On at least two occasions during the campaign, then Senator Obama(and/or his staff), now President Obama, stated that he would sign legislation creating a Cold War Medal.
"We can never forget the heroic work that our military did during that dangerous
time in our history or let the memory of the real threats America faced from the
Soviet Union fade."
Other points made were:
Recognize the brave people who died in the intelligence community during the Cold War.
Support a day of remembrance for the intelligence community heroes of the Cold War.
Reverse the ban on Priority 8 enrollment, a policy that led the VA to turn away over a million veterans who needed care, and bring all veterans back into the VA.
Fully fund the VA medical care, improve the quality of VA care; fix the Veterans
Benefits Administration; honor veterans with the benefits and services they
have earned, and rebuild and repair our military.
In addittion President Obama has declared he will seek full accounting for all
POW/MIA from all conflicts, including the Cold War. He will declassify as much
information as possible as president.
President Obama also wants to improve Mental Health Care. Recruit more health care
professionals, improve screening, institute fairness by guaranteeing that if someone
is declared fit to serve will not be listed as "pre-existing" conditions.
Improve care for TBI, requite pre and post deployment screenings and improve case
management.
All in all some very lofty ambitions, which sound good on paper. How many of
these goals will be achieved, what will Congress do to help or hinder remains to
be seen.
President Obama is also looking down the barrel of a very widespread and deepening
economic crisis that has to be dealt with. The problems in the middle east that
do not seem to be improving, despite what we are being told.
I for one hope that he an achieve at least some of his goals. America wants change,
just how much will be changed is the big question.
So as the world watches, America waits and prays for his success, our veterans
also wait and watch. Will it happen, or is it just more "smoke blowing"? We hope
for the best, and expect the worst. We have danced this dance before, and came
away with a blank dance card.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A Call To Veterans
Did your military tour run between Sept. 1945 thru Dec. 1991? The period know as
the "Cold War", it was an undeclared war; a battle to help stop the spread of Communism.
The Soviet Union and the United States both built large military complexes, and
very large stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Each side trying to outdo the other.
The US had military spread around the world, ground forces just a few miles from
Communists forces. SAC bombers in the air 24/7, ships at sea, and under the ocean
surface. Missile silos manned and ready.
The Soviets followed suit with bombers, ships and submarines, ground troops and
their missile sites. They were never very far from where the US forces were.
The Soviet Union finally began to fall apart; their captive nations wanted independence, they were spending so much money on their military the economy began
to faltr.
The Berlin Wall built by the Soviet Union started construction on August 13, 1961 to contain the citizens of East Germany within their control, and prevent them from
gaining freedom in West Germany. On November 8, 1989 the check points were opened
and German citizens from both sides began to demolish the wall.
German unification was finally was finally concluded on Oct. 3, 1990 and with one
Germany the Soviet Union was suffering badly as internal problems continued.
Finally on Dec. 25, 1991 Gorbachev resigned and declared the Soviet Union extinct.
Bringing an end to the Cold War.
Now our Veterans Service Organization, The American Cold War Veterans, dedicated to
the history of the Cold War, and attempting to preserve and make the public aware
of what happened and why; are asking for your help.
We are attempting to convince Congress to authorize and direct the Department of
Defense to issue a Cold War Service Medal to those who served during this trying
and stressful era. We are also working towards the establishment and building of
a memorial dedicated to the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War. Another goal is
a National Day of Remembrance for the Cold War.
We need the help of everyone to accomplish this goal. We are asking that youj
contact your elected officals, ask them to introduce legislation, or become a
cosponser, that would establish a Cold War Service Medal.
Please visit our webite at www.americancoldwarveterans.org and you can also
see our message forum at http://americancoldwarvets.aimoo.com/
Many lives were lost during the Cold War, which included Korea, Vietnam, Congo,
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Panama. Our planes were shot from the sky by Communist forces, our ships were attacked, and two submarines sank with all hands on board.
It is to honor all those who gave their all, paid the ultimate sacrifice of their
lives to protect our freedom that we are asking for this medal. They deserve the
the recognition, and it is way past time for them to be remembered.
Forty six years of Cold War, and seventeen years since the end of the Cold War, twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall let this be the year it happens.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman/Treasurer
American Cold War Veterans
www.americancoldwarvets.org
"We Remember"Did
the "Cold War", it was an undeclared war; a battle to help stop the spread of Communism.
The Soviet Union and the United States both built large military complexes, and
very large stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Each side trying to outdo the other.
The US had military spread around the world, ground forces just a few miles from
Communists forces. SAC bombers in the air 24/7, ships at sea, and under the ocean
surface. Missile silos manned and ready.
The Soviets followed suit with bombers, ships and submarines, ground troops and
their missile sites. They were never very far from where the US forces were.
The Soviet Union finally began to fall apart; their captive nations wanted independence, they were spending so much money on their military the economy began
to faltr.
The Berlin Wall built by the Soviet Union started construction on August 13, 1961 to contain the citizens of East Germany within their control, and prevent them from
gaining freedom in West Germany. On November 8, 1989 the check points were opened
and German citizens from both sides began to demolish the wall.
German unification was finally was finally concluded on Oct. 3, 1990 and with one
Germany the Soviet Union was suffering badly as internal problems continued.
Finally on Dec. 25, 1991 Gorbachev resigned and declared the Soviet Union extinct.
Bringing an end to the Cold War.
Now our Veterans Service Organization, The American Cold War Veterans, dedicated to
the history of the Cold War, and attempting to preserve and make the public aware
of what happened and why; are asking for your help.
We are attempting to convince Congress to authorize and direct the Department of
Defense to issue a Cold War Service Medal to those who served during this trying
and stressful era. We are also working towards the establishment and building of
a memorial dedicated to the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War. Another goal is
a National Day of Remembrance for the Cold War.
We need the help of everyone to accomplish this goal. We are asking that youj
contact your elected officals, ask them to introduce legislation, or become a
cosponser, that would establish a Cold War Service Medal.
Please visit our webite at www.americancoldwarveterans.org and you can also
see our message forum at http://americancoldwarvets.aimoo.com/
Many lives were lost during the Cold War, which included Korea, Vietnam, Congo,
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Panama. Our planes were shot from the sky by Communist forces, our ships were attacked, and two submarines sank with all hands on board.
It is to honor all those who gave their all, paid the ultimate sacrifice of their
lives to protect our freedom that we are asking for this medal. They deserve the
the recognition, and it is way past time for them to be remembered.
Forty six years of Cold War, and seventeen years since the end of the Cold War, twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall let this be the year it happens.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Vice Chairman/Treasurer
American Cold War Veterans
www.americancoldwarvets.org
"We Remember"Did
Friday, January 23, 2009
Conelrad
For some old memories from the 1950's and 60's go to Conelrad: All Things Atomic
http://www.conelrad.com/index.php
Click on the links there for some civil defense, government plans and instruction.
In case you have forgetten what it was like, the fear of atom bombs.
Seems funny now, but then it was real, and scary
http://www.conelrad.com/index.php
Click on the links there for some civil defense, government plans and instruction.
In case you have forgetten what it was like, the fear of atom bombs.
Seems funny now, but then it was real, and scary
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Veterans, Veterans, Everywhere: When Will They Be Honored?
Military men and women used and welcomed, given honors while on active duty. Then suddenly when you are discharged and become a Veteran. Who cares? Who remembers? Now you are a second or third class citizen.
World War II vets were probably the last veterans to receive proper recognition. The GI Bill did work for them. Education, housing loans were abundant and all veterans were told what was available to them; how and where to apply.
Korean veterans were a little less lucky, not quite as rosy and welcome return home.
For Vietnam vets it was even worse, reviled; spit on left to fend for themselves.
Cold War veterans have to fight tooth and nail to get any of the "benefits" and "rights" they were promised. Even many of the veterans service organizations deny them membership.
The VFW and American Legion exclude most of these Cold Warriors, they did not serve in the right place or right time frame. Also most are not entilted to VA health care.
The National Defense Service Medal, which is I believe issued when you graduate boot camp; was time specific. Many vets were not elegible to receive it. The Sea Service and Overseas Service ribbons were not created until after many were discharged, and it was not made retoactive to cover their tours.
Today's Iraq and Afghanestan veterans are facing hard times, the lines at VA hospitals or clinics. The injuries suffered by these men and women are more debilating and horrific then ever before. The wonderful treatment they are given in the field is so much better and quicker than previous wars. So more are
surviving wounds that would have been fatal in the past.
If they are lucky enough to be approved for VA care, many have to travel many miles
to get the help, and then still wait for long periods to be seen. Sometimes the doctor they were supposed to see is out of the office. Or when they arrive at the clinic they are told that their classification has been changed and are can no longer receive the same care they got last week.
Many turn to "self medicating" to get through life. They are no longer able to function in the real world.
It is a hard tranition to go from battle fields and constant stress to return to civilian life.
More are becoming homeless as they are unable to pay the mortage. The suicide rate
is growing for veterans as they become hopeless and helpless.
We know that the economy is going down the tubes, jobs are vanishing as companies
downsize. Large and once profitable companys are going under and loosing money.
Health care, food and basics are all suffering and prices continue to rise.
So while Congress is handing out money to the financial institutions and the auto industry what is going to happen to the country's veterans. Yup you guessed it, even more cuts in health care, stricter elegibilty requirements, longer waits to see a doctor.
We have some hope that the new administration will do some house cleaning, get the VA
back on track. Restore some veterans rights and benefits.
But, we have to instigate change, contact your elected officials tell them that VA mustvbe fully funded, and properly staffed to handle the ever growing group of veterans needing care.
And once again press the POW/MIA issue, demand a full accounting and repatration of all our missing. They are not forgotten, lets bring them home now to bring closure to their families; some of whom have been waiting for over 60 years.
At this time I will not even go into the Cold War Victory/Service Medal, as much as I desire to see this medal issued this year. Just a small honor for those who gave their all. Thevforgotten heroes of the Cold War
Jerald Terwilliger, Vice Chairman/Treasurer
American Cold War Veterans
www.americancoldwarvets.org
"We Remember"
World War II vets were probably the last veterans to receive proper recognition. The GI Bill did work for them. Education, housing loans were abundant and all veterans were told what was available to them; how and where to apply.
Korean veterans were a little less lucky, not quite as rosy and welcome return home.
For Vietnam vets it was even worse, reviled; spit on left to fend for themselves.
Cold War veterans have to fight tooth and nail to get any of the "benefits" and "rights" they were promised. Even many of the veterans service organizations deny them membership.
The VFW and American Legion exclude most of these Cold Warriors, they did not serve in the right place or right time frame. Also most are not entilted to VA health care.
The National Defense Service Medal, which is I believe issued when you graduate boot camp; was time specific. Many vets were not elegible to receive it. The Sea Service and Overseas Service ribbons were not created until after many were discharged, and it was not made retoactive to cover their tours.
Today's Iraq and Afghanestan veterans are facing hard times, the lines at VA hospitals or clinics. The injuries suffered by these men and women are more debilating and horrific then ever before. The wonderful treatment they are given in the field is so much better and quicker than previous wars. So more are
surviving wounds that would have been fatal in the past.
If they are lucky enough to be approved for VA care, many have to travel many miles
to get the help, and then still wait for long periods to be seen. Sometimes the doctor they were supposed to see is out of the office. Or when they arrive at the clinic they are told that their classification has been changed and are can no longer receive the same care they got last week.
Many turn to "self medicating" to get through life. They are no longer able to function in the real world.
It is a hard tranition to go from battle fields and constant stress to return to civilian life.
More are becoming homeless as they are unable to pay the mortage. The suicide rate
is growing for veterans as they become hopeless and helpless.
We know that the economy is going down the tubes, jobs are vanishing as companies
downsize. Large and once profitable companys are going under and loosing money.
Health care, food and basics are all suffering and prices continue to rise.
So while Congress is handing out money to the financial institutions and the auto industry what is going to happen to the country's veterans. Yup you guessed it, even more cuts in health care, stricter elegibilty requirements, longer waits to see a doctor.
We have some hope that the new administration will do some house cleaning, get the VA
back on track. Restore some veterans rights and benefits.
But, we have to instigate change, contact your elected officials tell them that VA mustvbe fully funded, and properly staffed to handle the ever growing group of veterans needing care.
And once again press the POW/MIA issue, demand a full accounting and repatration of all our missing. They are not forgotten, lets bring them home now to bring closure to their families; some of whom have been waiting for over 60 years.
At this time I will not even go into the Cold War Victory/Service Medal, as much as I desire to see this medal issued this year. Just a small honor for those who gave their all. Thevforgotten heroes of the Cold War
Jerald Terwilliger, Vice Chairman/Treasurer
American Cold War Veterans
www.americancoldwarvets.org
"We Remember"
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Winter, will the veterans be left out in the cold?
This has so far been a rough and tough winter; record breaking cold, snow, ice, and here in Maine it still has a long way to go.
Will our veterans, especially the Cold War Veterans be left out in the cold again? During the
primaries and general election the Cold War seemed to be mentioned almost daily. Both party's
brought it up in many campaign stops.
Now the new Congress is in session and soon President Obama will be inaugurated, will the memory carry over into action? Can congress be convinced that this is the year to finally remember and recognize our veterans for what they accomplished? We wait and hope, and
continue to contact our elected officials asking the question.
We ask that you all contact your officials in Washington and ask them "Will you introduce and/or support legislation to authorize and DIRECT DOD to issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
Do not be fooled by DOD when they bring out the cost issue, their figures are overblown and
not reasonable. And, the other ploy they will try to use is "duplication of awards". That is also a fallacy, millions of our military served their tour of duty and did not receive any awards.
If you can contact your legislators at their state offices, find out the name of the staff member responsible for military/veterans/home security that would be much better. If we can convince
staff members of the importance of this medal, they would be more likely to press the senator or
representative to become more active; and be more favorable to our quest.
President Obama stated he is in favor of a Cold War Medal, remind him of this and ask if
he would use an executive order to bring about this medal.
We cannot do it alone, we need the help of you the public. You are the ones we were protecting
from Communism. We were there 24/7.
Do you remember fallout shelters, air raid drills? Our drills were different we were prepared
to do what what necessary to save freedom. From land, air, sea, under the sea armed with
nuclear weapons; praying we never had to use them, but always ready
Join us in our quest, demand that a Cold War Victory/Service Medal be issued this year. Also
bring all veterans back into the VA, change the section eight rules to allow these veterans to
get the treatment we were all promissed.
Let us not forget the homeless vets, the numbers of homeless is in the tens of thousands, and
growing. They need help also. Medical, mental, drug problems run very high among veterans
and they should be given the help they need to become self-sustaining citizens. Give them a
helping hand, not a handout.
And we must also remember the POW/MIS's, bring them home now. Demand that action be
taken to ensure all are accounted for. "Leave no man behind" just does not seen to be an
issue congress wants to take care of. There are still too many missing, and something must
be done to correc this issue.
Will our veterans, especially the Cold War Veterans be left out in the cold again? During the
primaries and general election the Cold War seemed to be mentioned almost daily. Both party's
brought it up in many campaign stops.
Now the new Congress is in session and soon President Obama will be inaugurated, will the memory carry over into action? Can congress be convinced that this is the year to finally remember and recognize our veterans for what they accomplished? We wait and hope, and
continue to contact our elected officials asking the question.
We ask that you all contact your officials in Washington and ask them "Will you introduce and/or support legislation to authorize and DIRECT DOD to issue a Cold War Victory/Service Medal.
Do not be fooled by DOD when they bring out the cost issue, their figures are overblown and
not reasonable. And, the other ploy they will try to use is "duplication of awards". That is also a fallacy, millions of our military served their tour of duty and did not receive any awards.
If you can contact your legislators at their state offices, find out the name of the staff member responsible for military/veterans/home security that would be much better. If we can convince
staff members of the importance of this medal, they would be more likely to press the senator or
representative to become more active; and be more favorable to our quest.
President Obama stated he is in favor of a Cold War Medal, remind him of this and ask if
he would use an executive order to bring about this medal.
We cannot do it alone, we need the help of you the public. You are the ones we were protecting
from Communism. We were there 24/7.
Do you remember fallout shelters, air raid drills? Our drills were different we were prepared
to do what what necessary to save freedom. From land, air, sea, under the sea armed with
nuclear weapons; praying we never had to use them, but always ready
Join us in our quest, demand that a Cold War Victory/Service Medal be issued this year. Also
bring all veterans back into the VA, change the section eight rules to allow these veterans to
get the treatment we were all promissed.
Let us not forget the homeless vets, the numbers of homeless is in the tens of thousands, and
growing. They need help also. Medical, mental, drug problems run very high among veterans
and they should be given the help they need to become self-sustaining citizens. Give them a
helping hand, not a handout.
And we must also remember the POW/MIS's, bring them home now. Demand that action be
taken to ensure all are accounted for. "Leave no man behind" just does not seen to be an
issue congress wants to take care of. There are still too many missing, and something must
be done to correc this issue.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Today In History
1955: USS Nautilus begins first nuclear powered test voyage.
1961: President Eisenhower warns of "military-industrial complex" saying, "the United States was compelled to create a permanet armaments industry, and a huge military". He also said "the
Cold War made clear the imperative need for this development."
1966: Nuclear armed B-52 and refueling plane collided near Palomares, Spain; 7 dead
1977: US Navy LCM-6 (landing craft) capsized after collision in Barcelona harbor killing 48.
The following were reported "missing in action"
1966: Douglas K Ramsey-released 02/12/73 by PRG
1967: William K. Cogdell- remains ID'd 5/24/94
Alva R. Krogman aircraft shot down over Laos
Frederick J. Wozniak aircraft disappeared, no trace of crew
Gary G. Wright " " " " " "
1968: Robert F. Wilke aircraft crash
1969: Edward J. Fickler aircraft disappeared near Laos/North Vietnam border
Robert J. Kuhlman, Jr. aircraft disappeared
Victor A. Smith aircraft disappeared over Laos
1971: Robert H. Mirrer aircraft shot down and crashed
1961: President Eisenhower warns of "military-industrial complex" saying, "the United States was compelled to create a permanet armaments industry, and a huge military". He also said "the
Cold War made clear the imperative need for this development."
1966: Nuclear armed B-52 and refueling plane collided near Palomares, Spain; 7 dead
1977: US Navy LCM-6 (landing craft) capsized after collision in Barcelona harbor killing 48.
The following were reported "missing in action"
1966: Douglas K Ramsey-released 02/12/73 by PRG
1967: William K. Cogdell- remains ID'd 5/24/94
Alva R. Krogman aircraft shot down over Laos
Frederick J. Wozniak aircraft disappeared, no trace of crew
Gary G. Wright " " " " " "
1968: Robert F. Wilke aircraft crash
1969: Edward J. Fickler aircraft disappeared near Laos/North Vietnam border
Robert J. Kuhlman, Jr. aircraft disappeared
Victor A. Smith aircraft disappeared over Laos
1971: Robert H. Mirrer aircraft shot down and crashed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)