Category Archives: Veterans Benefits

Merry Christmas From Marine Anthony Adams/ Veteran to Veteran

This man is my pal. He is a Purple Heart recipient, having served with the 2/4 Marines in Vietnam. We are both graduates of the Merritt Retreat Center Program For Combat Veterans

Vet to Vet
Veteran to Veteran
When a  Veteran leaves the ‘job’ and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.
1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man  speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.

Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the ‘job’ and merely being allowed to leave ‘active’ duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

NOW! Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you’re too busy to talk to them for a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.
—————————— ———————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it’s yours.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
—————————— ——————-
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that’s what the crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will stand by you no matter what the crowd does.
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.
———————————————————-
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences…
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of…
—————————————————
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you’ve had enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, ‘You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!’ Then carry you home safely and put you to bed…
——————————– ——————–
CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this.
—————————————————-
A veteran – whether active duty, retired, served one hitch, or  reserve- is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The Government of the  United States  of America ‘ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life’.
From one Veteran to another, it’s an honor to be in your company.
Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS.

This Just In: Senator Alan Simpson Rides Again With Unmatched Arrogance

Sent to me by one of our readers. Just had to post it as is. Too precious to add editorial comment…but…. I am sure the this will rile the tribal emotions of all the combat veterans out there who know that Alan Simpson left the Army after one year of service for some very mysterious reasons. This is the man who thought that Vietnam Veterans should not file for Agent Orange disabilities because, in his words, “I do not think the Vietnam Veteran has done enough for his country.”  The Scarlett letter just got changed to Orange. Sweet Jesus this man is deranged.
Truth to power originates with the author of the email.

The Flag does not fly because of the wind that blows it,
The Flag flies because each soldiers last breath blows by it!


From: jriley@charter.net
Sent: 12/22/2010 2:39:27 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time
Subj: [Fwd: Comment from a “greedy” Montana senior (YOu may want to widen your screen)]


Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:58:32 -0500

Uh … something tells me this guy might be a bit pissed.

Senator Alan Simpson Calls Seniors ‘Greediest Generation’

Therefore this, from a man in Montana ….who – like the rest of us –
has just about had enough

Hey Alan,

Let’s get a few things straight…

1.      As a career politician, you have been on the public dole for
FIFTY YEARS…

2.      I have been paying Social Security taxes for 48 YEARS (since I
was 15 years old. I am now 63)

3.      My Social Security payments, and those of millions of other
Americans, were safely tucked away in an interest bearing account for
decades until you political pukes decided to raid the account and give
OUR money to a bunch of zero ambition losers in return for votes, thus
bankrupting the system and turning Social Security into a Ponzi scheme
that would have made Bernie Madoff proud…

4.      Recently, just like Lucy & Charlie Brown, you and your ilk
pulled the proverbial football away from millions of American seniors
nearing retirement and moved the goalposts for full retirement from age
65 to age 67. NOW, you and your shill commission is proposing to move
the goalposts YET AGAIN…

5.      I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying into
Medicare from Day One, and now you morons propose to change the rules of
the game. Why? Because you idiots mismanaged other parts of the economy
to such an extent that you need to steal money from Medicare to pay the
bills…

6.      I, and millions of other Americans, have been paying income
taxes our entire lives, and now you propose to increase our taxes yet
again. Why? Because you incompetent bastards spent our money so
profligately that you just kept on spendingeven after you ran out of
money. Now, you come to the American taxpayers and say you need more to
pay of YOUR debt…

To add insult to injury, you label us “greedy” for calling “bullshit” on
your incompetence. Well, Captain Bullshit, I have a few questions for
YOU…

1.      How much money have you earned from the American taxpayers
during your pathetic 50-year political career?

2.      At what age did you retire from your pathetic political career,
and how much are you receiving in annual retirement benefits from the
American taxpayers?

3.      How much do you pay for YOUR government provided health
insurance?

4.      What cuts in YOUR retirement and healthcare benefits are you
proposing in your disgusting deficit reduction proposal, or, as usual,
have you exempted yourself and your political cronies?

It is you, Captain Bullshit, and your political co-conspirators who are
“greedy”. It is you and they who have bankrupted America and stolen the
American dream from millions of loyal, patriotic taxpayers. And for
what? Votes. That’s right, sir. You and yours have
bankrupted America for the sole purpose of advancing your pathetic
political careers. You know it, we know it, and you know that we know
it.

And you can take that to the bank, you miserable son of a bitch.

Gulf War Illness Gets Its Due With VA Research

Approximately 697.000 men and women served in various operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm between August 1990  and June 1991. While the war was short lived, the chronic medical symptoms are not.

A Gulf War Illness Task Force, wisely formed so as to prevent litigation, has discovered that nearly a quarter of these veterans of war have reported chronic fatigue, weakness, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive dysfunction, sleep interruptions, persistent headaches, skin disorders, lung problems and chronic mood disorders. This cluster of symptoms are now known as “Gulf War Veteran’ Illness”  The task force states that there research with these veterans will continue for the next three to five years.

A preliminary finding is that the reported illnesses are not the result of  mental health issues, but the by product of exposure to environmental toxins.

Publicly, no one mentions depleted uranium exposure, yet we know that it is included in the research. We also know that a team of soldiers who returned to Kuwait to clean up the Bradley tanks from DU, all became gravely ill.

To some this an Agent Orange Deja Vu. But again, we must give some credit to the new regime at the VA, they are not trying to hide, as they did with Agent Orange.

The VA has approved $2.8 million for research into treatments for these illnesses.

Continue to hold these soldiers in your prayers. With wars going on in 6 countries, with our troops, these Desert Storm warriors are kind of forgotten.

New Rule Will Help Veterans Exposed To Agent Orange

Many heartfelt thanks go to General Shinseki, the current head of the Veterans Administration for his efforts to once and for all address the languishing needs of Vietnam era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange some 40 years ago.

Veterans exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other support areas will now have fewer obstacles to quality health care and their entitled disability compensation.  It’s about time.  The new rule has amended and expanded the list of health problems the VA will presume to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures. Two new maladies have been added and one new category.

For Vietnam Veterans, the VA is adding Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart disease and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, such as hairy cell leukemia.

Thousands of Vietnam Veterans have died of these illnesses in the past three decades.  See the movie, “Unnatural Causes,” with the late John Ritter for a moving narrative of the real saga of Agent Orange and the governments efforts to deny its existence. This film was made in 1986. A real sleeper.

Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who exhibit a “presumed,” illness don’t have to provide evidence of the service connected medical issues. Any veteran who served in Vietnam from January 9,1962 to May 7, 1975, are now presumed to have been exposed to herbicides.

Thanks to the Vietnam Veterans of America in their relentless diligence and battery of tenacious attorney’s, justice is having its day. One of the most beneficial aspects of these decade long efforts is the now fair treatment of Gulf War Syndrome.

The pity is that so many World War ll veterans were not granted the fund of knowledge to deal with asbestos on Navy ships or the health problems for those that attended ABC School; Atomic Biological and Chemical Warfare School. I know one veteran who has been suffering since 1962 from chemical exposure aboard ship in that year.

It was only in September of 2008, that widows of veterans who died of Lou Geherigs Disease; ALS, were granted survivor benefits.  Yet, in a positive light, we may be the only nation on earth that does so.

For information on how to file a claim, go to “www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/AO/claimherbicide.htm”

God speed for these families and deep consolation to the families who preceded us.

Veteran Veritas on combat veteran retreat to assist recently returning war vets

Veteran Veritas Blog will be on “Special Ops” for the next 11 days.  I and a unique collection of combat veterans will be gathering at the Merritt Retreat Center in  Payson, Arizona to brain storm some approaches for addressing the increasing ranks of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who are struggling with transition issues.

Attending will be former Army, Marine and Air Force officers, and a handful of us NCO’s. All with former combat duty.

The Merritt Center program for returning veterans is one of the most unique in the nation..and it is free! See, MerrittCenter.org

This Camp David style round-table is open to any and all suggestions about reducing the suicide rate and easing the way back into polite society after 3-5 deployments in a combat theater.  Our nation has not seen such an intense level of service to country in 60 years.

Leave your comments and suggestions here or at the Merritt Center website. No one is paid at the Merritt Center. It exists solely on philanthropy.  If you see it in your heart to donate to this one-of-a-kind program, call Betty Merritt for an overview of the Veterans Program.  1-800-414-9880 or 928-474-4268.

This would be called supporting the troops as “only the dead know the end of war.”  –Plato

Veterans In Office

Veterans in Office Update 03: At the start of the 111th Congress of 2009-2010, only 25% of U.S.

senators and 21.6% of U.S. representatives had served at least some period in military uniform (active duty, Guard,

or Reserve). That percentage has been declining steadily since it peaked at 74% for the House (1969-70) and 78%

for the Senate (1977-78). The decline will continue when the newly minted 112th Congress takes office next year.

In the new Senate, there will be 25 vets, including four military retirees – the same figures as the 111th Congress.

Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL), Scott Brown (R-MA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are currently serving National Guard

or Reserve members. In the House, a whopping 98 seats turned over. Among incoming freshmen, 22 are veterans,

including four military retirees. Rep Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Reps-elect Tim Griffin (R-AR), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL),

Steven Palazzo (R-MS), and Joe Heck (R-NV) are currently serving in the National Guard or Reserve. The new House

will have a total of 87 veterans (20% of voting members), including 10 military retirees — down from 94 vets at the

start of the 111th Congress. [Source: MOAA Leg Up 24 Nov 2010 ++]

VA Handbook Update 01: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is piloting new, personalized

Veterans Health Benefits Handbooks.  The handbooks are tailored to provide enrolled Veterans with the most

relevant health benefits information based on their own specific eligibility.  In essence, each handbook will be

written for the individual Veteran. “These handbooks will give Veterans everything they need to know and leave out

everything that doesn’t apply to them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Our Veterans will now

have a comprehensive, easy to understand roadmap to the medical benefits they earned with their service.” In

addition to highlighting each Veteran’s specific health benefits, the handbook also provides contact information for

the Veteran’s preferred local facility, ways to schedule personal appointments, guidelines for communicating

treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran’s responsibilities, such as copayments when applicable.

“Enhancing access isn’t just about expanding the kinds of services VA provides. It also includes making sure we do

everything we can to ensure Veterans have a clear understanding of the benefits available to them so they can make

full use of the services they have earned,” Shinseki said. The new handbooks will initially be available only to

certain Veterans in Cleveland and Washington, D.C., areas.  Following the pilot phase, full implementation is

scheduled to begin in the fall of 2011 for across the county. For additional information, go to

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility or call VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). [Source: VA News Release 18 Nov 2010

++]

God Bless
Jose M. Garcia PNC
National Deputy Service Officer
Catholic War Veterans,USA
josegarcia4@sbcglobal.net
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot.
In God We Trust

Prayer Request

Hi there,   Help!

We are asking everyone to say a prayer for “Darkhorse” 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan & they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE the message spread if more could pass it on.

Semper Fi, God Bless America and

God Bless the United States Marine Corps…

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever

Claire Fitzgerald, Chaplain

Marine Corp

GB&KY
Lawrence (Larry) M. Wojtowicz
www.growarizona.com/juniper

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War. By Karl Marlantes. Published by Atlantic Monthly Press

When my Gunnery Sgt. pal Ron suggested, or should I say commanded me, in “WTF” language, to get my namby pamby fanny to the local library and check out a copy of Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War, like the good jar head that I am I followed orders and reserved a copy that afternoon. Three days later I borrowed a CD player from my daughter having never owned one. I still read books. The next day I dove headlong into my first ever audio book.

For the next two weeks I was transported to Vietnam on a daily basis–firefights, ambushes, night patrols, listening posts, c-rations, permanently wet socks, 70lb of gear, boots that sort of fit, an M-16, bandoleers and a bad attitude, for 562 pages of the most riveting narrative of war I have ever encountered.

Very little was changed from an actual month in combat for a Marine Company, save the real names of the Units and the exact locations. No matter, so few of us can remember much of what we did anyhow, at least not until Matterhorn and Karl Marlantes delivered us there with sights, sounds, smells, dark humor and language, only known to a grunt, that is as real as this mornings breakfast.

There is no grunt alive who has experienced enemy mortars and AK-47 bullets breezing by that cannot testify to the exhilarating detail of this novel.

The recipient of the Navy Cross, Bronze Star, two Navy Commendation Medals for valor, two Purple Hearts and ten air medals, tells reviewers that it took him 30 years and an original manuscript of 1600 pages to complete the work that no publisher would touch for its length.  While Marlantes writes like the late Norman Mailer, no reader will sit for that long with one book, not even War and Peace.  One may say that it took many of us 30 years to be able to read a novel like this of any length. Particularly one that is so close to home.

Author Marlantes  leads us into the jungles of Vietnam in 1969, by way of his fictionalized Lt. Waino Mellas. The Marine Company’s mission is to secure the hilltop Matterhorn. Through incessant monsoons, mud that does not move, tigers, leeches and monkeys the Marines discover themselves to be completely surrounded and out-manned by a fully equipped and backed, ready to rock and roll, North Vietnamese Regiment. The whole scene is very reminiscent of the well known area known as the Rockpile, south of the DMZ and near the Laotian border. I was about 20 miles south of this battle torn area with our very own NVA Regiment to play with.

The battle for Matterhorn that ensues is the gruesome plot of the novel. This assuredly autobiographical portrayal, by way of fiction, is as close to the real Nam as one can be.

The pure mettle of a couple of platoons of Marines who led an assault against fortified bunkers packed with an extraordinarily well trained and armed enemy affords some of the most spellbinding narrative of any war novel to date. The narrator so aptly captures the horror, agony and casualties that follow,with an omniscient point of view-internal dialogue and all, that I can still call these men by name  as if they were here.  In fact in recent phone conversations with Gunny Ron we have referred to the characters in Matterhorn as if they were fellow Marines.  I say, like the motto of Vassar girls, “it all relates.”

The Navy Cross citation for Marlantes reads:

“His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in a decisive rout with minimal casualties. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Marlantes upheld the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Karl, it was worth waiting 41 years to grasp what we really did on a daily basis. I am ready to hear it now. I hope my family and friends are too.

Merry Christmas Sir!  Today is the anniversary of Operation Meade River in Quang Nam Province.  I lost my memory there. You sir, gave it back.

Reader, be sure to get the audio version along with a copy of the book that includes a 31 page glossary of saucy language, military terms and Vietnamese slang.

Don't Ask Don't Tell Timeline/ Compliments of Iraq Veterans of America

Home
    About IAVA

    “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy

    Recently, a lot has been happening in Washington around the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy. Check out our interactive timeline to get the history and the latest, including what’s been said by key politicians and military leaders.

    President Truman issues Executive Order 9981, establishing “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed Forces without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.”

    A Navy study, commonly referred to as the Crittenden Report, finds that “homosexual service members [do] not pose a greater security risk than heterosexual personnel.” Click here to read the whole report.

    The Pentagon issues DOD Directive 1332.14 outlining its policy on homosexuals in the military, stating that, “homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” At this time, questions about sexual orientation were standard on military recruitment forms, and any acknowledgement of homosexuality was grounds for automatic rejection.

    Supreme Court rules in Bowers v. Hardwick that there is no fundamental right to engage in consensual homosexual sodomy. This ruling has been used to uphold the military’s constitutional right to discharge a servicemember for homosexual behavior.

    The Defense Personnel Security Research and Education Center (PERSEREC) issued two reports examining whether homosexual servicemembers posed security risks or were unsuitable for service. The reports “found no data to support the ban on gays in the military.”

    Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War Two is published, fueling the debate surrounding a change in policy regarding homosexuals serving in the military.

    Presidential candidate Bill Clinton promises to “lift the ban” on homosexuals serving in the military, if elected.

    Petty Officer Allen R. Schindler is brutally murdered in Japan by shipmates in an anti-gay hate crime and ignites conversation regarding the military’s policy on homosexuals in the military.

    Senate begins debate of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, marking the first attempt to address the issue of homosexuals in the military during the Clinton Administration.

    The Senate and House Armed Services Committees hold extensive hearings on the military’s homosexual policy.

    Secretary of Defense Les Aspin says that “As a general rule, the department has long held that homosexuality is incompatible with military service. Nevertheless, the department also recognizes that homosexuals have served with distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States.” Aspin states, “[The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy] represents a real step forward while protecting a strong, ready-to-fight military force. And as [President Clinton] put it, the policy, quote, “provides a sensible balance between the rights of the individual and the needs of our military.”

    ADM. Frank Kelso (Chief, Naval Operations, US Navy) and GEN. Gordon Sullivan (Chief of Staff, US Army) believe homosexuality breaks down unit cohesion and trust. Senator Nunn concurs that the ban on gays should not be removed.

    Congressional consensus begins to emerge over a new approach described by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Under this proposed policy, DOD would not ask individuals looking to enlist in the military questions about sexual orientation and servicemembers would be required to keep their sexual orientation to themselves, at the risk of discharge or denial of enlistment.

    President Clinton announces the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and issues DOD Directive 1304.26, which outlines new enlistment standards.

    President Clinton signs the 1994 National Defense Authorization Act into law, which includes the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

    Defense Secretary Les Aspin releases official DOD regulations to implement the new law.

    The Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in Andrew Holmes v. California Army National Guard.

    PFC Barry Winchell is brutally murdered by SPC Justin Fisher after an argument breaks out about Winchell’s romantic involvement with a transsexual.

    As a result of the murder, in December 1999, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen expands the description of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Harass.”

    The DOD Inspector General releases its survey findings on “Military Environment with Respect to the Homosexual Conduct Policy.” The survey revealed that 80 percent of respondents had heard offensive anti-gay speech in the last year, and 37 percent reported witnessing negative behavior towards suspected homosexual servicemembers.

    Retired Rear Admiral John Hutson and former Judge Advocate General of the Navy publishes an article in the National Law Journal calling for an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He was one the of the first prominent military officers to unambiguously call for a repeal of DADT.

    Three retired flag officers come out in a New York Times article, representing the highest-ranking officers at that time to reveal their homosexuality. Listen to their NPR radio interview here.

    The Government Accountability Office releases its report on the financial costs and loss of critical skills as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Among the key findings, during fiscal year 1994 through fiscal year 2003, the military services separated approximately 9,500 servicemembers for homosexual conduct at a cost of $95 million to replace them.

    Supreme Court rules in Rumsfeld v. Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights, Inc. that under the Solomon Amendment, the federal government could constitutionally withhold funding from universities that refuse military recruiters access to school resources.

    Some schools were denying military recruiters access to their campuses based on the school’s opposition to military policy on gay and lesbian servicemembers.

    Retired Army General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili reverses his position and calls for repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a New York Times Op-Ed.

    Disabled Iraq veteran Eric Alva and Rep. Marty Meehan call for an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    Congressman Marty Meehan targets repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and reintroduces the Military Readiness Act.

    General Peter Pace, then-Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, expressing his personal views, calls homosexuality immoral.

    In response to calls for repeal, President George W. Bush states, “I do believe the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy is good policy.”

    Twenty-eight retired U.S. generals and admirals release a statement urging Congress to repeal the current ban on openly gay troops.

    Senator Obama releases an open letter stating his support for equality for all Americans, and repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    In response to a question from Fareed Zarkaria about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Powell states:

    “We definitely should reevaluate it.  It’s been fifteen years since we put in “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which was a policy that became a law.  I didn’t want it to become a law, but it became a law.  Congress felt that strongly about it.  But it’s been fifteen years and attitudes have changed.  And so I think it is time for the Congress, since it is their law, to have a full review of it and I am quite sure that is what President-Elect Obama will want to do.”

    White House Press Secretary Gibbs states that President Obama will repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but acquiesces that there are more important issues to address first, including the economy.

    The Flag & General Officers for the Military sent an open letter expressing support for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to President Barack H. Obama and Members of Congress. The letter was accompanied by the signatures of 1,050 flag and general officers from all branches of the service.

    Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) reintroduces the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    In response to a question asking if he would support repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Powell states, “If Congress decided to get rid of the policy and if the military leaders of the armed forces are a part of that, of course I would.  And if the President decided to do it, I would support the President.”

    Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) withdraws amendment preventing military from using money to enforce “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” from the Defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010. The amendment would have prohibited any funds in the appropriations bill from being used to investigate or discharge servicemembers because of the sexual orientation.  The amendment was withdrawn due to pressure from other Members of Congress and the White House.

    While some members of Congress move to support repeal of DADT, others such as Senator Lindsey Graham, a prosecutor in the Air Force Reserve, (R-SC) support the policy.  Sen. Graham stated: “’Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ is a policy I think has served the country well.  Why should we change it? I’m not going to be persuaded to change military policy by a bunch of political activists. If the military leadership tells me that ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ needs to be changed, I’ll certainly be open-minded to that.”

    Air Force Colonel Om Prakash criticizes “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in a published article that would go on to win the Secretary of Defense National Security Essay competition for 2009. He argues that it is unsound for many reasons, including the complete lack of scientific basis for the proposition that unit cohesion is compromised by the presence of openly gay personnel.

    During a speech, President Obama reiterates that he will end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but provides no timeline for its repeal.

    During a CNN interview, Rep. Joe Sestak—a retired Vice Admiral—stated, “We should have done away with [“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”] years ago.

    Rep. Joe Sestak has collected more than one thousand signatures on his petition calling for an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    In response to President Obama’s promise to allow gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Jr. (R-CA), a U.S. Marine Corp veteran who served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, stated: “For one, it would directly impact readiness and operability, a concern that is shared by more than 1,000 retired officers.”

    Rep. Hunter also believes changing current policy would be disruptive, according to his spokesman Joe Kasper.

    In his State of the Union Address, President Obama states, “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.  It’s the right thing to do.”

    Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Secretary Gates said:

    “I fully support the President’s decision. The question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this change, but how we best prepare for it. We received our orders from the Commander in Chief and we are moving out accordingly. However, we can also take this process only so far, as the ultimate decision rests with you, the Congress.”

    “I am mindful of the fact, as are you, that unlike the last time this issue was considered by the Congress more than 15 years ago, our military is engaged in two wars that have put troops and their families under considerable stress and strain. I am mindful as well that attitudes towards homosexuality may have changed considerably, both in society generally and in the military, over the intervening years.”

    Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Admiral Mullen said:

    “The Chiefs and I are in complete support of the approach that Secretary Gates has outlined. We believe that any implementation plan for a policy permitting gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces must be carefully derived, sufficiently thorough, and thoughtfully executed. Over these last 2 months, we have reviewed the fundamental premises behind ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ as well as its application in practice over the last 16 years. We understand perfectly the President’s desire to see the law repealed and we owe him our best military advice about the impact of such a repeal and the manner in which we would implement a change in policy.”

    “Mr. Chairman, speaking for myself and myself only, it is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do. No matter how I look at this issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me personally, it comes down to integrity, theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.

    I also believe that the great young men and women of our military can and would accommodate such a change. I never underestimate their ability to adapt.”

    At the same Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Vietnam veteran Senator John McCain said:

    “Our men and women in uniform are fighting two wars, guarding the front lines against a global terrorist enemy, serving and sacrificing on battlefields far from home, and working to rebuild and re- form the force after more than 8 years of conflict. At this moment of immense hardship for our armed services, we should not be seeking to overturn the ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ policy.”

    ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ has been an imperfect but effective policy, and at this moment, when we’re asking more of our military than at any time in recent memory, we should not repeal this law.”

    In response to Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen’s testimony, Vietnam veteran Senator Jim Webb emphasizes that although the final decision may rest with Congress, it is critical to receive input from servicemembers in operating units:

    “I think that when you say that this is something that will ultimately be decided by the Congress, I’d also like to emphasize my own agreement with what you have been saying about how important it is to hear from people who are serving, because whether the ultimate decision might be here with the Congress, that decision can’t be made in a proper way without a full and open input from all of those who are serving, not just combatant commanders—family members, people who are in the operating units.”

    “The way that I am hearing this, which I would agree with, is that we have a duty here in a very proper way to understand the impact of this on operating units, to raise the level of understanding of the complexity of this issue among the American people and up here, as well as attempting to deal fairly with this issue. So again, I salute you both for a very responsible and careful approach to how we examine this.”

    Secretary Gates sends a memo ordering a Comprehensive Review for the Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, a result of the President’s State of the Union.  He starts a working group to conduct the review and “examine the issues associated with repeal of the law should it occur and will include an implementation plan that addresses the impacts, if any, on the Department.” The report is due: December 1, 2010

    Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) introduces legislation that will repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    Senator Lieberman:

    “The bottom line is that we have a volunteer military.  If Americans want to serve, they ought to have the right to be considered for that service regardless of characteristics such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.  Repealing the current policy will allow more patriotic Americans to defend our national security and live up to our nation’s founding values of freedom and opportunity.”

    Senator John McCain states his opposition to repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” at a Senate Armed Services Committee.

    Senator McCain:

    “Mr. Chairman, as I have stated before, I am proud of and thankful for every American who chooses to put on the uniform of our nation and serve their country, particularly in this time of war.  The ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy is not perfect, but it reflects a compromise achieved with great difficulty that has effectively supported military readiness.  However imperfect, the policy has allowed many gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country.   I honor their service, I honor their sacrifices, and I honor them.  We should not change the current policy until we are confident – from a military stand point, with the informed advice of the Service Chiefs – that such a change is consistent with military effectiveness.”

    Defense Secretary Gates announces new rules mandating that only flag officers may initiate discharge proceedings under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and requiring more stringent evidence be used during the discharge proceedings.

    In a letter solicited by Senator McCain, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines urged Congress to delay voting on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” until after December 1, 2010–by which time the Pentagon will have completed their report. Gen. George Casey, Jr., the Army Chief of Staff, stated in his letter, “repealing the law before the completion of the review will be seen by the men and women of the Army as a reversal of our commitment to hear their views before moving forward.”

    Congressman Patrick Murphy—the first Iraq War veteran to serve in Congress—introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 that would repeal the relevant sections of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law sixty days after a study by the U.S. Department of Defense is completed and the U.S. Defense Secretary, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the U.S. President certify that repeal would not harm military effectiveness.

    Murphy said, “Patriotic Americans willing to take a bullet for their country should never be forced to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love.”

    The House of Representatives passed the amendment by a 234-194 vote.

    Secretary Gates tells all troops that any potential repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will not take place until a high-level review is complete and the President and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff all certify that the department is ready to make the change without hurting unit cohesion, military readiness, military effectiveness, and recruiting and retention.

    Rep. Duncan Hunter—a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—believes “the debate on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is just another distraction from [real military threats] and other priorities.

    The Pentagon sends out a confidential survey to 400,000 active-duty and reserve servicemembers to determine their views on the impact of repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

    US District Judge Virginia Phillips rules that the prohibition on gay servicemembers serving openly is unconstitutional because it violates the First and Fifth Amendment rights of gays and lesbians. Judge Phillips states that the policy has a “direct and deleterious effect” on the armed services and hurts recruitment during wartime due to the discharge of servicemembers with critical skills and training.

    The injunction issued by Judge Phillips ends the military’s ban on openly gay troops serving in the military that has existed for 17 years.

    The Pentagon informs military recruiters that they must abide by Judge Phillips’ court ruling, which overturned the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and accept gay applicants; however, recruiters must inform potential recruits that the policy could be reinstated at any moment.

    The Obama administration files a request with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals to stay Judge Phillips’ lower court injunction banning enforcement of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The administration believes that the policy should be repealed through Congress.

    The appeals court temporarily blocks Judge Phillips’ ruling in the appeal of Log Cabin Republicans v. United States, 10-56634, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

    The appeals court indefinitely extends the stay on Judge Phillips’ ruling and orders the administration to continue to enforce “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” until the appeal is heard.

    “We believe that prudence mandates restraint until the final judgment is entered,” says the court.

    The court also mentions four other federal appeals court cases that cast doubt on whether Phillips exceeded her authority and ignored existing legal precedents when she concluded gays could not serve in the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” without having their First Amendment rights breached.

    Judge William Fletcher dissents, wishing to hear arguments before issuing a stay.

    At a Pentagon news conference, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, release the recommendations of the working group tasked with reviewing issues related to the possible repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy. Secretary Gates recommends, on the basis of the working group report, that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy be repealed.

    The survey conducted by the working group reveals that more than two-thirds of the military does not object to gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. However, data does indicate that servicemembers with combat arms specialties expressed a higher level of discomfort and resistance to changing the current policy.

    Senate Armed Services Committee holds hearings on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” with Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, the co-chairs of the DOD working group and the service chiefs on the working group report and DADT repeal.


    Did you serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom? Become an IAVA Member Veteran today, and join the conversation about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other issues impacting our community. Membership is completely free, and you’ll get:

    • information on local IAVA events in your community
    • a chance to connect with fellow OIF/OEF veterans
    • access to Community of Veterans, our vets-only online social network
    • access to The Rucksack for exclusive tickets, free giveaways and more

    Join the IAVA

    Join our growing movement. Sign up for your free membership today.

    Success Stories

    IAVA has helped thousands of veterans. Here are some of their stories:

    Team IAVA at Pat’s Run 2010

    On April 17th, hundreds of IAVA Member Veterans in 14 cities nationwide and…


    IAVA Helps Spearhead Critical Legislation for Women Warriors, Veteran Caregivers

    On May 5th, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health…


    Second Annual Heroes Celebration

    On April 29th, Cameron Diaz, Norman Lear, Ron Meyer and Nick Styne hosted…

      Letter Of Appreciation From President of Korea to Korean War Veterans

      For U.S.  VETERANS ONLY “http://mpva.sendmall.co.kr/apply/Application%20form.doc”

      The above URL address is the place to request a letter of appreciation for yourself or any family member who served in the Korean War. It is a very respectful gesture and offer from the President of Korea to our Korean War Veterans.

      A small footnote to history; on the memorial wall in one of the hallways at the VA in Tucson, there is a newspaper article about a young 19 year old soldier who could not get health care at the local VA, because  the conflict in Korea was not a declared war! Hard to imagine is it not?  But then us Vietnam Veterans were not allowed to join particular VFW’s either, as we were not veterans of a Foreign (Declared) War.  How far we have come.

      .
      Application Form for an Appreciation Letter
      From the Republic of Korea President to Korean War Veterans
      Section I – Veteran’s Personal Information
      Last Name First Name Middle Name
      — :——– —- – 6encler- -B-Male- -e-Female —— — -,- D-ate of Birth– —–.– ..-~
      (mmiddlyyyy)
      Street City State
      Address • ___ 0. ____ .”.
      Zip Code(9 digits) Country Email Address –_.”–
      Phone Number Home: Cellular: (include area code)
      Section II – Veteran’s Korean War Service Information
      Military Service Number Branch of Service
      Period of Service in the Korean Waremmlyyyy ) from through
      r– Member of the US Korean – War Veterans _””‘Yes -0 No – –
      Association
      Section III -Veteran’s Certification
      I verify that I am a Korean War Veteran. (It is not necessary to belong to a Korean War Veterans
      Association to receive the President’s Letter. A family member can sign for an incapacitated Veteran).
      I authorize the Government of Korea and! or US Korean War Veterans Association to use this
      information to provide me with the Letter of Appreciation from the President of the Republic of
      Korea. The information will not be used for any other purpose.
      ” Veteran’s (or family member) signature & date
      Name Signature Date
      ~