Jun - American Legion
Transcription
Jun - American Legion
June 2014 Volume 18 Issue 6 The American Legion Oliver D Nichelson Post 221 444 John Sims Parkway East Niceville, FL 32578-2026 850-678-2682 WWW.NICEVILLEAMERICANLEGION.ORG Post 221 Officers Commander 1st Vice 2nd Vice 3rd Vice Adjutant Finance Chaplain Judge Adv Svs Officer Sgt-at-Arms Historian Lenora Ellison Jim Dennis Ken Tate Rick Nadeau Ronnie Grover Ben Meredith Glen Payne Alan Clineman Ben Meredith Larry Unser Scottie Gontarek 729-7044 678-1750 797-2795 678-7636 797-8879 561-301-6080 678-7636 217-6099 678-8938 Commander’s Comments Six members of our Post attended the District 1 meeting held at Post 235, FWB. District officers were voted in and “campaign” speeches were heard from Legionnaires running for State and National positions. They will be voted on during the state conference 12-15 June in Orlando. ben meredith, scottie gontarek and myself will be attending the conference. Hopefully we’ll bring back some valuable information from the seminars and classes. I’m sorry to report that we had to perform a draping of charter for both AROUND THE POST newsletter contributors — Have a great bit of news for the newsletter? Deadline is the 20th of each month. If there’s room, it’s in! the mural is done! — Be sure to commend our own little red hen, Commander lenora ellison. SAL Squadron 221 Commander Steve Brewer Adjutant Charlie Griffith Auxiliary Officers President Vice Pres Sec/Treas Historian Chaplain Sgt-at-Arms Ethel Knese 897-4591 Carol Sorrendino Deanna Minkler Dawna Meredith Dottie Davis Kathy Unser Newsletter Editor Scottie Gontarek [email protected] Jim Dennis Lenora Ellison Thomas Gallaher Bob Goodfleisch Bev Scott Paul Tauscher fl american legion license plates — Dept of FL is trying to get an American Legion license plate. We must have 1,000 orders by June for the DMV to start production. The Cost is $35.50 per plate vouchered and when received a special FL Legion License Plate Pin will be sent to you. Applications for the plates are located in the Pelican Lounge on the table next to the pull tab machine. Don’t let this pass you by. teach and learn — Beginning computer classes (and iPhone and iPad) are going swimmingly. If you need help, stop by Tuesdays at 2:00. If that’s not a good time for you, get with scottie gontarek to work a better schedule. craig born and bob milligan during the month of May. Our condolences to both of their families. This month’s newsletter is filled with information about the VA problems. Please take time to read the letter from National Commander dan dellinger to learn with you can do the help. Lenora Ellison Commander Post 221 We only had 3 hats worn on derby day. deb norman, scottie gontarek, and dottie burks. We didn't get a photo of dottie’s hat, so we’ve included an artist’s rendition for your viewing pleasure. AN OPEN LETTER FROM AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL COMMANDER DAN DELLINGER: major construction projects plagued by years-long delays and combined cost overruns of $1.5 billion. [Editor’s Note: Some of you may remember Haggstrom was commander Family Accountability Act of 2014 (H.R. 4031), of Civil Engineers at Eglin] Dear Legion Members and Friends, The American Legion was the first veterans service organization to call for major changes at the top of the Department of Veterans Affairs to resolve a tragic problem that appears to be costing lives all across the land. I did not take lightly the decision to call for the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki - whose proud military career I deeply respect - and his undersecretaries for health and benefits. When I made that call, I looked across the National Executive Committee room in Indianapolis and saw hundreds of American Legion Family members and staff. I realized the many tens of thousands of veterans each of them represents. The time had come for action. I am not surprised about the extraordinary response we have received from the media, Capitol Hill and the White House about the issue at hand . The American Legion has the nation’s ear because it is the nation’s largest veterans service organization. In order to maintain that strength, and increase it as millions of new veterans come home from war looking for help, we need to grow even stronger. Please ask an eligible veteran to join us today as we work toward meaningful changes at VA. No veteran should tolerate a disingenuous VA. As whistleblowers step forward and more facilities are accused of cooking the books while veterans die waiting for appointments, our voice must be heard, loud, clear and in great number. It is up to us to stimulate the changes necessary to restore veteran trust in the VA health-care system. When errors and lapses are discovered at VA, they must be addressed immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable. This week, the House is expected to vote on the VA Management Page 2 which is supported by The American Legion. (There is also a Senate version, S. 2013.) Please send your elected members of Congress an email encouraging support of the VA Management Accountability Act of 2014. Visit our Legislative Action Center to learn more about it and other pending bills of importance to the Legion. I also encourage you to sign up to receive email action alerts that let you know when your support is needed on various issues. Sign up here. As recent weeks have shown, The American Legion is needed now as much as ever. Help us remain strong by recruiting a new member today. Contact your congressional representatives and offer your voice of support for the VA Management Accountability Act. Help your fellow veterans. That’s what we do. Thank you, For God and Country, St. Louis, Missouri More than 1,800 patients of the St. Louis VA may have been exposed to HIV and Hepatitis as a result of unsanitary dental equipment. The facility has remained under fire for patient deaths, persistent patient-safety issues and critical reports. Despite the problems, the director from 2009 - 2013, RimaAnn Nelson, received nearly $25,000 in bonuses during her tenure there. Fayetteville, North Carolina A Dec 2012 audit of the Fayetteville VA found employees did not complete required suicide prevention follow-ups 90% of the time for patients at a high risk of suicide. The audit also found the center “noncompliant” in cleanliness of patient care areas, environmental safety, dental Dan Dellinger clinic safety, training and testing procedures. In Jul 2012, during an investigation that substantiated patient misdiagnosis complaints, VA’s IG found the responsible physician failed to properly review medication information Here are just a few specific VA issues 56% of the time, a step that is “critical to Nationally appropriate evaluation, treatment Diana Rubens, the VA executive in planning, and safety.” Fayetteville VA charge of nearly 60 offices that process Director Elizabeth Goolsby received a disability benefits claims, collected almost performance bonus of $7,604 in 2012. $60,000 in bonuses while presiding over a Dallas, Texas near seven-fold increase in backlogged Dallas VA Director Jeff Milligan and claims. regional director Lawrence Biro have VA construction chief Glenn Haggstrom received a combined $50,000 in bonuses collected almost $55,000 in performance since 2011 despite a series of allegations (Continued on page 5) bonuses despite presiding over a host of ITS NOT JUST PHEONIX risks, and personal preference. “Some of my patents use nonmedicated treatment options such as warm water with Epsom salts and topical pain medications (e.g., Ben-Gay) for osteoarthritis,” said APMA member, podiatric physician, and Post 221 member Joe Agostinelli aka Doc A If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, or joint inflammation, you know all too well the pain associated with the disease. There are several types of arthritis but the most common form is osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear” arthritis. Also referred to as degenerative joint disease, it’s the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. This breakdown caused the bones to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement in the joint. In the foot, osteoarthritis can affect any joint. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are tenderness or pain, stiffness in the joint, swelling in the joint, and reduced ability to move, walk, or bear weight. Proper diagnosis, early treatment, and pain management are all key factors in preventing joint deformity and disability. Treatment entails taking medications for arthritis management. These medications include analgesics and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Analgesic medications are commonly sold over the counter as Tylenol or acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is most effective for mild to moderate pain. NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory, painkilling, and fever-reducing properties. Some common NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin and Advil), naproxen, and prescription medications such as Celebrex. Experts are divided over the role of acetaminophen versus NSAIDs. Both are commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis and both are equally effective for pain relief. Factors to consider when choosing either analgesics or NSAIDs include cost, Other treatments include steroid medications, pads, or arch supports, inserts that support the ankle and foot, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and surgery. Here are a few foot care tips to consider for arthritis management: Wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable Wear shoes with more cushioning and rubber soles Perform exercise to help keep your feet pain=free, flexible, and strong: Achilles stretch — With your palms flat on a wall, lean against the wall and place one foot forward and one foot back. Lean forward, leaving your heels on the floor. Repeat 3 times, holding for 10 seconds on each side. Toe pull — Place a thick rubber band around the toes of each foot, and then spread your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat 10 more times. Toe curl — Pick up marbles or any small objects with your toes. Consult your podiatrist to determine the best course of treatment for foot and ankle osteoarthritis. To find a podiatric physician in your area, go to APMA.org and click on Find a Podiatrist. Page 3 t’s hard to believe June is here and we are headed for hotter weather. If beatin’ the heat is what you have in mind, c’mon into our pelican lounge and enjoy your favorite “flavor”! We have monthly drink specials that will surely satisfy your thirst. Have a seat, shoot the bull with the regulars and maybe learn some useless trivia that seems to make its way around the bar. We tend to conger up spontaneous games of darts, dice, pool and corn hole that promotes smack talking and bragging rights. long with games, we have other events that keep our members busy. nascar sprint cup races are in full swing which means “caution flag drink “giveaways” will continue. california chrome will be attempting to be the first horse since 1978 to win the triple crown during the belmont stakes. And we can’t forget father’s day. We will be sure to incorporate some drink specials and potluck dinners into some of these events. Thanks to those of you that have given your time and donations to make such gatherings special. peaking of special, as of May 13th our dart team was sitting in second place in the league. Come out and support them on certain Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. See the schedule posted on the bulletin board. They will be looking to form an additional team next session according to a certain player to remain anonymous (no, it’s not me). If interested, let me know and I will put you in contact with the right person. f you just want to shoot darts for fun, join our group on Monday nights at 6:15 for some blind draw Cricket and 301. It will only cost you a drink if you are part of the losing team. We listen to music, cavort (sounded good) and try to get better (operative word: try). Nobody has been scathed, scalped, maimed, or crippled over a match but ego bruising is a common occurrence. e welcome new suggestions regarding our lounge. Please don’t hesitate to address any concerns and compliment those working hard to ensure a pleasant Post experience. Remember to thank your bartenders for serving you. In closing, Post and Auxiliary business is not a subject to be discussed in the lounge area. Please address those issues in appropriate areas. hanks for your continued support! The Grey-Haired Brigade is here. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2014 we're going to the polls by the millions. The typical U.S. household headed by a person age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times greater than a household headed by someone under 35, according to an analysis of census data released Monday. If all of us "old farts" have all of the money, then let us try to elect someone who might be near honest and not be after feathering their own nests. They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25¢ gasoline, and milk being delivered .A few even remember when cars, tractors, and trucks were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days. We are probably considered old fashioned and outdated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America, and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America. Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it. I A Page 4 S I w T Ken Tate Pelican Lounge Manager Post 221 CRAIG A BORN 1957—2014 Craig A Born of Niceville passed away 9 May in Kentucky after a long illness. He is survived by his mother, Meta Born (KY), brothers Wolfgang Born (KY) and Keith Born (ND), daughter April Connley (KY), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Sgt Joshua A Born, killed in Afghanistan 23 Feb 2012. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in his sons name: Sgt Joshua A Born. He will be missed and remembered fondly by many, both locally and away. David West, a VA health official in New local New4 team learned Fillingim was York, pocketed nearly $26,000 in bonuses rehired in March 2011 and has since while overseeing chronic misuse of insulin assumed a high-level managerial position from workers, patients and family pens that potentially exposed hundreds of in Augusta GA earning more than members regarding poor care at the veterans to blood-borne illnesses. $100,000 per year. facility as well as more than 30 certification agency complaints against the medical Dayton, Ohio center in the last three years. For nearly 18 years, the dental clinic at the Dayton VA allowed unsanitary Philadelphia, Pennsylvania practices, potentially exposing hundreds of The director of VA’s Philadelphia patients to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. regional office, Thomas Lastowka, Director Guy Richardson then collected an received a $23,000 bonus in 2011 despite $11,874 bonus despite an investigation a doubling in the backlog of disability into the exposures. After nine of the compensation claims at the office exposed patients tested positive Hepatitis between 2010 and 2011. B and Hepatitis C, Richardson was promoted. Phoenix, Arizona ITS NOT JUST PHEONEX (Continued from page 2) Phoenix VA Regional Office Director Sandra Flint has received more than $53,000 in bonuses since 2007 despite a doubling in the office’s backlog of disability compensation claims since 2009. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania After persistent management failures led to a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the Pittsburgh VA, director Terry Wolf received a perfect performance review and regional director Columbia, South Carolina Michael Moreland, who oversees VA Columbia VA Regional Office Director Pittsburgh, collected a $63,000 bonus. Carl Hawkins received almost $80,000 in bonuses despite a doubling in the backlog Atlanta, Georgia of disability compensation claims and Despite four preventable patient inappropriate shredding of disability deaths, three of which VA’s IG linked to claims documents. mismanagement, former Atlanta VA n Sep 2013, six deaths were linked to Director James Clark received $65,000 in bonuses over four years. Additionally, the facility’s current director, Leslie Wiggins, maintains that no employees responsible for the mismanagement linked to the deaths should be fired. delayed screenings for colorectal cancer. The VA’s IG determined that the center fell behind with its screenings because critical nursing positions went unfilled for months. It also found that only about $275,000 of $1 million provided to Jackson, Mississippi & Augusta, Georgia alleviate the backlog had been used over On 1 Apr 2014, it was revealed that MS the course of a year. VA Department financial manager Jed Fillingim drove a government truck after Waco, Texas Carl Lowe, former director of the VA drinking with two colleagues near Dallas while at a Jun 2010 conference. One of regional office in Waco, Texas, raked in the colleagues, MS VA employee Amy more than $53,000 in bonuses as the Wheat fell out of the truck while it was office’s average disability claims moving and died. She suffered severe processing time grew to historic levels, head injuries and a severed leg in the fall. forcing veterans to wait longer than anywhere else in the country. Though he resigned from his position Buffalo, New York with the Jackson MS VA five months later Robert Francis Milligan 23 Apr 2014 Robert Francis Milligan died peacefully surrounded by his family on 23 Apr 2014. Bob was a proud Irish Catholic from Philadelphia and alumnus of West Catholic High School but lived most of his life in Niceville after retiring from active duty in the US Air Force. He was a Vietnam veteran, long time parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 221. He loved traveling with his wife, Rita, in his RV. He and his wife of 56 years had four children, Greg, Ann (Elmo), Patricia (Larry), and Elizabeth (Thomas); 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Leo (Caroline) and Danny (Kathy); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by friends and family alike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Niceville's Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Building Fund. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.Twincitiescremationsfunerals.com Page 5 Sun 1 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 Union Meet 930 AM NASCAR NOON DOVER 8 NASCAR NOON POCONO 15 40/8 Meeting 6 pm NASCAR NOON MICHIGAN 22 NASCAR 6:30 KENTUCKY NASCAR 2 PM SONOMA 29 30 FLORIDA PRIMARY ELECTION FLORIDA GENERAL ELECTION Deadline to Register: July 28, 2014 Election Day: August 26, 2014 Deadline to Register: October 6, 2014 Election Day: November 4, 2014 Polls are open on Election Day from 7 am to 7 pm local time. Page 6 Humphrey Bogart Actor Humphrey DeForest Bogart was born on Christmas Day 1899 in New York City, the eldest child of Dr. Belmont Bogart, a cardiopulmonary surgeon and Maud Humphrey, a commercial illustrator. His mother used a drawing of baby Humphrey in a well-known ad campaign for Mellins Baby Food (not Gerber as urban legend says.) The Bogarts lived in a fashionable Upper West Side apartment, and had an elegant cottage on a 55-acre estate in upstate New York on Canandaigua Lake. As a youngster, Humphrey's gang of friends at the lake would put on theatricals. In 1918, Humphrey Bogart followed his love for the sea and enlisted in the United States Navy in the spring of 1918 and served during World War I. He recalled later, "At eighteen, war was great stuff. Paris! Sexy French girls! Hot damn!" It was during his naval stint that Bogart may have received his trademark scar and developed his characteristic lisp, though the actual circumstances are unclear. In one account, during a shelling of his ship the USS Leviathan, his lip was cut by a piece of shrapnel, although some claim Bogart did not make it to sea until after the armistice with Germany was signed. Another version, which Bogart's long-time friend, author Nathaniel Benchley claims is the truth, is that Bogart was injured while on assignment to take a military prisoner to Portsmouth Naval Prison in Maine. Supposedly, while changing trains in Boston, the handcuffed prisoner asked for a cigarette and while Bogart looked for a match, the prisoner raised his hands, smashed Bogart across the mouth with his cuffs, cutting his lip, and fled. The prisoner was eventually taken to Portsmouth. After his discharge Bogart worked as a shipper and then bond salesman. He also joined the Naval Reserve. Bogart resumed his friendship with boyhood pal Bill Brady Jr whose father had a new company, World Films. Bogart was able to try his hand at screenwriting, directing, and production, but excelled at none. For a while, he was stage manager for Brady's daughter's play A Ruined Lady. A few months later, in 1921, Bogart made his stage debut in Drifting as a Japanese butler in another play, nervously speaking one line of dialog. Several more appearances followed in her subsequent plays. Bogart liked the late hours actors kept, and enjoyed the attention an actor got on stage. He stated, "I was born to be indolent and this was the softest of rackets." He spent a lot of his free time in speakeasies and became a heavy drinker. A barroom brawl during this time might have been the actual cause of Bogart's lip damage. After the stock market crash of 1929, stage production dropped off sharply, and many of the more photogenic actors headed for Hollywood. Spencer Tracy was a serious Broadway actor who Bogart liked and admired, and they became close friends and drinking companions. It was Tracy, in 1930, who first called him “Bogie.” Bogart shuttled back and forth between Hollywood and the New York stage from 1930 to 1935, suffering long periods without work. In 1936, Bogart got his big break when he was cast as Duke Mantee (a role he originated on Broadway) in the film version of The Petrified Forest. Originally the studio wanted Edward G. Robinson for the role. But Leslie Howard campaigned for Humphrey Bogart and won. Bogart was also an excellent chess player, almost of master strength. During World War II, he would play chess with the servicemen by mail. Frank Sinatra's group of friends known as The Rat Pack was actually originally a group of Bogart's friends, including Sinatra, who enjoyed drinking heavily. The origin of the term The Rat Pack was this: One morning, after a night of heavy drinking by Bogart and his friends, Bogart's wife Lauren Bacall walked into the room, looked at the group and flatly stated, "You look like a God-damned rat pack." Bogart enjoyed the term, and a legend was born. During his career he was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Actor: The Caine Mutiny, Casablanca, and The African Queen. He won for African Queen. His final film was The Harder They Fall (1956). Humphrey Bogart died at the age of 57 on January 14, 1957 of throat cancer. The first armored presidential limo was used by President Franklin Roosevelt just as the United States was entering WW II. This particular Cadillac convertible originally belonged to the gangster Al Capone. It was seized in 1932 when Capone was charged with tax evasion. Page 7 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Permit 126 126 Ft Walton Beach , FL Jun 02, 1935 Jun 03, 1989 Jun 04, 1942 Jun 05, 1933 Jun 06, 1944 Jun 07, 1913 Jun 08, 1968 Jun 09, 1973 Jun 10, 1752 Jun 11, 1979 Jun 12, 1987 Jun 13, 1966 june June's birthstones The birth flower for June is rose. In Greek are pearl and mythology, rose meaning is associated Babe Ruth retires with Aphrodite goddess of love who was moonstone. often depicted adorned Crackdown at Tiananmen Greeks believed that with roses around her Battle of Midway begins wearing pearls head, feet and or neck. would promote marital bliss and prevent In lore, we track down FDR takes US off gold standard newlywed women from crying. this association when D-Day we discover that a rose Moonstone is mostly known as a stone st bush grew within the pool 1 successful ascent of McKinley for lovers. It is said that if you give your of blood spilled from sweetheart a moonstone or a piece of James Earl Ray arrested Aphrodite's slain lover, Adonis. moonstone jewelry during a full moon We can interpret the symbolism Secretariat wins Triple Crown that the passion you share will be eternal. here several ways. The most Franklin flies kite in storm common interpretation is that the rose Jun 21, 1788 U.S. Constitution ratified symbolizes an immortal love or a union John Wayne dies that will never fade - even through time Reagan challenges Gorbachev Jun 22, 1944 FDR signs G.I. Bill or death. Miranda rights established Jun 23, 1992 John Gotti sentenced to life Jun 01, 1980 CNN launches Jun 14, 1777 Congress adopts Stars & Stripes Jun 24, 1997 USAF reports on Roswell Jun 15, 1215 Magna Carta sealed Jun 25, 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn Jun 16, 1884 1st roller coaster in America opens Jun 26, 1948 US begins Berlin Airlift Jun 17, 1885 Statue of Liberty arrives in NY Jun 27, 1950 Truman orders troops to Korea Jun 18, 1812 War of 1812 begins Jun 28, 1953 1st Corvette assembled Jun 19, 1953 Rosenbergs executed Jun 29, 1995 Shuttle docks with space station Jun 20, 1975 “Jaws” released Jun 30, 1936 “Gone with the Wind” published The zodiac signs for the month of June are Gemini (until June 20) and Cancer (June 21 onwards).