Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, an Army veteran and VFW member who was recently named president and CEO of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation, visited the VFW’s Washington, D.C., office this week to provide an update on the foundation’s progress. “Building a memorial is a 24-step process,” Rodriguez said. “We are on steps 9 through 12, which is site selection. Site selection involves the foundation itself coming together with a program and going before the various commissions that exist within this area.” Rodriguez says the GWOT Memorial Foundation is trying to raise $50 million for the project, which received the support of President Trump in August 2017, when he signed the VFW-supported Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act into law.
TRICARE Prime and Select Open Season
Beginning Nov. 12, TRICARE will kick off its first open season where Prime and Select beneficiaries can enroll in or change their health care coverage plan for 2019. The open season period will last until Dec. 10 and any changes made during this period will become effective on Jan. 1, 2019. If you are satisfied with your current plan then your coverage will continue automatically for 2019, as long as you remain eligible for coverage.
VA, Partners Offer Flu Shot
Veterans enrolled in VA and in need of their flu shot can receive it at their nearest VA health care facility or at their local Walgreens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, VA and doctors suggest all individuals get their flu shot during the fall. This is particularly true for individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, caregivers of infants or family members with health problems, health care employees, and people with heart problems and other chronic illnesses or conditions.
Important Dates in November
The month of November is a month to honor and celebrate the contributions of the families of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Nov. 4: Turn your clocks back – Daylight Savings Time ends
Nov. 10: Marine Corps Birthday
Nov. 11: 100th anniversary of World War I ending
Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Master Sgt. Charles H. McDaniel, 32, of Vernon, Ind., whose remains were previously identified, was buried Oct. 27 in Greenwood, Ind. McDaniel was a medic with the 8th Cavalry Regiment Medical Company supporting the regiment’s 3rd Battalion.
Army Sgt. James K. Park, 20, of Beaumont, Texas, whose remains were previously identified, was buried Oct. 27 in Barry, Texas. Park was a member of Company I, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.
Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Paul D. Gilman, 19, of Belen, N.M., whose remains were previously identified, was buried Oct. 26 in his hometown. Gilman was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio.
Mr. George L. Ritter, an employee of Air America Incorporated, was piloting an Air America C-123K from Udorn Airfield, Kingdom of Thailand, headed for Xienhom District, Xaingnabouli Province, Laos. Interment services are pending.
Merchant Marine Wiper Elvis N. Spotts was a crew member of the SS Cape Isabel, part of a convoy of three ships including the USS Grayson and the SS Cape Fear. On Feb. 22, 1944, the ships were approximately 12 miles off the coast of Tarawa Atoll. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Sgt. Dwight W. Randall was a member of Company C, 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Angelo M. Gabriele was assigned to the battleship USS West Virginia, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. Interment services are pending.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Grant C. Cook, Jr., 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. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
