Proper Folding of the American Flag by U.S. Army Regulations

Would you like to know how to fold the American Flag? At one end is the holder who will hold the flag while it is being folded. The other end is the folder. First, the holder holds the flag with the stars in the left hand. Second, the folder folds to the left so both brass are in the left hand. Third, the flag is folded again to the left with both brass still in left hand. Fourth,the folder makes pie folds from the left, continuing to fold all the way up and tucking in any remaining.

Congress Sends Historic VA Mission Act to President

On Wednesday, with a vote of 92-5, the Senate overwhelmingly passed S. 2372, the VA Mission Act of 2018. The VFW thanks the senators who put veterans first and voted in favor of this important bill. The bill is the result of bipartisan and bicameral work by members of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to improve VA health care; expand caregiver benefits to pre-9/11 veterans; fix the Choice Program; consolidate VA’s confusing community care programs; and improve VA’s infrastructure to better serve veterans. The bill now heads to the White House. President Trump has announced he will sign it. The VFW thanks its members and supporters who wrote and called their members of Congress.

Important Days in June

June 6 – Anniversary of the World War II Invasion of Normandy 1944, known as D-Day

June 14 – Flag Day and U.S. Army Birthday

June 17 – Fathers Day

June 22 – Pledge of Allegiance adopted by Congress in 1942 and Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, known as The G.I. Bill

June 23 – Coast Guard Auxiliary birthday

June 25 – Anniversary of the start of the Korean War 1950

June 27 – National PTSD Awareness Day.

POW/MIA  Update

Army Pfc. Willie E. Blue, 19, a Korean War veteran from New Orleans, whose identification was previously announced, was buried May 29 in Dallas.

Navy Reserve Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Thomas J. Murphy, 22, a WWII veteran from Greencastle, Ind., whose identification was previously announced, was buried May 28 in Hamilton, Ohio.

Marine Corps Pfc. Jack H. Krieger, 28, a WWII veteran from Larned, Kan., whose identification was previously announced, was buried May 28 in his hometown.

Marine Corps Pfc. Francis E. Drake, Jr., 20, a WWII veteran from Framingham, Mass., whose identification was previously announced, was buried May 25 in Springfield, Mass.

Navy Radioman 2nd Class Walter H. Backman, 22, of Wilton, N.D., whose identification was previously announced, was buried May 28 in Batavia, Ill. Backman was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma.

Navy Seaman 1st Class Edward F. Slapikas, 26, a WWII veteran, of Wanamie, Pa., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 2 in his hometown. Slapikas was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

Army Sgt. Eugene W. Yost, a Korean War veteran, was a member of Company E. Interment services are pending.

Army Sgt. John W. Hall, a Korean War veteran, was a member of Headquarters Battery, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.

Army Cpl. DeMaret M. Kirtley,  a Korean War veteran, was a member of Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Regimental Combat Team. Interment services are pending.

Army Sgt. Joseph Akers, a WWII veteran, was a member of Company C, 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, participating in intense fighting in the Hürtgen Forest. Interment services are pending.

Navy Seaman 2nd Class Carl Nichols, a WWII veteran, was stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.

Till next week praying for all service members.

 

– Charles Castelluccio