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On Veterans Day we can all come together and show our appreciation for members of the military. Not only for those actively serving, but for those who have served in the past. It can be hard to find ways that we can show appreciation for members of the military family, but we’ve put together some ways for you to consider. “Thank you for your service” is often said to honor these veterans. Here are a few suggestions that you might be able to use to honor those who have sacrificed so much for us.

SHOW UP:

Its very likely that there is an event happening in your area. One of the best and most simple ways to show your appreciation is to simply show up in support. Go to a parade, or a service for Veterans and just by being there you can show those around you your appreciation. Roy Rogers, a decorated veteran says ” We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.”

ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR SERVICE:

Odds are, you know someone who has served or you have come in contact with someone who has. Another easy way to show appreciation is to ask about their service. Some good questions that you can ask someone are “What did you do in the military” or “what was your favorite moment in all your time in the service”. However, it is vey important to keep the questions appropriate.

DONATE:

There are many organizations out there who use donations to help veterans in need. They offer a huge amount of support, service, and appreciation to all veterans throughout the country. Some of those organizations are Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, a local non-profit veterans organization, and a local veterans shelter. These organizations take your donations and use them to provide all kinds of support from job placement to rehabilitation programs, to food and shelter.

DON’T CONFUSE VETERANS DAY WITH MEMORIAL DAY:

There is quite a big difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. It is important that you are able to distinguish the difference between the two as it could make both seem less important. On Veteran’s Day we celebrate and thank those who are currently serving in the military as well as those who have served in the past who are still living. Memorial day is a time to reflect and remember those who lost their lives.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Article by OnlineStores.com, National League of Families, POW-MIA

The POW/MIA Bracelet

An organization called VIVA (Voices in a Vital America) launched the first public awareness campaign for POW/MIAs. Although the issue was featured occasionally on the news and in magazines, no formal organization existed for POW/MIAs. VIVA was a not profit, non-political, student organization run on a volunteer basis in Los Angeles in the 1970s. Several college students, Carol Bates Brown, Kay Hunter and Steve Frank, an adult advisor, Gloria Coppin, and a returning veteran (who would later become a Congressman), Bob Dornan, formed the original group. They aimed to distribute bracelets to gain publicity for the POW/MIA issue.

Without funding, income or loans, the bracelets were initially made from donated brass and copper, and engraved by a Santa Monica engraver. The group aimed bracelet sales at college students, since students were incredibly active in protesting the war with sit-ins, blackouts, riots, etc. Bracelets were a peaceful means of awareness. The bracelets were engraved with a MIA or POW serviceman’s name, rank and date of loss. Each bracelet cost between $2.50 and $3.00 to buy. A supporter would wear the bracelet until the POW or MIA was accounted for or brought home. Copper bracelets did catch on with the adult population, who believed copper would help tennis elbow.

In September of 1970, VIVA attended an annual meeting for the National League of Families in Washington, D.C. Wives and parents of POW/MIAs took a huge interest in wearing bracelets and obtaining them for distribution. In November, VIVA did a news conference at the Universal Sheraton Hotel, which spawned a huge public response. Before long more than 12,000 requests were made for bracelets each day. The two remaining students in the group dropped out of college to work full-time with VIVA.

With the profits the group was able to get brochures, bumper stickers and buttons to publicize the POW/MIA issue. VIVA distributed five million bracelets, millions of bumper stickers, brochures, matchbooks, buttons, newspaper ads, etc., before it closed its doors in 1976. By that time the Vietnam War had ended, and many supporters lost interest in the mission.

National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing

The National League of Families is comprised of the wives, children, parents, siblings and relatives of military servicemen who were prisoners of war, missing in action, and killed in action (bodies not recovered) in Southeast Asia. Veterans, concerned citizens and extended family members of POW/MIAs can join the League as associate members. The League is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, humanitarian org that is funded solely on donations.

Originating on the west coast, the League of Families had its unofficial beginning in the late 1960s. By 1968, the first POW/MIA story was published, which caused families to communicate with each other. Soon they banded together and the group grew from several to several hundred. The League was beginning to become politically active.

In 1970 family members met in Washington, D.C. at Constitution Hall, where the League’s charter and by-laws were officially adopted. A Board of Directors meets on a regular basis to discuss League policy and establish a direction for the group. The League is represented by State Coordinators and Regional Coordinators in state areas and multi-state areas.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of commemoration for servicemen unaccounted for and/or missing in America’s wars. The first commemoration of this day was held July 18, 1979 at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The date was chosen because it was around the time the League had its yearly meeting. On that day the 1st Tactical Squadron from the Langley Air Force Base in Virginia flew the Missing Man Formation, and the Veterans Administration made posters.

Although legislation for National POW/MIA Recognition Day was introduced year after year, in 1995 Congress deemed that it would no longer consider legislation of special commemorative days. Because of this the president now signs a proclamation, establishing the official date of National POW/MIA Recognition Day every year.

In the 1980s the Ex-POWs wanted Recognition Day to be commemorated on April 9th, which was the date the largest number of Americans was captured during World War II. In 1985, Recognition Day was scheduled to be observed on April 9th as the Ex-POWs requested. However the ceremony had to be canceled because of bad weather.

Realizing that rainy weather is common in April, the National League of Families decided to choose another date, one that was not related to any specific war or any organization’s national convention.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day to remember POW/MIAs and America’s responsibility to do everything in its power to account for those who are missing or captive. Ceremonies are held from coast to coast and around the world at military installations, national veteran/civic organizations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools, churches, police departments, fire departments, fire stations, etc.

The POW/MIA Flag

In 1971, the wife of MIA serviceman Michael Hoff was a member of the National League of Families. She recognized the need for a symbol for the POW/MIAs, and contacted Norman Rivkees, the Vice President of Annin & Company to make a flag. The company commissioned Newton Heisley, a creative director for an advertising firm in New Jersey to design the flag. A former World War II pilot, Heisley sketched several designs based on his wartime memories. The design that was chosen depicted a silhouette of a man’s head with barbed wire and a watchtower in the background. Below the design, the flag bears the motto “You Are Not Forgotten.” Following the approval of the National League of Families, flags were manufactured and distributed.

In 1990, the 101st Congress officially recognized the POW/MIA flag, designating it “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for the families and the Nation” (Public Law 101-355).

The flag’s message is spread through its visibility. The POW/MIA flag has flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. With the exception of the American flag, the POW/MIA flag is the only flag to fly over the White House and fly continually over the Capitol’s rotunda.

References: National League of Families, POW-MIA

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Article by Lishamarie Hunter

Women comprise the fastest-growing segment of the homeless Veteran population. The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that just over 40,000 veterans were homeless on a single night in January of that year. Of those, about 9 percent were women, out of a population of more than 2 million female Veterans.

From 2016 to 2017, the number of homeless female Vets increased by 7 percent, compared with 1 percent for their male counterparts (2021). A side by side comparison of female and male veteran populations reveals that both groups of veterans reside in the greatest number in California, Texas and Florida, however they differ in concentrations.

Female veterans have the highest concentration in Texas; male veterans, in California. As the unemployment number rise due to the pandemic the homelessness is only growing, and more veterans being affected. That figure, according to the center, is projected to rise by about 9% to nearly 40,000 by 2025 (2021).

Many homeless female veterans were victims of military sexual trauma and feel resentment toward the military and the VA. As a result, many do not identify themselves as being veterans. They tend to stay away from the organizations wishing to help them because they feel they were betrayed by that organization in the past. According to the VA’s National Center for PTSD, data from the VA’s military sexual trauma screening program shows that about one in four women and 1 in 100 men say that they experienced sexual trauma or assault while in the military.

Homeless female veterans don’t fit the stereotype of a homeless person living on the streets. Female homeless veterans often have children and tend to stay with family or friends temporarily.

Some reasons for the underreporting of female veterans and lack of assistance for their situation are listed below:

1. A large percentage of female veterans facing homelessness find ways to live with family or friends, “couch surfing” for extended periods of time.
2. Many feel unsafe sleeping on the streets or even in shelters.
3. Many homeless facilities focus on the larger population of male homeless veterans, who also happen to be more likely to reach out and utilize VA services than their female counterparts.
4.  Many female veterans with children are worried that by accessing services or asking for help against homelessness, their children will be removed from their care.
5. Others learn that many shelters have limits on the number of children that can accompany their mother.

The majority of programs throughout the nation and in particular the VA system addresses the male veteran homelessness. There are resources for homeless veterans both male and female. VA understands that many women Veterans face challenges when returning to civilian life, including raising children on their own or dealing with the aftereffects of military sexual trauma.

Without intervention, these and other issues can put women Veterans at greater risk of homelessness. VA also strives to address the individualized needs of women throughout its specialized programs for homeless Veterans. Every VA Medical Center and regional benefits office also has a dedicated advocate to make sure women Veterans get the health care and benefits they’ve earned through service (va.gov)

Another organization that provides assistance with homeless female veterans is Final Salute INC. This organizations mission is simple to provide safe and suitable homes to homeless female veterans. They do this with their program H.O.M.E. The H.O.M.E Program provides transitional housing, on-site case management, food, clothing, transportation, child care subsidy/assistance, employment support and other essential supportive services to homeless female Veterans and their children.

The H.O.M.E Program focuses on integrating women Veterans back into their local communities and providing, safe and suitable residential areas to choose from. The H.O.M.E Program is a collaboration with a variety of resource partners that includes targeted supportive services to assist women Veterans in reaching their goals. The organization is based in the DC Metro Area, the programs have assisted women Veterans and children in over 30 States and Territories.

The organization assist with permanent placement once Veterans are ready to transition from our residential facilities. Who is eligible to apply for benefits from the H.O.M.E program. Veteran must have an “honorable or under honorable conditions” discharge; verified by DD-214*. (*Requires completion of initial service obligation (ISO), unless medically discharged). The veteran must also be willing to adhere to terms of the Resident Agreement and 2-Year Plan for Independence. Phone number is 703-224-8845 (2019).

The first step in eliminating the homelessness is to acknowledging the need for assistance. The local Vet Centers, VFW and American Legions can provide names and numbers of programs locally that provide emergency assistance. Local homeless assistance is available for veterans through your nearest HUD office. Call the HUDVET National Hotline at (877) 424-3838 FREE for around the clock assistance, or view the resources for homeless veterans on the HUD Exchange. No Veteran regardless of their gender should be homeless.

References:

• Absher, Jim. Female Veterans Are Fastest Growing Segment of Homeless Veteran Population. military.com, March 28, 2018, Retrieved February 23, 2021.
• Boothe, Casura, Steere, Suarez, The Numbers Don’t Add Up: Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development Severely Underestimate Number of Homeless Women Veterans. Released: August 24, 2016 Revised: December 1, 2017 Revised: July 2, 2019, Retrieved February 23, 2021.
• Angela M. Rogers, https://news.psu.edu/story/598769/2019/11/18/research/homeless-female- veterans-out-sight-out-mind, November 18, 2019, Retrieved February 24, 2021.
• Veteran’s Aid Org. The Invisible Homeless: Female Veterans Often Go Uncounted, February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2021.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/

Article by Tom Konecny Originally posted on www.MeetAmerica.com

The ever-popular Johnny Cash produced some 1,200 songs throughout his illustrious 50-year career, but there’s sudden reinterest in one of his tracks that didn’t even crack the Top 30 when it was released in 1974.

“Ragged Old Flag” is the title piece of Cash’s 47th album, but this grand, spoken word tribute to patriotism was originally written, it seems, with a heavy and concerned heart as American leadership sat at crossroads. When it was released in April 1974, America was absorbed with the ongoing Watergate scandal and the disconcerting feeling it was leaving behind. Cash had long been known as an outspoken entertainer, and had even visited President Richard Nixon in 1972. However, he didn’t like seeing the unfolding – if not embarrassing – narrative taking place and how it reflected on America.

Cash had supported Nixon’s candidacy, but he was also beginning to question policies around the Vietnam War. He wrote the song, according to Robert Hilburn’s Johnny Cash biography, to “reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people.” Cash wanted to remind Americans what patriotism meant and of his own faith in America at a time when many were divided.

Cash’s song tells a story about a visitor encountering an old man in a town square, and they talk about what both the flag and American has been through together. The song is reflective of Cash’s patriotism and love of America, and that’s part of the reason Cash gained such crossover appeal among fans of country, rock and roll, blues, folk and gospel.

The tune enjoyed a bump in popularity while featured at the beginning of FOX’s telecast of the Super Bowl in February 2017. The three-and-a-half minute clip showed war recreations and present-day actors in a town square. The network could have used that time to sell prime ad space, but its patriotic sports director instead chose to use Cash’s song to promote his love of the United States.

“Ragged Old Flag” was well-liked with fans during Cash’s live performances, and it gained even more popularity after 9/11. It’s often recited at events around the nation, it has been played by the U.S. Army’s West Point Band, and it’s regularly recited by veterans groups on national holidays.

While Cash’s intention behind the song may have been forgotten some 40 years later, the legacy lives on in various ways. It stands well enough on its own as a truly patriotic tune, and many also consider it as an anti-flag burning song.

Although “The Man in Black” passed away in 2003, he’s probably smiling at that sentiment – because he was proud of that ragged old flag.

Image Details: This is the cover art for Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” album. The cover art copyright is believed to belong to the record label or the graphic artist(s). Source: Wikipedia.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/