On Wednesday, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs advanced 18 bills to the full House of Representatives. In addition to Blue Water Navy, the bills would address the crisis of veteran suicides and improve employment, education, and transition assistance programs. The committee also advanced the annual cost of living adjustment, which would ensure veterans’ disability compensation keeps pace with the rising cost of living. All 18 bills now await consideration by the House and Senate. Stay tuned to the Veterans Corner, for updates on these bills.
VFW 28th District Election Results
The results for the election to office of the Pennsylvania VFW 28th District are: Post Commander Donald E. Christy, Sr. Vice Commander Jim Brown, Jr. Vice Commander Mike Staub, Quartermaster Elizabeth Miller, Chaplain Chris Crawford, Judge Advocate Joe Benacci, Surgeon Julia Drinkall and Three-year Trustee James Grossman. The Auxiliary results are: President Tina Shetler, Sr. Vice President Rebecca Fox, Jr. Vice President Jody Mallory, Chaplain Karen Fry and Secretary Judith Dixon. Congratulations to all.
Erie VA to Hold Annual Walk & Roll
The Erie VA Medical Center will be hosting their 9th Annual VA2K Walk & Roll. There will be two walks. The first walk will start at 11:30 a.m., followed by the second starting at noon. This free event is open to all veterans’ families and community members. It aims to build awareness about homeless veterans while promoting health and wellness.
D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemorations
Two events will be held at the National World War II Memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing on the Normandy coast of France. The first, at 5 p.m., June 5, 2019, will be a Remembrance Ceremony and Candlelit Vigil to honor all who died during Operation Overlord (June 6-Aug. 30, 1944). As part of the ceremony, the names of 9,380 Americans who died and are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery in France will be read aloud. The second event starts at 10 a.m., June 6, 2019, and it will include a tribute to all WWII veterans, as well as the allied nations who also took part in the landing. If you are a WWII veteran, or know of one who would like to participate, please email hrotondi@wwiimemorialfriends.org. Visitors to Washington, D.C., should know the World War II Memorial has no public parking and very limited handicap parking. The closest two Metro stops (Federal Triangle and Smithsonian) are about a half-mile walk, and taxis and other hired conveyances are plentiful.
Thailand Agent Orange Bill Introduced
Last week, Sens. John Boozman and Jon Tester introduced VFW-supported legislation to expand benefits for all veterans who were stationed in military bases in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Currently, presumptive disability compensation benefits for Agent Orange-related health conditions are only afforded to veterans who served in Thailand, who had certain military occupations or were required to work along the parameter of the base.
Volunteers Needed
In the coming weeks small American Flags will be put on the graves of veterans that have served in the United States military. Many volunteers are needed. Be sure to watch the newspaper to know the places and times when the flags will be distributed. You can also call your local veterans organization to get the information. Most of all, be very respectful when placing the flags in the holders at the graves.
POW/MIA Update
Marine Corps Platoon Sgt. George E. Trotter was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Trotter died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Wesley L. Kroenung was a photographer with Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Fifth Amphibious Corps, temporarily assigned to the 2nd Marine Division. In November 1943, the unit he was assigned to landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
