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Modular System Card # ______Exp.: ______/_____ for cushioned comfort ©2002 Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. Mr./Mrs./Ms. ______Manufactured for Brown Shoe Company, Inc., under license from Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. Address ______Apt. # ______City & State ______Zip ______100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund of Purchase Price at Any Time! AUGUST 2002 Vol. 153, No. 2 26 features 10 ‘A Hero for All America’ William Pitsenbarger’s courage in a Vietnam firefight earned him a Medal of Honor. By Dan Allsup 12 Worlds Apart Human rights and the war on terrorism divide the United States and the United Nations. By Alan W. Dowd 18 18 What Might Have Been America’s past is filled with close calls, Plan Bs and unusual twists of fate. By Roger Bruns 22 Loyal to VHA Dr. Omega Silva believes the Veterans Health Administration is crucial to America’s health care. By James V. Carroll 26 Chorus of Critics A dependence on U.S. military might hasn’t kept Europe from 22 complaining about our foreign policy. By Richard Perle 30 The Nobel Soapbox 38 Physical scientists have an irritating habit of speaking out on matters of war and peace. By Ernest W. Lefever 34 The POW Dilemma Colin Powell explains why Guantanamo Bay detainees don’t fit Geneva Convention criteria. By Ben Barber 10 38 Tax Me Out to the Ballgame Subsidized stadiums promise huge financial returns but rarely deliver. By Ronald D. Utt departments 34 4 Vet Voice 8 Commander’s Message 9/11: “A Day to Remember” 44 Living Well Benefits checkup and the ethnic health gap. 30 48 Washington Watch Cloned soldiers and “transgendered”rights. COVER: The relationship 50 Legion News shared by the United Nations “A Day to Remember,”Bob Hope tribute and ALS benefits. and the United States is a rocky one, as the organiza- 58 Comrades tion strays from its founding 64 Parting Shots principles. Photo illustration by Holly Soria

The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members. These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedi- cate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth.

August 2002 1 The American Legion Magazine 700 N. Pennsylvania St. P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 630-1200 http://www.legion.org National Commander Richard J. Santos Published by The American Legion EDITORIAL Editor John Raughter Managing Editor Jeff Stoffer Contributing Editor Steve Brooks Assistant Editor James V. Carroll Assistant Editor Matt Grills Assistant Editor Elissa Kaupisch Editorial Administrator Patricia Marschand General Administrator Brandy Ballenger General Administrator Robin Bowman GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Graphics/Production Director Jon Reynolds Art Director Holly K. Soria Designer Douglas Rollison Designer King Doxsee ADVERTISING Advertising Director Diane Andretti Advertising Assistant Sara Palmer Advertising Assistant Leslie Hankins The American Legion Magazine P. O. Box 7068 Indianapolis, IN 46207 Publisher’s Representatives Fox Associates, Inc. Chicago: (312) 644-3888 New York: (212) 725-2106 Los Angeles: (310) 841-0280 Detroit: (248) 543-0068 Atlanta: (404) 252-0968 San Francisco: (415) 989-5804 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE COMMISSION Dennis J. Henkemeyer, Chairman, Sauk Rapids, MN; Samuel Barney, Vice Chairman, Lancaster, OH; Charles E. Hartman, National Commander’s Representative, Eau Claire, PA; James J. Charleston, Consultant, Island Lake, IL; Casimir F. Sojka, Consultant, New Rochelle, NY. Com- mission Members: Harold F. Arnold, Statesboro, GA; J.O. Berthelot, Gonzalez, LA; Vincent E. Blank, Vinton, IA; James P. Comiskey, Pittsburgh, PA; Donald R. Conn, South Bend, IN; James W. Conway, Charlestown, MA; Bettylou Evans, Laurel, DE; Philip B. Finley, Colby, KS; James Hall, Hopewell, NJ; Theodore Hartmann, Smithton, IL; Hoy M. Haught, Huntsville, AR; Joe D. Mercer, Oklahoma City, OK; J. Fred Mitchell, Brewton, AL; Silas M. Noel, Frankfurt, KY; Everett G. Shepard III, Woodstock, CT; George G. Sinopoli, Fresno, CA; Robert E. Vass Sr., Huntington, WV; Frank C. Ward, Greenville, SC; Delores A. Ziegler, Bellevue, WA. NEC Liaison Committee: Ray White, Chairman, Huntsville, AL; William W. Kile, Petersburg, WV; John W. Stingerie, Hawthorne, NV; Jerrold W. Wilson, Harrison, OH. Copyright 2002 by The American Legion The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published monthly by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, India- napolis, IN 46216. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. Annual non-mem- ber and gift subscriptions, $15 ($21, foreign); post-spon- sored and widows’ subscriptions, $6; single copy, $3.50. Member annual subscription price $3.00, which is includ- ed in annual member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American Legion, Input Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Internet address: http://www.legion.org. Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Input Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. (317) 860- 3111. Attach old address label, provide old and new addresses and current membership card number. Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post office dated Dec. 22, 1991.

Printed in USA Member Audit Bureau of Circulations THE AMERICAN EAGLE BOWIE KNIFE BY RONALD VAN RUYCKEVELT

America’s greatest eagle artist creates his first fine art knife to honor a legend of the American wilderness. Richly engraved. Inset with fine porcelain. Accented with 24 karat gold.

It’s art as exciting as the American frontier. Created by Ronald Van Ruyckevelt, whose glorious portraits of America’s eagles are prized around the world. The grip is faux stag horn, with a porcelain inset that bears a full-color eagle portrait created exclusively for this historic work. The engraved blade guard is accented with 24 karat gold, as are the pommel, the jewelry-like spacer bordering the handle, and the cameo bezel. The tempered stainless steel blade is a massive 1 9 /2" long. Along its side, a compelling image depicts two eagles soaring above our majestic mountain tops. Issued to celebrate the 200th birthday of frontier hero James Bowie, this awe-inspir- ing showpiece is available solely from The Franklin Mint, in an edition limited to only 95 casting days. Comes complete This handsome wall display, provided at no with hardwood-framed wall display. additional charge, measures 205/8" (52.39 cm) long x 101/8" (25.72 cm) wide. Available exclusively from The Franklin Mint. The Franklin Mint Please mail by August 31, 2002. Franklin Center, PA 19091-0001 Please enter my order for The American Eagle Bowie Knife, by Ronald Van Ruyckevelt, commissioned by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. I need SEND NO MONEY NOW.Iwill be billed SHARING YOUR in 5 equal monthly installments of $39.* each, with the first payment due prior to shipment. Limit: one knife per collector. *Plus my state sales tax and a one-time charge of $5.95 for shipping and handling.

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Part of the problem that, the Special Forces may have clothing. I attended a Memorial The June article “Gambling’s surprised and captured him. The Day service where a Legion chap- Dark Side” was informative and military’s media policy is far too lain wore a flag necktie. It is all chilling. How liberal. The people back home too symptomatic of our society to many of our lo- don’t need information about see every item of decorum, respect cal posts have every military operation, especial- and honor reduced to a common gambling activi- ly in advance. crudeness of behavior. I find this ties solely for – Russell D. Eiffert, O’Fallon, Mo. terribly disappointing. the purpose of – Thor Ronningen, Wilmington, N.C. raising money Where’s thanks? for their coffers? Maureen Dowd and Dan Rather Come back in a year Older veterans seem oblivious to the fact that Steve Brooks’ article “The Big and their spous- without the protection of the mili- Squeeze” (June) states that wait- es are vulnerable to the problems tary they so deride, freedom of the ing times at some VA centers can described. Are we not part of the press would be little more than an be 30 to 45 days, and first-time vis- problem? interesting footnote to a civiliza- its to a primary-care doctor can be – Jerome F. Henry Sr., Fort Wayne, Ind. tion long conquered. Reporters up to three months. Not true here. should thank us for protecting the Yesterday I called the VA outpa- Not for everyone freedom that allows them to pur- tient clinic in Mt. Vernon, Mo., to Dan Allsup’s “Kate,” who killed sue their craft unfettered. The inquire about getting an applica- herself, could easily have been an greatest thanks would be for them tion for a friend and neighbor. I alcoholic or drug addict – assum- to place their citizenship above was told it would be 12 to 14 ing there really was a Kate. All their careers and provide responsi- months before he could see any- over America, people gamble in ble coverage with the well-being one. My friend is a 78-year-old many ways: lotteries, bingo, poker of soldiers in mind. World War II veteran who never games and the like. Most control – Jason Cronk, Atco, N.J. used VA facilities because the themselves, enjoying the compan- company from which he retired ionship of other gamblers and the Flag not to wear had a medical plan that provided thrill of winning the occasional In the June issue, you wax elo- him with care and prescription dollar. The fact that a few cannot quent in support of the flag-pro- drugs, even during retirement. A control their urges should not ruin tection amendment (“Flag-Protec- few months ago the company it for the rest of us. tion Amendment Rides High in went belly-up, so all he has is – Richard J. Mundy, Las Vegas Latest Poll”). I am equally Medicare. His prescription drugs supportive of the flag but feel the eat up a major portion of his in- Easy money Legion’s priorities are incorrect. come. He has a pacemaker and Kudos for printing Dan Allsup’s Far more serious is the casual has had a mild stroke. A 14-month article, which strikes me as being contempt of people who are vocal wait won’t do him much good. He a balanced account of how gam- in supporting the flag but demean earned a Purple Heart for this? bling in its many forms has affect- it by using it for caps, bathing – Allan Young, Springfield, Mo. ed civilization. Praise needs to be suits, T-shirts and other articles of given to Utah, Tennessee and Vote as block Hawaii, which, according to All- Perhaps “The Big Lie” would be sup, are the only states that don’t WE WANT a more appropriate title for your allow gambling of any type. I article “The Big Squeeze.” Across wonder how long they’ll be able YOUR OPINIONS the board, Congress and the ad- to resist turning to it as an easy The American Legion Magazine wel- ministration have turned their way to finance state programs. comes letters concerning articles backs on America’s veterans. Ask – George F. Spieker, North Catasauqua, Pa. that appear in the publication. Be any member of Congress if he sup- sure to include your hometown and ports veterans’ programs and you Keep media out a daytime phone number for verifi- consistently get an unqualified af- After reading “Freedom of Press cation. All letters are subject to edit- firmative response. But they are Has Limits” (Commander’s Mes- ing. Send your opinions to: blatantly lying, telling people what sage, June), I must say I thorough- they want to hear. Politicians disre- ly agree. However, the article does The American Legion Magazine gard veterans because we do not not go far enough. In times of war P. O. Box 1055 vote as a block. It is time for veter- or military action, no press should Indianapolis, IN 46206 ans to vote their interests first. be allowed on the front lines with You can also contact us via – Darrell W. Katz, Valrico, Fla. the troops. e-mail directly or through the Look at what is happening in World Wide Web: Noble veterans Afghanistan. Bin Laden received e-mail: [email protected] Of the more than 3 million warning through the media that Internet: http://www.legion.org Americans who served in Vietnam, he was sought. Had it not been for less than half are still living. Many

4 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine “

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Your doctor will monitor your diabetes and may perform blood tests on you from time to time to make sure your kidneys and your liver are F7-B001B-03-01 Revised: March 2001 functioning normally. 607211DIM-04 vet voice cannot forget what they saw, while guilt upon our shoulders. The reading it are missing out. Keep others have chosen to put out of World War II vets fed off the mis- up the good work. their minds what they experienced. conception that we were losers for – Betty Grogg, Lake Placid, Fla. They did nothing less than serve a long time. When we came home their country in uniform during an and joined the various service or- Here in America unpopular war. Some of their bod- ganizations, we were snubbed The article “Schools of Hate” ies were ravaged by war, and the and isolated. (May) outlines the goals of Muslim many demonstrators they encoun- Now, as the “greatest genera- schools, which don’t even teach tered upon returning aggravated tion” dies off, Vietnam vets are kids to write and read but how to their fragile mental conditions. The coddled, enticed and urged to con- wage war against American Jews humility and degradation many tinue the work it started. We have and Christians. The thing that experienced seemed to be the last played and are now playing a should worry veterans about these straw. They received no parades or huge role in the leadership of vet- madrassas is that they are in Amer- welcome-home celebrations. They erans’ service organizations. ica. Right here in our own country, lived through their worst night- – Charles R. Hawley, Kenosha, Wis. these schools teach that the world mares alone. must be ruled by Islam and that it’s “We Were Soldiers” and Susan Not funny up to those in the schools to make Katz Keating’s article (“Call It a The (Parting Shots, June) “joke” it happen – even at the cost of their Start,” June) attest to the nobility of in which a young boy kills and own lives. When politicians tell Vietnam veterans and the virtue of buries a cat only gives a wink and you Muslims are a peaceful group, their cause. I hope and pray that a nod to animal abuse. Anyone read up on the facts and show the many middle-aged protesters who brutalizes an animal is a per- them the truth. who watch the film reflect upon vert and a sadist. Anyone who – Erma Mara, Pueblo, Colo. their despicable actions 30 years thinks it’s funny is no damn better. ago and recall the way they treated – Mark Johnson, Eldora, Iowa Far from perfect those young patriots returning Who in the world is Balint Vaz- home. I hope they suffer the small Proud of heritage sonyi, and where did he study degree of pain and emotional up- I am writing in regard to Robin American history and political sci- heaval we Vietnam veterans felt Wright’s article (“Old Weapon, ence? A thinking person only has sitting through the movie. Perhaps New Tactics,” June) about terror to read the 27 amendments to the they can now reconcile the torment groups and their agendas. The State Constitution to understand that they caused so many. Department report includes the although great, it was not – and is – D. Mark Katz, La Jolla, Calif. Irish Republican Army but doesn’t not – the perfect instrument of mention the various Protestant ter- government. The original seven A great generation ror units that are much the same. articles were a grand first step to- Susan Katz Keating writes, “‘We I’m a first-generation American ward a democratic government. Were Soldiers’ is a cracking good son of a proud IRA family that We make it more democratic with combat film, with sudden death, took part in the rising through the each amendment. breathtaking heroism and romantic Irish civil war. To have your home- – Larry Stone, Pekin, Ill. characters; basically, it’s a World land ruled and garrisoned by a War II movie set in Vietnam.’” As a foreign power, brutally at most Stop arts funding 100-percent permanently disabled times, will naturally bring about Rep. Jerrold Nadler’s promotion Vietnam veteran, I take great ex- any means to rid one’s country of of funding for the arts (Big Issues, ception. “We Were Soldiers” is a oppression. Changes must be May) is indicative of a fundamen- Vietnam movie set in Vietnam. made worldwide so all nations tal lack of understanding of eco- It may be a surprise to many can govern their own justly, with- nomics in this country. Funding people, civilians and World War II out the influence of foreign pow- for the arts merely represents veterans alike, that we Vietnam ers. Perhaps then terror groups transfers from some Americans to veterans served honorably and will become a footnote to history. others. It doesn’t generate any with great pride. As have combat – Joseph D. Martin, Philadelphia growth or jobs. In fact, to the ex- veterans of all wars, we cried, tent it requires bureaucrats to ad- prayed and wanted to be anywhere Better and better minister the program and recipi- but there. We did our jobs, and to I’ve been reading The American ents are kept away from produc- be compared to World War II vets Legion Magazine for years, as I’ve tive jobs, such subsidies actually is another dismissal of the sacri- always thought it contains excel- decrease production. fices and contributions we made. lent articles. But I must tell you – John A. Berkley, Stockton, Kan. World War II vets were and are it’s getting better and better. May’s popular. They are called the features by Clyde Wayne Crews Correction: The last name of New “greatest generation.” Well, we Jr., Ben Barber, Balint Vazsonyi York Times reporter William L. Vietnam vets also are a great gen- and William J. Bennett are Laurance was misspelled in the eration. Our government let us outstanding. Legionnaires who June Commander’s Message “Free- down, laying a great burden of toss the magazine aside without dom of Press Has Limits.”

August 2002 7 The American Legion Magazine commander’s message 9/11: ‘A Day to Remember’

he fires have long been snuffed out spouse is called away to active duty. The from the cowardly attacks of last program has helped tens of thousands of TSeptember. But the promises we American military families since the Gulf made, as united Americans, must never be War and is a prime example of how The extinguished. We promised to never forget. American Legion assists in our nation’s We promised to stand tall and together. time of need. We promised to bring the perpetrators to We always have. We always will. justice, no matter how long it takes. The American Legion is best suited to A New Day of Honor. We must lead the remind everyone of those promises. At effort in communities to remember those noon on Sept. 11, Legionnaires around the who perished on Sept. 11 and in the war world will organize and execute local me- on terrorism. Departments and posts were morial observances. This will be an annual recently sent packets filled with ideas event called “A Day to Remember.” about how Legionnaires can execute “Reso- This particular form of public service is lution No. 30: A Day to Remember,” adopt- central to our mission. We find it cradled ed in the May meetings by the National between clauses on Americanism and com- Executive Committee. National munity obligation in the preamble to our The packet contains numerous sugges- Commander constitution: “… to preserve the memories tions for designing your own program, in- Richard J. Santos Richard J. Santos and incidents of our associations in the cluding media advisories and press releas- Chase Studios great wars ….” And we shall preserve the es, a speech for post commanders and a memory of Sept. 11. sample community event agenda that in- “It is up In doing so, we shall rekindle the infer- cludes the laying of wreaths, presentations no of patriotism that swept across America of Blue Star Service Banners, a children’s to us to following that fateful day. It is up to us, as Patriot Day Arts Festival, and a ringing of ensure this veterans and Legionnaires, to ensure this is church and synagogue bells four times that one fire that never goes out. morning – at 8:48 a.m., 9:05 a.m., 9:43 is one fire a.m. and 10 a.m. – to acknowledge the Maintaining the Momentum. Since Sept. crash times of each hijacked airliner. Some that never 11, the Legion has stood at the front line posts may even consider arranging an Air of support in the war against terrorism National Guard flyover or asking a local or goes out.” and in the effort to strengthen homeland state dignitary to deliver an address. security. We put out the call for blood, Such a tribute also may include: and lines formed at collection centers. We ■ The promotion of global peace and resurrected Blue Star Service Banners as good will. visible symbols of support for our troops; ■ The demonstration of America’s re- they now hang in windows from Capitol solve and perseverance to win the war on Hill to the board rooms of corporate of- terrorism. fices to the homes of families who pray ■ The advancement of responsible daily their loved ones will return healthy citizenship. and victorious. ■ The encouragement of patriotism and Our program to raise money for a schol- love of country. arship foundation for children of U.S. mili- ■ The poignant remembrance of those tary personnel killed in the attacks or in innocent victims who needlessly died on the ensuing war continues to grow. We are Sept. 11, as heroes one and all. delighted so many posts have contributed This is a chance for The American Le- to that effort, with its challenging goal of a gion to show communities that our serv- $20 million principal balance. Donations ice to country did not end when we hung are still being collected and should be sent up our uniforms. This is our chance to to: Sept. 11 Memorial Scholarship Fund, show what patriotism is all about. And it Finance Division, The American Legion, is our duty to remind all others that we P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. were the ones who fought for the freedom The war on terrorism also casts a spot- that was so reprehensibly assaulted by light on our highly successful Family Sup- those attacks. port Network. Legionnaires at the post lev- As veterans and as Legionnaires, we el voluntarily assist families whose lives must remind others that we can never, ever are thrown into a tailspin because a forget what happened that day.

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BY DAN ALLSUP When Airman 1st Class William Pitsenbarger was posthu- mously awarded the Medal of Honor in December 2000 for valor in the Vietnam War, he became the second Air Force enlisted man to receive such an honor. The first William F. Pitsenbarger, center, and his wife, was John L. Levitow, who died a Alice, accept the Medal of Honor of behalf of their son from Air Force Secretary Whit Peters month earlier at age 55 after a on Dec. 8, 2000. Airman 1st Class William Pit- lengthy battle with cancer. senbarger died during a firefight in Vietnam “Your son is not just a true hero while trying to rescue wounded soldiers. USAF of America’s Air Force, but a hero for all of America,” Air Force Chief man element of the Army’s 1st of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan told Infantry Division about 35 miles Pitsenbarger’s parents, William east of Saigon. The soldiers would “Frank” and Alice, during the pres- have to be evacuated from the entation ceremony. The medal up- nearly impenetrable jungle by two graded Pitsenbarger’s previously hoist-equipped helicopters, and awarded Air Force Cross. Pitsenbarger volunteered to take Pitsenbarger, 21, was an elite Air part in yet another rescue mission. Force pararescueman, or PJ. The With his HH-43 Husky hovering PJs are an elite all-volunteer force over the battlefield, the PJ scram- the ground with of medic-commandos who make bled onto a hoist. Wearing a flak all this firing going on,” a their living leaping from helicop- vest and armed with a .38-caliber survivor recalled in an interview ters into enemy territory to rescue pistol, Pitsenbarger dropped with ABC News. “Even though endangered soldiers and fellow air- through more than 100 feet of jun- there was 700 guns firing at the men. The PJs earned more decora- gle canopy amidst raging small- same time, it was to him like tions per capita than any other Air arms fire. The soldiers below gaped nothing was going on, like noth- Force unit in Vietnam. in astonishment as the young PJ ing could hurt him. He came In spring 1966, “Pits” was hit the ground and went into ac- there to save lives and that’s what nearing the end of his combat tion treating the wounded and he was doing. He must have tour and his Air Force enlistment. hoisting them to the waiting heli- saved 40, 50, 60 guys who are liv- A veteran of about 300 rescue copters. After numerous successful ing today.” missions, the Piqua, Ohio, native evacuations, Pitsenbarger ignored At about 7:30 that night, Bill already wore the Air Medal with standard procedure and remained Pitsenbarger died of multiple gun- five oak-leaf clusters and had on the ground with the 20 surviv- shot wounds. When he was found been recommended for four more. ing infantrymen instead of leaving the next morning, he had a med- With four months remaining in with the helicopter. He continued ical kit in one hand and a rifle in Vietnam, Pitsenbarger planned to treating and evacuating the wound- the other. I leave the Air Force and attend ed, arming the survivors and re- Arizona State University. turning fire at the enemy. Dan Allsup is a freelance writer On the afternoon of April 11, “I couldn’t believe that living in the St. Louis area. his PJ unit learned that a Viet anybody was brave enough or Cong force had ambushed a 180- crazy enough to come down on Article design: Doug Rollison

10 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine 70th Anniversary Edition

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WORLDSHuman-rights BY ALAN W. DOWD tion put the United Nations firmly on the side of freedom and basic ar is peace, freedom is human rights. differences “ slavery, ignorance is Authored by the U.N. Commis- Wstrength.” So wrote sion on Human Rights and adopt- and the war George Orwell in his grim descrip- ed by the General Assembly in tion of a world turned upside- 1948, the declaration was a reac- down, where language is used to tion not just to Nanking, on terrorism confuse rather than inform and Auschwitz and all the other man- the individual is a servant to the made horrors of World War II, but push the state rather than its master. The to the political systems that calendar reads 2002, but if recent spawned those horrors – and the United States developments at the United Na- indifference that gave them quar- tions are any indication, we’re ter. During World War I, President and the limping toward 1984. Woodrow Wilson argued that no What else can be said of a country had the right to sit in world where the most notorious judgment of another. Wilson United Nations abusers of human rights are cho- made that case in 1915, long be- sen to protect and promote human fore his Fourteen Points and in opposite rights – and the most ardent de- League of Nations sought to cre- fender of human rights is shown ate a system that did exactly that. directions. the door? That’s exactly what hap- After World War II, Wilson’s suc- pened last year, when the United cessors concluded that America States lost its seat on the U.N. Hu- had not only the right, but the man Rights Commission for the duty, to judge the internal behav- first time since the commission’s ior of nations – and the legitimacy inception. Although the United to export its political system and States will regain the seat next values around the world. The session, the irony doesn’t end U.N. Human Rights Commission there, nor does the damage would become a key tool in that caused by the United Nations’ effort. long slide into Orwellian oblivion. As U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson Judge Not? According to the U.N. observes, the United States charter, the organization was cre- helped lay the very “foundations ated to lead the world “in promot- of the international human-rights ing and encouraging respect for system.” President Franklin Roo- human rights and fundamental sevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech freedoms for all.” Within a year served as the backdrop for the of its founding, the United human-rights declaration. And Nations crafted its cornerstone FDR’s wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, document, the Universal Declara- was the Human Rights Commis- tion of Human Rights. Together sion’s first chair. From its found- with the U.N. charter, the declara- ing in 1946 until 2001, the com- mission always included a repre- bilities, the commission’s 53 dele- sentative from the United States. gates are chosen through a process All of this should serve as a that invites mischief, which is ex- reminder that human rights have actly what happened during last never been a passing fancy to the year’s elections. Under the United States. And as a conse- process, countries are grouped into quence, for the five categories: 15 United States to come from Africa, be dropped from …for the United States 12 from Asia, 11 the commission from Latin Ameri- – if only for a to be dropped from the ca and the year – speaks Commission – if only Caribbean, 10 volumes about from Western Eu- America’s rela- for a year – speaks vol- rope and “other tionship with the countries,” and rest of the world umes about America’s five from Eastern and the credibili- Europe. Given ty of the United relationship with the what happened Nations itself. rest of the world and last year, it’s odd- ly fitting that the Musical Chairs. the credibility of the Human Rights It may be help- Commission’s ful to define United Nations itself. chief architect is “human rights.” tossed into the In a word, human rights are “others” category. Elections are those freedoms and rights inher- staggered, in a pattern similar to ent to being human. According the U.S. Senate. In the 2001 elec- to the Declaration on Human tions, for example, 14 seats were Rights, they include life; liberty; open — three for Western Europe security of person; freedom of and “others.” Each group nomi- religion, conscience, movement; nates its own candidates, and freedom to own property, assem- since the group that includes the ble, express opinions, work, United States nominated four can- form and join unions; and pro- didates for three slots, one country tection against arbitrary arrest, would have to be left out — some- discrimination, slavery and tor- thing like a diplomatic version of ture. The commission’s main musical chairs. Despite written as- duty is “to examine, monitor and surances to the contrary, the Unit- publicly report either on human- ed States was that country. rights situations in specific coun- The groupings guarantee that tries or on … human-rights vio- some of those most worthy of sit- lations worldwide.” ting on the panel won’t be includ- Despite their weighty responsi- ed, while other countries that

August 2002 13 APARTThe American Legion Magazine haven’t the capacity or the ing thought by the commis- legitimacy to monitor human …the United States will return sion this year. Beijing and the rights will be selected. It’s a to the commission next year. commission’s pliant sad fact that aside from a European members made handful of notable exceptions, However, it is doubtful that the sure of that. In fact, Kevin respect for human rights has Moley – head of the U.S. del- simply not taken root in Asia commission can regain its lost egation that observed the or Africa. These continents legitimacy or rehabilitate its 2002 proceedings – says may be the most populous on Washington encouraged the earth, but we can count on tarnished image anytime soon. Europeans to introduce a res- one hand the number of olution condemning Beijing’s Asian and African governments minorities. Russia has done far human-rights record. “We asked that even attempt to nurture hu- worse in Chechnya. The Saudi in every European capital,” Mo- man rights. Latin America is only government employs torture in its ley explained. But all refused to marginally better, yet these three criminal-justice system and pro- shine a light on the deplorable groups are guaranteed 38 of the hibits nearly all of the rights out- situation in China. 53 seats on a body supposedly lined in the declaration. In Cuba, Instead, the commission passed committed to promoting human repression of dissent is actually a resolution encouraging the Pales- rights. enshrined in the constitution. tinians to use “all available means, Although our “friends” in Eu- Pakistan helped spawn the Tal- including armed struggle” to carve rope talk plenty about human iban regime, which tortured an out an independent state. Writing rights, many seldom act to pro- entire country. The Sudanese in The Wall Street Journal, Michael mote them. Recall their utter fail- government turns a blind eye to Rubin of the Washington Institute ure to stop grievous human-rights slavery and supports groups that for Near East Policy put the resolu- violations in the Balkans, their execute non-Muslims. tion in perspective: “Six European eagerness to do business with Then there is China, whose Union members and the [human] Baghdad, their blind embrace of bribes and backroom deals ma- rights commission now join the 57 Beijing. The Europeans didn’t neuvered America off the com- nations of the Islamic Conference help the cause of human rights by mission. Beijing runs more than in legitimizing suicide bombers.” breaking their word and giving 1,000 slave-labor camps, impris- In doing so, they have made the America’s enemies an opportunity oning and “re-educating” be- commission a farce. to silence the most active and ar- tween 15 million and 20 million Thanks to Italy’s and Spain’s ticulate defender of human rights people for such crimes as speak- joint decision to withdraw their on the planet. ing out against the government candidacies, thus avoiding a re- and conducting religious services peat of 2001, the United States Profiles in Cowardice. Even so, in their homes. will return to the commission next the problem was not so much Incredibly, even as the commis- year. However, it is doubtful the who was left out, but who was sion’s 2001 session came to a close commission can regain its lost le- left on. As Rep. Chris Smith, R- and members prepared to make gitimacy or rehabilitate its tarn- N.J., observed, “The day the their 2002 selections, they adopted ished image anytime soon. Ameri- United States went off, Sudan resolutions condemning the hu- ca’s voice will again be heard, but went on.” Indeed, after the vot- man-rights situations in Burundi, so will China’s and Sudan’s and ing and double-crossing was fi- Cuba, the Congo, Sudan and Rus- the other repeat offenders. nally over, the 2002 U.N. Human sia — all members of the very Rights Commission included body charged with promoting hu- Backlash. Predictably, foreign such human-rights stalwarts as man rights. China used a mix of diplomats have blamed the United China, Cuba, Indonesia, Libya, parliamentary trickery and old- States for this sorry state of affairs, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, fashioned payoffs to block a reso- arguing that America’s failure to Sudan and Syria. lution criticizing its own human- support programs such as the Chil- According to Amnesty Interna- rights record in 2001. The resolu- dren’s Rights Convention, Kyoto tional, the Indonesian govern- tion’s chief sponsor was the Treaty and International Criminal ment has permitted and perpetrat- United States. Court triggered a backlash. ed extra-judicial killings and tor- Neither the resolution nor Bei- Of course, the United States has ture against independence-minded jing’s victims were given a pass- steered clear of some U.N. initia-

14 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine commentary

tives for good reasons, not cued Afghanistan from its the least of which is the fact Rumsfeld also reminded the dark past and even darker that they will be adminis- critics that it was U.S. military future. “The only reason hu- tered by governments that manitarian workers are to- lack the legitimacy and in- force – not U.N. relief agencies – day back in Afghanistan is ternal safeguards of democ- because of the U.S. mili- racy or the courage to speak that rescued Afghanistan from its tary,” he explained. But out against what is wrong. don’t take the Pentagon’s The International Crimi- dark past and even darker future . word for it. As essayist nal Court, for example, Christopher Hitchens wrote would put U.S. troops in jeopardy course, was that U.S. troops in The Nation, “The United States of being tried for war crimes by the wouldn’t treat their captives hu- has just succeeded in bombing a same people who chose China and manely and U.S. pilots wouldn’t country back out of the Stone Age. Sudan to safeguard human rights. take care to protect civilians. This deserves to be recognized as The court’s aims may be noble — Dutch officials blasted Wash- an achievement.” The liberation war crimes and genocide have de- ington for failing to “uphold our and rescue of Afghanistan, he re- formed mankind — but the ICC is norms and values.” Coming from minded the critics, “was accom- ill-conceived. For example, it crimi- the same government that plished with no serious loss of nalizes “widespread” attacks ordered its troops to stand aside, civilian life.” against civilian populations; it de- Pilate-like, as the Serbs rampaged fines “extensive destruction of through Srebrenica, their criticism Perfectly Imperfect. The United property” as a war crime; it defines is as hallow as their credibility. States isn’t perfect, but people an attack in which civilians are The Saudi government – the same leave their homelands to come likely to be injured or killed as a government that lops off arms here for a reason, a reason they war crime; and it criminalizes the and legs for stealing – expressed quote our founding founders in- use of weapons that are intended concern over how the Pentagon stead of their own, a reason their to cause “unnecessary suffering.” was treating the detainees held at rulers resent or despise America. How difficult would it be for a Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Human- Embedded within its system of determined prosecutor to con- rights authorities in Paris called government is a compass that vince a panel awash in moral rel- the detainee camp a “parody of points America in the direction of ativism that U.S. war planners justice.” Remarkably, a British of- freedom, equality and human dig- targeted Serbian population cen- ficial concluded that America’s nity — a yearning to “form a ters, that U.S. pilots conducted a treatment of al-Qaida terrorists more perfect union.” campaign to destroy Iraqi proper- somehow undermined the war It is a yearning Americans have ty, that U.S. Army Rangers against terrorism. tried to transplant into the United mounted raids into Mogadishu Yet these same voices were Nations. But sadly, it hasn’t taken knowing that civilians would be strangely silent when al-Qaida root. With its membership now killed, that U.S. jets dropped mu- thugs murdered journalist Daniel dominated by undemocratic coun- nitions that caused unnecessary Pearl and executed Navy SEAL tries and its agencies controlled suffering in Afghanistan? The an- Neil Roberts, who was captured by the unelected representatives swer is not difficult at all, espe- in the early hours of Operation of those countries, the United Na- cially within the United Nations. Anaconda. tions has lost its way and Consider the reaction to Ameri- Seemingly fed up with the non- devolved into something less than ca’s anti-terror campaign. Just five sense, Defense Secretary Donald its founders envisioned. The re- days into the air war against the Rumsfeld finally shot back in late sult is a perversion of the very Taliban, Robinson called on Wash- March: the detainees, he fumed, principles on which the organiza- ington to suspend the attacks, lest “are being treated vastly better tion was founded — and a world we “preside over the deaths from than they treated anybody else.” turned upside-down. I starvation of hundreds of thou- Indeed, each prisoner receives sands, maybe millions, this win- medical care, a 2,400-calorie diet, Alan W. Dowd is assistant vice ter.” She then warned the United books and religious materials. president at Hudson Institute States not to mistreat detainees or Rumsfeld also reminded the crit- in Indianapolis. endanger Afghanistan’s civilian ics that it was U.S. military force – population. The implication, of not U.N. relief agencies – that res- Article design: Holly K. Soria

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18 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine Nazis were about to emerge in like a D-Day and Gen. Eisenhow- the Reichstag elections as the er’s note and so on. largest political party in Germany – Winston Churchill was in New Alternate History. History is in- York staying at the Waldorf-Asto- deed tenuous. Often in a country’s ria. This was a period in course of events, shifts in history Churchill’s career during which are dictated by close calls, fateful he was not in power in Britain; he occurrences, forks in the road, was visiting friends and working choices made and rejected. on a book. One night as he For anyone interested in history, stepped out from a curb on Fifth it is hard not to imagine how alter- Avenue, he was struck down by a nate outcomes of isolated events taxicab. He was rushed to Lenox might have dramatically changed Hill Hospital, where he remained the future, how certain historical for several days. While there he crossroads could have launched contracted a case of pleurisy. Fi- chains of events that would nally, after leaving the hospital in reshape the world as we now a wheelchair, he greeted reporters know it. Novelists and filmmakers back in his hotel suite. and even television series have He told one British reporter explored the possible impacts that that he never saw the cab, that he different outcomes of single occur- must have momentarily forgotten rences – the roads not taken – that cars drive on the right side of could have made in the future. the road in America. He also told The concept of “alternate histo- the reporter that the accident was ry” has always fed the science-fic- so serious it was an absolute tion genre, but in recent years miracle he survived. professional his- A miracle. Think of World War II without Winston Churchill. Think of those criti- cal days in spring 1940 when Churchill, virtually alone, convinced other British lead- ers to continue the struggle. Unlike Neville Chamberlain, Lloyd George, Lord Halifax and others, Churchill un- derstood the truth about Hitler – that he was a leader not to be reasoned immediately and seriously, the with or appeased but to Allied forces would have faced be crushed. extraordinary logistical problems. Led by Churchill, the They would have suffered griev- British persevered and ous losses both in men and triumphed. But what equipment. Hitler’s forces would about that evening in have been in a strategically pow- 1931? A taxicab came erful position to dictate the war’s close to changing progress on their own terms. world history. If Also, the Normandy events might Churchill had died have convinced Josef Stalin that that evening, if the his western allies were doomed. If British had been so, he might have withdrawn sup- without his leader- port from them altogether. Eisen- ship in the war hower did not have to use the and had actually document in his wallet that day. It negotiated with could have been different, the Germans, if though. all had been Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower prepared a statement June different, per- 5, 1944, in the event that the D-Day assault failed. War Without Churchill. Many haps there Library of Congress years before, in December 1931 would not – at a time when Adolf Hitler’s have been anything

August 2002 19 The American Legion Magazine torians also have begun to write therein lies the fascination with essays and books on the possible fateful twists, ironies and near- ramifications of turning points in misses that checker our past. history. The questions can be com- mon: “What if the Americans had Kennedy’s Close Call. In October lost the revolution?” “What if Ger- 1962, members of the Kennedy many had won World War II?” administration agonized over what “What if the South had won the to do about the discovery of mis- Civil War?” siles in Cuba. At one of the crucial Much of this writing is meetings, Secretary of Defense informed and complex, bolstered Robert McNamara took notes of by a substantive knowledge and the exchanges between President sense of history. But it is fantasy, Kennedy, members of the Joint most creatively illustrated by au- Chiefs, the CIA and others in the thors like Harry Turtledove, who administration, almost all of based one novel on the “counter- whom were pushing hard to bomb factual” turning point of the arrival Cuba. Attorney General Robert of aliens during World War II – an Kennedy, who opposed it, said the event that unites Nazis and Jews pro-bombing sentiment made him In fall 1912, during his presidential cam- in the interest of mutual defense. paign, Theodore Roosevelt was shot out- feel what Tojo must have felt be- Other counterfactuals are less side a Milwaukee hotel by an assassin. fore attacking Pearl Harbor. fantastic. In Robert Sobel’s treat- Had a speech in his pocket not The day after the meeting, ment of the Revolutionary War, absorbed most of the impact, he would Kennedy decided on a blockade. France decides not to provide as- have died, possibly allowing William But what if the United States had sistance to the revolutionaries and Howard Taft to defeat Woodrow Wilson bombed Cuba and started a nu- the United States is never estab- and changing America’s involvement in clear exchange? As McNamara’s World War I. Library of Congress lished. Instead, a pro-English notes make clear, we came very country is founded on the East into his chest. close. Coast and the American radicals If the speech had not been An interesting irony remains flee to the Southwest to eventual- there he certainly would have about all this. The CIA’s intel- ly build a counternation to the been killed. As it was, the bullet ligence gathering on the Cuba confederations in the east. The did not enter his chest deeply, but matter, as it turns out, was not author, therefore, creates a new he was bleeding. Nevertheless, totally revealing; the threat in history for North America. being Theodore Roosevelt, he Cuba was actually greater than Throughout our history, went ahead and delivered his re- U.S. leadership knew at the time. extraordinary moments of deci- marks, blood dripping on his In this case, incomplete CIA intel- sion could have turned the shirt, a situation that for Roosevelt ligence actually worked to the future’s course. In fall 1912, for- was a red badge of courage. He world’s advantage. If the Kennedy mer president Theodore Roosevelt made a number of quips about administration had known the full was running for president again, how it takes more than a bullet to force of the arsenal arraying this time on the Bull Moose Party bring down a Bull Moose and de- against it, the argument for a ticket. Alienated from the Repub- livered the major portion of the blockade – and not an air strike – lican administration of William speech that had saved his life. would have been considerably Howard Taft, Roosevelt formed If the speech had not been in weaker and a nuclear confronta- his own party and was once again Roosevelt’s pocket, the result of tion much more likely. charging around the country in a the presidential race of 1912 Call them counterfactuals, fate, campaign frenzy. would likely have been different. luck or close calls – they are histo- The former president had poor Some historians believe that with ry’s events that insist on asking a eyesight and his speeches were Roosevelt out of the race, Taft simple question whose answers typed in large print. He would might have amassed nearly 400 are as limitless as human imagina- routinely stuff the speeches inside electoral votes against a single tion. It is the question “What if?” his coat pocket, along with his major opponent, Democrat eyeglasses case. Woodrow Wilson. And with no Roger Bruns is deputy executive On a campaign trip to Milwau- Wilson presidency, what would director of the National Historical kee, as he walked out of his hotel that have meant with regard to Publications and Records Commis- on his way to deliver an address, the United States’ entry in World sion at the National Archives in an assassin attacked Roosevelt. War I and Taft’s own strategic Washington. He is the author of The man shot him point-blank in diplomatic and military moves? “Almost History: Close Calls, Plan the chest, the bullet penetrating Would there have been a drive for Bs and Twists of Fate in Ameri- all the way through the thick a League of Nations similar to the ca’s Past.” speech in Roosevelt’s pocket, one for which Wilson fought so through the eyeglasses case, and hard? We will never know, but Article design: Doug Rollison

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Dr. Omega Silva defends the system’s role in American health care.

BY JAMES V. CARROLL r. Omega C. Logan Silva has been a Dhealth-care profes- sional for more than 40 years. Most of those years she worked in the Veterans Affairs medical system. She currently serves on The American Legion Veterans’ Planning and Coordinating Committee. Silva was introduced to the Vet- erans Health Administration sys- tem in 1964. As a second-year medical student at Howard Uni- versity, she was hired by Washing- ton Veterans Medical Center to enter medical data into the hospi- tal’s new state-of-the-art computer system. She earned $5 per hour. Three years later, Silva was one of the first postgraduate physicians to serve an internship at VA.

22 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine Silva is, and always has been, training at a VHA hospital or clin- fiercely loyal to VA. She is proud of “Since its inception ic. Chances are good they did. her association and is concerned more than 50 years ago, that an ever-dwindling veteran TALM: Some critics propose to population might doom the 56- efforts have been made fold VHA into the Department of year-old veterans’ health-care sys- Health and Human Services. tem. She freely admits problems to privatize VHA, to What is your view? exist at some centers, but she also outsource parts or get OLS: I think it would be positive- believes medical education, train- ly stupid to contemplate getting ing and research will suffer irrevo- rid of it altogether. But rid of something that has been cably if VHA is eliminated or fold- built so beautifully to take care of ed into the Department of Health the quality of America’s our nation’s veterans. Since its and Human Services. inception more than 50 years ago, VHA is too important a piece health care depends efforts have been made to priva- of America’s health-care mosaic upon a strong VHA.” tize VHA, to outsource parts or to lose, too much of a national get rid of it altogether. But the treasure, she says. TALM: How does VHA rate quality of America’s health care Silva is the first African-Ameri- among medical-care providers in depends upon a strong VHA. can woman research associate at America? VHA, as well as VHA’s first OLS: It is second to none. Military TALM: What do you think would African-American clinical investi- veterans receive some of the best happen if VHA were dismantled? gator. She has published more medical care in the world. Health- OLS: Medical education in Ameri- than 200 articles, book chapters care providers of VHA serve mil- ca would collapse. People don’t and abstracts mostly on the en- lions of veterans – many with realize that. How many managed- docrine system, including the hor- complicated multisystem diseases care doctors do you think have the mone calcitonin. Silva is the for- – offering compassionate state-of- time to teach an intern, resident mer chief of the diabetic clinic the-art treatment in a cost-effec- or student? Even though many of and served as assistant chief of tive manner. them are perfectly capable and endocrinology at the VA Medical would like to do it, they don’t Center in Washington until her TALM: What other reasons make have the time. It’s impossible for retirement in 1996. VHA important? managed-care physicians to take Silva served as secretary-treas- OLS: Medical schools share facul- care of a patient every 15 minutes, urer of the National Association of ty and hospital staff with VHA complete required paperwork and VA Physicians and a member of and vice versa. These very pro- then find time to teach. There are the first VA Advisory Committee ductive relationships are not well too few hours in a day. on Women Veterans. She is imme- known, but they are integral and diate past president of the Ameri- an absolute and necessary part of TALM: Has VHA made other sig- can Medical Women’s Association medical education. nificant medical contributions? and professor emeritus of medicine VHA is affiliated with 107 med- OLS: Many modern technologies at George Washington University. ical schools, 55 dental schools exist today as a result of discoveries and 1,200 other educational insti- by VA medical researchers. These THEAMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE: tutions throughout the country. It medical advances have benefited What is the purpose of VHA? helps train not only medical stu- all Americans, not just veterans. OMEGA LOGAN SILVA: The mis- dents, physicians and dentists, Research by Dr. Edward Freis sion of VHA ensures that health- but pharmacists, nurses, social on long-term treatment of hyper- care needs of America’s military workers, rehabilitation therapists, tension was undertaken many veterans are met by providing pri- psychologists and counselors. A years ago utilizing the VA Cooper- mary care, specialized care and majority of U.S. physicians and ative Studies Plan. His research other special support services to many foreign medical graduates has helped many people world- our country’s men and women have received some or all of their wide achieve normal blood pres- veterans. VHA also has a second- education and training at VHA sures and avoid long-term compli- ary mission to provide backup hospitals or clinics. cations and early deaths associat- care for military personnel. VHA VHA training becomes more ed with the disease. also can play an important role in important to future health-care The development of an analyti- caring for civilians in case of a professionals at a time when cal technique that is the basis for domestic catastrophic disaster, medical schools are selling their thousands of laboratory tests such as a terrorist attack. hospitals and more physicians are worldwide, is the accomplishment working as employees in of VHA physicist Dr. Rosalyn Dr. Omega Silva, a member of The Amer- managed care and health-mainte- Yalow, who received the Nobel ican Legion Veterans’ Planning and nance organizations. Prize in 1977. Using that concept in Coordinating Committee, says VHA care Next time you visit your doc- the laboratory of Dr. Kenneth Beck- is “second to none.” James V. Carroll tor, ask if he or she received any er, I – along with another chemist,

August 2002 23 The American Legion Magazine interview

Dr. Richard Snyder – developed an own pockets. Veterans should RIA for calcitonin, a hormone from “Many modern have the right to choose VHA the thyroid gland that lowers serum technologies exist today health care without being penal- calcium among other actions. Us- ized. It is unfair. ing this RIA, I was able to study as a result of discoveries the hormone in patients with many TALM: The government promises diseases. Using the technique, I by VA medical all veterans access to VHA health was able to prove that calcitonin researchers.These care, right? was produced and secreted by oat- OLS: Yes, but some veterans who cell cancer of the lung. medical advances have do not have service-connected in- VHA helped develop the CAT jury or illness are required to pay scan and cardiac pacemaker. The benefited all Americans, for care from VHA the same as if first liver transplant in the world they received care outside the sys- was performed by a VHA surgeon- not just veterans.” tem. These veterans might have researcher. VHA clinical trials es- out-of-pocket co-payments, but tablished the effectiveness of new and have exacted congressional VHA typically collects the remain- treatments for tuberculosis, schizo- support for VA and its health-care der from veterans’ insurance carri- phrenia and high blood pressure. system. But today, there are fewer ers. Medicare-eligible nonservice- The “Seattle Foot,” developed in veterans to keep watch over Con- connected veterans, on the other VHA allows people with amputa- gress. And as the military contin- hand, are not allowed to use their tions to run and jump. Recently, an ues to reduce its force size, there Medicare benefits, which they implantable insulin pump was de- will be fewer veterans to seek VA paid for, because VHA is not per- veloped that offers diabetic patients health care in the future. To main- mitted to bill Medicare for VHA an alternative way to control their tain its leadership role in medical services. It makes no sense. disease. VHA has become a world education and research, VHA Permitting VHA to bill Medicare leader in researching aging, must remain viable. for health-care treatment to women’s health, AIDS, post-trau- Medicare-eligible veterans would matic stress disorder and other TALM: Do you have suggestions be beneficial in a number of ways. mental-health issues, and VHA has to help preserve VHA? It would allow veterans to choose few peers in the field of prosthetics. OLS: Thought should be given to VHA without penalty. It would The list of discoveries and accom- expanding the VHA health-care save tax dollars. And it would cre- plishments is a long one, indeed. system so that more veterans and ate an infusion of dollars to VHA I also want to mention VA’s their families can avail themselves that could be used to augment ex- record-keeping and patient-track- of its many advantages. We must isting education and research pro- ing computer system. It’s a first of find ways to work toward that goal. grams and to enhance mainte- its kind and remains more A logical first step would be to nance to physical structures. advanced and integrated than permit eligible veterans to use their A vibrant VHA is an essential most health-care systems today. Medicare benefits to pay for VHA piece in America’s health-care sys- VA’s medical computer system health care. Current law forbids the tem. Who knows what new proce- enables physicians, nurses and practice. It doesn’t seem equitable dures, treatments, technologies or other health-care professionals to to me given the fact VHA can take cures might go undiscovered if pull up a patient’s medical file at care of two Medicare patients for VHA is dismantled or folded into any VA hospital or clinic. the price it takes to care for one some other government health- patient outside VHA. care program? I don’t. I do know, TALM: What is the greatest threat VHA delivers some of the best however, what procedures, treat- to VA? health care in the world. More ments, technologies and cures ex- OLS: Relevance. Organizations Medicare-eligible veterans would ist as a direct or indirect result of such as The American Legion use VHA services if they did not VHA research. Medical care is the have long been strong advocates have to pay for it out of their quality product it is today in no small part because of VHA. We cannot afford to lose such a national treasure. In my view, the future of quality health care in America – indeed, the world – is linked irrevocably to the survival of VHA. I

James V. Carroll is an assistant editor at The American Legion Magazine.

Digital Stock Article design: King Doxsee

24 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine

Corbis Chorus of Critics

26 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine commentary

Europeans complain about American defense and foreign policy, despite a dependence on U.S. military might.

BY RICHARD PERLE the administration’s way, as it did rampant proliferation of nuclear in voting down the ban on nuclear weapons would occur. U.S. unilat- ong before Sept. 11, our Eu- testing (it was hopelessly unverifi- eralism would lead to a breakdown ropean allies were busy com- able and would have left us un- of the international order. Lpiling a list of complaints able to fix future problems that Then came Sept. 11. about American defense and for- might develop in our nuclear arse- Our critics in Europe paused eign policy. With the arrival of the nal), the official representatives of briefly to express sympathy for Bush administration, the list grew the United States declared their the catastrophic loss of life in longer: environmental protection support for almost anything on New York, Pennsylvania and (U.S. rejection, without much ex- which the international communi- Washington. Then they resumed planation, of the Kyoto agree- ty – led by the Europeans and the chorus of criticism of Ameri- ment), arms control (our opposi- staffed by Eurocrats and interna- can unilateralism, saying the tion to expanding the biological tional civil servants – agreed. One United States must not “go it weapons convention and the notable exception was American alone” in the war on terror. The president’s decision to withdraw refusal to accept the ban on land Muslim “street” would rise up from the Anti-Ballistic Missile mines, an uncharacteristic display and enflame the whole region if Treaty), international legal affairs of international independence by we went into Afghanistan. Like (the International Criminal Court) a president who was simply un- the Soviets before us, America and even purely domestic policies willing to overrule the Joint Chiefs would bog down in a hopeless (the death penalty). of Staff. struggle against Afghan irregulars. It seemed as though the West- Critics felt Bush’s policy of going ern victory in the Cold War freed Tough Decisions. George W. Bush after state sponsors of terrorism our allies to bite the hand that came into office believing it is the went too far. We should be con- fed their security needs during first responsibility of the president tent apprehending individual ter- the half century they were men- to “provide for the common de- rorists and abandoning any aced by Soviet military power. fense.” That did not mean taking thought of taking the war to the Policies they disliked when they a poll around the world and then territory from which terrorists op- depended on us suddenly became doing what some international erated or received sanctuary. fair game for disparagement, majority preferred. It led to some American forces in Afghanistan, even derision, when they were tough decisions, like withdrawing however – with a little help only dependent no longer. from the ABM Treaty and scrap- from our British allies – soon had Much of the criticism seemed ping expansion of an ineffective the Afghan Taliban regime on aimed at what the Europeans and treaty banning biological the run. The terrorist network their acolytes on campuses, on weapons. Our allies went ballistic. once operating freely there was the left and on many op-ed pages We were assaulted with dire smashed while bin Laden and referred to as “unilateralism.” predictions. If we abandoned the his chief lieutenants fled. Call it Never defined with any precision, ABM Treaty, the “cornerstone” of unilateralism if you want, but it “unilateralism” was shorthand international security would be worked. So European criticism for the president of the United destroyed and we’d face an uncon- turned to the treatment of cap- States choosing policies that the trolled arms race. Without the tured terrorists interned at Guan- Europeans and the United comprehensive test-ban treaty, a tanamo Bay in Cuba. They hadn’t Nations didn’t like. been transported to Cuba in busi- For most of a decade, the Clin- ness class. They were denied ton administration placed great counsel. They were kept in cages. emphasis on the importance of Much of the criticism The president was unmoved. satisfying the “international com- In summing up the first weeks of munity” by gracefully accepting seemed aimed at what the war on terrorism in his State its policies even when U.S. think- the Europeans and their of the Union address, he sought ing differed. Global consensus be- to go beyond Afghanistan, point- came the aim of American diplo- acolytes on campuses, on ing to Iraq, Iran and North Korea macy under the direction of the as an “axis of evil.” The unmis- president, Secretary of State the left and on many takable message sent shivers Madeline Albright and National through drawing rooms in Stock- Security Adviser Sandy Berger. op-ed pages referred to holm, Brussels, Paris and Berlin; Even when the Senate blocked as “unilateralism.” someone, probably Saddam Hus-

August 2002 27 The American Legion Magazine commentary

seen can be destroyed, as air power in Afghanistan demonstrat- ed. New sensors, new computing capabilities and new information technologies are enabling the United States, which is investing at a level unheard of in Europe, to achieve military dominance of a kind the world has never seen. And what we have done is only the beginning. Some of the early results were seen in Operation Desert Storm, in Kosovo and, most recently, in Afghanistan. But while we have taken the first essential steps to exploit the potential of what is known in professional circles as “the revolution in military affairs,” our European allies have not. On the contrary, European military programs are increasingly aimed at providing jobs, so technologies that enable American forces to An artist’s impression shows GalileoSat, a European civilian satellite-based navigation control the risks of combat opera- system for the high-precision positioning of aircraft and ships. European leaders are tions remain unavailable to our pushing ahead with the project to launch 30 satellites that will rival the U.S.-run Global European allies. Positioning System. AP For example, while the United States has developed, produced sein, would be next. Armed with er, and the will to project it, has and now operates the C-17 mili- weapons of mass destruction – been demonstrated yet again to tary transport aircraft, which chemical, biological and, unless be vital to European security. Bin more than meets the needs of our stopped, eventually nuclear – Laden exposed the hollowness of NATO allies – the Europeans are Hussein is simply too dangerous European Union pretensions to developing a new military trans- to leave in power. The Europeans, military autonomy.” port, which if successful will be who had already gone ballistic, The simple fact is that the na- less capable and more expensive were now circling in orbit. ture of warfare is changing dra- than the C-17. Chris Patten, European Union matically. New technologies en- In late March, the European commissioner for foreign affairs, able properly trained, organized Union decided to spend some $2 warned against American aggres- and equipped forces to see the billion to place in orbit a system siveness. French foreign minister battlefield from afar. What can be of satellites to replicate the capa- Hubert Vedrine, whom I consider bilities of our Global Positioning a man of large pretensions and System, the space-based informa- modest talent, dismissed the presi- tion system that is now essential dent’s view as simplistic. The left Critics felt Bush’s policy for achieving the remarkable ac- wing of British Prime Minister curacy of our newest weapons. Tony Blair’s Labour Party went of going after state GPS also is used for a variety of into open, if feckless, revolt civilian purposes and for naviga- against his solidarity with the sponsors of terrorism tion of all kinds; the United United States. went too far.We should States makes the signal for these purposes available to the world at Only the Beginning. It seems be content apprehending no cost. It is expected that the likely that European criticism has European Union will impose a lot to do with Europe’s sense of individual terrorists and charges on users of its GPS and impotence. One British observer, abandoning any thought will prevent Europeans, by law, the chief editorial writer for The from availing themselves of the Times of London, had this to say of taking the war to the free GPS we now offer to anyone in The Spectator: “This extra, and who wishes to use it. Why? Be- deeply uncomfortable, sense of territory from which cause French and German policy- Europe’s vulnerability has makers believe that European brought on the current fit of anti- terrorists operated or “independence” obliges them to American sulking. American pow- received sanctuary. have a system of their own and

28 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine to force it on their hapless citi- It seems likely that What really seems to be at zens. In the meantime, money work here is a French-led plan to needed for European defense re- European criticism has advance its towering conceit: quirements will be squandered that France can manipulate its on this absurd redundancy. a lot to do with Europe’s entente with Germany to margin- Or again, while Europe is in the sense of impotence. alize the Americans in Europe process of developing airplanes while keeping us sufficiently en- with radar signatures that leave gaged so the military, intelligence them vulnerable to air-defense and logistics resources (bought missiles, the United States has sensible Western policy would by U.S. taxpayers) can be at the been buying and operating stealthy recognize that leading-edge tech- disposal of Europeans who talk aircraft that are far more capable nologies should be adopted endlessly about capabilities they and pose fewer risks. throughout NATO in a manner simply don’t have. Consider the B-2 bomber. Ac- that narrows an ever-widening The inescapable truth is that cording to U.S. Air Force studies, gap between American and Euro- defense capability requires invest- two B-2 bombers can do the work pean capabilities. ment. And that is precisely what of 75 conventional aircraft. And The width of that gap is a mat- the Europeans are not talking because they are nearly invisible ter of political and military con- about. What they are talking to air-defense radars, the risk of cern. As the U.S. military acquires about is how to organize and combat losses is greatly reduced. technology that identifies through command their current, anemic In the first eight weeks of the war darkness and fog the exact loca- forces through structures that do in Kosovo, operating in weather tion of opposing forces and be- not include the United States or conditions that kept much of the comes increasingly able to control other important NATO allies like allied air force grounded, three airspace over battlefields, where Turkey and the newly admitted B-2 aircraft – our most modern will the United States find its al- members from central Europe. and capable long-range bombers lies when common interests are When you hear Europeans – conducted only 3 percent of the threatened and collective action complain about American unilat- missions flown and destroyed 33 must be taken? If the risk that eralism, think American leader- percent of the targets. Targets America’s allies must accept by ship, for that is what is entailed struck by conventional aircraft virtue of their inadequacies great- when the United States assumes involved hundreds of aircraft and ly exceeds the risk the United the burden of rooting out terror- thousands of missions, and great- States can confidently accept, ist networks that aim to kill in- ly increased combat risk. Any how will common responses to nocent civilians. It is leadership common challenges be reached? that lies behind the president’s determination that Saddam Hus- Going It Alone. A great deal of sein must not be allowed to com- discussion has occurred in recent plete the development of nuclear months about the effort of the Eu- weapons to add to his arsenal of ropean members of NATO to es- chemical and biological agents. tablish for themselves something The United Nations and our Eu- called a European Defense and ropean allies also have responsi- Security Identity. When the dis- bilities for these things, but with cussion began in seminars at con- weak defense establishments tinental villas and in the pages of and little or no ability to project newspapers, it seemed this new power, they have chosen not to topic could replace the subject of meet them. U.S.-Canadian relations as the So we will act alone if neces- most boring topic on the interna- sary. Unilaterally if necessary. And tional seminar circuit. Now that we will do so with no expectation Europe’s defense identity crisis is of gratitude from those who will in full flower, I’m sure of it. benefit from the lives we invest It is, after all, hard to get excit- and the protection we provide the ed about German concepts or world from the scourge of terror. I French logic or EU frameworks that have as their purpose the con- Richard Perle served as assistant templation of nonexistent Euro- secretary of defense from 1981 to pean military forces that would be 1987. He is now a resident fellow pressed into the service of a non- at the American Enterprise Insti- French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, dismayed over President Bush’s group- existent common European foreign tute and chairman of the Defense ing of Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an policy, in those instances in which Policy Board. “axis of evil,” recently called U.S. foreign NATO had distanced itself from its policy “simplistic.” AP European allies and opted out. Article design: King Doxsee

August 2002 29 The American Legion Magazine Scientists who weigh in on foreign policy should stick to microscopes and test tubes.

BY ERNEST W. LEFEVER ost American scientists, like the American people, support a strong national defense, Mespecially since Sept. 11. Why, then, are so many eminent physical scientists so wrong when they speak out on issues of war, peace and terrorism? Why do Nobel laureate scientists, in particular, feel compelled to pontificate on foreign policy? In December, three months after the terrorist assaults on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, many Nobel laureates met in Ottawa to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Nobel prize. John Polanyi, a chemist at the University of Toronto, seized the occasion to promote a sweeping proclamation on “The Next Hundred Years.” His statement accused President George W. Bush and other leaders of the in- dustrialized world of causing war and terrorism. It then offered specific ways to abolish both plagues

30 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine commentary from the face of the earth. The statement was signed by a majori- Stripped of confusion and ambiguity, the laureates ty of the world’s living Nobel lau- accused the United States and Western allies of reates, mainly physical scientists. Mercifully, Polanyi’s proclama- being responsible for world terrorism. tion was largely ignored by the ma- jor media, still mesmerized by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. 9,235 scientists from many coun- surge of patriotism following the In short, the West “must learn to tries protesting further nuclear test- Sept. 11 attacks and Bush’s forth- think in a new way,” a sentiment ing. He also urged the United Na- right and courageous response. echoing Jonathan Schell’s utopian tions to create a World Peace Re- Polanyi said the proclamation was “The Fate of the Earth” (1982): search Organization to abolish war, neither liberal nor conservative, but “The task facing the species is to a gesture reminiscent of the utopi- rational. Rational or not, it was the shape a world politics that does not an 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact to out- Nobel laureates’ most recent foray rely on violence ... to reinvent poli- law war. in the ongoing cultural conflict over tics: to reinvent the world.” Like other politically active sci- how to manage the world. Stripped of confusion and am- entists, Pauling claimed that he Shortly before his death in 1896, biguity, the laureates at Ottawa spoke as a man of science. In 1963, the Swedish industrialist who in- accused the United States and our he wrote: “My ethical principles vented dynamite, Alfred B. Nobel, Western allies of being largely re- (convinced me that) war must be established a bequest of $9 million sponsible for world terrorism. abolished: but my conclusion that to atone for his sin of making war The majority of signers were war must be abolished if the hu- more lethal. The Nobel Prize Com- chemists or physicists with no man race is to survive is based not mittee, drawing on this fund, each special expertise in world affairs. on ethical principles, but on my year presents cash awards to a se- The few others who signed thorough and careful analysis … of lect few who have made great con- include peace laureates Mikhail the facts.” A dubious claim indeed. tributions to humankind in Gorbachev and the Dalai Lama. physics, chemistry, medicine-physi- The Ottawa proclamation was Bomb Guilt. Nuclear physicist J. ology, literature and peace. an elaboration of a July 6, 2000, Robert Oppenheimer was not a No- Shortly after the first awards in letter to President Bill Clinton from bel laureate, but in many respects 1901, some recipients felt com- some 50 laureates, again mainly he foreshadowed their post- pelled to speak out on global is- from the physical sciences. Speak- Hiroshima political activism. His sues unrelated to their areas of ing for themselves and “other in- sense of guilt over helping develop expertise. That tradition, unfortu- dependent scientists,” the signers nuclear arms, combined with a ro- nately, endures. This has been urged the president not to “deploy mantic attachment to communism, dramatically true of physicists and an anti-ballistic missile system,” underlay his ambiguity about the chemists, many of whom, like No- because it would be “premature, atom bomb and his later opposi- bel himself, have felt a special re- wasteful, and dangerous.” tion to the American H-bomb. It sponsibility, if not a sense of guilt, These hard scientists presented may have played a role in his pass- for unleashing the atom. soft opinions, but no hard facts, ing atomic secrets to Soviet agents. to buttress their advice. Oppenheimer and other mem- The Cause of Terrorism. So, in bers of the Federation of American Ottawa last December, with breast- The Pauling Precedent. The late Nuclear Scientists, with their con- beating fervor, the 108 signers de- Linus Pauling was awarded two fused political and moral musings, clared that “the most profound Nobel laureates, one in chemistry could be called nuclear pacifists or danger to world peace (is caused and the other in peace. He was the nuclear apocalyptics. The dooms- by) the legitimate demands of the only man so honored. He exploited day clock on the cover of the Bul- world’s dispossessed” who suffer his double eminence to the hilt. letin of Atomic Scientists indicated because of the greed, injustice, America’s atom bombing of how far the editors thought the and powerful weapons of the Hiroshima transformed Pauling into world was from Armageddon. West. “Global warming” produced a nuclear pacifist. A participant in When the American H-bomb was by “the wealthy few,” added the Albert Einstein’s Emergency Com- detonated, the hands were moved statement, harms mostly poor peo- mittee of Atomic Scientists and oth- from five to three minutes before ple of the Third World. er such organizations, he was midnight, suggesting that political Our only hope, declared the lau- sharply critical of many U.S. foreign events could be calibrated like the reates, lies in cooperative interna- and defense policies. He urged Tru- movement of atoms. tional action to “counter both global man not to build the H-bomb. In Leo Szilard, the Hungarian-born warming and a weaponized world.” the 1950s and 1960s, he was physicist who with Albert Einstein Specifically, the statement insisted accused of being pro-Soviet and had supported development of the that the United States support the was briefly denied a U.S. passport. atom bomb, later urged President Convention on Climate Change, the In a dramatic gesture on Jan. Harry Truman on “purely moral Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, Strate- 15, 1958, Pauling presented to the grounds” not to use it against gic Arms Reduction Treaties and the United Nations a petition signed by Japan. Szilard also raised policy

August 2002 31 The American Legion Magazine been thoroughly discredited by the brutal legacy of 20th-century totalitarianism. Unfortunately, a small band of politically active scientists contin- ues to pontificate in complex ar- eas where hard facts, while essen- tial, are only a part of the prob- lem. Politics is an arena where the ambiguities of human nature and vicissitudes of history combine with the demands of ethics. It is an arena where theologians and historians are more reliable guides to responsible foreign policy, un- less, alas, they too are seduced by the alleged certainties of science. Physical scientists have about as much expertise in world politics as baseball players who endorse Wheaties have in nutrition. ■ Utopianism. Many politically Dr. Edward Teller, center, was a notable exception among Nobel laureates. Here he is active scientists are beguiled by joined by 1951 Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg in a 1962 ceremony with President John utopian ideologies that promise a F. K ennedy. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory brave new world. They are particu- questions, but he was less confused use of force. “The desire to tran- larly susceptible to the messianic than Oppenheimer, who before Hi- scend the human condition,” said claims of “scientific Marxism,” roshima had said to Szilard, “The historian Gertrude Himmelfarb, “is which promises a new man and a atomic bomb is a weapon which an invitation to tyranny.” warless world. While only a few has no military significance. It will Teller, like Truman, understood scientists have been fully convinced make a big bang ... but is not a that nuclear weapons – indeed all by Soviet pretentiousness, many weapon that is useful in war.” weapons – are morally neutral. have been influenced by the ideolo- In contrast to these and other Their impact depends upon those gy of economic determinism and apocalyptic voices, Secretary of who possess or use them and for the class struggle. The Ottawa state- State Dean Acheson and most of what ends. They also understood ment, for example, asserts that Truman’s other advisers urged the the crucial distinction between First-World wealth has caused president to use the bomb as soon just and unjust war. Railing out Third-World poverty, which is the as it was ready. In his handwritten against war indiscriminately oblit- breeding ground of terrorism. We dairy on July 25, 1945, Truman said erates the distinction between ag- would be spared the nonsense of simply, “The most terrible bomb in gression and defense, indeed, be- Nobel laureates if they consulted history ... can be made useful … It tween tyranny and freedom. The their apocalyptic notions less and is certainly a good thing for the American people understand this, read the newspapers more. world that Hitler’s crowd or Stalin’s but pacifists of all stripes do not. Our presidents, notably Harry did not discover this atomic bomb.” Truman and Ronald Reagan, have Dangerous Presumptions. The had the good sense to turn a deaf Edward Teller’s Realism. These signers of the Ottawa statement ear to the strident call for perfec- politically concerned scientists last December also betray two in- tion in an imperfect world. Unlike stood in sharp contrast to another tertwined flaws of the physical many professional intellectuals, eminent physicist, Edward Teller. scientists who presume to instruct especially those who number He, too, knew the awesome power us in world affairs: themselves among the elite, Tru- of nuclear weapons, but he came to ■ Scientism. This is the confi- man and Reagan were blessed a radically different conclusion be- dent claim that all problems can be with a common touch, a sense of cause he had a realistic understand- solved if only they are approached history and a chastened idealism. ing of human nature and history. scientifically and subjected to the But that kind of thinking rarely Like Reinhold Niebuhr and the cen- “scientific method.” Scientism is wins Nobel peace prizes. It sim- tral Judeo-Christian moral tradition one form of 19th-century rational- ply forges peace. I itself, he recognized that history is ism, the quaint belief that all the characterized by an incessant strug- world’s ills can be abolished by the Ernest W. Lefever is founder of the gle for power and purpose. Conflict application of logic, reason and Washington-based Ethics and Public is the norm. War cannot be abol- hard facts. One would have Policy Center. ished, but evil can and must be thought this fallacy, rooted in the countered by an effective and just liberal enlightenment, would have Article design: Doug Rollison

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34 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine Colin Powell tells The American Legion Magazine why al-Qaida terrorist detainees don’t meet Geneva Convention criteria.

BY BEN BARBER just like POWs and receive foam- Tom Malinowski of Human rubber sleeping mats, religiously Rights Watch, an international hotographs of al-Qaida and appropriate meals with 2,600 calo- nonprofit organization that investi- Taliban combat prisoners cap- ries per day, the right to send post- gates human-rights violations, said Ptured in Afghanistan and held cards and letters, medical care and if the Bush administration denied at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, each his own copy of the Koran. POW status to al-Qaida and Tal- unleashed an international outcry By giving them POW status, iban detainees, then “Saddam last winter over U.S. treatment of the detainees could have legally Hussein could use the administra- terrorism suspects. Around the organized themselves and elected tion’s argument to deny POW sta- world on television and in newspa- a prison representative. “We’re tus to a captured American pilot, pers, detainees were shown in their not going to do that,” a State De- simply by alleging that American orange jumpsuits. They were seen partment official said at the time. air strikes violate the laws of war.” shackled, handcuffed and forced to “They are terrorists. Put them to- U.S. Secretary of State Colin kneel inside wire cages. They wore gether, and they will plot.” Powell, in comments prepared blacked-out goggles, headphones And unlike POWs, detainees specifically for The American Le- and masks to prevent them from are not assured that at the end of gion Magazine, doesn’t buy that seeing, hearing or speaking. hostilities they will be sent home. argument. “U.S. troops serving U.S. military officials explained Furthermore, U.S. officials feared overseas during armed conflicts that the photographed detainees that if the men were granted POW would clearly be entitled to prison- were new arrivals from Afghan- status it would be more difficult er-of-war status under the Geneva istan and had threatened to kill to interrogate them. Conventions,” Powell said. He ex- Americans. They were considered The decision to deny the de- plained that unlike the al-Qaida and highly dangerous, thus such tainees POW status brought im- Taliban detainees, “U.S. troops are measures to keep them harnessed mediate denunciation from the subject to proper command with an were justified. As soon as the International Committee of the internal disciplinary system, wear men were safely transferred into Red Cross in Geneva – which proper uniforms or other insignia, wire cages at the temporary guarantees that war prisoners, carry their arms openly and adhere prison at the U.S. naval base including Americans, get decent to the laws and customs of war.” known as “GITMO,” the shackles treatment. An ICRC official said and blindfolds were removed. U.S. denial of POW status for the Al-Qaida Denied. The Bush admin- However, the photos triggered detainees was “incorrect in law,” istration decided to deny POW sta- rumors across Europe that some and their status should be decid- tus to the mainly Arabic al-Qaida 300 detainees from 26 different ed by American tribunal. because the terrorist group headed countries flown to GITMO from State Department spokesman by Osama bin Laden “attacks civil- Afghanistan by the U.S. military Richard Boucher countered that a ians specifically and violates the were scheduled for torture to extract tribunal is only needed if there is law of armed conflict – which seeks details of any future terrorist plots any doubt about their status. as a primary purpose to protect in- against America. U.S. State Depart- “There is no doubt,” Boucher said. nocent civilians,” Powell said. ment and military officials swiftly assured the public that torture is not the American way to do business. “Al-Qaida carries out its attack In fact, by treating the detainees with respect for their religion and by legally forbidden means, giving them decent food and med- ical care, some of the combatants including hijacking fully loaded had already begun to voluntarily civilian aircraft and crashing disclose details of terrorist plots. The Bush administration decided them into unlawful civilian not to declare the detainees “prison- ers of war” under the Geneva Con- targets … Its members are not ventions. They would be treated covered by the provisions of the Opposite: Taliban and al-Qaida detainees in orange jumpsuits kneel in a convention and are not entitled NATO holding area under the watchful eyes of military police at Camp X-Ray at Guan- to POW status.” tanamo Bay, Cuba, during in-processing – Secretary of State Colin Powell to the temporary detention facility. AP

August 2002 35 The American Legion Magazine and not entitled to POW status be- they are being watched. Last year “Bestowing prisoner-of- cause they systematically violated alone, ICRC visited 216,684 prison- the laws of war, did not wear prop- ers of war, civilian internees or de- war status on detainees er insignia, and allowed al-Qaida to tainees in 68 countries. who do not meet the pursue its terrorist agenda. At Guantanamo, prisoners The al-Qaida also was denied were initially held in roofed pens clear requirements protections under the Geneva Con- with wire walls, open to the mild ventions because those rules are Caribbean climate. But they were would undermine the only applied between “high-con- quickly moved into more perma- tracting parties,” or nation-states nent structures being built at the rule of law giving equal that have signed treaties, according base. protections and to a State Department official. The prisoners were moved to Defense Secretary Donald Guantanamo in part to keep them privileges to all Rumsfeld described criticism of out of the United States, where the policy as “isolated pockets of they might file legal claims for combatants regardless of international hyperventilation.” civilian trials or in other ways ob- their respect to the law.” U.S. officials noted that many of struct U.S. military plans to hold, the prisoners depicted as mistreat- debrief and possibly punish them. ed in the world press have However, critics say that even if “Al-Qaida carries out its attack received medical care and food POW status were granted, and the by legally forbidden means, they did not get in Afghanistan men were entitled to only give up including hijacking fully loaded and gained weight. Some even their name, rank and serial num- civilian aircraft and crashing them had surgery. ber, the detainees could still pro- into unlawful civilian targets … Its Despite ICRC’s rejection of the vide more information if they members are not covered by the U.S. decision to deny POW status wished. In addition, even if they provisions of the convention and to al-Qaida and Taliban detainees, were declared POWs they could are not entitled to POW status.” the Swiss-based committee has still be tried for war crimes, ter- The Afghan Taliban who shel- been allowed by the U.S. military rorism or other offenses. tered al-Qaida, however, present a to send staff to Guantanamo to different case. The Bush adminis- meet confidentially with each pris- Euro-Bashing America. Last win- tration decided they were covered oner. ICRC monitors and reports ter, a conflict broke out at Guan- by the Fourth Geneva Convention, on conditions of war prisoners and tanamo after one prisoner donned relative to the treatment of POWs, has enormous moral power in that a makeshift turban and began to but were “not lawful combatants” it lets detaining countries know pray. A military guard enforcing

Brig. Gen. Michael R. Lehnert, Joint Task Force-160 commander, and Major Gen. Gary D. Speer, assistant commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Command, escort U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and several members of the U.S. Senate through Camp X- Ray at U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Sgt. Joshua S. Higgins/USMC

36 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine rules against turbans, our adversaries in which can hide several recent con- weapons, entered his flicts have not been pen and forcibly re- deterred by (Gene- moved the turban. va Convention II) Other detainees saw in their mistreat- that act as a grave ment of captured insult. More than 100 U.S. personnel, and of them refused terrorists will not meals for several follow (the conven- days until the mili- tion’s) rules in any tary decided to allow event,” he the wearing of tur- reasoned. bans, as long as they Bush evidently can be inspected concurred, because from time to time. several days later The outcry over he simply ruled treatment of detainees that all the seemed briefly to di- detainees will not vide the United States have POW status from its European al- and would not get lies in the war on ter- individual hearings rorism. A French For- to determine their eign Ministry status. Later, weeks spokesman said, “We after the decision believe that all the Navy Chaplain Lt. Abuhena Mohammad Saif Ul Islam, a Muslim, conducts was made, Powell prisoners at Guan- morning prayer at Camp X-Ray. His role provides religious support to warned foreign detainees. Several join in prayer while others watch. Sgt. Joshua S. Higgins/USMC tanamo should bene- powers and groups fit from all the guarantees provid- clashing with Rumsfeld, who was not to try weakening protection of ed by international law.” firmly against it. Some reports U.S. troops should they become In Great Britain, the first coun- claimed the joint chiefs of the prisoners of war. “We would in- try to send troops and planes to armed services agreed with Pow- sist upon law-of-war protections join the fight in Afghanistan, in- ell, fearing that a decision to deny for any U.S. troops that might fall quiries arose in the media and par- POW status could come back into enemy hands,” Powell said. liament over the treatment of three against American troops in a fu- He added that to define a terrorist detainees with British passports. ture foreign conflict. “The secre- as a POW would weaken the British officials visited the men, tary of state has requested that Geneva Conventions. however, and reported that they you reconsider that decision (to “The provisions do not apply were satisfied with their treatment. deny POW status),” White House to terrorists who are engaged in The European Parliament is- Counsel Alberto Gonzales wrote an activity that is fundamentally sued a statement noting that the in a Jan. 25 memo to Bush. at odds with the conventions,” he Guantanamo Bay prisoners are “Specifically, he has asked that said. “Bestowing prisoner-of-war “in an uncharted legal limbo” and you conclude that … Geneva Con- status on detainees who do not called for the U.N. Security Coun- vention II on the Treatment of meet the clear requirements cil to establish a tribunal to clarify Prisoners of War does apply to would undermine the rule of law “the prisoners’ legal status.” This both al-Qaida and the Taliban. I giving equal protections and priv- went far beyond the ICRC, which understand, however, that he ileges to all combatants regardless only asked for a U.S. tribunal. would agree that al-Qaida and of their respect to the law. However, the European Parlia- Taliban fighters could be deter- “The United States remains ment did state that the detainees mined not to be prisoners of war committed to the Geneva Conven- “do not fall precisely within the but only on a case-by-case basis tions and proud of its 50 years of definitions of the Geneva following individual hearings be- compliance. We are ensuring that Convention ….” fore a military board.” the detainees are being treated Gonzales noted in the memo humanely, consistent with the The Domestic Dispute. The de- that the Justice Department decid- Geneva Conventions.” I bate over naming them POWs ed the al-Qaida and Taliban are was not confined to foreign crit- not entitled to POW status and Ben Barber is a Washington ics. The Washington Times report- the decision would not affect U.S. Times correspondent who has ed that a confidential administra- troops taken prisoner in future covered the Middle East for more tion memo to President Bush indi- wars. Anyone mistreating than 20 years. cated Powell had urged that captured U.S. troops would face detainees be granted POW status, war-crimes charges, he said. “And Article design: Doug Rollison

August 2002 37 The American Legion Magazine Corbis Me Out to the Ballgame Publicly funded stadiums rarely deliver on their promise to bring economic stimulation to struggling cities.

BY RONALD D. UTT soulmates among the political build a state-of-the-art retro ball- leaders of Baltimore and Maryland park for the Orioles, and to deny rt Modell, owner of the NFL’s who were delighted to divert mil- the same privilege for the owner Baltimore Ravens, observed lions of dollars in tax revenues, of the new football team would Aduring his struggle to get lo- ticket sales and borrowing author- have been to discriminate among cal taxpayers to build him a stadi- ity from other public uses – like the city’s wealthy sports moguls. um that “the pride and presence of schools and libraries – to build Maryland’s political leaders jus- a professional football team is far him a new $220 million stadium tified this trickle-up diversion of more important than 30 libraries, when he moved the Browns from public money from ordinary folk to and I say that with all due respect Cleveland to Baltimore. After all, wealthy owners and players as a to the learning process.” fair is fair; six years earlier, tax- beneficial act to stimulate the local Lucky for Modell, he found payers provided $210 million to economy, which in Baltimore has

38 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine commentary

been fading since 1950. Profession- Taking the Bribe. Although Balti- toward half the costs to construct al sports teams playing in new sta- more offers one of the worst exam- the stadiums in the city. diums – so the argument goes – ples of misplaced priorities con- However, successor Michael create lots of new jobs, and these tributing to catastrophic circum- Bloomberg quickly pointed out that new workers create even more jobs stances for its most vulnerable the impact of the Sept. 11 terrorist as they spend their sports-related citizens, it is not alone among trou- attacks on the city’s economy and paychecks around town. While bled cities that have undermined budget made it unlikely that the these claims have a kernel of truth, economic well-being in pursuit of projects could be funded this year. what subsidized sports advocates professional sports franchises with Rising expenses and falling tax rev- fail to mention is that a costly sta- multimillion-dollar bribes of tax- enues have led to a budget deficit dium will pull public money away payer dollars. Two years ago, Penn- now estimated at $4.6 billion, forc- from other city uses and jobs, such sylvania’s Gov. Tom Ridge agreed ing New York City to take on bil- as new schools, and better law en- to provide a $1 billion grant to help lions of dollars of new debt, trim forcement, and instead spend it to build four new professional foot- funds from programs and reduce create low-wage, part-time, season- ball and baseball facilities in by 5,000 the city’s work force. al jobs at the ballpark. Such dead- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, two of With the city confronting a host end jobs do little to enhance a the nation’s most economically di- of pressing public needs in the after- city’s economy or the diminishing minished cities. math of the attacks and the decline number of residents. Elsewhere, Hartford, Conn., and of its economy, Bloomberg made Despite recent and massive in- New Orleans were recently among clear he understood where the city’s vestments in stadiums and profes- the especially generous places priorities lay, and subsidizing the sional sports teams, Baltimore con- where government offered to build businesses of wealthy sports entre- tinues to struggle. It remains one of stadiums or arenas for prospective preneurs owning highly profitable the most depressed and troubled teams. It iced the costly cake by teams was not going to be one of cities in America, even as many promising to use taxpayer money them. Instead, he urged both teams other older cities such as New York, to underwrite a minimum level of to finance the projects themselves – Miami and San Francisco have re- ticket sales in the event that fan an option the Yankees’ management versed course and now record their attendance didn’t meet expecta- claims it is not considering – and highest populations ever. Among tions. Even former New York May- added that it hopes the city gives the nation’s top 40 cities, or Rudy Giuliani, who more than the teams the promised $25 million Baltimore’s population has fallen anyone led the city’s renaissance in stadium rent credits to cover further than any other, even more with an obsessive focus on basic planning expenses for the new ball- than perennially troubled Detroit, public services, wanted to provide parks. So much for sacrifice, and so Philadelphia and Washington. Its hundreds of millions of city dollars much for what the city must now crime rate is among the highest in to build new ballparks for the Yan- see as the empty gesture it was: the land. According to FBI reports, kees and the Mets. Just prior to George Steinbrenner’s Yankees ball in 2000 Baltimore’s murder rate leaving office in January, Giuliani players sporting FDNY caps in post- was 41 people per 100,000 of popu- signed a non-binding agreement season play. lation compared to 5.5 per 100,000 with the Mets and the Yankees to Although Bloomberg seemed to nationwide, 8.4 in New York City provide them with $800 million have a better sense of the city’s and 20 in Philadelphia. Baltimore’s public schools per- form no better than the police de- partment, ranking last among Maryland’s 24 school districts as measured by the National Assess- ment of Educational Progress. Among Baltimore’s eighth- graders, fewer than 10 percent score at a “proficient” reading lev- el. In a perversely self-fulfilling way, Art Modell was right about sports teams and libraries, consid- ering the low level of literacy now common among Baltimore students. And local leaders last year confirmed their earlier en- dorsement of Modell’s priorities when they announced the city would shut down five public li- Sports advocates pitched Baltimore’s taxpayer-funded PSINet Stadium as an economic braries because of budget short- stimulus for the city. Aside from a few low-wage, seasonal jobs at the ballpark, though, falls and declining patronage. citizens have received little for their investment. Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association

August 2002 39 The American Legion Magazine commentary

vitality of the community that New stadiums and other costly funds the project. One of the earliest studies on entertainment facilities seem more closely the economic impact of stadiums was a 48-city study spanning 30 associated with pervasive urban decline than years of economic activity by the other way around. Robert Baade, a professor at Lake Forest College in Illinois. Baade fiscal priorities than either the new stadium will have a favor- found that in the 30 cities experi- wealthy team owner, within just a able economic impact of several encing a change in the number of couple of days of pleading pover- hundred millions of dollars per year. stadiums or arenas, 27 showed no ty to the baseball teams, the may- What information these influence on income. Three experi- or announced he would back consultants never provide, though, enced significant negative effects, plans to build a $1 billion football is how the economic impact of a leading Baade to conclude, “Upon stadium. Expected to be built on stadium investment stacks up some reflection, sports’ slow the west side of Manhattan to against, say, the impact of an in- growth pattern should not be sur- house the Jets and the Giants, the vestment in a new university, prising … Sports diverts economic mayor also envisions the facility which could be had for around the development toward labor-inten- housing some of the Olympic ac- same price. Nor do their calcula- sive, relatively unskilled (low- tivities the city hopes to host if tions measure the losses incurred wage) part-time jobs.” In a later awarded the 2012 Olympics, an by other local entertainment ven- study, Baade explained this lack of opportunity that will likely prove ues as consumer recreational measurable impact as a result of an even worse investment than spending is diverted to profession- the fact that “professional sports professional sports facilities. al sports. These consulting studies realign economic activity within a also overlook the fact that those city’s leisure industry rather than Not So Profitable. In all these cases, who receive the bulk of the fran- adding to it.” In other words, mon- and in dozens of others, public in- chise payroll – the players – will ey spent at the ballpark is money vestment in the team’s facilities is likely reside and spend elsewhere. that otherwise would have been almost always presented as an eco- In contrast to the consultants’ spent at the movies or golf course. nomic gold mine whose financial optimistic advance projections, Subsequent studies by other returns to the region will more than scores of serious after-the-fact ac- academic economists have largely justify the public’s investment in ademic studies on the subject find confirmed Baade’s findings that the facilities and the generous lease little or no evidence that stadiums sports teams and their facilities concessions provided the team. As boost the local economy. And have little measurable impact on part of the sales pitch, team owners some of the more recent research the economic vitality of a commu- usually hire an economic consultant on the subject suggests that pub- nity. Even more alarming is a to “study” the issue, and the con- lic investment in such facilities 1999 study by Dennis Coates and sultant invariably concludes that may even diminish the economic Brad R. Humphreys at the Univer- sity of Maryland. After analyzing business activity in 37 metropoli- tan areas from 1964 to 1994, they concluded that “in contrast to other existing studies, we find ev- idence that some professional sports franchises reduce the level of per-capita personal income in metropolitan areas and have no effect on the growth in per-capita income, casting doubt on the abil- ity of a new sports franchise or facility to spur economic growth.” Why this occurs, they say, is that sports facilities divert money from other public infrastructure, public safety, education and other forms of economic development, or in- crease taxes. Simple observation and anecdot- al evidence, as well as contradictory Before he left office, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani unveiled models of new statements by some owners, sup- stadiums for the Mets and Yankees. Under his proposal, the teams would each pay half port the finding of these complex the cost, with the city providing the rest through bonds. AP econometric studies. Steinbrenner

40 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine commentary

at American League baseball Sports fans continue to drift away to other games has yet to recover to the pre-strike peak reached in 1993, entertainment and leisure-time options, and the National League would have experienced the same trend in leaving costly stadiums underutilized and total ticket sales had it not added team owners threatening to leave town unless two new teams in 1993 and anoth- er two in 1998. further concessions are granted. Television viewership, which provides a major source of revenue once argued for a new publicly Even in the absence of these to professional sports, has been on funded stadium in midtown Man- problems, the proposal was con- a downturn for the past decade. hattan because the stadium’s cur- troversial and a number of Hockey ratings have fallen by half rent location in a battered Bronx thoughtful studies cast serious since 1995, and since 1990 base- neighborhood discouraged atten- doubt on its economic value. A ball’s ratings are off by a third. dance. In effect, Steinbrenner was 1998 study by New York’s inde- Basketball and football are both admitting to what many economists pendent budget office concluded down by about a quarter. Indeed, have discovered analytically: that that a new ballpark shared by the one network last year explored the the Bronx managed to resist 70 Mets and Yankees would only option of not broadcasting some of years of Yankee Stadium’s econom- yield an additional 570 jobs for the NBA’s games, for which it had ic stimulus. So has north Baltimore, the city. At a then-estimated cost already purchased the rights be- which resisted 40 years of Memori- of $1 billion for the new ballpark, cause it would lose less money by al Stadium stimulus; north Philadel- these few added jobs would cost broadcasting reruns in the game’s phia resisted Connie Mack Stadi- New Yorkers $1.7 million a piece, place. ABC’s “Monday Night Foot- um; south Philadelphia resisted Vet- a bit steep in today’s market. ball” also is down in ratings and is erans Stadium; and south Chicago Although the economic impact consistently beaten by televised resisted Comiskey Park. So too has of a professional sports team ap- wrestling, which draws a larger Cleveland, whose population fell 5 pears to be negligible or worse, and younger audience. Early this percent during the 1990s, thereby team owners have nonetheless year, the Fox network’s parent, inexplicably resisting the salutary managed to win far more conces- News Corp., wrote down the value effects of the $300 million Browns sions from communities than they of its professional baseball and stadium, the under-performing have lost. For every Charlotte, football contracts by $522 million Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Ja- Montreal or San Francisco that to reflect declining ad revenues. cobs Field, one of the most expen- says no to public financing of sta- As diminished interest leads to a sive ballparks ever built. Indeed, to diums, an abundance of Philadel- drop-off in stadium attendance, the extent that there is any appar- phias, Baltimores, Pittsburghs, many communities may find them- ent correlation in any of this, new New Orleans, Nashvilles and selves stuck bailing out a costly sta- stadiums and other costly entertain- Clevelands are eager to open their dium project that can’t pay its debt. ment facilities seem more closely citizens’ wallets in the misplaced Indeed, some speculate that Bud associated with pervasive urban hope that some of the glitz rubs Selig, commissioner of Major decline than the other way around. off on their down-and-out cities. League Baseball, sees something Evidence suggests it will not, like this as a real possibility. His at- Show Them the Money. New York and there is every reason to believe tempt to close down two teams re- City, which until recently held the the terms of the trade-off might get flects an effort to reduce supply to honor of the world’s biggest boom worse in the future. Sports fans meet a shrinking spectator base. town, is one of the few older cities continue to drift away to other en- Either way, as pro-team owners anywhere in the world to experi- tertainment and leisure-time op- hunker down to protect their inter- ence a record-high population. It tions, leaving costly stadiums un- ests, it is the hapless taxpayer who has managed to achieve this feat derutilized and team owners will be stuck holding the bag for with ancient sports facilities and threatening to leave town unless non-performing assets, not to the absence of professional football further concessions are granted. mention the collateral damage teams, which long ago fled to New Although overall professional from non-performing schools. This Jersey. San Francisco also hit an sports attendance has increased in is the choice many communities all-time population record, and it recent years, much of this gain was now face, and hopefully more will recently refused to build a new spurred by added teams and the choose wisely in the future. I park for the Giants, who instead novelty effect of new parks and built it themselves. Whether New arenas attracting the curious. As Ronald D. Utt is an economist and York City gets the publicly funded the novelty wears off, attendance the Herbert and Joyce Morgan ballparks some want is now in wanes, and evidence indicates that Senior Research Fellow with the doubt because of the worsening peak attendance at professional Heritage Foundation. public-finance situation in the af- sporting events may have occurred termath of the terrorist attacks. a few years ago. Total attendance Article design: Doug Rollison

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VA hospitals score high for health-care quality In one of the health- care industry’s top meas- urements of quality, VA hospitals scored slightly higher than their non-VA counterparts. “These scores confirm what many veterans al- ready know – VA provides some of the best health care in the nation,” VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi said. “They also confirm that VA DoD adds MedSearch to Web provides top-notch medical MedSearch, a new library of health issues and to recommend research and superb train- Gulf War-related research future research routes. ing to health-care profes- projects, will soon be added to One recommendation called for sionals.” the Department of Defense’s Web the establishment of a centralized The Joint Commission site, www.gulflink.osd.mil. The research library and data reposi- on Accreditation of Health- new section was developed in re- tory that would collect research care Organizations based sponse to a need expressed by proposals and results and main- the scores on VA health- veterans, veterans service organi- tain them in a format that would care facility surveys. zations, scientists and clinicians. be easily accessible and search- JCAHO’s hospital accred- In 1999, the Centers for able electronically. itation system is nationally Disease Control and Prevention CDC staff consulted with repre- recognized by the health- hosted “The Health Impact of sentatives from DoD, VA, and the care industry as a major Chemical Exposures During the Military and Veterans Health Coor- independent review of Gulf War: A Research Planning dinating Board. In May 2001, the health-care quality. Conference.” The purpose of the CDC provided funding for one year VA’s mean score was 93, conference was to meet with to the Deployment Health Support nearly two points higher those interested in Gulf War Directorate to develop the site. than the average for non-VA hospitals nationwide. VA hospitals have been surveyed by JCAHO since Medicare legislation introduced the independent reviews America’s veterans would be Medicare for services they provide began in 1952. Surveys are able to use Medicare to help pay to veterans. conducted every three years their bills at local VA hospitals un- Currently, Medicare-eligible vet- and cover all 163 VA hospi- der legislation introduced by Rep. erans cannot use that federal health- tals on a rotating basis. Sue Kelly, R-N.Y. care benefit at local VA hospitals. Each of the 58 VA hospitals “Veterans hospitals specialize in They are instead forced to choose surveyed in 2001 received a treating veterans,” Kelly said. “Vet- between receiving medical care at a full three-year accreditation. erans should be eligible for the VA hospital without the ability to All VA hospitals are fully same Medicare benefits at a VA use Medicare to aid with their pay- accredited by JCAHO. hospital as they would at any oth- ments, or use Medicare at non-VA During the hospital ac- er hospital. The federal hospitals and lose the benefits of creditation process, JCAHO government should do everything receiving care at a VA hospital. surveyors evaluate such possible to ease the financial bur- “Veterans shouldn’t be forced to areas as the credentialing of den on veterans by providing choose between hospitals based medical staff, nursing care, Medicare benefits at VA hospitals.” on whether the hospital accepts medical records, monitoring Kelly’s bill, the Veterans Medi- Medicare or not,” Kelly said. “Vet- and evaluation, and labora- care Reimbursement Act of 2002, erans should have every health- tory and ambulatory care. would allow VA hospitals to bill care option available to them.”

44 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine living well

year-old father – a Boulder, Time for a Colo., Navy veteran – and discovered numerous state and federal veterans benefits checkup programs, including educa- tion benefits, for which his dad was eligible. “Many of these pro- Web site points out untapped state grams aren’t widely publicized,’’ and federal benefits for seniors. Parkin says. “We knew about VA, but we didn’t even know they BY TARA PARKER-POPE had state veterans programs.” Another National Council If you’re older than 55, it’s on the Aging worker, Wan- time for a checkup. da Baker of Silver Spring, This checkup isn’t with your Md., used the site and doctor. It’s with a Web site: you’re finished, discovered her 80- www.benefitscheckup.org. With you’ll be given the year-old mother was a few simple steps, you can find results, with infor- Burazin/Masterfile eligible for a free out whether you’ve been missing mation about various Medicare home- out on a portion of billions of programs for which you health assistance dollars in untapped state, federal are eligible, as well as instruc- program. The pro- and other benefits to which you tions about application. gram was a god- or a loved one may be entitled. After using the site, a Ne- send to Baker, who An estimated 5 million older gaunee, Mich., man discovered for five years drove 250 miles each Americans are unaware they his mother was eligible for a weekend to visit her mother. She qualify for a wide range of drug-assistance program had been paying for a home-health government benefits. The that saved her more aide out of her own pocket. Web site is a clearinghouse than $200 a month. In It’s important to note that the for more than 1,000 such Colorado, a woman National Council on the Aging is a programs. who had been nonprofit group and not a govern- Included are Meals on turned down for So- ment agency. As a result, its Web Wheels, veterans medical care and cial Security used the site can point you in the right di- transportation programs, health- Web site to prove her rection to find assistance programs, insurance counseling, food stamps case. She began receiving her but a person must go through the and state drug-benefit programs. check six weeks later. various agencies and apply for the Home repair and property tax-ex- Of the nearly 500,000 people benefits independently. emption information can be found, who used the site last year, 26 per- along with recreational programs cent discovered they were eligible Tara Parker-Pope is an author and such as books-on-tape benefits and for food stamps they hadn’t been writes about health issues for The a $10 lifetime pass to national parks. receiving. Another 17 percent did- Wall Street Journal. Users fill out a confidential n’t know they qualified for Medic- questionnaire that asks for age, aid, while 5 percent were eligible Living Well is designed to provide ZIP code, income, military status for a check from the Supplemental general information. It is not in- and work history. You won’t be Security Income program. tended to be, nor is it, medical ad- asked to give your name, Social Scott Parkin, director of commu- vice. Readers should consult their Security number or any other nications for the National Council personal physicians when they identifying information. When on Aging, sat down with his 80- have health problems. Nursing commission sets agenda A blue-ribbon commission needed visibility and expertise to a “Based on the panel’s recom- formed to look at issues affecting wide range of professional issues mendations, I will commit VA to VA – from recruitment and train- affecting nurses.” actions improving recruitment of ing to retention and pay – recently The 12-member National Com- nurses, as well as the work-force conducted its inaugural meeting. mission on VA Nurses was estab- environment and future of the “Nurses are a key component of lished by Congress, in part, to en- nursing profession within the de- the best health care for veterans,” sure VA has adequate financial and partment,” Principi said. VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi professional incentives to attract A report on the commission’s said. “This commission brings and retain a skilled work force. findings is due in May 2004.

August 2002 45 The American Legion Magazine living well The ethnic health gap Genetics and cultural factors may play a role in disparities. BY DR. JOHN R. FEUSSNER velopment Service, is a partnership that includes VA medical centers in Members of some minority Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It is groups face an above-average risk dedicated to examining social, eco- of contracting certain diseases. nomic, ethnic and gender factors Nearly all cases of sickle-cell ane- that may determine why patients mia occur among people of from different backgrounds experi- African descent. African-Ameri- ence different health conditions. cans have higher rates than whites Some of these factors may con- of being diagnosed with diabetes tribute to poor health and, in and prostate cancer. Native Ameri- some cases, poor health care. To cans suffer from diabetes at nearly best serve all veteran patients, VA three times the average rate, and must strive to correct such differ- Hispanics suffer from stomach ences while respecting legitimate cancer at more than twice the av- patient preferences based on social Corbis StockMarket erage rate. Veterans need to be es- and cultural factors. patient attitudes and cultures, in- pecially concerned about illnesses Other parts of our research pro- surance and geographic distance common among those sharing gram also have enhanced our un- to clinical trial centers. their ethnic backgrounds. derstanding of ethnic health dis- Another VA study published In some cases, the different parities. VA’s Medical Research Ser- last year in the Journal of the rates are due to genetics. In others, vice maintains a research training American Medical Association cultural factors such as diet and initiative to address health-care found that African-American pa- doctor-patient communication may needs of African-American and tients in the VA health-care system play roles. Often, ethnic minorities Hispanic-American veterans. These have better survival rates than do simply do not have access to med- new programs are recruiting VA white patients for six common ical care. One of the great chal- scientists from under-represented medical conditions. Results of the lenges facing health care today is ethnic groups. Our Cooperative study are the opposite of much the need to understand such dis- Studies Program, which conducts previous research in other health- parities and developing effective multi-center studies of new thera- care systems, perhaps because of strategies for addressing them. pies, requires all research propos- the equal access to the two groups Many special programs are al- als to include plans for recruiting provided by VA. ready in place as medical science minority participants. Veterans deserve the best possi- attempts to solve this puzzle. In VA, ble care. Understanding all issues for example, the Office of Minority Continuing to Learn. Fortunately, affecting their health, including Health and the Center for Minority research in VA and elsewhere al- ethnicity, is an important element Veterans are working together to ready has proved fruitful. A recent of achieving that goal. find statistical data on the health study in the New England Journal status of minority veterans. The of Medicine found that African- John R. Feussner, M.D., M.P.H., is center represents VA on a govern- Americans and Hispanic-Ameri- chief research and development ment task force that is examining cans are far less likely than whites officer of the Veterans Health disparities in health care and identi- to participate in HIV drug trials, Administration. fying barriers minorities may face despite federal laws requiring re- in obtaining health-care services. searchers to increase participation Living Well is designed to provide One of the most comprehensive by minorities. A VA study led by general information. It is not in- efforts is occurring at the new VA Dr. Allen Gifford of the VA San tended to be, nor is it, medical ad- Center for the Study of Health Dis- Diego Health Care System said rel- vice. Readers should consult their parities. The center, part of VA’s atively low participation by personal physicians when they Health Services Research and De- minorities may be attributed to have health problems.

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Gender benders In a new development in the Firm offers to clone American soldiers culture wars, the “transgendered” It’s called a “cell-preservation earth was created by space are lobbying members of Congress service” for military personnel. aliens through genetic for a written pledge of nondiscrim- Clonaid, which describes itself engineering and cloning tech- ination against male staffers who as the first human-cloning com- nology. His UFO-related group dress as women and vice versa. pany, is offering to preserve the claims 55,000 members in 84 More than 100 members have cells of Ameri- countries. He, signed on. can soldiers de- too, provided tes- The Culture and Family Insti- ployed in timony to the tute is advising against it. “Corpo- Afghanistan so if House. ral Klinger, the cross-dressing they die in com- In the face of character from ‘M*A*S*H,’ might bat, they can skepticism, the have been pleased to see congres- still have chil- WebMD Internet sional offices with men in dresses, dren produced site quotes Dr. but we don’t think your constit- with the same William Gibbons, uents would be so happy,” the genetic code. director of group states. It sounds obstetrics at the The American Civil Liberties macabre or Jones Institute Union also is in the transgendered even laughable. for Reproductive community’s corner. “The struggle But Clonaid’s Medicine, as say- of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- director, Dr. ing it is possible gendered people for equal rights has Brigitte Boisseli- that Clonaid’s moved to center stage,” the ACLU er, is so knowl- Dr. Brigitte Boisselier, scientific efforts may be states. It wants “the nation’s largest edgeable in the director of Montreal-based Clon- successful. “Ob- employer” – the U.S. military – to field that she aid, testified on Capitol Hill last viously, we have open its ranks to all the groups. testified before year concerning issues raised by not chosen to go a House sub- human cloning research. AP in this direction, Waiting for justice committee and but the technolo- Admitting the nation’s war the National Academy of Sci- gy is there,” he said. crimes, a Japanese federal court ences. If cloning is banned If a person is interested, a has ruled in favor of compensation worldwide, Boisselier said, “we Clonaid representative “will for Chinese slave laborers held by will do it on a boat in interna- come to your place or the loca- the Japanese during World War II. tional waters.” tion of your choice to collect But thousands of American former Clonaid has drawn special cell samples of yourself and/or civilian internees and military interest because its founder, your loved ones.” POWs are still seeking justice for known as “Rael,” claims life on – C.K. years of enslavement by the Japanese during the war. They lost their case and have appealed to have the guts to say that we are film’s original director. Phil Alden Japan’s supreme court. far more important to Japan than Robinson, the new director of the The Chinese will receive pay- Japan is to us,” Hair said. “No one film, assured CAIR that he had ments of $87,000 each in the set- is willing to say that.” “no intention of promoting nega- tlement. “This is the first case in tive images of Muslims or Arabs.” which the claimants have won,” Hollywood intimidated CAIR led an unsuccessful cam- said Gilbert M. Hair of the Center The movie “The Sum of All paign to change the 20th Century for Internee Rights. Fears” depicts neo-Nazis as Fox film “The Siege,” involving a In support of the American nuclear terrorists. But the original series of terrorist attacks by Mus- claims, a majority of U.S. House villains in the Tom Clancy book lims against New York targets. The members supports the Justice for behind the movie included Arabs council said the film, released in United States Prisoners of War Act and Muslims. The script was 1998, included negative stereotypes. so that Japan’s victims will have changed under political pressure. The group also has sued AOL, their day in court and can seek Clancy has been quoted as say- demanding that the media giant compensation. ing some thought was given to prohibit insults, ridicule and other But the departments of State changing the villains into right- “harassment” against Muslims in and Justice have resisted such cas- wing militia members. Internet chat rooms. One objec- es in the past because of the “spe- The Council on American-Is- tionable statement was, “I know cial relationship” between the lamic Relations, an Arab-American Islam is false.” CAIR said such United States and Japan and the lobbying group, claimed responsi- chatter constitutes religious dis- belief that the peace treaty after bility for the change, saying it had crimination under the 1964 Civil the war prohibits such claims. been in contact with Paramount Rights Act. “I don’t know why we don’t Pictures and Mace Neufeld, the – Cliff Kincaid

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Ask about EnerX special formula for women! legion news Legionnaires encouraged to conduct ‘A Day to Remember’ In response to a resolution passed Sept. 11 scholarship at The American Legion’s Spring Meet- ings, departments and posts are encour- fund-raising continues aged to conduct special community events in remembrance of Sept. 11. The The National Executive Committee nationwide program is called “A Day to established The American Legion Sept. Remember.” Resolution 30 states: “The 11 Memorial Scholarship in October FOR MORE INFO American Legion 2001 to honor those who died in the The American Legion does affirm its sup- attacks on America. Its aim is to pro- Public Relations Division port and encour- vide college scholarships to children of (317) 630-1368 ages the members, active-duty military personnel killed on posts and departments of The American or after Sept. 11, 2001. Legion to honor the victims of 9-11 by America’s “total force” comprises ac- planning and executing an appropriate tive-duty military, annual patriotic or memorializing National Guard and DONATE TODAY event in the community on that Sep- Reserve units from Tax-deductible donations tember date so their memories do across the nation. Six- may be sent to: The American Legion not fade.” ty-five percent of the Sept. 11 Memorial “A Day to Remember” will honor total force is married, Scholarship Fund victims of the attacks as well as and many have chil- c/o The American Legion American military personnel. The dren. Figures from the Finance Division P. O. Box 1055 event provides an excellent opportu- Department of Defense Indianapolis, IN 46206 nity for posts to present Blue Star reveal that in peacetime Service corporate flags to city gov- alone, an average of 2,000 personnel die each ernments, as well as Blue Star Ser- year in training accidents. This leaves many vice Banners to local families of ac- families in need of help. tive-duty military personnel. Efforts are under way to encourage contri- National Headquarters has dis- butions from Legion family members, corpo- tributed information packets rations and individuals. Small contributions concerning this program to all already have been received, but more mon- departments and posts. The kits in- ey is needed. A goal of $20 million has been clude helpful event-planning infor- established for the trust fund. Interest from mation, such as how to prepare pub- the trust will drive the number and dollar lic-service announcements, news re- amount of scholarships. The larger the leases and suggested program trust, the greater the assistance. agendas. Additional support activities Many charities have been established to also are suggested. help families devastated by the Sept. 11 Legion posts are encouraged to co- tragedy. However, this fund is unique be- ordinate their “Day to Remember” cause of its specific desire to help the chil- events in partnership with local offi- dren of those who serve America in the cials and organizations. war on terrorism.

Legion honors Eagle Scout of the Year Future National The American Legion recently Corsello’s brother, Convention lineup honored Paul Corsello of Pittsford, Steven, was the 1999 N.Y., as 2002 Eagle Scout of the Eagle Scout of the The following dates and locations have been approved for future American Year. Corsello received a $10,000 Year. They are the Legion National Conventions: scholarship. Runners-up and recipi- second set of broth- ents of $2,500 scholarships were ers to be selected as St. Louis Aug. 22-28, 2003 Christopher Fogle of Plainville, Eagle Scout of the Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2004 Kan.; Nathan Evans of Mankato, Year. Randy and Minn.; and Eric Roberts of Chadron, Rodney Votava of Warren, Minn., Honolulu Aug. 19-25, 2005 Neb. The 36 applicants for the were the recipients in 1986 and Salt Lake City Aug. 18-24, 2006 award are all outstanding youth. 1989, respectively.

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“SkinZinc is the most effective product I've seen for the treatment of bothersome skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dandruff.”~S. Ravitz, M.D. legion news Legion supports tribute to Hope Fifty-seven years have passed since Bob Hope first entertained America’s men and women in uni- form, and a memorial to thank him is on the drawing board. Four World War II Navy veterans are behind the Bob Hope Military Tribute, which will be constructed on a $4.9-million parcel of land do- nated by the Port District of San Diego. The tribute, covering three quarters of an acre on the western shore of San Diego Bay, has received the endorsement of the Hope family. Four survivors of the Battle of Leyte Gulf head Taffy III, a Califor- nia nonprofit corporation that aims to honor the deceased and living who made supreme sacri- fices for America. Taffy III has erected several monuments along the San Diego harbor in honor of shipmates and is spearheading the Hope memorial. Bob Hope sits with men of X Corps as members of his troupe entertain at Womsan, Former President Gerald Ford Korea, in October 1950. A military tribute is being built to honor Hope’s six decades of entertaining American servicemembers. National Archives serves as chairman of the cam- paign, while honorary board mem- FOR MORE INFO est honor I have ever received.” bers include Billy Graham, Sen. Visit the Web site at The Legion has long praised John McCain, R-Ariz., and retired www.hopetribute.org Hope’s work for America’s troops. Navy Rear Adm. Henry McKinney. or write to: He was presented the Legion’s Dis- Hope has entertained U.S. “Military Tribute to Bob Hope” tinguished Service Medal in 1946. P. O. Box 919012 troops around the world since San Diego, CA 92121 More recently, the National Execu- World War II, appearing before tive Committee passed Resolution hundreds of thousands of soldiers, an “honorary veteran” of the U.S. 19, which states the Legion’s sup- sailors, airmen and Marines. His armed forces. Upon receiving the port for the Bob Hope tribute. efforts in bringing cheer to Ameri- award, Hope said, “I’ve been given The monument will feature five ca’s servicemembers resulted in a many awards in my lifetime, but to bronze life-size statues of the en- 1997 act of Congress signed by be numbered among the men and tertainer on the points of a granite President Bill Clinton naming Hope women I admire most is the great- five-star platform. Motion-activat- ed recordings of Hope telling jokes will greet visitors, while five life- size statues representing each mil- itary branch respond with laugh- ter. A bronze globe unites the cir- cle of statues, propped above a water fountain. Lavish landscap- ing surrounds the tribute, which measures 47 feet in diameter. Dedication of the memorial is planned for Hope’s 100th birthday May 29, 2003. Construction will begin once startup funds are gen- erated. The board members of Taffy III have personally funded all efforts to date. The name of every donor will be logged and placed in a time cap- The military tribute to Bob Hope will be constructed on the western shore of San Diego sule, which will be permanently set Bay on a parcel of land donated by the Port District of San Diego. Courtesy Hope Enterprises within the stage of the tribute.

52 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine legion news Video project collects and markets World War II stories A veteran-owned company graphs, along with docu- in California produces per- mentary clips from the Na- sonal, customized videos that tional Archives and an in- capture World War II history, troduction by longtime as told by the people who “CBS Evening News” an- fought it. chor Walter Cronkite. “A FOR MORE INFO “A Veter- Veteran’s Story” has been Call (866) 473-7833 an’s Sto- serialized on “The Histo- ry” is a project undertaken ry Channel.” Copies are last year by Tullamore Corp. permanently stored at of San Diego. “This is a valu- the National D-Day Mu- able treasure for the family to seum in New Orleans. keep of one of its members’ Each video takes experiences in an historic about eight weeks to event,” said Mike Downs, produce. For $795, Tullamore president and CEO. plus shipping and han- Veterans narrate their own dling, each veteran stories with the help of pro- receives three VHS copies. fessional Tullamore DVD format is also available. World War II veterans can interviewers, who are veter- Stories of veterans of all tell their own stories in video or DVD for- ans themselves. The videos the conflicts of the 20th mat to preserve their memories for gen- erations to come. Former “CBS Evening include the veteran’s own century will be offered later News” anchor Walter Cronkite introduces personal and wartime photo- this year. each video. Legion requests Vietnam War stories The American Legion Magazine is planning a September 2003 theme issue about the Vietnam War. We are seeking brief, well-written personal anecdotes about veterans’ most vivid memories of the war, whether in Vietnam, stateside or elsewhere. Family members of those who served also are invited to sub- mit their recollections. Authors of anecdotes chosen for publication will be paid $25. Submit legibly printed or type- written stories no later than Dec. 1, 2002, to: “Vietnam,” c/o The Ameri- can Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1055. Do not send photos, certificates or other memorabilia. Submissions cannot be acknowledged or returned. Authors of submissions selected for publication will be notified by mail. Please include your name, address, phone num- ber and e-mail address.

54 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine legion news New Web site spotlights war on terror The Department of Defense cre- ated a Web site to report news about the war on terrorism: www.defendamerica.mil. The site, also found at www.defendameri ca.gov, offers the latest news, pho- tographs and transcripts about U.S.-led efforts to fight terrorism. As DefendAmerica editor David Jackson said: “If it has anything to do with the war, we’re interested.” The goal is to inform the pub- lic, nationwide and abroad, of what the United States is doing to combat global terrorism, said Vic- toria Clarke, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. “We wanted people to know what our servicemembers were doing at home and overseas,” she said. “Our goal is to help the pub- lic understand and appreciate how dedicated and committed our men and women in uniform really are.” Shortly after DefendAmerica’s debut on the Internet, USA Today named it a “hot site.” Time maga- zine reported, “If you want the official war news, that’s easy – go to the Pentagon’s comprehensive site, www.defendamerica.mil.” Content on the site changes dai- ly and includes coverage of every Pentagon briefing by Defense Sec- retary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other top military officials. A feature called “Americans Working Together” reports how citizens are banding together to combat terrorism, while “Profile” spotlights individuals and the roles they play in the war effort. A daily feature titled “We Remember Their Sacrifice” pays tribute to each victim who died in last year’s attack on the Pentagon. The most popular feature, Jack- son said, has been DefendAmeri- ca’s photo gallery archive, which offers photo essays provided by DoD’s Joint Combat Camera Center and other military photographers that chronicle the progress of the war, from the Sept. 11 attacks to the campaign in Afghanistan. legion news Hammerschmidt Centenarian is 83-year member appointed The White House has appointed for- mer U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt, R-Ark., as co-chairman of the President’s Task Force to Improve Health Care Deliv- ery for Our Nation’s Veterans. He will fill the vacancy left by Jerry Solomon. During his distinguished 26-year ca- reer in Congress, Hammerschmidt served as ranking member on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He has received the highest honors of eight national veterans service organizations. As a combat pilot in World War II, Hammerschmidt flew 217 missions with the 3rd Combat Cargo Group in the Chi- na-Burma-India theatre. He was award- ed the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak-leaf clusters, the Air Medal At age 108, Legionnaire Jesse Edmisten, a member of Lexington Lanning with four oak-leaf clusters, three Battle Post 111 in Lexington, Neb., is one of the nation’s oldest living World War I Stars, the China War Memorial Medal veterans. Edmisten, an 83-year continuous member of The American Legion, joined while in the hospital in Paris in 1919. From top left are Lan- and the Meritorious Service Award. He ning Post 111 Commander Robert Anderson and Anderson’s nephew, retired with the rank of major from the Travis Elfgren, age 21, the most recent member of Post 111. Elfgren serves Air Force Reserve. in the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. Courtesy Mike Hatfield

Affordable resort vacations Join us! benefit Legion members The American Legion is an or- ganization of veterans serving vet- American Legion members have a flat rate of only $249 per unit erans, their families and communi- long enjoyed lodging discounts at per week. Many of the units avail- ties. The Legion serves as the veter- Cendant hotel chains, such as able are at timeshare resorts, but an’s voice in Washington, fighting Days Inn, Ramada, Howard John- vacationers are not required to at- for the benefits and rights of those who served our country in the son, Travelodge, tend sales presen- armed forces. Knights Inn, tations. Units are Membership eligibility is based Wingate and Vil- most often avail- upon dates set forth by Congress. lager. Now mem- able during off- Eligibility dates are from 4/6/17 to bers can take ad- FOR MORE INFO season periods or 11/11/18; 12/7/41 to 12/31/46; 6/25/50 to 1/31/55; 2/28/61 to vantage of Call: (877) 772-2322 on relatively short 5/7/75; 8/24/82 to 7/31/84; discounted rates Online: www.veteransholidays.com notice. For travel- Use ID# 600 12/20/89 to 1/31/90; and from at condominium ers who enjoy off- 8/2/90 to present. resorts through another Cendant season vacations to popular loca- For membership information: program called Veterans Holidays. tions, Veterans Holidays offers an The American Legion Non-veteran employees of The incredible vacation value. Attn: Membership Division American Legion, including Cancellation fees may apply to P. O. Box 1055 department employees, also are changes made to reservations. Indianapolis, IN 46206-1055 eligible for discounts. Thus, it’s important to review the Call toll-free: (800) 433-3318 When privately owned vaca- Policies & Procedures section of E-mail: [email protected] tion condominiums are not being the Web site. The Web site also Visit the Web site: used by the owners, they normally offers links to various travel-insur- www.legion.org/membership/ sit empty. Rather than allow great ance providers. membership.htm. vacation opportunities to go un- Cendant has provided more For information about affiliate used, Cendant has applied the than 18,000 Space-A vacation organizations: concept of “Space-A” to make con- rentals to veterans and their fami- Sons of The American Legion dos available to military veterans. lies since 1999. Veterans Holidays John Kerestan, (317) 630-1321 Unused condos are placed into the is a popular program, delivering The American Legion Auxiliary Membership, (317) 955-3845 Veterans Holidays Space-A rental value and savings to American pool, where they can be rented for Legion members.

56 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine legion news Legion fights for future ALS benefits

The American Legion applauds the way the Department of Veter- ans Affairs is handling benefits claims of Gulf War veterans suf- fering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. But the Legion seeks provisions to protect the rights of those who will be diagnosed with the disease later in life. Based on a study that showed a higher rate of ALS among veter- ans deployed to the Persian Gulf region, VA is expeditiously “serv- ice-connecting” Gulf War veterans currently diagnosed with ALS. This action makes them eligible for VA health care and VA disabili- ty compensation. But VA will not necessarily extend this treatment to future Gulf War ALS cases. These veterans must prove their ALS is related to military service. “I commend VA for promptly providing compensation and health care to Gulf War veterans with ALS,” American Legion Na- tional Commander Richard J. San- tos said. “However, if current ALS cases are worthy of health care and disability compensation, then future ALS cases should be pre- sumed to be service-connected and processed for benefits accord- ingly. The science is strong enough to support the presump- tion of service-connection for present and future ALS cases. Ei- ther by a VA regulation or specific congressional legislation, the rights of Gulf War veterans who will contract ALS in the future must be protected.” ALS, which occurs most often in adults between 50 and 70 years of age, is a progressive neurode- generative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms include in- creasing muscle weakness and speech, swallowing and breathing problems. It is a fatal disease and the cause is still unknown. comrades

How to Submit a Reunion well as a contact name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. The American Legion Magazine publishes reunion notices for vet- Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Comrades Edi- erans. Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Com- tor, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax (317) 630-1280 or e-mail rades Editor, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax (317) 630- [email protected]. The magazine will not publish the names of indi- 1280 or e-mail [email protected]. viduals, only the name of the unit from which you seek people. Listings Include the branch of service and complete name of the group, no are published free of charge. abbreviations, with your request. The listing also should include the Life Membership notices are published for Legionnaires who have reunion dates and city, along with a contact name, telephone number been awarded life memberships by their posts. This does not include a and e-mail address. Listings are published free of charge. member’s own Paid-Up-For-Life membership. Notices must be submitted Due to the large number of reunions, The American Legion Magazine on official forms, which may be obtained by sending a self-addressed will publish a group’s listing only once a year. Notices should be sent at stamped envelope to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Life Mem- least six months prior to the reunion to ensure timely publication. berships, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. “Comrades in Distress” listings must be approved by the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation division. If you are seeking to verify an Other Notices injury received during service, contact your Legion department service “In Search Of” is primarily a means of getting in touch with people officer for information on how to publish a notice. from your unit to plan a reunion. Listings must include the name of the “Taps” notices are published only for Legionnaires who served as unit from which you seek people, the time period and the location, as department commanders or national officers.

AIR FORCE Black Mountain, NC, 9/23-9/26, Jim Hughes, (828) 669- 379-8976; 778th Tank Bn WWII, Charleston, SC, 8089, [email protected]; 10th Mount Div Midwest September, George Nicholson, (574) 533-8576; 811th 5th AF 312th Bomb Grp L, Branson, MO, 10/24-27, Chapter, Angola, IN, 9/22-26, Joann Williams, (219) Tank Dest Bn, Chillicothe, OH, 10/4-6, John True, (740) Murray Yates, (417) 336-3983, [email protected]; 5th 244-7515, [email protected]; 14th Armd 773-1225; 841st Eng Avn Bn, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/10- AF 1537th Ord Co Avn, Oklahoma City, 9/12-14, Div Assn, Spokane, WA, 9/5-8, D. Fitts, (715) 745-6954; 13, Jack Murphy, (239) 997-9940, [email protected]; Melvin Wallin, (218) 827-3354, mewall77@citilink. 18th Eng Bde Society, Kokomo, IN, 9/20-21, James 850th Sig Co (Const), Sutton, MA, 9/21-22, Jack Virgilio net; 7th Bomb Grp Hist, Hampton, VA, 9/12-15, Tom Szabo Sr., (330) 963-0234, [email protected]; (508) 832-2215, [email protected]; Anti-Tank Co 303rd Sledge, (409) 945-9735, [email protected]; 8th AF, 39th Field Hosp, Ft. Myers, FL, 9/26-28, William Bagent, Inf 97th Div WWII, Philadelphia, 9/5-7, Fred Kempski, Norfolk, VA, 10/1-6, R.K. Hoddinott Jr., (912) 598- (239) 939-2935, [email protected]; 41st Inf Div Assn, (631) 667-2952 7771; 8th AF 305th Bomb Grp H, Memphis, TN, New Orleans, 9/3-8, William Tschirhart, (410) 897-1955, 10/1-6, John Butler, (203) 795-3020; 8th AF 401st [email protected] Army Sec Agency Turkey Dets 4, 4-4, 27, 66, Hershey, Bomb Grp, Tucson, AZ, 10/23-27, L.A. Mitchell, (858) PA, 9/13-15, Elder Green, (724) 349-7395, eregreen@ 481-9048, [email protected] 44th Inf Div 114th Inf Rgt, Sioux Falls, SD, 9/26-28, yourinter.net; C Btry 698th AAA Bn, Pigeon Forge, TN, Curtis Eggers, (605) 332-0718; 45th Inf Div, Oklahoma 10/7-10, Kenneth Elkins, (251) 633-7616; C Btry 724th 9th AF 323rd Bomb Grp 453rd Bomb Sqdn, City, 8/29-31, Larry Traw, (580) 924-6693, gbear@ FA Bn 69th Div, Hampton, VA, 9/22-25, Coy Horton, Pensacola, FL, 9/26-29, Lee Goodwin, (251) 961- redriverok.com; 45th Inf Div 279th Inf Rgt I Co, St. (336) 227-7785; China/Burma/India Hump Pilots, 3168, [email protected]; 27th Air Trans Grp, Charles, MO, 10/3-5, Leonard Hagedorn, (636) 583- Albuquerque, NM, 9/18-24, Jan Thies, (573) 785-2420, Kansas City, MO, 9/12-14, Donald Diehm, (828) 891- 2485, [email protected]; 55th FA Bn, [email protected]; Eng OCS Alumni, Arlington and Fort 5422; 37th Ftr Sqdn, St. Louis, 9/16-18, Leslie Knap, Gettysburg, PA, 9/25-27, Edward Pascarella, (410) 742- Belvoir, VA, 10/11-14, E.T. Mealing, (404) 231-3402, (210) 655-0908, [email protected]; 59th Med 7046; 62nd MRU/DPU, Branson, MO, 9/19-22, Don [email protected] Grp, Albuquerque, NM, 8/16-18, Bill Weyman, (405) Liebner, (704) 947-3310, [email protected]; 94th Sig 302-0065, [email protected]; 71st Tact Recon Grp and Bn Assn, Delaware, OH, 9/24-26, Harry C. Lynn, (614) COAST GUARD All Sqdns, San Antonio, 10/14-16, Charles Borders, 888-4154 (210) 645-7364, [email protected] Patrol Frigate Reunion Assn, North Charleston, SC, 115th Med Bn, Louisville, KY, 10/6-10, Robert Knox, 8/25-9/1, Roberta Shotwell, (650) 756-7931, patrolf@ 94th Bomb Grp, Omaha, NE, 10/10-14, National (812) 246-2968, [email protected]; 148th Ord aol.com Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, nationalplanners@ Motor Vehicle Assembly Co WWII, Davenport, IA, 9/18- hotmail.com; 454th Bomb Grp Italy WWII, Harrisburg, 22, Jerome Paulson, (712) 867-4432, [email protected]; JOINT PA, 10/15-20, Ralph Branstetter, (303) 422-6740, 153rd Eng Bn, Titisville, PA, 10/13-15, John E. Mantini, [email protected]; 484th Bomb Grp, Minneapolis, 11th Evac Hosp Korea, Palatka, FL, 10/3-5, Joe (814) 479-4406; 157th Inf, Virginia Beach, VA, 10/2-5, Amerigo, (561) 637-6695; 33rd Inf Rgt Cbt Team, 9/26-30, Dick Olson, (303) 460-8316, dolson@ National Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, 808th Inst Sqdn (FF), Louisville, KY, 10/10-13, Frank Ryan, (516) 541-3891, geographix.com; Ontario, 8/22- [email protected]; 158th Rgt Cbt Team, 25, Arthur Hofmann, (810) 794-2848; 980th Sig Bn, [email protected]; Aviation Cadets, Eureka Flagstaff, AZ, 9/15-19, James Stallings, (602) 274-1484, Springs, AR, 10/1-3, Errol Severe, (479) 253-5008, Peoria, IL, 10/10-12, Donald Goldman, (512) 446- [email protected] 0371, [email protected] [email protected]; China/Burma/India Vets Assn, St. Louis, 9/5-9, Mel McMullen, (909) 886-1162; 159th Eng Cbt Bn WWII, 1254th Air Trans Grp, Asheville, NC, 9/12-15, Russ DCA/DISA, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/25-27, Charles Timms, Alexandria, VA, 10/25-26, Ruch, (570) 622-2942; 167th Sig Photo Co Korea, Joseph Kuchinsky, (301) 948-8835, joekuchinsky@ (864) 888-4133, [email protected]; 3188th Sig Bn, Jessup, MD, 11/9, George J. Marlo, (301) 937-1191, OFLAG 64, Columbus, GA, 10/2-6, Bill Warthen, (912) rcn.com; Peoria, IL, 10/10-12, Donald 191st Sig Repair Co, Goldman, (512) 446-0371, [email protected]; [email protected]; Charleston, 537-4430, [email protected] 4187th Sig Bn, SC, 9/29-10/3, Cliff Brubaker, (804) 271-2070; 196th Peoria, IL, 10/10-12, Donald Light Inf Bde Assn, Goldman, (512) 446-0371, [email protected]; Mansfield, OH, 8/2-4, Ron Davis, Texas Towers Vets Org, Branson, MO, 10/3-6, Glen L. B-66 Dest Assn, (765) 847-2385, [email protected]; 240th Assault Kimble, (870) 852-9211, [email protected]; USCGC Nashville, TN, 10/25-27, James Heli Co, Milam, (817) 545-3554, [email protected]; Dothan, AL, 10/4-6, Paul LaChance Sr., (978) Absecon, WAVP/WHEC 374, Norfolk, VA, 10/3-6, John Caribou C-7A, Maryland Heights, MO, 10/7-12, Steve 692-8777, [email protected]; 325th AAA Searchlight Peters, (757) 479-0000, [email protected]; USCGC Kelley, (636) 343-6969, [email protected]. Bn A B C HQ, Ohio, 9/22-24, Tom Moak, (601) 833- Chincoteague, WAVP/WHEC 375, Norfolk, VA, 10/3-6, com; Norton AFB, San Bernadino, CA, 10/11-13, Paul 7807, [email protected] John Peters, (757) 479-0000, [email protected]; Pfeifer, (909) 862-5228, [email protected]; USS Constellation, CV 64, Charleston, SC, 10/24-29, Vietnam Sec Police Assn, Dayton, OH, 10/10-13, 28th Airlift Sqdn 3rd Cbt Cargo, Niagara Falls, NY, 10/4-6, Tommy Best, (919) 383-7216, [email protected]; USS Steve Gattis, (909) 986-6991, [email protected]; WAF Dave Tarnowski, (716) 236-2553, david.tarnowski@ Coos Bay, AVP 25/CGC WAVP 376, Seattle, 10/13-17, Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY, 9/6-9, Janet I. Robinson, niagarafalls.af.mil; 430th Eng Const Bn, Tuscola, IL, 9/27- Bill Forte, (509) 782-3945, [email protected]; USS (941) 795-0979 28, Gene Hills, (765) 463-5214, [email protected]; Tarawa and Mar Det, CVA 40, 10/18, Burlington, VT, 482nd AAA AW Bn (SP), St. Charles, MO, 9/25-29, Joe Henault, (508) 943-4846; Vets of the Pacific Charles Gregorovich, (419) 394-3458, chuck482aaa@ Islands, Cruise, 10/6-29, Ann Bonar, (949) 640-7402 ARMY bright.net; 488th AAA Bn, Kenosha, WI, September, Arthur 1st Sqdn 9th Cav 1st Cav Div “Bullwhip,” Ozark, AL, Blasé, (630) 766-7375; 546th AAA Bn, San Antonio, MARINES 10/11-13, Loel Ewart, (334) 774-0328, lewart@char- 11/1-2, Victor Chapman, (713) 991-5363, champman- ter.net; 2nd Armd Div 3/66 Armd Bn, Ft. Hood, TX, 8/9- [email protected]; 550th AAA Bn, Westfield, NY, 3rd Bn 3rd Mar and All Units Vietnam 1965-1969, San 11, Laura Cowan, (512) 251-6797, laura.cowan@ 9/13-14, Vince Calarco, (716) 326-2320; 551st AAA Bn Diego, 9/4-8, Mike Harrington, (713) 686-9800; 3rd Bn salion.com; 3rd Inf Div 15th Rgt Cbt Team B Co, WWII, Rochester, NY, 10/18-20, Benhamin Knauf, (585) 8th Mar All Cos 1980-1990, Philadelphia, 8/16-18, Eric Fayetteville, NC, 9/29-10/3, William Fortier, (845) 758- 334-5050; 573rd AAA AW SP Bn, White Bear Lake, MN, Tischler, (814) 234-1209, [email protected]; 9th Def 9th 2240, [email protected]; 5th Inf Div, Reding, PA, 8/30- 9/10-12, Ken Jarvis, (651) 784-6321, [email protected]; AAA Bn WWII, Baltimore, 9/18-22, Bill Sorensen, (203) 9/1, Carl Heistand, (610) 678-6348, [email protected]; 712th Trans Railway Operating Bn, Asheville, NC, 9/22- 378-0350; 26th Mar Iwo Jima/Vietnam, Arlington, VA, 7th Field Arty, Lawton, OK, 9/26-28, Stanley 26, Dean McClain, (330) 799-9565, [email protected]; 8/31-9/1, Gary Gruenwald, (301) 865-8039, Stankiewicz, (910) 822-0703; 9th FA Bn 3rd Inf Div, 761st Tank Bn, Chicago, 8/29-31, Flossie Nelson, (773) [email protected]; Baker Co 1st Bn 1st Mar 1st

58 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine Mar Div, Brandon, MO, 9/11-13, Bob Jowder (302) 436- Lamson, DD 367, Buffalo, NY, 9/10-15, Bob Clifford, David Zapf, [email protected]; USS Sierra, AD 0209; Plt 372 MCRD, San Diego, 8/15-18, Mike O’Neil, (909) 672-2428, [email protected]; USS LST 482, 18, Niagara Falls, NY, 10/3-6, Bill Dutton, (207) 443- (760) 327-5103, [email protected] Branson, MO, 10/7-9, Bill Hawkins, (602) 482-1808, 2090; USS Steinaker, DD 863, Jackson, MI, 9/14, Ray [email protected]; USS Luzon, ARG 2, Corpus Christi, Didur, (847) 683-0018; USS Stoddard Alumni Assn, San NAVY TX, 11/14-18, National Reunion Planners, (800) 672- Diego, 10/9-13, Glen Balzer, (650) 917-0703; USS 0456, [email protected]; USS Lyon Stormes, DD 780, Jackson, MI, 9/14, Ray Didur, (847) 7th Naval Beach Bn, New Orleans, 8/3-8, Julius E. Amphibious Trans, AP 71, Branson, MO, 9/20-24, Roger 683-0018; USS Thomas Jefferson, APA 30, New Shoulars, (757) 853-4061, [email protected]; McLaughlin, (239) 936-4527; USS Manchester, CI 83, Orleans, 9/20-22, Larry Flanagan, (757) 587-7261 ICPOA, Virginia Beach, VA, 9/19-23, National Reunion Philadelphia, 9/19-21, John Kish, (330) 782-2653, Planners, (800) 672-0456, nationalplanners@hotmail. [email protected] USS Towers, DDG 9, Branson, MO, 10/2-6, Raymond com; LION-4, Baltimore, 9/11-14, National Reunion Wong, (415) 566-7285, [email protected]; USS Planners, (800) 672-0456, nationalplanners@hotmail. USS Marshall, DD 676, Baton Rouge, LA, 10/25-27, Al Truxtun, DE 282/APD 98, Cromwell, CT, 9/21-24, Basil com; NCB 58, Atlantic City, NJ, 10/14-18, Harold Plude, Myers, (562) 422-3980, [email protected]; USS Nickerson, (907) 780-4694, [email protected]; (401) 638-6221, [email protected]; USS ABSD2, King McCandless, DE/FF 1084, Norfolk, VA, Bill Fanelli, (386) USS Tyrrell, AKA 80, Charleston, SC, 10/13-17, Alice M. of Prussia, PA, 9/18-22, Albert P. Romano, (610) 539- 767-5147, [email protected]; USS Meredith, DD Gast, (727) 586-4259, [email protected]; USS 3458, [email protected] 890, Valley Forge, PA, 10/15-20, National Reunion Vogelgensang, DD 862, Jackson, MI, 9/14, Ray Didur Planners, (800) 672-0456, nationalplanners@ (847) 683-0018; USS Warrington, DD 843, Jackson, MI, USS Bangust, DE 739, Cape Cod, MA, 9/4-8, John hotmail.com; USS Metivier, DE 582, Atlantic City, NJ, 9/14, Ray Didur (847) 683-0018; USS Wasp and All Buye, (727) 347-6630; USS Benjamin Franklin, SSBN 9/9-12, Richard MacDonald, (781) 279-0565, dick@ Sqdns, CV 7, Springfield, VA, 9/12-15, Duff McDonough, 640, Groton, CT, 9/5-8, Lenny Exelby, (302) 456-9914, de582.com; USS Naifeh, DE 352, San Antonio, 10/7-11, (231) 796-5329, [email protected] [email protected]; USS Bogue, CVE 9, Seattle, Robert Rothardt, (817) 579-9406, [email protected] 9/12-16, National Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, USS Woodford, AKA 86, New Orleans, 10/13-16, Jim [email protected]; USS Bunch, DE USS Rall, DE 304, Denver, 9/10-15, Bill Shumate, (303) Cutler, (920) 739-8065, [email protected]; VD-1/VD- 694/APD 79, North Charleston, SC, 9/8-12, David L. 838-2177, [email protected]; USS Rehoboth, 3/VD-5, Charleston, SC, 9/18-22, Harry Brooks, (513) Hibbs Sr., (717) 637-7723, [email protected]; USS AVP/AGS 50, Branson, MO, 9/26-29, R.E. Carlson, 523-4055, [email protected]; VP-11, Brunswick, Butler, DD 636/DMS 29, Owego, NY, 10/9-12, Joseph (740) 363-4605, [email protected]; USS Robert E. ME, 9/6-8, Michael Brittingham, (804) 342-8070, Walsh, (757) 471-5499 Lee, SSBN 601, New Orleans, 9/26-27, Tim Veare, [email protected]; VP-28, Las Vegas, 10/15-17, Jim [email protected]; USS Rockingham, APA 229, Miller, (816) 761-8724, [email protected]; VP-772, USS Capps, DD 550, Las Vegas, 10/21-25, Earl Beadle, Seattle, 10/3-5, Cecil Dammen, (541) 689-1578, Washington, 9/19-22, Wilmer L. Kerns, (703) 533-1040, (870) 247-3702, [email protected]; USS Chase, DE [email protected]; USS Rodman, DD 456/DMS [email protected] 158/APD 54, Annapolis, MD, 10/21-25, Gene Leurssen, 21, Mystic, CT, 9/17-19, Norm Simonelli, (757) 464- (631) 941-9294; USS Clinton, Baltimore, 9/30-10/4, 2845, [email protected] LIFE MEMBERSHIPS National Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, [email protected]; USS Converse, DD USS Saipan, CVL 48, Myrtle Beach, SC, 9/19-22, B.D. Life Membership notices are published for Legionnaires 509, Warwick, RI, 10/30-11/2, Frank Dobson, (401) Stine, (800) 476-4979, [email protected]; USS San who have been awarded Life Memberships by their 738-8509; USS Crater, AK 70, St. Paul, MN, 9/12-15, Diego, CL 53, Valley Forge, PA, 9/5-9, Horace Snyder, posts. Life Membership notices must be submitted on Bob Pearson, (651) 776-0315; USS DeGrasse, AKA USS Sarsfield, DD/EDD 837, official forms, which may be obtained by sending a self- (859) 291-5654; addressed, stamped envelope to Life Memberships, The 223/AP 164, San Antonio, 10/1-6, George Nichols, Jacksonville, FL, 10/2-5, Emery Spirko, (732) 254-5895, (219) 824-5207, [email protected]; American Legion Magazine, P. O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, [email protected]; USS Selfridge, DD 357, IN 46206. Laughlin, NV, 10/6-9, Clifford Chambers, (337) 477-1567; Post 24, FL: James Munson USS Dehaven, DD 469/727, San Antonio, 9/24-29, USS Shenandoah, AD 26/44, Lancaster, PA, 10/3-7, E. Sam Pennington, (405) 969-2995, sam@ussdehaven. Post 69, FL: Chester H. Cieslak, David R. Francis org; USS Denver Assn, CL 58/LPD 9, Albuquerque, NM, 9/26-29, John Bloomer, (618) 466-2418, [email protected]; USS Don O. Woods, APD 118, Providence, RI, 10/6-10, National Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, [email protected]; USS Elokomin, AO 55, St. Augustine, FL, October, Robert F. O’Sullivan Jr., (617) 288-3755, [email protected]; USS Fayette, APA 43, Virginia Beach, VA, 10/13-17, Albert Bachmann, (410) 766-6250, [email protected]

USS Foote, DD 511, Nashville, TN, 10/3-7, Georgia A. Tuttle, (603) 298-8097, [email protected]; USS George W. Ingram, DE 62, Eastaboga, AL, 10/12-15, Jack Schlemmer, (937) 384-0323, jschlemmer@ graphtronics.net; USS Gleaves, DD 423, Sarasota, FL, 9/19-23, John Bussey, (941) 924-2071, [email protected]; USS Grady, DE 445, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/13-17, Cecil W. Hammond, (765) 987-7469; USS Greene, DD 266/AVD 13/APD 36, Jacksonville, FL, 10/11-13, Lanny Carbaugh, (717) 597- 2261, [email protected] USS Guadalupe, AO 32, Olathe, KS, 10/3-6, Mike Soetaert, (913) 962-4944, [email protected]; USS Harry Lee, APA 10, Branson, MO, 10/2-6, Patrick Smith, (814) 635-2847; USS Heermann, DD 532, Laughlin, NV, 10/23-25, Al Marlow, (707) 255-7032; USS Hermitage, AP 54, Montpelier, OH, 10/7-9, Frank Calvarese, (716) 656-9646, [email protected]; USS Herndon, DD 638, Lancaster, PA, 10/14-17, Angus Schmelz, (386) 441- 3917; USS Higbee, DD/DDR 806, Fairfield, NJ, 9/11-15, Gil Rodello, (541) 747-1408, [email protected] USS Hollandia, CVE 97, Albuquerque, NM, 9/17-19, Paul Turner, (636) 458-6851, [email protected]; USS Hornet, CV/CVA/CVS 12, Valley Forge, PA, 9/10-15, National Reunion Planners, (800) 672-0456, [email protected]; USS John M. Bermingham, DE 530, Buffalo, NY, 8/23-26, Quinton Lawson, (301) 762-7489, [email protected]; USS John R. Pierce, DD 753, Atlantic City, NJ, 10/22-25, Bob Wilno, (609) 726-1138, [email protected]; USS Kearny, DD 432, Pigeon Forge, TN, 9/23-26, Thomas Barrett, (828) 369-6950, [email protected]; USS Knox, APA 46, Pigeon Forge, TN, 9/24-26, Daniel Bowers, (616) 496-9604, [email protected]; USS comrades

Post 274, FL: Robert J. Gleisle, Robert McCune Orleans, France, between 1952 and 1955, contact Ron AFB, Ga., between January 1951 and December 1954, Post 57, IA: Marvin C. Lindsey Jones, 250 W. Chestnut St., Frackville, PA 17931 or contact Charles E. Lynn, 1818 Gresham Road, Post 101, MA: Harry H. Campbell call (570) 874-3285. Louisville, KY 40205, call (502) 458-8458 or e-mail Post 137, MD: Edward Reisinger 93rd PMS. Anyone stationed at Castle AFB, Calif., or [email protected]. Post 180, MD: Donald T. Trojan Walker AFB, N.M., between April 1955 and December 806th Eng Avn Bn. Anyone who served between 1948 Post 216, MN: Robert Trunk 1957, contact Wayne Sanderson, 8712 N. Magnolia and 1951, contact R. Tobianski, 4329 Rafe, Bullhead Post 82, MO: Marcus K. Rogers Ave., Space 125, Santee, CA 92071 or e-mail City, AZ 86426 or call (928) 763-2086. Post 2, NH: Francis B. “Sharkey” Madden, William J. [email protected]. 814th Eng Co (FB). Anyone who served in Hanau, O’Neil 97th Inf Div. Anyone who served with any unit at any Germany, between 1958 and 1960, contact Ken Post 76, NY: Joseph Scarfo time, contact Norman Mathis, 514 Natcor Drive, Dover, Demarest, 110 W. Syracuse Ave., Wildwood, NJ Post 411, NY: Roger Cawley TN 37058 or call (931) 232-6325. 08260 or e-mail [email protected]. Post 1627, NY: George A. Hauser 105th Airlift Wing. Anyone who served with the New 985th Depot Ord Co. Anyone who served in San Post 172, PA: John Arthur, Michael S. Bazik, Thomas R. York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing, 105th Ftr Francisco between 1943 and May 1945, contact Dean Bond, Michael Hudock, Salvatore S. Larizzio, Michael Grp, 105th Airlift Grp, 105th Tact Air Support Grp, W. Wolf, P.O. Box 198, Pleasant Lake, IN 46779 or e- Malatak 137th Ftr Sqdn or 137th Airlift Sqdn, contact Richard F. mail [email protected]. Post 215, PA: Albert B. Polchik, Chap Storch Saddlemire, 105th Airlift Wing Alumni Association, 1 1395th Eng Const Bn. Anyone who served in Okinawa or Militia Way, Newburgh, NY 12550 or e-mail Korea between 1945 and 1946, contact Van Moody at COMRADES IN DISTRESS [email protected]. (810) 230-2499 or e-mail [email protected]. 109th AAA Gun Bn. Anyone who served between 3170th Sig Serv Bn, Base M. Anyone who served in Readers who can help these veterans are urged to write a witness letter, including the CID number. Send the letters to January 1943 and July 1945, contact Donald Stoffel, San Fernando, La Union, Luzon, in 1945, contact Allan CID, The American Legion Magazine, Box 1055, 159 Winston Drive, Rochester, NY 14626 or e-mail Siemers, 2192 W. Pipe Lake Court, Comstock, WI Indianapolis, IN 46206. Notices are published only at the [email protected]. 54826 or e-mail [email protected]. requests of American Legion service officers representing 155th Trans Co (TS). Anyone who served at Ft. Story, 3650th Med Grp. Anyone who served in the food claimants using “search for witness” forms available from Va., Goose AB, Labrador, or Thule AFB, Greenland, inspection or veterinary offices at Sampson AFB Legion department service officers. between 1959 and 1961, contact Darrell Myers at between 1950 and 1952, contact Jim Rathbun at 7310th Matron, Rhein-Main AB, Germany. (217) 335-2609 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected]. Felton V. 188th MP Co, 2nd Plt. 7745th MP Co. Hansen needs witnesses to verify he suffered a back Anyone who served at St. Anyone who served in Marburg, and shoulder injury when he was struck by a C-131 Nazaire, France, between 1961 and 1963, contact Germany, between 1949 and 1953, contact Paul engine cowling and fell from the engine May 28, 1963. Charles L. Bell, 502 Hammond Cross Road, St. Stewart, 3532 Ambassador Ave., Spring Hill, FL CID 1440 Matthews, SC 29135 or call (803) 874-1156. 34609 or call (352) 686-2058. B Btry 303rd FA Bn, Camp Swift, Texas, and Fort 334th Comm Recon Co. Anyone who served at Funari A Co 2nd Bn 12th Inf Rgt 1st Inf Div “Big Red One.” Leonard Wood, Mo., 1943 and 1944, or HQ Co 2nd Kasern Kaefertal in Mannheim, Germany, between Anyone who served at Ft. Riley, Kan., between 1961 and Bn 475th Inf, Burma, 1944 and 1945. Jack Mayl June 1952 and March 1954, contact Lou McDonald, 1963, contact Charles Moy, 4312 Burling Ave., Penn- Schweibold needs witnesses to verify his difficulty 880 Deepwood Drive, Medina, OH 44256, call (330) sauken, NJ 08109 or e-mail [email protected]. during long marches due to a childhood car accident 725-5038 or e-mail [email protected]. A Co 4th Eng Bn. Anyone who served at Ladd AFB, and resulting surgeries. CID 1441 340th Eng Const Bn. Anyone who served in Okinawa or Alaska, and Ft. Lewis, Wash., between May 1955 and Korea between 1945 and 1946, contact Van Moody at October 1957, contact Charles Bettis, 6717 N.W. (810) 230-2499 or e-mail [email protected]. 128th Terrace, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 or call (405) IN SEARCH OF 340th Inf Div. Anyone who served at Omaha Beach 722-2780. 1st Army HQ. Anyone who served in England between between 1942 and 1984, contact Frank Jaworski, Antwerp-X Campaign. Anyone who served with the January and March 1944, contact Alice C. Nelson, 1426 Deerpath Lane, La Grange, IL 60526 or call 125th, 126th, 136th, 184th, 405th, 407th, 494th, 638 E. State St., Lindsborg, KS 67456 or call (785) (708) 579-3767. 495th, 519th, 601st, 602nd, 605th, 740th, 787th, 227-3290. 375th Troop Carrier Grp. Anyone who served on New 788th and 789th AA Bns, contact Cecil Gilliam, 2503 2nd Air Police Sqdn. Anyone who served at Hunter AFB, Guinea in 1942, contact Raymond V. Watwood, 155 Earlcove Drive, Dallas, TX 75227, call (972) 285-0488 Ga., between January 1951 and December 1954, Meadow View, Tallassee, AL 36078 or call (334) 283- or e-mail [email protected]. contact Charles E. Lynn, 1818 Gresham Road, 6359. Air Corps Mech School. Anyone who was a member of Louisville, KY 40205, call (502) 458-8458 or e-mail 430th Eng Const Bn. Anyone who served between 1950 Class 2 between July 1, 1940, and Dec. 7, 1940, at [email protected]. and 1953, particularly C Co, contact Gene Hills at Chanute Field, Ill., contact Virgle L. Henry, 2206 4th Tng Rgt S Co, “Sierra Soldiers.” Anyone stationed at (765) 463-5214 or e-mail [email protected], or Fairfax, Irving, TX 75060 or call (972) 986-5833. Ft. Dix, N.J., between March 1964 and May 1964, Buster Wright at (706) 323-8636 or e-mail Army Air Corps, Pilot Class 43-G. Anyone who served contact Elliott Peltzman, 2204 E. 12th St., Brooklyn, NY [email protected]. at Maxwell Field, Ala., or Dorr Field in Arcadia, Fla., 11229. 437th Troop Carrier Grp 86th Sqdn. Anyone who served between 1942 and 1943, contact Arthur E. Walka, 12 5th Plt. Anyone who went through boot camp at the in Europe between 1944 and 1945, contact Charles Warren Ave., Bayville, NY 11709. Hawaiian Infantry Training Center, Schofield Barracks, Eurey, 1010 S. Aspen St., Lincolnton, NC 28092, call B and C Btrys 104th Field Arty 24th Div. Anyone who in 1951, contact James A. Wheeler, P.O. Box 1457, (704) 735-5620 or e-mail [email protected]. served between 1935 and 1942 in Asia or Europe, Rohnert Park, CA 94927. 492nd Ftr Sqdn 48th Ftr Grp 9th AF. Anyone who contact Fred Lane, 4265 E. Marino Drive, Phoenix, AZ 7th Army 45th Div 40th Eng Bn. Anyone who served in Europe between 1944 and 1945, contact 85032 or call (602) 482-0313. participated in the invasion of Sicily near Scoglitti in John E. Thomas, 622 Rough Creek, Granbury, TX B-29 Flight Eng School. Anyone who attended as an July 1943, contact Donald H. Smith at (772) 283- 76048, call (817) 279-8330 or e-mail aviation cadet in Amarillo, Texas, during WWII, contact 6577 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected]. William H. Smith, R.R. 4, Box 4, Ridgeley, WV 26753 8th Comm Bn. Anyone who served at Camp Geiger, N.C. 508th AAA Gun Bn. Anyone who served at Ft. Stewart, or e-mail [email protected]. between 1954 and 1955, contact Billy Smith, 2924 Ga., or in the South Pacific during WWII, contact Earl Berlin. Any military veterans or Department of Defense County Road 129, Wedowee, AL 36278 or e-mail Bowen, P.O. Box 464, Winder, GA 30680, call (770) employees who served between 1945 and 1994, [email protected]. 867-3035 or e-mail [email protected]. contact Les Rosenbaum, 244 E. Hamel Road, 9th Evac Hosp. Anyone who served during WWII, call 508th MP Bn. Anyone who served between WWII and Huachuca City, AZ 85616, call (520) 456-1910 or e- Thomas A. Price, 8059 Marmion Drive, Pittsburgh, 1973, contact Richard Jones, P.O. Box 231, Arlington, mail [email protected]. PA 15237, call (412) 369-7243 or e-mail NE 68002, call (402) 478-4785 or e-mail Burtonwood AB. Anyone who served at Warrinton, [email protected]. [email protected]. England, between April 1942 and June 1993, contact 10th Air Rescue Sqdn. Anyone who served at 509th PMS. Anyone stationed at Castle AFB, Calif., or Richard Iwanowski, 4515 W. 55th St., Chicago, IL Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, between March Walker AFB, N.M., between April 1955 and December 60632 or call (773) 767-1810. 1950 and March 1952, contact T.D. Bolinger, Route 1, 1957, contact Wayne Sanderson, 8712 N. Magnolia C Co 2nd 504 Abn Inf 82nd Div. Anyone who served at Box 675, Rose, OK 74364, call (918) 479-6269 or e- Ave., Space 125, Santee, CA 92071 or e-mail Fort Bragg, N.C., between June 1963 and June 1965, mail [email protected]. [email protected]. contact Larry Stark, Highway 18 South, Prairie du 16th Armd Div. Anyone who served between 1943 and 528th AF Band. Anyone who served at Scott Field, Ill., Chien, WI 53821 or call (608) 326-4363. 1945, contact Edward Krusheski, 24 Oak Tree Lane, between 1945 and 1951, contact Joseph Borowski, C Co 412th Eng Const Bn. Anyone who served between Manahawkin, NJ 08050 or e-mail 35W190 Frontenac Drive, Dundee, IL 60118, call November 1950 and November 1952, contact Bill [email protected]. (847) 836-7333, fax (847) 836-7761 or e-mail Ingram, 5510 38th St., Lubbock, TX 79407 or call 35th Trans Corp. Anyone who was quartered at Star [email protected]. (806) 793-7808. Hotel in Newcastle, Australia, between 1944 and 1945, 743rd Material Sqdn 12th AF. Anyone who served C Co 741st Railroad Operating Bn. Anyone who served contact Bill Lind, 3671 W. Brule Lake Road, Iron River, between April 1942 and September 1945, contact Dale between January 1944 and spring 1946 in Europe, MI 49935, call (906) 265-3990 or e-mail Barthel, 124 Willow Road, Rochester, IL 62563 or call contact Richard Alby, 13332 N. 4th St., Sheboygan, WI [email protected]. (217) 498-7603. 53081 or call (920) 451-4669. 38th Recon Sqdn. Anyone who served prior to or during 777th AC&W Sqdn Unit 28 Air Div. Anyone who served Co 10, USNTC. Anyone who served in San Diego in WWII, contact Michael Rowold, 3715 14th St. West at Requa, Calif., between 1957 and 1959, contact S. 1950, contact Charles V. Burke, 3512 Bares Road, #67, Bradenton, FL 34205, call (941) 741-8955 or e- McGaughey, P.O. Box 2057, McKinleyville, CA 95519 Abbeville, LA 70510 or call (337) 937-4939. mail [email protected]. or call (707) 839-1651. Co 12. Anyone who graduated from Electrical Naval Tng 76th Army Band Comm Zone. Anyone who served in 804th Air Police Sqdn. Anyone who served at Hunter Station in St. Louis on Aug. 1, 1942, contact William F.

60 July 2002 The American Legion Magazine Geer, 609 Sycamore Drive, Anderson, SC 29621 or 478-8475 or e-mail [email protected]. WAF. Anyone who served, especially photo lab crew, at call (864) 225-5061. U.S. Mil Gov Dets G-231 and E-203. Anyone who Sampson AFB in Geneva, N.Y., between 1951 and Co 100. Anyone who graduated from Naval Tng Station served in Freising, Germany, between May and 1955, contact Janet I. Robinson, 4528 Bimini Drive, in Norfolk, Va., on Feb. 28, 1942, contact William F. December 1945, contact Charles Francisco, 18526 Bradenton, FL 34210 or call (941) 795-0979. Geer, 609 Sycamore Drive, Anderson, SC 29621 or Quiver Beach Road, Havana, IL 62644 or call (309) WVLB Brisbane, WVLM Milne Bay or WVLP Port call (864) 225-5061. 543-2508. Moresby. Anyone who served as a radio operator Co 585. Anyone who went through boot camp at the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey. Any Navy personnel between 1944 and 1945, contact Allan Siemers, 2192 U.S. Naval Tng Station in Norfolk, Va., between who served in Tokyo in 1945 or Washington, contact W. Pipe Lake Court, Comstock, WI 54826 or e-mail October and November 1942, contact Thomas H. L.R. Gerdes, 103 E. Gerdes Drive, Danville, IA 52623 [email protected]. Grant, 2 Mimosa Drive, Greenville, SC 29615, call or e-mail [email protected]. YMS 428. Anyone who served aboard the minesweeper (864) 244-3427 or e-mail [email protected]. USS Asheboro, PCE 882. Anyone who served aboard in 1945, contact L.R. Gerdes, 103 E. Gerdes Drive, D Co 709th MP Bn. Anyone who served in Frankfurt, between September 1946 and May 1948, contact Danville, IA 52623 or e-mail Germany, between 1946 and 1948, contact Richard C. John Mertz, 5665 Columbine Drive, Johnston, IA [email protected]. Holland, 9545 Prospect Road, Forestville, NY 14062 or 50131, call (515) 278-4424 or e-mail ptmertz@ YR-71. Anyone who served with the River Division in e-mail [email protected]. mchsi.com. Vietnam between 1970 and 1971, contact Michael E Co 1st Bn 16th Inf Rgt 1st Inf Div “Big Red One.” USS Charles R. Ware, DD 865. Anyone who served Cassesse, 212 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473 Anyone who served at Ft. Riley, Kan., between 1963 aboard between 1945 and 1974, contact Frank or call (203) 234-8717. and 1964, contact Charles Moy, 4312 Burling Ave., Biondo, 579 Buxton Ave., West Hempstead, NY Pennsauken, NJ 08109 or e-mail moy3rd@ 11552, call (516) 481-0034 or e-mail TAPS hotmail.com. [email protected]. Fleet Air Wing 4. Any yeomen or personnelmen who USS Hampshire County, LST 819. Anyone who served Leonal O. Bickel, Dept. of West Virginia. Nat’l Un- served in the administration office at Whidby Island, aboard between 1966 and 1967, contact Gerald American Activ. Cmte. Memb. 1951-1953, Nat’l Wash., contact Jack Statser, 1515 29th St., Bettendorf, Robinson, Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Religious Emphasis Cmte. Memb. 1952-1954, Nat’l IA 52722 or e-mail [email protected]. Marshalltown, IA 50158. Distinguished Guests Cmte. Memb. 1953-1954 and Flight 1810. Anyone who went through basic training at USS Kearsarge, CV 33. Anyone who served between 1974-1978, Dept. Cmdr. 1954-1955, Nat’l Education Sampson AFB in Romulus, N.Y., between June and May and June 1948, contact Jim Fissel, 904 Redwood & Scholarship Cmte. Memb. 1955-1957, Nat’l Exec. August 1952, contact Melvin P. Tritapoe, P.O. Box 273, Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 or call (757) 420- Cmte. Memb. 1957-1973, Nat’l Americanism Cmsn. Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, call (304) 258-3481 or 4762. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1957-1962 and 1966-1968, e-mail [email protected]. USS Lake Champlain, CVA 39. Anyone who served in Nat’l Reorganization Cmte. Memb. 1961-1967, Nat’l Heli Utility Sqdn 4. Anyone who served at Naval Air Korea in 1953, contact Charles V. Burke, 3512 Bares Finance Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1962-1963, Nat’l Station, Lakehurst, N.J., between June 1960 and June Road, Abbeville, LA 70510 or call (337) 937-4939. Resolution Subcmte. Memb. 1962-1964, Nat’l Child 1962, contact William P. Fry Sr., 343 West St., USS LSM 356. Anyone who served at Okinawa between Welfare Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1963-1964, Nat’l Pottstown, PA 19464 or call (610) 323-6093. 1945 and 1946, contact Leland Paul Sautter at (937) American Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Chmn. 1964-1966, HQ Co 3rd Bde 8th Inf Div. Anyone who served in 695-0037 or e-mail [email protected]. Nat’l Reorganization Cmte. Chmn. 1967-1972, Nat’l Mannheim, Germany, between 1962 and 1963, USS LST 601. Anyone who served aboard between Task Force for the Future Cmte. Memb. 1967-1969, contact Robert L. Smits, 4214 S. Regal Manor Court, 1944 and 1945, contact R. Tobianski, 4329 Rafe, Nat’l Internal Affairs Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. New Berlin, WI 53151, call (262) 782-3997 or e-mail Bullhead City, AZ 86426 or call (928) 763-2086. 1970-1971, Nat’l Subcmte. on Cmtes. Memb. 1970- [email protected]. USS LST 649. Anyone who served aboard between 1973, Nat’l Internal Affairs Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Chmn. HQ Sqdn Fleet Air Wing 2. Anyone who served at Pearl 1944 and 1946, contact Edward Wolfe, 700 Marietta 1971-1973, Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1975-1976, Harbor, Hawaii, Alameta, Calif., or Sunnydale, Calif., in St., Bremen, OH 43107, call (740) 569-7826 or e-mail Nat’l Cmdr. Special Cmte. on Education Memb. 1976- 1942, contact Edward D. Charvat at draw_tav@ [email protected]. 1980, Nat’l Cmte. on Education Chmn. 1977-1979 juno.com. USS Palmyra. Anyone who served with the Auxiliary and Nat’l Sec. Cncl. Cmte. Memb. 1981-1982. L Co 3rd Bn 18th Inf Rgt 1st Inf Div. Anyone who served Repair Salvage Tender #3 on the Task Unit Flagship at Bonnie B. Blanton, Dept. of Florida. Nat’l Rehab. Cmsn. in Germany between 1950 and 1953, contact Bikini between September 1947 and May 1949, Advisory Board Memb. 1963-1964 and 1972-1974, Francisco Hernandez, HC-2, Box 8340, Quebradillas, contact Robert Marshall, P.O. Box 3095, Elida, OH Nat’l Veterans Preference Cmte. Memb. 1974-2002 PR 00678. 45807, call (419) 229-6689 or e-mail minute- and Nat’l Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1983-1990. Loran Station, Alaska. Any Coast Guard personnel who [email protected]. E. Thomas Cammarota, Dept. of Pennsylvania. Nat’l built or operated the station on Kwadack and Ebeye USS PC 1222. Anyone who served aboard in the Atlantic Counter-Subversive Activ. Cmte. Memb. 1965-1969, islands, Kwajalein Atoll, between 1944 and 1945, between commissioning and 1945, contact Robert L. Dept. Cmdr. 1970-1971, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. contact E. Sims, 600 Shorepines Ave., Coos Bay, OR Dondero, 2002 Vinsetta Blvd., Royal Oak, MI 48073 or 1972-1974, Nat’l Sec. Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. 1972- 97420. call (248) 542-8151. 1973, Nat’l Veterans Affairs & Rehab. Cmsn. Liaison M Co 3rd Bn 20th 33rd Inf Rgt. Anyone who served at USS Phaon, ARB 3. Anyone who served aboard during Cmte. Memb. 1973-1974 and Nat’l Mbrshp. & Post the Panama Canal between 1955 and 1957, contact WWII, contact Joe John Grado, 7956 Tom Drive, Port Activ. Cmte. Memb. 1976-1977. Roy McCann, 78139 Highway 1081, Covington, LA Arthur, TX 77642 or call (409) 727-6299. Raymond C. Oltman, Dept. of Nebraska. Nat’l Legis. 70435, call (985) 892-4572 or e-mail USS Sea Fox, SS 402. Anyone who served aboard Cncl. Memb. 1979-1984, Nat’l Mbrshp. & Post Activ. [email protected]. between commissioning and decommissioning, Cmte. Memb. 1979-1984 and Nat’l Veterans Mil Sea Trans Serv. Anyone who served in communica- contact George M. Arnold, 822 Western Air Drive, Preference Cmte. Memb. 1990-1991. tions in Yokohana, Japan, between 1951 and 1953, Jefferson City, MO 65109, call (573) 635-6033 or e- Donald J. Raven, Dept. of Hawaii. Dept. Cmdr. Nat’l contact Glenn E. Dexter, 3011 Jefferson St., Apt. A, mail [email protected]. Distinguished Guests Cmte. Vice Chmn. 1993-1994, Paducah, KY 42001 or call (800) 398-9908, ext. 208. USS Toledo, CA 133. Anyone who served in Nat’l Children & Youth Cmsn. Memb. 1994-1996 and Operation Redwing. Anyone who served on Anewetak communications between 1953 and 1954, contact Dept. Cmdr. 1998-1999. or Parry islands in the Pacific in 1956, contact Jim Glenn E. Dexter, 3011 Jefferson St., Apt. A, Paducah, Albert G. Rhea, Dept. of Kentucky. Nat’l Rehab. Cmsn. Reeves, 11572 Pepper Lane, Apple Valley, CA 92308 KY 42001 or call (800) 398-9908, ext. 208. Advisory Board Memb. 1959-1960, Nat’l Veterans or call (760) 240-8460. USS Vermillion, AKA 107. Anyone who served between Preference Cmte. Memb. 1967-1968, Nat’l Plt 121. Any Marines who graduated from Parris Island the 1951 recommissioning and the ship’s collision Constitution & By-Laws Cmte. Consultant 1969-1971 on June 3, 1953, contact Doug Sykes, 805 Lennie with the USS Mellette, APA 156, in January 1952, and 1972-1990, and Dept. Cmdr. 1972-1973. Ave., Morristown, TN 37813 or call (423) 586-7870, contact Frank L. Robb, 3380 S. 114th St., Omaha, NE John F. Spain Sr., Dept. of Connecticut. Nat’l or Dick McMullen at [email protected]. 68144, call (402) 330-4729 or e-mail frankrobb@ Distinguished Guests Cmte. Memb. 1950-1951, Nat’l Plt 150 5th Recruit Bn. Anyone who served at Parris webtv.net. Veterans Preference Cmte. Memb. 1951-1952, Nat’l Island in November 1950, contact E. Dupras, 3995 USS Yahara, AOG 37. Anyone who served aboard Counter-Subversive Activ. Cmte. Memb. 1954-1955, Commander Drive, Columbus, GA 31903, call (706) between 1944 and 1946, contact John Sandy, P.O. Box Nat’l Awards, Trophies and Ceremonials Cmte. Vice 687-2060 or e-mail [email protected]. 1674, Deer Park, WA 99006, call (509) 276-6736 or Chmn. 1955-1956, Dept. Cmdr. 1956-1957 and Nat’l Plt 156. Any Marines who served at Parris Island in e-mail [email protected]. Internal Affairs Cmsn. Memb. 1956-1959. 1950, contact John Cavallo, 6 Harrison Road, West VC-7. Anyone who served with the Navy squadron, Herald E. Stringer, Dept. of Alaska. Dept. Cmdr. 1950- Chester, PA 19380 or call (610) 738-8462. contact S.D. Baxter, 351 E. Morrow, Batesville, AR 1951, Nat’l Counter-Subversive Activ. Cmte. Memb. Recruit Co 453. Anyone who served at Naval Training 72501, call (870) 793-5307 or e-mail 1950-1954, Nat’l Naval Affairs Cmte. Memb. 1954- Center in Great Lakes, Ill., in June 1942, contact [email protected]. 1957, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. 1956-1964, Nat’l Roland Jackson, 2706 Apollo Drive, Barstow, CA VP-34. Anyone who served as air crew, flight engineer or Legis. Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1956-1959, Nat’l 92311 or e-mail [email protected]. ordnance between 1954 and 1956, contact Nick Resolutions Subcommittee Memb. 1957-1959 and Sommerville House. Anyone who served as a radio Farnett, 103 Lynnhaven Drive, North Syracuse, NY 1963-1964, Nat’l Advisory Cmte. to the Nat’l Cmdr. operator or cryptographer in Brisbane, Australia, 13212, call (315) 458-3412 or e-mail Memb. 1959-1963, Nat’l Economic Cmsn. Liaison between April and August 1943, contact Allan [email protected]. Cmte. Chmn. 1959-1962, Nat’l Reorganization Cmte. Siemers, 2192 W. Pipe Lake Court, Cornstock, WI VP-92 or HEDRON 15. Anyone who served at Memb. 1960-1964, Nat’l Americanism Cmsn. Liaison 54826 or e-mail [email protected]. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or Freetown-Sierra Leone Cmte. Chmn. 1962-1964, Nat’l Legis. Director U.S. Army Mountain Tng Det. Anyone who served at prior to December 1943 or at Port Lyautey, French Washington Staff 1965-1974 and Nat’l Legis. Cmsn. Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., between Morocco, between December 1943 and July 1944, Consultant 1974-1975. spring 1949 and summer 1950, contact Don Lueck, contact Roger J. Kriessler, 14432 Sterling Run, Orval Wright, Dept. of Utah. Nat’l Mbrshp. & Post Activ. 4110 Bayou Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605, call (337) Brooksville, FL 34609 or call (352) 796-4425. Cmte. Memb. 1981-1983 and Dept. Cmdr. 1984-1985.

August 2002 61 The American Legion Magazine CLASSIFIED LEGION SHOPPER Legion Magazine, Classified Advertising, Joan Rizzo, REMITTANCECOPY AND TO: SEND ADVERTISING accepted atthediscretionofpublisher. Alladvertisementsare cover dateofissuedesired. Advertising copymustbereceived60daysbefore DEADLINE: 2,550,000permonth. CIRCULATION: state and zipcodesasthreewords. allcity, words; Count streetaddressesandboxnumbersastwo $24perword. RATES: American LegionMagazine.” Pleasemakeremittancepayableto “The order. tising ispayableinadvancebycheckormoney Allclassifiedadver- (212) FAX (212)779-1928. 725-2106, 10016. NY NewYork, 1110, Suite 5th Ave., BOTTLED QUALITY WATER ateveryfaucetin CA 93035. Oxnard, #126, 3600Har- bour Blvd, GreanairePress, $8.95. depend onit, Thequalityofyourhealth caremay book. SURVIVING HEALTH CARE REFORM. HEALTH/HEALTH-CARE PRODUCTS (800)231-5402. KEY CARDSYSTEMS, FOR SALE (866) www.amerix.com. Calltoll-free, 866-1938, bonded. licensed, Nonprofit, lowerinterest. reduce paymentsupto50%, GET OUTOFDEBTFREE!Stopcollectioncalls, FINANCIAL 233-0828. (800) Catalog, DRINK TOKENS. CASINO SUPPLIES/PLAYING CARDS (800)948-2786. NC27612, Raleigh, Dept. AL, 5122Bur OakCircle, Write: lishing Group. IvyHousePub- BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. 5353 TN37013. Korean War, Antioch, Suite115, Cane Ridge, $3. 28pages, ommended, BRIEF ACCOUNT OFKOREAN WAR, BOOKS &MAGAZINES Catalog, (800) 700-4515. clip.” Patented “no-slip SUSPENDERS. APPAREL T he American LegionMagazine / o soits n. 347 Inc., c/o Fox Associates, 62 A The American ugust 2002 highly rec- Read this MILITARY CAPS/[email protected] Preservethememories. honor. You servedwith WWW.USMILITARYART.COM. WWW.AMERICANSPRIDE.COM. (860)[email protected]. PYLE, SEEKING VETERANS INTERVIEWEDBYERNIE INTEREST TOALL OF (877)945-0704. www.rednationtobacco.com, CIGARETTES/TOBACCO-START $9! Shippedfast, T Cartonsstartat$13.95. DISCOUNT CIGARETTES. MISCELLANEOUS www.mylegacyforlife.net/nate. (800) 735-5167, HEALTH PROBLEMS-NOPROBLEM WITH THIS! For brochurecall(800)506-9868. $189. 4-44 ru,Bx75-M Independence, MO 64054. Box7850-LM, Kraus, 841-7404. (800) Free catalog, WINEMAKERS-BEERMAKERS. WINE &BEERMAKING (724)413-3292. JAPANESE SWORDS, (940)455-2519. BOY SCOUTPATCHES, (800)798-6167. SWORDS, (800)451-9728. OLD GUITARS, W www.kentwoodla.org. highcrime, city life? Visit, Tiredofcoldwinters, LOUISIANA: RETIREMENT/RETIREMENT LIVING TN38504, Allardt, (931) 879-4625. Box310-ALM, Singles, Free cat- alog. Christianvalues. MEET NICESINGLES. (808) 325-7707. Sunshine Penpals, ASIAN WOMEN! Overseas. PERSONALS serving veterans.WWW.MILITARYPLUS.COM, world.com. orhm! htsrgt thewholehouse!Only your home! That’s right, l-re 87 3-47 www.senecasmokes.com. (877)234-2447, oll-free, ANTED August 2002 63 The American Legion Magazine parting shots

“Another one died? Can’t we keep anything alive around here?” “Gesundheit.”

Good Advice New for the Dictionary? If you get a headache, do what it says on the Adminisphere: The organizational layers above aspirin bottle: take two and keep away from children. the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the admini- sphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrele- How Wrong He Is vant to problems they were designed to solve. A young lady returns from a date rather sad. “Antho- Blamestorming: Sitting in a group, discussing why ny proposed to me an hour ago,” she tells her mother. a deadline was missed or a project failed and who “Then why are you so sad?” her mother asks. was responsible. “Because he also told me he’s an atheist,” the young Generica: Features of the American landscape that lady says. “Mom, he doesn’t even believe there’s a hell.” are exactly the same no matter where a person is, “Marry him anyway,” her mother replies. “Between such as fast-food joints, strip malls and subdivisions. the two of us, we’ll show him just how wrong he is.” Percussive maintenance: The fine art of whacking the heck out of a device to get it to work again. Good Sleepin’ Starter marriage: A short-lived first marriage that Consciousness: that annoying time between naps. ends in divorce with no kids, no property and no regrets.

“ … and to my nephew, who said I was full of hot air …”

64 August 2002 The American Legion Magazine Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors

• Many who served aboard ship in the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s were exposed to asbestos. • Due to the long latency period of these diseases, some are now coming down with asbestos-related cancers.

IF YOU NOW HAVE MESOTHELIOMA or LUNG CANCER, OR A LOVED ONE HAS RECENTLY DIED FROM ONE OF THESE CANCERS For Medical Resources:

Visit the Mesothelioma Web: www.mesotheliomaweb.org/n4658 or call toll-free 1-877-367-6376 to receive a free packet or to ask questions. (Packet includes information on mesothelioma treatment, clinical trials, cancer links, how to access legal and financial resources, and frequently asked questions with answers by the law firm below.)

For Information on Compensation from the Asbestos Industry: Law Offices of Jonathan David, P.C.* 10655 Six Pines Drive, #260 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (Greater Houston Area) Handling cases nationwide with local counsel in state of filing. www.asbestos-attorney.com/n4658 Call Toll-free 1-800-998-9729 *Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Waist E-x-p-a-n-d-s to Give You

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