Russia To Reopen Intelligence Gathering Facility in Cuba

It appears that Russia will reopen the intelligence gathering facility in Cuba. According to reports
President Putin and the Castro brothers have signed an agreement that will allow Russia to reopen the
Lourdes Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) near Havana.

It was once the largest such facility that the Soviet Union operated outside of Russia, and was
operated by more than 1,500 KGB, GRU and Cuban DGI operatives.

It was able to monitor and intercept a vast amount of commercial and government communications,
covering the southeast U.S. as well as communications between the U.S. and Europe.

Russia was able to monitor and copy commercial satellites communications as well as United
States military, merchant shipping and also NASA space programs.

It should be made clear that now the U.S. Central Command, Souther Command and Special
Forces Command are all located in Florida.

Russia closed the facility in 2001, but in recent years has been negotiating with Cuba to reopen
the facility and it now seems that the deal has been finalized.

Russian President Putin had said that the "goodwill gesture" was not appreciated by the
United States, so Russia now plans to reopen and modernize the facility.

With new and modern equipment it will take far fewer personnel to operate and will be
able to cover a wider area and receive much more information.

So, now Russia will be in the spy game very close to the U.S., and with Russia planning
to become more active in Central and South America, one has to question the reasoning
behind all this.

Putin has said he does not want to start another Cold War, but as Russia continues to
grow their military and introduce new weapons and equipment, the rest of the world
would do well to watch very closely how things progress.

---- 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

US Military-US Navy vs Russian Navy(Rapidly Expanding)

Russia is on a huge shipbuilding splurge and acting quickly in doing so.

The Russian fleet is more than 300 ships at the present time. You can see a list of the Russian Navy
on the website http://rusnavy.com/nowadays/strength/  yes some of the ships are rather old, but they
have been updated and modernized.

Now the part that should be of interest to every American, and should open some eyes in Congress and
at the Department of Defense:

Russia will add Fifty (50) warships by 2016 which will include 18 surface warships of various ranks
and designation. Also 30 special-purpose and counter-subversion vessels. It also has plans put into operation 6 multi-purpose and strategic submarines.

The statement from the Defense Ministry said "The implementation of the ship building program envisages serial construction along with the introduction of new technical and modernization solutions into each subsequently built warship."

It was also announced that the Russian Navy will receive eighty (80) support vessels which will include tugboats, patrol boats, diving boats, modular search and rescue platforms and floating cranes.

Last year Russia announced  plans to build  over 100 auxiliary ships by 2020, these ships will use
full integration of logistics, technical, and maintenance capabilities. Each ship will be able to perform a wide variety of missions including firefighting and resupply of fuel food, fresh water and munitions.

The U.S. Navy plans-made in early 2012-call for 41 ships in the FY2013-FY2017. That is 16 fewer than planned last year. with an average of 8.2 ships per year. This was with a goal of 310-316 warships.

Of course, with the budget constraints and possible cuts in defense spending; and as our ships
age and are retired we could see a fleet of 290 ships in the near future.

Our nation can not allow our military to fall behind this far this quickly. The Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are already facing cuts in personnel; some of the cuts will be quite drastic.

Can we dare to become a second class military? Should we allow other countries to grow stronger and risk the possibility of not being able to defend ourselves?

Yes other countries are facing the same problems with finances being cut and defense spending also slowed or drastically reduced.

But we must always remain strong and ready to face any challenge no matter where or when it originates. America can not and must not take the chance.


---- 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

Doomsday Clock Moved to 5 Minutes to Midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) announced today that the hands of the Doomsday Clock were moved forward one minute to now read at 5 minutes to Midnight.

In a formal announcement Tuesday noted "It is five minutes to midnight. Two years ago it appeared that world leaders might address the truly global threats that we face. In many cases that trend has not continued or been reversed. For that reason the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists is moving the clock hand one closer to midnight back to its time in 2007."

The change was made due to the clear and present danger of nuclear proliferation and climate changes.

 With Iran coming closer to producing nuclear weapons, North Korea becoming even more of an unknown, China building its military stronger, and Russia beginning to flex their muscle again; one
has to wonder when, not if, it will happen.

The United States and Russia did sign an agreement to reduce the stockpiles of nuclear weapons,
but there are rumblings that Russia might back out of the deal. With the distinct and inevitable possibility of the return of Putin as president of Russia, it seems quite likely that there will be a "reset" to the "reset", and not for the better.

Plus there are still many who say that climate change is not a cause for concern and that the world is merely progressing through natural cyclic changes. Of course anyone with even a small understanding of the true and relentless and ever spreading changes around us daily must know the truth. Something has to be done to reverse the warming on the planet.

The ticking of the clock becomes louder and all of the world leaders should take notice.

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

Will Russia Aim Its Missiles At US Missile Defense?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Our Defense Budget Cut As Russia Continues Buildup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Russian Missiles in South Ossetia

It has been reported that Russia has placed Tochka ballistic missiles South Ossetia, which broke
away from Georgia in 2008.

These missiles are also called SS-21 Scarab, and have a range of about 75 miles. They are capable
of stopping any aggression from Georgia according to reports from Russia.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry stated "The deployment poses a direct and overt threat to the
peaceful population and territory of Georgia. By taking such actions Russia follows through
with its aggressive policy directed towards the destruction of the Georgian statehood and
elimination of the peaceful population of Georgia, as well as towards causing large-scale
instability in the Caucasus and through out the Black Sea Region"

The statement went on to say "It needs to be emphasized that it was with the use of
(Tochka) systems that the Russia Federation completely destroyed the city of Balmut
(Republic of Chechnya) and eliminated its peaceful population. The ballistic missiles
of this system can be equipped with cluster (consisting of 50 bomb-lets) and nuclear
warheads."

So it seems that Russia is determined to maintain its pressure on Georgia, and to further
build its forces in the region. The quiet may not last much longer. We can only hope
that both sides can reach a peaceful conclusion.

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

Nato Sees Russia As Missile Defense Patner

Is this not a little like inviting the fox into the hen house?

By Donna Miles 
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2011 - Expressing confidence that the Russian parliament will ratify the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he's looking forward to moving ahead during the first half of 2011 on missile defense cooperation with Russia.

Rasmussen, speaking on his video blog posted yesterday, hailed the landmark decision between NATO and Russia at the alliance's November summit in Lisbon, Portugal, and emphasized NATO's "strong commitment to enhance and deepen our cooperation and to keep the spirit of Lisbon alive."

NATO and Russia agreed at the summit to begin working together toward developing a continentwide missile defense system.

"For the first time, NATO nations and Russia will be cooperating to defend themselves," Rasmussen said of the new missile defense cooperation. "Our citizens in Europe will share enhanced security, and that is unprecedented."
Cooperation on missile defense is an important stepping stone toward development of the overall security relationship with Russia, he said. "It could be a vehicle for even further practical cooperation and confidence-building in the years to come," he said.

"This is simple logic," he added. "Increasingly, we share many threats to our common security." As examples, he cited terrorism, the growing narcotics trade, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and piracy.
The missile defense system will protect people in NATO-member nations and Russia against the growing missile threat, Rasmussen said. He recognized that more than 30 nations have or are seeking a missile capability. "This is a development we cannot ignore," he said.

As NATO and Russia evaluate the best ways to cooperate in missile defense, Rasmussen said, NATO envisions "two independent but coordinated systems, working back to back."

This will offer several benefits, he explained. It will promote information exchange, provide a wider picture of the skies over Europe and with it, improved protection of Russian as well as allied territories.
Rasmussen said NATO will offer Russia transparency about its system that provides assurance that it isn't –- and can't be -– directed at Russia.

Also, by maintaining two independent systems, he said, both NATO and Russia can avoid "outsourcing our security to one another."

"NATO security is based on collective defense," he said. "And I assume that Russia, as a strong and independent nation, also wants to be fully in control of its defense systems."

Rasmussen said he looks forward to "constructive discussions with Russia in the months ahead" that will build on commitments made at Lisbon.

Meanwhile, the Russia parliament is considering ratification of the New START Treaty. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the treaty in Prague in April, and the U.S. Senate ratified it last month.


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

Russia Air Force to receive Ka-52 Helicopters

Russia's Defense Ministry plans to start procuring Ka-52 Alligator helicopters for the national Air Force in 2011, ministry's official spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Sunday.

The Ka-52 is a modification of the basic Ka-50 Hokum model, it is armed with 30-mm cannon, Vikhr (Whirlwind) laser guided missiles, rockets, including S-24s, as well as bombs. The helicopter is also equipped with two radars, one for ground and one for aerial targets and a Samshite nighttime-daytime thermal sighting system.

The development of the Ka-52 started in 1994 in Russia, but its serial production began only in 2008.
Earlier in the day Drik said that the Russian Air Force would receive up to 100 Sukhoi fighter jets by 2015 as well as twenty-five new Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers in the next few years.

Deputy Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Igor Sadofyev pledged in late 2010 that the Russian Air Force will procure over 1,500 new aircraft and significantly increase the number of high-precision weapons in its arsenal by 2020.
MOSCOW, January 2 (RIA Novosti)

Russia is continuously building and upgrading it's entire military. Can we continue to cut our
defense budget? Are we in danger of falling behind these other countries?

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

Russia to build Missile Shield by 2020

An article in the Washington Times states that Russian armed forces plan to have an
"impenetrable" system in place by 2020.

Russian General Staff chief Gen. Nikolai Makarov said "The state will have an umbrella over
which it will defend itself against medium-range missiles, air-based cruise missiles, sea-based
cruise missiles, and ground-based cruise missiles, including missiles flying at extremely
low altitudes, at any time and in any situation."

The general added "Of course this is a long process that requires significant financial investment."
It is believed that fundamental portions of this system could be in place by this year.

Yet we continue to look the other way, as Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan all build their military
systems larger and stronger. In fact there is talk of reducing the Pentagon budget even further.
Should we just sit back and allow these countries to match the U.S. military, or to grow
even larger?

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

Russia Sub Chasing Planes interuprt US/Japan War Games

The United States and Japan were all set for a day of joint naval practice yesterday when two very uninvited and disruptive guests showed up: Russian sub-hunting planes.
The U.S. and Japanese navies were in the Sea of Japan for their biennial Keen Sword exercises in the largest U.S.-Japan defense drill to date when two Il-38 Anti-Submarine Warfare planes  buzzed the assembled warships, forcing the U.S. to scramble F-15s to intercept them. The exercise was briefly postponed in order to prevent the Russian sub-hunters from snooping on the naval operations.
Russia defended its actions, saying the planes were operating legally in international waters. It’s nonetheless annoying for the U.S. and Japan — and that may be the point.
The U.S. has been beefing up military ties with East Asian partners in the wake of increasing North Korean aggression, sending the U.S.S. George Washington to drill with South Korea and inviting South Korean officers on hand to observe Keen Sword. So its fairly clear that the exercise isn’t aimed at intimidating Russia,though it dates to the cold war.
But the Russians might not exactly see it that way. Over the last month, Russian and Japanese politicians have made dueling visits to islands claimed by both countries. Russia’s interruption of the exercise was likely intended as a reminder that it still feels a bit strongly about its claims to the disputed islands.
Trolling rivals with military aircraft has been a favorite tactic for Russia to remind folks its still a force to be reckoned with, despite its economic troubles during the 1990s. In recent years, it has buzzed U.S. aircraft carriers and the borders of its NATO rivals with bombers and fighter jets. Russia even went for a retro Cuban missile crisis effect by threatening to send Tu-160 supersonic bombers to Cuba if the United States didn’t drop its plans for a missile shield in Eastern Europe.
But it seems like everybody wants to show their muscles in seas of East Asia these days, from China, to the U.S. to North Korea and now Russia and Japan. With all the activity, the waters in the region look they’re in danger of getting pretty warm soon.

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

Russian Veterans Unhappy with Defense Minister

Russian veterans and active duty service members staged a rally and voiced displeasure with and demand the ouster of the defense minister, who is a civilian and is in the midst of reforming the Russian military.

The Airborne Forces planned the rally which was attended by other branches of the military and monarchists, nationalists and hardline Orthodox Christians.


The speakers accused Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov of betraying Russian interests and acting
in the interests of Zionism.

The reforms under Serdyukov are aimed to change Russia's bloated and inefficient military into a new
and modern force, and have resulted in dismissing 6 out of every ten officers and disbanded 9 out of
every 10 army units.

These moves are being made in spite of the buildup of the Russian Navy, missile systems and it would appear the Air Force is also safe.

So does this mean that Russia does not plan any typical ground forces in conventional type warfare?
Another buildup to begin another 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

Russia to purchase French Helicopter carriers

On Sunday Russia's defense ministry announced plans to purchase two French Amphibious Assault Ships. The Mistral class ship is most similar to our LHD USS Iwo Jima a Wasp class amphibious assault ship.

The plan is to buy two Mistral class helicopter carriers plus the complete technology to enable
Russia to build their own ships. Delivery of the first ship is thought to be in 2013.

The Mistral is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, 4 landing barges up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks and 450 personnel.

Russia plans to use their own helicopters which will require some modification to the flight deck and
elevators, making the ship a little larger.

Reports say that at present no shipyard in Russia is capable of producing the Misstral class ship, and
massive upgrades and improvements must be made before production can begin.

Also since Russia has no ship of this type in their navy all officers and crew members will require extensive training before the ship would be ready for sea.

This is one more step in the Russian plan to rebuild their military, making their navy bigger and stronger. Could it be a return to the Cold War type and size military making Russia once again a superpower to be reckoned with?

With China and Russia making their military forces stronger and larger the U.S. must continue with
our ship building program.

Talks of cutting the defense budget in the face of other countries ever growing buildup must be looked at very closely. We can not allow our country to fall behind.

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

Russian Military had busy week

The Russian military has been very busy in the last few days as they continue to rebuild and renew.
Not a good sign at this time.

On Thursday Russia test fired a Topal RS-12M (SS-25 Sickle) a single warhead intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a yield of 550 kilotons and a range of 6,125 miles. While this is one of their older missiles, first put into service in 1985, its service life has been extended several times.

This will be replaced by the Topal-M (SS-27 Stalin) which is a single warhead 550 Kiloton, the design is compatible with MIRV carrying 4 to 6 warheads along with decoys. It reportedly has a range of 1,242 to 6,525 miles. It is also claimed to be Russia's most accurate with a CEP of 657 feet.

Russia claims the missile will be invulnerable to any current of future US missile defense systems.  It can make evasive measures and is shielded against radiation,  EMP, nuclear explosions at distances of
over 1641 feet, and with take a hit from any laser. It can be launched from a shielded silo or from a mobile launcher.

Russia also launched two SLBM's from submerged submarines. One submarine fired a Sineva missile, the other fired a SS-N-18 Stingray missile. These missiles were fired at the same time and hit their designated targets.

Friday Russia had a successful launch of the much troubled Bulava (Mace) RSM-56 SBLM. This missile can carry up to ten independently targeted supersonic warheads which Russia claims cannot be
intercepted by any known means. The multiple warheads reached their targets 4,970 miles away in approximately 20 minutes.

Friday also saw the launch of the first of a new class of frigates. The project 22350 ship Admiral Gorshkov is a 4,500 ton frigate with a speed of 29 knots and a range of 4,000 nm at 14 knots.

It will carry a crew of 210 and large assortment of armament. It will have a 130 mm gun, a Kashtan Close In Weapons System, 8 Oniks (SS-N-26) anti-ship missiles, the Shtil (SA-N-12) medium range anti-aircraft missile complex, four 533 mm torpedo tubes. RPK-9 Medvedka-VE (SS-N-29) anti-submarine rockets and 24 Uragan SAM missiles. It will also carry a Ka-27 or Ka-32 helicopter.

Defense Ministry sources say the Russian Navy will receive 10 of these vessels in the next decade, and needs between 20 and 30 of these frigates as the main ocean-going surface ship.

This is all done just before the start of new talks scheduled to take place between the US and Russia.
It seems that Russia is purposely trying to prove they can be stronger and more dangerous.

Can it be that Russia plans to hold the upper hand and dictate to the US? Is the "reset" going to happen? One has to wonder.

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

Russian subs on the prowl

According to reports from Great Britain Russian subs have been attempting to follow British Trident
carrying subs. Britain's navy reports that Russian subs have increased activity to levels during the
Cold War.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7969017/Russian-subs-stalk-Trident-in-echo-of-Cold-War.html

It is almost certain that the Russian subs are also following US and other NATO members subs and surface ships.

Russia is on a ship and sub building and missile testing course that makes one wonder how far and for
how long will this continue.

As we all know Russia has also returned to long range bomber flights across the frozen north and into
the Pacific flying near US Navy ships. And with the Russian fleet visiting South America and off the coast of the US, questions arise. Will Putin continue on this course? Will he run for president again?

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American 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

Russian Bear is in the air

On Wednesday two Russian Tu-95 aircraft flew within several hundred miles of Goose Bay, Newfoundland.

Canadian Air Force jets were scrambled to meet the Russian planes and escort them away from
North American airspace. And this is not the first time, it has happened at least 50 times in the
last couple of years.

Russian planes have also buzzed U.S. Navy ships causing the aircraft carriers to launch fighters
to intercept the Russians.

Nuclear capable planes have also been approaching and entering airspace over European
countries, causing those countries to scramble their own planes to divert the Russians.

This comes about as Russian also continues to build its Navy, dismiss several of its older leaders
and hold exercises in remote areas.

The Russians have also made stops in Central and South American ports, showing the U.S. that
once again the Russian fleet goes where it wants.

One can only watch and wonder, where will it end? How far will they push before someone pushes back? Will the U.S. let this continue as we "reset"?

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

Putin Growing Stronger?

As I had posted some time ago, Prime Minister Putin is just waiting for the chance to run his
country as President once again.

He continues to flex his muscles, and show the Russian people he really is still in charge even
after more than a year and half out of office.

Putin recently toured the areas of the big forest fires. He was seen recently in a town destroyed
by the fires. He promised that all the houses will be rebuilt and that each family will receive more
than $6,000 in compensation.

Experts on Russia claim that Putin is using the problems and hardships to position himself to
become the next leader. One of them, Lila Shevtsova says "He needs to unequivocally indicate to the country that he is in control, and not Medvedev, whom Putin never counted for much anyway."

Putin has for some time been overshadowing President Medvedev, who more or less has always
been seen as just a puppet following Putin's orders.

The world had better take notice of just what is going on behind the scenes, and be very wary.
Putin has also been the driving force to increase and upgrade Russian military.

Can we believe that when he becomes president again that all will be warm and fuzzy and cozy?
I am quite view it quite sceptically.

What about the Russian ties to North Korea? How will he think about China?

This bears very close watching and monitoring.

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

Prime Minister Putin and deported spies

Vladimir Putin met with the deported Russian spies and sang old KGB songs with them. They
sang "What Motherland Begins With" and other songs of that type. The song was from a 1968
television show about Russian spies in Germany. It was also know as the unofficial song of
the KGB.

He praised them for taking risks without possible diplomatic immunity. "They had to learn a
new language, speak it and think it".

Putin promised that Russia would take care of them "They will work, and I am sure they will have decent jobs," he said. "And I am sure they will have an interesting and bright life."

The spies were not charged in the U.S., and it is not sure if any information of value was passed
to Russia. Some Russians claim the venture was a failure, and proved that Russian agents
are ineffectual and not worth the time and money expended.

Putin also attended a motorcycle convention of about 5,000 bikers from Europe and beyond.
He was seen riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle with the Russian flag flying behind him.

And it appears that the fact that the spies who were caught in the U.S. has not had any effect
on President Obama's attempt to improve relations with Russia.

There was actually very little said about and/or reported by the mainstream media about the fact
that these spies had been in the country for over ten years. Can it be that we do not care?
Have we as a nation grown that blase and used to the fact that spies still exist? Certainly if
there were 10, there are more that have not yet been discovered. It reminds me of the old
Mad Comics Spy vs Spy.


So will this have any bearing on the proposed Cold War Service Medal that is in Congress?
Will this mean that once again the Cold War Veterans will be dismissed and ignored?

We hope not. Please contact your elected officials tell them that a Cold War Service Medal is
justified, and it is past time to honor our veterans. Let us finally remember them and their
sacrifices.

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

Where is the outrage? 10 arrested-spies for Russia

I have checked many website, military and otherwise and see very little outrage concerning
the 10 people arrested for spying for Russia.

Have we as a country become so blase and used to strange things happening? Are we as a country
that afraid of saying something to upset Russia? How can we just sit back and say and do nothing?

President Obama was upset with the timing of the arrests so closely after he met with Medvedev.
Does this mean another apology from the US?

Is it possible this is the reason it is so hard to get a Cold War Medal?

It is time to stand up and be heard. Why did it take so long to arrest these people? Over ten years
the FBI watched them. Too much is too much.

Veterans, plain people, members of Congress, present military, members of all religious faiths
should voice their complaints loud and clear and do not stop.

Make our country safe once again.

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

Stalin statute removed in hometown

Georgia removes historic Stalin statue

AFP

Georgia secretly removed a historic bronze statue of Joseph Stalin from the main square in his hometown of Gori overnight on Friday in a repudiation of the ex-Soviet republic's most infamous son.

Officials said the six-metre statue would be moved to a local museum and replaced in the city's central square, which was bombed during Georgia's 2008 war with Russia, with a monument to victims of the conflict.

"We have taken the decision to remove the monument of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin from the central square of Gori and to build in its place a memorial to victims of the Soviet dictatorship and to those killed in the 2008 war," Culture Minister Nika Rurua told journalists.

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"Stalin was a man who killed millions of innocent people, who killed the best representatives of not only Georgian society, but the best people in many countries," he said.

"I believe this decision was overdue."

The towering statue had stood in the central square of Gori since 1952 and generated controversy in recent years as the pro-Western government of President Mikheil Saakashvili repeatedly hinted it would be removed.

Many local residents, however, remain fiercely proud of Stalin and have opposed plans to remove the monument.

Local media reported that police sealed off the area around the statue during the removal and barred journalists from filming the process.

The huge statue of Stalin, in an overcoat staring out over the Caucasus Mountains beyond, was one of the few monuments to the dictator still standing anywhere in the world.

Born as Joseph Dzhugashvili to a serf woman in Gori in 1878, Stalin ruled the Soviet Union with an iron fist from the late 1920s to his death in 1953.

Stalin is a deeply controversial figure in the former Soviet Union, accused of causing the deaths of millions of Soviet citizens in his brutal Gulag prison camps and through the forced collectivisation of agriculture.

Stalin's supporters, however, praise his role in the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Gori, 80 kilometres west of the capital Tbilisi, has long revered Stalin and also hosts a museum that until now has presented a largely uncritical portrayal of the leader.

Rurua said that as well as moving the statue, the museum's concept would be changed to take a more objective view of Stalin.

"The concept of the museum will soon be changed as well. It will not serve anymore to Stalin's glorification," he said.

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In spite of this fact, the National D-Day Memorial still has a statute of Stalin standing tall.
Why honor the murder of millions of people? Take down the statute

Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American 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

Russian Victory Day Parade

Russia celebrated Victory Day May 9. Western allies did march, including some 70 Americans. Is this right or wrong? Our leaders thought it was the thing to do as
a show of friendship and unity.

I know many of us Cold War Warriors feel this was wrong. We fought the long,hard
Cold War and WE WON. The Soviet Union collapsed and was no longer a threat.

Should we consider the new Russia as a friend? The way of the world would seem to dictate that we forgive and forget. The past is over and a new age begins.

There was dissent in Russia, the Communist party is still a large factor and they
did not like the see the West marching in Red Square.

But still there is no Cold War Medal. Tell your senators and representatives to cosponsor S.2743 and H.R. 4051 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009. More important
ask them to ensure that a provision for the Cold War Medal is included in the National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA} 2011.

A couple of articles on the great parade.





For some interesting video taken from ground vehicles and planes


Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"