E-News: November 13th
News Article
Honoring America's Veterans
This week our nation celebrated Veterans Day, honoring men and women who served in America's Armed Forces. Congressman Tim
Veterans Day at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Murphy attended several events in the community to pay tribute to local veterans. Activities included speaking at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township, which opened in 2005. As part of the ceremony, Congressman Murphy participated in a wreath laying ceremony to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action.
Congressman Murphy presents Mr. Balistreri with his medals along with American Legion Post #82 Commander Charles Magnus.
The Congressman also presented Korean War Veteran Anthony Balistreri with military medals he earned for his service, including: Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. Mr. Balistreri served aboard the USS Philippine Sea and was in the Navy from June 1949 to March 1953. If you or a family member is a veteran missing military service medals, please contact Congressman Murphy's office 412-344-5583 for assistance.
At the annual Veterans Day program at the North American Martyrs School in Monroeville, Congressman Murphy joined the elementary school students in recognizing each branch of the military and sang songs in honor of veterans. Similarly, the Congressman also attended an assembly at Upper St. Clair High School in which students read letters from World War I veterans and held a memorial wreath ceremony.
"To each veteran, I thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. Members of the Armed Forces have helped instill an enduring liberty throughout American history. As a nation, we need to continue to support the troops fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other parts of the world. It is just as important to support the members of the Armed Forces while they are at war, as it is when they return," said Congressman Murphy.
Rep. Murphy thanks veterans at North American Martyrs School.
"The courage of our veterans has enabled our freedom, and as a nation we must ensure that our veterans receive the services and support they need. Taking care of the needs of all of veterans is one of the biggest responsibilities of our country. We need to ensure that healthcare is available to all veterans, whether they served decades ago or are just returning from Afghanistan or Iraq. Building a new commissary in Southwestern PA is my number one priority. This past May, the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense approved the establishment of a commissary at the Army Reserve Command Center in Moon Township. I will continue my efforts until the final steps necessary for construction are completed. In the meantime, the commissary and post exchange located at the Charles E. Kelly Support Facility remain open."
To read Congressman Murphy's entire statement, please click here.
Open Enrollment for Medicare Prescription Drug Program about to Begin
The 2010 Open Enrollment season for Medicare prescription drug and health plans begins on November 15. The open enrollment period occurs once a year, and allows seniors to review, and if necessary change, health coverage. The open period will last through December 31st, 2009. Seniors interested in changing coverage can do so at www.medicare.gov or by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Those not currently enrolled in a prescription or health plan can also sign up during this period.
Free health insurance counseling services are available to Pennsylvania seniors through APPRISE. The APPRISE hotline to help seniors choose which Medicare plan is best for them is 1-800-783-7067 or 412-661-1438. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. APPRISE can also assist with Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.
Murphy Visits Local Schools to talk Education Agenda
Rep. Murphy presents a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to students at Hoover Elementary School.
On Tuesday, Congressman Tim Murphy visited the Pittsburgh Technical Institute, a two-year career school in Oakdale, and spoke with students and teachers. During the visit, the Congressman toured the multimedia studio, an electronics classroom, and the home/security systems integration lab. He also had the opportunity to watch a class in the surgical technology room practice procedures. Among the topics discussed were student financial aid, funding for job training programs, and the economy.
In related news, Congressman Murphy visited with third-grade students at Hoover Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon. The students in the class were discussing how the government and community work together. Congressman Murphy talked about how Congress works with local governments to help the community, the day-to-day activities of a member of Congress, and his work as a child psychologist.
Holiday Mail for Heroes
For the third year in a row, the American Red Cross is sponsoring the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. It is an opportunity for Americans to send holiday greetings and thanks to service members and veterans. Last year, more than 1.4 cards were sent to military men and women, their families and veterans through the program.
Holiday cards should be addressed and sent to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
For security reasons, only holiday cards can be accepted. Care packages, monetary gifts, inserts, or anything with glitter cannot be accepted.
All cards must be received by December 7, 2009.
For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail.
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