Sunday, August 29, 2010

Russian subs on the prowl

According to reports from Great Britain Russian subs have been attempting to follow British Trident
carrying subs. Britain's navy reports that Russian subs have increased activity to levels during the
Cold War.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7969017/Russian-subs-stalk-Trident-in-echo-of-Cold-War.html

It is almost certain that the Russian subs are also following US and other NATO members subs and surface ships.

Russia is on a ship and sub building and missile testing course that makes one wonder how far and for
how long will this continue.

As we all know Russia has also returned to long range bomber flights across the frozen north and into
the Pacific flying near US Navy ships. And with the Russian fleet visiting South America and off the coast of the US, questions arise. Will Putin continue on this course? Will he run for president again?

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans


---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Michigan and Cold War Veteran Benefits

The state of Michigan is considering emergency grant funds and veterans services that would affect
about 190,000 Cold War Veterans. Legislators House Military and Veterans Affairs and the Homeland
Security Committee were discussing the possibility on Tuesday.

This would be a great bill if it passes. Now if only more states would follow this lead and that of New York and a few other states that are one by one finally doing something to recognize our Cold Warriors.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans


---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996




Saturday, August 7, 2010

Honor Cold War Veterans

Are you a Cold War Veteran? Do you know a Cold War Veteran?

I want to remind everyone about a project to honor and remember Cold War Veterans. Steve McCurdy and his group are looking for Cold War Veterans to present them with a Cold War Service Medal.

The goal is to present 10,000 medals by Veterans Day 2010, with the ultimate goal of bestowing one
million medals by December 2011. December 26 2011 is the 20th anniversary of the end of the Cold War.

Please visit the website Give Them A Medal. There you will be able to help this project in many ways.
You can enter your name or the name of a veteran you know. You can also make a donation to help
fund this worthwhile cause, or you can order a medal for yourself or your loved one.
  Give Them A Medal

Mr. McCurdy the author of "The Whiteman Scenario" has taken this project to heart and is dedicating
his time to pay tribute to all Cold War Veterans. Each presentation is taped and can be viewed on
the website.

We all thank Mr. McCurdy for his time and effort and the great things he is doing to recognize our
long forgotten heroes. His dedication and selfless giving to our veterans is far and above what anyone
would expect. Bravo Zulu Steve.


While Congress and the Department of Defense have not yet authorized this Cold War Service Medal
we do think that this year just could be the year it happens.

Ask you Senators to cosponsor S.2743 The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009, ask you Congressman/woman to cosponsor H.R. 4051 an identical
bill with the same name. Also ask all members of the Armed Services Committee to ensure that
SEC. 566 of S.3454 The National Defense Authorization Act 2011 does not get removed.

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

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Russian Bear is in the air

On Wednesday two Russian Tu-95 aircraft flew within several hundred miles of Goose Bay, Newfoundland.

Canadian Air Force jets were scrambled to meet the Russian planes and escort them away from
North American airspace. And this is not the first time, it has happened at least 50 times in the
last couple of years.

Russian planes have also buzzed U.S. Navy ships causing the aircraft carriers to launch fighters
to intercept the Russians.

Nuclear capable planes have also been approaching and entering airspace over European
countries, causing those countries to scramble their own planes to divert the Russians.

This comes about as Russian also continues to build its Navy, dismiss several of its older leaders
and hold exercises in remote areas.

The Russians have also made stops in Central and South American ports, showing the U.S. that
once again the Russian fleet goes where it wants.

One can only watch and wonder, where will it end? How far will they push before someone pushes back? Will the U.S. let this continue as we "reset"?

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



----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Putin Growing Stronger?

As I had posted some time ago, Prime Minister Putin is just waiting for the chance to run his
country as President once again.

He continues to flex his muscles, and show the Russian people he really is still in charge even
after more than a year and half out of office.

Putin recently toured the areas of the big forest fires. He was seen recently in a town destroyed
by the fires. He promised that all the houses will be rebuilt and that each family will receive more
than $6,000 in compensation.

Experts on Russia claim that Putin is using the problems and hardships to position himself to
become the next leader. One of them, Lila Shevtsova says "He needs to unequivocally indicate to the country that he is in control, and not Medvedev, whom Putin never counted for much anyway."

Putin has for some time been overshadowing President Medvedev, who more or less has always
been seen as just a puppet following Putin's orders.

The world had better take notice of just what is going on behind the scenes, and be very wary.
Putin has also been the driving force to increase and upgrade Russian military.

Can we believe that when he becomes president again that all will be warm and fuzzy and cozy?
I am quite view it quite sceptically.

What about the Russian ties to North Korea? How will he think about China?

This bears very close watching and monitoring.

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

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Monday, August 2, 2010

Veterans Day Parade-San Diego, CA

Here is a great opportunity for all Cold War Veterans in California to be honored. San Diego, CA
is calling this years Veterans Day Parade..Welcome Home Cold War Veterans


The theme for this years parade is Welcome Home Cold War Warriors. I need to try to identify as many as I can that served during the Cold War (not Counting Veterans of the Korean War or the Vietnam War).
I am looking for Veterans that served: In Germany during the Cold War period;
In Korea after the Korean War, especially those stationed along the DMZ;
That were a part of the North Atlantic Barrier, flying in the Super Connies (WV’s), serving on the DER’s or stationed at Argentia, Newfoundland, and those who served in the North Pacific Barrier;

Anyone serving in the SOSUS System on either coast;
Members of the crew of the USS Pueblo, USS Stark, USS Liberty, Marine Barracks Beirut, and Marine guards stationed in hostile countries embassies.

If I think of more will let you know.

Those that we can identify will be Honorary Grand Marshals in the Veterans Day Parade.

Thanks!

Joe Brunner

(619) 466-2132


I also understand that there will be displays of Cold War materials and possibly some military equipment used during the long hard struggle against Communism.

So if you live in California, in our around San Diego please plan to attend this important event.

Please call Joe Brunner for more information. We hope to have a very large turnout. This is a big moment for all Cold War Veterans, little by little it seems the word is getting out that we did contribute and our service did count. It is time to stand tall and let everyone know who you are.

I suggest that everyone contact their local city officials and ask them to have this years Veterans Day Parade as a symbol to dedicate the parade to Cold War Veterans.

Jerald Terwilliger, National Chairman

American Cold War Veterans


----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996