VETERANS HELPING VETERANS

POW MIA REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Submitted by Perry Tillman, A Co, 65
"The POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony"
As you enter the banquet hall you may notice a small table in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called POWs or MIAs, we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
This Table, set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember!
The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!
The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!
The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!
The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night. Remember!
The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!Remember!
-- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!Remember!
-- Until the day they come home, Remember!
TABLE SET UP:
1. A small, round bistro table
2. White tablecloth
3. Single place setting, preferably all white
4. Wine glass - inverted
5. Salt shaker
6. Slice of lemon on bread plate with a pile of spilled salt
7. Small bud vase with a single stem red rose
8. RED ribbon tied around the vase
9. Candle - lit
10. Empty chair

DD 214's Online:

FYI. The National Personnel Records Center has provided the following website for veterans to access their DD-214 online:

The National Personnel Records Center is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180 which can be downloaded from the online web site. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center's mailroom processing time.

Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. Veterans and next of kin may access this application at http://vetrecs.archives.gov.

Please note there is no requirement to type "www" in front of the web address.

TRI CARE WEB SITES: (Some servers such as AOL do not want you to use "http://" when bring up web sites..

1. Dept. of Defense Drug TRI CARE PHARMACY SERVICE is now EXPRESS SCRIPTS, It also has a link for the necessary forms for forwarding Prescriptions etc.
<Express-scripts.com>

2. "http://www.troa.org/OnTheWeb/"
Here are a lot of links from TROA for veterans and also numerous links on "Tricare For Life".

3. "http://www.tricare.osd.mil/claims/"
This site gives you access (via PDF files) to the claim forms associated with Tricare standard plus an explanation of the differances between Tricare Standard and Tricare Prime

4. "http://www.anthemalliance.com/anthem/af filiates/alliance/content.html"
This gives you four boxes of self explanatory links to Tricare responsibilities and benifit

5. "http://www.tricare.osd.mil/dcao/"
This one gives you information on how to find a Tricare Debt Assistance officer near you and the services they can provide.

6. "http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricareservi cecenters/default.cfm"
This one gives you Phone numbers to the service centers in your area.

7. "http://www.tricare.osd.mil/"
This is a general Tricare coverage site that included area not included in the other sites.

Keep for future reference. Use cut and paste to transfer URL. Make them favorite places.(JM6, 21 Apr 01)

ARMY WEB SITES: (Feb 01 Army Magazine)

Chief Staff Army, "www.army.mil/csa/"

Vice C/S Army, "www.army.mil/vcsa/"

TRADOC "www.tradoc.army.mil"

MATERIAL COMD "www.amc.army.mil"

FORCES COMD "www.forscom.army.mil"

Asst Sec Army Log "www.sarda.army.mil"

Asst Sec Army Fin "www.asafim.army.mil"

Legislative Ln www.hqda.army.mil/ocll//

Public Affairs "www.dtic.mil/armylink/index/html"

top of page