Veterans News, By Edward G. Aulman Director,
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency

Veteran Benefit Fairs/Events

The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are creating new veterans every day.  If you know one please pass this information to him or her:

April 13 - Unsung Heroes Helping Heroes, Inc. 9:30am-3:00pm at Nassau County Community College CCB Building.

April 17 - Military.com Career Fair 11:00am-2:00pm at Hilton Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville, NY 11747.

May 7- Veterans Health Care Enrollment Event 6:00pm-9:00pm at Massapequa Park VFW 1012 Park Blvd. Massapequa

May 10 - VVA Chapter 82 10:00am -3:00pm Westfield Sunrise Mall, Massapequa, first floor in front of Macy’s.

May 21 - Veterans Health Care Enrollment Event  6:00pm-closing at American Legion Post 197 Maple Ave. Rockville Centre.

June 17 - Nassau County Veterans Service Agency 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Cradle of Aviation, Garden City (includes free admission to museum exhibits).  

Salute to Veterans

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that nominations are being accepted for the County Executive’s “Distinguished Service to Veterans Award”.  Recipients will be recognized for their service to veterans at the Salute to Veterans Concert at Eisenhower Park on Saturday August 2, 2008.   Nomination forms can be requested by calling the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) at 516-572-8452.  The nominations must be returned to the VSA by May 1, 2008

War Veteran Watchmaker Initiative

In 1950, 44,000 American workers repaired watches.  Today, only 4,400 work in the field and the average age is 62, and the American Watch Guild says there are not enough workers to meet the today’s demand.   Luxury watches are big these days with an 11% increase in Swiss brands, and Rolex has pledged $1 million for scholarships.  In addition, eleven schools nationwide offer degree programs.  For information about scholarships, apprenticeships and employment opportunities contact Susan Musman, Director of Business Development, American Watch Guild 516-316-6443 or  e-mail  her at smusman26@gmail.com.

Historic Army Unit to Fade Away

Many Long Islanders have an attachment with the 77th Reserve Readiness Command headquartered at Fort Totten in Flushing, NY.  The 77th RRC is all that is left of the 77th Infantry Division a unit that saw action in World Wars I and II.   The division fought at Meuse-Argonne in WWI and Guam, Leyte and Okinawa in WWII.   Deactivated in 1919 and reactivated again on 25 March 1942, the division again reverted to a reserve division on 15 March 1946.  The shoulder patch (Statue of Liberty) will be seen on very few uniforms after September 7, 2008 when the colors of the 77th RRC will be cased at a ceremony at Brookhaven National Laboratory (Formally Camp Upton) William Floyd Parkway, Exit 68 LIE, and Yaphank, NY at 11:00 am.   The 77th was first organized  in 1917 at Camp Upton with draftees mostly from New York City.

Retiree Appreciation Day

On April 26th, the Amityville Reserve Center at 600 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY, will host a Retiree Appreciation Day.  From 0830 to 1300, briefings will be given on Tricare for Life, social security benefits, U.S. Family Health Services enrollments, Veterans Administration entitlements, pharmacy and more. Contact Col.  Murton Brown USAF (Ret) 631-842-6620 for more information.

Off to the Races

Remember when a three-mile run before breakfast was no big deal?  Building Homes for Heroes is offering you an opportunity to re-live those days by sponsoring a 5k (3.1 miles) race on Sunday April 6.  The $20 entrance fee helps benefit wounded and disabled veterans.  The race begins at Hewlett Point Beach/Park 130 Hewlett Point Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518 and starts at 0900. Participants must arrive no later than 0830. Register online at www.buildinghomesforheroes.com.  Race Day registration is 0700-0830.

The Long Island Marathon and Half Marathon is May 4, 2008.  Register online at:  www.thelimarathon.com or pick up an application at your favorite running store or at the Administration building at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.  If you are a running vet wear a t-shirt that has your branch of the service on the back so I can see who is passing me.

Loyalty Day Parade

Did you know that Loyalty Day was first observed on May 1, 1921 as Americanization Day?  Congress made it an official holiday in 1958 and as long as anyone can remember the Massapequa Post of the American Veterans (AMVETS) has been marking this day with a parade.  This year AMVETS will hold their Loyalty Day Parade on Sunday May 4.  Trophies will be awarded in many categories and refreshment will be provided to the community.  The parade starts at 1:00pm at North Utica Avenue and Broadway in North Massapequa and travels south 1 mile to Toronto Ave.  If your organization would like to participate call Ray Easley at 516-742-8995.  (A nice walk is just what you need after running a marathon.)

American Legion Care Packages

The Nassau County American Legion has sent over a hundred packages to service men and women in Iraq.  They would like to send more but they need names and APO/FPO mailing addresses.  If you have a friend or family member serving in Iraq or Afghanistan call past county Commander Reginald Butt Jr. at 516-922-7135.

If you are mailing packages yourself you should know that the US Postal Service has lowered the $12.95 price tag for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box by $2 if the package is being sent to an APO or FPO address.

Looking for Vietnam Veteran Amputees

The Department of Defense has funded a study of the long term outcomes of traumatic amputation arising from war. Of the more than 6,000 Vietnam War veterans who lost limbs, 170 are currently participating in a study organized by Indiana and Ohio State Universities.  The DOD hopes more veterans participate.  Contact www.vietnamwaramputee.org or call Chad McMahon at 614-247-7205.

Police Benefit Helps Wounded Warriors

The Long Island Shields and F.O.P. Lodge # 317 is holding a dinner dance on April 25, 2008 at the Stewart Thomas Manor in Farmingdale. Part of the proceeds benefits Police Widows and Children Fund, National Police Support Network, and the Wounded Warrior Project.  Contact Rich Rottkamp for tickets 516-868-0023.

USS Ingersoll is an In Country Vietnam Veteran

Navy veterans who served on board the USS Ingersoll (DD 652) October 25th or 26th, 1965 are now considered in country Vietnam veterans.  A recent review of the ships logs at the National Archives revealed that the Ingersoll traveled up the Saigon River on these two days to fire on enemy bases.  As a result, the presumption of herbicide exposure can be extended to any crewmember that served aboard the vessel on these dates.  If any of these veterans currently have diabetes type II, prostate cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or one of 10 other diseases they should file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.   A widow of a veteran who died of these Agent Orange caused diseases may also be eligible for benefits.  Call the Veterans Service Agency at 516-572-8452 for more information.

Do you Know Someone with Dementia ?

(I almost forgot to add this.)

Peninsula Counseling Center at124 Franklin Place, Woodmere, NY 11598 (516-374-9253) runs a day care program in Hewlett.  Family members must provide transportation. The “Club” meets twice a week for a total of 10 hours, with men meeting on Monday and Wednesdays and women meeting on Tuesday and Thursdays.  The service is free but voluntary contributions are encouraged.  The program provides a respite for caregivers, individual and family counseling and referrals.

Now It is the Law

Section 594 of the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act amends section 9 of title 4, U.S. Code adding the new sentence: “ Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present ( during the hoisting, lowering or passing of the U.S. flag) but not in uniform may render the military salute.” Previously, the law required all persons not in uniform to salute the flag by putting their right hands on their hearts. Thanks to LTCL Joseph Reale, USA (Retired)