WARNING TO VETERANS
Forwarded by Kevin Secor, VSO Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Editor's Note: This information has been passed on to me through several veterans groups! There is a great deal of concern that veterans might think this group is affliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit and general information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way. http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to provide any services.
In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits, please pass any additional information to Mr.Daugherty at the address below.
Michael G. Daugherty
Staff Attorney
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of General Counsel (022G2
---------------- "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, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Operation Tribute at Sea-part of Wreaths Across America
For the second year "Operation: Tribute at Sea" will be held in Cape Coral, Florida. It will be held
on December 11th at 12PM, in conjunction with "Wreaths Across America", which will be placing
wreaths on the graves of veterans all across the country.
Nancy McCarn and her husband Pat decided since the other services were only on land, they would hold services at sea to honor those who were lost or buried at sea, who were not being honored by the national ceremonies at land based cemeteries.
The McCarns use bio-degradable wreaths to which they add poinsettias. Nancy McCarn said that
last year's tribute "It was one of the most incredible this we have done in our lives."
This year organizers expect 15 to 20 boats participating in the event, some of which will join the
procession along the river instead of all meeting at one spot.
The ceremony will begin at Veterans Memorial Bridge at 10AM led by USCG Auxiliary 9-10 and the
flotilla to proceed down the Caloosahatchee River to the Gulf of Mexico, and then three miles out
to sea. The boats will form a circle to start the ceremony which will be broadcast on VHF channels
16 and 72 so everyone can listen to the service.
The Wreaths Across America's mission is to "remember" the veterans, "honor" their families and
"teach" the children the cost of freedom. As is stated on the Korea War Memorial "Freedom is
not Free", something we all should remember.
Cape Coral Police Officers Kevin Taylor and Mike Anderson will play bugle and bagpipe, with Taps
closing out the ceremony.
Everyone in and around Cape Coral is invited to attend, even if only to stand along the river and
watch the procession.
For more information contact Pat and Nancy McCarn at 239-637-8749 or email at
captpat@capecharters.net.
More information about Wreaths Across America visit their website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Last year 160,000 wreaths were placed on veterans grave sites at more than 400 locations and
24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Believe"
---------------- "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
on December 11th at 12PM, in conjunction with "Wreaths Across America", which will be placing
wreaths on the graves of veterans all across the country.
Nancy McCarn and her husband Pat decided since the other services were only on land, they would hold services at sea to honor those who were lost or buried at sea, who were not being honored by the national ceremonies at land based cemeteries.
The McCarns use bio-degradable wreaths to which they add poinsettias. Nancy McCarn said that
last year's tribute "It was one of the most incredible this we have done in our lives."
This year organizers expect 15 to 20 boats participating in the event, some of which will join the
procession along the river instead of all meeting at one spot.
The ceremony will begin at Veterans Memorial Bridge at 10AM led by USCG Auxiliary 9-10 and the
flotilla to proceed down the Caloosahatchee River to the Gulf of Mexico, and then three miles out
to sea. The boats will form a circle to start the ceremony which will be broadcast on VHF channels
16 and 72 so everyone can listen to the service.
The Wreaths Across America's mission is to "remember" the veterans, "honor" their families and
"teach" the children the cost of freedom. As is stated on the Korea War Memorial "Freedom is
not Free", something we all should remember.
Cape Coral Police Officers Kevin Taylor and Mike Anderson will play bugle and bagpipe, with Taps
closing out the ceremony.
Everyone in and around Cape Coral is invited to attend, even if only to stand along the river and
watch the procession.
For more information contact Pat and Nancy McCarn at 239-637-8749 or email at
captpat@capecharters.net.
More information about Wreaths Across America visit their website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Last year 160,000 wreaths were placed on veterans grave sites at more than 400 locations and
24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Believe"
---------------- "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, November 20, 2010
Dutch Cold War Veterans
Our friends and bothers-and-sisters-in arms in the Netherlands are doing things right and proper.
On November 20, 2010 KOVOM The Dutch Cold War Veterans in cooperation with the Dutch MoD
will celebrate a National Cold War Remembrance Day. The first in Dutch Military History.
Expected to attend are approximately 250 men and women Cold War Veterans, during this ceremoney
several members will be presented with the Dutch Cold War Medal.
We are proud of our fellow Cold War Veterans and wish them well, and that they have a very large
and eventful day and evening.
Now if we can just convince Congress and DoD to authorize a Cold War Service Medal to our Cold Warriors, possibly our next goal will be reached; a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
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
On November 20, 2010 KOVOM The Dutch Cold War Veterans in cooperation with the Dutch MoD
will celebrate a National Cold War Remembrance Day. The first in Dutch Military History.
Expected to attend are approximately 250 men and women Cold War Veterans, during this ceremoney
several members will be presented with the Dutch Cold War Medal.
We are proud of our fellow Cold War Veterans and wish them well, and that they have a very large
and eventful day and evening.
Now if we can just convince Congress and DoD to authorize a Cold War Service Medal to our Cold Warriors, possibly our next goal will be reached; a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day.
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
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Senate to vote on Don't Ask, Don't Tell in Dec.?
Democratic leaders in the Senate say they will bring the Defense Authorization for 2011, and the repeal
of the ban on gays serving in the military in December. There will be a hearing about a survey taken on
the feelings of troops and their families on serving alongside openly gay members.
The survey taken by DoD and a report from the Department of Defense on how to accomplish the acceptance of gays will probably not satisfy those who oppose making any changes to the "DADT."
Senator John McCain who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who at
one time was in favor of the repeal, now does not believe the proper questions were asked by the Pentagon. He says the questions as posed were about should gays be accepted if the policy is changed, and did not ask if the military members support making the change.
The report he says is more about the mechanics of opening the military to gay members, but does not
cover if such a change would reduce morale or readiness.
Senator Lindsey Graham another member of the Armed Services Committee, and a close ally of
Senator McCain does not believe that opposition to repealing the ban is justified.
Democrats are under the gun and facing pressure to drop the repeal from the 2011 NDAA. The standoff that could arise could prevent passage of the appropriation for the first time since the 1960's.
But following consultations with the White House Democratic leaders say they will not drop the repeal.
Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority leader says he plans to bring the defense bill for debate, and a vote on the gay ban in the post Thanksgiving session
Senator Carl Levin, chairman on the Armed Services Committee says the bill will not come up for a
vote until after the Pentagon delivers the survey and report, and a hearing is held to discuss these issues. He predicted it will be early December before a hearing will be held.
Senator Levin also said he will continue trying to find support to break a Republican filibuster of the NDAA. Under Senate rules it takes 60 votes to break a filibuster, in September they could only garner
56 votes to break the roadblock.
This means we still have some time to continue our post card, email, and phone calls to members of
the Senate Armed Services Committee to keep SEC. 566 to authorize a Cold War Service Medal unchanged in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454.
Please contact both of your Senators ask them to do two things: become cosponsors of S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009, and also contact members of the Armed Services Committee
asking them to keep SEC. 566 of S.3454 intact and vote for approval.
You can find a list of all members of the committee here
http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm
When you click on each members name you will be taken to their website where you will be able to
send an email to the Senator.
With your help this could be our best chance to achieve one of our goals, to recognize and honor all
those who served during the Cold War.
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
of the ban on gays serving in the military in December. There will be a hearing about a survey taken on
the feelings of troops and their families on serving alongside openly gay members.
The survey taken by DoD and a report from the Department of Defense on how to accomplish the acceptance of gays will probably not satisfy those who oppose making any changes to the "DADT."
Senator John McCain who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who at
one time was in favor of the repeal, now does not believe the proper questions were asked by the Pentagon. He says the questions as posed were about should gays be accepted if the policy is changed, and did not ask if the military members support making the change.
The report he says is more about the mechanics of opening the military to gay members, but does not
cover if such a change would reduce morale or readiness.
Senator Lindsey Graham another member of the Armed Services Committee, and a close ally of
Senator McCain does not believe that opposition to repealing the ban is justified.
Democrats are under the gun and facing pressure to drop the repeal from the 2011 NDAA. The standoff that could arise could prevent passage of the appropriation for the first time since the 1960's.
But following consultations with the White House Democratic leaders say they will not drop the repeal.
Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority leader says he plans to bring the defense bill for debate, and a vote on the gay ban in the post Thanksgiving session
Senator Carl Levin, chairman on the Armed Services Committee says the bill will not come up for a
vote until after the Pentagon delivers the survey and report, and a hearing is held to discuss these issues. He predicted it will be early December before a hearing will be held.
Senator Levin also said he will continue trying to find support to break a Republican filibuster of the NDAA. Under Senate rules it takes 60 votes to break a filibuster, in September they could only garner
56 votes to break the roadblock.
This means we still have some time to continue our post card, email, and phone calls to members of
the Senate Armed Services Committee to keep SEC. 566 to authorize a Cold War Service Medal unchanged in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454.
Please contact both of your Senators ask them to do two things: become cosponsors of S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009, and also contact members of the Armed Services Committee
asking them to keep SEC. 566 of S.3454 intact and vote for approval.
You can find a list of all members of the committee here
http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm
When you click on each members name you will be taken to their website where you will be able to
send an email to the Senator.
With your help this could be our best chance to achieve one of our goals, to recognize and honor all
those who served during the Cold War.
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
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Veterans Pride
This post is a little late, but perhaps it will be seen and acted upon.
In the past several years the Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a program "Veterans Pride".
This program encouraged veterans to wear their medals and ribbons on patriotic holidays, Veterans Day, in particular.
There was always a poster and handbills that could be printed and handed out in places where veterans
might pass and observe the poster. It was a wonderful way to remind all Veterans to be proud of their
service and to show their pride.
It seems that VA considered the Veterans Pride Initiative an old and outdated initiative and has deleted
it from their website.
The VA claims they still encourage veterans to wear their medals, they just do not want to show that
encouragement.
So this year there was no poster or handbill to be had. I personally last year printed several posters
to place in public establishments as a reminder.
Maybe the VA is trying to ignore some veterans. We as Cold Warriors know that Cold War Veterans
are often ignored, and have been told we are not "real veterans" if we did not serve in a "war period".
I believe the VA did not do all possible to recognize and honor ALL veterans, no matter of time served, or uniform worn. If you raised you hand, and wore the uniform you ARE a Veteran.
It is our hope that the VA will reconsider "Veterans Pride" and reinstate this initiative for next year. Not just a small spot on the VA website; but possibly even more government pages and perhaps even in
the national media.
I have to say that I was proud and happy to read so many reports of cities, towns, counties that celebrated Veterans Day in very large ways. I was even more happy to read of so many that were
dedicated to Cold War Veterans, who have been forgotten for far too long.
Now we are still fighting for a Cold War Service/Victory Medal. There are bills in Congress S.2743,
H.R. 4051 that would authorize a Cold War Service Medal. The Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454 contains a provision in SEC. 566 that would authorize the Cold War Medal.
Help us in our quest, contact your elected officials asking them to become cosponsors of the above listed bills. And ask that SEC. 566 remain intact in S.3454.
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
In the past several years the Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a program "Veterans Pride".
This program encouraged veterans to wear their medals and ribbons on patriotic holidays, Veterans Day, in particular.
There was always a poster and handbills that could be printed and handed out in places where veterans
might pass and observe the poster. It was a wonderful way to remind all Veterans to be proud of their
service and to show their pride.
It seems that VA considered the Veterans Pride Initiative an old and outdated initiative and has deleted
it from their website.
The VA claims they still encourage veterans to wear their medals, they just do not want to show that
encouragement.
So this year there was no poster or handbill to be had. I personally last year printed several posters
to place in public establishments as a reminder.
Maybe the VA is trying to ignore some veterans. We as Cold Warriors know that Cold War Veterans
are often ignored, and have been told we are not "real veterans" if we did not serve in a "war period".
I believe the VA did not do all possible to recognize and honor ALL veterans, no matter of time served, or uniform worn. If you raised you hand, and wore the uniform you ARE a Veteran.
It is our hope that the VA will reconsider "Veterans Pride" and reinstate this initiative for next year. Not just a small spot on the VA website; but possibly even more government pages and perhaps even in
the national media.
I have to say that I was proud and happy to read so many reports of cities, towns, counties that celebrated Veterans Day in very large ways. I was even more happy to read of so many that were
dedicated to Cold War Veterans, who have been forgotten for far too long.
Now we are still fighting for a Cold War Service/Victory Medal. There are bills in Congress S.2743,
H.R. 4051 that would authorize a Cold War Service Medal. The Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454 contains a provision in SEC. 566 that would authorize the Cold War Medal.
Help us in our quest, contact your elected officials asking them to become cosponsors of the above listed bills. And ask that SEC. 566 remain intact in S.3454.
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, November 16, 2010
University of Connecticut to study PTSD-seeks volunteers
The University of Connecticut is seeking veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to conduct studies
of PTSD.
Two different types of treatment will be used in this study of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
One type of treatment involves the veteran working through the troubling memories of combat, a rather
standard type of treatment.
The other does not involve delving into those memories, but instead helps teach skills to help manage
the emotions associated with painful memories and events.
These is not cost to the individual for the study, and in fact there will be a small stipend for agreeing
to volunteer for the project.
Anyone interested in joining the study is asked to call 860-679-2214 for more information.
So an veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan who is suffering from PTSD please seek help, and this is a very
good way to find that help.
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
of PTSD.
Two different types of treatment will be used in this study of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
One type of treatment involves the veteran working through the troubling memories of combat, a rather
standard type of treatment.
The other does not involve delving into those memories, but instead helps teach skills to help manage
the emotions associated with painful memories and events.
These is not cost to the individual for the study, and in fact there will be a small stipend for agreeing
to volunteer for the project.
Anyone interested in joining the study is asked to call 860-679-2214 for more information.
So an veteran of Iraq/Afghanistan who is suffering from PTSD please seek help, and this is a very
good way to find that help.
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
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New UK Aircraft Carrier to be mothballed
Reports that one of the UK new aircraft, with a price tag of 3 billion pounds, will not carry any aircraft and will only sail for three years, then be mothballed and possibly sold.
It also appears that Britain will not have an effective "carrier strike capability, that is a working carrier
outfitted with fighter aircraft until 2020.
Two carriers, the largest and most expensive ships is British history are to be built, but David Cameron
wanted to scrap one before it is completed. It was learned that it would cost more to scrap it before being built than it would to finish it.
So both will be built, but one will be shelved as soon as possible.
Britain is undergoing huge cuts in its military: The Army will lose 7,000 soldiers, more than 100 tanks
and 200 armored vehicles. One armored brigade will be lost, and it seems Britain will also pull its troops from Germany.
The Navy fleet will drop from 24 to 19 warships and will lose 4,000 personnel. The Navy Harrier jump-jets will be scrapped next year. No Joint Strike Fighters F-35 will be ready to replace them until
2020.
The RAF will probably keep most of its Tornado Fighter Bombers, but will lose more than 5,000 personnel. Two RAF bases will be closed and used by those soldiers returning from Germany.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce a plan under which the HMS Ark Royal, the only functional aircraft carrier will be retired immediately. The other carrier HMS Illustrious will be used
as a helicopter carrier and will not carry any jets and retired in 2014.
The new carriers, the first of which will be HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to began its service
in 2016, and will only carry helicopters and no jets. The second HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled for
2019, when that happens the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be put in a state of "extended readiness", which means it will probably be mothballed and possibly sold at a later date.
So until 2020 Britain will have to rely on other friendly countries, probably France for air strike capabilities.
It was also announced that the HMS Prince of Wales will be equipped with catapults to launch aircraft,
which also means that Britain will have to pull out of the agreement to use the JSF special version for
short take off and vertical landing.
The HMS Prince of Wales would thus be able to carry French and US aircraft and will use the
conventional JSF which the Royal Navy says is more powerful and cost effective than the jump-jet.
The question remains where will Britain be able to base their current aircraft, will they be able to
use airfields in other countries should the British be forced to fight abroad?
Does this also mean that the broad shoulders of the U.S. be forced to carry an even bigger load? Will we become the ones to fight every battle?
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
It also appears that Britain will not have an effective "carrier strike capability, that is a working carrier
outfitted with fighter aircraft until 2020.
Two carriers, the largest and most expensive ships is British history are to be built, but David Cameron
wanted to scrap one before it is completed. It was learned that it would cost more to scrap it before being built than it would to finish it.
So both will be built, but one will be shelved as soon as possible.
Britain is undergoing huge cuts in its military: The Army will lose 7,000 soldiers, more than 100 tanks
and 200 armored vehicles. One armored brigade will be lost, and it seems Britain will also pull its troops from Germany.
The Navy fleet will drop from 24 to 19 warships and will lose 4,000 personnel. The Navy Harrier jump-jets will be scrapped next year. No Joint Strike Fighters F-35 will be ready to replace them until
2020.
The RAF will probably keep most of its Tornado Fighter Bombers, but will lose more than 5,000 personnel. Two RAF bases will be closed and used by those soldiers returning from Germany.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce a plan under which the HMS Ark Royal, the only functional aircraft carrier will be retired immediately. The other carrier HMS Illustrious will be used
as a helicopter carrier and will not carry any jets and retired in 2014.
The new carriers, the first of which will be HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to began its service
in 2016, and will only carry helicopters and no jets. The second HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled for
2019, when that happens the HMS Queen Elizabeth will be put in a state of "extended readiness", which means it will probably be mothballed and possibly sold at a later date.
So until 2020 Britain will have to rely on other friendly countries, probably France for air strike capabilities.
It was also announced that the HMS Prince of Wales will be equipped with catapults to launch aircraft,
which also means that Britain will have to pull out of the agreement to use the JSF special version for
short take off and vertical landing.
The HMS Prince of Wales would thus be able to carry French and US aircraft and will use the
conventional JSF which the Royal Navy says is more powerful and cost effective than the jump-jet.
The question remains where will Britain be able to base their current aircraft, will they be able to
use airfields in other countries should the British be forced to fight abroad?
Does this also mean that the broad shoulders of the U.S. be forced to carry an even bigger load? Will we become the ones to fight every battle?
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, November 9, 2010
Elkhart, Indiana to play Taps on 5 mile stretch
Elkhart, Indiana will honor veterans on Veterans Day with what will be a heart touching and somber
reminder.
Starting at 9 a.m. 92 musicians spaced about 300 feet apart will play Taps, one at a time. As one bugler finishes, the next will start with the final note of the proceeding bugler. The musicians will be along a road between two cemeteries that are approximately 5 miles apart.
Terry Valentine helped launch the Echo Taps From the Heart last year. He told the Elkhart Truth he wants this years event to serve as a poignant tribute to those who served.
Starting at Pine Street Cemetery the event will end about two hours later at Rice Cemetery. There a ceremony will take place that will include all 92 musicians playing Taps at the same time.
Such a tribute is sure to be an event to remember, and will bring tears to many eyes as they hear the
echo rolling along the path.
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
reminder.
Starting at 9 a.m. 92 musicians spaced about 300 feet apart will play Taps, one at a time. As one bugler finishes, the next will start with the final note of the proceeding bugler. The musicians will be along a road between two cemeteries that are approximately 5 miles apart.
Terry Valentine helped launch the Echo Taps From the Heart last year. He told the Elkhart Truth he wants this years event to serve as a poignant tribute to those who served.
Starting at Pine Street Cemetery the event will end about two hours later at Rice Cemetery. There a ceremony will take place that will include all 92 musicians playing Taps at the same time.
Such a tribute is sure to be an event to remember, and will bring tears to many eyes as they hear the
echo rolling along the path.
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
Russian Veterans Unhappy with Defense Minister
Russian veterans and active duty service members staged a rally and voiced displeasure with and demand the ouster of the defense minister, who is a civilian and is in the midst of reforming the Russian military.
The Airborne Forces planned the rally which was attended by other branches of the military and monarchists, nationalists and hardline Orthodox Christians.
The speakers accused Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov of betraying Russian interests and acting
in the interests of Zionism.
The reforms under Serdyukov are aimed to change Russia's bloated and inefficient military into a new
and modern force, and have resulted in dismissing 6 out of every ten officers and disbanded 9 out of
every 10 army units.
These moves are being made in spite of the buildup of the Russian Navy, missile systems and it would appear the Air Force is also safe.
So does this mean that Russia does not plan any typical ground forces in conventional type warfare?
Another buildup to begin another Cold War?
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
The Airborne Forces planned the rally which was attended by other branches of the military and monarchists, nationalists and hardline Orthodox Christians.
The speakers accused Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov of betraying Russian interests and acting
in the interests of Zionism.
The reforms under Serdyukov are aimed to change Russia's bloated and inefficient military into a new
and modern force, and have resulted in dismissing 6 out of every ten officers and disbanded 9 out of
every 10 army units.
These moves are being made in spite of the buildup of the Russian Navy, missile systems and it would appear the Air Force is also safe.
So does this mean that Russia does not plan any typical ground forces in conventional type warfare?
Another buildup to begin another Cold War?
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
Secretary Gates says No to Israel
Speaking in Melbourne Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters that Israel had concerns about
the impact that international sanctions against Iran, and how effective they were.
This was a day after Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu told Vice President Joe Biden that only a credible threat would stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Gates said "We are prepared to do what is necessary but at this point we continue to believe that the
political-economic approach we are taking is in fact having an impact in Iran."
Gates is in Melbourne for security talks also signed a space defense surveillance agreement with Australia and promised the U.S. would work with Australia and enhance their military cooperation, including space and cyberspace.
On this issue Gates said "The Space Situational Awareness Partnership statement of principles signed
today, for example, will lead to great cooperation between our militaries in the areas of intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance.
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
the impact that international sanctions against Iran, and how effective they were.
This was a day after Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu told Vice President Joe Biden that only a credible threat would stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Gates said "We are prepared to do what is necessary but at this point we continue to believe that the
political-economic approach we are taking is in fact having an impact in Iran."
Gates is in Melbourne for security talks also signed a space defense surveillance agreement with Australia and promised the U.S. would work with Australia and enhance their military cooperation, including space and cyberspace.
On this issue Gates said "The Space Situational Awareness Partnership statement of principles signed
today, for example, will lead to great cooperation between our militaries in the areas of intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance.
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
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
USAA members target of scam
According to a report from Security News Daily a new scam is being directed towards U.S. military members and their families.
As reported the the web security firm AppRiver the scam is aimed at United Services Automobile Association (USAA) a financial service for military and former military members.
The subject line is usually something like "Security Alert", "Urgent Message for USAA Customer",
"USAA Notification." If the person clicks on a link in the email they are taken to a fraudulent sign in page, there they are asked to provide their personal USAA information; which gives all the information
to the scam site.
USAA spokesman Roger Wildermuth said "The security of member information is very important to us. We are aware of this situation, and we are actively monitoring it and working to protect our members. We have posted an alert on USAA.com to notify our members and we continuously monitor
our members' account activities to guard against fraud and identity theft."
So as always please be very careful of any email that either ask for your information or starts out with
something like "Dear Customer". You can not be to safe. Always check the website by going to your
normal website login page.
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
As reported the the web security firm AppRiver the scam is aimed at United Services Automobile Association (USAA) a financial service for military and former military members.
The subject line is usually something like "Security Alert", "Urgent Message for USAA Customer",
"USAA Notification." If the person clicks on a link in the email they are taken to a fraudulent sign in page, there they are asked to provide their personal USAA information; which gives all the information
to the scam site.
USAA spokesman Roger Wildermuth said "The security of member information is very important to us. We are aware of this situation, and we are actively monitoring it and working to protect our members. We have posted an alert on USAA.com to notify our members and we continuously monitor
our members' account activities to guard against fraud and identity theft."
So as always please be very careful of any email that either ask for your information or starts out with
something like "Dear Customer". You can not be to safe. Always check the website by going to your
normal website login page.
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
Virginia says yes to tax relief for disable veterans
Voters in Virginia said yes to constitutional amendments grant property tax exemptions.
One amendment gives local governments more discretion in deciding to grant exemptions on property
taxes for people who are 65 or older or who are permanently and totally disabled.
The second amendment forces the state legislature to exempt totally disabled veterans from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.
This is wonderful news for our elderly and our veterans.
Which state will be next to offer assistance to our 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
One amendment gives local governments more discretion in deciding to grant exemptions on property
taxes for people who are 65 or older or who are permanently and totally disabled.
The second amendment forces the state legislature to exempt totally disabled veterans from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.
This is wonderful news for our elderly and our veterans.
Which state will be next to offer assistance to our 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
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
VA Begins paying expanded Agent Orange benefits
From the Air Force News Service
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123228918
11/1/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Veterans Affairs officials have begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure.
"The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam veterans with treatment and compensation for the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
Up to 200,000 Vietnam veterans are potentially eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions recently associated with Agent Orange. The expansion of coverage involves B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease.
Secretary Shinseki said VA officials have launched a variety of initiatives, both technological and involving better business practices, to tackle an anticipated upsurge in Agent Orange-related claims.
"These initiatives show VA's ongoing resolve to modernize its processes for handling claims through automation and improvements in doing business, providing veterans with faster and more accurate decisions on their applications for benefits," Secretary Shinseki said.
Providing initial payments, or increases to existing payments, to the 200,000 veterans who now qualify for disability compensation for these three conditions is expected to take several months, but VA officials encourage all Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffer from one of the three diseases to make sure their applications have been submitted.
VA officials have offered veterans exposed to Agent Orange special access to health care since 1978, and priority medical care since 1981. They have been providing disability compensation to veterans with medical problems related to Agent Orange since 1985.
In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness do not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
The three new illnesses -- B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease -- are added to the list of presumed illnesses previously recognized by VA officials.
Other recognized illnesses under VA's "presumption" rule for Agent Orange are:
* Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy
* Chloracne
* Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
* Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
* Hodgkin's Disease
* Multiple Myeloma
* Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
* Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
* Prostate Cancer
* Respiratory Cancers
* Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
* AL Amyloidosis
Veterans interested in applying for disability compensation under one of the three new Agent Orange presumptives should go to www.fasttrack.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.---------------- "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
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123228918
11/1/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Veterans Affairs officials have begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure.
"The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam veterans with treatment and compensation for the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
Up to 200,000 Vietnam veterans are potentially eligible to receive VA disability compensation for medical conditions recently associated with Agent Orange. The expansion of coverage involves B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease.
Secretary Shinseki said VA officials have launched a variety of initiatives, both technological and involving better business practices, to tackle an anticipated upsurge in Agent Orange-related claims.
"These initiatives show VA's ongoing resolve to modernize its processes for handling claims through automation and improvements in doing business, providing veterans with faster and more accurate decisions on their applications for benefits," Secretary Shinseki said.
Providing initial payments, or increases to existing payments, to the 200,000 veterans who now qualify for disability compensation for these three conditions is expected to take several months, but VA officials encourage all Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and suffer from one of the three diseases to make sure their applications have been submitted.
VA officials have offered veterans exposed to Agent Orange special access to health care since 1978, and priority medical care since 1981. They have been providing disability compensation to veterans with medical problems related to Agent Orange since 1985.
In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness do not have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
The three new illnesses -- B-cell (or hairy-cell) leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease -- are added to the list of presumed illnesses previously recognized by VA officials.
Other recognized illnesses under VA's "presumption" rule for Agent Orange are:
* Acute and Subacute Transient Peripheral Neuropathy
* Chloracne
* Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
* Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
* Hodgkin's Disease
* Multiple Myeloma
* Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
* Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
* Prostate Cancer
* Respiratory Cancers
* Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or Mesothelioma)
* AL Amyloidosis
Veterans interested in applying for disability compensation under one of the three new Agent Orange presumptives should go to www.fasttrack.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.---------------- "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
Monday, November 1, 2010
Russia to purchase French Helicopter carriers
On Sunday Russia's defense ministry announced plans to purchase two French Amphibious Assault Ships. The Mistral class ship is most similar to our LHD USS Iwo Jima a Wasp class amphibious assault ship.
The plan is to buy two Mistral class helicopter carriers plus the complete technology to enable
Russia to build their own ships. Delivery of the first ship is thought to be in 2013.
The Mistral is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, 4 landing barges up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks and 450 personnel.
Russia plans to use their own helicopters which will require some modification to the flight deck and
elevators, making the ship a little larger.
Reports say that at present no shipyard in Russia is capable of producing the Misstral class ship, and
massive upgrades and improvements must be made before production can begin.
Also since Russia has no ship of this type in their navy all officers and crew members will require extensive training before the ship would be ready for sea.
This is one more step in the Russian plan to rebuild their military, making their navy bigger and stronger. Could it be a return to the Cold War type and size military making Russia once again a superpower to be reckoned with?
With China and Russia making their military forces stronger and larger the U.S. must continue with
our ship building program.
Talks of cutting the defense budget in the face of other countries ever growing buildup must be looked at very closely. We can not allow our country to fall behind.
---------------- "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
The plan is to buy two Mistral class helicopter carriers plus the complete technology to enable
Russia to build their own ships. Delivery of the first ship is thought to be in 2013.
The Mistral is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, 4 landing barges up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks and 450 personnel.
Russia plans to use their own helicopters which will require some modification to the flight deck and
elevators, making the ship a little larger.
Reports say that at present no shipyard in Russia is capable of producing the Misstral class ship, and
massive upgrades and improvements must be made before production can begin.
Also since Russia has no ship of this type in their navy all officers and crew members will require extensive training before the ship would be ready for sea.
This is one more step in the Russian plan to rebuild their military, making their navy bigger and stronger. Could it be a return to the Cold War type and size military making Russia once again a superpower to be reckoned with?
With China and Russia making their military forces stronger and larger the U.S. must continue with
our ship building program.
Talks of cutting the defense budget in the face of other countries ever growing buildup must be looked at very closely. We can not allow our country to fall behind.
---------------- "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
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