VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS 9400 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, Florida 33428 March–April 2020

SIMPSON-GALLA-FERRARO MEMORIAL POST 10556 VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS 9400 West Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, Florida 33428 March–April 2020

What’s Inside Commander’s Corner Commander’s Corner ...... 1 We started our New Year with many exciting 2019-2020 Post 10556 Officers & things going on and planned for 2020. Our Committee Chairs ...... 2 monthly family dinners continued to be Important Post Information ...... 2 successful, and we were looking at adding to the Post 10556 All–State Program Totals variety of the restaurants. We are trying to have for 2019–2020 ► Current as of 14 two a month. We added new members and were April 2020...... 2 on our way to reaching our 2020 goal. Then, Events Calendar ...... 3 unfortunately, the Covid-19 hit, and Boca Raton, Post 10556 Boosters...... 3 then Palm Beach County, closed all restaurants, Hospital Report: VAMC–West Palm bars, merchants and parks. So, we had to close our Beach ...... 4 Post building. We have all been told to stay at Activities Committee Report ...... 4 home unless necessary to do otherwise. Chaplain’s Thoughts ...... 5 While the Post building has been closed, we continue to pick up the Service Officer’s Corner ...... 6 mail from the post office and have routed our phone in order for us to get Editor’s Choice ...... 7 bills and messages, answer questions, and take action where needed. If  Galusha Pennypacker ► you need us, we are still functioning albeit on a limited basis. The Post is Pennsylvania Patriot or Genuine here for you. Boy General ...... 7 We are continuing to sign up new members, and we want to continue  Vietnam Vets ► Humbert Roque to reach out to veterans who are eligible but don’t belong to the VFW. Versace | POW Awarded MOH .. 8 We need to inform these veterans of our many VFW programs, our  WWII Bomber Nose Art ► social activities, and the assistance we can provide them. Even though “Hell’s Belle”...... 9 the building is closed, we especially want to make every veteran feel  Famous Vets Chuck Norris ► welcome and become aware of the many things we do. We will be back A1C USAF ...... 9 in our Post home as soon as this medical emergency ends. If you know of Briefing ...... 9 a veteran with foreign war service, please refer him or her to Bill  WWII Medical Improvement’s ► Tydings or Warren Muench. Membership in the VFW is a mutual benefit Saved Lives During and After the to the veteran and the Post and is vital to VFW’s ability to influence War ...... 9 legislation that can affect all veterans. Please help us by signing up new  Hand Washing ► Beware These members. 7 Mistakes ...... 10  Have You Heard? ☺ ...... 11 We all, as a Post, were saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Bonfiglio who was only a few months shy of his 100th birthday. Frank Our Supporting Advertisers ...... 12 was an active member of our Post and was always cheerful. He was very creative, and many of us have some of his nice woodwork. Frank certainly will be missed! Our prayers go to Frank’s wife, Helen, and all the Bonfiglio family. I want to thank each of our officers and members for their support as we continue to do our best in these difficult times and continue to serve our community. Let’s all follow the national guidelines and stay home. If you go out, maintain a 6-foot distance and wear a mask. Please stay healthy!

In Comradeship, Barry Goldin, Post Commander

Copyright © 2020 VFW Post 10556 – All Rights Reserved. VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 2019-2020 Post 10556 Officers & Committee Chairs Note: The following individuals were elected or appointed at the May 2019 membership meeting. Position Name Position Name Commander Barry A. Goldin Program Chairman Gary D. Rose Senior Vice Commander William T. Tydings Judge Advocate Bruce L. Gilpin Junior Vice Commander Daniel J. Thomas Service Officer Samuel J. Shoptaw, Jr. Quartermaster Warren J. Muench Trustee-1 yr. Donald M. (Mike) Day Chaplain Richard P. Melohn Trustee-2 yr. Bruce L. Gilpin Surgeon Gertrudis Perez-Dusek Trustee-3 yr. William B. Doyle Adjutant Daniel J. Thomas Newsletter Editor Warren J. Muench

Important Post Information Post Phone Numbers: Post Facebook Page 561-477-2779 (Main) Our Facebook page is up and running. 561-756-9589 (Hearing Impaired & Fax) If you have a Facebook account, Post Website send a ‘friend’ request to “VFW Boca Raton.” www.vfwpost10556.org If you want to share your photos and thoughts, you’re welcome to use our Facebook page. Check it out! Post Your News and Announcements Here Our webmaster, Gary Rose, has created a very attractive website Publish the important days in your life; with plenty of Post and VFW-related let everyone share in your joy and successes! information and graphics. To submit announcements or stories, please contact Warren Muench at Post E-Mail [email protected]. [email protected]

Post 10556 All–State Program Totals for 2019–2020 ► Current as of 14 April 2020 Americanism Community Service Drug and Safety Youth Activities Buddy Poppy • Total Members: 122 • Total Members: 74 • Total Members: 12 • Total Members: 74 • Total Members: 18 • Total Hours: 146.00 • Total Hours: 88.00 • Total Hours: 24.00 • Total Hours: 59.00 • Total Hours : 23200 • Total Miles: 45.00 • Total Miles: 423.00 • Total Miles: 290.00 • Total Miles: 35.00 • Total Miles: 60.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 • Total Cost: 235.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 • Total Cost: 200.00 • Total Cost: 350.00 Fireman/Policeman/EMT Hospital National Teacher Awd Patriot’s Pen Voice of Democracy • Total Members: 0 • Total Members: 81 • Total Members: 0 • Total Members: 0 • Total Members: 0 • Total Hours: 0.00 • Total Hours: 453.00 • Total Hours: 0.00 • Total Hours: 0.00 • Total Hours: 0.00 • Total Miles: 0.00 • Total Miles: 1866.00 • Total Miles: 0.00 • Total Miles: 0.00 • Total Miles: 0.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 • Total Cost: 4890.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 • Total Cost: 0.00 Provided courtesy of Gary Rose, Post Program Chairman

2 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 Events Calendar

April 2020 May 2020 Month of the Military Child Month of the Military Caregiver • 1 Wed April Fool’s Day National Military Appreciation Month • 5 Sun Gold Star Spouses Day • 1 Fri Loyalty Day • 8 Wed Passover Begins • 1 Fri Silver Star Service Banner Day • 9 Thu National Former POW Recognition Day • 8 Fri VE Day • 10 Fri Good Friday • 12 Sun 10 Sun • 12 Tue (Cancelled) Hospital Visit–WPB VAMC • 14 Tue (Cancelled) Hospital Visit–WPB VAMC

• 14 Tue Air Force Reserve Birthday • 12 Tue Post Officer’s Agenda Meeting

• 14 Tue Post Officer’s Agenda Meeting • 13 Wed Children of Fallen Patriots Day

• 15 Wed Purple Up! For Military Kids Day • 16 Sat (Cancelled) Post Social Half Hour–1000

• 16 Thu Passover • 16 Sat (Cancelled) Post General Membership Meeting–1030 • 18 Sat (Cancelled) Post Social Half Hour–1000 • 16 Sat Armed Forces Day • 18 Sat (Cancelled) Post General Membership

Meeting–1030 • 22 Fri Maritime Day • 22 Wed Earth Day 25 Mon • 23 Thu Army Reserve Birthday • 26 Tue (Cancelled) Hospital Visit–WPB VAMC • 23 Thu Ramadan Begins • 28 Tue (Cancelled) Hospital Visit–WPB VAMC • 30 Thu National Military Brats Day

Post 10556 Boosters

Become a Post Booster for $10.00—or more—a year and have your name listed in this newsletter. To donate, contact Warren Muench, your quartermaster. Cash or a check made out to VFW Post 10556 gladly accepted. 2019 Boosters Elliott Lichtenstein Richard Melohn Al Lesser Mike Day Melvin Sacherow Bruce Gilpin Barry Goldin John Schachleiter William Tydings Alvah Ingersoll Gertrudis Perez-Dusek Fred S. Darrow Arthur Pion Warren Muench Linda Caldwell Dan Thomas A.J. Heil David Benedetto Pelligrino Signoriello Gary Rose Timothy Grajko Richard Root Your name here!

3 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 Hospital Report: VAMC–West Palm Beach

Post 10556 has a team of dedicated members who go to the VA Medical Center (VAMC) in West Palm Beach each month. This team meets with our veterans who are residents/patients of the VA Medical Center. We always look forward to continuing to bring our comradery, meals, and Horse Racing to the residents and patients of the medical center. Unfortunately, as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic currently affecting our country, the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, as well as other VA medical centers throughout the country, have cancelled all outside activities and all visits by volunteers who conduct activities on site until further notice. Therefore, our Post had to cancel all activities at the hospital in March and April. We are awaiting the end of this terrible virus so we can return to meet with and entertain our veterans. Still, before the VAMC closing, our Post held a successful luncheon on January 28 for the Community Living Center (CLC), Blind Rehab, and Mental Health. We served BBQ and sides provided by Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ from Boca Raton. This BBQ is always a favorite of the residents and patients. We had planned a luncheon of fried chicken for the second quarter but were forced to cancel it due to the virus. However, we will plan something special for the CLC, Blind Rehab, and Mental Health in the future. On February 20, I attended the opening of the new Domiciliary (DOM) on site at the VAMC. The primary mission of the DOM-Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP) is to provide a return to successful community-based living. The DOM is a 60-bed, structured therapeutic program for eligible veterans requiring a structure and support residential treatment environment. Its mission is to address such issues as substance use, PTSD, homelessness, and other clinical needs. The DOM is an active treatment program and is not intended to be used as shelter-type housing or as a lodging facility. Thank you to all who volunteered to participate in our hospital visits and projects to help our veterans. We will continue to make our veterans our first priority and look forward to when we can return to the VAMC. Respectfully submitted, Barry Goldin, Commander, Post 10556 VFW VAVS Representative, VAMC WPB

Activities Committee Report

Random Acts of Kindness down and the gates were closed preventing any access to the park. Since we have no activities to speak of, I am going to dedicate this Dan was the first one to figure it out, but of course, with month to Random Acts of Kindness the gates closed, the mail could not be delivered anyway. that have been performed at the Post So, plan two was initiated. Our mail is processed at a during the shutdown. And there have distribution facility approximately 2 miles from the Post. It been quite a few. We started out this is just a few blocks from my house, so I went to the facility month with the officers taking to speak to the manager. The mail carrier who works our responsibility for the desk attendance route was already aware of the problem. She was very duties. It seemed easy at first, someone checking the helpful and agreed that she would keep any mail we telephone for messages and someone else checking the received in her personal mail slot. I could come over a few mail. But it soon got very complicated. First, Junior Vice days of each week and pick it up. Because of her courtesy, Commander, Dan Thomas, agreed to ride his bicycle over to we got her a family-size bag of M&Ms to say thank you. I the Post and check our mailbox. Also, Quartermaster was able to make one trip to the distribution facility to drop Warren Muench, agreed to check our telephone answering off the candy and retrieve the mail, but this was short-lived. Because of the shutdown, the facility was restricted, and I machine, via remote access, so we did not have to enter the building. It seemed like a pretty good plan at first, then could no longer get into the building to pick up the mail. So, SNAFU set in. The Parks Department decided to take extra we’ll have to wait on all those cards and letters, to come measures to keep everyone out of the facilities and away pouring in after the park is opened. from the park. Before we knew it, the park had been shut 4 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 But we still had regular access to our phone mail until lights were back on at the Post. At this point, Gary decided snafu number two arrived. Our telephones stopped working. to leave the telephone situation as it was, and he will Enter the next hero, Gary Rose, who is our interface with continue to monitor our phone calls. Once we get into the our utility provider, Comcast. Realizing our telephones no Post, we will probably have some cleanup to do. Because longer worked, Gary contacted Comcast to do some the refrigerators have been off for days, we will have to deal troubleshooting and soon learned there was no power to our with melted ice from the freezer, which now has been equipment. I did not question how he did it, but Gary was refrozen, and any mildew that may have occurred. able to get into the Post and discovered there was no power Fortunately, there was nothing perishable in any of the to the building. So, working with Comcast, Gary agreed to refrigerators. have the Post telephone calls transferred to his personal cell All in all, we have been very fortunate with things at the phone. He even had to change his announcement so no one Post, and I think we will have minimum cleanup to do once was confused, but everything was completed quickly. things are back to normal. We have always enjoyed a friendly relationship with In light of this shutdown, we Kirk Brooks, our liaison with the Parks Department. I have have two people to thank for keeping reported before about how cooperative Kirk has been on our Post visible during the getting a new sidewalk installed in front of our building. quarantine. Most of you are aware of Only the officers have seen what a great job was done. Kirk our webpage VFWpost10556.org, worked diligently finding a contractor and getting the work which Gary has been maintaining for completed. As soon as we reopen, you will be able to see some time. However, you may not the great job that now connects each of our front doors for be familiar with our new Facebook access to the Post. page, which was created by Stephen Engasser: VFW Post I contacted Kirk at his office to see if the park had 10556–Boca Raton, FL. If you are a Facebook user, we disconnected the power. He responded quickly to check invite you to send a friend request and join us. with facilities, and soon a crew was dispatched to the Post. So, let me say once again, thank you for all our heroes It was discovered that a transmission pole, feeding our who continue to keep us operational in these trying building, was off-line and FP&L was required to make the circumstances. repairs. You cannot believe how difficult it was scheduling Yours in service, someone to be at the park to open the gates at the same time Mike Day FP&L arrived to do the work, but Kirk made it happen. Chairman, Activities Committee Within 24 hours, the transmission pole was repaired and

Chaplain’s Thoughts

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” —Will Rogers

“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others.” —Winston Churchill

“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes Respectfully submitted by Richard Melohn, Post Chaplain

5 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 Service Officer’s Corner

Vets Test Positive for Some activists have likened the seriousness of liver Parasite in VA Study fluke exposure in Vietnam veterans to Agent Orange, a class of dioxin-contaminated herbicides believed to have tainted hundreds of thousands of US troops. The VA pays disability At least five of 50 Vietnam War claims to Vietnam veterans who were exposed to the more combat veterans who participated in than 10 million gallons of the defoliant sprayed in Vietnam a Veterans Affair study have tested during the war, and who suffer from any of a host of positive for a waterborne parasite maladies linked to exposure, from heart disease to bladder that’s rare beyond Asia, hides cancer. unseen in the body for decades and can cause a deadly form of liver Since 2013, the VA has received 240 disability claims cancer, according to interviews and related to “cholangio or intrahepatic conditions” –bite-duct documentation provided by cancers and other maladies associated with liver fluke, the participants in the study. agency said. It had rejected more than 76 percent of those claims. The survey was conducted last spring at the VA Medical Center at Northport. According to the Center for Disease Control, untreated liver fluke infestations are a serious menace that “can lead Four of the survey participants—the fifth has since to cancer, which can be fatal.” Varieties of liver fluke that died—said they know of nine others who have tested infest human hosts are endemic in Southeast Asia, the positive for the parasite. If confirmed, that would bring to Korean Peninsula, China and parts of Siberia, and relatively 14, or more than one in four, the number of study rare in most other parts of the world. participants shown to have harbored the parasite known as liver fluke. The parasite spends part of its life cycle growing in a variety of freshwater snails. The snails release a virulent The fifth Vietnam veteran known to have tested form of the fluke, which can be passed into humans through positive, Jim Delgiorno, died Oct 3 of cholangiocarcinoma, contaminated drinking water or uncooked fish. a rare cancer associated with the parasite, according to his wife, Elizabeth. Also, Gerald “Jerry” Chiano, a Valley The parasite can survive for decades without detection, Stream Vietnam vet who was not part of the study because infestations can be readily eliminated with oral doses of he was already known to have harbored liver fluke, died praziquantel and/or triclabendazole, according to the World Sunday of the same disease. Health Organization. “We thought that by taking the test, we would be raising Two months before Delgiorno died, he told Newsday he awareness and saving the lives of others.” said had been stationed near the Laotian border with the 101st Port Jefferson Station resident Gerald Wiggins, 69, who Airborne Division from 1968 to 1969. served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, and who tested “We all drank the water from the river,” he told positive for one species of the fluke. “We never thought we Newsday in July. “It was hot, and you drank water where would be fighting for our own lives.” you can find it.” A spokesman for Northport said the VA has not urged Delgiorno’s wife Elizabeth said he had been diagnosed all Vietnam Veterans to be tested because “no definitive link with cholangiocarcinoma. has been made between the parasite and liver cancer.” He “The tumors just took over,” she said. said the study’s results will not be released until they have The other four men interviewed by Newsday were been peer-reviewed and published by a medical journal. informed of the results over the summer in letters signed by VA is not taking this lightly, but until further research, a Psevdos. recommendation cannot be made either way, Northport “The results were positive for exposure to the C.sinesis spokesman Todd Goodman said in an email. parasite,” Wiggins’ letter read. Northport’s liver fluke study was conducted between Liver flukes, which can grow to about an inch and a April and June by the agency’s chief of infectious diseases, half long, burrow through the walls of the small intestine Dr. George Psevdos, who took blood samples that were sent before migrating to the bile ducts and causing damage there. to Seoul National University in South Korea. According to The Associated Press, Sung-Tae Hong, the Seoul Varieties of the worm infect an estimated 35 million parasitologist who evaluated the samples, said he found people worldwide according to an article published by the evidence of liver fluke in more than 20 percent of them. national Instituted of Health Organization.

6 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 Varieties of liver fluke can be found in cattle and sheep age of 16. He enlisted as a quartermaster sergeant in the 9th that graze in wetlands in some parts of the United States, Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, declining on account of according to the US Department Agriculture. But the rarity his youth, the appointment of first lieutenant. During his of human-borne liver fluke in the United States—health first three months of service under Major General Patterson, experts say Americans with the parasite are almost always Pennypacker gained experience in the Shenandoah Valley. found to have been infected overseas—has led to delayed In October 1861, he was appointed a major in the 97th diagnosis and mismanagement of related diseases. Pennsylvania for which he had helped recruit a company of John Butzgy, a former Army truck driver from Seaford men. The 97th Regiment joined the 10th Corps in the who served in Vietnam in 1972, said he has wanted to be Department of the South and, during the years 1862 and evaluated since reading about the parasite in a July 1863, participated in all the various engagements in which Newsday article, He wonders if his medical problems—he that corps took part: Forts Wagner and Gregg, James Island, said he frequently vomits bile and has been diagnosed with Charleston, and Fort Pulaski. a fatty liver—are related. In April 1864, at age 19, Pennypacker was promoted to lieutenant colonel, replacing a sick officer. Two months “I just want to be tested before I die,” Butzgy said, “I later, he was promoted again to full Colonel in charge of the don’t want to be on the obituary page next year”. entire regiment. On May 20, he led his regiment in an If you need additional information, please see me and I will assault upon the enemy’s lines at Green Plains, Bermuda direct you to additional sources. Hundred, receiving three severe wounds, and losing 175 [Source: [email protected] | updated November 24, men killed and wounded. It would take Pennypacker three 2017] months to recover from his wounds. With respect, Pennypacker returned to Samuel John Shoptaw action in August at Petersburg Service Officer and in September led his Post 10556, Boca Raton, Florida brigade in the successful assault upon Fort Harrison, where he was again wounded, and his Editor’s Choice horse shot from under him. In the command of General Butler, Pennypacker participated in the Galusha Pennypacker ► Pennsylvania Patriot or Genuine Boy General failed Fort Fisher Expedition in December 1864. Pennypacker, a In January 1865, under Pennsylvania Patriot, was General Alfred Terry, not only a genuine Boy Pennypacker made the successful assault upon Fort Fisher. General, but also won the He was again severely wounded, thought fatal. Pennypacker Congressional Medal of received six brevets or promotions as follows: brevet Honor. Several Civil War brigadier-general U.S. Volunteers, January 15, 1865; Union Officers have been brigadier-general U.S. Volunteers, February 18, 1865; labeled Boy Generals; brevet major-general U.S. Volunteers, March 13, 1865; however, Galusha colonel 34th Infantry U.S.A., July 28, 1866; brevet Pennypacker still remains brigadier-general U.S.A., March 2, 1867; and brevet major- the youngest U.S. Army general U.S.A., March 2, 1867. Brigadier General in General Terry stated that Pennypacker and not himself history. was the real hero of Fort Fisher and that his “great gallantry Galusha was only equaled by his modesty.” On August 17, 1891, Pennypacker was born in Major General Galusha Pennypacker was awarded the 1844, a native of Valley Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery at Fort Forge, Pennsylvania. Fisher. The citation reads, “Gallantly led the charge over a Pennypacker was an only child raised by his grandmother. traverse and planted the colors of one of his regiments The grandson of a Mennonite bishop, he was described as a thereon, was severely wounded.” Quaker. Pennypacker’s mother died when he was 3. His Pennypacker was not only a Pennsylvania Patriot, but a father, Joseph, served in the Mexican War, then went to genuine Boy General, remaining the only general too young California in the Gold Rush and never came back. to vote for the President who appointed him. Pennypacker entered military service in April 1861, at the [Source: Posted on February 16, 2019 by Bummer] 7 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 Vietnam Vets ► Humbert Roque Versace | POW About two weeks before his tour was to end on October Awarded MOH 29, 1963, on a friendly visit to a classmate from the Military Academy in Detachment A-23 of 5th Special Forces Group in the Mekong Delta, Versace accompanied numerous South Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense (CIDG) troop companies. They had attacked a command post located in the U-Minh Forest, which was a stronghold area of the Viet Cong. Versace's unit was ambushed and overrun by a Main Force battalion of the Viet Cong, and Versace himself got gravely wounded. However, even in his critical state, he could provide enough firepower to allow the CIDG forces to retreat from the killing zone. Although a 200-strong second government force that operated from a few thousand yards from the site of the ambush learned of the mishap, they were far too late to be of any help. According to U.S. Captain Humbert Roque Versace, affectionately called authorities, there were communist radio jammers that had "Rocky," was an officer of the United States Army. He went blocked the main channel, as well as the alternate channel on to receive the Medal of Honor for the heroic actions he on all local military radios which contributed to the delay. undertook as a prisoner of war in the Vietnam War. Puerto Rican-Italian by descent, he was the first member of the A captured Versace was locked up in a prison that U.S. Army to have ever received such a distinction. existed in the deeper areas of the jungle. With him were two other American prisoners of war—Sergeant Dan Pitzer and Born on July 2, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Versace was Lieutenant Nick Rowe. Even in his state, a valiant Versace the eldest of five children. Versace's father was Colonel tried to escape four times; however, he got caught every Humbert Joseph Versace (1911–1972), and his mother was time. Versace continued to resist the torture of Viet Cong by Marie Teresa Ríos (1917–1999) who authored three books, insulting them during indoctrination sessions and repeatedly which included the popular work, “Fifteenth Pelican,” on quoting the Geneva Convention treaty. Due to his persistent which the 1960s film starring Sally Field as “The Flying behavior, Versace was separated from the other prisoners by Nun” was based. Having grown up in Alexandria, Virginia, the Viet Cong. The prisoners reportedly last heard his voice Versace attended Gonzaga College High School in singing “God Bless America,” loudly and proudly, which Washington, D.C., during his freshman and sophomore they believe were indeed his last words. years, Frankfurt-American High School in his junior year, and after graduating from Norfolk Catholic High School in On September 26, 1965, the “Liberation Radio” of his senior year, enrolled in the Armed Forces from Norfolk, North Vietnam announced Captain Humbert Roque Virginia. Following in the footsteps of his father, Versace Versace's execution. Versace's remains were never graduated from the West Point U.S. Military Academy in recovered and his headstone, which can easily be located in 1959 and entered the United States Army as a Second the Memorial Section, MG-108, stands on an empty grave Lieutenant of Armor. at Arlington National Cemetery. Once Versace's parents gained knowledge of the fate of their son, Marie and her During his time in Ranger School, Versace was a husband, Colonel Versace, decided to find out everything member of Ranger Class 4-60. On December 18, 1959, he they could about the circumstances in which the tragedy had received the Ranger Tab. Once he graduated from Ranger happened. Marie went to Paris in the late 1960s to see the School, Versace—who was now promoted to Captain— North Vietnamese delegation that had come to Paris to attended Airborne School where he was awarded the negotiate a peace deal. However, she was unsuccessful in parachutist badge. Thereafter, he went on to serve with the her attempts and expressed her frustration and anguish 3rd Battalion, 40th Armor, 1st Cavalry Division, in the through poems. Republic of Korea as an M-48 tank platoon leader—a post he held from March 1960 to April 1961. Versace started his Although Versace was nominated for the Medal of first tour of duty in war-torn Vietnam in the capacity of an Honor in 1969, the attempt failed, and Versace received a intelligence advisor starting May 12, 1962. Just a year later, posthumous Silver Star instead. It was only when the in May 1963, Versace put in a request for an extension of “Friends of Rocky Versace” reinitiated the cause of getting his tour by six months. He wanted to attend seminary at the Versace a much-deserved Medal of Honor did the matter conclusion of his service and join the Catholic priesthood in come back into the limelight. Finally, in 2002, the Defense hopes that he could thereafter return to Vietnam to work Authorization Act ended the standoff by awarding the with the orphans as a missionary. Medal of Honor—the most prestigious military decoration for combat valor to Versace. On July 8, 2002, in a ceremony

8 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 in the East Room of the White House, then-President Following his military service, Norris applied to be a George W. Bush awarded Versace a posthumous Medal of police officer but ended up on the waiting list. While he Honor for his heroic actions. This was the first time in waited, Norris decided to open a martial arts studio in his history that an Army POW had ever been awarded the very town of Torrance, California, which led to his opening a highest military distinction for showing immense courage in chain of studios. He started to enter martial arts the face of captivity. The surviving siblings of Rocky competitions. After several years, he won his first World Versace: Dr. Stephen Versace, Richard, Michael, and Trilby Middleweight Karate Championship title in 1968. Norris Versace were present at the ceremony. held the title of Karate World Champion for six consecutive [Source: Together We Served | March 2020] years and retired after his victory in 1974. It was during this time that Norris met Bruce Lee, which led to Norris’ WWII Bomber Nose Art ► “Hell’s Belle” breakout role as Lee’s nemesis in the 1972 film Return of the Dragon, roundhouse kicking him into stardom. Norris went on for several decades to star in action movies and television shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and The Delta Force. He also still appears in advertisements. Norris’s brother, Wieland Norris, was killed in action during the Vietnam War. Norris dedicated his “Missing in Action” films to his brother’s memory. In 2001, Norris received the Veteran of the Year award from the Air Force. In 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine. In 2011, Governor Rick Perry named Norris an honorary Texas Ranger. Happy 80th Birthday, Chuck. Do you still blow out your birthday candles with a roundhouse kick? Visit RallyPoint at https://www.rallypoint.com/topics/chuck-norris to join Famous Vets Chuck Norris ► A1C USAF the discussion about Chuck Norris. [Source: VAntage Point | March 10, 2020] Briefing

WWII Medical Improvement’s ► Saved Lives During and After the War

Carlos “Chuck” Norris was born March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma. Norris enlisted in the Air Force in 1958 after graduating high school. He joined as an air policeman and hoped to train as security police. The Air Force stationed Norris at Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was From the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to the day there that a fellow airman gave him the nickname “Chuck”. Japan signed the surrender, more than 400,000 U.S. service Osan Air Base is also where Norris picked up his martial members were killed during World War II. About 70% of arts skills and earned a black belt in Tang Soo Do, a form of those were combat-related, and the rest were accidents or Korean karate. Norris trained with Grandmaster Jae Chul illnesses. More than 670,000 were wounded. Only the Civil Shin, founder of the World Tang Soo Do Association, as War resulted in more total deaths: 750,000 for both North well as Grandmaster Do Sik Mun. After his service in South and South. Providing first aid to sailors and Marines on the Korea, Norris served at March Air Force Base, now March front line were Navy corpsmen. Medics did the same for Air Reserve Base, in Riverside County, California. He soldiers. Army and Navy doctors and nurses were also continued to serve as an air policeman until his discharge forward stationed as well as at U.S. installations worldwide. from service in August 1962 with the rank of Airman First Battlefield medicine improved throughout the course of Class. the war. At the beginning, only plasma was available as a substitute for the loss of blood. By 1945, serum albumin 9 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 had been developed, which is whole blood that is rich in the 1. Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are red blood cells that carry oxygen and is considerably more available effective than plasma alone. Also, this was the first major Hand sanitizer is a very convenient way to keep your war in which air evacuation of the wounded became hands clean. However, it should be just a backup if soap and available. During the war, surgery techniques such as water are available. While hand sanitizer can reduce how removing dead tissue resulted in fewer amputations than at many germs you have on your hands, the Centers for any time. To treat bacterial infections, penicillin or Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it doesn’t get streptomycin were administered for the first time in large- rid of all types of germs. If your hands are visibly greasy or scale combat. dirty, hand sanitizer may not be very effective. Also, if you Service members with combat fatigue, which later have harmful chemicals on your hands, such as heavy became known as post-traumatic stress disorder, were given metals and pesticides, hand sanitizer may not remove them. a safe place to stay away from battle zones with plenty of When using a hand sanitizer, check the product label to food and rest. This resulted in about 90% of patients ensure it contains at least 60% alcohol. recovering enough to return to the fight. In the tropical 2. Just Rinsing islands of the Pacific, malaria was a serious threat. Service Make sure you are washing your hands with soap and members received atabrine—a group of medications used to water frequently throughout the day. Always wash them protect against malaria—before going into affected areas. with soap and water after using the restroom and before Service members were also inoculated with vaccinations for eating. Don’t get lazy and skip the soap. According to the smallpox, typhoid, tetanus, cholera, typhus, yellow fever CDC, soap is more effective at removing germs, dirt and and bubonic plague, depending where they were sent. Other harmful chemicals from your skin. Plain water is better than improvements during World War II included improved crash nothing. Without access to soap and water—unless your helmets, safety belts, flak jackets and other preventive hands are visibly dirty—you can use a hand sanitizer that measures. contains at least 60% alcohol. Air drying is fine, and if you Because of improvements like these and others, the use a towel, make sure it’s clean. survival rate for the wounded and ill climbed to 50% during 3. Using Antibacterial Soap World War II from only 4% during World War I, according to Dr. Daniel P. Murphy, who published a paper on The CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration "Battlefield Injuries and Medicine." Battlefield medical (FDA) recommend washing with regular soap and water to advances continued after the war. By 2016, a service kill germs and prevent the spread of disease. There’s no member wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan had about a 92% need to use antibacterial soap to wash your hands. There are chance of making it home alive, according to retired Army no proven benefits of using antibacterial hand soap. The Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West, former Army surgeon general and FDA says there is not enough evidence that antibacterial commanding general of the Army Medical Command. Some soaps you find at the store are better at preventing the of the reasons West cited for the improvement are better spread of illness than regular soap. In addition, one lifesaving techniques and training and rapid response and ingredient, triclosan, is being examined for its possible care. effect on human health. [Source: DOD News | Dave Vergun, March 17, 2020] 4. Washing Your Hands Infrequently While there’s no need to be a germaphobe, washing Hand Washing ► Beware These 7 Mistakes your hands infrequently can leave you and those around you at risk. You want to wash your hands often with soap and Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stop the water both to protect yourself and to prevent the spread of spread of germs, including the new coronavirus. But are you germs. Warm water or cold, bar soap or liquid—all are fine, doing it correctly? Stopping the spread of germs is an the CDC says. The CDC recommends washing your hands important step each of us can take toward keeping our particularly: communities and our families safe. So, it’s important to learn the correct technique for getting your hands squeaky • During and after prepping food and before eating clean. If you’re committing one of the following mistakes, • Before and after caring for a sick person with your hands may not be as clean as you think. Here are hand- vomiting and diarrhea, and before and after treating washing mistakes you may be making and how to correct a wound or a cut them. • After using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet or changing a diaper • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

10 VFW Post 10556 Newsletter–March–April 2020 • After touching animals (they can spread disease), The officer frowns and says, “And I notice that you're their food or their waste, and after handling pet food not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 and treats fine.” • After touching trash. The driver says, “Yeah, well, you see, officer, I had it 5. Washing Your Hands Too Quickly on, but I took it off when you pulled me over so that I could Don’t be in a hurry when washing your hands. Many get my license out of my back pocket.” people put soap on their hands, rub them together a few The wife says, “Now, dear, you know very well that you times, rinse and call them clean. This may remove some didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt germs, but not enough to prevent the spread of disease. The when you're driving.” CDC recommends washing your hands for 15 to 30 seconds to remove germs. Worldwide, many countries and global And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket, organizations have adopted guidelines for washing hands the driver turns to his wife and barks, “WILL YOU for about 20 seconds. Not sure how long is 20 seconds of PLEASE SHUT UP?” handwashing? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice while The officer looks over at the woman and asks, “Does scrubbing with soap and water. your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?” 6. Ignoring Your Fingernails She replies, “Only when he's been drinking.” Your fingernails are great hiding places for germs and bacteria. People often ignore them during handwashing and focus on the palms of their hands. Make sure you clean well • Future: Fortune teller — Your husband will meet a under your fingernails, especially if they are long. violent end. Wife — Will I be convicted? 7. Not Drying Your Hands After Washing • Attitude: Sometimes getting out of bed ruins the whole Wet hands make it easier to transfer germs, so it’s day. important to dry them after washing. There is no consensus • Comfort: During labor, the pain is so great that a on the best way to dry your hands. Studies suggest that a woman can almost imagine what a man feels like when clean towel or an air dryer works well to keep germs at bay. he has a cold. [Source: MoneyTalksNews | Veneta Lusk | March 19, 2020] • Laws of Thermodynamics: How the heck can eating a 2-pound box of chocolates make me gain 5 pounds?

Have You Heard? ☺ • Why do people say “break a leg” when you go on Speeding Ticket stage? Because every play has a cast. A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer • Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir.” got a hole in one. The driver says, “Goodness, officer, I had it on cruise • What do you call an alligator detective? control at 60; perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating.” An investi-gator. Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: “Now don't be silly, dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control” Other Insights • A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over mother he has a part in the play. at his wife and growls, “Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once!!” She asks, “What part is it?” The boy says, “I play the part of the Jewish husband.” The wife smiles demurely and says, “Well dear, you should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did, The mother scowls and says, “Go back and tell the or your speed would have been higher.” teacher you want a speaking part.”

As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says Thought through clenched teeth, “Woman, can't you keep your “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is mouth shut?” optional.” ― Roger Crawford

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