Thursday, September 30, 2010

North and South Korea talks end with no progress

North and South Korea had their first military talks in almost 2 years. They last met in October 2008.

No progress was made. South Korea has demanded that North Korea apologize for the sinking of the
South Korean ship Cheonan. North Korea has repeatedly said they had nothing to do with the sinking.

In fact, North Korea accuses South Korea and the U.S. of using false information and implications to
use this to force North Korea to bow to pressure.

The U.S. and South Korea recently held join naval exercises close to the coast of North Korea, included was a nuclear powered aircraft carrier.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil Yon told the UN yesterday that North Korea will continue to make nuclear weapons. Pak said "As long as U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers sail around the seas of
our country, our nuclear deterrent can never be abandoned, but should be strengthened further."

The Korean War ended with a cease-fire so they are still technically at war since no peace treaty
was ever signed.

In other news, Kim Jon Un, the son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was named a four star general
and was given key party and military posts. This brings up the possible transfer of power to the younger Kim, believed to be in his late 20's.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Senate OK's compromise Veterans Package

Senate passes compromise veterans package - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/09/military-vets-benefits-092810/
news/2010/09/military-vets-benefits-092810/

By
Rick Maze
- Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 28, 2010 21:49:57 EDT
With just days before Congress takes a six-week break for the November elections, the House and Senate veterans’ affairs committees have reached agreement on an omnibus bill making improvements in employment, job protection, housing, insurance and other benefits.

The Senate passed the bill, HR 3219, by voice vote late Tuesday. The House is expected to approve it in the next few days.

The compromise bill surfaces just as national polls are showing wide spread discontent among voters about the glacial pace of legislative act. Getting the bill done is proof that when their backs are to the wall, lawmakers can reach agreement on veterans issues, which are largely bipartisan.
Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., are largely responsible for the agreement but there are dozens of bills wrapped into a package. Final passage by the House is expected by weeks’ end, just before lawmakers leave town. Akaka is chairman of the Senate veterans’ committee while Filner heads the House veterans’ panel.

Akaka said there are some important provisions, such as an increase in Veterans’ Mortage Life Insurance that fills a need “obvious in today’s housing market.” Currently, maximum insurance in case of the death of a service-connected disabled veteran was $90,000, far short of paying the mortgage balance on most homes. The bill hikes the maximum to $200,000.

Additionally, it increases supplemental life insurance for totally disabled veterans to $30,000, a $10,000 jump.

“Many totally disabled veterans find it difficult to obtain commercial life insurance,” Akaka said. “This legislation would provide these veterans with a reasonable amount of life insurance coverage.”

Called the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010, the package also expands federal work-study programs to try to help veterans find jobs and it also tried to crack down small businesses trying to take advantage of veteran-owned business set asides by making the Veterans Affairs Department responsible for keeping a database of companies where the VA can show it is owned and controlled by a veteran. This addresses a hot-button issue for many veterans’ service organizations, who have complained to Congress that business are getting contracts without having veterans involved.

Here are some of the key provisions of the compromise:
• The Office of Special Counsel would be used on a test basis to enforce employment and re-employment rights for veterans when the federal agency is the employer.

• Homeless veterans grants from the Labor Department would be expanded specifically to help women veterans and homeless veterans with children by including childcare services along with training, counseling and placement services.• A pilot program would provide grants in three states to try to help veterans find jobs in energy-related fields. The states are not named.

• In an expansion of the ability of service members to cancel leases and contracts when deployed or reassigned to new duty stations, the bill would prohibit early termination fees for residential leases and also allows service members to terminate cellular telephone contracts, including family plans, at any time when they have military orders to relocate for 90 days or longer or move to an area not served by the cell phone company.

• Veterans’ burial benefits would increase to $700, effective Oct. 1, 2010, when a veteran dies in a VA facility or is eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

• Parents of deceased service members could be buried alongside their child in a national cemetery if the service member was not married and did not have a child and when the service member was killed by hostile fire or in a training accident.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

A Poem about Cold War Warriors

I found this poem by James S. Haynes. A great tribute to Cold War Veterans, something many of us
will remember and say YES that is what is was about.

Cold War Warrior.

September 27, 2010 by James S Haynes
A bit tongue in cheek this one, but it’s amazing how quickly the, then real, fears of nuclear warfare were forgotten once the wall came down.
Cold War Warrior.
Cold war warriors, that’s what we were,
not showered with fame or with glory.
No coloured ribbons or medals were struck
that would help us remember our story.

Then Europe was not like it is now,
united, the East and the West,
for behind a vast iron curtain
a Soviet army had massed.

Berlin itself was divided,
split by a quickly built wall,
an island in Germany’s heartland,
the West waited for it to fall.

After Kennedy facing off Khrushchev,
NATO prepared for the worst.
The nuclear warheads were readied,
we wondered who’d fire them first.
 
We waited and trained in Westphalia,
the Rhine Army watching the Red
and in NBC suits, and in gas masks,
prepared for the conflict ahead.

The Beatles played on in the Cavern,
girls screamed just to see them perform,
but we listened out for the siren,
that of an incursion would warn.

At dead of night, we’d hear its wail
and stumble from beds in the dark,
pull on our boots, grab kit ready packed
and sprint to the vehicle park.

A regiment readied, the call to mount up,
the clatter of tanks on the ground.
A radio check and a long, long wait…
Would we go? Or would we stand down?

It’s hard to imagine the world was like that
now the East and the West are all friends,
but the Cold War Warrior still can recall
his worries of where it would end.

Here is a link to his blog where you might leave him a message, or read some of his other poetry http://theoddode.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/cold-war-warrior/

 Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Members of Congress want President Obama to FREE Johnathan Pollard

The man who was a spy for Israel against the U.S. stealing secret information and committed one of
most serious national security compromises in history now has several members of Congress that
want President Obama to grant him a pardon.

Pollard was sentenced to life in prison, but now it is claimed that his release would help advance peace
talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

From Veterans Today
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/09/24/u-s-congressmen-to-obama-free-pollard-to-facilitate-mideast-peace/

To me this makes no sense at all. A spy that could have changed the course of the Cold War, and who
gave away, or I should say sold, secrets that were very vital to America should stay locked up for the entire term of his sentence.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Friday, September 24, 2010

Wreaths for National Cemeteries (Wreaths Across America)

Every year since 1992 the Worcester Wreath Company located in Harrington, Maine has been donating and sending to Arlington National Cemetery over 5000 Balsam Christmas Wreaths each with a hand tied red ribbon. This takes place annually on the second Saturday of December.

This project has been gaining in popularity every year, and more cemeteries have asked if they could be included. Civil Air Patrol Squadrons and other thousands of volunteers donate their time to place wreaths on the graves of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is just one way to honor and remember those who protected our country and fought to maintain the freedom we cherish.

It has now become Wreathes Across America, a non-profit organization to further promote Veterans remembrance, the missions goals are Remember, Honor, and Teach.

In 2008 at more than 300 locations over 100,000 Christmas wreaths were placed on veterans graves by more than 60,000 volunteers.

This year the ceremony will take place on December 11 at 12:00 PM EST. It is asked that everyone observe a moment of silence at that time to pause and remember and honor all branches of our military.

Each year the Patriot Guard Riders escort the tractor trailers loaded with wreaths from Main to Arlington, they are joined along the way by other motorcycle and automotive groups. This year plans
are for between 50 to 300 vehicles as they travel along Route 1 from Maine to DC. Known as "Veterans Honor Parade."

For more information or to learn how to donate and or participate please visit the Worcester Wreath website at http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Please consider helping this worthy cause, and help it to grow even larger and more memorable. Our fallen heroes deserve  respect, remembrance and honor from every living American.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Cold War Veterans Grave Markers

Mr. William Lamac, Matamoras, PA has designed a special grave marker for Cold War Veterans.
The marker is a 20" aluminum marker with a flag holder.

It is inscribed with "Cold War Veteran with six stars, to represent all branches of the military, Army, Navy, Marine Corps., Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. The inner circle has the dates Sept. 1945 Dec. 1991, with a globe in the center.

Dedication for a National Cold War Veterans Memorial and grave markers will be held this Saturday
at the Matamoras Firehouse and the Veterans Memorial Park and Education Center at Airport Park.

Our sincere and deep Thank You to Mr. Lamac, and the Borough of Matamoras, PA for this very wonderful and outstanding tribute to our nations "Cold Warriors."

The slow but sure recognition and honor being paid to Cold War Veterans, as more cities, counties and states take notice and finally remember these brave men and women it warm and touching; and I must say long overdue.

More information, including a picture of the grave marker can be found in the Pike County Courier
http://strausnews.com/articles/2010/09/23/pike_county_courier/news/17.txt

This only increases our request for the need to recognize Cold War Veterans at a national level. The issuance of a Cold War Service Medal, and a national memorial in Washington, DC, and a national Day of Remembrance or Cold War Veterans Day.


Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

GORDON DUFF: THE GRUDGE, AN INVERTED HISTORY OF ISRAEL AND AMERICA

Perhaps this is what really happened. This is much different than what has been printed in the past. This should open some eyes.

GORDON DUFF: THE GRUDGE, AN INVERTED HISTORY OF ISRAEL AND AMERICA

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Borough to dedicate Cold War grave marker | recordonline.com

Borough in Pennsylvania has a Cold War Monument, now will be adding grave markers for all Cold War Veterans. The design might be used for a postage stamp to commemorate
Cold War Veterans says U.S. Rep. Chris Carney.

Little by little, one step at a time recognition is growing for the millions who served during the Cold War

Borough to dedicate Cold War grave marker | recordonline.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Monday, September 20, 2010

Will the Truth Ever Be Told II Israeli Submarine Dakar

It seems that the U.S. Air Force and Navy started to change their relations with Israel in early June 1967. Author Stephen Green in a 1984 book, "Taking Sides: America's Secret Relations With A Militant Israel", said that the USS Liberty was attacked because the ship had discovered a secret U.S. Air Force operation during the Six Day War, located in the Negev Desert. This was the location of a secret Israeli nuclear weapons facility at Dimona. Is there a possible link between this early co-operation and links to
the recent breakdown of proper handling of nuclear weapons at Air Force bases in Minot, North Dakota; Barksdale, Louisiana; F. E. Warren located in Wyoming?

In November 1991 Rowland Evans and Robert Novak reported that the Israeli's knew the Liberty was an American ship when they attacked it. Former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon confirmed the Evans-Novak report. On July 18, 1967 Clifford Clark the chairman of the Presidents Foreign Intelligence Board said "the unprovoked attack constituted a flagrant act of gross negligence for which the Israel Government should be held accountable and the Israeli military personnel involved should
be punished."

But was there payback? In November 1967 Israel announced that their fourth submarine INS Dakar
had been commissioned. The Dakar had been purchased in 1964 in used condition from the British Navy.

January 26, 1968 the British, not Israeli Naval Headquarters reported the submarine was missing some 100 miles from Cyprus. The Israeli government for the most part kept it a state secret, and would not admit the submarine was missing.

The British destroyer Diana and the USS Turner were deployed to the last known position of the Dakar, carrying decompression equipment in the search for any survivors.

Israel denied that the submarine was sunk by any "hostile action." But if it was possibly a retaliatory strike by the U.S. Navy (maybe aided by Britain) would not be considered hostile action, but revenge for the attack on the USS Liberty.

Reports from Cyprus that signal on the same frequency used by the Dakar's radio buoy might have been a distress call search planes and ships could not find the buoy. There were reports  of debris, oil slicks and floating drums, but these reports quickly stopped.

On February 4, 1968 Israel stopped the search for the Dakar. They claimed that Dakar had been conducting crash dive exercises and probably was lost due to mechanical failure. On April 25, 1968 the commander of the Israeli Navy stated that Dakar sank from human or technical failure, and said there was no evidence of "foul play".

On January 1, 1970 Egypt reported that Dakar had been sunk by depth charges from an Egyptian navy ship. Israel said that report was "utter nonsense" and there was nothing to indicate that was what happened. Israel then changed the date of the sinking to January 25, 1968, the third time the date was
changed.

In August of 1968 the New York Times said that the U.S. Navy was going to conduct a search in Egyptian waters, close to where the USS Liberty was attacked in 1967. P-3 Orion and carrier based
S-3 ASW aircraft were used to no avail. Israel used a salvage vessel 3 times looking for Dakar, and came up empty.

Then in 1997 Israel pulled a book called "Dakar" from the shelves, written by former Israeli Navy Captain Michael Eldar. His book revealed that the search for Dakar was never serious. One has to wonder if this is true, then why was a search only done halfheartedly?

Finally in May 1999, a U.S.-Israeli team found the Dakar in 9500 feet of water between Cyprus and Crete. The bow of the submarine was intact, the middle part showed extensive damage, the aft portion had been completely broken off. One report stated that it had been hit by an acoustic homing air-dropped torpedo.

What really happened to Dakar?

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Will the Truth ever be told? USS Liberty

June 8, 1967 the USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli planes and gunboats. 34 killed and 173 wounded.
Israel claimed it was a mistake and their pilots did not recognize it as an American ship, the fact that
two large American flags were flying not withstanding. Israel claimed and still claims it was mistaken for an Egyptian ship, and this was during the 6 Day War, so it was justified.

Many do not believe this and think it was a purposeful attempt to kill all those aboard the ship, and destroy the ship. Included in this group was then Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Thomas Moorer, CIA Director Richard Helms, National Security Agency deputy director Louis Tordella, Undersecretary of State George Ball, Undersecretary of the Navy Paul Warnke, Clark Clifford and Secretary of State Dean Rusk.

Planes from an American aircraft carrier were dispatched to assist the Liberty, but were recalled some say on orders from President Johnson. President Johnson admitted using the "hot line" to inform the Soviet Union that the planes were in flight to investigate.

Of course the Soviets had a large naval and intelligence presence in the Mediterranean and knew what had happened.

Some claim that in June 1967 President Johnson was planning to run for re-election and covered up the attack to avoid angering Jewish contributors and therefore covered up the incident.

The cover-up even extended to Arlington National Cemetery. The grave markers of six USS Liberty crewmen who died from the Israeli attack were noted "died in the Eastern Mediterranean June 8, 1967." Nothing indicated they had died as the result of hostile actions. In June 1982 just before the anniversary of the attack the markers were changed to read "Killed, USS Liberty June 8 1967."

The commanding officer of USS Liberty, who was severely wounded during the attack was awarded
the Medal of Honor; but instead of being bestowed upon him at the White House, as is normally done
with great pomp and honor, it was given to him at a small private ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.

December 19, 1980 Israel and the United States decided that all information had been explored and decided to complete the investigation. Just about a month prior to that an American cargo ship SS Poet
was sunk after delivering arms to Iran as part of the "October Surprise", also sunk by Israeli forces.
The arms were to help ensure that Iran would not release the U.S. Embassy hostages held by Iran until after the November elections.

Thirty-four Americans were killed on the Poet, the same number that were killed in the attack on the USS Liberty. These men too were forgotten in another cover-up. Israel agreed to pay 6 million dollars
in addition to the 7 million dollars it had paid to the families of the 34 killed on the USS Liberty and the wounded crewmen.

So the State Department asked Israel to pay $17 million plus interest to repair the Liberty. Just a little
while after President Jimmy Carter was elected Israel ask Vice President Walter Mondale to forget the
10 million dollar interest and reduce the damages from 7.5 million to a mere 6 million, which of course
is exactly what happened.

More to come in another and later entry.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Ceremony honors veterans, remembers 9/11 - Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Republic

The ceremony included remarks by Cold War Veteran Joe Bedford

Ceremony honors veterans, remembers 9/11 - Geneseo, IL - Geneseo Republic

----------------"And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades."-- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Thursday, September 9, 2010

California judge says Don't Ask-Don't Tell Unconstitutional

U.S. district judge Virginia Phillips says that the policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving in the
military is unconstitutional.  Saying the ban violated homosexuals first amendment rights and harmed
the effectiveness of the armed services.

While the administration has been attempting to figure out how to lift the ban, it has been a long and drawn-out and complicated  process with most military leadership co-operating.

The judge said that evidence shows it has a "direct and deleterious" effect on the military. She plans to issue an injunction barring enforcement of the policy. The U.S. Department of Justice will most likely appeal the decision.

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

U.S. Navy P-3C Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare(ASW) Aircraft

The U.S. Navy has for a long time used the P-3C Orion a four engine turboprop aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. It was used extensively during the Cold War, long grueling flights searching for Russian submarines.

It has now evolved to include battlespace surveillance either at sea or over
land. Its long range 2,380 nautical miles, and long loiter time 3 hours have proved invaluable in recent
times. It can view the battle space and provide instant communication to ground troops, especially U.S, Marines.

The P-3C has advanced submarine surveillance equipment including sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly
 detection and direction frequency and ranging.

New updates include a modernized communications suite, Protected Instrument Landing System, IFF Mode S, Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation, GPS, and modernized cockpit instrumentation, as well as other modifications.

The Navy has shifted the P-3C operational emphasis to littoral regions and is improving the antisurface
warfare(ASUW) capabilities. It also increases the over-the-horizon capabilities and command, control, communications, and intelligence and improves survivability.

The fleet of planes will be 130 aircraft by the end of 2010. They will remain operational until the
P-8A Poseidon becomes fully operational.

The P-3C has a crew of three pilots, two naval flight officers, two flight engineers, three sensor operators, and one in-flight technician. Its armament consists of 20,000 pounds of ordnance including AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E Slam, AGM- 84H/K and AGM-65F Maverick missiles, Mk46/50/54.
With an airspeed of 411 knots maximum and cruise 328 knots.

Truly a plane to have a large place in the history of Naval Aviation.  A long and storied stalwart of the U.S. Navy. It's first flight was in 1959, operational P-3A 1962 and P-3C in 1969. The many crew members should be remembered and honored for their duty and dedication.



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996

Monday, September 6, 2010

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

The American Cold War Veterans support a National POW/MIA Day, which is annually recognized on the third Friday in September. This day is set aside to honor the sacrifices made by our country's prisoners of war and those missing in action, as well as their families. We do this to honor the POW/MIAs from WWI, WWI, Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan.

The American Cold War Veterans have petitioned Congress to demand a full accounting of all POW/MIAs from all conflicts from the countries involved. We as a country should become involved in this quest. There should be no stone unturned, and no pressure not used to bring home all those brave and dedicated members of our proud military who gave their all.

Until July 18, 1979 there had been no day of recognition for POW/MIAs. In the first year Congress passed resolutions and the national ceremony took place at Washington's National Cathedral. The 1st Tactical Squadron flew the missing man formation. A poster published by the VA contained only the letters POW/MIA. In 1982 a black and white drawing of a POW in captivity was added to show the urgency of the situation.

Every year legislation was issued for a National POW/MIA Recognition Day, until 1985 when Congress determined commemorative days would no longer be considered. Now each year the president signs a proclamation to recognize POW/MIAs. 

The National League of Families suggested that the third Friday in September be used as a National Day of Recognition.
This day is commemorated throughout the nation and around the world on military installations, ships, in schools, churches etc.

One particular service will be held at the National Training Center and Ft. Irwin, CA on September 17 at 10:00AM
on the west lawn of Garrison HQ Building 237. At this ceremony the official awarding of the Purple Heart to Mr. David Villafonte while also recognizing former POW/MIA and Purple Heart recipients from across the installation and the local community.

If you live near Ft. Irwin please plan to attend and pay honor and respect to our valiant warriors. If you are a former POW/MIA please contact Ft. Irwin to be included in the ceremony. Contact Mr. Ray Dixon, Plans Officer at ext. 4789 or email ray.dixonjr@us.army.mil

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans

---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996