Help a Disabled Vet In This Time of Crisis!

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Help a Disabled Vet In This Time of Crisis!     In this severe crisis, reach out to those who sacrificed all but life itself for you and me.

Dear Sean,

As Independence Day draws closer, I worry about disabled veterans who lost their grip on personal independence in the wake of widespread tornadoes and flooding this spring.

As one weather crisis followed another, the DAV fanned out to disaster sites across the nation to assist disabled veterans.

DAV is still responding to these crises as hard-hit Joplin is home to the third largest population of veterans in Missouri. And so many veterans live in the southern communities that took the brunt of terrible flooding.

These natural disasters just keep coming, Sean! As urgent need among disabled veterans and their families keeps growing, your help is critical right now!

Just imagine the struggles our nation's most seriously wounded heroes face!

As we continue to respond to these dreadful calamities, we must also rebuild the funds required to help disabled veterans in future disasters. That's why we absolutely must act now!

Please respond to sick and injured heroes who are stricken by catastrophes.

Send disaster relief to disabled veterans with your gift of $25 … $50 … $100 … or more!

Rebuilding the Independence of Heroes! Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant Disabled American Veterans

5 Ways for Veterans to Protect Themselves from Scams

The Following is a useful guide contributed by Veterans Advantage:


By Veterans Advantage
Scammers target a variety of vulnerable groups and demographics around the country, but particularly the military community. Because of the large number of agencies that support over 10 million Cold War veterans, scam organizations find it easy to disguise their own as one of the many legitimate agencies. It is important that Veterans are aware of these fraudulent scams and learn how to best identify and prevent them from taking advantage of the military community and their families.

1. Use Google and other search engines to perform your own background check. Most organizations have their own online website or at least some online content written about them. Use search engines to investigate an organization.
   
2. Never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller. Scammers have been known to make unsolicited calls posing as volunteers for the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Department of Veteran Affairs has stated that they "simply do not call Veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone."

3. Always contribute by check. If approached by an organization you deem reputable, always contribute by check, not cash. Write the check to the organization, and never to the individual soliciting the donation. You should always ask for a receipt and a statement that the contribution is tax deductible.

4. Prevent Unsolicited Calls and Requests.  Respond to unsolicited requests by asking them to mail you information to evaluate their offer and legitimacy on your own time. A credible charity will be happy to give you literature about its work. If they do not comply, ask them to delete your phone contact information from their records. 

5. Check the IRS's list of registered non-profit companies and charities and confirm the charitable background of companies that solicit donations. In the past, scammers have masked themselves as part of charitable organizations that benefit veterans and requested "donations". One such example is the case of the U.S. Navy Veterans Association, which is currently being investigated in nine states on allegations of deception and fraud. This rogue organization collected over $100 million from citizens who thought they were contributing to a legitimate veterans' charity—99% of the funds are now unaccounted for.

More about veterans' scams

Thurman Wants to Bolster U.S.-South Korean Ties

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 28, 2011 - Army Gen. James D. Thurman told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would work to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance amid provocations and uncertainties from North Korea. Thurman testified today as part of his confirmation hearing to become the top allied commander in South Korea. Thurman currently leads U.S. Army Forces Command. If confirmed, he will succeed Army Gen. Walter Sharp as the commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and commander of U.S. Forces, Korea. Over the last year two notable provocations have increased tensions between North and South Korea. The North sank the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan, killing 46 South Korean sailors in March 2010. In November, a North Korean artillery barrage that targeted the island of Yeongpyeong killed two civilians and two South Korean marines. Officials said the provocations were likely caused by Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, trying to cement his claim as the successor to his father. North Korea's economy is in shambles and the country is a pariah in the world. Yet it remains dangerous. In prepared testimony, Thurman noted that North Korea retains the fourth-largest military in the world, with more than 1 million active duty troops and 5 million reservists. More than 70 percent of North Korea's military forces are arrayed along the De-militarized Zone. North Korea has stationed up to 250 long-range artillery guns that could strike the South Korean capital of Seoul -- one of the world's great metropolitan cities with almost 25 million people. Yet, North Korea's military capability is declining. North Korean tanks are no match for U.S. and South Korean weapons systems, said Thurman, noting that North Korea has more than 1,700 aging aircraft, 800 naval vessels and 13,000 artillery systems. Nonetheless, though North Korea's weaponry may suffer from neglect and its troops may be poorly trained, there are many of them, and sheer numbers, too, can provide a military capability, the general said. The North Korean nuclear program also poses a grave concern on the peninsula, Thurman said. North Korea continues to develop its nuclear capabilities, revealing earlier this year that it has an operational uranium enrichment facility. The North Korean regime has worked to proliferate nuclear and missile technology to Iran, Syria and others. Thurman said that he will work to see if he can strengthen the proliferation security initiative on the peninsula. Thurman said there are both challenges and opportunities on the Korean peninsula. "Recognizing that a strong United States-Republic of Korea alliance is one of the most important factors for maintaining peace and security on the peninsula and in the region at large, I will -- if confirmed -- continue the work of my predecessors directed at sustaining strong ties with our Korean partner," he said.

Related Articles: Gates Nominates Thurman to Command in Korea

Today is PTSD Awareness Day

PTSD Awareness Day



Hi Sean,

I came across your site in search of individuals and organizations that might be interested in educating others about PTSD.  As you may know, today is the second annual National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.  I wanted to share this info-graphic with you called, "What is PTSD?"  in hopes that it might spark some dialogue around this important issue. 

Just to let you know a little bit about me, I currently work with the USC School of Social Work on their MSW@USC program, an online virtual campus with the only military social work sub-concentration in the country. We do an incredible amount of research surrounding PTSD, which is why today has special meaning for us.

If you find this infographic compelling, please share it with others via the embed code or link to the whole post if you'd like.   If you have any feedback, we'd love to hear it.  Thanks for taking the time to read this email and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

The Senate National Defense Authorization Act 2012, S.1253 SEC. 581 that authorizes a Cold War Service Medal.

National Defense Authorization Act 2012-Cold War Medal

The Senate National Defense Authorization Act 2012, S.1253 contains a provision
SEC. 581 that authorizes a Cold War Service Medal.

We wish to thank the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee for including this very
important provision. It means so very much to our nation's "Cold Warriors"

Everyone please contact both of your Senators ask them to ensure that SEC. 581 remains intact
in the NDAA 2012. Also ask them to cosponsor the stand-alone bill S.402 Cold War Service Medal
Act 2011, the more support we can get on S.402 the greater chance of SEC. 581 not being
removed. Senators will accept emails from everyone on their individual websites, a list of all
Senators with links to their websites
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
In addition you can call, fax or visit their offices

It is very important to contact members of the Senate Armed Services Committee asking them to
keep SEC. 581 in the NDAA 2012. You can find the members here
http://armed-services.senate.gov/members.htm

Also ask your Congressman/woman to cosponsor the bill H.R. 1968 Cold War Service Medal Act 2011
and also ask that SEC.581 of the Senate NDAA 2012 NOT be removed during House/Senate
Committee conference meetings.

A link to the House Armed Services Committee
http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/members

Only a few of the House members will accept email from people living outside of their district, but
you can call, fax or visit them to ask for support.


This year 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War, and this would be the
perfect time to finally recognize and honor our Cold War Veterans.


Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans

PTSD Awareness Day is a Reminder to Learn, Get Help and Help Others

PTSD Awareness Day is a Reminder to Learn, Get Help and Help Others

06/24/2011

Posted by Jayne Davis, DCoE Strategic Communications 

"I am a medic. I should be saving lives not dreaming of killing people. I knew something was wrong then."

- Participant in the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg's Behavioral Health Combat Stress group

June 27 is the nation's official day to focus attention on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Last year, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution naming June 27 National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day to promote dialogue about this prevalent condition and help people realize that there are resources and effective treatments available to address PTSD.

Read more

---

Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010

by Rob Sabo
November 03, 2010

Veterans recently received significant boosts in many of their benefits with the passage of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010. President Obama signed the bill (known as H.R. 3219) into law in mid-October. The new law enhances a number of veterans' benefits including new opportunities for employment, increased care for homeless veterans, expanded insurance limits, and updated military education benefits. The bill also reduces VA benefits delays to severely injured veterans, and provides better financial and legal protection for deployed troops.

Smaller provisions are included in the bill as well, such as increased auto grants for disabled vets, childcare services for homeless veterans, and termination of family plan cell phone contracts for servicemembers who are deployed.

House Veteran's Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-California) praised Congress' ability to work toward improving the lives of veterans. Filner introduced the bill to Congress on July 15, 2009. "This new law is the result of numerous productive hearings and markups, meaningful oversight and bi-partisan compromise," Filner said in a press release announcing the passage of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010. "These improvements will make a big difference in the lives of America's brave veterans."

A Breakdown of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010

A number of the bill's most salient points include:

1. Increased Insurance Limits. Totally disabled veterans now can receive an additional $10,000 ($30,000 total) of supplemental insurance. Additionally, Service Members Group Life Insurance coverage is extended to last until two years from a totally disabled veteran's date of separation from active duty. The bill also allows for a $25,000 increase every five years for Veterans Group Life Insurance Coverage beginning on the one-year anniversary of his or her eligibility date. This is available to veterans under age 60. Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance program limits are also being increased to $150,000 or $200,000 after Jan. 1, 2012.
2. Burial and Cemetery Benefits. Under the new law, $700 is available for burial and funeral expenses incurred by veterans who die in a VA hospital or are interred in a VA cemetery.
3. General Benefits. Disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have severe burn injuries are now authorized for vehicles and adaptive equipment assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Automobile assistance also increases from $11,000 to $18,000. Additionally, the number of veterans eligible for independent assisted living services increases to 2,700.
4. Enhanced Employment Opportunities. The recently expired VA work-study program is now being extended, and the list of the types of jobs that are included the program is also growing. The expansion will now let veterans complete their work-study programs in congressional offices, state veteran agencies, or any program that is a joint venture between the VA and a post-secondary institution. One of the main educational benefits for veterans comes in the form of increased job opportunities in the energy sector. Energy employers now can be reimbursed for on-the-job training of veteran employees.
5. Prevention of Homeless Veterans. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program was reinstated through the 2011 fiscal year, with an additional $1 million being allocated to services for homeless female veterans and veterans with children.
6. Veteran Education Benefits. The bill calls for establishment of a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans, called the Pat Tillman Veteran's Scholarship Initiative. Once complete, veterans will be able to find a list of schools that offer scholarships to veterans on the VA's website. The Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education is also being extended.

"Our servicemembers should have access to a first-rate education that will prepare them to excel in new jobs once they leave the military," said Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Arizona) in a press release acknowledging the transition of the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 to the President. "The new G.I. Bill marks a great victory for our veterans. The next step is ensuring that those benefits work for our veterans."

Many of these improvements to veterans' benefits won't go into effect until Oct. 1, 2011.

Gates Thanks Troops, Bids Farewell

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 23, 2011 - It's 110 degrees in the shade, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is answering questions from about 200 soldiers at a bleak U.S. installation near Kandahar, Afghanistan, in mid-June. At the end of the session, he tells them he has one more thing to say: "I've come out here to thank you for the last time for your service and for your sacrifice. More than anybody except the president, I'm responsible for you being here. I'm the person that signed the deployment papers that got you here. And that weighs on me every day." It's tough for the secretary to get through this statement. He steps away from the microphone, and there are tears in his eyes. The soldiers in the audience -- from the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade -- are moved, as well. Gates receives prolonged applause. As he hands out commemorative coins to the troops, they thank him for his service and all he has done for them. "I've told friends that I would be more than happy if the only legacy I took away from this job is those kids out there in the field knew they had someone who was looking after them, all the time," Gates said in a recent interview with American Forces Press Service during his last trip to visit deployed troops. Gates will retire as defense secretary June 30. The U.S. Senate has confirmed CIA Director Leon E. Panetta to take his place. It has been a sacred trust for the secretary to ensure the troops fighting the nation's wars have what they need to succeed. "If I had the knowledge that those [privates first class] and lance corporals, petty officers and airmen knew, that way up there in the chain of command there was somebody watching their back all the time, trying to figure out what they needed, that was most important to me," he said. When Gates became defense secretary at the end of 2006, Iraq was gripped by a growing insurgency, and U.S. casualties were mounting. The Army and Marine Corps were being stretched almost to the point of breaking to maintain the level of forces in Iraq and, to a lesser degree, in Afghanistan. Something had to be done -- quickly. The secretary said he had to make four decisions very soon after taking office that still have ramifications. "The first was the decision, which I actually discussed in my interview with President [George W.] Bush, to increase the Army by 65,000 and the Marine Corps by 27,000 to bring relief," Gates said. The Army and Marine Corps, he added, simply weren't big enough at that time to handle all the missions assigned to them. The second decision was part and parcel of the Iraq surge, and that was extending all Army deployments in U.S. Central Command to 15 months. "That was a really difficult decision and the [Joint Chiefs of Staff] chairman, [Marine Corps Gen.] Pete Pace, the vice chairman, [Navy Adm.] Ed Giambastiani, the Army chief of staff, everybody was telling me that I had to do this to provide some stability for the troops," he said. Gates was convinced that the only way he could give the troops a year at home, given the surge, was to extend the deployed tour to 15 months. "If we didn't do that," he explained, "we would be down to six or seven months at home and still have a year to 15-month tours." Gates knew this decision would be hard on the troops and their families, and even today, he thinks officials underestimated how painful and difficult that was for everybody. "That decision is a burden that I've never put down," he acknowledged. The secretary's next decision was to "regularize" the use of the National Guard and to try to get it to the point where they were being deployed as units. "I particularly personalized it with the [explosive ordnance disposal] guys," the secretary said. "You know, if I'm in that kind of a business, I'd sure as hell like to know the guy next to me, and have trained with him and have confidence and trust in him, instead of some guy from a different state I just met two weeks before we deployed." Gates' final decision at that time involved the cessation of the so-called stop -loss policy which involuntarily extended service members' time in the military, the secretary recalled. "I said, 'We have to get rid of stop-loss,' and I kind of tied it to the increase in the end strength of the Army," which had almost 25,000 soldiers stop-lossed, he said. "I felt that stop-loss was a break in the contract, a breach of trust," Gates said. "As far as I'm concerned, once we announce a decision, it's a commitment to the troops. Then, for bureaucratic reasons, someone will come back later and try to make exceptions -- extending this or doing that. That's breaking our word to the troops. No wonder none of them trust any one of us up the chain of command, because we can't be counted on to keep our word once we've given it to them. "So, I have felt very, very strongly about that the whole time I've been in this job," he added. "Once we've made a commitment to these men and women, we have a huge obligation to keep." (EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is the first of a four-part series.)

Biographies: Robert M. Gates Related Sites: Special Report: A Retrospective: Robert M. Gates U.S. Defense Secretary 2006-2011

Afghan Drawdown Not Precipitous, Obama Tells Soldiers

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 23, 2011 - President Barack Obama assured 10th Mountain Division soldiers today that the drawdown in Afghanistan is not precipitous, and that gains made there will be sustained. Obama announced last night that 10,000 service members will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and the remaining 23,000 surge forces will be home by September 2012. He traveled to Fort Drum, N.Y., today to discuss his decision and thank the troops and their families. "Because of your outstanding work, what we've been able to do is train an additional 100,000 Afghan soldiers so that they can start carrying on the fight," the president told the soldiers. "Because of what you've done, areas like Kandahar are more secure than they have been in years. Because of you, we're now taking the fight to the Taliban, instead of the Taliban bringing the fight to us." Because of that pressure on the Taliban, there are signs that members may be interested in participating in a political settlement, Obama said, which ultimately is going to be critical for consolidating that country. "As I look around this room, I suspect that some of you joined the military after 9/11 because you had seen fellow Americans suffer at the hands of [Osama] bin Laden," the president said. "When we got him, and as we keep on driving to get the rest of them, it's because of the work and the sacrifice that you guys have made." The 10th Mountain Division has lost people throughout its many deployments. Obama said Americans should be aware of the sacrifices service members and their families have made in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The reason that I know many of you continue to do the outstanding work that you do is not only love of country, but it's also love for each other and your commitment to making sure that those sacrifices were not in vain," he said. "So the main message I have for all of you here today is that the American people understand the sacrifices you're making. They understand the sacrifices that your families are making. Our job is not finished." Even with the drawdown, Obama said, there still will be 68,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after September 2012. "Frankly, the 10th Mountain Division is still going to be represented there until we have fully transferred to the Afghan military and security forces," he said. "But I hope that all of you can both take pride in what you've done over the past years, but also understand that there's a future there that is brighter, not only for the Afghan people but most importantly, for American security." The president thanked the soldiers and their families for their dedication and sacrifices. "Nothing gives me more honor than serving as your commander in chief," he said. "And to all of you who are potentially going to be redeployed, just know that your commander in chief has your back."

Related Articles: Obama Announces Troop Reductions, Way Forward in Afghanistan

Senate Confirms Panetta as Defense Secretary

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2011 - The U.S. Senate voted unanimously this evening to confirm Leon E. Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense.

Panetta received broad bipartisan support following his June 9 confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in which he said his foremost mission as defense secretary would be to protect the United States and ensure it has the "best-trained, the best-equipped and the strongest military in the world."

President Barack Obama nominated him earlier this year to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. Panetta, who currently serves as CIA director, is a former Congressman from California who has worked in government for four decades, including as President Bill Clinton's budget director.

Obama has nominated Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, to replace Panetta as CIA director.

Panetta's confirmation comes one day ahead of the president's scheduled address to the nation to outline his plans to drawdown U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

In his hearing before the Senate committee, Panetta called Gates "one of the greatest secretaries of defense in our nation's history" and said he would carry on Gates' initiatives.

Biographies:


Leon E. Panetta

West LA VA Medical Center Finalizes Plans for Modernization

Expands Homeless Program, Building Renovation, Inpatient Care



LOS ANGELES (June 22, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (GLA) posted the Master Plan for
the West Los Angeles (WLA) campus, which includes plans to expand the
homeless program by renovating buildings on the historic campus.



"Secretary Shinseki is committed to ending Veteran homelessness in Los
Angeles and throughout the country by 2015. Though much work remains, VA
has made significant progress to reduce homelessness over the past two
years under his leadership," said GLA Director Donna M. Beiter, RN, MSN.
"This Master Plan builds on VA's progress to end Veteran homelessness
and ensures that land use at West Los Angeles will continue to put the
needs of Veterans first - now and into the future. The West Los Angeles
campus is a sacred and peaceful place for Veterans to heal, and VA is
committed to ensuring Veterans and their families receive the care and
benefits they have earned."



The WLA Master Plan, introduced for public comment in January 2011,
outlines potential modernization projects that provide direct benefit
for Veterans through VA programs and services on the WLA campus.  The
plan calls for an expansion of GLA's homeless program through the
renovation of Buildings 205, 208, and 209. This renovation will create
additional opportunities for long-term therapeutic and supportive
homeless programs at the WLA campus focusing on the most chronically
homeless disabled Veterans.



Other projects under consideration as funds become available include:
constructing a new inpatient tower (clinical expansion), centralizing
research activities and locating them adjacent to the clinical area,
expanding the Los Angeles National Cemetery onto the WLA campus and
collocating the VA regional office onto WLA grounds, offering Veterans
comprehensive services in one location.



Under the Master Plan, as each existing land use agreement expires,
renewal will be determined based upon the priorities and guiding
principles established in the Master Plan. This plan ensures that all
future proposed land use will be evaluated based on three critical
priorities: direct benefit to Veterans, fulfillment of VA's mission, and
compatibility with the community.



The Master Plan will be available for public viewing Wednesday at
www.losangeles.va.gov <http://www.losangeles.va.gov> .

To view the Final Notice available Wednesday visit:
www.federalregister.gov/learn/public-inspection-desk
<http://www.federalregister.gov/learn/public-inspection-desk>

The Master Plan will be published in the Federal Register Thursday at



http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-15739_PI.pdf



If you have any questions or concerns please contact the VA GLA Public
Affairs Office at             (310) 268-3340      .

DAV newsletter

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Dear Sean, Summer heats up with compassion for disabled veterans as the DAV rallies support from volunteers, professional athletes, corporate donors and concerned patriots like you! As you read the stories below, I hope you'll see the many ways that you help the DAV lead the fight for veterans' rights. Carrying the Flame of Patriotism! Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant Disabled American Veterans Tornadoes, Floods Harm Disabled Veterans   In the wake of widespread tornadoes and floods, DAV staff and volunteers are still spread out across America, reaching out with vital aid to disabled veterans stricken by disaster. A year of severe weather is putting the DAV's Disaster Relief Fund to the test.   VA Finally Delivers Aid to Heroes & Families   After leading the charge for a new law to aid the families of profoundly disabled veterans, the DAV criticized long VA delays in providing this urgently needed aid. Finally, the VA is accepting applications from full-time caregivers who meet the criteria and are eligible for vital training, financial assistance and health care. Helping Disabled Service Members Make a Smooth Transition   Across the country, DAV transition officers are helping disabled service members understand the benefits and services they earned before they leave the armed forces. Explains DAV Commander Wally Tyson: "We want to get to these veterans before they're released so we can help get them on a path toward reinstituting a life for themselves." Ford Motor Company Continues DAV Support   Ford Motor Company and DAV held a special ceremony at DAV's National Service and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where Ford made another generous donation to purchase additional vehicles for the DAV Transportation Program. Read the full article.  Lt. Dan Band Movie: For the Common Good   Check out longtime Disabled American Veterans friend and supporter, Gary Sinise's documentary — Lt. Dan Band Movie: For the Common Good. This inspirational film will premier online July 4th! Watch the trailer and register today! Inspiring a PGA Pro to Give His All for Disabled Vets   Keep an eye on PGA Pro Jeff Klauk because every time Jeff finishes in the top 10, Golden Corral donates $5,000 to DAV! Plus, Kids Eat Free on the Monday after a top 10 finish! The DAV thanks Golden Corral for its devotion to building better lives for disabled veterans. Keep Patriotism Shining Bright … All Summer Long!   As we enjoy our many freedoms this summer, it's a great time to thank our heroes for protecting the land that we love. And with July 4th right around the corner, you'll keep the spirit of patriotism alive as you give $25 … $50 … even $100 to DAV now!   DAV Newsbriefs Tornadoes, Floods Harm Disabled Veterans VA Finally Delivers Aid to Heroes & Families Helping Disabled Service Members Make a Smooth Transition Ford Motor Company Continues DAV Support Lt. Dan Band Movie: For the Common Good Inspiring a PGA Pro to Give His All for Disabled Vets Soar to Great Heights for Disabled Heroes! A behind-the-scenes look at this B-52 shows how this World War II bomber helps the DAV lead the way in outreach to disabled vets. Fuel the drive to give disabled vets the assistance they earned as you give $25, $50, even $100 now!

HOME | ABOUT US | VOLUNTARY SERVICES | BENEFITS ASSISTANCE | DONATE

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS OUR MISSION: Since its founding more than 90 years ago, Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans and Their Families. P.O. Box 14301 | Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301

Please thank a disabled veteran for their sacrifice and service!
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Flash Traffic Upcoming Veterans Job Fair

This just came in for any NYC area vets a upcoming job fair in Manhattan


Hello,

 

I am reaching out to my veterans' email contact list.  Please spread the word among your friends who are veterans and who happen to be looking for jobs.  Please scroll down to the Job Fair information I received from my colleague in our Howard Beach District Office, Pete DeLucia.  The event is this Thursday in Manhattan.

 

Good luck in your / your friends' job searching, and best regards,

 

Judy

 

Judy Close, Press Secretary
NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.
15th Senate District - Satellite Office
66-85  73rd Place
Middle Village, NY   11379
Ph:  718-497-1630

Army Uniform change : The Army announced earlier this week that the patrol cap will replace the black wool beret

On Monday, June 20, the Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III participated in his first bloggers roundtable to discuss and take questions about the recently announced changes to the Army uniform. The Army announced earlier this week that the patrol cap will replace the black wool beret as the default headgear for the Army combat uniform. Also changing are the options for how soldiers can attach certain items to their ACU shirts. Soldiers will soon be able to sew on name tapes, service tapes, rank insignia and skill badges, instead of using Velcro.

Deputy Sec. of Defense Honors Doughboys

Lynn Visits World War I American Cemetery in France By John D. Banusiewicz American Forces Press Service BELLEAU, France, June 18, 2011 - "Time will not dim the glory of their deeds," General of the Armies John J. Pershing said of U.S. service members. Near this village about 50 miles northeast of Paris today, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III brought truth to that assertion as he paid his respects to 2,288 U.S. soldiers and Marines – 251 of whom have never been identified – buried on the site where they helped to stem a German offensive during World War I. Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III lays a wreath at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial near the village of Belleau, Aisne, France, on June 18, 2011. The Aisne-Marne Cemetery Memorial is situated at the foot of the hill on which stands Belleau Wood where many of those buried in the cemetery lost their lives. DoD photo by Terry Mitchell (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Lynn placed a wreath at the foot of the stairs of the chapel that overlooks the at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, before visiting the chapel and the nearby Belleau Wood, where much of the fighting took place and many of the Americans buried at the cemetery died. Flora Nicolas of the American Battlefield Monuments Commission, public affairs officer for the cemetery, explained that Belleau Wood was significant because it represented the last natural barrier between 300,000 advancing German soldiers and Paris. The 3rd U.S. Division was the first to arrive when reinforcements were called in to help the French defend the Marne River, and the 2nd U.S. Division – which included 9,000 Marines – was in a reserve position and came as quickly as possible to Belleau Wood. The 2nd U.S. Division had to cross open wheat fields in Belleau, and took heavy casualties before the division's Marines killed German machine gunners occupying higher ground. The battle lasted 20 days, and on June 26, 1918, Belleau Wood was taken from the Germans. Ten American divisions joined the fight and pushed back the German lines, crushing the offensive and marking the beginning of the end of World War I, Nicolas said. The cemetery here was one of many temporary wartime cemeteries established by the Army's Graves Registration Service, and was known as the American Expeditionary Forces Cemetery No. 1764 - Belleau Wood. In 1921, Congress authorized retention of the cemetery as one of eight permanent World War I military cemeteries on foreign soil. The following year, an agreement with the French government granted its use as a military cemetery forever, free of charge or taxation. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, Lynn's senior military assistant, placed a wreath at a memorial in Belleau Wood honoring the U.S. Marines who fought there as part of the U.S. 2nd Division. Two members of Congress – U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida and U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes of California – also were on hand for the visit, which included a stop at the famous "Devil Dog Fountain," which honors the fighting spirit of the Marines who took Belleau Wood in June 1918.

Biographies: William J. Lynn III Related Sites: American Battle Monuments Commission

Army Announces Site for National Museum

Army Announces Site for National Museum                  The Army announced today that the North Post of Fort Belvoir, Va., will be the site of the National Museum of the U.S. Army (NMUSA), scheduled to open in June 2013.  Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh approved the decision this week, which also marked the Army's 236th birthday.                  "In presenting the Army's storied 236-year history, this long-overdue facility will offer the American people a unique opportunity to connect with our soldiers and better understand and appreciate their many and glorious stories," McHugh said.                  "Now that a site for the Army's museum has been determined, the development of the museum's master plan can be finalized," said Judson Bennett, executive director of the NMUSA project office at Fort Belvoir.  Building of the museum will be funded privately through the Army Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Army's heritage.                  Initial construction will include a multi-story, main museum building with exhibit halls, theater, Veterans' Hall, food service and retail areas, administrative areas, an experiential learning center and a lobby with visitor reception area.                  The Army is currently the only service without a centralized museum.  The Navy Museum is located at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C.; the Marine Corps Museum is located at the Marine Base Quantico in Prince William County, Va.; and the Air Force Museum is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.                  For more information, media may contact Army Public Affairs at 703-697-5344.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

"Stand Up for Heroes"

"Stand Up for Heroes"
Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:59:36 -0500

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speaks about Wounded Warriors at the Bob Woodruff Foundation's "Stand Up for Heroes" Event June 16 in Washington, DC.

Airman Missing from Vietnam War Identified

            The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

            Air Force 1st Lt. David A. Thorpe of Seneca Falls, N.Y., will be buried June 23 at Arlington National Cemetery.  On Oct. 3, 1966, Thorpe's C-130E, with four other men aboard, failed to arrive at Nha Trang Air Base following their departure from Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam.  Rescue personnel found their remains at the crash site in South Vietnam eight days later approximately 40 miles west of Nha Trang. The cause of the crash is not known.

            Between 1984 and 1996, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received human remains tentatively linked to Thorpe and the other crew members from various sources including refugees from the Vietnam War and Vietnamese citizens. Lacking advanced scientific tools and complete records during this time period, JPAC was unable to make an individual identification of Thorpe's remains, so he was buried as part of a group at Arlington.  Other remains associated with the entire group were held at JPAC's laboratory for future testing.

            As DNA testing procedures improved in the late 1990s, JPAC's forensic anthropologists applied the latest technologies from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory to include mitochondrial testing, a sample of which matched the DNA from Thorpe's sister.  His dental records also helped confirm the identification.

            With the accounting of this airman, 1,687 service members still remain missing from the Vietnam War.