A

s a patron of the Jewish
War Veterans (JWV),
Department of Michigan,
I’ve had the privilege of writing
about its membership for the last
several years. I know firsthand how
grateful the JWV is for the JN’s con-
tinued support.
My military buddies are a busy
bunch, and no time of year is busier
than in and around Veterans Day.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
(CSZ) held its annual Veterans
Shabbat service on Saturday, Nov. 9,
now in its 17th year. A large gather-
ing of the JWV was in attendance.
The city of Southfield Police
Department’s Color Guard opened
the official ceremony, leading the
processional of JWV, members of its
Women’s Auxiliary and family mem-
bers down the long center aisle.
It was a grand entrance. In uni-
son, the congregation waved small,
handheld American flags as we
made our way into the sanctuary
accompanied by patriotic music.
At official JWV events, we wear a
blue blazer, white shirt, red tie, gray
slacks, black shoes and our JWV
post hats. Just prior to entering the
synagogue, a volunteer with a big
smile pinned boutonnières on our
lapels and greeted us with a “thank
you for your service.”
I was very appreciative for the sal-
utation but explained that although
I’m a proud patron of the JWV, I
didn’t actually serve. When mistak-
en for a veteran, I tell people that
my civic duty only included being
a crossing guard as a sixth-grader
at Glenn Schoenhals Elementary
School in Southfield. My tour of
duty ended in 1967.
The boutonnières have been gen-
erously provided for years by long-
time CSZ members Dr. Paul and
Linda Gold. Dr. Gold is a member
of the JWV who I had the privilege
of featuring in a cover story in the
Nov. 5, 2020, edition of the JN —
“The Docs of War.” It chronicles the
bravery of Gold, as a captain in the
U.S. Army Medical Corp., and other
local Jewish physicians, who saved
countless lives in Vietnam.

VETERANS SHABBAT SERVICE
The salute to veterans follows
CSZ’s regular Shabbat service. Bill
Glogower, JWV Dept. of Michigan
Sr. Vice Commander, member of
CSZ and retired Sergeant, U.S. Air
Force, officially opened the program
by announcing the posting of the
colors by the Southfield Police.
Donald Wagner, Judge Advocate
of JWV, retired Captain, U.S. Army,
and husband to Dottie, a past pres-
ident of CSZ, provided welcoming
remarks. Wagner expressed his
“pride and gratitude” in chairing the
last 10 years of the Veterans Shabbat.
“Just as the military teaches
teamwork, this event could not be
brought to our community these
many years without the efforts of
so many,” Wagner said. He thanked
the clergy, the CSZ staff and congre-
gants for their unwavering support,
including member Linda Cohen
“who 17 years ago developed the
vision for the Veterans Shabbat.”
Retired Brigadier General, U.S.
Army, Don Schenk, Commander of
Lt. Raymond Zussman Post 135 and
CSZ member, paid special recogni-
tion to the “millions of others who
contribute to keeping our country
secure by what they do in support.”
He referred to those who treat our
service men and women at health
care institutions and to those who
continue to man the Arsenal of
Democracy. “These people provide
the material with which America’s
military and its allies and friends,
like Israel, are able to defend them-
selves,” Schenk said.
The keynote guest speaker was
Major General Scott Hiipakka. He
is what is referred to as a “Citizen
Soldier,” who has dual responsibil-
ities both within and outside the
military. In mid-2023, he assumed
the prestigious role of Commanding
General for the 46th Military Police
Command of the Michigan Army
National Guard.
Prior to this role, he served as
the Commanding General of Joint
Task Force Guantanamo, where he
was responsible and accountable for
major tactical and operational activ-

Shaarey Zedek hosts
17th annual Veterans Shabbat.

Honoring
Our
Veterans

ALAN MUSKOVITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY
Major General Scott
Hiipakka (L) and Retired
Brig. General and

JWV member
Don Schenk (R) in front
of the sanctuary at
Shaarey Zedek.

28 | NOVEMBER 28 • 2024