AMVETS seeking Cold War Veterans

Amvets is seeking Cold War Veterans to join. They are actively asking for us, at least in Virginia
they are making a push for our support; wanting us to become part of their organization.

American Veterans (AMVETS) is asking Cold War veterans to step out of the shadows and make their voices heard through the establishment of an AMVETS Posts in Chatham.


There are nearly six million ‘peacetime' veterans, those who served during the Cold War but not during ‘hot wars' and about 200,000 of those live in Virginia. Most are unaffiliated with any veteran organization. AMVETS does not discriminate based on place or period of performance.

"Honorable service equals eligibility" says Virginia AMVETS Public Relations Officer Greg Eanes. "It's time for our Cold War veterans to affiliate as veterans. They served and their service is worthy of recognition. We won the Cold War - the Iron Curtain fell twenty years ago and now an entire generation in Eastern Europe has grown up experiencing economic, political and social freedoms that weren't available to their parents. Our American Cold War veterans can take great pride knowing their services between 1945 and 1991 helped make it happen."

Eanes said, "Affiliation with AMVETS provides a venue for supporting veterans, widows, orphans and active military, providing community services and the camaraderie of fellow vets." Only ten members are needed to start an AMVETS Post and they can meet anywhere; private homes, churches or be hosted by other veterans organizations. Pittsylvania has over 5,000 veterans according to Veterans Administration statistics.

AMVETS was founded by World War II veterans who wanted their own organization. Eligibility was amended to include all veterans who served honorably. Eanes said, "Some of us got called to serve during wartime, others got called go overseas, others served during periods of relative peace making them ineligible for other veteran groups. From an AMVETS perspective, all that matters is that we signed the same contract and served honorably. All are veterans."

Individuals wishing to learn more about AMVETS can visit the national website at www.amvets.org. Individuals wishing to start an AMVETS Post can contact Virginia AMVETS First vice Commander Bruce Brown (blbrown555@wildblue.net) or 804-334-4352.

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

Virginia says yes to tax relief for disable veterans

Voters in Virginia said yes to constitutional amendments grant property tax exemptions.


One amendment gives local governments more discretion in deciding to grant exemptions on property
taxes for people who are 65 or older or who are permanently and totally disabled.

The second amendment forces the state legislature to exempt totally disabled veterans from paying real estate taxes on their primary residence.

This is wonderful news for our elderly and our veterans.

Which state will be next to offer assistance to our veterans?

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

Virginia Voters to decide on tax break for veterans

The state of Virginia is asking voters if a tax break should be given to veterans.

Question 2 "Asks voters if the constitution of Virginia should be amended to require the General Assembly to provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a veteran or his or her
surviving spouse if the veteran has a 100 percent service-connected and permanent and total disability.
The proposed amendment would the General Assembly to pass a law exempting from local taxation the principal residence owned and occupied by any veteran with a 100 percent service-connected permanent and total disability. The veterans surviving spouse could continue to claim the exemption provided he or she does not remarry and continues to occupy the home as his or her principal residence."

It appears that the legislators will determine how large of an exemption will be granted, I am sure it will not be a total exemption, but rather a percentage.

This is a great first step, now we question, what about the rest of the veterans. Are they to be left out
in the cold? Does the state have exemptions (as some states do) for Korean and Vietnam Wars?
And what about the Cold War Veteran, are they to still be ignored?

I urge everyone who lives in Virginia to vote yes on Question 2, remember, recognize and honor our

veterans. It is time to say Thank You for your service. You have done well.


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