THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602220088
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM GILLESPIE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
VETERANS OF Underage Military Service was originally established in 1978 to correct service records and to rescind dishonorable discharges for those whose only wrongdoings were their fraudulent enlistments, according to Virginia Beach resident Thomas Hise, vice commander of the organization's Virginia chapter.
Today, with chapters in 38 states, the group also works to find other underage veterans and inform them of their rights to full veterans' benefits.
``All service secretaries signed pardons years ago forgiving them,'' Hise said. ``They were restored all their benefits as veterans.''
To be considered for membership, in addition to having enlisted underage, a veteran must have been honorably discharged - or have had his or her discharge changed to honorable - and must have been discovered by others, according to George Brouse, the organization's national commander. Members cannot simply have turned in themselves to get out of their enlistment.
Although most of the organization's members are veterans of World War II, any veteran fulfilling the requirements may join, including women, Brouse said. ``We want to recognize these veterans for their patriotism,'' he said.
Less than 20 years old was considered underage for women to enlist during World War II. In 1948 the law was changed to allow women to enlist at 18 with a parent's consent.
For more information about Veterans of Underage Military Service, contact Hise at (804) 363-8428 or the organization's headquarters at 1 (800) 293-9549. MEMO: [For a related story, see page E1 of The Virginian-Pilot for this
date.]
by CNB