VVA CHAPTER 936
June 2005
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
While in Mount Jackson, we were able to launch our fund raising raffle. The winner gets three nights in Williamsburg, Virginia and $300.00 in cash for expenses. The tickets are $1.00 each or a book of six for $5.00. This looks like it will be a great success and as we agreed, the profit from the sales will go to helping other Veterans. The drawing will be in Woodstock on Veterans day in conjunction with activities scheduled for that day. Individuals who purchase a complete book of six tickets will also receive a calculator, compliments of Chapter 936. The calculators are being given to the Chapter by Ray Oksa. This is an excellent raffle, the calculators are sharp and the raffle committee has done an outstanding job, Thanks!
I would like to get ticket books out to every one as soon as possible. Please call me at 740-3392 to make arrangements to obtain some. As planned, books of tickets will also be given out at this months chapter meeting at the VFW on Saturday, June, 11th.
On Saturday, April 25th, myself, Ken Watts, accompanied by his lovely wife Doris and her sister Arlene along with Tom Keveny of our Chapter attended a dinner in honor of Vietnam Veterans in conjunction with Vietnam Veterans Week activities. Hal Sharpe, the Commander of Post 2447, gave out certificates to the Vietnam Veterans present. the highlight of the evening was when Hal Sharpe acknowledged Bobby Bowman, also a member of our Chapter, for all his years of service to the Veterans of VFW Post 2447. Also present was Clarence Rush who is a very active member of the VFW Post and a member of our Chapter. There are a lot of good men out here who are sincere in the activities of Veterans and this community. The evening was fun and the food was great.
Also at the dinner was Mr. Fernando Rivera who was the guest speaker. Mr. Rivera is currently the Director of the Martinsburg Medical Center for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Rivera gave an excellent presentation. He spoke on the day to day operations of the medical center. He spoke of his desire to continue to provide a high quality of health services to the veterans. I spoke with him after the dinner and I found him to be sincere and assured me that he will be available and extended a helping hand.
I hope to see as many as possible on Saturday, June 11th For those who are unable to attend, please let me know so that I may bring you up to date and make arrangements to get the raffle tickets to you.
Anyone under the weather, please let us know so that we may offer our assistance. Bob McKinney is at Martinsburg and if you are up that way, stop in and say Hi!
The Virginia State Council meeting will also be held that weekend in Richmond, Virginia. Our Vice President, Roger Stevens, will be representing our Chapter.
Remember, if you come upon a veteran in need of help, bring him along to a meeting of fill me in so we can help. See you on Saturday, the 11th. “Let us not forget”.
NEXT MEETING
I AM YOUR FLAG
By Martin Ritenour
I Have been kicked, trampled, burned, and shot full of holes. I have fought many battles, but I prefer the untroubled air of a world at peace.
I am your Flag. I represent the freedom of humanity and I shall fly high, thundering in silence for the whole world to hear. My gentle rustling in the breeze sounds out the warning to all those who would try to bury me. That below me stands a population dedicated to liberty. I am your Flag.
For those who have perished for my right of freedom, those who will die, and indeed, for those who would live, I stand as a symbol of freedom loving people. I am your Flag.
I have been carried into battle in far away lands, always in the cause of freedom. I am bloodstained, torn, and many times wearied and saddened by the thousands who have paid the supreme sacrifice. Do not let it all be for nothing. Tell me the brave have all died for a worthwhile cause. Be proud of what I represent and display me for all to see! I am your Flag.
Whether you call me “Old Glory”, “Star Spangled Banner”, “Red White and Blue”, or “Stars and Stripes”, I shall fly forever as a symbol of your freedom, as I did for your ancestors, and as I shall do for your descendents.
I AM YOUR FLAG
VA FY06 appropriations bill passes House
"The $1.64 billion increase will allow veterans to receive the quality healthcare and medical services that they so richly deserve," said Chairman Buyer. The bill also provides significant funding for veterans' specialty mental health programs, including PTSD treatment. "America's warriors and their families can rest assured that VA will be funded at an increased level in order to treat battlefield exposures to shock, trauma and the stressors of combat," Chairman Buyer added.
Veterans Left Behind as VA Continues Drastic Cut Backs
The impact will be significant among those returning troops who suffer from mental health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), those who have sustained loss of limbs, and other serious injuries.
In addition to devastating decreases in the availability of care for veterans that will result from such budget cuts, the VA seems determined to contest even long-standing disability compensation for PTSD from veterans currently receiving VA benefits and health care. A recent VA Inspector General’s (IG) report concluded that following a brief review of certain grants of service-connected benefits for PTSD, the “subjectivity” involved in such determinations has resulted in over-granting of benefits.
As a result, the VA will be reviewing PTSD grants between 1999 and 2004, with an eye toward revoking benefits if the claim was adjusted incorrectly. “VVA believes that the “subjectivity” offered to the IG report is a euphemism for poor training and quality control of VA adjudication staff.
“We must make it crystal clear to Congress that the budget appropriation for fiscal year 2006 year is at least $3.5 billion less than what is needed to fund the VA medical programs adequately,” Corey said. “This is a critical time. Without these resources, veterans will have longer waits to see specialists, much-needed maintenance will be deferred, and medical equipment will not be purchased.
“Together, through the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform veterans service organizations will demonstrate against these drastic cutbacks. Veterans’ health care is not a welfare program. It is a benefit earned by rendering honorable service to our country. If we don’t act forcefully now, we will continue to witness the erosion of what was one of the finest health care programs in the nation.”
DYING FOR FREEDOM ISN'T THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN...BEING FORGOTTEN IS !
Available evidence from years of recoveries and investigations revealed Adams died in Quang Binh province, North Vietnam on April 19, 1966, when his F-105D Thunder-chief crashed. The crash was likely a result of enemy fire, but that cannot be confirmed, the DOD said in a press release.
Of the 88,000 Americans missing in action from all conflicts, 1,835 are from the Vietnam War, with 1,398 of those within the country of Vietnam. Another 746 Americans have been accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War.
FROM SHABOOM’S KITCHEN
Thanks to everyone who came to the Mount Jackson Heritage Days on Saturday, May 7th. We had a great location on Main Street, opposite the location of the planned Veterans Memorial. The weather treated us just fine, a little cool in the morning but, it warmed up as the day progressed. Having so many of our members present was fun and showed great support for our Chapter. We also acquired a new members, Joe Salvador, of Mount Jackson. Joe served in Vietnam during ‘69-’70, while in the U. S. Army, and returned several times while in the U. S. Air Force. I believe everyone had a great time and this gave us the opportunity to just talk and get to know each other better.
Peter J. Mulligan
OFFICERS
President: Pete Mulligan (540) 740-3392
Vice President: Roger Stevens (540) 856-2871
Treasurer: Jon Clark - (540) 984-3056
Secretary: TBD
Sergeant at Arms: Martin Ritenour
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charlie Towe
Jon Clark
Peter J. Mulligan
William Mader
Ken Watts
Roger Stevens
Martin Ritenour
Fadely
STATE DELEGATES
Pete Mulligan, Roger Stevens, Jon Clark,
Ken Watts (alternate)
Our next Meeting will be June 11th, 2005 at the VFW in Edinburg. The Board will meet at 10AM and the Chapter at 11AM.
SFC, U.S. Army (Ret)
Washington, DC - May 26, by a vote of 425-1, the House passed H.R. 2528, the Fiscal Year 2006 quality of Life Appropriations Act. The bill provides an increase of $1.64 billion over FY05 funding levels for veterans healthcare.
Washington, D.C. – May 27. The Budget Resolution passed by both houses of Congress will result in staff reductions in every VA Medical Center at a most inauspicious time—as veterans return from the war in Iraq and as increasing numbers of veterans need care from the system, said Thomas H. Corey, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
Wednesday, May 25, 2005 - HICKAM AFB, Hawaii The remains of U.S. Air Force pilot 1st Lt. Lee A. Adams, missing in action from the Vietnam war, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors, the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command announced this week.
2 large beef filet mignon or NY sirloin Steak
2 boneless pork loin chops
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 pound smoked sausage, like kielbasa
1 quart vegetable oil for fondue pot
Dipping Sauces as follows:
BARBECUE SAUCE:
1/4 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons bourbon -- optional
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
HORSERADISH MUSTARD SAUCE:
1/2 cup spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE:
6 ounces bottled sweet-and-sour sauce
1 tablespoon light rum -- optional
Partially freeze beef, pork and chicken to make cutting easier. With a sharp knife, cut beef, pork and chicken into about 3/4" cubes; slice the smoked sausage in 1/4" slices. Wrap each group of meat separately in plastic wrap and keep chilled until ready to serve.
For each sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl; cover and keep chilled until ready to serve.
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil on top of the stove over medium heat until a bread cube dropped onto surface sizzles and browns; discard bread cube. DO NOT LET OIL SMOKE. Carefully transfer oil to the fondue pot. Place meats on a platter, separating by type. Place pot of hot oil onto its base; light and adjust sterno to keep oil hot but not boiling.
Guests spear cubes of meat, cook them in the hot oil. If wine is desired, try a Riesling from Shenandoah Vineyards Serve with tossed salad and warm baguettes.
Enjoy more of Shaboom’s recipes at
www.shaboomskitchen.com.
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VVA Chapter 936
594 Cave Spring Lane
Edinburg, VA 22824