American Gold Star Mothers lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns, Gold Star Mothers Sunday, 09/26/05 Soldiers looking at Vietnam Wall Memorial Francis Turley at a funeral for a forgotten veteran. One of the many markers at Arlington Cemetery remembered by a mother Perpetuating the noble principles for which they fought and died.


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National Anthem Etiquette

http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/36C3.txt

Sec. 301. National anthem

(a) Designation. - The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

(b) Conduct During Playing. - During a rendition of the national anthem -

(1) when the flag is displayed -

(A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;

(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

(C) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note; and

(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

(Pub. L. 105-225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263.)


DoD To Implement Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

The Defense Department announced today the services' implementation plans to provide retroactive stop loss special pay. Active, reserve and former service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to stop loss are eligible for this special pay, if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009.

Service members may begin submitting their claim for retroactive stop loss special pay on Oct. 21, 2009. In accordance with the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act, all applications must be submitted to the respective services no later than Oct. 21, 2010 (extended to Mar 18, 2011). Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) that a member was retained on active duty due to stop loss. Applicants for retroactive pay who are no longer in the military had to be honorably discharged, and for those who were stop lossed in fiscal 2009, may only receive payment from one stop loss authority – either the money appropriated for stop loss special pay in the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, or the money allocated for retroactive stop loss special pay in the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act, but not both.

Service members must provide documented proof they were stop lossed with their claim. Family members of deceased service members should contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim.

Information on how to contact each of the services is listed below:

Stop loss provides a valuable and critical tool to quickly retain and generate forces to surge in a major conflict. However, as deployment schedules stabilize, the department must then adapt and minimize its use of stop loss. The secretary of defense announced in March a comprehensive plan to eliminate the current use of stop loss, while retaining the authority for future use under extraordinary circumstances.


Gold Star Mother trips to Vietnam

The National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association, has taken Gold Star Mothers back to Vietnam under their Operation Gold Star program. There have been no trips for several years mainly due to the age of the mothers so they are considering closing their fund. If, however, there is a mother who would wish to go they will reconsider. The trip is long and a physical would be required. If there is anyone who would qualify for the trip they are asked to call Robert Lauver at 530-374-1699 or 570-847-6177 as soon as possible.


DoD Announces Transferability Options For "Post 9/11 GI Bill"

June 23, 2009

The Defense Department announced today its policy for transferring educational benefits to the spouses and children of service members under the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009.

"This is as it should be in a volunteer force where families also serve," said Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy Bill Carr. "Transferability of GI Bill benefits is the most requested initiative we receive from our service members, and we believe it will assist us in retaining highly qualified military personnel."

Career service members on active duty or in the selected reserve on Aug. 1, 2009, and who are eligible for the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," may be entitled to transfer all or a portion of their education entitlement to one or more family members. To be eligible, service members must have served in the Armed Forces for at least six years, and agree to serve four additional years, from the date of election to transfer.

Service members with at least 10 years of service, who by DoD or service policy are prevented from committing to four additional years, may transfer their benefits provided they commit for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.

Additionally, to maintain proper force structure and promotion opportunities, temporary rules have been developed for service members eligible to retire between Aug. 1, 2009 and Aug. 1, 2012. Depending on their retirement eligibility date, these service members will commit to one to three additional years, from the date of election to transfer.
The services will provide further implementation guidance. Beginning June 29, 2009, eligible service members may make transfer designations by visiting this Web site: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB . The full transferability policy is available here.

Service members may be eligible for the "Post 9/11 GI Bill" if they served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged. Based on the length of active duty service, members are entitled to a percentage of the cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning. Members not on active duty may also receive a monthly living stipend equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, and to an annual $1,000 stipend for books and supplies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the "Post 9/11 GI Bill," and determines eligibility for education benefits. Further information on eligibility, benefit levels, and application procedures can be found at their Web site, http://www.gibill.va.gov.


Statue honors NH Gold Star Mothers

NECN.com
March 30, 2008
Statue will honor gold star Mothers

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(NECN: Manchester, NH) - Their sons and daughters may have fought in different wars, but they share the same grief. They are gold star mothers.

In World War II, families who lost a son would display a flag with a single gold star, thus the title gold star mothers. To honor them the city of Manchester, NH will erect this statue in Stanton Place showing a mother holding a crumpled telegram with news of her son’s death.

The sculptor of the planned statue says these women have another thing in common. Incredible strength.

Gold star mothers and grandmothers came for the groundbreaking.

Dan Gionet's mother telling us about her son, killed when an IED hit his tank in Iraq. He had just spoken to his grandmother the night before.

Elaine Gibson's son Timothy was killed when his helicopter crashed in Iraq. The planned statue is very important to her family.

Kristen Caira has the story for Manchester.


Gold Star Lapel Pin authorized for uniforms

By Jim Tice - Staff writer, ArmyTimes.com
Posted : Monday Jan 28, 2008

The Gold Star Lapel Pin has been authorized for wear on the Army green uniform by soldiers who have lost an immediate family member in combat.

While soldiers always have been eligible for the pin, Army regulations have restricted its wear to civilian attire.

Under the recent change in policy, the pin is authorized for wear on the green uniforms of soldiers who have lost a spouse, mother, father, child or step-child to combat.

An interim change to Army Regulation 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms), requires enlisted soldiers to wear the pin centered vertically and horizontally on the left lapel of the green uniform.

Officers should wear the pin centered on the left lapel one-quarter of an inch below their branch insignia.


Legislation Allows Veterans to Salute the Flag

August 2007, WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

"The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.

"Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.

"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."


Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act

This act was recently sent to President Bush for his signature. This law would prohibit protestors at funerals at national cemeteries and shrines. It would prohibit protests within 300 feet of a cemetery entrance and 150 feet of a road into a cemetery for 1 hour before and after the funeral. Violators would face a $100,000 fine and a year in prison.

This law covers only Federal cemeteries but several states have passed similar laws covering all cemeteries in those states.


Stolen Valor Act to Penalize Medal Frauds

July 22, 2005, WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3), the only veteran from the Colorado delegation, today announced the introduction of the “Stolen Valor Act”, legislation to penalize distributors of phony medals and those who fraudulently claim to be decorated veterans. Salazar’s legislation would place criminal penalties on those who falsely claim to have risked their lives for our country, restoring honor to those who have truly earned it.

“Medals recognize the best American qualities – courage, honor, and sacrifice,” said Salazar. “These honors are reserved for those who willingly risked their lives for our country. The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military honor. And the Purple Heart is only awarded for genuine acts of courage. It is our job to protect the honor and integrity of our veterans, to make sure the memory of their heroism is not tarnished.”

B. G. Burkett’s award winning book “Stolen Valor” first exposed the problem of medals fraud. Current law only allows prosecution of imposters who wear an unearned Medal of Honor on their person. Salazar’s legislation will expand the law to include those who publicly claim to be decorated veterans, allowing the Federal Bureau of Investigation to finally prosecute several high profile cases (see attached profiles.)

“Shame on those who claim credit for acts of courage they did not commit, their lies are criminal” said Salazar. “Medal recipients are often too humble to parade their honors. By letting the phonies continue their masquerade, we diminish the honor of our true heroes. Federal law enforcement agents are willing to go after these frauds, Congress needs to provide the tools necessary to get the job done.”

Salazar’s legislation is the direct result of the efforts of Pam and Doug Sterner of Pueblo and Medal of Honor recipient Peter Lemon of Colorado Springs. The city of Pueblo in Salazar’s congressional district was designated “America’s Home of Heroes” by Congress, because it is home to more Medal of Honor recipients than elsewhere in the country.


Financial Salesmen Prey on Gold Star Families

Some Gold Star Family members have been contacted shortly after learning of the death of their loved one by salesmen representing themselves as financial advisors. They usually get a letter that looks very official with government like markings and patriotically themed stamps. They try to sell various financial products; annuities, life insurance, etc or offer other financial advice which would involve commissions for them.

We suggest you avoid these unsolicited offers. These folks know you have just received a large insurance settlement and do not necessarily have your best interests at heart. When you're ready, if you need help investing the insurance money, ask a trusted family member or friend to help you. There is no rush.


POWs Who Die In Captivity eligible for Purple Heart.

The Department of Defense announced today it has expanded the Purple Heart eligibility criteria allowing prisoners-of-war who died in captivity to receive the award.

The revised department policy presumes, for service members who die in captivity as a qualifying prisoner-of-war, that their death was the "result of enemy action," or the result of wounds incurred "in action with the enemy" during capture, or as a result of wounds incurred as a "result of enemy action" during capture, unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary.

The revised policy allows retroactive award of the Purple Heart to qualifying prisoners-of-war since Dec. 7, 1941. Posthumous award will be made to the deceased service member's representative, as designated by the secretary of the military department concerned, upon application to that military department.

Each military department will publish application procedures and ensure they are accessible by the general public. Family members with questions may contact the services: Army: Military Awards Branch, (703) 325-8700; Navy: Navy Personnel Command, Retired Records Section, (314) 592-1150; Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, (800) 616-3775; Marine Corps: Military Awards Branch, (703) 784-9340. For further information, media representatives should contact Eileen Lainez, (703) 695-3895, eileen.lainez@osd.mil.


America's Heroes at Work

America's Heroes at Work is a public education campaign focusing on the employment challenges of transitioning service members living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Designed for employers and the workforce development system, the project provides information and tools to help individuals with TBI and/or PTSD succeed in the workplace--particularly members of the military returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, but also the other millions of Americans experiencing these common conditions.

TBI and PTSD have been called the signature injuries of the Global War on Terror.  With more and more veterans facing these issues as they transition into civilian life, employers are recognizing a need to educate themselves on the workplace needs of the TBI and PTSD populations.  That's where the America's Heroes at Work Web site comes in.  Located at www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov, the site features common employer questions, success stories, downloadable fact sheets and practical information on implementing simple workplace supports to help those with TBI and PTSD achieve workplace success.


Holiday Cards for Service Members

There have been some inquirers about sending Christmas cards to Walter Reed addressed to “Recovering American Soldier”.

Walter Reed is NOT accepting mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier. However, they are participating in a Red Cross effort to get cards to Soldiers and Veterans.

In a partnership between American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, the general public is invited to send holiday cards to be distributed to members of the US Armed Forces, their families and Veterans. These cards will be screened by Pitney Bowes and then distributed by volunteers of American Red Cross Holiday cards should be mailed to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 12. Please do not include gifts, money or inserts. Glitter is also not recommended on the cards.

For more information, visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center Resource page or the Red Cross Holiday Mail page  for Holiday Mail for Heroes program guidelines. Walter Reed is not accepting mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier."