Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 10/10/2005

Dear Sgt Shaft
My buddy Mike recently passed away. He served with the Merchant Marines during World War II. Is he eligible to be interred at the Arlington Cemetery Columbarium?

John C.
Maryland

Dear John
Public Law 95-202 established civilian employees and contractors who fall under war time service to be entitled to veterans' benefits. This includes oceangoing American Merchant Marines who served between the periods Dec 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945. At Arlington National Cemetery their entitlement is inurnment in the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium.

These qualifying veterans are also entitled to burial in a VA cemetery.

Shaft Notes
The Sarge was proud to attend the grand opening of the new home of

The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (VLP) in Pittsburgh’s Historic Southside. Members of the public were welcome to attend and to tour the new facility, meet with staff and members of the Board of Directors. . complementary refreshments will be served.

“We are proud of our new home,” said Executive Director, Karen Trueblood, “and we want people to know we are here to serve all veterans and their families. This is a chance to let our neighbors know that we’re here and what we’re all about.”

VLP was founded in 1982 by Vietnam era veterans to provide job training and placement to veterans and their families. Since that time, the VLP has grown tremendously and have provided thousands of veterans and their families with career services, as well as housing for homeless veterans, counseling and education. VLP provides service to veterans throughout Western Pennsylvania, with satellite offices in Johnstown, Altoona and Beaver County.

Since moving into their new building on August 1st, the staff and Board have been working hard to create a one-stop resource center for veterans. The new facility will include a computer lab for training and job searching, a meeting room for education, an examination room for dental and health screening, as well as a library and other amenities. Veterans and their family members that need help will be able to access all of these services free of charge.

“We want the community at large to come visit us and see what we have going on,” said Trueblood. “(Western Pennsylvania) has one of the largest populations of veterans in the country. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us.”

The Open House was held at the VLP Building located at 2417 East Carson. For more information on the work of the VLP information call 412.481.8200. I was also pleased to attend the special boat ride for veterans sponsored by

Sharing and Caring, Inc., an organization representing nearly 20 veterans groups in the Pittsburgh area. This fine organization entertained over 900 of America’s hospitalized veterans. During a four day period in September disabled veterans, with the help of an all volunteer staff, sailed for 3 hours in a riverboat cruise aboard Gateway Clipper Fleet’s “Majestic”. The veterans were greeted with live music and refreshments. Then on board, there was more entertainment, a hot buffet lunch, prizes, dancing, clowns, gifts, renewing old friendships and a memorial service.

Sharing and Caring is a non-profit corporation. All monies exceeding cruise expenses are directed towards parties for patients in VA medical centers and Pennsylvania state veterans homes.

Tax deductible donations can be made to Sharing and Caring, Inc., at P.O. Box 2616, Pittsburgh, Pa 15230. All donations are formally acknowledged with a “Thank You” letter.

The Sarge is once again looking forward to joining fellow members of the National Press Club, other media representatives, and guests for the November 7 club luncheon. This event will feature remarks from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Hagee. I am sure he will pay tribute to our Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and those warriors who have made the supreme sacrifice

General Hagee graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College.

General Hagee's command assignments include: Commanding Officer Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1970); Platoon Commander, Company A and Commanding Officer Headquarters and Service Company (1970-1971); Commanding Officer, Waikele-West Loch Guard Company (1974-1976); Commanding Officer, Pearl Harbor Guard Company (1976-1977); Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1988-1990); Commanding Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (1992-1993); Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (1998-1999); and Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force(2000-2002).

General Hagee's staff assignments include: Communications-Electronics Officer, 1st Marine Air Command and Control Squadron (1971); Assistant Director, Telecommunications School (1972-1974); Training Officer, 3d Marine Division (1977-1978); Electrical Engineering Instructor, U.S. Naval Academy (1978-1981); Head, Officer Plans Section, Headquarters Marine Corps (1982-1986); Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1, 2d Marine Division (1987-1988); Executive Officer, 8th Marines (1988); Director Humanities and Social Science Division/Marine Corps Representative, U.S. Naval Academy (1990-1992); Liaison Officer to the U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia (1992-1993); Executive Assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (1993-1994); Director, Character Development Division, United States Naval Academy (1994-1995); Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.; Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence (1995-1996); Deputy Director of Operations, Headquarters, U.S. European Command (1996-1998); and Director Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Pacific Command (1999-2000).

For more information about the Press club Luncheon, contact Pat Nelson at 202 662 7500

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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