Pine Belt mourns the passing of Col. Ken Smith Retired Army Col. Ken Smith died Monday at the age of 81. (Source: WDAM) By Eddie Robertson | March 16, 2021 at 8:16 PM CDT - Updated March 16 at 8:16 PM
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Pine Belt is mourning the loss of a man who was active in the Hattiesburg veteran community.
Retired Army Col. Ken Smith died Monday at the age of 81.
Smith served on active duty and in the National Guard as well. He was a decorated helicopter pilot in Vietnam and commander of various military units in Mississippi while in the Guard.
Smith was an active member of VFW post 3036 and had served the post in numerous leadership positions.
Ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use; Thirty-three states, including Minnesota, have legalized medical marijuana. Yet, under Federal law, marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it is a crime to use or possess it, even for medical purposes. This dichotomy can create some difficult situations for Federal law enforcement, but, closer to home, it recently impacted the Veterans Treatment Court over which I preside in Duluth.
Federal agencies must follow Federal law, which means that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot prescribe medical marijuana. However, the VA cannot deny treatment or benefits for individuals using medical marijuana. This means that veterans whose sole source of medical care is through the VA would not have medical marijuana as an option, but a veteran who could afford the associated out-of-pocket expense would. Treatment courts receiving Federal grant dollars, like the Veterans court in Dulut
Lt. Col. William Bonelli currently resides in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
He is battling cancer and his family wasn t sure if he would make it to his 100th birthday.
They threw him a 99 and a half birthday party last fall, but now, they are excited he gets to celebrate the major milestone of turning 100 years old.
Hereâs what veterans need to know:
Q: Does a veteran have to meet Pennsylvaniaâs Phase 1A eligibility requirements (be 65 or older or have a serious medical condition) to receive a vaccination at the clinic?
A: No. At this time, the medical center is offering the vaccine to all enrolled veterans, regardless of age or medical condition, provided, of course, that there are no contra indicators for the vaccine, such as having symptoms for COVID-19 or being in close contact with someone who has it.
Q: Where is the medical center?
A: The address is 1111 East End Blvd., Plains Twp.