JWV Applauds Unanimous House Vote Approving the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act

Dr. Barry J. Schneider, the National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is expressing our gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives for unanimously passing H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.

The unanimous vote last night will positively impact thousands of lives, and it once again proves that taking care of veterans and their families is a nonpartisan issue, as well as one of the cornerstones of JWV’s founding responsibilities of taking care of servicemembers before, during and after their service. The JWV-supported bill now heads to the Senate. Once signed into law, H.R. 299 will restore VA benefits to thousands of Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans who had their disability eligibility taken away in 2002 following regulatory changes. It will also require the VA to contact those veterans who had filed claims that were later denied. Those veterans could be eligible for retroactive benefits.

The legislation will also mark a victory for other veterans and their families who suffer from conditions related to toxic exposures. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving along the Korean DMZ will have an earlier start date to encompass the timeframe when various defoliants were tested. The current start date of April 1, 1968, will be backed up seven months to Sept. 1, 1967.

Additionally, benefits will expand to include children born with spina bifida due to a parent’s exposure in Thailand. Coverage for this condition already exists for the children of Vietnam and Korean DMZ veterans. The new law will also require the VA to report on research being conducted on a broad range of conditions possibly related to service in Southwest Asia, which is important for future legislative efforts to create a list of presumptive conditions for veterans seeking VA health care and benefits.

Despite the fact that the Senate failed to pass H.R. 299 in the previous session of Congress, the situation is now one step closer to being rectified with a positive outcome. The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. does not want to allow this to happen again to any service member of any generation, with any potential exposures and we are urging every veteran, family member and advocate to contact their elected officials to get this bill passed and signed into law as soon as possible.

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JWV Strongly Condemns Anti-Semitic Attack at Chabad in Poway, CA

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. strongly condemns the anti-Semitic shooting that occurred at the Chabad of Poway in Southern California over this last Passover weekend. We mourn with the family of Lori Kaye and pray for healing for those who were victims of this senseless attack.  We wish those who were injured a rapid return to health of mind and body. We also give thanks to the first responders whose rapid and effective response helped ensure that the attacker was stopped before more innocent lives were lost.

The United States has become a melting pot, and may it remain as such for many years to come. It should be a place where people from all over the world can come and feel welcomed, appreciated, and can contribute to the betterment of society. Hateful attacks, both through violence and through words, are misguided, disturbing, and wrong. The 37% increase in anti-Semitic crimes against people of this nation is something that we, the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., feel is absolutely disgusting. This act should be vehemently opposed by all the Americans, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who raised their hand and signed up to serve this nation for its betterment and defense.

As with all acts of hate, we extend our condolences to the bereaved, and will continue promoting the ideal that all American citizens are just that- American citizens, and are deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness regardless of their faith.

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JWV Strongly Condemns Representative Mo Brooks’ Comments and Actions on the House Floor

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) strongly condemns the comments and hate-filled language espoused by Alabama 5th District Representative Mo Brooks. On March 25th, 2019, Representative Brooks quoted Adolf Hitler to describe the attacks that President Trump faced from “socialist Democrats and their fake news media allies”. He then proceeded to continue with an English translation of a passage on the strategy of the “big lie of the Jews” from his 1925 book Mein Kampf. These comments were factually incorrect and inappropriate. While all elected leaders as well as private citizens do have the right to make strong and impassioned comments, speeches and addresses about topics of importance, Representative Brooks’ comments deserve scrutiny and are highly inappropriate for any elected leader to use in a public forum.

Representative Brooks espoused the hateful language of a fascist dictator who endorsed and ensured the systematic slaughter of innocent people. The citizens under Hitler’s regime were dehumanized and considered “inferior” by his administration, and this dehumanization was an important step towards the facilitation of mass genocide. The use of Mein Kampf passages in a manner other than for purposes of historical education, especially to deride political opponents, was completely out of line and unacceptable.

We, The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, are requesting that Representative Brooks be reprimanded and/or censured for his comments. These comments do not reflect the values of this organization or our nation, nor should they ever.

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JWV Demands the Removal of Representative Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) strongly condemns the anti-Semitic comments, tweets and hate-filled language espoused by Minnesota 5th District Representative Ilhan Omar. We’re angered by the attacks on Jewish elected leaders and organizations, and find that her comments are completely unacceptable for any person assigned to any committee, but most especially the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

In her time as the representative of Minnesota’s 5th District, she has been linked to organizations that have known deep terrorism ties and has been quoted attacking and intimidating people and organizations that are pro-Israel.

We, the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. are requesting that Representative Omar be removed from her position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and be reprimanded for her comments, which do not reflect the values of our organization or our nation.

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JWV Statement on Rep. Omar’s Remarks

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) is saddened by the comments recently made by Representative Ilhan Omar.  Her viciously anti-Israel statements amount to nothing less than anti-Semitism.

Further, JWV totally opposes having Rep. Omar on the House Foreign Relations Committee.  JWV demands she be immediately removed from such a vital committee.  Her disruptive statements are an acknowledgement of the fact that she lacks knowledge in the area of foreign affairs.

Representative Omar’s comments should be forcefully condemned by her colleagues in the Congress.  She should be given a committee assignment more in line with her expertise and talents.

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Passing of President George H. W. Bush

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV), mourns the passing of President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. While serving as a Naval aviator during World War II, President Bush earned multiple awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Presidential (Distinguished) Unit Citation.

Following his military service, he entered the political arena, serving in multiple positions including two terms in the House of Representatives, Ambassador to the United Nations, Envoy to China and the Director of Central Intelligence.

Selected by President Ronald Reagan to be his running mate, he became an important part of the fabric of this nation. When the Jewish War Veterans National Headquarters office moved to its current location, then Vice President Bush nailed in the mezuzah on the door, and we have been so thankful for his and his family’s support over the years.

JWV remembers President George H.W. Bush and we thank him for supporting our nation’s service members and veterans. May his memory always be a blessing and our thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family at this difficult time.

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JWV responds to the Attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. mourns those people that were lost at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh over this last Shabbat Weekend. We also want to specifically mention both Mr. Sylvan Simon and Melvin Wax, two of the victims from the synagogue who both served in the military during the Korean War period. We cannot express our thanks to the courageous law enforcement officers who were wounded while protecting others. We wish all who were injured a complete Refuah Shleimah and a rapid return to health of mind and body.

To the members of Posts 499, 718 and 785, know that the National Organization stands in solidarity with you. We hope and pray for the safety of your members and the entire Jewish Community of Pittsburgh and that senseless acts of violence of this kind cease to occur. May our G-d in Heaven grant peace to the United States of America, Israel and all mankind.

In the coming days we are working on reinforcing our commitment to the safety and security of our Jewish community in Pittsburgh as well as our locations in the U.S. and Worldwide. We were incredibly grateful to hear messages of support from our elected officials at all levels during this period of immense grief.

This deplorable assault on the Jewish community, be it in any city in the United States or the world requires an immediate response, and the Jewish War Veterans stands ready to support fellow Jewish Communities whenever and wherever we can.

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JWV is deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator John S. McCain III

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA is deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Senator John S. McCain III.  Senator McCain, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was a strong supporter of our nation’s military personnel and of our veterans. National Commander Dr. Barry S. Schneider said, “Senator McCain will be sorely missed by the military and veterans community!  He will always be remembered as a hero of our country.”  Following five and a half years as a POW in North Vietnam, Senator McCain served as a two-term U.S. congressman and six-term U.S. senator from Arizona.

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JWV Strongly Suggests that President Trump Remain in the United States for Veterans Day

(Washington, DC) Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) was extremely shocked by the announcement that President Trump will travel to Paris to mark Veterans Day.  We urge the President to remain in the United States for our National Veterans Day activities.

Veterans Day was originally created to celebrate Armistice Day, which is the end of World War I, and with the 100th anniversary of the armistice rapidly approaching, it is undeniable that we must acknowledge the sacrifices that World War I American soldiers made for this country.  On Veterans Day, we must also celebrate the service of LIVING soldiers and sailors.

We request that President Trump leads the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and being with the National VSO leaders on the dais for the ceremonies at Arlington.  Afterwards, we request that he attend the VSO reception with members of VSOs around the country.  From those leaders, President Trump will surely hear about the heroism and sacrifices that Americans made during World War I and continue to make today.  

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Dr. Barry J. Schneider Elected National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) is delighted to announce that Dr. Barry J. Schneider was elected National Commander at its 123rd Annual National Convention in Tampa, Florida.

National Commander Schneider is a retired Air Force Major with 20 years of active military service.  His assignments included NORAD IG Team, Combat Crew Commander, and Instructor Crew Commander and Standardization Evaluator for both Titan II and Minuteman Strategic Missile Weapon Systems.  He graduated from the Squadron Officers school, Air Command & Staff College, Command Staff Officers course and Defense Institute for Security Assistance Management.

Barry worked for the Fort Worth Independent School District for 16 years, serving as a Central Office Administrator in the Human Resources Department, and became a Certified Records Manager.  He completely revamped the procedure for maintaining and preserving employee records for the FWISD.

In 1994, Barry joined Jewish War Veterans Post 755 in Fort Worth, TX, and became a life member.  Barry served as Post Commander from 2005-2007 and went on to serve as commander of the Department of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma (TALO) from 2012-2014.  At the national level, he has served as Chairman of JWV’s Vietnam Veterans Committee and Scouting Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Youth Achievement Committee.

Barry has been a lifelong Boy Scout.  As a youth, he earned the Eagle Scout award and the Ner Tamid Jewish religious emblem.  As an adult, he served as Assistant District Commissioner for BSA Transatlantic Council in Turkey and Morocco.  He was awarded the Silver Beaver award for sustained exemplary service and the Shofar Jewish religious award for service to Jewish Scouting.

The Jewish Community is paramount to Barry.  He was selected as the B’nai B’rith Jewish Person of the Year for Fort Worth and Tarrant County in 2010.  He has served as President of Temple Beth Shalom in Arlington, TX, President of the Fort Worth chapter of B’nai B’rith, and Campaign Chairman and President of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

Barry earned a BA in History from California State College in 1967, MEd in Guidance and Counseling from South Dakota State University in 1976, MA in Management from Webster University in 1986, and Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 1996.

Barry was born and raised in St. Louis, MO.  He was married to Dolores (Finkelstein) for 49 years.  Dolores passed away in 2015.  They have two children, daughter Myla and son Eric and two grandchildren.  Myla and her husband Gary have two children, Eli and Coby.

We wish Barry a successful year!

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