WASP -- A PLEA for S.614

WASP

by Aleta Vinas

Special to AVweb

Most people dislike bills yet our Senators and Congress people deal with more bills on a daily basis than we ever want to think about. Granted, they’re not the same kind of bills and there is one bill right now in Washington that needs to be embraced and acted upon - NOW.

Simply stated, Bill S614 in the Senate and HR.2014 in Congress was introduced to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (‘WASP’).

S614 needs help, the public’s help; YOUR help. Is your Senator (and Congress person) on board? Find out at http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/bill/index.html#onboard, if not, call, e-mail, twitter – respectfully, of course but let your Senators (and Congress people) know their constituents want support for this noble bill in recognition of the courageous WASP. May 8^th is the target date to bring on board the rest of the required co-sponsors in the Senate. A simple phone call and you can make a difference.

The Bill was initiated by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and was co-sponsored by the fifteen other female members of the Senate prior to its introduction. “The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II were trailblazers and true patriots. They risked their lives in service to our nation, but for too long their contribution to the war effort has been undervalued or under recognized,” Sen. Mikulski said.

The intent of the WASP was to free up the men for combat missions in World War II. Jacqueline Cochran pitched the idea to General Hap Arnold. Cochran knew the women, given the same training as men, would be capable of performing any flight mission needed. And perform they did, to the tune of 60 million miles flown, in every type of aircraft in the Army Air Forces inventory and in every type mission except combat. For two years, from November 1942 to December

1944, the WASP towed targets, instructed, ferried planes, transported cargo and personnel and much more.The WASP took the military oath and though promised military status, the women were never commissioned or given active duty status nor were they designated as Veterans until decades later. Even a plea to militarize the WASP by General Arnold to Congress was denied. Their two years of extraordinary service was unceremoniously swept into the government archive with a classified stamp.

Glory and medals are the last things on the minds of people who serve in the military but there is a time for praise when the feats are deserving. WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish a B-26 Air-to-Air tow target pilot has this to say "The WASP did not serve their country for recognition or awards. However, should Congress choose to honor us with the Congressional Gold Medal, I would humbly accept my medal on behalf of the children of America who have never heard of the WASP. This national recognition would challenge them to learn, not only about the WASP history, but also about the importance of the values the WASP epitomize: honor, patriotism, integrity, commitment, service, courage, and faith."

On November 23, 1977 the Congress finally gave the WASP part of the recognition denied to them previously. The legislation, spearheaded by then Senator Barry Goldwater and Colonel Bruce Arnold, provided procedures for former WASP to be granted Veteran status, but with limited benefits. In 1979 the first WASP were given their discharge certificates. Finally, four decades after World War II ended, the WASP received Victory Medals or American Theater Campaign Medals for those with one year of service.

These pioneering women paved the way for today’s female aviators and astronauts. The WASP’s success proved women were just as capable in a cockpit as their male counterparts. Major Nicole Malachowski submitted a draft bill of what was to become S614 to Senator Hutchison who, after some revisions, ran with it.

Major Malachowski gives her praise to the WASP “I am convinced every opportunity I’ve been afforded, from flying combat patrols in the skies over Iraq, to the honor of being a USAF Thunderbird, to representing the military as a Fellow, is because of these pioneering women. There couldn’t be a more principled use of time and effort than seeking the Congressional Gold Medal for my personal heroines, the courageous WASP of World War II.”

In their Bill, Senators Hutchison and Mikulski shared an excerpt from a speech given by General Arnold to the last graduating WASP class On December 7, 1944, “You and more than 900 of your sisters have shown you can fly wingtip to wingtip with your brothers. I salute you . . . We of the Army Air Force are proud of you. We will never forget our debt to you.” Let us hope the General’s words ring true and with everyone’s help, they will.

Images courtesy Wings Across America

TEN MORE SENATORS TO GO--S.614--NOW!

We are almost there. 10 more Senate Co-sponsors to go before FRIDAY, May 8, which is the target date for all SENATE CO-SPONSORS to be signed on to S.614 to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots with the Congressional GOLD Medal.

Please check the "NOT LIST" to see who is not yet a co-sponsor. If you haven't already, pick a few numbers and give their DC office a call--make a friend--and tell your story. WE ONLY HAVE a few DAYS to do this--and EVERY CALL is important. If you've called before, check the list--and call again. Now is the time to PRESS FORWARD and keep our eyes on the goal: 67 Senate Co-Sponsors by May 8th.

Thank you all so much!

God bless you all,

nancy

S.614 CONGRESSIONAL GOLD -- WASP WWII UPDATE

Tomorrow morning, April 28, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida will be introducing HR 2014--the HOUSE version of the bill to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. This incredible lady, along with another incredible lady (Democratic co-sponsor), Rep. Susan Davis of California, and their staffs have been working at full speed -- and there are now 174 co-sponsors--well over half the necessary number. Unfortunately, her speech will be short. She has been given 1 minute. ONE MINUTE! That's not even a second for every co-sponsor! However, if anybody can do it, SHE CAN!

You are invited to TUNE IN 10am eastern time--C-SPAN (HOUSE CHANNEL). Otherwise, I will post video tomorrow.

And now a special message to the friends, fans and families of the WASP.

There are still 13 Senators and 116 Representatives to go.

You would think getting this bill passed would be easy. I did. You would think honoring the most incredible women pilots in history would be easy? I did. You think this is EASY? If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it and everyone would have a gold medal.

OK, so it is not easy. That's why YOU MUST CONTINUE TO HELP!!!

We could sit on our hands, and perhaps the right thing would be done and this bill would get passed. BUT WHEN? How many more WASP would be gone or unable to travel by then?

TIME IS CRITICAL. WE MUST DO THIS NOW FOR OUR MOMS, OUR FRIENDS, OUR HEROES.

It has not been easy. What began as a simple idea has turned into armies of people riding off in all directions--but, here's the thing--in every direction, there is potential for victory! So, we send letters, email, call, fax, twitter and just plain flap our wings!

I would encourage you to refuse to be overwhelmed. Don't be put off by all the choices there are. JUST PICK ONE AND START TODAY....START NOW:)

Call - every Senator has a direct line. Ask to talk to them, but if not, share these things with the person who answered...they are trained to write it down:
1. support Bill S-614.....Congressional Gold Medal to honor the WASP
2. who are the WASP? the first women in history to fly America's military aircraft! American Pioneers. Women. History. and their records were sealed before the end of WWII...and, because of that, they were LEFT OUT of the history books. It is time to correct that. After 60 years of America not knowing...it's time.
3. why the timing is so important? they are all in their 80's and 90's, and, although still spry and spunky, we don't want to loose a single WASP before this could happen in Washington for them. WASP are not asking....we are asking. They have never asked for recognition.
4. Sign on and CO-SPONSOR Senate Bill s-614. Please make this happen honor these pioneering heros who were left out of the history books. I think Senator _____would agree. He/She understands the value of honoring our own ....understands American pride and inspiration that we all received from our heros.

Email - from "SOAP BOX ALERT" --which gives you a one click way to send emails. OR, every Senator and Representative has an email form on their website......write the same short, compelling letter...cut and paste it in each box...push send! That's it.

Twitter. I know -- this is stretch for most of us. However there are 15 Senators who are not signed on--who all have twitter accounts. I KNOW that the Senators are not standing there watching new tweets pop up on their phone. They have someone, staff or intern, watching their incoming messages and writing them down. But, here's the thing-----how old do you think that staff person watching those twitters is? And how compelling do you think it might be for them to receive a pop up tweet about lady pilots from WWII. Sure beats most of what they have popping up on their phones--about the budget and torture and on and on. We are helping the WASP pioneer a whole new way of communication!

Since going online with twitter, I've learned all about tweats and retweats. IN fact, I've now been retweted by the Smithsonian (apx. 5,000 followers) and Starbucks (157,000 followers) to name 2. My original message was retweated or 'forwarded' to over 160,000 in one click. Trust me when I tell you -- THAT is very, very cool. The message about the WASP is reaching around the world!

So, there may be no real 'easy button,' and there may be no way to just click once and turn the bill into law, but, here's the thing, one click actually can make a difference! One person can make a difference. Yes, indeed. Whether you make one phone call or spend the day emailing everyone in the Senate, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Thanks for listening--and thanks for your part--whatever that may be! We must get this done. We will get this done.....it is the right thing to do right now.

Charge ahead....be a champion for a WASP today!

God bless you all,
nancy parrish

ps All the history and information you need....if you don't have time to look:

S.614 Central | WASP FACTS | QUOTES

TWITTERING & TWEETING FOR THE WASP & S.614

I never thought I'd be a part of the twitter generation--never thought I would send a 'tweet', and certainly didn't ever think I'd be encouraging other people to TWEET!

CONSIDER THIS YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT!

Did you know that you can SAY A LOT in 140 characters? It is the new--instant way to communicate--and, even tho you are limited to 140 characters, I HAVE ALREADY SAID MY 140 CHARACTERS TO ALL THE SENATORS WHO HAVE TWITTER ADDRESSES. AND, MONDAY, I'm going to start all over -- with new messages. Here are a few examples:

@SenChrisDodd We covet your sponsorship of S.614 to honor the WASP of WWII. 15 Women patriots from CT. Please call Mikluski & sign on. YNOT!

Horray for Sen. Thune, co-sponsor # 49 for S.614. Read about Ola Rexroat--Native American WASP from SD! http://tinyurl.com/cblvmz

17 Senators still needed to CO-SPONSOR the bill--needs to be more than a blip on their radar screens. UCANHELP!http://tinyurl.com/cokrux

Listen to the WASP Speak: http://tinyurl.com/dakx33

@connectingwomen need 20 more senators to sign on to S.614 for the WASP of WWII. WOMEN HEROES ALL! CAN U HELP? http://tinyurl.com/cokrux

Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure. Abraham Lincoln. Help us honor women heroes!http://tinyurl.com/cokrux

I have only been twittering about a week. I have tweeted and been retweated! I've sent the @ tweets--which goes directly to the person--and I've sent out plain tweets--which goes out to anyone-- and the RT -- which is a re-tweet of somebody else's tweet. In fact, I think you can actually read all my tweets--but only if you had absolutely nothing else to do with your time;)

POINT IS, it works. It is instant. It is quick, and it doesn't cost anything!

IT IS ALSO VERY SIMPLE:

1. sign on to a new account on twitter

2. find some friends & addresses that might be helpful (mine is @flygirls)

3. start sending messages!

*You do not have to be 'following' someone to send them a message--this I found out the hard way.

TWITTER ADDRESS of the Senators are on the "NOT" list--and, once you do that, send tweets to other folks you find--and ask them to do the same. Diane Sawyer at ABC, @Starbucks Coffee, @Oprah--TWEET, TWEET, TWEET! That is how it will spread--one tweet at a time!

It is really that simple--and you can do it from your computer.

MONDAY, APRIL 27, I INVITE YOU ALL TO JOIN THE BRAND NEW "TWEETING FOR THE WASP" CAMPAIGN--

SIGN UP AND TWEET!

TWENTY ONE TO GO!

COUNTDOWN TO MAY 8TH.

WITH YOUR HELP, it could be the FASTEST GOLD MEDAL BILL EVER TO REACH THE FLOOR!

TODAY is the day that we need to ACT -- that means YOU -- that means ME!

SENATOR HUTCHISON'S OFFICE HAS NOW SET A TARGET DATE OF MAY 8TH -- WHEN WE NEED TO HAVE 67 CO-SPONSORING SENATORS ON BOARD. THE COUNT IS NOW 46. 21 to go.

This bill to honor the WASP with the Congressional Gold Medal needs to be "THE TALK OF THE TOWN". It needs to be "THE LITTLE BILL THAT DID!" It does not need to sit in the Banking Committee another day.

If you've asked your friends for endorsements, FOLLOW UP. Make sure they have sent that email or letter. Have you called? Have you checked the list today? Check the "WHO"S NOT" list! You'll be surprised how MANY Senators are on that list--many of my favorites. WHY? Because we are LOW on their radar screens. They don't take the calls, their STAFFS do--and that is who will be listening to your request. MAKE FRIENDS, but make your point!

HELP US RISE TO THE TOP!!! Even if they are NOT your Senators, make the call, write the email, rattle the cage!

______________

This came in this morning from my sister:

This has got to be a PRIORITY for us all, or it will not happen. And, when everyone has made that call or written in the email form, then they, too, have pride in pushing it forward...making it happen FASTER than perhaps it would on it's own. That's the point, here..... TIME IS CRUCIAL!!!!!

BIG PUSH FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS....

MAKE THE OFFICES OF CONGRESS BUZZ ABOUT THIS BILL AND ALL THE CALLS THAT COME IN!!!!!

YOU, SEN HUTCH OFFICE, CAN'T DO THIS ALONE.....ALL THE SENATORS, ALL THE CONGRESS MUST INDIVIDUALLY SIGN...AND THEY NEED TO BE MADE AWARE THAT THEY MUST SIGN NOW....NOT NEXT WEEK.

Contacting them is SO easy....just takes a little time.

_______________

If you have endorsement letters, email me and I'll forward them directly to Sen. Hutchison's Military Legislative Fellow.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP, YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR PRAYERS!

nancy

A CALL TO ARMS: S.614: THE PHONE CAMPAIGN

Let me name this post exactly what it is: NOT JUST A CALL TO ARMS --BUT, more appropriately, A CALL TO CALL!!

My mission is to motivate those who read this to ACT on behalf of S.614. TIMING IS CRITICAL--AND NOW IS THE TIME! With that in mind, I'd like to share a story with you--don't worry, it's short.

As most of you know, my mom is a WASP. In fact, she is the reason that Wings Across America has accomplished MUCH of what WE have done--because it is a partnership--between me and my mother, the WASP.

There are 3 other things that are important to this post:

1. WASP have NEVER asked to be thanked or honored. They are humble about their service. In fact, to quote mom, "I did my job, I served my country. I counted my many blessings and moved on!"
2. If and when they do participate in a cause as just as this one (THE PASSAGE OF BILL S.614), they do it on behalf of ALL WASP. Mom, in fact, always uses the word "they" when describing what the WASP have done.
3. If and when mom participates it is NOT about the honor or the thanks. It is about EDUCATION--and setting the record straight.

So, in the spirit of those 3 facts, I will share a story.

On a rainy Monday a few weeks back, after reading the list of Senators who were supporting the bill, Mom noticed more than a few names who were NOT on the list of Co-Sponsors of S.614. These are not our Senators, but she said "I know that if they knew, they would support the bill!"

So, in a spontaneous moment, she picked up the phone and called one of those Senators. A young woman answered the phone--and all I heard was mom's end of the conversation: "Hi, I'm Deanie Parrish--I was a WASP in WWII. WASP. W A S P. Do you know who the WASP were? Really? They were the first women in history to fly America's aircraft! They flew every type of plane and on every type of mission flown by the AAF during World War II except combat." And then she said, "Really? You were a HISTORY MAJOR? That is unbelievable. That is exactly why we need Senator ___'s support of this bill! You weren't taught about the WASP. Everyone in America, especially our children, need to know about this group of women pilots. It is important, don't you think? We believe this bill will help make that happen!"

She went on to have quite a conversation with the young woman, in fact, I think she made a new friend. She invited her to visit the "FLY GIRLS OF WWII" WASP exhibit that is on display at the Women's Memorial, gave her all the web addresses--and, after hanging up, mom said the young girl was excited. So was mom.

She went on to do this several more times. In every case, no one ever asked her where she was from. I think that is important to remember. If you take the time to call, then it must be important--and they do listen. They also LOG every call.

Let me encourage all of you: PICK UP YOUR PHONES AND DO THE SAME! I know you are not a WASP--but, you care, and that COUNTS! ABSOLUTEY EVERY VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD. Share a little of this unbelievable history with WHOEVER answers the phone. Bet you a diet coke they won't know who the WASP are. And if they do, even better! Tell them how incredibly unusual that is--and ask them to share it with their Senator! Tell your story--the one where you tell them WHY you care so much! TELL THEM WHY AMERICA SHOULD CARE!

TIME IS SHORT. EVERY PHONE CALL COUNTS.

If your Senator is on board, then call one from the state next door, or one whose name you recognize--or one you don't. Make a new friend at the switchboard--and press on! If you have free minutes, CALL THEM ALL!

GIVE THIS YOUR BEST EFFORT. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY WHAT THE WASP DESERVE. IF WE DON'T ACT NOW, IT WILL BE TOO LATE FOR SO MANY WASP.

PHONE LIST OF UNITED STATES SENATORS

God bless you all,

Nancy Parrish

PS: 2 of the 3 Senators mom called are now Co-sponsors of the Bill. #3 should be signing on next week. Don't know if her calls made the difference, but we'd both like to think so!

PPS: I just posted an obituary for WASP Sarah Symmes, who died on March 15, 2009. I didn't know until the notice appeared last Friday in the Denver Post.

NEWEST CO-SPONSORS

The bill to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal is making some headway, but our journey is NOT OVER until TWO THIRDS of both houses sign on as Co Sponsors.

THANK YOU to Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, Co-Sponsor #39, and THANKS to the 136 House members who have signed on to co-sponsor the HOUSE version of the Bill--even though it has not yet been introduced.

Congress has been off on 'Easter Break' but will resume work next week. At that time, the bill will finally be introduced in the HOUSE. That will be the perfect time for a BIG PUSH.

THE PLAN: Check the list of senators, and if yours is not on the list, CALL THEIR OFFICE! CALL and politely ask if they know who the WASP ARE? Then ask why their name is NOT on the bill! Make friends with whoever answers the phone. If your Senator is on the list, call one in the state next door--or call them all! CALLING WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE--IT WEIGHS MORE THAN AN EMAIL!

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it is an AMERICAN issue. It does not benefit any one state, but our entire country. This is a 'do the right thing' moment--and we should give all those representatives who have not signed on the opportunity to do so! It is their chance to help us all say 'thank you' to the WASP and to honor their service.

So, stay in touch--post your thoughts at the bottom of this email--and let us begin the GIANT PUSH to GO FOR THE GOLD!

House of Representatives update--S.614

ONE HUNDRED THREE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE SIGNED ON TO CO-SPONSOR THE BILL, WHICH HAS NOT YET BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE! The bill will have a different number, but it is the same bill. THANK YOU to these representatives who have signed on to honor the WASP! STAY ENGAGED--will still need 191 co-sponsors in the House and 29 co-sponsors in the Senate.

Why WASP?

After being privileged to videotape the interviews of over 100 WASP, I can say without hesitation that there is no one single reason these incredible women paid their own way to enter AAF flight training. Every WASP is different and every WASP had her own motivations.

However on this day, this anniversary of the surrender of American troops on Bataan to the Japaneese, one WASP story stands alone: Catherine McBride "Kay" D'Arezzo.

It was on this day in 1942 that Kay's husband, West Point graduate, US Army Captain Al D'Arezzo, was ordered to surrender and give up his gun. It was on this day that he began an horrific journey of incredible cruelty, surviving with uncommon courage, sacrifice and sheer will. It was on this day that Kay decided to do 'just a little more.' She wanted to contribute MORE to the war effort: more than air raid warden, more than volunteer fireman and ambulance driver. Kay decided the best way to help Al was to learn to fly and then apply for the WASP. She had never flown an airplane in her life. That didn't seem to be a problem for Kay. She figured if she flew, she could help the war end more quickly and bring Al home.

On this day, in 1942, lives changed forever.

In honor of Al and of Kay, I post the following short video. From this one clip, you will know all there is to know about Al--at least the important part, when you hear him answer the question, 'What is your favorite word?'



Al is gone. Kay is gone. But the freedom they sacrificed for still remains. We honor them and those who served by remembering. We hold them both in our hearts and in our prayers, on this day.

One WASP

GeoTagged, [N31.54100, E97.11432]

Here she is... Mom, who set the bar so high, I will eventually have to learn to fly just to reach it.

Support S.614!