VFW National Commander Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic spoke about the importance of the Senate passing the Honoring our PACT Act during a rally at the Rolling to Remember event over Memorial Day weekend. Mihelcic was joined by veteran advocates Jon Stewart and John Feal, along with representatives of several veteran organizations, and tasked the crowd with contacting their senators. “I ask you, I’m imploring you. Can you take 60 seconds of your life to save the life of a veteran tomorrow? I hope that answer is ‘yes’. The time is now to get this done. No more delays,” said Mihelcic.
VFW Leadership Attends Memorial Day Events
VFW National Commander Matthew “Fritz” Mihelcic was in Washington, D.C., to attend several events over the Memorial Day weekend to honor the legacy of those who served in our armed forces and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Mihelcic visited the Humana booth, handed out Buddy Poppies at the USAA Buddy Poppy Wall of Honor, laid a wreath during the Vietnam Memorial ceremony, and participated in a White House event.
Coast Guard Change of Command Ceremony
VFW Director of Operations Bob Jackson and VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Tammy Barlet attended the Coast Guard change of command held at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Admiral Linda Fagan, the first female officer in charge of a U.S armed forces branch, took command as commandant of the Coast Guard from Admiral Karl Schultz. In her comments, Admiral Fagan shared she was wearing the shoulder boards of the late Admiral Owen Siler who allowed women to attend the Coast Guard Academy. The event was attended by many distinguished guests, including President Joe Biden.
Bystander Intervention Training for Veterans
VA is offering free online training to teach veterans the skills needed to contribute to a safe and welcoming environment at all VA facilities. This training provides practical techniques that veterans can use to recognize, respond, and prevent harassment or sexual assault situations. You do not need to register and the training takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Important Dates in June
June is PTSD Awareness Month
June 6 – D DAY
June 12 – Women Veterans Day
June 14 – Army birthday
June 14 – U.S. Flag Day
June 16 – Fathers Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
June 16-23 – Veterans Golden Age Games
June 23 – Coast Guard Auxiliary birthday
June 27 – PTSD Awareness Day
POW/MIA Update
Navy Fire Control, 3rd Class Jack A. Breedlove, 19, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was assigned to the Battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. He was buried on May 30 at the National Memorial of the Pacific In Honolulu Cemetery.
Army Air Force 1st Lt. Louis V Girard, 20, of West Texas, was assigned to 68th Bombardment Squadron, 8th Air Force. On Aug 1, 1943, his aircraft crashed. His remains could not be recovered. He was buried in his hometown on June 4, 2022.
Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Uhrin, 21, was assigned to the 369th Bombardment Squadron. The plane was shot down. His remains could not be recovered. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seamen 1st Class William Brooks, 19, was assigned to the Battleship USS Oklahoma moored at Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Army Sgt. 1st Class James A Coleman was assigned to Company 1, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. On April 25, 1951, he was reported as missing in action. Following the war, his remains could not be identified. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
