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After some considerable thought, I have a recommendation. Here it is. Look, since 2001, we have tried to get a CWM by trying to establish dialogs with politicians and even approached DOD, all have failed. Clearly now, we must come to the conclusion that a CWM will be issued only when DOD determines it's in DOD's interest to do so. It is clear to me that, the political process is broken, when those in congress (House & Senate) who tell they support the CWSM Bill, who includes' the bill in ledgislation and then allows it to be pulled from the final consideration. As a result we have no constitutional representation. Think hard and long on that, if you will.
Just my two cents worth, perhaps it time to stop trying to get congressional help and/or approaching DOD for consideration and just operate the Web Page and dialogue with one another on Cold War Vet's issues and take care of Cold War Veterans, hell, they never loved us, anyway, so why give them any more of our valuable time or empathy. Let em' go guys, we don't need them. History judges all of us one way or another, besides we served for our country and for one another, not a politician or DOD. Just let them go.
jim811
Sincerely,
Rob DeVito
Commander: Europe Defense Veterans of America
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Rob, I deeply appreciate and respect what you have done on behalf of all of us. After 10 or 11 long years of disappointment, having created letterheads and wrote every politician, state and federal that represented my state and numerous emails to same, including several state Cold War Proclamations issued by my one time governor, all has resulted in a "no go" on the Cold War Medal. I now believe we as an organization would be better served if we ramped up more forum discussion about what we as a small and underfunded unit can do for and on behalf of other Cold War Veterans. Clearly, past and present congresses are more concerned with the real time issues brought about by the Mideast Wars and those Veterans; and not our past Cold War Veteran Issues. We are history and they do not want to deal with us. I do not believe DOD wants to deal with our issues regarding the Medal. If they did, then they would have cause the Medal to be issued, would they not. Each of us will come to their own conclusions and support their own positions and recommendations, as it should be, which I respect. Like most of you, I've been on that long journey for the Medal, it's just that I am no longer willing to play a political game that does not end with the Medal being issued. I guess I'm left with the thought that no politician is willing to challenge the proposed issuer of said Medal. I'm done with it and wish all good luck, Merry Christmas and yes............................, God Bless You.
jim811
Protectae Venimus
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Some of us may agree entirely of what some people in the discussion columns are saying. That we should concentrate only on the following service medals; the NDSM or the ADSM. Give up on the quest for a CWSM. Everyone here has a right to his own belief on this subject. Some of our congressional supporters like Senators Webb, Collins Snowe, Kerry, Congressman Isreal have all worked very hard for us on this legislation. To walk away from them now I believe would destroy any chance at all for our future of getting any kind of help from anyone regardless of what course we take. I finally got my local Congressman, Tim Bishop, from the 1st District to co-sponsor H.R. 1968. If we get a new President things might be different with us. We are all frustrated and disgusted with all that has happened. I am going to stay the course for a CWSM. I am going to contact my U.S. Senator Gillibrand(from New York State) today and make an appointment with her staff to discuss why she did not co-sponsor Senate Bill 402 and have her staff investigate as to why this senate bill was kept in committee or for whatever reason(s) this bill was not allowed to be brought out on the floor for a vote. I do not expect any answers from my senator but I am going to do it anyway. Last Monday, Dec. 12th, I mentioned that I had my local Long Island News, Channel 12 News, do an interview with me about the Cold War Veterans, the duties I had, and what we as an organization are attempting to do to achieve recognition. Our story was never covered on tv. I never received an answer as to why it was not presented. But I am going to keep trying with Foxs News. I am retired now so I have time on my hands. I am going to continue the fight. These are just my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Rob DeVito
Commander: Europe Defense Veterans of America
I think we all are getting side tracked with the ADSM, I probably shouldn't have mentioned it. The push is to get the Cold War officiated. The gov could just add it to the list administratively if they chose too. At the moment the Cold War is a non entity of our government, and it must be the focus.
Also, if you notice in the NDAA that the Medal language was to leave it completely up to the SECDEF to set the criteria, no mention of 24 months. It is most likely whomever is granted award of the CWSM will get it if he has not also received any other award for the same period of service or duties and will limit the issue. In Rob's granddad, he may not also get it. Awards for WW@ were issued till almost 1948, so unless his service was fighting Germans and then shifted to anti communist action after that that is recognized as different, he may not get the CWSM. If different he would etc... That will be up to DOD.