Saturday, February 27, 2010

ACWV to attend meeting of Military Order of Foreign Wars of the US

Members of the American Cold War Veterans will be in Washington, DC March 2 to attend
meeting of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States one of the oldest
Veterans Service Organizations.

The meeting being held at the Army & Navy Club with guest speaker Spiro Manolas, author
of "American Arms, Greek Blood," the Greek guerrilla war of 1946-1950.

One of America's heroes General Van Fleet was one of the moving forces and directed the
Greek government.

During our stay we plan to become members of the Army-Navy Union. We also plan to attempt to gain new members to the ACWCV, linking our organization with the two oldest VSO's. This will garner more support for our Cold War Service Medal.

We will also have a brief meeting with Mr. Jeff Burdette staff member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Our talk will entail equal treatment at the VA for All Veterans.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Show Respect to Our Flag

I for one am sick and tired of people not showing respect to our flag and the National Anthem.

I have watched so many times during the playing of the National Anthem people not paying due respect.

Take off your hat! Place your hand over your heart! It is not a hard thing to do. Stop
talking and laughing with those around you. You can stop drinking your beer for the few
minutes it takes.

I think it should be impressed upon the sports stars to do this. They make a big impression on everyone.

For a young person to watch these so called heroes standing
around, not only not honoring the National Anthem, but most times not even looking in
the direction of the flag is not a good example.

This is the flag that we as veterans fought to protect, to keep our land free. One flag,
one country, one nation.

Veterans do not receive the respect they deserve to begin with. When you disrespect the
flag you might as well punch a veteran in the face.

Now veterans are permitted to "render a Hand Salute" to the flag So if you see someone saluting the flag remember what they sacrificed, stand tall beside them and honor the
flag in the manner you were taught: silence, hand over heart and think of those who
gave their lives to protect you.

Shame on those who think the flag and the National Anthem are not deserving of a little
respect. If you can not respect the flag, how can you respect a veteran?

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

The Mad Irishman

Our good friend and supporter The Mad Irishman posted an excellent comment on my post
on OpenDefense the DoD open.gov website.

He said it all, in a very heartfelt and heartwarming manner. Our thanks to The Mad Irishman. We need more friends like him.

Read it here

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Water at Camp Lejune contaminated priot to 1987

Just a reminder: If you were in the Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejune prior to
1987 you might have been exposed to toxins in the drinking water.

These toxins can cause many illness, some that might not show up for a long time; or that
might have been passed on to your children.

Please contact the Marine Corp, register to receive information.



https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater/


This is very important to you and your family. Getting help and health care should not
be delayed.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

Veterans speak out against burn pits - latimes.com

Veterans speak out against burn pits - latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

Burn pits must be stopped now. The practice releases so many toxins into the air. The health risks by no means justify the continued burning of these materials.

How hard is it for anyone to prove that they have been affected by burn pits? Are these
men and women being given proper care?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

American Cold War Veterans Annual Meeting

The American Cold War Veterans will be holding our annual meeting in Washington, DC.
Initial plans are to hold the meeting on April 28 in the afternoon, followed by a
memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hotel accommodations are
Best Western Rosslyn Iwo Jima 1501 Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-524-5000 Fax: 703-522-5787

We have 20 rooms being held for period April 27 to May 1. If you wish to stay longer
pleae ask when making reservations, the hotel will try to give you same room rate; it will be on a case by case basis.

Rates are $149.99 plus 10.5% tax per night
All are outside rooms, with two queen beds.
A limited number of rooms are handicapped accessible, so if you require a room please call early.

All rooms are non-smoking, but smoking is permitted outside.

Reservations must be made by April 13, so call now BE SURE TO MENTION AMERICAN COLD WAR VETERANS when making reservation to receive this rate.

Cancellation if needed must be made by 3pm 7 days prior to original arrival date, one
nights lodging will be charged if the cancellation is not made in accordance with above.

There is a restaurant on grounds, serves mainly Italian type food.

More information will be forthcoming as details are finalized. It is possible there will
be a second ceremony at Arlington National on May 1.

Now would be a good time to make arrangements to visit with your elected officials. Call
and attempt to schedule a visit during this time in DC.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Why wait any longer for a Cold War Medal?

Cold War Veterans getting gray and balding, wrinkles showing.
We might have put on a few pounds since last time we wore our uniform.
We still have the gleam in our eyes, though eyesight might be dim

Our memories may not be as sharp and when we were growing
But we know we stood the line, around the world always at the ready.
We were there
To fight the Bear

We pledged our country to protect
Gave our best, many gave their lives
We saw our friends, flying missions, get shot from the sky
Ships attacked, and even captured

Who knows the true story of the USS Scorpion, USS Liberty, USS Pueblo?
Our troops on the ground harassed and attacked
Deep underground in missile silos, far out in the field with nuclear weapons
Things we still can not talk about, even to family
Our secrets will go with us and no one will know

We ask now for a little honor, to be remembered
1991 saw the collapse of the Soviet Union
It was the end of the Cold War
So here we are in 2010 still forgotten, ignored, and disrespected

We have tried for years to bring honor to our friends and fellow veterans
This could be the year if Congress and DoD can only agree
In the Senate is a bill S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009
In the House is a companion bill H.R. 4051 with the same name

Also in the House is another bill to bring recognition and respect
H.RES.900 This would designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day
You can help stop our nation's neglect
Show our all our Cold Warriors our country does remember come what may

How you ask can you assist our quest
The answer is quite simple
Contact both your Senators, ask them to cosponsor S.2743
Contact your Congressperson ask them to cosponsor H.R.4051 and H.RES.900

Do it now!
Do it often!
Show these veterans they are the best.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Charlie Wilson Dies At 76

Former Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson died today at age 76.

His funding of Afghanistan's resistance to the Soviet Union was legendary and was the
subject of the movie "Charlie Wilson's War". This lead to the largest covert CIA operation in history. Supplying huge amounts of weapons to the Afghans in their fight
against the Soviet Union.

He was known as "Good time Charlie", but was a great statesman and a great Congressman. Elected to twelve terms in Congress fighting for Medicaid, minimum wage bill, tax exemptions for the elderly and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Wilson was a Cold War Veteran serving in the US Navy from 1956 to 1960, he was assigned to the Pentagon as part of a unit that evaluated Soviet nuclear forces.

Always a friend to the military and veterans, he will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Representative John Murtha

We note with sadness the passing of Pennsylvania Representative John Murtha.

He was a Vietnam veteran, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and to Purple Hearts.He was in fact the first Vietnam Veteran elected to Congress.

Representative Murtha was a long time friend to our military and our veterans. His leadership in Congress will be long remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"