EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 72 www .axpo w .or g Number 7/8

July/August 2015

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves

DDG63 Robert Dean Stethem Poster

July/August 2015 table of contents officers/directors 4 commander 5 Happy Independence Day! nso 6 medsearch 7 Variously known as the Fourth legislative 10 of July and Independence Day, andersonville 12 July 4th has been a federal namPOW 13 holiday in the United States since civilian 14 1941, but the tradition of pow-mia 15 Independence Day celebrations events, looking for 16 goes back to the 18th century your stories 17 and the American Revolution long delayed medals 20 (1775-83). In June 1776, news 22 representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary pow diaries 30 struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence contributions 32 from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in new members 33 favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the taps 34 Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas chaplain 37 Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been voluntary funding 38 celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical raffle 39 festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more quartermaster 42 casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Summer is also the traditional time for State Department Publisher Conventions. If you have one in your area, make an effort to attend. You’ll get the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. PNC Maurice Sharp 9716 54th Street CT West University Place, WA Congressional 98467(253) 565-0444 Charter [email protected] Editor On August 10, 1982, The American Ex-Prisoners of Cheryl Cerbone War received their 23 Cove View Drive Congressional Charter. South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Public Law 97-234 (508) 394-5250 provided public [email protected] recognition of our roots Intrepid Staff Reporter and long history as a Alice A Booher “family organization”. Congress and the world recognized AXPOW as a veterans service Deadline for the Sept/Oct 2015 organization — the only one in the country made up of veterans issue is August 1, 2015 AND their families. Please send all materials to the editor at the above address. Cover: See article Long Delayed Medals on page 20.

EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published bi-monthly (six times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement.

© 2015 American Ex-Prisoners of War Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2015 3 axpow officers & directors 2014-2015 National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Executive Director, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979 [email protected] Officers Directors National Commander North East Region North Central Region Milton “Skip” Moore 2965 Sierra Bermeja Charles A. Susino John W Clark Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 951 Gates Ave. 1201 S Johnmeyer Ln (520)459-7295;(520)533-3757 fax Piscataway, NJ 08854 Columbia MO 65203 [email protected] (732)463-8355; (732)221-0073-C (573) 445-3621 [email protected] [email protected] National Sr Vice Commander Edward L. DeMent Cheryl Cerbone David Claypool 122 Maroldy Drive, Apt 101 23 Cove View Drive PO Box 38 Temple Terrace, FL 33617 South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Hampton MN 55031 (813) 985-3783; (727) 343-3607 (508)394-5250; (508)760-2008 fax (612) 245-2247 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

National Treasurer East Central Region South Central Region Marsha Coke 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40 David Eberly Jan Williams Arlington, TX 76010 205 Roger Webster PO Box 366 (817) 649-2979 Williamsburg, VA 23185 Hammon OK 73650 [email protected] (757) 253-9553 (580) 821-2376 [email protected] [email protected] Jr. Vice Commanders Judy Lee Southeast Region Ben Garrido PO Box 56 6813 W 60th Street Tulsa OK 74107 Madisonville, TN 37354 Benny Rayborn (951) 313-9838 (423)442-3223; (423)442-4702 fax 1111 Highway 29 [email protected] [email protected] Wiggins, MS 39577 (601) 928-9200; (601) 270-0678, cell Northwest Region Pam Warner Eslinger - [email protected] Central Zone Marty Galloway Klumpp Bonnie Sharp PO Box 117 9716 54th Street CT West Hammon, OK 73650 221 Hallowes Dr S St Marys GA 31558 University Place, WA 98467 (580) 821-1526 (253) 565-0444 [email protected] (912) 673-7315 – Home (912) 227-2148 – Cell [email protected] [email protected] Alice Gollin - Southwest Region Western Zone 37231 Turnberry Isle National Judge Advocate Edward “Ted” Cadwallader Palm Desert, CA 92211 PNC Jack Warner 9501 Nut Tree Court (760)610-1271;(760)610-1752 fax PO Box 117 Elk Grove, CA 95624 [email protected] Hammon, OK 73650 [email protected] (580) 821-1526 Senior Director James L. Lollar National Chaplain 292 VZ CR 3727 ND Benny Rayborn Wills Point, TX 75169 1111 Highway 29 (903)560-1734;(903)560-1705 fax Wiggins, MS 39577 [email protected] (601) 928-9200 [email protected] Committee addresses appear with their columns zation will treat them the same way we treat all of our ex-POWs. news With honor and respect. A person that was held captive by the en- emy is a POW, whether they were from military or civilian. Let us wel- come all POWs into our Organi- hq zation with open arms and re- spect. All POWs deserve that from everyone. Not only do we need to Hope you’re planning a great welcome back all POWs, we also summer! have to welcome back the NOKs. As a NOK, I know that we were left Things have slowed down after National Commander in the dark a lot because our par- the convention. There will be ents did not like to talk about more information in future Milton M Moore, Jr. their capture. So, I say to all magazines. If you would like to AXPOWs and NOKs, please come have a copy of the minutes They say that time flies when back to the Organization and help emailed to you, please email us you are having fun. This past us make it stronger and better. at [email protected] and we will send year has really gone by very it out to you. Or, send us a self- quickly. I don’t know where the Around the Sierra Vista area, we addressed stamped #10 envelope time has gone. I feel like I just had two Memorial Day ceremo- and we will mail them to you. started and now realize that my nies. Most cities around the coun- tenure as National Commander try held ceremonies on that day. In August you’ll be getting our is coming to a close. I do feel It was a day of Remembrance. Yes, newest calendar…this year we’re very sad about that. This has we as a nation, have gotten away featuring memorials and monu- been a most rewarding year. I from the true meaning of Memo- ments. For those who came to have done things that not all rial Day. It is actually a day to re- our National Convention in June, Americans get to do. Veterans member those who gave their all you’ll recognize some of them Day was fantastic. Getting to eat so we could be a free nation. Our on the beautiful blanket raffled breakfast at the White House was ceremonies were very solemn and off in the hospitality room. We a very big honor. Meeting the beautifully done. A lot of tears are depend on your donations for people I did in Washington DC shed on Memorial Day. I hope ev- each of our direct mail programs. was wonderful. Attending the eryone paused for a minute or We are greatly appreciative of ceremony at Arlington Cemetery two to say a prayer for our men your generosity. was very humbling to me. Lay- and women who didn’t make it ing the wreath at the Tomb of the out of the wars we have fought Also in August, we celebrate the Unknown Soldier was very emo- over the years. 33rd anniversary of our Congres- tional. sional Charter. It took a lot of I believe that this is my last col- years and a lot of work, but our There wasn’t enough time or umn. My term will be up as of 28 recognition as a “family” veter- money to do all the things that, June 2015. I just want to say that ans service organization was as your National Commander, I it has been an honor serving as worth it! Our Charter was the would liked to have done. I did your Commander. I salute you all. first step toward establishment get the opportunity to go to the Thank you all so very much. of the Advisory Committee on BACEPOW reunion in California. Former Prisoners of War and the They are a wonderful group of 23 presumptive service-con- people. I hope I have proven to nected conditions that have made them that the National Organi- such a difference in many of your lives.

Happy Birthday, America! Cel- Coming Next Issue: ebrate safely. Convention Highlights, 2015-2016 Directors and Officers, Ex-POW Bulletin Committees July/Aug 2015 5 workload since 2007 (820K 10. nso claims, 2.1M medical issues in 2007 vs. 1.32M claims, 5.5M Held appeal rates steady amidst medical issues in 2014) increased production – 1.32M completed claims in FY 2014, 11- 4. 12% (historical rate) appealed, 4- Added 1.7M+ Veterans to 5% reached Board of Veterans’ compensation rolls since 2008 Appeals, 1.2% decided in (1.1M net), and added 26% more Veteran’s favor, often based on Veterans and Survivors to additional evidence compensation and pension 11. caseload (from 3.8M to 4.8M) Ruth Powell, Director Reduced Veterans Pension 191 Florence Road 5. inventory by 68% from peak of Waltham, MA 02453 Went from touching 5,000 tons 36.1K to 11.4, backlog by 96% 781-899-0726 of paper annually to processing from peak of 14.5K to 600; 95% of disability claims reduced Survivors’ Dependency Top 15 Things the electronically, with 442K claims and Indemnity Compensation inventory by 55% from peak of Veterans Benefits in electronic inventory – only 24K in paper, completed 3M 19.1K to 8.6K, backlog by 87% Administration is doing rating decisions and over 1.5 from peak of 8.8K to 1K; to Improve Service to million claims in VBMS improved DIC timeliness by 100 days from peak of 168 to 68 days Veterans, their Families 6. while maintaining 99% accuracy and Survivors Enabling Veterans to file claims 12. online through eBenefits – over Provided $51.5B to send over 1.38 1. 4.6M registered users, 68M contacts with Veterans in FY14 million Veterans and Reduced backlog from peak of (86% online) vs. 9M contacts dependents to school under the 611,000 in March ‘13 to 171,000 , (majority by phone) in 2009 Post-9/11 GI Bill; now processing a 72% reduction in 25 months; majority of these claims in reduced inventory from peak of 7. average of 3 days at 99.8% 884,000 in July ‘12 to 440,000, a Expediting Veterans claims: 41% accuracy 50% reduction; and increased of receipts from VSOs FY2015 to 13. claim-level accuracy from 83% in date are Fully Developed, up 2011 to 91% – at the issue-level from 3% in 2012; received nearly Almost 2.2M total loans on the accuracy is 96% 2.5M Disability Benefits books; guaranteed almost 440K loans in FY14 totaling $100B and 2. Questionnaires in FY14 from VHA helped 80K Veterans avoid Met goal of completing a record- foreclosure, while maintaining breaking 1.32M claims in FY14 – 8. the lowest foreclosure rate over 150K more than FY13, Dedicated non-rating workforce (1.39%) in the industry for 25 of which was also a record-breaking completed 2.7M non-rating end the last 27 consecutive quarters 1.17M-claim year; today, products in FY14 – highest 14. Veterans with a pending claim production of non-rating work are waiting, on average, 152 days in 20 years – 50 percent more Paying insurance death claims in less for a claim decision than in FY 2011 an average of 3 days at 99.8% compared to March ‘13 peak accuracy 9. 3. 15. More automation: 1 in 5 Veterans More than 99K Veterans received Productivity rose 25% per FTE submit online dependency since 2011, the start of nearly $1.1B in VR&E benefits in requests – more than half receive FY14 transformation; helped mitigate payments in under 1 day; effects of a 154% increase in automatic burial allowance payments to surviving spouses …and there’s more work Ex-POW Bulletin within 6 days (down from 190) to be done! July/Aug 2015 6 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40 pow medsearch Arlington, TX 76010 Marsha Coke, Chairman (817) 649-2979 e-mail: [email protected] Find out why these numbers are tem. One goes to the body. The High Blood Pressure so important to your health. other goes to your lungs.

The first step in preventing and When does HBP require emer- What is metabolic syndrome? controlling high blood pressure gency medical treatment? High Metabolic syndrome is a cluster is to learn the answers to a few blood pressure often does its of health factors that indicate a questions, such as: damage without creating symp- higher risk for heart disease. toms, but when blood pressure Blood pressure is one measure- What is high blood pressure, and numbers rise above 180 for the ment on the list. what happens in a person’s body systolic pressure or 110 for the that makes it dangerous? Over diastolic pressure, you need What is the difference between time, if the force of the blood emergency treatment. blood pressure and heart rate? flow is often high, the tissue that Blood pressure is the amount of makes up the walls of arteries When is blood pressure too low? force exerted on your arteries gets stretched beyond its healthy Although it is possible that low when your heart beats, and your limit and damage occurs. This blood pressure can alert you to a heart rate is the number of creates problems in several ways. problem, it is usually only dan- times per minute your heart gerous if it causes notable signs beats. Find out more about the What do the numbers in a blood and symptoms. impact of these numbers on your pressure reading mean? The two health. numbers tell you the amount of What is pulmonary hyperten- force pushing against your artery sion? Pulmonary hypertension is Why Blood Pressure Matters walls when the heart is contract- high blood pressure in the heart- ing and when the heart is at rest. to-lungs system. Your blood has Uncontrolled high blood pres- two loops in the circulation sys- sure (HBP) can injure or kill you. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because HBP has no symp- toms, so you may not be aware that it’s damaging your arteries, heart and other organs.

Possible health consequences that can happen over time when high blood pressure is left un- treated include:

Damage to the heart and coro- nary arteries, including heart attack, heart disease, conges- tive heart failure, aortic dissec- tion and atherosclerosis (fatty buildups in the arteries that cause them to harden) Stroke Kidney damage Vision loss Erectile dysfunction

Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 7 medsearch cont’d... Memory loss Fluid in the lungs Angina Peripheral artery disease

But remember, these are not symptoms of HBP. High blood pressure is a symptomless dis- ease except in its most extreme cases known as hypertensive cri- sis. When BP readings rise to 180 or above for the systolic — top — number OR 110 or above for the diastolic — bottom — number, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical treatment immediately.

Individuals whose blood pres- sure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg (140 systolic or above OR 90 diastolic or above) often become can increase your risk of devel- years without knowing it. Most of patients treated for serious car- oping high blood the time, there are no symptoms, diovascular problems. It can in- pressure (HBP) and thus your but when high blood pressure crease your risks for serious risk for heart attack, heart disease goes untreated, it damages arter- medical problems such as heart and stroke. ies and vital organs throughout attack, stroke, heart failure and the body. That’s why high blood kidney disease. Risks among certain groups pressure is often called the “si- African-Americans – If lent killer.” Your risk increases even more if you’re African American, there’s you have high blood pressure a good chance that you or a rela- There is good news! High blood along with other risk factors: tive has HBP. pressure is treatable. Age Women – Starting at age Heredity (including race) 65, women are more likely to Gender (male) have high blood pressure than Symptoms Overweight or obesity men. Smoking Children – While HBP is Don’t make the mistake of as- High cholesterol most common in adults, children suming symptoms will alert you Diabetes can develop it, too. to the problem of high blood Physical inactivity pressure. Find out about the Risk factors for developing high symptoms myths and under- Through risk reduction and treat- blood pressure, also called hyper- stand why HBP is called the “si- ment of HBP, you can lower your tension: Family history; Advanced lent killer.” risk for many of these diseases. age; Gender-related risk patterns; Lack of physical activity; Poor How HBP is Diagnosed Your Risk for HBP diet, especially one that includes too much salt; Overweight and Although the only way to tell if Are you a likely candidate for obesity; Drinking too much alco- you have HBP is to have it high blood pressure? If so, it will hol checked, the test can be done eas- be even more important for you ily, quickly and painlessly. Upon to manage your lifestyle with Symptoms, Diagnosis and diagnosis by a healthcare profes- heart-healthier habits. Science Monitoring sional, HBP can usually be man- has identified several factors that aged through lifestyle changes Do you know the state of your and, when prescribed, medica- Ex-POW Bulletin blood pressure? Many people tion. July/Aug 2015 have high blood pressure, also Home Monitoring & Recording 8 called HBP or hypertension, for medsearch cont’d... concerned because you have your doctor will recommend some of the risk factors for the lifestyle modifications. disease, understand this: while Because blood pressure can fluc- there is no cure, high blood pres- Take medication if it is pre- tuate, home monitoring and re- sure is manageable. scribed for you cording of blood pressure read- ings can provide your healthcare By adopting a heart-healthy If your blood pressure is 140/90 provider with valuable informa- lifestyle, you can: or higher, your doctor will likely tion to determine whether you Reduce high blood pressure prescribe medication in addition really have high blood pressure Prevent or delay the develop- to lifestyle modifications. Follow and, if you do, whether your treat- ment of HBP your healthcare professional’s ment plan is working. Enhance the effectiveness of recommendations carefully, even blood pressure medications if it means taking medication ev- Choosing a Monitor Lower your risk of heart attack, ery day for the rest of your life. The American Heart Association heart disease, stroke and kidney High blood pressure is a lifelong recommends an automatic, cuff- disease disease, and by partnering with style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor. your healthcare team, you can Here’s how to do your part successfully reach your treat- How to Measure ment goals and enjoy the benefits Accurate home recording can Be informed of better health. help you in your partnership with your healthcare providers. Of all people with high blood Once your treatment program pressure, over 20 percent are un- becomes routine, maintaining a Prevention & Treatment aware of their condition. This lower blood pressure is easier. symptomless disease could leave Remind yourself that by manag- If I have HBP, what can I do to take them with substantial health con- ing your blood pressure, you are care of myself? sequences. Are you one of them? lowering your risk of heart at- If you don’t know, see a healthcare tack, heart failure, stroke, periph- eral artery disease and kidney dis- There are eight main ways you professional to be tested. ease. Death rates from these dis- can control your blood pressure. Do your part to reach your treat- eases have decreased signifi- cantly, thanks in part to earlier They are: ment goals and better treatment of HBP. * Eat a better diet, which may in- clude reducing salt There is no healthy level of high Managing blood pressure is a life- * Enjoy regular physical activity blood pressure. Don’t take life-or- long commitment; make a pledge * Maintain a healthy weight death chances with this disease. to do so starting today for your- * Manage stress Instead, take responsibility! Work self and for those you love. Lis- * Avoid tobacco smoke with your healthcare profes- ten to your doctor, read the * Comply with medication pre- sional to determine your treat- sound medical information on scriptions ment goals and map out your best this site, and act on the informa- * If you drink, limit alcohol action plan for HBP prevention tion to live a heart-healthier life. * Understand hot tub safety and management. American Heart Association Lifestyle modifications are essen- Change your life and reduce 7272 Greenville Ave. tial. These changes may reduce your risks Dallas, TX 75231 your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications. Even if your blood pressure is Adopting a healthy lifestyle is normal (less than 120 mm Hg critical for the prevention of HBP systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg and an indispensable part of man- diastolic) and your goal is preven- aging it. Think of these changes tion only, the lifestyle modifica- as a “lifestyle prescription” and tions provide a prescription for make every effort to comply with healthy living. If your resting them. blood pressure falls in the pre- hypertension range (systolic - top- Ex-POW Bulletin Whether you have been diag- number between 120 and 139 mm nosed with high blood pressure, Hg OR diastolic - bottom - num- July/Aug 2015 also called hypertension, or are ber between 80 and 89 mm Hg), 9 POW MEDSEARCH PACKETS

Packet 1~VA Claim Information $8.00

Packet 2~Stresses of Incarceration & After Effects Extreme Stress- Covers the after effects on the nerves and body organs $8.00

Packet 3~After Effects of Imprisonment-Covers arthritis, alcoholism, visual, ulcers, varicose veins, impotency, brain damage, etc $8.00

Packet 4~After Effects of Imprisonment Part 1 - covers the heart, arteries and veins; Part 2 covers cancer $8.00

Packet 5~What Every Wife Should Know Before She Is Your Widow - Social Security, insurance, burial procedures, allowances, etc. including what pathologist should look for in an autopsy (includes shipping and handling charge) $15.00

Packet 6~Micro-Film Index: Asiatic Theater - Japanese Possible help in locating POW records $3.00

Packet 7~Micro-Film Index: European Theater - Germany $3.00

Packet 8~The European Story, History of POWs in Germany, and after-effects $8.00

Packet 9~The Korea Story, History of POWs in Korea, and after-effects $8.00 Packet 10~The Japanese Story History of POWs in Japan, and after-effects $10.00

Packet 11~NSO Director Answers Your Questions $11.00

Presentation Set~(Packets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10) $60.00

The Modern Day Tragedy~medical & claims evidence in support of PL 97-37 $4.00

POW: The American Experience~overview on POW experience; reviews vitamin deficiencies, infectious diseases and service-connected statistics $6.00

Map of German POW Camps~shows location of 76 camps $3.00

Map of Japanese POW Camps~21" x 32" with camps featured in red $4.00

Check packets you wish to order and send, with payment, to: AXPOW 3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40, Arlington, TX 76010

Name Phone ( ) Address City, State, Zip

Amount enclosed $ ______(includes shipping/handling*) MasterCard and Visa accepted (circle one) ($5.00 mini- mum charge) Card Number: Expiration Date:

Ex-POW Bulletin *Shipping / Handling fees: In U.S.A.; 1-3 packets, add $6.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $9.00; 7 or more packets, add $12.00. In Canada; 1-3 packets, add $9.00; 4 -6 July/Aug 2015 packets, add $14.00, 7 or more packets, add $20.00. Overseas; 1-3 packets, add 10 $16.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $22.00, 7 or more packets, add $30.00 Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th legislative 2015-2016 Legislative and 15th Streets. The commission expects to announce its selected Committee design in January 2016. PNC Charles Susino, Jr. ND Charles Anthony Susino A lawsuit has been filed to force [email protected] the Department of Veterans Af- fairs to change a new claims sub- mission procedure that elimi- designed to enhance the support nated the informal claims process provided to family caregivers of which served as notice providing veterans who were severely dis- “backdating” the claim to the ini- abled in service. tial notification.

PNC Charles Susino Jr Purple Heart Benefits: Congress Happy V-E Day! On May 8th, thou- Chairman changed the law to expand Purple sands of veterans, family mem- Heart eligibility to those bers and spectators celebrated the wounded or killed in attacks mo- 70th anniversary of Victory in Eu- Washington continues to be a tivated by foreign terrorist orga- busy place for Congress consid- rope Day in Washington. Along nizations. The Army announced with high ranking officials mak- ering future Laws addressing the it will extend all possible benefits needs of our nation’s veterans. ing speeches, there was a massive, to the military victims of the multi-ship aircraft flyover by vin- Proposed Bills approved by the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, House of Representatives and tage Army Air Force, Navy and Texas and outside a recruiting Marine Corps trainers, transports, passed onto the Senate for con- station in Little Rock, Ark. sideration include: fighters and bombers from both theaters of war. A bipartisan Bill, the Toxic Expo- · H.R. 474, the Homeless sure Research Act of 2015 intro- End of WWII Commemoration: Veterans’ Reintegration Pro- duced simultaneously in both Over in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the grams Reauthorization Act of the House and the Senate, which Battleship Missouri Memorial will 2015, would require the VA to establish host a public ceremony com- · H.R. 1038, the Ensuring VA a research center dedicated to the memorating the war’s end on Sept. Employee Accountability Act, study of how service-related toxic 2 at 9:02 a.m., the exact time Gen. · H.R. 1313, the Service Dis- exposures may affect veterans’ Douglas MacArthur, Supreme abled Veteran Owned Small Busi- descendants. VA already grants Commander for Allied Powers, ness Relief Act, health care benefits to children began the broadcasted proceed- · H.R. 1382, the Boosting with spina bifida born to Vietnam ings. Rates of American Veteran Em- veterans exposed to Agent Or- ployment Act. ange. · H.R. 91, the Veteran’s I.D. Ex-POW news: The Army has charged Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl with Card Act, Please contact your members of one count each of Article 85 of the · H.R. 1816, the Vulnerable Congress for all Bills that you are Uniform Code of Military Justice, Veterans Housing Reform Act of willing to support. 2015. “Desertion with Intent to Shirk Important or Hazardous Duty,” VA Expands Choice Program and Article 99, “Misbehavior Be- Due to a Commission Study change: VA announced it has fore The Enemy by Endangering started in 2013, Congress will be changed immediately the way the Safety of a Command, Unit or debating changes to the compen- distance is calculated for the Vet- sation for military retirements. erans Choice Program from Place”. Under consideration is to mod- straight-line “as the crow flies” ernize the retirement system distance to driving distance for with a government-matching re- the 40 mile rule. tirement savings plan, similar to —————Remember—————— a 401(k) in the private sector. The World War I Centennial Com- mission is opening a design com- Both the Senate and the House petition for the new national Ex-POW Bulletin introduced the Military and Vet- memorial that will be built a erans Caregiver Services Im- block away from the White House July/Aug 2015 provement Act of 2015 primarily in Pershing Park, which is along 11 and enjoyed the cooler than usual andersonville weather.

Saturday witnessed our biggest vol- unteer endeavor as 250 youth vol- unteers and their leaders arrived on site to place the over 19,000 flags on individual graves across the cem- etery. The kids and teens involved The Memorial Day observance this this year were excellent, and showed year was blessed with good weather great respect for the graves as they and a light breeze. Music was pro- helped to place the flags. A hotdog vided by the Maneuver Center of Ex- lunch was provided by the Dixie cellence Band. Remarks and greetings Andersonville NHS Crows organization out of Warner were given by community leaders, in- 496 Cemetery Road Robins, Georgia with assistance from cluding Congressman Sanford Andersonville, GA 31711 Frito-Lay. The 50 adult volunteers Bishop. The keynote address was (229) 924-0343 from the Dixie Crows continue to given by Col. Thomas Carden of the Superintendent Georgia National Guard, where he Charles Sellars shared his reminiscences on the life [email protected] and sacrifices of Sgt. 1st Class Victor Anderson of Ellaville, GA and ex- Memorial Day has always been the pressed his gratitude to the families traditional heart of the year at who keep the memories of these sol- Andersonville National Historic Site. diers alive. Over a dozen wreaths This year, I had the privilege of par- were placed during the service from ticipating with my staff and hun- community, veteran, and historical dreds of volunteers to ensure that groups. the weekend continued as a beauti- ful, solemn memorial to soldiers who The biggest surprise this year was the have laid down their lives in service overwhelming visitation to the park to their country. on Monday. Almost 1,200 people came to pay their respects and visit The park received a real boost from donate their time and resources to the site. Some families came for the local and national media attention make a wonderful meal for the kids very first time and others had been with all four major stations in the and help with flags when possible. here hundreds of times before. The local area doing featured pieces on After all the activities of Friday and park was delighted by the response. the Memorial Day weekend events. Saturday, Sunday seems to take a People from across the country more reflective turn. I had the op- In other news, “Victory from Within” turned their eyes to our little corner portunity on Saturday and Sunday is currently being prepared to travel of Georgia and reflected on the true to walk a good portion of the na- from its current location at the Fron- meaning of the holiday. tional cemetery, fixing and straight- tiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, ening flags. This is an ongoing task Texas. The traveling exhibit is cur- The highlight of Friday morning was that my staff and I all participated rently slated to head to the Reece almost 100 motorcycle riders from in, and is a necessary part of tend- Museum located on the campus of Robins Riders, arriving to put up the ing the flags throughout the week- East Tennessee State University in Avenue of Flags. With so many hands end to ensure that they remain in Johnson City, TN. In the late fall, it is they made easy work of the 200 flags their best condition. We are con- planned to go to the Fort Douglas stantly grateful for volunteers and Military Museum in Salt Lake City, UT. Ex-POW Bulletin visitors who help with our flag vigil, We hope that folks who live in those July/Aug 2015 a true expression of their grateful- areas will have the opportunity to visit 12 ness to these honored dead. the exhibit in person. work for no other reason that is Alvarez for being an infringement namPOWs something that needs to be done of the constitutional right to free- and nobody else is doing it. That’s dom of speech. it. No pecuniary award. No ban- ner headline in the local fish Why is it important? With bona wrapper. fide POWs having trouble getting benefits they are owed, it is crimi- Nothing except get a Bravo Zulu, nal that frauds could achieve Well Done from an admiring those benefits without doing any- former POW. This first award thing to earn them. Our seriously goes to our vigilantes - those who wounded veterans sometimes track down and expose those who have trouble getting credit for Paul E. Galanti would ride the glory of the ser- their injuries if certain docu- 804.389.1668 (cell) vice of others. They’re called ments cannot be found where oc- [email protected] “phonies.” casionally phonies will forge documents to get the benefits the A phony is somebody who claims bona fide wounded veteran is de- Behind the Code - Bravo Zulu to be something he isn’t - usu- nied. ally claiming military bravado or More Navy signal code than those accomplishments they haven’t Mike McGrath has personally ex- who served in Marine, Army or actually achieved. There are, of posed a phony Air Force Colonel Air Force uniforms really need to course, laws against so doing but who was a regular “duty hero” at know but bear with me! in an era of permissive moral the Air Force Academy - appear- relativism, many are reluctant to ing in uniform with medals, From the Navy.mil website: The get involved in debunking the wings and other accoutrements term originates from the Allied phonies. that were never earned. Mike Signals Book (ATP 1), which in the showed up on his doorstep with aggregate is for official use only. Phonies claim to be Navy SEALs, a local TV reporter to ask a few Fighter pilots, Special Forces, Ma- questions. The “colonel” was Signals are sent as letters and/or rine Force Recon or any similar outed and has been banned from numbers, which have meanings difficult to achieve designation. the Academy grounds. by themselves sometimes or in Phonies have myriads of medals certain combinations. A single - Purple Hearts, for sure, and up The Schantag’s have exposed table in ATP 1 is called “govern- to the Medal of Honor. thousands of phonies including ing groups,” that is, the entire many phony POWs. Their website, signal that follows the governing Re: Bravo Zulu Awards, There are http://pownetwork.org remains group is to be performed accord- several who deserve them but the the definitive site on the internet ing to the “governor.” The letter first Bravo Zulu Awards go to for uncovering phonies. Their un- “B” indicates this table, and the Vietnam POW and past president covered phonies are posted for all second letter (A through Z) gives of Nam-POWs, Navy Capt. (Ret) to see - some with several more specific information. Mike McGrath and Administra- entries.The whole sordid story is tors of the POW Network for ex- on their website. For example, “BA” might mean posing phonies. Their efforts “You have permission to . . . (do have been spectacular and often Also is an annotated version of whatever the rest of the flashing result in a public humiliation of the DPMO PMSEA (Personnel miss- light, flag hoist or radio trans- the “perp.” ing in Southeast Asia) list which mission says) “BZ” happens to be includes additional information the last item in the governing Additionally, in 2013, the Con- on each of those who’d been listed groups table. It means “Well gress has passed a bill making it as missing during the Vietnam Done.” a felony to falsify one’s military conflict. Take a peek. record. Much of the effort behind Well Done, indeed and not in the the legislation came from frus- And Bravo Zulu to Capt. McGrath sense that meat is overcooked. tration in priorities of law en- and to the Schantags for a job very forcement and the VA wherein “Well done.” BZ, Bravo Zulu, means your per- those agencies assigned too low formance was outstanding.So I’m a priority to these cases. This bill announcing in this column the takes the place of the one struct Ex-POW Bulletin Bravo Zulu Award to go to some- down by the Supreme Court in July/Aug 2014 one who does incredibly good the case case United States v. 13 On February civilians 3rd the travel- ers were in- vited to spend the day At the University of Santo Tomas where the Museum’s ex- hibit of the campus war time days JVC Alice Gollin, Chair were beauti- by Sascha Jansen fully dis- played, bring- [email protected] ing up old When the Philippine Air Lines memories and a few tears. Rib- Ex-internees with University of Santo Boeing 777, landed at Ninoy bon cutting, Filipino food and Tomas students on the stairs in the lobby of the Main Building Aquino International Airport on welcoming speeches preceded a February 1st, 2015, she carried few hours of storytelling and them in dance; and, they joyfully some pretty important people communicating about the war did. coming to Manila. Exactly seventy years on campus with the stu- years earlier, during WWII, the US dents. Our time with our fami- We shopped, ate and drank well, Armed Forces liberated seventeen lies, showing them around the and rekindled old friendships. of these passengers from their camp where we lived, provided Our visits to special places from prison camps. After being held by special moments of learning and our youth were both rewarding the Japanese military for over reflection. We so appreciated the and sad, and we enjoyed sharing three years, they were given an- hospitality and the generosity of them with our families. How other chance at life. the priests and faculty on this, our very important day of free- wonderful they could be with us. Today, they were accompanied by dom 70 years ago. Thank you to all who came on family members of several Gen- this 70th Anniversary Liberation erations totaling 78 travelers. Our memorable journey ended trip of a lifetime. I hope your Staying at the famed Manila Ho- with an amazing Farewell Dinner journey was enjoyable and fulfill- tel, over night at Tagaytay and at at the Sofitel Hotel. Cocktail hour, ing for you. the French, Sofitel Hotel on Ma- viewing a famous Manila sunset, nila Bay was a welcoming and nos- and a wonderful buffet was held Aloha – Sascha Jansen talgic experience. Many days of out -doors pool side. Native danc- touring Corregidor, Manila City, ers in Filipino attire entertained Intramurus, U.S. Battle Monu- and enticed our group to join ments American Cemetery, Ayala Museum, Fili- BACEPOW pino Heritage Library, Villa Bay Area Civilian Ex- Escudero and Prisoners of War. Los Banos were some of the Membership is open to tour high- all former prisoners lights. of the Japanese, their families, and friends. There is an active descendents group. www.bacepow.net Tom (Blacknblue Ankles) Crosby demonstrates Ex-POW Bulletin his skill at dancing the Tinikling at the Farewell Commander, Angus July/Aug 2015 Dinner - Sofitel Hotel Lorenzen 14 (DoD) re-examined records and con- pow-mia This agency brings together the former cluded that the possibility of iden- Defense Prisoner of War Missing Per- tification of some of these un- sonnel Office (DPMO), the Joint Pris- knowns now existed. oner of War/Missing in Action Account- In the identification of McLaughlin’s ing Command (JPAC), and the Life Sci- remains, scientists from DPAA and ences Equipment Laboratory (LSEL). the Armed Forces DNA Laboratory Consolidating the Department’s person- (AFDIL) used circumstantial evi- dence, dental analysis, and chest ra- nel accounting assets will lead to better diographs, which matched his oversight of family resources and ser- records. vices, research, and operations. The agency will enable the workforce to achieve the fullest possible accounting for Korean War Soldier PNC John Edwards our missing personnel, better anticipate Accounted For Chairman family needs, and adapt to changes in the The Department of Defense POW/ 889 Randall Road DoD and the United States Government. MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) an- nounced that the remains of a U.S. Niskayuna, NY 12309 The agency will also honor our veterans’ sacrifices and confirm an obligation made soldier, unaccounted for from the (518) 393-3907 phone/fax to those serving our country. Korean War, have been identified and were returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Defense POW/MIA Marine Missing From Accounting Agency Army Pfc. Charlie Wilcher Jr., 21, of Korean War Accounted For Sanderville, Ga., was buried June 1, Under the direction of the Secretary The Department of Defense POW/ in Jacksonville, Fla. In late November of Defense, the Undersecretary of MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) an- 1950, Wilcher was assigned to Com- Defense for Policy (USD(P)), and per nounced that the remains of a U.S. pany A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd the 2015 National Defense Authori- serviceman, missing from the Korean Infantry Division (ID), which was de- zation Act (NDAA) passed by Con- War, have been identified and was ployed near the town of Kujang, gress, the Department of Defense returned to his family for burial with North Korea, when their defensive (DoD) formally created one agency full military honors. line was attacked by Chinese forces. responsible for the recovery and ac- Marine Corps Sgt. John McLaughlin, This attack forced the unit to with- counting of missing service members 19, of Pittsburgh, was buried June 6, draw south to a more defensible from past conflicts. Overseen by the in his hometown. In early December position. Before they could disen- USDP and led by Interim Director 1950, McLaughlin and elements of gage, the 2nd ID suffered extensive Rear Admiral Michael T. Franken, the Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Ma- casualties, with numerous men be- Defense POW/MIA Accounting rine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, ing taken captive. Wilcher was re- Agency was established on January occupied positions in Hagaru-ri, ported missing in action Nov. 30, 30, 2015 to more effectively increase North Korea, on the southern end of 1950. the number of missing service per- the Chosin Reservoir. As elements of Between 1990 and 1994, North Ko- sonnel accounted for from past con- the 1st Marine Division began to rea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes flicts and ensure timely and accu- withdraw from Hagaru-ri, Company of human remains believed to con- rate information is communicated to D engaged a large Chinese force tain more than 400 U.S. servicemen their families. east of Hagaru-ri, that hindered the who fought during the war. North company’s withdrawal south to a Korean documents, turned over with more defensible position. During this some of the boxes, indicated that “Keeping the Promise”, “Fulfill battle, McLaughlin was reported some of the remains were recovered their Trust” and “No one left killed in action. from the vicinity where Wilcher was behind” are several of many In 1954, United Nations and Commu- believed to have died. mottos that refer to the ef- nist Forces exchanged the remains From July 3 to July 5, 2001, a joint forts of the Department of De- of war dead in what came to be U.S./Democratic Republic of North fense to recover those who be- called “Operation Glory.” All remains Korea (D.P.R.K.) team excavated a came missing while serving recovered in Operation Glory were purported burial site near Kujang, our nation. The number of turned over to the Army’s Central recovering human remains. Those re- Americans who remain miss- Identification Unit for analysis. The mains, and some of the remains ing from conflicts in this cen- remains they were unable to identify turned over between 1990 and 1994, tury are: World War II were interred as unknowns at the Na- were identified as Wilcher. (73,000+), Korean War (7,852) tional Memorial Cemetery of the Pa- Cold War (126), Vietnam War cific in Hawaii, known as the Ex-POW Bulletin (1,627, 1991 Gulf War (5), and “Punchbowl.” July/Aug 2015 In 2012, with advances in technol- Libya (1). ogy, the Department of Defense 15 In Java he was eventually captured and became incarcerated at Gedung looking Badak camp in Buitenzorg, and then six months later was transported in events for the Dai Nichi Maru back to Singapore, before being transported on the Tofuku Maru to Japan, via Do you Remember Ohashi? Siagon and Formosa. By train he trav- I am currently writing a book about Aug. 9-16, 2015. First Battalion/ elled to Ohashi, Northern Japan and my father’s wartime experience in the Third Marines annual reunion after arriving at the prison camp RAF. His name is Emrys Withey. He will be held in Orlando, Florida there at the end of November 1942, was a wireless operator and was sta- at the Doubletree Hotel. For more remained at until the end of the war. tioned at Alor Star aerodrome in information, contact President Working in the iron ore mines with North Malaya, close to the border Dick Cleary, [email protected] ordinary Japanese people, he mas- with Thailand where the Japanese tered the language and became flu- made their amphibious assault. The ent in Japanese and became an ‘in- Oct. 12-16, 2015. Attention Japanese had a spy in the aerodrome terpreter’ for the prisoners and the USAF, USAFR and ANG RED named Captain Patrick Heenan, a li- guards in the everyday running of the HORSE and Prime BEEF Mem- aison officer with the army, with the camp. Like the Japs, Emrys wasn’t very bers Past and Present. You are result that nearly all the planes at tall and his Welsh accent helped him invited to the REDHORSE Associa- Alor Star and other bases near-by to be easily understand by them. On tion 50th Anniversary Celebration were taken out on the ground, either one occasion he saved the life of an just before take-off or shortly after of the founding of RED HORSE American prisoner who was just too landing. Following their landing the (RH) and Prime BEEF (PB) AF Civil ill to work. My father stepped in and Japs pushed the British troops all the Engineering Construction Units. the Japs laid off him. After the war way down the Malay Peninsula. At the Ramada Inn in Ft Walton my father received a letter from the After leaving the aerodrome he be- Beach, Fl. This is a once in a life- prisoner thanking him for saving his came part of a mobile signal unit li- time experience for all PB & RH life. aising between the retreating forces members. Highlights planned in- On another occasion another Ameri- and headquarters in Singapore and cluding recognizing members of can he helped wasn’t so lucky. He was always one step ahead of the the first units deployed to Viet- had badly hurt his leg and Emrys had battle line, albeit at a safe distance, nam and Thailand including 554, struggled to help him back to the most of the time! After being camp. He and Emrys were friends. It 555, 556, 819, 820 and 823 RED bombed and strafed all the way down was a couple of miles walk from the HORSE Squadrons plus initial the Malay Peninsula, the mobile sig- mines to the camp. The American was Prime BEEF Teams deployed dur- nal unit ended up in Singapore. For a very tall guy, 6’ 4’’. When they got ing 1965-66. Interaction and Pre- two weeks during the bombardment back, the guards who had been sentations by members of cur- of the ‘Fortress Island’, they contin- drinking picked on the American. rent Active Duty 823rd RED HORSE ued operations at Air Headquarters, Emrys once again intervened, but this and Reserve 556 RED HORSE before boarding the Empire Star, just time to no avail. Out of spite for what Squadrons stationed at Hurlburt a couple of days before capitulation. Emrys was trying to do to help him, Field. Review of the major accom- The Empire Star was one of the few they shot the American. They then ships to make it out of Singapore plishments of PB & RH since their made Emrys carry him up the Harbour. With passenger room for inception. Active Duty Update, mountainside and made him dig a only nine, she was crammed with well Golf Tournament and Banquet grave for him. When they got back to in excess of two and half thousand are part of the activities. Recon- the camp they shot Emrys across his evacuees, most of whom were mem- nect with old friends and make mouth shattering his front teeth. bers of the RAF and Australian mili- new ones. Two commemorative I am writing this in the hope that you tary nurses. On board as well were coins designed especially for this may help me with any stories you may scores of Australian deserters who 50th Anniversary Celebration will have about the camp in Ohashi, had clubbed the way to get on board. be available. For more informa- named Sendai 4B. Maybe you were a Most other ship, many of which had tion contact Greg MacDougal at prisoner there at some point and can been carrying women and children, tell me about day today life there, (912) 884-7273; or email at: were simply sunk by the Japs. In spite or in fact anything to do with Emrys’ [email protected] or of being bombed and strafed and wartime experience. Dick Aldinger at (407) 859-7436, taking three direct hits, by a miracle My e-mail address is: e-mail [email protected]. Visit they made to Batavia in Java three [email protected] our website at www.rhassn.us days later. Armed with just rifles and Mt home address is: 20 Mattersey a couple of Ben guns they suc- Close, West Bessacarr, Doncaster Ex-POW Bulletin ceeded in bringing down two of the DN4 7PZ, South Yorkshire, UK July/Aug 2015 Jap planes. Emrys was one of those 16 on deck armed with a rifle. ters and settled down to wait out (about 600 men). We had about 120. the war in our “fur-lined foxhole”. Our ammunition mostly gone, we were ordered to evacuate and try to Your Many years later I met Joseph Rausch, escape to the American lines. I car- the German soldier who owned this ried several grenades and I threw house and grew up in it. He attended them in the direction of a burpgunner tories some of our recon troop reunions who had been harassing me most of S and we spent several pleasant hours the night but I failed to hit him. As I together. ran from the bunker he bounced up and began spraying bullets. Bullets About 5:30 on Saturday morning, snapped all around me, but I man- Captured at December 16th, all hell broke loose. aged to reach an armored car un- “Screaming Meemies” were whistling scathed. I jumped in, slammed the overhead, shells exploding all turret hatch shut and we started Grosslangenfeld around. The house shook, the win- down the road. We got only a few By Paul Thompson dows rattled. I was certain the very yards — the road was blocked and Cpl, 106th Reconnaissance Troop next shell would come through the the German troops were everywhere. [email protected] wall and explode in our bedroom. I Our fight was over. We were all cap- snatched my trousers and tried to tured. put them on but for the life of me I In early December our could not get my legs into the open- It is worth mentioning here that some ings. I threw them aside, jumped into dozens of years later I happened reconnaisance troop received or- my boots, grabbed my overcoat, hel- upon a description of this battle writ- ders to move to France. At the met and rifle and raced for the bun- ten by Lt Gerhard Wurm, one of the time we were stationed in En- ker. I fought the first battle without German officers who led the attack. gland at Stow-On-The-Wold in the trousers. If I had been captured then He wrote that the German command Cotswolds. We embarked at the Germans would have caught me concluded that they were facing an Weymouth and landed at Le Havre not only with my pants down but with armored battalion and not the ex- on December 11. We drove north no pants on at all. Later on during a pected infantry company, hence through France, Belgium, and The lull in the fighting I had a chance to Sunday’s attack with so large a force. Ardennes and set up at go back and recover my trousers. He further wrote that his command Grosslangenfeld, a small hilltop town lost more than 90% of their men at in the German Schnee Eifel. Come daylight the Germans at- Grosslangenfeld and that it was the tacked. Our officers deployed our bitterest fighting that his division — At Grosslangenfeld we replaced an armored cars and with their 37mm the 62nd Volksgrenadiers — encoun- infantry company of the 2nd Division. cannon fire and the machine gun fire tered during their entire Ardennes My job was radio repairman assigned from our several bunkers they were offensive. to the HQR platoon. Since I had been driven back. They regrouped and trained as an infantryman at Fort came at us again and again we drove The Germans forced us out of our Benning and could handle most of them back. The Germans, apparently vehicles and penned us up in some the standard infantry weapons, my deciding we were too strong for kind of animal enclosure, perhaps a secondary assignment was to man them, then redirected their attack pigsty, while they decided what to the light machine gun in bunker against our flanks. The 424th Can- do with us. While waiting there one “Lenny 7 Able”. This bunker over- non Company was to our right and a of my buddies pointed to some looked the A-20, the major road be- troop of the 14th Cavalry to our left. holes in my trousers. They were bul- tween neighboring towns. (Our pla- By Sunday morning these units were let holes. That burpgunner had toon commander was Lt. Leonard virtually destroyed and we were sur- sprayed bullets all about me, but Prosnick, hence the moniker “Lenny rounded. missed me completely except for 7 Able”). My orders were to see that shooting holes in my trousers. no Germans moved on that road. On our front there had been sporadic gunfire throughout the night. Some Later in the day the Germans herded My buddy and I set up housekeep- time after midnight a lucky mortar us out on to the road and marched ing in the second floor bedroom of shell struck our ammunition store. We us to Prum, from there to Gerolstein the farmhouse just above our bun- enjoyed a regular Fourth of July cel- and into boxcars to Limberg. So be- ker. He was an expert “scrounger” ebration with whizzing rockets, fire- gan our months as prisoners of the and brought a footlocker from En- balls and explosions. It was a great Germans gland loaded with cans of chicken, show but the result was we had very peaches, extra “C” rations and other little to fight with when the Germans “goodies”. For my part I had “liber- attacked a third time. They came at ated” two folding cots plus a good us the next morning, this time with Ex-POW Bulletin supply of blankets. Between us we two reinforced infantry companies July/Aug 2015 set up very comfortable living quar- 17 manufacturing town apparently more and more evident, espe- stories, cont’d... still making armaments for the cially at night when the horizon Germans. The town was under at- was lit up by the flames and ex- tack by American bombers. The plosions of the American ad- Part II, next morning we marched in. vance. There was almost nothing left of My Escape from the town, at least of that part we On the night of April 10th our Altengrabow (Stalag 11A) marched through. commando, along with several others, was camped among the Here we experi- trees beside a country dirt road. enced one of the Behind us were thick woods, in most painful front open country without a tree and poignant ex- in sight. During the night my periences of our buddy and I heard shots coming time in prison. from the areas of the other com- Our commando mandos. (My buddy was Carlton was under the Schilcher, a fellow Recon trouper. command of a We teamed up early on and re- feldwebel, an mained together for the rest of old man in our the war.) The shots sounded like eyes and a vet- executions to us. eran of the Ger- man Army. He The Americans were no more was about 40 than a day or two in front of us and as guards and we reasoned that perhaps go he was more their guards had received orders than decent. He to execute their prisoners. Noth- allowed rests ing like this was happening in our from time to time and permit- area but we decided not to wait One morning in early April we ted us to help those who had be- and see what developed. Behind Americans were ordered out of come too weak to keep up. On us were thick woods and in front our barracks, separated into previous marches guards forced open meadows. We reasoned that groups of 30 or so and marched us to abandon the weak. They the guards would expect escape west toward the American front. were then shot or bayoneted. attempts to be made through the We were to be “arbeit comman- From time to time he even dis- woods but wouldn’t expect any- dos:” (work details) sent to repair tributed apples from his knap- body to try the open country. So the railroads damaged by the sack. This feldwebel was from we took off across the open coun- Americans. We were all in bad Halberstad and we marched past try. As it turned out we were shape, weak and sick from a win- where his house had stood. A right. Several men were shot ter of sawdust bread and turnip bomb had destroyed his house trying to escape through the “soup”. Marching was hard but utterly, killing his wife, two chil- woods but we got away unmo- few of us were unhappy about dren and both of his parents—his lested. We hid out during the being on the road. Any way of get- entire family. He absolutely fell rest of the night and emerged ting outside the barbwire was apart. about midmorning when the welcome. Those of you who have mobile artillery of an American been prisoners will fully appre- Our hearts went out to him. He division roared by travelling fast. ciate how wonderful it felt. Be- was a decent man, but we were (I don’t remember their number sides, the German countryside in the enemy and we had destroyed but their patch was a black buf- early spring was pretty nice. his life. I know that there were falo on a gold background.) thousands on both sides who Also outside the barbed wire es- have suffered similar tragedies Now came the scary time. I was cape became a possibility. but this one was up close and per- wearing a German field jacket sonal. It hurt. War is indeed and a Serbian barracks cap. After two or three days of march- Hell. Carlton wore a French overcoat. ing we neared Halberstad, a As we approached a jeep full of The next day we continued our soldiers we worried whether they Ex-POW Bulletin march under the command of would welcome us or shoot and July/Aug 2015 another feldwebel. As we ask later. We needn’t have wor- 18 marched west, the front became the mine sweeper he served on ton. For four weeks. Dodging stories, cont’d... since breaking his mother’s heart mines; strafed by American by enlisting at seventeen and planes; dead men thrown over- ried. They thought we were the shipping off from Arkansas to board every day or so. sorriest looking soldiers they’d San Diego then Hawaii and then ever seen and drove us to the the Philippines. When the rescue And he marched into Hoten company mess. They were cer- ship went down, he was a sailor Camp in Mukden, the old Impe- tainly wrong about being sorry. without a ship in Air Force cov- rial Capital a hundred and eighty At that moment we were the hap- eralls fighting beach defense with miles south of Vladivostok, Rus- piest men on earth. Being free the Marines. The Army awarded sia. And he laughed at them for is a day none of us will ever for- him a Bronze Star. thinking he was defeated, freed by get. At mess they were serving the comfort of living on bor- ham with raisin sauce and sweet Shelled and shot at like so many rowed time and the surety of see- potatoes. others, he never took it person- ing the enemy clearly in front of

ally. He knew there were only two him every day. We devoured it! The mess ser- ways off the island: killed or cap- geant hovered about soaking up tured, one or the other inevitable. Christmas ’43, he caught pneu- our praises and obvious delight A signalman took the final mes- monia–in the middle of a Man- in his cooking. Perhaps that’s the sages from FDR (“May God be churian winter–and they threw first (and maybe the only time) with you”) and MacArthur him lifeless into the charnel any G.I. ever said anything good (“You’re on your own”). Then house on top of frozen bodies about Army cooking, but on that Bataan fell. And the offensive stacked like cord wood awaiting day it was the finest in the world. moved in his direction with the burial with the spring thaw… but (“Devoured” is perhaps too strong former “Battling Bastards” serv- he rose again to laugh that huge, a word. We actually ate very ing as mobile cover for the Japa- hard laugh. carefully fully aware that too nese onslaught, tactically bril- much rich food after months of liant in its own way, and Japan And to dance. starvation is dangerous.) was not a signatory to the Geneva Convention. And he married, and he raised a The Americans moved on and we family. were left on our own for several On the eve of his twenty-first days. Carlton and I hooked up birthday, he knew he’d never see And he laughed and told his sto- with some British troops who twenty-one. Then Corregidor fell, ries. Undiminished by all he’d had been captured in the and he slept, the suspense now seen; all he’d endured. Strength- Dodecanese Islands. Our experi- over with his capture. ened by it, truth be told. ence with them is another story in itself. After a few days we The line grew shorter as naked And his punch line was often: managed to get a ride on a 4x4 soldiers were marched off a cliff “And then, they worked us over.” back to Hìldescheim. From there at bayonet point. Not sure what And he didn’t give a shit for all we were sent to Camp Lucky he would do–just that he that. Strike and back to the U.S. on a wouldn’t jump–he spotted an un- Navy transport. manned machine gun, knowing he He didn’t just survive; he thrived. wouldn’t make it but knowing he Unconquered no matter what was I was home in Chicago by May would try. Then a Japanese Lieu- thrown at him. 16th, my 20th birthday. tenant with better sense and some humanity showed up and And in his last chapter he mel- put a stop to that particular car- lowed... A little. nage, and the prisoners walked One, Three, Thirteen away in Death March to And he became an old man. (What By Dan Carter Cabanatuan. were the odds of that?) And al- Son of Harold Carter most made ninety-two. And those who survived that hor- Once it was apparent to just about ror were shipped to Japan. And And finally… once again… he was everyone that nothing could kill those still healthy were trans- liberated. him, he simply died. ported to Japanese-held China, crammed in the hold of a Hell Ex-POW Bulletin Ship like African slaves trans- They sunk two ships under him July/Aug 2015 in the Pacific in the early days of ported from Senegal to Charles- World War II. First his Tanager, 19 been identified as a military man, Long Delayed was beaten, tortured and shot at point blank range and to the hor- POW Medals ror of the world watching, his by Alice A. Booher body was dumped on the Beirut tarmac. He was buried with full Anyone with a television in 1985 military honors in Section 59, watched with horror as the inci- along with other casualties of ter- dent played out in graphic color rorism, at Arlington National involving the half-dozen young Cemetery. His burial took place active duty sailors. One man was while his team members re- praised at the time of his very a 20-year career as a Navy Senior mained in captivity. public murder, but for the rest, Chief and then as a civilian; his appropriate public recognition mother served in the Navy before At the time of his death, Stethem took an inordinately long time. having a family and then contin- was a Steelworker Second Class; Now, 30 years later, all 6 men have ued to serve at the U.S. Court of awarded the Purple Heart and been awarded the POW medal, fit- Appeals for the Armed Forces. Bronze Star, he was promoted tingly during 2015 which is des- He had one brother who was a posthumously to Master Chief ignated The Year of the Navy Navy Seal and another a Navy Constructionman (CUCM). An Diver. Diver. Robert Stethem joined the Aegis Arleigh-Burke-class de- U.S. Navy on May 4, 1981 as a stroyer bearing Stethem’s name The POW’s names are: Lt. Stuart Seebee Steelworker assigned to was commissioned in 1995 and Dahl; CWO3 Tony Watson; Master Naval Mobile Construc- Chief Equipment Operator (DV/ tion Battalion 62 in SWC) Jeffrey Ingalls; Master Chief Gulfport, MS. He had Constructionman (DV/SWC) Ken- tours on Diego Garcia neth Bowen; Construction Electri- and Guam, and became cian 2nd Class (DV/SWC) Clinton a 2nd Class Navy Diver Suggs; and Robert Stethem, the assigned to the Navy’s one name that might seem famil- Underwater Construc- iar. All had been 1st or 2nd Class tion Team One in Little CPOs at the time of capture on Creek, VA. June 14, 1985. In June 1985, Stethem and 5 of his team boarded commercial TWA Flight 847 in Ath- ens (bound from Cairo to San Diego) as they re- turned from an assign- ment in Nen Makrik, Greece. The flight was hijacked by Hezbollah and Islamic-Jihad affili- ated members (Amal militia), who held 39 people hostage for 17 days, de- christened by his mother Patricia. manding release of 766 Lebanese His brother Kenneth later ac- and Palestinian prisoners held in cepted awards on his behalf Israel. While public media was onboard the USS STETHEM (DDG- glued to their every move, the 63) (now based in Yokosuka). hijackers diverted the plane sev- Since his death, numerous Robert Dean Stethem was born in eral times between Beirut and schools, sport complexes, a Navy November 1961. His father had Algiers, eventually landing in Lodge and streets have been Beirut on June 16, 1985. The named for Stethem, and the Ex-POW Bulletin POWs remained captive in the movie The Delta Force was based plane. When hijacker’s demands on the story. July/Aug 2015 were rejected, Stethem, who had 20 Medals, cont’d...

However, in a quirk of ironic tim- ognition. A letter writing cam- Henderson Hall, located at Fort ing, these 6 men did not receive paign ensued. Once the official Lesley J. McNair, RADM Kate Gre- one medal they had earned by decision was made to award the gory, chief of civil engineers at their actions. The POW Medal was POW Medal and announced on De- Naval Facilities Engineering Com- not officially authorized [under cember 3, 2014, the men them- mand, stated: “These men were Public Law 99-145, 99 Stat. 665, 10 selves agreed that they would ac- not prepared for who the enemy USC 1028] until November 1985, cept it only if they could receive was, or what that battlefield was several months after their cap- it as a team, so that is what was going to be. Those brave men ture. Many POW Medals have arranged. instead displayed the honor, since been awarded posthu- courage and commitment then mously and retroactively; how- On a beautiful day in Washington, that all of our sailors and offic- ever, none of these 6 men re- April 24, 2015, Navy Secretary Ray ers aspire to demonstrate today”. ceived it simply because their Mabus presented the POW med- names were inadvertently never als to the 5 men who were present Said Navy Secretary Mabus: “I’m submitted for consideration. with close family members, and privileged to be able to present to Stethem’s parents and two this medal to each of you so that All 5 of the remaining POWs re- brothers. At the understated in- you know the Navy recognizes turned to active service in the timate ceremony held on the your courageous action you took Navy, but did not serve again to- Potomac waterfront, framed by nearly 30 years ago, but also, gether as a diving team; all retired cherry trees in full bloom, in Americans everywhere are re- honorably many years later, tell- front of the Inter-American De- minded of who the brave men ing their story fense College of Joint Base Myer- and women of the Navy are”. In- to a few com- ter-American Defense College Di- rades but not rector RADM Martha E.G. Herb seeking special said: “To the Stethems, we can notice. A friend never fill the space left in your of one of the heart from the parting of your men thought son. But we can show you that this should be he is not forgotten”. Well earned, rectified, and and long overdue indeed. went to the Navy Diver Foundation which took up Ex-POW Bulletin the cause of July/Aug 2015 their receiving appropriate rec- 21 Veterans participated in the AL- the first enlisted women to serve TBI Pilot Program in 47 facilities our country. Special presenta- News located in 22 states. Currently, tions will be held throughout the 101 Veterans participate in the year highlighting the various pilot as VA continues to accept roles Reserve Sailors have played Briefs new eligible patients into the pro- throughout history, including gram. lectures, book events, and panel discussions. In October, VA issued a request VA Extends Program for proposal (RFP) for vendors wishing to participate in the pro- American Freed for Veterans with Trau- gram. In accordance with the RFP, A freelance journalist who was matic Brain Injury VA has awarded 20 contracts to among several Americans held Contracts Awarded to Assisted Liv- facilities located in 27 states. The by Iranian-backed Shiite rebels in ing Providers contracts went into effect on Yemen was set free June 1st as a April 1, 2015. The program is cur- French hostage abducted in rently effective through October The Department of Veterans Af- Yemen by an unknown party 2017, in accordance with VACAA. fairs (VA) today announced the appeared in a video pleading for award of 20 contracts for the As- help. State Department sisted Living Pilot Program for lessing of the Fleets spokeswoman Marie Harf said Veterans with Traumatic Brain B that freelance journalist Casey Injury (AL-TBI). Originally slated The United States Navy Coombs, who was injured, has to end in 2014, the Veterans Ac- Memorial’s 24th Blessing of the been released and is in Oman. cess, Choice, and Accountability Fleets took place on April 11, and Act of 2014 (“VACAA”) extended is annual ritual intended to safe- The rebels, known as Houthis, this program through October guard crews and ships from the seized Yemen’s capital last year 2017. danger of the seas through a and have been the target of a U.S.- blessing given by a clergyman at backed and Saudi-led air “We are pleased to extend this the water’s edge. During the Navy campaign since March 26. valuable program and provide Memorial’s ceremony, sailors Neighboring Oman mediated the specialized assisted living ser- from the U.S. Navy’s Ceremonial deal to release Coombs, a vices to eligible Veterans with Guard proceed across the out- freelance reporter working for traumatic brain injury that will door plaza’s “Granite Sea” to pour The Intercept online news enhance their rehabilitation, water from the Seven Seas and website and other publications. quality of life and community Great Lakes into the surrounding integration,” said Dr. Carolyn fountains, “charging” them to life Clancy, VA’s Interim Under Sec- and welcoming the spring sea- retary for Health, “TBI is one of son. Navy Memorial was honored Groundbreaking Device the prevalent wounds of the re- to have VADM Robin Braun, Chief cent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan of Navy Reserve as guest speaker. Being Tested By VA May and VA remains committed to Put End to Pressure taking care of those Veterans suf- This year’s Blessing of the Fleets fering from TBI.” also marked the launch of the U.S. Ulcers Navy Memorial’s “The Year of the Helps detect the earliest signs of Under the AL-TBI program, Veter- Navy Reserve Centennial” exhibit ulcer formation ans meeting the eligibility crite- and special programming. The ria are placed in private sector new exhibit honors the Navy Pressure ulcers (commonly TBI residential care facilities spe- Reserve’s proud tradition of ser- known as bed sores) are one of cializing in neurobehavioral reha- vice and will run through April the most troublesome and pain- bilitation. The program offers 2016. The exhibit showcases the ful complications for patients team-based care and assistance in history of the Reserves as well as during a long hospital stay, but a areas such as speech, memory its current mission and goals for joint project between the Depart- and mobility. Approximately 202 their next century of service. The ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) exhibit features ship models and Center for Innovation and Gen- Ex-POW Bulletin rare historical artifacts including eral Electric (GE) Global Research a World War I Naval Reserve may one day make pressure ul- July/Aug 2015 Aviator’s uniform, as well as a cers a thing of the past. 22 uniform worn by a Yeoman (F), 2.5 million patients per year de- tionary Forces, detached the news, cont’d... velop pressure ulcers, which re- 369th to serve with the French quire treatment. army on the front lines, Obama A multi-disciplinary team of sci- said. entists have combined an array of “Pressure ulcers are a very per- sensing and analytical tools, in- vasive, but also very preventable Shemin, who lied about his age cluding motion analysis, thermal condition for hospital patients,” to join the Army, was a Jewish- profiling, image classification/ said Ting Yu, GE’s Principal In- American from Bayonne, N.J., segmentation, 3-D object recon- vestigator on the pressure ulcer whose Russian immigrant par- struction and vapor detection prevention and care program. ents had survived the anti- into a single medical sensing “The device can help detect the Semitic pogroms in Europe to handheld probe to assess and earliest signs of ulcer formation. come to America. Shemin braved monitor the progression of bed It also provides a more objective machine gun fire repeatedly to sores or pressure ulcers. and comprehensive assessment race into “No Man’s Land” to res- of the wound to understand its cue wounded comrades while The device is currently in pilot progression. We’re now testing serving with the 47th Infantry testing at the Augusta, Georgia, this device with VA in a clinical Regiment, 4th Division. VA Medical Center Spinal Cord setting to see if it provides the Injury Unit. The probe integrates kind of information that will In saying “thanks” to Shemin and multiple sensing capabilities with help hospitals reduce and one Johnson, Obama noted that “it analytics and user support fea- day eliminate pressure ulcers takes our nation too long, some- tures to more acutely measure from developing with patients.” times, to say so. We have work to pressure ulcer formation and/or do as a nation to make sure that to determine if an ulcer is heal- all of our heroes’ stories are told.” ing. WWI Medal of Honor “The least we can do is to say, ‘We “The collaboration with GE is an- Recipients know who you are, we know what other example of the innovative you did for us. We are forever work VA is doing with our private “It’s never too late to say thank grateful,’” Obama said. sector colleagues to advance the you,” President Obama said June science of health care for our Vet- 2nd in a White House ceremony erans,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, for the posthumous award of VA Caregiver Program VA’s Interim Under Secretary for Medals of Honor to two On April 23, 2015, Senator Murray Health. “We are pleased to work “doughboys” of the Great War. introduced S.1085, the Military with GE to pilot a technology that and Veteran Caregiver Services holds the promise of revolution- Ninety-seven years after they Improvement Act of 2015, and izing the protocol for preventing fought in the World War I “No Representative Langevin intro- and treating painful bed sores. We Man’s Land” of France, Pvt. Henry duced a similar bill in the House, know that if patients are not Johnson and Sgt. William Shemin H.R. 1969. This important mea- turned on a regular basis, they can were accorded the nation’s high- sure would extend to all veterans develop bed sores during their est award for valor. with a serious service-connected hospital stay as pressure builds injury or illness eligibility to par- up on their skin. By combining Speaking in the East Room of the ticipate in the Department of Vet- physical inspection with the tech- White House, Obama said that erans Affairs (VA) program of nology capable of allowing real- the nation’s sad legacy of dis- comprehensive assistance to time monitoring, we may be able crimination was a factor in de- family caregivers of such veter- to prevent ulcers from forming nying the honor for so long to ans. Under current law, such eli- or advancing. This innovation is both Johnson and Shemin. gibility is limited to those veter- about providing the best care to ans who incurred a serious injury, our Veterans and collaborations Johnson, who fought the Ger- but not an illness, on or after Sep- like this one with GE helps us do mans with a rifle butt and his tember 11, 2001. just that.” “Bolo” knife, served with the all- black 369th Regiment, known as Individuals with spinal cord in- the “Harlem Hellfighters.” Be- juries with loss of sensation and cause blacks were not deemed fit mobility are particularly at risk to serve in combat by the U.S., Ex-POW Bulletin for developing pressure ulcers. In Gen. John J. Pershing, com- July/Aug 2015 U.S. hospitals alone, an estimated mander of the American Expedi- 23 rent designated federal liaison news, cont’d... Some of these at the VA are of officer is Eric Robinson); the com- long duration (like FPOWs); oth- mittee meets twice a year; and Flash: Advisory Update ers are recent; some (like FPOWs) members may include a variety have been mandated by Congress; of areas including FPOWs of by Alice A. Booher others have been created by the course as well as specialists in Secretary to assess special VA epidemiology, mental health, nu- Arthur Goldberg, who gained in- policies or programs. In the last trition, geriatrics and internal sider knowledge of Washington few months, Secretary McDonald medicine; VA employees may be as Labor Secretary, Supreme has appointed numerous new members, but for the most part, Court Justice and Ambassador to members to several committees; members are Special Govern- the UN, has been quoted as say- established a new Committee ment Employees. ing that: “If Columbus had an ad- within VA to guide its programs visory committee he would prob- (“MyVA”); and has reconstituted In January 2014, under the direc- ably still be at the dock”. That the Special Medical Advisory tion of Jeff “Boomer” Moragne, assessment may well be true in Group, to be chaired by Dr. the VA Advisory Committee Man- some circumstances, but the cur- Jonathan Perlin, to assist the VA agement Office (ACMO) was reor- rent Secretary of the Department in delivering health care to the 9- ganized and expanded to provide of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert million enrolled in the Veterans administrative oversight and McDonald is determined to make Health Administration. support for all of the VA’s advi- sure that this is not the case sory committees. The ACMO has within his organization, and is It is fair to say that the VA since held training sessions, and undertaking a number of efforts Secretary’s Advisory Committee in September 2014, it updated the to ensure that goal. In fact, within on Former Prisoners of War management guideline for the the VA, the Secretary has 24 fed- (FPOWS), is well-recognized as first time in 11 years. At the No- eral advisory committees (out of having had significant impact on vember 2014 meeting of the FPOW the some 1,000 in Washington as legislation and policy over the Committee in Seattle, Moragne a whole [established under the years, and its deliberations and briefed the committee on the Federal Advisory Committee Act, recommendations carry excep- Secretary’s mandate for a sub- P.L. 92-463]. The respective con- tional credibility. The Secretary’s committee charged with provid- stituencies within the VA range FPOW Advisory Committee pre- ing guidance on several matters from environmental hazards to viously has been discussed within the FPOW committee. The minority veterans, women, pros- herein, but it is the right time to subcommittee, consisting of thetics, rehabilitation, readjust- discuss it a bit more thoroughly NamPows Bob Certain and Chair ment, rural health, Gulf War Ill- in the current context. Hal Kushner, and Persian Gulf nesses, geriatrics and gerontol- POW Rhonda Cornum reported ogy, homeless, etc. The FPOW Committee, as summa- back at the Spring 2014 FPOW rized in a memorandum signed meeting in Washington with rec- March 20, 2012 by then Secretary ommendations to include more Eric Shinseki, is authorized by finite terms, successive term statute, 38 U.S. Code § 541, and limitations, membership num- operates under the Federal Advi- bers, representation to include sory Committee Act as amended having the Director of the (5 U.S.C. App. 2). The Committee’s Mitchell Center for POW Studies purpose is to advise the Secretary as an ex-officio member, and re- on administration of benefits quiring that a member attend no under 38 U.S.C. for veterans who fewer than 50% of the meetings are former POWs, and the needs for reappointment. Among other of those veterans in areas of ser- business to be described below, vice-connected compensation, the report was discussed by the health care and rehabilitation; assembled FPOW Committee and duties include reviewing VA pro- forwarded along with the other grams and activities and devel- written recommendations of the oping recommendations for meeting to the Secretary for con- both administrative and legisla- sideration. Ex-POW Bulletin tive action. Support to the Com- July/Aug 2015 mittee is through the Veterans The agenda for the April 27-29, 24 Benefits Administration (the cur- 2015 meeting was full, chaired by saster Response and Post De- news, cont’d... ployment Activities; and learn- ing consultant Dr. Robert Kroft of the Cleveland Center, EES, placing focus on expanding fac- ulty for training programs, ap- propriate and ongoing certifica- tions, securing funding, chang- ing format including for the scheduled session in Atlanta in August 2015 to include both face to face and electronic-based learning capabilities. This was familiar with the program, citing NamPow Dr. Tom McNish, and at- followed by housekeeping their highly motivated people in- tended by former POWs/FPOW chores; a brief discussion by cluding nursing staff, social Committee Members: Bob Alice Booher of the expected ac- worker Holly Darling (at the Frank Fletcher (Korean Conflict), Hal tivities at the National POW Mu- Tejada VA Outpatient Clinic) and Kushner and Bob Certain, Norm seum in Andersonville for the Dr. Dean Kellogg; conducting 2 Bussel (WWII), Mike Ambrose, 150th Anniversary of the Civil POW evaluations a week and sched- Tom Hanton and Paul Galanti War in September. An open tele- uling several months in advance; (Vietnam), and Rhonda Cornum, phone forum [adeptly orches- asking FPOWs to tell their stories; accompanied by several spouses trated by VA’s Leslie Williams, practical help such as a pop-up for and other VA and public observ- who served as an extraordinary FPOWs on the menu bar for medi- ers. The first day included a brief- resource during the meeting], cal records; and something men- ing by Anna Crenshaw, Asst. Dir., was held between all FPOW com- tioned in other contexts, prompt Policy, Procedures and Outreach mittee members and call-in notification of the designated POW for the Benefits Assistance Ser- FPOW Field Coordinators. The Advocate on any POW admission. vice, who noted their focus on Kushner Subcommittee report backlogs, targeting POW outreach was discussed in closed ses- All in all, it can be noted that it was with 400 hours, and a 700,000 to- sion. Additional specific sup- a very positive meeting and VA was tal outreach in 2014; a Twitter port during the meeting was seen to making some real demon- Town Hall to try to reach fami- provided by several VA staffers strated, documented progress in lies, grandkids and expanded out- including a returned Marine several areas. The Fall 2015 meet- reach to FPOW them- Mike ing promises to be special, and by selves, is scheduled Gibbs, then, it is anticipated that the Sec- for September. Office whoretary may have responded to the of General Counsel’s served in many proposals submitted by the Purnima Boominathan Afghani- FPOW group. Two further observa- provided an unusually stan and tions: (1) As Secretary McDonald palatable ethics brief- is now a has noted at his Confirmation ing, as were others manage- hearings on The Hill, and since in given by Danny ment public forums, his father-in-law Pummill, Principal analyst was a WWII POW who participated Deputy under Secre- in the Of- in the VA system, so he has a spe- tary for Benefits (with his boss fice of Policy and Planning. The cial understanding; and (2) Soon Tom Murphy in the audience); third day included finalizing after the FPOW meeting in April Madhulika Agarwal, M.D., Deputy the reports. A decision was 2015, a special and unusual meet- Secretary for Heath for Policy and made to have the October 5-7, ing was held in Washington of all Services, VHA; and by Marion 2015 meeting in San Antonio, TX the VA Advisory Committee Sherman, M.D., Chief, Mental to see, among other things, Chairs on May 11, 2015, at which Health VA Loma Linda, on a pro- their extraordinary POW Clinic, time the Secretary made it clear posal she raised to Secretary part of the Geriatric Research, that he expects concerted, positive McDonald at a Town Hall at her Education and Clinical Center. collaborative help to tell good vet- location relating to an automatic Information on the facility and eran and VA stories. That should grants of benefits to FPOWs. The copies of the detailed opera- be doable. second day included a compre- tional manual established by Ex-POW Bulletin hensive tandem briefing by Stacy the Clinic were provided by Dr. Pollock, M.D., Associate Chief McNish and endorsed by others July/Aug 2015 Consultant for Mental Health Di- 25 news, cont’d... San Antonio Veterans Day Parade Blue Water Claims Korean War Ex-POW Oscar Cortez was among The Court of Appeals for Veteran the veterans honored Claims has made a landmark rul- ing that will help many Navy and Coast Guard vets who have been classified as Blue Water Sailors. The case was Gray vs McDonald and was decided on April 24, 2015. This will greatly benefit many Viet Nam Navy veterans effected by Agent Orange. In it they de- clared that the Harbors of Danang, Cam Ranh Bay, and Vung Tau must now be classified Brown water instead of Blue water. Basi- cally the court said these ports were classified as deep-water but should have been classified as being in the spray area and not by the fact that large vessels could enter them.

The VA must now declare all ves- sels that entered these harbors as dioxin (AO) exposed and compen- sate the sailors on them that have presumptive diseases that are recognized as having their gen- esis in AO exposure.

In regard to service in mouth of rivers, such as minesweepers, the court said that even the VA Sec- Mrs. Delia Guajardo, San Antonio retary declared that there is no Veterans Association definite boundaries of a river President and Oscar Cortez mouths, therefore they cannot just make a decision by “flipping a coin” as to what vessels were exposed and which were not. The court further stated that inland water service cannot be limited to the ships that are on their “of- ficial” ships list. The emphasis should be on the likelihood of ex- posure to herbicide and that the fact that a large river’s brown wa- ter plume can extend far out to sea. It stated that the use of “mouth” and “borders” around

Ex-POW Bulletin Howard Ray, 1st Sgt. Color July/Aug 2015 Bearer, Bexar County Buffalo Photos courtesy of Howard Ray 26 Soldier Color Guard out having to switch websites, news, cont’d... Marine Corps Memorial call multiple numbers or file The famous bronze U.S. Marine large amounts of redundant pa- Viet Nam may extend well beyond perwork. The goal? A single uni- the physical land mass of a river Corps War Memorial overlooking Washington that depicts Marines fied digital experience that and the VA’s current interpreta- makes it easier for veterans to tion of the code of Federal Regu- raising the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II has be- get the benefits they deserve, ac- lations that cover this area are cording to Allin. “arbitrary and capricious”. gun turning green with age but now will be restored with a $5.37 The Veterans Affairs Department To put the icing on the cake, the million gift. Philanthropist David Rubenstein announced 29 APR has been pushing to improve cus- court ruled that the VA’s reliance tomer service under the current on the IOM’s (Institute of Medi- that he will give the National Park Foundation the funds needed to VA secretary Bob McDonald. Allin cine) 2011 report on dioxin expo- is spearheading many of the cus- sure is unacceptable because the wash, wax and restore the memo- rial and its plaza and landscap- tomer service issues that veter- IOM was “to general and inconclu- ans deal with every day. “The two sive in nature”. ing. Improvements are also planned for the memorial’s biggest initiatives that I am fo- signage and access for handi- cused on right now is to try to This means that the VA’s rating capped visitors. The project will make everything we do more con- system cannot conclusively con- also restore the memorial’s en- sistent and number two, make it tend that that some offshore ves- gravings to be much brighter. The easier,” Allin said. Once veterans sels were NOT contaminated by 61-year-old memorial honors all register, the website will auto- AO. Finally, the court ordered the who have given their lives in the matically know their eligibility VA to redraw its lines and rules U.S. Marine Corps. It depicts a fa- levels for different programs and as to what are the proper bound- mous incident of World War II will tailor their experience using aries and “exercise its fair and after a bloody battle when the that information, according to considered judgment to define Americans moved to capture the Allin. The website will also notify inland waterways in a manner island of Iwo Jima to help bring the veteran of various programs consistent with the regulations the war to an end. This new res- they are eligible for but are not with emphasis on the probabil- toration effort will be the first using. “The goal will be that vet- ity of exposure”. In essence they comprehensive refurbishment of erans will eventually be able to said the present methods are pa- the memorial since President get everything taken care of tently unfair. Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated online with a single sign on. They it in 1954, though it has had rou- will be able to add a dependent, This ruling should bode well for tine maintenance over the years, change their address, schedule an sailors and Coast Guardsmen said National Park Service Direc- appointment or check on their who sailed and flew into areas claim status and get everything that should have been considered tor Jonathan Jarvis. done online in a seamless way contaminated long ago. However, versus what they are doing today for all vets who may have a claim across multiple websites” in the works, the regulations are VA Website going to have to be promulgated Veterans will soon be able to log While the website will begin as a by the VA and they must decide in to just one website to manage “wireframe” the VA will add new if they wish to honor past claims their benefits, apply for doctors’ functions to it monthly, until as they may look at this as new appointments, and determine they have a working model that rules that did not apply when the their eligibility for programs. serves veterans in an easy-to-un- original case was denied. The VA Tom Allin, the first chief veter- derstand and streamlined way, can be very obtuse about how ans experience officer at the Vet- Allin said. The VA is integrating they honor a change of the code erans Affairs Department, said in more than 200 different data- of Federal Regulations. They also an interview with Federal Times bases across the agency in order have a right to appeal this to the the website will go live around to gather information related to U.S. district Court but that is very May 20, 2015, but will first be military service, contract infor- doubtful. open to around 50 veterans to mation, demographics and how Synopsis prepared by: Mike Day, help beta test the navigation, they are currently using VA ser- Veteran Service Officer. Catholic fonts and organization of the vices in order to make sure the War Veterans USA new portal. By the end of the year, Ex-POW Bulletin all veterans will be able to use Veterans.gov to manage more July/Aug 2015 than 350 benefit programs with- 27 or more between Aug. 1, 1953, and leaders have decried as poten- news, cont’d... Dec. 31, 1987. tially taking away medical care from tens of thousands of veter- agency at every level has the in- ans. formation they need to provide VA Budget good customer service, Allin 2016 said. The VA is also working on Senate appropriators approved VAVS “Summer of consolidating what Allin said plans for nearly a 3 percent in- were more than 1,000 hotlines crease in the Veterans Affairs Service” available to veterans across the Department’s budget next year, The Department of Veterans Af- agency. Instead, veterans will just slightly above what House law- fairs announced a new nation- call one phone number, and the makers approved earlier this wide initiative designed to build person answering will have access month and slightly below what upon its existing partnerships to to all the information they need White House officials had asked grow the number of individuals to help. If a veteran requires spe- for. The move all but guarantees and organizations serving Veter- cial assistance, they will simply the department will see yet an- ans in their communities. The be transferred to someone who other money boost next year, de- Department is renewing its com- can help them, instead of requir- spite tightening budget and mitment to Veterans and embark- ing veterans to call a different spending caps on most other fed- ing upon a “Summer of Service” number, Allin said. “My goal is eral agencies. Since the start of that seeks the help of citizens that we have some visible the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, across the country to honor that changes in the next three months. VA’s budget has risen by almost commitment. And I am sure that some of the $100 billion, nearly triple the initiatives that we have will have department’s total spending in “We have made progress over the a significant impact on the vet- the late 1990s. But the Senate plan past year addressing the chal- erans,” Allin said. also sets up a potentially conten- lenges we face in delivering care tious summer conference fight and benefits to millions of Vet- over next year’s VA budget. Hill erans and their families,” said Camp Lejeune conservatives want to curb some Secretary of Veterans Affairs of that growth and have pushed From the 1950s through the Robert A. McDonald. “While there for reductions in VA construc- 1980s, people living or working is more work to do to honor our tion funding until high-profile at the U.S. Marine Corps Base sacred commitment to Veterans, problems with the program are Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, we also recognize that VA cannot resolved. VA officials insist the were potentially exposed to do it alone. We are asking Ameri- White House’s full budget re- drinking water contaminated cans everywhere to join the Sum- quest is critical to keep outreach with industrial solvents, benzene mer of Service and help us give and reform efforts on track. The and other chemicals. This chemi- back to those who have given so Senate Appropriations Commit- cal exposure may have led to much to our nation.” tee approved a total VA budget of health conditions. These 15 $163.7 billion for fiscal 2016 op- health conditions qualify regard- In the coming weeks, VA will be erations, about $500 million ing the contaminates: esophageal working closely with Congres- above the House plan and $850 cancer, breast cancer, kidney can- sional partners, Veterans Service million below the Obama cer, multiple myeloma, renal tox- Organizations, Mayors and local administration’s request. The icity, female infertility, sclero- communities, private sector and differences in the plans all come derma, non-Hodgkin’s lym- non-profit organizations, and VA in discretionary spending, which phoma, lung cancer, bladder can- employees to identify new and totals $69.2 billion in the Senate cer, leukemia, myelodysplastic innovative ways to support VA’s version. The House plan would syndromes, hepatic steatosis, commitment to care for those trim hundreds of millions in re- miscarriage or neurobehavioral who “have borne the battle” and quested spending from major effects. You may be eligible for their families. As part of VA’s and minor construction ac- VA health benefits if you served Summer of Service, the Depart- counts, while the Senate’s would on active duty or resided (family ment has committed to holding trim about $100 million in re- members) at Camp Lejeune for 30 an open house in VA facilities the quests for nonrecurring mainte- days week of 28 JUN to spur increased nance at medical facilities. Both local engagement and welcome Ex-POW Bulletin plans call for $255 million less members of the community in- Ex-POW Bulletin than the White House wants for Sept/Oct 2012 terested in supporting the needs July/Aug 2015 Veterans Health Administration of Veterans. 2818 budget accounts, cuts that VA USAF 50th Anniversary Wreath-Laying Ceremony Arlington, Virginia Dr. James & Diane Tuorila 1570 13th Ave SE St. Cloud, MN 56304

General Mark a Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the USAF presided over the ceremony which honored Major Hayden J. Lockhart the first USAF pilot shot down and captured during the Vietnam War on 3-2-1965 and other later POWs and those still MIA. In attendance were family members and several former VN POWs including Everett Alvarez and Leon Ellis. The ceremony included a flyover by a B- 52 bomber and presentation of a wreath. It was an emotional time remembering and honoring the brave Airmen who sacrificed so much in service to their country.

Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 29 POW DIARIES ARE VERY take them via Koblenz through the Bulge but veterans were greeted by IMPORTANT to Stalag XII-A, a huge was captured and be- the Belgian King and transit camp at Diez 30 came a POW during fol- Queen, the Grand Duke Patrick Hinchy miles east of Koblenz, lowing the 1945 cam- of Luxembourg, the US Milspec Tours for allocation to other paign in the Rhineland. Ambassadors to Bel- [email protected] Stalags. But because Luckily for us, he has gium and Luxembourg, Koblenz was an impor- turned his World War II their Prime Ministers, POW war diaries are of tant Rhine-Mosel rail scrapbook and POW dia- NATO Commander of great historical worth junction for German ries into a fascinating, Land Forces and many especially to someone Bulge troops and sup- historically valuable other dignitaries. professionally con- plies and therefore little book. cerned with World War heavily bombed, he had Bob subsequently asked II history, as I am. Usu- to walk a further 20 Bob’s POW diaries in- MilSpec Tours whether ally written on scrap pa- miles NE of Koblenz to clude an interesting ac- it would be possible for per or cigarette packs, Wirges (not Wedges) on count of how the ad- him, his family, friends they tell us only what a small presumably vance of General and other interested ex was essential, important unbombed branch line Patton’s Third Army POWs to retrace the and real to the POW at of the Frankfurt-Cologne eastwards in April 1945 great April 1945 POW that moment. He had no main line. He was then forced the evacuation of “hike” from Stalag XIII- time, energy or space to transported about 200 Stalag XIII-D in D in Nuremberg to write anything else. So miles by rail up to Stalag Nuremberg where Bob Stalag VII-A in Moosburg. what we get is the IV-B near Versen in was a POW. He and the MilSpec Tours then simple, sparse, unvar- North Germany close to other POWs then had to asked me. By good for- nished truth as he saw the Dutch border. The “hike” (Bob’s word) 100 tune while on a recent it. majority of POWs there miles on foot to Stalag trip to Munich, I had just would have been Limey VII-A in Moosburg, a enough spare time for a There are valuable his- (British) POWs from huge POW camp and re- fascinating reconnais- torical clues and in- Montgomery’s 21st putedly the largest, sance of Bob’s POW sights in POW diaries. To Army Group, many of about 35 miles NE of “hike” route. Among give you a brief example whom just like their of- Munich. This “hike” took many other interesting from the EX-POW BULLE- ficers resented and dis- two weeks. Next year Bob things, I found out that TIN May/June 2015 liked the Americans, as very much wants to re- Stalag XIII-D was origi- (pages 20-22), I am Carmen Staino unfortu- trace the route of his nally accommodation pleased to be able to pro- nately experienced. “hike”, and that is how I for the thousands of vide extra information became involved. Nazi stormtroopers who to Rick Staino who tran- However my article here paraded in the pre-war scribed his father concerns the strong I first met Bob and his Nuremberg rallies. Carmen Staino’s Dec wish of Bob Thompson family during the VBOB ’44/May ’45 diary. Rick (Company A, 1st Battal- (Veterans of the Battle of And I met a former does not give his ion, 23rd Regiment, 2nd the Bulge Association) mayor of Moosburg father’s unit, but since “Indianhead” Infantry Di- 70th Anniversary Tour who was a young boy in he was captured near vision) to retrace his to Belgium and Luxem- Moosburg in the war and Schoenberg (by St Vith) POW experience. Born bourg in December now a fantastic source on December 19 1944, he 1924 in Philadelphia, 2014. VBOB President of expert information was undoubtedly in Bob shipped to Doug Dillard asked me not only on Stalag VII-A 422nd or 423rd Regt, Normandy in mid-June as an experienced veter- but also about the Stalag 106th ID. 1944. The “Indianheads” ans tour guide to plan POW camp system fought the Germans in and guide the tour, and (about which I can write He then had to walk 30 the Normandy veterans tour specialists further in the EX-POW miles east to Gerolstein hedgerows, Brittany, Milspec Tours to oper- BULLETIN, if requested.) (not Galistein), the main across France and in the ate it with the Belgian We became very friendly German railhead for col- Belgian Ardennes during Army and Luxembourg (I speak fluent German) lecting Bulge POWs to the massive Battle of the Government. The appre- and he kindly promised Bulge, Hitler’s final De- ciation, support and co- me all the help, support cember 1944 counter-of- operation of the Bel- and information that I Ex-POW Bulletin fensive and the greatest gians and Luxembourg- needed. July/Aug 2015 ever American land ers were exceptional. battle. Bob fought right Bob and his fellow US So based on my recon 30 trip, I have now created Diaries, XIII-D POW camp, we fol- cont’d... low Bob’s exact April 1945 POW “hike” route through the beautiful Bavarian a seven day tour for Bob, countryside to picturesque his family and friends and Beilngries. 4: BEILNGRIES / whoever else wants to MOOSBURG - Continuing come (exact dates in 2016 Bob’s POW “hike” route, we to be confirmed). You can cross the Danube and ar- see Bob’s sketch map of rive at Stalag VII-A in the April 1945 “hike” in the Moosburg near Munich. Milspec Tour’s preliminary Third Army liberated it tour announcement else- while Bob was there, and where in this magazine. If General Patton visited it. interested, ask MilSpec Today Moosburg will wel- Tours to send you full de- come us with great celebra- tails of the tour when tions, commemorations and ready. Here is my short out- friendship. Full sightseeing line of the tour itinerary of the former POW camp, with numbered days. cemetery and memorials. 5: SALZBURG, 1: ARR MUNICH AIRPORT. BERCHTESGADEN AND WelNUREMBERG. Full THE EAGLE’S NEST. His- Nuremberg sightseeing in- toric full day trip into the cluding War Crimes Trials Alps. 6: MUNICH. Full city Courthouse and Nazi Rally sightseeing including stadium ruins. 3: Dachau. Farewell Dinner. 7: NUREMBERG / BEILNGRIES - From the site of Stalag DEPT MUNICH AIRPORT.

May Freedom Embrace

Within the shadows and beyond the wire The Prisoner of War will lead the fight Hope is caged from view, And will bring them all home some day. Bruised and battered, fed with fear We will not leave our Brothers in Arms Freedom longs for these few. In lands that are distant and rotten, While upon the tower and filled with hate May Freedom embrace the ones we love A guard creates the pain, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. A soldier’s prayer of family and home

Are the thoughts that keep him sane? James A. Locke Days to weeks, and weeks to years James was in the AF and now is a flight nurse in civilian life. Locked into this cage, His Dad was in Viet Nam. His soul succumbs to loneliness His heart fills with rage. A growing hope and guiding light Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 Awaits the MIA, 31 In memory of George Sheldon In memory of Walter Greve, by contributions Anding, by Willie Anding Clayton Nattier In memory of Glenferd Fink, by Clayton Nattier VOLUNTARY FUNDING In memory of Gloria Noble, by In memory of PNC Orlo Natvig, Robert Noble by Connie Natvig Minnes In memory of James & Helena Adeline Robinson, Lawton IA Rockafellow, by family Donald Staight, Pacifica CA In memory of Joseph Glydon, by Elaine Larkin, Swampscott MA Robert Wiegers Eleanor Church, Westfield PA In memory of Laura McIntyre, by George Korb, Kingsville MD Loraine Kotelnicki Jane O’Brien, E Greenbush NY In memory of Laura McIntyre, by Maurice J A Markworth, Palmyra GENERAL FUND Salem Five PA Blaine & LaVerne Briggs, Carlsbad In memory of Lola Hollen, by M/ Phyllis Monteleone, Holt MO CA M Ferdinand Gregorie III Robert Vogler, San Diego CA In memory of Albert Wertman, In memory of Mary Rolen, by by Gwendolyn Benton Selma Carlson, Bismarck ND Helen Powell and Family In memory of Betty Wells, by PNC In memory of my wife, Dona, by Maurice & Bonnie Sharp Vern Schmidt In memory of Bill Tiller, by Linda The Legacy of your In memory of Patricia Chittick Tiller love can live on after… Remley, by Mary Chittick Gardner In memory of Clarence I Benton, In memory of Patricia Remley, by by Gwendolyn Benton An important way you can Lorrie Urmanita In memory of David Farquhar, Jr, In memory of Phillip W Carroll, help ensure that the by the Farquhar Family by Carroll Family Trust American Ex-Prisoners of In memory of Fred Hicks, by In memory of Robert Christian War is always there for John Pederson Franklin, by William Elkins & returning POWs, their In memory of Frederic Hicks, by Family families and their Clayton Nattier dependents is through your will or living trust.

It’s very simple to make a See what you bequest to the American Ex- missed! Prisoners of War. Simply share this sentence with your If you weren’t at attorney or financial planner National Conven- and they can add the tion this year, you following to your will or missed out on the living trust: opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for “I give, devise and bequeath this great blanket! to the American Ex-Prisoners POW/Veteran of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Memorials are Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, highlighted in full TX 76010, the sum of $______color. or ______percent of the rest, residue and remainder of my Sally Morgan shows estate.” off her great idea. Please take a few minutes of your time to help.

Thank you! Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 32 new members

National Headquarters 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979

Edward I Carroll New Members JoAnn Roslansky-Rockwell Mesa AZ “Welcome Home” Mount Pleasant WI Son of Phillip W Carroll, ETO Daughter of Marvin Roslansky, PAC John M Peluso Paul R Darrow Easton PA Colorado Springs CO Son of John Peluso, ETO Brother of Kenneth Darrow, Korea

Allan Berg Randall D Smith Brooksville FL Nicola A Son of Harold J Berg, ETO Midlothian TX Robert H Navarette NOK to Hobart L Smith, died on N Plains OR sinking Army of Arisan Maru Stalag 12A 3/2/45 to 3/27/45 Certificate of Captivity Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½” x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theater of operation. To receive this certificate from AXPOW, please order from National Headquarters. If you are ordering at Convention, you can place your order in the Merchandise Room. We will need your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations. You can call 817-649-2979 or email: [email protected]. You may include a picture with your order.

Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 33 taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

BENTON, Clarence “Charley”, of sons, grandchildren and great 10, 2015. Robert was a Korean Grafton, OH, died April 16, 2015. grandchildren. War veteran, Co. L, 38th Regiment Charley served with the 16th Inf, of the 2nd Infantry Division. He Co A of the Big Red one 1941- DAHL, Eldon “Swede”, of Min- was captured on Feb. 12, 1951 & 1945. He was held in Tunisia. An neapolis, MN died Jan. 9, 2015. He released on Sept. 21, 1952. Rob- AXPOW life member, he was a was 92. Eldon fought in the ETO ert was a member of the Fresno member of the Barbed Wire Buck- during WWII; he was captured and Chapter #1, AXPOW. eye Chapter. He is survived by his held until liberation. Surviving wife of 70 years, Gwendolyn, two family include 1 son, 1 daughter ELIAS, Paul, 90, of Avondale , AZ sons and a daughter. and 2 grandchildren. passed on March 14, 2015. He was a member of the Agua Fria BROE, Marie, 87 of Richford, VT, DeGRAVE, Clarence Anthony, Chapter, Sun City, AZ. Paul was passed away April 7, 2015. She 97, of Haverhill, MA passed away in the Army European Theater was a lifelong resident of April 15, 2015. Serving in the Operations, 2nd Battalion. He was Richford and was a life member Army during WWII, he took part captured and held until libera- of Vermont Chapter #1, AXPOW. in battles in Italy and France; he tion. She was the widow of Charles H. was captured in Leon and held Broe who served in the Army’s until liberation. Both Clarence FARNSWORTH, Barbara, 89, of 28th Division at the Battle of the and his wife of 69 years, Alice, Chester, VT, died on March 27, Bulge where he was captured and were very active in AXPOW. In ad- 2015. She was the widow of Ken- sent to Stalag IX B Bad Orb. She dition to his wife, he is survived neth Farnsworth who prede- is survived by children, grand- by 1 son, 2 daughters, 4 grand- ceased her in 2003. They both en- children and great grandchildren. children, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 joyed the activities and lifetime great-great-grandchildren and memberships with Vermont BUSH, William S., 95, of Plano, TX several nieces and nephews. Chapter #1, AXPOW. In her earlier died April 29, 2015. He served life she was a cartographer with with the 467th BG, 789th BS, 8th AF. DeMONT, Lawrence Jackson, of the National Survey in Chester, He was shot down over Germany Howell Township, NJ died Jan. 19, VT. She leaves two siblings, four and help in Luft III, Stalag 13D and 2015 at the age of 93. Larry was children, several grand-children 7A. He was predeceased by his captured during “Operation Mar- and great grand-children, nieces, wife, Dorothy; survivors include ket Garden” while serving with nephews and cousins. 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren and the 504th Parachute Infantry Reg., 7 great-grandchildren. 82nd Airborne Div. He was held FRANKS, Clarence J., of Colo- until liberation. Survivors in- rado Springs, CO died April 21, CRAM, Bruce, 93 of South clude his wife, Dolores and one 2015 at the age of 96. He served Burlington, VT, passed away on son. with the 600th BS, 398th BG flying April 1, 2015. He was a member out of England. After being shot of Vermont Chapter #1, AXPOW. DILLARD, George “Toby” passed down, he was captured and held He spent 20 months in captivity away March 27, 2015. He was 92 in Stalag Luft III, then marched in North Korea after his P-51 years old & a member of Fresno to Moosburg where he was liber- fighter plane, on its’ 54th combat Chapter #1 for many years. He ated. Clarence leaves 2 children, mission, was shot down and he was a Gunner on a B-17 Bomber 6 grandchildren and many great- was taken prisoner. He had pre- in the 8th AF; he was shot down and great-great-grandchildren. viously flown 65 missions in a P- on Dec. 12, 1942 and held in Stalag 47 fighter plane over Germany at 8-B in Northern Poland. He was FREDERICKSON, Robert A. of the close of World War II provid- released after 2 1/2 years of cap- Greensboro, NC and life member ing close ground support for the tivity. Toby always had a big of AXPOW since 1981, passed Allied troops. He leaves three smile & was a very optimistic away March 13, 2015. During person. We shall miss him. WWII, Bob served in the Army’s Ex-POW Bulletin 6811th Signal Security Detach- July/Aug 2015 DYER, Robert Monroe, 85, of ment ETOUSA. Bob is survived by 34 Sanger CA, passed away on May his wife Jane who was a civilian children and 8 great-grandchil- JOHNSON, Donald Oscar, 90, of dren. Minnetonka, MN died Oct. 22, .taps cont’d... 2014. He was captured when his POW in Cebu and Manila, Philip- HICKS, Frederic A., of Denver, gun position outside Hatten, pines, and by his daughter, son CO died May 13, 2015. He was 92. France was overrun. He leaves his and four grandchildren. During WWII, he served in the 15th wife of 65 years, Betty, 1 son, 2 AF, 483rd BG, 817th BS; after cap- daughters, 5 grandchildren and 2 FRUMKIN, Albert, of Silver ture, he was held in Luft 1, Barth. great-granddaughters. His ebul- Spring, MD, died May 3, 2015. He Frederic was a member of the lient personality and deep love served in Battery C, 590th FABN, Mile High Chapter, AXPOW. He is for the people in his life have and was held in Stalags 7A and 4B. survived by his wife of 70 years, been a blessing for all who knew He is survived by his wife of 67 Faye, 1 daughter, 3 sons, 9 grand- him. years, Helen. children and 13 great-grandchil- dren. KERNS, Joseph P, of Tucson AZ, GORMAN, Jay, of Lexington, KY, died December 19, 2014. Joe 98, died Dec. 21, 2014. He was cap- HITE, Robert L., of Nashville, TN served in the Army Air Corps, tured while serving with the 8th died March 29, 2015. He was cap- and was held in Siberia Petro AF during WWII; he was held un- tured on the famous Doolittle Pavlovsk, Okha Khabarousk, from til liberated by Patton’s Army. He Raid over Tokyo when his plane, 9/12/43 to 2/14/44. He was a was a life member of AXPOW. Sur- “Bat out of Hell” was forced down member of the Southern Arizona vivors include 1 daughter, 2 step- over China and he and his crew Chapter. Survivors include one daughters, 1 grandson, 10 great- bailed out. He spent 3 ½ years in son. grandchildren and a loving ex- POW camps in China. Survivors tended family. include 2 children, 1 brother, 1 LEONARD, Edward W., 76, of sister, 5 grandchildren, 7 great- Ilwaco, WA passed away Nov. 11, HEIDEMAN, George E., of grandchildren and 2 great-great- 2014. During a search and rescue Chippewa Falls, WI passed away grandchildren. There are now mission in Laos, he was shot April 25, 2015. He served with the only two survivors from the down on Memorial Day 1978. He 93rd Signal Bn., Co A. George was Doolittle Raid. was captured after three days of a life member of AXPOW. His wife evasion and held in various POW Augusta survives him. HOUSTON, Harvey R., member camps until he was released. Ed- of the Rocky Mt. Chapter, AXPOW, ward leaves his loving wife, HERR, Bennie, of Columbia City, died May 20, 2015. He served with Suzanne, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 2 IN died Dec. 6, 2014. He was 97. the 450th BG, 722nd BS, flying B-24s nieces and many wonderful cous- He proudly served in the US Army out of England. After capture, he ins. during WWII; after being injured was sent to Stalag 17B where he and sent to the first aid station, was held until liberated by MACIK, Andrew, 92, of Tierra he was captured and held until V- Patton’s Army. Harvey leaves his Verde, FL, died March 5, 2015. He E Day. Bennie was a life member loving wife of 67 years, Jean, 3 was in the ETO, 35th Infantry Di- of AXPOW and the Old Fort Chap- children and many grand-and vision, and was held in Stalag ter. He leaves 2 daughters, 2 sons, great-grandchildren. He will be VIIA. Andy is survived by his wife 4 grandchildren, several great- missed by all who knew him. of 44 years, Carol, 2 children and grandchildren, 1 sister and a large 1 sister. He was a member of the extended family. JACKSON, Leslie H. “Les” of Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, AX- Washington, DC, formerly POW, where he served as JVC. He HILDEBRAND, Catherine Bethesda, MD, passed away May 4, will be missed. “Kay” of Orangevale, CA, passed 2015. During WWII, he served in away April 15, 2015 just shy of the 8th AF, 384th BG. He was shot McINTYRE, Laura Mae, 90, of her 88th birthday. Kay, a life down, captured and held in Stalag Hardwick, MA, died April 26, 2015, member of AXPOW and a mem- 17B. He spent time as Executive nearly four years to the day after ber of the AXPOW 49ers Director of the Washington Office her beloved husband of 44 years, Chapter, Sacramento, is survived helping veterans get the benefits Philip D. McIntyre. Phil served by her husband of 67 years, ex- they were due. Les was prede- courageously in World War II, POW and Bataan Death March sur- ceased by his beloved wife June; spending eight months as a Ger- vivor, James M. Hildebrand. In survivors include 2 daughters, 6 addition to her husband, she grandchildren, 7 great-grand- Ex-POW Bulletin daughters. leaves 2 daughters, 1 son, 8 grand- July/Aug 2015 35 years, Darlene, 4 children, 7 prisoner of the Japanese in the taps cont’d... grandchildren and 5 great-grand- Santo Tomas Internment Camp, children. Manila, during WW II. After the man prisoner of war. Phil’s expe- war, and coming to the United rience in the war defined much MURPHY, Robert L., of States in 1945, she served an 18 of the couple’s life together. Clarksburg, WV passed away month enlistment in the U.S. Heavily involved in the American March 24, 2015. He was captured Navy. She was a life member of Ex-Prisoners of War, they traveled while serving with the 8th AF; he AXPOW and a charter member of across the country for meetings, was held in Stalag 17B until lib- the 49ers Chapter, AXPOW, Sacra- with Laura serving as National eration. Bob was a life member of mento and served in officer po- Director for the Northeast Re- AXPOW and a charter member of sitions in the chapter over the gion, commander of the Western the Barbed Wire Mountaineers years. She is survived by one Massachusetts chapter, State Chapter. Surviving are 2 daugh- daughter, two grandchildren, Dept. Commander and Adjutant ters, 5 grandchildren, 14 great- three great-grandchildren and on more than one occasion. Laura grandchildren, 5 great-great- one sister. Pat’s enduring legacy was a dedicated volunteer with grandchildren and his special remains with her family and the Northampton VA, where she lady friend, Martha Vita. those who knew her. and Phil ran a weekly bingo night for the blind for years. The VA in PEPER, Elizabeth Rose, 94, of REYNOLDS, Roy, of Dallas, Texas, 2011 recognized her for volun- Randolph VT, died February 11, died April 10, 2015. Roy was with teering 3,210 hours of her time 2015. She was the widow of the 465th BG 780th BS and was held over 30 years. Laura and Phil dis- Arthur Peper and they both en- in Stalag Luft 4. He is survived by played their abundant patriotism joyed their lifetime member- his wife of nearly 70 years, Gloria. on not only the flagpost outside ships with Vermont Chapter #1, He was a member of the Dallas their home, but the jackets, hats AXPOW, contributing in many Metroplex Chapter. and bumper stickers they affixed ways over the years. Her early to their various appendages and career was in nursing. She leaves ROCKAFELLOW, James Arthur vehicles. When it became time one daughter and one son. and ROCKAFELLOW, Helena for Laura to begrudgingly acquire Maxine of Lansing, MI passed a cane, it surprised no one that REDDING, DON C., 91, of Inde- away March 17, 2015 (James) and she had it covered with stars and pendence, MO, passed away Dec. 7, 2014 (Helena). James stripes. Laura is survived by two March 20, 2015. He entered the served with the 8th AF, 305th BG, sons, two stepsons, one step- United States Army Air Corps in 365th BS. After being shot down, daughter and their families who January 1943. In WWII, Don he was captured and held in Luft will miss her very much. served as Flight Engineer and IV, then marched across Ger- Waist Gunner on a B-24 out of the many to Moosburg. Both James McKITTRICK, Robert R., member 15th Air Force. On his 17th mis- and Helena were life members of of the Rocky Mt. Chapter, AXPOW, sion, he was shot down over AXPOW. They leave 3 sisters, 2 passed away May 14, 2015. He was Vienna, Austria. He was captured brothers and a loving family. captured while serving with Co G., and detained as a Prisoner of War th th th 385 Inf. Reg., 85 Div., 7 Army for five months. After the war, RUZICKA, John J. of Springfield, in Italy. Survivors include one sis- Don returned and married MO died May 8, 2015. He is sur- ter and a large, loving extended Patricia Anne Crenshaw on May vived by his wife of 68 years, family. 23, 1948. They had one daughter, Mary Frances, one son, and four Jana. Patricia passed away 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 5 MEAD, Robert W., 90, of Friend, months short of 59 years of mar- great-grandchildren. Daughter NE died Jan. 17, 2015. He served riage. He was a member of the Cynthia is Commander of the in the Army during WWII; he was Heart of America Chapter AX- Greater Ozarks Chapter. He was captured and held in 6A until the POW. He greatly enjoyed the drafted into the Army on Janu- end of the war in Europe. Robert Heartland Honor Flight to Wash- ary 16, 1943. On the 11th day of was a life member of AXPOW and ington DC with Jana. Don had a the D-Day Invasion he was seri- member of the Lincoln NE Chap- great sense of humor and loved ously wounded . After recuper- ter where he served as com- to laugh. ating, he was sent back to Belgium mander several times. He is sur- to regroup with his outfit. He was vived by his wife of almost 65 REMLEY, (Chittick), Patricia M., captured by the SS Troops in the Ex-POW Bulletin 90, of Citrus Heights, CA, passed Belgium Bulge and was held cap- away on April 19, 2015. Born in tive for 92 days. He was liberated July/Aug 2015 1924 in Manila, Philippines Pat on April 2, 1945 by American 36 spent 37 months as a civilian troops. The Mayor of Springfield was 97. During WWII, he served She was the widow of ex-POW Ed, taps cont’d... with the 200th CA, C Btry on captured in France during WWII. Bataan. He was captured on Eloise was a member of the Co- declared September 20, 2012, Corregidor in May, 1942 and he lumbia River Chapter, AXPOW. John Ruzicka Day. spent the next 3 ½ years in Japa- She leaves one son and one daugh- nese POW camps, including ter. SHOGREN, Rodney C. of Cabanatuan and Mukden, Manchu- Lindstrom, MN died April 12, ria. Alex was a life member of WILLIAMS, Otis L., 90, of Louis- 2015 at the age of 93. Rodney was AXPOW and member of the San ville, passed away Jan. 5, 2015. He a veteran of WW II and an Ex POW; Antonio Chapter. He leaves 1 was a WWII Army Air Corps vet- serving in the Army-Air Corps. He daughter, 4 sons, 2 sisters, 12 eran and POW. He is preceded in th was shot down on his 16 mis- grandchildren, 9 great-grandchil- death by his wife, Lorene. Survi- sion and survived 14 months in dren, numerous nieces and neph- vors include2 daughters, 2 grand- German captivity. His war expe- ews and a host of friends. children, 6 great-grandchildren rience & captivity made him ap- and 1 brother. preciate life and was formative of WALLER, Richard, of Garland, TX, his determination to help others. died in May, 2015. An AXPOW life WILLNER, Stanley, of Palm Beach When he returned home he mar- member since 1980, he was a Gardens, FL died March 31, 2015 ried Eleanor, who predeceased member of the Dallas Metroplex at the age of 94. He was captured him. Survivors include 2 sons, 4 Chapter. He served in 47 Reg Med while serving with the Navy in the daughters, 16 grandchildren, 17 Det and was held in Stalags 7A, Pacific; he was held for 3 ½ years ½ great-grandchildren and 1 2B, and 3B. until the Japanese surrender. brother and their families. Stanley was the beloved husband WIEDERRICH, Grace “Eloise”, of of Carol; he is missed by his fam- TOVAR, Alex E., of San Antonio, Gresham, OR died March 2, 2015. ily and friends. TX passed away April 22, 2015. He

judges tend to forget God, and fore it logically follows that chaplain certainly do not seem to live by people who trust God know that Godly standards. A strange situ- religion has a place in public. To ation since our country was leave God at home is to be a founded on religious standards hypocrite. But yet, many people and many of our national monu- think God has no place in govern- ments in Washington, D. C. have ment nor in public. easily readable scripture engrav- ings. I cannot, nor, do I wish to force you into trusting God so I leave Yes, life is, to say the least, trou- you to form and hold your own bling: we have terrorist crimes, opinions after you read these two disease, storms, wars, road rage verses of Scripture: Psalms 33:12 ND Benny and violence at all levels of life, “Blessed is the nation whose God Rayborn as well as books, videos and even is the Lord.” and Proverbs 14:34 e-mail jokes that show a lack of “Righteousness exalteth a nation: respect for God and a very im- but sin is a reproach to any We all are members of at least one moral standard for living our people.” group and sometimes several lives. I have noted that some groups. In these gatherings I movies seem to glorify or up My prayer is that you will trust hear more and more often con- hold the criminal rather than the God for all of life and beyond. cerns that we, as a nation have left law abiding. Amen. God behind. These comments are met with varying responses from This is sad and tragic. Ask any Ex- “that’s absurd” to “yeah, you’re POW and you will learn that they right” to (believe it or not) “reli- knew they were “good people” gion has no place in public”. and that God is (to coin a word) Benny “trustable”. He can be trusted to Why is there such a vast array of go with us through all of the Ex-POW Bulletin answers? One can only guess and problems of life. This means in my guess is that many of our private as well as in public. There- July/Aug 2015 National leaders, citizens, and 37 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAM

The AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute.

All contributions are to be sent directly to National Headquarters to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each issue.

I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other

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Phone #

Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary Funding Mail contributions to: National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010

Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 38 50/50 drawing June 28, 2014 Arlington, TX

The National 4th (IVY) Division Association 1st Place JEANNE BREESE, AZ $202.20 2nd Place MARIE CARLSSON, TX $151.65 donated back to organization Formed at Camp Greene, NC, on November 17, 3rd Place MARIE CARLSSON, TX $101.10 1917 for service in World War I. The “IVY Division” donated back to organization has a long and distinguished heritage that continues 4th Place ELLEN BLOCKER, MS $50.55 through World War II, the Cold War in Europe, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation These drawings help raise money needed for our Enduring Freedom. operating expenses. They allow our members to participate in a very worthwhile project, while Membership in the Association is open to all giving them a chance to win. 50% of the dona- former Veterans and currently serving Soldiers tions will be given to the General Fund and the of the 4th ID and attached units. The 96th Annual other 50% are awarded as prizes. The amounts Reunion will be September 9-14, 2014, in are determined after all donations are received. Lexington, Kentucky. You do not have to be present to win. Please make copies of the tickets on the other side and Check our website at www.4thinfantry.org for offer them to your Chapter members, family membership and reunion information. and friends. We are asking $5.00 for 6 tickets. These donations are not tax deductible. Fill out the tickets and send them and your donations “Steadfast and Loyal” to: National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396

request for The 106th Infantry membership application Division Association American Ex-Prisoners Organized at Camp Lucky Strike 1945 active of War since 1946

If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, were th Name: ______attached to the 106th,a relative of a 106 veteran, you are eligible for membership in the Association. Address:______City/State/Zip:______The CUB Magazine is published three times Membership is open to US Military and Civilians per year. Published since 1946. captured because of their US citizenship and their Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947. families.

Do NOT send dues with this request Jacquelyn Martin, Membership Chairman for an application 121 McGregor Ave. Mail to: Mount Arlington, N.J. 07856 American Ex-Prisoners of War 973-663-2410 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40 E-mail: [email protected] Arlington, TX 76010-5936 (817) 649-2979 voice Ex-POW Bulletin (817)649-0109 fax July/Aug 2015 e-mail:[email protected] 39 American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396

You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deductible. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (6/16) Thank you for your support. (6/16)

American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______

Address:______Address:______

City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deductible. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (6/16) Thank you for your support. (6/16)

American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______

Address:______Address:______

City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deductible. Thank you for your support. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Ex-POW Bulletin (6/16) Thank you for your support. 6/16) July/Aug 2015 40 American Ex-Prisoners of War

Ex-POW Bulletin July/Aug 2015 41 AXPOW Gravesite Medallion AXPOW Vest Order Form AXPOW Challenge Coin (For members only) Name______

Address______

City, State, Zip ______

Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) ______The Medallion is 4", Bronze/Brown Long, Regular or Short______with Lacquer. Hardware for mounting is included. Weight - Name on front of vest approximately 1.25 lb. ______check with your local cemetery great gifts...great hand- before ordering to see if medallions Chapter Name (back of vest) outs...great way to show your are permitted. ______pride in your organization $75.00 AXPOW Logo on front/Five Price: $55.00, includes S/H services on reverse plus $15.00 S/H/I Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery. Shipping costs on two or ea more is $20.00. $10.00

Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00 Name Badge Order Form 12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.00 Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00 (for members only) Aluminum License Plate 5.00 Necktie w/logo (regular only) 30.00 3” Vinyl Decal 1.00 Actual size of badge is 3” Inside Decal 1.00 U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 20.00 size of a credit card Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 30.00 8” Vinyl Decal 6.00 Brooch pin 5.00 PLEASE PRINT: 12” Vinyl Decal 10.00 EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00 AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00 Ladies Prayer Book 1.00 Logo pin 5.00 Name ______POW DVD – ETO or Pacific 11.00 POW Stamp pin 3.00 Line 1 ______Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00 “Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00 Past Department Commander pin 5.00 Line 2 ______Magnetic Ribbons 5.00 Challenge Coins 10.00 Name Badge with name & chapter and Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire (silver) 8.00 city: $6.00(includes S/H) CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00 Vest Chainguard 8.00 Life Member · Chapter Commander · Chaplain · 4” Blazer Patch 4.00 Ship to: Historian · Past Chapter Commander ·Chapter Adj/ 2” Medallion (for plaque) 6.00 Street ______Treas ·Chapter Adjutant ·Chapter Treasurer Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00 Dept Commander ·Past Dept Commander AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00 City/State/Zip ______Dep’t Treasurer · Dep’t Adjutant·Sr. Vice Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00 Commander · Jr. Vice Commander AXPOW By-Laws 5.00 Service Officer · Legislative Officer·Past Chapter We accept Master Card/Visa Officer · Past Department Officer QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE

For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00, Shipping/Handling/Insurance: add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00 For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted. Total: $ For credit card orders: Card # ______Expiration: ______(Check one) Master Card ______Visa______Name ______FOR ALL ORDERS, MAIL TO: Address ______AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR City, State, Zip ______3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Phone ______Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 817-649-2979 [email protected]

All orders for products sold by Bronze Grave Medallions AXPOW National Organization, including dues/subscriptions should be mailed to: American Ex-Prisoners of War National Headquarters 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 (817) 649-2979 e-mail: [email protected] No collect calls, please

Thank you for supporting the American Ex-POWS with your purchases of National $75.00 plus $15.00 S/H/I Merchandise. Shipping cost on two or more is $20.00. change of address form Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided.

Please print: Name______Address______City/State/Zip______Phone ( )______Email ______Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections.

Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Or fax: (817) 649-0109 Or e-mail: [email protected]