I started a petition on the White House petition site We The People. Please sign it here Cold War Medal Petition
We need to have 5000 signatures by Oct 22. Please share this with everyone you know and ask them to
sign this petition. Remember to have your spouse/partner and children sign it.
You will have to start an account and log in but it is quick and easy. Please help us in our quest. We have waited too long.
2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War. Let this be the year to remember, recognize and
honor our veterans.
I
am sure someone will mention the Cold War Certificate. You must know
that the certificate makes no mention of military service, anyone who
worked for the government in any manner is eligible. In the 13 years the
certificate has been in existence only about 3.5 million have applied
for it.
And, you can not pin a certificate to your chest.
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, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Houston National Cemetery to allow Prayer
On Sept. 26, 2011 the Texas Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson, announced that veterans and their
families will again be able to worship in the manner they want to use at the Houston National Cemetery.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to settle a lawsuit that had been filed claiming that
veterans and families were being denied to have religious ceremonies.
Patterson said "This is the right decision. Once again it was the veterans who stood up to fight
for the Constitutional liberties we all enjoy, this time it was in the court and not on the battlefield."
Veterans groups had claimed that VA officials had prohibited religious speech during services. The
VA will now ensure that there will be no more prohibition.
Patterson is also chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, and controls 3 Texas State Veterans
Cemeteries. In December work on a 4th cemetery near Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend
State Veterans Cemetery should be completed.
"Any soldier, airman, sailor or Marine who signs up swears an oath before God," Patterson went
on to say "I am glad to hear that oath would now pass muster at the Houston National Cemetery."
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
families will again be able to worship in the manner they want to use at the Houston National Cemetery.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to settle a lawsuit that had been filed claiming that
veterans and families were being denied to have religious ceremonies.
Patterson said "This is the right decision. Once again it was the veterans who stood up to fight
for the Constitutional liberties we all enjoy, this time it was in the court and not on the battlefield."
Veterans groups had claimed that VA officials had prohibited religious speech during services. The
VA will now ensure that there will be no more prohibition.
Patterson is also chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, and controls 3 Texas State Veterans
Cemeteries. In December work on a 4th cemetery near Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend
State Veterans Cemetery should be completed.
"Any soldier, airman, sailor or Marine who signs up swears an oath before God," Patterson went
on to say "I am glad to hear that oath would now pass muster at the Houston National Cemetery."
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, September 26, 2011
DOD Giveaway-but no money for a medal-another waste
With the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq in December, the Department of Defense is giving away
BILLIONS of dollars worth of equipment.
To be given away are bases that cost us $2.4 billion, vehicles and spare ammunition. The US had
given away $247 million dollars worth of equipment between Sept. 1, 2010 and August of this year.
That is in addition to $157 million that had been handed out before the withdrawal began.
Another $110.5 million dollars of "excess defense items" to include battle armor, vehicles, and
weapons will be given to the Iraqis when the pullout is complete.
The US has always left behind equipment and bases when a war ended. The claim is that it
would cost too much to bring it back home, where it belongs. And then continue to buy
new equipment at inflated prices, and a huge waste of taxpayers money.
Compared to this giveaway, the cost of a Cold War Service Medal (which the CBO estimates
at $13 million over 5 years) is so miniscule as to be ridiculous.
How long will Cold War Veterans have to wait to be recognized? How long must we wait to
be remembered? Will these veterans ever receive the honor and respect they deserve?
Tell Congress to say yes on S.402 and H.R. 1968, and pass the National Defense Authorization
Act 2012 with SEC. 588 intact to authorize a Cold War Service Medal; this year marks the
20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War. 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
BILLIONS of dollars worth of equipment.
To be given away are bases that cost us $2.4 billion, vehicles and spare ammunition. The US had
given away $247 million dollars worth of equipment between Sept. 1, 2010 and August of this year.
That is in addition to $157 million that had been handed out before the withdrawal began.
Another $110.5 million dollars of "excess defense items" to include battle armor, vehicles, and
weapons will be given to the Iraqis when the pullout is complete.
The US has always left behind equipment and bases when a war ended. The claim is that it
would cost too much to bring it back home, where it belongs. And then continue to buy
new equipment at inflated prices, and a huge waste of taxpayers money.
Compared to this giveaway, the cost of a Cold War Service Medal (which the CBO estimates
at $13 million over 5 years) is so miniscule as to be ridiculous.
How long will Cold War Veterans have to wait to be recognized? How long must we wait to
be remembered? Will these veterans ever receive the honor and respect they deserve?
Tell Congress to say yes on S.402 and H.R. 1968, and pass the National Defense Authorization
Act 2012 with SEC. 588 intact to authorize a Cold War Service Medal; this year marks the
20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War. 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
Thursday, September 22, 2011
New Petition for Cold War Medal
I started a petition on the White House petition site We The People. Please sign it here Cold War Medal Petition
We need to have 5000 signatures by Oct 22. Please share this with everyone you know and ask them to
sign this petition. Remember to have your spouse/partner and children sign it.
You will have to start an account and log in but it is quick and easy. Please help us in our quest. We have waited too long.
2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War. Let this be the year to remember, recognize and
honor our veterans.
I am sure someone will mention the Cold War Certificate. You must know that the certificate makes no mention of military service, anyone who worked for the government in any manner is eligible. In the 13 years the certificate has been in existence only about 3.5 million have applied for it.
And, you can not pin a certificate to your chest.
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
We need to have 5000 signatures by Oct 22. Please share this with everyone you know and ask them to
sign this petition. Remember to have your spouse/partner and children sign it.
You will have to start an account and log in but it is quick and easy. Please help us in our quest. We have waited too long.
2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War. Let this be the year to remember, recognize and
honor our veterans.
I am sure someone will mention the Cold War Certificate. You must know that the certificate makes no mention of military service, anyone who worked for the government in any manner is eligible. In the 13 years the certificate has been in existence only about 3.5 million have applied for it.
And, you can not pin a certificate to your chest.
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, September 21, 2011
Another $535 Million Down the Drain-Thank You Pres. Obama
President Obama as part of his green jobs initiative pushed hard for a company that was
already in financial trouble.
His pet project for solar power was the company Solyndra, to provide photovoltaic cells for
solar power systems sold to clients and North American and Europe.
Solyndra was given a 535 million dollar loan from the government, made by the Energy
Department, and authorized by the Treasury Department's Federal Financing Bank. This
loan was made despite warnings that the Solyndra was having solvency problems.
The company has since let go all 1,100 employees, closed the doors and filed for Chapter 11
Bankruptcy.
Congressional leaders have complained that they were misled about Solyndra's precarious
financial position. Republicans in particular have criticized the Obama administration
for loaning taxpayer money to the failed company.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on Friday. The company has
hired so very high priced lawyers to assist them. CEO Brian Harrison and CFO
W.G. "Bill" Stover, Jr. have hired their own lawyers who are advising them to plead the
Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions.
There should be a full, thorough and complete investigation into this matter, with all findings
being made public. All questions should and must be answered.
And the fact that one of President Obama's biggest contributors is tied to Solyndra should
raise some serious questions.
But, then again it is ONLY 535 million dollars.
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
already in financial trouble.
His pet project for solar power was the company Solyndra, to provide photovoltaic cells for
solar power systems sold to clients and North American and Europe.
Solyndra was given a 535 million dollar loan from the government, made by the Energy
Department, and authorized by the Treasury Department's Federal Financing Bank. This
loan was made despite warnings that the Solyndra was having solvency problems.
The company has since let go all 1,100 employees, closed the doors and filed for Chapter 11
Bankruptcy.
Congressional leaders have complained that they were misled about Solyndra's precarious
financial position. Republicans in particular have criticized the Obama administration
for loaning taxpayer money to the failed company.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on Friday. The company has
hired so very high priced lawyers to assist them. CEO Brian Harrison and CFO
W.G. "Bill" Stover, Jr. have hired their own lawyers who are advising them to plead the
Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions.
There should be a full, thorough and complete investigation into this matter, with all findings
being made public. All questions should and must be answered.
And the fact that one of President Obama's biggest contributors is tied to Solyndra should
raise some serious questions.
But, then again it is ONLY 535 million dollars.
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, September 20, 2011
Veterans Crisis Hotline-Suicide Hotline
Much has been said about the increase of veteran and service member suicides. The numbers
continue to grow at an alarming pace. Help is available, although it is sometimes difficult
to find the right help. The VA recognizes this problem, DoD recognizes the problem. Do not
give up, find and get the help you need.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is working very hard to help prevent the suicide of veterans and
military personnel. A report from the VA says that 462.854 calls were made to the VA Crisis Line
as of July 31, 2011.
259,891 of those calls were from veterans and 6,030 calls were from active duty military members.
The VA rescued 16,855 veterans and military personnel.
If you or a loved has suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self harm the phone number to call
is 1-800-273-8255. This number is same as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Veterans and military members must push 1 which will connect them directly to the Department
of Veterans Affairs responders. If you do not push 1 your call will then go to the normal
Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
While the VA has received a lot of "bad press", and many complaints about the policies that
hindered availability of mental health care for so many veterans, it is unfair to pain all VA
healthcare professionals with the same brush. It is true that the VA does have some problems
and some people that do not seem to be thinking of the problems their patients face.
But, so many of the people working for and with the VA do care very much about their
veterans; they give of their own time, working overtime and spending long hours from
their families and personal life to do all they can to help their patients.
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
continue to grow at an alarming pace. Help is available, although it is sometimes difficult
to find the right help. The VA recognizes this problem, DoD recognizes the problem. Do not
give up, find and get the help you need.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is working very hard to help prevent the suicide of veterans and
military personnel. A report from the VA says that 462.854 calls were made to the VA Crisis Line
as of July 31, 2011.
259,891 of those calls were from veterans and 6,030 calls were from active duty military members.
The VA rescued 16,855 veterans and military personnel.
If you or a loved has suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self harm the phone number to call
is 1-800-273-8255. This number is same as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Veterans and military members must push 1 which will connect them directly to the Department
of Veterans Affairs responders. If you do not push 1 your call will then go to the normal
Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
While the VA has received a lot of "bad press", and many complaints about the policies that
hindered availability of mental health care for so many veterans, it is unfair to pain all VA
healthcare professionals with the same brush. It is true that the VA does have some problems
and some people that do not seem to be thinking of the problems their patients face.
But, so many of the people working for and with the VA do care very much about their
veterans; they give of their own time, working overtime and spending long hours from
their families and personal life to do all they can to help their patients.
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, September 13, 2011
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
The third Friday of each September, this year Sept. 16th is designated as National POW/MIA
Recognition Day. A somber day to recognize and remember those who never came home.
It is also a day of hope for the return of those still missing in action.
We all know the POW/MIA Flag, a black flag with the words "POW/MIA" across the top
with a circular picture of a mans bowed head shown in silhouette, shown in the background is
a guard tower and barbed wire; and underneath the words "You Are Not Forgotten."
The flag was designed by Newt Heisley, a pilot in WWII. He never applied for a patent or
copyright and did not receive any royalties from his heart stirring creation.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established on July 18th 1979, and for several years
was held on various days of the year. In 1986 The National League of Families suggested that
the third Friday in September be used, since that date was not associated with any war, or at the
same time as any organizations' annual meeting or convention.
The following is a list of the POW/MIA from wars in which Americans placed their lives on the line
War of the Revolution POW-18,182 MIA-1,426
War of 1812 POW-20,000 MIA-695
Mexican War POW-46 MIA-238
Indian Wars (US) POW-339 MIA-11
Indian Wars (Native
American) POW-2,958 MIA-40
Civil War (Union) POW/MIA-197,793
Civil War (Confederate) POW/MIA-214,865
Spanish American War POW-8 MIA-72
World War I POW/MIA-7,470
World War II POW-124,079 MIA-30,314
Cold War POW-Classified MIA-343
Korean War POW-7,140 MIA-8.025
Vietnam War POW-766 MIA-1,719
USS Pueblo POW-83
Grenada MIA-4
USS Stark MIA-1
Persian Gulf War POW-29 MIA-21
Somalia POW-6 MIA-2
Yugoslavia POW-3
I am sorry I do not have the figures for Iraq and Afghanistan at this time. If anyone has information
please supply it.
***Please notice that the Cold War lists still show POW as Classified. How strange that the government
does not release this information. And still DOD says it was "not a war" and refuses to issue
a Cold War Medal. The only war that does not have a medal to honor those who served. ***
This wrong must be corrected, and this should be the year, the 20th anniversary of the end of
the Cold War. A war that we WON.
At the present time there is a Resolution in the House: H.Res 111 to Establish a Select Committee
on POW/MIA Affairs with 99 cosponsors. Please contact your Representative ask them to
cosponsor H.RES. 111 and vote for passage when it reaches the House Floor.
Our country must demand a full and complete accounting from the countries involved on ALL
those who are still missing in action.
We must never forget! Bring them home and give closure to the families and loved ones still
waiting for information on their loved ones.
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
Recognition Day. A somber day to recognize and remember those who never came home.
It is also a day of hope for the return of those still missing in action.
We all know the POW/MIA Flag, a black flag with the words "POW/MIA" across the top
with a circular picture of a mans bowed head shown in silhouette, shown in the background is
a guard tower and barbed wire; and underneath the words "You Are Not Forgotten."
The flag was designed by Newt Heisley, a pilot in WWII. He never applied for a patent or
copyright and did not receive any royalties from his heart stirring creation.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established on July 18th 1979, and for several years
was held on various days of the year. In 1986 The National League of Families suggested that
the third Friday in September be used, since that date was not associated with any war, or at the
same time as any organizations' annual meeting or convention.
The following is a list of the POW/MIA from wars in which Americans placed their lives on the line
War of the Revolution POW-18,182 MIA-1,426
War of 1812 POW-20,000 MIA-695
Mexican War POW-46 MIA-238
Indian Wars (US) POW-339 MIA-11
Indian Wars (Native
American) POW-2,958 MIA-40
Civil War (Union) POW/MIA-197,793
Civil War (Confederate) POW/MIA-214,865
Spanish American War POW-8 MIA-72
World War I POW/MIA-7,470
World War II POW-124,079 MIA-30,314
Cold War POW-Classified MIA-343
Korean War POW-7,140 MIA-8.025
Vietnam War POW-766 MIA-1,719
USS Pueblo POW-83
Grenada MIA-4
USS Stark MIA-1
Persian Gulf War POW-29 MIA-21
Somalia POW-6 MIA-2
Yugoslavia POW-3
I am sorry I do not have the figures for Iraq and Afghanistan at this time. If anyone has information
please supply it.
***Please notice that the Cold War lists still show POW as Classified. How strange that the government
does not release this information. And still DOD says it was "not a war" and refuses to issue
a Cold War Medal. The only war that does not have a medal to honor those who served. ***
This wrong must be corrected, and this should be the year, the 20th anniversary of the end of
the Cold War. A war that we WON.
At the present time there is a Resolution in the House: H.Res 111 to Establish a Select Committee
on POW/MIA Affairs with 99 cosponsors. Please contact your Representative ask them to
cosponsor H.RES. 111 and vote for passage when it reaches the House Floor.
Our country must demand a full and complete accounting from the countries involved on ALL
those who are still missing in action.
We must never forget! Bring them home and give closure to the families and loved ones still
waiting for information on their loved ones.
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, September 10, 2011
Please Continue To Contact Your Elected Officials
Thank You to Congressman Todd Platts (R-PA-19) for becoming the latest to cosponsor H.R. 1968 the Cold War Service Medal Act 2011.
If you use the POPVOX links on the right side your comments will go directly to the desk of your
officials. It is helping, the more Senators and Representatives are contacted the better the chance
they will become cosponsors; and hopefully vote for passage of the bill.
It is very easy to use, just fill in the blanks, start with your zip code to ensure it will be delivered to
the proper person and when finished click submit. That simple to get your message to those in
office.
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
If you use the POPVOX links on the right side your comments will go directly to the desk of your
officials. It is helping, the more Senators and Representatives are contacted the better the chance
they will become cosponsors; and hopefully vote for passage of the bill.
It is very easy to use, just fill in the blanks, start with your zip code to ensure it will be delivered to
the proper person and when finished click submit. That simple to get your message to those in
office.
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, September 9, 2011
Our Brothers in the UK Are Still Fighting
The UK Ministry of Defence appears to be on the same page as our DOD. Deny any medal to recognize Cold War Veterans. A letter from our friends in the UK
---------------- "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
Veterans ‘stuffed’ again
The
UK Military Covenant Commission report identified injustices in a lack
of past medallic recognition for those who had served in the British
Armed Forces. This led to the Conservative Party in their 2010 General
Election manifesto and the Coalition “ Programme for Government”
commitment to undertake a comprehensive Medal Review. But ‘MoD’ have stuffed our veterans.
The
Ministry of Defence failed to publicly notify when the medal review
started; what its terms of reference were and when it would report;
failed to consult with veterans, and produced unsubstantiated findings
based on false arguments. In a matter of weeks MoD completed a paper
based exercise covering 65 years of injustice and inconsistency of
medallic recognition of millions of veterans.
Veteran
organisations representing the Cold War; National Service; Korea Post
Armistice; Nuclear Testing and the UK National Defence Medal campaigns
have all condemned the MoD’s murky Medal Review.
Credit
to the Prime Minister who refused to endorse the discredited review
report and returned it to MoD for consultation with veterans, consultation has not taken place.
Credit to the Deputy Prime Minister who refused to endorse the report
and called for a reconstituted review with an independent Chair and wide
consultation with veterans,his call was dismissed. Disgrace to
the MoD whose whole flawed process is still shrouded in secrecy despite
the Coalition Government’s transparency agenda. What a shambolic mess.
We
should all ask the questions: why would MoD carry out a secretive Medal
Review and disregard the Governments transparency Agenda? Why would MoD
disregard David Cameron’s directive that they should consult with
veterans? Why would MoD disregard Nick Clegg’s call for an independent
review? Why would MoD not wish to recommend to Her Majesty she honour
our veterans through the award of the National Defence Medal? Even those
who do not support medallic recognition, agree our veterans deserve a
fair hearing in a review that is transparent and impartial.
It
is time for the Government to draw ‘a line in the sand’ through an
independent transparent review, which consults with veterans.
Click to day http://epetitions.direct.gov.
100,000 signatures will secure a Parliamentary debate on the defence medal.
Yours in the RAFA Association
Rob Vaneker
Netherlands
I do not know if anything from America will help persuade the UK MOD, but I signed the petition hoping it will
be of some help to them.
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
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