Miscellaneous Links and Information
American Legion Post 133
Post 133 meets 7:00 pm every third Tuesday of the month, September through June, in the Madden Room at the South Windsor Town Hall (downstairs rear). All veterans are welcome. For more information, visit the American Legion Post 133 website by clicking here.
Online Military Personnel Records
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from these military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online website. The new web-based application was designed to better service these requests by eliminating the records center processing time. Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur, when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information, will be minimized. Veterans and next of kin may access this application on the National Archive Veterans Service Records website.
The Blue Star Banner
The Blue Star Banner was originally designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry. The red-bordered banners with a blue or gold star in a field of white are displayed in the windows of the homes of service-members’ families. During World War II, banners could be purchased at five-&-dimes and local hardware stores. In more recent years, Legion posts have distributed them. The American Legion rejuvenated the Blue Star Banner program following the September 11 terrorist attacks. South Windsor families who have someone serving on active duty may obtain the Blue Star Banner by calling Roger H. Anderson, American Legion Post 133, at (860) 528-4338. The American Legion Post 133 is providing the banners free of charge.
More information can be found on the American Legion Blue Star Banner web page.
South Windsor Residents in the Military
The South Windsor Patriotic Commission is planning to establish an area in the Town Hall to honor all the men and women, living in South Windsor, who are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
The Patriotic Commission would like to display the names of South Windsor residents, who are serving on active duty, accompanied by a photograph (in uniform). If possible, we would also like to identify the area where the service member is stationed or serving. However, in the interest of privacy, the individual’s home address will not be included. This program is completely voluntary and limited to the residents of the Town of South Windsor. It is the desire of the Patriotic Commission that these young men and women receive the recognition and honor that they so rightly deserve.
For questions, you may contact either Commission member Herbert Asplund at (860) 644-0881 or Chairperson Ed Gawlinski by clicking here.
Korean War Service Medal
"From the Department of Defense - June 25, 2000
U.S. veterans of the Korean War are now eligible to wear a medal initially offered to them more than 50 years ago, but never issued.
In a May 13, 2000 letter to Defense Secretary William S. Cohen, Republic of Korea Defense Minister Seong Tae Cho formally announced that his government would provide the Republic of Korea War Service Medal (ROKWSM) to eligible U.S. veterans of that conflict, or to their surviving next of kin. The medal will be provided at no cost to veterans. The U.S. Air Force has been designated the lead agency to receive and distribute the medals. "
Korean War veterans or primary next of kin who wish to apply for the Korean War Service Medal may obtain an Information & Fact Sheet and Veteran Request Form by emailing Chairperson ED Gawlinski by clicking here.