Veterans & Military Families Monthly News

MArch 2012 Vol. 3 No. 3

Good afternoon and thank you for reading, this months edition of the newsletter. We appreciate your involvement and continued support. Remember, we have two online sources where you can read and offer comments on the current and previous editions of the newsletter. The newsletter is posted on Facebook through the group called Veterans and Military Families Monthly News. Check it out and join the group. Click here to go directly to the page. (Keep in mind, you need a Facebook account to join; however, the documents can be viewed through the docs link toward the bottom of the page even without an account.) The second source for the online version of the newsletter is the website www.scribd.com. This online source for the newsletter works in the same fashion as the Facebook page. Please let us know what you think, or if you have any questions about the online sources. For those of you who enjoy just receiving the email each month, we will continue to send it out. But we want to build the online presence as a way to reach out to more people. As always, thank you very much for reading. Our hope is to continue to expand the newsletter. For that, we need your input. So, again, if anyone has any suggestions for topics to cover or wants to write their own piece, we will gladly try to work it in. We hope you enjoy, and please share your feedback with us.

From the Associated Press. LONDON -- Florence Green, the world's last known veteran of World War I, has died at the age of 110, the care home where she lived said Tuesday. Briar House Care Home in King's Lynn, England, said Green died Saturday, two weeks before her 111th birthday. Born Florence Beatrice Patterson in London on Feb. 19, 1901, she joined the Women's Royal Air Force in September 1918 at the age of 17. She went to work as a waitress in the officers' mess at RAF Marham in eastern England, and was serving there when the war ended in November 1918. Green remembered her wartime service with affection. "I met dozens of pilots and would go on dates," she said in an interview in 2008. "I had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes but I was scared of flying. I would work every hour God sent. But I had dozens of friends on the base and we had a great deal of fun in our spare time. In many ways, I had the time of my life."

Last known WWI veteran dies at 110

Thank you very much!

P.2-Take Time To Understand Your Thyroid P.4-BH Doctor Lived Long and Rich Life P.5-veterans Health Benefits Handbook P.7-Homeless Vets Update P.8-More Beach Assaults In June P.10-WSW Vets

In This Issue

P.11-EM Railgun P.12-VA Mortgage Loans P.16-WWI Memorial Foundation P.17-Habitat For Humanity P.19-Thunderbirds 2012 Show Schedule P.20-Legal Help for Veterans P.22-Michgan Military History P.23-On A Lighter Note Part II

And much more.

Florence Green with mess steward Hannah Shaw in 2010. Photograph: Sac Chris Hill/ MoD/PA

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
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She was officially recognized as a veteran when a researcher found her service record in the National Archives. The RAF marked her 110th birth- Florence Green in uniform. Photoday in February 2011 graph: Ministry Of Defence/PA with a cake. Asked what it was like to be 110, Green said "It's not much different to being 109." The war's last known combatant, Royal Navy veteran Claude Choules, died in Australia in May. After his death, Green became the war's last known surviving service member from the war, according to the Order of the First World War, a U.S.-based group that tracks veterans. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/07/ last-known-wwi-veteran-dies-at-110/#ixzz1ljLRAdmm

Some Useful Links

Air Force Times www.airforcetimes.com Navy Times www.navytimes.com Marine Corps Times www.marinecorpstimes.com Army Times www.armytimes.com Military Times www.militarytimes.com TRICARE www.tricare.mil American Legion www.legion.org Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw.org AMVETS www.amvets.org The DAV www.dav.org Department of Defense www.dod.gov Military/Veterans Report www.militray.com The Pentagon Channel www.pentagonchannel.mil Veterans Administration www.va.gov Military Order of the Purple Heart www.purpleheart.org

By: Kristin Shives TRICARE Management Activity (www.tricare.mil) 01/23/2012 The American Thyroid Association reports nearly 20 million people in the United States are suffering from some form of thyroid disease, most of them women. January is Thyroid Awareness month, a perfect time to learn about the thyroid gland and problems that can occur. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, above the collarbone that wraps around the windpipe. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce, store and release hormones through the bloodstream to direct cell activity. Thyroid hormones have an influence on many body functions including brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight and cholesterol levels. Most people are unaware of their thyroid unless theyve suffered from symptoms related to thyroid disease. When there is a problem with the thyroid, the body will use energy more slowly or quickly than it should. There are many causes of thyroid disease, but they typically result in two opposite conditions: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. TRICARE covers clinical preventive services including checks for thyroid cancer for adults with a history of upper body radiation.

Take Time to Understand Your Thyroid

If anyone has a site they would like to have added to this growing list please let us know! Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org Also check out the complete list of links that appear in this newsletter on the last page.

Thank you for your Support!

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Hypothyroidism, the more common condition, is when the thyroid gland is not active enough. Symptoms include gaining weight, feeling tired and having difficulty with cold temperatures. Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid is too active, producing more thyroid hormone than the body needs. This condition can cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat and sensitivity to heat. Treatment is available for both conditions, depending on the cause. The purpose of treatment is to bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal, which will typically eliminate the patients symptoms. Those who have any of these symptoms or a family history of thyroid disease should speak with their primary care provider to discuss their thyroid health. To learn more on thyroid diseases and treatments, please visitwww.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/thyroiddiseases.html. Find out more about what TRICARE covers by visiting,www.tricare.mil/coveredservices.

A Note From: Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau

This notice from LWF is to inform the reader of the development of a Lest We Forget Speakers Bureau. Since our organization has conducted three yearlong courses at Lake Michigan College, we have many topics and many qualified speakers to present information from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have developed formats for school children of all ages, and for veterans organization. Whatever the event we will gladly produce the correct format We would be glad to present any topic of interest to any group. As coordinator, I will be glad to help with the choices of presentations and help with planning. Gary C. Lulenski Coordinator Speakers Bureau 269-428-3442 Garykaye2@comcast.net

From: The USO In 2012, we're calling on the brave men and women of our armed forces to make some incredible sacrifices in Afghanistan, Iraq, and remote locations around the world. That means you and I need to make an extra effort to show our support. One of the best ways to let our troops know that you've got their back is by supporting the work of the USO. Step Up and Lead - support our troops by signing up to be part of the USO today.

STEP UP AND LEAD

Michigan Republican Party Facebook Page

Along with building the newsletters Facebook page, which can be found by the link above, the Michigan Republican Party is building their page. If you would like join, please click here.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
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C. Bassett Brown -- soldier, star athlete, surgeon - dies at age 88 By WILLIAM F. AST III - H-P Staff Writer Published: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 1:05 PM EST From: Don Alsbro and Bill Langbehn BENTON HARBOR - Star basketball player in high school and college. Decorated soldier in World War II. Distinguished surgeon. Renowned civil rights activist. Eyewitness to history. Those were just some of the accomplishments of Dr. C. Bassett Brown of Benton Township, who died Monday. Officials at Robbins Brothers Funeral Home in Benton Harbor said Brown died Monday at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. He was 88 years old, the funeral home said. "I knew this was going to happen, but I never thought it would happen," said Jackie Baker, president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. "He was a nice guy, a wonderful man, involved in so many things. He's really going to be missed. Brown was one of 12 men honored by the Iota Iota Omega Chapter of the African-American sorority in 2010 as part of the "AKA Salute to Excellence - Honoring African-American Men in the Community." Brown, one of Benton Harbor's biggest boosters, retired in 1991 after 33 years of practice as an maxillofacial surgeon. He remained active in civic affairs and even in basketball, continuing to play for years at the YMCA. Brown was among those who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 1963. He was there for King's "I have a dream" speech, which he said was among his top memories. And Brown was there in 1968 for King's funeral. He brought home a rope used on the wagon that carried King's coffin. Brown, a lifetime member of the Twin City branch of the NAACP, was an outspoken advocate of desegregating Benton Harbor schools. During the later 1960s, he fought against what he said was a policy of channeling school resources - including even chalk and erasers - from all-black schools.

BH doctor lived long and rich life

Sammie Smith, 79, retired public housing director for Benton Harbor and Benton Township, worked with Brown when Brown was on the housing board of directors. He said Brown was like an older brother. "When we were youngsters we hung out at the Browns' house," Smith said. "I grew up across the street from him, right by Pilgrim Rest Church. He's the first one that taught me about football, he and his brother Paul." Smith said Brown worked with neighborhood youths when he would come home from Western Michigan University, where he was a varsity basketball player the first black starter on the team. "Bassett, he would always take time with us young kids," Smith said. He said they played football "in the middle of the streets - that's the only playground we had." In his college summers, Brown worked as a shoeshine boy in his father's barbershop on Main Street, Smith said. Smith recalled how as a young man who had not yet finished his schooling, Brown said when he finished he wanted to come back and surgically fix for free the cleft palate of a girl he knew. "That's the first thing he did," said Smith, who recalled that Brown also did the same for another young woman he knew. Brown attended the former St. John's High School in Benton Harbor, where he played football, basketball and ran track. St. John's eventually merged with St. Joseph Catholic High School to become Lake Michigan Catholic. Brown's education at Western was interrupted by World War II. He served in the Army's 92nd Infantry Division, and was awarded a Bronze Star and an Oak Leaf Cluster for bravery.
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He returned to Western Michigan after the war and graduated in 1948. During that same year, he played six games with the Harlem Globetrotters, filling in for players who were ill, according to the St. John's High School web site. He studied chemistry and physics at Fisk University, graduated from Meharry Medical School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tenn., in 1953, and completed an oral surgery internship at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City. Later, he earned a master of science in dentistry from Northwestern University. Brown opened a practice in Benton Harbor in 1958. His award from Western Michigan said he "became known throughout the Midwest for his skills as an oral and maxillo-facial surgeon. He has been a frequent lecturer at both national and international conferences and has published more than 50 articles in professional journals." He leaves behind a lot of people who have good memories of him. "As a little boy, I always remember him during the summertime, offering us kids a ride in his 'carboat' at Silver Beach," Jeff Morrow said in an email. He added that Brown "stayed publicly away from all the drama (in) downtown Benton Harbor. We won't see another black man like that around here."

From: www.va.gov

Veterans Health Benefits Handbook

Dr. Brown was an esteemed member of Lest We Forget and attended meetings on a regular basis. His story is in our LWF book on page 334 of Volume 2, "Wartime Memoirs by Southwestern Michigan Veterans. There are several items that the obituary doesn't mention. One is that he received a second Bronze Star for heroism for rescuing another injured soldier during combat. I venture to say that if he'd been in a non segregated combat unit I'm willing to bet that he would've received more than a Bronze Star. Another item worth mentioning is that the 92nd Inf Div fought in Italy in the Po Valley, Arno, Rome, Naples, Foggia and the Apennines. There were 13,000 that went over and only 5,000 came back. All of the enlisted were black, including the non commissioned officers, but the officers were mixed white and black. Bassett was quite a man and Lest We Forget will be making a large Dr. Bassett Brown display that will become part of our travelling LWF Educational Display. He was a standout in school, athletics, military, in his medical profession and in his community. Don Alsbro, President Lest We Forget

Member of LEST WE FORGET SW MI

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to informing the Veteran community about VA health benefits and services. Currently, VA is producing personalized Veteran Health Benefits Handbooks for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care. The new handbooks are tailored specificfor each Veteran and provides detailed information about the VA health services the Veteran may be eligible to receive. The Veteran Health Benefit Handbook provides answers to common questions such as contact information for the Veteran's local facility, instructions on how to schedule appointments, guidelines for communicating treatment needs and an explanation of the Veteran's responsibilities, such as co-pays, if applicable. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare will receive their personalized handbooks via mail as part of a national rollout campaign starting in February 2012 based on Priority Group, beginning with Priority Group 1 and ending with Priority Group 8. In the near future, VA will develop an online version of the handbook for Veterans to access via MyHealtheVet. This will allow Veterans to access their up-to-date health benefit information anywhere, anytime. Click the link below for additional information about the Veterans Health Benefits Handbook or call VA at 1 877-222-VETS (8387).

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: RAO Bulletin January 2012 (Lt. James EMO Tichacek, USN (Ret) Associate Director, Retiree Assistance Office, U.S. Embassy Warden & IRS VITA Baguio City RPPSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517 Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines. Email: raoemo@sbcglobal.net AL/AMVETS/DAV/ FRA/NAUS/NCOA/MOAA/USDR/VFW/VVA/CG33/ DD890/AD37 member) Veterans are significantly more likely to be homeless than civilian adults, and these homeless vets are getting steadily older and sicker, researchers reported on 27 JAN. The new study predicts that the Department of Veterans' Affairs' health care system could be deluged with at least some of these sick and homeless vets. "They're aging up," said Robert Hallett, national coordinator of the VA's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans program. Jamison Fargo of Utah State University and the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and colleagues studied 130,000 homeless people from seven jurisdictions and found veterans were more likely than non-servicemembers to be among them. They controlled for some of the factors that can lead to homelessness -notably, poverty. "As age increases, an increasingly larger proportion of the male homeless population is composed of veterans," Fargo said in an e-mail interview. "Male veterans were almost 50 percent as likely and female veterans were almost twice as likely to be homeless as nonveterans in the general population," Fargo's team wrote in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Among the population in poverty, male veterans were more than twice as likely and female veterans were more than three times as likely to be homeless as non veterans." Men were most likely to be homeless between the ages of 45 and 54. Men in this age group, who served in the 1970s and 1980s, have continuously been at a higher risk of homelessness, the researchers . For women veterans, those aged 18-29 were at the highest risk of homelessness. Offering recent female veterans housing assistance and programs that help with the transition to civilian life might help reduce this rate, the report suggested. Details of the study are available at http:// www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0112.htm. [Source: National Journal Sophie Quinton article 27 Jan 2012 ++] Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Homeless Vets Update

From: www.fwsf.org To benefit Michigan veterans and their families. This years dinner is being held in coordination with Families United and Operation Care Package Michigan. Saturday, April 28th, 2012 -- 6:00 P.M. Suburban Collection Showcase (formerly Rock Financial Showcase) 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, Michigan, 48374 Keynote Speaker: Sebastian Junger Award Winning Journalist and Best Selling Author of War and The Perfect Storm. Sebastians Media Kit: http://dl.greatertalent.com/ download.php?file=Junger_Sebastian.zip Restrepo website on National Geographic: http:// movies.nationalgeographic.com/movies/restrepo Sebastians Bio on GTN site: http:// www.greatertalent.com/SebastianJunger/ Master of Ceremonies: Chuck Gaidica and many more special guests to come! Tickets are $100 per person. Table sponsorships are $1,000 per table. Corporate Sponsorships are available at various levels. For tickets and reservations, return the enclosed RSVP card by March 16, 2012. You can also call Ann Cornelius at 248-346-5976, or email her at ann4fwsf@aol.com. To purchase a table with a particular group, provide the names of the people in your group we will do our best to accommodate your request. For Corporate Sponsorships contact Chris Cornelius at 734-853-5422.

Seventh Annual Dinner & Auction

~Ronald Reagan

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

More Beach Assaults in June

For the third time, Lest We Forget will stage WWII re-enactments. Generals Eisenhower, Patton and MacArthur will be there, and so will Rosie the Riveter

By: WILLIAM F. AST III - H-P Staff Writer From: Don Alsbro Published: Friday, February 17, 2012 Photos From Lest We Forget USA BENTON HARBOR - The massive amphibious assault is on once again. The Lest We Forget veterans organization on June 30 will hold re-enactments of World War II beach invasions at Tiscornia Park in St. Joseph. President Don Alsbro said the event that Saturday will include at least 400 re-enactors, preceded by simulated bombing runs by a B-25 and B-17 bomber. Similar events in 2008 and 2009 attracted huge crowds to the beach, and Alsbro said this year's event should be even more spectacular. "The flame-thrower demonstration, the pyrotechnics on the beach, the landing of the American flag (by parachute jumper) on the beach, those are all things we didn't do in the past and we're going to do this time," Alsbro said during an organizational meeting at the Southwestern Michigan Regional Airport on Wednesday. Docents will walk through the crowds, portraying such famed generals as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Patton and Douglas MacArthur, Alsbro said. There will even be a docent portraying Rosie the Riveter, the iconic World War II factory worker. Alsbro said the re-enactors will portray generic beach assaults in the European and Pacific theaters. For

specific assaults, re-enactors want to have the historically correct uniforms and equipment, and having generic landings allows more to participate, he said. "We don't memorialize or celebrate war," said Bill Langbehn, in charge of communications for Lest We Forget. "That's not the point. But you will see a lot of the 'dead' on the beach." The past events were hugely popular with re-enactors, because they don't often get to do actual beach landings. But running in beach sand is exhausting, and Langbehn said those who direct the invasions reported there's no lack of volunteers to "die" early. The event will be headquartered at the airport, where even more events will take place. Langbehn said there will be a fly-in of the World War II planes, plus helicopters from the Korean and Vietnam wars and a current Army National Guard Blackhawk, he said. "The ramp here will be full," Langbehn said. "It's a wonderful look at war birds of the era." There will also be an encampment of the re-enactors, ground battle demonstrations, a USO Style Hangar Dance with big band music at the Fiskars Hangar, a Chow Hall run by the Coloma Rod and Gun Club, a hands-on museum for kids, appearances by Medal of Honor recipients, opportunities to buy tickets to ride on the airplanes and helicopters and demonstrations of military equipment, Langbehn said. One demonstration will show German soldiers disassembling and trying to fix a weapon, Langbehn said. "Most things in war go wrong," Langbehn said. "It's an emergency situation, and there are lots of mechanical failures, plus people just screwing up." There will also be a military parade through the Twin Cities, starting at 6 p.m. June 29. Langbehn said plans call for one of the helicopters to "fly cover" for the Friday parade, which should attract lots of attention. Ray Damaske of Lest We Forget said preliminary plans call for the parade to go down Main Street in Benton Harbor, past the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph and around the Silver Beach County Park area.
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Other events will include: author Michael Zuckoff on June 14 will sign copies of his book "Lost in Shangri-La," which includes a local veteran, at the St. Joseph Public Library; on June 22-24, production of a new play by Larry Nielson titled "Make It Home," an account of his father's service in World War II, at the Lake Michigan College Hanson Theater at the LMC Mendel Center in Benton Township; and a Field Church Service at the airport at 9 a.m. July 1. Alsbro said the budget for the weekend is $86,000. Lest We Forget hopes to find service clubs willing to sponsor part of the weekend, Alsbro said. He said any club or organization that wants Lest We Forget to put on a presentation about the re-enactment may call him at 925-7176 or 921-7176, or Langbehn at 921-8031. From: Phil Smith JOB FAIRS - April 11, 2012 at Dearborn Civic Center - they need to register on line, bringing with them their DD-214 and Resume hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so that the students can get there that can. This is for Veterans and their spouses and or children June 25-29, 2012 - Department of Veterans Affairs is putting on this event, at Cobo Hall - this is Veterans Owned Business type, and many companies will be there. Again, bring DD-214 and Resume - Again, Veterans, Spouses or Children

Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.

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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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From: Hank Fuhs The Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced 8 FEB that they will begin testing an advanced Electromagnetic Railgun (EMR) within the next few weeks. The development and testing of this advanced EMR is the result of a $21 million contract awarded to BAE Systems by the Office of Naval Research roughly two years ago. ONR is the office within the United States Department of the Navy that facilitates all science and technology programs for the U.S Navy and Marine Corps through various institutions, such as universities and government laboratories. While most munitions both heavy and small depend on chemical propellants (like gunpowder), the EM Railgun launcher utilizes magnetic energy instead. The EM Railgun propels a conductive projectile along metal rails using a magnetic field powered by electricity. The magnetic field produced by the high electric currents thrusts a sliding metal conductor between two rails to launch a projectile at velocities of 4,500 to 5,600 mph. By contrast, the average velocity of a chemical propelled weapon is limited to about 2,700 give or take. This increased velocity should allow for the Navy to reach targets of up to 50 to 100 nautical miles (57 to 115 miles) Navy planners hope to

EM Railgun

eventually increase that range even further to distances up to 220 nautical miles (253 miles). According to ONR, this increase velocity and extended range will give sailors multi-mission capability, and allow them to conduct precise naval surface fire support. In addition, ONR states that the EM Railgun may provide effective ballistic missile defense. BAE Systems EM Railgun was delivered to the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren on January 30, 2012 and features a 32-megajoule payload. One megajoule of energy is equivalent to a one ton car traveling at 100 miles per hour. Video of the railgun prototype can be viewed at http:// www.pcworld.com/article/249628/ us_navy_testing_shiny_new_32megajoule_railgun_protot ype.html. [Source: Digital Trends Amir Iliaifar article 8 Feb 2012 ++]

Two Great Sources for Veterans/Military Legislative Updates in Washington D.C. Simply click the images to view the site.

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By: Tim Pascarella Last month, we began our three-part series on VA mortgage loans by providing a little background and discussing the 10 advantages. Today in Part 2, well look at the requirements to qualify. Anatomy of a VA Loan-The law requires a veteran obtaining a VA guaranteed mortgage loan to certify that he or she intends to personally occupy the property as his or her home within a certain period of time. From the date of certification, the veteran must either: Personally live in the property as his or her home, or Intend, upon completion of the loan and acquisition of the dwelling, to personally move into the property and use it as his or her home within 60 days after the loan closing. The VA guidelines will allow for more than one eligible veteran(s) to purchase a home. If more than one eligible veteran is involved, the VA divides the entitlement charge equally between them, if possible. The maximum VA home loan term is 30 years. Service Requirements Who Is Eligible Active Duty Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, during World War II and later periods are eligible for VA loan benefits, specifically: World War II (September 16, 1940 to July 25, 1947) Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955) Vietnam era (August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975) Peacetime Duty, Enlisted Service and other Categories Veterans with service only during peacetime periods and active duty military personnel must have had more than 180 days' active service. Veterans of enlisted service which began after September 7, 1980, or officers with service beginning after October 16, 1981, must in most cases have served at least 2 years. Persian Gulf Conflict - Basically, reservists and National Guard members who were activated on or after August 2,

VA Mortgage Loans: A 3-Part Series PART 2: THE REQUIREMENTS

1990, served at least 90 days and were discharged honorably are eligible. Additional Thoughts In the end, the VA determines your eligibility and, if you are qualified, the VA will issue you a certificate of eligibility which youll need when applying for a VA loan. Credit Requirements DEBT TO INCOME RATIO Borrowers and / or their spouses must qualify according to set debt ratios. These are used to determine whether the borrower can reasonably be expected to meet the expenses involved with home ownership. The maximum ratio to qualify is 45 percent. If the number exceeds the 45 percent, the VA has a residual income guideline. This allows approval if the residual income exceeds 120 percent of the minimum required residual and is based upon family size and geographic area. CREDIT RECORD The VA borrower must have a good credit record. Some of the issues that would affect your credit record include: Late mortgage payments No credit history Chapter 7 bankruptcy Chapter 13 bankruptcy Collections, judgments and federal debts Foreclosure Consumer credit counseling plan JOINT VA LOANS With COSIGNORS The VA guidelines recognize legally-married spouses of qualified veterans as co-signors on VA loans and can include their income. These loans can be fully guaranteed by the VA. Why Team Pascarella? We love this country and were grateful for our freedom. We want to do what we can by giving back to Veterans. We know hands down we can provide them with the best mortgage experience possible and we are happy to do so. A pre-approval from Team Pascarella is not just a piece of paper; its a commitment to lend. From: www.va.gov Our purpose is to help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership We are relationship driven through demystifying the mortgage process for our clients and providing client centered education and service
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Additional Benefits for Active Duty Time Served: DD FORM 214-SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT
From: Social Security Administration (SSA) Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service between January 1957 to December 31, 2001 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of Military service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Social Security website: http://www.ssa.gov/ retire2/military.htm This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road... It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty between January1957 to December 31, 2001. FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

A Note From Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs

We need your help to grow the Newsletter
We are currently looking for any contact information of individuals or groups that you think would either be interested in receiving our newsletter or interested in writing articles. If you know of anyone please let us know. For it is through your involvement we are able to reach more and more people each month. Thank you very much! We hope you enjoy.

Three ways to help:

1. Email us the contact information at mhauser@migop.org 2. By mail at: 520 Seymour Lansing, MI 48933 3. Or simply forward the newsletter along to a friend. Thank you for your Continued Support -Hank Fuhs
community need when the federal government terminated its program that helped many veterans pay for transportation to VA medical facilities. The DAV has 189 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country who coordinate the transportation needs for disabled veterans. Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. We hope we can help you. Locate your nearest VA Medical Center

To request a copy of a DD-214 click here.

Form: www.dav.org Because so many sick and disabled veterans lack transportation to and from VA medical facilities for needed treatment, the DAV operates a nationwide Transportation Network to meet this need. Through the Transportation Network, DAV volunteers drive sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medical facilities for treatment. The Transportation Network is a clear example of veterans helping veterans. The DAV stepped in to meet a substantial

Need a Ride

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
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A clipping from Gene Simon. It does bring up an interesting point. Do we forget?Matthew X. Hauser

Lest We Forget

We hear stories from around the state about Veterans who are in need of help. Please remember what these men and women have done for this nation. Please remember them, and let our communities not forget what these men and women have sacrificed. Thank you to everyone who has supported this newsletter, and if you know of any veterans who are in need of help let us know and we will put the word out to help. -Matthew X. Hauser

Contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org

Pershings Last Patriot

From: www.pershingslastpatriot.com Many award-winning feature films have tried to bring the American twentieth century to life through fictional stories. Forrest Gump walked us through the twentieth century with his profound life; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button used a characters life to entertain us through American History from 2005 to World War I, and The Notebook escorted us through a tale of American history through a similar formula. These films demonstrated a intense and blockbuster success and a powerful indicator for the publics level of interest in such stories. But what if there was a true story of an American who actually accomplished these things and whose life is a parallel to the proven success of these films? The life of Americas last World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, is the one story, the one survivor and the one whose story needs to be shared.

Pershings Last Patriot: The Frank Woodruff Buckles Story is slated for release in 2011. In this unique and insightful documentary film, we will travel with Frank to reflect on his early life in rural Missouri and Oklahoma. Frank will share his experiences as he enlisted and served our nation in The War to End All Wars. We will experience his life in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, and relive his amazing rescue from death. Finally, we will see how Franks life has changed over the decades, and his rise to fame as Americas last witness to the First World War and so many other world events.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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From: www.wwimemorial.org In March 2008, Frank Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, visited the District of Columbia War Memorial, on the National Mall in Washington DC. He observed that this peaceful, secluded memorial, dedicated in 1931 as a memorial to the 499 residents of the District of Columbia who gave their lives in that war, sits neglected and in extreme disrepair, and that there is no national memorial to World War I. Mr. Buckles issued a call for the restoration and re-dedication of the D.C. memorial as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial. The World War I Memorial Foundation was formed to make Frank Buckles dream a reality. The mission of the Foundation is to advocate and raise funds for the re-dedication of the DC War Memorial as a national World War I memorial, dedicated to all those Americans who served in the Great War. In 2014 the world will mark the centennial of World War I. Nearly 5 million Americans served during the war, and 116,516 Americans died in defense of democracy overseas. Americas support of its allies in World War I marked the first time in this nations history that American soldiers went abroad to defend foreign soil against aggression -- and it marked the true beginning of the American century. Yet while the later conflicts of the 20th century World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War -rightfully have national memorials on the National Mall, there is no such memorial to the Great War, even though more Americans gave their lives in World War I than in Korea or Vietnam. The D.C. memorial, which is already located adjacent to those other memorials, is the most fitting site for a national World War I memorial.

The World War I Memorial Foundation

By: Dale Hemphill-Designer, Spirit of America Flag (dhemp31628@aol.com)

Spirit of the American Flag

The Spirit of America Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by a naval veteran realizing the need for historical recognition of American's heroes and the sacrifices they made for our country. The "Spirit of America" insignia shown above was designed to recognize our men and women of the military forces and the battles they fought. As the Spirit of America Foundation continues its mission to promote patriotism and the appreciation of our veterans, it has expanded its reach to help veterans in need in today's tough economy. FORGOTTEN HEROES USA, LTD, supports the missions of the Spirit of America Foundation by offering patriotic products honoring Americas hardships in history dating back to the Revolutionary War to present day Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. With each purchase, a percentage is donated to the Spirit of America Foundation. If you would like to help our cause by making a purchase or donation please know that your generosity will reach many others in their time of need. Please review our web site for more information. If you have any questions or comments please contact us via the "Contact Us" page. Thank you! Video: The Raising of the Spirit of America flag. At the American war cemetery in Margraten in The Netherlands on Sunday the 3rd of July 2011. Made by: RALPH84 Click Here to view the video.

Photo: The Late Frank Buckles during his 2008 visit to the Washington D.C. World War I Monument.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.
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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

From: Helen Budd We are in very high need of Habitat Homebuyers. We are challenging everyone to get the word out and achieve at least one person to apply for our homeownership program within 2 weeks. Please take this challenge seriously and spread the news of our homeownership opportunity and serving families in need of affordable housing. We continually find that the general public still believes we "give" houses away or serve only homeless people. People who fall within our low income guidelines of between $20,000 to $39,000 are our friends, family, neighbors, church members, checkout clerks, health care workers, trades people ect. Many people do not think they would qualify or be able to ever own their own home. The mortgage of a Habitat Home is generally between $450$600. When a family becomes a Habitat Homeowner our entire community benefits. Please think of ways you can get our message out and encourage people to apply for our unique opportunity for homeownership. Attached is a flyer we are asking you to please consider sending out to everyone you know. If you would

Habitat For Humanity

like to pick up some printed flyers or posters we would be happy to supply them. Please hand out the flyer to people after you speak of the program. If you know someone who would like to apply you can direct them to Miriam Reyes directly at 588-5235, mreyes@habitatkent.org. We truly need your help in getting our message out and letting the families who are in need know we have affordable opportunities for homeownership. Sincerely, Miriam Reyes Manager of Homeownership Programs Habitat for Humanity of Kent County 425 Pleasant St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616)774-2431 x235 Fax: (616)774-4120 mreyes@habitatkent.org We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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A Note From Department Hospital Chairwoman Merridy Lewis

Hello Everyone, Im sure youve heard about budget cuts that are affecting so many of us. Our Veteran Medical Centers are no exception. Have you thought about being a volunteer? There are so many ways volunteers can help the Veterans Homes, medical Centers, clinics or even local Hospitals and nursing homes. As a volunteer you help to ensure that our Veterans are treated with care, affection, respect and enthusiasm. There are many opportunities available that volunteers are needed for. A few ideas that come to mind would be ---- A greeter/ambassador, this position you would help Veterans who may need assistance locating general information of the hospital, giving directions, or

even escort them to an appointment. Perhaps, get a wheelchair for them. Another idea would be to write letters, read a book or to sit and visit with them, as sometimes they dont have family or friends that are able to visit. Play a game of cards or even work on a puzzle. The veterans can always use phone cards, bus tokens or transportation, vouchers, crossword puzzles, canteen books to purchase coffee or soda from the canteen and reading materials. How do I become a Veterans Affair Voluntary Service (VAVS) volunteer? Contact your nearest VA or local nursing home or hospital. Ask to speak to a voluntary service specialist. They will set you up an appointment for an interview to see what interests you have, and give you a scheduled time to volunteer. You will also be given an orientation of hospital policy. Non members of the VFW & Ladies Auxiliary can be sponsored from each post. So, if you have a friend that would like to help you when you volunteer perhaps your Auxiliary would sponsor them. Children are welcomed to volunteer also. Do you have an out-standing hospital volunteer? Please submit an application to me for the Out Standing Hospital Volunteer of the Year! We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

From: http://www.jpac.pacom.mil The mission of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation's past conflicts. The highest priority of the organization is the return of any living Americans that remain prisoners of war. To date, the U.S. Government has not found any evidence that there are still American POWs in captivity from past U.S. conflicts. JPAC is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The command was activated on Oct. 1, 2003, created from the merger of the 30-year-old U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, and the 11-year-old Joint Task Force - Full Accounting. Commanded by a flag officer,

JPAC is manned by approximately 400 handpicked Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Department of the Navy civilians. The laboratory portion of JPAC, referred to as the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL), is the largest forensic anthropology laboratory in the world. JPAC also maintains three permanent overseas detachments to assist with command and control, logistics and in-country support during investigation and recovery operations. They are Detachment One located in Bangkok, Thailand, Detachment Two in Hanoi, Vietnam and Detachment Three in Vientiane, Laos. JPAC has a fourth detachment, Detachment Four, located at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, responsible for recovery team personnel when they are not deployed.
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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

By: Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs From: Hank Fuhs 12/8/2011 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced their 2012 show schedule Dec. 7. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada. The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by performing a flyover for the 54th running of NASCAR's Daytona 500 on February. 26. The remainder of the schedule is as follows bellow: March 17: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. March 31 and April 1: Lakeland, Fla. April 14-15: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. April 21-22: Barksdale AFB, La. April 28-29: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. May 5-6: Shaw AFB, S.C. May 12-13: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. May 19-20: March Air Reserve Base, Calif. May 23: Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force Academy graduation flyover) May 26-27: Hill AFB, Utah June 2-3: Rockford, Ill. June 9-10: Ocean City, Md. June 16-17: North Kingstown, R.I. June 23-24: Indianapolis, Ind. June 30 & July 1: Battle Creek, Mich. July 7-8: Gary, Ind. July 21-22: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. July 25: Cheyenne, Wyo. July 28-29: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Aug. 4-5: Hillsboro, Ore. Aug. 11-12: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada Aug. 17: Atlantic City, N.J. Aug. 25-26: Brunswick, Maine Sept. 1-2: Davenport, Iowa Sept. 8-9: Sacramento, Calif. Sept. 15-16: Scott AFB, Ill. Sept. 22-23: Salinas, Calif. Sept. 29-30: McConnell AFB, Kan. Oct. 6-7: Fort Worth, Texas Oct. 13-14: Daytona Beach, Fla. Oct. 20-21: El Paso, Texas Oct. 27-28: Moody AFB, Ga. Nov. 3-4: Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. Nov. 10-11: Nellis AFB, Nev.

Thunderbirds Release 2012 Show Schedule

Five F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team perform aerial stunts Oct. 8, 2011, during their demonstration at the Legacy of Liberty Open House and Air Show at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The team's primary mission is to exhibit the capabilities of modern warfighting aircraft and to demonstrate the high degree of skill maintained by Air Force members serving in a variety of career specialties. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss)

"We are excited about the upcoming season and representing our fellow American Airmen," said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, who will command and lead the team in the 2012 show season. "We feel honored to tell the story of U.S. Air Force Airmen serving on the front lines of freedom around the world. We will proudly represent each Airmen with the same pride, precision and professionalism in which they perform their duties each and every day." As of 2012, the Thunderbirds will have been in existence for 59 years, dating back to 1953 when the team flew the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjets. This season will mark the 30th season the squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force's premier multirole fighter aircraft. The Thunderbirds team is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted people serving in about 30 Air Force job specialties. A Thunderbirds aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including the beginning ground ceremony, lasts about one hour. The air show season lasts roughly from March to November, with the winter months primarily used to train new team members. To learn more about the Thunderbirds, visit the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team Facebook, Twitter orYouTube pages.
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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Legal Help for Veterans

From: James G. Fausone Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC is a law firm located in Northville, Michigan. We have a national practice representing veterans on veterans disability claims. This representation occurs at the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Board of Veterans Appeals and regional offices. We have helped veterans collect over $10,000,000 in retro and future benefits. Over the last decade, LHFV has become a trusted name in the legal community for providing legal services to veterans and lecturing at law schools, bar associations and community events. Members of the Legal Help for Veterans practice group are former service members who bring not only legal expertise but an understanding of service and duty. The members of the group have medical and administrative backgrounds as well as finely honed legal skills developed over twenty years of practice and experience. We have represented thousands of veterans and currently have over 650 active clients. For more information about the organization and about legal help for veterans and for contact information www.legalhelpforveterans.com and found on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Our telephone number is 800.693.4800. Our blog discusses current issues facing veterans and the VA. Typically our clients are enlisted men and women who served post Korea. The Vietnam vet is still the one with the most common problems. These include Agent Orange related disabilities, PTSD, psychiatric or orthopedic injuries. Other vets often have hearing loss, military sexual trauma or tinnitus. We are now seeing Iraq and Afghanistan vets with TBI. Many vets do not even begin the disability claim process until many years after service. The trigger may be unemployability and the need for benefits. With a million claim back log at VA, it is a slow and confusing process and many people need professional help establishing the proper diagnosis and service connection. That is what Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC has been doing for clients for years. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

From: Rick Briggs, Major, USAF (Ret) The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) Veterans Program utilizes numerous types of outdoor activities to gather Veterans and currently serving military personnel together for a little R&R. These special events are almost always free for the troops depending totally on the kind donations of sponsors and donors. In addition to being a great way to say Thank you for their service, these activities serve as the mechanism to get the troops to open up a little if they are having post-deployment issues. Frequently we find that in the comfortable confines with others who have been there, done that they tend to be more receptive to learn about Invisible Wounds says Rick Briggs the Program Manager, both PTSD and TBI are treatable if they seek the proper help. To find out more about these activities, or to donate to their Veterans Program, please make out checks to BIAMI Veterans Program and send them to 7305 Grand River Suite #100, Brighton, MI 48114 or contact Rick Briggs at veterans@biami.org or call him (810) 2295880 or visit www.biami.org.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

BIAMI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary as it continues to strive to provide persons with a brain injury and their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public with the resources necessary to enhance brain injury awareness, education, prevention, and support. BIAMI is also fields the first and only dedicated Veterans Program staff within the Brain Injury Association of America.
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About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI):

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY BOOKS

The Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association created a three volume set of history books covering the periods 1926-1996. A fourth volume covering the years 1996 to 2006 is in production and should be available soon. Volume 1 covers the period 1926 to 1976-Cost: $1.00 Volume 2 covers the period 1976 to 1986-Cost: $4.00 Volume 3 covers the period 1986 to 1996-Cost: $1.00 Volume 4 covers the period 1996 to 2010-Cost: $6:00 Full color $35.00 If you wish to purchase one or more of these volumes or are interested in more information, please contact MAGHA at Phone: 586-239-6768, Fax: 586-239-6646, Email: 127.wg.selfridgeairmuseum@ang.af.mil

MANGBANG
From: Eugene (Gene) A. Simon- Command Chief Master Sergeant USAF (Retired) & Matthew X. Hauser As you may have seen in past editions of the newsletter, MANGBANG has been one of our sources. We are thankful for the source and so we just wanted to pass the information along for MANGBANG in case anyone is interested in joining the Michigan Air National Guard Historical Association. You can contact Lou Nigro if you are interested. We think it is a worthwhile investment-it supports the history of the Michigan Air National Guard and his monthly publications are very informative. For those who want to view it on our website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org, http://www.selfridgeairmuseum.org ), Lt Col Lou Nigro, MI ANG (Ret) Executive Director, Selfridge Military Air Museum Email: louis.nigro@ang.af.mil

From: Dept. Hospital Chairman Merridy Lewis Hospitalized Veterans Writing Program (HVWP). This program helps veterans get their poems and stories down on paper is one of the goals for our volunteers. Volunteer aides help both with a one on one or with groups of patients to help them put their thoughts and feelings into stories and poems. The stories and poems can be submitted to veterans voices, a magazine that publishes the articles that have been submitted. The HVWP does its very best to publish every article that has been submitted following the guide lines.

"Veterans Voices"

It is important to submit the authors name, VAMC facility and state, the authors permanent address the branch of service and duties along with the serial number or social security number. Manuscripts must be original and unpublished, except in VAMC publications. Writers can submit up to three poems, each no longer than 24 lines with 60 character width. Stories no longer than 10 pages, typed using double spacing. This is a brief detail of what HVWP is about. It may be an interest you would like to share with a Veteran on a volunteer basis. This is part of our history for generations yet to come we are losing World War II Veterans every day and we need to hear their stories. For more information about the organization please visit their website at www.veteransvoices.org.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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From: Department of Veteran and Military AffairsMichigan The War of 1812 When the War of 1812 broke out, the population in the territory was less than 5,000 people. Acting Territorial Governor Atwater enrolled about 200 men in the militia. They participated in General Hull's Canadian campaign and were involved in the effort to capture

Michigan Military History Continued The War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War

Sandwich. The campaign was doomed to failure however, and the invading force was captured. The Michigan militia was paroled, thus ending its participation in this war. The Black Hawk War In 1832, Michigan men again answered the call to arms. This time it was for an Indian war--the Blackhawk War. Michigan played only a small part in this campaign but did call out and order to service a regiment of militia that included the First Regiment of Michigan Militia, the Detroit City Guards, and a company of mounted volunteers (dragoons). The troops never saw combat, however. Exposure and the hardship of the march to the Mississippi River, coupled with an outbreak of the Asiatic cholera, took a heavy toll. Sickness and some deaths were reported. The Black Hawk War was the last campaign in which the Detroit City Guards participated.

Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

Committee Testimony Committee Minutes No SubCommittees Committee Members: Ray A. Franz (R), Committee Chair, 101st District Dale W. Zorn (R), Majority Vice-Chair, 56th District Gail Haines (R), 43rd District Sharon Tyler (R), 78th District Mike Callton (R), 87th District David E. Nathan (D), Minority Vice-Chair, 11th District George T. Darany (D), 15th District Charles Smiley (D), 50th District Lesia Liss (D), 28th District Paul Clemente (D), 14th District Ben Cook, Committee Clerk 517-373-2002 bcook@house.mi.gov

Rep. Ray A. Franz Committee Chair Welcome to the Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee. The committee's regularly scheduled meeting time is Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. in room 308 of the House Office Building in Lansing. I welcome citizens to contact me or other committee members regarding bills or proposals our committee is addressing. Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in a committee meeting may contact my office to request the necessary assistance.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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On a Lighter Note Part II

By: Major Mark A. Smith Sr. (ret) Note: SOME DECADES AGO, A FRIEND IN THE PENTAGON ASKED ME TO JOT DOWN A FEW SOLDIERLY THOUGHTS. DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS I ADDED A COUPLE, BUT DELETED NONE OF THE ORIGINALS. THEY MAY NOT BE MODERN OR POLITICALLY CORRECT, BUT THEY DID MAKE THE ROUNDS. I STAND BY THEM TODAY. MARK 27. Soldiers are not sent into combat, they are led. 28. Your worth as an officer should never be judged on how well you ran with a football in college. 29. West Point is a place of learning, as is any college. Both produce two types of officer; Good and Bad. 30. The computer will never be able to judge the content of a soldiers spirit, as his Sergeant can. 31. Esprit De Corps cannot be attained at the Battalion picnic or Sports Day. It must be instilled by good leadership and belief in ones fellow soldiers. 32. No new weapon or tactic will ever instill the same fear in the enemy that one Infantryman with a bayonet can. 33. He who drinks at lunch is a drunken soldier in the afternoon. 34. No soldier is so smart that his physical deficiencies can be overlooked in the Infantry. 35. Painting rocks and serving drinks to officers have never been soldierly functions. And golf is not a required skill for officers. 36. Consolidation of all administrative personnel at battalion level has eroded accountability and proper reporting. 37. Anyone who thinks that future battlefields will not contain Infantrymen knows nothing about war. 38. Indecision kills more soldiers than any wrong decision. One can command his way out of a wrong decision. 39. The only mission of the Infantry Soldier is to kill the enemy. Humanitarian Missions" are someone elses job.

40. Only the Infantry and Armor can gain ground. Only the Infantry can hold it alone. 41. Special Forces are not Rangers or Light Infantry and should never be employed as such. 42. Rangers are light infantry and are not Special Forces. 43. Victory is not a limited objective. There is no other reason to engage an enemy, except victory. 44. Never shower or apply after-shave and cologne, forty eight hours prior to a night attack. 45. Sweat is the true lubricant of the Infantry fighting machine. 46. No American Soldier can be managed to victory. He must be led. 47. The only color in the U.S. Army is green. 48. Use of chemical weapons and biological weapons are a crime against humanity. 49. Not training your soldiers to protect themselves from them is a crime against your own troops. 50. Any tactic written in a book is known to your enemies. 51. If short hair is truly a matter of hygiene and discipline, then all soldiers must have it. 52. No member of a soldiers family is more important than the mission. 53. No soldier can accomplish his mission if the Army neglects his family. 54. Any soldier who sleeps with another soldiers wife or lover cannot be trusted on the battlefield and should be shunned. 55. Officers are more likely to wear unauthorized awards than any NCO or Private.

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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Steaming Live for those who serve check it out.

If anyone has any other sites or link they find to be a good source please let us know we will gladly work it in. Please contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org.
Veterans Radio is dedicated to all of the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. Our mission is to provide all veterans with a voice, to give them a forum where they are able to discuss their issuesand tell their stories. You can listen to the show on: WDEO (990-AM Ann Arbor/Detroit), WMAX (1440-AM, Saginaw), WDEO-FM (99.5 FM, Naples FL), KAGY (1510-AM Port Sulfur/New Orleans LA), KIXW (960-AM, Apple Valley CA) and KMRC (1430AM Morgan City, LA). Or, listen to our Webcast and archives at: www.veteransradio.net.

Lest We Forget SW Michigan

Have you ever felt that history, particularly military history, isn't being taught in our schools like it was in the "good old" times? Why is it that many of our high school graduates, some say a majority, don't know who we fought in WWII, who bombed us at Pearl Harbor or worst yet, believe that the holocaust never happened? Our children are not being taught the basic principles that have made this country great! "Lest We Forget" was started by a group of veterans who felt that patriotism was too important of a subject to be given the short shrift that it presently receives in our schools and community. Our operating principle is "To brighten the future we must illuminate the past." We've "illuminated the past" through WWII re-enactments, patriotic concerts, presentations by Medal of Honor recipients, presentation of the American flag to Frank Buckles, our last WWI veteran, TV telecasts to schools throughout the country, participation in local parades, made presentations in our schools on the flag, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published a book of WWII stories by local veterans, presented college classes on WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars, published two books of veterans stories, brought in the VN Wall and honored the Korean vets this year. Next year (2012) Jun 29-Jul 1 we will have D-Day and Iwo Jima beach landings and much more. Remember, "Freedom is NOT free!" Patriotically Yours, Don Alsbro, President COL, US Army (ret) Lest We Forget For more info about Lest We Forget SW MI please visit their website by simply clicking here.

LWF 2010 Group Picture

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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From: Bob Tidmore-Post Commander AMVETS Post 46 (Michigan AMVET News, Winter 2011) AMVETS Post 46 on Beaver Island has received the final permits for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Park on the site of the old Beaver Island power plant located on Main Street in the middle of the harbor. The park will included three flagpoles that will fly the American flag, the Michigan flag, and a rotating service flag. One monument will list the names of those from Beaver Island who gave their lives in the service of their country. A second pays tribute to all veterans who have served their country and the third honors the Emmett Burke AMETS Post 46. In front of the monuments there will be three area s containing bricks with veteran names, dates and service affiliation. These are available to any veteran or families and friends who wishes to honor their veteran. The bricks are 4x8 and 8x8 and are $100 and $200 respectively. Order forms for bricks, questions and answers about the park are available on the web site http://beaverislandnews.com/ or by emailing the Post at amvetspost46@yahoo.com and we will send you a form. AMVETS Post 46 wishes to thank the St. James Township Board and Wolverine Power for their help and support in this project.

Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Park

Veteran organizations across America are committed that all American veterans receive recognition and honor for their valiant service and sacrifices. Working hard to keep veterans efforts made today and in the past visible to everyone, we are spearheading the renovation of old Memorials and are building Memorials in communities that have none. AMVETS Post 46 of Beaver Island is building a Veterans Memorial on the waters edge of Beaver Islands beautiful harbor which we hope to dedicate this July Fourth. The location of this memorial will be visible to thousands of people as they enter Beaver Islands harbor each year. Along the harbor thoroughfare it offers outstanding visibility and access to tourist and residence alike. This Memorial, a popular attraction now, is destined to become a must see stopping place where the sacrifices in life and blood of Americas veterans will be honored and remembered. To finish this grand project we are coming to the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce and its members seeking tax deductable donations which will enable us to complete the Memorial. With your help and support this Memorial will become a fitting tribute for everyone serving and those who have served.

A Note from AMVETS POST 46

Lest We Forget, Our Freedom Is Not Free.

Short video from www.tricare.mil that explains some back ground information about TRICARE.
View this video to get a better understanding of what TRICARE is. Or Click Here.
We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country. Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
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Hubbardston American Legion Disable Veteran Hunting

From: Dan Heckman Adjutant-Hubbardston American Legion Located on Jones Rd. mile South of Maple Rapids Rd. Clinton County, Lebanon Twp. Disabled Veterans Hunting Shack Built and sponsored by the Hubbardston American Legion Post #182. It was constructed on the corner of Tim Chartrand, Doug Cusack and Wilson Dairy Farms properties. The shack is 8 x 8, 2 feet off the ground. Its sporting a fivefoot deck with roof and its insulated and heated. A disabled veteran or person can drive to the shack and exit onto the 4 x 8 platform and ascend up the 12-foot ramp. The entire cost was accepted by the American legion. Sons of the American Legion donated $200.00 for the cost, Triple C trucking donated the gravel for the driveway and Cusack Masonry provided some material and equipment. This opportunity is free, with no guarantee for harvesting a deer. DNR rules & Laws Apply. From: www.michiganpva.org MPVA is celebrating its 50th year of service in Michigan. It is a chapter of the national Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), operating according to the standards and practices established by the PVA. MPVA is, however, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Michigan programs, services, education, and outreach conducted here are made possible by local volunteers, partners, sponsors, and donors. The mission of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is to enhance the lives of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease as well as all citizens with disabilities, by advocating for civil rights, assuring quality health care, supporting continued research and education, and encouraging independence and healthy living through various health, sports and recreational programs. MPVA shall continue striving to remain at the forefront of both veterans benefits services and disability rights, while working toward a better quality of life for all American citizens. Please Support and listen to Frontlines of Fredom Military Talk Radio Hosted by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem. You can hear it every Saturday at 1p.m. on 1260 AM the Pledge (Zeeland, MI), or by visiting the website at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com. Or on Facebook by clicking here. Thank you for your Support!

The MPVA Mission

Old Warrior Camp

100% Disabled Veterans Sept. 26-27 Special Disabled firearm hunt, 100% disability Oct. 15-18 Regular Bow season with a crossbow Oct. 1st-Nov. 14th Regular firearm season Nov. 15th-Nov. 30th Appointments or scheduling, call Mid-Mich. Process Serving at (989) 981-6979

Available Hunting Dates are as Follows

From: Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Retired, ANG This Hunting Camp was built by a retired Marine First Sergeant with the primary purpose of facilitating the Wounded Warriors as they begin their Journey back to Civilian Life. The First Sergeant is the Commander of the Disabled American Veteran (Manistique Chapter 26) He is also 100% totally disabled. There is no cost to veteransBring a Valid Michigan Hunting License and your sleeping bag. Contact Bob Blevins at (906)-477-0025 for dates and times available.
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Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

www.veterans.senate.gov Page 1 Newsletters Facebook U.S House Committee of Veterans www.facebook.com Affairs Newsletters Scribd www.veterans.house.gov www.scribd.com Page 13 Team Pascarella Page 2 Fox News www.teampascarella.com www.foxnews.com Page 14 Social Security Administration TRICARE www.tricare.mil www.ssa.gov TRICARE Thyroid DD-214 Form www.nlm.nih.gov www.archives.gov Page 3 DAV VA Veterans Benefits www.dav.gov www.publichealth.va.gov Page 15 MIGOP Facebook Perishing's Last Patriot www.michigan.gov www.facebook.com www.pershingslastpatriot.com Military and Veterans Affairs and USO Homeland Security Committee Page 16 www.uso.org World War I Memorial Foundation www.house.mi.gov Page 5 www.wwimemorial.org Page 23 Department of Veterans Affairs Spirit of the American Flag Pentagon Channel www.va.gov www.forgottonheroesusa.com www.pentagonchannel.mil Page 6 Veterans Radio Page 17 US Chamber of Commerce Habitat for Humanity of Kent County www.veteransradio.net www.uschamber.com www.habitatkent.org LEST WE FORGET SW MI Page 7 www.lestweforgetusa.org Page 18 Fallen and Wounded Solider Fund Joint Pow/MIA Page 25 www.fwsf.com Accounting Command Beaver Island Veterans Memorial Page 8 www.jpac.pacom.mil Park LEST WE FORGET SW MI www.beaverislandnews.com Page 20 www.lestweforgetusa.org Legal Help for Veterans TRICARE Page 9 www.tricare.mil www.legalhelpforveterans.com U.S. Senate Committee on Brain Injury Association of Michigan Veterans Affairs Page 4 www.biami.org www.veterans.senate.gov DD-214 Form Page 21 U.S House Committee of Veterans www.archives.gov Michigan Air National Guard Affairs Page 23 www.selfridgeairmuseum.org www.veterans.house.gov Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of Veterans Voices Page 17 America www.veteransvoices.org Rail Gun Prototype www.michiganpva.org Page 22 www.pcworld.com Front Lines of Freedom Department of Military and Veterans U.S. Senate Committee on www.frontlinesoffreedom.com Affairs Michigan Veterans Affairs 27 Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

Newsletter Links From Articles for March

Stand Up For Veterans-They Stood Up For US

-The DAV

American Legion Post is in looking for current military members to send care packages to. Please contact Robert Goulet if you know of any military member who might like something. Please see News From American Legion Post 341 below for more information. Thank you very much!

CoordinatorMatthew X. Hauser (mhauser@migop.org) ContributorsDon Alsbro Rick Briggs Helen Budd Rep. Patrick Colbeck Sam Cottle

Staff & Contributors

Rep. Kurt Damrow Matt Davis Vicki Dunlop Mark Eddy Keith Famie James G. Fausone Sean M. Furr Denny Gillem Robert Goulet John Haggard

Larry Harr Dan Heckman Dale Hemphill John Hess Sec. of State Ruth Johnson James Julian Adrian Keogh Adele Krovsky Bill Langbehn Merridy Lewis

Gary C. Lulenski Claude McManus Louis Nigro Eugene (Gene) A. Simon Phil Smith Sherry Swann Tim Pascarella Bob Tidmore Maureen VanHooser Publisher-Hank Fuhs

News From American Legion Post 341

American Legion Post 341 is seeking the names of troops that are deployed to a combat zone so that we can send them large package of goodies and that their names and address should be sent to the address below. Also post 341 is always seeking new members please contact Robert at the same address if interested. American Legion Post 341 Sr. Vice Commander Robert P Goulet 6130 Nicholas West Bloomfield, MI rgoulet264@aol.com

Thank you for your service to our country. It is truly the men and women like you who make this nation great, and we must never forget that. Thank you to everyone for all the help you have given us with the newsletter. We have been able to reach more people because of your help. Compared to when we first started, the amount of input and ideas we receive has increased greatly. For that we are very thankful. If you have anything you would like to share, any questions, or have an article idea, please let me know. You may contact us anytime at mhauser@migop.org. Sincerely, Matthew X. Hauser and Lt. Col Hank Fuhs

In Closing

Lest We Forget-A Clip from Hank Fuhs Lt. Col., USAF, Ret, ANG (Just Click the Link Below)
I Fought For You

We would like to express our appreciation to all of the fighting men and women in the United States Military. Thank you for your service to this country.

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933

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Hope you enjoyed the Newsletter!

Please let us know what you thought. Contact Matthew X. Hauser at mhauser@migop.org
We need your help to grow the Newsletter

We are looking for any contact information of individuals or groups that you think would either be interested in receiving our newsletter or interested in writing articles. If you know of anyone please let us know.
Sincerely,
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

~Ronald Reagan

Lt. Col. Hank Fuhs & Matthew X. Hauser

Paid for by the Michigan Republican Party with Regulated Funds. Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. 520 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933
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