VFW Washington Weekly - November 14, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at
08:08 AM
by post1552
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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Supreme Court to Rule in Spring on Monuments Issue
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at
04:24 PM
by post1552
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 post1552
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 post1552
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 post1552
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 post1552
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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