Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

I would like to thank Congresswoman Chillie Pingree (D-ME), and add the thanks of all Maine
veterans. While a member of the Maine legislature Congresswoman Pingree was an impressive friend and ally in convincing the state of Maine to declare May 1 of every year as Cold War Victory Day.

Although this bill did not draw a lot of attention in the media, it was never the less a very
important step in the recognition of all Cold War Veterans.

These men and women who served in the military during the long and hard struggle to
prevent the spread of Communism from Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991. Many of these dedicated
veterans are now being insulted, told they are not veterans (by members of some of the
leading Veterans Service Organizations) turned away by the VA; denied the help they were
promised when they joined the military.

Now as a member of Congress Congresswoman Pingree has the opportunity to remedy this
unacceptable situation. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee she can do
something all veterans will thank her for.

Last year the National Defense Authorization Act contained a provision to authorize a
Cold War Victory Medal. Sad to say the provision was removed during the House/Senate
committee debates.

Now we are asking Congresswoman Pingree to introduce legislation, or be a cosponsor of
a bill to authorize and DIRECT the Department of Defense to issue a Cold War Victory or
Service medal. This medal should be issued to all those who served honorably during the Cold War. Many of these veterans received no medal or award of any type. Those who were drafted,
of given an early out did not even qualify for a Good Conduct medal.

So we are asking each and every person in Maine to contact their elected officials: Congresswoman Pingree, Congressman Michaud, Senator Collins, Senator Snowe. Ask them
to remember our veterans, give them the recognition they deserve. A medal would be a small
item, but would be a great way for our country to honor these veterans.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://www.americancoldwarvets.org/
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