‘No Man Left Behind’: Marine Corps veteran opens home to help fellow vets FOX 17 News Michigan Janice Allen January 27, 2017
"I bought a house and I didn't need all the rooms, so I started bringing in veterans that needed help," Clemens explained. "If they need food, I buy them food... If they need clothes, I give them clothes."
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Joe Clemens has been back to civilian life for awhile now, but he's still fighting to help his fellow man.
"No man left behind. That's the way I've lived my life," he told FOX 17 News. "When I got out, nobody helped me, so because of that, I wasn't going to let that happen to anyone else."
Despite battling a rare and terminal blood disorder as a result of his service, Clemens has made it his mission to help veterans who are struggling.
"They're not gonna fall through the cracks," he said. "To come back, and not be able to feed your family, it takes a toll on you."
Clemens is a Service Officer at American Legion Post 459. His job is to help veterans navigate different resources to secure their benefits and get back on their feet. read more here
SEE IT: Bikers help stranded Bruce Springsteen on Veterans Day COX Media Group National Content Desk by: Michelle Ewing Nov 13, 2016
FREEHOLD, N.J. - A group of New Jersey bikers came across an unexpected sight while on a Veterans Day ride – Bruce Springsteen stranded on the side of the road.
"Bikers gotta stick together," Dan Barkalow, a motorcyclist with the Freehold American Legion group, told The Associated Press. "I stopped to see if he needed help, and it was Bruce." The group attempted – without success – to fix Springsteen's broken-down motorcycle. After throwing in the towel, Springsteen rode with another American Legion motorcyclist, Ryan Bailey, to a nearby bar and hung out with the men.
read more here
Clermont women sentenced to prison for theft of veterans organization Orlando Sentinel Jason Ruiter November 4, 2016
When auxiliary officers asked for financial statements of the nonprofit during Briere's tenure, she "always had an excuse" not to provide the information, Rousseau said. Some of the money she embezzled was spent on a $6,000 ring, she said.
A 64-year-old Clermont woman who embezzled more than a half-million dollars from a veteran-services organization spent the money on jewelry, furniture and concert tickets, an officer from her organization said Friday.
Robin C. Briere stole more than $657,000 from the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Florida by writing checks to herself or paying her personal expenses with the organization's checks, according to court documents. She was sentenced to 33 months in prison Friday.
"It wasn't visible to us. We trusted her completely in the position that she had," said Diane Rousseau of Fruitland Park, auxiliary parliamentarian.
But when Brier left her position of seven years as secretary treasurer in 2014, the new treasurer found inconsistencies in her reports, she said. read more here
One of nation's largest veterans organizations, American Legion celebrates 100 years The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (Tribune News Service)
By Tom Roeder
Published: September 18, 2016
Additionally, it provides educational programs for students and its post are loaded with community volunteers - its 2.4 million members provide nearly 4 million hours of community service annually - which Schmidt thinks could be key for growing the Legion.
The American Legion is hoping its upcoming 100th birthday will bring renewal to one of the nation's largest and quickly graying veterans organizations.
The Legion's national commander, Charles Schmidt, said during a weeklong Colorado visit that he wants the organization to focus on its accomplishments and press forward with programs for children in a bid to draw younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan to its ranks.
"That's where the rubber meets the road," said Schmidt, an Air Force retiree from eastern Oregon.
Schmidt, who served nearly 27 years in the Air Force, said he was a reluctant Legionnaire at the start. read more here
Veterans still waiting for donations from McGraw show Press of Atlantic City Michael Miller August 5, 2016
Vietnam Veterans of America officer Vincent DePrinzio said the groups would understand if the show didn’t generate a profit for donations.
Scenes from the July 4th Tim McGraw concert on the beach in Wildwood.
Monday July 04, 2016. (Dale Gerhard/Press of Atlantic City)
WILDWOOD — Four veterans groups that partnered with the Celebrate America Weekend featuring Tim McGraw on July 4 said they have not received any donations promised from proceeds of the beach concert.
Promoter Boardwalk Entertainment Co. Inc., of Ocean City, promised to donate proceeds from ticket sales to Wildwood’s American Legion Post 184 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 955, and Operation First Response in Virginia and the Michael Strange Foundation in Pennsylvania.
Boardwalk Entertainment President Amanda Thomas said she expects to be able to announce the donations next week. “We’re still going through all our numbers and our books, trying to determine how much the groups will get,” she said. Thomas said her company offered the groups 10 percent of profits from ticket sales. read more here
Every member of the House is up for re-election. If they support privatizing the VA that means they did not care about the job they were elected to do. The House has had jurisdiction over the VA and how veterans are taken care of since 1946. If it is a mess, it is their fault and all the others before them. If veterans suffer, it is their fault because it looks like all they wanted to do was hand over our veterans to the same for profit groups the rest of us have to deal with. Oh, by the way, the same ones operating under the Affordable Healthcare Act they all say does not work. Yet one more thing they'd rather kill than fix.
Make them do their jobs or elect others to do it and earn their paychecks instead of passing on the suffering to our veterans!
There's a feud within the veterans community, and it's starting to get ugly
Military Times Leo Shane III
July 3, 2016
Officials from Concerned Veterans for America, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars pose with then-House Speaker John Boehner during an April 2014 meeting with lawmakers on VA reform proposals.
(Photo: Courtesy of the office of the Speaker of the House)
A controversial veterans advocacy group is gaining clout in Congress but appears to be losing credibility with fellow veterans lobbyists.
The group is called Concerned Veterans for America, and its ties to conservative causes and funders have drawn criticism since its founding five years ago. For the most part, CVA's leaders have managed to balance those attacks by establishing public working relationships with several major veterans organizations.
But in recent weeks, even those arrangements have deteriorated.
The most recent divorce came in June, when the American Legion, whose leaders just a few months ago were working closely with CVA on efforts to reform the Veterans Affairs Department, sent a letter to lawmakers in which they characterized CVA's leaders as politically motivated “mouthpieces whose focus is to leverage the military veterans community to achieve selfish gains.” read more here
Can't Get No Satisfaction With Wrong Questions Wounded Times Kathie Costos March 11, 2016 "Wounded Warrior Project must provide real answers" from the Florida Times Union Editorial Board seems to have a lot out on the questions that do in fact need to be answered but doesn't seem as if they know what to ask. Ok, so Nardizzi and Giordanon are out while the Board of Directors thought it was unnecessary to explain how they let all this happen. It isn't as if it was a one time thing that blindsided them. The Board of Directors, just like Congress, have been put into seats to insure things are done right. Seems to be a lot of avoidance issues on that end and veterans suffered. Oh, did I forget to mention that members of Congress have heard complaints about this group too but managed to have them testify in Washington as if everything was always fine and dandy. CBS report said WWP was the "largest veterans charity" but they should have said it was the largest money raiser since compared to other charities like the DAV 1.3 million, the VFW with 1.4 million and the American Legion with 2.4 million, they are pretty small.
"According to the board's statement, participation in Wounded Warrior Project programs for injured veterans, their caregivers and family members rose from 1,850 to 144,000 from 2010 to 2015."
The really crazy thing is since news broke from CBS last month, it seems their membership went way up.
Wiki still has the numbers up.
DAV A Legacy of Service, Hope for the Future DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides more than 700,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 300,000 benefit claims annually. In 2015, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for themselves and for veterans, their families and survivors.
DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.
With almost 1,300 chapters and nearly 1.3 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keep the promises made to them.
So, no they are not the largest in terms of taking care of veterans. Isn't that what we really care about?
Readers of Wounded Times know I am a lifetime member of the DAV Auxiliary and spend a lot of time with the VFW, as well as the simple fact they are all about all generations of veterans and unlike what's been going on in this country lately, they do in fact care about all our veterans. This all goes to show that all the corporations donating millions to WWP should have known what was going on but didn't bother to look. They also didn't bother to think about the other groups treating veterans as equally worthy of their donations.
Ok, so now we also have all the colleges and other charities donors have no clue about since they don't really read press releases.
Wounded Times does and here are just a few of them.
UCLA Operation Mend receives $15.7 million for mental health program for wounded warriors
WWP and Warrior Care Network partners will commit a total $100 million over three years to fund the initiative, including $7.5 million each that the medical centers will contribute through their own fundraising efforts.
According to the Beast's report, the Wounded Warrior Project said it was serving more than 56,000 veterans; however, less than two thirds of those registered have interacted at all with the organization so far this year.
DUNCANNON, Pa. (WHTM) – A vigil was held for Sgt. Adam Schoeller, the marine who went missing off the coast of Hawaii, following a training exercise on January 14.
Sunday, the community gathered to honor a friend, son, neighbor, and comrade.
“We’re just going to miss him,” Adam’s father, Ralph Schoeller, said.
Even though Adam didn’t make it home, his memory is a homecoming.
Deceased veteran's ashes get shotgun salute sendoff
The Spectrum
Kevin Jenkins
January 10, 2016
LaVerkin resident Walter “Jim” Hosey went out with a bang.
Several of them, actually.
The Vietnam War Army veteran, who died Jan. 2, received a sendoff from family members and friends Saturday at the Southern Utah Shooting Sports Park in Hurricane where he had spent so much of his life.
In addition to an American Legion rifle salute, Taps and honorary presentation of the American flag to Hosey’s son Clint and daughters Emerald and Heidi, the deceased veteran received a special kind of tribute in keeping with his personality – Clint loaded 50, 12-gauge shotgun shells with his father's ashes and fired them off with the help of relatives and friends.
“I think he got a kick out of that,” Clint said, acknowledging that he was holding up well, but eventually realization of the family’s loss “gets real.” read more here
Today was a sad day because on November 14, 2015 shortly after the Veterans Day Parade in Orlando, Cutter was on his motorcycle on the way home and was killed. He had a day doing what he loved with people he called family.
Nov 28, 2015
On November 14, 2015, shortly after the Veterans Day parade in Orlando, Cutter was killed while riding his motorcycle. Today was the day we celebrated his life and said goodbye.
S.F. big shots forcing vets out of Veterans Building, suit says
San Francisco Chronicle
By Matier and Ross
November 1, 2015
“It’s nothing new — we we are used to being treated like second-class citizens,” said Michael Blecker, Swords to Plowshares’ executive director and a Vietnam War veteran.
Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle The Green Room is seen inside the newly renovated War Memorial Veterans Building in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015.
Swords to Plowshares, the celebrated charity that works with homeless and low-income veterans, is being squeezed out by the upscale landlords of San Francisco’s newly renovated War Memorial Veterans Building.
That’s the thrust of a lawsuit filed by the local American Legion over the War Memorial board’s refusal to provide Swords with free office space at the landmark building across from City Hall — while carving out square footage aplenty for high-society tenants like the San Francisco Opera that have the money to pay.
The American Legion is challenging the way the board — which includes such big names as city protocol chief Charlotte Mailliard Shultz and former Presidio Trust Chair Nancy Bechtle — is interpreting a city attorney’s 2009 decree that only “patriotic organizations” are entitled to free rent at the Veterans Building.
The fight goes all the way back to 2008 when the American Legion offered to make room in the building for Swords to Plowshares — but then came the city attorney’s finding that the charity wasn’t entitled to free rent. read more here
VFW: VA Turned 'Blind Eye' to Insurer Profiteering Off Survivors
Military.com
Bryant Jordan
September 30, 2015
The lawsuit was settled in 2014 when the insurer paid out a $40 million settlement, but did not acknowledge any wrongdoing. The VFW continued to demand release of the documents, however, arguing that they would enable families and the public to better understand what the company did in connection with its administering of federally subsidized life insurance programs.
One of the country's largest veterans' organizations says it has uncovered proof that that the Veterans Affairs Department agreed to an insurance policy payout system that gave Prudential Insurance Co. an edge in holding onto survivor's money rather than pay it out in a lump sum.
A 2009 document shows that that VA allowed Prudential to pay benefits in the form of an account that survivors could draw on rather than a single payment, as the law governing Service Group Life Insurance and Veterans Group Life Insurance required.
"The documents speak for themselves, and they show that Prudential initiated this program for the money that could be gained, not to help grieving military families -- and the VA knew all about it," VFW National Commander John A. Biedrzycki Jr. said. "For an insurance company to profit off the dead is sickening, but for our own government to turn a blind eye to profiteering is something entirely else." read more here
UPDATE
Looks like the service groups are coming out swinging!
The Legion, which first sought her removal along with other department officials in connection with a wait-times scandal in 2014, said Hickey now should go because of her connection to officials who used coercion to assume the directorships of regional offices in Philadelphia and St. Paul, Minnesota.
IAVA Chief Criticizes Sanders as ‘Apologist’ for Scandal-Riddled VA
The head of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America said presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, should explain why he didn't early and aggressively investigate the Veterans Affairs Department scandal involving manipulated wait times and the deaths of veterans.
"If you want to be commander-in-chief, let's ask some hard questions of Bernie Sanders on why he didn't do more, why he didn't hold more oversight hearings," Paul Rieckhoff said during a panel discussion on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. "We and others called him out for basically being an apologist for the VA as the scandal erupted around him."
Carson’s ideas to reform VA concern local veterans
Midland Reporter Telegram
By Erin Stone
Sep 27, 2015
The DAV and other national organizations -- American Legion, AMVETS, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of American, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Military Officers Association of America -- signed and sent an open letter to Carson in response to his ideas for reforming the VA.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has encountered much criticism given the sometimes fatal consequences of its long waiting lists. However, Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s recent comments about moving veterans’ health care partially into the privatized realm has veterans -- including those who are well aware of the flaws of the current VA -- up in arms.
In an op-ed published last week in USA Today, Carson described improving the VA with what he called “offer choice,” which would give veterans a health savings account (HSA) “to allow veterans to access the best possible medical care at a nearby DOD, VA or civilian medical facility.”
Leaders of veterans’ organizations worry that this will lead to the complete privatization of veterans’ health care and the eventual elimination of the department altogether, especially given Carson’s comments in an August radio interview stating the VA doesn’t need to exist, said Paul Reed, commander and Service Officer for the Permian Basin Chapter of Disabled American Veterans.
Reed believes the new Veterans Choice Program is a concrete example of this incremental movement toward fully privatizing the VA. Through the Choice Program, eligible veterans are sent a Choice Card with which they are allowed to seek covered care outside of the VA if their wait time is more than 30 days or the closest VA is more than 40 miles away from their home. read more here
'It's closure. It's healing': Hundreds of veterans visit The Wall That Heals
Salem News
By John Castelluccio Correspondent
July 12, 2015
One brother, in fact, didn’t open up about his time in Vietnam until a few years ago when he ran into another vet at Florian Hall in Dorchester, Driscoll said. “They couldn’t talk about it with other people, but they could talk about it with each other, I guess.”
'It's closure. It's healing'
Three-year-old Andrea Pimental of Middleton looks to upright a fallen American flag placed at The Wall That Heals, Sunday afternoon during the last day at the Fuller School site.
GLOUCESTER — By Mark Nestor’s estimation, the half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial lived up to its reputation this week in Gloucester, evoking the start of a cathartic healing process for several veterans who came to pay their respects to fallen comrades at The Wall That Heals.
Nestor, the commander of the Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3, said he shook hands with about 600 Vietnam veterans — many of whom he never met before — from the time the traveling wall opened to the public Thursday morning through late Sunday afternoon during the closing ceremonies. Many of them were from Cape Ann or the North Shore, but some also came up from Plymouth and other communities surrounding Boston.
“It’s closure. It’s a healing process,” said Nestor, adding that the traveling exhibit helps make that process easier for people who haven’t visited the actual memorial in Washington, D.C. read more here
March notice of veteran, military or patriotic events in Central Florida
Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend.
Big, Special and FREE Event!US Navy Band and Sea Chanters Chorus – Sat. Mar 7 – 4pm at Dr. Phillips Center – Seneff Arts Plaza. Part of the Florida Blue Free Concerts Series visit: drphillipscenter.org This concert is outdoors on the grassy area of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (DPAC), 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, 32801. Concert lasts about 1 hour; you might consider bringing lawn chair or ground blanket. 407-839-0119. (Thank you for the notice, Carla Hoskins and Bob Karas!)
Orlando Marathon – Sat. Mar 7 - Sponsored by Help The Vets, Inc. and the City of Orlando. Harbor Park, 4990 E. New Broad Street, Orlando, 32814 - south side of Lake Baldwin. Get the word out about your organization with a free table (cannot sell anything) and meet Veterans and runners in the Orlando area – 7am – 11am. 500+ runners and their families expected. VFW band will play for 2 hours starting at 7:30 am with the flag ceremony. Contact Neil at 407-376-7000 omarathon.com
Bands, Brew and BBQ – Mar 7 to Mar 29 (Every Sunday, Saturday) - USO Central Florida has partnered with Sea World Orlando for military and veteran appreciation. Event proceeds will support our local USO Central Florida. Special discounts and offers for all actives, reservists, retirees and veterans from the military. Live concerts from top classic rock and country bands and artists, the tastiest BBQ from the area's best local smokehouses. 7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando, 32821.
Sun. March 8 – Did you move your clock ahead one hour?
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sun. Mar 8 – 2pm start time in downtown Winter Park, Park Ave. Irish dancers, first responders’ bagpipes and the local Korean War Veterans Chapter 173 will also have a float! (KWVA - Thank you for the parade info!) 407-222-0648.
IDignity Seminole – Wed. Mar 11 – 9am to 1pm (first come, first served) Assistance directed towards helping homeless and indigent persons in Seminole County in obtaining replacements of lost or stolen Florida ID cards & licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, VA records and other documents with assistance of legal counsel.St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 2140 West State Road 434, Longwood, 32779. Transportation troubles? Free pickup (for this event only) from 7 – 9am and drop off from 2 - 4:45pm at the following locations only:
• Sanford Civic Center - 401 E Seminole Blvd, Sanford (in the parking lot near 1st and Sanford)
• The Salvation Army - 700 W. 24th St., Sanford
• The Sharing Center - 600 N. US Highway 17-92 #154, Longwood
Some documents require additional proofs – call to check which ones NOW so that you will have them available to help these folks to help you! 407-869-0491 ext. 0 Website: idignity.org/Seminole email: idignityseminole@ idignity.org (Thank you for the notice, Dennis McClellan!)
Tico Warbird Airshow – Fri, Sat and Sun March 13, 14, 15 – Vintage and modern warplanes in action at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville on the east coast of Florida. Including USAF Thunderbirds, Texas Raiders B-17G, B-25 Mitchell Bomber, DAV Flight Team. Also special guests WWII Veteran and Doolittle Raider - Lt. Col. Dick Cole as well as Vietnam Veteran and DAV National Commander Ron Hope. Airshow starts at 1pm; gates open at 8:30am. This year has a special salute to all Vietnam veterans! Warbird Museum at 6600 Tico Rd, Titusville, 32780. Info: 321-268-1941 Tickets available online at vacwarbirds.net
USO Volunteers - Interested in becoming an official USO volunteer when the airport site opens? You will need to attend one of the volunteer orientations. Sessions will be held each month. This month you may attend one of the following dates. RSVP to kkimberly@usocentralflorida.org
Fri, Mar 13, 4 - 5:30 PM at La Rosa Corporate Offices, 1420 Celebration Blvd, Celebration FL, 34747.
Or on Mon, Mar 16, 5 - 6:30 PM, Celebration Town Hall, 851 Celebration Ave, Celebration FL, 34747.
Regional Effort to End Veteran Homelessness mtg – Wed. Mar 18 – 8am – 10am at The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave, 18th Floor, Orlando, 32801. Presented by the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness; Hosted by the Orlando VA Medical Center, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Local and national experts present a briefing on the progress on this critical issue and continue the dialogue on taking the big next steps forward in ending veteran homelessness in Central Florida. RSVP to diana@ImpactHomelessness. org or by calling 321-710-HOME (4663) x1 (Thank you for the notice, Andrae Bailey!)
Fundraising Garage Sale by Villagers for Veterans – Fri. and Sat. Mar 20, 21 – 2344 Bramble Terrace, The Village of Bonita, 32162. Quality items cleaned out of attics, closets and garages – needing new homes! Proceeds benefit efforts to assist wounded veterans. Contact: Alice Byrum 352-561-4387 or Marie Bogdonoff 516-220-5068
Fundraising Dance for Golfing with Heroes– Fri. Mar 20 – Fundraiser to sponsor golf outings for wounded veterans. Entertainment by Roy Michaels. Sponsored by Villagers for Veterans and American Legion Post 347.$12.50 pp from 6pm-9pm at the Post, 699 W. Lady Lake Blvd, Lady Lake, 32159. Contact Marie for info and tickets at 516-220-5068. villagersforveterans.org
Sat. Mar 21 - Deadline for reservations for American Legion’s Children’s Easter Party – see event on Sat. March 28
Melbourne Air and Space Show Flies Over Florida - Mar 21-22. Melbourne International Airport (MLB) featuring the USN Blue Angels. Check online for further info.
Greeters needed!Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. Mar 21 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:30 pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #2222 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com407-239-8468.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly.
Charity Golf Tournament PVA of Central Florida – Mon. March 23 – Fund raiser for both Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Central Florida and The Disability Wellness Center in Sanford. PVA assistance includes spinal injury and neurological diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. There are 27 known veterans with ALS in Central FL. Tournament will be held at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes in Longwood, 32779. Flyer available. Sponsorships welcomed. To register or for more information contact: John DeMauro, 407-328-7041 cfpvaed@cfl.rr.com
Greeters needed!Honor Flight Welcome Home –WED. Mar 25 – Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 35 veterans of WWII and Korean War veterans return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 9:30 pm and enter the terminal area at about 10:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! – Southwest Airlines #1341 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues. Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com407-239-8468.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly.
Military Retiree Appreciation Day – Sat. Mar 28 – 9am – 4pm. Sponsored by Army/Fort Stewart but all military services are welcomed to this great event which will provide retired Soldiers and their families the latest information on the current state of the military, benefits and entitlements, and the future outlook for defense programs supporting retirees and pay. TRICARE/Delta Dental, Public Health, American Legion/VFW; briefings from: Defense Accounting and Finance Service (DFAS) VA State Veterans Office, AAFES/Commissary, ID cards, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) /ROA. University of Central Florida (UCF) campus at The Venue Auditorium , CFE Arena. 12777 Gemini Boulevard, Orlando, 32816-8041. Info: 912-767-5013 or 912-767-3326 or email the Ft Stewart RSO at usarmy.stewart.usag or MacDill AFB Army Retirement Services Office at 813-828-0163 or email army.rso@amc.af.mil.
Tribute to World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans – Sat. Mar 28 - 11:30am - 3:30pm. Hosted by AMVETS Post 2006 -Leesburg, held offsite at Rural King, 1715 Citrus Blvd (Hwy 441), Leesburg. Special guests, speakers, recognition presented by our State, County Representatives, live music, food, beverages, activities vendors, prizes, raffles , Club challenge award, Event t-shirts, and lots more. Invitations have been extended to the Governor, several Senators and Congressman, local representations, Mayor of Leesburg, Former Senator Carey Baker, Navy Band, ROTC, Boys and Girl Scouts, 4-H Club, and several more. amvets2006.com 352-323-8750 Peggy c 407 484 2159 Sponsors and vendors welcomed!
Easter Children’s Party – Sat. Mar 28 - Easter Egg hunts, lunch and prizes for the children starting at 12 pm. Sponsored by The American Legion Family at Post 286 Pine Castle. Make your child's reservations to attend this military and family friendly fun filled afternoon. Space is limited and each child must be accompanied by an adult and register by calling 407-859-1460 by March 21st. Post address: 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809 (south Orlando area, north of Sand Lake Road.) alaunit286pinecastlefl@ gmail.com - An active and friendly post for men and women!
Wounded Officer Initiative (WOI) Fundraiser – Sat. Mar 28 - 6-11 pm Wounded law enforcement officers (LEO) will be assisted with this evening of dinner, dancing, and a Vegas-style magic show by Jeff Caprann, at Windermere Hall, 520 Main Street, Windermere, 34786. (southwest Orlando area.) $50/pp or $90/couple. Info: woundedofficersinitiative. org Tickets/info: Peter at 407-758-8526; Rick at 407-766-0125; or Scott at 407-408-3623. (Thank you for the notice, Jimmy Brown!)
6th Annual CFNL Wounded Warrior Lone Sailor 5K & 10K – Sat. April 4 - 7:30am Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave, Orlando, 32814. Join us for a run around the former grounds of Naval Training Center Orlando to honor the city's rich military heritage and support our wounded service men and women. Visit cfnl5k.org for details and to register online. Sponsorships welcomed.
ON THE HORIZON – mark your calendar
Florida Women Veterans Conference – Apr 17-19 - a first ever weekend conference open to all women veterans of all eras. Sandcastle Resort in Sarasota (1540 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, 34236) The website provides full information including the agenda, registration and hotel: flwvc.org
Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion – Apr 23 – 26, Wickham Park in Melbourne. The nation’s largest veteran reunion is very well attended; military displays, reenactments and ceremonies, old and new friends. Additionally, the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall will be onsite from Apr.19 – 26. The escorted arrival is always exciting with hundreds of motorcycles and First Responder vehicles.
USMCCCA Foundation Golf Tournament – Fri. May 1. U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Foundation tournament. The proceeds go to the Semper Fi fund to help wounded Marines and their loved ones. James “Red” Carpenter at jcar1@tampabay.rr.comSponsorships welcomed.
Golf Outing - A Villagers for Veterans Event – Tues. May 19 - Bonifay Country Club, The Villages Fl. Come and meet SSGT. Brian Mast, a true hero. Brian lost both his legs and a finger while clearing for bombs in Afghanistan during one of his tours. Brian recently returned from Israel, where he volunteered for the IDF.
3rd Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament - Mon. July 20. Central Florida Navy League, a large active group composed of civilians and veterans supporting all sea services. (USN, USMC, USCG, and Merchant Marines.) This golf outing honors a long-time CFNL member, Robert "Bob" Bret - Proceeds go to support NJROTC scholarships and the Welfare & Recreation fund for USCGC Cutter's Vigilant and
Shrike, (based in Port Canaveral) crew & families. Tournament at The Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Point in Windermere. Corporate sponsors welcomed. Contact Brian Holmes at 407.252.3008 bholmes@aegistg.com
MISC INFO:
Employment Workshops- sponsored locally by the VA. Dates and Times vary based upon location at the VA facilities: Orlando – Fridays, 10am – 11:30 am; Viera – Tuesdays, 1pm – 2:30 pm; Daytona – Thursdays, 10am – 11:30. Please call to RSVP limited seating or for more information - Ellamay "Annie" Artis, CESP, Veteran Community Employment Coordinator, Orlando, 32803. 407-629-1599 x1846.
Spread the word - Seeking members of the World War II 384th Bomb Group to sign a Commemorative wall panel. ASAP. During WWII, the 384th Bombardment Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and was assigned to the Grafton Underwood Airfield in England. Today, the 384th Bomb Group Commemorative Wing Panel Project provides those veterans a chance to sign their names on a genuine wing skin panel from a WWII B-17G. The panel travels all over the United States for interested 384th veterans to sign. A volunteer for the group, Keith Ellefson, will be touring Florida later this month with the wing panel. Email him at B-17WingPanel@384thBombGroup.com, or call Keith Ellefson at (334) 733-4353.
A roster of members of the 384th Bomb Group and a record of their service in the 384th can be found at 384thbombgroup.com
Mentors needed - Orange County Veterans Court IS succeeding! Longer term success is possible with community mentors. Be a “battle buddy” or “foxhole buddy” by assisting someone with life challenges. No proselytizing – just non-judgmental caring. Most of the offenders are DUI or possession. If you have experienced substance abuse – although not required - and came thru it, you may be very helpful to someone else.If you are interested in participating as a mentor, know someone who is interested, or are a part of an organization where Mentors can be recruited, contact Beatrice Brown, the Coordinator. She or Judge Brewer have graciously offered to visit various groups and organizations to keep the mentor program in use. It does make a difference and you can too….. Contact Beatrice Brown at 407-496-1307 wellsbrownlawgroup@gmail.com
INFO to keep and share:
Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline :1-800-273-8255, #1.
Or: Website at veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;
Or: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance. They are there because they care….
Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families. It works. It has saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071
Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance. operationhomefront.org
Vet Centers are available for combat zone veterans to help with personal and family readjustment counseling and outreach services. The nearest centers are located in Orlando, Melbourne, Clermont, and Daytona Beach. And coming soon to Seminole County.. vetcenter.va.gov/
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
Moffitt devoted to veterans
The Daily Courier
Matt Hinshaw
2/16/2015
Matt Hinshaw/The Daily Courier
Army Veteran John Moffitt served during the Vietnam era and is a Patriot Guard Rider, American Legion Rider, and retired as city attorney of Prescott.
PRESCOTT - Sporting an Army cap and leather jacket covered with pro-veteran emblems and buttons, John Moffitt is the poster child of a patriotic motorcycle rider.
And he is OK with that image.
The 65-year-old retired Prescott city attorney is an assistant state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders and state chairman of the American Legion Riders; he is an active member of American Legion Post 6 in downtown Prescott; and judge advocate for District 8.
His motive: as a Vietnam-era veteran he wants to honor and salute any man or woman who fights for the freedom of this nation, particularly those who pay the ultimate sacrifice.
He remembers all too vividly the disrespect suffered by too many Vietnam veterans, and has vowed to do all he can to assure all veterans are treated with respect and dignity for answering their nation's call to duty.
read more here
Advocates for local veteran say plea for VA help not answered
KATU News
By Bob Heye
Published: Feb 3, 2015
“Makes me feel - it's almost ashamed - that I have a congress that's representing me that doesn't care for veterans,” says McJunkin, “Veterans are sent into combat without much concern for when they come home and need physical and mental assistance.”
PORTLAND, Ore. - In a video made for his memorial on Sunday, Navy veteran Kevin Walters spoke to his family - his wife, their little boy.
“You know that I strongly love you through all this,” Walters said in the video, “I really love you, I miss you and want you to know that I always will.”
At 39 years old, Walters was having unexplained dizzy spells and other symptoms when he was diagnosed this past summer with a rare, aggressive kind of brain cancer. Doctors believe it was caused by radioactive equipment Kevin used in construction projects during the Iran-Iraq war.
Knowing he didn't have long to live, Kevin's family wanted the Veterans Affairs to speed up clearing his service-related condition so they could get help caring for him.
They even got help pleading their case through the McMinnville American Legion Post.
“From middle of October,” says Richard McJunkin, Commander, United Veterans Honor Guard in McMinnville, “initiated claims, until his death in the end of January, really no response from VA."
The VA did send one letter in mid-December saying, "we apologize for the delay." read more here
Homeless veteran receives military funeral
KWCH 12 News
Scott Evans
Jan 28, 2015
Wichita, Kan. -
A military veteran received a military funeral in Wichita today.
For a military veteran's funeral it was a familiar site, flags, motorcycles and other veterans.
What makes the funeral of 74 year old Donald Lee Nibel different is who was there.
"Never met him," said Ron Vangas, Past Director, Chapter 136 American Legion Riders.
Vangas was just one of dozens of people who have not only never met Nibel but really knew nothing about him.
"He was a veteran, just because he was homeless doesn't mean he was still not a brother.
He served his country like all of us did and we're here to honor him for that," said Vangas.
Not knowing Nibel didn't matter. He was a veteran and that was enough to deserve this attention. read more here
Parents grieve for son, an ex-Marine who was killed in motorcycle accident
Jacksonville.com
By Derek Gilliam
Jan 19, 2015
A fatal motorcycle crash killed a former U.S. Marine Saturday night on Jacksonville’s Westside, the family told the Times-Union.
Rodney Keith Housand said he believes his son — 28-year-old Richard “Ricky” Housand — was on his way to visit a friend when a sports utility vehicle turned into his path near Plymouth Street and Cassat Avenue about 8 p.m. about three blocks from where his friend lives.
Ricky Housand died at the scene.
Rodney Housand said his son always wore a helmet and had been riding motorcycles for years.
“He was a very safety conscious rider,” he said.
Ricky Housand was a member of The American Legion Post 137 where other members nicknamed him Sheldon from the popular television show “The Big Bang Theory” because of some slight social awkwardness.
“He was really overcoming that and they accepted him and it was all good,” he said. read more here
If you want to know how something like this can happen watch this from a motorcycle escort we had Saturday for a double amputee Marine.
Veterans center at risk of being shut down
FOX 5
BY ELLINA ABOVIAN
NOVEMBER 6, 2014
SAN DIEGO — A veterans community center in Linda Vista is at risk of being shut down for not having a wheelchair-accessible elevator to accommodate older and handicapped veterans.
The American Legion Community Center, built in 1972, does not meet current California handicap codes and must install an elevator.
The center is considered a second home for its nearly 400 members, said Marine veteran and Legion 1st Cmdr., John H. Priess.
“We have a special connection with each other and it’s a place we can come to and relate to each other,” Priess said. “To walk through this door, it’s like walking back into the military and being amongst the people I served with in the Marine Corps.”
The center is especially important to those members who suffer from PTSD and consider the Legion a place of therapy.
“People don’t feel like they belong in other places once they get out, and we feel like this is a home where we share our brotherhood,” said Sam Flores, a Marine veteran who fought in Afghanistan. read more here
