The European Gazette July / September 2022

Oct18

Nov

is the official E-news publication of the Department of Europe, Ve terans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Published four times per year (Mar., June, Sep., Dec.) by the Department of Europe, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. S.

Department of Europe Officers

Edition: Jul / Sep

Oct / Dec

Jan / Mar Apr / June Publish Date: Sep. 30, 2022 Dec. 30, 2022 Mar. 30, 2023 June 30, 2023

Info. due to Editor: Sep. 15, 2022 Dec. 15, 2022 Mar 15, 2023 June 15, 2023

The purpose of this magazine is to strengthen the efficiency of the De partment of Europe, by getting information and decisions of National, the Department, Districts and Posts to the VFW members of Europe.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions are not necessarily those of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Europe, or the National Or ganization.

Articles for consideration should be sent electronically to: lee.wolvertonvfw27@gmail.com

Volume 3, Issue 1, © September 2022. All rights reserved. The European Gazette E-news is at: https://issuu.com/vfw-europe

Lee R. Wolverton..............................Editor / Design / Layout

If we work together, we can make things happen. If we do nothing, we have already failed.

Lee R. Wolverton

VFW Department of Europe on Facebook: VFW Department of Europe

https://issuu.com/vfw-europe

2022-2023

Commander Angelo Aldridge

Senior Vice Commander Mark Primmer

Junior Vice Commander Dwight Johnson

Quartermaster Peter Mascetti

Adjutant Norberto Millet

Chief of Staff James Vergott

Chaplain Stanley Richardson

Service Officer Christopher Singletary

Judge Advocate Bobby White Surgeon George Gilgore

Inspector Billy Sherd

National Council Member Peter Mascetti

POW/MIA Norbert Isaak

Riders Group Michael Konsavage

District Commander’s

District 1 Commander John Casey III

District 3 Commander Eddie Guevara Post Commander’s

27 - Wiesbaden Gemma McGowan 605 - Paris Mark Primmer 2566 - Baumholder William Walker 3885 - Erlangen Jessie Williamson 8862 - Vicenza Johnny Borden 9334 - Vilseck Angelo Aldridge 9342 - Ansbach Dwight Johnson 10312 - Augsburg Stanley W. Allgood 10436 - Kitzigen Emilio Andujar 10506 - Berlin Todd Lafleur 10557 - Hohenfels Weston Lahr 10614 - Kaiserslautern Dennis Walton 10692 - Grafenwoehr Williams D. Stronsnider 10708 - Illesheim Norbert Isaak 10775 - Spangdahlem Christopher Bowser 10810 - Stuttgart Thomas Hooper 12139 - Sembach Kristian Moore 12159 - Naples Christopher Singletary

DEPARTMENT COMMANDER'S

wORD ORD

Comrades,

First, I would like to say thank you to Comrade Wolverton for all of his hard work on this magazi ne, The European Gazette.

After taking over as the Com mander of the Department of Eu rope, it has been quite rewarding for me in all aspects. I have had great support from all comrades.

The Department convention in June was a great success. Then we went to The National Convention in July, where all that went had a very informative time. It was gre at fun being with all of my comrades from Europe and my comrades in arms from the other 51 departments.

The high-lite of this month has been the visit of the Commander-in-Chief of The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tim Borland, and his delegation of Mr. Bob Wallace from the Executive Office in Washington D.C and Mr. Ryan Gallucci, Director National Veterans Service.

I would like thank Comrade’s Primmer and Gish for their great support in getting the Delegation around from point A to point B. I would like to also thank my Staff for a great job in their support of planning and

Angelo Aldridge

executing this task.

Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland has informed me that this was one of the best trips that they have been on this year. They were well informed from every of fice that we visited on what the VFW can do to help Veterans while living overseas.

We also had a membership drive in Wiesbaden with the Commander-in-Chief. The event there went well. I want to give a shout out to Post 27, great job and

I would like to talk about one of my goals for this year. That is to see the Department of Europe beco me the number one Department in all of the United States. I know that with all of us working together towards one main goal, we will be able to achieve that

God bless you all and have a great day. Remember, all votes count and every day is Veterans Day. Keep get ting those members, that‘s how we fight in congress,

Thank you for your support and keep it moving.

Department Commander Angelo Aldridge and Antwan Robinson, Post 8862, hold the Department of Europe Flag at the 123rd Na tional Convention.

VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland andDepartment of Europe Commander Aldridgeasking about a soldier at Landstuhl MedicalCenter.

VFW Celebrates as Landmark PACT Act is Signed into Law

August 10, 2022

WASHINGTON — After years of persistent advocacy, National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Tim Borland, families of loved ones affected by toxic exposures and other veteran service organizations, stood together behind President Joseph Biden at the White House as the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, the landmark bill focused on assisting toxic-exposed veterans, was signed into law, Wednesday morning.

“What an honorable moment in history for veterans!” exclaimed Borland after the event. “The PACT Act becoming law is the largest expansion of veteran benefits since the creation of the VA. My sincerest thanks to the members of Congress, I am so proud of all the hard work VFW staff, our Action Corps and VFW members everywhere did to push Congress to pass this bill and was honored to represent our organization at the White House on this historic day.”

President Joe Biden holds the Honoring Our PACT Act after signing it during a ceremony in the East Room of the Whi te House, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Washington. (AP Pho to/Evan Vucci)The PACT Act, as it’s commonly known, is na med after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson who passed away in 2020 from conditions related to toxic exposure du ring his service in the military. The comprehensive bill expands health care for gene rations of veterans who up un til now had the arduous task of proving their conditions or illness a result of service-connected exposure to toxic substances or environments, such as the burn pits many Post-9/11 veterans were exposed to during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill enacts VA provisions for 23 presumptive conditions for rare respiratory diseases and cancers, and cre ates a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure.

“Too many of our brothers and sisters have succumbed to illnesses connected to toxic exposure,” said Bor land. “That is why this bill has been the VFW’s #1 priority for the past few years, and we weren’t going to give up until it was passed.”

Passed by the Senate on Aug. 2, the bill was in limbo for almost a month as procedural hurdles, amendment considerations, and shaky support among some Senators caused the bill to stall before it was passed overwhel mingly with a vote count of 86 – 11. For almost a week leading up to the final vote, VFW members, PACT Act advocates and other veterans held a fire watch on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, holding a constant vigil for six straight days until it was announced the bill passed.

“With one voice, we told Congress ‘every veteran counts’ and they listened,” said Borland. “I encourage every eligible veteran to join the VFW so we can continue to secure and improve the health and benefits for veterans, service members and their families. The veteran’s voice has strength, and it is even stronger when we are all together.”

The PACT Act is the latest achievement on the long list of legislative victories the VFW has fought for since its inception, part of the legacy of the VFW’s veteran advocacy that continues to carry on into the future.

“After 123 years, the VFW continues to show we are alive and well, and that ‘No One Does More For Veterans,’ because for the VFW ‘EVERY VETERAN COUNTS!’” said Borland.

VFW’s National Commander stood alongside other veteran advocate partners as the president signed the bill

VFW Elects First Iraq War Veteran to Lead Organization

When it comes to recruiting and retention, ‘Every Veteran Counts!’

July 21, 2022

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Timothy M. Borland, of Benson, Arizona, was elected today as the new national com mander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization comprised of more than 1 million eligible veterans and military service members from all six branches of the armed forces.

“My slogan this year is ‘Every Veteran Counts,’” said Borland. “It’s our service to country, and courage to defend that country that makes us veterans. Every veteran from every war and conflict is important.”

Borland’s election as the VFW’s 114th Comman der-in-Chief occurred at the conclusion of the orga nization’s 123rd national convention in Kansas City, Missouri. The gathering was the first full national con vention since 2019. During his acceptance speech, Bor land urged the members both attending in person and watching via live-streaming video, to welcome the new generation of veterans eligible for membership in the VFW, noting the significance of his election.

“There’s a new wave of veterans that have returned home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and they’re ready, willing and waiting to join our ranks. One of tho se veterans is standing right here behind this podium,” said Borland, referring to himself. “I am an Iraq War veteran and very proud to be the first as your Commander-in-Chief.”

VFW membership eligibility requires honorable service in a war or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters. Borland served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 2007, last serving with the 101st Airborne Division. He earned his VFW eligibility with service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in defense of the Republic of Korea. In recognition of his military service and contributions during deployment, he received numerous decora tions, to include four Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, seven Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and four Overseas Service Ribbons. Among his many awards and achievements, he also earned the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Ad ministration from Touro University in Cypress, California.

Borland’s remarks struck a balance between embracing younger members taking leadership roles in the or ganization and honoring service and faithfulness of long-standing members of the VFW.

“It’s time for a new generation, but not forgetting the old. It’s time to pass the torch, but at the same time, remember and appreciate the torch being passed, and by whom,” said Borland. “You see comrades, brothers and sisters, every veteran in this room counts and so do the ones we still need to seek.”

He became a Life member of the VFW in 2000. He currently maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership at VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, 35 miles from his home in Benson, where he resides with his wife, Shannon. Borland has received 19 consecutive Century Awards for recruiting 100 or more comrades into the VFW. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department levels, culminating with his election as the VFW Department of Arizona commander from 2011 to 2012, in which he earned the distinction of All-American commander status and received the distinguished Triple Crown Award. On the na tional level, Borland has served on several committees, including the National Council of Administration from 2012 to 2016, Vice Chairman of the National Legislative Committee from 2017 to 2018, Chairman of the Na tional Programs Committee from 2018 to 2019, National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, Bylaws and Resolution Committee, Time and Place Committee, and numerous other committees. Borland is also a member of AMVETS, the American Legion, and is a life member of Disabled American Veterans.

“We will continue to recruit and mentor others to recruit,” said Borland. “Draw upon each other for ideas to help develop new strategies, new tactics, and unique ways of doing membership and programs.”

“So, put your recruiting and retention plans to work!” exclaimed Borland.

I Would Do This Job For Free’

Christopher Singletary, 50, lives in Naples, Italy, and has six children.

“They range in age from eight to 32, making sleeping nearly impossible,” he joked.

When he was just a child himself, Singletary was certain about his future.

“I knew from the age of eight that I was joining the military,” he said. “My cousin joined the Air Force. Seeing him in his uniform was like meeting Superman, my hero.” Singletary enlisted at the age of 19.

“It was the best decision of my life,” he said. “I started out as a mechanic and ended up a pilot in the Navy, serving 25 years.” Following active duty, Singletary’s own experience inspired his next career path.

“My passion and desire to become a service officer came co urtesy of my exceptional claim experience with a service officer named Roger,” said Singletary. “He did what others refused to do.”

Roger took the time to closely examine all of Singletary’s medical records. He said it was a completely dif ferent experience from the one he had with another organization’s program two years prior. It motivated him to support fellow veterans in similar situations.

“I give the same level of attention to each customer who is prepared and ready for assistance,” he said. As a VFW-Accredited Service Officer helping individuals in Europe and Africa, Singletary corresponds with clients and the VA throughout the day, researches VA cases and reviews updates to the manuals he uses most frequently. He encourages everyone in his field — as well as veterans — to stay ahead of changing policies and new technologies.

“It can be a challenge getting others, including older veterans, to embrace technology, but each new client should sign up for online services through the VA to expediate and track their claims,” he said. “And each ser vice officer should challenge themselves to get better, read more and ask the questions they can’t find.” Singletary knows from experience the difference taking these steps can make. After sitting down with a veter an whose disability claim had been denied since 1992, Singletary worked tirelessly to understand his situation and ask important questions.

After a week of reviewing the veteran’s records, Singletary discovered critical evidence on four denied con ditions that was missed by the VA. He then found 18 more items the veteran could claim.

“Recently, this client contacted me. He was elated to finally get his denied and additional claim disabilities,” said Singletary. “After this, I started to embrace technology to help me scan documents quickly and to incor porate video conferencing.”

These kinds of stories are all the motivation Singletary needs to keep up the hard work.

“I enjoy this job so much I refer to it as my alarm clock. Every morning, my clock says it’s time to help ve terans — I would do this job for free,” he said.

For Singletary, it is not only his work as a service officer that is fulfilling but his overall experience with the VFW, an experience that began years ago.

“The way I explain it to people is, the VFW saved my life. I had attended a Post-Traumatic Stress meeting with a group of veterans because I suffer from it,” he shared. “A VFW member tapped me on the shoulder and took me under his wing. This bond is why I am here. The VFW means the world to me.”

Learn more about the VFW‘s National Veterans Service (NVS) program.

Pictured above: Chris Singletary and veteran client George

“I give the same level of attention to each customer who is pre pared and ready for assistance,”

DoE Chaplain Stanley "Spike" Richardson

I am honored to have been elec ted as the De partment of Eu rope Chaplain for 2022-2023.

I would like to thank my Post, 27, for supporting me, and the European communi ty for allowing me to work with them to provide any spiritual or other assistance that they may need. Please remember I have a 24/7 contact phone line, 049171-147-7878, if you would like to talk to me about anything on your mind. Everything we talk about will be held in the strictest confidentiality.

Remember, we all have a sto ry to tell. I’m looking forward to meeting or zooming with each and every one of you.

Some of my goals for 20222023, especially, for VFW Europe chaplains are:

Labor Day

This year on Labor Day, Post 10692, Grafenwoehr, held an outdoor barbeque for the Community. After two long years of COVID, we have returned to our holding this annual event and welcomed several mem bers of the Post, supporters & volunteers, and all members of the Grafen woehr Community.

l

To provide monthly Zoom Cha plain Training - Starting in Oct 2022

l Making sure our Chaplain‘s re ports are done Monthly

l

To work with and support any family members in their local community that need assistance.

l To work with Post Chaplain’s to help them with their needs

l To work with the Post Com mander’s

We all must remember that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is comprehensive in nature, and I will be embracing all religions and faith groups within the ranks.

Me, being a non-sectarian must seek to minister to the needs of all, without regards to either church/synagogue/mosque, affi liation or non-affiliation.

Post 10708, Illesheim, served tro ops at a La bor Day grill party at the Stork Army Airfield. Ser ving lunch, burgers and dogs. We ser ved about 150 burgers and 96 hot dogs. 10 post members volunteered for about 8 hours each. 1AD had just arrived for a rotation from Ft.Bliss, Texas.

Post 27, Wies baden, Left and Middle Left: Members of Post 27 took part in a joint ceremony on September 11 commemorating the Berlin Airlift, 1948-1949, and the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. This took place at the Berlin Airlift Memorial at the Frankfurt International Airport.

Post 605, Paris, Top Middle and Top Right: Mark Primmer, Commander Post 605, Paris, was honored to represent Benjamin Franklin Post 605 as well as VFW Department of Europe at today’s ceremony commemorating the „Tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks“, which took place in front of the Tree of Liberty, in Paris.

Post 10692, Grafenwoehr, Bottom Left, Bottom Right, Middle Right: Patriot Day, September 11 will always be a day of re membrance of the Tower Post 10692. This year, along with USAG Bavaria & 7ATC, a special memorial was held on the parade field, with the fire department ringing our brass bell and Commander “Navy Bill” Strosnider and Comrade Kurt Spohr laying a wreath.

Until They are All Accounted For

WASHINGTON – On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) reminds every American to never forget to honor those who were held captive and returned and tho se who remain missing in action.

Established through proclamati on signed by President Jimmy Car

ter in 1979, N ational POW/MIA Re cognition Day is commemo rated across the nation on third Friday in Septem ber. The day is a poignant reminder of those whose sacrifice hel ped pave the

way to freedom and protection of the American way of life. The plight of the more than 140,000 former America prisoners of war is a burden that stays with each of them, and we would be remiss if we do not acknowledge and honor those who endured such hardships

on our behalf.

It is also the duty of every Ameri can to remember that some 83,000 service members are still listed as missing in action. Their families still hold out hope that one day they will receive the call that their loved one has been found. We owe them our support and vigilance un til that day comes.

Whether it’s by attending a POW/ MIA ceremony, setting a special POW/MIA table at an event, or hol ding a candlelight vigil, the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary ask everyone to remember the service and sacri fice of America’s former POWs, and to keep the candle of hope lit un til all our nation’s missing service men and women are accounted for.

The VFW Recognition Day urging America to ‘keep the candle lit’ September 16, 2022

Members of the Vicenza High School JROTC Cougar Battalion

POW/MIA donated by a vendor of the

VFW Post 8862, Vicenza, hosted their annual POW/ MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the Post Theater, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Ita ly on 16 September 2022.

Post 8862 Com mander, Johnny Bor den, led things off with introductions and greetings and in troduced the Vicenza High School JROTC Cougar Battalion as they posted the Co lors and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commander Borden then introduced the VFW Post 8862 Chaplain, (CPT) Lelys Miller, who conducted the invocation.

Commander Borden then introduced the Guest Spe aker, Retired Sergeant Major Rex A. Shuey, Jr. Comra de Shuey presented an inspiring and thought-provo king speech by first sharing the history of the POW/ MIA Recognition Day. He then cited six separate heart wrenching stories of next of kin still waiting for their loved ones to return home. The six Service Members were from six different U.S. states and from all ser vices of the U.S. military.

Upon the completion of Comrade Shuey’s speech, Commander Borden thanked everyone for their atten dance and invited the audience to the theater lobby to observe a cake cutting ceremony and to enjoy a piece of beautifully decorated POW/MIA cake donated by a vendor of the Commissary.

Noteworthy was the presence of personnel from the United Services Organization (USO) who greeted guests with refreshments, brioche, pastries, cookies, cup cakes and coffee. Additionally, Cub Scout Pack 295 was present throughout the ceremony handing out miniature American flags.

Post 10708, Illesheim honors POW/MIA Recognition Day

POW/MIA Day was honored at the Urals Post Exchange on 16 September 2022. The display was provided by the PX, as was the coffee and cake, and set up under the guidance of Cary Zottolo, who also gave the Opening Remarks.

The Invocation and Prayer was given by LTC Bullock. Two quilts were donated by Kenneth Aungst, a Comfort Quilt, and a Quilt of Valor, were raffled off to men who had served in Vietnam. The quilts were solemnly presented to the winners by a color guard provided by the 9th JROTC Battalion from Ansbach, Germany.

Guest speaker was Eddie Guvera and closing remarks were given by Kenneth Aungst. Cake and coffee plus administra tive details were handled by Brigette Mes ke.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamati on signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Photos by VFW Member Patrick Murphy

Guest Speaker, Retired Serge ant Major Rex A. Shuey, Jr.

VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland visits Europe

VFW Commander-in-Chief, Tim Borland, visited Europe September 1-9. He was accompanied by Mr. Bob Wallace from the Executive Office in Washington D.C and Mr. Ryan Gallucci, Director National Veterans Service.

They were at Shape Belgium NATO/Shape, Landstuhl Medi cal Regional Center, Ramstein Air Base, Stuttgart, Berlin and Wiesbaden. It was a short and quick 9 days, but a very busy one.

While in Belgium they also visited Flanders Field, where they spoke with families that had adopted American graves. While in Berlin they were able to visit Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Airlift Memorial, and several other sites, the day was capped with dinner. There was a dinner in Stuttgart set up by John Leffler. The CiC also had a meeting with the EUCOM Chief of Staff and the AFRICOM Sergeant Major. They made a stop at Ramstein, where they also had lunch with the troops. The trio were also in Wiesbaden. On Wednesday evening there was a dinner and on Friday the Commander-in-Chief joined members of Post 27, the District 1 Adjutant and the Depart ment Commander, Angelo Aldridge, in a Recruiting event held on Clay Kaserne, where there were 43 new Life and Annual members recruited.

Post 10614 supports K-town USO Sun and Fun

The Department Jr Vice Cdr, Judson Rackley, District Sr. Vice Cdr, Post 10614 CDR and members from Post 10614 partnered with the USO to set up a recruiting/ infor mation and Buddy Poppy table at USO Sun and Fun Event in Pulaski Park, 20 August 2022 for over an estimated 2,000 fa mily members.

Post 10614 supported the event with multiple activi ties that included cornhole, football tarp toss and a DJ to keep the music pumping.

In addition, our Service Officer spoke with almost 20 veterans or soon to be retirees to assist with VA claims process.

"This was the largest/bu siest event I‘ve seen since COVID", said Judson Rack ley.

Roy Howell, Post 27 Life Member, plays guitar and sings for inpatient Veterans at the Battle Creek, Michigan VA Medi cal Center. Howell plays at the VA every week and has accrued over 400 hours in the past sever al years. Howell says it‘s an extremely rewarding opportunity to give back, seeing the Veterans tap their feet and sing along to familiar songs.

Howell is accompanied by clarinetist George Pendill, an Army Veteran.

Post 27 Life member, Roy Howell, right, volunteers his free time at the Battle Creek, MI. VA

VFW Award

District 1 Commander John Casey. Post 12139 Sembach, presents SFC Michelle Pa ris with the VFW Lifesaving Award for valor for coming to the aid of several injured persons during a multi car accident. She is stationed at the Regional Health Com mand Europe, Sembach.

QuickSubmit is the new evidence intake tool for VA claims

QuickSubmit is the most efficient way to submit evidence to VA Filing a claim online? QuickSubmit has replaced Direct Upload as the online tool to share documents with VA’s Evidence Intake Center. Veterans, service members, their family members, VA employees and business partners will have access to the most efficient way to submit documents and evidence to VA. Improved access to your files

QuickSubmit provides a fast and effective alternative to faxing or mailing your documents, while also main taining a record of your uploads. It uses the latest technologies and a human-centered approach to improve the user experience, simplify the submission of evidence, reduce upload errors and improve processing time. The online tool automatically transfers claim documents and information for preliminary processing. With QuickSubmit, you are able to upload larger files (increased from 25 MB to 200 MB per file) and more of them (increased from 10 to 30 documents per submission). It also allows users to choose from multiple Sign-In partners including:

• DoD Common Access Card (CAC); • DS Logon; • me; • GOV;

• My HealtheVet;

• VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card. Register your account today

As a new user, you will need to register with QuickSubmit during your first sign-on attempt. This is a one-time requirement where you can select your appropriate user type: Veteran, Veteran family member, VA business partner (e.g., officer, private attorney, or agent) or VA employee. Previous Direct Upload users will also need to register the first time they access QuickSubmit.

Direct Upload will still be available as read-only until all submission records are transferred over to QuickSubmit. Currently, there is no set date for this transfer to be complete. To apply for and manage VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, service member, or family member, visit www.va.gov

VFW Post 605 Salutes US Army Rangers

On August 18, 2022, Benjamin Franklin VFW Post 605 Paris proudly supported the French non-profit organi zation, Remembering Americans in Europe, in dedica ting a monument honoring the 1st Ranger Battalion on the beach in Dieppe, Normandy, France.

Post members Bob Leclerc and Jack Pinard, as well as VFW Auxiliary member Anna Marie Mattson, joined Col. Allen Pepper, Military Attaché at the US Embassy Paris, himself a US Ranger (and a member of Post 605) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the 80th anni versary of Operation Jubilee and the first ever military engagement of the US Rangers.

Shortly after the United States’ entry into WWII, General George C. Marshall created the 1st Ranger Battali on, creating Ameri ca‘s first Army elite fighting unit. Initial training in Carrick fergus, Northern Ir land led to a first cut in ranks and some 600 men out of 3000 volunteers were sent to Achnacarry, Scot land.

Although their trai ning had not yet been completed, 50 hand picked Rangers were called to action on August 19, 1942, to fight alongside British and Canadian commandos in Operation Jubilee. The raid was designed to evaluate the German coastal infrastructure in the port city of Dieppe, and to execute a deep reconnaissance mission against the town’s Ger man occupiers.

The Dieppe Raid advanced many of the intelligence objectives of the operation but, resulted in enormous casualties for the Allies. Among them were the first Americans to die on European soil during WWII: Ranger’s 2nd Lt. Edward V. Lousta lot, 2nd Lt. Joseph H. Randall, and Tec 4 Howard M. Henry.

The Rangers of the 1st Battalion who served at Dieppe, and those of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Batta lions who came after them, played critical roles in subsequent campaigns in Africa, Italy, and at Poin te du Hoc on D-Day. These bra ve men helped spur the creation of the mo dern-day U.S. Speci al Forces.

In 1942, the 1st Ranger Ba tallion LED THE WAY for the US Army into the Europe an Theater of Operations in WWII.

The long overdue ceremony in 2022 was dedicated to ensuring that the Ranger’s efforts will never be for gotten.

Graciously allows hard copies of The European Gazette to be printed

Article by Mark Primmer, Photo credits: Jack Pinard and Bob Leclerc.

All gave some Some gave all

Post

Vicenza

Taco Tuesday

23 July 2022: Members of VFW Post 8862 voluntee red to assist in serving Tacos to military personnel on Taco Tuesday at the USO, Caserma Ederle. In ad dition to members of the USO, standing on the right side of above photo are three members of Post 8862, Commander Johnny Borden, Senior Vice Comman der, Antwan Robinson, and Comrade Alejandra Ro binson.

14 August 2022: VFW Post 8862 attended the 45th an nual Alpine Memorial Celebration in association with the Italian National Alpini Association (ANA) at Paspar do, Italy. This is an annual

Post Commander Coin: Pictured below is the present Commander, VFW (The Mediterranean) Post, Johnny Bor den, presenting the 30th VFW Post Commander’s Coin to the previous Commander, Antwan Robinson. This tra dition has been in effect for many ye ars.

Old Com mander Antwan Robinson (L) accepts 30th Post Comman der’s Coin from new Comman der John ny Borden (R).

ceremony celebrating the great history and ca maraderie of the Alpini troops. Veteran units from all over Italy were in attendance. An esti mated six hundred troops participated in the celebration. Post 8862 has a long history of attending this ceremony and received a warm welcome. There were numerous requests for pictures to be taken.

Grafenwoehr

The weekend of August 13-14, Tower Post 10692 held a Buddy Poppy Drive at the Grafenwoehr PX, Commissary and Shoppette. With as sistance from our Scouts and Cub Scouts, our Comrades were able to replenish our coffers so we can continue to do good things in our community. In addition, we were able to sign up two new Life Members and get the word out that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is still here to serve! 10692

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life has been an annual event for the VFW here in Europe for ten years! This year, Tower Post 10692 once again stepped up to be its spon sor. And along with its organizer, Ms Eilene Campsey, we have raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society. The event was held on 27 August 2022, and it was themed “Its Bet ter in Bavaria”. We had teams from the “Hope Seekers International Team” to our own “VFW & Supporters Team”, the USAG Bavaria MPD, NCOA, BOSS and others rounded out the teams this year to 14! And let it be known – the VFW & Supporters Team were this year’s Lap Champions!

Rex Shuey – Post 8862

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY

September 25, 2022

Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday in September and is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

A Gold Star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving their (our) country. It may be seen on a service flag or in the form of a pin which is worn by Gold Star Families.

The name ` Gold Star Mothers` was derived from the custom of military families who put a service flag near their front window. The flag featured a star for each family member serving their country – living members were denoted in blue, but gold stars honored family members who were killed while on duty.

In 1918 President Woodrow Wilson approved the wearing of black arm bands bearing a gilt star by those who had a family member who had died during military service to the United States. This distinguished them from the Blue Stars, representing a family member presently serving in the Armed Forces. American Gold Stars Mo thers, INC. was incorporated in 1929, obtaining a federal charter from the U.S. Congress. I began with 26 mo thers living in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation.

On 23 June 1936, A joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mo ther’s Day, a remembrance that as been observed each year by a Presidential Proclamation.

VFW DAY - September 29

The VFW traces its roots to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-Ame rican War and the Philippine Insur rection formed local organizations to assist them in securing medical care and other benefits. Some of the groups banded together and in 1914, formed the VFW, which recei ved a congressional charter in 1936. From the beginning, the organiza tion limited its membership to of ficers and enlisted men (and later women) honorably discharged from the military who had served in any foreign war, insurrection, or expe dition in the service of the United States. The major original purpo ses of the VFW were to promote comradeship among its members, to perpetuate the memory of the dead, and to assist the widows and orphans of veterans. In 1925, the organization established a National Home for Veterans‘ Orphans.

One of the VFW‘s more noteworthy efforts resulted in the passage of the 1924 World War Veterans Adjusted Compensation Act, also known as „the Soldier‘s Bonus.“ This act gran ted World War I veterans a deferred payment, due in 1945, as compen sation for wages that were lost due to wartime service. In 1932 a spon-

taneous gathering of 15,000 unem ployed veterans in Washington, D.C. demanded early payment of that bonus. Congress‘s refusal to grant payment and the violent dispersal of the so-called „Bonus Army“ in creased social and political tensi ons during the depths of the Great Depression. The VFW opposed the (President Franklin) Roosevelt ad ministration‘s cuts in veterans‘ be nefits in the Economy Act of 1933. It also played a crucial role, along with the American Legion, in lob bying for an earlier payment of the bonus. Congress in 1936 overrode Roosevelt‘s veto of legislation pro viding that payment.

In the early 1930s, the VFW sup ported a series of neutrality laws that sought to prevent America from entering another overseas war. After the Munich Pact of 1938, isolationist sentiment within the organization waned. Upon the Uni ted States‘ entry into World War II, the VFW‘s first official act was to lobby Congress to provide for immediate life insurance coverage for all service personnel. Through its efforts Congress approved a bill that would award a $5000 policy to every member of the service and

his or her dependents. The VFW‘s main contribution to the war effort was in the area of civi lian defense. This included promo ting a physical fitness campaign and recruiting auxiliary police and firefighters to replace those who had joined the service. The VFW also established an Aviation Cadet Committee to test and drill men eighteen to twenty-six years of age so they could qualify for the Air Corps. The VFW successfully recru ited 75,000 men for the Air Corps and another 45,000 for other bran ches of service.

The greatest accomplishment of the VFW, along with its chief rival, the more politically powerful Ame rican Legion, was the effort that led to passing of the GI Bill of Rights in 1944. Initially, the VFW remained lukewarm to the GI Bill and feared a recurrence of the postwar back lash against veterans‘ benefits by big business that had occurred in the 1920s and early 1930s. But in the end, the VFW embraced the GI Bill of Rights and played a crucial role in its passage. In contrast to the World War I bonus, the GI Bill was widely hailed as one of the gre at pieces of legislation passed by Congress in the twentieth century.

In addition to its main aim of ai ding veterans, the VFW sought from

its beginning to promote patriotism among Americans. For example, it placed emphasis on respect for the American flag; as early as the 1920s it distributed nearly a milli on copies of a booklet, „Etiquette of the Stars and Stripes,“ to schools and other organizations. One of its achievements was a lobbying cam paign that in 1931 led Congress to officially designate „The StarSpangled Banner“ as America‘s na tional anthem.

History

VFW magazine is the official pub lication of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with a circulation of 1.3 mil lion.

VFW magazine has been the voice of the overseas war veteran for more than a century. In November 1904, the first issue of the maga zine‘s predecessor publication ap peared for members of a fledgling organization called the American Veterans of Foreign Service.

Though only a handful of Ame ricans were aware of it even back then, the nation was engaged in a war with fanatical Moros (Muslims) in the southern Philippines in 1904. Teddy Roosevelt was President, and he was determined that veterans of that war (then in its second year) be treated with respect. Fatefully, a similar situation exists today. The difference now is that there is a highly respected organi zation available to meet the needs of veterans returning from the war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. And VFW‘s magazine is still here more than 110 years later to ensure reco gnition and respect for them.

From humble beginnings as a four-page newsletter, The Ameri can Veteran of Foreign Service evol ved into a magazine that is counted among the top 60 publications (in terms of circulation) in the United States. That is something to boast about considering the fact that 19,500 magazines are published in

this country each year.

For more than 10 decades--th rough five lengthy wars and nu merous smaller campaigns--VFW magazine and its predecessors have taken up the cudgels on behalf of war veterans. From travel pay to a bonus to the GI Bill to VA health care, the magazine has spoken for the organization on matters of cri tical importance.

The magazine has strived to keep up with the times, but at the same time preserving the traditions held dear by members. Magazine covers have illustrated contemporary ar tistic styles and highlighted events reflective of the respective decades.

Circulation flowed with tide of membership. From only 1,000 subscribers in 1910, it peaked at 2,167,788 readers in 1992.

VFW‘s Publications Department has won more than 120 awards to date for the magazine, Checkpoint newsletter, books and graphic pieces. the a Happy

GIVE MONTHLY TO HELP OUR HEROES

Partners in Patriotism is a win-win monthly giving option to make things more convenient for you ... and allow us to do the best job we possibly can for America’s sons and daughters.

Partners in Patriotism is the most effective way to help our proud veterans, service members and their families. When you sign up, you support life-changing programs every month of the year. It’s a great way to show you care!

Partners in Patriotism:

• Keeps administrative costs down so more money goes to programs.

• Guarantees your donations stay in your Department.

• Allows for better budget planning and program funding to help more veterans, service members and their families.

• Cuts down the amount of mail you receive. You will only receive the VFW Supporter Quarterly newsletters, and an annual receipt of your gifts for your records and tax purposes.

Sign Up Today!

NAME PHONE #

ADDRESS

EMAIL ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

CHOOSE HOW YOU DONATE

□ Option 2: Checking Account Deduction

Please send us a voided check along with the completed information below and return it to:

VFW National Headquarters 406 West 34th Street, Suite 718 Kansas City, MO 64111

Amount to be charged:

• Minimum amount is $10.00, processed on/or around the 20th of the month.

Amount to be charged: $ __________ □ monthly □ quarterly □ annually

• Minimum amount is $10.00, processed on/or around the 20th of the month.

SIGNATURE

DATE

Return this completed form to VFW National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 718, Kansas City, MO 64111 or fax to 816.968.1129. Questions? Please call Donor Services toll-free at 833.VFW.GIVE (833.839.4483), or email vfwfundraising@vfw.org. Thank you!

Post Name Legacy Level

9334Aldridge, Angelo D. Gold 10775Andrew, Glenna M Gold 10436Andujar, Emilio Gold 8862Bankston, Thomas J. Bronze 10436Barber, Billy D. Silver

27Barton, Clyde A. Bronze 10810Bateman, Gary M. Gold

10692Beatty, James M. Gold 10810Benard, Thomas R. Gold 27Bobbe Sr, Shawn J. Gold

9342Bodily, Cecil L. Gold

8862Borden, Johnny R. Bronze 8862Bostic, Mark C. Bronze 10810Boynton, Pierre Y. Bronze 9342 Brooks, Robert P. Gold

10810Buechner, Brian L. Bronze 27Campanas, James P. Gold

10692Cannon, Donald Gold 10692Case, John C. Gold

12139Casey, John J. Bronze 8862Clark, Tom A. Bronze 10708Classe Jr, Anthony V. Gold 3885Coleman III, Willie A. Gold

27Corea, Juanita C. Bronze

10692Creager, Donald R. Bronze 8862Davenport, Terry D. Bronze 605Digilio Jr, John T. Bronze

10692Flick, Brian H. Gold

10692Flick Sr, Bob R. * Gold 10692 Foist, Gabriel T. Bronze 10692Fuentes, Pierre J. Silver

8862Funk, Steven L. Gold 8862Furnish, Caroll E. Bronze 10692Gehring, Gregory J. Silver 605Gibson, Lon M. Gold

10614Gilgore, George J. Gold

8862Gillott, Bert A. Gold

10506Gish, Blane E. Bronze 10692Hadley, Benjamin F. Gold 9342Hall, Herbert Bronze 15060Haumschild, Nathaniel J.Gold

10692Hawley, Philip M. Gold 10810Hayman Collins, LisaBronze 8862Heaton, Alex O. Bronze

27 Heffernan, Michael G. Gold 8862Helie, Robert A. Bronze 8862Hendrickson, Richard B.Bronze

10692Hicks, David E. Gold 9342Hirschman, Norman J.Bronze

10506Hooper, Carl Gold

15060Hoskin, Lawrence K. Gold

Post Name Legacy Level

10557Howard, Lance W. Gold 10708Isaak, Norbert Gold

10692Joyce, James R. Gold 605Keenan, Kristina J. Gold 9334Kennedy, Jonathan Gold 8862Kennedy, Richard F. * Gold 9342Kistner, Mark C. Gold 10506Konsavage, Michael F.Gold 15060Kuehn, Michael A. Gold 10506 Kuntz, Daniel J. Gold 10810Lally, William E. * Bronze 8862Lawery, Donald F. * Gold 10810 Leffler, John L. Gold 10810 Leffler, Robert J. Gold 8862Leonard, James L. Bronze 10692Lorenzo, James R. Gold 10692Lovmo, Russell D. Gold 8862Luste, Peter H. * Gold 15060Lytle, Victor S. * Gold 10810Marable, Devon A. Bronze 27Miller, Anthony E. Bronze 27Minsky, Robert R. Gold 3885Mishkin, Marc B. Gold 9342Miyamoto, Daniel K. Gold 27Moore, Andrew J. Gold 8862Moore, Thomas R. Bronze 10436Morgan, David L. Gold 12159Mormino, Joe A. Gold 8862Murley, Myron H. * Gold 10708Nagan, Dale R. Gold 27Neiderhiser, Adam T. Gold 2566Neilson, John C. Gold 10708Nelson, Walter A. Bronze 8862Northen, Alice Silver 8862Northen, Matthew B. Silver 3885Ota, Todd H. Bronze 2566Otto, Matthew J. Gold 10692Palos, Jasson G. Bronze 8862 Peiffer, Robert R. Bronze 8862 Pfaff, Michael D. Bronze 10436Preston, Lee B. Silver 605Primmer, Mark D. Gold 10692Proctor, Ryan A. Bronze 12159Purham, Randy Silver 10692Quick, George Bronze 8862Quinn, Patrick I. * Bronze 605Reid, Ulysses T. Gold 10614Rewis, Thomas Bronze 8862Reynolds, Ronald Bronze 27Richardson, Stanley Gold 10614Ridenbaugh, Rudy L. Gold

Post Name Legacy Level

3885Robbins, Leo V. * Gold 10692Rohr, Kenneth J. Gold 10775Schaaf, Mark A. * Gold 15060Schreiber, Mark A. Bronze 9342Schreiber, Thomas K. Gold 10810Schwartz, Robert N. Gold 605Shanahan Jr, John H. Gold

15060Shelton, Christopher L.Silver 9342Smith, Nay Bronze 10692Spohr, Gladwin K. Gold 8862St Hilaire, Shaun M. Gold 605Steiner, Charles J. Bronze 10775Strickland Jr, Jack L. Gold

10692Strosnider, William D.Bronze 15060Thomas Sr, David J. Gold

10506Van Der Wyst, Ralph H.Gold 27Vergott, James D. Gold 12139 Wagaman, Jeffrey H. Gold 27Wallent, Anthony Bronze 15060Webken, Jacob T. Bronze 8862Wilder, David B. Gold 3885Williamson, Jessie L. Gold 10692 Winslow, James R. Gold 27Wolverton, Lee R. Gold 10692Worm, Kenneth S. Gold 8862Young, Anthony L. Gold 10810Young, Joel O. Gold 10775Zaiz, Richard A. Gold

* Indicates deceased member as of June 30, 2022