The application process for the 2019 class of VFW-SVA legislative fellows is now open. Ten VFW members who attend schools with an approved Student Veterans of America chapter will be selected for a semester-long program to advocate on policy issues faced by veterans, service members, and their families. The capstone of the program is participation in the 2019 VFW Legislative Conference. Go to studentveterans.org for more information.
TRICARE Webinar
TRICARE will hold a webinar Aug. 23 to answer questions about benefits. The “Ask TRICARE” webinar will include a panel of experts to answer your questions about TRICARE health care, pharmacy, and dental programs. Panelists will include representatives from major TRICARE offices and programs, including TRICARE For Life, Policy and Benefits, Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, Overseas Program, Pharmacy Program, and Dental Plans.
VJ Day
Victory in Japan Day was Aug. 14, 1945. It was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. The formal surrender took place on Sept. 2, 1945, on board the USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Coming several months after the surrender of Nazi Germany, Japan’s capitulation in the Pacific brought six years of hostilities to a highly anticipated final close.
POW/MIA Update
Army Air Forces Flight Officer Richard W. Lane, 21, a WWII veteran of Beatrice, Neb., was buried last week in Gage, Neb.
Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Emil F. Ragucci, 19, a WWII veteran, will be buried Aug. 14 in his hometown of Philadelphia. In November 1943, Ragucci was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Rufus L. Ketchum, 38, a Korean War veteran, will be buried Aug. 14 in his hometown of Superior, Wis. Ketchum was reported missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class Wilbur C. Barrett, a WWII veteran of Kansas, was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which on Dec. 7, 1941, was moored at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Martin F. O’Callaghan, Jr., a WWII veteran, was a P-38 Lightning pilot with the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Hulen A. Leinweber, 22, a WWII veteran of Fort Bend County, Texas, was a P-51 Mustang pilot with the 40th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. John A. Taylor, a Korean War veteran, was a member of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.
Army Master Sgt. Carl H. Lindquist, 32, A Korean War veteran of Willmar, Minn., was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
