Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• An 81-year old Navy veteran uses TikTok to amplify the needs of his fellow veterans

• Gift-giving ideas for veterans

• The Army is replacing it’s old online training service with a new one which will cause a 2-week gap in virtual training

• The VA remains committed to providing expedited prescription deliveries, even during the holiday season

• Some fun and engaging YouTube channels, websites, and clothing brands for veterans and service members

• The tale about the heroic actions of the first African-American to receive the Distinguished Service Cross

• And more...

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

This 81-year-old Navy veteran manages a popular TikTok channel where millions of viewers enjoy his positive and joyful personality. Kenny Jary also uses his platform to help raise veteran awareness and provide mobility scooters for veterans in need (link).

With the holiday season approaching swiftly, the time for gift-giving is just around the corner. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a veteran or seeking ideas for your wishlist as a veteran, this comprehensive holiday gift guide has got you covered (link)​.

📜 Policy Updates

An integral component of the Army's training program, the online training system, is scheduled to undergo a temporary shutdown next month to introduce a revamped website. The Army Learning Management System (ALMS) has been used since the early 2000s and is set to undergo a significant and widely anticipated upgrade. However, there will be a 2-week gap wherein soldiers won’t be able to complete training (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

Despite the usual holiday shipping delays, the VA remains committed to expediting prescription deliveries to your doorstep. The Consolidated Mail Order Pharmacy mail team diligently tracks package delivery times. It has contingency measures to address any possible slowdowns, ensuring that prescription deliveries remain on schedule even during the holiday season (link).

Operation First Response is a non-profit organization assisting wounded and injured veterans and their families. They fulfill this commitment by addressing immediate and long-term needs resulting from injuries offering support in areas such as financial assistance, medical bills, housing, transportation, and other essential requirements (link).

The Best of The Week

• Forgotten Weapons: Created and hosted by firearms historian and expert Ian McCollum, this YouTube channel delves into various firearms, specifically focusing on the rare, unique, and historically significant. The videos offer in-depth insights into lesser-known weapons' development, design, and historical context, featuring close-up views, detailed exploration of mechanisms, and occasional test-firing demonstrations. Forgotten Weapons.

• War on the Rocks: War on the Rocks is a comprehensive platform featuring a website and podcast that offers accessible and engaging analysis, commentary, and insights on a wide range of national security, defense, and foreign policy issues. The content, which includes interviews with experts, analysts, and real national security practitioners, is a must-listen for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of global military strategy. War on the Rocks.

• Grunt Style: Established in 2009 by a U.S. Army veteran, this American apparel company specializes in crafting military-themed clothing and patriotic apparel tailored for service members, veterans, and their supporters. With a mission dedicated to creating comfortable and stylish garments, the brand aims to embody national pride and the core values synonymous with military service. Grunt Style.

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Private George Watson

Born in Laurel, MS, in 1914, little is known about Private George Watson’s life before his military service. What is known is that he moved to Birmingham during his childhood and later attended Colorado State University (Colorado A&M at the time), where he obtained his degree in 1942 and had a wife and daughter.

Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the US Army in September 1942, where he attended basic training at Camp Lee, VI, before being eventually moved to Newport News, VA, where he embarked on the Pacific Theatre via the USS Hermitage. 

Upon arriving in the Pacific, he served as a shower and laundry specialist, as African-American soldiers at the time were given limited roles within the military. While being transported near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea–which was to be his final duty station– his transport boat was attacked by nine Japanese bombers. 

The vessel was critically damaged, and as it sank, all passengers were ordered to go overboard. Private Watson took it upon himself to pull his fellow soldiers who could not swim to the few lift rafts the ship had available. This task was made even more difficult due to the suction caused in the area by the sinking ship.

However, Private Watson remained undeterred and repeatedly returned to the debris to rescue more of his comrades and pull them to shore. Private Watson’s selfless actions saved many lives that day, but he unfortunately paid the ultimate price.

Upon his return for another rescue attempt, Private Watson tragically succumbed to exhaustion and drowned.

On June 13, 1943, in recognition of his heroic actions, Private Watson became the first African-American soldier awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Despite this honor, many believed such recognition did not adequately reflect his immense sacrifice that day.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton rectified this oversight by posthumously upgrading Private Watson's award to the Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious decoration in the US military.

In the following years, the story of Private Watson and his heroics on that fateful day have been recognized by naming several places and structures in his honor. Notable among these tributes are an airfield in Fort Benning, GA, and the lead ship of her class, the US Navy vessel USNS Watson.

Private Watson's exceptional bravery and sacrifice unfolded early in his military service before he had even reached his final duty station. His selfless actions, which ultimately cost him his life, underscored a profound commitment to both his comrades and his mission. While he deservedly earned the Distinguished Service Cross in 1943, a notable milestone in breaking barriers for marginalized African-American soldiers, the true recognition of his courage came years later when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Private Watson's actions demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country and fellow comrades and stood as an exemplary model for all to follow.

Thank You For Your Service!

Not every servicemember may receive the Medal of Honor or garner widespread recognition, but that doesn't diminish the invaluable contributions each one has made to the sanctity and security of our great nation. 

The saying "freedom isn't free" holds profound truth – it resonates because every individual in the United States relies on the dedication of its military to safeguard the freedoms they enjoy. Each veteran has consciously chosen to defend these liberties, symbolizing a collective commitment to the nation's well-being.

Whether you fought on the front lines or provided crucial support from behind the scenes, thank you!

Top Resources For Veterans

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

   • Overview: The VA provides a wide range of services for veterans, including health care, benefits, and memorial services.

   • Website: VA

2. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

   • Overview: An organization that offers various services to veterans, including assistance with benefits claims, scholarships, and community service opportunities.

   • Website: VFW

3. Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

   • Overview: DAV provides various services for disabled veterans, including transportation, employment resources, and benefits assistance.

   • Website: DAV

4. K9s for Warriors

   • Overview: This organization is committed to supplying highly-trained service dogs, primarily rescues, to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBIs, or other service-related traumas, effectively saving two lives in the process.

   • Website: K9s for Warriors

5. Hire Heroes USA

   • Overview: An organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment through personalized job search training and assistance.

   • Website: Hire Heroes USA

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Until Next Time

Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll discuss more top stories and the latest policy updates!

Cheers,

Chad Hill

Founder,

The Veteran's Newsletter