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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:05/07/2008 14:23:29)
Standing by to stand by!
USMC_Kinda_Guy
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:05/28/2008 18:54:01)
BUMP. Any recent word in regard to the status of the 2009 NDAA?
USMC_Kinda_Guy
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pdudkowski
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3#
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Rank:none
Status:Navy Veteran
Score:221
Posts:221
From: USA 
Registered:01/04/2004
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:05/29/2008 09:26:50)
Changes are insignificant. The bill is now H.R.5658.HR and is now called the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.
The Senate version is now S.3001
One item of interest is the House version contains a provision to award the Vietnam Service Medal to participants of the Mayaguez Rescue Operation. I believe they were authorized the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the original operation. They already made the change a few years ago for Operation Frequent Wind. This is of importance to me because when they authorized the VSM for Frequent Wind, it left a void from March 23, 1973 to April 28, 1975 where there was no medal approved for service in Vietnam or the adjacent waters which was our area of operations for the second half of 1974. Spend 6 months in the South China Sea, do the same job the Navy did for the past 9 years, have 3 Carrier Battle Groups assigned to the area continuously as recorded in the Navy Order of Battle for those two years of Vietnam and walk away with nothing. There are thousands of Veterans from that time who served and came up empty regarding recognition. While the AFEM is senior in order of precedence to the VSM, just like today's Vets, given the choice, most would prefer a campaign specific medal over a generic one.
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Paul V. Dudkowski
Charter Member, ACWV
US Navy, 1973 to 1978
"Dedicated to the Cause"
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:05/29/2008 20:06:08)
Paul,
Hopefully the House version will pass and you'll finally get your VSM. Best of luck on this.
USMC_Kinda_Guy
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lostexair
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:05/29/2008 22:17:38)
I second that! It is always good to see vets getting the recognition they earned...............
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USAF 1976-1981
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pdudkowski
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6#
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Rank:none
Status:Navy Veteran
Score:221
Posts:221
From: USA
Registered:01/04/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/11/2008 14:39:35)
As of today, the House version of the 2009 NDAA has passed and been placed on the Senate Calender. There is NO Cold War Medal in the version enrolled by the House. The Senate version of the bill also is void of any Cold War Medal!
My understanding is that if both versions contain no language in support, it's dead. I don't know if there is an upcoming opportunity to add amendments.
Frank, any insight?
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Paul V. Dudkowski
Charter Member, ACWV
US Navy, 1973 to 1978
"Dedicated to the Cause"
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JIM WELLER
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7#
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Rank:none
Status:Still Serving
Score:388
Posts:388
From: USA
Registered:05/19/2008
Time spent: 13245 hours
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/11/2008 15:24:36)
Paul,
A few comment on your statement that, "While the AFEM is senior in order of precedence to the VSM, just like today's Vets, given the choice, most would prefer a campaign specific medal over a generic one." The AFEM only takes precedence, because it was first issued prior to the VSM. Campaign medals follow a chronological sequence. I wouldn't say a Korea veteran has more or less precedence than a Vietnam vet. The order just makes sense. I also understand your take on having a named medal. I felt the same way when I was originally awarded the GWOT-EM for both Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope it goes through and most importantly, thank you for your service.
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Pennsylvania Keystone State Director ACWV
"History does not entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid." --Dwight D. Eisenhower
"PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH !!"
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PastNikeVet
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8#
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Score:499
Posts:499
From: USA
Registered:11/21/2006
Time spent: 8278 hours
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/11/2008 17:08:44)
Why am I not surprised Paul well the fact is when ever I have talked to certain politicans staff the benifits question popped up right or wrong this is just one of the issues,next is the partisan politics that have kept this football in play with the outcome TBD when someone has homefeild advantage,timeframe has us at a disavantage when todays youth has so little idea what the era was about and then the American public is up to its ass in gators do not have time to think about dealing with the swamp (Cold War Victory Medal) ,the politicans know this and can afford to place it on a back burner.
I do not know what Frank & you folks insight shows the above is just my take on this and I would be hard pressed to say what one is the key.
The question is November Elections,our being geared up for them and how we do this ?
Glen
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http://acwv.newsvine.com[/URL]
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/12/2008 06:44:19)
I don't know what the procedure is, (I have written my congressman and senators multiple times, to no avail) but what do we need to do as an organization to get the Cold War Medal provision into the 2009 NDAA? I think the provision being included gives us one of our best chances/avenues for passage, although not the only one. Should we consider a mass mailing to Senator Clinton, who has become a very powerful if not the most powerful member of the senate. Which congresspersons, senators introduced last years provision. Should we be contacting them again.
We're looking for clear ACWV direction, so we can act in concert. Our mass communication effort should always contain the list of other VSOs that support the Medal, and copies of the active petitions. When was last years resolution introduced into the language, was it in June, July?? Can ACVW contact some congrressional insider to find out whom we need to target for mass mailing.
Can all of the VSOs that support the measure be contacted urging them to send letters of support to target legislative leaders.
I firmly believe at some point the Cold War Medal will be approved because it is indisputebly deserved and way past due to veterans that served and defended their country at a time of great peril. And those legislators that don't realize that need to be educated in some manner.
Should we consider a mass mailing effort to President Bush?
Or is ther a lot going on behind the scenes that we don't know about? I think its imperative that a Cold War Medal provision be included in the 2009 NDAA.
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Shuman 14
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10#
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From: USA
Registered:12/17/2003
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/12/2008 10:40:56)
Well, if the House version has passed and it's not in there, you can't get it added by them.
If the Senate version is still in discussions, it can be added via admendment.
Best bet is to contact Senator Clinton and have her put a Cold War Medal Admendment forward.
BUT...
Seeing as the Senate is the stop block historically, I don't see the admendment, even if HRC will put it forward, getting passed and placed in the Senate version.
If it's not in either version, when the Bills go to Conference, it won't be voted on at all.
I just wonder, why didn't a Cold War Medal make it into the House version to begin with?
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Joseph J. Clune
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/12/2008 11:56:34)
That's what I'm wondering too. I believe the provision had been included (but ultimately dropped) in at least a few year's previous NDAAs. Why not this year? What happened? Is interest diminishing, and if it is, let's get it back....The veterans of the Cold War deserve that recognotion at the very, very least. They did their time!
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lostexair
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12#
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/12/2008 13:00:48)
There is always Bob Gates, he is in for a little while yet................
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USAF 1976-1981
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Jerald Terwilliger
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13#
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From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/13/2008 01:04:15)
We had been led to believe that a provision would be in the House version. Someone must have changed
their mind. So now we can push for a stand alone bill. Ask all your Congressmen errr Congresspersons to submit a seperate bill. Similar to the one Senator Clinton introduced. But, ask them to make it Cold War VICTORY Medal. Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/13/2008 07:37:46)
I think the 2009 NDAA is the best chance we have for approval of A Cold War Medal, especially in President Bush's last year in office. I think its critically important that this provision be included.
What can we all do as an organization and in a completely organizational effort to get this provision written in? If the ACWV issues marching orders we will follow. We definitely need a concentrated and concerted effort here, and soon!
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/13/2008 16:47:22)
Getting it into the Senate version of the 2009 NDAA is going to be a 100 times easier than trying to get a stand-alone bill through Congress. Perhaps one of the Cold War Medal sponsors (sponsors for either version: S.1097 or S.1763 would suffice for the time being) could add a provision (or amendment?) BEFORE the Senate version is passed, and therefore it could be negotiated during a later House-Senate Conference. As I recall, Senators Clinton and Collins are both on the SASC, and thus both are well placed to make this happen. In fact, don't all Senators have the ability to offer amendments to a bill? (My PolySci memory fails me at the moment). Senators Snowe, Schumer, and ___(?) are also co-sponsors. Can't they help? What the heck is going on?
USMC_Kinda_Guy
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Jerald Terwilliger
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From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/13/2008 18:19:11)
Well, today in France during his speech President Bush not only mentioned the Cold War serveral times, he declared it a "victory" http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iBAo1yCOOLr02NJfYtgrYmyZQKxAD9199GE80We can perhaps use this to our advantage. Contact each and every one of your elected officials ask and urge them to introduce an amendment to the NDAA to includea "Cold War Victory Medal" make mention of the fact that President Bush did declare it a victory. Ask all you family members and friends to do the same. Hit every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees even though you might not be one of their constituents maybe just the sheer volumn will help convince them. S.1097 is not yet a dead horse. We have to just keep up the push. Let them know we exist and all our veternas deserve this medal now. Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
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Shuman 14
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17#
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Rank:none
Score:188
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From: USA
Registered:12/17/2003
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/14/2008 12:22:31)
Where is our leadership on this? Can anyone please advise the official ACWV stance on this?
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Joseph J. Clune
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/14/2008 14:52:59)
Where's the erstwhile Dr. Tims been lately? I don't recall seeing any recent posts (since May 1st festivities in the DC area at at Congressional office building). Anybody have the scoop about our next step?
USMC_Kinda_Guy
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/15/2008 03:56:05)
OK gang, its not time to panic yet. There is still S.1097 The Cold War Medal Act 2007, langushing away
in the Senate Armed Services Committee. We really need to just keep contacting both of your senators.
Urge them, plead if we must, to be a cosponsor to this bill. Then ask them to vote for passage when
it reaches the Senate Floor.
I know every senator has the disclaimer on their website, I can only respond to (which ever state they represent). But if we continue to contact all members of the SASC they are bound to see some of the emails, faxes or phone messages. Ask them to vote for passage to the full Senate.
Then contact your Senators and Representatives, ask them to introduce either an amendment, or a stand
alone bill for A Cold War Victory Medal. We have to stress the Victory. Remind them that President George W. Bush said it was a VICTORY in his speech on Friday June 13, 2008.
Also since it appears Russia is now our friend, Gorby getting the Liberty Medal, we all know who and how the Cold War ended. We were there, we did our service, recognize us now.
And have all your friends and relatives do the same. Write, fax, email, phone, carrier pigeon we have to continue to let them know we are here and we will NOT settle for no.
Frank has been very busy with his consulting work, in excess of 50 hours a week, so he has not had a lot
of time, but he does look in here when he can.
Give it to them with both barrels, day after day.
Jerry
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Jerald Terwilliger
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20#
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Score:582
Posts:582
From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/15/2008 03:59:29)
Dagnab it, Forgot to log in again, that last we me
Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
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Jerald Terwilliger
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21#
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From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/15/2008 04:13:28)
Now here is the email I just sent to all the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, changed the names and a few details; depending who I wss sending it to. Sen. Levin was "as Chairman of the Committee"
Sen. McCain "as the ranking member' etc, added a few personal touches.
Dear Senator Byrd:
I would like to bring to your attention a speech delivered on Friday June 13, 2008 by President George W. Bush.
In his remarks before the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development in Paris, France President Bush mentioned several times the Cold War.
In fact he joined the list of Presidents and other dignitarys who have said that the United States and our Allies did bring about a "Victory in the Cold War."
The Cold War was mentioned quite often during the recent Presidental Primaries. Rightfuly so, the Cold War should never be forgotten. It was a very trying and stressful period. Our military was toe to toe with the enemy, and we stopped the spread of Communism.
It was not without cost. Lives were lost, planes were shot down, our ships were attacked, our ground forces were shot at, two submarines sank with all hands onboard.
As the Korea War Memorial states: "Freedom Is Not Free."
Do you not believe that our country should now recognize and honor all of the veterans of the Cold War?
The American Cold War Veterans, Inc., the VFW, American Legion, Amvets and other VSO's all believe the time is past due.
I would also like to remind you that at the present time there is a bill: S.1097 The Cold War Medal Act 2007, sitting in the Seante Armed Services Committee.
We ask and urge that as a member of the Committee that you become a cosponsor of this bill. That you push for passage out of committee and to the full Senate. When it reaches the Senate Floor we ask that you vote for passage of this important bill.
The brave men and women who served with honor from Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991 deserve a Cold War Victory Medal and nothing less.
We know that in the past DOD has objected to a medal, citing cost and duplication of awards. These claims do not stand up to a close scrutiny; their figures are bloated and unreasonable.
Duplication is also not valid, many served their time and received no type of honor or award you had to serve four years to receive a Good Conduct Medal, and many of these men and women served only two or three years. The National Defense Service Medal is time specific, if you were not on duty during that time period, you
were out of luck. Or, they just happened not to be in the proper area at the correct time, again no medal.
Perhaps you feel that S.1097 is not the proper bill at this time. If that is the case would you consider introducing an amendment to S.3001 The National Defense Authorization Act 2009, as a provision for a Cold War Victroy Medal? Or would you introduce a stand alone bill similar to S.1097 to authorize a Cold War Victory Medal?
Our country's veterans comprise a very large voting block, and we are wondering exactly what is your position on this issue. We will be watching with great interest to observe what transpires on this issue.
I thank you for your years of service to our country, and look forward to any comments or suggestions you might have.
Regards,
Jerald Terwilliger
Treasurer, American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
307 Preble St.
South Portland, ME 04106
207-799-5491
Anyone who wants can use this, or just as an example of what to say.
Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
-./--.-/-.-./.
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USAREUR
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22#
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From: USA
Registered:03/05/2008
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/16/2008 15:41:12)
Looks like Jerry laid it all out for us, lets do it!
Jon
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/17/2008 10:18:43)
I have E-mailed my senators and congres man too. It seems inclusion of the Cold War Medal provision in NDAA has a better chance of passing muster than passage of the active Senate bill because there doesn't seem to be enough co-sponsorship (interest) in the Senate to get it out of committee. For what reason senators are reluctant to sign on as co-sponsors, I haven't quite figured out.
Is the ACWV organization itself making contact with those senate members that might be able to add the provision into the 2009 NDAA? Do we have a plan? or does ACWV think its a dead issue not worth pursuing? Just want to know direction.
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Jerald Terwilliger
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24#
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Rank:none
Score:582
Posts:582
From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/17/2008 14:13:30)
It will never be considered a dead issue. We keep pushing and prodding. Yes we are contacting
everyone.
If you all would do the same, contact your senator and congressman ask them to introduce an amendment.
Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/21/2008 09:39:36)
Okay, now I can breathe again! There was agreement behind the scenes on the House side, but DOD's opposition was so pronounced last time that we couldn't keep our usual allies on board for this round. The Presidential race had created some complications, but we have been advised to keep pursuing it -- we still have support, but we need to work on getting the two presidential candidates on board before the election. We have been in touch with both candidates' staff. On top of that, a senate contact has developed and I am working up a document for them (at their request) -- I can't say more about this right now, have to see how it plays out.
I hope to get to DC in July.
S.1097 is alive in committee, though any support we get on that is likly to be symbolic only, but that's worth doing since it carries a message.
Just a side note -- as you folks know, Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) is a member of the Armed Services Committee. Oak Ridge is in his state, and he has been vocal about getting compensation for those with radiation-related illnesses. If you have ANY influence in Tennessee (or even if you don't), let's try to get Bob Corker on board for ALL Cold War Vets.
Frank T.
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:06/25/2008 18:38:37)
Dr. Tims, Thanks for the update; much appreciated! USMC_Kinda_Guy
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:07/01/2008 06:07:39)
I think if we could get Cold War Medal Senate language (because apparently its too late for House, but I'm not completely sure if that's true) into the 2009 NDAA it would have one of our best chances yet of passage because of the political environment of this year's election. Would it be a good idea to start a letter campaign to possibly Senator Clinton (staunch past supporter and right now a very powerful senator) in attempt to get this provision written in? It might just work. I will write her even though I'm not from New York. Can ACWV contact her office directly?
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Jerald Terwilliger
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28#
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Rank:none
Score:582
Posts:582
From: USA
Registered:11/29/2006
Time spent: 17408 hours
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:07/01/2008 06:56:16)
Yes, by all means, but not just Senator Clinton. Everyone write to both of your states senators ask them to insert a provision for a Cold War Victory Medal into the NDAA 2009. Keep it up, don't forget to mention S.1097 also, as you write your senators. It is still an open issue in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Even if you are not from their state, contact all the members of the committee. Flood their mailboxes,
Jerry
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Illegitimi Non Carborundum
US Navy 1960-1970
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jidavis
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:07/01/2008 10:42:27)
Senators who currently sponsored/co-sponsored the Cold War Medal Bill or who sponsored/co-sponsored the Cold War Medal Bill in the past
* Highlighted in Yellow are a member of the Senate Armed Services
* We should target the Senators in yellow below
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Guest
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RE:NDAA for Fiscal Year 2009
(Date Posted:07/01/2008 10:54:31)
<<Would it be a good idea to start a letter campaign to possibly Senator Clinton (staunch past supporter and right now a very powerful senator) in attempt to get this provision written in? It might just work. I will write her even though I'm not from New York. Can ACWV contact her office directly?>>
Okay, let's pursue it this way -- If Senator Clinton is not the VP candidate, she will still be in the Senate and a very powerful person in the Democratic Party. S.1097 might be the wrong battle for HER while this election plays out. Better she should get it added to Sen. Obama's "to-do list" in his campaign (i.e., executive order once elected). If he makes it to the White house, let his SECDEF know he backs it.
No relying on "Dr. No" for advice -- just authorize it and order it done.
Once the Democratic Convention is over, and the VP dance is a dead issue, let's get Senator Obama to co-sponsor S.1097 as a message to the country. Get his wife to mention the Cold War in her public appearances, and how she appreciates those who defended this country for such a long period, and not all of them made it back. In communicating with Obama's Senate office, those of you who are from Illinois mention how strongly you feel that he should co-sponsor S.1097 to show his support.
And we need to work on McCain too. E-mail, faxes, and calls -- I have met with both his defense people, and don't want to cause them a flood of e-mails that seem like spam, but faxes do get counted and noticed.
I don't have my congressional directory at hand, but could someone (e.g., Paul, John Weaver, someone) get McCain's senate fax number (202) area code and post it here?
Frank
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