Remembering CT's Korean War Veterans, Advancing Opportunities for State Vets

Even as Memorial Day is observed throughout the state, many veterans and their families are looking ahead to July 27, 2013, which marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice to end the hostilities of the Korean War - often referred to as the Korean Conflict or the “Forgotten War.”

The armistice agreement, meant to be a temporary document until a peace agreement could be achieved, was signed by the United Nations, the North Korean People’s Army, and the Chinese People's Volunteers.  Even today, 60 years later, no peace agreement exists.

Through the remainder of 2013, commemoration events are planned in communities across the nation to honor and thank all veterans who served in the Korean War and the families who lost loved ones. Of the approximately 1.5 million Americans who served in Korea, an estimated 31,000 reside in Connecticut. 

The Veterans History Project at Central Connecticut State University and the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs are partnering to host a special event for all Korean War veterans on July 26, 2013 at Camp Niantic (formerly Camp Rell) in Niantic.

The state's Korean War veterans are invited to attend a remembrance ceremony at Nett Hall at 11:00 AM to honor the 326 Connecticut men killed in action.  A picnic to celebrate and thank the surviving veterans will immediately follow the memorial ceremony.  Korean War veterans are invited to attend with a guest free of charge.  For details or to contact  860-616-3603 or Tammy.Markik@ct.gov by Friday, July 19, 2013. Connecticut citizens who would like to attend to show their appreciation can also purchase tickets.

The honorary chairs of the event include Mrs. Nikki O'Neill (the widow of former Governor William A. O'Neill), Command Sergeant Major Robert Moeller and General James H. Throwe.

To view historic photographs and hear fascinating first-hand accounts of combat in Korea from Connecticut veterans, visit the Veterans History Project website at http://www.ccsu.edu/vhp where one can choose from more than 50 oral histories to explore.

Business Building Opportunities in Hartford, New Haven

Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s Veterans Vocational Training Program was launched earlier this month, offering a free opportunity for veterans to train for a career in media arts and video production.  For the pilot, CPBN is transforming its Hartford television studio into a learning facility that will use the power of digital media technology to inspire learning, spark innovation and develop workforce skills in post 9/11 veterans.

Completion of the program leads to industry-specific certifications in digital arts or video production and includes portfolio development.

Participants gain experience working with media professionals on digital projects and productions, ranging from live broadcasts to studio operations to web services. To ensure veterans attain employment opportunities, the program also plans to partner with local businesses.

In New Haven, there will be a free workshop for veterans on starting and growing a small business, on Wednesday, May 29 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Gateway Community College in Room S106.  To register (by May 27) call 203.285.2201 or email wparsons@gatewayct.edu  The workshop will feature experts sharing information on the first steps to start or grow a veteran-owned business in Connecticut, where to find start-up money, and how to use the discipline and planning s\kills that were learned in the military.

Women Veterans Documentary Airs Nationwide

A documentary by Connecticut filmmaker Lizzie Warren, produced with Connecticut Public Television, is receiving airplay nationally this weekend.  The program, WAR ZONE/COMFORT ZONE, will be seen on CPTV on May 26 at 10 AM, and on PBS affiliates around the country throughout the weekend.

Writing in the online publication Salon, Warren notes that homelessness among women veterans has riesn sharply in recent years, and that "women veterans are the fastest growing homeless population in the nation."

Here’s the program summary:  Women account for roughly 14 percent of the active-duty U.S. military and more than 24 percent of the National Guard, yet they often receive less than a hero's welcome upon their return to civilian life. Many face poverty, homelessness and joblessness; deal with the psychological and physiological effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from military sexual trauma and combat related injuries; and often receive poor service from a Veterans Administration ill-equipped and, in some cases, unwilling to help them.

The Emmy® -nominated documentary WAR ZONE/COMFORT ZONE uncovers the plight of these veterans through the intense and personal stories of four women veterans coping with life after their military service. Each seeks a sense of normalcy and peace without the benefit of a comprehensive support system. WAR ZONE/COMFORT ZONE weaves together intimate interviews with the story of two women - Shalini Madaras and Joy Kiss - struggling to establish transitional housing for homeless female veterans in Bridgeport, Connecticut, despite virulent community opposition.