Veteran Eagle

Issue 13:03, Thursday, March 1, 2012
www.vetjobs.com

The Veteran Eagle is a newsletter for veterans, transitioning military, their family members and friends and supporters of VetJobs. Feel free to forward the newsletter to veterans and friends and encourage them to subscribe.

This month’s Veteran Eagle is sponsored by: BNSF Railway, TECHEXPO Top Secret and iVetConnect

Contents:

1. Message from the Top

2. Aid and Attendance Rate Increase

3. Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS)

4. VA Home Loans – A Story of Success

5. National Intelligence Writing Contest

6. Defense Budget Calls for Military Families and Retirees to Pay More

7. Veterans May Qualify for Additional Educational Benefits

8. PTSD Ruling Returns Benefits to Thousands of Vets

9. National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of February 29, 2012

10. Significant Events this Month in Military History

Thank you for reading this VetJobs Veteran Eagle newsletter. If you like the newsletter and what VetJobs, the VFW and endorsing veteran service organizations do to assist veterans and their family members find employment, please go to www.weddles.com/poll.htm and vote VetJobs for the WEDDLE’s User’s Choice Award!

- – - – - From the VFW – - – - – - – -
VFW Sponsored Insurance Programs
For information about various insurance plans sponsored by VFW National Headquarters, please visit www.vfwinsurance.com or call 1-800-821-2606, opt. 1

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NOTE: If you have a resume in the VetJobs database, be sure to update your experience and refresh your resume at a minimum of every two weeks. VetJobs has many new customers using the resume database and as a general rule, they do not look at resumes over 30 days old.

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1. Message from the Top

Wanted: Blue-collar workers! This includes machinists, toolmakers, plumbers, welders, electricians and technicians. As the manufacturing industry starts to make a comeback, the skilled labor shortage in the United States has become a national crisis. For example, three years ago a welder would have been happy to make $23 an hour. Today, a skilled welder can make $45 an hour in Texas and the upper mid-western states like Minnesota and the Dakota’s. And there is a 16,000 person shortage of qualified workers for the oil industry.

With over 14 million unemployed, America is fast becoming a country seriously out of balance when it comes to the demand for labor and the availability of qualified labor that have the skills that are needed. We have way too many that thought they needed to go to college when they should have gone to a trade or technical school. But our secondary schools looked down on technical and trade schools and as a result we have critical shortages of skilled workers. We also have way too many who have found that unemployment pays enough to where they can live on the public dole rather than be a productive citizen.

Skilled workers can frequently make more than college educated workers. For example, a welder working only 40 hours a week at $45 an hour would make $93,600 a year – no college degree required! With overtime, they could make an additional $70,200 a year, or a total of $163,800! That is serious money.

If you talk to a CEO and ask them what is the most important ingredient in the success of their company they will almost always tell you it is their labor force. The talent and commitment of a company’s workforce frequently mean the difference between success and failure, especially in times of economic turmoil which we still face in the United States.

The country just missed a great opportunity to create over 300,000 new jobs with the Keystone XL Pipeline. This issue is still to be resolved and many in congress want the Keystone XL Pipeline to be approved. If it is approved, that would be tens of thousands of new permanent jobs for veterans. VetJobs will continue to pursue this issue as it means more jobs for veterans. If you are interested in helping, send me an email at info@vetjobs.com.

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On the economic front, the indicators are still mixed but slightly positive. Fourth quarter performance of the U.S. economy was revised slightly higher which is a good thing. The American economy grew at a 3.0% real (after inflation) annual rate during the October-December 2011 quarter, up slightly from the 2.8% rate initially reported. Ironically, 3.0% was the consensus forecast when the data first came out in late January

The 3.0% growth pace during 2011’s final quarter was the best of the year, following real annual growth rates of 0.4%, 1.3%, and 1.8% in the three prior quarters of 2011. The 3.0% fourth quarter 2011 growth pace was also the best since 2010’s second quarter. Still, the economy’s real growth place of 1.7% during 2011 badly trailed the 3.0% real growth pace of 2010.

The U.S. economy has averaged a 2.4% real annual growth pace since the current economic expansion officially began in July 2009. Such growth ranks as the weakest economic rebound from recession since the 1940s. Not a stellar record. And it leaves the country flat with unemployment remaining well above 8.0%. Some analysts and reporters think DOL’s 8.3% CES unemployment rate is low, that it should be more like 10% to 11%. If you are one of the unemployed, it doesn’t matter what the unemployment rate is as you are in an economic depression. Let’s hope our politicians and the administration will start thinking in terms of creating a business friendly environment, which has been missing for the last three years and put America back on track to a free market economy!

As Jeff Thredgold’s Tea Leaf report (http://www.thredgold.com/tea-leaf/) points out, the “headwinds” of
1) weak housing markets across the country, with home values down roughly 35% since their 2006 peak;
2) still high unemployment (by two measures much higher than the currently reported official 8.3% rate); and
3) enormous anxiety about the size, growth, and direction of the U.S. government (think $1,300,000,000,000 annual budget deficits for four years now) have lessened corporate interest in expansion and new hiring, as well as pooh-poohed consumer interest in more aggressive spending. Yes, the economy added more than 400,000 net new jobs during the past two months…only 5.5 million more net new jobs to go and we will be back to “square one” of 2007. As Jeff points out, we have a long way to go before things will turn around.

The rising DOW is the stock market telling us that things have modestly improved. That is usually about as good an indicator as one can find.

Here are some of the major economic indicators.

On the negative side:
-The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas shows home prices dropped 1.1% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis in December from November. Economists forecast a smaller 0.9% decline.
-The Commerce Department reports orders for long-lasting goods dropped 4.0% last month, the biggest decline since January 2009. Economists were expecting a drop of 1%
-The Producer Price Index climbed 0.1% in January from December, a smaller rise than the 0.4% economists expected. Excluding the food and energy components, prices rose 0.4%, quicker than the 0.2% forecast.
-U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% in January, less than the 0.7% expected. Excluding the auto segment, sales were up 0.7%. December retail sales were revised from 0.1% to unchanged
-According to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), business at US manufacturers expanded at a slower pace in February ISM said its manufacturing index declined to 52.4% last month from 54.1% in January. Economists had expected a reading of 55% for February based on improving regional results and employment data. Readings over 50% indicate that manufacturers are expanding
-Construction spending fell 0.1% in January from December, a weaker reading than the 1% gain economists were expecting

On the plus side:
-Home real estate markets and banking conditions are improving across most of the nation, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book reading of economic conditions released Wednesday
-The National Association of Realtors reports contracts for pending sales of previously-owned homes jumped 2% in January, the highest level since April 2010
-The Conference Board said its index of consumer attitudes increased to 70.8 in February from a revised 61.5 the month prior, zipping past estimates of a reading of 63. The reading was the highest since February 2011
-New claims for unemployment benefits remained at 351,000 last week. Economists had expected them to rise to 354,000. The four-week moving average, which helps smooth volatility in the weekly reports, hit its lowest level since March 2008
-Existing home sales rose 4.3% in January to an annual rate of 4.57 million units, the highest rate since May 2010. Economists had been expecting a 1.9% increase to an annual rate of 4.65 million units. However, sales in December were revised significantly lower to a rate of 4.38 million units from 4.61 million
-Housing starts rose 1.5% in January to a 699,000-unit rate, topping estimates of a 675,000-unit rate. Permits to build new homes rose 0.7% to a 676,000-unit rate, slightly less than the 680,000-unit rate expected
-The Commerce Department reports personal income rose 0.3% in January on a month-over-month basis, while spending increased 0.2%, just below analysts’ expectations
-The Labor Department reports initial filings for state unemployment benefits ticked lower to 351,000 last week from 353,000

Overall the good news is the economy is starting to grow anemically, but not nearly fast enough or strong enough to get us out of our current economic malaise.

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So what is one to do if you need a job? You can start by going to the Employment Assistance section of VetJobs and reviewing the information contained in the articles. The How To Find A Job article gives you a step by step approach to find a job. The Employment Assistance section also provides lists of legitimate job boards by niche (discipline), by state, comprehensive job boards and aggregator job boards. If you are uncertain as to what type of job you should be seeking, in the Veteran drop down you will find the VetJobs Career Advisor – a one hour behavioral/technical career assessment that is one of the best available, run by CRI. The retail cost of the CRI career assessment is $250, but CRI is donating the assessment at no cost to veterans and their family members.

If you still have questions after reviewing the materials in the Employment Assistance section, give VetJobs a call toll free at 877-838-5627.

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Many readers have asked about the predatory for-profit school issue, asking which schools are the problem ones. A way to ascertain this is to look at which schools have been sued or forced to make settlements. Here is a partial list of lawsuits and settlements:

States that have filed suit:
Kentucky (filed suit against National College for misrepresenting job-placement numbers and Daymar College over allegations that violated Kentucky Consumer Protection Act)

Illinois filed against Westwood College

EDMC sued by the Justice Department and attorney generals of Minnesota, Kentucky, California, Illinois, Florida, and Indiana, saying EDMC violated incentive comp. This is an $11 billion law suit!

American Commercial College – Justice Department joined lawsuit that alleged that company falsely asserted compliance with 90/10

Art Institute San Francisco was investigated by City Attorney Office of San Francisco over recruiting practices and job placement

States that have issued subpoenas or who are investigating/suing for-profits:
-Kentucky (Brown Mackie and five others)
-Iowa (Bridgepoint)
-Florida investigated Kaplan, Phoenix, Argosy, Everest, Keiser, Concorde, Sanford Brown and Medvance
-North Carolina (Bridgepoint and Kaplan)
-New York (Bridgepoint, Corinthian, CEC, Lincoln, and Trump Entrepreneur Services)
-Colorado (Westwood)
-Massachusetts (Phoenix, Everest, Kaplan Career Institute)
-West Virginia (National College)
-Oregon (Corinthian)
-Illinois (Westwood, also looking at Corinthian and Kaplan)
-Delaware (University of Phoenix)

Settlements:
-Kaplan: whistleblower lawsuit charging the Kaplan continued to enroll students in surgical tech program even though didn’t have clinical placements needed to graduate, settled for $1.6 million
-Grand Canyon: whistleblower lawsuit over recruiter-pay practices settled for $5.2 million
-Apollo: (whistleblower lawsuit over recruiter-pay practices settled for $78.5 million and another one where settled for $9.8 million
-Corinthian: $6.5 million settlement to California AG over inflated job placement statistics, lying over what students could earn, and offering programs that failed to meet minimum legal standards
-Westwood: settled federal lawsuit for $7 million over misrepresentation of graduation statistics

Before attending a predatory for-profit school, be sure to check them out very thoroughly!

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In March we wish a Happy Birthday to the United States Military Academy (USMA). It was in March of 1802 that the United States Congress established the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. USMA has graduated many outstanding leaders who have been instrumental in the leadership not only of the Army, but the country as well. If you meet a West Point graduate this month, say “Happy Birthday”!

On March 2, 1915, the United States Congress established the United States Naval Reserve by combining 17 state naval militias into a single federal force. This year is the 97th birthday of the United States Naval Reserve. So if you meet a Naval Reservist this month, tell them “Happy Birthday” as well. The U.S. Navy Band celebrates its 86th birthday on March 4.

On March 5, 1942, Admiral Ben Moreell was granted the authority to establish a naval construction force and officially call its personnel Seabees. This month we celebrate 70 years of “Can Do!” spirit for the Seabees!

On March 17 many will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Be sure to remember to change your clocks forward an hour on March 11 for Daylight Savings Time.

The first day of spring is March 20.

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When posting your resume to VetJobs or any other site, be sure to double check for spelling errors and definitely be sure your email address is correct. Your resume will be the first impression many recruiters and/or HR people will have of you, and you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression. NEVER put your social security number on a resume.

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Finally, be sure to read article #6 below. The government again wants the military to pay a disproportionate share of trying to balance the budget. Our representatives have got to understand that trying to balance the budget on the back of the military is the wrong thing to do. Let your members of congress know that you think it is wrong!

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As always, if there is anything we at VetJobs can do for you, please do not hesitate to call or email.

Remember, Freedom Is Never Free – Support Our Armed Forces and Veterans

Best regards,

Ted Daywalt
President

/—March Veteran Eagle sponsor is BNSF Railway—-\

BNSF Railway, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is actively seeking applicants with military experience. At BNSF, we salute those with service, value their skills and welcome the unique experiences of our service members. From skilled craftsmen to first-line supervisors, we filled over 5,000 positions in 2011. BNSF offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities for those in transition from military to civilian life as well as veterans, retirees and members of National Guard and Reserve components.

Today’s BNSF Railway, a product of nearly 400 different railroad lines that merged or were acquired over the course of 160 years, has been quietly delivering cars, coal, clothing, games and nearly anything else found in homes and businesses. While many different railroads combined to form BNSF, the people who worked at those railroads shared many traits. The people who built BNSF were — and continue to be — a unique breed, blending the forward-thinking of dreamers with the pragmatism of results-oriented business leaders. This heritage played a central role in settling and growing the American West, and today, BNSF continues to have a significant impact in meeting the needs of shippers and serving the economy. If you are seeking a challenging and rewarding career with a company that appreciates your military experience, then visit http://www.bnsf.com/careers/military/index.html to apply.

\—–Please visit your Veteran Eagle sponsor BNSF Railway—–/

2. Aid and Attendance Rate Increase

The United States Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved a rate increase in the Veterans Administration’s (VA) Aid and Attendance Pension rate. The VA Aid and Attendance Pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. It also encompasses individuals who are blind or in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity and offers eligibility for assisted care in an assisting living facility. For more information, visit www.vba.gov/bin/21/pension/

/—March Veteran Eagle sponsor is TECHEXPO Top Secret—-\

TECHEXPO Top Secret’s next career fairs are:

3/6, TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fair, Tysons Corner Ritz Carlton, 1700 Tysons Blvd. McLean, VA, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, pre-register at www.techexpousa.com

3/7, TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fair, BWI Marriott, 1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, pre-register at www.techexpousa.com

3/20, TECHEXPO Top Secret, Sheraton Columbia Town Center, 10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, www.techexpousa.com

Interview with leading government contractors! Full schedule, event details, & pre-registration are available at www.TechExpoUSA.com. The career fair is for professionals with active or recent security clearances only. Free admission. If you attend a TECHEXPO career fair, please indicate you learned of the career fair from VetJobs.

\—Please visit your Veteran Eagle sponsor TECHEXPO Top Secret at www.techexpousa.com—-/

3. Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS)

The Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series (NOFFS) launched Navy-wide in January 2012, represents a sea of change in the way the Navy implements fitness. NOFFS employs a new methodology to keep Sailors ashore and afloat in top physical condition. Based on world-class sports science training philosophies that have produced multimillion dollar athletes, NOFFS is designed to improve operational performance, decrease the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries and provide foundational nutritional guidance for Sailors. The result is a program highly relevant to Sailors. Athlete’s Performance Institute, a key partner in the development of NOFFS, provided a cutting edge yet proven methodology from which Navy’s experts from Center for Personal and Professional Development, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Navy Bureau of Medicine and Chief of Naval Operations’ Physical Readiness Program office could draw and refine to meet the needs of every operational platform. Sailors now have everything they will need at their fingertips to gain and sustain high levels of physical performance at home or at sea. CNIC’s recent release of the NOFFS iPhone app (available in the itunes app store) and the 2011 launch of the NOFFS virtual trainer found at www.navyfitness.org round out a program delivery platform unmatched within the Department of Defense. To learn more about incorporating NOFFS into a personal or command training plan, contact the local MWR Fitness office or visit the “find a NOFFS instructor” tab on the website. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

/—March Veteran Eagle sponsor is iVetConnect—-\

If you are a transitioning, retiring or unemployed veteran and are curious about franchising, join this FREE webinar “Veterans Exploring Franchise Ownership”. There are a surprising number of parallels between your military experience and franchise ownership—this webinar will explain what those are, and cover critical information you need to know that you won’t find on the internet.

Laurie Pollock, Sr. Franchise Consultant, and Christian Germain, retired Army Captain and 2-time franchise owner will talk about how to evaluate franchise opportunities, best sources of information, franchises that discount their fees for veterans, and how to get funding and financing. They’ll also talk about a new Linked In group you may want to join – iVetConnect. The purpose of the group is to pair veterans with other veterans seeking business ownership. If you can’t fund a franchise alone, find a veteran business partner, pool your resources, start a franchise, and create jobs!

This month’s webinar date is Monday, February 6th at 4pm CT / 5pm ET.
To view the presentation, go to: https://join.me/VeteransFranchiseWebinar
To listen in, dial: 1.609.318.5900. Access Code: 419-432-252#

No registration required. If you’re unable to make the webinar, email a request to lauriepollock@franchoice.com for a free one-on-one consultation.

\—Please visit your Veteran Eagle sponsor iVetConnect at www.franchoice.com—-/

4. VA Home Loans – A Story of Success

Home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest serious delinquency and foreclosure rates in the mortgage industry. Veterans have also taken advantage of their home loan benefit in record numbers, as VA loan originations reached their highest total in eight years. Last year, VA helped 72,391 Veterans and Servicemembers who were in default on their mortgage loan retain their homes or avoid foreclosure, an increase from 66,030 from the prior year. At the same time, foreclosures on VA guaranteed loans dropped by 28%. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association National Delinquency Survey, VA’s foreclosure rate for the last 14 quarters and serious delinquency rate for the last 11 quarters have been the lowest of all measured loan types, even prime loans. Since 1944, when home loan guaranties were first offered under the original GI Bill, VA has guaranteed more than 19.4 million home loans worth over $1.1 trillion. More information is available at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans.

5. National Intelligence Writing Contest

The Naval Intelligence Professionals (NIP) and AFCEA International (AFCEA) are both not-for-profit associations that support public and private sector intelligence professionals and the Intelligence Community. To help stimulate dialogue about intelligence and its role in national security, NIP and AFCEA sponsor the National Intelligence Writing Contest. The contest offers a first place prize of $3,000, a second place prize of $1,500, and a third place prize of $750, plus the chance to be published in AFCEA’s SIGNAL Magazine and the NIP Quarterly. The contest deadline is June 30, 2012, so start writing!

2012 Topic; The Intelligence Community faces budgetary challenges for the foreseeable future. In light of this, what should its priorities be and what can be done to enhance integration and bring about efficiencies?

Eligibility: The contest is open to everyone and can be approached from any relevant perspective: strategic, operational and/or tactical. Deadline: 11:59pm EST, June 30, 2012. More info is at: http://navintpro.net/?p=2287

6. Defense Budget Calls for Military Families and Retirees to Pay More

The Obama administration’s proposed defense budget calls for military families and retirees to pay sharply more for their healthcare, while leaving unionized civilian defense workers’ benefits untouched. The proposal is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials. Several congressional aides suggested the move is designed to increase the enrollment in Obamacare’s state-run insurance exchanges. The disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention. The proposed increases in health care payments by service members, which must be approved by Congress, are part of the Pentagon’s $487 billion cut in spending. It seeks to save $1.8 billion from the Tricare medical system in the fiscal 2013 budget, and $12.9 billion by 2017. Many in Congress are opposing the proposed changes, which would require the passage of new legislation before being put in place.

Administration officials told Congress that one goal of the increased fees is to force military retirees to reduce their involvement in Tricare and eventually opt out of the program in favor of alternatives established by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. Military personnel from several of the armed services voiced their opposition to a means-tested tier system for Tricare. Under the new plan, the Pentagon would get the bulk of its savings by targeting under-65 and Medicare-eligible military retirees through a tiered increase in annual Tricare premiums that will be based on yearly retirement pay. The plan calls for increases from 30% to 78% in Tricare annual premiums for the first year. After that, the plan will impose five-year increases ranging from 94% to 345%, more than 3 times current levels. The new plan hits active duty personnel by increasing co-payments for pharmaceuticals and eliminating incentives for using generic drugs. The changes are worrying some in the Pentagon who fear it will severely impact efforts to recruit and maintain a high-quality all-volunteer military force. Such benefits have been a key tool for recruiting qualified people and keeping them in uniform. The massive increases beginning next year appear timed to avoid upsetting military voters in a presidential election year, critics of the plan say. Current law limits Tricare fee increases to cost of living increases in retirement pay.

7. Veterans May Qualify for Additional Educational Benefits

The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) offers 12 months of retraining assistance to Veterans who are: Unemployed; At least 35 but no more than 60 years old; Have an other than dishonorable discharge; Not eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment); Not in receipt of VA compensation due to Individual Unemployability (IU); Not enrolled in a federal or state job training program; Enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school

The program is limited to 45,000 participants from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012, and to 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full?time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,473 per month). The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non?College Degree, or a Certification, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation. Visit www.gibill.va.gov/VRAP to learn more and read frequently asked questions about VRAP.

To apply or learn more information about vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits please call 1?800?827?1000, visit the www.va.gov and fill out an online application (VONAPP), or Complete VA Form 28?1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and submit it to the nearest VA Regional Office.

8. PTSD Ruling Returns Benefits to Thousands of Vets

The Defense Department issued a memo mandating that service members diagnosed with PTSD receive a 50% rating when they retire. A 50% rating guarantees lifetime TRICARE medical coverage and tax-free retirement payments. While the ruling has helped hundreds of veterans over the past four years, more than 4,000 veterans who left the service between 2003 and 2008 didn’t have their records amended by the military corrections board. That was until December 22, when the U.S. Court of Federal Claims settled a class action lawsuit that ordered the Defense Department to adjust the records of the more than 2,000 veterans named in the case to reflect a 50% disability rating to those diagnosed with PTSD. Judge George Miller’s ruling ordered the military to pay lifetime disability benefits to 1,029 veterans. It also increased the disability rating of another 1,066 veterans who have received disability benefits upon separation, but received a rating below 50%. The ruling also promised benefits to another 66 veterans who were class members, but had not yet completed their retirement benefits application through Veteran’s Affairs.

In most cases, veterans will receive back pay for missed retirement payments as well as medical charges they accrued since their discharge. Each veteran with a disability rating above 50% will qualify to purchase life insurance coverage through the Survivor Benefit Plan; lifetime commissary and military post exchange privileges; eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation; tax free retirement payments; and lifetime medical care for themselves, their spouse and their children up to age 18.

9. National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of February 29, 2012

The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 53,373; Navy Reserve, 4,703; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 9,523; Marine Corps Reserve, 4,994, and the Coast Guard Reserve, 698. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 73,291, including both units and individual augmentees. A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found on line at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20120228ngr.pdf .

10. Significant Events this Month in Military History

1802 – Congress established the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

1815 – Congress declared war against the Barbary Pirates in Algeria, seeking an end to their interference with American shipping in the Mediterranean Sea.

1836 – End of 13 day siege of the Alamo, San Antonio TX, where 183 Americans held off 3,000 Mexican troops before being overwhelmed.

1846 – American forces under General Zachary Taylor moved across the Rio Grande River into Mexican territory, officially beginning hostilities during the Mexican War.

1862 – Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia destroyed Union vessels USS Cumberland and USS Congress, and damaged the USS Minnesota in waters off Hampton Roads and Fort Monroe, VA.

1915 – Congress established the U. S. Naval Reserve.

1918 – Second Battle of the Somme in France began with a German offensive.

1931 – President Hoover signs legislation making the Star Spangled Banner the official national anthem of the United States.

1941 – General Erwin Rommel began his first offensive against the British Army in Libya.

1942 – The first American “Seabees” saw action in New Caledonia, an island in the southwest Pacific, as they landed and began construction of base facilities.

1949 – U.S. Air Force Captain James Gallagher completed the first non-stop flight around the world, refueling several times in mid-flight.

1965 – First US ground combat force, the 3,500 man 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, arrived at Danang, South Vietnam for the start of the Vietnam War.

1972 – North Vietnamese forces launched a massive attack south across the Demilitarized zone, during the Vietnam War.

1995 – Somalia Campaign ended.

2003 – Operation Iraqi Freedom began.
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VetJobs is exclusively sponsored and partially owned by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (www.vfw.org) and endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org), the Association of the US Navy (www.ausn.org), the Veterans of Modern Warfare (www.vmwusa.org), Student Veterans of America (www.studentveterans.org), Military Order of the Purple Heart (www.purpleheart.org), Hope4Heroes (www.hope4heroes.org), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (www.usawoa.org) and The Retired Enlisted Association (www.trea.org).
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