JWV Elects New National Commander and Vice Commander

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected Alan Paley National Commander and Nelson Mellitz National Vice Commander during its 126th National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 19, 2021.

Paley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served as a Weapons Specialist on Phantom F-4D fighter aircraft at bases in West Germany, Italy, and Libya. He joined New Jersey JWV Post 651 in 1968 as an in-service member. Following his honorable discharge in 1970 he became active in JWV and rose through the ranks of his post becoming one of the youngest Post Commanders in JWV. In 1979 he was elected Bergen County, New Jersey Council Commander. He relocated to Florida in the early 1980s and later transferred to Florida Post 606, serving as Post Commander from 1996 to 2016. While serving as Post Commander, he was elected Commander of Broward, Palm Beach County Council in 1999. In 2015 he was elected the Commander of the Department of Florida and served in that capacity until 2019. Since 2016 he has been the National Budget Chairman and in 2019 was also appointed as the National Adjutant. In 2020, Alan was elected to the newly created position of National Vice Commander. He is a life member of both JWV and NMAJMH and has over 51 years of continuous service to JWV. In civilian life, Alan is the Chief Financial Officer of Overseas Cargo, Inc., a third-party logistics and warehouse service provider specializing in the handling, storage, and exportation of perishable goods. He has three children and one grandchild.

Mellitz continues an over 80-year family legacy of serving in the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Nelson served 32 years in the United States Air Force. He has been based at more than 13 different locations within the U.S. and overseas during five major wars and other combat operations. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1970 as an E-1 and was assigned to a Civil Engineering Unit as a Site Development Specialist. Over the next nine and half years he was promoted to Master Sergeant (E-7). He was awarded a direct commission to 2nd Lieutenant in 1980 and assigned to the Acquisition Career field with a specialty in U.S. Government Contracting. Nelson was promoted to full Colonel in 1998. He has received over 20 military awards and decorations including the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Meritorious Citation. Nelson has held many leadership positions in JWV including National Quartermaster, National Chief of Staff, Commander of Post 126, Council Commander, and Department of NJ Commander, among others. Nelson is Vice President of World Wide Business Operations for Land Sea Air Security, LLC. LSA Security markets proven military defensive equipment. He has been married to Debbie Markowitz Mellitz for 41 years and they have two daughters.

We wish Paley and Mellitz a successful year!

 

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

/by

Jewish Veterans are Coming to New Orleans!

WASHINGTON, DC – The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is proud to announce New Orleans, LA as the site of its 126th Annual National Convention from August 15-20, 2021.  Our convention is where Jewish members of the uniformed services and veterans come together to solve issues within their community.  From fighting anti-Semitism in the military, to speaking with Jewish youth about the merits of military service, JWV is the only place where these important matters are being addressed.

JWV members from across the country will congregate at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel to participate in several annual business sessions and hear from some great guest speakers.

Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy will address the members of JWV and the JWVA (Ladies Auxiliary) during our opening ceremony at 11:30am CDT on Monday.

Our opening session will take place at 4:00pm CDT on Monday, August 16, and will feature the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Marina Jackman.

On Wednesday, at 2:30pm CDT, our members will hear about preventing veteran suicide from Dr. Daniel DeBrule.

The convention will conclude on Thursday, August 19, with a banquet honoring National Commander Jeffrey Sacks, and the installation of the 2021 National Commander, who will be elected during the week.  We want to thank Louisiana for its warm hospitality, and we cannot wait to see you there!

For more information or a complete schedule of events, please contact JWV National Programs and Public Relations Director Cara Rinkoff at (202) 265-6285.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV Urges Biden Administration to Move Quickly on Afghan Translators

The Jewish War Veterans urges the Biden administration to quickly determine the fate of Afghan translators who worked for the United States.

Although the administration has said it is working on a plan, the longer it takes, the more dangerous it will become for those interpreters as the U.S. continues pulling troops out of the country.

President Biden must make arrangements for all of the translators to leave Afghanistan on or before August 31, which is the date all U.S. troops are expected to be out of the country.

Real Americans don’t leave their allies behind.

 

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV Calls for Disciplinary Action and Apology from Navy Chaplain

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV) demands immediate disciplinary action against Lt. Aristotle Rivera, who currently serves as a Navy Chaplain at Camp Lejeune.

Lt. Rivera included what JWV believes was an anti-Semitic message in an Easter article he wrote for the Defense Department’s Washington Headquarters Service.

In addition to an apology and admission of wrongdoing by Lt. Rivera, we also ask the Department of Defense to issue a statement acknowledging the anti-Semitic nature of the article.

JWV supports the lead efforts on this situation which was first brought to our attention by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

Support for Global War on Terrorism Memorial

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America has signed on as a supporter of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation.  We have written an open letter to lawmakers, calling for their support of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act (HR. 1115 and S. 535), which would allow the foundation to build the memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV Asks Colorado Town to Remove Cemetery Memorial

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. is calling on the town of Monument, Colorado to remove a memorial placed in its cemetery as part of an Eagle Scout project.  The memorial stone honoring military members references Jesus Christ, which should not be placed on city-owned property.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV congratulates Denis McDonough on his confirmation as VA Secretary

JWV congratulates Denis McDonough on his confirmation as VA Secretary

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA is extremely pleased by the Senate’s quick, bipartisan confirmation of Denis McDonough to be the 11th Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  We wish him success in this new endeavor. We appreciate his team’s inclusion of JWV during the transition and hope to continue working closely with the VA as we have done in the past.

 

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV Condemns Violent Actions at U.S. Capitol

January 7, 2021

We, who fought to protect the right to assemble, the right to free speech, and the right to protest, were saddened by the events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.

There is no excuse for the behavior which caused our elected officials to flee the U.S. Capitol, which caused law enforcement officers to draw their weapons, and which caused the death of a female protestor.

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. condemns the actions we witnessed on Wednesday.  We support the rule of law.  Those who trespassed, damaged property, and physically assaulted law enforcement officers in the halls and on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We pray for our government and for a peaceful and orderly transition of power on January 20th.  May G-d bless the United States.

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

# # #

/by

JWV Calls for Resignation of VA Secretary Wilkie

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA, America’s oldest active veterans organization, sadly joins the numerous other veterans organizations in expressing its disappointment in the handling of the sexual harassment complaint of a Jewish veteran at a VA facility.

As the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and because of his involvement in this matter, including the failure to cooperate with the Inspector General (IG) investigation, we feel there is no alternative but for Secretary Wilkie to resign forthwith.

While we have always had an excellent relationship with the Secretary, our responsibility and our loyalty will always be with the veteran.
About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

/by

JWV Elects New National Commander and Vice Commander

The Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. (JWV) is pleased to announce it has elected Jeff Sacks National Commander and Alan Paley National Vice Commander during its 125th National Convention in August.

Sacks was born and raised in the Chicago area. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant via ROTC when he graduated from the University of Illinois in 1979. He served on active duty during the Cold War in Washington, D.C. and West Germany in military police assignments. He was mobilized in 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield and commanded the 822nd MP Company during Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in 1991. Following the Gulf War, he stayed in the Reserves, retiring as a Major in 2017. Sacks was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during Operation Desert Storm.

Sacks and his father, a WWII Navy veteran, joined JWV Post 153 together in 1996. He rose through the ranks, and has served as the Post Commander, Department of Illinois Commander, NEC, and on various National Committees.
In civilian life, Sacks served as a law enforcement officer from 1987-2012 with the Chicago Police Department before retiring as a Sergeant. He is married to Pye Squire. They have five adult children (two are JWV members) and ten grandchildren. Jeff is active in his synagogue and has served on its board as Security Committee Chairman for the past six years.

Paley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served as a Weapons Specialist on Phantom F-4D fighter aircraft at bases in West Germany, Italy, and Libya. He joined New Jersey JWV Post 651 in 1968 as an in-service member.

Following his honorable discharge in 1970 he became active in JWV and rose through the ranks of his post becoming one of the youngest Post Commanders in JWV. After relocating to Florida, he served as Council Commander, Department Commander, National Budget Chairman, and National Adjutant.

In civilian life, Paley is the Chief Financial Officer of Overseas Cargo, Inc., a 3rd party logistics and warehouse service provider specializing in the handling, storage, and exportation of perishable goods. He has three children and one grandchild. Alan also serves on the Executive Board of his synagogue.

We wish Sacks and Paley a successful year!

About Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Founded in 1896, the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is the oldest active veterans’ organization in America. JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of all kinds. As a national organization, JWV represents the voice of America’s Jewish veterans on issues related to veterans’ benefits, foreign policy, and national security. JWV also commits itself to the assistance of oppressed Jews worldwide.

/by