1,590 AmericansStill Missing inSoutheast Asia48 fromMichigan

Boo Coo NewsVietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154www.VVA154.comhttps://www.facebook.com/vva154/

FEBRUARY 2019

WELCOME HOME!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS7 p.m. second Wednesday of themonth at VFW Bruce Post 1146,

28404 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores

Boo Coo News deadline:the 25th of each month

To submit items, photos, copy:email, mail or deliver to the

Veterans Support Centerand/or to Tom Puruleski

tanda@wowway.com or Linda Maylindamay@ameritech.net

“THANK YOU and your staff so much for everything.”

Following is an email to Chapter 154 from a young Iraq War veteran and his wife whorecently visited our food pantry. It's a tribute to what this chapter is all about. To themembers and associates of Chapter 154, our friends and donors who support us, know

that your efforts to service our veterans, especially those in need, are greatly appreciatedand makes a difference in their lives. ~~ Steve Bago===========================================================================Subject: THANK YOU and your staff so much for everything.Good Evening,I would like to express how grateful my family and I are to have had the opportunity to meetwith you. You have no idea how emotional and humbling it was to reach a hand out, but I had noother option in my sight. Thank you and your WHOLE staff (that made me feel like coming home off my first of twotours in Iraq to my family) and for trying to take away what a challenging time I facecurrently, but remembering to grab a fellow veteran’s six. From the bottom of my heart I'm so thankful and appreciate the family I've learned andmet over the years (fellow vets and all your staff)... I hope everyone eventually has hearts as big as yours. All the best and thank you for YOUR service back then and your service to all now.

Bill M

The VA to Implement an Improved Appeals Process# Submitted by Tom Puruleski

The Veterans Administration will begin implementing a new process to simplify andshorten the time it takes for veterans to appeal their claims. The Veteran AppealsImprovement and Modernization Act of 2017 became law on August 23, 2017. The VA is

scheduled to begin implementing the changes in this month.

The new law will: · Modernize the current claims and appeals process· Include three review options for disagreements with decisions· Require improved notification of VA decisions· Provide earlier claim resolution· Ensure you receive the earliest effective date possible

There will be three options for review:Option 1: Higher-level ReviewYour claim is reviewed by a more senior claims adjudicator.Option 2: A Supplemental Claim LaneYou can submit or identify new and relevant evidence to support your claim. Option 3: Appeal Lane for Appeals to the BoardThis option allows you to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

President’s Message

January is gone and it went outwith a gigantic freeze. February ishere so let’s start looking for

better weather. Ground Hog Daymight give us a break and shortenthe season. lol

The chapter lost a couple good friends this past month. Lifemember Gary Moore passed away from cancer. Gary wasinstrumental in the early days of combating the effects of AgentOrange. He, along with George Claxton, were two of the best-educated on the subject. He will be remembered. We also lost life member Colonel Donald G. Miller. Don was afighter pilot during the Vietnam War. (I thought it was a war.) Hewent on to become the base commander of Selfridge ANG andthe 127th Wing Commander. He later served as a Circuit CourtJudge. He is also noted as the husband of former U.S. House

Representative Candice Miller. Our honor guard performedmilitary services for Don. As usual, they did a great job. We willkeep them and all our brothers and sisters in our thoughts andprayers. We’ve got a huge year ahead of us. We would like to send asizable group of delegates to the national convention in Seattlethis summer. We believe we will receive the answer about thefuture of the VVA. As a chapter, we refuse to shut down the VetCenter. If the national decides to shut down, we will find a wayto maintain the Veterans Support Center. That is OUR future.Nominations of officers for the 2019 year are still being held atthis month’s meeting, March and also April. Please give it somethought and if you can, offer your talents to better the chapter.

Steve Bago President VVA 154

VVA CHAPTER 154 EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Steve Bago 586-524-38061st VP Gary Purcell 586-243-62932nd VP Dave Schoenherr 586-940-2568Secretary Mike Schneider 586-567-0731Treasurer Mike Jacobi 586-504-0781

Board of Directors Exp. 2019

Chuck Charbeneau 586-431-7133Donn Sinclair 586-243-0222Joe Spencer 586-277-8992Bobby Steward 586-321-9847

Board of Directors Exp. 2020

Greg Bowman 586-850-1800Gil Claunch 586-854-7842Tom Puruleski 586-854-0304Ron Squires 586-747-8881Gary Stephens 586-747-8149

Boo Coo News Publisher: The Board of DirectorsContributor - Tom Puruleski

Typesetter - Linda May lindamay@ameritech.net

send submissions by the 25th of each monthThank you to our sponsors!

Trustees Tim Ignash (2021) Tom Puruleski (2019)John Hages (2020)

VVA State Delegates Mike Schneider Alt. Delegate Chris FranklinVVA National Liaison Steve BagoWebmaster Paul Silvestri

FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEESAgent Orange Phil MichaudHonor Guard Mike MiskiFood Pantry Gil ClaunchFreedom Hill & Eastpointe Memorials Dave PorterHospitalized Vets Tom DuffLottery Jim AuitoMembership Larry MayMerchandise Dave SchoenherrMichigan Traveling Memorial Mike SchneiderNominating Mike Bilyk, Bill Haase, Gary SoxOperation Christmas Gary PurcellPhotographer Bob StewardPOW/MIA Tom DuffScholarship Dave RoccoSpeakers Bureau Jim Watts

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 2

Minutes of General Membership Meeting 1/9/2019 Submitted by Mike Schneider

Meeting called to order by 1st vice-president Gary Purcell at 1900 hours. Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of silenceobserved. Motion passed at the board of directors read and approved. Motion to accept minutes as published in the BooCoo News made by Ben E, seconded by Leo L. Treasurer Mike Jacobi reported that funds were down this month because of

expenses for various operations; overall we are in good financial shape. Motion to accept report made by Bob S, seconded by DaveP.

COMMITTEESPOW/MIA, hospital and honor guard to follow. No reports forAgent Orange, Speakers Bureau or Monthly Raffle.

ScholarshipDave Rocco reported that applications for scholarship awardsare available at the Vet Center or see Dave for a copy.Applications must be completed and returned by April 1 andawards will be presented at the June membership meeting.

Food PantryWe helped 97 families and 259 individuals for the month ofDecember. We received monetary and food donations fromindividuals and various groups before Christmas to help feedthose in need. Thank you one and all for your generosity.

Traveling MemorialWe had more excitement than we needed with the theft of thetruck and trailer but the trailer was recovered with the memorialand books and other displays intact. Thanks to Linda May andGary Purcell for getting this on social media which helped locatethe trailer. There is some good that comes from those onFacebook sites; it was a matter of a few hours.

MembershipLarry May reported that as of 11/30/2018 we have 787members of which 718 are life members. The Associates have 98members, 58 life. For those renewing, there is only lifemembership which has been reduced to $50. No more one- orthree-year memberships.

MemorialsDave Porter has been the custodian for the memorials atFreedom Hill and Eastpointe and has maintained them anddecorated them. If you have any questions or concerns pleasesee Dave. Thanks, Dave, for taking care of the upkeep.

Boo Coo NewsTom Puruleski has been involved with making sure we havepictures and articles for the newsletter, coordinating with LindaMay on the finished product. Submit things to Tom forconsideration. Thank you Linda and Tom.

VSO OfficersCurrently we have service officers on Monday, Tuesday andThursday

New BusinessWe are looking to possibly upgrade the video equipment outsidethe building, more to follow. Taxes are being prepared onMondays again starting January 28. We received a donationfrom the Detroit Police & Fire American Legion Post 161 forOperation Christmas, THANK YOU one and all for your support.Thank you to all who helped make the annual dance and foodand toy delivery a great success. Your tireless work is greatlyappreciated. We helped 265 families and approximately 500kids. We also helped more at the Vet Center the week beforeChristmas.

50/50 ticket #349468 held by Donn Sinclair who donated $100to the car show. Thanks Donn, hopefully that is the start of agreat car show.

Motion to adjourn made by Larry M, seconded by Arnie S.Nominations for officers and other positions for the year 2019,1st round.

President None1st Vice-president None2nd Vice-president Ron SquiresTreasurer Mike JacobiSecretary Mike SchneiderTrustee (3) year Dave PorterNominating Committee Bill Haase

Ernie PattonBoard of Directors Dave Porter

Keith EdwardsDonn SinclairBob StewardMike MiskiErnie Patton

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 3

JOIN THE ASSOCIATES of VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICAAVVA.ORG

Meetings at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Vet Center

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

AVVA MEETING MINUTESJanuary 16, 2019

Meeting called to order: 7 p.m. at the Vet Center. Pledge and moment of Silence for those in harm's wayand for our members facing illness and hardship

New Members: Cindy Turner. AVVA has a total of 98 membersFood Pantry: 97 families (total of 259 people)Traveling Memorial: Starting to schedule summer of 2019Scholarship: forms are now available and due back April 1.Hospital: Judy stated that the hospital visit was pretty much asprevious months

OLD BUSINESS• December 2 Peggy and Erin went to Selfridge to

present a certificate of appreciation and gift card to thesix sailors.

• Coat Drive was a HUGE success! Delivered to PiquetteSquare in Detroit.

• Sunbeams for Sweet Dreams was attended by fewmembers and associates.

NEW BUSINESSBrainstorming on fundraising Ideas: quarter mania, wild gamedinner, Kentucky derby, poker night, drag queen bingo, otherideas are welcomed.

Elections to be held over the next three months. Marge S. andDebbie S. agreed to be on the election committee.First round of Nominations:President: Erin D. - DeclinedPeggy R. - Declined Phyllis C. - AcceptedJudy H. – DeclinedV. President: April B. – AcceptedCarole J. – DeclinedSecretary: Kathy W. - Accepted

DATES TO REMEMBER:June 8 – Chapter Picnic at Freedom HillJuly 22 – Car show at Bruce PostJuly 27 – Golf Outing at Fern Hill

Motion to adjourn by Karen M. and Seconded by Kathy K. at7:45 p.m. NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, February 20at 7 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kathy Whitworth

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 4

2019 Chapter 154 Honor Guard Officers Commander Michael MiskiVice Commander James WattsTreasurer John MohanArmorer Michael Miski 2nd Armorer Gary StephensProperty Officer Ben ElwartowskiChaplain Ron DrdulAssistant Chaplain Leo Lalonde

CHAPTER 154 HONOR GUARD REPORT g Mike Miski, Commander, The Point Team

7 Funeral Details:

Kenneth Waltridge Army VietnamGeorge Westrick NavyRichard Link Air Force Chapter AssociateRobert Grewette MarineRonald Papuga Army KoreaDavid Whitmore Air Force Vietnam eraJohn Kingman Navy Vietnam Chapter Member

1 detail for the investiture of Judge-Elect Kathy Tocco 39th District Court swearing-inceremony, Roseville

The Chapter 154 honor guard held its 2019 officerinstallation dinner January 13 at Aspen restaurant.39 members and guests attended. During the

installation ceremonies, Bonnie Cash was presented witha bouquet of flowers in honor of her husband,Commander Glenn Cash, who passed away in 2018.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 5

VETERANS SUPPORT CENTER18025 15 MILE ROAD • CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035-2403

Free Services 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday 586-776-9810* * * HELP WANTED: Volunteers to staff the Vet Center and work on the food pantry * * *

SERVICE OFFICERS from Macomb County Veterans Affairs andVietnam Veterans of America file claims and answer questions.

• Lee Bruner, Mondays• Mary Barrette, Tuesdays walk-in service

• Lisa Marie Edwards, Thursdays appointments only

Call ahead as sometimes a service officer's schedule changes on short notice.

Please take advantage of this expanded coverage with any questions you may have

regarding the Veterans Administration.

SICK CALL & CONDOLENCES from Ron Drdul# Contact Ron Drdul ropa30@att.net or 586-899-7112 If you know of an illness or death of a chapter member or their family, please notify RonDrdul so that we may get the information out via email and in the newsletter in a timely manner. All the kind thoughts and prayers offered up byour members are truly appreciated and help people through tough times.

MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL Recognizing our propensity to be forgetful and unfaithful (Deuteronomy 6:10-12; Hosea 13:6), David wrote Psalm 103 as a thanksgiving song,calling us to praise God for who He is and what He has done. He reminds us not to forgot "all his benefits" (vv. 1-2). The psalmist describes thecharacter of our redeeming Father. He is compassionate, slow to anger, loving, forgiving, and gracious (vv. 3-13). He "does not punish us for all oursins . . . [or] deal harshly with us, as we deserve" (v. 10 nlt). God has forgiven our sins completely (vv. 11-12). David recounts God's character in theaftermath of Israel's idolatrous sin (vv. 7-8; Exodus 32): Our God is "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love andfaithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin" (Exodus 34:6-7). Please ask our Father in heaven through the loving kindness of Jesus Christ that these brothers and sisters we know and love will be lifted up bythe Holy Spirit to gain in knowledge and have peace of mind and heal their bodies.

SICK CALL & TAPS• Gary Stephens biopsy was negative no cancer; more testing,continuing to seek prayers• John Mohan – continues after-surgery regimen• Roger Krzeminski - back on chemo for cancer• Ralph Kolb – had a stroke; at American House, 11255 15 MileRd., Apt 114, Sterling Hts. MI 48312 Gets around with a cane,issues with oral communication, visitation is OK• Leo Miller – many medical issues • Chuck Charbeneau – medical issues• Pam Charbeneau – cancer treatments continue with stem cells• Jim Navoroli – PTSD Issues; seeking peace of mind.• John Bommarito: stroke, residing at a nursing home,Clinton-Aire, 17001 E 17 Mile Rd, Clinton Township, MI. Visitorsrequested.• Jerry Nickles is living in Fraser Villa and would like somecompany. Fraser Villa is at 33300 Utica Road. • Barbara Borowski, wife of the late Gene Borowski. She isasking for the membership to pray for her. • Evelyn Haramija, wife of chapter member Steve Haramija inneed of prayer for healing.• Jane Darling, AVVA member, pacemaker other medical issues.• Tony Kozlinski receiving chemo after surgery removing portionof his stomach.• Mike Brown in Shore Pointe Nursing Center in St. Clair Shores,Visitors welcome.• Pat Daniels developed internal bleeding issues cause unknown• Robert Schultz is in VA Detroit Medical Center; Rim Rehabroom 709. Please visit him if possible or give him a call.

• Gary Moore lost his battle with cancer and passed away;memorial service in June• John Kingman died; funeral service was Jan. 5• Don Miller died; funeral service was Jan. 21

WELCOME HOMEHOSPITAL REPORT

On January 9, John Hages,Carlene Cremin, Don Cremin,Judy Shirey, Teri Lehrman,

Mark Walgrave, Dan Zelenek, GaryPurcell, Bobby Steward, Joe Abbate,Judy Haag, Dennis Stricklin, Harry Wiesnewski and I went to theVA Hospital. We went to wards A-4 north and A-3 north, thesubstance abuse ward and the dialysis ward, dermatology,dental prosthetic and sensory aids, physical therapy,occupational therapy, audiology and speech pathology,radiology, respiratory care, cardiology, mental health,registration, chemotherapy Firm E, Firm D, Firm C, Firm A,pharmacy, blood draw, radiology and walk ways. We visitedwith 176 vets. We passed out flag stars, our Welcome Homecandy bags, magazines, crossword puzzle books, lap robes,blankets, personal items bags, bananas, pretzels, crackers, candyand suckers, cookies, granola bars, chips and Cheese-its. We hada great time and most of all we let at least 176 vets know thatwe care and they are not forgotten.

Tom Duff, Hospital Committee Chairman, 9th Infantry Division '68-'69

The next visit February 13 - leave the Vet Center at 8 a.m.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 6

POW/MIA ReportsSubmitted by Tom DuffWelcome Home!1,590 Missing48 from Michigan

“I was prepared to be wounded --- prepared to be captured --- even prepared tobe killed. I was not prepared to be abandoned by my country.” – Former POW

U.S. Navy Captain Eugene “Red” McDaniel

•A man is not dead until he is forgotten. We will never forget.

Welcome Home!•

“When one member of the armed forces is not worth the effort to be found, thenwe have lost our honor.” ~~ VVNW

* * *Support your POW/MIAs. Fly your POW/MIA flag. Display a POW/MIA decal. If

you need a POW/MIA decal for your car, truck or bike, or certificate ofappreciation for flying a flag, see Tom Duff. If a company or homeowner is flying

a POW/MIA flag, let Tom Duff know so we can give them a certificate.

WWIIThe following names are from the USS Oklahoma missing 12-7-1941.Seaman 2nd Class Charles GomezSeaman 1st Class John KarliFireman 1st Class Grant CookSeaman 1st Class Kirby StarletonEnsign Charles SternMachinist Mate 1st Class Ulis SteelyFireman 3rd Class Willard LawsonSeaman 1st Class Kenneth SampsonSeaman 2nd Class George ThompsonWater Tender 1st Class Edwin McCabeElectrician's Mate 3rd Class Roman SadlowskiMachinist's Mate George Hanson.1st Lt. Burleigh Curtis Army/Air Force 362nd Fighter Group missing6-13-1944 France. Accounted for 12-20-2018Pfc. William Delaney Army 4th Infantry Division missing 11-22-1944Germany. Accounted for 12-17-2018Sgt. Vernon Hamilton Army/Air Force 9th Bombardment Group 9th AirForce missing 3-21-1945 Germany. Accounted for 12-14-20182nd Lt. Lynn Hadfield Armyl/Air Force 9th Bombardment Group 9th AirForce missing 3-21-1945 Germany. Accounted for 12-13-2018Pvt. Harry Wilder Army 28th Infantry Division missing 11-14-1944Germany. Accounted for 11-27-2018Pvt. Lloyd Fulmer Army 28th Infantry Division missing 11-14-1944Germany. Accounted for 11-27-2018Pfc. Nicholas Gojmerac Marine Corps 1st Marine Raider Regimentmissing 7-20-1943 Solomon Islands. Accounted for 11-14-2018

There are more than 73,000 missing from WWII

KOREAPfc. James Williams Army 24th Infantry Division missing 7-12-1950South Korea. Accounted for 1-2-2019.Cpl. John Krebs Army 24th Infantry Division missing 7-11-1950 SouthKorea. Accounted for 12-19-2018.Pfc. Karl Dye Army 52nd Field Artillery 24th Infantry missing 7-16-1950South Korea. Accounted for 12-6-2018.Cpl. Frederick Coons 22 years old from Missouri Army 24th InfantryDivision missing 7-29-1950 South Korea. Accounted for 10-31-2018.Pvt. Robert Sipes 19 years old from Kentucky Army 1st Cavalry Divisionmissing 11-30-1950 North Korea. Accounted for 10-25-2018.

There are still over 7,000 missing from Korea.

VIETNAMNo new recoveries.There are still 1,590 missing, 48 from Michigan.

COLD WARThere are 126 missing.

GWOTThere are 6 missing from Iraq and other conflicts.

MICHIGAN POW/MIA

for FEBRUARYRodney Chapman from Alpena 2-18-68 North Vietnam Navy

Wade Groth from Greenville 2-12-68 South Vietnam Army

Stanley Jerome from Detroit 2-18-69 North Vietnam Navy

Marvin Leonard from Grand Rapids 2-15-71 Laos Army

Robert Marvin from Dexter 2-14-67 North Vietnam Navy

James Paul from Riverview 2-5-71 South Vietnam Army

Arthur Wright from Lansing 2-21-67 South Vietnam Army

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 7

Macomb Jurist, Aviator Don Miller DiesDonald G. Miller, who served his state and nation as a judge and an Air Force officer, died Jan. 18, 2019. He was 80 years old.

Well known in aviation and legalcircuits, Miller was the husband ofCandice S. Miller, the former member

of Congress who now serves as the MacombCounty Public Works Commissioner. Don Miller served as a Macomb CountyCircuit Court Judge from 1998 until hisretirement in 2010. Miller became a judgeafter having served for seven years as a magistrate on the stateWorker's Compensation Appellate Commission. Miller was born June 17, 1938, in Grand Rapids. He had alife-long fascination with aviation, often drawing World WarII-era fighter planes on his schoolwork in elementary school. Hebegan flying at age 16 in a Piper J-3 Cub and earned his privatepilot’s license at age 17. He attended Michigan State Universityon an Air Force ROTC scholarship and then was commissioned asan Air Force officer in 1961, initially trained as a pilot of theF-102 Delta Dagger and later transitioning to the F-100 SuperSabre. Miller’s distinguished military career included service inVietnam, flying with the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron,where he flew combat missions from Da Nang and Tan Son NhutAir Bases, during the Vietnam War. Following his service in Vietnam, Miller continued his service inthe Michigan Air National Guard. He finished his military careerat the rank of colonel after serving as the commander ofSelfridge Air National Guard Base and as director of operationsfor the 127th Tactical Fighter Wing at the base. It was while serving as the commander of Selfridge, in HarrisonTownship, that he married the then-Harrison Townshipsupervisor. Don and Candice Miller were married for 35 yearsand continued to live in Harrison Township throughout theirmarriage. Miller retired from the military in 1988 to enter the legalprofession. Even after his retirement as a military pilot, Miller continue tofly, building and piloting his own aircraft. He and his home-builtRV-8 were well known at Ray Community Airport and manyother locations. Funeral arrangements were through Wm. Sullivan & Sons inUtica. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributionsbe made to the Selfridge Military Air Museum, 27333 C Street,Bldg 1011, Selfridge ANGB, MI 48045; or the Vietnam Veteransof America Chapter 154, 18025 E. 15 Mile Road, ClintonTownship, MI 48035.

With sadness, we announce the passing ofChapter 154 Life Member Gary Moore.Gary has been active in the POW-MIA

and Agent Orange initiatives for many years. Information from Gary Moore's sister Joanne:Gary had been living at her house in Port Huronunder hospice care for about a week before hedied. She and others have been trying to find acopy of the obituary Gary wrote for himselfsome time ago but no luck so far. His computer is passwordprotected, so no luck yet in finding the password or getting intothe computer. Joanne wrote a basic obituary for Gary and sent a hard copy tome. Services for Gary will take place sometime in June, probablynear his birthday (June 24). Joanne wants to know more aboutGary's advocacy activities and has asked for help in filling inGary's many accomplishments for veterans and the POW/MIAissue over the years.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 8

John Smeekens is a Life Member of Chapter 154. He served in Vietnam with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. Although retiredfrom the U.S. Postal Service, he continues to be the Veterans Affairs Director for the Postal Workers Union.

VETERANS BRIEFS By John P. Smeekens, Veterans Director

NEW VA WEBSITESince Mr. Wilkie’s arrival, you’ve heard himtalk repeatedly about his main priority asSecretary of Veterans Affairs, was to give thecustomers the best possible experience theminute they encounter the VA. He recentlyannounced the launch of the new VA.gov.website. Every corner of the VA cametogether – across all offices and organizationalboundaries – to listen to customers and putveterans first. Over 10 million people visit VA’swebsites each month. Many have a frustratingexperience. They can’t find the tools andservices they need. They’re confused bymultiple VA brands. In fact, one veteran said,“I have no handle on VA…the hospitals are theonly thing I can put my head around. There’sno storefront, no website.” How do they knowthis? They talked to them – 5,000 of them.They listened to what they had to say. Basedon what they heard, they’re giving veterans aneasy way to log in on a centralized home page,access to the 20 top tasks that 80% of themneed most, with a standard design toeliminate confusion across VA services, and apersonalized profile where they can do basicthings like update their name and address inone location. With just that one update, theinformation will flow across the VHA and VBAborder, continuing updates across multiplesystems. Take a look and see what you think.Hopefully it will be a GOOD experience!

UNDERPAID GI BILL BENEFITSSecretary Wilkie issued a statement recently,assuring that The VA would repay underpaidor missed GI Bill benefits payments. He said“to clear up any confusion, I want to makeclear that each and every post-9/11 GI Billbeneficiary will be made 100 percent whole –retroactively if need be – for their housingbenefits for this academic year based onForever GI Bill rates, not on post-9/11 GI Billrates. Mr. Wilkie said, “although The VA hasencountered issues with implementing theForever GI Bill on Congress’ timeline, they willwork with lawmakers to ensure that – onceVA is in a position to process education claimsin accordance with the new law – each andevery beneficiary will receive retroactively theexact benefits to which they are entitledunder that law.” This problem has definitelyput a financial strain on student veterans. TheForever GI Bill expands veterans’ educationbenefits and was passed last year by Congress.Housing allowances under the Forever GI Billare calculated based off where a studentveteran physically attends classes rather than

calculating based on the location of the maincampus. The law dictated this change neededto be made by Aug. 1, 2018, but IT issues havepushed implementation back to Dec. 1, 2019.The IT problems resulted in a substantialbacklog of claims made by student veterans.

EISENHOWER CENTER at SELFRIDGE ANGBASEThe After The Impact Program has to do withTBI (traumatic brain injury) and in some casesPTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). ANDNOW IT’S COMING TO Selfridge Air NationalGuard Base in Harrison Township. It willprovide treatment for returning veterans withclosed head injuries, provide housing in whichthe veterans can stay with their families andoffer vocational training for the next chapterin their life. The first phase of the project willrenovate two unoccupied facilities, to handle14 patients and 15 employees. Ultimately theEisenhower Veteran Care Transition Centerwill provide residential rehabilitation andreintegration programs, ultimately capable ofservicing 42 veterans, specificallypost-traumatic patients, suffering fromservice-related conditions, specificallypost-traumatic stress disorder,mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury orchronic traumatic encephalopathy. This allcame about because of the help of BrigadierGeneral John Slocum, commander of the127th Wing at Selfridge, and many others,who figured out a way to work through theadministrative maze of regulations, making itpossible to bring the center to SANG Base.General Slocum said that Selfridge was theperfect place for the new center, and it willallow the base to preserve some of its historicbuildings. Former officers housing on the basegrounds will be refurbished as part of phase 2,to provide the rehabilitating veterans andtheir families a place to stay.

VETERANS SHOT DOWN IN D.C.A final deal to provide Department ofVeterans Affairs benefits to thousands ofveterans who served off the coast during theVietnam War failed in the Senate recently. TheBlue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act wouldhave extended eligibility for disabilitycompensation and health care to “BlueWater” Navy veterans – servicemembers whowere aboard aircraft carriers, cruisers,destroyers and other ships, off the coast ofVietnam. Some have fought for years to provethey were exposed to Agent Orange. Thedioxin-laden herbicide has been found to

cause respiratory cancers, Parkinson’s diseaseand heart disease, as well as other conditions.The House voted 382-0 in favor of thelegislation in June. It got stuck in the Senate.Then it happened, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand,D-N.Y., went to the Senate floor and asked forunanimous consent to pass the bill.Unanimous consent expedites approval butcan be stopped if one senator objects. Citingcost concerns, Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.,chairman of the Senate Budget Committee,objected. Enzi said he wanted more detailsabout how many veterans would be madeeligible for benefits under the legislation andhow much it would cost.

VA TELEHEALTH, VFW and AMERICANLEGIONDuring the recent Anywhere to AnywhereTelehealth Summit, the VA announced ProjectATLAS, which is a partnership between VA, theVFW, and the American Legion, to provide VAtelehealth at VFW and Legion posts in ruralareas. The first Project ATLAS location, is aVFW Post in Montana, the VA will beginoffering VA mental health care to veterans.Through Project Atlas, Philips will install videocommunication technologies and medicaldevices in selected American Legion and VFWposts to enable remote examinations througha secure, high-speed internet line. Veteranswill be examined and advised in real timethrough face-to-face video sessions with VAmedical professionals, who may be locatedhundreds or thousands of miles away. Theprogram enables the “Anywhere toAnywhere” VA initiative to benefit veteranswho would otherwise need to travel toreceive care. To learn more about VA’stelehealth, look up” Anywhere to Anywhere”initiative on your computer for more in depthinformation.

VA HOSPITALS OUTPERFORMAccording to an independent Dartmouth studyrecently published in “Annals of InternalMedicine,” VA hospitals outperform privatehospitals in most health care marketsthroughout the country.

THANK YOU LOWE’SWhile doing Christmas shopping, I noticedseveral new parking signs at my local Lowe’s.Later, I drove over to a different Lowe’s. andthey had them in place also. I spoke to thestore manager and he said that all the Lowe’sstores were installing them for our veterans.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 9

Lt. Col. Charles Kettles, Medal of Honor recipient from Michigan, has died.

Retired Lt. Col. Charles Kettles, a Medal of Honor recipient from Michigan, died Monday, January 21, 2019. He was 89 years old.Lt. Col. Kettles was a native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is remembered for his heroics as helicopter pilot during the VietnamWar. On May 15, 1967, he volunteered to lead a flight of six Huey helicopters to carry reinforcements to the battlefield, under

heavy fire, and evacuate the wounded. He was credited with saving the lives of 40 soldiers as well as four crewmembers of adamaged UH-1D helicopter. Then a Major, Kettles originally received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. However, theaward was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in July 2016, after a campaign to recognize his actions that included letters from Kettles'company comrades validating his actions and legislation by Congress to waive a time limit for the award. Members of Chapter 154had the privilege to meet Col. Kettles when our Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial was on display at an event at Old Fort Waynein 2018. He accepted our invitation to visit the Memorial and graciously posed for pictures and participated in some conversationbefore leaving. Charles Kettles is survived by his wife Ann and their children.

VA Loses; Court Rules in Favor of Extending Benefits to Blue Water Navy VeteransMokie Porter 301-996-0901 mporter@vva.org

(Washington, DC)— “Vietnam Veterans of America applauds theU.S. Court of Appeals for overturning Hass VS Peake and findingBlue Water Navy Vietnam veterans to be eligible for the samebenefits as ‘boots on the ground’ and ‘brown water Navyveterans,’ ” said John Rowan, VVA National President. “VVA calls on President Donald Trump and VA Secretary RobertWilkie to accept the court’s decision, refrain from an appeal,and move forward without delay, allowing the VA to care forthese Vietnam veterans who had been wrongfully excluded bythe arbitrary administrative position made so many years ago.” “It’s been 16 years of hardship for these veterans who servedour country honorably. Many are sick and many have died ofwhat should have been service-connected conditions. Thosewho remain will now be eligible to receive treatment andbenefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Rowan.

On January 29, in a 9-2 decision, the court ruled in favor of theveteran in Alfred Procopio, Jr., v. Robert Wilkie, finding theintent of Congress in the Agent Orange Act of 1991 was toextend benefits to all veterans who had been awarded theVietnam Service Medal, including all military, naval services, andair forces who served in the Vietnam theater of operations,thereby earning the Vietnam Service Medal. In an abrupt about face, in February 2002, the VA changed itsrules, arbitrarily terminating benefits to the Blue Water U.S.Navy, Coast Guard, and FMF Marine veterans serving in thewaters of Southeast Asia, thereby limiting the scope of theAgent Orange Act of 1991 to those veterans who could provideproof of “boots on the ground” in Vietnam. Suddenly, offshoreveterans stopped receiving VA health- care and disabilitycompensation. VVA urges all Blue Water Navy veterans who have not alreadysubmitted a claim to the VA to do so immediately.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 10

A New Museum Honoring America's Veterans Opens in Ohio# Submitted by Tom Puruleski

While on a road trip this pastNovember, my wife Anita and I tookthe opportunity to visit the National

Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM). Itopened on Oct. 27, 2018 and rests on thebanks of the Scioto River in downtownColumbus, Ohio. The 50,000-square-foot spiral structure isan impressive piece of architecture. It's atribute to over 40 million Americans who

served in the U.S. military since the beginning of this country. Awinding, wheelchair-friendly ramp leads to the entry level. Asyou enter, you are greeted by photos of veterans from aroundthe country suspended in The Great Hall. The museum honors all veterans, from all branches of themilitary across all time periods, from the Revolutionary War tothe present, and is dedicated to the veteran's experience. Menand women, rich and poor, famous politicians and virtuallyunknown people from every era, from the Revolutionary War tothe war in Afghanistan, are represented and honored here. Thisis their place. This is our place. The history of the military is featured in a timelinepresentation that sits opposite interactive features. Lookingdown one of the halls, the building houses artifacts, multimediaexhibits, and installations to remind visitors of all that thenation's veterans have sacrificed. But the museum's exhibitsindicate that it is neither a war memorial nor a military museum.It is a space dedicated to the stories and experiences ofveterans, and is presented in photos, letters and personaleffects, and interactive exhibits. To be sure it includes militaryartifacts and exhibits, but its most memorable displays are thestories of individual veterans. What sets the NVMM apart is its focus away from wars andhistorical events to the lives and stories of individual U.S. servicemembers. The late Sen. John Glenn was instrumental in bringingthe NVMM to fruition to educate the non-veteran communityabout how and why we get to enjoy our freedoms. Visitors are also able to tell their own story. The Share YourStory space features a story booth where you answer a series ofprompts and questions to create a short video of your ownpiece of history.

Lastly, you ascend to the Remembrance Gallery on the upperlevel. This space is dedicated for reflection and recollection ofthose who made the ultimate sacrifice. A warm colorful glowflows through the floor-to-ceiling stained glass inspired bymilitary campaign ribbons. The rooftop is also a place of sanctuary for visitors to sit andreflect while enjoying uninhibited views of the nearby SciotoRiver and downtown Columbus skyline. It is definitely the placeto visit if your passing through, and worthy of a being adestination on its own. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 - Boo Coo News FEBRUARY 2019 Page 11

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

February 2019

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Chaptermeeting @VFW BrucePost

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Looking ahead: June 8 – ChapterPicnic Freedom Hill

July 22 – Car show Bruce Post

July 27 – Golf Outing Fern Hill