Veterans & Military Families Monthly News-May 2012

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News
May 2012 Vol. 3 No. 5

Good afternoon and thank you for reading, this months edition of the newsletter. We appreciate your involvement and continued support. Remember, we have two online sources where you can read and offer comments on the current and previous editions of the newsletter. The newsletter is posted on Facebook through the group called Veterans and Military Families Monthly News. Check it out and join the group. Click here to go directly to the page. (Keep in mind, you need a Facebook 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 suggestions for topics to cover or wants to write their own piece, we will gladly try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and please share your feedback with us. By: John Hess Hells Bells During the end of WWII s sonar system was developed to detect mines. When a mine or mines were detected the equipment sounded a gong or bell sound. You can imagine that when the gong sounded every sailor said to himself, hell those bells again. Hells Bells brought everyone to high alert. As a child I remember the Memorial Day Parade in my home town of Harbor Springs. The American Legion would lead the procession followed by the fire truck boy scouts, girl scouts, cub scouts and brownies. Local merchants and farmers would add to the event. My grandfather, Bill Perry, from time to time, would add a team of horses and a dray to the parade. The whole procession would end up at Lakeview cemetery for the solemn 21 gun salute and the playing of taps. All the veterans graves were decorated with American flags. After the ceremonies the crowd would disperse and quietly go home or family gatherings. So why do we have this day of remembrance? In order to answer the question lets look into the history of this day. On May 5, 1868 General John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued general order No. 11 that: The 30th of May, is designated for the purpose of strewing, with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their comrades of their country. The original Decoration Day has been changed, over the years, to Memorial Day thus remembering and honoring the dead from any war. Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May. The national Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 363) was passed to formalize the date
Military Terms
Memorial Day
Thank you very much!

P.3-Upton and Kalamazoo-Area Schools Announce VetSuccess P.5-Military Funeral Honors Customs and Traditions P.7-Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau P.9-Keego Harbor Memorial Day Events P.9-Initatives to Speed Up VA Benefits Delivery
In This Issue
P.12-Cost of Freedom Tribute P.14-WWII Re-Enactment P.17-Civil War Veteran P.19-WWI Foundation P.22-Legal Help for Veterans P.23-MANGBANG P.24-MI Dept. Military and Veterans Affairs P.25-On a Lighter Note Part 3 P.26-Lest We Forget SW MI
And much more.
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
1
Several towns in the US have claimed to be the birthplace of Decoration Day: including Columbus, Miss; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, VA; Boalsburg, Pa, and Carbondale, Ill. In 1915 Moina Michael conceived of the idea of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear the flower and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers. The proceeds of the sales were donated to organizations to benefit servicemen in need. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed on Dec. 2000 which asks that at 3 pm local time, for all Americans To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps. Show Your Gratitude Have you ever wanted to show your gratitude to the troops, but didnt know how? Have you ever wanted to say thank you to a service person but you didnt? An easy way to show your gratitude is to look service person straight in the eye, place your right hand over your heart and then extend the hand palm up. This indicates heart felt warmth and thanks without saying a word. VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Thanks for your service NBF/DBF
Some Useful Links

Air Force Times www.airforcetimes.com Navy Times www.navytimes.com Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com Army Times www.armytimes.com Military Times www.militarytimes.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil American Legion www.legion.org Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw.org AMVETS www.amvets.org The DAV www.dav.org Department of Defense www.dod.gov Military/Veterans Report www.militray.com The Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Administration www.va.gov Military Order of the Purple Heart www.purpleheart.org
If anyone has a site they would like to have added to this growing list please let us know! Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org Also check out the complete list of links that appear in this newsletter on the last page.
Thank you for your Support!

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
2
Upton and Kalamazoo-area Schools Announce VetSuccess Program to Help Student Veterans Succeed
From: Congressman Fred Upton, MI-06
On April 10 , I was honored to join leaders from Western Michigan University (WMU), Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), and Kellogg Community College (KCC) to announce that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will locate a VetSuccess on Campus program in Southwest Michigan. The program, jointly administered by the three schools, will provide VA staff and support services for student veterans who are transitioning to campus life, something that WMU, KVCC, and KCC have long made a priority. The VetSuccess on Campus program, which was launched in 2009 as a pilot project, supplies qualified schools with professional VA staff to assist eligible veterans, service members, and their families as they access transition support services, educational benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, disability compensation, life insurance, home loan guarantees, job placement, and healthcare benefits. WMU, KVCC, and KCC did not separately meet the threshold for the number of student veterans served to qualify for VetSuccess on Campus. However, the three schools combined serve roughly 1,000 student veterans and easily satisfy that requirement. At the end of the day, we were all able to work together to obtain a waiver from the VA and put in place a joint VetSuccess on Campus program that will serve all three institutions. With
th
our states large veteran population, this was a big win for folks in southwest Michigan, particularly with so many young men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. I applaud the continued leadership of WMU, KVCC, and KCC in meeting the needs of those students who have so honorably answered our nations call to duty. WMU, KVCC, and KCC have all been identified by various veteran organizations for their outstanding student veteran services. I am hopeful that this collaboration will one day serve as a model to benefit veterans around the country. Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much and I take seriously my duty to provide them with the resources they need to succeed when they return home from the battlefield. The VetSuccess on Campus program is another step in my commitment to those who have served so selflessly. We are so proud of our servicemen and women for all they have done for our nation. We are the land of the free because of our brave.
Check out the Video From: WKZO AM 590-FM 96.5. 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.
3
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!
A Note From Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs

We need your help to grow the Newsletter
We are currently 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. For it is through your involvement we are able to reach more and more people each month. Thank you very much! We hope you enjoy.
Three ways to help:

1. Email us the contact information at mhauser@migop.org 2. By mail at: 520 Seymour Lansing, MI 48933 3. Or simply forward the newsletter along to a friend. Thank you for your Continued Support -Hank Fuhs
community need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country who coordinate the transportation needs for disabled veterans. Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. We hope we can help you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center
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 DAV stepped in to meet a substantial
Need a Ride
4
Researched and consolidated by Eugene Simon Ft. Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard As with the military itself, our armed forces' final farewell to comrades is steeped in tradition and ceremony. Prominent in a military funeral is the flag-draped casket. The blue field of the flag is placed at the head of the casket, over the left shoulder of the deceased. The custom began in the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when a flag was used to cover the dead as they were taken from the battlefield on a caisson. One will notice, during a military funeral that the horses that pull the caisson which bears the body of the veteran are all saddled, but the horses on the left have riders, while the horses on the right do not. This custom evolved from the days when horse-drawn caissons were the primary means of moving artillery ammunition and cannon, and the riderless horses carried provisions. The single riderless horse that follows the caisson with boots reversed in the stirrups is called the "caparisoned horse" in reference to its ornamental coverings, which have a detailed protocol all to themselves. By tradition in military funeral honors, a caparisoned horse follows the casket of an Army or Marine Corps officer who was a colonel or above, or the casket of a president, by virtue of having been the nation's military commander in chief. The custom is believed to date back to the time of Genghis Khan, when a horse was sacrificed to serve the fallen warrior in the next world. The caparisoned horse later came to symbolize a warrior who would ride no more. Abraham Lincoln, who was killed in 1865, was the first U.S. president to be honored with a caparisoned horse at his funeral. Graveside military honors include the firing of three volleys each by seven service members. This commonly is confused with an entirely separate honor, the 21-gun salute. But the number of individual gun firings in both honors evolved the same way. The three volleys came from an old battlefield custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle. The 21-gun salute traces its roots to the Anglo-Saxon empire, when seven guns constituted a recognized naval salute, as most naval vessels had seven guns. Because gunpowder in those days could be more easily stored on land than at sea, guns on land could fire three rounds
Military Funeral Honors Customs and Traditions
for every one that could be fired by a ship at sea. Later, as gunpowder and storage methods improved, salutes at sea also began using 21 guns. The United States at first used one round for each state, attaining the 21-gun salute by 1818. The nation reduced its salute to 21 guns in 1841, and formally adopted the 21-gun salute at the suggestion of the British in 1875. A U.S. presidential death also involves other ceremonial gun salutes and military traditions. On the day after the death of the president, a former president or president-elect -- unless this day falls on a Sunday or holiday, in which case the honor will rendered the following day -the commanders of Army installations with the necessary personnel and material traditionally order that one gun be fired every half hour, beginning at reveille and ending at retreat. On the day of burial, a 21-minute gun salute traditionally is fired starting at noon at all military installations with the necessary personnel and material. Guns will be fired at one-minute intervals. Also on the day of burial, those installations will fire a 50-gun salute -- one round for each state at fivesecond intervals immediately following lowering of the flag. \ The playing of "Ruffles and Flourishes" announces the arrival of a flag officer or other dignitary of honor. Drums play the ruffles, and bugles play the flourishes one flourish for each star of the flag officer's rank or as appropriate for the honoree's position or title. Four flourishes is the highest honor. When played for a president, "Ruffles and Flourishes" is followed by "Hail to the Chief," which is believed to have been written in England in 1810 or 1811 by James Sanderson for a play by Sir Walter Scott called "The Lady of the Lake." The play began to be performed in the United States in 1812, the song became popular, and it became a favorite of bands at festive events. It evolved to be used as a greeting for important visitors, and eventually for the president, though no record exists of when it was first put to that use.
The bugle call "Taps" originated in the Civil War with the Army of the Potomac. Union Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Butterfield didn't like the bugle call that signaled soldiers in the camp to put out the lights and go to sleep, and worked out the melody of "Taps" with his brigade bugler, Pvt. Oliver Wilcox Norton. The call later came into another use as a figurative call to the sleep of death for soldiers. Another military honor dates back only to the 20th century. The missing-man formation usually is a four -aircraft formation with the No. 3 aircraft either missing or performing a pull-up maneuver and leaving the formation to signify a lost comrade in arms. While this can change slightly from service-toservice, and -- based on preferences of family members, below is the standard sequence of events for a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. It varies somewhat for the other National Cemeteries: The caisson or hearse arrives at grave site, everyone presents arms. Casket team secures the casket, NCOIC, OIC and chaplain salute. Chaplain leads the way to grave site, followed by casket team. Casket team sets down the casket and secures the flag. The NCOIC ensures the flag is stretched out and level, and centered over the casket. NCOIC backs away and the chaplain, military or civilian, will perform the service. At conclusion of interment service and before benediction, a gun salute is fired for those eligible ( i.e. general officers). Chaplain concludes his service and backs away, NCOIC steps up to the casket. The NCOIC presents arms to initiate the rifle volley. Rifle volley complete, bugler plays "Taps." Casket-team leader starts to fold the flag. Flag fold complete, and the flag is passed to the NCOIC, OIC. Casket team leaves grave site.
NCOIC, OIC either presents the flag to the next of kin, or if there is a military chaplain on site he will present the flag to the chaplain, and then the chaplain will present to the next of kin. The suggested wording in the U.S. Army's Drill and Ceremonies field manual (issued in 2003): After the flag is folded, the senior pallbearer executes a Right Face and places the flag at chest level into the hands of the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer). The CAO salutes the flag for three seconds before accepting it from the senior pallbearer. The senior pallbearer salutes the flag for three seconds after presenting it to the CAO. The CAO then moves by the most direct route to the next of kin who is to receive the flag. Upon presentation, the CAO renders appropriate remarks such as, "ir/Ma'am, this flag is preS sented on behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one."After the flag is presented, the CAO returns to his original position. The U.S. Navy's Military Funerals reference manual (last revised in 1999): The flag (s) is/are presented with appropriate condolences as follows: Sample wording for presentation of the flag: " n behalf of a grateful naO tion and a proud Navy, I present this flag to you in recognition of your (relationship)'s years of honorable and faithful service to his/her country" Upon presenting . the flag, the presenter will step back one pace and render the HAND SALUTE. He should then either offer condolences to other family members or return to the head of the grave. The U.S. Marine Corps' Drill and Ceremonies manual continues to reference the President of the United States in its suggested wording for flag presentation portion of a military funeral: The field music should take position approximately 50 feet from the head of the grave
6
until the volleys have been fired, at the conclusion of which the Marine shall sound "Taps." Then the two members holding the flag shall fold it. The flag will be handed either to the Marine in charge of the detail or to the military escort commander. The escort commander will present it to the next of kin in a dignified manner with a short statement such as " n behalf of the President, the O Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Marines everywhere, please accept this flag in memory of the honorable and faithful service performed by (relationship)."A Marine Corps order of 1 March 2011 offers an alternate wording which also mentions the President of the United States: On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation of your (relationship) service to Country and Corps. According to a news account from 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, as of mid-February 2012 the U.S. Air Force still referenced the President of the United States during the flag presentation portion of its military funerals: Firing three vollies from the 94th Airlift Wing Honor Guard rang during TAPS. Attendees were silenced as honor guard members performed military honors, including a flag-folding ceremony. " n behalf of the President of the United States, O the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation; our country's flag is presented to you as a token of appreciation for years of honorable and faithful service by your loved one." Arlington Lady presents card of condolences to the next of kin. The only person remaining at the grave is one soldier, the vigil. His mission is to watch over the body until it is interred into the ground.
A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

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

Along with building the newsletters Facebook page, which can be found by the link above, the Michigan Republican Party is building their page. If you would like join, please click here.
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.
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
~Ronald Reagan
7
From: Helen Budd We are in very high need of Habitat Homebuyers. We are challenging everyone to get the word out and achieve at least one person to apply for our homeownership program within 2 weeks. Please take this challenge seriously and spread the news of our homeownership opportunity and serving families in need of affordable housing. We continually find that the general public still believes we "give" houses away or serve only homeless people. People who fall within our low income guidelines of between $20,000 to $39,000 are our friends, family, neighbors, church members, checkout clerks, health care workers, trades people ect. Many people do not think they would qualify or be able to ever own their own home. The mortgage of a Habitat Home is generally between $450$600. When a family becomes a Habitat Homeowner our entire community benefits. Please think of ways you can get our message out and encourage people to apply for our unique opportunity for homeownership. Attached is a flyer we are asking you to please consider sending out to everyone you know. If you would
Habitat For Humanity
like to pick up some printed flyers or posters we would be happy to supply them. Please hand out the flyer to people after you speak of the program. If you know someone who would like to apply you can direct them to Miriam Reyes directly at 588-5235, mreyes@habitatkent.org. We truly need your help in getting our message out and letting the families who are in need know we have affordable opportunities for homeownership. Sincerely, Miriam Reyes Manager of Homeownership Programs Habitat for Humanity of Kent County 425 Pleasant St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616)774-2431 x235 Fax: (616)774-4120 mreyes@habitatkent.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.
Keego Harbor Memorial Day Events
From: Sid Rubin All Veterans past and present are invited to join us at the Memorial Day Parade May 28, 2012. The parade will start at Abbott School corner of Commerce Lake Road and Orchard Lake Road at 9:45 am ending on the grounds of Keego Harbor City Hall located at 2055 Beechmont in Keego Harbor. At the conclusion of the parade (approx. 11:30 am) a memorial service will be held honoring veterans from all branches of the Armed Services. We expect to have an attendance of over six hundred people at the outdoor service and nearly five thousand viewers of the parade which will be televised. All those interested in participating in the parade and the service are asked to contact Parade Chairperson Sid Rubin at 248-613-8987.
From: The American Legion (www.legion.org) The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the national deployment of claims transformation initiatives to 12 regional offices in the remaining months of fiscal year 2012 to improve benefits delivery to veterans, families and their survivors. The 12 regional offices to begin the deployment of the transformation initiatives include: Huntington, W.Va.; Hartford, Conn.; Portland, Ore.; Houston; Cleveland; Des Moines, Iowa; Boise, Idaho; Phoenix; New Orleans; San Juan, P.R.; Atlanta; and Newark, N.J. The deployment follows four pilot programs in Indianapolis; Wichita, Kan.; Milwaukee; and Fort Harrison, Mont., in 2012. VAs transformation plan is based on more than 40 measures that were selected, evaluated, tested and measured from more than 600 stakeholder and employee innovation ideas. During the national deployment, VA will further track and gauge the integrated effects of the transformation plan to reduce the backlog of disability claims and provide veterans, their families and survivors with more timely and accurate claims decisions. VA expects to deploy the transformation plan to the remaining 40 regional offices throughout 2013.
Initiatives to Speed up VA Benefits Delivery
The major components of the transformation plan that will be nationally deployed include: The Intake Processing Center, which adds a formalized process for triaging claims documents and other mail, and drives faster and more accurate association of mail with veterans claims files; Segmented Processing Lanes, which allow claims that can be more easily rated to move quickly through the system and the more complex claims to be processed by VAs more experienced and skilled employees; Cross-Functional Teams, which support a casemanagement approach to claims processing that minimizes rework and reduces processing time; and The Veterans Benefits Management System, which is a new electronic claims processing system that employs rules-based technologies to improve decision speed and quality. VA has already nationally implemented: Quality Review Teams, which are composed of dedicated local quality review specialists who will evaluate station and individual employee performance and conduct in-process reviews to eliminate errors at the earliest possible stage. Simplified and Standardized Rating Notification Letters, which give veterans one simplified decision letter that provides notice of VAs decision, including a summary of the evidence considered and the reason for the decision. Veterans filing claims may file online through eBenefits, a joint project between the Department of Defense and VA. They can check the status of their claim with a Premium eBenefits account, and use a growing number of online services, or contact VA Call Centers for more information at (800) 827-1000.
10
From: Department of Veteran and Military Affairs Michigan-www.michigan.gov Immediately following the "Toledo War," Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. A year later, January 1838, the militia, under the state organization, was in active operations during the "Patriot War." Although it was not a major campaign, this war did furnish some action for the soldiers. The "Patriot War' was brought about by some residents of both upper Canada and the United States, of Irish descent or birth, and United States citizens who had moved to Canada. These "Patriots," as they called themselves, planned to detach the peninsula lying between the Michigan frontier and the Niagara frontier from Canada and attach it to the United States. Their base of operations was located in Michigan and they were organized into secret groups known as "Hunters Lodges." The points of assembly were Fort Gratiot (Port Huron), Mount Clemens, Detroit, and Gibralter. Meetings were called, secret military organizations created, and Dr. E.A. Theller, an Irish enthusiast for anything opposed to Great Britain, committed some overt acts for which he was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to the citadel of
The Patriot War-Michigan Military History Continued
Quebec; he later escaped and fled to Detroit. In the early winter of 1837-38, straggling parties of armed men waited along the border for the ice to form on the St. Clair river. This was the route over which they planned to enter Canada, unfurl their flag, and establish a temporary government in rebellion against the British crown. They attempted to seize Fort Gratiot, but were foiled by a detachment of the Brady Guards. Their arms and ammunition were taken to Detroit. In the latter part of December 1837, the "Patriots" used a small steamboat to cross into Canada and landed a short distance above Windsor. They marched down to the village opposite Detroit and in the engagement that followed--the Battle of Windsor--a number of men on both sides were killed and wounded. The "Patriots" scattered to the woods. A plot was then discovered to capture the United States Arsenal at Dearborn and take possession of the arms stored there. To thwart this action, a company of the Michigan Militia was assigned guard duty at the arsenal. The excitement continued through 1838, however the "Battle of Windsor" is considered the closing of the war. During its fourth session in 1839, the state legislature enacted legislation that provided more effective defense for the state. This action, most likely inspired by the frontier troubles during the "Patriot War," provided for the organization of a brigade of "State Guards." These troops were to be a sort of superior militia and were to have the preference in the distribution of arms and accoutrements.
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
11
12
Iraq Star Foundation

From: RAO Bulletin March 2012 (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) Despite powerful life-saving measures on the battlefield and longer-term medical support stateside, many soldiers face long waiting lists for reconstructive surgery. Iraq Star picks up where the military and VA leave off by providing the reconstructive, aesthetic, surgical procedures that can hasten a happier more normal return to his/her existing military or pre-war life. These procedures are performed by Board Certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who donate their skills. Iraq Star pays for the soldiers transportation, hotel accommodations, food, anesthesia, hospital operating room, medical supplies and sends a loved one with them. Iraq Star is a growing national foundation with 265 surgeons in 44 states providing their skills to remove shrapnel, treat burn scars, revise artillery scars, implant eyebrows, tooth restoration, etc. for soldiers wounded in the Iraq and/or Afghanistan wars. Their mission is to prevent these wars from permanently disfiguring young lives. If you or someone you know can use their services contact the Iraq Star Foundation at (310) 245-6775, (760) 568-403.9 or email. mailto:iraqstarinfo@aol.com. For additional info and videos about their life changing surgeries refer to http://www.iraqstar.org and/or https:// www.sedgwickcms.com/troops/. [Source: Military connection Newsletter 25 Feb 2012 ++]
From: www.va.gov
Veterans Health Benefits Handbook
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to informing the Veteran community about VA health benefits and services. Currently, VA is producing personalized Veteran Health Benefits Handbooks for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. The new handbooks are tailored specificfor each Veteran and provides detailed information about the VA health services the Veteran may be eligible to receive. The Veteran Health Benefit Handbook provides answers to common questions such as contact information for the Veteran's local facility, instructions on how to schedule appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran's responsibilities, such as co-pays, if applicable. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare will receive their personalized handbooks via mail as part of a national rollout campaign starting in February 2012 based on Priority Group, beginning with Priority Group 1 and ending with Priority Group 8. In the near future, VA will develop an online version of the handbook for Veterans to access via MyHealtheVet. This will allow Veterans to access their up-to-date health benefit information anywhere, anytime. Click the link below for additional information about the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook or call VA at 1 877-222-VETS (8387).
13
14
More Beach Assaults in June

For the third time, Lest We Forget will stage WWII re-enactments. Generals Eisenhower, Patton and MacArthur will be there, and so will Rosie the Riveter
By: WILLIAM F. AST III - H-P Staff Writer From: Don Alsbro Published: Friday, February 17, 2012 Photos From Lest We Forget USA BENTON HARBOR - The massive amphibious assault is on once again. The Lest We Forget veterans organization on June 30 will hold re-enactments of World War II beach invasions at Tiscornia Park in St. Joseph. President Don Alsbro said the event that Saturday will include at least 400 re-enactors, preceded by simulated bombing runs by a B-25 and B-17 bomber. Similar events in 2008 and 2009 attracted huge crowds to the beach, and Alsbro said this year's event should be even more spectacular. "The flame-thrower demonstration, the pyrotechnics on the beach, the landing of the American flag (by parachute jumper) on the beach, those are all things we didn't do in the past and we're going to do this time," Alsbro said during an organizational meeting at the Southwestern Michigan Regional Airport on Wednesday. Docents will walk through the crowds, portraying such famed generals as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Patton and Douglas MacArthur, Alsbro said. There will even be a docent portraying Rosie the Riveter, the iconic World War II factory worker. Alsbro said the re-enactors will portray generic beach assaults in the European and Pacific theaters. For
specific assaults, re-enactors want to have the historically correct uniforms and equipment, and having generic landings allows more to participate, he said. "We don't memorialize or celebrate war," said Bill Langbehn, in charge of communications for Lest We Forget. "That's not the point. But you will see a lot of the 'dead' on the beach." The past events were hugely popular with re-enactors, because they don't often get to do actual beach landings. But running in beach sand is exhausting, and Langbehn said those who direct the invasions reported there's no lack of volunteers to "die" early. The event will be headquartered at the airport, where even more events will take place. Langbehn said there will be a fly-in of the World War II planes, plus helicopters from the Korean and Vietnam wars and a current Army National Guard Blackhawk, he said. "The ramp here will be full," Langbehn said. "It's a wonderful look at war birds of the era." There will also be an encampment of the re-enactors, ground battle demonstrations, a USO Style Hangar Dance with big band music at the Fiskars Hangar, a Chow Hall run by the Coloma Rod and Gun Club, a hands-on museum for kids, appearances by Medal of Honor recipients, opportunities to buy tickets to ride on the airplanes and helicopters and demonstrations of military equipment, Langbehn said. One demonstration will show German soldiers disassembling and trying to fix a weapon, Langbehn said. "Most things in war go wrong," Langbehn said. "It's an emergency situation, and there are lots of mechanical failures, plus people just screwing up." There will also be a military parade through the Twin Cities, starting at 6 p.m. June 29. Langbehn said plans call for one of the helicopters to "fly cover" for the Friday parade, which should attract lots of attention. Ray Damaske of Lest We Forget said preliminary plans call for the parade to go down Main Street in Benton Harbor, past the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph and around the Silver Beach County Park area.
15
Other events will include: author Michael Zuckoff on June 14 will sign copies of his book "Lost in Shangri-La," which includes a local veteran, at the St. Joseph Public Library; on June 22-24, production of a new play by Larry Nielson titled "Make It Home," an account of his father's service in World War II, at the Lake Michigan College Hanson Theater at the LMC Mendel Center in Benton Township; and a Field Church Service at the airport at 9 a.m. July 1. Alsbro said the budget for the weekend is $86,000. Lest We Forget hopes to find service clubs willing to sponsor part of the weekend, Alsbro said. He said any club or organization that wants Lest We Forget to put on a presentation about the re-enactment may call him at 925-7176 or 921-7176, or Langbehn at 921-8031.
A clipping from Gene Simon. It does bring up an interesting point. Do we forget?Matthew X. Hauser
Lest We Forget
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
Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org From: Phil Smith June 25-29, 2012 - Department of Veterans Affairs is putting on this event, at Cobo Hall - this is Veterans Owned Business type, and many companies will be there. Again, bring DD-214 and Resume - Again, Veterans, Spouses or Children
16
From: Gene Simon PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Civil War veteran whose ashes sat for decades forgotten in storage could someday be recalled as the final soldier buried from that war. Peter Jones Knapp, who fought for the Union in many famous battles and survived the dreaded Andersonville prison camp in Georgia, is to be laid to rest Friday afternoon in Willamette National Cemetery. He's the first Civil War veteran to be buried in Oregon's largest military graveyard. Knapp will receive full military honors from the Oregon National Guard on the anniversary of his 1924 death. The funeral also falls on the 151st anniversary of the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter, S.C, which ignited the Civil War. Alice Knapp, the wife of a relative of the Civil War veteran, discovered the ashes after tracing her husband's family tree.
Civil War Veteran
17
18
From: www.wwimemorial.org In March 2008, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, visited the District of Columbia War Memorial, on the National Mall in Washington DC. He observed that this peaceful, secluded memorial, dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives in that war, sits neglected and in extreme disrepair, and that there is no national memorial to World War I. Mr. Buckles issued a call for the restoration and re-dedication of the D.C. memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. The World War I Memorial Foundation was formed to make Frank Buckles dream a reality. The mission of the Foundation is to advocate and raise funds for the re-dedication of the DC War Memorial as a national World War I memorial, dedicated to all those Americans who served in the Great War. In 2014 the world will mark the centennial of World War I. Nearly 5 million Americans served during the war, and 116,516 Americans died in defense of democracy overseas. Americas support of its allies in World War I marked the first time in this nations history that American soldiers went abroad to defend foreign soil against aggression -- and it marked the true beginning of the American century. Yet while the later conflicts of the 20th century World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War -rightfully have national memorials on the National Mall, there is no such memorial to the Great War, even though more Americans gave their lives in World War I than in Korea or Vietnam. The D.C. memorial, which is already located adjacent to those other memorials, is the most fitting site for a national World War I memorial.
The World War I Memorial Foundation
By: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America Flag (dhemp31628@aol.com)
Spirit of the American Flag
The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a naval veteran realizing the need for historical recognition of American's heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country. The "Spirit of America" insignia shown above was designed to recognize our men and women of the military forces and the battles they fought. As the Spirit of America Foundation continues its mission to promote patriotism and the appreciation of our veterans, it has expanded its reach to help veterans in need in today's tough economy. FORGOTTEN HEROES USA, LTD, supports the missions of the Spirit of America Foundation by offering patriotic products honoring Americas hardships in history dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. With each purchase, a percentage is donated to the Spirit of America Foundation. If you would like to help our cause by making a purchase or donation please know that your generosity will reach many others in their time of need. Please review our web site for more information. If you have any questions or comments please contact us via the "Contact Us" page. Thank you! Video: The Raising of the Spirit of America flag. At the American war cemetery in Margraten in The Netherlands on Sunday the 3rd of July 2011. Made by: RALPH84 Click Here to view the video.
Photo: The Late Frank Buckles during his 2008 visit to the Washington D.C. World War I Monument.
19
A Note From Department Hospital Chairwoman Merridy Lewis

Hello Everyone, Im sure youve 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 Veterans Homes, medical Centers, clinics or even local Hospitals and nursing homes. As a volunteer you help to ensure that our Veterans 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 Veterans 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 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.
20
By: Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs From: Hank Fuhs 12/8/2011 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced their 2012 show schedule Dec. 7. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada. The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by performing a flyover for the 54th running of NASCAR's Daytona 500 on February. 26. The remainder of the schedule is as follows bellow: March 17: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. March 31 and April 1: Lakeland, Fla. April 14-15: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. April 21-22: Barksdale AFB, La. April 28-29: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. May 5-6: Shaw AFB, S.C. May 12-13: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. May 19-20: March Air Reserve Base, Calif. May 23: Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force Academy graduation flyover) May 26-27: Hill AFB, Utah June 2-3: Rockford, Ill. June 9-10: Ocean City, Md. June 16-17: North Kingstown, R.I. June 23-24: Indianapolis, Ind. June 30 & July 1: Battle Creek, Mich. July 7-8: Gary, Ind. July 21-22: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. July 25: Cheyenne, Wyo. July 28-29: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Aug. 4-5: Hillsboro, Ore. Aug. 11-12: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada Aug. 17: Atlantic City, N.J. Aug. 25-26: Brunswick, Maine Sept. 1-2: Davenport, Iowa Sept. 8-9: Sacramento, Calif. Sept. 15-16: Scott AFB, Ill. Sept. 22-23: Salinas, Calif. Sept. 29-30: McConnell AFB, Kan. Oct. 6-7: Fort Worth, Texas Oct. 13-14: Daytona Beach, Fla. Oct. 20-21: El Paso, Texas Oct. 27-28: Moody AFB, Ga. Nov. 3-4: Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. Nov. 10-11: Nellis AFB, Nev.
Thunderbirds Release 2012 Show Schedule
Five F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team perform aerial stunts Oct. 8, 2011, during their demonstration at the Legacy of Liberty Open House and Air Show at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The team's primary mission is to exhibit the capabilities of modern warfighting aircraft and to demonstrate the high degree of skill maintained by Air Force members serving in a variety of career specialties. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)
"We are excited about the upcoming season and representing our fellow American Airmen," said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, who will command and lead the team in the 2012 show season. "We feel honored to tell the story of U.S. Air Force Airmen serving on the front lines of freedom around the world. We will proudly represent each Airmen with the same pride, precision and professionalism in which they perform their duties each and every day." As of 2012, the Thunderbirds will have been in existence for 59 years, dating back to 1953 when the team flew the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjets. This season will mark the 30th season the squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force's premier multirole fighter aircraft. The Thunderbirds team is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted people serving in about 30 Air Force job specialties. A Thunderbirds aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including the beginning ground ceremony, lasts about one hour. The air show season lasts roughly from March to November, with the winter months primarily used to train new team members. To learn more about the Thunderbirds, visit the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team Facebook, Twitter orYouTube pages.
21
Legal Help for Veterans

From: James G. Fausone Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firm located in Northville, Michigan. We have a national practice representing veterans on veterans disability claims. This representation occurs at the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board of Veterans Appeals and regional offices. We have helped veterans collect over $10,000,000 in retro and future benefits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become a trusted name in the legal community for providing legal services to veterans and lecturing at law schools, bar associations and community events. Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practice group are former service members who bring not only legal expertise but an understanding of service and duty. The members of the group have medical and administrative backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills developed over twenty years of practice and experience. We have represented thousands of veterans and currently have over 650 active clients. For more information about the organization and about legal help for veterans and for contact information www.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is 800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facing veterans and the VA. Typically our clients are enlisted men and women who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is still the one with the most common problems. These include Agent Orange related disabilities, PTSD, psychiatric or orthopedic injuries. Other vets often have hearing loss, military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now seeing Iraq and Afghanistan vets with TBI. Many vets do not even begin the disability claim process until many years after service. The trigger may be unemployability and the need for benefits. With a million claim back log at VA, it is a slow and confusing process and many people need professional help establishing the proper diagnosis and service connection. That is what Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC has been doing for clients for years. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
From: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret) The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) Veterans Program utilizes numerous types of outdoor activities to gather Veterans and currently serving military personnel together for a little R&R. These special events are almost always free for the troops depending totally on the kind donations of sponsors and donors. In addition to being a great way to say Thank you for their service, these activities serve as the mechanism to get the troops to open up a little if they are having post-deployment issues. Frequently we find that in the comfortable confines with others who have been there, done that they tend to be more receptive to learn about Invisible Wounds says Rick Briggs the Program Manager, both PTSD and TBI are treatable if they seek the proper help. To find out more about these activities, or to donate to their Veterans Program, please make out checks to BIAMI Veterans Program and send them to 7305 Grand River Suite #100, Brighton, MI 48114 or contact Rick Briggs at veterans@biami.org or call him (810) 2295880 or visit www.biami.org.
Brain Injury Association of Michigan
BIAMI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary as it continues to strive to provide persons with a brain injury and their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public with the resources necessary to enhance brain injury awareness, education, prevention, and support. BIAMI is also fields the first and only dedicated Veterans Program staff within the Brain Injury Association of America.
22
About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI):
MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY BOOKS

The Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association created a three volume set of history books covering the periods 1926-1996. A fourth volume covering the years 1996 to 2006 is in production and should be available soon. Volume 1 covers the period 1926 to 1976-Cost: $1.00 Volume 2 covers the period 1976 to 1986-Cost: $4.00 Volume 3 covers the period 1986 to 1996-Cost: $1.00 Volume 4 covers the period 1996 to 2010-Cost: $6:00 Full color $35.00 If you wish to purchase one or more of these volumes or are interested in more information, please contact MAGHA at Phone: 586-239-6768, Fax: 586-239-6646, Email: 127.wg.selfridgeairmuseum@ang.af.mil
MANGBANG
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) & Matthew X. Hauser As you may have seen in past editions of the newsletter, MANGBANG has been one of our sources. We are thankful for the source and so we just wanted to pass the information along for MANGBANG in case anyone is interested in joining the Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association. You can contact Lou Nigro if you are interested. We think it is a worthwhile investment-it supports the history of the Michigan Air National Guard and his monthly publications are very informative. For those who want to view it on our website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org, http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org ), Lt Col Lou Nigro, MI ANG (Ret) Executive Director, Selfridge Military Air Museum Email: louis.nigro@ang.af.mil
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.
23
Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.
Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

Committee Testimony Committee Minutes No SubCommittees Committee Members: Ray A. Franz (R), Committee Chair, 101st District Dale W. Zorn (R), Majority Vice-Chair, 56th District Gail Haines (R), 43rd District Sharon Tyler (R), 78th District Mike Callton (R), 87th District David E. Nathan (D), Minority Vice-Chair, 11th District George T. Darany (D), 15th District Charles Smiley (D), 50th District Lesia Liss (D), 28th District Paul Clemente (D), 14th District Ben Cook, Committee Clerk 517-373-2002 bcook@house.mi.gov
Rep. Ray A. Franz 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.
24
On a Lighter Note Part III

By: Major Mark A. Smith Sr. (ret) Note: SOME DECADES AGO, A FRIEND IN THE PENTAGON ASKED ME TO JOT DOWN A FEW SOLDIERLY THOUGHTS. DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS I ADDED A COUPLE, BUT DELETED NONE OF THE ORIGINALS. THEY MAY NOT BE MODERN OR POLITICALLY CORRECT, BUT THEY DID MAKE THE ROUNDS. I STAND BY THEM TODAY. MARK 81. A Commanders morals are his own and cannot be imposed on his soldiers. 82. Chaplains must present themselves when the soldier has time, not because they have a schedule. 83. An officer must be judged on his ability and not on how many coffees his wife has attended. 84. Senior officers who allow discussions about a brother officer, not present, are not honorable men. 85. A Commander who bad-mouths his predecessor will never be truly respected. 86. Equal opportunity is guaranteed by the law and does not require a separate staff. 87. If a Sergeant Major suggests a unit watch, he is the supplier. 88. The quality of food went down, with the initiation of the consolidated mess. 89. No NCO or Warrant Officer outranks a Second Lieutenant. 90. Any officer who does not listen to NCOs and Warrant Officers is a fool.
91. If you wish your subordinates to call you by your first name, go sell shoes. There is no place for you in the Army. 92. Any Army man who sneers at a Marine for being sharp and well turned out is no soldier. 93. Any Infantryman who must call higher headquarters before engaging the enemy has a fool for a commander. 94. Soldiers respect leaders worth emulating. They cannot be ordered to respect anyone. 95. No man who refused to serve his country in war should be elected or appointed over men and women being sent to fight. 96. The soldier must obey the orders of all those elected or appointed over him. 97. The leadership genes in famous American military families usually become weaker as the generations roll by. 98. A soldier should not be denied the right to wear his uniform anywhere in America, including The White House. 99. The only truly unique headgear is the one the Army was forced to authorize. All others are cheap copies. 100. There is only one reason to join the Army and that is to serve the Country. 101. If a soldier says he hates combat, he is in the wrong profession. ABOVE ALL, IF YOU ARE NOT INFANTRY, YOU ARE SUPPORT!
A Note From Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

Special Active Military Membership pricing from the Fredrick Meijer Gardens. Please visit: www.meijergardens.org for more information.
~Ronald Reagan
25
Steaming Live for those who serve check it out.

If anyone has any other sites or link they find to be a good source please let us know we will gladly work it in. Please contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org.
Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice, to give them a forum where they are able to discuss their issuesand tell their stories. You can listen to the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX (1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM (99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-AM, Apple Valley CA) and KMRC (1430AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at: www.veteransradio.net.
Lest We Forget SW Michigan

Have you ever felt that history, particularly military history, isn't being taught in our schools like it was in the "good old" times? Why is it that many of our high school graduates, some say a majority, don't know who we fought in WWII, who bombed us at Pearl Harbor or worst yet, believe that the holocaust never happened? Our children are not being taught the basic principles that have made this country great! "Lest We Forget" was started by a group of veterans who felt that patriotism was too important of a subject to be given the short shrift that it presently receives in our schools and community. Our operating principle is "To brighten the future we must illuminate the past." We've "illuminated the past" through WWII re-enactments, patriotic concerts, presentations by Medal of Honor recipients, presentation of the American flag to Frank Buckles, our last WWI veteran, TV telecasts to schools throughout the country, participation in local parades, made presentations in our schools on the flag, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published a book of WWII stories by local veterans, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published two books of veterans stories, brought in the VN Wall and honored the Korean vets this year. Next year (2012) Jun 29-Jul 1 we will have D-Day and Iwo Jima beach landings and much more. Remember, "Freedom is NOT free!" Patriotically Yours, Don Alsbro, President COL, US Army (ret) Lest We Forget For more info about Lest We Forget SW MI please visit their website by simply clicking here.
LWF 2010 Group Picture
26
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.
A Note from AMVETS POST 46
From: The USO In 2012, we're calling on the brave men and women of our armed forces to make some incredible sacrifices in Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote 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.
STEP UP AND LEAD
~Ronald Reagan
Lest We Forget, Our Freedom Is Not Free.
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.
27
Hubbardston American Legion Disable Veteran Hunting

From: Dan Heckman Adjutant-Hubbardston American Legion Located on Jones Rd. mile South of Maple Rapids Rd. Clinton County, Lebanon Twp. Disabled Veterans Hunting Shack Built and sponsored by the Hubbardston American Legion Post #182. It was constructed on the corner of Tim Chartrand, Doug Cusack and Wilson Dairy Farms properties. The shack is 8 x 8, 2 feet off the ground. Its sporting a fivefoot deck with roof and its insulated and heated. A disabled veteran or person can drive to the shack and exit onto the 4 x 8 platform and ascend up the 12-foot ramp. The entire cost was accepted by the American legion. Sons of the American Legion donated $200.00 for the cost, Triple C trucking donated the gravel for the driveway and Cusack Masonry provided some material and equipment. This opportunity is free, with no guarantee for harvesting a deer. DNR rules & Laws Apply. From: www.michiganpva.org MPVA is celebrating its 50th year of service in Michigan. It is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practices established by the PVA. MPVA is, however, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Michigan programs, services, education, and outreach conducted here are made possible by local volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors. The mission of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs. MPVA shall continue striving to remain at the forefront of both veterans benefits services and disability rights, while working toward a better quality of life for all American citizens. Please Support and listen to Frontlines of Fredom Military Talk Radio Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem. You can hear it every Saturday at 1p.m. on 1260 AM the Pledge (Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the website at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com. Or on Facebook by clicking here. Thank you for your Support!
The MPVA Mission
Old Warrior Camp

100% Disabled Veterans Sept. 26-27 Special Disabled firearm hunt, 100% disability Oct. 15-18 Regular Bow season with a crossbow Oct. 1st-Nov. 14th Regular firearm season Nov. 15th-Nov. 30th Appointments or scheduling, call Mid-Mich. Process Serving at (989) 981-6979
Available Hunting Dates are as Follows
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.
28
Newsletter Links From Articles For May

Page 1 Page 19 Newsletters Facebook World War I Memorial Foundation www.facebook.com www.wwimemorial.org Newsletters Scribd Spirit of the American Flag www.scribd.com www.forgottonheroesusa.com Page 3 Page 20 WKZO Joint Pow/MIA www.wkzo.com Accounting Command www.jpac.pacom.mil Page 4 Social Security Administration Page 21 www.ssa.gov Legal Help for Veterans DD-214 Form www.legalhelpforveterans.com www.archives.gov Brain Injury Association of Michigan DAV www.biami.org www.dav.gov Page 22 Michigan Air National Guard Page 7 MIGOP Facebook www.selfridgeairmuseum.org www.facebook.com Veterans Voices www.veteransvoices.org Page 8 Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Page 24 www.habitatkent.org U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Page 9 American Legion www.veterans.senate.gov www.legion.org U.S House Committee of Veterans Affairs Page 11 Department of Military and Veterans www.veterans.house.gov Affairs Michigan Department of Military and Veterans www.michigan.gov Affairs Michigan www.michigan.gov Page 13 www.iraqstar.org Military and Veterans Affairs and VA Veterans Benefits Homeland Security Committee www.publichealth.va.gov www.house.mi.gov Page 14 Page 25 LEST WE FORGET SW MI Fredrick Meijer Gardens www.lestweforgetusa.org www.meijergradens.org Page 18 Team Pascarella www.teampascarella.com
Page 26 Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Radio www.veteransradio.net LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 27 Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park www.beaverislandnews.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil Page 23 Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America www.michiganpva.org Front Lines of Freedom www.frontlinesoffreedom.com Also check out the Some Useful Links Section on Page 2. Thank you for your Support!
29
Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

-The DAV
American Legion Post is in looking for current military members to send care packages to. Please contact Robert Goulet if you know of any military member who might like something. Please see News From American Legion Post 341 below for more information. Thank you very much!
CoordinatorMatthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org) ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Helen Budd Sen. Patrick Colbeck Sam Cottle
Staff & Contributors

Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy Keith Famie James G. Fausone Sean M. Furr Denny Gillem Robert Goulet John Haggard
In Memory of Gary Lillie Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus Louis Nigro Eugene (Gene) A. Simon Phil Smith Sherry Swann Tim Pascarella Bob Tidmore Maureen VanHooser Publisher-Hank Fuhs
Larry Harr Dan Heckman Dale Hemphill John Hess Sec. of State Ruth Johnson James Julian Adrian Keogh Adele Krovsky Bill Langbehn Merridy Lewis
News From American Legion Post 341

American Legion Post 341 is seeking the names of troops that are deployed to a combat zone so that we can send them large package of goodies and that their names and address should be sent to the address below. Also post 341 is always seeking new members please contact Robert at the same address if interested. American Legion Post 341 Sr. Vice Commander Robert P Goulet 6130 Nicholas West Bloomfield, MI rgoulet264@aol.com
Thank you for your service to our country. It is truly the men and women like you who make this nation great, and we must never forget that. Thank you to everyone for all the help you have given us with the newsletter. We have been able to reach more people because of your help. Compared to when we first started, the amount of input and ideas we receive has increased greatly. For that we are very thankful. If you have anything you would like to share, any questions, or have an article idea, please let me know. You may contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org. Sincerely, Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs
In Closing
Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG (Just Click the Link Below)
I Fought For You
30
Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Please let us know what you thought. Contact Matthew X. Hauser at mhauser@migop.org
We need your help to grow the Newsletter
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,
~Ronald Reagan
Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

31

Veterans &amp; Military Families Monthly News-May 2012

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Veterans &amp; Military Families Monthly News-May 2012

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

May 2012 Vol. 3 No. 5

Thank you very much!

And much more.

Some Useful Links

Thank you for your Support!

A Note From Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs

Three ways to help:

To request a copy of a DD-214 click here.

Military Funeral Honors Customs and Traditions

A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

Habitat For Humanity

Keego Harbor Memorial Day Events

Initiatives to Speed up VA Benefits Delivery

The Patriot War-Michigan Military History Continued

Iraq Star Foundation

Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

More Beach Assaults in June

Civil War Veteran

The World War I Memorial Foundation

By: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America Flag (dhemp31628@aol.com)

Spirit of the American Flag

A Note From Department Hospital Chairwoman Merridy Lewis

Thunderbirds Release 2012 Show Schedule

Legal Help for Veterans

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI):

MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY BOOKS

Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

On a Lighter Note Part III

A Note From Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

Steaming Live for those who serve check it out.

Lest We Forget SW Michigan

LWF 2010 Group Picture

A Note from AMVETS POST 46

STEP UP AND LEAD

Lest We Forget, Our Freedom Is Not Free.

Hubbardston American Legion Disable Veteran Hunting

The MPVA Mission

Old Warrior Camp

Available Hunting Dates are as Follows

Newsletter Links From Articles For May

Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

Staff & Contributors

News From American Legion Post 341

Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

You might also like

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News-May 2012

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News-May 2012