February 15, 2005

The New York Institute of Technology with campuses in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City is offering on line scholarships to veterans. While disabled veterans will have a preference and younger veterans are encouraged to apply this program is open to all veterans. One thousand courses are available in Business Skills, Desktop Application and Personal Enrichment. Some areas of study can lead to college credits other courses successfully completed result in receipt of certificates. Applications are available at the Veterans Service Agency call me at 516-572-8452. Applicant must have access to a computer, attend a half day training session and complete 3 courses by November 2005 This is a great program my application is already in.

Vietnam Wall Experience

The Town of Oyster Bay is bringing the Vietnam Wall Experience to Marjorie R. Post Community Park, Unqua Road, Massapequa from 30 April-1 May 2005. The Vietnam Experience is a traveling three quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D. C. This 240 feet long structure contains the names of the 58, 245 men and women who died or remain missing. April 30, 2005 is the thirtieth anniversary of the end of US involvement in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War 10 million Americans served in the military 3 ½ million in South-east Asia. The Friends of the Community Service Department, Inc are looking for volunteers assist at this weekend event. Donations are also welcome. Contact 516-797-7900 for more information. Dignity Memorials, Friends of Community Service Department, Inc., and Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home sponsor the Vietnam Experience.

VA Budget in Trouble

Many national veterans organizations are uniting to fight the proposed VA budget for 2006. Thomas H. Corey, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America says the Administration is in a budget war with American veterans. The American Legion in a press release issued on February 14 says the proposed VA budget is woefully inadequate by about $ 2.4 billion. The VA proposes to increase prescription co-payments to $15 and initiate a $250 enrollment fee for category 7 & 8 veterans. The VA also proposes to reduce the number of nursing home beds available at VA facilities and cut back on support to State Veterans Homes. Stephen P. Condon, Chairman of the Board, The Air Force Association said, "Our nation can and will pay for national defense and veterans' care if asked. It is the responsibility of a wartime president to lead the way."

The Senate and House rejected similar moves in 2003 and 2004 but with new leadership at the VA and in the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees congressional action to save the VA budget is unlikely. Now is a good time to send the President a letter registering your outrage.

Jobs and Education Fair

Nassau County Veterans Service Agency is sponsoring a second Jobs and Education Fair for active duty, reserve, and veterans at Nassau County Community College on Friday May 27, 2005 from 11:00AM-3:00PM at the College Center Building. Fifty employers, colleges and technical schools as well as NYS Department of Labor and Division of Veterans Affairs will be present.

Defending the 106 Air Rescue Wing

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has joined with Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy in lobbying congress and the pentagon not to close the Air National Guard Rescue Wing Base at Gabreski Airport in West Hampton Beach. "The base's significant economic impact pales in comparison to its security and safety importance. Losing the base would, quite simply, put American lives at risk." the joint letter from the county executives states.

Does Anyone Feel a Draft?

According to an article in Armed Forces News 1/14/04 Lt. General James R. Helmly, Chief of the Army Reserve says the Army Reserve is, "rapidly degenerating into a broken force." 80% of those available for deployment have already been deployed. He recommends changes to the reserve that will make it easier to retain reservists and reactivate discharged veterans. The Army is already considering increasing activation periods.

Mustard Gas in WWII

One hundred soldiers were exposed to mustard gas, lewisite and other poisons at the Maryland Edgewood Arsenal in 1943. Four thousand others were exposed to chemicals in secret wartime experiments to study ways of protecting troops from chemical attack. An explosion in an Italian port in 1943 also exposed survivors to mustard gas. According to the Detroit Free Press the VA promised to contact these veterans in 1993 but never did. The VA will now attempt to locate the affected veterans. Concerned veterans should call me at 516-572-8452.

Vietnam Monument

If you would like to contribute to the construction of a Vietnam Veterans Monument or have your name inscribed in the Walls of Honor at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY call the Nassau County Monument Fund Inc. at 516-681-8214