This past weekend our post held a pancake breakfast and I would like to thank everyone who came and supported us. Also, I would like to thank all who participated with putting this together.
Our post has a piano on our stage that no one has used in years. If anyone who would like a piano you can email me at vfwpost1545@gmail.com and we will make it yours.
VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci met with VA Secretary Doug Collin during a visit to VA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Many topics were discussed during the meeting, including the government shutdown’s impact on VA services, the progress on the VA claims backlog and the recent reporting by The Washington Post on VA benefits.
Secretary Collins reassured the VFW that VA will always place veterans first. VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore, VFW Auxiliary National President Lois Callahan and VFW Washington Office staff took part in Veterans Day ceremonies in and around the Washington, D.C., area at Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.
As part of the ceremonies, delegations presented wreaths honoring veterans past and present.
After a record federal shutdown, the government has reopened and restored funding to critical programs supporting service members, veterans and their families.
Military pay and benefits will continue uninterrupted, with separation and permanent changes of station delays now being resolved as personnel offices reopen.
VA health care, disability compensation and GI Bill benefits, which were largely protected during the shutdown, are now fully funded for the year, ensuring stability for millions of veterans.
Federal civilian spouses of service members will receive back pay as agencies restart operations. Programs vital to military families, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Small Business Administration veteran business loans, are quickly resuming.
The coming days will focus on restoring services, clearing backlogs and returning federal support networks to full strength.
This week The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.
As a Vietnam Veteran, I would like to let you know that the Vietnam Veteran fought in the most unpopular war in the history of the United States of America. Regardless, he fought with honor, pride and sacrifice to the extent that 58,195 of his brothers gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.
For the Vietnam Veteran the war remains vivid in our minds. Yet, even so, Freedom flourishes and our beloved Flag still flies gloriously throughout our land. To our brothers and to our country we shall remain “Always Faithful”.
Let me tell you about Vietnam veteran Stephen Doane a First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, 25 March 1969. Entered service at: Albany, N.Y. Born: 13 October 1947, Beverely, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded.
After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle. 1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army .
Remember all who served our country and those still serving. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless America.
Marc Farmilette, PFC ~ Commander VFW Post 1545.
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