THE VETERAN Vietnam Veterans Against the War 50¢ Volume 34, Number 2 Fall 2004 The Struggle Continues The election is now over, and the tion since then. No political party Veterans for Truth” were doing social justice does not end with this Bush regime has been given four gets a free pass from us, Democrat nothing whatsoever to help vet- or that political administration. more years to carry out its openly or Republican. A Republican win erans. And remember, Nixon won All you need to do is take a trip antidemocratic and pro-imperial- does not demoralize us, and a by a landslide in 1972 and was out through Howard Zinn’s “People’s ist policies. People are looking to Democratic win would not have of office in two years. History of the United States” and see how we in VVAW are going lulled us into complacency. With every new war, VVAW you will see veterans and GIs to respond to the situation that re- We fought our way through is joined by new generations of from every era, Revolutionary sults from this quadrennial event. the repressive years of the Nixon veterans who have decided to War to the present, in the forefront But there should be no surprises administration, and we survived. work for an end to the injustices of struggle. This is our tradition, for anyone who has followed our We have continued our struggles that produce war. We have made and politicians of whatever stripe history. through every successive adminis- a conscious decision to stick in whatever office should be on VVAW was first established tration, no matter what they threw around and continue the fight for notice that we are not going to in 1967, in the midst of “our” war at us. Our victories in helping you, the veterans of all eras. With fade away. and during the Democratic admin- to end the Vietnam war and in this in mind, we actively support The end of the election is istration of Lyndon Johnson. We bringing about the recognition of the newly-formed Iraq Veterans only the beginning of the next have continued our struggle for Agent Orange effects and PTSD Against the War (IVAW). stage in this continuing struggle. peace, social justice and better cannot be denied. VVAW was at We in VVAW have always Join us! treatment for veterans of all eras the forefront in all of these efforts, taken the long view. We recognize during every political administra- when the so-called “Swift Boat that the fight for peace and real Vets Join Protests at RNC David Cline At the end of July, the Repub- behind the lead banners, and lican National Convention as more and more appeared, it (RNC) was held in New York became clear that this was the City to showcase the renomi- biggest contingent of veterans nation of George W. Bush in to join any of the recent anti-war a cynical attempt to play off demonstrations. Many Veterans the pain, loss, fear and anger for Peace and VVAW members caused by the terrorist attacks wore identifying shirts and hats of September 11, 2001. and displayed banners. Other In response, there were a vets wore VFW, Legion and series of mass mobilizations, DAV caps. Many wore their old civil disobedience actions and uniforms and military medals. A other protests against the Bush group of surviving Lincoln Bri- agenda of pre-emptive war and gade vets unfurled their colors. assaults on social programs and A large group of Military civil liberties. Families Speak Out (MFSO) Large numbers of veterans members carried pictures of and military families partici- loved ones serving in war zones. pated in some of these demon- A contingent of Gold Star moth- Mike Hoffman and Rob Sarra of Iraq Veterans Against the War strations. Members of Vietnam ers and fathers marched in grim Veterans Against the War took part lawn. After weeks of negotiations the number organizers had ex- witness to the losses they had suf- in several actions, detailed in the it was agreed that the march could pected. fered from Bush’s folly in Iraq. following report. pass before Madison Square Gar- A contingent of veterans den (site of the RNC) but then and military families assembled continued on page 16 THE WORLD SAYS “NO” TO must proceed down the west side THE BUSH AGENDA of Manhattan to a barren stretch of highway for the post-march On Sunday, August 29, the day rally. before the RNC began, hundreds UFPJ refused to accept this, of thousands of people flooded and the mayor stalled until the last the streets of Manhattan to say minute, hoping that the uncertainty PO Box 408594 “no” to the Bush agenda of war, of the parade route and an accom- Chicago, IL 60640 greed, hate and lies. For weeks panying media barrage warning www.vvaw.org prior to the march, the mayor and of possible terrorist attack and [email protected] the NYPD denied the United for predicting “anarchist violence” Peace and Justice (UFPJ) organiz- would deter many from participat- ers a march route to and rally site ing in the march. Instead, when in Central Park, claiming that the demonstrators began gathering presence of an expected 250,000 on 7th Avenue for the march, the demonstrators would damage the crowd grew to 500,000 — twice 2 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 From the National Office Barry Romo VVAW is a lot stronger now than Our website (www.vvaw. an expansion of cemeteries. you can too. Join us, re-up, become it was a year and a half ago. We org) receives about 13,000 visits Tall order, yes — but we a contact. have around 400 new members, per month these days. The list helped end the war in Vietnam and No matter who gets elected, about half of which are old mem- of people willing to be VVAW Laos and Cambodia with Nixon we’re not going away. We’ve been bers coming home, but the others regional contacts has expanded as president. around for 37 years. We didn’t are new to the struggle. Some are greatly. We’ve also revived our We were walking point on become discouraged when Nixon folks in their fifties becoming ac- military counseling program. post-traumatic stress disorder and Reagan were re-elected, and tive for the first time. And while We want the bombs to stop and Agent Orange without law we didn’t cut Carter or Clinton any 90% are Vietnam veterans, other falling, the GIs to stop dying, and degrees or a big budget while the slack. A lot of promises have been new members are veterans of the Americans to stop killing Iraqis. establishment said we were being made and now must be fulfilled. Korean or Iraq wars. We also We want the VA to be expanded. crybabies or spreading communist VVAW is going to be around have people on active duty and We want every vet to be able to propaganda. for a while. in-country now, providing a voice walk into a hospital and be cared This country is a different for peace and justice from Iraq to for, not put off for six months to place — a better place — and Barry Romo is a national the VA hospitals. two years. We want more than just VVAW made a difference. And coordinator of VVAW.

Late 1960s VVAW demo in Washington, D.C. Have old VVAW photos? The National Office would love to have them in our archives and for the website. Send us copies of the photos or mail us a CD with them scanned at 300 dpi. Please include captions with the year, event and participants if at all possible. Editorial Collective Thanks to Jeff Danziger, Vietnam veteran and political cartoonist, for his generous contributions to this Barry Romo issue. Thanks also to Billy Curmano for "Oxy, the Smart Bomb," and to John Zutz, Bob Gronko, George Joe Miller Weber, Elton Manzione, Alan Reilly and others for contributing photos. Jeff Machota Lisa Boucher VVAW Merchandise • VVAW T-Shirt (L, XL, XXL) - $12.00 _____

• VVAW Hat - $13.00 _____

• VVAW Embroidered Patch - $5.00 _____

• VVAW Button - $1.00 _____

• VVAW Enamel Pin - $3.00 _____

• VVAW Bumper Sticker - $2.00 _____ Mail order and check to: •Shipping ($4.00 for first item, $2 _____ VVAW for each item after, excluding buttons c/o Dave Kettenhofen & bumper stickers) 3550 E. Lunham Ave. St. Francis, WI 53235 Total Enclosed _____ Ship to: Name ______Address ______City, State, Zip ______Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 3 Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Inc. National Contact List For email addresses go to our website at www.vvaw.org. If you need a speaker for an event or class visit or interview, please contact the person nearest you. If there is nobody in your area, contact the National Office at (773) 276-4189 or email [email protected].

NATIONAL Central Coast, CA St. Louis, MO Oklahoma COORDINATORS Lane Anderson David Curry Bill Homans Barry Romo (805) 564-2698 (314) 516-5042 (405) 227-4245 (773) 276-4189 Brighton, CO New Jersey Waldport, OR Pete Zastrow Charles Elliston David Cline Ron Betts (847) 864-3975 (303) 654-1754 (201) 876-0430 (541) 563-3634 Joe Miller Miami, FL Jersey Shore, NJ Emmaus, PA (217) 328-2444 Patrick McCann Gerald Gioglio David Shelly Bill Davis (301) 238-3361 [email protected] (610) 967-2066 (708) 386-1413 Tallahassee, FL Princeton, NJ Levittown, PA David Cline Tom Baxter Annie Hirschman Bill Perry (201) 876-0430 (850) 893-7390 (609) 430-0440 (215) 945-3350 John Zutz Athens, GA Albuquerque, NM Philadelphia, PA (414) 372-0749 Elton Manzione Bob Anderson Jon Bjornson Dave Kettenhofen (706) 369-0546 (505) 858-0882 (215) 438-8883 (414) 481-4614 Chicago, IL Northwest NM Chattanooga, TN Bill Perry Barry Romo Joseph Knight Fritz Efaw (215) 945-3350 (773) 276-4189 (505) 330-7713 (423) 425-4688 Oak Park, IL Las Vegas, NV Austin, TX NATIONAL STAFF Bill Davis Rena & John Kopystenski Dave Collins Bill Branson (708) 386-1413 (702) 399-8012 (830) 868-9055 David Curry Rockford, IL New York San Antonio, TX Jeff Machota Stanley Campbell Ben Chitty Tom Wetzler Lisa Boucher (815) 964-7111 (919) 779-1341 (210) 533-4467 Hannah Frisch Tuscola, IL Cold Spring, NY Virginia Paul Wisovaty David Eisenhower Leigh Hauter MILITARY COUNSELOR (217) 253-2157 (514) 265-3495 (703) 754-4005 Ray Parrish Champaign-Urbana, IL Hudson Valley, NY Northern VA (773) 561-VVAW Joe Miller Jim Murphy Doug Nelson (217) 328-2444 (845) 358-5709 (708) 848-3501 CONTACTS Richmond, IN Hudson Valley, NY Seattle, WA Chuck Yates Dayl Wise Northwest AR Mike Dedrick (765) 966-3221 (718) 231-0616 Dwayne Knox (206) 328-5477 Baton Rouge, LA Hudson Valley, NY (870) 428-5597 Milwaukee, WI Ward Reilly Mike Gillen Arcata, CA Bob Riggle (225) 766-1364 (914) 948-8983 Brian Willson (414) 347-0109 New England Staten Island, NY [email protected] Milwaukee, WI Jerry Lembcke Ramon Rodriguez Southern CA Dave Kettenhofen (408) 793-3050 (718) 447-0049 Leland Lubinsky (414) 481-4614 Jackson, MI Olean, NY (909) 796-6565 Northern WI Arnold Stieber Barry Miller Long Beach, CA Jay Tobin (734) 475-0740 (716) 373-7019 Horace Coleman (715) 832-1989 Minnesota Kent, OH (562) 438-2818 Billy Curmano Brian Slease Northern CA (507) 864-2716 (330) 676-0074 David Ewing Mpls./St Paul, MN Columbus, OH (415) 781-8181 John Anderson Mark Hartford (651) 485-8019 [email protected]

A field of 800 flags was placed near the SE Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day, 2004 4 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Fraggin' Bill Shunas Do you remember Herb Philbrick? we justify sticking in our nose our homes to keep out any toxin for poor kids who go to schools that Back in the Fifties there was a around the world and spending Al-Qaeda sends our way. are short of schoolbooks because TV program called “I Led Three high at Boeing and the rest? They Back then we had an air-raid money has to go to Homeland Lives.” Each episode told the true scrambled for twelve years trying siren go off every Tuesday at 10:30 Security. Anyway, keep a watch stories of Herb Philbrick. His three to get their story straight. When a.m. for practice and to keep us out for neighborhood terrorists lives were: (1) wonderful family Dick Cheney announced that the always alert. I always wondered (A.K.A. gangbangers). man, (2) communist agent in the War on Terrorism was going to why the Russians didn’t attack on There was censorship in United States, and (3) FBI coun- last 50 years, you could just about Tuesday morning. If they did that, the Cold War as well as now. On terespionage man. (How is it that hear the sigh of relief issued by his everybody in Chicago would go, “Nightline” one night, Ted Kop- I can remember the name of a TV brothers on the board of directors “Yeah, right!” and wouldn’t have pel read off the names of our dead character from fifty years ago and at Halliburton. You could imagine time to get into the crouch with soldiers in Iraq. So Sinclair Com- can’t remember the name of some the salivation of the chairman at our hands over our heads to pro- munications — owners of 62 ABC relatives?) When the draft board DynCorp. This sector of business tect ourselves from the A-bomb. outlets — refused to show that sent me my notice for induction, I was again looking good. (Everyone who wasn’t a baseball particular program. Clear Channel was old enough to not be enamored So now we have the War on fan in Chicago in 1959 knew they radio stations have a list of songs by the thought of going to war. Terrorism. Domestically, it looks were going to die. When the White not to be played. Included on that Nevertheless I felt communism very similar to the Cold War. Re- Sox won the pennant in 1959, Fire list are “Imagine” by John Lennon had to be stopped, and if my member Herb Philbrick busting Commissioner Quinn set off the and other anti-war songs from the number was called, well ... like a those commie cells? Well, now we air-raid sirens to celebrate, and Sixties and Seventies. Back in the John Wayne thing (the movie John have to watch out for terrorist cells. it wasn’t 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. beginnings of the Cold War, no Wayne, not the real person John There is a difference, of course. Those who didn’t follow base- controversial movies came out, Wayne), I had to go. During the Cold War, political and ball figured they only had twenty and popular songs were “safe.” So why did I have this Cold military and technical secrets were minutes before the Russian planes Back then, naughty writers were Warrior mentality? What propa- stolen or sold, but any cells bent on would be overhead to end our lives banned in Hollywood, and today ganda was lodged in the memory sabotage or other mayhem either — except for those who had confi- the Dixie Chicks are boycotted. cells deep inside my brain? I’m existed only in someone’s mind, dence in their crouch. Fortunately The worry about communist sure one of the important ones or if they did exist, were harmless. for Chicagoans, we haven’t faced cells probably died in the Sixties was Herb Philbrick. For a couple Al-Qaeda cells, on the other hand, another alarm, because neither of when millions took to the streets to of years there, every week Herb brought us 9/11 and threaten more. our teams has won a pennant in demand civil rights and to oppose Philbrick busted another danger- Whatever they do to us, the most the last forty-five years.) the war in Vietnam. The paranoids ous commie cell. Just think, if important point is that we know Back then we had air-raid in the Johnson and Nixon gov- Herb busted all those cells and they exist. That affects our outlook sirens to keep us on our toes. Now ernments figured that all the cell other FBI agents were doing the and behavior. we have an alert status. Sometimes members were now in the streets. same thing and it was probable that That’s what the government it’s yellow. Sometimes it’s orange Millions of commies. They just they couldn’t get every one, then wants. When we look at these or green or purple and sometimes knew it all along. there must have been thousands of terrorist cells and other Al-Qaeda elevated and sometimes not. What The War on Terrorism is in commie cells in this country back activities, they want us to see the it all means is Homeland Security its infant stages, and we have to in the Fifties. same dangers we saw when we saying “Trust us.” deal with its effects. There are two For forty-four years, Cold looked at international commu- Back in the early days of important and separate aspects War propaganda held sway in nism. Then they get to act and the Cold War, especially when of terrorism as it relates to the this country. It had a large role in spend as they wish. McCarthyism was in its heyday, American people. The first is that allowing politicians and corpora- The Cold War perception people were encouraged to spy on it is real and must be countered. tions to have their way in domestic and the terrorism perception are their neighbors. If they found any- The second is that it is being used and foreign affairs — even if their similarly painted. Back in the thing suspicious they could call by this nation’s ruling class for its way had nothing to do with the Cold War days you had to root out in one of J. Edgar’s men to make own purposes: the suppression Russian or Chinese menace. For and destroy commie cells. Today the neighbor come clean. Now of civil liberties and dissent; and all practical purposes the menace we have to root out and destroy from Homeland Security comes war-profiteering, including the mainly was an excuse for corpo- Al-Qaeda cells. Back then, when the suggestion that Neighborhood pursuit of oil. Like the Cold War, rate America’s efforts to secure we were in grade school, we had Crime Watch organizations be on if the War on Terrorism hadn’t markets and raw materials in other air-raid drills where we had to sit the outlook for terrorists. “Hey, begun in the aftermath of 9/11, countries and feed at the defense in hallways away from windows Matt, that kid across the street they would have liked to invent industry trough at home. If the with our heads tucked between with the heavy backpack looks a it. Now that it’s here, we won’t standoff with the Soviet Union our knees and our hands over little Arabic to me. Do you think hear the end of it for a long time. hadn’t existed, then they would our heads to ward off the nuclear ... ?” “Naw, man, that’s his school- And somewhere, Herb Philbrick have liked to invent it. bombs that were sure to come books.” They say kids are having has a smile on his face. Then suddenly the Red Men- our way. Today we are told to use problems with the weight of their Bill Shunas is a Vietnam veteran ace ended in 1989. How could plastic sheeting and duct tape in schoolbooks nowadays. Except and author. Notes from the Boonies Paul Wisovaty By the time you read this, the Afghanistan and Iraq. Whatever If anything goes wrong in Iraq not be expected to disappear from election will be over. If Bush rare humor may pop up in my — imagine that — he may expect Veteran columns anytime soon. I loses, there won’t be much point columns will understandably be to hear from that half. Fortunately, have no professional credentials in kicking him around anymore. lost on them. those “underinformed Americans” as a historian, political scientist It’ll still be fun, but pointless. If If Kerry wins (not my pre- won’t be able to vote for president or sociologist, and readily defer he wins, well, we have to play diction at this moment), he will for another four years. We’ve had to the more educated members the hand we’re dealt. Either way, be wise to remember that about to suck it up since 2000; maybe of our organization for analysis. we got 150,000 American troops half of the American voting public this time it’ll be their turn. with their asses on the line in wanted Junior to Stay the Course. But back to Iraq, which may continued on page 5 Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 5 My View John Zutz The Veterans of Foreign Wars proposed tribute the reaction The organizers of Our Way months, but I began questioning (VFW) have recently gotten rocked the Richter Scale. They Home contend they will not back what we were doing, and whether themselves into a frenzy. They immediately circled the wagons down. Their 2006 gathering is I had been told the truth in basic discovered that a small town in and began firing. They declared planned to include a concert and training. British Columbia is proposing to the monument was a slap in the speeches by members of the anti- I was AWOL for six days in erect a monument to war resist- face to the 42 million Americans war movement. The Bush admin- Seattle and Tacoma. ers — particularly those who who served in the military over istration denies the president has I was wrestling my own mind dodged the draft and deserted to the years, and termed it a “tribute mentioned this to the Canadian to determine whether I would go to Canada. to cowards.” government. ‘Nam or to Canada. I discovered Nelson, a small town nestled They urged their members So this is just another red her- that it required more courage to go among the Canadian Rockies, to write to the Nelson city gov- ring. It’s meant to divide people slip into Canada than to go along boasts on its webpage that visitors ernment and the chamber of — a fake issue like gay marriage, and get along with the Army. feel they are “coming home.” The commerce threatening to cancel or flag desecration. Here’s an in- I say: go, Nelson. Don’t let proposed monument, which would vacation trips and boycott the area. stitution from the United States the bullies shut you down; you be the centerpiece of a celebration They even urged President Bush trying to impose its morality on didn’t during the war. If I had called Our Way Home, would to pressure the prime minister of independent people, in this case made the other decision, I might feature a bronze statue show- Canada to use his influence to stop from another country. have passed through, and we may ing Canadians helping U.S. war the project. In early November 1969 I need you again in the future. resisters. The Nelson city government was home on leave, on my way The monument and the (perhaps feeling the pressure) to Vietnam. My Lai was on the celebration would be privately has passed a resolution denying top of every news broadcast. The John Zutz is a VVAW national funded. As you might imagine, public money or public space to photos were in Life magazine. I coordinator and member of the when the VFW learned of this the endeavor. had only been in the army for five Milwaukee chapter.

Notes From the Boonies pull out of Iraq — and I’m only advocates that dreaded “cut-and- continued from page 4 assuming that’s the plan — I do run” approach. That would suggest not see long-range Jeffersonian the unsuggestable: America made However, absent another four to Oxford and Harvard and the democracy as our legacy to that a mistake. years of John Ashcroft, I am still Sorbonne; we know what’s best part of the world. If that is your I’ve been wrestling with this allowed to read. Of course, I’d for our dark-skinned brothers who prediction, I would respectfully dilemma for several weeks, which be well advised to borrow books deny Christ.” suggest that you’ve spent too much means I’ve been trying to figure rather than check them out at the But enough about other time flicking channels between out how to end this column. I’m library, but that’s another issue. people. In April of 2003, a local Cartoonworld and presidential also approaching the deadline If you walk up to the average attorney penned a guest editorial press conferences.” for submission of an article to guy on the street in Tuscola (or in the Tuscola Review, lauding Aren’t I the cynical bastard? the editors, and if I miss it they’ll Chicago) and ask him how long Bush for his brilliant plans for Like all of us, I would love to see replace me with a couple of Frank Iraq has been a country, he will handling our post-9/11 world. I our Iraq adventure end well, es- and Ernest cartoons. (I know; you probably say, “I dunno, four or called the editor the next day, and pecially to the betterment of those don’t need to say it.) Lacking an five thousand years.” Close. 1922. said, “Randy, I want either my fifty poor beleaguered souls who reside answer, let me retreat and throw Iraq was created by the victorious cents back, or a rebuttal column.” I within that entity which Woodrow out some questions. Does anyone Allied powers at the Paris Peace got the latter, which of course was Wilson, Lloyd George and M. really believe that our indefinite Conference at the close of World what I was looking for. Clemenceau decreed a “nation.” presence in Iraq will stop rather War I. The last British troops If I may quote from my year- I’d love to see a national legisla- than prolong the bloodletting? pulled out ten years later, and the and-a-half-old editorial (which tive body convene in Baghdad, in Does anyone think that our newly-created sovereign entity of was not preaching to the choir): which some senator stands up and 130,000 pieces of cannon fodder Iraq entered upon the world scene. “You all remember 1095. That says, “I respectfully disagree with have Iraq under control? That Gertrude Bell, a journalist cover- was the year Europe launched my learned colleague from Mosul, they’ll ever get it under control? ing the Conference, noted that “it the First Crusade, which was the and I yield my floor position so That Iraq is right around the corner was an amazing thing to see all first time Western civilization that he may better inform me of from becoming a representative Iraq, from north to south, gathered decided to colonize and civilize his position.” This stuff happens democracy? And finally, that the together. It is the first time it has the Islamic world. Even the here, phony as it sounds and usu- future of that oddly-fashioned en- happened in history.” amateur history student will recall ally is. I just don’t see it happening tity will be any different, whether What happened, according how well that one worked out. anytime soon in Mesopotamia. we pull out tomorrow or five years to my very amateur analysis of (It didn’t.) Nine hundred years (Excuse me: Iraq.) from now? history, was that all those rich, later, this administration’s stated So what’s my point? (Lisa Hell, I don’t know, and I white Christian guys who kicked goal is to establish representative and Jeff tell me that this is a Fre- certainly don’t have the answer to the kaiser’s ass did exactly what democratic institutions in Iraq. quently Asked Question among that last question. So let me refer they’d been doing in Africa for the As much as I’d love to see the my readers.) Who died and made you to a higher authority: “The past few decades. They carved up House of Burgesses resurrected me Carnack the Magnificent? moral of this story, the moral of Mesopotamia the same way they in Baghdad, I have to tell you that When I talk to my history this song, is that one should never carved up the Dark Continent democratic institutions are not a students about Vietnam, I sug- be where one does not belong.” — according to whatever for- flowering shrub you can pick up at gest that if you’ve been doing (Robert Zimmerman, “John Wes- mula met their collective military, Wal-Mart and transplant into your something really stupid, especially ley Harding” album, 1968.) economic and political needs. front yard. They take time, a whole something that gets lots of people A simple but timeless truth. They couldn’t have given a rat’s lot of time, to develop. We’ve been killed to no good end, you have ass less who lived there or what working on ours since 1607, and two choices. You can keep doing it, Paul Wisovaty is a member of may have been those indigenous I have yet to talk to anyone, Re- or you can stop doing it. This time VVAW. He was in Vietnam with populations’ preferences. It was a publican or Democrat, who thinks around, neither Bush nor Kerry, the US Army 9th Division in lot like ‘Nam. “Trust us: we went we’ve perfected them. When we and probably not even Nader, 1968. 6 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 VVAW Letter of Support

In recent months, VVAW and its credibility have come under attack from the loony Right and the mainstream press. As with the Nixon administration, these new voices are attacking us on whether or not we are really vets and whether we spoke the truth about the war and our participation in it. For over 35 years, Vietnam Veterans Against the War has put itself on the line for veterans and active duty GIs. Now we are putting ourselves on the line for Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Since its formation Vietnam Veterans Against the War has opposed unjust wars and supported the welfare of men and women on active duty. Whenever there has been a choice between the welfare of GIs and the interests of politicians, VVAW has always supported the welfare of fighting men and women.

The testimony of VVAW members in 1971 during the Winter Soldier Investigation first brought to public attention the conditions of service in Vietnam. Members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War worked tirelessly to establish the credentials and accuracy of each witness before the investigation. A confidential Nixon administration team led by Charles Colson worked ruthlessly to undermine the testimony of each witness afterward. To this day none of the Winter Soldier Investigation evidence has been shown to have been false.

Vietnam Veterans Against the War has continued to focus attention on the many unmet needs of veterans. Members of VVAW developed the rap groups that served as the model for counseling at veterans’ outreach centers. Vietnam Veterans Against the War was the first organization to draw attention to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the shameful neglect of patients in VA hospitals, the harmful effect of exposure to Agent Orange, and the inadequacies of educational and employment benefits. VVAW fought for amnesty for war resisters, including vets with bad discharges. VVAW has supported Gulf War veterans in their struggles with Gulf War Syndrome and depleted uranium (DU) ammunition.

The current negative attacks against VVAW are an attack on the whole anti-war movement and must be countered.

Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson Chukia Lawton (nurse, activist) (cofounders, Military Families Speak Out) Richard Stacewicz, Ph.D. Fran Johns (Military Families Speak Out) (“Winter Soldiers: Oral History of VVAW”) Ron Kovic (Vietnam veteran, “Born on the 4th of July”) Jane Fonda (actor, activist) W.D. Ehrhart, Ph.D. (poet, writer, teacher) Robert Crowley (Vietnam vet — Army) John Ketwig (Vietnam veteran, “And a Hard Rain Fell”) Rev. Daniel Berrigan (teacher, prisoner of conscience, author) G. David Curry, Ph.D. (“Sunshine Patriots”) Joel P. Scotti (Vietnam vet — Army) Annie Bailey (former regional coordinator, VVAW) Don Becktel (Vietnam vet — Army) John Lindquist (former national coordinator, VVAW) Daniel Bowser (Coast Guard veteran) Ed Damato (former national coordinator, VVAW) Anthony Shafton (Chicagoans Against War in Iraq, Dave “Buzz” Doyle (Gulf War I veteran) Vietnam vet — Merchant Marine) Joe Bangert (WSI testifier, DC-III and more) Tom Hayden (activist) Orlando Tizon, Ph.D. (Torture Abolition and Survivors Paul Appell (Vietnam vet — Army) Support Coalition International [TASSC]*) Gordon Kobayashi (Vietnam-era vet — Army) Sister Alice Zachmann (SSND, TASSC*), Ramon Rodriguez (veteran, retired NYC firefighter) Harold Nelson, Ph.D. (TASSC*, World War II veteran) Dagny A. Rodriguez (retired school librarian) Yoomi Jeong (Korea Truth Commission*) Billy Turtle Warrior Ledger (Vietnam vet — Navy) Jeff Stack (coordinator, Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation*) Carl Davidson, (Chicagoans Against War & Injustice,* *for identification only former national secretary of SDS) Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 7 Leave No Vet Behind Ray Parrish

This is addressed to the GIs who, on the ‘Net or in The Veteran. this information, so read on. tion is the only way to alleviate or just before falling asleep, ask There’s a narrow path through the There’s a fine line separating eliminate it. themselves: minefield of military regulations poor performance from malinger- The issues surrounding “Should I get up in the morn- to that honorable discharge that ing, but a big difference in the UCMJ charges, court-martial and ing and strap on weapons once you’ve already earned, so watch “character” and benefits of the two homosexuality are too complex again? Go out to watch my com- your step or they’ll take it away military discharges. You can get an for this article. Call the GI Rights rades and nameless targets die? Or from you. Remember that the honorable discharge for poor per- Hotline (800-FYI-95GI) or me for should I refuse and scream ‘I’ve path is different for everybody formance if your command thinks more specific information. done enough! I’ve seen enough!’ because rules change and not all that you’ve repeatedly failed to do Military and civilian leaders If I speak up, am I endangering my regularly encourage all military friends or helping? Do this war’s personnel to take pride in every- objectives justify what is done one’s accomplishments and to feel every day? Do the ends justify the VVAW Military Project that they have contributed to any means? Even if I can live with the and all military victories. Instead memories of what I saw, can I live (773) 561-VVAW of being comforted by this, the re- with what I did? Am I the only [email protected] luctant warrior faces a guilt-driven one who feels this way? If I tell “crisis of conscience.” Although what happened, am I betraying my he may only be loading bombs friends and condemning myself? on an aircraft, he feels partly to Will anyone believe me? Am I a commanders are alike. So even the your military job, despite your best blame for the deaths caused by coward for not wanting to do this best-prepared GI should be ready efforts, maybe due to a medical those bombs. Maybe he’s just a anymore? Isn’t it someone else’s for surprises. problem. If they think that your cook, but when comrades come turn? Maybe the only way out is What if the job itself involves failures are on purpose, they can back with blood on their hands, he to stand up during a firefight. Can activities that you find not merely file UCMJ charges against you feels responsible. For those who I tell anyone what I’m thinking? distasteful but morally objection- and give you a less than honorable have to actually pull the triggers, Who will understand? What did I able, such as combat or combat discharge, which takes away your this crisis can be an emergency that get myself into?” support? Some GIs just refuse benefits. So practice looking in- can only be handled by front-line I think that it’s a bad idea to to fight. Others do the job until nocent rather than rebellious. chaplains and doctors. give advice in an article, because refusal no longer endangers their Honorable discharges are Stress causes many GIs to I won’t be the one who has to live friends. Everyone will forgive given to GIs who are no longer suffer from extreme depression, with the consequences of the de- you for doing what you had to able to perform military duties anxiety or other medical problems cisions that are made based upon do in order to survive. For some due to physical or mental health that require treatment. Since GIs this blind advice. My conscience, GIs, one idea is to make yourself problems. If the problem is severe are expected to endure, we often however, forces me to break that indispensable in the eyes of your and disabling, you should be given don’t seek help when we need rule. I’ll start by saying that you’ve supervisors, so they will try to a medical retirement, unless the it. Our families end up suffering got to follow your own conscience, protect you if your efforts to condition may improve, then for this. So we have to look out because you’ve got to be able to help other GIs or your anti-war you can be put on the Temporary for each other and get “at-risk” look at yourself in the mirror every activities cause problems. Take Disability Retired List (TDRL). buddies to the doctor or chaplain. morning for the rest of your life. any opportunity to volunteer for You can also get an Honorable We also have to do our objecting You’ve also got to forgive yourself work that doesn’t challenge your for Other Designated Physical when we can do it safely. And we for whatever you had to do in order conscience. You can show that or Mental Conditions (ODPMC) have to remember that complain- to survive. And you’ve got to go you know the difference between discharge, which are different in ing is always the GI’s right, as to sleep every night knowing that immoral and dirty or even danger- each service and include: person- long as we’re careful to follow you’ll get up in the morning and ous work. ality and adjustment disorders, the UCMJ. work to make the world a little Let’s review some military sleepwalking, bedwetting, claus- better. So you have to balance discharges. trophobia, dyslexia, overweight, the duty to protect your friends, To begin with, a “conscien- too tall, stuttering, and severe yourself and your honor and your tious objector” honorable dis- airsickness, seasickness, allergies Ray Parrish (Sgt., USAF, 72-75) duty to come home in one piece charge or a “CO” noncombatant or nightmares. is VVAW’s military counselor, and show your comrades how it reassignment can be had if you An honorable discharge for providing free confidential can be done. prove to the military that you have hardship and dependency may be discharge counseling; legal, What can I say to GIs who sincere religious, moral or ethical granted if you document the fact medical, and mental health want to serve honorably but who objections to participating in any that separation is the only remedy referrals for GIs and veterans; are afraid that they are fighting an war. If it’s only this war that you to deal with an immediate family VA claim and discharge upgrade immoral war? What would you object to, the CO law doesn’t member’s financial, emotional or help; and counter-recruiting say? Many GIs find themselves help. So if your attitude towards physical need that is severe and and draft information. If you in a situation where they think war has been changed by your not temporary, which has arisen or need help, call him at 773- that their only choices are Death military experiences, try to put been aggravated since enlistment 561-VVAW or email him at or Dishonor. However, reality’s your thoughts in writing, read the in military service, and you’ve [email protected]. not that simple. No matter what regulations and call for help. Most tried everything else. Usually, you choose, there are no guaran- recent CO applicants are denied command will work with GIs to tees that things will turn out the and they are forced into going resolve such problems before a To donate money for VVAW's way that you expected. You can, UA/AWOL, disobeying orders or separation is given. So a humani- Military Project, send checks to: however, improve the odds of other misconduct and end up with tarian reassignment or a transfer VVAW being right, and have a backup a less than honorable discharge. If to the reserves might be tried. A PO Box 408594 plan in mind. Find out how other you’re not a CO and you refuse to complete separation is appropriate Chicago, IL 60640 vets handled problems by talking be pushed into a bad discharge, if those have already been tried, the and put "Military Project" in the to them and reading their stories you are the one who most needs problem is permanent and separa- check memo. 8 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Memorial Day in Milwaukee John Zutz A warm, damp Memorial Day in the hospital auditorium. the same time. Many present were began early for the members and We then moved our A-O to impressed by the symbolism.

friends of the Milwaukee Chapter. Veterans Park, on the Milwaukee Shortly after the salute the John Zutz is a VVAW national Many of us volunteered to escort lakefront, where the annual Me- heavens literally opened, and rain coordinator and member of the hospitalized veterans from the morial Day Parade would end. We flooded the field. Milwaukee chapter. Zablocki VAMC to the ceremo- joined with Veterans for Peace, and nies at Wood National Cemetery. with volunteer help we set up 800 Milwaukee is the only place in the flags, with a name for a boy or girl nation that combines a hospital, who died in Iraq on each one. The regional office and cemetery on idea was to show people what 800 one campus. looks like. We also informed visi- As part of the official cer- tors that if we observed a minute emony, longtime chapter members of silence for each of them we Fred Wallace and Muriel Hogan would be standing quietly for over placed a wreath memorializing thirteen hours. those who didn’t return from war As another veterans’ group and chapter members who have released 10,000 POW/MIA bal- passed on. loons nearby, we performed our After returning our escorted 21-flower salute. We do this by patients to their rooms, we joined ringing a bell (from an old Mil- many of those who had attended waukee fire engine) and throwing VVAW members and friends put names on each of the the ceremony for coffee and rolls a flower into the field of flags at 800 flags placed in Veterans Park

John Lindquist and Bob Riggle assist a hospitalized veteran Muriel Hogan and Fred Wallace are escorted past an honor guard to place the onto the bus for transportation to the Wood National Cemetery VVAW wreath at Wood National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Ceremony Captain

Marc Levy

The Captain lives in North Da- I say, “Sir, Miller was a ninety-day fuckup. Captain says it chief?” kota. The Captain says call col- no-good, brown-nosing, two- was his own fuckin’ fault tripping Captain, in that sweet North lect. Captain recalls LZ Ranch faced, motherfuckin’ coward.” I the automatic ambush, blowing Dakota, career service, post-Viet- overrun, killing dinks in the wire, say Timmy Day kicked Miller’s himself away. nam, post-Panama, post-Grenada, Wilson shotgunning one close chickenshit ass after Captain and Captain went back with post-Desert Storm, pre-Iraq, un- range, blowing her face away. He Burtoni killed the dinks and Crazy Special Forces spring ‘75. Says derstated command voice, Captain recalls Skinny Bob and Ken, the Frank fucked them up. I say Miller he burned secret documents, blew says, “Shit. That son-of-a-bitch runaway dink when Derrig got was big and tall and smart and the embassy, no choppers, wild works for me.” hit, Lt. Noble dead in Phuc Vinh, humped that twenty-five pound civilians, dead Marines, escaped rockets on Quan Loi, Arc Light PRC-25 radio, but that day, that by tank. off Compton. fuckin’ day, Miller hung back, Captain says he met his Captain says he loved com- then ran. second wife on a pistol range. Marc Levy served with D 1/7 bat. Lived for it. Captain com- Captain is quiet. Captain says Damn if she didn’t outshoot him, Cav in Vietnam/Cambodia ‘70 manded three line companies. he doesn’t remember. Captain winning the bet. Been buying her as an infantry medic. His short Spent fourteen months in the bush. says Miller became his RTO in dinner ever since. Captain says story “How Stevie Nearly Lost Twenty years in service. June. Captain says he remembers got to let me go. Fire department the War” was published in New Captain says, “Wasn’t Miller Keith. Captain says Keith was meeting. Millennium Writings, Issue 14 in your platoon?” a no-good E-6 Shake ‘n’ Bake I say, “Sir, are you the (2004-2005). Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 9 Chicago Homeless Standown Meg Miner It was a little surreal working the standdown this Memorial Day. In one half of the armory, older vets in a mixture of military and civilian clothes milled about or sat on cots as the sun came up. In the other half, across a waist-high barrier, an oval of Humvees ready for deployment stood inside the ring and young GIs in uniform passed in and out of rooms on the sides of the martialling bay. I wonder what the two groups thought of each other. I’m sorry to say I didn’t ask. I know other VVAW members talked to the new troops, and I hope to hear their thoughts on the scene. I kept thinking about the Maybe. But I doubt we’ll get a but no one does anything construc- peace-loving angle anymore. politicians who were surely out chance to know. They’ve got dif- tive about it. We hear from every I think I’m going to start ask- distributing wreaths at the feet of ferent priorities for their precious president that we are a peace- ing my elected representatives to impassive stone monuments for time: funding new cemeteries (like loving people, but we go right on go to standdown. Maybe we’ll get the benefit of photographers that the newly-approved $8.7 million sponsoring death and destruction a chance to talk to a few vets to- day. I can’t help but wonder what one in Oakland County, Michi- and skimping on life-sustaining, gether and adjust our priorities. a different country we would be gan) or missile defense systems constructive policies. living in if the people who casually or nuclear weapons programs, to Peace lovers? Our war is involve us in wars would spend a name a few. Funny how they can supposed to secure peace, our day now and then serving food to squeeze out money for all that and occupation is billed as liberation, new and old troops, side by side. still claim there’s nothing left for our justice is conducted in con- Meg Miner is a librarian in Could our politicians even VA hospitals and services. centration camps, behind closed central Illinois and a member of look these troops in the eye? Everyone talks about peace doors. Nope, I’m not buying the VVAW. Homeless Sandwich Run Bob Riggle

Somewhere near Chicago is a stor- VietNow chapter in Villa Park, 51,450 sandwiches served in 2002 even outside the VA building. If age facility where a crack group Illinois, students from Driscoll and 56,100 in 2003, you can see things go well timewise, we ar- of dedicated and very practiced Catholic High School, and people it doesn’t go too far. Along with rive at Pacific Garden Mission at individuals headed by Jim and from DuPage County Probation the lunches, clothing, blankets about 5:30 to serve a hot meal to Virginia Proffitt takes care of with community service hours and hygiene products are also the residents that the mission has business. It’s Sunday, 12:00 p.m., to perform. Anyone fortunate to distributed. Kind of like a rolling prepared. We even get a meal if and this is the place where it all there is food and time left. While begins. A fast-paced regimen, with In about one to two hours over a the day is over for me, not so for flying mayo and shredded lettuce, Proffitt and his merry band (yes, 51 Sundays every year for almost thousand sandwiches are thrown they do all enjoy it). The last part 15 years now. I’m referring to of the run takes until about 10:00 the Homeless Sandwich Run in together, wrapped and bagged. p.m. That’s ten hours, minimum, Chicago. . . . They are later distributed to fifty-one times every year. Simply In about one to two hours amazing! over a thousand sandwiches are some of dowtown Okay, here’s the part you thrown together, wrapped and knew was gonna come. Volunteers bagged. Along with treats and Chicago's homeless. are always welcome, especially soda, they are later distributed during the summer. Donations to some of downtown Chicago’s have helped at the Chicago stand- standdown without the medical of foodstuffs, clothing, blankets, homeless. It’s estimated that at downs is familiar with the great and career services. shoes and hygiene products are least 35 to 40 percent of these are job VietNow always does prepar- Okay, we’ve got the van never in enough supply. Oh yeah, veterans. Jim Proffitt, who along ing the meals. Some have even loaded and it’s time to hit the and money. Money always works. with his wife Virginia began this had firsthand experience helping streets of downtown Chicago. If you’re in a position to donate program 15 years ago in their with a scaled-down version of the With our mission of “Veterans time or anything of need, please kitchen, figures they serve about Sandwich Run. Helping Americans,” we hit west contact Jim or Virginia Proffitt 750 people per week. To think it As with all charitable under- of the Loop, lower Wacker, and at (630) 462-1541 or (630) 209- all began with 30 sandwiches, a takings, it’s not cheap, nor are the Maxwell Street. At designated 7242. small pot of coffee, and an idea of things you’d like always available. stops on our route there are as giving back to some of those on VietNow’s national office pro- few as ten or as many as eighty the streets of Chicago. vides a grant of $800 per month, homeless persons. We stop at a Bob Riggle is an Army veteran This well-oiled operation but materials for the lunches cost past-prime men’s hotel, a few and a Milwaukee-area contact involves members of the local about $300 every two weeks. With under-the-bridge hangouts, and for VVAW. 10 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Memorial Day in Chicago Barry Romo Chicago’s VVAW Memorial Day ceremony was one of the biggest and best this year. About 125 people gathered to hear speeches and make a statement with their presence. First to speak was Rosemarie Slavenas, whose son was killed in Iraq. Her poem for him brought the listeners to tears. Next was Rob Sarra, Iraq Marine vet and former sergeant. VVAW meet him before he was released from active duty and has worked with him since. His speech was powerful, emotional and to the point. He is currently a Midwest contact for Iraq Veterans Against the War. Longtime VVAW member Richard Tapia spoke about Viet- nam, killing and the role of racism. He connected when he said that you have to dehumanize people before you can kill them. Meg Miner, a Gulf War-era Brooke Anderson, Barry Romo and Buzz Doyle at Memorial Day, Chicago veteran and Air Force sergeant reminded us not to equate the war Vet Behind,” elsewhere in this We met after near our office for reminded people of who fights with the warrior. Dave had built issue.) barbecue and drinks and discus- and who pays the price. bridges with GIs and vets. We ended with placing flow- sion and friendship. National Coordinator Joe Ray Parrish, VVAW’s GI ers in the fountain to remember Miller paid tribute to longtime counselor, talked about our mili- the dead on both sides of war. VVAW friend Dave Dellinger, tary counseling program. (Read Just then a monsoon occurred, Barry Romo is a VVAW national saying it was in 1966 that Dave Ray’s new column, “Leave No and I told everyone to run away. coordinator. In Memoriam The weight of grief is heavy on my shoulders. Then rolled the drums of war, I need no special day to bring memories to mind and you were called. of all you said and did. Your still small voice said, “No!” Your face, smiling or grave, is with me always, But the rolling drums rolled on, and child of my heart’s desire. you were gone. I see you small and wondering, “Mom, Into hatred loosed from the gates of hell, What makes the sun go down?” Then your winged bird was sent, thoughtfully, “I know, the wind blows it away.” shot down, and fell. So alive, biking, soccer, swimming, skiing, Your bright future lay bloodied in the sand running, rollerblading, pumping iron. to rise no more. You became so very strong, but always And each day as I grow old, I miss you so. you were gentle and kind. A grave is such a solitary place Your hands, light on the piano keys, for a little boy who loved to play. brought out the sounds of harmony, like wind rustling softly in the leaves, or rain, clear and sparkling on the grass. Rosemarie Dietz Slavenas Careful listening was your way. For Brian Such a bright future you had planned, and you labored long and patiently to realize your dream. Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 11 Presenting the Flag Hannah Frisch

On September 19, VVAW sup- ported a remarkable anti-war rally in the heart of wealthy Republican territory in the Chicago suburbs. The event in Barrington, Illinois honored those who had fallen in the Iraq war and called for bringing the troops home and ending the war. Representatives from local churches and a mosque spoke at the opening ceremony. Cards bear- ing the names of fallen soldiers and long-stemmed lilies were handed out to about 1,000 participants. Lo- VVAW members carrying the coffin cal churches tolled bells for each of the 1,023 deaths of U.S. combat representing the soldiers. At the Military Families Speak Out also families of Army Reservists and troops as demonstrators marched rally, he joined Iraq Veterans co-sponsored. The event was National Guard. in solemn procession behind a Against the War. widely publicized on Chicago- horse-drawn wagon carrying a VVAW co-sponsored the area television and public radio flag-draped coffin to a local memo- event and helped promote it. Ac- stations and was covered in the rial park for fallen firefighters and cording to Paul Vogel, VVAW’s Tribune and in local suburban police. There, members of VVAW participation made it easier for papers. Hannah Frisch is a VVAW and a representative of Veterans other veterans to come out and Paul Vogel also reports that national staff member and for Peace served as pallbearers, support the march. Iraq Veter- the event will be sending a $500 Chicago resident. carrying the coffin up to the base ans Against the War, American check to Army Emergency Relief, of the speakers’ platform. Rob Friends Service Committee and an organization that helps the Sarra, a founding member of Iraq Veterans Against the War and a close supporter of VVAW, gave a moving speech opposing the war in Iraq. Two members of military families spoke next. Then the flag on the coffin was folded while a poem was read by Pat Vogel. In the tradition of presenting the flag to the relatives of the deceased, or- ganizer Paul Vogel told the crowd, “You are the brothers and sisters of the soldiers who have died in Iraq, so I am presenting the flag to all of you.” People then lined up to place the lilies on the coffin. The march and rally had its origin in a display of flags rep- resenting dead soldiers that Paul Vogel placed in the front yard of his Service at beginning in yard with 1032 flags temporary staffing business. Local people would stop in to tell Vogel that they agreed with opposing the war but honoring the soldiers, and the Vogel family got the idea to organize an event. Paul’s son Aaron had just returned from Iraq after serving there with his Army Reserve unit, the 652nd Engineer- ing Company from Ellsworth, Wisconsin. The unit was assigned not to engineering but to MP duty, and four of Aaron’s comrades were killed in Iraq. Aaron worked on the website for the event, and his mother and grandmother helped with publicity. Aaron was shown in a Chicago Tribune photo sitting in the yard in front of his father’s business surrounded by the flags Dave Kettenhofen with the name of one of the dead soldiers 12 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Defending VVAW Against Swift Boat Vets' Lies Keith Nolan There exists a website whose of the men who participated in like My Lai, My Khe, and Son rationalized destroying villages sole purpose is to bash VVAW. I Operation Dewey Canyon III were Thang, and the documented illegal in order to save them.” took offense at the tactics used at genuine veterans of the Vietnam behavior of units like Task Force Good men are allowed to wintersoldier.com and attempted War. This I very much doubt, and I Barker and the Tiger Force of the disagree on something as tragic to post a message at the website’s have searched this website in vain 1-327th Airborne Infantry. as the Vietnam War without one message board. The administrator for even a shred of proof to back I’ve personally heard the side condemning those on the refused to post my message. up these very serious charges. same kind of stories about burned other side of the political line as All this website really has villages, mistreated civilians, and being liars and frauds. Too bad NOLAN TO WINTERSOLDIER: to offer are the personal opinions summarily-executed prisoners that VVAW members like Barry Please consider this letter a protest of historians Burkett and Lewy, dozens of times over from Vietnam Romo, James Duffy, Mark Lenix, against the one-sided arguments who seem to have had no personal veterans who have no political Nathan Hale, Charles Stephens, and underhanded tactics deployed contact with VVAW members and sympathy for the left-wing politics Gary Keyes, Michael Hunter, at this website in order to bash John are instead relying on information of the VVAW. Wars produce atroc- Mike McCusker, Scott Moore, Kerry and the Vietnam Veterans from the Nixon White House. ities. Frustrating guerrilla wars Donald Duncan, Steve Pitkin, Against the War. For obvious political reasons, the produce a particularly horrific and Kenneth Ruth aren’t here to It is one thing to disagree Nixon administration did its best number of atrocities. That some defend themselves against the with the political philosophy of in 1971 to discredit Kerry and the individual soldiers and certain charge that they never served in the VVAW, or to argue that the VVAW. They came up with one units responded with excessive combat and invented their stories organization drew false conclu- VVAW leader (Al Hubbard) who brutality in Vietnam shouldn’t re- about Vietnam. sions about genocide-as-policy had lied about his rank and exag- ally surprise anyone. I know many Keith Nolan (author of RIP- based on the isolated war crimes gerated his military service. And good men who stayed true to their CORD, OPERATION BUFFALO, its members saw in Vietnam. that was it. They did not identify moral compass in Vietnam and SAPPERS IN THE WIRE, etc.) It is another thing entirely, any other phony veterans, nor did served with distinction and honor. Here’s the response I got however, to defame those combat they identify by name a single I also know many good men who from the website administrator: veterans who joined the VVAW as fraud who provided testimony in have spent their lives regretting the misfits, frauds, liars, traitors, and Detroit. things they did under the pressure WINTERSOLDIER TO NOLAN: dupes of the KGB. What rubbish. Who were all the liars and of combat back when they were Sorry, but we feel no obligation You would never know from this frauds in the VVAW? No one nineteen- and twenty-year-old to provide space for those who website that General David Shoup, seems to know. And what exactly grunts in Vietnam. wish to denigrate and marginalize USMC (Ret.), who earned the were they lying about in Detroit? And why the desire at this what we’re trying to accomplish. Medal of Honor in World War II, One or two possibly-exaggerated website to whitewash the coun- Consider writing your own web publicly supported John Kerry and stories aside, the great majority terproductive brutality of General site. Admin the VVAW in 1971. of those who testified in Detroit Westmoreland’s search-and-de- Keith W. Nolan has been Every veterans’ organization described the exact same kind of stroy strategy? As has been noted interviewing Vietnam veterans attracts a certain fringe element, abuses and atrocities that show by many disgusted infantry offi- and writing about their and I don’t doubt, as is charged up in the court-martial record of cers, Westmoreland’s search-and- experiences since 1978. He is here, that a charlatan like Mark the war, in memoirs written by destroy strategy resulted in thou- author of ten books on the Lane included false testimony Vietnam veterans, and in histo- sands of destroyed villages, tens war, including “Ripcord,” in his book about Vietnam. It is ries written by academics. I don’t of thousands of civilian casualties, “Operation Buffalo,” “Sappers also charged here, however, that understand how this website can hundreds of thousands of refugees, in the Wire,” and “The numerous phonies gave false so blithely dismiss the Detroit and drove the rural population of Magnificent Bastards.” He lives testimony at the VVAW’s Winter testimony when the stories told Vietnam into the arms of the Viet near St. Louis, Missouri. He can Soldier Investigation in Detroit, in Detroit mirror the documented Cong. Kerry was only speaking be reached at: and that only about thirty percent war crimes committed at places the truth when he said that “We [email protected] Chicanos in the Ranks Barry Romo (reviewer) Soldados: with narratives of the Vietnam DVD had been made; based on the Chusma House Publications Chicanos in Viet Nam War. (Chicanos are sometimes book, it’s a terrific documentary P.O. Box 467 By Charley Trujillo called Mexican Americans.) featuring interviews and vintage San Jose, CA 95103 (Chusma House Publications, There are few books about footage. At 28 minutes in length, (408) 947-0958 1990) Chicanos in the military, but even it’s perfect for the classroom. This www.chusmahouse.com if there were thousands, this one is much more than just Chicano or Soldados: would stand out. Trujillo relates the ethnic studies, just as “Glory” was Chicanos in Viet Nam lives and experiences of Chicanos more than just about black troops. Barry Romo is a national The Documentary from the cotton fields of Corcoran, I highly recommend it. coordinator of VVAW. By Charley Trujillo and California to the rice paddies of The book and DVD — and Sonya Rhee Vietnam and back home. a whole lot more — are available (Chusma House Publications, This year I discovered a from: 1993)

I really don’t do reviews, except sometimes to talk about other things beyond the film or book. Not this time. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the book, “Solda- dos: Chicanos in Viet Nam,” filled Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 13 Winter Whether John Prados To suggest that John Kerry lied ally presented in Detroit in early give depositions. When the Naval Marines made an incursion into in describing American atroci- 1971 represented only a small Investigative Service tried to pull Laos (Operation Dewey Canyon) ties when he returned home from percentage of the total number of VVAW members into an inquiry, that was illegal under U.S. law Vietnam, a number of conserva- questionable events these soldiers it found one Marine who either — were later shown to be true. tive commentators have noted that witnessed in Vietnam. could not or would not give details And in the years since the winter he relied on the testimony of the The veterans who appeared of what he had seen and allegedly soldiers convened in Detroit, the Winter Soldier Investigation, a at the Winter Soldier Investigation located several other veterans general premise of their gathering meeting of antiwar vets that took included both officers and enlisted who said they had never gone to has been validated: American sol- place in 1971. Last week, Na- men — more than a hundred in all Detroit. (O’Neill had cited this diers did indeed commit atrocities tional Review editor Rich Lowry — with service dates from 1963 same information in his televised in Vietnam; the most famous, the described the investigation as a through 1970. They represented debate with Kerry.) But even if My Lai massacre of March 1968, “since-discredited project that a wide array of units: the Special true, these incidents were far too was merely the starting point. The gathered first-person accounts of Forces (Green Berets); the 1st limited to establish anything in names of villages like Son Thang alleged atrocities from American and 3rd Marine Divisions; the particular about the Winter Soldier and Thanh Phong, locales of other vets.” Earlier this month, Eric Fett- 1st Cavalry Division; the 101st Investigation; the fact that some acknowledged atrocities, are now man wrote in The New York Post Airborne Division; the 173rd Air- of the winter soldiers declined to burned into the memory of histo- that the investigation was hatched rians. The actions of Tiger Force by a “conspiracy crackpot” and The main thrust of the soldiers' of the 327th Airborne Infantry in later exposed as a “mass of fabrica- the Central Highlands in 1967 are tions.” And a host of conservative testimonies — that American still today under investigation as websites piled on, explaining to war crimes. (Indeed veterans of readers that the winter soldiers atrocities were widespread Tiger Force have acknowledged had long since been exposed as in Vietnam — is today the atrocities and have appeared frauds. on television to describe their The problem with this line beyond dispute. roles and remorse.) And the Phoe- of analysis is that the Winter nix Program led to thousands of Soldier Investigation was never deaths despite efforts by the CIA’s discredited. A handful of indi- borne Brigade; the 4th, 9th, 25th give depositions does not prove or William Colby to impose legal vidual stories may have been and Americal Infantry Divisions; disprove the legitimacy of the en- strictures on program activities. called into question, but the main and other units as well. Soldiers in tire project. The VVAW leadership As a historian of the Vietnam war, thrust of the soldiers’ testimonies Detroit testified to civilians killed left it up to individual members to over the decades I have myself — that American atrocities were in “reconnaissance by fire,” that is, decide how to respond to requests heard veterans tell innumerable widespread in Vietnam — is today gunfire aimed at a village before for depositions. And veterans had stories of incidents they saw and beyond dispute. Indeed the emer- troops entered it; brutal interroga- good reasons to decline. For one would prefer to forget. The truth is gence of new evidence during the tions; people’s heads or ears cut thing, they argued that their pur- that American military tactics and last 30 years has only solidified the off to frighten others; villagers pose was to protest U.S. policy, the nature of the war conditioned winter soldiers’ overall case. forcibly relocated and their homes not to draw attention to individual the ferocity of field operations, The Winter Soldier Inves- destroyed; prisoners mistreated; soldiers. What’s more, with the while widespread U.S. attitudes of tigation took place in Detroit in and numerous other abuses. VVAW under direct assault from contempt toward the Vietnamese 1971. For three days, beginning Later that year, John Kerry the Nixon administration, it’s made atrocities all the more dif- on January 31, members of Viet- carried these stories to the public understandable that the group’s ficult to prevent. nam Veterans Against the War in both his congressional testi- members were loathe to cooperate The only thing that analysts (VVAW) related their personal mony and in his public appear- with government investigators. like Guenther Lewy have shown experiences of events that con- ances. The allegations were hotly The remaining plank in is that it is difficult to establish stituted war crimes or violations disputed at the time by veterans Lewy’s case against the winter precisely how many atrocities took of international law. VVAW had such as John O’Neill, who has soldiers consists merely of noting place, or how many Vietnamese, carefully prepared this public now resurfaced as a leader of the the participation in Detroit of JFK innocent or otherwise, perished testimony, asking speakers only anti-Kerry group Swift Boat Vet- assassination conspiracy theorist as a result of them. Thirty years to relate events of which they erans for Truth. O’Neill and Kerry Mark Lane. And even in attempt- later polemicists like John O’Neill had direct knowledge. Veterans debated each other on “The Dick ing to cast doubt on the veracity continue to cloud reality with ob- wrote preliminary accounts of Cavett Show” on June 30, 1971, of the winter soldiers’ allegations, fuscation. None of this changes the their testimonies on question- with O’Neill demanding that the Lewy also wrote that “incidents fact that far from being discredited, naires; VVAW staff then went winter soldiers give “depositions” similar to some of those described the Winter Soldier Investigation through huge numbers of these in order to prove the veracity of at the VVAW hearing undoubt- has been largely validated. Con- questionnaires before selecting their allegations. edly did occur”; that policies servative commentators should the individuals who would be But the current claim by con- such as the military’s emphasis stop pretending otherwise. asked to present evidence. Every servatives that the Winter Soldier on “body count” certainly “cre- veteran who presented in Detroit Investigation was discredited can ated an atmosphere conducive to © 2004, The New Republic. had to show a copy of his military be most directly traced to a 1978 atrocities”; that in 1967 Vietnam Reprinted with permission. papers (the military form known book by Guenther Lewy called field commander General William as DD-214) to demonstrate that “America in Vietnam,” which Westmoreland had to issue orders he had actually been present at the attempted an early form of the prohibiting cutting ears or fingers places and times he was speaking argument that the United States off the bodies of the dead; and John Prados is a senior analyst about. The papers of VVAW today won the Vietnam war. In the that the conduct of a war without with the National Security contain boxes upon boxes of the main, Lewy merely reprised John fronts “created a setting especially Archive in Washington, D.C., questionnaires and records of this O’Neill’s objections from “The conducive to atrocities.” and editor, with Margaret event. They show not only that the Dick Cavett Show.” Lewy’s pri- Other claims put forward at Pratt-Porter, of the book testimonies were prepared meticu- mary evidence consists of noting the Winter Soldier Investigation “Inside the Pentagon Papers” lously, but that the evidence actu- that VVAW members refused to — such as an allegation that the (University of Kansas Press). 14 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Nixon and VVAW Horace Coleman

Return with us now to those thrill- VVAW that produced few arrests was built on. Cambodia was a “leader” to get through the sys- ing days of yesteryear: 1967-74. or trials and no convictions. neutral country. Our incursion, tem in the first place. But Nixon’s The time of VVAW’s found- VVAW’s very existence at this time in the war, with no action was an out — as good ing by Vietnam combat veterans. frustrated Nixon. VVAW was the prior notice to the fledgling Lon as excusing the Army from even Of presidential candidate Richard real thing, controversial but unde- Nol government or even to our beginning that self-examination. M. Nixon’s “secret plan to end the niable people who’d been there, ambassador to Cambodia, was Fundamentally, it was the worst war” (Vietnamization? Invading done that, fought and bled. Faced not, to my mind, any different from thing since My Lai itself. Cambodia? Massive bombing?). with complicated and unpleasant the Japanese bombing Pearl Har- Whatever the plan was, it situations, some lie and deny: “If bor. In my estimation the exercise In a 1971 interview with ABC’s didn’t work. America’s longest I didn’t do it or see it, it didn’t was an immoral, ill-thought-out Saigon correspondent Howard conflict ended in an unsatisfactory happen.” Those who committed or venture, and one that would prove Tuckner, Hackworth said, “I just “peace with honor,” unfulfilled ob- covered up atrocities dishonored to be both an expensive tactical have seen the American nation jectives, and smoldering bitterness and endangered their fellow war- donnybrook and an irreparable spend so much of its wonderful, that blazes away 30 years later. riors in a vicious war. strategic defeat. great young men in this country. I There were turkey shoots at In his memoir “About Face,” have seen our national wealth be- My Lai and Kent State and Tiger Colonel David Hackworth wrote The colonel also has a few choice ing drained away. I see the nation Force excesses. Decades later, several things that should be re- words about My Lai and Nixon: being split apart and almost being an investigative team from the membered and reconsidered: split asunder because of this war, Toledo Blade won a Pulitzer Prize ... My Lai reflected strategic and I am wondering to what end for telling that story. And all the The Cambodian exercise was the bankruptcy of moral fiber in the it is all to lead to.” while VVAW soldiered on, still straw that broke the camel’s back Army’s senior officer corps, a di- VVAW saw Nixon’s and the anti stupid wars and pro using for me about the war in Vietnam rect result of rampant careerism. war’s flaws before the colonel — and treating — our troops and and the direction America was To me, all this was bad enough. did. Nixon left office in disgrace veterans well. heading. Militarily the opera- But then, when the Army actually caused by his own acts. We’re These were the days, my tion was correct ... But what was had the balls to stand in the door still here. friend, of the skulking and creep- wrong with it, besides the fact that and convict Calley for murder, to ing of members of CREEP (the it came five years too late (five have Richard Nixon come along Committee to Reelect the Presi- years in which our army lost the and for purely political ends in- dent) and of FBI investigations lion’s share of its great NCOs and terfere with military justice and into VVAW. Of Dewey Canyon stud officers, and the American essentially nullify the result was Horace Coleman is the VVAW operations I and II — and VVAW’s people lost their stomach for the too much for me. The kid was guilty contact for Long Beach, Dewey Canyon III and Winter conflict), was that the way it was as hell. Having judged him as so, California. Soldier Investigation and John done violated all the principles the Army had to start addressing Kerry’s Senate testimony. Of hun- the United States of America, the its own inadequacies, to find out dreds of pages of dossiers about country I loved and soldiered for, how it could have allowed such a

Cross-Cultural Music Bob Riggle (reviewer) New X: Fresh X and fantastic guerilla theater cre- New X Art Ensemble ator/performer. He is, if the need (XART Audio / Art Works USA, arises, flamboyant and outrageous 2003) at the same time. And he will wear some prop-up-your-eyelids costumes to make a point. On to New X is an evolving free jazz the review. collective that was formulated “New X : Fresh X” screams to expand and contract easily in eclectic. I know not one damn its musical pursuits. The New X thing about this form of music, genre, while shunning stereo- but it is good! With Steve Smith types, has a genuine respect for on dijeridu and tenor sax on “Min- the past. At the same time there nesota Single Search” and at times is a definite focus on a cross-cul- on “New York Conversation” and tural mix of melody, rhythm, and “Street People,” there seems to be continents. a very strong Sun Ra influence and When I was first asked if I maybe a little John Coltrane. At the was interested in doing this re- same time, “New York Conversa- view, I was glad to; I’ve known tion” and “Street People” bring to Billy Curmano for over 30 years. mind the Sixties talkin’ blues. But after starting on the project I “Say Son,” my personal realized it might be hard to sepa- favorite, also strikes me as Cur- rate the various artistic skills he mano’s most poetic work. “Wagin’ has from what I was supposed to War” is Curmano’s typical take be reviewing. on the military structure and its was the last time you could invite Bob Riggle is the VVAW A little background on Billy politics. your friends over to check out the Milwaukee chapter coordinator X. Curmano, longtime VVAW My take on “New X : Fresh awesome mbira or dijeridu player and a Milwaukee contact. member, artist, poet, musician, X”? Please check it out. When on Billy X’s latest CD? Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 15 Real Results of War Stanley Campbell (reviewer) Purple Hearts: the general of the 1st Armored ask their friends to come. That’s Back from Iraq Division. She was en route from how they get people to sign up. By Nina Berman Baghdad International Airport on He asked me if I wanted to, and (Trolley Books, 2004) July 20, 2003 when her Humvee I said sure.” flipped and crashed, smashing her The pictures show the sol- Want to see the real results of leg and tailbone and sending her diers in their homes surrounded the Iraq war? Look at “Purple into a coma. Another soldier died by personal effects or at therapy, Hearts,” a book of photographs in the crash. “I’m not a hero; I’m exercising and learning to use their and interviews of soldiers who a survivor,” she says. prosthetics. The soldiers in this lost limbs for our country. Rather, Many of the wounded fought book represent a small number of not for our country but for George like Spc. Frederick Allen, Jr., a the 5,394 American servicemen Bush’s plan of getting rid of Sad- machine gunner with the 82nd and women wounded in action dam Hussein. Airborne. “I thought going to during the first 15 months of the on the desk of every American The pictures are haunting war was jumping out of planes,” American invasion and occupa- senator and congressman. Every and mysteriously beautiful. The he says. He was wounded when tion of Iraq. A precise number military recruiter should have a interviews range from pride in a rocket-propelled grenade ripped of combat support or non-hostile copy and should be forced to show serving one’s country to desolation through his left leg and shattered injuries is not known. The Penta- it to the young men and women at losing a leg. “Purple Hearts” his right leg during a firefight in gon omits from its casualty reports they recruit. refers to the medals these men Fallujah on October 31, 2003. those soldiers medically evacu- and women received. Yes, there “The recruiters come to school ated from Iraq due to friendly fire, is a woman interviewed: Lt. Jor- once a year,” he recalls. “They had sickness, accidents or psychologi- dan Johnson, a 23-year-old from a list of people. Every year, they cal trauma. Iraqi casualties are not Stanley Campbell is a member of San Antonio, Texas. She was in just called random people, and counted at all. VVAW in Rockford, Illinois. charge of a platoon protecting once they get one person, then they This book should be placed New Books on PTSD Ray Parrish (reviewer) The PTSD Workbook: overwhelmed by the demand. designed to be used by survivors of pointed recommendations. This Simple Effective Techniques These vets can help themselves all types of trauma, so combat vets provides the necessary credibil- for Overcoming Traumatic using this workbook may be tempted to skip some of ity to show how extensive and Stress Symptoms In addition to PTSD, this the exercises and chapters related severe PTSD really is and the By Mary Beth Williams & workbook discusses Acute Stress to rape. Don’t! Uncle Sam’s true ineffectiveness of current treat- Soili Poijula Disorder (ASD), which describes nature is revealed! ment programs. It also enables (New Harbinger Publications, problems during the first few days “The PTSD Workbook” the reader to pursue more in-depth 2002) or weeks after a trauma, and “com- helps vets to address their PTSD research. plex PTSD,” for people who have symptoms through a series of The “Military Populations” Circumstances force many veter- experienced prolonged, repeated questions and exercises designed article, written by Australians who ans to deal with their PTSD alone. or extensive exposure to trau- to reveal how the trauma changed pulled no punches, is invaluable Some vets, especially Guard and matic events. Although “complex us and how we can change our- for counter-recruiting as well as Reserve, don’t live near VA clinics. PTSD” isn’t a recognized diagno- selves. The exercises in the first for therapy. Various PTSD treat- Others won’t admit to others that sis yet, after doing the exercises half of the book help vets find ments are compared. There is they have a problem. Now, with veterans will see this distinction the courage to begin self-therapy the first case study using “virtual so many stressed-out vets return- and appreciate the fact that half of and motivate them to seek outside reality” technology. It enabled ing from Iraq and Afghanistan, the book addresses the symptoms help if necessary. Some vets will a Vietnam veteran to repeatedly the current programs are being of complex PTSD. The book is be unable to do the exercises since relive the combat traumas, re- many of them may be difficult or examine his “blame” and put an painful, but just making the effort end to thirty years of nightmares. may help the vet understand how VA doctors report their success severe their problems are and using the “readiness to change” why therapy may be needed. approach, useful in addiction re- covery, to overcome the problem Advances in the Treatment of PTSD “treatment failure.” of Posttraumatic Stress There are valuable insights in the Disorder: Cognitive- articles on how a veteran’s social Behavioral Perspectives support, anger, anxiety, pain and By Steven Taylor, Ed. other physical and mental disor- (Springer Publishing ders influence and are influenced Company, 2004) by PTSD. Get your library to order a copy. I cannot overstate the impor- tance of this not-too-academic book. This book is essential for veterans’ advocates lobbying for Ray Parrish (Sgt., USAF, 72-75) systemic changes. The book’s 14 is VVAW's military counselor. articles by international experts Read his column, "Leave No Vet have extensive footnotes and Behind," on page 7. Al Hubbard speaking at VVAW takeover of VA office in New York City, 1971-72 16 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Vets Join Protests at RNC continued from page 1

The newly-formed Iraq Veterans After passing the Against the War (IVAW) carried convention site, we banners and marched wearing marched through the desert fatigues and Operation midtown Herald Square Iraqi Freedom medals. Other shopping district. Many recently-returned vets joined the shoppers emerged from contingent, happy to see com- stores to shout along with rades speaking out for those still our chants and cadences. in harm’s way. More than a few Several small groups of active-duty servicemen, wearing counter-demonstrators hats and sunglasses to mask their had gathered there, in- identities, fell in along the route. cluding some fundamen- The contingent continued to talist Christians, anti- grow to almost 1,000: a veterans’ abortionists, Vietnam peace battalion on the march. We Veterans Against John Part of the Iraq Memorial Wall and other banners displayed at the Vigil for the Fallen began to call cadence. Kerry and an assort- demonstrators, and the police did VIGIL FOR THE FALLEN ment of other right-wingers. They not interfere with this peaceful Hey, hey, Uncle Sam verbally attacked the marchers, assembly for peace. On Thursday, October 2, the last We remember Vietnam attempting to provoke them, but Steve Noetzel, a longtime day of the RNC, VVAW members We don’t want this Iraq War failed miserably. At one point they VVAW member from San Fran- along with other veterans, military Bring our troops back to our began chanting, “USA, USA!” cisco, organized a “veterans’ families and other concerned shores — but when marchers responded reunion” at Summit Rock, the citizens gathered at Union Square by chanting the same, the counter- highest point in the park. Many Park, 20 blocks away, to conduct a If they tell you you should go demonstrators looked confused longtime activists gathered there, dawn-to-dusk Vigil for the Fallen There is something you should and fell silent. along with IVAW and MFSO with the slogan: “We Remember: know The march proceeded down members, and a brief, moving He Lied and They Died.” They wave the flag when you 5th Avenue to 14th Street, where ceremony was held. Joe Bangert The vigil included part of attack it dispersed. Some of us stayed to “passed the torch” to the young the “Eyes Wide Open” display of When you come home they turn watch the contingents behind us Iraq vets who are following a combat boots and a 100-foot-long their back coming in. There were numerous similar path to that pioneered by Iraq Memorial Wall bearing the labor unions; black, Latin, Asian VVAW thirty-seven years ago. names of all the soldiers killed in Soon hundreds of others, espe- and Arab-American civil rights Later that evening, a free Iraq. There were also crosses bear- cially young people, began joining groups; senior, community and concert was held at Joe’s Pub ing names and pictures of those our ranks, drawn by the power of women’s organizations; student (part of the Public Theater), where from New York and New Jersey our cadence and in respect for our and youth coalitions; Jewish and singer-songwriter Stephan Smith who lost their lives in Iraq. service. It soon became virtually Palestinian groups; and health performed and IVAW members The September Eleventh impossible to maintain the unified care, gay rights and civil liberties Jimmy Massey, Rob Sarra, Mike Families for Peaceful Tomorrows contingent, and groups of veterans advocates. What we saw was a Hoffman and Alex Ryabov spoke. pulled the Stonewalk memorial carrying banners soon became broad cross-section of the Ameri- MFSO cofounders Nancy Lessin for civilian casualties of war to mixed in the swelling number of can people in the streets, united in and Charlie Richardson also spoke the vigil, completing a monthlong demonstrators. One group car- saying “no” to the Bush agenda. to a packed house in what was a journey begun in Boston during ried 1,000 flag-draped coffins in Our message came through loud memorable ending to a long and the Democratic convention there memory of those who have already and clear. exciting day. and down the East Coast to the died in Iraq, a poignant reminder In the days that followed, Republican gathering. of the human cost of the war. VETERANS’ REUNION we participated in several other Banners representing VVAW, When we arrived at Madison IN CENTRAL PARK actions, including a Rally for Veterans for Peace, Iraq Vets Square Garden, we stopped and Veterans Healthcare Reform or- Against the War, Military Fami- sounded off with cadence against After the march, many thousands ganized by the New York State lies Speak Out, and a Disabled the war and condemning the chick- went to Central Park, determined council of Vietnam Veterans of American Veterans chapter were enhawk politicians responsible. to assemble there despite the re- America; a Veterans Institute for displayed. Other banners with Many gave the commander-in- fusal to give us a rally site. The Security and Democracy forum messages such as “Support the chief the one-finger salute. Great Lawn was covered with on “Keeping Our Commitment Troops — Bring Them Home to America’s Veterans”; and the Now” and “Support the Troops Poor People’s Economic Human When They Come Home with Rights Campaign’s “March For Health Care, Jobs, Education & Our Lives.” Housing” were displayed. We also took part in the We began the program with a American Friends Service Com- press conference that was covered mittee’s “Eyes Wide Open” dis- by a number of metropolitan-area play of combat boots and sandals television and radio stations that symbolizing the human cost of continued to report the vigil regu- the war, which was displayed larly. Our ranks continued to swell throughout the week, and nightly as thousands came throughout the “Naming The Dead” ceremonies day to view the displays, listen at a downtown church. to speakers and join the vigil,

continued on page 18 Women veterans and family members at the Vigil Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 17 Iraq Vet Speaks Truth Robert Sarra

Speech given at VVAW Memorial the WMDs? Who are we fight- Day event, Chicago 2004. ing?” We were told in the outset I am a former Marine sergeant, that Iraq was an imminent threat to and a veteran of Operation Iraqi the United States. Some Marines Freedom. I speak to you today in felt that this war was payback for order to remember those Marines September 11. Some Marines felt who were killed in action in Iraq that we were defending our way last year and this year. I was as- of life. This wasn’t true. How is signed to the 1st Marine Regiment it that if Iraq was such a threat, during the initial combat phase of their own troops couldn’t stop Operation Iraqi Freedom. us from reaching their capital On April 8, a day before my in three weeks? We never found company reached Baghdad, we any WMDs or signs of battlefield lost our first Marine to enemy chemical weapons. We did how- fire. Pfc. Juan Garza, from Tem- ever, find hundreds of caches of perance, Michigan, was 20 years discarded weapons and an army old and had been in the Marines throwing away their uniforms for seven months when he was for civilian clothes so they could killed by an enemy sniper as our escape certain death and return unit fought across the Diyala to their homes and families. We River four miles outside of eastern found that once we got to Baghdad, Baghdad. we had no exit strategy. Some of In the ensuing months af- us wondered how we were going ter the fall of Baghdad, my unit to get back out of Iraq when we all. I did this, and saw my platoon in-country with no certain end in lost three Marines to accidents. had bypassed towns teeming with sergeant and platoon commander sight. This was a cause for severe Lance Corporal Adam Klieboker guerrilla fighters. Did they expect do the same. The three of us, and frustration on all levels in my unit, from Illinois was incinerated in us to fight our way out? several others in the platoon, went as well as for our families at home. an ammo dump explosion. On The supply problems that into combat with only one plate in We felt as if we had done our part May 19, another Marine was everyone talks about during the the front of our vests, and we were as combat troops. severely wounded when an anti- war were not what they seemed. frontline infantry. I am not in any way angry at aircraft shell he found went off in In past conflicts, many American The only time during the war the Marine Corps or the military. his hands. He lost his right eye, combat units such as the 101st that made any sense to us was I volunteered to join, and volun- disfigured his face, and suffered Airborne at Bastogne in World our arrival in Baghdad. People teered for the infantry knowing shrapnel wounds to his chest and War II and the 1st Marine Regi- cheered in the streets, we were that at some point in my career legs. ment at the Chosin Reservoir in thrown cartons of local cigarettes, I might, realistically, go into On the same day, Sergeant Korea have been much worse off children gave us flowers which combat. Kirk Straseski, from Beaver Dam, supply-wise in combat than we we wore on our body armor. We The Marines I served with did Wisconsin, who was a member of were. Yes, it is true that we were all felt that this justified what we remarkable things under extreme my company, drowned when he down to one MRE a day for two had gone through. We felt we had conditions. Our leaders were attempted to rescue the crew of weeks. The fact is that we were a purpose as we heard stories from strong and the Marines themselves a helicopter that crashed into the outrunning our supplies and those Iraqi civilians about what Saddam did what was asked of them and Shat al-Hillah Canal. The three supply columns were being hit by did to his own people. A dictator upheld their reputation of being crew members on board were guerrillas. The only supply prob- and regime had been toppled and the best. We got by with very killed in the crash. To date, over lem I saw was before we crossed the people of Iraq were free of little. We improvised, adapted, 790 Americans have lost their lives the border. his reign. We felt as if it had all overcame and showed the world and countless numbers wounded My platoon was short on been worth it. By late April, we that we could be both aggressive in a war that hasn’t been “won,” batteries for our night-vision would move south for stabilization and compassionate. but is far from being over. equipment. I personally went to operations and would turn from Currently elements of the 1st My unit, the 1st Marine a nearby Army camp and bought war-fighters into humanitarians. Marine Regiment and several of Regiment, left the United States several cases of AA batteries with Once we began stabilization my close friends are back in Iraq. on January 17 and invaded Iraq the platoon commander’s money operations in a town called Al They have been given responsi- on March 21. Once we were en- from a store on base. Hardware Hillah, 60 miles south of Baghdad, bility of the Al Anbar province, gaged in combat operations, I felt used for mounting night-vision things seemed to be going well. which includes Fallujah. The 2nd confused. We were not fighting goggles on our helmets was also The Iraqis were generally happy Battalion 1st Marines fought for Iraqi regular forces but Saddam’s in short supply. We traded a few that we were there. We rebuilt three weeks in the siege of Fallujah Fedayeen. At one point we were cartons of cigarettes with another schools, got the power back on, and lost several Marines to enemy calling the war “Desert ‘Nam.” We Marine unit for 50 helmet mounts. and reestablished the police and action. The last elements of their were fighting guerrillas who wore Most importantly, there was a lack fire departments. Unfortunately, as regiment returned from Iraq only black clothing, carried AK-47s of enough ballistic plates for our we stayed longer, that sentiment eight months ago. and did not adhere to our “rules.” body armor. Prior to crossing the wore off. The waves and smiles Last week, I received an On the highway north to Baghdad border, we were told that the plates we got when we first moved in email from a Marine friend of mine we were engaging and slaughter- would be coming up to us as soon were disappearing quickly and about Echo Company 2/1. This ing civilians mistakenly due to as they got in-country. These plates we all had the feeling that we had account of action in Fallujah is the Fedayeen and their tactics. I never got to us. Nevertheless, overstayed our welcome. When from Sgt. Grit, a website dedicated found myself and several of my senior Marines were giving up we were told we would be going to Marines. The following is an fellow Marines asking ourselves, their back ballistic plates to give home, missions and excuses kept “What are we doing? Where are to junior Marines that had none at popping up and we were kept continued on page 18 18 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Vets Join Protests at RNC

continued from page 16 many of them veterans wearing organization garrison caps or old uniforms. Rallies were held at 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. Recording artists Stephan Smith, David Rov- ics and Laramie Crocker played guitars and sang topical songs. Mike Hoffman, Rob Sarra, Tim Goodrich, Alex Ryabov, Ivan Me- dina and other recently-returned Iraq vets spoke along with Sue Niederer, Fernando Suerez del Solar and Jorge Medina, who lost their sons, and Judy Linehan, Gil- Combat boots on display at Vigil for the Fallen da Carbonaro, Mildred McHugh his songs, we took up a collection many came forward to read the port, to dialogue and express and others, who had loved ones to get him out. names of over 1,000 American their views, and to stand up and stationed in the war zone. Mike Vrabel, a former Air servicemen and women who have be counted. Reporters mingled Veterans of past wars spoke, Force pilot who served in Panama, lost their lives. A bell was rung for with the crowd, interviewing including Moe Fishman of the Bosnia, Somalia and the ‘91 Gulf each of them. people and sending our message Lincoln Brigade vets; Ann Wright, War, showed up in his old flight Representatives from United out to both domestic and foreign a former Air Force colonel and suit and denounced the Bush ad- for Peace and Justice and Septem- audiences. U.S. diplomat in Afghanistan, who ministration for their misuse of ber Eleventh Families for Peaceful Over 5,000 copies of the fol- has become an active opponent of our military. A former Vietnam Tomorrows spoke. Both programs lowing statement were distributed Bush’s war; Michael McPhearson, Marine captain — who came out were ended with a benediction and to people passing by: an artillery captain in the ‘91 Gulf of the crowd and has a nephew in call to attention while bagpiper War whose son is in the Army; Iraq — angrily unloaded against Peter Shaw played “Flowers of We are here to remember nearly Stuart Edwards, who fought in the politicians in Washington. the Forest,” a traditional lament 1,000 U.S. servicemen and women Korea when the military was still Afterwards I asked him, “You’ve for dead soldiers. who have died in Iraq. segregated; Igor Bubrowsky, a been waiting a long time to say At one point, a group of We are here to remember the Purple Heart Vietnam Marine; that, haven’t you?” He replied, Young Republicans, their cour- many thousands of Iraqis — civil- and Gene Glazer, a World War “Over thirty years.” age amplified by alcohol, showed ians and combatants, men and II medic. VFP vice president Ellen up to argue about the elections women, children and the elderly At the evening program, Barfield, who had been arrested and the war. Our security team — who have been killed. songwriter and Desert Storm two days earlier during a “die-in” instructed them on proper respect We are here to remember vet Dennis Kyne (“Support the civil disobedience protest, was in the memorial area and, while that these deaths did not have to Truth”) was scheduled to play, but released that afternoon and told escorting them out, pointed them happen. several sisters from CODEPINK: about the horrendous conditions in the direction of a nearby military We know that the current Women for Peace told us that he that detained demonstrators and recruiting office. Instead of enlist- administration has plunged us had been arrested on the steps of bystanders were experiencing at ing, they went to a nearby bar to into this unjust and unjustifiable the New York Public Library ear- an abandoned pier nicknamed refortify their liquid courage. war, driven by greed for oil and lier that day and was being held “Guantanamo on the Hudson.” Throughout the day, many lust for power and fueled by lie on $500 bail. Instead of hearing Throughout the afternoon, people came to show their sup- contiued on next page Iraq Vet Speaks Truth prayer while I hugged this guys more Marines are being deployed continued from previous page head....He was a good Marine.....I as we speak. am back in the rear tonight to rest Today is an important day for account from 1st Sgt. Bill Skiles gunshots and booms. we keep my hurt back and rest my brain.... the families of the fallen service- of Echo Co. 2nd Bn 1st Marine playing....no big deal. I have to tell NEVER have I had so much blood men from not only Iraq, but all Regiment: you about our gun battle today. We around me....I take these boys too the past conflicts our country has started receiving sniper fire from personal sometimes.....We ARE been involved in. The main thing Currently Co. “E” 2/1 has 40 this Mosque/ tower...then some the purple Heart Company..152 I ask everyone to leave here with wounded and 3 KIA’s.....wild bad guys threw grenades at our strength, 40 WIA, 3 KIA...1/3 of today is this: No matter if you huh?...mostly small shrapnel and pos. on our roofs...Marines got the company ... agree or disagree with the war in eardrums, but had a Marine lose wounded and Marines fought the Iraq, have a loved one overseas an arm and 1,a leg ...This place enemy close in. Frags were thrown Approximately two weeks ago, or not, we must support all those is too messed up to explain...We and massive 5.56 was used in close I heard from another friend of who are currently deployed, and have been living in the northwest proximity. I’ve never been shot at mine at Camp Pendleton that 250 those who have fought and died of Fallujah for 3 weeks now.... so much in my life. AK’s were fir- Marines were deployed to Iraq for our freedom to speak out as Actually living in some homes we ing at us 10 yards away....I would in order to replace Marines that we do today. confiscated...across from us about fire my M-16 with one hand while were killed and wounded during I would like to conclude by 300 yards is the downtown area I was running back and forth....OH the siege of Fallujah. Marines are thanking VVAW, Barry Romo, and of Fallujah...We are shot at every MY GOD>>> I think Carl Lewis now out of Fallujah, but are still Military Families Speak Out for night. We are mortared a lot as would be proud of my speed get- in the Al Anbar province. Their the opportunity to speak today. well...We always are firing back ting our wounded boys loaded up estimated time of return to the with our snipers and/or machine for medevac. Anyway, 8 wounded United States is supposedly in Thank you. guns....It’s almost surreal. We today, 1 died....I actually broke the next five months. Although could be playing cards. we hear down and had the chaplain say a these Marines are due for rotation, Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 19 Vets Join Protests at RNC continued from previous page after lie! IN CONCLUSION We cannot remain silent. We want an end to the oc- The various actions that VVAW cupation so the Iraqi people can members helped organize and car- determine their own destiny free ry out throughout the week were from foreign interference and some of the most ambitious and control. well-organized activities that we We want our troops brought have conducted in many years. The home now. Don’t ask these men participation and volunteer spirit and women to continue to die for of so many and the inter-organiza- political mistakes and lies. tional cooperation that developed And we want them treated was truly an inspiration. right when they return. Give them I believe that one day people the benefits they were promised will look back in remembrance and give them the help they will of what happened in New York need to heal their bodies, their City during the RNC and realize minds and their spirits. that it was an important step in We are here to remember, to turning our country away from honor and to mourn. We will not the dangerous course that those in forget! power have set us on. And when we look back, we will be proud in As darkness fell, we took down the the knowledge that “soldiers like various displays and memorials us helped it in the turning.” and headed home, bone-tired but proud that we had carried off such VVAW member Jim Murphy talks to a reporter about the display of crosses representing those from New York state who have died in Iraq a successful operation. David Cline is a VVAW national coordinator. A Space in Time 20 July 2004

Someone in the crowd On Ambush at the family barbecue said, 20 July 1969 “Thirty-five years ago today, a man walked on the moon.” Piercing the night, from the right, the RTO whispered, “Brothers, I thought of Neil Armstrong, an American is walking on the moon!” the Earth shining so blue over him, taking that historic step down into We all looked up, then forward, the field of craters before him. into some poor papasan’s thousand-year-old rice paddy, I thought of me, on ambush, pulverized by our planes looking up at that bright moon, into round puddles of puppy shit. the rice paddies, lit up before me, pockmarked by our bombs. Some dead serious, totally sane, nineteen-year-old Boonierat said, We were brothers-in-arms then, “I don’t see him out there.” Neil and I, separated only by thin air, both of us a long, long way from America, Dave Connolly is a longtime VVAW member who the two of us hoping against hope served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. we’d be home soon, the kid in the foxhole and the man on the moon. 20 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Why I Joined the VVAW Kenneth A. Dalton Since the time I was a little boy, Upon graduation from high politicians and flag-wavers alike. with veterans from every war since I always wanted to follow in school I couldn’t get enough I found myself on the outs with World War II to the present — not my grandfather’s and uncle’s Navy, so I opted to go from the my co-workers at the Clifton Fire for what’s acceptable, but for what footprints and join the Navy. As reserves to the regular USN five Department for questioning the is right — was an experience I’ll a boy I was a member of a local days after graduation. One thing first Gulf War. never forget. Sea Scout unit, and while I was led to another, and I wound up Now that we’re all seeing Everywhere I go, I always in my senior year of high school I on the USS Monticello (LSD-35) déjà vu all over again. I just hear people bitching about Bush joined a Naval Reserve Unit in my heading towards Diego Garcia and couldn’t sit by and let another and his Iraq quagmire; for me, hometown of Clifton, New Jersey. Vietnam in 1971. Soon after my Bush get away with murder, so I bitching just isn’t enough any- I was so proud to be a member of first deployment, the Pentagon contacted the VVAW and joined more. It’s now time to get ac- that unit and wear the uniform of Papers were released, and I can the ranks. tive. my country that I participated in remember the feeling of betrayal I I have to say one of the extra duties like funeral details and felt back then. All I was ever taught proudest days of my life was when parades. One such funeral was in to believe about my country and its I participated in the August 29 Spring Valley, New York in early leaders turned out to be crap. march in New York City against Kenneth dalton is a Vietnam vet 1970 for a young sailor killed in After my service experience, Bush Jr. and the chickenhawks of and member of VVAW from New Vietnam. I found myself always questioning the Republican Party. Marching jersey. Art as Politics & Propaganda Billy X. Curmano Artists have always been several act — just became casualties and Americans tend to hold freedoms Northern Sun Merchandising steps ahead of the masses, predict- created court costs that drained and especially the “freedom of re- in Minneapolis and the Center for ing and at times guiding society. the anti-war movement. I didn’t ligion” dear, this Native American the Study of Political Graphics in From the earliest cave painters to give up activism, but I vowed to spiritual practice was outlawed Los Angeles generously provided the present, visual images have play smarter. by the U.S. government until as posters like “Rosie the Riveter,” guided and informed human be- I directed my anger into art recently as the late 1970s. “Bathroom Bolsheviks” (circa havior. and hoped to win some hearts Videographer Mic Terry, for- 1930) and “War is not Healthy The recruiting posters that and minds. I joined VVAW’s merly with the Chicago chapter, for Children and Other Living inspire nationalism over self-inter- Badger Liberation Tribe Theater, has relocated to New Zealand, but Things.” Both organizations est and a patriotic march to war a hit-and-run guerilla troupe, and that didn’t stop him from sending are a great source for political are followed, or at times preceded, produced graphics and cartoons four highly-charged graphics. His paraphernalia. There were also by placards that protest the very from my studio. It seemed to work video clip from a VVAW demon- items from the Foundation for same. Blatant Madison Avenue and has remained my formula for stration in front of the American the Community of Artists, the and corporate calls to consumer- over 35 years. embassy in Managua, Nicaragua American Indian Movement, Art ism are tempered by labor and Earlier this year, I was asked during the Contra War was also Against Apartheid, Visual AIDS, environmental warnings. to represent VVAW and perform included. Mississippi River Revival, and Art The failed art student, Adolph at a Vets for Peace gathering near “Art as Politics & Propa- Not Arms for Central America. Hitler, knew well the power of the Red Wing, Minnesota. In going ganda” had masters from origi- It seems especially appropriate visual image. He designed symbols through my archives to create a nal cartoons like our own “Oxy in these volatile times to present for the Nazi party. He encouraged portable display, I was delighted the Smart Bomb,” posters and some images that may well have an art of the state with exhibitions to find posters and photos from the silk-screened prints. There were changed opinions, provided inspi- and propaganda films. One of the likes of the Gainesville Conspir- hand-painted banners from VVAW rations, guided actions or even just most famous Nazi exhibitions, acy Trial, Nicaragua Delegation, and the Central America Resource been completely ignored. “Degenerate Art,” was intended American Indian Movement and Alliance. True to the “Art as to ostracize progressive artists of so on. Additionally, I had collected Politics & Propaganda” theme, the his day. Sometimes simply mak- work from other progressive art- Winona Film Society presented ing art may be viewed as political, ists around the world. the documentary “Fog of War.” Billy Curmano is the VVAW especially as it travels outside the With a highly-charged politi- Photographs, videos, political contact for Minnesota and accepted bounds of society. cal season at hand, I approached buttons, photo offset posters and creator of "Oxy, the Smart When I returned from Viet- the Winona Arts Center and Film lithos rounded out the display. Bomb." nam in 1969, I was pissed off. Society about squeezing in People didn’t understand the look an extra show with a sense of of death in my eyes. I stumbled political history. They gave upon what would become the Mil- me the honor of curating “Art waukee VVAW chapter camped as Politics & Propaganda,” out and occupying the University’s and VVAW was well-repre- front lawn. I went and got my sented. tent. Besides my own work I have the dubious distinction and the Art Works USA col- of being the first person arrested in lection, Ron Luchau, a found- the Student Strike at the University ing member of the Missoula, of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Hmm ... Montana chapter of VVAW, would that be social conscience, did a poetry reading at the PTSD, or overexuberance? A opening. He also supplied couple more mishaps, and I real- handcrafted Native American ized people pulled from the streets ceremonial items from the — unless in a truly significant inipi. Ironically, even though Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 21 Honored Glory Arlington National Cemetery, July 2004

“Here lies in honored glory an American soldier known only to God …”

Here, lies are solemn.

Here, lies are told in the cadence of boot heels ringing on stone, in the snap of a bolt shooting home in the breech of a polished rifle, held at port arms in white-gloved hands.

Here, we fold our flag and tell ourselves the soldier died bravely in a just cause.

Dead men cannot lie. Here, all causes are lost.

Here, the living let stones tell the lies the dead cannot. To soothe sore hearts, tales are told of glory in battle, and courage under fire.

Here, the paths of glory discolor marble a shade of brown like dried blood scuffed into the paving stones by the slow turn and turnabout march of the Guard of Honor Laurie Sandow, unknown VVAW member and Robert Muller in roped-off sacred ground at anti-war march, 1971-72, NYC in front of the Tomb of the Unknown.

Here, lies are told by presidents and generals. Here, chiseled stone names no names. Here, the truth lies sleeping under stone. Watermelon Slim Under lies, the truth rests, but not in peace. Veteran, artist, musician, The dead have chisels that cut the heart. VVAW for life.

Dana Patillo

Go to www.southernrecords.com to order Slim's new CD Up Close & Personal 22 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 An Awakening Robert W. Gaines In January 2002 the dust had long zero critical analysis. The clear and from Panama, Vietnam, Korea, shaken again by the details of the settled in downtown New York present danger Iraq posed was far World War II, and even one from USA PATRIOT Act. Anger, denial, and the fog of jingoism was lift- too great to ignore. In short, I was World War I helped me see the outrage, disgust and more; I went ing elsewhere. The media started consumed with a virulent brand of cost of war in human terms. through the buffet of human emo- reporting a few unflattering -de uninformed patriotism. Active-duty GIs and retired tions and heaped my plate. tails of the USA PATRIOT Act. I soon joined the U.S. Army and disabled veterans flooded our When our boots hit the sand Their criticism, however meek, and chose a combat specialty. I hospital daily. To call their medical in Iraq, I made no attempt to hide caught my attention. I decided to remember a recruiter urging me treatment inadequate would be a my disagreement with the govern- quit reading the news and began to choose a career more appropri- gross understatement. What was ment’s actions. Some friends and analyzing it instead. ate to my test scores, but I had no equally obvious was the fact that I family began to question my pa- Years ago I developed a “Tri- desire to be a desk jockey; I was had to reassess my misconceptions triotism. In one particularly heated angulation Hypothesis,” which is there to kill some “ragheads,” and of war, particularly its glorifica- conversation the word “traitor” simply a method for discerning I chose a job that would help me tion. Around this time the Gulf was not used towards me, but it facts through three or more in- do just that. Thankfully, the Army War syndrome was gaining a bit was clearly implied — by a person dependent sources. As I jumped who had not served, making the from the BBC to the Wall Street attack even more inexcusable. Journal and even occasionally Thankfully, groups like Thankfully, groups like Al-Jazeera, a startling realization Vietnam Veterans Against the War came over me: we are being lied Vietnam Veterans Against the provided the necessary fellowship to on an unequaled scale. I needed; it was good to know that One of the greatest American War provided the necessary I wasn’t the subversive pariah I minds, Noam Chomsky, recom- was being treated like. For most mends looking at the back page of fellowship I needed; it of 2002 and 2003 I was solidly any newspaper for the truth. Jour- in the minority regarding Iraq nalists use an “inverted pyramid” was good to know that I and American foreign policy in method of writing, putting the least general. It wasn’t until earlier this important items at the bottom of wasn't the subversive pariah year that many began shifting their an article. Unfortunately, that is support away from the war. where they are burying the only I was being treated like. It is tough to stay ahead of scraps of anything resembling the spin, though; the 9/11 attacks honest and forthright reporting. didn’t send me anywhere near a of attention in the media and in silenced a great number of dissent- We know now, far too late, that battlefield. the halls of the hospital. ers and even managed to change there was more to the stories of the When the war in Kuwait The syndrome was my first a few doves into hawks. Then USA PATRIOT Act, Afghanistan, began to wind down, the weapon introduction to a conspiracy people began to rally against the bin Laden, Iraq, the Taliban, and system I specialized in was re- theory. Sure, the government had war in Afghanistan and they were WMDs. placed, and I was technically out us believing in a magic bullet for quickly vilified as not support- This wasn’t the first time of a job. An opportunity in the Kennedy, but I was witnessing this ing the troops. The same people I had been subjected to such a medical field appeared, and I chose one directly from my own grassy promoting these lies were sending massive propaganda campaign. to train as an X-ray tech. Once I knoll. I remember the govern- undertrained, underequipped and Fresh out of high school in 1990, began working in a hospital I was ment repeatedly denying anything understaffed units of soldiers to I bought into the spin regarding exposed firsthand to the injuries that came out of a Gulf veteran’s fight in battles with non-specific Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Sure, sustained by soldiers. This was not mouth. Reports of being gassed goals or timelines. The absolute I was reading the paper, but with limited to the Gulf War. Veterans by the enemy, forced inoculations, insanity of it is difficult to stom- and adverse reactions to inocula- ach. tions were dismissed out of hand. I remember the faces that A superior once said to me, “Admit lined the wall at my old unit in nothing, deny everything, and Germany detailing our chain of demand proof” — a sad but fitting command. Some left, and a few quote of the prevailing mode of were promoted to the highest operation. levels of office. Horrific mistakes I didn’t need an M.D. after were made then, and many are be- my name to clearly see that some ing made now. Today I am fully of the Gulf veterans were ill. I awake, and so are many others. also remember the indignation The sanctity of human life does with which the Army treated the not depend on sex, race, sexual soldiers and their medical claims. preference, creed, or nationality. A common quote by health profes- An incalculable mistake is being sionals at the time was: “It’s all in made in Iraq, and time is of the es- their head.” Now we know that is sence to remedy it. I look forward a lie. Some soldiers were gassed; a to the day when those who stood few were forcibly given injections, peacefully (yet firmly) against and there were cases that injected this war can look back with pride substances later caused illness. at their contribution to ending the Shortly after I ended my bloodshed. eight years of active duty I started nodding off and went to Robert W. Gaines is a veteran sleep with the rest of the country. who served in the Army from That slumber was interrupted in 1990 to 1998 and a member of September 2001, and then I was VVAW. Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 23 Supporting Our Soldiers Gregory A. Helle Recently I met a boy, a Marine What are we doing for our heroes? friends and family. Forty percent churches, the corporations, and the who had returned from Iraq. He I understand them, because I am of the homeless in our country are politicians. spent his leave constantly drink- one of them. veterans. Suicide is an epidemic PTSD is a disease that few in ing. He went back on duty, doing As I drive through my among veterans of all wars. What the public sector know anything only what he had to, and drinking community I see the flags and can you do? I can advise you from about. Even fewer of us have any his nights away. His “I don’t give bumper stickers that say “Sup- my own experience how best to desire to learn more about what a damn” attitude caused an event port our Troops” and “Pray for bring about change. Sure, you we have many times referred to as to happen that has put him in our Troops.” This is good, but it can write your senators and con- “battle fatigue” or “shell shock.” the brig for five years, five years seems to only have meaning while gressmen, to request the Depart- I have written two books about without the real help he needs for the troops are a world away from ment of Veterans Affairs be more PTSD and its effects. It is not the traumas he experienced. I met us — not when they return home. supportive for our soldiers. But pretty, but it is reality. another boy who was raped in the Soldiers are facing a very real fear more importantly, you can learn We as Americans have an Navy and later beat his rapist. He that they will come home different more about the problem and get obligation to those who protect ended in the brig and received a people then the ones who left. If involved. The next PTSD victim our freedom. Too many of us take dishonorable discharge. Again, you have been in combat, if you may be a friend or a member of those freedoms for granted. I plead no help for his trauma. I also met have been raped by a comrade- your family. with all Americans to support a young female soldier who was in-arms, you know why. I have I am the chaplain for a non- the needs of these new veterans; in Iraq. She saw way too much seen this side of life, and I know profit organization called PTSD these new heroes. Give of your and then was wounded. She has it is hard for people to understand Alliance (www.ptsd-alliance. time, give of your money, write severe post-traumatic stress disor- unless they have experienced it org) which provides peer counsel- letters — do something to make der (PTSD). Will she get the help for themselves. When our heroes ing to help those suffering with sure we do not have another lost she needs to help her experience return from Afghanistan and Iraq, PTSD. Often, it is easier for a generation. And in every way pos- the life she fought for? There is after putting their lives on the line PTSD survivor to talk to someone sible, learn about this debilitating also the returning vet who was for our country, we owe them who has been there. This has been disease and help our returning a good family man, respected in whatever we can do. Without the my role for several years after heroes cope with the world they his community, holding down a heroes of war, we would not be facing and dealing with PTSD find after war. Thank you. good job. After he came home, his free, and all who go to war are myself. I am assisted by dozens marriage disintegrated, he lost his heroes. of volunteers, but there is so much job, and he was arrested six times Bureaucracy prevents so support needed for those who are for alcohol-related offenses. They many from getting help. This unaware that our support exists. found him hanging from a bridge. causes them to live isolated, afraid There is a brick wall between the What are we doing to our children? of the very people who were their PTSD Alliance and the public, the NYRB Marc Levy Here is a true story: I put a per- be my pen pal?” A wealthy woman call real soon,” she said. A woman was so damn quick and insightful, sonal ad in the New York Review in Maine said her ex worked as in Florida said her husband was could talk the horns off a stuffed of Books: a shrink in New York. “Maybe ex-CIA, stressed out from combat elk in late July, it was impossible you should see him,” she said. in Asia, Africa, Central America, to like her. She nailed me on that. SWM, 53, Gloucester, MA, trim, “If he thinks you’re not crazy, we gave her permission to have an “I’m doing all the work and you’re bright, affectionate, easy on the can date.” A woman in Ipswich, affair. “I weigh one hundred fifty not,” she said. I said, “You’re right. eye, ‘Nam vet, a bit stressed out, Massachusetts wrote: “Does it pounds and have nice breasts,” she The spark is gone.” seeks attractive SWF with similar have to be a specific trauma or said. Her husband liked to watch So the trip, the one she pro- traumatic background for LTR. just some ordinary thing? OK, I her get it on. She said after we had posed where we meet at a Motel have to go now, the Patriots are fun in Florida they would come 6 in Milwaukee, separate rooms Nine women replied. A war cor- on.” A gal from Long Island sent a visit my place. I tore that one up (which I reserved), no hanky- respondent from Zimbabwe who whale-sized JPEG and her unlisted quick. A woman from San Diego panky, see if we connect, got nixed. visits the United States every six number. She didn’t know where wrote a long, witty letter. Her name We parted amicably, as much as months said, “Would you like to Gloucester was. “But I hope you was Sandy. She was sweet and two people on either end of the bright and had United States can amicably part. once worked in No problem with the reserved Hollywood. We rooms, but the airline would not traded one hun- refund my plane ticket. Nor would dred emails. We the credit card people. I said had long phone please, they said no. I said I’ll conversations. I cough up but cancel the account. googled Sandy. They did. The end. She had made lots of movies, and was the ex-wife of Robert Blake. He Marc Levy served with D 1/7 acted unkindly Cav in Vietnam/Cambodia ‘70 toward her, and as an infantry medic. His short in 1984 Sandy story “How Stevie Nearly Lost bailed out. the War” was published in New The short of Millennium Writings, Issue 14 it: After a time, (2004-2005). because Sandy 24 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Purple and Broken Hearts Dennis Serdel Perry I was drafted in October 1966 ‘67 to ‘68, many soldiers were came home I found that everyone get a Purple Heart? along with two guys I went to getting hit once, but with multiple (except for one who contracted The ones who complain the high school with. After basic wounds. So during our tour, the malaria) in our original company loudest about Purple Hearts are training and advanced infantry military changed the rules and was wounded at least once. usually the chickenhawks. Medals training, they cut the orders for us. said we had to be hit three times Only 18% of us actually don’t mean a thing. One lucked out and went to Fort to get out of the field. fought the war, so I’m confused The anger combat Vietnam Reilly, Kansas and was a clerk for Comparing notes with my nowadays just “how wounded” vets have is based on the follow- the rest of his two years’ drafted one high school buddy who was in Americans think a soldier should ing: time; he hated it. Another went to 1st Cav, he told me he was hit three be to get a Purple Heart. It seems Don’t send us to war unless 1st Air Cav for training and then times and the Army would not take that if you have both legs and an you have a damn good reason. to combat infantry in Vietnam. him out of the fighting. His father arm blown off, Americans believe Don’t send us to a war where I went to Hawaii for advanced had to write and personally visit you should get a Purple Heart. your real purpose is to let it drag jungle training and then to Viet- his senator to get his son out of the But I know that I bandaged a on so the war profiteers can make nam combat infantry in the new fighting after being wounded three machine gunner of ours when a more money. Don’t send us to Americal Division. times. He asked, “Will you only be bullet grazed his shoulder, but he free people who do not want to be The rule in 1967 was that happy when my son comes home acted as if it didn’t even bother freed, but hate us soldiers and just if you were wounded two times, dead? You can only get wounded him. Now do Americans think want us to get out of there. Don’t they took you out of the infantry so many times before the bullet or that he should get the Purple send us to a war unless 90% of and sent you in the back or back shrapnel doesn’t just wound you Heart? One of my best buddies the American public will back us. to the United States. The problem but hits it mark and kills you.” got a little shrapnel in his leg and And don’t blame us for war crimes in Vietnam, like in Iraq, was that Only after all that did they take spent a month on a hospital ship when the nature of war turns hu- most of our wounds were shrapnel. his son out of the field. just offshore ‘Nam and then went man beings into animals. Thus, with the heavy fighting in Comparing notes when we right back to combat. Should he Someone Else’s Kids Douglas Nelson This piece is a response to an themselves too good to go to war eager to serve in the military after This is not World War II. article in a local paper con- as young men. In some cases, their 9/11 because they saw a clear need There is no threat to America that gratulating suburban Virginia for elders advised them of ways to get to defend their country against cannot be met with diplomatic, sending their kids to college and out of combat. Could it be that the very people who attacked us. intelligence and military pro- not to Iraq. they were all smart enough to see I think that this false connection fessionals, from every member that the war in Vietnam was not of “terrorism” to Iraq betrays their country of the United Nations, I am troubled today that we af- doing their jobs with minimal fluent suburbanites are congratu- I want these kids out of there interference from administration lating ourselves on sending our ideologues. children to college instead of to and home before we have It is time to treat the Iraqis Iraq. Have we written off the kids as adults. If their infrastructure in Iraq as “someone else’s kids”? 57,000 more of our kids' is broken it is because they broke Too bad they come home with their names on a wall. it. They will not adopt our form faces blown off. Our kids are safe of government because we kill at Georgetown and the University thousands of them, sow their land of Virginia. with radioactive munitions and Whether through our fear, worth their lives? How strange it trust in us, and makes a mockery torture detainees. Our war in Iraq our apathy or our stupidity, we is that they denigrate John Kerry of their willingness to serve. is a tragic mistake. I want these have placed other people’s chil- for reaching the same conclusion The active-duty troops, kids out of there and home before dren in a war we have no idea after he went to war and served Reserve and Guard in Iraq are we have 57,000 more of our kids’ how to fight. Occupying Iraq is with distinction. exhausted. We cannot continue to names on a wall. I want the best in no way “defending America,” I believe that, deep down, we send these people back for years of VA education and health care unless one believes that the oil don’t really want this war in Iraq. at a time. We must either decide for those who have served, not under Iraq is, in fact, ours because Will we see Pioneer contributors that we made a mistake, and pull cuts in the Department of Veterans we burn up more of it than we can and Halliburton execs throw a them all out, or bring in many more Affairs budget. produce ourselves. I resent the lie gala bash and invite the military fresh, well-trained troops. I am Do we love them enough these kids are told, because I was recruiters to talk to their children? afraid that both Bush and Kerry to admit we made a mistake and told the same lie. Do military recruiters visit posh would institute the draft. bring them home? I went to Vietnam, not be- private schools? I don’t think so. The only fair draft would cause I was patriotic, but because If going to Iraq is not right for be to call up everyone: men and I dropped out of college. It took their children, then it is not right women, rich and poor, with no nights of discussion with my for ours. In our efforts to push the deferments for college and no peers and lots of reading before I responsibility for this war off on lottery. May I make a prediction? realized that I was not defending someone else, we have forgotten Middle-class people of affluence Doug Nelson is a northern my country at all. History has that those we have sent to Iraq will take to the streets rather than Virginia contact for VVAW. exonerated the Sixties protesters are our American kids, every one see their children sent to Iraq. He is retired from U.S. Civil and their professors. For all their of them. Real opposition to the Vietnam Service (“Defense Department boisterous self-righteousness, We have a de facto draft, in war began with parents of children before it became the offense they were right. which people who have little hope facing the draft. It was fine, was department”). He served in Those who are so eager today of education or jobs turn to military it not, when “other people’s kids” Vietnam in 1968 with the 371st to send our kids to war considered service. Many young people were had to go? Radio Research Company. Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 25

Sheldon Ramsdell Archive I have recently set up an archive touch with other extant collections can raise some money to begin a to obtain information on sending for Sheldon “Shelly” Ramsdell at (McGovern collection, McCarthy non-profit book project based on materials to Cornell. Cornell will Cornell University. I am request- collection, No. California LGBT his photography with any proceeds reimburse you for any shipping- ing that anyone with Ramsdell- Historical Society, etc.) I am also going to support organizations like related expenses. related items consider sending working with his family regarding VVAW, the Alexander Hamilton them on to Cornell when it is securing potential archival hold- and Bob Basker American Legion Thanks, convenient. ings that they may have. Posts, AIDS education organiza- Shelly's archives are far Overall, I am trying to cre- tions, etc. Linda Alband flung. My goals for this effort ate a comprehensive picture of Please contact me directly Executor are two fold: (1) To gather as his work through this collection with any questions, suggestions of Sheldon H. Ramsdell Estate much as possible at Cornell, and “network.” At some point, if I am people I should contact regarding [email protected] (2) to put the Cornell archivist in able to find key pieces, perhaps I Ramsdell archival materials, or (650) 359-5010 Golf Balls Arnold Stieber Think of it this way: you are a Hold those thoughts. Now things that people admire. You also It must work. We have mili- manufacturer of golf balls. To sell switch from a golf ball manufac- need to generate fear and hatred tary bases in over 150 countries golf balls you need to promote turer to a weapons (let’s say bomb) and get the masses rallied behind and always have a “conflict” go- golf. The more golfers, the bet- manufacturer. To sell bombs you war and thus your product. You ing on somewhere. The average ter the sales. Thus you promote need to promote war. The more find things that work and you have Army private in Iraq earns about golf classes, golf courses, golf wars, the better the sales. It’s a them repeated over and over in $20,000 a year. The average CEO leagues, golf tournaments, golf little trickier to promote war. The every conceivable manner — di- of a defense contractor makes in schools, golf accessories and stakes are much higher for the rectly and indirectly via movies, $11,000,000 a year. What a great golf equipment. You work to make participants, but the profits are TV, radio, print, billboards. You business. the game easier for everyone. You much higher for you. Thus, you squash the peacemaking competi- help politicians who promote golf. need very high-powered people. tion. You need to get the message You help community leaders to People who can get to people’s to every segment of the market promote golf. In other words, you roots and affect their beliefs. You — old, young, rich, poor — so Arnold Stieber served with the do everything you can to make golf need super-slick promotional tools that when you push the button, 52nd Infantry in Vietnam 1970- the first thing people think about — slogans that drip of patriotism there is no doubt, war is the only 71. He is the VVAW Michigan for an activity. and heroes and freedom and all the solution. contact. 26 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Author Disagrees with Review Dear Editors: Uhl’s inconsistency, if nothing bankrupted the organization’s cluding Danny Friedman and else, is showing. treasury and physically and emo- Gloria Emerson, have spoken to Kurt Hilgendorf’s “This History’s As for Mr. Hilgendorf’s own tionally exhausted most of the me of the disastrous results of that Bunk” is the single most mean- duplicity, there are numerous VVAW combatants. confrontational demonstration. spirited, vindictive, and dishon- examples. For the sake of brev- est review of my book “Home ity, let me just examine one in 2. He says I wrote only about 5. Finally, let me address the to War,” bar none. This is highly detail. Mr. Hilgendorf is outraged “stars” like John Kerry and Ron preposterousness of Mr. Hilgen- ironic, at the least, since VVAW that I dare to print the opinion of Kovic — not “regular people.” dorf’s assertion that the history is an organization I have sup- journalist Richard Boyle, that the I wrote at length about Angel of a movement should be written ported wholeheartedly, both with VVAW should have pushed harder Almedina, Max Inglett, Tom without referring to “individuals.” my words and my cash, since the to force a meeting with Richard Ashby, Dave Currie, Jim Hopkins, Does he believe that a movement late 1980s. Nixon at the Fontainebleau Hotel Jan Barry, Carl Rogers, Larry is some sort of alien being that According to Mr. Hilgendorf, in 1972, rather than acceding to Rottmann, Shelley Ramsdell, lands on earthy fully manifested “Home to War” “does no justice Barry Romo’s order to stay briefly Michael Ryan, Frank McCarthy, of its own accord? A movement to the history of the veterans’ on the street, then retreat back John Musgrave, Jack McCloskey, exists because of the work of movement.” Frankly, in over 20 to their camp in Flamingo Park. Ron Bitzer, Sam Schorr, Al Hub- many individuals, and I chronicle years of close association with the Boyle is presented by Hilgendorf bard, Scott Moore, and a host the work of hundreds of them veterans’ movement, I never heard as someone with “no history as an of others. Aren’t these “regular in the pages of “Home to War” of Mr. Hilgendorf. Among my organizer.” Boyle not only covered people”? Even more dishonestly, — including Maude De Victor, friends, I have numbered dozens the Vietnam War as a front-lines Mr. Hilgendorf claims I ignore the whom Mr. Hilgendorf accuses me of VVAW members, many of them correspondent; he was the first “regular people” involved in the of slighting, but whose story is near-founders, including Ron journalist to break the story of work on PTSD. I spend pages on there (just check the index) along Kovic, Randy Barnes, Bill Cran- the mutiny of Alpha Company at Jack Smith, Art Egendorf, Shad with the story of another “regular dell, Jack McCloskey, Lee Thorn, Firebase Pace on the Cambodian Meshad, Jack McCloskey, Sarah person,” Paul Reutershan, whose Bill Ehrhart, Bob Waddell, Steve border in 1971 — a story that Haley, and many other PTSD pio- tragedy Mrs. De Victor helped to Hassna, Scott Camil, Bill Unger, shook the nation. He has been an neers. Again, aren’t these “regular bring to public attention. And the Tom Ashby, Annie Luginbill and activist and war protester all his people”? As for Mr. Hilgendorf’s good work of VVAW on the Agent Joel Greenberg, John Kniffin, and life, and was deeply involved in the scorn for “getting a definition (of Orange cause in the late 1970s and Wayne Beverly — among others. protests against U.S. military aid PTSD) into a book,” the fact that 1980s is fully detailed in thousands And the praise for “Home to War” to the dictatorship in El Salvador the definition finally got into the of words on pages 490-494. among VVAW members has been and to the Contras in Nicaragua. book (DSM-III) has led to tens manifold. His exploits were chronicled in of thousands of Vietnam veterans In a final gratuitous insult, Mr. So who is left to establish my Oliver Stone’s movie “Salvador” receiving the substantial monetary Hilgendorf accuses me of writing supposedly enormous “historical — his part played by James Wood. compensation they had been de- my history on the sole strength inaccuracies”? Mr. Hilgendorf The opinion of such a man ought nied for over a decade. and credentials of “just a book trots out none other than Mike Uhl, to at least be heard. contract.” In fact, I have immersed who wrote an equally dishonest But again, here’s the clincher. 3. Perhaps nothing makes Mr. myself in veterans’ activism for review of “Home to War” in The Immediately after giving Richard Hilgendorf as furious as my more than 20 years, attended Nation. I responded to the welter Boyle’s take, I print Barry Romo’s “privileging” Ron Kovic’s Ameri- hundreds of meetings of veterans’ of false charges by Mr. Uhl in a challenge to Boyle’s credibility can Veterans Movement (AVM) groups, read hundreds of books long letter to The Nation, which (p. 243): “But Romo, who served by devoting several pages to it on Vietnam veteran activism and was published on their website. in VVAW for decades afterward, — but only a small fraction of the Vietnam War, and developed Among other dishonest shots, maintains that his motivation was the hundreds of pages I devote friendships with many activist vet- Mr. Uhl charged me with ignor- to keep the demonstration intact, to VVAW. Whatever one may erans of several different wars, in- ing the important historical work and that it was his job as ‘tactical think of Ron Kovic the person, cluding Howard Zinn (World War “The Turning” by Andrew Hunt leader’ to judge ‘how far we could his enormous historical impor- II), John Schultz and Joe Grant — when the fact is that Mr. Hunt push the situation.’ In this case, tance is undeniable. Forget, for a (Korean), Brian Willson, Charlie actually came to me for help, he judged that more good would moment, even his tremendously Liteky, Freddy Champagne, Joe since I was much farther along be achieved by remaining on the influential, now classic autobi- McDonald, Rose Sandecki, Ron in my research than he back in street than by falling for an obvious ography “Born on the Fourth of Kovic, Scott Camil, Ron Bitzer, the early 1990s. Mr. Uhl knew government ploy. ‘They (Kovic July.” The accomplishments of the Randy Barnes, Lily Adams, Steve this full well, yet trumpeted my and two other wheelchair vets) short-lived AVM were stunning Suwalsky, Bill Ehrhart, Ted Sex- supposed ignorance of another weren’t gonna meet with Nixon. — not least of which, the toppling auer, Mike Blecker, Bob Mulhol- historian in the field as one more You can bet on that,’ Romo asserts. of the VA’s inept administrator, land, and Jim Janko (Vietnam), “strike” against me. The real ‘If Boyle thinks Richard Nixon Donald Johnson. Nor do I spare Dan Buckman (Central America), clincher in Mr. Uhl’s duplicity was meeting with Ron Kovic, Kovic’s egomania and excessively and Dan Fahey, Paul Sullivan, and was that — for whatever reason, give him something else to smoke optimistic plans. I quote VVAW Tony Swofford (Gulf) — as well perhaps to ingratiate himself with ...’” Mr. Hilgendorf does not even members Jack McCloskey and Lee as a lot more, many, unfortunately, the Kerry campaign — he wrote mention my attempt — here as Thorn at length about the folly of who have already died, like Wad- an unctuously praiseful review in elsewhere — to give both sides Kovic’s lone wolf approach — and dell and McCloskey. Those still the Boston Globe (Jan. 18, 2004) of events. I also reveal the pitiful showing alive, I’m sure, would be happy of Douglas Brinkley’s biography In truth, I found the “bunk” at Kovic’s Second Bonus March to testify to my good faith and of Kerry, “Tour of Duty.” Yet the in Mr. Hilgendorf’s review virtu- — which Bob Waddell labels, and commitment. irony is that Douglas Brinkley has ally endless: I even quote in my book: “The acknowledged large borrowings Second Boner March.” Yours truly, in his book from my own book, 1. He says I don’t show the effects “Home to War.” So if “Home to of the Gainesville Trial on VVAW. 4. I am taken to task for criticiz- Gerald Nicosia War” is so inaccurate, how can a I talk at length about Barry Romo’s ing VVAW’s attempted replay of book that was based on it be so decision to support the defendants, Dewey Canyon in 1974. Many wonderfully accurate? Surely Mr. and how the cost of the trial both stalwart VVAW supporters, in- Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 27 Hilgendorf Responds My review of Gerry Nicosia’s charges against “Home to War.” In the informants’ roles and personal to understand their experiences in “Home to War” in the Spring addition to Michael Uhl’s review lives, the Miami federal agents’ Vietnam via rap groups and their 2004 Veteran offered three main in The Nation (cited in my review), scandalous connections to the active struggle to get treatment, critiques: Jan Barry, one of VVAW’s found- highest levels of the federal gov- vets’ allies in the medical com- ing members and a person Nicosia ernment, and Scott Camil’s ideas munity would not have addressed 1. The book suffers from numerous obviously respects, questioned about self-defense more important the issue and the DSM would not historical inaccuracies. Nicosia’s account. In his 2001 than the long-term organizational have been changed. Likewise, review of “Home to War” for implications of the conspiracy had Maude DeVictor not stepped 2. Through his tone, use of lan- the War Resisters League, Barry trial. The trial’s historical sub- forward and had VVAW members guage, and narratives of events, writes, “Regrettably, like too much stance — the U.S. government’s not supported her, the horrific Nicosia positions himself as the of his book, it is rife with errors. continuing willingness to do ev- impact of Agent Orange might enlightened liberal observer who The 1967 event that inducted me erything in its power to suppress not have been exposed and no is intellectually superior to the into antiwar action was April 15.” dissent — is overshadowed by class-action lawsuit would have more radical VVAW leadership Nicosia incorrectly pegged the these tangential subplots. been possible. I believe a more of the early 1970s. As a result, march a week earlier, on April 7. Third, Nicosia refutes my effective history of the movement every VVAW action after Dewey In other words, Nicosia even got take on the American Veterans would have focused on the ways Canyon III, driven by leaders VVAW’s founding date wrong. Movement and its Second Bonus in which veterans’ organizations whose sole motivation was dog- As for my second primary March and its relationship to employed different techniques for matic political ideology, is made argument, Nicosia makes no di- Dewey Canyon IV. AVM, as I social change, how they learned to appear ineffective at best and rect response. He does, however, understand, grew out of a build- from collective struggle, and how doomed to failure at worst. reference several events, which I ing takeover in California. The the struggle could have been more will address here. First, Nicosia group did not exist, except as an successful. Did Nicosia spend 3. As a history of a movement, the questions my interpretation of an idea in Ron Kovic’s head, until the a few pages on VVAW’s role in book focuses far too much on the exchange between Barry Romo event was several days old. Kovic Agent Orange? Yes. Did he also major individual actors and not and Richard Boyle at the 1972 called the group the American spend perhaps a hundred pages enough on the intricacies of build- Republican convention, arguing Veterans Movement and credited on Victor Yannaconne and make ing and sustaining an organized that he does justice to VVAW the organization with a victory his story seem the central issue effort for social change. leadership. I agree with Nicosia when in reality it had no structure in the lawsuit? Yes. Do people that Boyle’s fine journalistic work or membership and couldn’t be reading the book consequently It should also be noted that my in Southeast Asia is indeed worthy considered anything other than believe that the specific details original review was premised (and of accolades. But my point was a highly grandiose plan. AVM’s of the trial are much more vital to given potential book sales and that Boyle was not part of organiz- Second Bonus March drew a the movement than the day-to-day Nicosia’s response here I doubt ing the event; by Nicosia’s logic, small fraction of the anticipated work of sustaining a movement that he would dispute this premise) because Seymour Hersh broke the crowd and, from what I can tell, for veterans’ rights? Yes. Do the on the book’s reputation as the stories of My Lai and Abu Ghraib was an event of relatively minor historical lessons in “Home to defining treatise on the Vietnam he should have had a prominent historical importance. VVAW’s War” consequently suffer from veteran movement. It logically role in shaping the United for Dewey Canyon IV was organized this approach? I think you know follows that such a text should be Peace and Justice protest at the by an actual group, was actually my answer. held to the most rigorous standards 2004 Republican convention. held, and was attended by four Nicosia, in the opening of research and argumentation. In More to the point, my use of this thousand. I agree that the event paragraphs of his response, uses a my opinion, “Home to War” does exchange exemplifies Nicosia’s was violent, but my real critique quote from my review out of con- not meet those standards, nor does wider pattern of critiquing the was that Nicosia painted AVM as text. I believe the narrative to be Nicosia’s response satisfactorily leadership of radicals while rou- the next great hope for veterans highly flawed, but I do not believe address any of my original argu- tinely omitting criticism of the because it was more moderate that his book does no justice to the ments. roles of liberals. Nicosia portrays and demanded better treatment for history of the veterans’ movement; With regard to historical in- the radicals as undisciplined veterans. VVAW was demanding it does some. In fact, I encourage accuracy, the real issue in creating and spur-of-the-moment during the same things, but because it anyone willing to invest the hefty a defining work is being airtight Dewey Canyon III. Now this same also pushed a radical critique of time commitment required to take on important, relevant details. His- group is criticized for being disci- exploitative American social and on the task of reading the seven- torians are free to reach different plined tactical leaders. The same economic conditions, VVAW had hundred-page volume that is conclusions based on the verifi- amount of space is afforded both no legitimate role in the public “Home to War.” However, beware able facts, but one’s credibility is sides, but Nicosia’s narrative up discourse. of the potentially dramatic rise in severely challenged when the facts to this event paints Romo as ir- In response to my final argu- blood pressure that may occur in are up for debate. For precisely this rational and even dangerous. As ment, Nicosia makes two main the process. reason VVAW worked diligently a result, Boyle’s far-fetched idea assertions: (1) he wrote about Finally, while I agree with the to verify members’ ranks and of forcing a meeting with Nixon regular people, and (2) a history sentiment, I cannot take credit for stories during the Winter Soldier seems completely logical and of a movement must include indi- my review’s title (“This History’s Investigation. When it was later justified, and a disciplined deci- viduals. I agree, and I made such a Bunk”). That credit duly resides discovered that Al Hubbard had sion based on a democratic group statement in my review. However, with Veteran text wrangler Lisa exaggerated his rank, VVAW process appears ill-conceived. merely presenting a laundry list Boucher. Thanks, Lisa, for the was forced to undertake a serious Second, my primary cri- of names does not address my excellent finishing touch. damage-control effort, spending tique of Nicosia’s coverage of critique of how Nicosia’s narrative valuable time and money that the Gainesville Eight trial was employed their stories. “Home to Kurt Hilgendorf could have gone toward protesting his soap opera-esque narrative, a War” repeatedly emphasizes dra- an unjust war, and Hubbard was critique applicable to much of the matic storylines while downplay- “A Troubling Tribute,” Jan Barry’s forced out of the National Office. rest of the book. Yes, Nicosia does ing the nuts and bolts of organizing review of “Home to War,” can be Similarly, Nicosia’s historical in- explain the heavy toll the trial took efforts. I utilized two examples: found in the Commentary section accuracies leave his account open on the organization. However, a PTSD and Agent Orange. My of VVAW’s website: to interpretation and attack. I am reader unfamiliar with the history original point about PTSD was that not the first person to level these of VVAW would likely identify without vets’ courageous attempts www.vvaw.org/commentary/ 28 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Letters to the Editor

On September 14, 2004, George stopped believing that this country and spoiled suburban housewife ask them to send out a search party W. Bush addressed the National was free. Although we still do not that I was, I did not sleep on the because we were so lost. Guard convention in Las Vegas, believe that America is the “Land ground) had brought an RV, which I remember, with great love Nevada, which just happens to of the Free,” we can no longer be helped me to earn the reputation and clarity, when in 1986 things be where my husband and I live. silent about the young men and for being the best PTSD psycho- had gone very wrong with some This visit by the commander in women being killed and maimed therapist in America. As soon as of the members of AOVNJ (Agent chief was not open to the public, throughout the world in the name someone flashed back, someone Orange Victims of New Jersey) but it was also closed to veterans of the United States of Bush. else yelled,”Kopy!” and I came and there was a very humiliating of all forces except the National It doesn’t really matter who running. Enough time has elapsed trial, from which we as the leaders Guard. George Wrong started the next president is ... except, of that I can tell the secret of my were exonerated, but after which I out by comparing himself to course, that this country cannot “great power”: I grabbed the vet was too embarrassed and insecure other presidents who served in the survive four more years of the and pushed him into the RV where to keep fighting and speaking out. Guard — especially to Theodore Bushmobile rambling through I showed him the microwave, the One evening, Dave Cline and Roosevelt — the one and the same Americans’ lives and mowing us TV, the refrigerator and the elec- Clarence Fitch showed up at our Theodore Roosevelt who said, “A down both here and abroad. In tric coffeemaker and kept saying, home and told me that I had been man who is good enough to shed coming back to VVAW, a flood “Washington, D.C., 1981” until he booked to speak at Rutgers and his blood for his country is good of memories sweep through my came out of it! then at a rally in lower Manhattan enough to be given a square deal mind, and the one thing that stands I remember the night during and that I’d better show up! They afterwards.” Bush used the Guard out more than anything else is the Agent Orange hearings, when wouldn’t listen to any arguments, to avoid Vietnam and in his present that no matter how serious and we all crashed at Romo’s apart- and so off I went, and to this day, office has turned his back on the depressing our tasks were back in ment, when I told Annie Bailey I believe those two bullies saved veterans of not only prior wars but the early days, we laughed so hard that for all the times I had been in my life. heartlessly on the 7,000 disabled and enjoyed what we were doing Chicago to speak at vets’ groups If anyone were to ask me veterans he created with his war. so much that it is still amazing to or on the talk shows, I’d never what VVAW means to me, I think The one good thing that has me that we accomplished so much really seen Chicago. It must have the best way for me to describe all come out of the Bush administra- with so few people and even less been about 2:00 a.m. when Annie you radicals would be: my friends, tion has been that John and I have money. decided that she was going to take no matter what, the most caring broken our 15-year silence (and I remember our journey to me sightseeing (don’t even try to people on the face of the Earth. for those you who remember the Washington, D.C. in 1981 when imagine how stoned we were), Eighties, John and Rena Kopy we camped on the Mall and VVAW and off we went. The only thing For the fight and the justice, were anything but quiet and re- members were going bookoo that neither of us took into con- tiring). We have had our share of dinky dau left and right because sideration was that Annie came Rena Kopystenski nightmares and tragedies over the we had built a perimeter and set from Milwaukee and didn’t have past 15 years, but politically we up a base camp. My group (at my a clue about where she was going became “uninvolved” because we insistence: rough, tough activist either. We had to call Romo’s and

I went to one of the showings of War. We’d like former members I’ve been to the DAV and gave really nice talks. I finally “Going Upriver: The Long War to re-up and new members to join. VVA meeting, where I didn’t feel choked my talk out. I remarked of John Kerry.” I’d recommend We’ve got some projects going on loved, and it looks like we’re in to Broedel that I wished I could everyone go. Figuring it would and we’d like your help. I’ll be out the 11NOV2004 parade. We’ll be have given a better talk. He said, be a good recruiting venue, I car- in the lobby if you’d like to talk.” pulling “rear guard,” which I con- “You know why they sounded so ried my legal pad. I was about A couple of folks started clapping; sider the place of honor and we’ll good and you didn’t? They didn’t 30 cars away from my truck and others came over to shake my be able to stop and talk with folks give a fuck and you did.” went back and got a pen. Started hand. Got down to the lobby and without holding up the parade. weeping during WSI & DCIII, got composed myself. Talked with a A white-bearded wrinkled Tom Baxter some stares from folks around me dozen friendly folks. Told them white guy with a high noble fore- USAV 1967-69 for that. Think I saw me at DCIII, about Eyes Wide Open and the head cuts quite a figure with tears tombaxter.livejournal.com dirty-blond long hair and beard Veterans Day Parade. Got their flowing down his face and his and black frame glasses. The first email addresses. Gave away about voice cracking. Reminds me of Eyes Wide Open is an exhibit on guy in the shot that pans to the 30 business cards. when I spoke at a memorial service the costs of the Iraq War. For more left. But anyway, I stood up at the There were at least a couple for a member in 1986. There’s information, visit: end of the showing and said, “I’m of prime vet prospects, one old his face, but I can’t remember his http://afsc.org/eyes/ Tom Baxter. I’m the local contact VVAW member and maybe some name. He was a professor and all for Vietnam Veterans Against the non-vet supporters. the deans and department heads Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 29

POW Remembered information back to the enemy. proud to be an American, had vol- He was a double agent. unteered for Vietnam and wanted One day this prisoner walked to do right by my country. My continued from page 32 slowly across the POW compound, dreams and naiveté were shattered hair pulled, their sores and heat wire. There was no one you could appearing exhausted: head down, in Vietnam. The older enlisted men blisters pinched and their bare trust. Most of us didn’t want to be feet dragging. Suddenly, he burst — career soldiers, lifers — were, feet stomped. One prisoner was there. We counted off the days, but forth like a runner from a starting for the most part, lowlifes. Their made to sit with his legs spread the longer I was there the more I block, jumped atop a bunker, and drunken, amoral behavior made and was repeatedly smacked back became the very thing I hated. This did a complete flip over the barbed my dad look saintly. My father was and forth on his inner thighs with war was about getting me out alive, wire, landing on his feet — all never promiscuous and never mis- a ping-pong paddle, making his and nothing else mattered. with his hands cuffed behind his treated my mother. What I saw in heat sores bleed. I warned the There was one prisoner who back. In broad daylight he didn’t Vietnam was rape and murder. interpreter once, and then took was treated special. He wore hand- have a prayer of getting away. Two Today, I still live in a bunker. the paddle from his hand in mid- cuffs behind his back. Only while GIs standing thirty feet outside I am certified service-connected swing. He protested, cursing me he ate would we cuff him up front, the compound heard my cry for 100% permanent and totally dis- in Vietnamese. The intelligence then back again once he finished. help. They knocked the prisoner abled: what’s called post traumatic officer stressed the need -to ob He was the enemy’s version of to the ground and stomped him stress disorder, but I prefer the tain information in order to save Special Forces, a sapper who could into the mud. World War II term “shell shock.” American lives. He told me that low crawl through barbed wire At that moment I had my I am not free, nor am I the price if I had a problem, he’d talk to the and trip flares like butter melts awakening. Seeing this man’s de- of freedom. The Vietnam War was colonel and have me relieved of on a hot biscuit. He could wreak termination, fortitude and tenacity, meaningless. I see POW/MIA duty. I was confused, torn. I gave hours of havoc on a base camp with I realized I was the enemy here. flags flying everywhere. They the interpreter back his paddle. satchel charges and throat-slitting, We didn’t belong here. After this are not about prisoners missing One big problem was that then disappear back into the night. incident they put shackles on the in Southeast Asia, but those like you didn’t know your enemy. The The story was he had surrendered man’s ankles and had a shotgun me, among us, still missing and Vietnamese would come from and was working for us as a scout, pointing at him 24/7. prisoners of the Vietnam War. the village, work the base camp a point man leading our troops I grew up in a small town, during the day, and return come through the jungle. After some believed in God and the goodness nightfall. One night the barber was time, Intelligence realized he had of people, respected adults and Richard Boes is a Vietnam vet shot coming through the perimeter been leaving clues and passing thought they knew best. I was and member of VVAW from New York.

A Soldier Not a sacred warrior, Nor with a bayonet blessed by God,

Not even a human being, Just a simple peasant ... a surrogate, A sacrificial lamb, a frightened child, Chosen by the rich to be an instrument of war,

A cold-blooded, battle-trained beast, A mindless savage ordered to kill,

A molded piece of steel, an object ... a gear, A very small cog in a far-reaching engine of death, An insignificant fleck in the overall fabric of life,

A negligible notch on the handle of an enemy’s gun, A mere afterthought for those who extol the wonders of war, An unkempt grunt, A lonely, gutted, blood-spattered corpse lying on the ground, Something like the trivial crush of dead dog on a lonely country road, Dead meat ... with a tin tag,

A sacred breath of life having been stripped from its mother’s womb, A father’s pride ... his very best friend, Someone whose name is Abdul, Mohammed, Ishmael, Ibrahim, or Hassan, Or then again ... perhaps even Mike, John, Eddy, Ben, or Bill, A world diminished by the loss of another precious child!

Doug Soderstrom 30 THE VETERAN Fall 2004 Remembering Dave Most of us knew that Dave Del- were arraigned. Dave stood tall more frail, but the spark linger had been quite ill for some and fearless in the face of this in his eyes and the fire of time, but the news of his death government effort to railroad his commitment lit up the this past May still came as quite a him and the others into prison for rooms in which he spoke. shock. We got used to having Dave exercising their First Amendment Dave’s legacy to the around, always the conscience of rights. struggle for a nonviolent the movement for peace and social Nearly twenty years passed world is considerable. For justice, always at the forefront of befre I actually met Dave and got us in VVAW, he holds a any activity that would expand to know him a little better. very special place, as he is freedom and equality. Now he is In 1988, he was invited to remembered for his efforts gone, but not from our hearts or be a guest-in-residence at one of to bridge the supposed gap our memories, and his fight — our the dorms here at the University between the peace move- fight — continues. of Illinois. I attended as many ment and the GIs and veter- I first learned of Dave Del- of the public events as I could, ans during the Vietnam war. linger around 1966 or 1967, while I gradually introducing myself to In 1966 he wrote: was still in the Navy and becoming Dave. He was very happy to meet In a sensible world it would their motives and character are more and more radicalized by the a continuing VVAW member in be obvious that there is a natural different than is often suggested Vietnam war. I read about him in downstate Illinois, and he had alliance of sympathy and common by the government and its most all the underground newspapers many great things to say about interest between the men whose narrow-minded supporters. I could find. I recall photographs our organization and, in particular, lives and limbs are threatened in — From Dellinger’s fore- of him splattered with red paint about Barry Romo, with whom a dishonest and unnecessary war word to “In the Teeth of War: as he marched for peace and so- he had maintained contact over and those who are trying to bring Photographic Documentary of cial justice with other movement the years. that war to an end. It would also the March 26th, 1966, New York figures like Staughton Lynd. He Unfortunately, Dave’s visit to be obvious that among those who City Demonstration against the seemed awfully brave to me, as I Champaign-Urbana was cut short are exempt (because of age, oc- War in Vietnam” was taking mild amounts of shit that time, as he received word that cupation, sex or other accidental Nearly forty years later, these for speaking up against the war his son had just passed away from circumstance) it takes more cour- words carry weight in the current while in uniform. I admired how cancer. I still remember the tears in age, more loyalty to one’s fellows struggles against war and for social willing he was to continue the fight his eyes as he chatted with me on who are bearing the brunt of the justice. Dave Dellinger lives on in the face of serious and often the afternoon of his departure. war, to speak up for peace than in the spirit of these words and in very dangerous reaction. After that, Dave returned to to keep conveniently and safely the memories of those who wit- I was in the courtroom in Champaign-Urbana a few more quiet. This does not mean that the nessed him in action. We’ll miss Chicago in 1969, sitting next to times, including two trips with his peace demonstrators are neces- you, Dave. Sid Lens, when Dave and the other life-partner Elizabeth Peterson. In sarily right in everything they say members of the “Chicago Eight” these later years, Dave was clearly or do, but it should be clear that Joe Miller

I was lucky to be Dave Dellinger’s We worked together closely When I fell into sectarianism, we There is a poem from Ho Chi friend for more than 30 years. I first in Miami during the political remained friends. When I fell out Minh’s “Prison Diary” about a met him when I moved to New conventions. He started a hunger of ultra-leftism and apologized, signpost and how it isn’t big, but York City to serve in VVAW’s strike, and a number of VVAW he didn’t accept my apology, say- it points the way and says how far National Office — heady times members joined in. I did too, but ing I had nothing to apologize to to go and people will remember for a young Chicano from San didn’t last a day. him for. it. Dave was a road atlas. He was Bernardino, California. There I I am not a pacifist, but he did I didn’t meet his wife Eliza- a hero, and we should remember met this famed pacifist from the not try to convert me. Not because I beth until much later, but I can see our heroes. Chicago Eight and instantly liked wasn’t worth it, but because he led why he was with this intelligent him. by example instead of preaching. and sweet woman. Barry Romo Fall 2004 THE VETERAN 31 Where We Came From,Who We Are,Who Can Join Vietnam Veterans Against the VVAW also took up the Agent Orange Victims. did not end when we were dis- War, Inc. (VVAW) is a national struggle for the rights and needs Today our government still charged. We remain committed veterans' organization that was of veterans. In 1970, we began finances and arms undemocratic to the struggle for peace and for founded in New York City in 1967 the first rap groups to deal with and repressive regimes around social and economic justice for all after six Vietnam vets marched traumatic after-effects of war, the world in the name of “democ- people. We will continue to oppose together in a peace demonstra- setting the example for readjust- racy.” American troops have again senseless military adventures and tion. It was organized to voice the ment counseling at Vet Centers been sent into open battle in the to teach the real lessons of the growing opposition among return- today. We exposed the shameful Middle East and covert actions Vietnam War. We will do all we ing servicemen and women to the neglect of many disabled vets in in Latin America, for many of can to prevent future generations still-raging war in Indochina, and VA Hospitals and helped draft the same misguided reasons that from being put through a similar grew rapidly to a membership of legislation to improve educational were used to send us to Southeast tragedy, and we will continue to over 30,000 throughout the United benefits and create job programs. Asia. Meanwhile, many veter- demand dignity and respect for States, including active duty GIs VVAW fought for amnesty for ans from all eras are still denied veterans of all eras. This is real stationed in Vietnam. Through war resisters, including vets with justice — facing unemployment, patriotism and we remain true to ongoing actions and grassroots bad discharges. We helped make discrimination, homelessness, our mission. Anyone who sup- organization, VVAW exposed the known the negative health effects post-traumatic stress disorder ports this overall effort, whether ugly truth about US involvement of exposure to chemical defoliants and other health problems, while Vietnam veteran or not, veteran or in Southeast Asia and our first- and the VA's attempts to cover-up already inadequate services are not, may join us in this long term hand experiences helped many these conditions as well as their cut back or eliminated. struggle. JOIN US! other Americans to see the unjust continued refusal to provide treat- We believe that service to nature of that war. ment and compensation for many our country and communities

SUPPORT VVAW! Insignia of DONATE OR JOIN TODAY! Vietnam Veterans Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Inc. VVAW Membership Against the War P.O. Box 2065, Station A Champaign, IL 61825-2065 We took the MACV patch as our own, replacing the sword with the upside-down rifle with helmet, the international symbol of soldiers killed in action. This was done to expose the lies and hypocrisy of U.S. aggression in Vietnam as well as its cost in Membership Application human lives. The original MACV insignia also put forward lies. The U.S. military was not protecting (the sword) the Vietnamese from Name ______invasion from the People's Republic of China (the China Gates), Address______City______State______Zip______but was instead trying to "save" Vietnam from itself. Phone______Our insignia has come to represent veterans fighting against new E-mail address______"adventures" like the Vietnam War, while at the same time fighting Branch ______for a decent way of life for veterans and their families. Dates of Service (if applicable)______Our insignia is more than 30 years old. It belongs to VVAW Unit______Military Occupation______and no other organization or group may use it for any reason with- Rank______out permission. Overseas Duty______Dates______

Yes, add me to the VVAW email list I do not wish to join, but wish to make a donation to the work of VVAW Sign me up for a lifetime membership in VVAW. $250 is enclosed.

Beware of VVAW AI Membership in VVAW is open to ALL people who want to build a veterans' move- This notice is to alert you to a ment that fights for peace and justice. Most of our members are veterans of the the creation of an obscure ultra- Vietnam era, but we welcome veterans of all eras, as well as family members and handful of individuals calling left sect known as the Revolu- friends to our ranks. The annual membership fee is $25.00 (not required of home- themselves “Vietnam Veterans tionary Communist Party and less, unemployed or incarcerated vets). Against the War Anti-Imperial- is designed to pimp off VVAW's ist.” Though few in number, they VVAW is a democratic organization. Chapters decide on local programs and long history of struggle. Their projects under the general guidelines of the national program. Chapters elect local are highly mobile and may show objective is to create confusion leadership and representatives to annual national meetings where major organiza- up at meetings or demonstra- and deception in order to promote tional decisions are made and national coordinators elected. These coordinators tions representing themselves as themselves. are responsible for the day to day organizational leadership of VVAW and issuing national publications. VVAW. We urge all people and “VVAW AI” is not a faction, organizations to beware of this Signature ______caucus or part of VVAW, Inc. bogus outfit. Don't be fooled. They are not affiliated with us in They are not what they claim. Date ______any way. “VVAW AI” is actually Forewarned is forearmed! Total Amount Enclosed ______

(Make checks payable to VVAW. Contributions are tax-deductible.) RECOLLECTIONS POW Remembered Richard Boes I just had to get out of the house. or another. When I said goodbye, at least one who was butchered and the passengers was an American My father was a drunk. Sure, he I shook his hand and never even strung up for days in the village soldier who had fallen some fifty went to work each day, came home kissed my mother. As I looked marketplace as an example to the feet off a radio tower. He was to cocktails and passed out in his back from the street and waved, villagers. These smells and images screaming in pain and cursing at easy chair in front of the TV every she was standing in the doorway, are still with me. the top of his lungs. His feet were night. He never said much, yelled crying. Prisoners were never dressed like full-blown blue balloons. That some, but mostly just repeated I was trained as an MP and in more than a pair of filthy boxer half-hour ride seemed an eternity. what my mother had to say. It was had been assigned to the First Cav- shorts, their legs and feet covered I don’t remember my prisoner almost as if he wasn’t there. My alry. We were on a small base camp with heat sores and blisters, ab- ever making a sound, showing mother was a nag: overbearing, on the outskirts of a Vietnamese scessed and oozing. I remember any emotion or any sign of being dominating and asking too many village. Our POW compound thinking they might not feel too in pain. Truth is, I saw more GIs questions. I was the oldest of five was surrounded by twenty-foot bad about being caught, relieved killed by accidents, mistakes and children; my mother confided in high barbed wire. The prisoners, they didn’t have to hump the “friendly fire” than I did by the me once that she would have left who never had names, were kept bush anymore and grateful to get enemy. I did get the prisoner to my father years ago if it weren’t beneath open tents, with bare cots something more than rice to eat. the hospital in one piece despite for the kids. to sleep on. There was a pallet of But I only remember one receiving numerous requests to fuck him My father never fought in board under each cot to keep it medical attention. up or boot him out the chopper World War II like my friends’ dads from sinking into the mud. We This prisoner, who had a door. did. A childhood disease left him as guards had bunkers and empty bullet in his leg, was interrogated One of my duties was to with a punctured eardrum and he oil drums, three-fourths of which for three days before being taken monitor interrogations, to make was classified 4-F. He even wore a were sunken into the ground. Fear- to the hospital. I provided an es- sure the Geneva Convention for goofy bathing cap when we went ing rockets and mortars, I spent cort. As medevac choppers went, the treatment of prisoners was swimming to keep water from get- many nights peering out of that patients were selected in accor- upheld — the reality of which ting in his ear. I just wanted out and oil drum with my shotgun held dance with the severity of their was a joke. A South Vietnamese knew the military would provide on a sleeping prisoner. wounds. One GI with his arm in interpreter sat facing the prisoner, meals, housing and a paycheck. I Our POW compound was a cast was bumped from the flight right in his face. An American had to be someone different than transitory. Prisoners never stayed because of my prisoner. He got real intelligence officer sat behind my dad. I wanted to be a man. I very long. They were brought in pissed. “I gotta wait because of a a small table making notes and wanted to be a hero. from the field, interrogated for fucking gook bastard? I’ll kill the looking at maps. He spoke through I tried joining the Marines, three or four days, and sent to motherfucker!” the interpreter whose translation but they said I’d have to wait three who knows where. We never had I tried to calm him. “He’s always seemed much longer and months, so I went across the street more than three or four at a time. had a bullet in his leg for three more violent. I stood a few feet and enlisted in the Army. Eighteen I believe most prisoners never days.” off to the side. Prisoners were and two days out of high school made it out of the field; they just “Fuck him.” screamed at, smacked in the face, I left home. Nine months later kept a few alive to see what, if any, “Sorry,” I said. punched, kicked, spit on, had their I was leaving for Vietnam. My information they could get. Some That chopper flight was the mom didn’t want me to go. My were turned over to the South worst of my flight experiences, and continued on page 29 dad didn’t seem to care one way Vietnamese Army, and I know of we weren’t even shot at. One of