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Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

May 2011-Part II Vol. 2 No. 7


Good afternoon and
thank you for reading, this A Message From Chairman Schostak
month‟s edition of the news- As Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party,
letter. We appreciate your I am honored to have this chance to let you and your fam-
involvement. ily members know how much veterans and their loved
Remember, we have ones mean to me and to the organization I lead.
two online sources where you Michigan Republicans will always respect those
can read and offer comments who have served our country in uniform, which we have
on the current and previous done throughout the history of our party.
editions of the newsletter. Abraham Lincoln, one of America‟s greatest
The newsletter is posted on presidents, a Republican, said of the fallen at Gettysburg:
Facebook through the group “[W]e take increased devotion to that cause for which
called “Veterans and Military they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here
Families Monthly News.” Check it out and join the highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain
group. Click here to go directly to the page. (Keep in -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
mind, you need a Facebook account to join; however, freedom -- and that government of the people, by the
the documents can be viewed through the docs link people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
toward the bottom of the page even without an President Dwight David Eisenhower – already
account.) one of America‟s greatest war heroes – took it upon
The second source for the online version of the himself to fight the menace of communism throughout
newsletter is the website www.scribd.com. This online the 1950s. And President George W. Bush, a member of
source for the newsletter works in the same fashion as the the Texas Air National Guard – made it clear that Ameri-
Facebook page. ca would not back down to terrorism and the evil fanatics
Please let us know what you think, or if you have who attacked our country on 9/11.
any questions about the online sources. For those of you This newsletter reflects our belief that our men
who enjoy just receiving the email each month, we will and women in uniform deserve recognition for their
continue to send it out. But we want to build the online sacrifice and are owed the gratitude of a free nation.
presence as a way to reach out to more people.
As always, thank you very much for reading. Our In This Issue
hope is to continue to expand the newsletter. For that, we P.4-Rescuing Memories
need your input. So, again, if anyone has any suggestions P.5-Pentagon
for topics to cover or wants to write their own piece, we P.9-Brain Injury Association of Michigan
P.14-Legal Help for Veterans
will gladly try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and
P.15-Pershing‟s Last Patriot
please share your feedback with us. P.17-Protecting the Mental Health of the Force
Thank you very much! P.21-Medal of Honor Receipt Ed Freeman
Also we hope everyone Has a wonderful Memorial Day P.22-Militray and Veteran Affairs and Homeland Security
as we take time to remember those who gave it all And more...

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page


Along with building the newsletter‟s 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.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Save the date-110th ASOC presents our Attention!
Bi-Annual Reunion for 110th and 172nd A note to everyone we are working on collecting
From: Hank Fuhs the stories of WWII veterans from around the state with
Date – July 16, 2011, Time: Noon – 4:00 P.M., the hope of running them in upcoming editions. We must
Place: Home of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Henry (Hank) Fuhs 3848 not forget the stories of these brave men have to tell for it
E Leonard Grand Rapids, MI Phone: 616-949-8613 Cell: our history and far too many people seem to have forgot-
616-437-9059, Food: Bring Dish to pass, Drinks: BYOB ten the sacrifice so many have made for this great nation.
At 2:00 p.m. there will be one minute of silence We are asking for everyone‟s help to compete this goal.
for those who have passed away and for our troops in If you have or know of someone who has a story they
Iraq, Afghanistan and the rest of the world. See you would like to share please send it along.
there…….rain or shine….We have a tent! If you have any questions let us know.
Thank you very much!
Hosts
Ron Bienias, Co-Chair, Larry Harr, Co-Chair, Jim Sincerely,
Ondersma, Co-Chair, Hank Fuhs, Co-Chair, Keith Matthew X. Hauser & Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs
Acker, Rep. Dave Agema, Bruce Blakeman, Stephen
Burke, Jerry Cook, Bill DeBroux, Bill Donovan, Ivan Deadline for Retroactive Stop
Giese, Larry Gilbert, Hal Isenhoff, Dennis Keast, Tom Loss Special Pay Extended
King, Rob Koenig, Dick Kreuzer, Fred Langeland, Don From: U.S. Department of Defense-Office of the Assistant
Lewis, Lyle & Linda McPherson, Theodore Nikodem, Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
Art Oxley, Marie Oxley, Claude Oxley, Donna Rojas, The deadline for eligible
Ron Seely, Jack Seranian, Dee Simmonds, Gene Simon, service members, veterans and their
David Stanley, Dave Strohm, Fred Strauss, Gorden beneficiaries to apply for Retroac-
Stump, Joseph Tomlinson, Pat Webb, James Wise tive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP)
has been extended to Oct. 21, 2011,
Support Our Troops! allowing those eligible more time to
We all know people who are currently serving in the mil- apply for the benefits they‟ve earned
itary. For example: My nephew Scott who is an Army under the program guidelines.
Staff Sargent just came back from serving three years in The deadline extension is included in Continuing
Iraq and one year in Africa. We need to remember those Resolution H.R. 1473, signed by President Obama April
who are now serving and say Thank you. 15, 2011, providing funding for federal government oper-
ations through Oct. 21, 2011.
Please pass this flyer on to your military buddies……if The RSLSP was established to compensate for
you have addresses of people you would like me to send the hardships military members encountered when their
invitations to please send them to hankfuhs@juno.com service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss Au-
thority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligi-
ble members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to
their respective military service in order to receive the
benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a
Stop Loss status.
When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the ser-
vices estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and
beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the
majority of those eligible had separated from the military,
the services have engaged in extensive and persistent out-
reach efforts over the past 18 months. Outreach efforts
including direct mail and engaging military and veteran
service organizations, social networks and media outlets,
will continue through Oct. 21, 2011.
To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including
submission requirements and service-specific links, go to
http://www.defense.gov.

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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Need a Ride Some Useful Links
Air Force Times
Form: www.dav.org http://www.airforcetimes.com/
Because so many sick and disabled veterans lack Navy Times
transportation to and from VA medical facilities for http://www.navytimes.com/
needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide Trans- Marine Corps Times
portation Network to meet this need.
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/
Through the Transportation Network, DAV
volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to and from Army Times
VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation http://www.armytimes.com/
Network is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. Military Times
The DAV stepped in to meet a substantial community http://www.militarytimes.com/
need when the federal government terminated its TRICARE
program that helped many veterans pay for transportation http://www.tricare.mil/
to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital American Legion
Service Coordinators around the country who coordinate http://www.legion.org/
the transportation needs for disabled veterans. Veterans of Foreign Wars
Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator http://www.vfw.org/
Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information
AMVETS
or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transporta-
tion Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is una- http://www.amvets.org/
ble to cover every community. We hope we can help The DAV
you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center www.dav.org
Department of Defense
www.dod.gov
Military/Veterans Report
www.militray.com
The Pentagon Channel
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/

If anyone has a site they would like to have


added to this growing list please let us know!
Veteran Legislation Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org
Check Out the E-Newsletter From The
House Committee on Veteran Affairs: Thank you for
http://veterans.house.gov/
enewsletter.shtml your Support!

Upcoming 2011 Events


The Navy will be coming to Michigan and Indiana in a big way this summer. We have secured agreements with
the Blue Angels to perform June 11 and 12 in Evansville IN, July 2 and 3 in Muskegon, MI July 23 and 24 in Detroit
and again in Indianapolis, dates TBD. A special thanks to Claude for the tip and more information to come soon!
Battle Creek ANG 110th ASOC for 110th Group-2nd Saturday after the 4th of July on the odd year. July 16th 2011.
12-6pm at 3848 E. Leonard NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525-From Hank Fuhs.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Attention! A Special Thanks to
A note to everyone we are working on collecting
the stories of WWII veterans from around the state with Adele Krhovsky for
the hope of running them in upcoming editions. We must
not forget the stories of these brave men have to tell for it helping us with this
our history and far too many people seem to have forgot-
ten the sacrifice so many have made for this great nation. project. It was great
We are asking for everyone‟s help to compete this goal.
If you have or know of someone who has a story they
to be able to have a
would like to share please send it along.
If you have any questions let us know.
story to run during
Thank you very much! the Month of May,
Sincerely, especially with
Matthew X. Hauser & Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs
memorial Day.

Rescuing Memories
Paratrooper, man he saved from prison camp speak for first time since 1945

From: Adele Krhovsky and www.mlive.com Monday, May where his family was from:
26, 2008 Grand Rapids.
War is often the story of things gone wrong: A As a former resident of
missed drop zone. A jammed rifle. A shift in wind or nearby Ionia, Krhovsky didn't
weather. These things happen. And people die. have to ask where that was.
But the dice sometimes tumble into place in ways "What are the odds?" he asked.
that defy the odds. In February 1945, 2,147 starving Frank Krhovsky, 82, is a retired
captives in a Philippine prison camp were rescued on the physician in East Grand Rapids.
day of their execution, perhaps minutes before their death. Below, in 1945, he served as a paratrooper on a daring
Those spared included a Grand Rapids missionary family rescue of 2,147 prisoners in the Philippines.
of five. Krhovsky, 82, did not talk to anyone from the
The raid came off with such stop-watch perfection family after that day. He has no recollection of speaking
that Hollywood would have thrown back the script: Not to David DeVries, who sat farther back in the truck and is
one prisoner died. In a brief, fierce battle, Allied forces the lone family member from the prison camp alive today.
overcame about 250 Japanese soldiers at the Los Banos But 63 years later, the retired physician and East
camp. Not one American soldier died. "It's God's plan, Grand Rapids resident spoke with David DeVries, a Cali-
let's put it that way, that we be liberated," said David fornia resident, in a phone call arranged by The Press.
DeVries, 83, who walked out of the compound at age 20 "It's unbelievable," Krhovsky told DeVries. "This is abso-
weighing 92 pounds, along with his parents, sister and lutely remarkable." Said DeVries: "Frank is one of my
brother. heroes."
DeVries looked up that morning to see a white Grand Rapids in common
string of paratroopers, including 19-year-old Sgt. Frank The DeVries family returned to Grand Rapids in
Krhovsky, swing out of a blue sky just outside the camp. May 1945, curious about the paratrooper they knew as
"This raid was done to perfection," Krhovsky recalled. "Frank Khooshsky" -- their best guess at the spelling --
"There was not one thing that went wrong." In the pande- whom they hoped to thank. They didn't get the chance.
monium of the rescue, Krhovsky climbed aboard one of Krhovsky was discharged from the Army in 1946,
54 amphibious trucks used to ferry the prisoners to safety. thinking from time to time he would like to find the
He struck up a conversation with a 15-year-old boy who DeVries family. But he was soon absorbed in school, at
happened to sit next to him up front. Aquinas College, the University of Michigan and medical
Henry DeVries Jr., David's brother, told the paratrooper school at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Krhovsky was discharged from the Army in
1946, thinking from time to time he would like to find the
DeVries family. But he was soon absorbed in school, at
Aquinas College, the University of Michigan and medical
school at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
"I tried to get ahold of them after I got back. But, after a
while, you move on." So their paths diverged, and the war
that brought them together faded from memory. The
DeVries family was welcomed back to what was then
Wealthy Street Baptist Church, which had sponsored their
ministry in the Philippines.
Henry DeVries Sr. and his wife, Gladys, left in
1923 for the island of Mindanao, where they worked to
establish what was called the Philippine Faith Mission.
David DeVries was born there in 1924, followed by his
sister Gene, in 1926, and Henry Jr. in 1929. The mission-
ary couple established a medical clinic and spread the
gospel in remote villages where natives had never seen a
white man.
By early 1942, war had swept over the islands.
The Japanese had attacked a day after bombing of Pearl
Harbor and eventually forced the withdrawal of Allied
forces. Unknown to his parents, David DeVries was taken
captive in January in Manila, where he had gone for high "My breast milk was failing, and we were all de-
school. The rest of the family was captured in May. veloping the stiff, aching, joints of beriberi. Death lurked
In April 1943, David was transferred to the prison close now. Roy, his head pathetically large for his shrunk-
camp at Los Banos, about 40 miles south of Manila. Hen- en little body, had scarcely enough energy left to cry." It
ry Sr., Gladys, Henry Jr. and Gene were sent there a year was execution by starvation, a deliberate strategy by the
later. Life at Los Banos, a former agricultural school Japanese in the waning months of the war. By February
ringed by a double barbed wire fence, was a grim fight for 1945, prisoners were dying almost every day at Los
survival. "Conditions weren't good to begin with, but they Banos. "I was pallbearer for a lot of my friends," David
became progressively worse," David DeVries recalled. DeVries recalled.
By fall, daily rations consisted of a cup of worm- The rescue mission
infested rice. Grace Nash, the mother of two young boys, With the Allies winning the battle for the Philip-
including 5-year-old Roy, recalled conditions in "The Los pines, word leaked out the Japanese intended to speed
Banos Raid," a nonfiction account of the operation: things up. Filipino guerrillas, working with the Allies,
learned Feb. 23 was the execution date. At 7 a.m., after
the guards completed their calisthenics, more than 2,000
prisoners would be killed. But plans already were in mo-
tion to see that never happened, and planners got a vital
edge when a civilian engineer named Pete Miles escaped
the camp.
Miles gave them troop positions and the location
of guard towers. He also told them where the Japanese
soldiers' weapons would be while they were outside, in
their underwear, for workouts: in a locked rack in a con-
necting room between two barracks. Two days before the
assault, a 31-man platoon departed under darkness across
nearby Lake Laguna and took up positions outside the
camp with about 20 Filipino guerrillas.

Image Left: C-47 Skytrain

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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Hours before the raid, the amphibious trucks At the camp, Krhovsky said the captives had a
slipped across the lake and rumbled over land to rendez- hard time believing they were free. "They were so over-
vous. At 6 a.m. Feb. 23, paratrooper Krhovsky stood at joyed. They wanted to celebrate. They not only wanted to
Nichols Field near Manila as nine C-47 crews fired up celebrate. They wanted to take all their possessions." To
their engines and prepared to take off. About 130 para- hurry things along, soldiers set fire to the thatched-roof
troopers from the 11th Airborne Division would make the huts.
jump from 400 feet, as low as they could safely jump. Right on schedule, the amphibious trucks arrived.
Krhovsky sat in silence to the thrum of the plane's twin They also took the prisoners who had died the night
engines. before.
"There was not a lot of talking," he said. And just DeVries went back to retrieve material from his
before 7 a.m., David DeVries looked up. The prisoners foot locker, including a diary. "A trooper came through
were lined up outside for roll call, a preliminary step, he and said, 'You've got to leave now,'" he said. The rest of
later figured, to their mass execution. his family waited in one of the trucks. "They insisted they
"We saw the planes coming in on a tight formation. They take me aboard." His younger brother took a place next to
throttled back and I could hear some of the engines back- the 19-year-old paratrooper with the strange last name.
firing." Parachutes filled the sky, and the assault began. Krhovsky remembers telling young Henry what
The ground troops "had stationed themselves the game plan had been. "'We were either going to get you
around the corner pillboxes, and they opened fire on the out or die trying,'" he recalls saying. Decades later, former
guards when they saw the first chutes open," DeVries Joint Chiefs chairman Colin Powell summarized what had
recalled. "I crawled outside the barracks and was in a happened that day. "I doubt that any airborne unit in the
ditch as they assaulted the corner pillbox.”You would be world will ever be able to rival the Los Banos prison raid.
surprised how many people were standing out in the open, It is the textbook airborne operation for all ages and all
watching. They wanted to take it all in. "Krhovsky hit the armies," Powell said.
ground, unclipped his chute and made his way through Ten weeks after the raid, the DeVries family was
holes in the fence with his Thompson sub-machine gun. back in Grand Rapids, all smiles in a Grand Rapids Her-
The Japanese never made it to the arms rack. "It ald photo from their arrival. David DeVries now is a
was like a turkey shoot," Krhovsky said. We literally retired geologist living in Palm Springs, Calif. He likes to
caught them with their pants down. They were so con- volunteer his time as a docent at the Palm Springs Air
fused, they were running all around." Museum, which, coincidentally, acquired a camouflaged
It was all over in 15 or 20 minutes. A few miles away, a C-47.
diversionary force attacked Japanese positions to assure a DeVries sometimes will pause near the plane and
nearby Japanese division did not intervene in the raid. stare, transported back to the day his family found free-
Two Allied soldiers and two guerrillas died in the opera- dom. "It represents liberation," he said. Six decades later,
tion. the old paratrooper is glad he and DeVries finally closed
Frank Krhovsky describes the raid and Returning to the circle in this unlikely tale.
freedom "Small world, isn't it?"

Short video from www.tricare.mil that explains some back ground information
about TRICRAE.
View this video to get a better understanding of what TRICARE is. Or Click Here.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Pentagon
From: RAO Bulletin April 2011 (Lt. James ―EMO
Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assis-
tance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio
City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238 most efficient office buildings in the world. Despite 17.5
-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. miles of corridors it takes only seven minutes to walk
Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/FRA/ between any two points in the building. The original site
NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/DD890/ was nothing more than wasteland, swamps and dumps.
AD37 member) 5.5 million cubic yards of earth, and 41,492 concrete piles
Headquarters of the Department of Defense, the contributed to the foundation of the building. Additional-
Pentagon is one of the world's largest office buildings. It ly, 680,000 tons of 25
is twice the size of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, and sand and gravel, dredged from the nearby Potomac River,
has three times the floor space of the Empire State Build- were processed into 435,000 cubic yards of concrete and
ing in New York. The National Capitol could fit into any molded into the Pentagon form. The building was
one of the five wedge-shaped sections. There are very few constructed in the remarkably short time of 16 months and
people throughout the United States who do not have completed on January 15, 1943 at an approximate cost of
some knowledge of the Pentagon. Many have followed $83 million. It consolidated 17 buildings of the War
news stories emanating from the defense establishment Department and returned its investment within seven
housed in this building. However, relatively few people years.
have had the opportunity to visit. The Pentagon is virtual- The Pentagon Tours program, under the purview
ly a city in itself. Approximately 23,000 employees, both of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs,
military and civilian, contribute to the planning and hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually. The tour lasts
execution of the defense of our country. These people for approximately 60 minutes and follows a route that is
arrive daily from Washington, D.C. and its suburbs over approximately one and one half miles in length. Each tour
approximately 30 miles of access highways, including includes the mission of the Department of Defense and
express bus lanes and one of the newest subway systems each of its branches of service, and visits numerous
in our country. They ride past 200 acres of lawn to park displays that highlight and depict significant moments in
approximately 8,770 cars in 16 parking lots; climb 131 military history. To take a guided tour of the Pentagon,
stairways or ride 19 escalators to reach offices that occupy you must make a reservation in advance. Note that tour
3,705,793 square feet. While in the building, they tell time schedules can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book
by 4,200 clocks, drink from 691 water fountains, utilize your tour well in advance of your visit. Reservations may
284 rest rooms, consume 4, 500 cups of coffee, 1,700 be booked from 8 to 90 days in advance. Reservations
pints of milk and 6,800 soft drinks prepared or served by a will not be accepted for tour dates within 7 days or more
restaurant staff of 230 persons and dispensed in 1 dining than 90 days away. Visitors should review Tour Guide-
room, 2 cafeterias, 6 snack bars, and an outdoor snack bar. lines at http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-guidelines.html
The restaurant service is a privately run civilian operation and Security Information at http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/
under contract to the Pentagon. security.html before requesting a tour. All guided tours of
Over 200,000 telephone calls are made daily the Pentagon are free and available by reservation only.
through phones connected by 100,000 miles of telephone Tours are conducted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
cable. The Defense Post Office handles about 1,200,000 to 3 p.m. Tours are not conducted on weekends or federal
pieces of mail monthly. Various libraries support its holidays. U.S. Residents can reserve a tour online at
personnel in research and completion of their work. The http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tour-selection.html or by con-
Army Library alone provides 300,000 publications and tacting their Congressional and Senate Representative.
1,700 periodicals in various languages. Stripped of its Contact information for state representatives can be found
occupants, furniture and various decorations, the building at either http://www.house.gov or http://www.senate.gov.
alone is an extraordinary structure. Built during the early Foreign nationals/non-U.S. citizens must contact their
years of World War II, it is still thought of as one of the embassy in Washington, D.C. to reserve a tour. [Source:
http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/index.html Apr 2011 ++]

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Additional Benefits for Active Duty A Note From Department Hospital
Time Served: DD FORM 214-SOCIAL Chairwoman Merridy Lewis
SECURITY BENEFIT Hello Everyone,
I‟m sure you‟ve heard about budget cuts that are
From: Social Security Administration (SSA) affecting so many of us. Our Veteran Medical Centers
Please share this with anyone are no exception. Have you thought about being a
who's had active duty service between volunteer?
January 1957 to December 31, 2001 There are so many ways volunteers can help the
and planning for retirement. Veteran‟s Homes, medical Centers, clinics or even local
In a nutshell it boils down to Hospitals and nursing homes. As a volunteer you help to
this: You qualify for a higher social ensure that our Veteran‟s are treated with care, affection,
security payment because of Military respect and enthusiasm.
service, for active duty any time from There are many opportunities available that
1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1 volunteers are needed for. A few ideas that come to mind
January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit would be ---- A greeter/ambassador, this position you
credited at time of application - which can make a would help Veteran‟s who may need assistance locating
substantial difference in social security monthly general information of the hospital, giving directions, or
payments upon your retirement. even escort them to an appointment. Perhaps, get a
You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security wheelchair for them.
Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Another idea would be to write letters, read a
Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/ book or to sit and visit with them, as sometimes they
retire2/military.htm This is something to put in your files don‟t have family or friends that are able to visit. Play a
for when you apply for Social Security down the road... game of cards or even work on a puzzle.
It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served The veterans can always use phone cards, bus
on active duty between January1957 to December 31, tokens or transportation, vouchers, crossword puzzles,
2001. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask canteen books to purchase coffee or soda from the
for it! canteen and reading materials.
How do I become a Veteran‟s Affair Voluntary
From: Patricia Webb- Correction: Service (VAVS) volunteer? Contact your nearest VA or
It is automatically applied for duty from 1968 local nursing home or hospital. Ask to speak to a
forward. Duty prior to 1968 must be applied for. 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
To request a copy of a DD-214 visit will also be given an orientation of hospital policy. Non
www.vetrec.archives.gov. 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

Old Warrior Camp


Auxiliary would sponsor them. Children are welcomed
to volunteer also.
Do you have an out-standing hospital volunteer?
From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG Please submit an application to me for the Out Standing
This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Hospital Volunteer of the Year!
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 vets…Bring a Valid Michi-
gan Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact
Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times
available.

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Brain Injury Association of Michigan
From: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret)
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI)
Veterans Program utilizes numerous types of outdoor activ-
ities 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) 229-5880 or visit
www.biami.org.

2011 “Walleyes for Warriors”


VETERANS CHARITY FISHING TOURNAMENT
presented by
Soaring Eagles Casino & Resort &
Advanced Tex Screen Printing
A variety of WWII, to Iraq, Afghanistan, and
other era Veterans, and military personnel, will all gather
to take on Saginaw Bay‟s wonderful walleye fishery. This
event is made possible by more than 60 Walleye Pros that
have donated their time and money to take out 160 Veter-
ans.
“The brain child of Nels Larsen, “Walleyes for
Warriors” does more than provide a way to say “Thank
You”, it also opens up opportunities to talk with fellow
Veterans and other attendees about how they are doing healthcare they need and deserve. Some of their injuries,
and the struggles they are facing,” says Rick Briggs, like Traumatic Brain Injury are not visible at first.”
Veterans Program Manager for the Brain Injury Associa- On top of the camaraderie & world-class fishing
tion of Michigan. “Nels has had the opportunity to see on Lake Huron, this tournament also features a special
first hand what a difference an activity like this presents Saganing Eagles Landing Casino “All American” BBQ, a
and he felt compelled to make a difference for the Veter- special warrior drum ceremony by the Ogitchedaw Warri-
ans over here in the Bay City area. We always want to ors Society, the motorcycle groups & flags, and an
include a number of able bodied personnel currently antique military vehicle display. The “Awards Ceremony”
serving because we have a strong message about emceed by Mike Avery of Outdoor Magazine will follow
„Invisible Wounds‟ that they need to carry back with them the BBQ. Contact Rick Briggs at veterans@biami.org or
to their units,” says Rick Briggs. “It is part of our mission call him (810) 229-5880 or visit www.biami.org. For
to help our newest generation of combat Veterans get the more information.

About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI): 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.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 9


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
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 interest-
ed 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

"Veterans Voices"
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
From: Dept. Hospital Chairman Merridy Lewis may be an interest you would like to share with a Veteran
Hospitalized Veteran‟s Writing Program on a volunteer basis. This is part of our history for genera-
(HVWP). This program helps veteran‟s get their poems tions yet to come we are losing World War 11 Veterans
and stories down on paper is one of the goals for our every day and we need to hear their stories. For more in-
volunteers. Volunteer aides help both with a one on one formation visit their website at www.veteransvoices.org.
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 veter-
an‟s 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.
It is important to submit the author‟s 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

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 10


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Hubbardston American Legion
Disable Veteran Hunting
From: Dan Heckman Adjutant-Hubbardston American
Legion
Located on Jones Rd. ½ 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, From: www.pentagonchannel.mil/
Doug Cusack and Wilson Dairy Farms properties. The Monthly News Program put out by the Department of
shack is 8 x 8, 2 feet off the ground. It‟s sporting a five- Veteran Affairs and posted through the Pentagon Chan-
foot deck with roof and it‟s insulated and heated. nel. We will be providing the link each month in this
A disabled veteran or person can drive to the newsletter.
shack and exit onto the 4 x 8 platform and ascend up the Also see page 13 for more information on the Pentagon
12-foot ramp. Channel.
The entire cost was accepted by the American
legion. Sons of the American Legion donated $200.00 Simply Click Here, or the image above to view.
for the cost, Triple C trucking donated the gravel for the
driveway and Cusack Masonry provided some material
and equipment. Freedom is never more than one generation
This opportunity is free, with no guarantee for away from extinction.
harvesting a deer. DNR rules & Laws Apply. 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

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
Available Hunting 6130 Nicholas
West Bloomfield, MI
Dates are as Follows rgoulet264@aol.com
100% Disabled Veterans Sept. 26-27
Special Disabled firearm hunt, 100% disability
Oct. 15-18 We would like to express our appreciation
Regular Bow season with a crossbow Oct. 1st-Nov. 14th to all of the fighting men and women
Regular firearm season Nov. 15th-Nov. 30th in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this country.
Appointments or scheduling, call Mid-Mich. Process
Serving at (989) 981-6979

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 11


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Hookin’ Up Heroes
A MILITARY VETERAN APPRECIATION EVENT
Motorcycle Charity Ride/Poker Run

Military Veteran Pro/Am Bass Tournament


Bass Tournament Weigh-In Ceremony

All proceeds donated to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI – Veteran’s Program)
AND
Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America

To Register as a Boater for this Event: All Participants ages 17 and older must have in
Contact Eric Smith @ possession an applicable valid Michigan Fishing
License and State Identification.
eric@bassinwitheric.com
Motor Vehicles must have a State Park Recreation
-or- Passport, Check “Yes” when renewing your plate.
call Eric at 616-318-9814

For Donations, Sponsorships and Up-to- Tournament Schedule:


9:00 am Registration Begins
Date Information: 10:00 am Launch
Contact Ron Monroe @ 3:00 pm Tournament Ends
monroer@michigan.gov 3:15 pm Weigh-In Begins
-or- 3:45 pm Prizes and Awards
231-590-2376 4:00 pm Coocheez hosting pig roast,
live music, raffles and more!

For Newaygo State Park Camping Reservations: 1-800-447-2757


Newaygo County Sportsmans Club may offer free camping to Vets and
Boaters. For more information call: Ron – 231-590-2376

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. 12


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Touchdown: B-2 stealth jets return after epic
11,500 mile journey to bomb Libyan aircraft
By: Richard Hartley-Parkinson, From: Gene Simons After the first wave of more than 110 Tomahawk
Pilots in the cockpit for a stamina-sapping 25 missiles launched from allied warships in the Mediterra-
hour mission, they dropped 45 satellite-guided bombs nean, they struck yesterday morning on "a variety of stra-
weighing 2,000lbs each. Six hero pilots return home safe tegic targets over Libya" according to the US Air Force.
and sound from a bombing mission to Libya which saw They dropped a total of 45 one-ton satellite guid-
them in the cockpit for an incredible 25 hours. ed missiles on Libyan aircraft shelters before making the
Three B-2 Spirit bombers, piloted by two men 5,709 mile journey back to the Missouri. The B2 stealth
each, made it back after the 11,418-mile round trip from bombers were first used in the Kosovo and Serbian war
the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri where they are and have been used more recently in Afghanistan.
kept in special climate controlled hangars to Libya where The long-range, heavy bomber capable of pene-
they hit targets on forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi and trating sophisticated and dense air-defense, and with one
back again. refueling, is able to fly to any point in the world within
At $2.1bn, they are the most expensive warplanes hours.
in the world and rarely leave their climate controlled The aircraft is famous for rather ominous-looking
hangars. But when it does, the B2 bomber makes a spec- bat-like silhouette: The leading edges of the wings are
tacularly effective start to a war - including during this angled at 33° and the trailing edge has a double-W shape.
weekend's aerial attack on Libya's air defenses. WHY It is manufactured at two Northrop Grumman facilities in
THE B-2 IS SO DEADLY Pico Rivera and Palmdale in California.
Cost: 2.1 billion, Range: 6,000 miles, Special features: The aircraft also are deadly and effective: An as-
radar absorbing skin to make it near-impossible to detect. sessment published by the USAF showed that two B2s
Can carry the GBU-37 'bunker buster' 5,000 pound bomb armed with precision weaponry can do the job of 75 con-
that can bore 20 to 30 ft through concrete, Capabilities: ventional aircraft.
Two B2s armed with precision weaponry can do the job That makes it a powerful weapon to strike targets
of 75 conventional aircraft. Can carry 16 2,000 lb satellite including bunkers, command centers, radars, airfields, air
guided bombs defenses.
Max speed: 630 mph at 40,000 ft, Cruise speed: 560mph The B2 can carry 16 2,000 pound (900 kilogram),
at 40,000 ft, Dimensions: 69ft long, 17ft high, 172ft satellite-guided bombs, including an earth penetrating
wingspan, Major drawback: Heat and moisture sensitive version It also is the only US warplane equipped to deliv-
skin that needs taping and curing after every mission and er the GBU-37 "bunker buster," a 5,000 pound (2,250 ki-
climate-controlled hangar lo) bomb with a hardened nose that can bore through 20 to
Its mission is to penetrate heavily defended ene- 30 feet of rock or reinforced concrete before detonating.
my territory and 'kick down the door' on the opening night Its bomb bays can carry eight GBU-37s, and it
of a conflict. One of its special features is its ability to also can carry 16 Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile
carry eight GBU-37 "bunker buster" bombs, weighing in (JASSM), which have been tested at ranges 180 miles
at 2.27 tons that are capable of boring 20 to 30 ft of rock from the target, or the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a
or reinforced concrete before detonating. glide bomb that releases cluster bombs.

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. 13


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
A major drawback, however, is the intensive
maintenance required by the B2s, whose heat and mois-
ture sensitive skin must be painstakingly taped and cured
after every mission. In previous conflicts, the mainte-
nance requirements kept the B2s tethered to their home
base at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
In Afghanistan, that meant 44-hour bombing
runs for their two-member crews, the longest air combat
missions in history. It also meant few B2 missions. But
Legal Help for Veterans
the air force has built special climate controlled shelters From: James G. Fausone
at bases on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia and Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firm
at Fairford, Gloucestershire, for B2s, which were built by located in Northville, Michigan. We have a national prac-
Northrop Grumman and first flew in 1989. tice representing veterans on veterans disability claims.
Staying awake for the 25 hour mission while This representation occurs at the United States Court of
being in control of bombs that weigh nearly a ton is a Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board of Veterans‟
difficult task and one that tests the mettle of the pilots Appeals and regional offices. We have helped veterans
that take part in such journeys. It isn't clear how the six collect over $10,000,000 in retro and future bene-
pilots on Operation Odyssey Dawn managed to stay fits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become a trusted
awake, but in the past they have used a fold-out bed name in the legal community for providing legal services
behind the seats at the controls. It is also possible that to veterans and lecturing at law schools, bar associa-
tions and community events.
they used auto-pilot for the majority of the journey but
used manual controls while bombing so that they could Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practice
keep concentrating on the task at hand. 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 administra-
tive backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills
A Note from Naomi Love developed over twenty years of practice and experi-
ence. We have represented thousands of veterans and
Donating Sky Miles to Veterans and Fisher currently have over 650 active clients.
House. Many of us have sky miles we will never For more information about the organization and
use. We just don't have enough for a flight and the about legal help for veterans and for contact information
miles just sit there until they expire. Donate those www.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter,
miles to our Military Veterans and their families. It is Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is
easy to do. 800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facing
Visit www.fisherhouse.org or go on-line to veterans and the VA.
check the account you have your miles with and find Typically our clients are enlisted men and wom-
the donate sky miles tab. This is such an easy way to en who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is still the
help a vet and their families. 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 see-
ing 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 unemployabil-
ity and the need for benefits. With a million claim back
log at VA, it is a slow and confusing process and
Please Support “Frontlines of many people need professional help establishing the
Freedom” Military Talk Radio proper diagnosis and service connection. That is what
Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem. Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC has been doing for
You can hear it every Saturday at clients for years.
1p.m. on 1260 AM the Pledge
(Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the
website at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com or for
Facebook click here.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 14


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Pershing’s Last Patriot
From: www.pershingslastpatriot.com
VA Backlog
From: Phil Smith
Many award-winning feature films have tried to As the Department of Veterans Affairs continues
bring the American twentieth century to life through to have an increase in claims coming in to all Regional
fictional stories. Forrest Gump walked us through the Offices, Detroit is not forgotten. The backlog of claims
twentieth century with his profound life; The Curious some over a year old, the appeals remain the same over a
Case of Benjamin Button used a characters life to enter- year old. There is no end in sight. A new Regional
tain us through American History from 2005 to World Director will be coming aboard in April he has already
War I, and The Notebook escorted us through a tale of came in to the Detroit Regional Office for short stay to
American history through a similar formula. These films look over things, he is experienced and hands on. Maybe
demonstrated a intense and blockbuster success and a a change is forthcoming.
powerful indicator for the public‟s level of interest in In the recent change of claims for Ischemic Heart
such stories. Disease (Coronary Artery Disease), Parkinson's and
But what if there was a true story of an Ameri- Leukemia B-cell (hairy cell carcinoma) and other carci-
can who actually accomplished these things and whose nomas. Those claims were as they say brokered out to
life is a parallel to the proven success of these films? other States to have a decision made. Some of these
The life of America‟s last World War I veteran, Frank claims go back with an effective date as far back as
Buckles, is the one story, the one survivor and the one 1985. Especially if they were denied in the past.
whose story needs to be shared. New conditions of those who were in Desert
Pershing’s Last Patriot: The Frank Woodruff Storm and current places if IRAQ which is the same loca-
Buckles Story is slated for release in 2011. In this unique tion Desert Storm conditions are being granted. While we
and insightful documentary film, we will travel with always speak of the veteran, sometimes and in most occa-
Frank to reflect on his early life in rural Missouri and sions we simply forget about the Surviving Spouse and
Oklahoma. Frank will share his experiences as he enlist- Children, they may be entitled as well, for either Service
ed and served our nation in “The War to End All Wars”. Connected death benefits, or Non-Service Death Pension,
We will experience his life in a Japanese prisoner of war especially if they are Wartime Era a Surviving Spouse
camp, and relive his amazing rescue from death. Finally, maybe entitled to Benefits, but they must or should seek
we will see how Frank‟s life has changed over the them out.
decades, and his rise to fame as America‟s last witness It remains a mystery, why the Department of
to the First World War and so many other world events. Veterans Affairs and the State remain not to publicize
what the entitlements are for Veterans or the Surviving
Spouses, either in the local newspapers or televi-
sion. Only on the intranet does anything in most cases
come out.

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
issues…and 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 Orle-
ans LA), KIXW (960-AM, Apple Valley CA) and
KMRC (1430-AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our
Photo from: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America flag, Webcast and archives at: www.veteransradio.net.
Please visit: www.forgottenheroesusa.com/

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 15


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?---
To attend the Brain Injury Association of Michigan Veterans Program’s

“2011 tips-up for the troops”


Brain Injury Awareness Family & Friends Event
Kensington Metropark, Brighton, Michigan -
Saturday, June 11th, 2011
The nationally acclaimed, 5th Annual Legal Help for Veteran‟s “Tips-Up for the Troops” Bass Tournament
and Brain Injury Awareness Family and Friends event is a blending of the best from the past BIAMI “LAPS Walk”
events and the “Tips-Up for the Troops” Veterans events. This much larger and hopefully more exciting event will
feature a Family style reunion for all of our friends and families of Veterans and Brain Injury survivors. This event
provides us the opportunity to gather and say “Thank you” to some Michigan Veterans and 1st Responders who serve
us and to learn more about TBI.
Please join us in a day of celebration with food, fun, entertainment, and games. Proceeds will go to benefit the
Brain Injury Association of Michigan Veterans and other programs for “Creating a Better Future through
Education, Advocacy, Research, Support and Prevention”.
Once again, the Legal Help for Veteran‟s “Tips-Up” Bass Tournament for our Veterans will be just one part of
a much larger joint civilian and military family reunion style event. While the Troops and their Pro teammates are
“Tackling” the big bass, everyone else will be enjoying the entertainment, Family fun walk, Classic Car Show,
Midway displays, Farm Center and Nature Center “Tours”, Rides on the River Queen II boat, hay rides, swimming,
canoeing, and the many other family oriented activities. So please plan on brining the whole gang.

Registered individuals will be eligible for:


Free “All-American” family style B-B-Q starting at 11:00 a.m.
Free events start at 9:00 a.m. and go all day long: Canoeing; Hay Rides, River Queen boat rides, Classic Car
Show, Midway displays, Family “Fun Walks”; Swimming; Bike Rides & Roller Blade - bring your skates,
bikes, helmets and safety equipment (required); Nature and Farm Center tours; and more.
Free Tournament “Weigh-in Show” and entertainment.

Public Welcome to FREE Weigh-in and Entertainment Shows


The day‟s schedule is loosely structured in order to accommodate everyone participating in as many events as
possible. Please indicate activities in which you or your family members would like to participate. It‟s a wonderful
opportunity to relax and socialize with new and old friends and family while enjoying the beauty of one of Michigan‟s
premiere park complexes.

From More information or to Register call “Rick” at the Brain Injury


Association of Michigan at: (810) 229-5880.

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. 16


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Protecting the Mental Health of the Force

May 1, 2011-By: Elizabeth M. Collins going to behavioral health, but Porter believes those pla-
From: www.army.mil toon- and company-level leaders are acting out a misguid-
Soldiers take care of Soldiers. Period. ed attempt to protect their Soldiers. That's not the message
It doesn't matter whether it's a commander or non- Army leaders want them to receive, however; they want
commissioned officer keeping an eye on a young special- to erase any stigma and eliminate even the best-
ist, or two battle buddies watching out for each other. It intentioned obstacles to care.
doesn't matter if it's carrying a wounded comrade off a Some senior leaders have themselves come for-
battlefield, or making sure a traumatized warrior gets the ward after receiving behavioral health treatment. Maj.
help he or she needs. Gen. David Blackledge, the assistant deputy chief of staff,
And that means that, "suicide prevention fits into G-3/5/7, for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, has under-
what they do every day," said Col. Rebecca Porter, a clin- gone treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. He start-
ical psychologist and chief of the Behavioral Health Divi- ed experiencing flashbacks and nightmares after he was
sion at the Office of the Surgeon General, especially be- injured during two deployments to Iraq. Porter said Black-
cause research shows that the earlier someone gets help, ledge came forward to show young Soldiers they had
the better his or her chances of healing. nothing to fear.
The Army suicide rate-despite programs and "I think that's what's really encouraging...that the
training in place and senior leader' efforts to reduce the leadership...has taken this on as a responsibility for look-
stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care-has ing out for Soldiers, and returning to what Vice Chief of
left many officials scratching their heads and asking, Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli's task force re-
"Why?" port refers to as 'the art of garrison leadership,'" Porter
Porter believes that when the Centers for Disease said.
Control and Prevention next releases the national suicide While she and other doctors mostly see cases of
statistics, those numbers will show an increase in suicides depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders like
across America, not just the Army. (2010 active-duty sui- PTSD in veterans, Porter said that all Soldiers should ex-
cides actually dropped for the first time in several years to pect some changes following a deployment. Individuals
156, down from 162 in 2009. However, reserve- can experience symptoms including difficulty sleeping,
component suicides almost doubled from 80 to 145.) De- discomfort with crowds and hyper vigilance of their sur-
spite the availability of programs and training, and tireless roundings-all traits that help Soldiers stay alive in a war
efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking zone, and all normal reactions when readjusting to garri-
behavioral health care, the numbers indicate these aren't son or civilian life. Porter added that it's common for the-
just Army issues, but national ones. se symptoms to last anywhere from six months to two
Some young Soldiers have reported receiving years.
mixed signals from their junior leaders when it comes to

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.

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. 17


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate‟s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
If something doesn't feel right,
however, she said Soldiers shouldn't hesi-
tate to talk to someone-whether it's a pri-
mary care doctor, a chaplain or a behavior-
al health provider.
Sometimes they just need help
learning relaxation techniques or sugges-
tions to better manage stress, and early Great Source for all Military Health Related Questions.
intervention could keep their symptoms
from becoming full-blown disorders, Porter explained. health condition?" and, "Do you have any past or recent
For that reason, Soldiers should take their post- history of suicidal or homicidal thoughts, plans or at-
deployment health assessments and reassessments tempts?" helped behavioral health professionals identify
seriously and be honest about what they are which Soldiers shouldn't deploy and who they
experiencing. (For more information on the needed to closely monitor in theater.
PDHRA, see "Safe & sound from downrange" in They compared the study BCTs to three BCTs
the July 2010 issue of Soldiers at http:// that did not participate in the Pre-Deployment
www.army.mil/soldiers/archives/.) Mental Health Screening/Care Coordination Pro-
"It could just be that when you get back gram, and found that the Soldiers who received
you don't feel quite like you did before you left, additional screening had significantly lower rates
whether...you feel angry or irritable, if you have a of combat-operational stress reactions, treatment
hard time relaxing or a hard time sleeping or if for behavioral health diagnoses, duty restrictions,
you're just drinking more than you used to," Por- evacuation from theater, and suicidal thoughts
ter explained. "Those are all things that, if you're and feelings. (For more information, see http://
aware that it's impacting your day-to-day life-whether it's www.army.mil/-news/2011/01/18/50501-study-shows-
with your Family or work, or if you just have concerns additional-pre-deployment-screening-yields-benefits-to-
about it-then you should go and talk to somebody." soldiers/.)
To support Soldiers and their Families, the Army To help Soldiers at remote bases without immedi-
has increased the number of behavioral health providers ate access to a provider, the Army is also standardizing
by 67 percent since 2007 (to 3,800). Additionally, it is telebehavioral health and virtual behavioral health using
standardizing programs servicewide under the Compre- video teleconferences, Porter said, explaining that the
hensive Behavioral Health System of Care Northern and Pacific Medical Regions
so all Soldiers-active duty, Guard and Re- have been doing evaluations and psycho-
serve-will have the same experience. therapy remotely for several years. Some
The Army is also putting behav- younger Soldiers, who are used to interact-
ioral health providers closer to Soldiers, ing with their friends via the Internet, actu-
because, "If you see them at the dining ally prefer it, and the results are compara-
facility in a nonclinical setting, then when ble to face-to-face care, she added.
you do need them, you're willing to say, 'I Similarly, TRICARE offers 24-hour, short
know Doc Porter and I'm going to talk to -term counseling via the Internet and
her about this,'" said Porter. Part of that Skype through its Assistance Program, and
effort involves assigning active-duty be- servicemembers can confront their PTSD
havioral health professionals to brigade virtually in a 3-D video game-style format
combat teams, so Soldiers can get to know at the Department of Defense Virtual
them and they can keep an eye on Soldiers who need or PTSD Experience. A free smart phone application is even
are already receiving help. available to help servicemembers and their Families track
Army doctors recently published a study in the their mental health. (See http://www.army.mil/-
American Journal of Psychiatry in which they gave news/2011/02/01/51152-tricares-at-home-counseling-
10,678 Soldiers from three 3rd Infantry Division brigade program-reaches-nearly-3000-calls/ and http://
combat teams 15 extra behavioral health questions on www.army.mil/-news/2011/01/24/50751-dod-gives-ptsd-
their 2007 pre-deployment screenings. Questions like, help-second-life-in-virtual-reality/ for more information.)
"Are you currently taking any medications for a mental
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Once a Soldier begins seeing a behavioral health Family Behavioral Health Office at Joint Base Lewis-
provider, that practitioner will work with him or her to McCord, Wash., is looking at the best programs to help
decide the best course of treatment. That may be talk ther- them.
apy or a combination of talk and drug therapy. It may be The CFBHO will probably become the standard
at the provider's office, at a daily, intensive outpatient across the Army, according to Col. Rebecca Porter, chief
treatment program or at an inpatient program. Army of the Behavioral Health Division at the Office of the
doctors will refer Soldiers to civilian facilities when there Surgeon General.
aren't military or Department of Veterans Affairs "What we know about the way that children
programs nearby. respond to deployment is that to the extent that we can
"It really depends on how the Soldier is able to provide them (with) stability and decreased turbulence at
function at work and at home," Porter said. "We go for home during a deployment, they will do better," said
the least intrusive form of treatment that will still work Porter, who is also a clinical psychologist. "So I would
for the Soldier. We're not out there looking to hospitalize encourage the parent who's at home to reach out to their
all the Soldiers when it would be more appropriate and peers for support, to reach out to their behavioral health or
just as effective to work with them on an outpatient basis. primary care providers, or even their chaplains to help
"If Soldiers can be honest so that we can talk with stabilize how things are at home."
them and get an idea of what's going on, then they're more Reactions vary from child to child, and by age.
likely to have a good outcome. While young children might not be able to express their
Editor's note: Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown, feelings and may become more irritable or act out, Porter
formerly of the Army News Service, contributed to this said, older children and teens may become angry, with-
article. drawn or moody.
KIDS MAY NEED HELP TOO Parents should also watch out for any changes,
Deployments aren't only stressful for Soldiers. like falling grades, and notify teachers and school counse-
They can disrupt entire Families, and children especially lors when mom or dad deploys. If a school isn't outside a
may not know how to deal with the changes in their major installation with large units deploying, Porter
lives.Several recent studies have shown that children of explained that teachers might not even know about
deployed parents may be at higher risk for depression and changes at home.
may act out more than their peers, and the Child and

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 investiga-
tion 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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Michigan Air Guard Historical Association/127th
Wing 2011 Reunion and Golf Outing

Saturday, 6 August 2011


All proceeds benefit MAGHA
& the Selfridge 1:00 PM Shotgun Start
Military Air Museum
Best Ball Scramble Rules at
$80.00 per person
Selfridge ANG Base Golf Course
$25.00 per person for dinner only
INCLUDES:
18 Holes of golf and golf cart
(2 carts per team of 4)
• Four persons per team
• Hot dog/chips/soft drinks/beer on the course
• Door prizes
• Free range balls available at 11:00 a.m.
• Dinner & cash bar @ 6:00 pm
• 50/50 drawing: $2.00 per ticket or 6 for $10.00 Sign-Up Information
Reserve by 1 August 2011
-4 Person teams. Everybody is welcome
-Single registrations will be grouped into teams
-Tax-deductible hole sponsorships available
($100.00…max of 4 names on sign)
-Each sponsor gets one free 50/50 ticket and a one
stroke deduction for putting on their sponsored
hole
-Make checks payable to: MAGHA
-To reserve your space, or if you have any ques-
tions please Contact: Lt Col Lou Nigro-
Selfridge Military Air Museum
Phone: (586) 239-6768
27333 C Street, Bldg 1011
Selfridge ANG Base, MI 48045
127.wg.selfridgeairmuseum@ang.af.mil

For those of you unable to attend who still wish to donate to the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association
and/or the Selfridge Military Air Museum, please contact Lt Col Lou Nigro.
Your donations are tax deductible and very much appreciated.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Medal of Honor Receipt
Ed Freeman
Click Here to the see the video sent to us From Sam Cottle about Mr. Feeman.
It was well done and told the story well.

Bush Awards Medal of Honor


The medal's citation said Freeman also flew 14
separate rescue missions that successfully evacuated
to Vietnam Veteran approximately 30 seriously wounded soldiers. It said the
medal was for ``conspicuous acts of gallantry and intre-
By: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS pidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty.''
WASHINGTON (AP) July 16, 2001 -- A former More than 50 Medal of Honor recipients along
Army helicopter pilot who endured intense enemy fire to with members of the Joint Chiefs of staff and members of
fly 30 wounded soldiers to safety in Vietnam received the Freeman's family were present for the ceremony.
Medal of Honor from President Bush Monday, more than ``To be in the presence of one who has won the
35 years after surviving one of the fiercest battles of the medal of honor is a privilege,'' Bush said. ``To be in a
war. room with a group of over 50 is a moment none of us will
In a ceremony in the East Room of the White ever forget. We're in the presence of more than 50 of the
House, Bush awarded the medal to 73-year old Edward bravest men who have ever worn the uniform.''
W. Freeman of Boise, Idaho, fastening its light-blue Bush said that while Freeman initially won the
ribbon around his neck. Medal of Honor recipients are Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions, his command-
entitled to a salute from superior officers and Freeman got ing officer and other witnesses always believed he
his first one from the commander in chief. deserved an even higher honor.
"This moment is well deserved and it has been The president credited Sen. John McCain, R-
long in coming,'' Bush said. As Bush described it, on Nov. Ariz., himself a decorated Vietnam veteran, with persuad-
14, 1965, Freeman flew in support of an Army battalion in ing Congress to award the highest medal to Freeman.
the Ia Drang Valley. The unit was surrounded by enemy McCain, Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secre-
forces, almost out of ammunition and under fire described tary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other senior officials wit-
by one participant as the most intense he had ever seen. nessed the presentation.
"The survivors remembered the desperate fear of After his retirement from the Army, Freeman
almost certain death,'' Bush said. served as a pilot for the Interior Department, retiring for a
Although the helicopter landing zone was closed, Free- second time in 1991.
man flew his unarmed helicopter through enemy fire to
deliver water, ammunition and supplies, the president
said.

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Rep. Kurt Damrow
Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair
and Homeland Security Welcome to the Military and
Committee Testimony Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security
Committee Minutes Committee. The committee's regularly
No SubCommittees scheduled meeting time is Tuesday at
12:00 p.m. in room 308 of the House
Committee Members: Office Building in Lansing. I welcome citizens to contact
Kurt Damrow (R), Committee Chair, 84th District me or other committee members regarding bills or
Ray A. Franz (R), Majority Vice-Chair, 101st District proposals our committee is addressing. Individuals need-
Gail Haines (R), 43rd District ing special accommodations to participate in a committee
Sharon Tyler (R), 78th District meeting may contact my office to request the necessary
Mike Callton (R), 87th District assistance.
Dale W. Zorn (R), 56th 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

PTSD Coach is not intended to replace needed profession-


Mobile App: PTSD Coach al care. The questionnaire used in PTSD Coach, the PTSD
From: www.va.gov Checklist (PCL), is a reliable and valid self-report meas-
The PTSD Coach app can help you learn about and man- ure used across VA, DoD, and in the community, but it is
age symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. not intended to replace professional evaluation.
Features include: Providing you with facts and self-help skills based on
 Reliable information on PTSD and treatments that research.
work Privacy and Security
 Tools for screening and tracking your symptoms Any data created by the user of this app are only as secure
 Convenient, easy-to-use skills to help you handle as the phone/device itself. Use the security features on
stress symptoms your device if you are concerned about the privacy of
 Direct links to support and help Always with you your information. Users are free to share data, but as the
when you need it self-monitoring data belong to each user, HIPAA con-
iTunes free PTSD Coach download. cerns do not apply while the data is stored or shared. If the
Together with professional medical treatment, user were to transmit or share data with a health care pro-
PTSD Coach provides you dependable resources you can vider, the provider must then comply with HIPAA rules.
trust. If you have, or think you might have PTSD, this app Watch for other additions:
is for you. Family and friends can also learn from this PTSD Coach for Android coming late Spring 2011
app. PTSD Coach was created by the VA's National Cen- PTSD Family Coach (coming soon)
ter for PTSD and the DoD's National Center for Tele- Contact us for more information or with
health and Technology. comments: ncptsd@va.gov
NOTE: PTSD is a serious mental health condition that
often requires professional evaluation and treatment.

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National Veterans Foundation effects include loss of mapping skills, and delayed
reaction times. Veterans stricken with TBI face unemploy-
Launches WhatIsTBI.org and a New ment, divorce, depression and suicide at rates higher than
Hotline to Educate the Public About the non-Veterans with TBI.
TBI has affected 20% of the 1.5 million troops
Silent Epidemic of Traumatic Brain Injury who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. The injury has
Services offer resources against TBI, which affects led to between 30 and 50 percent of the fatalities of
nearly four million Veterans and civilians each year soldiers who have fought in Iraq.
From: LOS ANGELES, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ However, TBI is not limited to combat injuries, as
The National Veterans Foundation is proud to recreational activities lead to 3.8 million civilian cases
announce the launch ofWhatIsTBI.org, and their new each year. WhatIsTBI.org, and the hotline, (800) 366-
hotline, (800) 366-8823, to educate the military communi- 8823, offer information, screening tools, vital resources,
ty and the public about the catastrophic effects of Trau- diagnoses, treatment options and a newsletter distributing
matic Brain Injury (TBI). headlines and medical news about TBI.
The NVF has partnered with TBI expert National Veterans Foundation:
Dr. Chrisanne Gordon to create a comprehensive website The National Veterans Foundation is a Veterans
and hotline that offers information on TBI's symptoms and Service Organization that has served America's Veterans
lifelong medical and psychological effects. for over 25 years. Their experienced and trained staff has
Few conditions in medicine today are associated helped over 350,000 Veterans in crisis. NVF serves the
with more varying definitions or confusing inclusion crite- crisis management, information and referral needs of all
ria than TBI. U.S. Veterans and their families.
TBI is a brain injury stemming from an external Programs include the Lifeline for Vets™, the
force which leads to temporary or permanent impairments Street Team Outreach Program, Veteran Advocacy
in cognitive, behavioral, and physical functions, with Program, and Jobs for Vets.
outcomes ranging from complete recovery to permanent NVF's founder, Shad Meshad, is a Veteran and
disability or death. one of the country's most sought-after experts on Post-
Symptoms include headaches, photophobia, ring- Traumatic Stress Disorder.
ing in the ears, sleep disturbance and dizziness. Additional SOURCE National Veterans Foundation

Alaska Veterans Museum 50th Anniversary of The Vietnam War


From: RAO Bulletin May 2011 (Lt. James ―EMO From: Gene Simon
Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assis- The Vietnam war 50th anniversary
tance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio web page is up and running. It still
City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) is under construction but check it
238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philip- out anyway.
pines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/ http://www.vietnamwar50th.com
FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/
DD890/AD37 member)
The Alaska Veterans Museum has opened 20
APR in downtown Anchorage. Alaska has the highest
percentage of veterans of any state but was the only state
without a veterans museum. The new museum includes
donated and loaner items including old military uniforms
and letters, photos of soldiers and ship models. It is locat-
ed at 333 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 227Anchorage, AK
99501. Winter Hours (October 1st to April 30th) are
Wednesday - Sunday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Summer
Hours (May 1st to September 30th) are daily 10:00AM to Check out the New Military.com
9:00PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
For more information, visit the Alaska Veterans Museum We would like to express our appreciation to all of
website http://www.alaskaveterans.com. [Source: the fighting men and women in the United States
Mil.com | Benefits article 25 Apr 2011 ++] Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Memorial Day, originally called Decoration
Day, is a day of remembrance for those who
have died in our nation's service.
From: Eugene A. Simon, Command Chief Master Ser-
geant USAF (Retired) (http://www.usmemorialday.org/
backgrnd.html)
There are many stories as to its actual beginnings,
with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to be-
ing the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evi-
dence that organized women's groups in the South were
decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn
published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleep-
ing" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The
Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the
Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic
American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y.
was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by
President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to Flags at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Augusta, MI
prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely
that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas,
and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi;
honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis'
human need to honor our dead, each contributed honora- birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
bly to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Lo- In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina
gan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not im- Michael replied with her own poem: She then conceived
portant who was the very first, what is important is that of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor
Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not of those who died serving the nation during war. She was
about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about com- the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and
ing together to honor those who gave their all. co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the
May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of United States and learned of this new custom started by
the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artifi-
11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers cial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children
were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate sol- and widowed women. This tradition spread to other coun-
diers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to tries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League
officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France
By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and
The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly
dead on separate days until after World War I (when the before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first
holiday changed from honoring just those who died veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two
fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling arti-
fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every ficial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US
State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding
with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent
ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though postage stamp with her likeness on it.
several southern states have an additional separate day for

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States
Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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'Taps."
The Moment of Remem-
brance is a step in the right direction
to returning the meaning back to the
day. What is needed is a full return to
the original day of observance. Set
aside one day out of the year for the
nation to get together to remember,
reflect and honor those who have
given their all in service to their
country.
But what may be needed to
return the solemn, and even sacred,
spirit back to Memorial Day is for a
return to its traditional day of
observance. Many feel that when
Congress made the day into a three-
day weekend in with the National
From Arlington National Cemetery Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all
the easier for people to be distracted
Traditional observance of Memorial day has from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stat-
diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays ed in its 2002 Memorial Day address: "Changing the
have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial date merely to create three-day weekends has under-
Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are mined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has
increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant
remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While observance of Memorial Day."
there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced
parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the tra-
people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and ditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May
not just those fallen in service to our country. 30th instead of "the last Monday in May". On April 19,
There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 1999 Representative Gibbons introduced the bill to the
50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 House (H.R. 1474). The bills were referred the Committee
soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American on the Judiciary and the Committee on Government
flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Reform.
Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a
day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains From Arlington National Cemetery
standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St.
Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jeffer-
son Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn,
a practice that continues to this day. More recently, begin-
ning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for
Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a
candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of sol-
diers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National
Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Pro-
gram). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first
Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.
To help re-educate and remind Americans of the
true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of
Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which
asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To
voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a
Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from what-
ever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to

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Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US
-The DAV

Staff & Contributors Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs


Coordinator- Matthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org)
Writers-Larry Harr Msgt USAF Retired Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG
Denny Gillem Lt. Col., US Army, Retired (Just Click the Link Below)
Claude McManus Command Master Chief I Fought For You
(Surface Warfare), USN, Retired
Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army Veteran
Sherry Swann-Secretary of Fort Custer Advisory
Committee and Event Coordinator
Sam Cottle-Michigan State Captain Patriot
Guard Riders STEP UP AND LEAD
Sandra Eggers-Family Service Counselor From: The USO
Oakland Hills Memorial Park In 2011, we're calling
Gary Lillie, MCB3, Chu Lai, RVN '66 on the brave men and women
Phil Smith-Director/Chief Vietnam Veterans of of our armed forces to make
America, Veterans Benefits and some incredible sacrifices in
Rehabilitation, State Council of MI Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote
Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief locations around the world.
Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) That means you and I need to
John Arend, SGT, USMC make an extra effort to show our support.
John Nagle, USAAF One of the best ways to let our troops know
Maureen VanHooser, Navy (SeaBee) Veteran that you've got their back is by supporting the work of
Mom and wife. the USO. Step Up and Lead -- support our troops
Don Alsbro, COL, US Army (ret), President of by signing up to be part of the USO today.
Lest We Forget
Noami Love
Becky Bruin-Slot We would like to express our appreciation to all of
Publisher- Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG the fighting men and women in the United States
Thank you to everyone for your support! Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

In Closing
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 If you don‟t want to receive these emails or wish to be removed
from the list please reply “remove” to mhauser@migop.org.

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