Welcome to The Veterans Newsletter!

In today's edition:

• A Navy sailor has been sentenced to two years in prison after selling sensitive information to China.

• The M777 Howitzer is back in production due largely to the reliance on artillery in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

• The Scholarships for Military Children program is now accepting applications.

• DAV provides free transportation for veterans to eligible hospitals with its fleet of medical vehicles. 

• The story of a fearless Vietnam War hero.

• And more…

Links of the Week

📰 Veteran Stories

A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in California has been sentenced to over two years in prison and discharged from the Navy for passing sensitive information to China. Zhao, a Chinese-born naturalized U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for details on Navy operational security, infrastructure, and military exercises.

The information sold included plans for a major Pacific exercise, photos of operational orders, and diagrams for a radar system in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao, who received payments totaling $14,866, used encrypted communication methods and destroyed evidence. The case highlights concerns about China's aggressive intelligence efforts against the U.S. and its allies (link).

The Army is putting the M777 Howitzer back into production. The M777, known for its ease of transport and towability, will continue to play a significant role in artillery technology advancements, including technical insertions, long-range precision-guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options. Despite the M777's vulnerability due to reduced mobility compared to self-propelled howitzers, the U.S. Army's decision to acquire more units aims to replenish stocks and enhance readiness for conflict situations, especially in the Russo-Ukrainian War, where artillery plays a prominent role. Total orders for the M777 now exceed 1,200 units (link).

📜 Policy Updates

The Scholarships for Military Children program partners with the Fisher House Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2034-2025 academic year. The program, now in its 24th year, recognizes military families' contributions to the fighting force's readiness and celebrates commissaries' role in enhancing the military quality of life. Administered by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the program has awarded over $23 million in scholarships over the last 23 years, funded by contributions from commissary business partners and donations to the Fisher House Scholarships. 

Eligible applicants, unmarried military dependents under 23, can apply for 500 scholarship grants of $2,000 each for the academic year 2024-2025. The application deadline is February 14, 2024, and selections will be made by Scholarship Managers. Interested individuals can visit militaryscholar.org for program details and application requirements. If you know someone eligible, encourage them to apply and share the information within the military community (link).

💡 Resources & Tips

Disabled American Veterans, one of the largest veterans service organizations in the US, offers free medical transportation for veterans with a fleet of vehicles nationwide. The vans, driven by volunteers, help veterans needing transportation to medical facilities and are coordinated by more than 156 hospitals. They also have a hospital locator directory to find the nearest location (link).

Benefits of The Week

• 25% Off and Up to 4% Cash Back on Crocs: Crocs is a brand of casual footwear known for its clog-style design and renowned for its comfort. The shoes have become insanely popular in recent years for their comfort and versatility, wide range of styles, and collaborations.

The Best of The Week

• The Warrior Soul Podcast: The Warrior Soul Podcast is hosted by Chris Albert, a Marine Corps veteran and fitness professional. His podcast covers a wide range of topics, such as veterans’ issues, fitness, and personal development. He provides valuable and entertaining information for veterans or anyone else interested in improving their lives.

• Borne the Battle: The podcast, produced by the VA, is dedicated to sharing the stories of veterans and their challenges. It typically features interviews with veterans from different eras who discuss their service, civilian life transition, and community contributions. It also provides information on VA benefits, services, and resources.

• Veteran on the Move: Veteran on the Move is a podcast hosted by Joe Crane and focuses on interviews with successful veteran entrepreneurs. It aims to inspire veterans considering or having already begun an entrepreneurial journey. Guests typically share tips for success and what lessons they have learned. 

Meme of the Week

Hero of the Week: Sergeant Major John L. Canley

Sergeant Major John Lee Canley was born to a humble, working-class family in Caledonia, AK, on Dec. 20, 1937. He was raised in nearby El Dorado, AK, by his father, who worked at a chemical plant, and his mother, who managed a restaurant. He answered the call of duty at an early age, joining the United States Marine Corps when he was only 15 by using his brother’s paperwork to enter the service despite being underage. 

He served in both South Korea and Japan, where his exceptional integrity and outstanding performance quickly earned him the admiration of his superiors. His exemplary leadership skills led to his promotion to the rank of gunnery sergeant. In 1967, he was deployed to Vietnam and served with distinction in Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. 

During his initial year in Vietnam, he quickly became a legend among his fellow Marines. A defining moment occurred on December 15, 1967, during the Battle of Con Thien. In the midst of intense enemy fire, several Marines, including the company’s medic, were severely wounded. Gunny Canley demonstrated remarkable courage as he began evacuating wounded Marines, including moving them to the rear, away from enemy fire, to ensure their safety.

On the morning of Jan. 31, 1968, his company was loaded onto trucks and sent to reinforce United States and South Vietnamese forces who were under siege and trapped in Huế amid the Tet Offensive. As his company crossed a canal and walked into the outskirts of the city, Northern Vietnamese forces ambushed them from both sides of the road. The company’s captain was wounded, and Gunny Canley took command. 

While issuing commands, Gunny Canley demonstrated exceptional bravery by repeatedly risking his own life to carry numerous wounded Marines across fire-swept terrain to safety personally. His courageous actions ensured the well-being of his comrades and provided a significant morale boost to those around him who were facing heavy enemy fire. Canley motivated the Marines with challenging mantras like "Do you want to live forever?" instilling a sense of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

He continued to lead his Marines from the front and coordinated multiple attacks against entrenched enemy positions within the city’s suburbs while also continuing to carry wounded Marines to their safety. On Feb. 4th, he and one of his closest friends, Sergeant Alfredo Cantu Gonzales, would lead an attack on an enemy-occupied building. Sergeant Gonzales would be mortally wounded in combat, giving his life to help secure victory. 

Gunny Canley would not let his comrade perish in vain and would persist in ensuring that enemy positions were dealt with while carrying even more Marines to safety. On Feb. 6, during a battle at a hospital further inside the city, Gunny Canley scaled a wall in full view of enemy fire to carry additional Marines to safety. During this rescue attempt, he was wounded multiple twice.

Over this grueling first week of the Tet Offensive, Gunny Canley is credited with saving the lives of more than 20 Marines. Although Sergeant Gonzales was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during this period, Gunny Canley was not; instead, he was awarded the Navy Cross. 

Gunny Canley would continue to serve bravely and eventually reach the rank of sergeant major before retiring in 1981. Sergeant Major Canley never sought recognition for his actions as they were what he believed to be expectations of any Marine.

In Oct. of 2018, however, a concerted push by Marines who had served with Sergeant Major Canley to award him the Medal of Honor was successful, and President Donald J. Trump awarded Sergeant Major Canley the Medal of Honor. A few years later, on May 11, 2022, Sergeant Major Canley passed away in his daughter’s home after a battle with cancer.

Sergeant Major Canley is a prime example of the qualities every soldier should aspire to embody. His selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty played a pivotal role in advancing his company during one of the most brutal battles of the Vietnam War, ultimately saving the lives of numerous fellow Marines. Truly, he stands as an American hero.

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. 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

2. 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

3. 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