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Sen. Van Drew (D) and National Director Walt Domanski greet each other after Sen.Van Drews outstanding Memorial Day speech. The two have know each other since Jeff was a local mayor.
The National Director & NJ Tiger Vet Tom Glynn were among the VIPs at the annual Cape May County Memorial Day ceremonies. Among the Key Speakers included Senator Jeff Van Drew ( D ) a supporter of the Exercise Tiger Association, who recently sponsored the Joint Commendation. |
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Freeholder Len Desiderio along with Joe Harris (Past VFW State Commander) and Tom Glynn after the ceremony.
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Tom Glynn shares a moment with Senator Jeff Van Drew following the ceremony.
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| Saxton Honors Tiger Association on C-SPAN |
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Congressman Saxton
As part of the extension of remarks US Congressman James Saxton recognized The Exercise Tiger Association and its National Director Walt Domanski . The remarks, covered by C-SPAN were officially entered into the Congressional Record of the 110th Congress. The remarks were done on May 16th, 2008, in time for Memorial Day.
Since 1989, the Exercise Tiger Association has been recognized as one of the nations premier non-profit organizations that honor veterans, troops, and other deserving individuals, corporations, students, teachers, and elected officials.
Walter Domanski, National Director
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| Saxton Awarded '08 Congressman of the Year |
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In time for Memorial Day 2008, NJ Congressman James Saxton (R) NJ was awarded the Exercise Tiger Foundations Congressman Of The Year Award by a delegation of veterans, elected officials, VIP’s, and the National Director/Chief of Staff.
The awards presentation took place at the Congressman’s District Office in Mt. Holly NJ.
Led by Walt Domanski, the delegation presented Saxton the prestigious award for his efforts in supporting veterans, troops, and past work with the Exercise Tiger Association.
In a surprise, Congressman Saxton presented the delegation with awards as well. Each received a Plaque of Special Congressional Recognition for their work and “selfless service to the Exercise Tiger Association.”
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| Tiger National Director Walt Domanski presents the Congressman of The Year Award to NJ Congressman James Saxton on Monday May 19th. |
Exercise Tiger Navy veteran Tom Glynn presents Congressman Saxton with an Honorary Tiger Hat & Polo Shirt as part of the awards. |
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Saxton presents Special Congressional Recognition Awards to the delegation.
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As Tiger Director Walt Domanski looks on with other delegation members, Congressman Saxton discuss’s the battle of Exercise Tiger with Tiger veteran Tom Glynn of LST 289.
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The Southern NJ Delegation gather for a photo with Congressman Saxton and Tiger National Director Walt Domanski. From Left: Ship Bottom Councilman Frank Malatino, Tiger vet Tom Glynn, Saxton, Domanski, WW II vet. “Tex” Gydos and Republican Club President Charlie Kisselman.
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| Message to Senator Ted Kennedy |
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Sent This week to Senator Kennedy’s DC office
Dear Senator Kennedy, May 22, 2008
On behalf of the Exercise Tiger Association, its veterans and members and staff, I send to
you our wishes of get well. As one of our nations longest serving public officials and as a member of a family steeped in US History, we send our thoughts and prayers as you prepare to battle your brain tumor.
In April 1944, 8 LST’s were attacked by superior German warships, yet despite great odds, they fought and prevailed. The Spirit of Tiger, of those vets, live on today in our
military and in public servants like you. That spirit is what will see you through as well.
You will take on this new challenge as you have so many others, and you will prevail.
I have heard from many of our vets and members who feel greatly for you and your brothers John and Robert, who left us to early in life. Our veterans have asked me to inform you that they are on your side in this fight and have said prayers and thoughts to
support your fight. Some have even sent cards.
It is fitting that as you are considered and called the “ Lion of The Senate” that an organization named for a “Tiger” would join others to rally on your side.
We joke at the Tiger Association that the Lion is the King of the jungle because in every Lion is the heart of a Tiger. Your heart is indeed a very large one, enough room for both Lions and Tigers but in the kindness that you have shown over the years to many constituents that you’ve helped.
So Senator Kennedy, please fair well and do not give up the fight. Your family needs you, Your veterans need you, America needs you.
Sincerely,
Walter Domanski
National Executive Director
Chief Of Staff
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| The Tiger Association's Theme for 2009 |
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Twenty Years Of Tiger
The Moment of Magnificence
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To celebrate the Exercise Tiger Associations 20 years of being the official organization that annually honors the battle of Tiger and ALL its other missions of troop support and veterans support, our 2008/2009 theme is being launched on Memorial Day 2008.
The Moment of Magnificence refers to the actual battle in April 1944 and the actions under extreme battle conditions displayed by the US Navy officers and sailors on the 8 US Navy LST’s that fought in what is now regarded as “The LST’s Finest Hour” as former Navy Secretary Dalton once stated. That nite so long ago could have been a moment of regret or of magnificence. It was the latter as the ships and crew fought a desperate battle against superior German warships yet managed to emerge from the hour long battle with high loss of life and ship but with steely determination to “get the job done” to “finish the mission”. Their moment was indeed a “Moment of Magnificence”.
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| US Navy Ship Initiative ~ The USS Tiger |
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As part of the Twenty Years Of Tiger ~ A Moment Of Magnificence year long
Celebration, the Tiger Foundation is launching on this Memorial Day 2008 its
Campaign to get either a new San Antonio Class Amphibious Ship named in
Honor of Exercise Tiger or a future warship class to be named in honor of this historic battle. The “Tiger” class Amphibious LPD’s certainly has a ring to it. And in this day
Of budget crunches if only 8 of the ships were built it would be a fitting tribute to the 8 LST’s of 1944 that were attacked and held their own against superior German warships.
Likewise, if a San Antonio class ship was named USS Tiger or USS Exercise Tiger, that ship and crew would carry on the memory of The LST’s Finest Hour for some 20 plus years. Long after the last surviving Tiger vet is gone, The USS Tiger would carry the baton and serve as a beacon to ALL persons or battles overlooked by history.
But we need to do it now! So if you are a student reading this start a writing project to the Navy Secretary & Congress so that for Tiger Day 2009 we can unveil and announce to those Tiger vets still living that a ship will carry their legacy. If you are an Admiral or
US Navy officer, active or retired please contact us to help. If you are a member of Congress or Senate or a staffer, please lend your support to help achieve this goal.
If you are a journalist, please do your part, no matter how small or large to support this final mission of Exercise Tiger vets. In 1999 there were over 400 living Tiger vets from the Army & Navy. For 2009 there will be less than 100. Lets do this before they are gone.
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| Congressman of the Year Award Presentation |
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 US Congressman James Saxton of NJ to receive the 2008 Congressman of the Year Award on Monday May 19th. Congressman Saxton has been a strong supporter of veterans, active duty troops, and was one of the first congressman to support Tiger Association.
Past recipients include:
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| 2008 National Ceremony A Success Once Again |
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The 2008 national Ceremony and wreath tribute – hosted by the USCG Base Cape May, NJ – over 100 spectators watched as four surviving Tiger Vets were honored along with other vets, active duty troops, student and teachers.
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Story by The Press of Atlantic City , ©2008 Atlantic City Press |
Story by The Sandpaper, ©2008 The Sandpaper |
| The 2008 National Honorees |
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Winner of the 2008 Medical Distinction Award
"The Dr. Julio Barbero Award"
Dr. Shikhar Soni of SOCH & Stafford Medical was one of two physicans honored by the Tiger Foundation.
His medical expertise has been a factor in saving countless lives over the past several years. He treats the "Total Patient".
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Winner 2008 The National Law Enforcement Award
NJ State Trooper Sgt. Dwight Payne accepts the law enforcement award from the National Director, Walt Domanski.
Sgt. Payne is the first NJSP Trooper to recieve this prestigeous award. He is with Troop E - Bass river.
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Winner of the 2008 National Teacher Award
Phyllis A. Olex of Conackamack Middle School is one of two teachers honored with this award.
Her students have excelled in musical studies.
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Winner of the 2008 Community Service Award
Aman Pasricha accepts CSA Award on behalf of 7-11 stores. 7-11 was amoung 11 recipients of the community service award.
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TV- News Awards
The Tiger Association Recognizes the following Jounalism/Film Awards
- TV6 Action News - ABC
- WMGN TV40 - NBC
- WCAU TV10 -
- Fox News Channel
- Mike and Juliet Show
- Rachel Ray
- Nora O'Donnell MSNBC
- Mario Marino CBS Senior Editor
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| National Adopt A Serviceman Program '07 |
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About the "Adopt A Serviceman" Program
The “Adopt A Serviceman” Program is an annual event for the state of Missouri. It began in 1999 as the “Adopt An Airman” program and honored 4 airmen and NCOs as well as the Company Grade Officer of the Quarter from the USAF’s Air Combat Command’s 509th Bomb Wing. The program was met with outstanding support from Columbia and surrounding mid-Missouri communities. In 2000, the program was expanded to honor ALL branches of military service. As long as there is a need for our armed forces to serve, there is a need to honor those who are routinely placed in harm’s way. It is truly an honor to recognize the individual efforts of enlisted NCOs and the personnel of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines. The Association began to recognize those who serve and protect us here at home by including police officers and firefighters in 2001. In times of conflict and during peace, our military, police and firefighters are always there serving. The Missouri chapter of the Exercise Tiger Association is proud to sponsor this program.
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The 2006 Adopt A Servicemen present the Annual "Tiger" Wreath during the opening ceremony of the Missouri University football game. |
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Brig. Gen. Larry Kay presenting Missouri Gov. Mat Blunt's remarks at Exercise Tiger Banquet Sept. 22, 2006 |
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 NJ-USCG Petty Officer Anthony Kaminski BM2 has been selected as one of the “Adopted Servicemen”. Kaminski, from USCG Station Barnegat Light played a key role in the 2007 April “Tiger” National Ceremony which will be featured on the History Channel in the coming months. Petty Officer Kaminski served as MC during the ceremony, organized the USCG Honor Guard, coordinated the Two boat (47’ Foot Motor Lifeboat ) wreath laying tribute in the Atlantic Ocean off LBI, and assisted with various logistical issues for the ceremony. This, in addition to his other duties earned him the CPO Ron McCready Award for Coast Guard Excellence by an enlisted officer which is sponsored by the “Tiger” foundation BM2 Kaminski will join 7 other US Servicemen which also includes several “Servicewomen” this year. He is the only USCG officer to be honored. USCG Station Barnegat Light has participated in “Tiger” tributes since 1989 and will Receive a Tiger Assn. Unit Award.
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Click here or on image to view pdf of this 2007 Program Book |
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A film crew from the History Channel filmed the 2007 National ceremony at LBI NJ. Liz Repf, a Producer for Lou Reda Productions said that coverage of the 2007 National Ceremony along with interviews of several “Tiger” vets including Tom Glynn will be part of an upcoming History Channel episode on LST’s in WW II. National Director Walt Domanski was also interviewed.
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| Posthumous Award For Iraq War Hero |
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 Last October the Exercise Tiger Assn. National Director, Walt Domanski Awarded a Posthumous Distinguished Service Award to the parents Of Sgt. Jesse Strong. Sgt. Strong, USMC, was killed in an “Ambush at the River Of Tears” and played a pivotal role in saving several marines of his patrol. CNN has aired the heroic story of Sgt. Strong this past January and April. The Tiger Assn. has over 30 award categories and has awarded more than 50 awards to US troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Exercise Tiger Foundations mission is to provide, coordinate,
and develop annual ceremonies honoring veterans, active
military, students, citizens and communities deserving
recognition for their patriotic or positive actions
affecting US society. Since 1989 the "Tiger"
Association has become one of the nations premier Foundations
in America that honors veterans of all wars, especially
those of Korea and Vietnam. The Tiger Foundation and
its chapters are named in memory of the battle of "Exercise
Tiger" in WW II and annually recognize this historic
pre D-Day Army and Navy exercise and the men who took
part in it. The Foundation is constantly working towards
the goal of making the words "Exercise Tiger" synonymous with recognition of forgotten veterans. |
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US Congressman Kenny Hulshof , R – 9th District of Missouri has picked up the endorsement of his bid for reelection to the US Congress. Congressman Hulshof is a strong supporter of the military, veterans and has worked with the “Tiger” Association since 1998. He has sponsored annual resolutions in Congress recognizing the work that the “Tiger” Assn. does and was a key elected official to help get the Missouri Exercise Tiger Memorial completed in Audrain County.
Van Drew elected newest NJ State Senator
NJ State Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D – 1st District of New Jersey has been endorsed by the National Office for the 1st District Senate seat. Currently a NJ State Assemblyman from Cape May, Van Drew began supporting the “Tiger” Assn. veterans and projects as a Mayor and then Freeholder. As an Assemblyman Van Drew has sponsored several Resolutions and Proclamations recognizing “Tiger” and is a staunch supporter of Veterans rights, and the active military and National Guard.
The National Office Endorses these two candidates as they have exceptional leadership and integrity qualities. They are both outstanding and deserve your vote.
As of April 2008 no endorsed candidate by the
Tiger Association has ever lost an election.
"Tiger Power!" - Power of Veterans and their families! |
| Tiger Director , Terror & Sept. 11th |
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| Two hours after the second WTC Tower fell US Coast Guard
Auxiliary Flotilla Staff Officer and "Tiger"
National Director Walt Domanski was called to augment
the active duty PAO staff at USCG Group Atlantic City/Air
Station Atlantic City. Upon arriving Domanski, the FSO
-PA of Flotilla 74 was briefed by Senior PAO Lt. John
Hall and tasked with setting up the PAO Incident Log
on the WTC Attack. Domanski contacted D5 PAO staff in
Portsmouth to inform them of the status of Group Atlantic
City Public Affairs. Working from the Operations Center
Domanski handled media inquiries and other PA functions.
Due to the heavy volume of calls to the OPS Center Domanski
handled several non-PAO related cell calls from ships
at sea. Some of Walt’s duties included interaction
with ALL Commanding Officers of the Groups Lifeboat
Stations and the cutters Finback and Mako on coastal
patrol. Staff briefings to Capt. Durfey and other senior
staff. Briefings to Lt. Hall and regular updates to
D5 PAO. Some of the earliest aerial footage shown on
CNN, CBS, FOX, and NBC came from the HH 65's out of
Air Station AC. Domanski handled the VHS tape and assisted
the LTJG in editing it being ever mindful of the significance
of what the tape represented, both the horror and hope
of someone still alive. |
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Memorial
Anchor-Mexico, MO
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LST
289 after the attack
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Walt
Domanski with US Senator (Attorney General) John
Ashcroft
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Susan Haines & Don Daly at the Missouri State Capital, during Governor's (Matt Blunt's) Inaugural Parade holding an Exercise Tiger banner
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LST
507 prior to the battle
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Tiger
Director Walt Domanski at highway dedication
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USCG Honor Guard carry wreaths to the boat, 2007 Tribute, Station Barnegat Light |
Proclamation signing that took place at the State Capital
in Jefferson City, MO on March 8th, 2006
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Exercise Tigert Shirt and cap at the Adopt a Serviceman 2007 Program
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Since 1989 there have been hundreds of photos taken
and numerous statements from ALL branches of the military,
congress, senate and local government concerning the
Exercise Tiger National Foundation. In the future we will strive to bring all the information about our past online
and continue forward into the future. |
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Exercise Tiger bench dedicated to the WWII Tiger Veterans.
Set on the grounds of the Audrain County Court House, Mexico MO. |
| Liberty Memorial - Granite Brick |
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Transcript of text to right... |
LIBERTY MEMORIAL
It was the "gratitude of a grateful people," to those who served in the Great War, that inspired the creation of the Liberty Memorial. Similar gratitude and appreciation is extended to you for keeping their memory alive.
A granite brick has been reserved for you in the Liberty Memorial Walk of Honor
It will become a permanent part of the restored memorial and expanded museum site.
The inscription on this 4"x8" brick will forever read: LST 58 289 496 499 531 507 511 515 Charles Griffey
John A. Dillingham
President, Liberty Memorial Association
National WWI Museum Kansas City, MO. |
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| ETA Members Showing Off Their Tiger Caps |
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Charles Griffey
Exercise Tiger Veteran |
Rocky Roberts
& Susan Haines |
Rocky Roberts |
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