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Cold War recognition certificate approved
WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen has approved
a Cold War recognition certificate for award to all members of the armed
forces and federal government civilian employees who faithfully served
the United States during the Cold War era, Sept. 2, 1945, to Dec. 26,
1991.
Congress established the Cold War certificate in Section 1084 of the
fiscal 1998 National Defense Authorization Act.
The legislation states in part:
"The Congress finds the following:
"During the period of the Cold War, from the end of World War II
until
the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States and the Soviet
Union engaged in a global military rivalry.
"This rivalry, potentially the most dangerous military confrontation
in
the history of mankind, has come to a close without a direct superpower
military conflict.
"Military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, personnel
in the intelligence community, members of the foreign service, and other
officers and employees of the United States faithfully performed their
duties during the Cold War.
"Many such personnel performed their duties while isolated from family
and friends and served overseas under frequently arduous conditions in
order to protect the United States and achieve a lasting peace.
"The discipline and dedication of those personnel were fundamental
to
the prevention of a superpower military conflict."
The Department of Defense designated the Department of the Army as the
executive agent for the Cold War recognition certificate program. The
Army has established a home page at http://coldwar.army.mil
that explains the correct procedures to request a Cold War certificate.
As previously announced, requests will be accepted by Internet, fax or
mail, beginning April 6.
Individuals who request the certificate must certify that they served
both faithfully and honorably, whether as a member of the U.S. armed forces
or as a federal civilian employee, during the Cold War era. Each mailed
or faxed request must be accompanied by official documentation verifying
government service during the Cold War era. Acceptable documentation includes
any government form that includes the applicant's name and social security
number or military service number or foreign service number, and the date
of service. Applicants should not send original documents to verify federal
service because the documents will not be returned to the sender.
The mailing address for requests for the certificate is:
Cold War Recognition
4035 Ridge Top Road Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22030
The fax number is (703) 275-6749. The electronic mail address is:
coldwar@fairfax-emh1.army.mil.
Requests sent by e-mail will not be
acted upon until the Fairfax office receives supporting documentation.
Requests made online will be maintained for one year to allow ample time
for individuals to forward supporting documents by fax or mail. Individuals
normally will receive a response within 30 days; however, the
turn-around time will depend upon the volume of requests received.
Applicants needing additional information may call the help desk at (703)275-6279.
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