2nd Annual VFW Shrimp Boil - June 20th @ Noon

VFW Post 2667 in Newnan is hosting its 2nd Annual $10 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Shrimp and Crawfish Boil on June 20 from Noon to 4 PM. The Boil will be at the Coweta Veterans Club on Highway 29. Children eat for $7. The Shrimp Boil is a fund-raising event supporting community service activities and some of the proceeds will go to the Family Readiness Group of the recently deployed 48th. The Southern Pride band will play live starting at 2:00. This band has opened for Brad Paisley and is scheduled to open for Kid Rock & Lynard Skynard. There will be door prizes and activities including limbo and corn hole games. Pull our your Hawaiian shirt and come on down to support local veterans.

Champion of Veterans to Speak at Memorial Day Ceremony

Newnan's new Veterans Memorial Plaza will be dedicated May 25 during the annual Memorial Day program. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667 will conduct the community Memorial Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. Guest speaker will be John Gwizdak, VFW past national commander. Gwizdak, a retired Army officer, is a Vietnam veteran. He has been the featured speaker at similar events held all across the nation and has for 25 years been a champion for veterans programs here in Georgia. A short musical program will be presented by Northside Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Miss Joan Nelms. VFW Commander Jeff Carroll said this year's program will pay homage to every name on the community Honor Rolls that will be the plaza centerpiece. "This is a change from our normal ceremonies, which for each of the last 12 years has honored one of Coweta's war dead," said Carroll. "This year, while we remember those men, we celebrate this wonderful community achievement that tells the world that Cowetans cherish the memory of their sacrifices," Carroll said. The park will feature plaques that list Coweta's war dead in each conflict from World War I forward. "We offer a special invitation to the family and friends of each man whose name is displayed on the bronze plaques," Carroll said. The plaza was built with donations from individuals, businesses, the Newnan City Council and the Coweta County Board of Commissioners. More than 2,000 memorial engraved bricks were sold and will form the floor of the monument's two levels. Mike Furbush, landscape architect for the City of Newnan, said the bricks were on the site late last week. "They're going to start laying those on Monday or Tuesday," Furbush said. As future generations buy bricks, they will be placed once a year until the 10,000 capacity is reached. Still in production are life-sized statues of Coweta's two Medal of Honor recipients, Col. Joe Jackson and Major Stephen Pless. It is anticipated that the statues will be placed in time for a Veterans Day dedication. Those planning to attend the May 25 ceremony should consider bringing lawn chairs. There will be some parking at McKoon Funeral Home, which is next to the park. In the event of rain, the program will be held at Wadsworth Auditorium on Jefferson Street. Immediately following the ceremonies, the Coweta Veterans Club is inviting the public to a Memorial Day Dinner at the club on U.S. Highway 29 North. Food will be served until 2:30.

VA "Aid and Attendance" Payments an Under-Used Benefit

ATLANTA - There is an under-used, special monthly pension benefit available to Georgia's wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance. "Many wartime veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the federally mandated limit for a basic VA pension may still be eligible for pension at the higher housebound or Aid and Attendance rate," points out Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Pete Wheeler. "Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility." The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to any wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities. "Especially helpful if they have large medical expenses that they may not receive reimbursement," noted Commissioner Wheeler. For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Commissioner Wheeler encourages those veterans or spouses who feel they may be eligible to contact the department's field office nearest to where they live for more information and assistance on how to go abotu filing for this benefit. Contact information for the Newnan Field Office is: 22 E. Broad St. Room 119 Newnan, GA 30264 Phone: 770-254-7260 Fax: 770-254-7339 E-mail: kmills@vs.state.ga.us

VA Continues Notification Process for Veterans Affected by Reprocessing Issues

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced 3,174 Veterans have already been notified of the results of testing they underwent recently, that testing was conducted because of improperly reprocessed endoscopy equipment that may have been used in their care. These Veterans, in the Tennessee, Georgia and South Florida areas were among 10,555 Veterans sent letters offering free testing. VA patients, who believe that they may have been exposed to cross contamination, were patients that received endoscopic procedures at the VA’s Murfreesboro, TN, facility from April 2003 to December 2008 and the VA’s Augusta, GA, hospital from January 2008 to November 2008 and the VA’s Miami hospital from May 2004 to March 2009. As of April 1, 2009, 17 veterans have tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or the Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) Virus. Five Veterans tested positive for Hepatitis B virus; eleven for Hepatitis C; and one for HIV. Of the positive test results, eleven were tested at VA’s Murfreesboro, TN facility, and six were tested at VA’s Augusta, GA, hospital. These results do not indicate that there is any relationship between these patients’ conditions and the endoscopy procedures they underwent. However, VA is conducting an epidemiologic investigation to look into the possibility of such a relationship. While reviews indicate that the transmission of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus as a result of endoscopy procedures is extremely small and that transmission of HIV through endoscopy has never been reported, VA will appropriately counsel and care for these patients, no matter what the source of their infections may be. "Secretary Shinseki has demanded that all Veterans enrolled with VA get the best health care available anywhere," said Michael J. Kussman, MD, MS, MACP, VA’s Under Secretary for Health. "We have an obligation to provide those who have served and sacrificed for our Nation the care they deserve." VA is continuing the process of testing and counseling Veterans who may be affected by this issue. The Department has added additional personnel at its Murfreesboro, Augusta and Miami hospitals to ensure that affected Veterans receive prompt testing and appropriate counseling. It is attempting to locate individuals whose letters have been returned as undeliverable, and to reach out to homeless Veterans with no known address. Affected Veterans are notified about their test results as soon as their results are verified. "The VA prides itself on being accountable and we are extremely concerned about this matter and as a result we have initiated an investigation," said Kussman. "Additionally, we are making sure to take corrective measures to ensure Veterans have the information and the care necessary to deal with this unacceptable development." VA is committed to reducing and preventing inadvertent harm to our patients as a result of their care. The Department is a leader in the health care industry in developing and nurturing a culture of safety at all its facilities. Patient safety managers at all 153 VA hospitals lead VA’s 280,000 employees in efforts to reduce and eliminate harm. VA patients and their families may call 1-877-575-7256, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for additional information.

VA to Offer Medallions for Veterans' Grave Markers

The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the preliminary stages of designing a medallion (IAW Public Law 110-57, December 2007) to be affixed to an existing privately-purchased headstone or marker to signify the deceased's status as a veteran. VA estimates the new medallion will be available in the summer of 2009. If requested, this new product can be furnished in lieu of the traditional headstone or marker. This benefit is only applicable if the grave is marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker. In these instances, eligible veterans are entitled to either a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker, or the new medallion, but not both. SOURCE: www.cem.va.gov/hm/hmtype.asp

April 17 - Southern Pride Band @ Veterans Club

Come see the Southern Pride band at the Coweta Veterans Club Friday night, April 17th. Just $5 cover to hear great music! Band starts @ 8:00 pm.

National Guard Sendoff on April 13

On April 13, Georgia National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Bravo Company Second Battalion will leave Newnan on the first leg of their deployment to Afghanistan. The community is encouraged to show support by lining the streets of Newnan to see them off. The company will travel to Camp Shelby, Miss., on April 13. The brigade will remain in Mississippi until the end of May/beginning of June, at which time they will deploy to Afghanistan. Approximately 130 soldiers are attached to the local brigade, which is based in Newnan at the Jackson-Pless National Guard Armory next to Newnan High School. Their mission abroad during the year-long tour will be to train and mentor the Afghan National Army. Roughly half of the 130 soldiers went with the brigade to Iraq in 2005. According to Newnan Police Chief Douglas L. "Buster" Meadows, the unit is scheduled to depart the armory at 10 a.m. -- though that time is subject to change -- and the route will take them to the Court Square and up Bullsboro Drive to I-85 Exit 47. Organizers are hoping to raise the large Newnan Fire Department flag in downtown for the unit to travel under on their way out of town. The soldiers will be escorted southbound on Interstate 85 all the way to the Meriwether County line where a new escort will pick up the transport. "Come out and show your support," said Meadows. "Let them know that you're thinking about them." Meadows invites the community to unite in a show of patriotism. Supporters are encouraged to wear red, white and blue and wave American Flags. Meadows hopes to have people lined all the way out Bullsboro Drive. Downtown Newnan merchants have been invited to show support by displaying yellow ribbons in their storefronts. "The community showing support reminds the soldiers that the sacrifices they make for the country have not gone unnoticed and the community supports their efforts," said First Lt. Jason Rich, who is among those deploying. "When a town comes out and rallies around a deploying unit, it is an awe-inspiring sight for a young soldier who is being thrust into the unknown. It is a bit of comfort in an uncertain time." Local volunteers are building a Web site for the deploying unit so the public can track changes, receive updates, show support and purchase merchandise. T-shirts, magnets and other unit paraphernalia will be available from the Web site, and the net proceeds will go to support the troops and their families. Web site organizers hope to build the site up as time passes to allow area residents and churches to adopt soldiers online as a way to provide ongoing support. The Web site is www.bravo2-121.com . Check online for the latest updates to the Newnan send-off.

Veterans Donate to Welcome House

The Coweta Veteran's Club annual golf tournament, held this fall, was successful in raising $4,000 in support of Community Welcome House. The club, consisting of the members of the American Legion Post 57 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2667, has sponsored the event for four years. Proceeds are part of the club's community outreach charity donations. "We live here and want to be a serving spirit to our city and county." said Chairman Dick Dennis. "While our principal effort is to help veterans and families of veterans, we feel that Welcome House touches the lives of everyone. We sincerely appreciate the support of the players and our business partners who make our tournament successful." Welcome House Director Linda Kirkpatrick received the donation. "The Veterans' Club serves as a great example of caring organizations, who unselfishly give of themselves to help the spouses and children who are victims of abuse and neglect," said Kirkpatrick. "We sincerely hope that this donation will make Christmas a little brighter for all the residents of Welcome House," said Dennis.

Compensation Panel Looking to Change Tricare

These proposed changes could have a significant impact to retirees... WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- The Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation has recommended fee changes to Tricare, the military's health system. The recommendations would mostly affect retirees and will not affect active-duty servicemembers or their dependents, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Jan D. "Denny" Eakle, the director of the study, said in a Pentagon briefing Aug. 5. "Retiree fees ought to relate to how much the plan is worth," she said. "The... higher-value plans should have higher premiums associated with them." The panel believes fees need to be fair to all retired military members, General Eakle said. "They ought to reflect how much income an individual has, so that if they make more money and are therefore better able to pay for a system, they should do so," she said. The full article is available at www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle/aspx?id=50705

No June Meeting

There will NOT be a Post meeting in June as it conflicts with the State VFW Convention in Macon. There will NOT be a meeting in June. Our next scheduled meeting will be a family breakfast on July 12th. Thanks for an excellent year and for all you do to support the VFW so that the VFW can support veterans, the military, and the community.

Jack Lucas, Youngest Marine to Receive Medal of Honor

Jack Lucas, who forged his mother's signature on an enlistment document so he could join the military at 14 during World War II and who became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, has died. He was 80. Lucas, who was diagnosed with leukemia in April, died Thursday at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss., after asking to be removed from a dialysis machine, said Mary Draughn, a close friend. Three years after joining the Marines, Lucas was stationed at a supply depot in Hawaii when he stowed away on a ship headed to Iwo Jima because he was afraid he would never see combat, he later recalled. On Feb. 20, 1945 -- six days after he turned 17 -- Lucas was fighting Japanese soldiers in a trench during the Battle of Iwo Jima when he dived on top of two grenades and pushed them deep into the beach's volcanic ash to shield three other Marines from harm. More on the article at www.LATimes.com

Voice of Democracy Winners 2007

Post Winner* Miss Casey McCully Soaring Eagles Co-Op Runner-Up* Miss Sarah Mitchell Newnan High School 3rd Place Miss Kiren Ali Woodward Academy * Entry submitted to the District 4 Voice of Democracy competition. As part of a new program this year, Miss McCully, as the Post Voice of Democracy winner, was invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the Newnan Memorial Day ceremony. Miss McCully placed first in the District 4 Voice of Democracy competition and her entry was forwarded to the Department contest. Miss Mitchell's audio essay placed second in the District 4 competition.

Post Officers for 2008-2009

Commander Jeff Carroll Sr. Vice Commander John O'Connor Jr. Vice Commander Brad Swentor Quartermaster John Skinner Adjutant Dick Stender Chaplain Willie Boyd Trustee: 3-Year Ron Freese Trustee: 2-Year Bobby Hammond Trustee: 1-Year Dick Dennis Service Officer Joe Smith

Pre-War Football Legend To Be Honored On Memorial Day

Newnan's Post 2667 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will once again conduct the community ceremony for Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, at 11:00 AM, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, on Jackson Street. For nearly 50 years, the post has sponsored Memorial Day activities for Newnan-Coweta citizens. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held in the McKoon Funeral Chapel. This year, in keeping with the theme, "Honor All By Remembering One," the ceremonies will seek to remember the life of Robert Earl Beers, the youngest son of one of Newnan’s old families. Known during the late thirties as the "Newnan Flash," Bobby Beers was an outstanding high school athlete and a football standout at Georgia Tech. While short of stature, at just five feet 8 inches and weighing no more than 155 pounds, "Little Bobby Beers" captured local headlines with his prowess on the gridiron and received national recognition for his exploits in games against perennially top-rated college teams. Beers enlisted in the Army in 1940 and received a commission as a pilot in the Air Corps. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, in February 1942, he was assigned as part of the first contingent of the legendary 8th Air Force, in England. Sadly, Beers never got to see much action, dying in a plane crash near his Midlands base in August of 1942. Bobby was one of four of the Beers brothers who served during WWII, all of whom had distinguished military records. Elizabeth Beers, a local historian and community supporter, is the widow of Frank Beers, Bob’s older brother. Much of the memoribilia that will be displayed at the ceremony, comes from her collection of family memories. The program seeks to give the audience a picture of the life of Bobby Beers, as given by family, friends and available records. Anyone attending the ceremony, who has a recollection of Beers and his life is invited to share their memories. It is hoped that by knowing this one sacrificed life, we may better appreciate the sacrifices made by so many, in the protection of our lives and liberties. Following the Monday ceremony, the Coweta Veterans' Club invites the public to join them for a luncheon at the club. Food will be served until 2:30 PM. Commander Jeff Carroll will host the luncheon and promises that there will be a bounty of food, so there will be no need for guests to arrive early.

May 1st - Loyalty Day

Loyalty Day originally began as "Americanization Day" in 1921 as a counter to the Communists' May 1 celebration of the Russian Revolution. On May 1, 1930, 10,000 VFW members staged a rally at New York's Union Square to promote patriotism. Through a resolution adopted in 1949, May 1 evolved into Loyalty Day. Observances began in 1950 on April 28 and climaxed May 1 when more than five million people across the nation held rallies. In New York City, more than 100,000 people rallied for America. In 1958 Congress enacted Public Law 529 proclaiming Loyalty Day a permanent fixture on the nation's calendar.

Low Country Boil & Membership Drive

Come join us Saturday, May 3rd at Noon! as VFW Post 2667 presents a Membership Drive & Low Country/Crawfish Boil simmered to delectable goodness $10 - All You Can Eat (or till we run out) New VFW Members Eat Free! (You must sign-up and pay that day)

Senate Approves Renaming Post Offices in Honor of Fallen Soldiers

On Wednesday, April 23rd, the Senate approved legislation to rename several U.S. Post Offices in Georgia in honor of fallen soldiers. The U.S. Post Office located at 3035 Stone Mountain Street in Lithonia, GA, will be renamed the “Specialist Jamaal RaShard Addison Post Office Building.” The U.S. Post Office located at 5815 McLeod Street in Lula, GA, will be renamed the “Private Johnathon Millican Lula Post Office.” The U.S. Post Office located at 116 Helen Highway in Cleveland, GA, will be renamed the “Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building.” These men served without desire for credit, but on behalf of their country and everything positive that we stand for. Naming these post offices after them is one small way to honor the sacrifices they made to make the United States and Georgia a better place. Learn more about these brave men.

Senate Passes Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act

The Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 is a comprehensive bill providing benefits to veterans, their families and their survivors. Provisions of the bill include expanding eligibility for traumatic injury insurance, increasing benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training programs and expanding eligibility for specially adapted housing assistance. The bill also provides an automatic annual increase in burial benefits (based on inflation) for the families of veterans. Watch the status of this bill at www.opencongress.org/bill/110-s1315/show

Veterans/Servicemembers: Salute the Flag When Not in Uniform

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag. "The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not. "I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others." This bill was passed July 27, 2007. Let your veteran friends know about the passage of this bill.

National World War II Museum's Expansion Officially Under Way

Under a brilliant blue sky Monday afternoon, a gathering of trustees, donors, fans, politicians and veterans officially broke ground for a major expansion of the National World War II Museum on Andrew Higgins Drive, across the street from the original location. The 2-square-block site, decked out in red, white and blue balloons, held about 200 seats for guests, along with a World War II Jeep, a PT boat, a half-track and a Sherman tank. A flyover by four F-17 planes in formation kicked off the ceremony, which included music by a U.S. Navy band, a trooping of colors by the Washington Artillery and a burst of confetti. Set to be completed by 2015, the $300 million expansion will include a campus of six new buildings covering 5.7 acres bounded by Magazine Street, Andrew Higgins Drive, Calliope Street and the Camp Street down-ramp of the Crescent City Connection. The ambitious expansion will quadruple the size of the original museum, which opened in 2000. http://blog.nola.com/elizabethmullener/2008/04/national_world_war_ii_museums.html

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Online

Family and friends of servicemen and women who died or vanished in the Vietnam War no longer have to travel to Washington to pay their respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. An interactive version debuted online this week, a project of historical document archive site Footnote.com in conjunction with the National Archives and Records Administration. The virtual version of the famous memorial -- which is a pair of 246-foot black granite walls inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 American military casualties -- is searchable. Every name etched onto the real-world wall is viewable online and linked to the veteran's service record. Online visitors can add photos and describe their memories of the servicemen and women who died in the war. For more of this article: News.Yahoo.com. To see the virtual Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Go.Footnote.com/thewall.

National Commemoration Day of 5th Anniversary of Fall of Baghdad (April 9)

All Americans are urged to join the nation in a moment of national reflection April 9 in remembrance of the 5th anniversary Iraqi Liberation Day and the fall of Baghdad to celebrate the hope given to the Iraqi people because of the courageous actions of U.S. and multinational forces. At 5 p.m. EDS -- as the sun sets across Arlington National Cemetery-- Americans are urged to honk their car horns to celebrate, honor and recognize the courageous actions of U.S. and multinational forces in giving hope to the Iraqi people. The National Remembrance Ceremony will culminate with a joint U.S-Iraqi wreath–laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as salute our troops, our veterans and our military families. The national remembrance moment is being initiated by “Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission," a not-for-profit 501(c)3 grassroots coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans and Americans, who share a deep appreciation and support for the uniformed services men and women in their efforts to make America safer. Collectively the group’s mission is ensuring that the sacrifices of courageous warriors have not been made in vain, and that the heroic soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have been charged with such a vital mission will be given the support they need to complete their mission.

11th Biennial Reunion of the 1st Brigade (Separate) 101st Airborne Division in Viet Nam

The 11th Biennial Reunion of the 1st Brigade (Separate) 101st Airborne Division will be in Hampton, Virginia, September 25-28, 2008. All members of assigned and attached units, who served between July 1965 and January 1968 are welcome. For more detailed information, contact Ivan Worrell at firstbrigades101magazine@yahoo.com or visit www.FirstScreamingEagles.org.