Military Order of The Purple Heart
Department of Illinois
Recipient Sponsor Purple Heart Awarded
Irma I. Cornier Grandfather Korea
Jennifer P. Duzinskas Husband OIF
Christina Finn Husband Vietnam
Katherine M. Leverich Grandfather WWII & EX-POW
Gabriella D. Tuminello Grandfather WWII & EX-POW
Nicholas L. Weiman Grandfather Korea
Each recipient will receive their $ 2,000 scholarship by Memorial Day 2013
Air Force Times
By Rick Maze
Congressional opposition continues to grow to a Pentagon decision to create a new medal for drone operators that ranks higher in precedence than the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Four senators – two Republicans and two Democrats – introduced a bill Wednesday that would prevent the new Distinguished Warfare Medal from ranking ahead of medals awarded for direct combat. It allows the Defense Department to go ahead with an award for extraordinary achievement in cyber warfare and for operators of unmanned aerial vehicles, but it would make certain the new medal ranks behind the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
The bill, S 470, is supported by the nation’s two largest veterans organizations, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Similar legislation was introduced Feb. 26 in the House of Representatives.
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, chief sponsor of the Senate bill, said he understands warfare is changing but medals earned on the battlefield are for those who have “made unparalleled sacrifices and deserve out everlasting respect.”
“The front lines of conflict are changing, but the folks who serve directly in the theater of war are at greater risk, and we should fully acknowledge the risks that their service brings,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which has heard complaints about the Pentagon decision from many veterans organizations.
Original cosponsors of the Senate bill include Republicans Dean Heller of Nevada and John Boozman of Arkansas and Democrat Joe Manchin III of West Virginia.
“The proposed ranking of Distinguished Warfare Medal above medals like the Purple Heart and Bronze Star blurs the line between the risk that is taken by those who are serving directly under enemy fire and those who are not,” Boozman said.
Heller said he recognizes that everyone in the service faces challenges and makes sacrifices, but what they face differs depending on their skills and duties. “In a world where the nature of war is ever-changing, this legislation allows service members to be recognized for their contributions while also preserving unique honors for those who have served on the battlefield,” Heller said.
Manchin said he supports the new award but not its ranking. “Awards earned in combat for heroism, patriotism and a commitment to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day should not rank below a medal earned in relative safety. Even though the standard practices of war are changing, the risks combat warriors face daily should meet the most renowned awards,” he said.
“While we acknowledge the important role that our drone pilots play on the modern-day battlefield and believe they should be recognized for their distinguished service, that recognition should be made in a manner that equates the nature of their service with the sacrifices of those who serve in combat zones, risking life and limb, under direct enemy fire,” Boozman said.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
5 March 2013
The Honorable Duncan D. Hunter
223 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Hunter:
On behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), I wish to thank you and your colleagues for introducing legislation, H.R. 833 that would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to reconsider the precedence of the Distinguished Warfare Medal.
While MOPH has no issue with DOD recognizing the contribution of those who assist in protecting America a safe distance away from the battle zone, it is unbelievable that DOD would even consider ranking this new award higher than other awards for valor or for wounds received on the battlefield.
As a combat veteran, you understand the difference between putting your life on the line day after day compared to performing your assigned, and important missions, far from the danger of actual combat.
Again thank you for your efforts and you may count on the total support of MOPH.
Yours in Patriotism,
Bruce G. McKenty
National Commander
The US Medal of Honor
Staff Sargent Clinton Romesha most Recent Medal of HONOR recipient
Francesca’s & Purple Heart celebrate George Washington’s Birthday
2/23/13 Luncheon with the Veterans from Hines VA Blind Center
The State of IL Military Order of The Purple Heart Veterans’ Organization is proud to partner with Francesca’s 95th Restaurant here in Oak Lawn IL to celebrate the birthday of President George Washington! President George Washington this Nation’s Founding Father, February 22, 1732. This would be his Two Hundred and Eighty First Birthday anniversary.
To celebrate this significant milestone the Department of IL MOPH is sponsoring a special luncheon opportunity for hungry supportive citizens to enjoy sumptuous entrees all while supporting the Purple Heart Veterans’ programs. To be exact, this get together is NOT a fundraiser. For further information please contact Daniel Finn: danfinn AT moph-il.org or (708) 837-4510 cell #.
Reserved seating cost will be $25 per person. The meal will include pizza appetizer, pasta side, chicken breast, choice of Non-Alcoholic beverage, and tiramisu dessert. Luncheon will be served promptly at 1:00pm with cash bar after Noon. ALL tickets must be Purchased by Valentine’s Day. A check written to MOPH Chapter 575, mailed to: 3400 W 111th PMB 494 Chicago, IL 60655. Your name will be placed on our confirmation list. NO late reservations or day off participation. * This event is open to anyone that may want to attend.
As of January 1, 2012 The State of IL has officially recognized August 7th as Purple Heart Day, decree signed by Governor Quinn. On August the seventh 1782, then General George Washington proclaimed: “The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward. Before this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander in chief accompanied with certificates from the Commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the Candidate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merit which will be kept at the orderly office. Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinels which officers are permitted to do. The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one.”
Francesca’s 95th 6248 W 95th Street Oak Lawn, IL (708) 598-7007 for restaurant
Patriot Eugene, following National Convention met with an unfortunate accident that left him in a coma on life support. Since then he has recovered to the point where he is mobile and breathing on his own. The healthcare team are in the process of reteaching him how to eat solid food. For three months our member was MIA. We sent the City of Chicago to his home after a couple of weeks of not hearing from him, which was not the norm since he would call Patriot Finn often. We were told by a neighbor he was taken by ambulance to have emergency treatment. His vehicle was towed from in front of his home. After phoning 40+ Hospitals and all the northern IL VA Facilities we still could not locate Eugene. Looking through an old obituary we found from his mother, we found his single family member. They had not spoken for forty years. He however knew of the location where his brother was being cared for. The state has assigned him a legal guardian.
Four months after the incident and just after finding out where Eugene resides, Our LAMOPH Sr Vice President State of IL and a Chapter OIF PH Veteran drove on a mission to visit with our friend. He did not recognize us, and spoke in jumbled sentences. However after receiving a Patriotic Pillow, he read “Thank You” on the card that was tucked within. He also too said the word VA! He was also presented with a Kenny’s Kaps since his injury caused TBI *Traumatic Brain Injury. A glimmer of Hope for possible recovery? This past Wednesday the LAMOPH member did deliver on behalf of the MOPH sweatpants, t-shirts, socks a hooded sweatshirt and slippers. Also too, to remind Eugene he is not alone a 16 x 20 poster was created of a group photo. A small photo book was also given to Eugene to look at hoping this may bring about remembrances. He was always into numbers so we will purchase for him an over sized calculator since his eye wear is no where to be found. I have requested the facility provide an eye examination, filling a corrective prescription for glasses to help him to feel less anxious. They knew NOT of his need for glasses, however every photo proved otherwise.
Please if you are a person of Faith, say a Prayer for our Dear Patriot whom is a devout Catholic. Thank You for your kindness and compassion to remember a Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart recipient especially now during the Holidays and into the New Year! We will continue to visit Eugene on a regular basis, and are attempting to have him transferred to a IL VA facility, so he may be with his brethren.
NEVER Leave a Man or Woman Behind……………..!
Our Nationally Certified Service Officer Jason Goldsmith, will be assisting us to address Eugene’s Veteran Administration benefit status. If you or someone you know is filing a claim with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and are in need of a Professional Service Officer? Jason can be reached at (708) 202-5904. Consultations and Service is free and by appointment only. Please call ahead for location, dates and times at either Jessie Brown Regional VA office Chicago, Edward Hines VA Maywood, James A Lovell, Federal Healthcare Center, North Chicago. Our NSOs service all Veterans from all Generations.
MOPH-IL Service Officer program, three convenient office locations
This year for Veterans Week at Lake Land College, daily events are planned to honor veterans of all ages. Activities will run from Sunday, Nov. 4 and will end on Friday Nov. 9.
“We have a lot of great activities planned for this year’s celebration and we hope to get as many community members, veterans and their families out to celebrate,” said Blake Leitch, AmeriCorps VISTA veteran support officer at Lake Land.
In honor of Veterans Day, 2,000 American flags will be lined down Lake Land Blvd. to campus. To volunteer to place flags along the boulevard on Sunday, Nov. 4 from noon to 2 p.m., contact Leitch at 217-234-5281.
• Monday, Nov. 5: Lake Land College Veterans Week Opening Ceremony with invited guest Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the Lake Land College Theater from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Refreshments will follow in Laker Point and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Moving Wall will also be on display in Laker Point from 9 a.m. to noon; Lake Land College provides assistance and enrollment certification for veterans who wish to use their benefits at Lake Land College. For more information on veteran programs at Lake Land College, visit:www.lakeland.cc.il.us/financialaid/veterans. For more information on Veterans Week activities, call or email Downs at the above contact information. ***********************************************************************
Thursday November 8th Triton College 11:00 A.M.
Monday November 12th Moraine Valley College 10:00 A.M. http://news.morainevalley.edu/Details.aspx?ItemID=727
******The Department of IL Military Order of the Purple Heart Organization reserves the right to NOT display the Movable Memorial Wall at any venue due to weather conditions or other unpredictable situations. There are *NO Fees charged for the Display of this Moving Tribute to The Fallen and their Families. The Order has total and complete decision of where and when the Memorial will be displayed for both logistical and appropriate Patriotic Community events. The Members and Leadership of the MOPH-IL are the care takers and protectors of this Memorial. Thank you for your interest to Pause, Reflect and Remember America’s Brave Service Men & Women that have Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice.
Midwest Veterans Homeless Shelter
Wheaton, IL & Chapter # 144 MOPH
This pic shows Sam Maggio, Ken Jacobs, Tex Tracy and Lou Celli, our 90 YO, donating $5,000 to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless vets. We Donated to them hem $7,500 last year, along with IL MOPH Support. Next year’s Goal is to provide additional funds. Those of you that are not coming to our fund raisers, you are missing a good time. We get to meet the public, we talk, we raise money. we all have a good time. Everyone had a relative in the service and I enjoy the respect we get at these functions. We have one coming up November 10th and 11th at the North Wheaton Jewel. We need people to step up, everything costs these days and luckily we don’t have a Vets’ Hall with a mortgage to maintain. Sam #144, Vets Helping Vets.
Tomas Lozada was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico on September 24, 1931. He was enlisted in the Army Infantry from September 1950 through September 1952. On March 3rd 2011 Korean War Veteran Tomas Lozada was awarded the Purple Heart. He was wounded in the Korean War during his tour on September 30th 1951. A grenade exploded in front of him and he suffered burns to his face and his right hand was damaged severely during combat. He went to Osaka hospital in Japan.
The doctors were able to restore his face, but his hand took a bit longer. It was going to be amputated, but he refused to have it removed and underwent long arduous therapeutic sessions with the medical staff.
In 1953 he married Josefina Aquino and together they would embark on quite a substantial ministry for over half a century. He also worked for the Human Resources Department for the City of Chicago during the 70s, and has always been involved with community activists, politicians, and other ministers in improving the welfare of many in the community.Now, he is 79 years of age and was awarded his long overdue medal after 59 years. He entered the Church of God denomination after he converted in the 50s, and is still heavily involved till today. With his Grand-daughter Irma Cornier *(now Ladies Auxiliary member’s) Support and determination, she was able to see her Grandfather bestowed with the Award he waited 60 yrs to receive! On behalf of the State of IL MOPH, Congratulations and welcome to The Order!
Patriot Tomas Lozada’s Purple Heart Ceremony, Chicago
911
As a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, each year since that tragic day, I have had many opportunities to consider and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001. With the possible exception of a few incidents at the onset of WWII, our homeland has been mercifully spared the physical scars of war. Yes, America’s sons and daughters have been asked to put themselves in harm’s way on many occasions since our Nation’s birth, but always in another land, and usually in an effort to prevent the genocide of another people or ethnic group.
But, the attacks on the World Trade Center twin towers, the Pentagon, and the intended attack on the US Capital Building on September 11, 2001, brought the war against international terrorism to our own shores. For those cowards who perpetrated this vile act, it was a miscalculated and grave mistake! Rather than achieving their objective to coerce
Another effect these cowards could never have calculated was that, for the first time since the Vietnam War, our nation was able to separate the War from the Warrior, and has coalesced America’s unwavering support for our young servicemen and women who are fighting to protect the very freedoms we all enjoy. In fact, many of these young military personnel are the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans, and we are committed to ensuring that they receive the support and encouragement of a grateful nation. In my position as National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, I come into contact daily, not only with those combat wounded veterans of earlier conflicts, but also with the brave young wounded warriors who have been physically and emotionally scarred while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan. I visit with them at Walter Reed, Bethesda and at the VA Polytrauma Centers. I am constantly amazed at their spirit, resilience, and commitment, despite their injuries, to the ideals that make our nation unique and worth fighting for.
Bruce McKenty, National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart
The Military Order of the Purple Heart is Pleased to be participating in Chicago’s first annual Family Fest. The order will be represented by a skilled group of 16″ softball athletes in a tournament comprised of some Ten Teams. Watch fpr follow up photos of those attending this unique Veteran Family Gathering!