Happy Veterans Day At Laffs Comedy Club

Now ladies and gentlemen of the TucsonCitizen.com this is funny stuff. This salute to veterans has been sitting here all day in a draft form. So,I will share some humanity with you… It is possible that the Marine Corps Birthday was a bit too spirited, therefore effecting the memory of Grampa! I just now realized that I did not post it,as I have had more phone calls today inbound and outbound, with cheers for Vets then ever in personal history. What a treat. What respect. Respect is good for the soul. Makes me feel energized and appreciated. I do hope one day we can celebrate the “Last Warrior.” Is it possible?

Join us tonight at Laffs for a show entitled “Comics for Courage” that benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. Show time 7pm. Suggested donation $12. You know what is funny? They don’t have any Marines on stage. They don’t know us huh? So my one liner;You know why there is no such thing as a former Marine?….. you can’t reverse a lobotomy!!

Veterans Support Clean Energy/National Security at Stake

— On Wed, 11/11/09, Beth Pramme wrote:

From: Beth Pramme
Subject: RELEASE: Veterans, National Security Leaders Stand Up For Clean Energy In New Repower America TV Ad
To: “Beth Pramme”
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 10:15 AM

For immediate release: November 11, 2009

Press inquiries:

Beth Pramme, 480-326-8876, Beth.Pramme@climateprotect.org

Alice McKeon, 202-567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Veterans, National Security Leaders Stand Up For Clean Energy In New Repower America TV Ad

Generals Brent Scowcroft and Wesley Clark join young veterans in call for bold action on clean energy and climate change to end America’s dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security

PHOENIX – As the nation prepares to celebrate Veterans Day and honor the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign today released a new television ad featuring veterans and national security leaders calling for bold action now on clean energy and climate change to strengthen America’s national security. The ad, called “Voices – Veterans,” will run on national cable starting on Veterans Day.

“Voices – Veterans” features young Iraq War veterans alongside respected military and national security leaders such as General Brent Scowcroft and General Wesley Clark making the urgent call for action now on clean energy and climate change so that we can end America’s dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security. General Scowcroft, U.S. National Security Advisor under Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush and a retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force, states in the ad that “climate change threatens our national security,” while Terron Sims, Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq says, “Stop sending our dollars overseas to be used against us.” General Wesley Clark, a 34-year U.S. Army veteran who served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, concludes the ad stating, “We need to repower and there is no better time to do it than right now.”

“By taking control of our energy future, we can prevent future conflict overseas and keep our men and women in uniform out of harm’s way,” said Repower Arizona Communications Director Beth Pramme. “Even top-ranking retired admirals and generals have said that a first priority for our leaders should be fully integrating climate change and energy security into national security. By repowering America with clean energy, we can stop sending our hard-earned money overseas for foreign oil, invest it here to get our economy moving again, and help solve the climate crisis.”

This new TV ad is a continuation of the groundbreaking multimedia campaign launched by Repower America last week to demonstrate broad national consensus – from veterans, faith leaders, the business community, conservationists and more – for bold action on clean energy and climate. The new Repower effort, supported by an integrated online, field and advertising campaign, centers around a virtual Repower Wall, where thousands of people have already uploaded messages of strong support for action to create clean energy jobs, safeguard America’s economic and national security future, and solve the climate crisis. The Repower Wall may be accessed at www.repoweramerica.org/wall.

Veterans from Arizona have already posted to the Repower Wall, including:

John Adams, Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General: “I think it’s important for us to move to a clean energy economy. So much of our energy now comes from hostile regimes who are essentially holding us hostage. We’ve got the resources here at home to provide our own energy. We’ve got the resources here at home to protect our environment and pass it on to our children. It’s important for our leaders and our people to come together now to really make a difference and convert to a clean energy economy.”

· Watch John’s full Repower Wall post:

http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/12141

John Young, Veteran: “Clean energy is a great first step to a brighter future.”

· Watch John’s full Repower Wall post:

http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/8938

Alan MacFarlane, Veteran: “The human race needs clean power to survive. If you don’t know it, know it now. If you don’t believe it, believe it before it becomes too late. ”

· Watch Alan’s full Repower Wall post:

http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/12381

John Chiazza, Veteran: “Veterans are looking for jobs, and these clean energy jobs are going to be ideal for them. These clean energy initiatives are going to bring jobs where we need them.”

· Watch John’s full Repower Wall post:

http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/13112

Already, more than 22,000 individuals have added their faces and voices to the Repower Wall, and more than 40 leading corporations and non-governmental organizations have contributed their logos to the effort – including companies like Nike, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Staples, eBay and Exelon, as well as organizations such as the United Steel Workers, National Farmers Union, Trout Unlimited, Republicans for Environmental Protection and the American Nurses Association.

According to the Center for American Progress, transitioning to a clean energy economy will create more than 29,000 jobs here in Arizona while revitalizing our economy, strengthening our national security and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.

Script: “Voices – Veterans” (TV-:30)

Ken Nagel, U.S. Navy Veteran: Why join the fight to repower America with clean energy?

General Brent Scowcroft: Because climate change threatens our national security.

Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman: It’s crucial that America become energy independent.

Jackie Rodgers, Jr., U.S. Navy Veteran: I saw first-hand how America’s dependence on foreign oil threatens our national security.

Terron Sims, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran: Stop sending our dollars overseas to be used against us.

Jonathan Powers, U.S. Army Veteran: America must reestablish itself as a country that leads by example.

General Wesley Clark: We need to repower and there is no better time to do it than right now.

About the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign:

The Alliance for Climate Protection launched the Repower America campaign to galvanize the American public around a bold new clean energy plan and a revitalized national energy infrastructure that will jumpstart our economy and create millions of jobs; help end our dependence on foreign oil; reward innovation and job creation, not polluters; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the threat of climate change. For more information, visit www.repoweramerica.org.

– 30 –

Beth Pramme
Communications Director
Repower Arizona
Beth.Pramme@climateprotect.org
(602) 252-2044 Office
(480) 326-8876 Cell
Facebook: Repower Arizona
Twitter: RepowerArizona
P Please consider the environment before printing this email

OBAMA LAUNCHES MAJOR EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 09, 2009

President Obama Launches Major Veterans Employment Initiative
Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch. The Initiative underscores to federal agencies the importance of recruiting and training veterans, aims to increase the employment of veterans within the Executive Branch, and helps recently hired veterans adjust to service in a civilian capacity.

“Honoring our sacred trust with America’s veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home so they never feel as if the American Dream they fought to defend is out of reach for them and their families,” said President Obama. “But this initiative is about more than repaying our debt for their courageous service and selfless sacrifice. It’s also about continuing to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication, and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants. And few embody those qualities like our nation’s veterans.”

The Executive Order creates an interagency Council on Veterans Employment that will advise the President and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the veterans’ employment initiative. The Council will be chaired by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director John Berry will serve as the Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the Council.

“Veterans have shown unmatched dedication to public service,” said Secretary Shinseki. “They offer leadership and technical skills that are in high demand, whether in the public or private workforce. Not only does this initiative present an opportunity for Veterans to serve their Nation once again, the Nation will benefit from the education and training Veterans received in the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to working with Secretary Solis and Director Berry to achieve the objectives of this initiative across the federal government.”

“Veterans are an important part of our nation’s past, present and future. They deserve our full support as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce,” said Secretary Solis, “In signing this Executive Order, President Obama underscores his Administration’s commitment to our military men and women, and keeps us squarely on the path to achieving the goal of good jobs for everyone.”

“President Obama strongly believes in honoring the service of our veterans and he sees this initiative as an opportunity to put some real muscle behind that promise,” said Director Berry. “The strong sense of patriotism and public service held by members of our armed forces doesn’t leave them when they exit from active duty. It benefits our government to seize this opportunity to utilize their skills and dedication to service. The Veterans Employment Initiative will help our federal agencies identify qualified veterans, clarify the hiring process for veterans seeking employment with the federal government, and help our veterans adjust to civilian life once they are hired.”

The Order also establishes a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies. These offices will be responsible for helping veterans identify employment opportunities within those federal agencies, providing feedback to veterans about their employment application status, and helping veterans recently employed by these agencies adjust to civilian life and a workplace culture often different than military service.

In addition, the Office of Personnel Management will issue a government-wide strategic plan that will focus on creating leadership commitment and an infrastructure in each agency to promote continued skills development and employment success for veterans. The strategic plan will also include marketing strategies aimed at agency hiring managers as well as veterans and transitioning service members.

“This Executive Order reflects the shared commitment across the Obama administration to hiring American veterans,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect the nation, which is why we have pledged to grow our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012.”

At the end of Fiscal Year 2008, there were approximately 480,000 veterans working within the federal government.

For more information, visit: www.fedshirevets.gov

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

234 years of Semper Fidelis;Always Faithful. Happy Birthday fellow Marines. The title cannot be inherited. Nor can it be purchased. You and no one alive can buy it for any price. It is impossible to rent and cannot be lent. You alone and our own have earned it with your sweat. blood and tears. You own it forever’ the title ‘United States Marine.”

Be safe Marines. Mike Brewer/ 7th Marines/ 1st Marine Air Wing.

Salpointe High School Honors Veterans

Salpointe Catholic High School
Home of the Lancers

Please join us for our annual Veteran’s Day Mass
in honor of all Veteran’s and those Salpointe alumni who died in active military service.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:15 a.m.
Salpointe Chapel (campus map)
1545 E Copper St
Tucson, AZ

Reception to follow in the Carmelite Conference Room.
Please share this invitation with family members and friends.

The Gregory W. Stewart – Vietnam 1968 Memorial Plaque
Remembering Salpointe’s Alumni Who Died In Active Military Service
Frederick X. Bir ’56 – California 1964
Joseph P. Moclair, Jr. ’60 – Connecticut 1963
James R. Cronin ’65 – Vietnam 1967
John J. Roberts ’65 – Vietnam 1967
John A. Delozier ’66 – Vietnam 1968
Timothy M. Harrington ’66 – Vietnam 1968
John E. Malone ’62 – Vietnam 1968
William J. Whitehead ’58 – Vietnam 1968
Paul Bourret ’63 – Spain 1970
William A. Pahissa ’65 – Vietnam 1970
Hugh J. Shevlin ’67 – Vietnam 1970
Michael J. Paulsen ’68 – Vietnam 1970
Timothy E. Sullivan ’68 – Vietnam 1970
James L. Feeney ’64 – Sea of Japan 1974
Peter M. Brady ’70 – North Carolina 1979
David A. Barba ’75 – Arizona 1981
Alfred M. Espinoza ’84 – Philippines 1988
John W. McClure ’70 – Texas 1995
Gilbert Munoz ’93 – North Carolina 2005
Rest In Peace, Lancers

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Nam Jam Reminder

The 22nd annual Nam Jam is tomorrow Saturday Nov.7th at Kennedy Park. Starts at 9am and runs until 7pm. The event is free. The parking is free. Beer sales start at noon. The participating Bands are: The Rowdies/ Angel Perez Band/ Blue Horse Blues/ Sarge Lintecum/ Dirtnap/ Bobby Soto &Los Recuerdos/ and Steel Ribbon closing out with their traditional Santana set. Steel Ribbon is lead by one of VVA’s first presidents and retired KOVA photographer Jim Randall.

Nam Jam has become a signature event for southern Arizona veterans and many of our guests who travel to just spend the day in fellowship with their comrades.

As one of the early organizers and a Past President of VVA I can testify to the importance of our coming together as a family of common experiences. My adult children and my wife will also acknowledge how meaningful it has been for them to congregate with other children and spouses of Vietnam Vets.

While it is rumored that Nam Jam may be seeing its days, I for one think it should continue in some form as there remains to be quiet healing that occurs in silent ways at this event.

The Vietnam War altered this nation with an indelible ink. Our generation of men and women warriors continue to bring insights to the new the soldier, sailor and Marine combatant.That link is too important to not keep alive. In fact it is a linkage that gives the young troops meaning, even when it is absent. We know that path.

I would like to see a segue of Nam Jam into Sand Jam. The OEF/OIF Vets can take this 22 year tradition of gathering in solidarity and call it their own, and us Grampas can help them pour the beer!

Nam Jam is a trademarked name. Meaning this is one of a kind in Tucson.

For two decades Nam Jam proceeds have helped the homeless, families, dependents, widows and orphans of Veterans. They have worked diligently to educate the public about the truth of Agent Orange,(which still has untold effects) and the status of POW/MIA’s, a problem that has yet to be abated.

So, what do the readers of Veteran Veritas think about launching SAND JAM to join forces with Iraq and Afghan Veterans to keep the event alive and well for the next generation of veterans? Please comment. Mike