VFW National Commander Timothy Borland testified before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The VFW delivered its top legislative priorities of Claim Sharks, fixing concurrent receipt, combating veteran suicide, and awarding the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to the troops deployed to Europe deterring Russian aggression. Borland stated, “Companies that prey upon veterans and blatantly disregard congressional oversight authority should be held accountable, period!” This was the first time since 2020 that the VFW was allowed to fully participate in person at the special joint hearing. In attendance were approximately 400 VFW and Auxiliary members whose enthusiasm was palpable.
VFW Crowns 2023 National Youth Scholarship Winners
During the 76th annual VFW Parade of Winners ceremony, the organization proudly presented more than $171,000 in scholarships and awards as it named the national winners of its 2023 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. VFW National Commander Timothy Borland was joined by VFW Auxiliary President Jane Reape to present the $35,000 T.C. Selman Memorial Scholarship to the Voice of Democracy first place winner, Scotland Stewart, and the top prize of $5,000 to the Patriot’s Pen first place winner, Leighton Peters.
POW/MIA Update
Army Sgt. Thaddeus S. Matuszak, 31, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was assigned to Company K, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division. In September 1944, Matuszak’s unit was part of a larger force that was holding its position against fierce German opposition at the Moselle River near Dornot. He will be buried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on a date yet to be determined.
Army Pfc. William L. Simon, 20, of Middleton, Wisconsin, was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Hürtgen, Germany. He will be buried in Middleton, Wisconsin, on a date yet to be determined.
Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Frank C. Ferrel, 31, of Roby, Texas, was assigned to the 328th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator bomber on which Ferrel was an engineer was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave. He will be buried in Sylvester, Texas, on a date yet to be determined.
Army Cpl. Clark E. Worline, 20, of Dupont, Ohio, was a member of C Company, 2nd Chemical Mortar Battalion, 8th Army. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 26, 1950, after fighting against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces near Sinjang, North Korea. He will be buried in Dupont, Ohio, on a date yet to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
