Will Russia Aim Its Missiles At US Missile Defense?

Russian President Medvedev has that Russia will move its missiles to border areas, and aim them
at US Missile Defense Sites if the US continues plans for a European missile shield.

Russia has always said that any missiles placed in Europe are considered a threat to Russia and its
nuclear forces. The US maintains that there are meant to deter a possible launch from Iran or other
nations in the region.

Russia has also said that it is possible New Start arms control will become void as Russia will
decide not to continue with the plans already agreed to.

Russia had originally agreed to consider the NATO proposal for the shields to be placed in
Poland and Romania, but talks have reached a stalemate on how the systems would operate.
Russia wants the system to be run jointly, but NATO has rejected that idea.

So as our Congress has failed to reach agreement on the budget, and the Department of Defense
will be facing huge budgetary cuts which could further weaken our military, Russia continues
to bluster and rattle sabers.

We should take the Russian statements at face value, and determine to forge ahead with the
missile shields to protect Europe and America. We can not back down from threats such as
this, I do not believe they are idle threats, and now the Russians want us to bow to their
wishes; something we must not, now or ever, do.

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

Our Defense Budget Cut As Russia Continues Buildup

Russia announced that its Air Force will continue to grow, and will get more than 90 new or
others that have been greatly modernized. This will include both rotary wing and fixed wing
aircraft.

The very large list will consist of 10 Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers, and a number; not specified
at this time of the new Su-35S Flanker E multi-role fighters, and about ten Su-25SM Frogfoot
attack fighters.

There will also be more than 20 attack helicopters including Mi-35 Hind helicopters that have
been revamped and made more modern, in addition to the Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28 Night
Hunter. There will also be 5 heavy lift and about 30 transport helicopters.

Russia claims the newest plane Su-35S is the next generation and is equal to the US F-35.

There is some thought in the US that the number of F-35's will be greatly reduced in the budget
cuts that will have to be made over the next ten years.

Many military leaders have said that the cuts being mandated will create a US military that
could be devastated and unready for future combat missions. New weapon systems will
be scrapped, ships and planes now in service will be forced to operate beyond their
original life service plans.

As Russia and China both continue to enlarge the respective military might can we as a nation
allow our military to become a second class force? Will we be unable to defend ourselves and
meet our obligations around the world?

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

Telephone Support For Veterans Spouses To Be Expanded

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shineski has announced that telephone support program
designed for the spouses of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will be expanded.

The program which focuses on communication and problem solving has shown to reduce stress, and
spouses join support groups in a 12 sessions over a 6 month period.

Secretary Shineski said "Returning to civilian life after living in constant combat readiness can be
a shocking transition, and it is the immediate family, the spouses and children, who bear that
brunt of that transition with those who served." Shineski went on to say "The more support we
can provide to the family, the better the outcome will be for our Veterans."

Based on research by VA researchers Dr. Linda Nichols and Dr. Jennifer Martindale-Adams,
of the Memphis VA Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The program is part of the VA Caregiver Support Program. The Caregiver Support Line
phone number is 1-855-260-3274.

More information on the Caregiver Support Program please go to the main website
at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

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

Court Takes Back Ruling On VA Mental Health

In May a three judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the VA to institute a
new mental health care program that would speed the appeal process for denied claims, and
provide more timely mental health care and ensure that suicidal veterans are seen immediately.

In its May ruling the court held that the VA takes an average of four years to provide complete
health care that veterans have earned. It also noted that often a suicidal veteran can wait weeks
for a first appointment.

The court ruled that the slow handling of PTSD and other mental health claims was unconstitutional.

On Wednesday the 2-1 ruling was overturned when a majority of the court's judges voted to
rehear the case. The case will now be heard by an 11 judge panel on yet to be decided date. 

Veterans have complained for a long time that the VA is just not taking proper care and is very slow
in the handling of claims. Many say that it takes years to get into the VA system and often
have to appeal a denied claim two or three times.

These men and women feel they are second class citizens and are treated with disdain and
by uncaring staff.

While it is know that the VA is working very hard to change the processes and hire more
health care workers, it is a slow process; and something must be done to make it easier and
quicker for claims to be processed, and the healing begun.

More Wounded Warriors are added to the role every day, even as the fighting in Iraq
and Afghanistan is winding down.

With the suicide rate of almost 18 veterans a day it is unjust, unfair and a blot on our
country's promise to our veterans; that anyone should have to wait that long for treatment.

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

Veterans' Day 11/11/11

Veterans' Day 11/11/11 is a special day, a historic one, as we remember the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month, and everyday that all those who wore or are wearing the
uniform of the U.S. Military.

The meaning of Veterans' Day to me as I look back at the history of our country, is one of pride,
remembrance, honor, sorrow and joy all mixed together.

Proud of every veteran of every generation. It does not matter where or when you served, you are
a hero, you did your best to keep America the land of the Free. Not just America, but freedom for
so many millions of people around the world.

Remembering all who gave their lives, were wounded or were POW/MIA. You are not forgotten
and our nation is a better place because you where there when it counted.

It is an honor to be counted among the 22.6 million living veterans. It is a small brotherhood, but
one that will always live in our hearts, minds and memories. Often through hard times and in
far away places, we stood tall and did our duty.

Sorrow to think about the brave men and women who did not return to their loved ones and family.
To look at the lines of headstones in our national cemeteries, lined up at "dress right dress" is
a truly humbling experience. To visit the various memorials across this great land and to think
about the reason for their being.

Joy to know that the generation now serving in our military will carry on the tradition of those
who went before them; and sad to know that it is necessary, that more lives will be lost, more
maimed and injured. Not just the physical wounds, but also the mental anguish and pain that
will be with them for the rest of their lives.

A simple Thank You is not enough, but sometimes it is all a veteran will ever receive; and
often all a veteran wants. To be remembered for the sacrifices and hardships we faced.

How can we ever thank our veterans enough? So if you see a veteran shake his/her hand
and say Thank You From The Bottom Of My Heart.

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

Veterans Remain Homeless Longer Than Non-veterans

Veterans who become homeless tend to stay homeless for longer periods than non-veterans, according to a new national survey by a nonprofit advocacy group. They’re also more likely to suffer from serious health conditions leading to death.


The survey of 23,000 homeless people was released Tuesday by the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a nonprofit coalition of local community groups combating homelessness. The survey found that, although veterans make up 9% of the country’s population, they accounted for more than 15% of the homeless people surveyed.

“We’ve known that veterans were particularly at risk to become homeless, but now we know that they’re more likely to stay homeless and face life-threatening conditions on the street,” the campaign’s director, Becky Kanis, said in a statement. “The data paint a picture of an extremely at-risk population that is unlikely to get off the streets without targeted help."

Among the other findings:

-Veterans reported being homeless an average of 5.7 years, compared with 3.9 years reported by non-veterans.

-More than 6 out of 10 veterans reported being homeless more than two years, versus half of non-veterans.

-Among the 12,500 people who said they had been homeless for more than two years, veterans averaged nine years, compared with 7.3 years for non-veterans.

-Of those, 3 out of 4 veterans reported a substance abuse habit, and nearly two-thirds reported a serious physical health condition.

-55% of homeless veterans reported health conditions linked to heightened mortality risk, versus 44% of non-veterans.

-21% of veterans surveyed were at least 60 years old, compared with 9% for non-veterans. The report said age did not entirely explain why veterans stayed homeless for longer periods.

-Homeless veterans were 11% more likely than non-veterans to suffer from a life-threatening condition, including liver or kidney disease, or frequent frostbite.

-Among veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 27% reported traumatic brain injuries, compared with 19% of other veterans. The signature insurgent weapon in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has been roadside bombs, which typically cause traumatic brain injuries in addition to loss of limbs among service members who survive the explosions.

-46% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans surveyed reported receiving mental health treatment, versus 41%  for other veterans. The Pentagon has become more attuned in recent years to the need for mental health treatment and counseling for service members returning from combat.

The organization said its survey is the first to be based on face-to-face interviews with homeless veterans across the country. It was conducted by 2,500 trained volunteers in 47 communities.

The 100,000 Homes Campaign has set a goal of securing housing for 100,000 homeless people by July2013. It says it has found permanent homes for 11,244 people as of this week. The group works with the VA and community agencies in Los Angeles and New York to speed up the process of finding housing for the homeless.

The new survey mirrored a profile of homeless veterans provided in an annual report by two government agencies issued late last month. That report, by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, put the number of homeless veterans at 144,000 in 2010.

The federal report found that veterans under 30 were twice as likely to become homeless as non-veterans of the same age. Veterans made up 13% of homeless adults in shelters, according to the government survey.

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

Obama Announces Job Initiatives for Veterans

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2011 - President Barack Obama announced executive orders today to give tax credits to employers who hire post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, as well as enhanced career counseling and related services for veterans.

The president, flanked by veterans association representatives in the White House Rose Garden, expressed concern that unemployment continues to increase among post-9/11 veterans, despite the skills and attributes they have to offer.

Today's 9/11 generation has performed heroically in some of the world's most dangerous places, he said, and "done everything that we've asked of them."

"We ask our men and women in uniform to leave their families and their jobs, and risk their lives to fight for our country," he said. "And the last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home."

"And that's why we're here today," he continued, "to do everything in our power to see to it that America's veterans have the opportunities that they deserve and that they have earned."

To incentivize employers to hire them, the president announced a new Returning Heroes Tax Credit that will provide companies up to $5,600 in credits for each unemployed veteran they hire. Similarly, a new Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers employers up to $9,600 for each veteran with service-connected disabilities they hire.

Obama also announced new initiatives designed to make it easier for veterans to find jobs.
Effective today, post-9/11 veterans can download a Veteran Gold Card that entitles them to six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling services at roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide. This service, which makes good on a pledge Obama made during a speech at the Washington Navy Yard in August, could benefit more than 200,000 post-9/11 veterans, White House officials said.

In addition, the Labor Department today launched an online tool, My Next Move for Veterans, where veterans can enter information about their military experience and skills to identify civilian careers that put that experience to use, the president explained.The site also offers information about salaries, apprenticeships, and other related education and training programs, officials said.

Meanwhile, a new job bank that also took effect today will help connect unemployed veterans to job openings at companies seeking to hire veterans, Obama said.

Developed in partnership with leading job search companies, the registry enables employers to tag job postings for veterans. Obama noted today that more than 500,000 job openings already have been tagged.

Meanwhile, the president urged Congress to move forward with his jobs bill that he said will further increase employment opportunities for veterans.

Obama recognized the leadership capabilities and specialized skills veterans bring to the workplace at a time when the nation needs those capabilities to stay competitive.

"Connecting our veterans to the jobs they deserve isn't just the right thing to do for our veterans, it's the right thing to do for America," he said.

"Recognizing that Americans are commemorating Veterans Day this week, the president called it a time to honor those who have served in uniform and to "commit ourselves to serving them as well as they have served us."

"As commander in chief, I want all our veterans to know that we are forever grateful for your service and for your sacrifice," he said. "And just as you fought for us, we're going to keep fighting for you: for more jobs, for more security, for the opportunity to keep your families strong and to keep America competitive in the 21st century."

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

Louisiana Good Idea, Poor Execution

The State of Louisiana had a good idea when the bill was passed, but it was poorly written and
now veterans are suing the state to receive the benefits.

In 2007 the Legislature decided to pay a grant to members of the Louisiana State National Guard that
were permanently disabled following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks $100,000.

So far only one disabled veteran is scheduled to receive the payment out of the twelve that have
applied to receive the benefit.

It seems that the way the law is written a person has to be declared 100 percent totally and
permanently disabled within one year. If the original decision from the Department of Veterans
Affairs is not at that time totally and permanently disabled, that their is the possibility of recovery
the claim is rejected.

So, if the veteran disputes the VA ruling, and is later declared as being totally and permanently
disabled; that ruling must be within year of the original date of the claim to the state.

Since the VA often takes so much time to process claims and appeals the one year time limit
is usually not soon enough to enable the veteran to receive his benefit.

The Legislature also directed the state to pay $250,000 to families of those killed in action.

 $9.65 million has been set aside for these benefits, with the largest part at least $8 Million is
set for the death benefit.

There was also a problem with the death benefits portion of the original bill, which families
fought to have corrected. As originally written the bill omitted soldiers wounded or killed
between Sept. 11, 2001 and July 6, 2007. This summer the Governor signed a law to
correct the oversight.

Veterans are now suing the state to receive their benefits, and have the law changed to allow
more time for filling a corrected decision from the VA that says they are 100 percent totally
and permanently disabled.

We hope that the state changes the law very soon and shows true support of our troops and
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