Dear Sgt. Shaft:

We want your readers to know about the Beck Pride Center at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

We are implementing the new center for the personal rehabilitation, individual development and education (PRIDE) of injured military personnel who have served in defense of the U.S. and who would benefit from rehabilitation and training in a university environment. It is named in honor of the concept founders, Charlotte and Buddy Beck of Fairfax, Va., who are proud alumni of ASU.

The goal of the center is to supplement, not replace, other programs that benefit veterans. The center will offer access to rehabilitation services and help prepare wounded warriors for post-service careers, and will also provide peer and family support and counseling services. We also will seek additional state and national support as the program grows and work closely with other agencies serving the needs of veterans.

We are very excited to create this program, which we hope will become a national model. Information is available on the Beck Pride Center site (http://cp.astate.edu/pride).

Sincerely,
Chancellor Robert L. Potts,
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Ark.

Dear Chancellor:

I am happy to help get the word out on this wonderful new initiative. A special thanks to Charlotte and Buddy Beck for their generosity and concern for our wounded warriors.

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

November has two dates that are significant to U.S. veterans. The Marine Corps celebrates its birthday on Saturday and, of course, the nation commemorates Veterans Day on Sunday.

President Truman wrote, in his commendation to World War II veterans: "As one of the nation's finest, you undertook the most severe task one can be called upon to perform." All U.S. veterans are worthy of these words.

There are more than 25 million U.S. veterans. They are an important part of every community. The special men and women who gave time and effort for our country, by serving in the military, should be recognized on more than just a couple of holidays. To this end, our small group of retired veterans makes more than 30 metalized film window stickers and magnetic vehicle plaques honoring military service from World War II to present-day conflicts. We call them VetSignias, and they feature black print on bright silver metallic.

Those who served in wartime can display the war served and their branch of service. VetSignias for those who served in overseas expeditionary campaigns such as Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, etc., show branch of service and the expedition. Veterans who served in peacetime can get VetSignias that show their branch of service. The stickers and plaques provide a neat, attractive way for all veterans to show their service. They are a distinctive reminder to all.

All VetSignias, window stickers and magnetic vehicle plaques can be viewed online at www.vetsignia.org. VetSignia window stickers are three for $10, with magnetic vehicle plaques at two for $10, shipping and handling included. VetSignia requests with the needed information can be sent to Bob Kline, P.O. Box 382, Blue Bell, PA 19422. For more information, phone 610/277-1171 or e-mail bobk.ww2usmc@vetsignia.org.

Bob Kline, WWII/U.S. Marines
For the VetSignia group

Dear Bob:

Glad to get the word out on this effort to enhance pride in military service.

Shaft Notes:

Recently, the U.S. House unanimously passed a resolution authored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Florida Republican, recognizing the importance of increased maritime domain awareness and supporting the goals of America's Waterway Watch (AWW) program.

A maritime homeland security public awareness program administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, AWW seeks to educate and empower the nation's 70 million recreational and commercial boaters to keep watch over its maritime borders. The program specifically provides education resources for improved awareness and a central 24-hour call center, 877/24-WATCH, to report any suspicious or unusual activities on or around the country's waterways.

"September 11th taught us that all Americans have a shared responsibility for our country's security, which is why I am pleased to highlight the importance of a program that encourages citizens to do their part to strengthen our homeland defenses," said Mr. Bilirakis. "This program is a sensible and reasonable step toward bolstering our maritime defenses without imposing costly and confusing new regulations on recreational boaters, who play an important economic role in my district."

To report suspicious activity, call the National Response Center at 877/24WATCH or 800/424-8802. Learn more about AWW at: www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax 301/622-3330; call 202/257-5446; or e-mail sgtshaft@bavf.org.