November 13, 2006

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

Flags for Memorial Day Graves

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that beginning Memorial Day 2007, Nassau County veterans organizations wishing to place small American Flags on the graves of veterans can secure those flags from the Veterans Service Agency. Although the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale provides the majority of gravesite flags for Memorial Day observances, shortages of flags was reported last year and no flags were available for veterans’ graves in non-VA cemeteries. Veterans organizations wishing to secure flags for the honoring of veterans graves should send a letter stating how many flags are required to Edward G. Aulman, Director, Nassau County Veterans Service Agency 1425 Old Country Road, Building H, Plainview, NY 11803. Requests must be received by April 1, 2007.

Flu Shot Limits at VA Medical Center

The flu shot walk-in clinics for enrolled veterans at the VA Medical Center in Northport have been temporarily suspended due to an unexpected shortage. All veterans with scheduled appointments at the Northport facility or at the out patient clinic in Plainview can still get their flu shots during their scheduled appointments between now and February 2007. The walk-in clinics, however, where an enrolled veteran could walk in without an appointment and get a flu shot, have been suspended. Veterans without an appointment should call 631-261-4400 ext. 6229 for the latest information about availability of flu shots.

Pearl Harbor Day

December 7, 2006 is the 65th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Air Force Association will conduct their annual recognition of this day at the American Air Power Museum at Republic Airport in Farmingdale. The Skytypers of New York will fly vintage aircraft along with the Antique Airplane Club and Bayport Aerodrome Society from Republic Airport at 12:00 noon to New York Harbor. The aircraft will drop 65 American Beauty Roses over the Statue of Liberty at precisely 12:55 PM, to commemorate the exact time of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This ceremony begins at 10:30 AM.

Other Pearl Harbor observances on December 7th will be at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay and at Mill River in Rockville Centre, both at 10:30 AM. On December 3, 2006 at 2:00 PM, the American Veterans (AMVETS) of Post 88 will conduct a Pearl Harbor Memorial ceremony at Long Island National Cemetery. Remember, American flags are authorized to fly at half staff on December 7th.

Commission on the Future of American Veterans

In what may be a pre-emptive strike by the nation’s largest veterans organizations, the Veterans Coalition, a non-profit organization founded by the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, has created a commission to develop a long range strategic vision to provide for our nation’s veterans.

Congress and the President created the Disability Benefits Commission in the spring of 2005 and many veterans believe that that commission will recommend changes that will adversely affect veterans.

Navy Scholarships Available

Five $180,000 Navy ROTC Immediate Selection Scholarships are available for High School Juniors to College Freshman between the age of 17 and 23. Call Chief Benita Haith at 404-272-2938 or Benita.haith@navy.mil.

New York Military Affairs Symposium

Some of the best minds and well known authors of books on military history and policy meet almost every Friday night at CUNY Graduate Center 365 Fifth Avenue in New York City. Their weekly discussion groups from 7:00-9:00 PM are open to the public. For information go to www.nymas.org.

Need a bed in Manhattan?

The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Airmen’s and Coast Guard Club in midtown Manhattan offers “beds” for as little as $52 per night for veterans or $25 per night for active duty E1- E4. Active duty officers and higher enlisted grades and retirees pay slightly higher rates. Call 212-683-4353 for reservations and information.

Rebuilding Together Long Island

Rebuilding Together Long Island, Inc. is a program to repair and rehabilitate the homes of poor, elderly and disabled homeowners. They have expanded their services to include helping disabled veterans from the war in Iraq/Afghanistan rehabilitate their homes to adapt to their disabilities. Sol Goldstein was recently honored in Washington D.C. for the good work of the organization. Call Sol at 516-541-7322. for information.

Remember Military Fares?

Remember the Eastern Shuttle? Remember when showing up at an airport in Uniform meant getting the next available seat at a discounted rate? No more. Our active duty military in uniform pay the same airfare that you and I do.

Recall to Active Duty

Studies are underway on what course to take in Iraq. One suggestion under consideration is putting massive numbers of American troops into Iraq to stabilize the country and stay until democracy takes hold. The draft may be necessary if that course is chosen but Congress can always reactivate any retired serviceman or woman until the age of 60. Retired Warrant Officers are subject to recall until 62 and retired generals can be called back until age 64.

Veterans Jobs

I met Ray Kelly New York City Police Commissioner on the Marine Corps Birthday November 10 and he told me the City Police Department has hired 1,600 veterans of the Iraq /Afghanistan War recently and is still looking for more combat veterans to apply.

On November 6th we brought a bus load of veterans to the Javits Center for the Hire a Hero Job Fair. If you missed it I suggest you try Vetjobs.com. Endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, this website can be very helpful.

Thank You

The Veterans of Nassau County are lucky to have a dedicated corps of volunteers that week after week provide transportation for older and disabled veterans to the VA Medical Center in Northport and the VA outpatient clinic in Plainview. Operating county-owned new cars and wheelchair vans, the following deserve your recognition: Ed Goodhue and Matt Brower, both from East Rockaway; Frank Maltese of Mineola; Tom Devine of Bellmore; and Emmett O’Shaughnessy from Bethpage. One of our fleet of 11 vehicles is a van provided by the Nassau County American Legion and we appreciate their support as well.