"  TO COMFORT THE SURVIVORS..."


In the picture above left ,

an Army infantryman comforts his buddy,

the only survivors of a North Korean assault

on their platoon's position at Haktong-ri, Korea,  

in August, 1950, while a corpsman

fills out a list of the dead.

Many of our Korean War Veterans alive today

have never received the benefits they were promised.

Many of them are aged, homeless, or live in poverty

and need,

in American communities surrounding them

with conspicuous displays of wealth.

Many needy American Veterans would settle simply

for a kind word of comfort

like that soldier provided his friend

over 50 years ago on a hill far, far away.

The United States Navy Veterans Association

tries to help.

You can help too. 

You've Tuned In, Patriot. Now Join In.
*************  "The time of war is a time of sacrifice, especially for our military families.  I urge every American to find some way to thank our military and to help out the military family down the street." - President George W. Bush USMC Camp Pendleton December 7, 2004       The United States Navy Veterans Association current Mission Statement, as it relates to our Veterans' Outreach Programs, says that the mission of the Association includes: "The provision of assistance to disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces from all service branches     and to their dependents and to the widows, widowers and orphans of deceased veterans; The provision of entertainment, care and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the U.S. Armed Forces from all service branches;...[and] The provision of programs to perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces from all service branches, and to comfort their survivors...." *************   "What is a Veteran?" by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC   Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in their eye.   Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: the soul's ally forged in the refinery of adversity.   Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem.   You can't tell a vet just by looking. What is a vet?   He is the cop on the beat, and the firefighter who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons of water a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.   He is the barroom loudmouth, whose overgrown frat boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in Providence's scales by four hours of bravery saving his buddies in 1952 near the 38th Parallel.   She is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for a year straight in Da Nang.   He is the POW who went away one person and came back another - or didn't come back at all.   He is the Quantico drill instructor who has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning no-account rednecks and rap star wannabes into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.   He is the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.   He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.   He is one of the three anonymous heroes in the Tomb of the Unknowns, whose presence at Arlington must forever preserve the memory of all the unknown heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep. He fought at Lexington, at the Alamo, at Chapultepec, at Vicksburg, at Chateau Thierry, and on Normandy's beaches. He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.   He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being - a person who offered his life's most vital years in the service of America, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.   He is a soldier and a sailor and a sword against darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest and greatest Nation ever known.             The President of the United States, no less, in his Radio Address to the Nation 3-22-03, lauded and endorsed charitable acts in support of our troops when he said: 'Our entire nation appreciates the sacrifices of our military and many citizens are showing their support for our military men and women in private, charitable ways.' "The Night Before Christmas" by Major Bruce Lovely, USAF   Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, And to see who in this home did live.   I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, A sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary; I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in the one-bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, Not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families that I saw this night, Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year, Because of these soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas eve, in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice, Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, My life is my God, my country, my corps. The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, silent and still, And we both shivered from the cold night's chill. I didn't want to leave on that dark, cold night, The guardian of honor, so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure. One look at my watch and I knew he was right, Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a good night.     "IN SIMPLE ENGLISH:" Q & A from the Public About the Needy in America, Veterans and Non-Veteran Alike   "If these people are so sick and homeless, why don't they apply to the government for SSI, SSA, VA benefits, or some other form of welfare? Is the reason they don't because they're all fugitives?" A very small percent of the homeless in America are probably fugitives, and that percentage is infinitesimally small in the case of the homeless veteran. A very large percentage, veteran and non-veteran alike, suffer from some form of, or some degree of, mental illness. While in most cases that illness is non-threatening, it also means they have no friends, and are often abandoned by even their closest relatives. That illness also means they will not wend themselves through the maze of paperwork, examinations and qualifications to receive the assistance referred to in the Question or, especially in the case of the veteran, that they are too proud to do so. That does not mean that American society should write them off. In the case of the veteran, the Association certainly will not. Most mentally ill people would rather die than admit they were mentally ill. ************ "What is the Average SSI or VA disabilty payment to a single male in this country for a 'partial' mental illness disability?" About $200 per month. If they're found out to be working full-time, they will lose that, and could be, and many are, prosecuted. This forces many of them in that class who are trying to better themselves to actively seek work "under the table." ************ "How many homeless people are there in America in 2005? Of these, how many are veterans?" Estimates among reputable groups doing surveys as to the total number of homeless on any one day vary. Certainly the minimum figure is not less than 1 million. The Association believes the high end figure is closer to the mark: 3 million. Conservative sources place the homeless veteran population at 250,000, with higher figures at 300,000 -400,000. The most recent non-scientific study showed at least 75% of those had honorable discharges, not medical, not "other," not dishonorable, but honorable discharges.   "How many veterans are without health care?" As of the fall of 2004, the VA estimates that 900,000 veterans are uninsured for health care. The VA has a difficult time , it claims, estimating the total number of veterans who have absolutely "no access" to VA facilities because the term is hard to define.              A respected private doctors' group, Physicians for a National Health Program, estimates, in the fall of 2004, that 1.7 million veterans nationwide have no health insurance whatsoever and do not have access to either a VA hospital or clinic. A great deal of the disparity between the two figures lies in the hypothetical example of a homeless, penniless veteran, who cannot afford public transportation, and sleeps in the street ten miles or so from a VA hospital. According to the veteran, he does not have access to the facility; according to the VA, he does.   "Tribute to an Aging Veteran" First published by USNVA Poet Laureate John Witherspoon, 1981   When the man who proudly wore America's uniform starts late for the day, laboring forward like a lame truckhorse frightened by the noise from the street, - this old fellow whose body we remember from years gone by     as sleek and slim and strong as a racehorse - We still rise and applaud weeping: On the green fields of home we observe the plight of even the bravest body, as Ulysses wept to see among the shades, the shadow  of brave Achilles.   The Corporal Works of Mercy   1. Feed the hungry 2. Give drink to the thirsty 3. Clothe the naked 4. Visit the imprisoned 5. Shelter the homeless 6. Visit the sick 7. Bury the dead     "Every year we leave a big bag of crap out on the street for our veterans." - Actor Jim Belushi,  speaking sarcastically as to those who donate junk and worthless clothing to our veterans and then brag about it, on ABC-TV's sitcom 'According to Jim,' 2003.   ************* There is an old cliche in this Country that Americans are good at taking things for granted. ...And so we are. If we take these Americans who gave their lives for us as veterans, for granted, if we forget them and what they did, then we also take ourselves, and this Country, for granted. It took the ancient Romans 500 years to grow so cynical, so forgetful, about what made their republic great, that they threw it away with a shrug. "Those who don't remember the past, are condemned to relive it," the great Spanish poet John Dos Passos said.   As part of our State-by-State campaigns for the Veteran we call upon those solicited to action to Remember the Veteran. If you were solicited in one of those campaigns, and the campaign managers or representatives neglected to do so, or even if you were never solicited at all, we're going to make that call again right here:  America, do something right now, today: Say a prayer for the guy who died on Omaha Beach whom you've never thought of before; tie a yellow ribbon around a tree; fly an American flag 365 days a year; drive with your headlamps on on Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, Armed Forces Day, and Independence Day; tell your neighbor that indifference to what our troops did, and are doing today, is unacceptable; and know, always,  that when you remember These Men and Women, our Bravest and Finest, that you remember YOURSELF.     HOME ALONE IN TAMPA At 6 p.m. on the summer night of Saturday, August 2, 2003, it was raining hard in downtown Tampa. A real Florida rainstorm, with thunder and sky-wide lightning and where the rain comes down so thick you couldn't see two feet in front of your face. It was also a night for the upper classes of Tampa to attend two different high-priced stage productions at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. An unemployed, highly decorated Vietnam veteran, looking every bit the part with beard, ponytail and small duffel, honorably discharged, 60 years old, who lives on the street in Tampa's nearby mission district, was caught in the thunderstorm and took shelter temporarily under the arcade of the Center, where many richly clad patrons were entering and exiting. He didn't say a word. He bothered no one. He just stood alone, hoping the rain would soon end. A Tampa police officer, who had been lavishly greeting the plays' patrons, quickly approached him. "C'mon, bum," she said, "Let's go!," and pointed to the now deluged street. The old vet just shuffled off, without a word, into the thunderstorm, and the night. ...He told the Florida staff of the Association this story later, adding that he had never been to jail a day in his life, but had been in plenty of monsoons in the 'Nam. And he knew also, he told us, that in the roar of the rolling thunder, and in the midst of the glare of American lightning, he was, in fact, closer to his Savior, and to America's Providence than he was standing under an arcade next to a police officer. We know the old vet's story to be true. One of our members was an arts patron that evening. He witnessed the entire event. The vet asked our people if they had ever heard of a Tampa police officer, many of whom are veterans themselves,  approaching homeless vets in one of the Association's many distribution programs nearby, and thanking at least one of them for their service to their country. They said they hadn't. To be treated as a decent citizen is the most important thing to every veteran. The things you love most are the first things they take away from you.   "We have an old saying on earth. You don't kick a man when he's down."   - Commander Jonathan Archer U.S.S. Enterprise   "Old soldiers never die. they just fade away." - General of the Army Douglas MacArthur   This police officer's time could equally have been spent, in the opinion of the Association, had she the guts, in kicking in the doors of known crack dealers in Tampa, of which there are more than many, or arresting armed robbers on the spot at Tampa's banks and convenience stores.			USN@NavyVets.org         The members and supporters of the United States Navy Veterans Association have been helping needy veterans from all the service branches since 1927.   USNVA provides outreach services to needy USN, USNR, Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve members, veterans and their dependents as a priority, but members, veterans and dependents of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the USCG, have been, and are being assisted by these service programs. Outreach services are provided without respect to veteran organization affiliation, and membership in USNVA is NOT required for service. As a private, non-profit, tax-exempt war veterans' organization the Association receives all its funds from its' dues, contributions and any advertising it may have in its publications. It receives no funding from any agency of any government, and all of its directors, officers and staff serve without compensation. Unsolicited contributions in support of the Mission of the Association are always welcome and may be mailed to us at: USNVA Attn: Internet  1783 Forest Dr. # 300  Annapolis MD 21401  There is no request or invitation, however, explicitly or by implication, made on this website for any contribution to the Association or to any other group. The site, instead, and in part, presents some details of our Veterans' Outreach Programs and other not-for-profit programs, provides information about Association expenditures and contact information, and leaves the act of giving entirely, and without solicitation or invitation, up to the individual reader. Contributions can be and are used only in accordance with the Mission Statement of the Association and may be earmarked by the donor for any purpose mentioned on the Association's Mission Statement Page. It is easy...very easy...to dedicate your contribution to a particular service branch or to a specific purpose in our Mission Statement - Just make a notation on the memo line of your tax deductible check and we will see to it that it goes exactly where you designated. All contributions to the Association are tax-deductible. No portion of any funds received by the Association are ever used for political purposes, in the support of or opposition to anyone seeking office. Outreach programs of the Association include the provision of wholesome food and foodstuffs;   clothing;   utilities;   medical and pharmacological supplies;   the referral to, or finding of, a job;   vocational retraining;   shelter;   shelter assistance;   financial assistance;   medical assistance; Ohio Chapter members bring some holiday joy to some disabled veterans   eyeglasses and optometric supplies;   pre-paid phone cards and care kits for active duty service personnel abroad: - Our own "Operation Shoebox," part of the Association's  Enduring Freedom Fund - To: OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN, AMERICA'S BRAVEST SONS AND DAUGHTERS WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY VETERANS ASSOCIATION  AND OUR DONORS  In gratitude for your service to the Nation, and expressing America's Best Wishes for You. www.NavyVets.org Washington, D.C. National HQS Tel. (202)736-1725       A U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division E-1 writes a letter back home from As Samawa, Iraq, with materials from one of USNVA's care kits. Our care packages contain one or more of the following new items (one of the reasons we post these here is because, if you don't like our care kits program, and want to do your own personal care kit, at least you know what the troops are asking for): ·                                 Powdered Gatorade or other flavored drinks ·                                 Ramen noodles...light easy to carry and quick to cook and they really taste good when mixed with the MRE's." (MRE = meals ready to eat) ·                                 Batteries, especially D's and AA's Stationery supplies ·                                 Hard candy. ·                                 Pictures our donors have sent us of their own families ·                                 Newspaper clippings and comics. ·                                 Small portable battery oprated radios and TV’s ·                                 Qtips and pipe cleaners, for cleaning his/her weapon Silly string  ·                                 Ivory soap ·                                 Chew, cigars, tobacco, cigarette papers ·                                 Green or black boot socks ·                                 Shaving equipment. Disposable cameras ·                                 Sardines. ·                                 Bug repellant (like Deep Woods Off) ·                                 Beef jerky. Small packages of ground coffee or instant hot chocolate ·                                 Word games, like crossword puzzles, anagrams, word search games, etc. ·                                 Nuts, sunflower seeds, trail mix, crackers ·                                 Sunscreen   ·                                 Seasonings for the Quaker instant oatmeal ·                                 Instant espresso powder ·                                 Waterproof sunscreen sealed in a Ziploc bag Baby wipes. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss ·                                 Deodorant ·                                 Lotion ·                                 Toilet paper and small packages of Kleenex. ·                                 Throat lozenges ·                                 Eye drops ·                                 Lip balm ·                                 Pain relievers, like Tylenol, Aspirin, Motrin ·                                 Jock itch powder. ·                                 Foot powder, packed in a Ziploc bag. ·                                 Goggle-type sunglasses, and eyeglass wipes (in a small Ziploc, to help keep out the sand) ·                                 Moleskin for sore feet. ·                                 Battery-operated showers. ·                                 Blow-up kiddie pools. ·                                 New brown T-shirts. ·                                 Prepaid phone cards. ·                                 Tuna lunch-to-go packs. ·                                 Meal replacement drinks, such as Ensure. ·                                 Chips in vacuum-packed cans         Miniature personal fans, as well as plenty of appropriate-sized batteries.   All our care kits also contain a dog tag with this verse from Joshua 1:9: Sample USNVA Tag "There is one in the Oval Office, others in the pockets of Congressmen and Senators, and, aside from the official insignias they wear, it is the emblem most often carried by members of the military in Afghanistan and Iraq." - Stephen Mansfield, Author: The Faith of the American Soldier and The Faith of George W. Bush   "There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole." - Chaplain Kal         McAlexander,USN Here is a statement of need for the Enduring Freedom Fund care kits program, not from the Association, but in the very words of a U.S. Army trooper himself: "I cannot stress enough that I have no way to get some of the stuff I need. We are in probably the worst place in Iraq. We joke about this part of the country being forgotten about. There are no police or Iraqi army here. If you want help then send what we call snacky treats (food). I am a huge fan of spaghettios with meatballs and franks, some much that I see them as a staple food. Hormel chili with beans, I could use some vitamins, coke, chips like doritios and I also like to be surprised." SFC Dyer James M HHC 1-506 Inf Scout Platoon Camp Corrigador APO AE 09381 Each of our packages currently costs the Association and its donors an average dollar price of approximately $350, including average shipment costs. However, since some of the always brand new items included in a kit are donated at a price below SRP by the manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer, without any tax deduction taken by the donor, the USD retail value of each kit is in the $450 range, without including shipment costs. Our care kits are not the garden variety cardboard boxes packed with "potato chips," although we are sure our troops appreciate those too. We try to give our troops specially selected high-retail value items, including electronic devices they are asking for. You can see the full list of items which may be included above on this Page. Since an average care kit costs the Association, out of pocket approximately $350; since the Association will not under any circumstances cut the quality or quantity of goods in its care kits; since the Association actively searches for the neediest members of the U.S. Armed Forces to receive its care kits; and since there are additional administrative and fundraising costs associated with both raising the funds for any particular care kit, and for sending that care kit to a Service member, the Association cannot entertain a request from a donor that a care kit be sent to a particular member of the Armed Forces from them for less than a donation of $350. Moreover, the Association, under those circumstances, only promises to entertain the request made, and not to guarantee it. The Association, under any circumstances, does not accept "restricted" gifts,grants or non-quid pro quo donations. The Association welcomes you, of course, without making any donation whatsoever to the Association, to nominate any U.S. Armed Forces Service Member up to and including the pay grade of E-4 serving in the Global War on Terror in either the Afghan, Iraqi or CENTCOM theatres of operation, as a recepient of an Association care kit. (See below for details.) National Association care kits for our Armed Forces personnel are Packed with Pride by the members and Ladies Auxiliary of the Association's Connecticut Chapter: The United States Navy Veterans Association does not accept, and will not accept, any compensation from the United States Government, for any item in our care kits for our Armed Forces.  It is particularly heartbreaking for us to learn that some of our servicemen and women overseas get no letters from home whatsoever, and this Association has a quest on, especially among their buddies on active duty who read this, to find out who they are, so we can show that America loves them too, one by one.... And America does.   Attacking Saddam's 'martyrs:' U.S. Marines with India Co., 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, some of America's bravest and finest, provide covering fire as other Marines advance on the headquarters of the Fedayeen in Baghdad on Wednesday, April 8, 2003. The Fedayeen, a conventional and guerilla militia loyal to Saddam, should not be confused with a number of other terrorist militias operating in Iraq, although Saddam's Fedayeen certainly remain as one of those groups.   As we write this in  the summer of 2003, the Fedayeen, as well as other groups,  are murdering over one American Army or Marine Corps serviceperson per day in Iraq.   It is our opinion, and we're sticking to it, that our servicepeople there are putting themselves in harm's way  to keep us safe and sound here from animals like the Fedayeen and Shi'ite terrorists. It's difficult enough to get our troops their regulation  equipment abroad with some Congresspeople opposing us. So this Association tries to help. Now is the time for YOU to step up to the plate, not to turn your back on our troops in Iraq, and to honor their service in a way of your choosing. Complaints like "Nobody ever did nothing for me" just don't cut the mustard. That's also our opinion, and we're also sticking to that.   U.S. Navy Veterans Association and other care packages arriving for our Marines in Al Abad, Iraq, September 2004.   Mail for inclusion in our care packages is received in sealed packages, which are opened in our offices. Care kits also leave our offices in sealed packages. If you would like a care package sent to your military friend or relative in need, with mail to be shared with his or her unit in the Afghan, Iraq or CENTCOM theatres of operation (as well as with troops in other units, as feasible), email us at mailman@NavyVets.org. Enter SEND THEM A KIT on the subject line, and provide the following information: ·         Name, rank and complete mailing address of the military member (Priority consideration goes to E4's and below on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. There is no discrimination based on Service Branch.) ·         Your name and mailing address ·         Your telephone number ·         Your email address ·         How many people are in the military unit (if known) ·         How long (until what date) the military person will be at that address (if known) The special email address is mailman@NavyVets.org.  (Emails sent to this special address for any other purpose will be automatically deleted.)       SOME SNAIL MAIL AND ELECTRONIC THANK YOU'S FROM OUR OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM FUND CARE KIT RECIPIENTS  (Misspellings Included):   I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful package that you sent to us.  All of the items were very useful and were very much appreciated.  Thank you for being so thoughtful and so willing to take time out of your busy schedule to think of us over here in Iraq.  We really appreciate all the things that those back home do for us, because it lets us know that someone is thinking about us and appreciates us just as much as we appreciate them.  Please extend my sincere gratitude to all those that participated in helping you with such a wonderful gesture.  Your time and thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated.           Thanks again,                    A1C Nicole Lear           Balad, Iraq _________________________________________ Click here for a larger view of the Thank You from the Kelleys _______________________________________________ Thank you for supporting all the troopers you do. SFC Jim Davidson, Tulsa,Oklahoma    America is the best and we do our best to keep her great, but your support is so important. We can't do what we do with out you. Thanks for your support. GySgt Bill McIntyre, Texas, AE   Unloading USNVA Care Kits I would like to take the time to say thanks for all your support, Navy Vets. You are our heroes. SEMPER FIDELIS Cpl Bartow, Lexington KY Enduring Freedom Fund Kits: Some Content   there is nothing like getting a  package with a letter or picture in it from home. it means so much to everyone who is deployed. thank you for your support from all of us. SSgt Chris Rice, Atlanta GA Many USNVA kits are sent to the Sunni Triangle.  Spirits rise when we get a care package, a card or just a thank you, just the little things make me proud to serve in the military and knowing that so many people are there supporting us. Thank you. MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA Guy Williams, LA    I want to thank the US Navy Veterans Association for the recent care kits I received, and members of my squad received here in Iraq. Specially, I liked the head bands provided by the Lawron Presbyterian Church in Bovey, Minnesota. It's 120 degrees here, man, in the summer, and while the Marine Corps doesn't give us this stuff, we need stuff like this. You ask, what can you do. The thing we like the most is the connection with our countryfolk back home, a connection all of us miss so much, the Christian culture that raised us up, and the warmth and home of knowing that you support us, and have not abandoned us. That cheers us up @ 0400 when we go out to face the lEDs more than all the other items in the care kits, not that they are not appreciated, because they are. What you can do is support the care kits programs, especially those of the US Navy Veterans Assn. And stand by us. I am from Louisiana. Thank y'all up there in Minnesota for supporting us, at the time of the birth of our Savior, the Christ. May God Bless y'all at this season of our Lord's birth. SFC Bill Priestman, USMC Iraq  I know all of the Marines and soldiers on the ground had the support of the great Americans who gave their support in the form of letters, care packages. We are are so grateful for your continuing support. I am ever so grateful to be a part of the Corps and to be a citizen of a Land as great as ours. Bart Jones, CA Getting messages and support like this makes my decision to join the Marines and serve my country even more worthwhile. SSGT James Nichols, USMC, Denver CO it makes our jobs a little easier knowing that you care. Thank you, USNVA. pfc valverde, dallas, TX  Thanks for your support America the country that I love. Don't forget the people that have lost their lives to fight for the freedom of others. Please keep us in your prayers SGT Allen Richmond, Houston, TX ___________________________________ Thank You for all your support. Bob alpienski, Boston, MA Hi USNVA.  It's your unselfish acts of patriotism that lifts our spirits in this time of war . Thank you all. Cpl Robert Adams, Green Bay WI   UNITED STATES NAVY VETERANS ASSOCIATION CARE KIT     FROM THE: UNITED STATES NAVY VETERANS ASSOCIATION 1718 M ST NW #275 WASHINGTON DC 20036 Click here for a larger view of a sample Association Enduring Freedom Fund care kit.     assistance in retrieving lost military records and awards;   assistance in applying for VA and state veterans' benefits;   and psychological comfort; War cry: Capt. Eric Puls of Bangor, Maine, tries to collect himself after saying goodbye to family members at Fort Hood, Texas, before leaving for Kuwait on March 27, 2003. Puls was part of an advance party leaving for Kuwait to set up base for the rest of his Division, which was soon to follow. This is the why we do our Care Kits Program - Baker Company, US Marine Corps, Iraq, 2009 This is the why we do our Care Kits Program - Baker Company, US Marine Corps, Iraq, 2009 This is the why we do our Care Kits Program - Baker Company, US Marine Corps, Iraq, 2009 And this is the why we do our Care Kits Program - Baker Company, US Marine Corps, Iraq, 2009   the provision to hospitalized recipients of: small, hand-held portable TV sets, radios, snacks, newspapers, news magazines, computer access, and telephone access to loved ones, if any of those are not already provided by the hospital or medical facility; Ohio Chapter members marshal care kits for distribution at a VA medical facility   the participation in memorial ceremonies to honor the service of the Veteran and Active Duty Serviceperson;       and the provision of American Flags to Next-of-Kin and on the gravesites of Veterans. Michigan Chapter members provide American flags for veterans' gravesites Our Yellow Ribbon Fund provides emergency care kits similar to our Enduring Freedom Fund kits and, even more importantly, a Thank You note from the Association and its donors for their sacrifice, to the families of our Service personnel killed, or seriously injured, in action. This young soldier lost both his legs in Iraq. He looks forward to morale boosting programs like our Yellow Ribbon Fund.   The Association's Operation Homefront provides assistance with day-to-day issues for our needy military families whose loved ones are stationed overseas fighting for us. Some items covered by this program are privileges assistance, car repair assistance, home and appliance repair, communications assistance, moving and transportation assistance, furniture, food distribution and children's items.   National Speaking Program While not an Outreach Program proper, the Association also provides free of charge live speakers on U.S. Navy affairs, veterans' affairs and the history of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Program provides speakers as available for school grades 4-12 and to churches. Because of manpower limitations, the Program can only accept requests from facilities located in major urban areas with a city limits' population of at least 250,000. Use the Contact Us Page for further information. Our patriots who have left loved ones behind, but who have not lost them, for they will see them again, know that it is our Country, our Country's cause, Liberty, that must be served, and that that cause is larger than any of us. Not the cause of the United Nations, Not the cause of the International Court of Criminal Justice. Not the cause of some self-serving politician. Our Country's Cause. Our Country remains. May she always be right. But my Country, right or wrong.     U.S. Armed Forces cemeteries overseas, a total of 24, are operated and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Interred in those cemeteries are 124,917 United States war dead, including 93,245 killed in World War II. The National Cemetery Administration, on the other hand,  is responsible for the 115 National Cemeteries in the United States located in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. NCA currently maintains more than 2.2 million gravesites.      Of the more than 73,000 internments conducted in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002, 76 percent were in our 20 busiest national cemeteries.      As of September 30, 2008, five National Cemeteries each contained more than 100,000 occupied gravesites, collectively accounting for 31.4 % of all NCA gravesites maintained. The prestige of our most famous National Cemetery, Arlington, was only sealed when in 1899, 199 of our sailors killed in the explosion on the U.S.S. Maine, were buried there.     Veterans' Statistics: Veterans' deaths are expected to peak at 620,000 in 2008. It is estimated that more than 540,000 veterans died in 2002.      Burial benefits in  a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special gravesites for cremated remains. Headstones and markers and their placement are provided at the Government's expense.      Veterans, service members and dependents are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans may also be buried in a national cemetery. Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Funeral directors or others making arrangements must apply at the time of death.      The National Cemetery System normally does not conduct burials on weekends. A weekend caller however, will be directed to one of the three (3) strategically located VA cemetery offices that remain open during weekends to schedule burials at the cemetery of the caller's choice the following week.      VA provides headstones and markers for the unmarked graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents buried in National, State Veteran or Military Post Cemeteries. Headstones and markers are inscribed with the name of the deceased, the years of birth and death, and branch of service.      VA will pay a burial allowance up to $1,500 if the veteran's death is service connected. The VA will pay a $150 plot allowance when a veteran is not buried in a cemetery that is under U.S. Government jurisdiction; if the veteran is discharged from active duty because of disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, if the veteran was in receipt of compensation,  pension or military retirement pay, or the veteran died while hospitalized by VA.      All states are still in need of more National Cemeteries.      Members, we need to work on our Legislators to ensure that all of our Veterans will have a place of Honor for eternal rest, in every state. Financial and in-kind assistance to individuals provided by USNVA, in all cases, is based on a minimum standard of indigency or dire financial need, and honorable service to the Nation. Requests for personal or group assistance are always welcome to be e-mailed to the USNVA. However, the requester should be aware that programs involving monetary assistance to individuals or groups are normally initiated by our Activities and Programs Division at National Headquarters, staffed by USNVA National Service Officers, after a rigorous authentication process and then forwarded as a recommendation to the appropriate State Chapter for re-review and actual approval and disbursement of funds. If your request is approved, we will be getting back in touch with you but, due to demand for assistance we regret that we cannot get back in touch with everyone who makes a request. Requests for Assistance can be emailed us at: Assistance@Navy Vets.org or mailed to us at: US Navy Veterans Association Attn: Assistance Division 7645 N. Union Blvd #150 Colorado Springs CO 80920  CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE HELPED BY THE UNITED STATES NAVY VETERANS ASSOCIATION'S OUTREACH PROGRAMS (1) Veterans, their dependents, and their widows, widowers and orphans; (2)Members of the Armed Forces and their dependents; and (3) Groups which assist any of the above.         On any given day, the VFW estimate, the homeless veteran population of the United States is about 300,000.       And many World War II Veterans, now aged 76 or over, and Korean War Veterans are homeless in America.   HOW CAN YOU HELP? By Donation: If you wish to make a one time donation, you may forward it straight to Headquarters: Yes, I will help! I have enclosed a check for: q  $25 q  $50 q  $100            q  $1,000         q  Other: $_________ Name:                                                                Address:                                                             City, State, Zip Code:                                            Phone number:                                                   Email address:                                                                  You can return this form (you can scroll over it, copy it to Word and print it out) with your check, payable to United States Navy Veterans Association, mailed  to: United States      Navy Veterans Association Attn: Internet 1783 Forest Dr # 300 Annapolis MD 21401                                                                           Thank you! When we lose a Veteran, a donation can be made to USNVA in the deceased Veteran's name. The next-of-kin will receive a memorial note stating that a donation has been made in the name of our remembered Veteran.   Both Members and Non-Members may also make a bequest to the United States Navy Veterans Association in their wills. Such bequests are a very important source of income to all worthwhile charities.  If you would like to remember the Association in your will, you can do so by including the following words, depending on whether you wish to make a specific legacy or leave the residue of your estate to the USNVA: Specific Legacy: "I give and bequeath to the United States Navy Veterans Association, I.R.S. Tax-Exempt I.D. 02-0578769, the sum of $_____________, such sum to be applied to the general purposes of said Charity." Residuary Legacy: "I give, devise and bequeath all (or a specified share, e.g. half) the residue of my estate absolutely to the United States Navy Veterans Association, I.R.S. Tax-Exempt I.D. 02-0578769, such residue to be applied to the general purposes of said Charity."        ASSOCIATION VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAMS  Our Arizona and California Chapters do their own vehicle and boat donation program  in the  area  Phoenix west to the Colorado and south to Yuma, and in southern California, and we do our own pickups. For more information about thes programs, or to make a vehicle donation, you can call the Arizona and California Chapters' Car Donation Programs toll free at  1-888-250-4490.                                         More than 5 million people signed the Department of Defense's Defend America's online Thank You Note to the men and women of the U.S. military, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2008. The Thank You Note program, initiated by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld during the George W. Bush Admistration, was abruptly, and unfortunately, halted by the Obama Administration, in or around May, 2009. It is the policy position of this Association that there is never any good reason to politicize the Cause of the American veteran, or to politicize the Americanism of our foreign or military policies, past or present: "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong."  - Commodore Stephen Decatur, USN, April,1816.            If you're interested in helping homeless Vietnam Veterans, if the POW/MIA issue has made you mad,     or if you'd like to honor the World War II or   Korean War Veteran, or Gulf War or Afghan or Iraq War Veteran or Serviceperson, the United States Navy Veterans Association Outreach Program is where it's at.                           HELPING OVER 240,000 VETERANS, SERVICE PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1927                                   To read more letters of thanks from some of the people  we've helped, open up the Forum at the bottom of our Homepage.                               If somebody does not support the cause of  America in the world, if they don't support the cause of the American Veteran, we're not urging anybody to boycott them, and we're not urging anybody to vote for or against anybody.   We would never think of doing such things.   But we are saying, and we do say, as a fact,   that every American has Freedom of Expression and that there is no legal reason stopping you, or any American, from never visiting France, Germany or Canada; or from not patronizing a doctor or lawyer or a businessperson who rudely refused to help a veteran.   Nothing stopping you at all. In fact, we've   noticed that people who spend their own money with good people, or in good countries, or who vote for good people, generally have a good taste in their mouth afterward.   So if you're planning a foreign trip, remember that Britain offers events like the English Wine Festival in Chelmsford, the Lord Mayor's Show in London, the great Dorset Steam Fair, the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering in Scotland and the Blackpool Illuminations, and that the whole country is packed with some great, non-rude people.   Or, better yet, spend your money at home. As Dinah Shore used to say, America's the greatest land of all, and we all know that there are lots of places you haven't seen here yet, and have always been dying to.                                Not enough information for you on this Page on   our Outreach Programs or how you can help? For even more information on our Veterans Service Programs, and on how you can help, click below for:  You and the United States Navy Veterans Association: A Very Crucial Partnership Guide a Veteran to Service Programs of the United States Navy Veterans Association                  This story is hard to believe, but for all you folks who refuse to give $25 when asked for a needy American veteran, not only is it accurate; it's commonplace; it's meant for you, and it shows what the United States is up against.   One Arab-American alleged terrorist was arrested on felony charges of funding terrorism and selling drugs, both, in Central Florida. On November 27,2002, within 1/2 hour of being arrested, he posted a $10 million cash bond and was released to the cheers of almost 100 local Muslims and Arabs.   Where the money for the bond came from, no one asked.   So much for America's so-called anti-terror post 9-11 police state tactics.                                   LINKS OF INTEREST:      Department of Veterans' Affairs - The United States Navy Veterans Association is nationally recognized as a Partner with VA in its approved Veterans' Service Organizations Program     Members should note that materials available for USNVA Service Officer Training at USNVA Washington, D.C. National Headquarters include "The USNVA Service Officers Guide," which is the textbook for USNVA Service Officers; this will also provide you with a Service Officers Registration Card. The new Guides were printed in 2003. There is one other important guide and that is the "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet No. 80-97-1, and this document is usually updated each January. This may be obtained through the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 at $7.00 each. This is listed under Stock No. ISBN 0-16-048958-X. Send a check or money order SNO51-000-00205-9, or phone your order (202) 512-1800, or you can FAX (202) 512-2250.   James A. Haley VA Hospital Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program - An excellent rehabilitation information Site dealing with an award winning program       The Vietnam Wall At Sunrise The design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was selected in 1981 from entries submitted in a nationwide competition. Eight reknowned architects and sculptors were chosen as judges. Their unanimous choice was a design submitted by Maya Lin, a 21-year old architecture student at Yale University. Lin had visited the Site on the National Mall and tried to visualize an appropriate structure.   The Wall is made of black granite,493 feet  long, rising from the ground to 10.1 feet in height, and bends at the center in a 125.12 degree angle. On its polished panels are engraved the names of more than 58,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died or remain missing in the Vietnam War.   It is a place of quiet reflection, and a tribute to those who served their Nation in difficult times. All who visit it can find it a place of healing.               Back to Top of Page and Site Map