SUNSHINE STATE DRAWS VFW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL CONVENTION

REMEMBERING AFGHANISTAN’S OUTPOST KEATING

‘REBEL VETS’ HIKE NEVADA DESERT

Married Couple ‘Passes the Gavel’ at Texas Post Be a Flu Fighter Protecting yourself protects them

Free Just walk into your local Walgreens flu shots and show your Veterans Health Identification Card. We’ll update your records with the VA.* to VA-enrolled veterans*

*This wellness benefit is only for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. Family members and Tricare members are not eligible. No-cost flu shot option is for quadrivalent vaccine only, available now through March 31, 2020. Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply. Vaccine may be in limited supply after March 1, 2020. This does not constitute an endorsement of Walgreens or Walgreens products. Patients will also be asked to complete a vaccine consent form at time of service. ©2019 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved. | 1100263 SUNSHINE STATE DRAWS VFW MEMBERS TO NATIONAL CONVENTION

REMEMBERING AFGHANISTAN’S OUTPOST KEATING

‘REBEL VETS’ HIKE NEVADA DESERT

Married Couple ‘Passes the Gavel’ at Texas Post

OCTOBER 2019 ‘HELL OF A YEAR’ CAPPED OFF IN ORLANDO Vol. 107 No. 2 COVER PHOTO: Carlo and Lee Ann Davis VFW delegates gathered in the Sunshine State to elect leaders, formu- 16 are photographed in July at the Orange late policy and renew old ties. This year’s 120th national convention County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., featured a unique event celebrating membership growth and the fi rst site of VFW’s 120th National Convention. appearance by a Secretary of State in nearly 50 years. BY JANIE DYHOUSE AND DAVE SPIVA Carlo, an active-duty soldier, recently ended his term as commander of VFW Post 9191 in Killeen, Texas, and his wife, Lee Ann, was elected as his successor. TEACHERS EXTOLL (Photo by Lauren Goldman/VFW) VETERANS VIRTUES ON THE COVER Every year at its national convention, 14 VFW recognizes and rewards three Couple Passes Gavel 16 outstanding educators with the Smart/ 2019 VFW National Convention 36 Maher VFW National Citizenship Afghanistan’s Outpost Keating 42 Education Teacher Award. Here are ‘Rebel Vets’ Hike Desert this year’s winners and their stories. 32 BY KARI WILLIAMS IN THIS ISSUE 28 i>`iÀë*Àwià ‘HIS ACTIONS SAVED LIVES’ 32 Teacher Award Winners Outnumbered nearly 3-to-1, a troop of U.S. 38 Beirut Bombing Anniversary cavalrymen were nearly overrun in Octo- 44 Council of Administration ber 2009 at their position in Afghanistan’s mountains on the border with Pakistan. IN EVERY ISSUE Here is an account of the bravery and 2 Command Post valor at Combat Outpost Keating. 4 Mail Call BY JANIE DYHOUSE 6 Now Hear This 36 8 Issues Up Front 10 Washington Wire RUCK MARCH HONORS 46 Member Corner 57 iLiÀ i iwÌà WAR’S ULTIMATE SACRIFICE 60 Reunions and Claims For the second year, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Student Veter- ans of America chapter, Rebel Vets, remembered those killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with a 370- mile walk through the desert. 42 BY DAVE SPIVA

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

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 1 COMMAND POST FROM THE CHIEF Chief Tells Convention Attendees

VFW magazine is the offi cial publication of the to ‘Confront’ Their Challenges VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES STAFF ometimes we ask ourselves, “Why are we here? PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Why are we still alive?” I’d like to thank the United Tim Dyhouse States Navy and the United States Marine Corps for SENIOR EDITOR Sall of the training they gave me. I’d like to thank my Janie Dyhouse Marines for keeping my big rear-end alive through a lot of ASSOCIATE EDITOR stuff, and they were always there for me. Kari Williams I’d especially like to thank Staff Sgt. Robert J. Choquette Jr. SENIOR WRITER He was a drill instructor and a basic engineer training sergeant Dave Spiva at Camp Lejeune, N.C., when I was there. He was a mentor. I ART DIRECTOR took care of him and his family when they were sick. Lauren Goldman COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF He decided he’d teach me how to be a Marine Corps ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT William “Doc” Schmitz engineer. And I received a Marine Corps engineering Tina Clark degree 1371 and a Meritorious Mast from Col. Reed at Camp ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Lejeune. Those skills probably helped me and some of my GLM Communications, Inc. Jacqueline Tobin, Vice President, Digital/Print Media jarheads stay alive. 500 1st Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 Later, when I was in Vietnam, I identifi ed Staff Sgt. (212) 929-1300 FAX 212-929-9574 Email: Choquette’s body at graves registration. It was the 6th of July, [email protected] 1970, the last month of my tour of duty of 13 months in Vietnam. EDITORIAL OFFICE Address all communications for publication to: He resides on The Wall in Washington, D.C., and in my heart. The Editor, VFW Magazine This year’s motto is “Dare to Care.” Sometimes you face 406 W. 34th St., Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111 (816) 756-3390; www.vfw.org; [email protected] adversities or diffi culties you don’t like. Sometimes as a VFW magazine is protected through trademark reg is tra- leader you have to confront those challenges. If you don’t tion in the United States and in the foreign countries where VFW magazine circulates. VFW magazine (ISSN 0161-8598) care, it does not matter. If you do care, it matters. Make is published 10 times a year by Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 things matter to you that you care about. West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Non-profi t standard class postage paid at Oklahoma City, Okla., and additional The inspiration I get from you people is equal to some of mailing offi ces. the not-so-nice memories I have. You motivate me to go fur- Publications Agreement No. 1476947 ther and further doing good stuff. I want you to keep doing Available on recording for the blind and those with physical the good stuff you do out there. handicaps that preclude reading material. Sadness pushes you. Bad memo- Contact: [email protected]. Here is a condensed version ries push you. Happiness pushes you. SUBMISSIONS Camaraderie pushes you. All of these Unsolicited manu scripts and pho to graphs must be ac com pa- of Commander-in-Chief nied by return postage and no re spon si bil i ty is assumed for safe emotions are energy. What you do han dling. Poetry submissions not accepted. VFW mag a zine is with your energy is up to you. available in microfi lm from NA Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 998, William “Doc” Schmitz’s Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. Payment of membership dues This is your power. This is the includes $1.98 for a year’s subscription to VFW magazine. acceptance speech a er his power you control. If you can get a CHANGE OF ADDRESS/DECEASED MEMBER hold of your energies, those beasts, [email protected] 1-833-839-8387 election at VFW’s 120th Forward address changes to: those happy things that drive you for- Member Service Center, VFW, National Convention. ward, if you can get a grip on them, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Be sure to furnish your old ad dress, also your Post number, you are like the tip of a hunting arrow. when requesting change to new address. To ensure You can be the most effective person accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address on the face of the earth if you can control and focus those as printed on a recent copy of VFW magazine. emotions on whatever your goals, your achievements, your NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. and its possessions, $15 per year, $1.50 per copy. aspirations might be. For subscription in other countries, $20 per year. To all of VFW’s newly elected and appointed offi cers, Make checks payable to VFW Magazine and send to: Member Service Center, 406 W. 34th St., KC, MO 64111. thank you, especially past Commander-in-Chief B.J. VFW OBJECTIVES Lawrence, who I had the distinct pleasure to serve with. Not To ensure national security under, but with. All of us serve you, the members of the VFW. through maximum military strength. To speed the rehabilitation We’re here as the strongest organization on the face of of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans. the earth, and we’re focused. This year and years to come, To assist the widows and orphans and the de pen dents of disabled and needy veterans. we are going to continue the legacy of our organization and To promote Americanism through education in pa tri o tism get 100-plus percent membership and do programs because and constructive service to the communities in which we live. we choose to. Good luck to all. Copyright 2019 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States MEMBER ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA

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SERVING VETERANS FOR As a combat wounded Marine in 1966, YEARS Graduate West Point 100 Scout Troop I was thrilled to receive a care package WOUNDED The word “boy” Why does an article from such a pres- from home, as [were] my fellow Marines VETS INSPIRE VFW FOSTERS & MOTIVATE FIRST ALL-GIRL BOY SCOUT TROOP depicts male, tigious military-related magazine have who almost always “shared” my bounty. not female. The to be about color? Who cares if they JOSEPH KWASNY word “girl” are African-American? Who cares if HIGHLAND, IND. depicts female, the other 189 female graduates are not male. There is a rea- white? Why can’t they just be American Fighting in North Russia son attached to these monikers and to women? Let’s promote accomplish- One of the casualties was Pvt. Leslie somehow combine them is not realistic ments, not the fact that they are white/ Iram, of New York. He was only 19 or reasonable in any way. A California black or any other color. when he was killed. He was a great Post jumping into this is no real surprise, ERIC PERSONS uncle of a former battery commander, even though it’s sad in my opinion. FORT WHITE, FLA. RONNIE PATTERSON Maj. Ray Iram, a West Point offi cer. Ray let me know of his family’s sacrifi ce. FLORISSANT, COLO. I was truly thrilled by the photo of RANDALL FRITZ the 34 African-American West Point MACUNGIE, PA. There is in the U.S. a proliferation of graduates. What a wonderful tribute to gender-identity issues. There seems to these ladies. be a deliberate campaign to sabotage the DANIEL LYNCH Medicine for the Soul meaning of words and to confuse school- LAKEWOOD, COLO. It is amazing to see how many different age children in our public schools. Let activities can help veterans. However, the girls be girls and boys be boys. sidebar about the meaning of “diavolo” is HARVEY WORD Remembering Crew misleading: It means “devil.” The mem- BOW, N.H. of USS Frank E. Evans bers of the dance troop may have creative interpretations as to how that word I am aware of the integration of girls The little town of Niobrara, Neb., suf- relates to dance, but to ignore its connec- into boys’ troops, which I thought was fered the terrible loss of three of her tion to “devil” is disingenuous at best. rather crazy, but all-girl troops calling sons when the ship was cut in half. The FRANK GRECO themselves Boy Scouts of America? The three Sage brothers were in the forward LEXINGTON, MASS. girls have their Girl Scouts, and a fi ne section of the Evans when it went down. organization it is. It offers the very same The governor of Nebraska dedicated a Bladensburg Cross principles and leadership training that the memorial to them in 1969. The cross has been the very symbol RALPH FORBES Boy Scouts do. of Christianity for 19 centuries, and BOB ZEIGLER OMAHA, NEB. now you are claiming that it also can NEW FREEDOM, PA. represent all veterans. As a veteran, a I was on the fl eet repair ship USS non-Christian, and a life member of While it is heartening to see VFW’s Hector (AR-7) moored at Subic Bay the VFW, I can tell you that [it] does role in character development of young when I fi rst saw the remains of the not and cannot. You need to poll only people, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts should Evans being towed stem fi rst into port. I veterans who are not Christians and see be gender specifi c as their names state. salute Thibeault and his shipmates. The what they think because they are the KYLE KAKER “74” deserve recognition. only ones who are being affected by this LAWRENCE KEPLER WILLIAMSBURG, VA. exclusionary policy. SHAWNEE, KAN. Both organizations are excellent CHARLES WILSON sources for mentoring children as they No, no, no, these men’s names do not OXNARD, CALIF. develop into adults. The Boy Scouts belong on The Wall. Yes, I do feel for prepared me very well for my Army them and their families. I feel it takes The Bladensburg Cross represents career and life afterwards. But an all- away from the infantrymen, chopper what America stands for and those who girl Boy Scout troop is a contradiction and fi xed-wing men and mortar, artil- disagree are free to live elsewhere. of terms. Don’t blur the genders. lery guys who lost their lives in country. STEVE SEVITS VAN KLINE BILL SPIELMAN EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. LIVE OAK, FLA. LINCOLN, NEB.

“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 • OCTOBER 2019 ADVERTISEMENT ASK THE EXPERT Straining to hear each day, even when using powerful hearing aids? Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the top health conditions amongst military veterans.1 Are you feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time, hearing loss can affect you physically and emotionally. Being unable to hear impacts your ability to communicate with your loved ones, hear in noisy environments, talk on the phone, and may force you to become more reliant on your family members to interpret for you. Cochlear implants work differently than hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound, they use Thomas Roland, M.D. state-of-the-art electronic components and software to help provide access to the sounds Cochlear Medical Advisor you’ve been missing.

Dr. Roland, a cochlear implant surgeon and medical advisor to Cochlear, the world leader in cochlear implants, answers questions about cochlear implants and how they are different from hearing aids.

Q: How are cochlear implants different than Q: What does a cochlear implant hearing aids? system look like? A: Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they A: There are two primary components hear louder. Unfortunately as hearing loss progresses, sounds of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® System, need to not only be made louder but clearer. Cochlear the implant that is surgically placed Kanso Sound implants can help give you that clarity, especially in noisy underneath the skin and the external Processor environments.2,3 Hearing aids are typically worn before a sound processor. Cochlear offers cochlear implant solution is considered. two wearing options for the sound processor, one that’s worn behind Q: How do I know a cochlear implant will work for me? the ear—similar to a hearing aid, the A: Cochlear hearing implant technology is very reliable.4 In fact, Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor—and the it has been around for almost 40 years and Cochlear has Kanso® Sound Processor which is a provided more than 550,000 implantable devices, helping discreet, off-the-ear hearing solution people of all ages to lead full and active lives. For many that’s easy to use. The Cochlear people, cochlear implants may lead to an improvement in Nucleus System’s advanced technology quality of life and in overall health.5,6 is designed to help you hear better and Nucleus 7 understand conversations. Sound Processor

Call 866-477-0905 to find a Hearing Implant Specialist near you. Visit Cochlear.com/US/Vets for a free guide.

1. Hearing Health Foundation. A Salute to the Veterans [Internet]. 2016 [cited 5 December 2018]. Available from: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/salute_to_the_veterans. 2. Balkany et al (2007) Nucleus Freedom North American clinical trial. Otolaryngol, Head Neck Surg, 136:757-762. 3. Runge CL et al (2016) Clinical outcomes of the Nucleus 5 cochlear implant system and SmartSound 2 signal processing, J Am Acad Audiol, 27(6):425-40. 4. Cochlear Nucleus Implant Reliability Report. Volume 16 | December 2017. D1175804. Cochlear Ltd; 2018. 5. Gaylor BA et al (2013) Cochlear implantation in adults, JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 139(3):265-72. 6. Manrique-Huarte R et al (2016) Treatment for hearing loss in the elderly: Auditory outcomes and impact on quality of life. Audiol Neurootol, 21(Suppl 1):29-35 Contact your insurance provider or hearing implant specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage. ©2018 Cochlear Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited. CAM-MK-PR-408 ISS1 DEC18 NOW HEAR THIS NEWS YOU CAN USE PHOTO BY SGT. JEROD HATHAWAY/U.S. ARMY Do You Have Memorabilia from the Vietnam War? In an effort to account for GIs miss- ing from the Vietnam War, VFW offi cials want veterans of that war to offer a goodwill gesture. Instead of donating or throwing away souvenirs from their tours, VFW suggests that veterans should turn them over to the federal agency in charge of account- ing for U.S. troops still missing from the war. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (https://www. dpaa.mil) is gathering enemy artifacts that U.S. troops collected during the Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville presents a posthumous Distinguished Service war, such as personal effects, wal- Cross to Kimberly Loschiavo and Robert Ollis on June 8 at VFW Post 9587 on Staten Island, N.Y. lets, family photos and letters. DPAA Loschiavo and Ollis are the sister and father, respectively, of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who was also is interested in battle maps or killed in action Aug. 28, 2013, in Afghanistan. burial locations that would help the Vietnamese account for the estimated 300,000 of their missing. VFW Post Site of DSC Upgrade As of July 26, DPAA listed 1,587 U.S. troops as missing from the A VFW Post in New York has been offi cer who was wounded and unable Vietnam War. That fi gure includes renamed for an Afghanistan War to walk, Ollis confronted the attacker. 1,246 in Vietnam, 286 in Laos, 48 in hero. Post 9587 on Staten Island is “Ollis fi red on the insurgent Cambodia and seven in China. VFW now the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Post. and incapacitated him, but as he offi cials believe that to fulfi ll the orga- On June 8, the Post was the site approached the insurgent, the insur- nization’s priority goal of accounting of the presentation of a posthumous gent’s suicide vest detonated, mor- for all the missing, VFW must fos- Distinguished Service Cross to Ollis’s tally wounding [Ollis],” according to ter a “vet-to-vet” relationship with father, Robert. The Army originally the DSC citation. The Polish offi cer Vietnam and the other countries. By awarded Staff Sgt. Ollis a posthumous survived — Ollis had saved his life. maintaining a non-bureaucratic, non- Silver Star when he was killed in Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. political relationship, VFW believes action on Aug. 28, 2013, at Forward James McConville presented the it encourages a humanitarian attitude Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan. DSC, the nation’s second-highest that transcends politics. On that day, 10 insurgents attacked award for valor, to Ollis’s father and VFW leaders have traveled to the base with vehicle-borne explosive sister, Kimberly Loschiavo. Vietnam every year since 1991 to devices, suicide vests, indirect fi re and “Every generation has its heroes,” observe and participate in U.S. MIA small-arms fi re. As a suicide bomber McConville said during the ceremony at recovery operations. approached Ollis and a Polish army Post 9587. “Michael Ollis is one of ours.” VFW members also can return Vietnam War memorabilia to VFW’s Washington Offi ce, which will in turn Free Flu Shots for Vets at Walgreens give the items to DPAA. No weapons, Walgreens is providing free fl u shots with your VA card to get your free fl u please. to VA-enrolled veterans at one of their shot with your VA enrollment. Send items to: 9,000-plus pharmacies around the This is your chance to protect yourself VFW Washington Offi ce country, making it easier to stay healthy and the ones you love. Be a fl u fi ghter Attention: Public Affairs this fl u season. It’s quick and easy with today with Walgreens. 200 Maryland Avenue, NE no appointment needed, and your Vaccines subject to availability. Washington, DC 20002 records are updated with the VA. State, age- and health-related restric- Just walk into your local Walgreens tions may apply.

6 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 FOLLOW YOUR

www.TCARMS.com #TCCOMPASS

facebook/tcarmsco twitter/tcarmsco instagram/tcarmsco youtube/tcarmsco ISSUES UP FRONT CURRENT VETERANS CONCERNS

A joint-service color guard comprised of Indiana service members march in the IPL 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis on May 25. A RAND Corporation study titled Movement and Maneuver identifies some of the personality traits of each mili- tary service and how the departments compete for Department of Defense budget money each year.

• Competes for roles and missions through its service strategies, including sea control. • Viewed as “resistant to change.” • Displays “institutional resistance” to operating with other services.

PHOTO BY SR. AIRMAN JONATHAN PADISH/U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD NATIONAL AIR PADISH/U.S. JONATHAN AIRMAN SR. BY PHOTO AIR FORCE • Wants to make air superiority “a central tenet” of military strategy. • Values technology more so than anything else. • Is highly effective in competing for resources. • Seeks to be the dominating force Military Services ‘Fight for Relevance’ in space and cybersecurity. MARINE CORPS A RAND Corporation study released earlier this year analyzed competition • Aims to be relevant by promoting between military services, as well as the U.S. Special Operations Command. the idea that it is “America’s cri- The think tank found that each has a different personality when competing for sis response force.” budget money and gaining in€uence. • Identifies as a “middleweight” naval expeditionary force in BY DAVE SPIVA military readiness. • Perceives itself as adaptive, inno- new study by the RAND responses to emerging challenges will vative and frugal. Corporation explains how remain true: What motivates the servic- • Wants to preserve its “unique military services compete es in competition is the continued fight culture,” which it believes is an A for federal budget dollars and for relevance,” the study stated. “inherent advantage.” sheds light on the “personalities” of each. The RAND Corporation study said that The study, Movement and Maneuver: the “culture” of each service drives its SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Culture and the Competition for Influence goals and behaviors. Here are some of the • Endeavors to grow independent- Among the U.S. Military Services, found goals and traits of each military service: ly from other services. that “service personalities are alive and • Aims to “grow autonomy in the well,” with each having their own pri- ARMY bureaucratic space.” orities and ways to gain influence. The • Aims to participate in all military • Wants to retain its primary spot study also claims that some services contingencies. on critical missions, ensuring its compete more than others. • Competes for its missions by overall relevance. RAND Corporation, a nonprofit think positioning itself as a master of • Makes an effort to “limit the tank based in Santa Monica, Calif., said leadership and command. overuse” of special forces on the that each service, including the U.S. • Believes it alone understands battlefield during operations. Special Operations Command, “slowly” war and that war can’t be fought RAND Corporation said this study evolves to the present-day environment, without its involvement. was published as a tool for service mem- but some services “constantly” fight to • Focuses to ensure ground com- bers, policymakers and those who work ensure their role in future wars. The bat remains a “central theme” in closely with the military to learn how to study claims that the Army, Navy and future wars. improve their own service based on the Air Force each view their domain as successes and qualities of others. “central” to wars. NAVY To read the full report, visit https:// “While the future national landscape • Believes its No. 1 priority is the www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/ cannot be fully anticipated, one funda- number and type of ships, with RR2270.html. - mental tenet in understanding military personnel second. EMAIL [email protected]

8 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Treating your COPD and still struggling? Chronic productive cough? Repeated antibiotic use for chest infections? Repeat hospitalizations?

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1. Methodology: Phone surveys at regular intervals with COPD patients using the InCourage system, as part of a subset of the overall RespirTech bronchiectasis outcomes registry. Data collection began in 2013. As of 11/31/18, 154 patients completed the baseline survey; 108 patients in 1-month cohort; 89 in 3-month cohort; 70 in 6-month cohort; 43 in 12-month cohort.

© 2019 Koninklijke Philips N.V. All rights reserved. 910174-000 Rev B WASHINGTON WIRE: CAPITOL HILL BRIEFS BY DAVE SPIVA Esper, Norquist Take Charge at the Defense Department

VFW Department of Pennsylvania life member Mark Esper, PHOTO BY LISA FERDINANDO/DOD former secretary of the Army, was sworn in to head the Pentagon on July 23. Esper follows retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as President Donald Trump’s second secretary of defense. Esper, a U.S. Military Academy graduate and 21-year veteran of the Army, was confi rmed by the Senate, 90-8. As an infantry offi cer, Esper earned the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. Esper served with the 101st Airborne Division in the Persian Gulf War. He retired from the Army in 2007. (See the September 2019 “Washington Wire” for more information.) Esper previously held the positions of secretary of the Army, deputy assistant secretary of Defense and war planner on the Army staff during his time at the Pentagon. Esper also received the DoD’s Distinguished Public Service Medal. On July 30, the Senate confi rmed David Norquist as deputy Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (right) swears in Deputy Secretary of secretary of defense. An Army veteran, Norquist is the former Defense David Norquist, who is accompanied by his wife, Stephanie, on comptroller and chief fi nancial offi cer of the Pentagon and had July 31 at the Pentagon. A few days earlier, Esper was sworn in to head the served in that position since June 2017. DoD a‘ er being confi rmed by the Senate. VFW Fights to End ‘Widow’s Tax’ in Defense Budget The House and Senate passed their versions of the National treatment and tracking of exposures to burn pits and toxic Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, or NDAA. The airborne hazards; the southern expansion of Arlington House-approved version of the bill (H.R. 2500), passed on July National Cemetery; and funding for maintenance and preser- 12, allocates $733 billion in defense spending in 2020. vation of Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo, Calif.

The Senate version (S. 1790), which passed on July 7, USCG PHOTO BY PA1 JEFF HALL authorizes $750 billion for the defense budget. The next step is for Senate and House members to meet in a committee to settle on a unifi ed bill. The House version, like the Senate’s, includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for troops. However, there are several amendments in the House version that are not in the Senate version. VFW is continuing to fi ght for the elimination of the “widow’s tax” in the fi nal bill that would allow surviving spouses of deceased troops to keep their Military Survivor Benefi t Plan payments, even if they are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Current law dictates a dollar-for-dollar offset if a spouse receives DIC payments. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) introduced the same amendment in the Senate, but it was blocked before the Senate passed its version of the NDAA. “By passing this bill, the House of Representatives has taken an important step forward toward eliminating the Military Widow’s Tax once and for all,” Jones said. “It’s long past time that Congress does its duty for these families Among the House amendments to the 2020 Defense budget is one and repeals this unfair law.” supported by a VFW priority goal, allowing surviving military spouses Other priorities VFW hopes will make it into the fi nal bill to keep their Military Survivor Benefi t Plan payments and, if eligible, for include: a review of World War I valor medals; improved Dependency and Indemnity Compensation without offset.

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

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The House in July passed three bipar- tisan bills that could help disabled veterans, women who are leaving the military, and veterans with Spanish and Filipino family members. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the Ryan Kules Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019 (H.R. 3504) would allow VFW and other veterans’ service orga- claims from blue water sailors. eligible veterans to use a specially nizations sent a letter in July to VA However, due to the January federal adapted house (SAH) grant six times. Secretary Robert Wilkie that questions court ruling of Procopio v. Wilkie, blue It also would authorize VA to pro- VA’s decision to postpone review of water Navy veterans are “currently eli- vide additional SAH funds to veter- “blue water” Navy claims. gible” to receive VA benefi ts and that ans 10 years following a grant’s fi rst Wilkie announced in July that VA has the authority “right now” to use. Under current rules, eligible vet- claims from the Vietnam War’s so- begin granting blue water Navy claims, erans can only use up to three SAH called “blue water” Navy veterans — the letter stated. grants during their lifetime to make sailors who served aboard ships off the Also in July, some members of the needed adaptations to their homes. coast of Vietnam — would not begin House VA Committee sent a letter to Passed by the House, H.R. 3504 also until January 2020. Wilkie. It stated that many blue water could increase the maximum SAH The veterans’ service organiza- Navy veterans “suffering from debilitat- payments by 15 percent and expand tions — including the American Legion, ing illnesses” related to Agent Orange eligibility to some post-9/11 veterans AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, exposure “cannot wait until January” to receive a partial SAH grant. the Fleet Reserve Association, Military for VA to start processing their claims. House VA Committee member Offi cer Association of America, Military To qualify for Agent Orange-related Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) said the bill Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed benefi ts, a veteran must have one or could “help severely injured veterans Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans more of the 14 conditions VA presumes live more comfortably and indepen- of America and VFW — expressed to have been caused by exposure. dently in their homes. I am particu- concern that many blue water Navy Those conditions are: larly pleased that the House passed veterans, who “have waited decades” to • Chronic B-cell Leukemia H.R. 3504.” be recognized as having been exposed • Hodgkin’s Disease The House also passed the to Agent Orange, will have to wait even • Multiple Myeloma HEALTH for Women Veterans Act longer to receive VA benefi ts. • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (H.R. 2942), which is a pilot program “The decision to stay all blue water • Prostate Cancer to run through fi scal year 2020. It claims until Jan. 1 will unnecessarily • Respiratory Cancers would give female vets more infor- delay the provision of VA health care • Soft Tissue Sarcomas mation about the types of VA care and benefi ts to thousands of aging and • AL Amyloidosis available to them and how to access ill Vietnam veterans and survivors,” • Chloracne VA care as a civilian. the letter stated. “It is unacceptable to • Diabetes Mellitus Type The House also passed the bill force them to wait [until Jan. 1] at least • Ischemic Heart Disease Providing Benefi ts Information in for access to life-changing health care • Parkinson’s Disease Spanish and Tagalog for Veterans and and benefi ts when VA has the author- • Early onset Peripheral Families Act (H.R. 2943). It requires ity to grant their claims right now.” Neuropathy VA to make all fact sheets available Signed into law by President Trump • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda in English, Spanish and Tagalog, the in June, the VFW-championed Blue national language of the Philippines. Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of For help with a disability claim, fi nd “Language should never act as a 2019 (P.L. 116-23) will take effect on a VFW service offi cer at https://www. barrier to any veteran receiving the Jan. 1, meaning that VA is allowed vfw.org/assistance/va-claims-separa- care and benefi ts they deserve,” said to wait until then to start reviewing tion-benefi ts. the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.).

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Carlo and Lee Ann Davis, of Post 9191 in Killeen, Texas, attend VFW’s 120th National Convention in July in Orlando. Immediate past Post Commander Carlo passed the gavel to his wife, Lee Ann, in June. AT THIS TEXAS POST, THE NEW They are the fi rst COMMANDER IS JUST THE FOURTH WOMAN married couple TO TAKE THE TOP LEADERSHIP POSITION. in their Post’s 60-year history to SHE WAS ELECTED AFTER HER HUSBAND lead the Post for COMPLETED HIS TERM AS COMMANDER. consecutive years.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

14 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 ost 9191 in Killeen, Texas, When Lee Ann joined VFW in 2006, people from our area at the Post.” made history in June when she did so for the camaraderie. What she Carlo deployed this month to Iraq. Commander Carlo Davis relin- has found in her time as a member since He was previously there in 2003 and Pquished the gavel to newly is that VFW needs to be “more open to 2007-2008 with the 3rd Infantry elected Post Commander Lee Ann Davis change” in order to attract a younger, Division. In 2012, he was in Afghanistan — his wife. more diverse membership. with the 25th Infantry Division. His It’s the fi rst time in the Post’s 60-year “The VFW needs to learn to accept VFW eligibility was initially earned in history that a married couple has led the change and stop using the excuse of, Korea in 1995 with the 2nd Infantry Post for consecutive years. ‘That’s how we have always done it in Division. He also was in Korea in 2001 “It was an awesome and historic expe- the past,’” Lee Ann said. “This year was and 2004-2007. rience to pass the gavel to my intelli- my fi rst time at a national convention, “You have to earn your membership gent and beautiful wife,” said Carlo, who and I feel like it should be geared more within the VFW,” Carlo said. “Many have joined VFW in 2004. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE ANN DAVIS Lee Ann, who became a VFW member in 2006, said she’s one of a small group of ARE YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE VFW LEADERS? women to ever lead the Post. Let us know by emailing us at [email protected], including “It was very overwhelming and a your names, the VFW Post you belong to and which leadership humbling feeling,” Lee Ann said of being posit ons you hold. elected as Post commander. “Of our Post’s 60 years of history, there have only been four female Commanders.” Carlo, who is on active duty as an Army senior master chief warrant offi cer working as a fi eld artillery targeting offi - cer, said he joined VFW because of “com- radeship.” Also, he said several personal mentors belonged to the Killeen Post. Earning All-American status at the 120th National Convention in Orlando and a recruiting nod for adding 251 mem- bers, Carlo said that in order to attract younger members, VFW needs to provide incentives that appeal to younger vets. “These younger veterans need to see younger members such as myself in lead- ership positions,” said Carlo, 44, who attended VFW’s national convention with Lee Ann. “When the younger vets see the Post 9191 Commander Lee Ann Davis talks to a homeless veteran in Killeen, Texas, in July outside the VFW electing and appointing younger Friends in Crisis Homeless Shelter. As commander, Lee Ann is working to recruit more younger and female members, this provides motivation to get veterans into the Post, but fi rst and foremost, she wants all veterans to feel welcome at the Killeen facility. them to join and get involved. This gives the younger members something to strive for assisting local Posts. Younger peo- sacrifi ced a lot of blood, sweat and tears for within the organization.” ple need to be brought in on the nation- for our beloved country. I love being able In recognizing the preferences of al level. A lot of female and younger vets to help, aid and assist my fellow veterans younger veterans, Carlo said the Post are deterred because they think, ‘Where and active-duty service members.” went smoke-free last October. A cigar do I fi t in?’” Like Carlos, Lee Ann earned her mem- smoker himself, Carlo said Post mem- In working to get more youthful lead- bership eligibility in Korea in 1995 with bers built a deck outside for the smokers ers at the Killeen Post, Lee Ann has start- the 6th Cavalry Brigade. She continued so no one felt excluded. ed a mentorship program, where younger her service in Korea from 2003-2006. In As the new commander of the Post members shadow the leadership. 2009, Lee Ann deployed to Mosul, Iraq, with 1,200-plus members, Lee Ann is A pressing concern, she said, is that with the 130th Engineer Brigade. working on recruiting more female and the Post home is physically falling down. The duo met in the Army and became younger vets. She believes VFW Posts She put out a plea on Facebook for com- friends, before getting married in 2009. have a responsibility to create a “safe munity carpenters, electricians, painters As a retiree, Lee Ann is devoting all of her environment” for veterans. and plumbers who would be willing to time to serving veterans through VFW. “I want veterans to feel like they are donate their time on Post repairs. “I’m passionate about helping my fel- at home,” said Lee Ann, who served in “I’m going to wake up our commu- low veterans and my community,” she said. the Army from 1993-2015. “They find nity and let them know how vital our “I know how it feels to be left behind, and I that at our Post. I will always advocate VFW is to the community,” Lee Ann said. don’t want to leave anyone behind.” - for my comrades.” “On holidays alone, we feed almost 700 EMAIL [email protected]

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 15 Orlando Welcomes

VFW Members By Janie Dyhouse and Dave Spiva Secretary of State Photos by Bob Knudsen Mike Pompeo and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie headlined a diverse group of speakers at VFW’s 120th National Convention.

16 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 his year’s national conven- as an armor offi cer with the 2nd Sqdn., tion in late July in Orlando, 7th Cav, 4th Inf. Div., in Germany. Fla., provided the backdrop He asked VFW members to contin- Tfor Secretary of State Mike ue serving their communities by men- Pompeo to speak. He pointed out that toring, visiting elderly neighbors and he is the first Secretary of State to helping family members struggling address delegates at a VFW convention with mental illness or addiction issues. in more than 50 years. Pompeo, who was a U.S. congress- As America’s “chief diplomat,” the man from 2011 to 2017, added: “If you former congressman from Kansas keep serving, you will be a force multi- said that “when diplomacy is done plier, and we’ll be serving right along- well, it saves lives. When it’s practiced side you.” wrong, it causes serious problems.” For that reason, he said, the Trump VETERANS SUICIDE A Administration has actively engaged ‘NATIONAL TRAGEDY’ North Korea, while at the same Department of Veterans Affairs time “maintaining pressure” on the Secretary Robert Wilkie told VFW Communist nation. members that suicide prevention is Pompeo, who served as CIA direc- President Trump’s No. 1 veterans pri- tor in 2017-18, said that strategy com- ority. He noted that 20 veterans com- pelled North Korea to turn over 55 sets mit suicide each day and that half of of remains following President Donald those are more than 50 years old, most Trump’s summit meeting with North of whom are Vietnam vets. Korean leader Kim Jong-un last year “We only see six of those 20 at the in Singapore. VA,” Wilkie said. During those talks, Pompeo said, He commended VFW for support- he worked with a counterpart from ing the PREVENTS Task Force, cre- North Korea. ated in March to end veterans suicide. “He was perplexed that this was the Over the past year, the VA has screened Secretary of State Mike Pompeo fi rst item we wanted to talk about,” 900,000 vets for mental health issues. addresses VFW delegates in July in Pompeo said. “Every one of you under- “Our country will not get Orlando, Fla., during the organization’s stands why, and we will continue to anywhere on veterans’ suicide until 120th National Convention. He is the work toward this until every one of the we have a national suicide conversa- fi rst secretary of state to attend a VFW fallen heroes’ remains have returned tion,” Wilkie said. “If we do not talk convention in more than 50 years. to the United States.” about mental health, addiction and Pompeo also noted that the U.S. homelessness, we will never get a ABOVE RIGHT: VA Secretary Robert relationship with Israel is “stronger handle on veterans’ suicide.” Wilkie tells convention-goers that suicide than it’s ever been” and the Trump Wilkie reported that the VA has prevention is President Donald Trump’s Administration has “restored friend- reduced its opioid prescriptions to its No. 1 veterans priority. He also praised VFW for its advocacy work. ships long neglected” in Eastern patients by 50 percent in the past six European nations. years. Instead, he said, VA doctors are Pompeo, a 1986 West Point graduate suggesting alternative therapies such who fi nished fi rst in his class, served as yoga, tai chi and acupuncture.

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 17 VFW AWARDS RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Armed Forces VFW Service Representative Award Retired Navy Adm. Michelle Howard Mike Eshenbaugh For being the fi rst female four-star admiral and the VFW Post 4709 in Conroe, Texas fi rst African-American woman to command a U.S. For providing consultations to more than 1,500 Navy ship. “Veterans represent the backbone and veterans in his four years. strength of America,” Howard said.

Americanism Award VFW Recruiter of the Year Award Ann Mills-Gri th, chairman of the board of the National League of POW/MIA Families Mark Short, Gold Legacy Life Member For her 50 years of dedication to the families of U.S. VFW Post 9400 in Phoenix, Ariz. missing military members. “Uncertainty has been For recruiting 543 members. the motivating factor all these decades,” said Mills- Griffi th, life member of VFW Post Auxiliary 341 in Distinguished Service Medal and Citations Arlington, Va. The remains of Mills-Griffi th’s broth- Keith Harman for service as immediate past VFW er, Navy Cmdr. James Mills, were buried in June in Arlington National Cemetery. The naval aviator had commander-in-chief. been missing-in-action since Sept. 21, 1966. Patrice Greene, executive director of VFW’s National Home For Children, for her 30 years working for the home. James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation VFW Gold Medal of Merit and Citation In recognition of his support of the families of Sandi Kriebel for service as national VFW Auxiliary president wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women (2018-2019). through a network of 84 Fisher Houses. “This is not charity,” Fisher said. “It’s our responsibility to our Commander-in-Chief Gold Medals of Merit nation’s veterans and military.” Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for his efforts in leading an agency tasked with locating the remains of more than 82,000 U.S. troops still listed as missing-in-action.

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Jack Hammond, executive director of Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Home Base for his organization’s work in combating suicide in Teacher Awards the veterans’ community. Bobbie Schamens, Anne Martin and Kevin Allen For their efforts to instill patriotism and citizenship in their students. VFW Certifi cate of Appreciation Fred C. Hall Outstanding Community Steven Lewis, president of U.S. Restaurants Inc. Service Project For his 32 Burger King stores’ support and promotion of VFW’s Commander Susan Johnson, on behalf of Post 10555 in Unmet Needs program. Panama City Beach, Fla. For the Post’s effort in acting as a temporary supply 2019 Chaplain of the Year Award distribution point in the wake of Hurricane Michael, James Muys, of Post 334 in Lake Orion, Mich. which hit the Florida Panhandle in October 2018.

The secretary touted the new MISSION ers, he said, were inquiring about using Wilkie also addressed the VFW- Act, a law that provides veterans the option private doctors for urgent care matters. supported Blue Water Navy Vietnam of using VA-approved private urgent care “[But in general] vets choose VA Veterans Act of 2019 (P.L. 116-23). It when VA facilities are not easily accessi- because that is where they want to be,” goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020, and Wilkie ble. He mentioned a veteran from Kansas said Wilkie, adding that 89.7 percent of VA encouraged “blue water” Vietnam War who no longer had to drive two hours to be patients are satisfi ed with their care. Navy vets — those who served off the seen at the VA for a sore throat. The secretary noted the changing coast of Vietnam — to get their paperwork “It is VA’s job to fi t the needs of veterans, demographics of today’s veterans, say- in order now so they will be ready to fi le. not the job of veterans to fi t the needs of ing that 10 percent of VA-treated vets In the meantime, VA is focused on train- VA’s bureaucracy,” Wilkie said. “Veterans are women. In the next few years, he ing its staff on how to process the claims. want to go where people understand the expects that number to be 20 percent. Wilkie concluded his remarks by prais- culture and speak the language.” Female vets in VA’s health care system ing VFW for its advocacy. Wilkie said on the first day of the are more likely to receive breast and “Blue water, MISSION Act, veterans’ MISSION Act’s implementation on June 6, cervical cancer screenings than those in approval, these are your victories,” Wilkie VA received 44,000 calls. Most of the call- the private sector, he added. said. “They don’t belong to any President

18 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 You’ve earned this freedom.

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HeroesWithHearingLoss.org Copyright © 2019 Hamilton Relay. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. Provided by Hamilton® CapTel® d/b/a/ Hamilton Telecommunications. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. LEFT: Members unwind in a conga line dance during the ‘Made it Happen’ membership celebration in July in Orlando during VFW’s 120th National Convention. For the first time in 27 years, the organization achieved 100 percent membership, which, according to then-Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence, called for a celebration. Before the party started, numerous awards such as National Recruiter of the Year and All-Americans were presented, as were some first-time honors.

LEFT BELOW: Portraits of veterans by Kansas City Art Institute students are displayed at the 2019 VFW National Convention in Orlando. As part of a veterans’ art project, students interviewed Kansas City-area veterans and created portraits of them that captured their military experience on canvas.

Then-Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence made a special presentation to WWII veteran Raymond O’Brien, of Post 529 in Somerville, Mass. During a Post visit earlier in the year, Lawrence noticed the vet’s All-American cap from 1959-60 was “aged and weathered.” That cap had been presented to O’Brien by former WWII vet, VFW member and

PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW DAVE BY PHOTO U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Lawrence presented the Navy vet with a new All- American cap with the 1959-60 dates. “Seeing him in that hat reminded me of our tradition of setting and achieving goals,” Lawrence said. “Top Tier” Departments from each conference were announced: Montana from the Western Conference, Missouri from the Big 10, Maryland from Eastern and Texas from the Southern Conference. A new award this year, the Conference Membership Trophy, was presented to the Western Conference. Top recruiters Carlo Davis from Texas and Tim Peters from Montana also were recognized. — they don’t belong to any federal depart- American caps to 49 Department, 145 The 2019 National Recruiter of the ment. I am grateful to the VFW, not only District and 463 Post commanders. Year was presented to Mark Short with for strengthening our work at VA, but VFW leaders presented Triple Crown the Department of Arizona for signing because you deliver something else to awards to 12 commanders. Triple Crown up 543 members. veterans that is not ours to give — a com- awardees are commanders who have Two Posts were inducted into the munity that exists outside our federal gov- received All-American status at the Post, Legacy Society: Post 6311 in Manteca, ernment; a community that cares about District and Department levels. Calif., for having 100 Legacy Life mem- veterans when they return.” Past VFW Commander-in-Chief bers and Post 7234 in Ocean View, Del., Richard Eubank (2010-11) became the for recording 25 Legacy Life members. ‘MADE IT HAPPEN’ first leader in VFW’s history to earn The Legacy Society includes Posts with at CELEBRATION A SUCCESS Triple Crown status twice, and he did least 25 Legacy Life members on its roster. VFW members celebrated the organi- so in two Departments. The first time Lawrence noted that VFW went above zation’s success in achieving 100 per- was in 2000 with the Department of its recruiting goal by hitting more than cent membership for the first time in 27 California. The member of Post 9448 102 percent. years. Sponsored by USAA, the unique, in Veneta, Ore., earned Triple Crown “It’s been a hell of a year, and you made Monday night celebration included the status this year after attaining All- it happen,” he said. “We will continue to recognition and presentation of All- American recognition for his District. grow for many years.”

20 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Blind, Double-Amputee Marine Vet Among Inspirational Speakers

1 1. MATTHEW BRADFORD The first blind, double-amputee to re-enlist in the history of the Marine Corps gave an inspiring and motivating speech. Serving with the 3rd Marine Division in Haditha, Iraq, Bradford lost both legs and his eyesight on Jan. 18, 2007, after an IED detonated under him. Determined, Bradford set a goal to re-enlist in the Marines. Five months after being wounded, Bradford was walking on prosthetics. He also went to a school to learn Braille, among other things. From July 2010 to July 2012, he was assigned to Wounded Warrior Battalion East, Camp Lejeune, N.C. In 2011, Bradford went to Iraq on a closure trip. “That trip gave me the opportunity to leave that country on my own two feet,” he said. The husband and father of three said he may be blind, but his vision in life is 20/20: “The Lord above was looking out for me. He already had my next mission mapped out. If I can inspire and motivate one per- 2 son each day, I’m doing my mission.” 2. DEREK BLUMKE As keynote speaker for the convention’s Sunday morning memorial service, the Iraq War vet and member of VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor, Mich., recalled how the death and funeral of a fellow airman who died in the conflict left a lasting impression about the meaning of Memorial Day. A co-founder of Student Veterans of America (SVA), Blumke recalled the sacrifice of Air Force Staff Sgt. Casey Crate, who died on Memorial Day in 2005 during an air crash near Baghdad. Blumke, who was serv- ing with Crate in the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, recalled that during the 21-gun salute at Crate’s funeral at Hurlburt Field in Florida, “each shot ripped through me.” 3 Blumke said Crate’s death was “crushing” and that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of fellow veterans. While attending the University of Michigan, Blumke, who graduated in 2010 with degrees in psychology and political science, worked with then-VFW Washington Office Executive Director Bob Wallace to pass 2008’s Post-9/11 GI Bill. VFW and SVA established a formal partnership in 2013. 3. CHUCK HORNER The retired Air Force general and member of the board of directors for the National Desert Storm War Memorial talked of the importance of getting the memorial to Gulf War vets built. He noted that after 1991’s Persian Gulf War, the United States had a sense of “euphoria,” and that people thanked him for his ser- vice. “I think that war restored our nation’s faith in our military,” the life member 4 of VFW’s Department of Florida said. “More importantly, it restored our nation’s faith in itself.” Horner received a $30,000 donation from the VFW Department of Georgia and its Auxiliary for the memorial efforts. 4. CHRIS BLEVINS The Unmet Needs recipient and Iraq War vet thanked VFW for “singlehandedly changing the course” of his life. With his family living in a hotel room he couldn’t pay for, Blevins said he was in the darkest moment of his life, ready to kill him- self in the parking lot of the hotel when he looked up and saw his fiancée holding their son. She told him he had received a check from VFW’s Unmet Needs program. 5 “VFW gave me back to my family,” Blevins said. “I’m eternally grateful, and there’s no way I can possibly pay that back.” 5. REP. VAL DEMINGS (D-FLA.) After welcoming VFW members to Orlando, the representative from Florida’s 10th Congressional District said, “The United States of America is the greatest country in the world because of the service of men and women who live and die to protect our country.” Noting that Florida has 6,295 Gold Star families, Demings said, “We must end the widow’s tax.” She also added that it’s time to end the 15-year “use-it- or-lose-it” clause in the Forever GI Bill.

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 21 VFW Partners and Top Performers Highlight Year’s Accomplishments TWISTED X BRANDS Prasad Reddy, president and CEO of Twisted X Boots, presented VFW with a $100,000 check, mak- ing his company the title sponsor for VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth essay contests. Reddy, a native of India, said he first heard about VFW’s youth programs six years ago and didn’t hesi- tate when the opportunity arose to be the sponsor. “What better way to teach our children patriotic val- ues and democracy,” Reddy said. Twisted X sells a line of patriotic, VFW-inspired boots. PHILIPS NORTH AMERICA Nathan Naylor, vice president of veterans health care for the health care and technology firm Philips North America, discussed Project Atlas. The program provides telehealth opportunities at VFW Posts in Montana, Pennsylvania and California. “These loca- tions provide those in rural areas with a convenient, secure and private environment where they can talk with their doctors from the convenience of a VFW Post,” Naylor said. TRIPLE CROWN AWARDEES The following VFW members have earned 100 percent while serving as commanders at the Post, District and Department levels. Jerry Anger — Post 2019, District 2013 and Department 2019; Charles Dobbins — Post 2013, District 2014 and Department 2019; Richard Eubank — Post 2013, District 2019 and Department 2015; Linda Fairbank — Post 2002, District 2005 and Department 2019; Jack Hawley — Post 2012, District 2019 and Department 2017; Rick Higgins — Post 2015, District 2014 and Department 2019; Kenneth Kraft — Post 2017, District 2019 and Department 2018; James Vergott — Post 2019, District 2011 and Department 2014; Gerald Peterson — Post 2013, District 2015 and Department 2019; David Sousa — Post 2012, District 2019 and Department 2015; Matthew West — Post 2015, District 2016 and Department 2019; Arthur Widhalm — Post 2019, District 2019 and Department 2015. DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA VFW recognized the Grand Canyon State for its 52 consecutive years of membership growth. TRI-WEST David McIntyre, president and CEO of Tri-West, which operates VA’s community care programs, announced that as of August, 92 percent of all veter- ans eligible for urgent care would have access to such care within a 30-minute drive of their homes. “We are making sure our footprint is everywhere footprints exist,” he said. In recognizing Bob Wallace, former

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For guaranteed fastest delivery: 1-800-726-1184 • www.danburymint.com 022610018A012 Kenneth Yount, quartermaster of Post 5820 in Ravenna, Neb., (left) and James Lutz, quartermaster of Post 759 in Kearney, Neb., sort and package potatoes during a gleaning event at the 2019 VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fla. PHOTO BY DAVE SPIVA/VFW DAVE BY PHOTO VFW NATIONAL HOME Representatives from the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Mich., spoke and introduced 2019 Buddy Poppy Child Brooklyn Hekman. Also in attendance was Marie Strefling, the 2008 Buddy Poppy Child. Having received her master’s degree, Strefling now is a homeowner and certified public accountant in Michigan. “You provided me a childhood I otherwise would not have had,” Strefling said. “I could not be more thankful.” VOICE OF DEMOCRACY Christine Troll, national Voice of VFW assistant adjutant general and offered an overview of the National Democracy winner, presented her win- Washington Office executive direc- World War I Memorial. The site of the ning essay, “Why my vote matters.” tor, McIntyre presented VFW with a bronze 58-foot-long structure will be $50,000 donation to benefit the VFW- located in Washington, D.C.’s Pershing VFW VETERANS VILLAGE SVA Legislative Fellowship program, Park near the White House and the Director and VFW member Al Lugo which allows 10 student vets to advo- National Mall. Groundwork will begin offered his remarks on the 42-acre cate for specific veterans-related causes this year. She urged VFW Posts to retirement community in Fort McCoy, on Capitol Hill each year during VFW’s become AEF Memorial Corps Posts. Fla., which opened in October 1991. Legislative Conference. STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA HUMANA Jared Lyon, president and CEO, thanked Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Worthe VFW for its partnership with SVA, add- S. Holt Jr., vice president and deputy ing, “With VFW, student veterans will chief medical officer, discussed the joint never go alone.” The member of Post Uniting to Combat Hunger campaign. 3308 in Tallahassee, Fla., said the GI Bill He noted that food insecurity is a “seri- is important because student veterans ous societal” problem that leads to “poor have higher GPAs and higher graduation health.” Along with the VFW, Second rates than non-veterans. He added that Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida 74 percent of all veterans attend college and the Society of St. Andrew, Humana within a year of departing the military. provided 300,000 meals and 2,000 bot- tles of water to Florida residents during NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL the convention. AND MUSEUM President and CEO Michael Ferriter USAA provided an overview of the memorial Joe Torres, senior affinity account man- located in Columbus, Ohio. The retired ager, thanked VFW and said it was an Army lieutenant general said 14 display “honor” to partner with the veterans areas trace vets from 1775 to present day. organization. USAA, a leading provid- Having served in Somalia and three tours er of insurance products to members of in Iraq, Ferriter said the museum’s goal is the U.S. military and their families, to educate America about veterans. sponsored VFW’s “Made it Happen” membership celebration. VFW’S HOWARD E. VANDER CLUTE JR. MEMORIAL RIDE: WWI CENTENNIAL COMMISSION: This year’s motorcycle run raised VFW Quartermaster General Debra $35,000 for the VFW Programs Anderson spoke on behalf of the com- Department, which included $19,000 mission, of which she is a member, and from the Department of Virginia riders.

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These displays won first place at VFW’s 120th National LAUREN GOLDMAN/VFW Convention in Orlando, Fla.: RAQUEL MANGONE AND HER SERVICE DOG BENITO WALTER Post 1487, Roseville, Calif. The Iraq War veteran said it’s impor- tant to attend the VFW National Convention to talk with other mem- bers from around the country and share experiences. As a convention first-timer, Mangone said the only Public thing she thought should be added Promotion was more signs, as rooms weren’t of Poppy easily marked. She said she joined Campaign VFW to serve in a different way. She category: recalled having conversations with VFW Post 9773 two different veterans, both of whom were suicidal. She was and its VFW able to help them and they are still alive, which “means every- Auxiliary in thing,” she said. “We need to take care of each other like we did Hometown, Ill. in the military,” said Mangone. She hopes that within the next five years, VFW elects its first female commander-in-chief. “I’m so very excited for that to happen,” she added. SAMMIE CLAY Post 9832, Jackson, Miss. Having served with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1968-1969, Clay said attending LAUREN GOLDMAN/VFW LAUREN VFW’s conventions are all about communicating with one another. There are certain things members of his Post wanted to know, and he was tasked with getting answers to those questions. While he thought the convention was going well, Clay said he felt the space was entirely too large and would recommend looking for a small- er space going forward. Calling the organization “elite,” Clay said he’s proud of his VFW membership. “I think this is the proudest thing you can do,” he said. “We are a very unique Memorial or Inspirational Displays category: group.” The most important function VFW has, according to VFW Post 9644 Auxiliary in Fort Logan, Colo. Clay, is to help veterans get their earned benefits.

BRIAN WALKER LAUREN GOLDMAN/VFW Post 5066, Cordova, Tenn. The Afghanistan War vet said he believes VFW will see its first female commander-in-chief within 5-7 years, saying it’s “long overdue.” The Air Force vet said that VFW is evolving, and he hopes to see that trend continue. “If we keep doing this,” he said, “we’ll be through the roof in 10 years.” To Walker, VFW’s most important role is lobbying for veterans benefits, just as vets before him did. Having all VFW resources in one spot is what Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies category: Walker finds most useful about the national convention. “I learn VFW Post 4549 and its VFW Auxiliary in Robinson, Ill. more here in three days than in one year,” he said. - EMAIL [email protected]

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With Oticon Opn S, you can enjoy speech understanding on par with normal hearing.** LEADING THE ORGANIZATION At each national convention, chair offi cers are elected and other leaders are appointed for the forthcoming year. The chair offi cers are selected from various conferences, so each region has a turn at being represented in the ranks of the national leadership. VFW’s leadership continues to refl ect the changing demographics of veterans in general and VFW in particular. This year’s chair offi cers include a Vietnam War vet and two Persian Gulf War veterans.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE PHOTO BY BOB KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO

Kevin Jones Adjutant General Post 7356, Parkville, Mo.

Debra Anderson The 2019-20 “Dare to Care” team (from left ): Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Hal J. Roesch II, Commander- Quartermaster General in-Chief William J. “Doc” Schmitz and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Matthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic. Post 7356, Parkville, Mo.

James Gilbert Jenkins J. Douglas Whitaker Curtis O. “Doc” Bohlman, M.D. Paul R. Phillips Jr. Duane Sarmiento National Chaplain Judge Advocate General Surgeon General Chief of Staff Inspector General Post 6401, Bonner Springs, Kan. Post 9675, Sarpy County, Neb. Post 1335, Woodward, Okla. Post 2863, Wilmington, Del. Post 5579, Gibbstown, N.J.

28 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Hal J. Roesch II Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief

al J. Roesch II of Hampton, Va., was associate of arts degree in avionics system technology elected VFW’s senior vice command- from the Community College of the Air Force. er-in-chief at the 120th National After retiring as master sergeant, Roesch trained HConvention in Orlando, Fla. He is the to become a financial adviser. Since September first Virginian to hold this office. 2002, he has been with First Command Financial Born in Renovo, Pa., Roesch served in the Air Planning in Newport News, Va. Force from February 1982 to July 2002. A mem- Roesch began his VFW career in 1991 when he ber of the 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Shaw joined Post 3034 in Sumter, S.C. He later trans- Air Force Base near Sumter, S.C., 36 miles east of ferred to Post 4542 in Spring Lake, N.C., then to Columbia, Roesch deployed during Operation Post 3219 in Phoebus, Va., where he maintains his Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Southern Watch. VFW Gold Legacy Life membership. During the Persian Gulf War, he was based at He led Post 3219 as commander (2004-2005) Abu Dhabi (in the United Arab Emirates) and King while simultaneously serving as District 1 com- Khalid Military City in Saudi Arabia from August mander. Roesch was elected Virginia’s Department 1990 to March 1991, where he earned the Southwest commander in 2008 and achieved Triple Crown Asia Service Medal. He earned the Armed Forces All-American status. He served on the National Expeditionary Medal for multiple deployments to Council of Administration from 2010-2012 and as Dhahran, Saudia Arabia. Inspector General from 2016-2017. During his 20-year Air Force career, he also Roesch is a life member of Disabled American received three Armed Forces Meritorious Veterans, AMVETS, the American Legion and the Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Military Order of the Cootie. Medals, two Air Force Achievement Medals, an He and his wife, Beth, live in Hampton, Va., Outstanding Unit with Valor Award and an Air where he enjoys golfing and fishing. They have Force Humanitarian Service Medal. one daughter, Sara Tricker, a son-in-law, Jason An F-16 avionics technician, Roesch received his Tricker, and two grandchildren, Owen and Max.

Matthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief

atthew M. “Fritz” Mihelcic, of Ill., about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis, where Columbia, Ill., was elected VFW’s he remains a Gold Legacy Life member. junior vice commander-in-chief at He recalled receiving a pallet of troop Mthe 120th National Convention in support items from VFW while serving over- Orlando, Fla. He is the third veteran from Illinois seas and vowed to join the organization once he to hold this office. returned home. Born in Landstuhl, Germany, Mihelcic earned Mihelcic served as the VFW Department of a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the Illinois’ judge advocate from 1999-2011 and was University of Illinois in 1982. He followed that an All-American Department commander in up with a law degree in 1985 from the St. Louis 2013-14. He served four times as VFW’s national University School of Law. judge advocate general (2003-04, 2007-08, 2011- While working as a lawyer and an administra- 12 and 2015-16). tive judge, Mihelcic felt called to give back. He An avid scuba diver for more than seven years, joined the Air National Guard, not in the JAG Mihelcic belongs to the Professional Association Corps, but as a security policeman. He served 10 of Diving Instructors. He also is a master scuba years with the 131st Tactical Fighter Wing based diver trainer. at Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. Mihelcic has belonged to the Society of Mihelcic earned his VFW eligibility while American Magicians for 25 years, where he is a serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation member of Assembly 8 (similar to a VFW Post). Desert Storm. He was based at Al Kharj Air Base He frequently performs magic shows at schools in Saudi Arabia from December 1990 to March and VA facilities. 1991, and he received the Southwest Asia Service With his service dog, Mama Cass, Mihelcic Medal with two devices. lives about 15 miles south of St. Louis in In 1991, Mihelcic joined a VFW Post in St. Columbia, Ill., with his wife, Megan. He has one Louis, but later transferred to Post 2698 in Sparta, daughter, Amber Mihelcic.

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PHOTO BY BOB KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO $1,000. All three of this year’s recipients attended the 2019 VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fla.

VFW Honors Teachers who Bring Vets to the Classroom BY KARI WILLIAMS

FW has presented more than 60 educators with its but feel very honored and blessed to have received this award.” Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Schamens, whose husband served in the Air Force, started Award since 1999. This year’s recipients spoke at working on the military tribute in 2012. Schamens said she asks Vthe 120th VFW National Convention in Orlando, her fourth- and fi fth-grade students to bring in military items Fla., thanking VFW for the award and sharing how they bring from their families to feature in the display. Over the years, the veterans and their stories into the classroom. display has included dog tags, Purple Hearts, pieces of uni- forms, letters and photographs. “It’s really powerful to see the kids stop, look and think, as well as the adults who come by and look at that and have that moment of recognition and pride and respect for [veterans],” Schamens said.

PHOTO BY BOB KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO In the classroom, Schamens shares information about the honor and freedoms the military provides and demonstrates proper fl ag etiquette. She explains the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and reads patriotic children’s stories, such as “I Pledge Allegiance” by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez and “Blue BOBBIE SCHAMENS | GRADE LEVEL K-5 | MEADOWVIEW Sky White Star” by Sarvinder Naberhaus. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL | SPARTA, WIS. Schamens also teaches a “mini unit” on the Sept. 11, 2001, Bobbie Schamens, a fourth-grade teacher at Meadowview terrorist attacks, and discusses Veterans Day and the origin of Intermediate School in Sparta, Wis., organizes a military trib- “Taps.” In recent years, she has invited military parents to the ute at the school and invites families to submit items to honor classroom to share their stories. She said that helps students those who have served. Her students also make cards to send see veterans and active-duty servicemembers as more than with military care packages. She said receiving the VFW award “somebody in a uniform.” is a “humbling” experience. “They start to realize that that person is a person,” Schamens “I just consider myself a regular teacher [who] just does said. “They have a family. And that’s their job. They get a different things to support her students, families and those within our sense of pride for the people who walk around [their community].” community, especially our military families and our veterans,” Schamens also has assisted with the paper star display hon- Schamens said. “So I was quite taken aback by it and surprised, oring veterans in the school’s cafeteria. She was sponsored by

32 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 LEFT: (From le to right) Bobbie Schamens, Anne Martin and Kevin Allen Wagner celebrate their Teacher of the Year recognition alongside then-VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence in July at the VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fla. VFW selected these educators from a group of more than 1,400 nominees throughout the nation.

VFW Post 2112 in Sparta, Wis., and said she would like to put PHOTO BY BOB KNUDSEN the award funds toward a “long-lasting” effort that will benefit students and the community. PHOTO BY BOB KNUDSEN BOB BY PHOTO KEVIN ALLEN WAGNER | GRADE 9-12 | CARLISLE HIGH SCHOOL | CARLISLE, PA. Kevin Wagner, an 11th grade advanced-placement U.S. histo- ry teacher at Carlisle High School in Carlisle, Pa., said he was ANNE MARTIN | GRADE LEVEL 6-8 | EARL E. WILLIAMS “deeply honored” to receive the VFW award. MIDDLE SCHOOL | TRACY, CALIF. “I had already learned that I was the state winner, which in Anne Martin has been a seventh-grade teacher at Williams and of itself is quite an honor, but to be recognized at a national Middle School for 24 years, but receiving the Smart/Maher level just means so much more, obviously, and kind of validates teacher award left the Gold Star family member “flabbergasted.” the work that I’ve been doing with veterans and veterans orga- “It made me cry,” Martin said. “I still get teary. I was just nizations over the years,” Wagner said. overwhelmed and very honored.” He has presented the program, “Telling the Stories of Martin’s nephew, Gunnery Sgt. George L. Figone Jr., of the America’s Silent Heroes,” at three national conferences. The 2nd Marine Special Operations Bn., who died in Afghanistan in program began in 2012, after a trip to Normandy the year prior. 2011, was like a brother to her. Fifteen teachers, and one student per teacher, visited Normandy “My parents raised him,” Martin said, “and he was a Marine the year prior to study the D-Day invasion. His student, Sam and he was injured in action and then died later from complica- Spare, was asked to research a soldier buried at Normandy. tions to his wound. [Our] family’s always been a very strong sup- “[We ended up] finding out that a Carlisle High School grad- porter of the military, so there was that aspect to [receiving the uate was buried at Normandy that nobody knew the story award] as well. But mainly because it made me think of Georgie.” about,” Wagner said. Sponsored by VFW Post 1537 in Tracy, Calif., Martin orga- Wagner replicated that experience in his AP U.S. history nizes schoolwide troop donations, thank-you letter campaigns, class by having students study one veteran buried at Normandy essay contests and the school’s annual Patriot Day celebration. over the course of the year. By the end of the year, students In her advisor role with the school’s student government/ complete a website in honor of their chosen servicemember. leadership group Associated Student Body (ASB), Martin spear- He has since created a national guide for educators to imple- heads a patriotic spirit and door-decorating contest, rock paint- ment similar projects. Most recently, his search for Carlisle ing for the local VA hospital and a “chain of thanks” for Post 1537. High School alumni who served in the Vietnam War revealed Martin said she started organizing military-related events and that from 1960-75, the school’s yearbooks failed to mention the activities after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. It was at that war or those who served. time that students began creating the “chain of thanks” to send to “There is no plaque or recognition in our high school for the those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. The chains also have been Vietnam era,” Wagner said. “We have one for all the other wars. used at the local VFW Post during a Veterans Day celebration. We even have one for Afghanistan and Iraq for a young man Such activities give students a chance to “look outside of that was killed.” themselves,” according to Martin. He has since worked with students and the community to locate “The fact that they’re here going to school is really a privi- information about local veterans who served during that time. lege because of the [men and women who served our country],” “That was kind of the impetus to say, ‘It’s a long time in com- Martin said. ing,’ and something needed to be done to rectify that. That was During ASB elections, students complete tasks such as writ- the flashpoint,” Wagner said. ing campaign speeches and seek out teacher recommendations. In May 2018, more than 200 names were inscribed on a plaque As part of that event, Martin imparts that the privilege of vot- outside the high school’s auditorium. Wagner said he intends to ing is paid for by the sacrifices of many. She also spearheads the use the award funds to add more than 50 names to the school’s school’s involvement in VFW’s Patriot’s Pen contest. Vietnam Veterans Wall of Honor that was unveiled last year. Martin hopes to use the award funds to take her leadership Sponsored by VFW Post 477 in Carlisle, Pa., Wagner also class on a team-building exercise and to purchase supplies for serves as program chair for the social studies department and the students to do more rock painting. organizes the local National History Day program. - EMAIL [email protected]

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 33 AMERICA REMEMBERS PRESENTS

t was January, 1968. Over Christmas, Bob Hope, Raquel Welch and other entertainers were in Vietnam performing for the Christmas Iholiday — and a group of lucky troops were able to see the show live. Back at home, Americans were able to see highlights of the shows on tele- vision in January, ever mindful of all those who were serving in Vietnam. With the start of the New Year, American troops were preparing for another year in Vietnam. Many longed to return home, and they counted down the days before their expected date to return home. The days were long and tedious and filled with uncertainty and danger. In this faraway country, a major Vietnamese holiday was also approaching: Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. The Tet holiday was the most celebrated to day and night bombardment, and cut off the time in Vietnam, and a time when the fighting in Vietnam usually ceased overland supply route to the base. The base would for a short period. Many South Vietnamese soldiers were granted leave and remain under siege for more than two months. joined family and friends for this special celebration. Hue was a cultural center in South Vietnam. The Meanwhile, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong had been planning for fighting in Hue was intense, and lasted for four weeks. months a surprise attack on South Vietnam. The Communist forces would The Marines and South Vietnamese forces had to fight unleash a wave of attacks on South Vietnam while the South Vietnamese building to building, street by street, to reclaim the city. were celebrating their lunar New Year. With little warning, shortly after Much of the city was destroyed and losses on both sides midnight, the sounds of combat exploded in Saigon and other locations. were high. The assault had started. The Tet Offensive was well-organized and conducted Quang Tri City was in the north of Vietnam and an countrywide, eventually including more than 100 towns and cities. The important government headquarters. It was an important Tet Offensive was by far the largest military operation conducted up to target for the NVA. Bien Hoa and Da Nang were home to that point in the war, and it proved to be a pivotal turning point in the war. major military air bases for the United States. They were both attacked at the start of the Tet Offensive, but attacks were Honoring All Those Who Served turned back by the allied forces. th The 50 Anniversary of the Tet Offensive th In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, and in EXCLUSIVE 50 ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE salute to all who served during the Vietnam War, America Remembers Order today and we will arrange delivery of your working ©AHL, Inc. proudly announces the Tet 50th Anniversary Tribute Pistol. For this Tribute through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. historic Tribute, we selected a working Colt® Government Model® pistol You will receive your Tribute with our 30-day guarantee of The artwork on the Tribute features battles in caliber .45 ACP, a classic military firearm, and a trusted sidearm satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, return your Tribute scenes from urban settings, like Saigon and during the Vietnam War. Only 1,000 Tributes will be issued in this to us in original, unfired condition for a complete refund. Hue. You’ll also see an image of the flag exclusive edition. The artwork on the Tribute features banners and artwork Our nation’s involvement in Vietnam spanned three decades. raising over the Thuong Tu Gate at the highlighting important battles and scenes from the Tet Offensive. Craftsmen It’s estimated that more than 2,500,000 Americans served in Citadel in Hue. When Hue was overrun commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers Vietnam. More than 58,000 lost their lives and another 350,000 by the Communist forces, they quickly decorate each pistol in sparkling 24-karat gold and gleaming nickel, with were wounded. When the Tet attack started, America had over replaced the South Vietnamese flag which blackened patinaed highlights to accentuate the details of the artwork. 400,000 soldiers and Marine servicemen in Vietnam. flew at the Citadel with a huge Viet Cong On the slide, you’ll find six important battles of the Tet Offensive – Hue, This historic 50th anniversary Tribute honors the generation who banner. This banner could be seen Khe Sanh, Saigon, Da Nang, Quang Tri and Bien Hoa. Saigon was the served during the Vietnam War. They didn’t hesitate to put their throughout the city and was a daily capital of South Vietnam and the surprise attacks on Saigon during the first lives on the line and sacrifice when our country called. All of them reminder of the overthrow and occupation night included an attempt to overrun the US Embassy and to capture the deserve our gratitude. If you’re a veteran who served, or you want of this treasured Vietnamese city by the National Radio Station. to honor a family member or friend who served, this handsome Viet Cong and the NVA. This scene shows A Marine Corps Combat Base was located at Khe Sanh. The NVA had Tribute pistol will be a lasting tribute to all who honorably served a South Vietnam banner once again flying built up significant forces around Khe Sanh, far outnumbering Americans in Vietnam. Order yours today to secure your place in this edition over the citadel after the city was reclaimed and South Vietnamese forces. During Tet, the NVA subjected the base honoring all those who proudly served in Vietnam. on February 24, 1968.

The artwork on the right side includes an M48 tank. The M48 “Patton tanks” helped provide cover and firepower in the urban setting, as our troops reclaimed the cities, street by street. Both sides of the slide also feature a banner that reads Tet Offensive January 1968, commemorating this pivotal period in the war. On both sides of the slide, you’ll find crisscrossed M16 and M14 weapons used during the Tet Offensive, with the date 1968 and Tet Offensive and Lest We Forget at the bottom.

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Remembering a Deadly Day at Combat Outpost Keating Oct. 3, 2009, would go down as the second costliest U.S.  re ght of the Afghanistan War. B Trp., 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav Regt., 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., was there. BY JANIE DYHOUSE

n Oct. 3, 2009, the odds tion supply point. Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Hill rallied his were against U.S. troops at To further complicate the situation, 3rd Platoon troops in a counterattack, Combat Outpost Keating in nearby Observation Post Fritsche was despite his multiple shrapnel wounds. OAfghanistan’s Nuristan prov- unable to provide mortar support to At one point, he and his men came under ince, located just 10 miles from the Keating, as it also was overrun by Taliban. heavy sniper fire. According to one Pakistan border. Contained between account, Hill “without hesitation picked the Landay River and steep mountains, ACTION AT THE AID STATION up a Latvian sniper rifl e and eliminat- Keating was attacked from multiple Capt. Christopher Cordova, the squad- ed the target at a distance of over 300 directions by 300 enemy fi ghters. ron’s physician assistant, was man- meters.” When the battle ended after more ning the aid station where there was 1st Lt. Andrew Bundermann, de facto than 12 hours, eight U.S. soldiers were no power. The first soldier to arrive ground commander, worked to slow the killed and another 22 wounded. had profuse bleeding from the skull. As fi re in the operations center and salvage Based there were 53 U.S. soldiers primar- Cordova worked to stop the bleeding, equipment. (Multiple explosions near ily with B Trp., 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav Regt., 4th fi ve injured Afghan soldiers and another the ammo supply set off a series of fi res BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Additionally, 20 Afghan American who suffered a chest wound at the post.) troops, two Latvian soldiers and a dozen were brought in. He later set up the tactical satel- Afghan security guards were at Keating. He was managing care for five lite radio to coordinate air support and Among these U.S. troops were men of Americans and seven Afghans, treating medevac. He worked throughout the great mettle. While there are numerous gunshot wounds, head injuries, shrapnel battle, calling in strikes on enemy posi- accounts of bravery that day, two Medals wounds, chest and abdominal wounds, tions, even amidst a winter storm that of Honor and nine Silver Stars (two eye injuries and broken legs, all in a make- blew in right at the height of the battle. have since been upgraded, see sidebar) shift station. (The main aid station was too Meanwhile, back at the aid station, were awarded. heavily damaged to remain in operation.) Cordova learned that the fi rst medevac During the first minutes of battle, Meanwhile, Sgt. Thomas Rasmussen would not arrive until after 7:30 p.m. mortar rounds hit the main genera- fought back and was knocked off his A critically wounded soldier needed a tor, cutting power to most of the camp. feet by a rocket-propelled grenade. He blood transfusion in order to survive. Enemy forces controlled the landing jumped up undeterred and ran through Using a transfusion kit, Cordova began zone, which prevented the wounded heavy fi re to get more ammunition. On pumping his own blood into the wounded from being lifted out. At one point, the his way, he stopped to offer fi rst aid to soldier, along with blood collected from insurgents even controlled the ammuni- wounded troops. other soldiers.

36 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY JOHN PENNELL

VALOR AWARDS UPGRADED FOR HEROICS AT COP KEATING ƌŵLJ^ƚĂī^Őƚ:ƵƐƟŶ'ĂůůĞŐŽƐƉŽƐƚ- ‘NOT AN ORDINARY ENGAGEMENT’ ŚƵŵŽƵƐůLJƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚƚŚĞŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚĞĚ Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew McMurtrey ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƌŽƐƐĞĐϭϱ
ϮϬϭ
ĨŽƌŚŝƐ — a cyber systems operator — was ĂĐƟŽŶƐĂƚŽŵďĂƚKƵƚƉŽƐƚ<ĞĂƟŶŐŝŶ attached to the 61st Cav and woke at ĨŐŚĂŶŝƐƚĂŶŽŶKĐƚϯ
ϮϬϬ€WŝĐƚƵƌĞĚ 6 a.m. that day to the walls of his bunk ĂďŽǀĞ
ŚŝƐƐŽŶ
DĂĐŝĚĞŶ
ĂĐĐĞƉƚĞĚ shaking, alerting him to the attack. ƚŚĞŚŽŶŽƌ “It seemed that it would get extremely 'ĂůůĞŐŽƐ
wŚŽwĂƐŬŝůůĞĚĚƵƌŝŶŐ Soldiers with 1st Plt., B Trp., 3rd Sqdn., 61st Cav intense, with a lot of fire, a lot of RPGs ƚŚĞƐĞĐŽŶĚĐŽƐƚůŝĞƐƚĮƌĞĮŐŚƚŽĨƚŚĞ Regt., 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., at Combat Outpost hitting the wall, and then it would die,” ĨŐŚĂŶŝƐƚĂŶtĂƌ
ŚĂĚŽƌŝŐŝŶĂůůLJĞĂƌŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ^ŝůǀĞƌ^ƚĂƌƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĚĞĂĚůLJďĂƚ- Keating in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province on McMurtrey told Air Force Magazine in Aug. 6, 2009. On Oct. 3, 2009, Keating was the ƚůĞ
'ĂůůĞŐŽƐ
ƚŚŽƵŐŚwŽƵŶĚĞĚ
ƐĂwĂ 2011. “Basically, the air support was leav- site of the second costliest U.S. firefight of the ĨĞůůŽwƐŽůĚŝĞƌŝŶƚƌŽƵďůĞZĂƚŚĞƌƚŚĂŶ ing and coming back. As soon as they left, Afghanistan War. ƐĞĞŬƐŚĞůƚĞƌŶĞĂƌďLJ
ŚĞƚƵƌŶĞĚĂƌŽƵŶĚ
 the insurgents would come back.” ƌĂŶƚŚƌŽƵŐŚĞŶĞŵLJĮƌĞĂŶĚƉŝĐŬĞĚƵƉ Air Force Capt. Justin Kulish was con- ŚŝƐĨƌŝĞŶĚĂŶĚĐĂƌƌŝĞĚŚŝŵƚŽƐĂĨĞƚLJ The wounded American’s condition ducting a routine patrol in his B-1 bomber ϭƐƚ>ƚŶĚƌĞwƵŶĚĞƌŵĂŶŶŠƐ^ŝůǀĞƌ immediately improved after the first unit about an hour away when he got the call ^ƚĂƌwĂƐƵƉŐƌĂĚĞĚƚŽƚŚĞŝƐƟŶŐƵŝƐŚĞĚ of blood, as did the spirits of all those in that Keating was in trouble. ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƌŽƐƐŽŶDĂƌĐŚϳ/ŶƚŚĞ the aid station. “[The airspace above] Keating was ĚĂwŶŽĨƚŚĞĂƩĂĐŬĂƚKW<ĞĂƟŶŐ
 “Capt. Cordova’s care raised the packed full of jets, so we knew this was ƵŶĚĞƌŵĂŶŶƚŽŽŬĐŚĂƌŐĞŽĨƚŚĞƚƌŽŽƉƐ morale of every soldier in the aid station, not an ordinary engagement,” Kulish ĂƌŽƵŶĚŚŝŵĂŶĚĐŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚĞĚĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů and word quickly spread across the out- told Air Force Magazine. “Once we got ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ post,” the battle narrative stated. overhead the target, the biggest thing Cordova continued to treat the that struck me was how much of Keating because of what they did, but air support wounded even after flames were within was on fire. It seemed like the entire COP was definitely a must.” 10 feet of his location. was burning [70 percent did].” Many of the Afghan troops, howev- “His actions saved the lives of several Nearly 20 Air Force and Army aircraft er, were a different story. An after-action soldiers, and he alone accomplished the flew close-air support missions through- report stated that within less than a few work of four medical professionals with- out the day, helping to kill about 150 insur- minutes of fighting, the Afghan soldiers out stopping for food or sleep,” the battle gents. When the battle was over, 16 tons of serving at Keating, as well as the Afghan narrative aptly concluded. bombs had been dropped. security guards, had fled their positions, “The enemy was obviously superior in “Without air support, I don’t think allowing the enemy to quickly overrun numbers but not superior in discipline, we would have made it, considering the the post. professionalism and fighting skill,” Col. number against us and the area we were Keating was permanently shut down Randy George, of the 4th BCT told the in,” McMurtrey said. “That doesn’t mean three days following the attack. But the Colorado Springs Gazette in 2011. “That anything should be taken from the guys courage of the Americans who fought was our troopers’ advantage up there. on the ground. Those guys were amaz- there will never be forgotten. - They performed heroically and bravely.” ing. They did their jobs, and I’m here EMAIL [email protected]

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 37 PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. MARINE CORPS MARINE U.S. OF COURTESY PHOTO

‘They Came in Peace’

A pillar of smoke rises from the headquarters and barracks of the 1st Bn., 8th Marines, 24th Marine Amphibious Unit on Oct. 23, 1983, at the Beirut International Airport in Lebanon. This was the sight that greeted Marine helicopter crews launched from the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) as they flew to aid the wounded.

Every year on Oct. 23, survivors and the families of uniformed Americans killed in an Islamic terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983 gather at Camp Lejeune, N.C., to honor the fallen. Here is what happened 36 years ago this month.

BY RICHARD CAMP AND SUZANNE POOL-CAMP

perating under dubious rules- Hezbollah suicide bomber drove a truck remembered “a bright orange-yellow of-engagement that prevented loaded with the equivalent of 12,000 flash at the grill of the truck” when the them from carrying loaded pounds of TNT through the front gate bomb exploded. Oweapons, the Marines of 1st of the Marine compound. The truck’s On top of the building, another guard, Bn., 8th Marine Regiment, based at the driver passed Marine sentries, who had Marine Lance Cpl. Adam Webb, one of Beirut, Lebanon, airport in October 1983, no time to load their weapons, into the four guards on the roof of the compound, were an inviting target for Islamic ter- lobby of the BLT headquarters and bar- miraculously survived the blast. rorists. The Marines were the battalion racks and detonated his mobile bomb. “I never left the roof until it hit the landing team (BLT) of the 24th Marine “As soon as I saw the truck,” recalled ground,” he said. “I wound up sitting Amphibious Unit (MAU). Although they Lance Cpl. Eddie DiFranco, who was upright in a jeep.” were there in a peacekeeping role during manning a guard post, “I knew what was The blast was so powerful that it lifted the Lebanese Civil War, they knew they going to happen. [The driver] looked the entire building upward, sheared the were vulnerable to attack. right at me and smiled.” base off its support columns and reduced That feeling became a reality at Another Marine, Sgt. Stephen E. the upper 50 feet of the structure to about 6:22 a.m., on Oct. 23, when an Iranian Russell, was guarding the lobby. He 10 feet of rubble. A massive shock wave

38 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 and flaming gas shot in all directions. PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. ROBERT E. KLINE, USMC Dead and wounded Marines were sandwiched between the collapsed floors and ceilings. The blast killed 241 uniformed Americans — 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers. It was the worst single-day death toll for the Marine Corps since the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. ‘DARK SMOKE ON THE SHORELINE’ About 15 miles offshore, the 24th MAU’s air combat element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162 (HMM-162) was onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2). Marine Capt. Anthony Pais, a CH-46 helicopter pilot, recalled hearing an auxiliary power unit fire up and steel tie downs being dragged across the ship’s deck. Marines scramble to search for survivors of a massive suicide bombing that reduced their barracks “It was pretty early, not quite pre- and headquarters building to a pile of rubble on Oct. 23, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon. Most of the 241 uniformed Americans killed in the early-morning blast were either asleep in the barracks or working dawn, but still pretty early for a Sunday in the headquarters. morning routine,” he remembered. Pais said the squadron’s duty officer rushed into his room shouting, “Get up! “We had set up an LZ (landing zone) job was to unload and stack the bod- Get up! The BLT’s been hit!” that was in defilade (a protected posi- ies as they were brought down the road Pais threw on his flight suit and rushed tion) and was pretty much secure from from the blast site. We would then, with to the ready room. small arms fire,” Pais said. great care, stack the bodies — some in “I remember walking down the pas- He shut down the aircraft and started body bags, some not — into aluminum sageway after signing for the aircraft and walking toward the MAU headquarters. shipping containers, which we would seeing about 10 men who volunteered to “It was just silent,” Pais recalled. eventually load on aircraft for their final go in with me,” he said. “There was activity but there was just flight home.” One of those men was Marine Sgt. shocked, stunned silence.” John Snyder. Pais saw that the MAU headquarters ‘NO FEELING IN MY LEFT ARM’ “It was announced that there had been was relatively undamaged — the blast When the blast detonated, Lance Cpl. an attack on the Marine barracks. None had cracked the reinforced concrete Emanuel Simmons was sleeping on the of us had any idea of the extent of the foundation and caused relatively minor second deck of the BLT headquarters. damage, the lives that had been lost or injuries — and continued walking. A jeep “I woke up and found myself buried,” the fact that the growing cloud of dark picked him up and drove him toward the he said. “The ceiling had collapsed, and smoke on the shoreline was what was “Pile,” as the destroyed BLT headquar- my thought was that we got shelled. I left of where we had, only weeks before, ters came to be known. heard a lot of yelling and moaning.” eaten chow every day,” Snyder said. Simmons said he “tried to humor” “As the extent of the disaster was real- ‘THE PILE’ himself while awaiting rescuers. ized, the squadron called for a work- “There was a big sloping mound of non- “I had no feeling in my left arm and ing party to go ashore. I jumped at the reinforced concrete in a big pile,” Pais believed it to have been severed,” he said. opportunity. A handful of us, maybe 10 recalled. “They asked for volunteers to “On my left hand, I had been wearing a or so, flew by CH-46 helicopter back out go in and dig through the rubble. We ring with a cobra snake on it. I felt the to the airport to an area known as LS were in a lifesaving phase to pull Marines ring and grabbed hold of my arm think- (Landing Site) Brown.” out. We found lots of [dead] Marines and ing I was going to keep it and give it to a Pais and his co-pilot, Capt. Michael J. body parts.” doctor to reattach to my body.” Hagemeyer, flew their CH-46F mede- The rescuers came under sporadic Simmons heard heavy machinery and vac helicopter, accompanied by a second sniper fire. yelled for help. Somebody shouted back, CH-46, east into the early morning haze “I remember we had our flak jackets “Hey, are you OK, bud? We’re coming to at about 6:45 a.m. Pais recalled “a pillar and helmets and we were trying to stay get you.” of smoke” as they approached what was out of the line of fire,” Pais said. The lance corporal felt dirt roll down left of the BLT’s headquarters. Sgt. Snyder recalled that he, Pais and his neck and cool air hit his body. At “It was just a smoking hole,” he said. other Marines worked out of and around that point, Simmons started to believe “There was nobody to talk to, nobody on the small, empty Lebanese hanger. he “was going to get out” of his predic- the radio.” “Trucks would bring the bodies of the ament. He was pulled from the rubble Pais landed his aircraft on the north dead from the blast site, down the road with a broken left scapula, collapsed end of the north-south runway. and to the hanger,” Snyder said. “My lung, burst eardrums, second — and

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 39 PHOTO BY LEONARD J. DEFRANCISCI

The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the city of Jacksonville, N.C., worked together to build the Beirut Memorial on the grounds of Camp Lejeune. Dedicated on Oct. 23, 1986 — the third anniversary of the bombing — the memorial includes 273 names: those who died in the attack, those who later died as a result of their wounds and three Marine Corps pilots from the Jacksonville area killed in 1983 on Grenada. third — degree burns, severe lacerations explained. “Most of the men on stretch- “When the casualties were stabilized to his face, embedded shards of metal in ers were unconscious, and they had to be enough, they were flown from the Iwo his body and temporary blindness and stabilized with IVs to keep them alive. At Jima to the Beirut International Airport,” paralysis — but he was alive. Simmons first it was hard to separate the dead from he recalled. “The first were evacuated by was one of dozens of BLT survivors res- the wounded. Their swollen limbs and a Royal Air Force C-130 to the British cued from the rubble. faces just made them unrecognizable.” facility at Akrotiri, Cyprus, followed by The Marine captain said they con- a U.S. Air Force C-9 to the Wiesbaden ‘PREPARE FOR MASS CASUALTIES’ tinued working until they had enough Air Force Hospital, Germany, a U.S. Navy Navy dentist Dr. Gilbert U. “Gil” wounded to take to the Iwo Jima. C-9 to Naples, Italy, and a C-141 to the Bigelow, a former Air Force commando, “[Sailors and Marines] unloaded the Landstuhl Army Hospital in Germany.” was at the compound when the suicide casualties on the flight deck and used Three years after the deadly blast, on bomber struck. After the blast, Bigelow the elevator to lower them to the hanger Oct. 23, 1986, Marines at Camp Lejeune, remembered telling his colleague, Navy deck where a field hospital had been set N.C. — home to the 24th MAU — host- Dr. James J. Ware, what had happened. up,” Pais said. ed a dedication ceremony for a memori- “Jim, the BLT has been hit,” Bigelow Sgt. Snyder recalled a mass of activity. al honoring those who lost their lives in recalled saying. “There is a lot of wounded “Wave after wave of our squadron’s the bombing. The memorial consists of people. Prepare for mass casualties.” helicopters flew ashore, each time two large walls, separated by the statue of The two doctors, the only medical offi- returning with bodies that were quickly a Marine. cers present, ran to the Marine Service stacked up on the hanger deck below Inscribed on the left wall are the names Support Group (MSSG) headquar- decks,” he said. “Many of us were tasked of the Americans killed in Beirut and the ters. While Ware set up an aid station, with carrying the dead and wound- names of three Marine pilots killed on Bigelow said he “grabbed my emergency ed, and helping out as best we could; Grenada. An inscription on the right wall medical kit, counted off four corpsmen holding a hand here and there and reads, “They Came in Peace.” - and charged back in the direction of the trying to calm those who could not EMAIL [email protected] BLT to set up an on-site triage station.” be calmed. It was a very sad, busy and Meanwhile, Pais joined dozens of BLT chaotic time.” Richard “Dick” Camp and his wife, Marines, Navy corpsmen, Lebanese civil- Pais said that within 15 minutes of the Suzanne, reside in Fredericksburg, Va. ians and Red Cross and Italian soldiers at suicide bombing, aircraft began evacuating A retired colonel, Richard served in the the Pile. wounded Marines. A total of 62 wounded Marine Corps during the Vietnam War “I did a lot of stretcher bearing,” Pais were treated aboard the Iwo Jima. and is the author of 16 books.

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CSLB 983603 F13000002885 13HV08744300 DESERT RUCK MARCH HONORS THOSE KILLED IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

A Student Veterans of America chapter at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas hosted a rucksack march honoring all troops who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Teams of student veterans and others trekked more than 370 miles through the Nevada desert.

BY DAVE SPIVA

or the second year, student veter- He said it is “beneficial” for VFW to help as Operation Battle Born. ans at the University of Nevada, groups like SVA. “People take for granted the sacri- Las Vegas (UNLV) hosted a ruck- “It’s important for student veter- fice of those who paid the ultimate price Fsack march to commemorate the ans’ organizations, such as UNLV Rebel for us,” Butler said. “I am grateful for almost 7,000 troops who died in the Iraq Vets, to help student vets not only make the opportunity to honor them.” and Afghanistan wars. the transition from service to universi- UNLV Outreach Coordinator Dwayne Operation Battle Born was started ties but to help them get jobs afterward,” Gordon participated in the rucksack last year by UNLV Rebel Vets, a Student Lowe said. “It can be overwhelming for march, too. He is a retired Air Force Veterans of America chapter. Thirty-six veterans during their transition.” senior master sergeant who served for groups of four or more people each walked As for the rucksack march, Lowe said 25 years and said his job is to help transi- 10-mile segments. he was “overwhelmed and humbled” to tioning veterans find opportunities that The journey took marchers about 370 be a part of Operation Battle Born. their education at UNLV offered them. miles, from Carson City, Nev., near Reno, “I am glad to be able to commemorate “Through this position, I found my to Boulder City, Nev., about 25 miles those who died in any way I can,” he said. mission,” Gordon said. “I enjoy helping southeast of Las Vegas. Derek Butler, an Air Force veteran of veterans with their transition from the The teams covered about 70 miles the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, also par- military to higher education and beyond.” each day and carried four 30-pound ticipated in the march. As for participating in Operation rucksacks filled with nearly 7,000 dog Butler, who graduated from UNLV in Battle Born, Gordon said it means “the tags, one for each U.S. servicemember 2019 with a degree in social work, said world” to him. killed in the post-9/11 wars. Participants the network of support at UNLV Rebel “It’s just a way the UNLV Rebel Vets also visited VFW Posts along the way, Vets helped him get through college and organization honors the fallen,” Gordon including Post 1103 in Tonopah, Nev., his transition from the military. said. - and Post 12101 in Henderson, Nev. Butler said honoring those who died EMAIL [email protected] VFW Administration and Economic overseas should be more than just “lip Opportunity Director Tony Lowe par- service” and that more people should VFW Administration and Economic ticipated in the march, starting at VFW take the time to participate in events Opportunity Director Tony Lowe contrib- Post 1103 and ending outside Tonopah. honoring fallen service members, such uted to this article.

42 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Student vets from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas pose for a photo during the 2019 Operation Battle Born rucksack march near Tonopah, Nev. Some 36 groups of four or more people, including student veterans from Nevada, hiked 10-mile stints from Carson City, Nev., to Boulder City, Nev.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNLV REBEL VETS

s&t^sWZdEZ^,/W s&t^s>'/^>d/s&>>KtWZK'ZD Student Veterans of America (SVA) is based saƉaƌƚŽĨƚŚĞŝƌƉaƌƚŶĞƌsŚŝƉs&taŶĚƚŚĞ^sůĞaĚĞƌsŚŝƉaƩĞŶĚĞaĐŚ ŝŶtasŚŝŶŐƚŽŶdŚĞŽƌŐaŶŝnjaƟŽŶŝsĐŽŵ- ŽƚŚĞƌ saŶŶƵaůĐŽŶǀĞŶƟŽŶs/ŶaĚĚŝƟŽŶs&tsĞůĞĐƚsϭϬ^sŵĞŵďĞƌs ŵŝƩĞĚƚŽƚŚĞǁĞůĨaƌĞŽĨŵŝůŝƚaƌLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶsaŶĚ ĞaĐŚLJĞaƌƚŽƉaƌƟĐŝƉaƚĞŝŶaĨĞůůŽǁsŚŝƉƉƌŽŐƌaŵŽŶaƉŝƚŽů,ŝůů ĞŶsƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞLJaƌĞsƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚŝŶƚŚĞŝƌƚƌaŶsŝ- ƟŽŶŝŶƚŽŚŝŐŚĞƌĞĚƵĐaƟŽŶ^ssƵƉƉŽƌƚsϭϱ8ϯ dŚĞs&t-^s>ĞŐŝsůaƟǀĞ&ĞůůŽǁsŚŝƉƉƌŽŐƌaŵŐŝǀĞssƚƵĚĞŶƚǀĞƚĞƌaŶs sĐŚŽŽůĐŚaƉƚĞƌsaŶĚŵŽƌĞƚŚaŶϳϬϬϬϬϬŵŝůŝ- ƚŚĞŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽaĚǀŽĐaƚĞǁŝƚŚs&tŽŶŝssƵĞsĨaĐŝŶŐsƚƵĚĞŶƚǀĞƚ- ƚaƌLJ-aĸůŝaƚĞĚsƚƵĚĞŶƚs ĞƌaŶs&ĞůůŽǁsŐĞƚƚŽŵĞĞƚƚŚĞŶaƟŽŶ sůaǁŵakĞƌsaŶĚaĚŵŝŶŝsƚƌaƚŽƌs ƌĞsƉŽŶsŝďůĞĨŽƌŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƟŶŐǀĞƚĞƌaŶs ƉŽůŝĐLJŝŶtasŚŝŶŐƚŽŶ dŚĞsĞŐƌŽƵƉsŽĨĐŽůůĞŐĞsƚƵĚĞŶƚsaĐƌŽssƚŚĞĐŽƵŶƚƌLJƉƌŽǀŝĚĞŵŝů- dŚŝsLJĞaƌ sĨĞůůŽǁsǁĞƌЉ ŝƚaƌLJ-aĸůŝaƚĞĚsƚƵĚĞŶƚsǁŝƚŚƚŚĞaĚǀŽĐaĐLJaŶĚƌĞsŽƵƌĐĞsŶĞĞĚĞĚ • ŚaĚaĞƌƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJŽĨWĞŶŶsLJůǀaŶŝa ƚŽďĞsƵĐĐĞssĨƵůǁŝƚŚƚŚĞŝƌĐŽůůĞŐĞĞĚƵĐaƟŽŶaŶĚƉŽsƚ-ŐƌaĚƵaƟ Ž Ŷ  • daŵŵLJaƌůĞƚŽasƚ'ƵaƌĚǀĞƚĞƌaŶ ĐaƌĞĞƌs^sĐŚaƉƚĞƌsaĚǀŽĐaƚĞĨŽƌŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚsƚŽsƚƵĚĞŶƚ-ǀĞƚ- 'ĞŽƌŐĞtasŚŝŶŐƚŽŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ ĞƌaŶďĞŶĞĮƚsǁŚŝůĞŚĞůƉŝŶŐǀĞƚĞƌaŶsŶaǀŝŐaƚĞƚŚĞĐŽŵƉůĞdžŝƟĞsŽĨ • DaƩŚĞǁĞůůĞƌƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶ aĐaĚĞŵŝĐůŝĨĞ dŚĞŵĞƌŝĐaŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJŽĨWaƌŝs • ŚƌŝsƚŽƉŚĞƌ>aŵLJŝƌ&ŽƌĐĞǀĞƚĞƌaŶ>ŽƵŝsŝaŶa^ƚaƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ s&taŶĚ^sŚaǀĞďĞĞŶŽĸĐŝaůƉaƌƚŶĞƌssŝŶĐĞsŝŐŶŝŶŐaŵĞŵŽƌaŶ- • ůĐŝĚĞs>ƵŐŽƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶƵďƵƌŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ ĚƵŵ-ŽĨ-ƵŶĚĞƌsƚaŶĚŝŶŐŝŶϮϬϭϯdŚĞƉaƌƚŶĞƌsŚŝƉŚasŐŝǀĞŶsƚƵĚĞŶƚ • ŶŐĞůaWĞaĐŽĐkƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶ ǀĞƚĞƌaŶsƚŚĞŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽƉƌŽŵŽƚĞĐaƵsĞsŝŵƉŽƌƚaŶƚƚŽǀĞƚĞƌaŶs tasŚŝŶŐƚŽŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ’^ƚ>ŽƵŝs • ŚaŶĞůWŽǁĞůůƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJŽĨƵīaůŽ s&tďĞůŝĞǀĞsƚŚĞaĸůŝaƟŽŶďĞŶĞĮƚsďŽƚŚŐƌŽƵƉss&tŽīĞƌsƚŚĞ • >ŽďsaŶŐ^aůakaƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶEŽƌƚŚĞasƚĞƌŶhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĞdžƉĞƌƟsĞaŶĚkŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞŝƚŚasŐaŝŶĞĚŽǀĞƌŝƚsϭϮϬ- • ŵLJ^ůĞaƚŚƌŵLJǀĞƚĞƌaŶDŝŶŶĞsŽƚa^ƚaƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ-DŽŽƌŚĞaĚ LJĞaƌŚŝsƚŽƌLJ^sŵĞŵďĞƌsŚaǀĞƚŚĞLJŽƵƚŚĨƵůĞŶĞƌŐLJaŶĚnjĞaů • dŽŵtŝkĞDaƌŝŶĞǀĞƚĞƌaŶdŚĞKŚŝŽ^ƚaƚĞhŶŝǀĞƌsŝƚLJ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ-aŐĞǀĞƚĞƌaŶsƉŽssĞssǁŚŝůĞŽīĞƌŝŶŐs&taƉŽŽůŽĨĐŽůůĞŐĞ- ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚǀĞƚĞƌaŶsŝŶƚĞƌĞsƚĞĚŝŶƚŚĞĨĞůůŽǁsŚŝƉĐaŶǀŝsŝƚhtt ps://www. ĞĚƵĐaƚĞĚŵĞŵďĞƌsǁŚŽĐaŶůĞaĚƚŚĞŽƌŐaŶŝnjaƟŽŶŝŶƚŽƚŚĞĨƵƚƵƌĞ vfw.org/community/student-veterans-of-america/student-fellowship ĨŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽƌŵaƟŽŶ

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 43 2019-20 National Council of Administration The National Council of Administration also includes VFW national officers (see p. 28).

B.J. Lawrence George Jones Walter Watts Jr. Mike Ferguson Ashley Little Earl Fulk Bruce Dolan Richard DiFederico Jr. Past Commander-in-Chief Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut

William Hall Norberto Millet Jr. W. Benny Bachand Al Lipphardt Stan Fernandez Rick Johnson Phil Maughan Johnny Capps Delaware Europe Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana

Carol Whitmore Bob Cox Bob Hendrickson Gerald Dugas David Williams Brian Sturgis Robert Graser Jerry Gorski Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan

Tom Hanson Steve Organ Jessie Jones Art Widhalm Larry Gerlt Gil Hernandez Paul Lloyd Bill Thomson Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey

Kathie Schiebel Robert Barnhart Greg Stafford James Hapala Chris Haynes Robbie Clark Bert Key New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon

Shawn Watson Robert Eiler Guyde Lombari Jr. Gus Singleton Rick Williamson Henry Hooper II Dan West Pacific Areas Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas

Dennis Parizek Allston Gilmond Thomas Gimble Fred Green Todd Kingsbury Gundy Metz Rodney Birkle Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 2019-20 National Committees Members of VFW’s national committees develop goals and complete Legislative Vice Chairmen Programs plans for the upcoming year. These committees implement the policies Chairman Randall L. Bare Chairman formulated by delegates at the national convention. Only the chairmen and Ronald Rusakiewicz Joseph A. Cognitore Dennis M. Sullivan Gilbert Hernandez vice chairmen of the committees at right are listed. Jayson A. Hoffman

44 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 MEN’S HOODIE

Bold American Eagle Artwork on Back ✰ An Easy-Care, Cotton Blend with Thermal Knit-Lined Hood

Available in Five Men’s Sizes— Medium to XXXL POWERFUL AND PATRIOTIC STYLE Honor the red, white and blue with a mighty statement that captures EXCEPTIONAL VALUE; the strength of our great nation. Our “These Colors Don’t Run” SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Men’s Hoodie is a strong display of American pride. Crafted in This hoodie is available in 5 sizes medium to XXXL and at a superb a navy blue cotton-blend knit, our hoodie features original art on value at $99.95*, payable in three convenient installments of the back of a fierce American eagle ready to rip through the fabric $33.32 each and backed by our 30-day guarantee. Sizes XXL with its sharp talons. Below this dramatic design are the words and XXXL, add $10. Send no money now; just return the Priority “These Colors Don’t Run.” An embroidered American Flag patch Reservation. You won’t find this exclusive design in stores. adorns the front along with classic zip front styling, two front So don’t miss out—order yours today! pockets, rib knit cuffs and hem, a hood with gray thermal knit lining and silver-tone metal tippets on the drawstring cords. Imported. Order online at bradfordexchange.com/30713 ©2019 The Bradford Exchange 01-30713-001-BIB PRIORITY RESERVATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly) 9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393 Address YES. Please reserve the “These Colors Don’t Run” Men’s Hoodie for me as described in this announcement, in the size indicated below. City Please Respond Promptly T Medium (38-40) 01-30713-011 T XXL (50-52) 01-30713-014 State Zip T Large (42-44) 01-30713-012 T XXXL(54-56) 01-30713-015 ( T XL (46-48) 01-30713-013 *Plus $11.99 shipping and service. Please allow 6-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance. MEMBER CORNER MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VFW Recognizing Department Commanders Member recruitment is the lifeblood of the organization. And those who lead the membership initiatives in VFW’s Depart ments should be acknowledged.

Congratulations not only to Department commanders but to all those at the Post level who recruit. We all know it requires a genuine team effort to make a membership drive successful.

Jerry Anger David Lemelin Tom A. Judd William Beams Michael Kuznik David Stone David Greene Marc L. Garduno Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware

Joe Holder Tony Purdy Jeff Carroll Harry Kaanoi Kaneakua Jr. Bill Heyob Bradley P. Gould Michael L. Sims Russell Doc Saffell Europe Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa

Lee Hursey Bruce Unland C. Micheal Carroll Christopher L. Robison Thomas C. Williams Jeffrey P. Najarian Michael J. Fineis Chad Solheid Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota

Stephan Trochessett Troy Williams Harold E. Buster Wheeler Jr. Joseph E. Smith Anthony Tony Yarbrough Christopher Peirce Barbara Kim-Hagemann Richard Nutt Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico

Thomas Todaro Craig Armstrong David Rice Dan Faulkner Darryl D. Mabry John R. Wrinkle Ricky W. Farris New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pacific Areas

Wayne D. Perry Michael Carter Robert Holsclaw Sean Johnson Lloyd A. Hansen Keith King Darryl J. Root Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah

Donald R. McCormick Jr. Richard Raskin John C. Rust Vernon Anderson Donald J. Lynch Josh Schmidt Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with * 23328200 * other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, $ 99 Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, COMPARE TO 189 23328200 fl oor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, * 23335884 * Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, TEQ CORRECT MODEL: 7830018Z 23335884 Extra-low Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior Valid through 1/30/20 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day. purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 1/30/20. 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BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99 99 $ 44 $ 41 COMPARE TO $ 99 • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H $ 99 10 7 COMPARE TO SAVE COMPARE TO SAVE $ 292 $ 30 189 $ 22 SUNFORCE MODEL: 50180 142 99 SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC MODEL: SC1 83% SUPERWINCH MODEL: 1125220 SAVE 140 MODEL: HDFDOLLY SAVE 65% ITEM 64335/63585 shown ITEM 69955/64284 / 42292 shown ITEM 61258/61297/63476 / 61840 shown ITEM 60497/61899/63095/63096/63097 / 63098 shown * 23396399 * * 23403502 * * 23412091 * * 23412950 * 23396399 23403502 23412091 23412950 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * SUPER NEW SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON BIGGER • STRONGER • MORE STABLE COUPON SUPER COUPON 72" x 80" 24 FT., 18 BULB, 12 SOCKET 30", 4 DRAWER TECH CARTS MOVING Customer Rating 4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER • 12,600 cu. in. of storage OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS • 580 lb. capacity BLANKET YOUR CHOICE Customer Rating $ 99 OF COLOR99 27 $19 YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR Customer Rating SAVE 99 44% $ 139 COMPARE TO SAVE Customer Rating COMPARE TO Side BLUE HAWK NOW 50% NOW $ tray sold $ 99 SAVE $ 99 99 PERFORMAX separately. 19 BLACK WHITE $ 99 99 COMPARE TO 70% 8 5 $ 98 $ 99 $ SAVE Item 56387, MODEL: 77280 $ COMPARE TO 39 17 Snap-on 880 ITEM 64486 ITEM 64739 14 $ 9 $740 64096, 56386, ITEM 69505/62418/ 66537 shown 63483 shown PORTFOLIO MODEL: SLC12BK MODEL: 2411-1 BLUE-POINT MODEL: KRBC10TBPC 56392, 56393, 56394 * 23420699 * * 23425717 * * 23433702 * 23420699 23425717 23428709 23433702 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 * LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 1/30/20 *

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specifi ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 1/30/20. advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate. MEMBER CORNER, CONTINUED

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Dave Bergeron 6-year U.S. Army veteran Evaluating your Medicare Options in 2019 Team member since 2016 edicare’s open enrollment MEDICARE ADVANTAGE runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Medicare Advantage is enhanced MWith that in mind, now is a Medicare coverage, often providing you good time to evaluate your Medicare more benefits. This is CPT Bergeron’s needs before open enrollment begins. This plan is often referred to as Part C, new mission: With multiple Medicare products, as you must be enrolled in the standard it can be challenging to remember what Parts A and B Medicare plans to enroll in a ùÕÖâ×ÜÕùÜÏÜÑ×ÏÚ the options are and how they can Medicare Advantage plan. benefit you. Advantage plans have premiums Ñà×ÛÓá This overview of Medicare coverage in addition to Part B premiums. Most can assist you in making informed deci- Advantage plans give Medicare ben- This is where you can build sions about your health care. eficiaries the option to receive benefits on your military skills. As through a private health plan. MEDICARE PART D ÏܵàÛç×ÜâÓÚÚ×ÕÓÜÑÓÝûÑÓà In a Medicare Advantage plan, ben- ¸ÏäÓÒÓäÓÚÝÞÓÒÖ×áÏÜÏÚçâ×ÑÏÚ The costs of many prescription medi- eficiaries receive their Part A and Part B ÝàÕÏÜ×èÏâ×ÝÜÏÚÏÜÒÚÓÏÒÓàáÖ×Þ cations continue to climb. coverage and prescription drug coverage. skills — skills he still uses today. According to a Jan. 29, 2019, arti- Most Medicare Advantage plans also pro- À×ÙÓ¸ÏäÓçÝãâÝÝÖÏäÓâÖÓáÙ×ÚÚá cle published by the Kaiser Family vide extra coverage like vision, hearing, to achieve long-term success. Foundation, prescription drug spend- dental and health and wellness programs. If a rewarding career in a ing currently accounts for $1 out of áãÞÞÝàâ×äÓÓÜä×àÝÜÛÓÜâÏÜÒ every $5 in Medicare spending. MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL å×âÖÕàÓÏâÐÓÜÓùâá×áåÖÏâ The article also states that prescrip- Enrollment in a Medicare Supplement tion drug spending has nearly doub- Insurance (Medigap) policy is a supple- çÝãàÓÚÝÝÙ×ÜÕÔÝàåÓàÓÖ×à×ÜÕ led from 2006 (18 percent) to 2017 ment to Medicare, helping cover any gaps (30 percent). in standard coverage that could potentially Start building your next career at Medicare Part D is a prescription add up to thousands of dollars per year. wellsfargojobs.com/military. drug benefit that helps make the costs Medigap helps pay for health care of prescription drugs and prescription costs, such as co-payments, co-insur- drug insurance premiums more afford- ance, deductibles and more. able for Medicare recipients. To receive Medigap plans are state-specific, prescription coverage, you must choose which allows you to choose your doc- and enroll in a plan offered through tors, specialists and hospitals. Medigap This is insurance or other private companies. also is guaranteed renewable each year. Even if you don’t take many prescrip- For more information, call the tions today, the likelihood you will need VFW Member Benefits Department © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. prescription medication will increase at 1-833-VFW-VETS (1-833-839-8387), All rights reserved. IHA-6434306 over time. option 3.

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 57 1019-7256 ALL IT TAKES Mystic IS ONE Stamp TO FALL IN LOVE

Send just $2.95 for shipping and guaranteed delivery. THE RIFLES YOU’VE COME TO LOVE AS Tet Offensive History Coin Yours FREE ow get this uncirculated US Half- AND YOUR COSTS LOW. NDollar enhanced by Mystic to commemorate important Vietnam War GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT. OR EVEN YOUR history – the Tet Offensive. It’s yours FREE – just send $2.95 for shipping WORST (WE WON’T TELL). WE GUARANTEE and guaranteed delivery. YOU’LL LOVE AIRGUNS AS MUCH AS WE DO. A Mystic Exclusive You Won’t Find Anywhere Else This Half-Dollar coin pictures US Army soldiers in combat during the opening days of the massive Tet Offensive. The image has been permanently bonded to the coin, so it’ll be a prized part of your collection for years to come. This is your chance to get a high-quality commemorative of this critical part of the war. Take advantage of this special offer and own this exclusive Tet Offensive history coin FREE – just send $2.95 for shipping and guaranteed delivery. Send today and you’ll also receive .177 CAL. BB RIFLE special collector’s information and other interesting coins on approval. HARDWOOD STOCK Tet Offensive History Coin P PY-4662-9631 $ 99 299 RYes! Send me the Tet Offensive history coin. A Enclosed is $2.95 for shipping and guaranteed delivery. Satisfaction guaranteed. Limit one coin. PY-4662-9125 $19999 Quick order at MysticAd.com/TN138 Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______NY State residents add sales tax. R Check or money order Visit: pyramydair.com/vets R Visa R MasterCard Exp. Date ___/___ or call: 855-367-7508 Please send payment to: Mystic, Dept. TN138 9700 Mill St., Camden, NY 13316-9111

58 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Alpha-Stim is the drug-free, clinically proven treatment to alleviate anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain. Get dramatic relief fast. Alpha-Stim® is an FDA-cleared, easy-to-use, handheld prescription medical device that treats pain without lasting side effects or risk of addiction. Get started at alpha-stim.com. LIFE WITHOUT PAIN RULES.

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Yours FREE! Order within 30 days and get this special Morgan Silver Dollars Genuine 1921 booklet FREE! Discover the dramatic tale of these N silver dollars and the U.S. Mints that OWMorgan Silver Dollars gave them life. Special Offer for New Customers ONLY Please send me the last-year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar SYES! for the special price of $19.95 – regularly $73.00, with The last Free Shipping (limit 3). Plus, my FREE Morgan Silver Dollars booklet (one per ever minted... customer, please). ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 30 DAYS RCheck payable to Littleton How Many (limit 3): ______Coin Co. regularly $73.00... Charge my: Total Cost at $19.95 each: $ ______R VISA Shipping & Handling: $ ______FREE! now only $19.95 R MasterCard *Sales Tax: $ ______R American Express ow you can own a 1921 Morgan R Discover Total Amount: $ ______N silver dollar from the last year ever minted! Big, heavy and handsome – Card No. Exp. Date_____/_____ 3 with over ⁄4 of an ounce of 90% silver – genuine Morgan dollars like these were struck in silver from old western mines. Name______Once used by rough and ready frontiersmen, FREE shipping to your home! (Limit 3.) Please print clearly You’ll also receive our fully illustrated today Morgan dollars are a vanishing legacy Address______Apt# ______of America’s past – genuine history you can catalog, plus other fascinating selections hold in your hand! from our Free Examination Coins-on- City ______State ______Zip ______Approval Service, from which you may Never to be minted again! purchase any or none of the coins – return E-Mail ______* We are required by law to collect and remit sales tax for all states except FL,KS,MO. Please add balance in 15 days – with option to cancel the appropriate state and local tax for your order. For your convenience, all orders placed over Although millions of these silver coins were the phone, via our website, or mail orders paid by credit card will have the appropriate sales at any time. tax applied at that time. Tax requirements are subject to change at any time. Please visit melted in the 1900s, the 1921 Morgan – LittletonCoin.com/TaxInfo for the most up-to-date list of taxable categories by state. from the fi nal year – survived. Never to be Order now – before they vanish forever! minted again, this historic Morgan dollar www.LittletonCoin.com/specials Dept. 5KT402 can be yours for just $19.95 (regularly 45-Day Money Back 1309 Mt. Eustis Road $73.00) – SAVE an incredible 72% off Guarantee of Satisfaction Littleton NH 03561-9971 regular prices! Order today and get

Due to fl uctuations in the coin market, prices and limits are subject to change. ©2019 LCC, Inc. America’s Favorite Coin Source • TRUSTED SINCE 1945

OCTOBER 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 59 POWERHOUSE REUNIONS AND CLAIMS To publicize your unit’s reunion, submit a form online at: www.vfw.org/forms/reunion-form. 12 CIGAR COMBO Submit at least four months in ad vance of reunion date. VFW members only. ARMY AIR FORCE Air Weather Recon Association (AWRA), WWII: Bob Tuttle * (208) 515-9215; [email protected] $ 95 MARINES 19 COMPARE AT 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, I Co.: Dennis Deibert (717) 652-1695; $147 85 [email protected] VMFA-251, VMO-251, VMA-251, VMF-251: Steve Dixon (404) 944-1268; [email protected] 12 Premium Hand-Rolled Dominican Cigars NAVY USS Bainbridge DLGN/CGN-25: John Witt (574) 215-9488; Ultra Reliable Butane [email protected] USS Brenner DD/DDR-807: Tony Sawyer (916) 768-1162; tahoe- Torch Lighter [email protected] A Guillotine Cigar Cutter USS Manitowoc LST-1180: Ken Bohanon (763) 244-0051; [email protected] Bonus Cherrywood-finish USS Monongahela AO-178: Jerry Miller (417) 247-7744; [email protected] Humidor (Holds 20 Churchills) USS Satterlee DD-626: K.B. Smith (479) 876-2009; [email protected] SAVE Order Now! Limited Supply 83% CLAIMS Call 1-800-237-2559 Readers are urged to help these vet s seek ing claim or visit www.thompsoncigar.com/TCSA172 sub stan ti a tion state ments. Respond directly to Promo Code TCSA172 the per son list ed at the end of the claim as sis tance re quest. This service is provided for VFW mem- bers who are in the process of filing a VA claim. OFFER VALID UNTIL 11/30/2019 – *Add $5.99 for Shipping – (TCASST51-SP). Purchase may be subject to state or local sales tax where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. Only good in the USA. ©2019 Thompson Cigar Co. Please submit your claim online at www.vfw.org/ forms/vfw-claim-form.

Air Force 388th FMS, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) - Seeking anyone to substantiate Agent Orange use inside base perimeters. AR&R mechanic working on aircraŸ during emergency landings at EOR, where Agent Orange was used causing prostate cancer. See POST EXCHANGE ADVERTISING CHECO report. Steve Snyder (317) 385-2378 [email protected].

Navy USS Walter X Young APD-131 & Team 22 Frogmen, May 1, MORGAN SILVER 1945-July 1946 – Seeking anyone who served with me. Edward T. Take a Step Lubash (570) 876-2505. DOLLARS to Better Mobility FREE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED SHIPPING! Gives you that DATE: PRICE: DATE: PRICE: 1/2 Step and stability 1878-S $69 1890-S $79 when you need it most. 1879-O 99 1891 75 Order Online: 1879-S 75 1896 49 www.EZ-Step.com 1880 53 1898-O 69 or call 1-866-771-8111 1882-CC 279 1899-O 69 1883-CC 279 1900-O 69 1884-CC 279 1901-O 69 1885-CC 875 1902-O 75 1886 49 1904-O 75 1888 54 1921-D 59 VISIT OUR ONLINE CATALOG AT LIGALLERIES.COM Call Toll Free To advertise, contact GLM 1-888-260-8111 Communications, Inc., or send payment to: at 212-929-1300 or email Long Island Galleries [email protected].

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60 • VFW • OCTOBER 2019 Live Life without pain

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VersoShock® U.S Patent #US8,555,526 B2. May be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. $30 off applies to orders of $100 or more for a limited time. Cannot be combined with other offers. 9% CA sales tax applies to orders in California. Shoes must be returned within 30 days in like-new condition for full refund or exchange. Credit card authorization required. See website for complete details. FOR THE MANY REASONS YOU SERVED, thank you.

There are many reasons why you served, and our reason to serve is you. That’s why USAA is dedicated to helping support VFW members and their families.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affi liates. The VFW receives fi nancial support from USAA for this sponsorship. The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners. © 2019 USAA. 248368-0819