VFW members of the 28th District mark your calendars for this very important district meeting. The meeting will be held at VFW Post 2006, 1045 S. Morgan St., in Meadville. The meeting will start at 2 p.m. There will be nomination and election for District Jr. Vice Commander, District Quartermaster, District Chaplain and District Three year Trustee. If you are seeking one of these positions, be sure to bring your (eligibility to the VFW) DD 214 or DD 215. The 28th District covers the counties of Erie, Crawford and Mercer. Members in good standing are encouraged to attend. The Pa. VFW 28th District Auxiliary will be meeting at the same location.
Help needed for passage of H.B. 777
The Pennsylvania VFW is asking for help to get in touch with your Pa. Senate Representative to pass this very important Bill. Currently, under the Small Games of Chance Act, the proceeds from games are split 60 percent to charitable purpose and 40 percent remains with the clubs. Our legislature will change this for times of an emergency disaster, such as COVID-19, when the clubs are forced to close and are losing general operating revenue and Small Games of Chance proceeds. During an emergency disaster, a club would be able to use 60 percent of Small Games of Chance money to cover general operating expenses of the club, including rent, payroll and utilities. Call your State Senate representative today and ask them to pass H.B. 777.
TRICARE Select Enrollment Fees Beginning in 2021
Starting in 2021, some military retirees will have enrollment fees for the first time. This group includes those using TRICARE Select, who are under 65 years old and who joined the military before 2018. The monthly fee for an individual is $12.50 and $25 for a family. Defense health officials stated these veterans will receive communication from their regional contractors with instructions on how to set up payments. It is important to note that failure to pay will mean loss of coverage until the following open enrollment period.
Complete the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
All veterans who served in eligible locations should include their information in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pits Registry. Participation in the registry is very important as it will allow VA to track burn pit exposure and draw inferences regarding associated adverse health effects. Exposure to burn pits may be associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Recently, VA stated that veterans with underlying respiratory conditions may be at greater risk for developing complications related to COVID-19. Service members and veterans who have already signed up for the registry should make sure that their contact information, phone number, address, and email are up to date.
Important Dates in July
July 4: The thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England on July 4, 1776, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.
July 27: National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
July 29: Army Chaplain Corps anniversary
POW/MIA Update
Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Robert T. Stout, 21, 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 USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Pfc. John M. Fahy, 19, was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio. Interment services are pending.
Army Master Sgt. James L. Quong, 30, was an Army Reserve captain in World War II but gave up his commission to join the Regular Army as a master sergeant in the Korean War, he was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon, 21, was a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 1, 1950, near Changnyeong, South Korea. The Army officially declared Rochon deceased on Dec. 31, 1953. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all.
– Charles Castelluccio
