VFW Washington Weekly

November 19, 2010

In This Issue:
1. NYC Terrorist Trial Update
2. Defense Bill Still Unfinished
3. Senate Hearing on VA-DOD Disability Pilot
4. WWII MIA Identified
5. Korean War MIA Identified

1. NYC Terrorist Trial Update: On Wednesday, a U.S. District Court of Manhattan jury acquitted al Qaeda operative Ahmed Ghailani of 284 mostly murder charges for his role in providing the explosives for the 1998 bombings of U.S. Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. He was, however, convicted on one count of conspiracy to destroy U.S. government buildings, which could result in a minimum of 20 years to life in prison without parole. Unbeknownst to most Americans, the U.S. Government has quietly obtained 218 convictions and/or guilty pleas from lesser-value terrorists in civilian courts since 9/11. Military tribunals have convicted a total of five (two of whom have since been released), and Ghailani's 20-year minimum more than doubles four of the five military-imposed sentences. Ghailani was acquitted of the other charges mostly because the judge barred testimony from a witness whose confession came about from enhanced interrogation techniques. Military judges would have also disallowed such testimony. In a May 2009 speech at the National Archives, President Obama said "Some have derided our federal courts as incapable of handling the trials of terrorists. They are wrong. Our courts and our juries — our citizens — are tough enough to convict terrorists." The VFW hopes the president is right, and that the federal judge hands down the maximum sentence in January — life in prison without parole. Almost 175 high-value detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

2. Defense Bill Still Unfinished: The 111th Congress has yet to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which impacts mission readiness and quality of life programs for military personnel and their families and retirees. The House version of the defense bill includes a 1.9% pay increase for active-duty personnel; the Senate version a 1.4% increase. The House legislation would also allow children of military families enrolled in TRICARE to be covered up to age 26, as well as keep inpatient TRICARE copayments low, among other enhancements. Other VFW-supported amendments include Concurrent Receipt improvements that would repeal the 50% and above disability requirement, and the 20-year military service requirement for concurrent pay of VA compensation and earned retirement pay, as well as repealing the SBP/DIC offset for survivors. VFW does not agree, however, with House language to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the defense bill.
Read the House version here.
Read the Senate version here.

3. Senate Hearing on VA-DOD Disability Pilot: The Senate VA Committee held a hearing on the status of the VA-DOD disability pilot program to create one joint disability medical examination to replace DOD’s MEB/PEB process, and VA’s process. The idea behind integrating the two systems was to provide recovering and transitioning servicemembers a streamlined and more accurate rating of their injuries. Witnesses from both VA and DOD stated they are committed to seeing the program succeed. Committee members felt that the time was right to examine how well the new system is working, since a program expansion is already being planned. For more, go the SVAC website.

4. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces Capt. George W. Grismore, of Salt Lake City. On March 12, 1945, Grismore and five crewmembers aboard a C-47A Skytrain departed Tanauan Airfield in the Philippines on a resupply mission to guerilla troops. The aircraft did not return to base, and no evidence of the aircraft was found. The six men were presumed killed in action and their remains were later determined to be non-recoverable. Read the full DOD press release here.

5. Korean War MIA Identified: DPMO also announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. Floyd E. Hooper, of Stratton, CO. Fighting as a member of the 24th Infantry Division, he was captured on Feb. 4, 1951, and died of malnutrition and dysentery a few months later. Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 servicemen. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA — matched to his brother — to identify Hooper. Read the full DOD press release at here.

VFW Washington Weekly

November 12, 2010

In This Issue:
1. Debt Commission Releases Draft Report
2. IB Releases Critical Issues
3. VFW Attends Groundbreaking of Disabled Veterans Memorial

1. Debt Commission Releases Draft Report: President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released its draft report on Wednesday. The report is the "chairmen's mark," which has not been approved by the 18 members of the president's commission. It is a draft report only. The final report is scheduled to be released no later than December 1. The commission was created to identify savings within the federal government and make recommendations to help the federal government balance the budget. VFW will continue to monitor the commission’s proposals and how they may affect servicemembers, veterans and their families.
To read the 50-page draft proposal visit: http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/sites/fiscalcommission.gov/files/documents/CoChair_Draft.pdf

2. IB Releases Critical Issues: The four Independent Budget partners have released their critical issues for FY 2012. The IB, which VFW coauthors with AMVETS, DAV and PVA, provides the Administration and Congress a veterans' view of the most important issues as it pertains to VA healthcare, benefits and infrastructure, as well as servicemembers transitioning from uniform to veteran status. The full IB will be released in conjunction with the President’s proposed VA budget early next year. View the critical issues at http://www.independentbudget.org/.

3. VFW Attends Groundbreaking of Disabled Veterans Memorial: This week, VFW attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. VFW was influential in lobbying Congress and raising funds to have the memorial built. The memorial will be within view of the Capitol on 2.4-acres, across from the U.S. Botanic Garden. Its design is a star-shaped reflecting pool with a surface broken by a single eternal flame. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony and said “It honors patriots who answered the Nation's call of duty, and who have, in the face of devastating injury, shown us a quality of courage at which we can only marvel." Today, the nation has more than three million living disabled veterans, including 53,000 who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

VFW Salutes U.S. Marine Corps for 235 Years of Service

November 10, 2010, marks the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. With its rich traditions and hallmark of valor, the USMC has fought in every American armed conflict as the “first to fight for right and freedom” since 1775.

The standard of excellence U.S. Marines achieve and the motto by which they live — Semper Fi — have made them an international symbol of honor and pride. From the Battles of Derna, Iwo Jima and Khe Sanh, to the battle of Fallujah, “America’s 911 Force,” has demonstrated its uninterrupted commitment and gallantry in protecting America and defending those who cannot defend themselves from tyranny and oppression.

In 1921, Marine Corps Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, wrote, "In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term 'Marine' has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.”

The 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries proudly salute you for your continued sacrifices and dedication to duty and service to country.

HBO Documentary: WARTORN: 1861-2010, Exploring Combat and Post-Traumatic Stress, Debuts this Veterans Day

James Gandolfini Executive Producer: WARTORN

Civil War doctors called it hysteria, melancholia and insanity. During the First World War it was known as shell-shock. By World War II, it became combat fatigue. Today, it is clinically known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a crippling anxiety that results from exposure to life-threatening situations such as combat.

With suicide rates among active military servicemen and veterans currently on the rise, the HBO special WARTORN 1861-2010 brings urgent attention to the invisible wounds of war. Drawing on personal stories of American soldiers whose lives and psyches were torn asunder by the horrors of battle and PTSD, the documentary chronicles the lingering effects of combat stress and post-traumatic stress on military personnel and their families throughout American history, from the Civil War through today’s conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The HBO Documentary Films presentation debuts on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010 (9:00-10:15 p.m. ET/PT).

More on the Documentary

Businesses Nationwide to Thank Veterans for Their Service

Veterans are encouraged to take advantage of big discounts this Veterans Day

Veterans Day provides businesses across the country a great opportunity to thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice. The list below depicts some of the most popular national discounts to be offered on or around this November 11. Please remember, valid proof of service is required to take advantage of the following offers:

Applebee’s – veterans and active duty personnel can receive a free meal on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010. Last year, Applebee’s served more than one million military men and women and expects that number to be even higher this year.

Uno Chicago Grill – invites all veterans and active duty military to stop in for a free entrée or individual pizza on Veteran’s Day.

Golden Corral – “Thank You” Dinner, Monday, November 15, 2010. Any person who has ever served the U.S. Military is invited to enjoy a free meal.

Outback Steakhouse – veterans and active duty receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage (one non-alcoholic drink), November 11, 2010.

Subway – many subway locations offer a free six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may only be available in select locations. Please contact your local Subway for more information regarding Veteran’s day specials.

The Home Depot - all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200.

Lowe’s – will offer a special 10 percent discount up to a maximum of $5,000 to military personnel and retirees over the Veterans Day holiday.

Sam’s Club - AMG Medical Inc (at your local Sam's Club), will be giving away 36,000 Hugo® Folding Canes free of charge to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance November 10th, 11th and 12th.

Sport Clips - is offering a free haircut to Veterans on Veterans Day 2010 at participating locations.

Fee Free Day at National Parks - to honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department would not charge entrance fees on Thursday, November 11, 2010. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

Rally Around Military Family to Drown Out Westboro Baptist Church

On Saturday, the 6th of November, SFC. Charles M. Sadell will be laid to rest in Weston, Mo., at 10:30AM (CDT) after succumbing to wounds received from an IED explosion in Afghanistan. To add insult, the Phelps Clan, from the Westboro Baptist Church, has scheduled a picket at Vaughn's Funeral Home in Weston during the ceremony.

The funeral home is asking VFW members, their families, and any other veterans and military supporters who are willing and able, to support the Sadell family with their attendance to help drown out the picketers.

The Patriot Guard and local Weston veterans will be present to help shield the family from the heinous scene the Phelps family creates. SFC Sadell gave his life for our freedoms; let’s not allow the Phelps family to scar another American family mourning the loss of a hero.

Vaughn’s Funeral Home
18905 State Route 45 North
Weston, MO 64098-9106
Get Directions

Nov. 6 Ceremony Schedule
8:30 : Stage at Vaughn’s Funeral Home - Weston, Mo
8:45 : Set Flags
9:00 : Ride meeting
9:15 : Stand Flag Line
10:30 : Service begins
Honors rendered after the service at the Funeral Home, NO Escort

Restoring Veterans Day

Remembering America’s warriors is often an afterthought for many Americans. It’s about time Nov. 11 is paid its proper respect.

Veterans Day, once a widely celebrated holiday, is increasingly forgotten by many Americans. One need only look at the poor turnouts at ceremonies on Nov. 11. With the percentage of citizens who have worn a uniform rapidly declining, appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans is correspondingly diminishing.

To help counter this trend, VFW has long promoted Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate the public as to the meaning of this significant time each November. This task can best be accomplished by explaining the five “Ws.”

Who. As a nation, we remember all Americans who served on active duty in the armed forces. While those who died always remain prominent in our memories, they have a special time of mourning reserved for Memorial Day. Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.

What. Collective as well as individual contributions to the nation’s defense is what we are remembering. The outcome of any given military campaign is irrelevant here—it’s the sacrifices made at the behest of the country that are important.

Where. Across the land, the grounds of virtually every state capital and county courthouse host monuments, memorials and plaques honoring those who served. They date back as far as the American Revolution and are as recent as Iraq. But paying homage to veterans need not necessarily be in a public place. Every private home also should serve this purpose when appropriate.

When. For some Americans, remembering veterans is a daily act. But as a nation, it is essential that we preserve the integrity of November 11 as that one extra-special day for the American people as a whole to pause in private or demonstrate recognition in public.

Why. Remembering gives true meaning to sacrifice and service. Millions of Americans’ lives were forever altered because they donned a uniform to protect the freedoms and rights we take for granted. We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to them. And acknowledging Veterans Day is the time that debt comes due. It’s our way of keeping faith with former defenders.

The 23.8 million veterans living today deserve the recognition. It is often forgotten that legislative battles were waged over this day and its earlier version called Armistice Day in 1926, 1938, 1954 and throughout the 1970s. Let’s not take its value for granted.

One final thought. This year is an especially poignant time to restore Veterans Day to its rightful place in society.

Though the war in Iraq is far from over, we reached a significant milestone with the end of offensive U.S. operations there. Put simply, the Americans in uniform did the job asked of them, and the 50,000 who remain behind will continue to do so.

Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have fully joined the cavalcade of America’s veterans, VFW generations who span WWI to the present day.

A Couple ways to show your support on Veterans Day

Along with paying your respects at Veterans memorials and cemetaries across the country, participating in your local parade and saying "Thank you" to a veteran or service member, there are a few other ways you can honor veterans this Veterans Day right from your computer and cell phones.

Today you can show United States service members how much you appreciate their service and sacrifices by signing VFW's “Welcome Home Register,” which will help honor returning troops this Veterans Day. The register, which currently contains more than 20,000 names of military supporters, will be presented at various military bases across the country as troops return home. It only takes a minute to sign and it will mean so much to so many of our heroes! Thanks for taking the time to show your support.

Click here to sign the “Welcome Home Register.”

You can also show your support this Veterans Day by helping to "Return the Favor," a VFW campaign to raise funds for VFW's Unmet Needs program which aids military members and their families during one of the most difficult times, deployment. You can help by texting "Return" to 90999. Each text donates $10 to the "Return the Favor" campaign (standard text messaging rates apply) Or visit the "Return the Favor" cause page on Facebook.