The Blog/Newsletter
At the moment ACVOW does not possess the resources to sustain a blog or newsletter. Until enough funding is
available, this page will serve as both. Please forgive the inconvenience and we hope you enjoy the articles
below. If you have any comments, please contact us at info@acvow.org.
Are We Bothering You?
Dear Sir:
Yesterday, outside of a Stater Bros. store, a gentleman from your organization was soliciting signatures for a
ballot. This is not a problem, and your program is probably worthwhile. However, the persons endorsing your
program, in my opinion, are not good representatives to promote your cause. If Bob Filner & Susan Davis lent
their support or name to any organization I would never contribute any amount of money. I would not ask any
friends or relatives to contribute either because Filner and Davis, in my opinion, are disastrous for San Diego and
CA. When I saw their names I knew immediately that I would not contribute. There are others that believe
differently, but I do know that there are many who also believe as I do.
Regards,
Libby
Dear Libby:
Yes, I remember speaking with you and frankly, I apologize for losing my demeanor. It was unprofessional for
me to do so. Frustrated with the ease at which many people dismiss our young warriors with a wave of their
hand, I had lost my patience when you suggested we were not a legitimate organization simply from our support
by certain public officials.
Under the surface of our great young warriors lurks an enemy for which many lack the training to fight. Having
served our country on the battlefield, they are rewarded with an economy that has little room for them and trauma
that continues to haunt. The combat veteran volunteers of ACVOW have been mentoring and healing our young
warriors suffering from combat stress since 2001. Our presence at supermarkets is to remind our community of
the sacrifices our troops continue to make for our country on and off the battlefield. If I have spoiled anyone’s
shopping experience by asking for a signature, be certain that I lose no sleep over it.
Many people want the freedom to go to the market without being pestered by petitioners. In our case, however, it
is the very men and women requesting signatures that have given us that freedom. I am sure you would agree
that American combat veterans have sacrificed considerably for America and yet, rather than spend their
weekends at picnics or summer barbeques, our volunteers choose to stand their post with clipboards ready, to
remind you that without commitment, the faded yellow ribbon on the back of your Chevy Tahoe remains an empty
gesture.
It is unfortunate that some Americans cannot remove their personal political prejudices from our national interest
to ensure our young warriors are treated with the dignity and honor they have earned. You will not contribute to
ACVOW because Bob Filner, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives and a
Democrat, has endorsed our work. You will not contribute to ACVOW because Susan Davis, Chair of the
Personnel Subcommittee for the House Armed Services Committee and a Democrat, recognizes us as an asset
to our young warriors. We gladly and enthusiastically accept their recognition of our services as we do with
Congressman Brian Bilbray and Mayor Jerry Sanders as well as Council members Kevin Faulconer and Carl De
Maio, all conservatives. Your decision not to support us says more about you and the political climate
reverberating from partisan politics than it does about the legitimacy of American Combat Veterans of War.
Are you so uncompromising with your political rivals that even our warriors must suffer from the ideological
fallout? I hope yours is not a common position as you suggest and that the contentious partisan divide that has
beleaguered the debate on healthcare does not creep its way into care for the treatment of our troops.
American Combat Veterans of War is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and by law, completely
nonpolitical. That does not mean our individual members do not embrace their own political beliefs, however.
You may be surprised to know that even as veterans, we are evenly divided, Democrats to Republicans, in our
group. On our own time we enjoy political discourse over a beer or two like everyone else, but when it comes to
our mission and care for our troops, politics plays no role whatsoever, allowing us to effectively help thousands of
young warriors. May America heed such a lesson.
As I write this—indeed this very moment—our Camp Pendleton Marines are fighting courageously in Helmand
Province, Afghanistan, protecting people for which they share almost no common interest, just so they have the
freedom to vote at the polls—a luxury you and I may have taken for granted at times in our lives. And yet, when
these kids return from the battlefield as changed men and women, suffering from an invisible wound with which
they will struggle the rest of their lives, you refuse to contribute, not because of our political views, but because of
your own.
The Veterans Administration estimates that twenty percent of our military personnel returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan will suffer from some level of post traumatic stress. We believe that estimate to be far too
conservative. It is not too late for you to help them, Libby. You can make a contribution at www.acvow.org. You do
not have to compromise your political beliefs to do so. You just need the courage and wisdom to rise above
them to see our warriors in need.
Regards,
Dino Maiolo
National Communications Director
ACVOW Goes to Washington
July 21, 2009, Washington DC - July 21, 2009, Washington, DC – “Our greatest support came from the Obama
Administration,” said Dino Maiolo, National Communications Director. “They haven’t officially endorsed ACVOW
yet because there are procedures that must be followed for that, but they certainly support our mission and want
to help.” Indeed, the President has made our combat wounded a priority and is giving them and their families the
help they have earned. He has increased the budget to the Veterans Administration by 25 billion dollars over the
next five years. That is above and beyond the VA’s annual budget.
In addition to the White House, ACVOW President Bill Rider and Dino Maiolo also paid a visit to the VA where they
met with Secretary Shinseki’s liaison to Veteran Service Organizations. That meeting went well, too. ACVOW
extended a visit to the VA representative, including the Secretary, to visit San Diego and to see first hand the
programs ACVOW has created to help our nation’s warriors with combat stress.
ACVOW also visited with members of Congress, including representatives of Senators Barbara Boxer, Diane
Feinstein, Jim Webb and Ben Nelson. ACVOW also met with legislative assistants of Congressmen Chet
Edwards and Brian Bilbray. Congressmen Michael Michaud and Bob Filner took time out of their schedules
during a contentious healthcare debate to meet with Rider and Maiolo.
Finally, one of the most productive meetings of the trip was with Dr. Andrea Buck of the Senate Veteran Affairs
Committee. “She liked our programs and has been actively helping us move to the next step since our meeting,”
said Rider. “She is one of those unique individuals who goes out of her way to help people who need it, just
because it is the right thing to do.”
It was a grueling trip with back to back meetings that had the two running between congressional office buildings
in the hot July air of Capitol Hill. “The view was beautiful, though, so we didn’t mind too much,” said Maiolo.
“Yeah, we were hot and exhausted at the end of each day, but having the Washington and Lincoln monuments in
the background of the Capitol building is not a bad place to go to work in the morning. Add that our mission could
hardly be more important and I’d easily do it again.” That is good, because with the level of success they had
during this trip, odds are that they will be back very soon.
Beyond Yellow Ribbons
As veterans and combat warriors, we appreciate whatever support we receive from the people we have sworn to
protect. But it is very apparent that support for the troops has been waning over the past few years. Indeed,
people across the country are still losing their homes and their jobs. Finding the time to concern oneself with the
fate of others seems to take a back seat to keeping a home or job. For some, we can hardly blame them for
setting aside support for the troops when they are struggling to simply support their own families. Fights over
state and national budgets have erupted as well as race and education. Perhaps the biggest fight at the moment
is over health care. Who has time for the War? We have argued over Iraq so many times, there is nothing left to
debate.
For many, supporting the troops is a distinct reminder of not only the mounting casualties, but the political fiasco
handed to us by our leaders in Washington of a war gone bad, or at minimum, unpopular. As the war becomes
mundane and routine, so do the associations people have with it—in this case, the troops. For good or bad, the
hawks who pushed for the war effort were happy to distribute yellow ribbons and bumper stickers. Does not
support for the warrior imply support for the war? Sure it does, but with the war in Iraq becoming increasingly
unpopular, fewer people are eager to keep that ribbon on the back of their car.
I’m not writing this to make a case for or against the war. I am simply pointing out the hazard of using our young
men and women as a rally cry for a political agenda. When that agenda becomes unpopular, then so do the men
and women—just by association. Equally disheartening would be for me to make a case to rally for support
again, not for the war mind you, but for our troops. It will not happen. People do not want to be reminded.
In an odd and unfortunate way, the increased troop levels in Afghanistan may provide the answer. Afghanistan is
a just war, at least in the minds of many Americans. Sending our forces after those who actually attacked us on
September 11, 2001 allows us to raise the flag again. It is unfortunate because we are losing more and more of
our finest young men and women. I doubt we will see any more yellow ribbons, but perhaps a new focus on
Afghanistan will also give us a new focus on the warrior. May god bless them all.
available, this page will serve as both. Please forgive the inconvenience and we hope you enjoy the articles
below. If you have any comments, please contact us at info@acvow.org.
Are We Bothering You?
Dear Sir:
Yesterday, outside of a Stater Bros. store, a gentleman from your organization was soliciting signatures for a
ballot. This is not a problem, and your program is probably worthwhile. However, the persons endorsing your
program, in my opinion, are not good representatives to promote your cause. If Bob Filner & Susan Davis lent
their support or name to any organization I would never contribute any amount of money. I would not ask any
friends or relatives to contribute either because Filner and Davis, in my opinion, are disastrous for San Diego and
CA. When I saw their names I knew immediately that I would not contribute. There are others that believe
differently, but I do know that there are many who also believe as I do.
Regards,
Libby
Dear Libby:
Yes, I remember speaking with you and frankly, I apologize for losing my demeanor. It was unprofessional for
me to do so. Frustrated with the ease at which many people dismiss our young warriors with a wave of their
hand, I had lost my patience when you suggested we were not a legitimate organization simply from our support
by certain public officials.
Under the surface of our great young warriors lurks an enemy for which many lack the training to fight. Having
served our country on the battlefield, they are rewarded with an economy that has little room for them and trauma
that continues to haunt. The combat veteran volunteers of ACVOW have been mentoring and healing our young
warriors suffering from combat stress since 2001. Our presence at supermarkets is to remind our community of
the sacrifices our troops continue to make for our country on and off the battlefield. If I have spoiled anyone’s
shopping experience by asking for a signature, be certain that I lose no sleep over it.
Many people want the freedom to go to the market without being pestered by petitioners. In our case, however, it
is the very men and women requesting signatures that have given us that freedom. I am sure you would agree
that American combat veterans have sacrificed considerably for America and yet, rather than spend their
weekends at picnics or summer barbeques, our volunteers choose to stand their post with clipboards ready, to
remind you that without commitment, the faded yellow ribbon on the back of your Chevy Tahoe remains an empty
gesture.
It is unfortunate that some Americans cannot remove their personal political prejudices from our national interest
to ensure our young warriors are treated with the dignity and honor they have earned. You will not contribute to
ACVOW because Bob Filner, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives and a
Democrat, has endorsed our work. You will not contribute to ACVOW because Susan Davis, Chair of the
Personnel Subcommittee for the House Armed Services Committee and a Democrat, recognizes us as an asset
to our young warriors. We gladly and enthusiastically accept their recognition of our services as we do with
Congressman Brian Bilbray and Mayor Jerry Sanders as well as Council members Kevin Faulconer and Carl De
Maio, all conservatives. Your decision not to support us says more about you and the political climate
reverberating from partisan politics than it does about the legitimacy of American Combat Veterans of War.
Are you so uncompromising with your political rivals that even our warriors must suffer from the ideological
fallout? I hope yours is not a common position as you suggest and that the contentious partisan divide that has
beleaguered the debate on healthcare does not creep its way into care for the treatment of our troops.
American Combat Veterans of War is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and by law, completely
nonpolitical. That does not mean our individual members do not embrace their own political beliefs, however.
You may be surprised to know that even as veterans, we are evenly divided, Democrats to Republicans, in our
group. On our own time we enjoy political discourse over a beer or two like everyone else, but when it comes to
our mission and care for our troops, politics plays no role whatsoever, allowing us to effectively help thousands of
young warriors. May America heed such a lesson.
As I write this—indeed this very moment—our Camp Pendleton Marines are fighting courageously in Helmand
Province, Afghanistan, protecting people for which they share almost no common interest, just so they have the
freedom to vote at the polls—a luxury you and I may have taken for granted at times in our lives. And yet, when
these kids return from the battlefield as changed men and women, suffering from an invisible wound with which
they will struggle the rest of their lives, you refuse to contribute, not because of our political views, but because of
your own.
The Veterans Administration estimates that twenty percent of our military personnel returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan will suffer from some level of post traumatic stress. We believe that estimate to be far too
conservative. It is not too late for you to help them, Libby. You can make a contribution at www.acvow.org. You do
not have to compromise your political beliefs to do so. You just need the courage and wisdom to rise above
them to see our warriors in need.
Regards,
Dino Maiolo
National Communications Director
ACVOW Goes to Washington
July 21, 2009, Washington DC - July 21, 2009, Washington, DC – “Our greatest support came from the Obama
Administration,” said Dino Maiolo, National Communications Director. “They haven’t officially endorsed ACVOW
yet because there are procedures that must be followed for that, but they certainly support our mission and want
to help.” Indeed, the President has made our combat wounded a priority and is giving them and their families the
help they have earned. He has increased the budget to the Veterans Administration by 25 billion dollars over the
next five years. That is above and beyond the VA’s annual budget.
In addition to the White House, ACVOW President Bill Rider and Dino Maiolo also paid a visit to the VA where they
met with Secretary Shinseki’s liaison to Veteran Service Organizations. That meeting went well, too. ACVOW
extended a visit to the VA representative, including the Secretary, to visit San Diego and to see first hand the
programs ACVOW has created to help our nation’s warriors with combat stress.
ACVOW also visited with members of Congress, including representatives of Senators Barbara Boxer, Diane
Feinstein, Jim Webb and Ben Nelson. ACVOW also met with legislative assistants of Congressmen Chet
Edwards and Brian Bilbray. Congressmen Michael Michaud and Bob Filner took time out of their schedules
during a contentious healthcare debate to meet with Rider and Maiolo.
Finally, one of the most productive meetings of the trip was with Dr. Andrea Buck of the Senate Veteran Affairs
Committee. “She liked our programs and has been actively helping us move to the next step since our meeting,”
said Rider. “She is one of those unique individuals who goes out of her way to help people who need it, just
because it is the right thing to do.”
It was a grueling trip with back to back meetings that had the two running between congressional office buildings
in the hot July air of Capitol Hill. “The view was beautiful, though, so we didn’t mind too much,” said Maiolo.
“Yeah, we were hot and exhausted at the end of each day, but having the Washington and Lincoln monuments in
the background of the Capitol building is not a bad place to go to work in the morning. Add that our mission could
hardly be more important and I’d easily do it again.” That is good, because with the level of success they had
during this trip, odds are that they will be back very soon.
Beyond Yellow Ribbons
As veterans and combat warriors, we appreciate whatever support we receive from the people we have sworn to
protect. But it is very apparent that support for the troops has been waning over the past few years. Indeed,
people across the country are still losing their homes and their jobs. Finding the time to concern oneself with the
fate of others seems to take a back seat to keeping a home or job. For some, we can hardly blame them for
setting aside support for the troops when they are struggling to simply support their own families. Fights over
state and national budgets have erupted as well as race and education. Perhaps the biggest fight at the moment
is over health care. Who has time for the War? We have argued over Iraq so many times, there is nothing left to
debate.
For many, supporting the troops is a distinct reminder of not only the mounting casualties, but the political fiasco
handed to us by our leaders in Washington of a war gone bad, or at minimum, unpopular. As the war becomes
mundane and routine, so do the associations people have with it—in this case, the troops. For good or bad, the
hawks who pushed for the war effort were happy to distribute yellow ribbons and bumper stickers. Does not
support for the warrior imply support for the war? Sure it does, but with the war in Iraq becoming increasingly
unpopular, fewer people are eager to keep that ribbon on the back of their car.
I’m not writing this to make a case for or against the war. I am simply pointing out the hazard of using our young
men and women as a rally cry for a political agenda. When that agenda becomes unpopular, then so do the men
and women—just by association. Equally disheartening would be for me to make a case to rally for support
again, not for the war mind you, but for our troops. It will not happen. People do not want to be reminded.
In an odd and unfortunate way, the increased troop levels in Afghanistan may provide the answer. Afghanistan is
a just war, at least in the minds of many Americans. Sending our forces after those who actually attacked us on
September 11, 2001 allows us to raise the flag again. It is unfortunate because we are losing more and more of
our finest young men and women. I doubt we will see any more yellow ribbons, but perhaps a new focus on
Afghanistan will also give us a new focus on the warrior. May god bless them all.
| If you, or someone you know, may be suffering from post traumatic stress as a result of combat, please call us now at 858-552-7501. Warrior's 24 hour Suicide Prevention Hot Line: 800-273-8255 |
| Speak with a Veteran |
| Our Mission |
| ACVOW is a nonprofit organization that recruits combat veteran volunteers to mentor, coach and assist our warriors suffering from combat stress, allowing them and their families to lead productive and fulfilling lives. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
