A day set to honor American heroes
By Melissa Brownrigg
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mbrownrigg@osceolaiowa.com
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| AMERICAN PRIDE: Veterans Day was observed on Wednesday around the nation. The Avenue of Flags was set up Nov. 10 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola to mark the event. This year, American Legion assembled 225 flags. (S-T File Photo) |
They sacrifice for our country. They dedicate their time, sometimes giving their lives, to keep American values alive. And every year, we dedicate a day to them.
Veterans’ Day will be celebrated nationwide Wednesday, Nov. 11. Many area schools are holding events to honor those who served.
Freedom Rock artist Bubba Sorensen will make a presentation for students and veterans at Murray Community School. Sorensen paints the rock just north of Greenfield every Memorial Day as a way to thank veterans for their service. The scenes depict soldiers fighting for what Americans sometimes take for granted – freedom.
Murray preschool teacher Gerry Gilbert said Sorensen typically charges a fee for presentations, but is accepting whatever the school raises in pop can funds. Every class and homeroom is competing to raise the most money for Sorensen’s visit.
At Clarke Community High School, American Legion will put on their annual program at 10:45 a.m. American Legion member Dave Gorsline said the first goal of the program is to honor the veterans, but it is also used to educate students about veterans’ service to the country.
“The program really gives the veterans a boost,” he said. “We also use it as a tool to promote patriotism. It’s a chance for the students to recognize the veterans and it lets the veterans know their service means something to [the students].”
In addition to their regular program, representatives from Casey’s General Store and Hy-Vee will be honored for their contributions to the honor flight for World War II veterans.
As usual, flags will be posted at Maple Hill Cemetery on Nov. 10 and removed Nov. 12.
“I think the community feels a sense of pride when they see the flags,” Gosline said. “It’s a pretty sight.”
Every flag is donated in honor of a veteran. It takes almost two hours to post all the flags.
While the community sets aside a day to honor veterans, Veteran Affairs offices are committed year round to giving veterans the help they need.
A new law that went into effect July 1 makes it mandatory for each county to have a veterans office and staffed by at least one employee. Gov. Chet Culver signed the bill in May 2008.
“With the increased sacrifices made by Iowans fighting abroad, it is fitting that each county in Iowa be an access point for state and federal benefits,” Culver said. “This will help us serve those who give so much for our state and nation.”
County veteran offices assist with providing rent and utility assistance and help veterans apply for state and federal benefits.
Clarke County Veterans’ Affairs Administrator Peggy Cummings is constantly researching to ensure veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to.
“You always have to keep up,” she said. “The benefits are always changing, so if you don’t keep up, veterans could miss out on possible benefits.”
One recent change extended “Agent Orange” benefits to more Vietnam veterans on Oct. 13. “Agent Orange” is the code name for a herbicide used in the Vietnam War to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy.
Department of Veterans Affairs now recognizes three additional diseases that are connected to the herbicide. If eligible, veterans can receive compensation for being exposed to it.
The department offers the tax-free compensation to veterans for various diseases that are a result or made worse by service. The amount ranges from $123 to $2,673 per month.
Since Cummings started in 2005, compensation and pension benefits received by Clarke County veterans have increased by $623,000. Medical benefits also raised by $724,000.
“My goal was to get above the Iowa and national average, and I did that,” she said.
In 2008, Clarke County was ranked 5 out of the 99 counties with the highest average of benefits.
Even with an increase in benefits received, Cummings is still worried not all veterans in the county are taking advantage of the programs offered.
Over 750 veterans live in the county, but only 283 people filed for federal benefits and 123 applied for county assistance in 2008.
Cummings’ office also offers free transportation to veterans who can’t drive themselves to doctor appointments. Cummings said some veterans weren’t going to their regular doctor appointments because they didn’t have a way to there.
“It takes some worry off [the veterans’ minds],” Cummings said. “This way, they get dropped off at the door and picked up at the door.”
Currently, 11 volunteers help with this service and 33 veterans use the van.
Cummings said veterans sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve, so Veterans’ Day can help raise awareness.
“Many kids really don’t understand what veterans have done for the country,” she said. “I was just as guilty. Getting to know the veterans and hearing their stories has really impacted my life.”
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