Invasion of Kuwait - 30 Years Later

Hard to believe, but it has been 30 years since Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait.  Poor decision making on his part, and I believe that would be the understatement of the century.

Little did the Dictator know that the entire world would not stand for this naked aggression.  There would be no appeasement.  This day in history marked the beginning of the end for Saddam's intervention.

To those of you, like me, who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, take this time to reflect on the important part you played in the history of the world.  Thank you for your service!

Week One of the Second Year

And what a week it has been!  Of course, not traveling yet, but that has not stopped the hours of daily virtual meetings and preparations for the future.  Travel is just one small part of how we get the mission accomplished:  The mission of the VFW never stops!

In anticipation of COVID-19 restrictions lifting one of these days [months?], the Chair Officers and senior leaders met via a special multi-hour Zoom to start the travel planning.  There are a lot of moving parts to determine who will go where, at what time, to what event, to fulfill this mission.  While we worked through a potential March end date, I can only say it could all go up in smoke if 2020 decides to throw us yet another curve ball!  In fact, DURING our meeting we received a cancellation notice for an assignment that we were at that time working to fill!  All I can say is that we are doing our best to create and maintain a travel schedule so that we can jump in as soon as things start sorting themselves out.

And, in the spirit of getting information to all of our stakeholders, the Chair officers continue to reach out to our state counterparts [for me it would be Department Senior Vice Commanders] to ensure a continual transparent flow so they know what's going on.

It would be easy to just sit back and do nothing, claiming the pandemic has tied our hands.  Dear readers, I can assure you NOTHING is further from the truth!

Thailand!

I'd like to welcome our new readers from Thailand!  Joining us this week, they become the 31st country to start following this humble blog.  As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift and I can start traveling again, I can't wait to fill these pages for all the readers to follow along on my adventures.  In the meantime, feel free to take a trip back in time if you want to see where I was at this point last year.

Thank you Thailand!

PART TWO: Senior Vice Commander in Chief of the Veteran of Foreign Wars of the United States

Greetings dear readers and welcome to Part Two in my journey to become the Commander in Chief of the VFW.  Today, I become the Senior Vice Commander in Chief.

Usually, this would occur at an election during our national convention but due to COVID-19 the convention was cancelled as a matter of public health and safety.  Avoiding a "constitutional" crisis,  rational minds came together in the National Council of Administration and determined that even though an actual election could not take place, the Congressional Charter and our National By-Laws clearly outlined the succession of certain offices.  And that is why, today, at the end of my term as the Junior Vice, I move up to take the position of Senior Vice.  The current Senior Vice, at the time of this writing, will have assumed the position of Commander in Chief.  An orderly transition of power is the hallmark of a truly civilized organization!

I look forward to serving under Commander Hal Roesch and I promise you things are not going to move forward in the same manner we have always done them.  COVID-19 is still an enemy but it will be defeated and we will be out visiting with all of you once again, eventually.  We are in a new age of enlightenment in this country and so too in the VFW.  The winds of change are blowing.  Change can be uncomfortable and it can be difficult, I understand this.  However, we cannot grow if we are not capable of change.

Thank you for supporting me and for your continued support as I move forward.  Check in from time to time to see what's new in the blog.  All I do, I do for the mission of the VFW and I want to share that with you as best I can!

The End of My Junior Vice Commander in Chief Year!

How time flies, whether you are having fun or not!  One year ago I took the oath of office to become the Junior Vice Commander in Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.  What a proud moment, and coincidentally, the birth of this humble blog also.

I took the duties and responsibilities to heart and began the business of the VFW with an assignment the very next day!  After that, it was a fast paced blur of succeeding assignments.  In between however, came the real work of moving the VFW forward, continuing the eternal push for veterans service and legislation to make the lives of veterans and their families better.  Many in the ranks of the VFW, and outside the ranks too, see only the visits to events.  I can assure you this is part of the job, but only the tip of the iceberg to be sure.

COVID-19 came quickly and the traveling stopped, but the work didn't.  We continued to meet electronically on almost a daily basis to continue the mission of the VFW as best we could.  Our Washington office continued the mission of legislative affairs.  Our Veterans Service branch increased output to meet the demands of veterans seeking assistance with the VA in both medical and compensation matters.  While the world seemed to come to a standstill, the leadership of the VFW kept the engines stoked and kept the ship on its course.  That's what we do, day in and day out.

We had to cancel our annual convention in Reno, Nevada, certainly a first, but the safest thing for our membership.  Did this cause some concern over the future of our leadership going forward?  Yes.  Did we resolve it according to our By-laws, Ritual, and Congressional Charter?  Yes.  Did we affirm that nothing will stop the VFW from doing what we are here to do?  YES!

This post ends Part One of my proposed three year blog of my adventures as a Chair officer. I thank all the 30,000 views and multiple countries that have been following.  You can always go back and view some of your favorite blogs I wrote over the year.  Maybe I'll highlight a few in the coming weeks and months for your reading pleasure. Tomorrow, I begin Part Two, as the Senior Vice Commander in Chief of the greatest combat veterans organization in the world!  

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you support!

All Hands Zoom with the VFW

Today was a first.  Using technology we had an "all hands call" bringing together every Department Commander, Senior Vice, and Junior Vice...as well as Department Adjutants and Quartermasters if they desired.  To top it off, the meeting was hosted by the soon to be Commander in Chief, Senior Vice CIC, and Junior Vice CIC.

For far too long each group/team/class was an entity within itself and we didn't see [or didn't want to see] the synergy that could be created if we all rowed in the same direction.  To that end, Hal, Tim, and I thought it would be a great idea to introduce ourselves to all of the Department leadership teams across the entire VFW.

Nothing earth-shattering happened, but we didn't expect that.  What we did expect was a breaking of the ice and the levels that have been ingrained.  Everything we do, we do as a team.  If one hand doesn't know what the other is doing, you're not going to get very far.  I can say with confidence now that everyone knows exactly where they stand and what is expected of them.  We are moving forward smartly and it's going to be exciting!

More Spine Surgery!

This week I once again allowed a very skilled VA neurosurgeon to operate on my back.  Personally, I think he just wanted to see if he left his watch in there last time!

While he didn't do another, separate, fusion above the last one, he did say this was "delicate and difficult" and spent six hours in there.  I'm under some pretty severe restrictions, more so than last time.  Nonetheless, I'll follow all of them as best I can to minimize going down this road again.  A huge heartfelt thank you and I love you to Megan for getting me through this.

As an aside, I left the hospital with a ton on Percocet and muscle relaxers... Plus a two pack of Narcan just in case I decide to throw myself a party!

Y-Kiki Divers and new VFW members

Welcome to the VFW family Valerie and Ken Elliott, owners of Y-Kiki Divers in St Louis Missouri!

As some of you know, I've been a professional scuba instructor with Y-Kiki for a few years now.  Several of the instructors are also veterans.  Here's a sharp salute to Divemaster Tom McLerran, who also happens to be the Department of Missouri VFW Adjutant, for signing up Valerie and Ken into Post 8828 in Troy, Missouri.  Val and Ken are Army and Navy veterans respectively.  They stay pretty busy with the shop and other activities but the time was finally right.  As I've always said, tell the good news about the VFW and when people are ready, they will join.

Diving, for me and many other veterans, offers peace of mind and respite from injuries.  Now that we've got Val and Ken on board, hopefully we can reach out to the veteran community and bring them into the sport.  If you're interested in learning how to dive, and you're in the St Louis area, give Y-Kiki Divers a call and you won't regret it.  Who knows, I just might be your instructor!

Valerie and Ken!

Finally out of the house and presenting Valerie with my Commander photo [with Mama, she's part of the dive scene too].  I also presented Val and Ken my Commander's Coin.

Two locations!  Chesterfield and South County

Social Spacing, not Social Distancing!

I'm not keen on the phrase Social Distancing.   

Distancing sounds like you WANT to get away. Being distant has the connotation of being physically and emotionally away from others.  We are constantly being told to be socially distant.  That's just not a good thing at all.  Humans want to be around each other.  We are social animals and we don't like being told what to do.  I know The Bard said a rose by any other name, but why beat ourselves up with a phrase?

I'm good with social "spacing."  It sounds better.  Most of us would rather not be packed in together like sardines in a tin.  Give us some space and we're good being around others.  If we socially space ourselves, we don't have that distancing word haunting us.  Plus, spacing will keep us healthier in the long run.  When we beat this virus, I'd almost like to continue social spacing.  I sure know that I'm going to be suspect about handshakes and hugs for a long time into the future.  Maybe I'll take up politely nodding my head or bowing.

Writing from Illinois, so I'll leave you with this:  Practice Social Spacing and stand at least one President Lincoln away from each other!

  

Independence Day: The Fourth of July

No flags here, no fireworks.  Just two images as food for thought for all Americans:

VFW Visit: Post 3830 in Hawaii

No, don't get excited.  I didn't fly over there to attend a meeting.  However, I did harness technology and attended a Post meeting via Zoom on the Big Island last night.  Given the current state of medical affairs in the world we need to do more than think outside the box; we have to burn the box, get away from it, and start from a new perspective!

My counterpart in Hawaii is Senior Vice Commander Lewis and she is also the Post Senior Vice Commander.  State Commander Lockwood flew over from Oahu to be part of the meeting.  These two are a force to be reckoned with over the next few years. They have big ideas and the most important thing of all, they understand that our mission is to serve veterans, their families, and their communities.  No matter what issues may have occurred in the past, these two understand the need for teamwork.  They both exude a can-do spirit and, as we all know, that spirit is a great motivator and huge factor in the success of any organization.

The official Post name is:  Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 3830, Pahoa, Lance Corporal Hayward Kimo Hamili Peleiholani Memorial Post.  I'm pretty sure I can remember Post 3830!

Special thanks to Auxiliary President Sauer for taking me on a 'tour' of the building and grounds.  The Post home is beautiful and is full of memorabilia and history.  One of these days I will make a visit in person!

Mahalo nui loa!

VA Hospital in St Louis

I visited the John Cochran VA Medical Center on Monday, in anticipation of an upcoming surgery.  I've always had the best care here and this visit topped them all.  I haven't been to the facility since February.

Upon entering, I was greeted and asked why I was there. After saying I had an appointment, I was directed to another station to wash my hands, then moved to a technician in full PPE.  She took my temp and asked the usual COVID Questions, then verified where I was to go.  I received a yellow wrist band and was on my way.

The waiting room in neurosurgery still had all the chairs, but I was really surprised to see the efforts they took to ensure proper spacing.  The chairs all had these coverings on them.  All of the employees were their usual chipper selves and morale was high.  Maybe that had to do with the fact they had a lot fewer patients, but I'm just guessing on that!  All throughout the hospital, as I went from location to location to get pre-op procedures checked off my list, everyone I met with was in that same frame of mind.  It was a pleasure being around dedicated health professionals who, although surrounded by pandemic procedures, were able to continue providing the great care that I've become accustomed to receiving.

Thank you VA, I appreciate all that you do for veterans!

Welcome readers from Hong Kong!

A big welcome and thank you to our new readers from Hong Kong!  It's always exciting to see this humble blog being read around the world.  This brings us to 30 unique countries and regions!

The flag of Hong Kong, officially the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China [HKSAR], depicts a white stylized five-petal Hong Kong orchid tree flower in the center of a Chinese red field.  Its design was adopted on 4 April 1990 at the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress.

Membership Medals and VFW Pride

Many members of the VFW wear pins in their caps and on their jackets.  Some commemorate their service, others are specific to a certain commander, and so on.  But did you know that a long time ago in VFW history members simply wore a VFW membership badge?  I'm hoping to bring back the tradition of the membership badge to show pride in who we are.  To that end, I've commissioned [with VFW approval of course] a company to make membership badges based on the ones worn over a hundred years ago!  They recently arrived and here's a sample:

Illinois Senior Vice Commander Bobby Welch has done yeoman work researching the history of badges in the VFW and has accumulated a large collection of memorabilia. The lineage of the VFW as we know it can be summed up in the photo below, with these two cases of medals.

The small case on the left is a membership medal and lapel pin for the American Veterans of Foreign Service (AVFS), founded in 1899. This is the founding organization of the VFW, all the other organizations merged into the AVFS to eventually become the VFW. There were two separate branches of the AVFS...Columbus, OH and Altoona, PA. This medal is the Columbus branch. The two merged in 1905. The case on the right has a Membership medal for the National Society Army of the Philippines (NSAP) founded in 1899, a card from Bailey, Banks & Biddle (the sole maker of the medal), and a 5th reunion button for the society from 1905.

 In 1913 the two groups merged, then officially adopted the name Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1914. The membership medal for the VFW was adopted from the NSAP and this is why we have the Cross of Malta we have today.

Below is a sample of Comrade Welch's collection of the many VFW membership badges and styles over the 120 plus years of our organization.

Post Hopping - 16th District - Illinois

Although still under the VFW travel ban, I made my way up north to the 16th VFW District in Illinois to visit with my friend and Department Counterpart, State Senior Vice Commander Bobby Welch this weekend.  There was a nice, socially distant, turnout at the Bremen Post 2791 for the elections and I was asked to install the incoming officers for the District.

From there, we visited the Midlothian Post and on to the Markham Post 9801.  Markham took advantage of the COVID-19 pause and completely refurbished their canteen and hall.  It's a night and day difference from the dark old days to the bright and shiny new area and I could feel the pride in that Post.  They are an asset to their community and  certainly are the gathering place when they host their famous Pork Chop dinners.  From all I've heard, I'll make my way back to enjoy that!

Our last visit was Bobby's Post, Alsip 450.  Commander Jaroch was most gracious as he pointed out the memorabilia on the walls.  While talking with Post Senior Vice Morris, I learned he used to live down south and he knew my late friend, Reverend Jackie Davison!  Jackie was our State Chaplain for many years and hailed from my own district here in the southern part of Illinois.  We reminisced about Jackie's devotion to God and ever present good nature.  Anyone who knew Jackie will attest that he was the finest, kindest man.  The world was a better place with him in it.

I drove back to my home after our visits and on that long drive I reflected on the day.  I've missed traveling.  I've missed seeing the great men and women of the VFW who put their hearts and souls into it.  They don't do it for personal glory and they don't do it for monetary gain.  They help their fellow veterans because it's the right thing to do!

Bremen Post 2791 and their beautiful bronze memorial, surrounded by memorial bricks.

Department Senior Vice Commander Bobby Welch and I before the District Meeting began.  Note the medals as I'll be writing about them in more detail!

Tinley Park, IL has a beautiful downtown. All of the benches are decked out in different motifs.  We happened to park by this one, although it was a toss up between the Viking Ship across the street!

Markham Post 9801 and their remodeled space.

Mama enjoyed the cool, smooth and polished floors!  Post Commander Terry McDonald [far left] runs a tight ship and was so proud of his Post!

How's this for curb appeal at Alsip Post 450?

Across the street from the Post home at Alsip 450 they recently erected a monument to Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans.

National PTSD Awareness Day

National PTSD Awareness Day is observed annually on June 27.  This is a day to recognize the effects post-traumatic stress has on the lives of those affected by it.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has a profound effect on the lives of those who suffer from it.  The statistics alone are staggering, but can only tell a portion of the story. The trauma and anxiety associated with PTSD is a constant burden, inseparable from the sufferer. Although mostly attributed to returning combat veterans, anyone who has experienced violent crime or lived through catastrophic events can be diagnosed with PTSD.  If you are diagnosed with it, you need to seek proper medical care.  There are many new ground-breaking therapies and medical breakthroughs that can help.

The United States Senate established PTSD Awareness Day in 2010 following then-Sen. Kent Conrad’s efforts to designate a day of awareness as a tribute to Army Staff Sgt. Joe Biel of the North Dakota National Guard. Biel suffered from PTSD and took his life in April 2007 after returning to North Dakota following his second tour of duty in the Iraq War.  Biel’s birthday, June 27, was chosen to mark PTSD Awareness Day and honor his memory.

The VA has a mobile PSTD coaching app that has a range of tools and strategies for people with PTSD.  You can check it out at:

https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach

 

Juneteenth!

Each year Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The celebration takes place each year on June 19th, recognizing an event that took place in Texas in 1865.

The story of Juneteenth begins in Texas when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, with an announcement. As the community listened to the reading of General Orders, Number 3, the people of Galveston learned for the first time that the Civil War was over.   Of course, the Emancipation Proclamation had been made in 1863, but they didn't have the internet back then.

News traveled slowly, even stubbornly during and after the War between the States. Over two years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Only two months before Major General Granger arrived in Galveston, General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. And the country was already mourning the assassination of President Lincoln. Just weeks before Granger arrived, the official final surrender took place. And yet, this community in the west remained the last to know of their freedom. They required word, official word, to feel the effects of what was already happening in the rest of the country.

Emancipation Timeline:

January 1, 1863 – Emancipation Proclamation signed
April 9, 1865 – General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia
April 14, 1865 – John Wilkes Booth assassinates President Abraham Lincoln
May 12, 1865 – Final battle of Civil War at Palmito Ranch, Texas  (Confederate victory)
May 26, 1865 – Civil War officially ends when General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Army of Trans-Mississippi enters terms of surrender
June 19, 1865 – Major General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston, Texas
December 6, 1865 – 13th Amendment abolishing slavery ratified

Naval Hospital Corps Birthday!

The 122nd anniversary of the Navy Hospital Corps was on 17 June.  Sorry, I'm a day late!

The Hospital Corps was established on June 17, 1898, to provide health care for Sailors, Marines, and those under their care on the battlefield, at sea, under the sea, and in military treatment facilities world wide.  As the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart noted, "No Marine has gone into battle without you."

On a personal note, I extend a Happy Corps Birthday to my friend Bob Crider, a Navy Corpsman who served in Vietnam.  Thank you Bob for all the lives you saved and the impact you've had on so many because of your service!

Mr Leo of Nebraska

Back in October 2019, I wrote about Mr Leo who resided in one of Nebraska's Veterans Homes. 

See http://aroundtheworldwithfritz.blogspot.com/2019/10/eastern-nebraska-veterans-home-visit.html or scroll down to that article.

I was fortunate to spend time talking to him and listening to his exploits during World War II.  At 102 he still had a sharp memory and a great sense of humor.  He was thrilled to receive my Commander's Coin.   Sadly, Mr Leo passed away a few days ago.  We have lost another warrior from The Greatest Generation.

I urge all of you who know anyone who has served in our military, regardless of when they served or what branch, to talk to them. Listen to their stories.  Hear first hand their accounts, good and bad, of their time in service.  With each passing day we lose a valuable part of our history.

Rest in peace Mr Leo!

Indiana Council and Convention

Although there is a National VFW ban on official travel, I was pleased to drive to Indianapolis this weekend as "just a member" to spend time with friends and enjoy the camaraderie of a VFW gathering.  Safeguards such as distancing and no touching were in place so it was a bit different than gatherings in the past.  I think a lot of things will change once we get back into the swing of things as a country.

Since no one has been able to gather in large groups for many months, this opportunity reminded me of the importance of being able to gather together.  Ideas were shared and friendships were renewed and created.  Being able to physically interact with someone can never be replaced by a Zoom meeting.  Case in point, on several different occasions I was casually talking with people.  As the conversations meandered, as they do when you're engaged, I found I was able to connect these separate people with friends of mine across the country.  These connections are going to help the people I was talking to.  Humans need that personal interaction.  Thank you Indiana for inviting me to share this time with you.

Listening to the reports from various District and State officers, I was happily surprised that, at least in Indiana, these members were in high spirits.  Not once did I hear the phrases lockdown or quarantine.  Not once did a member bemoan the fact they may have to shutter their doors.  Instead, these folks used the word "pause", indicating this was just something they had to endure until things could start again.  In fact, it was uplifting to hear they were using the pause to thoroughly clean, renovate, do maintenance and such on their Post homes.  Many of them applied for and received Federal or State grants to continue operations.  They were proud they could upgrade their Posts and they were happily waiting for the notice they could open once again.  This is the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars!  They could have grumbled that it wasn't fair but they didn't.  They took this as an opportunity to make their world better.  It certainly is a lesson all of us can take to heart.

I was asked to install the incoming officers and it was an honor to do so.  Although the logistics made things interesting we got through it.  Once again, the members of the VFW showed that no matter what, an orderly transition of power is a hallmark of a civilized community.  When you take that oath of office, even if it isn't exactly the way we've always done it, you pledge to do your best to promote the ideals and goals of our organization.  

Senior Vice Commander Dick Lineberry, my counterpart at the State level.  He's going to be a great State Commander!

Mama Cass comfortably kept an eye on the members and ensured the social distancing was adhered to properly.