Last week, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a new report entitled “Gulf War and Health: Volume 11: Generational Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War.” The report is a review of more than 4,000 scientific studies on how toxins that Gulf War veterans, including post-9/11 veterans, have been exposed to impact their reproductive health and the health of their descendants. The report found that several toxins and diseases prevalent in Iraq and Afghanistan have reproductive effects on exposed veterans and birth defects in their children. The report also makes suggestions on how to improve research and health care.
District Meeting Set for Dec. 9
The Pennsylvania VFW 28th District and Auxiliary will be having their district meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at VFW Post 169 Venango. The post is located at 20628 Gospel Hill Road in Venango. The 28th District covers the counties of Erie, Mercer and Crawford. Members in good standing are encouraged to attend.
Blue Water Navy Bill Continues to be Stalled in the Senate
In July, the House unanimously passed H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2018, to end the injustice of denying Vietnam, Korean DMZ, and Thailand veterans who suffer from life-threatening health conditions related to exposure to Agent Orange the care and benefits they deserve. This important bill continues to be stalled in the Senate and the VFW needs your help to make sure this bill is passed before the end of the year. Contact your senators to demand that the Senate passes H.R. 299 or contact your senator by email or call (202) 224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your senators’ offices.
Some History about the Attack of Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Service against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory, on Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States entry into World War II. Japan intended the attack as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with its planned military action in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. Over the course of seven hours, there were coordinated Japanese attacks on the U.S. held Philippines, Guam, and Wake island and on the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Important Dates in December
Dec. 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – American flag at half staff from sunrise to sunset
Dec. 8: United States declared war on Japan
Dec. 13: National Guard birthday
Dec.15: National Wreaths Across America
Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Dec. 28: Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Assistance
Dec. 31: New Years Eve
Remember to fly your American Flag at Half-Staff for the Passing of 41st President George H. W. Bush.
POW/MIA Update
Army Cpl. DeMaret M. Kirtley was a member of Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Sgt. Meredith F. Keirn was a light machine gun section leader for Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In late November 1950, he was reported to have been killed while defending a hill overlooking the Toktong Pass. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Reserve Sgt. Johnson McAfee was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. In late November 1950, his unit was engaged in heavy fighting against units of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces in North Korea. His remains were buried at the base of “Fox Hill,” in the Toktong Pass, but they could not be recovered following the war. Interment services are pending.
Army Pvt. Floyd A. Fulmer was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. On Nov. 14, 1944, he was reported as missing in action after fierce combat in the Raffelsbrand sector of the Hürtgen Forest, near the village of Simonskall, in Germany. Interment services are pending.
Army Pvt. Harry W. Wilder was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. On Nov. 25, 1944, his company was deployed as direct fire support for American infantrymen attacking the town of Grosshau. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Joseph Akers was a member of Company C, 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, participating in intense fighting in the Hürtgen Forest. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces Capt. Lawrence E. Dickson was a pilot with the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, in the European Theater. On Dec. 23, 1944, Dickson departed Ramitelli Air Base, Italy, on an aerial reconnaissance mission and sustained an engine failure during his return flight. Interment services are pending.
Navy Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Charles H. Harris was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Marvin B. Adkins was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Harry H. Gaver, Jr., was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Walter C. Foley was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 3rd Class Willard I. Lawson was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Kenneth H. Sampson was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft on Dec. 7, 1941. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
