The VMCE is an organization that is providing basis life necessities to our needy veterans. This can include items such as new clothing, hygiene products, housewares, furniture, and more. Best of all, there is no cost as veterans have already paid enough by sacrificing their time, family, and, for some, their lives while serving to protect our freedoms. To help with operational costs, VMCE will be holding a live auction March 30 at Lake Erie Church, 1565 W. 38th St. in Erie. The church is located directly across the street from VMCE. The doors will open at 3 p.m. for previewing items, and the auction will be held from 4-7 p.m. Consider providing the center with an item (or items) for the auction. For more information, call (814) 440-8463 or (814) 796-4200 and talk with Chuck, operations manager. VMCE is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.
GI Bill 75th Anniversary
This year the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the GI Bill, is turning 75. There have been many different modifications to the GI Bill throughout the years, enabling millions of veterans to prosper after leaving military service. To celebrate this historic milestone VA wants to hear from veterans who have used the GI Bill in any of its different versions.
DPAA Makes 200th Identification from USS Oklahoma Unknown Remains
Last week, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that on Feb. 26, 2019, Navy Fireman 1st Class Billy James Johnson was identified, marking him as the 200th crewmen to be identified from the 388 individual sets of unknown remains recovered from the USS Oklahoma between 1941 and 1944. The VFW thanks the DPAA for its tireless dedication to this most sacred mission.
Montana SSG to Receive Posthumous Medal Of Honor
An Army 10th Mountain Division staff sergeant will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor later this month. Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, of Bozeman, Mont., was killed in action on June 1, 2007, while conducting a route clearance mission southwest of Baghdad. Atkins, 31, heard a radio report of suspected insurgents crossing an intersection in the Iraqi town of Abu Samak. Atkins ordered his vehicle to intercept them. As Atkins attempted to search one of the suspects, the insurgent reached for an explosive vest under his clothing. Atkins grabbed the suicide bomber from behind and slammed him to the ground, away from the other soldiers standing only a few feet from the fight. As he pinned the insurgent to the ground, the bomb detonated. Atkins was killed by the blast. The Medal of Honor will be an upgrade to the Distinguished Service Cross he received for saving the three other soldiers from the suicide bomber.
POW/MIA Update
U.S. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Howard T. Lurcott was a member of the 38th Bombardment Squadron, 30th Bombardment Group, stationed at Hawkins Field, Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands. Interment services are pending.
U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Carl M. Shaffer was a member of the 38th Bombardment Squadron, 30th Bombardment Group, stationed at Hawkins Field, Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. William F. Delaney was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. 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. The battleship sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Joseph K. Maule was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Till next, week praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
