Convention 08: Memorial Service
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 15:40
by post2925
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 17, 2008--Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Daniel Ivan Schultz, keynote speaker at today’s memorial service, touched on the common thread that binds all veterans together—wearing a military uniform and patriotism. Schultz, commander of the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), based in Orlando, Fla., said it is our duty to remember the fallen in war. He emphasized that it is their “unspoken expectation” that we will do so. “The fallen are here in spirit with us today,” said the VFW member, who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
To illustrate his point about the heroism inherent in service, the general cited several examples of Americans making the supreme sacrifice in military actions such as Somalia and Iraq. For instance, he mentioned Army Delta Force operators Master Sgt. Gary Gordon and Sgt. 1st Class Randall Shughart, who were awarded Medals of Honor posthumously for Somalia, October 1993. He also honored Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith from Tampa, Fla., who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after being killed in Iraq in April 2003. Lastly, he told the story of Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Todd Cornell, who extended his tour in Fallujah, Iraq, to be with the men he trained and was killed on Nov. 9, 2004.
“We do not forget those who gave their lives for our country,” said Schultz, who also served a tour in Hungary supporting operations in the Balkans in 1997. “We must exercise the freedoms given to us by those who gave their lives.”
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WDVA Seeks VETERAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Nominees
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 09:00
by post2925
(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs is seeking nominations for its Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented at its meeting on August 15, 2008 in Superior, Wis.
The Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Wisconsin veterans who have compiled a record of exemplary service as a military service member, a veteran, and as a citizen during the veteran’s lifetime. The August 2008 award recipient will be selected from among nominations received for veterans residing in all counties statewide. Nominations for the Board’s August meeting must be postmarked no later than July 15, 2008.
The award is part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to underscore its commitment to taking veterans issues out to where veterans live, work, and enjoy the freedoms of our great country and to encourage greater veteran participation in Board of Veterans Affairs meetings.
The Board, through a subcommittee appointed by the Board Chair, will select the recipients from nominations submitted by individuals (including family members of the nominee), veterans service and other organizations, county veterans service officers, and fellow veterans.
The first Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Eugene P. Moran, a World War II veteran from Soldiers Grove, on October 18, 2007 at the National Guard Armory in Platteville. Dr. James C. Allen, a Korean War veteran from Madison, received an award on February 20, 2008. He was instrumental in the enactment of the Dr. James C. Allen Veterans Vision Equity Act, authorized by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). A June award will be announced on June 20th.
There will be six annual awards, four regional and two statewide. Nominations may be submitted at any time during the year, but no later than the 15th of the month prior to each proposed award. Completed nominations should be mailed to: Wisconsin Board of Veterans Affairs Lifetime Achievement Award, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, 30 W. Mifflin St., P.O. Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707-7843, or faxed to: (608) 264-7616.
Nomination forms and more information about the award are available online at www.WisVets.com/boardaward, or by calling WDVA toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS (1-800-947-8387).
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Happy Birthday, Army - June 14th Marks 233rd Anniversary
Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 09:49
by post2925
(via
VFW.org)
This year, the
U.S. Army celebrates 233 years of warrior's ethos: fearless determination and strength. Organized as the Continental Army June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army has been a formidable force in the defense of our nation and its interests worldwide. From the American Revolution to the war on terrorism, the men and women of the U.S. Army have always put duty above self, always ready for battle and always prepared to defend our nation's way of life.
From the 2.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries, we want to issue a worldwide 'thank you' to all of America's soldiers, past and present. We appreciate your courage and sacrifice and pray for your safety.
How fitting it is that it is on the day America honors her soldiers, we also honor the symbol of our freedom - the
American Flag - on its special day.
George Lisicki, VFW National Commander
Listen to The National Defense VFW radio interview with Brig. Gen. Jeff Phillips, deputy chief of Army public affairs, on today's Army.
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“D-Day” Invasion Anniversary is Observed 64 Years Later
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 20:19
by post2925
A Special Message From:
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John A. Scocos
The 64th anniversary of Operation Overlord is June 6. Called “D-Day,” or “Day of Days,” the assault on Europe in 1944 took place on the shores of northern France, in what was to be the largest seaborne invasion in history to that time. Over 850,000 American and British troops crossed the English Channel from southern England to the shores of Normandy. The objective to secure Normandy was accomplished through additional land and naval support of other Allied nations. This critical spearhead invasion is today recognized as the turning point towards the Allied victory in WWII.
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, through the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM), preserves the materials and memories of all Wisconsin veterans, including those at D-Day. The collections of the WVM are of immeasurable benefit to the veterans and grateful citizens of this state as we reflect on the sacrifices made in France 64 years ago.
The Wisconsin Veterans Oral History Project, administered by the WVM, currently holds over 1,200 recorded interviews with Wisconsin veterans, including more than a dozen with D-Day participants. These oral histories provide the benefit of hearing the voices of these men and women as they reflect on their experiences.
A paratrooper in the 101st Airborne, Orville Collins of Denmark, Wisconsin landed near Foucarville, France on June 6 and immediately found himself under German fire. In his interview, Collins described his thoughts and feelings as he took part in this momentous event:
"You can hear mortars, machine guns, sporadic, all over. But still you feel alone. And I never was. I suppose it is fear. You got to admit there is fear there. I never had such a dry throat in my life. I often think of that poem, Gunga Din. “It was crawling, and it stunk, but all the drinks I drunk, I am most grateful for that one from Gunga Dun.” It was crawling and it stunk. I know I had my canteen cleaned up in no time.”
Milwaukee native Martin Gutekunst, a member of the Navy’s 2nd Beach Battalion, talked about landing in an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) and his reaction upon hitting Utah Beach:
"And I never gave it much thought as to what was going on. Besides, I was sort of numb by the whole thing. Because it was something we didn’t have any training in this sort of thing, with all these guns going off, the Navy guns and the other Navy firing, and the Germans had the bombs and they also had their 88 mm. And those were something that really gave you a scare, because they had an odd whistle to them.”
Though a significant victory, the D-Day invasion was not without cost. Of the over 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during WWII, more than 2,400 died on June 6, 1944, and today, we reflect on the experiences of that historic day.
It was also in 1944 that the original GI Bill provided for the full cost of a higher education plus a living allowance for our Greatest Generation. While the original GI Bill was allowed to erode since World War II, Wisconsin has been among a handful of states that continued to provide veterans educational assistance through the Wisconsin GI Bill. A new federal bill – the Webb GI Bill – has been proposed to provide federal dollars for full educational benefits for veterans. More than 64 years after the year D-Day occurred, today’s newest Greatest Generation deserves nothing less than the same.
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May 9 - Military Spouses Day Proclamation
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 11:33
by post2925
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
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Ladies Auxiliary Loses Beloved Past Department President
Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 09:29
by post2925
Leone Morrissey, a life-long member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1318, passed away last week at the age of 91.
She served as Department President from 1968 to 1969, and afterward continued to serve in many active roles at the State, District and Post levels.
She loved the Auxiliary and her creativity and ingenuity enabled her to contribute uniquely and productively over the years. Leone was also active in church and other community affairs.
Visitation will take place today from 3:00 to 6:00pm at Cress Funeral Home in Madison, and the funeral is tomorrow, Friday, May 9th, at 10:00am.
She is survived by a large and loving family. Leone will be missed by her VFW Sisters statewide.
To view the complete obituary and funeral details, CLICK HERE.
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WWII VETERAN AWARDED LONG OVERDUE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 17:20
by post2925
Garret B. Yunto, 81, a life member of Bentley-Hull VFW Post 6709 in Waupun, was presented the long overdue Bronze Star Medal for his actions while serving with the United States Army's 38th Division in the Pacific Theater of Operations in WWII, more than 60 years ago.
A farm boy growing up in rural Waupun, Mr. Yunto received his draft notice, and he entered service in Milwaukee, WI on 30 September 1944. He was sent to Camp Wolters, TX for 13 weeks of basic training.
Training was supposed to be 18 weeks, but because of the Battle of the Bulge, his training was cut short.
After a short 9 day leave back home, he was deployed from Oakland, CA to the Philippines on 26 March 1945. He arrived 25 April 1945 in Manilla, Philippines. He received his rifle and equipment,
and the next day was sent to the front lines. He served with the Company D, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 38th Division.
Company D was in combat protecting the water source for Manila. The 152nd Infantry was given a battle commendation by Major General William C. Chase, commander of the 38th Infantry Division
for superior performance of duty in battle from 29 January to 18 June 1945 during the Luzon Campaign. During that time the 152nd Infantry destroyed the greater part of the Japanese 39th and 31st Infantry Regiments.
Approx. 5,900 Japanese soldiers were killed during this fighting. Ten U.S. divisions, including Yunto's 152nd Infantry Regiment of the 38th Division, along with five independent regiments, saw intense action on Luzon, making it the second largest campaign of the Pacific war, surpassed only by Okinawa.
His unit was then scheduled to begin training for the invasion of Japan, but the dropping of the atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the war. Although many of Yunto's fellow comrades headed for home, he remained behind, patrolling the Philippines and overseeing Filipino laborers.
Mr. Yunto departed the Philippines on 6 September 1946 and arrived in Oakland, CA on 2 October 1946. Mr. Yunto was transferred to Ft. Sheridan, IL to out-process. He was then allowed to return to WI and they mailed him his discharge. He was discharged on 24 November 1946.
The youngest of four children, Yunto said his deployment was especially hard on his mother, who wrote letters to him every day the entire two years he was gone. On his third week home, Yunto had plans to go fishing with his father after an early supper. After giving the blessing, his mother got up to get the coffee pot and said she felt dizzy. He grabbed her in his arms and she was gone. Yunto was devasted.
Shortly after, Yunto married his sweetheart, Helen Heideman.
At the conclusion of World War II, General George C. Marshall, upon reviewing the numbers of awards received by infantrymen, was disturbed to learn that comparatively few had received recognition
and that infantrymen accounted for more casualties than any other branch or element of the U.S. Armed Forces. It was determined that many Commanders were unaware of the criteria for awarding the
Bronze Star Medal (BSM).
This reason, combined with the late announcement of award criteria, caused the inequity. In order to rectify this disparity and oversight, criteria was established to award the Bronze Star Medal to solders who received either the Combat Infantryman Badge or Combat Medical badge during the period 7 December 1941 to 2 September 1945, to receive the BSM.
The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) was established in February 1944, by Executive Order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Announcement of the criteria for the award was made several months later. However, most vets had separated from their units and were back home when this decision was made and were therefore never told. In addition, many commanders were unaware of the criteria for awarding the medal.
Garret Yunto never knew he was eligible for the Bronze Star Medal until he contacted Fond du Lac County Veterans Service Officer John Wertschnig seeking an unrelated benefit. Unfortunately, many of the WWII veterans are alaready deceased when someone finally finds out about it, usually when they
inquire about a death benefit. However, these medals can be granted to the family posthumously.
At a special ceremony held at the Waupun Public Library, Fond du Lac County Executive Officer Allen Buechel awarded Yunto the Bronze Star Medal. He was also presented the Combat Infantryman Badge, by John J. Wertschnig (Fond du Lac Co. Veteran Service Officer).
Additional medals were presented by Yunto's four children:
Garret Yunto Jr. presented: The Good Conduct Medal .
Steven Yunto presented: The World War II Victory Medal.
David Yunto presented: The Philippine Liberation Ribbon & Bronze Star Attachment (single), and The Sharpshooter Badge & Rifle Bar, and The Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
Pamela Trawicki presented: The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (single).
John J Wertschnig (Fond du Lac County Veteran Service Officer), Garret B Yunto, James L Romnek (VFW 6th District Commander) and Allen Buechel (Fond du Lac County Executive Officer)
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Army Reserve Marks Century of Service to Nation
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:56
by post2925
By Retired Army Col. Randy Pullen
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2008--The U.S. Army Reserve celebrates its 100th birthday on April 23, marking a full century of service in which Army Reserve soldiers have continuously answered the nation's call.
Army Reserve soldiers served in both world wars, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the ongoing global war on terrorism. They also helped respond to countless other crises, emergencies, disasters, operations and expeditions.
That busy century of service to America all began when Congress established the Army's first federal reserve force on April 23, 1908. President Theodore Roosevelt signed Senate Bill 1424, creating the Medical Reserve Corps. The Reserve medical officers in the corps could be ordered to active duty by the secretary of war during times of emergency.
In June 1908, the first 160 medical professionals received Reserve commissions. This number grew to about 360 by 1909 and to 1,900 by 1916. The concept of bringing civilian professionals into the Army in a disciplined and quickly-accessible manner also expanded beyond the medical profession and beyond just officers.
Read more of the history of the Army Reserve
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Military Honors Explained
Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 17:29
by post2925
Veterans and their families frequently have questions about honors practices and traditions at funerals.
The haunting notes of taps and the reverent folding of the U.S. Flag are well-known tributes that are part of military funerals.
Gannett News Service has compiled a unique and informative multi-media presentation in conjunction with the Honor Guard of Arlington National Cemetary which explains the history and traditions of these and other Final Honors.
CLICK HERE to view this interesting program.
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