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

Warrior Canine Connection Names Service Dog After JWV Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds, has named one of its future services dogs from its Commitment Litter “Rochel” after Air Force Sergeant Rachelle ‘Rochel’ Suzanne Hayman.

“WCC names all its puppies after Service Members and Veterans who have made significant contributions to our nation,” Alyssa Malaspina, who coordinates WCC’s Namesake Program. “We take special care to honor heroes such as Rochel Hayman, to those who’ve served as far back as World War II to the present day. Learning from our living namesakes, their families, widows, moms, dads, siblings and friends is a rich tradition that honors their military service and helps to keep their legacies alive.”

“I know Warrior Canine Connection, and I know the critical impact they have with what they do.  When I heard they wanted to name one of their dogs after me, I was speechless and overwhelmed.  It’s such a tremendous merit I don’t feel deserving of, but my children are so excited and proud, so I accepted.  I trust WCC Rochel will serve with love and kindness and to the best of her capabilities,” Hayman said.

Air Force Sergeant Hayman grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Sgt. Hayman planned to study broadcasting in college, but her path took a turn upon meeting an Air Force recruiter who told her that she could pursue her interests in radio and television while serving in the military. Sgt. Hayman was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan for two years. While she predominately worked in radio, Sgt. Hayman had many opportunities to enhance her live shows with interviews of touring pop music artists. After being stationed in Japan, Sgt. Hayman served for two and a half years on the island of Crete, Greece at the now closed Iraklion Air Station in both radio and television.

Later, when Radio and Television Broadcasting Specialists were sought to volunteer for duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield, Sgt. Hayman saw an opportunity to continue her service and was subsequently assigned to a radio pod in Dhahran at the beginning of the Gulf War. Sgt. Hayman continues to be grateful for her opportunities to use her skills and gifts in a positive way and in service to our nation.  She is an active member in the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and Chairwoman of the JWV Gulf War Committee.

For more information, please contact Programs and Public Relations Coordinator Cara Rinkoff at (202) 265-6280 ext. 413 or crinkoff@jwv.org.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

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 Believes in Equality

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America believes in equal opportunities, equal rights, and equal treatment for American citizens regardless of race. 
 
Black Americans are just that – Americans.
 
They deserve to be cared about by the American people, listened to by the American government, fought for by the American military, and protected by the American police.
 
The Jewish community has a long history of fighting for civil rights alongside our black brothers and sisters.

 
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 Thanks VA for Starting Process to Remove Gravestones with Nazi Symbols

JWV worked with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs on a solution for the headstones of German prisoners of war that feature swastikas and mention the Fuhrer.

VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has informed us that his department will begin the process of removing the offensive headstones and replacing them with appropriate markers.

We thank Sec. Wilkie and Randy Reeves, Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs, for their decision.

JWV also appreciates the VA’s attempt to provide historical context for all cemeteries at which foreign prisoners of war are interred by placing interpretive signs at the locations.

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