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VOL. 1/ISSUE 16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013
President’s golf game grounds flight portion of veterans event By Patrick McCallister For Veteran Voice Hard to tell how things could have gone. Folks at the Italian American Civic Association, Vero Beach, are certain that the weather was great for its premier Valentine Salute to Our Vets, but it still got rained out — so to speak. The rain came in the form of a Federal Aviation Administration temporary flight restriction. Much of the Treasure Coast became a no-fly zone for a couple days when President Barack Obama spent last weekend in Palm City. “The president decided to play golf,” event organizer Ray Giustizia said. “No comment.” The show must go on — but this one had to without one of its big events. Members of the Special Forces Association Parachute Team were slated to do some demonstration jumps to wow the crowds. That didn’t happen. Planes couldn’t take flight from the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, where the event was held, while the president was in the area. Additionally, Merritt Island’s Florida Biplanes and Helicopters was unable to give rides in a 1940 Waco UPF-7 and 1953 Hiller UH-12B helicopter. Stanley “Bo” Kinnison, leader of the demonstration parachute team, said the no-fly area during the president’s visit seemed absurdly large. “When we’re doing something for our veterans, I’m sorry the president’s golf game does not take precedence,” Kinnison said. “Why did he need so much airspace restricted when he was down there?” Martin “Marty” Zickert, president of the Veterans Council of Indian River County, is not so sure that flight restrictions caused by Obama’s visit affected the fundraiser. He said the civic association was late to the game for planning and promoting the event.
Service to those who served By Joyce Wilden For Veteran Voice
Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice for the upcoming temporary flight restrictions. That was at 8:13 p.m. It’s the sort of thing that pilots usually don’t notice until
Richard Agnew was born in the Lone Star state, the son of an Air Force officer. The athletic youth attended the University of Iowa on a basketball scholRichard Agnew arship, entering the Air Force as a second lieutenant after ROTC training and graduation in 1968. The next 20 years meant duty posts around the world for the administrative officer focused on Morale, Welfare and Recreation; “People Programs” for service members and their families. With lovely French-born Nicole at his side, Richard retired in 1988. The couple headed to Florida and Richard found a perfect fit as the residential manager for the fledgling community of 50 or so homes in Indian River Colony Club, Viera. Twenty-three years later, the full-service community includes 771 homes. Richard’s 49-member maintenance staff oversees residential maintenance, pest control, irrigation, landscaping and housekeeping/pools services. He instructs new staffers that their job is like “taking care of your parents.” Reciprocally, that same friendly familiarity often sees staff members treated like sons and
See GROUNDED page 4
See AGNEW page 7
Staff photo by Tammy Raits Ray Giustizia, who organized the Valentine Salute to Our Vets, talks with Rodger Pridgeon, owner of Corporate Air, which provided the hangar where the Feb. 16 event was held. Guistizia said he got the word late Friday afternoon about the restricted air space, and spent until early morning hours on Saturday trying to get a waiver through the governor’s office, but didn’t get a phone call back. “I really don’t think it made that much difference to be truthful with you,” Zickert said. “I’d like to think it did.” Back at the Italian American Civic Association, no one knew that a storm was brewing that might kill ticket sales to the Salute to Our Veterans. On
2 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
Tico Warbird Airshow to recognize 70th anniversary of the ‘Memphis Belle’ B-17 flying 25 missions By Col. Terry Yon, retired For Veteran Voice The B-17 Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle” was one of 12,750 B-17’s built by the Boeing Aircraft Co. The Belle was
the most famous because she was the first heavy bomber in the European war theatre to complete 25 combat missions with the same crew and return to the U.S.
See MEMPHIS page 3
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VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • 3
State vets budget gets slight increase By Patrick McCallister For Veteran Voice A little more for Florida’s veterans, but not quite as much as the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs requested and the Florida Cabinet approved. “The governor’s recommended budget is about $88.8 million,” said Steve Murray, communications director of the department. “It is an increase of $4.4 million over this year, which ends on June 30.” Earlier this month, Gov. Rick Scott, a Navy veteran, rolled out his $74.2 billion
proposed budget, named Florida’s Families First. In an age when state governments are generally reducing their workforces, Scott’s proposed budget would add three positions to the state veterans department. “These are going to be veterans’ claims examiners,” Murray said. “Which is a good thing, obviously.” The state employs about 100 service officers, or claims examiners, to help veterans filing for federal Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The state’s
See BUDGET page 8
MEMPHIS from page 2 with that crew. The “Memphis Belle” and her crew represent all the planes and crews of the 8th Army Air Force. The bombers of the USAAF took on the challenge of daylight precision bombing and succeeded in the face of dramatic losses. “The Belle” flew for 10 months from Nov. 7, 1942 to May 17, 1943. The command had set 25 missions as an incentive for aircrews to go home. Morale was extremely low because 80 percent of the bombers were shot down during the first three months of America’s combat flights over Europe. Early experience showed that the average life expectancy of a bomber crew in late 1942 was 8-12 missions. A bomber crewman at that time only had a 30-50 percent chance of completing his tour of duty. The Belle shot down eight enemy fighters, probably destroyed five others, and damaged at least a dozen more. She dropped more than 60 tons of bombs over Germany, France and Belgium. During her 25 missions she flew 148 hours, 50 minutes, and covered more than 20,000 combat miles. This gallant lady was bullet-ridden and flak damaged; on five separate occasions had engines shot out and once came back with her tail nearly shot off. However, there was not one major injury to the crew members.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Terry Yon serves as public relations officer for the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville. He can be reached at the museum, (321) 268-1941 or by email at vacwarbirds@bellsouth.net.
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The 26th mission of the Belle was to return to the States during the summer of 1943 on a public relations tour to thank the American public for supporting the war effort. The crew visited more than 32 cities where they received a heroes’ welcome. The Memphis Belle is currently being restored by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Footnote: Robert Morgan went on to fly 25 more missions in the B-29 “Super Fortress” (Dauntless Dotty), in the Pacific, and in November 1944 led the first bombing mission against Tokyo, since the Doolittle Raid in April 1942. The Valiant Air Command is proud and honored to help preserve the memory of these heroic pilots and crews who made the B-17 Flying Fortress such a great warbird machine of World War II. Gates open at 8:30 each day. Advance tickets are available through Ticket Derby on line at our website or through ticketderby. com. Come and see all the vintage warbirds, great flying, vendors and family activities — AND help us honor the great B-17 Flying Fortress. For additional information, call (321) 268-1941, or visit the website at www.vacwarbirds.org.
For more information call us today (772) 204-2409 Veteran Voice, LLC. 1919 SW South Macedo Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
4 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
Staff photo by Tammy Raits Even though President Barack Obama’s golf weekend caused the cancellation of the flying attractions scheduled for the event, the show went on anyway. Heidi Shafer, Erinn Diaz and Serah Haley comprise ‘Letters from Home,’ an Andrews Sisters tribute troupe from North Carolina. They sang World War II-era songs and danced for the crowd at the ‘Valentine’s Day Salute to Our Veterans’ sponsored by the Italian American Club of Vero Beach Saturday, Feb. 16.
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Veteran Voice is a newspaper for veterans, active military, their families and their friends. We are published weekly by Veteran Voice, LLC. 1919 SW South Macedo Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 (772) 204-2409 Office • (772) 204-2940 Fax Theodore Wilson Publisher
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GROUNDED from page 1 they’re making flight plans. On Valentine’s Day, Josh Earnest, Obama’s principal deputy press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One that the president was heading to Florida the next day. “And then after that event, he’s traveling to Florida where he’s going to spend Presidents’ Day weekend relaxing with some friends,” Earnest said at a press gaggle. On the 15th, Earnest was a bit more detailed. “But, as I mentioned yesterday, the president is looking forward to spending Presidents’ Day weekend with some friends in Florida, and I’m sure they’ll take advantage of the opportunity to play some golf,” he said at another gaggle. Golf with Jupiter Island resident Eldrick Tont Woods, better known as Tiger. Corporate Air, 3100 Airport Drive West, hosted the Valen-
tine’s Salute. Owner Rodger Pridgeon said temporary flight restrictions are a routine part of any pilot’s life. He said they’re generated by a number of things besides presidential travels, including large sporting events. “There’s one at (Disney World) that’s been there forever,” Pridgeon said. “Ever since 9/11, they don’t want aircraft flying over Disney. I don’t know why they call it temporary.” Giustizia said that a few hundred showed for the charitable event aimed at raising money for the American Civic Association Charities of Vero Beach. The civic association was hoping for a couple thousand attendees. “We probably lost about $4,000,” Giustizia said. “That’s with a lot of people helping us.” Military jets diverted at least three planes from the flight-restricted area when the president was in Palm City. The White House referred all questions to the Secret Service, which had not returned calls by press time for this story.
VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • 5 Dennis ‘Chick’ Caffrey of Marine Corps League, Detachment 58 of Vero Beach is serenaded by crooner Heidi Shafer of ‘Letters from Home,’ a North Carolina-based Andrews Sisters tribute group who performed for the audience at the Feb. 16 ‘Valentines for Our Veterans’ event in Vero Beach.
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6 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
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ThE PUnch ShOT The punch shot is basically used in cross winds or winds that blow into your face or the direction you are hitting. Most players try to hit the punch with a very hard swing which will cause the ball to go higher. You should take one club more and swing slower putting less spin on the ball. A couple of keys hitting low shots – 1. Position the ball towards the back foot. 2. Keep club going back low to the ground and finish with the club low to the ground.
Thursday, March 14 - 8 to 9 a.m., Military Officers Assoc. meeting Golf Club House, 861 Marina Road, Patrick AFB, (321) 784-8934 Tuesday, March 19, noon, Military Officers Luncheon The Tides Club, 1001 N. A1A, Patrick AFB, (321) 453-2947 Speaker - Navy Captain John Heatherington, Commander, Navy Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU), Cape Canaveral Thursday, March 21 - 8 to 9 a.m., Military Officers Assoc. meeting IRCC Colony Hall, 1936 Freedom Drive, Viera, (321) 784-8934
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VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • 7
AGNEW from page 1 daughters. Residents feel secure encountering the same smiling faces and they don’t worry when a major appliance or exterior home repair is needed. Kitchen appliances, water heaters, air conditioning systems, roofs and stucco problems are resolved by repair or replacement as needed. Urgent problems are handled the same day — even after hours. And when a storm threatens, maintenance staff organizes into teams to put up storm panels. Skilled technicians also perform a variety of off-duty tasks for residents at reasonable fees. Having fun is all in a day’s work, and Richard recounts several stories with a smile. A chimney ruckus quieted down after nesting birds were safely removed and relocated. A missing patio umbrella was found fully open and resting on the homeowner’s roof one blustery day. And a positive ID was made in the infamous “car paint splatter” caper — sandhill cranes. An IRCC member since 1991, Richard and his shar pei, Miss Lili, do not “as yet” reside in the community. Now a widower with two grown children, Richard stays busy with golf and two BMW sport touring motorcycles. And he enjoys his day job, providing “service to those who served.”
Photo courtesy of Joyce Wilden Richard Agnew supervises a 49-person maintenance staff at Indian River Colony Club in Viera. Paul Mottolo prepares to leave on a service call.
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8 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
Air Show returns to Vero Beach after 16 years For Veteran Voice
Vero Beach Air Show Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the three Exchange Clubs in the Vero Beach area are extremely proud and excited to announce the resurrection of the Vero Beach Air Show, at the city of Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, Florida, after a 16-year hiatus. The excitement begins with back-to-back shows scheduled for Oct. 5-6 and then again on May 10-11, 2014. Located on the grounds that were once used by our brave men and women during WWII, when it was known as the Naval Air Station Vero Beach, the first show, Oct. 5-6, will feature the United States Navy F/A-18 Tactical Demonstration Team, the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team, and a full weekend of military and civilian air demonstrations, as well as ground static aircraft. The United States Navy F/A-18 Tactical Demonstration or “TAC Demo” is designed to highlight the mobility, versatility, and power of the F/A-18 Hornet
See VERO page 10
BUDGET from page 3 veterans department is separate from the federal government’s. The cabinet gave the first nod to the state’s veterans department’s 2013-2014 budget requests in December. Budget recommendations move to the Florida Legislature during its 60-day session, March 5 to May 3. Scott abstained from voting for budget recommendations made to the cabinet, because he’s responsible for crafting and submitting an independent budget request to the Legislature. Murray said the department’s proposed 2013-2014 budget made to the cabinet was about $90.2 million, about $1.4 million more than the governor’s recommendations. This fiscal year, the state agency is operating on an $83.7 million budget with 1,088 fulltime positions. The state veterans department’s primary operations are the State Veterans Homes Program and Agency for Benefits and Assistance. The department operates six nursing homes with 120 beds each, and an assisted living facility with 150. In a previous interview, Murray said the nursing homes program is the largest budget item. “It is more than 90 percent of our budget and 90 percent of our personnel,” he said. “All of that runs from trust funds. No general revenue goes to the homes.” The homes program is financed through a mixture of federal VA, Medicare, Medicaid, insurance and private dollars.
For example, when Floridians purchase military-related specialty plates for their automobiles, they help fund the homes. How implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could affect funding for the veterans homes is unclear. “We’re monitoring it, of course,” Murray said. “The details of how it will affect Florida and Florida’s Veterans Homes is unclear to everyone. We’re monitoring it as the situation matures.” Murray said the benefits-and-assistance agency’s budget is from the state’s general revenue, which is raised through sales taxes and services fees. This year, the department is getting about $7.3 million from the general revenue. The three new positions will come from the state’s general fund. It’s impossible to calculate how many dollars the state’s services officers have helped veterans collect, but Florida’s estimated 1.6 million veterans give the state a substantial economic boost. “During the last federal fiscal year, (veterans) brought in about $13.7 billion federal dollars into Florida’s economy,” Murray said in the previous interview. That’s just in retirement, pensions, healthcare and educational benefits. It doesn’t include ancillary dollars, such as construction of the new Orlando VA hospital, slated to be substantially completed sometime after July and completed by early 2014. The 1.2 million-square-foot facility will cost the federal VA at least $612 million. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs isn’t involved in the hospital construction or operation.
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Crossword
*PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, FEATURES, COLORS DRAWINGS, FLOOR PLANS, SQUARE FOOTAGES AND SIZES ARE APPROXIMATE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL VARY FROM THE HOME AS BUILT. ALL DRAWINGS ARE THE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. HOME AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION, INCLUDING VALUE, PRICING, INCLUDING FEATURES, TERMS AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND PRIOR SALE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. DUE TO D.R. HORTON, INC’S CONTINUAL BUILDING RESEARCH AND POSSIBILITY OF MATERIAL SHORTAGES, THERE MAY BE EXISTING OR FUTURE CHANGES MADE IN BUILDING PRODUCTS, MATERIALS, METHODS, OR DESIGNS USED IN OUR HOMES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN OUR MODELS. D.R. HORTON IS NOT INVOLVED WITH HE DRAWING AND,ISCOLORS NOT AFFILIATED YMCA AND DOES NOT REPRESENT STATEMENTS MADE BY YMCA.PURPOSES SEE OFFICIALS RULES COMPLETE DETAILS *PICTURES , PHOTOGRAPHS , FEATURES DRAWINGSWITH , FLOOR PLANS , SQUARE FOOTAGES AND ENDORSE SIZES AREANY APPROXIMATE FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY AND WILLFOR VARY FROM THE HOME.
*PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, FEATURES, COLORS DRAWINGS, FLOOR PLANS, SQUARE FOOTAGES AND SIZES ARE APPROXIMATE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL VARY FROM THE HOME AS BUILT. ALL DRAWINGS ARE THE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. HOME AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION, INCLUDING VALUE, PRICING, INCLUDING FEATURES, TERMS AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND PRIOR SALE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. DUE TO D.R. HORTON, INC’S CONTINUAL BUILDING RESEARCH AND POSSIBILITY OF MATERIAL SHORTAGES, THERECLUES ACROSS MAY BE EXISTING OR FUTURE CHANGES MADE IN BUILDING PRODUCTS, MATERIALS, METHODS, OR DESIGNS USED IN OUR HOMES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN OUR MODELS. D.R. HORTON IS NOT INVOLVED WITH HE DRAWING AND IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH YMCA AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ENDORSE ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY YMCA. SEE OFFICIALS RULES FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. 1. Utilization
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*PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, FEATURES, COLORS DRAWINGS, FLOOR PLANS, SQUARE FOOTAGES AND SIZES ARE APPROXIMATE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL VARY FROM THE HOME AS BUILT. ALL DRAWINGS ARE THE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. HOME AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION, INCLUDING VALUE, PRICING, INCLUDING FEATURES, TERMS AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND PRIOR SALE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. DUE TO D.R. HORTON, INC’S CONTINUAL BUILDING RESEARCH AND POSSIBILITY OF MATERIAL SHORTAGES, THERE MAY BE EXISTING OR FUTURE CHANGES MADE IN BUILDING PRODUCTS, MATERIALS, METHODS, OR DESIGNS USED IN OUR HOMES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN OUR MODELS. D.R. HORTON IS NOT INVOLVED WITH HE DRAWING AND IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH YMCA AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ENDORSE ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY YMCA. SEE OFFICIALS RULES FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.
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*PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, FEATURES, COLORS DRAWINGS, FLOOR PLANS, SQUARE FOOTAGES AND SIZES ARE APPROXIMATE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND WILL VARY FROM THE HOME AS BUILT. ALL DRAWINGS ARE THE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. HOME AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION, INCLUDING VALUE, PRICING, INCLUDING FEATURES, TERMS AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND PRIOR SALE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. DUE TO D.R. HORTON, INC’S CONTINUAL BUILDING RESEARCH AND POSSIBILITY OF MATERIAL SHORTAGES, THERE MAY BE EXISTING OR FUTURE CHANGES MADE IN BUILDING PRODUCTS, MATERIALS, METHODS, OR DESIGNS USED IN OUR HOMES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN OUR MODELS. D.R. HORTON IS NOT INVOLVED WITH HE DRAWING AND IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH YMCA AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ENDORSE ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY YMCA. SEE OFFICIALS RULES FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.
6. 2nd largest Estonia city 11. Spiral staircase center 12. Fisherman’s basket 13. Gain an objective 15. Aromatic pine resin 18. Thai monetary unit 19. Ancient capital of Nabataea 20. Strays 21. Served food 24. “Rubber Ball” singer Bobby 25. Foot digit 26. Profound fear 28. Atomic #77 29. Faced up to 33. Unit of pain intensity 34. Confederate soldier 36. In an inconsiderate manner 43. Blue Hens school 44. Yemen capital 45. Swiss river 47. Black tropical American cuckoo 48. Short stroke 49. Competent 50. Unit used to measure buttons 52. Liabilities 53. Loafers 55. A social outcast 56. Old Man’s beard lichen 58. County north of The Golden Gate 59. Short literary composition 60. Norwegian composer
CLUES DOWN 1. Disentangle stitching 2. Plane passenger places 3. Assoc. for Women in Science 4. 1st bible book (abbr.) 5. The in spanish 6. Atomic #43 7. Arbitrager (inf.) 8. Harvest grain 9. Broadcast images on the airwaves 10. Nine county No. Irish province 13. Assist in some wrongdoing 14. An old 78 card game of Italy 16. They __ 17. Partner of Pa 21. To and ___: back and forth 22. Records electric brain currents 23. Female revolutionary descendants 26. Doctor of Theology
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AS BUILT. ALL DRAWINGS ARE THE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. HOME AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION, INCLUDING VALUE, PRICING, INCLUDING FEATURES, TERMS AVAILABILITY AND AMENITIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND PRIOR SALE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION. DUE TO D.R. HORTON, INC’S CONTINUAL BUILDING RESEARCH AND POSSIBILITY OF MATERIAL SHORTAGES, THERE MAY BE EXISTING OR FUTURE CHANGES MADE IN BUILDING PRODUCTS, MATERIALS, METHODS, OR DESIGNS USED IN OUR HOMES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN OUR MODELS. D.R. HORTON IS NOT INVOLVED WITH HE DRAWING AND IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH YMCA AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ENDORSE ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY YMCA. SEE OFFICIALS RULES FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.
27. The People’s Princess 30. Temperament 31. One of Santa’s helpers 32. Pakistani rupee 35. Divulging a secret 37. Foreign Service 38. Possessed 39. US Nursing Organization 40. Quickly grab 41. Prosecuting officer 42. WW II Crimean conference site 43. Unstick 46. 20th Hebrew letter 47. The work of caring for someone 49. Any high altitude habitation 50. Atomic #3 51. Sea eagles 52. Afghan persian language 54. A large body of water 55. Golf score 57. Antarctica 58. Magnesium
10 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
VERO from page 8 and Super Hornet for the citizens who look to the Navy for the defense of freedom. The TAC Demo’s mission is to enhance the Navy recruiting and demonstrate the awesome capabilities of Naval Aviation and its aircraft. www.veroairshow.com / www.facebook.com/ veroairshow / www.twitter.com/veroairshow. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed “The Golden Knights,” is the Army’s official aerial demonstration team. The Golden Knights perform more than 100 demonstrations a year. The team travels around the United States, performing parachute demonstrations at air shows, major league football and baseball games, and special events, connecting the Army with the American people. The Vero Beach 2013 Air Show will set the stage for some special guests scheduled for our May 10-11, 2014 air show, featuring the world famous and elite Navy Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels will come to the Treasure Coast skies for the first time at the Vero Beach 2014 Air Show. Always a fan favorite, it is a great chance to catch the Blue Angels in action as they perform their high speed maneuvers and precision formations. For sponsorship information, please contact Todd Howder at todd@veroairshow.com or Anthony Samons at anthony@veroairshow.com. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Laurie Collings at info@veroairshow. com. For the latest information on the Vero Beach Air Show, please visit www.VeroAir-
See VERO page 11
Photo courtesy of www.blueangels-usn.org The Blue Angels will come to the Treasure Coast skies for the first time at the Vero Beach 2014 Air Show. Always a fan favorite, it is a great chance to catch the Blue Angels in action as they perform their high speed maneuvers and precision formations.
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VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • 11
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e h T d r i b r Wa eum s u M
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Visit our Family ... It will Become Yours! parking FrEE • admission $3.00 (pEr pErson) ChildrEn undEr agE 8 FrEE
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Show.com and www.facebook. com/VeroAirShow. The mission of the Vero Beach Air Show Inc. mirrors the Exchange Clubs of America’s mission, which is community service and support. The Vero Beach Air Show Inc.’s mission is focused on honoring all whom have served in our armed forces, past, present, and future veterans; creating a friendly environment for military recruiting; wholesome, affordable family (www.veroairshow.com/ www.facebook.com/veroairshow
/www.twitter.com/veroairshow.) entertainment; aviation education to all attendees by presenting a forum for military and civilian flight and ground static aircraft to see close-up; promote The City of Vero Beach, the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, and the businesses throughout the area; promote volunteerism and community support for the largest single entertainment event in the City’s history.
$1.00 OFF Admission
VERO from page 10
12 • FEBRUARY 22, 2013 • VETERAN VOICE • THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
anD our obJeCtIVe
Veteran Voice is a weekly publication designed to provide information to and about veterans to veterans and to the broader community. Veterans are an integral part of their Florida communities, which currently have individual organizations of their own, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America and many other groups with a narrow focus, but no convenient way to connect to a wider population of veterans and to the community in general within a limited geographic area, their community. The mission of Veteran Voice is to publish a weekly source of information that will provide, in one place, a listing of resources available to veterans, articles about changes in policies or organizations affecting veterans and events of interest to veterans as well as articles about veterans of interest to the general public. Veteran Voice LLC is organized as a partnership of experienced newspaper executives with an interest in veterans and in the communities of Florida veterans and friends. VV is a start-up intended to address a perceived lack of information readily available to veterans on programs and policies affecting them and objective reporting of veteran affairs to the public. To our knowledge, and based on comments from leaders of local veterans organizations, there was no media or website currently meeting this need until the launch of VeteranVoice. We hope you agree, and will support this publication with your subscription. Without subscriptions there will be a limited number of people we can help, without which this mission will not be realized. As part of our commitment to supporting local veteran communities, we will donate 10 percent of our profits each quarter to qualified veteran charities recommended by you, our readers and subscribers. Please let us know what you think by emailing editor@veteranvoiceweekly.com or mailing your comments to us at 1919 S.W. South Macedo Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.
Important numbers ... County Veterans Service Officers St. Lucie County, Donna Carlsen Phone: (772) 337-5670 Fax: (772) 337-5678 veterans@stlucieco.org Dorothy J. Conrad Building (formerly the Walton Road Annex Bldg.) 1664 S.E. Walton Road, Suite 205 Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 By appointment Mon., Tues, Thurs, Fri * 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed * 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Lucie County Community Services Bldg. (Corner of Avenue D and 7th Street) 437 N. Seventh St., Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Walk-ins Mon. and Fri. * 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Brevard Veteran’s Services Office 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. B, Suite 102 Viera, FL 32940 Office: (321) 633-2012 Fax: (321) 637-5432 Mon., Tues. and Thurs., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. and Fri, 8 a.m.-noon Manager: Glenn McGuffie
Martin County Tony Reese, Veterans Service Office Supervisor Nick Ciotti, Veterans Service Officer (772) 288-5448 Veterans Services Office Martin County Community Services 435 S.E. Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL 34994 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. VA Life Insurance Ctr., Phil., PA 1-800-669-8477 VA Regional Office - 1-800-827-1000 VA Medical Ctr, W. Palm Beach 1-800-972-8262 Pharmacy, VA Medical Center 1-800-317-8387 Military Retired Pay Activities, Cleveland, OH - (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force ONLY) 1-800-321-1080 Military Retired Pay Activities, Topeka, KS - (Coast Guard ONLY) 1-800-772-8724 Survivor Benefits (SBP), Denver, CO - 1-800-435-3396 Stuart VA Clinic - (772) 288-0304 Okeechobee County Veterans Services office (863) 763-6441, Ext 5. Fax: (863) 7630118.
Indian River County Joel Herman Vero Beach 2525 St. Lucie Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960 Ph: (772) 226-1499 Fax: (772) 770-5038
Orlando VA Medical Cente 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 629-1599 or (800) 922-7521
Sebastian Square 11602 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL 32958 Ph: (772) 589-6597 Fax: (772) 581-4988
Viera patients 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. (877) 741-3400 Weekends, holidays, evenings and nights
Veteran Voice The Voice of Experience
Veteran Voice is a weekly newspaper for veterans, active military, their families and their friends.
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Telephone Care (407) 599-1404 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. (800) 645-6895 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon - Fri (321) 637-3625
West Palm Beach Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410 (561) 422-8262 or (800) 972-8262 Telephone Care (561) 422-6838 (866) 383-9036 Open 24 hours - 7 days Viera VA Outpatient Clinic 2900 Veterans Way, Viera, FL 32940 Phone: (321) 637-3788 1 (877) 8788387 Mon. - Fri. - 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St Lucie County PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) Outpatient Program 126 S.W. Chamber Court, Port St Lucie, FL 34986 Phone: (772) 878-7876 Fort Pierce Community Based Outpatient Clinic 727 North U.S. 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 Phone: (772) 595-5150 Fax: (772) 595-6560 St Lucie Community Based Outpatient Clinic 128 S.W. Chamber Court, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 Phone: (772) 344-9288 Stuart Community Based Outpatient Clinic 3501 S E Willoughby Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34997 Phone: (772) 288-0304 Fax: (772) 288-1371 Vero Beach Community Based Outpatient Clinic 372 17th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960 Phone: (772) 299-4623 Fax: (772) 299-4632
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