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From Gordon Gillespy:

The following is an E-mail recently submitted by Kyle Nappi from Ohio. I'm asking any of our members or others out there in the Internet cloud to read this boy's message and respond to him if you have anything he's looking for:

 

7/28/07

To Whom It May Concern At The VFW Post 10027, Arizona,

Hello. My name is Kyle Nappi. I am 17 years old and I live in Ostrander, Ohio (USA). I was wondering if you could do me a favor.

I have a big interest in history, specifically WWII. I collect military medals, patches, badges, insignia, field gear, and a very unique thing, veteran autographs. I have a scrapbook collection of autographs from military veterans who served during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and the present war in Iraq.

Since your organization deals with military veterans, would you happen to know of any veterans I could contact to request autographs for my collection? If you could put me in touch with any military veterans, I would really appreciate it.

I have been interested in WWII for over 5 years now, and I have collected the autographs and stories from nearly 1,500 veterans in 17 countries. The oldest veteran I have contacted was 111 years old (born in 1895) and the youngest in presently serving in Iraq.

I have autographs from Pearl Harbor survivors, D-Day veterans, airman, POWs, USS Indianapolis survivors, Holocaust survivors, and even German soldiers!

I personally believe that WWII is an interesting subject, and one worth the time to study. It is a shame when people, especially my age, have no idea about the events of the past. I can remember when we were watching the Omaha Beach scene on Saving Private Ryan in my social studies class and one my classmates asked the teacher if we were fighting the Japanese!

I have recently begun branching out to the German side of WWII and it is a very interesting subject. I have contacted U-Boat captains, Panzer Tank Commanders, Luftwaffe Aces, Conspirators within the Third Reich, and the last people to see Hitler alive in the bunker in Berlin. Some of them were younger than me and they were being ordered to fight until the last man!

It is interesting because, when most people tend to think of WWII, they think of all the fighting, but there is a human side to it all. Both friends, and foes, that fought in the war have some amazing stories to tell and it is a shame when people tend to ignore them.

Two years ago, I was able to fly in a B-17. One of the other passengers was a B-17 pilot and a POW during WWII.

I have also been to Washington, D.C. for our 8th grade field trip and I was able to see all of the war memorials. It was a great trip. I also had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington, VA.

Back in January (of 2006), the Columbus Dispatch (a central Ohio newspaper) printed an article about my interest in history and my collection of autographs. I have attached a copy of the article for you to keep.

Recently, I have been trying to contact the last surviving veterans of WWI. There are only 23 alive, worldwide, and I have autographs from 13 of them. I was tying to find one in particular who lives in a nursing home in Italy. I came across an article about him and I wrote to the columnist of the article, asking how I could contact the WWI veteran. He gave me his address and printed an article about my collection of autographs…in their Italian newspaper! Here is the website where you can find the Italian article.

http://www3.varesenews.it/busto/articolo.php?id=74733

Last month, I went down to COSI for an interview about my WWII collection. Ken Burns will be hosting a televisions series in September titled, "The War" and in between segments, they will show the interviews. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Warren Motts, who is head of the Motts Military Museum down in Groveport, Ohio. I have met him several times.

I have attached a questionnaire that I always send to the veterans that i contact. If you are able to contact any military veterans, would you mind to provide them with a copy of my questionnaire? If so, I would really appreciate it.

Again, if you could put me in touch with any military veterans, I would really appreciate it. Please let me know if this is possible. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,

Kyle Nappi



1890 Warren Rd.
Ostrander, OH 43061
Phone Number: 740-363-8095
E-mail Address: knap607@yahoo.com

 

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Please watch and send this link to you Friends and Family. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWk3XwCxNk4 Help in keep all our troops cool this summer in the deserts of Iraq.

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News Release
PRESS OFFICE

Release Date: June 13, 2007 Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6697
Christine Mangi (202) 205-6948
Release Number: 07-35 Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
SBA Announces New Patriot Express Loan Initiative
Program Focuses on Military Community Including Veterans, Service-disabled,
Active-duty in transition, Reserve and Guard, Spouses and Related Groups
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The SBA today announced the new Patriot Express Pilot Loan as the latest extension to the financial, procurement, and technical assistance programs the agency provides to the military community. Patriot Express is a streamlined loan product based on SBA’s highly successful SBA Express Program, but with enhanced guarantee and interest rate characteristics.
“With military activations and extensions having a profound impact on entrepreneurs in the military community, SBA is committed to helping America’s service men and women during the continuing War on Terror,” SBA Administrator Steven Preston said. “We believe that Patriot Express, supported by SBA’s other services, goes directly to the needs of these American Patriots who wish to start businesses, and in the process encourages job creation and growth, an essential part of the President’s economic agenda.”

“SBA thanks the Presidential Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes for its guidance and hard work and Secretary Nicholson for his devoted leadership,” Preston added.
Patriot Express is available to military community members including veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members participating in the military’s Transition Assistance Program, Reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of any of the above, and the widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service, or of a service-connected disability.

The new Patriot Express Loan is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features SBA’s fastest turnaround time for loan approvals. Loans are available up to $500,000 and qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty of up to 85 percent for loans of $150,000 or less and up to 75 percent for loans over $150,000 up to $500,000. For loans above $350,000, lenders are required to take all available collateral.

The Patriot Express Loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases.
Patriot Express Loans feature SBA’s lowest interest rates for business loans, generally 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent over prime depending upon the size and maturity of the loan. Local SBA district offices will have a listing of Patriot Express lenders in their areas. Details on the initiative can be found at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress
-- more --
Patriot Express Loan Initiative . . . Page two


Recently, the SBA has expanded its face to the military community through an expansion of its Veterans Affairs Office, increased local outreach and goaling in its district offices and participation in Department of Labor job seminars.

SBA provides programs and services for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses.

SBA has veterans’ business development officers in district offices in every state and territory able to provide military community members full access to the SBA’s range of programs and services. There are also five Veterans Business Outreach Centers located in: Albany, N.Y; Pittsburgh, PA; Lynn Haven, Fla.; Edinburg, Texas; and Sacramento, Calif.

In addition to district offices, SBA’s resource partners SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business; Small Business Development Centers; and Women’s Business Centers provide local and online assistance with: writing a business plan, financing options to start or grow your business, managing the business, expanding the business and selling goods and services to the government.

For those who are already small business owners and who expect call-up, the SBA and its resource partners have expertise to assist with preparing their businesses before deployment, managing their businesses, selling goods and services to the government, obtaining other SBA financing and financial assistance, and obtaining loans for economic injury – Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans (MREIDL) – Loans of up to $1.5 million are available for small businesses sustaining economic injury because an owner or essential employee has been called to active duty as a military reservist.

“More than 14 percent of businesses in America are owned by veterans, and SBA is proud that we guarantee more than $1 billion annually in loans for veteran-owned businesses,” Administrator Preston said. “Veteran-owned businesses make significant contributions to the economy and because of the unique technical and leadership skills they acquire through military service, they can become successful entrepreneurs. As we celebrate Flag Day we remember our military community and their patriotism on behalf of our grateful nation.”

The SBA and its Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) provides comprehensive assistance, outreach and support to veterans. Each year the SBA assists more than 100,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and Reserve Component members.


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Editor please note: A Web-based press kit on the Patriot Express Initiative can be found at . . .
http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/SBA_PATRIOT_PRESS_KIT.html

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Backgrounder
PRESS OFFICE
Date: June 13, 2007
Contact: Dennis Byrne (202) 205-6567
Christine Mangi (202) 205-6948
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
SBA Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
What is the SBA Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative?
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the SBA’s Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative (www.sba.gov/patriotexpress) for veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses.
Eligible military community members include:
• Veterans
• Service-disabled veterans
• Active-duty service members participating in the military’s Transition Assistance Program
• Reservists and National Guard members
• Current spouses of any of the above
• The widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service or of a service-connected disability
The SBA and its resource partners are focusing additional efforts on counseling and training to augment this loan initiative.
What are the loan details?
The new SBA Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative is a 7 (a) loan initiative offered by SBA’s widest network of lenders nationwide and features our fastest turnaround time for loan approvals. Loans are available up to $500,000 and qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty of 85 percent for loans of $150,000 or less and 75 percent for loans over $150,000 up to $500,000. For loans above $350,000, lenders are required to take all available collateral.
The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases.
(More)
Backgrounder continued . . . Page two
Patriot Express loans feature SBA’s lowest interest rates for business loans, generally 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent over prime depending upon the size and maturity of the loan. The Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative will operate through December 31, 2010, after which the SBA will evaluate its performance and make a decision whether to modify and/or continue the initiative.
Local SBA district offices will have a listing of Patriot Express lenders in their areas.
Where does a vet or member of the military community begin to seek guidance and counseling or a loan?
Those eligible who have an idea for a business, can use a simple self-assessment device to evaluate whether their dream of starting a business can become reality. The Checklist for Starting a Business (http://app1.sba.gov/survey/checklist/index.cgi ) is a comprehensive tool designed to prepare for self employment by analyzing the participant’s responses in key areas and providing a menu of supporting resources.
How will this loan initiative operate?
The Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative will adopt many of the streamlined documentation and expedited processes and procedures of SBA’s highly successful SBAExpress loan program; however, there will be several critical differences. SBA’s guaranty of up to 85 percent will apply to Patriot Express loans of $150,000 or less and its guaranty of up to 75 percent will apply to Patriot Express loans above $150,000, which contrasts with the maximum 50 percent SBA guaranty that applies to all SBAExpress loans. Also, the maximum loan amount under Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative is $500,000, compared to the maximum loan amount of $350,000 available under SBAExpress. Lenders must use their existing prudent collateral practices for Patriot Express loans. For loans above $350,000, lenders must obtain all available collateral. Maximum interest rates for Patriot Express loans are the same as those allowed under SBA regulations for the 7(a) program, as opposed to the higher interest rates allowed under the SBAExpress program.
In addition to the standard 7(a) loan eligibility requirements, eligibility for Patriot Express loans will be limited to certain members of the military community, and lenders will be required to document each borrower’s eligibility using approved Department of Defense or Veterans Administration documentation and that documentation must be furnished to SBA with any purchase request. In an effort to support a substantial segment of the military community affected by military call-ups, SBA is making the following persons eligible for Patriot Express: (1) Veterans (other than dishonorably discharged); (2) Service-disabled veterans; (3) Active-duty military eligible for the military’s Transition Assistance Program for potential retirees within 24 months of separation and discharging active duty members within 12 months of discharge; (4) Reservists and National Guard members; and (5) The current spouse of the above and the widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service or of a service-connected disability. However, SBA emphasizes that this definition of eligibility for the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative will be limited to just Patriot Express 7(a) loans, and it will not apply to other SBA loan programs, procurement programs, etc.
(More)
Backgrounder continued . . . Page three
SBAExpress lenders and PLP lenders participating in the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative will be required to meet and maintain the same proficiency and performance standards SBA has established for participants in the SBAExpress or PLP program. Patriot Express lenders must have satisfactory performance as determined by SBA, in its sole discretion.
SBA will allow revolving lines of credit under the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative. SBA will delegate the credit decision to the lender, but will require lenders to use their existing, proven, and prudent loan practices used for similar conventional small business loans. SBA will defer to the lender's existing, prudent policy used for its non-SBA loans regarding hazard insurance and appraisals; and SBA will allow lenders to use mostly their own documents consistent with the documentation requirements for SBAExpress loans.
What other resources are available to those seeking loans?
SBA has veterans business development officers in district offices in every state and territory able to give military community members full access to the SBA’s range of programs and services. What’s more, there are five Veterans Business Outreach Centers located in: Albany, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Lynn Haven, FL; Edinburg, TX; and Sacramento, CA. Find specific contact information and a listing of services at: www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/OVBD_VBOP.html .
In addition to district offices, SBA’s resource partners SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business; Small Business Development Centers; and Women’s Business Centers provide local and online assistance on:
• Writing a business plan
• Financing options to start or grow your business
• Managing the business
• Expanding the business
• Selling goods and services to the government
To locate nearby SBA offices, go to www.sba.gov/localresources/index.html .
What other online resources are available?
• www.sba.gov -- SBA’s Web site provides information to help participants manage their business from start to finish; expand their business with programs and services; and increase their business knowledge and productivity
• www.score.org/veteran.html -- SCORE online counselors who have expertise in supporting veteran entrepreneurs provide business advice to the military community 24/7 with a 48 hour response time.
(More)
Backgrounder continued . . . Page four
• www.sba.gov/reservists -- SBA’s Business Planning guide for pre and post-mobilization business planning for self-employed small busioness owners who are members of Reserve components of the U.S. military
What if the veteran is already a small business owner?
The SBA and its resource partners have expertise to assist military entrepreneurs in:
• Preparing their business for their deployment
• Managing their business
o Free or low-cost online training through the Small Business Training Network at www.sba.gov/services/training/index.html
o Free business counseling at www.sba.gov/services/counseling/index.html
• Selling goods and services to the government
• Obtaining SBA financing for:
o Patriot Express loans of up to $500,000
o Major fixed-asset loans to purchase land and buildings
o Surety bond guarantees for construction contractors who are veterans
o Equity financing matching venture capitalists with their small business
o Export assistance programs to help their business be part of the global economy
For more information, click www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html
• Linking small business with federal agencies and private corporations to improve procurement prospects
• Contracting opportunities for veterans who own businesses at: www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/index.html
• Recovering from declared disasters
o MREIDL – Loans of up to $1.5 million are available for small businesses sustaining economic injury because an owner or essential employee has been called to active duty as a military reservist. For more information, click on: http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/businessesofallsizes/militaryreservistsloans/index.html.
o Physical Disaster Business Loans – Loans of up to $1.5 million are available for qualified businesses to replace or return business property to pre-disaster conditions.
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Cheers on Corridor Three
by LTC Bob Bateman


10:30 hours (local EST), Friday, 11 May 2007: Third Corridor, Second Floor, The Pentagon:

It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here. This hallway, more than any other, is the "Army" hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew. Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area. The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares.

10:36 hours (local EST):
The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is an applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway. A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating.

By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class. Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden … yet. Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel. Behind him, and stretching the length from E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.

10:50 hours (local EST):

Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. "My hands hurt." Christ. Shut up and clap.

For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway — 20, 25, 30. Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts. They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals.

Some are wheeled along. Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly. There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past. These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home.

This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years