Monday, December 30, 2013

I Am A Vet

We were young and brave, and sometimes foolish
Our leaders, somewhat older and wiser
Showed us how to become our best
Young boys and girls, became women and men

We placed our lives on hold
Put our life on the line,
To protect and serve the nation we love
Often far away from family and friends


We stood our watch where ever it might be
Waiting and hoping we were not called for real
Through heat, dust, cold, snow and ice
Brothers and sisters, I have your back

Friendships were made, and bonds quickly formed
To last a forever, time and distance matter not
When we meet again it is like we never parted

Ready at all times to face the enemy
On land, in the air, on the sea or below
We performed our tasks, never quite sure
Was this really it, or just another drill

Those who paid the ultimate price
They gave their all, the last sacrifice
Our tears were shed as we silently stood
To honor and remember them forever

Some will look down on a veteran
Disregarding and disrespecting
Showing not honor, but venom and hate
Forgetting that we gave them the freedom

Our days are numbered, and quickly passing
The old guard passes the torch to the new
We watch with pride as they take their turn
Will our country ever learn

War is evil, war is hell and yet
Would we do it all over if we had the chance
Yes, we are proud, we stood the test
And now I can say I am a Vet


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Friday, December 27, 2013

Cold War Service Medal, Let Us Try Again in 2014


As we all know the year 2013 was a do nothing year. There was no concerted effort or push to have the Cold War Service Medal authorized.
Our request to President Obama to issue an Executive Order to create the medal went unanswered and ignored.

All elected officials are now home and will return to Washington on Jan. 2, 2014. Please let us all try to contact them in their local offices before
they return to Washington.

Ask them to please introduce legislation that will authorize a Cold War Service Medal. One good idea would be to use the same wording used by
then Senator Clinton in the bill she introduced.

    The Secretary concerned shall issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War service medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (b). The Cold War service medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.
    `(b) Eligible Persons- The following persons are eligible to receive the Cold War service medal:
      `(1) A person who--
        `(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as an enlisted member during the Cold War;
        `(B) completed the person's initial term of enlistment or, if discharged before completion of such initial term of enlistment, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
        `(C) has not received a discharge less favorable than an honorable discharge or a release from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable.
      `(2) A person who--
        `(A) performed active duty or inactive duty training as a commissioned officer or warrant officer during the Cold War;
        `(B) completed the person's initial service obligation as an officer or, if discharged or separated before completion of such initial service obligation, was honorably discharged after completion of not less than 180 days of service on active duty; and
        `(C) has not been released from active duty with a characterization of service less favorable than honorable and has not received a discharge or separation less favorable than an honorable discharge.
    `(c) One Award Authorized- Not more than one Cold War service medal may be issued to any person.
    `(d) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (b) dies before being issued the Cold War service medal, the medal shall be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.
    `(e) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War service medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.
    `(f) Application for Medal- The Cold War service medal shall be issued upon receipt by the Secretary concerned of an application for such medal, submitted in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary prescribes.
    `(g) Uniform Regulations- The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that regulations prescribed by the Secretaries of the military departments under this section are uniform so far as is practicable.
    `(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending at the end of December 26, 1991.'.
Should your official object to this version you can ask them to use wording similar to H.R. 1968 The Cold War Service Medal Act
of 2011
To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the award of a military service medal to members of the Armed Forces who served honorably during the Cold War, and for other purposes.
    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the `Cold War Service Medal Act of 2011'.

SEC. 2. COLD WAR SERVICE MEDAL.

    (a) Medal Authorized-
      (1) IN GENERAL- Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

`Sec. 1136. Cold War Service Medal

    `(a) Medal Authorized- The Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the `Cold War Service Medal', to persons eligible to receive the medal under subsection (c).
    `(b) Design- The Cold War Service Medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.
    `(c) Eligible Persons- A person eligible to be issued the Cold War Service Medal is any person--
      `(1) who--
        `(A) served on active duty in the Armed Forces for not less than 24 consecutive months during the Cold War;
        `(B) was deployed as a member of the Armed Forces outside the continental United States for a period of at least 30 days during the Cold War; or
        `(C) performed such other service in the Armed Forces during the Cold War as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe for purposes of this section; and
      `(2) who, if discharged or released from the Armed Forces, was so discharged or released under honorable conditions after service in the armed forces characterized as honorable.
    `(d) One Medal Authorized- Not more than one Cold War Service Medal may be issued to any person.
    `(e) Issuance to Representative of Deceased- If a person described in subsection (c) dies before being issued the Cold War Service Medal, the medal may be issued to the person's representative, as designated by the Secretary concerned.
    `(f) Replacement- Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a Cold War Service Medal that is lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use without fault or neglect on the part of the person to whom it was issued may be replaced without charge.
    `(g) Regulations- The issuance of a Cold War Service Medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.
    `(h) Cold War Defined- In this section, the term `Cold War' means the period beginning on September 2, 1945, and ending on December 26, 1991.'.
      (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 57 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
      `1136. Cold War Service Medal.'.
    (b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to expedite--
      (1) the design of the Cold War Service Medal provided for by section 1136 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and
      (2) the establishment and implementation of mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Cold War Service Medal to persons eligible for the issuance of the medal under such section.
I am sure you will hear about the "Cold War Certificate", remind whoever you are talking to that this is just a piece of 
paper that anyone who worked for the government in any function is eligible to the certificate; it makes no mention of 
military service and most veterans have not bothered to apply for it.

Also mention that in 2011 the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that in the first year or two of the medal it
would cost about $2 million dollars, with a cost of $30 million over a 7 year period. That is much less that the cost
estimate given by the Department of Defense.

Make note of the fact that DoD authorized both the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 
for operations in Bosnia. So the excuse by DoD of "duplication of awards" does not make sense. plus we all know veterans
who served their tour of duty and received no award of medal of any type.

We must make the push hard and often. Contact your elected officials by phone, email, fax, in person or by mail. Do it now
and continue doing it.

Congress will begin working on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 in just a matter of days. Let this be the
year that the Medal is at long last authorized and issued.


Jerald Terwilliger
Former Chairman
American Cold War Veterans


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Youtube argument for the Cold War Victory/Service Medal

A member of The American Cold War Veterans Facebook group has created a very good youtube
video for creating and issuing a Cold War Victory/Service Medal. Please watch and then share it
in every place you can. We are still fighting for recognition and respect for those who served
during the Cold War Public Service Announcement for the Cold War Victory Medal

We need the help and support of every citizen of the United States, it does not matter if you are
a veteran or not. Contact your Senators and Representatives urge them to introduce a bill that
will authorize and direct the Department of Defense to issue this medal.

Since the end of the Cold War in 1991 we have argued and pleaded to have this medal issued, but
have not yet reached our goal. Twenty two years is too long to wait.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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 26, 2013

Small Town USA -Dawson/Lower Tyrone, PA Honors Cold War Veterans



The Dawson/Lower Tyrone Honor Roll Committee has been waiting almost three years to make this 
announcement:
 The new monument honoring veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Cold war eras is in place and will
 be dedicated at 11 a.m. Aug. 31. The monument is covered and will be unveiled at a ceremony to include the 
Fayette Vietnam Veteran's Honor Guard, Rolling Thunder, a community chorus and guest speakers.

The keynote address will be given by Maj. Gen. Robert French, a career serviceman, a veteran on the 
Honor Roll  and a Dawson, R.D. 1 native, who has had a long and distinguished career beginning with the
 Vietnam  conflict and remains active in military affairs today.

The Honor Roll Committee is still raising funds to complete the monument project. A ticket is 
being sold which has a jackpot and a bonus winner. The winner will be from the 7 p.m. 
drawing on Aug. 31. 
The tickets are available for $2 each and are available from any committee member. 
Dedication program booklets are also being printed and will be available at the dedication. 
The books will sell for approximately 
$8 and contain the agenda, pictures, history of the project, memorials, listing of contributors and
ads from many local businesses.

The committee wishes to thank the many folks who have assisted in bringing this project to fruition.
This has been and is, a totally community based project. But the heroes of the effort have names
that are emblazoned in bronze on a beautiful monument that will be uncovered on Aug. 31.
This is your community's way of saying in some small way, “Thank you for your service
and sacrifice!
 May God bless!” The public is invited to join in the festivities.
-------
I have to say that this is an outstanding achievement for a small borough in southwestern 
Pennsylvania. In the 2000 census Dawson consisted
of 451 people, 183 households and 120 families in .2 square miles. Lower Tyrone Township has an 
area of 16.1 square miles with population of 1,171 people.

Once again, a small borough/township have stepped up to honor Cold War Veterans, which is more
than can be said for national recognition for the Cold Warriors who contained communism and kept the 
world free.

 Please contact your elected officials in Washington, DC ask them why Cold War Veterans
continue to be ignored and dismissed. 

If small towns, cities, counties and even some states can stand tall and remember those who served
why is it so hard for our country as a whole to say Thank You.



---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Friday, July 19, 2013

Vietnam Veterans Still Fighting Agent Orange


For many Vietnam veterans in Sumner County, across the nation, the Vietnam conflict still isn’t over as the effects of exposure to Agent Orange takes its toll on the veterans, their descendants and survivors.
“Operation Ranch Hand” was the code name for the spraying of a host of herbicides, primarily Agent Orange, by the U.S. military in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries to protect American and allied troops by defoliating the dense jungle vegetation hiding enemy positions.
Over the past few decades, a substantial body of scientific and medical research has shown that Agent Orange and other herbicides containing dioxin have a high probability of causing or contributing to a variety of health conditions suffered by veterans who served in Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975. Approximately 2.8 million veterans served in Southeast Asia.
No one knows for sure how many of these veterans were exposed to Agent Orange. Some were deployed in areas during and immediately after spraying operations, while others actually handled Agent Orange and did the spraying. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its dioxin contaminants have reported a variety of serious health problems and symptoms.
The Veterans Administration has determined that 13 diseases suffered by Vietnam veterans, including prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, respiratory cancers (of the lung, bronchus, larynx or trachea), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Type II diabetes and some heart disease are among those caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Vietnam veterans and their families who may have suffered from these diseases may file for compensation. Some birth defects affecting children and grandchildren may have also been caused by Agent Orange.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Thursday, June 27, 2013

New Jersey Cold War Medal Followup


I received information today that the New Jersey Legislature is still considering two bills that will authorize
a Cold War Medal.

In the Assembly is bill number A3828 and in the Senate is a mirror bill S2589. Both bills is currently sitting in
the Budget and Appropriations committees of both the Assembly and the Senate. The Assembly bill is also
in the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

I urge everyone who lives in New Jersey to contact their State Senators and Assembly persons and ask them
to cosponsor and forward the bills.

Or contact the chairpersons of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committees: in the Senate: Senator James Beach,
in the Assembly: Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker.

If we can add another state that will issue a Cold War Medal it just might help in our national push for recognition,
and a medal issued by the federal government.

One thing about the New Jersey bill, it would be for anyone who is living in New Jersey, or lived in New Jersey
at the beginning of the time of service. It would not be limited (at least at this time) to the guard or reserves.

This could be a big step in the process and a push in the correct direction. If we continue to attract attention
and garner local and state backing and support we just might be able to convince Congress and DoD that
the time has come to standby our veterans and finally say Thank You For Your Service



---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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
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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Texas Passes Cold War Medal, New Jersey Still Debating

Texas H.B. 402 was passed by the House on April 3, 2013 Yeas 147, Nays 0. The bill was passed by
the Senate on May 17, 2013 Yeas 31, Nays 0.

The bill will be effective Sept. 1, 2013.

So if you served in the Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 29, 1991
can apply to the adjutant general's department. Veterans will have to pay the cost of the medal. At this time
there is no information available as to just what that cost will be.

So now Texas, Louisiana and Alaska have authorized a medal/ribbon for Cold War Service. 

Lets all keep contacting your elected officials, both state and federal to get this medal issued to all who served.

There is no further word on the state of New Jersey House Bill A-3828 and in the Senate an identical bill S2589 

New Jersey estimates that there are 122,000 Cold War Veterans and the cost would be
about 1.9 million dollars. That is a cost of $15.00 per medal and would require two additional staff members with salary of $35,000 each per year. The state does not expect that all veterans would apply and that not all who do apply would do so in the first year. 

So that cost would be spread over several years. 

That is exactly what we have been telling DoD, the costs would be spread over several years. Even the Congressional Budget Office has stated the same theme, it would not be an
all at once cost and would take several years to have the medal issued to all veterans.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lebanon, PA to honor Cold War Veterans

For those of you who live in and around Lebanon, PA be proud. Once again small town America
steps up to notice Cold War Veterans more information here:
Lebanon, PA

Thank You Lebanon Valley and city of Lebanon, PA

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Saturday, March 30, 2013

American Cold War Veterans Annual Convention 2013


Greetings American Cold War Veterans:

Our annual convention and membership meeting in Washington, DC April 30-May 1 Make your plans now to attend. Time is 
running out and the cutoff date to reserve a hotel room in April 5.

April 30 tentative plans: Tour the memorials and monuments in Washington and a tour of the US Navy Museum located in the Navy Yard. The museum has an excellent and extensive Cold War Wing.

Membership meeting on May 1 to be held in Room 122 of the Cannon House Office Building at Independence Ave. and First St. SE
from 1:00PM to 3:00PM.

You may want to attempt to contact you elected officials for a visit to their office while you are in town. If your Senator/Representative
is not available ask to talk to their veterans affairs staff member.

Our annual Memorial Service for Heroes of the Cold War will be held at Arlington National Cemetery from 4:00Pm to 5:00PM 

The hotel we will be using this year is
The Best Western Pentagon
2480 Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-979-4400 Be sure to tell them you are with The American Cold War Veterans. To receive the group room rate.
Contact is Erica Simuel or Group Sales
additional phone: 703-682-5500 and ask for Erica. Fax: 703-682-2631 email:ejenkins@yourdchotels.com
Rooms are two double beds, If you require anything special
please make your request when booking room.

The cut off date is April 5, 2013 so make your reservation early. After the cutoff date reservations are based upon availability
and the price may change.

The rooms are available from April 29 to May 1 the cost is $129.00 plus 10 percent tax per night.
It might be possible to extend your stay for an additional night or two at the same group rate, again
please make your request when booking the room.

The hotel does have a free shuttle available, you will have to call the hotel direct in order to be picked up from the airport-Ronald
Regan Washington National (DCA).

If you plan to attend please advise myself or Frank Tims at ftims@aol.com

Regards,

Jerald Terwilliger

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Friday, March 1, 2013

Sequestration Has Arrived

Tonight at midnight, time has run out, Congress has run out of town, and the nation is facing Sequestration.

As promised the "do nothing" 112th Congress, with a carry over to the new 113th Congress allowed
the hard and bitter cuts to the budget take place.

These cuts will be felt far and wide, and if nothing is done quickly, for a very long time.

The drastic cuts of $85 billion to the budget with a very large amount $48 billion to the Department
of Defense, will cause serious and frightening consequences.

All of the service chiefs of staff and outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned many times
of the effects and creating a "hollow" military.

Already the Navy has cut back on planned maintenance of several major ships of the line, delayed
deployment of some ships, will cut back on training.

The Air Force has said they will cut back on training, delay purchases of equipment. The Army, Coast Guard and Marines Corps have all announced less training, less purchases of major equipment.

Plus all services have mentioned possible drastic cut backs in personnel.

Civilian jobs are also at risk, some employees being told they will be forced to take off one day
a week without pay; some through September. That means less time building our nations military
equipment.

How can this not effect our nation and our military. Our brave men and women of the Armed
Forces of the United States will be forced to do more with less and spend more time doing it.

If Congress does not correct this wrong very soon (and it is not yet too late) to fix the problem
how will we as a nation be properly armed and ready to defend our country.

It is well know that both Russia and China are rapidly building their armed forces, most notably
their naval and air forces.

We also have to consider North Korea, Iran, countries in Africa, the Middle East,  and
South America all looking to rattle their sabers and march their armies, anything to increase
their standing on the worlds stage.

Who will be brave and foolish enough to say, look America is getting weaker and their forces
are being stretched too thin. Now would be a good time to strike a little fear into what was once
the greatest and strongest nation in the world.

The new Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that it will not be as bad as others have prophesied
that our military will remain the best and strongest. He suggests that after talking to all the service
chiefs that we will not lose a step, will not stumble.

Time will tell just how hard these budget cuts will affect America and every man woman and child
in our great nation. How long will we have to suffer what has been forced upon us, how deep
will we fall and how quickly?

Our country was just beginning to see the light at the end of the fiscal tunnel, there was a small
turn-around starting and the economy was on the mend.

 It was slight and slowly growing, now will the entire house of cards come crashing down? Will
it throw us back into recession? Can it be another great depression? We can only hope not.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Thursday, February 21, 2013

State of Texas- Cold War Medal

Texas State Representative Sarah Davis has introduced a bill H.B. 402 that would authorize a
Cold War Medal to be awarded to a member of the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard
who served between Sept. 2, 1945 and Dec. 26, 1991.

The Cold War Medal is to be awarded only if a fee in the amount necessary to cover the costs of awarding the medal is paid to the adjutant general's department.

In other words the veteran would have to buy their own medal. This is something that the American
Cold War Veterans have been saying in regards to a national/federal issued medal, most of us
would be willing to pay the cost of our own medals. Just give us the authorization and necessary
information and certification.

Anyone who lives in Texas please contact your local state representative asking them to cosponsor
H.B. 402 and vote for passage. You might also contact your local state senator asking them to introduce
a similar bill in the senate.

Perhaps one state at a time will provide the impetus for Congress and DoD to finally provide a federal/national Cold War Service Medal.

Louisiana and Alaska have already authorized the Cold War Medal or Ribbon, now if Texas joins them
it just might start the ball rolling. We know that in the past New Jersey has looked at a medal, and the
New York legislature approved a Cold War Service Medal that was vetoed by the governor.

This could be the start, get each state to issue a Cold War Medal and lead on to the federal medal.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

US Military-US Navy vs Russian Navy(Rapidly Expanding)

Russia is on a huge shipbuilding splurge and acting quickly in doing so.

The Russian fleet is more than 300 ships at the present time. You can see a list of the Russian Navy
on the website http://rusnavy.com/nowadays/strength/  yes some of the ships are rather old, but they
have been updated and modernized.

Now the part that should be of interest to every American, and should open some eyes in Congress and
at the Department of Defense:

Russia will add Fifty (50) warships by 2016 which will include 18 surface warships of various ranks
and designation. Also 30 special-purpose and counter-subversion vessels. It also has plans put into operation 6 multi-purpose and strategic submarines.

The statement from the Defense Ministry said "The implementation of the ship building program envisages serial construction along with the introduction of new technical and modernization solutions into each subsequently built warship."

It was also announced that the Russian Navy will receive eighty (80) support vessels which will include tugboats, patrol boats, diving boats, modular search and rescue platforms and floating cranes.

Last year Russia announced  plans to build  over 100 auxiliary ships by 2020, these ships will use
full integration of logistics, technical, and maintenance capabilities. Each ship will be able to perform a wide variety of missions including firefighting and resupply of fuel food, fresh water and munitions.

The U.S. Navy plans-made in early 2012-call for 41 ships in the FY2013-FY2017. That is 16 fewer than planned last year. with an average of 8.2 ships per year. This was with a goal of 310-316 warships.

Of course, with the budget constraints and possible cuts in defense spending; and as our ships
age and are retired we could see a fleet of 290 ships in the near future.

Our nation can not allow our military to fall behind this far this quickly. The Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are already facing cuts in personnel; some of the cuts will be quite drastic.

Can we dare to become a second class military? Should we allow other countries to grow stronger and risk the possibility of not being able to defend ourselves?

Yes other countries are facing the same problems with finances being cut and defense spending also slowed or drastically reduced.

But we must always remain strong and ready to face any challenge no matter where or when it originates. America can not and must not take the chance.


---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Can Still Apply For Bonus

The state of Massachusetts says that there are possibly 60,000 Vietnam Veterans that have not
claimed a bonus from the state.

A state bonus of $300.00 is available to those veterans who served in country in Vietnam. For those
veterans who served at least 60 day active duty during the Vietnam Era between July 1, 1958 and
May 17, 1975 outside of Vietnam are eligible for a $200.00 bonus.

The so called "welcome home" bonus is available to veterans or their surviving families, and state
officials are urging those who might be eligible to apply as soon as possible.

You must have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least 6 months prior to entering the Armed Forces.

There were also bonus programs for Korean War: June 25, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955. 90 days stateside service $100.00, 6+ months stateside service $200.00, 1+days foreign service $300.00. WWII
1 day to 6 months active service $100.00, 6+ months active service $200.00, Foreign Service
and Merchant Marines $300.00.
Iraq/Afghanistan First time applicants at least 6 months of active service either stateside or
overseas and/or 1 or more days in Iraq or Afghanistan or or after Sept. 1, 2001
First time applicants Iraq or Afghanistan $1000.00, 6+ month stateside or overseas $500.00
(may be eligible for both first time bonuses)
Subsequent applications: under chapter 132 acts of 2009: 6 months domicile in Massachusetts
immediately prior to most recent tour/deployment-at least 6 months active service overseas
on or after Sept. 11, 2001 and/or 1 day in Iraq or Afghanistan: Iraq or Afghanistan $500.00
6+ months overseas $250.00 (may be eligible for each subsequent deployment.

Further information and application forms can be found on the state's website
at Massachusetts Veterans Bonus 

To check eligibility from any war or conflict period you can call 1-617-367-9333 ext. 859

I did not see any information for the 1st Gulf War, or the Cold War, perhaps more information
will be available by making the phone call.

Any Massachusetts veteran or their surviving family, if you have not yet filed for this
state Welcome Home Bonus, are urged to do file as soon as possible.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Petition for Cold War Service Medal To Honor Veterans

Congress has once again ignored Cold War Veterans and left us tarnished and banished to the dustbin of history.

By allowing two bills, S.402 and H.R. 1968, that would have authorized a Cold War Service Medal to
languish in the respective Armed Services Committees; Congress shows how little the Cold War and its  veterans mean to America.

Cold War Veterans have waged this battle for more than 11 years, and still have not managed to
garner enough support to convince Congress and the Department of Defense to authorize and issue
a Cold War Service Medal.

Our original quest was for a Cold War Victory Medal, but that met with some strong, and unnamed,
opposition; so we changed our direction a bit and opted for a Cold War Service Medal. It did not seem
to matter at all to those in power.

We get cosponsors on the bills as they are introduced each year. The bills are read and sent to the Armed Services Committee, never again to see the light of day; not being voted out of committee for a full floor vote.

We have approached this from many different directions but always fall short at the end of the year.

There is now a petition on the White House website asking for the Cold War Service Medal to
be authorized and issued. This would require an Executive Order and there is precedent as previous
Presidents have used an EO to create medals.

Please go to the White House website Petition to Authorize Cold War Service Medal  you will have to create a White House account if you do not already have one. It is quick easy and free, and you
should not receive spam messages.

Please sign it, have all your friends and relatives sign it, and ask them to have all their friends sign the
petition, keep spreading the word across our great nation. We need 25,000 signatures by Jan. 16.

This is an opportunity for you to participate in our government and say Thank You to our veterans.

---- Jerald Terwilliger Former 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