American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization

American Ex-Prisoners of War

A not-for-profit, Congressionally-chartered, veterans’ service organization
representing former prisoners of war and their families.
Established April 14, 1942.

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Membership in the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization is open to all former prisoners of war (captured because of their American citizenship) from any theater in any war, all former civilian internees and the families/descendents of such persons. There is no such thing as an "associate" member, and we have no auxiliaries. Each and every member is entitled to all privileges of membership.

At the present time, the American Ex-Prisoners of War has more than 300 Chapters and State Departments around the country. We meet, socialize and bond with our comrades.

Our purpose is our slogan: "We exist to help those who cannot help themselves." Our organization of former POW's (military and civilian) and their families has helped many victims deal with the enduring trauma of their capture through friendships with those who shared a common experience. These friendships have become lasting, life-long relationships.

AXPOW NATIONAL CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 9 - 13, 2009

DOUBLETREE RIVERSIDE HOTEL

2900 CHINDEN BOULEVARD

BOISE, IDAHO 83714

208-343-1871

ROOM RATES $92 PLUS TAX

Graduation Day ... 57 Years Later

In 1949, Sherman Jones dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Army. At 75 years of age, the Korean War veteran and ex-POW doubled back and got his degree. (Watch video for the whole story.)

Find Them and Help Them

Many American Ex-prisoners of war are unaware of their entitlements. We can do them a great service if we can find them. The Veteran's Administration estimates that 32,550 Ex-POWs were alive as of December, 2004 (the last year statistics were published). This was a drop of 10% from 2003. If we estimate declines of 10% for 2005, 2006 and 2007, there are fewer than 23,000 alive in 2008. We also know there are fewer than 10,000 who are members of our organization at this time. We need to continue to encourage VA to help in our quest to find both living POWs and their dependents so that they can claim the entitlements they deserve. Fred Campbell of San Angelo, TX is the chairman of AXPOW’s Outreach Committee. Please contact him if you know of a POW or widow who is not receiving VA benefits. His articles appear monthly in the EX-POW Bulletin.

Legislation has made significant changes to benefits and health care available through the Veteran's Administration. Veterans who have not recently sought services from the VA should contact a National Service Officer (Click here for NSO directory) or the VA to explore which VA resources are available to them.

Other benefits, besides medical, available to eligible veterans include: disability compensation, pensions, education and training, vocational rehabilitation, home loan guarantees, life insurance, burial, survivors' assistance and dependents' education.

Worth Noting ...

• German and Japanese POW camp info, VA claim information, effects of extreme stress, after-effects of imprisonment, Social Security, insurance, burial procedures and allowances and more. Find it all at Medsearch.

• Info on the Prisoner of War Medal, including an application you can print from your computer and instructions for applying. Can be awarded posthumously.

• "Our axpow.org website has a new design. It features easier navigation, greater readability and, we hope, a nicer look and feel. Comments and suggestions welcome! Email the editor at axpoweditor@comcast.net

There are homeless veterans programs and benefits for special groups, such as blinded veterans, veterans with spinal cord injuries and veterans in need of prosthetic services.

Save Your Oral History

Please consider saving your oral history, memoirs, diary, and/or letters home. By leaving your oral history you will have done your country another good deed. You will serve future generations as they strive to understand their world.

Click here for some excellent advice from noted historian Stephen Ambrose on how to start preserving your history.

Note from
The Kitchen Table Gang Trust

42922 Avenue 12, Madera CA 93638-8866

We will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors and dignity pursuant to the United States Flag Code Section 8K (PL93-344). Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by an all volunteer U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard led by GySgt. Dan Kelley USMC (Ret.). www.kitchentablegang.org

American Ex-Prisoners of War • National Headquarters • 3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40 • Arlington,TX 76010-5396
817-649-2979 • Fax 817-649-0109 • hq@axpow.org

Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved. The documents on this site are owned by the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Copying any materials on this site is expressly forbidden without the organization's express written permission in individual instances. Republication is forbidden in order to avoid the creation of adulterated or obsolete versions, as well as unauthorized commercial exploitation.