VFW Wants Pastor Terry Jones to 'Back off'

Planned Islamic Center Protest Could Produce More Violence

WASHINGTON April 21, 2011 — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. wants Pastor Terry Jones to cancel his plans to protest the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Mich., tomorrow. The city today denied his protest permit, but Jones said he would still lead the protest — and come armed for self-protection.

Richard L. Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore., said there is nothing to be gained and much to lose from another selfish act that will be interpreted overseas as America being anti-Islam.

Jones made headlines last September when he announced — then cancelled — plans to burn the Islamic holy book on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 at his small church in Gainesville, Fla., but he did follow through on his threat on March 20. Once video of the burning Koran surfaced, it sparked violent protests in Afghanistan that led to at least 90 injuries and 20 deaths, to include seven UN civilians. Jones said he doesn't feel directly responsible for the riots.

"I was brought up to believe you reap what you sow," said Eubank, "yet obviously the pastor forgot that lesson. His self-serving act has already brought death and destruction, and now he plans to hold an illegal protest — and carry a weapon — just to make whatever point he believes to be true.

"The truth is our war is against a small number of religious extremists who kill indiscriminately and without remorse," he said. "Another truth is we don't need an equally small number of religious extremists in America to widen the war by hiding behind the U.S. Constitution."

The VFW national commander wants the pastor to back down and consider the reactions to his actions before he does them.

"The VFW supports the First Amendment right to protest, but we also insist people take ownership of the problems they create," said Eubank. "Twenty people have already died and 90 were wounded — let's not forget that."

VFW Washington Weekly

April 15, 2011 In This Issue: 1. VFW Supports New White House Initiative 2. VFW Supports Stronger Funeral Protest Restrictions 3. Senate Talks Jobs 4. Congress on Recess 5. New SMMC Selected 6. Korean War MIA Identified 7. WWII MIA Identified 1. VFW Supports New White House Initiative: VFW National Commander Richard Eubank is calling on VFW and Auxiliary membership to redouble their outreach efforts in response to the "Joining Forces" initiative announced by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. "Our military and their families have been fighting for almost a decade in a war that has had virtually zero impact on the rest of country," said Eubank. "What the first and second ladies are asking is for America to do more to support the troops and their families by getting actively involved through employment, education and wellness. This is an initiative the VFW can fully embrace because it aligns with our motto to 'Honor the dead by helping the living.'" Read more at http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-TO--JOIN-FORCES--WITH-WHITE-HOUSE-INITIATIVE/. 2. VFW Supports Stronger Funeral Protest Restrictions: The VFW endorsed a bill by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) to help ensure that the right to free speech does not trump a family's right to mourn in private. S. 815, the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans (SERVE) Act, would strengthen and extend existing protections to civilian cemeteries, double the "No Protesting" window to two hours before and after funerals, increase distances between cemetery boundaries and the residences of immediate family members, toughen penalties to two years in jail and/or a $250,000 fine, and would permit grieving family members and the U.S. Attorney General to sue violators for monetary damages. Read more at http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=0395ea38-ee86-4f30-8e19-14436463818f. 3. Senate Talks Jobs: On Wednesday, the Senate VA Committee met to discuss the high unemployment rate among recently separated veterans. March statics reflect a 27% unemployment rate for veterans age 20-24. The committee discussed the Transition Assistance Program and the need to update and deliver it in a way that is relevant to today’s veterans. Panelists discussed the need to educate employers on the valuable skill sets veterans possess. Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) noted that many states need to streamline certification processes, and that the federal government needs to close gaps within veterans’ preference guidelines. For more, visit the Senate VA Committee website at http://veterans.senate.gov/. 3. Congress on Spring Recess: Congress begins their two-week spring recess today. Now is a great time to visit them at a town hall meeting. Contact their local/district offices and find the nearest scheduled meeting. This is a great time to let your member Congress know about issues important to you and the VFW. Tell them you expect them to pass a budget that takes care of all America’s veterans and shows their appreciation for the men and women risking their lives for our freedoms every day. Now is not the time to cut funding on the backs of our veterans or active duty military. For a list of our priority goals go to: http://stage.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/National-Legislative-Service/ For information on district office locations, click here: http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/ 5. New SMMC Selected: Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett has been selected to become the 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps. He is scheduled to succeed the retireeing Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, who has served in the position since April 2007. Barrett recently returned from Afghanistan where he served as the sergeant major of Regional Command Southwest and I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He currently serves as the sergeant major of 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. Read his bio at http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/external/1stmardiv/command/biographies/sgtmaj/micheal.barrett.jsp. 6. Korean War MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Cpl. John W. Lutz, 21, of Kearny, NJ. From May 16-20, 1951, Lutz was captured when hid 1st Ranger Infantry Company was attempting to infiltrate enemy lines near Chaun-ni, South Korea. Lutz would later die from malnutrition in a North Korean POW camp. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14403. 7. WWII MIA Identified: The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office also announced the identification of remains belonging to Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Martin P. Murray, 21, of Lowell, MA. On Oct. 27, 1943, Murray, along with 11 other crew members, took off in their B-24D Liberator on a reconnaissance mission of shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. The aircraft failed to return to base. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14407.

VFW to 'Join Forces' with White House Initiative

WASHINGTON (April 13, 2011) — The national commander of America's largest and oldest major combat veterans' organization is calling on his membership to redouble their outreach efforts in response to yesterday's White House "Joining Forces" initiative to encourage Americans everywhere to do more to support the troops and their families. The initiative is the result of countless encounters by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden with military families across the country and overseas. "Our military and their families have been fighting for almost a decade in a war that has had virtually zero impact on the rest of country," said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries. "What the first and second ladies are asking is for America to do more to support the troops and their families by getting actively involved through employment, education and wellness. This is an initiative the VFW can fully embrace because it aligns with our motto to 'Honor the dead by helping the living.'" In an interview with American Forces Press Service, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden said they were particularly concerned for the nation's nearly 2 million military children, because multiple deployments — and worse — are taking its toll on their school performance and psychological well-being. The second lady told a story she heard about a child who burst into tears when the song "Ave Maria" was sung at a musical she was attending. When a teacher rushed over and asked why she was crying, the little girl said "That's the song they played at my daddy's funeral." "That made me realize that teachers need to be aware of the kids in their classroom that are military children," said Dr. Biden. "They need to know what these kids are going through and that they are under additional stress." At yesterday's White House kickoff ceremony that included the president and vice president, the first lady said "Joining Forces" is rooted in those American values of service and citizenship that have kept our country strong throughout history. "In World War II, for example, the whole nation went to war. Just about every family was a military family, or knew someone that was," explained Mrs. Obama. "However, today, with an all-volunteer force, fewer Americans serve or know someone who does, and unlike our troops, military families don’t wear uniforms, so we don’t always see them … don’t always realize how hard it can be or what we can do to help lighten their load." "We applaud what the White House is doing for military families, because taking care of those who have worn the uniform and their families is what the VFW has been all about since our founding in 1899," said Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore. Most recently, VFW's Unmet Needs program has dispensed almost $4 million in grants to help thousands of military families through financial emergencies. And in just the past year, the VFW has provided more than 900,000 free phone connections to deployed personnel and their families, and VFW service officers helped 105,000 veterans to recoup $1.5 billion in earned compensation and pension — for free, regardless of whether they were VFW members or not. "Service to others is what we're about and I pledge that the VFW's 7,600 Posts worldwide will continue to do their part to comfort, support and care for our nation's veterans, servicemembers and their families," said Eubank.

Casting Call Announcement

Stand By Them. Help a Veteran In Crisis.

Can you help a fellow Vet?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is trying to reach Veterans and their families who may have gone through a period of emotional distress to help encourage others to seek the support they need. We know Veterans listen to fellow Vets, that’s why we’re asking Veterans who have called the Veterans Crisis Line or used VA or other mental health services to share their stories in writing, video, or photographs.

Your personal story can serve as the catalyst for a Veteran, or a Veteran’s concerned family member or friend, to make that crucial call for help—and potentially save a life.

We’re looking for Veterans—and their spouses and family members—of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and service eras to share their stories of mental health treatment and recovery and readjustment success. Whether it's seeking treatment for post-traumaticstress, supporting a family member who has returned home, finding hope in emotional crisis, or any other mental health-related experience, we want to hear from our Veterans and their loved ones.

These testimonials and photographs will encourage Veterans in crisis to get the help they have earned. If you or anyone you know would be willing to share their story, please e-mail the VA's contracted marketing and PR firm, Reingold, at SupportVets@reingold.com, with a brief introduction stating your name, location, age, gender, ethnicity, service era, and how you would like to help the outreach campaign.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to hearing from you.

VFW Washington Weekly

April 8, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Budget Update
2. VA Construction Hearing
3. CHAMPVA Dependent Equity
4. Military Retiree Withholding Tax
5. Marines Create E-Newsletter

1. Budget Update: As of this morning, Congress and the Administration have not reached an agreement to fund the Federal Government for the remainder of FY 2011. If no federal budget or temporary funding agreement is reached, the Federal Government will be forced to curtail nonessential services beginning tonight at 12:01 a.m., April 9. The following is what we have been told will occur should the government shut down:
• Department of Veterans Affairs:
-- All VA medical centers and clinics will remain open. This is in large part due to the VFW-supported advanced appropriations legislation that became law on Oct. 22, 2009.
-- VFW service officers will be able to enter their offices inside VA facilities and have access to the VA computer system.
-- Disability compensation and pension, survivor and/or education benefits will be paid; however, new claims for disability compensation and pension, survivor and/or education benefits will be accepted but not processed.
-- Previously scheduled Appeals hearings will be held.
-- The National Cemetery Administration will remain open for burials, but there may be some delays.
-- Additional information is available at Veterans Field Guide.
• Department of Defense:
-- DOD will retain the ability and authority to continue to protect vital U.S. interests at home and abroad.
-- Military hospitals and clinics will remain open; however, some elective procedures could be postponed.
-- Military retiree and survivor benefits will be paid; however, new applications for retiree and survivor benefits will be accepted but not processed.
-- Military pay is still being discussed.
The VFW encourages everyone to monitor their local news for additional developments as they occur. In addition, should you wish to make your voice heard directly to Congress, go to http://capwiz.com/vfw/dbq/officials/.

2. VA Construction Hearing: The VFW testified Tuesday before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on VA Capitol Construction plans. The VFW views the VA's Strategic Capitol Investment Planning prioritization process favorably, but believes the current funding request of $590 million is well below the need. The Independent Budget, which VFW coauthors with AMVETS, DAV and PVA, recommends $1.85 billion in FY 2012. Committee members agreed that funding does not match the aggressive 10-year plan that SCIP envisions. Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) discussed having an independent third party review VA’s ongoing and future construction projects. For more information on the hearing, to include VFW's testimony, go to the House VA Committee website at http://veterans.house.gov/.

3. CHAMPVA Dependent Equity: House VA Committee Ranking Member Bob Filner (D-CA) introduced H.R. 115 to change the maximum age for dependent children to receive CHAMPVA benefits from age 23 to 26. This legislation, if approved, would increase the age eligibility limit to what is currently provided to civilian dependents under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and to military dependents under the Tricare Affirmation Act. Please contact your legislators and urge them to pass H.R. 115. Contact your member of Congress.

4. Military Retiree Withholding Tax: Military retirees saw a slight reduction in 2011 paychecks due to the return to pre-2009 Federal Income Tax Withholding rates. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 temporarily boosted retiree pay in 2009 and 2010 by reducing FITW rates. The credit was only intended to apply to wage earners, but military retirees received it because federal law classifies military retired pay as a wage, not a pension. The Making Work Pay tax credit expired Dec. 31, 2010, and FITW tax tables reverted back to previous levels, therefore the tax increase. For more information.

5. Marines Create E-Newsletter: The Marine Corps Connection (MCC) is a weekly e-newsletter to keep readers current on the latest headlines and events involving the entire Marine Corps family. Sign up here.

VFW: 9/11 Mastermind to Receive Military Trial

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 — The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is applauding the Obama Administration for reversing an earlier decision that would have tried admitted 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and others in a New York City federal court.

"Those who commit acts of war upon our nation deserve to be tried in a military court of law," said Richard L. Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore.

"These people launched a devastating sneak attack upon our homeland that killed 3,000 innocent men, women and children — a horrific number that could have just as easily been 30,000 or 300,000 civilians had the enemy had the means," he said. "Giving them their day in court at the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was the right decision for the administration to make."

The decision, announced yesterday by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, adheres to three VFW national resolutions to keep Guantanamo open to imprison and try captured terrorists there under military law. The resolutions were passed by delegates attending the 111th VFW National Convention in Indianapolis last August.

VFW Washington Weekly

April 1, 2011

In This Issue:
1. Budget Update
2. Hearing on VA’s VR&E programs
3. Veterans Crisis Line
4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again

1. Budget Update: With just over a week left before the current Continuing Resolution (CR) expires, both House and Senate remain locked in negotiations to avoid a government shut-down on April 8th. A CR is a stop-gap measure used to fund government agencies at last year’s levels if a formal appropriations bill has not been signed into law by the end of the fiscal year. Fortunately, VA medical care accounts – under Advanced Appropriations – have funding for FY 2011, but other portions of the VA budget and critical programs under DOD are operating at FY 2010 levels. Congress has a week to resolve budget differences before taking a two week break during the Easter recess. We urge you to call your members and ask them to finish their work on the FY 2011 budget. It is imperative that they resolved funding for this year so that vital programs under VA and DOD are not left underfunded or worse – stopped all together. For congressional office phone numbers, click here and type in your zip code.

2. Hearing on VA’s VR&E programs: The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) budget for FY 2012. The VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding and keeping jobs suitable to their skill sets and provides those with severe disabilities services to help them live independently. The number of individuals applying for benefits under this program has increased as military personnel, guardsmen, and reservists return from conflicts and transition to veteran status. The Independent Budget (IB) has called for additional funding for these critical services. The FY 2012 IB recommendations include 100 new staff counselors and 50 additional FTE for management and oversight of contract counselors and rehabilitation and employment service providers. Members of the Subcommittee voiced concerns about the large caseload carried by VR&E counselors and have asked for increased funding to provide better management of the program. For more information about the hearing or to view the recorded webcast visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

3. Veterans Crisis Line: Eighteen veterans commit suicide on average in America every day. That's 6,570 a year or quite possibly 65,700 over the past decade. To help combat this nationwide crisis, the VA created a confidential 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line just for veterans and their families to call, but VA still needs our help to distribute and display outreach materials in VFW Posts, newsletters, websites and workplaces. A choice of products is available for download at http://reingoldweb.com/crisisline_ads_public/index.html. Please help someone in need by displaying these products everywhere. Trained VA professionals are available at all hours — at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 —to assist veterans and their family members. You do not have to be enrolled in VA to call the free, confidential service.

4. Retroactive Stop-Loss Payments Extended Again: The deadline to apply for retroactive Stop-Loss payments has been extended again, this time to April 8. Everyone on active duty between 9-11 and Sept. 30, 2009, is eligible for $500 for every month they were involuntarily extended beyond their normal date of separation. Payouts have been averaging almost $4,000 per person, but you must apply to get paid. The VFW asks that you forward this information to everyone you know. To apply, click here.