Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 06/04/2001

Dear Sgt. Shaft:
On the steps of the U.S. Capitol last month, I received a $1,000 donation to the World War II Memorial from 100 of the 350 visiting eighth-graders from Gates-Chili Middle School in Gates, N.Y. Flanked by their Congressman, Rep. Tom Reynolds, a Legionnaire in his own right, I received a check from student Arikka Brinson. A British tourist passed by. He was surprised that the students would care about the World War II Memorial, considering "they are so far removed from war."

On the other hand, I marveled at how these young people could be so civic-minded, yet a small group of adults be so hell-bent on stopping the memorial from being built at its approved, dedicated and ground-broken Rainbow Pool site at the National Mall. Lest we sit on the sidelines and let the elitists have their way, I request that you take a stand in support of the World War II Memorial.

The National Coalition to Save Our Mall filed suit in federal court to stop the memorial from being built. Then The National Capital Planning Commission decided that yet another public hearing would be necessary to "reconsider" its previous approvals of the memorial. With the support of The American Legion family and the American people, Congress took up legislation introduced by Rep. Bob Stump of Arizona and Sen. Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas to keep these peripheral issues from delaying construction of the memorial any longer. 

Congress and the administration are doing the right thing by eliminating further delays on building the World War II Memorial. After 22 public hearings over the last five years, it's time to build the memorial, not study it further. Every day that this project is delayed means a thousand fewer World War II veterans will have lived to see it. Although the memorial will be a place of reflection for future generations, members of the "greatest generation" deserve the opportunity to witness its completion. It's time to honor the historic sacrifice that underlies every institution of our republic. It's time to build the World War II Memorial. It's time to say "thank you."

Ray G. Smith
National Commander, The American Legion

Dear Commander:

A pat on the back to Sen. Tim Hutchinson for passing the Senate companion bill, making the World War II veterans' dream a reality.

It is unfortunate that the delaying tactics of the National Coalition to Save the Mall have ensured that many World War II veterans such as E. Roy Stone of Greenville, South Carolina, will not see their precious memorial in all its glory.

Called "Mr. Legionnaire," Stone recently passed away. He was 88. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater and became active in The American Legion shortly following his honorable discharge in January 1946. He was a life member of The American Legion James F. Daniel, Jr., Post 3, in Greenville and was named a Past National Commander of The American Legion in 1987 as a tribute to his leadership and devotion to all veterans and their families. The American Legion and the entire veterans community will miss the dynamic leadership of and mentoring provided by this very, very special World War II veteran.

Shaft Kudos
The Sarge is pleased to learn that the Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs Medical Center will officially open its third outpatient clinic, and first facility in Maryland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 18 at 10:00 a.m. Invitees to this event,to be held at the clinic located at 7525 Greenway Centers Drive, Suite T-4, in Greenbelt, include national, state, and county elected officials. The clinic will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The physician, nurse, and administrative assistant assigned to this clinic will provide primary care, women's health, and mental health services to veterans in Prince George's County. Specialty care needs will be met by referring patients to the VA Medical Center.
And another "atta boy" to the VA Medical Center for their creativity in establishing an on-site childcare center. Availability of childcare for VA employees had been a goal of the DC VAMC for over 10 years. The center's LaPetite Academy, located on the grounds of the Medical Center, is one of the first childcare centers established for the VA using an Enhanced-Use lease. Special legislation was enacted to permit the VA to obtain a third party to build a childcare facility and then take out a long-term lease for the property. Terms of the lease allow the VA employees preference for enrollment as well as discounted fees. Hours of operation provide easy access for staff requiring early or late hours. Tuition scholarships have been provided for lower income employees or staff with financial need. 
The Sarge is looking forward to joining House and Senate prayer groups at the sixth annual Congressional Flag Day Concert on Thursday, June 14, from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. in the Cannon House Office Building. These events have become an annual tradition on Capitol Hill, and their patriotic healing and uplifting message has become a source of inspiration to many. This year's program theme is "Songs in the Night" (Job 35:10) and focuses on honoring the flag and prayer for America and those who defend her. Audience members will include Cabinet officers, legislators from both houses of Congress, veterans and medical leaders, the military, the media and the public. Representatives and Cabinet members will participate in the music and readings. Veterans occupy a central place of honor on the program. Members of the chorale and orchestra will travel to the nation's capital from all over the nation. Admission to the Congressional Flag Day Concert is free and open to the public.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

BAVF Home | Who We Are | Sgt. Shaft | Flag Week | Links | Financials | Search | Contact BAVF

BAVF - P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900

Copyright BAVF 2001