Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

September 2013 Vol. 4 No. 9

Thank you for reading, this months edition of the newsletter. We appreciate your involvement and continued support. Remember, we have two online sources where you can read and offer comments on the current and previous editions of the newsletter. The newsletter is posted on Facebook through the group called Veterans and Military Families Monthly News. Check it out and join the group. Click here to go directly to the page. The second source for the online version of the newsletter is the website www.scribd.com. This online source for the newsletter works in the same fashion as the Facebook page. Please let us know what you think, or if you have any questions about the online sources. For those of you who enjoy just receiving the email each month, we will continue to send it out. But we want to build the online presence as a way to reach out to more people. As always, thank you very much for reading. Our hope is to continue to expand the newsletter. For that, we need your input. So, again, if anyone has any suggestions for topics to cover or wants to write their own piece, we will gladly try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and please share your feedback with us.

Thank you very much!

P.2-Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau P.3-Camp Graylings 100th Anniversary P.4-Navy Ship Mail Policy P.5-VA Home Front P.6-France 4 Michigan Remembers D-Day 70th Anniversary P.8-National Gold Star Registry P.9-Honor Flight Chicago P.10-Agent Orange Okinawa P.11-What is ESGR P.12-WWII Memories From Cpt. Frank Smith

In This Issue

P.14-Spirit of the American Flag P.15-Veterans Summit 2013 P.16-Traumatic Brain Injury P.17-Legionnaires Disease Update P.18-MANGBANG P.19-New Non-Profit in Michigan to Help Veterans, Soldiers and Families P.20-Mi Military and Veterans Affairs Committee P.21-Grassroots Action Team P.22-Legal Help For Veterans P.23-Team Pascarella

And much more.

BENTON HARBOR - Southwestern Michigan's Lest We Forget organization is sponsoring the tour "WWII and The Western Front," commonly referred to as the "Band of Brothers Tour." The tour, to take place in summer of 2014, will give you a tangible connection to the most crucial moments of World War II. You will stand where the soldiers fought, see where the leaders met, and walk where the civilians lived. The tour will range from Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms in London, to the D-Day beaches of Normandy, to the battlefields at Bastogne and the historic sites such as Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate and the Wall in Berlin. For a very nominal fee the tour can be extended three days to Nuremburg, Munich and Salzburg where you will see the Dachau concentration camp, Hitler's Eagle Nest at Berchtesgaden and much more. You will truly experience first-hand the war that changed the world forever! This historic tour is produced by Education First Educational Tours (EF) of Cambridge MA, the international leader in educational tours for group travel. EF has been in existence for over 50 years and has over 400 offices and schools in over 50 countries around the globe. Make history come alive for you and your grandchildren. Showing them where you or a member of your family served during WWII will provide a sense of history, reality and a greater understanding of your military experience. We will have a full-time EF tour director accompany our group and at each of the stops there will be expert, licensed local guides. Tour includes eight overnight stays (11 on the extended tour) in hotels and one night ferry accommodation--crossing the English Channel.
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Lest We Forget Sponsors International WWII Tour

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

You will travel from July 14th to 24th, 2014 (or through the 27th if you take the 3-day extension). An introductory meeting is scheduled for Aug 21st, 2013 at 7 pm at Lake Michigan College's Benton Harbor campus in the Blue Lecture Hall. Be certain to attend to learn more about this impressive itinerary which takes you from England to France, Belgium and Germany. The cost for this 11 day tour is $3,810 for students under 20 and $4,205 for adults. With the three day extension the cost is $4,295 and $4,690. To view this tour online, go to www.eftours.com/1449819 . For questions call Don Alsbro at 269-921-7176 or dealsbro@comcast.net.

Some Useful Links

Air Force Times www.airforcetimes.com Navy Times www.navytimes.com Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com Army Times www.armytimes.com Military Times www.militarytimes.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil American Legion www.legion.org Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw.org AMVETS www.amvets.org The DAV www.dav.org Department of Defense www.dod.gov Military/Veterans Report www.militray.com The Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Administration www.va.gov Military Order of the Purple Heart www.purpleheart.org

A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

This notice from LWF is to inform the reader of the development of a Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau. Since our organization has conducted three yearlong courses at Lake Michigan College, we have many topics and many qualified speakers to present information from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have developed formats for school children of all ages, and for veterans organization. Whatever the event we will gladly produce the correct format We would be glad to present any topic of interest to any group. As coordinator, I will be glad to help with the choices of presentations and help with planning. Gary C. Lulenski Coordinator Speakers Bureau 269-428-3442 Garykaye2@comcast.net We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

If anyone has a site they would like to have added to this growing list please let us know! Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org Also check out the complete list of links that appear in this newsletter on the last page.

Thank you for your Support!

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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

cAmp GrAylinGs 100th AnniversAry

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson was honored to be part of Camp Graylings recent monument dedication ceremony celebrating the military training centers 100th anniversary. The camp was founded in 1913 on a land grant from Grayling lumber baron Rasmus Hanson. It now includes 147,000 acres in Crawford, Kalkaska and Otsego counties. Its the largest National Guard joint training center, used year-round by the Guard as well as active and reserve components of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Form: www.dav.org Because so many sick and disabled veterans lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities for needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide Transportation Network to meet this need. Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. The DAV stepped in to meet a substantial

Need a Ride

community need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country who coordinate the transportation needs for disabled veterans. Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. We hope we can help you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: www.michigan.gov With the end of the Cold War, the "peace dividend" saw the downsizing of the U.S. military. The result was increased commitment to the Total Force concept and increased use of the National Guard and reserve forces. Throughout the 1990s, Michigan National Guard members saw duty at home and abroad. From September 1995 to February 1996, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation was activated for service in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. The 110th Fighter Wing saw service in Bosnia in 1994 in support of the United Nations Operation Deny Flight and again in 1997 as part of the U.S. Operation Decisive Edge. Nearly 1,200 soldiers of Michigan's 46th Infantry Brigade were called up to provide security and support during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. Serving with them were members of the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing Security Police Squadron. Overseas, Michigan National Guard soldiers from Detroit's 1776th Military Police Company and the 210th Military Police Battalion were called to a year of active duty, December 1995 to December 1996. They served at

Post-Desert Storm

various U.S. military facilities in Germany so their active Army counterparts could deploy to Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Endeaver. The U.S. Air Base at Taszar, Hungary, had the help of the 1439th Engineer Detachment from Grayling. The firefighters were activated December 31, 1996 through August 12, 1997 in support of peacekeeping operations that were ongoing in Bosnia. When tensions began to reach the breaking point with Kosovo refugees being forced out of their homes in Yugoslavia, the 110th Fighter Wing answered the call. Joining with other A-10 "Thunderbolt" units from other state National Guards and active-duty Air Force personnel, the Michigan Air National Guard members formed the 104th Expeditionary Operations Group and took over a "bare bones" air base in Italy. Guard members were deployed from mid-May to early July 1997. Elements of the Michigan National Guard were some of the last to serve at U.S. military installations in Panama before the return of those facilities to the Republic of Panama. The 171st Airlift Squadron of the 127th Wing is the last Air National Guard unit to perform missions from Howard Air Force Base in Panama and members of the 1775th and 46th Military Police Companies provided law enforcement services and security as Fort Clayton, Panama was closed down. the longer zip codes, which include the commonly known five digits, separated by a dash from the lesser known plus-4 digits. Commanding officers have been directed to provide sailors with their nine-digit zip codes so they can, in turn, inform their correspondents. [Source: Stars & Stripes article 16 Jul 2013 ++]

From: RAO Bulletin August 2013 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/ AMVETS/DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/ VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/AD37 member) All mail sent to Navy ships, squadrons and mobile units must now use nine-digit zip codes or it will be returned to sender, according to a Navy statement 16 JUL. Mail without the nine-digit zip code that is currently en route will also be returned as undeliverable, according to both Tuesdays statement and a July 12 service memo from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. The U.S. Post Office shuttered two of its coastal military mail operations and instead opened one processing center in Chicago, according to the statement. When they did so, they changed from manual sorting to an automated operation requiring

Navy Ship Mail Policy

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

The 70th Anniversary of D-Day in 2014 is fast approaching and the Lakeshore Lancers band of Stevensville Michigan has been invited by the D-Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration and American Musical Salute Committee to join as an official representative of Michigan in Normandy France in June of 2014. Our kids will join the American Liberation Victory Parade that will step off on the actual anniversary day, June 6, 2014 in the French village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first village to be liberated by American troops. A 3-time State Champion, the band already represented the State of Michigan in 2004 at the inauguration of the World War II memorial in Washington DC. At the time, our students honored each living World War II Veteran of Michigan by wearing an epaulette that was eventually mailed back to them with a card to thank them for their service and provide them with a token of appreciation and gratitude.

With an invitation of such historical significance, we feel our mission should be meant for this generation to remember forever the meaning of D-Day and those Michigan citizens who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom as well as the significant role the State of Michigan played in this war effort. In particular, we are planning on honoring each of the 419 soldiers of Michigan resting at the Normandy American Cemetery by pouring a little bit sand from Michigan on their grave as a symbol of our remembrance of their sacrifice. The Michigan sand will be collected from high schools of Michigan as an educational program and in return, we will bring back sand from Omaha Beach that will be presented back to each participating school as a token of appreciation and a symbol of remembrance. In addition, we plan for our marching students to wear a ribbon in honor of each of the last living WWII veterans of Michigan that will eventually be mailed back to them as a mark of our gratitude. Finally, our students will research the history of leading companies of Michigan during World War II and build boards that illustrate the amazing contribution of our State to the war efforts. To accomplish this extraordinary invasion, the allied forces relied on American manufacturing companies to produce military equipment such as the Sherman Tank, bombers like the B-24, gliders such as the Waco CG-4A, amphibious vehicles like the DUCW, and military transport vehicles like the GMC CCKW350, the Dodge WC, or the iconic Jeep. Continued... We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

What do all these have in common? They were all manufactured by leading companies from Michigan. In fact, the whole State of Michigan and its business leaders threw themselves in support of the war effort like no other as the backbone of what was once called the arsenal for democracy. One can argue that never in the history of Michigan, has our State had such a leading impact on the world as during World War II. Our band is quite large for a high school of less than 1000 students. As a matter of fact, our band has never travelled overseas. Most band parents simply do not have the means to pay for such a large expense. For this event, we started a comprehensive fundraising program. We are reaching out to numerous leaders of Michigan to gather support:: from local businesses, corporate leaders, private donors, foundations, the French American

Chamber of Commerce of Detroit, The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Michigan Department of Education, as well as our State and Congressional representatives. The response is consistent and overwhelmingly supportive as everyone shows their patriotic support and desire to ensure that such a project gets accomplished. As we live in these difficult economic and political times, wouldnt it be extraordinary if we could celebrate in 2014 our glorious past while looking forward to a bright future that we owe to all those who served? I think you will agree that we owe it to the past generations, to the fallen, to our last surviving veterans, and to the future generations. For more information and for contribution interest, a website will be available soon: come visit us at www.ddaymichigan.com!

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: www.michiganpva.org MPVA is celebrating its 50th year of service in Michigan. It is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practices established by the PVA. MPVA is, however, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Michigan programs, services, education, and outreach conducted here are made possible by local volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors. The mission of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs. MPVA shall continue striving to remain at the forefront of both veterans benefits services and disability rights, while working toward a better quality of life for all American citizens.

The MPVA Mission

How the Registry Began

The National Gold Star Family Registry is a project of Military Families United, a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to Honor the Fallen, Support Those Who Fight, and Serve Their Families. Through various events held for Gold Star Family members, Military Families United recognized a need for families to be able to share the stories of their Heroes with the world. In the beginning, families attending these events wrote their stories in a notebook to share with other Gold Star families, this concept eventually took the form of the virtual memorial. First launched in 2010, the Registry has been continually upgraded with the latest in technology and resources. This 21st Century memorial ensures that anyone anywhere can honor and remember the Heroes who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom. Whether they gave their life in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, or another conflict, the Registry is a place to ensure their memory will live on.

From: Wendy Lynn Day (www.goldstarfamilyregistry.com) The National Gold Star Family Registry is the first comprehensive database of the United States fallen Heroes and their families ever developed. The Registry not only affords family members the opportunity to publicly remember their loved one, but serves as a historical log of our Nations true Heroes. By providing educational resources and personal accounts, the Registry ensures that future generations may know who these brave Americans werenot only how they died, but, more importantly, how they lived. The information in the Registry is compiled from a number of different public sources including the Department of Defense and the National Archives. Adhering to Department of Defense guidelines for families who receive the Gold Star Pin, the Registry only includes the names of Heroes who have given their lives on the battlefield. From the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC, to the countless war memorials on courthouse lawns, the United States is peppered with stone monuments honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. These treasures are powerful, but access is limited by geography, and names inscribed in stone dont tell the Heroes full story. The National Gold Star Family Registry serves as a 21st Century monument, utilizing the latest in internet technology to memorialize those same men and women in a whole new way.

National Gold Star Registry

About Military Families United

Military Families United is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization whose mission is to Honor the Fallen, Support Those Who Fight, and Serve Their Families. We are a national coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans, and patriotic Americans who share a deep appreciation for our men and women in uniform and support them in their mission to keep America safe. Founded in 2005 to provide an avenue for military families to remind the nation of the importance of supporting our military and the mission they have been given , the organization expanded to provide charitable programs offering families direct support. Through a portfolio of unique services, events, and advocacy programs, the organization seeks to ensure that future generations of Americans will never forget the sacrifices of our courageous military.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: RAO Bulletin August 2013 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/ DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/ CG33/DD890/AD37 member) Japans Ministry of Defense says it has detected components of Agent Orange in old barrels unearthed on land that was once part of Kadena Air Base. Soil and water testing found dioxin and another harmful components of the notorious U.S. military defoliant around about two dozen rusted containers some marked with Dow Chemical Co.s logo that were discovered by Japanese crews digging at what is now a local soccer field in Okinawa City. Dow was one of the manufacturers of dioxin-laden herbicides that were used to strip away jungle cover for enemy combatants during the Vietnam War and later linked to severe illnesses and birth defects. The Okinawa Defense Bureau of the Ministry of Defense said the testing proves the barrels contained some type of herbicide, but the bureau stopped short of saying it was Agent Orange because only two of three chemical markers of the defoliant were found at the site. The drums appeared to have been buried empty, meaning it is likely the contents had been used, according to the bureau. The discovery adds to growing fears among Okinawans that the military once used and stored the

Agent Orange Okinawa Update

dangerous defoliants at its many bases on the island. Recently, some American veterans have publicly claimed to have sprayed and come into contact with the defoliants during deployments here decades ago. The United States has repeatedly denied the substances were ever present on Okinawa. The Department of Defense said earlier this year that an investigation found no basis for the claims. Japanese authorities took photos of the barrels recovered from the soccer field. Last month, Dow Chemical said they did not match the type of containers used for the herbicide. The Japanese defense bureau said it tested samples from inside the barrels as well as from the surrounding soil and water and found traces of dioxin. The highly toxic pollutant can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage and hormone imbalances, according to the World Health Organization. A second chemical herbicide - 2,4,5trichlorophenoxyacetic acid was also found in and around the barrels, according to a report the bureau provided to Stars and Stripes. The chemical was an ingredient in U.S. defoliants and was discontinued due to health concerns. However, another key component of Agent Orange - 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic, a common herbicide that is still widely used - was not found at the site. The bureau said the lack of that chemical leaves it unable say whether the defoliant was in the containers. The Air Force has said the soccer field land was once part of Kadena and was returned to local control in 1987. The Ministry of Defense and Okinawa City plan to search the rest of the soccer field where the barrels were discovered and conduct additional soil sampling to determine if more herbicide is present. [Source: Stars & Stripes | Tritten and Chiyomi Sumida | 26 Jul 2013 ++]

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From: www.esgr.mil ESGR, a Department of Defense agency, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 4,800 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Volunteers, hailing from small business and industry, government, education and prior military service bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, service members and their families. Together with Headquarters ESGR staff and a small cadre of support staff for each State Committee, volunteers work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve. ESGR has served our country for 40 years, developing and promoting a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. These citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. ESGR has continued to adapt to meet the needs of our Reserve Component members, their families and Americas employers by joining forces with a network of other national, state and local government and professional trade organizations as together, We All Serve!

What is ESGR

From: www.va.gov The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to informing the Veteran community about VA health benefits and services. Currently, VA is producing personalized Veteran Health Benefits Handbooks for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. The new handbooks are tailored specificfor each Veteran and provides detailed information about the VA health services the Veteran may be eligible to receive. The Veteran Health Benefit Handbook provides answers to common questions such as contact information for the Veteran's local facility, instructions on how to schedule appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran's responsibilities, such as co-pays, if applicable. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare will receive their personalized handbooks via mail as part of a national rollout campaign starting in February 2012 based on Priority Group, beginning with Priority Group 1 and ending with Priority Group 8. In the near future, VA will develop an online version of the handbook for Veterans to access via MyHealtheVet. This will allow Veterans to access their up-to-date health benefit information anywhere, anytime. Click the link below for additional information about the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook or call VA at 1 877-222-VETS (8387).

Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the Fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
Click the Michigan Flag to access the ESGR Michigan Page

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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On July 4th 2012 Mr. Franklin Smith passed away. In December of 2011 I received a letter with a story attached. Since then I have been working on obtaining a copy of his full story. Don Alsbro the President of Lest We Forget SW MI provided me with the document. Mr. Smith wrote over 50 pages in his account of World War II. Over the next few months we will publish the whole story. I thank Lest We Forget for their support with this project.Matthew X. Hauser

World War II Memories From Captain Franklin H. Smith-Part XI

By: The Late Cpt. Franklin H. Smith

QUEEN MARY
The train took us up to Scotland and we were loaded onto some small boats and taken out to the Queen Mary as she sat in the Perth of the Clyde River. The men got a workout as they carried me and they had to stop and rest a couple of times. Even though the Queen Mary was not a hospital ship it was used to get some of the wounded home. They loaded one thousand patients to go back to the United States. There were two hundred litter cases and eight hundred walking wounded. The Queen was carrying eighteen thousand that time from the United States to England but they didnt want to put too many patients aboard in case an enemy torpedo hit the ship. I was still bleeding badly and my cast gave off a foul smell. They put me in a stateroom with about twenty other wounded people and I guess they complained about the smell and said it was making them sick. So they moved me and another officer in a cast into a very small stateroom with another man who was also a complete invalid with a serious head injury. They assigned two soldiers to take care of us. These soldiers were normally stationed in Iceland and were being given leave time in the United States. They had gone to England to catch the Queen Mary for transportation to the US. We were the first wounded men that had seen and they were very kind and good to us. They did whatever we asked them to do. The enemy submarines that were left

were supposed to be in the north so we went to the south. The Queen Mary did not have any escort as she could run a speed of around twentyeight knots and outrun most of the submarines. It took us about five and a half days and as we came into New York harbor, these two soldiers were up in the port hold giving us a blow by blow report. We could hear the music coming through the porthole from the band on the dock. All the walking wounded were unloaded and about 10:00 p.m. I was unloaded. It was a dark and dismal night and there was no band, just an empty area of the docks with one exception. There were two Gray Ladies there and they came over and asked me if I would like a cup of coffee and a doughnut, which I did. The thing that really impressed me was that these two women had stayed there until the very last one of us was unloaded, and I happened to be one of the very last. We were taken to Halloran General Hospital and when we checked in we were told we could use the telephone to call home. My turn to use the phone didnt come until the next morning. I called Minneapolis and talked to Marguerites mother and she told me Marguerite was in Chicago visiting Sylvia Legg Borneman who had been her roommate in college. They had kept in touch during the war years and would get together a couple of times a year. Her mother told me the name of the hotel so I called and Marguerite answered. I guess she was half asleep so I asked her if she was the wife of that famous soldier, Frank Smith. In a daze she said that her husband wasnt in the Navy that he was a soldier. Finally I told her that I was her husband. She hadnt heard my voice for two and a half years and it was a shock for her to be talking to me because she had no idea that I was coming home. I told her that my stay at Holloran was a temporary stay and that I would be leaving for some other hospital and I would call her when I knew which one it would be.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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I suggested she go to Chicago and stay with my sister, Marge and I would call her there as soon as I knew where I landed. Because I was in a cast that had a lot of blood all over it, the doctor at Holloran decided to change it. In fact, the doctor said they were going to put me in traction. I told them that I didnt think they could put me in traction because they were going to in England and didnt do it. He seemed to be a kind of know-it-all doctor and I didnt argue with him anymore. Every other time they had changed my cast I had been put out with some sort of anesthetic, but Halloran just took me in and this doctor got the cast cutters. He was very rough and it was hurting me as he was cutting. I said; If I could get my hands on those cutters, I would hit you right in the head. He was careful that I didnt get hold of the cutters. When they opened me up I saw the bad shape I was in and it really discouraged me further. When he got a look at my condition he realized that he couldnt put me in traction, so it was necessary to put me back in the full body Spica cast again. This was about the fifth or sixth time that I had a cast change. A few days later I was put on a train and it took me to Louisville, Kentucky where I was admitted to Nicholas General Hospital, which was a temporary Army Hospital that had been set up just outside of Louisville. I immediately called Marguerite and told her where I was located and she made arrangements to come to Louisville. The doctors there told me that they were going to have to close some of my wounds with grafts from my backside and they set me up for this operation. I thought they were going to take this skin off my back but they took the skin off my seat. They brought me back to the room and when I became conscious, I told Marguerite that my seat was hurting. The reason being they had taken all my skin to cover the wounds. I was very fortunate that all the graft took and my wounds closed. They then measured me to make a brace for my right leg. The metal would go all the way from the shoe to my hip so that when I walked I would not be walking on the leg. I would be walking from my hip down to the shoe. They got this all fitted up for me and the first time I put it on and stood up on the crutches, I felt like I was ten feet tall. I walked to the back of the ward in the hospital and when I turned around I wasnt sure I could get back to my room. When I

made it back I was so exhausted by the short trip to the back of the ward I flopped into bed and didnt get up again that day. We wanted to buy a car. Marguerite was able to get stamps to buy a car because I was a wounded soldier. She was able to buy a second hand Oldsmobile that had been a former police car. We got ready to leave the hospital and go home for Christmas. First we were going to Chicago and then on to Minneapolis. We left about 5:00 a.m. I was sitting in the back seat with my leg up on the seat and Marguerite was driving. We also had a soldier who was going to ride to Minneapolis with us. We were crossing the bridge from Louisville to New Albany when the car began to cough and I knew we were in great trouble. I said that if we could get to the other side of the bridge we needed to get to a filling station, which we did. The filling station wasnt open until about 6:00 a.m. and the man said that he didnt know anything about automobiles, he only pumped gas. The police station was across the street so Marguerite went across the street to tell them about our plight and see if they would recommend someone to help us. They called the fire department as a mechanic had been assigned to the fire department. They told the police that the mechanic had been on the night shift and had already gone home. The police came over, pushed our car down to the mechanics house and he came out. Then they pushed our car back down to the fire station, took out the fire engine and put our car into that space. The mechanic went to work on our car and got a few parts. It took most of the morning to get the car repaired and when he got it running I asked if he thought the car would make it to Minneapolis. He said that it would. The other firemen had polished our car until it was in beautiful shape. The mechanic didnt want to take any money for the work he had done. I asked him if I could at least pay for the parts he had bought and he agreed. From that day on I have had a soft spot in my heart for the police and fire department of New Albany, Indiana. We left New Albany and had no problem getting to Chicago. We visited there and then went on to Minneapolis. The car was a southern car. There had a big snowfall in Minneapolis and cold weather set in and the darn car wouldnt start the next morning.

Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice, to give them a forum where they are able to discuss their issuesand tell their stories. You can listen to the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX (1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM (99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-AM, Apple Valley CA) and KMRC (1430AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at: www.veteransradio.net.

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We eventually got it started and it held up for the time in Minnesota and back to Louisville where I reentered the hospital. The last operation I had in the hospital was to remove as much of the grafted area as possible. They were able to sew the leg together. I still have some grafts in my leg that they were unable to get out at that time. I had a broken leg, a smashed knee joint, torn sciatic nerve, a damaged ankle and I guess that is about the sum of it. I received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action against the enemy. I was also decorated with a Silver Star for gallantry in action at Angers, the Bronze Star for distinguished heroism for my action at the river crossing at Dornot and the Combat Infantry Badge. When I was leaving the hospital I asked one of the doctors how much longer I would have to endure the pain I was having. His answer was all my life. This was discouraging to say the least. My army days were over in December 1945. At that point I went to work for the Aetna Casualty and Surety Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Marguerite, Sally and I made a trip to Europe in 1970 and I was able to take them to most of the places where I had been in 1944 and give them a picture of what happened. In 1992 some members of the 11th Infantry were to be honored by a number of towns that they had liberated. We spent two weeks in France and some time in Luxembourg and it was a great trip. While we were actually planning to go for just one celebration, our guide said that when she was setting up accommodations for us she limited it to six days because everybody wanted to have a celebration for us. We had three solid days of ceremonies in France and three days in Luxemburg. People welcomed us as heroes. We were kept busy from morning until after midnight every night. The reason we were able to break it up at midnight was that we watched for an opportunity to tell them what a nice time we had and thank them and bring the evening to an end. Otherwise, we would have been there until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. Our Division in the European operation had twentyfive thousand casualties, half of which were non-battle casualties. The 5th Division also made twenty-five forced river crossings. The Division was brought home with the intention of sending it to Japan. Fortunately, the dropping of the Atomic bombs saved them from further bloodshed. The Division did serve in Vietnam and was finally deactivated in 1992. In September 1999 we were honored in the Dornot area. Alain and Elizabeth Gozzo were our hosts. They were wonderful people and again we were treated as heroes. They will be our French friends forever.

By: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America Flag

Spirit of the American Flag

The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a naval veteran realizing the need for historical recognition of American's heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country. The "Spirit of America" insignia shown above was designed to recognize our men and women of the military forces and the battles they fought. As the Spirit of America Foundation continues its mission to promote patriotism and the appreciation of our veterans, it has expanded its reach to help veterans in need in today's tough economy. FORGOTTEN HEROES USA, LTD, supports the missions of the Spirit of America Foundation by offering patriotic products honoring Americas hardships in history dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. With each purchase, a percentage is donated to the Spirit of America Foundation. If you would like to help our cause by making a purchase or donation please know that your generosity will reach many others in their time of need. Please review our web site for more information. If you have any questions or comments please contact us via the "Contact Us" page. Thank you! Video: The Raising of the Spirit of America flag. At the American war cemetery in Margraten in The Netherlands on Sunday the 3rd of July 2011. Made by: RALPH84 Click Here to view the video.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the Fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

Along with building the newsletters Facebook page, which can be found by the link above, the Michigan Republican Party is building their page. If you would like join, please click here.
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~Ronald Reagan
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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From: RAO Bulletin August 2013 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/ DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/ DD890/AD37 member) Traumatic brain injury prior to combat duty may be partially to blame for the rise of veteran suicides. The unusual number of sports players who experienced TBI (traumatic brain injury) and later committed suicide, and the number of military vets who experienced TBI while in combat and later committed suicide, may not be a coincidence, say brain injury researchers. Research on traumatic brain injury is of utmost concern right now for veteran disability advocates, commented veterans disability lawyer James Fausone. A new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry has proposed a link between multiple concussions or traumatic brain injuries and suicidal actions later. In addition, the study found that a significant number of the men who experienced military -related TBI had a sports-playing history, which indicates that they may have experienced TBI on the playing field years earlier. The study, conducted by an Air Force psychologist, looked at 161 individuals sent to his clinic for suspected concussions. Those interviewed were asked about any history of head trauma, any battles with depression, PTSD or struggling with suicidal thoughts. The study concluded that many of the head injuries referenced by the study participants, in some cases as many as 6 injuries by one individual, were sustained prior to military service. Approximately 20 percent of the study participants reported that they experienced concussion during their basic training, and some reported that they had sustained as many as 15 different head injuries during their tour of duty. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are both high-risk factors for suicide, and combat experience typically would only increase their severity, said the researchers. Individuals who already experience one or both of these conditions and then join the service would explain why there are such high levels of suicide in the Armed Forces. The researchers suggest that head trauma may set up a pre-existing disposition towards suicidal ideation or action which is then exacerbated by additional head trauma during combat. Exposure to an IED (improvised explosive device) buffets the brain within the skull by

Traumatic Brain Injury Update

concussive shock waves, which can cause bleeding in the brain at numerous, hard-to-detect sites, causing damage. Subtle traumatic brain injury can be impossible to detect by an average physical; it is possible that many military personnel entered the service well enough to serve, and then subsequent damage further made them more susceptible to suicidal thoughts than someone who had not sustained sports-related concussions or other head injuries. [Source: Northville MI Law Firm Newswire article 16 JUL 2013 ++]

From: Hank Fuhs Young people have theirs, now Seniors have their own texting codes: * ATD- At the Doctor's * BFF - Best Friends Funeral * BTW- Bring the Wheelchair * BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth * CBM- Covered by Medicare * SUATSC- See You at the Senior Citizens * DWI- Driving While Incontinent * FWIW - Forgot Where I Was * GGPBL- Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low * GHA - Got Heartburn Again * LMDO- Laughing My Dentures Out * LOL- Living on Lipitor * * TOT- Texting on Toilet Hope these help. GGLKI (Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!)
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On The Lighter Side

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From: RAO Bulletin August 2013 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/ AMVETS/DAV/FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/ VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/AD37 member) It's not just Pittsburgh. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country failed to follow policies designed to stop the spread of Legionnaires' disease, according to a VA Office of Inspector General's report released on 1 AUG. More than one-third of VA hospitals and clinical care facilities did not conduct proper planning and risk assessment required by a 2008 national VA directive to control the Legionella bacteria. If inhaled in water mist, the bacteria can become a potentially deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease. The report shows a clear lack of understanding at VA facilities across the country about proper protocol when testing for Legionella, Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA) wrote in an email to the Tribune-Review. Casey, along with Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA-18) requested the nationwide investigation after a Legionnaires' outbreak in the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System sickened at least 21 veterans, at least five of whom died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The full scope of the Pittsburgh outbreak remains murky. VA workers at the University Drive campus in Oakland found alarmingly high levels of Legionella bacteria in the water system as far back as 2007, a Trib investigation revealed, but the VA and the CDC did not review those records or the medical records of veterans hospitalized there before the February 2011 to November 2012 outbreak. At least one family believes their loved one was killed in the outbreak but went uncounted by the CDC. Casey has asked the CDC to review the matter. The report released on Thursday is the third produced by the Inspector General in response to the outbreak. At least one more, a criminal probe, is under way. Nine of the 16 VA facilities with a history of hospital-acquired Legionnaires' meaning patients caught the disease at the facilities failed to follow the clinical and environmental testing guidelines spelled out in the 2008 directive, according to the report.

Legionnaires Disease Update 3rd VA OIG Report Results

From: www.wwimemorial.org In March 2008, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, visited the District of Columbia War Memorial, on the National Mall in Washington DC. He observed that this peaceful, secluded memorial, dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives in that war, sits neglected and in extreme disrepair, and that there is no national memorial to World War I. Mr. Buckles issued a call for the restoration and re-dedication of the D.C. memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. The World War I Memorial Foundation was formed to make Frank Buckles dream a reality. The mission of the Foundation is to advocate and raise funds for the re-dedication of the DC War Memorial as a national World War I memorial, dedicated to all those Americans who served in the Great War. In 2014 the world will mark the centennial of World War I. Nearly 5 million Americans served during the war, and 116,516 Americans died in defense of democracy overseas. Americas support of its allies in World War I marked the first time in this nations history that American soldiers went abroad to defend foreign soil against aggression -- and it marked the true beginning of the American century. Yet while the later conflicts of the 20th century World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War -rightfully have national memorials on the National Mall, there is no such memorial to the Great War, even though more Americans gave their lives in World War I than in Korea or Vietnam. The D.C. memorial, which is already located adjacent to those other memorials, is the most fitting site for a national World War I memorial.

The World War I Memorial Foundation

Photo: The Late Frank Buckles during his 2008 visit to the Washington D.C. World War I Monument.

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The report is based on surveys that 182 VA hospitals returned to the Inspector General documenting their Legionella prevention efforts in 2012. That year, as an outbreak gripped VA Pittsburgh hospitals, testing for the disease at the Heinz and University Drive hospitals far exceeded any other in the country. Of the 15,169 urine tests conducted at all VA hospitals to determine the presence of Legionella bacteria, more than 1,200 were conducted in Pittsburgh. No other hospital conducted more than 900. VA Pittsburgh accounted for about one-third of the 3,091 respiratory cultures taken that year, the report found. Pittsburgh had more Legionnaires' patients than anywhere else. Eighteen of the 112 patients identified by the Inspector General were in Pittsburgh, more than three times the next-highest number of cases five that were identified at the VA Medical Center in Washington. Investigators identified only four of those 112 Legionnaires' patients who definitely caught the disease from VA hospitals, the report said. It did not identify which hospitals those patients visited, but the CDC investigation of Pittsburgh's outbreak identified four

patients who definitely acquired the disease in VA Pittsburgh facilities in 2012. The CDC report identified nine others who probably acquired the disease there. The inspector general's findings only bolster the case for significant reform at (the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System) and around the country, and the need to pass legislation to require the VA to report outbreaks of infectious diseases to appropriate public officials, Casey said. Casey and Murphy have introduced bills that would require VA hospitals to comply with the same reporting requirements that apply to most hospitals to tighten oversight. The national VA is revising its guidelines for Legionella prevention in response to the Pittsburgh outbreak. The Inspector General suggested that those revisions simplify guidelines and provide guidance, education and monitoring to make sure they're followed. In addition, the IG recommended the VA expand the number of facilities that should take extra steps to combat Legionnaires'. VA Undersecretary of Health Dr. Robert Petzel concurred with the recommendations and said they would be implemented within a year. [Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review | Mike Wereschagin | 2 Aug 2013 ++]

MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY BOOKS

The Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association created a three volume set of history books covering the periods 1926-1996. A fourth volume covering the years 1996 to 2006 is in production and should be available soon. Volume 1 covers the period 1926 to 1976-Cost: $1.00 Volume 2 covers the period 1976 to 1986-Cost: $4.00 Volume 3 covers the period 1986 to 1996-Cost: $1.00 Volume 4 covers the period 1996 to 2010-Cost: $6:00 Full color $35.00 If you wish to purchase one or more of these volumes or are interested in more information, please contact MAGHA at Phone: 586-239-6768, Fax: 586-239-6646, Email: 127.wg.selfridgeairmuseum@ang.af.mil

MANGBANG
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) & Matthew X. Hauser As you may have seen in past editions of the newsletter, MANGBANG has been one of our sources. We are thankful for the source and so we just wanted to pass the information along for MANGBANG in case anyone is interested in joining the Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association. You can contact Lou Nigro if you are interested. We think it is a worthwhile investment-it supports the history of the Michigan Air National Guard and his monthly publications are very informative. For those who want to view it on our website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org, http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org ), Lt Col Lou Nigro, MI ANG (Ret) Executive Director, Selfridge Military Air Museum Email: louis.nigro@ang.af.mil

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From: www.va.gov-August 10, 2013 WASHINGTON -- In response to President Obamas Executive Order, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) highlighted today the establishment of two joint research consortia, at a combined investment of $107 million to research the diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) over a five-year period. VA is proud to join with its partners in the federal government and the academic community to support the Presidents vision and invest in research that could lead to innovative, new treatments for TBI and PTSD," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We must do all we can to deliver the high-quality care our Service members and Veterans have earned and deserve. The Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (CAP), a collaborative effort between the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio Military Medical Center, and the Boston VA Medical Center will attempt to develop the most effective diagnostic, prognostic, novel treatment, and rehabilitative strategies to treat acute PTSD and prevent chronic PTSD. The Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (CENC), a collaborative effort between Virginia Commonwealth University, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Richmond VA Medical Center will examine the factors which influence the chronic effects of mTBI and common comorbidities in order to improve diagnostic and treatment options. A key point will be to further the understanding of the relationship between mTBI and neurodegenerative disease. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2.5 million American service members have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Military service exposes service members to a variety of stressors, including risk to life, exposure to death, injury, sustained threat of injury, and the day-to-day family stress inherent in all phases of the military life cycle. To improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions, the President released an Executive Order directing the Federal agencies to develop a coordinated National Research Action Plan. The Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Education (ED) came forward with a wide-reaching plan to improve scientific understanding, effective treatment, and reduce occurrences of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, cooccurring conditions and suicide.

DoD, VA Establish Two Multi-Institutional Consortia to Research PTSD and TBI

New Nonprofit in Michigan to Help Veterans, Soldiers and Families

Created by a Veteran for Veterans, Soldiers and their Families
Metamora, MI, August 1, 2013: Suits for Soldiers is a new nonprofit in Michigan, but available nationwide. We are looking to help Veterans, Soldiers and their families with a variety of services and as we grow, increase the services that we provide. The initial services we will be offering are: clothing for interviews and jobs, mentoring, resume writing and review, interview assistance, local job connections, education counseling, VA education benefits help and connecting Veterans with realtors and mortgage professionals who are familiar with working with Veterans. Our goal by the end of the year is to have a place with computer access where those who need our services can come and get clothing, improve their resumes and apply for jobs, get face to face mentoring from local business professionals, take classes and get training that will improve skill sets to get them ready for gainful employment. There are many programs currently out there that offer similar services, but at times are overwhelmed by the number in need of help. Suits for Soldiers would like to be another option for Veterans, Soldiers and their families. There can never be enough resources for the men and women who have served our country. Without these heroes who have sacrificed their families and themselves, we would not be able to be as free as we are today. Suits for Soldiers is asking for the help of those in the television, print and social media to spread the word of our organization, so that we can grow and not only help in Michigan, but reach out to more states and those who are in need of help. Each Veteran we help touches the lives of so many!!! Below are the ways in which you can find Suits for Soldiers on the web: www.suitsforsoldiers.org www.facebook.com/suitsforsoldiers Twitter: @suitsforsoldier Thank you, Scott Fader Suits for Soldiers
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Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.

Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

Committee Members
Jim Stamas (R) Committee Chair, 98th District Ray Franz (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 101st District Gail Haines (R) 43rd District Kenneth Kurtz (R) 58th District Tom Hooker (R) 77th District Dale Zorn (R) 56th District Joseph Graves (R) 51st District Harvey Santana (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 9th District George Darany (D) 15th District Dian Slavens (D) 21st District Brian Banks (D) 1st District Henry Yanez (D) 25th District Phil Cavanagh (D) 10th District Ben Cook, Committee Clerk 517-373-2002

Rep. Jim Stamas Committee Chair Welcome to the Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. The committee's regularly scheduled meeting time is Wednesday at 9:00am in room 308 of the House Office Building in Lansing. I welcome citizens to contact me or other committee members regarding bills or proposals our committee is addressing. Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in a committee meeting may contact my office to request the necessary assistance.

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For more information please visit www.supportamericanvets.org and www.grassrootsationteam.org. More details coming soon.
The Grassroots Action Team was created in order to advocate for Veterans and others about issues concerning mental health parity and physical health. We will be doing this first and foremost by educating people and making sure they are aware of the issues. Then we will make sure our leaders in Washington and at the State level are aware of the issues and vote in favor of our Veterans. We will keep the pressure on to make sure programs that are already in place as well as any new programs helping veterans are in fact implemented. If you would like to make a donation or have ideas and/or suggestions for us please write to our President, Hank Fuhs, Lt. Col., United States Air Force/ANG/USAF Reserves (ret.) at 3848 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or email him athankfuhs@gmail.com or info@grassrootsactionteam.org.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
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Legal Help for Veterans

From: James G. Fausone Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firm located in Northville, Michigan. We have a national practice representing veterans on veterans disability claims. This representation occurs at the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board of Veterans Appeals and regional offices. We have helped veterans collect over $10,000,000 in retro and future benefits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become a trusted name in the legal community for providing legal services to veterans and lecturing at law schools, bar associations and community events. Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practice group are former service members who bring not only legal expertise but an understanding of service and duty. The members of the group have medical and administrative backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills developed over twenty years of practice and experience. We have represented thousands of veterans and currently have over 650 active clients. For more information about the organization and about legal help for veterans and for contact information www.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is 800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facing veterans and the VA. Typically our clients are enlisted men and women who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is still the one with the most common problems. These include Agent Orange related disabilities, PTSD, psychiatric or orthopedic injuries. Other vets often have hearing loss, military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now seeing Iraq and Afghanistan vets with TBI. Many vets do not even begin the disability claim process until many years after service. The trigger may be unemployability and the need for benefits. With a million claim back log at VA, it is a slow and confusing process and many people need professional help establishing the proper diagnosis and service connection. That is what Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC has been doing for clients for years. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

From: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret) The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) Veterans Program utilizes numerous types of outdoor activities to gather Veterans and currently serving military personnel together for a little R&R. These special events are almost always free for the troops depending totally on the kind donations of sponsors and donors. In addition to being a great way to say Thank you for their service, these activities serve as the mechanism to get the troops to open up a little if they are having post-deployment issues. Frequently we find that in the comfortable confines with others who have been there, done that they tend to be more receptive to learn about Invisible Wounds says Rick Briggs the Program Manager, both PTSD and TBI are treatable if they seek the proper help. To find out more about these activities, or to donate to their Veterans Program, please make out checks to BIAMI Veterans Program and send them to 7305 Grand River Suite #100, Brighton, MI 48114 or contact Rick Briggs at veterans@biami.org or call him (810) 2295880 or visit www.biami.org.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

BIAMI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary as it continues to strive to provide persons with a brain injury and their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public with the resources necessary to enhance brain injury awareness, education, prevention, and support. BIAMI is also fields the first and only dedicated Veterans Program staff within the Brain Injury Association of America.
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About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI):

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Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

-The DAV

American Legion Post is in looking for current military members to send care packages to. Please contact Robert Goulet if you know of any military member who might like something. Please see News From American Legion Post 341 below for more information. Thank you very much!
CoordinatorMatthew X. Hauser

Staff & Contributors

Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy Keith Famie James G. Fausone Rep. Ray Franz Sean M. Furr Denny Gillem Robert Goulet Dr. Jack Grenan John Haggard Larry Harr Dan Heckman

In Memory of Gary Lillie

Louis Nigro Roger Rosenberg Sid Rubin Eugene (Gene) A. Simon Phil Smith Sherry Swann Tim Pascarella Bob Tidmore Rep. Fred Upton Maureen VanHooser Publisher-Hank Fuhs

ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Helen Budd Sen. Patrick Colbeck Sam Cottle Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis David Duenow

Dale Hemphill John Hess Norma Housey Sec. of State Ruth Johnson James Julian Adrian Keogh Adele Krovsky Bill Langbehn Merridy Lewis Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus Chad Miles

News From American Legion Post 341

American Legion Post 341 is seeking the names of troops that are deployed to a combat zone so that we can send them large package of goodies and that their names and address should be sent to the address below. Also post 341 is always seeking new members please contact Robert at the same address if interested. American Legion Post 341 Sr. Vice Commander Robert P. Goulet 6130 Nicholas West Bloomfield, MI rgoulet264@aol.com

Thank you for your service to our country. It is truly the men and women like you who make this nation great, and we must never forget that. Thank you to everyone for all the help you have given us with the newsletter. We have been able to reach more people because of your help. Compared to when we first started, the amount of input and ideas we receive has increased greatly. For that we are very thankful. If you have anything you would like to share, any questions, or have an article idea, please let me know. You may contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org. Sincerely, Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

In Closing

Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG (Just Click the Link Below)
I Fought For You

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Please let us know what you thought. Contact Matthew X. Hauser at mhauser@migop.org
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Sincerely,
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

~Ronald Reagan

Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

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