Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

February 2011 Vol. 2 No. 3

Good afternoon and
thank you for reading. We
appreciate this newsletter
grow. This year is off to a
great start and we look
forward to working with all
of you to continue to grow
the newsletter.
Remember, we
have two online sources
where you can read and
comment about the current
and previous editions of the
newsletter. It will be 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. (Keep in mind you do need a Face-
book account to join; however, the documents can be
viewed through the docs link toward the bottom of the
page even without an account.)
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 article
topics or wants to write their own piece, we will gladly
try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and please let us
know what you think and if you have any ideas.
Veterans Radio:
Telling The Stories of Freedom
From: Gary Lillie, Delta Co., MCB3, Chu Lai, RVN 1966
The show no sooner ended when my son
phoned me and said: 'Dad, I learned a lot about
you today during your Veterans Radio interview. I
just want to say thank you for what you did over
there and thank you for being my father.'"
The above quote is from an email sent by a
former Army Medic in Vietnam, who, along with a Navy
Corpsman (not corpse-man) were guests on a Veterans
Radio program titled, Docs (www.veteransradio.net
Archived Programs, 26 April 2008).
Every week we send out email fliers for the
upcoming Veterans Radio program. This is what I wrote
in the flier that week:
War is hell…that‘s why we have the ―DOC.‖
The grunts will tell you the ―Docs‖ were the
bravest men they ever knew, and this Saturday you will
learn why. Join host Gary Lillie as he interviews Army
Medic Ray Essenmacher and Navy Corpsman Rick
Whitsen; both of them combat ‗docs‘ of the Vietnam
War. Their stories will be graphic; and may wring out
raw emotion. One thing is for sure; once you hear the
stories they tell you will thank every military person and
veteran you meet for your freedom.
When the program ended it was I who became
emotional, as I said to the guests, ―All across America
there are young men and women who would love to
know who you are so they could say to you, Thank you
for saving my daddy’s life.”

Thank you very much!

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

Along with building the newsletter‘s Facebook page, which can be found by the link above,
the Michigan Republican Party is building up their page. If you would like join, please click here.

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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 What is hard to believe is the Doc, at such a
young age was put in the position of trying to save lives
on the field of battle. Warriors who were so torn up with
such unimaginable wounds that a trauma team in a U.S.
hospital would be hard pressed to treat the victim; yet
these 19 & 20 year old boy-men would crawl or run out in
the open under intense fire, if need be, often shield the
wounded soldier with their own bodies and administer
treatment on open head wounds, sucking chest wounds,
―traumatic amputations,‖ and the list goes on.
During that interview the two docs, each on the
phone from a different state, seemed to forget they were
on the air and actually began to compare notes with each
other, talking about how they would treat wounded;
―When you have a collapsed lung you want to put a hypo-
dermic needle over (a certain) rib to release the trapped
air collapsing the lung; not under that rib or you‘ll kill
him…When I had a sucking chest wound I would use the
wrapping off the field dressing and tape it over the hole to
keep the air from being sucked in and collapsing the
lung…I would use wrappers off packages of cigarettes…
I broke the filters off cigarettes and plugged the bullet
holes with them…‖ and it goes on. I sat listening dumb-
founded as these two men told each other what techniques
they, as 19 and 20-year olds used to save lives in combat
40 years ago.
When I was a Seabee in Vietnam my squad was
building a camp for a Marine combat unit. Each day sev-
eral patrols would go out to sweep the area; often getting
into firefights. One patrol was ambushed about 150 yards
outside the perimeter wire, but they did what they were
trained to do; wheel and charge the ambush. The tactic
worked that time as they killed or captured all of the VC
and suffered only one minor flesh wound themselves.
What I remember so clearly is watching a doc pack his
corpsman‘s kit with field dressings before they walked
out the wire. I asked him what he carried for a weapon
and he answered, ―I‘m authorized a 45 automatic (side
arm) but I carry extra field dressings instead.‖
I said, ―You mean you go out there unarmed?‖
He responded, ―When I need one I‘m too busy to use it,
and don‘t worry, when I really need one there are plenty
lying around – I can take my pick.‖
Each week on Veterans Radio you will hear such
remarkable interviews; the stories of ordinary people who
have done extraordinary things to preserve the freedom
that most of us take for granted.
If you wish to be added to the Veterans Radio
email list send an email to gary@veteransradio.net
www.veteransradio.net
Every Saturday at 9:00 AM Eastern.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
In This Issue
P.3-US Army Specialist Joseph D Johnson
P.4-New Rules Aid Korean War Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
P.5-B-36 Ride to Hell...Part I
P.7-News From American Legion Post 341
P.8-White House Unveils New Approach to Military Family Support
P.10-A Note From Department Hospital Chairwomen Merridy Lewis
P.13-Vet Foreclosure Relocation Assistance
P.14-Legal Help for Veterans
P.14-Veterans History Project
P.15-‖Veterans Voices‖
P.16-Adopt A Flag Pole
P.16-VA Conducts Homeless Vet Count
P.17-Welcome Moms
P.18-VA Provides Benefits to Veteran Caregivers
P.19-Burial At Sea-Part I
And More...
Please Support ―Frontlines of
Freedom‖ Military Talk Radio
Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem
You can hear it every Saturday at
1pm on 1260 AM the Pledge
(Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the website at
www.frontlinesoffreedom.com or for Facebook
click here.
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 Ameri-
ca. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a
voice, to give them a forum where they are able to
discuss their issues…and 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 (1430-AM
Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and
archives at: www.veteransradio.net
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
2
 US Army Specialist
select few chosen to teach the Afghan
army the skills in which he was trained.
He believed in his job and said that for
Joseph D Johnson every bomb he found and disarmed,
Joseph Dennis Johnson was born someone‘s life was saved. He enjoyed
May 7, 1986 in Flint, Michigan. He the Afghan people, especially the chil-
graduated from Carman Ainsworth High dren. He loved his fellow soldiers, and
School in 2004 and attended Lake Superi- they loved him. ―His leadership, his
or State University. He became a US laughter, and his light will be missed‖,
Army soldier in 2006. ―Joe was the rare breed who stepped
Joe was an adventure, mischie- forward when most stepped back‖ were
vous and fun loving. From the time he just a few statements made by two of his
was little, you never knew what was commanders. He was a courageous
coming next. He once said of himself “I soldier and a hero to his family and
live life to the fullest. You only live friends. A real ―GI Joe‖.
once, make the best of it because the Joe was killed in action in
only things in life you regret are the Kunduz, Afghanistan on June 16, 2010.
risks that you didn’t take!”. Anyone He received the Combat Action Badge,
can tell you that Joe enjoyed life, laugh- Purple Heart, and Bronze Star among
ter, and his family. You can‘t talk about several other medals, coins, and commen-
him without laughing. He loved the outdoors, practical dations.
jokes, his sweatpants and slippers, and just having fun. Cherishing forever his memory are his parents
When asked what his favorite color was one day, he Dennis and Teri Johnson, sister Jennie and husband Nich
replied ―Plaid‖. Pollak, nieces and nephews Hailey, Brennan, Landon, and
After basic Brooklyn, grandparents Eugene and Lois Johnson, and
training, Joe received Glenna Maxwell. He was preceded in death by niece
training in many dif- Katelyn Pollak and grandfather Arthur Maxwell.
ferent areas. He “ROCK HARD”
became an Airborne
Combat Engineer
(Rough Terrain) and
was trained in identi-
fying and destroying
IED‘s, both manually
and in the using a
specialized robot. He
deployed to Afghani-
stan with the 161st
Combat Engineers in
December 2009 as
Counter-IED. He
was a team leader,
medic, and volun-
teered for every mission. He worked with many of the
armed forces from other countries and was one of a

See next Page for Detail about the Frist Annual Joe Johnson Memorial Golf Outing on May
21st at Sugar Bush Gold Course in Davison.

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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 2011 Joe Johnson Memorial Golf To Members and Friends of Flint Central,
The Men‘s Ministry has named the annual spring golf outing begun last year as the “Joe Johnson Memorial Golf
Outing.” This year‘s outing will take place on May 21 at Sugar Bush Golf Course in Davison. We are planning many
upgrades to last year‘s well-attended outing including a new car for a Hole in One on a Par 3 hole.
The purpose of this letter is to solicit your participation in one of several ways: 4 Star Sponsorship ($900)
earns: entry for a foursome for outing, choice of starting hole, 4 dozen Pro V1 golf balls, 4 free Mulligans, and choice of
hole on which to advertise. 3 Star Sponsorship ($500) earns: entry for a foursome for outing, 1 dozen Pro V1 golf balls,
4 free Mulligans, and request preferred hole on which to advertise. Hole Sponsors ($100): Your family, business,
company, or professional organization can sponsor a hole! Cart Sponsors ($25.00) are available. “Silent Auction”:
Provide items for such as athletic event tickets, use of condo or cabin in vacation areas, or other items of substantial
worth. Prizes: Provide prizes that would be handed out during the outing. Play in the outing: We are targeting a full
course with 144 golfers!
Please note: The first 6 items on the above list of contributions may be partially or fully tax deductible. All
monies collected from these gifts will go directly to a Scholarship Fund which will be used to fund teens and college
aged students’ expenses in going on mission trips approved by the Missions Board. Since Joe participated as a teen in
mission trips and was impacted by the needs of people there, his parents felt using the monies collected for mission
scholarships would have Joe’s total approval!
We will be sending out a follow up letter in March to allow you to identify your level of involvement in this exciting first
class event. Please contact Keith Burba at: 810-423-5383 if you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions about the golf
outing.

Sincerely yours,

Golf Outing Committee of Men‘s Ministry of Flint Central Nazarene Church

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B-36 Ride to Hell… Part I
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief
Master Sergeant USAF (Retired)
Ah…..back when engines
were really engines....
Aircraft Commander 1st Lt. Oliver Hilde-
brandt, Pilot 1st Lt. Walter Ross, and Co-pilot
Captain Wilbur Evans, and a crew of thirteen took
off from Carswell AFB in B-36B, 44-92035 of
the 26th Bomb Squadron of the 7th Bomb Wing
at 5:05 A.M. on November 22, 1950. The planned
30-hour training mission consisted of air-to-air
gunnery, bombing, simulated radar bombing, and
navigational training.
Immediately after take-off, the #4 alternator
would not stay in parallel with the other three alternators,
so it was taken off-line and de-excited three minutes into
the flight. About one minute after the #4 alternator was
shut down, flames 8 to 12 feet long erupted from around
the air plug of the number-one engine. The left scanner
reported the flames to the pilot. Six minutes after take-off,
the flight engineer shut down the number-one engine,
feathered its propeller, and expended one of its Methyl
bromide fire extinguishing bottles.
The mission continued on the power of the
remaining five engines. 44-92035 cruised to the gunnery
range on Matagorda Island at an altitude of 5,000 feet. It
arrived at 7:00 A.M. and the gunners began practicing.
Radar Observer S/Sgt. Ray Earl manned the tail turret.
The charger for the right gun burned out, so he expended
just half of is ammunition. Then the APG-3 radar for the
tail turret started acting up, so S/Sgt. Earl secured the set.
Aircraft Commander 1st Lt. Oliver Hildebrandt
noted that the vibration from firing the 20mm cannons
increased significantly during the fourth gunnery pass.
Immediately afterward, radar operator Captain James
Yeingst notified Hildebrandt that the APQ-24 radar set
blew up and was smoking. Vibration from the firing of the
guns was causing shorting between the internal compo-
nents of the radar. Then the liaison transmitter failed as
well.
The cannons in the left forward upper turret and
the left rear upper turret stopped firing. The gunners
attempted to retract the gun turrets, but the failed turrets
would not retract. Gunner S/Sgt. Fred Boyd entered the
turret bay, but other problems began to take precedence
over the stuck turrets. Boyd was called out of the bay
before he could manually crank the turret down.
At 7:31 A.M. the number-three engine suffered an
internal failure. The torque pressure fell to zero. The
manifold pressure dropped to atmospheric pressure. The
fuel flow dropped off, and the flight engineer could not
stabilize the engine speed. The pilot shut down the
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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
number-three engine and feathered its propeller. The
B-36B had only one operating engine on the left wing, so
the pilot aborted the remainder of the training mission and
set course for Kelly Air Force Base.
Flight engineer Captain Samuel Baker retarded
the spark, set the mixture controls to "normal", and set the
engine RPMs to 2,500 to increase the power from the
remaining engines. Unknown to Captain Baker, the vibra-
tion from the guns had disabled the electrical systems
controlling the spark settings and fuel mixture. He imme-
diately discovered that the turbo control knobs no longer
affected the manifold pressure.
The B-36B could not maintain its airspeed on the
power of the four remaining engines. It descended about
1,000 feet and its airspeed bled off to 135 miles per hour.
The pilot called for more power. The flight engineer
attempted to increase engine speed to 2,650 RPM and
enrich the fuel mixture, but got no response from the
engines except for severe backfiring. The fuel mixture
indicators for all of the engines indicated lean. The second
flight engineer, M/Sgt. Edward Farcas, checked the
electrical fuse panel.
Although the fuses appeared to be intact, he
replaced the master turbo fuse and all of the individual
turbo fuses. He noticed that the turbo-amplifiers and
mixture amplifiers were all cooler than normal. He
climbed into the bomb bay to check the aircraft power
panels and fuses, but could not find any problem there.
Kelly Air Force Base had a cloud overcast at just
300 feet and the visibility was restricted to two miles. The
weather at Bergstrom Air Force Base not as bad, with
scattered clouds at 1,000 feet, broken clouds at 2,000 feet
and 10 miles visibility. Carswell Air Force Base was clear
with 10 miles visibility, but it was 155 miles farther away
than Bergstrom. Air traffic control cleared all airspace
below 4,000 feet ahead of the crippled B-36B. Aircraft
Commander Hildebrandt was flying on instruments in
thick clouds.
5
 The poor weather at Kelly Air Force Base
convinced Hildebrandt to change course from Kelly to
Carswell Air Force Base, passing by Bergstrom Air Force
Base on the way in case the airplane could not make it to
Carswell. Bombardier Captain Robert Nelson made two
attempts to salvo the 1,500 pounds of practice bombs in
the rear bomb bay, but the bomb bay doors would not
open by automatic or manual control, or emergency
procedure.
There was no way to dump fuel to reduce the
weight of the B-36B. The flight engineers resorted to
holding down the switches used to prime the fuel system
in an attempt to increase fuel flow to the engines. M/Sgt.
Edward Farcas held down the prime switches for the
number-two and number-four engines while Captain
Baker held down the prime switch for the number-five
engine and operated the flight engineer's panel. The
configuration of the switches did not allow them to prime
the number-five engine and the number-six engine at the
same time.
The high power demand coupled with the lean
fuel mixture made the cylinder head temperatures of the
engines climb to 295 degrees C. Flight engineer Baker
jockeyed the throttles, decreasing the throttle setting of
the engine with the highest cylinder head temperature
until another engine grew even hotter. The high tempera-
ture caused the gasoline/air mixture in the cylinders to
detonate before the pistons reached top dead center,
diminishing power and damaging the engines.
Despite the critical situation with the engines,
Aircraft Commander Hildebrandt decided to continue
past Bergstrom Air Force Base to Carswell Bergstrom
was overcast and its runway was only 6,000 feet long.
Carswell offered a much longer runway. By the time the
B-36B reached Cleburne, the backfiring on all engines
increased in violence. The number-2, number-5, and
number-6 engines were running at 70% power and the
number-4 engine was producing only 20% power. The
airspeed had dropped off to 130 miles per hour. (To be
continued…)
New Rules Aid Korean War Veterans
Exposed to Agent Orange
From: www.DAV.org January 25, 2011
Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving
along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea will have
an easier path to access quality health care and benefits
under a Department of Veterans Affairs final regulation.
The new rules expand the dates when illnesses caused
by herbicide exposure can be presumed to be related to
Agent Orange.
Under the final rule, VA will presume herbicide
exposure for any veteran who served between April 1,
1968, and Aug. 31, 1971, in a unit determined by VA
and the Department of Defense (DoD) to have operated
in an area in or near the Korean DMZ in which herbi-
cides were applied.
Previously, VA recognized that Agent Orange
exposure could only be conceded to veterans who served
in certain units along the Korean DMZ between April
1968 and July 1969.
In practical terms, eligible Veterans who have
specific illnesses VA presumes to be associated with
herbicide exposure do not have to prove an association
between their illness and their military service. This
―presumption‖ simplifies and speeds up the application
process for benefits and ensures that Veterans receive
the benefits they deserve.
The DAV encourages veterans with covered
service in Korea who have medical conditions that may
be related to Agent Orange to contact their nearest
National Service Office for assistance with claims for
access to VA health care and compensation as soon as
possible.

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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 News From American Legion Post 341
Need a Ride American Legion Post 341 is seeking the names
of troops that are deployed to a combat zone so that we
Form: www.dav.org
Because so many sick and disabled veterans can send them large package of goodies and that their
lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities for names and address should be sent to the address below.
needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide Trans- Also post 341 is always
portation Network to meet this need. seeking new members please
Through the contact Robert at the same address
Transportation Net- if interested.
work, DAV volunteers American Legion Post 341
drive sick and disabled Sr Vice Commander
veterans to and from Robert P Goulet
VA medical facilities 6130 Nicholas
for treatment. The West Bloomfield, MI
Transportation Network rgoulet264@aol.com
is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. The
DAV stepped in to meet a substantial community need
when the federal government terminated its program that
Some Useful Links
Air Force Times
helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA
http://www.airforcetimes.com/
medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service
Coordinators around the country who coordinate the Navy Times
transportation needs for disabled veterans. http://www.navytimes.com/
Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Marine Corps Times
Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/
or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transporta- Army Times
tion Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is una- http://www.armytimes.com/
ble to cover every community. We hope we can help Military Times
you. http://www.militarytimes.com/
TRICARE
Locate your nearest VA Medical Center http://www.tricare.mil/
American Legion
http://www.legion.org/
Veteran Legislation Veterans of Foreign Wars
http://www.vfw.org/
Check Out the E-Newsletter From The AMVETS
House Committee on Veteran Affairs: http://www.amvets.org/
http://veterans.house.gov/
If anyone has a site they would like to have added
enewsletter.shtml
to this growing list please let us know!

Upcoming 2011 Events

The Navy will be coming to Michigan and Indiana in a big way this summer. We have secured agreements with
the Blue Angels to perform June 11, 12 in Evansville IN, July 2, 3 in Muskegon, July 23, 24 in Detroit and again in Indi-
anapolis dates TBD.-A special thanks to Claude for the tip and more information to come soon!
Battle Creek ANG 110th ASOC for 110th Group-2nd Saturday after the 4th of July on the odd year. July 16th 2011.
12-6pm at 3848 E. Leonard NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525-From Hank Fuhs

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. 7

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 White House Unveils New Approach
to Military Family Support
By: Elaine Wilson -American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2011 - White House
officials released a report today that unveils a new,
governmentwide approach to military family support and
details a sweeping, interagency effort under way to
strengthen families and enhance their well-being and qual-
ity of life.
President Barack Obama announced the results of a nearly
yearlong review of military family support today in a
White House ceremony attended by the Defense Depart-
ment's top brass, including Defense Secretary Robert M.
Gates, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint
report cited a 2010 study that reports an 11 percent
Chiefs of Staff, service chiefs and their spouses.
increase in outpatient visits for behavioral health issues
From child care to health care to spouse employ-
among a group of 3- to 8-year-old children of military
ment, the report -- titled "Strengthening our Military
parents and an increase in behavioral and stress disorders
Families: Meeting America's Commitment" -- identifies
when a parent was deployed.
the key issues military families face and presents pro-
"We do need to pay attention to the socio-
grams and resources government agencies plan to roll out
emotional support of our kids," Gordon said, noting the
in the coming months to address them.
impact of long parental separations due to deployments.
"This document is the commitment to our military
He also acknowledged the additional responsibilities the
families not only of this government, but this nation in
spouse back home must shoulder in the military member's
terms of their support, their care and their empowerment,"
absence.
Robert L. Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of
"We have devised ways ahead as a government and ... in
defense for the Pentagon's office of military community
partnership with the other sectors to do something about
and family policy, told the Pentagon Channel and Ameri-
that," he said.
can Forces Press Service in a recent interview.
The report also lays out new and improved
The report outlines four key areas that the govern-
programs to increase behavioral health care services for
mentwide effort plans to address: enhancing military
military families in the coming months. The Veterans
families' well-being and psychological health, developing
Affairs and Defense departments, for example, are slated
military spouse career and education opportunities,
to implement a multiyear strategy to promote early recog-
increasing child care availability and quality and ensuring
nition of mental health conditions that includes education
excellence in military children's education and develop-
and coaching for family members and integration of men-
ment.
tal health services into primary care, the report said.
"We're bringing together our agencies, our whole
DOD officials also are working to boost the
of government, with our whole of nation to focus on those
number of mental health providers and to increase quality
four priority areas," Gordon said. "The DOD can't do this
of care. In one effort, a TRICARE military health plan
alone; it does take a whole-of-nation approach."
working group is undertaking a yearlong project to
Gordon cited counseling services as an example
provide the best possible health care for the more than 9.6
of the benefits of an interagency effort. While the Defense
million beneficiaries beyond 2015, the report said.
Department offers counseling through Military OneSource
Additionally, the Defense and Health and Human
and within military support centers and communities, "we
Services secretaries will jointly accelerate efforts that
can expand those services and activities with partnership
prevent and address suicide, the report said. Meanwhile,
with other sorts of sectors," he said.
VA's National Suicide Call Center will expand and en-
The report addresses plans for expanded counsel-
hance services to combat suicide among veterans.
ing services in detail, which will greatly benefit military
The report also outlines efforts to protect military
families, Gordon noted. Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2
families from unfair financial practices, to address home-
million service members have deployed to Iraq or
lessness and improve housing security, and to ensure
Afghanistan in an unprecedented frequency, the report
availability of substance abuse prevention, treatment and
said, and, along with service members, military families
recovery services for veterans and military families.
also are vulnerable to deployment-related stress. The

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 Gordon also touched on
employment opportunities for spous-
es. "Our spouses want to work," he
said, noting that of the roughly
700,000 spouses in DOD, 77 percent
have expressed a desire to work. "We
want to create opportunities for them,"
Gordon added.
The report takes a two-tier
approach to the issue of employment,
Gordon said. First, the government is
committed to opening doors to educa-
tional opportunities, and then on
easing the path to employment.
As an example, he highlighted
the Army Spouse Employment
Partnership program, which has signed a statement of
support with 42 Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies.
Since 2003, these companies have hired more than 84,000
Army spouses, the report said. DOD officials plan to
enhance and expand this program to Navy, Marine and
Air Force spouses, Gordon added.
"These are the kinds of opportunities we are look-
ing for," he said. In another effort, the Veterans Affairs,
Labor and Defense departments will reform the employ-
ment workshop portion of the Transition Assistance
Program to include an outreach initiative for military
spouses, the report said. The workshop will feature a
hands-on, tailored work force readiness program for
service members and their spouses, including employment
assistance during moves.
Other agencies will educate corporate America on
the benefits of hiring from within the military, the report
said, and encourage them to hire military spouses.
Turning to military children, Gordon said a
considerable portion of the review was dedicated to look-
ing at the need for more abundant child care. The depart-
ment has 200,000 military children in the child care
system, he noted, and a shortage of about 37,000 child
care spaces.
"This is one area we want to focus on," Gordon
said. "You'll see that commitment in this document. It's a
partnership that we want to engage with our communi-
ties."
This community partnership is vital, he noted,
since only about 37 percent of families live on military
installations; the remaining 63 percent live in thousands
of communities nationwide.
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 candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
The Defense, Education, Health and
Human Services and Agriculture
departments are working together to
increase the availability of child care
options, the report said. This month,
new child care liaison positions will
be established through pilot programs
in 13 states with identified childcare
needs. DOD also will leverage part-
nerships with organizations such as
the National Association of Child
Care Resource and Referral Agencies,
the Council on Accreditation and Zero
to Three for assistance with training
community providers.
Additionally, DOD will continue to
slate construction projects to meet the demand for
increased capacity and to replace aging facilities, the
report said.
On education, the report details efforts to ensure
excellence in military children's education and develop-
ment. The Education Department, for example, will, for
the first time, favor grant applications to meet the needs of
military-connected students, the report said, and DOD is
committed to making its schools a leader in the use of
advanced learning technologies, including software,
online courses and student-written and sharable simula-
tions.
To help to reduce the negative impacts of
frequent relocations and absences, DOD will pursue the
complete development of the Interstate Compact on
Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which
addresses mobility-related challenges military children
face, such as records transfer and course placement, the
report said.
To gain a complete picture of this groundbreaking
effort, Gordon encouraged service members and their
families to read the full report.
"What you'll find is how the government and
nation really define areas where we can support and care
for our families, our service members," he said. "But not
only that, it's about empowerment. It's the fact that our
families want to be fulfilled. It's the fact that they are
assets for the country in those 4,000-plus communities
and across the world, and how we can leverage that as
well. This document talks about all of these things."
Related Sites: White House news release
9
Additional Benefits for Active Duty
Time Served: DD FORM 214-SOCIAL
SECURITY BENEFIT
From: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Please share this with anyone
who's had active duty service between
January 1957 to December 31, 2001
and planning for retirement.
In a nutshell it boils down to
this: You qualify for a higher social
security payment because of Military
service, for active duty any time from
1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1
January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit
credited at time of application - which can make a sub-
stantial difference in social security monthly payments
upon your retirement.
You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Of-
fice and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!
Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/
retire2/military.htm This is something to put in your files
for when you apply for Social Security down the road...
It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served
on active duty between January1957 to December 31,
2001. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask
for it!
From: Patricia Webb- Correction:
It is automatically applied for duty from 1968
forward. Duty prior to 1968 must be applied for.
To request a copy of a DD-214 visit
www.vetrec.archives.gov.
Old Warrior Camp
From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG
This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Ma-
rine First Sergeant with the primary purpose of facili-
tating the ―Wounded Warriors‖ as they begin their
Journey back to Civilian Life. The First Sergeant is the
Commander of the Disabled American Veteran
(Manistique Chapter 26) He is also 100% totally disa-
bled.
There is no cost to vets…Bring a Valid Michi-
gan Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact
Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times
available.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
A Note From Department Hospital
Chairwoman Merridy Lewis
Hello Everyone,
I‘m sure you‘ve heard about budget cuts that are
affecting so many of us. Our Veteran Medical Centers
are no exception. Have you thought about being a
volunteer?
There are so many ways volunteers can help the
Veteran‘s Homes, medical Centers, clinics or even local
Hospitals and nursing homes. As a volunteer you help to
ensure that our Veteran‘s are treated with care, affection,
respect and enthusiasm.
There are many opportunities available that
volunteers are needed for. A few ideas that come to mind
would be ---- A greeter/ambassador, this position you
would help Veteran‘s who may need assistance locating
general information of the hospital, giving directions, or
even escort them to an appointment. Perhaps, get a
wheelchair for them.
Another idea would be to write letters, read a
book or to sit and visit with them, as sometimes they
don‘t have family or friends that are able to visit. Play a
game of cards or even work on a puzzle.
The veterans can always use phone cards, bus
tokens or transportation, vouchers, crossword puzzles,
canteen books to purchase coffee or soda from the
canteen and reading materials.
How do I become a Veteran‘s Affair Voluntary
Service (VAVS) volunteer? Contact your nearest VA or
local nursing home or hospital. Ask to speak to a
voluntary service specialist. They will set you up an
appointment for an interview to see what interests you
have, and give you a scheduled time to volunteer. You
will also be given an orientation of hospital policy. Non
members of the VFW & Ladies Auxiliary can be spon-
sored from each post. So, if you have a friend that would
like to help you when you volunteer perhaps your Auxil-
iary would sponsor them. Children are welcomed to
volunteer also.
Do you have an out-standing hospital volunteer?
Please submit an application to me for the Out Standing
Hospital Volunteer of the Year!
10
 Save the date-110th ASOC presents….our
Bi-Annual Reunion for 110th and 172nd
Date – July 16, 2011, Time: Noon – 4:00 P.M., Place: Home of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Henry (Hank) Fuhs 3848 E Leonard
Grand Rapids, MI Phone: 616-949-8613 Cell: 616-437-9059, Food: Bring Dish to pass, Drinks: BYOB

At 2:00 there will be one minute of silence for those who

have passed away and for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and
the rest of the world. See you there…….rain or shine….We
have a tent!

Hosts
Ron Bienias, Co-Chair, Larry Harr, Co-Chair, Jim
Ondersma, Co-Chair, Hank Fuhs, Co-Chair, Keith Acker,
Rep. Dave Agema, Bruce Blakeman, Stephen Burke, Jerry
Cook, Bill DeBroux, Bill Donovan, Ivan Giese, Larry Gil-
bert, Hal Isenhoff, Dennis Keast, Tom King, Rob Koenig,
Dick Kreuzer, Fred Langeland, Don Lewis, Lyle & Linda
McPherson, Theodore Nikodem, Art Oxley, Marie Oxley,
Claude Oxley, Donna Rojas, Ron Seely, Jack Seranian, Dee
Simmonds, Gene Simon, David Stanley, Dave Strohm, Fred
Strauss, Gorden Stump, Joseph Tomlinson, Pat Webb, James
Wise

Support Our Troops!

We all know people who are currently serving in the military.
For example: My nephew Scott who is an Army Staff Sargent just came back from serving 3 years in Iraq and 1 year in
Africa. We need to remember those who are now serving and say Thank you.

Please pass this flyer on to your military buddies……if you have addresses of people you would like me to send invita-
tions to please send them to hankfuhs@juno.com

Officials explain proposed health benefits provided to working-age retirees under the TRI-
CARE program," the secretary told reporters.
plan increase, costs "Many of these beneficiaries are employed full-
time while receiving their full pensions, and often forego
By: Donna Miles-American Forces Press Service
their employers' health plan to remain with TRICARE,"
WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- Defense Secretary
he said. "This should not come as a surprise, given that
Robert M. Gates is seeking modest premium increases for
the current TRICARE enrollment fee was set in 1995 at
working-age military retirees who use the TRICARE
$460 a year for the basic family plan, and has not been
Prime health plan.
raised since."
Secretary Gates unveiled sweeping cost-cutting
Secretary Gates noted the dramatic increase in
initiatives Jan. 6, including a recommendation to increase
insurance premiums during that period for private-sector
TRICARE Prime premiums for working-age retirees in
and other government employees. Federal workers pay
fiscal 2012, the first increase in the plan's 15-year history.
roughly $5,000 a year for a comparable health insurance
"For some time, I've spoken about the depart-
program, he said. (cont.)
ment's unaffordable health costs, and in particular the

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. 11

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 "Accordingly, with the fiscal year 2012 budget,
we will propose reforms in the area of military health care
to better manage medical cost growth and better align the
department with the rest of the country," Secretary Gates
said. "These will include initiatives to become more effi-
cient, as well as modest increases to TRICARE fees for ...
working-age retirees, with fees indexed to adjust for med-
ical inflation."
These initiatives could save the department as
much as $7 billion over the next five years, he said.
Military retirees automatically are enrolled in one
of two TRICARE plans, program spokesman Austin
Camacho explained. Retirees who join TRICARE Prime,
the system's managed-care option that covers active-duty
members, pay an annual enrollment fee of $230 per year
for an individual or $460 for a family. Those in TRI-
CARE Standard, a fee-for-service plan, pay no enrollment
fee or premium. Instead, they pay a yearly deductible of
$150 per person or $300 per family, as well as
co-payments or cost shares for inpatient and outpatient
care and medications, up to a $3,000 annual cap on out-of
-pocket expenses.
TRICARE Prime, the managed
-care option that covers all active-duty
members and many retirees, costs the
government $4,202 per beneficiary per
year, said Mr. Camacho. TRICARE
Standard, the program's fee-for-service
plan, costs $3,584 per beneficiary per
year. TRICARE for Life, for benefi-
ciaries age 65 and older, costs the gov-
ernment $3,874 per patient per year.
Military retirees are not re-
quired to report whether they have jobs
that offer insurance plans, Mr.
Camacho said, noting that having other
insurance does not take them off the
TRICARE rolls. Rather, he explained,
TRICARE becomes the "second payer"
Secretary Robert Gates
for health care, picking up co-payments
and deductibles from the primary insurance plan.
Final Rule on DMZ Agent Orange Exposure
From: www.military.com Week of January 31, 2011
Due to a final regulation just issued, VA officials
will now presume herbicide exposure for any veteran who
served between April 1, 1968, and August 31, 1971, in a
unit determined by VA and Department of
Defense officials to have operated in an area in or near the
Korean DMZ in which herbicides were applied. Veterans
with covered service in Korea who have medical condi-
tions that may be related to Agent Orange are encouraged
to submit their applications for access to VA health care
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Meanwhile, the senior TRICARE officer told
American Forces Press Service the system is poised to
support Secretary Gates' new efficiency measures and
already is making progress as it strives to provide the best
health care at the best cost.
"All of these things help us work together to help
us achieve the secretary's goals, and we are already start-
ing to make progress," Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Christine S.
Hunter said.
Dr. Hunter cited several initiatives already bear-
ing fruit. More beneficiaries are using
the lower-cost mail-order pharmacy
option to fill prescriptions. They are
getting their immunizations and
increasingly participating in a new
concept called "patient-centered medi-
cal homes" that provide more compre-
hensive and personalized health care.
They are making greater use of online
appointment services and health care
education materials. And they are
increasingly using expensive emergen-
cy-room services only for actual emer-
gencies.
"We need to be very aware that
there is a pressure [to improve efficien-
cy and control costs] and the resources
are not infinite,‖ said Dr. Hunter. ―But
we are all part of the solution."
and compensation as soon as possible. Click on these
links to learn about Veterans' diseases associated with
Agent Orange exposure and birth defects in children of
Vietnam-era Veterans. For more information on filing a
claim, visit the VA's Filing Claims for Presumptive Con-
ditions Based on Herbicide Exposure website. Additional
information about Agent Orange and VA's services for
Veterans exposed to the chemical is available at this web-
site.
For more information on veteran benefits, visit
the Military.com Benefits Channel.
12
 Vet Foreclosure Relocation Assistance Under the VA‗s Compromise Sale Program, the
agency can pay a ―compromise claim– for the difference
From: RAO Bulletin Febuary 2011 (Lt. James ―EMO
between the sale price and the borrower‗s loan balance.
Tichacek, USN (Ret)Associate Director, Retiree Assis-
That allows the veteran to complete a private sale to a
tance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio
borrower who either assumes the loan or who has secured
City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238
separate financing. These aren‗t exactly everyday transac-
-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines.
tions. But the Compromise Sale Program is another of the
Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/
VA‗s tools that can help keep service members out of
NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/
credit and fiscal calamity. Given the unique nature of this
AD37 member)
program, there are a host of requirements and criteria for
Veterans who lose their homes to a short sale (i.e.
all stakeholders. Several factors must be met in terms of
a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of
basic eligibility, including:
the balance owed on the property's loan) or a deed-in-lieu
The sale price must reflect fair market value
of foreclosure can receive up to $1,500 in relocation assis-
Reasonable closing costs
tance. A Deed in lieu of foreclosure is a deed
The sale must represent a better financial
instrument in which a mortgagor (i.e. the
outcome for the government than foreclosure
borrower) conveys all interest in a real prop-
The seller must be able to document
erty to the mortgagee (i.e. the lender) to
financial hardship
satisfy a loan that is in default and avoid
There can be no second liens
foreclosure proceedings. The VA has for
Sellers must have a sales contract in place
years encouraged mortgage servicers to work
before applying
with veterans on the edge of default. Now,
A host of VA-approved lenders are author-
the agency has directed its approved
ized to conduct compromise sales. But the
servicers to provide that cash advance to
agency itself can do them in-house if neces-
borrowers who use a deed-in-lieu of foreclo-
sary. A current VA appraisal is required
sure or who complete a VA compromise
before a Compromise Sale can proceed. The mortgage
claim to unload their short sale. The directive went into
lender must also agree to have the amount of its VA guar-
effect on 6 JAN. Borrowers can use the money to cover
anty reduced by that gap between sale price and loan
moving expenses or to simply pay for lodging while they
balance — in other words, the value of the compromise.
deal with the pending loss of their home. ―VA has a
One issue veterans need to consider is losing, at least tem-
longstanding policy of encouraging servicers to work with
porarily, some of their future buying power. The part of
veteran borrowers to explore all reasonable options to
their VA entitlement tied up in the original mortgage
help them retain their homes or, when that is not feasible,
guaranty will remain in limbo until the VA gets fully
to mitigate losses by pursuing alternatives to foreclosure,‖
reimbursed. To learn more about this program, VA loan
according to the two-page VA circular released on the
holders can contact the agency at 1-800-933-5499. The
subject. ―These options generally provide a substantially
VA also has a VA compromise guide available for down-
better outcome than a foreclosure sale for borrowers, in-
load. [Source: http://www.ourbroker.com Chris Birk arti-
vestors, and communities.
cles 3 Nov 2010 & 19 Jan 2011 ++]

Veteran Email Scam er version of this e-mail, purportedly from Michael G.

From: From: RAO Bulletin Febuary 2011 (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)
An old e-mail scam has reappeared and is target-
ing veterans. Recently forwarded throughout the Army
community and titled "Warning To Veterans," the current
version of the e-mail advises against using the services of
an organization called Veterans Affairs Services. An earli-
Daugherty, staff attorney with the Department of Veterans
Affairs, Office of General Counsel, contains a Facebook
link that may be an attempt to upload a virus according to
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line officials.
The BBB advises anyone receiving this e-mail not click
on the link. Also, the VA advises veterans seeking assis-
tance to use a VA-recognized service organization in
order to submit a claim for benefits. [Source:
Military.com Veterans Report article 17 Jan 2011 ++]
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. 13

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 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 of-
fices. 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 administra-
tive backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills de-
veloped over twenty years of practice and experience. We
have represented thousands of veterans and currently have
over 650 active clients.
To learn more 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, psychi-
atric or orthopedic injuries. Other vets often have hearing
loss, military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now see-
ing 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.

Veterans History Project

From: RAO Bulletin Febuary 2011 (Lt. James ―EMO
Tichacek, USN (Ret)Associate Director, Retiree Assis-
tance 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)
A major film production company is asking
friends of the Library of Congress Veterans History
Project (http://www.loc.gov/vets) for assistance in locat-
ing WWII veterans from the Western European campaign
who currently live in Florida and have interesting remem-
brances to share. The production company is creating a 6-
part television documentary series called "The Last Great
Heroes", which follows the Allied Forces from the D-Day
landings to Berlin. They plan to interview British, Ameri-
can and Canadian veterans to get a complete picture of programs. The deadline for this effort is tight. If you're
the Allied efforts in Western Europe. The program will able to help contact the veteran(s) you have in mind for
air on HISTORY (formerly the History Channel) in North participation, gauge their interest in being interviewed
America and Channel 4 in Britain. The producer hopes to and if they're amenable, send their contact information to
speak briefly with veterans by phone first and then, to- Jessica Souva, Library of Congress Tel: (202) 486-1840 /
ward the end of February, interview several in person. (888) 371-5848 or email jessica@jsouva.com . [Source:
This film is anticipated to reach a wide audience and pos- Sen. William Nelson's Director of Outreach/Regional
sibly be incorporated into classroom curricula and public Director Lynn T. Bannister msg 29 Jan 2011 ++]

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. 14

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 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 will cover the period 1996 to 2010 IN PRODUCTION

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
Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association (MAGHA) 27333 C St, Bldg 1011, Selfridge ANGB MI 48045.

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 interest-
ed 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

"Veterans Voices"
24 lines with 60 character width. Stories no longer than
10 pages, typed using double spacing.
This is a brief detail of what HVWP is about. It
From: Dept. Hospital Chairman Merridy Lewis may be an interest you would like to share with a Veteran
Hospitalized Veteran‘s Writing Program on a volunteer basis. This is part of our history for genera-
(HVWP). This program helps veteran‘s get their poems tions yet to come we are losing World War 11 Veterans
and stories down on paper is one of the goals for our every day and we need to hear their stories. For more in-
volunteers. Volunteer aides help both with a one on one formation visit their website at www.veteransvoices.org.
or with groups of patients to help them put their thoughts
and feelings into stories and poems.
The stories and poems can be submitted to veter-
an‘s voices, a magazine that publishes the articles that
have been submitted. The HVWP does its very best to
publish every article that has been submitted following
the guide lines.
It is important to submit the author‘s name,
VAMC facility and state, the authors permanent address
the branch of service and duties along with the serial
number or social security number. Manuscripts must be
original and unpublished, except in VAMC publications.
Writers can submit up to three poems, each no longer than

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 15

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Adopt a Flag Pole-The Fort Custer National
Cemetery Advisory Committee Invites you
to Fund a Flag Pole on the Avenue of Flags
From: Sherry Swann-Secretary of Fort Custer Advisory
Committee and Event Coordinator
The Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory
Committee is raising money to replace our flag poles. The
flag poles that now comprise the Avenue of Flags have
been there since 1973 and were installed as temporary
flag poles. Due to Michigan‘s harsh weather and the age
of the flag poles, all 152 of them need to be replaced.
Our poles are part of history. The flags that fly on
the poles at the cemetery are burial flags that were donat- tion will be placed on a memorial board at the cemetery
ed by family members and represent one of our beloved administration office and acknowledged at next year‘s
servicemen and women that are buried at the cemetery. Memorial Day observance. Please make checks payable
Let‘s keep our flags flying over these hollowed grounds to Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Committee
for our veterans. The cost of each flag pole is $329.00 and designate it is for the Avenue of Flags. These
installed. Help keep America‘s pride flying; adopt a donations will be tax deductible. If you have any ques-
FLAG POLE. Your name or the name of your organiza- tions about this new program please call (269) 964-0309.

Vet Homelessness a Topic at Conference

From: The American Legion (www.legion.org)- January
15, 2011
During its annual Washington Conference in
March, The American Legion will host a roundtable
discussion focused on the topic of reducing veterans
homelessness. Representatives from federal agencies,
homeless service providers, faith-based organizations and
other institutions will meet at the Renaissance Hotel in
Washington on March 18 from 10 a.m. to noon to discuss
the issue, which has only worsened since the war on
terror began.
Estimations and studies have shown veterans
comprise a little more than one-fifth of the nation‘s
homeless population, with 107,000 of them on the street
any given night. Recently, a significant rise has been
recorded in homelessness for veterans with children,
particularly women veterans – a demographic that is the
fastest growing among the homeless population. The
American Legion and the other organizations and
agencies with representation at the roundtable discussion
will look to find ways to address and quell these issues,
which worsen as the conflicts overseas prolong.
The public is invited to attend. Individuals or
organizations who wish to be on hand for the discussion
should e-mail Legion Economic Division Deputy Direc-
tor Mark Walker to arrange an RSVP.
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.
Photo by James V. Carroll
VA Conducts Homeless Vet Count
From www.military.com Week of February 07, 2011
On any given night, approximately 107,000
veterans across the country go to sleep on benches, in
back alleys and under bridges. Roughly twice that num-
ber will experience homelessness at some point this year.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partnered with
the Department of Housing and Urban Development
recently to conduct the point-in-time count of the nation's
homeless. VA Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould led a
group of volunteer counters in downtown Washington,
DC. For more information on VA services for homeless
veterans, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Homeless Veterans webpage.
Veteran's Benefits Directory - To learn more
about your state's veteran benefits, visit the Military.com
State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 16

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 Welcome Moms
From: Maureen VanHooser, President &
Director
Welcome to the Michigan Military
Moms! We are a Non-profit 501c3 support
organization for Moms of children who are
currently serving or who have served in the
US military. Whether your son or daughter
is in a delayed entry program, boot camp,
serving state side or in a combat zone -
there is someone in our group that have
faced the challenges that you are feeling today. Our
group supports each other unconditionally in our con-
cerns, fears, joys during the daily trials we confront.
There are six (6) chapters of the Michigan Military Moms
in the Metro-Detroit area, including, a newly formed
family group called Families Supporting American
Military (FSAM). A list of all the meetings, time & places
can be found on our website. PLEASE feel free to visit
us.
We package quarterly sending boxes to our sons
and daughters - and we do special packaging for combat
battalions who are in need of special items. At our
meetings we schedule speakers knowledgeable in issues
to help educate us in military matters, we host crafting
meetings, game nights, hold discussions, invite you to
share your questions, concerns, & joys that we experi-
ence.
Please visit us on the web anytime at
www.michiganmilitaymoms.com ; FEEL FREE to s
ubscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter by clicking on the
subscribe link at the bottom of our website. We also
encourage all family members to visit and join our NEW-
LY formed Family Support Group.
Families Supporting American Military or FSAM
is the newest chapter of the Michigan Military Moms. So
often a Mom asked "Can my husband come?" or "My
son/daughter not in the military have questions or fears
concerning their military sibling" or "I am a Grandparent
and have questions can I come to your group"or "I am a
CORNER FROM THE BOARD
From: Maureen VanHooser, President & Director of
Michigan Military Mom
It is important to let everyone within the Michi-
gan Military Moms know how important it is for us to
support each member. When you walk through our doors
we are all equal in our concerns over our troops - our sons
& daughters.
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 candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
wife of a service member, can I attend your
group?" . The Michigan Military Moms is
a unique organization serving the concerns
of a Mother - other family members bring
very different concerns, questions, & ideas
to the table. So we started this arm
of the MMM so that we could assist all
family members in this journey. We seri-
ously ask that as a spouse, sibling, father,
grandparent, cousin, or any other family
member join us at our meetings.
We are new in this venture and
invite all to come and help us grow this group into a
strong support group for families. The American Legion
Post 32 is standing strong behind our new organization
and have offering of many different speakers, service
officers to assist our separated military members, or just
an ear to listen to our concerns.
For more information please visit our website at
www.familiessupportingamericanmilitary.com Infor-
mation for Families Supporting American Military
directly:
Email us at: info@fsamus.com
Phone us at: 313.410.1482
Contact Information
We are here to help you with any questions or
concerns you may have. Feel free to contact us at the fol-
lowing email addresses. Include your question, name,
email address, & phone number if you would like us to
call you.
Maureen VanHooser, President & Director
Email: mvanhooser@michiganmilitarymoms.com
Merrill Griffin, Director
Email: mgriffin@michiganmilitarymoms.com
Tracey Roberts, Director
Email: troberts@michiganmilitarymoms.com
Carolyn Bell, Secretary
Email: secretary@michiganmilitarymoms.com
Web site: www.michiganmilitarymoms.com
Tears are shed once the recruiter walk them down
our driveways; we stand tall and happy also shedding
tears at boot camp graduations; then comes the proud mo-
ments we share with family & friends, and at meetings
over training, accomplishments, and awards; tears reap-
pear when the 'orders' arrive - that we hoped would not.
The MMM was founded over 8 years ago when
war was only a fear in our hearts. We have gone full cir-
cle through many ups and downs, growth, and learning
experiences. Cont...
17
 We have our troops coming home who are facing some of the most challenging events to date. Economic hard-
ships, marriages/relationships falling apart, employment difficulities, drug and alcohol addictions, physical & emotional
hardship - our troops do not want to face any of these privations - nor as a parent do we.
It is our role as a parent to seek help - we need to first, and foremost, be sure we are appraised of every piece of
information available to us; and then we need to be there to stand by our adult child and help them through these unfortu-
nate situations they may be facing.
It is NOT shameful - or us - or our adult child. Our organization is based upon mutual trust and support - and
most of all confidentially.
We, as your Board, promise you trust, support & confidentially - unconditionally. If you cannot share with a
family member or another Mom - feel free to bring your concerns or questions to us. You will be treated with kindness
and love - and most of all we will help!

VA Provides Benefits to Veterans’ Caregivers accompanying veterans undergoing care;

From: A White House News Release
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 – The Veterans
Affairs Department is launching the first of a series of
new and enhanced services supporting family caregivers
of seriously ill and injured veterans.
President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers and Veter-
ans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 legislation in
May, authorizing VA to establish a wide range of new
services to support certain caregivers of eligible post-9/11
veterans.
―Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices every
day to help veterans of all eras who served this nation,‖
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K.
Shinseki said. ―They are critical part-
ners with VA in the recovery and
comfort of ill and injured veterans,
and they deserve our continued train-
ing, support and gratitude.‖
In addition to the new benefits
and services for eligible veterans who
were disabled in the line of duty since
Sept. 11, 2001, VA also will begin
providing enhanced benefits and ser-
vices to caregivers of veterans of all
eras who already are enrolled in VA
care, including:
-- Access to VA‘s toll-free Caregiver
Support Line at 1-855-260-3274;
-- Expanded education and training on caring for Veterans
at home;
-- Other support services such as counseling and support
groups and referral services; and
-- An enhanced website for caregivers.
Some of the new benefits of the Caregivers and
Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act are restricted by
law to the caregivers of the most seriously ill and injured
post-9/11 veterans. Those additional benefits include:
-- A monthly stipend;
-- Health care coverage;
-- Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem, while
-- Respite care; and
-- Mental health services and counseling.
VA will report to Congress in the future on the
feasibility of expanding the enhanced services to family
caregivers of veterans of all eras, officials said.
While some of these enhanced benefits are availa-
ble now, many of the other significant newly enacted ben-
efits will require the issuance of regulations. These addi-
tional benefits include monthly stipends, pay for travel
costs, medical coverage, training, counseling and respite
care designed to prevent institutionalization of veterans
whenever possible.
The law requires detailed regulations
for determining eligibility, designating
and approving caregivers, and provid-
ing stipends and health care coverage
to primary family caregivers. The
complex process required to imple-
ment these regulations will provide
veterans, caregivers and the public the
opportunity to provide comments be-
fore those regulations are finalized.
―VA has supported caregivers
of veterans of all eras for almost eight
decades,‖ said Deborah Amdur of
VA‘s Care Management and Social
Work Service, ―and we know from
our experience and research that veter-
ans are best served when they can live their lives as inde-
pendently as possible surrounded by caring family and
friends.‖
Each VA medical center has designated caregiver
support coordinators who will assist eligible veterans and
caregivers in understanding and applying for the new ben-
efits. VA also has a caregiver support website,
www.caregiver.va.gov, which will provide general infor-
mation once final regulations are published, officials said.
Related Sites:
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Caregivers Video

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 BURIAL AT SEA-Part I
From: Eugene A. Simon Command Chief Master Sergeant
USAF (Retired)
In my 76th year, the events of my life appear to
me, from time to time, as a series of vignettes. Some were
significant; most were trivial. War is the seminal event in
the life of everyone that has endured it. Though I fought
in Korea and the Dominican Republic, and was wounded
there, Vietnam was my war. Now 37 years have passed
and, thankfully, I rarely think of those days in Cambodia,
Laos, and the panhandle of North Vietnam where small
teams of Americans and Montangards fought much larger
elements of the North Vietnamese Army. Instead I see
vignettes: some exotic, some mundane: The smell of Nuc
Mam.
The heat, dust, and humidity. The blue exhaust of
cycles clogging the streets. Elephants moving silently
through the tall grass. Hard eyes behind the servile smiles
of the villagers. Standing on a mountain in Laos and hear-
ing a tiger roar. A young girl squeezing my hand as my
medic delivered her baby. The flowing Ao Dais of the
young women biking down Tran Hung Dao. My two
years as Casualty Notification Officer in North Carolina,
Virginia, and Maryland. It was late 1967. I had just
returned after 18 months in Vietnam. Casualties were
increasing. I moved my family from Indianapolis to
Norfolk, rented a house, enrolled my children in their fifth
or sixth new school, and bought a second car. A week
later, I put on my uniform and drove 10 miles to Little
Creek, Virginia. I hesitated before entering my new
office. Appearance is important to career Marines. I was
no longer, if ever, a poster Marine. I had returned from
my third tour in Vietnam only 30 days before. At 5‘9‖, I
Bugler playing ―Taps‖ at Arlington National Cemetery. Some Marines prefer
burial at sea. Before the ceremony is the tough task of notifying the family.
(Photo by GySgt Kent Flora.)
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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‘s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
now weighed 128 pounds 37 pounds below my normal
weight. My uniforms fit ludicrously, my skin was yellow
from malaria medication, and I think I had a twitch or
two. I straightened my shoulders, walked into the office,
looked at the nameplate on a Staff Sergeant‘s desk and
said, ―Sergeant Jolly, I‘m Lieutenant Colonel Goodson.
Here are my orders and my Qualification Jack-
et.‖ Sergeant Jolly stood, looked carefully at me, took my
orders, stuck out his hand we shook and said, ―How long
were you there, Colonel?‖ I replied ―18 months this time.―
Jolly breathed, ―Jesus, you must be a slow learner Colo-
nel.‖ I smiled. Jolly said, ―Colonel, I‘ll show you to your
office and bring in the Sergeant Major. I said, ―No, let‘s
just go straight to his office.‖ Jolly nodded, hesitated, and
lowered his voice, ―Colonel, the Sergeant Major. He‘s
been in this G*dd@mn job two years and he‘s packed
pretty tight. I‘m worried about him.‖ I nodded. Jolly
escorted me into the Sergeant Major‘s office. ―Sergeant
Major, this is Colonel Goodson, the new Commanding
Officer. The Sergeant Major stood, extended his hand
and said, ―Good to see you again, Colonel.‖ I responded,
―Hello Walt, how are you?‖ Jolly looked at me, raised an
eyebrow, walked out, and closed the door. I sat down with
the Sergeant Major. We had the obligatory cup of coffee
and talked about mutual acquaintances. Walt‘s stress was
palpable. Finally, I said, ―Walt, what the hell‘s wrong?‖
He turned his chair, looked out the window and said,
―George, you‘re going to wish you were back in Nam be-
fore you leave here. I‘ve been in the Marine Corps since
1939. I was in the Pacific 36 months, Korea for 14
months, and Vietnam for 12 months. Now I come here to
bury these kids. I‘m putting my letter in. I can‘t take it
anymore.‖ I said, ―OK Walt. If that‘s what you want, I‘ll
endorse your request for retirement and do what I can to
push it through Headquarters Marine Corps.‖ Sergeant
Major Walt Xxxxx retired 12
weeks later. He had been a
good Marine for 28 years, but
he had seen too much death
and too much suffering. He
was used up. Over the next
16 months, I made 28 death
notifications, conducted 28
military funerals, and made
30 notifications to the fami-
lies of Marines that were
severely wounded or missing
in action. Most of the details
of those casualty notifica-
tions have now, thankfully,
faded from memory. Four,
however, remain. remain.
(To be continued….)
19
Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US
-The DAV

Staff Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs

Coordinator- Matthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org)
Writers-Larry Harr Msgt USAF Retired Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG
Denny Gillem Lt. Col., US Army, Retired (Just Click the Link Below)
Claude McManus Command Master Chief
(Surface Warfare), USN, Retired I Fought For You
Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army Veteran
Sherry Swann-Secretary of Fort Custer Advisory
Committee and Event Coordinator
Sam Cottle-Michigan State Captain Patriot
Guard Riders
Sandra Eggers-Family Service Counselor Oak-
STEP UP AND LEAD
From: The USO
land Hills Memorial Park
In 2011, we're calling
Gary Lillie, MCB3, Chu Lai, RVN '66
on the brave men and women
Phil Smith-Director/Chief Vietnam Veterans of
of our armed forces to make
America, Veterans Benefits and
some incredible sacrifices in
Rehabilitation, State Council of MI
Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote
Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Mas-
locations around the world.
ter Sergeant USAF (Retired)
That means you and I need to
John Arend, SGT, USMC
make an extra effort to show our support.
John Nagle, USAAF
One of the best ways to let our troops know
Maureen VanHooser, Navy (SeaBee) Veteran
that you've got their back is by supporting the work of
Mom and wife.
the USO. Step Up and Lead -- support our troops
Don Alsbro, COL, US Army (ret), President of
by signing up to be part of the USO today.
Lest We Forget
Publisher- Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG

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.

In Closing
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 with your help. Compared to when we first started, the amount of input and
ideas we received 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 me
anytime at mhauser@migop.org.

Sincerely,

Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs If you don‘t want to receive these emails or wish to be removed
from the list please reply remove to mhauser@migop.org.

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