Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) says that a recent evaluation of the VA's Non-Service Connected Pension Program found that only about one in four eligible veterans are estimated to be receiving the pension benefits they are owed. This is because many veterans still do not know that this VA pension program exists. Current recipients surveyed by the VA in 2004 reported that they had been eligible for many years before actually applying for benefits. In order to qualify for the VA non-service connected pension program, veterans are required to have served during a specific "period of war." The veteran should have been discharged under honorable conditions and generally served for at least 90 days. Veterans may receive a non-service-connected pension based on reaching age 65. Veterans who are under age 65 qualify if they are permanently and totally disabled. For disabled veterans, the disability does not have to have any relationship to the veteran's military service. Eligibility for the program is based upon need. Wartime veterans who believe that they qualify for a pension can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000 for an application and further information. For more information, read this article.

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On Sunday, August 14, I have arranged to have a local TV station, WTOC, come to the hotel to interview the guys that have arrived in Savannah.  Barring any major news event that would be happening that evening, the TV people will be in the Hospitality Room at 7:30 p.m.  This coverage will be on the Morning, Midday and Evening News on August 15.  If there should be some major event taking place in the city (chemical spill, fire, etc.) the interviews will be Monday morning in order to be on the Midday and Evening News.  I know who will arriving on Sunday, so I hope to see you in the Hospitality Room at 7:30 that evening. 

Registration will be open in the Lobby to those arriving on Sunday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. 

Regarding the Riverboat Dinner Cruise........if we get another 65 people, we can have the entire boat to ourselves.  If you haven't signed up the Dinner Cruise........you might want to change your mind. 

Looking forward to seeing you in August.

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Mr Dallas (Company I),

God bless you for your bravery and service.  My dad John Copsey was in company I but I am not sure of which platoon, per chance did you know him?  Pop (John) passed away last year and I am trying to retrieve as much as I can about Company I's exploits and find anyone who might have known him.

Best to all,
Tom Copsey

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Entry of Jun 27, 2005 at 12:01 [EST]
Name: Terri Webb Price
Unit:
EMail: tlprice70@hotmail.com
How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: My dad, Bob Webb, was in the 506th and knew a Jim Mackenzie, who trained with him at Camp Toccoa, but then was transferred to the 517th as a cadre to train others. He came to see my Mom and Dad when they were visiting Mom's mother in Charotte, N.C. I remember the visit. My Mom's name is Muriel Munn Webb. If anyone has any info on him I'd appreciate it. Mom looked at a picture of a "James Mackenzie" outside of Rome, but she said that was not the Jim she knew. Thanks for any info. Terri Price, proud daughter of Bob &n Muriel Webb. "Airborne!" I just visited the Memorial at the site of Camp Toccoa and "drove" up Curahee Mt. Awe inspiring!

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