Second Infantry

Strangers asking questions

Bill Sly — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:29:45 GMT

Yesterday I received an Email from a total stranger who asked if I could find any one that knew a particular Veteran from the 1/2 in 1969. He said that he had seen a blark scarf on this man's wall in his work shop.

Do we have any "rules" regarding answering such requests? Thanx

Where I've been

BCC — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:19:33 GMT

Been away for awhile guys.

I was inpatient at the VAMC West Roxbury for 8 days, getting out last Tueasday, a week ago with a bit of Congestive Heart Failure.

So far, all treatments with medications and diet (do you know how many products, including Jello, have salt in them???)

In the future there will probably be med adjustments, possibly including heavier duty mends.

I was also over hydrated, 268 lbs at check in, 242 (and still swollen feet ankles and legs 8 days later at check out.)

Difficult walking, as I wsn't using the legs much and they gave me no rehab.

Easy to read posts, harder to concentrate and reply.

BCC

Happy Halloween

Tom Copeland — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:10:30 GMT

TIC-TAC-TOE

YOU GOTTA TRY THIS AT LEAST ONCE!!!!! IT'S GREAT.

Click HERE

whats up ladies!

jon davis — Thur, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:38 GMT

does anyone remember an issue of soldier of fortune in 1997-98 with 2-2 inf on the cover for the Brko riots in bosnia or am i crazy???? and if so were the hell can i get a copy of it!

Troops to be Compensated for 'Stop Loss'

Tom Copeland — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:03:58 GMT

Good news for our brothers in arms recently, or currently, serving in the Armed Forces!

Read the entire article on the web site below.

The Defense Department will implement a new program this week to compensate former and current servicemembers for each month they involuntarily served from Sept. 11, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2009, a defense official said.

Congress approved an appropriation bill last summer, giving the department $534 million over the next year for an estimated 185,000 servicemembers affected by the Stop Loss authority since 9/11, said Sam Retherford, director for the departments officer and enlisted personnel management office.

http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/troops-to-be-compesated-for-stop-loss.html?ESRC=army.nl

1-2 Black Scarves Returning From Iraq

Tom Copeland — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:13:21 GMT

Attached is a number of emails concerning the return of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, Black Scarves, from Iraq to Germany.

I have been trying to get more information on exact dates for the return of the troops but as you can see from these emails that is not possible.

Anyone wishing to attend any of the Welcome Home celebrations should contact CPT. Josh Buchanan. His contact info is listed at the end of this email.

Tom

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<0>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Tom Copeland

Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 5:15 PM

To: CSM Noe Salinas; MAJ John Best; Cpt. Josh Buchanan; LTC Steven Miska

Subject: Redeployment

Sirs,

Can you give me any additional information on your move back to Germany. We may have members in Germany who would like to welcome the soldiers home.

Tom

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: Miska, Steven M LTC USA TF 1-2 IN TF CDR
Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 9:14 PM
To: Tom Copeland; Salinas, Noe R CSM MIL USA; best, john A MAJ MIL USA; Buchanan, Joshua D CPT MIL USA

Subject: RE: Redeployment

Tom,

Josh Buchanan will have the best read on the redeployment from the Schweinfurt side. We go through a notification procedure based upon flight availability. If you have someone in the area, he can contact them as part of our family notification process. They will get an early warning about 24 hours prior. Once the plane is on the ground the families receive a call letting them know that the soldiers should be at the welcome home ceremony about five to six hours from the time of notification. If that works for you, Josh can add your regimental members to the notification process.

Steve

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: "Best, John A MAJ MIL USA USAREUR 7A

Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:12:25

Sir,

ADVON is currently back. Without disclosing the exact dates, I can say that the first main body will be home +/- 2 days from Halloween. The next group will cycle home every 4-5 days thereafter. We will all be home before Thanksgiving.

MAJ Best

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From: "Buchanan, Joshua D CPT MIL USA" Subject: RE: Redeployment Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Sir,

It would be my pleasure to contact any regimental association members that wish to attend the reception ceremony events in Schweinfurt. I've attached a "notification procedures" slide that we've distributed to our Black Scarves Families here. It describes very simply the two phone calls that are made to a Spouse/Family Member during a Soldier's redeployment from Kuwait to Germany.

Please feel free to have any members that desire to do so contact me at one of the numbers below or via email. If they would like to be, the team can add these regimental members to the notification process.

Thank you.

Josh

CPT Joshua D. Buchanan

D Company Commander, "Sentinels!"

1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment

DSN 314-353-8192

CIV 011-49-(0)9721-96-8192

CELL 0162-272-0689

joshua.d.buchanan@eur.army.mil

joshua.d.buchanan@eur.army.smil.mil

vets day

joe foy — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:56:48 GMT

i go to my grandkids school on the tenth, and often go to where two of my daughters teach on memorial day, of course i go in full uniform yes the original shrunk, i did have to get another set. the kids ask about the uniform mostly. but i do get other type question. i think it is good for the kid with a one on one.the principle at my girls school is a vet boat kid and he tells them about the GI he knew. i would suggest you check with your local school. uniorm is not required but breaks the ice. think about it joe

DD214 and Social Security Benefits

Tom Copeland — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:59:22 GMT

I received this info in an email last week and thought I would pass it along. It is worth checking into. One vet told me it got him an extra $28.00 per month on his Social Security check. When I took it to the SS Office yesterday I was told that my DD214 was already entered but he couldn't tell me how much extra benefit it added for me.

Tom

DD FORM 214 -- SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT Please share this with anyone who's had active duty service prior to January 2002 and planning for retirement. In a nutshell it boils down to this: You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your military service, for active duty any time from 1940 through 2001 (the program was done away with in January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office - and you must ask for this benefit to receive it!

Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm

This is something to put in your files for when you apply for Social Security down the road. It is NOT just for retirees, BUT anyone who has served on active duty prior to January 2002.

FYI - this benefit is not automatic, you must ask for it!

We've all been on active duty between 1940 and 2001!

Passing on good information for all you military folks when you apply for social security. I know this may be too early for some of you to think about social security but, keep living and you will reach that age.

WAY TO GO PRES.

Goodaim — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:38:25 GMT

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:17:00 -0500

Obama Signs Veterans Health Care Legislation

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2009 - President Barack Obama signed new legislation today that creates predictable funding for veterans' health care.

The Veterans Healthcare Reform and Transparency Act fundamentally changes how the Department of Veterans Affairs receive health care funding. The reform calls for appropriations a year in advance after more than two decades of regular budget delays, Obama said from the White House East Room.

"Over the past two decades, the VA budget has been late almost every year, often by months," the president said. "At this very moment, the VA is operating without a budget, making it harder for VA medical centers and clinics to deliver the care our vets need."

Obama said that because of budget shortfalls, new doctors, nurses and critical staff aren't hired on time. New health care facilities and programs often are put on hold, leaving veterans to pay the price for the government's neglect, he said.

"This is inexcusable. It's unacceptable. It's time for it to stop," he said. "And that's just what we'll do with this landmark legislation."

The law gives VA more funding predictability so officials can better budget their needs, recruit better-trained professionals and upgrade equipment. Mostly, Obama said, the law gives veterans better access to quality care.

"In short, this is common-sense reform," he said. "It promotes accountability at the VA. It ensures oversight by Congress. It is fiscally responsible by not adding a dime to the deficit, and it ensures that veterans' health care will no longer be held hostage to the annual budget battles in Washington.

"Keeping faith with our veterans is work that is never truly done," he continued. "Today's veterans expect and deserve the highest quality care, as will tomorrow's veterans, especially our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Obama pledged his administration would continue in efforts to build a 21st-century VA. Since he's taken office, the White House, VA and Pentagon have been working to "cut the red tape and backlogs," he said.

He noted the administration has invested in mobile clinics to give veterans in rural areas better access, and cited the VA and Pentagon's work to develop a single health care record for servicemembers to make their transition out of the military a simpler process.

Obama also vowed to end homelessness among veterans and praised the success of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which offers qualified veterans better opportunities to attain higher education and training.

"All told, we have made the biggest commitment to veterans, the largest percentage increase in the VA budget in more than 30 years," he said. "As a nation, we'll pledge to fulfill our responsibilities to our veterans, because our commitment to our veterans is a sacred trust, and upholding that trust is a moral obligation."

Related Sites:

Can"t wait for you righties to moan and groon over this one

Goodaim

A Company Commander's Name

John Venn — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:17:22 GMT

What was the name of the A Company Commander's name who was killed the first part of 1967? He was killed (along with a few others) by a claymore. I remember the incident but cannot remember his name.

John

The Order of St Maurice Award.

The Saint — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:54:21 GMT

I woulkd like to be the first one to congratulate Dominic Mish and his wife Diane.

Dominic was awarded the Order of St Maurice by the National Infantry Association last month, he was awarded at the CIVIS level, and Diane was awarded the Shield of Sparta.

The medallions will be formally presented to them at the Pigeon Forge reunion next May.

Dom, Job well done. Bro.

Sec Inf Newsletter

O.O.O. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:15:18 GMT

I received an email of the newsletter a couple of days ago. It was accompanied by a request for people to either join or renew their membership.

Here's the problem:

Awhile back I was going to do just that, mainly because I jump on the board here now and then and figured that it is only right that I contribute a little something to offset the costs of running the site. However, unless things have changed, there was no option for being an associate member. And because I was a much higher class than the infantry (check fire! check fire! just kidding!) there was no box to check or line to fill out that would properly fit my not-so-unique status.

Did I just misread the application and how does one get around the red tape?

By the way, the newsletter was pretty doggone good - first one from the 2nd I've ver seen.

Recent Va update

Fred Burgan — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:15:08 GMT

I just received this from my local DAV chaplain, thought I'd pass it along.

Washington, D.C. ? House Veterans? Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) released the following statement in response to Secretary Shinseki?s decision
to establish a service-connection for Vietnam veterans with three specific illnesses (B cell leukemias, Parkinson?s disease, and ischemic heart disease)
based on evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to as Agent Orange:

?I am happy that Secretary Shinseki has reviewed the overwhelming evidence of an association between exposure to Agent Orange and certain illnesses ? and
decided to make it easier for thousands of veterans to receive the benefits and health care treatment they earned while serving this country in uniform.
Strong evidence has existed for decades to make the association link between exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange and veterans who suffer from health
problems. I am pleased that VA now recognizes B cell leukemias, Parkinson?s disease, and ischemic heart disease as ?presumed service-connected illnesses.
As a result, veterans no longer will have to prove an association between these illnesses and their military service.

?I understand that this decision comes too late for too many. I know that other illnesses continue to affect Vietnam veterans that VA does not recognize
as being caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Time is of the essence for many Vietnam veterans currently suffering from illness as a result of their service.

?Today?s announcement, however, is an important first step towards addressing the immediate needs of our veterans. This is a start into fixing the claims
backlog and ensuring veterans have access to the care they earned. We must do more to keep the promises made to our Nation?s heroes of the past, present,
and future.?

For those veterans who served in Vietnam and know of fellow veterans who might have suffered from one of these three conditions, they should file claim
for Veterans

VETERANS DAY

DOMINIC MISH — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:16:45 GMT

NOVEMBER 11 ALL DAY FREE DINNER / LUNCH FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY. CHECK IT OUT AT http://www.applebees.com/vetsday

GOLDEN CORRAL HAS THEIRS ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 16

H. CLINTON S--K OF STATE

DUCK — Thur, 15 Oct 2009 13:36:50 GMT

GEE YESTERDAY I HEARD THAT CLINTON WAS GOING TO GIVE THE RUSSIANS THE LOCATION OF ARE NUKE PLANTS; HAS ANYONE ELSE HEARD ABOUT THIS? I KNOW SHE WAS JUST IN RUSSIA AND GOT NOTHING ONCE AGAIN ON IRAN. MAYBE "PUTIN" GAVE HER THE OLD KGB CARROT. THESE LEADER NEED TO GET THERE HEADS OUT OF THERE ASS. IF WE DON'T KEEP ARE SUPER POWER THIS PLACE WILL GO DOWN IN FLAMES.
1. WHO LIKES US 2. WHO DOES NOT LIKE US

ALMOST EVERY COUNTY WANTS ARE ASS/ WHAT COLUMN WOULD FILL UP FIRST? EVERY COUNTY THAT WE BUY OIL FROM DOES NOT LIKE US. THAT GOES FROM THE RAGE HEADS TO CHAVEZ. BUT ARE LEADERS WILL NOT DRILL FOR ARE OWN OIL.A QUESTION YOU TO ASK YOUR LEADERS.
GOD BLESS THE USA AND HELL WITH THE LEADERS THEY NEED TO GO
FROM MCCAIN TO LINDSY GRAHAM WE NEED CONVS IN THE LEADERSHIP FROM THE GOP/ THESE TWO GUYS ARE THE WRONG MOUTH PIECES. THEY NEED TO GO TO DEM'S THEY SIDE WITH THEM ENOGUH. SO GUYS HAVE A NICE DAY