On the Role of Women

By Lance Wang, Editor

I must be honest.   I spent over 20 years in the Army, almost all in Infantry units.   I enjoyed the camaraderie of all-male units until I arrived at Brigade level.   Periodically, I would leave the world of polite society and head out to the field among other men – to go do “manly” things as President Theodore Roosevelt would have said.

Over the years, I have often found myself on one side of an issue because I found the arguments in favor of the other side vacuous, specious or unsupportable.   I have never been in favor of lowering standards to accommodate women in previously all-male skill fields such as the combat arms, but to make such an argument, I must be willing to concede that if women can meet the male standards, they should be allowed to do the job.

“Tzedek tzedek tirdof” – “Justice, justice you shall pursue” admonishes Deuteronomy 16:20.    It’s not about what is “fair,” but rather what is “just” that we are commanded to pursue.   Anybody who has worn the uniform is more aware than anyone that life is not fair.   Indeed, it was a mantra that I taught many of my own soldiers.   “Get over it.   Life isn’t fair and neither is the Army.”   Discussions on the issue (which is a policy issue) must be based upon sound reasoning where justice can be applied – blinded to anything other than fact-based logic.

So with that said, should women be subject to Selective Service registration and by extension, the draft?   We already have a gender-integrated military since the advent of the all-volunteer force.  About 15% of the today’s active duty military is women, and 18% of the reserve components.   Even without women in the combat arms, the majority of combat support and combat service support career fields are open to women, so it would stand to reason that in a full or partial mobilization that involves the draft, women would be necessary to expand the army to the necessary wartime strength.

In the end, the purpose of an army is to provide for war.   Instead of focusing on one’s gender, the focus should be upon ensuring that each soldier, sailor, airman, coast guardsman or marine meets the standards for their position.   To arbitrarily deny those women who meet established standards from serving to their maximum abilities is not just.

It is interesting to note that the same rubric I use to examine the issue of the mobility of women within our military allows me to visit the issue in Israel regarding the place of women at worship at the Western Wall.   Recently Prime Minister Netanyahu, under pressure from ultra-Orthodox elements within Israel, shelved plans to allow denominations of Judaism which support equality for women in prayer and ritual, to allow mixed prayer at our holiest of sites.

Again we find ourselves in a position where arguments are made by dogmatic, fundamentalist views – ones which do not take into account the constant reinterpretation of our holiest of texts based upon our intellectual and moral growth as a people.  Rather, we now have several continuums of Judaism which coexist, yet do not always agree with each other’s interpretations of Torah.  If Israel purports to be a modern democracy as opposed to a theocracy, it must find a way to balance the needs of multiple denominations within Judaism.   There must be areas of common interest (including our survival as one people) that allow us to unite as opposed to divide.

As for the role of women in today’s society, I defer to 19th Century orator Ernestine Rose, “I suppose you all grant that woman is a human being.   If she has a right to life, she has a right to earn a support for that life.   If a human being, she has a right to have her powers and faculties as a human being developed.   If developed, she has a right to exercise them.”    I’m not sure that I could justify using prejudices of the past as precedent to say that things should be other than so.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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The G.I. Bill – the Great, the Bad and the Ugly

By Carl Singer

The Great

First a quick history lesson – the original G.I. Bill was enacted in 1944.  JWV proudly can claim to have a strong supporter and advocate for the G.I. Bill.  We along with other veterans groups made it happen!

Some say that World War II brought America out of the Depression, but I say that the G.I. Bill enabled and sparked the remarkable growth of the post-World War II American economy.  Young soldiers that came home from the war got their education thanks to the G.I. Bill, and they applied their learning, can-do spirit and military discipline to building a better America.  VA loans also enabled these GI’s to buy homes and reach for the American Dream.

“The World War II G.I. Bill, it’s one of the most cherished programs in American History, it paid the full cost of an education at any four-year college or university,” said Aaron Glantz of PBS.

For the G.I. – the G.I. Bill provided opportunity and an open door to a brighter future.

For colleges and universities – the G.I. Bill filled classrooms with enthusiastic students and revenue to build, to expand and do research.

For America – the G.I. Bill was the catalyst for fantastic growth, international leadership, the space age – you name it.  All thanks to the G.I. Bill.

The Bad

Over the years G.I. Bill benefits withered – with a less understanding Congress and less pressure from voters, benefits were reduced.  In 2008, this was finally addressed in support of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.

However, there are still many issues to be addressed.  For-profit schools have gotten into the act – preying on veterans because they see the opportunity of providing services where the recipient doesn’t pay.

Kate O’Gorman of IAVA said, “many veterans are being aggressively and deceptively recruited by some bad actors in the for-profit school sector.”

For the G.I. – Less benefits with an uncertain future.

For colleges and universities – Huge payouts with very little accountability on how the money is being used.

For America – Veterans that are demoralized and might need constant government assistance.

The Ugly

Lastly, some schools, like ITT Tech, have abruptly closed leaving veterans high and dry – having used their benefits, but leaving them without their diploma.  These service members are not getting their money’s worth – many do not get their degrees and many do not learn the skills they need to succeed in the market place.  It’s not only the dollars wasted, but about the lives being impacted!

For the G.I. – No benefits with a poor outlook of the future.

For colleges and universities – Receiving veterans’ money without having to do anything for the veteran.

For America – Veterans that might be unable to provide for themselves.

The Answer

There are several bills before Congress that address some of these problems that JWV is currently promoting with the Military Coalition.  They might not be voted on or passed this year, but we will continue to fight for these inclusions.

As National Commander, I introduced a resolution at our National Convention this past August in San Antonio, which included 5 major tenets:

  1. Provide effective initial counseling to transitioning service members so that they may select appropriate education and training venues, leading towards productive careers.
  2. Provide additional as needed counseling at the request of service members who are receiving GI Bill stipends.
  3. Monitor for profit training and education venues to assure that they are providing appropriate services to GI Bill recipients.
  4. Decertify those training and education venues which fail to meet established criteria.
  5. In the event that a training or education facility closes prior to a service member’s completing their contracted program, provide appropriate added GI Bill benefits so that the service member is made whole.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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An Analysis of the PAWS Act

By Bart Sherwood

In response to the proposed House Resolution 2327 – “Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Act of 2017”, the Department of Veterans Affairs will be authorized to spend $10 million to again study the benefits of approximately 400 Service Dogs (Valued at $25,000. each) given to Veterans surviving with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The grants will be awarded to non-profit Service Dog Training organizations, recognized as members of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a foreign entity operating in the United States. This organization, and its American affiliates, have been recipients of similar grants since 2012, when studies on the therapeutic effectiveness of Service Dogs for PTSD started, including the recently awarded 2017 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program of $5-million for 20 grants for 200 Service Dogs in 2017.

According to the statistics drawn from this proposal, there will be 36,500 Veteran suicides over the 5-year period, in which the study will produce 400 Service Dogs for less than 1.1% of the affected population. This does not appear to be a good Rate of Return on investment. However, it is fair and true to say, whatever money spent to save the lives of Veterans surviving with PTSD, in attempting to prevent and reduce suicides is worth the expenditure of time and money. BUT it is also time to study the effectiveness of such organizations and establish criteria for which such grants should be awarded.

Research and studies need to reflect PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES (PRO), which address how the effectiveness of such therapy has made a difference. The users of the benefits need to be recognized and annotated, as this presents a clearer view of the results to the beneficiary of the Service Dog.

Other criteria for awarding grants, should be based on the organization, and not the affiliation of the member, which is a discriminatory practice and needs to be based on ‘bid-type’ policy, like other Governmental contracts.

Each organization awarded a portion of the grant should be required to document past performances, and meet or exceed the following criteria:

(1) Minimum of 50 Service Dogs, or Teams trained, annually for the last 2 years,

(2) Minimum 15% of Service Dog recipients, or Teams, have been minority Hispanic and African-American) Veterans, and

(3) Minimum 25% of Service Dog recipients, or Teams, are Female Veterans.

In order to make a significant difference, WE must in fact “CHANGE THE CULTURE” from within, whether it be the recommendation of Service Dogs or scheduling appointments.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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The Rabbi and the Jewish War Veteran (JWV) Maryland Post 167 Chaplain Andrew Wolkstein

While attending the Maryland JWV District meeting in June 2017, COL Erwin Burtnick, USA (retired) District Commander, introduced me to Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum. As the newly appointed Chaplain of the JWV Post 167 in Owings Mills, Maryland, I was interested in any advice I could receive from the Rabbi. It turned out that the Rabbi was thinking of joining the National Guard and a meeting was set up to meet later in the month.

During my follow-up meeting with Rabbi Tenenbaum, we discussed the Air and Army National Guard Chaplaincy program. Prior to our meeting I contacted Chaplain (COL) Wm Sean Lee, Joint Force Headquarters, Maryland National Guard, Chaplain to ask if Chaplain Lee know of any openings in the Chaplain Corps and he confirmed yes. As a retired 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) Commander, West Virginia Air National Guard (ANG) and a Flight Nurse, I discussed how important the Chaplains are for the deployed as well as wounded Service Members. My experience in Bosnia (Tazar, Hungary) and Iraq (Baghdad) the Chaplains worked synergistically with the Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility (MASF) personnel in treating the wounded, mentally, physically, and spiritually. A MASF is a passenger terminal for the wounded and ill Service Members, foreigners, and civilians awaiting transportation to tertiary care (from the battlefield to Kuwait, Germany, or directly to the United States). I will save that story for another time.…

I found out that Rabbi Tenenbaum is a Volunteer Chaplain (Major) in the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). The MDDF is a volunteer military organization parallel to the Maryland National Guard and is designed to augment the National Guard during stateside emergencies.

I also found out that Rabbi Tenenbaum is the founder and Director of the Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland (JUSA). JUSA provides current and retired Jewish Military, Police, Fire and Public Safety Members of the state of Maryland with religious educational and social support and activities, in connection with the observance of Jewish tradition. To find out more information, contact www.JewishUSAMD.org.

…and that leads to the attached picture, Rabbi Tenenbaum asked if I ever wore Tefillin, and as a Reform Jew growing up in New Jersey I had not. He invited me to wear Tefillin and pray together. I could not pass up this new experience.

This was my second Bar Mitzvah, the wearing of Tefillin. Tefillin is a Mitzvot (precept) of the Torah. “It is mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:8 ‘And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for ornaments between your eyes.’ Tefillin consists of two small leather boxes attached to leather straps. The two boxes each contain four sections of the Torah inscribed on parchment. These passages cite:

  1. The Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) – pronouncing the Unity of The One G-d.
  2. Vehaya (Deut. 11:13-21) – expressing G-d’s assurance to us of reward that will follow our observance of the Torah’s precepts, and warning of retribution for disobedience to them.
  3. Kadesh (Exodus 13:1-10) – the duty of the Jewish people to always remember the redemption from Egyptian bondage.
  4. Vehayah (Exodus13:11-16) – the obligation of every Jew to inform his children on these matters.

One of the boxes (the ‘hand Tefillin’) is placed upon the left arm so as to rest against the heart – the seat of the emotions, and the suspended leather strap is wound around the left arm, and around the middle finger of that hand. The other box (the ‘Head Tefillin’) is placed upon the head, above the forehead, so as to rest upon the cerebrum. In this manner our attention is directed to the head, heart and hand. It teaches us to dedicate ourselves to the service of G-d in all that we think, feel and do. It is also to teach us not to be governed solely by the impulse of the heart, lest that lead us into error and transgression. Nor are we to be governed by reason alone, for that may lead to harsh materialism.

You are never to old to learn new things.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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Seattle Chapter Teaches Local Students on Memorial Day

By Zelle Rettman

To honor Memorial Day this year, seniors at the Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS) went to the Sephardic Brotherhood Cemetery on Friday, May 26th, and placed flags on the gravestones of Jewish veterans. The program was led by Bob Shay, a member of the Jewish community who volunteered in the Navy from 1964-1970. He is currently a Committee Chair for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as well as a Post Commander for Jewish War Veterans of the United States (JWV).

Bob Shay explained that the JWV is the longest active US veterans organization, and the Seattle branch is the second largest flag project under the JWV umbrella across the country. When Bob Shay began the Seattle program in 1996, he had 58 names. Today he has over 850.

While placing flags at the cemetery, NYHS students learned about the Seattle Jewish community’s connection to the American armed forces. Students asked questions about the history of Jews serving in the US armed forces, the burial process, headstones and cemetery maintenance. They were especially moved when placing a flag by the gravestone belonging to a name they recognized, which happened far more frequently than any of them anticipated.

Before leaving the cemetery, Bob Shay gave each student a small red booklet containing the United States of America’s founding documents. He explained that these documents are among the oldest and most long-standing documents of any country to allow Jews to live and practice their faith freely. He thanked the students for their time, impressing upon them how appreciative veterans are of the recognition.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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Poughkeepsie Post Attends Franklin D. Roosevelt Birthday Commemoration

By Martin C. Hochhauser

On a cold but clear day on January 30, 2017 dignitaries came to Hyde Park, NY to commemorate the birth of our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Born on January 30, 1882, this year we celebrated FDR’s 135th birthday. It was a beautiful ceremony as The Long Gray Line of West Point cadets came marching into the Rose Garden to the beat of a solemn drummer. Following this majestic entrance came over a dozen dignitaries who presented wreaths to honor President Roosevelt. The local community was on the periphery of the Rose Garden to witness this annual event.

Among the twelve groups presenting wreaths, one group was the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Pvt. Herman Siegel Post #625 of Poughkeepsie, NY. Representing the Post was Past Commander Ralph Schwartz and Chief of Staff Martin Hochhauser.

Our Post was named after a local resident, Herman Siegel, who was born and bred on May Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. Born in 1925, he graduated Poughkeepsie High School in June 1943 and joined the Army. Eleven months later, on May 18, 1944, at age 19, Pvt. Herman Siegel was killed in action in Anzio, Italy. He was the first member of the local Jewish community to die in World War II.

In addition to Commander Schwartz presenting the JWV wreath, Chief of Staff Hochhauser placed a stone on FDR’s tombstone in the Jewish tradition to indicate that a visitor has come to show respect, that the deceased has not been forgotten and to rekindle the memories of the past.

An additional wreath and flowers were presented by the family of FDR and finally the Presidential wreath was presented by Brigadier General Cindy R. Jebb, Dean of the Academic Board, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.

The formal event was concluded with salutary volleys of an Army firing squad followed by the sounding of Taps. The Long Gray Line marched out of the Rose Garden once again to the sound of a drummer.

Finally, everyone was invited back to the Visitors’ Center to partake in two huge birthday cakes and hot beverages.

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Post 580 Continuing a New Orleans Memorial Day Tradition

By Judge Sol Gothard

The Jewish community of New Orleans has a special Memorial Day Tradition.  Every year, the Ben Katz Post 580 and Congregation Beth Israel come together to remember our departed veterans in a uniquely Jewish way.  An indispensable tenet of the Jewish faith is remembering and honoring our deceased loved ones by saying the Kaddish prayers for them every year on the anniversary of their death as well as three times during the year – Passover, Sukkot and Shavout.

This year, 580’s Memorial Day Remembrance was spread out over the three day weekend.  After usual Friday services, the congregants each lit memorial candles for their deceased veterans as Major Carl Berman USAR called out their names.  Judge Gothard, commander of Post 580, lit candles for his three brothers that served in World War II – Abe, Jack and Gerald.  Abe was a combat engineer, and he was part of the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach.  He fought throughout the war until he was seriously wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, and he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service during the battle.

On Shabbat morning, a special memorial service was held, and you could see members of JWV dressed in uniform and wearing their JWV caps.  MAJ Berman gave the sermon – “the fundamental question for this speech is ‘How does one who was raised in a Black Baptist family and went to a Jesuit Catholic college, end up marrying into an Orthodox Jewish family and want to become a Jew?”  She spoke about her love of the Jewish faith and her experiences in Afghanistan in 2008.  “Even though I had not been to the mikvah yet, I have always adhered to the Jewish faith to the point where my dog tags say ‘Jewish’.”  She was advised by one of her senior officers to bury her dog tags if something bad happened.  “I decided that my dogs would not be buried in the desert; they will hang around my neck,” said Berman.

On Memorial Day, members of JWV and the clergy staff of the synagogue held a graveside memorial service.  The Rabbis recited our ancient memorial prays on behalf of those veterans who served and of those who gave their lives fighting.  Gothard spoke at the ceremony, stating that Jewish veterans of any branch of the military are eligible for membership at the New Orleans Post.  He was very proud that Post 580 is one of the most diverse chapters in America.  He stated that patrons from other faiths joined because of the humanitarian work that we do on behalf of veterans.  “Anyone can join as a Patron member; you do not have to be a veteran or Jewish,” said Gothard.  Post 580 is currently doing a membership drive for 2017 to 2018, where the post will provide the dues for new members and give them a free service cap.  For more information, please contact Judge Gothard at judgesol@cox.net.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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New York Chapter Sponsors in West Point Graduation

By PNC Lawrence Schulman

On May 24, 2017, Gary Ginsburg and I visited West Point for their annual Baccalaureate Service for the class of 2017.  Our post, David J Kauffman Post 41, has sponsored the refreshments at the Baccalaureate Service in the West Point Jewish Chapel for over 30 years.

This year, the Jewish graduating class consisted of 15 cadets – 1 woman and 14 men.  The cadets come from all over the United States, including New York State as well as the State of Washington.  Their first assignments range from Elgin Air Force Base to the Graduate School at MIT.

The ceremony opened with a Wall Dedication Ceremony, where the graduates’ names are added to the Wall of Names in the chapel.  If you remember our history with West Point, one half of the first class of graduates were Jewish – that class graduated with two officers and one was Jewish!

This year, a new Jewish chaplain was appointed – Captain David Ruderman.  They rotate Jewish chaplains every three or four years.

The service consist of a welcome to those in attendance, invocation by the chaplain, music by the Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir and a keynote address by an alumni of West Point.

This year’s speaker was BG Cindy Jebb, USMA Class of 1982.  BG Jebb serves as the 14th Dean of the Academic Board.  She has served in many positions in the Army – starting a s a military intelligence officer to service as a member on the Foreign Relations Council.

After his keynote address, LTC (R) Walter Stern and Bernard Stotch from the JWV Department of New York presented Kiddush cups to the men and candlestick holders to the female graduate and copies of Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Telushkin.

Department of New York was sponsored the Friday night Onegs at West Point for over fifty years.  Many posts and other departments join in to make this possible.  If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Post 41 for more information.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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Jewish War Veterans New Jersey’s Education Grant

By Mort Millinger

At the 86th JWV Department of New Jersey Annual Convention, the Leo A. Seigel – Dr. Philip Shapiro Education Grants were awarded to three deserving recipients – Austin Grant, Joshua Schuman and Eric Schneider.  All are direct descendants of JWV members, and we could not be prouder of their education, athletic and community accomplishments that contributed them to getting these awards.

The JWV NJ Education Grant program awards these grants annually to graduating seniors from public or private high schools in the state of New Jersey.  All applicants must be a direct descendent of a member, living or deceased, of a Jewish War Veterans Post in New Jersey for a minimum of three years.

This year’s recipients are a prestigious group of young adults, and we know that they will go on to do great things for our community as well as the United States. Austin Grant of Verona, NJ, will be attending Duke University. Joshua Schuman of West Orange, NJ will be attending the University of Delaware.  Lastly, Eric Schneider of Livingston, NJ will be attending the University of Maryland.  Congratulations Austin, Joshua and Eric!  Now, go make us proud!

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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Jersey Shore Post 125 takes to the Boardwalk at Oceanfest, Long Branch NJ’s 2017 July 4th Event

Oceanfest, in Long Branch NJ, “Down the Jersey Shore,”   is a 27-year old July 4th celebration organized by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce. July 4th festivities there have resurged with vigor since the revitalization of the beachfront promenade following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Under perfect skies this year, the holiday crowd was estimated at more than one hundred thousand for the day-long event and evening fireworks display.

Participating at Oceanfest again this year, as it has done over the past decade (except for Saturday occurrences of Independence Day), JWV Jersey Shore Post 125 set up its public service booth in an ideally situated assigned location and staffed it with a hard-working cadre of volunteers to raise funds for veterans’ support services in the state and to interact with the public in increasing awareness of JWV activities on behalf of veterans’ affairs. Post 125’s contingent, led by Post Commander Dr. Allan Solden, was joined by visits from Dept. of NJ Commander Al Adler and PDC Bob Jacobs. A sudden change in travel plans prevented a scheduled visit by National Commander Carl Singer who, a decade earlier, as Department of New Jersey Commander, was instrumental in launching JWV participation in the Long Branch event.

Post 125’s Oceanfest event organizer and Honorary Dept. Commander, Gerald Levine, in summarizing the success of the day’s activities this year, observed that the stream of friendly visitors at the booth was unabated, even into the late afternoon moments as the team was closing down. Those who visited the booth represented a full spectrum of American society. Post 125’s team felt especially gratified by the seemingly endless stream of greetings that included, “Thank you for your service.” It was clear that these words flowed from the hearts of individuals, family groups, the young, their parents, and the young-at-heart, who stopped by to say hello, to contribute, and to express their gratitude to America’s community of veterans. JWV Jersey Shore Post 125 was proud to represent that community at Oceanfest.

Volume 71. Number 3. Fall 2017

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