Toolboxes for veterans

Hello fellow vets and those who support us. First off, this time, I want everybody to be aware of what the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has done that is of great concern to our military. They have changed their policy on dependent children of U.S. military personnel and U.S. government employees to make these people who are serving overseas have difficulties when returning to the United States. If they have children born in another country, the children are not considered U.S. citizens under the new policy. Please let USCIS director, Ken Cuccinelli know that you want him to correct this problem now! You can do this through your Congressional representative.

President Trump has announced the official reestablishment of the United States Space Command! Initially, the command will be temporarily headquartered at Peterson AFB, in Colorado. However, DOD is looking at six possible locations for a permanent headquarters. Four are in Colorado, one in Alabama and one in California. Selected and confirmed by the Senate to lead the organization is Air Force General John W. Raymond. The primary mission of USSPACECOM is to focus on the protection of U.S. space assets and to strengthen the military’s posture in space as adversaries develop more advanced anti-satellite weapons.

A World War II veteran has created a program for Post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients. It is called the REACH Veteran Toolbox Program. This program has shipped more than 8,000 toolboxes, which contain about $800 worth of tools to veterans. These toolboxes are provided free to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life. Although it was established for Post-9/11 Purple Heart Veterans, all veterans can apply. Go to Veteran Toolbox Program (https://reainc.org/toolbox-sisgn-up/). Some of the companies supporting this program are Stanley, Black & Decker, APEX tools, Wooster paint brushes and Johnson & Johnson.

In local veteran news, be aware that American Legion Post 640 in Anderson will be hosting a POW/MIA recognition program September 20, starting at 11:30 a.m. This is being held in the building across the street from the Anderson Fire Department on Hill Street. Please stop by and help us remember those who have given their all for our country!

On the lighter side, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4006, in Navasota, will be hosting a first ever, comedy show, at the Post hall Saturday, Sept. 28, starting at 7:30 p.m. These comedians are local, and some are Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. There will be a small $5 cover charge at the door. Come on by and enjoy some comedy and a cool beverage of your choice and help these young entertainers.

By the way, both the American Legion Post 640 and VFW Post 4006 are looking for new members. If you served in the military almost at any time, you are eligible to belong to the American Legion. If you served in the military in a dangerous zone, (list of places available) you are eligible to belong to the VFW. And if, you are in this last category, you are eligible to belong to both. I, for one, belong to both. We served together and we now work together to serve our fellow vets. Join us to increase our numbers and our voices in Washington.

Don’t forget, coming in November will be the annual recognition of Veterans Day and then in January, VFW Post 4006 will be celebrating 75 years as an organization! 75 YEARS, DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY!!! We are proud of that and we are looking forward to our younger vets to carry the tradition on.

If you have a veteran related question, please feel free to contact the Examiner and we will do our best to answer. Until next time, I and the Examiner, thank you for your service, and thank you to the spouses and families who stuck by us while we were gone. May God bless Texas and the USA!

Carl Dry is a Korean War veteran, a former Grimes County Veterans Service Officer and the current VFW Post 4006 Commander.