Maine Veterans Day, Day Off

The state of Maine is considering a bill that would give veterans a paid day off for Veterans Day,
Nov. 11th.

Bill HP0146, LD 169 would mandate that any employer with more than 50 employees allow a
veteran to have a day off with pay for Veterans Day.

Although Veterans Day is considered a holiday, the majority of employers do not close for the day
and if an employee does take the day off, it is without pay.

Everyone living in Maine please contact your state Senators and Representatives ask them to
cosponsor and vote for passage of HP0146, LD169. Our veterans deserve this day off with pay.

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

Valor Flight for Korean War Veterans

The Great state of Tennessee is changing the Honor Flight for WWII veterans. They are now
calling it Valor Flight, The Flight of the Not forgotten, and it is for Korean War Veterans.

After honoring over 1,000 WWII veterans, now the flight will be to take Korean War Veterans
to see the memorial, of 19 stainless steel statutes and the memorial wall.

Organizer Steve Celuch says "A lot of treasured memories surface as a result, and we hope
to recreate that experience for Korean Veterans."

The organization is looking for Tennessee Valley Korean War Veterans who live in Madison,
Limestone, Morgan, Marshall and Jackson counties.

More information can be found on the website Valor Flight The Flight of The Not Forgotten

This is a very thoughtful and touching tribute to all Korean War Veterans, one that we hope
every state will follow. They have been forgotten for a long time, and now it is time to show
all Korean War Veterans they are no longer forgotten.

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

Cold War Medal Bill

The Senate bill number is S.402 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011.

Contact both of your senators ask them to become cosponsors of this important bill.

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

American Cold War Veterans are now a tax exempt organization

The IRS has granted a 501(c)(3) status to the American Cold War Veterans, making donations
tax exempt. We can now accept cash, cars, etc.

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

March 4 is Deadline For Stop-Loss Claims

If you were affected by Stop-Loss and had your enlistment extended beyond the agreed
date this is important.

If you were on active duty between September 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 and were involunteraly
extended you are eligible for Stop-Loss Pay. This amounts to $500.00 for each month you were
extended.

Members and/or their survivors must file a claim prior to March 4, 2011 to receive this
payment. You served the extra time, you are entitled to this.

Please if you were a part of Stop-Loss, or your loved one was forced to delay their separation due
to Stop-Loss you must act quickly.
You can find more information on the website
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/

But time is running out, do it NOW.

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

Cold War Medal Introduced in Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               CONTACT:  Katie Bruns (Snowe)           

February 17, 2011                                                                                           202-224-1304                                                                                                                           

                                                Liz Johnson (Collins)

202-224-2523

                                               Allison Jaslow (Webb)

202-224-4024

        Jodi Seth (Kerry)

202-224-4159

   

Senators Snowe, Collins, Webb and Kerry Introduce Legislation Honoring Cold War Veterans

                               

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jim Webb (D-Virginia) and John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) today introduced the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011, legislation to authorize the design and award of a service medal to honor America’s Cold War veterans.  Such a medal does not currently exist.

“The commitment, motivation and fortitude of our Cold War Veterans was second to none,” said Senator Snowe.  “The brave service members who served honorably during the Cold War should be recognized for their service, and this legislation is a long overdue step towards creating the service medal that they deserve.”

“This legislation will express our sincere gratitude to all Cold War veterans, including the thousands of those who served in Maine, for putting the comforts of civilian life aside to advance the cause of freedom,” said Senator Collins.

“The millions of Americans who served in uniform in the armed forces during the Cold War, spanning more than four decades, were the living embodiment of our nation’s strategy of deterrence,” said Senator Webb. “In their efforts to preserve peace, hundreds died during isolated armed confrontations when the Cold War flashed hot at remote locations around the world. This legislation will appropriately honor those who served in an effort that resulted in the largest single expansion in the number of democratically elected governments in world history.”

“For almost a half century, more than 20 million soldiers stood on the front lines of our nation’s Cold War defenses,” Senator Kerry said.  “At a time when humanity itself hung in the balance, they were ready to spring into action if the Cold War became a shooting war, and they too were separated from their families and loved ones for long, difficult periods. They deserve full recognition for their service and sacrifice, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important legislation.”
---------------- "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

Gates Welcomes House Vote Against Extra F-35 Engine

Gates Welcomes House Vote Against Extra F-35 Engine

By Jim Garamone 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today welcomed the full House of Representatives vote to kill the extra engine for the F-35 joint strike fighter, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.

The House voted 233-199 to strip funds for the engine from the fiscal 2011 defense spending bill.
"Secretary Gates welcomes today's vote and is gratified that the full House has recognized the merits of the department's position in opposing the JSF extra engine," Morrell said. "He understands this afternoon's vote is but one step, although a very important one, on the path to ensuring that we stop spending limited dollars on unwanted and unneeded defense programs." The bill still must go to the Senate, where funding for the engine could be added back.

General Electric and Rolls Royce are building the engine. In 2005, then-President George W. Bush and then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld opposed the extra engine. In a statement issued May 28, President Barack Obama promised to veto any legislation that provided funds for the extra engine.

Gates has said he will use every legal means to terminate the extra engine program, which he said is costing taxpayers $28 million a month.


Now a question to ask. The CBO once estimated that the cost of a Cold War Medal would be
about $30 million spread over 5 years. What will happen to the $28 million a month?
Why not use part of that money for a Cold War Medal? Just one month would pay for medals for
all the Cold Warriors. 

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

President Obama Misspeaks During Medal of Freedom Awards

It was during the presentation to President George H.W. Bush, that President Obama spoke the
words that every Cold War Veteran hates to hear.

President Obama credited President Bush with ending the Cold War "without a shot being fired."
The very words we have been fighting since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, and the end
of the Cold War.

We all know shots were fired, our planes were shot from the sky by communist forces, our ships
were attacked, ground troops were shot at. Many lives were lost during the Cold War, the VFW
places the count at over 380, but many more were lost in secret operations.

We can not allow this flawed thinking to continue, America must remember! Does no one think
that Korea, Vietnam, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Lebanon and so many other clashes were not
a part of the Cold War?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War, our nation must pay respect
and honor to all those who endured the harsh and arduous conditions in the battle to contain
communism. From Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991 these men and women stood ready and waiting;
and hoping that nuclear war did not break out.

From ships at sea, submarines under the sea, troops on the ground around the world
SAC planes in the air, those standing in place in missile silos; no matter where, no matter
when, no matter which uniform they wore; they were heroes all. Each and everyone should
be thanked, recognized, honored, and respected.

We must not forget! We can not forget! We must say to those who try to re-write history NO!
It was a war and WE WON!

Please contact your elected officials in Washington, tell them to make this a special year. Tell
them that this must be the year to authorize and issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.

Do not allow those who sacrificed their lives continue to be ignored. Do not consider those
who gave of their time to protect our country as "just showing up", it was more than "just
a job" to us; it was a fight for right and freedom.

President Obama, please correct this mistake. Will you do honor to the Cold War Veterans
and by Executive Order create a medal to finally give us a place in history?

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

House Appropriations Committee Cuts VA IT Funds

House appropriators to cut 2011 Veterans Affairs IT funds by $160 million

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0211/021411bb1.htm


By Bob Brewin bbrewin@govexec.com February 14, 2011
 

The House Appropriations Committee sliced $160 million from the Veterans Affairs Department's 2011 information technology budget in a broad spending plan that the panel introduced late Friday to cut $100 billion from this year's federal budget.

The 2011 continuing resolution sets the department's IT budget at $3.147 billion, 5.1 percent below the $3.307 billion VA requested. The Appropriations Committee said the budget cuts reflect savings VA achieved from canceling projects.

The cuts made by the Republican-controlled committee slice $15.5 million more from VA for canceled programs than the Democrat-controlled committee did last December in its failed continuing resolution, which approved cuts totaling $144.5 million.

The Senate Appropriations Committee in December 2010 also approved cutting VA's IT budget by $144.5 million in its 2011 continuing resolution, but the full Senate did not adopt the legislation.

The current continuing resolution from the House Appropriations Committee includes a $460 million increase for disability claims processing, the same amount that VA requested, but $14 million below the $474 million the Senate Appropriations Committee voted for last December.

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

VA Budget Request for 2012

VA Announces Budget Request for 2012

Shinseki Pledges to Continue to be "Good Steward" of Resources

WASHINGTON (Feb. 14, 2011) - In announcing the proposed budget for the

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the next fiscal year,

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki emphasized "making every

dollar" count in the $132 billion budget proposal for VA.

"We will continue to wisely use the funds that Congress appropriates for

us to further improve the quality of life for Veterans and their

families through the efficiency of our operations," said Secretary of

Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki

"In the current constrained fiscal environment, every dollar counts,"

Shinseki added. "We have put into place management systems and

initiatives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and to eliminate

waste."

The budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 must be

approved by Congress before taking effect.

Health Care

The budget request seeks nearly $51 billion for medical care.  It would

provide care to more than 6.2 million patients, including nearly 540,000

Veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

The budget request also includes almost $1 billion for a contingency

fund and $1.2 billion of operational improvements to manage the

appropriated funds in a fiscally responsible manner.

Major health care provisions include:

*            $6.2 billion for mental health programs, including $68

million directly for suicide prevention;

*            $344 million to activate newly constructed medical

facilities;

*            $208 million to implement new benefits for Veterans'

caregivers;

*            Nearly $509 million for research; and

Shinseki noted the department has created "a portfolio of initiatives"

to improve the quality of VA care while making it easier for patients to

access services.  Primary care providers will put more emphasis upon

disease prevention and healthy living.  New technology - securing

e-mails, social networking and telehealth - will be harnessed to meet

the evolving needs of patients.

For example, in 2010, a daily average of more than 31,000 patients took

advantage of VA's telehome health care.  The budget proposal will allow

more than 50,000 people daily to use this innovative, at-home care.

Among the department's operational improvements is a provision that

calls for VA to implement Medicare's standard payment rates, a measure

that will free $315 million for other health care needs.

Benefits

The proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes more than $70

billion in "mandatory" benefits programs, a category consisting mostly

of VA disability compensation and pension payments.

Shinseki reaffirmed his commitment to "break the back of the backlog" of

claims from Veterans for disability compensation and pensions.  VA's

goal is to provide Veterans with decisions on their claims within 125

days at a 98 percent accuracy rate by 2015.

Various initiatives support continued redesign of VA's business

processes and development of a paperless claims system to improve the

efficiency of VA's handling of applications for compensation and

pensions.  Among the major projects is one to provide Veterans with

streamlined forms to present to non-VA physicians who are evaluating

Veterans for disability benefits, while another new program allows

online application for claims related to exposure to Agent Orange.

Homelessness Prevention

The funding request includes nearly $940 million for specific programs

to prevent and reduce homelessness among Veterans and their families.

This funding is a 17 percent increase over the current budget of nearly

$800 million.

"Homelessness is both a housing and a health care issue," Shinseki said.

"Our 2012 budget plan supports a comprehensive approach to eliminating

Veterans' homelessness by making key investments in homeless and mental

health programs."

Education and Training

The requested budget for "mandatory" benefits programs includes nearly

$11.5 billion for VA education, training, vocational rehabilitation and

employment programs, including educational benefit programs VA

administers for the Department of Defense.  Approximately 925,000 people

will receive benefits under these programs.  Nearly three-quarters of

the funds will go to recipients of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.  

The budget proposal continues development of an automated Post-9/11 GI

Bill claims processing system that will speed tuition and housing

payments to eligible Veterans.

Information Technology

VA will seek nearly $3.2 billion for the new fiscal year to operate and

maintain its information technology (IT).

"IT is the key to bringing VA into the 21st century," Shinseki said. "It

allows for the efficient delivery of health care and benefits."

A recent independent study found that VA invested $4 billion in medical

IT from 1997 to 2007, which generated $7 billion in savings, mostly from

the elimination of duplicate medical tests and the reduction of medical

errors.

VA has a major role in the development of the "virtual lifetime

electronic record" as part of an inter-agency federal initiative to

provide complete and portable electronic health records for service

members, Veterans, other family members and, eventually, all Americans.

Through a disciplined approach to IT projects, VA transformed its

software development processes, meeting product delivery schedules over

80 percent of the time.

VA is consolidating its IT requirements into 15 major contracts, which

will lower costs and increase oversight and accountability.  Seven of

the 15 contracts are set-aside for Veteran-owned businesses, and four of

those seven are reserved for small businesses owned by service-disabled

Veterans.

Construction

Nearly $590 million in major construction is included within next year's

budget request.  

"This reflects the department's continued commitment to provide quality

health care and benefits through improving its facilities to be modern,

safe and secure for Veterans," Shinseki said.

The funding proposal provides for the continuation of seven ongoing

construction projects at health care facilities - New Orleans; Denver;

San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis; Palo Alto, Calif.; Bay Pines, Fla.,

and Seattle - plus new projects in Reno, Nev.; Los Angeles and San

Francisco.

Also in the budget request is $550 million for minor construction for

such purposes as seismic corrections, improvements for patient safety,

and enhancements for access and patient privacy.

Additionally, the spending proposal includes funds for a gravesite

expansion project at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in

Hawaii.

National Cemeteries

VA is seeking more than $250 million next year for the operation and

maintenance of its 131 national cemeteries.

The department expects to inter about 115,000 people next year at its

national cemeteries.  Nearly 90 percent of the U.S. population is within

75 miles of a VA-run national cemetery or a state-run Veterans cemetery.

For the fourth consecutive time in 10 years, VA's system of national

cemeteries has bested the nation's top corporations and other federal

agencies in a prestigious, independent survey of customer satisfaction.

The fiscal year 2012 budget plan includes $46 million to fund creation

and improvement of state Veterans cemeteries and tribal government

Veterans cemeteries.

Further information about VA's budget proposal for fiscal year 2012 is

available on the Internet at www.va.gov/budget/products.asp.

---------------- "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

Remains Of 11 U.S. Army Air Force MIA's Identified, Returned

Published: Feb. 10, 2011 at 10:14 PM

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The remains of 11 U.S. servicemen missing in action in the Pacific Theater during World War II have been identified, the Defense Department said Thursday.

The remains are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors, the Pentagon said in a news release.

Army Air Forces Technical Sgt. Charles A. Bode, 23, Baltimore, will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery.

A group burial for Bode and his 10 comrades will be March 24 at Arlington National Cemetery. The other crew members whose remains have been recovered are those of: 1st Lt. Richard T. Heuss, 23, Berkley, Mich.; 2nd Lt. Robert A. Miller, 22, Memphis, Tenn.; 2nd Lt. Edward R. French, 23, Erie, Pa.; 2nd Lt. Robert R. Streckenbach Jr., 21, Green Bay, Wis.; Tech. Sgt. Lucian I. Oliver Jr., 23, Memphis, Tenn.; Staff Sgt. Ivan O. Kirkpatrick, 36, Whittier, Calif.; Staff Sgt. William K. Musgrave, 24, Hutsonville, Ill.; Staff Sgt. James T. Moran, 21, Sloatsburg, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. James B. Moore, 21, Woburn, Mass.; and Staff Sgt. Roy Surabian, 24, Medford, Mass.

The Defense Department said in a release that on Nov. 20, 1943, the 11 B-24D Liberator crew members took off from Jackson Airfield, Port Moresby, New Guinea, on an over-water mission near the northern coast of the country. During the mission, their only radio transmission indicated they were 20 miles northwest of Port Moresby, but they did not make it back to their base. Subsequent searches failed to produce any evidence of the crew or their aircraft.

In 1984, the government of Papua New Guinea notified U.S. officials of a World War II crash site in a ravine in Morobe province. A subsequent search located B-24 aircraft wreckage and human remains but time constraints and the threat of landslides prevented their recovery.

During a site visit in 2004, local villagers turned over human remains they had previously removed from the areas. Those remains were used to identify Bode.

There are still more than 74,000 Americans listed as missing in action from the war.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/02/10/Remains-of-11-US-airmen-recovered/UPI-59851297394055/#ixzz1DoHlN9o6

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

VA Provides Benefits to Veteran's Caregivers

Finally recognition for those who provide the care for our Wounded Warriors. Those who suffer

just as much, if not more, deserve this help.  It take a lot of courage, determination and 

devotion; plus a whole lot of love to give the proper care to the injured and ill.

VA Provides Benefits to Veterans' Caregivers

From a White House News Release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 - The Veterans Affairs Department is launching the first of a series of new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers of seriously ill and injured veterans.

President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation in May, authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new services to support certain caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans.

"Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. "They are critical partners with VA in the recovery and comfort of ill and injured veterans, and they deserve our continued training, support and gratitude."

In addition to the new benefits and services for eligible veterans who were disabled in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2001, VA also will begin providing enhanced benefits and services to caregivers of veterans of all eras who already are enrolled in VA care, including:
-- Access to VA's toll-free Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274;
-- Expanded education and training on caring for Veterans at home;
-- Other support services such as counseling and support groups and referral services; and
-- An enhanced website for caregivers.

Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured post-9/11 veterans. Those additional benefits include:
-- A monthly stipend;
-- Health care coverage;
-- Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, while accompanying veterans undergoing care;
-- Respite care; and
-- Mental health services and counseling.

VA will report to Congress in the future on the feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family caregivers of veterans of all eras, officials said.

While some of these enhanced benefits are available now, many of the other significant newly enacted benefits will require the issuance of regulations. These additional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite care designed to prevent institutionalization of veterans whenever possible.

The law requires detailed regulations for determining eligibility, designating and approving caregivers, and providing stipends and health care coverage to primary family caregivers. The complex process required to implement these regulations will provide veterans, caregivers and the public the opportunity to provide comments before those regulations are finalized.

"VA has supported caregivers of veterans of all eras for almost eight decades," said Deborah Amdur of VA's Care Management and Social Work Service, "and we know from our experience and research that veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends."

Each VA medical center has designated caregiver support coordinators who will assist eligible veterans and caregivers in understanding and applying for the new benefits. VA also has a caregiver support website, http://www.caregiver.va.gov, which will provide general information once final regulations are published, officials said.

 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

Is It Possible China Will Bid On U.S. Military Contracts?

Can we possibly allow this to happen?

China Aviation Industry Corp. is in talks with U.S. Aerospace Inc. and has been for some time. This
could lead to the Chinese bidding on military contracts.

It seems the company is interested in bidding on replacing the Marine One helicopter fleet. Marine
One is used to transport the president.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the company also wants to supply the Air Force with
over 400 training aircraft for the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters.

The Marine One fleet was supposed to be replaced by Lockheed Martin, but due to cost
overruns and rising prices President Obama orderd the plan scrapped and told the military
to find less expensive options.

This might enable the Chinese state-owned company to obtain secret U.S. military technology
by using this partnership with a U.S. company.

China has in the past attempted to enter critical U.S. industry, and these attempts have always
been defeated. Current regulations and vociferous political backlash led to the demise of these
past attempts.

As China continue to rapidly expand and grow its military, pushing hard to gain a strategic
foothold on the world; it would be foolhardy and incomprehensible to allow China to even
think this would be a possibility.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said recently "Even as the United States pursues a more
constructive relationship with China, we and our allies cannot ignore the Chinese military's
recent advances in missiles, space and cyber warfare."

So the answer must be a very large resounding NO to any possibility of a Chinese company
bidding on U.S. military programs.

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

Goodby USS Los Angeles (SSN-688)

On January 23, 2011 The U.S. Navy held the public decommissioning ceremony for USS Los Angeles
(SSN-688) at the Port of Los Angeles. The first of the world's largest class of nuclear-powered
submarines. She was placed the special "in commission, in reserve" Los Angeles then traveld
to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

On February 4, 2011 after 34 years in service, her commissioning pennant was hauled down and
 the last shipboard watch was secured. In attendance were her last commanding
officer Cmdr. Steven Harrison, Capt. Mark Whitney, commander of PSNS and IMF; and Capt.
Dan Prince, Chief of Staff for Submarine Group 9.

Commissioned Nov. 13, 1976 as the first of a new class of fast attack submarines, a total of 62
of this class were built between 1972 and 1966 making them the largest nuclear-powered
submarine class in the world.

Commander Harrison, in his closing remarks remembered the important role on the frontline
of defense that Los Angeles and other submarines of her class played during the Cold War.

"The ship served proudly, as well as all the other remaining ships of the class and contributed
to victory in the (Cold) War in ways the general public will never know about," said Harrison.

Among the many honors received during her three decades of service were a Navy Unit
Commendation, 7 Meritorious Unit Commendations, and 7 Battle Efficiency Awards.
During her 16 deployments she participated in 4 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises.

She also play host to Adm. Hyman Rickover and President Jimmy Carter and his wife
Rosalynn for an at sea demonstration of the ships capabilities. It is noted that President
Carter was the only U.S. president that was qualified in submarines.

Capt. Whitney, taking final custody of Los Angeles promised that the Puget Sound
Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility would honor the ships history.

"The inactivation and retiring of ships is an important part of our business," said Whitney.
"But one of important elements we don't actually talk about an awful lot when we are
executing the work is one of the things we hold very sacred-that is, we will respect
and honor and we will preserve the legacy of your ship."

And so another piece of history, a brave fighting ship goes into retirement. All those who
served aboard Los Angeles will never forget her. It was their home away from home, and
as it is for all sailors; a time of friendships formed, long journeys at sea. Proud moments,
fond memories, and plenty of hard work.

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

Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act

A bill proposed in the 111th Congress, that would have provided medical care to members of
the military exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune was never acted upon.

Senator Richard Burr R-NC has once again taken up the challenge. He has introduced S.277 that
will provide hospital care, medical services and nursing home care to veterans and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina while the water was contaminated.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Kay Hagen of North Carolina, Chuck Grassley of Iowa and
Bill Nelson of Florida.

Studies have shown that the water was contaminated with several chemicals including VOCs
(volatile organic compounds) known as PCE  including
(Tetrachloroethylene aka Perchloroethylene), TCE (Trichloroethylene), DCE (Dichloroethylene), Vinyl Chloride and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene).

These chemicals are known or suspected human carcinogens.

Many Marines, Sailors, their families, and civilian workers have been affected by contamination
in many forms including breast cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer,
prostate cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, liver disease,  miscarriages, leukemia, non Hodgkins
lymphoma, birth defects (cleft palate, heart disease, Choanal atresia, neural tube defects, low
birth weight and small for gestational age).

Sadly, many of those affected by these diseases have not been informed of the danger of this
exposure.

Sen. Burr said "We now have another shot at doing the right thing for the thousands of
Navy and Marine veterans and their families who were harmed during their service to our
country." "While we continue to seek more answers, we can minimize further suffering by
allowing Lejeune veterans and their families to receive the care they need and deserve."

The Navy and Marine Corps maintain that the Camp Lejeune water contaminates have not been
conclusively linked to the illness and cancer that former residents and workers are now facing.

Sen. Kay Hagen (D-NC) said "Since taking office, it has been a priority for me to ensure that
the veterans who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to get the answers
and care they deserve." "I will be working with Senator Burr to see that this important
bill gets passed so we can make sure we keep our promises to our veterans."

If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between the 1950's and the 1980's please visit the Marine
Corp website Camp Lejeune Toxic Water, The Few The Proud, The Forgotten by going to
http://www.tftptf.com/

It is time for our country to stand up and admit the problem, and ensure that the thousands
of veterans and their families finally receive the truth. Time to allow these brave men and
women to receive proper and just care.

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

Repeal The Disabled Veterans Tax

The American Cold War Veterans are asking Congress to put an end to the unfair tax being placed on veterans who are receiving disability pay, or Social Security Disability Income and retirement benefits.

Under current law, veterans face a dollar for dollar reduction from their retirement pay for any disability benefits they receive.

There is a program which started in 2004 and ends in 2013 that is being phase- in  that will partially fix the problem. The ten year program will take too long, and is not enough. It will only affect a veteran with a 50 percent disability rating from the Veterans Affairs.

Last year there were two bills introduced that would have put an end to this unjust treatment of our injured veterans. Neither bill progressed out of committee and died with the end of the 111th Congress.


These bills are being reintroduced this year they are The Retired Pay Restoration, and The Disabled Veterans Termination Act.


We call upon the current Congress to act quickly to pass these two very important bills, and put an end to the concurrent pay laws, and allows a veteran to receive the full amount that they are entitled to.

The American Cold War Veterans are urging equal and just treatment for all veterans, regardless of when or where they served our country.

It is only fair that after these brave men and women have sacrificed, left their loved ones far behind and faced danger every day for our country; that now our country return the respect and give them what is due and just.

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

Teams to Search Cambodia for Vietnam War MIAs

I have for a long time been a staunch supporter of the POW/MIA problems. It is a tragedy that

so many are still Missing. Their families and loved ones need and deserve closure.

Everyone please contact your elected officials and demand a full and complete accounting of all

MIAs from the countries involved. We must bring them home. They are not forgotten.

 

Teams to Search Cambodia for Vietnam War MIAs

 

From a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command News Release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 - Two archeological teams from the U.S. Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command are scheduled to arrive in Cambodia soon to search for Americans unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War, and physicians and nurses from military commands in Hawaii will accompany them to participate in a health engagement mission.

As part of the recovery portion of this dual-purpose deployment, more than 40 recovery team members will excavate a burial site and an underwater aircraft crash site in search of four missing Americans in Cambodia's Kampong Cham and Kracheh provinces.

The deployment, expected to last about 40 days, marks the command's 44th joint field activity in Cambodia, officials said.

Recovery teams search for human remains, life-support items and other material evidence that may further the identification of Americans missing from past conflicts.

In addition to recovery efforts, U.S. and Cambodian personnel will participate in a medical engagement outreach event, treating 4,000 to 8,000 people in rural and highly underserved communities, officials said. The specialized 12-member team of experts in various medical specialties will provide basic health assistance, laboratory services and optometry examinations.

The U.S. medical team members are from Tripler Army Medical Center, the 18th Medical Command and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. U.S. and Cambodian physicians will reinforce medical capabilities by participating in an information exchange, benefitting both countries educationally and socio-culturally, officials added.

"[Tripler] is sending physician residents from OB/GYN and family medicine to conduct expert exchanges with local physicians, and will be invited to work alongside the Khmer physicians and treat their patients," said Army Capt. Drew Webb, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command physician assistant.

This will be the first time a Tripler resident program has deployed to a foreign country on a humanitarian outreach mission, Webb added.

"The big takeaway for all of this is that the [Tripler] residents will get training and experience in such a unique environment," he said.

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command is a jointly manned U.S. Pacific Command organization of more than 400 military and civilian specialists that has investigated and recovered missing Americans since the 1970s, officials said, noting that 1,702 Americans still are listed as missing in action from the Vietnam 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

Congress Woman Bachmann Changes Her Plan

Last month Representative Michele Bachmann unveiled her plan to cut the budget by several
billion dollars.

One portion of her plan would have cut $4.5 billion dollars in VA care and VA pensions to
veterans.

The objections came fast and furious  from many Veteran Service Organizations all denouncing
her plan. It would have been a devastating blow to our country's veterans and military.

The huge backlash apparently caused her to change her mind. She has dropped that part of the
plan.

“One point on my discussion list was a $4.5 billion proposal that would affect payments made to our veterans,” Bachmann said in a statement. “That has received a lot of attention and I have decided that it should be removed from consideration. The problem of government spending must be solved, but not on the backs of our nation’s war heroes. I have always been a proud supporter of the United States military and I continue to stand with our veterans. In the months ahead I look forward to working with our Veterans Service Organizations to ensure that we fulfill our commitments to those who sacrificed so much in their brave service for our country.”

We applaud Rep. Bachmann for her wise decision, and we thank her for her continued support
or our military and our veterans.

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

Asbestos and the U.S. Navy

This is a very important piece of information for anyone who

served in the U.S. Navy.

Please keep this, copy and take to your doctor to discuss your

possible exposure to asbestos, possible health problems, and

ask to be checked for Mesothelioma. 

Asbestos and the United States Navy

The recent post on this site discussing Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the development of Chinese military capacity has a couple of telling remarks in it that apply to military spending habits. He mentions the “cyclical view” of American military decline that has occurred among foreign nations many times, notably in the late 1970s. It is fair to say that the view of American military readiness is related to American military spending not only on new weapons systems, but on the maintenance of existing equipment and the numbers of men and women on active duty.

After each of the two World Wars U.S. military spending was reduced dramatically and U.S. interest in maintaining a large combat-ready military dropped to peacetime expectations. Korea and Vietnam changed that pattern in the military for the length of those conflicts, but military spending during non-combat years has always been focused on new systems and not upkeep. The result over the decades has been the accumulation of outmoded bases, facilities and in the case of the Navy, outmoded ships.

Asbestos and the World War II Navy

It is well known by now that asbestos exposure can cause cancer and the development of asbestosis, a progressive and destructive respiratory disease. It is also known that thirty percent of all asbestos related mesothelioma cancer victims have been veterans. And the majority of the veterans who were at risk for asbestos cancer are Navy veterans. Sailors and shipyard workers who served on and worked on World War II Navy vessels were exposed to asbestos in engine rooms, alongside boilers, from the miles of pipe on the ships, and from the insulation and fire protection materials used in ship construction.

Every ship commissioned by the Navy from 1930 to about 1970 was fitted with tons of asbestos insulation, the perfect material for Navy use because of its insulation and fire resistant properties. Sailors inhaled asbestos fibers from the insulation that covered boilers and pipes and that was used for gaskets and packing in pumps and valves. Thousands of them got sick.

Asbestos and the Cold War Navy

After it became clear that asbestos is a carcinogen the Navy was fairly proactive in cleaning up its ships and eliminating asbestos products from newly built craft as well as in existing Navy bases and shipyards. But cleaning up all that asbestos in all those ships and locations took years and for many Cold War veterans asbestos exposure was a common occurrence. The USS Enterprise still has an asbestos abatement team on board, an example of the health risks associated with vessels of that era.

Asbestos exposure doesn’t take its toll for decades after it occurs. The latency period for mesothelioma is forty years or more. For asbestosis it can be twenty to thirty years. So Cold War vets who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos during active duty may just now be getting sick. After decades of denial the VA has finally recognized asbestos related disease as possibly related to active duty. It’s not easy to prove: the military insists that you be able to demonstrate that asbestos exposure occurred during active duty.

That’s not easy after a lifetime of post-service jobs and careers. But if you are a Navy veteran suffering from an asbestos related disease, don’t think that because your service came after 1945 the asbestos threat in active Navy duty is unlikely. Asbestos use was so common and so pervasive that exposure in all military branches continued through the twentieth century.

Source:

Bob Hartzell is a freelance writer for AsbestosNews.com, a resource on health risks and hazards commonly linked to dangerous levels of asbestos exposure, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

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 Missiles in South Ossetia

It has been reported that Russia has placed Tochka ballistic missiles South Ossetia, which broke
away from Georgia in 2008.

These missiles are also called SS-21 Scarab, and have a range of about 75 miles. They are capable
of stopping any aggression from Georgia according to reports from Russia.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry stated "The deployment poses a direct and overt threat to the
peaceful population and territory of Georgia. By taking such actions Russia follows through
with its aggressive policy directed towards the destruction of the Georgian statehood and
elimination of the peaceful population of Georgia, as well as towards causing large-scale
instability in the Caucasus and through out the Black Sea Region"

The statement went on to say "It needs to be emphasized that it was with the use of
(Tochka) systems that the Russia Federation completely destroyed the city of Balmut
(Republic of Chechnya) and eliminated its peaceful population. The ballistic missiles
of this system can be equipped with cluster (consisting of 50 bomb-lets) and nuclear
warheads."

So it seems that Russia is determined to maintain its pressure on Georgia, and to further
build its forces in the region. The quiet may not last much longer. We can only hope
that both sides can reach a peaceful conclusion.

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

Can Veterans Download All Medical Records?

In his State of the Union address President Obama said "Veterans can now download their
electronic medical records with the click of a mouse."

Well this is not quite accurate. A veteran can only download certain records. Mainly those records
are what the veteran has entered himself/herself, such as blood pressure weight and heart rate. Also
emergency contact information, test results, family health history, military health history and other
health related information. This would be the kind of information you would enter on the forms
when you visit a specialist. P

By using the patient's Veterans Health Administration's Electronic Health Records (VistA) a
veteran can download information about prescription records, wellness reminders and past
and future appointments.

You are not able to access medical records such as doctor's notes, or X-rays.

While the Blue Button at present does not allow access to all records, it is a very important
step, and will continue to grow as more records are added.

Peter L. Levin chief technology officer and co-creator of the Blue Button said "We are on a
steady path, capturing more and more information from VistA and putting it into
MyHealthyVet."

In March the VA will add information on allergies, and soon the Blue Button will offer
access to lab results such as hematology and chemistry.

So not all records are yet available, the VA is still working on the Blue Button, and as veterans
request more information, it will be added to the records that will be available.

It is not yet the magic button, but given more time it will be just what every veteran
needs, a complete medical record.

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

Mental Health Care for Disabled Veterans

For anyone seeking to claim benefits for disabled veterans, finding mental health coverage is not always easy. A number of reports in recent years have suggested that veterans are more likely to report mental health problems than the general population, and that these reports usually occur 6 months or more after returning home. While a mental health assessment is usually carried out by the army before the veterans return home, the fact that the claims occur after six months means that some veterans are missing out.

Being Eligible for Mental Health Care

Any veteran who is already receiving benefits for disabled veterans should be eligible to apply for general mental health coverage. This includes mental health services such as clinics, residential care, assisted living, and primary care clinics. Veterans with serious mental health issues may also have work programs and rehabilitation paid for, in addition to long-term case management of their illness.

Being Assessed

If you want to claim benefits for disabled veterans due to a mental illness which has developed after your retirement, then you will probably have to be re-assessed by a VA physician. This may improve your disability ratings, so that you receive a benefit from the VA, but it is much harder to claim for mental health issues than for obvious physical disabilities.

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