VFW Washington Weekly - November 14, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 08:08 AM
by VFW News
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software
NATIONAL SECURITY & FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1. JPAC Goes to India
2. Military Healthcare Online Town Hall Meeting
3. Reserve Component Mobilization
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SERVICE
1. Navy to Design New GI Bill Software: A navy command center in Charleston, SC, has been chosen to design the new GI Bill software which VA will use to implement its education benefits. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has experience with sophisticated software that can perform some of the complex calculations that are required under the new law. The benefit rollout is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2009. The new education benefit will pay full tuition up to the cost of the most expensive four-year public college or university in the state where a service member or veteran attends school. It also pays a living stipend based on zip code and other fees for the student veteran. SPAWAR is still awaiting funding from VA in order to begin the initial stage.
Click here to read more
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VA News - Week of November 10, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 02:52 PM
by VFW News
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Supreme Court to Rule in Spring on Monuments Issue
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 04:24 PM
by VFW News
The United States Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling before next summer on a case which could have far-reaching impact on veterans memorials.
Earlier this week, the VFW, along with all other major veterans organizations, filed a brief asking the court to overturn an Appeals Court decision requiring governmental bodies to accept all types of monuments. (
See press release,
Watch press conference )
The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case Wednesday.
The justices engaged in lively arguments over a small religious group's efforts to place a monument in a public park that already is home to a Ten Commandments display.
The court seemed reluctant to accept the arguments put forth by the religious group known as the Summum that once a government accepts any donations for display in a public park, it must accept all.
"I mean, you have a Statue of Liberty; do we have to have a statue of despotism? Or do we have to put any president who wants to be on Mount Rushmore?" Chief Justice John Roberts asked, acknowledging his examples might go a bit far.
Yet the court also was uncomfortable with the position of Pleasant Grove City, Utah, which rejected the Summum's request to erect a monument similar to the Ten Commandments marker that has stood in the city's Pioneer Park since 1971.
Justice David Souter wondered how the city could accept the Ten Commandments display and then say, "'We will not on identical terms take the Summum monument because we don't agree with the message...' Why isn't that a First Amendment violation?"
Read more of the Associated Press article.
Discuss this in the VFW WebCOM Membership Forum
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Military Mail Must Include Name; Mail to 'Any Servicemember' Won't Be Processed
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 02:23 PM
by VFW News
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2008--Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.
In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.
If you would like to send a letter to military personnel visit a VFW post in your area for assistance.
Find a VFW post in your area
The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes also have a program supported by DoD to accept cards and distribute them to servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Click here to learn more.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual.
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My Vetwork: Calling all Comrades!
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
by VFW News
VFW is proud to announce a 21st century communications tool designed to reach out to those we serve. VFW invites you to join MyVetwork, which was launched Veterans Day, is a free online community, created specifically for active-duty military, retired military, veterans, military families and VFW supporters.
Designed by VFW member John R. Campbell, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, MyVetwork facilitates an information exchange with those who share similar experiences and interests. Connections can run the gamut—from lighthearted and entertaining, to deep and meaningful exchange--bringing our veterans community together in ways simply not possible before.
MyVetwork allows VFW to easily create our own online groups, relevant to our interests and individual skill sets. It can be used for both social and professional networking, a service not previously available within the veterans’ community. And if you’re interested in mentoring younger veterans, MyVetwork facilitates that, too.
We are asking you to help populate the community—the more who sign on, the more valuable our exchange will be. Go to
http://www.myvetwork.com and create your profile, which takes about 3 minutes. Check out the VFW group. You are encouraged you to share it throughout your departments and create a subgroup for your own department, post or other special interest groups.
VFW would like strong representation on the site, set to launch this Veterans Day, so please take advantage of this opportunity to revolutionize the way we serve our veterans and stay connected to one another!
If you have any questions or would like assistance creating a group for your Department or Post contact Gloria Montgomery (VFW Communications) at
gmontgomery@vfw.org.
Click here to hear John Campbell’s interview on VFW’s The National Defense:
http://vfwnationaldefense.blogspot.com/2008_10_26_archive.html
Gloria Montgomery
VFW Communications
816-968-2740
http://www.vfw.org
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Thanks to our Veterans Every War Has an End: Upholding Veterans Day
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:43 AM
by VFW News
An Editorial by VFW National Commander Glen Gardner
Remembering America's warriors is often an afterthought for many Americans. It's about time Nov. 11 is paid its proper respect.
Veterans Day, once a widely celebrated holiday, is increasingly forgotten by many Americans. One need only look at the poor turnouts at ceremonies on Nov. 11. With the percentage of citizens who have worn a uniform rapidly declining, appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans is correspondingly diminishing.
To help counter this trend, VFW has long promoted Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate the public as to the meaning of this significant time each November. This task can best be accomplished by explaining the five "Ws."
Click here to read the rest of C-i-C Gardner's editorial
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U.S. Marine Corps Birthday
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 10:40 AM
by VFW News
VFW Commander-in-Chief's message regarding the Marine Corps birthday:
Semper Fi!
Happy Birthday, Marines!
On November 10, we celebrate the 233rd year of rich tradition and spirit of the U.S. Marine Corps. From the "Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli," our "Soldiers of the Sea" have gallantly served our great nation for 233 years. First to land and first to fight, the Corps has demonstrated battle after battle, the heroism and dedication of its Marines.
In 1921, Marine Corps Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, wrote "In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term 'Marine' has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
There is a special spirit and connection that exists for every man and women who have worn the uniform of the "Few and the Proud." The 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliaries proudly salute you today for your sacrifices and for your dedication to duty and service to country.
Glen Gardner
Commander-in-Chief
Veterans of Foreign Wars
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VFW Washington Weekly - November 7, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 10:06 PM
by VFW News
In This Issue:
1. 2008 Election
2. IB Releases Critical Issues for 2010
3. 2009 Retired Pay COLA
4. Lower Tricare Reserve Select Premiums
5. Guard/Reserve Debt Relief Act of 2008
1. 2008 Election
The 2008 election is one for the history books, with 136.6 million people, or 64.1% of eligible voters turning out. This exceeds the previous records of 122.3 million voters in 2004 and 63.8% of eligible voters in the 1960 elections. The Democratic Party also extended its majority lead in both the House and Senate, despite a few races that have yet to be decided. VFW congratulates everyone and looks forward to working with them when the 111th Congress convenes in January. VFW remains steadfast in our fight to increase VA funding and to help those transitioning from active duty to veteran status. Linked here are VFW's 2009 Legislative Priority Goals, which are the result of resolutions adopted at the 109th VFW National Convention. We ask that you become familiar with them. Any grassroots action that you take to educate your legislators on them will benefit all us all.
For a list of the 2009 priority goals, go to: http://www.vfw.org/legislative/2009prioritygoals.pdf.
To sign-up to receive our VFW Washington Weekly e-newsletter and join our advocacy team, go to: http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup/
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VA News - Week of November 3, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 01:19 PM
by VFW News
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Veterans Day 2008: A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 01:05 PM
by VFW News
On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.
Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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