Passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the larger PACT Act has focused attention once again on the contaminated water at the base between 1953-1987. Our own Ron Gionta--USAF veteran, retired VA Outreach Specialist Ron Gionta, and the VBC's resident "Veteran-in-the-Know"--shared the following information about Camp Lejeune water contamination claims. From
← BACK TO VBC BLOG Why Didn't Marines Wear Helmet Bands in Vietnam? The Army called it "Band, Helmet, Camouflage, US" and issued it to soldiers in Vietnam. The USMC didn't. Why? Left: 17-year-old USMC Private Richard Coggins waits on the beach during the Marine landing at Da Nang, 1965. Right: Army Sergeant
Aboard the USS Missouri On September 2, 1945, Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s Fleet “Aerologist" (Navy-speak for meteorologist) borrowed a camera and shot the only color footage of the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay. On September 2, 1945, Commander George F. Kosco borrowed a camera from Chief Petty Officer (and Hollywood actor) Leif Erickson. Then, he took
The Pittsburgh Pirates honored the Veterans Breakfast Club at PNC Park on Monday night's game against the Atlanta Braves. Pirates Charities highlight sthe VBC's work and mission with a pregame ceremony, generous donation, and Jumbotron video. It was a great night. But how do you deposit such a big check? Todd DePastino and
Simple question. Complicated answer. That's often how history works.Victor Jorgensen photo, Times Square, August 14, 1945 (National Archives) August 14 is the anniversary of V-J Day. That's the day in 1945 that Americans learned of the final end of World War II. That is, the end of the second of two wars that made
← BACK TO VBC BLOG Remembering Major League Baseball’s Purple Heart Pitcher, Lou Brissie Shredded by a German artillery shell, Cpl. Lou Brissie refused to allow his leg to be amputated in the crazy dream that he might still play big league baseball. Thanks to grit, determination, and the support of Connie
