Standing Committees
Updated 12-1-2006
Veteran's CommitteeJesse Deel Chair Season’s greetingsBrothers and Sisters “Tis the Season” is upon us and I have seen my first “Bell Ringer” of the year. My brakes were gone on my car the other day on my way home from work; it was time to go to the Auto parts store. This little old man was at the door, politely ringing his bell and smiling at the passersby, but no one was paying much attention. Being a soldier once myself, I noticed how sharp and crisp he looked in the Salvation Army uniform. We started to talk. He told me that this was his 60th year ringing the bell for the holiday season. His name was Michael. I asked what got him involved with the Salvation Army. Michael told me he was a tanker in WWII and while he was in Europe fighting the Germans, his young wife and 2 children fell on hard time when he was gone.The Salvation Army helped his family get back on their feet and he felt that ringing the bell for the Holidays was the least he could do. 60 years! The Salvation Army is full of dedicated people like him. When you see people ringing the bell. They are our past, looking out for our future. Give generously to them. They helped many of our families during our “extended holiday” last year.The Federal government is going to give Gulf War Veterans an early Christmas present this year. You will receive $1,000 for your service during Desert Storm, Desert Shield, or the Current conflict. If you have any questions, you can call 216-903-5310 and I will help you find the answers to your questions.The Committee had a Veterans Day Ceremony at the flagpole in front of 118. We lowered and folded the old flags for burning at my house June 14th (hint). We hoisted new stars and stripes, POW/MIA and Ohio flags supplied by Alcoa. I gave a speech that was not long, remember, it was cold! Veterans Day Speech On this day, we the People of the United States of America honor and pay tribute to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that have served this country with honor and respect for our way of life.We need to remember these brave men and women, not just today, but everyday, for their courage and dedication in keeping America free.I ask of you, brothers and sisters, to remember the men and women who work beside us. Honor them on this day with a warm handshake and a simple thank you. It is not a lot to ask of you, but it means the world to a Veteran. Simple gratitude from a fellow American is payment enough for most Veterans.In closing, I ask all Veterans to think back to your comrades in arms as I have, and think fondly of them. In truth, we are all our brothers keepers.We marched down to the Union Hall and lowered our flags; had a moment of silence for our brothers and sisters no longer with us and marched back to work. I appreciate everyone’s participation and hope to see you next time.The Veterans booth at the Health fair was very busy and we raffled off a UAW Veterans bag and a T-shirt. The winners were Reggie Childs and Jeff Judson. The committee collected $233.00 for the Veterans Committee.In closing, I would wish everyone a warmed hearth and a happy home for the holidays. Peace Brothers and Sisters If you did not receive your the military decoration that which you were entitled, send your name, address, rank, service number, dates and places of service, and the name of decoration in question to your branch of service. ARMY The Adjutant General Decorations and Awards Branch Dept. of the Army Washington, D.C. 20310 NAVY Naval Records Management Decorations and Awards Division 9700 Paige Blvd. St. Louis, MI 63132 USAF Decorations and Awards Branch HQ Randolph AFB, TX 78148 USMC National Personal Records Center 9700 Paige Blvd. St. Louis, MI 63132 USGC Commandant G-PS-5 U.S. Coast Guard HQ Washington, D.C. 20503