845 Product 5

The Folding of the US Flag

Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran? to find out how to properly fold a U.S. flag and the meaning of each of those folds .

Sam Bierstock was not in a good mood . It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla. , eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.

He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly.

At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you."

Then the old soldier began to cry.

"That really got to me," Bierstock says.

Cut to today.

Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band - have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute all those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die.

"If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them."

The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren.

"It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss "the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them."

Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans Day tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it. Click on the link below to hear this song and see the presentation.

BEFORE YOU GO

A VETERANS PRAYER

What it means to be a Veteran

A Veteran can mean many different things to many different people. Sometimes, those who fail to appreciate them overlook Veterans. Let us never take freedom for granted. Let us also never forget just how much sacrifice has been made in order to gain freedom. With so much that goes on in our daily lives, myself being a proud Veteran would like to pass along this reminder of how Veterans continue to give up their own freedom by leaving the security of their own country to fight wars that sometimes never end. They replace their own fears with bravery, so I feel we should replace our thoughts with memories of them. To be a Veteran would be a great honor to have. To know that when your country called you answered it, and that many Veterans have paid for the nation’s debt in blood. We must also remember all of the soldiers who are missing in action. Even though they are missing in action does not mean they are missing from our thoughts and prayers. With these things being said, let us take a moment from time to time to remember all Veterans, including our own mothers and fathers, our brothers and sisters and our grandfathers. They all have fought so diligently toward the cause, whatever it may be. Let us be reminded of these extraordinary people, and of the debt we owe them.

Thank you, Local 845 Veterans. “You are not forgotten.”

reprinted from "Your Union Writes", our Local UAW 845 publication

VETERANS COMMITTEE RESOURCES
by Monte Wall

Benefits update:
1. Service disabled veterans interested in owning or startng up a business, contact Trish Cashman at
     215-790-3634.
2. VA increases on loan benefits up to 400K. Good refinance option!
3. The website http://military.com is offering free quotes for Geico Insurance, possible lower insurance
      rates.
4. The website http://military.com is offering weekly travel discounts and military lodging options. Space
     and travel information for retired military members are also available.

Welcome home SSG Eric Angevine
United States Army!

How to Change Your Address
Army Echoes is mailed using correspondence address as supplied by the Defense Finance and Accounting Services Cleveland Center (DFASCL) and the U.S. Army Human Resources Command - St. Louis (HRCSt. Louis); the editor cannot change address here. For mobilization purposes, all retires should report address or phone number changes to HRC-St. Louis as well as changes in your ability to serve (physical condition). If you’re writing or faxing your address changes, include your Social Security number and sign your request. To change your correspondence address, contact the appropriate center listed below. DO NOT CONTACT ARMY RETIREMENT SERVICES.

If in receipt of or entitled to retired pay mail to:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
PO Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130

Phone: 1-800-321-1080 or (216) 522-5955
Fax 1-800-469-6559

If a retired reservist not yet 60, mail to:

U.S. Army Human ResourcesCommand
ATTN: AHRC-PSP-A
1 Reserve Way
St. Louis, MO 63132-5200

Phone:1-800-325-2660 or (314) 592-0554
Fax: (314) 592-0582
(ATTN:TLM9V49)

If in receipt of or entitled to SBP/RSFPP annuity, mail to:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
PO Box 7131
London, KY 40742-7131

Phone: 1-800-321-1080 or (216) 522-5955
Fax: 1-800-982-8459

Veteran’s Committee raising money for Michigan National Guard members

reprinted from "Your Union Writes", our Local UAW 845 publication

I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern Oil.

These companies import Middle Eastern Oil:

Shell                                        205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco                    144,332,000 barrels
Exxon/Mobil                           130,082,000 barrels
MarathonlSpeedway             117,740,000 barrels
Amoco                                      62,231,000 barrels

If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over
$18 BILLION (Oil is now $55-$60 a barrel).

Here are some large companies that DO NOT import Middle Eastern Oil:

Citgo                       0 barrels
Sunoco                   0 barrels
Conoco                  0 barrels
Sinclair                   0 barrels
BP/Phillips             0 barrels
Hess                       0 barrels
Arco                        0 barrels

VA HOSPITALS: HOW YOU CAN HELP!

•   Patient Visitation (evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.)
•   Assist with evening recreation programs (Bingo)
•   Community Service Volunteer Day for organizations
•   Regularly scheduled volunteer duties (brochures provided)
•   Birthday cards, special holiday cards to patients
•   Sponsor item from Needs List (available upon request)
•   Sponsor Wheelchair Team/Golden Age Team/Winter Sports Clinics Athletes
•   Donation of used books and magazines
•   Tray Favors (geared around holidays, i.e. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Veteran’s Day)
•   Provide clothing donations for our Clothing Room (see list for specific items)
•   See Calendar of events Currently, the VA Ann Arbor

Healthcare Systems has 130 inpatients and provides service to over 30,000 outpatients. Our volunteer program utilizes approximately 750 volunteers at the VA Ann Arbor and Community Based Outpatients Clinics in Toledo, Flint and Jackson.

For additional information, contact:

Beverly Leneski,
Chief Voluntary Service
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
2215 Fuller Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Telephone: (734) 761-7995
E-mail Address: BeverlyLenski@med.va.gov

Dedicated to the memory of the late Roderick Moseley
U.S. Marine Corps and Local 845 brother.

"You Are Not Forgotten."

VETERAN'S SPOTLIGHT
	DAVE ''THE HAMMER'' SCHRYER Dave served in the Army from 1966 through 1969. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 as a heavy equipment operator. Dave the ''THE HAMMER'' has been at Sheldon Road since 1988. written and submitted by "Big Phil"

VETERAN'S SPOTLIGHT

PETER LIOI

Pete served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1962-1966. He did a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1965-1966 as a squad leader. He got to see a lot of the world in his sevice days and he values the good friendships that were made during his time spent in Vietnam. Pete says that the main thing that he did not like about the service was all the unnecessary "spit and polish."

Pete joined Ford Motor Co in 1965 and has worked here at the Sheldon Road facility for the past 19 years. His advice to fellow UAW workers is to follow the examples set by past workers and your parents and come to work everyday to make a decent living for yourself and your family.

VETERAN'S SPOTLIGHT

JAMES (JIM, JIMMY, SWEET PEA) CORNAY JR.
James joined the army on January 8, 1951. He spent two tours of Korea, from 1952-1953 and again in 1957. James received an honorable discharge from the army as a sergeant on September 27, 1957 at Ft. Chafee, AK.

James moved to Detroit from New Orleans in 1957 and in 1959 began his career with Ford Motor Company. James will retire on April 30, 2004 with 44 years of service. When asked if he would like to say anything to the membership, his response was: "Do your 30 years and get out!"

We would like to wish James Cornay the very best in his retirement and thank him for his service to our country in the U.S. Army.

Members: if you are a Veteran and are retiring soon, please let Phil Hollifield or let a Veteran’s Committee member know. By doing so we can put your picture and military biography on the Veteran’s website. Or if you are an active roll employee that’s a Veteran, the Veteran’s Committee would like to post your picture and biography also.

LOCAL 845 VETERANS' MONUMENT
On Wednesday, May 19, 2004, the Veterans Memorial was dedicated at our local. Scott Cawthon participated
in the Monument Dedication Ceremony playing "Going Home" and "Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
for a slideshow of this important day.
Photo Credits: (1-18) Katie Boone, (19-59) Phil Hollifield, (60-74) Marty Radtke

Things to know if an employee is called to active duty. Refer to box below.

The following went into effect as of September 19, 2001:

	Pay: employee will receive six months pay
	Profit Sharing: still eligible
	Benefits: six months for family members
	Disability: ends at the end of the month following the month in which employee last worked
	Life Insurance: six months
	Ford-UAW Retirement Plan: Service continues if reinstated
	Vacation: paid for unused earned hours
	Ford Money Market: may continue participation
	Legal. Services: benefits cease on last day worked
	Vehicle Program: six months

NOTE: Each six-month cut-off period can be revisited after that period, for extension..

Extension of Military Leave Pay and Benefits for UAW Employees - U.S. Attack on Terrorism

Effective immediately, differential pay, health care, and life and disability insurance will be extended until September 30, 2004 for employees who are members of the US Armed Forces Reserves or National Guard and are activated prior to September 30, 2004 in support of the U.S. mission - U.S. Attack on Terrorism — or subsequent military actions in Iraq. Those employees activated to the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves or National Guard in support of these actions after March 31, 2004 and before September 30, 2004 will be eligible for differential pay and benefits for up to six months.

VETERANS' BENEFITS TIMELINE
Expiration Period                                                            Benefits
90 days following separation                                         Dental Treatment
120 days following separation                                       Convert SGLI
2 years after receiving service-connected rating      Disabled Veterans Insurance
10 years following separation or discharge               Montgomery GI Bill
12 years following notification of
compensation eligibility                                                   Vocational Rehabilitation

Lifetime Benefits
Filing for disability benefits
VA Guaranteed Home Loan
Gulf War Benefits
Health Care
Readjustment Counseling
Veterans preference in Employment

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Women veterans make up five percent of the VA population, but this number continues to rise every year. VA offers several programs specifically designed to meet the needs of women veterans. In recent years, VA has tried to be more in tune to issues of privacy, services and equipment that women veterans need.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs
The VA's Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Programs consist of over 250 work-based programs nationally that are comprised of Compensated Work Therapy (CWT), Incentive Therapy (IT), Therapeutic Printing Plants (TPP), and Vocational Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT).

VA Women Veteran Residences
In several areas, VA operates community-based domiciliaries for post-discharge homeless female veterans. These residences operate as transitional housing for women who have been homeless or have had substance abuse problems.

VA Women Veterans Coordinators
Each VA medical center and regional office has a representative whom women veterans can contact for information on benefits and services.

Health Care for Women Veterans
VA's Uniform Benefits Package covers osteoporosis screening and bone density treatment, menopausal care and hormone replacement therapy, infertility services, tubal ligation, birth control pills, maternity care, including labor and delivery (usually on a contract with a VA-affiliated facility). Gynecological services are also available at all VA health care facilities.

VA Center for Women Veterans
In 1994, Congress passed Public Law 103-446 requiring VA to create the Center for Women Veterans. The purpose of the Center is to ensure women veterans have access to VA benefits and services, and the VA is responsive to the specific needs of women. The Center conducts outreach and education; reviews policies and programs; coordinates women veteran's services with the county, state, and other federal providers; and monitors VA research relating to women. The Center provides information to women veterans through its Internet home page, www.va.gov/womenvet or by phone, 202-273-6193.

Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
Established in 1983 by Public Law 98-160, Congress authorized the Committee to assess the benefits and health care needs of women veterans, review VA programs, make recommendations and follow-up. The committee convenes three times a year, and visits at least one VA facility to conduct a site visit. The committee issues reports an the status of women veterans. These reports can be obtained by contacting the VA Center for Women Veterans.

MILITARY SERVICE AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Here is the latest on Social Security benefits of special interest to veterans.
Earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Social Security has covered inactive duty service in the Armed Forces Reserves (such as weekend drills) since 1988. If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but received special credit for some of your service.

Social Security and Medicare Taxes
While you are in the military, you pay Social Security taxes just as civilian employees do. In 2005, the tax rate was 7.65%, up to a maximum of $87,000. If you earn more, you Continue to pay the Medicare portion of the tax (1.45%) on the rest of your earnings.

How Your Work Qualities You for Social Security
To qualify for benefits, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain length of time.
This year, when you have earned $3,560, you have earned one year of work credit towards your future Social Security benefits. The amount needed to get credit for work goes up each year. The length of time you need to work to qualify for Social Security depends on your age and the type of benefit you might be eligible to receive. No one needs more than 10 years of work.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote

It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag,

It is the veteran, who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God.

So reads the inscription etched into the white granite tomb that marks the resting place of America's official unknown soldiers. The Tomb of the Unknowns remains one of the United States' most revered sites, a permanent reminder of this country's commitment to honor those who died fighting for its freedom. Last week, that commitment was upheld in a way some people might not have even noticed or even thought about.

When practically every government employee in Washington was beating a hasty retreat to avoid the after effects of Hurricane Isabel on September 19, 2003, a small group of men decided their commitment to duty, honor and country was more important than personal safety or comfort. Not even a hurricane is stronger than a soldier's sense of duty.

Tomb Guard Sentinels, the elite soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry regiment chosen to act as guards at the Tomb, opted to sustain their constant vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns rather than flee the oncoming bad weather. To them it was a matter of honoring their personal and professional obligations to the men and women who served before them and who serve now - and obviously do not have the luxury of serving their country only when skies are blue and the sun shines down upon them.

Although the Tomb of the Unknowns is watched over by Tomb Guards 24 hours a day, 365 days a year regardless of weather conditions, to have soldiers so duty-bound as to ignore their own personal well-being is an example of real patriotism and a real reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the principles of liberty.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve

LINKS FOR VETERAN'S AND THEIR FAMILES

	THE AMERICAN WAR LIBRARY - The World's Largest On-line Military, Veteran, and Military Family Registry
	Agent Orange - Comprehensive links to Agent Orange information sites.
	Agent Orange Debrief - complete resource on symptoms and side effects associated with exposure to herbicides containing dioxin in Vietnam. Outlines the VA policy on disability claims resulting from contact with AO.
	American Gulf War Veterans Association - established to obtain treatment for those service members and their families who experience symptoms collectively known as the "Gulf War Illness."
	American Legion National Headquarters - The chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization.
	American Veterans - national headquarters, links, resources, and news.
	Army Times - the official military paper.
	Buddies, Pals, Shipmates, Families and Friends - "people locator" for veterans and people on active duty, this free service provides a way to get back in touch with old friends. Information can be posted and retrieved on site.
	Center for Women Veterans - established to ensure women veterans have access to VA benefits and service.
	Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - provides information on VA programs, veterans benefits, VA facilities worldwide, and VA medical automation software.
	Disabled American Veterans - serving disabled veterans, their families and survivors.
	House Committee on Veterans' Affairs - recommends legislation expanding, curtailing, or fine-tuning existing laws relating to veterans' benefits.
	International War Veterans' Poetry Archives - a living and growing memorial to all war veterans.
	Korean War Veterans' Memorial Virtual Visitors' Center - honors the men and women who served in Korea.
	Library of Congress POW/MIA Database - established to assist researchers interested in investigating the U.S. Government documents pertaining to U.S. military personnel listed as unaccounted for as of December 1991.
	Paralyzed Veterans of America - serves veterans with spinal cord injury or disease with information, advocacy, local chapters, and supportservices. Encourages research into cures for paralysis.
	The War Tapes Trailer - Straight from the front lines in Iraq, The War Tapes is the first war movie filmed by soldiers themselves.
	Veterans of Foreign Wars - securing the rights and benefits of veterans.
	Veterans News and Information Service - for military veterans who want to be kept up to date on current events or who are searching for information.
	Vietnam Veterans of America - national veterans service organization.
	WWII Veterans Website - post memorabilia, contact long lost friends, find other veteran-related sites, and reminisce with fellow vets online.

CANINE SERVICE LINKS

A Tribute to Police Service Dogs
About War Dogs
K9 Soldiers Should Take a Bite Out of Bugs
Memorial to Fallen K9 Dogs
The History of Dogs in War and Peace
United States War Dog Association
Vietnam Dog Handlers Association Memorial
Vietnam Dog Handlers Association
Vietnam Security Police K-9 Association
War Dogs (U.S. Army's Use of Dogs From 1942 - Present)
War Dogs (Quartermaster War Dog Program)
War Dog Memorials

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