|
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
Play video
(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." |
