The Army News Service is reporting that Soldiers who have been involuntarily extended past their 12 month tour in Iraq or Kuwait are eligible for an extra $1000 per month.

The extra pay is actually made up of additional hardship pay and incentive pay. To be eligible for the bonus, soldiers must serve 12 consecutive months or 365 days out of a 15-month period in theater.

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The month of May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month. This is the sixth year the country has specifically celebrated our military this way. The month encompasses a number of specific holidays including: VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.

There are numerous events planned around the country ranging from airshows to special sales for active and retired military at local businesses. For more information on the month and a full list of events in your area go to nmam.org

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The National Museum of American Jewish Military History has a program that allows you to memorialize a fallen Jewish service member via the Yahrzeit Remembrance Program. They charge a fee of $100 to list your loved one on the site. Each yahrzeit includes a photo and a brief description of his or her service. The listing is shown on both the Jewish and standard calendar dates of his or her death.

I actually came across this while looking into creating something like this on JewsInGreen.

I wouldn't be able to offer something as polished as the NMAJMH (with automatic listings and such), but we could create a list of names and dates of yahrzeits. If there is a significant interest in such a service I would like to do it, so leave a comment if you think this is a good (or bad) idea.

The Department of Defense has announced a new program that allows people to purchase phone cards for a specific military member or made available to "any service member".

The cards can be used at call centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, aboard ships, and just about anywhere else we may deploy. For more information, check out the official DOD announcement.

Rabbi Carlos Huerta (MAJ, USA) will be speaking on May 2nd at 8 p.m. at Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst, NY (located at Broadway and Locust Avenue).

He will tell about his experiences serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to December 2003. For more information see this story in the community newspaper or you can contact Temple Beth El at 516-569-2700.

Yesterday, President Bush proclaimed April 25 through May 2, 2004, as Jewish Heritage Week.

From the press release:

Over the past three and a half centuries, Jewish Americans have helped shape the history and culture of our Nation. As scientists, physicians, social workers, educators, artists, businessmen, and in many other professions, Jewish citizens have contributed to the strength of our country. Their commitment to religious freedom, respect for diversity, and belief in democracy have enriched our society and helped make America a better place for all. During this historic time, we are particularly grateful for the many Jewish Americans who serve in our military. Their efforts help advance the cause of freedom and provide hope for people around the world.*

As we observe Jewish Heritage Week, we remember the proud legacy and determination of the Jewish people and their strong dedication to faith, family, and service.

*emphasis added

Here's one for the history books! This year, over 100 U.S. Jewish troops, civilians, and even a few Iraqi nationals celebrated Passover in a very unique location: Saddam Husseins former Presidential Palace in Baghdad.

The seder was organized and lead by Rabbi Mitchell Ackerson (LTC, USA), the senior chaplain for the US Army 220th Military Police Brigade.
Update: Click on "full story" to read Rabbi Ackerson's account of the seder!

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Dr. William Samelson, professor emeritus, author and holocaust survivor, spoke at Camp Smith, Hawaii to an audience of Marines, their families, and guests. See the official press release here.

Dr. Samelson also spoke to soldiers and saliors at separate engagements. Officials have supposedly asked him to speak at Camp Smith again next year.

What kind of events were at your base for Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoa)? Post your comments here.

Tis the season for Passover stories I guess. The Free Lance-Star has a story online about a retired Marine near Quantico who opened his home to a young Second Lieutenant on Pesach.

The story itself is not that remarkable, but LtCol Haas deserves a special yesher koach for all his service at Quantico. He volunteered his own time to lead services for Jewish candidates at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School for several years. I first met him back when I went through in 2000. I have no idea if he still does this, but he is obviously still giving to the Jewish community at Quantico even after his retirement.

His generosity should be an example for all of us "Jews in Green". Semper Fi LtCol Haas!

The USA Weekend had an interesting article recently on religion in the military, specifically in Iraq. It chronicles five servicemembers who had some experience with their religion while fighting in Iraq. Spc. Joe Kashnow tells his story of being an Orthodox Jew in the Army and his faith in God throughout some harrowing experiences in Iraq.