Veterans & Military Families Monthly News
August 2010 Vol. 1 No. 5
Good after-
noon and thank you
for reading. Welcome
to our fifth edition of
the newsletter.
I would like
to thank everyone for
their help in the past
four months. We are
looking forward to
continuing to build
this idea as time goes
on.
At this time
we would like to an-
nounce the two NEW
online sources where you can read and comment on the
newsletter. The goal is to reach more people and discuss
different topics.
The current and older editions of the newsletter
will be posted on Facebook, through the group called
“Veterans and Military Families Monthly News.” Check
it out and join the group. You can click here to take you
directly to the page. (Keep in mind you do need a Face-
book account to join; however, the documents can be
viewed through the docs link toward the bottom of the
page.)
If you do not have a Facebook account, there is a
second source for the online version of the newsletter
through the website www.scribd.com. The link to that
page is http://www.scribd.com/matthew_hauser. This
online source for the newsletter works in the same fash-
ion as the Facebook page.
Please let us know what you think, or if you have
any questions about the new online sources for the news-
letter. For those of you enjoy just receiving the email
each month, we will continue to send it out.
As always, thank you very much for reading and
our hope is to continue to expand the newsletter. If any-
one has any article topics or wants to write their own
piece, we will gladly try to work it in. Thank you very
much!
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
In Memory of Donald Kolhoff Air Force, Retired
In This Issue
Vietnam Veterans of America
TRICARE for Guard, Reserve
VA funds $2.8M for Gulf War Illness Research
Military Report Update
Sergeant Vincent Paul Esposito-Part IV
On the TRICARE Front with MANBANG
As I See It — ―Fit But Unsuitable‖: Shameless and
Shameful
HUD and VA Launch $15 Million Demonstration
Program to Prevent Veteran Homelessness
―Sound Off‖ from the VFW
LZ Michigan-Thank You
National Home Celebrates 85th Birthday
John Wayne Quote? Or Not?
VA-Fact Sheet
VFW Outraged by Media Support of Westboro Protestors
Memories of WWII
Air Zoo Offers Summer Flight Experiences
Vietnam-Era General Cleared After 38 Years
Advisory Panels Say Military Benefits Unsustainable
Military Discounts
One the Trail with Ray Franz
In Closing
Vietnam Veterans of America
By: Phil Smith-Director/Chief Vietnam Veterans of
America, Veterans Benefits and Rehabilitation, State
Council of MI
There remains to be a lot veterans and surviving
spouses who yet do not know or realize that they may be
entitled to benefits from the Department of Veterans Af-
fairs. With the Department of Veterans Affairs indicat-
ing they want to make easier and simpler to file a claim,
it is always a wise choice to seek at Veterans Representa-
tive from one of the Veterans Organizations. They have
the knowledge and experience to assist veterans and fam-
ily members with claims. Today as the Greatest Gener-
ation (WWII) and Korean Veterans continue to seek
1
 Please Support ―Frontlines of Freedom‖ Military Talk Radio Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem
You can hear it every Saturday at 1pm on 1260 AM the Pledge (Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the
website at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com

those claims for benefits, some do not realize they can

receive benefits, if they cannot receive service connected
benefits, they can receive if in an Assisted Care Facility
or Nursing Home or Home Health Care benefits, to assist
with their income. Peacetime veterans may also file a
claim provided it is service connected.
Vietnam Veterans who were -In-country or have
now been known on the numerous naval ships off the
coastal waters may receive benefits, with the three new
conditions authorized as Pre-sumptive conditions: Is-
chemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease, or other
heart issues); Parkinson's, and Leukemia B-Cell (Hairy
Cell Carcinoma or other related carcinomas) may now
file a claim, that would include surviving spouses.
Desert Storm and today's Operation Enduring
Freedom (IRAQ) and Enduring Hope (Afghanistan)
which is now known by many as War on Terrorism,
should not only file a claim but as well apply for educa-
tional benefits.
Freedom is never more than one generation away
from extinction.
We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.
It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for
them to do the same.
~Ronald Reagan
VA funds $2.8M for Gulf War
Illness Research
From: The American Legion - July 22, 2010
The Department of Veterans Affairs has ap-
proved $2.8 million to fund three new research projects
that focus on testing or developing new treatments for
illnesses affecting veterans who served in the Gulf War
from 1990-1991. The research incorporates recommenda-
tions of the department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses
Task Force.
About 697,000 men and women served in opera-
tions Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990
to June 1991 during the Gulf War. In the years since they
returned, nearly a quarter of these veterans have experi-
enced chronic symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, gas-
trointestinal problems, cognitive dysfunction, sleep dis-
turbances, persistent headaches, skin rashes, respiratory
conditions and mood changes. The symptoms are known
collectively as Gulf War veterans’ illnesses.
A recent report by the Institute of Medicine’s
Committee on Gulf War and Health, ―Health Effects of
Serving in the Gulf War,‖ noted that chronic multi-
symptom illnesses affect an estimated 250,000 Gulf War
veterans. Given the findings, VA is embarking on a na-
tional Gulf War veterans’ illness research program to
identify and adopt the most effective treatments for veter-
ans.
―Last February, we welcomed (VA Secretary
Eric) Shinseki’s decision to take a serious
look at the disability claims of Gulf War vet-
erans,‖ said Clarence Hill, national command-
er of The American Legion. ―Now that VA is
following through with these important stud-
ies of Gulf War illness, which has plagued
many of the 700,000 Gulf War veterans for
nearly 20 years, The American Legion be-
lieves these studies should provide a shared
foundation for those veterans who need to be
cared for and compensated for their disabili-
ties.‖

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 2

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 The first $700,000 will be available Oct. 1,
2010, the beginning of fiscal year 2011. The studies are
expected to take between two to five years to complete,
and include:
A five-year study to evaluate the impact of re-
sistance exercise training (RET) in treating chronic mus-
culoskeletal pain and associated symptoms in Gulf War
veterans. The study will evaluate the influence of RET
on total physical activity, pain sensitivity and regulation,
and brain white-matter tracts. Dane B. Cook, Ph.D., of
VA’s William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
in Madison, Wis., will conduct it.
A four-year study on an animal model of Gulf
War illnesses to assess the effectiveness of therapies to
enhance mood and memory. The therapies are designed
to increase generation of nerve cells in the hippocampus,
improving cognitive function and reversing depressive
and anxiety-like behaviors. One strategy will test treat-
ment with anti-depressant medicine and a drug or dietary
supplement having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. The second strategy will test use of either an
antidepressant or an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory agent,
combined with exercise. Ashok K. Shetty, Ph.D., of the
Durham, N.C., VA Medical Center, will conduct it.
A two-year pilot study that will include random-
ized, controlled, eight-week trials of an intervention
known as ―mindfulness-based stress reduction,‖ com-
pared with usual care. Assessments of veterans will in-
clude symptom-based of pain, fatigue, and cognitive and
physical function measures as well as objective measures
of attention, concentration and memory. David J.
Kearney, M.D., of the VA Puget Sound Health Care Sys-
tem in Seattle, Wash., will conduct it.
The IOM report noted that the illnesses seen in Gulf
War veterans cannot be ascribed to any psychiatric disor-
der and likely result from genetic and environmental fac-
tors, although the data are not strong enough to draw
conclusions about specific causes.
From: www.Military.com
TRICARE for Guard, Reserve
Week of July 26, 2010
The TRICARE SMART website is a one-stop, online infor-
mation portal full of accurate, up-to-date information about
TRICARE benefits that members and their families can easi-
ly access in the comfort of their homes. The "TRICARE
Choices Guide," which can be found under "Handbooks" on
the website, makes it easy for a guardsman or Reserve mem-
ber to make informed decisions about programs such as TRI-
CARE Prime and Standard for his or her family. A guards-
man or reserve member can also subscribe to TRICARE
alerts to receive updates on new benefits and programs.
Military.com surveys found that most servicemem-
bers and their families are confused by TRICARE. Get the
facts and latest news on TRICARE.
VA Offers Vet Benefits
Handbook
Week of July 12, 2010
The 2010 edition of the Federal Benefits for Veter-
ans, Dependents and Survivors is available online at the VA
website. Produced by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
the handbook's chapters cover such topics as VA pensions,
home loans, medals and records, special veterans groups,
and other federal benefits. People can view the handbook by
individual chapters and sections, or download the entire doc-
ument, in English or Spanish, in PDF format from the web-
site.

Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the
United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice, to give them a forum where they are able to
discuss their issues…and tell their stories. You can listen to the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX
(1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM (99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-
AM, Apple Valley CA) and KMRC (1430-AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at:
www.veteransradio.net

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 3

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
My Grandfather, Sergeant Vincent
Paul Esposito, US Army, Memorial
Day 2010 cont.
Part IV
By: Claude McManus Command Master Chief
(Surface Warfare), USN Retired
…Vincent Paul was transferred with his regi-
ment to the damp valley of the Somme River, to a rest
area at Corbie. The 106th was camped at Bussy les
Daours. A rest area is an area of open fields and some
villages (10-20 homes if that many), where the troops
can geographically spread out. During the latter days of
October, replacements where finally available for the
106th and most of the replacements were assigned to the
regiment. Spanish Flu then struck the
Division. There is no report of the size of
the epidemic, but it can be assumed that
the non-combat deaths that occurred dur-
ing the time at Corbie were from Spanish
Flu.
Vincent Paul was promoted to
Sergeant in the infantry and became a
leader of Company F on November 11,
1918. The orders were to prepare to go
back to the front lines and continue the
attack into Germany.
The same day that Vincent Paul
received his third stripe, General O’Ryan
(Division Commander) when he was driv-
ing from Corbie, he passed two Australian
troopers carrying a large French Flag
each. The Australians yelled at the Gen-
eral and his aides, ―Why the hell are you
not celebrating? Don’t you know the Ar-
mistice has been signed?‖ This was how
the Division found out the war was over.
On November 18, 1918, British
Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig delivered
a Letter of Commendation to the unit for
outstanding gallantry and performance.
On December 18, 1918, the Division com-
menced terrain exercises near the Belgium border, and
then returned to the Le Mans area camps. While at the
Belgium camp for exercises, General Pershing visited the
Division and awarded commendations.
The last week of February the Division was to
begin entraining for Brest, France. On February 26,
1919, the Leviathan sailed for home. Vincent Paul ar-
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
rived home in NY on March 6, 1919. The Leviathan was
greeted as it approached the NY harbor by dozens of fer-
ries, small boats, steamships, and tugboats. Most carried
banners welcoming the troop’s home. Vincent Paul dis-
embarked and was transferred with his regiment to Fort
Dix, NJ.
The reason he went to Fort Dix instead of
Brooklyn was the mayor of NYC wanted a home coming
parade for the Division. The city had erected an ―Altar of
Liberty‖ at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. The Divisional
Commander wanted the troops to stay together, get
dressed up for the parade and then disband to the Armor-
ies. The parade was held on March 25, from Washington
Square, up 5th Avenue to 110th Street. At 110th Street, the
troops separated and proceeded to their homes and loved
ones, and then to Camp Upton in Long Island for muster
out. Three to five million New Yorkers lines the streets
of Manhattan to welcome the hero’s
home. It is estimated to be the larg-
est parade ever held in the city of
New York.
Vincent Paul received treat-
ment for his mustard gas complica-
tions from the VA hospital at Kings-
bridge Road in the Bronx. The VA
diagnosed Vincent Paul with Cush-
ing’s disease, which is the result of
mustard gas exposure. On October
31, 1944, Vincent Paul suffered a
pulmonary attack when he climbing
the steps of Penn Station on his way
to work at RCA. He was transported
to the Kingsbridge VA Hospital. His
lungs were full of fluid from the
mustard gas. He was treated unsuc-
cessfully, and succumbed at 7:20
AM on November 5, 1944. His Cer-
tified Death Certificate lists his
cause of death as ―hypertensive
heart disease with myocardial dam-
age and myocardial insufficiency‖.
The German gas attack finally took
his life.
From the 27th Division newspaper, The Gas At-
tack, March, 1919, ―His majesty, the King of the Bel-
gians, having been informed of the triumphal return of
the 27th Division of the American Army, I address to you
and to your valiant and victorious men who fought so
bravely in Flanders, the grateful greetings of the whole
Belgian nation.‖ Signed--ALBERT
4
 As I See It — “Fit But Unsuitable”:
Shameless and Shameful
2010/07/08
By: Col. Steve Strobridge, USAF-Ret.
Children’s sayings about ―sticks and stones‖ not-
withstanding, words can be powerful and extremely hurt-
ful — especially in the hands of bureaucrats who manage
to twist them in self-contradictory ways.
One would think that when a physical evaluation
board (PEB) examines a servicemember’s medical con-
dition and deems him or her ―fit for duty,‖ the meaning
of that term would be self-evident. Wrong.
One also would think that, several years in the
wake of media exposure of grievous treatment of wound-
ed warriors and low-balled disability ratings that resulted
in separation of severely injured servicemembers with no
retirement or medical benefits, that wouldn’t be happen-
ing anymore. Wrong.
All too often, MOAA learns of cases in which
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines with significant,
service-connected medical conditions are evaluated by
PEBs and found fit for duty — only to be administrative-
ly separated or barred from reenlistment as ―unsuitable‖
for continued service based on the same medical condi-
tion.
According to DoD regulations, there are certain
specified medical conditions that warrant separation for
unsuitability — enuresis, incapacitating fear of flying,
personality or adjustment disorders, substance-abuse dis-
orders, etcetera.
But the services have expanded use of this provi-
sion far beyond what’s authorized in DoD regulations,
separating servicemembers for far more serious medical
conditions that are compensable under VA disability rat-
ings, which the services are supposed to be using to as-
sess disability versus fitness for duty.
In many cases, a servicemember’s administrative
separation is based on his or her limited deployability as
a result of the medical condition. In other cases, the sepa-
ration documents simply assert the medical condition
renders the servicemember ―unsuitable‖ for service —
even though the PEB evaluated the same condition
(including deployability limitations) and found that ser-
vicemember fit for duty.
In many instances, a separated servicemember
has been awarded a very high disability rating by the VA
for the same condition immediately after separation.
MOAA strongly believes this process is a gross miscar-
riage of justice. If a person has a seriously disabling
medical condition (warranting a 30-percent or higher
disability rating under VA rules), then the person should
be medically retired. If a PEB evaluates a condition
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
On the TRICARE Front with MANBANG
From: Michigan Air guard Historical Association
“MANGBANG” July 2010
Three Vaccines Now Available at
TRICARE Network Pharmacies
Falls Church, Va.-TRICARE beneficiaries can now
receive select vaccines with no out-of-pocket expense at
retail pharmacies.
For the first time ever, beneficiaries can visit TRI-
CARE retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu,
H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost. This expanded
coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible
to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit.
TRICARE Retirees Eligible for Free
Eyeglasses each Year
All retirees, even TRICARE for Life recipients,
may receive one pair of standard issue glasses each year
from the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity.
Visit the NOSTRA website and select the ―how to Order:
retirees‖ link for more information. Family members and
surviving spouses are not entities to NOSTRA support.
Learn more about TRICARE vision benefits at the TRI-
CARE beneficiary portal.
(including deployability limits) and finds it doesn’t ren-
der the person unfit for duty, then he or she shouldn’t be
subject to administrative separation for the same medical
condition.
MOAA highlighted this practice to the House
and Senate Armed Services committees and urged them
to take action to stop it. Subsequently, the House com-
mittee demanded a DoD report on the issue, asserting it
is ―fundamentally unfair and inconsistent with the disa-
bility evaluation system reforms that have been enacted
in recent years.‖
The Senate committee went further, putting a
provision in its version of the FY 2011 Defense Authori-
zation Act that would bar the services from administra-
tively separating servicemembers for medical conditions
other than those explicitly authorized by DoD regula-
tions.
It’s long past time to end this grossly unfair
practice that blatantly abrogates the military’s proper
responsibility to those whose service cost them their
health.
―Fit but unsuitable‖ discharges are shameless
and shameful.
They’re oxymoronic.
Copyright Military Officers Association of America-All
rights reserved.
5
 HUD AND VA LAUNCH $15
MILLION DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM TO PREVENT
VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
BY: HUD NEWS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -
Shaun Donovan, Secretary
Office of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20410
HUD No. 10-157,
Jessica Molinengo(202) 708 0685
http://www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm
New effort to benefit homeless prevention pro-
grams near five military bases WASHINGTON - In an
effort to prevent homelessness among veterans, primarily
those returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Af-
fairs (VA) today announced that both agencies will in-
vest a combined $15 million in five selected communi-
ties near military installations. The HUD and VA grant
funding is intended to provide housing assistance and
supportive services to veterans who might otherwise be
living in homeless shelters or on the streets.
Under the new Veterans Homelessness Preven-
tion Demonstration Program (VHPD), existing HUD
grantees or 'Continuums of Care' located near the follow-
ing military installations will each receive $2 million:
MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida; Camp Pend-
leton in San Diego, California; Fort Hood in Killeen,
Texas; Fort Drum in Watertown, New York; and Joint
Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington. In ad-
dition, VA medical centers in the following areas will
each receive $1 million: Tampa, San Diego, Dallas, Sy-
racuse, New York; and American Lake in Washington.
"The men and women who serve our nation de-
serve better than a life on the streets when they return
home," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These
grants represent a first step toward designing the best
interventions possible so that we can prevent homeless-
ness for those heroes who sacrificed so much for us. It is
also another step forward toward reaching President
Obama's goal of preventing and ending homelessness in
all its forms."
VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki added, "While
usually the strongest and most resilient of Americans,
Veterans still represent a disproportionate share of
America's jobless, homeless, depressed, substance abus-
ers, and suicides. Nowhere is our obligation to our citi-
zens, and to our Veterans who have defended our Nation,
more important, more visible, or more necessary than in
our commitment to prevent and end homelessness."
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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
"This effort is about reaching veterans and their
families who are transitioning home and struggling to
readjust," said Senator Patty Murray, who established
VHPD in the Fiscal Year 2009 Housing Appropriations
bill. "By providing access to stable housing, health care,
and job training and outreach services this program pro-
vides targeted support to our heroes who are returning
home to a difficult economic climate. All veterans de-
serve housing and the dignity that comes with it and this
is another step to reach those who have sacrificed so
much."
Through this combination of housing, health
care and employment services provided through the U.S.
Department of Labor, VHPD is designed to explore in-
novative early interventions to help prevent veteran
homelessness, targeted to service members returning
from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The three-year grants announced today will help
the five identified communities or Continuums of Care to
use and track client-level data provided by the VA and
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to target veterans
who meet the eligibility criteria. VA will act as the pri-
mary liaison to the grantee and will provide eligible Vet-
erans with access to VA health care and benefits. HUD
funds will provide short- or medium-term rental assis-
tance, including security deposits, utility payments and
case management. In addition, the program will offer
community-based supportive services appropriate for
veterans and their families, including child care and fam-
ily services.
VHPD is also intended to improve the under-
standing of the unique needs of veterans returning from
Afghanistan and Iraq. HUD anticipates that it will take
approximately ninety (90) days from the date these grant
agreements are signed for selected grantees to be able to
identify and serve veteran individuals and/or families
who qualify for assistance under VHPD.
VHPD also supports the Obama Administration's
far-reaching and ambitious strategic plan to prevent and
end homelessness. Last month, HUD and 18 other feder-
al agencies unveiled Opening Doors, an unprecedented
federal strategy to end veteran and chronic homelessness
by 2015, and to end homelessness among children, fami-
lies, and youth by 2020.
###
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive com-
munities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working
to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and
protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental
homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of
life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from
discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
More information about HUD and its programs is available on
the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
6
 Another good source to send issues facing veterans is the VFW of MI page called ―Sound Off‖
http://www.vfwmi.org/soundoff.htm

"Sound Off"
The editorial page of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan website.

The purpose of this page is to serve as a platform or a tool that can used to help us improve the
way we all do business in the VFW. This forum will allow our readers, our members, our Posts,
our Districts and our Department to gain an insight on how others view us as veterans.
Please email your comments, opinions, problems and even compliments to vfwmi@att.net & please use
"Sound Off" on the subject line and we will publish your comments on this page. The VFW reserves the right to edit
or return, unpublished, any postings submitted. Please include your name, phone number & email address in your
email. We will only publish your email address with your permission. Feel freely to speak out on anything you think
that we need to address, improve or change that could help other veterans, members, Posts,
Districts or the Department of Michigan.

Special Thanks to All Those Who

Made LZ Michigan a Success!

We as individuals and as a Nation, Must Never

Forget, what the brave men and women of the
United States Military do to Protect Our
Liberty, Freedom and Democracy.

We would like to express our appreciation to

all of the fighting men and women in the
United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 7

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 National Home Celebrates John Wayne
85th Birthday Quote? Or Not?
From: John Arend,
From: www.vfwnationalhome.org (Public Relations
SGT, USMC
Department)
Eaton Rapids, Mich. – On
Life's tough...it's even
January 13th, the VFW Na-
tougher if you're stupid." --
tional Home for Children cele-
John Wayne
brated its 85th Birthday! The
When I arrived at
momentous occasion brought
my first duty station after
people from across the country
graduating from Plt. 2005,
to honor the rich tradition of the National Home and its
Hotel Co., 2nd Battalion,
years of service to our veteran and active-duty military
2ndRTR, MCRD, Parris
children and families.
Island, SC in April 1981; I
VFW Commander-in-Chief Tommy Tradewell,
was assigned to the Squadron Office - S-1, H&HS,
Ladies Auxiliary National President Jan Tittle, the Na-
MCAS, Cherry Point, NC.
tional Home Board of Trustees along with 200 guests
My admin Chief, MSgt. "Top" Richer, had one
filled the Home’s Community Center for a birthday
of those huge, Philippine, hand-carved pen holders on his
party unlike any other at the National Home!
desk. The "Quote" read: "Life is tough, but it's tougher if
The 85th birthday celebration was a traditional
you're stupid". The Squadron Sgt. Maj. had a photo of
children’s birthday party with balloons, hats, games,
"John Wayne" as Sgt. Striker in the movie "Sands of Iwo
and of course, cake and ice cream. Remarks from
Jima".
Tradewell, Tittle, Board President Raymond Warren
One night during field day in the squadron of-
and National Home Executive Director Patrice Green
fice; I copied the photo of John Wayne and hand-typed
reminded everyone of the National Home’s important
Top's quote on his desk to the (see original #1 copy at-
mission to care for, love and serve the children and
tached) top and right of the photo, blew-up copies on the
families of our veterans.
printer and passed them out.
At the birthday party, the National Home re-
(They travelled all over the U.S. Marine Corps!).
ceived a wonderful gift. National President Jan Tittle
In 1984 while assigned to the Commandant's
spearheaded a campaign to buy a new, much needed
Office (General Barrow and the, Gen. P.X. Kelley (CMC
mini-bus for the Home. The success of the campaign,
Code (SPD) at HQMC, Washington, DC, I had phone
due to the hard work of the Ladies Auxiliary (and some
watch in the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps' Office.
VFW members, too!), allowed Tittle to surprise the
He and I were shooting the s-t about something (who
guests by announcing the mini-bus had been purchased
knows) and he said: "Hey Boyles, come here and look on
and was outside for everyone to see. The new bus was
the wall behind my desk".
toured by all amid great excitement and truly put the
Low and behold! It was a copy of my original #1
icing on the festive evening.
photo! I explained the whole story to the Sgt.Maj. of the
Commander Tradewell had a further surprise
MC and then my immediate CO, Col William H. Dabney
for attendees – announcing a special flag project. Trus-
(Navy Cross, Chesty Puller's son-in-law). In just a little
tees of the Home will work to obtain a state flag from
over 2 years, the photo and quote had made it to the Ser-
each VFW department for display in the National
geant Major of the Marine Corps' wall. It truly is a
Home’s Community Center.
"Small" Corps.
Of course, what would a birthday party be
I see it now all over, in magazines, the Internet,
without the traditional birthday song? National Home
etc. and people actually think, believe, and report that it
Buddy Poppy Child Beau Yabs wheeled out a larger-
is an ACTUAL JOHN WAYNE QUOTE!
than-life birthday cake, while the National Home Patri-
It's absolutely amazing! Talk about LAMAO!
ot Chorus led everyone in song.
Over the years, I've redefined the image and
The National Home thanks everyone who at-
moved the quote to the bottom of the photo.
tended and made this special night possible and is
Here is the latest version: (Original#2) attached.
grateful for everyone that has honored veterans and
Semper Fi!
active-duty military by providing their children and
Sgt. Blake Boyles, USMC 1980-1989
families help and hope since 1925.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 8

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
July 12, 2010
New Regulations on PTSD
Claims Quick Facts:
From: The Department of Veteran Affairs
This new rule is for Veterans of any era.
The new rule will apply to claims:
Received by VA on or after July 13, 2010;
Received before July 13, 2010 but not yet decided by
a VA regional office;
Appealed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals on or
after July 13, 2010;
Appealed to the Board before July 13, 2010, but not
yet decided by the Board; and
Pending before VA on or after July 13, 2010, be-
cause the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
vacated a Board decision and remanded for re-
adjudication.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
“Stressor Determinations for Posttrau-
matic Stress Disorder”
1. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disor-
der (PTSD)?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) is a condition resulting from expo-
sure to direct or indirect threat of death,
serious injury or a physical threat. The
events that can cause PTSD are called "stressors‖ and
may include natural disasters, accidents or deliberate
man-made events/disasters, including war. Symptoms of
PTSD can include recurrent thoughts of a traumatic
event, reduced involvement in work or outside interests,
emotional numbing, hyper-alertness, anxiety and irrita-
bility. The disorder can be more severe and longer lasting
when the stress is human initiated action (example: war,
rape, terrorism).
2. What does this final regulation do?
This final regulation liberalizes the evidentiary
standard for Veterans claiming service connection for
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under current reg-
ulations governing PTSD claims, unless the Veteran is a
combat Veteran, VA adjudicators are typically required
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
to undertake extensive record development to corrobo-
rate whether a Veteran actually experienced the claimed
in-service stressor. This final rulemaking will simplify
and improve the PTSD claims adjudication process by
eliminating this time-consuming requirement where the
claimed stressor is related to ―fear of hostile military or
terrorist activity,‖ is consistent with the places, types, and
circumstances of their service, and a VA psychiatrist or
psychologist, or contract psychiatrist or psychologist
confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support
a diagnosis of PTSD.
3. What types of claims for VA benefits does the final
regulation affect?
The final regulation will benefit Veterans, re-
gardless of their period of service. It applies to claims for
PTSD service connection filed on or after the final regu-
lation’s effective date, and to those claims that are con-
sidered on the merits at a VA Regional Office or the
Board of Veterans’ Appeals on or after the effective date
of the rule.
4. Why is this final regulation neces-
sary?
The final regulation is necessary to make
VA’s adjudication of PTSD claims both
more timely and consistent with the current
medical science.
5. How does this final regulation help
Veterans?
The final regulation will simplify and
streamline the processing of PTSD claims,
which will result in Veterans receiving more timely deci-
sions. A Veteran will be able to establish the occurrence
of an in-service stressor through his or her own testimo-
ny, provided that: (1) the Veteran is diagnosed with
PTSD; (2) a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or a psychi-
atrist or psychologist with whom VA has contracted con-
firms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a
PTSD diagnosis; (3) the Veteran's symptoms are related
to the claimed stressor; and (4) the claimed stressor is
consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of
the Veteran’s service and the record provides no clear
and convincing evidence to the contrary. ..
9
...This will eliminate the requirement for VA to search for
records, to verify stressor accounts, which is often a very
involved and protracted process. As a result, the time re-
quired to adjudicate a PTSD compensation claim in ac-
cordance with the law will be significantly reduced.
6. How does VA plan to monitor the need for examin-
ers in various regions of the country, and how does VA
plan to respond if is determined that more examiners
are needed in a particular region?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has
written in to the FY11-13 Operating Plan the need for ad-
ditional staff to support doing adequate, timely exams.
VHA proposes: ―A8. Increase mental health field staff to
address the increase in C&P examinations and develop
monitoring system to ensure clinical delivery of mental
health services does not decrease in VHA.― Specifically,
VHA has requested 125 clinicians for FY11 with addi-
tional 63 staff in FY12 if the need exists. If the Operating
Plan and the proposed budget are approved, VA proposes
asking the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs)
to develop plans for distributing the funds in order to en-
sure adequate coverage at sites based on number of claims
being processed; the VISNs are well positioned to deter-
mine these regional needs.
7. How does the regulatory revision affect PTSD ser-
vice connection claims where an in-service diagnosis of
PTSD has been rendered?
The new regulation does not apply to the adjudi-
cation of cases where PTSD has been initially diagnosed
in service. Rather, under another VA rule, 38 CFR §
3.304(f)(1), if a Veteran is diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress disorder during service and the claimed stressor is
related to that service, in the absence of clear and con-
vincing evidence to the contrary, and provided that the
claimed stressor is consistent with the circumstances, con-
ditions, or hardships of the Veteran's service, the Veter-
an's lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of
the claimed in-service stressor.
8. Is the new regulation applicable only if the Veter-
an's statements relate to combat or POW service?
No. The rule states that the stressor must be relat-
ed to a ―fear of hostile military or terrorist activity,‖ and
the claimed stressor must be ―consistent with the places,
types, and circumstances of the veteran’s service.‖
9. What circumstances will still require stressor verifi-
cation through DoD’s Joint Services Records Research
Center (JSRRC) , VBA’s Compensation &Pension
Service (C&P Service), or other entity if a Veteran
claims that his or her stressor is related to a fear of
hostile or terrorist activity?
The regulatory revision will greatly lessen the
need for undertaking development to verify Veterans’
accounts of in-service stressors. Now, stressor develop-
ment may only need to be conducted if a review of the
available record, such as the Veteran’s service personnel
and/or treatment records, is inadequate to determine that
the claimed stressor is ―consistent with the places, types
and circumstances of the veteran’s service.‖ In such cir-
cumstances, the Veterans Service Representative (VSR)
will determine on a case-by-case basis what development
should be undertaken.
However, it is anticipated that in the overwhelm-
ing majority of cases adjudicated under the new version of
§ 3.304(f), a simple review of the Veteran’s service treat-
ment and/or personnel records will be sufficient to deter-
mine if the claimed stressor is consistent with the places,
types, and circumstances of the Veteran’s service. We
also believe that, in some cases, a Veteran’s separation
document, DD-Form 214, alone may enable an adjudica-
tor to make such a determination.

Subscribe
The National Center for PTSD wants you to stay informed about the latest information and new products on trauma
and PTSD.
Sign up for the NCPTSD Mailing List
Send this email to sign up for our electronic mailing list. You will receive an email once a month letting you know
about news, information, and relevant products developed by the Center and other professionals. The notices we send
are applicable to all audiences.
Subscribe to the Center's Newsletters
The Center produces the PTSD Research Quarterly (RQ) and the Clinician's Trauma Update - Online (CTU-Online).
You can receive a notice when the PTSD Research Quarterly is posted by signing up for our NCPTSD electronic mail-
ing list, as directed above. To receive the CTU-Online, send this email to sign up for the CTU-Online electronic mail-
ing list.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 10

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520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
10. As the regulatory revision seems to require an en-
hanced role for the examining VA mental health pro- POW/MIA Recognition Day
fessional, whose role is it to determine whether the From: www.vfw.org
claimed stressor is consistent with the Veteran’s POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the com-
service? mitments and the sacrifices made by our nation's pris-
VA adjudicators, not the examining psychiatrist oners of war and those who are still missing in action.
or psychologist, will decide whether the claimed stressor By custom, it is on the third Friday in September.
is consistent with the Veteran’s service. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is one of
11. Is a Veteran's testimony about “fear of hostile mil- the six days specified by law on which the black POW/
itary or terrorist activity” alone sufficient to establish MIA flag shall be flown over federal facilities and cem-
a stressor? eteries, post offices and military installations.
Yes, if the other requirements of the regulation Click Here to: Find out more about POW/MIA Recog-
are satisfied, i.e., a VA psychiatrist or psychologist con- nition Day
firms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a
PTSD diagnosis and that the Veteran's symptoms are
related to the claimed stressor, and the stressor is con-
sistent with the ―places, types, and circumstances of the
Veteran’s service.‖
12. Are the stressors accepted as adequate for
establishing service connection under new § 3.304(f)
(3) limited to those specifically identified in the new
regulation?
No. The examples given in the revised regulation
do not represent an exclusive list in view of the use of the
modifying phrase ―such as‖ that precedes the listed ex-
amples. Any event or circumstance that involves actual
or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the Some Useful Links
physical integrity of the Veteran or others, would qualify Air Force Times
as a stressor under new § 3.304(f)(3). http://www.airforcetimes.com/
13. How will the Veterans Health Administration Navy Times
(VHA) work with Veterans Benefits Administration
(VBA) on the new regulation? http://www.navytimes.com/
VHA was actively involved in discussion with Marine Corps Times
VBA of the new regulation and fully supports the new http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/
regulation.
The new regulation will provide fair evaluation Army Times
for Veterans whose military records have been damaged http://www.armytimes.com/
or destroyed, or for whom no definitive reports of com- Military Times
bat action appeared in their military records, even though
they can report such actions and it is reasonable to be- http://www.militarytimes.com/
lieve that these occurred, given the time and place of ser- TRICARE
vice. http://www.tricare.mil/
This will be especially beneficial to women Vet-
erans, whose records do not specify that they had combat American Legion
assignments, even though their roles in the military http://www.legion.org/
placed them at risk of hostile military or terrorist activity. Veterans of Foreign Wars
This means that more Veterans will become eli-
gible for VA care and thus be able to receive VA care for http://www.vfw.org/
mental illness related to their military service, as well as AMVETS
receiving full holistic health care.VHA will work active- http://www.amvets.org/
ly with VBA on implementing the regulation. VHA
staff’s main role is as clinicians conducting C&P inter- If anyone has a site they would like to have added to this
views to establish diagnoses and obtain other information growing list please let us know!
to be used by VBA raters to determine the outcome of
claims.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 11
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
VFW Outraged by Media Support of pealed, and in September 2009, the Fourth U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., voided the lower
Westboro Protestors court ruling and ordered Snyder to repay the church
thousands of dollars in court costs, an outrageous judg-
From: The Veterans of Foreign Wars at www.vfw.org
ment that the VFW quickly raised money to pay.
7/20/2010-Last week's U.S. Supreme Court fil-
In a brief filed earlier with the Supreme Court,
ing of a friend-of-the-court brief by 22 news media or-
which is scheduled to hear oral arguments in October,
ganizations in support of the First Amendment rights of
Snyder's lawyers argue that the church's
the Westboro Baptist Church has out-
right to free speech does not trump the
raged the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
family's right to mourn in private. The
the U.S.
VFW agrees, and filed its own friend-of-
"As despicable as their message
the-court brief to support him, as did 42
of hatred is, at least the church has a vest-
members of the U.S. Senate and 48 states
ed interest in this fight," said VFW Na-
and the District of Columbia.
tional Commander Thomas J. Tradewell
The news media brief, filed by 22
Sr., a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran
organizations that include the Associated
from Sussex, Wis. "The media only filed
Press, New York Times and Hearst, says
their brief to protect themselves against
a tort ruling in favor of Snyder "threatens
potential libel suits."
to expand dramatically the risk of liability
The case is Albert Snyder v. Fred
for news media coverage and commen-
W. Phelps Sr. (et al), who leads the Westboro Baptist
tary."
Church in Topeka, Kan., a nonaffiliated church that for
"This issue is between a grieving father who lost
years has taunted grieving mourners at military funerals
his son in Iraq and members of a self-proclaimed church
nationwide, calling their deaths a by-product of a nation
who want to use First Amendment free speech protec-
that tolerates homosexuality.
tions as a sword and shield at the same time," said the
On March 10, 2006, in Westminster, Md., more
VFW's Tradewell.
than a half dozen Westboro members showed up at the
"This issue is not about freedom of the press or
funeral of 20-year-old Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mat-
libel laws, regardless of how the media wants to twist the
thew Snyder carrying signs that read "Semper Fi Fags,"
meaning of their amicus curiae brief," he said. "The me-
"Thank God for Dead Soldiers" and "Thank God for
dia is a business with an obligation to conduct proper due
IEDs."
diligence in the gathering and reporting of information to
His father, Albert Snyder, of York, Pa., sued the
the public. The Westboro Baptist Church and its message
church, and in 2007 a federal jury in Baltimore awarded
of hatred is a sickness. Let's not confuse the two."
him $11 million in compensatory and punitive damages,
an amount the trial court later halved. The church ap-
Click here for the VFW's amicus curiae brief.

Retiree Appreciation Day

From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon
Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired)
A Selfridge Community Services Helping Office
29868 George Avenue
Building 168, Selfridge ANGB,
Michigan 48045
(586) 239-5580 (800) 645 9416 Ext 5580
E-mail: selfrao@greatlakes.net

Retiree Appreciation Day is scheduled for 18 Sep 2010 at Selfridge Joint Dining Facility. Registration is re-
quired. For more information, please call (586) 239-5580 or (800) 645-9416, Ext 5580, or click on the Registration
Form link after 1 July 2010. For more information please visit their website at:
http://www.selfridgemwr.com/community/rso_registration.htm

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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 Memories of WWII
Egypt were we served at the convenience of the military.
I was assigned to Priorities and Traffic which
kept the records of transient personnel that arrived and
By: John Nagle, USAAF jenagle48048@yahoo.com
departed the base. That job lasted 10 weeks, and I was
After washing out of Air Cadet training due to
―promoted ―to overseeing a work crew of Italian POWs
left ear deafness, the military sent me to Radio Operators
that cleaned and prepared aircraft for departure. I was
School because the hearing in my right ear was acute and
only 18 years old, so the real leader was an older Italian
I could differentiate the dits and dahs of radio code. At
sergeant that bossed the gang and saw to it that the job
the time it didn’t make much sense to me, but I did my
was done correctly and promptly. He spoke broken Eng-
best to succeed. I could write without error 150 words
lish, and we got along well. Any criticism I had was di-
per minute ―press‖, but could not pass an 80 wpm spot
rected to him and he directed the corrections.
check. So life goes on and I went overseas as a basic sol-
The Italian POWs compound was operated by
dier.
the POWs. Their officers managed the compound and
I arrived in Naples, Italy on a cold and rainy day
directed its’ operation. They did their own cleaning,
with several hundred other replacements whose final
guard duty, and mess hall operation. One of the men on
destination overseas would be determined shortly. About
my crew had a birthday (40th) which was cause for a
five days later, 80 of us were loaded into several trucks
birthday celebration, and four of we ―crew chiefs‖ were
along with our duffle and moved to an air strip were 2 C-
invited join the celebration. We were instructed to bring
47 aircraft waited. We assembled in one rank and were
our mess gear because they had no spare gear. We each
told to count off by two’s.
brought a small gift of a carton of cigarettes that we
All the ones took one step forward, right face, forward
knew would be shared by all.
march to the 2nd aircraft as the twos marched to the first
We were welcomed at the gate and our hosts
aircraft.
escorted us to the celebration tent. Inside, we noted the
After we were loaded, our duffle stowed in the
table and ―chairs‖ were hand made from scrape wood
rear of the cabin, and we were belted into the blanket
from discarded shipping containers. Our mess cups were
cushioned bucket seats,( the bucket normally was filled
immediately filled with homemade wine from about thir-
with the parachute you would be wearing) the planes
ty bottles that lined one side of the tent. After a meal of
departed to… we didn’t know to where. We flew over
the best spaghetti and sauce I have ever tasted, bread,
water for a couple hours and we decided we going to
and lots of wine, we sang songs and told stories of fami-
North Africa, and we were right. After a brief stopover
ly until curfew at 10 PM. As we left, we noted that all
for fuel, we ended up at Payne Field outside Cairo,
the bottles were empty.

Air Zoo Offers Summer

Flight Experiences
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master
Sergeant USAF (Retired)
From the latest press release: This summer, Air
Zoo guests have the chance to take flight in a Cessna T-
41 Mescalero, North American T-6 Texan and Vultee BT
-13 Valiant, courtesy of Aviation Adventures and Michi-
gan Warbirds.
All three of these historic aircraft were used as
trainers in the armed forces. The T-41 was used to train
Air Force pilots beginning in 1964. During World War
II, the T-6 was used as an advanced trainer in the U.S.
Army Air Forces and Navy. The BT-13 was also used
during the war as a basic trainer by the U.S. Army Air
Forces.
Guests can experience these aircraft with an array of
flight packages including:
T-41 Flight Experience by Aviation Adventures The T-
41 Flight Experience is perfect for those who want to go
on a flying adventure. Passengers will get a bird’s-eye
view of the greater Kalamazoo area. This flight experi-
ence lasts 20 minutes and costs $75 for the first passen-
ger. Each additional passenger costs $25. The T-41
can hold up to three passengers

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. 13

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
 T-41 Pilot Experience by Aviation Adventures
Those who dream of becoming a pilot will find
the T-41 Pilot Experience especially exhilarating. Pas-
sengers will learn about aerodynamics and how to pilot
the plane by using the flight controls. The passenger-pilot
will have the chance to try basic flight maneuvers such as
turns, climbs and descents. At the end of the experience,
the passenger-pilot will be awarded a certificate of
logged pilot time that may be used towards private pilot
training. This 30-minute experience costs $109 for the
first passenger and $25 for each additional passenger.
World War II Flight Experience by Michigan
Warbirds
Experience the thrill of flying in the T-6 or BT-
13 with the World War II Flight Experience. This famil-
iarization ride will begin with a briefing from the pi-
lot. After the aircraft is in the air, the pilot will let the
guest take the controls and experience flight,
firsthand! This 30-minute experience costs $200 and is
limited to one passenger.
Flights from Aviation Adventures are offered
Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and
noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Michigan Warbirds flights
are offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5
p.m. Height and weight limitations may apply.
Tickets and gift certificates are available for pur-
chase at the Air Zoo. To schedule a flight or for more
information, please call 269.382.6555.
Vietnam-Era General Cleared
After 38 Years
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master
Sergeant USAF (Retired)
By: Sharon Weinberger Contributor, AOL News
WASHINGTON
(Aug. 4) -- More than 38
years after being removed
from command and demot-
ed for allowing unauthor-
ized bombing, a U.S. Air
Force general has been
cleared of wrongdoing and
had his rank posthumously
reinstated.
Air Force Gen.
John Lavelle was blamed
for allowing unauthorized strikes in North Vietnam and
for allegedly falsifying reports related to the strikes. He
was removed from command and demoted two ranks in
1972 after an inspector general investigation concluded
the rules of engagement had been violated.
In tapes released in 2007, President Richard Nix-
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
NEED A RIDE?
From: www.DAV.org
Because so many sick and disabled veterans
lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities
for needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide
Transportation Network to meet this need.
Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers
drive sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medi-
cal facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network
is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. The
DAV stepped in to meet a substantial community need
when the federal government terminated its program
that helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA
medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service
Coordinators around the country who coordinate the
transportation needs for disabled veterans.
Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator
Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information
or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transpor-
tation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is
unable to cover every community. We hope we can
help you.
Locate your nearest VA Medical Center
on expresses remorse for scapegoating Air Force Gen.
John Lavelle, here in Vietnam in 1972, but in public he
condemned Lavelle.
Lavelle, who died in 1979, always denied any
wrongdoing and insisted his actions were authorized.
At issue was a dispute over whether strikes that
Lavelle ordered against North Vietnam were in line with
the military's rules of engage-
ment. In 1972, those rules only
allowed Air Force assets to strike
targets in North Vietnam if they
were responding to fire, or if they
were targeted by the radar of a
surface-to-air-missile system.
It has since come to
light, however, that President
Richard M. Nixon ordered the
Air Force leadership to allow so-
called "protection reaction"
strikes against North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile
sites, based on the threat they could pose to U.S. aircraft.
A decision announced today by the Pentagon
clears Lavelle and nominates him posthumously to the
rank of general. "[T]he Air Force Board for Correction of
14
Military Records found no evidence Lavelle caused, ei-
ther directly or indirectly, the falsification of records, or
that he was even aware of their existence," the Pentagon
said in a statement released today. "Once he learned of
the reports, Lavelle took action to ensure the practice was
discontinued."
Because of the retirement rules in effect at the
time, Lavelle did not lose any pay from his demotion, so
the Air Force will not have to pay any retroactive retire-
ment benefits, Beth Gosselin, an Air Force spokeswom-
an, told AOL News. Gosselin also confirmed that the in-
quiry into clearing Lavelle was prompted by a 2008 re-
quest from his family.
The primary evidence clearing Lavelle came
from tapes of Nixon that were released in 2007.
"Let me ask you about Lavelle. I was, I had it on
my list this morning. I just don't want him to be made a
goat. We all know what protective reaction is," Nixon is
heard telling then Secretary of State Henry Kissinger
shortly after Lavelle was demoted.
Nixon goes on to make repeated references to
Lavelle, expressing remorse that he was punished for do-
ing something that was authorized. In public, however,
Nixon condemned Lavelle's actions.
The decision to clear Lavelle comes amid a heat-
ed debate over government secrecy and disclosure. Last
month, WikiLeaks, an online transparency organization,
released more than 70,000 documents related to the war
in Afghanistan.
That leak has been condemned by the White
House and the Pentagon, which has also initiated an in-
vestigation into the source of the leaks.
Lavelle was cleared not as the result of any leak,
but through tapes released by the National Archives. But
the information that cleared his name took almost four
decades to surface.
Lavelle, always denied wrongdoing. "I did what
was right," he said, as part of an oral history interview
quoted in Air Force Magazine. "I did what was author-
ized."
STEP UP AND LEAD
From: The USO
In 2010, we're calling on the brave men and women
of our armed forces to make some incredible sacrifices in
Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote locations around the world.
That means you and I need to make an extra effort to show
our support.
One of the best ways to let our troops know that
you've got their back is by supporting the work of the USO.
Step Up and Lead -- support our troops by sign-
ing up to be part of the USO today.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Military Discounts
From: Michael J. Miller
If anyone has another business they would like to add to
the list, please let us know contact Matthew Hauser at
mhauser@migop.org
All these businesses offer military discounts; all you have
to do is ask.
Restaurants
Arby's, A&W, Back Yard Burgers, Burger King, Captain
D's, Chick-Fil-A, Cotton Patch, Denny's, Dunkin' Donuts,
IHOP (20 percent discount with military identification),
Java Café, KFC, Long John Silver, Pancho's Mexican
Buffet, Pizza Hut, Quizno's, Sizzler, Sonic, Taco Bell,
Whataburger
Services
AT&T, California Cryobank, Geico, Jiffy Lube, Meineke,
Sears Portrait Studio
Travel and Leisure
Blockbuster, Movie theaters, Ripley's attractions and mu-
seums, Professional Sports teams
Products
Apple Computers, AutoZone, Barnhill's, Bass Pro Shop,
Bath and Body Works, Benson Diamond Jewelers
(Westland Mall. Westland, MI), Big 10 Tires, The Buck-
le, Champs Sports, Copeland's Sports, Dell, The Discov-
ery Channel Store, Dress Barn, The Finish Line, Foot
Action, Footlocker, Gadzooks, GNC, Goody's, Great Par-
ty, Happy Harry's, Hot Topic, Jockey, Lerner, Michael's,
NAPA Auto Parts, New York & Company, Pac Sun, Pay-
less Shoes, Play It Again Sports, Pure Beauty, Quizno's,
Sally Beauty Supply, Spencer's Gifts, Suncoast, Timber-
land Outlets, Wilson's Leather
Cell Phone Service Discount
All Federal employees are able to get a 15% discount on
their personal cell phones by calling their carrier and
mentioning the "Federal Telecommunications Act of
1996 - Discount to Federal Employees Past and
Present."
Cingular - 800-319-6393, Sprint - 877-812-1223, T-
Mobile - 866-646-4688, Nextel - 800-639-6111, Verizon
- 800-865-1825
You will need to know the military member's supervisor's
name, phone number, and full address, so that his/her
military status can be verified.
A Link Form:
David T. Wallin, NAMVET 69-70
Purple Heart 1/35th Inf, 4th Inf Div
―Returning Home‖
15
Advisory Panels Say Military
Benefits Unsustainable
By: Tom Philpott | August 05, 2010, From
www.military.com
A consensus is building among current and for-
mer military leaders and defense industry executives that
rising military personnel costs threaten the viability of
the all-volunteer force.
In July, two separate advisory groups reached the same
general conclusions regarding what needs to be done to
sustain the force. In the nearer term, they say, one step
that must be taken is to make military retirees pay more
out of pocket for their health care benefit.
"Unless retirees contribute more for their TRI-
CARE insurance, medical costs will not be brought un-
der control and the national defense they served, and for
which they fought and sacrificed, will be harmed," says
the final report of the Quadrennial Defense Review Inde-
pendent Panel.
The panel is co-chaired by former Defense Sec-
retary William J. Perry from the Clinton administration
and Stephen J. Hadley who was national security advisor
through President George W. Bush's second term.
Longer term, and for the future force, panelists
say, work must begin on designing new retirement, com-
pensation and promotion systems to replace inefficient
and rigid systems adopted after World War II. The situa-
tion is so critical that the Hadley-Perry panel asks Con-
gress to establish a new National Commission on Mili-
tary Personnel to lead the reform effort.
Arnold Punaro, a defense industry executive and
retired Marine Corps Reserve major general, chairs a
task force for the Defense Business Board that will deliv-
er its final report to Defense Secretary Robert Gates in
October.
Task force "initial observations" for cutting de-
fense costs through best business practices, briefed to the
board July 22, reinforces the notion that personnel ac-
counts must be brought under control by modernizing
retirement, pay, health benefits and the "up-or-out" pro-
motion systems.
Both studies deal with a far wider range of initia-
tives to restructure forces and streamline organizations.
The Hadley-Perry report can be read online at http://
www.usip.org/files/qdr/qdrreport.pdf, and task force ob-
servations are at http://dbb.defense.gov/meetings.html.
What both conclude on the need to control health costs
and modernize compensation systems, Punaro said, is
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military.
Thank you for your service to this county.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
consistent with findings of the 10th Quadrennial Review
of Military Compensation and the 2006 Defense Adviso-
ry Commission on Military Compensation. But now,
with Defense Secretary Gates' leadership and a new
awareness among military leaders to the burden of
mounting personnel costs, there's a fresh groundswell for
change, he said. "I've heard a four-star military leader
comment that DoD is turning into a benefits company
that will occasionally kill a terrorist," Punaro said in a
phone interview Tuesday. The remark plays off a popular
critique of General Motors before its recent bail out, that
union contracts had transformed it into a health care
company that occasionally built a car.
Both the business board task force and the Had-
ley-Perry panel agree that the current force must be pro-
tected from the changes to retirement, pay or promotion
policies needed to create a more efficient future force.
"Updating military compensation and redesigning some
benefits does not necessitate cuts in pay or benefits for
current service members," said the Hadley-Perry report.
"These are areas where any adjustment you make
will take decades to change," Punaro said. "With some-
thing like military retirement, you are not going to break
faith with people who joined expecting a certain benefit,
even though only 20 percent stay long enough to earn a
retirement."
But rapid expansion of military entitlements has
become part of "the nation's mandatory spending prob-
lems," the task force found. Among "significant unsus-
tainable trends" that the task force listed is paying mili-
tary retirees and their families "for 60 years after they
have served only 20."
Another task force slide give details of how mili-
tary entitlements have expanded "rapidly" over the last
decade with Congress passing TRICARE for Life, a
more robust pharmacy benefit, concurrent receipt for
disabled retirees, extra-size active duty pay raises, an
improved survivor benefit plan, sharp growth in housing
allowances, a bigger death gratuity and more. Punaro
declined to criticize any specific initiative. But, he said,
"nobody ever sat down and said, 'What's the cumulative
effect of all this?'" The effect, says the Hadley-Perry re-
port, is personnel costs "have grown drastically on a per
capita basis." As the economy recovers and the job mar-
ket rebounds, Punaro said, the cost of sustaining the mili-
tary will accelerate even more. Punaro, who served as
staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee
for eight years, noted that much of the recent entitlement
growth has helped only retirees and their families, a pop-
ulation that now outnumbers the active duty community.
16
 "TRICARE for Life, the largest new benefit ever
passed, was not subject to any kind of serious review or
debate, as best as I can tell. Is that the way to pass some-
thing like that? And, okay, just because you passed it,
does it have to be in existence for 100 years? Bob Gates
makes a pretty compelling argument that 'health care
costs are eating us alive'."
Punaro criticized military associations that, he
said, push continually for benefits with little heed to more
pressing defense priorities. Military leaders and lawmak-
ers this decade have been complicit, he suggested.
"It doesn't take a profile in courage to stand up
and be for every benefit that anybody has ever dreamed
up. That's easy. It takes a lot of courage to be responsi-
ble...It looks to some of us that we've changed the slogan
'Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition' to 'Praise the
Lord and pass the benefit.' I remember working with mil-
itary associations when their number one goal was a
strong national defense, not more benefits."
To comment, e-mail milupdate@aol.com, write to Mili-
tary Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120-
1111 or visit: www.militaryupdate.com.
A Clip From:
Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army Veteran
―I Fought For You By Sound Tank‖
There will be a fundraiser for Ray Franz in
Leelanau County on Sept. 28th with Marine Corps
veteran and former Astronaut Jack Lousma will be
the guest of honor. For more information please
Contact their office at 231-889-7035.
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
On The Trail with Ray Franz:
Blue Star Mother’s Event
By: Jennifer Smeltzer
Vietnam veteran
and candidate Ray Franz
knows firsthand the im-
portance of supporting our
military families. On Au-
gust 9th Ray participated in
a tribute to our military
held at the Northwest
Michigan Fair in Traverse
City, MI. Organized by
Blue Star Families Michi-
gan Director, Karen Alma,
the event celebrated the
60th anniversary of the Ko-
rean War as well as veterans from the Vietnam War, Bat-
tle of the Bulge, and the current Operation Iraqi Freedom
and Operation Enduring Freedom wars.
Founded in 2008, the mission of Blue Star Fami-
lies is to support, connect and empower military families.
BSF includes spouses and families from all services and
walks of live including National Guard and Reserve as
well as veterans and civilians supportive of the organiza-
tion.
―It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of
the honor guard for the Blue Star Mothers ceremony. I
was also touched by the recognition and respect shown
by everyone toward not only service men and women but
also the families of those serving. I remembered my
years of service in Vietnam and little was done for those
at home who sacrificed most. It is now apparent to all
that Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers, and all family mem-
bers are part of the honor, duty and sacrifice of service to
this great country. God Bless all who serve and their
Blue Star Families.‖ said Ray Franz.
Through outreach and involvement with national
and local organizations, civilian communities and gov-
ernment entities, Blue Star Families works hand in hand
to share the pride of service, promote healthier families,
aid in our military readiness and contribute to our coun-
try's strength.
For more information on Blue Star Families, please con-
tact Karen Alma at 231-492-4252 or bluestar.org
Ray Franz served one tour of duty in Vietnam
and received a Bronze Star. He continues to serve his
community as a Volunteer Firefighter and former Chief,
and a Medical First Responder.
Ray Franz is running for State Representative in
st
the 101 House District which includes the counties of
Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee and Mason.
17
 Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US
Additional Benefits for
Active Duty Time Served
DD FORM 214-SOCIAL
SECURITY BENEFIT
From: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Please share this with anyone who's had active duty
service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001 and
planning for retirement.
In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify
for a higher social security payment because of Military
service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001
(the program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to
$1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of ap-
plication - which can make a substantial difference in
social security monthly payments upon your retirement.
You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Secu-
rity Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!
Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/
military.htm this is something to put in your files for
when you apply for Social Security down the road... It is
NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on
active duty between January1957 to December 31, 2001.
FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!
To request a copy of a DD-214 visit
www.vetrec.archives.gov.
Old Warrior Camp
From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG
This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Marine
First Sergeant with the primary purpose of facilitating the
―Wounded Warriors‖ as they begin their Journey back to
Civilian Life. The First Sergeant is the Commander of the
Disabled American Veteran (Manistique Chapter 26) He
is also 100% totally disabled.
There is no cost to vets…Bring a Valid Michigan
Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact Bob
Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times available.
If you don’t want to receive these emails or wish to be re-
moved from the list please just reply remove to
mhauser@migop.org
Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
-The DAV
Staff
Layout- Matthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org)
Writers-Larry Harr Msgt USAF Retired
Denny Gillem Lt. Col., US Army, Retired
Claude McManus Command Master Chief (Surface
Warfare), USN, Retired
Sean M. Furr Specialist 4, US Army Veteran
Sherry Swann-Secretary of Fort Custer Advisory
Committee and Event Coordinator
Sam Cottle-Michigan State Captain Patriot Guard
Riders
Sandra Eggers-Family Service Counselor Oakland
Hills Memorial Park
Gary Lillie, MCB3, Chu Lai, RVN '66
Phil Smith-Director/Chief Vietnam Veterans of
America, Veterans Benefits and
Rehabilitation, State Council of MI
Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master
Sergeant USAF (Retired)
John Arend, SGT, USMC
John Nagle, USAAF
Publisher- Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG
In Closing
Thank you for your service to our country. It is
truly the men and women like you who make this na-
tion great, and we must not forget that. One quote that
sticks in my head from last month’s issue is “Seek out
and talk to a Vet!”-Larry Harr, MSgt, USAF, Ret. For
it is true.
We hope everyone had a great summer! Re-
member the Anniversary of VJ Day this month and
have a wondered Labor Day weekend. Thank you eve-
ryone for all the help, you have given us so far. For on-
ly with your help are we able to reach more people.
If you have anything you would like to share,
any questions, or have an article idea, please let me
know. You can contact me anytime at
mhauser@migop.org
Sincerely,
Matthew X. Hauser
18