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

Now That Congress Is in Recess

The month of August is here, that means that Congress is in recess for the month; and everyone is back in their home state.

Now is the time to call the local office, closest to you, of your elected official. Ask for a meeting with said official. A chance to look them in the eye and present your case. Get your facts together first, then

put it on the table. 

Be polite, courteous and smile. Then discuss Veterans issues...VA problems, maybe your experience with VA; other general concerns about our Armed Forces and Veterans, our US Military and the budget crisis.

Then....ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2067 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2015 and be sure to vote for passage when it reaches the floor for a vote.

Ask BOTH of your Senators to introduce an identical bill in the Senate. We need it on both sides to gain any traction. It is too late to have it included in the NDAA, so stand alone bills from the House and the Senate have to happen.

If anyone seems a little wishy-washy about it ASK THEM WHY NOT. 

Also ask for an investigation into the USS LIberty and the coverup. There has never been an official Congressional investigation into the murder of 34 Americans and wounding of another 174. 

An attack by the IDF (Israel Defense Force) on a clearly marked American

ship; practically unarmed,  with the purpose of killing all onboard and sinking the ship.

We as Cold War Veterans have been waiting since 1991 for recognition, it is time. The USS Liberty 

Veterans have been waiting since 1967 to get the truth, to finally know the why and the who.

DoD did have a very quick and brief investigation and called it a case of "mistaken identity."

The huge America Flag flying from the mast, and the big hull numbers on the side meant 

nothing to those who attacked the Liberty.

Write the letters, send the faxes, send the emails, make the phone calls, make the visits;  do it often.

Remember that you can visit or call the local office anytime. You can call the DC office and

ask to speak to their Veterans/Military aide and tell them what you want them to know.

---- 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

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 Service Medal Act 2015

On April 28, 2015 Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY3), and Congressman David Jolly(R-FL13)
introduced a new bill H.R. 2067 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2015.

This bill was introduced with 7 cosponsors, and has been sent to the House Armed Services Committee.

The Cold War was waged for more than 45 years as the United States and our allies combated
the spread of Communism, from 1945 through 1991.

There were many lives lost in this decades long battle. Despite the common misconception that
"Not a shot was fired", our planes were shot down from the sky by Communist forces, our ships
were attacked and damaged, troops on the ground were attacked and killed and or wounded

Korea, Vietnam, the Congo, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Dominican Republic and many other
"hot spots" were all a part of the Cold War.

Many members of the Armed Forces were placed in dangerous and difficult situations on a daily
basis; often during missions that even today remain classified, and we were not; and still not
allowed to speak of what we did to family or friends.

Now, more than 25 years since the downfall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War;
we should finally bestow on our veterans the thanks of a grateful nation. It is time to offer these
veterans the respect and honor they so deserve.

Contact your Congressman/Congresswoman urging them to become a cosponsor to H.R. 2067
and demand the bill be brought to the full floor for a vote, and vote for passage.

Please also contact your Senator asking them to introduce a similar bill in the Senate immediately,
let us not wait another year, do it now.


No longer allow our Cold Warriors to be a forgotten and dismissed generation of 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

2014 Cold War Medal

On June 5, 2014 Congressman Steve Israel of New York introduced a bill to authorize the Cold War
Service Medal. It if H.R. 4807 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2014.

We all know how important this is to our Cold Warriors, as our numbers are declining due to age.
The Cold War ended 23 years ago, and we are still waiting and petitioning Congress and DoD to
authorize and issue the Cold War Service Medal.

Please contact your Representative ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4807. You can go to their website
and leave an email, get their phone number and call their office, write a regular mail letter (be advised
it may take two weeks to get delivered), ask for a visit at either their Washington office or the local office in your area.

You can also go to POPVOX here https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr4807
You wil have to create an account if you do not already have one. Then you can post your comments
and it will be sent directly to your Representative.

Then contact both of your Senators ask them to introduce legislation similar to H.R. 4807.

We need a big push from everyone to get this accomplished. I have been told in the past that there
was not enough support from veterans in the past and is a possible reason the previous bills never
got through the Armed Services Committee in both the Senate and House.

Lets make this the year this medal finally becomes a reality, and all our brave men and women
finally get the recognition we have been seeking for so many years.

America: It Is Time To Say Thank You to our veterans.

---- 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

Military Veterans Serving In Congress Decline Again

Perhaps the biggest reason that Congress is ignoring or downplaying our military and our
veterans is the fact that each year fewer and fewer Members are veterans or still serving
in the military

The 113th Congress now is session has only 108 members or 20 percent that are veterans or
still serving in our military. That figure is 10 less than the 112th Congress.

These numbers break down to 88 veterans in the House-this includes 2 female Members and also
2 delegates. The Senate has 18 veterans of Military Service.

According to lists from GQ Roll Coll, these Members have served during WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo as well as during times of peace
(read Cold War). Many have served in the Reserves and National Guard.

Eight House Members and one Senator are still serving in the Reserves, and six House Members
are still serving in the National Guard. Of special interest, Both female veterans are Combat
Veterans.

The diminishing numbers of veterans follow the steady decline of the number of Members who
have served in the military. In 1981-1982 the 97th Congress 64 percent were veterans, and in
1971-1972 the 92nd Congress 73 percent were veterans.

So, as the number of veterans in Congress declines, so to does the number who would look
favorably on current military and our veterans.

It also means that fewer understand the Cold War and it's meaning. The Cold War gets pushed
further into the corner of darkness, neglect, and indifference.

And, the chances for a Cold War Service Medal seem to shrink exponentially, it seems that
no one wants to remember the Cold War. No on except those veterans who placed their lives on
the line and faced danger every day in places far from home in harsh and trying times. Never
sure if "this is a drill" or if "the ballon went up."

The number of Cold War Veterans is also rapidly declining, as age creeps up on us and silently
steals away one more life, leaving one less voice to be heard that wants to tell our story.

Before the last Cold War Veteran passes away America it is time to say Thank You to these
brave men and women.

Urge Congress that this year our nation will remember and recognize these veterans. Ask your
elected officials to introduce legislation that will authorize and DIRECT DoD to issue
a Cold War Service Medal.

Yes, bills have been introduced in the past, but they either are removed during the House/Senate
Committee meetings, or even worse: lie on the desk in their respective Armed Services Committee
and never get to see the light of day; are never brought forth for a vote.

---- 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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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

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

Cold War Service Medal: Read The Articles and Take Action

I see almost daily that people are reading this blog, searching for information on the Cold War Service
Medal. We have been trying for more than ten years to achieve this medal. We even changed the
name from "Victory Medal"(which we would rather see) to "Service Medal" in thoughts of
making the idea more acceptable to some members of Congress. But, after all this time, and
many bills being written we are still short of the goal line. Will it ever come to fruition?
YOU can HELP.

Once you read the articles I ask that you take some action: Use the links on the right to POPVOX to
contact you elected officials asking them to become cosponsors to S.402 and H.R. 1968. These get
delivered to your officials at no cost to you.

You can also go to Congress.org at http://www.congress.org/news/communicating-with-congress/
Where you can send an email or letter to the President, Vice President and Senators and Representatives, which will be delivered. This is a free service also.

Ask President Obama to use an Executive Order to create the Cold War Service Medal. Remind him
that he at least twice said that such a medal was deserved.

You can also visit your Senators and Representatives websites and send them an email there which
will get read.

Phone your officials offices and make your feelings know, ask to speak to who ever is in charge
of veterans affairs or military and defense. You can also send a fax to the office.

Or you can go to signor.org http://signon.org/sign/authorize-and-create and sign a petition to
authorize the Cold War Service Medal Act.

I just ask that you act now, there is not much time left in this session of Congress, and the two bills
will die a slow and painful death, sitting in the Armed Services Committees and we will again
be without recognition.

The Wall Street Journal published and excellent article on Veterans Day about Cold War Veterans.
Several other articles were written such as the one on Breibart.com which called the President to task
Disgrace-Barack-Obama-Broke-Promise-to-Honor-Cold-War-Veterans and many others.

We do understand the current fiscal problems facing our nation, and we know that the Department
of Defense (DoD) has objected to the medal. The DoD cost of $440 million is completely out
of line, the Congressional Budget Office costed the medal at about $30 million over a six year
span; with the start up costs being in the $1 million range.

The cost could become a non-factor as many veterans would be willing to purchase their own medal
from a private vendor, we would suggest Foxfall Medals since their version was designed by
Nadine Russell, the Chief of Creative Heraldry at the Army's Institute of Heraldry.

Do no let the Cold War Veterans be forgotten any longer, we are a vanishing breed; and soon it
will be too late to recognize and honor those of waged "America's Longest War", even though
it was not an officially declared war. Many died defending our country in missions that even
today are still classified Top Secret.

Their stories will probably never be told, as we carry our secrets to our graves. Ignored, dismissed,
disregarded and forgotten, pushed into the dustbin of history.

It did happen, it was a war, as several presidents declared; and we won!



---- 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

Morris, Minnesota to Honor Cold War Veterans

Attention Cold War Veterans, do you live in or around Morris, Minnesota? Plan to attend
this day of recognition.

Morris, Minnesota has planned a day to recognize and honor all Cold War Veterans, those who
served in the military after the Korean War and before the Vietnam War. But, as we all know both
wars were part and parcel of the Cold War (I do not feel those veterans should be excluded).

The day of recognition and gratitude will be held on Sept. 9, 2012 at the Old #1 South Side in
Morris, starting at 2:00 p.m., with a short program and veterans will be given a certificate. There
will be a lunch following the program.

The program is open to veterans of any time period, their families, and the general public. There
is no cost and pre-registration is not required.

More towns, cities and counties are recognize the Cold War, and finally paying the
respect and honor that is long overdue for these brave men and women. Those who have
been forgotten and ignored these many years. It is the "war no one remembers" or maybe
no one wants to remember.

Our national government does not recognize it, the Department of Defense says it was not
a war, even though many lives were lost. DOD continues to block efforts to have a Cold War
Service Medal issued.

There have been many bills issued in Congress over the last ten years, but none have come
to see the light of day. When a provision is written into either the House or Senate version
of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it gets stripped from the final version.
Other bills have been placed before the Armed Services Committees and do not reach
the floor for a final vote.

This year the NDAA FY2013 makes not mention of a Cold War Service Medal, but there are
two bills in committee S.402 and H.R. 1968, please use the POPVOX links on the right to tell your
elected officials to cosponsor these bills and ask that they be put to the floor for a full vote.

And you can also sign a petition that will be sent to Congress and President Obama by
following the link Petition to Create and Authorize a Cold War Service Medal

---- 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

Authorize and create a Cold War Service Medal

I have created another petition to authorize a Cold War Service Medal. Please use the link below to sign

this petition to recognize and honor our veterans

Cold War Veterans like myself have been denied recognition, respect, and remembrance for too long.

It is past time for our country to say Thank You with a simple

Cold War Service Medal. We should no longer be ignored.

That's why I created a petition to The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Barack Obama, which says:

"Millions of veterans served during the Cold War and never received recognition or any type of award.

Tell Congress to pass S.402, and H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011.

Tell President Obama to remember his pledge to honor Cold War Veterans, use an Executive Order to create this medal."

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/authorize-and-create?source=c.em.cp&r_by=4159666

Thanks!

---- 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

National Defense Authorization Act-NDAA and Mystery of The Cold War Medal

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

Ask The President

 I have posted a question on the White House You Tube Channel, asking the President to use
an Executive Order to create a Cold War Service Medal. If you follow the message below click on the White House You Tube channel link, on the right side type Cold War in the search box when the question comes up please click on like to vote in favor of the Medal.



What would you ask President Obama?
Tomorrow, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address at 9:00 p.m. ET. During that speech, he’ll lay out his vision for an America where hard work and responsibility are rewarded, where everyone does their fair share, and where everyone is held accountable for what they do.
There is a range of ways to get involved with this year’s State of the Union address.
Immediately following the President’s speech on Tuesday, be sure to stay tuned to WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU for a live panel featuring senior White House advisors answering your questions about the speech. Then, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, a group of policy experts and advisors to the President will sit down for Office Hours on Twitter -- discussing the issues that matter to you and your community.
Finally, on Monday, January 30, President Obama will join the conversation in a special Google+ Hangout, a live multi-person video chat, from the White House.
Participating in the Hangout is easy -- just visit the White House YouTube channel to submit your questions and vote for your favorites between now and January 28. A few participants will be chosen to join the President in the Google+ Hangout to ask their questions of the President live!
Check out WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU to learn more about watching the enhanced State of the Union online and all the ways you can ask questions this week:

WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU
Here’s the full lineup -- all times are ET.

Tuesday

• 9:00 p.m.: Watch the enhanced version of the speech that features graphics, data and stats that highlight the issues the President is discussing on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU. Use the Twitter hashtag #SOTU to discuss the speech live.
• 10:00 p.m.: Immediately following the speech, pose your questions to a live panel at the White House. Senior advisors will answer your questions about the President’s address submitted via Twitter (use #WHChat and #SOTU), Facebook, Google+, and an in-person audience of Tweetup participants.

Wednesday Office Hours Schedule

• All Day: Josh Earnest, Principal Deputy Press Secretary, answers your questions on Twitter (@jearnest44)
• 1:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council
• 3:00 p.m.: Office Hours with Dan Pfeiffer (@pfeiffer44), White House Communications Director

Thursday Office Hours Schedule

• 10:00 a.m. Veterans: Matt Flavin, White House Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy
• 11:00 a.m. LGBT: Miriam Vogel, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Gautam Raghavan, White House Associate Director for Public Engagement
• 12:00 p.m. Women: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity and Avra Siegel, White House Deputy Executive Director for the Council on Women and Girls
• 1:00 p.m. Seniors: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
• 2:00 p.m. Latinos: Felicia Escobar, White House Senior Policy Advisor, Julie Rodriguez, White House Associate Director of Public Engagement and Luis Miranda, White House Director of Hispanic Media
• 4:00 p.m. Small Business Owners: Christine Koronides, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, National Economic Council
• 5:00 p.m. African Americans: Danielle Gray, Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
• 6:00 p.m. Asian American Pacific Islanders: Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary
• TBD Youth: Administration official to be announced

Friday Office Hours Schedule

• 11:00 a.m. Foreign Policy: Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting
• 12:00 p.m. Education: Roberto Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President for Education Policy
• 1:00 p.m. Health: Jeanne Lambrew, Deputy Assistant to the President for Health Policy and Nick Papas, Assistant Press Secretary
• 2:00 p.m. Energy: Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change and Dan Utech, Deputy Director for Energy Policy
• 3:00 p.m. Consumer Protections: Brian Deese, Deputy Director National Economic Council
• 4:00 pm The Economy: Jason Furman, Principal Deputy Director National Economic Council
• 5:00 p.m. Job Opportunities: Portia Wu, Senior Policy Advisor for Mobility and Opportunity Policy
• 6:00 p.m. Urban Issues: Racquel Russell, Special Assistant to the President for Mobility and Opportunity

Monday January 30

• President Obama participates in a Google+ Hangout from the White House

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

American Cold War Veterans Visit White House Staff

On Friday Oct. 14 members of American Cold War Veterans leadership had a meeting in the Old Executive Office Building of the White House with members of the White House Staff:

Dorian Paige from the office of the President.
COL. Bobbi Doorenbos, Special Advisor for Defense Policy and Intelligence Programs at the office of the Vice President
Matt Flavin White House director of veteran's and wounded warriors policy/DOD
Kevin Secor Veterans Affairs Office
Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman American Cold War Veterans
Scott L'Ecuyer, Membership Director American Cold War Veterans
Dr. Robert Kamansky, CAPT. U.S. Army (Ret)

 This meeting was to discuss the Cold War Service Medal. The meeting went very well and everyone seemed to understand our position and goal: To authorize and issue a Cold War Service Medal
to those who served in the military during the Cold War.

When questioned about cost of the medal, we disagreed with the DOD estimate of $440 million. We quoted the Congressional Budget Office scoring of SEC. 581 of the Senate National Defense Authorization Act 2012 (which would authorize a Cold War Service Medal) cost of $13 million over the 2012-2016 period; with a first year cost of approximately $2 million.  When asked why such a huge difference and we told them we could not answer that, we were unsure how DOD came to that cost.

Another question was  what VSO's have adopted the medal and what the feeling was in general. We told them that ACWV, Army-Navy Union, and Military Order of Foreign Wars have adopted it; also that the VFW, American Legion, Amvets, Retired Officers and other VSO's have passed resolutions at their annual conventions supporting the Cold War Medal. Also that the state of Louisiana authorized the Cold War Victory Medal to be issued to the National Guard, and the state of
Alaska has authorized a Cold War Victory Medal for their National Guard.

Other points of discussion were would veterans be willing to pay a partial cost of the medal, which of course we  said yes most vets would probably purchase their own once it was approved.

There was also mention of the possibility of other existing medals, including the American Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, or extending dates of the National Defense Service Medal. The reply to this question was that these medals had all been discussed in our organization and some members might be agreeable, but that we would all prefer The Cold War Service Medal.

Once again the Cold War Appreciation Certificate was mentioned. We informed them
that  since it's inception in 1998 only about 3.4 million people have applied for the certificate,
that  the certificate makes no mention of military service; and that anyone who worked for the government during that period is eligible. Thus many veterans do not consider the certificate
as true recognition of their service to our country, and the sacrifices they made.

We also stated that we have been close in the past and that this year there are to two stand alone bills: S.402 The Cold War Service Act 2011, and a sister bill in the House H.R. 1968; and, there  is also
a provision in the Senate NDAA  2012 -SEC. 581 that would authorize a Cold War Service Medal.

We then asked that if these measures fail would the President consider an Executive
Order to create the Cold War Service/Victory Medal, mentioning the fact that at least
twice, then Senator Obama had said a Cold War Victory Medal would be an appropriate
honor and that he would sign the bill if it should cross his desk.

At the close of the meeting we were told that they would discuss what we had talked about and would let us know as soon as possible what, if any, conclusion is reached.

We came away from the meeting very impressed and with high hopes. Now it is the old "wait and see." This year, which is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War, appears to be our best chance ever, and we hope to hear something very soon.

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

A Reminder, Please Sign the Petition for Cold War Service 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

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

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

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

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

The War Nobody Wants To Remember..The Cold War

I posted an article on POPVOX if you use this link to the article you will be able to contact your
elected officials, direct to their desk. The War Nobody Wants to Remember..The Cold War

It is so way past time to remember, recognize and honor the Cold War 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