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By Alexander G. Deraney, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) and GCVF “Mobile Veteran Outreach” Team Member During this unprecedented time of unrest, defined by a deadly and growing pandemic, powerful and pervasive social unrest, an uncertain economy and sharp political divisions, Americans could be excused for being distracted from the Nation’s observation of Purple Heart […]
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today it will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies. Another offering is a new online memorial feature allowing the public to pay tribute to Veterans interred in VA national cemeteries across the country. “This year, by necessity, will be different […]
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Author: Vince Gangi, U.S. Air Force veteran and GCVF volunteer. In 1999, Congress selected May as Military Appreciation Month. Each year, the president issues a proclamation for Americans to take time to participate in an event to honor the men, women and families of the armed services past and present. May was chosen because of the […]
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National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. Organizers canceled or postponed many events to slow the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing. Veterans are encouraged to stay connected and participate in virtual events. Here’s a list of some of those events. On VA Social Media For Veterans with a Facebook account, they can download […]
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With the New Year came changes in veteran benefits along with a push from some veteran advocacy groups for research into help for service-connected illnesses that are currently not covered or deemed by Veterans Affairs as “presumption of service-connected illness.” Here’s a short list of some of the changes. As always, it’s best to check […]
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On December 7, 1941, 78 years ago Saturday, Japan launched the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor that killed 2,403 military personnel and civilians, and drew the United States into World War II. Each year, we remember Pearl Harbor and those who perished. But with time and attrition taking their collective toll, the number of those […]
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There have been numerous books and movies made about D-Day, the Allied invasion into France and Germany, and the Pacific campaign and the dropping of the first atomic bomb. But hearing the stories personally, meeting the people who were part of this overall effort to conquer Germany and Japan, is a different experience. Until you […]
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“Man’s Best Friend” doesn’t tell the whole story. Our K-9 companions are also a Soldier’s Best Friend and a Veteran’s Best Friend. Dogs have served important roles in military operations for many years, saving countless lives on the battlefield and often decorated for their valor. “Sgt. Stubby” was a dog who was the official mascot of [...]
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I called retired Marine Sgt. Maj. John Canley last week to ask him if we could catch up on what he’s been doing since he was awarded the Medal of Honor in October by President Donald Trump for his exemplary service in Vietnam. He called me back from a naval base in San Diego, where […]
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December is the season of giving. To those who much has been given, much is expected. We celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the holidays with family and friends. This is the time of year when we reflect on how grateful we are for the blessings bestowed upon our families. We are also grateful to be living in […]
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