Veterans Administration For Vets (tags)
Veterans returning home from war sometime face a new enemy right here where fbi and police may seek to kill them.
Veterans petition Amy Goodman of DN (tags)
Veterans for Peace is petitioning Amy Goodman to improve Democracy Now's coverage of Syria. The text of this PETITION is below; along with links to several references. Please read, and if you agree, please sign.
No wonder Americans aren’t freaking out about how much of their tax dollar goes to the military. They think it’s 16 cents of each dollar, when it’s really the percentage of the discretionary budget, which is that 63 cents on the dollar.
Prop. H Activists March on Hollywood to House and Help the Homeless (tags)
Photos are of the Yes on H March for the Homeless accompanied by shots of homeless people in downtown L.A by Robert Stuart Lowden. Measure H, if passed on March 7, would generate about $350 million, which would go to housing, “mental health, substance abuse treatment, health care, education, job training, rental subsidies, emergency and affordable housing, transportation, outreach, prevention, and supportive services for homeless children, families, foster youth, veterans, battered women, seniors, disabled individuals, and other homeless adults.” (Source: Monday Night Mission LA on Cloud9.)
Fbi forces Vets into suicide (tags)
This report from me (a Vet) presents evidence that the fbi ritually and often for sport engages in unconscionable crimes against our veterans.
France honors local men for WWII service (tags)
Two local men – U.S. Army veterans, Robert Tronge, 87, of Hillman, MI and James Sloan, 89, of Daytona Beach, recently received the French Legion of Honor medal for their military service from the Consulate General of France in Miami and The Alliance Francaise of Greater Orlando.
Memorial Day Dishonor and Disgrace (tags)
anti-war
Obama Wants To Be Czar... Asks For More Powers Of War (tags)
Obama has asked for war powers to bomb civilians, adults, voiceless beings with more tens of billions stolen from US taxpayers.... while 66,000 bridges at home need repair... etc etc
Veterans Against Foreclosures Marches in San Fernando Veterans Day Parade (tags)
“Homes for Vets Now!” pleads Occupy Fights Foreclosures
Marching for Manning at SF Pride (tags)
Supporters of Chelsea Manning marched in the San Francisco Pride Parade
Veteran and Families of Military hold Press Conference (tags)
Press conference to be held outside Veterans Administration to highlight heath care crisis at the VA. Today, it has become increasingly likely that the U.S. government will once again take military action in Iraq.
Reflections on an irrelevant movie.
anti-war
Video: Bruce Gagnon: The Deadly Connection: Endless War and Economic Crisis (tags)
Bruce Gagnon, is Coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space and long-time member of Veterans For Peace.
The SF LGBT Pride Committee Has Nothing to Be Proud of Over Bradley Manning (tags)
Glenn Greenwald’s article in The Guardian titled “Bradley Manning is off limits at SF Gay Pride parade, but corporate sleaze is embraced” (4/27/13) has internationally publicized the cowardly decision of the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration Committee to rescind its election of political prisoner U.S. Army Private Bradley Manning as a Grand Marshal of the annual Gay Pride Parade. Manning is the gay service member charged with giving WikiLeaks thousands of classified documents exposing U.S. atrocities in Iraq, along with other materials.
First Time in History; Democrat Cuts Social Security with Chained CPI (tags)
The upcoming cuts to Social Security are being done by a Democrat President who is supposedly the party of the elderly, the disabled, veterans and the poor. The cuts to Social Security under President Obama include the "chained CPI" that would reduce the regular cost of living increases to the checks each year depending upon the rate of inflation. There is a bipartisan effort to block the latest Social Security cuts being led by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont who has a petition on his website telling Pres. Obama "NO CUTS to Social Security!"
Record Number of US Military and Veteran Suicides (tags)
anti-war
LA Graffit crew tags San Francisco Veterans Mural Project (tags)
LA Graffiti crew defaces military veterans mural project in San Francisco
ALL SET FOR NOVEMBER 11 12th JFAV PROTEST MARCH/RALLY IN HOLLYWOOD (tags)
They Served, they Deserved Benefits.” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and its allied organizations announced that they are all set for the biggest demonstration, the 12th JFAV Protest March/Rally in the entertainment capital of the world-Hollywood on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 12;00 noo at Holywood and Vine intersection. For the first time, the JFAV march and rally in Hollywood and not in front of the Federal building in Downtown LA. as it usually does since 1997. Arturo Garcia, JFAV National coordinator explained the rationale for the change in venue : “ The Federal Building in downtown LA is usually closed for the November 11 holiday so all the rallies there are symbolical. Now we will bring it to the eyes entire world an not an empty edifice.” After the post-election victory of re-elected President, the JFAV wrote an appeal and demand letter asking the president to issue an executive order for full recognition of 43,000 Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors who for more than 66 years were still unrecognized American veterans. Post Obama Election Protest Rally The JFAV stopped the lobby on the US Congress for HR 210 after the GOP controlled House of Representatives refused JFAV a hearing on HR 210 at the House Veterans Affairs Committee last August 2012 even with 96 co-sponsors for the bill.
Appeal for Executive Order for Full Recognition of Filipino WW II Veterans (tags)
“Everybody should play by the same rule.” Mr. President, we appeal to you for Executive Order for Full Recognition of Filipino WW II V... eterans . We are the Filipino WW II veterans and their widows who have defended this nation and decisively won a war to keep Americans safe. Yet, to this day we have to fight for the basic right of full recognition of our US military service. This year, the US Congress due to direct opposition of the Republican leadership has failed to approve an equity bill that would have reversed chronic injustice and racial discrimination. We appeal that as we bring the fight to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on November 5, 2012 , that you issue an Executive Order to provide full recognition to the Filipino WW II veterans as full American veterans.
The Ban on Depleted Uranium Weapons (tags)
The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons, Womens International League for Peace and Freedom, and Veterans for Peace work to call for a ban by The United Nations this Fall. To sign the petition go here: http://www.change.org/petitions/change-the-us-un-vote-on-depleted-uranium-weapons-this-fall
Agent Orange: A Deadly Legacy (tags)
dioxin
Texas Rep. Ron Paul, 90 Congress Leaders Supports Equity of Filipino WW II Vets (tags)
A week after the Bataan Day celebration, lobbyists will visit the US Congress the second time in a month’s time to press for sub-committee hearing on HR 210, “The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011,” which will provide full recognition to the US military services of the remaining 50,000 Filipino WW II veterans and full benefits to the veterans, widows, and their families. Lobbyists find inspiration in Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a war veteran himself and Republican presidential candidate who openly endorsed the bill in a public rally in Nevada. “We are pleased to announce Ron Paul’s unwavering legacy of supporting veterans by announcing he will support and co-sponsor HR 210,” said John Tate, national campaign manager. “HR 210 provides a small thank you for an enormous debt of gratitude owed the Philippines and America’s most heroic individuals.”
Open Letter to General Delfin Lorenzana, OVA. (tags)
Dear General, I have been informed by the JFAV in San Francisco the following concerning the WW ll Filipino Vets again today. The Embassy is only supporting appeals that were filed and not all the 24,000 that did not file appeals, after filing claims. I was quite surprised to hear this since the VA and NPRC have made it clear they will not accept any Philippine documents as proof of service and nothing has been reviewed with western leaders as to an agreement for all that have been denied. If it is true I would like to request a SUMMIT of the western states leadership area concerning this decision since all the input appears to have come from DC based sources to develop this policy and no request for input was asked or even put forth to get suggestions from the Filipino-American Veterans of America & Families who are fighting for denied veterans here in this state and California.
JFAV 70th Bataan Day Benefit Dance-Dinner at FACLA, April 9, 2012 (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Honor our Heroes!” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Seniors for Filipino American Community Empowerment (S4PACE) ,surviving the Filipino veterans especially the defenders of Bataan and their advocates will hold a commemoration of the 70th Bataan Day, on Monday, April 9, 2012 at FACLA Social Hall ,1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 5:00 PM. The event dubbed as “ Gabi ng Kasaysayan at Kasiyahan”.—a dinner dance party is a fundraiser of JFAV for its delegation that will lobby at the US Congress from April 16-18, 2012 in Washington DC.
RON PAUL SUPPORTS HR 210, FILVETS (tags)
Republican presidential candidate and Texan congressman Ron Paul showed his support for HR 210 and Pilipino veterans last week with a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. HR 210, also known as the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011, was introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) in January of last year as a way to provide equal benefits to Philippine soldiers that fought alongside the United States during World War II. Though the bill has 87 co-sponsors, both the House of Representatives and the Senate have yet to make any votes to pass or veto the proposal.
GOP BET REP. RON PAUL SUPPORTS HR 210, FILAM WWII VETS (tags)
GOP BET REP. RON PAUL SUPPORTS HR 210, FILAM WWII VETS TS “The one exception to what our campaign and experts term the most ambitious spending-cut platform in national politics is cuts to veterans’ services. In fact, Dr. Paul recently pushed backagainst President Obama’s misguided move to enact inauthentic spending cuts on the backs of veterans. “Dr. Paul is the only presidential candidate – Republican or Democrat – with military service, having served honorably as an Air Force flight surgeon during the Cold War era. “Dr. Paul also has a long history of honoring veterans, getting thousands of heroes the medalsthey
JFAV NATIONAL DAYS OF ACTION, January 18-20, 2012 (tags)
Los Angeles --More than 100 combined vets, widows, and advocates trooped to Senator Dianne Feinstein local offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco last January 18, 2012 to air public demand for equity that was denied for the last 65 years. This is a part of the three day national day of actions from January 18-20, 2012 in form of legislative visits, emails, fax and letter writing campaign to legislators to gather support for HR 210 in the US Congress. In Los Angeles, a delegation led by JFAV veteran leader John Aspiras and national Coordinator Arturo Garcia delivered more than 300 signed petitions and letters to Feinstein office in Santa Monica, west side Los Angeles. Feinstein is expected to introduce a companion bill in the US Senate for HR 210.
On MLK Day, Dedicate Ourselves for the Final Struggle for Justice and Equality (tags)
–“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” As we marked and remember the struggle and victories of Martin Luther King Jr. today, we in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) do not only remember him in marches and rallies but in a tribute to dedicate ourselves for the final struggle for Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors final struggle for justice and against racism and discrimination. The testament that the struggle of MLK is vibrantly alive is that a sizeable majority of California US Representatives co-sponsor the equity bill for Filipino WW II vets, came from the Black Caucus . They are the worthy followers of MLK. Most famous of them of them is Rep. Lewis of Georgia who marched with MLK during the civil rights movement.
On the 70th Year of Pearl Harbor Day, Filipino Veterans Reclaim Their Dignity As American (tags)
Remember Pearl Harbor! On December 8th, Filipino WW II veterans and widows marched to the offices of Senators Boxer in San Diego and Los Angeles, and Feinstein in San Francisco in support of simultaneous talks in their DC offices. Lobbyists will ask both Senators to co-introduce a companion bill to HR 210 “The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011.” In Los Angeles, six delegates from JFAV led by its National Coordinator Arturo Garcia and S4PACE Vice presiden Jovy Alejandrino met with Rafi Nazarians, District head of Senator Boxer's office at 312 Spring St.Los Angeles, CA 90012 at around 9AM. In Washington DC, Atty. Arnedo Valera met with Ryan O'Reilly, military Legislative fellow of Senator Boxer at Hart Senate building while JFAV San Francisco leaders Ago Pedalizo and Violy Reyes,met with Senator Feinstein staff in her San Francisco office.
Rally to Protect Free Speech from Police Brutality (tags)
Friday, November 11, 2011
RIVERSIDE, (CA) - In response to Sunday's police raid on the peaceful anti-Wall Street encampment at the downtown arts walk, Occupy Riverside marched on the police station and rallied there. In recognition of Veteran's Day and the significant contributions of veterans to the Occupy Movement and all social justice movements, we took a moment to honor the veterans in our movement and all veterans of the class war.
Filipino WW II Vets to Sen. Inouye: “We are American veterans, not political beggars.” (tags)
At a national phone conference, 50 Filipino WW II veterans and widows respond publicly to Inouye’s letter and denial of support for full equity of benefits of Filipinos as their American counterparts. “American veterans must be honored completely for their valor and heroism, and must not be pacified by partial benefits and partial recognitions, which in the words of Senator Daniel Inouye are “better than nothing,” says Felino Punsalan, a stenographer and interpreter to an American Commander during the war, and was denied of the lump sum compensation and monthly pensions.
MARCH FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE AND PEACE!” ON 11ITH JFAV VETERANS DAY ON 11/11/11 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and different community, youth, students, and allied groups are all the 11th Annual Veterans Day Protest March called “March for Equity, Justice and Peace” in Los Angeles on Friday, November 11, 2011. The protest march will start at 11:00 in the morning at the Downtown LA intersection of Broadway/Olympic and end at the INS Federal Building, 300 N Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. There will be a JFAV last assessment meeting on Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 pm at the Silver Lake Medical Center (SLMC) at the Cafeteria Meeting Room, ground floor, 1711 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. All interested groups are invited. Pre-Rally Program The JFAV forces will assemble and hold a pre-rally program at 8:00 in the morning at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Veterans for Peace Solicit Donations for Homeless on 9/11 Anniversary (tags)
Members of the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice and the San Diego Veterans for Peace (SDVFP) staged an alternative commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in Balboa Park, at which SDVFP solicited donations for their "Compassion Campaign." This involves asking people to donate $35 to buy a sleeping bag, poncho and carrying bag for a homeless person. They've already helped out 700 people, many of them veterans, and need your help to do more.
S. Brian Willson Speaks in San Diego (tags)
Because of what he was doing the day he lost his legs ? September 1, 1987, in Concord, California, when he was run over by a train he and his fellow activists were trying to stop before it could deliver arms to Right-wing governments and private armies in Central America ? and his involvement in the Veterans for Peace organization, most people who?ve heard of S. Brian Willson think of him as an anti-war activist. But he?s considerably more than that. At his most recent San Diego appearance September 4 to promote his book, a combination autobiography and work of political philosophy called Blood on the Tracks, Willson presented a far-reaching critique of so-called ?human civilization? and suggested it?s all been downhill since the Neolithic period, when economic scarcity forced humans to live in small communities and share equally with each other.
Los Angeles City Council Passes Resolution to Support AB 199 and AJR 6 for Filipino WWII V (tags)
The Los Angeles City Council today unanimously approved the resolution in support of California AB 199 and AJR 6 in a legislative effort to recognize the presence and contribution of Filipino World War II veterans in our history books, To support Asssemblyperson Fiona Ma?s effort City Coouncil member Richard Alarcon introduced the resolution. It was seconded by Councilmen Tom Lebonge, Eric Garcetti, Jose Huizar,Ed Reyes and Bill Rosendhal, a Vietnam War veteran. All of them spoke to support the resolution to the delight of the crowd.
FAV ON THE ?DEBT CEILING? DRAMA AND ?COMPROMISE? IN THE US CONGRESS (tags)
? The Dark Days of August Spreads its Gloom.? The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and its allied organizations is appalled by the so ?called ?debt ceiling crisis? drama and its compromise solution that did not tax the rich but passed the burden to the working poor of this nation. The JFAV is alarmed due to the fact, the bill speaks not of cutting ?defense spending? but ?security spending,? which includes the Department of Veterans Affairs. (DVA) Instead of scaling back the forces of war, repression and domestic surveillance, these ?security? cuts may easily be aimed at veterans' health care and retirement benefits.
War Is A Crime Preparation for Feb 7, 2012 Cal Primary (tags)
California will be part of Super Tuesday on February 7, 2012 when Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana Republican caucuses, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah have their presidential primaries. The two peace parties on the California ballot are Peace & Freedom Party and the Green Party. Below is a partial list of the war crimes and human rights violations of the current Democrat in the White House.
JFAV SEND KUDOS FOR DFA SECRETARY DEL ROSARIO (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) based in the United States lauded the action of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who has asked the US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to reconsider the cases of Filipino World War II (WWII) veterans who were denied benefits under a recently passed US law.
JFAV SUPPORTS AMVETS/ACLU CLASS SUIT VS DVA (tags)
-The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) wholeheartedly supports the class-action lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of four homeless veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other ailments, the ACLU claims that the department is violating the property's deed by not providing the combination of housing and treatment that battle-scarred vets need. According to the LA Times: ? The lawsuit is just the latest attempt by advocates for homeless vets to light a fire under the federal government. ?The JFAV also filed a lawsuit against the DVA for denying more than 27,00 Filipino World War II veterans of their lump sum claims and their widows last year.
Filipino WW II Vets/Widows Ask for Apology from Obama and US Congress (tags)
A day after the Memorial Day marked by flags and parades, Filipino WW II vets and widows vow to demand a formal public apology from President Barack Obama and the US Congress for 65 years of abandonment, racial discrimination and injustice. ?We deserve full recognition and full compensation. But the wounds of long years of humiliation as second-class American veterans will never completely heal until the US government asks for apology,? says Felino Punsalan, who celebrates 93rd birthday today, without any lump-sum, much less monthly pension, nor any signs that he would be recognized soon as an American veteran. Vets and their families ask California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma to introduce a separate bill demanding for apology. Ma previously sponsored bills supporting HR 210, ?The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2011,? and the inclusion of the Filipino WW vets in the social studies curriculum of schools in California.
SAN FRANCISCO BOARD APPROVES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HR 210 (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) today announced that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act or the HR 210 sponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier last May 19, 2011 The resolution stated that the Board ? fully supports and urges the passage of the said legislation. In an effort to bring some measure of justice for the Filipino Veterans who fought valiantly with the US military in World War II.? The Board also ? directs the clerk of the board to send a copy to minority floor leader Rep.Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jackie Speier of the House of Representatives.?
MOTHERS MARCH FOR EVERYONE’S SURVIVAL (tags)
Marking the100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, the 2nd Annual Mothers March For Everyone’s Survival End Budget Cuts, Poverty, Discrimination, War & Other Violence, took place on Saturday, March 12, in Los Angeles.
Commander Faustino " Peping' Baclig, 1922-2011 (tags)
It is with deep sadness that the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) announced today that Commander Faustino "Peping" Baclig, founder/chair of Alyansa ng Komunidad, JFAV , Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE)-Los Angeles, Golden Agers (GALA) , Seniors for PACE and the pillar of the Filipino World War II veterans movement in the United States, passed away today at 3:00 am, February 27, 2011. He was 89 years old.He was born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on February 14, 1922 and died on February 27, 2011.
REP. SPEIER FILED FILIPINO VETERANS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2011 (tags)
Rep. Jackie Speier on Thursday introduced a bill in Congress that seeks to make Filipino veterans of World War II eligible for the same benefits available to U.S. veterans. Speier held a news conference in San Mateo Monday to outline the bill, which has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “It gives full benefits to every Filipino who served in World War II,” Speier said, estimating that approximately 50,000 Filipino soldiers survive.
Don't be fooled: Imperialism trys to hide the importance of Wikileaks docs. (tags)
"Again, the wikileaks documents are a godsend to those who want to create fainess and justice, and to help save planet earth for all of humanity. But in order to assure that they have this impact we must investigate, along with trusted independent media, the wikileaks materials and work hard to get the truths out to activate the masses to liberate themselves. Media owned and managed by these people for whom we need "Nuremberg like trials" will never do that job for us. "
On the 69th Pearl Harbor Day, Fight Racism in the United States (tags)
The Day that will live in infamy” Today, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), AWARE and MHC marks the 69th year of the infamous Japanese fascist sneak attack on Pearl Harbor naval base in December 08, 1941 ( in the Philippines, Dec.7 Pacific Time). The public should know, that at that time the attack coincided with the bombing of the major cities of the Philippines and two days later, the Japanese invaded the country and the Philippines was involved in a colonial war not of its choosing. JFAV with People's CORE marked the day with a memorial meeting yesterday in FACLA with a private ceremonies and meeting. Scores of Filipino World War II veterans, widows and relatives as well as advocates attended the memorial.
FILVET WIDOWS PRESS RIGHTS, BACK LAWSUITS (tags)
The lawsuits were borne out of the deep frustration, anger and longing of veterans and families to seek recognition and justice. The US Congress failed to deliver justice and so people have the right to seek the power of the courts to tell Congress to do its job.” That was the response sent by three veterans groups to this writer’s blog last Nov. 17 that discussed the repercussions of lawsuits filed by Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and supporters on Capitol Hill. The rejoinder bore the names of Dolly Castillo, Coordinator of the Filipino-American WWII Veterans’ Widows of Washington in Seattle, WA; Maria Galang, President of the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in San Francisco, CA; and Jovy Alejandrino, Vice President of the Senior Pilipino-Americans for Community Empowerment (SPACE) in Los Angeles, CA.
JFAV LAUDS NEW NAFFAA CHAIR AND REDIRECTED ADVOCACY GOALS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of Filipino World War II veterans, widows and their relatives, youth and students and community advocates and their allied organizations welcomes the a new face in Filipino-American leadership in the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NAFFAA). JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia, in a statement after Thanksgiving Day, expressed great hope that after the Midwest region’s Michigan-based Ed Navarra became the new chair of the disintegrating national organization, things will become better for the the prime national organizations of Filipino-Americans in the United States. Garcia said, “JFAV is elated at Navarra’s statement that he wants to fight for more benefits for the Filipino World War II veterans who are dwindling in numbers.” JFAV pointed out the fact that out of the more than 46,000 war veterans who applied for lump sum claims, around 22,000 were denied by the US Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
JFAV Updates November 29, 2010 FILVET WIDOWS PRESS RIGHTS, BACK LAWSUITS (tags)
“The lawsuits were borne out of the deep frustration, anger and longing of veterans and families to seek recognition and justice. The US Congress failed to deliver justice and so people have the right to seek the power of the courts to tell Congress to do its job.” That was the response sent by three veterans groups to this writer’s blog last Nov. 17 that discussed the repercussions of lawsuits filed by Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and supporters on Capitol Hill. The rejoinder bore the names of Dolly Castillo, Coordinator of the Filipino-American WWII Veterans’ Widows of Washington in Seattle, WA; Maria Galang, President of the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in San Francisco, CA; and Jovy Alejandrino, Vice President of the Senior Pilipino-Americans for Community Empowerment (SPACE) in Los Angeles, CA. In our blog, we reported how some key supporters on Capitol Hill, principally Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, chairman of the influential appropriations committee, were hurt by the lawsuits that appeared to criticize shortcomings in the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) bill which provided a single lump-sum payment for surviving veterans here and in the Philippines.
HUNDREDS MARCHED FOR JUSTICE,EQUITY AND PEACE ON VETERANS DAY IN LA (tags)
The 3-mile long march began at around 10;45 Am. With the student groups like Kappa Psi Epsilon, Chi Rho , XPO, TBD, Samahang Pilipino at UCLA, Kababayan of UC Irvine. Katipunan UC Riverside, CalPoly BARKADA, FASA from CSUN, Long Beach PAC, San Marcos, Andres Bonifacio Samahan from San Diego,SDSU to mention a few leading the way. They were joined by student activist groups from Pro People Youth KMB, ANSWER-LA, BANTAY PILIPINAS-USA, EPCC, AJLPP, the EFJPP while ve veterans and widows from the Society of Guerilla and Scouts (SGS), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV), VFP-UC Chapter, AWARE-LA, Seniors for PACE (SPACE ) rode in the vehicles. Big streamers calling for recognition, justice and equity as well as immigrant rights were very prominent. Filipino, AJLPP and KMB flags flew high and proud during the march. The youth and advocates shouted slogans all the way.
ON NOV.11 IN LA: MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! (tags)
MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! Everbody is ready for the Ninth Veterans Day Protest March next Thursday, November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) still calls on all community organizations, school and youth organizations in Southern California; advocates of justice and peace, veterans groups, widows and relatives of veterans to join the protest march to downtown Federal building on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010. The assembly area is at Search to Involve the Filipino Americans (SIPA), 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 9;00 AM. The march route will be from Temple St right at Glendale to 2nd St to downtown Federal building at 300 Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The march will start at 10:30 AM.
ALL SET FOR THE 9th VETERANS DAY MARCH, NOV.11 IN LA: MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE (tags)
MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE! All is set for the Ninth Veterans Day Protest March next Thursday, November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles! We in JFAV calls on all community organizations, school and youth organizations in Southern California; advocates, veterans groups, widows and relatives of veterans to join the protest march to downtown Federal building on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010. The assembly area is at Search to Involve the Filipino Americans (SIPA) at 9;00 Am and the march route will be from Temple St right at Glendale to 2nd St to downtown Federal building. The march will start at 10;30 AM.
JFAV MARKS 66th LEYTE LANDING OCT 20, 1944 , NATIOWIDE WIDE (tags)
Instead of the traditional ceremonies, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marked the 66th year of the Leyte Landing, October 20, 1944 with a flurry of activities. - In the Pacific Northwest, in Seattle, Washington, veterans and widows marked the date with a series of meetings with the lawyers and advocates –The Filipino Lawyers of Washington (FLOW) ANSWER-Seattle and the Veterans for Peace. On October 22, more than 300 participated with the meeting with Congressman Mcdermmot. Widows, veterans and lawyers were present in the meeting and expressed support for the civil suit filed by JFAV in San Francisco last October 8, 2010
Days of Action for Bradley Manning (tags)
"On September 16-19, groups and individuals will call on the United States government to drop the charges against Army Private First Class Bradley Manning. Twenty-two year old Manning, held in solitary confinement since May, has been charged with releasing classified documents including a video that shows American troops shooting and killing Reuters journalists in 2007. (Watch the video at www.collateralmurder.com) Manning’s imprisonment has resulted in an international outcry, with groups and activists throughout the US and abroad demanding his release and calling for transparency in America’s war policies. Famed Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg has called Mr. Manning, “A new hero of mine.” Act Locally! Activists should work within their communities to organize events locally during the International Days of Action. If you aren’t involved with a local group, contact your local affiliate of Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War or Code Pink, or look for activist groups in your area. Be Creative."
P3.1B ( $ 67 M) more for Filipino war vets (tags)
The EPCC NEWS based in Los Angeles learned through media sources in Manila that the United States has allocated $67 million (about P3.1 billion) for all eligible Filipino veterans of World War II whose claims for compensation were turned down and successfully appealed, it was learned Monday. House Resolution 4899, or the Supplemental Appropriations Act, included a provision for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Program. On July 29, 2010, US President Barack Obama signed HR 4899 into law. Most veterans' claims have been decided and continue to be paid with the $198 million in original funding.
JFAV/AWARE Marked USAFFE Day, July 26, 2010 in LA (tags)
“ Old soldiers never die, we want equity” That was the battle cry of scores of veterans, widows, relatives and advocates from the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) who marked the 69th year of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) Day, July 26, 1941 with a community forum in LA. The commemorative event was held last Monday , July 26, 2010 at the Silver Lake Medical Center (SLMC) ground floor at the Cafeteria, 1711 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 .
San Mateo Congresswoman Speier to Introduce New Equity Bill (tags)
In an effort to keep the fight for full equity alive, Filipino veterans and their advocates met with United States Congresswoman Jackie Speier in her San Mateo office last Friday. After the meeting, the veterans and their advocates felt they found a champion in Speier, a Democrat running for reelection in California’s 12th District. In an exclusive interview with Balitang America, Speier said, “In January of next year, if I’m reelected, I’m going to introduce a bill that would give all Filipino veterans from World War II the same equal rights for benefits. That means the veterans will receive pensions and their widows and heirs will receive these benefits should they pass away.”
PCORE /JFAV Community Forum on July 26, 2010 at the Silver Lake Medical Center (SLMC) (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) marks the 69th year of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) Day, July 26, 1941 with a community forum. The commemorative event will be held on Monday , July 26, 2010 at the Silver Lake Medical Center ground floor at the Cafeteria at 1711 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 around 5;00 PM. The community forum will also discuss People’s CORE Smoke Free Apartment Project and issues about the veterans equity.
LETTER TO REP. SPEIER, 12 D-CA (tags)
Thank you for your public announcement of your support for equity! I would like to properly address your questions during our meeting last Friday, July 16th in your district office in my attempt to further elucidate the case of equity for Filipinos and provide an educational tool for your fellow legislators and the American public as we further gather support now for your anticipated sponsorship of a bill on January of 2011.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS (JFAV) MEET W/ Congressman Bob Filner Share (tags)
A group of Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) met with Congressman Bob Filner, ( D-51st District) ,head of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in a legislative visit in his Chula Vista office today at 9:00 AM, July 09, 2010. The San Diego and Los Angeles group headed by JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia and San Diego JFAV representation met with Congressman Filner and his Filipino deputy Manny Doria for fifteen minutes. The JFAV organization updated Rep. Filner on the present situation of 16,000 Filipino veterans who were denied of their lump sum claims by the Department of Veterans Affair (DVA). Rep. Filner acknowledged that they did not expect that more than 41,000 Filipino World War II veterans will apply for claims. They ( US Congress) only provided for 18,000 Filipino veterans.
JFAV PURSUES LOBBY/ CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
Members of the Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) and the Migrant Heritage Commission met with Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) this morning in an effort to revive the lobby for full equity. Art Garcia, National Coordinator for JFAV says Filner, a staunch advocate for the Filipino veterans, is sympathetic to the 16,000 veterans whose claims lump sum claims were denied.
MHC HOLDS SUCCESSFUL FIFTH ANNUAL PEOPLES BALL, JUNE 26, 2010 (tags)
With the theme: “Bringing People Together to Foster a Culture of Unity and Service”, more than 1,000 people attended the ball and the dinner. MHC gave awards to 18 awardees in their respective services to the community. Leading the awards were Retired General Antonio Taguba, Deputy Mayor Valerie Santos and human rights activist Mellisa Roxas. MHC Executive Director Atty, Arnedo Valera announced also announced during the ball that the MHC is collaborating with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in pursuing a case against the DVA on delayed and denied payments for Filipino WWII veterans and benefits for Filipina widows.
Homeless Veteran Activist Shares Horror Stories at First U-U Church (tags)
Anti-war homeless veteran and activist Maurice Martin delivered a chilling but moving presentation Friday, June 11 at the First Unitarian-Universalist Church in Hillcrest. He talked about war crimes he witnessed or was involved in during his 18-month combat tour in El Salvador in 1974-75 and how his experiences there have haunted his life ever since. Martin also discussed the growing numbers of homeless veterans on our streets and what he and others are doing to help them.
AJLPP Forces Commemorates 112th Independence Day in the United States (tags)
On the anniversary of the 112th Independence Day from Spanish colonialism, June 12, 1898, the Alliance-Philippines and its allies commemorated the day of struggle in different cities of the United States in different forms. From San Francisco in the north to Los Angles in the south, and from New York in the east to Chicago in the Midwest different groups allied with or allies of AJLPP commemorated June 12 with renewed strength.
JFAV /AWARE Marks the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles (tags)
Honor our Veterans,Celebrate their victories! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.
JFAV /AWARE Marks the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass in Los Angeles (tags)
Calling on all surviving veterans of the Battle of Bessang Pass and widows or relatives of Filipino World War II veterans in Los Angeles. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.
US SENATE REPLENISHES LUMP SUM FUNDS FOR FILVETS (tags)
The US Senate has voted to use part of the savings from federal construction projects to replenish the nearly-depleted Filipino Veterans Equity Fund. The Senate voted 60-35 to use $67 million out of an estimated $103 million in savings allocated to the Department of Veterans Affairs to help the aging Filipino veterans. President Obama signed last year a Congress bill that set aside $198 million from the economic stimulus fund for the Filipino veterans. That amount was computed on the assumption that only 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans were left in the US and the Philippines. The fund would pay $15,000 for Filipino veterans living in the US, and $9,000 for those living in the Philippines.
A Disgraceful Memorial Day, 2010 (tags)
See my comments this Memorial Day on the outrageous criminal activities of the fbi/cia,et al against veterans, even as Gary Sinise parades about in pretentious concern for our suffering vets.
Entorage of War Refugees Travel Country With Two U.S. Veterans (tags)
U.S. veterans combine forces with refugees to fight for peace
FVECF "Hush Money" not Just Compensation or Justice (tags)
This is a clear case of the GRP acting as spokespersons for the DVA. A case of brazen puppetry of those who should represent Filipino interest but acting as otherwise. They who are paid by the Filipino nation acts as media persons for American interests and even taint the dignity of our people must so our veterans. How could we believe their propaganda that they given so much when the truth is that they have denied 17,000 veterans claims for the flimsy reasons and they given out 13,000 claims? These are crap!
JFAV-Island Pacific SuperMarket Held Bataan Day/Book Signing , April 11 (tags)
The Island Pacific Supermarket and the Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) held a Bataan Day Remembrance and a Book-signing last April 11, 2010 from 11:30 to 1;00 PM at Suite No. 3 Island Pacific SuperMarket in the valley. Scores of aging Filipino veterans and widows for the valley some of them in walkers, came for the event. One veteran. Lorenzo Sayson from the island of Negros complained that he and some veterans have not received their lump sum claims. The DVA has reported that 14,000 Filipino veterans from the Philippines have received their claims.
JFAV/AWARE REMEMBERS BATAAN DAY IN FACLA, APRIL 10 (tags)
“Old soldiers never die, they just fade away...” On April 9, 1942, the United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), the largest US army garrison in the Pacific, surrendered its 90,000 troops to the Japanese Imperial Army. More than 30,000 US Army and 60,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months. This past Saturday, April 10, 2010, with over a hundred veterans, widows, and advocates in attendance, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equity (AWARE) remembered Bataan Day at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, California. With the American and Philippine national anthems, the commemoration began with the acknowledgement of our mother nations for which these veterans had fought and sacrificed so much. Next, Pastor Sonny Rivera of the Walk by Faith Church of the Nazarene gave the invocation.
JFAV/AWARE REMEMBERS BATAAN DAY AT FACLA (tags)
“Old soldiers never die, they just fade away...” On April 9, 1942, the United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), the largest US army garrison in the Pacific, surrendered its 90,000 troops to the Japanese Imperial Army. More than 30,000 US Army and 60,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months. This past Saturday, April 10, 2010, with over a hundred veterans, widows, and advocates in attendance, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equity (AWARE) remembered Bataan Day at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, California. With the American and Philippine national anthems, the commemoration began with the acknowledgement of our mother nations for which these veterans had fought and sacrificed so much. Next, Pastor Sonny Rivera of the Walk by Faith Church of the Nazarene gave the invocation.
JFAV COMMEMORATES 68Th BATAAN DAY IN THE UNITED STATES. (tags)
“ Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand cannot fall” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in the United States will hold several 68th Year Commemorative events for the 68th Fall Of Bataan or Bataan Day in the Philippines. JFAV and AWARE will remember the 68th Fall of Bataan in Los Angeles, Panorama City and San Francisco, all in California. On April 9, 1942, the USAFFE surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army, the largest US army garrison in the Pacific numbering 90,000 men. More than 30,000 US Army soldiers and 60, 000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth surrendered after holding out for more than four months.
Book Signing of JFAV Book : Unrecognized American Veterans (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Fight for Justice!” 68th Year Commemoration of Bataan Day and Book Signing of JFAV Book : Unrecognized American Veterans by Arturo P. Garcia Sunday, April 11, 2010 11;30 am to 1:00 pm Island Pacific Supermarket (on the right side entrance near Goldilocks) 8340 Van Nuys Blvd. Panorama City, CA
Thousands of vets missing out on better benefits (tags)
oday through news wires that only a fraction of wounded veterans who could get better benefits have applied in the two years since Congress, acting on concerns the military was cutting costs by downplaying injuries, ordered the Pentagon to review disputed claims. The JFAV is planning to sue the DVA for denying more than 17,000 Filipino World War II veterans of their lump sum claims. Out of the 36,000 who filed for the claims only 8,000 were given by the DVA.
JFAV salutes Commander Florencio C. Cadiente, age 89 (tags)
Another strong pillar of the Filipino veterans rights and equity movement has passed away. Commander Florencio C. Cadiente of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV), one of the pioneer Fil-Am veterans organizations in the United States based in Los Angeles, went back to his creator last March 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Manong (Brother) Flor, as he is fondly known to the community, was born on January 3, 1921 in Narvacan, Ilocos Norte in Northern Luzon, Philippines.
JFAV/AWARE Commemorates 68th Year Bataan Day April 10 at FACLA (tags)
“Remember Bataan, Fight for Justice!” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Los Angeles Steering Committee and the Association of Widows,Advocates and Relatives for Equality( AWARE) cordially invites you to join our commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day,April 9, 1942. On Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, JFAV and AWARE will be honoring our local Filipino American World War II veterans, especially those who survived the Bataan Death March, at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Commemorate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day, April 9, 1942 (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Los Angeles Steering Committee cordially invites you to join our commemoration of the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day, which memorializes the military surrender at the Bataan Peninsula. On Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, we will be honoring our local Filipino American World War II veterans, especially those who survived the Bataan Death March, at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) 1740 W Temple St, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Filipino Americans Nationwide Stand Up Against War and Occupation-- March 20, 2010 (tags)
As the invasion of Iraq enters its eighth year, the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) expresses their solidarity with the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Philippines and every place there are occupying US forces. “Ordinary people are rallying across the country and around the world demanding an end to wars of aggression and longstanding imperialism”, says New York-based Ugnayan Interim Spokesperson Chevy Evangelista. Queens-based organizations Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the Motherland) and Damayan Migrant Workers Association as well California-based organizations, Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB, Pro People Youth) Los Angeles and San Diego, are urging Filipino and other immigrant communities to join coordinated DC/West Coast anti-war rallies on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
JFAV LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA (tags)
We write to you on the 64th anniversary of the Rescission Act—that took away for the first time, the full recognition of the US military services of the Filipino World War II veterans who fought in defense of an American territory in Asia. The timing also marks the first year after the “lump sum” was granted after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and the denial of 41,000 applicants as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Though the “lump sum” of $15,000 for American citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens fell short of the lifetime monthly pension and lifetime benefits granted to all American veterans, it did provide a temporary monetary relief to many impoverished veterans.
Letter to President Obama (tags)
We write to you on the 64th anniversary of the Rescission Act—that took away for the first time, the full recognition of the US military services of the Filipino World War II veterans who fought in defense of an American territory in Asia. The timing also marks the first year after the “lump sum” was granted after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and the denial of 41,000 applicants as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Though the “lump sum” of $15,000 for American citizens and $9,000 for non-citizens fell short of the lifetime monthly pension and lifetime benefits granted to all American veterans, it did provide a temporary monetary relief to many impoverished veterans.
Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) (tags)
“Anti-Filipino, insensitive and unjust.” This is the reaction of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) on the defense being put up by the head of the Philippine Embassy’s Office of the Veterans Affairs (OVA) Gen Victor Corpus. By saying many claims are “ false , duplicates and incomplete claims”, Corpus is acting like a spokesperson for the United States DVA. He should leave that job to retired General Taguba of the DVA. JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia pointed out; “ It pains us that a Filipino like a former rebel General Victor Corpus is acting in the service of the US Agency. Instead of protecting the Filipino veterans he even give credence to the spurious claims of the DVA”
JFAV SET TO FILE COURT CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
After the the February 16 deadline passed and on the 64th year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles and the Migrant Heritage Commission based in Washington DC is based to file a case in court against the DVA. This came about after the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum out of the of the 41,000 applicants. JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P, Garcia said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum. This proves injustice still prevails.”
JFAV SET TO FILE COURT CASE VS DVA ON DENIED CLAIMS (tags)
After the the February 16 deadline passed and on the 64th year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles and the Migrant Heritage Commission based in Washington DC is based to file a case in court against the DVA. This came about after the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum out of the of the 41,000 applicants. JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P, Garcia said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum. This proves injustice still prevails.”
INJUSTICE: More than 16,000 Veterans Denied out of 41,000 Claims (tags)
As the February 16 deadline came, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles expressed that injustice reigns as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum out of the of the 41,000 applicants. JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P, Garcia said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum. This proves injustice still prevails.”
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles expressed utmost disgust as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum. JFAV media coordinator Joy-Alonica Bautista said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum." Racism as a problem Now, the truth is out: They have taken the Filipinos and the Filipino-American community and our veterans for a ride. This is another dirty act and a living proof of racism.
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
CLAIMS DENIED IS JUSTICE DENIED! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles expressed disgust as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum. JFAV media coordinator Joy Alonica Bautista said, “ This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine government made so much political capital of the lump sum.
More than 16,000 Veterans Claims Denied as Feb 16 Deadline Ends (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles expressed disgust as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum. JFAV media coordinator Joy Alonica Bautista said, “ This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine government made so much political capital of the lump sum. Now, the truth is out. That they have taken the Filipinos and the Filipino-American community and our veterans for a ride. This is another dirty act and a living proof of racism. ”
JFAV's Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
JFAV Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
JFAV Letter to the Editor (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewails the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The Filipino-American media outlets in the United States have reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA.
JFAV BEWAILS 7,000 DENIALS OF VETERANS CLAIMS BY THE DVA (tags)
As the deadline for the application nears, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the national alliance of veterans,youth / students and community advocates bewailed the sad fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has reportedly denied 7,000 claims out of the 34,000 applications. The ABS-CBN reported that more than 11,000 veterans have received their claims according to the report of the DVA. Initially until December, 2009 the DVA data says that 2,000 claims have been denied and 11,000 claims has been granted to Filipinos both in the US and in the Philippines.
On MLK Day, NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE! (tags)
We, in the Filipino- American community and JFAV commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Kingdom Day in Los Angeles and all over the United States today, January 18th, 2010. It is several weeks to Feb 18, 2010, the 64th year of the Rescission Act of 1946 when the US congress stripped the Filipino veterans their rights and benefits as American veterans. This will be the 64th year that we are still unrecognized for our military service for America . Adding insult to injury, the removed the Filipino World War II veterans from the Enhanced American Veterans Benefits Law or the New GI Bill of 2008. Instead they gave the veterans a one time lump- sum- ( $ 15,000 to American citizens and $ 9,000 to Filipino citizens)—in essence - hush money for their “ human suffering for waiting for this lump sum” not a recognition of their war time service.
JFAV Scores the DVA Data on Veterans Claims (tags)
As the deadline for application for one-time claims payment, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expressed doubts the DVA report that “ 11,300 Filipino veterans have received their claims”. The US Embassy in Manila reported this data. As of September 22,2009, the DVA has reported 22,800 claims pending an entitlement decision out of the 32,000 applications. Since then 34,000 applications have been applied. JFAV, a national alliance of veterans, youth and community advocates in the United States said the report of the DVA that half of the claims received are Filipino veterans are in the United States are greatly exaggerated.
AWARE-LA INDUCTION OF OFFICERS , DEC. 8, 2009 AT FACLA SOCIAL HALL (tags)
The Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) based in Los Angeles marked the 68th year of the start of the Second World War and Pearl Harbor Day , December 7, 1841 with the induction of their new set of officers last December 8, 2009 The induction and dance party was held at the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) Social Hall last December 8, 2009 at 12;00 noon. AWARE,was formed with the help of JFAV.
Dahr Jamail Celebrates U.S. Military’s “Will to Resist” in Iraq, Afghanistan (tags)
Dahr Jamail, the independent journalist who broke the monopoly on Iraq war coverage by “embedded reporters” and reported honestly on the war for his own blog, has tackled a subject equally taboo in the corporate media: the growing number of U.S. servicemembers who are resisting the wars of occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The resistance takes many forms, from so-called “search and avoid” missions in the war zones to absences without leave (AWOL), conscientious objector filings and outright refusals to obey orders to deploy. While the movement hasn't reached the heights it did during the Viet Nam war — mainly because there isn't as large a mass civilian anti-war movement as there was then — it's significant for the courage and heroism of the resisters and as an index of the toll two long, grueling wars have taken on the U.S. military.
FILAMS PROTEST DVA DELAYS< ASKS FOR FULL RECOGNITION! (tags)
DVA DON’T DELAY, SPEED UP THE CLAIMS, YOU’RE BUSTED! Hundreds of protestors led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)- a national alliance of veterans, youth marched from Historic Filipinotown in the Temple-Beverly corridor towards downtown Los Angeles to the Federal building to dramatize their protest against long delays and slow-processing of the veterans claims. The JFAV protest march started from FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The march started at 10; 15 AM after an hour program inside the FACLA social hall. While scores of veterans, widows and seniors rode on vehicles provided by JFAV, hundreds of students from different colleges and universities marched the 2-mile route from Temple St to the federal building. This is the second march by the community led alliance towards downtown LA. The first was in 1997.
FULL RECOGNITION IS REAL JUSTICE (tags)
On February 18, 1946, the US Congress passed and President Truman signed Public Law 70-301, known as the "Rescission Act of 1946" - affecting close to half a million Filipinos who fought side by side with the Americans in the WAR against Imperial Japan in the Pacific. These Filipino Veterans who gallantly served America and suffered torture and even death in the hands of its enemy found themselves fighting the longest battle of their lives: 63 years of struggle to be recognized as full Veterans of Foreign War and gain all benefits accorded to such status.
JFAV/ FIL-AMS ALL SET FOR VETERANS DAY PROTEST MARCH ON NOVEMBER 11 IN LA (tags)
CLAIMS DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED! DEMAND JUSTICE! For more than eight years the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) commemorate Veterans Day with an annual parade around Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles to honor the Filipino World War II. This years 2009 will be different. Led by JFAV- a national alliance of veterans,youth and students and AWARE, composed of widows and seniors, the Filipino American community will hold a protest march towards downtown Los Angeles to the Federal building to dramatize their protest against long delays and slow-processing of the veterans claims. The JFAV protest march will start at FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. Assembly will start at 7:00 PM. A program will be held inside the FACLA Hall and the march will commence at 10;00 AM. Invited guest is Assemblyman Kevin De Leon of the 45th District.
JFAV ACTION WEEK, NOVEMBER 8-14, 2009 (tags)
JFAV CALENDAR of Events November 8-14, 2009 Sunday,November 8, 2009 at 8:00 AM -Memorial mass for Veterans at St. Columban Church, 125 Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Historic Filipinotown Wednesday November 11, 2009. JFAV Protest Mass in lieu of the annual parade CLAIMS DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED! 7-9;00 AM Assembly and Program FACLA 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, Ca 90026 10;00-12;00 AM March and Rally Long Angeles.Temple St. downtowm LA
Las Vegas Veterans Memorial (tags)
Las Vegas is planning a veterans memorial for Huntridge Park
CLAIMS DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
I speak in behalf of the Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) and AWARE (Association of Widows, Advocates, and Relatives for Equality) with chapters in key US cities. I want to echo the veterans and widows huge disappointment over the slow processing of the lump sum. While your office claims that 25% have received their lump sum both in the US and Philippines, many veterans here in the US feel that your office fails to deliver an immediate and 100% delivery of an overdue benefit. How many more months and years do these veterans have to wait after having waited for the last 63 years?
Claims delayed is Justice Denied (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States and the Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) in Los Angeles again raised it voice against the insidious and unfair propaganda of the DVA against the Filipino World War II Veterans. For us it is the fault of the DVA that they only projected 18,000 veterans to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. Now that nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applications.
JFAV SCORES DVA DELAYS AND SLOW-PROCESSING; REITERATES CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED! (tags)
“ Claims Delayed, Justice Denied! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States based in Los Angeles again raised it voice against the insidious and unfair propaganda of the DVA against the Filipino World War II Veterans. It is the fault of the DVA that they only projected 18,000 veterans to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and now nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applied? The JFAV scores the malicious insinuations of the DVA that “ This could indicate, according to analysts, that there may be spurious or incomplete claims being filed, or that some veterans may be submitting duplicate claims. “ JFAV bewail the fact they use this reason to say “these could be slowing down the application process. As early as 2002, JFAV has stood with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) that were at least 70,000 still living Filipino veterans in the Philippines. But the DVA bulldozed their claims that there are only 18,000 veterans both in the US and the Philippines. Who now is telling the truth? Why are they surprised with the number of claims?
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
About 18,000 veterans are projected to be filing pension claims under the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, but a website shows nearly double that number -- or 32,795 applications -- have been received by the Manila Regional Office of the US Department of Veterans Affairs as of October 1, 2009. This could indicate, according to analysts, that there may be spurious or incomplete claims being filed, or that some veterans may be submitting duplicate claims. And these could be slowing down the application process.
JFAV/AWARE MARKED 65th LEYTE LANDING, on October 22 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States and the Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) in Los Angeles marked the 65th year anniversary of the Leyte Landing on October 20, 1944 with a commemorative rites at the AWARE general assembly last October 22, 2009 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Lecture hall.
GMA AND TEODORO CANNOT CLAIM THE VETERANS VICTORY AS THEIRS (tags)
We wrote this letter as a rejoinder to the steady stream of propaganda from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and ever willing Philippine government functionaries led by Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro and his lackeys namely PVAO retired General Ernesto Carolina and their paid hacks. But the glaring fact it is more than six months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only less than 3,000 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow. The United States is deliberately using the claims as a propaganda tool to make the Filipino people accept their Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the proposed changes in the 1987 constitution that will give them 100% ownership of Philippine lands and corporations.
Claims DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
Despite the Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) dated September 4, 2009 in reply to our questions, the national alliance based in Los Angeles continues to receive numerous complaints from Filipino World War II veterans on the slow process of their claims. It is more than six months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only less than 2,000 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow. Therefore, we are afraid and have to tell the veterans and their dependents that the claims will take another 18 months at most to be all be paid to tall of them.
GMA Loyalist Corpus Assumes OVA (tags)
General Victor Corpus assumes his office as Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA)in the RP Embassy in the United States, He was sworn into office by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in Malacanang. Present OVA person General Delfin Lorenzana is by a known GMA psychopath, retired ISAFP general Victor Corpus. Corpus is a know loyal GMA supporter.
Hilton Hotel Workers in Long Beach Calls for a Boycott (tags)
On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, we express our unequivocal support to the announced boycott being called by the workers of Hilton Long Beach starting September 3, 2009. Exactly one year ago, we warned the management of Hilton Long Beach that the Filipino American community of Long Beach will not tolerate discrimination of any kind or form most so of Filipino workers inside the hotel. Instead the situation turned from bad to worst. We are appalled at the intransigence of the management that does not only exploits the workers of all nationalities but oppresses them by practicing the most anti-labor measures such as dismissal of worker organizers, checking the workers lockers, preventing them from organizing and other anti-workers measures.
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, points out the fact that as of August 2009, less than 10 percent of more than 35,000 Filipino World War II veterans who applied for their claims have received their benefits. Although you have reassured our fellow organization, the ACFV that the VA department is doing its best to implement the new “Filipino Veterans Compensation Law” as quickly as possible we still have to bring to your attention the slow process as more veterans fade away in the waiting process.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, 77 (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States lost one of its staunchest friend and ally- a champion of human rights, the oppressed and the elderly, a true blooded democrat till his end - Senator Edward Moore Kennedy, 77. On behalf of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activist for veterans rights based in Los Angeles, California, we express our deep and sincere condolences to the family, friends and the constituents of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Filipino Veterans rejects GMA loyalist Corpus as OVA Chief (tags)
Different veterans groups in the United Stares protests the appointment of retired general Victor Corpus to the RP Embassy by the Philippine president Gloria M. Arroyo. Present Office of the Veterans Affairs (OVA) person is Ret. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana is being replaced by a known GMA psychopath, retired ISAFP general Victor Corpus. Corpus is a know loyal GMA supporter.
Filipino Veterans Rejects Corpus Appointment to RP) Embassy in the US (tags)
CLAIMS DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED (tags)
What Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) was saying all along was validated by ACFV leaders in Washington and the RP embassy itself. As of July only more than 2,000 veterans have received their claims out of the 35,000 who applied since February 2009 While the passage in February of the “equity compensation” legislation brought so much hope and rejoicing for thousands of Filipino World War II veterans who, for decades, had lobbied for recognition for their war-time services to the United States,six months later, most of these veterans, now in the late 80s are still waiting for the one-time, lump-sum compensation which went with the recognition of their military services.
Honduras Coup Dictator Micheletti Calls Out the Geezer Patrol or "a country for old m (tags)
"At the celebration a group of war veterans attended from Honduras’ 1957 conflict with Nicaragua and with El Salvador in 1969… “I don’t know if the war veterans want to consider me part of them because I – here is the proof, dated August 4, 1969, that shows that I participated in the defense of the sovereignty of our country, here it is, nobody can deny it, and we will do the same as long as we are alive,” said President Micheletti…"
JFAV SUPPORTS DALUYONG: 3-Day Filipino American Youth Consultation in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), national alliance of veterans, students/youth and community advocates for veterans justice and equity rights, militantly and wholly supports the National Youth Consultation to be held in Historic Filipino Town in Los Angeles on July 24 and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 on July 25-26, 2009 . On July 24-26, a three-day consultation bringing together grassroots Filipino American youth organizations to build mechanisms of coordination on national issues, and bridge the divide amongst the Filipino Diaspora in addressing Philippine and International concerns. The national consultation, “DALUYONG: Surging to Confront the Crisis of Our Times”, is organized by the Bagwis Collective (IL), Committee on Pilipino Issues (IL), Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (NY/NJ), and the host organization Kabataang maka-Bayan (KmB or Pro-people Youth, CA) under the auspices of the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (Alliance Philippines). The event is also endorsed by a number of other progressive organizations across the U.S. and Canada (see complete list of current North American endorsements).
HONOR OUR HEROES; AWARE MARKS 68th USAFFE DAY JULY 24 IN LA (tags)
“ Honor our Heroes, Remember their Heroism.’ Widows, advocates and veterans led by the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in cooperation with the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) of Los Angeles commemorates the 68th year anniversary of the USAFFE Day, July 26, 1941 on Friday, July 24th at 9:30 AM at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont St, Los Angeles, CA 90027. On July 26, 1941, the 70,000 Commonwealth Army of the Philippines was integrated into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) by an executive order of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in preparation of an impending war in Asia in 1941.
HONOR OUR HEROES; AWARE MARKS 6th USAFFE DAY JULY 24 IN LA (tags)
“ Honor our Heroes, Remember their Heroism.’ Widows, advocates and veterans led by the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in cooperation with the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) of Los Angeles commemorates the 6th year anniversary of the USAFFE Day, July 26, 1941 on Friday, July 24th at 9:30 AM at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont St, Los Angeles, CA 90027. On July 26, 1941, the 70,000 Commonwealth Army of the Philippines was integrated into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) by an executive order of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in preparation of an impending war in Asia in 1941.
HONOR OUR HEROES; AWARE-HPMC MARKS 68th USAFFE DAY JULY 24 IN LA (tags)
“Honor our Heroes, Remember their Heroism.’ Widows, advocates and veterans led by the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) in cooperation with the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) of Los Angeles commemorates the 68th year anniversary of the USAFFE Day, July 26, 1941 on Friday, July 24th at 9:30 AM at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Auditorium at 1300 N. Vermont St, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Filipino World War II Veterans Still Waits for Claims Checks (tags)
“It’s still a long waiting game.” The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) the national alliance of veterans and advocates organization in the United States continue to receive numerous complaints from Filipino World War II veterans on the slow process of their claims. “ More than five months now when the Stimulus Bill was passed and only 773 Filipino veterans in the United States have received their checks. We want to know what keeping the claims so slow” This was the remarks on the new and incoming Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) Commander Nick Gadia of Los Angeles.
Reviewing Marjorie Cohn and Kathleen Gilberd's "Rules of Disengagement" (tags)
Right of GIs to refuse to fight in illegal wars
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ, THE ADMIRAL WHO NEVER WAS (tags)
The Kilusang Dekada 70 ( KD70) composed of First Quarter Storm and martial law activists based in the United States pays tribute to Philippine Navy Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a martial law and anti-Marcos activist. He died June 25 in Orange County, Southern California. Commodore Alcaraz is a World War II veteran and a survivor of Bataan. He belonged to PMA class 1940 and commanded the fleet of PT boats of the fledgling Philippine Commonwealth Navy that was placed under the command of USAFFE when the whole Commonwealth army as conscripted in 1941.
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ, PN, VETERAN AND ANTI MARTIAL LAW PIONEER IN THE US (tags)
Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, PN, the man who defied Marcos, a known anti Marcos leader in the United States, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy class 1940 and a pillar of the Filipino veterans' cause died last June 25, 2009. Ramon Alcaraz , a bemedalled World War II Filipino veteran is an authentic war hero who was promoted on the spot and decorated personally by General MacArthur in Corregidor for heroism and gallantry in action in January 1942. A torpedo boat commander, Alcaraz shot down three Japanese dive bombers during World War II.
JUNE 13 JFAV KALAYAAN ACTIVITIES IN LA, A SUCCESS! (tags)
The Filipino Veterans and their students and youth advocates commemorated the 111th Independence of the Philippines with a flag raising ceremony at the Hollywood Presbyterian medical Center (HPMC) Fair on June 13. Despite the June gloom, hundreds of seniors, HPMC personnel, community folks and veterans raised the Philippine flag in a flag ceremony at around 9:45 in the morning on June 13 at the opening of the HPMC Community fair at Vermont at Fountain Sts. They were led by SGS Commander Jack Vergara, AWARE president Lulu Astilla and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia. Philippine Consul general Mary Jo B. Aragon was the guest of honor.
JFAV KALAYAAN CONCERT JUNE 13 IN LA (tags)
MABUHAY ANG ARAW NG KALAYAAN! The Filipino Veterans and their students and youth advocates commemorated the 111th Independence of the Philippines with a fundraising concert in Historic Filipinotown and a flag raising ceremony at the Hollywood Presbyterian medical Center (HPMC) Fair on June 13. Despite the June gloom, hundreds of seniors, HPMC personnel, community folks and veterans raised the Philippine flag in a flag ceremony at around 9:45 in the morning on June 13 at the opening of the HPMC Community fair at Vermont at Fountain Sts. They were led by SGS Commander Jack Vergara, AWARE president Lulu Astilla and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia. Philippine Consul general Mary Jo B. Aragon was the guest of honor.
Filipino Veterans Protests Slow Processing of Lump Sum Checks: US Playing Politics (tags)
Another long wait for benefits. Filipino World War II veteran based both in the United States and the Philippines protests the long wait and slow processing of the lump sum benefits. “ We have waited for 63 long years for our benefits. Now they are going to let us wait again for another long wait.” This was the remark of veteran Mariano Pastorin of Los Angeles.” “ But we can’t do anything but wait. We waited for the American forces to go back for us during the Japanese occupation. We have waited for our benefits. We are still waiting for our benefits.” Pastorin joked about his long wait.
Neo-Nazis in US Military (tags)
Neo-Nazis working their way inside the military: Salon report has stunning details
Veterans Laments Slow Processing of Lump Sum Checks: US Playing Politics (tags)
Filipino World War II veteran based both in the United States and the Philippines laments and criticizes the long wait and slow processing of the lump sum benefits. JFAV reported that more than 2,000 veterans in the Philippines and in the United States have received their one-time lump sum checks. It was reported that the Filipino veterans were given priority in processing while the US veterans will receive theirs later. JFAV pointed out that the US government is playing politics by giving benefits to Filipinos first to for political reasons. This especially that several amendments to the proposed charter change of the Arroyo administration will benefits the United States.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Indy500 in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. (tags)
I absolutely, completely, totally, wholeheartedly agree that we should honor and care for our veterans, instead of waging what Aaron Glantz, in his book "The War Comes Home," calls "America's war against veterans." But, I would much rather see them honored with medical and psychiatric care, education, job training, and whatever else they may need to survive than with more military recruitment fests, including this Indy500 spectacle celebrating cars, greenhouse gas, advertising, and militarism.
Winter Soldier Southwest on YouTube #1 (tags)
On Saturday, May 9, 2009 Iraq Veterans Against the War held hearings about war crimes and the abuse of our soldiers. The Winter Soldier Southwest heard from many American vets of the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam and well as the victims of war and the families of vets. The Gold Star Families, Military Families Speak Out, Veterans For Peace, Vietnam Veterans for Peace and the Iraq Veterans for Peace were all represented. This is the testimony of Ryan Endicott about his experiences in Iraq.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Anniversary of the Fall of Corregidor in the United States. (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Corregidor, May 6, 1942. With the fall of the island bastion of Corregidor it paved the way of the total surrender of the whole Philippines to the Japanese invaders in May 9, 1942.
Iraq Winter Soldiers and Families Testify in Pasadena (tags)
Iraq War Veterans tell of American abuses. inefficiencies and greed in the Iraq and Gulf wars.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Anniversary of the Fall of Corregidor in the United States. (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Corregidor, May 6, 1942. With the fall of the island bation of Corregidor it paved the way of the total surrender of the whole Philippines to the Japanese invaders in May 9, 1942. For their heroism in Bataan, Corregidor and other battlefields in the Philippines, the brave soldiers and guerillas held the line for more than three months and farther on for another three more years waging a fierce war of resistance against the Japanese fascist invaders.
Sun May 3: CA Military Mom Travels to Iraq & Returns w/Book on Impact of War on Mothers (tags)
California Military Mom Susan Galleymore Invited by Veterans for Peace-LA to Launch her New Book on Impact of War on Mothers at Arlington West on the Santa Monica beach Sunday, May 3rd - Noon-1pm
32,000 MARK REACHED THIS APRIL: MORE VETERANS DYING WITHOUT BENEFITS (tags)
“The more the merrier” With this as a rule the Philippine and the US governments braces itself for more troubles as the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed today that there were more than 32,000 Filipino veterans have applied for lump sum benefits since February 2009. During the commemoration of 67th Bataan Day in Los Angeles last April 9, 2009, Los Angeles Deputy Consul Daniel Espiritu confirmed that there were more than 32,000 veterans who have applied and are having their claims processed in the Philippines and the United States. The problem of more applicants for the benefits still plagues the veterans.
MORE VETERANS APPLYING FOR BENEFITS; 32,000 MARK REACHED THIS APRIL (tags)
“The more the merrier” With this as a rule the Philippine and the US governments braces itself for more troubles as the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed today that there were more than 32,000 Filipino veterans have applied for lump sum benefits since February 20098. During the commemoration of 67th Bataan Day in Los Angeles last April 9, 2009, Los Angeles Deputy Consul Daniel Espiritu confirmed that there were more than 32,000 veterans who have applied and are having their claims processed in the Philippines and the United States. The problem of more applicants for the benefits still plagues the veterans.
LUMP SUM CHECKS OUT: MORE THAN 26,000 FILIPINO VETERANS ENROLLED FOR BENEFITS (tags)
The first batch of Filipino World War II veterans are about to receive their lump sum checks this month as promised by the Department of Veterans Administration (DVA) The DVA reported that they are assessing at least 776 applications and have approved the first batch of 195 checks that will be delivered this week to at least 18,000 veterans in the United States and the Philippines. A 98-year old ACFV lobbyist Alberto Bacani, from Alexandria , Virginia became the first Filipino veteran who received his $ 15,000 dollar check. This was given to him by retired general Antonio Taguba who represented the DVA Secretary in a special ceremony in the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC last April 8.
COMMEMORATE BATAAN DAY AND GRASP THE LESSONS OF THE VETERANS STRUGGLE (tags)
The Alliance Philippines (AJLPP) gives the Filipino Veterans a red salute for the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. We also pay tribute to both the living and the departed veterans of that war. Bataan is not only a symbol of resistance, Filipino patriotism and bravery but also a living testament of the Filipino people's will to fight and defeat fascism in the Philippines and the whole of Asia. Greatest Contribution It is one of he greatest contribution of the Filipino people to the free world in defeating fascism in Asia and liberating a large portion of the Philippines even before the Americans reoccupied the Philippines. In the process we lost one million people, our cities like Manila, Baguio and Dagupan and almost he whole Philippines were destroyed.
JFAV Commemorates 67th Bataan Day (tags)
The Filipino American community in the United States and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) militantly salutes all Filipino and Americans veterans, living or departed for the 67th Anniversary of the fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. For their heroism in Bataan, Corregidor and other battlefields in the Philippines, the brave soldiers and guerillas held the line for more than three months and farther on for another three more years waging a fierce war of resistance against the Japanese fascist invaders. For their bravery the American people should honor the Filipinos and reward them with the recognition and benefits that they deserve. Because of their steadfast defense, the men in Bataan -- the Allied powers most specially the United States bought time and was able to prepare defenses and later on wage a counter attack to liberate the countries occupied by Japan and eventually defeat Japan during the war.
The Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) (tags)
AWARE was formed after the passage of S. 1315 which excludes Filipinos veterans in the enhanced American veterans law of the 110th US Congress. This is the 2nd Recession Act of our time that discriminates against the Filipino World War II veterans. In its place, on February 17, 2009- the 111th US Congress passed the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestments Act (ARRA) that includes a one time-lump sum benefits for Filipino veterans. But the lump sum has quit claim, no recognition to the veterans and no benefits for Filipino World War II widows. Thus on December 8, 2008, the widows and relatives of veterans banded together and formed this organization-AWARE in Los Angeles and San Francisco to fight and advocate for equal rights. The widows started to get organized at first to support he veterans struggle but later to fight for themselves. They held their protests in July 25, 2008, September 22, 2008, February 18, 2009, March 9, 2009 and March 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other areas of the country.
Filipinos Join Nationwide Rallies Demanding US Troop Withdrawal (tags)
Filipino domestic workers, youth, veterans and allies of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace In the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) took part in national mobilizations this past Saturday, March 21, demanding the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines. The marches and rallies, organized by the International ANSWER Coalition, commemorated the sixth-year anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq.
More than 900 Veterans Have Applied for Lump Sum in Los Angeles (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reported today than more than 900 World War II veterans in Los Angeles area have applied for their claims for benefits to the veterans Administration.. This was learned by JFAV through its senior coordinator Faustino Baclig who is helping processing claims. The JFAV have not monitored the number of veterans who filed their claims directly to the Veterans Administration office.
Filipinos Join Nationwide Rallies Demanding US Troop Withdrawal on 6th-Year Anniversary of (tags)
Filipino domestic workers, youth, veterans and allies of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace In the Philippines (Alliance Philippines) took part in national mobilizations this past Saturday, March 21, demanding the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and the Philippines. The marches and rallies, organized by the International ANSWER Coalition, commemorated the sixth-year anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq.
RP-US Government Created Huge Problem on Veterans Claims (tags)
The Philippine and United States government created a huge problem about Filipino World War II claims. The JFAV is expecting a lot of applications to be filed until Feb 16, 2010. This is due to the fact that PVAO admitted that there are 40,000 still living veterans in the Philippines. There are around 6,000 veterans living in the United States. In this connection, JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia criticized both the Philippine and US governments “for giving false hopes to the poor, disabled and old veterans. What will they say to those veterans who will not be paid. That they were not veterans because they their papers are not in order? “ Garcia also said: “ Besides not giving widows any benefits the law is flawed because it only provided benefits for 18,000 veterans. “
March 21 Protest: Veterans to Lead Dramatic Actions in LA (tags)
Mass Protest on the 6th Anniversary of the Iraq War This Saturday, 12 noon Hollywood & Vine, Los Angeles
Tues 3/17: Movement to Stop Blackwater Like Training Center in Riverside Grows (tags)
A private company, the Procinctu Group, has received approval for a “Blackwater-like” warfare training facility in Homeland, CA dubbed “The Ranch,” including shooting ranges, driving tracks, and live-fire training. The site is situated next to an established church retreat in a residential agricultural area that the developers say will be perfect for training because it looks “like Afghanistan.”
Mock Funeral Procession Remembers Military In Iraq (tags)
Military Families Speak Out, Long Beach Area Peace Network, Iraq Vets Against the War, Veterans for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War protest occupation in Seal Beach and Long Beach, California in symbolic funeral procession.
Mock Funeral Procession Remembers Military In Iraq (tags)
Military Families Speak Out, Long Beach Area Peace Network, Iraq Vets Against the War, Veterans for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War protest occupation in Seal Beach and Long Beach, California in symbolic funeral procession.
Just what kind of recognition and victory did the veterans get? The word “recognition” in the text of the Section 1002 of the stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama pertains exclusively for the purpose of issuing the lump sum. As soon as lump sum is issued, the recognition shall immediately disappear. Notice how the text was very clear in saying that the lump sum was a “compensation for human suffering.”— not a recognition of wartime heroism and valor. If the intention of this provision is to tax-exempt, then just say the lump sum is non-taxable, but without a condescending term as “human suffering.”
3/17: Veterans Group Joins Protest to Stop Blackwater -Like Training Center in Riverside (tags)
A private company, the Procinctu Group, has received approval for a “Blackwater-like” warfare training facility in Homeland, CA dubbed “The Ranch,” including shooting ranges, driving tracks, and live-fire training. The site is situated next to an established church retreat in a residential agricultural area that the developers say will be perfect for training because it looks “like Afghanistan.”
CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino- American veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Filipino- American veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now.
JFAV /WARE PROTEST WIDOWS EXCLUSION (tags)
LUMP SUM IS NOT EQUITY! Scores of activist and advocates led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the newly formed Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives of veterans for Equality (AWARE) held a protest rally at the INS Federal Building in 300 Los Angeles St in downtown LA in commemoration of International Women’s Day last March 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
JFAV RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY SUPPORT CRUCIAL (tags)
Scores of activist and advocates led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in a community forum held last Wednesday night, March 4 in Historic Filipinotown. They recognized the crucial role of community organizations especially the People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) who started the veterans struggle for equity 17 years ago and won some benefits including the lump sum in the Stimulus Law. The well attended community forum was held at the Community Hall of Search to Involve the Pilipino Americans (SIPA) in 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles. SIPA is one of the community organizations recognized that night.
LUMP SUM IS NOT RECOGNITION. MUCH LESS EQUITY (tags)
This letter is in response to the column by Mr. Rodel Rodis that appeared in Philippines Today, Filam Star and Philippine News, and another by Senator Leland Yee in Manila Mail in the March 4-10 newspaper issue. Both writers much like leaders of the mendicant Philippine government herald the passage of the lump sum as a victory for the veterans in that their war service is now recognized, and that they finally got the benefits they deserve and fought for, for the last 63 years. Just what kind of recognition and victory did the veterans get? The word “recognition” in the text of the Section 1002 of the stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama pertains exclusively for the purpose of issuing the lump sum. As soon as lump sum is issued, the recognition shall immediately disappear. Notice how the text was very clear in saying that the lump sum was a “compensation for human suffering.”— not a recognition of wartime heroism and valor. If the intention of this provision is to tax-exempt, then just say the lump sum is non-taxable, but without a condescending term as “human suffering.”
CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino American Veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Fil-am veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now.
CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) reiterates its stand on the long-standing battle of Filipino- American veterans to claim what is due them in the name of justice and equity. We would like to emphasize that this movement, waged valiantly for 63 years by veterans who are in the twilight of their lives, is beyond personal and family interests. It has to be viewed as an issue of national interest and dignity. Sadly, there are a few Filipinos who see this struggle in an unsympathetic and twisted sense. The JFAV would like to correct this sentiment and ask them to instead look at the veterans’ issue on the light of respecting the rights of our war veterans and honoring our dignity as a country. Filipino- American veterans all over America have unanimously agreed to accept what the recently signed Stimulus Package of Pres. Barrack Obama has given them. But will continue with the struggle for equity as they did for so many years now. JFAV believes that the veterans, and widows or legal heirs of the deceased ones, deserve the full rights of naturalization and welfare benefits, including health and pension which the Rescission Act of 1946 has denied and the Stimulus Package has only partially fulfilled.
On the History of Veterans Equity Struggle (tags)
A certain lawyer from San Francisco wrote his own version of the 63 years Filipino veterans struggle for equity and justice. Patterned after the waves in the history of Filipino migration to the United States, he ended the history with a glorious victory for the lump sum and so-called recognition and he called it“ the rescinding of the rescission act.” Like a typical American historian/academician he tried to simplify it in “ five different and distinct phases”
FILAMS DEMANDS FULL RECOGNITION AND EQUITY (tags)
The Filipino American community marked the 63rd Anniversary of the unjust Recission Act of 1946 last Feb 18, 2009 with different kinds of protests all over the United States. The protests is in contrasts to other organizations like NAFFAA and ACFV who called for celebrations and gratitude to the US and Philippine governments for the long delayed benefits. * In San Francisco, two hundred vets, students, widows, teachers and activists gathered in two separate events on Feb. 17 and Feb 18 to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act with protest, amidst celebration by the mendicant Philippine government and some pro- lump sum organizations in the US.
FIGHT RACISM ,FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses its opposition to the lump sum provision included in the Stimulus Bill or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Section 1001. Title X. In the Stimulus bill that passed, the lump sum bill still has a “quit claim” or a foreclosure to any claim for a lifetime full pension benefit. While the $15, 000 for US citizens or $9,000 for non US citizens may provide temporary relief, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR RECOGNITION!
FILAMS DEMANDS FULL RECOGNITION AND EQUITY (tags)
The Filipino American community marked the 63rd Anniversary of the unjust Recission Act of 1946 last Feb 18, 2009 with different kinds of protests all over the United States. The protests is in contrasts to other organizations like the ACFV and NAFFAA who called for celebrations and gratitude to the US and Philippine governments for the long delayed benefits. * In San Francisco, two hundred vets, students, widows, teachers and activists gathered in two separate events on Feb. 17 and Feb 18 to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act with protest, amidst celebration by the mendicant Philippine government and some pro- lump sum organizations in the US. * In Los Angeles, more than a hundred veterans, widows and advocates gathered at the Veterans Memorial monument at Lake Street Park n February 18th.
WW 2 Filipino vets, widows, students and activists Demand Full Recognition (tags)
The Filipino American community marked the 63rd Anniversary of the unjust Recission Act of 1946 last Feb 18, 2009 with different kinds of protests all over the United States. * In San Francisco, two hundred vets, students, widows, teachers and activists gathered in two separate events on Feb. 17 and Feb 18 to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act with protest, amidst celebration by the mendicant Philippine government and some pro- lump sum organizations in the US. “To date, our military service and courage in defending the US during World War 2 have never been fully recognized, so there is a reason for us to continue the fight!,” said Philippine Scout Gomer Bondad during a forum held at the Rosenberg Library of the City College of San Francisco. * In Los Angeles, more than a hundred veterans, widows and advocates gathered at the Veterans Memorial monument at Lake Street Park n February 18th. Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti and Congresswoman Royball-Allard graced the occasion as guests of honor.
LUMP SUM IS NOT EQUITY! (tags)
The approved lump sum included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009-- $15,000 for the US citizens and $9,000 for non-US citizens may provide temporary monetary relief for many. However, this is not a cause for celebration let alone thanksgiving. This is yet another piecemeal legislation that fails to address the grave injustices committed against the Filipinos when on February 18, 1946, the US Congress enacted the Rescission Act that deemed the US military services of the Filipinos inactive, thereby, denying them of their rights and privileges as American veterans. Of the at least 60 nationalities that served the US during World War 2, the Filipinos were singled out to receive unequal treatment as their American counterparts who fought side by side with them during the war.
JFAV BLASTS GOP ON VETERANS BENEFITS BILL (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) criticized the republicans in the US Congress for their unreasonable opposition to the $198-million Filipino veterans pension provision that found its way into President Barack Obama’s pet – the Economic Stimulus Bill. The veterans benefits is widely criticized by Republican members of Congress as having no place in the controversial and complex piece of legislation. They said the lump sum pension bill meant for about 18,000 Filipino veterans who fought side by side U.S. forces against the Japanese during World War II would “clutter” a bill that is already riddled with questionable and “wasteful earmarks.” “The Republicans like Senator Burr and Rep. Buyer readily forget they owe Filipino veterans a debt of gratitude for winning the war in the Pacific. They only want to bail-out the corporations not the people. Republicans and conservative” blue dog” democrats are outright ingrates!”, JFAV National Coordinator Arturo Garcia exclaimed.
SAN FRANCISCO VETS PETITIONS PELOSI ON STIMULUS BILL (tags)
A groups of San Francisco Filipino World War II veterans sent a petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the San Francisco State Building to expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill that now hangs by a thread. While the Stimulus bill passed the Senate last Tuesday, Feb 10, it will still go to a bicameral conference. The San Francisco Filipino veterans and their advocates sent the petition to the Speaker office last February 10, to make sure that it will not suffer the fate of S. 1315.
NO TO LUMP SUM WITHOUT FULL RECOGNITION,JUSTICE AND EQUITY, NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill is now hangs by a thread. While the US Senate passed the Stimulus bill, it will still go on a bicameral conference to settle its differences and the veterans befits bill is in danger of being dropped again. Senator Inouye inserted the benefits bill and promised to resign as Senate Appropriations chair if the Filipino veterans bill does not pass. On February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces.
NO TO LUMP SUM WITHOUT RECOGNITION (tags)
Los Angeles – The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) expresses grave concern on the fate of the Stimulus Bill on which the Filipino veterans benefits bill is now hangs by a thread. This February 18, 2009 is the 63rd anniversary of the Rescission Act that took away the rights of the Filipinos to get equal benefits. The Congress did this to the Filipinos out of around 60 nationalities who served the US Armed Forces. If this is not outright racism, what is this?
SCPASA SUMMIT HELD IN RIVERSIDE, JAN 31 (tags)
The Southern California Pilipino American Student Alliance (SCPASA) held their 2009 Summit at the University of California, Riverside this Saturday, January 31st. It was attended by more or less 200 students who attended different workshops given by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), FAIR. PWC and other resource speakers.KmB Secretary General Ernest Tamayo was the keynote speaker.
NO LUMP SUM WITHOUT RECOGNITION (tags)
We stand to educate and politicize the community on the issue as opposed to the advice of the Philippine government’s representative for veterans to “keep quiet for the next four months.” We empower the Filipino and the American communities if they know the historical injustice, facts and options as only an educated people can bring about real change to the how the US government regard the veterans. Veterans and advocates for genuine equity are on a crossroad now. Is it lump sum first or full recognition and lifetime pension benefit right away? This paper attempts to provoke discussion among veterans, widows, families, advocates and the public in general.
We, the organizations and groups of youth, women, community, seniors and veterans of different ethnicities comprising the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) based in Central Los Angeles are united as one in the following points of unity. As the new president assumes power on January 20, 2009 and will embark on a new direction for our nation, we in the EPCC unite with the rest of the nation in doing the best we can to improve our conditions and livelihood for the next four years..
The Filipino American community send a letter to President Barack Obama on his first day in office, January 20, 2009. The letter to Obama was discussed and written by less than a hundred Filipino American composed of community leaders, Balitang America viewers and experts on the economy, immigration, and Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates in a community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008. The letter was read again in a broadcast yesterday, January 20, 2009 at the ABS -CBN Filipino Channel with a more than 300,000 subecribers and more than six million viewers.
OUR HOPES AND DREAMS; FIGHT RACISM AND STRUGGLE AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION! (tags)
On January 20,2009 a new President- An African American named Barack Obama will be inaugurated in Washington DC. To many, the dream that racism is no more is reality and the dreams of equality for all will be achieved. But not for the Filipino American community who still feel the fangs of racism at the hands the US Congress. On September 22, the US Congress House of Representatives passed the SB 1315 or the American Veterans Benefits Enhancement Bill, But they removed the whole section that pertains to Filipino World War II veterans. They excluded again the Filipinos, in a blatant act of racism in the law.
Once called "battle fatigue" and "shell shock" Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), recognized as a clinical condition in 1980, has been a part of warfare for those serving in armed forces for as long as anyone can figure. People who suffer from the disease often experience vivid flashbacks so real some act out what they re-experience. Other symptoms may be feeling distant from others, severe depression, feeling unable to be happy. Having trouble falling asleep and suffering uncontrollable outbursts of anger may also accompany the disease.
REP. MANDANAS VISITS LOS ANGELES, CONDUCTS DIALOGUE WITH FILAM VETERANS (tags)
Philippine Congressman Herminigildo Mandanas together with Los Angeles Consul General Mary Jo B. Aragon held a dialogue with the Filipino American veterans and community leaders last Friday, January 9 at FASGI, 135 N. Parkview St. Los Angeles. They discussed the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689 that passed the Senate hearings last November 17 remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Heated Discussion There was a heated discussion on the lump sum bill when JFAV leader Arturo P. Garcia brought put the fact that the SB 3689 has a quit claim and offers no recognition to the veterans. He also scored the vagueness of the bill.
FILAMS HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING, WRITES OBAMA (tags)
Less than a hundred Filipino American composed of community leaders, Balitang America viewers and experts on the economy, immigration, and Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates held a year end-Community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008 and after a spirited discussion read a letter to be sent to the President –elect Barack Obama who will assume office on January 20, 2009.
Filipino Americans Hold Town hall meeting (tags)
More than a hundred Filipino American community leaders held a year end-Community town hall meeting last December 10, 2008 and after a spirited discussion read a letter to be sent to the President –elect Barack Obama who will assume office on January 20, 2009. In a belated telecast on December 31, 2008 and January 1-2, 2009 of the community town hall meeting held at the ABS -CBN Broadcast Center at Redwoods City south of San Francisco, the Filipino American leaders were united and were filled with optimism with the coming New Year despite the threats of global recession.
JFAV ACTIVIST CONTINUE PROTEST ACTIVITIES (tags)
JFAV activists here continue their unrelenting advocacy in support of various causes and in protest of other issues even as the community savors Christmas and the advent of a new year. The Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689 that passed the Senate hearings last November 17 remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Despite failing energy, living FilVets and their young advocates stay active on the road, making their presence felt in mass actions and community gatherings, and taking the opportunity to speak their minds.
ACTIVIST CONTINUE PROTESTS THROUGHOUT CHRISTMAS (tags)
Activists here continue their unrelenting advocacy in support of various causes and in protest of other issues even as the community savors Christmas and the advent of a new year. The Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689, remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Despite failing energy, living FilVets stay active on the road, making their presence felt in mass actions and community gatherings, and taking the opportunity to speak their minds. On December 8, JFAV announced the formation of a partner organization, the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (Aware) at a meeting held at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) here. In San Francisco, FilVets Gomer Bondad and Reggie Nacua, with activists Ago Pedalizo and Violy Reyes, discussed the seemingly unresolved impasse on the lump sum clause of SB 36879, now pending in the US Congress, at a community meeting held at the ABS-CBN studio in Redwood City last December 10
PCORE/ JFAV JOINS 4th FILIPINO HISTORICTOWN LANTERN PARADE (tags)
Maligayang Pasko! Scores of Filipino World War II Veterans with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marched along the busy Temple Street sidewalks together with more than a hundred seniors, young students and residents from the Manila Terrace Apartments to Search to Involve The Pilipino Americans (SIPA) compound with lighted lanterns or ” Parols “last Friday, December 19. Meanwhile, the JFAV-San Francisco held their Christmas program with a potluck lunch at the Wolff’s House in downtown San Francisco last Dec. 14. More than 60 veterans and widows attended the Christmas party.
JFAV/PEOPLE”S CORE PARTICIPATES IN 4th HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LANTERN PARADE (tags)
Maligayang Pasko! Scores of Filipino World War II Veterans with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marched along the busy Temple Street sidewalks together with more than a hundred seniors, young students and residents from the Manila Terrace Apartments to Search to Involve The Pilipino Americans (SIPA) compound with lighted lanterns or ” Parols “last Friday, December 19. The Parol parade started at around 5:15 PM. Filipino American organizations like People’s CORE, veterans, students and parents from Burlington School, Pilipino American Democrats of Los Angeles(PALAD), Filipino Christian Church( FCC), Lord of Harvest Ministry, GEPENC, JFAV, PANA, TWNDC and SIPA marched up Temple St through the sidewalks.
OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE... (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) condoles with widows and relatives of departed veterans and widows while it continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. This happens as the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, in the meantime , different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV Represents in Big Events (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. While the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV Represented in Big Events in WAshington DC and SFO (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) continues it unrelenting advocacy even in the advent of the Christmas season 2008. While the Filipino Veterans Support Bill, SB 3689 hangs in the balance like SB 1315, different JFAV chapters continued it activities everywhere.
JFAV TRIBUTE TO VETERANS FIGHTER FOR FREEDOM- JACK TEJADA (tags)
We, in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) now, a full pledged national organization based in Los Angeles ,salutes and pay the highest tribute to Jack Tejada. He was a tireless freedom fighter in the fullest meaning of the word. Commander Jack Tejada is from New Jersey but he represents all the veterans in the United States wherever they maybe. He is regular lobbyist in Washington D.C He fought for our freedom as a soldier of the Philippines and America. And did his part in winning World War II. But he did not stop there. He continued to fight for freedom and justice for the benefits and the recognition that they truly deserve and was taken away from them
WIDOWS AND RELATIVES OF FILIPINO VETERANS FORMED AWARE DEC 8 IN LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) together with the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) formed Association of Widow and Relatives of Veterans for Equality or AWARE last Monday, at 10:00 AM December 8, 2008 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) at Fountain St/Vermont, CA 90027. This as they commemorate the formal entry of the United States into the Second World War with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, 67 years ago.
GABNet Demands Recognition of Widows', Relatives' sacrifice for War Vets (tags)
GABNet of the Mariposa Alliance applauds the determination of the widows, wives and relatives of Filipino World War II veterans to struggle against the official and legitimized racist discrimination embodied by the Rescission Act of 1946, as well as the sexism embodied by the removal of provisions for widows and relatives from the Filipino WWII Veterans Equity Bill. GABNet extends its support to AWARE, the Association of Widows and Relatives for Equality. GABNet holds that care and support for those who are mobilized for wars decided by governments should be a public, rather than a private, concern. It is ironic that the US government is always quick to provide funds for the reconstruction of buildings, roads, plants and factories but consistently stalls and delays when it comes to the rehabilitation of peoples. It was quick to provide war damages funds to the property owners of the Philippines, even as it passed the Rescission Act of 1946 which effectively deprived Filipino WWII veterans of equal benefits as the American GI.
WIDOWS AND RELATIVES OF FILIPINO VETERANS WILL FORM GROUP FOR EQUITY AND BENEFITS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) together with the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) will hold an organizing meeting for widows and relatives of Filipino World War II veterans on Monday, at 10:00 AM December 8, 2008 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center at Fountain St/Vermont, CA 90027. The event will mark the formal entry of the United States into the Second World War with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
NO THANKSGIVING GIFT FOR FILIPINO VETERANS (tags)
The long wait for veterans benefits and equity still goes on as Thanksgiving Day sets in without the much awaited results from the US Congress lame duck session. According to JFAV representative and World War II Veteran from San Francisco, Mr. Reggie Nacua who went to lobby with the ACFV in Washington DC reported that the Senate instead passed in its hearings -the S. 3869 also known as the Filipino Veterans Support Bill.
PETITION FOR THE US CONGRESS (tags)
e: www.myspace.com/jfavla PETITION FOR THE US CONGRESS TO IMMEDIATELY CALL A JOINT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AND RECONCILE FILIPINO VETERANS BILLS NOW! Restore Section 4 of SB 1315 for the Filipino Veterans and junk HR 6897—the quit claim bill. We call on the US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee and reconcile SB 1315 and HR 6897, which were both passed at the House of Representatives last September 22, 2008.
Anti-war veterans deploy 4,171 toy soldiers at gas station (tags)
Anti-war veterans deploy 4,171 toy soldiers at gas station In a daring guerrilla raid earlier this fall, members of the Los Angeles chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) infiltrated a local gas station to deploy a battalion of 4171 toy soldiers, together with a sign reading, "Price of Gas: 4171 U.S. Soldiers."
JFAV PETITION TO US CONGRESS (tags)
Restore Section 4 of SB 1315 for the Filipino Veterans and junk HR 6897—the quit claim bill. We call on the US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee and reconcile SB 1315 and HR 6897, which were both passed at the House of Representatives last September 22, 2008. We demand that the joint US Congress conference committee restore the provision in SB 1315 on the Filipino Veterans, the full recognition and benefits for the last surviving veterans, for the widows and relatives of the Filipino World War II Veterans.
UFAV Induction of New Officers for 2008-2010 (tags)
The newly inducted officers of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) for 2008-2010 were sworn–in by Rep. Lucille Roybal Allard of the 34th District last November 14, 2008 at the 3rd Floor of the Angelus Plaza , 255 N. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) congratulates the new set of UFAV officers. UFAV was organized in 1984 and was always in the forefront of the veterans equity struggle. UFAV is a member of JFAV organized in 1998.
THOUSANDS COMMEMORATE VETERANS DAY NATIONWIDE (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the VETERANS DAY nationwide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and other places - NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. The march and Community Fair started and ended at the at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had started at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies. The solemn tribute started with the national anthems sung by TINIG ng UCLA and the honor guards call on the line. And then the group of community leaders laid a wreath at the memorial monument. Dr. Ben Marte and Mo Nishida led the ecumenical services.
THOUSANDS COMMEMORATE VETERANS DAY NATIONWIDE (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the VETERANS DAY nationwide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and other places - NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. The march and Community Fair started and ended at the at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had started at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies. The solemn tribute started with the national anthems sung by TINIG ng UCLA and the honor guards call on the line. And then the group of community leaders laid a wreath at the memorial monument. Dr. Ben Marte and Mo Nishida led the ecumenical services.
THOUSANDS MARCHED AT THE ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LA NOV.8 (tags)
Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the 8th Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) 8th VETERANS DAY PARADE and Community Fair NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. The march and Community Fair started and ended at the at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had started at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies. The solemn tribute started with the national anthems sung by TINIG ng UCLA and the honor guards call on the line. And then the group of community leaders laid a wreath at the memorial monument. Dr. Ben Marte and Mo Nishida led the ecumenical services.
NYCLAW ANTIWAR DIGEST -- 11.11.08 (tags)
We believe that veterans and active-duty GIs are in a key position to stop illegal and unjust war, and we are inspired by the resistance of troops who stood against the war in Vietnam.
GOVERNOR PROPOSES RECKLESS CUTS TO PROGRAMS THAT DELIVER PROVEN RESULTS TO VETERANS (tags)
On Veterans Day, (Tuesday November 11th) disabled veterans and the workers who provide their home care will rally to demand Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers protect efficient programs that provide proven results to taxpayers—like the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATIONS TO BE HELD NATIONWIDE FROM NOV. 6-11, 2008 (tags)
“Despite delays in passing the Filipino Veterans benefits and equity bill in the US Congress this year, the Filipino American community is highly hopeful the reconciled bill will pass this year. This will be the focus of the Veterans Day commemoration nationwide from Hawaii to Washington DC ” JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia boldly announced this optimistic prediction.
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE 8th ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN LA NOV.8 (tags)
It’s all systems go for the 8th Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) 8th VETERANS DAY PARADE and Community Fair NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. “Despite delays in passing the Filipino Veterans equity bill in the US Congress this year, the Filipino American community is highly hopeful the reconciled bill will pass this year. This will be the focus of the 8th Veterans Day parade.” JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia boldly announced this optimistic prediction. The march and Community Fair will be held at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had three parts: The first part is the commemorative rites that starts at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies.
FILNER AND LENO SIGNS FILIPINO WWII PETITION (tags)
After an interview with Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and chief sponsor of HR 6897, by a local news reporter, Filipino World War 2 Veterans confronted Filner in the war memorial building and aired their demands for US Congress to immediately call a joint conference committee to reconcile Filipino Veterans bills, restore Section 4 of S1315 and junk HR 6897- the quit claim bill. Veteran Simplicio Yoma in front of the camera asked Filner, “Will you sign this, Sir?’ Inspite of hesitation claiming that he still has to talk with senators and other congress leaders, Filner signed the petition.
JFAV CONFRONTS FILNER IN SAN FRANCISCO, DEMANDS RECOGNITION AND EQUITY (tags)
A strong delegation of the Filipino American Veterans led by Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) –San Francisco met and dialogued with Congressman Bob Filner in the San Francisco War Memorial last night, October 30. The veterans led by Commander Mordeno and Yoma and JFAV’s Augustus Pedalizo confronted Filner while on a break on his address to American Vietnam War veterans and reiterated their call for the reconciled bill and the convening of the joint conference committee on the lameduck session of the US Congress on November 17, 2008.
JFAV Optomistic on the passage of the veterans benefits bill this year. (tags)
Taking time-off from its hectic activities to pass the veterans benefits bill pending in the US Congress, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008. The veterans and their advocates are still very hopeful that the US Congress will convene the joint conference committee to reconcile the three separate bills for Filipino veterans. At present the S. 1315, HR 6897 and the Chat Edwards bill that appropriated $198 million for the veterans needs to be reconciled. The JFAV and the ACFV is still highly optimistic that the reconciled bill that will grant recognition and give benefits to the Filipino veterans will be enacted before the US Congress ends this year.
Filipino Veterans Commemorate 64th Year of the Leyte Landing at HPMC in LA (tags)
–Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008. Scores of World War II veterans, community advocates and the Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu, Errol Santos of HPMC and hospital personnel led the simple rites held at the HPMC auditorium. A Filipino mass was officiated by Fr. George Florendo to pay tribute to both living and departed veterans who fought in World War II in the Philippines.
This Veterans Day, Say “Thank You!” (tags)
Veteran's Day Annoucement
FILIPINO VETERANS SICK AND TIRED OF EMPTY PROMISES (tags)
he praises heaped upon the Filipinos who fought against the Japanese invasion during World War II did not impress a group of veterans who attended the commemoration of the Leyte Landing held on Monday.
On the 64th Year of the Leyte Landing (tags)
While we in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) are commemorating the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008 in Los Angeles, it is gratifying to note that even the Americans have unsung heroes. I reprinted an article written by retired general Ramon Farolan about a great American hero, forgotten by his countrymen. The same forgetfulness the American public does to the Filipino World War II veterans. Some people only celebrates victories. They try forget the past nor study its lessons. Let this article speaks for itself.
Racism- Alive, Brave and Strong (tags)
As a Filipino-American, one lesson I learned in America, Americans are very frank but indirect. Very blunt but courteous. That is the face of racism in the United States today. The Democratic Party choose Barack Obama as their candidate but before that, a lot of Clinton supporters were sacked for uttering racist remarks. They want to prove that racism is a thing of the past in America. But they are mistaken.
JFAV Oct 10 Nationwide Mass Actions-Fight Racism! (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! No Justice, No Peace! On Friday, October 10, in Los Angeles and San Francisco,hundreds of Filipino American students, youth and veterans with their allies from AJLPP, ANSWER-LA, PCORE, SIPA,SEIU, LAANE and other groups held their rallies in front of the Federal Building in the two cities for Filipino veterans rights.
JFAV Oct 10 Nationwie Mass Actions -A Success! (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! No Justice, No Peace. On Friday, October 10, in Los Angeles and San Francisco,hundreds of Filipino American students, youth and veterans with their allies from AJLPP, ANSWER-LA, PCORE, SIPA,SEIU, LAANE and other groups held their rallies in front of the Federal Building in the two cities for Filipino veterans rights.
AJLPP Supports JFAV Mass Actions (tags)
Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! The AJLPP urgently calls on the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia announced. In this regard the AJLPP supports the Justice for the Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) in its call for nationwide mass actions against blatant racism and struggle for for veteran rights.
BAILOUT THE FILIPINO VETERANS NOT THE CAPITALIST (tags)
Today, we protest the racist attacks against the Filipino World War II Veterans. Again, the fast disappearing Filipino World War II veterans and the seniors were the first victims of the Bush $700 capitalist bailout. We gather today at the foot of the monument to the Spanish-American War of 1898. At proof that the United States occupied the Philippines and colonized the Philippines. And that on 1941, when the Second World War broke out, we have to fight a war that is not of our own making. Filipinos were ordered and conscripted into the United States army and were ordered to fight for the war. But the United States refuse to honor the wartime services of the Filipinos saying the fought for their own country. What a shame!
Iraq Vet Paul Rieckhoff Speaks at City College (tags)
Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq War veteran, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and author of a book about his war experiences called "Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Façades in Iraq," spoke October 4 at San Diego City College about the war, the needs of returning veterans and how various elected officials are responding to the veterans' issues his group regards as priorities.
BAILOUT THE VETERANS NOT THE CAPITALIST (tags)
Today, we protest the racist attacks against the Filipino World War II Veterans. Again, the fast disappearing Filipino World War II veterans and the seniors were the first victims of the Bush $700 capitalist bailout. The US Congress again insulted the veterans and Filipino American community by passing SB 1315 bill minus their recognition and one billion's worth in benefits.
AJLPP Support JFAV Mass Actions for the Final Push for Filipino Veterans Rights- (tags)
he AJLPP stands for and supports the final offensive in the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said. The mass actions will be held from October 6 to 10, 2008 U.S wide.
AJLPP Support JFAV Mass Actions for the Final Push for Filipino Veterans Rights- (tags)
“ The demand of Filipino World War II veterans for their benefits and rights is just and reasonable cause and no amount of denial and delay from the US Congress can justify its callous and racist actions of stalling the benefits bill denied from them for 63 years.” The AJLPP stands for and supports the final offensive in the US Congress focused on the Senate to call a conference committee to pass the veterans bill, AJLPP West Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said. The mass actions will be held from October 3 to 10, 2008 U.S wide.
When Japan surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945, we who had fought as regular army or as guerrillas suddenly became veterans. The terrible war was finally over and everybody looked to picking up the pieces in a regime of peace. From what I read in the papers, the pension is not much. But the feeling among most veterans seems to be that whatever the pension may finally be, it will be better than nothing. The Americans have pummeled the Filipino veterans into submission. He now goes around with a begging bowl in hand. This is the greatest insult and the most pitiful tragedy.
BAILOUT THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS< NOT THE CAPITALIST CROOKS! (tags)
Good news! The US Congress extended their sessions for the next two weeks because the bailout bill was defeated in the lower house. For us this will a new window of opportunity to pass the SB 1315 with recognition and restored benefits for our WWI veterans. The next two weeks Sept 30-OCT 10, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897 that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans.
ACT NOW FOR FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY (tags)
The next two weeks SEPT 26-OCT 9, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897- the inequity bill that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans. For the latest news, the lower house has alloted $ 198 million for the benefits under the HB 6897 as a result of our actions. Are we contented with this? NO! A MILLION TIMES NO! While the US Congress will bail out crooked and corrupt corporations with our money, they give pennies to our veterans? We say PASS 1315 and restore Section 4 for Filipino veterans and trash HB 6897 ( Filner's Folly) - the quit claim bill!
Fight Racism, Struggle for Filipino Veterans Rights (tags)
The next two weeks SEPT 26-OCT 9, 2008 WILL BE CRUCIAL because the joint Congress conference committee will decide how to reconcile the two disparate bills- SB 1315 and HR 6897- the inequity bill that gives nothing to the Filipino veterans. For the latest news, the lower house has alloted $ 198 million for the benefits under the HB 6897 as a result of our actions. Are we contented with this? NO! A MILLION TIMES NO! The US Congress will bail out crooked and corrupt corporations with our money, they give pennies to our veterans? We say PASS 1315 and restore their benefits.
A Posthumous Concern, Another kind of Racism (tags)
VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES in the Far East (Usaffe) here at home and in America thought that, at long last, the US Congress was poised to pass legislation addressing their generations-old claim for benefits. But as the American economy unraveled, politicians began sniping at the bills (pending before the US Congress) aimed at increasing the benefits of Filipino veterans. Filipino-American veterans groups and lobbyists began to fear that the promise to bring the bill to a vote in the US House of Representatives would fall by the wayside. No one, of course, predicted that the US Congress would be plunged into a crisis atmosphere by US President George W. Bush’s proposed bailout, which the US Senate and House Democrats have agreed to, but whose approval has been delayed and, possibly, foiled by a group of House Republicans anxious they will be defeated in November if they vote for a bailout.
RP's Sorreta Must stop Being An Apologist for the US Congress (tags)
We, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) take exception and criticized the apologies of Philippine Embassy Charge d’ affaires Carlos Sorreta that after the passage of SB 1315 minus the Filipino provisions “that the quest for justice should not be divisive” In the first we ask who is dividing whom? This is the first time that all Filipino veterans groups, the community and all our allies are united against HB 6897 which is a quit claim bill and for SB 1315. The fact that SB 1315 passed the US Senate with a vote of 96-1 is a testament of that unity.
NO TO RACISM AND BIGOTRY (tags)
Yesterday, we came to San Francisco Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi to protest and express our support to SB 1315 and opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner. HR 6897. As we protest, we heard that SB 1315 passed but take out all provisions pertaining to our veterans. This says the Congress does not recognize their war time services and do not give the same benefits as our American counterparts have. It is an insult to Filipino American community and the historical contributions of the Filipino people who lost one million lives in the war.
JFAV PICKET- RALLY. SEPT 22 in SF (tags)
JOIN OUR LAST PUSH TO PASS SB 1315 VERSION IN CONGRESS! JOIN THE JFAV PICKET- RALLY AT THE SAN FRANCISCO ( SPEAKER PELOSI'S DOWNTOWNOFFICE) PICKET-RALLY FOR RECOGNITION,JUSTICE AND EQUITY! September 22, 2008 12;00= 2:00 PM Speaker Nancy Pelosi District Office 450 Golden Gate Ave San Francisco, California, 94102
OPEN LETTER TO REP. MIKE HONDA, 15th District,CA (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. First, we would like to express our deep appreciation for championing the cause of Filipino World War II veterans. We are very thankful to you and the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus that despite the grandstanding of Congressman Bob Filner, you are sincerely on our side. We would like to express our opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner which is a quit claim and an insult to our veterans and the Filipino American community. We want you to support the House version of SB 1315. Stay steadfast on the course- PASS THE House version of SB 1315 Now!
SB 1315 STILL HOPES TO PASS! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV) and other veterans advocates have rejected the Filner proposal- HR 6897 confident that S-1315 still has a chance of passing. “1315 is alive and well,” stressed Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. “ The house version of SB 1315 still can pass,” says Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) leader Arturo P.Garcia said: “ If the democrats will do their job, they can pass it. We do not want the Filner’s quitclaim bill. Let our voices be heard loud and clear.”
PASS THE HOUSE VERSION OF SB 1315, NOW! (tags)
It’s been 18 years running and with less than a week left, the house version of SB 1315 still hangs in a balance. The democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi have not authorized the bill to be discussed or voted on the floor since April. House veterans affairs committee chairman Bob Filner, running for re-election in California’s heavily ethnic southern San Diego district, has offered a compromise bill that would provide a one-time, lump-sum payment of $15,000 for US-based Filipino veterans and $9,000 for those in the Philippines. JFAV and ACFV and other veterans advocates have rejected the Filner proposal, confident that S-1315 still has a chance. “The way we see it,” says Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) leader Arturo P.Garcia said: “The Democrats are not doing their job. We voted them into office to pass this bill. But now, they are not moving and making the same empty promises.”
JFAV PURSUES PASSAGE OF THE HOUSE VERSION OF SB 1315, DISAPPOINTED WITH PELOSI (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) coordinator Arturo P. Garcia expressed this stand and say they are seriously disappointed with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Bob Filner, head of the House of Representatives Veterans Committee who said that "S. 1315 is dead because the democrats do not have the 2/3 majority votes needed to pass it." JFAV also expressed disenchantment with the democrats when Filner further said, "Speaker Pelosi can crack the whip for the 40 or so Democrats holding out but she won't. She is concerned that their (40+ Reps) re-election bids will be affected by this vote. [Filner] does not agree but [he] does not have the whip.
Letter to Cong. Bob Filner, Pass the House Version of SB 1315, Now! (tags)
While we, as a Filipino-American community, always appreciate your efforts for the Filipino veterans, we do not agree with the direction you are taking. But, we will ask you to go an extra mile for our cause and let it not be you who will let it go to waste after 18 years of long, hard struggle. We want equity, we want justice, and we want it now! Pass the House version of S. 1315 now!
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
e are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as the Speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party, responsible for not passing the bill in the house You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into vote despite several promises.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as the Speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party, responsible for not passing the bill in the house You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into vote despite several promises. Time and excuses are running out. We demand that your office and all the members of the House of Representatives to act now and house version of S.B. 1315 now!
UFAV Commander Maj. Crescencio E. Abad, 88 (tags)
Commander Crescencio E. Abad, past president of the Filipino World War II veterans group –the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) based in Los Angeles passed away last August 2, 2008. He was 88 years old. Cmdr. Cres Abad was a World War II Bataan veteran and fought under the USAFFE. He belonged to the 301st Field Artillery Battery of the 21st FA of the USAFFE. He was also a survivor of the infamous Death March. He later served as a guerilla serving under the USFIP-NL and fought at the famous Battle of Bessang Pass. He served as an adjutant and S1 of the 21st FA Battery of the USFIP-NL that supported the troops that forced the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio City 1945. He served under the US Army Philippine Scouts and was discharged from the US Army in 1949. He retired as a major under the Philippine Army and became a lawyer and an M.P.A graduate.
Commander Crescencio E. Abad, past president of the Filipino World War II veterans group –the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) based in Los Angeles passed away last August 5, 2008. He was 88 years old. Cmdr. Cres Abad was a World War II Bataan veteran and fought under the USAFFE. He belonged to the 301st Field Artillery Battery of the 21st FA of the USAFFE. He was also a survivor of the infamous Death March.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as the Speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party, responsible for not passing the bill in the house You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as the Speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party, responsible for not passing the bill in the house You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday.
AN OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (tags)
Dear Ms. Speaker, We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives. We hold you, as the Speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party, responsible for not passing the bill in the house You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into vote despite several promises. Time is of the essence for these American veterans who were victims of the unjust Recession Act that was passed on February 18th, 1946. Of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served under the American Flag during World War II, only 18,000 are still alive with more veterans dying everyday.
JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW! (tags)
Different Filipino Veterans groups marked the 67th year Filipino soldiers conscription day or the USAFFE DAY, July 26, 1941 with festivities and protests. More than 15 veterans and community leaders of Southern California. In a symbolic protest-- signed an open letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding the passage of the SB 1315 version in the house that has been languishing in the US Congress for more than 18 years. In a community forum sponsored by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) held at SIPA on July 25, 2008, they declared: “ We hold you as a the speaker and the leader of the Democratic Party responsible for not passing the bill in the house. You have the responsibility to answer why the bill has not been discussed or have not been put into a vote despite several promises.” The Filipino leaders demand that the SB 1315 version in the house be passed before the US Congress recess on August 31.
A CALL TO ACTION: PASS THE EQUITY BILL, NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, students, youth and community advocates calls on all Filipinos, Filipino Americans and allies to write to Speaker of the House Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and 245 congresspersons to discuss and pass the equity bill, HB 760 pending before the lower house of the US Congress, NOW! Last July 18 and 19, during the emergency conference of the JFAV ,Filipino veterans groups like PAVA-SC, SGS and UFAV with the Washington ACFV we decided to ask for a vote on th HR 760 on the floor of the US Congress. This is after a long wait and the promise of Speaker Pelosi that " if we got 290 votes she will put the bill on the floor." We feel that at most we have 220 votes to pass the bill. Waiting for 290 will just delay the bill to eternity. For four times, Congressman Bob Filner and Pelosi promised to pass the bill for the last two years to no avail. Please email, write them letters and call or fax their offices for them to act on the bill ASAP. The US Congress is ending its session by August 31. Remember its election time this year. Let not the elections sidetrack our advocacy for our veterans.
It's make-or-break for Pinoy vets' bill (tags)
World War II veteran Guillermo Rumingan had a teleconference with other veterans and their supporters and plotted what could be the last chapter of a historic run to push the Filipino Veterans’ Equity Bill. From Hawaii to California to Washington State to Virginia, they weighed their options that seemed to thin with each passing hour. After a triumphant 96-1 Senate vote to pass S-1315, which contained provisions for Filipino veterans’ equity, the bill is now stalled in the House of Representatives. Although the 110th Congress is scheduled to hold sessions until the last week of September, veterans activists are looking at the week beginning August 4 as the last window to realize an over 60-year-old dream. If nothing happens by then, all the historic gains achieved this year will come to naught. They had an appointment with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week, but she was not available and only one of her staff members faced the veterans led by Eric Lachica, executive director of the Virginia-based American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. "She wanted 290 sure votes for S-1315," Rumingan told ABS-CBN’s Balitang America.
Chris Hedges Exposes U.S. War Crimes in Iraq (tags)
Chris Hedges, author of "War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning" and co-author of the new book "Collateral Damage: America's War Against Iraqi Civilians," spoke in San Diego June 25 and expressed his disillusion with the American political system in general and the Democratic party in particular. He said he's not going to vote for either Barack Obama or John McCain because neither will completely withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq.
PGMA US VISIT, PATHETIC DISPLAY OF MENDICACY OF A US PUPPET (tags)
The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) today expresses outrage over the passing of the more than $ 628 B budget to fund the Iraq –Afghanistan war yesterday, June 26 in the US Congress while that the Filipino Veterans Equity bill that was languishing in the US congress for more than 18 years was not even discussed. Aside approving the war budget, the high profile legislative visit or the lobby by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took precedence in the House of Representatives. It is high point in mendicancy for the president of the Philippines to let herself be stereotyped as “cooks” and “Philippine-Americans” by no less President Bush during their White House meeting.
PGMA US VISIT, CREDIT GRABBING AND A HIGH POINT OF MENDICACY OF A US PUPPET (tags)
Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not a Penny for the war in Iraq! Money for People’s Needs, Not for the War! The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) today expresses outrage over the passing of the more than $ 628 B budget to fund the Iraq –Afghanistan war yesterday, June 26 in the US Congress while that the Filipino Veterans Equity bill that was languishing in the US congress for more than 18 years was not even discussed.
TILL NO EQUITY BILL, PGMA US VISIT-A SPOILER? (tags)
The Justice for Filipino Veterans (JFAV) expressed dismay that the equity bill was not discussed last Wednesday, June 25. Instead, the legislative visit or the lobby by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took precedence in the House of Representatives. She awarded the "order of the golden" heart in behalf of her government for US representatives even if the US lower house did not act upon the bill and discussed it on the floor. The information received from the veterans lobby group in Washington DC, the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV) said the bill will a chance to be voted on the floor on Wednesday, June 25. But it was not the case.
JFAV and the Filipino Community Salutes Companero Don White (tags)
We, in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) were profoundly shocked and saddened on the news of the sudden death of Don White, a dear comrade and friend of the Filipino World War II veterans and the Filipino immigrant community. Don White, the Director of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) in Los Angeles, 70, died of a massive heart attack in his apartment last Friday, June 20, 2008 in Los Angeles.
There is an inherent conflict in writing a weekly opinion column, as I have done for the last 20 years, and in being an elected public official in San Francisco, as I have been for the last 17 years. It is an occupational hazard that from time to time, I have expressed opinions which offended certain individuals who happen to be San Francisco voters. Most recently I wrote two columns about the need for the Filipino community to express our unequivocal support for the Filipino veterans equity bill, S.1315, which passed the U.S. Senate 96-1 on April 24, 2008, and which is currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Betrayal of the Filipino Veterans (tags)
Just as the U.S. House of Representatives was about to vote on S.1315 -- known as the "Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007" -- a group of Filipino-Americans from San Francisco drove a polarizing wedge that could potentially impede the passage of the bill. Indeed, what was almost a certainty two weeks ago is now in jeopardy.
Jazz Barbeque To Benefit Female Veterans (tags)
On Saturday, June 28 from noon to 6:00 p.m., New Directions will host its 4th Annual Jazz Barbeque . KKJZ radio personality Bubba Jackson will emcee the fundraising event. The price is $15 to benefit the female veterans project of Los Angeles-based New Directions
Pass the Equity Bill NOW -JFAV (tags)
For us in the Filipino American community , the passage of the H.R. 760 , the Filipino Veterans Equity is of the utmost importance. This issue continues to be the most urgent and longest standing injustice our community has faced for decades. Thank you for your continued leadership and support in fighting for the enactment of the Filipino WWII Veterans Act of 2007, H.R. 760. As a faithful constituent, we recognize that you are an ally in this campaign and ask that the Filipino WWII Veterans Equity bill be made a priority in your already historic role as Speaker of the House.( As a congressperson from ____)
Equity Bill in the US Congress -Another Broken Promise? (tags)
he Democrats since 2006 have promised to pass the equity bill in the US congress. Even Philippine President jumped into the bandwagon. She will be thanking US President Bush for signing the equity bill, even though the bill is not yet on the floor of the house. But what really happened? What wrong with the bill? Is the equity bill dead?
ROUGH SAILING FOR THE VETERANS EQUITY BILL IN CONGRESS? (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the alliance of veterans groups and advocates through its Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia expressed dismay over the failure of Democratic Party Speaker Nancy Pelosi to present to the floor of the house HR 760 or the Veterans Equity Bill before the memorial day weekend. JFAV learned from different sources that the reason for the untimely delay was the strong opposition from the “ blue dog” democrats. The blue dogs are the fiscally conservative democrats in the congress. The fear is that they might vote with the conservative Republicans against the equity bill.. ‘
JFAV : A Tribute to Ka. Crispin Beltran, The Hero of the Filipino Working Class (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American veterans (JFAV), the alliance of veterans groups, student / youth, community organizations and veteran rights advocates in the United States and as a founding member of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) pays tribute and homage to Crispin Beltran, 75 , who passed away last May 20, 2008 in the Philippines Ka. Bel, as we fondly call him, was a representative of BAYAN MUNA and later the ANAK-PAWIS Party list group, BAYAN Chair, Past Chair and Chair emeritus of Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement) labor center and was the first chairperson of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) from 2001-2004. As a chair person of the ILPS Ka Bel supported the Filipino World War II and gave due course to the resolution of the ILPS in 2001 and again in 2004 ILPS Assemblies recognizing the contribution of the veterans to the struggle against fascism in World War II and the justices of their current struggle for recognition, justice and equity.
The fight for Filipino veterans' equity: A struggle against racism (tags)
After 63 years, the U.S. Senate finally passed the Veterans Expanded Benefits Bill on April 24 with a vote of 96 to 1. But can this act of Congress giveA back justice and equity for Filipino veterans who were denied their rights for 63 long years? The Philippines was a colony of the United States when World War II broke out in 1941. In a hurry to defend its colonial possessions in the Pacific, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt formed the United States Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and integrated the 70,000-strong Commonwealth Army of the Philippines into the 30,000-troop U.S. army in the Philippines on July 26, 1941.
Sen. Mikulski’s Warmongering Exposed by Peace Activist (tags)
The Iraq War is crashing our economy! We also now know that it was launched by the Bush-Cheney Gang based on 935 certifiable lies. Yet, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) continues to vote to fund it to the tune of $514 billion. Her excuse is that she “supports the troops.” Vietnam War veteran, nurse and Peace activist, Ms. Madeleine Mysko, isn’t buying Mikulski’s dubious line. She wants the war ended and the troop brought safely back home, now.
Clinton honors Fil-Am vets in 66th Anniversary of ‘Fall of Bataan’ (tags)
HILLARY CLINTON released the following statement April 10 in honor of the men and women who bravely fought for the freedoms of the United States and the Philippines 66 years ago, when Japanese troops invaded the Philippines. This invasion led to the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942. "It is my honor to have the opportunity to salute these brave Filipino men and women who gallantly gave their lives for the freedom that citizens of both the Philippines and the United States now enjoy. And to those who have survived, I pledge that America will not forget the hardships that you and your family endured from that war."
JUSTICE AND EQUITY NOW! (tags)
After 63 years, finally US Senate on April 24, 2008 passed the Veterans Expanded Benefits Bill with a vote of 96-1. This bill is generally an omnibus bill enhancing benefits to most US veterans. The provision of S.57 was partly incorporated in S. 1315 which will afford the Filipino veterans in the US to receive the same benefits as those of their US veteran counterpart. Those who are residing in the Philippines shall receive a monthly special pension of $300/month if the bill is finally signed into law. The Senate also voted 56-41 to defeat the effort of Sen. Richard Burr(R, NC) to redirect pension to wards U.S veterans. Almost all those who opposed the bill including Senator Burr and Craig voted for the bill. Democratic Senator Barack Obama who promised to vote for the bill and Republican candidate John McCain were not able to vote and were absent. Senator Hillary Clinton voted for the bill. Work Ahead “Our work has just begun our next target will be the House of Representatives to pass the bill and give justice, equity and correct the errors of racism for the Filipino World War II veterans” Arturo Garcia. JFAV and People’s CORE Coordinator said. For more than half a century, the Filipino World War II veterans have been seeking for just and equal recognition as US veterans. The house bill HR 760 should continue to gain support from legislators in the House with the passage of S. 1315 in Senate.
US Senate Passes Equity Bill, 96-1 (tags)
The US Senate began deliberation on S.1315 or the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill on April 22, 2008 and today, with a vote of 96-1, the bill was finally passed. This bill is generally an omnibus bill enhancing benefits to most US veterans. The provision of S.57 was partly incorporated in S. 1315 which will afford the Filipino veterans in the US to receive the same benefits as those of their US veteran counterpart. Those who are residing in the Philippines shall receive a monthly special pension of $300/month if the bill is finally signed into law. " We would like to thank the leadership of the Senators Inouye and Senator Akaka and all veterans advocates especially the youth for making it a possibility for this bill to pass. This is our long awaited desire to be recognized for all our sacrifices during World War II," said veteran leader Peping Baclig, National JFAV Coordinator..
PASS THE EQUITY BILL NOW! (tags)
Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement on the United States Senate unanimous vote to proceed with a floor debate on S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act. Among other actions the bill would restore U.S. Veterans status and eligibility for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits to Filipino Veterans serving in WW II. A final vote is expected today:
JFAV Letter to The President of the Philippines (tags)
We, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), are addressing the Philippine government’s actions affecting our campaign for the Filipino-American Veterans who have fought in World War II and were denied their promised benefits fighting under the American regime. We commend the Philippine government’s efforts in lobbying for the Filipino Veterans to gain their benefits that they were denied at the end of World War II, especially from Ambassador Willy Gaa and Consul General Mary B. Aragon Seeing this support from our mother country, in addition to the growing support from our fellow Americans of different ethnic heritages, gives us motivation to push forward with this campaign of obtaining the benefits promised to the Filipino WWII Veterans as well as for reunification for their families. However, we are gravely concerned with the government's recent activities of selling federal institutions, especially the National Veterans' Memorial Hospital, to private developers in order to carry out Executive Orders 620 and 620-A, which call for the development of the East and North Triangles and the Veterans' Memorial area of Quezon City. We find it very ironic how our government, who has invested such efforts into our cause, can sell the National Veterans Memorial Hospital – an act that conflicts a stance set from the previous action. This hospital is a gift from the American government, to tend especially to the health needs of the Filipino Veterans.
Bataan Day Protest April 10, 2008 in Los Angeles (tags)
“Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” With these slogans scores of veterans, community advocates, youth and students signified their protest in front of the monument for the veterans of the Spanish-American War at the Westwood National Cemetery near the federal building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd. and Veterans St. yesterday, April 10 at 5:00 PM “Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) commemorate the 66th Bataan Day with a protest rally for the passage of the equity bill in the U.S. Congress.. declared Arturo P. Garcia in an interview with the media. “ If the US Congress can pass a resolution with 415 vote for a free Tibet against China, why can they not do the same with Filipino veterans?” asked Garcia. “ The equity bill has been languishing in Congress for 15 years,” “ What is wrong with Congress? Is this not a case of racism against the Filipinos and a case of China-bashing?” the AJLPP and JFAV declared.
Bataan Day Protest in LA (tags)
“Remember Bataan!” This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942. Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day with a protest rally at the Westwood Federal building 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles on April 10, 2008 at 5:00 P.M.. “Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” will be the slogan of JFAV, AJLPP and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA who were spearheading the rally.
FILIPINO VETERANS TO PROTEST APRIL 10 AT THE WESTWOOD FEDERAL BUILDING IN LA (tags)
Money for Filipino Veterans, Not for the War! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) with the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP ) and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will mark the 66th Fall of Bataan Day with a protest rally for equity and justice on April 10, 2008 at 5: 00 PM at the West wood Federal Building at the corner of Veteran and Wilshire Streets.
Orange County Candlelight Vigil for 4,000 Fallen (tags)
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, ORANGE, CA USA: Military Families Speak Out, Gold Star Families, Iraq Veterans Against the War, & supporters gathered together on March 24, 2008, for a candlelight vigil to both remember and honor the fallen and raise public awareness of the needless loss of lives in the United States' unConstitutional occupation of Iraq.------------------------------ EXCELLENT ARTICLE AND VIDEO OF THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FROM THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/killed-lemieux-orange-2005062-war-soldiers
Pelosi and McCain: Pass the Equity Bill First Before Talking About Tibet-JFAV (tags)
Fix your own backyard. Compensate the Filipino World War II veterans . Pass the Equity Bill first, before you speak of justice and freedom in Tibet.” This was the admonition of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) to Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who was strongly criticized by the Chinese government for meddling in the current Tibetan crisis.
Video: Veterans Speak @ OC Peace's "How Many More? Resist, Resist the War!" (tags)
Huntington Beach, California, USA, 3.15.08: This "How Many More? Resist, Resist the War?" video reveals the plight of troops, military families and veterans, all who have been affected by the United States' illegal invasion of Iraq. You will hear Navy vet, Maricela Guzman, speak of her rape and of the military's continued resistance of her plight. You will hear conscientious objector, Agustín Aguayo, speak of his resistance to injustices imposed upon military troops serving in Iraq. You will hear Olga Aguayo speak of 'coping' mechanisms the military offers families whose loved ones are serving in Iraq, and you will also hear Olga speak of her husband, Agustín's, case which is now at the Supreme Court level. You will also hear USMC vet, Sean McAllister, speak of the Winter Soldier, 2008 testimonies, of his plea for THE PUBLIC to watch these testimonies at www.ivaw.org, and of his reminder that the WAR IS STILL GOING ON! Finally you will hear young voices of the Orange County Peace Coalition's Children's Peace Choir sing 'America the Beautiful'. www.ocpeace.org, www.ivaw.org, www.mfso.org, www.vfp.org
Iraq Soldiers to Testify about War Crimes at Winter Soldier (tags)
To listen to the parts of the historic Winter Soldier broadcast in Southern California, tune into Pacifica Radio's KPFK at 90.7 FM in Los Angeles and 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara. You can hear the full broadcast online at www.warcomeshome.org. The broadcast runs from 6am-4pm Pacific time (9am-7pm Eastern time) on Friday, March 14th, 6am-4pm Pacific time (9am-7pm Eastern time) on Saturday, March 15th, to 7am-1pm Pacific time (10am-4pm Eastern time) on Sunday, March 16th.
JFAV Supports LA International Women’s Day March 8th Against the War (tags)
Money for Filipino Veterans, Not For the War! With this as the battle cry, the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV) militantly supports and joins the International Women’s Day March led by the MARIPOSA Alliance and Gabriela Network in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 8. The International Women’s Day Los Angeles March 8th Against the War will start on Saturday, at 10:30 AM, March 8 at the corner of Olympic and Broadway and end at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles.
WINTER SOLDIER: Iraq & Afghanistan (tags)
WINTER SOLDIER: Iraq & Afghanistan, Eyewitness Accounts of the Invasions, March 13-16, 2008, Washington, D.C. In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." In 1971, a courageous group of veterans exposed the criminal nature of the Vietnam War in an event called Winter Soldier. Once again, we will demand that the voices of veterans are heard. Once again, we are fighting for the soul of our country. We will demonstrate our patriotism by speaking out with honor and integrity instead of blindly following failed policy. Winter Soldier is a difficult but essential service to our country. Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan will feature testimony from U.S. veterans who served in those occupations, giving an accurate account of what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground. The four-day event will bring together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - and present video and photographic evidence. In addition, there will be panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists to give context to the testimony. These panels will cover everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support. www.ivaw.org
WINTER SOLDIER: Iraq & Afghanistan (tags)
From March 13-16th, U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will testify to what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground in these occupations. To provide a preview, we've created this short film. The film features three members who will be testifying at Winter Soldier and includes videos and photographs of Iraq from their deployments. This video contains graphic content. We need your support to help make Winter Soldier a success. Please visit www.ivaw.org to find out how you can help.
LOS ANGELES RALLY AGAINST RESCISSION ACT, FEBRUARY 19 (tags)
MONEY FOR FILIPINO VETERANS, NOT FOR WAR! ALL WE WANT IS JUSTICE, ALL WE WANT IS EQUITY! Despite the inclement weather, the militant slogans from the Filipino World War II Veterans, students, youth and community members reverberated along Los Angeles Street in front of the INS Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles as scores of activist rallied for one and a half hours last uesday, February 19 to mark the 62nd year of the infamous Rescission Act of 1946.
Remember ther Recission Act, Fight Racism and Racial Discrimination! (tags)
On February 18th, we commemorate the 62nd year of the infamous Rescission Act. On February 18, 1946, the 79th US Congress removed the benefits and all entitlements for 250,000 Filipino World War II veterans by stating “their military service were not deemed active”. By a stroke of a pen,the US government removed the recognition of the wartime services and the sacrifices of the Filipino nation during World War II. For 62 years, Filipino veterans suffered discrimination and racism. Of all 66 nationalities that served the American flag, only the Filipinos were excluded from their benefits and recognition. To add insult to injury, the promise that they will given citizenship was granted later in 1990, when the immigration reform bill was passed.
JFAV ALL SET TO MARCH FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE and FAMILY REUNIFICATION, FEB 19. (tags)
What do We want, Equity ! No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) an alliance of different Filipino World War II veterans groups, youth and students and community groups are all set to mark the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, and March on Feb 19. 2008 in Los Angeles.. The JFAV will mark February 18 with two mass actions. The first event called JFAV EDUCATION AND ACTION FORUM will be held on February 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at the Lake St. Park Community Center. The invited speakers for the events are Senator Gil Cedillo of 22nd District, California and Muna Cobtee of ANSWER-LA. The forum seeks to study more about the Filipino Veteran's Struggle and strategize ways to gain justice and equity in 2008
FILIPINO VETERANS ALL SET TO MARK 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT IN LA (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) veterans council composed of different Filipino World War II veterans groups held a meeting to prepare for the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, 2008. Prominent veteran leaders attended the council meeting last February 9. Among those who attended were Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Jack Vergara of Society of Guerillas and Scout Inc.(SGSI); Ramon Lladoc of Veterans Center of the Philippines; Eugene Mondok of United Filipino American veterans(UFAV); Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia of JFAV and Arturo Garcia of People’s CORE.
FILIPINO VETERANS ALL SET TO MARK 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT IN LA (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) veterans council composed of different Filipino World War II veterans groups held a meeting to prepare for the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, 2008. Prominent veteran leaders attended the council meeting last February 9. Among those who attended were Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Jack Vergara of Society of Guerillas and Scout Inc.(SGSI); Ramon Lladoc of Veterans Center of the Philippines; Eugene Mondok of United Filipino American veterans(UFAV); Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia of JFAV and Arturo Garcia of People’s CORE.
War is the disease of which PTSD and other mental illnesses that plague our soldiers and veterans are merely symptoms.
Fil-Vets ask candidates for bill support (tags)
Statements of support from the presidential candidates are being requested from Filipino American veterans and the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. (ACFV) before Feb. 18 to help pass their benefits bills and garner more community allies for the Bataan Day commemoration rallies being planned across the U.S. “We are asking the presidential candidates to release their statements of support for our cause clearly before February 18, the day of the Rescission Act of 1946,” said Eric Lachica, Executive Director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc. in an exclusive interview with BALITA. “We have been, and will continue to the rounds here in Washington D.C. to get the candidates’ commitment.”
FILIPINO COMMUNITY MARKS 62nd YEAR OF THE RESCISSION ACT (tags)
REMEMBER THE RESCISSION ACT! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) an alliance of veterans, community, youth, students and other groups will hold a two-day event recognizing the contributions of Filipino veterans of WWII, as well as the injustices they continue to endure. On February 18, 1946, 672 years ago, the 79th US Congress passed the infamous Rescission Act that removed the recognition to 250,000 Filipino American veterans who served during the Second World War. The first event called JFAV EDUCATION AND ACTION FORUM will be held on February 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at the Lake St. Park Community Center . The forum seeks to study more about the Filipino Veteran's Struggle and strategize ways to gain justice and equity in 2008 The second mass action will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 8 AM to 12 PM. Called the MARCH FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE, the JFAV is calling on everyone join in calling for full recognition, benefits, and family reunification for Filipino Veterans.
Veterans for Peace President on Activism and IIraq (tags)
Gil Fried, president of the San Diego chapter of Veterans for Peace, explains the purposes of his organization and the national group of which it's a part; how he drifted away from activism after Viet Nam until Bush's antics in Iraq brought him back; and the "Enough!" vigils he and others in conservative San Diego County suburbs are holding every week against the war.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS HOST ACTION FORUM LAST JANUARY 24-25 in LA and CA (tags)
Despite the stormy weather, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), in conjunction with the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Peoples CORE and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), held a community action forum last Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, The Forum was held at SIPA’s community room. It was attended by a fairly good size crowd of veterans, students and community advocates.Veterans groups like Society of Guerillas and Sc outs (SGSI), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines(VFP) , lobbyists, organizers, and other supporters was present They were updated by ACFV Executive Director Eric Lachica, JFAV Coordinator Al P. Garcia and Franco Arcebal on the current progress of campaign efforts and relevant legislative bills in the continued pursuit of recognition of the Veterans sacrifices in World War II.
JUSTICE FOR FILIPINO AMERICAN VETERANS HOST ACTION FORUM ON JANUARY 24 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), in conjunction with the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Peoples CORE and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), will be hosting a community action forum on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, The Forum will be held at SIPA’s community room. JFAV is also hosting another forum in Carson on January 25 at 3:00 PM at the C and C Adult Day Care Center at 451 E. Carson Plaza Drive
VIDEO: 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade, Long Beach, 1.19.08 (tags)
Video: Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, & Veterans for Peace marched in the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade in Long Beach, CA USA.
MFSO, IVAW, VFP @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade, Long Beach, Part 2 (tags)
January 19, 2008......... Long Beach, California, USA: Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Veterans for Peace were enthusiastically welcomed by crowds of spectators at the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade. **PHOTOS, Part 2**
MFSO, IVAW, VFP @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade, Long Beach, Part 1 (tags)
January 19, 2008......... Long Beach, California, USA: Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Veterans for Peace were enthusiastically welcomed by crowds of spectators at the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade. **PHOTOS, PART 1**
JFAV Asks De Venecia to Stop Raising False Hopes on Equity Bill (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) scored Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. announcement last January 6, 2008 ” that the United States House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has assured that a bill that would provide $90 million a year to Filipino World War II veterans is being prioritized in Capitol Hill." The Speaker quoted Pelosi as telling him during a telephone conversation in California, that they “will try to organize a financial package” for Filipino war veterans. JFAV claimed that Speaker Pelosi did nothing to get the equity bill pass this year. "
Pilipino WWII veterans in the Philippines to get $90M a year- Speaker De Venecia (tags)
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. yesterday announced that the United States House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has assured that a bill that would provide $90 million a year to Filipino World War II veterans is being prioritized in Capitol Hill. De Venecia said the bill, Filipino Veterans Equity Bill, may be scheduled for a floor vote following its approval last July in a markup hearing by the US House of Representatives veterans affairs committee headed by by Bob Filner. The bill was reported out by the Congressional Budget Office for Budget Estimates last September. The Speaker quoted Pelosi as telling him during a telephone conversation in California, that they “will try to organize a financial package” for Filipino war veterans.
Top 10 stories for Filipino Americans in 2007 (tags)
Filipino Americans can look back on 2007 with both elation and embarrassment.FilAms figured prominently in mainstream media news, headlining topics such as the 9/11 health crisis, boxing, TV entertainment as well as espionage in high places.
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act (tags)
The Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007 has gone through its shares of ups and downs this year. If passed, an estimated 7,000 Filipino American veterans living in the US and 12,000 Filipino veterans in the Philippines, who both fought during WWII, would restore US Veterans status and be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension benefits.
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added.
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
The two Filipino World War II Veterans equity bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, H.R. 760 and S. 1315, no longer have the possibly of being passed in 2007. But S. 671, the family reunification bill that has about 20,000 immediate priority visas at stake for the sons, daughters and grandchildren of these veterans still has a shot of being approved this year. On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added
No Fil-Vets Equity for 2007 (tags)
The two Filipino World War II Veterans equity bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, H.R. 760 and S. 1315, no longer have the possibly of being passed in 2007. But S. 671, the family reunification bill that has about 20,000 immediate priority visas at stake for the sons, daughters and grandchildren of these veterans still has a shot of being approved this year. On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig. “If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added
Equity bill moved to ’08, vets dismayed (tags)
So near, yet so far.With two Republican senators continuing to block the bill getting a floor vote, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), chairman of the committee on veterans affairs, has decided to hold action on the bill with the equity pension provision until February or March next year, Filipino World War II veterans leaders have learned.
EPCC and JFAV Marks 66th Pearl Harbor Day in Los Angeles (tags)
The Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) based in Los Angeles Chair Arturo P. Garcia and the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV) leader Faustino Baclig vehemently condemn the US Congress most especially the Republican party for opposing the veterans equity bills that resulted for its no-passage this year. “This is the most blatant form of racism and discrimination. For more than sixty-one years the veterans continued to be treated as second-class American veterans. They continued to be denied the rights and the privileges that should be accorded to them as American World War II veterans” Garcia exclaimed.
On Ken Burns “The War “ Documentary (tags)
On December 7,2007 will be the 61st anniversary of the Second World War for the United States. It is just fitting and proper that a TV documentary series by Ken Burns, The War- was made for this event. December 7 was called “ the day that will live in infamy “ by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Japanese surprise attack crippled the US Asiatic fleet and almost decimated the American fleet in the Pacific. Until now, for 61 years, the Equity bill is still languishing in the US Congress. Because of Republican Party bitter opposition, the Equity bills both in the Congress and the Senate is in limbo and the veterans are denied of what should be rightfully theirs
Historic Debate on Filvets Bill Up Before Full Senate (tags)
When US Senate session resumes after Dec. 3, it will deliberate for the first time, the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill sponsored by Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (Dem.). He is Chairman of the Senate Veterans Committee. Originally Senate Bill 57, the “Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007” will provide for the first time starting May 1, 2008 a flat rate of $3,600 annually disability pension for single Filipino veterans living in the Philippines; $4,500 annually for married veterans; and $2,400 annually for surviving spouses.To be eligible, a veteran “must have income below a certain threshold, have served during a period of war, and have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability.”
Depleted-Uranium, Nuclear War and the politics of Radiation: Read and act NOW (tags)
For Indymedia readers, friends and comrades in struggle worldwide against war, militarism, colonialism and nuclear industry: a brief review about “Depleted” Uranium, nuclear war and radioactive genocide-ecocide
JFAV SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY NOT TO BE DEPORTED (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) declares its unequivocal support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported. The JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia noted that Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion,was petitioned by a Filipino veteran – Bataan defender and death march survivor,who passed away in 2006. JFAV also pointed out that the couple have stayed in the U.S, for the last 25 years and have four grown children. The JFAV, an alliance of World War II veterans, advocates, students and youth in California said that the latest decision not to detain them or deport them was a step in the right direction.
JFAV SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY NOT TO BE DEPORTED (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) declares its unequivocal support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported. The JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia noted that Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion,was petitioned by a Filipino veteran – Bataan defender and death march survivor,who passed away in 2006.
A Lesson in Community Empowerment: (tags)
Last November 11,2007, more than eight hundred youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipinotown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti.
Radioactive Ammunition Fired in Middle East May Claim More Lives Than Hiroshima and Nagasa (tags)
By firing radioactive ammunition, the U.S., U.K., and Israel may have triggered a nuclear holocaust in the Middle East that, over time, will prove deadlier than the U.S. atomic bombing of Japan. So much ammunition containing depleted uranium(DU) has been fired, asserts nuclear authority Leuren Moret, "The genetic future of the Iraqi people for the most part, is destroyed."
Radioactive Ammunition Fired in Middle East May Claim More Lives Than Hiroshima and Nagasa (tags)
By firing radioactive ammunition, the U.S., U.K., and Israel may have triggered a nuclear holocaust in the Middle East that, over time, will prove deadlier than the U.S. atomic bombing of Japan. So much ammunition containing depleted uranium(DU) has been fired, asserts nuclear authority Leuren Moret, "The genetic future of the Iraqi people for the most part, is destroyed."
Pentagon Demands Wounded Soldier Return Re-enlistment Bonus (tags)
Just in time for the holidays, there's a special place in Hell just waiting to be filled by some as-yet-unknown Pentagon bureaucrat. Apparently, thousands of wounded soldiers who served in Iraq are being asked to return part of their enlistment bonuses -- because their injuries prevented them from completing their tours. From Pittsburgh's KDKA:
L.A. Fil-Am vets rally draws over 500 (tags)
Nearly 600 students and supporters gathered to march for Filipino Veterans’ rights on Nov. 11 in Historical Filipinotown. The event, organized by the coalition group Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), was the seventh annual march aiming to raise community awareness about H.R. 1315, a bill that would grant Filipino veterans pension for their involvement in World War II. Supporters of the bill, which has yet to be approved by both the Lower House and the Senate before being signed into law by the President, are hoping that the rally will cause enough attention to the issue before Congress adjourns its session for the year on Nov. 16, or at the very least, to get an extension until December. Another bill being pushed for approval along with these benefits is the family reunification bill, which veterans would use to expedite the immigration process for family members still remaining in the Philippines.
Fil-Am Vets aim for equity at march (tags)
On an overcast Sunday morning with the scent of pan de sal wafting through the air, marchers took to the streets and neighborhoods. Armed with flags and banners, the procession filled the air with chants like, “Don’t say no-no to my lolo!” and “We want justice, we want it now!”
Why Did The Equity Bill Did Not Pass (tags)
Last November 11,2007, the youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipinotown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti. In San Francisco, American Coalition For Filipino Veteran (ACFV) staked out at the residence of Speaker Nancy Pelosi to no avail. Pelosi fresh from her defeat for the Armenian genocide resolution in the lower house did not even bothered to sponsor the equity bill.
7th Annual Veterans Day Parade Held in Historic Filipinotown (tags)
What Do We Want, Equity, When do we want it? NOW!! Hundreds of Filipino American youth together with the Filipino World War II Veterans marched through the streets of Historic Filipintown to protest the 61 years of injustice and inequities. The 7th Annual Veterans Day march-parade was held by the Justice For Filipino Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of students,youth and veterans groups. The parade was held for the eight straight year and is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Eric Garcetti
Fresno, CA- Veteran Needs Food and Shelter (tags)
Socialist Party USA and Peace and Freedom Party have been sharply critical of the Democrats and Republicans, due to their failure to make ending homelessness a national priority. As a result of this failure, the nation’s homeless population may experience sharp increases within the next two years due to the recession and inflation. Federal assistance is now imperative.
Vets REJECTED from Long Beach Vet's Parade Participation. DO SOMETHING! (tags)
This is in response to the article written in the Long Beach Press Telegram regarding the three groups of veterans and their families who were REJECTED from participating in the Veterans Day Parade, even though they and their families served and are continuing to serve their country with honor. My son just returned from his second tour in Iraq. We both believe in the Constitution ,which includes the right to speak out against this war. It is something that he is proud to fight for and will continue to follow orders if he is sent back to Iraq. While watching the entire parade from the sidelines, I was saddened to see that there were no participants from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan at all! That means that the only participants of this war that wanted to march in the parade were excluded. The city, as well as Val Lerch, who continued to try to make this a political issue, bear responsibility for this lack of support for our soldiers currently serving in this war. How could Council member Lerch, a proud member of this committee, overlook this glaring omission if he supports the troops? By the way, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Veterans for Peace carried no signs whatsoever. It was very important to us that we honor all the troops, and we enthusiastically applauded all participants. Also, please note, we had plenty of enthusiastic responses from the crowd and a few public displays of apology. This is an important point, because the city and committee knew we marched in last year’s parade without incident and that we are valid members of the military, unlike other groups like the medical insurance van, etc. This is why several cities, including La Palma, Palm Springs, Santa Monica, and other cities nationwide were inviting our groups to march in their parade; they understand that you can support the troops but not the administration’s policies that continue to blindly send our loved ones to die in a war that should never have happened in the first place. Apparently, the Veterans Day Committee and the city of Long Beach do not understand the difference. --Pat Alviso, Military Families Speak Out, Long Beach, CA, USA, Pat Alviso & Jeff Merrick, Military Families Speak Out Orange County & South Bay Chapter, www.mfsooc.org www.myspace.com/ocmfso 562-833-8035 Support Our Troops. Bring Them Home Now! Take Care of Them After They Get Home!
SOS! Veterans DENIED Participation in Long Beach Veteran's Day Parade! (tags)
Why are Iraq VETERANS Against the War, VETERANS for Peace, and Military Families Speak Out being DENIED access to the Saturday's (11.10.07) VETERAN'S DAY PARADE in Long Beach, California?!? Please contact the following people, and urge them to ALLOW these groups to march in Saturday's Long Beach Veteran's Day Parade. Pageantry Productions, Debbie Harn 310-537-4240, they handle the parade for the city of Long Beach; Martha Thuente is the committee chairperson, 562-422-6669; Long Beach City Councilmember’s: Val Lurch, 562-570-6137, (The parade is in his area.); Tonia Reyes Uranga, 562-570-6596; Gary DeLong, 562-570-6186; Military Families Speak Out: Pat Alviso & Jeff Merrick: www.mfsooc.org, www.myspace.com/ocmfso, 562-833-8035 (Pat Alviso)
U.S. Troops Are Dying, So That Bush Can “Save Face!” (tags)
Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), on Oct. 17, 2007, on Capitol Hill, said: “Thousands of kids are going to come back in caskets, [from the Iraq War], which we are not allowed to see, or with amputations, brain injuries, with traumatic stress.” Why? Rep. Filner answers: “[Because Bush] is going to make the Democrats take responsibility for ‘this thing.’ That is to ‘save his face.’” I say: Let Bush “save face” in prison, with V.P. Dick Cheney, as his cell mate!
The Plight of American Veterans (tags)
Socialist Party USA, and Peace and Freedom Party are asking all U.S. veterans to join their efforts to obtain more for U.S. veterans and to end the Iraq War. The two political parties are also demanding an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. and allied forces from Iraq and Afghanistan. Stewart Alexander says, “The Democrats, Republicans and Bush are already past the deadlines to get out; and that was before March, 2003.
7 CIA Veterans Challenge 9/11 Commission Report (tags)
September 23, 2007 – Seven CIA veterans have severely criticized the official account of 9/11 and have called for a new investigation. “I think at simplest terms, there’s a cover-up. The 9/11 Report is a joke,” said Raymond McGovern, 27-year veteran of the CIA, who chaired National Intelligence Estimates during the seventies. “There are a whole bunch of unanswered questions. And the reason they’re unanswered is because this administration will not answer the questions,” he said. McGovern, who is also the founder of VIPS (Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity), is one of many signers of a petition to reinvestigate 9/11.
US Dept. of Veterans: 73,846 US troops dead, 1,620,906 disabled (tags)
The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has released the truth because they need all people to know the US military is literally destroyed. They are under orders to conceal the truth at all costs, so they let slip a report which now cannot be "un-slipped."
100,000 March for Peace on Wash.DC on Sept 15, 2007 (tags)
On Sept. 15, 2007, nearly 100,000 people -- led by anti-war Iraq veterans, military families and others -- marched from the White House to the Capitol in Washington, D.C. to demand an immediate end to the occupation of Iraq. The march concluded with a dramatic "die-in" of 5,000 people surrounding the Capitol. Almost 200 people were arrested when police prevented them taking an anti-war message to Congress.
JFAV STAGED DEATH MARCH REENACTMENT AT 16th FPAC, SEPT.9 (tags)
What was thought to be the “last Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture” ” – the 16th Annual FPAC to be exact turned out to be a resounding success! The festival presented b FILAMARTS called “HANDOG” ( Offering). The festival organizers explained that “ what makes the festival distinct was it was built fro, the ground up. “ They also acknowledged the fact that it defended on the support of the community, business groups and artist and they make the weekend event get through. This FPAC saw the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) staged a solemn re-enactment of the infamous Death March from Bataan to Tarlac in April 1942. The nine-day march cost he lives of more than 30,000 Filipino and Americans out of the more than 90,000 who surrendered in Bataan were brutalized by the Japanese along the 60 kilometer route during the Second World War in the Philippines.
JFAV STAGED DEATH MARCH REENACTMENT AT 16th FPAC, SEPT.9 (tags)
What was thought to be the “last Festival of Pilipino Arts and Culture” ” – the 16th Annual FPAC to be exact turned out to be a resounding success! The festival presented b FILAMARTS called “HANDOG” ( Offering). The festival organizers explained that “ what makes the festival distinct was it was built fro, the ground up. “ They also acknowledged the fact that it defended on the support of the community, business groups and artist and they make the weekend event get through. This FPAC saw the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) staged a solemn re-enactment of the infamous Death March from Bataan to Tarlac in April 1942. The nine-day march cost he lives of more than 30,000 Filipino and Americans out of the more than 90,000 who surrendered in Bataan were brutalized by the Japanese along the 60 kilometer route during the Second World War in the Philippines.
FREE PROF. JOSE MARIA SISON, ILPS CHAIR (tags)
The Justice For Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) , an alliance of more than 60 veterans, students and community organizations based in the United States vehemently condemned and protests the arbitrary arrest and continued detention of Prof. Jose Maria Sison, the current chair of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) by the Dutch government with the prodding’s and collaboration of the Philippine government.
the problem with veterans (tags)
Vets Are Expensive (And Well Trained)
FILIPINO VETERANS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS CONDEMN HARRASMENT OF US-BASED GABRIELA NETWORK LEA (tags)
Different Filipino World War II veterans and community organizations in Los Angeles today condemned the harassment perpetrated by the Philippine authorities against GABRIELA Network (GABNet) USA National Chairperson Dr. Annalisa Enrile. Dr. Enrile was barred from boarding her return flight to the United States. This act of harassment occurred on the culminating day of the 10th bi-annual Women’s International Solidarity Affair in the Philippines, a conference that draws hundreds of women from all over the globe and covers issues such as sex trafficking and other international human right violations. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI) and other community organizations like the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA and other groups were outraged by the violations of Dr. Enrile’s rights.
PEOPLE’S CORE/ JFAV PARTICIPATES IN SUCCESSFUL 5K RUN AND FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAL AUG.4- 5 (tags)
The People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, ardently participates in the first Rotary Club of Historic Filipino 5 Kilometer Run Walk last August 5. The activities was capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 400 runners and walkers participated on the event. City Council Member Wendy Gruel awarded the winners of the 5K Run/Walk chaired by Rotarian Donny Joaquin, the 5K Run/Walk Race Director. More than 20 veterans and youth acted as watchers along the route of the 5K run from Burlington/ Court street to Commonwealth/2nd Streets back to the finish line.
JFAV PARTICIPATES IN SUCCESSFUL 5K RUN AND FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAL AUG. 5 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans ( JFAV ) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, ardently participates in the first Rotary Club of Historic Filipino 5 Kilometer Run Walk last August 5. The August 4-5 activities was capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 400 runners and walkers participated on the event. City Council Member Wendy Gruel awarded the winners of the 5K Run/Walk chaired by Rotarian Dony Joaquin. More than 20 veterans and youth acted as watchers along the route of the 5K run from Burlington/ Court street to Commonwealth/2nd Streets back to the fiish line.
JFAV JOINS 5th HISTORIC FILIPINOTOWN FESTIVAl, AUG. 4-5, 2007 (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans ( JFAV ) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, will join the 5th Historic Filipino Town Festival on August 4 and 5. Energized by recent victories JFAV veterans leaders led by Commanders Franco Arcebal,Peping Baclig, Jack Vergara and Nick Gadia will support the 5th year of commemorative activities on the designation by the city as Historic Filipinotown. The August 4-5 activities will be capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 300 runners and walkers will participate on the event.
JFAV Pursue Lobbying for Equity Bills,Filipino Vets Win Commitments on Capitol Hill (tags)
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV )Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, energized by recent victories and their lobbyist Washington based the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans recently visited Capitol Hill (July 26-27) and thanked their Senators, House members and legislative staff for the progress on their equity pension and family bills. On Thursday evening, the ACFV leaders with JFAV veterans leaders led by Commanders Franco Arcebal,Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia commemorated the the 66th anniversary of the 1941 Military Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt drafting Philippine Commonwealth soldiers into U.S. armed service.
JFAV Marks 66th USAFFE Day,US Filipino Vets March on Capitol Hill July 26 (tags)
No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for FIlipino American Veterans( JFAV) and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans in California will mark the 66th anniversary of the 1941Military Order of President Franklin D.Roosevelt drafting Philippine Commonwealth soldiers into U.S. armed service. On July 26, 1941, Roosevelt ordered the formation of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) placing all Filipino forces under the U.S Command. This is in preparation for World War II. retired general Douglas Macarthur was designated as the field marshal placing the 120,000 Philippine Army, Constabulary, navy and aircorps and all Filipino ROTC reserve units under US Command. But despite this very clear consription order for 61 years, the Filipinos were discriminated,
FIL-AM COMMUNITY/ JFAV HAILS HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S PASSAGE OF EQUITY BILL (tags)
“Better late than never!” ( Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din!) The Filipino American community in Southern California and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) hailed today the passage of the Equity Bill in the House Veterans Affair Committee headed by Congressman Bob Filner by a vote of 15-12. The bill passed the Veterans Affairs Committee hearing last Tuesday, July 17. Earlier Filner promised to have the bill passed by June 30. JFAV coordinators Peping Baclig and Al P. Garcia of People’s CORE also thanked everybody who tirelessly work for this efforts for the last 18 years. Earlier the U.S. Senate passed their version that will grant old age pension to Filipino veterans in the U.S. and in the Philippines.
Pinoy war vets win pension battle in US Senate (tags)
The US Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs voted on Wednesday to give monthly pensions of up to $375 for Filipino World War II veterans and their widows for their service to Uncle Sam more than 60 years ago. “Today marks a special and historic occasion in our long-standing quest for justice and equity for our brave and courageous veterans,” said Philippine Ambassador to Washington Willy Gaa after the committee, at a mark-up hearing, approved an omnibus benefits bill providing for a special set of benefits for men and women who have fought under the US flag. The measure provides a monthly pension of $300 for Filipino veterans who are single, $375 for married veterans and $200 for widows.
JFAV Questions RP Embassy Data that Only 18,155 Filipino war vets are to benefit from US (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) adamantly questions the number of Filipino World War II veterans are expected to benefit from the equity bills awaiting action in both houses of the United States Congress, as reported in major newspapers. Newspapers quoted the report of Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa that only 18,155 of this number remain alive, according to Gaa.?"After the US Army left in 1948 with its list of Filipino WWII veterans, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued to list late registrants," But for JFAV, a community-veterans alliance based in California; “ the crux of the problem is that the main stream newspapers report did not report the other half of what Gaa reported that PVAO reported that figures of 33, 571 living veterans in the Philippines as of May 2007. PVAO also reported 54,000 living Filipino veterans in the Philippines in 2002.”
the Iraq War -- a Socialist perspective (tags)
The war in Iraq is at the heart of the instability in the Middle East – and the U.S. It is now the third-longest-running war in U.S. history: longer than the American Civil War, the First and Second World Wars, and the Korean War. Only the Philippine-American and Vietnam Wars have lasted longer. Although control over Iraq’s oil was a major reason for the invasion, it was not the main factor. Overall strategic control over the region and teaching a “lesson” to any country that dares “step out of line” was the main objective. However, none of U.S. imperialism’s political, economic, or military objectives have been achieved. Far from demonstrating its power, U.S. imperialism has demonstrated the limits of its power. The results will be far-reaching both internationally and within the U.S. itself.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass: SGS Inducted in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall. As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Filipino World War II Veterans dwindling in US Army roster (tags)
Only 18,155 Filipino World War II veterans are still alive out of 260,143 veterans listed in the US Army roster immediately after the war, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa said. He said this “accurate count of surviving Filipino World War II veterans” came from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) which maintains a list of survivors, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) which has a roster of Filipino WWII veterans.
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass: SGS Inducted in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall. As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
The "Dark Cloud" of Domestic Imperialism Hangs Over Our Soldiers (tags)
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass with the Induction of the SGSI in LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)/ People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE ) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) cordially invites the general public to commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District will be the guest speaker and the induction officer of the SGSI officers and board of directors. Some of the incoming SGSI officers are Commander Jack Vergara, Deputy Commanders Nick Gadia Adriano Carino and General Secretary Arturo P. Garcia.
JFAV Marks June 12 RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment ( People’s CORE ) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) will commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass with the Induction of the SGSI (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE ) will commemorate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass with the induction of the new set of officers of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc. (SGSI) on June 12, 2007 at 12:00 PM the Los Angeles City Hall. The SGSI induction ceremonies will be held at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Veterans
Fil-Am Vets Ask VA Sec Nicholson to Resign: Group rallies in front of VA Clinic in LA (tags)
About 20 Filipino World War II veterans and their supporters rallied in front of the Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Los Angeles on May 8 to ask for the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson. The protest occurred after last week’s Associated Press report that said Nicholson paid bonuses of up to $33,000 to senior federal workers amidst a $1 billion shortfall in the VA budget.
FiLIPINO VETERANS/ JFAV CALLS VA NICHOLSON, RESIGN, NOW! (tags)
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, Resign Now! Hundreds of Filipino World War II veterans, youth and students and their community supporters led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ACFV in several U.S. cities rallied at the VA offices in Seattle, San Francisco ( May 7), Los Angeles ( May 8) and San Diego ( May 9) and called on Veterans Affair Secretary Jim Nicholson to resign. The Veterans decision to ask for Nicholson resignation was made last May 6, during a nationwide teleconference held in Arlington Virginia on the 65 year anniversary of the fall of Corregidor Day. Key ACFV and JFAV leaders decided on a unanimous vote to call for Nicholson resignation.
JFAV US WIDE MASS ACTIONS: CALLS VA SECRETARY: RESIGN NOW! (tags)
Filipino World War II veterans, youth and students and their community supporters led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ACFV in four major U.S. cities held mass actions and rallied at the VA offices in Seattle, San Francisco ( May 7), Los Angeles ( May 8) and San Diego ( May 9) and called on Veterans Affair Secretary Jim Nicholson to resign. Last May 6, during a nationwide teleconference held in Arlington Virginia on the 65 year anniversary of the fall of Corregidor Day. Key ACFV and JFAV leaders decided on a unanimous vote to call for Nicholson resignation.
JFAV JOINS US-WIDE MAY DAY MARCH/RALLIES IN LA (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 5 veterans, 32 youth, student and 25 community organizations in Southern California, militantly supports the nationwide mass action on the International Worker Day, may 1, 2007 all over the United States/ On May 1, 2007 we will again march in Historic Filipinotown and join the march rally in MaArthur Park. We call for family reunification, justice for veterans and full rights for all immigrants, now! We strongly condemn the racist attacks and raids against immigrants all over the nation. More than 4,000 Filipinos has been deported because of such massive raids.
JFAV JOINS US-WIDE MAY DAY MARCH/RALLIES, STANDS FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND FULL RIGHTS (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 26 veterans, youth, student and community organizations in Southern California, militantly supports the nationwide mass action on the International Worker Day, may 1, 2007 all over the United States/ On May 1, 2007 we will again march in Historic Filipinotown and join the march rally in MaArthur Park. We call for family reunification, justice for veterans and full rights for all immigrants, now! We strongly condemn the racist attacks and raids against immigrants all over the nation. More than 4,000 Filipinos has been deported because of such massive raids.
Fil-Ams in US call for immigration reforms (tags)
Filipino-American community leaders are at the forefront of a campaign by Asian advocacy groups to press for humane immigration reform in the United States in the face of proposals from the Bush administration that seek to limit visas for parents, children and siblings of US citizens. No two issues inflame the passions of Filipino-Americans more than family-based immigration preferences and full equity for Filipino World War 2 veterans so it came as no surprise when key leaders like Alma Kern and Gloria Caoile began to mobilize community opposition to any move that could jeopardize those twin goals.
JFAV Commemorates Bataan Day, April 9, 2007 in Los Angeles (tags)
In a rare show of unity and justice for the Filipino community, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates together with the Filipino Veterans Foundation commemorated the 65th Bataan Day yesterday, April 9, 2007 with simple commemorative rites at the memorial monument at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Willy Gaa; Consul Helen Barber of Los Angeles: Alberto Alpasan ,Babes Navarra and Jay Vargas of the Veterans Administration(VA); Council Member Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles graced the April 9 event. Filipino Veterans Foundation by Dra. Jenny Batongmalaque led the commemorative rites. More than 150 Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and families, relatives and veterans advocates attended the four-hour event.
JFAV Bataan Day Commemoration, April 9, 2007 in Los Angeles (tags)
Remember Bataan!” This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942. Today, after 65 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day on April 9, 2007 at 9:00 A.M with simple commemorative rites that will highlighted by the blessing of the memorial monument and wreath laying at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.
“Equity Bill To Be Passed by June 30, 2007”—Filner (tags)
“I wished we could to pass the Equity Bill by April 9, (on Bataan Day,) but we did not make it, I think, we can pass the Equity Bill by June 30.” This was the direct answer of Representative Bob Filner (CA- 51) of San Diego and the Chairman of the Committee on veterans Affairs to the question of JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia when will Congress pass the equity bill during the Q and A portion of the Forum on Veterans Affair Issue. The forum was held last Monday, April 2 at the American Legion Post 206 in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Congressman Filner also reported “that the appropriations are assured for the equity bill if it passes Congress before the year ends ” because the lower house have passed or earmarked more than $ 13.6 B appropriations for the veterans funding this fiscal year.
Filipino World War II Veterans /JFAV Supports April 7 March & Rally for Immigrant Rights (tags)
Join pro-immigrant organizations Latino Movement USA, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), People's CORE/CDIR and many others, including the ANSWER Coalition, for a march and rally to demand full rights for all immigrants
Feinstein Corruption Case (tags)
Feinstein Resignation - U.S. Senator Feinstein resigns from MILCON Appropriations suncommittee due to corruption. Feinstein approved billions of dollars of defense contracts to her husband Richard Blum, which directly benefited her and resulted in her family making hundreds of millions of dollars
March 17 Protests: Massive Turnout in LA, Across the Country (tags)
Tens of Thousands March on the Pentagon 50,000 in Los Angeles, 40,000 in San Francisco
Rise of the Anti-War Soldier (tags)
A new video about the Washington D.C. anti-war protests in January, 2007, including US-Labor Against the War and Iraq Veterans Against the War.
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino Conference March 10-11: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS (tags)
“All Out for Equity and Justice” With this battle cry, over 150 community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans all over Southern California and Los Angeles gathered for a successful Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. The Unity Conference began at 9:00 a.m. of each day at the Moore Hall at the UCLA campus. On Saturday, March 10, 7:00 p.m, over 200 people came to an exhilarating three-hour Cultural Solidarity Night at 100 Moore Hall UCLA Campus Los Angeles, CA 90095. The cultural night featured the showing of the 35-minute documentary, “Broken Promises,” performances by spoken word artists, cultural groups and other surprise numbers and paid glowing tribute to our veteran heroes. Conference organizers awarded a plaque of appreciation to longtime veteran rights’ supporter, Allan Pineda Lindo, a.k.a. Apl de Ap of world famous Grammy-awarded hip hop group, “Black Eyed Peas.”
Veterans
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino Conference March 10-11: ALL OUT FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE! (tags)
“All Out for Equity and Justice” With this battle cry, the community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans in Southern California and Los Angeles cordially invite the public to come and gather for a Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Veterans leaders like Commander Jack Vergara of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI); Commander Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Commander Peping Baclig of JFAV; Commander Joe Samonte of Long Beach and Veterans Federations of the Philippines (VFP; Commander Flor Cadiente of FACLA; Commander Eugenio Mondok of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and Sam Icalina and Manny Aquino of Carson full mobilized heir membership and will grace the occasion.
“Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference on March 10-11 at UCLA (tags)
Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference. Collectivizing our Efforts to Attain Full Recognition for Filipino World War II veterans- will be held on March 10-11, 2007 at Kerchoff Hall, UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Gathering more momentum for the passage of the Equity Bill after the successful February 15 hearing at the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will holding the conference . The Veteran, Student, and Community Educational Conference theme is "Collectivizing our efforts to attain full recognition for Filipino World War II veterans." This is to follow-up and activate more pro-active advocacy for the passage of the veterans equity bill.
JFAV-Samahang Pilipino “Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference on March 10-11 (tags)
“Equity and Justice Thron Full Recognition for Filipino World War II veterans- will be held on March 10-11, 2007 at Kerchoff Hall, UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095. Gathering more momentum for the passage of the Equity Bill after the successful February 15 hearing at the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will holding the conference . The Veteran, Student, and Community Educational Conference theme is "Collectivizing our efforts to attain full recognition for Filipino World War II veterans." This is to follow-up and activate more pro-active advocacy for the passage of the veterans equity bill.
PEACE PLANE FLIES OVER OSCARS & OSCAR FOR PEACE EVENT!! (tags)
Peace Plane to Fly Over Oscar Ceremony! Join "Oscar for Peace" anti-war vigil and awards ceremony at noon, at the corner of Hollywood and Vine! 2.25.07
Government Informant Tells Of Methodology Of Hidden WAr (tags)
Below is a post on Mobile Audit Club from today. I have been tortured, injected and silence by our enemies in power. I am an auditor, I am an Independent Media reporter.
Peace Plane flies to Grammy Awards with message "Bring Our Troops Home Now" (tags)
A small group of members from Democracy for America Miami and Miami Veterans for Peace have come up with a novel approach to broadcasting a message to end the occupation of Iraq: an aerial banner that reads, "Bring Our Troops Home Now". These two groups decided to first try their idea at this year's Super Bowl in Miami, but bad weather prevented the plane from taking off. Now the organizers have turned their attention to this Sunday's Grammy Awards, which will be in Los Angeles. A plane has been leased to fly the same message over the Staples Center where the Grammys are taking place.
Spc. Doug Barber: One Year After His Tragic Suicide-Unaired Interviews (tags)
Two previously unreleased audio interviews with Spc. Douglas Barber, who served in Iraq with the Ohio National Guard. Released to commemorate the one year anniversary of his suicide due to untreated PTSD and overwhelming mental trauma.
Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) Year-End Report, 2006 (tags)
The year 2006 was a fruitful and a meaningful year for Filipino World War II Veterans and their advocates. The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) started the year with a collective action and ended it with a Christmas celebration. JFAV was formed in December 16, 1998 in Los Angeles. It took over from the December 7 Movement (D7M) that started the veterans movement gfor recogntion, justice and equity campaign with the first mass action infront of the Westwood Federal building on Decmber 7, 1993. Now JFAV is composed of 32 youth and student organizations, 25 community organizations and 5 veterans organizations based in Southern California and a network all over the United States. We in JFAV take this opportunity not only to report our activities and greet our activist and advocates a new year, but to thank everybody for a year well done and accomplished!
VIDEO: Veterans For Peace light 3,000 candles on Santa Monica beach (tags)
Uploaded is video from the Veterans for Peace New Year’s Eve installation in response to the 3,000th US military death in Iraq. 3,000 candles were lit for each death.
BTL:Pentagon Misinforms National Guard & Reserve Soldiers About... (tags)
...Education Benefits~Produced by Between the Lines' Melinda Tuhus
JFAV STANDS FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND SUPPORTS FULL IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS NOW! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 26 veterans, youth, student and community organizations in Southern California, wholeheartedly supports and salutes the all veterans and their families on the solemn occasion of Veterans Day, November 11, 2006
NOV. 11, 2006 6TH VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT: A SUCCESS (tags)
With the slogan" “”Full Rights for All immigrants, Justice for Veterans, Now” more than 2,000 people participated last Saturday’s PCORE/JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipinotown , Los Angeles. The event started will the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War.
6TH VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT : JUSTICE FOR VETERANS, FULL RIGHTS FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS! (tags)
dale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 With the slogan" “”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! , Filipino Americans in Los Angeles are all set for the 6th PCORE/ JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.The event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders
If Saddam Guilty, Rumsfeld Guilty (2) Tambien!! (tags)
Following Saddam's guilty verdict, we need to investigate Donald Rumsfeld as Saddam's acomplice as the knowing supplier of chemical weapons that fueled Saddam's genocide..
All is set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2006 (tags)
“”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.The annual community event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders
6th ANNUAL PCORE/JFAV VETERANS DAY PARADE IN HFT (tags)
With the theme: “”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now!", the Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade The 6th Annual JFAV Veterans Day Organizing Committee led by People’s CORE /JFAV Steering Committee is proud to announce that the 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Veterans Memorial Monument to Be Unveiled at the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade (tags)
“”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now! The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Veterans Day Parade and other activities. The 6th Veterans Day Organizing Committee and the Steering Committee is proud to announce hat the 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair I Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 in Historic Filipinotown from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Did VA Hide Figures Showing 1 in 4 US Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Disabled (tags)
by Democracy Now
Take Back Washington Sends Film Crew To D.C. Next Stop: Las Vegas, NV (tags)
In response to the newly released documentary, One Nation Under Siege, the Take Back Washington crew is headed West for more input by fellow Americans trying to make a difference.
Hidden Costs of the Iraqi War Exposed (tags)
As of Oct. 3, 2006, the Iraqi War has led to the deaths of 2,720 U.S. military personnel, cost taxpayers $331.1 billion, while Iraqi civilian casualties are estimated at over 100,000. However, there are also “hidden costs” to this awful conflict. Some were revealed at a Capitol Hill “Iraq Forum” on Sept. 26, 2006. They are the costs to the children of Iraq; to the Iraqi War Veterans; and to the American taxpayers, who are stuck with the tab, while other economic and social priorities go unanswered.
ARLINGTON WEST @ SANTA MONICA BEACH (tags)
Arlington West Memorial is an educational outreach project sponsored by Veterans for Peace illuminating the cost and consequences of war and occupation while acknowledging those whose lives lost by the terrorism of war and occupation .
Depleted Uranium is WMD (tags)
by Leuren Moret
JFAV Supports the Repeal of Marcos Decree Against Filipino Veterans (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)-USA supports Filipino veterans struggle in the Philippines and the United States against the Marcos-era decree that terminated the benefits of retired Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel who had acquired foreign citizenship and the counterpart measure seeking the repeal of Presidential Decree 1638 (or the AFP Military Personnel Retirement and Separation Decree of 1979) has yet to be filed in the Senate.
In the light of the profound economic and political crisis in the Philippines today, what could be the significance of celebrating the one-hundred year anniversary of the coming of Filipino contract labor to Hawaii? Are Filipinos the new compradors for the militarist U.S. Empire? Or are they harbingers of a new generation of combatants from the oppressed communities? At the turn of the century, the revolutionary organizer Rosa Luxemburg elegized the dismal plight of the subjugated natives. Today, US Special Forces are back to reconquer the neocolony, with the natives no longer smiling, now up in arms, united with people of color in Venezuela, Palestine, Hawaii, Nepal, Mexico, and other battlefronts of our beleaguered planet. Whither the Filipino diaspora?
On the 65h Year of the Formation of the USAFFE (tags)
On the 65th Anniversary of the impression of Filipino Army to the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) today, on July 26, 1941 different groups held different kinds of commemoration all over California.FAV, People’s CORE are calling all Filipino American community activists, youth leaders and all concerned individuals and organizations all over the United States to be vigilant and struggle to have the Senate Bill or any compromise bill pass with the amendment for Filipino American veterans and their families.
FilAm Vets Lobby Congress on July 26 (tags)
Filipino American World War II veterans will march again on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 on Capitol Hill to conduct face-to-face lobbying with members of congress, according to the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, a Washington-based advocacy group. The veterans from California, Texas, New York, New Jersey and other cities will mark the 65th anniversary of the 1941 Military Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt that drafted morethan 140,000 Filipino soldiers into the U.S. Army by appealing to key House members and White House officials to pass the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification immigration amendment.
CHERYL SEAL REPORTS: WEEK IN REVIEW (tags)
Commentaries and news from Cheryl Seal Reports, June 23-29
"May Day, I Repeat, May Day," Say Vets! (tags)
No wonder why vets are now organizing and screaming “Mayday, Mayday!” And if you really think about it, could there possibly be any better reason to fly our American flags upside down?
JFAV Demands Justice: Investigate and Punish All Responsible for the Veterans Scam (tags)
The Justice forFilipino AMerican Veterans (JFAV) is monitoring the developments on the recently exposed theft of 26.5 million American veterans’ records last May 3 but which was not immediately reported by the Veterans Administration (VA) will have a long-lasting impact on millions of veterans. JFAV states that it is bad enough that the benefits of American veterans are being drastically cut ($15 billion cut in the last 3 years), now they fall prey to criminal syndicates due to the incompetence of the VA authorities.
JFAV Persevere Our Struggle For Full Rights for All Immigrants and Recognition, Justice an (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) is seriously monitoring the US Congress debates and deliberations on the current bill on immigration overhaul that will make a long lasting impact on the whole gamut of American lives in years to come. ? Arturo P. Garcia, People’s CORE immigrant rights and advocacy desk and JFAV coordinator said: “More than 1/3 or 4 to 5 million immigrants will be forced to hide deeper into the shadows when the US Congress decides to send them all home when it chose to implement the “temporary guest work program” that will divide immigrants, separates families and put up obstacles for undocumented immigrants in their quest for residency and citizenship.”
US Military Uses Dirty Bombs: THAT'S Why They Hate Us, GW (tags)
Our Military Complex and the Bush Administration has pounded into our brains that "they hate us for our freedom". In foriegn countries, the news is not that the US has "freedoms" that are detrimental to other countries. Their news reports are on subjects such as the violations of the Geneva Convention by the US. Their news reports are on subjects such as "Since 1991, the United States has staged four wars using depleted uranium weaponry, illegal under all international treaties, conventions and agreements....".
Dems Unite and Collectively Flip Duncan Hunter the Bird (tags)
Republican Hack Told: Get Out of Dodge and Don't Show Your Militaristic, Ecologically Insensitive, Anti-Immigrant Mug 'Round Here
JFAV Greets Senate Vote Giving Veterans Special Immigrant Status as a Tactical Victory, (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) greet the news that the US Senate unanimously approved by a voice vote on Thursday (Friday in Manila) an amendment in the proposed immigration reform bill that would allow Philippine-based single or married children of Filipino World War II veterans to join them in the United States, as a tactical victory in its 60 years of struggle for recognition, justice and equity.
All out for April 10 National Mobilization (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, community, youth and students organizations in southern California, commemorates the 64th year of the Fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. It also calls for total and all out support for the April 10 national mobilization for full immigrants rights on April 10 and May 1.
Remember Bataan, Fight for Recognition, Justice and Equity! (tags)
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, community, youth and students organizations in southern California, commemorates the 64th year of the Fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942 Today, we mark the Bataan Day. Why is it important to us? April 9 is a national holiday in the Philippines. Bataan became a byword in the United States because the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFFE) resisted the Japanese conquest of the Philippines and held their lines from December 10, 1942 until they were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942.
A MOM'S FYI: "How to Impeach George W. Bush"...by Tom Delay, et al. (tags)
..
NoMoreVictims Held a Special Evening on Tuesday, March 14th with Medea Benjamin – Global Exchange, Code Pink Blase Bonpane – Office of the Americas, KPFK Cole Miller – NoMoreVictims Alan Pogue - NoMoreVictims, Veterans For Peace Faiza Al-Araji - Iraqi Engineer, writes a blog called “A Family in Baghdad” Chad Hetman - Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace Hector Aristizabal - Theater of the Oppressed Jane Bright - Gold Star Families For Peace To raise money for NoMoreVictims and Alaa' Kahlid Hamdan and her father, Khalid Hamdan Abd Alaa’ is a 3-year old Iraqi girl who was blinded in a US mortar attack on her home in May of 2005
BTL:Poll Finds U.S. Soldiers in Iraq Overwhelmingly Favor Withdrawal Within a Year (tags)
Interview with Kelly Dougherty, cofounder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, conducted by Between the Lines' Scott Harris
MARCH 18 MASS ANTI-WAR PROTEST IN LOS ANGELES (tags)
Join thousands in LA on March 18 to protest the war on Iraq on the 3rd anniversary of the U.S. invasion
Out of Iraq Forum with Maxine Waters (tags)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 - 7:30 PM Out of Iraq Forum with Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Stan Goff: Lighting the Fuse (tags)
members of Veterans' for Peace, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and Military Families Speak Out, at the call of the Mobile, Alabama Veterans for Peace Chapter, will conduct a 135-mile march between Mobile AL and New Orleans LA from March 14 to March 19, 2005
Push For Peace - Disabled Vets Wishing to Protest War (tags)
There are many home-bound, or otherwise disabled, American citizens and veterans that have been unable to participate in past marches supporting the peace message.
Depleted uranium: Dirty bombs, dirty missiles, dirty bullets (tags)
author: Leuren Moret
November Again Month of Many Demonstrations (tags)
Last month had a very diverse mixture of demonstrations from the ever growing military recruiting stations, to the annual protest for the closing of the School of the Americas where an estimated 20,000 held an all day rally.
More Proof Republicans do not care about war Veterans (tags)
U.S. Spends Hundred Times More on Illegal Aliens Than on Assisting American Homeless Veterans
Woman GI Publicly Resists War! (tags)
Army National Guard Specialist Katherine Jashinski, on active duty with the 111th ASG since January of this year, will make a public statement against war as a conscientious objector in the face of orders to participate in weapons training and deploy to the Middle East.
SAT 11/12 NOON: Peace Procession Led by Families of Soldiers Killed in Iraq (tags)
Peace Procession Led by California Contingent of Gold Star Families Carrying Large Photos of Loved-Ones and Joined by Iraq Vets and Veterans For Peace Including Famed Vietnam Vet Ron Kovic Followed by 400 Pallbearers Carrying 100 Flag-Draped Mock Coffins
Sacramento says, ‘Bring the troops home!’ (tags)
The Sacramento City Council, by an 8-1 vote on Nov. 1, called for “a humane, orderly, rapid and comprehensive withdrawal of United States military personnel and bases from Iraq.”
WANTED: 400 Pallbearers to Carry the Grief of the Nation - Sat. Nov. 12th (tags)
Veterans For Peace and Gold Star Families For Peace ARE LOOKING FOR 400 VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE AS PALLBEARERS HELP CARRY THE GREIF OF THE NATION From Arlington West on Morning of Saturday, November 12th Through Streets of Santa Monica
Gold Star Families to Join Arlington West Veterans Day Weekend (tags)
Veterans For Peace - LA Gears Up For Three-Day Veterans Day Weekend of Events at Arlington West in Santa Monica on Friday, November 11th thru Sunday, November 13th As Death Toll for US Troops Killed in Iraq Rises to 2,055 to Date Highlight of Weekend’s Event: Contingent of California Gold Star Families to Lead Procession of 100 Flag-Draped Coffins Through Streets of Santa Monica Noon on Saturday, November 12th
NOV 11-13: Arlington West Veterans Day Weekend (tags)
400 Volunteers are needed at Arlington West just north of Santa Monica Pier at 9AM on Saturday, November 12th to carry 100 flag draped coffins on a procession thru Santa Monica. To volunteer call Tonia at 310.455.2688.
Veterans for Peace, 2000+ Crosses at Arlington West in Santa Monica (tags)
SANTA MONICA, Sunday, October 30, 2005 – Every Sunday for the past two and half years members of Veterans for Peace have set up crosses for each US military death in Iraq on the beach in Santa Monica.
A Light in the Darkness: An Antiwar Vigil (tags)
A report from the Vigil for 2000 at Wilshire Blvd and Veteran Ave
Cindy Sheehan: Is Iraq War Another Vietnam? (tags)
On a sidewalk in front of the White House, on Oct. 26, 2005, anti-war activists, Cindy Sheehan, John Bruhns and Juan M. Torres, Sr., and others from groups, like “Veterans for Peace,” gathered at a Vigil to protest the conflict. The toll of U.S. military dead had just reached the grim 2,000 mark. Sheehan predicted the war will be another Vietnam, unless the people can bring it to an end.
SUN 10/30: Arlington West Marks 2,000th U.S. Troop Death in Iraq with Candlelight Vigil (tags)
On the Occasion of the 2,000th U.S. Troop Death in Iraq Veterans for Peace Invites the Public to Attend Special Candlelight Vigil Sunday October 30th at Arlington West in Santa Monica
George Bush Visits the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California (tags)
Among the people gathered to protest Bush, was Tim, John and Aaron, three members of Iraq Veterans Against the War. I had the chance to speak with Tim, John and Aaron as well as David, Sue and Rachel. Listen to the interviews to hear all of them call for an end to the War in Iraq, and much more.
SAT. 10/15: Iraq Vets & CodePink to Challenge Sen. Clinton Support for War (tags)
As the Death Toll of American Troops in Iraq Nears the 2000 Mark, Iraq Veterans Against the War and CodePink Join Forces to Challenge Senator Hillary Clinton on her Pro-War Record Outside 'Hollywood' Star-Studded Fundraiser on Saturday WHEN: Saturday, October 15th at 12:30 PM WHERE: Outside Sen. Clinton Fundraiser at the home of Marta Kauffman 335 Rimpau (near 3rd St.) in Hancock Park section of Los Angeles
Size Didn't Matter; It was the Message, and it was Big (tags)
The Sept. 24 march on the White House brought a power of message and a unity of purpose to the antiwar movement that it has been missing until now. Bush, Cheney and Rove can try to hide and deny it, but the country is listening.
The Washington March: Falsified Numbers (tags)
On our mainstream TV's and radios all over the world a different and false picture was mostly shown and heard, but it is safe to say that there were HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE marching against the US neocon government and the genocidal war in Iraq, yesterday in Washington.
FRI 9/9: Cindy Sheehan Hits LA (tags)
Cindy Sheehan Back in California Friday to Push Area Representatives and Senators to Bring the Troops Home from Iraq and Speak at Public Event in Culver City in the Evening Sheehan will speak with Senator Barbara Boxer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi by phone, and meet with Senator Dianne Feinstein’s staff in Bay Area, and Congressman Henry Waxman in Los Angeles
VFP In New Orleans Seeks Help to Set up Media (tags)
The Veterans for Peace in New Orleans is setting up a "media center" to document the devastation for the poor. They are looking for donations of media equipment - production gear.
The Problem With Veterans (tags)
Vets Are Expensive (And Well Trained)
anti-military recruitment teach-in today at LACC 12-2!! (tags)
Come to LACC for the Students for Educational Reform (SER) Club's first teach-in with the Iraq Veterans Aginst the War/ Coalition Aginst Militarism in Schools speak free!!
Voices In Wartime opens April 15th (tags)
Voices in Wartime is a feature-length documentary that delves into the experience of war through powerful images and the words of poets – unknown and world-famous.
Veterans for Peace Joins 'Impeach Bush & Dick' Campaign (tags)
This article is from the Binghamton IMC: by Bing IMC ST. LOUIS--On March 30, a national veterans’ organization called for the removal of President George W. Bush and Vice-President Richard Cheney for crimes the group charges were committed during the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Depleted Uranium deaths at 11,000!!! (tags)
This is another example of why we will have to put the corporate media on trial and ensure that the majority of CEOs, producers and anchorpeople spend a long time in jail.
Veterans and military familes say: 'Bring troops home now - and care for them' (tags)
ST. LOUIS - “Those in the armed services right now can speak the truth about Iraq because we've been there, we've seen with our own eyes the disaster we've created in Iraq. And we can tell you that the only way to cope with this disaster is to bring the troops home now - and care for them when they return!”
11,000 US Soldiers Dead (repost) (tags)
11,000 US Soldiers Now Dead From DU Poisoning Heads roll at Veterans Administration Mushrooming depleted uranium (DU) scandal blamed
UFPJ: End war, bring troops home now! (tags)
Over 450 participants from throughout the country adopted a new strategic framework setting UFPJ’s top priority as ending the war and winning a complete U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.
Bush budget assailed as ‘war’ on people (tags)
The 2006 budget Bush sent to Capitol Hill Feb. 7 ratchets up military spending 5 percent, to $419 billion from $400 billion in the current budget.
Set the date! Time to bring the troops home (tags)
Lawmakers rejected Bush’s boast in his State of the Union address that the Jan. 30 election in Iraq vindicates his war policy.
LA Supports War-Injured Children of Iraq - Asra'a Visits Venice (tags)
At nine years old Asra'a Mizyad lost her arm to a U.S. bomb falling on Iraq. This week she brought hope for reconciliation between our people, united in a fight for a just peace.
BTL:Iraq Veterans Call for an End to a War They Say Can't be Won (tags)
Interview with former Marine Cpl. Michael Hoffman, co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, conducted by Between the lines' Scott Harris
Now EVERYONE Has Gulf War Syndrome (tags)
The medical community is hobbled because they are trying to understand things like gulf war illness without understanding the radiation technology deployed daily via the chemtrailing....which is rather ludicrous as the first WARFARE tests of this tech were done during the first gulf war....the satellite images are graphic
Antiwar Vets Applauded at NYC Veterans Day Parade (tags)
NEW YORK CITY - A contingent of anti-war veterans marching in the official city Veterans Day parade found a very favorable response from parade-watchers and participants to their message calling for an immediate withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq. Link to video infra.
Message to Bush: ‘We will never give up!’ (tags)
With a note of defiance, leaders of the broad democratic movement vowed a determined fightback against George W. Bush’s extreme right-wing agenda in a second term.
Photos of Orange County Veterans For Peace Demo (tags)
Photos of OC Veterans For Peace Demonstration and Candlelight Vigil Orange Circle, Old Town, Orange, CA U.S.A.
BTL:U.S. Veteran Returning from Iraq Speaks Out Against the War and... (tags)
...Killing of Civilians ~ Excerpts of speech by Marine Staff Sgt. Jimmy Massey, produced by Between the Lines' Melinda Tuhus
Club for Growth member Bob. J Perry funded 'Swift Boat' ads (tags)
Houston homebuilder, Christian zealout and hardcore GOP backer Bob J. Perry was funded, at least partially, the 'Swift Boat' attack ads since recanted by one Veteran.
Song By Activist About Sheriff Allowed To Steal By Government That Abuses The Poor (tags)
The song below in MP3 titled "Jack Is In The Crack, Your Kids Ain't Coming Back" by Auditor Activist Artist Kurt Brown, written a couple of years ago
I Eat Depleted Uranium for Breakfast (tags)
SATIRE
The Death of Sgt. Van Dale Todd (tags)
Are Iraq veterans going to be treated the way Vietnam veterans were?
N.M. vets bash Bush's record on benefits (tags)
"I see firsthand the lack of support associated with (Bush) budget cuts. I've had two supervisors leave and neither has been replaced. They just consolidate the positions and absorb the budget. And those people over there are not taking coffee breaks. They're backed up."
Building Bridges Radio - 1.Vietnam Vets 2. NYC Day Care Workers Strike? (tags)
BUILDING BRIDGES RADIO presents this 29 minute radio program. TO LISTEN CLICK ON LA INDYMEDIA AUDIO LINK
Repeal the Feres Doctrine (tags)
On Feb 18 1996, LT Clark and CDR Lamoreaux died in an explosion caused by a GE engine defect the Navy brass knew about but chose to ignore. The Feres Doctrine prevented their widows from suing GE for wrongful death. Feres is a license to kill our own service members.
Unprecedented Week of Transgender Activism in Nation’s Capital (tags)
A bit of history occurred the end of April and early May. Three national transgender or gender-diverse civil rights organizations lobbied Capitol Hill simultaneously and, for the first time, all lobbied for the same issues. In addition, yet another rejuvenated national group conducted its first organized protest in years, and still another organization conducted a march to the Viet Nam Veterans’ Memorial, and conducted a historic wreath laying ceremony.
A funny thing happened to me today... (tags)
Don't I Feel special... What happened to my thread? A blank page shows when I link to it. Not hidden - blank
Culling the young of the lower classes through war. How to eliminate the opposition by attrition. Think about it. They aren't coming back alive. They may walk around for awhile, but they're already dead.
Getting to know Senator Kerry (tags)
Kerry had battled the Viet Cong, the Nixon White House, and the extremes of the antiwar movement.
The newspapers on December 30 reported that 477 American GIs had died in the war. But what is not usually reported is that for every death there are four or five men and women seriously wounded. The term "seriously wounded" does not begin to convey the horror. Sergeant Feldbusch's mother, Charlene Feldbusch, who, along with his father, virtually lived at his bedside for two months, one day saw a young woman soldier crawling past her in the corridor. She had no legs, and her three-year-old son was trailing behind. These people pay the price because Americans lack the courage to throw the lying government out on its ass. Every one of those crippled kids looks at America with one message in their eyes, "You could have stopped this, but didn't".
SOS..America Under Seige From Within...Google Soc.Veterans Group Blocked Also (tags)
America is under seige. It is sad to say but some people who claim to be Jewish may not be. No Jew would kill an Arab like a Goat and steal from the Innocent. Never salute their conquered Flag. LA is scheduled for their greatest Horrors. Flee America America
Part 1 Arlington West in Santa Monica (tags)
February 29th 2004 By depicting a national cemetery for fallen soldiers in Iraq Veterans for Peace provides a genuine memorial in the sand. At the same time they draw attention to Iraqi deaths by asking participants to image an entire beach covered in grave markers.
Part 2 Arlington West in Santa Monica (tags)
February 29th 2004 By depicting a national cemetery for fallen soldiers in Iraq Veterans for Peace provides a genuine memorial in the sand. At the same time they draw attention to Iraqi deaths by asking participants to image an entire beach covered in grave markers.
Veterans for Peace honor the dead (tags)
Veterans for Peace are showing respect for the fallen every Sunday on the beach in Santa Monica.
The book he doesn’t want you to see: When Kerry ran for election to the U.S. House of Representative in 1972, “he found it necessary to suppress reproduction of the cover picture appearing on his own book, The New Soldier. His political opponent pointed out that it depicted several unkempt youths crudely handling an American flag to mock the famous photo of the U.S. Marines at Iwo Jima,” according to Vietnam Veterans Against John Kerry. “Suddenly, copies of the book became unavailable and even disappeared from libraries. But the Lowell (Mass.) Sun said of the type of person shown on its cover: ‘These people spit on the flag, they burn the flag, they carry the flag upside down, [and] they all but wipe their noses with it in their efforts to show their contempt for everything it still stands for,’” the New American reported. Even today it is hard to find this infamous photo and book.
Kerry Blood For OIl/Skull & Bones/War Criminal... (tags)
What Bush Skull & Bones Corporate Kerry Don't want You to Know/Remember...
Target refuses to support the war and the people who wage war as part of their national policy.
Bush Dishonors Fallen Soldiers (tags)
The Deserter-in-Chief, not content with cutting Veteran's benefits, Combat Pay, benefits for depends of those deployed, is now putting a blackout on those who have fallen in his ill begotten War to Steal Iraqi Oil. He will not even be seen anywhere near the Flag Draped Coffins of those he has consigned to death. What a Scumbag.
Bush to veterans: Drop Dead (tags)
Some more Salt for the hypocritical "Support Our Troops Scum".
BTL:Military Families With Loved Ones in Iraq Oppose the War While... (tags)
...Supporting U.S. Troops* Interview with Larry Syverson, member of Military Families Speak Out, conducted by Between the Lines' Scott Harris
Is Veteran's Day as popular now as in yesteryears? (tags)
About two weeks after he died, his clothing and personal effects were shipped home in a large cardboard box. His watch was shattered, and stopped permanently at 11:20. We figured that's when he was shot. The bear claw he'd worn in a necklace around his neck was covered with blood, as was some of his clothing. They sent the things home with his blood still on them, and Joanne and I hid them before his parents could see.
Each year, America sets aside one day to honor and cherish its veterans. Pity about the other 364.
Portrait of a cannon fodder in Iraq (by Latuff) (tags)
Copyright-free artwork by Brazilian cartoonist Latuff.
With All Due Respect...We Seek Peace (tags)
I personally--not that it matters, am against any and all strident, militant sounding, hateful, malignant language or signs. I also feel, that given the short attention spans of todays citizenry, it is very confusing when one has a mish-mash of several causes being spoken to, from Palestine, a man on death row, race issues, women's concerns etc.
Congress Declares War Against Disabled Veterans (tags)
The House majority leadership has shown callous contempt for the sacrifices of America's defenders by attempting to impose overly restrictive conditions that would limit benefits for disabilities from military service, said the Disabled American Veterans.
MAD MEN ACROSS THE DESERT (tags)
When Bush "visited" Iraq he did so as a "Fly-Over" where he did not touch down and have to risk breathing unfiltered air at ground level.
John Kerry's war record (tags)
MICHAEL BENGE Foreign Service officer and former Vietnam POW (1968) remembers John Kerry in Vietnam
The War Against Ourselves (tags)
ROKKE: At the completion of the Gulf War, when we came back to the United States in the fall of 1991, we had a total casualty count of 760: 294 dead, a little over 400 wounded or ill. But the casualty rate now for Gulf War veterans is approximately 30 percent. Of those stationed in the theater, including after the conflict, 221,000 have been awarded disability, according to a Veterans Affairs (VA) report issued September 10, 2002.
Who started the Kuwaiti oil fires in 1991? (tags)
GULF WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION QUESTIONS WHO STARTED THE OIL WELL FIRES IN KUWAIT.
Birth Defects Tied to GWS (tags)
The man in the street may have heard about the deformed Iraqi children, born following the first Persian Gulf war. But Americans remain largely un aware about the shocking number of children with horrifying birth defects born to U.S. vets who returned home after the war ended in 1991.
An analysis of the cliches used to justify US interventions and war crimes in other countries.
Afghanistan, Irag and Depleted Uranium (tags)
Depleted Uranium and War
Antiwar Activism: Queers & Veterans Unite! (tags)
Note about upcoming Veterans for Peace convention in San Francisco.
The War Is Not Over Until The U.S. Leaves Iraq (tags)
The U.S. and Britain have declared victory in their war against Iraq and a despicable imperialist occupation is underway. A U.S.-occupied Iraq can never be a "liberated" Iraq. The Iraqi people can only be free to forge their own future when the U.S. and all foreign invaders get out of their country
Soldiers now fighting in Iraq are being exposed to battlefield hazards that have been associated with the 'Gulf War Syndrome' that afflicts a quarter-million veterans of the 1991 war, said a former Central Command Army officer in Operation Desert Storm.
Vets tell Bush: Bring troops home (tags)
WASHINGTON – Behind a banner that read, “Bring The Troops Home Now,” and carrying upside down American flags as a signal of distress, war veterans and families of active duty soldiers marched on the White House March 23 to protest George W. Bush’s pre-emptive war on Iraq.
Gulf war syndrome research reveals present danger (tags)
What the soldiers have not been told is that about one in 10 of them are almost as sensitive to nerve agents as the pigeons. There is now mounting evidence that exposure to minuscule amounts of these chemicals can cause permanent brain damage in susceptible people, and that is exactly what happened 12 years ago when thousands of troops returning from Kuwait started to complain of debilitating symptoms.
Congress supports the troops? (tags)
Support our troops in war, but not when they come back......
LA VA Gives Felony to Vet For Parking, VA doing Medical Experiments Unauthorized (tags)
The soldiers fighting for America who are not from wealthy families have been conned. The Veterans Administration turns against Veterans when they return. Free Pics and Details.
Republican Budget Cuts Veterans Benefits (tags)
Republicans Say, "Support The Troops - Cut $15 Billion From Veterans Programs"
More rightwing hypocrisy (tags)
"Military men are dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy." ~ Henry Kissinger ~ January-February 2003 edition of Eagle Newsletter. Don't believe the "We support our troops" crowd. Lying chickenhawks warmongers.
Who is Putting the Troops in Harms Way? (tags)
War is never safe. Standing in resistance to war is never safe either. Acting one's conscience requires moral courage and sacrifice. No soldier can know beforehand when enough will be enough, when she or he must dissent from what is clearly wrong.
Distribute: Vets call to Troops (tags)
If the people of the world are ever to be free, there must come a time when being a citizen of the world takes precedence over being the soldier of a nation. Now is that time.
Families of military personnel and veterans speak out against war (tags)
The world has been galvanized into action against the Bush administration’s drive to war with Iraq. This is no less true in the United States. In all sectors of the U.S. population you will find anti-war sentiment – including in the armed forces and their families.
GULF WAR VETS CALL FOR RUMSFELD RESIGNATION (tags)
The American Gulf War Veterans Association calls for Rumsfeld Resignation because of lying or incompetence. It's one or the other.
One of the LIES commonly spread by Trolls is that everybody who supports peace is a Wacko. What do you say to a Medal of Honor Winner against Bush's war? What do you say to two of them? Veterans For Peace has sent an open letter to fifteen generals and admirals in the top ranks of the US Military advising them of their possible liabilities, under international law, to criminal prosecution for being part of a pre-emptive war against Iraq. Veterans For Peace, headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is an organization of men and women who have served in peacetime and in most of the wars of the last century, with 92 chapters nationwide.
Why we shouldn't go to War; Any War! (tags)
The United States Department of Defense has committed acts of intentional physical and psychological trauma, premeditated murder and treason. This is not a 'Liberal Left' vs 'Conservative Right' issue, this has nothing to do with Politics at all, this is about a Crime which was committed against our Military Personal while in the course of performing their duties.
Israel: America's Shame and Humanity's Stain (tags)
"I've never seen a president --I don't care who he is-- stand up to them [the Israelis]. It just boggles your mind. They always get what they want....If the American people understood what grip those people have on our government, they would rise up in arms. Our citizens don't have any idea what goes on."
Call to Conscience from Veterans to Active Duty Troops and Reservists (tags)
Call to Conscience from Vets
Help Distribute This Call To Conscience From Veterans (tags)
Help get this statement into the hands of reservists before they go to the gulf. Leaflet military bases, schools etc.
BTL:Army Major Charges Pentagon with Gross Negligence in Care of... (tags)
...Gulf War Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals and Radation. Excerpt of talk delivered by Army Major Doug Rokke in New Haven, Connecticut. produced by Between The Lines'Melinda Tuhus.
An International Call From Veterans and Soldiers To Members Of The Armed Forces: (tags)
We Are Facing a Serious Choice: Perpetual War or Resistance!
Latvia: the new apartheid (tags)
Latvia: the new apartheid
Does USA Helsinki Embassy service suffer from politics?
Veterans: POW’s at Guantanamo & U.S. Tiger Cages in Vietnam (tags)
Why is the world concerned about the classification of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and, why are Americans so blissfully unconcerned? The world is concerned because, as possible victims, it can’t afford to forget. Americans are not because they have never come to terms with the evil our government committed against prisoners during the Vietnam War.
Dome Village Labor Day Stand Down (tags)
Dome Village is excited to host its second Veterans Stand Down to serve Homeless Veterans in Downtown Los Angeles this Labor Day, September 3, 2001, from 7am to 7pm. This will be a high profile event, showcasing how Los Angeles businesses and community leaders working together can help the Veterans that have served this country to get back on their feet. To accomplish this, we will be offering the 300 Homeless Veterans anticipated food and clothing, services and information to help them become self-sustaining.
A 'Veteran for Peace' at Bush's Los Angeles appearance.
Slanders Against Protesters Nothing New (tags)
There’s nothing in the demonization of protesters. This book takes on and refutes the most enduring slander against the anti-war movement of the 1960s--the myth that protesters spit on returning veterans, a myth that the author shows emerged only after the fact, as part of the endgame to disappear the very real, very powerful, very embarrassing Vietnam veteran anti-war movement.