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We're Back By Diane Calfee, Chapel Lakes Branch Let me introduce myself. My name is Diane Calfee and I am an Air Force veteran who has been dedicated to veterans since my honorable discharge in 1976. I am currently an associate member of the Vietnam Veteran's Chapter of Broward County. I am a single mom who works at the Chapel Lakes Branch of the Hollywood Installation as a clerk. Politically, I have served as the head of veteran's issues for the local Reform Party. My heart and soul are with those who serve and have served the USA. I hope to address issues for and about veterans in this column. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions to help our veterans, you can contact me at 954-433-1269 or leave a message for me at the Union hall at 954-792-2161. POW/MIA Great news! In all of our Hollywood offices the POW/MIA flag is being flown daily instead of on just designated days. I am sorry we did not have it approved earlier. A small group of veterans wrote Hollywood's postmaster Ed Coppola, and he instructed all of the offices to fly the POW/MIA flag. We thank him for this honor. It was so heartwarming when we raised the two flags on that first day as myself and two other veterans had our own flag raising ceremony. The customers walking by not only approved but also stood and waited in honor until it was raised. All of you should write your postmasters and request that the two flags be flown at your office. As United States citizens, we owe so much to those who have and will protect our freedom. Incidentally, this was the first year that the POW/MIA flag was added to the Advancing of the Colors ceremony at the Memorial Day Service at Fred Hunters. We thank postal workers for that addition. What can I do? Have you asked yourself that question? After all the years of war and strife, most of us feel the need to help veterans. The next time you see or meet a veteran, shake his hand and thank him. Those two words mean more than you can imagine. Cal the DAV, Disabled American Veterans, at 859-441-7300, or Vietnam Veterans of America at 202-483-9222 to volunteer to help in some way locally. I promise it will make you feel great. Politics The monies allotted for our military diminished with the last president and so did a lot of veterans' benefits. Each state is now responsible for certain veteran monies. The federal government is no longer taking all the responsibility for distributing these funds. Each state budget must include more money for our veterans. Please write or call your representatives and the governor to remind them to "do the right thing" for the vets. See your steward or your APWU bulletin board for the names and addresses of your representatives. |
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