Welcome to the Scuttlebutt. We strive to provide information to local veterans and share a little bit about life in the Military.
In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are incuding a brief history of how women have served in the military. I am especially pleased in that I have a granddaughter in the US Naval academy. We will be including some of the milestones set by servicewomen who refused to accept the status quo and paved the way for the next generation. During World War II, more than 400,000 women served at home and abroad as mechanics, ambulance drivers, pilots, administrators, nurses, and in other non-combat roles. Eighty-eight women were captured and held as POWs (prisoners of war). During the Korean and Vietnam wars women served at home and abroad. Some Army nurses served in combat zones and many Navy nurses served on hospital ships. Starting in 1991, women were assigned to combat zones in the gulf wars and started flying combat missions in aircraft. In January 2017, the first female Marines graduated from the military academy. In 2016, the first female soldiers became infantry officers. Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson also took over as leader of U.S. Northern Command in 2016, becoming the first female service member to lead a unified combatant command and thus the highest ranking woman in U.S. military history. We also saw female enlisted sailors deploy on submarines for the first time ever. Progress has been slow, but women are definitely making their mark and serving our country. More next week about this topic. If you know of a current veteran, or their family, who is having trouble and needs some help, please contact us at the numbers listed below. At the very least, please, be kind to others and PRAY FOR PEACE!
Our Military Hero’s: Staff Sgt. Bernice Frankel. (Bea Arthur)- US Marines
Best known for her roles on the popular television shows "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," the late Bea Arthur was also once a truck driver in the Marine Corps. She was one of the first members of the Women's Reserve and, aside from driving military trucks, Arthur was also a typist. She enlisted at the age of 21 in early 1943 under her original name, Bernice Frankel. Appraisals from her enlistment interviews described her conversation as “argumentative” and her attitude and manner as “over aggressive” -- fitting, given the cantankerous characters she would play later in life. In a handwritten note, the Marine interviewer remarked, “Officious--but probably a good worker -- if she has her own way!”
On the Light Side- “Why men need to think before they respond”
· The last fight was my fault. My wife asked, "What's on the TV?" I said," Dust!"
· When a car skidded on wet pavement and struck a telephone pole, several bystanders ran over to help the driver. A woman was the first to reach the victim, but a man rushed in and pushed her aside. "Step aside, lady," he barked. "I've taken a course in first-aid!" The woman watched for a few minutes, then tapped him on the shoulder. "Pardon me," she said. "But when you get to the part about calling a doctor, I'm right here."
Purple Heart recipients added to VA priority claim process www.VA.Gov. March 1
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie was six-years old when his father came home after being gravely wounded during the invasion of Cambodia. His father spent years recovering from his combat injuries, and when he finally retired, Robert Wilkie Sr. left service with two bad knees, needing two new hips, and with lead in his body leftover from that conflict in Southeast Asia. His father’s experience during those years greatly influence how Secretary Wilkie views VA’s role in provided care and benefits to the men and women injured during their military service. To this day, he holds Purple Heart recipients, like his father, in especially high regard. This is why he was so pleased to announce an amendment to the Veterans Benefit Administration’s (VBA) priority processing categories earlier this week. “Those who hold the Purple Heart, the recognition of wounds taken in battle, will now receive priority consideration when it comes to claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Wilkie during recent testimony before the House Subcommittee of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
American Legion – – 3rd Wednesday at Legion Hall -Dinner at 1800 followed by meeting at 1900
VFW – 3rd Monday of month at Cameron Veteran’s Home Chapel -1900 hours
For more information or to offer help: Contact Pat O’Connor (816) 575-2568
Veterans Clinic (CBOC) @ MVH (816) 632-1369
Veterans Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255