VETERANS WERE FIRST TO LAND ON THE MOON NORMANDY: 75 YEARS AGO THE FIRST STEP IN LIBERATING EUROPE

U.S. TROOPS TRAIN IN POLAND

WWII VETS USED GI BILL TO TRANSFORM AMERICA

VETERANS WERE FIRST TO LAND ON THE MOON NORMANDY: 75 YEARS AGO THE FIRST STEP IN LIBERATING EUROPE

U.S. TROOPS TRAIN IN POLAND

WWII VETS USED GI BILL TO TRANSFORM AMERICA JUNE/JULY 2019 Vol. 106 No. 9 COVER PHOTO: U.S. troops disembark VETERANS LAND ON THE MOON from a Coast Guard landing barge onto 24 The astronauts who crewed the historic Apollo 11 fl ight 50 years ago this the beaches of Normandy on June 23, July were all military veterans. Their training and combat experiences as 1944. Three days later, they helped capture Navy and Air Force pilots proved vital in successfully landing two on the the Cherbourg Peninsula, one of the fi rst moon and bringing them all home safely. BY JIM SERVI objectives of Operation Overlord. (Photo by Time Life Pictures/U.S. Coast Guard/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images) GI BILL BORN 75 YEARS AGO ON THE COVER At the urging of a future VFW Command- 14 Normandy er-in-Chief in 1944, a U.S. representative 24 Moon Landing made a frantic trip back to Capitol Hill to 30 GI Bill Anniversary cast the deciding vote for what would be- 32 Visit to Poland come known as the landmark GI Bill. The law would go on to transform the nation IN THIS ISSUE in the second half of the 20th century. 36 Bataan Memorial March BY KARI WILLIAMS 2630 38 SVA 40 NVS Service Offi cer VFW CHIEF IN POLAND 42 Convention in Orlando 44 VOD/Patriot’s Pen VFW’s Commander-in-Chief visited active-duty troops in February to get a IN EVERY ISSUE ground-level view of their deployment to 2 Command Post Poland. The country could be the site of a 4 Mail Call new permanent U.S. base. 6 Now Hear This BY DAVE SPIVA 8 Issues Up Front 10 Washington Wire 32 46 Better Health 48 Member Corner RECALLING BATAAN’S 50 Member Benefi ts DEATH MARCH 54 Reunions A VFW-supported event in New Mexico pays tribute to those who endured WWII’s hellish Bataan Death March. This year’s hike saw a record number of participants. BY KARI WILLIAMS 36

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL VERSION AT WWW.VFWMAGAZINE.ORG NEW! NOW ON FACEBOOK NEED HELP? VETERANS CRISIS LINE: 1-800-273-8255

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 1 COMMAND POST FROM THE CHIEF Thank You, VFW Recruiters e did it. We accomplished a major goal we set VFW magazine is the offi cial publication of the one year ago, and it was a team effort. This year, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS VFW reached 100 percent membership as an OF THE UNITED STATES organization for the fi rst time since 1992! STAFF W PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF And we’re not done yet. The offi cial end of our membership Tim Dyhouse year is June 30. We need everyone to continue their efforts on membership promotion, recruitment and retention. SENIOR EDITOR Janie Dyhouse An achievement like this takes a concerted effort at all VFW ASSOCIATE EDITOR levels. From individual Post members signing up eligible vet- Kari Williams erans one-by-one to large recruiting events coordinated and SENIOR WRITER COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF hosted by our national Membership department, VFW members Dave Spiva B.J. Lawrence accepted the challenge and made it happen. ART DIRECTOR The Department of Montana was the fi rst state to hit 100 Lauren Goldman percent back in January. By mid-April, 13 Departments — led by ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT two of our largest, California and Texas — had achieved the goal. Tina Clark I’m confi dent that all VFW ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Departments will be at 100 GLM Communications, Inc. It’s hard to overstate how important this percent by the end of June. Jacqueline Tobin, Vice President, Digital/Print Media 500 1st Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 To make sure we kept (212) 929-1300 FAX 212-929-9574 achievement is. It demonstrates to potential pace, I challenged the Email: [email protected] employees in our national EDITORIAL OFFICE Address all communications for publication to: members that VFW is a vibrant, growing Membership department The Editor, VFW Magazine with an internal goal of 406 W. 34th St., Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111 organization. It tells Congress that it needs hitting 97 percent by April (816) 756-3390; www.vfw.org; [email protected] VFW magazine is protected through trademark reg is tra- 1. They actually beat that tion in the United States and in the foreign countries where to pay more attention to our requests. And, with a mark of 98 percent. VFW magazine circulates. VFW magazine (ISSN 0161-8598) is published 10 times a year by Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 They have done an out- West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Non-profi t standard most importantly, it gives us more resources standing job this year moti- class postage paid at Oklahoma City, Okla., and additional vating recruiters, offering mailing offi ces. to help veterans and their families. helpful advice and materi- Publications Agreement No. 1476947 als and traveling around Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading material. the country to attend and Contact: [email protected].

host events that offered large numbers of eligible veterans. Their SUBMISSIONS hard work is inspiring and it has paid off. Unsolicited manu scripts and pho to graphs must be ac com pa- It’s hard to overstate how important this achievement is. nied by return postage and no re spon si bil i ty is assumed for safe han dling. Poetry submissions not accepted. VFW mag a zine is It demonstrates to potential members that VFW is a vibrant, available in microfi lm from NA Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 998, growing organization. It tells Congress that it needs to pay more Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. Payment of membership dues includes $1.98 for a year’s subscription to VFW magazine. attention to our requests. And, most importantly, it gives us more CHANGE OF ADDRESS/DECEASED MEMBER resources to help veterans and their families. [email protected] 1-833-839-8387 VFW must have a large, active and motivated membership to Forward address changes to: Member Service Center, VFW, carry out our mission to the best of our ability. Proving that our 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. membership is growing helps build momentum. Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, when requesting change to new address. To ensure Sustaining that success is crucial. We will start the 2019-20 accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address program year with more than 1.2 million members. But regard- as printed on a recent copy of VFW magazine. less of our fi nal tally on June 30, hitting 100 percent next year is NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTIONS going to take another year of hard work. U.S. and its possessions, $15 per year, $1.50 per copy. For subscription in other countries, $20 per year. I’m confi dent that Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Doc Make checks payable to VFW Magazine and send to: Schmitz is up to the challenge. Give him and his team the same Member Service Center, 406 W. 34th St., KC, MO 64111. support you gave me. VFW OBJECTIVES To ensure national security Pat yourselves on the back, recruiters. You not only through maximum military strength. reversed a 27-year decline in membership, you actually added To speed the rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans. members. So take a deep breath, refl ect on your hard work To assist the widows and orphans and the de pen dents of disabled and needy veterans. and realize what it took to achieve this historic goal. I am so To promote Americanism through education in pa tri- proud of our organization, and you should be proud, too. You o tism and constructive service to the communities in which we live. earned it! Copyright 2019 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Afterward, we have to get back to work. MEMBER ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA

2 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

MAIL CALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MONTAGNARDS REBUILD THEIR LIVES IN NORTH CAROLINA Congress Could we are going to have to get off our duffs True and criticize where criticism is due. Pat Tillman’s Legacy American Tax Benefi ts CHARLES BUSBEY Regarding the last two sentences in DRIPPING SPRINGS, TEXAS ‘BIG 6’ Hero UNITE IN paragraph four, just because a veteran is WASHINGTON

VFW POST IS FIRST I read your article in priority group 7 or 8 does not neces- ‘REMOTE’ ‘Legacy Groups’ VA SITE and do not dis- sarily mean they have a high income. agree. But a Silver I’m a priority group 7 or 8 veteran, and I It was great to see the story of the “Big Star for [Pat wish my income was high. 6” getting together. I have been a mem- Tillman’s] “potential” to be JIMMY WHITE ber of all but the PVA since my retire- an outstanding soldier is not war- WADENA, MINN. ment from the USAF in 1989. The more ranted. I served with the Marines in members you have, the greater clout Vietnam and found all of my fellow We as Americans should be taking you have in the government’s eyes. I Marines outstanding. Not one of care of our veterans, not using them to hope the “Big 6” can continue to work them was even awarded a Bronze cut the defi cit. together for the benefi t of all veterans. Star for gallantry in combat. MICHAEL CHAMBERLAIN MAURICE REAGAN C.T. LEMKE MERCER, WIS. LEBANON, MO. OAK PARK, MICH. What gall some of our elected offi cials Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and I want to thank you for highlight- in Washington, D.C., have! Thank good- Afghanistan Veterans of America and ing the heroic example of Cpl. Pat ness VFW and other veterans rights Team Red White and Blue all have more Tillman. The article falsely states “the organizations are there to fi ght for us members than at least two, if not three, medal recognized Tillman’s ‘poten- vets. Some of our elected offi cials are of these organizations. WWP and IAVA tial’ to be a standout soldier.” This veterans themselves, and I hope they have some legislative chops and prob- statement is in regard to his posthu- will not stand for this nonsense. ably agree with many of the goals listed. mous promotion to corporal and not JAMES NEEDLES JEREMY BREWER his award for valor in combat. OLYMPIA, WASH. BELLE CHASSE, LA. JAMES LECHNER COLUMBIA, S.C. Every veteran in this country should Montagnards be appalled by what Congress is trying He, like thousands of other vet- to do in regards to veterans compensa- in North Carolina erans, left a high paying job to serve tion benefi ts. We are looked down on by [The Montagnards] hold a special place their country. Unfortunately, he, like people in Washington, D.C., like we are in my heart. If we came into a village thousands of other veterans, never freeloaders. They always look for ways and they said it was safe, we could put came home. But to call him a true to take from us and give to themselves. down our guns. Save the Montagnard American hero? Why? I admire the JAMES DAUGHARTY People has been trying to help our legacy named in his honor, but then CEDAR LAKE, IND. friends get settled and to bring more again, other veterans, those who from Vietnam where they are hated and came home and those who didn’t, Hopefully the VFW will keep a close regularly mistreated and murdered. have legacies also. Why not an arti- watch on any proposed changes to Title STMP would be glad to accept help cle about them? Is it because they 38, preservation of benefi ts. Maybe all of from anyone interested. didn’t work for the NFL? This is why the past presidents could give up their JOHN JONASCH VFW’s membership is decreasing. pensions and live on Social Security. ALTON, N.H. You’re out of touch. Let’s quit having the wolves guard the DENNIS KEARNEY hen house. I was there when the fi rst group of SACRAMENTO, CALIF. JONATHAN MYERS Montagnards arrived at LAX on Nov. 23, ELKTON, FLA. 1986. They brightened right up when they saw my green beret when they walked off Balangiga Bells This article doesn’t address some sug- the plane. It was indeed an honor to wel- Great job! One of the best I have seen put gestions by the VFW to address budget come each one. Some kissed the tarmac out in years — fair, truthful and unbiased. defi cits. I realize that for a number of knowing that at last they were free. JEAN WALL reasons the VFW strives to maintain its PETE LAURENCE SUN LAKES, ARIZ. political neutrality, but sooner or later, CLAYTON, CALIF.

“Mail Call” features letters from our readers in nine issues per year. If you have questions, comments or concerns about any subject or article from our most recent issue, letters can be emailed to [email protected], with the subject line, “Mail Call,” or mailed to: VFW magazine, Mail Call, 406 W. 34th Street, Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111. Letters must be no more than 200 words, and VFW magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and accuracy.

4 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

NOW HEAR THIS NEWS YOU CAN USE Trump Presents Medal of Honor to Iraq War Veteran’s Family U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SPC. JAMES HARVEY An Iraq War veteran whose quick and approached one of the selfless action saved the lives of three men to conduct a search. fellow soldiers received a posthumous A physical struggle ensued Medal of Honor from President Donald between Atkins and the Trump on March 27 at the White man, who was hiding a sui- House. The 22-year-old son of Staff Sgt. cide vest under his clothes. Travis Atkins accepted the award on his When the terrorist father’s behalf. attempted to detonate the “Everything that you have said to me device, “Atkins immediate- over the last few days has meant the ly wrapped him in a bear world to me,” Trevor Oliver told some hug and threw him to the 50 former and active-duty troops who ground, away from his served with Atkins and attended the fellow soldiers,” according White House ceremony. to his MOH citation. The son (far left) of Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins accepts his father’s “Dad always had the funniest stories “With Staff Sgt. Atkins on posthumous Medal of Honor on March 27 at the White House. about you guys. I feel so close to you and top of him, the insurgent Atkins saved the lives of three soldiers when he tackled a would-be to him with every story I hear.” detonated a bomb strapped suicide bomber on June 1, 2007, in Iraq. Atkins was a squad leader with D Co., to his body, killing Staff 2nd Bn., 14th Inf., 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Sgt. Atkins.” the White House ceremony, at which Div., on June 1, 2007. His team was The citation also noted that the action President Trump praised Atkins’ quick manning an observation post that day in taken by the recipient of the nation’s reaction and disregard for his own life. the town of Abu Samak, Iraq, about 190 highest award for valor “saved the lives “In his final moments on Earth, miles northwest of Baghdad. of the three other soldiers who were Travis did not run,” Trump said. “He When four suspicious individuals with him.” did not hesitate. He laid down his life crossed a nearby intersection, Atkins All three of those men attended for his fellow soldiers.” WWII Carrier Wreck Found Army Best Prepared for Civilian Life A research team A survey of active-duty troops last year showed that those that specializes in in the Army feel most confident about their chances of locating wrecks of successfully transitioning into the civilian world. The famous U.S. war- online poll was conducted in fall 2018 in a joint collabo- ships announced ration between the Military Times and the Institute for in March that it Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. had discovered A total of 829 troops responded to questions about chal- the USS Wasp NAVY U.S. OF COURTESY PHOTO lenges they might face in the areas of family integration, (CV-7) in January. benefits, education and health care. When asked if they Researchers from felt they were fully prepared for civilian life if they were to the RV Petrel found the remnants of the WWII-era aircraft in separate from the military immediately, those in the Army January some 14,000 feet below the surface of the Coral Sea. were most confident. The Wasp was badly damaged when hit by three Japanese Some 74 percent of soldiers agreed that they were torpedoes on Sept. 15, 1942, while it was supporting U.S. ready. Sailors were next at 66 percent, followed by 64 per- troops fighting on Guadalcanal. The crew of the destroyer cent of airmen and 59 percent of Marines. USS Lansdowne helped rescue 1,798 enlisted sailors and 171 Female troops felt more confident than their male coun- officers of the stricken craft and then scuttled theWasp . A terparts. Overall, respondents believed they were best pre- total of 167 sailors and 26 officers were killed on the Wasp pared for education and least prepared for health care. during the Japanese attack. ARE YOU PREPARED TO BE A CIVILIAN? Since 2015, the crew of the Petrel, owned and operated by The following shows the percentage of active-duty troops from four of the the estate of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, has located the military services who believed they were ready for the challenges of civil- wrecks of seven U.S. WWII-era warships, such as the USS ian life. Source: Military Times Indianapolis and USS Lexington. ARMY ABOVE: Sailors aboard the USS Wasp (CV-7) furiously battle intense flames 74% NAVY AIR FORCE after their ship was hit by three Japanese torpedoes on Sept. 15, 1942, in 66% 64% MARINE the Coral Sea. The carrier, which was scuttled after the attack, was found in CORPS January some 14,000 feet below the surface. 59%

6 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 Discover the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system is an FDA-approved continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that lets you accurately1 check your glucose with a painless2 one-second scan instead of a fingerstick.*

AskAsk youryour ddoctoroctor ttoo wwriterite a pprescriptionrescription forfor thethe FreeStyleFreeStyle LLibreibre 1144 ddayay ssystem.ystem. LearnLearn moremore atat FFreeStyleLibre.usreeStyleLibre.us

* Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose. REFERENCES: 1. FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual. 2. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. Indications and Important Safety Information The FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 18 and older. It is designed to replace blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions. The System detects trends and tracks patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments. Interpretation of the System readings should be based on the glucose trends and several sequential readings over time. The System is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment. WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott toll-free 855-632-8658 or visit www.FreeStyleLibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information. For full indications for use and safety information, visit https://www.FreeStyleLibre.us/safety-information.html. FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2019 Abbott. ADC-12588 v1.0 03/19 ISSUES UP FRONT CURRENT VETERANS CONCERNS VA Outperforms Private Hospitals Researchers found that VA medical centers provide better health care and quicker access than private health care facilities. BY DAVE SPIVA “Our findings suggest that, despite some recent negative reports, the VA wo recently published studies Health Administration Hospitals generally provides truly excellent care,” show that VA care is overall Outperform Non–Veterans Health Weeks said. “If that is the case, out- better than private health Administration Hospitals in Most Health sourcing VA care to non-VA settings Tcare alternatives. Researchers Care Markets, found that VA hospitals solely for patient convenience should found that VA hospitals, on average, were likely to provide the best care in a be reconsidered.” were more likely to provide better care local health care market and rarely pro- Gallucci said that the privatization of and shorter wait times in local markets. vided the worst care. VA is “unrealistic” and doesn’t reflect A study published in the Annals of Researchers from Dartmouth College the marketplace that veterans would be Internal Medicine in December took in Hanover, N.H., conducted the study thrust into. on the subject of health care quality at at 121 regional health care markets “There seems to be some misconcep- VA. Researchers of the study, Veterans with a VA medical center and a private tion that by allowing VA to send some veterans to private doctors that private VA hospitals are likely to provide doctors will be lining up for the oppor- the best health care option in tunity,” Gallucci said. “The reality is most local markets, according to that many doctors only engage with a study published in the Annals government-provided health insurance of Internal Medicine. programs on a limited basis. The myth of privatization of VA health care is that VA hospitals are not doing a good enough job, so doctors in the commu- nity can do everything.” Another study, published in January by the Journal of the American Medical Association, found wait times for VA appointments were shorter than the VA PHOTO private sector. VFW’S 2018 VA CARE SURVEY The article, Comparison of Wait Times Last year, VFW polled 7,000 veterans to evaluate for New Patients Between the Private the veterans’ health care landscape. The results Sector and United States Department of show that many veterans were happy with the alternative. They measured 15 different Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, found care provided at VA facilities. Here are some patient outcomes that were reported at that, on average, wait times in 2014 at VA highlights from the survey: VA and non-VA facilities using data from were more than 22 days, while wait times • 87 percent of veterans who use VA care the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare at private practices were more than 18 would recommend it to their fellow Studies. Measured were 30-day risk- days. In 2017, however, wait times at VA veterans. adjusted mortality rates for four diseases: facilities had gone down to about 17 days • 80 percent of total respondents recom- acute myocardial infarction, COPD, heart while private practices had gone up to mend care to their fellow veterans. failure and pneumonia. almost 30 days. • 72 percent of service-connected veterans VFW National Veterans Service “While the reported wait times are are satisfied with their VA health care Director Ryan Gallucci said the study’s shorter many times at VA than private experience. findings doesn’t “surprise” VFW. hospitals, we know from discussions • 64 percent have seen improvements at “The findings are in line with what we’ve had with the VA and experiences VA or that no improvements are needed. members have told us in VFW surveys that our members report to us that it’s • 61 percent of veterans who report they conducted since 2014,” Gallucci said. still not where it could be to provide are VA and Medicare/Medicaid eligible The study’s authors — Dartmouth timely access to care for every veteran prefer to receive care from VA. Institute Professor William Weeks who needs it,” Gallucci said. “Places • 59 percent were offered community care and Alan West from the White River where you see problems with access to and choose to stay with VA. Junction VA Medical Center — noted health care at VA are also the places that • 52 percent of veterans who report they that patient outcomes at VA hospitals have problems with access to care in the are VA eligible and have private insur- are at least as good as those in the pri- private sector.” J ance prefer to receive care from VA. vate sector. EMAIL [email protected]

8 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 êêêê Retro-style “Cool, hip, stylish and chronograph very retro. Very pleased with precision with this watch.” accuracy — Ernie, Los Angeles, CA ONLY êêêê $99! “One of my all time favorite Stauer timepieces!” — John, Spring, TX

EXCLUSIVE FREE Stauer Flyboy Optics® Sunglasses -a $99 value- with purchase of the Co-Pilot Watch

Time Flies The Co-Pilot Watch recalls an era of unforgettable aerial bravery for a most memorable price. oaring over English skies in 1940, Royal Air Force pilots “See a man with a functional chronograph watch on his wrist, Sknew they were all that stood between the British people and it communicates a spirit of precision.” — AskMen.com® below and the impending Nazi invasion. Day after day, these brave men took their Hurricanes and Spitfires to the air, relying If it fails to impress, send it back within 30 days for a refund on nothing and no one but their instruments and each other, to of your purchase price. But, we’re confident this ace will engage the invaders, defend their countrymen, and change the accomplish its mission. course of history by handing Hitler his first defeat of World War Limited Reserves. A watch of this caliber takes over six months II. “Never, in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by to create. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the heroic pilots so many to so few,” said Winston Churchill. of World War II with a top performance timepiece. Call today! The Co-Pilot Men’s Watch is inspired by what was accomplished in the Battle of Britain. We studied classic aviator timepieces to TAKE 75% OFF INSTANTLY! match the vintage design and then gave it a 1940s price. Our When you use your OFFER CODE watchmakers updated the movement for the 21st century, making Co-Pilot Men’s Watch $399† it even more accurate than the originals. It features markings to Offer Code Price $99 + S&P Save $300 calculate velocity, and a stylish sepia-toned dial carrying three classic complications: 24-hour at 3 o’clock and chronograph You must use the offer code to get our special price. 60-minute at 9 o’clock. A vintage-style distressed brown leather strap recalls the battle-worn bomber jackets of the 1940s. 1-800-333-2045 Rating of A+ Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed. Take the Co-Pilot for a test Your Offer Code: CPW157-01 flight and receive the Stauer Flyboy Optics® Sunglasses FREE! Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

• Precision crystal movement • Stainless steel case, caseback & crown • Chronograph minute dial • 24-hour dial • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Distressed leather brown band fits wrists 6 ¼" to 8¼"

¨ 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CPW157-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com Stauer † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.® WASHINGTON WIRE: CAPITOL HILL BRIEFS BY DAVE SPIVA

VA Ends Vietnam all such ships are fully accounted for in THREE ILLNESSES CONSIDERED the VA’s list of exposed ships.” FOR AGENT ORANGE LIST The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Blue Water Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., More diseases associated with Agent Orange Legal Battle sided with Vietnam War Navy veteran exposure could be added to the VA presump- Alfred Procopio Jr. The life mem- ti ve diseases list soon. During Congressional testi mony in March, VA could soon grant the Vietnam War’s ber of VFW Post 6587 in Spring Lake so-called “blue water” veterans disabil- Richard Stone, executi ve in charge of the Park, Minn., was assigned to the USS Veterans Health Administrati on, said a deci- ity benefi ts for having diseases linked Intrepid in 1966. The aircraft carrier sion on three illnesses potenti ally connected to Agent Orange after years of denying was inside Vietnam’s territorial waters, to Agent Orange exposure are likely to be service-connected disability claims. and Procopio claims he handled Agent announced in the next few months. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie told Orange aboard the ship. VA denied The 14 presumpti ve diseases on the list are: • Chronic B-cell Leukemia Congress in March that his department Procopio’s disability benefi ts when • Hodgkin’s Disease will not contest a January federal court he claimed that his exposure to Agent ruling that VA can no longer deny disabil- • Multi ple Myeloma Orange caused diabetes and prostate • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma ity benefi ts to blue water Navy veterans cancer, according to case documents. • Prostate Cancer who claim exposure to Agent Orange “We need to get this done to rein- • Respiratory Cancers caused their illnesses. As of press time, force to tens of thousands of Vietnam • Soft Tissue Sarcomas the Department of Justice had until April veterans that our nation is willing to • AL Amyloidosis 29 to appeal the case. • Chloracne provide them the care and benefi ts they • Diabetes Mellitus Type “The VFW salutes Secretary Wilkie have earned and deserve,” Lawrence for his support to move forward and • Ischemic Heart Disease said. “We urge Congress to pass H.R. • Parkinson’s Disease take care of this group of forgot- 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam • Peripheral Neuropathy ten Vietnam veterans,” said VFW Veterans Act of 2019. • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence. Blue water Vietnam War veter- “It took this country far too long to come “We also support his recommenda- ans who received notice of action on to terms with Agent Orange,” Brown said. tion that some type of historical Stone said the recommendati on will go to their claims should contact a VFW- VA Secretary Robert Wilkie for fi nal approval. research division be created within the accredited service offi cer. Find one at Department of the Navy to ensure that https://www.vfw.org/nvs. VFW Members Introduce Gold Star Spouse Protection Bill Three VFW members serving in the “When Gold Star spouses are handed • Pay transportation costs of House of Representatives introduced a a folded fl ag, it comes with a sacred com- remains for those killed in combat bill that would increase benefi ts for Gold mitment from the American people,” back to their hometown for any Star families. said Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran memorial services and to a nation- Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), life member who served in the 2003 Iraq invasion. al cemetery of the surviving fam- of the VFW Department of Florida; Seth “That commitment is for life. That means ily’s choice. Under current law, Moulton (D-Mass.), member of VFW Gold Star families should have the peace the Pentagon will only pay for one Post 2005 in Marblehead, Mass.; and Don of mind that comes with knowing child of those trips. Bacon (R-Neb.), life member of VFW Post care and funeral expenses are taken care • Extend DoD child care service 7535 in Momence, Ill., introduced The of and that they will receive the nation’s assistance programs to survivors SFC Brian Woods Gold Star and Military lifelong fi nancial support.” of troops killed on duty. Survivors Act (H.R. 1911). The bill is in If signed into law, H.R. 1911 would: The legislation also would make survi- honor of Army Sgt. 1st Class William • Allow surviving spouses who re- vors who are already re-married eligible Brian Woods Jr., who served with Waltz marry access to base facilities if to collect benefi ts going forward. as an Army Green Beret. Woods was they have dependent children. “Our Gold Star and surviving family killed on Aug. 16, 2009, in Afghanistan • Allow spouses of troops who members deserve a commitment for during Operation Enduring Freedom. were killed on duty to con- life,” said Bacon, a retired Air Force Waltz said the legislation would give tinue to receive Dependency brigadier general. “The SFC Brian Gold Star families earned “lifelong ben- and Indemnity Compensation Woods Gold Star and Military Survivors efi ts” and “transportation costs” for a or Survivor Benefi t Plan benefi ts Act keeps faith with the spouses and memorial and burial. after re-marrying. families of the fallen.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about specifi c legislation or VA benefi ts, contact VFW’s Washington Offi ce at [email protected]. A member of VFW’s National Veterans Service staff will respond as soon as possible.

10 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

WASHINGTON WIRE, CONT.

Senators Introduce Bill to Fight Suicide • Give every service member one year of VA health care when they VFW endorsed a John Hannon, a retired Navy SEAL. He leave the military. Senate bill in March served 23 years in the military and settled • Hold VA accountable for its

DOD PHOTO DOD that would help con- in Helena, Mont., after his retirement. mental health care and suicide nect more veterans to Hannon committed suicide on Feb. 25, prevention efforts by examining their earned mental 2018. The retired Navy SEAL was diag- how VA manages its suicide- health care services. nosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, prevention resources. Sen. Jon Tester depression, bipolar disorder and a trau- Tester, ranking member of the Senate (D-Mont.) and matic brain injury. VA Committee, said mental health is a S. 785 was Sen. Jerry Moran If made into law, the legislation would: “universal issue” that every veteran faces. named in honor of (R-Kan.) introduced • Allow VA to hire more mental “We need all hands on deck to make Navy Cmdr. John Commander John health professionals. sure no veteran is lost to suicide,” Tester Hannon. Scott Hannon Veterans • Offer scholarships to mental said. “Our bill brings together the best Mental Health Care health professionals to work at ideas from the VA, Congress, veterans, Improvement Act (S. 785). The legislation veteran centers. providers and advocates, so our approach would help improve VA care by adding to • Place a suicide prevention coordi- to mental health care is aggressive and the department’s “mental health work- nator at every VA hospital. united. Together, we can put innovative force” and increase access to VA care in • Offer grants to organizations that solutions to work to connect more veter- rural areas. provide mental health services or ans to the life-saving mental health care This bill is named for the late Cmdr. alternative treatment to veterans. they earned.”

President Donald Trump displays his sig- nature on an executive order March 5 at the White House. The order, called the National Initiative to Empower Veterans

THE WHITE HOUSE PHOTO HOUSE WHITE THE and End Veterans Suicide, aims to lower the veterans’ suicide rate by establishing the Veteran Wellness, Empowerment and Suicide Prevention Task Force. VFW Commander- in-Chief B.J. Lawrence (back row, far right) was present during the bill’s signing.

our heroes in need,” Trump said. The order directs the task force to: • Develop a national public health roadmap that sets a plan needed to lower veterans’ suicide rates. • Propose a program to Congress that gives grants to local com- munities, which would increase their ability to provide resources to veterans. Trump Signs Suicide • Develop a strategy to improve scientific research in veteran Prevention Executive Order suicide prevention. President Donald Trump signed an veterans’ suicide rate by establishing Before signing the bill, Trump said executive order March 5 that directs the Veteran Wellness, Empowerment about 20 veterans and service members top government officials to come up and Suicide Prevention Task Force. commit suicide each day. with a strategy to combat the veterans’ It will be comprised of many govern- “We secured $206 million for VA sui- suicide rate. ment officials, including the Secretary cide prevention programming,” Trump VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. of Defense, and co-chaired by VA said. “Every VA medical center now Lawrence stood behind Trump as the Secretary Robert Wilkie. offers same-day emergency mental health president signed the National Initiative “Our mission is to mobilize every care. These are crucial steps, but unfortu- to Empower Veterans and End Veterans level of American society to save the nately, most veterans who die by suicide Suicide. The order aims to lower the lives of our great veterans and support have not been in the care of the VA.”

12 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 No contracts No cancellation fees

Easier is better with the Jitterbug.

The Jitterbug® Flip, from the creators of the original easy-to-use cell phone, has big buttons and an exclusive 5Star® Urgent Response button on the keypad.

EASY TO USE Today, cell phones are hard to hear, difficult to dial Plans as low as and overloaded with features you may never use. That’s not the case with the Jitterbug Flip. A large screen and big buttons make it $ 99 easy to call family and friends. The powerful speaker ensures every 14 month2 conversation will be loud and clear. Plus, straightforward YES and NO buttons make navigating the menu simple. EASY TO ENJOY Wherever you go, a built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a flashlight with a built-in magnifier helps you see in dimly lit areas. With all the features you need, the Jitterbug Flip also comes with a long-lasting battery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power. EASY TO BE PREPARED Life has a way of being unpredictable, but you can be prepared in any uncertain or unsafe situation with 5Star Service. Simply press the 5Star button to be connected immediately with a highly-trained Urgent Response Agent who will confirm your location, evaluate your situation and get you the help you need, 24/7. The Jitterbug Flip is one of the most affordable cell phones on the market and comes with dependable nationwide coverage. Friendly customer service representatives will help figure out which phone plan is best for you, and with no contracts or cancellation fees, you can switch plans anytime. You can even keep your current landline or cell phone number. And to celebrate Father’s Day, get 25% off for a limited time!

Powered by the nation’s largest and most dependable wireless network.

NO CONTRACTS 1 No cancellation fees

Why the Jitterbug Flip is your best choice for a new cell phone: No contracts Keep your current Free U.S.-based No hidden Brain Games powered to sign, ever phone number customer service monthly fees by Posit Science®

To order or learn more, call or visit us at 1- 866 -400-0795 greatcall.com/Flip

125% off of $9999 MSRP is only valid for new lines of service. Offer valid through 7/6/19. 2Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and a one-time setup fee of $35. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. Jitterbug, GreatCall, and 5Star are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Copyright ©2019 GreatCall, Inc. ʻTHEY DID IT SO THE WORLD COULD BE

BY TIM DYHOUSE FREEʼAND TINA CLARK

ubbed Operation Overlord Americans. The rest were Allied forces ceremony on Omaha Beach, the former by U.S. commanders, the representing 15 countries. supreme commander of the invasion, Normandy campaign that The attacking forces landed at five Dwight D. Eisenhower, refl ected on what Dkicked off on June 6, 1944, was beaches: U.S. troops at Utah and Omaha; U.S. troops were fi ghting for in 1944. the beginning of the end of WWII in Europe. British and Canadian troops to the east at “Not to conquer any territory, not for any Meticulously planned for more than two Gold, Sword and Juno. Army planes and ambitions of our own,” said Eisenhower, years, it was one of the largest, most ambi- Navy ships had preceded the invasion with who at the time was a VFW member of tious and most signifi cant amphibious oper- massive airstrikes. Army paratroopers Post 3279 in Abilene, Kan., and a past U.S. ations in the history of warfare. landed behind the German defenses in the President, “but to make sure that Hitler With more than 1.5 million Allied predawn hours before U.S. infantry troops could not destroy freedom in the world. troops deployed to England at the time, hit the beaches at 6:30 a.m. on June 6. “To think of the lives that were given about 156,000 of them crossed the By June 20, 1944, the U.S. First Army had for that principle, paying a terrible price English Channel and landed in Normandy sustained 3,082 KIA, 13,121 WIA and near- on this beach alone, on that one day, on D-Day, June 6. Approximately half the ly 8,000 missing. The subsequent breakout 2,000 casualties. But they did it so the troops participating in the beach land- from the beaches, dubbed Operation Cobra, world could be free. It just shows what ings and airborne operations that day, added another 5,000 casualties. free men will do rather than be slaves.” ✪ also known as Operation Neptune, were Some 20 years after the battle at a EMAIL [email protected]

14 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 THIS MONTH MARKS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALLIED INVASION OF NORMANDY. VFW MEMBERS PLAYED SIGNIFICANT ROLES IN THE OPERATION AND RECALL THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE HISTORY-MAKING ENDEAVOR. NATIONAL ARCHIVES PHOTO BY CPHOM. ROBERT F. SARGENT

ARMY AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR About 73,000 American GIs landed on the beaches of Normandy or parachuted behind enemy lines on June 6, 1944. Here are some specifi c units. 13: U.S. infantry divisions involved (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 35th, 79th, 83rd and 90th) 5: U.S. armored divisions parti cipated (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th d Gen. Dwight an 6th) 2: U.S. airborne divisions jumped (82nd and 101st) D. Eisenhower, supreme Allied commander, gives the order of the day — “We will accept nothing less than full victory” — to paratroopers of the 101st Abn. Div., on June 5, 1944, in England. Within a few hours of this photo, the paratroopers began jumping from planes behind the German U.S. infantry troops disembark from their LCVP, better known as a “Higgins boat,” defenses guarding during the D-Day landing on the northern coast of France on June 6, 1944. These troops the beaches of — many dealing with horrible seasickness and burdened with heavy gear — were met Normandy. with waves of machine-gun fi re as they waded ashore.

NAVY AND COAST GUARD ON THE ‘LONGEST DAY’ NATIONAL ARCHIVES PHOTO During the naval phase of the Normandy campaign, some 25,000 U.S. sailors and Coast Guardsmen parti cipated. They sus- FIRST AMERICAN tained 1,102 KIA. KILLED IN NORMANDY Military historian and WWII Navy veteran INVASION Samuel Eliot Morison es ti mated that Pvt. Leonard some 5,000 types of vessels — includ- Devorchak, a “path- ing landing craft — transported about fi nder” with the 82nd 132,000 U.S. and Allied troops from Airborne Div., was England to Normandy on June 6. Other killed by small-arms sources have pegged the number of ves- fi re near Sainte Mere- sels closer to 7,000. Here’s some of the Eglise before daylight. toll paid by those ships and their crew. About 120 pathfi nders Sailors aboard a Higgins boat dropped to mark land- scan the sky for trouble on June Navy warships: 24 sunk, 59 damaged. ing zones for the main 17, 1944, as they await their Landing craft :Mor e than 700 sunk or dam- e - forc of paratroop turn to go ashore off the coast aged. Merchant and auxiliary vessels: 35 e l e 2 rs. On y 38 of th 1 0 of Normandy. Some 25,000 sunk, 61 damaged. actually found their sailors and Coast Guardsmen targets due to high Coast Guard cutt ers: e ed m e participated in the Normandy 60 r scu or winds and enemy anti - than 350 troops by the end of June 1944. campaign, sustaining 1,102 KIA. aircraft fi re. PHOTO BY MORRIS ENGEL/GETTY IMAGES

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 15 PARATROOPERS PRECEDED INVASION At midnight on June 6, some six hours before the invasion, 13,000 paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions began dropping from 822 planes behind the German defenses.

Outnumbered 3-to-1 by Germans, two-thirds of the U.S. paratroopers were lost, killed or wounded by the end of D-Day.

During the day on June 6, gliders deposited nearly 4,000 infantry troops behind enemy lines.

This brought the final total of IX Troop Carrier Command sorties during Operation Neptune to 2,166, with 533 of those being glider sorties.

U.S. casualties for the airborne campaign were 226 PHOTO BY U.S. ARMY AIR FORCE/THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES COLLECTION/GETTY PICTURE LIFE FORCE/THE AIR ARMY U.S. BY PHOTO KIA and 1,418 WIA. Thousands more were missing. U.S. ARMY PHOTO Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne divisions fix their static lines as they prepare to jump over Normandy in the predawn darkness of June 6, 1944. By the end of the day, more than two-thirds were killed, wounded or missing.

MEDALS OF HONOR EARNED AT NORMANDY A total of 12 soldiers earned the Medal of Honor — nine posthumously — during the Normandy campaign. • Pvt. Carlton W. Barrett; 18th Inf., 1st Inf. Div., June 6, 1944; near St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France • *2nd Lt. John E. Butts; E Co., 60th Inf., 9th Col. James Earl Rudder Inf. Div.; June 14, 16 and 23, 1944; near Flottemanville-Hague, France VFW MEMBER LED RANGERS • *Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper; C Co., 325th Glider The Provisional Ranger Force that scaled the cliffs Inf., 82nd Abn. Div.; June 9, 1944; Merderet towering above Omaha Beach consisted of the 5th e b io s hei ob s to River at La Fiere, France 2nd and Rang r attal n . T r j wa knock out a six-gun 155mm coast defense battery • Staff Sgt. Walter D. Ehlers; 18th Inf., 1st Inf. Div.; overlooking the landings. June 9-10, 1944; near Goville, France • *Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole; 101st Abn. Div., June 11, Commanding that force was Col. James Earl 1944; near Carentan, France Rudder. Wounded twice at Normandy, Rudder, a membe o ost 85 i us , e s, ou • *Staff Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo; 18th Inf., 1st Inf. r f VFW P 6 n A tin T xa w ld MASSACHUSETTS go on to serve as chairman of VFW’s National i u e , e ub o , e POST HONORS D v.; J n 10 1944; n ar Va ad n Franc Security and Foreign Affairs Committee in 1968-69 SOLDIER • *Tech. Sgt. John D. Kelly; E Co., 314th Inf., and as the president of the Texas A&M University VFW Post 2346 in Saugus, 79th Inf. Div.; June 25, 1944; Fort du Roule, system from 1965 untilhis death in 1970. Mass., is named for Medal Cherbourg, France of Honor recipient Arthur F. the 5 e s u e u e s omm , 5 • *1st Lt. Jimmie W. Monteith Jr.; 16th Inf., 1st Of 22 Rang r nd r R dd r’ c and 13 DeFranzo, who was killed dur- were killed or wounded. ing the Normandy campaign. Inf. Div.; June 6, 1944; near Colleville-sur-Mer, France After the battle, Army Lt. Gen. Omar Bradley, com- • 1st Lt. Carlos C. Ogden; K Co., 314th Inf., 79th Inf. mander of U.S. First Army, said of Rudder, “No other Div.: June 25, 1944; near Fort du Roule, France soldier in my command had been wished a more i u t t s th th t hi h be e the you om- • *Tech. Sgt. Frank D. Peregory; K Co., 116th Inf., d ffic l a k an a w c f ll ng c mander of the Provisional Ranger Force.” 29th Inf. Div., June 8, 1944; Grandcampe, France • *Cpl. (Tech. 5th Grade) John J. Pinder Jr.; 16th BEDFORD, VA. Inf., 1st Inf. Div.; June 6, 1944; near Colleville-sur- This town, with a population of 3,200 in 1944, some Mer, France 10 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lost 21 o its esi e ts o y t s the hi hest e - • *Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr.; 4th Inf. Div.; f r d n n D-Da . I wa g p r cap ita loss of any community in America. June 6, 1944; Normandy, France *awarded posthumously The National D-Day Memorial was erected in Bedford in 2001.

16 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 America Remembers® Presents The D-DAY T ribuTe PisTol

Operation Overlord. The Longest Day. The Normandy Invasion. It was a day unlike any the world had ever known – or will know again. Time has not dimmed the memories of June 6, 1944. The triumph of “The Longest Day” and the deeds of those brave men are deeply etched in history. On that day, our nation led the way in one of the most significant events in the history of warfare – the D-Day invasion. This was the greatest airborne-amphibious operation ever staged. Its scale hailed as “majestic” by Winston Churchill - 5,000 ships, together with 11,000 other craft, supported by over 11,000 aircraft hurled almost a quarter of a million men against Hitler’s vaunted “Fortress Europe”. By the end of the day on June 6, 1944, the combined forces of Americans, British, Canadian, and other Allies had established a foothold on the European mainland, bringing about the beginning of the end of Nazism’s tyrannical hold. powerful military sidearms ever issued. That is why we chose the classic Colt .45 Pistol for the D-Day Tribute. Now, we remember the valor of those brave Americans of World War II through this issuance of a Colt .45 pistol, the The Tribute features artwork of troops landing on D-Day on immortal sidearm of America’s Armed Forces for 75 the Normandy Beaches, paratroopers, and other familiar D-Day years. To honor all those brave Americans who fought in scenes. Also featured is artwork with a rifle in the ground and the world’s greatest battle, America Remembers proudly a helmet on top with words beneath reading, “LEST WE announces the D-Day Tribute Pistol, a classically decorated Colt® FORGET”. As a final touch, the faux ivory grips on both sides Government Model® Pistol in caliber .45 ACP. Craftsmen feature a soldier landing on Normandy Beach with a “D-Day” commissioned specifically by America Remembers decorate banner above him, framed by code names for the five beach both sides of the blued steel slide in elegant 24-karat gold and landing sites. nickel artwork. Reserve Now – Only 500 Available ©AHL, Inc. The Classic Colt .45 Pistol - The Trusted WWII Sidearm Only 500 Tributes will be produced in this edition. We will D-Day, World War II, and the generation which fought it, you Perhaps no other weapon has more instant recognition than arrange delivery of your working pistol through a licensed keep America’s faith and spirit alive for the generations to come. “Old Slabsides”, the .45. Throughout WWII, it served at the firearms dealer of your choice. If for any reason you are less than When American forces landed on the beaches of Normandy side of America’s fighting men. The Colt .45 pistol personifies satisfied with the Tribute, you may return it in original, unfired so many years ago, they defined a moment for an entire the generations of Americans who served with it: fearless, condition within 30 days for a full refund (not available in CA or MA). generation. It is with great and solemn pride that we issue dependable, and effective. It is an American-made firearm Perhaps you, a friend or family member were one of the D-Day Tribute Pistol to honor these brave men. Each is legend that defended our liberty through major world wars those brave men. Or perhaps you are a proud American who a lasting tribute to “The Greatest Generation” of freedom- and history-making conflicts. This pistol is still considered by recognizes our debt to the World War II generation of loving Americans who fought and sacrificed to ensure freedom generations of American Veterans to be one of the best and most Americans who so proudly served our country. By honoring would reign.

n On the right side of the pistol, a banner that reads, “ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY”, famous words from Dwight Eisenhower. Also featured is a scene depicting the difficult cliffs at Pointe du Hoc which were scaled by the 2nd Ranger Battalion. The right side features Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs), a U.S. Army half-track carrying troops, and an LCVP coming onto Omaha Beach on D-Day. Display CALIBER: .45 ACP • MODEL: COLT® GOVERNMENT MODEL® Case Available: I wish to reserve ___ of the “D-Day Tribute Pistol” a working Colt An optional custom-built, wooden .45 pistol, at the current issue price of $2,195.* My deposit of $195 per Name ______display case is available for purchase. Tribute is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity Address ______included. Thirty-day return privilege. *All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. City/State/Zip ______q Shipping and handling will be added to each Check enclosed for $______. order. Virginia residents please add sales tax. q Charge payment of $ ______to: Daytime Telephone No. ( ______) ______q VISA q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover America Remembers¨ No. ______Exp. ______10226 Timber Ridge Drive • Ashland, Virginia 23005 Display Case www.americaremembers.com q I wish to reserve the optional, luxuriously lined, custom-made display To place your reservation toll-free call case with locking glass lid. My payment of $149* is enclosed or add to credit card. 1-800-682-2291 National Archives 10,000 YARDS OF SAND THE AMERICAN SECTOR OF THE NORMANDY LANDINGS WERE DUBBED OMAHA AND UTAH BEACHES AT THE WESTERN END OF THE INVASION AND COMPRISED AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,000 YARDS. HEREʼS A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF EACH LOCATION.

ON OMAHA BEACH ON UTAH BEACH Defended by the German 352nd Division, Omaha Beach saw some of the worst The U.S. 4th Infantry Division was given the task of taking Utah Beach at the fi g hti n g of the invasion. U.S. troops from the 1st and 29th Infantry divisions far western end of the landings. This sector was guarded by the German 709th faced the enemy’s and nature’s full wrath. Infantry Division.

“The water was deep, our equipment was heavy, waves were 4 feet high, many U.S. armored support was bett er at Utah than Omaha. Of the 28 tanks from the of our guys drowned, and we were all pinned down on the beach,” recalled 70th Tank Batt alion that launched off s hore, 27 made the beach. Cpl. Vincent Ciccarello, a mortarman with the 16th Inf., 1st Inf. Div. “Our big guns were shelling the shore, and the Germans were answering from the bluff s Less defended than Omaha, Utah was considered the most successful landing above the beach and the whole sky lit up like fi r eworks.” of the fi v e Allied beaches. Strong currents pushed landing forces east of their objec ti v e and, fortunately, away from the heaviest enemy defenses. At 5:40 a.m., about an hour before the infantry landed at Omaha, the 741st Tank Batt alion launched 29 “fl oati ng” at nks, of which 27 sank. Because of that, the The 4th’s assistant division commander, Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., who next wave of tanks from the 743rd Tank Batt alion landed directly on the shore. received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his role that day, noti c ed the error and famously remarked, “We’ll start the war from here.” U.S. casual ti es on Omaha Beach were 552 KIA, 2,766 WIA and 1,896 MIA. Within an hour of landing, U.S. troops had broken through and began linking up with 82nd and 101st Airborne troops. “The water was deep, our U.S. casual ti es at Utah Beach were 197 KIA and 60 MIA. equipment was heavy, waves

were 4 feet high, many of our U.S. troops treat wounded and recover bodies on Omaha beach guys drowned, and we were all on June 6, 1944. A total of 552 Americans died on Omaha, which pinned down on the beach.” saw some of the most brutal fi ghting of any of the fi ve Allied Cpl. Vincent Ciccarello, a mortarman with landing beaches. the 16th Inf., 1st Inf. Div.

HEAVY CASUALTIES LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PHOTO From June 6, 1944, unti l the end of the Normandy Campaign on July 24, 1944, U.S forces sustained 16,293 KIA and 41,051 WIA.

18 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 ATTENTION VETERANS! WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500

Walk-In Tubs

One-Touch Controls Hand Held Shower

Low Threshold Comfort & Safety

* Lifetime Warranty! Finance Options Available 44 Hydrotherapy Jets

✓EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST! Only American Standard has OVER 140 years of experience and offers the Liberation Walk-In Bathtub. ✓SUPERIOR DESIGN! Ultra low easy entry and exit design, wide door, built-in safety bar and textured fl oor provides a safer bathing experience. ✓PATENTED QUICK-DRAIN® TECHNOLOGY FREE! FREE! ✓ LIFETIME WARRANTY! Savings Include an An In-Home The ONLY Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND American Standard Evaluation Will Be installation, INCLUDING labor backed by Right Height Toilet Scheduled At Your American Standard. FREE! ($500 Value) Earliest Convenience ✓44 HYDROTHERAPY JETS! More than any other tub we’ve seen. Limited Time Offer! Call Today! 855-254-7616 Or Visit: www.AmericanStandardBath.com Discount applied at time of purchase. Terms and Conditions Apply. * Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Receive a free American Standard Cadet Toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Off er valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be fi rst time purchaser. All off ers subject to change prior to purchase. See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. * CSLB B982796; Suff olk NY:5543IH; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY. U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO ʻGUNFIRE WAS EVERYWHEREʼ

BEYOND FIGHTING FOR THEIR SURVIVAL, THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE NORMANDY INVASION MADE WORLD HISTORY ON JUNE 6, 1944. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST VIVID MEMORIES OF VFW MEMBERS WHO WERE THERE.

JOHN W. NELSON Service: Army Rank: Private Unit: 1st Engineer Special Brigade VFW Post 209 in Missoula, Mont. “There was an explosion. We had to disembark off the ramp on the front. I thought I was gonna drown.”

DONALD E. KOBBERVIG Service: Army Rank: Private fi rst class Unit: 319th Inf., 83rd Inf. Div. VFW Post 7345 in Dodgeville, Wis. “Climbing from a ship rope ladder into waist-deep water to the beach, I remember seeing all the smashed up, useless machinery.”

ANDREW POLICK Service: Navy U.S. troops of the 90th Inf. Div., onboard Rank: Seaman fi rst class the USS LCI-326 prepare to land at Utah Unit: USS LCI-555 beach on June 6, 1944. The “Tough VFW Post 7165 in Clift on, N.J. Hombres” would later distinguish “There were so many bodies fl oati ng towards our themselves while fi ghting across France ship.” as part of Patton’s Third Army. GLEN W. MCCLAIN Service: Navy Rank: Pett y offi cer third class Unit: USS LCT-458 JOSE “JOE” MAESTAS ANDREW VERCELLI VFW Post 1623 in Waterloo, Iowa Service: Army Service: Army “Headed to Omaha Beach with tanks onboard, Rank: Private fi rst class Rank: Private fi rst class we were hit by a mine and only three of us sur- Unit: E Co., 501st Inf., 101st Airborne Div. Unit: 503rd Quartermaster Co., First Army HQs vived. We were on a life raft and got picked up by VFW Post 3928 in Benicia, Calif. VFW Post 10185 in Toms River, N.J. an LCVP (a Higgins boat). Just hearing the screams, “I got captured, pretended to be a medic and they “[We were] dressed in gas-proof uniforms and sti ll hear them. Never did make it ashore.” let me go.” [drove] waterproofed jeeps. An LST (landing ship, tank) was hit. A dead body was thrown in the back HARRY J. MAGGIO SR. THOMAS E. MURPHY of my jeep. I was ordered to dump the body in Service: Army Service: Navy three feet of water and keep going.” Rank: Private fi rst class Rank: Motor machinist’s mate 3rd class Unit: I Co., 38th Inf., 2nd Inf. Div. Unit: USS Anne Arundel FRED W. KAUFMAN VFW Post 304 in Annapolis, Md. VFW Post 10094 in Largo, Fla. Service: Navy “Gen. Omar Bradley standing up greeti ng all of “Getti ng shot at. Gunfi re was everywhere.” Rank: Ensign us on the front line, shook hands with him, while Unit: USS LCT-644 gunfi re zoomed.” WILLIAM H. WALSH VFW Post 9455 in Owosso, Mich. Service: Navy “Not once, but four ti mes we had to try to reach DOMINICK ROTONDO Rank: Motor machinist’s mate 2nd class Omaha Beach under perilous conditi ons, and Service: Navy Unit: 146th Naval Constructi on Batt alion under enemy fi re from German soldiers dug into Rank: Motor machinist’s mate 2nd class VFW Department of Massachusett s foxholes on the cliff . Most of the ti me the water Unit: USS LST-492 “When we fi rst hit Omaha Beach it was so hard to was too deep in front of the ramp for either vehi- VFW Department of New Jersey see all the wounded and dead. We were ordered cles or soldiers to reach the beach. Finally, we “There were so many wounded. We transferred to keep moving. It was diffi cult to not be able to were able to weave our way to the beach and dis- wounded back and forth to England for four days.” stop and help the wounded.” charge our soldiers and equipment.”

20 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 Smithsonian¨

Minted in 24k Pure Gold! Actual size is 6 .9375 x 3 in. Bring Home a $100,000 Bill And SAVE $99,970.05! Have you ever dreamed of holding a $100,000 bill in Limited Mintage — Secure Yours NOW! your hands? For this first-ever release, only 5,000 of these Series 1934 $100,000 Gold Certificate Currency Strikes were Now you can take home a gold currency adaptation produced. These are the very first of their kind, created featuring the iconic design of the Series 1934 $100,000 with 100mg of 99.9% Gold Certificate, struck in gold and produced under pure gold. They’re ® license to the Smithsonian ! already going fast, and 99.9% Pure Gold History In Your Hands there’s no telling how long our limited supply In 1934, the U.S. Government issued $100,000 Gold will remain in our vault. Certificates—but they were never meant for general Don’t let this shining circulation. The United States had left behind the gold gold piece of Americana standard the year prior, and were in need of a new way to pass you by—secure transfer large amounts of wealth between Federal Reserve Each currency strike comes sealed in a protective yours now! plastic holder to preserve its GEM condition banks. The $100,000 Gold Certificate legally represented its worth in gold, and didn’t require a forklift to move. 1934 Smithsonian $100,000 24k Gold Certificate $29.95 ea. + s/h By 1960, the notes had served their purpose, and most were destroyed. Only a small number still exist, including FREE SHIPPING on 5 or More! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on notes held by the Smithsonian. previous purchases. 100mg of 99.9% Pure Gold C all today toll-free for fastest service These Series 1934 $100,000 Currency Strikes bear a 1-888-870-6351 design based on the Smithsonian’s originals—a portrait Offer Code SHN216-01 of President Woodrow Wilson, along with the official Please mention this code when you call. Smithsonian sunburst. Best of all, they come minted in 100 mg of 99.9% pure (24k) gold!

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. SHN216-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affi liated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, fi gures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change signifi cantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2019 GovMint.com. All rights reserved. VFW IN NORMANDY FOR D-DAY’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

The D-Day Doll is a WWII C-53D Skytrooper that flew over Normandy during the D-Day invasion of France on June 6, 1944. The aircraft re-created those flights over Normandy during a 75th

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TARRIS TIM OF COURTESY PHOTO anniversary commemoration ceremony on June 5 this year.

the majority of troops across the English Channel during the Normandy campaign. VFW sponsored one of those aircraft, the D-Day Doll based in Riverside, Calif. VFW National Headquarters donated $25,000 for the aircraft’s journey to western Europe. The C-53D Skytrooper made stops on its way across the country in Tucson, Ariz.; Kansas City, Mo.; Louisville, Ky.; SOME OF VFW’S TOP OFFICERS FW Commander-in-Chief Dayton, Ohio; Oxford, Ct.; and Bangor, B.J. Lawrence, Senior Vice Maine, before leaving for the cross- WERE IN NORTHERN FRANCE IN Commander-in-Chief Atlantic voyage. JUNE TO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH V William “Doc” Schmitz and VFW During the D-Day Doll’s stop on May 9 in Washington Office Executive Director Kansas City, Mo., VFW members and staff D-DAY OBSERVANCE. VFW ALSO Bob Wallace, among other VFW mem- greeted retired Air National Guard Col. Tim HELPED SPONSOR A PLANE THAT bers, were in Normandy, France, on June Tarris and retired United Airlines Captain 6, to honor veterans of World War II. Steve Rose at the Charles B. Wheeler PARTICIPATED IN A RE-ENACTMENT The day marked the 75th anniversary of Downtown Airport. FLIGHT OF WWII VINTAGE AIRCRAFT the D-Day invasion of northern France. The trip’s itinerary took the retired VFW officials visited the World War II pilots and the D-Day Doll on a 13,000-mile AS PART OF THE CEREMONY. Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, located round trip with stops in Canada, Greenland, 8 miles west of the Normandy American Iceland, Scotland, England, France and BY DAVE SPIVA Cemetery. The monument overlooks the Germany. Tarris said he has piloted many beach that was codenamed “Omaha” dur- military aircraft, including the F-111, A-7, ing the invasion. The site witnessed some of F-16 and KC-135, in his 30 years of service. the most brutal fighting of the war. The D-Day Doll was built in July 1943 in On June 5, the day before the main Santa Monica, Calif. Less than a year later, ceremony, about 250 WWII-era planes, the Doll was participating in the D-Day as a part of the Daks Over Normandy invasion of Normandy, France, Tarris said. event, crossed the English Channel over “The aircraft is a veteran of D-Day, Normandy to commemorate D-Day. Daks Operation Market Garden and Operation Over Normandy is a British nonprofit that Varsity,” Tarris said. “She flew three sepa- hosted the event with the aim of bring- rate times on D-Day.” ing together one of the largest WWII- Tarris also planned to fly to Germany era aviation fleets since 1945 in honor of to commemorate the 70th Anniversary the war’s Allied veterans. “Daks” refers of the Berlin Airlift before traveling back to the more than 800 U.S. Douglas C-47 to southern California. J aircraft, or “Dakotas,” that transported EMAIL [email protected]

22 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

NEW Footrest Extension for even more head to toe support.

Sit up, lie down — Easy-to-use remote for and anywhere massage, heat, recline and lift in between! And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, provide enhanced arm support when sitting or cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a reclining. The high and low heat settings along variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give with the multiple massage settings, can provide anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! It even and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the has a battery backup in case of a power outage. head and shoulders properly, operates easily even Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot right off to dreamland. in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging ® Our Perfect Sleep Chair is just the chair to do away! You get your choice of bonded stain and it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – water repellent leather or plush microfiber in a but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now! provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, The Perfect Sleep Chair® long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline 1-888-865-8532 ttechnologyechnology aallowsllows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of Please mention code 111502 when ordering. positions, including the lay flat Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a Long Lasting DuraLux Leather minimum of internal and external Tan Chocolate Burgundy Black Blue stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back DuraLux II Microfi ber pressure relief, and encourages Burgundy Cashmere Fern Chocolate Indigo This lift chair puts you better posture to prevent back and muscle pain. safely on your feet! © 2019 fi rst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 46503 VETERANS FIRST BEFORE THE F

LANDING A MAN ON THE MOON AND RETURNING HIM SAFELY WAS FIRST AND FOREMOST A MILITARY MISSION DURING THE COLD WAR. THAT’S WHY THE ASTRONAUTS WHO ACHIEVED THAT HISTORIC FEAT 50 YEARS AGO THIS JULY WERE ALL DECORATED VETERANS.

BY JIM SERVI NASA PHOTO NASA

24 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 hen the former command- er of VFW Post 5880 in ORE THE FAME Brockton, Mass., stood Wbefore thousands assem- bled at Houston’s Rice Stadium on Sept. 12, 1962, he challenged them with a goal Neil Armstrong, Michael that seemed unthinkable. Collins and Edwin “Buzz” “We choose to go to the moon,” President Aldrin are photographed in John F. Kennedy declared. May 1969 at the Kennedy “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, Space Center in Florida. not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal All three men served in the will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, military before training as astronauts and credit the because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are experiences and attitudes unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” gained in uniform as vital With this message to the nation and to the National Aeronautics to their success in space. and Space Administration (NASA) — made less than 60 years after the Wright brothers had first achieved manned flight with a heavier-than- air-craft — President Kennedy reinforced a vow he made during his first year in office to land a person on the moon before 1970. Project Apollo — named for the Greek god of the sun — was born out of that declaration with a mission to land a person on the moon and safely return. Every citizen knew it would be difficult and dangerous, but the general consensus was that the risk was worth it. To accom- plish that objective, NASA turned to the bravest citizens that America had to offer — U.S. veterans. In 1952, Michael Collins, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Neil Armstrong found themselves serving their nation in the armed forces, although they wouldn’t officially be partnered together until more than a decade later. Little did they know that when their paths crossed, they would change the world. COMBAT TOUGHER THAN SPACE FLIGHT Collins followed in his family tradition of military service when he entered West Point. His father, an Army major general, two uncles, his brother and a cousin all served. Upon commissioning in 1952, Collins flew F-86 Sabres at Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada and later learned how to deliver nuclear weapons as part of the 21st Fighter- Bomber Wing at George Air Force Base northeast of Los Angeles. Collins excelled at every challenge and was selected to test jet fight- ers as an experimental flight test officer at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. In 1962, he wanted to take his skills to the next level. He entered the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB and applied to be an astronaut. He was rejected. Determined, he tried again in 1963. This time he was selected into NASA’s third group of astronauts. Continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserve, Collins rose to the rank of major general and earned the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Legion of Merit. Armstrong joined NASA the same year as President Kennedy’s speech at Rice Stadium, but his passion for flight and space exploration took root as a young child. “I had become fascinated with the world of flight as an elementary student,” Armstrong explained in a 2011 interview with Australia’s Alex Malley, “and determined that somehow I wanted to be involved in that.” By 16, he had his student pilot’s license. After graduating high school, Armstrong accepted a Navy scholarship at Purdue University

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 25 Navy Ens. Neil Armstrong explains to Marines how he was forced to eject from his F9F create very strong bonds with your col- Panther on Sept. 3, 1951, at Pohang Airfield in southeastern Korea during the Korean War. leagues that survive, and those bonds exist Armstrong flew 78 combat missions during the war and said he was a “better person for throughout your lifetime. I value those having learned to endure that environment, that situation, and those risks.” experiences very highly because they build a lot of character, they build a lot of back- bone, and you are a better person for hav- ing learned to endure that environment, that situation, and those risks.” After Korea, Armstrong still had a RBM VINTAGE IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO STOCK ALAMY / IMAGES VINTAGE RBM strong desire to serve and fly. He joined the organization that would eventually become NASA in 1962. FIGHTER PILOT TO ASTRONAUT Aldrin developed an early interest in flight from his father, an Air Force col- onel, and took that passion to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In 1951, he graduated near the top of his class and followed his father into the Air Force. He wanted to be a fighter pilot. After training, Aldrin got that wish and was assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing, flying F-86 Sabres in the Korean War. His mis- Air Force Lt. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, of the 51st Fighter Interceptor sion was to defend South Korea against Wing, sits in the cockpit of an F-86E Sabre on Dec. 31, 1952, at invading communist forces. Suwon Air Base southwest of Seoul, South Korea. Aldrin, who received Aldrin flew 66 combat missions dur- VFW’s Aviation and Space Award in 2009, flew 66 combat missions ing 1953 and shot down two MiGs (Soviet U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO FORCE AIR U.S. in the Korean War, shooting down two enemy aircraft. fighter aircraft used by North Korea) to earn the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and United Nations Korea Medal. Following his service in the Korean War, Aldrin held a variety of roles in the military, including instructor, aide- de-camp and F-100 Super Sabres pilot in West Germany. However, after some encouragement from a West Point class- mate, he enrolled in graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. Enjoying studies, he eventually earned a doctorate of science in astronautics in West Lafayette, Ind., and studied aero- Korean War, Armstrong flew 78 com- with one goal in mind — to be selected nautical engineering. Through his schol- bat missions, for which he was awarded as an astronaut. In 1962, he was reject- arship, he trained as a Navy pilot. the Air Medal in addition to the Korean ed because he had never served as a test In 1951, he found himself aboard the Service Medal, National Defense Service pilot. The following year, the require- USS Essex (CV-9), headed for the Korean Medal and United Nations Korea Medal. ments changed, and his military flight War. Shortly after arriving, Armstrong “The risks in combat are substantial, time was counted. This time he was had a brush with death. While making a and I think, in general, they are higher selected as one of the 14 members of bombing run, his Grumman F9F Panther risks than I faced in my test pilot work NASA’s Astronaut Group 3. Each one of was hit by anti-aircraft fire. After maneu- or in my astronaut work and the con- the 14 men was a military veteran. vering to friendly territory, his only sequences are severe,” Armstrong told “All of them had both a desire to be option was ejection. He was quickly res- Malley in 2011. at the cutting edge of aerospace flight cued and back in the pilot seat a short “There’s a good side and a bad side. The research and to serve their country,” time later. bad side is that you lose colleagues and explained William (Bill) Barry, NASA During his time in the heart of the that’s painful. The good side is that you chief historian.

26 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 IN PROUD SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO SERVE... Because

of the Brave

★ ★ Men’s Hoodie

In easy-care, cotton blend with thermal knit-lined hood Available in 5 Men’s Sizes M-XXXL

Silver-toned metal plaque adorns the front of this patriotic hoodie An Exclusive Apparel Design A Bold Statement of Patriotic Pride from The Bradford Exchange Show your respect and gratitude for the dedicated American heroes kangaroo front pockets, knit cuffs and hem, a full front zipper, and who honor, defend and protect our country every time you wear the silver-toned metal tippets on the hood drawstrings. Imported. “Because of the Brave” Men’s Hoodie from The Bradford Exchange. Crafted in a black easy-care cotton blend knit, the hoodie showcases a An Outstanding Value with Satisfaction Guaranteed bold design on the back of a pair of U.S. military boots proudly displayed With its custom design and hand-crafted quality, the “Because of the with the American fl ag and the sentiment “Home of the Free Because Brave” Men’s Hoodie is a remarkable value at $99.95*, payable in 3 of the Brave”. Adding to the patriotic look is an American fl ag patch on easy installments of $33.32 and backed by our 30-day money-back the left sleeve and a silver-toned metal plaque on the front that features guarantee. To order, send no money now; just fi ll out and send in your a soaring eagle and the American fl ag. Custom details include a Priority Reservation. This hoodie is not available in stores. So don’t comfortable brushed fl eece interior, a beige thermal knit lined hood, miss out... Order Today! *For information on sales tax you may owe to ©2019 The Bradford Exchange 01-22824-001-BIBR3 bradfordexchange.com/bravehoodie your state, go to bradfordexchange.com/use-tax PRIORITY RESERVATION SEND NO MONEY NOW Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly) Address 9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393 YES. Please reserve the ÒBecause of the BraveÓ MenÕs Hoodie City State Zip for me as described in this announcement in the size indicated. ❑ Medium (38-40) 01-22824-011 ❑ XL (46-48) 01-22824-013 Email E92803 ❑ Large (42-44) 01-22824-012 ❑ XXL (50-52) 01-22824-014 *Plus a total of $11.99 shipping and service, plus sales tax; ❑ see bradfordexchange.com. Please allow 2-4 weeks after initial payment for shipment. XXXL (54-56) 01-22824-015 Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance. Air Force Capt. Michael Collins (front row, far U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO right) poses with other graduates of the third class at the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School in 1963 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Collins served in the Air Force Reserve after his time with NASA, eventually obtaining the rank of major general.

It was another famous veteran, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who directed that the initial groups of astro- nauts be military test pilots. “The first three classes of astronauts selected by NASA had all been military pilots,” Barry said. “For all three of them, the flight training, leadership experience and military educational opportunities provided them the skills and attitudes needed to be astronauts and help our country reach the moon.” FIRST HUMANS ON THE MOON Together at NASA, each of the three men gained the experience needed for a suc- cessful lunar landing. Armstrong served place as a result of the teamwork that Armstrong, who visited troops in as the command pilot for Gemini 8 and on we had between government, academia Afghanistan and Iraq several times as March 16, 1966, performed the first suc- and industry, I’ve certainly felt that the part of USO tours, requested to be buried cessful docking of two vehicles in space. American flag is what belonged there.” at sea. The Navy honored that request Part of the Gemini 10 mission, Collins They were hailed as heroes, but Collins following his death in 2012. performed a series of important exper- sees it differently. Very private, Collins iments during his time in space in July rarely grants interviews, but issued a WHAT IS NEXT FOR NASA? 1966. Aldrin was part of Gemini 12 and statement in 2009 in which his respect “We have a lot on the plate — but the performed a spacewalk of more than two for military service was revealed when he headline item is the current policy to hours on Nov. 13, 1966. answered a question about being a hero. send humans beyond low-Earth orbit, Fate was taking shape as all of them “Heroes abound, and should be revered return to the moon to stay in order to were selected to crew the Apollo 11 mis- as such,” Collins shared, “but don’t count prepare for an eventual human mission sion. Armstrong served as commander, astronauts among them. We work very to Mars,” Barry said. Collins as command module pilot and hard. We did our jobs to near perfection, He believes veterans and current mili- Aldrin as lunar module pilot. On July but that was what we had hired on to do. tary personnel will play a pivotal role in 20, 1969, they made history with the first In no way did we meet the criterion of the leading that effort. manned mission to the moon. Congressional Medal of Honor: ‘above “NASA has always had a symbiotic Armstrong’s words will forever and beyond the call of duty.’” relationship with the military and still echo in the minds of the millions who The world saw it differently and the has a major relationship with the mil- watched that day and the billions who trio was honored throughout their lives itary,” Barry said. “Many of our new have learned of the feat since. for their roles in the Apollo 11 mission. astronauts are in the military or have a “That’s one small step for man, one Collins, Armstrong and Aldrin were military background.” giant leap for mankind,” Armstrong all awarded the Presidential Medal of With the courage, leadership and expe- famously declared as he became the first Freedom shortly after their return. rience developed during their military human to step foot on the lunar surface. Despite the accolades, their military service, Collins, Armstrong and Aldrin When asked to describe the feelings service always remained important. In were able to land on the moon. With the of raising the U.S. flag on the moon for 2009, VFW recognized Aldrin at its 110th same passion, the next group of young the first time during an interview with National Convention in Phoenix for his veterans will use that historical feat as NASA on May 26, 1989, Aldrin revealed lifetime support of veterans and mili- motivation to take NASA beyond. J that important connection to his and his tary personnel. As the assistant secre- EMAIL [email protected] fellow astronauts’ military service. tary of state for public affairs, Collins also “I think all of us … were aware that spearheaded a youth program that helped Jim Servi is a member of VFW Post this was a national response to perhaps improve the attitude towards military 10203 in Hamburg, Wis. A veteran of the an international challenge,” Aldrin said. personnel and veterans on college cam- Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Servi is a past “Because of the major events that took puses during and after the Vietnam War. contributor to VFW magazine.

28 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 PECI S AL $ 19.95 (a $59.95 value) COLLECTOR’S PRICE

SHOW YOUR PATRIOTIC PRIDE WITH THIS EXQUISITE GOLDEN POCKET KNIFE Available exclusively from American Mint, this museum-quality collector knife is a special limited-edition tribute to our nation’s 45th President. Crafted in 420 stainless steel with a luxurious gold-tone finish, the 3.7"-long blade is etched with a reproduction of President Trump’s signature. The gold-tone bolster is intricately engraved with finely detailed antiqued filigree. The handle has simulated bone grips that feature a full-color tribute to President Trump and his mission to “Make America Great Again.” A special 24k gold-layered Presidential medallion is set into the back of the handle.

• Crafted in 420 stainless steel with President • Begins the President Donald Trump pocket knife Trump’s signature expertly etched on the collection which is limited to only 9,999 complete

3.7" golden-finished blade collections worldwide • Simulated bone handle features a full- • Actual size: 8.5" fully extended color tribute to the 45th President and his • Includes a FREE mission to “Make American Great Again” custom collector’s box on the front and the special 24k gold- • Available layered medallion (shown enlarged at right) set into the back of the knife exclusively from American Mint • Gold-tone bolster with intricately detailed antiqued filigree

easy ways • Mail in your completed • Call us toll-free at 3 to order: order form and payment 877-807-MINT (6468) • Or visit us at americanmint.com/748.04

Yes! PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT IN ORDER fOR ShIPMENT TO bE PROcESSED I want to order the Make America Great Again Pocket Knife Signature required below (Item #527-888-1) — a $59.95 value – for just $19.95. Shipping and handling is FREE. PA RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX. Please charge my: Credit Card Number: Name Card Valid Order Through: M M Y Y Date: M M D D Y Y Address SIGNATURE REQUIRED ON ALL ORDERS City State Zip ✘ All orders subject to acceptance by American Mint Check / Money Order enclosed (made payable to American Mint) Customer Number (if known) Phone American Mint Satisfaction Guarantee: By returning this form, you will have the privilege of receiving future issues in the collection through our FREE in-home approval service. No further action is required on your part. If you do not wish to preview future issues of the collection, please x-out this paragraph. The American Mint E-mail Preferred Collector’s Price is guaranteed for you. You will be billed only for the items you decide to keep. If you pay by credit card, future shipments will not be charged until 25 days after the invoice date. You are under no Your Keycode: obligation! If you are not satisfied with any item that is shipped to you, you may send it back within 20 days at Mail to: our cost for replacement, credit, or refund. American Mint has no minimum purchase requirements. You can 748.04 cancel this service at any time by calling toll-free 1-877-807-MINT. P.O. Box 10, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 © 2019 American Mint LLC VFW ‘INSTRUMENTAL’ calling for the nation to “provide col- lege or trade education at government expense for those veterans of World IN PASSING GI BILL War I and those veterans whose educa- tion was interrupted, interfered with, or delayed by war service.” This month marks 75 years since Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted Sen. Bennett Champ Clark (D-Mo.) the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944. sponsored the proposal — the fi rst edu- cation bill put forth by a veterans organi- BY KARI WILLIAMS zation. Meanwhile, the American Legion crafted its own legislation — an omnibus uture VFW Commander-in- the situation and told him to get ready to bill that included every benefi t believed Chief Bernard W. “Pat” Kearney return to Washington. He arrived in D.C. was due to WWII vets. was determined to make sure at 6:37 a.m. the following morning. Omar Ketchum, then-VFW National Fthe original GI Bill came to a By 10 a.m., he entered the House con- Legislative Service director, and others vote in May 1944. Kearney, then a rep- ference room and said: “I’m here to feared that the broad scope of educa- resentative of New York’s 32nd District, lick anyone who tries to hold up the GI tional benefi ts that the Legion pro- knew the salvation of the bill was in the Bill of Rights. Americans are dying in posed would consume funds needed for hands of Rep. Frank Gibson, of Georgia. Normandy — I’m going to expose anyone other types of compensation. Rep. John Rankin (D-Miss.) balked and the GI Bill stalled in committee. After further weeks of wrangling over the educational provision, the bill was ready to be reported out of the seven- man House committee — but only if they could resolve the controversy over the unemployment section. And this is how Gibson’s frantic trek back to Washington began. The vote was 3-to-3 by committee members. Gibson, the seventh member, had gone home. He left Rankin to cast his proxy ballot in favor of having veterans job placement overseen by a board headed by VA. VFW offi cials are present as President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the GI Bill of Rights into law on

VFW FILE PHOTO On June 8, the committee voted again, June 22, 1944. VFW was instrumental in ensuring the bill’s passage 75 years ago and continues but Rankin refused to cast Gibson’s proxy to work today to make improvements to veterans’ educational benefi ts. and the issue was deadlocked. While VFW was “instrumental” in establishing the original GI Bill, But there was a problem. Gibson was not who doesn’t vote for the GI Bill.” Patrick Murray, VFW’s current National in D.C., and nobody knew where he was. It was then, that the House unani- Legislative Service deputy director, Kearney, a WWI veteran, was trav- mously approved S. 1767 (the Senate had said the organization has led the way in eling at the time and had to return to previously approved it unanimously). making improvements to veterans’ edu- Washington by 10 a.m. the next morn- On June 22, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt cational benefi ts. ing. Kearney ordered his staff to notify signed the bill into law. But the accom- “Whether it was the Montgomery Gibson by telephone in Douglas, Ga., plishment wasn’t without hurdles. GI Bill, the Post 9/11 GI Bill, or now the but the Georgia congressman could not The American Legion and VFW dif- Forever GI Bill, the VFW has been at be reached. fered in their approach to what became the forefront in making sure our service Calls went out to radio stations asking known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment members and veterans receive the edu- for on-air pleas to locate the congressman. Act of 1944, or the GI Bill of Rights. cational benefi ts they earned,” Murray Georgia State Police monitored roadways, Fearing a single package of benefi ts said. “The VFW will continue to make but throughout the day and into the night, would never make it through Congress, certain VA education benefi ts continue Gibson was nowhere to be found. VFW favored handling various benefi ts to be protected and enhanced so future At 11 p.m., the missing representa- one at a time and routing them through generations can achieve their post mili- tive pulled into his driveway and heard separate congressional committees. tary educational goals as millions of vet- the telephone ringing incessantly. The At VFW’s national encampment in erans have done for the past 75 years.” ✪ voice at the other end briefed him about 1943, Resolution 374 was adopted, EMAIL [email protected]

30 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW DAVE BY PHOTO

VFW CHIEF VISITS TROOPS

IN EASTERN EUROPE BY DAVE SPIVA

IN FEBRUARY, VFW n an effort to learn more about The purpose of Operation Atlantic the training, readiness and Resolve is to build readiness and enhance COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF B.J. morale of the troops overseas, bonds between ally and partner militar- LAWRENCE VISITED SOME IVFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. ies through training in Poland, Bulgaria, OF THE ARMY’S FINEST Lawrence embedded with members of Hungary, Romania and the Baltics. It also the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, reassures allies of America’s dedication GARRISONED IN POLAND. THE 1st Infantry Division, during the cold to peace and stability in eastern Europe. COUNTRY COULD BE THE SITE OF February winter in Poland. The unit It’s no coincidence that Atlantic Resolve A PERMANENT U.S. BASE from Fort Riley, Kan., deployed to east- follows Russian aggression in Ukraine, ern Europe in late December as part of including the annexation of the country’s ON RUSSIA’S DOORSTEP. Operation Atlantic Resolve. Crimean Peninsula in 2014. “Talking to troops on the ground level, About 3,500 1st Armd. BCT troops especially where they deploy, helps us are participating in Operation Atlantic better advocate for them on Capitol Hill,” Resolve, including Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lawrence said. “Visits such as these are Rolison, an indirect fire infantryman essential to maintaining the close rela- with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt. A mem- tionship the VFW has nurtured with ber of the VFW Department of Kansas, America’s military for now 120 years, and Rolison said he was “enjoying” his time we are grateful for this opportunity to in Swietoszow, Poland. learn even more.” “I’ve been able to focus on my job,

32 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 LEFT: VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW speaks with Army Sgt. Michael Messersmith, an M1A2 Abrams tank gunner with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., prior to a live-fi re exercise on Feb. 6 near Swietoszow, Poland. Also pictured are 1st Sgt. Andrew MacVey (far left ) and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kohunsky (far right), of 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt.

RIGHT: VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence with Pvt. 2nd Class Gretchen Szabo in November while touring the Army National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. Lawrence said he was “very impressed” with the knowledge displayed by the 17-year-old gunner of 3rd Bn., 29th Field Artillery Regt. focus on my men and ensure that they are as ready as they possibly can be,” LAWRENCE VISITS TROOPS Rolison said. “Our main focus is train- AT FORT IRWIN ing and to reinsure our counterparts that the United States stands with them Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., Messersmith said As a prerequisite for his visit to Poland, VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence visited against any threat that they may or may he was “loving” Poland. with Army units during predeployment train- not face.” “It’s my first time ever in another ing in November in California at the na ti o n’s Rolison, who joined the Army in 2012, country,” Messersmith said. “I can’t wait largest Army training center. earned his VFW eligibility in Iraq when to visit all of Europe. But I can’t wait to he took part in the liberation of Mosul actually do some real gunnery training.” Fort Irwin’s Nati no al Training Center (NTC), about 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles, is from Islamic State forces in 2016-17 with Messersmith said he is “excited” the only U.S. military training facility that sup- 2nd Bde., 82nd Abn. Div. He said he had to train with Polish troops while in ports brigade-level, live-fi re exercises ranging spoken with a few Polish army soldiers Swietoszow. from small arms to aircraft -launched bombs. while in Swietoszow and that they have Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Foley, of 1st Sqdn., been friendly. 4th Cav Regt., also shared Messersmith’s Lawrence met with Brig. Gen. Jeff Broadwater, the commanding general of Fort Irwin and “I can’t wait to go out and train with eagerness to train with the foreign sol- the Army’s Nati no al Training Center, to talk them,” Rolison said. “There is so much diers. about troop readiness and morale. Lawrence that we can learn from one another. It “I’m looking forward to enjoying also spoke with soldiers of the 11th Armored will be interesting to see how other mil- our time with our allied counterparts Cavalry Regiment (ACR), including Col. Scott itary units operate. We don’t operate in and hoping to learn from them here in Woodward, to discuss the realisti c training Army brigades endure during its month-long areas like this at Fort Riley. Being here is Poland,” Foley said. “Every time I work visit. The 11th ACR acts as a “lethal and pro- going to present a different attitude when with them, whether it be in the motor fessional” opposing force to train the Army’s it comes to the tactical environment.” pool or in our living quarters, they have Brigade Combat Teams. been extremely friendly and helpful.” ‘EXCITED’ FOR TRAINING Sgt. Darel Maxfi eld, a Bradley gunner “NTC is the only place for brigade-size training,” Woodward said. “The enti re focus of this whole Since 2014, the Army has conduct- with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., said being post is to make sure training objecti ves are met ed training and security with allies and in Poland was a “new experience” and by the training units. We replicate the enti r e partners in eastern Europe. For armored not what he is used to. environment for each unit that comes through.” units, such as 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., “My last rotation was to South Korea nine-month rotations are scheduled for in 2016 to 2017 with Quarter Cav,” Lawrence spent ti me with ni fantry, tank and arti llery soldiers. He spoke to them about schol- the “foreseeable future,” according to the Maxfi eld said, referring to 1st Sqdn., 4th arship opportuniti es through VFW’s Help a Hero Army. During these garrisons in eastern Cav Regt. “I actually like being in Poland Scholarship and the Unmet Needs program. Europe, units are expected to enhance more than Korea. I’m not a huge fan of deterrence capabilities, increase ability the cold, but it’s a completely different While in the training area, roughly the size of to respond to potential crises and defend feel here.” Rhode Island, Lawrence learned about fi eld arti llery from Pvt. 2nd Class Gretchen Szabo, allies and partners in Europe. who at the ti me was a 17-year-old gunner with Prior to observing a live-fi re exercise MORE TROOPS IN POLAND 3rd Bn., 29th Field Arti llery Regt. on Feb. 6 near Swietoszow, Lawrence In March, soldiers of 2nd Armd. Bde., learned about the capabilities of an 1st Armd. Div., in Fort Bliss, Texas, were “A lot has changed since I’ve been in the Army,” M1A2 Abrams tank from Sgt. Michael told to immediately deploy to Poland. Lawrence said. “Soldiers today are taught to think for themselves. Those skills are required Messersmith, of Forest City, Iowa. An The 2nd Armd. Bde. commander, Col. of every soldier who deploys overseas.” M1A2 Abrams tank gunner with 1st Chad Chalfont, told Stars and Stripes he

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 33 RIGHT: (From left to right) 1st Sqdn., 4th PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW Cav Regt., Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kohunsky and commanding offi cer Lt. Col. Brian Gilbert speak with VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence on Feb. 5 about the equipment operated by the 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., in a motor pool of the Polish army post in Swietoszow, Poland. Lawrence embedded with members of the unit to learn more about training, readiness and morale of troops overseas.

BOTTOM RIGHT: 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt., Army troopers Pfc. Cody Patrick, a Bradley mechanic, and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rolison, a mortarman, conduct night vision goggle training on an M240B machine gun on Feb. 5 in Swietoszow, Poland, as VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence observes. Lawrence visited troops of 1st Armd. BCT, 1st Inf. Div., during his trip to eastern Europe in February. PHOTO BY SGT. JEREMIAH WOODS/U.S. ARMY and his troops had PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW “zero notice” from its headquarters. Within a month, 1,500 of the bri- gade’s solders were on their way to Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, for live-fire train- ing. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan ordered the deployment to test the Army’s VFW EXCELLENCE AWARD ability to rap- During his visit with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav idly alert, recall Regt., troops in Swietoszow, Poland, VFW and deploy under Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence recog- emergency condi- nized three soldiers for outstanding service tions, according to an Army press release. “I am perfectly content with the with the VFW Nati onal Excellence Award. Talks about sending more troops to large forces that are rotating today,” The soldiers, based in Fort Riley, Kan., were: Poland, as well as operating a permanent Scaparrotti said. “A more permanent • Sgt. Michael Messersmith, tank gunner. U.S. base in the country, have been more base is helpful because of the relation- • Spc. Rhea Redmon, combat medic. prevalent this year. NATO offi cials are ships you build and the mission they • Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rolison, mortarman. said to be planning construction of a U.S. have. So, you’ll see a little bit of a combi- Lawrence said he was impressed with the combat vehicle storage site in Poland, nation there from my point of view.” three soldiers who displayed outstanding according to Defense News. While in Poland, Lawrence said he professional skills, knowledge of their fi elds As of March, Polish and U.S. offi cials “could not be any prouder” of the troops and leadership qualiti es. also are negotiating a permanent military in eastern Europe. base in the country. The Polish govern- “The mentorship shown between ment has offered $2 billion for funding soldiers ensured that the hard lessons ABOVE: VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. of the base, according to Military Times. learned after 17 years of nonstop, multi- Lawrence gives the VFW Excellence Award During a House Armed Services front war and family separations will not to Army Spc. Rhea Redmon, a combat Committee hearing on March 13, Army be lost on our new generation of patri- medic with 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav Regt. on Feb. 7 in Swietoszow, Poland. Lawrence Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of ots,” Lawrence said. “Their professional- said he was impressed with Redmon’s U.S. European Command and NATO ism while deployed overseas in support professionalism and leadership while he Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, of Operation Atlantic Resolve makes toured an Army medical facility. supported the idea of having a permanent them true American ambassadors.” ✪ base in Poland, as well as rotating forces. EMAIL [email protected]

34 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

A record number of hikers participated in the 30th annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands ‘ONE STEP IN FRONT Missile Range. OF THE OTHER’ BY KARI WILLIAMS

José Aragon, commander of VFW Post 3396, veteran Rick Norris and past VFW Department of Nevada Commander David Sousa rest at mile marker 26 during the Bataan Memorial Death March in March in New Mexico. The event set a record with 8,639 participants this year. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SOUSA DAVID OF COURTESY PHOTO

atalie and Norman Copeland WHY THEY WALK and anger” about the war, and his wife, completed a 14.2-mile trek Natalie said that after her retirement according to Natalie, told him the only across New Mexico’s White last year, Norm and she decided to way he would get over those feelings NSands Missile Range not only march in Frazier’s honor. Frazier died is through forgiveness. That prompted to honor all who walked during the origi- in September. Frazier to visit Pearl Harbor and meet nal Bataan Death March, but for one man The couple met the Bataan Death one of his guards. in particular — Col. Glenn Frazier. March survivor in 2017 when he spoke “The weight just came off of him,” The Copelands, who participated in at several VFW community events said Natalie, who served aboard the the 30th annual Bataan Memorial Death for a World War II survivors’ celebra- USS Canopus from April 1991-95 during March with the VFW Department of tion. At the time, Norm was senior vice Operation Desert Storm. Texas, kept photos of Frazier nearby commander for the Department of Norm said he has struggled with his through the duration of the trek. Mississippi, and Natalie was the state’s own military service, and Frazier’s expe- “We were carrying him,” said Natalie, Auxiliary president, so they escorted rience gave him the “peace” he needed. past state president of the Mississippi Frazier on his visit. “When I met him, I was 65 years old, VFW Auxiliary. “One of our favor- Norm, a Navy vet who served on a sub- and he taught me how to be a man that ite songs is ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my marine (SSBN Deterrent Patrol) from day,” Norm said. Brother.’ He was our brother.” 1969 to 1989 as a missile technician, said At the time, Norm said, he was More than 8,600 people joined the he “just absolutely fell in love with the “extremely unhealthy,” weighing 268 Copelands in New Mexico. The event, guy” when he met Frazier about three pounds. In preparation for the march, which set a new participation record, years ago. Norm lost nearly 60 pounds and was honors the 75,000 soldiers who were “I think the one thing that got me taken off of his diabetes medication. forced by their Japanese captors to the most was his lesson on forgiveness,” march 65 miles to prison camps in the Norm said. BATAAN SURVIVOR INSPIRING Philippines during World War II. Frazier still had “a lot of resentment Another of this year’s participants,

36 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 Natalie and Norman Copeland walk hand-in-hand as they complete the 14.2- mile version of the Bataan Memorial Death March in March at White Sands Missile Range. Natalie is a member of VFW Auxiliary 3542 in Jewett, Texas, and Norman is a past senior vice commander in Mississippi.

Norman Copeland displays an image of Bataan Death March survivor Glenn Frazier on his jersey during the Bataan Memorial Death March earlier this year. Copeland and his wife met Frazier, who died last year, when they lived in Mississippi and escorted him to World War II survivor events. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE COPELAND NATALIE OF COURTESY PHOTO

compared to what you [and he’s] got his buddies around the Bataan prison- him,” Sousa said. ers went through,” said Norris, who ‘WE HELD HANDS THROUGH IT’ served from 1979- Norm’s main thought during the march 87 in the Sinai was, “One step in front of the other,” but Desert with the he said he became emotional on more 82nd Airborne than one occasion. Division, as well as on Grenada and in “It was overwhelming to see so many Honduras with the 7th Special Forces people out there honoring what these Group. “We had aid stations. We had people went through,” Norm said. “I still water. We had food.” get kind of emotional about it, I guess.” But supporting veterans is the “driving IMPORTANCE OF THE MARCH force” for the Copelands. Natalie said the march is a way to rec- “We don’t really have hobbies. We take ognize those who endured the Bataan care of veterans,” Norm said. “That’s the PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE COPELAND NATALIE OF COURTESY PHOTO Death March. only thing we’ve really wanted to do. “You’re honoring those [who] have That’s my saving grace through her.” gone before us to give us this freedom that And they completed the event as a unit. we have today,” said Natalie, a member of “Norm and I did it together,” Natalie VFW Auxiliary 3542 in Jewett, Texas. said. “When we made that last turn, The beginning of the march, for we walked it hand-in-hand together as Natalie, was fun. But as time went on, she a team.” wondered how Frazier made it through. The Copelands served on the USS “They went so much farther than we Holland together, and Natalie was dat- did,” Natalie said. “The pain and the ing Norm’s best friend at the time. They David Sousa, of VFW Post 3396 in agony. What they endured was Sparks, Nev., joined a group of about 100 times worse than what we BY THE NUMBERS: 20 people for the march. This year endured. So just trying to get • 12 survivors died since the last memorial march. marked Sousa’s 13th venture to White through it was the next part.” • 8,639 military and civilians entered the march. Sands Missile Range. He said the jour- Sousa, who served in Iraq • 50 states and 12 countries were represented. Source: facebook.com/WSMissileRange ney was “amazing,” noting the story of (2003-04 with the 72nd MP Co.) Ben Skardon, a 101-year-old Bataan sur- and Afghanistan (2011-12, 422nd vivor who spoke before the start of the Expeditionary Signal Bn.), said his team had lost track of each other until Natalie march. Skardon’s retelling caused Sousa received a lot of community support, and found him on classmates.com. He later to reflect on his own deployment. one donor’s family included a Filipino sur- moved to Georgia and was elected chap- “You realize how much pain and tor- vivor of the march. lain of VFW Post 8385 in Kingsbay his ture and agony that they went through,” “She gave us her experience and her first night at the Post. One year later, they Sousa said, “and it’s just amazing how passion when she gave us her donation,” were married in that same Post. far we’ve gotten in the technical and Sousa said. “We kind of spread it out to Norm said the importance of the medical side. But the other [thought] is the entire 20 [person]-team we had, and I march was completing it, as well as shar- how cruel and morbid people can be on think that also helped us finish the race.” ing the experience with Natalie. treating people.” The most memorable part of the “At about the 10-mile mark, it was Rick Norris, a Special Forces Army march for Sousa was watching the really starting to wear on her, and I took veteran who participated on Sousa’s “wounded warriors.” Their determina- her backpack and carried it, and we held team, said that he kept thinking about tion, according to Sousa, shows the “for- hands through it,” Norm said. the original marchers along the route. titude” veterans have. Norm already has plans to participate “I can’t speak for anybody else, but “You look up and you see this guy again next year. J what we were doing was relatively easy with metal limbs, and he’s in front of EMAIL [email protected]

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 37 PHOTO BY MICHAEL EDSON/VFW MICHAEL BY PHOTO

IVY LEAGUE STUDENT The new method proposed by Baer would involve tracking groups of veter- BRINGS A VETERAN’S ans that had similar periods and loca- tions of exposure. He also wants relevant data added from registering veterans to PERSPECTIVE better identify all veterans, not just ones who voluntarily add their name to the TO CAPITOL HILL burn pit registry. Baer said implementing this method A VFW life member who belongs to the University of Pennsylvania for tracking veterans exposed to burn pits would spare “tens of thousands” Student Veterans of America chapter took part in advocating for veterans from suffering, much like Vietnam War veterans who waited years to secure in March at the VFW Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. treatment and benefits from Agent BY DAVE SPIVA Orange exposure. A graduate student, Baer is working on a master’s degree in public adminis- hen Army veteran Chad would blow smoke at us. We would just tration, which he hopes to obtain next Baer applied for the sit in it — it was like a haze. It would burn year. When he isn’t studying or attending VFW-Student Veterans of our eyes and throats.” class at the University of Pennsylvania America (SVA) fellowship in Philadelphia, Baer volunteers as a W HELPING AND ADVOCATING last year, he already was independently treasurer for The Veterans Group, a working on better understanding the topic FOR VETERANS nonprofit organization that provides of burn pits. He was inspired to research it Baer, a life member of VFW Post 5467 shelter, food and services to veterans because of his own experiences. in Kennett Square, Pa., said the deploy- near Philadelphia. While in Djibouti with the 702nd ment helped him understand how troops “Volunteering for The Veterans Group Military Police Co., 136th Military Police could be exposed to burn pits. His curi- is a growing experience,” Baer said. “It’s Bn., of the Texas Army National Guard osity to learn more about burn pits, as something that challenges me. It gives in 2012, Baer said he was always near a well as having family members who me some immediate gratification because trash incinerator. served near burn pits in Iraq, fueled I get to see the everyday impact of keep- “I worked nights with a small group Baer’s aspiration to produce a tracking ing veterans off the street. With my burn while it was burning,” Baer said. “We method that he said would improve VA’s pit work, it may take years to save a lot of worked in a remote area where the wind burn pit database. lives or alleviate a lot of suffering.”

38 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

SERVING AIR FORCE RETIREE RELIES 100VETERANS FOR ON ‘PASSION AND COMPASSION’ oe Greene retired from the Air he had built, as well as cars. He was YEARS Force in 2012. Two years later, his set up, but through that process after VFW IN WASHINGTON IN VFW wife landed a job interview that he [died], she could not maintain it. ultimately led to his new career She lost everything. So this was a real A vet of the Iraq and J path as a VFW-accredited service offi cer. overwhelming deal because she was Afghanistan wars runs Greene, a life member of VFW Post staying with her sister, and was able to VFW’s service offi ce 1370 in Pontiac, Mich., said his wife, secure her own residence and get her in Michigan. He calls Karen, also a veteran, initially applied own vehicle.” the work “a natural for a veteran service offi cer position Those instances, for Greene, make the progression” from his with VFW’s Department of Michigan. job rewarding. days in the military. During her interview, she noted Joe’s “[It’s] moments like that — when you multiple deployments. see somebody’s life be so derailed, and She then sent in Greene’s resume and you’re able to get them back on track,” DD-214, and both were hired — Greene Greene said. BY KARI WILLIAMS to the VSO role and his wife, who is not The most challenging aspect, he said, VFW-eligible, to a claims consultant is dealing with the laws themselves and position with the John D. Dingell VA how they can be interpreted. Medical Center in Detroit. In October, “Not everything’s black and white, Greene was especially in combat situations,” said named the direc- Greene, who served in the Air Force from tor of the service 1985 to 2012, with 12 total deployments offi ce for VFW’s during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Department of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Michigan. Freedom and to Iraq and Afghanistan. “When I retired, The most common case he works on I was a senior PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE GREENE JOE OF COURTESY PHOTO is related to “blue water” Navy veterans master sergeant,” and Air Force vets who served during the said Greene, who Vietnam War. Annually, he said, his offi ce has been a ser- handles about 3,000 cases among its 18 vice offi cer since service offi cers. 2014. “Every time Greene, who was in the process of hir- I deployed, I was ing a new employee in late March, said just used to taking what he looks for in potential service care of those in my offi cers is that they have the “passion Joe Greene, a life member of VFW Post charge, and this just seemed like a natu- and compassion” for the line of work. 1370 in Pontiac, Mich., visits with fellow ral progression to that.” “It can be very easily jading at times,” veteran service offi cer and VFW member Greene is only the sixth state veteran Greene said. “And that’s the one thing Sean Kelly. Greene transitioned to the VSO service director for Michigan in its near- that nobody can teach you. We can teach profession aft er serving in the Air Force from ly 100-year history. you the rules and regulations… What I 1985 to 2012. “This blew me away,” Greene said. can’t teach you is how to care and how to One of Greene’s biggest monetary vic- do that unequivocally. ✪ tories also was one of his fi rst. A widow EMAIL [email protected] was in the midst of an eight-year struggle to secure benefi ts for her husband, who Editor’s note: This is the fi fth in served in Thailand with the Air Force a series of feature articles on VFW’s during the Vietnam War. She sought accredited veteran service offi cers. In compensation on his behalf for Agent 2019, VFW is commemorating the 100th Orange exposure he received at Royal anniversary of its National Veteran Thai Air Base Takhli. She ultimately col- Service and National Legislative Service lected roughly $180,000 as a surviving offi ces in Washington, D.C. spouse under the dependency indemnity compensation program. NEED HELP? “He was a retired Air Force guy just Find a VFW service offi cer like myself, just a generation before me,” at www.vfw.org Greene said. “He had their house that

40 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 ContractNo Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions. Monthly Fee New amplified phone lets you No hear AND see the conversation. The Hamilton® CapTel® Captioned Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss.

Do you get discouraged when requires telephone service and you hear your telephone ring? high-speed Internet access. WiFi Do you avoid using your phone Capable.Capable. CCallersallers ddoo nnotot nneedeed because hearing difficulties make special equipment or a captioned it hard to understand the person telephone in order on the other end of the line? For to speak with you. many Americans the telephone Finally…Finally… a pphonehone yyouou conversation – once an important can use again. The part of everyday life – has become Hamilton CapTel a thing of the past. Because they phone is also can’t understand what is said packed with to them on the phone, they’re features to help often cut off from friends, family, make phone doctors and caregivers. Now, calls easier. thanks to innovative technology The keypad has there is finally a better way. large,large, eeasyasy ttoo uusese A simple idea… made possible buttons. You get with sophisticated technology. adjustableadjustable vvolumeolume If you have trouble understanding amplificationamplification aalonglong wwithith a call, captioned telephone the ability to save captions can change your life. During a forfor rrevieweview llater.ater. IItt eevenven “For years I avoided phone calls phone call the words spoken has an answering machine to you appear on the phone’s that provides you with the because I couldn’t understand the screen – similar to closed captions of each message. caller… now I don’t miss a thing!” captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the See for yourself with our words spoken to you are not exclusive home trial. Try a only amplified by the phone, but captioned telephone in your scroll across the phone so you own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply can listen while reading what’s SEE what said to you. Each call is routed return it within 60-days for a through a call center, where you’ve been refund of the product purchase computer technology – aided by missing! price. It even comes with a a live representative – generates 5-year warranty. voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, Captioned accurate and readable. Your conversation is private. Internet Telephone Protocol Captioned Telephone Call now for our special Service (IP CTS) is regulated introductory price! and funded by the Federal Communications Commission Call now Toll-Free (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. 1-888-763-5153 To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. Please mention promotion code 111504. The Captioned Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioned Telephone, you The Hamilton CapTel phone acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. 81135 ‘THE CITY BEAUTIFUL’ TO WELCOME VFW

For the second ti me in less than 15 years, Orlando will host VFW’s nati onal conventi on. BY JANIE DYHOUSE

FW members will descend Promoted as “more than your aver- see thousands of alligators and croco- upon the “Theme Park age farmers market,” Orlando Farmers diles. The park boasts four of the world’s Capital of the World” for the Market hosts a variety of artwork, jewel- largest white leucistic (a condition caus- Vorganization’s 120th National ry, pottery and homemade soap in addi- ing partial loss of pigment) alligators, Convention July 20-24. While Orlando, tion to seasonal, fresh produce and baked each 10 to 12 feet in length and weighing Fla., is best known for Walt Disney goods. Live entertainment and outdoor more than 800 pounds. Push or electric World and Universal Studios, there is dining also is offered. wheelchairs are available to rent onsite. much more to see and do in this city. Here’s a look at a few places to check ICON ORLANDO KENNEDY SPACE CENTER out when you aren’t conducting conven- 8375 International Drive Space Commerce Way tion-related business. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 Merritt Island, FL 32953 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ORLANDO VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK https://iconparkorlando.com www.kennedyspacecenter.com 2380 Lake Baldwin Lane The 400-foot observation wheel, once Located at Cape Canaveral just 60 miles Hours: 5 a.m. until sunset known as the Orlando Eye, is the larg- from Orlando, this is a must-see attrac- Located on the north shore of Lake est observation wheel on the East Coast. tion, especially as the nation marks the Baldwin and on the border of Orlando From inside one of the wheel’s capsules, 50th anniversary of the moon landing in and Winter Park, this 4-acre area guests can see downtown Orlando, the July. While here, touch a moon rock — includes nine memorials. The Lake theme parks, and the central Florida land- formed approximately 3.7 billion years Baldwin Park trail connects to Orlando’s scape. Nighttime is a popular time to visit, ago — that was returned to Earth during Blue Jacket and Harbor parks as well as as guests may get a glimpse of fi reworks. Apollo 17. The Astronaut Hall of Fame Winter Park’s Fleet Peoples Park. celebrates the pioneers of NASA’s early GATORLAND space programs. The Kennedy Space ORLANDO FARMERS MARKET 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail Center Bus Tour gets you access to areas Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. off limits to the general public. This is Hours: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.gatorland.com included with daily admission. ✪ www.orlandofarmersmarket.com With 110 acres to explore, visitors can EMAIL [email protected]

ORLANDO FUN FACTS: There are more than 100 lakes in Orlando. Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole measuring 80 feet at its deepest point. • The number of visitors in Orlando each day is equivalent to the populati on of Atlanta, more than 460,000 people. • Orlando’s former city hall was blown up for the opening scene of “Lethal Weapon 3.” • The Orlando Magic, the city’s NBA team, was almost known as the Orlando Juice. • Orlando also is known as “O-Town.” • Source: WorldStrides.com

42 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

2019 Voice of Democracy Winners Listed below are the winners of the 2019 National Voice of Democracy (VOD) contest. All 53 VFW Department winners were honored during VFW’s National Legislative Conference in March in Washington, D.C. Each year, VFW provides high school students from across the country and other parts of the world the opportunity to express themselves through a democratic- and KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO patriotic-themed recorded essay. This year, nearly 40,000 students from grades nine through 12 participated in the contest. Christine Troll, a senior, won this year’s VOD contest. Troll, sponsored by VFW Post 554 and its Auxiliary in Somerset, Pa., received the top prize, the $30,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship provided by VFW. Troll is pictured at right with Auxiliary National President Sandi Kriebel and VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence. SPONSOR WINNER POST LOCATION NATIONAL AWARDS AMOUNT

Christine Troll 554 Somerset, Pa. T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship $30,000 Kyle Polen 9400 Phoenix, Ariz. Charles Kuralt Memorial Scholarship $16,000 Andrew Dodd 10061 Lakehurst, N.J. VFW Scholarship $10,000 Isaac Bock 98 Indianapolis, Ind. LeRoy Moorhead Memorial Scholarship $7,000 Jennifer Tedesco 792 Montpelier, Vt. Floyd County VFW Post 3281, New Albany, Ind. Scholarship $5,000 Noah Hilderbrand 51 Spokane, Wash. Rehoboth Beach Post 7447 and Auxiliary Dept. of Delaware Scholarship $5,000 Ashby Trotter 1002 Fallon, Nev. Department of Indiana and Auxiliary Scholarship & Department of New Jersey Howard E. Vander Clute Scholarship (combined) $4,000 Ryan McDowell 304 Annapolis, Md. Department of Minnesota William F. Halsey Memorial $4,000 Rachael Dahl 9455 Owosso, Mich. Department of New York and Auxiliary, Rev. Albert G. Salmon Memorial Scholarship $3,500 Cassandra James 3227 St. Cloud, Fla. Joseph and Irene Hansen Memorial Scholarship (Md.) $3,000 Alyssa Troyer 1786 Manhattan, Kan. Daniel Sean Wallace Memorial Scholarships (N.J.) $2,500 Abigail Kerestes 3283 Huber Heights, Ohio Troy and Sandy Rothbart Memorial Scholarship (N.Y.) $2,500 Sierra Hillard 5860 Spearfish, S.D. Jesse A. Lewis Memorial Scholarship (Calif.) $2,000 Sofia Isabella 53 Jamestown, N.Y. Silver Spring Memorial Post 2562 Scholarship (Md.) $2,000 Kinley Wilson 474 Muskogee, Okla. Department of Arizona and Auxiliary Harry A. Kosht Memorial Scholarship $2,000 Jordanne Steuck 257 El Dorado Springs, Mo. Department of California and Auxiliary Scholarship $2,000 Stephen Venable 6483 Milford, Del. Department of Illinois VFW – Ray Soden/George Cramer Scholarship $2,000 Aabid Razvi 4692 Bryan, Texas Department of Wisconsin Wally Hogan/Tom Tradewell Commanders-in-Chief Scholarship $2,000 Reagan Yamauchi 9141 Soda Springs, Idaho Department of Kentucky and Auxiliary Brian Duffy and Marion Watson Scholarship $2,000 Hannah Karg 4061 Canon City, Colo. Francis Tallman Memorial Scholarship & Robert A. Stock Memorial Scholarship (N.Y.) (combined) $2,000 William Deering 10252 Anchorage, Alaska Walter & Doris Marshall Memorial Scholarship (Mont.) & Southern Conference Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Collin Sexton 3851 Carmi, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Black Scholarship (N.C.) & Jane Young Memorial Scholarship (Ohio) (combined) $2,000 Stephanie Wright 736 Albion, Neb. Department of Alabama Scholarship & Department of Georgia James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Memorial Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Faith Houston 3036 Hattiesburg , Miss. Department of Georgia R.D. “Bulldog” Smith, Jr. Scholarship & Department of Ohio Chester J. Koch Memorial Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Maxwell Nakos 8214 Manchester, N.H. Department of Connecticut and Auxiliary Scholarship & Stephen and Elsie Riordan Memorial Scholarship (N.J.) (combined) $2,000 Dylan Leebrick 1324 Oregon City , Ore. Larry W. Rivers Scholarship (La.) & Department of Illinois Scott Post 4183 Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Hannah Rabon 9138 Fort Mill, S.C. All American Post 284 Scholarship (D.C.) & Bernard J. Michels, Post 9610 and Auxiliary Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Emily Smith 2197 Topsham, Maine Juanita Crowe-Durbino, Department of Tennessee Scholarship & Ervin and Lorraine Rothenbuhler Scholarship (Md.) (combined) $2,000 Abigail Parker 9625 Coon Rapids, Minn. Fridley VFW Post 363 and Auxiliary Scholarship (Minn.) & Department of Michigan and Auxiliary Scholarship (combined) $2,000 Sydney Caulder 1525 Clayton, Calif. Department of New Hampshire Scholarship $1,500 Isabella Tobin 5390 Portsmouth, R.I. Department of Illinois and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,500 Bethany Cooksey 401 Albuquerque, N.M. Department of Missouri and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,500 Eoin Oravetz 27 Wiesbaden Germany Department of New Mexico and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,500 McKenna Christmas 3103 Fredericksburg, Va. Department of Massachusetts Edward A. Nardi Scholarship $1,500 Malachi Williams 649 Augusta, Ga. Department of Colorado and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,500 Jentry Myers 1322 Van Buren, Ark. Department of Arkansas and Auxiliary Les Thone Memorial Scholarship $1,500 Shayla Hendricks 4918 American Fork, Utah Department of Wyoming and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,000 Jake Engle 3822 Balboa, Panama Roy Chandler VFW Post 762 and Auxiliary Scholarship (N.D.) $1,000 Emily Bolin 4939 McKenzie, Tenn. Arthur W. Jones VFW Post 7564 and Auxiliary Scholarship (N.D.) $1,000 Ruby Lenard 12112 Belgrade, Mont. Department of Pennsylvania Joseph L. Vicites Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Natalie Warren 4075 Frankfort, Ky. Department of Maine Scholarship “to Remember the U.S.S. Maine” $1,000 Matthew Tibbitts 8006 Florence, Mass. Gilbert N. Nelson - Post 1326 and their Auxiliary - Bismarck, North Dakota Scholarship $1,000 Robert Harris 4469 Beckley, W.Va. Department of Kansas and Auxiliary Robert R. Whipple Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Nicholas Kempf 2778 Appleton, Wis. Department of Nevada and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,000 Elyse Rutherford 3558 Wheatland Wyo. Department of Florida John M. “Jack” Carney Scholarship $1,000 Te’a Daniel 10154 Kaneohe, Hawaii Department of Hawaii and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,000 Evan Hagen 1797 Creston, Iowa Department of Idaho and Auxiliary Scholarship $1,000 John Brooks 5202 Waynesville, N.C. Department of Mississippi VFW and Auxiliary Bernard McClelland Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Abby Post 9317 Mantador, N.D. Ray Sisk Memorial Scholarship (Calif.) $1,000 Jonathan Baker 4543 Haleyville, Ala. Department of Tennessee Cooper T. Holt - John Furgess Scholarship $1,000 Kamryn Passman 7196 Franklinton La. Department of Mississippi Toxie K. Stapleton Post 6473 Luther J. Cox Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Amaya Peruccio 9612 Tokyo, Japan Commander-in-Chief Richard L. Eubank and 2010-2011 Department Commanders Scholarship (Calif.) $1,000 Jacquelyn Yorker 5095 East Hampton, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. John Biedrzycki and the 2015 Homecoming Committee Scholarship (PA) $1,000

44 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019 2019 Patriot’s Pen Winners Listed below are the winners of the 2019 Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. More than 111,000 students in grades six through eight from across the country, as well as the Pacific areas, Europe and the Panama

Canal, entered VFW’s Patriot’s Pen contest for a chance to win part of KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO the $54,500 distributed to the top performers. Each year, students from all 53 VFW Departments compete in the youth essay contest. This year’s top winner is Daniel Rodriguez, an eighth-grade student from Nogales, Ariz.,who was sponsored by VFW Post 2066 in Nogales for the contest. He earned a $5,000 award and a trip to the VFW National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., for writing the winning essay. Rodriguez is pictured at right with Auxiliary National President Sandi Kriebel and VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence.

SPONSOR WINNER POST LOCATION NATIONAL AWARDS AMOUNT Daniel Rodriguez 2066 Nogales, Ariz. North End Post 144 Paul A. Spera Past Commander-in-Chief Award $5,000 Miles McAlister 12124 Meridian, Miss. VFW Award $4,000 Amanda Collingham 3285 Frederick, Md. VFW Award $3,500 Lucia Williams 10049 Los Angeles, Calif. Alaine Benson Memorial Award $2,750 Lily Harris 2321 Green River , Wyo. Rehoboth Beach Post 7447 and Auxiliary (Dept. of Delaware) Award $2,500 Luke Fox 688 Boerne, Texas Clyde A. Lewis Department of New York and Auxiliary Award $2,000 Jaeho Lee 12303 Schenectady, N.Y. Dept. of New Hampshire George J. Maxfield Post 1772 and Auxiliary John A. Knapper Memorial Award $1,750 Louise Garcia Grimaldo 3296 Orofino, Idaho John F. Gwizdak Award $1,500 Chase Shockley 2590 Carthage, Mo. VFW and James R. and Pat Mueller Award $1,500 Addison Perkins 1018 Dorchester, Mass. VFW Award $1,500 Carolyn Lafferty 152 North Kingstown, R.I. VFW Award $1,250 Barri Shealy 5928 Camden, S.C. Grace Minnix Memorial Award $1,250 Maggie Berleth 8401 Bedford, N.H. Golden Valley VFW Post 7051 (Golden Valley, Minn.) Award $1,000 Iain McMurray 8336 Logandale, Nev. Louis W. Oppenheim VFW Post 1019 Award $1,000 Amy Adams 3820 Salida, Colo. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Colorado Award $1,000 Cara Argila 10122 Scotch Plains, N.J. John V. Daniel’s Jr. Post 2813 and Auxiliary (Dept. of New York) Award & John E. (Jack) Bales Post 10581 (Dept. of Colorado) Award (combined) $1,000 Brennan Muhich 4456 Gilbert, Minn. Silver Spring Memorial Post 2562 (Dept. of Maryland) Award & Department of Utah Award (combined) $1,000 Allie Autry 1294 Lexington, Tenn. VFW Department of Michigan Award & Warren A. Tressler Memorial (Dept. of Minnesota) Award (combined) $1,000 Malachi Feil 6957 Haysville, Kan. VFW Department of Nevada Award & Chaplain Lyman Rollins Post 2005, Marblehead, Mass., Award (combined) $1,000 Calister Grimsley 5860 Spearfish, S.D. Charlie H. Adamson Jr. Memorial Award & Joseph A. Scerra Memorial (Dept. of Massachusetts) Award (combined) $1,000 Zach Sexton 2898 Toledo, Ohio James L. Keeley Award & Department of Ohio Award (combined) $1,000 Lauren Solem 276 Whitefish, Mont. Department of South Dakota VFW and Auxiliary Award & Department of Idaho and Auxiliary Award (combined) $1,000 Jane Rowell 5976 Douglas, Ga. Department of Georgia and Auxiliary Award $1,000 Ava Louviere 7442 South Jordan, Utah Department of Kansas VFW and Auxiliary Award and Department of Iowa Award (combined) $ 750 Rory Decker 531 Honesdale, Pa. VFW Department of Washington and Auxiliary Eric G. Sandstrom Memorial Award $ 750 Kaitlyn Larsen 753 Minot, N.D. Glenn D. Raney Memorial (Louisiana) Award $ 500 Kristin Wailes 9599 Jefferson, Iowa Mary Margaret Romano Memorial (Dept. of Connecticut) Award $ 500 William Chen 10154 Kaneohe, Hawaii VFW Southern Conference Award $ 500 Katelyn Aasman 6018 Fayetteville N.C. Edward S. Banas Sr. Award $ 500 Rae Ruiz 9515 Portales, N.M. Deering Memorial Post 6859, Portland, Maine Award $ 500 Claire Rush 8720 Abita Springs, La. VFW Department of Tennessee John Furgess Award $ 500 Zoee Robinson 1114 Evansville, Ind. Department of Missouri VFW and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Ella Williamson 10692 Grafenwohr, Germany The Robin V. Fell Memorial Award $ 500 Eva Blankenberger 1913 Hopkinsville, Ky. Deering Memorial Post 6859, Auxiliary Portland Maine Award $ 500 Ava Lugo 3822 Balboa, Panama VFW Department of South Carolina and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Arden Manson 9835 Warrenton, Va. Sanford-Springvale Memorial VFW Post 9935 Award $ 500 Boaz Dernlan 475 Newark, Del. VFW Department of California Award $ 500 Hannah Miller 9156 Sheboygan, Wis. VFW Department of Arkansas, “Dewayne Fletcher Memorial” Award $ 500 Jesse White 3306 Howard City, Mich. Frederick H. Smalley Department of New Mexico Award $ 500 Hannah Cunningham 782 Burlington, Vt. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Award $ 500 Brooke Shaw 3016 Selma, Ala. VFW Department of New Jersey Award $ 500 Marisa Malander 736 Albion, Neb. Veterans of Foreign Wars of Ohio Charities Award $ 500 Nathaniel Kerr 7666 Guilford, Conn. Department of Wyoming and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Riley Baldwin 1117 Caseyville, Ill. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Mississippi and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Marcus Adkins 4484 Rainelle, W.Va. Department of Connecticut and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Katelyn King 1322 Van Buren, Ark. Commander-in-Chief John Biedrzycki and 2015-2016 Department Commanders Award $ 500 Wyatt Ayers 251 Monticello, Fla. National President Francisca Guilford and 2015-2016 Auxiliaries Award $ 500 Sophia Spilinek 10029 North Pole, Alaska VFW Department of New Mexico and Auxiliary Award $ 500 Lucy Crosby 5056 Sedro - Woolley, Wash. VFW Department of Nevada Award $ 500 Javon Major 9723 Okinawa, Japan VFW Department of Pennsylvania 2015-16 “LDRSHIP” Award $ 500 Sam Williams 10643 Windham, Maine Peter J. Mascetti Jr. & Department of Europe Award $ 500 Robert VanEtta 4065 Jefferson, Ore. VFW and Auxiliary members of Southern Charles County Memorial Post 10081, Dept. of Maryland Award $ 500 McKayla Brents 5805 Fort Towson, Okla. Gilbert N. Nelson Post 1326 and its Auxiliary, Bismarck, N.D., Award $ 500

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 45 BETTER HEALTH NEWS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE VFW Health PHOTO BY KARI WILLIAMS/VFW Fairs Have Saved Lives

Held annually at VFW’s national convention, this event offers vital screenings, health education and information at no cost.

BY JANICE PHELAN

here are several memorable individuals among the thou- sands of veterans and their Tspouses who have visited the health fairs at VFW national conven- tions for more than 20 years. James Moss, who helps coordinate A VFW member visits the Truffoire Skin Care booth during the Humana-sponsored health fair at the annual events, shared the story of an VFW’s 119th National Convention last year in Kansas City, Mo. The booth featured eyelifts and face individual’s noteworthy visit to a previ- creams. Other vendors at the fair included AbbVie, Walgreens, Veterans Against Alzheimer’s and the ous health fair. Veterans Crisis Line. The fair will be featured again at this year’s convention. “During a blood pressure screening performed on a veteran’s spouse, it was discovered to be extremely high,” said addiction/substance-abuse treatment, impacts veterans, fitness for people Moss, assistant director for Veterans Medicare program benefits, environ- age 65 and older, nutrition and how Health Policy, National Veterans Service mental/airborne-hazards exposure, playing the harmonica can help people and VFW Veterans Affairs Voluntary health-prevention programs, mental with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Service national representative. health/suicide awareness, telehealth Disorder (an umbrella term used to “The spouse had complained of a and the VA’s Whole Health initiative. describe progressive lung diseases). headache, and it was suggested [she] Another example of the health fair’s In addition to Humana’s partnership go directly to the emergency room success took place during screenings for this year, other sponsors include AbbVie, for treatment. The end result is, if the abdominal aortic aneurysms, conducted by Phillips and Walgreens, as well as a num- spouse had waited a few hours longer, AAAneurysm Outreach at the 118th annual ber of other exhibitors, Moss said. she would have been at a higher risk convention in 2017 in New Orleans. The annual health fair adds another of having a stroke. As a result of the “It was found that out of 1,000 dimension to VFW national conven- screening, a life was saved.” screened individuals, 16 were given direc- tions, Moss said. It encourages veterans The health fair has been offered at tions to see their doctors immediately and spouses to be proactive in assessing the VFW National Convention since upon returning home,” Moss shared. their health and wellness. 1997. The fair, which includes screen- For the third year in a row, Humana “The information provided to them ings as well as information and educa- will sponsor the health fair. through participating exhibitors and tion, will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 Last year’s health fair, held during the vendors helps them make informed p.m. July 20-23 at VFW’s 120th National convention in Kansas City, Mo., featured choices about how they can better live Convention in Orlando, Fla. 32 vendors. their lives,” he said. “And VFW is glad Participation in the informational ses- Examples of screenings taking place to be part of this as it does make a dif- sions and health screenings is free to all at Kansas City included 653 aneurysm ference, and it supports our motto — ‘No veterans and their spouses or guests. checks and 137 hearing tests, as well as one does more for veterans.’” J The four-day event will feature 1,226 visits and 526 screenings at the KC EMAIL [email protected] screenings for conditions such as eye or Mobile Vet Center. ear problems, hypertension and prostate That health fair also included infor- Janice Phelan is a freelance writer cancer. Moss said he plans to provide mational exhibits and instructional ses- based in LeeÕs Summit, Mo. information and presentations about sions such as how Alzheimer’s disease

46 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

MEMBER CORNER MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VFW PHOTO BY SANDI LUTE, ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE

VFW members gather at the Las Cruces (N.M.) Convention Center in the days leading up to the 30th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March 17. Jason Lee, Tim Borland, Paul Golden, John Archuleta, Cynthia Archuleta, Rick McKenna, Mark Decker, Mike Cano, Charles Eaton, Raul Sanchez and Rick Butler were among the VFW representatives who signed up nearly 200 new members. VFW Recruits in New Mexico’s High Desert The 30th annual Bataan Memorial Death March this spring proved a great opportunity for membership recruiting. A VFW canopy is set up with pallets BY JANIE DYHOUSE of water to hand out to participants as they cross the finish line. or the ninth year, VFW rep- Decker, who has attended the march “We were there to tell people about resentatives attended the three times, said VFW’s presence there the assistance and support VFW offers Bataan Memorial Death March is about much more than recruiting. veterans and their families,” VFW Fon March 17 at White Sands VFW and Auxiliary volunteers try to Membership Director Rick Butler said. Missile Range, N.M. The annual march make people feel welcome and thank “We also had a drawing for the VFW through 26.2 miles of desert terrain is each one for coming out. Tribute Henry Rifle. Casey Tasco, a new held to remember those who defended “It’s a wonderful experience,” he said. life member from the Department of the Philippine Islands during World “There is always so much camaraderie.” New Jersey, was the lucky recipient.” War II. (See p. 36 for an article on the For five years in a row, Marine Corps Butler said this opportunity for 30th annual march.) retiree Cynthia Archuleta has attended the recruiting is just another example of In addition to being an event sponsor memorial march and recruited for VFW. VFW being present in the community. and on hand to help out, VFW members “The best part is that there are people VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. signed up nearly 200 new members over from all over the world who come out Lawrence said while he’s proud of the a three-day period. for this,” said Archuleta, New Mexico’s recruiting efforts put forth during the Department of New Mexico junior vice commander and Department event, he’s most proud of VFW being a Commander Mark Decker said a large service officer. “It’s so enjoyable to talk march sponsor. VFW booth was set up in the hallway and hear people’s stories.” “Being from Alamogordo, N.M., sup- at the Las Cruces Convention Center The Iraq vet said she has talked to porting this annual memorial march and that anyone going to register for the people who told her after hearing her has been very near and dear to my heart march had to walk past the VFW. recruiting pitch, they joined a VFW Post. for years,” Lawrence said. “The VFW “In past years, we have signed up Overall, Archuleta said she finds vet- is honored to be a part of an event that WWII vets,” Decker said. “This year, erans receptive to the idea of joining honors and preserves the stories and we signed up quite a few Vietnam vets VFW. Sometimes, she said, a veteran sacrifices of the Bataan Death March and some from Desert Storm/Shield and will talk about a bad experience he or soldiers which so powerfully aligns with Somalia. But the majority were from she might have had at a VFW Post. So our mission as an organization." J Iraq and Afghanistan.” she explains not all Posts are the same. EMAIL [email protected]

48 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

MEMBER BENEFITS PERKS OF VFW MEMBERSHIP ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME – WASHINGTON, D.C. & GULFPORT MISS. Understanding Health Affordable Independent Insurance Before Traveling Living for Eligible efore making travel plans, consider Veterans! your current health Binsurance plan. Otherwise, you might be Offering superb medical responsible for emergency programs, healthy meals, health care expenses that and fun activities. your plan does not cover. Enjoy the camaraderie If you’re traveling inside and security you deserve! the U.S., you might have cov- erage that requires you to be seen by only in-network phy- sicians and hospitals, possibly making it difficult to find care away • Will the insurance company pay from home. foreign hospitals and foreign If there are no in-network doctors at doctors directly? your destination, you might face denied • Does the insurance company claims and hefty out-of-pocket expenses. provide an air ambulance or emergency medical evacuation QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR should it be necessary? Call 800.422.9988 HEALTH INSURANCE • Does the insurance company [email protected] | afrh.gov • What are my insurance com- provide prescription replace- pany’s hours in case I need to call ment assistance if your medica- them while traveling? tions are lost or stolen? • Does my health insurance policy If your health insurance policy pro- cover medical expenses abroad, vides coverage outside the U.S., remem- Never Lose such as doctor visits, treatment ber to carry both your insurance policy Electricity Again! or hospital stays? identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. BEFORE TRAVELING IN THE U.S. Although some health insurance Contact your insurance company to companies pay “customary and reason- clarify how out-of-state claims will be able” hospital costs abroad, few pay handled. Be sure to ask the following: for transportation home, assistance for • If there are any in-network traveling companions, or medical evac- physicians or hospitals at your uation back to the U.S. travel destination. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000 Own the #1 Brand in • How “emergency” is defined by or more, depending on your location Home Standby Power. your insurance company. and medical condition. 7 out of 10 buyers choose Generac Home • Any specific requirements for fil- Consider purchasing a travel insur- Standby Generators to automatically ing a claim for an out-of-network ance plan that will assist you in the event provide electricity to their homes during physician. of an emergency situation. A travel or power outages. GENERAC Home Standby • If there is transportation home medical emergency could leave you pay- Generators start at just $1,999.* after hospitalization. ing thousands of dollars for transporta- CALL for FREE Generator tion and evacuation services not covered Buyer’s Guide, DVD, and… BEFORE YOU GO ABROAD by your primary medical insurance. Limited Time BONUS OFFER! It’s even more important to understand If you need more information, call your coverage when traveling to or in the VFW Member Benefits Department other countries. at 1-833-VFW-VETS (1-833-839-8387), Most Medicare plans do not provide option 3. coverage outside of the U.S. Ask your *Price does not include installation. 19FA6X © 2019 insurer these questions: References: TOLL FREE 800-843-4265 • Does the insurance company U.S. Department of State. Read more FreeGeneratorGuide.com guarantee that it will cover medi- at: www.travel.state.gov/content/pass- cal payments abroad? ports/en/go/health.html.

50 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

Introducing the future of personal transportation.

It’s not a Wheelchair... 10Ó It’s not a Power Chair...The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. It’s a Zinger Chair! More and more Americans are reaching the age where right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate and its mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe independence and freedom. and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a mph and operates for up to 8 hours on a single charge. mobility device that’s truly unique. They created a battery Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight your independence and quality of life? of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, Zinger Chair® one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers Call now and receive a utility basket down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and absolutely FREE with your order. pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime 1-888-610-2836 and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are Please mention code 111503 when ordering.

Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house Zinger is not a wheelchair or medical device and is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. © 2019 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 83933 Celebrate ameriCa Four New Collectible U.S. Coins Ñ $9.50! FREE Shipping: YOUR OLD WATCH MAY BE WORTH N5821 $10 ,000 OR MORE$$ Military Issue Mechanical STILL MADE IN AMERICA Dive Watches Get both the Philadelphia and Denver Vietnam Era 2019 Kennedy half dollars and the P & D 2019 Sacagawea dollars in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for JUST $9.50! The Kennedy half dollar has only been minted in limited numbers for collectors. Contact: Mike Tovar, Navy Vet The new 2019 dollar celebrates Native Americans in the Space Program. Shown is 310-683-8675 engineer, Mary Golda Ross writing calcu- lations and an astronaut. ALL FOUR BU ISSUES: $9.50 (#49173). 3 sets for $9.25 each or 5 or more sets for $9 apiece. NO www.webstorm.com ON APPROVAL COINS SENT. 30-Day @ No-Risk Money-Back Guarantee. email: watcheswanted webstorm.com International Coins & Currency 62 Ridge St., Dept. N5821, Montpelier, VT 05602 1601 N Sepulveda Blvd, Unit 765, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 1-800-451-4463 • www.iccoin.com/n5821

REUNIONS

To publicize your unit’s reunion, submit a form [email protected] online at: www.vfw.org/forms/reunion-form. F Co., 40th Armor, Berlin Brigade, Turners Tankers: Paul W. Law Submit at least four months in ad vance of (734) 748-9991; [email protected] reunion date. VFW members only. MACV, Big Red One and 9th Inf.: Jack LaRocca AIR FORCE (408) 334-8633; [email protected] One solution for 2nd Aerial Port: Ken Rice (563) 386-8219; COAST GUARD [email protected] USCGC Westwind WAGB-281: O. Frank Roberts Jr. oxygen at home, 502nd Tactical Control Group, Korean War: Bill Aylward (703) (910) 279-0823; [email protected] 715-0880; [email protected] away, and for travel 555 Red Horse Sqdn.: Ernie Riles (828) 586-0164; MARINES [email protected] 3rd 8 inch Howitzer Battery: Dennis O’Brien (805) 340-6286; Introducing the INOGEN ONE [email protected] It’s oxygen therapy on your terms ARMY Alpha & HQ Battery, 1st Bn., 12th Marines: John Campbell 1st Trans. Co., 1st Truck: Thomas C. Denney Sr. (304) 530-7546; (770) 468-8414; [email protected] 3 No more worries about [email protected] Bravo Co., 1st Bn., 11th Marines, Vietnam: Jim Snyder running out of oxygen 2nd Bn., 8th Mech. Inf. 4th Div., Vietnam: Don Swody (570) 549- (951) 201-5133; [email protected] tanks ever again 2866; [email protected] Combined Action Program, 1965-71: Larry Gruttemeyer 3 No more relying on others 2nd Inf. Div. Assn.: Bob Haynes (224) 225-1202; 2idahq@ (516) 662-1323; [email protected] for your oxygen supply comcast.net Fox Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marines: Wally Nalepa (708) 340-5372; 18th and 54th Avn. Co.: Ronald M. Haugen (507) 995-5575; [email protected] 3 No more waiting for [email protected] Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines: Bill Gerke (631) 433-8575; deliveries [email protected] 20th Eng. Bde.: Arthur Halmstad (920) 738-5326; country- 3 Meets FAA requirements [email protected] Lima Co., 3rd Bn., 1st Marines, Vietnam: Jim Snyder for travel 27th Inf. (Wolfhounds) Regt.: Roger Cates (336) 288-8404; (951) 201-5133; [email protected] [email protected] Marine Corps Recruiting Service Reunion: Larry Risvold 39th Eng. Bn. Combat: William Ray (817) 239-0787; bill39th@ (803) 760-4575; [email protected] sbcglobal.net Marines Detachment Barracks, Bermuda: Dennis McDonald 65th Combat Eng., 25th Inf. Div.: Ken Dixon (706) 503-1106; (763) 473-3458 [email protected] TBS Class, 5-74 Echo Co.: Dan Franklin (703) 660-9713; 187th Assault Helicopter Co.: Jim Henry (703) 319-1211; [email protected] [email protected] 629th & 178th Supply Co., Qui Nhon, Vietnam: Gary Matthews NAVY (712) 485-2422; [email protected] Amphibious Ships Reunion: Skip Sander (412) 367-1376; 864th Eng. Bn., Pacemakers: Steve Sattinger (253) 905-3744; [email protected] Request your FREE [email protected] Association of Minemen: John Epps (509) 366-0214; A Co., 2nd Bn., 5th Cav, 1st Cav Div., Vietnam: Richard Sherwood [email protected] Information Kit Today! (703) 732-0813; [email protected] Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit-112/Inshore Boat Unit-14: 1-800-449-11371-800-449-1137 C Co., 2nd Bn., 501st Inf. Regt., 101st Airborne Div., 1969: Dean Berkbigler (573) 513-0090; [email protected] MKT-P0044 Armando “Mondo” Galindo (562) 536-6328; (Continued on p. 56)

54 • VFW • JUNE/JULY 2019

DE I MA N

DE I MA N USA FLAGS TOUGH-TEX FLAGS LongLong lasting,lasting, hheavyweighteavyweight 2317 3 x 5’ $31.95$31.95 2318 4 x 6’ $39.95$39.95 2319 5 x 8’ $61.95$61.95 NYL-GLO FLAGS FliesFlies inin thethe lightestlightest breezebreeze EAGLE CAP USA CAP 2307 3 x 5’ $24.95$24.95 7124 $19.95 7125 $12.95 2308 4 x 6’ $34.95$34.95 NYLON FLAGS A 2735 3 x 5’ $16.00$16.00 POW-MIA FLAGS PATRIOTIC Double-sided SCARVES 2233 3 x 5’ $37.00$37.00 ALLEGIANCE POLO 13 x 60” 2234 2 x 3’ $27.00 • Men’s cut, three button polo • VFW Cross of Malta washable embroidered on left chest polyester B 7773 Red, 7774 Blue $9.95 S-XL $46.00 A each 2XL $50.00 B 3XL $52.00 PATRIOTIC TIES A 1779 58” long, 100% A 8446 B 1780 fine polyester B 8476 C 1783 $16.95 each C 8475 C C WORLD WAR II

HAND-HELD FLAGS FALLEN 2199 4 x 6” flag, 9½” staff SOLDIER 1 dozen $5.00 PIN WWII PIN 6 dozen $28.50 1755 8138 $3.95 12 dozen $54.00 $3.50

DE I MA N ‘RUPTURED DUCK’ PIN PATCH CAP 0464 $5.00 7141 $16.95 GRAVEGRAVE MMARKERARKER FFLAGSLAGS Printed cotton fabric, mounted on whitewood staff with gilded Ordering from the VFW Store is easy... VFW Post/Aux #______Order online: vfwstore.org Name______spearhead. (not pictured) Order by phone: 1.833.VFW.VETS Address______Order by fax: 1.816.968.1115 2150 8 x 12” flag, 5/16” dowel Mail: VFW Store, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 City ______State______Zip______1 dozen $12.00 No. Product/Description/Size Qty Price Phone______6 dozen $64.80 ______Email______12 dozen $122.40 ______CREDIT CARD MC Visa Discover AmEx ______2151 12 x 18” flag, 5/16” dowel Card # ______Product Total $ ______1 dozen $15.00 Shipping & Handling Exp. Date (MM/YYYY) ______Up to $10.00...... $4.00 MO Residents only $10.01 to $25.00...... $7.00 Signature ______6 dozen $86.40 $25.01 to $50.00...... $9.00 add 8.6% sales tax ______$50.01 to $75.00...... $11.00 12 dozen $165.60 $75.01 to $100.00..... $13.00 Shipping & Handling ______$100.01 to $200.00... $15.00 $200.01 to $300.00... $17.00 Total $ ______$300.01 & Over...... $21.00 VFW0619

5Prices8 • VFW valid • JU throughNE/JULY 2 8/31/19019 Your purchase from the VFW Store supports veterans, military service members and their families! LET NOTHING STOP YOUª

For pain For Anxiety For Insomnia For Depression

Faster Than Drugs and Without Their side effects Alpha-Stim is a handheld prescription medical device that’s FDA cleared to effectively treat pain, anxiety, insomnia, and depression without the use of drugs. Easy to use with no lasting side effects and no risk of addiction, Alpha-Stim is available at military hospitals and more than 100 VA medical centers.

“How many times have I dealt with anxiety because I didn’t want to take drugs? I’ve tried almost everything. I’ve tried medication, a lot of it self-medication, drinking. Alpha-Stim just melted the anxiety away. I could not believe the relief. It allows me to fix my problem without stopping life.” – Dakota Meyer, U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor recipient Help For you Is Here. Call 855-537-3257 for government/veteran pricing or visit www.Alpha-Stim.com/VFM to learn more and see clinical data.

Alpha-Stim and the Alpha-Stim logo are registered trademarks, and LET NOTHING STOP YOU is a trademark of Electromedical Products International, Inc. © 2019 Electromedical Products International, Inc. All rights reserved. Read a full disclosure of the minor and self-limiting risks here: alpha-stim.com/risk.

JUNE/JULY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 59

YOU SERVED OUR NATION, let us serve you

There are many reasons to serve, but our reason is you. USAA proudly offers free membership to anyone who has honorably served our country. We welcome all branches, all ranks and all generations.

Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. To join USAA, separated military personnel must have received a discharge type of “Honorable.” Eligible former dependents of USAA members may join USAA. The Veterans of Foreign Wars receives financial support from USAA for this sponsorship. USAA means United Services Automobile Association. © 2019 USAA. 258972-0419