Once again this year many restaurants are giving away free meals, or discounts on menu items to
active duty military and veterans. There is a very good list on Facebook, that is constantly updated.
you can find the list here Veterans Day Free Meals
I did notice that a few require valid ID cards, you may want to check in advance to see if they will
accept a DD-214 for those of us who are not in the VA system and do not have an ID. They might
accept Drivers License or ID Card with the Veterans designation. Just check in advance
A very large thank you to the participating restaurants that are providing this wonderful tribute
and honor to our troops.
Once again the issue of a government ID card, as H.R. 2985 which would make an ID Card
available to all veterans is an issue that must be pursued. Contact you Representative to demand
the bill be brought to the floor for a full vote, and vote for passage.
----
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
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Manassas, Virginia to Honor Cold War Veterans
For anyone who lives in the Greater DC and Virginia area Cold War Veterans are to be honored
November 10, 2012 in Manassas, VA.
The Greater Manassas Parade Committee announced that the 4th annual Veterans Day Parade
will be held November 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Old Town Manassas. The Harris Pavilion area
will be dedicated to Military and Veterans organizations exhibits and information booths.
Parade Secretary and American Legion Post 10 Commander "Top" Mark E. Meier (USMC, ret)
said that while "the parade will honor ALL veterans as we have in the past, this year we will offer
a special appreciation to our Cold War Veterans." Meier added "that these Cold War Veterans
are owed a special debt; Americans slept safe because millions of its citizenry spent their youth
standing guard & watch, manning missile silos and ready lines to protect us from those who
wished to harm our Nation."
For further information please contact Ginger Harvey 571-641-5350 or email at
gch1130@aol.com and visit their website at Manassas Veterans Parade
This is yet another tribute in the slowly growing recognition of our Cold War Veterans. It is heart
warming to see that a growing tread is spreading across our great country, as more cities and towns
are pay attention to those brave men and women who stood the line during the very trying and
sometimes frightening period known as the Cold War.
We take notice of the Cold War Memorials are starting to sprout around our land, in small and large
population areas. We at the American Cold War Veterans are still in the planning stages of our
push for a National Cold War Memorial to be placed in our Nation's Capitol.
One thing to remember, the number of Cold War Veterans is quickly shrinking as more of us
pass on to the Great Beyond every day.
Therefore it becomes even more important that Congress authorize and the Department of Defense
drop its objections and issue a Cold War Service Medal. The cost could become a non-factor, since
most veterans would be willing to purchase their own medal once it is approved; thus blunting
one of the DoD objections.
So once again I ask and urge everyone to contact both of their Senators asking them to cosponsor
S.402 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011. Also contact your Representative to cosponsor
H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011. Ask them to push the Armed Services
Committees to bring both bills to the floor for a full vote.
To continue to ignore and forget Cold War Veterans, to make believe it never happened is
unbelievable and disrespectful to those who served with honor and distinction. America it is
time for a simple Thank You.
---- 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
November 10, 2012 in Manassas, VA.
The Greater Manassas Parade Committee announced that the 4th annual Veterans Day Parade
will be held November 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM in Old Town Manassas. The Harris Pavilion area
will be dedicated to Military and Veterans organizations exhibits and information booths.
Parade Secretary and American Legion Post 10 Commander "Top" Mark E. Meier (USMC, ret)
said that while "the parade will honor ALL veterans as we have in the past, this year we will offer
a special appreciation to our Cold War Veterans." Meier added "that these Cold War Veterans
are owed a special debt; Americans slept safe because millions of its citizenry spent their youth
standing guard & watch, manning missile silos and ready lines to protect us from those who
wished to harm our Nation."
For further information please contact Ginger Harvey 571-641-5350 or email at
gch1130@aol.com and visit their website at Manassas Veterans Parade
This is yet another tribute in the slowly growing recognition of our Cold War Veterans. It is heart
warming to see that a growing tread is spreading across our great country, as more cities and towns
are pay attention to those brave men and women who stood the line during the very trying and
sometimes frightening period known as the Cold War.
We take notice of the Cold War Memorials are starting to sprout around our land, in small and large
population areas. We at the American Cold War Veterans are still in the planning stages of our
push for a National Cold War Memorial to be placed in our Nation's Capitol.
One thing to remember, the number of Cold War Veterans is quickly shrinking as more of us
pass on to the Great Beyond every day.
Therefore it becomes even more important that Congress authorize and the Department of Defense
drop its objections and issue a Cold War Service Medal. The cost could become a non-factor, since
most veterans would be willing to purchase their own medal once it is approved; thus blunting
one of the DoD objections.
So once again I ask and urge everyone to contact both of their Senators asking them to cosponsor
S.402 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011. Also contact your Representative to cosponsor
H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011. Ask them to push the Armed Services
Committees to bring both bills to the floor for a full vote.
To continue to ignore and forget Cold War Veterans, to make believe it never happened is
unbelievable and disrespectful to those who served with honor and distinction. America it is
time for a simple Thank You.
---- 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
Monday, October 1, 2012
Veterans Memorial In Danger
Another Veterans Memorial is in danger and facing possible court action. Might it have to moved?
This time it is a tribute to WWI veterans who gave their lives for our country. The memorial is
facing the same old problems that have beset other memorials. Some people just do not like
it and are attempting to have it removed, citing separation of church and state.
---- 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
This time it is a tribute to WWI veterans who gave their lives for our country. The memorial is
facing the same old problems that have beset other memorials. Some people just do not like
it and are attempting to have it removed, citing separation of church and state.
In Blandensburg, Maryland the forty foot tall Memorial Peace Cross is a well know landmark that has
stood for over 85 years.
The monument honors 49 men from Prince George's County that lost their lives in WWI, the cross
was dedicated July 13, 1925 by Snyder-Farmer Post of the American Legion.
The Cross sits at the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Annapolis Road, which places it on state
property.
A group based in Washington, The American Humanist Association, wants to have the memorial
removed. Claiming a religious image on public land violates the principle of separation of church
and state under the constitution.
Veterans organizations and some civic groups are fighting to keep the Memorial standing where it
is. The local park and planning commission is researching the legal issues.
The Cross has a large gold star in the middle, around the base are the words Valor, Endurance, Courage,
Devotion. Also are inscribe the names of the 49 Heroes. A bronze tablet contains the famous quote
by Woodrow Wilson: "The right is more precious than peace. We shall fight for the things we always
carried nearest our hearts. To such a task we dedicate our lives."
Standing tall in memory, it is close to the WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam memorials and the heart
of our nation.
So it continues, the attack on our veterans, our heroes and our memories. We can not just sit by
and watch as more freedoms are take away.
Wake up America before it is too late
---- 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
Friday, September 28, 2012
Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Blocked
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash) said on Thursday that an unnamed Republican Senator last week
blocked a bill that would have provided an annual cost of living adjustment, which means that payments of the new COLA could be delayed.
Senator Murray brought the bill, H.R. 4114 (which passed the House in July) to the Senate floor
on Sept. 21. The bill was cleared by Senate Democrats but was blocked by this unnamed Republican
Senator. So the Senate went into recess without passing the bill.
Once again Congress has stepped on our nation's veterans and one more time shown how little
our Congress thinks of those who served our country.
The bill as passed by the House would have given a cost-of-living-adjustment to 3.9 million veterans
and their survivors a raise in their disability compensation and benefits which is supposed to offset
inflation. Similar bills are usually passed each year with no controversy.
So, now with Congress not scheduled to return to work until Nov. 13, in order for the increase to
show in Jan. 1 checks the bill will have to be passed almost immediately.
Thursday afternoon the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that Congress must pass the
COLA no later than Nov. 13 if the increase is to be included in the Jan 1 checks. If the bill is
passed any later than that the VA would not be able to make all the changes to programming
of their system. Which means the increase would have to be paid retroactively.
This follows the move last week that saw the Veterans Job Corps Act fail to pass. A bill that
would have provided $1 billion to help veterans find employment. Their is now a bill in
the House that would direct the VA to create a Veterans Job Corps.
And so it continues, the ongoing disregard and disrespect for the brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces. The Veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation are again
left to hang in the winds of ill will.
America, it is time to say enough! Time to give our veterans what they were promised and what
is fair and just. If your elected officials are not standing up and voting for veterans and our military,
vote them out of office.
---- 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
blocked a bill that would have provided an annual cost of living adjustment, which means that payments of the new COLA could be delayed.
Senator Murray brought the bill, H.R. 4114 (which passed the House in July) to the Senate floor
on Sept. 21. The bill was cleared by Senate Democrats but was blocked by this unnamed Republican
Senator. So the Senate went into recess without passing the bill.
Once again Congress has stepped on our nation's veterans and one more time shown how little
our Congress thinks of those who served our country.
The bill as passed by the House would have given a cost-of-living-adjustment to 3.9 million veterans
and their survivors a raise in their disability compensation and benefits which is supposed to offset
inflation. Similar bills are usually passed each year with no controversy.
So, now with Congress not scheduled to return to work until Nov. 13, in order for the increase to
show in Jan. 1 checks the bill will have to be passed almost immediately.
Thursday afternoon the Department of Veterans Affairs stated that Congress must pass the
COLA no later than Nov. 13 if the increase is to be included in the Jan 1 checks. If the bill is
passed any later than that the VA would not be able to make all the changes to programming
of their system. Which means the increase would have to be paid retroactively.
This follows the move last week that saw the Veterans Job Corps Act fail to pass. A bill that
would have provided $1 billion to help veterans find employment. Their is now a bill in
the House that would direct the VA to create a Veterans Job Corps.
And so it continues, the ongoing disregard and disrespect for the brave men and women who
have served in our Armed Forces. The Veterans who sacrificed so much for our nation are again
left to hang in the winds of ill will.
America, it is time to say enough! Time to give our veterans what they were promised and what
is fair and just. If your elected officials are not standing up and voting for veterans and our military,
vote them out of office.
---- 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
Thursday, September 20, 2012
September 21, 2012 POW/MIA DAY
The third Friday in September is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, this year it is September 21.
A day, and a matter that is close to the heart of every veteran of our Armed Forces.
We must hold true to the "No Man Left Behind" that makes this a burden on our country, a blot
on our history that must be cleansed. Bring Them Home.
As Americans we must demand that all countries provide a full and complete accounting of all
POW/MIA's and that all those still held, or any remains be repatriated as soon as possible.
We will never forget and must do all possible to honor those still missing. To provide closure to
the families of the missing and the return of their loved ones.
The American Legion has a policy starting with Resolution No. 288 adopted at the 67th National
Convention that calls for designating a POW/MIA Empty Chair at all official Legion meetings.
The American Cold War Veterans have asked Congress to expedite the return of all missing
personnel, military and civilian from all wars.
The numbers of missing according to the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO)
are:
WWII 73.000
Korea 7,500
Cold War Era 126 (although other sites claim 172 and 343)
Vietnam 1,600
Iraq 6
Others listed
USS Stark 1
Grenada 4
Persian Gulf War 21
Somalia 2
The closest I could find for Afghanistan is 2 MIA as of 2011
I also could not find information on civilian or contract workers that are missing. They are no less
deserving of our honor and respect and the demand of their return.
Please contact your elected officials asking them to demand this full accounting of all POW/MIA
---- 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
A day, and a matter that is close to the heart of every veteran of our Armed Forces.
We must hold true to the "No Man Left Behind" that makes this a burden on our country, a blot
on our history that must be cleansed. Bring Them Home.
As Americans we must demand that all countries provide a full and complete accounting of all
POW/MIA's and that all those still held, or any remains be repatriated as soon as possible.
We will never forget and must do all possible to honor those still missing. To provide closure to
the families of the missing and the return of their loved ones.
The American Legion has a policy starting with Resolution No. 288 adopted at the 67th National
Convention that calls for designating a POW/MIA Empty Chair at all official Legion meetings.
The American Cold War Veterans have asked Congress to expedite the return of all missing
personnel, military and civilian from all wars.
The numbers of missing according to the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO)
are:
WWII 73.000
Korea 7,500
Cold War Era 126 (although other sites claim 172 and 343)
Vietnam 1,600
Iraq 6
Others listed
USS Stark 1
Grenada 4
Persian Gulf War 21
Somalia 2
The closest I could find for Afghanistan is 2 MIA as of 2011
I also could not find information on civilian or contract workers that are missing. They are no less
deserving of our honor and respect and the demand of their return.
Please contact your elected officials asking them to demand this full accounting of all POW/MIA
---- 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
Veterans Job Corps Act of 2012 Down In Flames
The Veterans Job Cops Act of 2012 which would have in the next five years spent $1 billion dollars
to create jobs for veterans working in police and fire departments as well as tending to federal lands
was defeated today.
Forty Republicans voted against the bill, reinforcing in many veterans minds the fact that Congress
just does not care about our nations veterans. This has been a hit and miss year, while many good
bills were passed, many others just as important, did make the grade; going down in flames in
either the House or the Senate.
The Republicans opposed the bill that was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray, a long and hard fighting
friend of our military and veterans.
Could it be that John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chamblis and the remainder of Senators who
have not always been friendly to veterans saw this as a chance to take another shot at President Obama?
Five Senators voted with the Democrats, Scott Brown (MA), Dean Heller (NV), Lisa Murkowski (AK)
and both Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe from Maine. All staunch supports of our military and veterans.
Senator Tom Coburn claimed that there is "no evidence that jobs for vets will work.
So the Republicans claiming the bill was too expensive decided to thank veterans by denying them
a chance for employment. And then it appears that the Senators declined to take any questions
concerning the bill at their weekly press conference.
If your Senator voted against this bill ask them WHY? Go to one of their events, as many of them
are gong home soon in an attempt to gain voter support. Ask them why a veteran should support
them.
More important when it come time to vote, vote them out of office. If they don't like us, we sure
don't like them.
---- 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
to create jobs for veterans working in police and fire departments as well as tending to federal lands
was defeated today.
Forty Republicans voted against the bill, reinforcing in many veterans minds the fact that Congress
just does not care about our nations veterans. This has been a hit and miss year, while many good
bills were passed, many others just as important, did make the grade; going down in flames in
either the House or the Senate.
The Republicans opposed the bill that was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray, a long and hard fighting
friend of our military and veterans.
Could it be that John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chamblis and the remainder of Senators who
have not always been friendly to veterans saw this as a chance to take another shot at President Obama?
Five Senators voted with the Democrats, Scott Brown (MA), Dean Heller (NV), Lisa Murkowski (AK)
and both Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe from Maine. All staunch supports of our military and veterans.
Senator Tom Coburn claimed that there is "no evidence that jobs for vets will work.
So the Republicans claiming the bill was too expensive decided to thank veterans by denying them
a chance for employment. And then it appears that the Senators declined to take any questions
concerning the bill at their weekly press conference.
If your Senator voted against this bill ask them WHY? Go to one of their events, as many of them
are gong home soon in an attempt to gain voter support. Ask them why a veteran should support
them.
More important when it come time to vote, vote them out of office. If they don't like us, we sure
don't like them.
---- 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
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