| The
year 2000 marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, a conflict for years
known as the "Forgotten War". Coming on the heels of World War II (1941-1945)
and followed quickly by U.S. involvement in Vietnam (1961-1975), the Korean War was so
often overlooked by both historians and the public at large. To ensure that our Korean War Veterans, their families, and those who
served on the home front know that "A Grateful Nation Remembers" their service
and their sacrifices 50 years ago, the U.S. Congress has directed the Department of
Defense to organize and to coordinate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War
Commemorations. The Commemorations will begin June 25, 2000, the 50th anniversary of the
outbreak of the war, and will officially end on Veterans Day, November 11, 2003. The lead
department within the Department of Defense is the U.S. Army and there are numerous
ongoing initiatives and events planned from Washington D.C. to cities across the United
States. Needless to say there are numerous organizations and communities within Carteret
County who are actively involved in this most worthwhile of endeavors. If you or your
organization are interested in playing a part in this National Tribute or would like more
information, there are numerous resources to assist:
* On the national level there is the Department of
Defense (DOD) 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, 1213 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Crystal Gateway 4, Suite 702, Arlington, Virginia 22202.
* The DOD website is http://Korea50.army.mil.
A note: The Commemorative Committee has several resource
materials available for distribution to veterans organizations, to schools and to
organizations interested in sponsoring events. These include commemorative flags, posters,
bookmarks, historical fact sheets, quarterly newsletters, certificates and other
memorabilia. All that is required is a letter to the Committee at the above address,
stating in your letter how you plan to use the commemorative items you are requesting.
County Veterans Services will gladly assist any
individual or group that would like to participate in this meaningful project. They can be
reached at telephone (252) 728-8440 or email ccvso@coastalnet.com.
VA HEALTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES
Whether a veteran spent one year or thirty on active
military duty, was service connected or non-service connected for a disability, and
regardless of personal income/assets, he/she should look into the opportunities for VA
Health Care.
In late 1996, the Veterans Health Care Eligibility
Reform Act was passed and it led the way for the creation of a Uniform Health Care
Benefits Package, a standard health benefit plan available to all veterans. Not only were
health care services opened up to all veterans, the application process was simplified and
streamlined. These changes have made it significantly easier for veterans to receive care
than ever before.
For details on this important entitlement, a good
resource is the Carteret County Veterans Services Office located at 613 Cedar Street in
Beaufort. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, telephone (252)
728-8440, email address ccvso@coastalnet.com.
RETROACTIVE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON FOR USN/USMC
In late March 2000, the Secretary of the Navy authorized
the awarding of the Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) to those who served in combat in or after
World War II, but who never received their Decoration.
To be eligible for this award, veterans must have
participated in ground or surface combat after December 6, 1941 but before March 1, 1961.
For details and a handout on this award and the
application process, contact Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440. If you are interested in
applying, contact Veterans Services and they will gladly assist you.
A note: According to the Secretary of Navy award
announcement, this is not a unit campaign or theater of operations service award, nor will
other awards be considered in conjunction with a request for the awarding of the Combat
Action Ribbon.
VETERANS DAY PARADE
Planning for the Carteret County Veterans Day Parade has
begun in earnest. The event will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2000 in Morehead City.
If you or your organization are interested in participating or would like to assist in
planning, organizing, and/or participating in this event, please contact Tex Cavett,
Chairman of the County Veterans Council at (W) 252-728-2411 or (H) 252-728-3878. |
