VOL. 5/ISSUE 47
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
GOLD STAR MOTHERS 8 decades on, mothers and families carry on tradition of remembrance
Members of the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. hold hands during the organization’s 75th national convention in Arlington, Va., June 24, 2012. - Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Florida Guard response to Irma Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE
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(Editor’s note: Veteran Voice launched a series about the Florida Army and Air National Guard earlier this month aiming to feature units in our coverage area through the month. The Guard points to Sept. 20, 1565, as the founding date of the state’s citizen-soldier tradition, going back to the formation of a citizen militia by Spanish authorities in Florida as the start of the “citizen-soldier tradition” in the state that it’s following today. The series was interrupted. The first week of September, Gov. Rick Scott activated Guard members in preparation for Hurricane Irma, which made first landfall in Florida on Sept. 10. Col. John Pelleriti spoke with Veteran Voice 11 days later.) At press time, all eyes are looking east. Hurricane Maria just bloodied Puerto Rico, which got a bruising from Irma not two weeks earlier. While the National Hurricane Center is predicting Maria will head northward far from Florida, the state’s a little skittish. Should the storm make an unexpected turn, the Florida Army and Air National Guard is ready. The National Guard has been hopping lately. It started ramping up to help Texas after Hurricane Harvey. Then Gov. Rick Scott activated it full on for Irma. “We had a total of 10,000 (Guard members),” Col. John Pellertti told Veteran Voice. Most were Florida Guard members. Not all. “We brought in another 2,500 other Guardsmen through (the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, EMAC).” EMAC is a mutual-aid agreement among states that Army veteran Gov. Lawton Chiles proposed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. EMAC formed in 1993 and within a decade all 50 states joined, along with the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Quam. “It’s a contract between governors,” Pellertti said. “The supporting state comes to the supported state’s aid with a promise to reimburse.” As in the state receiving the
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kyle Brasier South Florida Search and Rescue load a C-130H Hercules form 181st Air Lift Squadron, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, to head to Puerto Rico in preparation for Hurricane Marie, at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Sep 18, 2017. More than 60 Air Force Reserve units are working side-by-side with federal, state, local, and international mission partners to ease suffering and assist in the nation’s and international community’s recovery from Hurricane Irma.
assistance later pays the states that provided it. Governors are the commanders in chief of their states’ National Guard. “We had 22 states that provided some form of EMAC (for Irma),” Pellertti said. Pellertti said the majority of Guard members went to Monroe and Miami-Dade counties in front of Irma. The rest were largely dispersed throughout Florida. “The whole Florida Peninsula was under hurricane threat, so the Red Cross and other community volunteer organizations — they were out of manpower for shelters,” Pellertti said. So 2,000 Guard members staffed county emergency shelters throughout the state. Then, Irma marched through the Keys and made a crescent up the Gulf Coast and into Central Florida, through the Big Bend in finally into Georgia. The National Guard chased the hurricane north. “We follow in right behind the storm,” Pellertti said. “We’re coming in right behind it for
ground and air search and rescue.” As search and rescue operations wrap after storms, the Guard moves into security and debris removal. “After that we move into humanitarian assistance,” the colonel explained. That’s largely distribution of emergency supplies. The U.S. Navy helped with that. The U.S.S Iwo Jima headed to the Florida Keys to help with that, Pellertti said. Ten days after Irma plowed through the state, Pellertti said 400 Guard members were still on the ground. It’s unlikely Florida will send any Guard members to Puerto Rico to help with Hurricane Maria. “We’re still in the middle of hurricane season,” Pellertti said. “They’re trying to get them from states outside the southeast, so we’re prepared for the next hurricane if it comes.” And, come it will, he said. Whether there’s another storm hitting the United States this
year, or much later, Pellertti said the next storm will come. Floridians can help the Guard do its coming hurricane missions, the colonel said. “The biggest thing they can do is heed the warnings,” Pellertti said. “If people heed the warnings and evacuate and have a good plan prior to storms, it helps us.” He explained that Guard members train to do something they hope never to. “We don’t want to do search and rescue,” Pellertti said. “We don’t want to rescue people who stayed behind and didn’t have shelters. Have a plan in place to do it efficiently. If you can’t evacuate, know where your shelter is and get there in plenty of time.” The colonel said Guard members’ families often have to prepare for hurricanes while their loved ones are sent elsewhere to help others. He urged folks who know Guard members to offer their families a hand preparing when hurricanes approach.
4 • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • VETERAN VOICE
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VA releases report on deaths by suicide Decade since VA started the Veterans Crisis Line — third call center opening Patrick McCallister FOR VETERAN VOICE
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Myra Brazell goes to work every day saving lives. She’s the suicide prevention coordinator at the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Orlando Medical Center, which covers, Brevard, Seminole and Volusia counties, along with four more. “Supporting veterans or service members doesn’t have to be complicated,” she said. “We can all play a role in preventing suicide.” It helps to know who’re the most likely to experience and act upon suicidal ideation. September is the VA’s Suicide Awareness month. In recognition of that, the VA recently released a state-by-state look at deaths by suicide among veterans. The report, a collaborative work with the Department of Defense and National Center for Health Statistics, used data from a variety of sources to count the veterans who died by suicide in 2014, the last year reliable data is fully reported. According to the report, 591 veterans died by suicide in Florida that year. They were among about 3,000 such deaths in the
state in 2014. Veterans make up roughly 10 percent of Florida’s adult population. The total number of deaths by suicide includes children and youths. After accounting for ages, the suicide rate among Florida’s veterans is significantly higher than the overall national average.
National database needed A problem with collecting information about death by suicide among veterans is that there’s no convenient national database of veterans for anyone involved in suicide prevention or research to check names against. The majority of veterans who die by suicide — about 70 percent — are not enrolled in VA services. Many couldn’t be, due to discharge status. It’s also not always clear when someone has chosen death by suicide. Among the 591 known Florida deaths by suicide among veterans in 2014, 560 were men and 31 were women. There are 7,388 known deaths by suicides among veterans nationally for that year. Florida had a slightly above average suicide rate among veterans than the nation. The largest number of those
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Myra Brazell is the suicide prevention coordinator at the Orlando VA Medical Center. This month the Department of Veterans Affairs released a state-by-state look at death by suicide. Florida’s veterans have a slightly above-average risk than others nationally to die by suicide. - File photo
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Florida deaths by suicide were among veterans ages 55 to 74. They accounted for 239. The second largest group was veterans ages 35 to 54 — 152. Veterans 75 and older are the third largest group: 139 deaths. The youngest veterans, those 18 to 34, accounted for 61 of the deaths by suicide. The population of veterans in the state isn’t evenly distributed by age or genders, so the numbers don’t completely reflect the likelihood of death by suicide based on those factors.
suicide are more likely than others to choose firearms. That’s the method for death by suicide about 65 percent, 385, picked in 2014. On average about half of those who die by suicide in Florida use firearms. Suffocation was the second most common method among veterans, accounting for 102 of the deaths, followed by poisoning, 80 deaths. The VA’s report says that nationally veterans are about 22 percent more likely to die by suicide than others. What’s notable is that while male veterans are about 20 percent more likely to die by suicide than other men, women veterans are 2.5 times, not percent, more likely to die by suicide than other women.
Breaking down the numbers The state has about 1.5 million veterans. Of those, about 154,000 are women, just about 10 percent. They account for about 5 percent of the known deaths by suicide in the state in 2014. The state has just about 500,000 Vietnam-era veterans, most of whom are likely in the 55 to 74 age group. There are about 65,000 World War II-era veterans, and another 144,500 Korean Warera veterans. They will be in the 75 and older age group. The state has about 190,000 Gulf War-era veterans, who’ll fall between the 35 to 54 and 55 to 74 ages. Most of the Post-9/11 veterans — 173,000 — will be in the 18 to 34 and 35 to 54 age groups. The remaining veterans in the state are counted as “peacetime”— about 395,000. They served in varying times. Florida RALPH veterans who die by NATHAN
Some good news The good news is that the old number of about 22 deaths by suicide a day the VA previously reported is likely a thing of the past. “They have changed that number now to 20,” Brazell said. Almost a 10 percent reduction in the overall deaths. She said much credit for that goes to the Veterans Crisis
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Line the VA opened in 2007. That started with an inbound call center in New York. The VA expanded contact options through the years, so veterans and those concerned about them can now call, text or Internet message the center. The volume of help requests was high enough to create a second center, which is in Georgia. The VA is now opening one in Kansas. The centers have handled about 2.8 million contacts and dispatched local emergency services 74,000 times. “I do believe that has helped reduce the 22 to 20,” Brazell said. Additionally, Brazell said detecting suicidal ideation and taking preventative steps is now part of the VA’s newhire training for everyone. She said the number of suicide deaths can be further reduced by getting more education into the veterans community.
Family, friends key The most powerful antidote to suicidal ideation, Brazell explained, is friends and family including people in activities. “Belongingness is huge in
preventing suicide,” she said. “Everyone wants to belong.” A prominent sign someone is experiencing suicidal ideation is sudden withdrawing, which is distinct from normal introversion. Others include increased drug or alcohol use, talking about being a burden to others, new reckless behaviors, changes in sleep patterns, and, of course, talking about suicide. Suicidal ideation most often follows large changes and big losses such as divorces, layoffs, and extensive property damage. In short, losses that trigger hopelessness. “If you recognize signs of crisis, or warning signs, encourage the person to call the (Veterans Crisis Line) or to reach out to a professional for help,” Brazell said. She said when in doubt, the easiest way to find out if someone is experiencing suicidal ideation is to gently ask if they’re thinking about harming him- or herself. “It’s not just about veterans,” Brazell said. “It’s about human beings who need help. It’s just being aware in your day to day life there are people at risk for suicide.” Veterans experiencing any mental-health crisis can call the Veterans Crisis Line at (800) 273-8255, extension 1. Veterans can also contact the Crisis Line by texting 838255, or by visiting www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. Friends and family members can call the Veterans Crisis Line if they’re concerned about a veteran. If there seems to be immediate danger, call 911.
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6 • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • VETERAN VOICE
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THIS WEEK IN VETERANS LEGISLATION
Sep 5, 2017 — Introduced H.R. 3680: To amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing.
Sponsor: Rep. Lee Zeldin [R-NY1] This bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs which will consider it before sending it to the House floor for consideration. Sep 6, 2017 12:29 p.m. — Bill Summary S. 1024: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 It takes six years on average for veterans to resolve an appeal for a disability claim with the VA. A new law aims to cut that. The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, signed into law last week, aims to cut that backlog. H.R. 2288: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 Sep 7, 2017 — Passed Senate (House next) S. 1165: A bill to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Huntington, West Virginia, as the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT 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. Veteran Voice 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 Veteran Voice. 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 news@veteranvoiceweekly.com or mailing your comments to us at: P.O. Box 1487, Stuart, FL 34995-1487
IMPORTANT NUMBERS ... County Veterans Service Officers St. Lucie County, Wayne Teegardin 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 am-4:30 pm 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 Indian River County Joel Herman Vero Beach 2525 St. Lucie Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960 Ph: (772) 226-1499 Fax: (772) 770-5038 Sebastian Square 11602 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL 32958 Ph: (772) 589-6597 Fax: (772) 581-4988
Last Action: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Explanation: This bill passed in the Senate on September 7, 2017 and goes to the House next for consideration. (Editor’s note: Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, is the head of the Medal of Honor Foundation, and has been featured in numerous Veteran Voice articles.) For more detailed information on these and other legislative initiatives important to veterans, visit govtrack.us.
Martin County Tony Reese, Veterans Service Office Supervisor (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 - 1-800669-8477 VA Regional Office - 1-800-827-1000 VA Medical Ctr, W. Palm Beach - 1-800972-8262 Pharmacy, VA Medical Center - 1-800317-8387 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) 763-0118. Orlando VA Medical Cente 5201 Raymond St., Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 629-1599 or (800) 922-7521 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 Viera patients 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. (877) 741-3400 Weekends, holidays, evenings and nights
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) 878-8387 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 1901 South 25th Street., Fort Pierce, FL 34947 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 28593
(Editor’s note: The following is a brief synopsis of some of the pending or completed legislation from the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Veteran Voice thanks Dianne Robbins of the United Veterans of St. Lucie County for providing links and information pertinent to our entire readership.)
VETERAN VOICE • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • 7
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Veterans hurry to help hurricane survivors early to know what organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Florida, will be able to contribute to the VVA’s disaster-relief missions. Back on the Treasure Coast, Haddox said the Stuart VVA is early in organizing its efforts to help load one or more trucks heading to the Keys. He said the chapter is focusing on reaching out to and organizing local veterans to help disaster survivors. “Right now, it’s just the veterans’ community,” Haddox said. “There are so many people down here collecting and doing the same thing. We feel it’s best to concentrate on veterans.”
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At press time the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Stuart chapter, 1041, is scrambling for a place to gather things to pack a tractor-trailer that’ll soon head down from Tallahassee. Up in the Panhandle, The Big Bend Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is getting its second truck ready to head to the Keys. “When that truck leaves Tallahassee, it’ll stop here and we’ll load it up,” John Haddox, vice president of the Stuart chapter, said. Mike Bousher, president of the Department of Florida, said chapters of the VVA are gearing up to help folks in the Keys and Puerto Rico where Hurricane Maria recently battered the U.S. territory weeks after Irma gave it a bruising. He said the Big Bend chapter — which was mostly out of Irma’s reach unlike other Florida chapters — put together a rapid response for the hard-hit Keys after Irma. “They filled up a 55-foot trailer,” he said. “We sent it to the (Disabled American Veterans Chapter 122) in Marathon.” The VVA doesn’t own any properties in Florida, so it tapped area contacts at other veterans organizations to find a place to park the disaster-relief trailer. A big priority for the VVA was that the supplies were made available to everybody who was hurting, not just veterans. Of course, everybody in the Keys was hurting after Irma.
Getting over the bridge A challenge was just getting the first truckload there. The famous U.S. Highway 1 bridges “We had to work with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to get access,” Bousher said. He said with the first delivery of relief supplies in the Keys, the Big Bend VVA immediately started on getting another truck going. As that progresses at press time, he said statewide the VVA is looking at hurricane-hit Puerto Rico and gearing up for disaster relief there. “For us to ship anything is not viable,” Bousher said. “It’ll be raising funds and getting funds to them.” He has contacts on the American territory, because it’s part of the VVA’s Region 4, as is Florida. Other states in the region are Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Bousher reported the VVA’s impromptu disaster-relief efforts at the most recent regular meeting of the Florida Veterans Council, Thursday, Sept. 21. The council is made up of veterans’ organizations
throughout the state. Others at the meeting quickly offered support. It’s too
The Stuart chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America is at www.vva1041.org.
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JROTC pitches in after Irma Lt. Col. Scott Waggoner, senior Army instructor for the Merritt Island High School JROTC, spearheaded cleanup operations at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island, following Hurricane Irma. Participating are, from left, Center President Bill Kowalczyk; cadets Noah Garutti, Carson Waggoner, Ryan Trimble, Jack Stefano, Kenny Mathews, Laryssa Melendey, Olivia Meholic, and volunteer Dean Schaaf.
Photo by Roger Scruggs
Perseverance and luck
2017 AMVETS Riders Golf Tournament soldiers on, succeeds, in spite of Irma Bob ‘Iceman’ Dadiomoff 1ST VICE COMMANDER, AMVETS RIDERS POST 92
The 4th Annual AMVETS Riders Chapter 92, Jensen Beach Charity Golf Tournament was held at the Ocean Club Golf Course at Hutchinson Island Marriot Resort and Marina on Saturday, Sept. 16. To say this was a real accomplishment would only minimally describe what it took to conduct the event. Less than a week after Hurricane Irma decimated Florida, we were uncertain if the charity event would even be held. On Tuesday, the Marriot called to ask if we still wanted to play. We made the decision to go forward, and Joe Ryan, the Course Pro, along with Dean Tucker, the Grounds Superintendent, and their staffs, went to work. On Thursday, we visited the Course, to see that their Pro Shop had suffered ceiling and carpet damage, and the back nine was still questionable due to standing water. Joe assured us that they would be ready.
Amazing surprise We arrived at the course at 0630, with our team of volunteers, to find a completely repaired pro shop, and fully functional front nine. Amazingly, at 0730, the grounds team released the back nine and we had a full 18 holes to play. While we had a reduced number of golfers, mostly due to their other post-Irma commitments, we managed to get 10 foursomes off for the Scramble Format tournament.
Photo courtesy of Bob Dadiomoff Volunteers and participants of the 2017 AMVETS Chapter 92 Riders 4TH Annual Golf Tournament are all smiles, despite the damage done by Hurricane Irma, as they gather Sept. 16 at Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort.
While riding around the course, it was obvious that the facilities took a hit with siding damage and roofs blown off. Workers were still out clearing downed trees from the course, and all of the standing water seemed to be on the cart paths. But wait — the story doesn’t end there. Plans for the day also included a post-golfing luncheon and awards to be held at AMVETS Post 92 in Rio (Jensen Beach). The Post was operating with only one leg of their power for the entire week following Irma. We put plans into place to work around the problem and proceeded with our plans.
Another miracle Amazingly, at 11p.m. Friday, on the eve of the event, full power was restored to the Post. Golfers enjoyed a full bar, pork and fried chicken lunch, along with the awards, raffles, 50/50, and general camaraderie. It’s with sincere appreciation that we thank the Marriot and their staffs, the Post and volunteers, for making this charity event a resounding success. While Irma affected our overall proceeds, true to their perseverance, we were able to make it happen. We will still be able to support all of the charities the golf tournament was established for.
VETERAN VOICE • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • 9
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Price of becoming new American Educated Togolese airman, ‘green card lottery’ winner, finally gets reunited with family
Erin McClellan DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Four years — that’s how long he waited. Messan Atayi moved to the United States from Togo in 2013, leaving behind his pregnant wife. Now an Air Force airman first class and an individual protective equipment journeyman with the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, he was reunited with his wife Aug. 18 and met his daughter for the first time. Atayi was selected for the Diversity Visa Program — also known as the green card lottery — which makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually to persons from nations with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. About 14.7 million applications were received for the fiscal year 2018 program, State Department officials reported. And since applications can include spouses and children, more than 23 million people were included in the fiscal 2018 lottery.
Courtesy photo Air Force Airman 1st Class Messan Atayi, an individual protective equipment journeyman with the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron who is originally from Togo, poses for a photo with his wife and daughter at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Wichita, Kansas. Atayi met his daughter for the first time and was reunited with his wife after four years apart.
Missed daughter by days Under the federal laws regulating the program, selectees must travel to the U.S. before the end of the fiscal year of their selection or they will lose their visas. So, after postponing his flight to the U.S. twice, Atayi decided it was time to go, even if it meant leaving without meeting his daughter. “I waited forever to see my baby be born, but she never came,” he said. “I moved to the states finally because I postponed my ticket two times, and they already charged me, and then when I left she was born three days later. I just missed it.”
Already educated, didn’t need extra money Using his master’s degree in geography, Atayi lived and worked in Illinois for two years before deciding to join the Air Force. “I think it’s really great to be serving in the Air Force and to learn from it,” he said. “I didn’t join because of education — I already have my education — and I didn’t want a really good paycheck. I was paid more where I used to work, but I quit. I want to do what I’m doing now. I put on my uniform every day knowing that I am going to put my best foot
forward and give 110 percent because there is someone, somewhere counting on me.” The fact that he only got a handful of vacation days at his previous job and the chaos of joining the military meant Atayi wasn’t able to return to Togo to visit his family before he enlisted. But once he arrived here in April 2016, Atayi started the process that would bring them to the U.S. He didn’t realize it would take more than a year. One of the most significant roadblocks was that U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services denied his application, claiming Atayi didn’t have
sufficient income to support his family. He worked with his leaders and the base career assistance advisor to correct the issue, but it ultimately extended the amount of time the visa process took.
Family ties Being apart from his family made it very difficult to bond with his daughter, Aina, he said. “It was kind of tough, especially with my baby, because I wasn’t there to watch her first steps in life,” Atayi said. “The
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10 • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • VETERAN VOICE
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Gold Star Mothers/Families Day observes 81st year appropriate meetings to publicly express their love, sorrow, and reverence towards Gold Star Mothers and their families. Government buildings are also required to display the flag.
Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER
mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com
It has been called “the club no one wants to join” — and for a very good reason. The Gold Star Mothers (Families) of America represents parents who have lost a son or daughter during service to their country in the armed forces of the United States. Eighty-one years ago, Congress officially designated the last Sunday in September for the observance of Gold Star Mothers Day. Increasingly, the official name is changing to recognize fathers, siblings and other relatives as “Gold Star Families.” Mothers, however, continue to be the standard bearers of the remembrance of their children. The original name was derived from the custom of military mothers who put a service flag in a front window of their homes. The flag featured a star for each family member serving in their country — living members were denoted in blue, but gold stars honored family members who were killed while on duty, whether in combat, illness or accident.
Gold Star history In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the wearing of black arm bands bearing a gilt star by those who had a family member who died in the military service. This distinguished them from the blue stars, representing a family member presently serving in the armed forces. Anyone who lived through World War II and subsequent conflicts will be familiar
FAMILY from page 9
only time I could see how she looked was when I got some pictures or during [video calls], and I couldn’t even talk to her because she couldn’t talk. We never had that physical contact.” After traveling for nearly 24 hours, Atayi’s wife and daughter arrived in Wichita. As a way to celebrate, he brought ice cream to share. “I had really intense feelings to finally see my daughter, grab her and share my ice cream with her,” he said. “It felt like an accomplishment because the whole process was so tough.” Now they’re finally together, Atayi said
Mourning, but also celebrating
with the banner bearing a simple star — blue for the fortunate ones, and gold for those who would never come home. American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., was incorporated in 1929, obtaining a federal charter from Congress. It began with 25 mothers living in the Washington, D.C., area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation. On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, a holiday that is observed each year by a presidential proclamation. Every year on Gold Star Mothers/Families Day, the president calls on all Americans to display the nation’s flag and hold he’s realized it’s going to be tough for all of them to adapt to life together, and to life in America. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out now,” he explained. “I’ve been with her for a week, and [my daughter] prefers her mom over me. She used to see me on the screen and that’s all, but now I can see her, I can touch her, I can play with her and I can hang out with her. I know it will take time for her to get used to me and for me to be that good dad she can go to.”
The future in a new home The family may face challenges, but Atayi said they are finally able to really begin their life together. “My wife does not speak much English,
Many American mothers and families have lost a son or daughter, and many of those have lost more than one child. During World War II, the Sullivan family of Waterloo, Iowa, lost five brothers serving in the Navy in the sinking of their ship, the USS Juneau. Though the armed forces try and separate siblings during wartime as a result of that tragedy, it is not strictly enforced. Families have a way of wanting to stick together, as Gold Star mothers well know. Throughout the Veteran Voice readership, Gold Star mothers and families will gather to remember their loved ones, reflect on their service, and celebrate their lives, which were all too short. Gold Star Mothers always wear white when gathering together. According to marylandgoldstarmoms.com: “It sets the members apart in any crowd, recognizable and powerful as a unit. It reflects the active celebration of the lives of their children through service rather than the crippling sadness reflected by traditional black mourning which actually served to distance the mourner from other people. “White symbolizes peace, the one thing that Gold Star Mothers of every generation have prayed for, and white reflects both the sacrifices of their children and the grace, purity and innocence of those who have died so young to create a world of freedom.” but she is very excited to bring our family together, find a job and become an American citizen,” he said. “I hope I will be a good dad and husband.” Airmen and leaders in Atayi’s squadron were there for him during his fight to bring his family here, offering support and help whenever he needed it, and Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Vinetta Paige, superintendent of the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, accompanied him to the airport when his family arrived. “I was honored to witness Atayi’s reunion with his wife, not to mention his initial meeting with his beautiful daughter,” Paige said. “I know he has enjoyed his time here at McConnell, but now that his family arrived, it will feel more like home.”
VETERAN VOICE • SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 • 11
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BREVARD COUNTY Now till Nov. 15 Wish you had tickets to the Army/ Navy Game? Now’s your chance! The American Military Retirees Foundation has received a gift of two (2) tickets to the Army-Navy Game to be played in Philadelphia on Saturday, Dec. 9. This game always sells out, so this could be your opportunity to watch the Black Knights and Midshipmen battle it out at Lincoln Financial Field. The Foundation, which raises the funds for the AMRA scholarship, has decided to hold a drawing on Nov. 16 to determine the winner. Every donor of a minimum of $25 between now and noon on Nov. 15 will be placed in a drawing for the lower-level side lines tickets (valued at $500 each). Donations may be made online by visiting www. amra1973.org/Foundation and using the DONATE NOW button or calling 1-800424-2969 to donate by credit card.
Second Saturday of each Month Warbird Air Museum Monthly Fly-in Breakfast, 8-10:30 a.m., Warbird Air Musum, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville. Monthly Fly-in Breakfast is for pilots and aviators to stop by the museum by plane. The pilots and their guests pay a $12 fee. The breakfast is also open to the public as Museum visitors can also attend. Breakfast for visitors is free with paid admission to the Warbird Air Museum. Next date is Sept. 9. Please RSVP by phone or email. The phone number is (321) 268-1941 and the email address is Warbirds@valiantaircommand.com.
Second Wednesday of the Month Monthly meeting, Brevard Veterans Council, 9 a.m., Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island.
Every Wednesday Second drink free, VFW Post 8191, noon to 2 p.m., 4120 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, for those who wear a VFW 8191 logo hat, shirt or beer cozy. Reduced bar specials.
Third Monday of the Month Monthly meeting, VFW Post 8191, 6 p.m., 4210 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. For more information, call (321) 254-9885.
Third Tuesday of the Month Space Coast Honor Flight monthly lunch gathering, 11:30 a.m., Smoky Bones Restaurant, 1510 W. New Haven Ave., Melbourne. All veterans invited to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and camaraderie. For more information, contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@spacecoasthonorflight.org
CALENDAR First Thursday of the Month Space Coast Honor Flight monthly lunch gathering, 11:30 a.m., Red Lobster, 215 E. Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island. All veterans invited to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and camaraderie. For more information, contact us at (888) 7502522 or info@spacecoasthonorflight.org
Tuesday at 10 a.m. through Oct. 31 in the Schreiber Conference Center at the IRSC Pruitt Campus in St. Lucie West. There is no cost to attend. Each participant will receive a copy of the book and a limited edition T-shirt. Registration is required at irsc.libsurveys.com/standingdown. For more information, contact Brett Williams at bwilliam@irsc.edu or (772) 336-6383.
Third Thursday of the Month
Every Friday
Space Coast Honor Flight monthly lunch gathering, 11:30 a.m., Dixie Crossroads, 1475 Garden St., Titusville. All veterans invited to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and camaraderie. For more information, contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@spacecoasthonorflight.org
Bingo, American Legion Post 355, every Friday at 6:45, DAV Chapter 113, 1150 S.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Come on out and enjoy some fellowship, help benefit area veterans and have fun at the same time. For more information, email clavalle567@att.net.
Ongoing
First Monday of the Month
Jobs available in Brevard County, via careersourcecentralflorida.com — for local locations, visit www.employflorida.com
Monthly meeting, Jack Ivy 666 Detachment, Marine Corps League, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 318, 1000 Savannas Club Blvd., Port St. Lucie. All Marines, Navy corpsmen and chaplains welcome.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Third Saturday of the Month Monthly breakfast meeting, (at own expense) U.S Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines National Association, 9 a.m., Marsh Landing Restaurant, 44 N. Broadway St., Fellsmere. For more information call (772) 571-0230, ask for Korky.
First Wednesday of the Month Monthly meeting, Veterans Council of Indian River County, 1 p.m., County Administration Complex, Building B.
Fourth Thursday of the Month Monthly meeting, Indian River Detachment of Marine Corps League, 7 p.m., at the Victory Center in Indian River Mall.
Third Tuesday of the Month Space Coast Honor Flight monthly lunch gathering, 11:30 a.m., Capt. Hiram’s restaurant, 1606 N. Indian River Drive, Sebastian. All veterans invited to enjoy lunch (at own expense) and camaraderie. For more information, contact us at (888) 750-2522 or info@spacecoasthonorflight.org
ST. LUCIE COUNTY Now through Oct. 31 Veterans invited to exclusive book club —The Indian River State College Libraries invite all veterans to join a literary series reflecting on the book, Standing Down: From Warrior to Civilian, which compiles select passages of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays and memoirs that powerfully give voice to the authors’ experiences of military service. This book club for veterans will be held every
First Tuesday of the Month Monthly meeting, Air Force Sergeants’ Association, Chapter 564, 6:30 p.m., DAV Post 113 Hall, 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 342-2653. Monthly meeting, American Military Retirees Association Chapter FL1, 7:30 p.m., DAV Chapter 113 building, 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Contact clavalle567@att.net or call (772) 342-5730 for more information.
Third Wednesday of the month Monthly meeting, DAV Chapter 113, 7 p.m., 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 342-2653.
MARTIN COUNTY Second Sunday of the Month AMVETS Post 92, monthly meeting, noon, 747 NE Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach. Also, lunches, dinners and Sunday breakfast by Debbie. Karaoke by Cowboy Bob Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call (772) 334-8407.
Every Friday Music by Saxman and Posse Band, VFW Post 10066, 1805 N.E. Savannah Road, Jensen Beach, 7-10 p.m. Dinner to be announced. Also: Our VFW kitchen will reopen for lunches on Tuesday. Please welcome Chef Vince as he joins us this week. He will be serving lunch to the Friday BINGO crowd and dinner Friday night, serving meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Southern string beans, salad and lemon bar desserts for an $8 donation. Please stop by and show our new cook your support. For more information, call (772) 334-9659.
Every Wednesday Karaoke, 7-11 p.m., American Legion Post 126, 3195 N.E. Savannah Road, Jensen Beach. For more information, call (772) 334-6966.
First Tuesday of the month Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1041, 7 p.m., Sewall’s Point Town Hall.
VOLUSIA COUNTY Third Thursday of the Month Monthly meeting, VVA Chapter 1048, 6:30 p.m., at VFW Post 3282, 5830 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange.
Every Tuesday Pool and poker, 6 p.m., VFW Post 3282, 5810 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange.
Ongoing Canteen hours, VFW Post 8093, 351 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., DeBary: Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am – midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Happy hours: 7 days a week from 3- 6 p.m. Canteen telephone number is (386) 668-8640. Acupuncture for veterans, available on both east and west sides of county: On the East Side: Veterans Acupuncture Clinic 112 Orange Avenue, Ste. 204, Daytona Beach, (386) 944-5855 every Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. On the West Side: Volusia Military Acupuncture Project, Deland Lions Club, 400 North Garfield Avenue, Deland, from 6-9 p.m. Contact is Mackenzie Muir at (386) 848-0035.
SEMINOLE COUNTY First Saturday of the Month Monthly meeting, VFW Post 9272, 10 a.m., 10997 72nd Avenue North, Seminole.
Third Monday of the Month Monthly meeting, VFW Post 10139, 7 p.m., 300 Lake Mills Ave., Chuluota.
Every Monday Lunch, bar poker at 2 p.m., darts 7 p.m., American Legion Post 252, 7 p.m., 11433 Park Blvd., Seminole. For more information, call (727) 391-6324. Please submit event information to info@veteranvoiceweekly.com at least two weeks in advance, so that we may ensure your events receive timely publication.