American Cold War Veterans and Victims of Communism

We will be holding a joint ceremony to honor all Victims of Communism, and all American Veterans of the Cold War on June 14.



---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus 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

Another Cold War Veteran On A Mission

A Navy Veteran from Dixon, CA is in our battle to have Cold War
Veterans recognized. He has made it his quest to ensure that all Cold Warriors receive what they deserve.

He feels he is alone in this, but he is not, our organization American Cold War Veterans have been trying for 15 years or
more to convince Congress to authorize and DoD to issue a Cold War Service Medal.

This year the bill in the House of Representatives H.R. 1419
The Cold War Service Medal Act 2017 is the latest attempt to
reach this goal.

Please ask your Representative to cosponsor this bill and vote for passage. Ask all your family and friends to do the same. Also ask
both of your Senators to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
From Another Veteran Trying For Cold War Recognition

---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus 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 Service Medal 2017

The struggle for recognition for Cold War Veterans continues, a fight that has been ongoing for at least 15 years.

On March 7 2017 Representative David Young, Republican  representing Iowa's third district introduced a new bill
H.R. 1419 The Cold War Service Medal 2017 that would
authorize a Cold War Medal to be issued to those who served
in the military between 1945 and 1991.

The long struggle to contain Communism cost many American
lives. Remember Korea and Vietnam were part of the  Cold War

In total there were over 81,481 battle deaths the Cold War ranks
as third most combat deaths. So the old line of "no shots were fired" is proven to be false and misleading.

Everyone in the United States (and much of the free world)
owes much to these brave men and women who placed their
lives in danger every day.

Contact your Congressman/woman ask them to cosponsor
this bill H.R. 1419 The Cold War  Service Medal Act 2017.
Also contact both of your Senators ask them to introduce a
companion bill in the Senate. And ask all your family and
friends to do the same. We need all the support we can get.

Those of you that belong to the VFW, American Legion,
AmVets or any other Veterans Service Organization, ask your
leadership to back the American Cold War Veterans in this
deserving and long delayed recognition and respect for
the Cold War Warriors.

The Cold War ended in 1991, 26 years is too long to wait for
these men and women to be told that what we did mattered
and we as a nation should thank all of them.

Let this be the year that our quest finally comes to fruition.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus 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

Pennsylvania District To Honor Cold War Veterans

In Pennsylvania, State Representative Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has announced plans to Honor
Cold War Veterans from the 67th Legislative District; including Cameron, McKean, and Potter counties. If you live in this area you are invited to attend the ceremony. Contact information is
listed below, I hope all Cold War Veterans in the area join in the occasion.

Little things like this add up and it is a step in the right direction. Now if we could only grow this to a National level and have Congress take notice and stand up for Cold War Veterans.

It is the hope of the American Cold War Veterans to have the Cold War Service Medal issued to those who served during this long struggle to contain Communism, which we did do. Also in the future
plans are to have a Cold War Memorial built in Washington, DC

“The Cold War was a prolonged and very trying time in our nation’s history,” Causer said. “The men and women who served during this time played a vital role in preventing the spread of communism and preserving our democracy. They are certainly deserving of our thanks and appreciation.”

Causer is inviting veterans who served between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991, to take part in a recognition ceremony in Bradford this fall. To participate in the ceremony, veterans are asked to register by contacting Causer’s offices in Bradford (814-362-4400), Coudersport (814-274-9769) or Kane (814-837-0880), or sign up online at www.Rep.Causer.com.

The information requested will include the veteran’s name, address, contact information, branch of the armed services in which they served, rank and time of service. Widows or widowers of deceased service members are also invited to participate in the ceremony.

The event is open to all veterans residing in the 67th Legislative District, which includes Cameron, McKean and Potter counties, as well as their family members. Everyone who registers will be contacted with information about the ceremony when it is scheduled.

Causer previously hosted events to honor veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He plans to honor veterans who served in the Persian Gulf conflict and other subsequent operations in the future.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Chairman Emeritus 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

Press Release for Cold War Service Medal H.R. 2067

Here is the Press Release from Representative Steve Israel
As of today Fri May 22 there are 13 cosponsors to H.R. 2067
Please continue to contact your Representative to become cosponsor. Ask both of your Senators to introduce similar legislation in the Senate

News Release

Rep. Israel Recognizes Memorial Day and Honors Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War

Joins Local Veterans to Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Cold War Service Medal

Up to 35 Million Service Members May be Eligible for the Medal

Hicksville, NY— Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) joined Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, Commander Bill Walden and over a dozen Long Island veterans to recognize Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, May 25^th, and announce the introduction of legislation to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served during the Cold War.

For generations, the United States has honored combat veterans or veterans of foreign wars proudly, but has failed to properly recognize the veterans who served during the Cold War in order to prevent a nuclear war. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, an estimated 35 million service members may be eligible for the medal.

“On Memorial Day we honor and remember the generations of brave Americans that selflessly gave their lives in defense of our freedoms,” saidRep. Steve Israel. “Today I ask that as a country we honor those forgotten veterans who bravely served our country during the Cold War without parades, celebrations or so much as a public thanks.  It is long past time that they receive the proper recognition that they deserve for protecting our country, and the world, from the grip of communism and nuclear war. New Yorkers have a long and storied tradition of honoring our veterans, and presenting these men and women with the medal they have earned is the least we can do to recognize their courage and sacrifice.”;

“As Vice Chair of the Veterans and Senior Affairs Committee, I thank Congressman Israel for his tireless work to support our veterans in Nassau County and across New York. Cold War Veterans have been overlooked for far too long and this medal will be a major step in helping them receive the recognition they deserve,” saidNassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker.

“I am proud to join Congressman Israel in supporting a Cold War Service Medal because the men and women who served during the Cold War answered the call to protect our nation just like the veterans that came before them. Presenting them with a medal to honor their service will help future generations remember that their sacrifice helped prevent the next world war,” saidBill Walden, Commander of the Hicksville VFW.

North Shore LIJ Veterans Program Specialist Anthony Silvera said, “I want to personally thank Congressman Israel for giving me and the millions of other men and women who served during the Cold War the opportunity to be recognized for our service. This medal is a symbol for generations to come of our commitment to our country and our country’s commitment to our veterans.”;

"'Cold War' is a term that perhaps invites stereotypes, but involved many shades of warfare-conventional and unconventional, open and in the shadows. We served in places most of the world never heard of and in locations that routinely made headlines. Our numbers include volunteers and draftees, active duty service members, reservists and members of the National Guard.  For 46 years, Cold War veterans served with pride and honor around the globe as guardians of America's freedom.  Sometimes, the Cold War turned very hot, and we accepted that risk. Now we, our families, and our friends welcome the introduction of the Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 by Rep. Steve Israel  to insure that the service and sacrifice of  Cold War veterans is understood, remembered, and recognized,” saidCharles H. Nalls, Director, American Cold War Veterans.  

Rep. Israel’s bipartisan legislation, The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 (H.R. 2067), creates the Cold War Service Medal, for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were honorably discharged after having served on active duty during the Cold War, including service during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Eligible veterans must haveserved on active duty for at least 24 consecutive months during the Cold War, which spans from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991, deployed outside the continental United States for at least 30 days during that period, or performed other Cold War service as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. 

Since joining Congress, Rep. Israel has been an advocate for local veterans, securing more than $8.1 million in overdue payments for Long Island veterans, and supporting improvements for veteran’s health care and veteran’s benefits.

##


---- Jerald Terwilliger 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

H.R. 2067 Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015

A new bill H.R. 2067 introduced by Representative Steve Israel and 7 other members of the House
of Representatives on April 28, 2015 would authorize a Cold War Service Medal.

Please contact your Representative asking him/her to become a cosponsor to H.R. 2067 The Cold
War Service Medal Act of 2015. It is very important that members of Congress see that there is
strong support for this bill and medal within the Veteran Community. Veterans are a very large
voting block and if enough veterans reach out to their elected official, said officials will take notice.

Cold War Veterans have been attempting to have this medal authorized for several years. Bills have
been introduced in both the Senate and the House, these bills have been read and the  sent to the
Armed Services Committee of the Senate/House for further consideration.

There have been provisions written into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to
authorize the medal. In 2001 the NDAA included such a provision. The wording of that provision
was that "the Secretary "may" issue a Cold War Medal. At that time the Department of Defense (DoD)
declined to allow the medal to be issued.

DoD has objected on two main issues: Cost, DoD has vastly over estimated the cost of issuing this
medal. Not every Cold War Veterans would apply for the medal at one time. It would take several
years for word to spread, and many veterans might not even apply for the medal. So this objection
is not strong enough to deny the medal.

The other reason DoD has objected is "duplication of awards" There have been instances when
both the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal have been
issued. So this objection also is meaningless and invalid.

Another fallacy is "not a shot was fired", many lives were lost during America's Longest War,
lasting from Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991. Communist forces shot down our planes from the sky,
our ships were attacked, troops on the ground were attacked. There are still over 120 Missing
In Action fromt he Cold War.

America won the Cold War, we stopped the spread of Communism and freed millions of people
from the oppressive regimes they suffered under.

President George H.W. Bush and many other leaders of our nation and other countries all
have made comments abut the end of The Cold War.

Now some 24 years after the end of the Cold War our veterans are still not recognized or
remembered. Often Cold Warriors are told they are not "veterans" as they did not serve
in a combat zone.

Yet the many places where American blood was spilled, and lives were lost, Armed Forces
members injured or captured can not be ignored. Do not forget that Korea, Vietnam and
other "Hot Spots" were all part of the Cold War.

Our numbers are steadily declining as we grow older and depart this mortal plane. Is that why
DoD continues to block all attempts for recognition-they are just waiting for us all to pass away?

So now is the time, contact your Representative asking them to cosponsor H.R. 2067 The
Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 and urge for the bill to be brought to the full floor for
a vote; and vote for passage.

Also contact both of your Senators asking them to introduce a bill with the wording of
H.R. 2067.




---- Jerald Terwilliger,  Chairman Emeritus,  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 Veteran Honors Fellow Cold Warriors

Press of Atlantic City

By LUCIA C. DRAKE, Staff Writer

Robert Haller will spend this Memorial Day as he has for many years, remembering and honoring all members of the American military.

But there is one group of veterans in particular that the Egg Harbor Township resident thinks about especially at this time of year: those he refers to as the Cold War veterans.

A South Jersey native, Haller is himself a Cold War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy and in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1974 to 1992.

Haller served in Operation TAGOS, a mission to collect underwater acoustic data in support of Cold War anti-submarine warfare operations during the 1980s.

It is his belief that the Cold War with the former Soviet Union is too often overlooked in history, and the dangerous work done by those enlisted men and women in the early days of nuclear activity and the Iron Curtain has gone widely unrecognized.

Now semi-retired, he feels compelled to get more support for Cold War veterans and to show how important they were in this country's fight against terrorism.

"Those were dangerous missions, and our job was to protect the United States of America," Haller, 57, said recently from his home. "I voluntarily served because I love my country so much. I have always lived by the code of duty, honor and country."

Mostly, he said, he would like to see credit given that is justly due.

The author of two books, "Life of a Bluenose" (2006) and "Adventures of a Cold War Veteran" (2009), Haller has spent years lobbying the Department of Defense for legislation to authorize a Cold War Victory Medal for veterans.

Commemorative Cold War medals are available for sale by private vendors, and Congress did issue a certificate in 1999, but to date there is no official congressional medal, he said.

"I just feel so strongly about the work we did," said Haller, who served aboard the sub-hunter USNS Stalwart and achieved the rank of QMED, the highest unlicensed position in the Merchant Marines, before becoming an officer. "We were the first lines of defense during the height of the Cold War."

With U.S. troops still fighting terrorism, an official Cold War medal would validate the important role men and women in the armed services provided at that time, he said.

In writing of his military service, his goal was to educate readers about the sacrifices members of the military made in the fight against communism.

A member of the American Legion, AmVets, the Navy League and Knights of Columbus, as well as an associate member of several F.O.P. lodges, Haller said he knows what it's like to experience post-traumatic stress and hopes his insights can help other veterans.

An avid writer of fiction, poetry and commentary, Haller also dabbles in art work and plays classical violin. He is working on another military memoir about the Cold War, which he said might be called "Life of a Bluenose, Part II."

"There's a lot to get off my chest, a lot of things that need to be said on behalf of all Cold War vets," he explained.

When he raises his American flag this Memorial Day, as he does daily, Haller said he will offer a silent prayer for all service members who gave so much to help make possible the freedoms every American enjoys today.

---- Jerald Terwilliger 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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America It Is Time To Recognize And Honor Cold War Veteans

Cold War Veterans in the United States have been ignored, disrespected and forgotten since the
end of the Cold War.

The American Cold War Veterans have been attempting to convince Congress to authorize and direct DoD to issue a Cold War Medal, so far we have been unable to get that done.

Another of our goals is to have a Cold War Memorial built in Washington, DC to honor all those
who served during America's Longest War, even if it was undeclared. We have not yet seen that
come to fruition.

Well, it seems that we are getting beaten again, Russia is going to erect a Cold War Memorial
before we get ours out of the planning stage

A memorial commemorating Soviet soldiers who died in conflicts around the world during the Cold War era will be built on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow. 

Russian lawmaker Frantz Klintsevich told journalists on February 11 that the memorial will form an architectural ensemble around an existing monument honoring some 15,000 Soviet soldiers who died during the Soviet war in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989.

According to Klintsevich, the names of about 10,000 Soviet soldiers who perished in conflicts in other countries will be inscribed on stone tablets along the alley leading to the memorial complex, which will be completed this summer.

The Soviet Union was involved in more than 30 conflicts in some 29 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

----

So now once again we say Wake Up America. Stand up for our veterans, it is past time to

honor and recognize these brave men and women.

---- Jerald Terwilliger 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

New York Cold War Certificate

The State of New York has authorized a "Cold War Certificate" and this will probably mean that New York will not be issuing a Cold War Medal now or in the near future.

Assemblyman Robin Schimminger has urged veterans to apply for a Cold War Certificate, a program
throughout the state meant to honor those men and women who served their country during the
Cold War.

“The time to honor our state’s Cold Warriors is long overdue,” said Schimminger, later adding, “At a time when the threat of nuclear war put Americans at unease, Cold Warriors stood ready to take action, and their service to this great nation deserves recognition.”

Too often veterans go unnoticed, especially those who served in wars that were not as lauded as some. As a society we often recognize those veterans who served in World War II. Veterans who served in other wars, however, such as the Cold War, are not so easily acknowledged. Yet they were also willing, if need be, to sacrifice their lives. They risked so much to serve their country and its people.

We applaud Schimminger for creating this new certificate recognizing a group of veterans that often go unrecognized. We hope that residents take advantage of this and receive the acknowledgment that they rightly deserve.

Their contributions were great. Veterans of the Cold War participated in hundreds of military exercises and operations that promoted peace in the world. They airlifted supplies to Berlin in 1948, went on alert when Egypt claimed the Suez Canal in 1956 and blockaded Cuba during the 1962 missile crisis.

“There were no parades, no monuments and no victory or campaign medals to honor the service of these veterans,” Schimminger said.

Schimminger created an opportunity for veterans to receive recognition that’s long overdue, and we encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity.

To be eligible for the certificate, the applicant must be a citizen of New York State or a citizen during the time of service in the armed forces. The applicant must also have been honorably discharged and have served between September 1945 and December 1991.

For more information, call Schimminger’s office at 716-873-2540 or email at schimmr@assembly.ny.state.

While we applaud any action that will recognize and honor our Cold War Veterans,  we feel that a certificate is just not the same as a medal. 

I do however encourage all New York Veterans to apply for this Cold War Certificate, which will let them know that they are not totally forgotten; and receive this honor and recognition.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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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Cold War Service Medal, Let Us Try Again in 2014

As we all know the year 2013 was a do nothing year. There was no concerted effort or push to have the Cold War Service Medal authorized.

Our request to President Obama to issue an Executive Order to create the medal went unanswered and ignored.

All elected officials are now home and will return to Washington on Jan. 2, 2014. Please let us all try to contact them in their local offices before

they return to Washington.

Ask them to please introduce legislation that will authorize a Cold War Service Medal. One good idea would be to use the same wording used by

then Senator Clinton in the bill she introduced.

The Secretary concerned shall issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War service medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (b). The Cold War service medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.
`(b) Eligible Persons- The following persons are eligible to receive the Cold War service medal:
`(1) A person who--
`(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as an enlisted member during the Cold War;
`(B) completed the person's initial term of enlistment or, if discharged before completion of such initial term of enlistment, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
`(C) has not received a discharge less favorable than an honorable discharge or a release from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable.
`(2) A person who--
`(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as a commissioned officer or warrant officer during the Cold War;
`(B) completed the person's initial service obligation as an officer or, if discharged or separated before completion of such initial service obligation, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
`(C) has not been released from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable and has not received a discharge or separation less favorable than an honorable discharge.
`(c) One Award Authorized- Not more than one Cold War service medal may be issued to any person.
`(d) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (b) dies before being issued the Cold War service medal, the medal shall be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.
`(e) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War service medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.
`(f) Application for Medal- The Cold War service medal shall be issued upon receipt by the Secretary concerned of an application for such medal, submitted in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary prescribes.
`(g) Uniform Regulations- The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments under this section are uniform so far as is practicable.
`(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending at the end of December 26, 1991.'.

Should your official object to this version you can ask them to use wording similar to H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act

of 2011

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011'.

SEC. 2. COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL.

(a) Medal Authorized-

(1) IN GENERAL- Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 1136. Cold War Service Medal

`(a) Medal Authorized- The Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War Service Medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (c).

`(b) Design- The Cold War Service Medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.

`(c) Eligible Persons- A person eligible to be issued the Cold War Service Medal is any person--

`(1) who--

`(A) served on active duty in the Armed Forces for not less than 24 consecutive months during the Cold War;

`(B) was deployed as a member of the Armed Forces outside the continental United States for a period of at least 30 days during the Cold War; or

`(C) performed such other service in the Armed Forces during the Cold War as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section; and

`(2) who, if discharged or released from the Armed Forces, was so discharged or released under honorable conditions after service in the armed forces characterized as honorable.

`(d) One Medal Authorized- Not more than one Cold War Service Medal may be issued to any person.

`(e) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (c) dies before being issued the Cold War Service Medal, the medal may be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.

`(f) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War Service Medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.

`(g) Regulations- The issuance of a Cold War Service Medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.

`(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending on December 26, 1991.'.

(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 57 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

`1136. Cold War Service Medal.'.

(b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to expedite--

(1) the design of the Cold War Service Medal provided for by section 1136 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and

(2) the establishment and implementation of mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Cold War Service Medal to persons eligible for the issuance of the medal under such section.

I am sure you will hear about the "Cold War Certificate", remind whoever you are talking to that this is just a piece of 

paper that anyone who worked for the government in any function is eligible to the certificate; it makes no mention of 

military service and most veterans have not bothered to apply for it.

Also mention that in 2011 the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that in the first year or two of the medal it

would cost about $2 million dollars, with a cost of $30 million over a 7 year period. That is much less that the cost

estimate given by the Department of Defense.

Make note of the fact that DoD authorized both the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 

for operations in Bosnia. So the excuse by DoD of "duplication of awards" does not make sense. plus we all know veterans

who served their tour of duty and received no award of medal of any type.

We must make the push hard and often. Contact your elected officials by phone, email, fax, in person or by mail. Do it now

and continue doing it.

Congress will begin working on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 in just a matter of days. Let this be the

year that the Medal is at long last authorized and issued.

Jerald Terwilliger

Former Chairman

American Cold War Veterans

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Small Town USA -Dawson/Lower Tyrone, PA Honors Cold War Veterans

The Dawson/Lower Tyrone Honor Roll Committee has been waiting almost three years to make this 
announcement:
 The new monument honoring veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Cold war eras is in place and will
 be dedicated at 11 a.m. Aug. 31. The monument is covered and will be unveiled at a ceremony to include the 
Fayette Vietnam Veteran's Honor Guard, Rolling Thunder, a community chorus and guest speakers.

The keynote address will be given by Maj. Gen. Robert French, a career serviceman, a veteran on the 

Honor Roll  and a Dawson, R.D. 1 native, who has had a long and distinguished career beginning with the

 Vietnam  conflict and remains active in military affairs today.

The Honor Roll Committee is still raising funds to complete the monument project. A ticket is 

being sold which has a jackpot and a bonus winner. The winner will be from the 7 p.m. 

drawing on Aug. 31. 

The tickets are available for $2 each and are available from any committee member. 

Dedication program booklets are also being printed and will be available at the dedication. 

The books will sell for approximately 

$8 and contain the agenda, pictures, history of the project, memorials, listing of contributors and
ads from many local businesses.

The committee wishes to thank the many folks who have assisted in bringing this project to fruition.
This has been and is, a totally community based project. But the heroes of the effort have names
that are emblazoned in bronze on a beautiful monument that will be uncovered on Aug. 31.
This is your community's way of saying in some small way, “Thank you for your service
and sacrifice!
 May God bless!” The public is invited to join in the festivities.

-------

I have to say that this is an outstanding achievement for a small borough in southwestern 

Pennsylvania. In the 2000 census Dawson consisted

of 451 people, 183 households and 120 families in .2 square miles. Lower Tyrone Township has an 

area of 16.1 square miles with population of 1,171 people.

Once again, a small borough/township have stepped up to honor Cold War Veterans, which is more

than can be said for national recognition for the Cold Warriors who contained communism and kept the 

world free.

 Please contact your elected officials in Washington, DC ask them why Cold War Veterans

continue to be ignored and dismissed. 

If small towns, cities, counties and even some states can stand tall and remember those who served

why is it so hard for our country as a whole to say Thank You.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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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New Jersey Cold War Medal Followup

I received information today that the New Jersey Legislature is still considering two bills that will authorize

a Cold War Medal.

In the Assembly is bill number A3828 and in the Senate is a mirror bill S2589. Both bills is currently sitting in

the Budget and Appropriations committees of both the Assembly and the Senate. The Assembly bill is also

in the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

I urge everyone who lives in New Jersey to contact their State Senators and Assembly persons and ask them

to cosponsor and forward the bills.

Or contact the chairpersons of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committees: in the Senate: Senator James Beach,

in the Assembly: Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker.

If we can add another state that will issue a Cold War Medal it just might help in our national push for recognition,

and a medal issued by the federal government.

One thing about the New Jersey bill, it would be for anyone who is living in New Jersey, or lived in New Jersey

at the beginning of the time of service. It would not be limited (at least at this time) to the guard or reserves.

This could be a big step in the process and a push in the correct direction. If we continue to attract attention

and garner local and state backing and support we just might be able to convince Congress and DoD that

the time has come to standby our veterans and finally say Thank You For Your Service

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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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Lebanon, PA to honor Cold War Veterans

For those of you who live in and around Lebanon, PA be proud. Once again small town America
steps up to notice Cold War Veterans more information here:
Lebanon, PA

Thank You Lebanon Valley and city of Lebanon, PA

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Petition for Cold War Service Medal To Honor Veterans

Congress has once again ignored Cold War Veterans and left us tarnished and banished to the dustbin of history.

By allowing two bills, S.402 and H.R. 1968, that would have authorized a Cold War Service Medal to
languish in the respective Armed Services Committees; Congress shows how little the Cold War and its  veterans mean to America.

Cold War Veterans have waged this battle for more than 11 years, and still have not managed to
garner enough support to convince Congress and the Department of Defense to authorize and issue
a Cold War Service Medal.

Our original quest was for a Cold War Victory Medal, but that met with some strong, and unnamed,
opposition; so we changed our direction a bit and opted for a Cold War Service Medal. It did not seem
to matter at all to those in power.

We get cosponsors on the bills as they are introduced each year. The bills are read and sent to the Armed Services Committee, never again to see the light of day; not being voted out of committee for a full floor vote.

We have approached this from many different directions but always fall short at the end of the year.

There is now a petition on the White House website asking for the Cold War Service Medal to
be authorized and issued. This would require an Executive Order and there is precedent as previous
Presidents have used an EO to create medals.

Please go to the White House website Petition to Authorize Cold War Service Medal  you will have to create a White House account if you do not already have one. It is quick easy and free, and you
should not receive spam messages.

Please sign it, have all your friends and relatives sign it, and ask them to have all their friends sign the
petition, keep spreading the word across our great nation. We need 25,000 signatures by Jan. 16.

This is an opportunity for you to participate in our government and say Thank You to our veterans.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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