A Memorial Day Message From Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki

A Memorial Day Message

From Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki

WASHINGTON (May 24, 2013) -- This weekend, Americans in large numbers will visit our national cemeteries and other final resting places to honor their loved ones, their friends, neighbors, colleagues, even some unknown to them—men and women who gave their lives in defense of our Nation. 

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on their service and their sacrifice, even as our Armed Forces are performing difficult and dangerous missions in distant lands.  They continue to safeguard our American way of life.

Memorial Day is set aside to honor the more than one million of our fellow citizens who have fallen in battle since the founding of our Republic.  Their service helped to shape us as a Nation and secured, for us and our friends and allies, our security in a troubled world.  Except for their service, we all would be facing different circumstances today. 

During World War II, American forces literally helped to save the world from tyranny and oppression.  Those who marched to the guns in the 1950’s saved a Nation.  And the most devastating conflict in our history, the American Civil War, preserved a Union that would, within a hundred years, emerge as a world power, dedicated to preserving freedom and liberty. 

Every generation has done its duty, just as today’s 1.37 million members of our Armed Forces are doing theirs under difficult circumstances.

On Memorial Day, their service in uniform stands in contrast to our ball games and backyard barbeques.  Our defenders are ordinary Americans performing extraordinary deeds, bearing all the risks for our way of life.  In remembering the Fallen, we honor the men and women who kept faith with our enduring principles of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”  We remember, as well, those who keep the faith today and honor their patriotism, valor, dedication, and loyalty.

A memorial written by Civil War-era orator, Robert Green Ingersoll, eloquently captures the significance of Memorial Day for all generations of our Fallen:

They died for liberty—they died for us.  They are at rest. 

They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless. . . . Earth may run red with other wars, but they are at peace.

In the midst of battles, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.

I join with all VA employees in honoring those who have been called to the Altar of Freedom, in offering prayers for them and their families, who sacrifice still today, and in asking for the Almighty’s continued blessings on this great Nation.

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The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

Memorial Day message from National Commander Jim Koutz

Dear Legion Family Members and Friends,

All of us cherish the memories of our fallen comrades, friends or loved ones.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think about the friends I’ve lost. I think about the young 20-somethings I knew from Vietnam who made the supreme sacrifice serving our nation. I think about the heroes from other eras – the Great Wars, Korea, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan – who gave their lives so all of us could enjoy our freedoms.

This weekend, of course, another Memorial Day is upon us. I hope that you will join me in remembering to honor not only veterans who were close to you but also all of our veterans who gave their all. While the mass media often makes this weekend out to be about barbecues and department store sales, it is up to each one of us to remind our communities about the true meaning of this day.

I also encourage you to take a moment and visit The American Legion’s new web page dedicated to honor and remembrance, www.legion.org/honor. Scores of wonderful tributes to the men and women who served our nation with honor, courage and dignity can be found there.

Some of these tributes were contributed by the veterans themselves, or their family members. It’s easy – and free – to add your story, or your family’s legacy, to this growing collection of American military history. Just visitwww.legiontown.org to submit a story, or read more about how to participate here or here.

Thank you for what you do every day – for veterans, their families and the communities in which they live. May our fallen never be forgotten.

For God and Country,

James E. Koutz National Commander

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

VA Mandates Overtime to Increase Production of Compensation Claims Decisions

Press Release from VA

 VA Mandates Overtime to Increase Production of Compensation Claims Decisions

Latest Initiative aimed at reducing the backlog

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2013) – As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge, which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will be targeted to eliminating the backlogged status of claims. The additional overtime hours that will be worked during this period will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed Claims.

“VA is dedicated to providing Veterans with the care and benefits they have earned and deserve,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “This increased overtime initiative will provide more Veterans with decisions on their claims and will help us achieve our goal of eliminating the claims backlog.”

This is the latest effort in support of the Secretary’s plan to reduce the backlog. Last month, the VA announced an initiative to expedite compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have waited one year or longer.   On April 19, VA began prioritizing claims decisions for Veterans who have been waiting the longest, by providing provisional decisions that allow eligible Veterans to begin collecting compensation benefits quickly.  With a provisional decision, a Veteran has a year to submit additional information to support a claim before the decision becomes final.  More information can be foundhere.

“We’re committed to getting Veterans decisions on their claims as quickly and accurately as possible,” said Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “We need to surge our resources now to help those who have waited the longest and end the backlog.”

Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority basis with the Department of Defense through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES). On average, Wounded Warriors separating through IDES currently receive VA compensation benefits in 2 months following their separation from service.

Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on the joint Department of Defense—VA web portal eBenefits athttp://www.ebenefits.va.gov.

More information about filing Fully Developed Claims is available at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/

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The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

2013 Consolidated Post Reports Have Been Sent

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

Support Wilwin Lodge Fundraiser

American Legion SAL Squadron 558 is hosting a 4 person Scramble golf outing June 21st, 2013 in Farwell, MI.  All proceeds go to the Wilwin Lodge http://www.wilwin.org

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

2012 - 2013 District Meetings Remaining

The following are District Meetings left for 2012-2013 Year.

District Meetings 2012-2013

1st District Meeting Schedule

5/6/13 *                        Joe Louis Post #375

6/3/13                          Fred Beaudry Post #126

1st Zone Picnic (8/4/12) in Taylor, Michigan

Veterans Day Parade (11/3/12) in Detroit

*  Memorial Day Observance - Joint Legion Family.

 Guests are welcome - those planning to attend and speak should notify the District Adjutant, John Burke at 59jaydee@prodigy.net so you may be included in the meeting agenda.

2^nd District

 May 19, 2013  LYNN C. WEEMAN 514 IDA
            SAL 11.30   MEMORIAL SERVICE 12:30 REGULAR LEGION 2:00 NO SERVICE OFFICERS

3^rd District

 4^th District

 MAY 5TH BRIDGMAN POST 331
DINNER SERVED AT 12:30 AND  IS $7.OO PER PERSON. CALL POST FOR RESERVATIONS. BARNDOG

5^th District

May 9^th, 2013, 7 p.m., Charles A. Conklin Post #28

6^th District

May 5, 2013 Brighton, MI Post 235

Service Officer School 11 am- Lunch at 12 – Meeting at 1pm

7^th District

May 19, 2013  Port Huron

8^th District

May 5^th at Laingsburg

9^th District

Executive Board Noon, Past Cmdrs. /  Service Officer Info 12:30 p.m., Lunch 1:00 p.m., General Membership Meeting 2:00 p.m. ( or as soon as dishes are cleared if lunch runs long).

May 11. 2013-Traverse City Post 35.

The 10th District

May 5, 2013           Harrison 404 (Memorial)

June 1, 2013           T.B.A. (incoming commander Post)

Lunch at noon, meetings at 1pm all dates.

11th District Meeting April 20th 2013 Rapid River 10:30 am

12th District meeting May 4th, 2013 Post 144 Lanse 11:00 am

16^TH District Meetings

April  9^th, 2013  Allen Park Post 409*

May 14^th, 2013  Lincoln Park Post  67**

June 11^th, 2013 Garden City Post 396

Meetings at  7:30pm

* Denotes Service Officer School 6:30PM

** Memorial Service 6:30PM

17^th District Meetings

April 17, 2013  7.pm. 7p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall 25300 5 Mile, Redford Post 302

May 15, 2013 7 p.m.   7p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall 25300 5 Mile, Redford Post 302

June 5, 2013 6:30p.m. American Legion Post 32, Livonia MI

18^th District Meetings

May 19, 2013  Farmington, MI Post #346 

            Memorial Service at 1 p.m.  Election of Officers at 2 p.m.

June 9, 2013 2p.m. Royal Oak, MI Post #253

District 19

Spring Conference, Sunday, March 10, 2013 Elk Rapids

Convention, Saturday, May 18, 2013 Boyne City

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.

American Legion Commander: CBS Should Apologize for Insulting Vietnam War Veterans

National Commander James Koutz has sent a letter of  protest to CBS regarding a recent broadcast of the show “The Amazing Race” which insults Vietnam Veterans. Below is a Fox News article which contains some background. It is followed by National Commander Koutz’s letter and a news release by American Legion National Headquarters which was issued to the media.

 

Fox News Insider

Bob Beckel Outraged Over CBS Airing B-52 Memorial During ‘Amazing Race’ Episode: “Take That Show and Shove It!”

 

CBS’s reality show the “Amazing Race” featured an episode set in Vietnam where contestants went to a B-52 Memorial, which is wreckage of an American B-52 bomber shot down during the Vietnam War.

“How did it not cross the producers’ minds that this might offend the men who fought in Vietnam and the families of those who died there?” Greg Gutfeld questioned on The Five.

Bob Beckel didn’t hold back any punches. “I’m so outraged by this I can’t believe it. CBS is idiotic, they’re stupid. The idea that they would put something like that on TV, […] to have people go to a memorial where Americans died, then you ought to get off the network. Take that show and shove it!”

He charged, “It was a communist show put on a by a network that out to know better.”

They also had to learn a song performed by kids in front of a portrait of former communist leader Ho Chi Minh. One contestant remarked, “It’s like One Direction,” referring to the popular European boy band.

Gutfeld remarked, “Yes, if that direction was the inevitable massacre of millions of Vietnamese.”

Mr. Leslie Moonves

President & CEO

CBS Headquarters

51 W 52^nd St   

New York, N.Y. 10019

 

Dear President Moonves:

 

        As National Commander of the 2.4 million member American Legion and as a Vietnam War veteran, I would like to register my disappointment at the disgraceful slap in the face administered to American war heroes during your recent broadcast of the show “The Amazing Race.”

 

The show is called “The Amazing Race” but I prefer to call it “The Amazing Gall.” In a broadcast reminiscent of Tokyo Rose, reality game show contestants visited a ‘B-52 Memorial’ in Vietnam, which featured the wreckage of a B-52 bomber shot down during the war. What wasn’t shown were the U.S. crewmembers that were killed or the grieving American families that were left behind. The Department of Defense is encouraging Americans to honor and commemorate our Vietnam War veterans for the sacrifice that they made 50 years ago. The American Legion takes this obligation very seriously. We only wish that the network that once gave us Kate Smith—famous for her rendition of ‘God Bless America’—would return to its great roots and not be so eager to broadcast anti-American propaganda.

 

Not only did your show do a disservice to those who served aboard the B-52, it included young people singing songs with the lyrics, “Vietnam Communist Party is glorious…Socialism is growing more beautiful with time. Follow the party’s step. Be loyal. Be pure…”

 

A prominent Legionnaire from Iowa said to me, “As a Marine Corps veteran having served two tours in Vietnam, it is extremely offensive to me and our country to glorify a communist regime that without mercy killed and tortured our Vietnam allies and now is portrayed as something that is acceptable in our society.”

 

Mr. Moonves, at the very least, I think that you owe our Vietnam War veterans an apology.

 

Sincerely

James E. Koutz

National Commander

 American Legion Commander: CBS Should Apologize for Insulting Vietnam War Veterans

INDIANAPOLIS (March 20, 2013)  -- In a scathing letter sent to CBS, Vietnam War veteran and American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz called for the Tiffany Network to apologize for  “its disgraceful slap-in-the face administered to American war heroes” during a prime time broadcast Sunday night.

“The show is called ‘The Amazing Race,’ but I call it ‘The Amazing Gall,’” Koutz said.  “In a broadcast reminiscent of Tokyo Rose, reality game show contestants visited a ‘B-52 Memorial’ in Vietnam, which featured the wreckage of a B-52 bomber shot down during the war. What wasn’t shown were the U.S. crewmembers that were killed or the grieving American families that were left behind. The Department of Defense is encouraging Americans to honor and commemorate our Vietnam War veterans for the sacrifice that they made 50 years ago. The American Legion takes this obligation very seriously. We only wish that the network that once gave us Kate Smith – famous for her rendition of ‘God Bless America’—would return to its great roots and not be so eager to broadcast anti-American propaganda.”

The B-52 visit was not the only portion of the show that The American Legion found objectionable. Contestants watched a performance by young people singing a song before a portrait of communist leader Ho Chi Minh. Lyrics included the phrases, “Vietnam Communist Party is glorious…Socialism is growing more beautiful with time. Follow the party’s step. Be loyal. Be pure…”

Ken Danilson, a prominent Legionnaire from Iowa, was particularly offended. “As a Marine Corps veteran having served two tours in Vietnam, it is extremely offensive to me and to our country to glorify a communist regime that without mercy killed and tortured our Vietnam allies and now is portrayed as something that is acceptable in our society.”

Koutz is encouraging Americans to show support for Vietnam veterans by letting CBS know of their disapproval and by refusing to watch future episodes of the show. “Vietnam War veterans were maligned enough when they returned to this country. We need to send a loud message that we will never again tolerate America’s veterans being disrespected.”

     With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

 

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Contacts:  John Raughter (317) 630-1253, (317) 441-8847; Marty Callaghan (202) 263-5758, (202) 515-8644. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Koutz is available at www.legion.org.