Wednesday, June 30, 2010

S.1237-Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009

There is a bill in the Senate S.1237 RS Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Children Act of 2009
This bill was introduced by Senator Patty Murray (WA) with 8 cosponsors.
It has been reported out of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.

This is a very important bill that will be of special interest and provide support for Women Veterans
and homeless Veterans with children. It will greatly increase special programs for Women Veterans
and homeless Veterans and will provide more and better care.

The American Cold War Veterans support this bill, and we reach out to our sisters-in-arms, knowing
the extra burdens faced by Women Veterans. The trials and tribulations these brave women face
are often much harder than those faced by male Veterans.

We seek equal treatment for ALL Veterans, no matter where on when they served. The uniform worn,
the job description, sex or national origin have no bearing on one fact: they are Veterans.

That should be the only criteria needed to allow access to the Veterans Administration; health care,
disability pensions, or any other program offered by the VA.

It is time for America to stand up for our Veterans and demand the best possible care. These Veterans
stood up for America, placed their lives on hold, faced danger and arduous conditions everyday.

Please contact both of your Senators, email, phone, fax, face-to-face tell them that ALL Veterans
deserve the same and equal treatment: the best our country can give them. Ask them to cosponsor
and vote for passage of S. 1237. Do not take no or a "canned" response as an answer. Contact your
Senators often, perhaps they will finally understand.

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

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Where is the outrage? 10 arrested-spies for Russia

I have checked many website, military and otherwise and see very little outrage concerning
the 10 people arrested for spying for Russia.

Have we as a country become so blase and used to strange things happening? Are we as a country
that afraid of saying something to upset Russia? How can we just sit back and say and do nothing?

President Obama was upset with the timing of the arrests so closely after he met with Medvedev.
Does this mean another apology from the US?

Is it possible this is the reason it is so hard to get a Cold War Medal?

It is time to stand up and be heard. Why did it take so long to arrest these people? Over ten years
the FBI watched them. Too much is too much.

Veterans, plain people, members of Congress, present military, members of all religious faiths
should voice their complaints loud and clear and do not stop.

Make our country safe once again.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember:

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Who is eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery

Having been asked the question who is eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery, did
you have to serve in a war to be buried there. Here are the requirements from Arlington National Cemetery.

Establishing Eligibility

Eligibility for Interment (Ground Burial)

The persons specified below are eligible for ground burial in Arlington National Cemetery. The last period of active duty of former members of the Armed Forces must have ended honorably. Interment may be casketed or cremated remains.

  1. Any active duty member of the Armed Forces (except those members serving on active duty for training only).
  2. Any veteran who is retired from active military service with the Armed Forces.
  3. Any veteran who is retired from the Reserves is eligible upon reaching age 60 and drawing retired pay; and who served a period of active duty (other than for training).
  4. Any former member of the Armed Forces separated honorably prior to October 1, 1949 for medical reasons and who was rated at 30% or greater disabled effective on the day of discharge.
  5. Any former member of the Armed Forces who has been awarded one of the following decorations:
    1. Medal of Honor
    2. Distinguished Service Cross (Navy Cross or Air Force Cross)
    3. Distinguished Service Medal
    4. Silver Star
    5. Purple Heart
  6. The President of the United States or any former President of the United States.
  7. Any former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty (other than for training) and who held any of the following positions:
    1. An elective office of the U.S. Government
    2. Office of the Chief Justice of the United States or of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
    3. An office listed, at the time the person held the position, in 5 USC 5312 or 5313 (Levels I and II of the Executive Schedule).
    4. The chief of a mission who was at any time during his/her tenure classified in Class I under the provisions of Section 411, Act of 13 August 1946, 60 Stat. 1002, as amended (22 USC 866) or as listed in State Department memorandum dated March 21, 1988.
  8. Any former prisoner of war who, while a prisoner of war, served honorably in the active military, naval, or air service, whose last period of military, naval or air service terminated honorably and who died on or after November 30, 1993.
  9. The spouse, widow or widower, minor child, or permanently dependent child, and certain unmarried adult children of any of the above eligible veterans.
  10. The widow or widower of:
    1. a member of the Armed Forces who was lost or buried at sea or officially determined to be missing in action.
    2. a member of the Armed Forces who is interred in a US military cemetery overseas that is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
    3. a member of the Armed Forces who is interred in Arlington National Cemetery as part of a group burial.
  11. The surviving spouse, minor child, or permanently dependent child of any person already buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
  12. The parents of a minor child, or permanently dependent child whose remains, based on the eligibility of a parent, are already buried in ANC. A spouse divorced from the primary eligible, or widowed and remarried, is not eligible for interment.
  13. Provided certain conditions are met, a former member of the Armed Forces may be buried in the same grave with a close relative who is already buried and is the primary eligible.


    A Guide to Burial at Arlington National Cemetery

    Establishing Eligibility

    Eligibility for Inurnment in the Columbarium

    The following persons are eligible for inurnment in the Columbarium. The last period of active duty (other than for training) of former members of the Armed Forces must have ended honorably.

    1. Any member of the Armed Forces who dies on active duty.
    2. Any former member of the Armed Forces who is retired from active duty.
    3. Any former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty (other than for training).
    4. Any member of a Reserve Component of the Armed Forces who dies while he/she is..
      1. On active duty for training or performing full-time service under Title 32, United States Code.
      2. Performing authorized travel to or from that duty or service.
      3. On authorized inactive duty training including training performed as a member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard (23 USC 502).
      4. Hospitalized or being treated at the expense of the United States for injury or disease incurred or contracted while he/she is on that duty or service, performing that travel or inactive duty training, or undergoing that hospitalization or treatment at the expense of the United States.
    5. Any member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force whose death occurs while he/she is...
      1. Attending an authorized training camp.
      2. On an authorized practice cruise.
      3. Performing authorized travel to or from that camp or cruise.
      4. Hospitalized or receiving treatment at the expense of the United States for injury or disease incurred while attending camp or cruise, performing that travel, or receiving that hospitalization or treatment at the expense of the United States.
    6. Any citizen of the United States who, during any war in which the United States has been engaged, served in the Armed Forces of any government allied with the United States during that war; whose last service ended honorably by death or otherwise; and who was a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into that service and at the time of death.
    7. Certain commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (formerly United States Coast and Geodetic Survey).
    8. Certain commissioned officers of the US Public Health Service.
    9. Spouses and minor and certain adult children of those eligible above.
    10. Any person eligible for ground burial.
    11. A former member of a group that has been certified as active military service for the purpose of receiving VA benefits under the provisions of Section 401, Public Law 95-202.
No you do not have to have served during a war.
For further information please visit Arlington National Cemetery website
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/index.htm


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


----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Give Them A Medal

This is a link to an outstanding website http://www.givethemamedal.com/

One that has taken on the daunting task of seeking out Cold War Veterans and rewarding their service with Cold War Commemorative Medal. It is a true honor to know Steve McCurdy and
to say Thank You for what you are doing. Thank you for your years of service to our country.

Go to this website to sign the list, you can also post comments. It is easy and quick.

Cold War Veterans have long been forgotten, maligned, and disrespected. Often told we are
nt "veterans" since it was "peace time", and not a designated "war period". Many of these brave,
dedicated veterans served their tour under arduous conditions, often face to face with the Soviet Union forces.

Many lives were lost during this Americas Longest War in secret mission, that even today remain
classified. Yet there has never been proper recognition of those who served.

This is a brave undertaking, and one that I hope many "Cold Warriors" take advantage of. You
served your time, and now you should be recognized and honored. This is your chance.

There are three bills in Congress that would authorize an "official Cold War Service Medal".
Please ask both of your Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009.
Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R.4051 an identical bill with same name.

This years Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act 2011 S.3454 has a provision
SEC. 566 that authorizes a Cold War Service Medal. Please contact all members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, ask them to ensure that SEC. 566 does not get
removed during the House/Senate conference meetings.

Let this be the year the Medal is finally authorized.

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

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Stalin statute removed in hometown

Georgia removes historic Stalin statue

AFP

Georgia secretly removed a historic bronze statue of Joseph Stalin from the main square in his hometown of Gori overnight on Friday in a repudiation of the ex-Soviet republic's most infamous son.

Officials said the six-metre statue would be moved to a local museum and replaced in the city's central square, which was bombed during Georgia's 2008 war with Russia, with a monument to victims of the conflict.

"We have taken the decision to remove the monument of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin from the central square of Gori and to build in its place a memorial to victims of the Soviet dictatorship and to those killed in the 2008 war," Culture Minister Nika Rurua told journalists.

Advertisement: Story continues below

"Stalin was a man who killed millions of innocent people, who killed the best representatives of not only Georgian society, but the best people in many countries," he said.

"I believe this decision was overdue."

The towering statue had stood in the central square of Gori since 1952 and generated controversy in recent years as the pro-Western government of President Mikheil Saakashvili repeatedly hinted it would be removed.

Many local residents, however, remain fiercely proud of Stalin and have opposed plans to remove the monument.

Local media reported that police sealed off the area around the statue during the removal and barred journalists from filming the process.

The huge statue of Stalin, in an overcoat staring out over the Caucasus Mountains beyond, was one of the few monuments to the dictator still standing anywhere in the world.

Born as Joseph Dzhugashvili to a serf woman in Gori in 1878, Stalin ruled the Soviet Union with an iron fist from the late 1920s to his death in 1953.

Stalin is a deeply controversial figure in the former Soviet Union, accused of causing the deaths of millions of Soviet citizens in his brutal Gulag prison camps and through the forced collectivisation of agriculture.

Stalin's supporters, however, praise his role in the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Gori, 80 kilometres west of the capital Tbilisi, has long revered Stalin and also hosts a museum that until now has presented a largely uncritical portrayal of the leader.

Rurua said that as well as moving the statue, the museum's concept would be changed to take a more objective view of Stalin.

"The concept of the museum will soon be changed as well. It will not serve anymore to Stalin's glorification," he said.

===============

In spite of this fact, the National D-Day Memorial still has a statute of Stalin standing tall.
Why honor the murder of millions of people? Take down the statute

Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans



----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Help for Veterans Benefits

Here is something for every veteran. Help is available, these links should help.
If you have filed or are going to file a claim, you have to ask for help. This might
give you an idea as to what is available and how to get the help you need.

I hope all the links work. Give this information to every veteran you know.


Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
Federal Benefits for Veterans dependents and survivors 2010
http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp


VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/Ur ... Error.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page
http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War VeteransAAcAAc,AA!(tm) Health
http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwa ... /index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Disability Compensation
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... +38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center -
New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/

Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html
Hearings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21 ... 1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/

Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children <
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/view...pub_id=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/ ... S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelin es
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders,
Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/ ... 5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solic ... insons.pdf
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... +38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... teri_.html
and,http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... riii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1003

This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program
(to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War ... ndices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_ ... rRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m2 ... 1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/View ... pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page
http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publ ... .cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_indi ... lf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS
http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VAR ... 8-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minute ... 112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Report ... s_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs ... programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title3 ... er35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... rv1_02.tpl
Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... rv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart AAAcAAc,AA!"Pension,
Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... ain_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief
(also AAE,AA 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed
illnesses found here)
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... ain_02.tpl
Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... .2&idno=38
Title 38 AAE,AA 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on
unemployability of the individual.
PART 4AAcAAc,AA!"SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
Subpart AAAcAAc,AA!"General Policy in Rating
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/te ... 11&idno=38
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)
http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook AAcAAc,AA!" Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliS ... h3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/

VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address
http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service
http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

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

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Sunday, June 13, 2010

June 14th Flag Day

Flag Day is celebrated in the United States on June 14. That day in 1777 the Second
Continental Congress adopted the U.S. Flag.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day, and an act of Congress in August 1949 established National Flag Day.

It is a day to celebrate and honor the American Flag. Many cities hold parades, with one
of the largest being in Troy, New York, which bases it parade on one of the longest running parades in Quincy, Massachusetts.

The proper way to display the flag
There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

* The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
* In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
* The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
* The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
* After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
* When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
* The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
* The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
* Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
* Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
* When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

The Boy Scouts, VFW, American Legion and other Veteran Service Organizations ceremonies
to properly retire old and tattered flags. If yours is worn and faded please contact
one of these groups to dispose of your flag.

Proper respect of the flag should be taught to all children as soon as they are old
enough to understand.

The Flag Code is rather lengthy, and has a lot of things that are not always followed
correctly.

Even those around our Presidents do not get them right. January 19, 2009
to celebrate his inauguration flags were imprinted with the name and likeness of the
new President. President Bush and his wife Laura stood on a carpet of the American Flag
at "ground zero" on Sept 11, 2006.

There are even "left" flags and "right" flags to be worn on uniforms. The union must
always be to the front, as though the flag were passing by. Therefore the "right"
flag may appear backwards, but it is the correct way to be worn.

So treat the Flag with respect and honor at all times. Fly your flag every day. The Flag
represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.

For more information http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

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

"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Video games bid adieu to World War II - KansasCity.com

Now the video game makers are turning to the Cold War to make some exciting and hopefully educational
games. This should generate more interest in the Cold War. Dad and Granddad can explain it to the kids.

Video games bid adieu to World War II - KansasCity.com

"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

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

Monday, June 7, 2010

Lies from "war vet" protected Free Speech says civil liberties org.

Rick Strandlof, AKA Rick Duncan (THE DENVER POST | )

Rick Strandlof may have lied about being a decorated Iraq War veteran, but those lies are protected by the First Amendment, according to his attorney and a civil liberties organization.

Strandlof, 32, is charged in U.S. District Court in Denver with five misdemeanors related to violating the Stolen Valor Act — specifically, making false claims about receiving military decorations.

He is accused of posing as "Rick Duncan," a wounded Marine captain who received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Strandlof used that persona to found the Colorado Veterans Alliance and solicit funds for the organization.

In May, real veterans serving on the board of the Colorado Veterans Alliance became suspicious of Strandlof's claims, and the FBI opened an investigation.

On Tuesday, the Rutherford Institute, a nonprofit civil liberties group based in Virginia, filed a friend-of-the-court brief in Strandlof's case attacking the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act.

John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, said the law is poorly written and should not be used to prosecute people for simply telling lies.

"You have to redraft the law to prove a particularized damage," he said. "If you run around Denver and yell out, 'I got the Medal of Honor,' you are guilty of the statute the way it is written."

In a recent motion to dismiss the case, Strandlof's attorney, Robert Pepin, wrote that "protecting the reputation of military decorations is insufficient to survive this exacting scrutiny."

Judge Robert Blackburn has not yet set a hearing on Pepin's motion to dismiss.

Pepin also wrote that his client suffers from bipolar personality disorder and has other mental health issues.

Rutherford Institute attorney Douglas McKusick argues that Strandlof's lies did not "inflict harm" upon the medals he lied about or debase the meaning of the medals for the veterans who actually earned them.

"Such expression remains within the presumptive protection afforded pure speech by the First Amendment," McKusick wrote. "As such, the Stolen Valor Act is an unconstitutional restraint on the freedom of speech."

The Stolen Valor Act prohibits people from falsely claiming they have been awarded military decorations and medals.

The act, signed into law in 2006, carries a punishment ranging from fines to six months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Sibert wrote that the false statements made by Strandlof are not protected speech.

"Even if this court finds that the Stolen Valor Act affects protected speech and subjects it to the strict scrutiny standard of the First Amendment, the Act withstands the scrutiny because it serves the compelling interest of protecting the reputation and meaning of decorations and medals," Sibert wrote. "Since the Act's prohibition is narrowly tailored, its criminal penalty does not violate the First Amendment."

Sibert also argued that punishing people for lying about military decorations does not chill the flow of political free speech or freedom of the press.

"However, his lying about receiving military medals, false statements of fact in an effort to increase his status and credibility, fall into the class of unprotected 'utterances' " that are not constitutionally protected, Sibert wrote.

Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010

What is June 6th

Who remembers what happened today June 6, 1944?

Another piece of history that is not mentioned, and often forgotten. I am not sure
if this is even in the history books being used today.

D Day or the Battle of Normanday was the largest sea-born invasion in history. Almost
3 million troops crossed the English Channel to engage the Germans in occupied France.

It began with overnight massive bombings, parachute and glider landings and naval bombardments. Then at dawn on June 6th, the huge amphibious landings started.

A fleet of over 6,000 vessels carrying men and equipment with 4,000 smaller landing vessels, and over 11,000 aircraft. Crossed the 100 miles to face the heavily defended
coast.

As night fell over 100.000 allied forces had made it ashore and had secured several
coastal French towns.

By June 30th over 57,000 allied serviceman had given their lives fighting German forces
at the Battle of Normandy.

It had been over nine centuries since a landing had crossed the English Channel. It
was a very costly event which dealt a large blow to Germany and gave the allies
a foothold in France that allowed them to spread even further.

Let us never forget. We must always remember those who went before us, and in whose
footsteps we follow.Those who serve today, and the ones in future generations.

Liberty and freedom always come with a price, a price that is
too high; any loss of life leaves more that just a small footprint. It helps to shape
the world.

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

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Cold War Service Medal

As a followup to my posting regarding the Cold War Service Medal in the NDAA 2011
I put in a link to the press release but I should have also included the link
to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

We need the support of the committee to ensure that the medal does not get removed
during the House/Senate conference meetings.

If you use this http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm it will take you to the committee web page.
From there you can click on each members name this will take you to their website.
from there look for the link to send an email. You will have to include your name
and address in the form. Send a simple message such as this:
The Honorable(senator's name)
Washington, Dc

Dear Senator

I want to thank you for the provision placed in the NDAA 2011 to authorize a Cold War
Service Medal. This is a well deserved and long awaited honor to all who served
honorably during the Cold War.

I ask two things, if you have not yet become a cosponsor to bill S.2743 please do so.
Also please do everything in your power to ensure that the medal does not get removed
from the NDAA during the Senate/House conference meetings.

I look forward to hearing any thoughts or comments you might have on this issue.

Regards,

(your name)

You can write your own message and say what you think best.

Then also go to both of your senators pages and send a letter asking them to cosponsor
S.2743 and vote for passage of the NDAA 2011.

Thank you one and all, we need your help to get this done this year.

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

Friday, June 4, 2010

Victims of Communism Memorial

On Thursday morning, June 10, 2010 the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation will commemorate the third anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial to the more than one hundred million victims of communism worldwide. We would be deeply honored if you would agree to attend our ceremony and lay a wreath on behalf of the Veterans of the Cold War. In the past, our annual event has included many prominent American and foreign dignitaries. If you are not in town, perhaps members of your organization could attend in your stead and lay a wreath for those who served during the Cold War?

Event activities will commence at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave., NW, New Jersey Ave., NW, and G Street, NW (two blocks from Union Station and within view of the U.S. Capitol). Wreaths will need to arrive at the Memorial by 9:30 am.

To attend the ceremony or lay a wreath please RSVP by June 5, 2010 by calling Jaron Janson at 202.536.2373 or e-mailing vocmemorial@aol.com.

We look forward to your participation. With deepest appreciation for your consideration, I remain,

Lee Edwards, Ph.D
Chairman, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Memorial Day Afterthoughts

Memorial Day has come and gone, proper honor and respect were made across our great
country. We all thought about and prayed for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Our heroes should never be forgotten, every day should be Memorial Day. Each life
lost is a sacred thing, and the list grows longer each day.

The American Cold War Veterans are very much aware of this, we feel the pain, our
thoughts and prayers go to each family that lost a loved one, as well as those
who are injured or maimed. Any one is one too many.

Yet we have another request; another day added to the calender to honor veterans.
We are still pushing for a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day, which we almost had
this year.

The House passed unanimously H.Res.900
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

March 21, 2010.

Whereas the Cold War involved hundreds of military exercises and operations that occurred between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991;

Whereas millions of Americans valiantly stood watch as members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War; and

Whereas many Americans sacrificed their lives during the Cold War in the cause of defeating communism and promoting world peace and stability: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) honors the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals.

While the American Cold War Veterans were pleased and thank the House of Representatives
for this bill, it fell just a little bit short; it did not actually specify a day
when these activities were to take place.

So please contact your elected officials and ask them to introduce legislation that
would create a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. We had been asking for May 1, since
several individual states have declared May 1 as Cold War Victory Day.

There has been some opposition to this date, the old "Russian May Day", the date is tied to unions, etc. another date may be more palatable to the powers in Washington.
Some have suggested Nov 11 or other dates. While we would prefer May 1, we may have
to bow to pressures upon our elected officials and accept something different.

And that brings to my mind..who remembers that May 8,is V-E day,or Victory in Europe.
Then depending on actual facts August 15 or September 2 is V-J Day or Victory over Japan. August 15 is the day Japan surrendered, and September 2 is when the treaty was signed.

Sad to say that these events are not mentioned on most calenders. One has to ask why?
Are we as a country ashamed that we won WWII? Are we as a nation afraid to say that
we did defeat our enemy?

Could that be part of the reason for no Cold War Veteran Recognition Day? Are we
ashamed that we won the Cold War? Do we not want to antagonize our one-time enemy, even
though the Soviet Union no longer exists?

It is time to stand up, to recognize and honor the Cold War Veterans of our country,
without them the world would be a different place. Or possibly there would be no
world if the wrong finger had been on the button. We were always close to assured
mutual destruction, nuclear war and the end of the world.

So let us now thank these brave men and women, tell Congress to authorize the Cold War
Service Medal; which is in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization
Act 2011. Ask them to cosponsor and vote yes on S.2743 and H.R. 4051, identical bills
The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009; we need more cosponsors to ensure Cold Warriors
finally receive some honor and respect. And ask them to create a Cold War Veteran Recognition Day.

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