Bill meant to help veterans passes Ky. Senate
A bill that has passed the Kentucky Senate would have pretrial officers ask people arrested whether they served in combat.
The measure's goal is to connect combat veterans with services to help deal with problems stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The bill cleared the Senate on a 35-0 vote Tuesday. The measure now returns to the House, which will decide whether to accept a change made by the Senate.
Under the bill, as part of a pretrial release investigation, a pretrial officer would ask someone arrested if they had been in combat. If the suspect is a combat veteran, that person would be given contact information for assistance programs.
The legislation is House Bill 377.
http://www.fox41.com/Global/story.asp?S=12192683
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Oregon Law enforcement agencies prepare for return of National Guards
Across the nation things like this are happening and it's a good thing. The problem is there will always be some part of society treating the combat veterans like criminals instead. If they commit crimes, then they need to be arrested but more often than not, they should receive help instead of incarceration. The reason is simple. These are not self-centered, selfish people with no regard for others. They proved that when they decided to enlist in the National Guards, become Reservists or enter into the regular military. They knew their lives would be on the line on these dangerous jobs. They put other people first.
The same men and women we cheer as we send them off to fight our battles return home with all the burdens of what they went through. Coming home is often harder than leaving because they expect more out of themselves as the people they love wait for the day they "just get over it" and get back to normal. The problem is while everyone is waiting for that day to come PTSD is getting a stronger hold on them. The veteran then tries anything and everything to kill off what PTSD is doing to them. In the process, the family falls apart and the veteran sinks deeper into PTSD along with making bad choices they would normally not have allowed to enter into their minds.
It would be really supporting the troops if this type of program was repeated in every city, in every state since the numbers of PTSD veterans will only rise.
The same men and women we cheer as we send them off to fight our battles return home with all the burdens of what they went through. Coming home is often harder than leaving because they expect more out of themselves as the people they love wait for the day they "just get over it" and get back to normal. The problem is while everyone is waiting for that day to come PTSD is getting a stronger hold on them. The veteran then tries anything and everything to kill off what PTSD is doing to them. In the process, the family falls apart and the veteran sinks deeper into PTSD along with making bad choices they would normally not have allowed to enter into their minds.
It would be really supporting the troops if this type of program was repeated in every city, in every state since the numbers of PTSD veterans will only rise.
Law enforcement agencies prepare for return of deployed ONG soldiers
By Tove Tupper
March 23, 2010
MEDFORD, Ore. - Law enforcement agencies are teaming up to welcome home National Guard soldiers.
Troops deployed in Iraq are set to return to Oregon in a little over a month.
When 23-year-old Veteran Shane Hornbeck arrived home from his 15-month tour in Iraq, he had a rough time. He suffered PTSD, abused drugs, ruined relationships with his family and was eventually convicted of two felony charges.
"You feel like you're being forced into poverty. And you know that basically when you're in the criminal system that's what happens," Purple Heart Veteran Shane Hornbeck said... "They need to know that these soldiers are coming back with plaguing issues and they don't necessarily know how to deal with them or cope with them."
The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs says 10-percent of those behind bars in Oregon are veterans.
read more here
http://kdrv.com/news/local/167300
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Vietnam Veterans of America Decries Health Care Reform “Scare Tactics”
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Decries Health Care Reform “Scare Tactics”
March 23, 2010 by Robert L. Hanafin
Despite the media spin and scare tactics of opponents of health care reform as reported in previous articles on Veterans Today, Sec Def Gates Knocks Down Fox/VFW Report on Tricare, AND American Legion Says Health Care Reform Won’t Harm VA, DoD
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) has joined in chorus with the American Legion, Pentagon officials, and Congressional Veterans Affairs Committees to reassure Veterans, our troops, and military retirees that health care reform will have no impact on Veterans benefits or TRICARE the health care plan covering active duty and military retirees.
Robert L. Hanafin, Major, U.S. Air Force-Retired, Veterans Today News
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Applauds Passage of Skelton Bill Ensuring Protection of TRICARE, VA health care, and CHAMPUS; Decries “Scare Tactics”
“We thank and applaud passage of H.R. 4887 yesterday in the House of Representative, by a vote of 403-0. Passage of this bill ensures that health care programs for veterans, active duty military, retired military, and their families/survivors will not be affected negatively by the pending health care reform legislation.” said John Rowan , National President of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). .
“It is unfortunate that some continue to raise what is now even more clearly a false alarm that is apparently meant to frighten veterans and their families in order to prompt them to oppose the pending legislation. While there is legitimate debate as to whether or not the pending health care measures should become law, VVA does not appreciate spreading rumors that are not accurate by any political partisan from any point of the political spectrum.” continued Rowan
“Last summer there was a similar incident, also involving partisans in the health care reform debate that VVA soundly condemned. We said then: “It is our hope that sane minds reject fear-mongering, and that veterans recognize these scare tactics for what they are.”
Rowan concluded by saying: “VVA has always worked hard for justice for veterans of all generations, and their families. We have always, and will continue to, work with public officials representing all political parties and points of view. Issues affecting veterans and their families are not, should not, and must not become partisan footballs to bat around. VVA decries any effort, by anyone, that would do just that.”
read more here
Health Care Reform Scare Tactics
VFW Lies for the GOP, Attempts to Kill Health Care
When I did this post earlier today, Officials Reassure Troops On TRICARE
I didn't think the answer would come so fast as to who is behind the lies being told. I'm heartsick. The VFW does great work for our veterans. The members of the VFW, at posts across the nation are dedicated. They are Republicans. They are Democrats. But above all, they are our American veterans of foreign wars. The political action committee however must be answering to an agenda that is not about veterans or taking care of them. Had this been the case, when the Bush Administration had two wars going on, producing more and more wounded, they would have been shouting as loudly as possible that the troops were not being taken care of.
Most of the members of the VFW were not told the truth about this. Most of the members of other service organizations had no clue the Gulf War had more doctors and nurses employed than were employed with Iraq and Afghanistan returning wounded at a higher rate than during any other war. We look at the fatalities, but while those numbers are lower than other wars, the casualties are higher. Battlefield medical advances have saved the lives of soldiers that would have died of their wounds before. This meant there would be a greater need for doctors and nurses working for the VA along with case workers, claims processors and mental health professionals. No one put the needs of the troops we sent into combat before paying contractors.
The lines grew and the claims piled up higher and higher as wounded, disabled veterans were forced to suffer while waiting. For the most part the PAC of the VFW was silent. When some in congress began to scream about the failings of the VA, others in congress were complaining there were two wars to pay for and they couldn't afford to increase funding for the VA. You'd think the VFW PAC would have been screaming about this, but the ones calling for increasing the VA budget were Democrats and the Republicans were saying there wasn't enough money to do it. It's doubtful the VFW PAC watched CSPAN.
While the members of the VFW expect to be told the truth their leadership has let them down. Having legitimate disagreements about what politicians do is part of what makes America work but when politics come before the truth, the veterans are the losers in the end. Once they discover their leadership has lied to them, they leave the VFW and other organizations. That's the greatest loss of all because these members are more interested in the troops and other veterans than anyone else in the country.
Posts have been taking the lead on helping combat veterans heal from PTSD and find the support they need. They have been doing great work but if they keep allowing some in their organization to betray the members with political games, the veterans they have been trying to help will lose.
I go to a lot of veterans functions and hear them talk about what they heard here and there or read in some kind of viral email. What they say is just repeating what they heard instead of knowing the facts. Their hearts are deeply committed to caring for the troops and other veterans but when they are mislead, when they are not told the truth, they feel betrayed by the people they trusted. All organizations need to be aware of what the truth is and what the spin is.
I didn't think the answer would come so fast as to who is behind the lies being told. I'm heartsick. The VFW does great work for our veterans. The members of the VFW, at posts across the nation are dedicated. They are Republicans. They are Democrats. But above all, they are our American veterans of foreign wars. The political action committee however must be answering to an agenda that is not about veterans or taking care of them. Had this been the case, when the Bush Administration had two wars going on, producing more and more wounded, they would have been shouting as loudly as possible that the troops were not being taken care of.
Most of the members of the VFW were not told the truth about this. Most of the members of other service organizations had no clue the Gulf War had more doctors and nurses employed than were employed with Iraq and Afghanistan returning wounded at a higher rate than during any other war. We look at the fatalities, but while those numbers are lower than other wars, the casualties are higher. Battlefield medical advances have saved the lives of soldiers that would have died of their wounds before. This meant there would be a greater need for doctors and nurses working for the VA along with case workers, claims processors and mental health professionals. No one put the needs of the troops we sent into combat before paying contractors.
The lines grew and the claims piled up higher and higher as wounded, disabled veterans were forced to suffer while waiting. For the most part the PAC of the VFW was silent. When some in congress began to scream about the failings of the VA, others in congress were complaining there were two wars to pay for and they couldn't afford to increase funding for the VA. You'd think the VFW PAC would have been screaming about this, but the ones calling for increasing the VA budget were Democrats and the Republicans were saying there wasn't enough money to do it. It's doubtful the VFW PAC watched CSPAN.
While the members of the VFW expect to be told the truth their leadership has let them down. Having legitimate disagreements about what politicians do is part of what makes America work but when politics come before the truth, the veterans are the losers in the end. Once they discover their leadership has lied to them, they leave the VFW and other organizations. That's the greatest loss of all because these members are more interested in the troops and other veterans than anyone else in the country.
Posts have been taking the lead on helping combat veterans heal from PTSD and find the support they need. They have been doing great work but if they keep allowing some in their organization to betray the members with political games, the veterans they have been trying to help will lose.
I go to a lot of veterans functions and hear them talk about what they heard here and there or read in some kind of viral email. What they say is just repeating what they heard instead of knowing the facts. Their hearts are deeply committed to caring for the troops and other veterans but when they are mislead, when they are not told the truth, they feel betrayed by the people they trusted. All organizations need to be aware of what the truth is and what the spin is.
VFW Lies for the GOP, Attempts to Kill Health Care
Richard Allen Smith
Editor of the VoteVets.org blog VetVoice
Posted: March 21, 2010 04:41 PM
Among all of the Congressional elections in 2006, there were two that were particularly interesting. In Virginia, an incumbent Republican Senator who received a deferment from service in Vietnam was endorsed by the VFW's political action committee over a former Navy Secretary who was awarded the Navy Cross while serving as a Marine Officer in the conflict. Also, in a House race that same PAC endorsed a Republican candidate with no service record over an Iraq Veteran who left two legs on the battlefield.
Surprising? Shouldn't be. VFW PAC operates as little more than a subsidiary of the Republican Party, as does the leadership of their parent organization.
Today, that organization issued a statement toeing the GOP line on the health care vote. Of course, in order toe to that line, the VFW had to make things up:
"The president and the Democratic leadership are betraying America's veterans," said Thomas J. Tradewell Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran from Sussex, Wis., who leads the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.
click link above for more
Civil War hero from Delafield in line for Medal of Honor
Library of Congress
First Lt. Alonzo Cushing of Delafield (middle, standing) was among Union officers at Antietam in 1862. At Gettysburg the next year, a wounded Cushing refused to abandon his post and was killed. A group has been pushing to honor him.
Civil War hero from Delafield in line for Medal of Honor
By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel
In the hell that was the battle of Gettysburg, in the hailstorm of shells and shrapnel that extinguished so many lives on a hot July day, one bullet struck a blue-clad soldier from Delafield, Wis., in the head.
A shell fragment already had pierced Alonzo Cushing's shoulder and shrapnel tore through his abdomen before the shot that felled the 1861 West Point graduate.
Cushing died July 3, 1863, during Pickett's Charge at Cemetery Ridge next to the artillery guns he refused to leave. It was the third and final day of the Gettysburg battle. Cushing was just 22.
The 1st lieutenant's body was returned to his family and buried at West Point beneath a headstone inscribed "Faithful until death." Cushing's name didn't fade away - it graces a park in Delafield, and a white obelisk monument was dedicated there in 1915.
However, a small but dedicated group wanted more for Cushing; they wanted his heroism recognized with the nation's highest military honor.
Now, it appears that Cushing will be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on that Pennsylvania battlefield 147 years ago.
read more here
http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/88882607.html
Combat troops get 15 extra days for R and R
Combat troops get 15 extra days of leave
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 23, 2010 8:11:40 EDT
A new nonchargeable rest and recuperation leave policy for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan announced by the Pentagon on Monday gives those deployed for 270 days or more 15 days of administrative absence on top of their regular annual leave.
“This designation provides an additional benefit specifically for those service members deployed to the most arduous combat areas,” Sam Retherford, the Pentagon’s director of officer ane enlisted personnel management, said in a statement. “Administrative absence days, in conjunction with government-funded transportation for R&R, allow service members to save and use their annual leave for reintegration with their families and communities when they return home.”
The benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan are effective Tuesday, March 23, the Pentagon said.
read more here
Combat troops get 15 extra days of leave
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 23, 2010 8:11:40 EDT
A new nonchargeable rest and recuperation leave policy for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan announced by the Pentagon on Monday gives those deployed for 270 days or more 15 days of administrative absence on top of their regular annual leave.
“This designation provides an additional benefit specifically for those service members deployed to the most arduous combat areas,” Sam Retherford, the Pentagon’s director of officer ane enlisted personnel management, said in a statement. “Administrative absence days, in conjunction with government-funded transportation for R&R, allow service members to save and use their annual leave for reintegration with their families and communities when they return home.”
The benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan are effective Tuesday, March 23, the Pentagon said.
read more here
Combat troops get 15 extra days of leave
New policy on brain death has families in mind
New policy on brain death has families in mind
By Gregg Zoroya - USA TODAY
Posted : Monday Mar 22, 2010 21:47:41 EDT
WASHINGTON — Family members of combat troops declared brain-dead will have an opportunity for a final reunion with their loved ones before life support is removed, according to new guidelines provided to battlefield doctors.
The guidelines are aimed at helping doctors determine what to do when a combat casualty suffers brain death, a decision physicians were left to figure out before on a case-by-case basis.
Moving brain-dead troops to more advanced military hospitals, such as those in Europe or the United States, will also make it possible to harvest organs for transplants, the guidelines say.
The recommendations were issued last week by the military’s Joint Theater Trauma System, which provides medical research and guidance for battlefield care.
By Gregg Zoroya - USA TODAY
Posted : Monday Mar 22, 2010 21:47:41 EDT
WASHINGTON — Family members of combat troops declared brain-dead will have an opportunity for a final reunion with their loved ones before life support is removed, according to new guidelines provided to battlefield doctors.
The guidelines are aimed at helping doctors determine what to do when a combat casualty suffers brain death, a decision physicians were left to figure out before on a case-by-case basis.
Moving brain-dead troops to more advanced military hospitals, such as those in Europe or the United States, will also make it possible to harvest organs for transplants, the guidelines say.
The recommendations were issued last week by the military’s Joint Theater Trauma System, which provides medical research and guidance for battlefield care.
Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began, about 175 troops with catastrophic head injuries have been evacuated from the war zones only to die later of their wounds, says Army Col. Brian Eastridge, director of the Joint Theater Trauma System. Doctors in combat operations are not required to obtain permission from next of kin before removing a brain-dead patient from life support, Eastridge says.
read more here
Halliburton, KBR drop court appeal in rape case
Halliburton, KBR drop court appeal in rape case
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI Associated Press Writer © 2010 The Associated Press
March 22, 2010, 5:09PM
HOUSTON — Halliburton Co. and KBR Inc. have withdrawn an appeal asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lawsuit by a former military contractor who says she was raped by KBR co-workers in Iraq.
KBR said in a statement Monday that it withdrew the appeal to not risk violating a recently passed federal provision it called "very broad and vague," that restricts the Defense Department from doing business with companies that prohibit employees from seeking redress for certain crimes through the courts.
read more here
Halliburton, KBR drop court appeal in rape case
linked from RawStory
By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI Associated Press Writer © 2010 The Associated Press
March 22, 2010, 5:09PM
HOUSTON — Halliburton Co. and KBR Inc. have withdrawn an appeal asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lawsuit by a former military contractor who says she was raped by KBR co-workers in Iraq.
KBR said in a statement Monday that it withdrew the appeal to not risk violating a recently passed federal provision it called "very broad and vague," that restricts the Defense Department from doing business with companies that prohibit employees from seeking redress for certain crimes through the courts.
read more here
Halliburton, KBR drop court appeal in rape case
linked from RawStory
Officials Reassure Troops On TRICARE
When the DOD has to release statements to reassure the troops the health insurance reform will not harm the care they get, it's obvious there are a lot of rumors out there. For anyone lying about something as important as the healthcare coverage the troops and veterans receive, it should be regarded as an attack against them. Have people sunk so far they have to cause military families to fear this when they have so many real things to worry about?
There was a time when common sense was involved in legitimate disagreements by people in office. They would not sink to lying while they were spinning.
There was a time when common sense was involved in legitimate disagreements by people in office. They would not sink to lying while they were spinning.
Officials Reassure Troops On TRICARE
March 23, 2010
Stars and Stripes
by Leo Shane III
WASHINGTON — Military and Veterans Affairs officials spent the weekend refuting allegations that the health care reform legislation approved by Congress will harm TRICARE programs or Veterans Affairs health benefits, instead promising that servicemembers and veterans will see no change in their coverage.
Before Sunday’s vote approving the massive health care overhaul, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki released a statement saying that none of the proposals would force veterans to purchase new health care or change the way current benefits are delivered.
“Fears that veterans’ health care and TRICARE will be undermined by the health reform legislation are unfounded,” he said. “We pledge to continue to provide the men and women in uniform and our veterans the high quality health care they have earned.”
read more here
Officials Reassure Troops On TRICARE
TRICARE Meets New Health Bill Standards
March 22, 2010
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON – The TRICARE military health plan meets the standards set by the health care reform bill the House of Representatives passed last night, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in a statement issued yesterday.
read more of this here
TRICARE Meets New Health Bill Standards
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wife accused of shooting husband at West Fort Hood
Wife accused of shooting husband at West Fort Hood
Posted On: Thursday, Mar. 18 2010 11:53 PM
From staff reports
FORT HOOD – A Fort Hood soldier was shot twice by his wife during a domestic dispute Thursday, FBI officials said.
The shooting occurred soon after 10 a.m. in Montague Village, according to a release from the post's public affairs office. Montague Village is a family housing area at West Fort Hood.
read more here
http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=40077
Posted On: Thursday, Mar. 18 2010 11:53 PM
From staff reports
FORT HOOD – A Fort Hood soldier was shot twice by his wife during a domestic dispute Thursday, FBI officials said.
The shooting occurred soon after 10 a.m. in Montague Village, according to a release from the post's public affairs office. Montague Village is a family housing area at West Fort Hood.
read more here
http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=40077
Veterans organizations voice unhappiness about license plate funds
Veterans organizations voice unhappiness about license plate funds
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Veterans organization officials appeared before a Senate committee today (Thursday, March 18) to voice unhappiness over the perceived besmirching of the Support Our Troops license plate.
“Perhaps it wasn’t the intention, but that’s what happening,” Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner of Services Michael Pugliese told the Senate Finance Committee.
go here for more
Veterans organizations voice unhappiness about license plate funds
by T.W. Budig
ECM capitol reporter
Veterans organization officials appeared before a Senate committee today (Thursday, March 18) to voice unhappiness over the perceived besmirching of the Support Our Troops license plate.
“Perhaps it wasn’t the intention, but that’s what happening,” Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner of Services Michael Pugliese told the Senate Finance Committee.
go here for more
Veterans organizations voice unhappiness about license plate funds
Back of the head bullet ruled suicide?
There are some families unable to deal with the loss of someone because of suicide. It happens all the time and they must cope with all the unanswerable questions. Then there are other times when the death is ruled suicide but it seems impossible to believe for a reason. Usually a bullet into the back of a head is done to someone and not self-inflicted.
Soldier's widower fears 'stigma'
Tirador doubts suicide ruling for wife, Amy, and seeks a second autopsy
By LEIGH HORNBECK, Staff writer
First published in print: Saturday, March 20, 2010
COLONIE -- Four months after his wife's mysterious death in Iraq, Michael "Mickey" Tirador spoke for the first time about what the Army has said was Staff Sgt. Amy Tirador's suicide.
Tirador is on leave from the Army. He traveled to the Capital Region to meet with forensic scientist Michael Baden in hopes the doctor will perform a second autopsy on Amy Tirador's body, which will have to be exhumed from the national cemetery at Saratoga.
Tirador said Thursday his wife was happy and the couple planned to start a family after Amy finished her deployment.
"I was confident the Army would find my wife's killer," Tirador said, explaining why he has chosen to launch his own investigation into her death. "I do not believe Amy killed herself."
Tirador said he is angry and tired. Amy was "it" for him, he said, the reason he was always excited to come home from work at night.
Read more: Tirador doubts suicide ruling for wife
Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrives in Whittier
Replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrives in Whittier
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/21/2010 08:16:31 PM PDT
WHITTIER - More than 400 motorcyclists escorted a scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sunday on the last leg of its journey to Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary.
The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter size replica of the memorial in the nation's capital, will remain at Rose Hills through March 30 - the first state-recognized Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans holiday, Rose Hills Executive Director of Business Bruce Lazenby said.
Just like the original, the wall is engraved with the names of the more than 58,000 men and women killed or missing in action in the Vietnam War. It stretches for 240 feet and stands 8 feet tall.
read more here
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14727570
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/21/2010 08:16:31 PM PDT
WHITTIER - More than 400 motorcyclists escorted a scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sunday on the last leg of its journey to Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary.
The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, a three-quarter size replica of the memorial in the nation's capital, will remain at Rose Hills through March 30 - the first state-recognized Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans holiday, Rose Hills Executive Director of Business Bruce Lazenby said.
Just like the original, the wall is engraved with the names of the more than 58,000 men and women killed or missing in action in the Vietnam War. It stretches for 240 feet and stands 8 feet tall.
read more here
http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_14727570
Formal 'welcome home' for Vietnam veterans
Formal 'welcome home' for Vietnam veterans produces tears, gratitude
By: Ronald Ahrens
Posted: 7:04 p.m. March 21, 2010
Horace Frazier found himself wiping away tears Saturday night when he and dozens of other Vietnam veterans received a formal “welcome home” at Weber’s Inn.
The ceremony, attended by about 205 people, was arranged by the Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46 of Ann Arbor as a way of honoring men and women of Washtenaw County who served in the long, unpopular war and returned to face many difficulties.
Frazier, senior vice president of VFW Post 423, said he was “really touched” by the evening’s speeches. He was particularly affected by the keynote address from William Henderson of Ypsilanti, a retired commander of the Michigan Air National Guard who flew 125 missions during the war.
When Henderson included some audience participation - asking people to share the names of the operations they participated in and the places of battle - Frazier thought about mentioning the valuable field training given in his United States Army artillery unit by Kentucky national guardsmen. That company ultimately sustained heavy losses.
“I wanted to get up, but I chickened out,” said the Ypsilanti resident, who drives a bus for the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Part of the observance was Kenneth Rogge’s poignant reading of the names of all 77 service members from Washtenaw County who died in the war.
Rogge, vice president of Vietnam Veterans Post 310, also read a proclamation from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, declaring March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Michigan.
read more here
Formal welcome home for Vietnam veterans
By: Ronald Ahrens
Posted: 7:04 p.m. March 21, 2010
Horace Frazier found himself wiping away tears Saturday night when he and dozens of other Vietnam veterans received a formal “welcome home” at Weber’s Inn.
The ceremony, attended by about 205 people, was arranged by the Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46 of Ann Arbor as a way of honoring men and women of Washtenaw County who served in the long, unpopular war and returned to face many difficulties.
Frazier, senior vice president of VFW Post 423, said he was “really touched” by the evening’s speeches. He was particularly affected by the keynote address from William Henderson of Ypsilanti, a retired commander of the Michigan Air National Guard who flew 125 missions during the war.
When Henderson included some audience participation - asking people to share the names of the operations they participated in and the places of battle - Frazier thought about mentioning the valuable field training given in his United States Army artillery unit by Kentucky national guardsmen. That company ultimately sustained heavy losses.
“I wanted to get up, but I chickened out,” said the Ypsilanti resident, who drives a bus for the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Part of the observance was Kenneth Rogge’s poignant reading of the names of all 77 service members from Washtenaw County who died in the war.
Rogge, vice president of Vietnam Veterans Post 310, also read a proclamation from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, declaring March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Michigan.
read more here
Formal welcome home for Vietnam veterans
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