Serving Those Who Served Us
A special supplement to The Sentinel
May 28, 2021
2—The Sentinel
We Honor Those Who serve Our Country
PAST PRESENT
&FUTURE
The Sentinel—3
Serving those who served us Each year, The Sentinel zations, clubs and groups produces a magazine de- out there doing such great signed to highwork for those light some aswho have worn pect related to this nation’s our military. uniform and And while in their families we many years, this could not possiincludes profilbly profile them ing local veterall. ans, this year, However, we we opted to take feel we have a a different apgood represenproach to things. tation of groups This year’s that serve vettheme is “Serv- BRIAN COX erans, help their ing those who Managing editor families cope served us,” with the loss of a which allows us veteran, whethto show you a sampling of er in combat or just beorganizations, both local cause they passed away, and national, that exist to and even one that allows support, provide services veterans to go have a fun to or advocate for military day or night out as a way veterans. of saying thank you. As we went through We also urge you, if you the process of interview- feel inclined to donate ing and composing what to or join these groups, you’ll read in the pages to please do so. Many of that follow, we learned these groups are always there are so many organi- looking for more support
from the community, so they in turn can support those who need it most. And, lastly, we thank all veterans and those currently serving for your willingness to sacrifice for all of us. To those who will spend this Memorial Day honoring someone you loved who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we give you our most humble and sincere condolences as well as our gratitude. While those who have not sent a loved one into service only to never have them return alive, or at all, cannot fully understand how it feels, we are a grateful nation for people who were willing to lay down their lives so we all may be free. Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers as we observe this and every Memorial Day.
This publication is a special supplement to: The Sentinel 352 Sixth St. Lewistown, PA 17044 (717) 248-6741 www.lewistownsentinel.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS American Legion ..... .................................. 4 VetTix, the Veterans Ticket Foundation .... .................................. 6 American Gold Star Mothers ................... 8 Blue Star Mothers of America .................. 8 Wreaths Across America ................ 10 Wall That Heals at James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center ... ................................ 14 Veterans Affairs Offices of Mifflin and Juniata counties ........ ................................ 16 Wounded Warrior Project ................... 17 AmVets ................. 18
Publisher: Ruth Eddy Managing editor: Brian Cox Advertising director: Matthew Bolich Circulation manager: Ed Williams Composing manager: Sue Kline Ogden Newspapers Inc. 1500 Main St. Wheeling, WV 26003
Veterans of Foreign Wars ...................... 21
On the cover:
An American flag recognizing the service of Max E. Fisher in the U.S. Army during the Korean War waves during a windy day at Juniata Memorial Park in Lewistown. (Photo by Brian Cox)
4—The Sentinel
AMERICAN LEGION
Local Posts Post 90 100 Valley St. Lewistown (717) 248-2679 Post 283 6099 Old US Hwy 322 Milroy (717) 667-6182 Post 298 29 S Main St. Mifflintown (717) 436-9444 Post 942 36 E Ohio St. McClure (570) 658-3466 Post 107 135 E Pennsylvania Ave. Mount Union (814) 542-3323
American Legion Country Club 1 Country Club Road Mount Union (814) 542-4343
Established in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization, the American Legion now boasts more than 13,000 posts worldwide serving nearly 2 million members, all aimed at carrying out the Legion’s mission: to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. American Legion posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. The American Legion’s vision statement is “The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion’s value principles are as follows: A VETERAN IS A VETERAN – which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities. SELFLESS SERVICE – which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America. AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM – which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities. ADVANCING THE VISION – which means The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans. HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US – which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotton by new generations. The American Legion emblem, which can be seen above, is made up of several elements, each with special meaning: RAYS OF THE SUN – The rays of the sun form the background of our proud emblem and suggests the Legion’s principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil. WREATH – The wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States that liberty might endure. STAR – The star, victory symbol of World War I, also symbolizes honor, glory and constancy. The letters “U.S.” leave no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion’s star. OUTER RINGS – The larger of two outer rings stands for the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled comrades. The smaller inside ring denotes the welfare of America’s children. INNER RINGS – The smaller of two inner rings set upon the star represents service to our communities, states and the nation. The larger outer ring pledges loyalty to Americanism. AMERICAN LEGION – The words American Legion tie the whole together for truth, remembrance, constancy, honor, service, veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, loyalty, and Americanism. ¯¯¯ Source: www.legion.org.
The Sentinel—5
In Honor and Memory of those who have and do sacrifice so much so we can be safe and free..
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6—The Sentinel
VetTix, THE VETERANS TICKET FOUNDATION Organization serves vets with (nearly) free access to events By JEFF FISHBEIN U.S. Navy veteran The last thing I did before the world shut down in 2020 was enjoy an NHL hockey game, Penguins at Devils, with our managing editor (and the man behind this magazine), Brian Cox. Four years earlier, I turned my son into a Baltimore Ravens fan (which said editor, a Steelers man, still disdains). I’m the only person I know who’s actually been to a WNBA game. And I didn’t pay for the tickets. What do these things have in common? VetTix, the Veteran Tickets Foundation. It began in 2008 when disabled veteran Michael Focaret, while attending the Super Bowl, noticed empty seats around him, He wondered why they weren’t offered to the military members who were honored on the field prior to the start of the game. His mission: Fill those seats with deserving veterans and their families. VetTix works with sports teams, concert and event promoters, organizations, venues and ticket holders to provide free and discounted tickets to active-duty military and veterans. Currently serving military and honorably discharged veterans from all branches of service as well as family of those
killed in action, are eligible. VetTix also has a companion site, FirstTix, that does the same for first responders. Both operate under the same motto, “Give Something to Those Who Gave.” I learned about VetTix six years after that Super Bowl. I had helped coordinate the first ship’s reunion for my Navy unit, the USS South Carolina. When we got together in Norfolk, Virginia, I was there only to see friends from whom I’d been separated for nearly 30 years, and make a few new ones who served on the same vessel. Somebody at the reunion asked me if I had heard of VetTix. I had not, so he handed me a web address and said I should check it out. I sat on it for at least a year, and when I finally looked into it, regretted not doing so sooner. I couldn’t tell you what our first VetTix event was, or even all that we’ve been blessed to have received tickets for. Among them were sports events, concerts, magic shows, comedy, gourmet food shows and a comics convention. All for a pittance of the cost — for the tickets, anyway — to see things that were often well outside our budget. It’s easy to play — once you sign up (and VetTix verifies your status), you can choose your settings as to which types of events you
ON THE WEB Sign up for VetTix at https://www.vettix.org/ ref/296482. Using this link, both of us will receive virtual “coins” that can be used for event ticket auctions.
will be offered and a radius of how far you’d be willing to travel to get there. You can choose mileage ranges from 35 to 210, and even set an out-of-town location as a secondary market (for example, we will look for events where my sister lives when we plan to visit her). I have 25 out of more than 40 types of events for which I receive notification emails when one is offered.
There are two ways to get tickets. One is to “bid” for available seats using virtual coins — sort of a Chinese auction online. If you “win” — that is, if your bid is selected — you have 24 hours to claim the tickets. You have to pay a small transaction fee — usually less than $20 — for each event, not each seat. Different seat options are offered based on the event.
The Sentinel—7 If you take the tickets, they’ll be held at the venue’s Will Call window, or transmitted to you via the Ticketmaster app for iOS or Android (in some cases, this is a requirement). The coins that you bid will be deducted from your account. If you decide not to claim the tickets, or if you do not win the auction, your coins are returned. You may also have “firstcome, first-served” opportunities, including any unclaimed tickets after an auction — although if you bid and reject the tickets, you are not allowed to participate in that offer for that event. Your coin bank increases a number of ways, most often through a monthly stipend, posting photos of you at events and referring others to the organization. If you use the link at the top of this story, you will be given coins to get started (Disclosure: I’ll get some, too). I’m not a fan of either hockey team we saw last March, but it was a fun game and I enjoyed watching our editor in his Penguin-loving prime (no surprise, they dominated). The WNBA was different, but it was a fun
Photos submitted by JEFF FISHBEIN
Jeff Fishbein, left, enjoys a 2016 preseason Baltimore Ravens game with his son, Christopher at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Jeff, a U.S. Navy veteran, received the tickets through VetTix. It was Christopher’s first NFL game and he has cheered for the Ravens ever since.
outing for the lad and I. The Ravens thing? It was the preseason, but the game that the starters are on the field for a half and the birds were playing the lowly Lions. It was his first in-person football game, and now he’s purple for life (and we’ve been back to see them twice more, thanks to VetTix!).
In 2018, Christopher Fishbein got to see his beloved Taylor Swift at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. She was a gracious host, donating some of the best seats in the house to VetTix. He even got to brush his hand against her as she walked through the crowd.
VFW POST 7011
12 CHESTNUT ST., LEWISTOWN, PA 717-248-3621
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AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS Group honors lives lost by serving veterans By JULIANNE KILMER A special bond unites American Gold Star Mothers – women who have lost sons or daughters in service of the United States Armed Forces. “It’s like a camaraderie between others because we’ve been through very similar experiences,” said Barb Benard, vice president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. and past president of the national organization. AGSM was incorporated in 1929, according to its website, with the purpose of keeping sons’ and daughters’ memories alive by serving veterans. The group was named after the gold star that families hung in their windows to honor soldiers who died during World
War I. During the 1942 AGSM National Convention, membership was opened to mothers who lost a son or daughter in World War II and was again opened after the Korean conflict and Vietnam War. Benard said the Vietnam moms held the organization together until Iraq and Afghanistan moms came on board. Prior to the pandemic, the Central Pa. Chapter met regularly and held walk-a-thons to raise money, made meals for veterans’ families, donated to organizations that support veterans and helped at the Lebanon VA. “With COVID this year, we haven’t been able to go out and do as much as we normally do,” Benard said. Instead, the mothers have
been holding virtual meetings and offering financial assistance to veterans when possible. There are 35 Gold Star Mothers who hold membership in the Central Pa. Chapter, and the group is accepting new members. “It’s not a support group, but we do talk to each other and try to support each other,” she said. Benard has AGSM friends to whom she may go months without talking, “but when we do, it’s just like it was yesterday.” That is especially important on dates such as birthdays and angel dates – the date on which a loved one passed
away – which she admitted can be difficult. “Not that we ever forget,” she said, “but as time goes on, the happy memories outweigh the sad memories.” To become a member, visit goldstarmoms.com. In the top navigation bar, select “Members” from the drop-down menu, then click “Membership Criteria.” On that page, there is a section titled “How to Join,” which includes a link to the membership application. New members will be assigned a chapter based on location. Denise Torbert is president of the Central Pennsylvania chapter.
BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA Blue Star Mothers of America is an organization of mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. The mothers support each other and their children while promoting patriotism. According to its national
website, there are more than 6,000 members from more than 200 chapters throughout the nation. The organization, founded in 1942 in Michigan, provides support for active duty service personnel, assists veterans organizations and assists in homeland volunteer efforts. There are two chapters in the region surrounding Mifflin and Juniata counties. In order to join a chapter, visit bluestarmothers.org and
click Join/Renew in the top navigation bar. There is a form that can be downloaded and mailed. Applicants are asked to specify the chapter state and number he or she wishes to join. Chapter PA10 meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month to share updates on service members. At 7 p.m., the business part of the meeting begins. According to the chapter website, meetings are held at 500 N. 12th St., Suite
200, Lemoyne. Social distancing and masks are required until further notice due to COVID. For more information, contact bluestarmothersPA10@gmail. com or call (717) 756-7060. Chapter PA12 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Garrett Cochran American Legion Post No. 1, 10 E. Third St., Williamsport. For more information, contact president.pa12@bluestarmothers.us or call (570) 772-4638.
The Sentinel—9
They sacrifice so much every day, from spending months away from their families to facing peril on the battlefield. They are our nation’s heroes, the men and women who serve in our armed forces. We commend them on their service and salute all who have died in the name of freedom.
Woodlawn, Lewistown| 717.248.6727 Geoffrey A. Burke, Supervisor
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Ensure your family’s peace of mind. Contact a director at one of our three locations and we will help you make pre-planning arrangements.
10—The Sentinel
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Organization’s year round effort seeks to remember, honor, teach By BRIAN COX Remember. Honor. Teach. They are three words. But to the thousands of passionate volunteers affiliated with Wreaths Across America, they are so much more. To them, it’s the three pillars of the whole organization. And it’s a mission that never ends. Started in 1992 by a wreathmaker in Maine named Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America now honors veterans in all 50 states and Puerto Rico each year by placing more than 1.7 million wreaths at more than 2,500 cemeteries, from the famous like Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, to thousands of small, local burial sites, like Mount Rock Cemetery in Lewistown. The group is perhaps most famous for decorating the graves of deceased military veterans each December with a natural balsam wreath and
handmade bow. But the organization works all year to not only plan this solemn remembrance of those who have served our nation, but to help local groups who support the military by allowing them to sell wreath sponsorships as a means of fundraising. “We remember veterans by placing these wreaths but we honor them,” said Amber Caron, the director of communication for Wreaths Across America. “We work with other non-profits through a fundraising program. Our wreaths are $15 to sponsor a wreath and through our fundraising program, groups can use it as a fundraiser for their own program locally.” She cited an example by which a local VFW sells a wreath sponsorship and of the $15 price, $5 is returned to the VFW. “Through that program in the past 11, 12 years, Wreaths Across America has given
Photos courtesy WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Wreaths lay on veterans’ graves and a blanket of fresh snow at Arlington National Cemetery. What Wreaths Across America started here in 1992 has now grown to more than 2,500 cemeteries serving as the final resting place of more than 1.7 million U.S. military veterans.
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back almost $15 million to other non-profit and civic groups in communities across the country,” Caron said. It all ties in to the mission of Wreaths Across America — remember, honor, teach. “Everything we do as an organization nationally and internationally really comes back to those three pillars,” Caron said. In addition to the fundraising work, Wreaths Across America is active with events throughout the calendar that serve to further the group’s efforts. In March on Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day, Wreaths Across America held an event at a POW museum that specializes in the Vietnam War, allowing the museum to tell the stories of veterans who, unlike those who return stateside today, were not welcomed home from the war. “We actually went down to
A man pauses to visit with a lost loved one after a wreath had been placed on his grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
D.C. and we established a partnership with the Vietnam War Commemorative in which we are actually commemorative partners so we can welcome home Vietnam veterans, which we do and we do that often,” Caron said. “That was
something we kicked off in March and was something that our local volunteers, as a part of the commemorative, can welcome home the Vietnam veteran and give them a commemorative pin, which is very meaningful for many of these
The Sentinel—11 Vietnam veterans who were not welcomed home when they came home.” This past month saw a virtual road race designed to help raise money for wreath sponsorships. In June, Caron said Wreaths Across America plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Daughters of the American Revolution to sponsor a grove of trees that will serve another purpose before eventually being used to make wreaths. Caron said a veteran’s family can submit the veteran’s information and a replica dog tag will be produced. The family can then choose which tree to hang the dog tag from, where it will remain for three years before the tree is harvested for making wreaths that will eventually be placed on veterans’ graves. “We have about 15,000 dog tags on these trees,” Caron
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12—The Sentinel said. “It really is a sight to see.” The group has also taken up the task of waving the flag for one hour each Tuesday in September, a tradition started in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The program, known as Flags Across America, encourages people to wave the American flag each Tuesday in September from 9 until 10 a.m. Caron also highlighted the organization’s mobile education exhibit, a traveling trailer designed to educate people about what veterans have endured. “It has a movie theater inside, it has interactive displays, it goes to schools and veterans homes and private events and public events throughout the country and we have two ambassadors who travel with it and give tours,” Caron said, stressing its use as an education tool more than a means of raising money. But despite all the work the organization does throughout the year, it is still most famous for the wreath laying. Worcester found himself in 1992 with approximately 5,000 extra wreaths and was seeking a way to put them to good use. After contacting then-U.S. Rep. Olympia Snowe, Worcester obtained permission to transport the wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington D.C. to place them on veterans’ graves in the original portion of the sprawling memorial. “Most of the people buried there don’t actively have family coming there to visit them,” Caron said. “So, that first year, he got a volunteer trucking company to haul all these wreaths down and he and about 10 others spent the entire day placing those wreaths. And it moved him so much and so many people who were there kept saying how wonderful it was and it just really resonated with him and his family. So, for the next
Wreaths Across America has a mobile education exhibit that travels the country and seeks to educate people about they types of things veterans have endured during their service to the nation.
14 years, the Worcester family did that privately and quietly with no fanfare. They made those wreaths for Arlington and they went down every year and they placed them in different parts of the cemetery as a way of saying thank you to our nation’s military.” The public became aware of what was going on after a USO photographer took a now-iconic shot of the wreaths laying on the graves having just been dusted with newly-fallen snow. The photo was published online with a poem and was shared widely and rapidly on social media. “It turned into a kind of crazy, viral thing that no one with the Worcester family even knew about and they started receiving checks and requests from people from all over the country from people wanting to go and place wreaths at their local cemetaries and wanted him to come,” Caron said. “It kind of was a bit overwhelming and, obviously, as a private entity they couldn’t
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The Sentinel—13 accept that and they couldn’t do all that, so it struck and nerve and the idea of creating a non-profit to help grow this desire and mission to remember, honor, teach was formed in 2007.” The act of placing the wreaths, while symbolic, not only serves to honor the deceased veterans, but it also provides comfort and closure to the families they have left behind, especially if the veteran was killed while serving. “For a lot of Gold Star Families, Wreaths Across America has become a mission that gives them purpose, that helps them to carry on,” Caron said of those who have had a relative killed in combat. “We have a Gold Star Mother who’s on the board of directors and she says for her it’s knowing that no matter whether she’s here or not or whether her family’s here, at Wreaths Across America, somebody will always come to honor her son and that gives her peace knowing that there’s always someone who will come and honor his service.” As the wreaths are placed, Wreaths Across America asks those participating to pause and say each veteran’s name out loud to ensure they are properly honored. “The wreath is just the catalyst that brings communities together,” she said. “And when we place a wreath, we ask our volunteers — mil-
lions of people come together on Wreaths Across America day to place wreaths — we ask everyone that when they place a wreath to stop, take your time and say that person’s name out loud to keep their memory alive. We don’t want people to rush. These are not Christmas wreaths. These are handmade gifts to an American service man or woman. “A lot of very active military and veteran groups that are part of Wreaths Across America partner with us feel very strongly how important this is to take that time to make sure that these men and women are remembered. It’s very healing for families.” Caron said this organization is for everyone who has one goal in mind. We are a non-political, non-religious organization,” she said. “We represent all people. Anyone can participate in this program. We’re very strict about that. Our volunteer base knows that. Veterans are something we can agree on most of the time and that serving our country is an important part of what makes us all Americans. We’re lucky in that respect.” This year’s Wreaths Across America Day is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18. Anyone who wishes to participate or volunteer to become an organizer for a local cemetery can visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to find out how.
Morrill Worcester, a wreathmaker from Maine who founded Wreaths Across America, pauses to pay tribute to a deceased military veteran while placing a wreath on the veteran’s grave. What began in 1992 with around 5,000 wreaths has grown into a national organization placing more than 1.7 million wreaths at more than 2,500 cemeteries in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The 3rd Calvary Yeagertown Fire Co.
14—The Sentinel
‘WALL THAT HEALS’ AT JAMES E. VAN ZANDT VA MEDICAL CENTER
Photos courtesy JAMES E. VAN ZANDT VA MEDICAL CENTER
A man kneels while placing an American flag near the name of a loved one listed on the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona. The wall, originally intended to be a traveling memorial, has deteriorated somewhat and is now in need of replacement.
Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Altoona in need of replacement By JULIANNE KILMER The Wall That Heals will be undergoing some healing of its own. The memorial wall, located at James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was originally designed to travel throughout the United States
and has been displayed at nearly 600 locations since 1996. In 2000, the re-creation was dedicated as a permanent fixture in Altoona. Since then, the wall, which is made of stamped metal, has deteriorated in some ways. “After 20 years, it has just outlived its lifespan,” said John Clay, public affairs officer for the medical cen-
Thank You to all military personnel for your service.
The Sentinel—15 ter. “We need to raise some funds to replace it.” Clay said the new wall will be either granite or a faux granite material – something more permanent for the community. The names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing are inscribed on the wall. Clay said there are 58,202 names on the replica; 116 more names need to be added to make it current. “It’s a unique location and it’s a special thing,” Clay said. “People show up and they really want to just be there for awhile to memorialize their loved ones.” There is no admission cost and parking to visit the wall is free. It is manned by volunteers – many of whom are veterans – during daylight hours. To donate toward the wall’s replacement, anyone may send a check in
Names on the wall are shown close up.
any amount to Voluntary 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., the memo section to ensure Services at James E. Van Altoona, PA 16602. Include funds will be earmarked for Zandt VA Medical Center, “The Wall That Heals” in that project.
16—The Sentinel
COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICES Courthouse offices seek to assist vets with getting services, benefits By ERIN THOMPSON As an advocate for those who have served in the military, Veterans Affairs offices work to ensure veterans obtain the services they are entitled to. James Conway, director of Veteran Affairs of Mifflin County, said the office will help veterans obtain a myriad of services that range from health care coverage to offsetting the cost of grave markers. Even as one of the counties in Pennsylvania with the highest number of registered veterans per capita — at about 3,500 — Conway’s goal is to encourage veterans to register with the VA to help them take advantage of services. “I take this job very personal. I will work for veterans. I’m not afraid to go the extra mile,” he said. “In this office, we are all very passionate about it. We are all very caring. We all go above and beyond what we need to do to cater to the veterans because they deserve this and we should.” To qualify for services, members of the VA must have served in the military. Qualifications are based on how the veteran was discharged, how-
ever, Conway said an “other than honorable” discharge and a dishonorable discharge don’t necessarily make them ineligible for services. He also said the VA is able to assist in appealing a type of discharge, which could open the applicant up to more services. Conway said VA offices are able to review services that might be available and as a veteran himself, he wants to ensure they are able to get the assistance they need. “Don’t think that it’s a burden to come in here to the system. (By taking advantage of services), you’re not taking from another veteran, I promise you that. They may qualify for things they had no idea that they qualified for, so I tell them to come in and talk to me.” Among other veteran benefits, Conway said the VA offers benefits such as Veterans Aid and Attendance for veterans an their spouses to offset the cost of nursing homes. “It’s a great program. We’ve discovered that as veterans get older, the price goes up, but they are on fixed income and the cost gets astronomical. It alleviates some of the burden family members have to endure
during that time.” The VA also offers grants for veterans for to offset home repair, heating and car repairs up to $1,600. “You might not qualify for something, but you might qualify for something you had no idea that you qualified for,” he said. Since July of last year, Conway said the VA of Mifflin County has awarded more than $1 million to veterans. The Veteran Affairs office of Mifflin County will host a Vet-
erans Appreciation event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 28 at Rec Park to share more information about services the VA can offer. “It’s a way of saying thank you and to get the word out,” said Conway. Conway said the event will be catered and will be attended by the National Guard and the Pa. Military Museum. Services in Mifflin County are available by calling (717) 2486421. The office is located in the Mifflin County Courthouse, 20 N. Wayne St., Lewistown. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Services in Juniata County are available by calling (717) 436-7728. The office is located at the Bousum Building, 26 North Main St., Mifflintown. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
Local county VA offices Mifflin County 20 N. Wayne St. Lewistown, PA 17044 Phone: (717) 248-6421 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Juniata County 26 N. Main St. Mifflintown, PA 17059 Phone: (717) 436-7728 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday
1935 86 Years of Service 2021
The Sentinel—17
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT The Wounded Warrior Project, founded in 2003 in Roanoke, Va., is a national, non-profit organization that supports military veterans who were wounded or injured in combat on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The organization refers to its members as “alumni” and those who register as a veteran or family member are able to seek assistance through free programs, services and events that make healing possible. Family members who register receive an alumni experience geared specifically for family support. WWP boasts a supportive community and says it “can give you the strength to keep taking the steps toward living a rewarding civilian life.”
T h e program is designed to connect wounded service men and women to others who have had similar experiences and allow them to build a network of people who can relate to the challenges of returning to civilian life after being wounded in battle. WWP also has a resource center where veterans can discover benefits they may be eliglble for and help for those who qualify to get the most out of those benefits. The organization has a
government affairs team that seeks to affect change on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. that will benefit veterans who are returning or have recently returned from a foreign combat zone, including advocating for changes to policy and legislation impacting veterans’ mental health, access to community care, research for brain injuries, toxic exposures, transition assistance benefits and more. WWP annually puts on a “Soldier Ride” which is a four-
day cycling event that not only allows wounded warriors to participate totally free of cost, it gives them a chance to push themselves physically and mentally and meet other warriors in the process. As a non-profit organization, Wounded Warrior Project relies on donations to fund many of its projects and services. To donate, visit WWP’s website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org and click on the Ways To Donate link at the top of the home page. There you will be offered a chance for a one-time donation, a monthly donation or a donation in honor of someone else. ¯¯¯ Source: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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18—The Sentinel
AMERICAN VETERANS (AMVETS) BELOW: Delaware Creek runs just outside the Thompsontown AMVETS post, allowing locals to come fish beneath the foot bridge between the building and the parking lot. Photos by KIER HARRIS
ABOVE: The sign on the outside of the Thompsontown post of AMVETS is shown.
Thompsontown post aims to support vets, be active in community By KIER HARRIS Post 122 of the nationwide veterans organization American Veterans, commonly known as AMVETS, is situated in Thompsontown on the Delaware Creek. In fact, you have to walk over the creek on a footbridge to reach the front door. The creekside locale of this particular post adds to its unique charm: The post hosts an annual trout derby for local youth, as the perennially dangling lures snagged on what seemed like all the hardest-to-reach areas around the creekside would suggest. The organization at large has a proud history of assisting veterans and spon-
soring numerous programs to do just that. AMVETS began as an organization to help veterans who were returning from war to receive the benefits that were due to them from the government. When the returning veterans interested in membership started to number in the millions, it became apparent that a national organization needed to be formed. The organization even became the first veterans’ organization to be chartered by Congress. AMVETS is broken down into posts, and one of them resides in our very own Thompsontown. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving or has honorably served. The organization
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The Sentinel—19 Clockwise from top: People fish in Delaware Creek from the foot bridge outside the Thompsontown AMVETS post; The foot bridge leads from the building to the parking lot, which is large enough for the community to use as a free parking lot, which is often taken advantage of by commuters; the plaque at the base of the flagpole, installed in 1999, serves as a dedication to area veterans.
internally elects officers at a variety of regional levels. At the AMVETS national convention held each year, these representatives deliberate on issues affecting veterans and the organization. AMVETS has been directly involved in public-policy related to defense, homeless veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs and a variety of other issues pertaining to the concerns of our veterans. Members of the organization also devote time to hospitalized veterans in an effort to lighten their spirits. The organization also funds scholarships for high
school seniors and does what it can locally to give back to the communities where its posts are located. Post 122 holds the aforementioned annual Trout Derby for kids and adults with disabilities. In addition, this event helps the post to conserve and stock the local stream. The Juniata Trout Club and the Lost Creek Trout club stock brown and rainbow trout at the beginning of the season. The success of the project can be measured by the healthy, gorgeous stream, and the scores of happy children each trout season.
20—The Sentinel
I REMEMBER WHEN FAVO R I T E R I D E S
6•18•21
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Submit to The Sentinel, Attn: Lifestyle Editor, 352 Sixth St., Lewistown, PA 17044. Or, email living@lewistownsentinel.com. You may use our virtual newsroom (click Submit News” from The Sentinel’s home page.)
We’ll also take entries via Second Street:
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Deadline to submit entries is June 2, 2021
The Sentinel—21
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS VFW serves as advocate for combat veterans By BRADLEY KREITZER The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was created in 1914 when the American Veterans of Foreign Service out of Columbus, Ohio merged with the National Society of the Army of the Philippines of Denver, Colorado. Twenty-two years later the non-profit organization was chartered by Congress. To this day the VFW has provided veterans services, military and community service programs, and remains an legislative advocate for the men and women who served the United States in foreign wars. Within the VFW is a network of trained and accredited Department Service Officers. These officers help veterans navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process. According to the VFW website, 2020 Department of Veterans Affairs statistics show that the VFW helped recoup more than $9.7 billion in earned benefits including $1.4 billion in new claims, submitted on behalf of more than 110,000 veterans. Training and accreditation of VFW Department Service Officers is done by the VFW’s National Veterans Service who also represents veterans on the
Photos by BRADLEY KREITZER
VFW Post 7011 can be found along Chestnut Street in Lewistown. It is one of several VFW posts that can be found locally.
Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington D.C. Annually the NVS provides $1.9 million in support of VFW Departments veteran service programs. National officers of the VFW travel overseas to meet with host-country officials to stress the importance of conducting MIA investigation and recovery operations. The national officers also work with these
host-country officials to gain access to documents and archival research facilities to aid in MIA investigations. The VFW also has a pre-discharge program which provides claims assistance to separating military personnel on 24 military installations and military populated regions throughout the United States. As a concern for veterans’
health and wellness, VFW has the Tactical Assessment Center or TAC. The center operates a toll-free hotline for veterans with questions or concerns about VA health care and benefits. The Tactical Assessment Center can be reached at 1-800VFW-1899. Each year the VFW holds a health fair during its national convention. At the fair the VFW conducts free
Local VFW Posts Post 7011 12 Chestnut St. Lewistown (717) 248-3621
Post 5935 4138 E. Main St. Belleville (717) 935-2297
Post 5863 24 South Main St. Mifflintown (717) 436-9912
Post 5754 14646 Croghan Pike Mount Union (814) 542-9909
Post 5640 1555 Paxtonville Road Middleburg (570) 837-9981
22—The Sentinel health screenings, eye exams, cholesterol checks, respiratory function testing, blood pressure screening and blood glucose testing. The VFW is also active in government on behalf of the American veteran with the National Legislative Service. According to the VFW website the NLS educates Congress and advocates for policies that improve the lives of veterans, active duty military and their families. Among the VFW legislative programs is the Action Corps. Described as a grassroots lobbying effort, the Action Corps has more than 300,000 volunteer advocates who write, call and visit lawmakers to discuss issues related to veterans. According to the VFW website the organization testifies up to 30 times every year before Congress. The VFW also testifies before the annual Joint Senate and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Hearing to consider the VFW’s priority goals. Employment Services The VFW is a strong supporter of veterans’ preference in government positions. The Washington Office actively works to advance veteran-specific employment legislation. Posts around the nation hold local events and projects that benefit combat veterans. In order to carry out these endeavors the VFW turns to it’s partner organization the Auxiliary of the VFW. Formerly the VFW Ladies Auxiliary the volunteer organization was restructured to include both
The flag retirement pit located at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Heiser-Hoffman Post 5640 in Middleburg is used to respectfully dispose of damaged and worn U.S. flags in official flag retirement ceremonies.
women and men. The focus of the auxiliary is to coordinate volunteers to carry out the VFW’s planned events and projects. “Our purpose is to make sure the veterans have what they need,” said district president Bev Lightfoot-Gers of Heiser-Hoffman Post 5640 of Middleburg. “We prepare meals for the veterans. If they (VFW) have a project we help with that project whatever it is whether it be through monetary donations or volunteer help.” Along with their monthly veterans meal the auxiliary out of Post 5640 has recently provided products for the lo-
cal shelters. “The thing is we do all this because we don’t know if there are veterans involved or not,” Lightfood-Gers said. “Just on the chance that there might be a veteran out there that needs help, he or she is getting help also if we donate to these causes.” Lightfoot-Gers said the Post 5640 auxiliary is very active in helping veterans and the local community. Members of the auxiliary visit the veterans home and area nursing homes to spend time with the residents and do activities such as playing bingo. The Post 5640 Auxiliary will at times assist other
non-profit organizations such as providing meals for Habitat for Humanity work crews. Lightfoot-Gers said each Memorial Day she makes sure to travel around to deliver poppies to veterans, the official memorial flower of the VFW since 1922. According to Lightfoot-Gers, some other things the VFW Auxiliary does is make donations to veterans home and the children’s home for the veteran’s families, hold in-house fundraisers and participate in various community events to encourage VFW membership. “Our veterans are our number one concern,” she said.
By the numbers ¯ More than 1,900 Depart- veterans in fiscal year 2020. ment of Veterans Affairs-ac¯ More than $2.3 million credited VFW representatives across America and abroad. service and family members hosted at VFW Military Assis¯ More than $9.7 billion tance Program (MAP) events veterans recoup in VA disabil- since 2005. ity compensation and pension benefits, which includes $1.4 ¯ $12.07 million in finanbillion in new benefits paid to cial assistance awarded to
military families since 2004 dle and high school students to help cover basic needs in through two major patriotic times of crisis. 44% of the essay competitions. funds covered basic housing needs. ¯ $8.6 million in scholarships awarded to more than ¯ $3.5 million in scholar- 1,924 veterans and service ships, monetary awards and members through VFW’s other incentives the VFW “Help A Hero Scholarship” distributes annually to mid- since January 2014.
The Sentinel—23
HAPPY
Memorial DAY
In honor of those who have selflessly given and valiantly served our Nation.
WE THANK YOU!
24—The Sentinel
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