MilitaryVI

May is Military Awareness Month

Sydney — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:43:11 +0000

Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial Park

By Gene Harper, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -- Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have adopted a resolution calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. service members during May's National Military Appreciation Month.

Virginia Rep. Tom Davis, along with 16 cosponsors, introduced Concurrent Resolution No. 328 in the House in November. The Senate agreed to it without amendment and by unanimous consent April 26.

The resolution states that the House, with the Senate concurring, "supports the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month." It also "urges the president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, localities, organizations and media to annually observe" the month "with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Finally, the resolution urges the White House Commission on Remembrance to "work to support the goals and objectives" of the month.
The Senate first passed a resolution in 1999 designating National Military Appreciation Month. That declaration summoned U.S. citizens to observe the month "in a symbol of unity, … to honor the current and former members of the armed forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace."
Armed Forces Day, created in 1949, is an annual event held on the third Saturday in May, with activities at U.S. military bases around the world. This year's celebration occurs May 15.

The month culminates with Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May. The day, dating from the Civil War era, traditionally has marked recognition of those who have died in service to the nation. Each year on Memorial Day, the White House Commission on Remembrance promotes one minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time to honor the military's fallen comrades and to pay tribute to the sacrifices by the nation's service members and veterans.

New Commitments at Patrick U. George Post

Sydney — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:59:22 +0000

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands May 5th 2012

Patrick U. George, American Legion Post 90 held installation ceremonies, and now has a full contingent of officers. These Men and women will conduct the affairs of the post for another year. With Flag Day, Memorial Day activities and new initiatives spurned from renewed optimism. The pictures are of individuals who were elected in April.These are the Comrades then: Hollis Benjamin is now Commander, Martin Tuohy the First vice Commander. Next Florinell F.Joseph the Second vice Commander, Irma C. George, Adjutant. Ramon L. Ortiz, Sr. is re-elected to the position of Finance Officer as was Orville A. Crossley to Sergeant At-Arms. James O. Hendrington is the new Chaplain and Yvonne B. Francis the Historian. Stedman Hodge holds the Judge Advocate opening and Rudolph Garfield the Service Officer.

A Decorated Virgin Islands Airman

Sydney — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:50:31 +0000

On February 4, 1944, the Bronze Star medal was authorized by Congress to be awarded to members of all branches of military service and may be awarded either for combat heroism or for meritorious service.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vernon J. Forbes has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal.
The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious acts or achievements, or distinguished service not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States; or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Forbes earned the medal for serving as a convoy commander during Operation Enduring Freedom.
He is a vehicle operator dispatcher assigned to the 59th Medical Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The technical sergeant has served in the military for 17 years.
Forbes is the son of Ena Spencer of Lindbergh Bay, and Cecil O. Forbes Sr., both of St. Thomas.
He graduated in 1994 from Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas.

Elections at the American Legion Post 90

Sydney — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:50:45 +0000

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

The American Legion, Patrick U. George Post Ninety held elections of officers on Saturday April seventh. Elected for a new period of two years are the following comrades: Hollis Benjamin is now Commander, Martin Tuohy as First vice Commander. Next was Florinell F. Joseph the Second vice Commander, and Irma C. George, Adjutant. Ramon L. Ortiz, Sr. was re-elected to the position of Finance Officer as was Orville A. Crossley to Sergeant At-Arms. James O. Hendrington is the new Chaplain and Yvonne B. Francis the Historian. Stedman Hodge holds the Judge Advocate opening and Rudolph Garfield the Service Officer.

The men and women of the Post thanked the outgoing officers, as well as others who opted not to seek another term. The comrades of Patrick U. George Ninety are fantastic and serve with distinction and valor during their active years in the respective branches of The Military. Displayed at the Legion Hall is a flag captured during hostilities. In like manner, Hollis Benjamin is a retired soldier and serve with the same sense of duty. No wonder she was elected as the first female leader of the post.

Patrick U. George Post serves the general St. Thomas community, and work to coordinate both Memorial and Veterans Day activities with government agencies, community groups, schools and the Virgin Islands National Guard. In addition, the Post carries out Flag Day observances. Besides this, Post Ninety participates in Relay for Life and the Wounded Warrior Vision.

You can find information pertaining to Virgin Islands active, inactive and retired servicemen and their families at Militaryvi.com. Our Face Book page, Military VI has helpful hints and information. You can join the American Legion on line at my legion.com or simply call the office for an appointment at 340-775-6292.

Assisted Living Center In Christiansted Late 2012

Sydney — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:18:37 +0000

Imagine a place where flowers, along with the sounds of friendship and laughter, dance with the breeze. A place of warmth decorated with fine furnishings, stunning artwork and, more often than not, the scent of
something delicious baking in the kitchen. A place where independence thrives but help is only a call away. A place where you are always like family.

Welcome to the Assisted Living Concepts.a program to serve seniors who don't want or need a nursing home, but who are weary of home upkeep, in need of a little personal assistance or simply desire to have more friends and interactions with others. For Veterans, who are seniors or disabled, in need of assistance with at least 1 activity of daily living, who served at least 1 day of active duty during World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, or the Gulf War, the rent is $700 per month for a dual occupancy room or $1,200 for a single occupancy room.

The center wiill feature the following :
24-Hour Care: Compassionate and Dedicated Care Unique to each Resident's Needs,a 2,500 square foot lounge and dining area. Movie Night in PJs.Medication Management, Daily Housekeeping,and Personal Laundry and Linen Service. Coupled with Resident Centered Activities, Full Meal Services and Snacks. Balanced, Home-style Cooking that includes Resident Favorites - we welcome your input! so please comment on this Concept.

You can expect more information as Assisted Living Concept progresses.

Yohana Manning is the lead person and you can reach him at 340-773-5878

The Purple Heart Legislation

Sydney — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:06:56 +0000

St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands March 2, 2012
Senator Celistino A. White Sr. and Sammuel Sanes of the Twenty-ninth Legislature has introduced Bill N0. 29-0290 An Act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 11 enacting Purple Heart Day. This comes out of the Committee on Rules and the Judiciary. It Calls for the Governor to proclaim August 7th of every year, Purple Heart Day.

The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of an Armed Force or any civilian national of the United States who has been wounded or killed in action.

Sydney E. Flax

A Virgin Island Soldier and The Commander in Chief

Sydney — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:03:40 +0000

WASHINGTON - For the son-in-law of a Fredericsted couple, standing before "the boss" took on a new meaning for this military man, when he found himself standing before the Commander in Chief at the White House, Feb. 29.
Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class James Gaston Sr. was one of 78 service members chosen to join President Barack Obama and the First Lady as the White House held a black-tie formal dinner and tribute to Iraq War veterans and their families, to honor them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation. His wife, Messelena Felicia Gaston, is the daughter of Clifford and Felicita Pemberton of Upper Love, Frederiksted.
Iraq War veterans where chosen from all across the nation and represented the more than one-million veterans who served there. Gaston, a 1979 graduate of St. Croix Central High School, Kingshill, represented Virgin Islands veterans of the Iraq War.
"It is an honor to be selected to join the President for dinner," said Gaston, who is currently a flight engineer instructor with Delta Company, 126th Aviation Company, Virgin Islands National Guard, Kingshill.
Other VIPs attending the dinner included Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, along with senior officials from all military branches. The event was named, "A Nation's Gratitude: Honoring Those Who Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn."
Gaston deployed various times with Multinational Force-Iraq, U.S. Forces Iraq, and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Iraq between 2004 and 2011. He has 28 years of military service.
During the dinner, Obama said, "As your commander in chief, I could not be more proud of you. As an American, as a husband and father of two daughters, I could not be more grateful for your example of the kind of country we can be, and for what we can achieve when we stick together.
"You taught us about sacrifice - a love of country so deep, so profound, you're willing to give your life for it. Tonight, we pay solemn tribute to all who did," Obama said.

VA Outperforms Private Health Care in Breast Cancer Screenings

Sydney — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:23:41 +0000

WASHINGTON (Oct. 14, 2011)- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is
recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by asking all female Veterans to talk with their health care providers about appropriate breast cancer screenings, such as regular mammograms.

"The Department of Veterans Affairs has an outstanding breast screening program," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "I urge all women Veterans to talk to their providers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month about receiving the appropriate screening."

Although October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, VA wants women to focus on their health all year round. For more information about women's health topics. Visit www.womenshealth.va.gov and click on "Wellness & Healthy Living."

VA Posts Online List of Ships Associated with Presumptive Agent Orange

Sydney — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:43:36 +0000

WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2011)- Veterans who served aboard U.S. Navy and
Coast Guard ships operating on the waters of Vietnam between January 9,
1962, and May 7, 1975, may be eligible to receive Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) disability compensation for 14 medical conditions
associated with presumptive exposure to Agent Orange.

An updated list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships confirmed to have
operated on Vietnam's inland waterways, docked on shore, or had
crewmembers sent ashore, has been posted at

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/

to assist Vietnam Veterans in determining potential eligibility for compensation benefits.

Over $2.2 Billion in Retroactive Agent Orange Benefits Paid to 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and Survivors for Presumptive Conditions‏

Sydney — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:59:07 +0000

WASHINGTON (August 31, 2011)- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced today that more than $2.2 billion in retroactive benefits has already been paid to approximately 89,000 Vietnam Veterans and their survivors who filed claims related to one of three new Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

The Agent Orange Claims Processing System website located at
https://www.fasttrack.va.gov/AOFastTrack/ may be used to submit claims
related to the three new presumptive conditions.

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They
can check the status of their claim with a premium account (confirming
their identity), and use a growing number of online services.

For more information about Agent Orange presumptives and disability
compensation, go to http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/. For questions about Agent Orange, Veterans may call VA's Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387 and press 3.

About Face can also help contact us at 340-775-6292