E-Mail: jtobiasjr@gmail.com Thank you,
I am SSG Adrian Barge's daughter. He passed away in 1992 of lung cancer. I was 12 when this happened.
I do not have much to remember my father by. Some memories, a few pictures, and his dog tags. I have
been trying to find anything I can about my father and that was what brought me to your site. I just
want to thank you for making this site. I feel like this has brought me closer to my father, by giving
me a glimpse into his past that as a child I was to young to understand.
Thank you again,
A Troop
Bill Baty
B Troop
C Troop
Mike and Katie Unger
D Troop
The Big Red One rolls in to Motor City!
The world has never been the same since a young inventor named Henry Ford took his lightweight,
gasoline-powered vehicle for a spin around Detroit on June 4, 1896. Today, Dearborn, Michigan,
the site of our 91st annual reunion is home to the auto giant’s legacy. Our hotel sits between
the Henry Ford Estate with its magnificent museum that has been called “America’s greatest
history attraction” and Greenfield Village, 81 acres packed with extraordinary historical
experience where Henry Ford sought to recreate the world that had inspired him.
The entire Motor City area that put the world on wheels is rich in automotive and music history.
Its automotive history dates all the way back to World War I. Its biggest military contribution
came during World War II when it supplied the army with tanks, trucks, guns and airplanes to
support America’s victory. Detroit also symbolizes the U.S. automobile industry and its mass-
production and other manufacturing innovations. Of course no one should have to be reminded that
this is also the home of Motown, the great music that was born on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit.
In keeping with tradition we have arranged a selections of tours for you to get the most out of
this area and its surroundings. You won’t want to miss the Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield
Village, mentioned above. The entire area is brimming with new excitement like the revitalization
of the waterfront and undergoing a true renaissance. You can cruise the Detroit River, check out
Comerica Park and the Detroit Tigers, try your luck at the Greektown Casino or just enjoy the many
restaurants. We hope that Ford's Rouge plant where the F-150 is made will still be open for a tour.
Just when you think we covered everything, or for something different, you might be interested in
spending an evening at the horse races. As for the golfers, you’re not forgotten. There will be a
golf outing for those of you who have the fever. So please take time to check out all we have to
offer this year under Tours and Special Events. If you joined us last year you know there were a
record number of active duty Big Red One soldiers who joined us. We are looking forward to their
continued and expanded participation in Dearborn. Maybe a few surprises too!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Hotel
Transportation from DTW Airport
Ground Transportation
Driving and Parking
Hotel Reunion Meal Specials
Schedule
Spread The Word!
Unit Command Posts
Handicapped Rooms
Cut-off Date
Hotel Cancellations/Refunds
Tour Cancellations/Refunds
Confirmation
Travel to Canada
Local Shopping -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have arranged a variety of optional tours to enhance your visit to Michigan. Don’t forget you
cameras. We hope we have found something for everyone. We have tried to integrate the tours into
the program so they won’t conflict with other reunion activities. These are optional events and
require pre-registration. All buses for tours will load outside the main entrance.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City Tour - 3 hrs, $28 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village - 7 hrs, $60 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford Rouge Factory – 4 hrs, $20 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit Tigers vs Baltimore Orioles - 5 hrs, $42 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diamond Jack River Cruise - 5 hrs, $38 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pinnacle Race Course - 6 1/2 hrs, $22 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greektown Casino - 6 hrs, $22 per person
Greenfield Village - 4 hrs, $48 per person --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fox Hills Golf Club - $55 per person -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may also fill out and pay your registration on-line at the following address:
Bill seeks halt to Europe base closures
A congressional effort aims to halt future closures of U.S. military installations in Europe if the measure becomes law.
Dubbed the NATO First Act, House Resolution 2797 would "fortify America’s trans-Atlantic security links with our European allies and partners," according to a press release from Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, a co-sponsor of the bill.
More so, the bill calls for maintaining the current basing arrangement of U.S. military installations in NATO-member countries in Europe unless a host nation requests closure or the U.S. secretary of defense determines such facilities unnecessary.
The bill has been referred to the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees. Congressmen successfully added language from the NATO First Act into the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, according to congressional staffer speaking on background Wednesday.
Some of the language added relating to the current U.S. basing arrangement in Europe was changed to say that if the Defense Department decides to close a U.S. military installation in Europe it must report to Congress how that closure would support Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, the peace and security of Europe and the current security environment, the staffer said.
Earlier this week, U.S. military officials in Europe declined to discuss the pending legislation.
However, Gen. John Craddock, commander of U.S. European Command, has on repeated occasions called for a stop to the troop drawdown.
In testimony submitted to Congress in March, Craddock made his case once again.
"Retention of EUCOM’s forces at the current level will enable the accomplishment of assigned missions and tasks," Craddock testified.
EUCOM’s transformation plan includes keeping eight fighter aircraft squadrons in the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, Craddock said.
"For ground forces, it includes two permanently stationed infantry brigade combat teams — a Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Germany and an Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Italy — along with two heavy brigade combat teams in Germany," Craddock testified.
"Although these two brigades are scheduled to return to [the U.S.] in 2012 and 2013, I have recommended and continue to recommend that we retain them in EUCOM."
Since 2003, EUCOM has closed 43 bases and installations and returned some 11,000 servicemembers and 16,000 family members to the States. Current EUCOM force strength consists of roughly 84,000 military members.
While the NATO First Act was not introduced in the House of Representatives until June 10, the U.S. Army Europe commander, Gen. Carter Ham, said last month that he and his staff were following the existing mandate for transformation of U.S. military forces in Europe. Ham’s comments came during a wide-ranging discussion with Stars and Stripes’ editorial board on May 29.
Ham acknowledged some tweaks were in the works, principally the one-year delay for inactivating V Corps. Ham referred to the transformation moves as the "base plan" for U.S. Army Europe.
That plan calls for closing Heidelberg and Mannheim and shifting assets and people to Wiesbaden, the future home of 7th Army.
The delay concerning V Corps does not mean the decision to move out of Heidelberg is being reversed, Ham said.
"It’s a pause to allow some national decisions to be made," he said.
Currently, there are about 42,000 soldiers based in Europe.
That number is supposed to drop to about 32,000 by 2013-14, according to the existing plan, which includes moving the 1st Armored Division back to the States.
Stripe and Stripes reporters Kevin Dougherty and John Vandiver contributed to this report.
**************************************************************************************
Your New GI Bill Tuition and Fee Rate
Need to find a military friendly school? Military.com has hundreds of schools that offer college credit for service and may offer tuition discounts and grants to servicemembrs. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=mr.nl) Search schools now.
If you only qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, you can get the (http://www.military.com/money-for-school/veteran/gi-bill/veteran-gi-bill-users-guide?ESRC=mr.nl ) GI Bill User Guide to make using your benefits even easier.
**************************************************************************************
VA Health Care Enrollment Made Easier **************************************************************************************
Free Entry to National Parks **************************************************************************************
Test Software Available **************************************************************************************
New GI BIll Advice: Get It In Writing **************************************************************************************
NASA Website Invites Visitors **************************************************************************************
Army NCO Forum Helps Soldiers **************************************************************************************
TRICARE Prime Travel Access Standards Changes
(http://www.military.com/news/article/possible-changes-to-tricare-prime.html) Possible Changes to TRICARE Prime
A guy orders a beer. The bartender fills the mug and slides it down the
bar It hits the blond woman's boobs and splashes all over them.
The bartender goes over, retrieves the mug and licks the beer off her boobs.
Each time the guy calls for another beer this happens. So after his third
beer, he decides to help the bartender out. The next time the bartender hit
her boobs, the man jumps up and starts to lick her breasts and she decks him !!!
He is laying on the floor moaning, 'Jeez lady... Why do you let the
bartender do it?'
'Duh,' says the blond, 'He has a licker license!'
********************************************************
Ouch! Heres another Blonde joke from Jeff Kramer BB
A blonde, wanting to earn some extra money, decided to hire herself out as a "handywoman" and started canvassing the
neighborhoods. She went to the front door of the first house and asked the owner if he had any odd jobs for her to do.
"Well, I guess I could use somebody to paint my porch," he said. "How much will you charge me?"
The blond quickly responded, "How about $50?"
The man agreed and told her that the paint and everything she would need was in the garage. The man's wife, hearing the conversation, said to her husband, "Does she realize that our porch goes all the way around the house?"
He responded, "That's a bit cynical, isn't it?"
The wife replied, "You're right. I guess I'm starting to believe all those dumb blonde jokes we've been getting by
e-mail lately."
A short time later, the blonde handywoman came to the door to collect her money.
"You finished already?" the husband asked.
"Yes," the blonde replied, "and I had paint left over, so I gave it two coats - no extra charge."
Impressed, the man reached into his pocket for the $50 and handed it to her.
"And by the way," the blonde added, "it's not a Porch -- it's a Lexus."
********************************************************
Rob Ferguson gets us out of the blond jokes. BB
Three women friends, one in a casual relationship, one en-
gaged to be married and one a long-time wife, met for drinks
after work. The conversation eventually drifted towards how
best to spice up their sex lives.
After much discussion, they decided to surprise their men by
engaging in some S&M role playing.
The following week they met up again to compare notes.
Sipping her drink, the single girl leered and said, "Last
Friday at the end of the work day I went to my boyfriend's
office wearing a leather coat. When all the other people
had left, I slipped out of it and all I had on was a leather
bodice, black stockings and stiletto heels. He was so
aroused that we made mad passionate love on his desk right
then and there!"
The engaged woman giggled and said, "That's pretty much my
story! When my fiancé got home last Friday, he found me
waiting for him in a black mask, leather bodice, black hose
and stiletto pumps. He was so turned on that we not only
screwed all night, he wants to move up our wedding date!
The married woman put her glass down and said, "I did a lot
of planning. I made arrangements for the kids to stay over
at Grandma's. I took a long scented-oil bath and then put
on my best perfume. I slipped into a tight leather bodice,
a black garter belt, black stockings and six-inch stilettos.
I finished it off with a black mask. When my husband got
home from work, he grabbed a beer and the remote, sat down
and yelled, 'Hey, Batman, what's for dinner?'"
********************************************************
Thanks to Danny Horn for this one. BB
THE WARMEST SPOT ON THE FARM
********************************************************
I hope everyone reads the caption for the Jokes section. This one was sent in by Wayne Paddock. BB
A sexually active woman tells her plastic surgeon that she wanted her vaginal lips reduced in size because they were too loose and floppy.
Out of embarrassment she insisted that the surgery be kept a secret and the surgeon agreed.
Awakening from the anesthesia after the surgery she found 3 roses carefully placed beside her on the bed. Outraged, she immediately calls in the doctor. "I thought I asked you not to tell anyone about my operation!"
The surgeon told her he had carried out her wish for confidentiality and that the first rose was from him:
"I felt sad because you went through this all by yourself."
"The second rose is from my nurse. She assisted me in the surgery and empathized because she had had the same procedure done some time ago."
"And what about the third rose?" she asked.
"That's from a man upstairs in the burn unit. He wanted to thank you for his new ears."
********************************************************
We haven't heard from Dave Snavely for awhile. He sent in a good one. Officers don't have to read this one... BB
The commanding officer of a regiment in the U.S. Marine Corps was about to start the morning briefing to his staff, battalion and company commanders. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish its brewing, the colonel decided to pose a question to all assembled.
He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of sex was 'work' and how much of it was 'pleasure?'
The regimental executive officer chimed in with 75-25% in favor of work.
A captain said it was 50-50%.
The colonel's aide responded with 25-75% in favor of pleasure, depending on his state of inebriation at the time.
There being no consensus, the colonel turned to the private who was in charge of making the coffee. What was HIS opinion?
Without any hesitation, the young PFC responded, 'Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure.'
The colonel was surprised and, as you might guess, asked why?
'Well, sir, if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them.'
Hi Bill: Jeff Kramer here,and I was in the graduating class of 1968 and was awarded the CIB and damn
proud of it and feel that every one that was in the field with the Cav and saw action should receive
one. Don`t care what MOS they had, weather they were tankers 11E or mechanics,a bullet, motor or a
RPG didn`t know the between a 11B or 11D or anyone else. That's just my opinion. ********************************************************
I promised you something educational once in awhile....Thanks to Willie Siebert for this tidbit.BB
Well, this is very interesting. School teachers write this on your boards. Kids will be amazed. They may not learn anything else that day, but you can bet they won't forget this.
What is so different about the 8th of July this year?
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.
This will never happen again.
********************************************************
Hold onto that idea. Heres another educational tidbit sent in by Tony Moscicki.BB
So here it is. What have we learned in 2,064 years?
"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled,
public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be
tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be
curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work,
instead of living on public assistance." -- Cicero - 55 BC
So, evidently nothing
********************************************************
This is kinda wierd. Sent in by Alan Benoit .BB
********************************************************
This is something we all need to take a look and and consider. Thanks to Smokey for bringing this to our attention .BB
HR 2419 - Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act
I urge your support and co-sponsorship of HR 2419, "Military Personnel War Zone Toxic Exposure Prevention Act" introduced by Rep. Timothy Bishop.
HR 2419 would require the Secretary of Defense to establish and administer a system to identify members of the Armed Forces who were potentially exposed to a hazardous disposal site, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as any negative health effects that may be related to such exposure. HR 2419 would prohibit the disposal of waste by the Armed Forces in a manner that would produce dangerous levels of toxins.
For the past century, in nearly every war that America has asked her sons and daughters to fight, there have been dangers on the battlefield that went beyond injuries resulting from direct combat, that have left their disabling mark on hundreds of thousands of veterans. Whether from the mustard gas fields of World War I, to frostbite and radiological diseases in World War II and Korea, or to the relentless spraying of dioxin containing herbicides in Vietnam; the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan appear to be shaping up no differently. However, in each previous conflict, the Government took decades before recognizing such dangers; you now have a chance to stop this cycle of disregard.
In short, HR 2419 would require the Secretary to: (1) administer the system using existing medical surveillance systems; (2) notify a member and the commanding officer of a potential exposure; (3) for each member notified, collect information for purposes of the system; (4) for each member notified, annually provide a complete physical examination and related consultation and counseling; and (5) determine, and report to Congress on, whether existing surveillance systems are sufficient to identify all potential negative health effects resulting from such exposure.
If passed, H.R. 2419 would ensure the government lives up to its responsibility of finding those exposed, investigating current and future illness in those exposed, and preventing further illness by putting an end to these careless and irresponsible procedures.
********************************************************
This just in from Dan Kalahar .BB
Free One year Membership to the NRA, web site https://www.nrahq.org/nrabonus/accept-membership.asp. NRA must build up it memberships to fight pending legislation that will impacts our right to keep and bear arms...
The work, published online in Nature today, highlights the need for systematic surveillance of influenza in swine, and provides evidence that new genetic elements in swine can result in the emergence of viruses with pandemic potential in humans.
'Using computational methods, developed over the last ten years at Oxford, we were able to reconstruct the origins and timescale of this new pandemic,' said Dr Oliver Pybus of Oxford University's Department of Zoology, an author of the paper. 'Our results show that this strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans.'
Dr Pybus, along with Andrew Rambaut from the University of Edinburgh and colleagues, used evolutionary analysis to estimate the timescale of the origins and the early development of the epidemic. They believe that it was derived from several viruses circulating in swine, and that the initial transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the outbreak.
********************************************************
New Drug Taken Once Daily Shows Promise For Type 2 Diabetes
The study appears in the online edition of the journal Lancet, Monday June 8th, 2009.
Although there have been important advances in the development of new therapies for type 2 diabetes, a need remains for safe and effective anti-diabetic medications. Currently available diabetes drugs that boost insulin secretion or heighten insulin sensitivity can lead to extremely low blood glucose levels, or hypoglycaemia.
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, a new class of drugs that is fairly unique in diabetes as it is not only associated with glucose lowering but also weight loss. The drugs mirror the effects of naturally produced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which helps stimulate insulin secretion, reduces appetite and delays food absorption.
********************************************************
Antibiotics, Antimicrobials and Antifungals in Waterways
"Anti-infectives are constantly discharged, at trace levels, in natural waters near urban centres and agricultural areas," says senior author Sébastien Sauvé, a Université de Montréal professor of environmental analytical chemistry. "Their potential contribution to the spread of anti-infective resistance in bacteria and other effects on aquatic biota is a cause for concern."
The research team compiled published data for three classes of antibiotics (macrolides, quinolones and sulfonamides) and the compound trimethoprim present in the urban wastewaters of East Asia, Europe and North America. The scientists found higher concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in raw wastewater compared to treated wastewater.
********************************************************
New Images May Improve Vaccine Design for Deadly Rotavirus
Last week the World Health Organization recommended that rotavirus vaccination be included in all national immunization programs worldwide. Virtually every child in the world becomes infected with rotaviruses before developing natural immunity. But each year an estimated two million children are hospitalized because rotavirus infection results in severe dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
Both natural and vaccine-induced immunity occur only after the immune system has "seen" the virus and generates neutralizing antibodies. These soldiers of the immune system seek out and attach to rotavirus particles, rendering them unable to infect cells.
********************************************************
New Era in Hepatitis C Treatment
Results of the Phase IIb clinical trial - led by Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and 36 other sites, including NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center - are published in the April 30th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, the maker of the drug telaprevir. The drug works by blocking an enzyme that the hepatitis C virus needs in order to replicate itself.
"These findings point the way to a new era in the treatment of hepatitis C," says Dr. Ira M. Jacobson, a co-author of the study and chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Vincent Astor Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. "Not only does adding telaprevir make standard hepatitis C treatment more effective, but it makes it work much more quickly. We showed that the duration of therapy can be reduced from 48 weeks to 24 weeks for most patients. This could help reduce the potentially severe side effects of longer regimens with standard therapy."
********************************************************
Study Finds Antidepressant Doesn't Help Autistic Children
Roughly a third of all children diagnosed with autism in the U.S. now take citalopram, the antidepressant examined in the study, or others that are closely related. The results of the nationwide trial, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, have some experts reconsidering the appropriateness of antidepressants and other mind-altering drugs used to treat children with autism spectrum disorders.
"There are tons of things being advocated as treatments for autism, some with appropriate caveats and careful explanations, others without any of that," said David Mandell, associate director of the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who wasn't involved in the study.
********************************************************
NC Scientists Identify Growth Factor As Possible Cancer Drug Target
Scientists at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center report finding a new angiogenesis protein, SFRP2, found in the blood vessels of numerous tumor sites, including breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, ovarian, colon, kidney tumors, and angiosarcomas. The scientists found that SFRP2 is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis. This protein may be a favorable target for inhibiting angiogenesis which would then "starve" the tumor of its blood supply, thus destroying the cancer.
"The discovery that SFRP2 stimulates angiogenesis and is present in blood vessels of a wide variety of tumors provides us with a new target for drug design," said Nancy Klauber-DeMore, M.D., senior author. The study was published online in the journal Cancer Research. Klauber-DeMore is associate professor of surgery and a member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
********************************************************
Believe it or not
Mass. company lists cadavers among its assets
He said arrangements for proper disposal are being made.
The Mansfield-based company made tools for minimally invasive back surgery, and the bodies are kept in an area where doctors were trained to use the devices.
The company shut down in February and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last month
John says Nam Vets numbers are increasing in claims because of our age and the current economic recession.
I say he is full of it!!!!!!!!!
What he forgot to tell you is that He and his people for the last 10 years have not told ANY Vietnam Veterans about Agent Orange, could it be that now they are starting to find out?????.
I mean John and his crew have only zipped through over 83 Million dollars yet not spent a penny warning Nam Vets of these AO dangers. What happened to the loot John??????
See he won't tell anyone or release financials so I have to keep giving him and his group of turn coats hell trying to make them tell YOU what they have done.
I know! I have the info, See that's why I can nail all of these people and get away with it,
You cannot debate the Truth,!!! Right John??????????????????????????????????
Oh yes John you forgot to tell the reporter that in the beginning of 2008 there were 43 Approved AO cancers and sicknesses by the VA, At the end of the year there were 55 Wow!!! You don't suppose that had anything to do with this increase do you.
I mean , Damn a additional 12 cancers in just a year adds up to a hell of allot of tombstones and crippled Heroes.
Now what would the economy have to do with this increase in knowledge of Agent Orange and increase of claims?????? Please explain......
You mean these men and women just retired and thought well gee I have nothing else to do so now I am going to make myself sick?? and get some of that easy money?????
Anyone that has dealt with the VA is worse at times than entering the portals of hell it's self.
It could be the over $250,000 or more sent by the Order of The Silver Rose and thousands of independent Veterans Chapters have been put into revealing that facts about AO that have increased awareness and this is the reason of this increased awareness, ???
This group is Nationally known, been endorsed by 14 States and even had 2 different articles in the Prestigious Vanity Fair Magazine,
Say you ever seen the VVA mentioned in there, Lol You know the answer to that. NOT!!!!!!!!! lol
Now John walked off the battlefield and felt OK.
What he forgot to tell you is that he lied, whoops I meant forgot to tell you, Them Brain farts are bad aren't they John?
He was diagnosed with a Agent Orange related illness many years ago and has been receiving compensation for it. He I think just figured he would conveniently forget to tell all of you how he has forgot to tell you he even received Honors for his AO Injuries,,
Ahhh Shucks I am sorry he forgot to tell you that he has known for years about AO.
But ask him, if he says NO let me know I can prove differently....
He just wanted to use that 83 Million over the last 10 years for more fun things than helping sick and dying Vets and families left with little or no money,
What a Veteran , What a Leader......
I would like to know the unmentioned VA Spokesman who says Vets claims have surged by more than a third, along with What other Veterans groups???? If facts are going to be written lets write the truth....
Where are they John??????????????????????????????????.
We also must never forget about 3.2 Million to 3.7 Million Veterans alone served In Country in Vietnam , plus millions more in the Navy and Air. yet the VVA has maybe 50,000 members, so again another reason few are aware of AO is the VVA has few active members to tell them.....
.Few want to belong to this group and I will continue my hunt until their false statements and yours , misleading reports and complete refusal to release their detailed financial statements are released so that you to can see the facts on black on white that I share with you.
By the way Wake Up!!!
Finally a possible reason we are seeing more Vietnam Vietnam receive compensation or at least increased applications is Americans are finding out ,
No Thanks to the VVA and other National Veterans groups that there is a backlog log of over 800,000 claims.
The VVA tried to dupe the VA with a law suit on this back log and got dusted off quick, they received unearned publicity but that's OK,
The word is out and more are learning about these scoundrels.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Vets are at the back of the pack, sadly even though the VA is trying to pretend they can handle their head injuries,
Hell the VA is almost 40 years have yet to come to a concrete conclusion on how to treat PTSD in Nam Vets,
Once Gulf War and our current Heroes are added in with their horrible closed head injuries we will tip the VA over. ..Of course The VVA and the other National Vets groups have yet to put a dime on the table to assist our Brothers and Sisters who are quickly becoming forgotten Heroes as were our Korean and Viet Nam Vets.
Oh yes remember our good Government and National Vets groups have allowed the VA to parley what was formerly life health care for a Veteran since WWI up until out current Veteran who served in the Gulf War.
To now where these Heroes have only 5 years health care if they are not diagnosed with a service connected problem in that 5 years, Ahhh no one told you that?
That's funny "John says all of the time Never Again Will a Veteran Be Left Behind"" he must of had another brain fart and it slipped his mind again.
These current Heroes when they get older and are suffering horribly from the many ailments of war will just be SOL. after these 5 years. Just as sick as we are.. but with no health care or treatment.
I love the VA well maybe in my next life I will
, and I fear my Government but I would still give my life for this great Country.
So again Veterans are being left behind while John Rowan and his groupies continue to deceive the media on the truths of the Vietnam War and benefits these Heroes have earned.
Oh yes John and friends,
Sorry I will never go away, not as long as you continue your constant program of lies and deceivment and refusal to release your detailed financial statements to anyone who asks for them
**************************************************************************************
VA Health Care Enrollment Made Easier **************************************************************************************
Japan Apologizes for Bataan **************************************************************************************
Miami VA Reaching Out **************************************************************************************
COLA Bill Protects Vets from Inflation **************************************************************************************
Lawmakers Voting on VA's Health Care Budget **************************************************************************************
82nd Airborne Seeking Veterans **************************************************************************************
Award for Minnesota Veterans' Homes
********************************************************
Thats all the news for this week. Check back next Saturday. Thanks, Ole' Bill
24Jun99: Division Lead Element, 1st Bn, 26th Inf, arrives in Gnjilane, Kosovo.
Joaquin (Toby) Tobias, Jr.,HHT MESS HALL
bold>
I was a cook for HHT in Vietnam during Feb.67- Feb.68. I was lucky enought
to have found one of my buddies (John Howe) that was also on HHT. I'm trying
to find others that served in HHT 4th Cav.
Jazzma Barge
Dan Thompson
Terry Valentine
Richard Guriene
Dan Baker
Alan Benoit
Willie Seibert
Paul Laird
You may cut and paste this form, fill it out and send it along with payment to the Big
Red One Society. BB
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
AUGUST 5 TO AUGUST 9TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
LOGISTICS AND ADMIN
The Hyatt Regency Dearborn is the setting for our 91st annual reunion. Check-in will be at 3:00
pm and checkout 12:00 pm. As usual you can stay 3 days before and after the reunion at the same
rate. The hotel is located one half mile from I-94 and Southfield Freeway in the Fairlane Town
Center. The address is 600 Town Center Dr. The phone number is 313-593-1234.
The hotel is located 9 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County ("Metro") Airport. Our
tour company, Bianco Tours, is pleased to provide airport transfers for $22.00 per person one way
from the Detroit Metro Airport to the Hyatt Regency Dearborn or round trip for $40.00. Please
call Bianco Tours at 1-800-835-8904 and ask for extension 217 to schedule your ride. Be sure to
have your flight information and credit card information available.
The Detroit area is serviced by Amtrak and most national bus companies. It also has a variety of
bus, rail, taxi and trolley systems available within the metropolitan area.
For those who drive to the reunion, plenty of free self-parking is available.
The hotel is offering our attendees a 15% discount in Guilio’s, Archimedes Lounge and Perk’s
restaurants with your official reunion badge.
If your wallet or schedule makes it impossible for you to arrive at the reunion on Wednesday,
don’t worry. The core of reunion events takes place on Friday and Saturday. We can accommodate
you either way. If you can’t make the entire event please feel free to join us when ever you can.
You won’t be sorry!
You can help spread the word about our reunion by sending our News Release to the editor or
pressroom of your local media. Please make copies and mail or fax it to all of the newspapers,
magazines, TV and radio stations that you can. TIP: If you hand-deliver it, they may ask to
interview you.
As is our custom the 2nd, 16th, 18th, 26th and 28th Infantries, Artillery, Cavalry/Recon,
Headquarters and Support Units, Engineers and Aviation Units will operate Command Posts
(Hospitality Rooms) for their units. Veterans from units not listed are welcome in any CP.
The size of your CP room will be based on the number of members from your unit attending.
Please do not request a handicapped room unless you absolutely need to. If you have problems
with walking or anything else please indicate them on your reservation form and we will do
everything in our power to assist you. Please be considerate of your fellow 1st Division veterans.
The cut-off date for hotel room reservations is July 2, 2009. Please try to get your registration
form to us well before that date. After July 2nd, 2009, hotel room reservations will only be based
on space and rate availability, and you will have to contact the hotel reservation desk directly at
1 (800) 2333-1234.
If you make reservations and then have to cancel them, we will refund your full amount minus the
registration fee, as long as it is 24 hours before your arrival. Cancellations made less than 24
hours from arrival date will be charged for one night's hotel stay including tax and the
registration fee. Please check with us if you have any questions. Any cancellations to be made
before noon EST on July 31, 2009 should be directed to the Society office. After that time all
cancellations must be made through the hotel as the Society staff will be in transit. Please call
the hotel at 1-313-593-1234 and also leave your message for Jen Sanford.
If you cancel by July 16, 2008 you will receive a full refund. There are no refunds after July 16,
2008.
As usual, we will send you a written confirmation of all registration information. Please check it
over carefully and make sure you are signed up for all of the activities and functions you are
interested in as there can be limited seats on some activities.
Detroit's sister city, Windsor, Ontario is just across the Detroit River. Remember, if you plan to
visit Canada you will need a valid US passport.
The Fairlane Town Center is located just a short walk from our hotel. It is a large mall with about
150 stores and restaurants.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Highlights to include: Hart Plaza, Renaissance Center, Detroit’s Premier All New Riverwalk, Cobo
Center, Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Foxtown and Theater District, Campus Martius Park,
Hamtramck, Midtown Cultural Center, Eastern Market, Drive through Corktown and MexicanTown and Belle
Isle. Local history will be narrated by a local historian as step-on guide. Riverwalk
The Henry Ford Museum brings the American historical experience to life. See JFK's limo, Rosa Parks'
bus and thousands of uniquely American innovations at the museum. Greenfield Village features 90
historic buildings, period presenters and artisans. IMAX theater open daily. Please note: IMAX Theater
admission not included. Lunch will be on your own. Henry Ford Museum
More than a walk along an automobile assembly line, this is a multi-part excursion. It begins with a
film presentation in the Visitor Center; then a multi-sensory presentation in the Manufacturing Theater.
After traveling up an elevator to the Observation Deck, you will view the truck plant itself. Finally
there’s a stop at the Legacy Gallery and a look at the legendary vehicles made at the Rouge. Rouge
Factory
Depart for Comerica Park, the new home of the Detroit Tigers! Includes Outfield Box Ticket to Game,
hot dog and soda. Comerica Park is a state of the art facility featuring a Carousel, the 50-foot
Ferris Wheel and spectacular views of downtown Detroit. The centerfield wall features a fountain
that produces a stunning “liquid fireworks” display. Comerica Park
Board the Diamond Queen and enjoy a two hour cruise on the sparkling waters of the Detroit River. Relax
as you discover countless sights rich in history and anecdotes during the narrated river tour along the
U.S. and Canadian shorelines. Lunch will be on your own. River Cruise
Horsepower has returned to the Motor City via live thoroughbred racing at Pinnacle Race Course. Pinnacle
Race Course is designed by world-renowned horseracing expert Joe King, encompassing a state of the art
one mile dirt track. Experience the luxury and excitement of live thoroughbred racing from the comfort
of indoor seating at the Corporate Pavilion or step outside to the covered patio and experience the added
thrill of being on top of the action. Dinner is on your own. Pinnacle Race Course
The emphasis is on fun at Greektown Casino, located in the heart of the city's most bustling restaurant
district. Named "Best Casino" in a ~The Detroit News~ Michigan's Best readers poll. Must be 21 to enter.
The casino will give each passenger a $20.00 credit on a player’s club card. Lunch is on your own.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step back in time. Greenfield Village features 90 historic buildings, period presenters and artisans.
The village is filled with remarkable historic structures – the Wright brothers workshop, Thomas Edison’s
laboratory, Robert Frost’s home George Washington Craver’s memorial cabin – but it is more than a
collection of buildings. Greenfield Village is about people – people whose unbridled optimism came to
define our nation. Greenfield Village
The original 18-hole layout, designed by Wilfred Reid, was built in 1927 as the Plymouth Country Club.
Another 9 holes, designed by Jim Lipe, was completed in 1982 to complete the 27-hole layout with 3 Nines
known as the Hills, the Woodlands and the Lakes.
PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM
click here
Wednesday, 5 August
City Tour #______people @ $28.00/ea = $__________
WEDNESDAY TOTAL: $ __________
Thursday, 6 August
Golf Outing - Fox Classic #______people @ $55.00/ea = $__________
Henry Ford Museum &
Greenfi eld Village #______people @ $60.00/ea = $__________
Baseball (Tigers vs Orioles)
at Comerica Park #______people @ $42.00/ea = $__________
THURSDAY TOTAL: $ __________
Friday, 7 August
Confl ict Breakfast #______people @ $18.00/ea = $__________
(circle one) Vietnam / All other service eras
Served breakfast includes: Two fl uffy scrambled eggs with bacon, served with home fried
potatoes, chilled fruit juice, coffee service and basket of assorted pastries per table.
Diamond Jack River Cruise #______people @ $38.00/ea = $__________
Rouge Ford Factory Tour #______people @ $20.00/ea = $__________
Horseracing at Pinnacle Race Course #______people @ $22.00/ea = $__________
FRIDAY TOTAL: $ __________
Saturday, 8 August
Greektown Casino #______people @ $22.00/ea = $__________
Greenfi eld Village Tour #______people @ $48.00/ea = $__________
SATURDAY TOTAL: $ _________
91ST ANNUAL REUNION BANQUET
All adult meals include: mixed green salad, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables in season, rolls
and butter, coffee or iced tea, and carrot cake
Turkey Breast: Pan-roasted turkey breast with basil apple butter
#______ adults @ $38.00/ea = $__________
Roast Beef: With mushroom glaze
#______ adults @ $38.00/ea = $__________
Salmon: With dill butter sauce
#______ adults @ $38.00/ea = $__________
Kids Meal: Chicken fi ngers, french fries, lemonade and choclate chip cookie
#____ children @ $18.00/ea = $__________
BANQUET TOTAL: $__________
BANQUET SEATING
Special seating areas will be provided for the larger units. Smaller units will be
seated with their Host CP Unit. Please circle your seating preference below:
2nd 16th 18th 26th 28th Cavalry/Recon
Armor Artillery Aviation Engineers HQ/Support Units Other________
SIDE B TOTAL
Includes Wednesday + Thursday + Friday + Saturday + Banquet Totals.
Carry “Side B Total” to the front side of this Registration Form.
SIDE B TOTAL: $ ___________
2009 BRO Reunion Registration Form Side B
TOURS & EVENTS
2009 REUNION
HYATT REGENCY
DEARBORN, MI
5–9 AUGUST
HOTEL RESERVATIONS–HYATT REGENCY
Hotel Reservation cut-off date: 2 July 2009
Please reserve the following accommodations for me:
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES (REQUIRED)
I will arrive at the hotel on (date) ____________
and depart on (date) ____________.
RATES
All rooms are $104 per night (tax not included). You will
pay the taxes with the balance of your bill at the hotel.
This rate is good for 3 days before and after the reunion.
Children under 18 stay free when sharing room with parents
or grandparents.
ROOMS
Write the # of each type of room you’ll need
1 Person/1Bed ______ 1 Person/2 Beds ______
2 People/ 1 Bed ______ 2 People/2 Beds ______
3 People/2 Beds ______ 4 People/2 Beds ______
It is not possible to make a hotel reservation without this
information. After July 2 all reservations are subject to
availability of rooms by the hotel.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Do you require a HANDICAPPED ROOM? ______
Do you use a WHEELCHAIR? ______
Do you need a room near an ELEVATOR? ______
Do you prefer a SMOKING ROOM? ______
Are you using OXYGEN? ______
NOTE: Accommodations are assigned by the hotel—NOT by
the Society—and are subject to availability.
MY ERA WHILE SERVING WITH THE BIG RED ONE
I served in (circle one):
WWII / Vietnam / Cold War / Desert Storm /
Iraq / Afghanistan / Balkans / Peacetime
REUNION NAME BADGE (PLEASE PRINT)
Your Name Badge
Name on badge: ____________________________________
Unit: ________________________ War: _______________
Is this your fi rst Reunion? (circle one): Yes / No
Spouse/Guest Name Badge
Name on badge: ____________________________________
Unit: _______________________ War: ________________
Is this your fi rst Reunion? (circle one): Yes / No
Guest Name Badge
Name on badge: ____________________________________
Unit: _______________________ War: ________________
Is this your fi rst Reunion? (circle one): Yes / No
Guest Name Badge
Name on badge: ____________________________________
Unit: _______________________ War: ________________
Is this your fi rst Reunion? (circle one): Yes / No
Paying by Check:
Please make checks payable to:
SOCIETY OF THE FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION
Paying by Credit Card:
(circle one): Visa / Master Card / American Express / Discover
Card Number
Expiration Date: Month_____ Year _____ (e.g. 11 09)
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Includes Registration Fee + Hotel + Side B + Dues Totals.
GRAND TOTAL: $ __________
FIRST NIGHT ROOM DEPOSIT
No hotel reservation can be accepted without your
registration fee. Children under 18 stay free when sharing
room with parents or grandparents.
Here is my fi rst night’s deposit for the rooms I’ve requested:
# rooms with 1-2 people ______ @ $104.00
# rooms with 3 people _______ @ $104.00
# rooms with 4 people _______ @ $104.00
HOTEL TOTAL: $ _________
REGISTRATION FEE
All adults MUST pay the reunion registration fee. There is
no registration fee for children under 18.
Number of people in your party: Adults _____ Children ______
# Adults _______@$35.00/person (Society members & families)
# Adults _______@$65.00/person (Non-members)
FEE TOTAL: $ _________
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Is your 2009 membership paid up? If not, please include
dues now. 2009 Dues $30/$60 ______
DUES TOTAL: $ _________
NAME (Please Print)
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
PHONE NUMBER E-MAIL
( )
SIDE B TOTAL (TOURS AND EVENTS)
SIDE B TOTAL: $ _________
2009 BRO Reunion Registration Form Side A
You’ll receive a letter from us confirming all reservations.
MAIL YOUR REGISTRATION FORM TO:
Society of the First Infantry Division
1933 Morris Road
Blue Bell, PA 19422-1422
By Steve Mraz, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, June 18, 2009
Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay your tuition and fees directly to the school. This payment rate is capped at the tuition and fees rate for the most expensive in-state public college undergraduate tuition and fees for the state of enrollment - the school's state not yours. (http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/find-your-new-gi-bill-tuition-and-fee-rate?ESRC=mr.nl ) Get the state breakdown here.
VA health care eligibility rules changed on Monday, June 15, 2009, making it easier for more Veterans to enroll in VA's health care system. The VA has also provided a web-based calculator for Veterans to enter their income information, number of dependents, and zip code to determine if their income falls within the new income threshold adjustments. Veterans can check to see if they qualify under new rules for VA health care by visitng (http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility) www.va.gov/healtheligibility. Veterans are also encouraged to contact VA's Health Resource Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) for further assistance.
Free entry to 147 U.S. national parks will be available three weekends this summer: June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. The National Park Service typically waives entry fees for everyone on National Public Lands Day (the last Saturday in September) and for military service people and veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. But, this is the first time in 20-plus years that the fees being waived for entire weekends for the public. For more information, visit the (http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm) National Parks Service website.
In alliance with the Department of Defense (DoD) and a group of patriotic NFL football players, the donation of SAT & ACT Test Prep Software to military families and veterans for a fourth consecutive year. The SAT/ACT Power programs are available as a DVD ROM set. Families may now use the program for an entire year even if the program is requested the last day of the sponsorship. For more information, visit the (http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/mhf/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0) Military Homefront website.
Get it in writing - a sound piece of advice for any deal. But maybe not something you would normally associate with getting advice or information from the VA. However, that is exactly what a veteran's program administrator recent told me, "make sure to tell veterans to keep a written record of their interactions with the Department of Veterans Affairs." Why? The new Post-9/11 GI Bill is very confusing, not just to you, but to nearly everyone involved with the process; from school certifying officials to the VA phone representatives themselves. Everyday some new piece of information about the process trickles out and not everyone gets the word. This can result in you, the veteran, making decisions based on incorrect information and possibly missing out on the benefits you deserve. So my advice is to keep a record of every interaction you have with the VA. To learn more, (http://military-education.military.com/2009/06/new-gi-bill-advice-get-it-in-writing.html) read the full blog post on the Military Education Blog.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is inviting people to make their voice heard as a panel of experts conducts an independent review of planned U.S. human space flight activities through a new website for the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee.Anyone may use the (http://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/home/index.html) new website to submit questions, upload documents or comment about topics relevant to the committee's operations. For more information, visit the (http://hsf.nasa.gov/) committee's website.
Noncommissioned officers are communicating about issues ranging from combat operations to physical fitness -- all on one Internet forum developed by the Army. The forum, called NCO Net, is meant to make it easier for NCOs to share information, ideas and best practices among other NCOs. NCO Net is part of a larger program called the Battle Command Knowledge System. Topics discussed on NCO Net range from combat operations to the proper way to fill out paperwork. Anyone with an AKO login is eligible to join the forum. To join, visit the (https://forums.bcks.army.mil/default.aspx?id=556) Battle Command Knowledge System webpage.
As a practical matter, DoD never really enforced TRICARE travel access standards But it will be enforced now. TRICARE has long had established policy to help beneficiaries receive timely health care. The standards require that enrollees shouldn't be assigned a primary care manager (PCM) at a military hospital or clinic that's more than a 30-minute drive from the beneficiary's home address. If they want to continue to be seen in the MTF, current Prime enrollees in the U.S. who live farther away than a 30-minute drive from the MTF will have to request a waiver of the drive-time standard from the MTF commander or the TRICARE Regional Office. To learn more, read the following articles on Military.com:
(http://www.military.com/news/article/waiving-access-standards-for-primary-care.html) Waiving Access Standards for Primary Care
"Prepared and Loyal"
July 8th...
The 8th Of July?
This Needs to be Included in the 2010 NDAA
Thanks, Don
A new analysis of the current swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus suggests that transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the existing outbreak.
A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine researchers has shown that the investigational new drug liraglutide taken once daily may be safer and more effective than currently available medications for people with type 2 diabetes.
Antibiotics, antimicrobials and antifungals are seeping into the waterways of North America, Europe and East Asia, according to an investigation published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Authored by Université de Montréal and Environment Canada researchers, the review found that consumption of anti-infectives for human and agriculture use contributes to their release into the environment and even into drinking water.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers are reporting the first detailed molecular snapshots of a deadly gastrointestinal virus as it is caught in the grasp of an immune system molecule with the capacity to destroy it. The images could help scientists design a more effective vaccine against rotavirus, a lethal infection that kills more than 500,000 children worldwide each year. The discovery is timely.
For patients with the most common form of hepatitis C, the addition of a hepatitis C-specific protease inhibitor called telaprevir to the current standard therapy can significantly improve the chances of being cured, and it does it in half the time of standard therapy alone.
An antidepressant commonly prescribed to help autistic children control their repetitive behaviors is actually no better than a placebo, according to a report published today.
To grow and spread, tumors need new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. One growth factor that causes angiogenesis has been identified - vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF - and drugs to inhibit VEGF are already in use. But not all tumors respond to the therapy initially or over the long term. Thus new growth factors need to be identified to aid in developing the next generation of angiogenesis inhibitors.
A bankrupt Massachusetts medical device maker left behind some gruesome assets when it shut down earlier this year. Innovative Spinal Technologies lists nine human bodies, including "eight previously used" cadavers, among its property in a federal bankruptcy filing. Federal bankruptcy trustee Warren Agin told The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro that the bodies are frozen in the company's former headquarters and do not pose a public health threat.
Let me make this short and sweet.
Read the enclosed newspaper article with quotes from the illustrious President of the VVA.
I would almost say he is lying , but lets put the truth out and you decide, maybe it's just a convenient memory loss.
He just didn't offer to tell the entire truth to this reporter in this severely distorted story.
Vietnam Veterans don't qualify for for help from the VA, They earned it,
while people played games back in America we lost almost 59,000 Veterans from combat injuries, these current injuries are earned not qualified for please don't forget that again
, Big difference. This was not a Vets club it was a damn bloody costly war that still continues.
Gary J. Chenett
The memory of the Soldiers who fought in D-Day and World War II is celebrated every day at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, 55 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Fla. The museum, founded in 1996, commemorates the Carrabelle Army base where troops were trained in amphibious warfare for the D-Day assault. The museum is located on the new City Complex on Gray Avenue in Carrabelle, Fla. Camp Gordon Johnston opened in 1942 for the sole purpose of training over a quarter of a million amphibious Soldiers and their support groups during WWII. For more information, visit the (http://www.campgordonjohnston.com/museum.htm) Camp Gordon Johnston Association website.
VA health care eligibility rules changed on Monday, June 15, 2009, making it easier for more Veterans to enroll in VA's health care system. The VA has also provided a web-based calculator for Veterans to enter their income information, number of dependents, and zip code to determine if their income falls within the new income threshold adjustments. Veterans can check to see if they qualify under new rules for VA health care by visitng (http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility)
www.va.gov/healtheligibility. Veterans are also encouraged to contact VA's Health Resource Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) for further assistance.
The Japanese Ambassador to the U.S., Ichiro Fujisaki, spoke at the 64th reunion of the (http://www.west-point.org/family/adbc/) American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor in San Antonio recently and offered an apology to veterans and their families for the Bataan Death March. About 73 surviving Bataan Death March veterans of the Army and former Army Air Corps, some of them bedridden, were in attendance. This may be the first time Japan has formally apologized to the veterans since the Death March was conducted more than 67 years ago, although Japanese leaders generally repeat a landmark statement of apology approved by the cabinet in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito's surrender when discussing the Bataan Death March. For more information, including educational materials, visit the National Museum of the U.S. (http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3667) Air Force Bataan Death March Fact Sheet and (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bataan/) PBS's Bataan Rescue website.
Grant for North Dakota Veterans' Home
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a $14.7 million grant to build a replacement nursing home care and domiciliary facility at the state Veterans home in Lisbon, ND. The North Dakota Veterans Home provides two levels of care to the state's veterans and spouses. The new facility will have 52 beds in the skilled-care nursing home and 69 beds in the basic care, independent-living residence. The home is open to honorably discharged veterans who are state residents, and to their spouses, widows and widowers. More details about the facility (http://www.nd.gov/ndvh/) are available online or by calling 701-683-6500..
The Miami Veterans Administration hospital has taken additional steps to reach the veterans that it has not yet been able to contact to warn them that improperly cleaned VA colonoscopy equipment may have infected them with hepatitis or HIV. Seven nurses were sent door-to-door on June 6 seeking the 216 veterans who have not been reached. And a ''Reach Out Fair'' was held June 13 at the Miami VA in an attempt to encourage 72 additional veterans to come in for testing. For more information on the notifications, visit (http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/endoscopic_notification.asp) VA's Endoscopic Procedure Notification webpage or call the Special Care Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (305) 575-7256 or 1-877-575-7256..
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is designed to offset inflation and other factors that alter the cost-of-living over time. This year's rate has not been determined. The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect the value of compensation for veterans and their survivors from potential inflation. In the event that the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an increase in inflation based on the Consumer Price Index, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living-Adjustment Act of 2009, as amended, would increase veteran and survivor compensation by that rate.
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs approved the following eight bills and reported them all favorably to the House for consideration. The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016), as amended, would provide for two-year advanced appropriations for certain Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) health care accounts. A perfecting amendment offered by Ranking Member Steve Buyer to include accounts for information technology and medical and prosthetic research was accepted by a vote of 17 to 8. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/committee-approves-advanced-va-spending.html) read the full article on Military.com
The 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. is trying to locate veterans who have served with the division during the last 66 years to record their deeds for history for the younger generations. The 82nd Airborne Division is the most decorated division in today's military. The association has 100 civilian chapters in the U.S., which serve 34,000 military and civilian members. For more information, visit the (http://www.82ndassociation.org/default.aspx) 82 Airborne Division Association website. Are you a veteran of the 82nd Airborne? Reunite with your buddies on the (http://unitpages.military.com/unitpages/unit.do?id=100053&ESRC=ggl_unitpages.kw&np=1) Military.com website.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded two grants totaling $5.2 million for improvements at the state-run facilities in Minneapolis and Silver Bay, Minn. The grants will pay up to 65 percent of the cost for improvements at the two facilities. Construction at both sites is scheduled to be completed within 180 days. VA operates major medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, eight outpatient clinics, Vet Centers in Duluth and St. Paul, and the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. More information about the Minnesota state Veterans homes and related Minnesota services, visit the (http://www.mdva.state.mn.us/index.htm) Minnesota Department of Veterans' Affairs website.
Prayer for Life's Journey
O God, Who has commanded that no man should be idle,
give us grace to employ all our talents and faculties
in the service appointed to us; that, whatsoever our
hand findeth to do, we may do it with our might.
Cheerfully may we go on in the road which Thou hast
marked out, not desiring too earnestly that it should
be either more smooth or more wide; but daily seeking
our way by Thy light, may we trust ourselves and the
issue of our journey, to Thee the Fountain of Joy, and
sing songs of praise as we go along. Then, O Lord,
receive us at the gate of life, which Thou hast opened
for us in Christ Jesus.
Amen
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