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 Following Links Provided by "The National Archives"

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Department of Veterans Affairs Links:

• For information on eligibility, benefit amounts and how to apply for veterans education benefits, visit VA’s GI Bill Web site.
• Suicide Prevention: 1–800–273–TALK (8255) (more information)
• Statements On Smoking Cessation Research Program (1, 2) (letter to veterans)
• Hot Topic: Death Survivors Benefit  
• Burial Allowances
• Vocational Counseling

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"Teddy Roosevelt – not a businessman, but an entrepreneur in other respects – once said: "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards."

.......... Speech Excerpt by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates

U.S. Army soldiers of Charlie Troop, 1st Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division talk to an Iraqi Police officer to make preparations for a joint patrol in Asruyah, Iraq, on Feb. 8, 2010. U.S. soldiers show support for the Iraqi army by escorting them through a local farming village in Asruyah. DoD photo by Spc. Anderson Savoy, U.S. Army. (Released)

U.S. Army Sgt. Emily Burgess (right), of 1st Infantry Division, Cantigy Brass Band, teaches an Iraqi girl how to play the French horn at an Arts Festival in Kut, Iraq, on Feb. 26, 2010. The festival consisted of Iraqi stage art, paintings and photography. DoD photo by Pfc. Shane Samuels, U.S. Army. (Released)

U.S. Army Sgt. Jose Gonzalez gives snacks to Afghan children during a patrol in Dagyan village in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2010. Gonzalez is assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christine Jones.

U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers conduct a patrol near Marja, Afghanistan, Feb. 21, 2010. The Marines are assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Albert F. Hunt.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporals Daniel Garner, kneeling, and Chris Ducharme investigate a possible improvised explosive device while on a patrol in Marjah in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 22, 2010. Garner and Ducharme are assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Crops photo by Lance Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde.

A U.S. Marine fires a Javelin anti-armor missile at a Taliban position on the outskirts of Marja, Afghanistan, Feb. 10, 2010. The Marines, assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, are supporting Operation Moshtarak to clear Taliban fighters from the city. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andres Escatel. Click for more photos

• For More Access: Operation Enduring Freedom
• Military Casualty Information: Dept. of Defense Statistics

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A R O U N D  T H E  S E R V I C E S

Images of Military Life & Training

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb. 26, 2010) Midshipman 2nd Class Robyn Wegele, left, and Midshipman 3rd Class Miriam Feild compete in the 69th annual U.S. Naval Academy Brigade Boxing Championships. The bouts showcase midshipmen boxers, each performing in 3-round matches within their weight class. The winners of each class will go on to a regional competition in order to qualify for the National Collegiate Boxing Championships held each spring. (U.s. Navy photo by Midshipman 4th Class Dominic Montez/Released)

Students from the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL class 281 participate in a rock portage exercise on Coronado Island, Calif., Feb. 23, 2010. Rock portage is one of many physically demanding evolutions included in the first phase of training. Navy SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau.

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U.S. Air Force Academy freshman Britany Calley performs on the balance beam during the home tri-meet against Southeast Missouri State University and Seattle-Pacific University in the U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Gym, Feb. 20, 2010. The Air Force team placed second to Southeast Missouri in the team competition with a score of 188.00.  U.S. Air Force photo by J. Rachel Spencer.

U.S. Marines train to operate in medium - to high-altitudes, and severe weather and terrain conditions at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Feb. 22, 2010. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Sergio Jimenez.

• Around The Services Archived Gallery - Access Photos

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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

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

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------V A  P R E S S  R E L E A S E------

Secretary Shinseki Announces Gulf War Task Force Report

February 27, 2010

Comprehensive approach to delivering care and benefits to Veterans

Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the department’s Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses Task Force has nearly completed a comprehensive report that will redefine how VA addresses the pain and suffering of ill Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991.

“At VA, we advocate for Veterans – it is our overarching philosophy and, in time, it will become our culture,” Secretary Shinseki said. “Every day we must challenge our assumptions to serve our Nation’s Veterans.”

The mission of VA’s Gulf War Task Force is to identify gaps in services as well as opportunities to better serve Veterans of the Gulf War.  Of the almost 700,000 service members who deployed to Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, there have been 300,000 Gulf War Veterans with claims decisions, over 85 percent were granted service connection for at least one condition, and over 14 percent were not granted service connection for any condition.  

“We must learn from the past and take the opportunity to anticipate the future needs of our Veterans,” Shinseki said.  “This new approach is the first step in a still unfolding comprehensive plan of how VA will treat and compensate Veterans of the Gulf War era.” 

The chairman of the Gulf War Task Force is John R. Gingrich, Chief of Staff at Veterans Affairs and retired Army officer who served during the Gulf War.  “Reaching out to Gulf War Veterans is not only essential to our transformation of VA, for many of us it is also personal,” Mr. Gingrich said.  “Having commanded troops in Gulf War, and then witness some of them fall to mysterious illnesses has been very difficult to watch. With this Task Force, I am hopeful we can provide these men and women a better quality of life.”  

VA’s Gulf War Task Force recommendations build on the findings from the 2008 VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses. The Task Force’s recommendations include:

·           Improve data sharing with Department of Defense to notify Veterans of potential exposures, monitor their long-term health and inform them about decisions regarding additional follow up.

·           Improve the delivery of benefits to Veterans with Gulf War-related disabilities by 

a.         Reviewing, and if necessary, updating regulations affecting Gulf War Veterans. 

b.         Expanding training for VBA examiners on how to administer disability claims with multiple known toxin exposure incidents.

·           Improve VA healthcare for Veterans through a new model of interdisciplinary health education and training.

·           Increase number of long term, Veteran-focused studies of Veterans to enhance the quality of care VA provides. 

·           Transition from reactive to proactive medical surveillance to help better manage Veterans’ potential hazardous exposures.

·           Find new treatments for Gulf War Veterans through new research.

·           Enhance outreach to provide information and guidance to Veterans about benefits and services available to them for injuries/illnesses associated with Gulf War service.

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GRAND GOAVE, Haiti (Feb. 4, 2010) Cmdr. Kristine Johnson comforts a Haitian girl while Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gina Martinez vaccinates her at a clinic set up by the U.S. Public Health Service and Sailors, Marines and embarked staff assigned to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage in and around Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christina M. Shaw/Released)

The USNS Comfort conducts humanitarian assistance operations near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 31, 2010. The Comfort is supporting Operation Unified Response following an earthquake that devastated Haiti. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer J. L. Chirrick.

N E W S W O R L D

An International Feature - U.S. and Foreign Forces

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

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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"

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"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

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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

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VA News Releases  (01/10/2010 - 02/01/2010)

 White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011 - To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramatically increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2/1/10)

 Miramar National Cemetery Dedicated - The Department of Veterans Affairs held a dedication ceremony today in San Diego for the Miramar National Cemetery. (1/30/10)

VA Secretary Shinseki Helps Veterans at VA Medical Center Homeless Stand Down - At the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., (DCVAMC), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki joined hundreds of volunteers in support of homeless Veterans in our Nation’s capital.  (1/24/10)

VA to Begin Recovery of Post-9/11 GI Bill Advance Payments - The Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process of recovering advance payments made available during the fall 2009 semester to Veterans and servicemembers who applied for education benefits. (1/23/10)

VA Opens Washington Crossing National Cemetery - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the opening of the 131st national cemetery with the first burials taking place Jan. 20 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pa. (1/22/10)

VA Reaching Out to Students and Schools to Speed Benefit Payments - In a coordinated effort to speed up the processing of Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits this spring, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has been reaching out to student Veterans, servicemembers, university officials and other partners to meet its commitment to an aggressive processing goal by Feb. 1, 2010. Feb. 1 is the first date spring payments are due and presently VA has processed over 72,000 of the approximately 103,000 spring enrollments received. Since inception of the historic new program last year, VA has paid over $1.3 billion in benefits to more than 170,000 students. (1/20/10)

VA Wins National Award for Safe Medication Practices - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has won top national honors from the independent Institute for Safe Medication Practices for its excellence in preventing medication errors. (1/19/10)

Secretary Shinseki Announces $53 Million for Cape Coral, Fla., Facility - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the award of a $53 million contract to a Florida firm to construct a new clinic in Cape Coral. The new building will replace a Fort Myers facility and expand diagnostic and treatment capacity for southwest Florida’s Veterans. (1/15/10)

VA, DoD Expand Ranks of Federal Recovery Coordinators - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the hiring of five new Federal Recovery Coordinators, bringing to 20 the number of professionals coordinating care for the most seriously injured service members (1/14/10)

VA Secretary Shinseki Honored for Patriotic Service - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki was awarded the Gold Good Citizenship Medal by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution during an honors dinner Jan. 9 at the Mount Vernon Inn. The gala was hosted by the George Washington Chapter of the SAR. (1/10/10)

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T H E  V E T E R A N S  J O U R N A L

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.

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WASHINGTON (Feb. 28, 2010) Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Cloud was one of the first African Americans to achieve a command position in Naval Aviation. Cloud's detachment of Light Photographic Squadron 63 flew the first Navy mission of the Vietnam War over Laos. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command/Released)

ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2010) Astronaut and U.S. Navy Reserve Capt. Kathy Sullivan stands during her induction into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame as photos from her accomplishments flash on a screen behind her. Sullivan was the first American woman to walk in space. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams/Released)

·         The Veterans Journal - Access Photo Gallery

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

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"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

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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....

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U. S.  C O A S T  G U A R D

http://www.uscg.mil/

A Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter and crew circle over a fishing vessel where a crewmember sustained a head injury 10 miles south of Houma, La. Feb. 5, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by AET3 Jace Bourgeois.

Two crewmembers from Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) San Diego, were transported to the Zuniga Jetty light 'Zulu' at the entrance of San Diego Bay by a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to conduct repairs, Thursday Feb. 4, 2010. The ANT crewmembers were hoisted by helicopter because of the aid's remote location, making it impossible to reach by boat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Jetta H. Disco.

"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!

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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"....... 

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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

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"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

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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

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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

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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.

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