PLUS

en. William VUestmorelanti The 13th eneration People Who Appreciate Solid American Values Will Have A Place In This Century.

Introducing The All-New Century. We're proud to welcome the American Legion

to the all-new Century by Buick. As you can

see, this Century is vastly different from the

last. It's bigger. It's quieter. And it's filled with

luxuries like dual-zone climate control, remote

keyless entry, and an air filtration system that

removes most allergy-causing pollens. It's so

bright it turns its own lights on and off. Life in

America gets better every Century.

(^1 BY BuiCK

Discover A Little Luxury In This Century Vol. 142, No. 6 The Magazine for a Strong America June 1997 W

FLAG DAY

k pledge we live by.

THE MAGIC OF ORLANDO With mice, movie stars and outer space, the convention city awaits. 11

THE QOIET WARRIORS By John L. Piaster We didn 't hear of 'em then, but they made a lot of noise. 22 2S WE LOST NEW YORK TODAY By Susan Katz Keating Terrorism could take more catastrophic directions. 26

DO YOU SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT? ByE. Gene Vosseler "Ik

No reason to, if nuclear missile attack is on your worry list. 30

THE DOMINO THAT FELL interview

Westmoreland remembers and says it's time to move on. 32

LUCKY 1 3? By Trent D. IVIcNeeley They're going to change the world, one family at a time. H

A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN By Chandra M. Czape 32

These days, there are many reasons to enlist.

VETVOICE 4 ON DUTY VETS

COMMANDER'S MESSAGE I VETERANS UPDATE 40 PARTING SHOTS K

WASHINGTON WATCH 12 LEGION NEWS 41

COVER It's terrorists' Big Apple, too. Illustration by David Henderson/Mendola.

The American Legion magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthiiy by Thie American Legion for its 2.8 million members, These wartime veterans, working through nearly 1 5,000 communit/-level Posts, dedicate themselves to God and country and traditional Ameri- can values; strong national securit/; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; communit/ service; and the wholesome development of our nation's youths.

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • j The amazing walk-behind brush cutter! Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride...

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1 AML i Advertising Director Quality Built for Life! Donald B. Thomson Associate Advertising Manager To: COUNTRY HOME PRODUCTS*, Dept. 2712F I Diane Andretti Meigs Road, RO, Box 25, Vergennes, VT 05491 Advertising Assistant j Cathy Frakes Ttie American Legion Magazine P O, Box 7068 Indianapolis. IN 46207 317-630-1200 Publisher's Representatives Fox Associates, Inc. *N' 312-644-3888 AMOS ANDY Ctiicago: New/ York: 212-725-2106 The Funniest TV Show Of All Time! Los Angeles: 310-841-0280 Detroit. Ml: 810-543-0068 Atlanta: 404-252-0968 wai you ever forget: : 415-989-5804 The Fresh Air Taxi Company! The American Legion Magazine Commission I'seRegustedl Milford A. Forrester, Ctiairman. Greenville, SC; Russell H. Laird, Vice Ctiairman, Des Moines, lA: Halbert G, Norton, Holy Mackel Andy! Vice Ctiairman, Topeka, KS: James R. Kelley, National Algonquin J. Calhoun, Attorney At Law! Commander's Representative, Wayne, PA: George F. Ballard, Belleville, IL; Samuel Barney, Lancaster, OH; J. Lightnin-, Sapphire Big Fat and Her Mama! Leslie Brown Jr., Louisville, KY; James J. Charleston, Each video volume has Arlington Heights, IL; Joseph Chase, Hatboro, PA; Donald Conn, South Bend, IN; James W. Conway, 2 complete shows Charlestown, MA; Bettylou Evans, Laurel, DE; James H. Hall, Hopewell, NJ; Hoy M. Haught, Huntsville, AR; Vol. #1 "The Diner" and "Madame Queen's Voice" Dennis J, Henkemeyer, Sauk Rapids, MN; Eugene J. Kelley, Savannah, GA; J, Fred Mitchell, Brewton, AL; J.H. Vol. #2 'The Kingfish Sells His Land" and "The Christmas Show" Morris, Baton Rouge, LA; Everett G. Shepard, III,

Vol, #3 'The Happy Stevens" and " The Kingfish Gets Drafted" Woodstock, CT; George G. Sinopoli, Fresno, CA; Robert E. Vass Sr., Huntington, WV; Paul T. Woodard, Lacey, Vol. #4 "Getting Mama Married" programs tell a complete story) (2 WA; Tom C, Smith, Oklahoma City, OK; Casimir F. Sojka, Consultant, New York, NY Copyright 1997 by The Amencan Legion 'video Yesteryear accepts all major credit cardsP The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published Call toll-free 1-800-243-0987 Operator #936 monthly by The American Legion, 5561 W. 74th Street, I Call during weekday business hours (never on Sunday!) Indianapolis, IN 46268. Periodicals postage paid at Indiana- polis, IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. or send to Video Yesteryear Box C Sandy Hook, CT 06482 I Annual non-member and gift subscriptions, $15 ($21, For- eign); post-sponsored and widows' subscriptions, $6; Sin- OK: Send me the following side-splitting video cassettes! gle copy, $3, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The American Legion, Input Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapo- I $19.95 Volume # (l,2,3,or4) [Save$To| lis, IN 46206. Internet address: http://www.legion.org. $29.95 Volumes 1 2 together & Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Input $49.95 All 4 volumes [Sa^W] Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. 317-328- 4640. Attach old address label, provide old and new (add applicable sales lax plus $4,50 shipping & handling) | addresses and current membership card number. My check or money order is enclosed, or "charge it." | To request microfilm copies, please write to: University Microfilms, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 Credit Card: Exp: Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Name: I Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered class mail matter at Central Post office Address:. second dated December 22, 1991. City: _Zip_ jn^ Printed in USA

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2 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 a

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, with any other offers. Price and/or payment plan are subject to change without notice. Wired^ June 1994. , was killed shortly after enough to protect us. Time to let the noon, Jan. 13, 1968, near Ca Lu, Viet- rest of the powers fend for themselves nam, when his daughter was six and go broke — like Russia did, and we months old. She is getting married in are going to. August, and her dream is to have Walt Janilowski someone who served with her father Clifton, N.J. escort her down the aisle. Her father, bom Sept. 28, 1946, in insightful interview with former Middleton, Tennessee, was in Platoon THEDefense Secretary Caspar Wein- 168, MCRD, , which gradu- berger chronicles a once-proud and ated on Nov. 5, 1966. After comple- respected military that tion of infantry and basic special train- has now been effectively dismantled. ing as a motor vehicle operator at Our nation has forgotten the military Camp Pendleton, , he served ineptitude during the Carter adminis- as a driver with Headquarters and tration and the botched rescue attempt Headquarters Squadron, MCAS, Santa of U.S. hostages in Iran. Also forgot- Ana, from July 22, 1966, to Sept. 14, ten was that Ronald Reagan ran and 1967. won on a platform of rebuilding our Stewart joined Transportation Co., armed forces. Thanks to the latter era, 9th Motor Transport Bn., 3rd Marine we were ready under George Bush for My Condition Is In Div. in Vietnam on Nov. 7, 1967. Desert Storm. A former member of 5th MASH, Assigned as a driver in a haul- I saw many talented, well-trained, 44th Med. Bde., Fort Bragg. North ing troops and material, he died of As professional soldiers sadly depart due Carolina, I had the opportunity to wounds received when the convoy to the national clamor for defense serve in the Gulf War. In last Febru- came under heavy enemy mortar and cost-cutting, and the resulting down- ary's issue, I was informed that the small arms fire approximately three sizing and draw-downs. In so doing, Pentagon was trying to contact mem- miles west of the Rockpile. we permitted a magnificent treasure of bers of my unit, whom I will now call Anyone with helpful information expertise slip away. It's alarming to "Khamisiyah Veterans," a phrase should contact Veterans Affairs Com- think how much those eliminated pro- coined by your magazine. missioner Fred Tucker at: 215 8th fessionals will be missed when Ameri- I now have a very attentive cast of Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203, ca is challenged again. Pity those doctors at the Indianapolis VA in (615) 741-2930. — young men and women being trained total contrast to the reception I received Fred Tucker for peace who will have to face in '91, two or three months after the Nashville, Tenn. nations that are training for war. war. Although I'm still undiagnosed, I Wayne V. Dominowski thank you, American Legion. LeMars, Iowa Guy Wheat Carry On Slouching Indianapolis, Ind. AM totally mystified by Caspar I Weinberger's insistence that we Delivery Charge ACCORDING to the latest word in might fight two regional wars going to deliver bombs and the daily papers, much incriminat- {Slouching Toward the Next War, WHO'S to battlefield under ing information concerning Gulf March '97). Why fight? Didn't we bullets the your proposed "just in time" War Syndrome has suddenly been lost learn our lesson from World War 11? inventory practice (On Duty, Smart or misplaced. We did all the fighting, rebuilt half the Savings, March '97)? Winning a war If this isn't a true case of bumbling world with the Marshall Plan and are is not like running a manufacturing idiots attempting a coverup, I don't now getting our teeth kicked in eco- operation. It's impossible to adopt the know what is. That's the way of the ser- nomically. "just in time" practice for our fighting vices when it's too much trouble or Berlin is beautiful. is beauti- forces and expect them to win a war. expensive to take responsibility— just ful. And our capital looks like Berlin "The best formed battle plan goes get rid of the evidence and plead igno- in 1945. Our trade deficit is $114 bil- to hell when the first shot is fired," rance. Something stinks. When we're lion, and we have given away millions author unknown. Please let's not needed, we are welcomed with open of jobs — our manufacturing base. ration the bullets. arms. When it's over, we're on our own. What's there to protect? Does Cap Bob Wamble Joseph J. Incantalupo Weinberger think those Wall Street Blytheville, Ark. Yorktown Heights, N.Y. stockbrokers will bear arms? Will our CEOs fight? Does Cap think we can re-institute the draft? Where were you. Marino Needed Cap, during the ? Rod-Handod AM requesting help on behalf of the Haven't you learned your lesson, yet? HIS IS not intended to discredit the I daughter of a fellow Marine. Lance No, Cap. We have our , fine art work on the cover of the Cpl. David G. Stewart, Memphis, carriers and missiles. More than \March '97 issue. It is quite

4 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 ATTENTION VETERANS! mm Win Electric Mobilitv! nit-picky, but nonetheless an eye- catcher to those who know. The terror-

ist is shown holding an AK-47 rifle with his hand wrapped around the bare metal of the barrel while firing. If more than a few shots were fired, his hand would be seared by the intense heat from the barrel. In rapid fire, it is sometimes quite uncomfortable to hold even the wood forearm of this rifle. As

shown, it would be impossible to fire the weapon anyway, as the safety is obviously in the "safe" position. Thomas Nesbitt Cordele, Calif.

Fair Shake DEC. 30, 1996, a homeless ONKorean War veteran, Carl Saam, the Over 100 Winners died at Robert Wood Hospital. Join Based on his name and Social Security number, Piscataway's welfare director Enjoying Independence!

The Electric Mobility Rascal is designed to give you the mobility and independence you've dreamed of! The Rascal electric scooter gives you

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I A snap to refuel with a built-in battery charger! YOU could win a FREE I Backed by an 8-year Limited Drivetrain Warranty and Lifetime Frame Guarantee! Rascal Scooter! I Made with pride in the U.S.A.! (See Card for Details) The patented ConvertAb/e Option uses interchangeable anywnere eise. i nave oeen uisaoiea front sections to for nine years. Since my wife is 50, it convert from a is impossible to get medical coverage 3- or 4- wheel for her. We have applied to almost scooter to a every provider and either been flatly turned down or given such high nimble power- monthly premiums that we could not chair - without afford it. Those that would insure her using tools. would not cover her existing medical conditions. We also applied for Social For a Free Color Catalog, Special Money-Saving Offer and to be automatically Security, but were turned down entered in the Rascal Mobility Sweepstakes, Return the Card or because she did not have enough quar- ters in. Call Toll Free 1-800-662-4548! I would prefer to pay VA the l\/leclicare private reimbursable — to and insurance up 100% — if you qualify.

JUNE 1997 * THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • |j 'JiTJMI

Tennessee, was killed shortly after enough to protect us. Time to let the noon, Jan. 13, 1968, near Ca Lu, Viet- rest of the powers fend for themselves nam, when his daughter was six and go broke — like Russia did, and we months old. She is getting married in are going to. August, and her dream is to have Walt Janilowski someone who served with her father Clifton, NJ. escort her down the aisle. Her father, bom Sept. 28, 1946, in HE insightful interview with former Middleton, Tennessee, was in Platoon Defense Secretary Caspar Wein- 168, MCRD, San Diego, which gradu- Iberger chronicles a once-proud and ated on Nov. 5, 1966. After comple- respected United States military that tion of infantry and basic special train- has now been effectively dismantled. ing as a motor vehicle operator at Our nation has forgotten the military Camp Pendleton, California, he served ineptitude during the Carter adminis- as a driver with Headquarters and tration and the botched rescue attempt Headquarters Squadron, MCAS, Santa of U.S. hostages in Iran. Also forgot- Ana, from July 22, 1966, to Sept. 14, ten was that Ronald Reagan ran and 1967. won on a platform of rebuilding our Stewart joined Transportation Co., armed forces. Thanks to the latter era, 9th Motor Transport Bn., 3rd Marine we were ready under George Bush for My Condition Is In Div. in Vietnam on Nov. 7, 1967. Desert Storm. A former member of 5th MASH, Assigned as a driver in a convoy haul- I saw many talented, well-trained, 44tli Med. Bde.. Fort Bragg, North ing troops and material, he died of As professional soldiers sadly depart due Carolina, I had the opportunity to wounds received when the conv^^' serve in the Gulf War. In last Febru- came under heavy enemy mortar ; Electric Mobility Sweepstakes ary's issue, I was informed that the small arms fire approximately th Pentagon was trying to contact mem- miles west of the Rockpile. Official Rules

I bers of my unit, whom will now call Anyone with helpful informat i,1 . To enter, handprint your name, address, zip code and telephone "Khamisiyah Veterans," a phrase should contact Veterans Affairs Cc number on the attached postage-paid sweepstal

1 Mobility Plaza, Sewell, NJ 08080. Only one entry per person. All I now have a very attentive cast of Ave. North, Nashville, TN 372i entries must be postmarked by the last day of the month to be included doctors at the Indianapolis VA — in (615) 741-2930. in the current month's drawing and remaining months' drawings. total contrast to the reception I received Fred Tuc 2. The winner will be selected in a random drawing from among all in '91, two or three after the Nashville, months Te entries received prior to the end of the sweepstakes. Drawings will be war. Although I'm still undiagnosed, I conducted by an independent judging organization not affiliated with thank you, American Legion. Electric Mobility Corp, The prizes will be awarded and the winners will Guy Wheat Carry On Slouching be notified by mail. By acceptance of a prize, the winner consents to the use of his/her name and/or likeness for the purpose of trade or advertis- ' Indianapolis. Ind. AM totally mystified by Cas] ing without additional compensation. Tax liability is the responsibility of I Weinberger's insistence that the individual winner. No responsibility is assumed for lost, late, or mis- to the latest word in might fight two regional w ACCORDING directed mail. the daily papers, much incriminat- (Slouching Toward the Next W 3. Sweepstakes open to individuals 18 years or older except Electric

ing information concerning Gulf March '97). Why fight? Didn't Mobility Corp. employees and their families, affiliates, subsidiaries or

War Syndrome has suddenly been lost learn our lesson from World War advertising agencies. Subject to all federal, state and local laws. Void or misplaced. We did all the fighting, rebuilt half where prohibited, restricted or taxed. 4. For the winners' names, send self-addressed-stamped envelope to: If this isn't a true case of bumbling world with the Marshall Plan and a Electric Mobility Corporation, Sweepstakes Winners, #1 Mobility Plaza, idiots attempting a coverup, I don't now getting our teeth kicked in e Sewell, NJ 08080. know what is. That's the way of the ser- nomically. vices when it's too much trouble or Berlin is beautiful. Tokyo is beau., forces and expect them to win a war. expensive to take responsibility— just ful. And our capital looks like Berlin "The best formed battle plan goes get rid of the evidence and plead igno- in 1945. Our trade deficit is $114 bil- to hell when the first shot is fired," rance. Something stinks. When we're lion, and we have given away millions author unknown. Please let's not needed, we are welcomed with open of jobs — our manufacturing base. ration the bullets. arms. When it's over, we're on our own. What's there to protect? Does Cap Bob Wamble Joseph J. Incantahipo Weinberger think those Wall Street Blytheville, Ark. Yorktown Heights, N.Y. stockbrokers will bear arms? Will our CEOs fight? Does Cap think we can re-institute the draft? Where were you. Marino Noedod Cap, during the Vietnam War? Red-Handed AM requesting help on behalf of the Haven't you learned your lesson, yet? 'HIS IS not intended to discredit the I daughter of a fellow Marine. Lance No, Cap. We have our submarines, fine art work on the cover of the Cpl. David G. Stewart, Memphis, carriers and missiles. More than March '97 issue. It is quite

i| • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 ATTENTION VETERANS! Win Electric Mobility! nit-picky, but nonetheless an eye- catcher to those who know. The terror- ist is shown holding an AK-47 rifle ffl©"OD mm mm with his hand wrapped around the bare metal of the barrel while firing. If more than a few shots were fired, his hand would be seared by the intense heat from the barrel. In rapid fire, it is ^CflB§ mm Doo sometimes quite uncomfortable to hold even the wood forearm of this rifle. As shown, it would be impossible to fire the weapon anyway, as the safety is obviously in the "safe" position. Thomas Nesbitt Cordele, Calif.

Fair Shake DEC. 30, 1996, a homeless ONKorean War veteran, Carl Saam, the Over 100 Winners died at Robert Wood Hospital. Join Based on his name and Social Security number, Piscataway's welfare director Enjoying Independence! found that he was receiving $230 a month from Social Security. Will The Electric Mobility Rascal is designed to give you the mobility and someone explain to me how immi- independence you've dreamed of! The Rascal electric scooter gives you grants can come into this country, go superior reliability and maximum comfort thanks to its innovative spring sus- on SSI and receive $610 a month, pension system and softly padded seat. while Carl Saam, who served his country, was honorably discharged And now you can win a Rascal FREE in our Sweepstakes! The Rascal is and only received $230 month? a prize you'll use and enjoy EVERY DAY! It gives you the "instant mobility" It seems to me that the politicians you need to go to the mall, visit friends, travel and go outdoors - without are giving their priorities to the wrong depending on others! Take your Rascal everywhere! The remarkable Rascal is people. Carl was buried at Amytown PORTABLE - the heaviest component is only 34 lbs.! It even separates into Veterans Cemetery, remembered by his comrades in arms, but not by his compact sections that are guaranteed to fit in the trunk of your car! country. PLUS, Henry Kaspar I Start, stop and steer with "Just-One-Hand" controls! Linden, N.J. I A snap to refuel with a built-in battery charger!

I Backed by an 8-year Limited Drivetrain Warranty Aye, Aye, Gl and Lifetime Frame Guarantee! AM one hundred percent in favor of I with pride in the U.S.A.! I the GI Bill of Health. I have been Made The patented treated at the VA in Erie, Pennsyl- vania, for the last five years, and can ConvertAb/e Option say I could not have better treatment uses interchangeable anywhere else. I have been disabled front sections to for nine years. Since my wife is 50, it convert from a is impossible to get medical coverage 3- or 4- wheel for her. We have applied to almost scooter to a every provider and either been flatly turned down or given such high nimble power- monthly premiums that we could not chair - without afford it. Those that would insure her using tools. would not cover her existing medical conditions. We also applied for Social For a Free Color Catalog, Special Money-Saving Offer and to be automatically Security, but were turned down entered in the Rascal Mobility Sweepstakes, Return the Card or because she did not have enough quar- ters in. Call Toll Free 1-800-662-4548! I would prefer to pay VA the Medicare private insurance reimbursable — to and up 100% — if you qualify.

JUNE 1997 ' THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • |j .

premium that I pay to Social Security issues. and pay a reasonable addition for my love Thine Enemy Have you wondered why some of wife. With the high cost of deductibles, YOUR March '97 issue you invit- the proposals are so hotly debated and no reimbursement for prescriptions, INed Rep. Ronald V. Dellums to com- why they became public issues to dental or eyeglasses. I cannot afford to ment on the question: "Should the begin with? I believe that it was neither use the Medicare I'm paying for. United States take unilateral initiatives the president nor Congress who were

The GI Bill of Health would allow to reduce its nuclear arsenal?" Your the causes, but it was the third branch both of us to receive health care at the choice was unwise because I have yet of government, the judiciary, more VA at a cost that we could afford. My to see Congressman Dellums put specifically, the U.S. Supreme Court. only hope is that it comes to pass before America first— ever. His record shows It is the understanding of many we lose everything we have worked for he loves our enemies. Americans that the duty of the just to pay our medical bills. Anthony D. Lutz Supreme Court is to see that federal Larry Bowers Vienna, Va. and state laws do not violate the

one it}'. Pa. tenets of the Constitution. Is it any wonder why Congress is trying to cor- BELIEVE the GI Bill of Health is Judge and Jury rect or reverse the (mis) interpreta- I not only good for veterans, but it is a EVERY SO often we read comments tions of the Court? Many view this as good example of taking positive critical of a president or Congress an abridgement of citizens' rights to action that will incite positive change. for not passing a bill or for vetoing elect or recall their legislative repre- Our country needs more of these con- this bill or that. Several proposals sentatives since members of the Court tributions to resolve problems. Let's get before Congress in the past have had are appointed for life. One can only the politics out of this and do what is to do with constitutional amendments: hope that the Supreme Court will get right. Let's tell our politicians to bring prayer in schools, respect for the flag, back on track and act more responsi- true dignity and respect to our veterans, respect for life, etc. Candidates for bly. Or perhaps Congress should and pass the GI Bill of Health. public office, whether federal, state or debate a different constitutional It is also time to simply end the local have their morality or patriotism amendment — one that puts limits on unreasonable denial "unless you can weighted by how they stand on such the Supreme Court. prove it" game. Because if we don't, John Raymond Jr. we will not have the quality troops Rialto, Calif. that the military demands in a high- THE GOOD NEWS IN tech world. Who can blame anybody YOOR AMERICA for protecting themselves and their Indulge Us families? It seems oddly ironic that the THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGA- WAS embarrassed and offended to very families that our armed forces are IziNE invites you, Legionnaires, I find the Catholic Church attacked. considered to be protecting are not Auxiliary members, members of An attack upon the bishops is tanta- protected by their own armed forces. S.A.L. and your families to write mount to an attack upon the church. There is such a thing as absolute truth; for September's special issue, Of course, I mean Mr. Kincaid's refer- and what has occurred in the past "Good News, America." Your ence (Washington Watch, March '97) involving these issues is, was, and will assignment: Tell us about a posi- to "several Marxist-oriented Catholic always be absolutely wrong. tive part of the American mosaic bishops." Such unsubstantiated allega- Dennis R. Crisp that has been overlooked or tions are incredible given the constant CIearlake, Calif. under-appreciated historical positions of the Roman Catholic Church on communism, the We will publish as many of the role of the church in its demise and the Nonsmoking, Please best letters as possible and pay the contributions of Catholics against authors of those selected $50. Let- AM surprised that The American Marxism. ters should be no longer than 200 I Legion doesn't run a real campaign G. Robert Pryor words, and, of course, will be against smoking. I have to leave Henderson, Nev. most Posts due to the heavy smoking subject to editing. that goes on. There is no attempt to Your deadline is May 30. have a non-smoking section. They Because of the heavy volume smoke cigars and pipes with no regard expected, we cannot plan to Correction for others in the bar or at the tables. I acknowledge or answer responses the May issue of THE AMERICAN lost two brothers-in-law to lung can- to this assignment. Please send INLEGION MAGAZINE, Ileana Ros- cer. Why doesn't the National Ameri- your letters to: Lehtinen, who represents 's can Legion try to make rules against 18th Congressional District, was smoking by issuing an order that all Good News, America wrongly identified as a member of the Posts have non-smoking areas? Even THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Democratic Party. Ros-Lehtinen is a casinos have non-smoking tables. P.O. Box 1055 Republican; we regret the error and

Indianapolis, IN 46206 it Leonard A . Spector apologize for any embarrassment Hollywood, Fla. might have caused.

• AMERICAN MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 B THE LEGION .

GOLFING NEWS by Mike Hensen Ex-Navy engineer puts armor-piercing material on a driver, Outguns steel and titanium on distance.

off-center shots far less likely to Condor Armor-Pierce. Imagine that PGA professionals hook or slice, and allows a good on TV. Titanium drivers would be outhit their titanium golfer to draw and fade the ball history before he changed shoes, drivers by 25 and 50 yards with more control. I watched a top especially at Condor Armor- Tour professional test the club at a Pierce's price." YALESVILLE, CT - And you PGA Tournament. Here's what he The once-secret CT-20 is backed thought steel and titanium were told me. up by a stainless steel head the tough. Well, steel and titanium can't penetrate an armor-plated tank or sink a warship. To pierce their defenses the military had to make something so powerful it had to keep it secret... so powerful that once it was declassified, some innovative company would surely apply it to the face of a golf club to add distance.

One has and it doesn't bode well for golf's current state-of-the-art metal, titanium. A well-known pro- fessional outhit his own titanium dri- Once-secret CT-20 is used on shells to penetrate tanks and warships, and on spacecraft to ver with the new club by 25 yards. withstand heat on re-entry. It is twice as hard as steel, 70% harder than titanium. Another Tour professional outhit his titanium driver by almost 50 yards! "I'm hitting the ball 30 yards past same size as a titanium driver (250 The new driver is the creation of a my driver and controlling it like a cc's) for maximum forgiveness. To former Naval Ordnance engineer five-iron. You see all my competi- maximize clubhead speed it comes who used to apply the material to the tors smiling at me? That's not with a 45-inch graphite shaft, or a tips of torpedoes, and a small golf admiration. It's worry." new big butt Turbo/Tip"^ graphite company in Connecticut. Together, The company's Research Director shaft with extra weight in the tip.

the . they have adapted it to the hitting explained club this way. You can test the Condor Armor- surface of a steel driver. They say "It's basic physics. The harder Pierce for 30 days by calling 1-800- you hit a ball, the farther it goes, 285-3900 any time or day or faxing and Condor® Armor-Pierce (the 1-203-284-1623. Or you can send "The harder it's hit, the club's name) clobbers a ball like a your name, address and check (or cc farther it goes." battering ram. It not only launches number and expiration date) to their adaptation is proprietary and a it farther down range than any NGC Golf (Dept. TC-37), 60 patent has been applied for. thing else on the market, its CT-20 Church St., Yalesville, CT 06492. All the company will say is that face reduces a ball's normal spin The club cost only $129.00 (a frac- the new metal is a sort of ceramic rate. A lower spin rate keeps the tion of the cost of titanium clubs) titanium, ceramic for hardness and ball flying longer and at a lower and you can add the 3 and 5-woods titanium for strength and lightness. trajectory for a longer roll. for only $109.00 each. Add $20.00 The material - called CT-20 - is "Condor Armor-Pierce also to these prices for the new twice as hard as steel and 70% reduces abnormal spins that cause Turbo/Tip (big butt) shaft. Shipping harder than titanium. It whacks a off-center shots to hook and slice. is only $10.00 no matter how large ball with such force that at club- That's why he's outhitting his titani- your order. Specify regular or stiff head speeds of 120 MPH - the um driver by 30 yards and control- flex, men's or ladies', when you level of longball champs - the new ling 300-yards shots like a five-iron. order. Right-handed only. There's a club split the cover on some balls. It's a pleasure to watch, isn't it? 30-day money back guarantee, if CT-20 also increases a golfer's "You know who he is? (I said I the clubs are returned undamaged. accuracy by holding the ball on the did.) He loves the club. I wish he Oh, yes. If you swing at 120 face of the club four times longer weren't tied up with a big company. MPH, take some extra balls. He would shoot in the 50's with the than steel and titanium. This makes ©Bost Enterprises, Inc. 1997 Dept. TC-37 How Micl iemtriEi Is loo Micl?

ISTORICALLY. one of the ing in D.C. these days. best ways to undermine a pop- Article V, the constitutional provision ular movement is to shift atten- for amendments, is straightforward: "The tion from its merits and focus Congress, whenever two thirds of both

on some supposed "higher con- Houses shall deem it necessary, shall pro- sideration." The hope is to pose Amendments to this Constitution...."

make the movement sound The word whenever is significant. Words in trivial, if not sacrilegious. the Constitution were not chosen carelessly;

The movement I have in much debate surrounded even some of the mind, as we observe Flag Day, most commonplace phrases. Therefore, 1997, is the attempt to amend when the constitutional fathers said when-

the U.S. Constitution to reflect the wishes of ever, they meant it. For the record, the first the vast majority of Americans who want definition for whenever in the latest The

their flag protected from willful desecration. American Heritage Dictionary is, "at what- Lately, opponents have spent little time ever time." And lest there be any remaining attacking the proposal's virtues; they know confusion, here's the definition of what- they'll be preaching to empty pews. Instead, ever: "of any number or kind." they lump the flag campaign together with Clearly our forefathers intended a free America's desire for balanced budgets and and open exchange of ideas. They under- term limits, and claim "there are just too stood that the rigorous process would win- many amendments" being offered. now raw notions down to a manageable The Constitution, they say, is too majes- number of specific proposals; and those that tic to be "tampered with." They suggest that have survived would represent the will of "excessive tinkering" with the fundamental Congress and of the People, whose aims too charter threatens democracy itself. often get lost in the foggy rhetoric of these Sounds plausible on the surface. And it's debates. easier than arguing, for example, that Let me also note, again quoting Article expressing dissatisfaction with government V, that a ratified amendment shall be by defecating on an American flag and leav- regarded as "part of this Constitution." In ing the results on public view (as one young other words, our forefathers did not intend

man did not long ago in Wisconsin) is OK. any distinction between the "original" arti- But let's explore "excessive tinkering." cles and those added through amendment.

Begin with the premise that an amendment There is no pecking order. An amendment is a legal concept — a law, in short, that is every bit as "good as" an article. enjoys near-universal support. How many What's more, even if there is some theo- laws are too many? Can a nation — or a retical number of amendments that would company, or a household— run effectively be "too many," who decides it? And as we with an arbitrary number of regulations? approach that limit, who decides which pro- Suppose we allow an even 100 laws. And posals make the cut? Are you comfortable suppose we then face some crisis that's not leaving such a decision to some Beltway

yet covered. Do we just hope it will go insiders? I didn't think so. away? Which brings us to the bottom line: Were there "too many amendments" Americans' attempt to pass a constitutional when Congress and the states abolished slav- amendment is part of their duty to shape the ery? Gave women the vote? Indeed, the Bill system under which they live. Arguing that of Rights comprises the first 10 amendments. there are "too many amendments" is like Fact is, the Constitution was designed to arguing that too many of us are attempting

be amended; its authors knew it for an to have a say in government. imperfect, evolutionary document. Of So, on one hand, you have good citizens

course, it should not be rewritten on a in their millions advancing their vision of whim, but the process makes that impossi- America. On the other, you have a handful ble. The implication that an amendment can of elitists saying, "Don't meddle in things somehow take life on its own, slipping into you don't understand." the Constitution before anyone notices, Which represents the greater threat to ranks among the reddest herrings circulat- democracy?

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sia, bringing it up to $900 million a year. But even this might be too little too late. One expert foresees wide- Crime in the Weeds

spread labor unrest and social instabil- regulations making it a crime ity in the former Soviet Union. HEWto drive over a sagebrush or pick a The main problem, according to wildflower on federal property Daniel Rosenbaum of the Free Trade have given new meaning to the term Union Institute, is that people aren't "War on the West." The proposed getting paid. Wage non-payment has rules from the Bureau of Land Man- grown to a staggering $9 billion. Over- agement prompted Ruth Kaiser of the all, Rosenbaum says, overdue payables Utah-based National Federal Lands amount to $90 billion or 21 percent of Conference to call for a complete Russia's gross domestic product. Cor- moratorium on all federal regulations By CliffKincaid ruption gets most of the blame. until Congress can monitor abuses Rosenbaum says only the rise of an already documented. underground economy prevents a social Among other things, the BLM explosion. Russians grow their own would outlaw operation of a vehicle Too Hot to Handle food, barter goods and services and likely to cause a "disturbance" of the the congressional report you take second and third jobs to survive. soil and prohibit the defacing of IT'S can't get from Congress. The findings Another expert, Martin Coleman of "plants or their parts." of the House on Terror- the National Council to Support the BLM insists the regulations simply ism and Unconventional Warfare Democracy Movements, agrees that "clarify what activities are prohibited proved so controversial— forecasting a the situation is deteriorating. Just back on the nation's public lands." But Tom new war and terrorism from Russia, Coleman says so-called McDonnell of the American Sheep against the United States — that chair- privatization of state industry put the Industry Association says they dra- man Jim Saxton ordered it suppressed. former KGB in charge of much of the matically expand BLM law enforce-

But it got put on the Internet anyway. economy. "The KGB has become the ment authority and turn people who "It was not meant to be distributed Mafia," says Coleman. "They changed make a living off federal land into to the public," said Gary Gallant, press their name and went into business for potential criminals. secretary to the Republi- themselves." can. "But we stand by it as truthful." Reformers "are beginning to fade Titled "Approaching the New away," he says. Slowing Convictions Cycle of Arab-Israeli Fighting," the THE U.S. government announced last report predicts an Arab-Iranian attack year it would pay $4.8 million to 12 on , with Washington "most Smell Tills families of victims of human radia- reluctant to commit American forces SECRETARY of State Madeleine tion experiments. But their lawyer, and assets under conditions of possible Albright has reassured the Japanese Cooper Brown, says the story's not over exposure to nuclear, chemical and bio- that the United States will keep and that a special prosecutor should be ." logical weapons. . . 47,000 troops in Japan. But she didn't appointed to put those who approved But our "ally" Saudi Arabia will touch on whether the troops wanted to the experiments in jail. also play a key role. A certain faction remain. Some 5,000 sailors and their The experiments, to determine how in the government is described as families at a small base near Tokyo say nuclear weapons might affect soldiers linked to the terrorist bombing that an industrial incinerator is making them and civilians, were conducted between killed 19 American airmen last June in sick, even chronically ill. 1944 and 1974 and involved as many Dhahran, which could explain why the Navy personnel at the Naval Air as 20,000 people. One exercise includ- Saudi regime has failed to cooperate Facility in Atsugi say a study has doc- ed marching soldiers through nuclear with the U.S. investigation. umented that smoke from the incinera- explosion sites to find out how much Indeed, the report says this faction tor contains levels of toxic chemicals radiation would incapacitate them. is poised to seize power and plans an and heavy metals that far exceed lev- A request for a special prosecutor oil embargo in the event of another els considered safe. "I am convinced presented to the Department of Jus- Middle East crisis. At the same time, my wife and toddler's constant sinus tice, Brown told THE AMERICAN Islamic terrorists will launch a "wave infections, frequent respiratory ail- LEGION MAGAZINE, was then sent to of terrorism in and the U.S. in ments and severe headaches result the Department of Energy, the agency order to prevent (or delay) U.S. assis- from living in the wake of this plant," that announced the monetary settle- tance to Israel." the report warns. says one F-I4 pilot in a letter to Con- ment. "It's a hot potato," he says.

• LEGION • 1997 \l THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE JUNE .

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ITH the draw- down over, RETIRED Air Force colonel has asked the services a federal court in Florida to make the

are recruiting aggressively government honor its pledge to pro- again, but the marketplace vide military retirees with lifetime medical care in changed during those seven exchange for their service. i— lean years. Retired Col. George Day, a Fort Walton Beach

Fewer 16- to-2 1 -year-olds lawyer, says recruiting brochures promised med- — want to join the military now, ical care for life in 1940, and that constitutes a according to a Defense Depart- contract that the military must honor. ment survey. The Justice Department, arguing the Defense And that's forcing the services to Department's side, wants the case dismissed, say-

lower standards to meet their quotas. ing a 1 956 law guarantees retirees care only on a

The Army faces the worst of it. During the space-available basis. But Day, 7 , that 1 contends

early months of 1 997, 1 2 percent of the Army's the 1 956 law cannot strip older veterans of the

recruits did not have high school diplomas or the right to free medical care they were granted 1 equivalent. The Army's goal was to limit the num- years earlier. ber of recruits without the basic educational cre- Day said he expects to learn this summer dential to 5 percent. whether the case will go forward.

The Navy also fell short of its mark. Ten percent of its recruits were not high school graduates. The Marine Corps missed the 95 percent mark by only one percent, and the Air

Force met its goal of 99 percent high school grad- LYING combat planes, often consid- uates. ered the most glamorous job in the A healthy economy has made recruiting military, might be losing its appeal. tougher because there are more and better paying This year, fewer than half the pilots offered reten- civilian jobs. tion bonuses to stay in the Air Force and Navy And adverse publicity on Issues like Gulf War signed up for them. illnesses and sexual harassment hasn't helped, The bonuses are worth up to $12,000 a year, defense officials say. but acceptance commits pilots to remain in the The Army plans to add 500 recruiters this year. military for up to 14 years. The Air Force ponders—for the first time—televi- In hearings before Congress, service leaders sion advertising. And the services tell Congress expressed frustration over their slipping ability to more money for enlistment bonuses will be keep pilots. required. Air Force Chief, Gen. Ronald Fogleman, blamed commercial airlines, which continue to expand and hire about 4,000 pilots a year at mors: salaries that can easily double military pay after several years. Air Force and Navy leaders cite several other disincentives—inflation has eroded the value of the retention bonuses, ongoing missions in Bosnia and ^INCE 1949, commissaries have been northern and southern Iraq keep pilots away from forbidden to sell many popular con- home for long stretches and still-shrinking military sumer products, but now the budgets create uncertainty about career opportu- mnm Defense Department wants to lift that ban and nities in military aviation. mm 1 reap a $ 3 million benefit. SERVING AMERICA Last fall, commissary managers were ready to start selling items like expensive appliances and quality jewelry, but they were blocked, at least OVERNMENT auditors warn the temporarily, when civilian retailers complained to W ^^^S military's medical budget is under- Hmencan Legion is on Congress. ^^^^d funded by $3.4 billion, which could duty for you. Major retailers like Sears, Montgomery Ward mean cuts in services.... USS Nimitz plans to and Circuit City claimed commissaries compete launch 200 planes a day for four days in July to To find out more unfairly because they operate in government- demonstrate capabilities at the start about us and to join owned buildings and do not pay taxes. of a war.... Hiring civilian contractors might save our ranks, write: Defense officials say the retailers are over- money, but the Navy has to keep its sailors at sea reacting. Commissary sales are minuscule com- longer because there are fewer shore billets for Ttie American Legion pared to commercial retail volume. them.... The services want $100 million for cash Internal Affairs But permitting sales of high-end consumer bonuses in 1998 to entice troops with technical (Membership) items in commissaries could bring in as much as skills to stay in.... The Air Force's Global Hawk, a

PO Box 1055 $ 1 3 million more to support morale, welfare and large robot spy plane able to fly for 42 hours on Indianapolis, IN 46206 recreation programs. one fueling, is nearing its first test flight.

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focus on the tiny flickering lights on the crane-

like structure in the distance. I peer out in the

indicated direction; I can barely make out the lights, let alone the crane they're supposed to

mark. So I question the congenial employee, "Are you sure we'll be able to see anything from here?"

She smiles knowingly. "Oh, you'll see it all right. Don't you worry about that." To my left, a gentleman shivering in drip- ping wet swim trunks (at 4 in the morning?) has been counting down on his watch. When he reaches 10, he begins counting a bit louder. Tension mounts; conversations halt. By the time the man gets to two, his voice is easily the loudest sound on the roof. He reaches zero. There is dead silence. We wonder if the man in the bathing suit was off in his count. We wonder if, down at the Cape, there has been a last-second "hold."

Then it happens. A piercing white light shoots from the crane we've been trying to focus on, straight across the horizon as far as you can see. An instant later, something— a squat projec- tile—becomes subdy visible at the heart of the light, outlined against the pink-hued smoke boil-

ing up from its base. It is like the films we've all seen of an atomic blast, except there's no mush- WHAT A BLAST Cape room cloud. Canaveral is about an T'S the delay between the hght and the And no sound. Absolutely none at all, save hour's drive from tlie convention city. noise," says the young woman to my for the collective gasp that has risen from those right. 'That's the really spooky part." of us on the roof. It remains quiet for several At 4:30 a.m.. of course, almost seconds more. All of us follow the flickering

everything is spooky, but this is a tail of fire as it pushes toward the heavens in In Uiilq special case. (deceptively) slow, mesmerizing fashion. But For the past 15 minutes, I have where is the sound? That pounding, thunderous been standing on the roof of the pulse ofignit...? Cocoa Beach Inn, a few miles down- I begin to feel — something. Under my feet. to wind from . Along- Looking around, I can tell I'm not the only one. side me are this wide-eyed woman— Now another image comes to mind, that of the

self-proclaimed veteran of a half-dozen launch- earthquakes I rode out when I lived in Southern es—and about 20 other fellow shuttle watchers California. You feel a quake before you really

in various stages of dress and undress: every- hear it: a low and unnerving tremble, a certain thing from folks clad in expensive outfits, com- basso profundo presence that you seem to be plete with ties and pearls (who obviously just experiencing not just with your ears but your got in from partying and figured there was no entire body.

point stripping down for bed till afterwards) to "Didn't I tell you!" exults the wide-eyed groggy women in bathrobes (who obviously woman on my right, clearly pleased with herself went to bed and set the alarm, or were roused as the sound waves hit in earnest now, filling by the "shuttle is about to lift off wake-up call the air with an erratic rumble not unlike that of provided as a courtesy to hotel guests). a gargantuan blown woofer. "Spooky, isn't it?"

A helpful member of the hotel staff has told And I think: The ultimate sensurround. us to look off to the northeastern horizon and Uncle Walt himself couldn't have done it better.

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name clearly required a leap of faith in itself. There is Gatorland, which allows you the thrill of the Everglades in an environment where you don't have to worry about becoming brunch for the 5,000 or so toothy residents. There is Terror on Church Street, a year- round haunted house that works hard to make Freddy Krueger seem tame. There is Splendid , billed as "Florida's newest theme park," which strives to live up to its self-congratulato- ry moniker by, among other things, presenting an ambitious replica of the Great Wall. And at least one attraction even uses the word "fanta- sy" in its name: that's two-year-old Fantasy of Flight, offering visitors the all-too-real tension of a virtual dogfight, a World War II B-17 bombing mission and other simulated aerial thrills. (To Legionnaires in town for the Aug. 29-Sept. 4 convention. Fantasy of Flight also offers something else — $2.20 off the regular $10.95 admission price to any adult who can produce a valid Legion membership card. Leg- ionnaires' kids save, too.)

And, if you're lucky, as I was early this past January, there is the space shuttle, an E-ticket in anybody's book — as we used to say of the THERE is a hint of magic to just about every- really cool rides back before Disney switched thing in Orlando. A decided Disney influ- to the one-price-fits-all format.

ence. It begins with the resonant, well-mod- Point being, Orlando is the place for those ulated male voice telling you what to expect on whose imaginations soar like rockets. Or as the the monorail-ish tram cars that ferry visitors Visitors Bureau asserts in its slightly breathless

from the airport gates to the terminal. It is visi- but nevertheless appropriate motto, "Orlando: ble as well in the cheerful, childlike touches on You Never Outgrow It." street signs and freeway designations — a hon- — Steve Salerno eybee that graces official signs for the "Bee- line" tollway, which cuts east-to-west across

the middle of the state. And it is visible in the herds of topiary figures that graze on well-man- icured lawns — rolling well-manicured lawns — IS throughout the city and its environs. The rolling part merits special emphasis, because if you've spent any time at all in Flori- da, you know that lawns don't generally roll by k place themselves (just as, for that matter, bushes don't naturally grow in the shape of antelope or six-foot-tall mice). Florida's lawns need to be made to roll, and in Orlando, they are. to In Orlando, after all, illusion is king. Clustered within about an hour's radius of Orlando by car is as much illusion as any self- respecting "child of all ages" could handle. In fact, the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau counts 66 local "attractions and activi- ties," most of which work hard to suspend their patrons' disbelief. The Disney/EPCOT/MGM megaplex is the best-known attraction, but it's just the tip of the Matterhom, so to speak.

There is Jungle Adventures, where you fan- tasize yourself on, well, a jungle adventure; it's GETTING ORIENTED Modern Marco Polos can get that touch r... of Ming at Splendid China. east of Orlando in Christmas, a city whose

20 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 ) 1957 STUDEBAKER (D GOLDEN HAWK

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City Yes! Reserve my 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk replica as described in this 1 announcement. understand my satisfaction State, Zip. is guaranteed. I may return the replica within 30 days for re- placement or refund. Signature (Orders subject to acceptance *Plus any applicable sales tax and $1.20 shipping and handling per installment. Allow 2 to 4 weeks after initial payment for shipment. la^DEoai off the only road, while massed antiair- craft guns attempted to drive off the USAF cargo planes that airdropped Ben Het's supplies. Unlike the armor attack a year earlier In Vietnam the Studies and Observation on Lang Vei, though, here at Ben Het the defenders were properly armed and, Group—SOG—was an elite unit so secret its thanks to SOG intelligence, well in- formed. existence was denied by the government As fast as they left the dark jungle the evening of 3 March, the NVA tanks hit a wire and minefields, Ben Het's dozen minefield; then U.S. tanks and recoilless

By John L Plaster Green Berets and 1 ,500 Montagnards rifles from Ben Het's westernmost hill had been reinforced with four U.S. slammed into them. Almost as fast, UST BEFORE 10 p.m., 3 tanks, several -led com- USAF fighters peppered them with can- March 1969, 10 PT-76 tanks panies of mercenaries non fire and cluster bombs; then a salvo and a battalion from the "Mike Forces," plus an American ar- from U.S. Army 8-inch guns riddled NVA 66th Infantry Regi- tillery battery with powerful 8-inch them. ment assembled in the dark howitzers and 175mm guns. Participants might forever argue jungle 700 yards west of an Arrayed against them were the NVA about who hit what first, but not one encircled outpost in South 28th and 66th Infantry Regiments, sev- NVA vehicle advanced 100 yards. Inept Vietnam's Central High- eral artillery battalions and now a com- though that armor attack proved, the lands. For the first time since pany of armor. As at Khe Sanh, enemy bomb-socked hillsides facing Ben Het

overrunning Lang Vei a year leaders code-named their objective Dien were still extremely dangerous, with the earlier, the North Viet- Bien Phu in hopes the French disaster's defenders badly outnumbered, cut off namese were about to send tanks into ac- ghost would inspire Communist troops tion, this time against Ben Het, a Special and intimidate the defenders. As at Dien From SOG by John L. Plaster. Forces camp three miles from the Bien Phu and Khe Sanh, the NVA inces- Copyright © 1997 by John L. Plaster. border. santly pounded Ben Het with mortars, Reprinted by permission of Simon and Behind concentric layers of barbed rockets and artillery. Ambushes had cut Schuster.

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©Telebrands, 1997 Allow to to (3085). up 30 60 days for shipment. , ^^g^^nligite; http://www.telebrands.t ing the hilltop. It had little effect. That After a few quiet hours. Hatchet night the Americans watched the road Force men watching the road with Star- with night-vision Starfire scopes. When- lite scopes sported NVA creeping for- and more NVA pouring across the bor- ever NVA tried to sneak past, the SOG ward to salvage the trucks, so they der each day. men called in USAF AC-1 19 and AC- opened fire again, the RT One-Zero re- Would the enemy launch a more ef- 130 gunships on them. ports. "We fired all three M-60s until the fective attack the next night? In the dark, NVA climbed the hill to barrels got red and two of the guns final- At daylight on Laotian Highway 110, toss and lob RPGs; by dawn ly jammed— we really kicked ass." a dozen miles west of Ben Het, NVA they were out of sentries patrolled truck parks and way sight, licking their stations piled high with ammunition wounds. Daylight ready to be moved toward the battle. also brought a con- Early March was the height of the dry test between newly season. Highway 110 was clear and arrived antiaircraft open, and engineers were in place to re- guns and SOG pair Arc Light bomb craters or land- choppers that slides in hours. The Americans could do whisked past the nothing to disrupt the attack on Ben Het. hill, kicking out NVA sentries along Highway 110 ammo, food and that morning heard helicopters ap- water to the en- proaching from the east, but that wasn't unusual; they fired signal shots to alert everyone within earshot, then trotted be- low overhanging branches as the sound grew— and as it grew they could discern many helicopters, and that was unusual. Then A-1 Skyraiders flashed past, scat- tering cluster bombs along the road, and six Cobra gunships appeared at the tree- tops, spewing fire. rockets and minigun UNDER SEIGE Two large flights of choppers crossed Green Berets The action continued for six position a above the trees, settled on a naked hill- days, the Hatchet Force block- lieavy mortar lift- top overlooking Highway 110, then near tlie ing southern Laos' most impor- ed away. Minutes later the NVA could Laos and tant highway during the peak of hear work chain saws? Yes! And the the dry season, not permitting borders as sound of shovels and picks striking choppers give one truck, one bicycle, even one earth. What was this? support at porter to get past. Official Ben Het. On that morning, 4 March 1969, dur- records credited Hatchet Force ing the Ho Chi Minh Trail's annual traf- guns with destroying six trucks fic peak, with a major battle raging a trenched Hatchet Force. No helicopters while dozens more stacked up behind dozen miles away at Ben Het, a SOG were downed. the roadblock, creating a perfect bomb- Hatchet Force company dug in and But that afternoon an F-4 accidental- ing target. Tons of enemy supplies piled closed Highway WO. It was audacious. ly dropped napalm on the hill top, killing up, too, more than local way stations Commanded by Captain Bobby six Montagnards and badly burning sev- could hide from air strikes. When U.S. Evans, Operation Spindown, as the eral more. Then NVA mortars wounded fighters bombed just west of Company roadblock was known, employed Hatch- the company's only recoilless rifle crew. A's hilltop, the jungle shook with sec- et Force Company A from Kontum, On Bright Light duty 25 miles away ondary explosions, and sooty diesel more than a hundred men who dug fran- at Dak To, the RT South Carolina One- smoke obscured the sun. tically to get below ground before NVA Zero announced he was qualified with There were only four U.S. wounded, mortars arrived. the 90mm recoilless rifle; a half hour lat- among them Captain Evans and Staff The hill they occupied offered ideal er he landed on the hill to take over the Sergeant Tom Quinn, plus about 20 terrain for a roadblock. About 30 yards crewless antitank weapon. Yards. The only deaths were Yards. high, it overlooked Highway 110 on its That night the NVA tried to pin the Their overworked medic. Sergeant Ver- northern slope. The highway was com- Hatchet Force with mortars and run a lon Cantrell, was awarded the Silver pletely exposed because bomb strikes convoy past, but the lead truck was spot- Star, as was Captain Evans. had wiped the jungle away. Beyond the ted immediately. "In order to get the Operation Spindown succeeded fa- road lay soft ground where a stream par- right trajectory I had to stand on one of mously: It disrupted the NVA timetable, alleled the highway. There was no way those bunkers," the South Carolina One- forced the enemy to divert attention to past the choke point; trucks had to run Zero said. "I took aim and blasted that its rear, compelled the Communists to the gauntlet of Hatchet Force guns or not sucker." Caught in the open, the drivers expend ammunition needed to attack roll at all. abandoned their vehicles and ran while Ben Het, and weakened the very units No sooner had the Hatchet Force the SOG men stitched the cabs with M- the NVA most needed to carry through men finished their bunkers that after- 60 machine guns and blasted them with the Ben Het assault. And, of course, be- noon than NVA mortars began pound- mortars. leaguered Ben Het held.

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HE NEWS from Japan on March 20, 1995, was almost too horrifying to comprehend. Terrorists had unleashed canisters of sarin, a deadly World War II nerve gas, into a Tokyo subway, killing 12 people and injuring more than 5,000. In America, the reports evoked great pity for the victims and served as grim reminder of the devastation wrought here only two years earlier, when terrorists detonated a bomb at the World Trade Center in . Then, less than a month after the Tokyo sub- way attack, a massive bomb exploded in Oklahoma City. The grim toll: 168 killed, more than 500 injured.

Hard as it might be to accept that such attacks have be- come an integral part of modem life, it is harder still to face an even more ominous conclusion reached in 1996 by Sen-

Susan Katz Keating's article, "Lost Honor," appeared in the March 1996 issue of this magazine.

[AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 . .

ate investigators researching the sands of those far enough from chances that a terrorist group ground zero to survive the blast might unleash a weapon of mass itself will wish they hadn't, as destruction (WMD) upon unsus- they now face a slower, more pecting U.S. citizens: "It is not a cruel death from bums, radioac- matter of 'if but rather 'when' tive fallout or catastrophic injury such an event will occur." from flying debris. Consider this scenario: The terrorists themselves It is a mild spring day in never claim credit for the attack. Manhattan, and the usual They make no demands, they is- throngs of people— tourists and sue no manifesto. Eventually locals — are going about their word leaks out that they belong business. Many are outdoors be- to a sect opposed to certain prin- neath the clear skies, drinking in ciples supposedly embodied by the sunshine, savoring the light unidentified "capitalist" wrong- breeze coming in off the harbor. doers based in Manhattan. . . Meanwhile, a small boat at- Unthinkable? Perhaps. But tracts little attention from neigh- hardly impossible. The above boring vessels as it bobs in the scenario is but one of many al- gentle waves just offshore from ready posited by authorities the city's financial district. seeking to make some sense of The boat, at the moment, has the changing nature of terrorism. neither passengers nor crew on- Once, groups such as the board, but the face of America is Palestine Liberation Organiza- about to be changed forever by devastating than it was. They planned to tion or the Red Brigades used what it does have on-board: a douse victims with a deadly gas, but the terrorism as a means to achieve suitcase-size thermonuclear de- material was destroyed in the blast. clear political aims. Today's ter- vice. The bomb was rigged by a rorists seem to be driven by band of Middle Eastern terrorists who abandoned the craft amorphous motives: social disaffection, revenge or self- and fled the city, clutching the remote-control device that styled religious principles. They are "increasingly preoccu-

would set the cataclysmic chain reaction in motion. . . pied with destruction of the existing order instead of recog- Within moments, more than a million of the great island's nition," says terrorism expert Brian Jenkins, deputy chair- downtown residents,. tourists and workers are incinerated in man of the investigative firm Kroll Associates. a blast that dwarfs the one that leveled Hiroshima a half-cen- Because these new-style terrorists care little about being tury earlier. Buildings across the city's famous skyline shud- judged in the court of world opinion, they often aim to inflict der and topple as their steel girders melt and give way. as much carnage as possible. They select their targets with Fires ignite for miles around, triggering a secondary chain little regard for whether the victims will be professional sol- reaction of gas explosions. Hurricane-force winds wreak fur diers (like those Americans killed by the truck bomb in Sau- ther havoc. In the ensuing minutes and hours, many thou- di Arabia), or defenseless children, like those murdered in tain elements that can kill or disable victims 'The threat to our flatiooe long after the fact.

"The threat to our national security is dif-

ferent [than it was during the Cold War]," security is differeetlthao New Senator Pete Domenici told the Albuquerque Armed Forces Advisory Asso- itwasduriugtheCoidWarj ciation this past February, "but it has never been greater."

N THE realm of weapons of but it has never been mass destruction, the most spectacular threat comes, of course, from nuclear weapons. "That has been the disaster plan- ner's nightmare," says Olson. Although fissionable materials Oklahoma City. are kept under tight security in It follows that, unlike a the United States, the largest nu- decade ago, when terrorism was clear stockpile is maintained by generally sponsored by the Sovi- the old Soviet military organiza- et Union and its predictable tion, and the security maintained handful of puppet states, the by successor states is question- new-style terrorism has no sin- able. The weapons are thought to gle defining root. "It could come be available to anyone with from any one of a number of enough money. "Since the sources," says -based demise of the USSR, there has terrorism consultant Kyle Olson. been an ongoing drumbeat of Aside from what Olson calls people around the world claiming "your international compo- to be able to deliver nuclear nent"— consisting of rogue na- weapons for a price," says Olson. tions like Iran, recently identified On a positive note, a purchaser by Secretary of State Madeleine could not simply turn around and K. Albright as close to develop- deploy a newly acquired nuke. ing a nuclear device — there are, Like their U.S. -made counter- again according to Olson, "your parts, Soviet nuclear weapons are freelancers, and your home- equipped with a series of safety grown terrorists." devices that must be released by Regardless of the confusion classified "enabler codes" before over who might be behind any they can be armed. However, the given incident, experts do know weapons could conceivably be that the terrorist weapon of hot-wired, or activated by former choice continues to be the car Soviet technicians willing to sell bomb, which, according to Kroll their expertise. Associates, accounts for 20 per- Authorities stress that smug- cent of all deaths in terrorist incidents. gling a nuclear device into the U.S. Still, the old-fashioned terrorist arsenal would not be impossible for a motivated of conventional explo- terrorist, safeguards notwithstanding. sives (and of course, Broken down into components, a nu- Ifl lU guns) has now been bol- clear weapon could later be reassembled ll stered by an array of ex- from instructions obtained at the public traordinarily lethal de- library or via the Internet. Indeed, the vices, ranging from workings of nuclear bombs used at Hi- chemical and biologica roshima and Nagasaki are routinely to radiological and even studied by advanced physics students at nuclear weapons. American universities. This opens up a whole Traditional U.S. planning, as estab- new arena of terror. For DEADLIEST THREAT lished by the Department of Energy's whereas the car bomb and Nuclear Emergency Search Team, con- The bombings in Okiaiioma its conventional cousins City and Atlanta's Olympic templates the threat of a renegade nuke cause a certain measure of Park might have had being used for purposes of extortion. deaths — usually limited darker consequences: Planners actually take some comfort to victims who are present What if terrorists had from that scenario, as it assumes the pos- at the time of the attack — unleashed chemical or sibility of negotiations. nuclear weapons? the newer weapons con- Please turn to page 58 In April 1995, less than a month after the Tokyo sub- way incident, a surprise drill tested emergency response to a sarin gas attack on New York City's subways. The first 100 or so emergency responders, police and fire crews, immediately charged underground— thus "expos- Bill Mia ing" themselves to lingering clouds of sarin. "It was a complete disaster," says Olson. "The first re- sponders became victims themselves, which had the added effect of both taxing and further depleting the pool 1 of available rescue crews." In a similar exercise in Los Angeles, mock victims were rushed to hospital emergency rooms DURING Senate hearings on the to be "treated" for exposure to spread of weapons of mass de- f chemical and biological struction—nuclear, biologica E agents.

and chemical devices — Sen. Sam I Midway through the test, Nunn, a respected defense expert soon I hospital workers would have

to retire from public life, delivered a i been contaminated by the vic-

chilling pronouncement. "What has ? tims, judges ruled. become apparent is that we live in an 1 But lack of training is only age when terrorism can strike any- part of the problem. where at any time, even in America," In October 1994, an exercise, said the Georgia Democrat. code named Mirage Gold, tested Is America prepared to respond to response to a terrorist attack in- a terror attack with a weapon of volving nuclear weapons. Nearly

mass destruction, be it a home- 1 ,000 officials-from the FBI, the grown nuclear bomb or a chemical departments of Energy and De- or biological device like that used in fense, and the Federal Emergency Tokyo? Management Agency, among "We probably have an adequate others — convened in New Or- number of body bags," says Kyle leans. In theory, the exercise J Olson, a Virginia-based consultant should have followed the Federal on chemical and biological Response Plan, which outlines weapons. "Other than that, we're how to handle hazards up to and not well equipped at all." including those posed by nuclear Once, civil defense keyed on the Cold War arms and contaminates. standoff; both the United States and the Soviet Union re- But conflicting federal guide- alized any first strike would bring severe reprisal. And lines and inter-agency turf wars any attack the Soviets did launch would have been transmuted Mirage Gold to guilty telegraphed, allowing American civilians to dive into the confusion. nearest bomb shelter. "The whole exercise was like something out of the Not so today. Operating from the shadows, terrorists Keystone Cops," says a Senate staffer who spoke on con- find the doctrine of mutual assured destruction irrelevant, dition of anonymity. "If it had been a real emergency, it and— by nature — attack without notice. Moreover, ter- would have been devastating." rorists increasingly snub traditional arms in favor of de- vices whose biological or chemical recipes can be ob- THE GOOD NEWS? tained via the Internet— and whose consequences we are The nation's civil defense system is not a disaster. Au- least prepared to face. thorities continually have shown that they can implement extraordinary measures to forestall or respond to inci- dents at presidential inaugurations, visits from heads of "We need state and the like. For the Olympic games in Atlanta, for instance, the Marine Corps dispatched its new Chemical/Biological we need to reshape the Incident Response Force (CBIRF), which has already es- emphasis Of our tablished itself as an elite. intelligence- But as first responders around the nation have wor- gathering and ried, our inability to handle an M«anticipated attack

posture. leaves us vulnerable. "Our greatest weakness is in how we would respond to a sudden, no-notice terrorist incident," says Michael Forgy, a member of the International Association of Fire Please turn to page 54 \

If you think the Uj has the ability to protedt against missil^ attacks, must be dreaming,

and leaders, a missile strike would clared World War III. The day after By E. Gene Vosseler reach American targets unopposed. Clinton's address, Russian President

This need not be so; defense is possi- Boris Yeltsin reported a warning of a

N recent years, particularly ble, and the state of the world makes it surprise attack by the United States led after the deadly bombings prudent and necessary. him to activate his nuclear "black box" of the World Trade Center In 1990, a top Russian general told for the first time. Yeltsin and the Russ- in New York City and the Pravda that the former Soviet Union ian high command mistakenly thought federal building in Okla- had accidentally launched a nuclear- a Norwegian satellite launch was an homa City, law enforce- armed missile during maintenance. American missile headed their way. ment agencies have fo- Fortunately, the engine malfunctioned, Norwegian officials had notified the cused on the increased se- and the missile crashed without the Russian foreign ministry of the launch, curity threats within our warhead detonating. but the word never reached military borders. Certainly, better When President Bill Clinton deliv- . intelligence and civil de- ered his State of the Union address to In spite of many such cautionary in- fense preparedness can go a long way Congress, he promised that "not a sin- cidents, most Americans sleep com- toward thwarting potential tragedies, gle Russian missile is pointed at the fortably in the belief they are protected but our nation still faces the possibility children of America." against nuclear missile attack. A Janu- of a nuclear attack with long-range bal- The Chief Executive did not men- ary 1995 poll by Luntz Research found listic missiles. tion that only a few months before. that 73 percent of Americans believe Whether launched by accident or by Gen. Igor Sergeyev, commander of so. the demented designs of rogue nations Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces, told Apparently, most citizens can't be- CBS's 60 Minutes that his country's lieve our government would leave us E. Gene Vosseler is senior advisor land-based missiles can be "retargeted totally defenseless against nuclear mis- for High Frontier and chairman of Cit- and launched. . .in a matter of minutes." siles while charging us $250 billion izens For A Strong America. One bizarre false alarm nearly de- yearly for defense.

30' ' THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 space-going countries as Libya, Iran, minutes. Given its murky politics, no Iraq and Syria. With these missiles, one can predict who will be carrying they could hit any city in the United the "nuclear football" after Yeltsin's States, according to Rep. Curt Weldon presidential days end. of Pennsylvania, a member of the While America apparently bought House National Security Subcommit- in to the rationale of Mutually Assured tee on Research and Development. Destruction (MAD) — a strange belief Defense pundits say these turn-key that if both superpowers possessed nu- missile launchers can be armed with clear arsenals large enough to destroy nuclear, chemical or biological war- one another in a missile exchange, nei- heads in a few hours. After the U.S.-led ther would push the button — Russian victory in the Persian Gulf War, Sad- leaders were not convinced. They paid dam Hussein said he would not have lip service to MAD while forging hesitated to fire such missiles at Wash- ahead with a Moscow-centered ballis- ington, D.C., had he possessed any. tic missile defense system that covered Libyan leader Muammar Qadaffi once 80,000 square miles of Russia. They promised to obtain missiles that could also built hardened shelters hundreds reach New York City. of feet below ground to protect their Despite the growing threat of rogue high command and essential citizens in Third World nations, Russian missiles the event of nuclear war. remain the greatest threat to our securi- The United States has nothing like ty. Russia possesses a nuclear arsenal this. In fact, according to former that could wipe out our nation in 30 Please turn to page 58

TAKING THE HIGH GROUND The Zenith Star flight experiment (top left), is planned for 1997-98 to show operational performance of a space-based, high-energy laser system capable of destroying incoming missiles. The advanced interceptor (left) is a small vehicle outfitted with sensors to detect accidental launches of mobile missiles such as the SS-25 (right), weapons that could provide rogue nations with the means.

SS-20 SS-25

In reality, Americans live in a tin- derbox world of increasing terrorist ac- tivity and nuclear proliferation. Ballistic missiles glower from the arsenals of 26 states; 1 3 have joined the nuclear club. And a private deal be- tween Clinton and Yeltsin winked at the START I agreement to allow Rus- sia to sell SS-24 and SS-25 mobile mis- siles on the open market. The agree- ment, made without the "advise and consent" of the Senate, has been de- fended by claiming these missiles would be used as space-launch vehi- Topol Mobile Command Post cles. The potential buyers were such

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • Jj McNamara was wrong. LBJ

anguished. Yet, include space travel and our GIs fought nuclear weapons. From the Point, West- valiantly in moreland was sent on a spe- a war cial mission to and then posted to Fort Sill, Okla- controlled by homa, where horses and mules were still an artillery officer's means to mobility. number-crunchers After a stint with a battery in , Westmoreland found and politicians. himself ordered to the other side of the globe for World General Westmoreland, Vietnam, 1967 War II. He rose quickly to colonel, serving in the inva- T 83, General William C. Westmoreland, a sion of North Africa, the conquest of Sicily and at the South Carolinian and the icon of authority for Remagen Rhine bridgehead. In the lull before , West- most who served in Vietnam, retains a presence moreland became a paratrooper. After Korea, he was pro- undiminished by the quarter-century since his moted to brigadier general and participated in planning an 36-year military career ended. Strolling the American intervention in Indochina to aid the French scenic historic district of his hometown of against the . That never happened, but the staff Charleston, "Westy" keeps a relaxed route-step exercise gave the general a significant leg-up some 10 in sunlight and in shade, waving to tourists and years later when he was asked to assume command of U.S. smiling at children. But when his gaze falls on military operations in Vietnam. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, where Amer- Replaced in Vietnam by Gen. Creighton Abrams in late ica's Civil War began, Westmoreland the war- 1968, Westmoreland became Chief of Staff of the Army, a rior embodies the links and parallels of two bitter national post he held until retirement in 1972. "My first mount in divisions 100 years and half a world apart. the Army was a horse, and my last was a helicopter," he A West Point graduate and the 1936 Cadet Corps First recalls smiling. Captain, Westmoreland counts among his honors an Westmoreland says in the years he commanded in Viet- inscribed sword presented by Gen. John J. "Blackjack" Per- nam—much of the time while being "shackled" by civil- shing. Hollywood could hardly contrive a clearer symbolic ians who had little knowledge of what it would take to summary of the permutations of America's military tradi- win — he kept his frustrations under his hat. He later tion and the nation's technological blossoming: Just 56 addressed a few of those frustrations in his memoir, A Sol- years after America's commander graduated dier Reports, but for the most part has held his fire. under the eyes of instructors who had campaigned in the Civil War, he passes the sword to a soldier whose troops THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE: President will regard the air as just another flank and who will climax Richard Nixon described the withdrawal of American his career advising the president on military concerns that forces as reaching peace with honor. What were your

32 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 " " " "

thoughts when the last choppers Hfted off from the roof HIGHLIGHTS of the American Embassy?

GENERAL WESTMORELAND: I recall that day vividly.

I was here [in Charleston]. I was just sick about it— very President Johnson: "..,/ie once to/cf /f disappointed. And I don't think it can be called a peace me with honor, because in the final analysis, we abandoned he had if to do over, he would have them [the South Vietnamese] after all our efforts. There is gotten rid of aii of the advisors he inher- no honor in abandoning allies. I tried to convey that mes- ited from the Kennedy administration, sage to President Nixon, but he was caught up in the except for Dean Rusl<. Watergate mess and had countless other agendas. When I Defense Secretary McNomara: "He fencf- look back on the last days of our involvement, I find myself to decisions thinking of the words General Douglas MacArthur once ed mo/ce based on num- said: There is no substitute for victory. bers, not on other factors that should have been considered. ...I thought he

Q« How do you respond to those who say Vietnam was was a dove back then, and I thinl< he's the first war our armed forces lost? even more of a dove now. I would tell them they have no idea what they're talk- A Fall of Saigon: "/ was Just s/c/c about it—very ing about. American forces never lost a single major disappointed. And I don't thinl< It can engagement in Vietnam. In fact, every time we did engage, we inflicted staggering losses and drove the enemy back. be called peace with honor because The enemy never once took any ground being defended in the final analysis, we abandoned exclusively by American troops. Not once. Some people them [South Vietnamese]. point to the battle of Hue during the Tet offensive in 1968, Normalizing relations with Hanoi: / thinl< which the enemy held only a short time, as evidence the time has come for it to be done.... against that statement. But American forces did not give up Life goes on. The current administration Hue. There were only a handful of them there when the offensive started, and the enemy suffered huge losses when are the ones who will have to pass final we mounted an attack to drive them out. I think it was the judgment on the issue, and they'll have failure of politicians to take advantage of strategic gains we to accept the consequences, if any Please turn to page 56

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • business and just about every- Much-maligned ''Gen Xers"' thing else in the hands of elder legions for whom 13ers are just —also known as Generation 13— another target market or inconve- nient aside. Will things stay that way? The evi- might not spell disaster lor dence suggests not. While 13ers do tend to be self-seeking and introspec- tive—reacting to the outside America after all. world only when necessary- members of this generation won't suffer this perceived imbalance of power much longer. By Trent D. McNeeley Experts disagree about whether the collective arm IN A DARKENED loft in will swing left or right once Chicago, a couple in their Gen X begins flexing its mus- mid-20s prepare for anoth- cle. The campus activism that er night out. They dress all lent youthful energy to the in black, accented with "Reagan Revolution" in the like-colored makeup. 1980s also yielded the elec- Meanwhile, in southern tion of a number of young California, a 16-year-old conservatives to Congress in emerges from the Depart- the 1990s, thus leading mar- ment of Motor Vehicles, keters and demographers to new driver's license in assume this would be a far hand, ready to experience her newly more conservative generation found freedom with a test drive on the than its immediate predeces- winding roads of the Pacific Coast sor. That hasn't quite panned Highway. At the same time, across the Twenty years of out. Academics now ac- country in Washington, D.C., a 36- Americar)s more diverse than any preceding knowledge that party and ide- year-old in natty pinstripes casts a vote thiem, and 78 million strong. ological lines are not nearly on Capitol Hill, just a few blocks from as important to these mod- where shots ring out and another young single banner. Still, all have in com- em rugged individualists as simply man dies by the hand of his neighbor in mon certain threads that weave them getting results fast — something a drug dispute.... into a complex tapestry of shared expe- the American political system, Twenty years of Americans more riences. And they share a label, too: with its system of checks and diverse than any preceding them — if They are known as Generation X. Or balances, inherently resists. we can trust census statistics that show "13ers," as William Strauss and Neil "It's incumbent upon this an ever-increasing number of births to Howe, co-authors of Generations, call generation to get in- blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific the 78 million people who make up volved," says Rep. Islanders, coupled with higher immi- this, the 13th American generation. Richard Pombo, a Cali- gration numbers. It might seem asinine No label can convey the impact fornia Republican who in to muster such a generation, so cultur- these disparate individuals will have on 1992 joined with Louisiana ally diverse and rife with other contra- the future of a nation that, at least in Democrat Cleo Fields to dictions to be explored shortly, under a their eyes, too often favors the old at give Gen X its first voice in the expense of the young. Sure, the Congress, "because they have Trent D. McNeeley, assistant editor young rule pop culture and even some both a lot to lose and a lot to gain. of this magazine, is 28 and a certified high-tech realms. But Gen X sees poli- They — we — must not wait until member of Generation X. tics, social institutions, most of big it's too late to change the world."

• 3/| THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997

journalist Robert Novak, critic | Michael Medved and economist Wal- j ter Williams. g reach out to students, expose "We | them to great thinkers, and hope they 1 will take the message back home and ° create more activists," says Pat Coyle, who interned at the Founda- Oh well, All sides of the ideo- tion while a student at Penn State. whatever, logical spectrum brag "Few young people are politically ac- nevermind. their youth sup- tive, but those who are show great port, but with little dedication." tangible evidence to back up their claims. The latest Con- What the world needs It may be a gress includes 15 Gen Xers: nine Re- now is a new kind of mistake, how- publicans and six Democrats, the ever, to over- youngest bom in 1970. Those are all in state the significance of this genera- the House, though, as Gen Xers won't tion's lack of activism. "Volunteer- become eligible for the Senate until ing," says Howe, "is never high on 1998 (2000 for the White House). the priority list in this age group. "McGovem believed there could be What activism you will see with a youthquake," says political pundit 13ers is small and personal. They Fred Barnes, "and Goldwater thought want results fast, and won't under- there were untapped conservatives take grand, idealistic crusades like among the young, but they just weren't Boomers." So, as an example, they'd there then and they're not there now. be more inclined to cook at a Young people don't vote." Adds Pom- soup kitchen than grant addi- bo, "They remain convinced that one tional tax dollars for the feds vote doesn't matter, that no one will to dole out.

listen to young people." Unless, that is, those tax dol- Indeed, despite claims that Bill lars are going toward their own Clinton is more in touch with the MTV educations. Although most | generation, post-election analyses 1 3ers fall back on parents or take showed that the president won the McJobs in the service sector, oth- youth vote by no better a margin than ers still look to Uncle Sam for ed- he managed among mid-lifers or se- ucational financing. Pell grants are niors. And some analysts contend that the most common form of assis- even that modest skew was a result of tance for lower-income students, Clinton's adoption of a more conserv- with half of the nation's 21 million ative agenda late in the campaign. post-secondary students receiving "Xers are no more liberal than any oth- some form of aid. er generation, even by the White All of which may explain Gen X's House's own spin doctors," says 26- affinity for the government program year-old Paul Colligan, co-editor of that combines local activism with CGX, a cyberspace-based political fo- earnings and education: "Through rum geared toward Gen- 13. "Clinton Americorps, we have 25,000 young holds no more sway over us than any- people performing service at commu- one else." nity based organizations earning mon- Meanwhile, on the so-called "char- ey for college," says Tim Nation, a 30- acter question," there is this from Col- year-old recruiter for Bill Clinton's ligan 's cohort, Ehren Filippello: "To a fledgling Peace Corps for the '90s. generation already cynical about politi- "Americorps allows people to serve cians, Clinton's horrible ethics didn't their country in a different, but no less seem to make much of a difference." meaningful, manner than military ser- CGX is not alone in trying to in- vice," Nation says. He denies charges crease political participation among the that Americorps is "funded volun- young. Organizations including teerism," arguing, "That's pretty silly Even with Americorps, 13ers don't Amnesty International, Rock the Vote, to say when they earn less than mini- have the same benefits available to Greenpeace, College Republicans and mum wage." previous generations. John D. Willard, Intercollegiate Studies Institute have Participants receive $8,000 and free co-founder of Generation X Coalition entered the fray. Young America's health insurance in exchange for 1,700 Inc., says this generation has fewer Foundation annually hosts national and hours of service a year, with a $4,725 and smaller grants available, and stu- regional conferences, sharing ideas exit bonus to pay student loans or put dent loans are harder to get, all while from the likes of novelist Tom Clancy. toward tuition. tuition rates have outpaced inflation

30 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 Grew up way too Howe says 13ers fast, and now as a class seek less Splitting Heirs ^"^ SUIlieJe outright assistance difficult to lump 21 years of tLS because of an IT'S "acid skepticism" people into a single group. Douglas about government's ability to solve Coupland, who wrote the novel Gen- society's problems, which eration X, noted numerous sub- goes hand in hand with groups within this generation, includ- generation's go-it- ing: 'l the alone tendencies. The gov- Black Holes Wallowing in self f ernment's budget figures awareness, they dress entirely in show they receive less as- black and play games like Celebrity 's sistance than members of Death Watch. Preferred method of

the Silent Generation (b. communication is sarcasm. 1925-1942), but is that real- Earth Tones Vegetarians dressed ly because they wish to be like it's the '60s and doing drugs like free of government? Or just it's the '70s, they can usually be because the government found at a Phish concert. doesn't offer them more? Maybe both—or perhaps Poverty Jet Set Constant travelers at the expense of good jobs or rela- the latter causes the former. they take anti-sabbaticals For example, the Social Secu- tionships, and work at McJobs to earn money rity Administration estimates for the next journey. that the youngest 1 3ers will be 48 when trust-fund reserves run Squires The largest subset, these out. At best, without changes in married Gen Xers constantly seek a the system, this generation will return to Eisenhower-era standards

receive just 75 percent of bene- of living and family life.

fits currently allotted to seniors. Yuppie Wannabees Convinced that Retired workers as well have the Yuppie lifestyle is rewarding, they seen their benefits increase every tend to drink too much to forget the year, while benefits aimed at VISA bill. helping children, from AFDC to stu- dent loan subsidies, plummet. According to Third Millennium, a bility with our tax dollars is criminal national advocacy group focusing on and will eventually critically injure all the concerns of young Americans, the Americans." issue here isn't jealousy—i.e., the be- That type of sea change is unlikely lief that current seniors are getting in the short term, but Willard believes a "too much"—but rather practicali- long-term phase-in of "self-directed" ty—i.e., the belief that there won't be retirement saving could work. His or- 1^ anything left by the time 1 3ers them- ganization does more than spout the selves become seniors. A September buzz words, they actually offer a well- Jean Marie Navetta, CoUeie 1994 Third Millennium poll pro- conceived plan. "It would take 20 years Senior "Generation X is not duced this over-reported statistic: for the program to fully shift to self-di- synonymous with apathy." More 18- to 34-year-olds believe rected accounts, giving people ample UFOs exist than believe Social Secu- opportunity to make life adjustments." rity will exist by the time they retire. As Third Millennium's executive I'm a loser baby, Academics have for 20 years. 13ers can deal with this director, 31 -year-old Richard Thau, so why^don't you long concluded reality, but Willard asks older people pointed out at a conference last year on that a generation's to look closely at that 27-year-old marketing to 13ers, "Of greater signifi- sentiments come about in part as a cir- across the street still living with mom cance when it comes to the generation's cumstance of its members' upbringing. and dad before labelling him. "You search for personal control is that 82 If true, from the inner cities to the sub- might find out that it took him six years percent of this age group would like to urbs to the rural farms, a common to get through college because he had take at least part of what it is now paying thread 13ers seem to share is a longing to have two full-time jobs to pay for in FICA taxes and invest it on its own." for a government that trusts the indi- school. You might then find out that Filippello believes the answer "is to vidual to make the right choices. upon graduation he had nearly $50,000 give us back our responsibilities to take Strauss and Howe's books recant a worth of school debt. Then you might care of ourselves. Government is con- litany of experiences 1 3ers lived through realize that, (thanks to a tight job mar- tent to run a social system that is admit- that shaped their worldview. The birth ket), the only job he can get is at Wal- tedly broken, and refuse to fix it in or- control pill debuted in 1962, allowing Mart, Domino's Pizza or Burger der to keep the support of one segment "free love" while simultaneously King." of (older) Americans. Their irresponsi- Please turn to page 50

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • a

I }m MM Mi By Chandra M. Czape job market and economy, it's clear that tion less patriotic than the youth of pre- many of today's youth are following vious generations. Overall, it seems,

his lead: that is, looking at the military the fervent patriotism of yesteryear has HEN Scott Lehman through more pragmatic eyes. Recent given way to the special brand of self-

I signed his enlistment studies and opinion polls suggest that interest that could be the motto of the papers back in 1983, young adults are not as likely as their late 20th century: "What's in it for going to war was the counterparts from days past to join the me?" last thing on his mind. military because of "duty to country." "My generation is self-centered," As a 20-year-old fa- They are more businesslike in evaluat- admits 24-year-old Alabama resident ther, he was most con- ing a military career. Samuel A. Barnes III, who joined the cerned with how to Despite the now-famous slogan, to Marines in 1990 to pursue a pre-med support his family — more and more modern recruits, the college curriculum. "We think the gov- new wife and baby. military is indeed "just" a job. Or at ernment owes us. We have a welfare

I He knew the Navy least, the vehicle to one. mentality." would add a sense of security to the As an Army recruiter in Derby, Then again, this raises a chicken-or- mix, namely health insurance and mon- Kansas, Sgt. Thomas Bennett, himself the-egg dilemma: How much of the ap- ey for his college education. "It was just 28, sees this firsthand. Prospective parent change in attitude reflects a true definitely the thing that motivated me," enlistees, he says, "ask product ques- "generational spirit," and how much says Lehman, now a 34-year-old loan tions: 'How much money can I get for reflects the military's own shift to a closer from Jeffersonville, Indiana. "I college?' 'If I don't like my job, can I more benefits-oriented sales pitch? had to figure out how to provide for change it?' 'How much money will I Since conscription ended in 1973, the " them." make?' Department of Defense (DoD) has had Lehman's case might not be typical In a 1994 Gallup poll, a mere 18 to be more creative in its marketing in across the board, but with an uncertain percent of Americans under age 50 de- order to attract sufficient numbers of scribed themselves as "extremely patri- quality recruits. DoD has taken the Chandra M. Czape is on the editori- otic" while nearly three-fourths of the spotlight off the harder-edged aspects al staff of Good Housekeeping. respondents deemed today's genera- of military life, shining it instead on

38 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 LISA ROLAND She's studying to be a Russian linguist in the Army. She says the military provides her with an edge in today's competitive workforce.

vocational training, funds for college lege (attracting 32 percent of men, 39 Youth Attitude Tracking studies; tuition and the other incidental benefits percent of women) and job training (24 among women, the slide was from 13 of a military hitch. percent of men, 17 percent of women). to 8 percent. Although the figures crept "When the draft ended, there was a Patriotic duty, by comparison, back a point or two in 1996, it's clear to bad taste in the mouths of young peo- checks in at just 12 percent (men) and Bennett that "the glamour from Desert ple in this country," says W.S. Sell- 10 percent (women). This reflects a Storm has worn off." man, director of accession policy at slide in that measurement that's been Which could explain why today, the DoD. He notes that college scholar- fairly consistent of late — save for a six- percentage of 16- to 21 -year-old men ships and training for specific jobs month surge after the Gulf War. Back who say they'll "definitely" or "proba- were added to make the military more then, patriotism among young people bly" enlist stands at 27 percent, a single appealing after the Vietnam War. Lat- was not only up, it was "in." That was digit above the all-time low set in 1994. er, during the Reagan years, military the word used by two-thirds of (By comparison, the figure for 1991 spending was significantly allocated teenagers to describe patriotism in a was 34 percent.) For women, these so- for educational entitlements, advertis- 1991 study by Teenage Research Un- called "propensity numbers" have re- ing and enlistment bonuses. So if Gen limited, which tracks American teens' mained relatively stable at around 1 3 or Xers think differently about what they attitudes. Similarly, 60 percent of teens 14 percent, but the consistency of can expect from the military, it could said the military was "in." Pre-Desert women's numbers might have more to be at least partially a byproduct of the Storm, those figures had lolled, respec- do with changing gender roles across- changing tenor of the Pentagon's sales tively, at 48 percent and 34 percent. the-board than with any particular en- pitch. And they would return to those lev- thusiasm for the military. Or, it could Whatever the case, there's little els as names like Powell and have to do with the lifting of the com- question that those expectations have Schwarzkopf faded from the nation's bat exclusion rule, notes Lt. Daren changed. According to the 1996 Youth everyday vocabulary. Between 1991 Pelkie, public-affairs officer at Naval Attitude Tracking Study — an annual and 1995, the percentage of young men Recruiting Command. telephone survey of 10,000 young peo- who said they joined the military for "We don't really have wars any- ple conducted by DoD— the two sales "obligation to country" dropped from more," says Lisa Roland, a 24-year-old lures that work best are money for col- 18 to 10 percent, according to DoD's Please turn to page 53

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • 39 Window Fop Gulf Claims Opens Wider

PHH ESERT Storm veterans suffering from undiagnosed ail- claims will be readjudicated. I ^ ments that might be linked to their Persian Gulf service "This (extension of presumptive service period) affords our I i now stand a better shot at receiving compensation and scientific community more time in which to provide us with I i VA medical care. better, and hopefully, more revealing information about these I I Veterans have until Dec. 31 , 2001 , to develop symp- unexplained illnesses," atop VA official explains. %^J^ toms of Gulf War Illness and remain eligible for VA dis- Some observers have said the eligibility period might be ability compensation. Previously, they had to develop extended beyond 2001 if researchers are unable to find symptoms within two years after leaving the Persian Gulf theater. answers to the mysterious maladies plaguing tens of thou-

The extension, approved by President Bill Clinton upon the sands of Gulf veterans. request of VA Secretary Jesse Brown, is not expected to Meanwhile, these same veterans currently have access to become effective until later in the year, following publication of VA medical care, including extensive physical examinations, the new regulations in the Federal Register. The change has follow-up treatment, excluding only those whose illnesses are been greeted with optimism by The American Legion. not related to service in the Gulf.

"Veterans have earned the benefit of the doubt, and extend- Gulf veterans in need of medical care, who wish to receive ing the eligibility period ensures that they will get the assis- a protocol physical exam under the Persian Gulf Registry, or tance they need," says National Commander Joseph J. Frank. those with questions about VA medical and compensation poli- "In the last couple of months, many proposals have been cies, can obtain further information by calling the Persian Gulf offered in Washington to expand the eligibility window. I'm Information Helpline at (800) 749-8387. gratified to learn the administration has chosen the most gener- Active-duty service members who served in the Gulf also ous option on the table." are eligible for protocol examinations at military hospitals by About 65,000 of the estimated 84,000 veterans claiming calling (800) 796-9699. Gulf-related disabilities have been approved, according to the "These and other decisions will speed up the delivery of VA. So far, only 660 have been service-connected under the care to deserving veterans, better coordinate federal resources, undiagnosed-illness regulation. VA Secretary Jesse Brown and ensure our government is more prepared to care for veter- states "thousands" of new claimants could become eligible as ans after the next conflict," observes Matt Puglisi, who coordi- a result, adding that as many as 5,000 previously denied nates The American Legion Persian Gulf War Task Force.

resolutions on the POW-MIA issue longest held POW in Vietnam's infa- Vets helping vets have included provisions for humani- mous "Hanoi Hilton;" James V. Kim- The American Legion has started a tarian assistance to Vietnam for two sey, a combat-disabled Army veteran special fund-raising effort to help sub- compelling reasons, Frank says. "First, of two tours and chairman emeritus of sidize the Vietnam Assistance for the we cannot duck the fact that as a nation America Online; Harry N. Walters, a Handicapped Program, a U.S .-based, and as veterans we have a moral oblig- former Army officer and administrator non-profit group offering humanitarian ation to help those former South Viet- of the Veterans Administration; and assistance to disabled Vietnamese vet- namese Army soldiers who fought by John F. Sommer Jr., executive director erans. The program will help under- our side in the war. Second, our of the Legion's Washington, D.C., write ongoing job training and voca- humanitarian work proves we're doing office and an Army combat medic with tional assistance to unemployed war more than just talking about healing old the 4th Infantry . veterans in fields such as electronics, wounds. Opening a dialogue with for- Training of the disabled veterans is motorcycle repair, commercial sewing mer allies and enemy troops encour- near at a site Frank and the repair of prosthetic devices. ages speedier progress in turning over toured last December. "This program

"This is humanitarian aid and it the remains for missing U.S. service- has helped thousands of Vietnamese doesn't mean The American Legion men and related records." veterans regain their mobility and dig- has altered its stance on important Many of those aided through the nity," says Frank, a former Army com- issues that remain unresolved between Vietnam Assistance for the Handi- bat engineer who lost the use of his legs the United States and Vietnamese gov- capped Program served with the South in a mine explosion while serving a ernments," says National Commander Vietnamese Army. Money for the pro- tour of duty in Vietnam.

Joseph J. Frank. The commander was ject is sought from private donors, not Those wishing to donate should referring to the yet-to-be resolved fates American Legion funds. make their checks payable to The of American MIAs of the Vietnam Those appointed to serve on the spe- American Legion (please note on check War, and the administration's contro- cial advisory board are Vietnam veter- donation is for the Vietnam Assistance versial decision to lift the trade embar- ans, including: Past National Comman- for the Handicapped), and mail it to: go and restore diplomatic relations with der Daniel A. Ludwig, a Navy veteran The American Legion, Disabled Viet- the communist Hanoi regime. serving as chairman; Everett Alvarez namese Veterans, P.O. Box 781168, Since 1992, all American Legion Jr., a retired naval aviator and the Indianapolis, IN 46278-8168.

• • i|D THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE JUNE 1997 i

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Vol.#16. Killers and the Kill Vol. #1 7. The Turkey Shoot Vol.#18.Twoif bySea Vol. #19. The Battle for Lady Gulf Vol. #20. Return of the Allies Vol. #21. Full Fathom Five Vol. #22. The Fate of Europe Vol. #23. Target Suribachi Vol. #24. The Road to Manalay Vol. #25. Suicide for Glory Vol. #26. Design for Peace

ONLY 770 Volume TWO - 6 HOUR VHS VIDEOTAPES

Original 26 Full Length Episodes Narrated by Leonard Graves

This award winning series was one of the earliest documentaries made exclusively for TV. Filmed with live action of battles that really happened from both Allied and Axis sources. It takes you through the early German Wolf Pack's victories in the Atlantic. In March 1943 the fblER CREEK FR"0DUCTS,TNC.rDeprM816 Battle of its the Atlantic reached climax. The German's U-boat Wolf 3038 N.W. 25 Avenue, Pompano Beach, Fl. 33069 Packs, led by Karl Donitz, sank 21 Allied Convoy ships. But this 30 Day Money Back Guarantee was Germany's last big hurrah at sea. New countermeasures and new technology advancements would begin to drive the German fleet from The first 13 full length videos in this series of the ocean. By mid 1943 Germany was gradually losing the Battle of the Victory At Sea $9.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. Atlantic, both on the surface and underneath where the wolf packs The second 13 full length videos in this series of hunted. Victory At Sea $9.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. The Allied Turning Point Complete Victory at collection of #1 and #2 - 26 full The turning point came in a naval battle off Newfoundland in May of Sea length volumes only $18.95 plus $6.00 shipping 1943. The U.S. Navy and its allies, by using their new counter methods, finally were able to protect their convoys. In fact, during the month of May we sank 43 German U-boats, greatly eliminating the Wolf Pack's threat. The U.S. Navy now had free rein over the ocean, a necessity in order for the convoys to carry supplies that were desperately needed for the war effort. This exciting World War II series shows you actual war footage, giving you a real sense of what was at stake. It takes you through the full story II of W.W. by sea. Brings you in touch with the City_ major dramatic events from the beginning of W.W. II to the final U.S. and Allied Victories At Sea. Music was written by Richard Rodgers. ^tate_ Zip. ON THE PROWL IN ORLANDO

attend- a.m. in Symphony THOSEing the Nation- Hall. al Convention Sunday, Aug. might not 31, at 4 p.m., the know where to National Conven- begin when planning tion Parade will for all things Legion in begin its trek the Land of the Mouse. down Internation- No problem. al Drive. If flying to Orlando, The exhibit hall the Legion has made will operate from 8 special arrangements a.m. to 3 p.m. dai- with US Airways, Unit- ly from Friday, ed Airlines and South- Aug. 29, through west Airlines to offer Thursday, Sept. 4. discount rates. Call Stop by Hall E2 in (800) 334-8644 for US- the convention Airways, and mention center and check

Gold File No. MEETIN' PLACE The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando offers state-of-the-art out the Emblem 14591715. Or call Unit- facilities to convention-goers. Sales mobile store, ed Airlines at (800) Buick Motor Divi-

521-4041 and mention regular round trip rate of Colorado, Connecticut, , sion showcase, Department Group ID No. 504SA. For $21. The average taxi rate is Maryland, , New Mexico, of Veterans' Affairs Health Southwest, call (800) 453- more than twice that fee. , Vermont Screening, a blood donation

5368 and use ID No. C2257. Where are you headed? "J Stouffer Renaissance Twenty site, and many other booths. Once there, you'll proba- Well, tentative Department & Four, Arkansas, New Jersey, There should be something bly want to have a rental car hotel assignments are as Utah for everyone. to take in all the attractions follows: The Peabody Orlando Forty & As for business duties. away from convention activ- @ Best Western Plaza National Eight, , District of The American Legion gener- ities. Discounts are available staff and technicians, North Columbia, Hawaii, Iowa, al sessions will take place from four companies, each Dakota, Tennessee , , Mexico, Puerto from Tuesday, Sept. 2 using a different identifica- s Clarion Plaza Georgia, IVIaine, Rico, the commander from the through Thursday, Sept. 4 in tion code. For Avis, call Minnesota, New Hampshire, . Hall El of the Orange Coun- (800) 331-1600 and mention Ohio, South Dakota, West ty Convention Center. No. G343699. For Budget, Virginia, Wisconsin Space prohibits outlining American Legion Auxil- call (800) 772-3773 and a Courtyard by Marriott all the available tour pack- iary general sessions run mention No. U052061. For Washington ages, but check with Depart- from Monday, Sept. 1, Hertz, call (800) 654-2240 e Holiday Inn l-Drive California ment officials or read THE through Thursday, Sept. 4, in and mention No. 5308. Fi- and Florida AMERICAN LEGION DIS- Hall F. nally, for National, call (800) BOmni Rosen American Legion PATCH for all the details. Sons of The American Le- 227-7368 and mention No. Auxiliary, Arizona, Delaware, Tours currently scheduled in- gion sessions precede Legion 6402642. You might be Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, New clude the Kennedy Space events. They will run from asked for your valid mem- York, Center, Belz Factory Outlet Friday, Aug. 29, through bership card when picking @ Orlando Marriott l-Drive World, Orlando Museum of Sunday, Aug. 3 1 , in the up the vehicle, so have your Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Art, Orlando City/Church Florida Ballroom of The Or- Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of Pennsylvania, Texas Street Station Historical lando Peabody Hotel. The American Legion mem- « Quality Inn Plaza Alabama, Tour, and Fantasy of Flight. For more information on bership card handy. Kentucky, , Highlights of official fes- convention events, contact If you're not renting a ve- Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, tivities include the Color Department officials or check hicle, a shuttle service can Rhode Island, South Carolina, Guard contests, beginning at out The American Legion on take you to the appropriate Wyoming 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in the World Wide Web at hotel. Coupons from Mears B Radisson Barcelo Virginia Hall El of the Orange Coun- www.legion.org. For more Motor Shuttle will be distrib- eRed Roof Inn Philippines ty Convention Center. The about events in and around uted to Departments, which (delegation) band contest will also take Orlando, contact the visitor's grant a $4 discount off the % Sheraton World Resort place Saturday, but at 11:30 bureau at (407) 363-5871.

42 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 Prostate Problems are WPOMG!a Man's Disease-Right? Prostate problems affect men physically but affect both men & women emotionally! Most Men Lose Their Sexual Ability Due To Prostate Disorders!

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Full re- have also increased the zinc content so that enriched nutritional sults should occur within to 100% natural, you receive 20 mg. per day and have added 45 60 days. suppliment called: Extra Strength 30 mg. of Panon Ginseng as well as 200 PROSTAID containing a full 100 mg. of Do You .. Yes No mg. of Pygeum Africum. Daily dosage con- . . .get up at night to urinate? Pygeum Africanum per tablet. tains 200 mg. of Saw Palmetto,30 mg. of Pygeum Africanum: Pumpkin Seed Concentrate, 50 mg. Golden ...often have sudden urges to urinate? Therapy for Prostate Relief Road and 3 mg. Flaxseed. This is ttie most . . .have a weal< urine stream? advanced and comprehensive formula ...frequently need to urinate? In both France and , extract of available - and it costs approximately half Pygeum is recognized for prostate ...have the sensation that you have not the price of the other products (that are not therapy and is available by prescription. emptied your bladder completely nearly as strong). 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All orders are shipped FIRST Glycine, L-Alanine & L-Glutamic Acid CLASS MAIL within 7 working days. To for a total of 406mg. order, simply fill out the coupon and mail Saw Palmetto 200 mg. with your check or money order to the Pygeum Africanum 200 mg. address below. We also accept VISA or Golden Rod 50 mg. MasterCard (1-800-770-1155). Extra Pumpkin Seed Concentrate 30 mg. Strength PROSTAID is a nutritional Panox Ginseng 30 mg. suppliment. No medical claims are made or implied. Offer void in Mexico, Iowa, Zinc 20 mg./133% RDA Conn., Europe and . US funds Flaxseed 3 mg. only plus $5. extra outside of USA. The daily dosage is only 2 tablets be- cause of the extra strength formula. WILLOWS NUTRITION CENTER, Dept. ESP-707 Ill 179 Post Road Zinc Deficiency in Men West, Westport CT 06880 The prostate gland normally contains I Want Prostate Relief NOW! about ten times more zinc than any other 1 Month (60 tabs) only $19.95 plus Name organ in the body. Researchers point to $3. postage & handling ($22.95) the fact that one of the most common 2 Months (120 tabs) only $35.95 Address symptoms of zinc deficiency is prostate plus $4. post & handl ($39.95) enlargement. Chronic prostatitis, where 4 Months (240 tabs) only $64.95 c,ty inflammation of the gland is combined plus $5. post & handl ($69.95) only with infection, has been found to respond 6 Months (360 tabs) $100.00 g-^te (includes to treatment with zinc. Extra Strength postage & handling ) PROSTAID with Pygeum Africanum Enclosed is check money order Telephone #: also contains 10 mg. of zinc per tablet. Charge my: VISA MasterCard doctors Some have called zinc the Acct Exp l_ Signature _ "man's vitamin". ©1996. wgsi CREDIT CARD ORDERS 1-800-770-1155 ACTIONS SEND WRONG MESSAGE "SSP HOUSE Joint Gen. Patrick H. Brady, chair- citizens of Buffalo who see Williamson Post and Resolution 54 ap- man of the Citizens Flag Al- such erosion of values and Unit 1 of Lake Charles, ASproaches a vote in liance. "As professional ath- lack of respect as sympto- Louisiana, home of Ameri- Congress this month, letes, these two men serve as matic of a breakdown in the can Legion Auxiliary Past some opponents of role models for today's youth. fabric of our nation," Brady National President Syble the flag-protection measure By vandalizing and tearing adds. "Every time we allow Deshotel, continue work on continue their tired argument down the American Flag, they the flag to be dishonored, we the Veterans Memorial Park that not enough people dese- send a message to other take another step towards be- as part of a lakefront devel- crate the flag to warrant young people that they coming an America where opment plan. Legionnaire amending the Constitution. no longer need to re- 'anything goes,' as long as it Robert I. Ash continues to be Actions earlier this year spect the values is defensible as the driving force behind this Citizens show that to be false, with a of this country." some kind of indi- endeavor. teen defecating on a flag in Brady recalled -„.- ^ vidual right-and Sam R. Albright Post AUiance, Inc. , n Appleton, Wisconsin, a images of another we lose some or 411 of Skidmore, Missouri, member of the Black Panther athlete, Mahmoud Abdul- what it means to live together played a vital role in local militia cutting a flag to shreds Rauf of the Denver Nuggets in a civil society." Freedom Fest activities, in- in Indianapolis, Ind., and, basketball team, who last Joseph J. Frank, National cluding those involving The most recently, an athletic duo year chose not to stand dur- Commander of The Ameri- Moving Wall. stealing a flag and destroying ing the national anthem in vi- can Legion, says a 1989 Post 155 of the Philip- it at a park in Buffalo, New olation of the NBA's rules re- Supreme Court ruling invali- pines continues great work in York. quiring players to line up in a dated flag-protection laws in membership drives, thanks "The actions of the dignified posture. After a 48 states and the District of to efforts of Santos L. lacrosse players for the Buffa- firestorm of national debate, Columbia, sending a message Bautista, Vicente G. lo Bandits is yet another tragic and significant fines, Abdul- that it is OK to desecrate, de- Dauigoy and Commander example of the devaluing of Rauf decided to stand. face and devalue our most Ernesto P. Golez. America," says retired Maj. "I share the concern of the treasured national symbol. Post 40 of Momence, Illi- "The real victims of flag nois, has joined forces with burning are our children," the local Veterans of Foreign Brady says. "The greatest Wars to create a joint honor tragedy in flag mutilation is guard comprising members

the disrespect it teaches our from area high schools to children, disrespect for the honor our nation's veterans

values it embodies, and disre- at special ceremonies. spect to those who have sac- Post 158 of Barrington, rificed for those values. Dis- Illinois, donated $9,600 to

respect is the genesis of hate, the North Chicago VA Med-

it provokes the dissolution of ical Center to purchase surgi- our unity, a unity which has cal equipment. They also do- only one symbol— the flag." nated more than $9,000 in CFA officials say the 1988 and 1995. American flag stands for the Antrim-Mentz Post 66 basic right of all citizens to of Maple Shade, New Jersey, hold their own views, express home of the Green Beret their own religious beliefs, Color Guard, worked with and even say hateful things local VFW and DAV offi- about the flag itself, but soci- cials to install and dedicate a ety has the right to prohibit new flag pole at the local certain actions that are bla- Veterans Memorial. tantly disrespectful to the val- Louis E. Davis Post 56 of ues embodied by the flag. To Bloomington, Illinois, hon- that end, the Legion-founded ored McLean County Sheriff group continues striving for a Steve Brienen for his work to George Washington Bentley, one of only two surviving Founders of The American Legion, celebrates his 99th birthday with fellow Min- constitutional amendment begin county board of nesotans and Department officers. Only Bentley and Indiana (Hart- which would return to the trustees meetings with the ford City) resident John Gable remain from those stalwart soldiers in American people the right to pledge of allegiance. Brienen attendance at the Paris Caucus in 1919. protect their flag. belongs to Post 635.

• THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 HALF PRICE SALE!

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COLLECTOR'S EDITION Citv State Zip NOT AVAILABLE For Only$36.98i Telephone: (Dav) Eveninc IN STORES 99th Inf Div Assn #16559 7th Beach Bn #22351 114th Sig Serv Co/331st Comm Recon Co (49-52) 10th NCB Spec #19083 Reunion coordinators can #22443 11th NCB Spec (WWII) #17555 115th Sta Hospital #20661 17th/53rd/120th NCB (WWII) #18181 enroll their units in VETS* 117th Gen Hospital (WWII) #10807 37th NCB #18322 by sending a self-addressed, 124th/208th FA Bns Assn #19070 69th NCB #17557 stamped envelope to VETS®, P.O. 1 251 h AAA Gun Bn (WWII) #1 6565 VETS" IS a service that pro- 77th NCB (WWII) #18430 Box 873, Columbia, MO 65805- 147lh Rgt, K Co #20100 vides information about mili- 112th NCB (WWII) #11674 0873. Unit names are published 159th Engr (C) Bn (WWII) #10330 116th NCB (WWII) #17577 tary reunions, helps veterans 163rd Engr (C) Bn (WWII) #15330 one time per year. 143rd NCB, Adv Base Const Dpt (Calicoan PI, find old buddies and arranges 167th Engr (C) Bn (WWII) #18926 WWII) #17853 178th ASHC #23567 reunions, travel and accommo- 301st NCB & USS City of Dalhart IX-156 #19160 196th Inf RCTAssn #16346 dations. American Assn Navy Hospital Corpsmen #13123 196th LIB Assn (VN 65-72) #10153 1st Cav DIv, 27th Ord Bn, Hq/Cos A & B #23443 Assn of Minemen (Active, Reserve, Retired) 203rd Engr Bn #14108 2nd Arm'd Div, 82nd Recon Bn, A Co, "Hell on #18086 REUNION INFORMATION 203rd Gen Hospital (ETO WWII) #15705 Wheels" #19096 ATR-36 #23245 2nd Bn (Dugway. 53-55) 204th FA Bn (WWII/Korea) #22783 This month there are 554 Chem Weapons UT Aviation Boatswain Mates Assn (ABMA) #12463 #23349 222nd AAA Bn (WWII) #15914 military reunions listed on CAG-12, USS Randolph (45) #19369 Inf DIv, 15th FA Bn, B Btry (Korea) #23564 227th Gen Hosp #23546 2nd Cargo and Port Group (NAVCHAP-GROUP) these pages. In addition, 239th Engr (C) Bn #10986 2nd Inf Div, 38th Rgt, K Co "Indianhead ' Assn #23559 (WWII/Korea) #15821 252nd CA, 530th FA #15696 VETS® has information on CBMU-568/569 #17469 3rd Engr Bn #20084 288th FA Obs Bn #15710 more than 12,000 other re- Corpsmen United (all Navy/all yrs) #11257 Det (HA) 3rd Inf Div, 39th FA Bn (all yrs) #22002 316th Med Alumni #23566 unions. Call weekdays, 8 a.m. DESRON-52 "Lucky Seven " (WWII/Korea/SOPAC/ 3rd Inf Div, 58lh FA Bn (Korea) #26008 330th FA Bn #15461 WESPAC) #22620 to 5 p.m.. Central time. Calls 5thAAAAWMBL(US/Ger) #14103 348th Sta Hospital (WWII) #15301 Escort Sailors Assn (DESA) #22869 cost $1.95 per minute. The 6th Arm'd Div Assn #15414 382nd AAA AW Bn #10374 385th AAA AW Bn (WWII) #16189 Escort Carrier Sailors & Airmen Assn #22100 7th Arm'd Div Assn "Lucky 7th " #15253 average call takes three min- Hurricane Hunters, VPB-114/VPW-3/VPM-3/VX- 7th FA Assn #10368 398th AAA AW Bn (Korea) #20118 utes. 4/VPHL-3/VP-23/VJ-2/VW-4 #10209 7th Inf Div, 15th FA Bn, A Brty (Korea) #23574 400th Trans Det (VN) #13340 LCI (R) 31/34 #11072 (900) 737-VETS 7th Inf Div, 32nd Inf Rgt "Queens Own" 407th Engrs (C) Bn #15942 413lh/523rdOrd s #15826 LSM-215 #17536 If you know the VETS® five- (WWII/Korea) #15855 Co Btry LSM-312(Pac,WWII) #13883 7th Inf Div Assn (All Units) #16219 467th AAA AW Bn, C #10432 digit number assigned to your LST-1062 #10441 9th Arm d DIv, 27th Arm d Inf Bn Assn (WWII) 475th MP Escort Guard Co (WWII) #11641 it the ship or unit, please give to #15325 488lhAAABn #11146 LST-1079 USS Payette Co #19185 230-233 LST-1081 Pima (WWII/Korea) operator. The number is printed 9th Arm'd Div, 2nd Med Bn, C Co #15282 492nd Port Bn, Cos (Guadalcanal/PI USS Co #12628 WWII) #10313 LST-307 (WWII) #21955 after each outfit's name listed in 9th Arm'd Div, 89th Cav Recon Sq #20320 9th Ord Bn, Spec Wpns Support #15585 494th AAA Bn (WWII) #15617 LST-453 (USS Remus ARL-40) #18157 the magazine. If you don't know 10th Arm'd Div Assn #15959 496th AAA Gun Bn (WWIf) #20726 LST-537 #18456 the number or do not see your 11th Arm'd Div, 55th Arm'd Bn, B Co #16310 503rd MP Bn (Italy) #19931 LST-568 #17410 ship or unit listed in the maga- 11th Arm'd DIv Assn #16052 503rd Port Bn, 275th Port Co #15956 LST-5 (WWII) #11157 51 1 th Para Inf Assn (43-58) #1 2766 zine, VETS* operators can still 11th Coast Arty Mine Planter "Mills" (San Fran- LST-619#10246 cisco, WWII) #23554 522nd OrdHMFA Co #16590 LST-629 (WWII) #18604 provide you outfit information. 17th Base Post Office #16683 529th FA Obs Bn (50-58) #15386 LST-658 #23558 Units enroll in daily. VETS® 17lh Sig Ops Bn (WWII) #10395 540th Amphib Engr (C) Rgt #20766 LST-667 #18020 18th Bd, 84th Engr Bn, 45th Grp, A Co (VN) 544th (HM) FA, Ord Co #20770 LST-70(V™il) #12668 PLANNING A REUNION #23545 547th Engr (C)Bn #16046 LST-803 #17322 551st Bn (WWII) #16307 19th Engr (C) Rgt (WWII) #20558 AAA LST-835 (44-45) #12680 VETS® will help you ar- 557th FA Bn (WWII) #10569 20th CA (HD) (Ft Crockett) #16155 LST-864 #19713 range your outfit's reunion at no 558th Sig Depot Co #22436 20th Engr (C) Assn, 20th/1340th Bns, 1171st Gp LST-883 (50-56) #17433 566th AAA AW Bn (WWfl) #15620 cost and save money in the HO (WWII) #15365 LST-889 #18957 569lhAAAAW Bn (WWII) #19157 process. Finders/Seekers® ser- 22nd Ord Serv Bn #10836 LST-908 #17639 643rd TO Bn #15820 24fh Inf Div, 21st Rgt, L Co (Korea, 50-51) LST-937 (41-45) #20354 vices are included free for 691 St TO Bn (VKWII) #16234 #12001 LSTAssnofIL #19707 St VETS® managed reunions. Inf Main! Bn (Augs- 701 Tank Bn (WWII) #11393 24th DIv, 70th Arm'd Rgt, 2nd LST (H)-929 #13382 burg, Ger) #14821 705th EPDC #23284 VETS® also will maintain ManicanI Island Assn (45-46) #21803 25th Inf Div, 35fh Rgt, D Co (Korea 50-52) 726th Amphib Trac Bn (WWII) #15873 reunion coordinators' mailing NAS Trinidad VPB-208/VPMS-8/VP-48/FASRON- #30141 735th Tank Bn Assn #16468 105, Mar Det (46-49) #17790 lists and unit archives, and han- (SP) 25th Inf Div, 35th Rgt, L Co (Korea/WWII/VN) 738th (M) Tank Bn (WMII) #15240 Naval Photo Sqs Assn #11853 dle all reunion publicity needs. #12469 753rd FA Bn, All Btrys (WWII) #17998 NTC Bainbridge Boot Co 215 (Aug-Oct 51) 25th Int Div (SASC) #19285 754th FA Bn #11056 Tell us what you want, and we #23549 26th Inf Div, Scout Dog PItn (Korea, 51-54) 756th Tank Bn Assn (WWII) #15714 will do the work. NTC Great Lakes Boot Cos 29-33 (39) #15373 #19747 759th MP Bn (Berlin 45-53) #12396 Nuclear Weapons Assn (NNWA) #19763 27th Engr (C) Bn (WWfl) #10006 779th AAA Bn, Hq/A/B/C/D Cos #16522 FACILITIES #22121 PATRON 45 Assn (VP-45/VP/VPB-205/VP-MS-5) REUNION 28lh Inf Div, 110th Rgt, 2nd Bn, Co F (50-53) 788th AAA AW Bn (WWII) #12797 S TRAVEL #23563 792nd AAA AW Bn (WWII) #16103 Avn Bn #14956 PatRon 9 (VP-9) #19699 30th Inf Div, 119fh Rgt, G Co #15610 808th Engr Call VETS® for the lowest 809th Engr (VTO/II) #15885 PC-1176 #14451 30th Inf Div Assn #19319 Avn Bn Assn PC-1228 USS Munislng #17619 possible hotel, banquet, tour and 32nd Gen Hospital (ETC, WWII) #11140 819th TD Bn (VlfWII) #15629 SLCU-34 (UlithL WWII) #11921 travel rates. 36th Cav Recon Sq (WWII) #10126 843rd AAA AW Bn (CBI) #16444 865th Engr Avn Bn #16603 Special Task Air Grp (Stag One) #21468 (573) 474-4444 36th Engr (C) Rgt (WWII) #16469 Engr Avn (WWII) #14042 United States Veterans, Inc. #12345 37th Inf Div, 148th Rgt (Camp Perry, OH) #10632 873rd Bn 40th Cav Recon Trp (WWII) #16208 874th/875th A/B Engr Avn Bn #21117 USNAB Bremerhaven: Weser/Rhine River Ptis FINDING A BUDDY Bn 40th DIv, 108th Inf Rgt, K Co (WWfl) #13940 945th FA #10351 #13055 957th Ord HAM Co (ETO, WWII) #19897 USS AbnakiATF-96 #17667 Looking for a buddy or long 43rd Inf "Winged Victory" Div (WWII) #14963 Tank Bn Assn (WWII) #10386 987th Arm'd Arty Bn (WWII/Korea) #19573 USS ABSD-2 Floating Drydock #10453 lost relative? Finders/Seekers* 44th 1056th Engr PC&R Grp (WWII) #12656 45th Inf Div, 179th Rgt, C Co (WWII/Korea) USS ABSD-4 (Drydock) #18032 service will send you a comput- #20481 1123rd MP Co #12203 USS Alabama BB-60/SSBN-731 #18025 1302nd Gen Serv Engr RgL B Co #21220 er listing of names, addresses 45th Inf Div, 279th Rgt, 1st Bn, Hq Co #15871 USS Albuquerque PF-7 #13038 1402nd Engr (C)As$n #12539 Alcor AR-10/AD-34 #13487 and phone numbers of people in 45th Inf Div, 700th Ord Maint Co (Korea) #19705 USS 1471st Engr Maint Co (VKWII) #23572 USS Alexander J Luke DE-577 #13637 the 50th/291st Army Band (Ft Monroe, VA/Campotsu, the United States who have 1874th Avn Engr Bn (WA/Paclfic, vmil) #14143 Japan 53-55) #23562 USS Algol AKA-54 (All Eras) #17809 same name as the person you're 8221st Fid Arty Topo & Met Det (Korea) #21795 52nd Combat Avn Bn, Camp Holloway Assn USS Allagash AO-97 & Atlantic Fleet Oil ASA Philippines, 8609 #11623 seeking. Finders/Seekers® guar- #11292 Assn #10646 Frankford Arsenal () #20108 antees you will get at least one 74th Sig Co (SP) (WWII) #21178 USS Allen M Sumner DD-692 #17980 Nat Counter Intel Corps Assn #10935 USS Amsterdam CL-101 #18480 it will 76th Inf Div, 76th Cav Recon Trp #15850 name that matches, or Ston-Oka (all)/25th RepI Depot (Camp Stoneman, 77th Ord Depot Co (Ger, 50s) #23552 USS Arctic AF-7 #18221 refund your money. Search fees Okinawa WWII) #15711 81st Inf Div, 322nd Rgt, C Co, "Wildcat Div" USS Arcturus AKA-1 (AK 18) #10793 are $15 per name. Allow four Trust Military Police Assn (281st MP Co, 88th MP (WWII) #10925 USS Ariel AF-22 (42-45) #23553 Pit, 17th CIC Pit) #19299 weeks for a reply. 81st Inf Div "Wildcats" USS Arkansas BB-33 Assn (IncI Mar) #17774 Assn (WWf, WWIf) USAHS Shamrock (WWII) #10984 Write: Finders/Seekers®, #20950 USS Arthur Middleton APA-25 (WWII) #17062 USS Ashland LSD-1/48 Assn #17499 P.O. Box 901, Columbia, MO 85th fnf Div, 310th Med Bn, B Co (Italy, WWII) USSAftu CVE-102 #17990 474- #21660 65205-0901; or call (573) Bagley 86th Inf Div, 343rd Rgt, 3rd Bn #20521 2nd/4th Beach Bns #18185 USS DD-386 Assn #17424

4444. MasterCard/VISA and " Bainbridge 86th Int Div "Blackhawk Assn #11019 2nd NOB Spec (WWII) #19843 USS DD-246 #18098

Discover accepted. 91 St Inf DIv, 362nd Rgt, E Co #19279 6th NCB #28328 Please turn page

• THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 /|B )

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USS Barber DE-161/ADP-57 #23560 USSKimberly DD-521 #18410 USS AV-8 #18245 WWII) #15153 USS Bausell DD-845 #19294 USS Kitkun Bay CVE-71, VC-5/63/91 (WWII) USS The Sullivans DD-537 (DESRON-52) #12262 8lh AF, 401st Bomb Grp (H) #15137 USS Beckham APA-133 (44-45) #19545 #17842 USS Thomas E Eraser DM-24 #13284 8th AF, 491st Bomb Grp (H) (WWII) #12412

USS Benner DD/DDR-807 Assn #17867 USS Kitty Hawk AKV-1 (41-46) #14865 USSTingey DD-539 #12264 14th AF Assn "Flying Tigers ' #11447

USS Betelgeuse AKA-11/AK-28 #10785 USS Kwajalein CVE-98 (WWII) #17423 USS Tirante SS-420 (WWII) #22499 15th AF, 485th Bomb Grp (Venosa Italy, VI/WII) USS Bigelow DD-942 #19213 USS Lacerta AKA-29 #10397 USSTolman OM-28 #21286 #15052 USS Blair DE-147 #19446 USS Laurens APA-1 53 #21207 USS ARG-4 (44-72) #17390 19th TC Sq (Southern Cross) #16852 USS Blakeley DD-150 #12271 USS Leonard F Mason DD-852 #17973 USS Tyrrell AKA-80 (WWII) #14469 20th AF Group (VWII) #23187 USS Blue DD-387 #10458 USS Leutze DO-481 #21538 USS/USCGC Lansing DE/DER-388/WDE-488 22nd Bomb Sq (M), 341st Bomb Grp (M) (CBI, USS Blue DD-744 #14498 USS Lexington CV-16 "Blue Ghost" Assn #18688 #17025 WWII) #16756

USS Boggs DD-1 36/DIV1S-3/AG-9 (WWII) #18478 USS Lowndes APA-1 54 #17452 USS Vesuvius AE-15 (WWII) #17095 27th Air Transport Group Assn (all sqs, WWII) USS Bogue CVE-9 Assn #13965 USS Ludlow DD-438 #17614 USS Vincennes CL-64 (Incl Mar/Avn) #18705 #16857 USS Bosque APA-135 #12525 USS ARG-2 (all yrs) #18268 USS Wasmuth DMS-15/DD-338 #13602 27th TCSq #10345 USS Bremerton CA-130/SSN-698 #18427 USS Lynde McCormick ODG-8 (61-91) #11528 USS Wasp, Sq VT-81 (WWII) #23354 36th Ftr Grp (39-47) #15125 USS Bridge AF-1 #10391 USS Lyon AP-71 #17948 USS Waukesha AKA-84 #18275 38th Air Depot Grp, Rpr Sq (WWII) #21841 USS Bugara SS-331/USS Llonfish SS-298 USS Macon CA-132 Assn #11212 USS Wheatear AM-390 #10157 89th TC Grp/80th AAFBU #16882 #13910 USS Major DE-796 #10419 USS Wickes DD-578 (WWII) #17708 308th/343rd Sig Cos Wing (WWII) #20266 Cablldo LSD-16 #22227 Makassar Strait CVE-91/VC-97 #23094 USS William C Lawe DD-763 #17799 USS USS 348th Ftr Grp, 340th Ftr Sq (WWII) #15032 USS Calvert APA-32 #17817 USS Manderson Victory AKA-230 #19765 USS William Seiverling DE-441 #18859 373rd Ftr Grp, 4121h Ftr Sq (WWII) #19464 Canberra CA-70/CAG-2 (Incl Mar, 43-71) Marshall DD-676 (DESRON-52) USS Winooski AO-38 (41-46) USS USS #12267 #16312 376th Bomb Grp (H) Assn (WWII) #12382 #10038 USS Maryland BB-46 Assn (20-47) #17421 USS Wiseman DE-667 (all, 44-72) #20438 384th Grp, 6th Serv Sq, 443rd Sub Depot Sq USS Carronade/Clarion RIver/St Francis USS Mayo DD-422 #17862 USS Woodford AKA-86 (WWII) #17691 #20523 River/White River (VN) #21565 USS McGowan DD-678 (43-60) #17624 USS Worcester CL-144 Assn (Incl Mar/Avn) 388th Bomb Grp (H) Assn #10378 USS Casco AVP-12 (41-45) #21814 USS Menhaden SS-377 #12299 #18578 407th Sig Co (AVON, WNW) #22706 USS Champlin DD-601 #10449 USS Miller DD-535 (DESRON-52) #12468 USS Wyandot AKA-92 (44-62) #17916 435th TC Grp, 78th TC Sq (WWII) #20336 USS Chara AKA-58/AE-32 #21417 USS ARG-3 (WWII) #17603 USS Yorktown Assn S Air Groups (43-70) 436th TC Grp, 81st/82nd TC Sqs #16986 USS Charleston PG-51 (all hands 36-46) #21027 USS Mingo SS-261 #21277 #22397 439th TC Grp, 93rd TC Sq (VWII) #15030 USS Chepachet AO-78 #17703 USS Moale/Cooper/Sumner (Ormoc Bay) #21529 VB/VPB-146 #17362 483rd Bomb Grp (H), 566th Air Engrs (WWII) USS Clamagore SS-343 #10398 USS Mobile CL-63 (Incl Mar) #18011 VC/VAW-35 Assn #22292 #16904 USS Clarendon APA-72 (WWII) #23401 USS Montour APA-101 #14722 VF-53 (Sans Reproache, 48-58) #18464 871st A/B Engr Bn #10322 USS Collingsworth APA-146 (WWII) #17825 USS Mugford DD-389 #23048 VP-28/HL-8 PATRON 28, PB4Y-2 Privateers only 9/15th AF, 323rd Grp, 331st Air Serv Sq USS Coral Sea CVB/CV/CVA-43 Assn #17967 USS Nassau CVE-16#17379 (47-53) #19217 (Africa/Italy, WnWII) #10666 USS Core CVE-13/VC-6/1 3/36/58 #18547 USS Navarro APA-215 #14588 VP-731 (Korea, 50-52) #10591 1126th/1 399th MP Cos Avn (WWII) #16937 USS Cortland APA-75 (WWII) #17649 USS Newcomb DD-586 #21305 VPB-117"Blue Raiders" #21299 Air Mech Class 3-43 (Embry-Riddle Avn) #23100 USS Cotten DD-669 #18087 USS New DD-818#14425 VP/VPB-23 (41-45) #13477 Pilot Classes of 1944 (WWII) #14972 USS Coucal ASR-8/Divers (all yrs) #11479 USS New Kent APA-217 (WWII/Korea) #14943 Roswell AAF/Walker AFB Vets Assn (Incl Civilian, USS Cowell DD-547 (all crews) #21165 USS Newman K Perry DD-883 #14477 AIR FORCE 41-67) #11570 USS Craven DD-382 #17866 USS Norris DD/DDE-859 Shipmates Assn #21313 USS Crockett APA-1 48 #11476 USS North Carolina BB-55 Assn #17623 8th AF. 1st SAD (Honington-Troston, Eng, 42-46) USS Cummings DD-365 #18003 USS Observation Island AG-154 #23565 #16840 MARINES USS Currituck AV-7 (WWII/High Jump/Korea/ VN) USS Ocklawaha AO-84 #18908 8th AF, 303rd Bomb Grp (H) (VWII) #22625 1st/2nd Amphib Recon Co #13355 #14598 USS O Hare DD/DDR-889 #22036 8th AF Heritage Museum (Mighty Eight) #23575 1st Mar Div, 1st Rgt, 1st Bn, B Co (WWII) #30001 USS CunissAV-4 #17956 USS Oklahoma City CL-91/CLG-5/CG-5/SSN-723 13th Bomb Sq "Grim Reapers" (Korea) #10387 1st Mar Div, 1st Scout/Recon Co (Vmil) #21893 USS Dace SS-247 #12298 (Incl Mar/Flag Staff) #14655 22nd Rescue Boat Sq (Korea) #22463 1st Mar Div, FMF, Replacements Drafts (Korea, USS Damato DDE-871 #17520 USS Omaha Assn (CL-4/SSN-692) #10475 28th Air Base Grp (Ellsworth AFB) #19052 50-53) #23573 USS Darter SS-227 #12297 USS Osage LSV-3 (WWII) #12421 41st RSM/6913th/7011th Pers Proc Sqs (Ger 51- 2nd Mar Div Assn (All Eras) #10839 USS David W Taylor DD-551 #17770 USS Owen DD-536 (DESRON-52) #12261 57) #21419 SrdJASCO #17144 USS Dayton CL-105 #18528 USS Oyster Bay AGP-6 #18370 50th Ftr Bomb Wing (52-58) #22437 3rd Mar Div, 11th Engr Bn (WWI/Korea/VN/ USS Deuel APA-160 (43-56) #12285 USS Ozark LSV-2 (WWII) #13453 51st Ftr Intercept Wing (Korea/Japan/Okinawa Peacetime) #17231 USS Edgar G Chase OE-16 #17590 USSOzbourn DD-846 #22619 48-58) #15027 3rd Div, 3rd Rgt, 1st Bn, C (42-45) Edison DD-439 #10610 Panamint AGC-13 (Incl Mar) #21349 Mar Co USS USS 58th Ftr Assn (WWII-Present) #22918 Patterson DD-392 #11011 USS Edwards DD-619#18472 USS #17704 84th Bomb Sq, 47th Bomb Wing (B-45/B-66) 3rd Mar Rgt, 3rd Bn, L Co (VN) #23527 USS Eldorado AGC-11 (44-72) #18100 USS Pavlic APD-70 #18150 #18796 Enright DE-216, APD-66 (WWII) USS Pelias AS-14#21397 5th Amphib Corps Sig Bn Assn (WWII) #14323 USS #13213 85th Bomb Sq #15164 USS Eugene A Greene DD/DDR-711 #12683 USS Pine Island AV-12 Assn #18457 11th SBC Class (Quantico, 51) #19570 89th Serv Sq, 305th/54th Ser Grp #19182 USS Fessenden DE/DER-142 #10988 USS Point Defiance LSD-31 #12663 Avn Supply Marines (East chapt) #17100 90th Bomb Sq (LNI), 90th Ftr Sq (Korea) #10621 USS Flint CL-97 Assn #18603 USS Polaris AF-11 #11564 Mar Air Warn Sq 11 (Kume Shima) #17134 96th Air Ref Sq (Alius AFB, 53-65) #19967 USS Formoe DE-509 #23176 USS Porter DD-800/DD-356 (WWII/Korea) Mar Barracks (Clarksville, 67-69) #21145 98th Bomb Grp/Wing Assn (all yrs) #10890 USS Frank E Evans DD-754 Assn #22287 #18165 Mar Sq/VMD-354 (Photo Sq, WWII) #13141 330th Bomb Grp (VH) Assn (Guam 45) #21842 USS Franktord DD-497 #21408 USS Portland CA-33 #17884 Canal Marines (41-45) #10342 339th Ftr SqAssn (47-58) #10707 USS Fremont APA-44 #18378 USS Portsmouth CL-102 (44-50) #13907 US Marine Raider Assn #10671 340th FMS Recip Engine Shop (Whiteman AFB, USS Frybarger DE/DEC-705 #17690 USS President Polk AP-103 (WWII) #12172 VMF/VMA-211 Assn #12431 54-62) #23548 USS Gen A E Anderson AP-1 1 1 #221 74 USS President Warfield IX-169 (Normandy 44) VMSB-341,MAG-32 #17094 344th Bomb Grp (M) Assn "B-26 Marauders USS Gilmore DE-18 (WWII) #18805 #16107 #15010 USS Glendale PF-36 #23324 USS Preston DD-795 #18446 548th RTS/6th Photo Tech Sq (Yakota AFB, 47- COAST GUARD USS Gordius ARL-36 #18995 USS Raby DE/DEC-698 #13447 60) #19787 USS Greene APD-36 (WWII) #13970 USS Ramapo A0-12(19-46) #17682 LST-22 (WWII) #19901 756th Sq Assn (756th TCS/TAS/MAS) #10258 USS Greenwich Bay AVP-41 #13685 USS Randolph CV/CVA/CVS-15 #17875 LST-67 #13684 906th Air Refuel Sq #15179 USS Guadalupe AO-32 (all crews) #17729 USS Regulus AF-57 #17856 LST-829 (W/WII) #17037 1095th Sp Rept Sq (Bossier AFB) #22922 USS Guslatson DE-182 (WWII) #20374 USS Republic AP-33 #19519 USS Coos Bay WAVP-376 #23551 3917th Alrbase Grp, 3931st Airbase Sq #23508 USS Halsey Powell DD-686 #13029 USS Richard S Bull DE-402/USS Eversole DE-404 USS Cor Caroli AK-91 (WfWII) #17049 7505th USAF Hospital #21612 USS Hancock CV/CVA-19 Assn (Incl Mar & Air (WWII) #13472 USS Gen Robert L Howze AP-134 (WWII) #21703 AFHQ Cmd Flight Line Crews #23550 Grps, 44-76) #11031 USS Riddle DE-185 #20445 USS Glendale PF-36 (43-45) #17031 All Helicopter Personnel (Sewart AFB, TN) USS Harrison DD-573 #22248 USS Robert E Peary DE-132 (WWII) #13476 USS Harveson DE-316 (43-46) #10081 #23576 USS Hector AR-7 #18267 USS Rogers DD/OOR-876 #11123 USS Leonard Wood APA-1 2 (Incl Navy) #17048 Pilot Class 48-C #20552 USS Hickox DD-673 (DESRON-52) #12265 USS Roper DD-147/APD-20 #22189 USS Manitowoc PF 61 #23557 Pilot Class 52-G #11210 USS Highland APA-119 #21951 USS Rotanin AK-108 "Mr Roberts" #22656 Postal/Courier Assn (AFPCA) #10869 USS Hinsdale APA-1 20 (Incl Mar, WWII) #10596 USS Rudyard Bay CVE-81, VC-77/96 #18336 USS Hogan DMS-6 #22317 USS Rutland APA-1 92 (44-45) #11208 MERCHANT MARIIME #17392 USS Holder DD/DDE-819/DE-401 #10026 USS Sabine AO-25 ARMY AIR FORCE Pennsylvania Schoolship Assn #23360 USS Hopi ATF-71 #12033 USS Samuel N Moore DD-747 #20353 USS Hopping DE-155/APD-51 #17706 USS Samuels Miles DE-183 #17961 2nd BAD Assn (Warton Eng, VlfWII) #16987 USS Howard W Gilmore AS-16 (44-80) #11774 USS Sarsfield DD-837 (45-76) #13352 4tb Emerg Rescue Sq (SW Pacific, WWII) MISCELLANEOUS USS Hunt OD-674 (DESRON-52) #12472 USS Seawolf (SSN575) #23561 #16909 593rd JASCO Assn #16073 USS Hunt DD-674 (WWll/51-63) #18437 USS Sigourney DD-643 #19665 5th AF, 314th Comp Wing, Hq/Hq Sq (WWII)/314 Berlin US Mil Vets Assn #23395 USS Huse DE-145 Assn (43-70) #18453 USS Sigsbee DD-502 (WWII) #11001 Air Div (Korea) #16841 Dakota Bull Session #21683 USS Intrepid CV-11 (Assn ot former Crew mem- USS Silverstein DE-534 #17636 5th AF, 45th Hq/Hq Sq, 8th/480th Air Serv Sqs POWs #23568 bers. Central States Chapt) #23569 USS Simpson DD-221 (WWII) #22039 (Vmil) #16855 Korean War Vets Assn (Nat) #21767 USS Intrepid CV-11 (IL & IN Chapt) Former Crew USS South Carolina CGN-37 #19938 5th AF, 69th Serv Sq (PTO, WWII) #14277 Korean Vets Nat'l Reunion #10017 Members Assn #23570 USS Steele DE-8 #13252 5th AF, 71st Tac Recon Grp, 17/82/1 10th Recon & War Moroccan Reunion Assn #17273 USS Intrepid CV/CVS-11 (PA Chap) #10060 USS Stephen Potter DD-538 (DESRON-52) 25th Liason Sqs #22045 USS JackWWiIke DE-800 #18382 #12263 5th AF, 80th Serv Grp (Australia, WWII) #19608 Nat Conf of Vietnam Vet Ministers #23339 (Anaheim, Vol- USS Jarvis DD-799 #18482 USS Sterett DD-407 #17664 5th Air Force, VBC (5th Bomb Command, WWII) Serviceman's Center of Orange Co USS John C Calhoun SSBN-630 #18079 USS Sterlet SS-392 #18331 #23213 unteers/Military 68-70) #23544 USS John Rodgers DD-574 #17503 USS Swanson DD-443 #18330 7th AF, 58th/531st Sqs (WWII) #23547 SHAEF/ETOUSA Vets Assn (WWII) #20450 USS Kaskaskia AO-27 #18021 USS laconic AGC-1 7 #22178 8th AF, 364th Ftr Grp/Supt Units (Honington South Carolina Vietnam Era Vets #23325

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This is part of why 13ers typ- Bennett, "I'm disgusted by the failure LUCKY 13 ically have little faith in a bright future of my colleagues to impart a historical for America, and it's no wonder. memory of a time when public officials Continued from page 37 And yet— in another of the intrigu- were held in higher esteem." ing ironies that characterize this genera- Most 13ers slough off attacks from tion—Gen Xers as individuals derive their elders, declining to play the role eliminating many would-be babies. A enormous hope from their youth. While of helpless victim. They have learned decade later, the legalization of abortion countless surveys show many of them that whining about the present doesn't led potential moms to end nearly one believe the world as a whole is going to accomplish anything, nor does taking pregnancy in three throughout the hell, most also believe that they, per- on Boomers in a full-scale frontal as- 1970s— more than 9.3 million abortions sonally, will be among the lucky few to sault. "Mostly," Davis says, "we don't through 1981. This makes the 13th the survive and bring forth another era of care. If a Boomer wants to feel better most-contracepted, most-aborted gener- 1950s style abundance and happiness. by thinking we're slackers it doesn't ation in history. (At least it'll be first in "We're a very pragmatic generation," bother me. If I decided to argue with something.) Davis says. "We expect the worst and them I could bring up everything from

It followed that families begun by plan for it. This actually makes us more Vietnam to Roe v. Wade to show we're the late Silent Generation and early likely to succeed as individuals." surviving their mistakes." Baby Boom (b. 1943-1960) were com- Willard goes a step further. "Having paratively small. In this case, however, So if I seem a Boomers and to overcome these hurdles has made fewer kids did not mean more time for little hard, it's just Silents seem all our generation resilient, flexible and each. Demographers tell us that parents too eager to blame strong through diversity. We don't see kic'kid aSa. spent more time away from the family: —£ 13ers for the in- ourselves as slackers, so before some- From 1960 to 1986, the average crease in juvenile one else labels us, let him walk a mile parental time available to children fell crime, violence, lower scores on stan- in our shoes." about 40 percent. dardized tests and other societal ills. And 13ers are learning to apply that Ron Davis, a 32-year-old Texan, be- Conservative and libertarian Gen Xers same logic to their careers as well. lieves that all across America, parents counter that many of the problems with Daunted by the surplus of Boomers used the television to pick up the slack. this supposed teenage wasteland can be clogging the access roads to traditional "Seems most Xers had parents who attributed, at least in part, to Silent-era professions, 13ers strike back in other wanted as little to do with them as pos- experimental education, with its em- ways: They form bicycle messenger ser- sible, so they used the TV to take care phasis on self-expression rather than vices, establish start-up companies in of them. In the '70s and early '80s par- learning hard facts. Willard says a high-technology fields, or create entire enthood in general went on hold. Xers causal effect exists between the soci- industries based on a nostalgia for 13er were neglected. Families broke up," etal experiments with education prac- cultural icons. Perhaps the most well- Davis says, " 'for the good of the chil- ticed through the 1960s- 1980s and the known poster boy for his generation is dren.' Right." Howe says 13er children current illiteracy and diminished acad- 25-year-old Marc Andreessen, co- heard parental surrogates like Mister emic achievement of his generation. founder of Netscape Communications, Rogers and Big Bird explain how won- He blames mainstreaming, the placing makers of the most widely used Internet derful life could be... then those same of remedial children into the general browser software in the world. His com- kids went out and got a good swift kick student population in an attempt to in- pany had $500 million in sales last year. in the pants, especially in urban areas. crease their learning. "The slow kids "Sure, we have to deal with things The New York Times says that dur- have dragged down the faster kids, and that previous generations never had to ing every 100 hours on American inner- the faster kids give up because they are deal with," says Colligan, "but we also city streets, three times more young bored." have more power than our parents men lose their lives in gunfire than were And remember that lack of voting could ever realize. Things will hap- killed in the 100 hours of Desert Storm. problem? Stephen Bennett, professor pen." Strauss and Howe agree, predict- Other statistics show young male resi- of political science at the University of ing that 13ers will learn to make the dents of Harlem face a higher risk of Cincinnati, blames much of it on the sacrifices needed to ensure the commu- mortality by age 25 than that faced by schools' failure to teach civics. "As a nity's long-term survival. As Willard says, "We have developed a strong sense of distrust of our government, while at the same time vehemently lov- ing our country." In fact, while Boomers simply decry today's chaotic k DISCOVER THE SECRETS age of diminished expectations, ir Seven hotels and meeting space for 300 younger Americans believe that— with * New 12,000 square foot conference center hard work and sacrifice — they can * Walking distance to restaurants and shops journey to a better life. The difference, * World War II Manhattan Project Sites Willard says, comes in how you define * American Museum of Science & Energy "success." 00^ -k Near Museum of and the Smokies * Close to 1-40, 1-75 and the Knoxville Airport Blow up the No one can predict outside world. the future, of -SOUNDGARDEN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU course, but Howe believes that the "free-agency child- 302 S.Ttilane Avenue, Oak Ridge,TN 37830 • 1-800^87-3429 Please turn page

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that each individual take personal re- newed emphasis on marriage and fami- sponsibility for their actions, but not ly, refusing to make the same mistakes IUGKY13 turning a blind eye to those given a bad as their parents. "Right now we're fo- lot by fate. cusing on getting things done in our Continued from page 50 Americans, and indeed citizens personal hves."

around the globe , have seen generations Xers thus shield their children in hood" experienced by 13ers will "en- answer the call to action time and again. ways their parents never dreamed of able them to serve this country well in Be it military, political or economic doing. Willard doesn't let his children its next time of troubles, which should conflict, little is new except the proper watch powerful but horrible images of come just as they enter mid-life." They names. So until the latest crisis rears its carnage from Bosnia, as he remembers are, he adds, "the perfect generation to ugly head, the task at hand is family his confusion witnessing the blood have around at that time." Their skills life. Gen Xers apparently have decided spilled in Vietnam. Other 13ers ap- as cunning entrepreneurs and bottom- to change the world one family at a plaud Barney, while Silents blanch at line tacticians will create a hard-boiled time, starting with their own. Filippello his saccharine outlook. 13ers try to cre- but beneficent state of mind, insisting and Colligan believe Xers place re- ate mysteries again about sex and

drugs, or at least explain it clinically, instead of laying everything out like a soft-core porno film from the 1970s. All this while ensuring that the children of Gen X, known as Millennials, won't have to depend on an improvident gov-

ernment 's subsidy. A 13er parent of two toddlers, Jen- nifer Christianson already knows what she must do. "We will forever be more responsive to the pleas of our children than our parents. We might have gained the vision to see the wrongs of the world from our parents, but we correct them PER ROOM for the sake of our children. This might PER NIGHT be only natural," Christianson contin- UP TO FOUR ADULTS ues, "since our parents never gave us SUNDAY -THURSDAY much else other than their vision." That personal emphasis, however, means less time can be spent right now Qdl Nw & Receive FREE Comedy Mc(gic on political machinations. "We won't scream until something really affects Tkkts, Tw-For-One' B4ets, A FREE us negatively," says Filippello. But a lack of screaming doesn't por- Fun Bo(kMAQ$ When You Check In. tend a lack of feeling. While it might be difficult for past generations to under- stand, being slacker doesn't preclude This summer, it s easy to stay at the a MAXIM Hotel & Casino, the Las greatness. Willard, Davis and their 1 3er brethren simply ask their elders to Vegas playland for adults who love children wait a while before writing off this (but travel without them). For only $29.95, generation. It's still early. Historically, you and up to three adults can stay at one of nn generations similarly defined by Southern Nevada's most exciting resorts. Strauss and Howe produced politicians The MAXIM is a 24'hour world of like Washington, Adams, Truman and entertainment with 800 comfortable rooms maxim Eisenhower; writers like Twain, Dick- and suites. Complete amenities include three HOTELXCASINO inson, Hemingway and Fitzgerald; fine restaurants, three great buffets, swimming Catering To Adults leaders like Carnegie, Rockefeller and pool, unisex beauty salon, gift shop, a Patton. Maybe U.S. Rep. Patrick Who Love Children spectacular casino featuring the latest slots, Kennedy, author Bret Easton Ellis and ( But Travel Without Them. video poker, table games and sportsbook. tech-head Andrew Busey just need a little more time for others to recognize You're in the heart of the action at the For Mure \n(o Or Fur Reservations their accomplishments. Maxim Hotel and Casino! Coiiveniently Perhaps Jean Marie Navetta, a se- located only 10 minutes from McCarran (800)634-6987 nior at Montclair State University, says International Airport arid just steps from Across From Ballys, it best. "Generation X is not synony- .the fabulous Las Vegas Strip.. Plenty of Just Steps From mous with apathy. The whole portrayal easily accessible covered and surface of Generation X as slackers makes us The Las Vegas Strip! parking, and hospitality second to none! easy to market for advertising types, 160 EAST FLAMINGO • L AS VEGAS, NEVADA 89109 but it's just a myth perpetuated by a lib- eral media and advertising moguls. This generation is truly aware of the things that matter. So you'd better watch out: Here we come."

52 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 1996— will abate any propensity prob- lems. The American FEW GOOD Bruce Orvis, a senior behavioral scientist at National Defense Research Legion Extension Continued from page 39 Institute in Santa Monica, California, doesn't even think the word "problem" Institute Legionnaire and member of the applies. "I don't think you can point at The Extension Insti- Louisiana National Guard. Attributing what is going on and say it's a prob- tute was developed to provide every the decline of patriotism to the end of lem," says Orvis, "because while we member of The Amer- know propensity numbers are down, the Cold War, Roland asks, "What do ican Legion, American you get patriotic about?" that equates to only a small decline in Legion Auxiliary and "Very rarely do they think about potential supply in kids who are willing Sons of The American Legion an opportunity war," echoes Sgt. William Rivera, to join the armed forces. If you look at to learn and discover the rich re- public opinion polls, you will find that who has logged a dozen years as a history, programs, policies, cruiter in Wichita. "It is a concern, but the military has done pretty well com- developments, positions and future goals it is not a reality." In fact, the prospect pared to some of our public sector." of our organization. of actually having to fight a war can Perhaps Roland, studying to be a You can order a single set for your own seem so unreal that people tend to for- Russian linguist for the Army, sums it use, or multiple sets at reduced cost for use with study groups, fundraisers, get why the Army exists in the first up best. Yes, she joined primarily be- membership incentives, etc. Graduates cause she knew the military would pro- place. Some young servicemen and receive a cap patch and certificate. women were shocked when they were vide her with an edge in today's com- 1-3 sets »10.00ea. deployed to Saudi Arabia in January petitive job market, as well as help her 4-24 sets *9.00 ea. 1991, the first time the Individual Re- pay university bills. But bottom line, 25 or more sets *8.00 ea. action Forces were deployed since the she was willing to serve her country in (Prices include stiipping & liandling) Vietnam War. return for assurances that some of her and Remittance To: "They never in their wildest dreams own needs would be met. "It makes it Mail Order Extension Institute thought they would be called to ser- sound negative that we join for selfish IMationa! Emblem Sales, Dept. D reasons, but at least," she says, "we are vice," says Rivera. "They just wanted P.O. 60x 1050 the benefits." Refusers either were de- joining." 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JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • [jj been ruled out." "We need a multi-pronged effort," In some jurisdictions, safety chiefs says consultant Olson of anti-terror CIVIL DEFENSE have taken the initiative. Chicago Fire strategy. "We need training and detec- Chief John Eversole contacted both the tion, and we need to reshape the em- Continued from page 29 military and the Chemical Manufactur- phasis of our intelligence gathering and ers Association for information on analytical posture. We need to raise the sarin nerve gas. Eversole also arranged bar to make things more difficult for Chiefs' Terrorism Conference Team. for his crews to be trained by National the terrorists." "The reason is, this is all new territory Guard hazardous materials experts. In The Senate has approved legislation for us." Los Angeles, the county's disaster to help combat the threat of terrorist use First responders from nations where medical officer. Dr. John Celantano, of weapons of mass destruction. Con- terror attacks are common have begun organized training for emergency ser- gress also has set aside funds to help lo- providing advice, Forgy says. vices in preventing hospital contamina- cal authorities plan for incidents of do- At a recent international conference, tion by victims of chemical or biologi- mestic terrorism. a fire brigade chief from Northern Ire- cal weapons. Additionally, President Clinton has land warned that terrorists have blocked Federal agencies, meanwhile, have ordered airports to tighten security and or attacked fire stations to prevent become more vigilant. In January and run criminal background checks on all emergency crews from responding. April of 1996, for example, the FBI cir- airline workers with access to secure In addition, the chief said, terrorists culated a terrorist-threat alert, warning areas. have developed an insidious "sucker of a "potential for terrorist activity in Clinton also has proposed another punch" technique in which a secondary the United States" on or around April $1.1 billion in funding for anti-terror- bomb targets rescue crews. 19, the anniversary of the Oklahoma ism measures. Had that been known in this country City bombing. In turn, the secretary of As Sen. Nunn said in June before at the time of the Oklahoma City defense warned base commanders to his 1996 retirement, "I, like many of bombing, rescue efforts would have be on guard and ordered review of se- my colleagues, believe there is a high been handled differently, Oklahoma curity and emergency plans. likelihood that a chemical or biological City Fire Chief Gary Marrs told Senate But, as the world learned during the incident will take place on American investigators: "The extremely high Olympics, even apparently secure ar- soil in the next several years. We do number of people allowed to enter the eas can be attacked. All the intense pre- not want to be in a posture of demand- [bombed] structure in the first hours cautions taken in Atlanta did not keep a ing to know why we were not prepared. would have been much more restricted relatively small bomb out of Centenni- "We do not," Nunn concluded, until a secondary device could have al Park. "want a domestic ."

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JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • the Soviets, the Chinese or the North things I would have liked to have seen Koreans. I personally never thought done differently, most were directly VIETNAM those to be realistic concerns since all attributable to decisions being made, three had their own problems, some or heavily influenced, by civilian advi- Continued from page 33 dealing with each other. But even sors who knew little or nothing about Johnson's own advisors were giving how to fight and win a war. achieved that lost the war. That, along him different messages and pressures. Certainly the failure to follow my with not continuing the bombing and In fact, he once told me if he had it to recommendations to cut off the flow disruption of supplies going into South do over, he would have gotten rid of of supplies down the Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, and, of course, the Case- all of the advisors he inherited from Trail was one of the biggest frustra- Church Amendment. [The Case- the Kennedy Administration except tions. I would have liked to see us able Church Amendment was added to an for Dean Rusk. I could tell — mostly to go into Laos and Cambodia to get appropriations bill for 1974. In it Con- by his demeanor— there were things that job done more effectively with gress mandated that no funds be he would have done differently, mili- ground troops, but the politicians expended to make possible any further tary decisions he would have looked at didn't want us to for a number of rea- assistance to in the differently, had he not been influenced sons they deemed sufficient. And there form of American military presence.] by his advisors the way he was. were many other things. The strict I have never known a more consid- observance of the Demilitarized Zone, Q. Do you think the Vietnamese erate and thoughtful man than Lyndon even though the enemy attacked from have been honest with us in resolv- Johnson, and I can tell you he suffered there. The failure to arm the South ing the fates of Americans missing greatly at the loss of each and every Vietnamese Army with M-16s early in action? American who died in Vietnam; he on. Not being permitted to go after the A I don't know that for certain. All I felt the pain suffered by their families. enemy when he retreated across the do know is it bothers me a great He was very conscious about how he DMZ. But I also had trouble with the deal that there are still some Ameri- would look in history; no president fact there were too many government cans unaccounted for. However, I wants to be seen as a loser. But his agencies— the CIA, State Department, think the Vietnamese accounts are concern for American servicemen and U.S. Agency for International Devel- probably accurate because I don't women was immense. opment and the like — each with its know what their motivation would be own agenda. to do otherwise. They're in an awful Q. Did you ever privately disagree economic mess, and they can't look to with LBJ, or his Secretary of Q. In his book, In Retrospect: The the Russians to get them out of it. I Defense, Robert McNamara, on how Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam, would think they'd not want to risk the war was being prosecuted? McNamara says the war was a mis- jeopardizing any chance of getting A I never disagreed with them pub- take. Have you read his book, and, help from us by secreting information licly or privately. That is not a if so, what are your feelings? about missing Americans. soldier's prerogative. A soldier simply A Yes, I've read the book. I don't enforces the will of the civilian gov- agree with McNamara' s remarks,

Q. What are your feeUngs on nor- erning body. For me to have done oth- and he knows I don't. I was shocked malizing relations with Vietnam? erwise would have been patently and amazed when I read that. It was A I think the time has come. The unprofessional. I did make my recom- totally out of order and very disturbing Vietnam episode is old news. mendations, however, sometimes of to me, as I can imagine it must have There is no advantage for us to not my own doing, sometimes at their been to all who served in Vietnam. make moves in that direction. It will request and sometimes quite strongly. I can't say I recall McNamara ever be unsettling to some people who have But in the end, I did what I was told to doing anything contrary to a decision strong negative feelings, but that hap- do when a decision had been reached. he reached in my presence or in that of pened with Japan, too. Life goes on. the Joint Chiefs of Staff. But he some- The current administrators are the Q. And what about today, now that times brushed aside our suggestions. ones who'll have to pass judgment, you are retired? Can you tell us McNamara 's a very complex man. He and they'll have to accept the conse- what frustrated you the most? tended to make decisions based on quences, if any. Alt's a horse of a different color numbers, not on other factors that now, isn't it? Looking back, there should have been considered. I believe

Q. In his post-presidential years, were many times I silently disagreed for the most part he did what he did Lyndon Johnson express regrets with decisions handed down, and I thought best; but I've often felt he about the way he handled the war? was extremely frustrated by many. In exercised way too much influence A I got to know President Johnson particular, I felt, as I pointed out in my with the president. In the end, I think well and became good friends book, that however desirable the the cut-and-run people finally got to with him while I was serving in Viet- American system of civilian control him. I thought he was a dove then, and nam, after he stepped down as presi- over the military, it was a mistake for I think he's even more of a dove now. dent and after I became Chief of Staff. appointive civilians lacking military I remained friends with him until he experience, knowledge of military his- Q. What do you see as being the died. I know he often agonized about tory, and knowledge of communist legacy of Vietnam? the war and what he could have done machinations to wield such great influ- A One has only to look back at why to bring about changes that would ence. Overall control of the military is we were in Vietnam in the first have been more favorable to us. But one thing; the shackling of profession- place. To do so, I refer to a part of Pres- during his presidency he was under a al military men by civilians who lack ident Kennedy's inaugural address in great deal of pressure not to do any- military understanding is another. So I which he told the American people: thing that might invite a response from would say while there were many "...Let every nation know, whether it

• THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 —

wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay the media should be ashamed of how

it veterans, and I any price, bear any burden, meet any treated Vietnam theamerican legion hardship, support any friend, oppose think it had a lot to do with the any foe, to assure the survival and suc- deplorable ways veterans were treated. cess of liberty." We in the military took Dispatch those words seriously. But we didn't Q. Since those who served in Viet- keep that commitment — not we the nam are now of grandparent age, military, but we as a nation. I think that what should they tell their grand- Topical. is certainly a big part of our legacy. children of why they should be Thought provoking. I worry, however, about the legacy proud? we must have left with other nations, A Well, it's just not conceivable Timely other allies, as a result of Vietnam. I that it would be otherwise. They Easy on your wallet. find it hard to believe they would trust were given a job, and they did it to the our resolve and commitment after the best of their ability, subject to limits way we handled that crisis. The war in imposed on them. There's simply no NEW SUBSCRIPTION? the Gulf helped us to some extent, but reason to be anything but proud. Vietnam must be yet in the backs of RENEWAL? our allies' minds. Q. Do you have any message to It's those who served under you? easy. Just send us a check or use your VISA Q. What can you say to those who A Yes. And to do so, I go back to served under you to help offset the what I said earlier about President or MasterCard. barrage of negative press they have Kennedy's inaugural remarks. It is in received over the years? that context Americans were sent to $15 for one year (22 issues) Alt is regrettable the Americans the battlefield... to pay any price, to who served in Vietnam took the bear any burden, to support any friend, The American Legion brunt of the bad press that came out of to oppose any foe, to ensure the sur- Dispatch the war. They didn't get much media vival and success of liberty. Those attention for the thousands of good serving in Vietnam answered that call P.O. Box 1055 things they did— civic improvements, and performed superbly. I am Indianapolis, IN 46206 humanitarian efforts or the valor they extremely proud to have served with Call 630-1349 displayed. Those things don't make them, and I hold a special place for (317) good headlines, I guess. I've long felt them in my heart.

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JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • |jj number of biological weapons. Indiana Republican Richard Lugar SLEEP WELL WE LOST NEW YORK recently told his Senate colleagues, "As a consequence of the collapse of Continued from page 31 Continued from page 28 the Soviet totalitarian command and control society, a vast potential super-

Defense Secretary William Perry, the Alas, extortion is just one possibility. market of weapons and materials of most important reason to be concerned Emphasizing that today's terrorists mass destruction is becoming increas- about the future of Russia is that it still already have shown a willingness to ingly accessible." possesses 25,000 nuclear weapons, use conventional explosives and chem- Nor is the Soviet arms supermarket more than 6,000 on missiles capable of ical agents without warning, Victor H. the only source. Here in the United reaching our shores. Reis, an assistant Secretary of Energy, States, chemical and biological agents And Russia is not the only super- told a Senate panel, "We must there- are cheap and easy to manufacture. power threat. Consider the sleeping gi- fore assume that nuclear terrorist de- "The materials used are the same as ant that is the People's Republic of vices could be placed and detonated those used to make fertilizer or to per- China. without warning." form medical procedures," Domenici

While the United States has pursued Related to nuclear terrorism is the noted. Their formulas are readily avail- a course of political appeasement, Chi- threat from non-explosive radiological able through open sources, including na continues to violate the human devices. Though less dramatic in na- university libraries on the Internet. Bi- rights of its people. Such intimidation ture, this is in some ways an even ological agents in particular can be in- has spread beyond its borders in Chi- worse threat because of the relative cubated in a private kitchen using high na's foreign policy. ease with which terrorists could obtain school chemistry equipment. "Stored Last year, China's authoritarian the components: an x-ray machine in something as simple as a mayon- communist government attempted to from a dentist's office; irradiated mate- naise jar, the biological agent is com- influence 's elections by stag- rials from a hospital; radioactive matter pletely undetectable," said Domenici. ing military exercises in the Taiwan from medical laboratories or construc- But those who lack even the most ba- Straits and firing ballistic missiles with tion sites; and even linens from a can- sic biochemistry skills need not feel left dummy warheads near the coast. A se- cer treatment facility. out; the toxins in many cases are as easy nior Chinese official boasted then that Any of these could be used to sicken to come by as something you might or- the United States would back down in a innocent Americans, or to terrorize der from the home shopping channel. confrontation rather than risk losing a them by announcing that a populated Senate investigators discovered that West Coast city to China's ballistic area had been converted into the equiv- a militia member in Ohio recently pur- missiles. alent of a toxic waste dump. chased a supply of bubonic plague Intelligence reports indicate China For example, if the World Trade germ from a mail-order research center has about 100 nuclear missiles, 15 of Center bomb had been packed with the in Maryland. "He posed as a bona fide which are capable of reaching the west insides of a half-dozen x-ray machines, researcher and ordered the toxin by ex- coast of the United States. It also has the building would have become unin- press delivery," says Olson. "He was caught because the company got suspi- three new missile systems under devel- habitable. Additionally , experts say , ra- opment to be launched from sub- dioactive substances would have sick- cious when he called to complain that it marines and trucks. ened—or surely at least traumatized— was taking too long for the virus to ar- The crucial issue facing the United anyone downwind of the site. (One rive. The company called the FBI." States is ballistic missile defense. need only think back on the hysteria In yet another case, an anti-tax

Without it, we have no future because that followed the Three-Mile Island de- group ordered a kit to produce ricin, a one day the missiles could start flying bacle to appreciate the state of panic highly toxic substance derived from our direction. All we will have to "pro- that would likely take hold in the wake the castor bean. The group apparently tect" us are the promises of old arms of any such terrorist act.) hoped to use the poison on agents of control agreements. And for the record, this scenario is the Internal Revenue Service. Their We have the technological capabili- not altogether hypothetical: In Novem- plans were thwarted when an insider ty to deploy an effective strategic de- ber 1995, the world experienced its notified authorities. fense system now; all that is lacking is first episode of radiological terrorism Once obtained, these horrific mate- political will. when Chechen rebels planted a 30- rials can then be distributed via aerosol The major political obstacle to pound container of radioactive cesium spray; dumped into a city water sys- strategic defense is the 1972 Anti-Bal- in a Moscow park. The episode tem; or simply sprinkled atop a fruit listic Missile Treaty, which Russia now squelched any remaining doubts about display in a public supermarket. openly admits the Soviet regime violat- whether zealots would actually go so The terrible spectre of chemical ter- ed in several ways. far as to employ such a device. rorism has been most closely associat- Most reasonable people would Nuclear terrorism is not the only ed with the Aum Shinri Kyo cult in agree that to remain undefended prospect that keeps experts awake at Japan. First, there was the Tokyo sub- against ballistic missiles in a hostile night. For many, a more immediate way incident. In December of 1996, world is folly, perhaps even suicidal. concern is the danger from chemical Japanese police uncovered additional The clock is ticking, and we must de- and biological weapons. Not only are chemical substances that had been ploy missile defenses now. It is time they astonishingly deadly, but they are stashed by the cult. One was a bottle of for the administration and the Congress also readily available. powerful VX nerve gas, in quantity to withdraw from the outdated ABM And once again, a potential source sufficient to kill 15,000 people. Else- Treaty and to fulfill to their constitu- is the former Soviet Union, which at where, Japanese police found enough tional responsibility to "provide for the one time stockpiled 30,000 tons of sodium cyanide to kill 20,000 victims. common defense." chemical weapons as well as an untold There is evidence that the United

• • [jg THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE JUNE 1997 States, too, was subjected to chemical cal or biological weapons. Plans for the stop other nations from helping the

assault. Tragic as it was, the World bomb-sniffing superchip are still in the rogue states develop them. Austrian Trade Center bombing was intended by early stages; deployment remains far scientists, for example, were recently the perpetrators to infilict even greater off. revealed (in 's Sunday Tele- devastation. The original plan— which On the international front, the graph) to have helped Iran assemble a included toppling one massive tower Chemical Weapons Convention would cyclotron for processing uranium. onto another— was to douse victims ban the development, production, Treaty proponents counter that in a with deadly sodium cyanide gas. stockpiling and use of chemical volatile world, every little bit helps. In sentencing the World Trade Cen- weapons. This treaty has not yet been Still, in the end, we are left with the ter terrorists. Judge Kevin Thomas ratified by the Senate but could get a question: Is anything fail-safe? And, Duffy said, "Thank God the sodium vote this session. Critics argue that the we are left with the disturbing answer cyanide burned instead of vaporizing. convention will not prevent nations suggested by the Senate panel's con-

If the sodium cyanide had vaporized, it such as Iran or Iraq from developing clusion: that it's not a question of if, is clear that... the cyanide gas would the prohibited weapons. Nor will it but of when. have been sucked into the north tower and everybody in the tower would have been killed." Affordable With dental care costs rising dramatically over the last decade, chances are you put off dental work because is the basic nature of all SUCH of the expense — and with 60% of all Americans not weapons of mass destruction, be Dental Plan carrying dental insurance, thafs understandable. Don't they nuclear, chemical or biologi- ignore your dental health — because now you have two cal: They function as psychological With Dual ways to save on dental care. "force multipliers" or equalizers. One expert told Senate investigators that Veterans' Dental Insurance Plan "as into era in which in- Savings we move an You and your family are covered for diagnostic and creasingly smaller groups will have in- preventive care, as well as most specialty dental treat- creasingly greater power through Option ment — including crowns and root canals. And you WMD, our country has to be ahead of receive these benefits no matter what dentist you this curve." choose — including your current dentist! Hence a number of measures are be- ing taken both nationally and interna- Save More With Special Dental Discount Benefit! tionally to help curtail the threat. In addition, you can save even more on dental care if Domestically, the Energy Depart- you use one of our network dentists. You will receive ment's NEST has received high marks the Veterans' Dental insurance benefits PLUS dis- for its ability to deal with nuclear ter- counts on the dental services you may need. You save rorism. In addition, at least nine federal in two ways. It's that simple! agencies are involved in gathering and analyzing information to help prevent Complete the coupon below for FREE information on terrorist attacks. Other agencies, in- the Veterans' Dental Insurance Plan and learn more cluding the National Security Council, about how you can save on dental care! FBI, CIA, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, are involved in various aspects of interdiction. Certain mem- bers of Congress as well, notably Sena- The Veterans' Dental Call Toll-Free: tors Domenici and Lugar, have been Insurance Plan is under- 1-800-621-3008, dedicated in their efforts to pass pre- written by Security Life Ext. 284 ventive Insurance Company of antiterrorism measures. Veterans' Dental Insurance The Los Alamos and Sandia nation- America, 10901 Red al laboratories have been heavily in- Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Plan Information Request Form MN 55343. volved in efforts to secure the Russian Yes! I'd like to know more about the Veterans' nuclear stockpile and have helped find Coverage not available in Dental Insurance Plan. I understand information productive work for Russian scientists all states. The availability will be mailed to me. No agent will call. so as to help them resist the temptation of this offer may change. to sell their nuclear expertise on the Not affiliated with or black market. American and Russian endorsed by any govern- laboratories are also developing a plan ment agency. to convert weapons-grade plutonium This policy has exclusions, into a powder form that would make it limitations, reduction of difficult to use in improvised weapons. benefits, and terms under City. State, Zip Other experts have advocated the which the plan may be use of minuscule color-coded plastic continued in force or ( ) filaments, known as taggants, to help discontinued. For costs identify the source of explosives. (The and complete details of Mail to: taggants would only be useful, though, the coverage, call Maginnis & Associates, A Division of KVI in tracing commercially purchased ma- Maginnis & Associates at 332 S. Micliigan Avenue, Suite 1400 1-800-621-3008, terials.) The U.S. military is develop- Ext. 284. Chicago, Illinois 60604 ing microchips that can detect chemi- #GH675 S10145

JUNE 1997 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • |jj| , UEIOH SHOPPER Jeanette, on Nov. 9, 1944, at Tincourt, France. Also looking for soldiers who participated in the recovery LIFE MEMBERSHIPS of the remains of the four airmen killed in the crash. Contact: Willis Cole Jr., 13444 124th Ave. N.E., Kirk- Life Membership notices are published for Legion- land, WA 98034-5403. naires who have been awarded Life Memberships by their Anyone from the 102D AC&W Sq. at Camp Edwards, Posts. Falmoth, MA, 1951-52, and Wheelus Field, Tripoli, MOVING? Life Membership notices must be submitted on official Libya, 1952-53. Contact: Hank Connors, 14 Tangle- forms which may be obtained by sending a self-ad- wood Dr., Riverside, Rl 02915, or e-mail at dressed, stamped envelope to: Life Memberships. The [email protected]. American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Paratroopers who served in the 504th Parachute Regt. IN 46206. in the 82nd Airborne Division or anyone attached to the 504th Parachute Regt. during 1942-1997. Con- Franii Boliren, Harry Boughner, Warren Etzel, Edwin tact: Ed Mokan Sr., Phila. Chp. 82 A/B Assn., 4428 Large Jr., Wiiiiam Blaher (1997) Post 159, Fleming- Ashburner St., Philadelphia, PA 19136. ton, NJ. Veterans of the United States Infantry Regiment, 4th Bobby G. Rouse (1997) Post 94, Snow Hill, NC. Regimental Combat team and all attached units. In James M. Guess, Earl J. Hersh Jr. (1997) Post 328, particular, veterans of the Aleutian Islands campaign Norco, CA. of WWII for regiment history. Contact: Philip Logan, Charles J. Welch (1997) Post 0067, Lincoln Park, Ml. 7200 Danny Une, Manassas, VA 20112-3658. Thomas A. Baker, Lloyd Burkert, Robert D. Gurius, Photos, information and personal experiences on 8- Merlin P. Herrig, John H. Manderscheid, Joseph C. 24, B-25 and B-47 aircraft and units for book northAmerican Offers Naegle, Kenneth E. Valant, Harold L. Zeimet (1997) research. All material will be copied and returned. Post 273, Bellevue, lA. Contact: Wayne Mutza, 8523 W Holly Rd., Mequon, Moving Discount Elsie J. Lajcak, Donald J. Golden (1997) Post 0070, Wl 53097. Oshkosh, Wl. Army service personnel who took part in building the SAVE 40% Malcolm Wheeler Sr. (1997) Post 1587, Versailles, NY. Alaska Highway, CANOL Project, HQ NWSC, 1942- Cecil K. Hyde (1996) Post 103, West Branch, Ml. 45. Contact: Ernest Knapp, 10334 Bellefontaine Rd., On Your Next Henry Cater, Leo Cattoni, Friebert Ellman, Robert St. Louis, MO 63137. Gaul, Dennis Goerss, Allen McLeod, Phillip Rizzo, Marines who served in Parris Island Boot Camp, Pla- Interstate Move! Peter Stasio (1997) Post 264, Tonawanda, NY. toon 152, November 1941. Looking for graduation picture of Pit. 152. Contact: Robert Browning, 62 Emerald Ln., PO Box 764, Chillicothe, OH 45601- North American Van Lines offers 0764. American Legion members a 40% Members of the A Co. 2nd Btn. 7th Cav., 1969-70, discount on interstate moves. Let exposed to Agent Orange. Contact: David Floys, PO Box 1836, Lakeside, AZ 85929. North American, the world's largest IN SEARCH OF... Pilots and crew interested in photos of Pacific WWII professional mover, transport your planes: C 47, Steppin Out and The Grey Ghost; household goods with moving ser- bombers. Pretty Baby, The Dorothy Anne and Gold- This column is for readers searching for groups of vet- en Lady. Contact: Dr. James Reese, 814 Marta St., vices to meet every need and budget. erans for purposes other than forming a reunion (use Lufkin.TX 75901. In addition to saving 40%, you will re- VETS" column) or to find to verify witnesses VA health Army or Navy personnel who served aboard the USS claims (use IN column). ceive up to $50,000 coverage on your COMRADES DISTRESS No Argentina in , Italy, Christmas Day, 1944, notices seeking information relatives or friends will about and/or the run to the that followed. Con- household goods at no charge. be published. Notices are published free, on a space- tact: John R. Dawson, Rt. 2, Box 47, Farmer City, IL For more information or a free available basis. If a notice does not appear within six 61842. estimate, call Andy Mento at Quality months of submission, please resubmit. Members of Platoon 293, USMC Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif., 1953. Contact: Robert H. Reupel, PO Movers/North American Van Lines. Information on crew members of the USS George Cly- Box 8526, Metairie, LA 70011. mer, APA 27, during the Korean War for research. 1-800-524-5533 EXT. 29 Graduates of the first group of second of Contact: R.J. Sr., N. Grannan 1309 Aztec St., the 7A OCS Class #40 that reported for liaison Pilot Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Training Class L-2, Denton, Texas, Dec. 1942. Con- Information on the Berlin Airlift for History Day Project. tact: Cecil Ellzey, PO Box 7, Franklinton, LA 70438. Contact: Brian Hanson, Dr., 6007 Balsam McLean, Anyone who served in the 820th Medical Evacuation VA 22101. Squadron SW Pacific during WWII. Contact: Sal Mis- Anyone served on the 120 from who USS CVE tretta, 24 Wilshire Rd., Kenmore, NY 14217, or John commissioning in 1945 to decommissioning in 1955. Cantando, 1064 Admiral PI., Elmira, NY 14901. Contact: Ed Lang, 203 N. 4th St., Bethpage, NY Anyone from the 160th Inf. 40th Div., WWII, or anyone 11714. who has history book of this unit. Contact: Harry Air in Army Force personnel who served AACS Rudolph, 10538 Ronald Ln., Northglenn, CO 80234. Detachment #38 140th Squadron WWII on Los Negros Island for research. Contact: Carroll T. John- son, 10300 California Ave., Wolcott, NY 14590. & Turn-On Chips Photographs and information of the fire stations from anyone assigned as a firefighter with the 12th CES 21 Lowest Prices at Cam Rahn Bay AB, Vietnam, Feb. 1967-68. Con- a 30 Day Money tact: Jim Mindak, 3647 N. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL Back Guarantee 60641-3038. Personnel who served in the 97th Evac. Hosp. (WWII) 21 / Year Warranty in US or Europe. Information needed to update unit Taps notices are limited to only those Legionnaires Dealer Pricing history. Contact: Charles R. Kent, 529 Williams Ave., who have held high National or Department offices. We a East Liverpool, OH 43920. regret that we cannot extend the honor to all members. Anyone from Platoon #549, USMC recruit depot, San 800'665-7835 Diego, Ca., 1952. Contact: Joseph J. Champagne Jr., 28606 41st Ave. S, Auburn, WA 98001-1307. Charles K. Harding, MN, Nat'l Child Welfare Commis- southern electronics Personnel who served at the Marine Barracks NSA sion (1963-66), Nat l Child Welfare Executive Section 10097 Cleaiy Blvd. • Suite 285 • Plantation, FL 33324 Fort Meade, Md., 1956-57. Contact: Frank J. Podsi- (1966-69), Nat'l Child Welfare Commission V. Chmn. NO FL SALES PLEASE adlo, 177 Wallace Ave., Buffalo, NY 14227. (1967-69), Nat'l Rehabilitation Commission Advisory Anyone from the 633 Ordnance Ammunition Co. with Board (1971-78), Nat'l Legislative Council (1979-89), knowledge of the places this company located dur- Nat'l Foreign Relations Council (1979-82), Dept. Ath- ing the ETO tour of duty, WWII. Contact: Raymond letic Chmn. (1953-54), DepL Child Welfare V. Chmn. Fioroni, Box 467, Avella, PA 15312. (1960-61), Dept. Child Welfare Chmn. (1963-68). Marine Corps personnel who participated in the atom- Lewis McCray, AL, Nat'l M&PA Comm. (1951-52), Nat'l ic test at Desert Rock on 1, 1952. Legislative Commission V. (1957-59), Nat'l bomb Camp May Chmn. FREE Color Catalog! Over 80 Products Contact: John C. Muno, 274 Wheeling Ave., Wheel- Publications Commission (1959-62), Nat'l Civil ing, IL 60090. Defense Comm. (1962-68), Nat'l V. Cmdr. (1968-69), 1-800-800-FWM Anyone who served on the USS Nauset that sunk off Nat'l Americanism Commission (1969-95), Nat'l Leg- Wall hats, t-shirts, pins, the coast of Salerno in the Mediterranean, Sept. 9, islative Council (1975-80, 1983-90), NEC (1978-82), 1943. Contact: John J. Carr, 33 Dana Rd., Concord, Nat'l Americanism Commission Liaison Comm. prints, & much more! 01742. Nat'l Legislative Commission Liaison MA (1978-79), Friends of the Operating room nurses of the 115th General Hospital Chmn. (1980-83), Nat'l Public Relations Commis- Vietnam Veterans stationed in Harrogate, , 1944-45. Contact: sion (1982-88), Nat'l Internal Affairs Commission Charles E. Smith, 24 Abbey Bridge Ct., Lutherville, (1988-89), Dept. V. Cmdr. (1954-56), Dept. Cmdr. Memorial MD 21093. (1956-57), Dept. Boys State Chmn. (1958-76), Dept. 4200 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Former student-pilots of the Field Artillery Liaison Pilot Convention Chmn. (1968-71), Dept. Boys State Suite 106 •Box 108 in Training, who were billeted the Stilwell Hotel, Director (1974-77, 1979-82), Dept. Constitution & Washington, DC 20016 Pittsburgh, Kan., during the early 1940s. Contact: Bylaws Chmn. (1978-83), Dept. Publications Chmn. Non-profit, proceeds support Gordon House, Stilwell Heritage and Educational (1980-83), Dept. Judge Advocate (1982-83), Dept. Foundation Inc., PO Box 1904, Pittsburgh, KS 66762. Finance Chmn. (1993-97), Dept. Americanism Eye witnesses of the crash of a B-17 bomber, the Lady Chmn. (1993-95).

GO • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 ( . i

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* • JUNE 1997 THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE g] , lEEIOH SHOPPER Jeanette, on Nov. 9, 1944, at Tincourt, France. Also looking for soldiers who participated in the recovery LIFE MEMBERSHIPS of the remains of the four airmen killed in the crash. Contact: Willis Cole Jr., 13444 124th Ave. N.E., Kirk- Life Membership notices are published for Legion- land, WA 98034-5403. naires who have been awarded Life Memberships by their Anyone from the 102D AC&W Sq. at Camp Edwards, Posts^ Falmoth, MA, 1951-52, and Wheelus Field, Tripoli, MOVING? Life Membership notices must be submitted on official Libya, 1952-53. Contact: Hank Connors, 14 Tangle- forms which may be obtained by sending a self-ad- wood Dr., Riverside, Rl 02915, or e-mail at dressed, stamped envelope to: Life Memberships, The [email protected]. American Legion Magazine, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Paratroopers who served in the 504th Parachute Regt. IN 46206. in the 82nd Airborne Division or anyone attached to the 504th Parachute Regt. during 1942-1997. Con- Frank Bohren, Harry Boughner, Warren Etzel, Edwin tact: Ed Mokan Sr., Phila. Chp. 82 A/B Assn., 4428 Large Jr., William Blaher (1997) Post 159, Fleming- Ashburner SL, Philadelphia, PA 19136. ton, NJ. Veterans of the United States Infantry Regiment, 4th Bobby G. Rouse (1997) Post 94, Snow Hill, NC. Regimental Combat team and all attached units. In James M. Guess, Earl J. Hersh Jr. (1997) Post 328, particular, veterans of the Aleutian Islands campaign Norco, CA. of WWII for regiment history. Contact: Philip Logan, Charles J. Welch (1997) Post 0067, Lincoln Park, Ml. 7200 Danny Lane, Manassas, VA 20112-3658. Thomas A. Baker, Lloyd Burkert, Robert D. Gurius, Photos, information and personal experiences on B- Merlin P. Herrig, John H. Manderscheid, Joseph C. 24, B-25 and B-47 aircraft and units for book northAmerican Offers Naegle, Kenneth E. Valant, Harold L. Zeimet (1997) research. All material will be copied and returned. Post 273, Bellevue, lA. Contact: Wayne Mutza, 8523 W Holly Rd., Mequon, Moving Discount Elsie J. Lajcak, Donald J. Golden (1997) Post 0070, Wl 53097. Oshkosh, Wl. Army service personnel who took part in building the SAVE 40% Malcolm Wheeler Sr. (1997) Post 1587, Versailles, NY. Alaska Highway, CANOL Project, HQ NWSC, 1942- Cecil K. Hyde (1996) Post 103, West Branch, Ml. 45. Contact: Ernest Knapp, 10334 Bellefontaine Rd., On Your Next Henry Cater, Leo Cattoni, Friebert Ellman, Robert SL Louis, MO 63137. Gaul, Dennis Goerss, Allen McLeod, Phillip Rizzo, Marines who served in Parris Island Boot Camp, Pla- Interstate Move! Peter Stasio (1997) Post 264, Tonawanda, NY. toon 152, November 1941. Looking for graduation picture of Pit. 152. Contact: Robert Browning, 62 Emerald Ln., PO Box 764, Chillicothe, OH 45601- North American Van Lines offers 0764. American Legion members a 40% Members of the A Co. 2nd Btn. 7th Cav., 1969-70, discount on interstate moves. Let exposed to Agent Orange. Contact: David Floys, PO Box 1836, Lakeside, AZ 85929. North American, the world's largest IN SEARCH OF... Pilots and crew interested in photos of Pacific WWII professional mover, transport your planes: C 47, Steppin Out and The Grey Ghost; household goods with moving ser- bombers. Pretty Baby, The Dorothy Anne and Gold- This column is tor readers searching for groups of vet- en Lady. Contact: Dr. James Reese, 814 Marta SL, vices to meet every need and budget. erans for purposes other than forming a reunion (use Lufkin,TX 75901. In addition to saving 40%, you will re- VETS' column) or to find witnesses to verity VA health claims (use COMRADES IN DISTRESS colum notices seeking information about relatives or frier be published. Notices are published free, on a Sweepstakes Entry available basis. If a notice does not appear wit NO POSTAGE months of submission, please resubmit. Process Immediately! NECESSARY

Information on crew members of the USS Geor< IF MAILED mer, APA 27, during the Korean War for res IN THE Contact: R.J. Grannan Sr., 1309 N. Aztc Flagstaff, AZ 86001. UNITED STATES Information on the Berlin Airlift for History Day F Contact: Brian Hanson, 6007 Balsam Dr., M VA 22101. Anyone who served on the USS Mindoro CVE 12 REPLY MAIL commissioning in 1945 to decommissioning ir BUSINESS Contact: Ed Lang, 203 N. 4th St., Bethpac FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO 48 SEWELL NJ 11714. Army Air Force personnel who served in POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE Detachment #38 140th Squadron WWII o Negros Island for research. Contact: Carroll T. son, 10300 California Ave., Wolcott, NY 14590. Photographs and information of the fire station ELECTRIC MOBILITY anyone assigned as a firefighter with the 12t 1 MOBILITY PLAZA at Cam Rahn Bay AB, Vietnam, Feb. 1967-68 tact: Jim Mindak, 3647 N. Tripp Ave., Chica DEPT 7840 60641-3038. PO BOX 156 Personnel who served in the 97th Evac. Hosp. i In US or Europe. Information needed to upda SEWELL NJ 08080-9922 history. Contact: Charles R. Kent, 529 William! East Liverpool, OH 43920. Anyone from Platoon #549, USMC recruit depc Diego, Ca., 1952. Contact: Joseph J. Cham Jr., 28606 41st Ave. S, Auburn, WA 98001-1307 I,,,!.. Ml.,,!.. Ml,. ,1.1. .1.1, ...I. I. .1,1. ,1,1! Personnel who served at the Marine Barrack. Fort Meade, Md., 1956-57. Contact: Frank J. adio, 1 77 Wallace Ave., Buffalo, NY 1 4227.

Anyone from the 633 Ordnance Ammunition Co. with Board (1971-78), Nat l Legislative Council (1979-89), knowledge of the places this company located dur- Nat'l Foreign Relations Council (1979-82), Dept. Ath- ing the ETO tour of duty, WWII. Contact: Raymond letic Chmn. (1953-54), Dept Child Welfare V. Chmn. Fioroni, Box 467, Avella, PA 15312. (1960-61), Dept. Child Welfare Chmn. (1963-68). Marine Corps personnel who participated in the atom- Lewis McCray, AL, Nat'l M&PA Comm. (1951-52), Nat'l ic bomb test at Camp Desert Rock on May 1, 1952. Legislative Commission V. Chmn. (1957-59), Nat'l FREE Color Catalog! Over 80 Products Contact: John C. Muno, 274 Wheeling Ave., Wheel- Publications Commission (1959-62), Nat'l Civil ing, IL 60090. Defense Comm. (1962-68), Nat'l V. Cmdr. (1968-69), 1-800-800-FWM ^ Anyone who served on the USS Nauset that sunk off Nat'l Americanism Commission (1969-95), Nat'l Leg- Wall hats, t-shirts, pins, the coast of Salerno in the Mediterranean, Sept. 9, islative Council (1975-80, 1983-90), NEC (1978-82), 1943. Contact: John J. Carr, 33 Dana Rd., Concord, Nat'l Americanism Commission Liaison Comm. prints, & much more! MA 01742. (1978-79), Nat'l Legislative Commission Liaison Operating room nurses of the 115th General Hospital Chmn. (1980-83), Nat'l Public Relations Commis- stationed in Harrogate, England, 1944-45. Contact: sion (1982-88), Nat'l Internal Affairs Commission Charles E. Smith, 24 Abbey Bridge Ct., Lutherville, (1988-89), DepL V. Cmdr. (1954-56), Dept. Cmdr. MD 21093. (1956-57), Dept. Boys State Chmn. (1958-76), DepL Former student-pilots of the Field Artillery Liaison Pilot Convention Chmn. (1968-71), Dept. Boys State Training, who were billeted in the Stilwell Hotel, Director (1974-77, 1979-82), Dept. Constitution & Pittsburgh, Kan., during the early 1940s. Contact: Bylaws Chmn. (1978-83), Dept. Publications Chmn. Gordon House, Stilwell Heritage and Educational (1980-83), Dept. Judge Advocate (1982-83), Dept. Foundation Inc., PO Box 1904, Pittsburgh, KS 66762. Finance Chmn. (1993-97), Dept. Americanism Eye witnesses of the crash of a B-17 bomber, the Lady Chmn. (1993-95).

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82 • THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • JUNE 1997 . mssima

Cable TV Converters ^ SEND ADVERTISING COPY All classified advertising Is payable In advance by Save money by your jBjll owning AND REMIHANCE TO: check or money order. Please make remittance ^^^BE equipment and you can still re- Eileen Hennessy payable to "The American Legion Magazine." RATES: ceive all basic and premium ^^^^^^^^ The American Legion Magazine $19 per word. Count street addresses and box ^^^^^^^^ scrambled channels through ^^P^^^^^ your local cable company. c/o Fox Associates, Inc. numbers as two words; all city, state and zip codes as Just call and one of our friendly rep- 116W. Kinzie Street three words. CIRCULATION: 2,800,000 per month, resentatives will assist you in finding the right Chicago, IL 60610 DEADLINE: Advertising copy must be received 60 days unit that is compatible with your local cable (312) 644-3888 before cover date of issue desired. All advertisements company. Prices range to from $50 $375. FAX (312) 644-8718 are accepted at the discretion of the publisher.

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JUNE 1997 * THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE • 63 Tightwad Linda: "Is your husband tight with money?" Karen: "I'll say! Every time he pulls a penny out of his pocket, Lincoln blinks at the light!"

Take the Money and Run Judge: "Twenty days or 100 dollars?" Defendant: "I'll take the money, your honor."

Dancing Fool Peter: "I'm through with that irl. Dave: "Why?"

Peter: She asked me if I ever dance." Dave "What's wrong with that?" Peter: T was dancing with her at the time."

If You Can't Say Something Nice... Wife: "You never say anything nice about my family."

Husband: "Sure I do. I always tell people that your mother-in-law is a lot nicer than mine."

Word in Edgewise A woman was complaining to her hus- It's a Dirty Job... band about an ill-mannered friend who had "Waiter," exclaimed the patron, "you just visited. "That woman must have have your thumb on my steak!" yawned 10 times while I was talking."

"I'm sorry, sir," the waiter repHed, "but I "Maybe she wasn't yawning, dear,"

didn't want it to fall on the floor again." replied the husband. "Maybe she was trying soiti m to say something." Wave Goodbye Maggie: "Why did you get rid of your water bed?" if s bt ti Sharon: "Bill and I were drifting apart."

Boast Burst A Texas rancher was visiting an Iowa bio 9t k farmer who was proudly showing off his 200 acres of land. "Is this your whole farm?" the Texan asked. "Why, back in Texas, I get in my car at 5 a.m. and drive all day. By dusk, I just reach the other side of my ranch." The Iowa farmer thought a moment and replied, "I used to have a car like that."

Parting Shots jokes are courtesy of Mil- ton Berle's Private Joke File of 10,000 jokes, available on computer disk for $29.95, plus to $3 shipping and handling. For ordering information, call 1-800- "It's too beautiful to stay in the house MILTIE-B. today, Harold. Let's go to the mall."

• • |)/| THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE JUNE 1997 Omega M)

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