VFW Post 6660 Newsletter

Reynolds County VFW Post 6660 Newsletter

Randle Tolliver, Quartermaster / Adjutant

post6660@movfw.org  / www.facebook.com/VFW Post-6660

For veterans in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line’s number—988 then press “1” or 1-800-273-8255 and press “1”.

For homebound veteran’s requiring assistance, please contact Jay Parks at (573) 689-1477, Randy Tolliver at (573) 924-2382, or Scott Rosen at (573) 466-9188.

VFW Auxiliary will meet at 1 P.M. on 15 October at the Donald L. Cook / Billy J. Swyres Memorial Veterans Center in Centerville.

The next post meeting will be 2 P.M on 16 October at the same location.

On Friday, 11 November VFW Post 6660 and VFW Auxiliary 6660 will hold a Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located at the Reynolds County Courthouse in Centerville MO. The ceremony will start at 4 P.M.

Happy Birthday to all my shipmates! This week we celebrate the Navy’s 247th Birthday!  On 13 October 1775, the Continental Congress purchased two armed vessels to attack British ships. After we won our independence in 1783, the Navy disbanded and its remaining ships sold. Its officers and sailors returned to civilian life. Soon however, our young country began facing threats from pirates and others who disrupted our seaborne commerce. To defend its interests, Congress moved to reestablish a naval fleet. President Washington signed the Naval Act of 1794 creating a permanent standing U.S. Navy.  The U.S. Navy has performed with distinction in every war and today is the largest naval force in the world with more than 330,000 active-duty personnel, and an additional 100,000 on ready reserve. “Non Sibi Sed Patriae.” (not for self but for country).

As we approach Veterans Day, I would like to remind everyone of the origin. Veterans Day is dedicated to American veterans of all wars. It is on 11 November to commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the start of the armistice that ended World War I; then known as “the Great War.” President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed 11 November as “Armistice Day” in 1920 and it became a federal holiday in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day.  President Eisenhower signed the legislation on 1 June 1954 making 11 November a day to honor American veterans of all wars.  In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to celebrate Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day on Mondays.  Veterans Day was the fourth Monday in October, many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on 11 November.  In 1975, recognizing the historical and patriotic significance of 11 November, President Ford returned Veterans Day to 11 November in 1978.

Last week I included an overview of the VFW legislative advocacy processes and the VFW’s legislative priorities for this year.  This is a summary of the Budget priorities.  To fully fund programs for veterans, service members, and their families, Congress must; Reform the dysfunctional federal budget process, authorize VA to receive reimbursements from TRICARE and Medicare, and never reduce one veteran’s benefits to pay for another. For more information see https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Advocacy/PriorityGoalsBrochure.pdf .

We urge Congress to include the “Major Richard Star Act” in the FY23 Nation Defense Authorization Act.  This would allow combat-disabled retirees to receive, without reduction, veterans› disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation. We also urge approval of the “The Afghan Adjustment Act (H.R. 8685/S.4787)” to help Afghans who, at great personal risk to them and their families, served with us as interpreters, and evacuated during the fall Kabul.  Please call and/or write: Senator Josh Hawley, 115 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington D.C. 20510/(202) 224-6154, Senator Roy Blunt, 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510/(202) 224-5721, or Congressman Jason Smith, P.O. Box 4707 Poplar Bluff, MO 63902 / (573) 609-2996.

Our annual educational awards programs, Teacher of the Year, Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy run until 31 October.  Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and this year’s theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans”. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay is open to students in grades 9-12 and this year’s theme is “Why is the Veteran Important?”  Home schooled students are welcome to participate. Our Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers who promote civic responsibility, patriotism and help students develop a better understanding of American values and beliefs.  For more information, please contact Dr. Charles Laramore at (573) 637-2112, Jay Parks or Randy Tolliver.

Concerning the Camp LeJeune water issue, section 804 of the PACT ACT, “Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022,” authorizes lawsuits. The VFW Veterans Service office recommends veterans not to join a lawsuit until the VA clarifies how the settlements will affect service-connected benefits and care.  For more information, please contact the VFW VSO, Jim Juergens at the Poplar Bluff VAMC at James.Juergens@va.gov, or (573) 778-4614.

Now for a few reminders:

Veterans in the VA health care system can receive free flu vaccinations through the Community Care Network in-network retail pharmacies and urgent care partners. Just present a valid, government-issued ID.  To confirm your eligibility call the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, at (573) 686-4151 or call 844-MyVA311 (844-698-2311), select 1 and then select 1 again.  For locations, see https://www.va.gov/communitycare/flushot.asp .

For more for information concerning local VA health care call the Poplar Bluff VAMC at (573) 686-4151 or https://www.poplarbluff.va.gov/services/index.asp

The VA one-stop telephone number is 1-800-698-2411 and press “0” to reach a live agent for immediate assistance. The VA one stop website is VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs .

The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) one-stop Benefits and Resource Portal is www.veteranbenefits.mo.gov or call (573) 522-4061.

To order military service documents such as a DD 214/Separation Document or Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), contact the National Archives, National Personnel Records Center at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records, or call (866) 272-6272.

For more information, contact Jay Parks, Randy Tolliver, or Heather King at (573) 330-1020, or email post6660@movfw.org , or go to https://movfw.org.

“Here to Serve”