August 12, 2005
Veterans News,
By Edward G. Aulman, Director
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency
POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY
County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that
Saturday, September 17, 2005 is POW/MIA Recognition
Day in Nassau County. A candle light vigil will be
conducted from 7:30 to 8:45PM at the Veterans Plaza,
(use parking lot 6) in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow,
NY. Almost 88, 000 service men and women are listed
as POW or MIA since World War II. From the Vietnam
War 1,815 remain unaccounted for. A highlight of the
ceremony is the lighting of candles by the 500 to 1,000
that usually attend this event and the reading of the
names of the 37 Nassau County residents still listed
as POW/MIA. Former POWs of World War II will be introduced
and all veterans' organizations are encouraged to call
the Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 in advance
so they can be recognized.
Blind Veterans Looking for Support
Dennis O'Connell, Past President of the New York State
Blind Veterans Association is asking all veterans to
contact their representative in Washington and ask
they to support HR 3579 the Blind Continuum of Care
act of 2005. If passed the number of Blind Rehabilitation
Out-Patient Specialists would increase from 24 to almost
100 over three years. Only 24 VA Medical Centers now
have these specialists out of 180 centers.
Semper Fi Cycle Ride
On September 11, 2005 ten amateur cyclists will ride
100 miles in about 9 hours through the streets of Queens,
The Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan. The event is a fundraiser
for the Semper Fi Fund that benefits the families of
fallen U.S. Marines. Interested spectators and supporters
should call 404-932-1932 or pfalvey@falveymarketing.com.
American Legion Adopts the 344th Combat
Support Hospital
With the restrictions placed by the Department of
Defense on individuals sending anything overseas to
our troops one must get creative to show our support.
The Nassau County American Legion has found a way.
The 344th Combat Support Hospital Group is made up
of reservists many from Long Island. Working with the
344th Support Coordinator the Legion is sending Gold
Bond Medicated Powder, white wool socks, lotions for
men and women, shaving cream, razors and soaps. Donations
of these products and checks for postage (made out
to the Nassau County Committee American Legion will
be accepted by Regional Butt, JR PCC. Call Past Commander
Butt at 516-922-7135.
Congress Closes VA Gap
The House has now joined the Senate and voted to add
$1.5 billion to the 2005 VA budget. With out this infusion
of funds the VA would run out of money before the new
budget year that starts October 1st. The major national
veterans organizations have united to support mandatory
funding of VA Health care programs but the congress
and the president have resisted this kind of change.
Legislative Breakfast
What is better than scrambled eggs, ham, potatoes,
rolls, juice coffee, tea and cake for $10? Suppose
we throw in 12 politicians all running for reelection?
Now it's worth $10. The American Legion is sponsoring
its annual Legislative breakfast on Sunday, October
8, 2005 at the Williston Post #144 at 730 Willis Ave,
Williston Park, NY at 9:00 AM. Contact Peter Holowecki
at 516-741-4568 for tickets.
United Parcel Service Likes Veterans
A recruiter from UPS will again visit the Veterans
Service Agency 1425 Old Country Road Building H, Plainview,
NY on Thursday, September 15, 2005 from 1-3PM.
Seriously Injured Servicemen and Women
Can Hear from You
You can send a card or letter to an Iraq/Afghanistan
war veteran recovering from injuries at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center. The Address is 6900 Georgia Avenue,
Heaton Pavilion, Room 3E05, Washington, D.C. 20307-5001.
Attn: American Red Cross Station Manager. Address the
card or letter: To Wounded Service Member
Korean War Veterans Seek Federal Charter
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has become the latest
Senator to co-sponsor a bill to grant a Federal Charter
to the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. A Federal
Charter would allow the KWV to participate on select
committees with other congressionally chartered organizations
and would accelerate the Associations accreditation
with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would
allow its members to assist in processing veterans'
claims.
High Honors for Mitchel Field Navy
Exchange
Marvin Mullins, Navy Manager of the of the active
duty, retiree and 100% permanent and total disabled
veterans facilities in Mitchel Field has announced
that the Navy Exchange (NEX) that I used to call a
PX has received national recognition. On September
23, 2005 at 1:00PM a Navy Admiral will present the
Navy Exchange with their second Bingham Award in three
years. Mitchel Field has much to be excited about.
Threatened for years with closure because of losing
money Solange Westerhaus the new General Manager of
the NEX has turned the facility around. Profits when
they have them are turned over to the Navy Morale,
Welfare and Recreation Department. This year Mitchel
Field NEX contributed $87,000 to the department. Congratulations!
Hofstra Football Hosts Veterans Appreciation
Day
Saturday November 5, 2005 at 1:00PM Hofstra University
will host their annual Veterans Appreciation home game.
Color guards welcome. Call Lucian 516-463-4919
