The Pennsylvania VFW 28th District held its 71st Voice of Democracy And Patriot’s Pen banquet Saturday at Venango VFW Post 169. The Patriot’s Pen Theme was “Why I Honor The American Flag.” Third place was Emma Minnick from Corry Post 264. Second place was Ella Burk from Mercer Post 6345. First place was Calvin Ferry from Greenville Post 3374. There were 800 entries in the Patriot’s Pen contest. The Voice of Democracy Theme was “Why My Vote Matters.” Third place was Francesca Gardina from Reynolds Post 7599. Second place was Isaac Bowers from Titusville Post 5958. First place was Elizabeth Zuber from Titusville Post 5958. There were 550 entries in the The Voice of Democracy contest. The first place winners from all the districts in the state will now go on to the Pennsylvania VFW State Judging. The final winners will be announced at the Mid Winter Conference. First place winners will then go on to VFW National Judging.
Veterans in 116th Congress
A total of 96 military veterans were sworn in last week as members of the 116th Congress. According to an Army Times article, 19 are serving in the Senate and 77 in the House, for an overall veteran percentage of 17.9 percent. Four decades ago the percentage of military veterans in Congress exceeded 70 percent. Of the 96 veterans, only 44 are eligible for VFW membership, with 28 currently being members in good standing. Other demographics: 48 served in the military after the year 2000; 30 are Democrats and 66 are Republicans; 19 are first-time lawmakers; and 7 are women.
2019 Military Pay Rates Released
On Jan. 1, 2019, Department of Defense released the monthly basic pay rates for 2019. The 2.6 percent raise is the largest since the 3.4 percent increase in 2010, and 0.3 percent larger than last year’s raise. In terms of direct impacts on service members, junior officers and senior enlisted officers can expect to see about $1,300 more a year. Junior enlisted can expect to see about $670 more a year. Senior officers with more than 12 years of service will receive approximately $2,300 more per year. The increase is based on a yearly federal calculation that is designed to keep military pay rates on par with private sector wages. However, the VFW has long advocated for a more realistic calculation.
POW/MIA Update
Army Cpl. John G. Krebs was a member of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, and engaged in combat operations against the North Korean People’s Army south of Chonui, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. James C. Williams was a member of Medical Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, when he was killed in action near Taejon, South Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Burleigh E. Curtis was a member of the 377th Fighter Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group. Interment services are pending.
Army Pfc. William F. Delaney was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, when his battalion launched a massive firing demonstration against a large pocket of German defenders near the town of Grosshau, in the Hürtgen Forest in Germany. Interment services are pending.
Navy Machinist’s Mate 1st Class George Hanson 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.
Navy Steward 2nd Class Felicismo Florese 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
