Veterans
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The report, “Gulf War Illness and the Health of Gulf War Veterans: Scientific Findings and Recommendations,” was released Monday by the VA's Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (RAC).
In it, the committee identified many scientific issues for which additional research is needed. Highest priority was given to research focused on identifying effective treatments for Gulf War illness.
High priority was also given to research directed at identifying objective biological markers associated with Gulf War illness, especially those that advance efforts to improve diagnostic testing.
The report also recommends annual allocations of not less than $60 million for Gulf War research in the federal budget.
“The American Legion is very pleased that research aimed at identifying effective treatment for the various maladies plaguing our Gulf War veterans is at the top of the VA committee's list of priorities,” said National Commander David Rehbein. “After all, it has been more than 17 years since the end of the 1991 Gulf War and it is about time that these warriors' war-related health problems be addressed aggressively.”
Rehbein added, “This is a solid report and The American Legion urges the Secretary [of VA] to act quickly on the committee's recommendations.”
According to the RAC, about 25 percent to 32 percent of Gulf War veterans are affected by a complex of symptoms, commonly referred to as Gulf War illness, over and above rates in contemporary military personnel who did not deploy to the 1990-91 Gulf War. This equates to between 175,000 and 210,000 veterans out of the nearly 700,000 troops deployed during the war.
The symptoms of Gulf War illness typically include some combination of chronic headaches, cognitive difficulties, widespread pain, unexplained fatigue, chronic diarrhea, skin rashes, respiratory problems and other abnormalities.
Even more alarming, according to the report, "[t]he federal Gulf War research effort has yet to provide tangible results in achieving its ultimate objective, that is, to improve the health of ill Gulf War veterans." A small number of treatments have been studied and none have been shown to provide significant benefit for a substantial number of veterans.
The American Legion is encouraged that the report also addresses the relationship between research and VA disability benefits.
VA's ability to compensate veterans for disabilities related to their Gulf War service is directly related to research and other scientific findings.
In 1998, Congress passed legislation that directed VA to contract with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review available research and issue reports that are used by the Secretary of the VA to make decisions regarding Gulf War-related disability compensation.
There have been nine reports released to date but none have resulted in additional compensation benefits for ill Gulf War veterans. The committee concluded that the IOM reports have been "skewed and limited by a restrictive approach to the scientific tasks mandated by Congress, an approach directed by VA in commissioning the reports." The committee recommended that VA contract with IOM to redo previously completed Gulf War and Health reports to adhere to requirements set forth by Congress.
The RAC, established by Public Law 105-368, is a panel of prominent scientists and distinguished veterans that provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on proposed research plans and strategies related to understanding and treating the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the 1990-91 Gulf War. This is the committee's first major report since 2004.
With a current membership of 2.6-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Visit the American Legion online at www.legion.org.
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“The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.”
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year’s provision also applied to members of the armed forces while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation’s veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28.
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Until Wednesday, Dec. 10, the public is invited to send holiday cards with their message of thanks and cheer to a special post office box. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will then screen cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases, veteran’s hospitals and military hospitals during the holidays.
Last year, the effort garnered more than 600,000 cards for wounded service men and women. With the expansion of the program the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes hope to collect more than one million cards and holiday greetings. “Holiday Mail For Heroes” continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces.
“From the front lines to the home front, for more than 125 years, the American Red Cross has provided care and assistance to service members, their families and Veterans,” said Tim Miller, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. “This is a way for every member of the public to lift the spirits of military members, their families and veterans during this holiday season. It’s as easy as signing your name.”
Headquartered in Santa Rosa, local Service to the Armed Forces volunteers provide round-the-clock emergency communications to service members and their families. Using a worldwide network, the local volunteers’ verification of emergencies such as a birth or death often make the difference between a service member being granted leave or not. The volunteers also assist with tracing of family members separated by war, natural disaster and the Holocaust.
“Pitney Bowes is proud to be working with the American Red Cross again to help Americans extend their well wishes and gratitude to the heroes who serve and protect our country,” said Jon Love, president of Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. “Last year’s program was a huge success and we look forward to working with the public to reach even more wounded service members and their families this holiday season to show appreciation and support.”
Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
The community is asked to use only the above address and NOT to send cards to the Red Cross. They should be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than Dec. 10. Cards received after this date will be returned to senders.
To help speed the sorting process and delivery of cards and notes before the holidays, mailers are encouraged to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any other inserts.
For a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices, please visit www.Redcross.org/holidaymail.
Cards are also available to print out from the Web site, along with messages from Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Members Dr. Phil McGraw and Nancy O’Dell, co-anchor of Access Hollywood.
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The group will meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.
On Thursday they'll be putting together Christmas packages for local troops who are serving overseas.
For more information call Ginny Craven, 349-2838.
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During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
Dorrity is the son of Charlotte Dorrity of Cobb.
The airman is a 2002 graduate of Middletown High School.
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The potluck begins at 6 p.m., with the meeting following at 7 p.m.
The group will meet at its usual location, at Saint Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, 801 N. Main St., Lakeport.
All Vietnam-era veterans, veterans of all eras, their families and friends, and members of the general public are all cordially welcome.
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LAKEPORT – A large group of volunteers ranging from toddlers to grandparents gathered at Umpqua Bank to assemble and decorate Thanksgiving care packages for the troops on Oct. 23.
The boxes were filled with necessities including foot powder, socks, eye wash, lip balm, deodorant and dental care products, as well as some fun items too.
Crossword puzzle books, small games, CDs and DVDs and other entertainment items were sent to combat the boredom that is an enemy during down time in a war zone far from home.
Food boxes contained goodies from peanut butter and tuna and the ever-popular Girl Scout cookies, which bring a real sense of Americana to the troops.
The owners of Kelsey Creek Coffee Co. joined in the packing and donated fresh roasted coffee for the troops. The boxes were finished off by Girl Scouts and other volunteers who decorated the care packages with seasonal stickers and personal messages.
Joining the locals was Tamra Appiano, a ticket sales representative from the Oakland Raiders. Appiano has been coordinating with Operation Tango Mike for the upcoming Military Salute Game on Nov. 9. She has arranged a special package deal for supporters of Operation Tango Mike to attend the Raiders game and enjoy the tributes to our troops and veterans.
Appiano made the three-hour drive in order to experience a packing party and get a better understanding of the support supplied in Lake County. She came away from the experience feeling elated, as well as being very impressed by what she had seen and heard.
“This is amazing,” said Appiano. “It’s incredible to see all these people working together like this. You guys should be very proud of what you’re doing.”
Operation Tango Mike is now gathering donations for the next packing. Thanks to exceptional generosity, there is no longer a need for books. Since there is an ample supply it is asked that books be donated to other worthy groups at this time.
Food products, hygiene items, correspondence and entertainment items are always needed and always welcomed.
You may want to “recycle the treats” by donating your extra Halloween candy for care packages. If the trick-or-treaters don’t gobble it up the troops will. Donations may be deposited at “Drop Zone” locations at businesses throughout Lake County or in the lobby at Umpqua Bank.
The next packing party will take place on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport. The boxes prepared at that packing will be the Christmas care packages. Donations are requested to make the boxes special for the holidays. Items such as ornaments, holiday treats and Christmas candy would be very helpful. Christmas cards and letters are needed in large numbers.
School classes, fraternal organizations and other groups are welcome to join the fun. Consider having a “make an ornament day” or “Christmas card drive” or other activity in order to contribute to the holiday happiness of our troops. Presentations regarding Operation Tango Mike are available to groups.
If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or
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LAKE COUNTY – Residents of Lake County are being offered an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a salute to our military.
The Oakland Raiders, a National Football League team, have stepped up in an effort to support our troops and honor our veterans and assist a local troop support effort.
On Nov. 9, the Oakland Raiders take on the Carolina Panthers at the Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders have deemed the contest the Military Salute game. There will be special activities to honor America’s military, past and present.
“It's an honor for the Raiders to host a Military Salute game,” said Jarrod Dillon, director of ticket sales. “The Raider Nation is made up of fans all over the world, and nowhere is this more evident than our military. The organization receives thousands of letters, emails and photos from Raiders fans serving our country all over the world. The Raiders truly appreciate all of the men and women serving our nation and it's an honor for us to salute to them."
In conjunction with the salute to troops and veterans, the Oakland Raiders are offering a special ticket package via Operation Tango Mike.
Packages are $100 and include admission to the game with reserved seats, a limited edition camouflage Raiders hat and a food voucher.
In addition, the first 50 to purchase the package through Operation Tango Mike will receive roundtrip bus transportation from Lakeport.
Packages can be purchased without bus transportation. Additionally, out-of-town supporters can purchase the through Operation Tango Mike and will be able to receive their packet, including food and hat vouchers, at the will call office at the Oakland Coliseum.
Operation Tango Mike sends monthly care packages to deployed troops. Sending 85 to 100 care packages, costs average nearly $1,000 per month. Adding items to make holiday packages more special increase those costs. Teaming up with the Oakland Raiders is a unique opportunity to raise much needed funds and provide a great entertainment value.
Ron Quick, a Navy veteran and avid Operation Tango Mike volunteer, is very excited about the collaboration with the Raiders. “This is great!” he said. “I can go to a pro football game and not have to worry about driving or parking. Plus, I don’t have to pay for the gas or the parking fees. The price is a bargain compared to what it would cost to buy everything separately and it’s a ‘no stress deal’ too.”
He added, “It’s pretty cool to have the Oakland Raiders supporting what we do right here in Lake County.”
Quick and Ginny Craven, founder of Operation Tango Mike, traveled to Alameda, to Oakland Raiders headquarters, to finalize details of the ticket deal. They met staff, were given a tour and were treated very graciously.
“The Raiders’ people are very impressed by what is accomplished in Lake County,” Quick said of the meeting. “I think they were surprised to find out how much this small community is doing for our troops.”
Tamra Appiano, ticket sales representative of the Oakland Raiders, is very enthused about the Oakland Raiders’ efforts to support troops and veterans. She has spearheaded the partnership to offer an opportunity for people to support Operation Tango Mike and attend the Military Salute Game.
Appiano will travel to Lake County to participate in the Operation Tango Mike packing party on Thursday, Oct. 23.
“I am excited to help raise funds for Operation Tango Mike,” said Appiano. “Just like many of you, I have loved ones serving overseas. Hearing how much of a difference these care packages make in their lives is wonderful. I am honored to be a part of an organization that salutes and honors our troops, veterans and their families. I will personally be attending the packing party to show the Oakland Raiders organization’s support of our troops.”
If businesses or individuals would like to contribute to support the ongoing efforts of Operation Tango Mike but are not able to attend the game, there is something special that can be done. Ticket packages can be purchased to sponsor local veterans who might not otherwise be able to attend the Military Salute game.
Tickets may be purchased at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport, or by contacting Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or
The deadline to purchase tickets is Oct. 31 and the first 50 supporters receive roundtrip transportation so don’t delay.
For further information please contact Ginny Craven or Tamra Appiano at 1-800-RAIDERS, Extension 3228 or Paula Sue Silva at 1-800-RAIDERS, Extension 3201.
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The party will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, beginning at 1200 hours, and chow will be served at 1300 hours.
The cost is $15 per head.
Reservations are required; call Dean Brown at 263-8812 to reserve your space.
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