A   J  O  U  R  N  A  L   O  F   A  M  E  R  I  C  A  N   S  E  R  V  I  C  E

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation"..............George Washington

Published Editions Daily - Edited Copy - Mar. 1-31, 2010. A Valued Resource. Since 2000 @ www.veteranshour.com / www.armedforcespress.com
Protected Copy © All Rights Reserved. USA, San Antonio, TX. Wash. DC. Freeport, FL. Rome, NY. West Roxbury, MA. Phoenix, AZ. & The Nation........
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

T H I S  W E E K  I N  N E W S  A N D  P H O T O S

P E N T A G O N  N E W S  A N D  S E R V I C E  B R I E F S

In many ways, the basic nature of man and the iron realities of nations have not changed. What has changed, in my view, is that the international environment today is more complex, and more dangerous, than it has been in many decades.

............ Speech Excerpt of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at Brookings Institution, May 2008

About 250 veterans gather at the World War II Memorial, March 11, 2010, as producers Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks honor them in connection with the premiere of “The Pacific,” a miniseries that documents the lives of three Marines as they fight their way through the Pacific theater. U.S. Army photo by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown. Click for Story

Producers Stephen Spielberg, left, and Tom Hanks, center, honor about 250 veterans in advance of their new HBO series, "The Pacific." at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 11, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division provides security at a construction building in Ebnkathwer, Iraq, on Mar. 3, 2010. The mission was part of a pre-election battlefield circulation to give a survey on how the sector is functioning prior to the elections. DoD photo by Spc. Advin Illa-Medina, U.S. Army. (Released)

U.S. Army soldiers of 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division walk through a market in Ebnkathwer, Iraq, on Mar. 3, 2010. The mission was part of a pre-election battlefield circulation to give a survey on how the sector is functioning prior to the elections. DoD photo by Spc. Advin Illa-Medina, U.S. Army. (Released)

A student assigned to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation moves to secure a target during a field training exercise with students from the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., March 4, 2010. The mission is to provide partner nation security forces with the highest level of riverine and littoral craft operations and maintenance technical training. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tim Miller.

During training exercises, the students with the Basic Scout Swimmers Course are required to swim from up to 500 meters out at sea, then dig and blend into the sand in order to not be seen by enemies. By - Cpl. R. Logan Kyle 3/9/2010 2:17:00 PM.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

U.S. Marines launch combat rubber raiding craft from the stern gate of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex during a training mission, March 3, 2010. The Marines are assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Oscar Sosa.

PORT KELANG, Malaysia (March 9, 2010) Cmdr. Kieran Twomey, the air officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), observers as Bonhomme Richard moors in Port Kelang, Malaysia during a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Antonio D. Ramos/Released)

• Around The Services Archived Gallery - Access Photos

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A R O U N D  T H E  G L O B E

U.S. ARMED FORCES - RELEASED NEWS & PHOTOS

U.S. Navy Capt. Rudy Lupton greets Jeon Ye Som, daughter of a Republic of Korea naval officer, after she presented him with a lei of flowers in Busan, Republic of Korea, March 5, 2010. The Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet staff arrived in Busan for Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle. Lupton is the commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cynthia Griggs.

SUEZ CANAL (Feb. 26, 2010) The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) is followed by amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LPD 48) as they cruise out of the final stretch of the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. Ashland, Nassau, and Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) are on deployment as part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security and theater security cooperation operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith/Released)

• Around The Globe Archived Gallery - Access Photos

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section - A - Page 1. News                     "T H E  V E T E R A N S  H O U R"                   Mar. 1-31, 2010 Edition
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

         A Special Feature from ArmedForcesPress.Com - "Americas Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VA secretary seeks improved Agent Orange claims process

3/9/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans Affairs officials announced March 9 an aggressive new initiative to solicit private-sector input on a proposed fast-track Veterans' claims process for service-connected presumptive illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

"This will be a new way of doing business and a major step forward in how we process the presumptive claims we expect to receive over the next two years," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "With the latest, fastest and most reliable technology, VA hopes to migrate the manual processing of these claims to an automated process that meets the needs of today's veterans in a more timely manner."

Over the next two years, about 200,000 veterans are expected to file disability compensation claims under an historic expansion of three new presumptive illnesses announced last year by Secretary Shinseki. They affect veterans who have Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease or B-cell leukemias.

In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have one of the illnesses covered by the "presumption of service connection" don't have to prove an association between their medical problems and military service. This "presumption" makes it easier for Vietnam veterans to access disability compensation benefits. Vietnam veterans are encouraged to submit their claims as soon as possible to begin the important process of compensation.

Along with the publication of proposed regulations for the three new presumptives this spring, VA officials intend to publish a formal request in Federal Business Opportunities for private-sector corporations to propose automated solutions for the parts of the claims process that take the longest amount of time. They believe these can be collected in a more streamlined and accurate way.

Development involves determining what additional information is needed to adjudicate the claim, such as military and private medical records and the scheduling of medical examinations.

With this new approach, VA officials expect to shorten the time it takes to gather evidence, which now takes on average more than 90 days. Once the claim is fully developed and all pertinent information is gathered, they will be able to more quickly decide the claim and process the award, if granted.

The contract is expected to be awarded in April with proposed solutions offered to VA officials within 90 days. Implementation of the solution is expected within 150 days.

"Veterans whose health was harmed during their military service are entitled to the best this nation has to offer," Secretary Shinseki said. "We are undertaking an unprecedented modernization of our claims process to ensure timely and accurate delivery of that commitment."

Last year, VA officials received more than one million claims for disability compensation and pension. They provide compensation and pension benefits to more than 3.8 million veterans and beneficiaries. Presently, the basic monthly rate of compensation ranges from $123 to $2,673 to veterans without any dependents.

Disability compensation is a non-taxable, monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled as a result of an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.

For more information about disability compensation, go to www.va.gov.  Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services and programs for Veterans exposed are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEKONDI-TAKORADI, Ghana (March 11, 2010) Operations Specialist 3rd Class Amanda Britten, from State College, Pa., Lt. Megan Brelsford, from Albany, N.Y., and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Erly Heras, from San Diego, talk to children at St. Theresa's Early Childhood Development Centre during a lunch break. Sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) are conducting a three-day community service project at the school. Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment in West Africa supporting Africa Partnership Station West, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Stratton/Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Abraham Rodriguez and Maj. James Dahle lock the cross bars of a newly constructed mobile hospital in Angol, Chile, March 10, 2010. Rodriguez and Dahle areassigned to the Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team to build a mobile hospital to help augment medical services for nearly 110,000 Chileans in the region. Rodriguez is a translator and Dahle is a 633rd Medical Operations Squadron emergency physician. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca.

U.S Air Force airmen depart for a humanitarian mission to Angol, Chile, from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, March 8, 2010. The airmen will set up an expeditionary hospital in Angol after the local hospital was deemed unstable after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, Feb. 27. Air Force and Chilean medics will work together to provide medical support for more than 110,000 people in the region. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca.

N E W S W O R L D

An International Feature - U.S. and Foreign Forces

Marines from 3rd Marine Logistics Battalion and Republic of Korean Marines stand at attention, March 9, 2010, before conducting training at the ROK Mountain Warfare Training Center, at Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea. The U.S. battalion is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and is in Korea to participate in Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2010. Key Resolve is primarily a command-post exercise with computer-based simulations. The U.S. Marines are taking part in Exercise Freedom Banner which involves the movement U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Bobbie G. Attaway. Click for Story

U.S. Army Sgt. Anthony Hernandez teaches room-clearing tactics to Afghan National Security Force members on Forward Operating Base Ramrod, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2010. Hernandez is assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dayton Mitchell.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The amphibious assault ship USS Essex, the Royal Thai navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin, the Republic of Korea navy tank landing ship Seongin Bong, the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver transit in formation during exercise Cobra Gold in the Gulf of Thailand, Feb. 10, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Taurean Alexander.

Soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force prepare to land a combat rubber reconnaissance craft in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans, a yearly coalition exercise during Operation Iron Fist off the coast of San Diego, Feb. 13, 2010.  U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa.

• For More Like This Access Newsworld

With the words, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan,” President Lincoln affirmed the government’s obliga­tion to care for those injured during the war and to provide for the families of those who perished on the battlefield...............  President Abraham Lincoln -- March 4th 1865

I N T R O D U C T I O N

-------Gary Thomas - Founder of "The Veterans Hour"-------

"The Distinguished Military Site Award"

The Editors of Military.Com: have selected Veterans News Hour Daily as one of the best military sites on the Web. Military.Com recognized this website as a valued resource for the military community. In appreciation, We received "The Distinguished Military Site Award". Thanks  Military.Com  - Please visit their site.

Founder of The Veterans Hour - SMSgt. Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret. A decorated combat veteran,  he was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism while participating in aerial flight over Dak To II, Republic of Vietnam. Other awards include; The Air Medal with (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy territory, and The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Numerous other medals include; The Japanese Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal with (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. During the Vietnam War he was also nominated for a second Distinguished Flying Cross and Two Bronze Stars. 

Gary Thomas has been a long time advocate for veterans rights locally and on the national scene. Though limited for health reasons he continues to be recognized for his leadership and tireless devotion to veterans, their families and our nation. He is a graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy and currently holds memberships in the V.F.W., D.A.V., N.C.O.A., American Legion, Life Member of U.V.O.A. and is President Emeritus of The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans.

Armed Forces Press is a privately owned service Not Affiliated with the U.S. Government, and is not supported by any commercial advertising. This web site is operated and maintained by a volunteer staff. Incurred cost and expenses are paid solely by us and through our Member Sponsor Program. E-mail us at mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net for details. Our founder is Gary Thomas and his commentary will continue to appear periodically in the 1st. Sgt's Report.

Description:  Designed to provide helpful information for all veterans. The editors of Armed forces Press wish to thank our Founder; Gary Thomas President Emeritus of The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans. The Veterans Hour is adding a name to our website address. We are now "Armed Forces Press" and still accessed @ www.veteranshour.com or www.armedforcespress.com We hope you find this website to be of service. Americas Leading Online Veterans Newspaper!

Pictured above is: The Distinguished Flying Cross being presented to Master Sergeant Gary Thomas for Heroism While Participating in Aerial Flight on 9 June 1966. Click here to read the Official Citation.

Please submit your veterans questions, and comments, to Armed Forces Press by accessing this e-mail - Contact Us. Use the links in the table of contents in the left frame to access topics. Thank you, from all of us at The Veterans Hour. This Web Site provides helpful information for veterans and the entire military community and is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.

 "The Veterans Hour" @ www.ArmedForcesPress.Com/

"Americas' Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

"The Patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services have no equal in the world. I made a solemn commitment to the Congress, to the nation, and to you to keep the welfare of men and women in uniform uppermost in my mind at all times." 

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates

F I S H E R  H O U S E

Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. http://www.fisherhouse.org/

Note: Veterans News Hour Daily ask that you please access The Fisher House website for more information on this wonderful organization. Having family close to those who are recovering  from serious medical conditions is truly a great and helpful cause. 

I N T R E P I D  F A L L E N  H E R O E S  F U N D

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund. 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund’s Trustees. http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/

Note: Veterans News Hour Daily ask that you please access The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund website for more information. We in San Antonio are truly proud of what they do.

"T H E N  A N D  N O W"

An Air Transport Command plane flies over the pyramids in Egypt. Loaded with urgent war supplies and materials, this plane is one of a fleet flying shipments from the U.S. across the Atlantic and the continent of Africa to strategic battle zones., 1943. NARA Photo.

A B-1B from the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., flies over the pyramids in Egypt during Bright Star '99. Four B-1s from Ellsworth were among the 396 coalition aircraft that flew more than 3,000 sorties during the joint and combined coalition exercise involving 11 countries. (Photo by Staff Sgt. James Varhegyi)

• For More Access:  Then and Now Archive

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

H I S T O R I C A L  P H O T O S  &  I M A G E S

T H E  Y E A R  1 9 1 9

Stage Women's War Relief. Peggy O'Neil has supplied hundreds of American children with yarn and knitting needles to knit garments for destitute children of France and Belgium., 01/28/1919 ARC Identifier 533752 / Local Identifier 165-WW-570A(3)

Captain Edward Rickenbacker, America's premier "Ace" officially credited with 22 enemy planes and the proud wearer of the French War Cross as he appeared upon his arrival on board the Adriatic. Underwood and Underwood., ca. 1919 ARC Identifier 533720 / Local Identifier 165-WW-434(P1775)

• For More Access: Historical Photos & Images

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

T H E  V E T E R A N S  J O U R N A L

U.S. Reps. Barbara Mikulski, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Susan Davis hold hands as a show of support for the World War II women pilots who flew for the Women Airforce Service Pilots during a ceremony to honor all 1,102 pilots with the Congressional Gold Medal at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2010. DoD photo by Linda Hosek.

Deanie Parrish, a former pilot who flew for the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II, receives the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of all 1,102 women pilots as members of Congress and several speakers look on, including Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, second from left, and Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski, in front, recovering from a broken leg. DoD photo by Linda Hosek. Click for Story  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rose Penn Ross, a pilot who flew with the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II, poses for a photo for her family after a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the pilots at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., March 10, 2010. The ceremony was part of a two-day event to honor the 1,102 women civilian pilots who served their country by flying military aircraft under the direction of U.S. military forces. DoD photo by Linda Hosek. Story

Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, military members and guests salute a wreath and roses dedicated to the 38 out of 1,102 women pilots who died during service to their country during a ceremony at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., March 9, 2010. The women were civilian pilots and the first to fly military aircraft under the direction of U.S. forces. Fewer than 300 women are alive and more than half were expected to attend the events. DoD photo by Linda Hosek.

·         The Veterans Journal - Access Photo Gallery

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"The Veterans Hour" @ www.ArmedForcesPress.Com/

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"It was said long ago by a visitor to America - Alexis de Tocqueville - that the American woman thinks for herself, speaks with freedom and acts on her own impulse. I would add that she also chooses to defend freedom - her own and that of others." ................    Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Nov. 3, 2007

Toll Free Numbers for Contacting VA

_________________________________________________________________________________

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: US Central Command

U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U.S. European Command

U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
For a complete list access: US Pacific Command

U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U.S. Northern Command

U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND
For a Complete List Access: U. S. Southern Command

U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
For a Complete List of Articles Access: http://www.defenselink.mil/

MEDIA LINKS

·         ABC .......................................................................  http://abcnews.go.com/

·         BBC ...............................................................   http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/

·         CBS ...................................... http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/home/main100.shtml

·         CNN ................................................http://www.cnn.com/

·         FOX........................................http://www.foxnews.com/

·         NBC  ........................................................http://www.nbc.com

CENTRAL COMMAND & USSOUTHCOM

Access: US Central Command to use the above map as an interactive tool. It allows you to click on the country of interest. This feature is easy to use and we found it to be very educational. All the highlighted nations are part of the Area of Responsibility of Centcom....

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

U. S.  C O A S T  G U A R D

http://www.uscg.mil/

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Stacy Dasher looks out the door of an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter during a helicopter-rescue training exercise at the Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, March 10, 2010. One of Dasher's primary roles is to operate the aircraft's hoist cable, which allows the aircraft to lift distressed persons into its cabin. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell.

JUNEAU, Alaska - Dan Gilcrest (center) with Global Diving and Salvage Inc., describes the current state of the Princess Kathleen shipwreck March 11, 2010 near Lena Point. The 369-foot Princess Kathleen, a Canadian Pacific Railroad vessel built in 1925, grounded and sank near Lena Point in 1952 carrying an estimated 155,000 gallons of fuel. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally.

"There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but boys, it is all hell. You can bear this warning voice to generations yet to come. I look upon war with horror" ...............  William Tecumseh Sherman, August 11th 1880.

SEARCH ENGINES & LINKS

AOL Search │ Google Search │ MSN Search │ Yahoo!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

NYU VETERAN'S ALLIANCE

In celebration of New York University’s commitment to the Yellow Ribbon Rule, we are pleased to announce the creation of the NYU Veteran’s Alliance.

This affinity group is for current or former military service members within the campus community, as well as members of the greater community who share NYU experiences with them. This is a non-partisan network created to cultivate a respectful, responsive, and encouraging campus environment to support the unique experience and knowledge that veterans bring to NYU.

Participation in this group will focus on assisting veterans to make a transition from military to campus life and to create meaningful connections within social and professional networks. Faculty, students, staff and friends of New York University are encouraged to join and support the veterans of our country’s Armed Forces.  We encourage our members to help build our network, so please forward this to any one interested in joining the NYU Veterans Alliance. 

For more information, contact Lauren Carrescia at 212-992-7623 or alumni.veterans@nyu.edu

MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM

·         The Military Health System portal contains messages and information from HA and TMA. Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., is the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

MISC. LINKS:

·         Access Weather for Major Military Installations World Wide Weather Reports

·         Photo Gallery of Veterans Events - The Veterans Journal

PERSIAN GULF WAR LINKS

·         Persian Gulf Veterans who are unsure of what to do or how to contact the nearest VA medical Center, Can call toll free: To VA Persian Gulf Veterans Information Helpline 1-800 PGW VETS

·         Persian Gulf War Photos & Statistics (VNHD) War Album & Stats

·         Gulflink -- A Government Website With Good Information: http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/

TRICARE LINK INFORMATION

• Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)
• Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
• Tricare Beneficiary Information
• Tricare Dental
• Tricare for Life
• Tricare Help
• Tricare Online
• Tricare Pharmacy

Tricare Military Health System -- For information about Tricare for Life, interested persons may visit the TRICARE Web site at www.tricare.osd.mil/tfl or call the Worldwide TRICARE Information Center toll-free at 1-877-DOD-LIFE (1-877-363-5433).

VETERANS LINKS

·         Links to Govt. Vet. Org. and Media Sites  Veteran Resources (Links)

·         A List of Veterans Org. Websites Veterans Organizations

·         Helpful Telephone Numbers Telephone Directory

·         Legislation News -- Click here for the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Website

WHAT IS A VET

An Excerpt re-published From a Veterans Day Tribute
By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.  It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag"....... 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Veteran's Museum in Texas - http://www.TheVeteransMuseuminTexas.org
Additional Veterans Organizations Links: Click Here to Access List.  Related Links Page

Blinded Veterans Association - Serving vision impaired and blind veterans and their families the BVA is an outstanding veterans service organization charted by The United States Congress. Located at 477 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001-2694 Tel. 1-800-669-7079 & (202) 371- 8880 Fax (202) 371-8258 Web Site http://www.bva.org & E-Mail bva@bva.org  For info.

Non Commissioned Officers Association - NCOA - was founded in 1960 as a federally chartered, non-profit organization. The NCOA is outstanding in it's service to Americas non-commissioned and petty officers who are active duty, veterans, or retired. From legislation on capital hill, to job fairs, and local chapter involvement, the NCOA offers a variety of products and services to members. NCOA includes all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve. For more information about NCOA including membership, mission, current news, and services, access their web site at: http://www.ncoausa.org

Air Force Sergeants Association - Veterans News Hour Daily Salutes the Air Force Sergeants Association: For over 40 Years the AFSA has served Air Force enlisted personnel effectively, and with great dedication. We thank AFSA for their service to member veterans, active duty, and ultimately our nation. To learn more about AFSA and how you can become a member please access their Web Site from the link below. Click here to access AFSA Web Site: http://www.afsahq.org

Cost of Freedom - Tribute In Honor of Veterans of World War II. - This web site honors WW II veterans and contains journals which describe their stories in their own words. Congratulations to all who help preserve this history. These journals are very compelling: Please visit their site by accessing the link above. www.costoffreedom.org

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

·         The American Legion

·         The Disabled American Veterans

·         Military Officers Association of America

·         The Veterans of Foreign Wars

E-Mail Contact Information:

• The Webmaster  mailto:Webmaster@veteranshour.com
• Gary Thomas      mailto:Gary.Thomas@veteranshour.com
• James Thomas    mailto:JamesThomas@veteranshour.com

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender nor retreat"............William Barrett Travis, The Alamo, 24 February 1836

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

United Veterans of America

http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

The Veterans Hour: Salutes Dr. Barry Krupkin, Supreme National Commander of United Veterans of America for his tireless devotion to Americas Veterans.  Dr. Barry Krupkin, SNC, Ph.D is an honored member of The Veterans Hour Advisory Board. His input is much appreciated! Thank you, Barry! Pictured Above, in Vietnam is Barry Krupkin, (Notice the chemical drums). More Agent Orange Info.

Social Security Claims - Handled - Appeals Expert - By Dr. Anna Pat Krupkin, PhD - Disability Consultants (850) 835-2163 - P.O. BOX 539, Freeport, FL. 32439 - No Fee unless you collect. Call for details. http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

U.V.O.A. SEND A DONATION:  IN ANY AMOUNT TO THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW OR BECOME A MEMBER -- $25.00 ANNUAL OR $150.00 LIFE.  Please mention that you are a Veterans News Hour Daily Reader. Thank You!

U.V.O.A NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OFFICE
46 Veterans Lane, Freeport, Fl. 32439-9627
Tel (850) 835-2163 Fax (850) 835-4036
http://unitedveteransofamerica.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

V E T E R A N S  N E W S  H O U R  D A I L Y
"America's Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, U.S.A. Ret. & SMSgt Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret. To read more about Roy's life and untimely death including the official citation for the Medal of Honor awarded Green Beret Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez; click on the link below. We will all miss him! It was an honor and a privilege to have been his friend. His life truly represented the words most often used to describe him. Duty, Honor, Country! Click Here

Submit Questions?

E-Mail us for any veterans questions or concerns you may have. Thank You!
mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net

OLD GLORY

Flag Description: Thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; The 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico. SOURCE CIA WorldFactbook.

T H E  V E T E R A N S  H O U R
"America's Leading Online Veterans Newspaper"

 Terms of Use  |  Contact us  |  About us

END