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FROM THE DESK OF CLIFFGreetings! Looking at the weather the week prior to Christmas prepared us for the holiday season. The “White Christmas” we sing and dream about has come and gone. Please be careful as you drive and walk during the winter season.Some of our activities this winter expands what we have done recently. The big party celebrating the 40&8's 100th birthday is being planned for March. The planning team has a general idea of what we will see but welcomes ideas you may have. Bob Woolery, Don Barbour or Gerald Scott are good contacts for ideas or to help them with their planning.A big pat on the back for our Aumonier (Chaplain) Corps with their establishment of a hospital visitation program for the Voyageurs who find themselves in the hospital. Let's help by getting the word to Gerald Scott (660-287-4080: gjsa@) or Jim Gaertner about any Voyageur being hospitalized.Remember our Flags for First Graders is in full swing. See Dave Brown to be a part of this important team.As we serve as a part of the activities of the Voiture, the work in our various communities and churches, and live as an important part of our families, please remember the true reason for the Christmas season. Hopefully, everyone and their families had a Merry Christmas and will have a great New Year.In your service, Cliff McBride FROM THE DESK OF SUSAN PARKER The Dames ended 2019 by putting together and presenting over 200 gift bags of candy for veterans in nursing homes. Sharon Fulton continues to send birthday cards to the Warrensburg Veterans Home for the birthday of each veteran resident. We continue to support the Voiture at Bingo the first Monday of each month. We enjoy supporting the Voiture in every way and encourage our current members to reach out for new members in 2019 and beyond. In 2019 we were down 2 members from 2018. New members are always welcome and definitely encouraged.The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan 1?and established a standard for physical access to military installations.Veterans who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC.?Primary Family Caregivers must have an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care. Upon the first visit to an installation, these eligible Veterans and caregivers must stop at the visitor control center.? Depending on the type of installation, Veterans may enroll for recurring access, which would allow them to proceed to the gate for entry upon subsequent visits without having to stop again at the visitor control center. As with all other individuals seeking access to DoD installations, all eligible Veterans must pass a basic on-the-spot background check prior to enrolling, and an automated check each time they enter the installation.? Veterans with felony convictions, felony arrest warrants, or other types of derogatory information related to criminal history or terrorism will not be permitted entry.Veterans use VHICs for identification and check-in at VA appointments, but will also use them for base access under the new program.Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).Veterans eligible solely under this act who are not enrolled in or are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care, but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel.Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are eligible for DoD credentials under DoD policy.There may be a delay in beginning this benefit due to problems with the identification cards and base access.FATHER/SON MEDAL OF HONOR WINNERSOnly two father-son combinations have been awarded the Medal of Honor since its inception in 1863. Arthur and Douglas MacArthur and Theodore Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., were awarded this signal of honor for their gallant efforts dating from the Civil War through World War II.Arthur MacArthur served during the Civil War assigned to the 24th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. When he was just an 18-year-old lieutenant, MacArthur “seized the colors of his regiment at a critical moment and planted them on the captured works on the crest of Missionary Ridge.” Despite his heroic efforts, he was not awarded the Medal of Honor until 1890. MacArthur left the service in June 1865 as a lieutenant colonel, and after a brief study of law, re-entered the Regular Army in 1866, ultimately retiring in 1909 as a lieutenant general.His son, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, was nominated for the Medal of Honor twice for service as a brigadier general in World War I, before receiving it for his service in the defense of the Philippines in 1942. His Medal of Honor citation noted his “conspicuous leadership in preparing the Philippine Islands to resist conquest, for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against invading Japanese forces, and for the heroic conduct of defensive and offensive operations on the Bataan Peninsula…. His utter disregard of personal danger under heavy fire and aerial bombardment, his calm judgment in each crisis, inspired his troops, galvanized the spirit of resistance of the Filipino people.” The award, however, was not without controversy. Many military leaders, including Gen. Eisenhower, opposed it. Opposition to the award revolved around the belief that his actions did not meet the standard for the award in that he had not performed an act of valor. As the Japanese forces steadily advanced in the Philippines, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered Gen. MacArthur to relocate to Australia. On March 12, 1942, MacArthur departed, under the cover of darkness, for Australia with his family and staff. He left behind Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwright and his greatly outnumbered troops to fight on Bataan. Near starvation and short of ammunition and other supplies, Wainwright surrendered the garrison, and he and those with him suffered misery and death as prisoners of the Japanese. Army Chief of Staff George Marshall, who personally authored the citation, overruled opposition to MacArthur’s nomination, and justified it by pointing out that some past awards had been made to individuals who had not been responsible for front-line achievements. Critics contend the award was made for political reasons and some maintain it was in response to a propaganda campaign waged by Japan, Germany, and Italy that characterized MacArthur as a “coward” and “deserter.” Regardless of the circumstances, the MacArthur duo became the first father and son to be awarded the Medal of Honor.Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt has the distinction of being the only U.S. president to have received the Medal of Honor. The Medal was for his actions as a member of the 1st Volunteer Cavalry, known as the “Rough Riders,” during the Spanish-American War: “Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy's heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the battle for San Juan Hill.” Like that of Gen. MacArthur, President Roosevelt’s nomination was marred by controversy. After the action was over, four general officers recommended that he receive the award. But the recommendation was rejected by a board of officers, though the reason for the denial was not documented. Some historians contend the board concluded President Roosevelt's conduct in Cuba was admirable but not worthy of the Medal of Honor. They believed when Roosevelt reached the hilltop, the main body of the Spanish was almost all gone, having retreated toward Santiago. After numerous lobbying attempts over several decades after Roosevelt’s death, Congress repealed the statute of limitations on military decorations in 1996. Though the Army opposed retroactive recognition, legislation passed in late 1998 provided for appointment of a board to review the matter. The board recommended approval and President Roosevelt was awarded the Medal of Honor two years later on Jan. 16, 2001.Forty-six years after President Roosevelt’s actions on San Juan Hill, his son received the nation’s highest military award. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., a Distinguished Service Cross recipient of World War I and one of the founders of the American Legion, was the only general officer and the oldest person at 56 years of age to land with the first wave assaulting enemy beaches on D-Day. A reservist, he was called to active duty as a colonel and soon promoted to brigadier general. Twice denied his verbal requests to accompany the first wave on Utah Beach, his written request was approved. By coincidence, his son, Capt. Quentin Roosevelt II, landed with the first wave on Omaha Beach. Armed only with a pistol and a cane — the latter was used for arthritis as a result of injuries received in World War I — Brig. Gen. Roosevelt “repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties.” When Brig. Gen. Roosevelt realized the troops had landed about a mile off course, he is quoted as saying, “We are going to start the war right here.” Unfortunately, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt died from a heart attack before he received the medal. On the day of his death, July 12, 1944, he had been selected for promotion to major general and command of the 90th Infantry Division. Several general officers served as pall bearers at his funeral and he is buried alongside his younger brother, Quentin, a casualty of World War I, in France.The four recipients of the Medal of Honor represent two distinguished American families that faithfully served the nation for decades. Despite their record of service, people have speculated if all of the awards would be made under today’s standards. Regardless of reservations that linger, history currently records them as the only father-son recipients of the nation’s highest military award.VETERANS AT THE CIAVeterans of the United States Armed Forces have always played an important role at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Take CIA’s predecessor organization, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), for instance. Founded by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the outset of World War II—and in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor—the OSS began its life as a wartime body tasked with mandates to collect and analyze strategic information and to conduct unconventional and paramilitary operations. At its peak, OSS employed almost 13,000 people: Two-thirds of the workforce was U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Forces personnel. Civilians made up another quarter, and the rest were from the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. At the helm of OSS was World War I hero, General William “Wild Bill” Donovan. The story of CIA begins— and continues—alongside those of the U.S. military and its Veterans.Today, Veterans comprise nearly 15% of CIA’s workforce, and we continue to serve alongside our military partners across the globe. CIA, the broader Intelligence Community, and the American people benefit tremendously from the insight and impact of Veterans who bring to their work a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are mission-focused from day one and equipped with the skills CIA is looking for in its officers. Veterans often come into the building with the overseas experiences, clearances and foreign languages that allow them to dive right into the action. A rich history of close collaboration between the military and CIA makes for a smooth transition from military to civilian service. While CIA is not a military body, its officers share that same commitment to mission and service. Veterans will find a familiar enthusiasm in the air at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.CIA is committed to the continued to developing relationships with Veterans, and in May of 2013, it chartered the American Veterans Employee Resource Group (AVERG) to serve as a link between the Veteran workforce and Agency leaders. The group is committed to goals that include the hiring and retention of Veterans, education and engagement on Veteran matters, continued career development and frequent community networking opportunities. AVERG offers Veterans an important link to Agency leadership—one that ensures CIA’s continued investment in Veterans and the unique perspectives they bring to an important mission.FLU SHOTSWith flu season approaching, Veterans have two options through VA for getting a no-cost flu vaccination nationwide. Like previous years, free flu shots will be given at all VA Medical Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. A Veteran simply needs to visit any VA medical facility and ask for a vaccination or ask their primary care physician for a flu shot during an appointment. Veterans can also receive a no-cost vaccination is through the VA-Walgreens partnership. There are 9,600 Walgreens pharmacies nationally. The Veteran simply needs to visit a Walgreens pharmacy and present their Veterans Health Identification Card and one other form of photo ID to receive a vaccination. Since the program’s inception in 2014-2015 the number of vaccinations has increased dramatically. The first year, less than 20,000 shots were provided; last year’s campaign delivered 104,993 vaccinations. The final cost to the taxpayer was $3,181,058.50. Over 50% of those vaccinations given were to rural or extremely rural veterans, a notoriously underserved population. In total this partnership has delivered approximately 1.5 million no-cost vaccinations to VHA registered Veterans since 2014. “Our partnership with Walgreens for the past five years has been a positive and effective force in the VA’s ability to meet the vaccination needs of our rural Veterans, with Walgreens providing over 325,000 vaccinations on behalf of the VA,” said Elizabeth Tyler, VA’s program manager for the Retail Immunization Program. “We expect that partnership to grow even more strong and effective for our current 2019-2020 season with an estimated delivery of 175,000 vaccinations between August 2019 and the end of March 2020,” she said. Another perk of the VA-Walgreens partnership is information sharing. When a Walgreens pharmacist administers the shot, the immunization information is transmitted to VA through the eHealth Exchange. The immunization becomes part of the Veteran’s VA health record. The Walgreens immunization records are automatically available for VA clinicians to review within 24 hours. For the 2019-2020 flu season, the no-cost option is for the quadrivalent version of the vaccine only. There will be no high-dose option this year at either VA medical facilities or Walgreens. To find your nearest participating Walgreens partner, call 800-WALGREENs (800-925-4733), or go to findastore. For more information, visit MUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/immunization.asp.?POW/MIA Recoveries & Burials Reported 16 thru 30 SEP 2019 “Keeping the Promise“, “Fulfill their Trust” and “No one left behind” are several of many mottoes that refer to the efforts of the Department of Defense to recover those who became missing while serving our nation. The number of Americans who remain missing from conflicts in this century as of FEB 2019 are: World War II 73,025 of which over 41,000 are presumed to be lost at sea, Korean War 7665, Vietnam War 1589 (i.e. VN-1,246, Laos-288, Cambodia-48, & Peoples Republic of China territorial waters-7), Cold War 111, Iraq and other conflicts 5. Over 600 Defense Department men and women -- both military and civilian -- work in organizations around the world as part of DoD's personnel recovery and personnel accounting communities. They are all dedicated to the single mission of finding and bringing our missing personnel home. For a listing of all missing or unaccounted for personnel to date refer to and click on ‘Our Missing’. Refer to for a listing and details of those accounted for in 2019.GREAT RESOURCESome of this information is from a website that I recently found which is highly informative and comprehensive concerning many issues of interest to veterans. The twice monthly newsletters contain no advertisements or solicitations.? The RAO is operated by volunteers and its sole purpose is to assist veterans.?You can access the ROA Bulletin at . ................
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