Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Here’s some history: Just before 8 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The barrage lasted just two hours, but it was devastating. The Japanese managed to destroy nearly 20 American naval vessels, including eight enormous battleships and more than 300 airplanes. More than 2,200 Americans soldiers and sailors died in the attack and another 1,000 were wounded. The day after the assault, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. Congress approved his declaration with just one dissenting vote. Three-days later, Japanese allies Germany and Italy also declared war on the United States, and again Congress reciprocated. America had finally joined World War II.
Air Force Announces New Top Enlisted Advisor
Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright has been selected to become the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force. He will succeed current CMSAF James Cody, who is retiring in February. Chief Wright is currently the senior enlisted advisor to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa. The 27-year Desert Storm veteran previously served as the command chief of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.
Overseas Military Shipping Deadlines Near
The Military Postal Service Agency is alerting everyone that holiday shipping deadlines to overseas areas are rapidly approaching. Check mailing deadlines on its website at hqdainet.army.mil/mpsa.
MyVA311
Last week, the VA launched (844) MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311) as a 24/7, one-stop information service platform for all VA services. Veterans, families and caregivers who call MyVA311 can be connected to disability, pension, health care eligibility, enrollment and burial benefits, the veterans crisis line, the homeless veterans helpline and to a self-service locator to find the nearest VA facility. This is an effort to ensure veterans no longer have to know what number to call for specific programs and services; instead, veterans can call MyVA311 and be connected to the correct call center. If you know what number you’re calling – keep calling it. None of the existing VA numbers will go away.
POW/ MIA Update
*Army Pfc. Daniel Hunt, 18, of Columbiaville, Mich., will be buried Dec. 2 in Phoenix, Ariz. On Sept. 28, 1951, Hunt was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fighting in Korean border area often referred to as Heartbreak Ridge. Hunt was reported missing in action after a series of battles. *Army Cpl. Vernon D. Presswood, 19, will be buried Dec. 3 in his hometown of Pinckneyville, Ill. In late November 1950, Hendrickson was a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Presswood was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. *Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Robert E. Moessner. On April 18, 1944, Moessner was the bombardier of a B-24 aircraft out of Kwelin, China, when it was shot down near Hong Kong. Of the 12 crew members aboard, only two would survive the crash landing in shallow water. Interment services are pending. *Army Sgt. 1st Class Harold P. Haugland, of Gallatin, Mont. In late November 1950, Haugland was a member of Company D, 15th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, which was assembled into the 31st Regimental Combat Team and deployed east of the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, when it was engaged by overwhelming numbers of Chinese forces. Haugland was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
