In January Los Angeles county conducted a survey of homeless people and said there was
a 3 percent decline. The figure was 51,430 which included 23,359 in the city of Los Angeles.
While that is good news, the bad news is that homelessness among veterans who comprise 18 percent
of all homeless, up from 15 percent in 2009. More veterans over 62 and a rising rate for those
18 to 24 years old returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. And the homeless rate for female
veterans rose 51 percent from 601 in 2009 to 909 in 2011.
Service providers for the homeless said these figures may not be accurate. Andy Bales, president
of downtown's Union Rescue Mission said "This is a best guesstimate based on a partial count
and a very specific definition of homelessness."
According to guidelines set by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department homeless
people are defined as those living in emergency shelters and transitional housing. It also includes
those living in places not fit for human habitation, such as sidewalks, cars and abandoned
buildings. This does not count those who are living with family or friends.
So the veteran continues be among the downtrodden and misplaced and forgotten.
This injustice has to end, our country must do the right thing and do it now. Our veterans are
a very important part of our nation and our culture.
Please contact your elected officials, tell them our veterans deserve the best from our country,
we owe them our freedom, and we owe them our thanks, and we owe them the care and help
they so richly deserve.
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
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
New Hampshire Lawmaker Wants To Protect War Memorials
The New Hampshire legislature, at least the House, wants to protect War Memorial; Al Baldasaro,
Republican from Londenberry chaired a committee that debated the measure on Tuesday.
The bill would have required War Memorials in Franconia Notch on the eastern shore of Profile Lake to not be disturbed, and maintained for visiting and viewing by the public. Some Veterans' have had
their ashes spread in the park. The House wanted to expand the protections to cover any memorials in the park.
The bill failed to pass, but could appear again in another bill.
The New Hampshire Senate budget calls for leasing of the Cannon Mountain ski area, some are
fearful that the memorials would eventually be under the control of a private operator and not
the state.
Senate negotiators promised to try to put the protections into the budget package. The said they
agree to the blanket protection of the park just because ashes are spread there.
"Ashes are everywhere," said Sen. Jack Barnes, R-Raymond.
Baldasaro said there are no guarantees the protections will survive the conference committee that
hammers out a compromise on the budget.
"We will go to battle," said Barnes.
This is a shame and a crime against Veterans, I wonder how Sen. Barnes would feel if his, or
a loved ones ashes were handled with such disdain and disrespect.
To utter such a phrase flies in the face of decency and respect. To even think of not protecting
War Memorials and veterans rights is beyond contempt.
As Cold War Veterans we understand and are proud to stand beside our brothers and sisters-in-arms
no matter where or when they are attacked.
All New Hampshire residents should contact the Senators and Representative immediately and protest
this underhanded and blatant attack on our heroes. Tell them these War Memorials and ashes must
be protected till the end of time.
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
Republican from Londenberry chaired a committee that debated the measure on Tuesday.
The bill would have required War Memorials in Franconia Notch on the eastern shore of Profile Lake to not be disturbed, and maintained for visiting and viewing by the public. Some Veterans' have had
their ashes spread in the park. The House wanted to expand the protections to cover any memorials in the park.
The bill failed to pass, but could appear again in another bill.
The New Hampshire Senate budget calls for leasing of the Cannon Mountain ski area, some are
fearful that the memorials would eventually be under the control of a private operator and not
the state.
Senate negotiators promised to try to put the protections into the budget package. The said they
agree to the blanket protection of the park just because ashes are spread there.
"Ashes are everywhere," said Sen. Jack Barnes, R-Raymond.
Baldasaro said there are no guarantees the protections will survive the conference committee that
hammers out a compromise on the budget.
"We will go to battle," said Barnes.
This is a shame and a crime against Veterans, I wonder how Sen. Barnes would feel if his, or
a loved ones ashes were handled with such disdain and disrespect.
To utter such a phrase flies in the face of decency and respect. To even think of not protecting
War Memorials and veterans rights is beyond contempt.
As Cold War Veterans we understand and are proud to stand beside our brothers and sisters-in-arms
no matter where or when they are attacked.
All New Hampshire residents should contact the Senators and Representative immediately and protest
this underhanded and blatant attack on our heroes. Tell them these War Memorials and ashes must
be protected till the end of time.
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
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Automatic Enrollment of Veterans Returning From Combat Zones Into VA
A bill in the House of Representatives H.R. 1460 would provide for the automatic enrolement
of veterans returning from Combat Zones into the VA medical system.
This bill would benefit all veterans returning from combat zones, by immediately placing the
veteran into the VA medical system, allowing these veterans access to VA hospital care and
medical services at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
It would also provide them with a veterans identification card. and a list of all VA facilities
within 100 miles of the veteran's home.
This bill would greatly increase the ease of veterans getting the health care they need, and
hopefully decrease the hardships faced by many as they apply and then wait long periods
to become enrolled in the VA system.
Our country must provide the best possible care to ALL veterans, and remove the stumbling
blocks and delays that are currently in place, and allow veterans the choice to enroll in the
VA medical system.
Contact your Representative ask them to become a cosponsor to H.R. 1460.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
of veterans returning from Combat Zones into the VA medical system.
This bill would benefit all veterans returning from combat zones, by immediately placing the
veteran into the VA medical system, allowing these veterans access to VA hospital care and
medical services at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
It would also provide them with a veterans identification card. and a list of all VA facilities
within 100 miles of the veteran's home.
This bill would greatly increase the ease of veterans getting the health care they need, and
hopefully decrease the hardships faced by many as they apply and then wait long periods
to become enrolled in the VA system.
Our country must provide the best possible care to ALL veterans, and remove the stumbling
blocks and delays that are currently in place, and allow veterans the choice to enroll in the
VA medical system.
Contact your Representative ask them to become a cosponsor to H.R. 1460.
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
Military Salute During Pledge of Allegiance
There is a bill in the House of Representatives, H.R. 648 to amend Section 4 of Title 4, United
States Code.
This bill would allow members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans to render a
military salute during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
I think this should be passed immediately. Veterans were recently given the proper authority to
render a military salute during the playing of the National Anthem, and when our nation's flag
passes in a parade or other presentation of the colors.
It is just a simple way for our veterans to continue to show their pride and love of country, and
it might just remind others to show the proper respect for our flag.
I for one am so very tired of watching people ignore, and thus show disrespect for the flag that
we fought to defend and protect. It is not hard to remove your hat, place your hand over your heart
and sing the National Anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Americans take pride in your country, show respect for "Old Glory," and honor those who have
served to give you the freedom you enjoy.
Please contact your Representative ask them to cosponsor H.R. 468 Military Salute During Pledge
of Allegiance, and to vote for passage immediately.
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
States Code.
This bill would allow members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans to render a
military salute during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
I think this should be passed immediately. Veterans were recently given the proper authority to
render a military salute during the playing of the National Anthem, and when our nation's flag
passes in a parade or other presentation of the colors.
It is just a simple way for our veterans to continue to show their pride and love of country, and
it might just remind others to show the proper respect for our flag.
I for one am so very tired of watching people ignore, and thus show disrespect for the flag that
we fought to defend and protect. It is not hard to remove your hat, place your hand over your heart
and sing the National Anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Americans take pride in your country, show respect for "Old Glory," and honor those who have
served to give you the freedom you enjoy.
Please contact your Representative ask them to cosponsor H.R. 468 Military Salute During Pledge
of Allegiance, and to vote for passage immediately.
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
Airman Missing In Action In Vietnam Identified
The remains of a missing Vietnam Airman have been identified and will be returned to his
family for a full military honors burial. The Department of Defense POW/MIA Personnel
Office (DPMO) made the announcement today.
On June 21, 1967 Air Force Captain Darrell J. Spinier of Browns Valley, Minn. was piloting his
A-1E Skyraider, attacking targets along the Xekong River in Laos.
Villagers said they heard an explosion just before his aircraft crashed. Another A-1E was in the
vicinity and for two hours searched for his fellow pilot, but never saw a sign of Spinier.
A team of US and Laos People's Democratic Republic, which was led by the Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command (JPAC), in 1993 interviewed villages who had seen the crash. Those
questioned said that Capt. Spinier's body was visible on the riverbank and thought that the
body had probably been washed away when the rainy season started.
The survey team searched the area and found wreckage that appeared to be from Spinier's
aircraft, but could not find any remains.
The U.S. government in 1995 declared after review of Spinier's case that his remains were
unrecoverable. This was based on witness statements and all presented evidence.
In 1998 and again in 2003 search teams viewed the area and came to the same conclusion, that
Capt. Spinier's remains had indeed been washed away by the river and could not be located.
But JPAC did a complete excavation of the site in 2001. They discovered aircraft wreckage,
human remains, crew-related equipment and some personal effects.
Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command scientists used dental x-rays and other forensic identification
tools along with circumstantial evidence to identify the remains as belonging to Spinier.
With the identify confirmed, there are now 1,689 service members still missing and unacounted
for from the Vietnam War.
Once again I say our country must do everything possible to have a full and complete accounting
and the return of all remains of those MIA's from all wars.
The House of Representatives again has a bill H.Res.111 Establishing a Select Committee
on POW and MIA Affairs. This bill with 72 cosponsors was referred to the House Committee
on Rules on February 28, 2011, with no further action taken as of today.
Please contact your Congressman or Congresswoman, ask them to please cosponsor H.Res.111
and push for a vote to the full House floor; and to demand that this bill be passed immediately.
These POW/MIA's should no longer be just a number, we must repatriate them, bring them
home for proper burial and bring about closure for their families.
JPAC is working hard to find them, now we must not only ask; but demand that the foreign
countries involved must do everything possible to assist in finding and returning our missing.
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
family for a full military honors burial. The Department of Defense POW/MIA Personnel
Office (DPMO) made the announcement today.
On June 21, 1967 Air Force Captain Darrell J. Spinier of Browns Valley, Minn. was piloting his
A-1E Skyraider, attacking targets along the Xekong River in Laos.
Villagers said they heard an explosion just before his aircraft crashed. Another A-1E was in the
vicinity and for two hours searched for his fellow pilot, but never saw a sign of Spinier.
A team of US and Laos People's Democratic Republic, which was led by the Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command (JPAC), in 1993 interviewed villages who had seen the crash. Those
questioned said that Capt. Spinier's body was visible on the riverbank and thought that the
body had probably been washed away when the rainy season started.
The survey team searched the area and found wreckage that appeared to be from Spinier's
aircraft, but could not find any remains.
The U.S. government in 1995 declared after review of Spinier's case that his remains were
unrecoverable. This was based on witness statements and all presented evidence.
In 1998 and again in 2003 search teams viewed the area and came to the same conclusion, that
Capt. Spinier's remains had indeed been washed away by the river and could not be located.
But JPAC did a complete excavation of the site in 2001. They discovered aircraft wreckage,
human remains, crew-related equipment and some personal effects.
Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command scientists used dental x-rays and other forensic identification
tools along with circumstantial evidence to identify the remains as belonging to Spinier.
With the identify confirmed, there are now 1,689 service members still missing and unacounted
for from the Vietnam War.
Once again I say our country must do everything possible to have a full and complete accounting
and the return of all remains of those MIA's from all wars.
The House of Representatives again has a bill H.Res.111 Establishing a Select Committee
on POW and MIA Affairs. This bill with 72 cosponsors was referred to the House Committee
on Rules on February 28, 2011, with no further action taken as of today.
Please contact your Congressman or Congresswoman, ask them to please cosponsor H.Res.111
and push for a vote to the full House floor; and to demand that this bill be passed immediately.
These POW/MIA's should no longer be just a number, we must repatriate them, bring them
home for proper burial and bring about closure for their families.
JPAC is working hard to find them, now we must not only ask; but demand that the foreign
countries involved must do everything possible to assist in finding and returning our missing.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
Saturday, June 4, 2011
$28 Million to Help Homeless and at Risk Veterans
On Thursday June 2, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that 122 grants worth over
$28 million to provide assistance to almost 17,000 who are homeless or at risk to become homeless
with job training to assist them in obtaining civilian careers.
The grants which include funding in Wyoming, Iowa, Colorado and Missouri were awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor and the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. This will continue
already successful programs into their second and third years.
Included are $4,335,775 for the Homeless Female Veterans with families Programs, and $3,882,443
for the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program, which will help veterans who have served
time in justice facilities.
Secretary Solis said "The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an
extraordinarily efficient and effective program and is the only federal program that focuses
exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless. I am pleased that the department can
assist these veterans and their families."
Homeless veterans using the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program can receive classroom and
on-the-job-training as well as job search and placement services.
Second and third year funds are being awarded to state and local workforce boards, local public
agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community groups, that
demonstrated through the first years funding that they can effectively administer programs and
are familiar with the population and geographic areas that are being served.
Grantees under this program must coordinate with the various local, state and federal social
service providers.
For more information please go to the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment
for veterans at http://www.dol.gov/vets
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
$28 million to provide assistance to almost 17,000 who are homeless or at risk to become homeless
with job training to assist them in obtaining civilian careers.
The grants which include funding in Wyoming, Iowa, Colorado and Missouri were awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor and the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. This will continue
already successful programs into their second and third years.
Included are $4,335,775 for the Homeless Female Veterans with families Programs, and $3,882,443
for the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program, which will help veterans who have served
time in justice facilities.
Secretary Solis said "The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an
extraordinarily efficient and effective program and is the only federal program that focuses
exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless. I am pleased that the department can
assist these veterans and their families."
Homeless veterans using the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program can receive classroom and
on-the-job-training as well as job search and placement services.
Second and third year funds are being awarded to state and local workforce boards, local public
agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community groups, that
demonstrated through the first years funding that they can effectively administer programs and
are familiar with the population and geographic areas that are being served.
Grantees under this program must coordinate with the various local, state and federal social
service providers.
For more information please go to the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment
for veterans at http://www.dol.gov/vets
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996
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