietro (Lincoln)
202.224.4843
Rob Sawicki (Landrieu)
202.224.0084
Snowe, Webb, Lincoln, Landrieu Announce Bill to Honor Cold War Veterans
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Jim Webb (D-Va.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) today introduced the Cold War Service Medals Act of 2009, bipartisan legislation to authorize the secretaries of the military departments to award Cold War Service Medals to American veterans. To date, no medal exists to honor the men and women who served and defended the United States during the Cold War.
“From the end of World War II to dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Cold War veterans were in the vanguard of the Nation’s defenses,” said Senator Snowe. “Although long overdue, this legislation will honor and recognize the American patriots who for nearly half-a-century defended the Nation against the advance of communist ideology in the form of the Cold War Service Medal. The commitment, motivation, and fortitude of these brave service members was second to none and their actions should be recognized in a long-standing military custom befitting their patriotism and service.”
“The millions of Americans who served in uniform in the armed forces during the Cold War, spanning more than four decades, were the living embodiment of our nation’s strategy of deterrence,” said Senator Webb. “In their efforts to preserve peace, hundreds died during isolated armed confrontations when the Cold War flashed hot at remote locations around the world. This legislation will appropriately honor those who served in an effort that resulted in the largest single expansion in the number of democratically elected governments in world history.”
“America’s Cold War veterans deserve every honor we can bestow upon them for their hard work and dedication to keeping our nation safe,” Senator Lincoln said. “The Cold War Service Medal would allow military service members, veterans, and their families to receive the recognition and honor they rightfully deserve. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our veterans receive the support and care they and their families need. It’s the least we can do as a grateful nation.”
“For 46 years, we were engaged in a worldwide battle against communism,” said Senator Landrieu. “During that time, there were countless heroes, who served in our nation’s Armed Forces and played a critical role in America’s triumph. These men and women, who sacrificed so much for so many, deserve to be awarded the Cold War Service Medal in recognized of their faithful service to their country and tireless defense of freedom around the world.”
Specifically, the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 would allow the Defense Department to issue a Cold War Service Medal to any honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty for not less than two years or was deployed for thirty days or more during the period from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991. In the case of those veterans who are now deceased, the medal could be issued to their family or representative, as determined by the Defense Department. The bill would also express the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should expedite the design of the medal and expedite the establishment and implementation mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Cold War Service Medal. The award of the Cold War Service Medal is supported by the American Cold War Veterans, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans’ services organizations.
We thank the Senators for their willingness to stand up tall for our veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
November 5, 2009 202.224.1304
Kimberly Hunter (Webb)
202.228.5258
Leah Vest DiPietro (Lincoln)
202.224.4843
Rob Sawicki (Landrieu)
202.224.0084
Snowe, Webb, Lincoln, Landrieu Announce Bill to Honor Cold War Veterans
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Jim Webb (D-Va.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) today introduced the Cold War Service Medals Act of 2009, bipartisan legislation to authorize the secretaries of the military departments to award Cold War Service Medals to American veterans. To date, no medal exists to honor the men and women who served and defended the United States during the Cold War.
“From the end of World War II to dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Cold War veterans were in the vanguard of the Nation’s defenses,” said Senator Snowe. “Although long overdue, this legislation will honor and recognize the American patriots who for nearly half-a-century defended the Nation against the advance of communist ideology in the form of the Cold War Service Medal. The commitment, motivation, and fortitude of these brave service members was second to none and their actions should be recognized in a long-standing military custom befitting their patriotism and service.”
“The millions of Americans who served in uniform in the armed forces during the Cold War, spanning more than four decades, were the living embodiment of our nation’s strategy of deterrence,” said Senator Webb. “In their efforts to preserve peace, hundreds died during isolated armed confrontations when the Cold War flashed hot at remote locations around the world. This legislation will appropriately honor those who served in an effort that resulted in the largest single expansion in the number of democratically elected governments in world history.”
“America’s Cold War veterans deserve every honor we can bestow upon them for their hard work and dedication to keeping our nation safe,” Senator Lincoln said. “The Cold War Service Medal would allow military service members, veterans, and their families to receive the recognition and honor they rightfully deserve. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our veterans receive the support and care they and their families need. It’s the least we can do as a grateful nation.”
“For 46 years, we were engaged in a worldwide battle against communism,” said Senator Landrieu. “During that time, there were countless heroes, who served in our nation’s Armed Forces and played a critical role in America’s triumph. These men and women, who sacrificed so much for so many, deserve to be awarded the Cold War Service Medal in recognized of their faithful service to their country and tireless defense of freedom around the world.”
Specifically, the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009 would allow the Defense Department to issue a Cold War Service Medal to any honorably discharged veteran who served on active duty for not less than two years or was deployed for thirty days or more during the period from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991. In the case of those veterans who are now deceased, the medal could be issued to their family or representative, as determined by the Defense Department. The bill would also express the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should expedite the design of the medal and expedite the establishment and implementation mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Cold War Service Medal. The award of the Cold War Service Medal is supported by the American Cold War Veterans, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans’ services organizations.
We thank the Senators for their willingness to stand up tall for our veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
VFW Magazine Says We Won The Cold War
The VFW Magazine Nov/Dec issue has three outstanding articles about the Cold War.
Thanks to the VFW for standing up for America and all Cold War Veterans
Fall of Berlin Wall Frees East Europe
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.magDtl&dtl=1&mid=5268
Combat Casualties
http://www.vfw.org/PR/Publications/CWCasualties.pdf
You Won the Cold War
http://americancoldwarvets.org/docs/VFW_Cold_War_map_1.pdf
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
Thanks to the VFW for standing up for America and all Cold War Veterans
Fall of Berlin Wall Frees East Europe
http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=news.magDtl&dtl=1&mid=5268
Combat Casualties
http://www.vfw.org/PR/Publications/CWCasualties.pdf
You Won the Cold War
http://americancoldwarvets.org/docs/VFW_Cold_War_map_1.pdf
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
Victory of the United States in the Cold War
Victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Our good Friend and champion of Cold War Veterans and Remembrance of the Cold War Congressman Joe Wilson SC 02 yesterday introduced H. CON. RES. 207 victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 207
Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 3, 2009
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Whereas The Cold War was an enduring struggle between totalitarian communism and democratic capitalism throughout the second half of the 20th century;
Whereas an estimated 24,000,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served during The Cold War;
Whereas 400,000,000 people were freed from the bondage of communism during The Cold War in the countries then known as the Soviet Union, East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria;
Whereas 139,000,000 people were freed from the bondage of communism during The Cold War in the former Soviet Republics, in countries now known as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan;
Whereas the events surrounding the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of The Cold War ignited the political transition to democracy in Yugoslavia, Albania, Mongolia, Thailand, Cambodia, Mozambique, Benin, Ethiopia, Angola, and the Congo;
Whereas the victory of the United States in The Cold War signifies freedom and security and opportunity for the formerly oppressed, and will continue to do so for decades to come;
Whereas the Fall of the Berlin Wall, one of the most significant events of the 20th century, symbolized the triumph of democratic capitalism over totalitarian communism; and
Whereas, November 9, 2009, will mark the 20th anniversary of this historic event: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that the Nation should celebrate the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall by--
(1) promoting education about The Cold War and its historical significance;
(2) celebrating peace, freedom, and the principles of democratic government;
(3) honoring and reflecting upon the role of the United States in the international struggle for individual human rights and the evolution of the free enterprise system; and
(4) recognizing the veterans who served during The Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Our good Friend and champion of Cold War Veterans and Remembrance of the Cold War Congressman Joe Wilson SC 02 yesterday introduced H. CON. RES. 207 victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 207
Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 3, 2009
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Whereas The Cold War was an enduring struggle between totalitarian communism and democratic capitalism throughout the second half of the 20th century;
Whereas an estimated 24,000,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served during The Cold War;
Whereas 400,000,000 people were freed from the bondage of communism during The Cold War in the countries then known as the Soviet Union, East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria;
Whereas 139,000,000 people were freed from the bondage of communism during The Cold War in the former Soviet Republics, in countries now known as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan;
Whereas the events surrounding the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of The Cold War ignited the political transition to democracy in Yugoslavia, Albania, Mongolia, Thailand, Cambodia, Mozambique, Benin, Ethiopia, Angola, and the Congo;
Whereas the victory of the United States in The Cold War signifies freedom and security and opportunity for the formerly oppressed, and will continue to do so for decades to come;
Whereas the Fall of the Berlin Wall, one of the most significant events of the 20th century, symbolized the triumph of democratic capitalism over totalitarian communism; and
Whereas, November 9, 2009, will mark the 20th anniversary of this historic event: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that the Nation should celebrate the victory of the United States in The Cold War and the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall by--
(1) promoting education about The Cold War and its historical significance;
(2) celebrating peace, freedom, and the principles of democratic government;
(3) honoring and reflecting upon the role of the United States in the international struggle for individual human rights and the evolution of the free enterprise system; and
(4) recognizing the veterans who served during The Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Problems still exist at Illinois VA Center
From NPR Radio
November 3, 2009
A new report from the inspector general in the Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the VA Medical Center in Marion, Ill., continues to be plagued by quality management and patient care problems some two years after a suspicious spike in the number of post-surgical patient deaths there.
A 2008 investigation found that at least nine patients died because of surgical mistakes and poor post-surgical care at the VA hospital in Marion, which is in southern Illinois. That report made recommendations to improve conditions at the facility.
The new report finds poor quality management oversight, inconsistencies in the way patient deaths are reported and continuing problems with ensuring patient safety — including the discovery that surgeons were performing procedures they were not authorized to handle.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) calls the findings "appalling."
"It is inexcusable that after more than two years of adjustments and reviews, Marion VA is still failing our veterans in quality of care," he says in a press release. "This cannot and must not continue."
Durbin and other members of the state's congressional delegation, including Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), and Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jerry Costello (D-IL), sent a sharply worded letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in which they demanded that VA management be held accountable for the problems at the Marion facility.
A suspicious spike in post-surgical patient deaths between October 2006 and August 2007 led the VA to abruptly suspend surgical operations at the Marion VA Medical Center. NPR reported the story of a Kentucky woman whose husband died suddenly after what was considered to be relatively minor surgery for gallstones.
In January 2008, the VA's inspector general found that the surgical unit in the VA Medical Center in Marion was in complete disarray, with doctors performing surgeries they weren't qualified to perform. Hospital administrators were found to respond slowly, if at all, to complaints or problems when they surfaced.
Serious quality management and care problems were found in the surgical unit's preoperative care, intraoperative care and postoperative care. The inspector general's report found that the deaths of at least nine patients were "directly attributable" to surgical mistakes and substandard care at the Marion VA hospital. More than a dozen additional patients suffered serious harm because of such mistakes, according to the inspector general's report, and as many as 10 additional patients may have died because of poor care at Marion.
One surgeon in particular, Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, was found to be prone to committing surgical errors and failing to correct his mistakes. He had been hired by the VA despite surrendering his license in Massachusetts while under investigation for malpractice there.
Shinseki has agreed to meet with members of the Illinois delegation on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing problems at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
November 3, 2009
A new report from the inspector general in the Department of Veterans Affairs finds that the VA Medical Center in Marion, Ill., continues to be plagued by quality management and patient care problems some two years after a suspicious spike in the number of post-surgical patient deaths there.
A 2008 investigation found that at least nine patients died because of surgical mistakes and poor post-surgical care at the VA hospital in Marion, which is in southern Illinois. That report made recommendations to improve conditions at the facility.
The new report finds poor quality management oversight, inconsistencies in the way patient deaths are reported and continuing problems with ensuring patient safety — including the discovery that surgeons were performing procedures they were not authorized to handle.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) calls the findings "appalling."
"It is inexcusable that after more than two years of adjustments and reviews, Marion VA is still failing our veterans in quality of care," he says in a press release. "This cannot and must not continue."
Durbin and other members of the state's congressional delegation, including Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), and Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jerry Costello (D-IL), sent a sharply worded letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in which they demanded that VA management be held accountable for the problems at the Marion facility.
A suspicious spike in post-surgical patient deaths between October 2006 and August 2007 led the VA to abruptly suspend surgical operations at the Marion VA Medical Center. NPR reported the story of a Kentucky woman whose husband died suddenly after what was considered to be relatively minor surgery for gallstones.
In January 2008, the VA's inspector general found that the surgical unit in the VA Medical Center in Marion was in complete disarray, with doctors performing surgeries they weren't qualified to perform. Hospital administrators were found to respond slowly, if at all, to complaints or problems when they surfaced.
Serious quality management and care problems were found in the surgical unit's preoperative care, intraoperative care and postoperative care. The inspector general's report found that the deaths of at least nine patients were "directly attributable" to surgical mistakes and substandard care at the Marion VA hospital. More than a dozen additional patients suffered serious harm because of such mistakes, according to the inspector general's report, and as many as 10 additional patients may have died because of poor care at Marion.
One surgeon in particular, Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez, was found to be prone to committing surgical errors and failing to correct his mistakes. He had been hired by the VA despite surrendering his license in Massachusetts while under investigation for malpractice there.
Shinseki has agreed to meet with members of the Illinois delegation on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing problems at the Marion VA Medical Center.
Jerald Terwilliger
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
VA has plans for homeless veterans
VA to lay out plan to end veterans’ homelessness in 3 day summit
Recieved from VA–Homeless Veteran
Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will lay out his plan to end homelessness among Veterans within five years at the National Summit on Ending Veteran Homelessness. The first of its kind summit is drawing more than 1,200 homeless Veteran service providers and advocates from federal and state agencies, faith-based and community service providers and the business community. Media advisory attached and below.
This summit, from Nov. 3-5, will be an unprecedented gathering of government, business and community service providers. Secretary Shinseki will address the group at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity to build support for combating homelessness and to increase community partnerships.
In his address, Secretary Shinseki will be outlining his framework for the plan to get Veterans off the streets, including preventing Veterans from becoming homeless in the first place. Preventative measures include discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will help steer folks into classrooms and off the streets. Secretary Shinseki will also be speaking about VA’s partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the HUD-VASH program. Through this program, HUD provided 10,150 HUD-VASH housing vouchers for homeless Veterans in 2008, and the program is expanding to get more Veterans off the streets in 2010. Of course, VA will continue expanded efforts to provide education, jobs, health care and housing.
As a note: over 24 percent of homeless are veterans, male and female and children
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Recieved from VA–Homeless Veteran
Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will lay out his plan to end homelessness among Veterans within five years at the National Summit on Ending Veteran Homelessness. The first of its kind summit is drawing more than 1,200 homeless Veteran service providers and advocates from federal and state agencies, faith-based and community service providers and the business community. Media advisory attached and below.
This summit, from Nov. 3-5, will be an unprecedented gathering of government, business and community service providers. Secretary Shinseki will address the group at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. This is an opportunity to build support for combating homelessness and to increase community partnerships.
In his address, Secretary Shinseki will be outlining his framework for the plan to get Veterans off the streets, including preventing Veterans from becoming homeless in the first place. Preventative measures include discharge planning for incarcerated Veterans re-entering society and a national referral center to link Veterans to local service providers. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will help steer folks into classrooms and off the streets. Secretary Shinseki will also be speaking about VA’s partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the HUD-VASH program. Through this program, HUD provided 10,150 HUD-VASH housing vouchers for homeless Veterans in 2008, and the program is expanding to get more Veterans off the streets in 2010. Of course, VA will continue expanded efforts to provide education, jobs, health care and housing.
As a note: over 24 percent of homeless are veterans, male and female and children
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
From the Clark County Conservative
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/unsung-heroes-that-won-the-cold-war/
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
By lewwaters
Once again we prepare to honor those who have served in all of our wars, paying special homage to those who did not return from our wars. Nearly all of us who served in combat zones over our history view those whose names are etched in stone on the many Veterans Memorials as the true heroes of our conflicts.
Viet Nam is labeled as “America’s Longest War” due to our involvement in that country from 1950 to the fall of Saigon in 1975. That 25 years pales when considering that after World War Two, we began engagement in a much longer war, but a more quiet war, a war where our Troops did not fire weapons at the enemy but stood at the ready nonetheless, training for a battle that never materialized.
The “Cold War” was fought with political conflict, military tension, and economic competition with the increasingly threatening build up of the most brutal weapons known to mankind that never were used.
That war lasted 46 years, 1945 to 1991 and was manned by many millions of heroes who often fought boredom in lonely outposts in the Arctic, walked along a fenced border in Europe or flew many hours circling in pre-staging areas armed with nuclear weapons awaiting the order to return any attack against our nation from the very formidable enemy we fought against, the Soviet Union and the oppressive stranglehold that ideology had on so many European countries as they attempted to spread their influence on peaceful nations.
East German Fence
While the world sat on the brink of nuclear annihilation and moved as close as it ever has during the early 1960’s, it never saw the feared nuclear confrontation between the two superpowers, in spite of our engagements in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
On November 9, 1989 the world witnessed the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire as a wall built to divide the city of Berlin Germany came crumbling down, opened by citizens of the divided city who longed to be free and to freely visit relatives who lived on the free side of the city.
President Ronald Reagan’s infamous speech where he uttered the ominous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” two years earlier, saw their fulfillment. The wall dividing Berlin and the fence dividing the country opened up and freedom returned to that half of the country.
By December 1991, the world watched as the Soviet Union itself collapsed
Much credit was given to President Reagan for winning the Cold War, with some preferring to grant credit to President Jimmy Carter for starting the collapse in the late 1970’s.
Truth be known, all presidents who came along during the time of the Cold War continued policies set in motion by President Harry S. Truman shortly after World War Two. It was he who initiated the Berlin Airlift in 1948 to break the blockade of Berlin initiated by the Soviets to force allied powers out.
While we tend to give accolades to presidents and generals for victories, it is the hard work and extraordinary efforts of the common soldiers and officers who flew those planes, loaded and unloaded them and who directed aircraft safely in and out of Berlin that broke the blockade.
Likewise, as we feared invasions from communist nations close and far away or nuclear annihilation from ICBM attacks, it was the common soldiers who again manned sub-freezing temperatures across the northern hemisphere in lonely radar stations in what was called the DEW Line that kept vigil should a Soviet launch begin.
It was common men and women who sat in offices in front of monitors and screens watching 24 hours a day 7 days a week in undisclosed locations watching for any warning sign of a pending attack.
It was ordinary people who joined a peace-time Air Force and who manned bombers armed with nuclear weapons circling the edges of our nation 24 hours a day 7 days a week, leaving their posts only when a relief flight came up top take over.
It was people from all over the country, all races, all colors, descendants of all nationalities who enlisted out of high school or answered the call of the nation in the draft and who served their two years along the borders of Europe, the DMZ of South Korea, Japan, the Philippine Islands and lonely posts spread across the globe and prepared to fight off any enemy that would be foolish enough to try to conquer our nation from outside.
Some of these same people joined in the silent service of our Naval Forces, above and below the surface of the world’s oceans who, like the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command kept constant vigil far away from their homes to keep America and her inhabitants safe from oppression.
Many protected those of my generation who fought in Viet Nam and those who served elsewhere as we grew into adults and learned from their sense of duty to stand up to the oppression of communism and carry forth their vigilance.
As we approach this 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is to those Cold War Warriors who never had to face the enemy head-on, who didn’t have the chance to earn medals of valor, who may have never collected hazardous duty pay, but stood at the ready should they have been called that I dedicate this Veterans Day to this year.
It is to their service and sacrifice that supplied the deterrent we all took for granted that I recognize this year.
Whenever we may feel their contribution to our greatness as a nation was not worth as much as ours, remember the famous photo from 1961 of the East German Soldier leaping across the wire in Berlin to the free west as the city was being divided by the communists.
East German Soldier Leaping
To all my brothers and sisters who served throughout the Cold War, standing watch on cold and miserable nights around the world, well done. Your steadfastness and readiness is what won the Cold War. Your combat may have been boredom, but you stood watch, keeping America safe, always at the ready.
“A veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The ‘United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’” (Author unknown)
Thank you too all who served.
Posted by:
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/unsung-heroes-that-won-the-cold-war/
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
By lewwaters
Once again we prepare to honor those who have served in all of our wars, paying special homage to those who did not return from our wars. Nearly all of us who served in combat zones over our history view those whose names are etched in stone on the many Veterans Memorials as the true heroes of our conflicts.
Viet Nam is labeled as “America’s Longest War” due to our involvement in that country from 1950 to the fall of Saigon in 1975. That 25 years pales when considering that after World War Two, we began engagement in a much longer war, but a more quiet war, a war where our Troops did not fire weapons at the enemy but stood at the ready nonetheless, training for a battle that never materialized.
The “Cold War” was fought with political conflict, military tension, and economic competition with the increasingly threatening build up of the most brutal weapons known to mankind that never were used.
That war lasted 46 years, 1945 to 1991 and was manned by many millions of heroes who often fought boredom in lonely outposts in the Arctic, walked along a fenced border in Europe or flew many hours circling in pre-staging areas armed with nuclear weapons awaiting the order to return any attack against our nation from the very formidable enemy we fought against, the Soviet Union and the oppressive stranglehold that ideology had on so many European countries as they attempted to spread their influence on peaceful nations.
East German Fence
While the world sat on the brink of nuclear annihilation and moved as close as it ever has during the early 1960’s, it never saw the feared nuclear confrontation between the two superpowers, in spite of our engagements in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
On November 9, 1989 the world witnessed the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire as a wall built to divide the city of Berlin Germany came crumbling down, opened by citizens of the divided city who longed to be free and to freely visit relatives who lived on the free side of the city.
President Ronald Reagan’s infamous speech where he uttered the ominous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” two years earlier, saw their fulfillment. The wall dividing Berlin and the fence dividing the country opened up and freedom returned to that half of the country.
By December 1991, the world watched as the Soviet Union itself collapsed
Much credit was given to President Reagan for winning the Cold War, with some preferring to grant credit to President Jimmy Carter for starting the collapse in the late 1970’s.
Truth be known, all presidents who came along during the time of the Cold War continued policies set in motion by President Harry S. Truman shortly after World War Two. It was he who initiated the Berlin Airlift in 1948 to break the blockade of Berlin initiated by the Soviets to force allied powers out.
While we tend to give accolades to presidents and generals for victories, it is the hard work and extraordinary efforts of the common soldiers and officers who flew those planes, loaded and unloaded them and who directed aircraft safely in and out of Berlin that broke the blockade.
Likewise, as we feared invasions from communist nations close and far away or nuclear annihilation from ICBM attacks, it was the common soldiers who again manned sub-freezing temperatures across the northern hemisphere in lonely radar stations in what was called the DEW Line that kept vigil should a Soviet launch begin.
It was common men and women who sat in offices in front of monitors and screens watching 24 hours a day 7 days a week in undisclosed locations watching for any warning sign of a pending attack.
It was ordinary people who joined a peace-time Air Force and who manned bombers armed with nuclear weapons circling the edges of our nation 24 hours a day 7 days a week, leaving their posts only when a relief flight came up top take over.
It was people from all over the country, all races, all colors, descendants of all nationalities who enlisted out of high school or answered the call of the nation in the draft and who served their two years along the borders of Europe, the DMZ of South Korea, Japan, the Philippine Islands and lonely posts spread across the globe and prepared to fight off any enemy that would be foolish enough to try to conquer our nation from outside.
Some of these same people joined in the silent service of our Naval Forces, above and below the surface of the world’s oceans who, like the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command kept constant vigil far away from their homes to keep America and her inhabitants safe from oppression.
Many protected those of my generation who fought in Viet Nam and those who served elsewhere as we grew into adults and learned from their sense of duty to stand up to the oppression of communism and carry forth their vigilance.
As we approach this 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is to those Cold War Warriors who never had to face the enemy head-on, who didn’t have the chance to earn medals of valor, who may have never collected hazardous duty pay, but stood at the ready should they have been called that I dedicate this Veterans Day to this year.
It is to their service and sacrifice that supplied the deterrent we all took for granted that I recognize this year.
Whenever we may feel their contribution to our greatness as a nation was not worth as much as ours, remember the famous photo from 1961 of the East German Soldier leaping across the wire in Berlin to the free west as the city was being divided by the communists.
East German Soldier Leaping
To all my brothers and sisters who served throughout the Cold War, standing watch on cold and miserable nights around the world, well done. Your steadfastness and readiness is what won the Cold War. Your combat may have been boredom, but you stood watch, keeping America safe, always at the ready.
“A veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The ‘United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’” (Author unknown)
Thank you too all who served.
Posted by:
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Monday, November 2, 2009
In Time of War Veterans to be honored
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20091101/NEWS01/911010335/1060
Veterans Day will be a special occasion for Benton's Dale Whipple, who will spend it in the nation's capital, honoring fallen comrades in Arlington National Cemetery.
After that, he and other officers with the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association will be the guests of Vice President Joe Biden at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House.
Whipple will leave Nov. 8 for the event. He and the tens of thousands of airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who served with him in the late 1940s are part of a lost class of U.S. veterans, the "Cold Warriors" who stood alerts and wore the nation's uniforms at a time of ostensible peace but when war could uncoil like a snake at any time.
"We were 20 miles from the Russian zone," Whipple said of his time in occupied Germany just a few years after World War II ended. "You could look down the mountain and see them patrolling. It was an uneasy time even though it wasn't war."
More important than winning a war, the airlift, which defied a Russian blockade of the then-divided German city of Berlin, not only fed the besieged people but also the imagination of the world, which knew Allied resolve would win over totalitarianism.
"I'm really proud of that," said Whipple, who has returned to Berlin several times over the decades. "At the time, we didn't realize the impact it would have on Germany and the entire world because we provided the people with food and they wound up with their freedom. We were holding back the Soviet troops."
Locally, veterans will be honored in numerous ways, largely at schools on the federal holiday, Nov. 11, that traces its origins to the final day of combat in World War I.
However, a handful of high-interest events will take place the Saturday before the official holiday to allow the greatest number of people to participate.
A Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City. And a Veterans for Veterans motorcycle event and festival will be held the same day in Shreveport-Bossier City.
Veterans from World War II and wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan will march along a half-mile route along U.S. Highway 80 starting at 10 a.m. in the Honor Our Heroes parade.
The Veterans for Veterans rally at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport is a free-admission, family-oriented event that will include live music, food and nonalcoholic drinks with a bike show, bike games, a car show, a silent auction and a drawing for prizes.
It will begin at 9 a.m. with a posting of the colors, followed by the Port Belly Project belly dancers, the bike show, guest speakers, a parade of motorcycles, a Barksdale Air Force Base flyover, live music and the silent auction.
Ther charge to participate in the ride is $20 each in advance, $25 the day of the event, with proceeds going to support veterans receiving care from the Overton Brooks facility. Donations are tax-deductible
Veterans Day will be a special occasion for Benton's Dale Whipple, who will spend it in the nation's capital, honoring fallen comrades in Arlington National Cemetery.
After that, he and other officers with the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association will be the guests of Vice President Joe Biden at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House.
Whipple will leave Nov. 8 for the event. He and the tens of thousands of airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who served with him in the late 1940s are part of a lost class of U.S. veterans, the "Cold Warriors" who stood alerts and wore the nation's uniforms at a time of ostensible peace but when war could uncoil like a snake at any time.
"We were 20 miles from the Russian zone," Whipple said of his time in occupied Germany just a few years after World War II ended. "You could look down the mountain and see them patrolling. It was an uneasy time even though it wasn't war."
More important than winning a war, the airlift, which defied a Russian blockade of the then-divided German city of Berlin, not only fed the besieged people but also the imagination of the world, which knew Allied resolve would win over totalitarianism.
"I'm really proud of that," said Whipple, who has returned to Berlin several times over the decades. "At the time, we didn't realize the impact it would have on Germany and the entire world because we provided the people with food and they wound up with their freedom. We were holding back the Soviet troops."
Locally, veterans will be honored in numerous ways, largely at schools on the federal holiday, Nov. 11, that traces its origins to the final day of combat in World War I.
However, a handful of high-interest events will take place the Saturday before the official holiday to allow the greatest number of people to participate.
A Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City. And a Veterans for Veterans motorcycle event and festival will be held the same day in Shreveport-Bossier City.
Veterans from World War II and wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan will march along a half-mile route along U.S. Highway 80 starting at 10 a.m. in the Honor Our Heroes parade.
The Veterans for Veterans rally at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport is a free-admission, family-oriented event that will include live music, food and nonalcoholic drinks with a bike show, bike games, a car show, a silent auction and a drawing for prizes.
It will begin at 9 a.m. with a posting of the colors, followed by the Port Belly Project belly dancers, the bike show, guest speakers, a parade of motorcycles, a Barksdale Air Force Base flyover, live music and the silent auction.
Ther charge to participate in the ride is $20 each in advance, $25 the day of the event, with proceeds going to support veterans receiving care from the Overton Brooks facility. Donations are tax-deductible
Say 'thank you' to veterans for their service and sacrifice
A nicely written article. Read it and think about it, then thank a vet, not just on veterans day, but everyday. Thank you to those serving now.
Say 'thank you' to veterans for their service and sacrifice
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Say 'thank you' to veterans for their service and sacrifice
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
Did Bush and Cheney go to Dover AFB?
From Veterans Today. It appears no they did not
http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9212
http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9212
NO TIME TO HONOR AMERICA'S DEAD: BUSH/CHENEY HAD OTHER PRIORITIES, LIKE WHEN THEY MISSED THE VIETNAM WAR
by Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor
President Bush and Vice President Cheney claimed they had repeatedly visited Dover AFB to honor American war dead. Their claim that this was done quietly, with no cameras and no publicity is now proven to have been a total lie.
Neither Bush nor Cheney ever visited Dover. Neither came there, even once in 7 years of war, despite their stories told of tearful experiences that simply never happened.
This week, while attacking President Obama for a public visit to Dover to honor war dead, Vice President Cheney's daughter Liz again repeated the stories President Bush and her father told, now known to be lies.
This couldn't have happened at a worse time for Vice President Cheney. His story that he knew nothing of the exposure of top CIA nuclear weapons proliferation spy, Valerie Plame has lost any credibility, especially with federal prosecutors.
The importance of this case, in light of the spying arrest of top nuclear weapons designer, Stewart Nozette is closely tied to the Plame case. Nozette had been furnishing "Q" clearance (our highest) weapons information to foreign spies from Israel, not necessarly the Israeli government, who are suspected of selling this information to North Korea, Iran and Pakistan.
The exposure of Plame by the GOP allowed this spying to continue and may have led to the development of North Korea's nuclear weapons. The technology trail, as described by FBI translator Sibel Edmonds, has put top American weapons technologies in the hands of nearly every American enemy.
Nozette believed he was spying against the US for Israel and, when approached by FBI agents pretending to be Mossad agents, showed surprise. He said he had been working for the Mossad for years. However, this was not the case.
If, as prosecutors allege, former Vice President Cheney had been involved in derailing CIA efforts to break up spy rings active in nuclear proliferation, Cheney's involvement, whether done because of a total mental breakdown or a real desire to harm the security of the United States, are going to take the full power of every criminal element high in our government to suppress.
Sources indicate that Vice President Cheney had become involved in an extremist Christian cult that openly advocated nuclear war, knowing it would destroy all life on Earth. Many top GOP leaders, Tom Delay, John Ashcroft, Trent Lott, Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales, Paul Wolfowitz and others, some Christians, some Jews, are believed to have shared bizarre theories of Armageddon, apocalypse and rapture.
Cheney is thought to have believed he had been personally selected to sit at the hand of G-d and supervise the suffering of those "left behind" as described in series of books read and discussed at the highest levels of the Bush administration.
The destruction on 9/11 and the Iraq invasion closely parallel scenarios described in these books. The number of bizarre coincidences involving these and many other issues seem, to many, overwhelming, showing a human, if not diabiolical hand.
Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
IDSnews.com | Robert Gates to speak at Winter Commencement
Secretary Gates to speak at Indiana University. Does he still remember the Cold War? Maybe he should read his own book
IDSnews.com | Robert Gates to speak at Winter Commencement
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
IDSnews.com | Robert Gates to speak at Winter Commencement
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
While Melbourne, FL says NO parade this year
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091102/NEWS01/911020310/1006/news01/City+will+reassess+veterans+holiday
City will reassess veterans holiday
MELBOURNE — MELBOURNE -- Veterans Day could return as an official Melbourne holiday starting next year.
Melbourne will revisit its holiday schedule when city workers start contract negotiations in six months with two of the three unions, City Manager Jack Schluckebier said.
"We will certainly bring that to the table and see if we can make some headway with it," he said.
Veterans Day and Presidents Day were dropped as city holidays this year in an effort to trim Melbourne's budget. The decision meant that City Hall stays open on those days. The change saved the city more than $120,000 in overtime costs.
The city council eliminated two holidays but allowed the unions to select which days to cut. In exchange, employees received two vacation days.
But eliminating Veterans Day offended veterans groups, which spoke against the change.
"I think moving Veterans Day to another day other than Nov. 11 would be disrespectful to our retired servicemen and also those who are active now in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Gerald Agerstrand of the American Legion.
It's too late to make changes this year.
Contact Cervenka at 242-3632 or scervenka@floridatoday.com.No tip of the hat to Melbourne.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
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