United We Roll at Stardust Radio

...a Veteran who was injured while protecting our freedom, will have
his freedom taken away as his disability pay is whittled down in divorce settlement...

We are seeing more and more of these cases as judges in courtrooms across our country rule that disability pay - payment for an injured service member that was intended to be protected by USC, Title 38, 5301 (found in Part IV, Chapter 53) - is up for grabs in divorce settlements. Now, on September 4th, a Veteran who honorably served this country and was injured while protecting our freedom, is having his freedom taken away and his disability pay whittled down in one such ruling. Below is just one press release on the case of Jerry Bohr of Ossian, Iowa. Sadly, he is not alone. As you will see, these Vets are not trying to avoid any responsibilities, they are only trying to protect the one part of their income that they earned with their health and that they need to survive, to try avoid becoming homeless as are so many other Vets.

YOU CAN HELP! PLEASE GET INVOLVED - SUPPORT OUR DISABLED VETS!
IN JERRY BOHR'S CASE, PLEASE CALL THE IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE WINNESHIEK COUNTY CLERK OF COURT'S OFFICE TO REGISTER YOUR DISAPPROVAL OF THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW USC, TITLE 38, 5301 TO PROTECT OUR INJURED VETS.
Iowa Governor Chet Culver - Office PH- (515) 281-5211
Winneshiek County Clerk, Iowa - Office PH - (563) 382-0603

For more information on Jerry Bohr’s case and others, check out the press release below and the OFFE2008.org section devoted to 5301 and the injured Vets who are losing their rights, their financial support and the roofs over their heads in courtrooms across our country.

How can we ask men and women to stand in harm's way, risk bodily harm, then take away what little pay they may receive to survive on for the rest of their disabled life?

In the words of George Washington ... "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceived veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."

http://jerebeery.com/Iowa%20State%20Veteran’s%20Service%20Officer%20to%20be%20Jailed.htm

For Immediate Release 77

August 19, 2010

Iowa State Veteran’s Service Officer to be Jailed

Jerry Bohr of Ossian Iowa is facing the dilemma of his life. Bohr has been ordered to report to jail on September 4th to begin serving a 30 day sentence for contempt of court. The sentence was handed down 2 weeks ago by Judge Richard D. Stochl, 1st Judicial District Court of Iowa, for noncompliance of a previous child support order. It is this previous order which has led to Bohr’s incarceration. Jerry Bohr refused to comply with his divorce settlement agreement which wrongly calculated his VA disability compensation into his divorce as ‘income’ and therefore a ‘divisible asset’. Bohr was found in contempt of court for not honoring the attachment of his veteran’s benefits to his divorce settlement, now Jerry Bohr is on his way to jail. According to Federal Code this practice by state court judges is a violation of the Federal laws which protect veteran’s benefits from the claim of creditors, from attachment, levy, or seizure by or under any legal or equitable process whatever, either before or after receipt by the beneficiary..

[Video Note:] KWQC TV6 (April 2009) News broadcast features Jerry Bohr and members of Operation Firing For Effect, the Veteran’s Advocacy Group. This video provides a thumbnail sketch of the OFFE organization and the 5301 issue in Iowa.
http://www.you3tube.com/watch?v=GJZS96P6dH8

If anyone should know something about the laws which govern the benefits earned by our men and women in uniform, it is those individuals who see and service our veterans on an every day basis. Jerry Bohr is a State of Iowa Veteran’s Service Officer with an office in Winneshiek County and many years of experience dealing with the needs of Iowa veterans. Bohr is very well versed in the laws and regulations contained within USC, Title 38, which is the Federal Code that regulates and protects the benefits and entitlements earned by our men and women in uniform after they are discharged from the military. Jerry Bohr is also an Honorably Discharged disabled U.S. Army veteran with a service connected VA disability rating. Between his VA disability compensation and his job with the state, Bohr has no other assets.

The disagreement between Judge Stochl and Jerry Bohr centers around USC, Title 38, 5301, which clearly states that veteran’s disability compensation is protected from attachment under any circumstances, and by/under any legal or equitable process whatsoever.

Unable to acquire an attorney willing to go up against the judge, Jerry Bohr was forced to represent himself in court. Although Bohr was well prepared and presented his case in a respectable manner, none of that would matter; the judge was not going to reverse him self. Bohr was ordered to serve 30 days in jail with work release, and then to add insult to injury, Judge Stochl ordered Bohr to pay all of his ex-spouse’s attorney’s fees. If Bohr doesn’t pay the court ordered support by the 30 days, he will be sentenced to another 30 days, or more, until he pays the court ordered support. According to Judge Stochl the federal law carries no weight in his courtroom and Jerry Bohr was merely attempting to hide behind a very old outdated federal law.

According to Operation Firing For Effect (OFFE), National Chairman, Gene Simes the judge got part of it right, 5301 is a very old law - which dates back to the founding of our nation. Unfortunately, civil courts across this nation are choosing to totally ignore our Forefather’s pledge to our combat disabled Patriots by finding slick and clever ways to distort and desecrate a Nation’s promise to her military forces. If indeed Federal law takes precedence over State law, then a majority of civil courts across the U.S.A. are in direct violation of federal code by forcing a disabled veteran to use his/her tax-free VA disability compensation as income to pay alimony, spousal support, child support, or to pay third party attorney fees, or face jail.

Jerry Bohr has never refused to pay child support. However, Bohr has states he will only pay the court order if the amount of support is calculated without the inclusion of his veteran’s benefits as income. Jerry Bohr is not a deadbeat father. Bohr shares custody of the Bohr’s two minor children and he sees his kids every other weekend at his expense. Jerry Bohr is very involved in the raising of his kids. He is an active parent and responsible father. Now, thanks to Judge Stochl, who has no respect for federal law, two weekends a month Jerry Bohr’s kids will not see their daddy because he is in jail. One can’t help but wonder what the kids on the school grounds will say?

Jerry Bohr is a valued member of OFFE and we will do everything in our power to get Jerry’s story out to the public. OFFE will be monitoring Jerry’s incarceration and case very closely. In fact, OFFE is following over 100 cases nationwide where disabled veterans have been unjustly stripped of their veteran’s benefits by civil courts judges. Jerry Bohr is the latest disabled veteran to be jailed over this issue. Jerry will be the 6th OFFE member to be jailed over this issue. Joseph Dziubak of Minnesota is facing a return to jail as well. Disabled veteran Charles Williams from San Antonio Texas was released from jail last week after paying the court order.

[Video Note:] KAAL, TV6 News (May 25, 2010), Albert Lea, Minnesota, Disabled Veteran Joseph Dziubak Goes to Jail. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QUqoJfyATg

‘AREA 5301’ is a web page created by Operation Firing For Effect devoted exclusively to the 5301 issue. Operation Firing For Effect is currently the only national organization addressing this issue. http://jerebeery.com/AREA%205301.htm

[Video Note:] WIBW TV13 News (August 2010) broadcast is the latest coverage of this issue. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyANu07a0u4 *

Jere Beery
OFFE National Public Relations Director
jerebeery@aol.com

*If you cannot view this video, go to http://wibw.videogenesis.net/watch?v=10856&ref=gr_related for the TV news version.

Thank you for your help and for staying up to date on this issue.

It is with too great of speed that we are saying goodbye to so many incredible men and women who have served our country from World War II to the present. In the air, on the ground, on the sea, in the medical units and even now in cyberspace as technology becomes bigger each day.

I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to David Brokaw, as he surely obtained the attention of millions of Americans when he came out with his first book, The Greatest Generation. I often think of the Heroes of that time period as the Silent Generation, as they kept so many of their stories to themselves, often not speaking of any memories unless perhaps with others who also served during that period. Otherwise, many kept their war memories in a place where they would not take their loved ones and kept it locked away inside. These are the Heroes who are slipping away from us now, too many without the acknowledgement that they so deserve.

The changes that have occurred over recent years have surely been a blessing for our military members and families. There is the technology that allows troops and loved ones to keep in close touch. And the internet that allows those who wish to share their thoughts to do so online with a journal or "blog", several that allow us to follow along with members on their deployments and other areas. The ability for us on Stardust Radio to talk with deployed members and share their experiences with our listeners each week is an incredible opportunity for so many Americans to learn so much about our Heroes of Freedom - what they do and who are these very special people. It never ceases to amaze me at the maturity, the dedication and the desire to give that these young Americans possess. Yet, I believe that this has been true of most all who have served. And I am so proud to see our nation reaching out to our Heroes today with words of thanks in person, in letters and in care packages.

Let us remember to keep that same momentum of gratitude going for all who have served. There are many ways to reach out to our Veterans, those who stood guard over our freedom long ago and those who have just shed their uniforms and ways also to help their families. The fighting continues on and that means our Wounded Warriors and their families need us, too. If this sounds like a lot to do on top of our other daily activities, it takes only a moment to realize that without these men and women who have given us the gift of freedom, we would not have the other daily activities.

If you need to pump your adrenalin a bit, just put on some of the music that is written and/or sung by Americans who really "get it". Just a few to mention out of so many ....
Darryl Worley and "POW 369" should hit home for all of us along with Dr Sam's beautiful song called "Before You Go". Michael Chain's "Spirit of the Free" and Lee Greenwood's "The Great Defenders", not to mention his outstanding song "God Bless The USA". For those like myself who also love music performed by tenors, there is an album by the Ten Tenors called "Here's To The Heroes" and the lead song of that same name will melt your heart. There are so very many beautiful and inspirational songs that are dedicated to our country and those who have kept her safe and free for the rest of us. Just browse the lists that are available online.

Turn off the TV or the news for a bit and listen to music that will awaken that part of your heart that is proud to be American and is ready to reach out to those who give us this gift of freedom. Tune in to Stardust for a great variety of music at www.stardustradio.com and click on the listen Live button. Pick up some patriotic poetry or reading to share with your family, even if only one poem is shared each night.

If you need one to start you off, here is a great poem by an unknown author.....

THANKS TO THE AMERICAN WARRIORS

From the colonist, who rebelled,
to the soldier of today,
My thanks, be to you,
I know not what else to say.

Since the words I do not have,
to give the tribute that is due,
So a simple heartfelt thanks,
sincerely I give to you.

Thanks to our American heroes,
whose devotion is second to none,
Whose courage and braveness alone
caused many battles to be won.

We have beaten the forces of evil
and carried our flag far and wide,
Because of our American Warriors,
our hearts are filled with pride,

Only because of you and the price
you willingly did pay,
Only because of you,
Old Glory still flies today!

Let us all appreciate our American heritage and those who have and who do protect it each and every day. Fly Old Glory from your home so that every Veteran who passes by will feel your thanks for their sacrifices. Make some time in your family schedule to get together and take a basket to a VA hospital or send a care package overseas, write out a couple of cards for a Vet and a deployed member. You will be surprised at how good you will feel and your thoughtfulness will mean more than you can know to those who receive your gifts.

Thank You!

May God Bless You All & May God Bless America

"Explosives Are An International Language" Is A Quote ....
....from the article posted below. This was written following a training session held by members of a deployed US EOD unit and members of a Kyrgyz military EOD unit. We took it one step farther when we talked with SSgt Kurt Abrahamson (interview to be played during United We Roll show on August 24th).
As we can all imagine, there are no takebacks if a mistake is made when dealing with live ordnance. Yet it appears that most EOD members are dedicated to their job and have no interest in leaving that field. Be sure to join us for our visit with SSgt Abrahamson who was also part of the training outlined in this article. Be sure to click on the link to see some great photos

U.S. donates bomb suits to Kyrgyz military EOD brethren

http://www.manas.afcent.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123216824

by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Buzanowski
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

8/8/2010 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- "It seems you understood what we will be doing tomorrow. Some of these sergeants here will be going and defusing some bombs. Thank you," said the Kyrgyzstan colonel. He smiled at the four explosive ordnance disposal bomb suits donated from the Air Force with help from the U.S. State Department Aug. 6, knowing they may help save the life of one of his soldiers in Osh.

Ziabek Beishebekovich Kamchibekov, chief of the engineering department, Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Defense, sent 14 EOD soldiers from two different military units to the Transit Center to learn about the Airmen's tools, tactics and techniques for five days. The suits were presented at the graduation ceremony.

The 376th Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD Flight has offered this type of training to the Ministry of Defense on three other occasions. "We used the same format we did for the March course," said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Schulte, EOD Flight chief, who said typical EOD deployments are six-month rotations. "For us the key thing was to be able to show them how to do something and then let them try it for themselves," said the former EOD instructor.

Another instructor said the camaraderie between EOD doesn't change because of the uniform that's worn. "I liked getting to know our EOD brothers, though we don't speak the same language they are just as crazy as we are," Staff Sgt. Ryan Prince who gave the initial in brief. "They were really knowledgeable. On the range translations weren't as important - explosives are an international language."

Other members echoed the sergeant's sentiments. "Meeting the guys and realizing that they're the same as us - they wanted to have fun, we had fun. I wasn't assigned a class so I was able to hop around from station to station," Senior Airman James Tucci, EOD Flight, who returned just in time being in Afghanistan's Maywand Province for seven weeks.

Among the most thought-provoking of the classes was how to move a suspicious package out of a building using rope, pulleys and different fasteners and then how to use an x-ray machine to diagnose the contents of a package and how the IED will function in order to render it safe. They also got to try different techniques that involve either shooting or setting off a counter-charge to help disrupt devices so they can be completely dismantled.

"This was my first time instructing so it was also a test of what I learned from my peers. I was able to teach the material well enough because the Kyrgyz were able to x-ray and identify the contents. I was nervous at first because I didn't know what their personalities would be. I do know that we would have been really good friends if we didn't have the language barrier between us," said Airman First Class Daniel Tubbs, EOD Flight.

Despite the language challenges, the training was well-received. "I've been to different courses in different countries but this is my first time working with the Americans," said Murbek Sergeevich Moldaliv, the class' ranking enlisted member and first-time Transit Center visitor.

"I'm enjoying the knowledge they are giving to us - we have the same objective," said Chief Sergeant Moldaliv speaking of the Americans. "Every person's life is important. Uzbekistani, Chinese, American - we're all humans. My duty is to protect my fatherland. I will never let my flag be stomped on by someone else, but my biggest objective is to have peace in the world. With the criminal element and terrorists my soul aches for them, but we can't ask why they do such horrible things," he said talking about the cowardly tactics of improvised explosives.

"I've used my skills in other countries, but in Kyrgyzstan I've not had to use them here yet," said Chief Sergeant Moldaliv.

At the end of the training, Colonel Kamchibekov thanked the Transit Center Airmen. "Thank you so much for this opportunity for our new generation of sergeants to observe and apply these skills. Now they are at the heart of the knowledge and experience, and now they have a better understanding of tools for disarming IEDs. Just like you, I hope we continue we have the same goals to protect our nations and our people. The best warrior isn't the one with the most equipment; the best warrior is the one with knowledge. It is my hope that my staff will apply this knowledge to peace," said Colonel Kamchibekov.

Sharing knowledge was a key theme of the training said Staff Sgt. Kurt Abrahamson, EOD instructor. "We've learned some things from them," he said pointing out Chief Moldaliv. "He's passed some knowledge on things they used to do with explosives and how they've made their own landmines. I've always enjoyed passing on knowledge - my belief knowledge isn't something to be held by one person. As EOD techs we're all brothers no matter what country or branch we are part of. Our overall goal with this was to give them ways of doing things safer and to demonstrate the tools we hope they'll have one day," said Sergeant Abrahamson.

The EOD Flight's professionalism was lauded by the Kyrgyz colonel. "Everything was done at a very high level by your personnel. I like the fact that everything had a safety brief. Instructions were followed to a T. Safety is so important especially for EOD. I think all the exercises were high quality and on a high level. I hope that my subordinates received all the knowledge you provided then and that it will stay with them for a while. I'm giving them the order to be proficient and to teach others. I look at my sergeants as future instructors. This is a first for most of my sergeants and some of them are here for a second time so for them my expectations are really high," said Colonel Kamchibekov.

At the after-action meeting with both countries' participants voiced their appreciation for one another.

"On behalf of my staff and both units, thank you for this course. This program was different because everything was from civil engineering practical exercise and everyone was able to put their hands-on and do it. I know we'd be able to disarm whatever was in front of us," said Maj. Islambek Arstanbekovich Koshkeev.

It's been just 19 years since their independence from Russia in 1991. The EOD technicians are still waiting on some equipment they need to do the job better and more safe. "I don't want you to think of us as guys asking for help, but Kyrgyzstan is a young nation," said Major Koshkeev.

The 376th CES commander, Lt. Col. Thomas Bongiovi, reciprocated the same thoughts on behalf of Americans. "We ask more of you than you ask of us. We've been asking of your help because of what we are doing in Afghanistan. We've asked for you to let us stay here in your country. We ask for you to keep us safe and to protect us, so I hope you don't think of us Americans as always asking."

EOD instructors offered their feedback as well. "In the short time you were here your aptitude was very high and you learned very quickly and I myself was impressed," said Staff Sgt James Bennett, EOD instructor.

Sergeant Schulte added on behalf of all of the EOD instructors their appreciation for their Kygyrz counterparts. "It was a pleasure and honor to do this with you guys - and next time you come to Manas we'll do it all again but you'll be showing us your tactics and techniques," said Sergeant Schulte.

During training, EOD technicians needed the help of three translators to communicate.

"I love everything new," said Staff Sgt. Yevgniy Maksimov, who said that some of the technical information was difficult to translate. "The EOD technicians were very good about substituting words and explaining things simply. It was completely new to me because I've never had to work with EOD before."

With the cultural differences, Sergeant Maksimov said that to interpret a one-sentence joke would sometimes take three times that in order to explain the punch line. The sergeant also thanks his Kyrgyz partners, Nurilya and Meerim, who helped translate during the week. "These ladies are civilians and haven't been around very many military weapons or anything that could be considered dangerous. They were out of their comfort zone, but were very courageous - if they were at all nervous they didn't' show it. Also, it was incredible for me to find out how brave of professionals the EOD guys are. Their job deals with potentially facing death and the fact they understand the responsibility and want to save and protect other troops is amazing."

Also impressed by EOD's professionalism was Senior Airman Christopher Perry, security escort volunteer, who said he gained a greater appreciation for both the countries' EOD technicians. "So much so, I'm considering cross training into EOD."

Although the training was only five days, the American EOD instructors made a lasting impression, said Chief Sergeant Moldaliv. "Great guys. All of them. Our kind of homeboys."

United We Roll World Tour Show
Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com
Tuesday 8/24/10 2:00pm – 4:00pm Central (Live)
Wednesday 8/25/10 6:30pm – 8:30pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners and thank you for joining us on United We Roll this Tuesday, the 24th day of August, 2010 as we take time to honor those who serve our country and who protect our freedom!!

For those of you who listen to us on a regular basis, you are probably aware that we have been speaking each week for some time with members from a variety of duties and units within the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. In fact, our third guest today is with this unit. This brigade will also be in place for the September 1st changeover from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn. You can learn even more about the 1HBCT, 3ID by following them on their Facebook page. The Facebook link is www.facebook.com/1HBCT.3ID . Just click on Like button to link to them. By the way, there is a challenge among a couple of the Brigade members as to how many people will link to them. Let's really WOW them with attention!

For more news and articles on current happenings, please visit our United We Roll sites at:
Stardust Radio – www.stardustradio.com
Stardust Radio Show Archive (MP3 Copies of Past Shows) – www.stardustradio.info
United We Roll Blog – http://stardustradio.info/b2evolution/blog1.php?blog=1
United We Roll Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/UnitedWeRoll
Twitter – www.tweeter.com/JudiBUSA

During our show on August 24th, we will have three great visits with 3 deployed guests who are currently serving in Iraq and Kyrgzystan. The show will stay within our normal 2 hour period, ending at 4:00pm CDT. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the show this afternoon, it will repeat again tomorrow evening, Wednesday, August 25th at 6:30pm Central. In addition, an MP3 copy will be placed on our show archive site for listening and downloading after the shows have been broadcast. You can reach our archive site directly at www.stardustradio.info or on the United We Roll page at www.stardustradio.com.

(2:08pm) During our first visit today, we will be talking with Air Force SSG Kurt Abrahamson, who is currently on deployment with the 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight. We will also have an article about a training session held by American EOD members for members of a Kyrgysstan Army EOD unit. This is a great visit with a very dedicated airman. We will have an article about the training session in our UWR blog as a follow-up.

(2:44pm) Our second visit will be with A1C Jamar Howard, who volunteered for this deployment with the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Although A1C Howard works with a different plane at his home base, he is currently working with the Predator program. This visit with the grandson of the first American to hit boots on the ground in Europe in WWII is not only informational, it is also quite inspirational. .

(3:21) Our third and final visit for today is with Army SSG Miguel Abisaab, who is in his 8th month of deployment with Alpha Battery 1 - 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division. SSG Abisaab is tasked as an NCO Liaison Officer for the Brigade and Battalion offices. This 18 year Veteran, who enjoys a good soccer game with fellow soldiers, brings us a wealth of information and a truly great visit. Don't forget to link to the Facebook page for SSG Abisaab's unit at www.facebook.com/1HBCT.3ID.

We would like to thank some folks without whom these visits would not be possible. Our deepest appreciation goes to TSG Jennifer Buzanowski, MSgt Mike Hamill and Maj Vinston Porter.

Ladies & Gentlemen, we wish to thank all of you for joining us today and we hope that you will be with us again next week when we will have more great visits from our Heroes of Freedom.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our military members, families, Veterans and to all of our first responders & their families - everyone who puts their lives on hold and on the line for us and our families.

We would like to remind anyone who is interested in health and legislative issues that affect those who protect our freedom to tune in to our other broadcasts – OFFE with Gene Simes and Jere Berry at 8pm Central on Tuesday nights and also with Rick Townsend and Firebase Network Sundays at 6:00pm Central.

May you all have a good and safe week.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!