RELEASE: Ohio House Passes Bill to Designate “Blue Star Mothers and Families Day”

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation honoring military families and their loved ones for the sacrifices they make for our nation. House Bill 242, sponsored by Reps. Christina Hagan (R-Alliance) and Jonathan Dever (R-Madeira), designates the fourth Sunday of July as “Blue Star Mothers and Families Day.”

The legislation was derived from the Blue Star Mothers of America organization, which has more than 6,000 members and 200 chapters across the country, with 15 chapters in Ohio alone. The non-profit is known for supporting patriotism and providing outreach to the mothers, stepmothers, and other maternal figures who have children serving in the military.

"I am honored to pass this bill on behalf of every Blue Star Mother and Family in House District 50. It is a special honor to recognize and celebrate the endless dedication and sacrifice that these mothers, families and active military servants make on behalf of all Ohioans and Americans,” said Rep. Hagan. “It is only fitting that we should take a day each year, specifically named in this bill to be the fourth Sunday of every July, to appreciate the history and contributions of such selfless servants, giving all to advance our freedoms and to allow us to raise our families without fear due to the time spent away from their own families."

Through the committee process, House Bill 242 was changed to include entire families of those who serve in the military rather than just mothers and other female guardians. Thus, under the legislation, the fourth Sunday of July would recognize all family members who sacrifice time with their loved ones while they serve our nation.

“Blue Star Mothers and families have gone above and beyond to honor our brave service men and women and they deserve our collective thanks and recognition,” said Rep. Dever.

House Bill 242 was passed unanimously by the House and will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Gov. Kasich Announces Retirement of Col. Thomas Moe

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today Governor John R. Kasich announced that Ohio Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Director Thomas N. Moe will retire on July 22 after 46 years serving his state and nation.

“Having Col. Moe serve on my Cabinet over the past two-and-a-half years has been an honor,” said Kasich. “I’m grateful to Col. Moe for stepping out of retirement at the beginning of my administration when I asked him to lead DVS. He is a true American hero and we were fortunate to have him on our team as long as we did. I wish him and his family all the best.”

Highlights of Moe’s tenure at DVS include his leadership in the governor’s efforts to help out-of-work veterans and veterans returning from active duty find meaningful employment and gain new access to health care.

In 1967, as a member of the U.S. Air Force, Moe was assigned to combat duty in Vietnam. In 1968, he was captured behind enemy lines and held as a POW for over five years. Following his rescue in 1973, Moe continued his service in the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in 1995. Moe has also served as a Military Studies Fellow at the Kroc Peace Institute, University of Notre Dame and the director of the Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Over the years, Moe has earned numerous awards and decorations for his military and public service, including two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He is a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.

St. Rep. Retherford Addresses Disabled Veterans

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton) recently spoke to members of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as they held their state convention in Columbus.

“It was an honor and privilege to speak to my fellow DAV members,” Rep. Retherford said. “Their organization has made great strides in helping veterans who were injured in service to their country, and I was pleased to play a role in their state convention.”

The mission of Disabled American Veterans is to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity, including advocating on their behalf, educating the public on their sacrifices, and ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them.

As a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps who was injured during training, Rep. Retherford continues to stay involved with issues regarding those who have served in the military.

ORP on SOTU

Statement:

COLUMBUS, OH- Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett released the following statement after President Obama's State of the Union Address.

"The President proved again tonight that talk is not cheap. He continues to spend money that our children will have to pay back and now - for the lack of a reasoned plan - he will give us random layoffs of government employees in Dayton, Cleveland, Mansfield and other Ohio communities. All this because he won't accept a Republican plan and neither he nor his fellow Democrats in the Senate will pass a competing plan. Democrat slogans on more taxes won't solve America's spending problem."

Special Ops Veterans Blast Obama’s Weapons Deal with the Muslim Brotherhood

Release:

Washington, DC –Today Larry Bailey, retired Navy SEAL Captain and co-Founder of Special Operations Speaks, released the following statement on President Obama’s decision to send 16 Block 52 F-16 “Fighting Falcon” fighter jets to Egypt. This is in addition to no less than 200 M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks. These weapons would give the Islamist government dramatically updated technological air and ground combat capabilities and an offensive military capability that could be used against our only true ally in the Middle east- Israel.

These modern US weapons are part of a package of military aid to Egypt that was concluded in 2010 with the previous Hosni Mubarak regime. The times and our relationship with Egypt have changed and not for the better. The Obama Administration is providing this aid package despite the dangerous change of government in Egypt, the current instability and violence, and the viciously anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric of President Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood from which he stems.

“President Morsi has made no qualms about his racist views towards Israel, his radical Islamist beliefs, or his willingness to impose dictatorial measures on Christians and the opposition party in Egypt. Yet for some reason Barack Obama thinks that giving Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies newer, highly advanced fighter jets and the most lethal of modern tanks on the battlefield will lead to stability in the region.

“This is liberal foreign policy at its most inept. President Morsi was recently quoted as saying, ‘Dear brothers, we must not forget to nurse our children and grandchildren on hatred towards those Zionists and Jews, and all those who support them. They must be nursed on hatred. The hatred must continue.’” Bailey said.

Morsi has referred to our Israeli allies as “blood-suckers … warmongers, the descendants of apes and pigs … We must all realize that resistance (read as “terrorism) is the only way to liberate the land of Palestine.” Last October, Morsi was also shown on Egyptian television fervent in prayer in a mosque as the cleric chanted, “Oh Allah, destroy the Jews and their supporters. Oh Allah, disperse them, rend them asunder. Oh Allah, demonstrate your might and greatness upon them. Show us your omnipotence, oh Lord.”

“If the United States of America endorses a man like this with a gift of our most modern weapons of war, what do we stand for? How can Israel ever believe they can count on our support in the future? And what message are we sending to other Islamists in the Muslim Brotherhood around the world who would like to see Israel extinguished and the United States left in the dustbin of history?

“It is the height of madness to give radical Islamists – who openly hate our allies – new and more powerful weapons with which they could potentially destroy them. Special Operations Speaks condemns the Obama Administration’s decision to follow through on the deal in the strongest terms, and urges all patriotic Americans to join us in demanding this deal stop before any more jets and tanks fall into the hands of extremists.”

Special Operations Speaks (SOS) is a nationwide organization led by highly decorated Special Operations (Special Forces, Air Commandos, SEALs, Rangers, Marine Recon) veterans. Among its stated goals is a commitment “to illuminate the failed operational security environment of the Administration and to provide the public with accurate information about these repeated releases of highly classified information. The group's website is www.specialoperationsspeaks.com.

Ohio House Expands Eligibility for Military Medal

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today the Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation to make changes to the qualifications and circumstances through which a service member would receive the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction. The medal was created during the 127th General Assembly to honor Ohioans who have died while serving their country.

House Bill 532, sponsored by State Representatives Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) and Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont), expands the ability of families of fallen soldiers to obtain the Military Medal of Distinction, which is available to fallen soldiers who are residents of Ohio or who are stationed in Ohio.

“The passage of this bill will allow us to continue honoring our fallen Ohio service members, and I’m pleased that it received so much support,” Representative Kozlowski said.

HB 532 specifies the process for preparing the medals and who is to be presented with it, as well as requiring that a joint convention of the General Assembly is held each year for the presentation. Furthermore, the legislation includes the ability of family members to request a duplicate medal under certain circumstances and creates the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction Fund.

“I’m pleased that the members of the House were willing to make these changes and update the portion of law dealing with the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction,” Representative Gonzales said. “Recognizing our service members who have died for their country with the Medal of Distinction is the least we can do to honor their sacrifice.”

Earlier this month, the General Assembly held a joint convention to present the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of 28 service members who died while serving their country in 2011. It was the third convention held for this purpose since the creation of the medal.

GUEST COLUMN: "Obama’s Defense Cuts Will Leave Lima Struggling"

BY: REP. BOB LATTA

During the vice presidential debate, Joe Biden said that more M1 Abrams tanks were no longer necessary. For people who live in Lima and work to make the tanks, Biden is saying the jobs they love and care about are no longer necessary.

President Obama’s looming defense cuts are threatening to devastate our national security and destroy jobs across the nation. In Lima alone, the President’s 2013 defense budget plan puts at jeopardy nearly 800 jobs, including thousands of jobs at small businesses. Under the President’s plan, General Dynamics, the company that manufacturers the tanks, would be forced to temporarily shut down and hand out hundreds of pink slips. To add insult to injury, the plant has already cut a number of well-paying jobs.

At a time when 23 million Americans across the country are struggling to find work, it’s unconscionable to kick more Lima workers to the unemployment line. Unfortunately, this course of action is unwise when we are trying to preserve our national security and jump start our economy.

The Lima plant tank is not only vital to the local economy but our country’s national security and military readiness. However, Joe Biden and Barack Obama don’t seem to understand this. If the tank plant isn’t saved, we risk losing a unique manufacturing skill set and perhaps most concerning is the way the world views us. When we make cuts to our defense we project weakness abroad.

Perhaps most concerning about the President’s reckless pursuit of disarmament is his commitment to pursue it at a time when disorder is on the rise abroad, particularly in the Middle East. Every day, Iran marches closer to a nuclear weapon, and in Syria, tens of thousands of innocents have been slaughtered by an oppressive regime.

Indeed, the world is a dangerous place. It’s quite clear that closing the doors to a plant here in Lima and cutting our defense at this critical moment is not the solution. They don’t seem to understand that when we make cuts to our defense that the President’s own Secretary of Defense characterized as “devastating,” we project weakness abroad.

I know the President hopes for a safer, freer, and a more prosperous Middle East allied with the United States. I share this hope. But hope is not a strategy. We cannot protect the United States and support our friends when our words are not backed up by deeds when our defense spending is being arbitrarily and deeply cut, when we have no trade agenda to speak of, and the perception of our strategy is not one of partnership, but of passivity.

And that’s why the contrast before the American people in this election could not be more important.

Mitt Romney will not weaken our nation’s defenses. He will reverse the President’s misguided cuts to our military. Instead of leading from behind, he’ll restore American leadership across the globe. And he’ll put America on a new course at time when we cannot afford four more years of the same failed policies.

We Won't Be Better Off with More Obama Here in Ohio: Defense Job Edition

From Team Romney, with actual facts and stuff....


At Wright Patterson AFB, 452 positions are targeted. In Mansfield, about 130 defense jobs. These are good paying jobs, which are vital to these economies. However, Obama doesn't care. he doesn't care about national defense. Look at how he kowtows to the Russians in negotiations, letting them have more nuclear weapons than we do and also giving up on an eastern europe defense shield.

Ultimate Sacrifice Earns Ultimate Snub from President

Imagine, folks, if George W. Bush sent fallen soldiers' families, especially Navy SEALS, who have been the edge of the spear for the last 12 years, condolence letters that were simply form letters with autopen signatures. You would hear the media screaming about how he really didn't care about the families, about how he just viewed the military as tools for taking back his Daddy's failures in Iraq, etc... But, where except on WMD and Drudge and Gateway Pundit do you hear that IN FACT we have a President in Barack Obama who is sending form letters with autopen signatures to the families of the best and brightest who have given the last full measure of their devotion under his command?
DISGUSTING....

From Gateway Pundit:

On August 6, 2011, 30 US service members were killed when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter they were being transported in crashed in Wardak province, Afghanistan. It was the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the decade-long war in Afghanistan. 17 members of the elite Navy SEALs were killed in the crash.

Yesterday, Karen and Billy Vaughn, parents of Aaron Carson Vaughn, spoke at the Defending the Defenders forum sponsored by the Tea Party Patriots outside the RNC Convention in Tampa. Karen brought a copy of the form letter they were sent following their son’s death.

It’s a form letter.

It was signed by an electric pen.

That’s not all.
Karen Vaughn reached out to the parents of the other SEALs killed in that crash.
Their letters were all the same.
Form letters – signed by an electric pen.

But, as the post notes, His The Oneness did take time out from golfing and campaigning and stealing from Medicare to write the family of rapper Heavy D a letter of condolence when he passed away....

So at least he has some priorites....just the wrong damn ones!

Senators Portman and Ayotte Sink Law Of The Sea Treaty

Release:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), ranking member on the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, sent a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in which they announced their opposition to Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Citing significant concerns about the breadth and ambiguity of the treaty, and more importantly, the risks to U.S. sovereignty due to issues regarding enforcement and adjudication, the two members of the Senate Armed Services Committee stated, “After careful consideration, we have concluded that on balance this treaty is not in the national interest of the United States. As a result, we would oppose the treaty if it were called up for a vote.”

Portman and Ayotte continued, “We simply are not persuaded that decisions by the International Seabed Authority and international tribunals empowered by this treaty will be more favorable to U.S. interests than bilateral negotiations, voluntary arbitration, and other traditional means of resolving maritime issues. No international organization owns the seas, and we are confident that our country will continue to protect its navigational freedom, valid territorial claims, and other maritime rights.”

Because the Constitution requires 67 affirmative votes for the Senate to ratify a treaty, and 31 senators have previously signed a letter in opposition and a 32nd senator announced his opposition, Portman and Ayotte’s announcement makes efforts to ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty dead in the water in this Congress.



The full text of the letter is below.



July 16, 2012


The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Mr. Leader:

Recently, there has been renewed interest in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a treaty completed in 1982 and modified in 1994. After careful consideration, we have concluded that on balance this treaty is not in the national interest of the United States. As a result, we would oppose the treaty if it were called up for a vote.

Proponents of the Law of the Sea treaty aspire to admirable goals, including codifying the U.S. Navy’s navigational rights and defining American economic interests in valuable offshore resources. But the treaty’s terms reach well beyond those good intentions. This agreement is striking in both the breadth of activities it regulates and the ambiguity of obligations it creates. Its 320 articles and over 200 pages establish a complex regulatory regime that applies to virtually any commercial or governmental activity related to the oceans — from seaborne shipping, to drug and weapon interdiction, to operating a manufacturing plant near a coastal waterway.[1]

The terms of the treaty are not only expansive, but often ill-defined. Article 194, for example, broadly requires nations to “take … all measures consistent with this Convention that are necessary to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from any source, using for this purpose the best practicable means at their disposal and in accordance with their capabilities.” Article 207 decrees that “[s]tates shall adopt laws and regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from land-based sources … taking into account internationally agreed rules.” Article 293 empowers tribunals to enforce not only the treaty provisions but also “other rules of international law not incompatible with [the treaty].” Because the treaty authorizes international legislative and judicial bodies to give shape and substance to these and other open-ended commitments, the United States would be binding itself to yet-unknown requirements and liabilities. That uncertainty alone is reason for caution.

The treaty’s breadth and ambiguity might be less troubling if there were adequate assurance that it will be enforced impartially and in a manner consistent with U.S. interests. But that is not so. The United States could block some but not all actions of the International Seabed Authority, a legislative body vested with significant power over more than half of the earth’s surface.[2] Further, the treaty’s judicial bodies are empowered to issue binding judgments even over U.S. objections. In some cases, the United States could elect to resolve disputes before a five-member arbitration tribunal, in which we would choose two arbitrators. But the United States would have no hand in selecting the decisive, fifth arbitrator, unless it could agree with the opposing party.[3] Other cases would be decided by the powerful International Tribunal, which is even less accountable to the United States. Comprised of 21 foreign judges with no guaranteed U.S. seat, the tribunal can resolve any dispute concerning interpretation of the treaty. It has compulsory jurisdiction over disputes concerning the seabed beyond national borders and power to grant preliminary injunctive relief whenever it deems necessary “to preserve the respective rights of the parties to the dispute or to prevent serious harm to the marine environment.”[4]

The method of executing tribunal judgments further concerns us. Unlike many international agreements, key provisions of the Law of the Sea treaty are drafted to be “self-executing,” meaning that certain tribunal judgments would automatically constitute enforceable federal law, without congressional legislation or meaningful review by our nation’s judiciary.[5] As Justice John Paul Stevens noted in a concurring opinion in Medellin v. Texas, the Law of the Sea treaty appears to “incorporate international judgments into domestic law” because it expressly provides that decisions of the tribunal “‘shall be enforceable in the territories of the States Parties in the same manner as judgments or orders of the highest court of the State Party in whose territory the enforcement is sought.’”[6] In other words, the treaty equates tribunal decisions with decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. This means that private litigants will likely be able to invoke tribunal judgments as enforceable in U.S. courts — against the government and possibly against U.S. businesses. The United States will have no lawful choice but to acquiesce to tribunal judgments, however burdensome or unfair.[7]

The treaty could also spawn international environmental tort claims directly against U.S. businesses and citizens. A federal law called the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) gives courts the power to hear “any civil action by an alien for a tort … committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.”[8] Remarkably, even though the U.S. has not yet ratified the Law of the Sea treaty, the treaty has already been invoked as a basis for ATS litigation targeting industrial activities. In a 2002 lawsuit brought by residents of Papua New Guinea against a mining corporation, a federal district court in California held that the plaintiffs had stated a valid ATS claim under the environmental provisions of the Law of the Sea treaty.[9] A panel of the Ninth Circuit agreed.[10] Accession to the treaty would only strengthen ATS claims like this 2002 lawsuit by transforming international environmental norms into a binding treaty obligation.

In short, we are deeply concerned about the treaty’s breadth and ambiguity, the inadequate U.S. input in the treaty’s adjudicative bodies, and the automatic enforcement of tribunal judgments in the United States. Against these risks to U.S. sovereignty, however, we have also carefully weighed the potential benefits of the treaty.

As members of the Armed Services Committee, we are mindful that the Defense Department believes this treaty would help secure the navigational freedom of our fleet. We take this recommendation seriously and recognize that the treaty would provide an additional tool to our diplomatic and military leaders in resolving maritime disputes. We also understand the commercial interests associated with treaty accession. Several U.S. businesses have explained that the treaty would enhance investment in energy development and mineral extraction by increasing certainty about ownership claims. Specifically, the treaty would codify rights to resources in the U.S. exclusive economic zone, the extended continental shelf, and the deep seabed. It would also give the United States a formal role in the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which is now reviewing claims by treaty members in the Arctic.

At the same time, even treaty proponents recognize that these provisions primarily clarify rights that the United States already possesses under customary international law and has other means of asserting. For example, the treaty’s 200-nautical-mile rule defining coastal states’ exclusive economic zones is consistent with longstanding U.S. claims.[11] Moreover, the United States has successfully used bilateral negotiations with Russia and Mexico to define claims to the extended continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic.[12] Similarly, the treaty’s navigational regimes reflect the current practices of the U.S. Navy, and we believe that our maritime interests are best secured by maintaining U.S. naval power beyond challenge.

The real issue is not whether the United States will defend its maritime rights, but rather who will have the final say on the scope of those rights. We simply are not persuaded that decisions by the International Seabed Authority and international tribunals empowered by this treaty will be more favorable to U.S. interests than bilateral negotiations, voluntary arbitration, and other traditional means of resolving maritime issues. No international organization owns the seas, and we are confident that our nation will continue to protect its navigational freedom, valid territorial claims, and other maritime rights.

On balance, we believe the treaty’s litigation exposure and impositions on U.S. sovereignty outweigh its potential benefits. For that reason, we cannot support the Law of the Sea treaty and would oppose its ratification.

Sincerely,


Rob Portman Kelly Ayotte

Ranking Member Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Emerging Subcommittee on Readiness
Threats and Capabilities, and Management Support

St. Rep. Bubp Introduces Legislation to Amend Military Hunting Laws

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union) recently introduced House Bill 562, which will allow an individual on active military duty, while on leave or furlough, to hunt deer or wild turkey without procuring a deer or wild turkey permit.

Under current Ohio law, an individual on active duty does not have to renew their hunting license in order to hunt. Representative Bubp says he wanted to take the law an additional step farther with the provisions of House Bill 562.

“An individual on active military duty should not have to procure a permit for hunting because they should not have to pay the cost of a license when they often able to hunt only small periods

“An individual on active military duty should not have to procure the cost of hunting permits when often they are unable to use the permit for the entire hunting season because they are called to duty. We need to support our soldiers as they fight for our freedoms”, said Representative Danny Bubp.

House Bill 562 has been assigned to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where it is awaiting its first hearing.

St. Reps. Dovilla and Landis Announce Passage of Legislation to Reform Veterans Services

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and State Representative Al Landis (R-Dover) today announced the passage of House Bill 490, legislation that will improve the state’s veteran services.

House Bill 490 enables county veteran service officers (CVSOs) to be certified and trained to immediately access to discharge forms (DD-214s), which are required for veterans to receive veteran benefits and medical services. Without CVSO access to these forms, it can take up to 280 days for them to be replaced by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

“It is our solemn obligation to ensure our veterans have ready access to the medical and educational benefits they have earned,” said Rep. Dovilla. “Our legislation underscores the state’s commitment to providing peace of mind to Ohio’s military families.”

In addition, House Bill 490 fulfills the Ohio GI Promise. The spouse or dependents of a veteran who is deceased, regardless of the location of the death, will be eligible for in-state tuition if they are living in Ohio on the first day of their enrollment.

“We have a responsibility to guarantee state and county agencies are able to serve Ohio’s veterans in efficient and effective manner,” said Rep. Landis. “I am confident H.B 490 will serve our current and future military members and their families and will fulfill our commitment to them.”

Additionally, this legislation will change the composition of the Department of Public Safety’s Veteran Advisory Committee. H.B. 490 adds a member of the National Guard Association of the United States. This addition ensures Ohio National Guardsmen and women are represented in the committee.

While under consideration, the Ohio Senate amended House Bill 405, sponsored by Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), into House Bill 490. House Bill 405 updates the Ohio Uniform Code of Military Justice and makes other related changes to the state’s veterans statutes.

House Bill 490 unanimously passed in the House and will now be sent to the Governor’s office.

Ohio House Passes Resolution Supporting Improved Medical Treatment for Military Service Members

Release: <blockquote>

COLUMBUS—Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 43, which urges Congress to appropriate funds for the telemedical diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in military service members and veterans at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

 

This resolution, sponsored by Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Representative Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights), aims to promote the use of better, more efficient technology in Veterans Affairs medical facilities. Many traumatic brain injuries suffered by military service members and veterans remain undiagnosed. This often occurs because many Veterans Affairs medical facilities lack the resources to offer sufficient access to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

 

“It is vitally important that we are offering the best medical care possible to our veterans and military service members,” said Rep. Johnson. “It is unacceptable that Veterans Affairs medical facilities are forced to operate while underfunded, therefore causing them to be unable to provide adequate medical care to some of our society’s most deserving members.”

 

This resolution urges Congress to appropriate funds toward the installation of video teleconference systems in 200 Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, which would provide military service members and veterans with timely and cost-effective access to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury.

</blockquote>

GUEST COLUMN: "Who Will Decorate Graves of Our Fallen Warriors?"

Rep. Jean Schmidt

By Rep. Jean Schmidt

Many of the graves of veterans in Southern Ohio are marked with American flags each year in observance of Memorial Day. In the past, such flags have usually been placed by veterans groups. But the ranks of some groups have been diminished as members became infirm with age or died themselves.

Veterans service commissions in most of the seven counties in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which I represent, remain committed to placing new flags on the graves of those who served our great nation in the military.

In Adams County and Clermont County, the veterans service commissions have contacted local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops as well as 4-H groups to request help with this task, I was told. It can qualify as a community service project for the youth groups.

The tradition of placing flags on the graves of our veterans is something that should be passed down from generation to generation. This small measure of respect shows thoughtfulness and compassion.

Most of us will never know the terrors of war, but almost everyone has been touched by someone in the military. Memorial Day began as a way to honor Union troops who died in the Civil War. Now, the last Monday in May is a national holiday on which we remember all of our fallen veterans.

You might want to call your local veterans service commission to see if you can help place flags. (In addition to Clermont and Adams, Warren County would appreciate having more volunteers, I was told. Some others, such as Hamilton County, aren’t currently seeking help.)

Some veterans service commissions provide flags, as well as the names and locations of cemeteries that have yet to be decorated. The graves of veterans are sometimes indicated by metal placards, and some graves might still be decorated with faded American flags from last year. Some veterans service commissions will take the old flags back for an official disposal ceremony.

While it is good and proper that this Memorial Day we salute those who have died, let us also remember the veterans we are blessed to still have among us.

For example, volunteers are sometimes needed to drive veterans who live in Adams County to the VA Medical Centers in Cincinnati or Chillicothe. Not all counties need drivers. In Clermont County, the Veterans Service Commission can arrange for a van to take veterans to their medical appointments, I was told.

Helping veterans is a great way to say thank you for their service to our country.

Veterans service commissions in Southern Ohio can help veterans obtain benefits to which they are entitled. Not all local commissions need volunteers, but some would appreciate help: Adams County, (937) 544-5005; Brown County, (937) 378-3155; Clermont County, (513) 732-7363; Hamilton County, (513) 946-3300; Pike County, (740) 947-2766; Scioto County, (740) 353-1477; Warren County, (513) 695-1363.

Ohio House Passes Bill Designating Memorial Highways

Releases:

COLUMBUS—Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has announced the unanimous House passage of Substitute House Bill 325, which designates 33 memorial highways, including the “Sergeant David Kreuter Memorial Highway” in Hamilton County, and authorizes that suitable markers be erected along each highway. House Bill 325 includes the designation of Interstate Route 75 running through Lucas, Wood, Hancock, Allen, Auglaize, Shelby, Miami, Montgomery, Warren, Butler and Hamilton counties as the “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail.” “This memorial highway designation honors the accomplishments and history of those brave African Americans who flew aircraft in the Army Air Corps during World War II, as well as the many others in maintenance and support staff,” said Speaker Batchelder. “These individuals helped to shape the course of our American history and overcome segregation that was so prevalent during the time.” [Also included in the bill is] the “Sergeant David Kreuter Memorial Highway” in Hamilton County. On August 3, 2005, Sergeant David Kreuter was killed while serving in Iraq while riding in an assault vehicle that was hit by an improvised device during combat operations. The commemorated highway will be designated on State Route 264 between the municipal corporation of Cleves and South Road within Hamilton County only. “Sergeant Kreuter was a true American hero, and I am honored to be able to recognize his service by renaming a portion of State Route 264,” said Representative Terhar. House Bill 325 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

They Fight On Behalf of the Country, Obama, not "On Your Behalf"

Mr. Obama has gone too far. Once again, the real imperial statist comes out when he speaks off the cuff in interviews away from his precious teleprompter and handlers. He thinks the military fight for him, not the country. That is disgusting. From the Weekly Standard:

In his ABC interview, the president pretended that his much touted “evolution” had now led him, ineluctably, to speak out now, today; he simply could longer stay silent. ABC let him off the hook, but this is not a credible account. In March, the Washington Post was reporting the debate among his advisers on whether the issue would help or hurt the reelection campaign and what, therefore, Obama should say: “Obama’s top political advisers have held serious discussions with leading Democrats about the upsides and downsides of coming out for gay marriage before the fall election.”

The same advisers told the Post that Obama would make the decision based on his gut, but that is an insulting way to refer to the vice president. There is no evidence that Obama planned to speak until Joe Biden said last weekend that he was for gay “marriage” and forced the issue.

Obama sent Biden out as a trial balloon. When NC went the way it did, and the far left backlash began, he had his move to make in his war on mainstream America.

Mr. Obama’s statement today is a marvel:

“I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I talked to friends and family and neighbors, when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together; when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that ‘don't ask, don't tell’ is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”

Did you just read that? this imperial emperor wannabe says the troops fight for him? No sir, they fight for the whole country, for every man woman and child. Not for just "your behalf." This self serving two faced triple talker says his positions has evolved. In fact, his strategy is one of desperation:

In fact, Obama has not “evolved”—he has changed his position whenever his political fortunes required him to do so. Running for the Illinois state senate from a trendy area of Chicago in 1996, he was for gay marriage. “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages,” he wrote in answer to a questionnaire back then. In 2004, he was running for the U.S. Senate and needed to appeal to voters statewide. So he evolved, and favored civil unions but opposed homosexual “marriage.” In 2008, running for president, he said, “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage.” Now in 2012, facing a tough reelection campaign where he needs energized supporters of gay “marriage” and has disappointed them with his refusal to give them his support, he is for it. To paraphrase John Kerry, he was for it before he was against it before he was for it again.

Talk about flip flops. Of course, I figured he was for gay marriage the first time I saw Michelle....Just putting it out there....

I love the way the Standard wraps it up:

But Mr. Obama actually did bare his soul unintentionally today (perhaps the Biden disease is catching) with his astonishing characterization of American fighting men and women, whom he referred to as “those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf.” Really?

Most Americans thought they were fighting for the country, not on Barack Obama’s behalf. Slip of the tongue, to be sure, but can one think of another president who’d have made it? They are fighting under his command, under his orders, to be sure, but this particular locution is offensive and solipsistic. Mr. Obama has switched his position on the sanctity of marriage back and forth and has a new one, again, today, revealed when politics made that advisable to him and to his campaign. Whether this is the end or he will “evolve” some more is anyone’s guess.

But let’s leave our soldiers out of this. They aren’t fighting for Mr. Obama and his campaign, and no one sent them out to risk their lives to win same sex “marriage.”

An egomaniacal, self serving hypocritical flip flopper who cares only for the perks of being the "preezy" and having his weekly concerts and biweekly vacations. Disgusting. A disgrace to the office not seen since Bill Clinton's monicagate.

Kasich Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Three Ohio National Guard Members Killed in Action in Afghanistan

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich ordered that flags at state facilities in Franklin County and at the Statehouse be flown at half-staff on Monday, April 9 in honor of Captain Nicholas Rozanski (Dublin), Sergeant First Class Shawn Hannon (Grove City), and Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Rieck (Columbus), Ohio National Guard members who were killed in action while serving our country in Afghanistan. Kasich issued the following statement:

“I’m saddened by the tragic loss of these soldiers and my family extends our prayers and deepest condolences to their families, friends and fellow Guard members. We also pray for the recovery of the four soldiers who were wounded during this attack. Our nation and the values we champion are made stronger by those with the courage to selflessly put their lives on the line for us. We honor these soldiers’ memory not only in our shared grief and by comforting their families, but also by doing all we can every day to make ourselves, our communities, our state and our nation worthy of their service and sacrifice.”

Ohio House Passes Legislation Honoring Vietnam Veterans

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Danny Bubp (R-Lake Waynoka) today applauded the Ohio House of Representatives’ passage of Senate Bill 134, which designates March 30th as “Vietnam Veterans’ Day” in honor of those who fought, died or are still unaccounted for in the Vietnam War.

S.B. 134 passed as an emergency measure because many Vietnam veterans have not received their full share of recognition for their service and sacrifices. Immediate enactment allows for commemorations on March 30, 2012 in recognition of the day when troops returned home to the United States from combat on March 30, 1973.

“I am honored to be able to finally recognize and say thanks to the men and women who served during the Vietnam War,” said Representative Bubp. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice during a difficult time in this nation’s history. Our thanks is long overdue.”

The legislation will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.

St. Rep. Terhar Announces Passage of Ohio War Orphans and National Guard Scholarship Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Lou Terhar (R-Green Township) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 280, which revises laws pertaining to the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship and the Ohio National Guard Scholarship.

House Bill 280 was introduced in order to address the funding reductions proposed in the executive budget. It authorizes the administrators of the National Guard and War Orphans scholarship programs to apply for, and receive and accept, grants, gifts, bequests, and contributions from public and private sources.

In addition, House Bill 280 qualifies for a War Orphans Scholarship the children of any deceased or severely wounded service members who participated in an operation for which the Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal was awarded.

“House Bill 280 is a common-sense piece of legislation that will continue to provide aid to members of our armed forces and their loved ones,” said Representative Terhar.

House Bill 280 passed by a vote of 91-0 and will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Congresswoman Schmidt Presents Medals to Local Veterans

Release:

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt recently presented medals to two Vietnam War veterans and the family of a deceased World War II veteran, who had requested her help in obtaining the commendations.

“The men earned these medals during their service with the U.S. military, and I was happy to help them obtain this long-overdue recognition,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “I offered my thanks and gratitude to them on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Recognized during a ceremony at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown were:

George William Morgan III of Ripley in Brown County, who received the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze campaign star attachment, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 device, the Driver & Mechanic Badge with driver bar, and the Expert Badge & Rifle Bar.

John Brockhoeft of Peebles in Adams County, a Navy veteran who received the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

The late A.J. Clark, whose family accepted on the Navy veteran’s behalf his World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver battle star and two bronze battle stars, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Discharge button, and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

Mr. Clark entered active duty in the Navy on Nov. 10, 1943. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 22, 1945. Mr. Clark served aboard the USS Denver and participated in at least five major conflicts with enemy forces throughout the Pacific. Accepting the medals on his behalf were his children, George Clark of Amelia in Clermont County, Mildred Partin of Batavia in Clermont County, and Jerry Clark of Aberdeen in Brown County.

Mr. Morgan was inducted into the Army on May 24, 1966. He was honorably discharged from active duty on May 23, 1968, and later from the reserve component on May 23, 1972. Mr. Morgan completed basic training at Fort Dix and received combat engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being shipped to Vietnam. Mr. Morgan was attached to Headquarters Company’s 18th Engineer Battalion and spent a year in Vietnam at various locations and in harm’s way.

Mr. Morgan and his wife, Janet, have one son. Mr. Morgan has been a full-time DJ on local radio stations since 1982. He currently holds down the fort at WAGX-FM (101.3) in Maysville, Ky.

Mr. Brockhoeft began serving in the Navy on Aug. 14, 1969, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 30, 1973. He was trained as an aviation maintenance administrator and was assigned to the USS Ranger with the 7th Fleet in the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Brockhoeft was attached to Attack Squadron 25 and in charge of production control, quality assurance, and data analysis.

Mr. Brockhoeft and his wife, Joanne, have nine children. He is a long-distance truck driver.