A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ABOUT VETERANS ISSUES, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS AND OUR MILITARY HEROES
VOL. 8/ISSUE 10 THURSDAY • JANUARY 9, 2020 35 CENTS Adapting fitness to the vet STORY ON PAGE 7
Hamilton “Ham” Boone trained to coach people with disabilities to work out and stay fit. The Marine Corps veteran helps out at Trinity Fitness in Brevard County.
Photo courtesy of Hamilton “Ham” Boone 2 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE
Martin County West Palm Beach Department of Veter- OUR MISSION STATEMENT IMPORTANT Tony Reese, Veterans Service Office ans Affairs Medical Center Supervisor 7305 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, NUMBERS ... (772) 288-5448 FL 33410 AND OUR OBJECTIVE (561) 422-8262 or (800) 972-8262 County Veterans Service Officers Veterans Services Office Veteran Voice is a weekly publication designed to St. Lucie County, Wayne Teegardin Martin County Community Services Telephone Care provide information to and about veterans to veterans Phone: (772) 337-5670 435 S.E. Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL 34994 (561) 422-6838 (866) 383-9036 and to the broader community. Veterans are an integral Fax: (772) 337-5678 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Open 24 hours - 7 days part of their Florida communities, which currently have [email protected] VA Life Insurance Ctr., Phil., PA - 1-800- Viera VA Outpatient Clinic individual organizations of their own, such as the Veter- Dorothy J. Conrad Building 669-8477 2900 Veterans Way, Viera, FL 32940 ans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Vietnam (formerly the Walton Road Annex Bldg.) Phone: (321) 637-3788 VA Regional Office - 1-800-827-1000 Veterans of America and many other groups with a nar- 1664 S.E. Walton Road, Suite 205 1 (877) 878-8387 row focus, but no convenient way to connect to a wider Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 VA Medical Ctr, W. Palm Beach - 1-800- Mon. - Fri. - 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. population of veterans and to the community in general 972-8262 By appointment St Lucie County PTSD Clinical Team within a limited geographic area, their community. Mon., Tues, Thurs, Fri * 8:30 am-4:30 pm Pharmacy, VA Medical Center - 1-800- (PCT) Outpatient Program The mission of Veteran Voice is to publish a weekly Wed * 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 317-8387 126 S.W. Chamber Court, source of information that will provide, in one place, a St. Lucie County Community Port St Lucie, FL 34986 listing of resources available to veterans, articles about Military Retired Pay Activities, Cleve- Services Bldg. land, OH - (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Phone: (772) 878-7876 changes in policies or organizations affecting veterans (Corner of Avenue D and 7th Street) and events of interest to veterans as well as articles Force ONLY) Fort Pierce Community Based 437 N. Seventh St., Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Outpatient Clinic about veterans of interest to the general public. 1-800-321-1080 Walk-ins 1901 South 25th Street., Veteran Voice LLC is organized as a partnership of Military Retired Pay Activities, Topeka, Mon. and Fri. * 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fort Pierce, FL 34947 experienced newspaper executives with an interest in KS - (Coast Guard ONLY) Phone: (772) 595-5150 veterans and in the communities of Florida veterans Brevard Veteran’s Services Office 1-800-772-8724 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Fax: (772) 595-6560 and friends. Veteran Voice is a start-up intended to ad- Survivor Benefits (SBP), Bldg. B, Suite 102, Viera, FL 32940 dress a perceived lack of information readily available Denver, CO - 1-800-435-3396 St Lucie Community Based to veterans on programs and policies affecting them Office: (321) 633-2012 Outpatient Clinic Fax: (321) 637-5432 Stuart VA Clinic - (772) 288-0304 128 S.W. Chamber Court, and objective reporting of veteran affairs to the public. Okeechobee County To our knowledge, and based on comments from lead- Mon., Tues. and Thurs., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 ers of local veterans organizations, there was no media Wed. and Fri, 8 a.m.-noon Veterans Services office Phone: (772) 344-9288 or website currently meeting this need until the launch Manager: Glenn McGuffie (863) 763-6441, Ext 5. Stuart Community Based of Veteran Voice. Indian River County Fax: (863) 763-0118. Outpatient Clinic We hope you agree, and will support this publica- Joel Herman Orlando VA Medical Cente 3501 S E Willoughby Boulevard, tion with your subscription. Without subscriptions there Vero Beach 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, FL 32803 Stuart, FL 34997 will be a limited number of people we can help, without 2525 St. Lucie Ave., (407) 629-1599 or (800) 922-7521 Phone: (772) 288-0304 Fax: (772) 288-1371 which this mission will not be realized. As part of our Vero Beach, FL 32960 Telephone Care commitment to supporting local veteran communities, Ph: (772) 226-1499 (407) 599-1404 Vero Beach Community Based Outpatient Clinic we will donate 10 percent of our profits each quarter Fax: (772) 770-5038 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. (800) 645-6895 372 17th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 to qualified veteran charities recommended by you, our Sebastian Square 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon - Fri (321) 637-3625 readers and subscribers. Please let us know what you Phone: (772) 299-4623 11602 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL 32958 Viera patients think by emailing [email protected] Fax: (772) 299-4632 SUBSCRIPTION - INDIVIDUAL,Ph: (772) 589-6597 Fax: (772) 581-4988 GIFT,8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon.SPONSOR - Fri. (877) 741-3400 FORM or mailing your comments to us at: Weekends, holidays, evenings and nights P.O. Box 1487, Stuart, FL 34995-1487 28593
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Expiration # ______CVC #______MAIL SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT TO: Veteran Voice, LLC. P.O. Box 1487, Stuart, FL 34995-1487 VETERAN VOICE • JANUARY 9, 2020 • 3 Face of Defense — Riding Proud
tigious honor to be a part of the team and present the colors while on horseback.
What’s it like going from working on attack helicopters to working with horses?
Working on attack helicopters was a challenging, yet rewarding field. ... Work- ing with horses has its own unique chal- lenges. It’s just as rewarding and is very dear to my heart. It’s super cool to me that I went from working on some of the best warfighting technology and equip- ment we have today to working with what was considered the peak of maneuver warfare [horses] from over a hundred years ago.
How do people react when people see the mounted color guard?
Well, as someone who has seen them in action as a civilian — from before my time in the Marine Corps — it is a mes- merizing experience. I was competing at the [Colorado Professional Rodeo Associa- tion] finals in Grand Junction, Colorado, when I saw them. Everyone was trans- fixed on their every move as they entered the arena. Before the announcer could even ask people to stand for the national anthem, everyone was already stand- ing, hats removed and hands over their hearts. You could hear each step the four palomino mustangs took ... [as they] headed to the center of the arena. After the national anthem played, the mounted color guard started to exit the arena with every eye still on them, showing every ounce of respect with hats still removed until they were completely out of the are- na. It is still one of my favorite memories, and I believe that those people who get to Photo by Rob Jackson witness the Marine Corps’ last remaining mounted color guard have experienced Marine Corps Sgt. Ashtyn Hammer, with the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, rounds the arena during the similar moments. opening ceremony of the Marine Corps Rodeo, held at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. What do you hope to accomplish
Stationed: Marine Corps Logistics with the mounted color guard? Shannon Collins Base Barstow, California DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Coming from a unit that not many peo- ple had heard of, I want to help broaden Marine Corps Sgt. Ashtyn Hammer says How does it feel to be a member the public’s knowledge. ... The mounted she grew up on the back of a horse. of the last mounted color guard in color guard is an incredible recruiting Now she spends her days riding and car- tool that has limitless potential, which I ing for them, as a member of the Marine the Marine Corps? look forward to expanding. I believe the Corps Mounted Color Guard — the only mounted color guard is one of the best remaining mounted color guard in the It’s such an incredible opportunity, and ways to interact with the public and cre- Corps. I’m so grateful to be able to represent the ate phenomenal relationships and con- Marine Corps in a way that’s incredibly nections with prominent members of the Marine Corps Sgt. Ashtyn Hammer special to me. I grew up on the back of a community throughout the United States. Job Title: Stableman horse, so being able to ride horses while I just hope that I can have a small part in Hometown: Fruita, Colorado in the signature dress blue uniform is getting the word out that such a special Unit: Marine Corps Mounted Color like a dream come true. I’m honored to be unit exists. I can’t wait to come to a town Guard one of the few Marines that get the pres- near you! 4 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE Letter to the EDITOR
and wildlife habitats; I shared my thoughts on the House passes Creating the Working Wa- recent corruption charges at terfront Grant Program to the West Palm Beach VA med- help preserve our waterfronts ical facility. key coastal and support local businesses For more information on that rely on our waterways to these and other initiatives, thrive; and visit mast.house.gov. water bill Building strategic partner- It is an honor to serve you in ships that will result in better Congress. To the Editor: fish habitat conditions and in- I am always looking for new creased fishing opportunities Sincerely, ways to help pass meaning- for our communities. ful legislation to clean up our The bottom line is that this Brian Mast waterways and protect our an important piece of legisla- United States Congressman coastlines. This week I had tion that will help our fight to FL-18 an opportunity to do just that combat harmful algal blooms, when the House of Represen- improve our water quality, To learn more about my work tatives passed the Coastal strengthen our waterfront on your behalf, please visit my and Great Lakes Communities economy and protect our website. Enhancement Act. Brian Mast shorelines for generations to For more photos and videos, This legislation included a come. please join me on social media: number of different provisions lead to algal blooms and devel- that will provide grants and op new ways to prevent them In case you missed it, here • https://www.facebook.com/ other resources that can be from happening; are a few other things that RepBrianMast used to benefit our coastal Authorizing a new program happened this week: • https://twitter.com/repbrianmast communities on a number of called the Living Shoreline The House passed the Nation- • https://www.instagram.com/ different fronts, including: Grant to help reduce erosion, al Defense Authorization Act, repbrianmast which included 4 of my prior- Reauthorizing the Integrated improve water clarity, filter • https://www.youtube.com/ pollutants, preserve our coast- ities, to fund the military and Ocean Observing System to repbrianmast help identify the factors that line and protect important fish give troops a pay raise!
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A weekly newspaper about veterans issues, organizations, events and our military heroes.
Veteran Voice is published weekly by Veteran Voice, LLC. HELENE BECK 900 SE Ocean Blvd, STE D232, Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 247-0123 Office of VERO BEACH, FL
LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISING (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River & Brevard) Phil Galdys Frankie Agosto or Tori Spoth 407-286-0807 Publisher Legal notices may be emailed to:[email protected] Mary Kemper for sponsoring a veteran Staff Writer/ (please note county in the subject line) Marketing Consultant with a year-long SUBSCRIBE TODAY Patrick McCallister Contributing Writer subscription to Veteran Voice $18 YEAR (52 weeks) $12 Veterans or Active Military Ted Elkins For more information on distribution and subscriptions of Subscriptions this newspaper, please call our main office (772) 247-0123 Frankie Agosto or contact us by email at: [email protected] Legal Advertising Tori Spoth To sponsor veterans in your community POSTAL STATEMENT Legal Advertising Veteran Voice (USPS# 9749, ISSN 23302267) is published weekly by Colleen Penlon with a weekly subscription, please call Veteran Voice LLC, 900 SE Ocean Blvd, STE D232, Stuart, FL 34994-3501 Bookkeeper Periodicals Postage Paid at Stuart, FL 34994 Wayne Newland our office at (772) 247-0123 or Distribution complete form on page 2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Sharon Elkins Veteran Voice LLC, PO Box 1487, Stuart FL 34995-1487 Owner VETERAN VOICE • JANUARY 9, 2020 • 5 Patrick Space Force Base
Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE [email protected]
Patrick Air Force Base is becoming Patrick Space Force Base. “That has already been an- nounced,” said Rep. Bill Posey, whose district includes the 80-year-old military base. “They designated five (Air Force) bases for Space Force bases,” he later added. Not long after President Don- ald Trump signed the Nation- al Defense Authorization Act that created Space Force on Dec. 20, Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, Commander of U.S. Space Command, announced in a press conference the five Air Force bases that’ll tran- sition from the Air Force to Space Force. The other four are Peterson, Schriever, Buck- ley and Vandenberg. It’s a hattrick for Patrick — Navy, Air Force and Space Force.
ABOVE: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket 1940 launches Starlink at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. on May 23, Patrick Air Force Base opened 2019. The Starlink mission put 60 as Naval Air Station Banana satellites into orbit and aims to River in October of 1940 un- build a constellations of satellites der the Naval Expansion Act of to bring internet capabilities to 1938. About 14 months later, areas that do not have or have the U.S. was in World War II. limited internet. (Photo by U.S. Air During the war NAS Banana Force photo by 1st Lt Alex Preisser) River did anti-submarine flights with seaplanes along LEFT: Milstar, formerly known as the Military Strategic and Tactical the state’s Atlantic coast even Relay, has reached 25 years of as landing strips were getting service. Milstar is responsible for built. providing the President, Secretary The station was abuzz with of Defense and the U.S. armed wartime activity. Members forces with reliable satellite of the Free French Naval Air communications, ensuring minimal Station trained there. Military interception or detection. Designed planes and blimps rose to the to overcome enemy jamming sky and returned there. The and nuclear effects, Milstar is a military conducted aviation robust and reliable communication experiments with instrument system. (Photo by: U.S. Air Force Graphic) flying there. Then the war came to a close and things got quiet. By 1947 the Navy essential- World War II ended five TBM historians believe the Mariner ated the Air Force. Fittingly, ly mothballed the station. By Avengers flew out of NAS Fort exploded over the ocean due to the president signed it aboard then it was a bit of a national Lauderdale toward the his- a fuel leak. a Douglas C-54 Skymaster sensation, but not because of tory books for mysteriously nicknamed “Sacred Cow.” its contributions to the war vanishing over the Bermuda That plane served as the first effort, although there were Triangle. Two PBM Mariner 1948 Air Force One. surely many noteworthy ones. seaplanes left NAS Banana In 1948 control of the base Rather NAS Banana River be- River to seek the lost Aveng- While NAS Banana River sat was transferred to the up- came famous for its unwanted ers. One of them mysteriously mostly fallow Congress and start Air Force, which a cou- contributions to the Bermuda vanished, too. President Harry Truman were ple years later named it after Triangle legends. Most aeronautical and even putting together the National paranormal researchers and Security Act of 1947 that cre- Just a few months after See PATRICK page 9 6 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE BREVARD COUNTY ST. LUCIE COUNTY Saturday, Jan. 18 Bi-Monthly Third Annual Key Lime Pie Festival CALENDAR held at Veterans Memorial Park at the Air Force Sergeants Association, Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Elmer Andrews Chapter 564, meets 400 Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, Please submit event information in Word document or on the first Tuesday of January, March, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Last year, more than plain text in an email to [email protected] May, July, September, and November 8,000 attended, with proceeds bene- at least two weeks in advance, so that we may at 12:30 p.m., DAV Hall Post 113, 1150 fiting the VMC. Cost is $10. Contact the California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For Key Lime Pie Company in Cocoa Beach ensure your events receive timely publication. more information, call (772) 342-2653. or the VMC at (321) 453-1776 for more information. Third Tuesday of each Month (321) 254-9885. Please try and get to the restaurant early so you can get your order in Second Saturday of the Month Monthly Meeting, Korean War First Tuesday of the Month before the kitchen gets busy. A lot of Veterans Treasure Coast Chapter 106, work was accomplished over the sum- Warbird Air Museum Fly-in Break- 10:00 a.m. at the Botanical Gardens, mer at the USNAG & MM Museum. fast, 8-10:30 a.m., Warbird Air Muse- Space Coast Honor Flight month- 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Come and enjoy the camaraderie um, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville. NEW ly lunch gathering, 11 a.m., Smoky Lucie. Come early and enjoy coffee of your old buddies and meet some Drive-in GUEST Costs: Bones Restaurant, 1510 W. New Haven and donuts with your fellow Vets. new ones. Everyone is welcome at our Between 8-10 a.m., fly-in and drive- Ave., Melbourne. All veterans invited For more information, contact Harold meetings, so please bring a friend. in traffic can pay $12 per person (no to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and Trieber at (561) 568-9347. additional discounts) at the gift shop camaraderie. For more information, For anybody that needs a ride to the and they can enjoy both the break- contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@ meetings, please call Korky at (772) Third Tuesday of each Month fast, which includes delicious pastries, spacecoasthonorflight.org 571-0230. fresh fruit, breakfast meats, made to Please note: Meetings are held Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans order omelets, and more — and tour September through May. There are of America Michael F. Bradley Chap- the museum. For children (ages 5-12) First Thursday of the Month no meetings June through August. ter 566, St. Lucie County, 7 p.m., DAV not eating breakfast, $5 to enter and Hall, 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. tour the museum. Wrist bands will be Space Coast Honor Flight monthly First Thursday of each month Lucie. For more information call (772) issued to indicate who can participate lunch gathering, 11 a.m., Red Lob- 359-1607. in the breakfast. The breakfast is also ster, 215 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Korean War Veterans Association, open to the public as Museum visitors Merritt Island. All veterans invited to Chapter 318, meets from 11 a.m.- Fourth Saturday of the Month can also attend. Breakfast for visitors enjoy lunch (at own expense) and noon at Vero Beach Veterans, Inc. is free with paid admission to the camaraderie. For more information, 2500 15th Avenue, Vero Beach. Seabee Veterans of America Island Warbird Air Museum. Please RSVP by contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@ X-10 meets at the Fort Pierce Elks phone or email. The phone number is spacecoasthonorflight.org Second Wednesday of the month Lodge, 608 S 5th. Street, from Octo- (321) 268-1941 and the email address ber - May. For information contact Vice is [email protected]. Third Thursday of the Month Monthly meeting, Vietnam Vet- Commander Paul Wilson at (772) 209- erans of America Chapter 1038, 6 0570, email [email protected]. First Saturday of each Month Space Coast Honor Flight month- p.m., Victory Center Military Store in ly lunch gathering, 11 a.m., Dixie the Vero Mall. For more information Second Friday of the Month VFW Post 8191 monthly work day, Crossroads, 1475 Garden St., Titusville. email [email protected] or www. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a reminder to post All veterans invited to enjoy lunch (at vvachapter1038.org or call 772-562- United Veterans of St. Lucie Coun- members and an invitation to Aux- own expense) and camaraderie. For 8794. ty meeting, 9 a.m., DAV Post 113, iliary members to join us. We will do more information, contact us at (888) 1150 California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. whatever tasks the House Committee 750-2522 or info@spacecoasthonor- Second Monday of each Month Chairman/Canteen Manager/Com- flight.org Every Friday mander/President have in mind that Monthly meeting, American Legion don’t require extensive skills. Tasks Ongoing Post 39, 1535 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Bingo, 6:45 p.m., DAV Chapter 113, can include cleaning the kitchen and Beach. E-board meeting begins at 6 1150 S.W. California Blvd., Port St. deep fat fryer, replacing the electrical Jobs available in Brevard County, p.m., followed by general member- Lucie. Come on out and enjoy some cord on the bingo machine, replacing via Jobs: www.careersourcebrevard. ship meeting at 7:30 p.m. fellowship, help benefit area veterans some baseboard black plastic pieces, com – for local locations, visit www. and have fun at the same time. For placing a few more signs in our stor- employflorida.com for job listings. First Wednesday of the Month more information, email clavalle567@ age lot, etc. on an as-necessary basis. att.net. For more information, vfw8191.org. Monthly meeting, Veterans Council INDIAN RIVER COUNTY of Indian River County, 1 p.m., County First Monday of the Month Second Wednesday of the Month Administration Complex, Building B. First Wednesday of each month Monthly meeting, Jack Ivy 666 Monthly meeting, Brevard Veter- Fourth Thursday of the Month Detachment, Marine Corps League, 7 Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans ans Council, 9 a.m., Brevard Veterans p.m., American Legion Post 318, 1000 of Indian River County, 6 p.m. at VVIRC Memorial Center, 400 Sykes Creek Monthly meeting, Indian River Savannas Club Blvd., Port St. Lucie. All Office, 696 8th Court, Vero Beach. Parkway, Merritt Island. Detachment of Marine Corps League, Marines, Navy corpsmen and chap- For more information email VVIRC at 7 p.m., at the Victory Center in Indian lains welcome. Every Wednesday [email protected], or at our website River Mall. VVIRC.org. You can also call us at (772) Bi-Monthly Second drink free, VFW Post 8191, 794-0005. Third Tuesday of the Month noon to 2 p.m., 4120 N. Harbor City Bi-monthly meetings, Air Force Blvd., Melbourne, for those who wear Third Saturday of the Month Space Coast Honor Flight monthly Sergeants’ Association, Chapter 564 a VFW 8191 logo hat, shirt or beer lunch gathering, 11 a.m., Capt. Hi- (January, March, May, July, Septem- cozy. Reduced bar specials. U.S. Navy Armed Guard World ram’s restaurant, 1606 N. Indian River ber, November), 12:30 p.m., DAV Hall War II veterans, monthly breakfast Drive, Sebastian. All veterans invited Post 113, 1150 SW California Blvd., Third Monday of the Month meeting, to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and Port St. Lucie. For more information, 9 a.m. at Marsh Landing Restaurant, camaraderie. For more information, call (772) 342-2653. Monthly meeting, VFW Post 8191, 44 North Broadway, Fellsmere. Inter- contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@ 6 p.m., 4210 N. Harbor City Blvd., esting and informative speakers at spacecoasthonorflight.org See CALENDAR page 11 Melbourne. For more information, call each meeting. VETERAN VOICE • JANUARY 9, 2020 • 7 Adapting fitness to the veteran
ible athletes,” he said. “It’s not Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE so much what they did. It was [email protected] the spirit.” He found out they were as- Hamilton “Ham” Boone had a sociated with the Adaptive stroke a few years ago. That’s Training Academy, which not too unusual for his age former SEAL Alec Zirkenbach — he’s 68. But, it affected his started. He also found out that mobility. Then he had another, the academy hosted courses which took some of his vision. to teach others how to coach After that doctors found a hole people with disabilities. in his heart, so they went in “I came back and found out and fixed it. when the next adaptive train- “It was a very difficult time ing certification would be,” for me,” Boone said. “I could Boone said. hardly move. But I knew He got his training and certi- where to go even if to sit in a fication last May. chair: Trinity Fitness.” That’s Trinity Fitness Getting going Beachside at 1754 State Highway A1A, Satellite Beach. Trinity Fitness was eager Boone is now a certified adap- to get the adaptive training tive fitness coach there. He going. Palmisano had a strong helps veterans and others with motive to help people with dis- disabilities work out. abilities stay fit. “My youngest son, Sam, he Getting the idea was born with spinal bifida,” Palmisano said. For a long time Palmisano Boone has had bouts with wanted to organize something disabilities throughout his life. at Trinity for people with dis- He joined the Marine Corps abilities to work out with each when he was young. Things other and with folks without didn’t go well right away. disabilities. Boone was afflicted with an in- “(Boone) has brought to the explicable skin condition when surface a way for us to move at the Marine Corps Recruit into the adaptive space, not Depot Parris Island. just the able-bodied space,” he “My feet started being affected said. by (skin) splitting,” he said. Trinity doesn’t do adaptive The skin would split and Photo courtesy of Hamilton “Ham” Boone fitness classes apart from its bleed. Boone pressed on even regular offerings. Boone said as the condition spread to his Hamilton “Ham” Boone trained to coach people with disabilities to work out and the idea is for people with dis- hands. But he started waking stay fit. The Marine Corps veteran helps out at Trinity Fitness in Brevard County. abilities to stay a part of the unable to move. His feet and community. Boone works with hands bled at night and it’d those needing adaptive train- dry to glue him down. ing within the regular classes. “My buddies would have to “Trinity Fitness, the spirit pour water, get hot water, and but he was determined to stay fitness organization started by of that organization, it per- pour it over the sleeping bag,” fit best he could. Jason Palmisano at his Bre- meants every one there, is Boone said. “It got to where I vard County home almost 12 openness, caring and compas- couldn’t walk anymore.” years ago. sion,” said Boone. It’s also in- The Marine Corps could never Pressing ahead clusiveness. Trinity Fitness is Boone was hard pressing his cure Boone of the mysterious people talking to people lifting malady, so it rehabbed him Then came the later bout with way best he could through each other up.” best it could for three months. strokes. Still, Boone worked the obstacles and ended up Boone said he’s eager to help Boone went out to his civilian to keep his workouts going. going to the fitness festival any veteran get or stay fit. He’s life where he became a physi- He was helped along by the Wodapalooza. available to set up appoint- cian’s assistant. Walking never folks at Trinity Fitness, which “It was there I saw these ments by email: freedoms@ got entirely painless for him, is a faith-based not-for-profit adaptive athletes, just incred- reagan.com. 8 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE Cape Canaveral National Cemetery turns 4
Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE [email protected]
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is entering its fifth year on Jan. 12. It’s also ap- proaching 7,300 interments. “As of right now, this mo- ment, 7,235,” said Don Mur- phy, director. That was on New Year’s Day. The cemetery is located at 5525 U.S. Highway 1, Scotts- moor. It opened in 2016.
The coming year
Murphy said the cemetery is kicking off the decade with big plans for 2020. “The biggest thing is Phase 2 expansion,” he said. The cemetery is expected to serve 163,000 qualifying veter- ans, spouses and others with seven construction phases over 75 years. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Nation- al Cemetery Administration Photo courtesy of Defense Visual Information Distribution purchased the 318-acre site for $2.1 million in 2012. G&C The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery is one of few national cemeteries with a caisson for selected interments and events. Fab-Con started construction The caisson drivers are among the about 140 volunteers at the national cemetery. in 2015. The first phase of construction included 19,000 casket and cremation burial “The design is very near offi- istration 28 years ago in Ten- For example, the Cape Ca- sites. cial completion,” Murphy said. nessee. He’s traveled all over naveral Ladies Cozette Merritt “Phase 2 had to be moved He said the National Ceme- the country for the adminis- founded days after the ceme- up,” Murphy said. tery Administration will pub- tration. He said Brevard and tery opened. That’s not because of the lish requests for bids and surrounding counties have “They attend every service cemetery filling up faster than make a contractor selection by surprised him in one way. here and make sure the next expected. April. “The amount, the large num- of kin are presented with at “It’s a little slower (than ex- “The Phase 2 expansion will ber of citizens in the area who least a card,” Murphy said. pected),” explained Murphy. add 20,000 inground grave wanted to volunteer,” he said. Other volunteers provide “That’s not uncommon.” sites,” offered Murphy. In 2015 Murphy was mak- caissons for select interments When Canaveral is at expect- Additionally, the Phase 2 ing calls to area veterans and and events at Canaveral. Few ed interment levels, there’ll be construction will add two social-service organizations national cemeteries have local about 2,400 a year. It’s been columbariums. After it’s done, to promote the then coming equestrians equipped and will- receiving about 1,800 a year there’ll likely not be more con- national cemetery. He hardly ing to offer that amenity. so far. Murphy said it typi- struction at Cape Canaveral had to. “The cemetery could oper- cally takes a few years before until after 2030. “(People) approached me and ate without volunteers, but it national cemeteries are well In all there’ll be seven con- said, ‘How can I help?,’” said could not operate at the opti- known in their states, so inter- struction phases. The estimat- Murphy. “In my many travels, mal level,” Murphy said. ments are comparatively slow ed construction costs will be I don’t think I’ve ever seen the at first. about $30 million in today’s level of volunteer support we Notable interments The Phase 2 work was expect- dollars. have at this cemetery.” The cemetery has almost 150 ed to start in 2023. However, Cape Canaveral National registered volunteers who do a inground cremains interments The previous years Cemetery is the final resting exceeded expectations, so number of jobs to make day- to-day operations and events design work for the next phase Murphy started working for See CEMETERY page 9 better for everyone. started in 2019. the National Cemetery Admin-
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place for a woman who lived an epic life — Rear Adm. Alene Duerk, the Navy’s first woman admiral. The Seminole County resident died in 2018 at 98. In accord with her wishes, she was interred in a quiet cere- mony surrounded by family and longtime friends. Duerk was well known in Central Florida for her tireless efforts to improve nursing and get it to everybody in need regardless of their financial resources. The University of Central Florida College of Nursing erected a statue of her. Another history maker in- terred at Canaveral is Tus- kegee Airman Edwin Cowan. His family and local veterans reinterred his wife Theda and him last year. The pair had Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dalton Williams been quietly interred at their church in Brevard County. Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor opened to interments on Jan. 12, 2016. The Brevard Veterans Me- morial Center contacted the Cowans’ family members after the Cape Canaveral National Murphy said every veteran Lt. Caleb King, who played tion Key West in 2018. He was Cemetery opened urging them and spouse interred at Ca- football for Daytona Beach’s 30. to consider moving Edwin and naveral is important. Some Warner Christian Academy “All the veterans, everyone’s a Theda to a location better suit- interments, of course, get his and the Naval Academy. King hero with a story to tell,” Mur- ing their roles in history. attention more than others. was killed in a flight training phy said. One is Volusia County’s own accident near Naval Air Sta-
visionary essentially wrote the still wasn’t sold on the need and visit Patrick Space Force Air Corps Act for Congress in for military air superiority. Base. When that’ll happen, PATRICK 1926. Up the road from Patrick, Posey said it’s too early to tell. from page 5 In his proposed legislation North of Cocoa Beach, the Air “I don’t know the community Patrick urged creation of a Force opened the Missile Test will notice a lot of difference,” five-year plan to transition Center, which became better the congressman said. Major Gen. Mason M. Patrick. the Army Air Service into a known as the Eastern Range. One thing Posey and others The West Virginian lead the semi-independent branch of That, of course, became the are working on that can make Army Air Service during the the service similar to the Ma- Cape Canaveral Air Force a lot of difference in the com- Great War, World War I, and rine Corps within the Depart- Station, home of the early munity is getting the Space later becameRALPH the firstNATHAN Chief OKOment of Navy. Congress kept manned space program and Force headquarters in Brevard of the Army AirHOST Corps./PARTNER That the name, Air Corps, but de- later home of the Air Force’s County. Space Force is getting nied it independence. America 45th Space Wing. started with the transfer of Air “Effective immediately, con- Force assets. Posey thinks he OUR VETERANS VOICE© © sider yourselves airmen as- knows the perfect place to put signed to the United States Space Force’s future head- © TELEVISION AND RADIOSRADIO SHOWS SHOWFOR VETERANS FOR VETERANS Space Force,” Chief Master quarters. Sgt. Scott King, Command “The Air Force owns one RALPH NATHAN OKOTELEVISION AND RADIO SHOWSaturdayFOR 10:00pmVETERANS HOST/PARTNER [email protected] TELEPHONE: 772 794-0003 Chief of the wing, said in a square mile in Palm Bay,” he REAL RADIO 101.7FM joint video statement with said. “It’s a tracking station Sunday 4:30pm Brig. Gen. Douglass Schiess, with a landing strip on it.” WAXE 107.9FM/1370AM Commander of the wing. That’s the Air Force Malabar OUR VETERANS VOICE© © worldwide on iheartradio.com Transmitter Annex. “It’s a humungous piece of TELEVISION AND RADIOS SHOWS FOR VETERANS Patrick Space Force Base © PHONE: RALPH NATHAN OKO property not being used,” the TELEVISION AND RADIO [email protected] VETERANS HOST/PARTNER congressman said. [email protected] TELEPHONE: 772 794-0003 Space Force will fully exist 954-557-6226 by Oct. 1, 2022. Sometime in The official Space Force website PHONE: 772 532-8749 LARRY WAPNICK the next 34 months signs will [email protected] is www.spaceforce.mil. MARKETING & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR change and folks will drive by
70449_Collectors Depot-Ad.indd 1 10/25/16 10:55 AM 10 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE
Yaqui Indians tussle with Buffalo Soldiers in last official hostile action
Mary Kemper LastSTAFF WRITER battle [email protected]
World War I was raging on Jan. 9, 1918, commanding the attention of the entire planet. Almost unnoticed, in a quiet backwater of Arizona, a battle was fought that would bring an end to official Indian-Amer- ican hostilities. It all started with a rumor that a band of Yaquis had killed a cow to make sandals out of its hide. But before that incident, the Yaquis had made a claim against Mexico for ownership of the area near the border. Mexico objected, and the Ya- quis, about 30 of them, hid out. Elements of the 10th Cavalry Regiment — the storied Buf- falo Soldiers — were tasked to clear the Yaquis out, as the land they occupied, Bear Valley, was used as a passage to Mexico. Furthermore, it was well known that the Yaquis were smuggling arms and muni- tions. According to Col. Harold B. Wharfield, who interviewed some of the participants in the Bear Valley fight and pub- lished his story in the book “Tenth Cavalry and Border Fights,” wrote that the camp was located in a dangerous “uninhabited region” where “unconfirmed mysterious dis- appearances” often occurred and people were advised to travel in groups. The 10th set up a skirmish line once the Yaquis had been sighted. As the troop moved forward, rifle fire began. The battle was over in 30 minutes, the Yaqui commander having been killed. No casualties were suffered on the American side. Ten Yaquis were taken prison- er. According to Wikipedia: “It was sometime during the Library of Congress See YAQUI page 11 This group of Yaquis was photographed circa 1915, three years before engaging in a brief battle with elements of the 10th Cavalry Regiment. VETERAN VOICE • JANUARY 9, 2020 • 11
sentence was preferable to the Yaquis who otherwise would YAQUI be deported to Mexico and face from page 10 possible execution as rebels.” There are just over 14,000 GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Yaquis in the U.S., based stay at Camp Arivaca when mostly Tucson, Ariz., and the Thank you for your service one of the Yaquis revealed that same approximate number they had only opened fire be- living in northern Mexico. cause they thought the Buffalo The 10th Cavalry was orig- The following veterans from the Veteran Voice Soldiers coming at them were inally trained as a combat Mexicans. unit, but later relegated to readership who have recently passed away: “All ten of the Yaquis, includ- non-combat duty and served ing the boy, volunteered to in that capacity in World War enlist in the Army but the gov- II until its deactivation in ernment had other plans and 1944. • LaVERNE EDWARD HOON, AIR FORCE the prisoners were later sent The regiment was reactivat- to Tucson for trial in federal ed as an integrated combat court. unit in 1958. Portions of the • RICHARD G. HIRST Jr., AIR FORCE “Charged with “wrongfully, regiment have served in con- unlawfully, and feloniously flicts ranging from the Viet- • RONALD RICHARD HEBERLING, exporting to Mexico certain nam War to Operation Endur- arms and ammunition, to wit: ing Freedom and Operation NAVY, KOREA 300 rifle cartridges and about Iraqi Freedom. 9 rifles without first procuring The current structure is an export license issued by the by squadron, but with the 1st • WALTER P. GLAZER, ARMY AIR CORPS/ War Trade Board of the United and 7th Squadrons recently States,” the Yaquis pleaded deactivated, the 4th Squadron AIR FORCE/WWII/KOREA guilty and were sentenced by is the only 10th Cavalry Regi- Judge William Henry Saw- ment unit in active service. It • J O S E P H M A R TO R A N A , A R M Y, W W I I telle to a mere 30 days in is assigned to the 3rd Armored jail, excluding the boy whose Brigade Combat Team of the charges were dismissed. Col- U.S. 4th Infantry Division at • VINCENT J. ROTONDO Sr., AIR FORCE/KOREA onel Wharfield wrote that “the Fort Carson, Colo. • RANDOLPH McELROY, ARMY/KOREA Don’t miss a copy, renew your subscription today. VETERAN VOICE Veteran Voice thanks ‘Our Veterans Voice’ radio program for Call our office to pay by phone (772) 247-0123. furnishing the names of the fallen veterans in our readership.
1001 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart. For VOLUSIA COUNTY Acupuncture Project, Deland Lions more info please contact: Scott Guntz at Club, 400 North Garfield Avenue, CALENDAR [email protected]. Third Thursday of the Month Deland, from 6-9 p.m. Contact is from page 6 Mackenzie Muir at (386) 848-0035. Every Wednesday Monthly meeting, VVA Chapter 10483282, 6:30 p.m., at VFW Post, SEMINOLE COUNTY Food Pantry for homeless veterans, 5830 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange. American Legion Post 318 Hon- 1-4 p.m., bring ID, 490 Monterey Road. or Guard meets bi-monthly on the First Saturday of the Month Drop off donations of canned meals Every Tuesday second and fourth Tuesday of like Dinty Moore or baby wipes. For each month at 6 p.m., 1000 Savanna Pool and poker, 6 p.m., VFW Post Monthly meeting, VFW Post 9272, more information email director Kevin Club Road, Port St. Lucie. Meetings 3282, 5810 S. Williamson Blvd., Port 10 a.m., 10997 72nd Avenue North, usually last about an hour. Anyone Donahue at houseavet.org@gmail. Orange. Seminole. interested is joining the Honor Guard com. may attend a meeting to see if this is Ongoing Third Monday of the Month something you would be proud to be Every Monday a part. Canteen hours, VFW Post 8093, Monthly meeting, VFW Post 10139, Bingo, The Gin Mill, Jensen Beach. 351 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., De- 7 p.m., 300 Lake Mills Ave., Chuluota. Third Wednesday of the month Proceeds help homeless Martin Coun- Bary: Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – ty Veterans. midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 Every Monday Monthly meeting, DAV Chapter 113, a.m. – 2 a.m.; 7 p.m., 1150 SW California Blvd., Port First Tuesday of the month Happy hours: 7 days a week from 3- Lunch, bar poker at 2 p.m., darts 6 p.m. Canteen telephone number is St. Lucie. 7 p.m., American Legion Post 252, 7 (386) 668-8640. For more information, call (772) 342- Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veter- p.m., 11433 Park Blvd., Seminole. For 2653. ans of America Chapter 1041, 7 p.m., Acupuncture for veterans, avail- more information, call (727) 391-6324. Sewall’s Point Town Hall. able on both east and west sides of MARTIN COUNTY county: Please submit event information in Second Sunday of the month On the East Side: Veterans Acupunc- Word document or plain text in an First Wednesday of the Month ture Clinic 112 Orange Avenue, Ste. email to info@veteranvoiceweekly. Monthly meeting, AMVETS Post 204, Daytona Beach, (386) 944-5855 com at least two weeks in advance, Reverence Motorcycle Association 92, noon, 747 NE Dixie Hwy, Jensen every Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. so that we may ensure your events Inc., 6 p.m., Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge, Beach. On the West Side: Volusia Military receive timely publication. 12 • JANUARY 9, 2020 • VETERAN VOICE
The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responders. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
The responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Veterans Crisis Line responders provide support when the following issues — and others — reach a crisis point: • Coping with aging • Trouble readjusting to • Depression • Mental health civilian life • Sleeplessness conditions that were • Relationship struggles • Anger never addressed • Chronic pain • Homelessness • Anxiety
Some of the responders are Veterans or family members of Veterans themselves, and understand what Veterans have been through. Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered nearly 2.4 million calls and initiated the dispatch of emergency services to callers in crisis more than 62,000 times. The Veterans Crisis Line anonymous online chat service, added in 2009, has engaged in nearly 294,000 chats. In November 2011, the Veterans Crisis Line introduced a text-messaging service to provide another way for Veterans to connect with confidential, round-the-clock support, and since then has responded to nearly 56,000 texts. Whether you’re a Veteran, or a friend or family member concerned about one, confidential assistance is only a call, click, or text away. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 Confidential crisis chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
or text to 838255 © 7/16 VHA VETERAN VOICE • JANUARY 9, 2020 • 13
View the portraits, Read the stories, Celebrate their service, Participate in the project.