The Pennsylvania Erie Soldiers and Sailors Home will be having a wreath laying at the home’s cemetery. There are more than 1,300 wreaths to be placed. The wreaths are for those that have lived at the home only. It was dedicated and opened on February, 22 1886. The home is asking for volunteers to help place the wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. veterans; to honor those who have served; and to teach those attending the values of freedom. Wreath laying will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. There will also be a ceremony at noon in the PSSH Chapel. The home is located at 560 E 3rd St., Erie. For more information or to make a donation, call Ken Vybiral, volunteer coordinator at (814) 878-4961. Dress for the weather.
VFW Leadership Visits DPAA
Last Tuesday, VFW National Commander B.J. Lawrence and VFW Auxiliary National President Sandi Kriebel attended a briefing hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The briefing included updates from DPAA Director Kelly McKeague and Deputy Director Rear Adm. Jon Kreitz regarding ongoing remains repatriation missions in Southeast Asia, as well as information about upcoming investigative and recovery operations in 2019. The VFW delegation also toured the DPAA operational headquarters and identification laboratory, where they had the opportunity to view several sets of remains that were repatriated back to the U.S. from North Korea on Aug. 1.
Another For-Profit School Closes Suddenly
This week, a major for-profit college system announced it will be closing its doors at the end of the current semester. The Birmingham, Alabama-based Education Corp. of America said it was closing schools operating as Virginia College, Brightwood College, Brightwood Career Institute, Ecotech Institute, and Golf Academy of America in more than 70 locations in 21 states. This move surprised students attending these schools and left their futures unknown. There are approximately 4,000 GI Bill students who could be affected by these closures and the VFW is working with VA in order to make sure these students are taken care of as soon as possible. If you are a student attending one of these schools and have questions or need help, reach out to the VFW’s education assistance program at 1studentveteran@vfw.org.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. John A. Taylor was a member of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On Aug. 11, 1950, his regiment encountered a Korean People’s Army unit near the village of Haman. Interment services are pending.
Army Master Sgt. Carl H. Lindquist was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. In late November 1950, his unit was assembled with South Korean soldiers in the 31st Regimental Combat Team on the east side of the Chosin River, North Korea. Interment services are pending.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Ottaway B. Cornwell was a member of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group, Twelfth (XII) Air Force. On Jan. 27, 1944, the Supermarine Spitfire aircraft he was piloting was shot down over Pierrefeu-du-Var, France, during a dog fight with a German Messerschmitt. Interment services are pending.
Navy Radioman 3rd Class Jack R. Goldwater 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 Fireman 1st Class Leonard R. Geller was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Reserve Musician 1st Class Henri C. Mason was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Shopfitter 3rd Class John M. Donald was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 2nd Class George A. Thompson 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
