By Cara Rinkoff, Programs and Public Relations Director

On March 8, JWV National Commander Nelson Mellitz testified before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees. Mellitz testified alongside leaders of eight other organizations.

Several members of JWV were at the hearing to show support for Mellitz, including Vice Commander Barry Lischinsky, Chief of Staff Larry Rosenthal, Department of New Jersey Commander Selina Kanowitz, and New York Senior Vice Commander Gary Ginsburg.

Here is the statement he delivered:

Chairmen Tester and Bost, Ranking Members Moran and Takano, veterans in the audience, veterans sitting in Congress, veterans at this table. It’s my honor to serve, and sir, I’ve heard you say that before and I 100% agree, we serve not only in the military, we serve as veterans.

I have served 32 years in the United States Air Force, enlisted and as an officer. I enlisted in 1970, served Vietnam through Iraq, 2005-2006 in Iraq. It was my last assignment. The reason I say this is not to make myself sound good, but when I left the military originally, after the Vietnam War, I went to the VA, I didn’t go back a second time for a lot of years. The VA has improved, has substantially improved, they’re wonderful now in many areas. It’s because of what the VSOs have done, what you have done in Congress. Thank you for that.

I have the privilege and the honor to represent the Jewish War Veterans as the 93rd, sorry, 91st National Commander. The Jewish War Veterans is the oldest national veterans organization in the United States. We were formed in 1896 by a few veterans from the Civil War. The reason we were formed is because of antisemitism. Again, we’re the longest serving veterans service organization. We advocate for all veterans, not just Jewish veterans, but for all veterans, for benefits and services and we’ve been doing that for at least 127 years. In fact, we’ll be celebrating our 127th anniversary next week on March 15.

Our mission is strong and clear. Fighting for military and veterans benefits and services, advocating on behalf of Jewish veterans, Catholic, women, African Americans, Asians, all veterans… We oppose all forms of discrimination, but we concentrate especially and we’re outspoken on antisemitism…. We will defend the right of everybody in this United States and we will continue to do so… As antisemitism continues to grow in the United States, JWV asks you, Congress members, to specifically help defend our country’s freedoms and go forward and fight antisemitism and all forms of hate and bigotry wherever it exists. Key to that, in our opinion, and at JWV is educating the U.S. citizens.

We have priorities for the 118th Congress… I will emphasize a few things that are important not only to JWV but to you and we haven’t really mentioned them to the extent I think is necessary.

We know the PACT Act was instrumental when you passed it. It took a lot of pressure. It didn’t just take one year for the VSOs to put the pressure on Congress members, it took many years. Please keep that in mind for future efforts. But with the PACT Act we also know that VA started working on hiring people, organizing to address the 3.5 million new claims that they estimate will be filed. But yet, it’s not enough. I know there are some bills going through Congress right now that say give more money to doctors, nurses, administrators at VA. We need to push those bills through the system because if we don’t have those people in place, claims will increase and then the appeals will increase continuously.

Yes, we addressed toxic exposure by the PACT Act, do all the veterans out there know about their benefits? The VSOs and Congress have to stand out. Make sure they know those benefits, know that they can apply for the benefits, put claims in. You addressed in a previous meeting the predator lawyers. Yes, JWV agrees with Veterans of Foreign Wars, penalties should be applied to those people. But there should also be incentives for additional veteran service officers to come out, to be employed by the organizations like the Jewish War Veterans. Yes, we’re increasing our program and trying to recruit as many VSOs as possible to process those claims and we will do that.

Suicide prevention and mental health. We obviously know more must be done. We know that one veteran, one military member taking their life is too much. But everything I’ve heard over all these many panels, all these many hearings, didn’t address what happens in the military before you get to the veterans side. I think, from day one that you join the military, you should be addressing, in the military, mental health. When you go through basic training, that is extremely important to address it. I think maybe even before that, and we work with an organization called Our Community Salutes, who actually works with the families of the veterans, of the military members rather that are going into the military directly out of high school…

Supporting women veterans. The fastest growing group of veterans, as you know, is women. It’s haphazard. I visited many veterans locations, many veterans affairs medical centers, and some are great. The one that I go to in Philadelphia is fantastic at addressing women’s needs. That might be because the director is a woman. I don’t know. I’ve gone to others and that’s not the case. It needs to be looked at not as a total VA package, but individual centers.

Expanding service to veterans and caregivers. Again, we know this is important. One area we want to stress is, JWV urges Congress to remove the regulatory requirement for the 70 percent disability rating to be eligible for this program. That’s ridiculous. And that’s my words. Take it out. It wasn’t there before. Take it out.

Major Richard Star Act. Committee Chairman Tester, thank you for heading up that effort. And there are others. In New Jersey where I come from, we have gone to all our Senators, all our Congresspeople, and they have signed on. We have encouraged all the JWV members to go to the 50 states and territories and get their Senators and Congresspeople to also sign on. It impacts over 50,000 combat injured veterans.

Ending veterans’ homelessness. We’ve made progress. Between 2020 and 2022, 11 percent of the veterans that were on the street are no longer homeless. The best we’ve done in five years. The problem is that’s not good enough. JWV has submitted to many of you members just last week steps that we should take that you haven’t really discussed before. I don’t have time in my short period of time here to go over them, but I encourage you to look at that, I’d be happy during the questions and answers to answer some questions.

Fixing the electronic system, and I’ll be very quick with this, I know we have one other item after this. I worked for the IRS for 11 years during the period of time they put their new tax base database in place. We did a better job than VA’s doing. What’s going on here? Less money. Yes, we made some mistakes at first, but we now have tax returns coming in from more than 65 million taxpayers. What’s VA talking about? A maximum of 12 million with the new PACT Act. Please do oversight on this. I don’t know what the problem is, we don’t need any more research, we need implementation. And go back to DoD like was said by VFW. You need to start the process with DoD and not just be isolated. And I know there’s committees that talk to each other between VA and DoD, but they’re not doing what we need.

Conclusion. We started out in the military. Most of us volunteered. We served out country. Now we’re veterans and we’re still volunteering. Everybody on this table is a volunteer. Many of you are volunteers and veterans service organizations. We continue to serve. Call on us. We can help you. And we love this nation. G-d bless the United States of America. Thank you.

House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) recognized Mellitz for a question on veteran suicide, and Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) said he agreed with Mellitz when he called for mental health treatment to begin at the start of basic training.

You can watch Mellitz’s testimony on our website or find the entire hearing on the YouTube channel of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Stewart Mednick, Department of Minnesota Vice Commander

USAA worked with the Jewish War Veterans to award Marine and Army veteran Bruce Legan with a free trip to the Super Bowl.

Can a veteran ask for a better surprise than to have Super Bowl tickets given by the Minnesota Vikings record-breaking wide receiver Justin Jefferson?
“It’s the best thing that ever happened to me!” said Legan.

Legan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1975. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune until the Vietnam War ended. Legan was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal. In 1987, Legan reenlisted in the U.S. Army working as a track vehicle repairman and vehicle dispatcher based in Kansas. He eventually became a heavy equipment operator in Louisiana. Legan continued his service until 1995 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist.

Now a resident of St. Paul, 70-year-old Bruce Legan is an active member of the Jewish War Veterans, is involved in the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, and works at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.

“It’s a special honor to team up with USAA and the Jewish War Veterans to honor Bruce, who continues to serve his fellow veterans,” said Jefferson.

“All expenses paid. Leave your wallet at home!” exclaimed Jefferson when he presented the two oversized foam-board tickets. Legan and his brother, who he was allowed to take along as his guest, were given plane tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and access to all the Super Bowl events.

So how did this dream come true for Legan?

I received a call from JWV National Executive Director Ken Greenberg. In strict confidence, he explained that he would like me to be the point of contact for the USAA, JWV, and the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in St. Paul where the staged ruse took place. Yes, a ruse to have Legan show up under the guise of an interview by USAA to talk about his military experience.

The Friday of the video shoot came upon us quickly, and early in the morning we were all setting up. I had been in contact with Legan to firm up the schedule of events. The trick was to have Legan show up before Jefferson did, so they wouldn’t see each other before the reveal.

During the middle of Bruce’s interview, Jefferson walked in from behind where Legan was sitting with the two oversized Super Bowl Tickets in hand. I had a chill run down my spine as Jefferson presented the tickets to Legan’s elation and surprise.

I cannot say enough about the USAA organization and how much they have provided for all veterans. This was an enjoyable experience and I hope JWV collaborates with USAA again soon.

As a proud Life Member of JWV, this epitomizes the efforts and passion of how JWV and all Veterans Service Organizations can change a person’s life with a simple act of kindness.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Bob Jacobs and Jerry Alperstein

On January 18, 2023, approximately 40 members of JWV and the Ladies Auxiliary gathered at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

JWV’s Vietnam Veterans Committee sponsored the event. Committee Chairman Bob Jacobs welcomed everyone who attended the event and issued a special welcome home for the Vietnam veterans in attendance. Jerry Alperstein played the national anthem on his bugle.

Jacobs reflected on the problems faced by veterans when they returned from service in Vietnam. He noted that the public did not separate their distaste for the war from those who were forced to fight in it.

National Commander Nelson Mellitz spoke about how Jews have stepped up to serve in every conflict in this country since the Revolutionary War. He also talked about his memories of anti-Vietnam veteran protests. He said Vietnam veterans pledged to “leave no one behind” and to make sure that later veterans would not be similarly mistreated. He pledged that he and future JWV National Commanders will continue to protect all veterans.

General Edward Chrystal, the head of Taskforce 23, which is overseeing the official Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemoration on the National Mall this May spoke to the assembled group as well.

The General thanked the work done by Vietnam vets, which helped ensure that later veterans would not be mistreated following their return. He also spoke about the role JWV plays in helping all veterans.

Jacobs, Mellitz, Chrystal, and Alperstein ended the remembrance ceremony by placing a wreath at the site.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Steve Fixler, Veteran Service Officer

I know this has been brought up before, but I am still getting questions about it, and I thought it would be good to reiterate.

There are a lot of commercials on TV and radio from attorneys asking to represent veterans and civilians who were at Camp LeJeune between 1953 and 1987.  The lawsuit is based on drinking contaminated water at the site during that time.

One commercial says filing a lawsuit will not affect any VA benefits that the veteran is receiving.  That is not true.  Yes, the veteran will not lose any VA benefits, but any money the veteran receives from the lawsuit will be offset by any VA benefits received based on drinking the water.

Filing a VA claim for drinking the contaminated water is different from filing a lawsuit.

If a veteran is already receiving VA Service-Connected Disability Compensation for drinking the contaminated water at Camp LeJeune and that veteran files and wins a lawsuit, the award will be offset by any money or payments made in connection with health care or disability compensation payments related to the contaminated water for any VA, Medicare, or Medicaid program.  You cannot be paid twice from the government for the same issue.

For example, if a veteran is receiving VA disability payments and wins a lawsuit:

Lawsuit Settlement: $200,000
An Offset: $100,000
Legal Fee (40%):  $80,000
Net to Veteran:  $20,000

In other words, if a veteran received money from the VA for drinking the water, they will subtract the amount of money the veteran received from the VA from the amount of money that the veteran gets from the lawsuit.

If you want to file a lawsuit against the government, make sure that it’s financially the right thing for you to do.  Do not just let the attorney tell you that you should do it and join all the other veterans that are doing it.  (There may not be a lot of veterans doing it.)  Check out all your options on whether you should file the lawsuit and how it will impact your VA disability payments and hospital care.

As of this date, I do not know any veteran who has filed a lawsuit.  I know they have filed VA claims.  I am not saying it is wrong to file a lawsuit, but I just do not know of any veteran who has filed a lawsuit.

Another thing is that this is not just for Marines.  If an Army, Navy, or Air Force veteran, or National Guard or Reservist was at Camp LeJeune, they also could be eligible for compensation.

Civilians and spouses of veterans filing a claim would not be affected by any VA benefits, but I do not know how that works if they are receiving any federal aid like Medicare.  They need to check how that affects anything they’re receiving from the federal government.

Veterans also must watch out for scammers – not only to file a VA claim for drinking the water, but for any type of VA benefit.  Last week, I had a wife of a veteran call me and say that she is working with an organization that will help her file for VA Aid and Attendance.  The organization said that it will cost her $1,000.00.  I told her no one ever has to pay to file a VA claim.  She gave me his name and I have heard of him, but I always contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and report him.  Like I said, no one ever has to pay to file a VA claim.  Not only that, but they cannot guarantee that you will be approved for the claim and many times, they send you to a Veteran Service Officer who will actually send the paperwork to the VA.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Marc Schenck

In the course of researching our family tree with my father, Lt. j.g. Bernard Schenck, a Navy veteran who served during the Cold War between 1956-1960 on the USS Virgo (KA-20) and the USS Glacier (AGB-4), I first learned about the scope of one of our family member’s military service in two wars. Forgotten by most, his sacrifice is worthy of acknowledgment and our memory.
My father’s uncle, Mack Schenck, was an immigrant from Belarus along with his four siblings, probably in the first decade of the century. In 1928, along with three other men, they founded Temple Beth-El Congregation in Great Neck, New York. At the time, Great Neck had a population of 12,000 people and only 115 Jewish families. It was the first synagogue in the town.

The Busy Baby, circa 1944, United Kingdom

Mack had a son named Robert Schenck, my father’s cousin, born on May 30, 1921. He was a bomber pilot who flew a B-17 Flying Fortress in World War II and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. As part of the 379th Bomb Group, 527th Bomb Squadron, based at Kimbolton, UK, they flew more sorties than any other Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force and dropped a greater bomb tonnage than any other Group.

The B-17 Flying Fortress Group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations, the first for operations between May 28, 1943 and July 31, 1944. Its first combat mission was the bombing of German U-boat pens at St Nazaire, France, on May 29, 1943. The second was awarded to the 1st Bomb Division as a whole for flying without fighter protection to bomb aircraft factories at Oschersleben, Germany, on January 11, 1944.

Flying with the 527th during the Spring and Summer of 1944 Capt. Robert Schenck participated in missions throughout Western Europe and as far east as Poland. Several missions over Germany flew into the highly defended airspace above Berlin. It was a hazardous profession for the aircrews and more American airmen died over Europe than Marines died in the Pacific. He flew 35 missions, mostly on the Busy Baby, above the minimum of 25, and later 30, necessary for having the option to return home. By November 1944, the Busy Baby, after 87 missions, was classified as war weary. It was relegated to scrap in Kingman, Arizona in December of 1945.

Schenck’s headstone in Beth-Alom Cemetery in New Britain, CT.

After the war, his path was less clear, but a family member recalls hearing that he had gone into business importing goods from the Dominican Republic. He remained a reservist and was called back for the Korean War, this time as the senior pilot of a C-119C Flying Boxcar from the 63rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 403rd Troop Carrier Group.

Until the end of 1952, it dropped paratroopers and supplies, transported personnel and equipment, and evacuated casualties in support of the Far East Command and UN forces. The group flew more than 6,300 flights, dropped nearly 10,000 personnel, more than 18,000 tons of cargo, 380 tons of supplies, and airlifted almost 14,000 medical patients.

On November 14, 1952, his aircraft was enroute from Ashiya Air Base, Japan to Seoul, Korea when it crashed into Hill 683 near Cho-ok, about 15 miles east of Airfield K-19, killing all 44 servicemen on board. Robert Schenck was just 31-years-old and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

His remains were recovered, and he is interred at Beth-Alom Cemetery in New Britain, Connecticut. He was survived by his parents and siblings. Upon learning of our family history, we will never forget the sacrifice he paid in service of our nation. Remembering is the least we can do.

If any readers have any comments or additional information regarding Capt. Robert Schenck or related events I would welcome them. I can be reached at mschenc1@optonline.net.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Neal Gosman

Six-year-old Cub Scout Elijah Dale carefully scrutinized the various works on display at the Capp Building of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at an art exhibit co-sponsored by the JCC and the Jewish War Veterans Department of Minnesota.

“That one is just like the picture on the wall in my Dad’s office,” Dale pointed out. This is not as surprising as it might have been, because the artist is in fact his Dad, Jeffrey Dale, a Saint Paul photographer, coder, and Afghanistan War veteran who served in the U.S. Army for ten years.

More surprising is why the Department of Minnesota is sponsoring the art exhibit that opened on December 11.

Last summer, the department put out a call for artists to present works on the themes, Defending Democracy, Fighting Oppression, and Tzedakah. “This is a pilot project that we haven’t tried before,” explained Department of Minnesota Commander Lou Michaels. “We want to be more present in the community with our dual missions of being a Jewish Voice for Veterans and a Veterans’ Voice for Jews.”

Michaels said he wants to raise the profile of JWV in the community, which will in turn focus attention on the needs of veterans in general and on why they put their lives on the line in service of American ideals.

Jeffrey Dale presented three photos from his series Friday Night, based on his experience in Afghanistan. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to show some of my work. All too often, the established art world shies away from the soldier’s perspective,” he said.

Other artists showed paintings reflecting empathy with Latin American refugees, honoring the Ukrainian resistance, and there were also posters calling for justice, empowerment, and democracy.
The exhibit also featured a pen and ink drawing by the late Mark Zhitnitsky, a former Soviet and Israeli artist, which illustrates his struggles in 1919 Ukraine against antisemitic pogroms.
“The ultimate aim of this exhibit, hopefully the first of more to come, is to build awareness of the JWV in Minnesota, to grow public support, and to attract new members from among veterans in the Jewish community,” said Stewart Mednick, Department of Minnesota Vice Commander.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

Once forgotten, the Department of New York is making sure no one will ever again forget a Jewish veteran who gave his life in World War II. Department Commander Gary Glick received an email from Barbara Silberman, who found a grave in disrepair at the Wellwood Cemetery.

Silberman said bushes and weeds had overtaken the gravestone, which she noticed while visited the graves of her parents.

The grave belonged to Stanley Samberg, a 19-year-old veteran who died on December 17, 1944. In her email, Silberman wrote, “having given his life for our country, he deserves our respect, and something should be done.”

Glick told Silberman he would see what could be done, and went to the cemetery to see the site, and take some pictures.

Glick contacted the cemetery to make sure they would clean up the bushes, weeds, and other debris. When he went back to see the site, he placed a JWV marker and flag on the grave.

Glick says he hopes to have the cemetery clean the stone, and wants them to consider taking similar actions for other veterans who no longer have family and friends to take care of the site.

Volume 77. Number 1. 2023

By Larry Jasper, National Editor

Thanks to the JWV Disaster Relief Fund, members affected by Hurricane Ian in September were able to get money within days to help with the cleanup.
Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Fort Myers, Florida on September 28. It was the deadliest storm to hit Florida since 1935.

All JWV members in the area were okay, but some of their homes were not so lucky.
“All Post 400 members were impacted by this storm. Most were fortunate in that they were able to get back to some degree of normalcy within a few weeks. There are two members, two Patrons, and one member’s widow who were not that fortunate, as their homes were nearly destroyed by Ian,” said Commander of Post 400 Harvey Charter.
As soon as the hurricane left the area, the JWV Disaster Relief Program swung into action to bring some much-needed help to the JWV members.
“Working with the National Commander and National Executive Director, we were able to move quickly and meaningfully in the wake of Hurricane Ian,” said JWV Emergency Relief Fund Chairman Donald Schenk. “The role of the JWV Disaster Relief Program is to help our members when catastrophe strikes.  We are grateful that we can help in times when resources are limited, and despair is high.”

Schenk’s committee allocated funds to the two members and one widow. Patrons of the organization are unable to receive funds from the program but Post 400 stepped in with financial help in those two cases.

Disaster relief in cases like this comes from many places, but few are as quick to act as JWV.
All of those assisted were grateful for the care, concern, and quick action from JWV as they try to rebuild their lives.
Here are some letters we received from the families helped by the fund.

Dear Harvey and Jewish War Veterans of the USA,
From the bottom of my heart, I like to thank you for your generous gift; contribution towards rebuilding my home.
I never thought that at this stage of life, I’ll be rebuilding and restoring my home without the love of my life.
Your gift will certainly help me with the numerous expenses I am faced with.
Thanks again,
Judith Satin

To the Jewish War Veterans of America and Post #400 Commander Harvey Charter,
My wife and I would like to thank you for the generous contribution that your organization made to us to help in the recovery from Hurricane Ian.
At times like the present we feel so lucky to be part of a community and an organization that gives support to those in need.
We are humble being a recipient of your contribution.
Kind regards,
Isaac & Sue Osin

Dear Jewish War Veterans,
Thank you very much for your very generous Hurricane Ian Assistance Check for me.
It will be very helpful due to the very strong impact of this very powerful Hurricane impact on my house. I will put your very kind assistance to good use as I had a lot of damage that needs fixed. My insurance will not cover all of my damage to my house. It really makes me feel good to know that I belong to such a caring organization that helps Jewish Veterans in need.
Thank you again.
All the Best.
Dennis Simon

This is the first time the relief fund has handed out money after a disaster since a wildfire in California in September of 2020.
For more information on this program, visit our website at https://www.jwv.org/veteran-resources/disaster-relief/.

Volume 76. Number 4. 2022

By Mike Rugel, NMAJMH Director of Programs and Content

An area full of dirt and weeds is now a place to sit and reflect. The National Museum of American Jewish Military History (NMAJMH) spent several years discussing the idea of a Memorial Garden outside the front of our building on 18th and R Streets in Washington, D.C. The NMAJMH Board of Directors voted to go ahead with a landscaping plan in August of 2021. By October, the first phase of the work was complete.

The goal of the garden is to provide a place to memorialize and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country, as well as enhance the building’s curb appeal. It will also provide fundraising opportunities for the museum.

The initial work was completed so quickly thanks to a generous donation from the Department of New York and several other sponsors.
The Remembrance Walk of engraved pavers, which leads to the doors of the building is nearly full. The pavers are filled with inscriptions paying tribute to veterans and those killed in the line of duty. The Memorial Garden provides an opportunity to continue the engraved paver program in a new space next to the walkway. Pavers will lead from the sidewalk to two benches in the garden. We look forward to seeing new messages in the garden honoring and memorializing loved ones.

We’re also planning to install an eternal light and plaque on the main stone in the garden.

There are several sponsorship opportunities still available in the garden.

  • Garden Plaque – $7,500
  • Flagstone – $5,000
  • Trees – $2,500
  • Engraved Pavers –
    • 4×8 – $250
    • 8×8 – $500

If you are interested, contact Michael Rugel at mrugel@nmajmh.org or (202) 265-6280.

Volume 76. Number 4. 2022

By National Commander Nelson L. Mellitz

I have been a member of JWV for more than 30 years, serving in many positions, including numerous Post committee leads, Junior Post Commander and now National Commander. It wasn’t until I became National Vice Commander that I learned of the complexities and capabilities of our national staff. At the JWV headquarters we have wonderful individuals who sometimes work seven days a week in our interest. However, the JWV national staff is made up of just ten paid employees. To compare that with another Veterans Service Organization (VSO), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has 84 paid headquarters staff. JWV and MOAA manage many similar programs to support service members and veterans’ issues. In addition, our JWV staff works with me daily to fight against antisemitism and promote the support of Israel.

I don’t want to discourage Departments and Post members from contacting our national staff, but every day headquarters receives requests that could be handled at the Department or Post level. Our national headquarters staff is composed of strong individuals who all contribute to our ever-improving organization and to our outreach and reputation in the military, veteran, and Jewish communities – thank you for working at JWV.

As your National Commander I travelled across much of the United States on almost every weekend of October and November, including trips to Minnesota, West Point Academy, Air Force Academy, Reserve Organization of America’s National Convention, Mikve Israel in Savannah, Post 1 events in New York City, Veterans Day ceremonies in Arlington, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, etc. I have plans to travel in January and February to attend the Departments of Florida and TALO Conventions, The Aleph Institute, The Chapel of Four Chaplains Foundation 54th Annual Banquet, Federation of Jewish Men’s Club, Middle Atlantic Region Dinner, and other events. At these events I talk about what JWV has recently accomplished and what we are planning to accomplish, including improved benefits for service members and veterans, actively fighting antisemitism, and support for Israel. I explain why qualified individuals should join and be active members of JWV. If you would like me to attend one of your events, please contact me through email with the request.

In my travels the most rewarding events have been ones involving young Jewish members of the military. A good example is the recent Jewish Warrior Weekend held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There were nearly 100 Jewish cadets, midshipmen, ROTC students, and military academy future service members in attendance. The students mobbed me after my presentation with pointed questions about military service, JWV’s mission, and how we at JWV are fighting antisemitism. Wherever I travel, I have found wonderful young Jewish service members and veterans. Jewish women and men serve in the U.S. military – let’s recruit them to serve in the Jewish War Veterans.

Last year and during part of this year the Jewish War Veterans celebrated our great accomplishments over the past 125 years. We must all work together and continue to accomplish our mission to support service members, veterans, fighting antisemitism, and support of Israel. I am here to help you accomplish our JWV mission. Feel free to reach out to me at nationalcmdr@jwv.org.

Volume 76. Number 4. 2022