REMEMBERING D-DAY

REMEMBERING D-DAY

THE MONTH OF JUNE MUST BE OBSERVED BY THE WORLD, PARTICULARLY JUNE 6, 1944. THAT WAS THE DAY WHICH BEGAN A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION THAT ENHANCED VICTORY IN WWII.

COMMITMENT TO TOTAL VICTORY WAS SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE YOUNG MEN 18,19 AND 20-YEAR-OLD MEN BORE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEARING THE WEIGHT OF OUR LIBERTY IN LAYING DOWN THEIR OWN LIVES.

Although the term D-Day is used routinely as military lingo for the day an operation or event will take place, for many it is also synonymous with June 6, 1944, the day the Allied powers crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II. Within three months, the northern part of France would be freed and the invasion force would be preparing to enter Germany, where they would meet up with Soviet forces moving in from the east.

With Hitler’s armies in control of most of mainland Europe, the Allies knew that a successful invasion of the continent was central to winning the war. Hitler knew this too and was expecting an assault on northwestern Europe in the spring of 1944. He hoped to repel the Allies from the coast with a strong counterattack that would delay future invasion attempts, giving him time to throw the majority of his forces into defeating the Soviet Union in the east. Once that was accomplished, he believed an all-out victory would soon be his.

On the morning of June 5, 1944, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. On his orders, 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops began to leave England for the trip to France. That night, 822 aircraft filled with parachutists headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.

By dawn on June 6, 18,000 parachutists were already on the ground; the land invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches; so did the Americans at Utah. The task was much tougher at Omaha beach, however, where 2,000 troops were lost and it was only through the tenacity and quick-wittedness of troops on the ground that the objective was achieved. By day’s end, 155,000 Allied troops–Americans, British and Canadians–had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches.

For their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, who was away on leave. At first, Hitler, believing that the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack and reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. In addition, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops.

Though it did not go off exactly as planned, as later claimed by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery–for example, the Allies were able to land only fractions of the supplies and vehicles they had intended in France–D-Day was a decided success. By the end of June, the Allies had 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across Europe.

The heroism and bravery displayed by troops from the Allied countries on D-Day has served as inspiration for several films, most famously The Longest Day (1962) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). It was also depicted in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers (2001).

An amazing story of a true American hero:

An amazing story of a true American hero:

  On February 24, 1981, President Ronald Reagan presented Roy P. Benavidez with the Medal of Honor.  President Reagan turned to the press and said, "If the story of his heroism were a movie script, you would not believe it".  MSG Benavidez came very close to not receiving this award.  In order to receive the MOH, the Army board requires an eye witness to the act of heroism.  MSG Benavidez believed there were no living witnesses of the "Six Hours of Hell".  Sergeant BENAVIDEZ was wounded 38 times.  

  Unbeknownst to Benavidez, there was a living witness, who would later provide the eyewitness account necessary:  Brian O'Connor, the former radio man of Benavidez's Special Forces team in Vietnam.  O'Connor had bee severely wounded (Benavidez had believed him dead), and he was evacuated to the United States before his superiors could fully debrief him.

  O'Connor had been living in the Fiji Islands when, in 1980, he was on holiday in Australia.  During his holiday, O,Connor read a newspaper account of Benavidez from an El Campo newspaper, which had been picked up by the international press and reprinted in Australia.  O'Connor immediately contacted Benavidez and submitted a ten-page report of the encounter, confirming the accounts provided by others, and serving as the necessary eyewitness.  Benavidez's Distinguished Service Cross accordingly was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

 MSG Benavidez's award reads as follows:  

Master Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) ROY P. BENAVIDEZ, United States Army, distinguished himself by a series of daring and extremely valorous actions on 2 May 1968 while assigned to Detachment B56, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam.

On the morning of 2 May 1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company in a dense jungle area west of Loc Ninh, Vietnam to gather intelligence information about confirmed large-scale enemy activity.  This area was controlled and routinely patrolled by the North Vietnamese Army.  After a short period of time on the ground, the team met heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction.  Three helicopters attempted extraction, but were unable to land due to intense enemy small arms and anti-aircraft fire.

Sergeant BENAVIDEZ was at the Forward Operating Base in Loc Ninh monitoring the operation by radio when the helicopters returned to off-load the wounded.  Sergeant BENAVIDEZ voluntarily boarded a returning helicopter to assist in another extraction attempt.  Realizing that all the team members were either dead or wounded and unable to move to the pickup zone, he directed the aircraft to a nearby clearing

where he jumped from the hovering helicopter, and ran approximately 75 meters under withering small arms fire to the crippled team.

Prior to reaching the team's position, he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head.  Despite these painful injuries, he took charge repositioning the team members and directing their fire to facilitate the landing of a medevac helicopter.  The helicopter receive heavy fire and Sergeant BENAVIDEZ provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members  .As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body of the Team Leader and classified documents.

When he reached the Team Leader's body, Sergeant BENAVIDEZ was severely wounded by small arms fire in the abdomen and grenade fragments in his back.  At nearly the same moment, the aircraft commander was mortally wounded and the helicopter crashed.  Although in extremely critical condition due to his multiple wounds, Sergeant BENAVIDEZ secured the classified documents and made his way back to the wreckage, where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, and gathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter.  Under increasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he moved around the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to his weary men, reinstalling in them the will to live and fight.  Facing a buildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, Sergeant BENAVIDEZ mustered his strength and began calling in tactical airstrikes and directing the fire from supporting gunships to suppress the enemy's fire and permit another extraction attempt.

He was wounded again in his thigh by small arms fire while administering first aid to a wounded team member just before another extraction helicopter was able to land.  His indomitable spirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to the aircraft.  On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbed from behind by an enemy soldier.  In the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he sustained additional wounds to his head and arms before killing the enemy soldier.

Sergeant BENAVIDEZ then made one last trip around the perimeter to ensure all wounded were aboard and all classified material was accounted for.  Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft.  Sergeant BENAVIDEZ gallant choice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds saved the lives of at least eight men.  His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.

Military personnel are about to see the biggest change to retirement benefits since World War II

The U.S. military is a launching a new mission this year, one that aims to ensure more of those who serve are also saving for their financial future.

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Pentagon officials are calling the move the biggest update to the military's pension and benefits since World War II. The dramatic changes to its retirement system will impact millions of current and future service members.

Military service has long brought with it a highly valued pension for members of the armed forces, who have made their careers in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard.

Until this year, all military members could potentially receive a guaranteed pension of at least 50 percent of their base pay for life. But to earn it, they must serve for at least 20 years. Most never stay that long.

"Today people move from job to job and they need a retirement benefit that they can take with them," said Jeri Busch, director of military compensation policy for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Modernizing the system

Busch, who served for 22 years in the U.S. Navy, said the new retirement program will help jump-start many members' long-term savings. She said it is also "a key step in recruiting and maintaining the talent we need to ensure military readiness."

The new retirement program — called the "Blended Retirement System" or "BRS" — combines a traditional pension with a defined contribution plan, similar to a private sector 401(k) plan. As of Jan. 1, service members entering the military will automatically be enrolled in the new BRS program.

Those who have served 12 years or more as of Dec. 31, 2017, will remain in the old legacy retirement plan, earning that guaranteed pension.

Facing a big decision

Meanwhile, about 1.6 million current active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members have a big decision to make. By the end of this year, those who have served in the military less than 12 years must choose whether to opt into the BRS program or remain in the legacy plan.

Those who opt in will select how much money they'll contribute to the defined contribution plan, the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which has been offered to civilian government employees for decades.

Depending on how much they contribute to the TSP, they can begin receiving matching contributions of up to 5 percent of their pay right away. They'll also still be eligible for a pension under the new system, as long as they reach 20 years of service.

However, under the new system, the amount of the payout will be reduced by 20 percent. Pentagon officials say members are encouraged to make up the difference by making contributions to the TSP.

For members who join the military on or after Jan. 1, they will get an automatic 1 percent government contribution that will begin 60 days after enrollment. Government matching contributions to the TSP won't begin until after two years of service. That delay of TSP matching contributions doesn't impact those who joined the military before Jan. 1, 2018 and opt-in.

Shifting responsibility

While "opting in" requires making a choice that will put more of the responsibility for long-term savings on the members' shoulders, "it starts to cause them to learn how to contribute to their future, their own retirement," said John Bird, senior vice president of military affairs at USAA, a financial services firm that works with about 12 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families.

For some, it may be a tough decision.

"If you know for a fact you are going to serve for 20 years then you should stay with the legacy system," said Bird, a retired vice admiral with the U.S. Navy. However, more than 80 percent of military members leave the service before reaching that milestone.

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Contributing regularly to a long-term savings account that they can take with them if they go to a new job is a valuable perk, even if their paycheck is a little less.

"My strong belief is if they get an education and start right away contributing, they won't miss the money," Bird said.

Financial education is key

The military is requiring mandatory financial education training on bases and online. More than 80 percent of those who must make a decision have taken the class, according to Pentagon officials.

Yet some financial advisors worry one course may not be enough. A recent USAA survey of enlisted members found 41 percent admit to living paycheck-to-paycheck. That number was slightly higher for millennials.

Financial education "has to start in the boot camps," said Rene Bruer, a former Marine, who is now a financial advisor and co-CEO of Smith Bruer Advisors in Tallahassee, Florida.

"This has to be fully integrated into training," Bruer said. "Just as much as they teach you how to shoot a gun, they need to teach you how to manage your paycheck."

Cpl. Zachary Beckman, a 23-year-old government contractor who is also in the Marine Corps Reserves, has taken the required financial education training. He says opting into the new program is the right move for his financial future.

"Given my civilian job and having my Marine Corps experience, I know the value of a dollar and see it is important to save up for the future," Beckman said. "It's what is needed nowadays...It gives younger people who might not stay in the military the opportunity to get a retirement plan."

More from Retire Well:

When working into retirement can cost you

How to start thinking about an estate planDon't let surprise medical bills drain your retirement

AAFES - HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS use The EXCHANGE - Nov 11, 2017

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Remember when you could shop at the PX, BX, NEX, MCX, or CGX?

November 11, 2017, Veterans with HONORABLE DISCHARGE can shop the [ONLINE] PX and BX athttps://www.shopmyexchange.com

Go to https://www.shopmyexchange.com/veterans or Sign-Up directly at  https://www.vetverify.org/index.xhtml

HONORABLE DISCHARGE or HONORABLE SERVICE REQUIRED

TO VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY

1.. Fill out the form - https://www.vetverify.org/index.xhtml

2.. Receive a determination

3.. Start shopping on November 11, 2017 at all online exchanges

ONLINE EXCHANGES:

Army and Air Force Exchange Service https://www.shopmyexchange.com/

Marine Corps Exchange http://www.mymcx.com/

Coast Guard Exchange https://shopcgx.com/

POW/MIA - REMEMBER!

.

Beginning November 11, 2017 … HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS will be able to shop at THE EXCHANGE (formerly known as The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)).

To get to THE EXCHANGE (AAFES) web site, type: WWW.AAFES.COM

To shop THE EXCHANGE, an HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN must first register athttps://www.vetverify.org/index.xhtml

Thought you might pass the word.

--

Len Yelinek

Commander, Las Vegas Chapter 711

Military Order of the Purple Heart

FYI DATES TO REMBER

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Partricia Martinelli-Price <pmartinelliprice@gmail.com>

          

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From: "Partricia Martinelli-Price" <pmartinelliprice@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 27, 2017 10:13 AM
Subject: Fwd: Information
To: <al.deleon@pnkmail.com>
Cc: 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Partricia Martinelli-Price" <pmartinelliprice@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 27, 2017 10:10 AM
Subject: Information
To: "Robert Surge" <rsurge1@outlook.com>
Cc: 

Breakfast for Veterans

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Christmas Motorcycle Run

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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CWV - News Update

 

 

VA Center for Women Veterans 

 

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In Case You Missed It:  The Center for Women Veterans is sharing recent news stories that may be of interest to women Veterans, military women, and their supporters on a weekly basis.  Share your thoughts about them on social media with the hashtag #womenVets.

Brawny Celebrates Women's History Month By Featuring a Woman on Its Packaging

03/06/2017 07:00 AM EST

Campaign includes films focused on women in STEM. [from Adweek]

Veterans Find Horse Care, Riding Therapeutic

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Program takes referrals from VA, helps participants lower anxiety level. [from The Columbian]

A Nude Photo Scandal has Shaken the Entire Marine Corps

03/06/2017 07:00 AM EST

A Marine Corps spokesman at the Pentagon confirmed that an investigation is underway, telling Marine Corps Times on Saturday night that military officials are uncertain how many personnel may be involved. [from Marine Corps Times]

Honoring the Proud Women Who Serve in the U.S. Navy

03/06/2017 07:00 AM EST

From nurses to heavy equipment operators, from Seaman Recruits to Admirals, from the desks Clerks or Admins to Sailors/WAVEs on combat ships, women have fulfill every available position in the U.S. Navy and done an outstanding job. [from The Sextant]

Female WWII Veteran from Hempstead Honored for Service

03/06/2017 07:00 AM EST

Sgt. Helen Wilson received a citation and a crystal star from Nassau County for her trailblazing service. [from News 12 Long Island]

03/04/2017 #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Patricia Ann Franks

03/04/2017 07:00 AM EST

We honor your service, Patricia!

A Purple Heart Warrior Takes Aim At Military Inequality In 'Shoot Like A Girl'

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

Maj. Mary Jennings Hegar received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross with a Valor Device for her service in Afghanistan. [from NPR Books]

Air National Guard Vet Fights for Women's Rights in U.S. Military after Heroics in Afghanistan

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

She survived the botched rescue operation and was awarded a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross With Valor. [from New York Daily News]

Face of Defense: Airman Makes New Life After Family's Abuse

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chandra Towns overcame physical and sexual abuse to become a successful airman, mother and wife. [from U.S. Department of Defense]

Fighting with Funny

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

The show "Discharged" places military Veterans into hilarious civilian situations. [from American Grit]

The Challenge of Accessing Birth Control in the Military

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

Many women want to stop their periods while in the field, but getting the means to do so can be difficult. [from The Atlantic]

Sweden Reintroduces Military Draft, This Time Including Women

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

About 20,000 people now work for the Swedish Armed Forces, 84 percent of them men and 16 percent women, according to the Armed Forces' website. [from Defense News]

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot La'Shanda Holmes Defies Odds, Expectations to Break Barriers

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

She endured abuse and neglect to later become the first African-American female helicopter pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard. [from The St. Louis American]

Face of Defense: Soldier's Loss Leads to Powerlifting Triumph

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

Dealing with chronic aches and pains from a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in her right knee, Army Sgt. 1st Class JenniferPalacios took the advice of her trainer who suggested incorporating more heavy lifting into her workouts. [from U.S. Department of Defense]

More Female, Minority Officers Join as Marine Corps Stresses Diversity

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

In fiscal 2016, the service received 1,603 new officers, of whom 9.8 percent were women and 33.3 percent were non-white. [from Military.com]

03/03/2017 #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Mildred Lawson Partlow

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

We honor her service.

Female Veterans Honor Sister World War II Veteran

03/03/2017 07:00 AM EST

A team of seven female Veterans, from different branches of the military, acted as World War II Veteran Dorothy Hall's pallbearers as a way of saying thank you to a woman who helped blaze the trail for them to serve. [from WHAS 11 ABC]

Women's History Month: 31 days of Amazing Women

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Graciela Olivarez, and Tammy Duckworth to name a few. [from USA Today]

I Am Not Invisible

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

The project is the brainchild of PSU Veterans Resource Center Director Felita Singleton and ODVA Women Veterans Coordinator Elizabeth Estabrooks. [from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs]

03/02/2017 #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corp Veteran Stesha Moreno

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

We honor your service, Stesha!

Easing Transition to Civilian Life for Women Veterans

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

MED researchers create network with Walmart Foundation grant. [from Boston University Today]

A Veteran's Body was Unclaimed, but She was Buried with Full Honors (Column)

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

Casey "Anne" Finnegan, who died with no known family and without funds for a burial, was given full military honors through Dignity Memorial's Homeless Veteran Burial Program. It's a program that provides burial services and a catered reception for homeless or indigent Veterans. [from The Oregonian]

I Am A Veteran

03/02/2017 07:00 AM EST

A PSA Campaign about Women Veterans from Veterans.

03/01/2017 #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Stephanie Carr

03/01/2017 07:00 AM EST

We honor your service Stephanie!

Veteran Artist Shares Her Passion for Writing and Painting About Wildlife

03/01/2017 07:00 AM EST

Veteran artist Pamela Corwin is a wildlife and fisheries biologist for the State of South Carolina.

Three Army Vets Part of Women's Art Display

02/28/2017 07:00 AM EST

Artwork by the women and profiles of their military service will be part of the month-long display. [from Association of the United States Army]

Getting it right: VA's Maternity Care Program Honors Veterans, Mothers

02/28/2017 07:00 AM EST

As a disabled Marine Corps Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare, I was eligible to receive my maternity care through the Department.

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