The question must be asked! Why has a Cold War Service Medal been authorized and issued?
In 1999 Congress expressed appreciation to Cold War Veterans and decided that a certificate
was in order to honor those who served between Sept. 1945 and Dec. 1991, the era known as
"The Cold War."
This certificate makes no mention of military service and is available to anyone who worked for
the U.S. government during this long struggle to contain Communism. Most veterans did not feel
that this was a just recognition of their service. In fact as of late 2010 only about 2.5 million
certificates were issued. That is out of approximately 25 million veterans, and untold millions of
government employees.
Yet the Department of Defense, and some members of Congress continue to flaunt this in our face
as a thing to be proud of; something all Cold Warriors should want.
The NDAA for 2002 contained a provision for the Cold War Victory Medal, both the Senate
and House approved the bill, and it was signed into law. DoD declared they would not issue
a Cold War Medal.
Then in the NDAA for 2006, 2011 and 2012 provisions were once again written; either by the
House or the Senate in their separate versions of that years NDAA. Sadly these provisions were
removed during the Senate/House conference meetings. When members were asked for reasons
the medal was taken out, no concrete answer was given. Nobody would admit where the blame
lay, and/or why that action was taken.
Over the years there have been a minimum of 20 bills introduced in the Senate and House
(including some that were amendments to the NDAA) that would have authorized a Cold War
Victory/Service Medal. None of them were passed, many had been sent to the Armed Services
Committees of the House and Senate; where these bills sat and gathered dust and allowed to
die. These bills never saw a vote, were not passed out of committee.
Now this year neither the House nor the Senate version of the NDAA contain a mention of a
Cold War Medal.
Our questions are why? How long will these brave men and women be denied? Do people no
longer remember the Cold War and why it was waged? Is there some deep dark secret that
prevents authorizing this medal? Will Cold War Veterans always be shunted aside and swept
into the dust bin?
America stand up now for these forgotten heroes! Do not let them vanish into the dark, dismal
pages of history. And yes, the revisionists continue to attempt to re-write history as if there
never was a Cold War.
Tell your Senators and Representatives to finally recognize and honor those who defended
your freedom. Authorize a Cold War Service Medal. Use the POPVOX links on the
right to contact your elected officials 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
Showing posts with label NDAA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NDAA. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
There is still time for NDAA
By midnight tonight the House and Senate will have to come to an agreement on the resolution to
keep the government running into next year.
But it seems there is also a lot of pressure and behind the scenes scrambling to reach agreement
on the National Defense Authorization Act before the Christmas break.
Congress has not failed to pass the authorization in 58 years. The bill covers military spending and
many personnel policy changes. The House of Representatives last week passed a revised version
last week with the DADT wording removed.
The new START debate is still going on, and several nominations to be confirmed before the year end;
so they may just run out of time.
The Senate has to pass their version, then it has to go to the House/Senate conference to hash out the differences.
Should the bill be passed and signed by President Obama, it would authorize a 1.4 percent pay raise
for the military starting next month. It would also extend Tricare coverage for dependents of military
members to age 26. Plus create a counter-IED database to help with troop protection efforts, direct
development of better lightweight armor for ground forces.
Plus we hope, finally have the Cold War Service Medal authorized. Then the battle will be with DoD
to approve and begin the process in order to have the medal issued.
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
keep the government running into next year.
But it seems there is also a lot of pressure and behind the scenes scrambling to reach agreement
on the National Defense Authorization Act before the Christmas break.
Congress has not failed to pass the authorization in 58 years. The bill covers military spending and
many personnel policy changes. The House of Representatives last week passed a revised version
last week with the DADT wording removed.
The new START debate is still going on, and several nominations to be confirmed before the year end;
so they may just run out of time.
The Senate has to pass their version, then it has to go to the House/Senate conference to hash out the differences.
Should the bill be passed and signed by President Obama, it would authorize a 1.4 percent pay raise
for the military starting next month. It would also extend Tricare coverage for dependents of military
members to age 26. Plus create a counter-IED database to help with troop protection efforts, direct
development of better lightweight armor for ground forces.
Plus we hope, finally have the Cold War Service Medal authorized. Then the battle will be with DoD
to approve and begin the process in order to have the medal issued.
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, December 9, 2010
Senators Lieberman and Collins to introduce bill to repeal DADT
Senators Joe Lieberman(Ind-Conn) and Susan Collins (R-Me) have said they will introduce
a "stand alone" bill to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban on gays in the military.
Sen. Lieberman states that Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev) the Senate Majority Leader has agreed
to bring the legislation to the Senate Floor.
---------------- "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
a "stand alone" bill to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban on gays in the military.
Sen. Lieberman states that Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev) the Senate Majority Leader has agreed
to bring the legislation to the Senate Floor.
---------------- "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
Senate Says NO on DADT
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) failed to get the 60 votes needed on a procedural motion
to start debate on the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill would repeal the Don't Ask Don't
Tell ban on gays serving openly in the military. The vote was 57-40.
It looks like most Republicans stuck to their pledge to pass no new legislation until Congress can
reach a deal on the Bush-era tax cut and government spending for 2011.
Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both had been supporters of
the repeal, but both voted no. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia also voted no.
Several Republican Senators have said they would support the repeal of the ban, but want to have
open debate on the defense bill; including the ability to introduce amendments. They included Senator
Collins of Maine who voted in favor of cloture, and also Brown and Murkowski.
Senators Reid and Collins were working together to bring the NDAA to a vote, the Republicans
were talking about 10 amendments and the Democrats wanted to make 5 amendments.
So will the defense authorization be held off until next year? If so what changes will be made?
Will SEC.566 remain? It does not seem that the present bill would be scrapped and a new one
introduced, more than likely the bill as it now stands will be reintroduced; and then the debate
can continue.
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
to start debate on the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill would repeal the Don't Ask Don't
Tell ban on gays serving openly in the military. The vote was 57-40.
It looks like most Republicans stuck to their pledge to pass no new legislation until Congress can
reach a deal on the Bush-era tax cut and government spending for 2011.
Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska both had been supporters of
the repeal, but both voted no. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia also voted no.
Several Republican Senators have said they would support the repeal of the ban, but want to have
open debate on the defense bill; including the ability to introduce amendments. They included Senator
Collins of Maine who voted in favor of cloture, and also Brown and Murkowski.
Senators Reid and Collins were working together to bring the NDAA to a vote, the Republicans
were talking about 10 amendments and the Democrats wanted to make 5 amendments.
So will the defense authorization be held off until next year? If so what changes will be made?
Will SEC.566 remain? It does not seem that the present bill would be scrapped and a new one
introduced, more than likely the bill as it now stands will be reintroduced; and then the debate
can continue.
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, November 18, 2010
Senate to vote on Don't Ask, Don't Tell in Dec.?
Democratic leaders in the Senate say they will bring the Defense Authorization for 2011, and the repeal
of the ban on gays serving in the military in December. There will be a hearing about a survey taken on
the feelings of troops and their families on serving alongside openly gay members.
The survey taken by DoD and a report from the Department of Defense on how to accomplish the acceptance of gays will probably not satisfy those who oppose making any changes to the "DADT."
Senator John McCain who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who at
one time was in favor of the repeal, now does not believe the proper questions were asked by the Pentagon. He says the questions as posed were about should gays be accepted if the policy is changed, and did not ask if the military members support making the change.
The report he says is more about the mechanics of opening the military to gay members, but does not
cover if such a change would reduce morale or readiness.
Senator Lindsey Graham another member of the Armed Services Committee, and a close ally of
Senator McCain does not believe that opposition to repealing the ban is justified.
Democrats are under the gun and facing pressure to drop the repeal from the 2011 NDAA. The standoff that could arise could prevent passage of the appropriation for the first time since the 1960's.
But following consultations with the White House Democratic leaders say they will not drop the repeal.
Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority leader says he plans to bring the defense bill for debate, and a vote on the gay ban in the post Thanksgiving session
Senator Carl Levin, chairman on the Armed Services Committee says the bill will not come up for a
vote until after the Pentagon delivers the survey and report, and a hearing is held to discuss these issues. He predicted it will be early December before a hearing will be held.
Senator Levin also said he will continue trying to find support to break a Republican filibuster of the NDAA. Under Senate rules it takes 60 votes to break a filibuster, in September they could only garner
56 votes to break the roadblock.
This means we still have some time to continue our post card, email, and phone calls to members of
the Senate Armed Services Committee to keep SEC. 566 to authorize a Cold War Service Medal unchanged in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454.
Please contact both of your Senators ask them to do two things: become cosponsors of S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009, and also contact members of the Armed Services Committee
asking them to keep SEC. 566 of S.3454 intact and vote for approval.
You can find a list of all members of the committee here
http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm
When you click on each members name you will be taken to their website where you will be able to
send an email to the Senator.
With your help this could be our best chance to achieve one of our goals, to recognize and honor all
those who served during the Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
of the ban on gays serving in the military in December. There will be a hearing about a survey taken on
the feelings of troops and their families on serving alongside openly gay members.
The survey taken by DoD and a report from the Department of Defense on how to accomplish the acceptance of gays will probably not satisfy those who oppose making any changes to the "DADT."
Senator John McCain who is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who at
one time was in favor of the repeal, now does not believe the proper questions were asked by the Pentagon. He says the questions as posed were about should gays be accepted if the policy is changed, and did not ask if the military members support making the change.
The report he says is more about the mechanics of opening the military to gay members, but does not
cover if such a change would reduce morale or readiness.
Senator Lindsey Graham another member of the Armed Services Committee, and a close ally of
Senator McCain does not believe that opposition to repealing the ban is justified.
Democrats are under the gun and facing pressure to drop the repeal from the 2011 NDAA. The standoff that could arise could prevent passage of the appropriation for the first time since the 1960's.
But following consultations with the White House Democratic leaders say they will not drop the repeal.
Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Majority leader says he plans to bring the defense bill for debate, and a vote on the gay ban in the post Thanksgiving session
Senator Carl Levin, chairman on the Armed Services Committee says the bill will not come up for a
vote until after the Pentagon delivers the survey and report, and a hearing is held to discuss these issues. He predicted it will be early December before a hearing will be held.
Senator Levin also said he will continue trying to find support to break a Republican filibuster of the NDAA. Under Senate rules it takes 60 votes to break a filibuster, in September they could only garner
56 votes to break the roadblock.
This means we still have some time to continue our post card, email, and phone calls to members of
the Senate Armed Services Committee to keep SEC. 566 to authorize a Cold War Service Medal unchanged in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011, S.3454.
Please contact both of your Senators ask them to do two things: become cosponsors of S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2009, and also contact members of the Armed Services Committee
asking them to keep SEC. 566 of S.3454 intact and vote for approval.
You can find a list of all members of the committee here
http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm
When you click on each members name you will be taken to their website where you will be able to
send an email to the Senator.
With your help this could be our best chance to achieve one of our goals, to recognize and honor all
those who served during the Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Honor Cold War Veterans
Are you a Cold War Veteran? Do you know a Cold War Veteran?
I want to remind everyone about a project to honor and remember Cold War Veterans. Steve McCurdy and his group are looking for Cold War Veterans to present them with a Cold War Service Medal.
The goal is to present 10,000 medals by Veterans Day 2010, with the ultimate goal of bestowing one
million medals by December 2011. December 26 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War.
Please visit the website Give Them A Medal. There you will be able to help this project in many ways.
You can enter your name or the name of a veteran you know. You can also make a donation to help
fund this worthwhile cause, or you can order a medal for yourself or your loved one.
Give Them A Medal
Mr. McCurdy the author of "The Whiteman Scenario" has taken this project to heart and is dedicating
his time to pay tribute to all Cold War Veterans. Each presentation is taped and can be viewed on
the website.
We all thank Mr. McCurdy for his time and effort and the great things he is doing to recognize our
long forgotten heroes. His dedication and selfless giving to our veterans is far and above what anyone
would expect. Bravo Zulu Steve.
While Congress and the Department of Defense have not yet authorized this Cold War Service Medal
we do think that this year just could be the year it happens.
Ask you Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009, ask you Congressman/woman to cosponsor H.R. 4051 an identical
bill with the same name. Also ask all members of the Armed Services Committee to ensure that
SEC. 566 of S.3454 The National Defense Authorization Act 2011 does not get removed.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veteans
"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
I want to remind everyone about a project to honor and remember Cold War Veterans. Steve McCurdy and his group are looking for Cold War Veterans to present them with a Cold War Service Medal.
The goal is to present 10,000 medals by Veterans Day 2010, with the ultimate goal of bestowing one
million medals by December 2011. December 26 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War.
Please visit the website Give Them A Medal. There you will be able to help this project in many ways.
You can enter your name or the name of a veteran you know. You can also make a donation to help
fund this worthwhile cause, or you can order a medal for yourself or your loved one.
Give Them A Medal
Mr. McCurdy the author of "The Whiteman Scenario" has taken this project to heart and is dedicating
his time to pay tribute to all Cold War Veterans. Each presentation is taped and can be viewed on
the website.
We all thank Mr. McCurdy for his time and effort and the great things he is doing to recognize our
long forgotten heroes. His dedication and selfless giving to our veterans is far and above what anyone
would expect. Bravo Zulu Steve.
While Congress and the Department of Defense have not yet authorized this Cold War Service Medal
we do think that this year just could be the year it happens.
Ask you Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009, ask you Congressman/woman to cosponsor H.R. 4051 an identical
bill with the same name. Also ask all members of the Armed Services Committee to ensure that
SEC. 566 of S.3454 The National Defense Authorization Act 2011 does not get removed.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veteans
"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, June 26, 2010
Give Them A Medal
This is a link to an outstanding website http://www.givethemamedal.com/
One that has taken on the daunting task of seeking out Cold War Veterans and rewarding their service with Cold War Commemorative Medal. It is a true honor to know Steve McCurdy and
to say Thank You for what you are doing. Thank you for your years of service to our country.
Go to this website to sign the list, you can also post comments. It is easy and quick.
Cold War Veterans have long been forgotten, maligned, and disrespected. Often told we are
nt "veterans" since it was "peace time", and not a designated "war period". Many of these brave,
dedicated veterans served their tour under arduous conditions, often face to face with the Soviet Union forces.
Many lives were lost during this Americas Longest War in secret mission, that even today remain
classified. Yet there has never been proper recognition of those who served.
This is a brave undertaking, and one that I hope many "Cold Warriors" take advantage of. You
served your time, and now you should be recognized and honored. This is your chance.
There are three bills in Congress that would authorize an "official Cold War Service Medal".
Please ask both of your Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009.
Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R.4051 an identical bill with same name.
This years Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act 2011 S.3454 has a provision
SEC. 566 that authorizes a Cold War Service Medal. Please contact all members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, ask them to ensure that SEC. 566 does not get
removed during the House/Senate conference meetings.
Let this be the year the Medal is finally authorized.
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
One that has taken on the daunting task of seeking out Cold War Veterans and rewarding their service with Cold War Commemorative Medal. It is a true honor to know Steve McCurdy and
to say Thank You for what you are doing. Thank you for your years of service to our country.
Go to this website to sign the list, you can also post comments. It is easy and quick.
Cold War Veterans have long been forgotten, maligned, and disrespected. Often told we are
nt "veterans" since it was "peace time", and not a designated "war period". Many of these brave,
dedicated veterans served their tour under arduous conditions, often face to face with the Soviet Union forces.
Many lives were lost during this Americas Longest War in secret mission, that even today remain
classified. Yet there has never been proper recognition of those who served.
This is a brave undertaking, and one that I hope many "Cold Warriors" take advantage of. You
served your time, and now you should be recognized and honored. This is your chance.
There are three bills in Congress that would authorize an "official Cold War Service Medal".
Please ask both of your Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009.
Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R.4051 an identical bill with same name.
This years Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act 2011 S.3454 has a provision
SEC. 566 that authorizes a Cold War Service Medal. Please contact all members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, ask them to ensure that SEC. 566 does not get
removed during the House/Senate conference meetings.
Let this be the year the Medal is finally authorized.
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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