Veterans & Military Families Monthly News-June 2012

Veterans & Military Families Monthly News
June 2012 Vol. 3 No. 6

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.
Special thanks to VFW Department of Michigan Honor Guard members Gary Gamble, Don Spaulding, Jerry Asher, Phil Gannia and Tom Rossi for Posting the Colors at the May 19th, 2012 Republican State Convention at Cobo Hall.
Thank you very much!

P.2-VA Suicide Prevention P.3-Hire Heroes USA P.4-Agent Orange P.7-VA Presumptive Herbicide Diseases P.9-Diaables Wayne County Veteran Outfitted for Hunting P.11-Coat of Freedom Tribute P.12-VA Mental Health Care P.14-WWII Re-enactment
In This Issue
P.18-Spirit of the American Flag P.20-Thunderbirds Release 2012 Schedule P.21-Legal Help for Veterans P.22-MANGBANG P.23-Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee P.25-THE GOOD OLD DAYS
And much more.
From: www.legion.org The Department of Veterans Affairs has released its 2012 VA Health Benefits Handbook. To download a copy, click here. The handbook is designed to provide veterans and their families with the information needed to understand VAs health-care system, including eligibility requirements, health benefits and services available to help veterans, and copays that certain veterans may be charged. Any veterans who have questions related to their health-care benefits can contact The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division by email.
VA releases 2012 Health Benefits Handbook
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. 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 May2012 (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) In the last three years working at the Veterans Crisis Line 1 (800) 273-8255, responder Christina Tallie says she has had fewer than 10 exchanges with callers that have traumatized her. But she still gets anxious recalling them. The worst involved a lengthy, frustrating phone call with a frantic veteran that ended with a sudden gunshot. She was so upset, she couldnt work the rest of the day, and thought about quitting. I told [the supervisors] that I just had to walk away, she said. I just ... It was more than I could handle right then. When police arrived at the callers address hours later, they discovered it was a prank. That doesnt make the memory any easier for Tallie. Staffers with the VAs suicide prevention efforts say pranks are sad but commonplace, not just in their office but across the crisis hotline industry. Caitlin Thompson, clinical care coordinator for the veterans hotline, said that prank calls to their offices total hundreds each week. The problem has gotten even worse as the VA expands into online-chat and text-message outreach. Sometimes, callers just use the services as a catch-all answer service, for veterans programs or anything else they can think of. One recent texter keeps asking if he can pay his phone bill using the suicide hotline. But often, prankers prefer the voiceless services because theyre harder to trace, and make mischief easier for the fakers. With the live phone calls, sometimes you can hear [the caller] laughing, or other people giggling in the background, Tallie said. You dont get that on a computer. In extreme cases -- like the fake gunshot call Tallie took the prank can end up in criminal charges for those involved. But Thompson said officials dont obsess over the problem, and often try to move past the disgusting deception. Unfortunately, its just part of the job, she said. [Source: Stars & Stripes Leo Shane article24 Apr 2012 ++]
VA Suicide Prevention
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.
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.
Thank you for your Support!

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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
For the link to the interview with Rep. Ray Franz please Click Here
Rep. Ray Franz talks about the new Veterans program "Hire Heroes" that can be found online at - http://www.hireheroesusa.org/
A Little Information about Hire Heroes

From: www.hireheroesusa.org Mission: Hire Heroes USA (Hire Heroes) is dedicated to creating job opportunities for US military veterans and their spouses through personalized employment training and corporate engagement. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Hire Heroes services are provided at no cost to the veteran. Creating the Opportunity. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Hire Heroes USA has built a national reputation of excellence for its success at helping unemployed veterans find jobs currently at the rate of one veteran confirmed hired every business day. Our team is comprised of military veterans many with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and business veterans. That mix of military and civilian experience has proven essential to effectively training veterans in the skills of self-marketing and then networking them into good jobs with great companies. The hallmark of the program is a personal approach where each veteran receives dedicated assistance from a highlytrained staff member in order to help them overcome barriers to employment. To become part of this program, click on the tab above that best suits your interest.
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Hells Bells During the end of WWII a sonar system was developed to detect mines. When a mine or mines were detected the equipment made a gong or bell sound. You can just imagine, that when the gong sounded, every sailor said to himself, hell those bells again. Hells Bells brought everyone to high alert.
Military Expressions
Agent Orange
By: John Hess The New Guy Hey sailor, go get me twelve feet of water line. Hey sailor, go get me a bucket of relative bearing grease. Hey sailor, go get me a 12 water hammer. All hands topside to see the lighted Prudential Sign on the Rock of Gibraltar. Hey sailor cut in the cooling water to the engine room handrails. Go get a bucket of steam from the boiler room. Every service has its own set of go get mes for the newbie. This first test is usually given by the crew to see if you can take a little ribbing. God help you if you fail the test. There are other tests that you find out about after you have been out of the service for a few years. The series of tests that few people know about are the tests for the medical problems associated with exposure to the herbicide agent orange. Contrary to popular belief there is no I have agent orange. Agent Orange is just one of the defoliants used by the armed services. The main use was in Vietnam but, there are instances where defoliants were used in other places. There was a rainbow of herbicides used by the military. The various chemicals were labeled by color-coded stripes or dots on the barrels. This arsenal of herbicides known by the colors of the rainbow, included Agent Blue ( which contained arsenic), Agent White, Agent Purple, and the lethal combination of 2,4,-D, and 2,4,5T, AGENT ORANGE, Agent Orange II (super orange), Agent Pink, Agent Green, Dinoxol, Trinoxol, Diquat, Bromacil, Tandex, Monuron, Diuron, and Dalapon. The medical effects associated with the exposure to the chemicals are insidious and may not revel themselves for years. It could take fifty years or more. The VA now uses the word presumptive. If you had boots on the ground in Vietnam between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, it is presumed that you were exposed to Agent Orange. The presumption has been extended to brown water sailors. (Servicemen who served on boats and ships within the country and its surrounding waters). The government is now looking into allowing blue water sailors to be included within the presumptive parameters. I guess the government still has a hard time believing the wind blows. All Vietnam, in country, Vets are now eligible for free physical exams, through the VA, for exposure to these herbicides. The VA provides: A pre-exam interview to determine when the veteran served in Vietnam. A compilation of the veterans medical history. A physical exam. A series of basic laboratory tests, including chest X-rays (if appropriate), urinalysis and blood tests. Consultations with other health specialists, if needed. A post-exam interview to discuss results. A letter explaining the findings. A follow-up exam or additional lab tests, if needed. Notation of exam and test results in the veterans permanent medical file and the Agent Orange Registry. DESEASES LINKED OT AGENT ORANGE (Herbicide) EXPOSURE Chronic lymphatic leukemia, Chloracne, Diabetes type II, Hodgkins disease, Multiple Myeloma, Non- Hodgkins lymphoma, Acute and Subacute Peripheral Neuropathy, Porhyria Cutanea Tarda, Prostrate cancer, Respiratory Cancers, Soft tissue sarcoma, Spina Bifida, AL Amyloidosis, Chronic BCell Leukemias, Ischemic Heart Disease, and Parkinsons Disease. From time to time the VA adds to this list.
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AREAS OF EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE IN AND OUTSIDE VIETNAM Exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam: Exposure on land in Vietnam or on a ship operating on the inland waterways of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Blue Water Veterans: Possible exposure to ships off the shores of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The VA has a list of possible ships. Korean Demilitarized Zone: Exposure along the demilitarized zone in Korea between April1, 1968 and August 31, 1971. Thailand Military Bases: Possible exposure on or near the perimeters of military bases between February 26, 1961 and May 7, 1975. Herbicide Tests and Storage outside Vietnam: Possible exposure due to herbicide test and storage at military bases in the United States and locations in other countries. If you meet any of the above criteria go to your County Veterans Affairs Office. We can do some initial work for you and get you into the VA system for a medical appraisal.
From: Gene Simon This summer, veterans who served during World War II and the Korean War will have the chance to take flight, for free! Beginning June 19, veterans will be able to fly in a Boeing-Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet, courtesy of the Air Zoo and pilot/sponsor Alan Wright. The Kaydet is an open cockpit aircraft that served as the U.S. Navys primary trainer during World War II. This is the Air Zoos seventh consecutive year to offer free veteran flights, said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO. It is our simple way of saying thank you and giving back to those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country. Flights will take place on Tuesdays through Aug. 21 (except July 3), weather permitting. They are open to veterans who have not previously participated with the Air Zoos free veteran flights. Flights will be scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis. Those who are flying must sign a waiver and be able to get in and out of the aircraft on their own. A maximum of five flights per day will be offered. For more information or to reserve a flight, please call the Air Zoo at 269.350.2815.
Air Zoo to Offer Free Airplane Rides to Veterans
VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Thanks for your service. 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.
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
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From: RAO Bulletin May2012 (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) When Ralph Bozella came home from Vietnam in 1972, he was happy hed survived and was ready to get on with life. Because he had escaped any serious wounds in combat, he never gave a thought to disabilities. Four decades later, his time in Vietnam is haunting his health. But thanks to a little-known law, he is receiving thousands of dollars a month in disability pay and free health care for a heart problem that he may have contracted when exposed to Agent Orange and other chemicals used to kill vegetation and expose the enemy. Nearly 2.6 million Americans served in Vietnam, and anyone who set foot there during the war is eligible for compensation if they suffer from one of 16 ailments. Some are fairly common, like Type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer. The vast majority of these veterans are now in their 60s and 70s, and much more likely to develop the diseases covered by the law. Many veterans may not know that illnesses appearing so much later could qualify them for combat-related disability. Bozella, now 63 and a retired school teacher in Longmont, found out his heart disease qualified because in 2004, he had finally asked for help for PTSD, and ended up in Veterans Administration care. When we were in Nam, we used to talk about going back to the world, thinking how good things would be when we got home, he said. But it turned out to be bedlam for me. I was so confused. I couldnt keep a job. I had trouble with authority. So I began to self-
VA Presumptive Herbicide Diseases
medicate through drinking, smoking and other things. Bozella, like many combat vets, carried that emotional baggage until some fellow vets convinced him to get it checked out. I found out I had PTSD. my wife had been telling me that for years but I never listened Ralph Bozella in 1972 to her, he said. Six years later, in 2010, he developed breathing and heart problems that required doctors to install a stent. They (the VA) determined that it was ischemic heart disease that was related to Agent Orange, he said. Ischemic means decreased blood supply, and it is one of the most common forms of heart disease. If you were in Nam, even for one day, and now have one of 16 medical conditions, you qualify for benefits, automatically, Bozella explained. There is no need for proof of actual exposure to Agent Orange or other poisons -- and that makes the program differ sharply from some other federal compensation programs. Nuclear weapons workers, such as those at the former Rocky Flats plant near Denver, must find records proving significant exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals before they can get aid, and that has been a major obstacle for them. Congress eliminated requiring proof of exposure after the Centers for Disease Control spent five years and $48 million trying and failing to identify which veterans had been exposed to Agent Orange. The defoliant, which contained a known carcinogenic dioxin was sprayed over nearly 12 percent of the country to eliminate enemy cover in the thick foliage, and to destroy local food sources. The Agent Orange law, passed in 1991, states that a military person who was in Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and has been diagnosed with one of the named conditions qualifies for disability benefits. These payments can range up to $2,673 a month for 100 percent disability. Sailors on inland waterways, termed brown waters, qualify as well. Congress now has two bills pending authorizing the same benefits for blue water sailors, whose ships came within 12 miles of shore, because the defoliants may have drifted that far. The bill also would extend benefits to some veterans who served in Panama and the South Korean DMZ during that time. Children of Vietnam veterans with certain birth defects also are covered. The VA has no record of how many veterans have requested or received Agent Orange compensation, because it tracks claims only by disability. Since September 2010, just under 31,000 Vietnam vets have filed for Agent Orange compensation, according to Randal Noller of the VA.
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A veteran may file a claim by presenting proof of service (form DD-214), proof of having been in Vietnam such as orders, medals etc., and an acceptable diagnosis of the medical condition, according to the VA office in Lakewood. It said most claims are processed within six months. Of course, its not that simple, said Ann Weakley, a retired VA administrator and claims processor. The VA can be weird, she said. Papers get lost, sometimes its hard to find records, people get very frustrated. The entire process can take up to a year, including a physical exam and a disability rating board review, she said. But you need to stay with it. I suggest you find someone to help you, like the Veterans county office, the VFW or the American Legion. The state has three Veterans Centers in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and in the Lowry area in Denver. These are run by state employees, who can be helpful, Weakley said. Calling the VA directly is not advised. It has one toll-free telephone number for the entire country. On three recent tries, the average wait time was 34 minutes; the longest was 45 minutes. Veterans can also try the local office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If unknown refer to the VAs National Facilities Locator site http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp? isflash=1. For metro Denver it is 155 Van Gordon Dr., Lakewood, and can be reached by telephone at 1-800-827 -1000. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs office, which can assist veterans with filing federal claims, is at 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 113, Denver, 80222. Telephone is (303) 343-1268. Bozella now believes so strongly in helping veterans learn about medical problems associated with war that he volunteers full-time for the American Legion. He also was elected president of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado, a nonprofit umbrella organization of more than 45 veterans organizations helping Colorados estimated 460,000 vets. AGENT ORANGE AILMENTS Medical conditions covered by the 1991 Agent Orange Act include: Prostate Cancer Respiratory cancers Multiple Myeloma Type II diabetes Hodgkins disease Non-Hodgkins lymphoma Soft tissue sarcoma (cancer) Chloracne Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Peripheral neuropathy Chronic Llymphocytic leukemia B-cell leukemias Parkinsons disease Ischemic heart disease AL Amyloidosis Spina Bifida and certain other birth defects in vets children. [Source: Colorado Springs The Gazette Mike McPhee article 23 Apr 2012 ++]
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.
~Ronald Reagan
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DISABLED WAYNE COUNTY VETERAN OUTFITTED FOR HUNTING

Published: April 29, 2012 4:07AM By: BOBBY WARREN From: http://www.the-daily-record.com & Chad Miles BLACHLEYVILLE -- A Wayne County man received hunting gear from a new nonprofit organization that helps disabled veterans experience the outdoors. Russell Sellers received the gear for wild turkey hunting Thursday from childhood friend and former Triway classmate Chad Miles, who now lives in the Detroit area and started Sling and Stone Outfitters. In the package were a new shirt, pants, jacket, boots, turkey decoys, a turkey call, a mouth call and a face mask. Miles told his friend he wished there were more, but the nonprofit is new and does not yet have much of a budget. Sling and Stone Outfitters was formed on Veterans Day last year: 11-11-11. Miles had been doing research on crossbow hunting and discovered in several states it is illegal, except for disabled veterans. So, he began thinking what if he could get crossbows into the hands of disabled veterans, along with boots and clothes. His ultimate goal is to be able to provide amputees with special gear for hunting. As a 20-year-old, Russell Sellers, who is permanently disabled, was working as a diesel mechanic in the U.S. Army. While installing a drive shaft in a Utah National Guard truck, in preparation to be shipped out for Operation Desert Storm, he felt a pop in his back. For the next month, he lay in traction. At the time, he was told he had a low lumbar fracture. He refused back surgery because he was told there would be a 50-50 chance of not walking again. The injury ultimately led to him being released from the military. Over the course of the next 20 years, Sellers, now 41, dealt with incredible back pain, leading him to take "every drug known to man" in order to find some relief. "It was very stressful," Russell Sellers said. "I lost some good jobs because of it, and I can't hold my kids." In 2011, he had back surgery, and the doctor said his injury was not a fracture, rather he broke his back. He is doing better since the surgery. Laurie Sellers said when her husband was having all of those problems, it was frustrating. His back could go out at any moment, and he would drop to the floor. Russell Sellers, who loves to hunt, whether deer, squirrel, rabbit or turkey, said he thinks it is great to be the first recipient of hunting gear from Sling and Stone Outfitters. When Miles started the organization, he created a Facebook page. He informed others he was soon going to put together a package for turkey hunting for a disabled veteran. After the Facebook post, Russell Sellers contacted Miles about being considered. With five children, Russell Sellers has not had the money to update his hunting equipment. His boots are 13 years old and shredded from the briars, but they were all he had. He was excited to get a pair of insulated boots. The name of the nonprofit plays on the idea of a primitive weapon, but it is also connected with David, an Old Testament figure who as a young boy slew Goliath with a sling and a stone. The goal of the organization is to help disabled veterans face their psychological Goliaths and slay them, Miles said. Anyone wishing to donate to the organization can visit the website, slingandstone.org, or check out its Facebook page.
From More information contact Chad Miles at: Phone: (313)-690-3010 Email: chad@slingandstone.org Mail: 2130 Audette Street. Dearborn, MI 48124 Facebook: Click Here
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From: Department of Veteran and Military Affairs Michigan-www.michigan.gov On May 19, 1846, following the initial battle between Mexican forces and United States troops under Gen. Zachary Taylor in the disputed territory between the Neuces and Rio Grande rivers, Michigan's Governor received a request from the War Department to enroll a regiment of volunteer infantry. Made up of 10 companies, the regiment would be held in readiness for service until called for by the President. Under the first call, 13 independent companies, 11 infantry and two cavalry, responded. However, only Detroit's Brady Guards were accepted. The men were sent to garrison the posts at Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie to free the regular troops stationed there for duty in Mexico. Of the companies tendered for service, four were from Detroit, two from Monroe, three from Lenawee County, and one each came from St. Clair, Hillsdale, Berrien, and Wayne County (outside Detroit). The First Michigan Volunteers was enrolled and mustered in answer to a second call in October 1847. The companies were from: Kalamazoo, St. Clair and Wayne Counties, Pontiac, three from Detroit, western Michigan, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe, Marshall, and the southeastern part of the state. The companies were mustered into federal service at various times during November and December 1847 and January and February 1848. Prior to January 1848, six companies were sent to the battle area and landed at Vera Cruz, Mexico, where the four remaining Michigan companies later joined them. General Scott was already occupying Mexico City when the last companies advanced as far as Cordova, which
War with Mexico-Michigan Military History Continued
they garrisoned until the peace treaty was signed. Michigan troops guarded General Scott's communications lines. Although Michigan men were in the field for nearly six months, they never saw battle. The regiment was mustered out at Detroit on July 23, 1848.
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From: www.va.gov The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to informing the Veteran community about VA health benefits and services. Currently, VA is producing personalized Veteran Health Benefits Handbooks for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. The new handbooks are tailored specificfor each Veteran and provides detailed information about the VA health services the Veteran may be eligible to receive. The Veteran Health Benefit Handbook provides answers to common questions such as contact information for the Veteran's local facility, instructions on how to schedule appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran's responsibilities, such as co-pays, if applicable. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare will receive their personalized handbooks via mail as part of a national rollout campaign starting in February 2012 based on Priority Group, beginning with Priority Group 1 and ending with Priority Group 8. In the near future, VA will develop an online version of the handbook for Veterans to access via MyHealtheVet. This will allow Veterans to access their up-to-date health benefit information anywhere, anytime. Click the link below for additional information about the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook or call VA at 1 877-222-VETS (8387).
Veterans Health Benefits Handbook
From: RAO Bulletin May2012 (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) Members of Congress expressed doubts 8 MAY on plans by the Department of Veterans Affairs' to hire 1,900 additional workers to improve access to mental health care. Rep. Jeff Miller, chairman of the House committee with jurisdiction over veterans' issues, said the VA's plans to beef up staffing looked like a knee-jerk reaction to a critical inspector general's investigation that was in the works. That investigation released two weeks ago found that nearly half of the veterans seeking mental health care for the first time waited about 50 days before getting a full evaluation. The VA had been reporting that the vast majority of evaluations were being conducted within 14 days. Miller said the investigation also showed that the VA did not have reliable data to measure staffing needs. "If VA doesn't even have a complete picture of the problem, how confident can we be that access will be increased and care enhanced by the VA's knee-jerk reaction," Miller said during an oversight hearing. "This is not the first time we have been here." VA officials insisted that the plans to hire more workers had been in the works for months. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said that the department's hiring proposal was based mostly upon an increase in patients that has occurred in recent years, in part, because the department had made it easier for veterans to submit disability claims for post-traumatic stress disorder. VA officials said that while they agreed with the inspector general's recommendations, they did not necessarily agree that only half of the veterans seeking mental health care were seen within the recommended 14 days. Nevertheless, Shinseki said that improving access to mental health care would be his highest priority. "Our efforts will not cease with the announcement of the 1,900 additional personnel," Shinseki said. "Future adjustments
VA Mental Health Care
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Miller pointed out the VA already has 1,500 job openings. He said he did not think anybody on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs actually believed the department would be able to fill those openings quickly. "How in the world are you going to accomplish that in a timely fashion in order to provide mental health care to the veterans who need it today?" Miller said. VA officials said it will get most of the additional hiring completed in the next six months, but added that some specialties are difficult to fill and that hiring may carry over to early 2013. Officials said they would particularly enhance the salary of psychiatrists in hopes of hiring about 60 more in the coming months. "We're beginning to hone in on this most difficult recruiting challenge," Shinseki said. Officials also told lawmakers that they were beginning an advertising campaign focused on recruiting mental health professionals. They also have nearly two dozen recruiters in place who will be reaching out to health care workers. [Source: AP Kevin Freking article 8 May 2012 ++]
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
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Legal Help for Veterans

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

Committee 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.
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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
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From: Bill Schaefer Recently, I was at an air base talking to some young airmen, I commented on how things are so much different in the Air Force now from when I was part of the Blue.. I couldnt believe none of them heard of some of the things I talked about, I realized how old I really am, and the good old days are a thing of the past. So remember with me: All strips were Airman Third Class, Airman Second class and Airman First Class. You wore tan 1505s and carried your pay records At technical schools you had white ropes, red ropes, yellow ropes and green ropes All airman and officer performance reports were done on typewriters with carbon copies. First Sergeants were the biggest pain in the squadron You could get a pop for 25 cents and a candy bar for 10 cents You were assigned an Air Force number and only used your social security for taxes You got promoted on your record As a new troop, you were the bunt of a common joke by being asked to get a roll of flight tape or a fallopian tube. The warrant officers were one step below a lieutenant, one step above a senior NCO and did not know what they did. At Lackland AFB, you qualified on an M-16. In basic training you had either the new or the World War II open barracks. A buffer was not used people washed the floors with rags Queen of the toilet. Getting shots were always as pleasing as you would get 3 5 just for them to say Thank you for coming. Went from the greens to the camos to the new blues, all had to have changes in rank, name tags from blue to green to silver. The old M151 jeep could go anywhere and any place. The radios were not much of a problem, no boards, batteries could be changed and could buy on the market if needed. Base telephone system was the plug in and always asked the operator for an extension Oh, for those good old days when things were so simple.
The Good Old Days
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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.
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Newsletter Links From Articles For June

TRICARE Page 1 www.tricare.mil Newsletters Facebook Page 14 www.facebook.com LEST WE FORGET SW MI Newsletters Scribd www.lestweforgetusa.org www.scribd.com Page 17 American Legion Team Pascarella www.legion.org www.teampascarella.com Page 2 Page 18 Stars and Strips World War I Memorial Foundation www.stripes.com www.wwimemorial.org Page 3 Spirit of the American Flag Hire Heroes USA www.forgottonheroesusa.com www.hireheroesusa.org Page 19 Page 6 Joint Pow/MIA Social Security Administration Accounting Command www.ssa.gov www.jpac.pacom.mil DD-214 Form Page 21 www.archives.gov Legal Help for Veterans DAV www.legalhelpforveterans.com www.dav.gov Brain Injury Association of Michigan Page 8 www.biami.org MIGOP Facebook Page 22 www.facebook.com Michigan Air National Guard Page 9 www.selfridgeairmuseum.org The Daily Record Veterans Voices www.the-daily-record.com www.veteransvoices.org Sling and Stone Page 23 www.slingandstone.org U.S. Senate Committee on Page 10 Veterans Affairs Department of Military and Veterans www.veterans.senate.gov Affairs Michigan U.S House Committee of Veterans www.michigan.gov Affairs Page 12 www.veterans.house.gov VA Veterans Benefits Department of Military and Veterans www.publichealth.va.gov Affairs Michigan Page 13 www.michigan.gov The USO www.uso.org
Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee www.house.mi.gov Page 26 Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Radio www.veteransradio.net LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 26 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!
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Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

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

CoordinatorMatthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org) ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Helen Budd Sen. Patrick Colbeck Sam Cottle Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis David Duenow Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy Keith Famie James G. Fausone Sean M. Furr Denny Gillem Robert Goulet John Haggard Larry Harr Dan Heckman Dale Hemphill John Hess Sec. of State Ruth Johnson James Julian Adrian Keogh Adele Krovsky Bill Langbehn Merridy Lewis Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus
In Memory of Gary Lillie

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

29

Veterans &amp; Military Families Monthly News-June 2012

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Veterans &amp; Military Families Monthly News-June 2012

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Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

June 2012 Vol. 3 No. 6

Thank you very much!

And much more.

VA releases 2012 Health Benefits Handbook

Some Useful Links

Thank you for your Support!

A Little Information about Hire Heroes

Air Zoo to Offer Free Airplane Rides to Veterans

A Note From Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs

Three ways to help:

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

VA Presumptive Herbicide Diseases

A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

DISABLED WAYNE COUNTY VETERAN OUTFITTED FOR HUNTING

War with Mexico-Michigan Military History Continued

Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

VA Mental Health Care

STEP UP AND LEAD

More Beach Assaults in June

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

Steaming Live for those who serve check it out.

Lest We Forget SW Michigan

LWF 2010 Group Picture

The Good Old Days

Hubbardston American Legion Disable Veteran Hunting

The MPVA Mission

Old Warrior Camp

Available Hunting Dates are as Follows

Newsletter Links From Articles For June

Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

Staff & Contributors

In Memory of Gary Lillie

News From American Legion Post 341

Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

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