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By Don Boots Jensen
Sunday, Jan 25 2009, 09:41 PM
AN OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR MOORE, OUR BAY VIEW SENATOR.
IF YOU AGREE WITH IT, SEND HER A COPY WITH YOUR INFORMATION AND SIGNATURE. THANKS FOR HELPING.
The Honorable Gwen Moore
House of Representatives
1239 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4904 |
| Re: HR 333 - Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act |
| Dear Representative Moore: |
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I strongly urge you to cosponsor HR 333, the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act, submitted by Representative Jim Marshall on January 8, 2009.
If enacted HR 333 would correct several wrongs enacted with the original concurrent receipt legislation in 2004.
First, HR 333 would enfranchise those 400,000 retired members of the Armed Forces with disability ratings less than 50% to draw both their VA disability compensation and their military retirement pay under CRDP (Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay, 10 US Code Section 1414) without offset. If the disability was combat-related, these retirees were enfranchised for CRSC (Combat Related Special Compensation, 10 USC Section 1413a) with the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.
Second, HR 333 would enfranchise those 200,000 members of the Armed Forces who were retired for medical disability with less than 20 years service under 10 US Code, Chapter 61, to draw both their VA disability compensation and their earned military retirement pay under CRDP. If the disability was combat-related, these retirees were enfranchised for CRSC with the 2008 NDAA.
Third, HR 333 would eliminate the 10-year phase in of CRDP, which is currently in the 6th year, and is 88% restored. In 2010, it will be 95% restored. Distributing the remaining 5% over 4 years is not cost effective.
Fourth, HR 333 would cause the Department of Defense (DoD) to compute CRSC pay for Chapter 61 retirees as originally intended Congress. These changes have been agreed upon by the DoD, the Military Officers Association of America, and the several Congressional Committees involved.
Lastly, while not stated in the legislation, such enfranchisement of these retirees to receive both their VA compensation and their earned military retirement pay would be consistent with President Obama's economic stimulation policies.
Please actively support HR 333. |
| Respectfully, |
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Don Jensen
Sergeant USMC 73-79 |
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By Don Boots Jensen
Tuesday, Nov 11 2008, 03:16 PM
True Red and Blue:
Since the 2000 presidential election, the media has distinguished Americans by color, through election maps depicting red states as Republican and blue states as Democrat. With the passing of the 2008 election and America's economic challenges, now is a great time to remember what those colors really represent. From day one, our veterans have fought for both colors. In 1776 the Continental Congress defined red as "hardiness and valor" and blue as "vigilance, perseverance and justice." Hardiness means stamina-perseverance on steroids.
That is exactly what Navy SEAL Marc Alan Lee displayed during the war's biggest battle in Ramadi, Iraq, on Aug. 2, 2006. After a two-hour firefight the SEALs faced their greatest endurance challenge: a buddy was down. Deciding he had not yet begun to fight, Mr. Lee singlehandedly stood up and shot more than 100 rounds of ammunition so team members could rescue the wounded SEAL from a rooftop. "Three times that day Marc stood in the direct line of fire to defend his buddies, for you, for me, for this nation. Marc was a young man who selflessly gave his life because he valued others' lives more important than his own," proud mom Debbie Lee declared. Mr. Lee's unwillingness to give up against such red-hot odds embodies the spirit of America's first Naval hero - a revolutionary "Navy SEAL" Captain John Paul Jones desperately wanted to take the fight to the enemy. He got his chance in 1779, when he used an American warship, the Bonhomme Richard, to harass British trade ships along Scotland's coast. On September 23, Jones became embroiled in a fight with a British warship, the Serapis. No sooner had the battle begun, than the Serapis called on Jones to surrender. Shocked, Jones looked up. His ship's flag was missing, the sign for surrender. Suspecting a cowardly sailor had yanked it down, Jones responded to his missing colors with true blue vigilance.
"Surrender, I have not yet begun to fight!" Jones cried. Soon he rammed his ship into the enemy's side. Starboard to starboard, the ships became entangled. "My situation was really deplorable; the Bonhomme Richard received various shots under water ... My treacherous master-at-arms let loose all my prisoners without my knowledge, and my prospects became gloomy indeed," Jones recalled. He refused to quit. Jones ordered his sharpshooters to pinpoint British sailors on the Serapis' deck. Defeated, the British surrendered their colors. His ship sank, but Jones won. He recalled simply, "I would not, however, give up the point." Vigilance and valor characterize veterans of all wars, which Veterans Day celebrates. And in 1944, an Army colonel displayed Jones' Navy blue courage.
Lt. Col. Rogers was training soldiers at Cebu, Philippines, in May 1942, when the Japanese forced him to surrender the island. Although imprisoned physically, Mr. Rogers did not give up his command of 750 fellow prisoners. "He continually interceded with cruel Japanese authorities to alleviate his men's suffering at the risk of his own life," Betty Rogers Bryant explained about her father's sense of justice. Then the Japanese transferred the POWs to a Hell ship. "The terrible conditions in the bottom of this ship were unbearable. Men were dying and going crazy. The Japanese closed the hatch covers over the hold and the men were suffocating. There were only a few portholes and the men took turns trying to get air. Dad gave up his turn for his men in worse shape," described Mrs. Bryant, noting that her father demanded the Japanese remove the hatch covers.
An American submarine blasted the Hell ship on September 7, 1944. "They had no idea Americans were aboard and thought they were only torpedoing a Japanese freighter. Eighty-two of the 750 survived and swam to shore. The Filipinos hid them until the U.S.S Narwhal rescued them," Mrs. Bryant detailed. Rogers died, but those who survived heralded his passionate courage.
The timing of Veterans Day allows us to set aside election maps and remember the true meaning of our nation's colors. Americans need the example of their veterans right now. We need red's hardiness to personally navigate the challenges of a volatile economy. We need blue's perseverance to finish the job in Iraq. We need the president and members of Congress to make strong decisions for the greater good and not their self-interests.
Most importantly, we need red and blue for the white stars in our lives: our children. The Continental Congress defined white as "purity and innocence." Nothing represents innocence better than children, the hope of tomorrow. Because our veterans fought for their children's future, we enjoy liberty today. They deserve our thanks this Veterans Day.
Jane Hampton Cook is the author of Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War.
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By Don Boots Jensen
Saturday, Jun 14 2008, 08:35 AM
A phishing scam has been sent to families of fallen Soldiers. As part of the scam, the proponents request personal information, such as SSN, DOB, addresses, etc., and are instructed to come to either visit the Army Human Resources Command Offices in Alexandria, VA, or email the information to an overseas Yahoo account.
Like most scams, the grammar is poor, it is not on official letterhead, nor does it come from a valid Army e-mail account. CRSC will never ask for personally identifiable information to be sent over e-mail due to security concerns. CRSC will never promise payment or award of any kind. CRSC is not eligible for SBP. As Ambassadors and Affiliates, the program office wants to ensure you are aware of the scam in case you are asked about it.
Thank you,
---- example of letter ----
Supplemental Guidance for Benefit Pay off Section 644, P.L. 108-375, Administration Letter (BAL) #98-109, US Army Survivor Benefit Plan).
21 May 2008
Attn: Dear Mr.Mark,
We believe you are the next of kin of a deceased officer who died in service in that you bear the same name and last known geographical area of same person. We wish to duly compensate the family by paying the deceased officers benefits and financial entitlements to them. So many deceased officers have the same problem of difficulty in locating their kin but we are doing the best we can. We have gone as far as Asia, Central and southern Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas in search for next of kin of deceased officers. So the benefits entitled to you amounts to $12,859,555.23 and you can receive it in one week.
Our search attorney Mr.Louis Manches. undertaking Group B16 search (AMERICA ,EUROPE & AFRICA SEARCH GROUP) found & located you.
We need you to come to our office at: U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Army Physical Disability Agency (CRSC), 200 Stovall Street Alexandria , VA 22332-0470 With photocopies of the following documents. (As the originals will not be returnable.)
1. Letter of Introduction or ID of next of kin (In which case you)
2. Sworn affidavit of next of kin.
3. You are also required to complete the forms below.
A. FORM DD 2860, CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)
B. FORM DD 2656-7, VERIFICATION FOR SURVIVOR ANNUITY
You can download these forms from our US Army Human Resources Command website using the URL (FOR DD FORM 2860) (web links deleted) Or Defense Technical Information website using this Url (FOR DD FORM 2656-7) (web links deleted)
To make it simpler for you, if you cant come to our offices yourself to submit these documents due to ill health or whatever you can appeal to your search attorney to file these documents on your behalf. The search attornies are legal practitioners contracted by the United States Army to help locate next of kins who are in various countries of the world. Your name fell among Group 16 Search which complises of beneficiaries from EUROPE,AMERICA & ASIA. The search attorney responsible for this areas is Barrister Louis Manches. It is the search attorney who shortlisted your name for payment. You are therefore advised to contact him if you have difficulty in completing the forms as well as providing the necessary documents. We understand the problems you could face in getting these documents owing to the fact that it has taken a long time when the officer died. You can write your search attorney for clarifications through the following email (e-mail address deleted by S1NET) If you also have problems filling all these forms , just fill out and return by email the short version attached below. Your search attorney will fill the rest of the forms on your behalf but of course you will contact him and negotiate this service with your search attorney. We expect to hear from you soon.
H.S. Park
Defense Finance and Accounting Service,
US Army Human Resources.
cc. Capt Sanjay Nangalia
Forwarded By Sanjay Nangalia
SBP Monitoring & Control Officer
US Army Survivor Benefit Plan
DD FORM 2860, JAN 2008
General Purpose Sheet
CLAIM FOR COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)
SECTION I - PERSONAL INFORMATION1. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial)
2. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
3. RETIRED RANK/RATE
4. DATE OF BIRTH (YYYYMMDD)
5. TELEPHONE (Include area code)
6. E-MAIL ADDRESS
7. MAILING ADDRESS
8. BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER WHERE THIS PAYMENT SHOULD GO
a. STREET (Include apartment number or P.O. Box)
b. CITY
c. STATE
d. ZIP CODE
NB
You are however advised to seek legal guidance and advice from your search attorney who is presently in Europe searching for other next of kin. He could facilitate your payment by providing all necessary documents as required. Mr.Louis Manches can be reached at (Link deleted). If you know of anyone who has lost a loved one, tell them about this scam. All scams should be reported to the FBI.
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By Don Boots Jensen
Monday, Apr 28 2008, 07:10 AM
 
Army Spc. Steven J. Christofferson 20, of Cudahy, Wis.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died April 21 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Sgt. Adam J. Kohlhaas. Spc Christofferson’s memorial service will be held at the Cudahy High School auditorium on May 1st from 4pm – 8pm. The Patriot Guard will be providing an escort and flag line for our fallen warrior.
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By Don Boots Jensen
Thursday, Mar 6 2008, 07:50 AM
Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Frost, 24, of Waukesha, Wis., died March 3 near Bayji, Iraq in a crash of an Iraqi Army Mi-17 helicopter. He was assigned to the 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Remember Staff Sgt. Frost and his family in your prayers. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation. Staff Sgt. Christopher Frost is the 87th Wisconsin service member to die as a result of the war in Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003.
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By Don Boots Jensen
Thursday, Jan 17 2008, 12:27 PM
PFC Keith E. Lloyd will be making his final journey home. Arriving at:
General Mitchell Airport - Milwaukee
Friday January 18, 2008
Approximately 9:25 AM
Visitation Monday January 21, 2008 4 PM - 8 PM
Heritage Funeral Home
4800 S. 84th St.
Greenfield, WI. 53228
(414) 281-5533
Funeral - Tuesday January 22, 2008 - 11 AM
Calvary Lutheran Church
1750 North Calhoun Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
Burial Procession immediately after funeral to:
Good Hope Cemetery
4101 South 43rd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53220
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By Don Boots Jensen
Wednesday, Jan 16 2008, 09:01 PM
BAY VIEW REMEMBER OUR FALLEN HEROES
 Army Pfc. Jason F. Lemke,January 05, 2008, of West Allis, Wis.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.; died Jan. 5 in Ibrahim Al Adham, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
 Army Pfc. Timothy R. Hanson - KIA January 07, 2008, 23, of Kenosha, Wis.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; died Jan. 7 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small-arms fire.
 Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk - KIA January 09, 2007, 30, of Superior, Wis.; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.; died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. Also killed were Spc. Todd E. Davis, Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, Sgt. Zachary W. McBride and Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders.
Army Pfc. Keith E. Lloyd - KIA January 12, 2007, 26, of Milwaukee; assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; died Jan. 12 in Tal Afar, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.
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By Don Boots Jensen
Wednesday, Jan 9 2008, 06:22 PM
Jim was in his early 50s, retired from the Marine Corps, and started a second career. However, he just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day, 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, real sharp, so his boss was in a quandary about how to deal with it.
Finally, one day the boss called him into the office for a talk. "Jerry, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job, but you're being late so often is quite bothersome."
"Yes, I know, boss," said Jim, "and I'm working on it."
"Well, good. You're a team player; that's what I like to see. It's odd, though. You're always coming in late. I know you're retired from the Marine Corps. What'd they say when you came in late there?"
"They said, 'Good mornin', General.'"
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By Don Boots Jensen
Monday, Jan 7 2008, 03:59 PM
The men and women of this organization have joined together to support all veterans. Consider joining the Patriot Guard Riders. For more information please read on . . .
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By Don Boots Jensen
Sunday, Nov 25 2007, 09:08 PM
A letter from God to His children:
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't: actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa’s and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks is. If you have forgot that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom: you love; and remember, I LOVE YOU.
I received this from a Pastor friend in North Dakota. The author is unknown. Have a great Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2008.
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