POST 131 COURIERHONORING THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH

Volume 1 Number 3 October 2011

TTHHEE FFAACCEESS OOFFHHOOMMEELLEESSSS VVEETTEERRAANNSS

Post 131 Courier is a monthly publication edited and produced entirely by American Legion Shirley-Holloway Post 131 located in Columbiana, Alabama.

For information on how to subscribe or how to advertise, please contact the Post:

American Legion Shirley-Holloway Post 131Post Office Box 357

Columbiana, Alabama 35051http://post131.alaaldist23.org

All articles must be submitted by the 15th of every month in order to be printed the the current newsletter

About the Cover . . .

This is an image made in Charleston for an assignment about the merchant’s association searching for a solution to solve what they say is a homeless problem that negatively impacts tourism. Pat Conquest says he’s not homeless, but has been harassed for hanging out on the one public beach under the bridge that leads into the fishing town. This image never made it into the newspaper. I took a series of photographs and this is the one where I feel he let his guard down and revealed a bit of truth behind his eyes.

World Photo by Benjamin Brayfield. http://blogs.theworldlink.com/photoblog/2010/04/pat-conquest/?pid=1

photo: http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/-images/2006/09/11/358/

OCTOBER 2011

The U.S. used to be in a struggle for world domination with the Communists. Now on all sides we see grim evidence of the fierce struggle for world domination by Muslim extremists whose dogma teaches that for them there is no real security in a world which they do not control. At the same time we see our own desperate effort to secure a balance of religious freedom in the world and peaceful coexistence between religions. Our horizons are lit by the flashes of distant conflicts. Young Americans now occupy a hundred far-flung garrisons in the Middle East and our young men and women are dying in countries that were never mentioned in our schools prior to 2001.

This nation is devoting its fortunes and its energies to the efforts of a free world free from terrorism, to resist out-right terrorist acts, and to build strength in those countries who may next fall victim to the hidden but unrelenting march of religious extremism. Such efforts on our part have required sacrifices by our citizens, and raise fundamental questions on maintaining a healthy economy and a free citizenry while at the same time achieving maximum national security.

This is a stern encounter between two real and living principles, simple, entire, and consistent, one in Christianity and the other in Muslim extremism. Doubtless its climax is yet to come, but in essence the conflict has been going on for 2,000 years. It has not been limited to one nation or one form of government. The issues, the slogans, the battle flags, the battlefields and the personalities have been different. But basically it has been the same encounter of opposing religious principles, of good and evil, of right and wrong. Do we really think there will be a victory now?

Most Americans don’t even know why we invaded Iraq since they had nothing to do with 9/11. Invading Afghanistan had a purpose, to get Osama Bin Laden. It may have taken 10 years, but we finally got him. To stay in Afghanistan and think we can change that country is an exercise in futility. No one has ever been successful in controlling Afghanistan and after 10 years that should be painfully obvious to all Americans.

But we are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and our young men and women are dying and being injured over there. When our troops return home we need to support them, and their families, in every way possible.

Submitted by Eldon Erickson

POST 131 COURIER

Plight of the Homeless - An EditorialBy Gregg ZoroyaUSA TodayPublished: August 2, 2011

More than 10,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are homeless or in programs aimed at keeping them off the streets, a number that has doubled three times since 2006, according to figures released by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The rise comes at a time when the total number of homeless veterans has declined from a peak of about 400,000 in 2004 to 135,000 today.

"We're seeing more and more (Iraq and Afghanistan veterans)," says Richard Thomas, a Volunteers of America case manager at a shelter in Los Angeles. "It's just a bad time for them to return now and get out of the military."Advertisement

The VA blames the rise on a poor economy and the nature of the current wars, where a limited number of troops serve multiple deployments.

The result is a group of homeless veterans where 70 percent have a history of combat exposure with its psychological effects, says Pete Dougherty, a senior policy adviser on homelessness at the VA.

Among all homeless veterans, perhaps 20 percent to 33 percent were in combat, he says.

LaShonna Perry, a former Army mechanic who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was homeless for more than year after leaving the military. She rented an apartment last year with a federal voucher.

"Some soldiers still have issues they're dealing with from what they've seen, what they've experienced," she says. "Some think, 'There's nothing wrong with me.' They can deal with it on their own. Until it gets out of control."

As of May, there were 10,476 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans either living on the streets, in temporary housing or receiving federal vouchers to help pay rent for an apartment.About 13 percent are women, the VA says.

The spike in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seeking shelter comes at a time when the government and non-profit groups are pouring more resources than ever into fighting veteran homelessness.

The VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development is spending $46.2 million to expand the voucher program.

Continued on Page 9

OCTOBER 2011

American Legion Baseballwww.legion.org

American Legion Baseball (ALB) began in 1925 and held its first national tournament the following year. Today, more than 5,000 teams and about 95,000 youngsters participate in all states and Puerto Rico. ALB consists of two divisions – seniors (19 years of age and younger) and juniors (17 years of age and younger).

ALB strives to teach practical lessons of good sportsmanship and citizenship. Loyalty, respect for rules and decisions rendered, fair play, courage and physical fitness are emphasized in this activity.

The Legion’s national organization conducts tournaments in its senior division. The winners of eight regional tournaments advance to a national championship tournament. The team crowned national champion is honored by Major League Baseball (MLB) with a trip to the MLB World Series.

Many current and former MLB players developed their skills on American Legion diamonds. They included Hall of Famers like Bob Feller, Ted Williams, Don Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson. Current stars like Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols and Darin Erstad played American Legion Baseball.

American Legion Baseball depends upon its posts, individual Legionnaires and other Legion family organizations to promote the activity. Enthusiastic leadership, coaches and players are available in almost every community where an American Legion post is located.

Dover's Mike Calabrese slides safely into home as Bedford catcher Jordan St.

Jean reaches for the ball during Tuesday's game.

POST 131 COURIER

BACKGROUND

Far too many veterans are homeless in America—between 130,000 and 200,000 on any given night—representing between one fourth and one-fifth of all homeless people. Three times that many veterans are struggling with excessive rent burdens and thus at increased risk of homelessness. Further, there is concern about the future. Women veterans and those with disabilities including post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury are more likely to become homeless, and a higher percentage of veterans returning from the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have these characteristics.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. And approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country.

Approximately 40% of homeless men are veterans, although veterans comprise only 34% of the general adult male population. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that on any given night, 200,000 veterans are homeless, and 400,000 veterans will experience homelessness during the course of a year (National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 2006). 97% of those homeless veterans will be male (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2008).

DEMOGRAPHICS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says the nation's homeless veterans are mostly males (four percent are females). The vast majority is single, most come from poor, disadvantaged communities, 45 percent suffer from mental illness, and half have substance abuse problems. America’s homeless veterans have served in World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, or the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. 47 per cent of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam Era. More than 67 per cent served our country for at least three years and 33 per cent were stationed in a war zone.

Homeless VeteransNational Coalition for the HomelessSeptember 2009

23% of the homeless population are veterans 25% have used VA homeless services

47% served Vietnam-era 33% were stationed in war zone

25% have used VA homeless services 79% reside in central cities

85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans

OCTOBER 2011

Immigration is one of the hottest topics going right now, one that affects each and every one of us, and one that instantly triggers strong feeling from all sides. Today, the U.S. is in the midst of yet another outrage over illegal immigration which is obvious to anyone with a television, radio, or high speed internet connection. Arizona started it and now it’s here in Alabama. We’re supposed to be a country of immigrants, huddled masses yearning to breathe free in a melting pot, but the truth is we’ve always had a shut the door behind you mentality. We’re a country of immigrants that is wary of newcomers.

It is obvious our process is flawed. It doesn’t work for anyone and it’s created an enormous undocumented population, nearly 11 million people, according to the Department of Homeland Security, who live “in the shadows.” Our basic strategy has been to ignore this situation entirely, even as we depend on the labor force it provides. At least that strategy works until something disruptive happens, like a reform-minded president, a bad economy, a federal lawsuit challenging a state law, and at that point all hell breaks loose. Twenty-two states have either passed laws similar to Arizona or have introduced legislation. Alabama is one of them. Clearly, avoiding the issue is no longer an option.

Some of the illegal aliens may be hard working individuals but, the fact remains that they have entered the country illegally, which means they broke the law. Many of these undocumented aliens are also criminals. An example, three (3) illegal aliens were recently arrested in Birmingham for cocaine trafficking. Whatever you feel about the Alabama law, let your voice be heard and tell your State Legislators.

Legislative CommitteePatricia Erickson, Chairperson

VA Loan Guaranty Program

This loan program was established to aid veterans, active duty personnel, Reservists and National Guard members who have served at least 6 years of service in the purchase of a home, repair or improvement of a home, and/or refinancing of an existing home loan. Applicants must agree to live on the property and have a good credit rating and an income sufficient to support mortgage payments. To obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility complete VA form 26-1880, “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits”.

The amount of the VA guaranty available to eligible veterans is called the entitlement. Lenders may consider this equivalent to a down payment. The amount of entitlement varies with the loan amount. (www.homeloans.va.gov)

POST 131 COURIER

Simple" Task Force Awareness has been developed to become a voice in assisting our Vets who are not on any type of VA program to become aware of the benefits available to them, and also introduce them to the nearest facility and the understandings of what and how those Facilites

can help them and their dependents and or survivors. Also to conduct a seminar hosted by a Veteran Administration"s Representative to answer any and all questions to insure that they are following Pro-To-Col. The Mission of this group is to seek out and rescue our brother"s and sister"s that have fallen behind and get them back on the road to total recovery.

The second phase of our Mission for the Awareness Team is to prepare for the new Influx of our young troops returning home from their Service Duties Our job as the Been There Done That Guys, is to insure that our young Troops do not make the same mistakes that we did. To make their walk a lot easier, we must be prepared to assist them and their dependents. We can assist

those returning as well as those staying abroad, by assisting the family members that may need help with simple chores. I implore you my fellow Legionnaires to brace yourselves and prepare to march forward and win this Battle. I ask you to stand ready and willing to take a stand.

Homeless Vet Task Force AwarenessRon Jefferson, Chairperson

Special VA Pension RatingsSubmitted by Mike Northcutt, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs

Many VA pensioners who are either veterans or their survivors, and who are permanently housebound, may be eligible for higher income limitations or additional financial benefits. Unfortunately many pensioners and social workers are unaware of this eligibility for additional financial assistance.

Unlike the stringent criteria used to determine entitlement to aid and attendance, the applicant for the housebound benefit need not be bedridden but must be permanently housebound.

Some of the disabilities likely to make a pensioner eligible for the housebound benefits may be arthritis, rheumatism, vision impairment and cardiac conditions, to name a few.

For families who have VA pensioners that are failing in their health, please visit your local Alabama State Veterans Affairs Officer for assistance.

OCTOBER 2011

• 8 District Meeting

• 10 Columbus Day

• 13 Regular Post Meeting

• 24 UN Day

• 31 Halloween

continued from page 3

The VA is set to announce Tuesday that nearly $60 million will fund a program of grants to veterans with families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

"There are places to turn to for help that did not exist before," says John Driscoll, president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.He said more than 2,400 non-profit organizations across the country now have homeless veteran programs.___

(c) 2011, USA Today

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

POST 131 COURIER

District 23 To Purchase FlagMontevallo, ALAugust 12, 2011

American Legion District 23 Officers presented a check to Tom Walker, CEO of the American Village to purchase a new 8x12 foot American Flag that will hang above the door on Wahsington Hall. The current flag is unserviceable and is in great need of retiring.

Founded in 1995, the American Village serves the nation as an education institution whose mission is to strengthen and renew the foundations of American Liberty and self-government by engaging and inspiring citizens, leaders and stewards. "Building this community relationship just makes sense. Everything that the American Legion stans for is embodied here at the American Village" sain Mike Welborn, Vice Commander of District 23.

The American Legion is proud to support the American Village through it's Americanism,

Veterans and many other programs! Currently both organizations are working on plans to host a flag retirement ceremony for the old, faded flag and the details will be announced at a future date.

The American Legion and the American Village - together - "For God and Country"

DFrom left to right - Mike Welborn, Vice Commander 23rd

District (Post 131), Phil Burnette, Commander 23rd District

(Post 6), Tom Walker, CEO American Village

Plight of the Homeless - An Editorial (Continued)

OCTOBER 2011

Dear Ma and Pa,

I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Larson by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. but I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.

Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there’s warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much.

We go on ‘route marches,’ which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different. A ‘route march’ is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat.

The sergeant is like a school teacher, he nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and Colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Devils Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6” and 130 pounds and he’s 6’8” and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,Darlene

Letter From A Farm Kid

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