Saturday, October 31, 2009

Days to remember in November

November has several dates we should remember

To the Editor:
Cumberland Times-News

’Tis interesting, come November that there are three consecutive dates commemorating veterans and their service to the U.S.A:

9 November — The 20th anniversary of the fall if the Berlin Wall, signalling the end of communism in East Germany and by the end of 1989 the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. That was the beginning of the end of the Cold War against Russia (USSR then).

10 November — The 234th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

11 November — Veterans Day, which honors all veterans of all wars. This day used to be called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

All are important dates in which veterans from different eras and armed forces took part.

Probably the least known date is 9 November. It needs to be remembered the Army Air Force had been omnipresent along the iron curtain facing down the Russians since 1945. That’s 44 years the warriors of the Cold War had served in Europe and are there yet.

Here is how the article titled “Fall of the Berlin Wall Frees East Europe” in the November/December issue of the VFW magazine concludes: “But with the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 Nov. 89, the way to freedom opened up for everyone. Communism’s attempt to control a continent failed because of the sacrifices of many people, known and unknown, for more than four decades, including the steadfast GI’s of the vaunted Berlin Brigade.”

Looking back to 1917 to ever rule mankind, bar none.

Lest we forget.

Paul Shogren

Oakland


Jerald Terwilliger

National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans, Inc

For these women veterans, a home to call their own - The Boston Globe

For these women veterans, a home to call their own - The Boston Globe

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Friday, October 30, 2009

Charles City, IA adds new veterans names to memorial

CHARLES CITY, IA--A North Iowa city is getting ready for Veterans Day.

An engraver is working on the Floyd County Veterans Memorial.

Over the past two days he's etched nearly a 130 new names into the monument in downtown Charles City.

The memorial to members of all branches of service honors anyone who served and wants to be recognized.

Engraver Lee Kennedy said the work has been an experience, "I’ve had actually quite a few people who actually stopped by just to see what I’m doing to this here you know I’ve been kind of helping them find names that are being added so I think they're really proud to have it here."

Memorial Committee member Art White has a theory about why so many veterans’ memorials are being put up: "It’s a tribute that we're paying to our vets we're kind of saying thank you veteran for serving our country."

Organizers said Floyd County is unusual because it features veteran’s memorials in 3 different cities.

Veterans Day is honored on November 11th.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Syrcause, NY merchants to offer discounts to veterans

Breaking News, Business News, City News, East Suburbs, Government, Military, North Suburbs, Top News, West Suburbs »

Onondaga County launches merchant discount program for veterans

By Tim Knauss / The Post-Standard

October 29, 2009, 6:00AM

Syracuse, NY - Local merchants will have a new way to thank the roughly 31,000 military veterans who live in Onondaga County with today's launch of a discount program for vets.

County Executive Joanie Mahoney and other officials this morning will announce the beginning of "Return the Favor," a program under which stores and service providers can give discounts to honorably discharged veterans.

Participating retailers, who will be identified by a poster in the window, will offer discounts or special offers of their choosing. Nearly 40 merchants have signed up, and county officials expect more to join, said Robert McLean, director of the county Veterans Service Agency.

Veterans can qualify for the discounts by obtaining an identification card from the county clerk's office.

To get an ID card, veterans must bring a copy of their discharge papers and proof of county residency to the clerk's office. Veterans who can't locate their discharge form can seek help from the Veteran Services Agency at 435-3217.

"We were looking for a way to say 'thank you' all year long," McLean said. "The appeal of this thing is that it doesn't go away. It's a year-round program that we hope will grow."

County Clerk Ann Ciarpelli came up with the idea after learning of a similar program in Rockland County, McLean said. Anaren Inc. volunteered to sponsor the program by defraying the cost of printing posters, buying supplies and other items.

"Return the Favor" is intended only for veterans, not active-duty service members. A list of participating merchants and the discounts they offer will be posted on the county Web site, www.ongov.net.

Tim Knauss can be reached at tknauss@syracuse.com or 470-3023.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Daily Egyptian - 'Stars & Stripes' serve veterans

Illinois to sell scratch-off lottery tickets with portion going to aid veterans. Way to go Illinois

Daily Egyptian - 'Stars & Stripes' serve veterans

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Hawk Eye

Cold War Heroes to be honored. Workers in the Atomic Energy Commission who sacrificed their health and sometimes their lives manufacturing Nuclear Weapons, the miners and drivers will be feted.

WE are also hoping to have the Cold War Veterans have a day of recognition in the near future.

The Hawk Eye

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Norman Treadway

It is with great sadness and regret that I report on the passing of Norman Treadway. An American Hero.

Norman enlisted in New Jersey and was assigned to several Military Police (MP) units during his tour in Korea. He faced danger many times and served with honor and distinction.

It was through his tireless and never flagging fight that on 3 Feb 2004 the Secretary of Defense
approved implementing instructions and criteria for the Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) for
members of the Armed Services who have served in the Defense of Korea.

Authorization was retroactive from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined. Bringing about recognition for the "Forgotten War", and all who served in defense of our friends in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

He was still fighting to have the US recognize a medal that the ROK had designed and manufactured to honor their American friends and helpers. The Republic of Korea Service Medal. Due to some arcane law, a medal from another country can only be awarded to US military if the same award is made available to that country's military. This medal was made solely for Americans and was not offered to South Koreans.

I never met Norm, but I feel he is a brother in arms, a fellow veteran; and a man among men.

My deepest sympathy and personal condolences, as well as all those of the American Cold WAr Veterans, to his family and many friends. He will not be forgotten.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Daily Express | UK News :: Brown scorns a medal for our forgotten heroes

I guess Great Britain looks at Cold War Veterans the same way many in our country do. You can serve, you can be wounded, you can lose your life; so what no medal for you.

Daily Express | UK News :: Brown scorns a medal for our forgotten heroes

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Downtown Lakeland Florida - A Little Mecca of Cool » Blog Archive » Veterans Day Celebration-Nov 7

Thank you Lakeland, FL, a wonderful thing you are doing for our country's veterans. You
even included the Cold War Veterans. Thank you for remembering.


Downtown Lakeland Florida - A Little Mecca of Cool » Blog Archive » Veterans Day Celebration-Nov 7

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Our Presidnet Says No.

Germany is coordinating a campaign to raise awareness on more than 20 US colleges of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
When looking at the courses of instruction at many colleges this is something that is very much needed.

Although slowly more colleges and high schools are actually instituting more studies of the Cold War and its
consequences, the general public is still painfully unaware, or has forgotten this black page of history.

Except for the Wall Project in Los Angeles, as far as I know there will be very few observations or celebrations
commemorating this so very important date.

President Obama was personally invited by Chancellor Angela Merkle during his visit to Germany, to join the celebration in Berlin to observe the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall.

It appears that he declined to attend and instead will be sending Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in his place.

Is this proper and appropriate? Not in my view, the US should send no one less than our leader and the Commander in Chief of our military. To do less is like a slap in the face of all the brave men and women who "stood the line" during the long and hard struggle to defeat communism.

This is my personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of this site or American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Thursday, October 22, 2009

President Obama Signs Veterans Health Bill

President Obama today signed into law The Veterans Health Care, Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. This legislation contained something the Veterans Administration and several Veterans Service Organizations had long asked for secure and advanced budget appropriations for the VA Health Care.

This is a momentous day for our countries veterans and the Veterans Affairs, but more importantly for our nations veterans. In the last 23 years, 20 times the VA had to wait for
budget approval, thus creating delays and hardships for veterans receiving health care from the
VA.

The VA will now be funded a year in advance and will be able to more carefully plan how to use
the funds. No longer will the VA have to wait and wonder and worry. This advanced knowledge
will help eliminate problems in providing the high quality care that the VA provides to our veterans who so richly deserve

As President Obama signed the bill which was observed by Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shineseki, members of Congress who played key roles in the passage of the legislation.
Also in attendance were representatives of the American Legion and several other VSO's.
The President made brief comments saying this was a promise fulfilled.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Wende Museum and Wall Project

As mentioned previously stated the city of Los Angeles in conjunction with the Wende Museum, The Federal Republic of Germany Counsle in Los Angeles, and the city of Berlin are recreating a page of history.

There are several pieces of the Berlin Wall now along Wilshire Blvd in LA as part of the Wall Project, a commemoration of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

On Nov. 8th (Nov. 9th in Germany), a wall will be built across Wilshire Blvd to remain in place for
three hours. This will then be ceremoniously demolished at the same time as an enactment
with Los Angeles sister city Berlin. This is the 20th anniversary of the historic event: the Fall
of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of East and West Berlin.

One of our founding members, Dr. Robert Komansky, who has worked tirelessly and selflessly
in our cause of the Cold War Medal will be in attendance as a representative of the American
Cold War Veterans, Inc.

On Monday Oct. 19th Dr. Bob had a very nice meeting the the Consul General Wolgang Drautz, and took part in a ceremony at the 8 section wall along Wilshire Blvd.

Following that Dr. Bob went to the Los Angeles Veterans Cemetery where he placed 24
flowers on the graves of Cold War Veterans. He also had a meeting with the Director of the Los Angeles area VA, Donna M. Beiter.

On Wednesday our great Dr. Bob had a meeting with Cristina Cuevas-Wolf, Public Programs
Manager for the Wende Museum.

It is our hope that we can have Dr. Bob invited to a spot on the VIP stage as our representative.
We just might get some media exposure for our cause. Some attention to the American Cold
War Veterans.

Dr. Kamansky has been working for years and doing a lot travel talking to people about our
organization and the Cold War Medal. He deserves our thanks, so Bravo Zulu Dr. Bob.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans,

VA adds four new judges

In hope of speeding up the claims and reviews process VA to add four new judges
Four New Judges Will Speed Veterans' Appeals


WASHINGTON Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric K. Shinseki announced the addition of four new Veterans Law Judges to the
Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA), which will enable the board to increase the
number of cases being decided.


"Veterans have earned the right to prompt, exhaustive and professional review
of their claims for benefits," Secretary Shinseki said. "This expansion of BVA
will enable Veterans to receive more expeditious decisions on their appeals."


BVA is an appeals body to which Veterans, their dependents or their survivors
can go when they are not satisfied with decisions about claims for benefits
administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). BVA reviews
decisions on benefit claims made by local VA offices and issues decisions on
appeals. The board currently has 60 Veterans Law Judges.


These law judges are attorneys experienced in Veterans law and in reviewing
benefit claims. They are the only ones who can issue BVA decisions. Staff
attorneys, also trained in Veterans law, review the facts of each appeal and
assist the board members.


In fiscal year 2008, the board decided 43,757 appeals and handled 48,804 cases
in fiscal year 2009. Most of the cases involve claims for disability
compensation and pensions.


"We must foster a responsive approach when we consider Veterans," Shinseki
said. "Reducing the backlog of benefits decisions and waiting times are
essential to providing our Veterans and their families with the service they
deserve."


VA provides a pamphlet entitled, How Do I Appeal, to anyone who is not
satisfied with the results of a benefits claim that was decided by a VA
regional office, medical center or another local VA office. The pamphlet
explains the steps involved in filing an appeal. For more information about
BVA or to download a copy of the pamphlet, visit www.va.gov/vbs/bva.




SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs, +1-202-461-7600

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Texas Lottery unveils $2 veterans scratch-offs. - KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |

This little article keeps popping up on my radar. Guess it is time to share the news. Texas is doing something to help the veterans, even if the state has to use
gamblers to get the money. It is a great idea, and I hope many people will buy this new Scratch-off tickets.

Texas Lottery unveils $2 veterans scratch-offs. - KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Free Canes

A worthwhile organization with a big heart will be offering a free cane to veterans and military members who need a cane.
--------------------
Subject: National Program “Hugo Salutes Our Veterans” Honoring All Who Served

Contact:
Annie Sferrazza: TK\PR Public Relations, (212) 836-4812 mldinardo@tkprpublic.com

Alexandra Hynes: TK\PR Public Relations, (323) 482-2348 alexandrahynes@gmail.com


25,000 Canes to Be Given Free of Charge to U.S. Military Veterans
National Program “Hugo Salutes Our Veterans” Honoring All Who Served

Alpharetta, Georgia, November 11, 2009 – A national program will provide 25,000 canes free of charge to members of the United States Armed Forces in need of mobility assistance to honor them for their incredible contributions to our country. The program “Hugo Salutes Our Veterans” will be launched Veterans Day, November 11, 2009 and will provide Hugo® Folding Canes at all Sam’s Club locations nationwide, while supplies last. Sam's Club Membership is not required. Veterans who receive a cane will also get a free One-Day Sam’s Club Pass. Proof of U.S. military service may be required in order to be eligible.

AMG Medical Inc., headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, first launched the Veterans program in 2007, giving away 5,000 canes. The program was to honor the parents and relatives of its employees who served in the U.S. military and to give back to those who graciously gave so much to America. This year, with the backing of Sam’s Club, Procter and Gamble, Novartis, Wyeth, Johnson & Johnson, US Nutrition, First Quality, Schiff Nutrition and AMG Medical, the program has been greatly expanded.

The Hugo Folding Cane to be given out on Veterans Day, which retails for about $29.99, is a beautiful metallic blue with an ergonomic comfort grip handle, appropriate for both left and right handed users. Sturdy, functional and stylish, it has multiple height settings to comfortably meet the needs of most people. The Hugo Cane easily unfolds and locks into position for use. To store, the cane conveniently folds into four sections and also includes a handle safety strap for extra confidence.

Philip delBuey, Global President of AMG Medical Inc., said, “The Veterans have helped to secure the prosperity that many of us now enjoy. Were it not for the selfless service of our Vets, companies such as ours would probably not exist. All of us at AMG Medical want to celebrate our success with those who directly or indirectly made it possible. Our company mission is all about helping people stay active and connected to family, friends and the community.”

“The Hugo Salutes our Veterans Program which is of an incredibly generous scale, is indicative of the appreciation and respect for our Veterans that both private citizens and corporations have. We deeply appreciate AMG Medical, Sam’s Club and all the sponsors who support our Veterans,” said Christopher Scheer, Public Affairs Supervisor at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

AMG Medical Inc., (http://www.facebook.com/l/ea48a;www.amgmedical.com) offers a wide selection of safe, high quality and innovative durable medical equipment products under the Hugo® Mobility, AquaSense® Bath Safety and MedPro® Personal Care brands, available at retailers nationwide.

For additional information about The Hugo Salutes Our Veterans program, please visit http://www.facebook.com/l/ea48a;www.HugoSalutes.com.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Report: Russia to allow pre-emptive nukes

It seems Russia does not want to give up their nukes, and will use them first.

Report: Russia to allow pre-emptive nukes

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Utah requires proof

Utah says veterans must prove they are US Citizen. Shame on Utah

Citizenship proof policy irks disabled vets


The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Oct 17, 2009 17:02:01 EDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of disabled military veterans are being asked to prove their U.S. citizenship to qualify for a property-tax break in Salt Lake County, a side effect of a new stricter state immigration law that is generating criticism.

According to the county, disabled veterans aren't exempt from the law passed earlier this year by the Utah Legislature that requires governments to verify that those receiving a "public benefit" are living in the country legally.

The treasurer's office has sent notices to more than 3,500 wounded or ill veterans requiring them to attest to their citizenship or provide paperwork proving their legal status to qualify for the tax break.

Terry Schow, executive director of the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs, said he knows of no other Utah counties taking such an approach to the new law.

"These guys have gone through enough in their lives," Schow told the Salt Lake Tribune. "Don't place an extra burden on disabled veterans by requiring them to jump through these hoops."

But County Treasurer Larry Richardson argues he simply followed the law. The district attorney's office advised him that property-tax relief — even for disabled vets — is a public benefit.

"If there is something I'm supposed to do to comply with the law, I'm going to do it," he said. "That is what I call integrity."

Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, calls it a gross misinterpretation of the law, which he co-sponsored. The intent, he says, was to ensure that undocumented immigrants aren't accessing public benefits such as food stamps, not to pile paperwork on veterans.

"That is absolutely appalling," Noel said. "What in the world were they thinking?"

But the trouble, county officials say, is the law leaves room for interpretation.

"It was clear that those receiving benefits needed to prove residency," District Attorney Lohra Miller said. "As ridiculous as the result might be, that was the intent. It was not ambiguous."

Veteran Johnnie Janes, who battles cancer because of his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, refused to fill out the paperwork.

"I immediately took offense to it," said Janes, who heads the state's Veterans Advisory Council. "Having volunteered to serve in the armed forces, I felt there was no reason to verify that I was a legal alien."

County Council Chairman Joe Hatch characterized the $3,300 mass mailing as an "enormous waste of government dollars" that placed an undue burden on veterans.

So far, officials have found no disabled vets in the county who are in the U.S. unlawfully. The military doesn't recruit people who aren't citizens or legal residents.


Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans, Inc

PTSD increases death risk for surgery

Post-Traumatic Stress May Raise Death Risks

SATURDAY, Oct. 17 -- Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder face an increased risk for dying after surgery, even if the surgery is performed years after they have completed their service, according to a U.S. study.

Researchers analyzed data on 1,792 male veterans who had major non-cardiac, non-emergency surgeries between 1998 and 2008. Of that group, 129 (7.8 percent) had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before their surgery.

Men with PTSD were an average of seven years younger than those without PTSD -- 59 versus 66 years old -- but were much more likely to have cardiac risk factors, the study noted.

One year after surgery, the death rate among men with PTSD was 25 percent higher than for those without PTSD -- 8.5 percent versus 6.8 percent. After the researchers adjusted for age and preexisting medical conditions -- including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and depression -- they found that veterans with PTSD were 2.2 times more likely to die within a year of surgery than those without PTSD.

The findings were scheduled to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, held Oct. 17 to 21 in New Orleans.

"This study is the first of its kind, with groundbreaking findings," the study's lead author, Dr. Marek Brzezinski, of the San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, said in a news release from the society. "The magnitude of the detrimental effect of PTSD diagnosis on postoperative mortality is unexpectedly large -- greater than that of diabetes, which is an established risk factor for patients undergoing surgery."

The results highlight "the need to consider potential treatments to help reduce risk in the veteran PTSD population, "Brzezinski said. "The number of veterans returning from our current conflicts with PTSD who require surgical treatment is expected to increase in the future."

PTSD affects 15 to 31 percent of Vietnam veterans and 20 percent of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, according to background information in the news release.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more about PTSD.

Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans, Inc

Children of Military Members Need Help Too

Military Children in Crisis

by: Stacy Bannerman, t r u t h o u t | Op-Ed


America's military kids are showing symptoms of deployment-related stress, virtual mirrors of their parents who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo: Staff Sgt. Jonathon Gray, 5th Signal Command / heraldpost / flickr)

A seven-year-old second-grader attempted suicide while his father was serving yet another tour in Iraq. Seven years old. Seven. His mother was one of half a dozen military spouses I have spoken with about soldiers' kids who have attempted suicide during their fathers' deployments.

When I was seven, it was 1972, and there were 69,000 US troops in Vietnam. Men were still being drafted and deployed, but not my dad. So I was spared the circumstances that led a seven-year-old to try to kill himself.

Three-plus decades ago, parents were exempt from conscription because of overwhelming concern about the harmful effects of deployment on children. Today, roughly half of the troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are parents, many of whom have served multiple tours. Repeat deployments stress soldiers and escalate the likelihood of psychological injuries that can last for a lifetime. There is a small, but rapidly growing, body of evidence suggesting that the same is true of their children.

The Associated Press reported that "After nearly eight years of war, soldiers are not the only ones experiencing mental anguish.... Last year, children of US troops sought outpatient mental health care 2 million times, double the number at the start of the Iraq war.... Since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, inpatient visits among military children have increased 50 percent. ("War stresses military kids," July 12, 2009.)

The Veterans Administration's latest research on mental health issues of troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan shows that "the prevalence of new diagnoses in early 2008 had nearly doubled from four years prior in 2004." ("Study reveals sharp rise in diagnoses of disorders," Stars & Stripes, July 18, 2009.)

The same study revealed that approximately 35 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who use the Veterans Affairs health care system were diagnosed with a mental health problem. That figure dovetails perfectly with the results of a suicide prevention project in San Antonio which found that "nearly 35 percent of more than 200 children from local military families needed to be treated for mental health conditions." (Army Reserve Family Programs website, July 2009)

America's military kids are in crisis, presenting acute, debilitating symptoms of deployment-related stress, virtual mirrors of their parents who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The current rates of mental health problems in OIF/OEF veterans and veterans' children (35 percent), and the trajectories of escalation from 2003/2004 to 2008 (50 percent), are identical. Further evidence of the direct, causal relationship between parental deployment and children's mental health is that when the US "surged" in Iraq, sending more than twenty thousand soldiers and Marines to stabilize the country, mental health hospitalizations of military kids "surged," too.

Should the White House decide to deploy tens of thousands of additional troops to Afghanistan, there must be a simultaneous stateside deployment of developmentally-appropriate mental health care providers to minister to the children left behind; children who have already carried too much of the weight of war.

Military kids whose parent have deployed are using mental health services at a rate three and a half times higher than the percentage of civilian children ages 4 to 17 who seek mental health services, according to a study by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

If we were a nation at war, rather than a military at war, this would be an American problem. We are not, so it's a Pentagon problem. Thankfully, the Army is looking at the effects of multiple deployments on children, and taking steps to help. But at the Association of the US Army's annual meeting earlier this month, Col. Kris Peterson, a pediatrician at the Military Child and Adolescent Center of Excellence at Fort Lewis, Washington, admitted that there is a "very large gap" in providing care.

Mental health care resources are spread so thin that soldiers' kids wait months for psychiatric care, but there's no Department of Military Children's Affairs, no powerful lobbyists or highly paid advocates for military kids. They lack the social cachet and political currency of combat veterans, and there's just no way to spin a suicidal second-grader into a poster child for patriotism. Since there's not a Walter Reed to tend the invisible war wounds of Army kids, there is no potential lightning rod that could galvanize the people or embarrass the administration.

In the America I grew up in, we wouldn't need one.

That America didn't send soldier-parents to war over and over and over again. That America wanted to protect its children from the debilitating effects of a father's deployment. That America believed - and acted in concert with the belief - that the family unit should not, could not, would not withstand the burden of having a father in harm's way for a year, much less year after year after year. That America would have wept at the thought of a suicidal seven-year-old, and brought the father home immediately.

In this America, a seven-year-old second-grader attempted suicide while his father was serving yet another tour in Iraq. Seven years old. Seven.


Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Women veterans, military members gather for inaugural summit | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

Minnesota is stepping up the help Women Veterans and Military Members. We need more states
to do more to help our Women Service Members and Veterans

Women veterans, military members gather for inaugural summit | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Thursday, October 15, 2009

New Aruguments for Cold War Service Medal

While the last few years have seen bills introduced in both houses of Congress to authorize a
Cold War Service/Victory Medal, we have yet to achieve our goal. There are many reasons, and
we have heard them all. "No shots were fired", "No lives were lost" etc.
Here I have listed several arguments why a Cold War Medal should be issued.

Please feel free to use this in contact with your elected officials, letters to the editor, radio and tv
stations, other websites you might visit.

Send a copy to the Department of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense for Military Policy
Military and Personnel Awards.

Keep up the fire, we must keep our name out in front. Also make mention of the fact that the Department of Defense recently conducted a poll and the number one question was Sec.Gares
do you favor and will you issue a Cold War Medal this year. Also tell them that President Obama stated he was in favor of a Cold War Victory Medal.


Arguments for a Cold War Service Medal:

1. No Campaign Medal exists to recognize the dedicated participation of these service members who "Stood Watch" in the cause of promoting world Peace and stability, and who also participated in hundreds of military exercises and operations that occurred between the start of the Cold War on 02 September 1945 and the end of the Cold War on 26 December 1991.
a) Although there have been some instances where a medal or ribbon such as Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, KDSM, Vietnam Service Medal have been issued; the vast majority of veterans did not receive any medal.
b) Service members stood on the line in the Fulda Gap, facing a force ten times their size. They did this knowing that they
were present only to "slow down" the Soviets.
c) Missile silos, ships and submarines SAC planes were all armed and ready 24/7

2. Millions of Cold War Veterans prevented communist world domination and nuclear war, and it is fitting that these service members who served Honorably during this era receive proper governmental recognition for their efforts in the form of the timely award of the Cold War Service Medal.
a) Another reason many Cold War Veterans received no awards was due to so called "early discharge", at the discretion
of the Secretary of Defense, as reduction in force. This means they did not even receive a Good Conduct Medal.
b_ Many of our allies have either issued a Cold War Medal or are in the process of debating and issuing a medal.
c) Since 1991 several medals and ribbons have been issued: Overseas Service, Sea Service and others, which our Cold War
Veterans were not eligible to receive; having been released from duty prior to that date.

3.During this period, thousands of these service members were killed, wounded, and became missing in Cold War overseas operations, which were separate and distinct from other recognized wars such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In addition many were exposed to chemicals, atomic radiation, and other substances that created health problems; without the
service members knowledge.
a) Although the VFW reports approximately 380 deaths in the Cold War, there were in fact many more that were reported as
"operator error", "training accidents"; which were in fact due to hostile actions.
b) These incidents made the "morning report", but not the morning newspaper
c) Veterans exposed to Atomic Radiation are just now being recognized for their valor, and dangers they faced.
d) Many service members were treated with serums untested and not approved by FDA. Service members used as
human guinea pigs, nothing was explained as to possible risks, and they were unable to refuse these treatments.
e) Korea, Vietnam, Beirut, Granada, the Congo, Hati, Dominican Republic were all part of the Cold War

4.The United States Government has not properly recognized the dedicated service of these Veterans who sacrificed so much, with many of their actions and activities shrouded in secrecy to this day, more than seventeen years removed, so that they receive and maintain no identity as Cold War era Veterans.
a) The National Defense Service Medal, which today is issued to recruits when basic training is completed, is another example.
Prior to 9/11 2001 this medal was only issued in specific time periods. Once again many veterans due to the period of their
service missed this medal.
b) The Global War on Terrorism and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary were also issued after the fact for our veterans.
c) The Armed Forces Service Medal was issued in 1996, it was not made retroactive, thus we missed again.
d) Many service member received "early discharge", at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, as "reduction in forces".

5. The award of the Cold War Service Medal to these Veterans by the United States Congress, via the Secretary of Defense, is supported by the American Cold War Veterans, and supported via resolution by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Naval Reserve Association, the State Guard Association of the United States, and other Veterans organizations.
a) These VSO's support the Cold War Service Medal as an honor that is just and due.
b) Said VSO's are also fighting loss of membership and see this medal as a possible means to increase membership.

6. Advocates For Cold War Veterans' Honor, feels that concerned People who support the award of the Cold War Service Medal to these service members, that they begin to heal the wounds of Cold War Veterans, their families and friends affected by that, and that they bring Honor back unto their loved ones, themselves and their country.

a) Our veterans have waited for too long to be recognized and remembered.
b) 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 17th anniversary of the demise of the Soviet
Union, and thus the end of the Cold War.
c) That makes this year as celebrations around the world take note of the fall of the Berlin Wall a most opportunistic time
to remember and honor our veterans, too long forgotten, a Cold War Medal.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Case For A Cold War Medal

In 1998, the United States Government recognized the contribution of United States military service members' sacrifices during the Cold War with a bland and impersonal recognition certificate that had to be requested from the Department of Defense. This

certificate makes no mention of military service.


No Campaign Medal exists to recognize the dedicated participation of these service members who "Stood Watch" in the cause of promoting world Peace and stability, and who also participated in hundreds of military exercises and operations that occurred between the start of the Cold War on 02 September 1945 and the end of the Cold War on 26 December 1991.

Millions of Cold War Veterans prevented communist world domination and nuclear war, and it is fitting that these service members who served Honorably during this era receive proper governmental recognition for their efforts in the form of the timely award of the Cold War Service Medal.

During this period, thousands of these service members were killed, wounded, and became missing in Cold War overseas operations, which were separate and distinct from other recognized wars such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In addition many were exposed to chemicals, atomic radiation, and other instances that created health problems; without the
service members knowledge.



The United States Government has not properly recognized the dedicated service of these Veterans who sacrificed so much, with many of their actions and activities shrouded in secrecy to this day, more than seventeen years removed, so that they receive and maintain no identity as Cold War era Veterans.

The award of the Cold War Service Medal to these Veterans by the United States Congress, via the Secretary of Defense, is supported by the Cold War Veterans Association, and supported via resolution by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Naval Reserve Association, the State Guard Association of the United States, and other Veterans organizations.

Advocates For Cold War Veterans' Honor, feels that concerned People who support the award of the Cold War Service Medal to these service members, that they begin to heal the wounds of Cold War Veterans, their families and friends affected by that, and that they bring Honor back unto their loved ones, themselves and their country: now therefore

That per the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, also known as the United States Senate Bill S. 1438 (Enrolled), Section 556, Paragraph (2), this law states: "It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should consider authorizing -- the issuance of a campaign medal, to be known as the Cold War service Medal, to each person who, while a member of the Armed Forces, served satisfactorily on active duty during the Cold War."

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Canadian Cold War Medal

Our friends and allies to the north in the great country of Canada are talking about issuing a Cold War Medal to Canadian veterans.

So now is the time to contact your elected officials. Remind them this year is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and 17th anniversary of the end of the Soviet Union.


OTTAWA - Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes introduced a private member’s bill today that would see the men and women who kept Canada protected and prepared during the Cold War (1946-1989) 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.

The medal is designed to honour the people who defended Canada in both the regular and reserve forces, police officers, emergency measures organizations, as well as civil organizations such as the St. John’s Ambulance that were concerned with the protection of Canada from within Canada.

“The medal would recognize the support these men and women gave Canadians and the hours spent training and practicing for an attack on Canadian soil that, thankfully, never happened,” explained Hughes. “Their service to our country represents a period of time when we became aware of just how fragile peace can be.”

****************************

NEWS RELEASE

CAROL HUGHES, MP
ALGOMA-MANITOULIN
KAPUSKASING

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"

Veterans rally to support special license plate | SeacoastOnline.com

Maine veterans ask that you purchase license plate to support our troops.


Veterans rally to support special license plate | SeacoastOnline.com

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Ares Homepage

Cold War Veterans, Roadrunners Internationale gather in Las Vegas this week. The group includes men who worked on the U2, A-12, F-117a will answer questions from the public to tell their tales of the Cold War

Ares Homepage

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

Monday, October 5, 2009

70 Million Veterans at Possible Risk For Identity Theft

Once again veterans are put at risk. A hard drive containing information was sent back to the
manufacturer without all files being removed.


70 Million Veterans at Possible Risk For Identity Theft

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Collapse+of+the+Berlin+Wall%3A+20+years+later

The US Army will celebrate the Fall of the Berlin Wall and USARUER has a site that will allow you to post videos of your memories.

This is a chance for you to tell your story of the Cold War.



Collapse+of+the+Berlin+Wall%3A+20+years+later

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Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans