Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Issues over Body Armor issued to Troops? More information on Pages 2 and 3.
In This Issue
Stop Loss Special Pay Extended P.10-Oldest Survivor of Bataan Death March Dies at 105 P.12-Veterans Voices P.13-Beaver Island Memorial Park P.14 TRICARE Prime Update P.15-MPVA Mission P.16-WWII in Photos P.18-Need a Ride P.20-Wounded Warrior Project P.24-Lest We Forget SW MI
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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U.S. Army Not Sure Whether Its New Body Armor For Soldiers Works
Pentagon Says Plates Not Properly Tested
By: Donna Cassata Associated Press. From: www.freep.com
WASHINGTON -- The Army improperly tested new bullet-blocking plates for body armor and cannot be certain that 5 million pieces of the critical battlefield equipment meet the standards to protect U.S. troops, the Defense Department's inspector general found. The Pentagon report focused on seven Army contracts for the plates, known as ballistic inserts, awarded between 2004 and 2006 and totaling $2.5 billion. The inspector general's audit, carried out during a two-year period ending in March, found the tests were incomplete, conducted with the wrong size plates or relied on ballistic test rounds that were inconsistent. Because of the demands of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tests under certain temperatures and altitudes were scrapped altogether. "Consequently, the Army cannot be sure that ballistic inserts meet ... requirements," the report said. "As a result, the Army lacks assurance that 5.1 million ballistic inserts acquired through the seven contracts provide appropriate protection." The inspector general's office said it did not conduct its own tests, so it could not say whether the plates are defective. In response, the Army said Tuesday that it initiated improvements to the testing system before and during the inspector general's audit. The service also said "all inspector general recommendations to improve the testing processes have been implemented." Continued on Page 3.
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.
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The Aug. 1 report was the fourth from the inspector general in response to a request from Rep. Louise Slaughter. Since January 2006, the New York Democrat has pressed the military about the effectiveness of body armor after the New York Times reported that 80% of Marines serving in Iraq who were shot in the upper body died because of inadequate body armor. The 51-page report said the Army program manager for soldier equipment could provide only "limited assurance" that the plates met requirements. The inspector general found that for all seven contracts, the program manager did not have a consistent way of measuring and recording velocity of the test rounds. Two designs were approved without valid tests. The Army said it created a database for test information, standardized the protocol for ballistic testing and continues to scan body armor plates before deployment and during a soldier's tour of duty to ensure there are no internal cracks. In an interview, Slaughter said she plans to write to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Army Secretary John
McHugh and call their attention to the inspector general's report. Both Panetta and McHugh were once colleagues of the 13-term congresswoman. "This needs to be told," she said. "At the least, we should have some confidence that this part is taken care of, that in the future more diligence is taken." adding that soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines issued the armor have high confidence in its protective properties. The Army will continue to improve all equipment for service members, Phillips said. We can always improve our processes, and we can always get better, said the general added. As we learn about better ways of testing, it is important we will implement those changes. During the period of the report 2004 to 2006 the Army did not test how body armor responds when exposed to fungus and to altitude. The Army asked to be excused from those tests so the service could rush the enhanced small-arms protective plates to service members, Cole explained. The bottom line is that absolutely no one has been sent downrange with defective equipment, Phillips said, and the Army continues to test new equipment and to pull body plates from inventory to run tests. Time and time again, weve shown these plates stop the most stressing bullet in theater, Cole said. To protect deployed service members, he added, would not disclose what round that is. During the test, the Army fires the bullet at the plates at a speed that far exceeds the muzzle velocity or the normal weapon. Again and again, they stop the enemy bullets they were designed to stop, Cole said. Phillips and Cole said hundreds of stories exist of service members surviving point-blank enemy fire with only bruises.
By: Jim Garamone From: American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011 No American service member or civilian ever has deployed to the combat theater with defective body armor, Army officials stressed here today. I am not aware of any incident downrange where the body armor failed to protect against a round it was designed to defeat, said Lt. Gen. Bill Phillips, one of the Armys top acquisition officials. There is nothing more important in Army acquisition. Theres nothing more important to our Army than soldier protection or soldier safety, Phillips said during a Pentagon news conference. U.S. forces have the best body armor in the world, he added. The Army procures body armor for all services and Defense Department civilians. A DOD Inspector General Report on seven contracts between 2004 and 2006 looked at the way the Army tested body armor during that period and what the service could do to improve it, he said. All of the recommendations from that report have been implemented, Phillips said. We wont come to full closure until October this year, when we finish the final recommendations. Service members are the best judge of the body armor and helmets issued today, said Army Col. Bill Cole, the project manager at Program Executive Office Soldier,
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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 dont 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 Veterans 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 sponsored from each post. So, if you have a friend that would like to help you when you volunteer perhaps your Auxiliary 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! 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: http://www.jpac.pacom.mil The mission of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation's past conflicts. The highest priority of the organization is the return of any living Americans that remain prisoners of war. To date, the U.S. Government has not found any evidence that there are still American POWs in captivity from past U.S. conflicts. JPAC is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The command was activated on Oct. 1, 2003, created from the merger of the 30-year-old U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, and the 11-year-old Joint Task Force - Full Accounting. Commanded by a flag officer,
JPAC is manned by approximately 400 handpicked Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Department of the Navy civilians. The laboratory portion of JPAC, referred to as the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL), is the largest forensic anthropology laboratory in the world. JPAC also maintains three permanent overseas detachments to assist with command and control, logistics and in-country support during investigation and recovery operations. They are Detachment One located in Bangkok, Thailand, Detachment Two in Hanoi, Vietnam and Detachment Three in Vientiane, Laos. JPAC has a fourth detachment, Detachment Four, located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, responsible for recovery team personnel when they are not deployed.
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From: Sherry Swann As Americans will never forget the morning of 9/11/01 where you were at when America was attacked by terrorists. We are currently at war with the enemy. All Americans were affected by this Act of terror in some way. The family members that were lost by planes that hit the Trade Center in NewYork. The brave Americans that fought the terrorists so the plane would not hit the White House in Washington what a brave acts. The acts of terror hit at home to many people we lost one young man as an innocent by standard in the World Trade center Brad Hoorn the other young man we lost was a brave American Solider Staff Sgt. Michael Dickinson II. PFC Brain Thomas, Airman James Hansen, Sgt. Joshua Throckmorton, Gabriel DeRoo as avenging the terrorism protecting all Americans. After this act of terrorism we all need to realize how lucky we are to live in the greatest country in the Free world and
always remember America has the finest military in the making sure we continue to have a free country to live in. Lets take a moment to say thank you to firemen, police, first responders, volunteers and all Americans In the free world. This solemn event will never let us forget the brave men and women in uniform who are protecting us day and night. Be thankful we live in land of the free and the home of the brave. The event is on 9/11 At McCamly Park on West Michigan Avenue across from Burnham Brook Center starts at 2:00p.m. Brigadere General Robert Secrist US Army Retired. Col Frank Walker MI ANG as Emcee. Music will be played by Cereal City Concert Band. Any questions please call 269 589-6208. Free event open to public.
Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.
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From: www.tricare.mil FALLS CHURCH, Va. TRICARE is expanding the number of preventive vaccines covered at retail network pharmacies. Until now, the majority of vaccines were only covered when obtained through a physicians office. Vaccines are a critical part of every familys preventive health program, said Rear Adm. Christine Hunter, TRICARE Management Activity deputy director. We are very pleased to offer this expanded convenience to our beneficiaries and, best of all, theres no copay. TRICARE covers age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the high-demand shingles vaccine, Zostavax. Since late 2009, TRICARE has covered seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumococcal vaccines at retail pharmacies with nearly 300,000 vaccines administered to date. The expanded program covers immunizations for measles, mumps, shingles and many other preventable diseases. To see the expanded list of vaccines available from authorized TRICARE retail pharmacies visit:www.tricare.mil/vaccines.
We hear stories from around the state about Veterans who are in need of help. Please remember what these men and women have done for this nation. Please remember them, and let our communities not forget what these men and women have sacrificed. Thank you to everyone who has supported this newsletter, and if you know of any veterans who are in need of help let us know and we will put the word out to help. -Matthew X. Hauser
Lest We Forget
TRICARE officials strongly recommend that beneficiaries check ahead before making a trip to their pharmacy to make sure its part of the TRICARE network and authorized to offer the vaccines. Ensuring that the pharmacy has the needed vaccine is also advised as some, such as shingles, may be in short supply. In addition, while all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow pharmacists to administer vaccines, individual state laws can restrict which vaccines pharmacists may administer, or may restrict based on licensing or by age of the recipient. Beneficiaries who obtain vaccines through their regular physician do not pay copayments for preventive care such as immunizations and recommended screenings, but usual cost shares and copayments for office visits may apply. Expanded access to a wide variety of recommended vaccines makes it easier for beneficiaries to make good health care choices, said Hunter. Whether we choose a military clinic or hospital, a retail pharmacy or our regular doctor, getting immunized is one of the easiest things we can do to help protect the health of our families and our community.
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
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Rep. Kurt Damrow Committee Chair Welcome to the Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. The committee's regularly scheduled meeting time is Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. 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.
2011 Southeastern Michigan Veterans Stand Down October 12th & 13th, 2011 Location: Detroit Rescue Mission 3606 E. Forest Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48207
Contact us Service providers contact Norm Wilcox at (248) 808-0929 Email: semvsd@aol.com or Linda Jones at (313) 576-3870 Volunteers contact Mark Sutton (248) 477-6377 Media Contact Norm Wilcox at (248) 808-0929
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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110th ASOC presents our Bi-Annual Reunion for 110th and 172nd Wrap Up From the July 16th Event
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 three years in Iraq, one year in Africa and now going to Afghanistan. We need to remember those who are now serving and say thank you.-Hank Fuhs P.S say an extra prayer for all the troops.
Special Thanks to Larry Harr for the Photos. A great time for everyone, stories shared once again. This is the time when ranks are respected but the friendships are cherished. -Larry Harr
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From: U.S. Department of Defense-Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Oct. 21, 2011, allowing those eligible more time to apply for the benefits theyve earned under the program guidelines. The deadline extension is included in Continuing Resolution H.R. 1473, signed by President Obama April 15, 2011, providing funding for federal government operations through Oct. 21, 2011. The RSLSP was established to compensate for the hardships military members encountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss Authority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts over the past 18 months. Outreach efforts including direct mail and engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue through Oct. 21, 2011. To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov. 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.
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.
~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 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) The U.S. Army has released a cologne named for the World War II hero Gen. George S. Patton. The scent, dubbed simply "Patton," is the Army's licensed, official fragrance. The cologne was not initiated by anyone in the Patton family, but they took the news with good humor. Daughter-in-law Joanne Patton said, "It was a surprise to me. We'll wait to see how and why," she said, chuckling. "... I was surprised that a perfume for General Patton wouldn't be smelling like diesel fuel." Gen. Patton, who died in 1945, owned what is now Green Meadows Farm in Hamilton. His son, also a general named George, lived there until his death in 2004, and his widow, Joanne, still lives on the Asbury Street property. Patton cologne is made by Californiabased Parfumologie. A portion of proceeds from sales of Patton, and the scents Parfumologie has created for each branch of the armed forces (Riptide for the Coast Guard, Devil Dogs for the Marines and Stealth for the Air Force), are donated to the Veterans Administration. The line of colognes was first released in 2009, but made news in AUG after the Patton cologne was mentioned on the Military Times news website. Patton is advertised as a woodsy blend of lavender, citrus, coconut, cedar, sage, tonka bean, bergamot and lime. [Source: The Salem News Bethany Bray article 10 Aug 2011 ++]
Patton Cologne
By: Jim Suhr Associated Press / August 15, 2011 From: Eugene Simon ST. LOUISA doctor once told Albert Brown he shouldn't expect to make it to 50, given the toll taken by his years in a Japanese labor camp during World War II and the infamous, often-deadly march that got him there. But the former dentist made it to 105, embodying the power of a positive spirit in the face of inordinate odds. "Doc" Brown was nearly 40 in 1942 when he endured the Bataan Death March, a harrowing 65-mile trek in which 78,000 prisoners of war were forced to walk from Bataan province near Manila to a Japanese POW camp. As many as 11,000 died along the way. Many were denied food, water and medical care, and those who stumbled or fell during the scorching journey through Philippine jungles were stabbed, shot or beheaded. But Brown survived and secretly documented it all, using a nub of a pencil to scrawl details into a tiny tablet he concealed in the lining of his canvas bag. He often wondered why captives so much younger and stronger perished, while he went on. By the time he died Sunday at a nursing home in southern Illinois' Nashville, Brown's story was well-chronicled, by one author's account offering an encouraging road map for veterans recovering from their own wounds in many wars. "Doc's story had as much relevance for today's wounded warriors as it did for the veterans of his own era," said Kevin Moore, co-author of the recently released "Forsaken Heroes of the Pacific War: One Man's True Story," which details Brown's experience.
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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"The underlying message for of his own. Brown helped craft a listentoday's returning veterans is that there's ing tube for the device, which brought hope, not to give in no matter how the captives news from San Francisco bleak the moment may seem," added that the U.S. actually had won a battle Moore, whose nephew just returned the Japanese soldiers were celebrating from military duty in Afghanistan. as a naval victory. "You will persevere and can find the "He had this incredible spirit to promise of a new tomorrow, much like live and overcome," Moore said. Doc had found." "Positive thinking or whatever you call Brown, recognized in 2007 at it, he was able to survive." an annual convention of Bataan Born in 1905 in North Platte, survivors as the oldest one still living, Neb., Brown was the godson of Wild couldn't muster the strength to talk West folk hero "Buffalo Bill" Cody, about his experiences until about 15 or who often let the boy sit on his lap and so years ago, said his granddaughter, tug his beard. Brown moved with his Susan Engelhardt of Pinckneyville, Ill. family to Council Bluffs, Iowa, after his "I'm not a big military buff at father - a railroad engineer - died when all. But just reading the story about the a locomotive engine exploded. This undated family photo shows Bataan death march and the situation in the He studied dentistry at Death March survivor Albert Brown in Philippines, it's an incredible story. And Creighton University in the 1920s and uniform during World War II. Brown died incredibly sad," Engelhardt said. "He's Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, in Nashville, Ill., at was called to active duty in 1937, an incredible man, and he had an the age of 105. (AP Photo/Family photo via leaving behind a wife, children and a The Southern Illinoisan) incredible legacy. He came through decade-old dental practice his war horrible times and came out on top, injuries prevented him from resuming. rebuilding his life. But so many By the time the war of those men and women ended in 1945, the 40-year-old triumphed." Brown was nearly blind, had Brown's personal weathered a broken back and account described the torment neck and suffered through more that came about every mile as than a dozen diseases including the marchers passed wells U.S. malaria, dysentery and dengue troops dug for natives but fever. weren't allowed to drink from He took two years to once they became prisoners. mend, and a doctor told him to Filipinos who tried to throw enjoy the next few years befruit to the marchers frequently cause he had been so decimated were killed. he would be dead by 50. But Brown remained in a Brown soldiered on, moving to POW camp from early 1942 California, attending college until mid-September 1945, again and renting out properties living solely on rice. The once-athletic man to the era's biggest Hollywood stars, including he lettered in baseball, football, basketball and Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland. He track in high school - saw his weight whither became friends with John Wayne and Roy by some 80 pounds to less than 100 by the time Rogers, doing some screen tests along the way. he was freed. Lice and disease were rampant. "I think he had seen so much horror Despite the hardships, Brown focused on that after the way, he was determined to enjoy bright spots, including a prisoner called on to his life," Moore said. fix Japanese soldiers' radios. The prisoner managed to steal radio parts, scraping together enough components to build a functioning unit We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your Photos of Bataan Death March Memorial service to this country. Located in Las Cruces New Mexico.
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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
From: Dept. Hospital Chairman Merridy Lewis Hospitalized Veterans Writing Program (HVWP). This program helps veterans get their poems and stories down on paper is one of the goals for our volunteers. Volunteer aides help both with a one on one 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 veterans 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.
"Veterans Voices"
It is important to submit the authors 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 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 may be an interest you would like to share with a Veteran on a volunteer basis. This is part of our history for generations yet to come we are losing World War II Veterans every day and we need to hear their stories. For more information about the organization please visit their website at www.veteransvoices.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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From: Bob Tidmore-Post Commander AMVETS Post 46 (Michigan AMVET News, Winter 2011) AMVETS Post 46 on Beaver Island has received the final permits for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Park on the site of the old Beaver Island power plant located on Main Street in the middle of the harbor. The park will included three flagpoles that will fly the American flag, the Michigan flag, and a rotating service flag. One monument will list the names of those from Beaver Island who gave their lives in the service of their country. A second pays tribute to all veterans who have served their country and the third honors the Emmett Burke AMETS Post 46. In front of the monuments there will be three area s containing bricks with veteran names, dates and service affiliation. These are available to any veteran or families and friends who wishes to honor their veteran. The bricks are 4x8 and 8x8 and are $100 and $200 respectively. Order forms for bricks, questions and answers about the park are available on the web site http://beaverislandnews.com/ or by emailing the Post at amvetspost46@yahoo.com and we will send you a form. AMVETS Post 46 wishes to thank the St. James Township Board and Wolverine Power for their help and support in this project.
Veteran organizations across America are committed that all American veterans receive recognition and honor for their valiant service and sacrifices. Working hard to keep veterans efforts made today and in the past visible to everyone, we are spearheading the renovation of old Memorials and are building Memorials in communities that have none. AMVETS Post 46 of Beaver Island is building a Veterans Memorial on the waters edge of Beaver Islands beautiful harbor which we hope to dedicate this July Fourth. The location of this memorial will be visible to thousands of people as they enter Beaver Islands harbor each year. Along the harbor thoroughfare it offers outstanding visibility and access to tourist and residence alike. This Memorial, a popular attraction now, is destined to become a must see stopping place where the sacrifices in life and blood of Americas veterans will be honored and remembered. To finish this grand project we are coming to the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce and its members seeking tax deductable donations which will enable us to complete the Memorial. With your help and support this Memorial will become a fitting tribute for everyone serving and those who have served.
Short video from www.tricare.mil that explains some back ground information about TRICARE.
View this video to get a better understanding of what TRICARE is. Or 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. 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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From: RAO Bulletin August 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) Split enrollment allows eligible family members who do not live with their sponsor to enroll in TRICARE Prime as long as they reside in an area where TRICARE Prime is available. Split enrollment is especially helpful for families with college students, children living with former spouses or families that are otherwise separated. Children who are TRICARE-eligible based on their sponsors status remain eligible until reaching age 21 (or age 23 if enrolled in a full-time course of study at an approved institution of higher learning, and if the sponsor provides at least 50 percent of the financial support). Your college students TRICARE Prime coverage ends if his or her Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) record is not updated before reaching age 21. For information on extending benefits for your college student, refer tohttp://www.tricare.mil/deers . To use split enrollment, complete and sign a TRICARE Prime Enrollment Application and PCM Change Form (DD Form 2876). Send the form to the family members new regional contractor at: North Region: Health Net Federal Services, LLC, P.O. Box 870143, Surfside Beach, SC 29587-9743 South Region: Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc.,Attn: PNC Bank, P.O. Box 105838, Atlanta, GA 30348-5838 West Region: TriWest Healthcare Alliance, P.O. Box 43590, Phoenix, AZ 85080-3590 The form should be sent within 30 days of the move. You must notify each family members regional contractor of the split enrollment status and establish one family enrollment fee, if applicable. TRICARE Prime enrollments follow the 20th of the month rule. Applications received by your regional contractor by the 20th of the month will become effective at the beginning of the following month (e.g., an enrollment received by Dec. 20 would become effective Jan. 1). If the application is received after the 20th of the month, coverage will become effective on the first day of the month following
the next month (e.g., an enrollment received on 27 DEC would become effective on 1 FEB). To use the split enrollment option, you must notify the regional contractor in each region to establish a primary payer, usually the sponsor, if you pay enrollment fees. If your child enrolls separately in TRICARE Prime after arriving at college, and no other family members are enrolled in TRICARE Prime, it is considered a single enrollment. If the child enrolls and there are other family members enrolled elsewhere, your TRICARE Prime family enrollment fee remains the same. Your regional contractors will coordinate enrollment fees and billing statements. Student enrollment in TRICARE Prime is automatically renewed after one year, unless the renewal offer is declined. An unpaid enrollment fee will cause the entire family to be disenrolled. A 12month lockout will result if you have been disenrolled for non-payment. Except for emergencies, your family member must receive care from his or her assigned primary care manager (PCM). A uniformed services identification card helps provide proof of coverage, and the TRICARE Prime enrollment card should be shown at the time of care. PCMs must provide specialty care referrals to avoid using the TRICARE Prime point-of service (POS)* option, which results in higher costs. If your child does not continue enrollment in TRICARE Prime, he or she will be automatically covered by TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra as long as his or her DEERS information is current. Visit http:// www.tricare.mil if you have questions about using TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra. After aging out of TRICARE coverage under the sponsor, adult children, until reaching age 26, may be eligible to extend TRICARE coverage by purchasing TRICARE Young Adult, a premium-based health care plan. Visit www.tricare.mil/tya for more information. [Source: TRICARE Health Matters Fall 2011 ++]
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From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Marine First Sergeant with the primary purpose of facilitating 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 disabled. There is no cost to veteransBring a Valid Michigan Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times available.
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From: http://www.theatlantic.com World War II is the story of the 20th Century. The war officially lasted from 1939 until 1945, but the causes of the conflict and its horrible aftermath reverberated for decades in either direction. While feats of bravery and technological breakthroughs still inspire awe today, the majority of the war was dominated by unimaginable misery and destruction. In the late 1930s, the world's population was approximately 2 billion. In less than a decade, the war between the nations of the Axis Powers and the Allies resulted in some 80 million deaths -- killing off about 4 percent of the whole world. This series of entries will last from June 19 until October 30, 2011, running every Sunday morning for 20 weeks. In these photo essays, I hope to explore the events of the war, the people involved at the front and back home, and the effects the war had on everyday lives. The entries will follow a roughly chronological sequence, with some broader themes (such as "The Home Front") interspersed throughout. These images will give us glimpses into the real-life experiences of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents, moments that shaped the world as it is today. I hope to be able to do justice to this important story in this large-photo narrative format and invite you to join me for the next 20 Sundays.
Click the image above for the link to the site. Many amazing Picture from WWII.
These three are just a few of the many great images from WWII
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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 substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office 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!
3rd Annual Show Your Colors Poker Run, Motorcycle Show & Pig Roast Tickets are Now Available Check it Out!
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 click here.
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
Need a Ride
DAV stepped in to meet a substantial 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
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: Mark Eddy Head Coach-Coloma High School (Cell: 269-214-8956) Next fall the Coloma football program will host a Wounded Warrior Project night. The Wounded Warrior Project raises money and awareness for persons of the Armed Services who have been injured while serving our country. When I heard about this fund raiser personally I thought this is great fit for Coloma. Programs that have participated in the Wounded Warrior project play the game in jerseys that people in the community sponsor in honor of a Wounded Warrior and/or US Veteran. Our program plans on having each player seek out a veteran and gather some information about his service. The player will place that veterans name on the back of the sponsored jerseys. After the game, those jerseys will be presented to the service member or a member of their family. We plan to host the WWP game on Friday September 30th @ 7:00PM vs. Edwardsburg High School. Donations: These donations will cover the upfront cost of items like t-shirts. Also these donations hope to cover the cost of the game program which we will sell for a $1 dollar donation. The program will promote the generous gifts on a donors page. We will place donors on T-shirt designed for the game as well as game announcements and the Coloma website. Sponsorship Levels: Platinum $500, Gold $300, Silver $200, Bronze$100, Green $50, Yellow $25 For more information you can visit the Wounded Warrior Project Website at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
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.
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.
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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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
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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
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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
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VIeTnAm nAmSpeAK-Part VI
From: Don Alsbro-President of Lest We Forget SW Michigan. Please visit www.lestweforgetusa.org for more information about the organization. Wars tend to develop a language of their own and the Vietnam War was no exception. The following are some of the words that reflect the Language of the American GI in VN. NOTE: The list is not complete (an impossible task and much too large) and a few of the terms with inappro-priate words have been omitted for obvious reasons.
Article source: Wartime Memoirs by Southwestern Michigan Veterans Volume 2. Please visit www.lestweforgetusa.org for more information about the project or to order the book. They are working on a Third! Keep up the good work guys! Wonderful Good!
Slick: A Huey carrying troops into battle SOI: Book with all the call signals and frequencies of units in Vietnam Stand Down: A return to base camp for a short rest period Steel Pot: Standard US Army helmet, outer metal cover TOC: Tactical Operation Center Thank you for your support. Tet: Vietnamese New Year The World: United States Triage: Process of deciding the order in which to treat casualties Tunnel Rats: US troops who flushed out the Viet Cong from their underground hideouts Victor Charlie: Military language for the Viet Cong From: The USO Waste: To Kill In 2011, we're calling Willie Peter/Pete: White phosphorus grenade or round on the brave men and women World: Anywhere but Vietnam of our armed forces to make some incredible sacrifices in Yard: Montagnard ethnic group found mostly in the Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote Central Highlands
We thank LEST WE FORGET SW MI for use of their materials from their Book. If anyone else has an article or story they would like to have published in the newsletter please let us know contact me anytime at: mhauser@migop.org. We are always looking for new ideas and material. Thank you once again for your support of this newsletter.
locations around the world. That means you and I need to make an extra effort to show our support. One of the best ways to let our troops know that you've got their back is by supporting the work of the USO. Step Up and Lead -- support our troops by signing up to be part of the USO today. 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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Page 22 Legal Help for Veterans www.legalhelpforveterans.com Fredrick Meijer Gardens www.meijergardens.org Page 23 LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 24 Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Radio www.veteransradio.net LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 25 LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org The USO www.uso.org Also check out the Some Useful Links Section on Page 2. Thank you for your Support!
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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!
Coordinator- Matthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org) ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Sam Cottle Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy
Merridy Lewis Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus Louis Nigro Eugene (Gene) A. Simon Phil Smith Sherry Swann Bob Tidmore Maureen VanHooser Publisher-Hank Fuhs
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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We are looking for any contact information of individuals or groups that you think would either be interested in receiving our newsletter or interested in writing articles. If you know of anyone please let us know.
Sincerely, Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser
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