Sunday, May 29, 2011

13,000 Veterans At Risk

About 13,000 veterans were placed at risk due to improper infection control practices at VA
hospitals in Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Missouri.

There have been eight confirmed HIV-positive results and sixty-one cases of Hepatitis B or C, from
those tested. It is not known if these cases were caused by VA exposure or by other means.

Infections are a problem in private and public hospitals and happen quite often. The VA says
it record of care to over 6 million veterans a year is good.

Although many of the veterans who were possibly put at risk think that being placed in harms
way again, some of them decades after they served their tours feel that the VA has let them down
again.

Once more we hear of failings of the VA in protecting our veterans. Not only not protecting, but
jeopardizing their lives. To quote the old song "Oh when will they ever learn."

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

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter-Free For Disabled US Veterans

APEC a water filter and softener company has a program dedicated to US Veterans.

They will supply for FREE a Reverse Osmosis water filtering system to sick or disabled veterans.
From their website "Purified drinking water is very important for people who are already suffering
from long term exposure to toxic chemicals."

"Through our new Free Drinking Water charity program, APEC is looking to donate several
drinking water filtration systems a month to sick or disabled US veterans and their families."

This company is looking for veterans with lower incomes and already have an existing condition
that drinking purified water would help these conditions.

For more information, and to find out how to apply please visit their website
freedrinkingwater.com/charity/charity-veterans.htm

This appears to be a very thoughtful and generous company, willing to help veterans improve
their health issues.

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, May 25, 2011

Cold War Service Medal-Senate and House Bills

We now have two bills in Congress to authorize a Cold War Service Medal.

Please contact both of your senators, ask them to cosponsor bill S.402 The Cold War Service Medal
Act 2011. Also please ask that a provision be written into the NDAA 2012 to authorize the
Cold War Service Medal.

Please contact your Congressman/woman and them to become a cosponsor to bill H.R. 1968.

It is very important that all members of Congress sign on to these bills.

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

Resolution-Cold War Service Medal

The American Cold War Veterans resolution to congress. Please copy and send to your
senators and representatives.

American Cold War Veterans, Inc.  www.americancoldwarvets.org
307 Preble St
South Portland, ME 04106   207-799-5491 email: jerterw@hotmail.com


acwv3.png                                                           May 25, 2011




COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL

WHEREAS, millions of unrecognized American troops served overseas around the globe in waging and winning a clear-cut victory in the Cold War (1945-1991); and

WHEREAS, Cold War Veterans were in the forefront of the worldwide struggle to defeat international communism since its inception; and

WHEREAS, There were Cold War flashpoints recognized by the Army of Occupation Medal, China and offshore waters under the China Service Medal (1945-1957), as well as 17 distinct military actions (1958-1983) covered by the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and

WHEREAS, Many Americans lost their lives in hostile incidents with Soviets and their surrogates, Chinese, North Koreans and Cuban-supported insurgents along the Iron, Bamboo and Cactus Curtains (over and above the full-fledged wars in Korea and Vietnam) and other combat endeavors; and

WHEREAS, uncounted numbers of the United States military enforced the containment policy in inhospitable environments ranging from the shores of Greenland, the barren Aleutian islands, North Pacific skies, depths of the Arctic Ocean, Latin American jungles, as well as those countless numbers of members who served in CONUS, often in remote and isolated locations, to remote outposts stretching from Ethiopia to Pakistan, without official or public recognition; and

WHEREAS, The end of the Cold War brought freedom to many millions of people, and save countless lives with the end of the harsh and brutal
rule of the totalitarian communist regime, thus bringing a peace dividend that cannot be calculated; and

WHEREAS, an all-encompassing precedent (Public Law 104-3) as has been set with the universal opening of membership to all veterans of Korea war service regardless of direct exposure to enemy attack; and

WHEREAS, as a matter of fairness and a means of rectifying a continuing injustice to Americans who performed arduous duty during the Cold War in most cases equal to that of combat, closing this gap in Cold War recognition, is the right thing to do for our veterans; and,

WHEREAS, Congress has currently proposed two pieces of  legislation S.402 and H.R. 1968 that provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the armed forces who served honorably during the Cold War and assisted in its final successful outcome; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, by the American Cold War Veterans, that we support the federal legislation to award a Cold War Service Medal to veterans who were involved in that historical endeavor.

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

Monday, May 23, 2011

Agent Orange Buried in South Korea

According to a report from the BBC, the US and South Korea will hold an inquiry into the
alleged burying of Agent Orange in South Korea.

Three U.S. Army veterans have said the buried about 250 barrels of Agent Orange in a large hole
at a U.S. military base, Camp Carroll, in Chilgok, located south-east of Seoul in 1978.

Three Vietnam War veterans told KPHO that they had been involved in dumping the chemical
at the base.

The claims have been widely spread in South Korea, and some analysts predict an anti-US
backlash is the story is confirmed.

Senior South Korean government official Yook Dong-han said the US understood the "urgency
and seriousness" of the situation.

As we all know, Agent Orange was the most widely used herbicide in Vietnam. Tons of the
defoliant were duped on the jungles to strip away cover for North Vietnam soldiers.

The US stopped using Agent Orange in 1971 fearing that US soldiers were being exposed
by inhaling the chemical.

Many studies have concluded that children are more likely to be born with birth defects
in areas that were sprayed with Agent Orange. In addition, various types of cancer and
other illnesses are appearing in adults later in life.

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



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

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sexual Assault In The Military

In the most recent report from the Department of Defense said there were 3,158 reports of sexual
assault involving military members in 2010.

That was a slight decrease from the 3,230 cases reported in 2009. Strangely DoD made a highlight
of this figure as an 11 percent increase over 2008, saying that "the reporting message is
resonating with service members and is part of this increase."

It has been estimated that the 3,158 reported assaults are only 15 percent of all sexual assaults
last year.

Two members of the Maine Congressional Delegation have introduced legislation that will help
anyone who suffers a sexual assault.

Senator Susan Collins R-Maine with Senator Kerry D-Mass on May 18, introduced legislation
that will strengthen protections for service members who are victims of sexual assault. The
Defense Sexual Trauma Response, Oversight and Good Governance Act (The Defense
Strong Act). More information on this legislation can be found on Senator Collins' website
Senator Collins, Defense Strong Act

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree D-1Maine introduced H.R.930 
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. Text of the bill can be found here
Congresswoman Pingree-H.R.630

Congresswoman Pingree is working to persuade the Department of Veterans Affairs to put into
effect administratively, would ease the path to needed benefits for veterans who are ailing from
post-sexual trauma from their time in the military.

More information on the issue of sexual assault in the military, and these two pieces of
legislation
Collins and Pingree Introduce Legislation on Sexual Assault in the Military 

The Department of Defense, and The Department of Veterans Affairs are working to improve
help for victims of assault, and also to reduce the occurrence of sexual assault.

While sexual assault is not acceptable in any place at any time and offenders should be punished
to the maximum extent possible. In the military, where your life depends on those around you,
and they depend on you, sexual assault is something that should never happen.

And many times assaults are not reported out of fear of reprisal, fear of what others will say, fear
of receiving bad performance reports.

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

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

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Vietnam Blue-Water Sailors Out of Luck?

According to an article  in the New York Times there is not enough data available to determine
if sailors who served on deep water ships(or blue-water sailors) during the Vietnam War were
exposed to Agent Orange.

A report released Friday by the Institute of Medicine, which took 112 pages, reached this conclusion.

This is very sad news for those who served aboard the large ships that did not always enter
coastal waters of Vietnam. It also would appear highly unlikely that the Department of Veteran
Affairs will establish rules to make it easier for these Navy veterans to receive benefits for any
of the diseases linked to Agent Orange.

Many are asking for legislation to expand coverage of benefits and make it just as easy for these
deep water sailors to  receive health care and disability payments as it is for infantrymen who
were exposed to Agent Orange.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) who has sponsored legislation to help the blue-water veterans,
said the new report did not disprove the possibility that deep-sea sailors were sickened by Agent
Orange during Vietnam.

"This report does not invalidate the claims of thousands of blue-water Navy veterans who are
still suffering from the same illnesses as those who served ashore in Vietnam," the senator said
in a statement.


It has been estimated that as many as 800,000 military members were exposed to Agent Orange
even if they never set foot on Vietnam soil.

Since 1991 the government has presumed that Vietnam veterans with certain diseases were exposed
to Agent Orange, making them eligible for health care and disability payments. But then in 2002
the VA decided it would apply only to those who had actually been in Vietnam.


A federal court upheld that decision which basically left out sailors that served on large ships
like aircraft carriers which were in the deep water and further from Vietnam shores. So called
brown-water sailors who served on smaller boats that operated on inland waters are still
eligible for those benefits.

Agent Orange contains one of the most toxic forms of dioxin, and has been linked to
some cancers, and was the most used herbicide in Vietnam.



So another injustice is perpetrated upon our brave veterans. Will it ever end?

Contact your elected officials, tell them to include these blue-water sailors, and marines who
even though they did not enter Vietnam, or it's coastal waters.

Equal treatment and rights for all veterans is something our country must bring about. It is our
duty to those who served, no matter where or when. Justice must be served. Our veterans
deserve nothing less.

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

Friday, May 20, 2011

May 21-Judgement Day? Doomsday?

In my previous post about Armed Forces Day, I neglected to mention that May 21 has
also been prophesied as Judgement Day or Doomsday by Harold Camping.

So it might be your last chance to say Thank You to your military.

Of course May 21, 2012 is the end of the Mayan calendar and the predicated end of the world.

You pay your money and you take your chances.

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

Armed Forces Day-Saturday May 21, 2011

Saturday May 21, 2011 has been designated Armed Forces Day, with a theme "United
in Strength."

This is the day dedicated to our Armed Forces, and a chance for everyone to pause and remember
and to say Thank You to our military

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed
Forces Day to replace  the then separate Army Day, Navy Day and Air Force Day.

This came about due to the unification of all military branches under one department, The Department
of Defense. The various military leagues and orders were asked to drop sponsorship of its specific
day, and to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force
leagues agreed and adopted the new day. However the Marine Corp League decided not to drop
Marine Corp Day, but added their support to the new Armed Forces Day.

The first Armed Forces Day was marked with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows
across the country. In New York an estimated 33,000 participated under the cover of
250 military planes of all types. In Washington, DC 10,000 troops of all military branches, cadets,
and veterans marched in front of the President. In Berlin 1,000 troops marched for the German
citizens at Templehof Airfield.

The battleships USS Missouri, USS North Carolina, USS Iowa, and USS New Jersey; while
sitting in "mothballed" condition were open for public inspection, meanwhile precision flying
teams dominated the skies as on the ground tracking radar was on display.

There were many many purposes for holding Armed Forces Day, in addition to expressing the
unification of all the services under a single department of the government. It was a kind of
educational program for civilians which would increase awareness of the Armed Forces. It
was planned to show the public what kind of job is performed and how the military relates
to civilian life. It gave the military a chance to show their state-of-the-art equipment to the
population they were protecting.

Some famous quotes regarding Armed Forces Day by our country's leaders:

"It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to
those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of
this nation and the peace of the free world." ..President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953

"Close understanding between members of our Armed Forces and members of the civilian
communities is most important to preserve the high level of national readiness necessary
for safeguarding the free world."...General Nathan  F. Twining, 1959

"..Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without
them, there will be no other rights to guard."...President John F. Kennedy, 1962"

"..Our servicemen an women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace--many of
them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our
determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are
also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth--that the survival of freedom requires great
cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice."..President John F. Kennedy, 1963

"Armed Forces Day, above all, honors the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of their
country. Each serviceman, wherever he may be, whatever his task, contributes directly and
importantly to the defense of the nation. The task of each one is the task of the Armed Forces:
to protect the freedoms which underlie the greatness of America."...Gen. Earle Wheeler, 1967

"It is not just our troops who are called to serve and sacrifice, but also their families, who give
our service members the love and support they need to carry on the fight. We will continue to
improve and enhance our support for the families and survivors our troops leave behind. These
heroes are dedicated to defending the country we love, and we must stand firmly beside them
and help care for their spouses and children."
"On Armed Forces Day let us salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen
who perform their duties with impeccable courage, commitment, and character, and recognize our
moral obligation to serve them and their families as they have served us."..President Barak Obama, 2011.

This year as we continue the two wars and more of our servicemen and servicewomen spend
more time away from, often serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan; it is even more important
that we remember and honor our military.

Please if there is a parade near you go, stand there and show your support. Attend an open house or
reception. Above all Please say Thank You to every member of the military that you come in
contact with.

And let us all make it a habit not just on Armed Forces Day, but every day of the year, to thank our
military and our veterans. Five simple words "Thank you for your service", or even "Thank You."
It will mean so much to them just to be remembered.

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, May 10, 2011

9th Circuit Court Blames Congress and President For Not Helping Veterans

On Tuesday the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a 104 page decision that cited the failure
of the political branches to correct what it called the VA's "egregious problems" and "unchecked
incompetence" in delivering mental health care to veterans.

The three judge panel said this failure violated veterans' due process rights under the U.S.
Constitution. 

The court said that examples show that veterans with PTSD or severe depression were often
forced to wait over eight weeks to receive mental health referrals. It also said that some veterans
committed suicide while waiting for help.

The court said that over 84,000 veterans are waiting for assistance with no legal means to
challenge these delays. The court added that these delays "can mean the difference between
life and death." An average of 18 veterans commit suicide every day.

In 2007, two nonprofit organizations, Veterans for Commons Sense and Veterans United
for Truth had sued the VA claiming "shameful failures" to care for wounded veterans.
This claim was dismissed by the California district court which said the court did not have
the jurisdiction to implement or interfere with the VA's mental health program.

The three judge panel acknowledged that it's intervention in VA affairs was an "extraordinary
step" and this was better suited for Congress or the president.

Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote that the panel concluded that the political branches had
"so completely and chronically failed" to respect veterans' rights that the court had to
intervene.

"No more veterans should be compelled to agonize or perish while the government fails
to perform its obligations," the opinion said.

The 9th Circuit Court sent the case back to the lower court to determine what changes
are needed to ensure that veterans in need of mental health care receive prompt treatment
and those with urgent problems receive immediate care.

A lawyer for the two veterans' groups Heather Moser, called the decision "monumental" for
recognizing that veterans' have a constitutional right to mental health care in
a timely manner.

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

Monday, May 9, 2011

May 8th Victory in Europe(VE) Day

Yesterday, May 8 has come and gone, unnoticed. And what a shame that is. This year it just
happened to fall on Mothers Day, which made it ever more special.

How many people remember that May 8th is Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It is no longer celebrated,
in fact it is not even placed on calendars, and it has not been for several years.

As the number of WWII veterans grows smaller by the day, we should take special note of this day,
and give our thanks and prayers for those brave men.

The Instrument of Surrender ordered all German military to surrender
and cease all operations at 23:01 Central Europe Time on May 8th, 1945.

This was the end of the war in Europe, and we should never forget this date, we should never forget
those who fought so valiantly and through such hardships. Never forget those who gave their
lives to protect our country and our freedom.

 I am so proud that so many towns and cities across our great land are remembering the
WWII veterans by giving the veterans free trips to Washington, DC to visit the WWII memorial,
which is a very beautiful and inspiring monument to all who fought in that horrific struggle.

I hope that the Freedom Flights will continue long enough to allow every WWII veteran the chance
to see this wonderful memorial.

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

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

Saturday, May 7, 2011

American Cold War Veterans May 1 Meeting Follow-up

The American Cold War Veterans held our annual meeting in Washington, DC on May 1st
and 2nd. 

At our annual meeting, in DC this year accomplished quite a few things, and set some new goals.
Although the turnout was not quite what we expected we did the best we could.

Our thanks to "Doc" Dianne Meyers a member of the European Defense Veterans of America-EDVA for attending. Dianne also agreed to be our liaison with EDVA, and to act as our Women's Coordinator.

Thanks also to Joe Martin, USMC for attending and presenting his "Cold War Blanket" to us. He made the blanket using patches from military and veteran organizations that back Cold War Veterans. He also gave a very inspired speech about the injustice and inequality of treatment from the VA when it comes to Cold War Veterans.

William Boyle agreed to head the committee to create a memorial to the Cold War. Volunteers are need to assist Bill in this endeavor. It will be a long, hard process; to find a proper location, drum up support in Congress and the Federal Parks Commission, and to raise the necessary funding.

Al Lepine offered several suggestions that will help us grow and move forward. More on this later as ideas are discussed and finalized.


Following the general meeting we all traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to hold a Memorial
Service to honor the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War. The service was conducted by our Chaplin
Dr. David Clevenger. The Color Guard was provided by the Carson Long Military Institute, New
Bloomfield, PA.; complete with bugler playing taps.

After the conclusion of the service we separated into small groups to place flowers on the graves of the
Cold War Heroes interred there. It was a very moving experience for all of us. 

Due to the small turnout, I was the only person walking the halls(was a pretty small "storm the hill").
The members of Congress were just returning from their recess, so everyone was unavailable
I did meet with staff members from several Senators and Congressman, everyone I talked to was
very receptive and promised to bring it up at the next staff meeting, pass along the info to their boss.
Two points that was stressed: We need something on the House side; and we must have a provision
(with the same wording) included in both versions of the NDAA. The House is doing the mark up this week and the Senate will do the mark up in June.
It is very important to keep up the pressure. Email or fax all those you can. and Congress.org is a good
place to contact your elected officials. Ask both of your Senators to cosponsor bill S.402 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011, Ask you Congressman/woman to introduce legislation with the same wording in the House.


Contact all members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees
and most important members of the Personnel subcommittees should be asked to ensure that a provision using the same language as SEC. 566 of the Senate version of the NDAA 2011 be written into the NDAA 2012


William Boyle and I had a very good meeting with Kevin Secor, the Veterans Service Organizations liaison to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He have us some useful information to help get our organization listed in the VA Journal (and when it returns) the VA website listing.


We hope that in the near future we will complete this goal.

We are also looking for volunteers for a committee to organize next years meeting.


We apologize to Joe Martin, USMC for the error in original post



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