Your Shield

USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) Website Down

2007-09-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

UPDATED 08-19-11

Former Great Seal of Alabama, 1868-1939

Thank you for visiting! Check out our August 28, 20009, Press Release on the Fifth Annual KIA Thunder Run, Military-Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet.

USAKIA incorporated in 2003 and received official tax-exempt and tax-deductible status from the IRS in 2004. Final determination of USAKIA as tax deductible and tax exempt by the IRS occurred in 2008. See the final-determination letter in PDF format for more information (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

USAKIA’s Mission Statement:

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) is here to increase ability to demonstrate the strength of families with killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DOW) while in our U.S. Armed Forces. KIA family and public support through USAKIA programs such as membership, memorials, and direct support to KIA families will honor their memory, show gratitude, and provide America with social justice. We are there for the whole family, and we are also a unique organization begun by KIA family members, for USA KIA family members, and for us, every day is Memorial Day. "All gave some... Some gave all."

USAKIA currently uses the blog here as a backup because our Website has been down since September 10, 2007. Instaspace seems a scam, where we had hosted our site and paid through 2009. They have their phone disconnected now, don't respond to E-mails, etc. We have now paid for hosting with GoDaddy.com where we plan to transfer our site. However, we need to access our account with Instaspace and cannot. We are and have been working on it. Please check out our blog here, which includes many links, or visit our other sites and Web rings in the meantime. We've also received requests for our mailing address and phone number, which will appear at the end of this message. Our Newsvine column will have articles updated while we use our blog and our site's down. You can also see our Mission Statement there.

Contact Information:

USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA)
P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172
Phone: (408) 954-8280
E-Mail Us

Blog Links

PLEASE NOTE:

We have had to change file locations. All functions here should now work. Please notify us of any bugs. Thank you!

USAKIA's Blog on Yahoo
USAKIA's Blog on eBay
USAKIA's Column on Newsvine

Group Links

KIA Memorial Yahoo Group
USA Military Families with Combat Deaths eBay Group
Remember Fallen Vines Newsvine Group

USAKIA Store

Valkyrie and Valhalla eBay Store

USAKIA Web Rings

Scroll Down Page to Visit USAKIA Web Rings

USAKIA Web Pages

See Bios of USAKIA Directors
See Past Press Releases
See USAKIA's Supporters
Outside Links and Web Rings
Definitions of KIA and DOW
Testimonials

Newsvine Article: An America That's Worth Defending

2007-09-11T09:34:00.001-07:00

USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you a Newsvine article with the following personal message:

It's been 6 years now. Check out an opinion about 9/11 in a Vermont newspaper with the link below.

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Headline:
An America That's Worth Defending

Summary:
Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Six years after terrorists hijacked commercial jets and turned them into weapons of mass destruction, the world received a reminder that those who planned the attack are still at large and, as President Bush said, "a reminder of the dangerous reminder in the world which we live...

Visit the article by clicking this link:

http://usakia.newsvine.com/_news/2007/09/11/955403-an-america-thats-worth-defending

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Newsvine is a place to read, write, and influence the news. We take your privacy seriously. If you feel that you have received this email in error, please contact "newsvineabuse {at} newsvine {dot} com".

Regards,

The Newsvine Team

Third Annual KIA Thunder Run, Military-Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet in California’s North Monterey Bay Area, Labor Day Weekend

2007-08-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Free event in northern California will have a two-hour midday ceremony to honor our nation's killed in action and others who died while serving. The Saturday, September 1, 2007, event from 9AM to 6PM will also have a military-vehicle show and swap meet.

Download Latest Flyer in Adobe PDF Format

Patriotic Bikers
The military-vehicle show complemented motorcycles with patriotic themes from Rolling Thunder, American Legion Riders, and other groups.

San Jose, CA (YOUR SHIELD) August 21, 2007 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, and America Remembers KIA, will hold its Third Annual KIA Thunder Run, Military-Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet on Saturday, September 1. The Labor Day Weekend event in northern California's Monterey Bay Area will again be next to J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store. Major participants include Rolling Thunder and the American Legion Family. The event will be free and open to the public.

Red KIA Flag on Motorcycle, 2006 KIA Thunder Run, Military Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet
A motorcycle flies a large KIA flag at the Second Annual KIA Thunder Run, Military-Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet.

The store and site are located at the intersection of N. Struve Road and Highway 1 in Moss Landing. For 2007, the group plans food and merchandise sales, as well as music. Jim Gilbertson, a J&S Surplus & Outdoor owner, says, "Just look for the flags" to find the landmark surplus, paint-ball, and outdoor-supply store.

MVCC Tank from 30s
An old tank was at the event in 2006.

Swap Meet at the Event in 2006
2006 was the first year with a military-vehicle show and swap meet.

USAKIA benefits families of those in the U.S. military who are killed in combat. Sponsors again want to honor U.S. killed in action (KIA), died of wounds (DOW), and any member of the U.S. military, civilians, or public safety who die in the line of duty or by a terrorist act.

Ms. Gabby Cribland sings the National Anthem.

The event will take place on a Saturday on Labor Day Weekend for the third straight year, and the California Military Vehicle Collectors Association (MVCC) will put on a military-vehicle show for the second year in a row. Vendors will also put on a swap meet like last year besides, as well as sell food. There will be music all day and a two-hour ceremony beginning at noon. For the third straight year, Ms. Gabby Cribland will sing the National Anthem, and for the second straight year, Big Rain will provide live music.

Big Rain Plays in 2006

California National Guard Color Guard
2006's event also had a color guard from the California National Guard.

Last year the California National Guard had a color guard, and about 300 people attended the ceremony. They will again provide a color guard for 2007, and motorcycle groups such as Rolling Thunder and the American Legion Riders will also participate, with the California National Guard raising the U.S. and KIA flags with the Gold Star Mother, and Rolling Thunder Raising the POW*MIA flag. California chapter president of Rolling Thunder, Chaplain Joy Jeannette, will also speak. Other American Legion Family representatives will include Paul Rodriguez, past California detachment commander of the Sons of the American Legion. He is also the current chaplain for the detachment.

USAKIA and Rolling Thunder Presidents

California chapter president of Rolling Thunder, Chaplain Joy Jeannette, receives a Certificate of Appreciation from USAKIA for their participation in 2006. Joy also spoke about a family member KIA in Vietnam.

Gold Star Mother in 2005

Keynote speaker for 2005 was Amalia Gonzalez, Gold Star Mother of Victor Gonzalez, KIA in 2004.

Keynote speaker for the Third Annual KIA Thunder Run will be Gold Star Mother Nadia McCaffrey. Her son, Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey, was KIA in Iraq in June of 2004. Patrick was a member of the California National Guard. She also founded the Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey Foundation in his honor to benefit fellow veterans. It has a project called Veterans Village at www.veteransvillage.org.

Participants for 2006
Participants show their Certificates of Appreciation from USAKIA: L-R, Joe Wiscowiche, father of William "Willie" Wiscowiche, Alec Arago of Congressman Sam Farr's office, Jim Gilbertson, owner of J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, and Gold Star Mother Pat Wiscowiche, keynote speaker for 2006. Vincent Bartning (your far right) presents cetificates for USAKIA.

Last year, USAKIA had Pat Wiscowiche, Gold Star Mother of William "Willie" Wiscowiche, as the keynote speaker. For 2005, the first KIA Thunder Run, Amalia Gonzalez, Gold Star Mother of Victor Gonzalez, "honored the event as our first keynote speaker" according to Vincent Bartning, president and assistant Webmaster of USAKIA.

Raised U.S. Flag
The midday ceremony had a flag-raising ceremony with the National Anthem. Here we see the U.S. flag raised.

Other organizations and government agencies will also participate. The Marine Corp League plans to provide a table, and Congressman Farr's office has also been invited again. Organizers expect more event-goers this year.

Alec Arago - Congressman Farr's Office
Alec Arago speaks at the event for California's 17th Congressional District. Congressman Farr's office also presented USAKIA and J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store with Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition.

USAKIA plans a raffle to raise funds, and tax-deductible donations can also be made at the nonprofit's Website, www.usakia.org. Its activities include events, a free flag program, and a project for children of those who die in combat the nonprofit began with a donation of tickets to Paramount's Great America from the PGA. It also plans other activities to benefit KIA and DOW families.

Military Jeep
Here's another military vehicle on display in 2006.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorial events, membership, and a free-flag program for KIA and DOW families.

The public-benefit corporation has had a group approach it for a California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP) and another one for a free tutoring program for K-12. New programs will include: 1) an active-duty U.S. Marine helping kids write thank-you letters to families of KIA, and 2) providing free tickets to children of combat dead to San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area attractions such as Paramount's Great America.

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org for further information or to make a tax-deductible donation.

USAKIA opened two blogs in early 2006, Your Shield on Blogger at http://usakia.blogspot.com and USAKIA's Blog on Yahoo at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/usakiadowff. The not-for-profit corporation also began an eBay blog in late 2006, Fallen Heroes' Remembrance, at http://blogs.ebay.com/usakia, and a Newsvine column in April at http://usakia.newsvine.com.

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Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
http://www.usakia.org
408 954-8280
CR @ usakia.org

Links (Open in New Window):

USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA)
Press Release on PRWeb
Press Release on PRWeb in PDF Format

SFGate: Portraits of Sacrifice

2007-07-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

SFGate: Portraits of Sacrifice (Opens in New Window)

Four Years of War
March 19, 2003 - March 19, 2007

From Santa Rosa to San Jose, from San Francisco to Discovery Bay, young men and women answered their nation's call.

And after four years of war in Iraq, 36 of them have died.

Behind these honor roll photos are people who called the Bay Area home.

These are their stories.

Presented here are profiles of the servicemen, their stories and the recorded words of their families...

See Interactive Media, Read Editorial

SFGate: Portraits of Sacrifice (Opens in New Window)

Roads to be renamed in honor of fallen Marines

2007-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Roads to be renamed in honor of fallen Marines

LAKE COUNTY -- Two amendments attached to the newly passed state budget bill designate portions of northeast Ohio roadways in memory of two Marines.

The bill renames the portion of State Route 2 within the city of Willoughby as the "Brian Montgomery Memorial Highway."

Montgomery served as a Lance Corporal in the Marines and died in action while serving in Iraq on August 1, 2005.

The bill would also designate part of State Route 44 within Lake County, from State Route 2 to the Headlands Beach State Park, as the "Andy Nowacki Memorial Highway"...

Most governors lower flag for fallen troops

2007-06-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today's Flag Day and the Army's 232nd birthday.

Most governors lower flag for fallen troops
Half-Staff Policies Vary Widely Among States

By Ben Jones - USA Today
Posted : Thursday Jun 14, 2007 15:06:18 EDT

More than half of state governors lower the American flag to honor service members killed overseas.

As the USA observes Flag Day today, a 50-state check indicates that 28 governors automatically lower flags when service members from their state are killed, and 22 governors do not. Some lower flags statewide, others only at certain facilities or localities.

There is a debate over whether every service member should get the honor. “Otherwise, anytime we’re in a conflict, the flag would be at half-staff most of the time, unfortunately,” said Joyce Doody, executive director of the National Flag Foundation.

Don Bauer, a Vietnam War veteran living in Grand Chute, Wis., said he believes governors should lower the flag to half-staff...

Read Entire Story at ArmyTimes.com (Cut and Paste or Opens New Window):

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/06/military_flagday_070614/

Check out Our New Group: Remember Fallen Vines

2007-06-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Icon for New Remember Fallen Vines Newsvine Group
USAKIA, which benefits kin of U.S. armed forces who die from combat, will use this graphic for its new group.
It's used with permission, and generally the nonprofit allows the non-commercial use of the KIA flag.

USAKIA began a new group on Newsvine today, Remember Fallen Vines. Its description goes:

To be killed in action (KIA) or to have died of wounds (DOW), to die as a result of armed combat while in the armed forces of the USA, "brings on many changes," like one song goes. It means broken branches in the family tree, fallen vines. Honor combat dead here; benefit their families, those left behind.

One popular World War I (Great War before 1939) memorial went:

Safe in the homeland singing today,
Waiting for dear ones still on the way,
Trials are ended, hardships are past.
Johnny's safe in Heaven at last!

Another poem with an unknown author goes:

We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.

We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part

God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.

Come join, check out the articles, or post one yourself.

Families with Combat Deaths Plan Memorial Day 2007 Display in Northern California

2007-05-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

A nonprofit for families of U.S. combat dead plans a display to honor killed in action on Memorial Day for the second straight year at Moss Landing in California's Northern Monterey Bay, Monday, May 28.

U.S. and KIA Flags Flying in Virginia
Picture used with permission. Here are the U.S. and KIA flags flying at the Virginia home of a Founding Member of USAKIA, Mickey Beard.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 26, 2007 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) plans to celebrate Memorial Day with an event like last year at Moss Landing on May 28. It holds a larger Labor Day Weekend event the Saturday before Labor Day. The nonprofit also has two programs, one for free flags for killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) families, the other for free tickets to Paramount's Great America. Families with KIA and DOW began the nonprofit and remain involved. It also held elections this month during its annual meeting.

The Memorial Day event on Monday, May 28, will be the second year in a row the nonprofit sets up at the site near J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store in California's Northern Monterey Bay. The store and site are located at the intersection of N. Struve Road and Highway 1 in Moss Landing. This year, the group plans food and merchandise sales, as well as music. The food will be from a barbecue, a symbol in itself for Memorial Day Weekend. They will also again play taps at 3PM, local time, for the National Moment of Remembrance in honor of American war dead.

The Labor Day Weekend event this year will take place on Saturday, September 1, and will have much more participation. It will be the third year in a row for the ceremony. Last year included a military-vehicle show and swap meet, and about 300 people participated in the event, including families and motorcycle groups such as Rolling Thunder and the American Legion Riders. Congressman Farr's office sent a representative, and the California National Guard also participated. Organizers expect even more turnout this year. The nonprofit also plans to hold raffles at both events.

KIA Flag Flies Right of U.S. Flag on House Flagpole
Picture used with permission. Mickey Beard, sister of SSgt George L. Winkler, a World War II Army Air Corps man killed in action in the Philippines, displays the KIA flag in Virginia. She also took part in the Free KIA Flag Program USAKIA offers.

USAKIA also has an auction featured on eBay again this year, the third year in a row. It also has a store there as well. Proceeds from sales on eBay benefit families of U.S. combat dead.

Programs include the events, and the nonprofit has kept its free flag program going, sending packages with meaningful items to families of those who get killed by hostile action while serving in the U.S. military. Items include things such as a 3 foot by 5 foot KIA flag, one it also sells on eBay. The packages include other items besides and get sent by Priority Mail with personalized labels.

The nonprofit has now begun another program with a donation from the PGA. The PGA provides free tickets to Paramount's Great America to 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit children. USAKIA plans to use the two tickets it has so far and add to them, providing a day at the Santa Clara County amusement park for up to 2 local children or grandchildren of those killed in combat and an adult parent/guardian for each.

Dennis (L) and Janice Malloy
Dennis Malloy and Janice Malloy sit at an event the nonprofit had at Moss Landing, the site of J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store. Both already officers, Dennis was also elected as a director of USAKIA's board during its annual meeting in May.

The organization also has an annual meeting with elections in May. Its Bylaws require a certain percentage of those related to combat dead on its board of directors. Directors elected one new member to USAKIA's board, Dennis Malloy, a supporter and Coast Guard veteran from the Vietnam era. Dennis also handles the nonprofit's community relations. Current directors include relatives of those with combat deaths from at least World War II to the present-day conflict in Iraq.

Patriotic Bikers
Here we see some of the decked-out motorcycles at USAKIA's Labor Day 2006 Event in Moss Landing. They complemented the military-vehicle show and swap meet.

Appreciation Certificates Presented
L - R, Joe Wiscowiche, Alec Arago for Congressman Sam Farr's Office, Jim Gilbertson for J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, Pat Wiscowiche, and Vincent Bartning; Pat and Alec receive certificates of appreciation from USAKIA.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorial events, membership, and a free-flag program for KIA and DOW families.

The public-benefit corporation has had a group approach it for a California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP) and another one for a free tutoring program for K-12. New programs will include: 1) an active-duty U.S. Marine helping kids write thank-you letters to families of KIA, and 2) providing free tickets to children of combat dead to San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area attractions such as Paramount's Great America.

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org/ for further information or to make a tax-deductible donation.

USAKIA opened two blogs in early 2006, Your Shield on Blogger at http://usakia.blogspot.com/ and USAKIA's Blog on Yahoo at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/usakiadowff. The not-for-profit corporation also began an eBay blog in late 2006, Fallen Heroes' Remembrance, at http://blogs.ebay.com/usakia, and a Newsvine page in April at http://usakia.newsvine.com/.

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Contact Information:

USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA)
Dennis Malloy, VP Community Relations
408-954-8280
CR@usakia.org
http://usakia.org

E-mail-A-Friend: VFW name change honors soldiers

2007-05-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Comment:
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in California changes its name in honor of combat dead from local high school.

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Story:
VFW name change honors soldiers

Ceremony next week: Post to be renamed to mark deaths of Hemet High grads.

By KARI HELTON/The Valley Chronicle

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.thevalleychronicle.com/articles/2007/05/18/news/04nvfw.txt

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www.kristv.com : Beeville war memorial destroyed, veterans mourn

2007-05-10T22:48:00.001-07:00

USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you an item from http://www.kristv.com

A war memorial gets destroyed in the Texas city of Beeville. So far, no one knows whether it's vandalism or an accident.

Beeville war memorial destroyed, veterans mourn
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?s=6487659

Find more items like this at http://www.kristv.com
Copyright 2007 KRIS

Space for memorial grows

2007-05-10T22:46:00.001-07:00

Space for memorial grows
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070508/METRO03/705080362

You have been sent the following article from USAKIA as a courtesy of detnews.com.

Comments:
Michigan city's war memorial gets space. It adds KIA from past wars and Iraq.

Examiner.com: Marines stop informing war deaths at night

2007-05-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

The following article link has been sent to you by usakiadowff@aol.com, along with the following message:

Marines place "blackout period" between midnight and 5AM on informing families of those who die while serving.

Marines stop informing war deaths at night

Rowan Scarborough, The Examiner

May 2, 2007 8:51 AM (2 days ago)

WASHINGTON

The Marine Corps will no longer wake up family members in the middle of the night to inform them of a killed or missing Marine, after complaints that no support services, such as religious or psychological counseling, were available at that time.

To read the rest of this article, please click on the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/a-704898~Marines_stop_informing_war_deaths_at_night.html

E-mail-A-Friend: Bronze statue to honor the fallen

2007-05-01T17:58:00.001-07:00
Comment:
Kansas's Pratt Industrial Airport will add "The Fallen Soldier" bronze statue to its B-29 All Veterans Memorial. "A replica of the statue using real equipment" will be on hand at the memorial this Memorial Day 2007, and the statue will have "special dog tags" of SSG Berry and SPC Davila, both KIA from the Army National Guard.
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Story:
Bronze statue to honor the fallen
A new tribute to fallen soldiers will be added to the B-29 All Veterans Memorial at the Pratt Industrial Airport.
A bronze statue, "The Fallen Soldier," will become the newest addition at the site and will honor all fallen soldiers, said Jack McCawley, member of the All Veterans Memorial Complex group that is securing funds to acquire the statue.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.pratttribune.com/articles/2007/04/27/news/00.txt
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Memorial Day 2007 on the Horizon

2007-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00
PLEASE NOTE: All Links Open in New Window.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) would like to comment on Memorial Day, coming up about a month from now. Memorial Day has a rich history in the United States, and this year we celebrate it on Monday, May 28. According to http://usmemorialday.org, "Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service…" We would like to remind Americans of its sanctity and meaning.

Stories abound about the day's origins with the most common being it began in Waterloo, New York. General Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed the first Memorial Day be May 30, 1868, with his General Order Number 11. By the end of World War I, every state in the Union honored our nation's fallen.

May 30 remained the day Americans in most states honored their military dead till 1971 when Congress passed the National Holiday Act, changing Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. However, some southern states also have their own days to honor Confederate war dead and did not adopt Memorial Day till after World War I. Nowadays calls to change it back to the set day like the Fourth of July come from patriotic groups and individuals such as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Hawaii's Senator Inouye.

A bipartisan committee, the White House Commission on Remembrance, provides a Web site which urges putting the meaning back into Memorial Day. Many criticize the change from May 30 to the last day in May so that Americans can have their 3-day weekend. The National Moment of Remembrance Home Page urges Americans, in honor of their military dead, to have a minute of silence or play Taps, if possible, at 3PM, local time. The site has free downloads including several versions of Taps.

USAKIA uses funds it collects for some meaningful programs, including a Free KIA Flag Program where families of those who die in hostile action receive a free flag and other items via Priority Mail. We keep our operating expenses low with an all-volunteer organization. We also hold events and plan other projects. The nonprofit accepts tax-deductible donations. See our Web site for further information. We wish you a good Memorial Day, and please remember their priceless sacrifice for your freedom. They were members of our nation's military but also our family members and friends who paid the ultimate price for God and country.

Resources:

National Moment of Remembrance Home Page - White House Commission on Remembrance - (Cut and Paste http://remember.gov)

USMemorialDay.org - (Cut and Paste http://usmemorialday.org)

USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) - (Cut and Paste http://usakia.org)

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) - (Cut and Paste http://suvcw.org)

Memorial Day Petition at USMemorialDay.org

General Order Number 11 - Commander-in-Chief GAR John A. Logan, May 5, 1868, at USMemorialDay.org

Newsvine Article: Newsvine - Soldier: Honor Troops Like Va. Tech Dead

2007-04-23T10:20:00.001-07:00

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Headline:
Newsvine - Soldier: Honor Troops Like Va. Tech Dead
Summary:
U.S. soldier in Afghanistan says we should honor our nation's fallen like we honor those at Virginia Tech. Over 300 have died in Afghanistan, almost 200 of them killed by "hostile action," according to the article.

Visit the article by clicking this link:
http://usakia.newsvine.com/_news/2007/04/23/678740-newsvine-soldier-honor-troops-like-va-tech-dead

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U.S. bomb techs honor their dead; 2006 worst year since '45

2007-04-21T16:54:00.001-07:00

See Entire Story on The Daily Commet's Web Site at:

http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070421/APN/704210580

U.S. bomb techs honor their dead; 2006 worst year since '45

By MELISSA NELSON
Associated Press Writer

The abandoned truck-mounted rocket launcher didn't belong on a road approaching sprawling Camp Liberty in Iraq.

Sgt. Timothy Weiner, Airman Elizabeth Loncki and Airman Daniel Miller Jr. - a three-member bomb disposal unit known as "Team Lima" - responded.

The trio first sent a robot to inspect the truck. Then Weiner, the team leader and a career bomb technician, donned protective gear and took what technicians call "the lonely walk," the first approach to a suspected explosive. He returned.

The three then walked toward the truck without protective gear - and it exploded.

In an instant last Jan. 7, Team Lima was gone.

Weiner, a 35-year-old father who wrote of his concern for Iraqi children.

Loncki, 23 and engaged, but always a daddy's girl.

Miller, 24, a handsome daredevil who got in trouble for playing with fireworks as child.

Back in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New York and Utah, families had been in touch with Team Lima over Christmas and had been weeks from welcoming their loved ones home from a six-month deployment. They planned funerals instead.

The families gathered again Saturday, this time in the Florida Panhandle. Team Lima's names, along with 11 others, were to be added during an annual memorial honoring military bomb technicians killed in action since 1942. The Navy's Kauffman Explosives Ordnance Disposal Training Complex on Eglin Air Force Base trains bomb technicians from all branches of the military...

See Entire Story on The Daily Commet's Web Site at:

http://www.dailycomet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070421/APN/704210580

Events Planned for Moss Landing to Honor U.S. Killed in Action and Died of Wounds

2007-04-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

See Release at I-Newswire:
http://i-newswire.com/pr98430.html

Press Release in PDF Format:
http://members.aol.com/usakiadowff/USAKIA41107PressRelease.pdf

Events Planned for Moss Landing to Honor U.S. Killed in Action and Died of Wounds

A nonprofit organization benefiting kin of killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) announces events and programs for 2007.

San Jose, CA (I-Newswire) April 11, 2007 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) plans two events this year. Its Free KIA Flag Program had an eventful month in March while the organization’s officers help wounded vets as well. As previously announced, 2007 is USAKIA’s final-determination year for the IRS to grant permanent status as tax deductible and tax exempt.

The nonprofit plans some sort of event at Moss Landing for Memorial Day again this year, the second year in a row. Organizers have not finalized plans, but it plans another small event honoring KIA and DOW with a booth with products and food sales from a barbecue at the J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store site.

On the other hand, organizers have finalized the date for the much larger Labor Day Weekend event this year, its third year in a row. The Labor Day Weekend event has attracted hundreds of attendees the Saturday before Labor Day. Last year’s event had a military-vehicle show and swap meet along with a ceremony. Motorcycle groups again participated, including Rolling Thunder, and the California National Guard provided a color guard. Speakers included USAKIA’s president and Rolling Thunder’s California chapter president, as well as Congressman Farr’s office, and a Gold Star Mother. It will again be the Saturday before Labor Day, September 1, 2007.

The nonprofit’s Free KIA Flag Program had about two dozen families of the fallen request packages in March alone. The program sends flags and other items via Priority Mail for free to families in honor of a loved one who was classified as KIA or DOW by the Department of Defense (DOD). Casualties from hostile action in any U.S. operation qualify for a large, red KIA flag. USAKIA sent at least 15 free packages in March alone.

Packages to KIA and DOW families, sent via Priority Mail, currently include a large, 3’ x 5’, red KIA flag, just like ones the nonprofit sells in a store on eBay. Currently, parcels also include one 4” x 6”, red KIA sticker, and packaging gets personal treatment with the name of the loved one attached. The nonprofit has heard families think it a "beautiful flag," and they thank USAKIA and provide testimonials for the program.

USAKIA’s officers and directors also have contacts to benefit our wounded vets. Contacts includes its secretary-treasurer who recently received recognition for his donations to organizations for wounded veterans, and the organization’s CEO also helped at an event at a local VA hospital in February. In addition, USAKIA Director Randy Hoge’s father was wounded in Korea and later became commander of a Disabled American Veterans post in Oregon. Randy also served in the Vietnam era, and his son currently serves, three generations of service and another example of a relationship to those with service-related wounds.

USAKIA plans future projects. One future project in the works provides tutoring for children of KIA in California, and the nonprofit has put time into getting something done about it, providing contacts to KIA and DOW families. A second project would involve free tickets for K-12 relatives of KIA to Paramount’s Great America for the Fourth of July, and the group applied for a program through the PGA to receive two tickets through a program for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Other programs the nonprofit envisions include scholarships and other educational assistance, family anniversary home memorials, and general benefits for KIA and DOW families. Along with the aforementioned tutoring program, they also discuss a program where an active-duty U.S. Marine will supervise school children’s letters to KIA and DOW Families. Please send tax-deductible donations to USAKIA, P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, California, 95172.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorial events, membership, and a free-flag program for KIA and DOW families.

The public-benefit corporation has had a group approach it for a California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP) and another one for a free tutoring program for K-12. New proposals for programs include: 1) an active-duty U.S. Marine helping kids write thank-you letters to families of KIA, and 2) providing free tickets to children of combat dead to San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area attractions such as Paramount's Great America.

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org/ for further information or to make a tax-deductible donation.

USAKIA opened two blogs in early 2006, Your Shield on Blogger at http://usakia.blogspot.com/ and USAKIA's Blog on Yahoo at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/usakiadowff. The not-for-profit corporation also began an eBay blog in late 2006, Fallen Heroes' Remembrance, at http://blogs.ebay.com/usakia.

###

Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
P.O. Box 720123
San Jose, CA 95172
http://www.usakia.org/
(408) 954-8280
CR@usakia.org

See Release at I-Newswire:
http://i-newswire.com/pr98430.html

Press Release in PDF Format:
http://members.aol.com/usakiadowff/USAKIA41107PressRelease.pdf

Korean War veteran taking on new mission

2007-04-09T10:59:00.001-07:00
message:
USAKIA sent you this story from Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV:
Korean War veteran taking on new mission

The sender says:
Korean War combat veteran helps honor KIAs. He also helps seek for kin of comrades whose remains they've found from the '50-'53 war era.
To read the rest of the story, go to http://www.bdtonline.com/local/local_story_098210311.html
(Opens New Window)
email: usakiadowff@aol.com

Yahoo! News Story - Shiite cleric urges fight against U.S. - Yahoo! News

2007-04-08T19:44:00.001-07:00
USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you a news article.
(Email address has not been verified.)
------------------------------------------------------------
Personal message:
10 U.S. forces killed Easter/early spring weekend in Iraq.
Shiite cleric urges fight against U.S. - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070409/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
============================================================
Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/

Casualties - April 2007 - USATODAY.com

2007-04-02T22:42:00.001-07:00
AP reports casualties as of April 2, 2007 in USA TODAY:

As of Monday, April 2, 2007, at least 3,246 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 2,621 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers...

See USA TODAY article for further information.

Click the following to access the sent link:

April 2007 - USATODAY.com

*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/casualties/2007-04-02-april-07-toll_N.htm?csp=34&POE=click-refer

Milan memorial would honor casualties of all wars

2007-03-31T11:58:00.000-07:00
SEE ENTIRE GALLUP INDEPENDENT ARTICLE AT:
http://www.gallupindependent.com/2007/march/032907mm_milanmemorial.html
By Mike Marino
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — America's involvement in Vietnam ended on the embassy rooftops in Saigon in 1975 after more than 50,000 lives were lost. Today, at Friendship Park on Santa Fe Avenue in Grants, a marble and stone monolith with flags punctuating the sky stand in silent tribute to the area's fallen of that conflict...

SEE ENTIRE GALLUP INDEPENDENT ARTICLE AT:
http://www.gallupindependent.com/2007/march/032907mm_milanmemorial.html

9 officers cited for mishandling Tillman's death

2007-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

SEE ENTIRE SFGate.com ARTICLE AT:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/03/24/TILLMAN.TMP

9 officers cited for mishandling Tillman's death
Delayed reports of friendly fire focus of internal Pentagon probe
Robert Collier, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, March 24, 2007

A Pentagon investigation has found that nine officers, including as many as four generals, were at fault for the bungled aftermath of the friendly-fire killing of former football star and Army Ranger Pat Tillman in 2004, according to news reports Friday evening.

Unnamed Pentagon officials confirmed that an 18-month investigation had found a range of missteps and inappropriate conduct after Tillman, a 27-year-old San Jose native, was killed by his fellow soldiers in a chaotic firefight in eastern Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, reports by Associated Press, CBS and NBC said.

The officials found to be at fault were not named in the reports. The Associated Press said the investigation will blame officers of the rank of colonel and up but will not make charges or suggest punishments. One defense official told the AP the inquiry determined that there was no orchestrated cover-up.

Pentagon officials did not return calls and e-mails from The Chronicle, and Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, did not respond to a request for comment.

The case has been highly controversial because after Tillman's death, the military waited five weeks before telling his family or the public that friendly fire was suspected.

That period coincided with the Abu Ghraib scandal and high U.S. casualties in Iraq. The Army said Tillman had been killed by the Taliban, and President Bush lauded him as "an inspiration on and off the football field, as with all who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror."

Tillman, a graduate of Leland High School in San Jose, gave up a three-year, $3.6 million contract offer as a safety for the Arizona Cardinals to join the Rangers in April 2002 along with his brother Kevin. Saying he wanted to help defend his country after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Pat Tillman was sent to fight in Iraq -- in a war that he told his fellow soldiers he opposed.

The brothers were later sent to Afghanistan, where Pat Tillman was hit in a wild flurry of shooting by fellow soldiers as he scaled a hill toward suspected Taliban guerrillas.

Who knew what and when -- and whether top officials ordered a cover-up to help use the dead soldier as a public-relations prop in the Bush administration's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- are questions that have been asked by the Tillman family and members of Congress.

According to the Associated Press, one Pentagon official who requested anonymity said late Friday that the investigation showed that senior military leaders "may not have had all the facts or worked hard enough to get the facts of what happened on that day in April 2004."

However, a Chronicle review of the nearly 2,000 pages of documents in the case found that high-ranking Pentagon officials knew quickly that friendly fire was suspected in Tillman's death.

The commander of Tillman's 75th Ranger Regiment, Col. James Nixon, was informed the following day, April 23, about the suspicion of friendly fire.

The chief of U.S. Central Command, Gen. John Abizaid, received this information April 29, as did top Pentagon officials in Washington, the documents showed.

Since then, no high-ranking officers have been punished. Four soldiers received minor sanctions ranging from written reprimands to expulsion from the Rangers. One soldier's pay was cut, and he was effectively forced to quit the Army.

The inquiry by the Office of the Inspector General, the internal investigative arm of the Pentagon, was initiated in August 2005 because of complaints from Congress and a storm of national publicity in the case.

The investigation's findings are scheduled to be revealed Monday in an unusual series of simultaneous releases -- congressional and media briefings in Washington at the same time the Tillman family is given the information in San Jose.

The leaking of partial results Friday evening to a few news organizations suggests a time-worn, bipartisan Washington practice in which government officials disclose unfavorable developments on Friday evenings -- an especially slow period of the weekly news cycle -- in an attempt to minimize their impact.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/24/TILLMAN.TMP

This article appeared on page A - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Copyright 2007 SF Chronicle

Bill would establish a N.H. Medal of Honor

2007-03-15T20:11:00.001-07:00
New Hampshire legislators consider awarding all KIA from the state a NH Medal of Honor.
__________________________________________________
The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: Bill would establish a N.H. Medal of Honor
Date: March 15, 2007
"New Hampshire lawmakers are considering a plan to create a New Hampshire Medal of Honor for military members killed in action."
__________________________________________________
To see this recommendation, click on the link below or cut and paste it into a Web browser:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2007/03/15/bill_would_establish_a_nh_medal_of_honor?p1=email_to_a_friend

__________________________________________________
Boston Globe

PA Township Memorial Site to Be Updated

2007-03-15T20:09:00.001-07:00
PA community plans to update its memorial to reflect a recent KIA from Iraq.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16445275&BRD=2758&PAG=461&dept_id=572967&rfi=6

+------------------------------------------------------------------------+
+ As featured in the on-line version of Courier-Express/Tri-County.
+ Web Address: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=2758
+------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Menasha veterans tribute gains ground

2007-03-14T10:53:00.000-07:00
You have been sent the following article from Vincent Bartning as a courtesy of The Appleton Post-Crescent.
"Menasha veterans tribute gains ground"
To view this article on The Post-Crescent site, go to:
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007703120487

The following is a short message from Vincent Bartning:
Memorial regarding valor will include all KIA from Menasha, WI. MOH recipients will have centerpiece "Ilse of Valor."

Military faces growing ranks of bereaved

2007-03-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Ursula Pirtle, left, talks with her daughter, Katie, in the play room at
a help center for families of fallen soldiers located at Fort Hood, Texas,
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007. Pirtle's husband, Heath, was killed serving with
the Army in Iraq. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

See Entire AP Via Yahoo! News Article at (Opens in New Window):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070303/ap_on_re_us/families_of_the_fallen

Military faces growing ranks of bereaved

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer
Sat Mar 3, 12:31 PM ET

FORT HOOD, Texas - One of the first sights greeting visitors to Fort Hood is a day-care center's playground, brightly colored evidence of the Army's commitment to be family friendly.

A few blocks away is a more poignant symbol: an office building recently converted into a first-of-its-kind support center for women and children whose husbands and fathers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. From Fort Hood alone, the toll has passed 365.

"It's our sanctuary," said Ursula Pirtle, whose daughter frequents a playroom at the center. Three-year-old Katie never met her father, Heath. He was killed in Iraq in 2003.

Over the past 15 years, America's armed forces have taken huge strides to retain married service members — improving schools, health programs and child care. But now, as never before in this family-embracing era, the military is struggling with the toughest home-front problem of all: Doing right by the often outspoken and ever-growing ranks of the bereaved.

Of the 3,350 Americans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan through early January, 1,586 of them — 47.3 percent — were married. Those fallen warriors left behind 1,954 children, according to the Pentagon's Manpower Data Center. More recent deaths have pushed that figure past 2,000.

Compared to the heavily draftee combat troops of the Vietnam war, today's volunteer fighting force is older, more reliant on National Guard and Reserve citizen-soldiers, and more likely to be married.

And more so than their Vietnam counterparts, the new generation of bereaved spouses has been vocal — on their bases, at congressional hearings — in pressing for more compassionate, effective support.

It's a constituency that politicians and generals do not want to alienate. The result has been numerous policy changes, ranging from improved benefits to better training for the officers who break the grim news of war-zone deaths. Even the Fort Hood support center materialized due to pressure from widows and their allies...

See Entire AP Via Yahoo! News Article at (Opens in New Window):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070303/ap_on_re_us/families_of_the_fallen

E-mail-A-Friend: Research will link stories to names on vets memorial

2007-02-27T20:32:00.001-08:00

Comment:
"War Memorial Project" in Yolo County, CA, adds names to memorial from World War I and other conflicts.
---
Story:
Research will link stories to names on vets memorial
In the course of researching the stories of area veterans who died in service, Ted Puntillo discovered that some had been overlooked.
Puntillo, veterans service representative for Yolo County, and county Supervisor Matt Rexroad want to make sure that doesn't happen again.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below (Opens New Window):
http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2007/02/27/news/309new2.txt
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Park named after soldier killed in Vietnam

2007-02-17T20:05:00.000-08:00
Buck County PA names park "in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Harry J. Simmons Jr."

See Entire Story at:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-02162007-1300174.html

Buck County Courier Times

By CHRIS ENGLISH
Bucks County Courier Times

Middletown has renamed Veterans Park, a township park on Brownsville Road, Simmons Park in honor of Marine Lance Cpl. Harry J. Simmons Jr. The township resident was killed in action in 1967 during the Vietnam War.

The township supervisors approved the name change at their Tuesday night meeting. They said it was a good way to honor a heroic Marine and it also made sense because the site of a future township veterans memorial adjacent to the public works complex on Veterans Highway (Route 413) is also known as Veterans Park.

According to the name-change resolution, Simmons was fatally wounded on April 18, 1967, while helping an injured comrade board an evacuation helicopter. He won seven medals for his military service, the resolution read.

“I am so honored by this,” Simmons' sister Sandra Giangrante, said at Tuesday's meeting.
“As we all know, freedom is not free, but is paid for by the men and women in our military service,” the Lower Makefield resident added...

See Entire Story at:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-02162007-1300174.html

Group for Families of U.S. Killed in Action (KIA) and Died of Wounds (DOW) Looks Forward to 2007

2007-01-23T20:25:00.000-08:00
See USAKIA's press release at:
http://prweb.com/releases/2007/1/prweb499731.htm

A nonprofit organization benefiting KIA and DOW kin plans events and programs pending its final determination this year as tax deductible and tax exempt.

San Jose, CA (PRWeb) January 24, 2007 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), a nonprofit to benefit families of killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) begins its final determination year. Events planned for 2007 include a second-annual Memorial Day Weekend and third-annual Labor Day Weekend event. USAKIA also plans to improve its board of directors, continue a very popular and meaningful "Free-Flag Program," manage a court case, and has new proposals including one to have an active-duty U.S. Marine help children write thank-you letters to families of the fallen.

Click Here to See IRS Determination Letter (in PDF Format)

The public-benefit corporation received official determination of an advanced determination of its tax-exempt and tax-deductible status in 2004. The official designation from the IRS applies from October 20, 2003, through December 31, 2007. USAKIA must prove itself worthy of the IRS granting permanent status by the end of the year. So far, the small organization "appears on course to receive its final determination," according to its secretary-treasurer, Louis Bartning. Donations have been coming in this year so far. However, the nonprofit also says contributions have special importance through the end of the year to show required public support.

Patriotic Motorcycle Groups
2006's "Second Annual KIA Thunder Run, Military Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet" at Moss Landing again included decked-out motorcycles. They complemented MVCC's military vehicles on display.

2006 Event Included Swap Meet
USAKIA's Labor Day Weekend 2006 event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store in Moss Landing included a swap meet.
Events planned for 2007 include a second-annual Memorial Day Weekend event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store in Moss Landing and a third year in a row happening there over Labor Day Weekend. September's event and "KIA Thunder Run" last year had about 350 people attend the ceremony, many important speakers, a military-vehicle show, and a swap meet, as well as food and drink sold by a Fort Ord-based school for children of military families. Congressman Sam Farr's office presented USAKIA with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and the nonprofit in turn presented his office with a Certificate of Appreciation, as well as one to other participants such as the California National Guard, Rolling Thunder, and the Military Vehicle Collectors of California (MVCC).

An MVCC Tank
The Labor Day Weekend 2006 "KIA Thunder Run, Military Vehicle Show, and Swap Meet" included this tank here.
Click Here to See Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition (in PDF Format)

California National Guard Participation
The California National Guard sent participants in USAKIA's September 2, 2006, event - L-R, SPC Narciso, SPC Mead, & SSG Caldwell.

USAKIA Passes Out Its Certificates of Appreciation
L-R, Joe Wiscowiche, Father of William Wiscowiche, KIA in Iraq, Alec Arago for Congressman Sam Farr's Office, Jim Gilbertson, Owner of J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, Pat Wiscowiche, Gold Star Mother of William Wiscowiche, Vincent Bartning, Grandson of John Wallace Rich, KIA in WWII, Cousin of Louis Bartning, KIA in Korea, Gold Star Families with USAKIA. Certificates presented by nonprofit at Labor Day Weekend 2006 event.
USAKIA's board of directors improved last year, and the not-for-profit corporation foresees more improvement this year. In 2006, new directors included family of active-duty personnel and KIA or DOW from the conflict in Iraq, as well as a combat and Vietnam-era veteran. Even more qualifications include a new director's close relationship to another casualty from Korea. 2007 so far has provided others interested in serving as volunteer board members for USAKIA, including a candidate who has a brother who was KIA in Vietnam.

The group's "Free Flag Program" continues to receive requests from military families with KIA or DOW. USAKIA's president, Vincent Bartning, describes these "powerful and profound requests as something difficult to explain. Strong families request to honor their children and spouses, some who died fighting recently and some long ago." The nonprofit sends kin who request things at no cost, the mainstay item being a large, red KIA flag. The American Legion Riders California made the most recent contribution to the meaningful program.

KIA Flag and Symbol
America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked symbol. It appears on flags, stickers, pins, and other items, including the nonprofit's logo.
The public-benefit corporation does have an "ongoing lawsuit" stemming from an incident which occurred on October 7, 2005. Santa Clara County Superior Court's Commissioner Gregory Saldivar has issued a decision in the small-claims case. Requested damages involve an illegal entry. The case has the title USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) v. City of Sunnyvale and City of San Jose, 4-06-SC-019254.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorial events, membership, and a free-flag program for KIA and DOW families.

The public-benefit corporation has had groups approach it for a California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP) and free tutoring program for K-12. Discussions continue about those proposed projects, as well as others. New proposals for programs include: 1) an active-duty U.S. Marine helping kids write thank-you letters to families of KIA, and 2) providing free tickets to children of combat dead to San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area attractions such as Paramount's Great America.

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org for further information or to make a tax-deductible donation.

USAKIA opened two blogs in March, Your Shield on Blogger at http://usakia.blogspot.com and USAKIA's Blog on Yahoo at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/usakiadowff. The not-for-profit corporation also began an eBay blog in late November, Fallen Heroes' Remembrance, at http://blogs.ebay.com/usakia.

###

Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
http://www.usakia.org
(408) 954-8280
CR@usakia.org

See USAKIA's press release at:
http://prweb.com/releases/2007/1/prweb499731.htm

abc7.com: Gunmen Who Killed Soldiers Impersonated Americans

2007-01-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

USAKIA sent you this from abc7.com link:
Gunmen Who Killed Soldiers Impersonated Americans
The gunmen who killed five U.S. troops in
the Shiite holy city of Karbala wore military uniforms and used
vehicles commonly driven by foreign dignitaries - an apparent
attempt to impersonate Americans, Iraqi officials said Sunday.

(Opens in New Window)
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=nation_world&id=4956638
Comments:
Saturday, January 20, deadliest day for U.S.A. in Iraq since 2005.
____________________________________________________________
ABC7 Eyewitness News - Southern California's News Leader

Families of Missing Service Personnel Hopeful

2007-01-21T13:10:00.000-08:00
See Entire Article at: (Opens New Window)
http://cbs11tv.com/local/local_story_020183915.html

Includes Links, Video, Links

Jan 20, 2007 5:39 pm US/Central

Families of Missing Service Personnel Hopeful

DOD Helps Families Find The Fallen Who Have Not Been Identified

Bud Gillett Reporting
(CBS 11 News) " We just pray that everyone in this room one days get to bury his son on American soil." Jan Williams, who traveled from Lewisville, was one of the family members who attended a meeting with the Department of Defense Saturday.

More than 100 families gathered at a Fort Worth hotel to receive an update from the DOD on the progress to find the remains of their loved ones --- service personnel believed killed in action, but whose remains have not been recovered...

See Entire Article at: (Opens New Window)
http://cbs11tv.com/local/local_story_020183915.html

Includes Links, Video, Links

theeagle.com story link from USAKIA

2007-01-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

This e-mail has been sent by USAKIA
(usakiadowff@aol.com).
A statue rendition of Rosenthal's famous picture predates the
one in Washington, D.C. At the Marine Military Academy in South
Texas, "[a] nearby headstone marks the final resting place of
Harlon Block, one of the six marines" in the Rosenthal photo.
http://www.theeagle.com/stories/011407/lifestyles_20070114061.php
-----------------------------------------
Copyright 2007 The Bryan-College Station Eagle. This article is
protected by copyright and may not be printed or distributed for
anything except personal use.
2007-01-17 (17:10:43)

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq Reach 3,000, December Deadliest Month of 2006

2006-12-31T12:06:00.000-08:00

UPDATED 1-2-07

Dear Your Shield:

Both the Associated Press and reputable Web site, www.icasualties.org, claim U.S. deaths in Iraq have hit the 3,000 mark. December has also become the deadliest month in Iraq of 2006 for the U.S., with at least 111 American military deaths. This makes October the second-deadliest month of 2006, with 106 U.S. deaths.

The Pentagon has confirmed deaths reached the "sobering milestone" of 3,000 later in the day according to an added AP video. However, AP also stated in an article, "The White House said the president mourned each death but would not issue a statement about the 3,000th."

Links Open New Window
Reuters - "US military deaths in Iraq reach 3,000"
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N31273678.htm

AP via Yahoo! News - "U.S. toll in Iraq hits 3,000 as '06 ends"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070101/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_061231235756

AP via Yahoo! News - "U.S. death toll in Iraq reaches 3,000"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061231/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_american_deaths

VIDEO - AP via Yahoo! News - "U.S. Deaths in Iraq Reach 3,000 Milestone"
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/scp_v3/viewer/index.php?pid=16598&rn=49750&cl=1571758&ch=68276&src=news

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq Alone Passed 9-11 Today

2006-12-25T21:20:00.000-08:00
Dear Your Shield:

Christmas 2006 also has a grim milestone: U.S. military deaths in Iraq passed the number killed on 9-11 today. Back on September 3, 2006, total deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan passed those killed on September 11th, but the figure also included military contractors. The figure of military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan passed 9-11-01 deaths 20-days later, on September 23. With 2 soldiers KIA today, military deaths in Iraq alone now also passed total casualties on 9-11, excluding the 19 terrorists who also died.

December also appears to have the second-highest-casualty total of the year, passing April's 76, which it tied on December 22. October, with 105 killed, remains the deadliest month of 2006 for the U.S. military.

See AP Article on Yahoo at:

"U.S. deaths in Iraq exceed 9-11 count"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061226/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_061224185331

or AP Article on ABC at:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2750773&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

Related Blog Entries:

September 23, 2006, U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan Equal 9-11-01.
http://usakia.blogspot.com/2006/09/usatodaycom-war-price-on-us-lives.html

September 3, 2006, U.S. Military and Civilian Contractor Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan Equal 9-11.
http://usakia.blogspot.com/2006/09/r-news-story-from-usakia.html

5 soldiers killed by Iraqi insurgents

2006-12-22T20:05:00.000-08:00
See Entire Article at:
http://http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_061222231810

December 22, 2006

AP Via Yahoo! News

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA, Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 32 minutes ago

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgent attacks killed five more American troops west of the Iraqi capital, the military said Friday, making December the second deadliest month for U.S. servicemen in 2006.

So far this month, 76 American troops have died in Iraq, the same number that were killed in all of April. With nine days remaining in December, the monthly total of U.S. deaths could meet or exceed the death toll of 105 in October...

See Entire Article at:
http://http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061223/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_061222231810

www.wfmj.com : Nearly one thousand gather to pay respects to Iraq soldier

2006-12-21T20:38:00.000-08:00
USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you an item from http://www.wfmj.com

Private First Class Ross McGinnis was KIA saving the lives of four other soldiers. The Army posthumously awarded his Silver Star to his parents in a memorial service in Pennsylvania.

Nearly one thousand gather to pay respects to Iraq soldier
http://www.wfmj.com/Global/story.asp?s=5827158

Find more items like this at http://www.wfmj.com
Copyright 2006 WFMJ

Many sacrificed, but who deserves?

2006-12-17T16:43:00.000-08:00
See Entire Article (Including Pictures) at:
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_4856723?source=email

Lowell Sun
www.lowellsun.com

Many sacrificed, but who deserves?
By CHRIS CAMIRE, Sun Staff
Article Last Updated:12/17/2006 06:33:19 AM EST

When Marine Cpl. Paul "Nick" King was tragically killed in Iraq this year, the wheels were set in motion for a square to be dedicated to the decorated soldier in his hometown of Tyngsboro.

Unlike some towns where squares are indiscriminately dedicated to veterans, Tyngsboro reserves its squares for soldiers who died in combat. It prevents the town from having to set up complicated criteria to determine who is deserving and who isn't, said Veterans Agent Kevin O'Connor...

See Entire Article (Including Pictures) at:
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_4856723?source=email

From Albuquerque Tribune: 11 U.S. troops dead in one day

2006-12-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

USAKIA sent you this:
11 U.S. troops dead in one day
http://abqtrib.com/news/2006/dec/07/11-us-troops-dead-one-day/
--------
USAKIA attached this additional message:
11 U.S. troops killed on Wednesday, December 6. The last day with such a high casualty rate was October 17. U.S. military high command's thoughts with families according to reports.
--------
Albuquerque Tribune

Pearl Harbor victims honored with moment of silence, wreath laying in Hawaii - USATODAY.com

2006-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00
See Entire Article - Opens in New Window (Includes Pics, Video):

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-12-07-pearl-harbor_x.htm?csp=34

With wreaths and a moment of silence, Pearl Harbor Association members and survivors honor victims of December 7, 1941, attack 65 years ago today. In their 80s and 90s, they say it will be the last time.

Thursday, December 7, 2006

USA Today

Pearl Harbor victims honored with moment of silence, wreath laying in Hawaii

Updated 12/7/2006 10:32 PM ET

From staff and wire reports

Nearly 500 survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — many in wheelchairs and walkers — gathered Thursday to lay wreaths and remember the men and women killed on Dec. 7, 1941.

For some of the survivors, now in their 80s or older, it will be their last visit to the site of the attack that prompted America to enter World War II.

In a ceremony in which former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw gave the keynote address, survivors bowed their heads at 7:55 a.m. to reflect on the moment Japanese bombs began to drop.

"America in an instant became the land of the indivisible," said Brokaw, author of the book The Greatest Generation...

See Entire Article - Opens in New Window (Includes Pics, Video):

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-12-07-pearl-harbor_x.htm?csp=34

2006 Benefits Some Gold Star Families in a Small Way

2006-12-06T02:42:00.000-08:00

Two Gold Star Families, Congressman's Rep, and Benefactor

L-R, Joe Wiscowiche, Father of William Wiscowiche, KIA in Iraq, Alec Arago for Congressman Sam Farr's Office, Jim Gilbertson, Owner of J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, Pat Wiscowiche, Gold Star Mother of William Wiscowiche, Vincent Bartning, Grandson of John Wallace Rich, KIA in WWII, Cousin of Louis Bartning, KIA in Korea, Gold Star Families with USAKIA. Certificates presented by nonprofit at Labor Day Weekend 2006 event.

See USAKIA's press release for more at http://prweb.com/releases/2006/12/prweb487339.htm

A nonprofit for families of killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) looks back on its 2006 accomplishments.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) December 6, 2006 -- A nonprofit for families of killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) looks back on its 2006 accomplishments.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) announced its 2006, second annual Labor Day Weekend event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store in Moss Landing went better than the first one in 2005. It also had its first Memorial Day Weekend event in 2006. Other work includes a "Free-Flag Program" where the nonprofit gives KIA flags to families of U.S. combat dead.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) held its second annual event in Moss Landing on September 2, 2006. The memorial paid tribute to all U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW), with many more participants this year than last year. This year, the event also honored U.S. citizens killed in acts of terror and public safety personnel, as well as military personnel who died in the line of duty.

Rolling Thunder participated again this year, and 2006's event also included a military-vehicle show put on by Military Vehicle Collectors of California (MVCC) and a swap meet. Congressman Farr's office and the California National Guard participated for the first time this year as well, and about 250 people were there for the midday ceremony, a higher number than in 2005.

The nonprofit held its first Memorial Day Weekend event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store in Moss Landing in 2006. It plans both events next year as well. The store kindly donates the land for the event, as well as many of the raffle prizes the nonprofit offers.

Other work the nonprofit currently does includes a "Free-Flag Program" where a KIA or DOW family can request a 3-by-5 foot KIA flag, and USAKIA ships it to them for free. So far, it has given away about 30 flags and other items to fellow KIA families to honor the fallen. USAKIA also sells the items in its eBay store. Currently, the nonprofit wants to evaluate a free tutoring program for children of combat dead in California.

USAKIA has attended funerals of KIA and DOW in northern California to provide support. It has also presented its flag to various groups, including local chapters of the Sons of the American Legion and the Sons of the American Revolution. The nonprofit has also shored up its board of directors in 2006, adding relatives of active-duty military and KIA or DOW in Iraq.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) _organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it had planned a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP).

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org/ for further information.

USAKIA opened two blogs in March, _Your Shield_ on Blogger at http://usakia.blogspot.com/ and _USAKIA's Blog_ on Yahoo at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/usakiadowff. The not-for-profit corporation also just began an eBay blog in late November, _Fallen Heroes' Remembrance_, at http://blogs.ebay.com/usakia .

###

Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
http://www.usakia.org
(408)954-8280
CR@usakia.org

See USAKIA's press release for more at http://prweb.com/releases/2006/12/prweb487339.htm

Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War is Identified

2006-11-28T15:32:00.000-08:00
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 1200-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711

Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Master Sgt. Robert V. Layton, U.S. Army, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is to be buried today at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C.

Layton was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division (making up the 31st Regimental Combat Team). The RCT was engaged against the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces along the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. After intense fighting from Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 1950, the battalion was forced to abandon its position, leaving its dead behind. Layton was listed as missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, and was later presumed killed in action.

Between 2002 and 2004, joint U.S. and Democratic People's Republic of North Korea teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, seven times excavated a mass burial site associated with the 31st RCT along the eastern shore of the Chosin Reservoir. The team found human remains and other material evidence, including Layton's identification tag and part of his billfold containing a newspaper clipping reporting on a Bronze Star being awarded to "Sgt. Robert Layton" circa 1944.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10223]

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Fund to help fallen snipers’ families

2006-11-21T07:28:00.000-08:00
See Entire Article in Army Times at:

http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2346142.php

ArmyTimes.com
November 14, 2006
Fund to help fallen snipers’ families
By Michelle Tan
Staff writer

COLUMBUS, Ga. — A fund unveiled Nov. 3 by the Army Sniper Association will support the families of snipers killed in action and eventually pay for a memorial at Fort Benning, Ga.

The Staff Sgt. Eric Caban Fallen Sniper Fund was announced during a banquet to mark the end of the sixth International Sniper Competition, which took place Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at Fort Benning...

See Entire Article in Army Times at:

http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2346142.php

2006 Attendance Higher at Nonprofit’s Annual Northern California Event Honoring U.S. Combat Dead

2006-10-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

The event this year included a military-vehicle show by MVCC.

It also included a swap meet being set up here.
NOTE: You can also see our press release at PRWeb, which includes some PDF files and could have different photos, http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/10/prweb451897.htm.

2006 Attendance Higher at Nonprofit’s Annual Northern California Event Honoring U.S. Combat Dead

Family Friendly and Patriotic

Some of the attendees at the event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store

Labor Day Weekend 2006 Monterey Bay Area memorial for U.S. killed in action (KIA) had higher participation than last year.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) October 19, 2006 – The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) held its second annual event in Moss Landing on September 2, 2006. The memorial paid tribute to all U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW), with many more participants this year than last year. This year, the event also honored U.S. citizens killed in acts of terror and public safety personnel, as well as military personnel who died in the line of duty. 2006’s event also included a military-vehicle show put on by Military Vehicle Collectors of California (MVCC) and a swap meet. Congressman Farr’s office and the California National Guard also participated. Preliminary estimates of attendance were about 300 for the midday ceremony, probably more than double last year’s participation.

Big Rain
Big Rain played live for much of the day, with speakers and patriotic music during the memorial beginning at noon. USAKIA president Vincent Bartning spoke after a blessing by Chaplain Joy Joy Jeannette. Joy, also the president of the California chapter of Rolling Thunder, also participated. Keynote speaker was Mrs. Pat Wiscowiche, mother of Marine Lcpl. William "Willie" Wiscowiche, KIA April 30, 2004, in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Congressman Farr’s office also sent a speaker and presented a certificate to sponsors for special congressional recognition. Ms. Gabby Cribland again did a fine rendition of The Star Spangled Banner as the flag raising portion of the ceremony began at 1PM. USAKIA also presented certificates of appreciation to participants, including Rolling Thunder and the California National Guard.

Alec Arago from Congressman Sam Farr's Office

SGT Acosta recruited and donated a flag seen here.

USAKIA Officers Dennis and Janice Malloy

USAKIA Flag Officer, James Ortolani, Far Right, Speaks with California National Guard Members.
The nonprofit also began two raffles on July 15 to help raise funds, with one ending at the end of the Labor Day Weekend event; the other will end Veterans Day, November 11. USAKIA also accepts tax-deductible donations, including, vehicles. See its Web site at www.usakia.org. The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation’s mailing address is P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172. For vehicle donations, call CARS toll free at 1-877-537-5277, and mention USAKIA.

Bike with KIA Flag

Other Flag-Draped Bikes

L-R, SPC Narciso, SPC Mead, & SSG Caldwell of the California National Guard

The U.S. Flag Is Raised.

Ms. Gabby Cribland Sings the National Anthem.
About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it had planned a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP).

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at www.usakia.org for further information.

###

Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
http://www.usakia.org
(408) 954-8280
CR@usakia.org

USAKIA's Vincent Bartning hands out certificates of appreciation:

Joy Jeanette of Rolling Thunder receives her Certificate of Appreciation.

Jim Gilbertson of J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, a Division of Eagle Emblems, Inc., receives his Certificate of Appreciation.

L-R, Joe Wiscowiche, Alec Arago, Jim Gilbertson, Pat Wiscowiche, and Vincent Bartning presenting Alec Arago from Congressman Farr's Office and Gold Star Mother Pat Wiscowiche USAKIA certificates of appreciation.

ABCNEWS.com: U.S. October Death Toll in Iraq Hits 69

2006-10-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

You have received this ABCNEWS.com mail from:
usakiadowff@aol.com
October has a high death toll. 10 U.S. KIA on Tuesday.
U.S. October Death Toll in Iraq Hits 69
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=2582336

Yahoo! News Story - SEAL falls on grenade to save comrades - Yahoo! News

2006-10-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you a news article.
(Email address has not been verified.)
------------------------------------------------------------
Personal message:
Navy SEAL gives his life to save his buddies. He's only the second Navy SEAL to be KIA in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SEAL falls on grenade to save comrades - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061014/ap_on_re_us/navy_seal_killed
============================================================
Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/

Fwd: Illinois Town Struggles With Deaths of High School Pals

2006-10-13T20:23:00.000-07:00
See Entire Article at:

http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/illinois-town-struggles-with-deaths-of/20061013104209990001

Illinois Town Struggles With Deaths of High School Pal
Soldiers Killed in Iraq Within Two Days of One Another

USATODAY.com
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY

CREVE COEUR, Ill. (Oct. 13) — Kristofer Walker and George Obourn Jr., both 20, were almost inseparable.

As high school students, their friendship revolved around marching band, playing video games together and eating at Monical's Pizza, up the street from East Peoria High School.

Together they acted on their dream of joining the Army as Cavalry Scouts, wanting to do their part after Sept. 11. Out of school they entered a "buddy" system that would keep them together or a year through basic training. In Iraq they served in the same squadron.

Their lives together ended on Oct. 2, when Walker was killed after his Humvee hit a roadside bomb in Taji, near Baghdad. Two days later, Obourn followed his friend, killed while clearing a building of insurgents in the same town...

See Entire Article at:

http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/illinois-town-struggles-with-deaths-of/20061013104209990001

Series of Roane County events to honor war veterans

2006-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00
October 9, 2006

Knoxville News Sentinel

Article includes schedule for dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 14. It also has much more information about the new memorial and events there. See Entire Article at:

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0,1406,KNS_347_5052723,00.html

Series of Roane County events to honor war veterans

Memorial dedication, Vietnam Wall part of five-day celebration

By FRED BROWN, brownf@knews.com
October 9, 2006

Col. Terry M. "Max" Haston, deputy chief of staff for training and operations for the Tennessee Joint Forces Command in Nashville, will address the dedication ceremony Saturday for the Roane County Veterans Plaza and War Memorial in Harriman.

Haston's speech is part of a series of events planned in Roane County Wednesday-Sunday to dedicate East Tennessee's latest memorial to veterans.

Haston, a native of McMinnville who now lives in Knoxville, said he plans to honor the veterans "who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and made it possible for us to do what we do..."

...The park is the location of Roane County's newest addition, the Roane County Veterans Plaza and War Memorial, scheduled to be dedicated at 1 p.m. Saturday. Daily services will be held in the park from Thursday through Sunday.

The new Veterans Plaza features a flag court, decorative water fountain and a military statue war memorial.

A formal metal plaque is part of a permanent display. The plaque lists all military personnel killed in action from Roane County since World War I. In addition, a separate plaque honors all veterans.

Also on display next to the Vietnam Wall will be the Cost of Freedom Memorial Tribute, added since Sept. 11, 2001.

Daily services include posting the colors at 2 p.m. and retiring the colors at 5 p.m.

At 5 p.m. Thursday, a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of POW-MIAs and a gold wreath for the Gold Star Mothers is scheduled.

Friday's services include a candlelight service after the flag-lowering ceremony.

Saturday is the big dedication day...

Article includes schedule for dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 14. It also has much more information about the new memorial and events there. See Entire Article at:

http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_news/article/0,1406,KNS_347_5052723,00.html

Fwd: Missing WWII Airmen is Identified

2006-10-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 1007-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 09, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711

Missing WWII Airmen is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is 1st Lt. Shannon E. Estill, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He will be buried on October 10 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

On April 13, 1945, Estill's P-38J Lightning was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire while attacking targets in eastern Germany. Another U.S. pilot reported seeing Estill's aircraft explode and crash. Because the location of the crash site was within the Russian-controlled sector of occupied Germany, U.S. military personnel could not recover Estill's remains after the war.

In 2003, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated a crash site near the town of Elsnig in eastern Germany. The site had been reported by two German nationals whose hobby is finding the location of World War II crash sites. They also claimed to have found remains at the site, which they turned over to U.S. Army officials. The team surveyed the site and interviewed two more men who witnessed the crash as children.
In 2005, another JPAC team excavated the crash site and recovered additional human remains as well as P-38 wreckage. Included in the recovered wreckage was an aircraft data plate from Estill's plane.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains, matching DNA sequences from a maternal relative.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site athttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.

[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10056]

<snip>

The Columbian: Handful of Army soldiers over 50 killed

2006-10-06T19:03:00.000-07:00
See Entire Article:

http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/09302006news63801.cfm
Handful of Army soldiers over 50 killed

Saturday, September 30, 2006
By TOM VOGT, Columbian staff writer

Army Reserve Master Sgt. Robb Needham is one of a very small group of senior soldiers killed by the enemy during the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 51-year-old soldier died Sept. 20 in Baghdad. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Needham died from injuries suffered when his patrol came under small-arms fire during combat operations.

According to Web reports, the Vancouver grandfather is one of only eight U.S. service members 50 and older to die as a result of enemy action in Operation Iraqi Freedom or in Operation Enduring Freedom, the anti-terrorism war outside of Iraq...

See Entire Article:

http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/09302006news63801.cfm

Fwd: Korean War vets finally saluted

2006-10-02T23:38:00.000-07:00

See Entire Article at:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/15650364.htm?source=rss&channel=kansascity_local
Korean War KIA Honored at Memorial:

Posted on Sun, Oct. 01, 2006

Korean War vets finally saluted

A memorial is dedicated in Overland Park to the 415 Kansans who died.

By ROBERT A. CRONKLETON

The Kansas City Star

Photo slideshow: Korean War vets honored

More than 50 years have passed since the Korean War, but veteran Rudy Green felt proud that a new memorial finally recognized those who served in the war.

“It’s never too late,” said Green, of Leawood, who served as an Army sergeant in the war...

See Entire Article at:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/15650364.htm?source=rss&channel=kansascity_local

Fwd: President Issues Proclamation in Honor of Gold Star Mothers

2006-09-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2006 - Since June 23, 1936, the last Sunday in September has been recognized as Gold Star Mother's Day, thanks to Senate Joint Resolution 115.

On Sept. 20, President Bush issued a proclamation declaring that, this year, Sept. 24 will be observed as Gold Star Mother's Day.

"I call upon all government officials to display the flag of the United States over government buildings on this solemn day," he said in the proclamation. "I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers."

Gold Star Mothers have lost a son or daughter in service to the country.

Every generation has produced patriots willing to sacrifice for the nation. Many of these individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice. It's because of their sacrifices, and those of their mothers, that America lives in freedom, he said.

"In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, 'There's nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows,'" Bush said. "On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and extending the blessings of liberty to others."

[Web Version: http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1149]

====================================================

Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.

====================================================

<snip>

USATODAY.com - War price on U.S. lives equal to 9/11

2006-09-23T11:35:00.000-07:00
Dear _Your Shield_:

The media reported "U.S. Iraq Deaths Pass 9/11 Losses" back on September 3, which included military contractors. Now they're saying that military deaths in the war on terror have passed the number killed on 9/11 as well.

Click the following to access the sent link:

USATODAY.com - War price on U.S. lives equal to 9/11

*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-22-war-toll_x.htm?csp=34&POE=click-refer

Fwd: First Identification of U.S. Soldier Missing in Action from World War I

2006-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:00
NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 942-06 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2006
Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public/Industry(703) 428-0711

First Identification of U.S. Soldier Missing in Action from World War I

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War I, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

This is the first time the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) has identified a soldier unaccounted for from World War I.

He is Army Pvt. Francis Lupo of Cincinnati, Ohio.He will be buried on Tuesday,
Sept. 26, 2006, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Representatives from the Army met with Lupo's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In 1918, Lupo participated in the combined French-American attack on the Germans near Soissons, France, in what came to be known as the Second Battle of the Marne.Despite heavy Allied losses, this battle has been regarded as a turning point in the war, halting and reversing the final German advances toward Paris.

Lupo, a member of Company E, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, was killed in action during the battle, but his remains were never recovered.

In 2003, while conducting a survey in preparation for a construction project, a French archaeological team discovered human remains and other items a short distance from Soissons.Among the items recovered were a military boot fragment and a wallet bearing Lupo's name.The items were given by the French to U.S. officials for analysis.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Lupo's remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

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Motorcycle rally set for Saturday at military surplus store - By TOM RAGAN - SENTINEL STAFF WRITER - September 1, 2006

2006-09-11T22:23:00.000-07:00
Hi Your Shield!

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) event at Moss Landing also got more publicity. The 9/2/06 event included remembering those who died in the attack on 9/11.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/September/01/local/stories/10local.htm
Regards,
USAKIA
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September 1, 2006
Motorcycle rally set for Saturday at military surplus store
A motorcycle rally Saturday will honor soldiers who've been killed in action and those still missing or taken prisoner.

For the second straight year, Jim Gilbertson, owner of J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, will hold a Labor Day weekend rally to remember those who died serving their country - from its first wars to the conflict in Iraq.

"I think it's important to remember the true patriots of this country," said Gilbertson, 42, who created a monument two years ago to honor American soldiers.

The monument is often mistaken for a memorial, but Gilbertson says the monument is merely a concrete island in the middle of his parking lot where several flags fly daily.

The place will be full of bikers and veterans of war from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday courtesy of the San Jose-based USA Killed in Action/Died of Wounds Family Foundation, which dubbed it "The KIA Thunder Run."

"This rally is all about unity, and it's nonpartisan," said USA KIA/DOW President Vincent Bartning. Members of his family have been killed in action - his cousin in Korea and his grandfather in World War II.

"KIA families have done a lot for our country. Their sons and daughters gave their lives for our freedom, and it's something we should never forget," he said.

Also on hand will be Victorville resident Pat Wiscowiche, the mother of Lance Cpl. William Wiscowiche, who died March 30, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was 20.

She plans to speak and raise the first flag, which is expected at about 1 p.m., Gilbertson said.

At 1:30 p.m. there will be live music and entertainment and a series of raffles.

Prizes include military merchandise and gift certificates for Gilbertson's store, which is the only military store in the Central Coast.

"American flags are going big these days," said Gilbertson. "But even bigger are the black POW flags. They've really got soul."
Swap Meet, KIA Thunder Run and Military Vehicle Show.
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, Highway 1 and North Struve Road, just north of Moss Landing.
724-5470.
Copyright (c) Santa Cruz Sentinel. All rights reserved.
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Gatlinburg service honors military members on 9/11

2006-09-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) found this page interesting and is passing the link along to you.
Gatlinburg, TN - USAKIA director and protemp, Randy Hoge, helps at memorial honoring KIA and victims of 9/11 on September 11, 2006.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=37729&provider=rss

REMEMBERING 9/11 Article From Fayetteville Online

2006-09-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

USAKIA thought that you might find the following article interesting:
http://www.fayettevillenc.com/article?id=241801
NOTE: This email was sent by the Fayetteville Online automation system at USAKIA's request. Do not reply directly to this message. If you would like to send a reply to USAKIA, reply to usakiadowff@aol.com
===========================
Fayetteville Online
===========================

Redlands Daily Facts: Council will consider statue honoring war widows, orphans

2006-09-03T23:51:00.000-07:00
This article link was mailed to you by: usakiadowff@aol.com
The sender included the following message:
A city council will consider a statue honoring widows and orphans of U.S. combat dead.

Council will consider statue honoring war widows, orphans - COLLEEN MENSCHING , Staff Writer
REDLANDS - On Sept. 19, the one-year anniversary of Redlands war veteran Wally Sanchez's death, the City Council may consider whether to help turn Sanchez's vision of a statue honoring war widows and orphans into a reality. View Full Story
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R News Story - from USAKIA

2006-09-03T23:41:00.000-07:00
You've been sent an R News Story from USAKIA - usakiadowff@aol.com.
U.S. deaths in Iraq, including civilian contractors, pass total U.S. deaths from 9/11 not including the 19 hijackers. 2,973 were killed from their actions.
U.S. Iraq Deaths Pass 9/11 Losses
by Rocco Vertuccio
Two U.S. soliders and two Marines were killed in action in Iraq Sunday.
Click Here for full story.

Second Annual Labor Day Weekend KIA Thunder Run in Moss Landing Will Also Have a Military-Vehicle Show and Swap Meet

2006-08-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

A message from USAKIA.
This is a message from USAKIA.
USAKIA's latest press release follows...

I thought the following story would be of interest to you.
Second Annual Labor Day Weekend KIA Thunder Run in Moss Landing Will Also Have a Military-Vehicle Show and Swap Meet
To read the entire story, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/8/prweb429862.htm.

Best Regards,
USAKIA

Mail Tribune - Remembering the fallen - August 25, 2006

2006-08-28T12:39:00.000-07:00
Hi _Your Shield_!

Traveling memorial helps an older brother heal in southern Oregon. Ed Mazza was wounded in Vietnam, and his younger brother Robert Mazza was killed in 1967. Read the story from the Mail Tribune. His first cousin, Stephen Mazza, also died there.

http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2006/0825/local/stories/vietnamwall0.htm

Regards

USAKIA
-------------------------------------------------

August 25, 2006
Remembering the fallen

Traveling Vietnam War memorial contains the names of 58,215 Americans who were killed

Ed Mazza of Rogue River touches the name of his first cousin, Stephen D. Mazza,
at a traveling version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at the Southern
Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City. Mazza, whose brother
also died in the war, lost his right arm in a rocket attack.
(Mail Tribune / Jim Craven)

By Paul Fattig
Mail Tribune

WHITE CITY — Ed Mazza ran his artificial right arm decorated with an American flag down panel 21E of a traveling version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

"There he is," he said as he drew a deep breath, adding, "Robert had just turned 19."

Robert W. Mazza was his kid brother. A newly-minted lance corporal in the Marine Corps, he was killed on June 10, 1967, at Quang Tri just south of Danang.

Big brother Ed, 62, of Rogue River, knows about Vietnam: It was where he lost his right arm. A Navy veteran, 1st Class Machinist Mate Mazza had volunteered to serve on a riverboat on the MeKong River delta when it was struck by a rocket on Oct. 17, 1966.

"It hit us dead center," he recalled. "Killed everybody on board except me. I was the only survivor."

The traveling tribute, which contains the names of 58,215 Americans killed in the war, opened to the public at noon Thursday at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (SORCC). The SORCC is at 8295 Crater Lake Ave. off Highway 62 in White City.

The 370-foot long wall, a replica of the stationary Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., will be open 24 hours a day until Sunday evening. There is no charge.

Ed Mazza, one of several people who had earlier addressed the crowd of more than 100 people during the opening ceremony, noted he had three comrades-in-arms and two relatives on the wall.

"This wall has brought a measure of healing for me," he told those assembled. "I can only hope it can help all veterans heal from the horrors of war, no matter in which campaign they served."

Later, Mazza, who spent his childhood in Atascadero, Calif., said he will never forget his younger brother.

"He was a star athlete," he recalled. "When he was still in high school, the Dodgers were going to draft him as a pitcher. He was really good. He was supposed to start spring training with them when he got out of high school.

"He went to Vietnam instead," he added.
The Navy veteran said he returned home wounded late in 1966.

"He wanted to go," he said. "Our parents tried to talk him out of it. He went anyway. He wasn't over there very long. He had only been there three or four months."

He stopped talking to look at his brother's name.

"When I see this, I feel sick to my stomach, absolutely sick to my stomach," he said. "First time I went to the wall in D.C. was in '95. I broke down for about four days. I couldn't function."

Farther along the wall on panel 38E is the name of Stephen D. Mazza, Ed's first cousin.
"His mother and dad were killed in a car wreck so my dad took him in," Ed Mazza said. "We raised him."

His cousin, a Spec. 4 in the Army, was killed Feb. 10, 1968, near the village of Tay Ninh.

Ed Mazza, who credits the SORCC for his physical and emotional recovery and where he has volunteered for years, said he feels a special closeness to veterans of all stripes.

"There are a lot of names that aren't on the wall," he said. "A lot of veterans died after the war, suicides and other things."

"But this wall helps," he added. "It helps heal us."

Farther along the wall, former Marine George Zavala, 60, of Medford, was looking for his friend Thomas E. "Tom" Combs on the wall. Combs, a lance corporal, died April 5, 1967.

A retired police officer, Zavala was only 18 when he arrived in Vietnam in the late 1960s.

"I was recovering from wounds when Tom died," he said. "I had shrapnel in my legs."

Garland and Eula Arnaud of Sams Valley spent a few moments in silence before the name of Steve M. Hastings, a young man that Eula knew as a child in Baldwin Park, Calif.

"He was a family friend," she explained. "All I know is that Stever was on a rescue helicopter in the Army when he was killed."

"We just wanted to pay tribute to him, and all those who are continuing to answer the call," said Garland, 56, a Vietnam veteran who served as an enlisted man with an armored cavalry unit in the Army in 1969-70.

"I'd do it all again today if I could," he concluded.

Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496
or at mailto:pfattig@mailtribune.com?subject=Remembering

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After six decades, a submarine's fate may surface

2006-08-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Reporters do also claim a war never ends for KIA families.
The submarine U.S.S. Grunion was lost during World War II with 70 on board. Now the skipper's sons may have finally found the sub "deep in frigid Alaska waters."
______________________________________________
The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: After six decades, a submarine's fate may surface
Date: August 17, 2006
"There was no distress call, no indication of enemy depth charges exploding or bulkheads breached, just a dead silence that stretched from a few days into 60 years."
______________________________________________
To see this recommendation, click on the link below:
Boston Globe Article
______________________________________________
This message was sent by USAKIA [mailto:usakiadowff@aol.com]through Boston.com's email recommendation service. If you have questions or comments about this free service, please email us at feedback@boston.com.

E-mail-A-Friend: Fallen soldier leaves legacy of brotherhood

2006-08-23T00:57:00.000-07:00
Comment:
American Legion post makes plaques for kin of KIA in Texas.

Story:
Fallen soldier leaves legacy of brotherhood

When Charles Boatright remembers his nephew, he recalls a proud soldier who served his country and honored the personnel that made up his unit.

Just as Frisco High School grad Sgt. Michael Luke Boatright honored his fellow soldiers in life, he'll salute them in death. After all, it's in his name that family members opted to launch the Fallen Soldier Memorial Plaque program, in which Texas families who lost someone in military service will receive a plaque commemorating their loved one's sacrifice

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.friscoenterprise.com/articles/2006/08/23/frisco_enterprise/news/news47.txt
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Boonton Twp. sign honors fallen soldier

2006-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

You have been sent the following article from USAKIA as a courtesy of Morris County's Daily Record Newspaper!
"Boonton Twp. sign honors fallen soldier"
To view this article on www.dailyrecord.com, go to:
http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006608180351
The following is a short message from USAKIA:
A New Jersey township honors Maj. Charles Robert Soltes Jr., KIA in Iraq two years ago, by dedicating a street sign in his name. His parents, Nancy Soltes and retired Col. Charles R. Soltes, both attended the ceremony.

USAKIA Reinstates Its Popular Free KIA Flag Program

2006-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Design of KIA Flag

3ft x 5ft KIA Flag Flying Right of U.S. Flag
Dear Your Shield Blog:

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) will reinstate its popular free KIA flag program for all killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) families. Because of a donation, kin can again request a free 3' x 5' red KIA flag as soon as we obtain more stock. It includes free shipping via Priority Mail. Make a tax-deductible donation to help with programs such as this one at our Web site, www.usakia.org.

Thank you,

Vincent H. Bartning
for USAKIA

E-mail-A-Friend: Baucus's nephew dies in Iraq

2006-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Comment:
Montana senator's nephew, a U.S. Marine, brings Montana's total dead to 11 in our operations in Iraq.
---
Story:
Baucus's nephew dies in Iraq
HELENA - The nephew of Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., was killed during combat operations in Iraq over the weekend, the senator's office confirmed Tuesday.
Marine Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, of the Helena area, died Saturday in the province of Al Anbar, the U.S. Department of Defense said. It did not immediately release any further information.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/08/01/news/state/28-baucus.txt
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www.kcbd.com : Second Velez Son Killed in Action

2006-07-26T10:04:00.000-07:00
USAKIA (usakiadowff@aol.com) has sent you an item from http://www.kcbd.com

Freddy Velez was KIA in Iraq in 2004. Andrew Velez, his younger brother, has now been KIA in Afghanistan. Their father, Roy Velez, talks about it in this TV article from their home state of Texas, and their congressman also tries to comfort the family.

Second Velez Son Killed In Action
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?s=5196790

Find more items like this at http://www.kcbd.com
Copyright 2006 KCBD

Organizers Anticipate Larger Turnout for Second Annual KIA Thunder Run in California's North Monterey Bay

2006-07-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

A message from USAKIA.
This is a message from USAKIA.
USAKIA issued a press release about our upcoming event.

I thought the following story would be of interest to you.
Organizers Anticipate Larger Turnout for Second Annual KIA Thunder Run in California’s North Monterey Bay
To read the entire story, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/7/prweb409983.htm.

Best Regards,
USAKIA
Organizers Anticipate Larger Turnout for Second Annual KIA Thunder Run in California’s North Monterey Bay
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with America Remembers KIA, J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, and the American Legion Riders (ALR), will have its Second Annual KIA Thunder Run in Moss Landing, California on September 2, 2006.
San Jose, CA (PRWEB) July 13, 2006 -– The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with America Remembers KIA, J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, and the American Legion Riders (ALR), plans a September 2, 2006, second annual Labor Day Weekend memorial event honoring all members of the U.S. armed forces killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DOW). The memorial and annual "KIA Thunder Run" is in Moss Landing on Highway 1, 2 minutes north of the Moss Landing Power Plant. Rolling Thunder also plans to participate again this year. J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store owner, Jim Gilbertson, says to find the store, about two minutes north of the power station, "Just look for the flags" outside his store on the intersection of N. Struve Road and Highway 1.
California chapter presidents for both the ALR and Rolling Thunder plan to participate again this year. Both spoke last year, along with keynote speaker, Amalia Gonzalez, mother of Victor Gonzalez, the first in the Moss Landing area to be KIA or DOW in the war in Iraq. This year the Gold Star Mother will be Mrs. Pat Wiscowiche, mother of Marine Lcpl. William "Willie" Wiscowiche, who lives in Victorville and also has ties to the Bay Area.
Willie was 20-years old when he was KIA April 30, 2004, in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Other surviving family members include his baby daughter, widow Veronica, his father, Joe, three sisters, and two brothers. A sister, uncle, and cousins, Rachel, Sarah, and Mike will also attend, as well as friends and parents of friends who died while serving.
The all-day function will again include food and merchandise vendors, speakers, and a flag raising ceremony starting at 1PM. Organizers had a successful function last year, and this year they expect more participants. USAKIA and its fellow groups invite the public to the patriotic, free, meaningful, and flavorful event at J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store.
The nonprofit will also begin two raffles on July 15 to help raise funds, one ending Labor Day, the other Veterans Day. It also accepts tax-deductible donations, including, vehicles. See its Web site at www.usakia.org. The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation’s mailing address is P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172. For vehicle donations, call CARS toll free at 1-877-537-5277, and mention USAKIA.
About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA and added a new director who lives in Tennessee at its June 2006 board meeting. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at www.usakia.org for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two blogs in March 2006.

Clinton Co. honors vets killed in action

2006-07-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

You have been sent the following article from USAKIA as a courtesy of the Lansing State Journal.
"Clinton Co. honors vets killed in action"
To view this article on the Lansing State Journal's Web site, go to:
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006607050369
The following is a short message from USAKIA:
Michigan county of Clinton unveils war memorial for those killed in action. "Some people spent the Fourth of July celebrating a peaceful day of freedom... Others spent it honoring those who lost their lives in the violence of war..."

U.S. Military Deaths in Action in Iraq Reach 2,000, Army Says

2006-07-04T15:37:00.000-07:00
It's the Fourth of July, our nation's Independence Day. However, casualties continue to mount in U.S. operations. We receive difficult news that U.S. military deaths in Iraq by hostile action have reached 2,000, and U.S. military deaths total 2,530 by all causes as of June 30.

Bloomberg.com:

U.S. Military Deaths in Action in Iraq Reach 2,000, Army Says

See Entire Article - Click Here

July 4 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. military deaths in action in Iraq reached 2,000, three years and two months after President George W. Bush declared an end to major combat operations in the country following the March 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein.

American military deaths since the invasion, including Department of Defense civilian contractors, were 2,530 by 10 a.m. on June 30, the Department of Defense's latest tally says on its Web site. Of those, 2,000 were killed in action and the rest died in accidents or from medical reasons not related to fighting...

See Entire Article - Click Here

Or Cut and Paste:

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aGy6fwWMPi9M

Yahoo! News Photo - Father's Day on Yahoo! News Photos

2006-06-30T08:01:00.000-07:00
Grandaughter honors grandfather at "a Father's Day ceremony to remember the fathers who were killed during the Vietnam War and still missing in action." -- Washington, D.C., June 18, 2006

Father's Day on Yahoo! News Photos

(Click Here or Cut and Paste Link Below)

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/060618/480/45b60331465349ee80a0c21bcf74ba8e
==================================
Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/

DLI mourns fallen soldier - By Donna Jones - Sentinel Staff Writer - June 26, 2006

2006-06-26T20:25:00.000-07:00
Hi Your Shield!

Thought you might be interested in reading this story from the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

http://santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/June/26/local/stories/02local.htm

Regards

USAKIA

June 26, 2006

DLI mourns fallen soldier
By Donna Jones
Sentinel Staff Writer

MONTEREY - Laurent Paget, a French instructor at the Defense Language Institute, unfolded a printout of an e-mail he had sent May 29 to one of his former students stationed in Afghanistan.

Paget said he and Cpl. Bernard Corpuz had become friends during six months of intense instruction, sharing, in addition to an interest in French, their Roman Catholic faith.

The two men corresponded after the 28-year-old completed his course in April 2005, and Corpuz once had written that he hoped to visit his former teacher, to share a meal and conversation when he returned to the states.
Paget, writing on Memorial Day, said he told Corpuz he understood that his duty was difficult, and that he prayed for him.

"I told him 'bon courage,' " Paget said. "It means 'have courage.' "

The e-mail would be Paget's last to Corpuz, who was killed June 11 when his convoy was attacked by small arms fire and an improvised explosive device in Ghanzi, Afghanistan.

Some 150 people packed a memorial service for Corpuz at the institute's chapel Thursday. About half the attendees were family and friends, many of them young people. Soldiers lined the back wall and spilled into the entrance.

Corpuz will be buried Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery.

The day after they learned of Corpuz's death, Paget and two other French instructors who knew the soldier shared their memories during an interview at DLI's French school. Corpuz was an enthusiastic student, a deeply religious man and a loyal soldier and friend, they said.

At one point, Paget, who was closest to Corpuz, got up from his chair and briefly left the room to gain control of his emotions.

"It just hits you harder than I thought," Paget said.

Intense connections

At any one time, some 3,000 soldiers and sailors are taking the crash courses taught at the Defense Language Institute.

Students, who range from high-ranking officers to privates fresh from boot camp, come from all four military branches: the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps.

Most of the 1,200 instructors are civilians, native speakers of the language they teach.

By the time students leave DLI after six to 18 months of instruction, they are expected to be proficient in Arabic, French, Chinese, Serbo-Croatian or another of the 22 languages taught at the school.

That means studying seven hours a day, five days a week, speaking only what is called in school parlance the "target language" in class from Day One. It's a demanding schedule that puts teachers and students in close contact.

Personal stories are revealed on both sides in classroom conversations, and younger soldiers often look up to their teachers as mentors.

The three French teachers said their students come to them to talk about girlfriends and boyfriends, their difficulties keeping up with both military duties and studies, their struggles to figure out life far from their hometowns.

"You can feel they need guidance," Paget said. "Sometimes we are teachers. Sometimes we are human beings."

Standout student

In his five years as a DLI instructor, Paget has worked with about 200 students.

"We don't always keep in touch, but some really give you a special impression," Paget said. "Bernard was like that."

Valerie Bhojwani, a Santa Cruz resident who originally hails from south of France, and Chans Jandali, whose French comes from her Tunisian heritage, agreed. The two women worked with Paget as part of a team instructing 20 students. Corpuz, who had joined the Army in July 2004 and was being trained for intelligence work, was among them.

Bhojwani recalled a gregarious, friendly, respectful man. Corpuz liked heavy metal music and was deeply religious, she said. He corresponded with a Catholic nun in France who was filling him in on the saint he was named for and he hoped on day to visit the monastery Saint Bernard founded in the Champagne region of France.

Jandali said he was a good student. The hard work he put in learning French paid off with an above-average fluency by school standards.

"He would often see one of us and try to converse in French," said Jandali. "He was wanting to learn. He wanted to be good at it."

Paget said he was always positive and happy to be at school. He made an impact on everyone he met. To prove his point, Paget pulled out an e-mail he had received from a soldier Corpuz had met in Afghanistan.

The writer he identified only as "Liz" said that Corpuz was special, that she was honored to have served with him, and the news of his death was "very depressing" and hit his friends "like a ton of bricks."

She told Paget that they planned a memorial service for Corpuz in Afghanistan, a fact he found consoling.

"I feel good that he'll be remembered," Paget said.

For a man whose job is to teach spoken language, Paget said one of his most vivid memories is of Corpuz telling a story without words.

Corpuz had approached him excited about a boxing match he had seen. Though Paget said he "had no clue" about boxing, he listened to show respect for his student. Corpuz's French vocabulary was limited at the time, and he started mimicking the fighters' moves.

"He did this. He did that," Paget said, throwing punches into the air to demonstrate Corpuz's gestures. "He conveyed the enthusiasm he had watching the match."

Contact Donna Jones at mailto:djones@santacruzsentinel.com?subject=DLI.

DLI's fallen

In a corridor in the headquarters of the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, the names of graduates who have died as a result of hostile action in the war on terror are inscribed on a plaque.

With the death of Cpl. Bernard Corpuz of Watsonville on June 11, the list has grown to 14. The first, David A. DeFeo, 37, died Sept. 11 at the World Trade Center.

Also remembered are:

Spc. Alyssa Renee Peterson, 27.

Petty Officer, 1st Class Brian Joseph Ouellette, 37.

Sgt. Cari Anne Gasiewicz, 28.

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Gregg Nason, 29.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel Richard Healy, 36.

Petty Officer, 1st Class David Martin Tapper, 32.

SSG. Gene Arden Vance Jr., 38.

James M. Michalsky, 24.

Sgt. Joseph Michael Nolan, 27.

Chief Warrant Officer Mark Steven Osteen, 43.

Sgt. Myla Lumayag Maravillosa, 24.

Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Eric Baum, 38.

Copyright © Santa Cruz Sentinel. All rights reserved.

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Second Annual KIA Thunder Run Scheduled Labor Day Weekend for California's North Monterey Bay

2006-06-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

A message from USAKIA.
This is a message from USAKIA.
USAKIA\'s June 20, 2006, Press Release:

I thought the following story would be of interest to you.
Second Annual KIA Thunder Run Scheduled Labor Day Weekend for California's North Monterey Bay
To read the entire story, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/6/prweb400877.htm.
Second Annual KIA Thunder Run Scheduled Labor Day Weekend for California's North Monterey Bay
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with America Remembers KIA, J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, and the American Legion Riders (ALR), plans a September 2, 2006, Second Annual KIA Thunder Run in Moss Landing, California.
San Jose, CA (PRWeb) June 20, 2006 – The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with America Remembers KIA, J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, and the American Legion Riders (ALR), plans a September 2, 2006, second annual Labor Day Weekend memorial event honoring all members of the U.S. armed forces killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DOW). The memorial and annual "KIA Thunder Run" is at Moss Landing off of Highway 1.
The KIA memorial will again be in conjunction with the American Legion and Rolling Thunder for the "second annual raising of the flags." The actual location will be at the intersection of Highway 1 and North Struve Road in Moss Landing. The all-day function will again include food and merchandise vendors, speakers, and a flag raising ceremony starting at 1PM. Organizers had a successful function last year, and this year they expect even more, including more participants. USAKIA and its fellow groups invite the public to the free, moving, and flavorful event at the location next door to J&S Surplus and Outdoor Store.
USAKIA also had its first-ever Memorial Day event at the Moss Landing site on May 29, 2006. Though a small event, the nonprofit’s officers honored the USA’s KIAs and DOWs and their families. The group was at the site between 9:30AM and 4PM. The National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM included Dennis Malloy, the 501(c)(3)’s Community Relations VP, playing taps on his French Horn.
The nonprofit will also conduct a raffle and auction to help raise funds, and it accepts tax-deductible donations, including, vehicles. See its Web site at http://www.usakia.org/. The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation’s mailing address is P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172. For vehicle donations, call CARS toll free at 1-877-537-5277, and mention USAKIA.
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA and added a new director who lives in Tennessee at its June 2006 board meeting. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://www.usakia.org/ for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two blogs in March 2006.
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Watsonville soldier dies in Afghanistan - By Julie Copeland - Sentinel staff writer - June 14, 2006

2006-06-14T11:09:00.000-07:00
Hi _Your Shield_!

The article states Cpl. Bernard P. Corpuz and his high school physical education teacher often passed the Moss Landing site where USAKIA has its memorial events for the last year now. Our second annual Labor Day Weekend remembrance of U.S. KIAs will be this September.

http://santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/June/14/local/stories/01local.htm

Regards

USAKIA
___________________________________________________

June 14, 2006

Watsonville soldier dies in Afghanistan

By Julie Copeland
Sentinel staff writer

WATSONVILLE - Dedicated. Hard working. A great athlete. And a respectful young man.

That's how friends of Cpl. Bernard P. Corpuz described the Watsonville soldier who died Sunday in Ghanzi, Afghanistan.

The Fort Hood, Texas, soldier died when his convoy came under small arms fire and an improvised explosive device went off, according to the Defense Department. Corpuz, 28, was assigned to the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade.

Corpuz attended Palma High School in Salinas, graduating in 1995.

His parents could not be reached, but many at Palma remember Corpuz.

John Devine, who was an assistant track coach at Palma, described Corpuz as "a very dedicated kid with track. ... He made himself a good athlete by working harder."

Devine remembers Corpus loved heavy metal music and wore his hair a little longer than was the norm at Palma, a private Catholic high school. By the time he was a senior he was beating all the jocks when it came to the track.

Corpuz earned the Tony Teresa Memorial Scholarship to attend Hartnell College in Salinas where he ran the 400 intermediate hurdles before transferring to the University of La Verne in Southern California.

Brother Patrick Dunne, principal at Palma, was shocked to learn of Corpuz's death, saying it's a first for the school.

"He was a very nice young man, always eager to please, a pretty wholesome kid," Dunne said. "Everyone was very impressed with his attitude and his performance."

Former Palma track coach Jim Scattini said he kept in touch with Corpuz and last saw him about nine months ago when he was home.

"He was extremely dedicated and loyal to the team," Scattini said. "He made himself into a very accomplished athlete and then took it into Hartnell at the junior college level and college at La Verne."

He excelled in the 400 meters but could run all the sprints.

"The fact that he joined the armed services wasn't a surprise to anybody."

Scattini said Corpuz was single, had an older sister and that his parents live in the Watsonville area.

"If you ever met Bernard, you would never forget him," he said.

Steve Soper, dean of students at Palma, said he remembers Corpuz "as a great kid" who as a transfer struggled a bit at first.

"Jimmy Scattini kind of turned his life around in a lot of ways. He got him out for track and he had some success in track," Soper said.

"You hate to see anybody who goes over there and fights for their country and then pays the ultimate price."

Jerry Flowers, who retired from the Army in 1972 and went to work at Palma as a vice principal until last year, saw Corpuz about a year ago when he went to the military barber shop at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.

"I didn't recognize him. He had a real short military haircut and he looked completely different," Flowers said. "He said he was going through the language school at DLI."

As a vice principal who handled admissions, Flowers was among the first to welcome Corpuz, a transfer from Southern California, to the school. He recalls how the adjustment was difficult at first for Corpuz and his mother.

He said Corpuz told him he "loved it the Army. He was really excited and he looked really good."

He said his mother, whom Palma administrators remember for always bringing them doughnut holes, was doing well.

Palma secretary Mary Val said Corpuz and his mom "are just wonderful people," kind and respectful. She recently saw Corpuz's mom, who told her he was going to the Middle East.

"She seemed scared and nervous," Val said, but knew that this was what her son wanted to do. "Even after I saw her she came and brought us doughnut holes again."

Doug Saucedo, who taught physical education at Palma for 22 years, said he often gave Corpuz and two other local students a ride to and from school.

"He was kind of quiet, typical as a freshman and new kid not knowing anybody, but as the years went on he was really a character, really a fun kid to be around."

Saucedo recalls driving past J&S Surplus on Highway 1 near Moss Landing while on the trek back from Salinas with Corpuz. He said on "free dress days he would wear his fatigues."

Contact Julie Copeland at mailto:jcopeland@santacruzsentinel.com?subject=Watsonville
Copyright © Santa Cruz Sentinel. All rights reserved.
___________________________________________________
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Civil War burial draws praise and cries of disrespect

2006-06-11T13:28:00.000-07:00
Boston Globe

Do the descendants of Confederates from the Civil War care more about their ancestors than Union descendants? One Southerner wonders and has tried to work on burying Massachusetts soldiers in marked graves and identifying them by DNA. A burial for unknowns, though identifiable, will occur 145 years late for "six Union soldiers from Massachusetts killed in battle just days before the famous First Battle of Bull Run in 1861."
_____________________________________

The following appeared on Boston.com:
Headline: Civil War burial draws praise and cries of disrespect
Date: June 9, 2006

"They were lost to history, six Union soldiers from Massachusetts killed in battle just days before the famous First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Found in shallow graves in woods in Centreville, Va., the men's remains were traced to the First Massachusetts Infantry, after a decade of painstaking research."
_____________________________________

To see this recommendation, click here.
_____________________________________

This message was sent by USAKIA [mailto:usakiadowff@aol.com] through Boston.com's email recommendation service. If you have questions or comments about this free service, please email us at feedback@boston.com.

U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony

2006-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony
To read the entire story, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb390818.htm.
U.S. Families Will Remember Their Own Lost in Combat in a Moss Landing, California Ceremony
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) plans a first-ever Memorial Day ceremony at Moss Landing, California, honoring U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) from all American actions, May 29, 2006.
San Jose, CA (PRWeb) May 27, 2006 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, plans a Memorial Day, 2006, ceremony. Official Memorial Day 2006 falls on Monday, May 29. The event will take place on May 29, 2006, from 9AM to 5PM, with a National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM. A musician will play Taps, and there will be a flag raising ceremony after.
The site, officially opened in a ceremony last Labor Day Weekend, is at Highway 1 and N. Struve Road in Moss Landing, California. USAKIA invites the public to a free, and somber event honoring our nation’s KIA and DOW. The nonprofit has also invited vendors and other organizations to participate.
The public-benefit corporation also has an eBay auction coinciding with Memorial Day Weekend. Items up for auction include vintage Disneyland Tickets, art work, and items to honor our nation’s fallen. Supporters can access the nonprofit’s store and also make tax-deductible donations at its Web site.
The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://www.usakia.org/ for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two new blogs in March.
###
Contact Information:
Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION (USAKIA)
P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172
(408) 954-8280

Nation to Honor Fallen During National Moment of Remembrance

2006-05-25T14:31:00.000-07:00
By Paul X. Rutz
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 – On May 29, Americans will pause together to remember servicemembers from wars past and present who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending the nation.
The National Moment of Remembrance takes place for one minute each year on Memorial Day, starting at 3 p.m., local time.

"The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday," according to a news release from the White House Commission on Remembrance. "The moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather, it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom."

Observing the moment can be as simple as ringing a bell three times or pausing for a moment of silence, the news release said. Americans are encouraged to ask others to remember, including family, friends and co-workers.

Established by Congress in December 2000, the White House Commission on Remembrance encourages Americans to remember the sacrifices of its fallen military members, as well as the families they leave behind. According to its mission statement, the commission "promotes acts of remembrance throughout the year and asks Americans to pay our debt of gratitude in memory of our fallen by giving something back to the nation."

The idea for the program came in May 1996 when the commission's director, Carmella LaSpada, asked children touring the nation's capital what Memorial Day meant to them. "That's the day the pool opens," they said.

Providing a sense of history to America's citizens and ensuring younger generations remember the sacrifices made to preserve their freedom is a major goal, the news release said.

In addition to the National Moment of Remembrance, the commission has promoted other programs. In June 2004, the commission sponsored a "historically accurate" sand sculpture on Normandy Beach, France, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, according to its Web site. Sand sculptors worked for six days, making a 30-foot by 30-foot sculpture of allied troops storming the beach.

The commission employs cartoonists to create new, limited-edition cartoons for a calendar each year. It also partners with Dear Abby to send messages of support to the nation's troops.

Related Sites:
White House Commission on Remembrance
Operation Dear Abby

News Archive

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.

Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news and information about America's response to the war against terrorism: "Defend America" at http://www.DefendAmerica.mil.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nation, Families Take Moment to Remember, Honor the Fallen

2006-05-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Nation, Families Take Moment to Remember, Honor the Fallen
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2006 – More than 1,000 families and friends of servicemembers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq gathered near the Washington Monument for "A Time of Remembrance" today.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Veterans Affairs Secretary James R. Nicholson presented David Smith, 12, with the Gold Medal of Remembrance at the "Time for Remembrance" ceremony May 21 on Washington's National Mall. The medal was especially designed for the children of fallen servicemembers. Smith's father, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, was killed April 4, 2003, in Baghdad. Photo by Samantha Quigley (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
The event, initiated by the White House Commission on Remembrance, was designed to remember America's heroes, military and civilian, who have lost their lives in defense of the nation's freedom. It also served as a tribute to the families, whom speaker Marine Gen. Peter Pace called "the heroes here today who do not even think about themselves as heroes."
"Somehow, we hope that days like today, we can tell these wonderful Americans how much we cherish and appreciate their sacrifice," Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. "We know that they have served and continue to serve this great nation as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform."
One special group honored was children who have lost parents in the global war on terrorism. Pace and Veterans Affairs Secretary James R. Nicholson presented David Smith, 12, with the Gold Medal of Remembrance at today's ceremony. The medal was especially designed for the children of fallen servicemembers.
Smith represented the group of children gathered in front of the stage, who had received their medals earlier. Smith's father, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, was killed April 4, 2003, in Baghdad and received the Medal of Honor posthumously.
"These young men and women someday, we all pray, will appreciate what their father and what their mother bought for all of us with their lives," Pace said. "They bought the opportunity to gather together like we are today, to meet and assemble as we see fit, to pray to the God that we choose or not choose, and to live (our) lives the way we want."
While the ceremony's focus was on those servicemembers lost in the global war on terrorism, it also honored those who sacrificed their lives in previous conflicts. A descendant of a servicemember from each war was recognized.
Emily Wolgemuth, great-great-great-great niece of American Revolution-era Nathan Hale, said the event was a special way to remind people that others are giving their lives to make the nation a better place.
"People should recognize that there are people that are giving their lives selflessly," Wolgemuth said. "They should be remembered & and celebrated." Hale was the first American captured and executed for spying behind British lines during the Revolutionary War.
As much as the ceremony was a solemn affair, it also was a celebration of the American spirit. It began with an honor guard presenting the colors, followed by Ezra M. Hill Sr., a Tuskegee Airman from World War II, singing the national anthem.
Even the invocation was a tribute to America's heroes past and present. Four military chaplains representing the four World War II chaplains lost on the USS Dorchester delivered a prayer written by George Washington. The chaplains lost in the war had given their life vests to troops onboard the sinking vessel.
Kelly Sullivan Loughren knows firsthand the importance of the American spirit. She is the granddaughter of Albert Sullivan.
Sullivan and his four brothers joined the Navy together with the stipulation that they serve together. All five were all lost when the USS Juneau sank in World War II's Battle of Guadalcanal.
"They symbolized sacrifice, they symbolized family spirit, and they symbolized patriotism," she said of her grandfather and great uncles. "They truly loved their country."
To this day, the United States is a country that loves and appreciates its heroes, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey told the crowd. "On behalf the United States Army and all the uniformed services, thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for your patriotism," he said.
The ceremony concluded with an Air Force F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft flyover and audience applause for the fallen whose names scrolled on the big screens near the stage.
The White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress in 2000, encourages Americans to honor the sacrifices of its fallen throughout the year. It also is tasked to unite the country in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. each Memorial Day.
Biographies:
Gen. Peter Pace, USMC
Francis J. Harvey
R. James Nicholson

Related Site:
White House Commission on Remembrance

The children of servicemembers who lost their lives fighting in the global war on terrorism were honored with the Gold Medal of Remembrance during the "A Time of Remembrance" ceremony May 21 on the National Mall in Washington. The crowd gathered for the ceremony, family and friends of the fallen, stood in honor of these young people while the Army Band and Chorus, with the Capitol Hill Children's Choir, performed. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley
Download screen-resolution
Download high-resolution
Emily Wolgemuth, great-great-great-great niece of American Revolution-era Nathan Hale, said the May 21 "Time of Remembrance" ceremony on Washington's National Mall was a special way to remind people that others are giving their lives to make the nation a better place. Photo by Samantha Quigley
Download screen-resolution

News Archive

NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the official website of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Visit the Defense Department's Web site "America Supports You" at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/, that spotlights what Americans are doing in support of U.S. military men and women serving at home and abroad.
Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news and information about America's response to the war against terrorism: "Defend America" at http://www.defendamerica.mil/

Fallen soldiers honored

2006-05-20T11:49:00.000-07:00
Cincinnati.com - The Enquirer

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605200405

"Descendants of fallen troops from every American war back to the Revolutionary War will be present..." in a "gathering on the National Mall in Washington on Sunday," a week before Memorial Day Weekend.

See Article by Howard Wilkinson

Memorial to a brother in arms

2006-05-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

usakiadowff@aol.com sent you the following story from The Herald-Mail ONLINE (http://www.herald-mail.com/):
Thursday May 18, 2006
Memorial to a brother in arms
Sign is tribute to Hagerstown native killed in WWII
by ANDREW SCHOTZ
andrews@herald-mail.com
HAGERSTOWN
Sixty years evaporated Wednesday in Hagerstown's North End.
World War II veterans Wayne Kiser, 81, and Asher Edelman, 82, stood at the intersection of Forest Drive and Park Lane and recalled their war exploits.
They remembered fellow Hagerstown native Bill Altenderfer Jr., a friend killed in action.
Above them was a small black sign, newly affixed atop the green Park Lane road sign, across the street from where Altenderfer grew up.
The Washington County Joint Veterans Council put up the sign Wednesday as part of an ongoing project that started about 20 years ago, council member Pete Callas said.
Council members also put up a sign at 3rd Street and Pope Avenue on the outskirts of Hagerstown to remember Cpl. Vernon Mulligan, who was killed in the Korean War.
Finally, council members gave the Clear Spring American Legion Post a plaque in memory of Cpl. John W. Wagner, a Medal of Honor winner for his service during the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg.
The Altenderfer sign was the first one dedicated with people who served with the person being remembered, Callas said.
Kiser, who now lives near Williamsport, said he, Edelman and Altenderfer were among the Hagerstonians sent overseas in 1944.
Kiser said he and Edelman were machine gunners in the U.S. Army's 101st Infantry Regiment in the 26th Infantry Division.
"Do you remember going out and probing for mines on the beach?" Kiser asked.
"No, I never got that job," said Edelman, who lives in Waynesboro, Pa.
Kiser said three things happened within a few days in November 1944: Edelman was injured, Hagerstonian Robert Wallace was captured and Altenderfer was killed.
The story on Altenderfer's death, as it reached Kiser, was that he had captured someone and had a white surrender flag when he was killed.
"He was a rifleman and he was kind of a daring soul," Kiser said. "He was a great guy to go to town with when we were back here in the states."
"He was always happy ...," Edelman said. "He always wanted to get into things."
A key detail that got foggy over time is Altenderfer's given name.
A newspaper account of his acceptance into the service calls him William. An account of his death calls him Willis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis L. Altenderfer.
Kiser thought he was William, but conceded that Willis might be right.
Either way, the sign erected Wednesday had the wrong first initial and year of death. It reads "PFC M.L. Altenderfer Jr., US Army, 1924-1945."
Anthony Pruchniewski of the Joint Veterans Council said the Army provided incorrect information and the sign will be replaced.
Copyright The Herald-Mail ONLINE

An Anniversary, and a Memory

2006-05-07T19:36:00.000-07:00
SEE ENTIRE BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE

FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER FAIR-USE PURPOSES ONLY -
IT'S THE SIXTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF V.E. DAY TOMORROW,
VICTORY IN EUROPE, MAY 8, 1945, to MAY 8, 2006; OVER 400,000
AMERICANS DIED IN WORLD WAR II, OVER 55,000,000 WORLD WIDE.

The Boston Globe

World War II veteran recalls the end of another, different war
By Joseph Barisano May 7, 2006

World War II ended in Europe on Thursday, May 8, 1945, and we looked forward to returning to our homes. For many parents whose sons were killed in action, there was nothing to look forward to, no one to welcome home. Some parents wrote to their son's buddies asking them to visit their son's grave. I was one of the GIs who received such a request. ''Before you come home, I wish you would visit my son's grave and say a prayer for me..."

...It was a slow, bumpy ride to Soisson, and just before we arrived one of the bus tires blew out and we landed in a ditch on the side of the road... Slowly we walked to Soisson, which was about a half-mile or so away. Entering the town I noticed some French soldiers... I followed them to a small house where two young French officers were seated at a table. One of them got up and motioned to follow him outside to a Jeep. Off we went!

It was a short drive to the American cemetery and what I immediately noticed was an American flag in the center of the rows of white crosses and Stars of David. I looked around the cemetery thinking I would find a GI there, a caretaker. I discovered I was the only GI there! Along with the French officer, I began to walk between the white wooden crosses, searching for my buddy's grave. At last, I found a dogtag nailed on a white cross with his name, Richard F. Aylward. I stood in front of his grave and said, ''Buddy, I'm here. Your mother sends her love." Standing behind me was a French officer who was holding my camera. I asked him to take pictures of the grave and a few with me by the side of the grave.

I was the only living American in the cemetery on that damp, drizzly late morning -- and I was mad as hell! Suddenly I began to throw a fit -- a fit of anger. I began shouting. ''I made it! I made it!" I cried, out of control. As I rambled on, the French officer wrapped his arms around me and began to move me away from the grave. As we walked away, I paused, turned around, and began to shout, ''See you later, guys!" My eyes filled with tears, I cried unashamedly.

The young French officer brought me back to the small house in the village and poured a glass of cognac and urged me to drink it. Talking with another officer, it was decided that I should be driven back to Paris. Returning to Paris, I checked in at a hotel reserved for GIs, and after taking a hot bath, I crawled into bed and immediately fell alsleep.

Back in Munich, I had the roll of film developed and mailed the photos to Aylward's mother. Weeks passed, and then a letter arrived from her thanking me for visiting her beloved son's grave and urged me to visit her and the family when I returned home.

Returning home, I went to visit the Aylwards and tears began to flow. I was continuously hugged and kissed by the family. I recounted how I found my way to Soisson and how I misplaced the name and address of the French officer who drove me to the cemetery.

Staff Sargeant Richard F. Aylward was 21 years old when he was killed in action on December 2, 1944. As I sit here writing, I see myself walking slowly between the rows of crosses and begin to wonder how I managed to survive the war.

Staff Sergeant Richard F. Aylward now lies in peace among 5,255 of our military dead at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, situated on a plateau in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in Vosges, France. Plot B, Row 5, Grave 13.

Hail and farewell, dear brother.

Richard F. Aylward was a native of Orient Heights, East Boston. Joseph Barisano grew up in Orient Heights and lives in Nahant.

© Copyright 2006 Globe Newspaper Company.

SEE ENTIRE BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE

Solemn, Colorful Memorial Day Event, May 29, 2006, Moss Landing, CA

2006-04-17T20:39:00.000-07:00
Solemn, Colorful Memorial Day Event, May 29, 2006, Moss Landing, CA

A nonprofit benefiting families of U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW) will have its first Memorial Day event to honor our nation’s combat dead.

USAKIA's First Memorial Event Winds Down, Moss Landing, Labor Day Weekend 2005
San Jose, CA (I-Newswire) April 18, 2006 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), in conjunction with J&S Surplus & Outdoor Store, plans a Memorial Day, 2006, ceremony. Official Memorial Day 2006 falls on Monday, May 29. Traditional Memorial Day is May 30. The event will take place on May 29, 2006, from 9AM to 5PM.

The site, officially opened in a ceremony last Labor Day Weekend, is at Highway 1 and N. Struve Road in Moss Landing, California. Planned participants this year include the California National Guard. USAKIA invites the public to a free, colorful, and somber event honoring our nation’s killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW).

The public-benefit corporation also plans a raffle and eBay auction to coincide with Memorial Day Weekend. Supporters can make tax-deductible donations at its Web site.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at www.usakia.org for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two new blogs in March.

###

Contact Information:

Dennis Malloy
USA KIA/DOW FAMILY FOUNDATION
http://www.usakia.org
(408) 954-8280
CR@usakia.org

Family Remembers Their "Gung-Ho" Young Marine

2006-04-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Marine Cpl. Richard P. Waller

FOR EDUCATIONAL AND/OR FAIR-USE PURPOSES --

ARTICLE ABOUT INFANTRYMAN WHO DIED OF WOUNDS, AND LIKE PERICLES STATES IN HIS CLASSIC SPEECH OVER 2000-YEARS AGO, FUNERAL ORATION, FAMILY WANTS NO PITY BUT SHOULD RECEIVE COMFORT. THEY'VE MADE A PRICELESS SACRIFICE FOR FREEDOM, AND WE HONOR THEM HERE.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/dfw/news/14337422.htm

Star-Telegram.com

Family remembers their 'gung-ho' young Marine
By CHRIS VAUGHN
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

FORT WORTH — Marine Cpl. Richard P. Waller, at the beginning of his third tour in Iraq, complained to his parents that he was in a quiet area and that he wasn’t getting any action.

“He was disappointed,” his stepfather, Kenneth Strickland, said. “He was a very gung-ho young man.”

Known in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines as “the motivator” because of his intensity, Cpl. Waller, 22, was killed by a sniper’s lone shot last Friday in a village near Fallujah.

Cpl. Waller, a 2002 Western Hills High School graduate who was known as Ricky, was on top of a building providing security for a group of Marines on foot, the military told his family. He died of his injuries a few hours later.

Services for Cpl. Waller will be 10 a.m. Monday at Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.

His mother, Vicki Murrell-Strickland, and stepfather said that from the time he was a little boy, all Cpl. Waller wanted to be was a Marine.

Several generations of his family had served in the military for close to the last 90 years.

He enlisted in the Marines in October 2002 and planned to re-enlist this autumn, they said. Despite three combat deployments in three years, he didn’t want it any other way, they said.

“I’ve never seen a guy eat it up as much as he did,” Kenneth Strickland said. “He loved his wife and children, but he wanted the action.”

Cpl. Waller married former high school classmate Adrian Acevedo in 2003. They had three children, Nick, 4, Victoria, 2, and Tyler Kenneth, born March 26 while Cpl. Waller was on his latest deployment.

On an informal Web site with Charlie Company news, the Wallers received congratulations in e-mail postings in late March, only to have condolences posted two weeks later.

But his mother and stepfather insisted that they shouldn’t be pitied because, they said, Cpl. Waller knew the risks of his job. They had talked about it before each deployment.

In a statement provided to the Star-Telegram, his mother wrote, “Even though he left this earth at an early age, he left doing something he believed in, was happy to do and he lived his short life the way we all should — with no regrets.”

Chris Vaughn,
(817) 390-7547
cvaughn@star-telegram.com
See Another Picture with Original Article:

http://www.twincities.com/mld/dfw/news/14337422.htm

Joseph Raymond Kietzmann

2006-04-13T00:02:00.000-07:00
Joseph Raymond Kietzmann

Fallen Soldier's Father Writes Book About Family's Experience

2006-04-11T22:25:00.000-07:00
http://www.thederrick.com/stories/04072006-5012.shtml

Fallen soldier's father writes book about family's experience
By MICHAEL MOLITORIS

SPC. JONATHAN R. KEPHART, 21, OF OIL CITY WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN IRAQ TWO YEARS AGO.

The family of fallen Oil City soldier Jonathan Kephart knows the pain of losing a son in combat, and a new book about the family's experience aims to help other families through their grief.

Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart, 21, formerly of 101 Willow St., was assigned to the U.S. Army's 230th Military Police Company from Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 2000 graduate of Faith Baptist Academy in Seneca enlisted in January 2002 and had been in Iraq only 10 days when his convoy patrol was ambushed in Baghdad, according to his father, Burton Kephart.

"We were desirous of getting Jonathan's story out and to honor the military, because I believe that's very, very important," Kephart said of his son's story, "Proven In Battle."

Kephart was killed two years ago Saturday, and the book is due out today at several local stores.

"In March of 2005, 11 months after the death of our son, we attended the Faces of the Fallen Memorial in Washington, D.C., at Arlington National Cemetery," Kephart said. "While there, we met many families from across the nation that had loved ones killed in the war. There was a desire born in my heart on that day to do something to bring hope and encouragement to these families..."

See Entire Story at:

http://www.thederrick.com/stories/04072006-5012.shtml

1st Armored Division mourning soldier killed by IED in Iraq

2006-04-11T22:06:00.000-07:00
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=36415

FOR EDUCATIONAL OR FAIR-USE PURPOSES

Stars and Stripes

1st Armored Division mourning soldier killed by IED in Iraq

Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, April 12, 2006

U.S. Army
Pvt. Jody W. Missildine was killed in action on April 8 in Tal Afar.

Family members of a 1st Armored Division soldier killed last week in Iraq are mourning the loss of a quiet, compassionate young man.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon identified the soldier as Pvt. Jody W. Missildine, 19, of Plant City, Fla. Missildine was killed April 8 in Tal Afar when a makeshift bomb hit his armored Humvee, which was traveling in a convoy with other vehicles.

Missildine was part of the Friedberg, Germany-based 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. Officials at the division headquarters in Wiesbaden said a memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ray Barracks Chapel. The “local chain of command” has closed the ceremony to media, 1st AD officials said.

According to news reports from his hometown, Missildine had been raised by his grandparents since the age of two. He had a brother, Jason, with whom he was close — the two had each others’ names tattooed on their arms.

“He was a good person. He’d do anything for you,” Jason Missildine told the Tampa Bay 10 news channel.

Shirley Missildine, Jody’s grandmother, said he felt different when he wore his uniform.

“He told me the other day, when he put that uniform on, people looked at him like he was a man,” she said, according to Tampa Bay 10. “The last thing he told me was ‘I love you Nana,’ and we just tried to reassure him that he was going to be alright.”

Funeral arrangements had not yet been made, the family said.

“Life’s just going to be so empty without him,” Shirley Missildine was quoted as saying in the St. Petersburg Times.

Missildine had signed up for the Army while still in high school, family members said, in part to travel and to get money for college. He was on the track and wrestling teams in high school and was good at computers.

According to family members, Missildine called home each week, but that his news in recent weeks had begun to worry them. A friend of his had been killed in action, and another seriously wounded.

Pat Tillman's Run

2006-04-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

FROM THE RINGMASTER OF THE MILITARY NETWORK RING:

Honor War Victim Pat Tillman During Run He was a Home Town Hero, bigger than life who died in heroic service to America. Now you can honor him by joining us and KBAY’s Sam Van Zandt as he runs in the first ever Pat’s Run in the South Bay. http://osot.us

The Pat Tillman Foundation seeks to carry forward his legacy by inspiring and supporting others striving to promote positive change in themselves and the world around them.

Please feel free to pass this on to your email lists. http://osot.us

In Notification of Army Deaths, More Pain

2006-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/07/us/07notify.html

Article Listed Twice at NY Times: Click Either Link

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/07/us/07notify.html?ex=1144555200&en=af026ea57c502387&ei=5087

In Notification of Army Deaths, More Pain
(NY Times Site Has Much More, Including Interactive Features)

By LIZETTE ALVAREZ

Published: April 7, 2006

After Neil Santorello heard the news that his son, a tank commander, had been killed in Iraq, from the officer in his living room, he walked out his front door and removed the American flag from its pole. Then, in tears, he tore down the yellow ribbons from his tree.

Dilip Vishnawat for The New York TimesGay and Fred Eisenhauer with a photo of their son, Wyatt,who was killed in Iraq. They criticized how the Army dealtwith their son's death.Laura Youngblood, with her son,Hunter, and medals awarded to her husband, Travis. Mr.Youngblood was killed in Iraq.
Rather than see it as the act of a man unmoored by the death of his 24-year-old son, the officer, an Army major, confronted Mr. Santorello, saying, "Don't be disrespectful," Mr. Santorello recalled. Then, the officer, whose job it is to inform families of their loss, quickly disappeared without offering any comfort.

Later, the Santorellos heard a piece of crushing but inaccurate news: They would not be allowed to look inside their son's coffin. First Lt. Neil Santorello, of Verona, Pa., had been killed by an improvised bomb. His body, the family was told, was unviewable.

The Santorellos eventually learned that families have the right to see a loved one's body.

"I asked them to open the casket a few inches so I could reach in and touch his hand," recalled Mr. Santorello, who is still struggling with his son's death, in large part because he was not allowed to see him.

"The government doesn't want you to see servicemen in a casket, but this is my son. He is not a serviceman. You have to let his mother and I say goodbye to him."

Scores of families whose loved ones have died fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan have gone head-to-head with a casualty system that, in their experience, has failed to compassionately and competently guide them through the harrowing process that begins after a soldier's death.

When the system works smoothly, and it often does, families say they feel a profound sense of comfort. But others have seen their hurt deepen...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/07/us/07notify.html

Article Listed Twice at NY Times: Click Either Link for Complete Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/07/us/07notify.html?ex=1144555200&en=af026ea57c502387&ei=5087

A Sailor Killed in Action on Dec. 7, 1941, Wins Recognition and a Fitting Burial

2006-04-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Used for Educational and Other Fair-Use Purposes Only

Article at http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/02/news/story11.html

IN THE MILITARY

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM

Unknown No Longer

A sailor killed in action on Dec. 7, 1941, wins recognition and a fitting burial
Patrick Delos Roberts played the bagpipes, below, as Navy pallbearers folded the flag during funeral services for Seaman 2nd Class Warren Paul Hickok, pictured above, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Wednesday morning. Hickok was killed in action during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, but was buried as an unknown. His remains were exhumed in 1948 and reburied after a failed attempt to identify them. After extensive research and a compelling lead by Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Emory, the remains were exhumed once again for forensic work by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, which arrived at a positive identification in October 2005. Attending the services were family members, including Hickok's sister Marilyn Carol Woodring from Florida.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM

<SNIP>

© Honolulu Star-Bulletin -- http://starbulletin.com

Bill Would Offer Tax Break to Casualties’ Families

2006-03-31T10:31:00.000-08:00
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1652104.php

Air Force Times - March 29, 2006

Bill would offer tax break to casualties’ families

By Rick Maze
Times staff writer

A bipartisan bill introduced Tuesday would offer greater income tax forgiveness for service members who die as a result of injury or disease incurred in a combat zone.

The Fallen Heroes Tax Fairness Act of 2006, sponsored by Reps. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, and Michael McNulty, D-N.Y., is simply an attempt to provide the same tax exemptions for combat-related deaths that apply to civilians who die in terrorist acts, the two said in a joint statement...

See Entire Story at:
http://www.airforcetimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1652104.php

"Free Flags for KIA Families" Program Changes

2006-03-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

USA and KIA flags fly at the home of the sister of George "Rip" Winkler, KIA April 3, 1945. USAKIA provided the KIA flag for free as part of its "Free Flags for KIA Families" program, which will undergo some at-least temporary changes today. Picture taken Memorial Day 2005.

Dear USAKIA Sites:

We will at least temporarily change our "Free Flags for KIA Families" program, as we currently lack resources to continue with it. We hope to resume the program in the next month. For now we will provide the flags to confirmed KIA and DOW families at well below wholesale cost, as we also receive items donated by America Remembers KIA. $5 will get KIA families a 12" x 18" KIA flag, and $10 will get them a 3' x 5' one. Both prices will include shipping via Priority Mail. From December 2004 till now we provided the 3' x 5' flag and Priority Mail shipping for free and hope to resume the program.

$300 in donations will provide free 3' x 5' flags, including Priority Mail shipping, to at least 25 KIA Gold Star Families. Those who have provided enough information up to now will receive their free flag. Two will go out by tomorrow, one to a family who lost a loved one in Vietnam and another who lost one in Iraq. Please donate today to help USAKIA resume the program.

"I would like a free 3x5 KIA Flag. My brother CPL. Thomas Steven Hickman was KIA in Vietnam on 8/26/1970.... Thank You for all you are doing... Never Forget!" -- Karen Hickman, sister of Steven Hickman, KIA 8/26/1970

Thank you,

Vincent H. Bartning
for the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA)
P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172
(408) 954-8280
http://www.usakia.org/

Tax Deductible Via PayPal

PLEASE NOTE: You may also make a tax-deductible donation via Network for Good and Amazon Honor System at our Website. Click Here.

Sunrise Service Honors Fallen Hopi Soldier

2006-03-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

See Entire Arizona Republic Article

EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER FAIR-USE PURPOSES ONLY
Former prisoner of war Patrick Miller, who served with the late Army Spec. Lori Piestewa,
is comforted at Thursday's memorial service by Lori's mother, Percy Piestewa.
Sunrise service honors fallen Hopi soldier

Angela Cara Pancrazio
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 23, 2006 06:59 PM

They were the last ones to see Army Spec. Lori Ann Piestewa alive.
At the sunrise memorial service Thursday honoring her, after the prayers, the drumming, speeches and a blessing by the medicine man, the former prisoners of war stood below Piestewa Peak, named for the fallen soldier and their friend: Jessica Lynch, Joseph Hudson, Shoshana Johnson and Patrick Miller.
There was silence as the four honored guests stood before those who had gathered in the early morning at the ramada to remember Piestewa and all other veterans that have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Piestewa's father and mother, Terry and Percy, had faced the four and told them, "We are all one, we thank God for bringing Joe Hudson, Patrick, Shoshana and Jessica."Hudson sensed the admiration of the crowd who had shook his hand and asked for his autograph and said: "The four of us are not heroes. Heroes do not come back to tell their stories..."
See Entire Arizona Republic Article
at http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0323piestewa-ON.html

Board hears plans to build veteran memorial in Milan

2006-03-18T16:51:00.000-08:00
POSTED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER FAIR-USE PURPOSES ONLY

Read Entire Article:

http://www.gallupindependent.com/2006/mar/031706vetmemo.html

Gallup Independent
http://www.gallupindependent.com/

Steve Marquez, left, discusses the plans for a war memorial commemerating soldiers who were killed in action during WWI,WWII, Korea, and Vietnam with, from right, Tony Mace, Raymond Savedra and Hugh Sheldrick at Lasting Memories in Milan on Tuesday afternoon. The memorial will be built on the southwest corner of Horizon and U.S. 66 if the city approves it. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Jim Maniaci
Cibola County Bureau

MILAN — An overflow crowd at the first meeting of the new Milan Village Board of Trustees heard about plans to build a second military veterans memorial in Cibola County to complement the just completed Vietnam Veterans Memorial in neighboring Grants.

A committee headed up by Cibola County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Steve Marquez will need to raise between $40,000 and $50,000 for the Cibola County-Milan Veterans Memorial on the southwest corner of Horizon Boulevard and Route 66 the main entrance into the village from Interstate 40's Exit 79...

... In an interview, Sheldrick, Marquez, Deputy Sheriff Tony Mace and Raymond Saavedra who were heavily involved in the Vietnam memorial project in the Friendship Park on Santa Fe Avenue indicated the second memorial grew from the first one.

"Veterans from World War II and Korea kept asking me, 'What are you going to do for us?'," Sheldrick said. "So I thought, why not?"

The new memorial will feature five vertical blocks, 17 inches wide, 4 inches deep and 54 inches tall, of black Georgia granite, which will cost more than an identical imported granite. The group insisted on sticking with the American-quarried material since the idea is to honor those killed in action during the World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Sheldrick said the group needs the names of county veterans from World War I. Through various veterans groups and individuals, the panel has accumulated what it considers a fairly accurate list from the later wars. If there is enough room, the names of other veterans can be added, but the emphasis will be on obtaining as complete a list as possible of local men and women who died fighting for America.

The new memorial will cover a small space, about 23 feet by 27 feet, and will match the trading center's color and motif with viga poles and windows between the black blocks. The group also would like to sell memorial stones to be placed vertically at the foot of the monument. New Mexico and American flags will flank the monument.

Anyone wanting to make donations can send a check to the Cibola County-Milan Veterans Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 2296, Milan, N.M., 87021. An account is being set up with Grants State Bank.

The group hopes to have the dedication on Saturday, Nov. 11; however, as Marquez points out, "It depends on how fast the donations come in. But Veterans Day would be nice for the dedication. They call Korea the forgotten war, but at the same time they are never the forgotten people. If not for these soldiers and sailors we would not have the freedoms we have. So we need some kind of a remembrance..."

Read Entire Article:

http://www.gallupindependent.com/2006/mar/031706vetmemo.html

Tree honors six unreported casualties

2006-03-16T09:24:00.000-08:00
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM R. PIMLEY AND THE GREAT FALLS TRIBUNEARTICLE CITED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER FAIR-USE PURPOSES ONLY
See Entire Great Falls Tribune Article - Click Here

Tree honors six unreported casualties
By GWEN FLORIO
Tribune Capitol Bureau

HELENA — Six more Montanans than generally realized have been killed overseas since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, a memorial tree in the state Capitol shows.

The tree, put up by a Dillon woman determined to see Special Operations forces recognized, names the 14 Montanans publicly listed, as well as six other men.

"You have your Vietnam veterans' wall and your World War II veterans' wall, and Special Forces are never included," said Joan Grogan of Dillon who designed the Gold Star tree that sits in the Capitol's Reception Room, just outside Gov. Brian Schweitzer's office. She said a friend who is in the Special Forces supplied her with the names. The missions of the elite troops are usually secret...

See Entire Great Falls Tribune Article - Click Here

Cpl. Jason L. Dunahm Remembered

2006-03-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

President George W. Bush (front C) signs a bill designating the post office of Scio, New York, to be named the Cpl. Jason L. Dunham Post Office at the Rochester, New York, International Airport March 14, 2006. Corporal Jason L. Dunham was killed in action in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq in April 2004. President Bush is joined by family members of Corporal Dunham. NO SALES NO ARCHIVES EDITORIAL USE ONLY REUTERS/White House Photo Office/Kimberlee Hewiit/Handout

Senate OKs Bill Honoring Local Marine Hero

Posted by: Jerry Gasser, News Operations Manager
Created: 3/7/2006 7:48:53 AM
Updated: 3/7/2006 7:49:14 AM

See Entire March 7 WGRZ-TV Buffalo Article

SCIO — The U.S. Senate passed a bill honoring a local hero by naming a U.S. Postal Service facility as the Cpl. Jason L. Dunham Post Office, at 4422 West Sciota St., in this Allegany County community.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., recently announced passage of the legislative tribute to Dunham, who died in 2004 in Iraq when he was severely wounded after shielding his squad members from a hand grenade blast.

In a news release issued by Clinton's office, U.S. Rep. Randy Kuhl, R-Hammondsport, Steuben County, thanked Clinton for her assistance in moving the bill through the Senate...

See Entire March 7 WGRZ-TV Buffalo Article

Bird of Paradise: Funeral Service at Punchbowl National Cemetery

2006-03-13T09:39:00.000-08:00
Bird of Paradise: Funeral Service at Punchbowl National Cemetery - Blogger, clergy at memorials, shows KIA graves at Hawaii's Punchbowl National Cemetery, including Ernie Pyle's and unknowns' markers from World War II and Korea.

Friendly Fire Deaths Rare in Current Wars

2006-03-10T21:17:00.000-08:00
AP Via Yahoo! News Story

By LOLITA C. BALDOR, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Friendly fire incidents like the one that killed former professional football player Pat Tillman have cost the lives of 17 Army soldiers in the past four years in Iraq and Afghanistan, a lower rate than in other recent conflicts, Army data shows...

... It took nine months for the family of Army Spc. Jesse Buryj (pronounced BOO-dee) of Canton, Ohio, to learn that his death in Iraq in May 2004 was not the result of an accidental vehicle crash, as they were first told...

See Entire Article with Further Options at:

AP Via Yahoo! News Story

A little history on Robert Cochran Jr.

2006-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:00
To See the Entire Article Click Here

Sun Herald

03/09/06

Bill Rivers DAV column

A little history on Robert Cochran Jr.
Many native Southwest Florida residents know about Robert L. Cochran Jr., but with so many new folks in the area, I think a brief history is in order...
... We're not sure exactly when the family moved to Punta Gorda, but he enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 4, 1942, at the age of 21, while residing here. Robert fought in the Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands (Nov. 20-23, 1943) and the Battle of Saipan in the Mariana Islands (June 15-July 9, 1944), and he was killed in action on July 8, 1944, at the age of 23...
See Entire Article. Click Here.

Walker Basin man dies in Iraq war, another local man severely injured

2006-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00
http://www.kvsun.com/articles/2006/03/08/news/01war.txt

Kern Valley Sun, Online Edition
Lake Isabella, CA

Synopsis of the Wednesday, March 8, 2006, Article

Navy Corpsman Daniel Jacobs received some severe injuries in Iraq. He does it differently than others should he be injured or killed. He has his aunt and uncle listed with the military as the first contact so that a stranger bearing bad news doesn't visit his mother and stepfather. His mother also had a recent "medical crisis," the article states.

A Marine corporal, 26 y/o Adam Zanutto, died of wounds in Maryland. He was mortally wounded by an IED in Iraq. An editor at the newspaper who knew him, Ray Conner, described Adam as "personable" and "talented."

"The Kern Valley Sun has learned that a Walker Basin man, Marine Cpl. Adam Zanutto, 26, has died after being injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Zanutto's parents own the Fence Post newspaper in Walker Basin. Zanutto was injured on Feb. 25, and died Monday of his injuries in Bethesda, Maryland..."

"... Conner expressed his sympathy to Rick and Donna Zanutto, Adam's parents. 'I'm in shock. I'm sorry for their loss. No words can express what they must be feeling...'”

See Entire Article at:

http://www.kvsun.com/articles/2006/03/08/news/01war.txt

Our heart goes out to all KIA families today. Thanks for honoring our nation's KIA and DOW!

Moving Onward: Band of Brothers

2006-03-08T07:21:00.000-08:00
Moving Onward: Band of Brothers

Nonprofit Plans Colorful Memorial Day Event

2006-03-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

A nonprofit benefiting families of U.S. killed in action (KIA) plans a Memorial Day 2006 event to honor our nation’s combat dead.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) March 8, 2006 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), along with America Remembers KIA and J & S Surplus & Outdoor Store, plans an event Memorial Day, May 29, 2006, in Moss Landing, California. An additional participant will be the California National Guard. A ceremony dedicated the memorial site for all U.S. military killed in action (KIA) or died of wounds (DOW) last year in a September 3, 2005, Labor Day Weekend event.

With the California National Guard being there for the Memorial Day ceremony, it will be the first in what the public-benefit corporation hopes will be an annual event. USAKIA already has an annual Labor Day Weekend event in September. The ceremony will be held at J & S Surplus & Outdoor Store, a division of Eagle Emblems, at the intersection of Highway 1 and N. Struve Road in Moss Landing. The address is also 1956 Highway 1, Moss Landing, CA 95039.

The public is invited to participate in a colorful free event close to the ocean. Participants can also purchase mementos honoring killed in action. Donations are tax deductible and benefit KIA and DOW families. The nonprofit accepts donations at its Web site, by phone at (408) 954-8280, or by mail to P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172.

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it plans a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP). It also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at http://usakia.org for further information. USAKIA opened a pressroom at its Web site in December and two new blogs in March.