Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The following article is from the Press Republican in N.Eastern NY.
I want to thank Joe Martin of EDVA and Dan Heath staff writer of
Press Republican for making the public aware of inadequate
recognition for Cod War Vets. I hopefully have some good news soon
to report from Rep. McHugh in regard to his support of CWVM .
Sincerely,
Sean P. Eagan
New York State Director
Cold War Veterans Association
14 Valley St.
Jamestown NY 14701
sean.eagan@gmail.com
http://www.coldwarveterans.com
http://cold-war-veterans-blog.blogspot.com/
By:
The group's Web site is www.edva.us
Founder and National Director Joe Martin can be contacted by e-mail at mongousmc@adelphia.net or by phone at 327-5201.
A petition to ask the government to create a Europe Defense Service Medal can be viewed and signed at www.petitiononline.com/edsm/petition.html
I want to thank Joe Martin of EDVA and Dan Heath staff writer of
Press Republican for making the public aware of inadequate
recognition for Cod War Vets. I hopefully have some good news soon
to report from Rep. McHugh in regard to his support of CWVM .
Sincerely,
Sean P. Eagan
New York State Director
Cold War Veterans Association
14 Valley St.
Jamestown NY 14701
sean.eagan@gmail.com
http://www.coldwarveterans.com
http://cold-war-veterans-blog.blogspot.com/
Joe Martin displays (from left) an Occupation Service medal; a Good Conduct medal; the commemorative medal available from the Department of Defense, which Martin said cant legally be worn on a uniform; and a prototype of the Cold War European Service medal he hopes to get approved by Congress
Staff Photo/Michael Betts
Staff Photo/Michael Betts
Group calls for recognition of Cold War veterans
Recognition sought for veterans of '40s through '90s era
By: August 24, 2006
LAKE PLACID An organization based in this area is working to give Cold War veterans recognition for their efforts at maintaining peace, freedom and stability on the European continent.
Joe Martin of Saranac Lake is the national director of the Europe Defense Veterans of America, based in Lake Placid. The group is advocating congressional approval of a Europe Defense Service Medal for people who took part in the Cold War's European Theater between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991, when the Soviet Union disbanded.
Joe Martin of Saranac Lake is the national director of the Europe Defense Veterans of America, based in Lake Placid. The group is advocating congressional approval of a Europe Defense Service Medal for people who took part in the Cold War's European Theater between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991, when the Soviet Union disbanded.
Europe Defense Veterans of America National Director Joe Martin points to the group’s patch on the Cold Warriors Honor blanket he created. It is adorned with patches from 39 groups that have expressed support for some form of Cold War service recognition
Staff Photo/Michael Betts
Staff Photo/Michael Betts
A DIFFERENT WAR
Martin said the Cold War is a story many may not want to broach because it is viewed as a time of peace.
"It was a war. There are still about 126 (people) missing in action," he said.
Martin said there are 382 known U.S. casualties from hostile fire during the Cold War, not including those killed in recognized conflicts, such as the Korean and Vietnamese wars.
It is estimated more than 5,000 American military personnel died, went missing in action or were wounded while performing training maneuvers, operations or support missions during the Cold War, he said.
"That these lives are not recognized is not fair, and it's not right."
The group wants to see a full and accurate accounting of those who became missing in action during the Cold War, as well as equal recognition with other veterans for their efforts in defense of the United States.
NEW APPROACH
Martin said bills have been introduced for several years seeking creation of a Cold War Victory Medal and a Cold War Service Medal. He said the House of Representatives usually supports the measure, but it fails in the Senate.
Those medals would be available for about 18 million veterans who served between 1941 and 1991.
He started the Europe Defense Veterans to try to get recognition for about 5 million veterans who served in Europe during that period, hoping the smaller number might ease passage through the two houses of Congress.
The group is pushing for the Europe Defense Service Medal based on the authorization of the Korea Defense Service Medal three years ago.
"The Korean War never ended. They are still there on a day-to-day basis," Martin said. "If they are worth a medal, why aren't we?"
SERVICE MEDALS
Among his years of military service were four years and 19 days as a Marine infantryman on two tours in Europe, including service in the Mediterranean on a U.S. Navy vessel with the 6th Fleet.
Martin said that while he was not on the West Germany-East Germany border or the West Germany-Czechoslovakia border, other members of the organization were, staring down Soviet soldiers every day.
Martin said the Department of Defense awarded Occupation Medals for forces serving in Germany and Europe from 1945 to 1955, after which they were available only to those serving in West Berlin from 1945 to 1990. He said the ratio of American and NATO forces to Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces was 1 to 2.1.
"Maybe we did our job too well," Martin said. "There was no nuclear war, so people think nothing happened. That's far from the truth."
Martin said the Department of Defense offers a commemorative medal for service in the Cold War, but it can't legally be worn with a uniform.
"There is code about wearing a medal not authorized by Congress. You could face jail time or fines."
For many Cold War veterans, the only medal recognizing their service is a Good Conduct medal, he said.
CERTIFICATE
He said Congress and the Department of Defense agreed in 1998 to provide recognition through a Cold War Certificate, with about 1 million awarded so far. It is available to those who served honorably on active duty, or in the National Guard, the Reserves or as Department of Defense federal employees during the Cold War.
"It is worded so gently you wouldn't believe it. It doesn't even list rank or years of service," Martin said. "It is a civilian certificate, not a military certificate. It is unsatisfactory to use this as a military award."
He has created a Cold Warriors Honor Blanket, which is adorned with patches from 39 veterans organizations that have publicly stated they support some form of Cold War service recognition. Those groups include the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
"I put this together as a symbol of trying to get all those people working together," he said.
BENEFITS
Recognition would help many Cold War veterans receive more services at Veterans Administration centers, he said. Because 26 years of the Cold War are not considered war periods by the Department of Defense, veterans who served only during those periods are denied access to certain services, such as for post-traumatic-stress disorder.
Martin said he has attended Memorial Day and Veterans Day services but felt almost embarrassed by a lack of recognition.
"Part of the military system is to recognize service by (awarding) medals. They are making a point of not recognizing us," Martin said. "That's not what I signed up for.
Martin said the Cold War is a story many may not want to broach because it is viewed as a time of peace.
"It was a war. There are still about 126 (people) missing in action," he said.
Martin said there are 382 known U.S. casualties from hostile fire during the Cold War, not including those killed in recognized conflicts, such as the Korean and Vietnamese wars.
It is estimated more than 5,000 American military personnel died, went missing in action or were wounded while performing training maneuvers, operations or support missions during the Cold War, he said.
"That these lives are not recognized is not fair, and it's not right."
The group wants to see a full and accurate accounting of those who became missing in action during the Cold War, as well as equal recognition with other veterans for their efforts in defense of the United States.
NEW APPROACH
Martin said bills have been introduced for several years seeking creation of a Cold War Victory Medal and a Cold War Service Medal. He said the House of Representatives usually supports the measure, but it fails in the Senate.
Those medals would be available for about 18 million veterans who served between 1941 and 1991.
He started the Europe Defense Veterans to try to get recognition for about 5 million veterans who served in Europe during that period, hoping the smaller number might ease passage through the two houses of Congress.
The group is pushing for the Europe Defense Service Medal based on the authorization of the Korea Defense Service Medal three years ago.
"The Korean War never ended. They are still there on a day-to-day basis," Martin said. "If they are worth a medal, why aren't we?"
SERVICE MEDALS
Among his years of military service were four years and 19 days as a Marine infantryman on two tours in Europe, including service in the Mediterranean on a U.S. Navy vessel with the 6th Fleet.
Martin said that while he was not on the West Germany-East Germany border or the West Germany-Czechoslovakia border, other members of the organization were, staring down Soviet soldiers every day.
Martin said the Department of Defense awarded Occupation Medals for forces serving in Germany and Europe from 1945 to 1955, after which they were available only to those serving in West Berlin from 1945 to 1990. He said the ratio of American and NATO forces to Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces was 1 to 2.1.
"Maybe we did our job too well," Martin said. "There was no nuclear war, so people think nothing happened. That's far from the truth."
Martin said the Department of Defense offers a commemorative medal for service in the Cold War, but it can't legally be worn with a uniform.
"There is code about wearing a medal not authorized by Congress. You could face jail time or fines."
For many Cold War veterans, the only medal recognizing their service is a Good Conduct medal, he said.
CERTIFICATE
He said Congress and the Department of Defense agreed in 1998 to provide recognition through a Cold War Certificate, with about 1 million awarded so far. It is available to those who served honorably on active duty, or in the National Guard, the Reserves or as Department of Defense federal employees during the Cold War.
"It is worded so gently you wouldn't believe it. It doesn't even list rank or years of service," Martin said. "It is a civilian certificate, not a military certificate. It is unsatisfactory to use this as a military award."
He has created a Cold Warriors Honor Blanket, which is adorned with patches from 39 veterans organizations that have publicly stated they support some form of Cold War service recognition. Those groups include the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
"I put this together as a symbol of trying to get all those people working together," he said.
BENEFITS
Recognition would help many Cold War veterans receive more services at Veterans Administration centers, he said. Because 26 years of the Cold War are not considered war periods by the Department of Defense, veterans who served only during those periods are denied access to certain services, such as for post-traumatic-stress disorder.
Martin said he has attended Memorial Day and Veterans Day services but felt almost embarrassed by a lack of recognition.
"Part of the military system is to recognize service by (awarding) medals. They are making a point of not recognizing us," Martin said. "That's not what I signed up for.
TO LEARN MORE
The European Defense Veterans of America's office is at 1936 Saranac Ave., Suite 2-149, Lake Placid, 12946.The group's Web site is www.edva.us
Founder and National Director Joe Martin can be contacted by e-mail at mongousmc@adelphia.net or by phone at 327-5201.
A petition to ask the government to create a Europe Defense Service Medal can be viewed and signed at www.petitiononline.com/edsm/petition.html
Friday, August 25, 2006
Cold War Certificate Program
In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.
This is the only official site on which to request Cold War Recognition Certificates. This site is operated by the United States Army, the executive agency for the Cold War Recognition Program. Cold War Recognition Certificates are available to qualified individuals at no cost. Any other site offering these certificates or replicas for sale or purchase are not official sites and are not approved or endorsed by the US Army.
Due to the remarkable success of this program, turn-around time for mailing certificates will be a minimum of 2 months. The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. Please do not request feedback prior to 2 months from the request date. Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.
Who is eligible?
All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian
personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold
War era, Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991. Individuals requesting
a certificate will certify that their character of service was
honorable. Acceptable supporting document for proof of service
is any official government or military document with recipient's
name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or
Foreign Service Number, and date of service.
Apply for the Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Preview Certificate
Phone Line: (703) 325-5864
Fax: 1-800-723-9262
Email: cwrs1@hoffman.army.mil
Address:
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
Cold War Recognition Program, Hoffman II, Room 3N45
ATTN: AHRC-CWRS
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0473
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 3013, Secretary of the Army; Public Law 105-85, Fiscal Year 98, National Defense Authorization Act; and Executive Order 9397.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: To secure sufficient information from the individual so to determine eligibility and to process the individuals' requests for the Cold War Recognition Certificate.
ROUTINE USES: Information is used for official purposes within the Department of Defense; specifically, to process requests for Cold War Certificates. This information may be used in accordance with established Routine Uses for all Department of Defense and Department of the Army system notices.
DISCLOSURE: Disclosure of the Social Security Number and other personal information is voluntary. However, failure to provide complete information may hinder proper identification of the requester, and may prevent the agency from determining eligibility of the requester for the certificate.
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In accordance with section 1084 of the Fiscal Year 1998 National Defense Authorization Act, the Secretary of Defense approved awarding Cold War Recognition Certificates to all members of the armed forces and qualified federal government civilian personnel who faithfully and honorably served the United States anytime during the Cold War era, which is defined as Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991.
This is the only official site on which to request Cold War Recognition Certificates. This site is operated by the United States Army, the executive agency for the Cold War Recognition Program. Cold War Recognition Certificates are available to qualified individuals at no cost. Any other site offering these certificates or replicas for sale or purchase are not official sites and are not approved or endorsed by the US Army.
Due to the remarkable success of this program, turn-around time for mailing certificates will be a minimum of 2 months. The CWRS Operations Team is working as fast as possible to clear the backlog. Please do not request feedback prior to 2 months from the request date. Thank you for your patience and interest in the Cold War Recognition program.
Who is eligible?
All members of the armed forces and federal government civilian
personnel who faithfully served the United States during the Cold
War era, Sept. 2, 1945 to Dec. 26, 1991. Individuals requesting
a certificate will certify that their character of service was
honorable. Acceptable supporting document for proof of service
is any official government or military document with recipient's
name, Social Security Number or Military Service Number or
Foreign Service Number, and date of service.
Apply for the Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Preview Certificate
Phone Line: (703) 325-5864
Fax: 1-800-723-9262
Email: cwrs1@hoffman.army.mil
Address:
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
Cold War Recognition Program, Hoffman II, Room 3N45
ATTN: AHRC-CWRS
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332-0473
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 3013, Secretary of the Army; Public Law 105-85, Fiscal Year 98, National Defense Authorization Act; and Executive Order 9397.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: To secure sufficient information from the individual so to determine eligibility and to process the individuals' requests for the Cold War Recognition Certificate.
ROUTINE USES: Information is used for official purposes within the Department of Defense; specifically, to process requests for Cold War Certificates. This information may be used in accordance with established Routine Uses for all Department of Defense and Department of the Army system notices.
DISCLOSURE: Disclosure of the Social Security Number and other personal information is voluntary. However, failure to provide complete information may hinder proper identification of the requester, and may prevent the agency from determining eligibility of the requester for the certificate.
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Sunday, August 20, 2006
House OK’s Saxton Bill Honoring Troops Lost in Failed Hostage Rescue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:
{June 21, 2005}
PR-68-05
CONTACT: JEFF SAGNIP HOLLENDONNER (609) 261-5801 www.house.gov/saxton
House OK’s Saxton Bill Honoring Troops Lost in Failed Hostage Rescue in Iran
Marks 25th Anniversary of ‘Operation Eagle Claw,’ U.S. Special Forces
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Saxton today took his resolution honoring American servicemen killed 25 years ago in the failed hostage rescue attempt to the floor of the House of Representatives.
"From the ashes in the Iranian desert rose the well-equipped, highly-trained elite special forces that exist today and are fully engaged in the war on terrorism," Saxton said. "That tragedy led us to recognize the need to join together all of the various special operations forces under a strong, unified command."
Saxton’s bill, House Resolution 256, recognizes the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines who participated in Operation Eagle Claw and commends all of the Special Operation Forces currently in service.
"Brave troops died 25 years ago, but their lives weren’t lost for nothing," Saxton said. "They were the seeds of a new breed of special operators that have performed well in the first Gulf War, the Balkans and today in Afghanistan and Iraq."
The House passed H.R. 256 at 10:55 a.m. this morning in a voice vote.
"In the 1980s Congress recognized that our Special Operations Forces were operating with poor and outdated equipment and a lack of funding," Saxton said. "We realized that national defense required more than debate and diplomacy. A series of crucial reforms took the first steps toward rebuilding the Special Operations force. The new U.S. Special Operations Command (U.S. SOCOM) was born to ensure that the problems encountered with Operation Eagle Claw would not be repeated."
As chairman of the House Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, Mr. Saxton oversees all U.S. Special Forces, including Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operators. Saxton helped create the Subcommittee after 9/11, and is its first chairman.
On Nov. 4, 1979, Islamic extremists stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 66 American hostages, 13 of whom were released between November 19-20, 1979. After months of diplomatic negotiations, planning, and intergovernmental debate, a complex rescue mission dubbed "Operation Eagle Claw" was approved by President Carter. On April 24, 1980, a Task Force comprised of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, Army Rangers, Air Force Special Operations Wing personnel, and Navy, Marine, and Air Force pilots moved undetected over thousands of miles to a remote location in the Iranian desert known by the code name "Desert One." Due to mechanical failures and weather problems only six of eight helicopters successfully arrived at Desert One. At Desert One, a combination of helicopters and MC-130/EC-130 gunships rendezvoused with the intention of rescuing the hostages 200 miles away in Tehran the following evening. Six helicopters was the minimum number that could successfully complete Operation Eagle Claw.
Mechanical, weather and security problems plagued the mission. Within minutes of the arrival of the MC-130 Combat Talon at Desert One, the ground security force stopped a bus with 44 Iranians aboard. Shortly thereafter a gasoline truck was blown up when it got too close to Desert One. The mission was dealt its final blow when one of the remaining helicopters lost its primary hydraulic system, and the rescue attempt was aborted. At that point one of the helicopters collided with a C-130 aircraft on the ground resulting in the death of five airmen and three Marines. The remaining troops managed to evacuate the wounded men and salvageable equipment back to friendly territory.
Today SOCOM is better armed and better trained than ever before.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:
{June 21, 2005}
PR-68-05
CONTACT: JEFF SAGNIP HOLLENDONNER (609) 261-5801 www.house.gov/saxton
House OK’s Saxton Bill Honoring Troops Lost in Failed Hostage Rescue in Iran
Marks 25th Anniversary of ‘Operation Eagle Claw,’ U.S. Special Forces
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Saxton today took his resolution honoring American servicemen killed 25 years ago in the failed hostage rescue attempt to the floor of the House of Representatives.
"From the ashes in the Iranian desert rose the well-equipped, highly-trained elite special forces that exist today and are fully engaged in the war on terrorism," Saxton said. "That tragedy led us to recognize the need to join together all of the various special operations forces under a strong, unified command."
Saxton’s bill, House Resolution 256, recognizes the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines who participated in Operation Eagle Claw and commends all of the Special Operation Forces currently in service.
"Brave troops died 25 years ago, but their lives weren’t lost for nothing," Saxton said. "They were the seeds of a new breed of special operators that have performed well in the first Gulf War, the Balkans and today in Afghanistan and Iraq."
The House passed H.R. 256 at 10:55 a.m. this morning in a voice vote.
"In the 1980s Congress recognized that our Special Operations Forces were operating with poor and outdated equipment and a lack of funding," Saxton said. "We realized that national defense required more than debate and diplomacy. A series of crucial reforms took the first steps toward rebuilding the Special Operations force. The new U.S. Special Operations Command (U.S. SOCOM) was born to ensure that the problems encountered with Operation Eagle Claw would not be repeated."
As chairman of the House Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, Mr. Saxton oversees all U.S. Special Forces, including Army Rangers, Navy SEALS, Green Berets and other special operators. Saxton helped create the Subcommittee after 9/11, and is its first chairman.
On Nov. 4, 1979, Islamic extremists stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 66 American hostages, 13 of whom were released between November 19-20, 1979. After months of diplomatic negotiations, planning, and intergovernmental debate, a complex rescue mission dubbed "Operation Eagle Claw" was approved by President Carter. On April 24, 1980, a Task Force comprised of U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, Army Rangers, Air Force Special Operations Wing personnel, and Navy, Marine, and Air Force pilots moved undetected over thousands of miles to a remote location in the Iranian desert known by the code name "Desert One." Due to mechanical failures and weather problems only six of eight helicopters successfully arrived at Desert One. At Desert One, a combination of helicopters and MC-130/EC-130 gunships rendezvoused with the intention of rescuing the hostages 200 miles away in Tehran the following evening. Six helicopters was the minimum number that could successfully complete Operation Eagle Claw.
Mechanical, weather and security problems plagued the mission. Within minutes of the arrival of the MC-130 Combat Talon at Desert One, the ground security force stopped a bus with 44 Iranians aboard. Shortly thereafter a gasoline truck was blown up when it got too close to Desert One. The mission was dealt its final blow when one of the remaining helicopters lost its primary hydraulic system, and the rescue attempt was aborted. At that point one of the helicopters collided with a C-130 aircraft on the ground resulting in the death of five airmen and three Marines. The remaining troops managed to evacuate the wounded men and salvageable equipment back to friendly territory.
Today SOCOM is better armed and better trained than ever before.
###
Monday, August 14, 2006
While the Association does not get involved in or take positions on elections, we do want to encourage our members and supporters to contact their senators and representatives on our issues. While the Connecticut US senate race has taken an interesting turn, Senator Joseph Lieberman had a comment in Waterbury yesterday (August 10) that our members need to note:
"...the enemy that faces us is as evil as Nazism and more dangerous than the Soviet communists we fought during the long Cold War."
This acknowledgement of the Cold War is important.Now, Senator Lieberman is a member of the House-Senate Conference on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2007. Section 552 of the House Version authorizes a Cold War Victory Medal. We need to ask him to pledge his support for keeping the Cold War Victory Medal in the final version of the NDAA for 2007. Whatever your feelings about the campaign, if you live in Connecticut, please contact Senator Leiberman with this simple request -- keep the Cold War Victory Medal in the NDAA for 2007.
"...the enemy that faces us is as evil as Nazism and more dangerous than the Soviet communists we fought during the long Cold War."
This acknowledgement of the Cold War is important.Now, Senator Lieberman is a member of the House-Senate Conference on the National Defense Authorization Act for 2007. Section 552 of the House Version authorizes a Cold War Victory Medal. We need to ask him to pledge his support for keeping the Cold War Victory Medal in the final version of the NDAA for 2007. Whatever your feelings about the campaign, if you live in Connecticut, please contact Senator Leiberman with this simple request -- keep the Cold War Victory Medal in the NDAA for 2007.
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