Vol. 65, No. 4

AMVET NEWS MICHIGAN

Winter, 2010

SERVING VETERANS SINCE 1945

Vol. 65, No. 4

COMMANDER'S CORNER

I

BY CMDR. Vince Carr

send a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year out to all of the AMVETS family. Here we are in December and I am wrapping up my sixth month as Department Commander.

The first half has been quite an experience as I have been learning the ropes of command, getting more comfortable with all of the requirements of the position and discovering how much can be done on a limited budget. Dave Cogswell has been an excellent choice for Executive Director. He is tireless in his dedication to AMVETS, working on getting the bills paid, accounting for income and expenditures, preparing for audit, purging errors in the membership lists, making preparations for fall conference, and seeing that I have all of the information that I need. Dave could really use an office assistant to take on some of that work load, if any of the membership has the time and ability to assist Dave on a regular basis give him a call.

Fall conference has been a highlight of my first six months in the office; National Commander Gerald Hotop joined our tour of posts ending Friday at Camp Grayling where District VII Commander Carol Hebert had arranged lunch and a tour of the facilities there. At the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting Friday night we approved an agreement with the current Higgins Lake manager establishing her duties and compensa-

tion as well as stabilizing guest room prices for the coming year.

Reports from the officers and District Commanders suggest that we are off to a good start this year; there is much work to be done with membership, fund raising, programs, and the reporting of programs. The SEC adopted a motion to allow Warren Post 27 to administer the AMVETS Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (AADAA) program. Posts in the Department of Michigan (DOM) are encouraged to participate. Contact Post 27 for information and schedule. Saturday’s programs were highlighted by an exemplary Veterans Service Officer training session conducted by Service Director Glenda Cogswell and her staff. A good deal of information on veterans benefits was distributed. At the awards dinner Saturday evening John Hoecherl received the AMVET of the year award. John is always very deserving of the award. Throughout the weekend I enjoyed the cooperation and support of the entire Michigan AMVETS family and I thank all of you very much for that.

I was the guest of the AMVETS Department of Ohio for their Fall Conference near Cleveland in October; Commander Bill Noltner conducts a very good conference and provides many learning opportunities for attendees. Dave Cogswell and

Special thanks to Post 1957 reat g a t Wha vement! o impr

For their donation of materials and labor for the renovation of the steps to the lake at the Higgins Lake Lodge.

Commander's Corner continued on page 3

Homeless Veterans Need Our Help

ďƒœPG. 22

By Maureen Jackson

Give the gift of membership this year.

Be present.

Upcoming Events

AMVETS Department of Michigan 2010 – 2011 State Executive Committee

Department Commander............................................................. Vincent Carr 1st Vice Commander...........................................................Anthony M. Lema 2nd Vice Commander............................................................... Roger Lanting 3rd Vice Commander...................................................................William Day Finance Officer............................................................................ Rob Hosken Judge Advocate......................................................................James Meloche Provost Marshal...........................................................................Andy Cicala NEC Man.......................................................................................John Dowd Alternate NEC............................................................................Mary Wilseck Immediate PDC.......................................................................Robert Downer District I Commander................................................................Aaron Ricketts District II Commander.....................................................................Greg Rose District III Commander......................................................Michael Wainwright District IV Commander................................................................Robert Pace District V Commander................................................................ Perry Corwin District VI Commander............................................................... Paul Ladochi District VII Commander...............................................................Carol Hebert Executive Director.................................................................. David Cogswell Aide De Camp...........................................................................Norman Hupp lain............................................................................................... Ken Petrack Legislative Director.................................................................. John Hoecherl Inspector General............................................................. Daren R. Heckman Department PRO......................................................................John Hoecherl

January 21 -24, 2011 AMVETS Leadership Conference Pigeon Forge, TN

February 19, 2011 - Spring SEC Thomas Edison Inn 500 Thomas Edison Parkway, Port Huron, MI 48060 (810) 984-8000/(800) 451-7991 Make reservations prior to January 18, 2011.

Room rates $75 to $85

Subordinate Organizations

Service Foundation President........................................ PDC Harold L. Reed Service Director....................................................................Glenda Cogswell Ladies Auxiliary President.........................................................Yvette Rusak Auxiliary Legislation/Liaison........................................................Kathy Keizer Auxiliary Executive Secretary............................................... Nancy Middleton Sons of AMVETS Commander............................................. Douglas Beedon Sons of AMVETS Coordinator........................................ PDC Harold L. Reed Saddest Sad Sack....................................................................John Hoecherl Jr. AMVETS President...............................................................Ashley Keizer Jr. AMVETS Coordinator.........................................................Robert Raymor AMVETS Department Riders President.................................... Josh Feltman

March 4, 2011 - National Commander Gerald Hotop Testimonial Dinner Airport Hilton in St. Louis, MO.

March 15-19, 2011 Silver Helmet Awards Dulles Airport Hilton

Next DEADLINE for The Michigan AMVETS News is January 7, 2011 ANNUAL DEADLINE DATES Spring Issue Summer Issue Fall Issue Winter Issue

April 2, 2011 Testimonial Dinner for Commander Vince Carr and Auxiliary President Yvette Rusak

January 7 April 7 July 7 October 7

St. Clair Shores

2nd Vice Commander Report

By Roger Lanting

The Michigan AMVET News

P

rogram reporting is still down from were it should be. We only have 16 posts reporting with 68 posts in Michigan. I know from the SEC reports there are posts that have things to report but are not doing so. If you are having trouble reporting, please let me know and I will help you get going. If you do not have a computer and you can’t get to the library, you can do a paper report. Just let me know and I’ll send copies to you and you in turn can send them back to me or to the department.

I have noticed some posts are reporting there monthly meetings, meetings are not reportable, this includes Fall Conference and conventions, so please don’t report these. We are looking for numbers that represent a veterans life changed, a youth benefiting from learning about patriotism, or programs AMVETS hosted/worked and spent money on to show our returning troops and their families we care. 2nd Vice Commander Roger Lanting rlanting@sbcglobal.net 616-498-8000

Official Publication of the AMVETS Department of Michigan American Veterans who have served honorably since September 1940 Chartered by Congress July 28, 1947 Owned, edited and operated by the AMVETS Department of Michigan

Published Quarterly Publication design by JM Publishing Editorial Office: Mail: P.O. Box 254 Dryden, MI 48428 UPS: 5489 Main St. Dryden, MI 48248 Phone 810-796-3876 Fax 810-796-3896 E-mail address: miamvet2008@yahoo.com The Department Headquarters business hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

NON-PROFIT POSTAGE PAID IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN Subscription Rates: 50 cents per year to members * $1 per year to non-members Advertising Rates on Request

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Commander's Corner continued from cover I welcomed Post 281, Harbor Springs and presented their charter October 25, it is nice to see that the department is still growing and getting stronger. In November, I attended the Fourth National District Meeting and Testimonial Tailgate luncheon in Appleton Wisconsin, it was a refreshing twist to an old tradition. DOM Auxiliary President Yvette Rusak and I will be celebrating our joint Testimonial Dinner on April 2 at the VFW Bruce post in St. Clair Shores and we hope that many of you can attend.

Keep up the good work with membership and programs reporting; they are both very important to our survival and thanks to everyone who sent donations to the department to keep us operating through difficult times. Take pride in being an AMVET. Let everyone know it. Vince Carr

Executive Director's Notes

By David Cogswell Executive Director

I

would like to start this article with a heartfelt thanks to all of the posts and individual members who have found it in their hearts to once again trust the department headquarters and send in donations to help keep us operational. It has been a true joy to open the envelopes knowing that each sender cared about this organization.

I would also like to express my appreciation for all of the members who have expressed their support of my work as your executive director and pledge to all of you that I will continue to do everything within my power to keep the lines of communication open and re-assure all of you that any action taken will be at the best interest of the AMVETS. It has been an eventful few months since my last article. National Commander Hitop’s visit to Michigan and tour of some of our fine posts was without a doubt a large success and the commander had nothing but praise for the warm welcome he received at each. For that I thank all those involved. The tour culminated at the Fall Conference in Grayling which started out with a tour of the Grayling Military Installation and lunch for all of those that wished to attend. I would like to thank District Cdr. Carol Hebert and her husband Larry for setting up the tour and preparing the lunch. Both were enjoyed by all who attended. Fall Conference went well but I will say that there were a few things that could have been better and with help from all involved we shall make things better.

My thanks and congratulations must go out to our service department for their hard work and excellent presentation of service officer training. I have heard nothing but great things about it.

I have managed to attend a few of our district meetings and have benefited from the input gained. I also hope that I will be able to attend as many post meetings as I can in the near future.

My apologies to those posts that have sent in membership and I have failed to get the cards back in a timely manner. The posts have done such a great job of getting renewals and new memberships in at the beginning of September that it overwhelmed my ability to keep up. However I encourage you to keep up with the good work and ask for your patience in getting them processed. As of the end of October we have managed to process just under 2,000 members.

It is now the holiday season and I wish all of you and your families a very happy holiday and joyous new year. Be safe and be happy. 

Michigan AMVETS News

GRANTS TO ASSIST HOMELESS VETERANS

WASHINGTON - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has announced that 40 states will share more than $41.9 million in grants to community groups to provide 2,568 beds for homeless veterans this year.

“These grants wouldn’t have happened without the extraordinary partnerships forged with community organizers,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “These investments will provide transitional beds to veterans who have served honorably, but for various reasons now find themselves in a downward spiral toward despair and homelessness.”

The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program provides grants and per diem payments to help public and nonprofit organizations establish and operate new supportive housing and service centers for homeless veterans.

The $41.9 million is broken into two categories. About $26.9 million will help renovate, rehabilitate or acquire space for 1,352 transitional housing beds. A second group of awards, valued at $15 million, will immediately fund 1,216 beds at existing transitional housing for homeless veterans this year. The awards will cover daily living costs based upon the number of homeless veterans being served in transitional housing.

A key component of VA’s plan to eliminate homelessness among veterans within five years, the grants and per diem payments helped reduce the number of veterans who were homeless on a typical night last year by 18 percent to about 107,000 veterans within one year.

Continued on next page

DONATION FOR THE AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN I would like to do my part for my organization, so please accept the enclosed donation to assist with the operational costs of the AMVETS Department of Michigan.

Amount Submitted ________________ I would like_____/not like______ a receipt for my donation.

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Please send the receipt to:

Please mail the donation to:

Name:__________________________ Street Address: ___________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________

AMVETS Department of Michigan PO Box 254 5489 Main St. Dryden, MI 48428

Vol. 65, No. 4

GRANTS TO ASSIST HOMELESS VETERANS, cont.

VA’s strategy to eliminate homelessness among veterans is to implement a “no wrong door” approach, meaning veterans who seek assistance should find it in any number of VA’s programs, from community partners or through contract services.

Under the Secretary’s action plan to end homelessness among veterans, VA will continue to offer a full range of support necessary to end the cycle of homelessness by providing education, jobs, health care and counseling, in addition to housing. VA will increase the number and variety of housing options available to homeless veterans and those at risk, including permanent, transitional, contracted, community-operated and VA-operated housing. Most importantly, VA will target at-risk veteran populations with aggressive support intervention to try to prevent homelessness before it starts.

For more information, visit VA’s web page for VA’s National Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Office at www. va.gov/homeless. Additionally, VA has a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838), www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.

See Maureen's article on page 22 for more about how to help homeless veterans.

Friends Auto Expediting Inc. Murin Co. Omelette & Waffle Cafe Sadako Japanese Restaurant The Bird PLATINUM L-3 Eotech GOLD Hook’d Up Customs & Total Car Novastar Solutions Simmco Data Systems Michigan AMVETS News

Ghost tales at NY museum lead to vet remains The Associated Press Posted : Friday Sep 24, 2010 11:13:21 EDT BUFFALO, N.Y. — The cremated remains of seven World War I, World War II and Korean-era veterans are set to be buried with full military honors in a long overdue ceremony that organizers say was set in motion by ghost tales at a New York museum.

The ashes were among 24 sets of remains discovered 10 years ago in the basement of a funeral home that’s now the Iron Island Museum in Buffalo.

Museum staff say a picture moved mysteriously from its place, sightings of shadowy figures and other oddities convinced them it is haunted. A psychic picked up an “Edgar” — the name on one of the remains’ labels. The names were traced and museum president Linda Hastreiter discovered the remains were those of veterans, including Edgar Zernicke. As a coordinator for the Patriot Guard Riders’ Veterans Recovery Program, she arranged Friday’s burial at Bath National Cemetery.

Across the United States, mortuaries, cemeteries and funeral homes store the cremated remains of men, women and children who have remained unclaimed by family. Although most state have laws that allow for the legal disposal of these cremains (cremated remains), many of these cremains remain shelved indefinitely, in the event that a family member might come at some future time to claim the remains, pay any monies owed and remove the cremains for proper burial. Some of these cremains have been stored for decades.

The work of Unclaimed Veterans Recovery efforts is to locate, identify, and determine the VA eligibility of each individual cremains for burial within a National Memorial Cemetery. In order to accomplish this task, volunteers must contact each and every coroner’s office, mortuary, funeral home and cemetery to determine whether the funeral provider is storing any unclaimed remains. If stored cremains are present, then a detailed inventory of the cremains must be taken to determine exactly whose cremains are present and as much information as possible to ensure correct identification.

Once exact identification is made, the required information is provided to the U.S. Veterans Administration, where the identification is checked against veterans’ records to determine eligibility for interment within a National Memorial Cemetery.

If the cremains are verified to be those of an eligible veteran, interment is scheduled and preparation is completed to provide military honors, as appropriate.

Once the VA eligibility of an individual’s cremains has been established, the Unclaimed Veterans Recovery program is generally allowed to move the remains for proper interment.

However, there are exceptions. Frequently there are unpaid expenses for services which the mortuary, funeral home or cemetery provided in conjunction with the cremains. Some funeral homes are willing to waive the charges and release the remains, and some are not. The Veterans Interment Fund was set up, in part, to help cover the deceased veteran’s unpaid expenses, allowing the veteran’s cremains to be removed for proper military interment.

If anyone is aware of any cremains of veterans at local funeral homes you can contact Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442, (248) 328-0612 or (866) 348-8603, Fax (248) 328-0612 or Ft Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012, (269) 731-4164 Fax: (269) 731-2428 for assistance in providing a proper burial for our fellow veterans.

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Vol. 65, No. 4

1st Vice Commander's Report

F

ellow AMVETS:

Even with our dues going up, AMVETS is by far the best deal around.

By Anthony Lema 1st Vice Commander

On a local, state and national level, AMVETS offers many programs to benefit veterans and their families. Scholarships, insurance, discounts on hotels, rental cars and various other products are just a few of the benefits that we offer.

If you have an honorable discharge, you can join AMVETS. We are the only VSO that does not care where or when you served, only that you served. Our members are a great mix of combat, wartime and peacetime vets. Some VSOs will argue that if you were not in combat, you are not a vet.

WRONG! All veterans had a job to do and served wherever we were needed. And, when a veteran needs their help, we have some of the best service officers around.

Having said all of that, you would think that recruiting new members would be an easy task. Unfortunately, it is not.

I have served as your Department 2nd Vice and am well aware of all of the hard work that you do to support your communities and promote AMVETS. The Riders have generated a lot of new members for us.

What we are not seeing is younger veterans joining our ranks. They think that veterans at local VSOs have nothing to offer them. We need to change that perception. Welcome them home!

Just keep trying. Let people know who we are and what we do. And, by the way, we are 5th nationally in membership renewals.

Yours in AMVETS, Anthony M. Lema 1st Vice Commander

Click here to see AMVETS BENEFITS Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

By Glenda Cogswell

Service Department News

I

am pleased to notify our membership that we have been approved for our State Grant until Sep 2011. We have just completed our Post Service Officer Seminar at Fall Conference. I believe it was a great success and we received a lot of good feedback. We are in the process of arranging to have another seminar in the spring at Higgins Lake Lodge. When we get those arrangements firmed we will notify all of the Post Service Officers as well as the Post Commanders.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the Service Department in the past, as we strive to make things more efficient and productive in the future. Even with the turmoil of the last year our recoveries for the veterans of Michigan were still in excess of 21 Million Dollars for the year. We hope to do even better in the coming year.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

T

he elections are over and the voters have spoken. Michigan has a new governor and many of us have new legislators. It is my goal to meet as many as possible and encourage them to support veterans legislation.

The list of bills that have been introduced in the last session (2 years) will come to a close at the end of December. A new session will start after the New Year the bills that were not passed before will have to be reintroduced.

As always I will try to keep you updated on what is going on in Lansing.

I am also going to try to let you know what is going on in Washington D.C. as well. John Hoecherl Legislative Prepared by theDirector DMVA, Veterans Affairs Directorate September 3, 2010, 2010, 2010, Page 1 of 8

Glenda F. Cogswell Service Director 586-604-4744 Detroit, Sandusky, Bad Axe Vassar, Dryden, New Haven Francine Jackson Administrative Assistant AMVETS Service Department 477 Michigan Ave, Rm 1227 Detroit, MI 48226 313-964-6920 Fax 313-964-0176 Kevin Reed Service Officer (810)627-0082 Detroit, Mt Clemens, Richmond

Shannon Pearson Service Officer Training David Downer Service Officer 810-627-0050 Saginaw, Bay City, Eaton Rapids, Lansing, St John’s, Grand Blanc Nathan Pierpont Service Officer 810-627-0104 Mt Morris, Ann Arbor, Corunna, Durand Fenton, Hamburg, Linden

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

status of bills of interest to Michigan veterans introduced in the 95th Legislature (Jan 2009-Dec 2010) from www.legislature.mi.gov Bill Sponsor Description Status Weblink EO Granholm Reduces the State’s FY09 appropriaIntroduced and approved by the House http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(1wqx2s21qj12 09-22 tions by $221.86 million in General and Senate Appropriations Committees ln25qa1iup55))/documents/publications/executi Funds and $127.47 million in Special on May 5, 2009 veorders/2009-EO-22.pdf Purpose Funds SJR Garcia Proposes an amendment to State Consti- Referred to Senate Committee on Govhttp://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-SJR-D D tution to provide a temporary replaceernment Operations and Reforms ment for a State legislator called to active military duty SJR Allen Proposes an amendment to State Consti- Referred to Senate Committee on Senior http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-SJR-J J tution to require in-state tuition for all Citizens and Veterans Affairs veterans SJR Kahn Proposes an amendment to State Consti- Referred to Senate Committee on Senior http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-SJR-L L tution to require veterans preference for Citizens and Veterans Affairs state civil service employment HJR Stamas Proposes an amendment to State Consti- Referred to the House Committee on Edhttp://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-HJR-S S tution to require in-state tuition for all ucation veterans HJR Jones Proposes an amendment to State Consti- Referred to House Committee on Military http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-HJRAA tution to require veterans preference for and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Secu- AA state civil service employment rity, reported with recommendation, referred to second reading HCR Opsommer Proposes to urge Michigan’s public uni- Referred to House Committee on Military http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-HCR17 versities and colleges to adopt veteran and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Secu- 0017 friendly policies rity, reported with recommendation SB Hardiman Proposes to prohibit work-study grants Referred to Senate Committee on Senior http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-SB17 to universities which do not permit inCitizens and Veterans Affairs 0017 state tuition for military personnel and dependents stationed in Michigan sB Kahn expands charitable gaming licenses to public Act 41 of 2009. http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-sB108 the auxiliary of a National veterans Michigan Compiled Law 432.103.

0108 service organization SB ClarkProposes an alternative income calculaReferred to Senate Committee on Finance http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-SB121 Coleman tion for certain veterans to determine el0121 -6Michigan AMVETS News Vol. 65, No. 4 igibility for income tax credit for property tax paid

B

Arranging Burial in a VA National Cemetery

urial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and veterans who have met minimum active service duty requirements and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Their spouse, widow or widower, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children, may also be eligible for burial. Eligible spouses and children may be buried, even if they predecease the veteran. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or while performing training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial.

• Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. However, families are encouraged to prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options and setting aside copies of any discharge documents.

• VA will provide—at no cost to the veteran’s family—a gravesite, headstone or marker, Presidential Memorial Certificate, U.S. flag, perpetual care of the gravesite and will open and close the grave. Fees for services provided by funeral directors and other related costs must be paid for by the veteran's family.

• VA's Veterans Benefits Administration pays a burial and plot allowance for those veterans eligible by law. For information, please contact the nearest VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000.

• To establish eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery, the family should provide: the veteran's discharge document; report of casualty; or the veteran's full name; military rank; branch of service; dates of entry and discharge; serial, social security, and/or VA claim numbers; date and place of birth; and date of death.

• If the discharge document is not available, a copy may be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records Office, 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 631325100. This should be done prior to the time of need.

• At the time of need, a funeral director or the next of kin should contact the national cemetery where burial is desired.

• The same procedures should be followed to determine the eligibility of a veteran's spouse or dependent. In most cases, one gravesite is pro-

ments have been made in advance with the cemetery director.

• National cemeteries do not usually conduct burials on weekends or federal holidays. However, weekend callers may schedule burials for the upcoming week.

• Floral arrangements may accompany the casket or urn and will be placed on the grave after burial. 

vided for the burial of all eligible family members, marked by a single headstone or marker. When both spouses are veterans, two gravesites and two headstones or markers may be provided, if requested.

• The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. The DOD program “Honoring Those Who Served” calls for funeral directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of the veteran’s family.

Veterans’ organizations may assist in the provision of military funeral honors.

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Communications & Outreach Support Division

• Formal funeral services are not held at national cemeteries, but a final committal service may be performed at the cemetery. For safety reasons, these services are held in committal shelters located away from the gravesite.

Burial will take place following the committal service. Immediate family members may be allowed to view the actual burial only if arrange-

Washington, DC 20420 (202) 461-6240 FAX (202) 273-6698 www.cem.va.gov public.inquiry@va.gov

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS * FATALITIES AS OF: October 8, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OIF U. S. Military Casualties OIF U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties Totals

Total Deaths

KIA

Non-Hostile

4,408

3,483

925

13

9

4

4,421

3,492

929

WIA RTD *** WIA Not RTD *** 19,048

12,886

19,048

12,886

OPERATION NEW DAWN (OND) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS ** FATALITIES AS OF: October 8, 2010, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OND U. S. Military Casualties OND U.S. DoD Civilian Casualties Totals

Total Deaths

KIA

Non-Hostile

7

2

5

0

0

0

7

2

5

WIA RTD *** WIA Not RTD *** 18

15

18

15

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) U.S. CASUALTY STATUS FATALITIES AS OF: October 8, 2010, 2010, 10 a.m. EDT OEF U.S. Military Casualties Afghanistan Only**** Other Locations***** OEF U U.S. S D DoD D Ci Civilian ili Casualties Worldwide Total

Total Deaths

KIA

Non-Hostile

1,216

989

227

94

12

82

2

1

1

1,312

1002

310

WIA RTD *** WIA Not RTD *** 4,176

4,353 1

4,176

4,354

* OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM includes casualties that occurred between March 19, 2003, and August 31, 2010, in the Arabian Sea, Bahrain, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Persian Gulf, Qatar, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Prior to March 19, 2003, casualties in these countries were considered OEF. Personnel injured in OIF who die after 1 September 2010 will be included in OIF statistics. ** OPERATION NEW DAWN includes casualties that occurred on or after September 1, 2010 in the Arabian Sea, Bahrain, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Persian Gulf, Qatar, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

Michigan AMVETS News

*** These columns indicate the number of servicemembers who were Wounded In Action (WIA) and Returned to Duty within 72 hours AND WIA and Not Returned to Duty within 72 hours. To determine the - 7columns total WIA figure, add the "WIA RTD" and " WIA Not RTD" together. These figures are updated on 4 Vol. 65, No. Tuesday unless there is a preceding holiday. **** OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (Afghanistan only), includes casualties that occurred in

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Veterans News & Updates-------------------------------------------------- VA Improving Veterans’ Access to Health and Benefits Information 21st Century Technology Will Improve Service WASHINGTON (September 21, 2010)- The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management (VRM) that will greatly improve Veterans’ access to health care and benefits information.

“VRM will transform Veterans’ interactions with VA by using innovative 21st century technologies,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “Veterans will have a better experience when they contact VA for assistance, and our employees will be able to quickly convey accurate, up-to-date information through call centers and the Internet.”

Ultimately, veterans will find enhanced self-service capabilities, and VA employees will have the best tools to serve Veterans, their families and survivors better.

By the end of 2010, VRM will deliver improved telephone services to enable Veterans to reach a call center agent faster. Recording and review of calls will ensure the quality of services provided to Veterans. To help guarantee success, VRM enhancements will be rolled out in six-month increments.

An important component of VRM is the Internet site, which puts the Veteran in the driver’s seat for information. VA collaborated with the Department of Defense to provide a single sign-on capability for both Servicemembers and Veterans. Single sign-on will quickly establish an individual’s identity and allow that person to complete transactions without having to re-enter information.

Self-service access through the Internet site (www.ebenefits.va.gov) is already available in some benefit areas, including military personnel records, VA home loan eligibility certificates, and status information on compensation and pension claims.

VRM is just one of the many initiatives VA is launching to help Veterans get timely access to health care and benefits.

VA provides tax-free compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, employment and insurance benefits to eligible Veterans, their families and survivors through 57 VA regional offices.

Disability compensation is paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of -- or made worse by -- injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active military, naval or air service. Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

Michigan AMVETS News

percentage point change.

That is 2,600 more veterans hired into the Federal Government in the Washiington, D.C. (September 16, 2010)- Today, first half of FY 2009. the President’s Interagency Council on Veterans EmThe establishment ployment was briefed by U.S. Office of Personnel of Veteran EmployManagement (OPM) Director John Berry, Deputy ment Program Offices in Secretary of Veterans Affairs Scott Gould, and De24 Federal agencies in partment of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Veteran’s March 2010 Employment and Training, Ray Jefferson, to inform The development of a Government-wide Strathem that thousands more veterans have been hired tegic Plan on Veteran recruitment and employment by federal agencies since last November when Presiwhich was released in January 2010. dent Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13518, The creation of a Government-wide marketing Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, campaign on the value of veterans, which launched in and established the Veterans Employment Initiative.

November 2009, and launching the www.FedsHireAlso at the briefing, the council adopted a more agVets.gov website in January 2010, which established gressive new benchmark for veteran hiring among an information gateway on Federal employment for federal agencies. veterans.

More than 32,800 veterans have already been The Veterans Employment Symposium in July hired in the first six months by federal agencies, ex2010 which provided training to HR and hiring manceeding last years’ number at this time. During the agers. briefing at the Department of Labor, which was atWhile the Government is experiencing a strong tended by representatives from Veterans’ Service increase across the board in the first six months of Organizations, veterans and those currently serving 2010, there are some notable increases. The federal in the military, Gould, Jefferson, and Director Berry agencies that have already indicated a positive injoined agency officials from throughout the federal crease in veterans in the first six months as compared government to announce a new benchmark and disto FY 2009 include the Department of Treasury, the cuss the progress made.

Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice “Our mission is simple: hire more veterans,” said hired, and the Department of Interior Director Berry. “The strong sense of patriotism and “These employment outcomes show how seriouspublic service held by members of our armed forces ly agencies are taking this initiative,” said Assistant does not leave them when they exit from active duty.

Secretary Jefferson. “There is still much work to do, It benefits our government to utilize their skills and but it’s clear that the federal government is up to the dedication to service.” task.”

Council members adopted a new benchmark for The Council is co-chaired by Secretary of Labor veteran hiring among federal agencies at today’s Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric meeting. The Hiring Percentage Model will guide an Shinseki. Director Berry serves as its Vice Chair and agency’s goal setting based on the current percentChief Operating Officer. age of veterans hired, to include disabled veterans.

For additional information please visit www.FedThose agencies with lower hiring percentages will sHireVets.gov. have more aggressive goals, but will soon graduate to other tiers based on their performance.

ADDITIONAL PRESUMPTIVE “The jobless rate among Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is unacceptably high,” said CONDITIONS FOR AGENT Deputy Secretary Gould. “The Federal government ORANGE EXPOSURE wants to hire Veterans because of their experience, leadership skills and commitment to our Country.

WASHINGTON (August 30, 2010)- Veterans Working together, we can do a lot of good for our exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and Veterans and for our Nation.” other areas will have an easier path to access qualThe goal of the President’s Veteran Employment ity health care and qualify for disability compensaInitiative is to help Federal agencies identify quali- tion under a final regulation that will be published fied veterans, clarify the hiring process for veterans on August 31, 2010 in the Federal Register by the seeking employment with the Federal government, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new rule and help veterans adjust to civilian life once they expands the list of health problems VA will presume are hired. Much has been accomplished in the first to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide ex10 months since the signing of the Executive Order posures to add two new conditions and expand one which points directly to the uptick in the number of existing category of conditions. veterans hired, including: “Last October, based on the requirements of the Veterans were 30.2% of total new hires during the Agent Orange Act of 1991 and the Institute of Medifirst six months of FY 2010 compared to 26.8% in the cine’s 2008 Update on Agent Orange, I determined same period in FY 2009. This is approximately a 3.5 that the evidence provided was sufficient to award

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT INITATIVE

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Veterans News & Updates, cont.

Continued from previous page presumptions of service connection for these three additional diseases,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It was the right decision, and the President and I are proud to finally provide this group of Veterans the care and benefits they have long deserved.”

The final regulation follows Shinseki’s determination to expand the list of conditions for which service connection for Vietnam Veterans is presumed.

VA is adding Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease and expanding chronic lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia.

In practical terms, Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a “presumed” illness don’t have to prove an association between their medical problems and their military service. By helping Veterans overcome evidentiary requirements that might otherwise present significant challenges, this “presumption” simplifies and speeds up the application process and ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

The Secretary’s decision to add these presumptives is based on the latest evidence provided in a 2008 independent study by the Institute of Medicine concerning health problems caused by herbicides like Agent Orange.

Veterans who served in Vietnam anytime during the period beginning January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.

More than 150,000 Veterans are expected to submit Agent Orange claims in the next 12 to 18 months, many of whom are potentially eligible for retroactive disability payments based on past claims.

Additionally, VA will review approximately 90,000 previously denied claims by Vietnam Veterans for service connection for these conditions. All those awarded service-connection who are not currently eligible for enrollment into the VA healthcare system will become eligible.

This historic regulation is subject to provisions of the Congressional Review Act that require a 60day Congressional review period before implementation. After the review period, VA can begin paying benefits for new claims and may award benefits retroactively for earlier periods. For new claims, VA may pay benefits retroactive to the effective date of the regulation or to one year before the date VA receives the application, whichever is later. For pending claims and claims that were previously denied, VA may pay benefits retroactive to the date it received the claim.

VA encourages Vietnam Veterans with these three diseases to submit their applications for access to VA health Michigan AMVETS News

care and compensation now so the agency can begin development of their claims.

Individuals can go to a website at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide. htm to get an understanding of how to file a claim for presumptive conditions related to herbicide exposure, as well as what evidence is needed by VA to make a decision about disability compensation or survivors benefits.

Additional information about Agent Orange and VA’s services for Veterans exposed to the chemical is available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ agentorange.

NEW PRESUMPTIVE CONDITIONS FOR GULF WAR VETERANS WASHINGTON (September 28, 2010) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced the publication of a final regulation in the Federal Register that makes it easier for Veterans to obtain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and disability compensation for certain diseases associated with service in Southwest Asia (including Iraq) or Afghanistan.

“This is part of historic changes in how VA considers Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses,” said Secretary Shinseki. “By setting up scientifically based presumptions of service connection, we give these deserving Veterans a simple way to obtain the medical and compensation benefits they earned in service to our country.”

The final regulation establishes new presumptions of service connection for nine specific infectious diseases associated with military service in Southwest Asia beginning on or after the start of the first Gulf War on Aug. 2, 1990, through the conflict in Iraq and on or after Sept. 19, 2001, in Afghanistan.

The final regulation reflects a determination of a positive association between service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan and nine diseases and includes information about the long-term health effects potentially associated with these diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella Burnetii (Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis and West Nile virus.

With the final rule, a Veteran will only have to show service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan and that he or she had one of the nine diseases within a certain time after service and has a current disability as a result of that disease, subject to certain time limits for seven of the diseases. Most of these diseases would be diagnosed within one year of return from service, through some conditions may manifest at a later time.

For non-presumptive conditions, a Veteran is required to provide medical evidence to establish an actual connection between military service in South- 10 -

west Asia or Afghanistan and a specific disease.

The decision to add these presumptives was made after reviewing the 2006 report of the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (NASIOM), titled, “Gulf War and Health Volume 5: Infectious Diseases.”

The 2006 report differed from the four prior reports by looking at the long-term health effects of certain diseases determined to be pertinent to Gulf War Veterans. Secretary Shinseki decided to include Afghanistan Veterans in these presumptions because NAS found that the nine diseases are also prevalent in that country.

The 1998 Persian Gulf War Veterans Act requires the Secretary to review NAS reports that study scientific information and possible associations between illnesses and exposure to toxic agents by Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War. While the decision to add the nine new presumptives predates VA’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force (GWVI-TF), the overarching responsibility of the GWVI-TF is to regain Gulf War Veterans’ confidence in VA’s health care, benefits, and services and reconfirm VA is 100 percent committed to Veterans of all eras. The GWVI-TF began in fall 2009 and is not a static, one-time initiative but will continue to build on its work with annual reports issued every August. The group’s focus centers on unanswered Gulf War Veterans’ health issues, improving access to benefits, ensuring cutting edge research into treatments, and to make sure Veterans’ concerns are heard and addressed. This includes continuing to solicit Veterans, experts, advocates and stakeholders to share their views to better inform the important work of the GWVI-TF. The GWVI-TF Report can be found at www.VA.gov.

Disability compensation is a non-taxable monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled as a result of an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Last year, VA received more than one million claims for disability compensation and pension.

VA provides compensation and pension benefits to over 3.8 million Veterans and beneficiaries.

Currently, the basic monthly rate of compensation ranges from $123 to $2,673 for Veterans without any dependents.

For information about health problems associated with military service in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan, and related VA programs, go to www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ and http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif/index.asp.

For information about how to apply for disability compensation, go to www.va.gov

Vol. 65, No. 4

A Veteran’s Vietnam Odyssey

T

he three of us stepped out of the impressive new air terminal at Tan Son Nhut, Ho Chi Minh City, on 26 March of this year, belted by the same shocking wall of hot humid air that had greeted two of us over forty years ago. Except this time we were quickly ushered by a guide into a modern air conditioned van instead of a sweltering GI bus with windows covered by heavy wire screens to keep grenades out.

In many ways we were an unlikely combination – I, 77 years old, a retired Army colonel who as a lieutenant colonel had commanded a large armored cavalry task force in the uplands north of Saigon. Mike O’Connor, 63, a former Sergeant E-5, one of my tank commanders in B Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry of 1st Infantry Division – The Big Red One. Mark Kane, 62, a PhD clinical psychologist. None of us had known one another those decades ago, but on this trip we were to cement friendships that will last us for the rest of our days.

In several respects, though, we were much alike, especially one – PTSD. Two of us had it, one of us treated it.

I had lost 39 wonderful young men killed in action, and had another two killed for which my units were providing security. Mothers and fathers, wives, brothers and sisters, friends of these young men had depended upon me to bring them home safely.

Mike had lost a high school buddy in his same troop, and had two others in his platoon blown up only yards in front of him, and he had hit mines and been shot at often.

Mike and I, each in our own ways, had tried to cope, and ultimately we had sought counseling. Mark was a PTSD specialist in counseling veterans, and Mike was one of his clients. Mark and I first met in San Francisco on our way to Vietnam.

We were also bound in that we were on a quest, though a quest different for each of us. Our discoveries were to take place in this area north of Saigon that Mike and I had fought in so long ago, mostly in treacherous jungle, along dangerous supply routes, through forbidding rubber plantations.

By 1998, Vietnam had eaten so much into me that I wanted to know what it was all about, this war that had so embroiled our country and killed over 58,000 of our men and some women, and countless numbers of Vietnamese, this war that had consumed me. What in hell was it all about?

My own clinical psychologist, Dr. Charles Lamb, finding some of the root causes of my PTSD, had urged me to write – write about my experiences, he said. It will help.

During the war I had kept extensive journals, written dozens of letters home, made many audio tapes for my wife and daughter, taken dozens of rolls of films, hundreds of pictures. But I did not want to rely on only my own impressions for finding out what it was about. I began serious research, and in the course of it bumped into Mike on Internet, then was able to contact many members of my task force. I formed a small research group and we went to National Archives, some of us several times, and copied over 13,000 pages of records.

I went back to Vietnam in 2005 to research my battles, find the little peasant girl I had loved, about the same age as my then 11-year old daughter, and hopefully feel better. I discovered many things about the battles and found Nhan, now 49 with two grown children. We had a joyous reunion. Knowing I would never return, I left sadly but with a large measure of closure.

Continued on next page

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They went half way around for the world for us; let’s all do this simple thing for them! For more information you can go to www.supportourtroops.org Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Mike had been deeply involved in providing input for my book, One Hell of a Ride: Inside an Armored Cavalry Task Force in Vietnam, and he, a computer whiz, did the technical work of putting everything into print.

For over ten years we were close friends, telephoning and emailing often, and meeting at least once a year for lunch and a beer. So when one night he called me and asked me to go with him to Vietnam I astonished myself by saying yes.

Mike says, “I didn’t know what PTSD was until after being stuck at home from being injured on the job but I knew something was wrong all along, during those many years after return from Vietnam. I learned about the PTSD when an alert deputy sheriff took me to the VA instead of jail when I was having a flashback.”

He says, “At first the VA was never very helpful unless I demanded help and that was only after learning about what was available from other veterans.” For years he had had deeply troubling marital and alcohol problems, much like many other vets with PTSD. Then came trips on three occasions, five weeks each, to the PTSD unit at North Chicago VA. They helped, but it was only when Mike began seeing Mark for treatment that he felt he finally had a chance for controlling his PTSD on a continuing basis. He asked Mark to go to Vietnam with him, and Mark saw an opportunity to learn things that would be enormously helpful in his sessions with Mike and other veteran clients, one of whom had also been in my task force.

On our trip to Vietnam, Mike’s first direct encounter with the demons of PTSD came at a stream crossing about 30 miles north of Saigon. Mike was able to guide us to the place with the same kind of certainty I had had in my 2005 trip when I arrived at the spot where at a distance of ten yards I had killed three NVA who were trying to kill me.

Now Mike looked down from a modern bridge over the stream. “There,” he said, pointing at the spot next to the bridge where his armored column had forded the small stream. He and Mark went down into the defile, and Mark began asking Mike questions: “Where were you in the column? Who was ahead of you? You went over the stream and then backed up, right?

Then what happened?”

I watched and listened from the bridge. I knew from my own sessions with Dr. Lamb what Mark was up to, trying to get Mike to express what happened, to get it out of him so he could deal with it. “Then the mine went off under the ACAV in front of you, killing two of your friends, right?”

Mike had been answering quietly, haltingly, alternately choking down some sobs and quietly weeping, struggling for control, but all the while telling the story and in fact delivering himself of a horrible experience in which he had tried to save his two grotesquely wounded platoon mates

Michigan AMVETS News

who died despite heroic efforts for which he was later awarded a Bronze Star for Valor.

Two days later we were in the Michelin Rubber Plantation, known by all who served in this area of Vietnam for its gruesome history of violence and battles going all the way back to French times. This was 30 March 2010. Exactly 41 years earlier, to the day and hour, Mike had been in the thick of the fight during the largest battle ever to be fought in the bloody Michelin. Most of the time I was overhead in a helicopter, being shot at from the ground as I directed the battle. Mike was being shot at with RPGs and small arms fire as he commanded his tank among bunkers of NVA who, according to the later testimony of prisoners, had been ordered to fight to the death. A great many of them, about 200, did just that.

As we exited the van on a single lane dirt road under the trees, we were about 200 meters south of the steam crossing where the bulk of my task force had been on line in the attack. That day we numbered about 700 soldiers -- armored cavalry troopers, tankers, and infantry. They were riding our 90-some tanks and armored cavalry assault vehicles (ACAVs). Additionally, the bulk of my air cavalry troop was overhead providing observation and supporting fires, and I had fighter bombers poised for another run at this huge enemy base camp in the rubber.

Here, today, Mark was asking Mike to describe where he was, what he was doing at the critical moment when RPGs tore into his B Troop, instantly killing several men including Benny Diaz, a trooper in the cav platoon adjacent to Mike on his left.

Mike and Benny had been friends in a poor to middle class neighborhood of Saginaw, Michigan. They saw one another often at parties of their mutual friends and at the line of restaurants where all the kids drove cars through the parking lots and in endless loops along the Genesee Street strip. Benny was 21, over a year younger than Mike, and neither knew the other was in the Army until they met again in B Troop – Mike in Second Platoon, Benny in Third. Benny was engaged to a girl from Saginaw, and Mike was married but hardly ever getting any letters from his wife.

Mike did not even have to be there that day, as I discovered over three decades later in studying my unit records and getting Mike’s input on his experience. On the evening before we attacked into what turned out to be major elements of two enemy regiments, Mike had no commo in his tank.

He could neither receive nor transmit and even had no intercom with his crew. According to cav operating procedures, he should have deadlined his tank until he could get the commo repaired. But he knew there was a big fight ahead and he wanted to be with his platoon, doing his part.

This would be an awesome task, and I often relate this story of my courageous, inventive tank commander, a 22 year old Sergeant E-5 with two tiny daughters. He was in command of a 50-ton monster mounting a 90 millimeter cannon and a coaxial machinegun, and he himself would be firing the powerful .50 caliber machinegun from his tank commander’s hatch. He would not be able to hear his platoon leader’s commands or respond, and he would not even be able to talk to his driver who was in the hull of the tank while Mike was high above in the rotating turret. Not wanting to let his platoon down by denying them one of its three tanks, he worked out a system of arm and hand signals with his platoon leader, and kicks and taps on the head with his tank crew. With these crude communication measures he entered a raging battle. Had I known at the time, I would have said he was nuts and given him another Bronze Star for Valor.

Mark was questioning Mike, bringing the long suppressed images to the surface: Mark: Is this the spot where you were when Benny was killed?”

Mike: “Yes.” Mark: “Did you see the RPGs hit his ACAV?” Mike: “Yes, but I did not know it was his ACAV at the time. His ACAV was several meters to my left, and I was receiving RPGs and engaging an NVA in a tree ahead of me who was firing RPGs. I took him out with my

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Vol. 65, No. 4

.50 cal. I found out in a few minutes we had some KIAs but didn’t know until later that Benny was one of them.”

After several minutes of further exploration

by Mark, the three of us gathered at a waist-high concrete dry cistern at the edge of the road. I had lost twelve men in that day of vicious battle.

Every year at reunions I read the names of all my men KIA, and the assembled troopers and I say some prayers and fight back against the inevitable tears. Here at the scene of death, 41 years later, Mike and I read the names of those twelve. As I slowly read names, Mike lit a stick of incense, one for each man, and laid it on the edge of the cistern. Then Mike read the names of the six B Troopers among them while I lit a stick for each. At the end, Mike carefully picked up the sticks, one by one, repeated the name of the trooper, and as he dropped it the cistern said, “Rest in peace.” He retained the burning stick for Benny until last, holding it to his chest, tears welling in his eyes, and finally said, “Benito Diaz, rest in peace,” and dropped the stick.

We spent two or three hours walking under the trees, now and then stopping to comment on how beautiful the plantation was – new green leaves rustling overhead in a gentle breeze, speckles of sunlight dancing everywhere on the plantation floor, birds chirping, most unlike the terrible sound and fury that could be heard for miles on that day 41 years earlier.

Finally, before we left, Mike wearily seated himself on a concrete culvert and was silent as he looked around. After awhile he began softly to sing. A few years ago he had set new lyrics to a song done by The Eagles called “Hotel California,” and he had named it “The Hotel Michelin.”

On a dark jungle highway, cold sweat in my hair.

Acid smell of cordite, rising up through the air.

Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light.

I recognized the face, but it was not right.

There they stood in formation, I heard the mission bell.

I was thinking to myself, why did they . . . deserve this hell.

Then they lit up the candles, and they showed me the way.

There were voices in the rubber trees, I thought I heard them say . . .

Welcome to the hotel Mich-el-in.

Such an evil place (Now a peaceful place) Plenty of room at the Hotel Mich-el-in.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mike was having difficulty. The words were becoming harder to say.

He was blinking and vaguely looking around him, among the trees where his life had changed so many years ago. But he slowly kept singing, more softly now.

Any time of year, you can find us here . . . .

My mind was definitely twisted, I got the cold sweat anew . . .

There were lots of old friends there, and an NVA soldier too.

How they talked to each other, I am still amazed.

They talked about the battles and, each other praised.

So I called up the Captain, “Please tell me the time.”

He said “It don’t matter son, you live in 1969.”

And still those voices are calling from far away.

Wake you up in the middle of the night, just to hear them say . . .

Welcome to the hotel Mich-el-in, Such an evil place (Now a peaceful place) We’ve made our peace with the Hotel Mich-el-in.

Can you do the same? . . .

Or you’ll go insane . . .

Michigan AMVETS News

Mothers in the distance, call out their names.

They say: “Don’t worry Mom, our friend visited us today.”

He’ll be back tomorrow, as he is every night.

He tries to forget the beast, but he just can’t get it right.

Last thing I remember, I was running for Lai Khe. I had to find that freedom bird, but the mines were in my way.

Relax said Driggers, “Diaz will show you the way,” Come back any time you want, but you can never stay. *** So what was the outcome of our collective experience? I’m not sure, but I think several things happened.

I will never forget being with Mike as he confronted those terrible moments, those excruciating hours of so long ago.

Because of him I felt better about many things.

Mark says, “Grieving leads to birth and commitment to self and others for restorative justice. I observed Mike while in his grief and taking an important step in rebirth, and this deeply moves and satisfies me.”

Mike says, “Going back to Vietnam had the effect of some of those blocked emotions being opened up in ways that I did not expect. I am gaining the ability to show and express emotions to those closest to me. It has enabled me to recover a lost relationship that I thought I had lost forever. I know that I have a long way to go, and I will likely never be able to interact socially as I should, but I have been able to reach what Mark and I consider real milestones. I no longer am fighting that war anymore.”  Note to Editor: The author, William C. Haponski, PhD, Colonel (Ret) US Army, is a member of Post 1941 residing in Florida. His book, One Hell of a Ride, is available on Amazon.com. It gives full details of the Michelin and other battles in which Mike so distinguished himself.

Mark Kane, PhD, has offices in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids. He is also a member of the post as a son of a member.

Mike O’Connor lives in Big Rapids and is a past commander of Post 1941.

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Vol. 65, No. 4

ADOPT A FLAG POLE

ADPOT A FLAG POLE THE FORT CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO FUND A FLAG POLE ON THE AVENUE OF FLAG S The Fort Custer National Cemetery Advisory Committee is raising money to replace our flag poles. The flag poles that now comprise the Avenue of Flags have been there since 1973 and were installed as temporary flag poles. Due to Michigan's harsh weather and the age of the flag poles, all 152 of them need to be replaced.

Our poles are part of history. The flags that fly on the poles at the cemetery are burial flags that were donated by family members and represent one of our beloved servicemen and women that are buried at the cemetery. Let's keep our flags flying over these hollowed grounds for our veterans. The cost of each flag pole is $329.00 installed. Help keep America's pride flying; adopt a FLAG POLE. Your name or the name of your organization will be placed on a memorial board at the cemetery administration office and acknowledged at next year's Memorial Day observance. Please make checks payable to Fort Custer National Cemetery Community Project Fund and designate it is for the Avenue of Flags. This fund is held at the Battle Creek Community Foundation and donations will be tax deductible. If you have any questions about this new program please call (269) 964-0309 or (269) 746-4181 and mail checks to Mrs. Eleanor Shelley Treasurer 15742 E. "M" Avenue Climax, MI 49034.

Sincerely,

Mrs Eleanor Shelley 15742 E M Ave Climax MI 49034-9712

.•..,. " ::(ai)::

~

Battle Creek Community Foundation

fiN. ~

~

~

Hi'I1L

I The Fort Custer National Cemetery

Advisory

Committee.

Inc. is a Community

Project Fund of the Rattle Creek. Community

Foundation.

Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Road Augusta, MI 49012 Phone: (269) 731-4164 FAX: (269) 731-2428

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

The Michigan AMVETS News DO's and DON'TS DO have the articles in before deadline!

Deadlines are: 7th of October for the Winter Issue 7th of January for the Spring Issue 7th of April for the Summer Issue 7th of July for the Fall Issue.

If articles are not in by the deadline they WILL NOT appear until the following issue. If you are having an event that you want in the paper ensure that the information is received in time for the appropriate issue before your event.

DO make sure the pictures are clear and well-contrasted. Fuzzy or dark pictures won’t reproduce well. Black and white are the best, but color will do if contrasted well.

DO send in articles. Posts and districts have something newsworthy going on. Why not share it with the rest of the department?

If you send pictures make sure you have an article for them. I will not write your article and the pictures will not appear in the paper.

DO send credits with your articles.

Also send credits for articles from other publications and permission to reprint if necessary.

DO write post numbers on the back of each picture so they can be returned to you.

DO refer to an individual as an AMVET. The organization is AMVETS.

Submit your digital original directly to the editor!

We accept almost any file from a computer.

Simply type your report, including the title, byline and story, and add numbered captions at the end. Name the photo files to correspond with the caption number in your report and you’re ready to go!

Questions? Call me anytime at

810-796-3876.

E-mail your submissions to: miamvet2008@yahoo.com

Michigan AMVETS News

DO refer to the AMVETS Auxiliary as the “AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary.”

DO type the article. You’re the only person who can read your writing.

DON’T use all caps when typing.

DON’T EMBED YOUR PHOTOS IN A WORD DOCUMENT DON’T tape pictures to articles. Paper clip them to the article. We have to be able to scan the pictures to put them in the paper.

This can’t be done if pictures are taped to the article and the article gets torn when we try to remove the pictures.

DON’T print or type your captions on the back of photos. Ink smears!

DON’T think we’re being too tough!

We just want to make sure the paper is done right.

THIS IS YOUR PAPER IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE CONTENT THEN YOU SHOULD SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR IT.

More Words Less Pictures

I

n an effort to make the Michigan AMVET News a true newspaper and not a pictorial quarterly, the publications committee is asking all contributors to consider writing more articles and submitting fewer pictures. The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is only true if everyone knows what the picture relates to. Keep in mind the four Ws:

Who, Where When, What

This will make your articles easier to write.

Articles should normally be 300 – 500 words and may be accompanied by one or two pictures for each article.

By increasing the number of written articles, we can increase the reading time of the paper vastly and spur members’ interest in what’s going on around the state.

You do want a better Michigan AMVET News, don’t you?

 TOP TEN Posts  As of November 1, 2010

CITY

POST

DISTRICT MEMBERS

1.

1988

BALDWIN

VI

920

2.

120

MESICK

VI

423

3.

29

MT CLEMENS

II

371

4.

23

KENTWOOD

V

288

5.

2273

DURAND

III

229

6.

171

Westland

I

228

7.

121

ST. CLAIR SHORES

II

206

8.

22

BAY CITY

II

205

9.

2273

DURAND

III

255

10.

1957

ADRIAN

I

201

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Post News

Post 27 - Warren

by Ron Koscierzynski, PDC

I

t has been several years since the AMVETS Department of Michigan has conducted an A.A.D.A.A. (AMVETS Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse) Program. That is understandable, considering our financial situation.

Nonetheless, during that time the Lesk-Pewitt AMVETS Post 27 has continued to conduct its own local program, resulting in several National A.A.D.A.A. award recipients.

Now Post 27 has offered to make it possible for all Michigan posts, auxiliaries, and squadrons to likewise participate in the A.A.D.A.A. program. During a visit to the Post by the National and Department Commanders, Post 27 pledged to sponsor a Department program to the extent of its previous funding. This means that all prizes, certificates, and contest costs for the Department’s program will be paid by Post 27.

A.A.D.A.A. begins with a program at the local level conducted by our posts, auxiliaries, and squadrons, as well as by our districts. How to conduct a local A.A.D.A.A. program is easy: 1. Posts, Auxiliaries, and/or Squadrons contact schools, youth groups, their children and grandchildren and introduce the program to them. Give them a copy of the information from National AMVETS titled “The Ted Leszkiewicz AMVETS AADAA Program” and an entry form. Also provide them with an explanation of the local program and any awards.

2. Collect the entries by April 29, 2011.

3. Judge the local entries, select a 1st and 2nd place winner if possible, and send their entries to Ron Koscierzynski

by May 18, 2011.

4. If there are to be local awards, conduct an appropriate awards program. A local press release would also be outstanding.

5. Wait to hear the results of the Department and National programs.

Due to budget constraints, many police departments no longer are able to conduct DARE programs. That means that the youth of our nation – our youth, our future – may have no one but us to constantly remind them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. That’s one of the beauties of A.A.D.A.A. – it’s a program that provides our youth with reminders from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Please consider conducting an A.A.D.A.A. Program in your Post, or your Auxiliary, or your Squadron. You won’t just be doing it for AMVETS; you’ll be doing it for our children.

For more information, feel free to contact me at 248651-7362 or at drkosc47@hotmail.com. A.A.D.A.A. information packets have been mailed to the Department Commander, the Department Auxiliary President, and all the AMVETS District Commanders. Michigan AMVETS News

s n o i t a l u Congrat Philip!

Post 27 Sponsors 2010-2011 State AADAA Program

- 16 -

ves i e c e R t n e tud Michigan S TS Honors MVE e in National A First Plac a d e rn a S) le

VET Gawe nt Philip terans (AM rred roy reside tional American Ve m, refe na The progra . ohol m this year ’s ra g ro g and Alc e use p b ru a D e t c s n in ta a subs upon th ETS Ag .A. (AMV r categories based .A .D .A was in A u to as First Place ed into fo ’s id ip iv il d h P is raved ool.

Abuse) ooden eng w vel in sch le a e d d e ra iv g He rece student’s category. e d is 25. ra g -8 cate for $1 on the theme of th the 6 ifi rt e c t if g d a is e h d s a n In a b .” m plaque ted a poe rug Abuse sponit D m r b fo u s e s Philip is No U lling re m, “There ance of te rt ra o g fesp ro p im e ’s r yea nds so pro out th ie d fr te f in o o s p ip e problem ilip won first place entry, Phil t the abus u o b . Ph a s lt u ht for them ate and a cash award g sible ad u o s e b may rtific sional help el and received a ce v le lan at the post ent at Bou d tu s a s a the son , Philip w of $25. ict. He is f his entry tr o is e D m l ti o o e h LeskAt th e Troy Sc red by the th o s f n o o l p o s o s h a el. He w Middle Sc higan. ancy Gaw N d n a arren, Mic tt W a f o 7 of M 2 t s VETS Po Pewitt AM

T

Vol. 65, No. 4

Post News

Post 1941 - Big Rapids

Michigan AMVETS News

- 17 -

Vol. 65, No. 4

Post News

Post 1942 - Monroe Post 1942 adds more to County Fair for 2nd year

Jean Stigen pins the Veterans Ribbon to a fellow veteran as he entered the fair. Ribbons courtesy of the Corl-Gaynier AMVETS Post 1942.

Corl-Gaynier AMVETS Post 1942 with the support of various local veterans’ organizations once again brings something extra to the 2010 Monroe County Fair

T

his was the second year for the extra activities at the 2010 Monroe County Fair in Monroe Michigan. Veterans with proper identification received free admission into the fair until 6:00 p.m. Upon entry to the fairgrounds, each veteran received a red, white & blue ribbon to wear. (Ribbons were courtesy of the Corl-Gaynier AMVETS Post 1942), a gift bag consisting of various veterans’ related material as well as a list of vendors at the fair that day giving discounts.

About 2:30 p.m. veterans began gathering at the white tent located on the east side of the fairgrounds to participate in the parade.

An estimated 65 veterans walked in the procession with various organizations wearing their uniforms and carrying flags representing their respective organizations. The procession was lead by bagpiper, Don Newman of Temperance Michigan. Participation in this year’s parade is believed to be down due to high heat and humidity.

The parade ended from where it started and a brief speech was given by Post Commander Dave Eby. Veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to be acknowledged for their time in service. A special presentation was given for the oldest veteran present. Then veterans and those in attendance were then given a special music concert performed once again from the New Odyssey band from Chicago Illinois.

During the week of the fair, located in the South Exhibit building, veterans and visitors stopped by the “United Veterans Club Booth”. This was set-up and arranged by the Corl-Gaynier AMVETS Post 1942 and also consisted of; the Matt Urban American Legion Post 40, VFW Post 1138 and the Marine Corps League, Det. 157. Guests and veterans registered for a drawing to win an American Flag donated by VFW Post1138. Veterans’ also registered for prizes donated by local businesses who contributed free meals, merchandise and services.

In addition, visitors at the United Veterans Booth viewed a slide show presentation which showed veterans of Monroe County who was either killed or missing in action, between WWII to present.

Presentation is the on going project of Post 1942 Post Commander Dave Eby. Plans are being made for 2011 Monroe County Fair Veterans Day. More pictures can be view in the Photo Gallery on Post Web site at; cgamvets1942.webs.com/

Michigan AMVETS News

Unified Veterans Club booth at the 2010 Monroe County Fair was a joint project which consisted of the Corl-Gaynier AMVETS Post 1942, Matt Urban American Legion Post 40, VFW Post 1139 and the Marine Corps League Det. 157.

Veterans walk in parade during the 2010 Monroe County Fair.

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Post News

Post 1957 - Adrian • The Detroit Tigers Baseball game on Sunday, August 22nd, was wonderful. They beat Cleveland 8 to 2. The weather was perfect.

• The AMVETS Bus made its inaugural voyage to the game and the passengers rode in comfort.

• The AMVETS Bus is finished and when you see it, it will make you proud. It is painted red, white and blue and holds 27 passengers in comfort. I would like to thank the members and their families that donated their time and skills to complete the project.

A

• On a somber note, our Post 1957 Family lost an Auxiliary Member, Beth Almay. The profits from our Texas Hold-em held on Saturday, September 18th, ran by Cheryl Bilyou were donated to the family. 50/50 raffle proceeds held over a two day period was run by Greg Vessel, with the proceeds going to the family. Approximately $400 was donated in total to the family.

Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park

MVETS Post 46 on Beaver Island has received the final permits for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Park on the site of the old Beaver Island power plant located on Main St. in the middle of the the harbor.

The park will included three flagpoles that will fly the American flag, the Michigan flag, and a rotating service flag. One monument will list the names of those from Beaver Island who gave their lives in the service of their country.

A second pays tribute to all veterans who have served their country and the third honors the Emmet Burke AMVETS Post 46. In front of the monuments there will be three areas containing bricks with veterans names and dates and service affiliation. These are available to any veteran or families and friends who wishes to honor their veteran. The bricks are 4” x 8” and an 8” x 8” and are $100 and $200 respectively.

Order forms for bricks and questions and answers about the park are available on the web site http://beaverislandnews.com/ or by emailing the Post at amvetspost46@yahoo.com and we will send you a form.

The rendering shows the park as it will look when completed and the picture is of the flags flying on Labor Day. AMVET Post 46 wishes to thank the St. James Township Board and Wolverine Power for their help and support in this project.

Bob Tidmore Post Commander

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

AMVETS DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN - POSTS post# city

address

1957

Adrian

122 N Main St

2497

Alpena

93

post# city

address

1

13

Higgins Lake

8009 N. Au Sable Rd

6

No Post Home

6

204

Holland

DAV Post

5

Armada

75185 North Ave

2

362

Howell

A/L Post

3

1988

Baldwin

1959 W 24th St

6

777

Iron Mountain

Vet Center

7

24

Battle Creek

A/L Post 54

4

122

Ishpeming

Lake Unkey Co Rd CD 7

7

22

Bay City

520 Pine St

2

74

Kalamazoo

Eagles Lodge 5264

4

46

Beaver Island

St James Twp Hall

6

1234

Kent City

No Post Home

5

436

Beechwood

No Post Home

7

23

Kentwood

98 52nd St. SE

5

1941

Big Rapids

320 Fourth St

6

1072

Kingston

VFW Post 3719 Ross St

2

110

Cadillac

127 W Cass

6

1899

Kinross

4884 W Curtis

7

1190

Covington

VFW Post 8945 13505 VFW Rd 7

82

Lugington

No Post Home

6

1569

Davison

VFW 9474 Lapeer Rd

3

120

Mesick

M-37 S

6

4

Dearborn

K of C

1

3652

Midland

VFW Post 3651

2

53

Dearborn

St P & P Rom. Orth. Church 1

254

Mikado

334 W. F 30

6

8

Detroit

55 Victor

1

2006

Milford

A/L Post

3

55

Detroit

No Post Home

1

1942

Monroe

VFW 400 Jones Ave

1

69

Detroit

No Post Home

1

29

Mt Clemens

1 AMVET Dr

2

85

Detroit

No Post Home

1

52

New Baltimore

51285 County Line Rd

2

910

Detroit

21431 Fenkell

1

72

New Haven

57581 AMVET Dr

2

2273

Durand

8495 M-71

3

1978

Niles

1117 E Bertrand

4

9

Eastpoint

No Post Home

1

108

Oxford

130 E Drahner

3

1583

Eaton Rapids

Conf. Rm 223 N. Main St.

3

4064

Perry

VFW Post

3

588

Edmore

Veterans Mem. Bldg

5

101

Pontiac

VFW Post

3

114

Elk Rapids

410 Bridge St

6

115

Port Hope

8011 Rubicon Rd

2

123

Escanaba

1315 N Lincoln Rd

7

79

Rabe-Goetzville

No Post Home

7

11

Evart

4681 85th Ave

6

2965

Reed City

VFW Post 2964

6

1020

Farwell

No Post Home

6

316

Saginaw

3309 Ruckle St

2

1993

Fenville

VFW 2373 S 53rd St

4

1994

Spring Lake

No Post Home

5

8962

Germfask

VFW Post

7

121

St Clair Shores

22427 E Nine Mile Rd

2

30

Grand Rapids

No Post Home

5

3720

Swartz Creek

VFW 4063 3131 Elm Rd

3

126

Grand Rapids

2929 Marshall SE

5

27

Warren

VFW

2

14

Hamtramck

No Post Home

1

171

Westland

1217 Merriman

1

281

Harbor Springs

103 E. Third Sr. (AL Post 281) 6

7

Wyoming

No Post Home

5

57

Harper Woods

199730 Harper

269

Ypsilanti

2839 E Michigan Ave

1

Michigan AMVETS News

district#

1

- 20 -

district#

Vol. 65, No. 4

Department of Veterans Affairs Pension What Is VA Pension?

Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:  you were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND  you served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time*, AND  your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law, AND  you are permanently and totally disabled, OR  you are age 65 or older. *Note: Anyone who enlists after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. Service from August 2, 1990 to present is considered to be a period of war (Gulf War) in addition to other periods of war such as World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

FAMILY INCOME LIMITS (EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2008) If you are a...

Veteran with no dependents Veteran with a spouse or a child (Veterans with additional children: add $2,020 to the limit for EACH child) Housebound veteran with no dependents Housebound veteran with one dependent Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent

Your yearly income must be less than... $11,830 $15,493 $14,457 $18,120 $19,736 $23,396

Note: Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income.)

How Much Does VA Pay? VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit that describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar. Call the toll-free number below for details.

Note: Certain expenses (i.e., medical expenses, education expenses, or expenses related to the last illness or burial of a dependent) paid by you are taken into consideration when arriving at your countable family income.

How Can You Apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension.

If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports). You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

Related Benefits Vocational Rehabilitation Program Medical Care

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit Our Web Site at www.va.gov.

Compensation and Pension Service – December 2008

Michigan AMVETS News

- 21 -

Vol. 65, No. 4

Veterans’ Medallion Available for Order New Option for Marking Veterans’ Graves in Private Cemeteries

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering bronze medallions to attach to existing, privately purchased headstones or markers, signifying a deceased’s status as a Veteran.

“For Veterans not buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery, or those without a government grave marker, VA is pleased to offer this option that highlights their service and sacrifices for our country,” said Secretary Shinseki.

Each service has own medallion.

The new item can be furnished instead of a traditional government headstone or marker for Veterans whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, and whose grave in a private cemetery is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.

Under federal law, eligible Veterans buried in a private cemetery are entitled to either a government-furnished grave marker or the new medallion, but not both. Veterans buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery will receive a government headstone or marker of the standard design authorized at that cemetery.

The medallion is available in three sizes: 5 inches, 3 inches and 1 ½ inches in width. Each bronze medallion features the image of a folded burial flag adorned with laurels and is inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top and the branch of service at the bottom.

Next of kin will receive the medallion, along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the medallion to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

More information about VA-furnished headstones, markers and medallions can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/hmtype.asp.

VA is currently developing an application form for ordering the medallion.

Until it is available, applicants may use the form for ordering government headstones and markers, VA Form 40-1330. Instructions on how to apply for a medallion are found on the VA Web site at www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp.

Veterans with a discharge issued under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses and eligible dependent children can be buried in a VA national cemetery. Other burial benefits available for all eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a government headstone or grave marker.

The new medallions will be available only to Veterans buried in private cemeteries without a government headstone or marker.

Families of eligible decedents may also order a memorial headstone or marker when remains are not available for interment.

VA operates 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. More than 3 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict -- from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are buried in VA’s national cemeteries on more than 19,000 acres.

Information on VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from the VA Web site on the Internet at www.cem.va.gov or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Michigan AMVETS News

- 22 -

Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Schools for 2010-11 WASHINGTON – Paving the way for recipients of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to attend higher-cost schools, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has entered into more than 3,200 agreements with over 1,100 schools for the upcoming academic year under the “Yellow Ribbon” program. Schools can enter into multiple agreements with VA to accommodate different programs of study offered.

“We are pleased that so many institutions are joining us to support the educational goals of the men and women who served this Nation so honorably,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

The Yellow Ribbon program, a key provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, allows VA and participating educational institutions to share in supporting students attending high-cost schools.

Normally, the VA-administered Post-9/11 GI Bill reimburses students for tuitions that don’t exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate for a public institution. Under the Yellow Ribbon program, when schools contribute to the difference between the in-state maximum and their usual cost, VA will match them dollar for dollar up to 50 percent of the difference.

The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days before being discharged due to a service-related injury.

VA launched a special outreach effort in January to encourage more schools to participate in the program during the coming academic year. VA extended the original deadline for schools’ participation decisions, originally set for May 21, to July 23 because of overwhelming interest in the program.

Letters were also mailed to school officials and reminder e-mails sent to promote maximum participation. This year, the application process was streamlined to allow schools to fax and e-mail agreements to VA, rather than send through regular mail.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress in 2008, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.

The maximum benefit allows every eligible Veteran, service member, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.

The program includes payments for tuition and fees (paid directly to the schools), a housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.

For information on specific schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, go to www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/ CH33/YRP/YRP_List_2010.htm.

Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA’s other educational benefits, can be obtained by visiting VA’s Web site www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551). Vol. 65, No. 4

2010 HIGGINS LAKE LODGE

FALL CLEAN-UP OCTOBER 15-17, 2010 Submitted by Jim May

N

ineteen workers from eight different posts; (1423-27-30-72-120-171 & 1988) rolled up their sleeves to tackle the work at our fall clean-up.

The weather was great and as a result a good deal was accomplished outdoors, such as getting a lot of leaves raked and blown away. The lodge was power washed, BBQ pits and picnic tables were cleaned and stored in the garage. A new storm door was installed on the small cabin, the large BBQ pit in back of the lodge was covered, light bulbs were replaced, porch roof flashing was re-tarred, boats were brought back in from the lake, storm door closers were repaired, cottage #2 was repainted, new batteries were installed in all of the smoke detectors as well as installation of new carbon monoxide detectors in all of the cottages, repaired the front porch doors, replaced bedroom ceiling light in cabin #3, installed insulation in cottage #4, cut up the old swing set, replaced some bad front porch ceiling tiles, repairs were done on the lake dock platform, cleaned inside walls of walk in cooler, repaired hole in wall in cottage #3, repaired flag pole light, replaced broken fence rails, and the list goes on and on.

As a reminder, we hope that the Michigan AMVET family will keep in mind that “This is their lodge."

The more workers who show for the spring clean up the easier it is on every one and more things can be completed in the short time span we have.

Spring clean up is scheduled for April 15, 16 and 17, 2011. ď‚Ť

Michigan AMVETS News

SPRING CLEAN-UP

APRIL 15-17, 2011

Join us!

- 23 -

Vol. 65, No. 4

I

f you are planning a vacation, now is the time to call Kari at the AMVETS Higgins Lake Lodge and reserve your dates. If you are unaware, there are six - four-bedroom, two-bath cottages, one two-bedroom cottage, and the lodge with 17 bedrooms and meals. A swimming beach, a boat dock, fire pits, five row boats (no motors) for fishing. In the fall there are color tours.

Call Kari, our manager at 989-302-7997.ď‚ś

mAKE yOUR rESERVATIONS tODAY!

For your next vacation you must visit the AMVETS Lodge on beautiful Higgins Lake.

106 Thorpe Ave, Roscommon, MI 48653 I-75 Exit 244 or US127 Military Road Exit

For reservations call : 989-821-6574 RATES EFFECTIVE Jan. 1, 2011

LODGE (Per Night) AMVETS ---- $33 NON-AMVETS --- $37 ROY LOVE MEMORIAL ROOM (Per Night) One Bed used -----$53 Two Beds used ----$65 LITTLE CABIN (Per Night) One Bed used ---- $75 Two Beds used ---$85 Michigan AMVETS News

FOUR BEDROOM COTTAGES Per Week ---- $900 (Sat. 4 p.m. arrival/to Sat. 10 a.m. departure)

Weekend Rate ---- $180 Per Night (Friday noon/ Sunday 2 p.m.)

MEALS in Lodge Breakfast & Lunch - $5 plus tax per person Dinner ------ $8 plus tax per person $100 Security deposit used for reservations or damages All prices DO NOT include applicable taxes.

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Vol. 65, No. 4

Auxiliary NEWS President's Corner

By Yvette Rusak, DEPARTMENT PRESIDENT

T

hese past months since the June elections have been very busy. I have had the privilege to travel to the UP and visit District VII. The visit took place at Post 122 in Ishpeming. The property is so beautiful on Lake Unkie. They brought in 12 veterans from the Jacobetti Home for a picnic. What a wonderful experience, visiting with the patients in a picnic setting.

They had a wood burning fire going, hot dogs and a sing a long. The patients, the Auxiliary, the AMVETS and Post 122 did a wonderful job to make the patients feel welcomed. They look forward to this picnic every year and I am honored that I was invited to join them.

I would like to thank Jim Smith and Joe for their guidance. I got lost in the turn about in Ishpeming and went off in the wrong direction. Jim got me to the meeting point and I was able to follow him to Lake Unkie (I wouldn’t have found that location by myself). After the picnic, it was great to visit with Jim and Judy Smith and share a unique to the UP dinner at their house.

The next day was a guided tour through Jacobetti.

Carmen Simpson (my travel buddy) and I were treated to a tour of the facility and it was great to see some familiar faces. I had met several of the Veterans the day before at the picnic.

Carmen and I ended up in Grayling for the Fall Conference. The SEC and Fall Conference was held at the Ramada Inn. It was great to see the number of people that attended. We were honored to have the Auxiliary National President Dee Kreiling in attendance for the weekend along with the National Commander Hotop.

I would like to encourage everyone to visit or volunteer at one of our many Veteran Homes or Hospitals.

It is a worthwhile experience especially when you see the faces of the patients light up when you talk to them.

If it weren’t for a Veteran, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms we do today. Remember: THANK A VET!

AU

X I L I A RY

Yours in AMVETS Auxiliary, Yvette Rusak

Homeless Veterans Need Our Help

Yvette Rusak

By Maureen Jackson

D



o you have furniture, pots and pans, silverware, bedding, window coverings or other things that you might like to donate to a worthy cause? We have just the place for you to contact. The John Dingell VA Medical Center is the contact facility for the Veterans Affairs Supported Housing Program (HUD-VASH).

The program assists homeless veterans in finding permanent housing in an apartment or a house. The veteran must be clinically stabilized and demonstrate an interest in changing their lifestyle and returning to work or to some other socially productive activity. They must also be prepared to make a commitment of 2-5 years to the VASH case management.

The program helps veterans get an apartment or house but they also need things to make the house or apartment a home. Because of their limited income when they are first ready to move into their new place, they need help with some of the basic necessities. This is where your help is really needed. If you have anything that you would like to donate please contact the Chief of Voluntary Services Bill Browning (313- 576-1000) at John Dingell and he can help make arrangements to have your things picked up or tell you where to take them. Any help you can give these men and women is greatly appreciated.

Michigan AMVETS News

I

SADDEST SCRIBBLINGS

have always said that the Sad Sacks are the fun and Honor Group of the AMVETS, But I was totally unprepared for the honor of receiving the Dept of Michigan AMVET of the Year at Fall Conference. (yes, Dave you got me) I would like to thank all who nominated and voted for me Just a reminder to all you Sack units. Don’t forget to call or e-mail me about all you do.

This is important for both letting people know what we are and what we do. We also need this for program reporting. Sadly yours John Hoecherl

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Vol. 65, No. 4

G

SONS OF AMVETS NEWS

reetings from the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan fall is already here, where has the time gone? Last year our total Department membership was 1748 and as in the years past we will increase it. We are encouraging our Squadrons to add 5% to 10 % to their membership. Imagine where we would be if we had all of our annual members renew as well as adding 5% to 10 % of new membership to each Squadron. Therefore I would like to encourage all our Squadrons to send out renewal reminder letters or postcard to their annual membership. This has been very successful for several squadrons.

Another goal I have for the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan is Project Reports last year our Project Reports totaled more than $505,000.00 and it is our intent to exceed $750,000 this year. I further would like to encourage each Squadron to file Project Reports. This only takes a few minutes each month and they make a huge impact on the AMVETS Family. We all volunteer our time, helping a neighbor, working a dinner at your post, visiting a friend in the hospital, etc. If each Squadron will send in Project Reports every month the Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan could be second to none in the nation.

On a personal note, during our annual Fall Conference it was my honor to present Jerry Cieremans of Squadron 23 with the William A Hamilton Distinguished Service Award for his hard work and dedication to the Sons of AMVETS our Past Commanders chose Jerry from the list of applicants. This award is given to the most outstanding Son of AMVET member in the Department of Michigan.

This year I have decided on a Commanders project and it is my wish with our Squadrons and Department assistance to provide a portable Wii Entertainment System for the VA Medical Centers and our State run Veterans Homes, I am calling this project “Wii In A Box” this will be a self contained Wii Entertainment System in a locking cabinet. I have seen the benefits and the impact that the Wii Entertainment System has in the Physical Therapy Department at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Each unit will cost between $600 to $1,000 depending on accessories and games we wish to include. If you or your Squadron wishes to make a donation please see the attached flyer for details.

SO

NS

OF A M VE

TS

Douglas S. Beedon

Yours in Service to our Veterans Douglas S. Beedon Commander Sons of AMVETS Department of Michigan 1715 N. Greenfield Cir. NE #101 Grand Rapids MI 49505 dsbeedon@comcast.net 616-719-2294 Home 616-304-5479 Cell

Michigan AMVETS News

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Vol. 65, No. 4

S

S

A

STREET CITY

ENTERED MONTH/YEAR

DISCHARGED MONTH/YEAR

DATE OF BIRTH

SEX MALE/FEMALE

ZIP

NAME OF SPOUSE

E-MAIL

RID

ER

S

PHONE

dues

TS

SPONSOR A

M

VE

SIGNATURE

POST # chapter

ders ry… vide ls of

Michigan AMVETS News

VETS mit a nder. tions,

AUTHORIZING OFFICER

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I am serving, or have served honorably, in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I apply for AMVETS membership and present:

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Application for Membership

BRANCH OF SERVICE

STATE

RIDE FOR YOUR FELLOW VETERANS...

BECOME ONE OF US TODAY

RIDERS

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NAME

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Department of Florida 1545 Warmwood Drive Grand Island, FL 32735 352-669-8490 e-mail: amvetsflaexecdir@aol.com

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Riders Contact Info:

RIDERS MEMbERShIp ApplIcAtIon

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RIDING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

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• There will be no HONORARY memberships in National, Departments or Chapters of the AMVETS Riders.

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PHONEPHONE NO. NO. _____________________________________

www. AMvEtS . oRg .

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Eligibility

• Members must show for membership application a VALID State Drivers License with a Motorcycle endorsement, A VALID State Motorcycle Registration, and PROOF of insurance meeting State and Federal Regulations to the Chapter President and one other elected officer.

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To be eligible for membership in AMVETS, you must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves, anytime after Sept. 15, 1940. Additionally, unless still serving, your discharge must have been under honorable conditions.

• Members must be the legally registered owner of a motorcycle or be the spouse of the legally registered owner within the state of registration.

To be eligible for membership in the AMVETS Ladies auxiliary, you must be over age eighteen (18) and the mother, wife, widow, daughter, stepdaughter, sister, grandmother or granddaughter, of a regular member of AMVETS, or a deceased veteran who would have been eligible to join AMVETS.

AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. For more information, visit

Eligibility for membership in the Sons of AMVETS shall be limited to all male descendents, grandsons, adopted sons and stepsons, fathers, husbands, widowers, and brothers of members of AMVETS, the deceased members of AMVETS, or personnel who died and would have been eligible for membership in the parent organization, and are at least eighteen (18) years of age and not eligible for membership in the parent organization. This is not to include in-laws of any type.

• Membership in the National AMVETS Riders shall be limited to members in good standing of AMVETS, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, and Sons of AMVETS.

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SIGNATURE _____________________________________ SIGNATURE

RIDER MEMbERShIp

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DUES RECEIVED BY _______________________________ DUES RECEIVED BY

A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike.

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In payments of of AMVETS RIDERS in payment AMVETS THE _________ YEAR dues for:for: membership dues YEAR THE SUM OF SUM OF $______ membership

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DATE _________ CHARTER_____________STATE_______ POST # STATE

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DATE

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DUES RECEIVED FROM ____________________________

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DUES RECEIVED FROM

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Temporary Temporary Membership Card Riders Membership Card

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Mission Statement

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We the AMVETS RIDERS are a dedicated nd patriotic group of motorcycle riders who old true to an unwavering respect for our Nation, our Flag, and our Military … past, resent and future.

We are committed to the freedom of this Naon, to provide community service and fellowhip, and to preserve and support the aims and oals of the AMVETS national organization.

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Vol. 65, No. 4

THE MICHIGAN AMVETS NEWS

5489 Main St. P.O. Box 254 Dryden, MI 48248

AMVETSMICHIGAN.ORG

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

Application for Membership

DUES AT LARGE ARE $37. DUES VARY AT POSTS.

AMVETS

MICHIGAN HEADQUARTERS 5489 Main St., P.O. Box 254, Dryden, MI 48248 (Please Print Information Below)

I APPLY FOR ____NEW ANNUAL ____ RENEWAL ____LIFE MEM. AND PRESENT $__________FOR DUES

POST#__________ STATE__________

SPONSOR__________________________________________________________________ NAME__________________________________________________ SPOUSE____________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________ PHONE_________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP______________________________________________________________ BRANCH OF SERVICE______________________ YEAR ENTERED SERVICE____________ DISCHARGED__________SERVICE NUMBER______________________________ TYPE OF DISCHARGE________________ SEX_____M _____F DATE OF BIRTH_______/_______/_______ SIGNATURE_____________________________________________________

DATE___________________________________ POST_____________________________________________ AUTHORIZING OFFICER_____________________________________________________________________

AMVETS

JOIN AMVETS TODAY!

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY: ANY PERSON WHO SERVED OR IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE U.S.A. AT ANY TIME AFTER SEPTEMBER 15, 1940 INCLUDING RESERVISTS AND NATIONAL GUARDSMEN WITH HONORABLE DISCHARGE, HONORABLE SEPARATION OR GENERAL DISCHARGE UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS.

TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP CARD NOT VALID MORE THAN 60 DAYS AFTER DATE ISSUED

Your official Membership Card will be forwarded to you. If you do not receive your card within 60 days, contact AMVETS Michigan Headquarters.

DATE_________ POST#_________ STATE_________ THE SUM OF $__________IN PAYMENT OF AMVETS MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR THE YEAR ____________ HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM: NAME_______________________________________

PERSON RECEIVING DUES NAME______________________________ PHONE (HOME)______________________ (WORK)____________________________ ___________________________________ SIGNATURE OF PERSON RECEIVING DUES