There will be a walk for veterans at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the John Krol VFW Post 6773, 23 E. High St., in Union City. Walkers will walk on Route 8 South to VFW Post 5958, 206 St. John St., in Titusville. This awareness walk is open to every one. You are encouraged to bring along an American Flag to carry as you walk. Those that do not wish to walk, can ride your motorcycle, car or what you have. Staging for those driving the route will be at 3:30 p.m. at the American Legion at 9225 Route 6 in Union City, and departing for Titusville at 4:30 p.m. Doors at the VFW in Titusville will open at 5 p.m. There will be a 50/50, raffles, live musical performances, beverages and food. This public event is brought to you by Veteran Walkers of NW PA, The 9–Line Project, and Millstone. For more information, call Kerrick Caldwell at (814) 573-6791. There is no charge to do the walk or ride to Titusville.
Join the Campaign to #AxeWidowsTax
The House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) would eliminate the Widow’s Tax, which is a dollar-for-dollar offset of earned benefits for the surviving spouses of about 65,000 service members and veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, the Senate version of the NDAA does not. In the coming weeks, members of Congress will meet to resolve the differences between the Senate and House versions of the NDAA and determine if provisions to end the Widow’s Tax will make it into the final version. Since the provision to end the Widow’s Tax is not in the Senate version of the NDAA, it is in jeopardy of being left out of the final conference agreement. Contact your Senators and urge them to #AxeWidowstax this year.
Hepatitis C Test and Cure Available Through VA
To mark World Hepatitis Day, VA announced it has cured 100,000 veterans of Hepatitis C (HCV). VA recommends that all veterans born between 1945 and 1965 get tested for HCV. Thanks in large part to VA’s aggressive outreach and treatment program, 85 percent of veterans at high risk of HCV had been tested by the end of 2018.
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. Willie V. Galvan was assigned to Medical Company, 7th Infantry Division, as part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team. On Dec. 1, 1950, his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Norvin D. Brockett was a member of Company A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, 31st Regimental Combat Team. He was declared missing in action on Dec. 6, 1950. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. Donald E. Mangan was a member of 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 17, 1944. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces Cpl. Walter J. Kellett was a member of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, when he was taken as a prisoner of war by enemy forces and interned at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp. He was reported to have died July 19, 1942. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Lyal J. Savage was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Savage.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
