Dateline Columbia: MO. March 1st 2018

Senior Master Sargent Andrew Van Houten of the USAF's 358th Fighter Squadron, "The
Fightin' Lobo's" from Whiteman AFB in Missouri answers questions at the USTF's press
conference and 'hand over' ceremony held in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday March 1st
at the USTF's National Office lobby in the Stephens Building. Prior to the opening of the press
conference, Haines briefed the USAF Officers on the significance of the awards. The noble mission
by the USAF's 358th FS is their part in honoring the three fallen cadets from Stoneman Douglas
High Schools JROTC program. They will transport the medals with a uniformed master
Sergeant to Parkland Florida.

The 358th FS, is a fighter squadron that fly's the A10's. Known as "Warthogs" the A10 Fighter is a highly specialized ground attack plane. The 358th part of the 442nd FW have taken part in actions against the ISIS threat while deployed. The Fightn' Lobos of the 358th are one of the nation's top units.

"Whether in combat or compassion, no one flies higher than the 358th" said National
Executive Director Susan Haines. The press briefing had several mid Missouri print, radio
and TV reporters cover the event. Numerous citizens also watched the historic moment
when The Medals of Combat Valor and plaques were boxed and taken by the USAF
sergeants from the 358th FS to begin their journey from Missouri to Florida with an USAF
Honor Guard.



Haines said, "It was no ordinary box, and the 358th was no ordinary fighter squadron,
they were no ordinary cadets."

(Pictured at left: Peter Wang, Alaina Petty and Martin Duque)

"Operation Intrepid Eagle" Begins with Press Conference

Dateline Missouri: 1 March 2018, USTF National Office, Columbia Missouri.
One of The USAFs top Fighter Squadrons, The "Lobos" of the 358th FS to transport and provide honor escort for the Medals Of Combat Valor from the United States Exercise Tiger
Foundation ( USTF), to the Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School where three JROTC
cadets were killed several weeks ago. "Today, a journey begins of a very special box of
medals, escorted by a very special USAF unit" Said Susan Haines at the opening of the
USTF's press conference and medal handoff to the air force.

"This is a historic and noble mission " said Susan Haines, the USTF National Executive
Director. No USAF unit has ever performed this honor. The United States Air Force
partners with the USTF to provide transport and escort from Missouri to the Florida
JROTC unit's instructor, SGT John Navarra at the MS Douglass High School.

Cadets Peter Wang, Alaina Petty, and Martin Duque have been awarded the USTF's highest
Award, The Medal Of Combat Valor. This medal is given to veterans, active duty and members
of the National Guard who have been deployed to combat zones or war. " For those three
cadets their combat zone was in their own high school, and their war lasted 7 minutes" said
Susan Haines USTF National Director. "When courage counted most those three faced evil
and did their best to save and help fallen students." she added. "They felt that they had a
duty at that point, and they didn't even think about it. It became automatic" said SMSGT Andrew
Van Houten of the 358th FS who accepted the medals at the Thursday March 1st Press Briefing.

With the handover of the medals and award plaques to SMSGT Van Houten and SGT Ira Hogg
"Operation Intrepid Eagle" was underway. "Whether in combat or compassion, no one flies higher
than the "Lobo's" of the 358th" said Haines.

Thursday, March 01, 2018 1:10:00 PM CST in News By: Rob Veno, KOMU 8 Reporter

COLUMBIA - The United States Exercise Tiger Foundation has sent three Medals of Combat Valor to honor the Junior ROTC students killed in the Parkland school shooting. Witnesses said Peter Wang, Alaina Petty and Martin Duque all died helping fellow students escape.

"We feel that to recognize their valor and to recognize their intrepid deeds is very very important," said USTF National Executive Director Susan Haines

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AT:
KOMU Channel 8 NEWS

(Please click here for the PDF version of this release)

WHAT:                      Press Conference & Medals of Valor Pick Up By USAFR
WHERE:                   USTF National Office, (in Lobby) Stephens Bldg, 1005 Cherry St
WHEN:                     Thursday, March 1st, 10:30 AM
CONTACT:               Susan C. Haines National Executive Director 573-356-3093
                                   Staff Adjutant at 609-713-5542
                                   358 FS USAF MSGT Andrew VanHouten 660-233-0596 c
                                   LTC J. Parvin 660-687-3106
MEDIA:                    Send TV Crew/Reporters/Photographers to Cover Event

Operation Intrepid Eagle, The Medals Of Valor Flight To Florida
Begins On Thursday with USAF Pick Up of Medals In Downtown Columbia
Historic USAF Honor Mission to Fallen 3 Cadets In Florida Shooting

Columbia Mo. - On Thursday at 10:30 AM the journey of 3 Medals of Combat Valor along with MCV Citation Plaques will begin a journey from the Midwest to the United States Southeast coast. A 40lb box unlike no other, will be picked up by members of the United States Air Force at the USTF National Office at the Stephens Bldg in Downtown Columbia.
 
“We are calling it “Operation Intrepid Eagle, The Medals of Valor Flight To Florida” said Susan Haines, the USTF Executive Director.  “The name refers to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School JROTC “Eagle Battalion” which lost the three cadets which we are honoring. “Intrepid comes from the ‘intrepid’ spirit that those cadets acted with bravery and courage that day. And Operation as this is now a USAF mission of honor. It is also historic. A nationally recognized honors foundation and distinguished combat unit from the heart of the Midwest have teamed up to honor 3 fallen cadets in the Florida shooting. What is essentially a USAF Honors Detail will take possession of the medals and box and stay with it until it reaches the MS Douglas High School JROTC unit in Florida.
 
“When courage counted most, those three JROTC Cadets, Peter Wang, Alaina Petty and Martin Duque answered that call. We can do no less than to honor their sacrifice” said Haines.
 
That honor begins on Thursday

(Please click here for the PDF version of this release)

WHAT:                      Medals Of Valor To 3 Fallen Army JROTC Cadets Killed
                                    in Florida High School Shooting by USTF
WHERE:                    Transported To JROTC Unit at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS
                                    Via USAF Honor Detail From 358 Fighter Squadron
How:                            Operation Intrepid Eagle, The medals Of Valor Flight To Fla.
WHEN:                      March 1st Thursday 10:30 AM Stephens Bldg Lobby (USTF Office)
CONTACT:                Susan Haines, Director, at 573-356-3093 or shaine@socket.net
                                    or Staff Adjutant at 609-713-5542 
MEDIA NOTE:          Fact Check: exercisetiger.org or ustf.us  
                                   358th FS MSGT Andrew Van Houten - 660-233-0596
                                   or LTC J. Parvin USAF - 660-687-3106
                                   Also Justin Klocke, US Sen. McCaskells office - 573-442-7130

Missouri  Veterans Foundation Honors 3 Fallen Army JROTC Cadets
With Medal ‘s Of Valor Missouri USAF Fighter Sqdn. To Take Medals To Florida

Columbia Mo. - On Tuesday February 27th the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation (USTF) sent three Medals of Combat Valor and plaque citations to honor the 3 Army JROTC Cadets killed in the Feb 14th Florida High School attack in Parkland. “Operation Intrepid Eagle, The Medals of Valor Flight To Florida” is what this is being called said Susan Haines, the USTF National Director. In a historic mission, The United States Air Force’s 358th Fighter Squadron based at Whiteman AFB will pick up the 40 lb box at the USTF’s National Office located at the Stephens Bldg on Cherry St. downtown Columbia on Thursday March 1st at 10:30 AM. The 358th will then take the box back to base. A senior sergeant will escort the box containing the medals flags and citations flying from Missouri to Florida. There the sergeant will be met with USAF officers and the ALL will deliver the medals to the JROTC unit at the High School.

The Medal Of Combat Valor or MCV is the highest medal the USTF has. It is normally for active duty and veterans who have been deployed to a combat theatre. “ In this situation it was felt that those three cadets who were in uniform met the requirements”. Stated Susan Haines The USTF's National Executive Director.” For those 7 minutes, they were in combat.” She added.

The USTF is a nationally recognized non-profit based in Columbia Missouri that honors veterans and active military through out the nation. It is named after the WWII pre D-Day naval battle of Exercise Tiger. Code named “Tiger” the training exercise turned into a battle when US Navy LST's (troop ships) of Convoy Taffy 4 were attacked by German Navy warships on April 28 1944. Since 1989 the USTF has annually honored this battle in which a 1000 soldiers and sailors were killed. Over 200 troops killed were from Missouri. A memorial is located in Mexico Mo. And State Highway 54 is renamed in their honor from I 70 to the city of Mexico. The USTF is recognized by the Dept. of Defense, Secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force as well as the US Coast Guard which annually takes part in wreath laying with the USTF. Its annual “Adopt A Warrior” program is a hallmark in Columbia every November for 19 years.

Cadet Peter Wangs sacrifice saving fellow students earned him the US Army's Medal Of heroism last week. Of him USTF National Director Susan Haines said, “He was intrepid in spirit, and undaunted in his deeds. His deeds on that afternoon was to confront evil, and until his last breath, held open a door saving countless students. He could have saved himself, but with cadet Wang, others came first”. Also receiving medals and citations are cadets Alaina Petty and Martin Duque. Those two cadets also were gunned down as they tried to help fallen students and doing so became easy targets for the gunman.

“This is what the USTF does. We honor those who gave their all in uniform for our nation. The legacy of those veterans who died during Exercise Tiger 74 years ago lives on in each person we honor today. Cadets Wang, Petty and Duque represent all that’s good in our society. And when courage counted most these three answered that call. We can do no less than to honor their sacrifice. They left us to soon, but we wish them God Speed in their new journey.” said Haines.

Eleven active-duty service members, and a dog,
honored for their courage on Friday

An ear-to-ear smile emerged from Sgt. Jordan Smith's face when he was handed a letter of recognition for his service in the U.S Army, while his mine detection K-9, Rascal, leaped to receive his award: a dog bone.

Smith and Rascal were among 12 active-duty service members to be honored as Adopted Warriors at the National Adopt A Warrior Program banquet at the Stoney Creek Inn on Friday night. The program's theme was "when courage counted most." Honor, commitment, love of country, service and other depictions were used to describe the warriors' actions.

Read more...

Tiger Foundation Honors Veterans

COLUMBIA - Kenneth Williams is a veteran. He said he decided to join the US Navy after high school because the job opportunities in his hometown weren't great.

"I just felt it was my duty to carry on where others had served in the past," he said.

During his time in the Navy, Williams was stationed in San Diego and made two trips to Vietnam.

"We live in a great country," he said. "And I inherited that, so to speak. I just felt like I needed to give back."

Williams was one of over 10 Vietnam War veterans honored by the United States Tiger Foundation at its 19th Annual Adopt A Warrior Program, Friday.

Read more...

Date: November 10, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the
Stoney Creek Banquet Center, 2601 South Providence Road, Columbia, MO

Photo from last year's (2016) National Adopt A Warrior Honors Banquet. U.S. Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler (Rep) Missouri, assists USTF National Executive Director Susan Haines, BG William Ward and BG James Raymer with the presentation of Medal of Combat Valor to 2016 Class of Adopted Warriors and Vietnam Veterans.

We have partnered with the Department of Defense in Recognizing Vietnam Veterans.

The USTF is looking for Vietnam Veterans to be honored at our November Adopt A Warrior Honors Banquet. Calling all Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and USCG Veterans to be honored.

If you are a Vietnam War era veteran, which is defined by the DoD as having served from Nov. 1, 1955 through May 15, 1975, you qualify, even if you WERE NOT in country.

Please scroll down and fill out our Quick Response Form 2015, or send a copy of your DD214 or separation papers to USTF, 1005 Cherry St., Ste. 211B, Columbia, MO 65201 or email to Susan Haines at susan.haines@exercisetiger.org by Nov. 1, 2017. We want to reach as many veterans as possible, so please contact us or call at 573-356-3093 for more information. "It's your turn to be honored", and if no one has ever said it to you yet, "Welcome Home".

USTF is a nationally recognized not-for-profit non government organization which partners with DoD in honoring our nation's warriors and veterans. Donors and volunteers are needed as well.

Memorial Day came early to LBI when veterans from the Vietnam War and other conflicts were honored last month in Barnegat Light along with the World War II veterans of Exercise Tiger, a secret rehearsal for D-Day that German U-boats hit upon and sabotaged.
Anyone sitting in the audience 73 years later learned that the deaths of these 749 U.S. Army and Navy personnel off the English coast April 28, 1944 were not in vain. Lessons were learned that spared other lives when the actual D-Day invasion at Normandy did take place five weeks later.
The tribute by the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation is in its 28th year, but the addition of a Vietnam veterans tribute is newer. It began on a smaller scale last year, then this year more came forth to be recognized – 30 veterans of that war.
Called by name, they each received a Medallion of Combat Valor and accompanying citation presented by an Army colonel from the Pentagon, Lt. Col. Scott Preston on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
It was part of the foundation's new "ongoing tribute to honor Vietnam veterans as part of our commemorative partnership with the Department of Defense," said Susan Haines, foundation national executive director. The years 2012-2025 are encompassed in a 50-year anniversary observance of the Vietnam War.
Asked after the ceremony what the recognition meant to him, one Vietnam veteran from Middletown, Guy Opie, asked citizens to "just respect, and thank a veteran."
"We learned our lesson, that freedom is not free, a price has to be paid," he said. The ceremony was a  positive one "for everybody, for all branches and for all eras," he said.
Held in an open-air hall at Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, the 28th Annual Battle of Exercise Tiger National Tribute also included a wreath laying in Barnegat Inlet that coincided with 15 others at Coast Guard stations from Massachusetts to Washington State. This year broke a record for the Coast Guard's longest uninterrupted wreath-laying tribute, wrote the secretary of the Navy in a proclamation.
The common theme of the program was "When Courage Counted Most."
The Exercise Tiger Foundation has successfully set out to tell the history of what is now being called one of the most gallant exercises of World War II.
It was noted that "the men of Tiger share a similar fate with Vietnam War veterans, they too, were overlooked until some years later."
"They answered the call of duty and put service before self," said Coast Guard Capt. Benjamin Cooper, of Sector Delaware Bay. "That service before self is the same spirit we celebrate today with all of our Vietnam War veterans. Thank you for your service. As a nation, we did not thank you appropriately before. I'm hopeful that a token of thank you today is not too little, too late."
Courage was defined as "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear."
Said Cooper, the men preparing for D-Day, who had grown up in the hardship of the Great Depression, "summoned that courage on the morning of April 28, 1944 as they were preparing for the D-Day landing ... and U-boats by chance stumbled across that convoy.
"That was a Friday morning, the seas were cold. The men were preparing to storm the beach, wearing very heavy gear. And when those LSTs (tank landing ships) were attacked ... there was no one there to rescue them.
"One of the lessons learned from that was to make sure we had small boats right alongside to effect a rescue," Cooper said.
"Only 248 bodies were recovered; there were 500 families that did not have closure ... it's a terrible thing to suffer a loss like that."
Five weeks later, allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy "and began the process of freeing Europe," he stated.
Another result of Exercise Tiger is that "radio frequencies were standardized," Cooper added. Escorts to the convoy "were on the wrong frequency; they didn't know the attack was happening."
A similar problem hampered response to 9/11 when "fire and police were on different frequencies," he noted.
Yet another improvement: "They needed better life vests and needed better training for what to do "in case something happens."
On Utah Beach itself in the actual Normandy invasion, less than 200 people died.
The ceremony continued for more than two hours with a host of U.S. military dignitaries and elected officials. Medals were also awarded to veterans of the Korean War, Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraqi War on Terrorism and Afghanistan War on Terrorism. The N.J. Submarine Association was recognized.
Among the speakers were state Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove with special state resolutions for each veteran. Congressman Frank LoBiondo was given the Congressman of the Year Award.
The Tom Oakley Service Award was among those given for the first time. It is named for the late G. Thomas Oakley, a World War II veteran, former Ship Bottom councilman and community leader.
It was granted to Ship Bottom Police Officer Ron Holloway, whose kindness made national news as he granted the wish of a dying woman, Patricia Kelly, to see the beach one more time.
Ocean County freeholders noted that the service also honored Petty Officer Tom Glynn, U.S. Navy, one of the last surviving New Jersey veterans of Exercise Tiger, and USCG Petty Office Nathan Bruckenthal, who was killed in combat guarding the waters off Iraq in 2004, the first member of the Coast Guard force to give his life in war since Vietnam.

Medal Of Combat Valor Presentation With Dept. of Defense Pins & Citations
~ Pentagon Sends Officer

The 28th Annual National Commemoration of the WW II Battle of Exercise Tiger took place at USCG Station Barnegat Light with the National Vietnam war veterans Tribute. Over 30 Vietnam war era vets
were honored bringing the total to over 500 honored the past 3 years by the USTF in various ceremonies. LTC Scott Preston US Army presented the Vietnam Citations and Medals of Combat valor along with Susan Haines National USTF Director. LTC Preston came from the Pentagon in Washington DC to deliver remarks by SECARMY and to honor the vets. Other VIP's included Diane Gove NJ State Assembly who presented each vet with a NJ resolution. Ms. Gove also received the USTF NJ Legislator of the Year Award for her support of veterans and military. US Congressman Frank Lobiondo sent his top military affairs Director who honored the USTF with a congressional award. Congressman Lobiondo also received the USTF's Congressman Of The Year Award – East Region. The event had over 75 veterans from WW 2 to Afghanistan receiving awards.

This marks the 28th straight year that a boat from Station Barnegat Light has laid a wreath honoring "Tiger" The longest such tribute in USCG History!

Two new awards were presented: The Tom Oakley Community Service Award and the PFC Oscar Austin USMC Vietnam Award.

USCG Cutter Mako lays Wreath & Flowers Honoring WW II
Battle of Exercise Tiger First Atlantic Based USCG Cutter To Perform Duty In History

The 47foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Oregon Inlet takes
part in the 28th annual Battle of Exercise Tiger Commemoration on Friday 28 April 2017 off the coast of North Carolina. Oregon Inlet station was one of 4 Atlantic Ocean USCG Surf stations to lay a wreath sponsored by the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation.

This was the 2nd year for the station to participate in the 5th annual USCG National Wreath Ring of Honor.

USCG Oregon Inlet, April 28, 2017

The station had a very busy weekend! Friday while offshore conducting an operation with the Navy, the station laid a wreath in honor of Exercise Tiger. The laying of the wreath is commemorative event held to honor the hundreds of sailors lost on April 28, 1944 during Exercise Tiger when eight U.S ships were attacked by the Germans during WW II.

The USCG Station Quillayute River lays a wreath honoring the Battle of Exercise Tiger and USCG PO Nathan Bruckenthal while doing Helo Exercises off the coast of Washington state.

USCG Station Quillayute River was one of 14 USCG Stations and cutters participating on April 28 2017. The station was one of 6 West Coast or Pacific based stations which participated for the 5th straight year of a USCG Continental "Ring Of Honor" wreath tributes.

Photos courtesy of USCG Quillayute River web page. The USTF has sponsored the annual National Commemoration since 1989.

U.S. Coast Guard Station Quillayute River - La Push, Washington

U.S. Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, La Push, Washington. ... April 16, 2017 .... January 28, 2016 ... The crew paused for a moment, between helicopter hoists to remember the events that took place 73 years ago during exercise Tiger.

The crew paused for a moment, between helicopter hoists to remember the events that took place 73 years ago during exercise Tiger. Exercise Tiger was a practice to the eventual landings in Normandy. While on maneuvers the convoy was attacked by German E-boats killing 551 army personnel and 198 naval personnel. This was and is still the worst training accident in military history. Crews on both coasts paused and paid respects at 1100 with a reading of a prayer and laying of a wreath.

Ceremony Theme ~ "When Courage Counted Most"
in conjunction with the United Sates Coast Guard "Ring of Honor Tribute"

• Arrival noon
• Ceremony commences at 12:30 with
• Posting of the Colors courtesy of McGuire-Dix –Lakehurst Air Force Honor Guard
• National Anthem sung by Janet Bazner
• Invocation Pastor Barry Steinmetz, Warren Grove Methodist Church.
• Welcome remarks by USCG CWO Paul Ashley OIC Station Barnegat Light
• Recognition of Missouri State Governor Eric Greitens' w/ Proclamation by Susan C. Haines, Nat. Exec. Dir.
• Presentation of Ocean County Freeholder Jerry Little's proclamation presented by Jim Cocoran, USArmy retired
• NJ Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove resolutions (approx. 50 veterans in attendance)
• Presentation of remarks from Congressman Frank LoBiondo's office – Mike Francis USAF Command Chief (retired)
• Presentation of SECARMY's remarks by LTC Scott Preston, USArmy Headquarters, Pentagon
• Presentation of SECNAV's remarks, LT CNDR Christopher D. Mulvey, Navy Operational Support Center Earle, NJ
• Message from USCG Command Master Chief Steve Cantrell,
• Command Master Chief Jeff Dietzman will serve as the reader of the remarks for MCPOCG Cantrell.
  Capt. Benjamin Cooper ~ guest speaker
• Presentation of awards and medals USTF – Susan Hanes, accompanied by LTC Scott Preston
• Approx. 50 vetearns plus other awardees
• Benediction Pastor Barry Steinmetz, Warren Grove Methodist Church.
• Retiring of Colors

VIPs and invited guests will board the USCG life boats to lay the wreaths at sea

• Laying wreaths at sea approximately 2:00. Accompanied by a Rifle team for 21 gun salute (pending)
• Guests are invited to lay flowers at sea from the sea wall in memory and honor of those who've served. A reception will follow the wreath laying at sea, please plan to stay for it as well.

For more information please contact: Susan C. Haines, National Executive Director, United States Exercise Tiger Foundation, @ 573-356-3093 (cell) or at susan.haines@exercisetiger.org or CWO Paul Ashley, OIC, USCG Station Barnegat Light, (609) 494-2661

12 USCG Surf Stations circumnavigating the United States will simultaneously being laying wreaths at sea.

Host site USCG Station Barnegat Light..... Plus
 
1. Station Hatteras Inlet in North Carolina
2. Station Quillayute River,  La Push WA 
3. Station Coos Bay, Charleston, Or    
4. (sub station)  Coquille River, Charleston, Or 
5. Station Oregon Inlet, Nags Head, NC.      
6. USCG Station Yaquina Bay, Newport, OR                              
7. Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay,   Garibaldi, OR 
8. USCG Station Humboldt Bay, Samoa, CA 
9. Station Merrimack River,  Newburyport MA,
10. Station Morro Bay, 1279 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA.
11. USCG Station Galveston, 1 Ferry Road, Galveston, TX.

...and at the permanent display of the USCG Motor Lifeboat 44355 at the Tuckerton Maritine & Baymen's Museum, Tuckerton NJ

A note of interest, the state of  Missouri lost more men in the Battle of Exercise Tiger than any other state in the nation, thus our good Governor Eric R. Greitens has declared April 28, 2017 Exercise Tiger Day for the State of Missouri.  Also note, that all the Missouri state Governors dating back to 1990, have also signed a proclamation recognizing that April 28th is Exercise Tiger Day for the State of Missouri.  We have erected a Exercise Tiger Memorial in Audrain County, and renamed a U.S. Highway 54, The Exercise Tiger Expressway in honor of Missouri’s son who lost their lives in the Battle, 28 April 1944. Congressman Frank LoBiondo, who is the congressional liaison for the USCG, and military affairs for the state of New Jersey will be sending his Veterans’ Liaison, Michael Francis, USAF Command Chief, (retired) to represent his office and to recognize the Veterans who will be attending this Commemoration Ceremony. Freeholder Jerry Little, has also prepared remarks to be read in his behalf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove will be in attendance to recognize the veterans with personalized resolutions.

The 2016 National Adopt a Warrior Honors Ceremony will be held the weekend of
November 11th and 12th, 2016 in Columbia Missouri.

As a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner we will be recognizing Vientam Veterans
at this award ceremony. They will receive the Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin
and the Exercise Tiger Foundation Medallion of Combat Valor.

Congratulations to the 2016 Class of Adopted Warriors!! We congratulate you on
being chosen to represent your units, and for going above and beyond the call of duty!

1) COL Roger Disrud Award
Maj Chase Bodenhauser,139thAW, MOANG

2) SGT Rudy Baginski Award
SSgt. Jessee Brackeen, USMC, UMC ROTC

3) MSGT Lee A Messina Award
MSgt. Griff Burdette, 139thAW, MOANG

4) CAPT Gregory Faughner Award
Tsgt. Phillip W Caswell, 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB,

5) SGT Charles Griffey Award
SFC Martin R Delaney III, US Army,787th MP Bn, Ft. Leonard Wood

6) MSGT Lee A Messina Award
MSgt. Ernest L Fishburne, 358thFS,495thFG,Whiteman AFB

7) Vernon Renner Award
SSG Erik D Kolbow, Combat Engineer Mine DET Dog Handler, US Army

8) Blue Tiger Award
Mine Detection Dog "Homer", US Army Ft Leonard Wood

9) MSGT Lee A Messina Award
MSgt. John Medley, 157th Air OP GRP 131 Bomb Wing

10) Capt. Gregory Faughner Award
SSgt Jennifer Solis, 509th Munitions SQN MXWSS, WhitemanAFB,

11) PO Walter "Guns" Domanski, Award
SSgt Amy M Zieber, 139thAW SFS, MOANG

For more information contact Susan Haines at 1.877.WW2.TIGR.

On behalf of the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation, I extend our condolences on
the loss of your police officers and the wounding of others on Dallas PD and
DART Police forces.

As a foundation that honors our nation's military and veterans, we also have
honored polices forces over the years.
We express our gratitude to your Department for your outstanding efforts
to bridge the gap between generations and races.
Your community policing is a model for the nation to follow.

Again, on behalf of the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation, we stand
with you and feel for your police officers and their families. You are in
our thoughts and prayers.

Most sincerely,

Susan C. Haines
National Executive Director
U.S. Exercise Tiger Commemorative Foundation

The U.S.Exercise Tiger Foundation wishes to extend our most sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to ALL the families, friends and colleagues of the all of Ft. Hood soldiers who were killed and injured in the recent flash flooding incident. Their loss is our loss. Their pain is shared by us as well. May God give them courage and strength during this time of suffering and anguish.

Most sincerely,

Susan C. Haines
National Executive Director
U.S. Exercise Tiger Commemorative Foundation
1-877-WW2- TIGR
www.exercisetiger.org
(573-356-3093 cell)
573-449-8069 (fax)

Honors Vietnam War Vets From Atlantic & Ocean County's
NJ State Assemblywoman Diane Gove Presents Proclamations
USCG Officer Honored With Courage Award
Wreath Remembering Brussels Terror Victims Laid Also

Barnegat Light USCG Station - On a wet April 28th, the 27th Annual Exercise Tiger National Wreath Ceremony took place at USCG Station Barnegat Light. Over 165 veterans and families took part in the annual event that marks the WW II Battle of Exercise Tiger in April of 1944. "Tiger" was a pre D-Day training exercise when German warships attacked and sank 2 US Navy LST"s and killed almost 1000 soldiers and sailors. For 2016, the USTF, a Commemorative Partner with the Dept. of Defense honored Vietnam War vets from Atlantic, Ocean, Cape May, Monmouth and Burlington Counties.

Each Vietnam war vet received a special lapel pin, certificate, and medal of combat valor for their service during the Vietnam War. Major General Peter Aylward from the Pentagon presented each with the pins and medals and was assisted by the USTF National Director Susan Haines as well as both Deputy Base Commanders from Joint Base MDL. NJ State Assemblywoman Diane Gave presented each vet with special commemorative resolution with their names on it.

USCG Perry Officer 1st Class James Maida from the Manasquan USCG Station received the nations first, Nathan Bruckenthal Award For Courage. POl Maida was selected by the USCG to receive tbe nations first award named after PO Nathan Bruckenthal who was killed in 2004 in combat. The USTF sponsors this award.

Representatives from the Secretary of the Army, and USCG Commandant delivered remarks. Secretary of the Navy added "to all Vietnam vets, Welcome Home".

After the formal portion, those vets and VIP's boarded 2 USCG Boats to lay memorial wreaths into the Atlantic Ocean near the Lighthouse. A special wreath to remember those killed in the March ISIS attack in Brussels Belgium was laid as well. A US Navy Rifle detail from the Earle Naval Weapons Station performed 21 gun honors as the USCG Boats laid the wreaths. In addition to USCG Station Barnegat Light, some 15 other USCG stations laid wreaths as well from Mass. to Oregon.

The event marked the 27th straight year that the USCG has laid a wreath for Exercise Tiger and now marks the longest such wreath laying in USCG History for any service.

End.

Held April 28, 2016 at U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, NJ
Pictures from this year's event:

CWO Kevin Speer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light  pins his father,Herald Speer, with a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War commemoration pin for his service to our great nation.

Capt. Benjamin Cooper, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, and Susan Haines, the National Director of Exercise Tiger Foundation, present Petty Officer 1st Class James Maida with the inaugural Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal Award for Courage.

The laying of the wreath by the official party and special guests.

Members from Rifle Team Naval Weapons Station Earle preparing for a 21-Gun Salute.

USTF has launched a gofundme.com page
to raise funds for the Honor An Airman Project.

The USTF hopes to raise $3000 to provide 1000 American Warrior Achievement. Citations to a Midwest based USAF fighter wing. The USTF is debuting the new American Warrior Achievement Citation and needs funding for printing, folders and other associated production cost.

Fallen French Police Dog- First 4 Legged "Warrior" To Die
FightingTerrorist Group. Adieu courageux Chien.

"Diesel" a lovable but no nonsense 7 year old Malinois Shepherd died on November 18th in an early morning anti-terror police raid in Paris France. "Diesel" the decorated police K-9 became the world's first K-9 to be killed while combating the new terror threat.

The USTF has reached out to the French Consulates and Embassy to inform them that "Diesel" will receive posthumously 2 of the Tiger Foundations prestigious awards. The National Order of The Blue Tiger Award for Military Working Dogs and Combat K-9's and the Medal of Combat Valor will be presented to the French Consulate at a date to be determined.

This marks the first time that a K-9 from a foreign country will receive this honor. "Diesel" will join the ranks of USAF, USCG, and US Army K-9's to receive this award. She will be the first foreign K-9 to receive the Medal of Combat valor which is given to K-9's by waiver as it is a human award.

French news stories called Diesel "Je Suis Chien" (or ... just a dog), a 4 legged "warrior" is more than just a dog, she is a hero. Her actions to subdue the suicide bomber during the raid saved her fellow human police officers from harm while she gave her life. She went into harm's way, but she didn't return.

Adieu courageux "Diesel"! or Farewell Brave "Diesel"!

United We Stand

To the people of France, your loss is felt here!

Your sadness is our sadness.
Your resolve is our resolve.

Vive la France!

"The USTF Honors Your Service"

USTF Medal of Combat Valor Recipients honored before football game

"Tiger" Foundation To Continue To Honor Vietnam Veterans

This past October the USTF was designated a Commemorative Partner by the DOD. This is just latest in a long line of being an official partner with the DOD and their Commemoration Committees. Over the past 25 years the USTF has honored WW II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans as a DOD partner. Since 2014 the USTF has honored over 200 Vietnam vets, and for 2016 has several large scale ceremonies planned. If you are a Vietnam vet or would like to support future ceremonies contact the USTF or Executive Director Susan Haines.

Fill out this form to receive DOD & USTF Awards for your service.

(This article appears in the Columbia Dally Tribune)

By ALAN BURDZIAK
Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 12:00 am

Ten members of the military based in Missouri were honored Friday night for their actions in the line of duty during the 17th annual National Adopt a Warrior Program.

Directors of the U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation, which holds the event every year in Columbia, presented several awards, including the foundation's Medal of Combat Valor.

Maj. Jack Windes, Staff Sgt. Charles Felker, Gunnery Sgt. Sidney Richards, Capt. David Leonard, Staff Sgt. Daniel Middleton, Technical Sgt. Dustin Schwartz, Sgt. Lori Beth Singer-Bare, Master Sgt. Dan Hatch, Senior Master Sgt. Brian Little and Sgt. First Class Colon Estrada all also were given letters of recognition from Sens. Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill.

Brig. Gen. Randy Alewel of the Missouri National Guard appeared and spoke on behalf of Gov. Jay Nixon. All 10 honorees, he said, "share a common spirit of valor ... I was in awe of their courage in the face of danger."

Click here to read the remainder of the article at the Columbia Daily Tribune...

Photo Credit: Daniel Brenner/Tribune

USTF's National "Adopt A Warrior" Program in its 17th Year

Columbia Mo.- The 17th annual "Adopt A Warrior" Program presented by the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation, will feature 10 military warriors and their families being hosted for a recognition weekend in Columbia Missouri. Warriors from the US Air Force, US Army and Army National Guard, Marines and US Navy will be treated to a Black Tie Awards banquet on Friday Oct. 2nd. A brunch on Saturday hosted by the Country Kitchen chain and they will be featured on the Missouri Football Field prior to the MU – South Carolina SEC football game.

Members of US Congress and Senate, the Missouri Governor, state and local elected officials will also present awards and recognition to each warrior. The USTF will present trophy's to each honroee as well as medals to those who qualify for the Combat Medal of Valor. In addition to the "Adopted Warriors" other veterans will be honored as well.

Dinner and Awards will be held at the Peachtree Banquet Center this year as it has one of the lager banquet rooms in the Mid-Missouri area. Traditionally between 125 and 150 attend the banquet which is done with all military pomp and ceremony and features a Sabre arch entrance by ROTC cadets.

To attend and see history please contact National Director Susan Haines at 1-800-328-6269 or at 877-WW 2- TIGR. If you are a member of the media please contact her as well. If you'd like to help support the event or have a veteran you want to see honored on Oct. 2nd contact USTF as soon as possible.

Brigadier General DeBlieck, US Army The commanding officer of the 103rd Expeditionary Command, enters through a cadet saber arch during the 2013 Adopt a Warrior Awards Dinner.

"Petty Officer Earl Thatcher, II, a Favorite Son of New Jersey"
By Susan Haines, Executive National Director ~ Published: April 20th, 2015

They say your life can change in minutes. During the WWII Battle of Exercise Tiger, seventy-seven minutes changed the lives of 4,000 men. One of those men was Petty Officer Earl Thatcher. Earl met those 77 minutes on April 28th, 1944 as a member of the United States Navy, and he served on LST 289. He met that challenge and many others as his unit faced German forces on the seas during WWII.

Combat is a dark brutal heart of war where sailors come face to face with fear. It is where heroes are born. Petty Officer Thatcher was one such hero. That night so many years ago chaos
and confusion reigned supreme. Petty Officer Thatcher remained alert to the needs of the crew of LST 289. The ship he served was on had been torpedoed in the stern by German torpedoes on that fateful night. Earl was tasked with saving the life of LST 289. In the Bible Noah used an arc of wood to save lives. On April 28, 1944 Earl used an arc of electricity to save LST 289. Earl was an Electricians Mate stationed on LST 289. If it wasn't for him, LST 289 would not have been able to get to port with her wounded. History is made in mere minutes, and Petty Officer Thatcher was part of that history.

It is said that all sailors will one day die. The United States Navy lives on. So as a sailor, Petty Officer Thatcher lives on. Petty Officer Thatcher, or Earl, or Dad as his friends and family called him will also live on with the National Exercise Tiger Foundation in the form of an award that we will name in his honor and debut this fall at our Adopt A Warrior program. We will see that his legacy lives on in the form of a trophy to be Awarded to outstanding Petty Officers in the United States Navy. I had hoped to present Earl with our new award this spring,

But Petty Officer Thatcher, instead, I will read to you and all present the Secretary of the Navy's remarks for this year's Exercise Tiger Ceremony which will be held on Tues. April 28, at US Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light. (Read SECNAV's letter).

As a member of the U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation, he was one of our founding fathers, along with Ensign Tom Glenn who also served on LST 289, and Bud Carey. His enthusiasm to always support our various 'Tiger" programs was unequal. Earl always had a smile that will now be greatly missed. Petty Officer Thatcher's final roll call came April 20, 2015, as the U.S. Exercise Tiger Association celebrates its 25th Anniversary. He now joins his Brothers-in-Arms and fellow
sailors on another foreign soil. But his spirit will live on with all of those he touched, specifically his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had courage, loyalty and devotion at a time when it was most needed. We will miss you Earl, so will the state of New Jersey and all those who knew you. Good luck and God speed.

Most Respectfully,

Susan C. Haines
National Executive Director

	Obituary for Earl F. Thatcher, Jr. at Gardner Funeral Home
		Obituary for Earl F. Thatcher, Jr. at Gardner Funeral Home Earl F. Thatcher Jr., on April 20, 2015, of Runnemede. Age 90. Beloved husband of the late Joan nee Weeks. Devoted father of Cathy Knoll Andrew, Diane Frockowiak Lawrence, Earl F. III Yvonne, and Kimberly Doms William. Loving grandfather of Lawrence Frockowiak Jacqueline, Erin MacMinn Brett, Jill Stawisuck Steven, Justin...

'Hero Cat' gets award from national military foundation
By BakersfieldNow staff Published: Sep 26, 2014 at 6:30 PM PDT

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - Tara the "Hero Cat" was honored Friday with an award from a national foundation that usually honors members of the military.

The U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation honored the cat and her family with the Order of the Blue Tiger Award.

In May, the cat's boy, young Jeremy Triantafilo, was riding his bike in front of his house when a neighbor's dog attacked him. That was when Tara came to the rescue.

The cat pounced on the larger-dog, chasing it away and saving her boy. The family's home security cameras captured the incident, and the video was uploaded to YouTube.

The rest is viral video history.

More stories about Tara:

1.) BakersfieldCalifornian.com
2.) BakersfieldNow.com
3.) Turnto23.com

A FETE FOR FIGHTERS (AND A FELINE)
Published: Sep 27, 2014

‘HERO CAT, “TARA”,
TO GET NATIONAL AWARD’

Tara, the hero cat from Bakersfield, CA will receive a national award on Friday, Sept. 26th at the Bakersfield Veterans Center, 1110 Golden State Ave., at 11:30 a.m.  The U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation, a leading national foundation that honors  veterans and the military, will present to Tara and her family, the “Order of the Blue Tiger Award”.  This honor has always been given to Combat K-9, and military working dogs.

“We had to use a special waiver to allow “Tara” to receive this award, as it is solely given to honor military canines,”  stated  National Director, Susan Haines.  “I can honestly say that “Tara” has been the only cat to ever receive this award”.

Tara’s quick action last May saved the life of her human pal, Jeremy, from the jaws of a angry dog that savagely grabbed young Jeremy’s leg and began to maul the 4 yr. old.   Tara, an 8lb. Tabby cat flung her body at the dog, making it lose its grip on the boy.   Tara faced down the dog, and chased it away.  Tara then went back to check on Jeremy, and placed herself between the boy and dog, until an adult came to the boys aid.

Tara’s actions moved the nation.  Also, many veterans remarked that she had actions like trained combat K-9, and that no canine could have done better.  The U.S. Tiger Foundation’s “Blue Tiger” award has been given to top military working canines, from the USAF, ARMY, and Coast Guard.  Tara will be the first feline to get a canine award.

More importantly, several California military Veterans from Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan wars will receive the Medal of Combat Valor.  This is the Foundation’s highest medal for warriors and veterans.  Tara’s actions brought credit to her, her community, and by honoring her, we have an opportunity to also honor very deserving area veterans.  This will be part of her legacy, that U.S. Service men and women will be honored due to her actions.

The U.S. Exercise Tiger Commemorative Foundation is named in honor of the WWII Pre D-Day Battle of

Exercise Tiger, in which 8 U.S.Navy LSTs of Convoy Taffy 4 with over 4,000 soldiers and sailors aboard was savagely attacked by German navy torpedo boats.  Over 1,000 soldiers and sailors were killed when 2 LSTs were sunk in the battle.  Due to the secrecy surrounding the D-Day invasion, the battle was unknown and kept secret for many years.

Since 1989, the Exercise Tiger Foundation has annually commemorated the April 28, 1944 Battle, and  has honored over  5,000 veterans and warriors for the past 25 years.

The ceremony will include a color guard, awards, and photo ops, and will begin at 11:30 a.m.   The public and veterans are invited to attend.

Contacts:
Joe F. Acosta  MSW, ACSW
Team Leader
Bakersfield Vet Center
1110 Golden State Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 323-VETS (8387)
(661) 325-8387 (Fax)
75th Ranger Regiment—“Sua Sponte”
Keeping The Promise!
- AND
 U.S. Exercise Tiger Foundation, National Director, Susan Haines, at 573-356-3093. 

-- END --

For 2012 the Tiger Foundation is proud to announce it has a new logo to help "market" the identity of the Tiger Foundation. The "Jumping Tiger" logo will join the Foundations existing seal logo design. "It will help with "bridging" the organization and is both classy and agressive just like the Tiger Foundation", stated Susan Haines, National Director.

The Military Order of the Blue Tiger (MBOT) is to be an annual National Award for MWD's of all services. 
In the News: First National Reward Recipient Announced
In the News: Military Dog Has Its Day
In the News: Whiteman MWD Recieves First National Award
In the News: Bomb-sniffing dog wins MO. honor
In the News: Missouri Dog to be Nation's First Blue Tiger Award Winner

The Tiger Association has given out many awards over the years to many recipients. Please take a look at the names of some of these worthy individuals.