http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php Copyright 2009, George Sheehy IV George Sheehy IV en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091117-134548




Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the 11 members of the Class of 2009 approved for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class.



Governor Rell, joined by leaders of the state’s veterans’ community, will formally induct the Class of 2009 in a public ceremony on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 5 p.m. in the Atrium of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. At the ceremony, Governor Rell will present each honoree or family representative with an official, numbered commemorative medallion recognizing their formal induction into this select group.



“It is most appropriate that we pause each year to recognize and honor the heroes of the past and present who have so vitally shaped our nation and way of life,” Governor Rell said. “These individuals not only answered the call of their nation, they have answered the call of their communities. It is what they have done beyond their military service that truly sets them apart as individuals worthy of this special honor. The example they have set, the courage they have shown and the public service they have given is most worthy of the respect and admiration of all Connecticut citizens.”



Governor Rell created the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005 through Executive Order No. 5 to pay permanent tribute to those citizens who have served the nation with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces and then returned home to enrich their communities and state through distinguished careers and selfless public service.



Forty Connecticut veterans have previously been inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. Among them are former President George H.W. Bush, former Governor William A. O’Neill, five Medal of Honor recipients and the first woman inductee, Navy Veteran Barbara Miller.



Three of this year’s inductees will be inducted posthumously. This year’s class includes the late state Representative Richard O. Belden, an Air Force veteran and the longest continually serving member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1974 until his death in office in 2007.



Also in the Class of 2009 are Robert Genovese, co-founder of the “Veterans Who Care Committee,” which raised funds for children of Vietnam veterans born with birth defects from Agent Orange exposure, and Brigadier General Dan McHale, who continues to serve after military retirement as Connecticut’s military Transitional Assistance Advisor, helping to connect today’s veterans to important transition resources.



Iwo Jima survivor and distinguished citizen from the town of Clinton, Daniel Vece, Jr., is also an inductee in this year’s class.



The 2009 inductees to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame are:





Richard O. Belden (posthumous award; formerly of Shelton)

Dick Belden served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 through 1961. Known as “The Dean of the House,” Representative Belden served in the Connecticut General Assembly continuously from 1974 until his death in office in 2007. He held many key leadership positions in the Legislature including Assistant House Republican Leader, Deputy Speaker of the House, Ranking Member of the Finance Committee and Member of the state Bond Commission. He was Director of the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Institute of Municipal Studies and held many other significant statewide posts. Mr. Belden had a 38-year management career at Sikorsky Aircraft. He was a trustee of St. Margaret Mary Church in Shelton and a volunteer at Griffin Hospital Parent Child Resource Center, Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Club, Hewitt Memorial Hospital, Valley Substance Abuse Council, Emmett O’Brien Regional Vocational-Technical School and the American Legion Sutter-Terlizzi Post #16.



John “Jack” Joseph Dougherty of Branford

John “Jack” Dougherty enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966. In Vietnam, he served as an infantryman and squad leader with the 3/4 Marine Division and participated in Operation Robin South Hill 685 (Phou Noui), during which he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. A volunteer since 1982 with the Boy Scouts of America, he is also an active member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. He serves as finance officer of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and has been a devoted member and officer of the Marine Corps League, serving as Detachment Adjutant and Senior Vice Commander. The Marine Corps League named him the Connecticut Detachment “Marine of the Year 2008.” Mr. Dougherty has also received the New England Division Roland G. Knapp Award in 2008, the Marine Corps League Distinguished Bronze Service Medal and the Distinguished Silver Citzen Medal. He is a lector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford and is employed as a program coordinator for Schultz Electric Company of New Haven.



Robert L. Genovese of Naugatuck

Robert Genovese served in Vietnam in the U.S. Air Force. He is co-founder of the “Veterans Who Care Committee,” which for over 20 years raised funds for children of Vietnam veterans born with birth defects due to the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. The organization also offered emergency financial assistance to veterans in need while awaiting permanent benefits. He is past commander of VFW Post #1946; past commander, Union City Chapter #11 Disabled American Veterans; and organizer of POW/MIA remembrance vigils in Naugatuck. He was Honorary Grand Marshall of the 2008 Connecticut Veterans Day Parade. As a consultant on the Connecticut production of the movie “Jackknife” starring Robert DeNiro and Ed Harris, Mr. Genovese was instrumental in assuring that returning Vietnam veterans were protrayed accurately. A former accredited veterans service officer/counselor with the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Victims, Inc., and is a member of AMVETS, Catholic War Veterans Post #708, American Legion Post #17, Italian-American War Veterans Post #8 and Veterans of the Vietnam War. A long-time member of the Naugatuck Elks Lodge #967, he was named Volunteer of the Year 1998-99 and is a member of the Elks National Service Commission. He also is a member of the Knights of Columbus Ojeda Council #33 and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church.



Dr. Harvey J. Grinsell, Jr., MD, of Putnam/Woodstock

Prior to completing high school in 1945, Dr. Harvey Ginsell enlisted in the Navy during World War II as a pharmacist’s mate. He was called back into the Navy as a lieutenant upon completion of his medical degree from Tufts Medical School in 1954. He served as a medical officer for the Arctic Fleet through 1956. He co-developed an antidote for hydrocarbon (lead) poisoning and conducted research on methods to diagnose spinal meningitis. He was founder and director of the Day Kimball Pediatric Center, the first known hospital-based program of its kind in the nation. He served as medical director of the John Dempsey Regional Center, where he co-developed one the state’s first early intervention programs for infants with developmental disabilities. He established in-school medical exams, immunizations and screening for children in rural eastern Connecticut towns. He brought the federal Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program to rural eastern Connecticut to improve maternal and childhoon nutrition. The Quinnebaug Valley Association for Retarded Citizens named Dr. Grinsell “Man of the Year” and the Danielson Junior Chamber of Commerce gave him their “Distinguished Service Award.” Dr. Grinsell was honored by the Town of Plainfield for establishing the Plainfield Day Kimball Pediatric Center at Plainfield Town Hall.



Brig Gen. John J. King (posthumous award; formerly of Hartford)

Brig. Gen. John King began his career in the U.S. Army as a captain in the infantry from 1942 to 1946. He saw combat in Italy, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action October 1944 at Camp diVenino, Italy. A recipient of the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and the Italian Military Valor Cross, he rose to Assistant Division Commander with the 76th Division, U.S. Army Reserves. General King became a civil engineer with management responsibility for the construction and renovation of several landmark buildings, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Phoenix Insurance “Boat” Building. He was Corporate Vice President of the George A. Fuller Co. and Horn Construction, Inc., of Hartford. He was one of the main organizers of the Connecticut Armed Forces Day Parades from 1970 to 1984. General King also served as President Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s College. A co-founder and past president, he established the 100 Club of Connecticut, dedicated to the financial support of spouses and children of first responders killed in the line of duty. He was a corporator of St. Francis Hospital and a member of the National and Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. He served as a member of the Connecticut Department of Public Works Advisory Council and of the Retired Military Officers Association.



Rev. William D. McGee of Winsted

The Rev. William McGee served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps in the First Marine Air Wing in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal (2 awards) and the Meritorious Unit Citation Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Ordained with the Southern Baptist Convention and Fellowship of Connecticut Congregational Christian Churches, he has a 30-year career in the ministry, founding and serving many churches, organizations and missions throughout the United States. Rev. McGee was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for over 5,000 hours of volunteer service. He has also received national recognition from the National Association of Congregational Christian Chuches for his work with youth. He is a former prison chaplain and currently serves as the chaplain of VFW Post #296 and as a volunteer chaplain for the Connecticut Chapter for the Missing in America Project. Rev. McGee founded and is pastoral leader for Men Walking With God International Ministries. He serves as a member of the Boards of Directors for Asian Faith Mission and for Agape Childrens’ Home, both located in Kerala, India.



Brig. Gen. Daniel J. McHale of Avon

Brig. Gen. Daniel McHale began his military career as an enlisted Army diver in Vietnam. Retiring with over 35 years of military service, he rose to the rank of Brigadier General, Infantry, Connecticut Army National Guard. General McHale was Commander of the Connecticut National Guard’s Quick Reaction Force following the events of September 11, 2001, and coordinator of the state’s Katrina Relief Operations in 2005 and 2006. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Vietnam Service Medal and currently serves as the Connecticut Department of Defense Transitional Assistance Advisor, providing outreach, advocacy and benefits assistance to all generations of veterans and active duty personnel and their families. He is Co-Chairman of the Connecticut OEF/OIF Support Coordination Committee and a contributor to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is a facilitator for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program for returning Reserve and National Guard units. He volunteers as a guardian for the “American Warror” Honor Flight Program, which takes World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to view the national WWII Memorial. The 1st Vice President of the Connecticut Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, General McHale also volunteers with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and “Give2the Troops” overseas care package program. He is a retired senior manager of the U.S. Postal Service and former Postmaster of Simsbury, Connecticut.



Theodore J. Plamondon, Jr. of Enfield

Theodore “Ted” Plamondon’s 21-year enlisted military career spanned three decades with service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and with the Naval Reserves during the Korea and Vietnam War eras. He is a recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal and European Theater Ribbon with two stars. His volunteer service as a highly-involved local veteran includes 20 years as Chairman of the Enfield Veterans Council and service as a lifetime member. He organized and raised funds for Enfield’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades for over 50 years. He is Chairman of the Enfield World War II Monument Committee, Treasurer and Co-Chairman of the National Purple Heart Museum and spearheaded the dedication of a new monument honoring all fallen Enfield citizens from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He is a 20-year service officer and Chairman of multiple committees at his VFW Post #1501. In 1996, he received the Enfield Town Council “Patriot Award” and 2006 they named him a “Citizen of the Year.” Mr. Plamondon is a retired police officer for the towns of Suffield and Enfield, a former deputy sheriff for Hartford County and a state marshal.



Alphonse N. Sabetta of Shelton

Alphonse Sabetta served as a U.S. Army staff sergeant during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. He is past Commander and the current Adjutant of the Sutter-Terlizi American Legion Post #16. In 2008 he was inducted in the Connecticut American Legion Hall of Fame. Mr. Sabetta is the organizer of many annual activities for youth to raise awareness of veterans’ contributions and community service including oratorical contests, fundraisers and Americanism programs in the schools. He chaired the Naugatuck Valley Area Veterans Korean War 50th Anniversary Commemoration from 2000 to 2003. He is a member of the local selection committee for Boys and Girsl State and serves as Chairman of the War Memorial Scholarship Committee of Shelton. He also is a member of the VFW and Korean War Veterans Associations. A long-time organizer, coach and official for youth athletics, his devotion to young people includes service with the Bob Cousy Basketball League, Little League, New Haven Board #10 Basketball Officials, Western Connecticut Football Officials, and Valley and New Haven Umpires Association. Mr. Sabetta is a retired maintenance supervisor for the Shelton Board of Education at Shelton High School.



Daniel A. Vece, Jr., of Clinton

Daniel Vece enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 before graduating from high school. He saw fighting at the Battle of Iwo Jima and is an organizer of the Iwo Jima Memorial in New Britain. He is a member of the Iwo Jima Survivors Association and is a frequent national speaker with other Iwo Jima survivors. He served as First Selectman of Clinton and held office on the Board of Selectmen for 13 years. A lifetime member of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Chief for 25 years, the Clinton Fire Department’s annual “Firefighter of the Year” award is named after Chief Vece. During his tenure as chief he helped bring regional 24-hour EMS services to shoreline towns and was appointed by Governor Ella Grasso to serve as Chairman of the Emergency 911 Implementation Committee, which made Connecticut the second state in the nation to join the E-911 Program. He is a former senior member of the state Economic Development Commission and Public Works Commission. He has received the Clinton Distinguished Citizen Award, the Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year Award” and the Clinton Spirit Award. He is an active member of the American Legion, VFW and Lions Clubs. Mr. Vece was co-owner of Shore TV and Appliance Store from 1957 through 1982.



Homer L. Wise (posthumous award; formerly of Stamford)

Homer Lee Wise, a U.S. Army staff sergeant, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions on June 14, 1944, in Magliano, Italy. He landed in Salerno, Italy on September 9, 1943, and continued his valor in action throughout Italy, including Naples and Rome, until August 1944 when he participated in the invasion of Southern France. He was pulled from combat in November 1944 to be presented the Medal of Honor by Lieutenant General Alexander M. Patch, Commander of the Seventh Army in Epinal, France. Sgt. Wise became one of the most highly decorated infantrymen of World War II – a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Italian Military Cross of Valor, French Croix DeGuerre and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Sgt. Wise was discharged in 1945 and reenlisted in the Army in 1947, serving in multiple recruiting and administrative positions in Stamford, Germany, France, Italy and Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. He received the high honor of being selected as one of six honorary pall bearers at the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in 1958 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1966 with the rank of master sergeant and then worked in the Stamford area, where he was known locally for his humility regarding his heroic deeds and frequent individual kindnesses to neighbors and strangers.



“This is an exceptionally distinguished class of inductees – but they represent the dedicated military and public service of the many veterans in our state,” said Governor Rell. “They have made countless and important contributions to others with deeds and accomplishments that span a lifetime. They and their families should be immensely proud of this distinctive honor. I am very proud to be their Governor.”



This year’s inductees were selected from a field of 47 nominations and recommended to the Governor by an appointed executive nomination committee that includes Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz; the state Adjutant General, Air Force Major General Thaddeus J. Martin; members of the General Assembly and other state veterans.



Veterans who served in all military conflicts are eligible to be considered, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nomination packets for the 2010 Hall of Fame Class must be received by June 30, 2010. Nomination packets and additional information can be accessed at www.ct.gov/ctva.]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091117-134548 George Sheehy IV Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:48 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091117-134548 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-131350
Order Conforms to President’s Directive to Lower National Flags

Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered U.S. and State of Connecticut flags flown at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, November 10, in memory of the victims of Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood.

The order follows the announcement by President Obama that U.S. flags are to be flown at half-staff for the same period.

“Our State and our Nation grieve with those who have lost loved ones at Fort Hood,” Governor Rell said. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families. This was a brutal crime that this nation will not forget.”]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-131350 George Sheehy IV Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:13:50 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091106-131350 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091105-211903 Hill released the following statement concerning this afternoon’s shootings
at Ft. Hood:
“My first reaction is purely emotional. I must say that I am shocked and
speechless. I simply cannot believe we have soldiers who would do this to
their comrades. The American Legion extends condolences to the victims and
the families of those affected by the shootings at Fort Hood. The facts are
not all out and there is still much about the events that we do not yet
know. We do know, however, that The American Legion will reach out to assist
any soldiers, family members or other victims of this horrible tragedy in
any way possible. We will release further statements as the facts become
known.”
John Brieden, a Texan and past national commander of The American Legion,
said, “The first thought I have about this tragedy is that I’m angry. You’ve
got folks who are preparing to deploy into a dangerous area of the world,
and you’ve got them here at home being attacked. And it makes me angry that
they would lose their lives in this way, right here in America.”
Brieden said The American Legion has several programs such as its Family
Support Network that are designed to reach out to families who suffer tragic
losses. “All of a sudden, we have families with a father, mother, a spouse
who isn’t going to be coming home. So how do you deal with this?
“Yes, they need help,” Brieden said. “And The American Legion will
certainly be helping those families who lost loved ones in such a horrible
incident. We intend to help as much as we possibly can.”
Killeen American Legion Post 223, and Coppers Cover Post 582 in Texas are
standing by to lend whatever assistance might be needed in the area.
]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091105-211903 George Sheehy IV Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:19:03 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091105-211903 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091102-142952 About 700 members of 2 units, the 1st Battalion of the 102nd Infantry Regiment and the 250th Engineering Company, will be at “mobilization stations” in Indiana and Wisconsin, where they will be completing preparations for deploying to Afghanistan.
Winter holiday breaks are scheduled from December 23 - January 2 for the 1/102nd and December 22 - January 2 for the 250th Engineers.
To help OHH achieve their goal the Patriot Guard Riders of CT Inc’s Help On The Homefront has set up state wide fund raisers at 3 T.G.I. Fridays restaurants. Each restaurant has slightly different procedures, so please read carefully and follow their instructions so we can help get these National Guard members home for the holidays.

Newington, CT, Thursday, November 5th: T.G.I. Fridays, 3025 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111 on Thursday, November 5th from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Eat there during that time and present your server with the attached PGR flyer when you pay and 20% of receipts with PGR’s flyer attached will be donated to help OHH. Flyers can also be found at http://www.CTPatriotGuard.org. (Please note this does not affect your bill.)

Waterbury, CT, Wednesday, November 11th: T.G.I. Fridays, 335 Union Street, Waterbury, CT 06706 on Wednesday, November 11th (Veterans’ Day) all day. Eat there that day and present your server with the attached T.G. I. Friday’s flyer when you pay and for each flyer received and every $20.00 spent $5.00 will be donated to help OHH. Flyers can also be found at http://www.CTPatriotGuard.org. (Please note this does not affect your bill.)

Orange, CT, Thursday, November 19th: T.G.I. Fridays, 348 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477 on Thursday, November 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eat there during that time and present your server with the attached PGR flyer when you pay and 20% of receipts, not including alcohol, with PGR’s flyer attached will be donated to help OHH. Flyers can also be found at http://www.CTPatriotGuard.org. (Please note this does not affect your bill.)]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091102-142952 George Sheehy IV Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:29:52 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091102-142952 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091029-011718
The replacement laptops, valued at around $75,000, are part of a nationwide effort spurned by the American Legion’s “Burn Pit” blog (www.burnpit.legion.org) less than two weeks ago to replace personal items lost when Combat Out Post (COP) Keating was nearly overrun on October 3 necessitating the 56 surviving U.S. soldiers of Bravo Company 361 Cavalry to completely destroy their camp and all of their personal possessions as they fled for safety. Eight of their comrades died in the attack.

The CSC donated laptops were then delivered Wednesday by Connecticut Legionnaires to American Legion Post 28 in Triangle, VA, where they will be added to a shipment of digital cameras, video games, DVDs, books, memory cards, music players and other personal items purchased with more than $100,000 already collected by the Burn Pit’s COP Keating Relief Fund, according to State Commander Charles R. Morrissey of North Haven.

CSC services executive vice president Thomas C. Cox told the assembly Wednesday morning that each computer contains a card stating “You are all heroes who are greatly appreciated and loved. Thank you from all of us at CSC.”

“This all came about in response to Burn Pit comments from an outpost survivor stating he believed no one at home had any idea what they were doing there (in Afghanistan) and that no one gave a (darn),” Morrissey explained during ceremonies held at the South Windsor CSC warehouse, Bloggers within a few days contributed more than $50,000 in cash which was quickly matched by Minneapolis-based Target Corporation.

“It’s heartwarming to know that during these harsh economic times that individuals and companies like CSC and Target can still find it within their means to come to the aide of U.S. servicemen,” Morrissey added, “and especially within a month of their losing everything but the clothes on their backs.”

The Legion state commander presented CSC services executive vice president Thomas C. Cox with an appreciation plaque during the turnover ceremony, as well as a corporate Blue Star Banner. He was accompanied by numerous American Legion state officers and members.

Morrissey credited CSC employee Stephen Pintarich of Southington, a past American Legion Post 72 commander, with helping to orchestrate the company’s laptop gift which all began when a CSC employee was contacted by a cousin who was among COP Keating’s survivors.

Following the morning ceremony at CSC, a trucking company owned and operated by immediate Past American Legion National Vice Commander James A. LaCoursiere of Old Lyme left to transport the computer units to Virginia where they will be packed with other personal item goods being shipped to the Afghanistan troops.]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091029-011718 George Sheehy IV Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:17:18 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091029-011718 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091027-180053
The replacement laptops, valued at around $75,000, are part of a nationwide effort spurned by the American Legion’s “Burn Pit” blog (www.burnpit.legion.org) less than a week ago to replace personal items lost when Combat Out Post (COP) Keating was nearly overrun on October 3 necessitating the 56 surviving U.S. soldiers of Bravo Company 3-61 Cavalry to completely destroy their camp and all of their personal possessions as they fled for safety. Eight of their comrades died in the attack.

The CSC donated laptops will be delivered Wednesday by Connecticut Legionnaires to American Legion Post 28 in Triangle, VA, where they will be added to a shipment of digital cameras, video games, DVDs, books, memory cards, music players and other personal items purchased with more than $100,000 already collected by the Burn Pit’s COP Keating Relief Fund, according to State Commander Charles R. Morrissey of North Haven.

“It was in response to email comments from an outpost survivor stating he believed no one at home had any idea what they were doing there (in Afghanistan) and that no one cared,” Morrissey explained, “that bloggers within a few days contributed $50,000 in cash which was quickly matched by Minneapolis-based Target Corporation.

“It’s heartwarming to know that during these harsh economic times that individuals and companies like CSC and Target can still find it within their means to come to the aide of U.S. servicemen,” Morrissey added, “and especially within a month of their losing everything but the clothes on their backs.”

The Legion state commander plans to present CSC company officials with an appreciation plaque during Wednesday’s 9:00 a.m. press conference at their South Windsor headquarters. He will be accompanied by numerous American Legion state officers and members.

Morrissey credits CSC employee Stephen Pintarich of Southington, a past American Legion Post 72 commander, with helping to orchestrate the company’s laptop gift.

Following the morning press conference, a trucking company owned and operated by immediate Past American Legion National Vice Commander James A. LaCoursiere of Old Lyme will transport the computer units to Virginia.]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091027-180053 George Sheehy IV Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:00:53 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091027-180053 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023337
"The VA's establishment of exposure to Agent Orange as a contributor to hairy cell leukemia (HCL) -- a rare form of cancer -- Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease (IHD) is perhaps overdue, but welcome, said Clarence E. Hill. "It means many more Vietnam veterans will be afforded the VA health care and benefits they deserve. I offer sincere thanks to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki for this action. As a Vietnam veteran himself, I am sure General Shinseki's interest in this matter was intense and personal."

Agent Orange is a herbicide that was employed during the Vietnam war to defoliate heavily forested areas and thus remove concealment for enemy troops. It is estimated that more than 21-million gallons of the highly toxic chemical were sprayed over rural areas of South Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. Its poisonous effects were not restricted to vegetation, as intended, but sickened and killed humans as well.

American troops exposed to Agent Orange began showing various symptoms of illness early on, but the military service connection to defoliant-caused disease was not readily made. The American Legion played a significant role in making that connection and lobbying for its official recognition by the Department of Veterans Affairs. HCL, IHD and Parkinson's disease will soon join a long list of illnesses thought to plague Vietnam veterans who came in contact with Agent Orange.

"While we are happy with the announcement, we will continue to work with medical experts to explore connections between Agent Orange and respiratory disorders such as asthma, pleurisy, pneumonia and tuberculosis as well as gastrointestinal diseases, liver toxicity, thyroid disease, homeostasis, endometriosis and others," Hill said. "We will also be anxiously awaiting VA's long overdue official decision on the suspected connection between herbicides and hypertension – the harbinger of so many other serious disorders.

"It should be remembered that Agent Orange exposure was not limited to just 'boots on the ground' in country," Hill continued. "Veterans exposed to Agent Orange included blue water Navy sailors, among others. They, too, deserve the care and benefits to be afforded other victims.

"There are 900-thousand Vietnam-era veterans in Legion ranks alone, so we have a huge stake in this," Hill said.

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023337 George Sheehy IV Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:33:37 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091021-023337 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023210
The act authorizes financial appropriations for Veterans Affairs Department medical care programs one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year. It was already approved by the House of Representatives and is now on its way to President Obama's desk for signature.

National Commander Clarence E. Hill of The American Legion was greatly pleased when he learned of the Senate action last night. "Imagine having to live paycheck-to-paycheck, but not knowing how much that paycheck would be or when it would arrive," Hill said. "That's the situation the VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has been in. This has resulted in hardships for the agency and even compromises in care to veterans.

"I have every confidence that President Obama will sign this act into law and thus resolve this longstanding problem," continued Hill. "This is a milestone measure and The American Legion celebrates it."

Hill has sent thank you letters to congressional leaders instrumental in shepherding the bill and to President Obama. His letter to the President reads, in part:

"Your signature enacting this critical piece of legislation would be greatly appreciated and a noteworthy achievement. "The American Legion believes this bill will go down in history as landmark legislation in the veterans' community."

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023210 George Sheehy IV Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:32:10 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091021-023210 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023007
American Legion Children’s Home of Ponca City, Okla., was awarded $41,000 for their project “American Legion Children’s Home National Awareness Initiative Phase II.” This grant will support an endeavor to increase the awareness of the American Legion Children’s Home which was established to support the children of veterans families by campaigning to increase support and expand services to children in need. The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

American Legion of Nevada of Las Vegas was awarded $3,037.25 for their project “Hear Today – Learn Tomorrow (HT-LT).” This grant will: develop and distribute letters requesting discount services from medical providers and hearing aid manufactures for participants in the HT-LT program, produce information sheets about the availability of support to families of hearing impaired children, and produce public service announcements related to HT-LT program.

Boys Scouts of America, Exploring Program Denver was awarded $35,717 for their project “Experience 9 to 5.” This grant will produce 12,000 course catalogs, 31,200 flyers and 90 posters associated with the Experience 9 to 5 program.

Childhood Leukemia Foundation of Brick, N.J., was awarded $48,000 for their project “Hope Binders.” This grant will print and ship 1,600 Hope Binders to 160 hospitals nationwide to be given to families facing the diagnosis of childhood cancer. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) of Norfolk, Va., $30,050 for their project “A Guide to Chest Wall Deformities in Children: Info. for parents, patients and physicians.” This grant will develop and distribute “A Guide to Chest Wall Deformities in Children: Information for parents, patients and primary care physicians” as a CD-ROM to better educate families and physicians. The Sons of The American Legion sponsor this grant.

Children’s Institute, Inc. of Rochester, NY was awarded $30,500 for their project “Building Connections for Military Families through Play.” This grant will provide the DVD “Possibilities of Play: Building Connections through Play” to schools and community agencies that work with children and families in the military. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation of Avon, Conn., was awarded $16,744 for their project “Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Screening Checklist for Medical Professionals.” This grant will create a CdLS Screening Checklist and distribute it nationally to 16,000 pediatric offices.

Diabetes Education and Camping Association of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded $25,000 for their project “‘Ready, View, Go’ – Diabetes Camp Web Training Project.” This grant will produce diabetes training videos that will prepare camp directors and staff how to handle diabetes issues in a camp setting.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of New York, N.Y., was awarded $39,500 for their project “I’m Aaron and I’m Bionic.” This grant will produce 4,000 DVDs that will educate teachers, classmates and friends about the history of treatment for type 1diabetes and the newest innovation, the artificial pancreas. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

Mercy Medical Airlift of Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded $45,700 for their project “Child Health Program – Info Dissemination Upgrade.” This grant will provide five modernized and updated websites and a full social media presence providing full information dissemination to the public and pediatric medical world regarding available charitable child patient long-distance medical air transportation. The Sons of The American Legion sponsors this grant.

The MY HERO Project of Laguna Beach, Calif., was awarded $28,872.50 for their project “The MY HERO Report – Youth Edition, Volume Two.” This grant will research, produce and distribute training videos for students to tell their own hero stories through video and filmmaking.

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) of New York, N.Y., was awarded $45,500 for their project “Empowering Parents to Advocate for their Children with Learning Disabilities.” This grant will revise and enhance NCLD website to ensure parents of children with learning disabilities are aware of their children’s rights and inform parents that they can advocate for them.

National Exchange Club Foundation of Toledo, Ohio, was awarded $25,000 for their project “Child Abuse Prevention Kits.” This grant will produce, print and distribute 1,000 Child Abuse Prevention kits, expand and enhance website and purchase promotional items.

National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation of Bryan, Ohio, was awarded $38,200 for their project “Reye’s Syndrome/Influenza Awareness School Mailing.” This grant will mail postcards to 131,377 schools across the U.S., directing school nurses and health care givers to the website to download handouts, brochures, bookmarks, literature, list of products containing aspirin and wellness information and distribute it to students to take home to parents and caregivers. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors this grant.

PKS Kids of Florissant, Mo., was awarded $29,500 for their project “Recognizing A Pallister-Killian Child.” This grant will, through a direct mail campaign, raise awareness of Pallister-Killian Syndrome by 50,000 pediatric doctors.

SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded $54,549 for their project “SADD’s Parents’ Corner Program.” This grant will redesign the website and integrate a new feature called the “Parents’ Corner,” which will offer practical advice, tips and information to parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, summer camp professions, and other caring adults to enhance adult/teen communication. The Sons of The American Legion sponsors this grant.

Spina Bifida Association of Washington, D.C., was awarded $40,000 for their project “Faces of Spina Bifida.” This grant will product “Faces of S.pina Bifida,” a social network for children with Spina Bifida designed to facilitate peer-to-peer support.

Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. of Bayside, N.Y., was awarded $25,000 for their project “The Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Program: Kids Teaching Kids.” This grant will create and produce presentation kits to be used by Tourette Syndrome sufferers as they educate a nation of children about what Tourette Syndrome is and is not.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS) of Washington, D.C., was awarded $35,000 for their project “TAPS Children’s Grief Kit and Interactive Website.” This grant will produce 5,000 Caisson Horse/Comfort Book packages and website, for children who have lost a parent serving in the military, to assist them understand their grief. The Sons of The American Legion sponsors this grant.
]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-023007 George Sheehy IV Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:30:07 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091021-023007 http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091019-123948
Andi Grant, an assistant program support specialist with ESGR in Rocky Hill, began Give2TheTroops, Inc. (G2TT), from her home in 2002 to send care packages and letters to troops deployed in combat zones and wounded service people in stateside medical facilities. It has since grown to include affiliates in seven states across the nation.

The Americanism Award citation, presented to Grant during the American Legion's recent state convention, recognizes her service, dedication, patriotism and unwavering support of veterans in Connecticut and abroad (by) establishing the organization of Give2TheTroops which gives the physical, moral and spiritual health of America's armed forces in combat zones around the world.

"You exemplify the true meaning of Americanism," the citation declared.

Grant was nominated for the Americanism Award, given annually to an individual who makes outstanding contributions to Connecticut residents, by the members of Governor's Foot Guard American Legion Post 1771 of Hartford.

Since G2TT was founded its volunteers have sent more than 75,000 boxes, averaging 65 pounds in weight, to approximately one million deployed American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other overseas duty stations.

Last year G2TT sent out over 30,000 large care packages that included more than 10-million letters and cards. The group has formed partnerships with Hallmark, Xerox and thousands of schools across the US to provide these cards.

In the past year G2TT gained more than 15,000 donors, volunteers and supporters nationwide and raised more than $1.5-million in funds or in-kind gifts.

Grant has 18 years of professional and volunteer experience including working for the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service, U.S. department of Defense and several private companies. She holds a bachelors degree in public communications from Syracuse University and speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently.

Other prominent accolades Grant has received include the American Red Cross' Community Impact Award, the President's Call To Service Lifetime Award, the Freedom Foundation's National Award and George Washington Honor Medal, and the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation.

Grant resides in Avon with her husband, Brian, and son, Ryan.

Anyone wishing to assist G2TT in their efforts can call 888-875-6775 or visit their website at www.Give2TheTroops.org. ]]> http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091019-123948 George Sheehy IV Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:39:48 GMT http://www.ct.legion.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091019-123948