Here’s what we’ve been up to this Spring

On March 22, 2017, National Commander Colonel Carl Singer testified before a joint session of the Senate and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. NC Singer presented the legislative priorities of JWV, thereby officially informing Congress of our position on a number of crucial veterans issues.  The co-chairs of the committee were Senator John Boozman (R-AZ) and Congressman Phil Roe, M.D., (R-TN), each of whom have many years of service with the Veterans’ Affairs committees.

NC Singer’s introduction spoke of JWV’s 120 year history, of our strong VAVS program, hosting educational programs, and supporting patriotic organizations like Boy Scouts of America. He emphasized that the VA must be kept intact, expanding to private care only when VA care is unavailable. He stressed that extending the Choice Act deadline cannot mean privatization. NC Singer said, “JWV believes that the best healthcare is at the VA.”

JWV is a strong advocate of equal treatment for female veterans, and NC Singer further emphasized the need for VA improvements in the treatment process for Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Another issue of great importance to JWV is the plight of our homeless veterans. NC Singer acknowledged that while the VA has made great strides in reducing the number of homeless veterans, even one homeless veteran is one too many.

JWV supports passage of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2017 (HR 1472/S594) to expand care-giver eligibility to include full-time pre 9/11 veteran caregivers. These caregivers save the VA in healthcare costs and they give the veteran desired personalized treatment.

NC Singer stated that JWV strongly supports continued research and treatment for service-related toxin exposure. When veterans have been exposed to toxins while on active duty, they and their families must receive proper care and treatment, no matter when the toxin effects appear. Toxin related illnesses may appear at any time, even decades later. Delayed harmful effects of toxins may be seen from Agent Orange (JWV supports the Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015), from contaminated water (JWV supports the Honoring Americas Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2015), and from exposure experienced by our Vietnam War Navy Veterans. JWV also supports the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 (HR 299 and S422).

Prevention of veteran suicide is one of the most important issues for JWV. The VA reports that on average, 20 veterans a day die by suicide. This is unacceptable. JWV and NC Singer strongly urges Congress to pass the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act (HR 874). The provisions of this act would help ensure same-day treatment for veterans calling in to the VA crisis line.

The topics mentioned above are just a few of JWV’s Legislative Priorities, which are our goals and topics of concern for Congress. The priorities initially start as Resolutions, which are submitted on a yearly basis. They are first determined at a Post level, and then are refined and voted upon by the Department. Any Resolution that passes at the Department level is forwarded to National for further discussion and debate at JWV’s annual convention. Those that are voted on and passed by the general body become the policies of our organization and are the basis for the Legislative Priorities.

Stay tuned for more information about how to submit Resolutions and participate in our 2017 Convention Resolutions process, even if you are unable to join us in San Antonio.  All JWV members are encouraged to participate in this important process!

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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The Face of Battle

Review by Cindy Chambers and Jordana Green Laurent

The National Portrait Gallery’s “The Face of Battle: Americans at War, 9/11 to Now” examines the toils and tribulations of modern warfare in the lives of US service members. The six installations, ranging from photography to audio-visual, capture moments of pain, boredom, and camaraderie. Death, in all its oppressive forms, lingers through the entire collection.

The exhibit’s introduction reminds us “how military service has now become an integral part of advertising campaigns for everything from beer to trucks to real estate; the veteran as a product placement vehicle speaks of a business-as-usual mentality that puts us in danger of losing any sense of what it means to have been in combat.”

To combat this danger of sensory deprivation to combat, the exhibit brings the faces of war front and center by literally showing us the humanity- the good, bad, and ugly- of war.

Bedrooms of the Fallen by Ashley Gilbertson

At first glance, Ashley Gilbertson’s photos are almost inviting. Everything is familiar. The bedrooms of young adults in US working- to middle-class suburban homes. The bed with a nearby nightstand; paperbacks; computers; school awards; the US flag on the wall or sewn into a pillow. But then you begin to notice the age of the room. There are posters for movies that released six years ago; a class of 2013 high school letterman jacket; unopened Christmas presents in the corner. The bedrooms are unoccupied both in the photo and in the homes.

Reading the captions on each print, you learn the bedrooms housed US service members before they were killed in action. The human cost of war is never more apparent than when you recognize that the service member died two to six years ago, but their family has left the bedroom untouched. As if a personal museum exhibit, the room expresses the service member’s hobbies, religion, musical tastes, and all those habits that make up an individual’s personality. Gilbertson’s choice of black-and-white prints, over color, only further locks the room in time.

As much about grief as the ultimate sacrifice of war, Bedrooms of the Fallen reminds you of the importance of kindness. Crawling through traffic, waiting at the VA pharmacy, or listening to your Post member’s recitation of his day, all these moments are being lived by someone who might be grieving or trying to move forward.

Homage to 2nd Lt. John Holt Jr. by Vincent Valdez

The sole exhibit with a mixed media approach, Vincent Valdez’s work speaks through sight and sound. You are immediately drawn to a video projection of a flag draped-casket slowly floating across the screen with rotating images of an urban American neighborhood in the background. Speakers blast “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda,” an anti-war Irish punk song by The Pogues. It is jarring and upsetting, so you look away only to be transfixed by an oil painting that stretches across two-thirds of the wall. Appearing almost photo-like, the close-up of an army soldier’s battle-weary face conveys the trauma of war. When you see the display-case housing a tri-fold US flag devoid of color, you feel the exhibit’s message, not as a whisper, but as a blunt club to the face. War broke this soldier down and ultimately took his life.

Valdez explained that the featured soldier, John Holt Jr., was a good friend and dutiful citizen. After serving a tour in Iraq as a combat medic, 2nd Lt. Holt Jr. returned home suffering from PTSD. Before deploying for a second tour in 2009, he died by suicide. Duty and loss ring forth in this homage to John, friend of Vincent, attendant of the wounded, and one of our fallen heroes.

A Soldier’s Life by Stacey Pearsall

 Air Force photographer Stacey Pearsall noted, “I’ve often heard war described as perpetual boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. I’ve seen and documented both.” One of the few female combat photographers, she has worked in more than forty-two countries, including serving three tours in Iraq.

Pearsall’s lens captures the social moments and comradeship of life behind the front lines, as well as the pressure of soldiers as they wait for the inevitable patrol or mission. In “Apple Pie & Baseball,” a young soldier practices America’s national pastime. He swings a bat with a look of intense concentration, allowing you to momentarily forget that he is standing in front a tank and could be seconds from danger.

By living, eating, sleeping, and grieving with her subjects, Pearsall broke down the boundaries between soldier and photographer. What emerged were raw photos showing the humanity and emotions behind the helmet – reminding us that war is more than bullets. The gritty reality she reveals is one filled with emotional and physical tolls far removed from everyday US civilian life.

In 2014, Pearsall participated in JWV’s 119th Convention in Charleston, SC. JWV members posed for full portraits and headshots as part of her Veterans Portrait Project. Like her current exhibit, the compelling images project personality and drive you to ask, “what’s their story?” Visit her website to review her full collection.

Memorials in Pencil by Emily Prince

In the early years of the War on Terror, artist Emily Prince began reading obituaries of the deceased to put a name and a face on the losses that had become a montage on TV. She soon created pencil sketches of the fallen, on paper that corresponded to their skin tones. If she could find the information, she also included a few sentences about soldiers.

The archival project features chronological pieces from June 2009 to May 2012 displayed in a dizzying grid-like order; from a distance, the installation could be a scrabble board. The chaos of the layout is representative of the scale and depth of loss, grief, and memory.

It is eerie to see the painstaking detail Prince put into every portrait – over 2.500 hand-drawn sketches. Up close, you can see every line and read the words she has lovingly inscribed at the top. Each portrait lists the birth and death dates of the subject, a reminder that they are gone too young and too soon.

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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“And Then There Were Three”- Long Beach, CA VA Medical Center Renamed for Tibor Rubin

By Chuck Ashman, Deputy Commander JWV California

Sgt. Alvin York, the legendary Medal of Honor recipient from World War I, was the first person to have a VA Medical Center bear his name in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  The second, Audie Murphy, was the most decorated soldier in World War II. His name is on the VA Center in San Antonio, Texas.

And then, there were three!

On May 10, the Long Beach VA Medical Center welcomed fellow Jewish War Veterans, friends, and family of their most famous and beloved former patient and volunteer, Tibor Rubin, to rename the Center in Rubin’s honor.  Lt Colonel Robert Huntly, Tibor’s nephew, spoke for the family.

Just days before that ceremony, the past president of the Medal of Honor Society, Air Force pilot and POW Leo Thorsness, passed away. He had described Tibor as a “hero’s hero” and remained mindful of how Tibor had used what he learned as a boy in a Nazi concentration camp, to help other POWs survive after he was captured.

For years, Jewish War Veterans leaders and Tibor’s relatives joined U.S. Congressman Al Lowenthal in lobbying to have the nation’s highest award presented since it had been put forth four times for Tibor’s “one man army” exploits and his dedication to others in the POW camp. The half-century delay had clearly been caused by anti-Semitism when Rubin was fighting for his country in Korea.

In early 2015, National Commander Maxwell Colon, National Executive Mathew Millen, and California Department Commander Greg Lee went to Capitol Hill only to learn that regulations prohibited naming a facility for any veteran while he was still alive. He passed away on December 5 of that year.  Just over a year later, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill changing the medical center’s title.

On May 10th, 2017, with the first Jewish Secretary of Veteran Affairs in our nation’s history approved by the Senate, the name-changing ceremony took place among hundreds of friends and fans who knew and loved Tibor for his humanity and sense of humor.

National Commander Carl Singer shared the remarkable story of Tibor Rubin’s combat conquests, his POW camp leadership, and his dedication to those at the hospital where he was treated.

Darin Selnick, a former California State Commander, is the Senior Advisor to the Secretary and had brought the formal documents signed by President Obama authorizing the name change.

The hospital administration arranged for a portrait of Rubin, which was unveiled and will have a place of honor within the medical facility. Meanwhile, the JWV Department of California shared their documentary honoring Rubin and the 16 other Jewish American heroes who had received the nation’s highest honor.

As the ceremony concluded, there was a startling roar from the gray skies where the crowed was gathered under a huge tent. Some thought it was a Navy fighter jet breaking the sound barrier with its unmistakable deafening sound. Others thought the Lord was expressing appreciation for the ceremony and welcoming Tibor Rubin to his new home.

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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JROTC Awards Banquet Tradition Continues

By Stan Levinson, Post 172 Commander

Sarasota/Manatee Post 172 held its annual JROTC Awards Banquet was held on Sunday, February 19, 2017. It was a huge success.

Each year, Post 172 plans one of its monthly meetings as an Awards Banquet, where we award medals to four high school cadets, who have been nominated by their respective JROTC department. This award is based on the Cadet’s ability to excel in patriotism, National pride, excellence in academics, and standing up for what is morally right. This year’s recipients came from four of the local high school’s JROTC Departments.

Each Cadet was presented an Americanism/Patriot medal and ribbon. The Cadets will receive, at his/her school’s Award Ceremony, a Certificate from JWV acknowledging the Award. This Certificate is signed by the National Jewish War Veterans Commander, Col. Mark Singer, and then counter-signed by the Senior Army Instructor of the student’s JROTC Department.

Post 172 is highly supportive of this JROTC Awards Program, as it provides the students with a great curriculum, as well as instilling discipline, a solid direction in life, originality, and an awareness of other people’s existence.

The Jewish War Veterans organization is the oldest active Veterans organization in the United States. The local chapter meets the third Sunday of the months October through April, though this year’s April meeting had to be cancelled, due to the Passover observance at Kobernick House.

For further information about the activities of Post 172, please contact Stan Levinson at stanlevinson172@gmail.com.

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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Jewish War Veterans Support Cadet Jewish Warrior Weekend

By Dr. Barry Schneider
Ft. Worth Post 755 and past TALO Department Commander

Twenty-two cadets from the Air Force Academy, Virginia Military Academy (VMI), Amherst, Princeton, and Colorado State met for a weekend of comradeship and learning at the annual Jewish Warrior Weekend: Aggieland, which took place from April 14-16, 2017 at Texas A&M University. Three of the four military branches were represented.

The cadets arrived in College Station on Friday and celebrated Shabbat at Hillel with a welcome from Brigadier General Joe Ramirez, the Commandant of the Corps of Cadets. He expressed great appreciation for everything Jewish Military members have done for the country from the beginning at New Amsterdam to the present.

After a lecture and update on Middle East politics from Andrew Ashford of AIPAC, the cadets were treated to a late night showing of “True Honor,” a documentary about Jewish Medal of Honor Recipients created by the JWV Department of California.  The cadets were really taken with Tibor Rubin’s story and interview- they loved his quote about praying “to anyone who would listen.” A special thank you to Greg Lee and the Department for making the film available to the cadets.

Shabbat morning services were held at the College Station A&M Chabad house followed by a great (Passover) lunch and learn session with the Rabbi’s wife.  Throughout the day there were campus tours, speakers on leadership, and a visit to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. It was clear that the cadets were engaged and attentive; they clearly appreciated opportunity to meet and talk with each other, military personnel, and veterans.

Former Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz shared his thoughts on service and leadership with the cadets, and the importance of making good decisions. Major General David Rubenstein spoke about how the military helped him define his own career path, and the role Jewish cadets play as America’s next leaders. He emphasized that you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself; don’t let emotions cloud your judgement.

Cadet Daniel Rosenfield commented, “Jewish Warrior Weekend solidified my commitment to the military and the Jewish people. As future Jewish military officers, we must remember that we are defenders of the United States, while ensuring we remain steadfast advocates for our Jewish community. Hearing from active-duty and veteran Jewish military officers rekindled that sense of patriotism and pride.”

The conference ended Sunday morning with a round table discussion featuring Chaplain (Maj) Sarah Schechter, USAF Academy Chaplain, Chaplain (Capt.) Menachem Stern, Ft. Hood Chaplain, and Herschel Sheiness, Commander of San Antonio Post 753. I moderated the panel as they chatted about leading the Jewish people, JWV’s role in helping veterans, personal experiences in the military, and interesting anecdotes from the panel members.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the whole weekend was being able to get to know the cadets individually. We talked about our backgrounds, my deployments, and made both personal and military connections. In addition to sponsoring the event, JWVF purchased kippot for each of the participants and I also gave them lapel pins with the Israeli flag and the Texas state flag- that definitely garnered a few laughs.

Jewish Warrior Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for young cadets to meet other Jewish officers and develop a sense of comradeship; they known they are not alone. JWV’s role for the future is even clearer: we must let cadets and military personnel know that we are available, we will support them.

I am thrilled that the Jewish War Veterans Foundation sponsored this wonderful event. We can’t wait to see what happens next year!

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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Improving Physical Security at Synagogues through Educating Stakeholders

By Geoff Terman, Edited by Adam Lammon

Since 2005 there have been 42 separate attacks against people in or adjacent to houses of worship in the U.S., resulting in 137 casualties.  Considering that America currently has about 345,000 houses of worship with nearly 150 million congregants from 230 diverse denominations, we must establish a ubiquitous security culture.

People wishing to do harm to large gatherings of the faithful need not look further than our local places of worship.  Religious institutions are generally soft targets for several reasons: open access to services and vehicles, limited security, and an awareness among nefarious actors that they generally lack comprehensive planning to mitigate threats.  Therefore, the key is to harden the structure, plan for contingencies, improve cyber security measures, and buy space and time for congregants until law enforcement arrives to mollify the threat.

The knowledge to improve lax security is available, but unfortunately, it is not collated for easy use.  Consequently, buy-in and utilization of all-inclusive security planning, training, and implementation in houses of worship is the exception rather than the norm.  If the first catalyst is a knowledge gap, the second is congregant and leadership complacency, likely due to the relative comfort and freedoms we enjoy in the U.S.  Have you ever heard someone say, “this is a house of G-D” or “G-D will watch over us”?  Since the threat is real, readiness is an imperative.  To improve security, a paradigm shift needs to occur through education imparted on the leadership of synagogues as well as their congregants.

Through education, we must communicate a better understanding of historic incidents, current events, and predictive analysis of what the future holds.  Furthermore, we must inculcate an understanding of how to conduct a security assessment, scenario based immediate actions, and engender a mindful community of interest. Once collectively understood, these elements will reveal
shortcomings and empower decision makers to implement a deliberate layered defense and create emergency management plans. Through this methodology, the knowledge gap will effectively contract and our security posture will improve.

We are not alone in this endeavor because as Americans, we have a national community of interest. We can learn from the best practices of other religious institutions and government programs and local law enforcement can help us better understand the threats and create a tailored plan. We must be prepared for the chance that malignant actors will increase their direct actions against soft targets in the U.S. just as they have recently in Europe.  Are we ready for that?

The existence of biblical and constitutional mandates for religious defense should compel us to plan towards threat mitigation.  As codified in the First Amendment, religion is a right of all citizens, but we know that freedom is not necessarily free.  The Jewish faith has been on the receiving end of torturous endeavors since the beginning of recorded history.  As scholar David Kopel wrote in his 2004 paper, “The Torah and Self-Defense,” both Mosaic law and the Jewish exodus from Egypt have illustrated that “people must use every practical option, including self-defense, before expecting a miracle.”  We must take the initiative to protect our communities because we could all be potential targets.

Let’s start by understanding the “five W’s” of security planning:

  1. Who and where is the threat?
  2. What is the vulnerability the adversary will attempt to exploit?
  3. Who is on the team that will counter the threat?
  4. What will the team implement to undermine their attempts?
  5. When has this occurred in the past and when could it occur in the future?

Finally, ask yourself two questions:

  1. Is the threat to our congregants real and exigent in nature?
  2. Is my house of worship doing everything possible to protect ourselves from people wishing to do harm?

Volume 71. Number 2. Summer 2017

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