MIA Totals: WWI 3,344 - WWII 78,537 - Korea 8,104 -Vietnam 1,706 - Persian Gulf 40 - Somalia 8 I N C O M I N G !

The Monthly Newsletter of ROLLING THUNDER, INC . Chapter #1 “POW-MIA – You are not Forgotten”

http://indianarollingthunder.com

Chapter Officers Eddie “Scooby” Rutledge President Judy “Scooter” Brinkley Vice-President Crystal “Baby Girl” Smith Secretary Terry “Flash” Sanderson Treasurer

“ We ride for our Brothers that can’t – Educating the Public, Keeping Faith with those who still serve “ “Americas’ POW/MIA truly die, only when they are forgotten.”

Scooby’s Scoop December 2011

I hope all had a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving and start of the holiday season!! As we prepare to enter 2012, I hope that we all will continue to dedicate ourselves not only to our issues, mission, and our POW/MIA's, but to our chapter!! 2011 was a very good year and prosperous for Rolling Thunder® Indiana Chapter 1 and now we are beginning our plans for 2012. With that being said, 2012 renewals are being prepared to be sent out. As you receive your renewal, please keep in mind that renewals MUST to be returned by February 28 th , 2012 . Please be sure that your 2011 and ANY past dues are up to date. Renewals will be available at upcoming meetings beginning in December. We want all of our members to remain in good-standing and in compliance with the Rolling Thunder National Constitution. We must continue to educate the public, participate in meetings, events and other functions throughout the year, but mostly continue to be the eyes, ears and voice of our missing and keep the light of hope burning bright to one day light a path for their safe return home!! I personally believe that 2012 will be another great year for our chapter as we press forward with our mission and hopefully bring ALL of our American POW/MIA's as well as our live POW/MIA's home!! Again, I would like to personally thank each and every member of our chapter, especially our Officers and Board members for all of their hard work and efforts set forth not only in 2011, but also in years past!! Please keep all of our POW/MIA's, military personnel past, present and future and members of our Rolling Thunder family who are going through tough times in your warmest thoughts and prayers. Keep up the GREAT work and Thank you!!

CHAPTER MEETING

Our next chapter meeting will be DECEMBER 18, 2011 AT 1230 HOURS AT THE HVAF!!! Immediately following the meeting, we will break bread with our homeless Vets and maybe “kick out” a few Christmas carols!! As previously discussed at the November chapter meeting. It IS NOT necessary to bring desserts to the December meeting at the HVAF!! Larry Paynter is taking care of that for the chapter!! Thanks Larry!! This is a very special time for our chapter as well as a way to share some tidings of good cheer with those who have given so much!! HVAF is located at 964 North Pennsylvania Street , Indiana 46204. The phone number is 317-951-0688. 2011 ROLLING THUNDER INDIANA CHAPTER 1 MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Ron “Zeke” Jolly was awarded Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 Member of the Year for 2011 during his B-Day Party on December 4 th , 2011. CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER!! (Please view more pics from “Zeke's party in our chapter website photo gallery) . B-Day pics courtesy of Ms. Cindy Grubb. Thank You!!

Ron hanging with the gang!!

Blow Ron Blow!!! CONGRATS ZEKE!!!

Ron receiving the 2011 RTI Indiana Chapter 1 Member of the Year Award!! Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!!!

INDIANA CONGRESSMAN

In last month's newsletter, I mentioned that members of our chapter visited Congressman Todd Young on Capitol Hill last month at the National Conference. Congressman Young graciously agreed to cosponsor H. Res. 111. Congressman Young went above and beyond!! Congressman Young prepared a letter requesting that the POW/MIA flag be flown at Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2012 Super Bowl!! WOW!! Thanks Congressman Young!!

POW/MIA LICENSE PLATE

Keep up the GREAT work promoting our plate and Thank you!!! If you need POW plate brochures for distribution or information, please contact any one of your chapter Officers or Board members!!

To check out the Indiana POW Plate video, please visit the following link: http://box.net/shared/bocaia923d . Again, a special Thanks needs to go to Jeff McShay and everyone who assisted with this project!!!

The Indiana POW/MIA Plate Today

• The total plate sales in 2011 from January through November were 1,954 more than doubling plate sales in 2010 (942), during the same time.

• At the current rate of sales, we estimate sales to reach or exceed 2,200 for the year.

• This year, we have deposited $48,850 into the Veterans Affairs Trust Fund. ANNUAL STATE OF THE CHAPTER MEETING

On January 15 th , 2012, at 1230 hours, we will be having our ANNUAL STATE OF THE CHAPTER MEETING!! This is our first chapter meeting of the New Year; therefore, it is pertinent that ALL chapter members be present as we really “kick off” the New Year and get our game plan up and running for 2012!! We will be discussing such topics as our financial position, past, present and future, renewing memberships and sharing valuable information with the entire chapter!! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS ACCORDINGLY!!

ANNUAL TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC (MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND)

ROLLING THUNDER XXV, ROLLING THUNDER XXV!! What more really needs to be said!!! This year marks the 25 th Anniversary of Rolling Thunders demonstration in Washington, DC!! This years demonstration and protest ride promises to be the mother load of mother loads!! We will be commencing with our preparations for this years “Ride to the Wall” prior to the January 15 th , 2012 chapter meeting!! We will meet at 1100 hours and begin the brainstorming process of what went well last year as well as things that we can improve on!! I encourage EVERYONE to join this committee!! This is a fun and rewarding committee due to all of the pieces that need to be discussed, fine-tuned and implemented!! Also, this is an opportunity to be apart of something that is so very, very special!! AGAIN, EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO BE APART OF THIS COMMITTEE!! SEE YOU THERE!!! Further details will be forthcoming!!

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY

There will be a wreath laying ceremony held at the Indiana Veteran's Cemetery on December 10 th , 2011 at 1200 hours in Madison, Indiana. Anyone interested in attending and would like to carpool down to Madison should meet at the Vets Center at 0900 hours for a 0930 hours departure. If you have any questions contact Dick Harrington at 317-652-8251. The Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 1415 North Gate Road Madison, Indiana 47250.The phone number is 812-273-9221 Special thanks to Linda Harrington and Ruth Smith for knitting the scarves and everyone who supported their project by their generous donations as well as bringing items to put in the “goodie” bags!! We will be stuffing “goodie” bags on Friday, December 16 th , 2011 at 1900 hours at the Vets Center. The more “stuffers” we have the quicker we can get it done!!

Rolling Thunder Indiana Chapter 1 member Michael Byrd was awarded his chapter “boot” patch at the November chapter meeting. CONGRATULATIONS MIKE!!!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT THE RICHARD L. ROUDEBUSH VAMC

On Saturday, December 17 th , 2011, we will be Christmas Caroling at the VA Hospital. The hospital is located at 1481 West 10 th Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. We will meet in the atrium of the VA Hospital at 1000 hours. After we go caroling at the VA Hospital, we will go to the VA Domiciliary and attempt to throw out a few more tunes. The VA Domiciliary is located at 725 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. We will head on over to the Working Man's Friend located at 234 North Belmont for lunch!! This has always been a very special time not only for the chapter, but for our Vets!! SEE YOU THERE!!! Oh Yeah...now wouldn't be a bad time to start warming up those wonderful singing voices!!

NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH

On January 1 st , 2012, we will be kicking off the new year by meeting for brunch at the MCL Cafeteria in Castleton @ 1100 hours. The MCL cafeteria is located at 5520 Castleton Corner Lane Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. SEE YOU THERE!!!

MOTORCYCLE EXPO AND WORLD OF WHEELS

Early next year we will be participating and having a booth at the Motorcycle Expo and World of Wheels which is held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to work both of these shows, i.e. selling “mini” bike raffle tickets as well as educating the public about the POW/MIA issue. If interested in volunteering for one or both of these shows contact either Terry “Flash” Sanderson at [email protected] . Or Paul “Shakes” Giambrone at [email protected] . Details will be forthcoming on both of these events!!

CHAPTER HOLIDAY RAFFLE

Raffle tickets are currently available for $10.00 per ticket. The prize is a $1,000.00 gift card. Just think of all the extra Christmas shopping that you can do!! So get your tickets A.S.A.P!!! See Brenda Stanley or Linda Cope for tickets and details. The drawing will be held December 18 th , at 1300 hours at the chapter meeting. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!!

POW/MIA “VANITY” LICENSE PLATE

POW/MIA “vanity” plates are available for $10.00 each. Monies generated from the sales of this plate go strictly to the cost of the plate. The chapter DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY OF THE PROCEEDS. The wording on the plate will be “2 MANY” THESE PLATES ARE STRICTLY FOR THE FRONT OF VEHICLES AND NOT USED AS A REGULAR STATE LICENSE PLATE IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!! If interested in a POW/MIA “vanity” plate or for more information , contact Dick Harrington [email protected] . THE NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER (NPRC)

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his/her DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online website. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

RTI NATIONAL BIKE RAFFLE

Rolling Thunder National is raffling off a 2012 Harley Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited!! Tickets are $10.00 per chance and the drawing will be May 29 th , 2012 at 1400 hours at Harley Davidson of Washington located at 9407 Livingston Road Fort Washington, Maryland 20744. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!! Check out Rolling Thunder National's website for a picture of the grand prize and more details!! Proceeds to help benefit American Veterans, our troops and their families!! See Scooby for tickets and details!!

Crystal showing off the Grand Prize!! SCOOBY’S DOGHOUSE!!!

Briefly discuss H.R. 430?

Memorial Day Weekend 2012 marks how many years Rolling Thunder has been demonstrating in Washington, DC against our Governments handling of POW/MIA issues and the right's of Veterans? 10, 15, 20, 25, None?

When was U.S. Public Law 101-355 passed and by who?

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S DOGHOUSE!!

POW/MIA is not recognized by the Geneva Convention. True or False?

Answer: False

Prior to departing for the Rolling Thunder annual demonstration/protest ride, where do hundreds of thousands participants gather in Washington, DC?

Answer: The Pentagon

Briefly discuss S-1629 or H.R. 812.

Answer: To amend Title 18, Code to clarify presumptions relating to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam and for other purposes.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

H. Res. 111: To establish a select committee that shall conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom, including MIA's and POW's missing and captured.

The Elected Representatives for the State of Indiana who are in office to represent us, the people during the 112 th Congress are as follows: DC Number Local Number(s) Senator Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) 202-224-4814 Senator (R-IN) 202-224-5623 Rep. Peter J. Visclosky (D-01) 202-225-2461 219-795-1844 Rep. (D-02) 202-225-3915 574-288-2780 574-753-2671 Rep. Marlin A. Stutzman (R-03) 202-225-4436 574-533-5802 260-424-3041 260-599-0554 Rep. (R-04) 202-225-5037 317-838-0404 Rep. Dan Burton (R-05) 202-225-2276 317-848-0201 765-662-6770 Rep. (R-06) 202-225-3021 765-640-2919 765-747-5566 765-962-2883 Rep. Andre Carson (D-07) 202-225-4011 317-283-6516 Rep. (R-08) 202-225-4636 812-465-6484 812-232-0523 Rep. Todd C. Young (R-09) 202-225-5315 812-288-3999 812-336-3000 HOUSE RESOLUTION 111 (H. Res. 111)

H. Res. 111 was introduced in the US House on February 28 th , 2011 and has been referred to the House Rules Committee. As a chapter, we must contact our Congressmen IMMEDIATELY via phone calls, write and send letters directly to them and request that they sign on as a cosponsor. With that being said, I am asking each and every chapter member to contact (preferably in writing) the Rep. in your respective areas throughout the State. We have sample letters and information in the office. As of this date, there are over one hundred-twelve (112) cosponsors and only four (4) from Indiana!! During the 112 th Congress, we as a State MUST HAVE 100% compliance from our Representatives. We must get this to the House floor for a vote. You can also remind them that we had 294 cosponsors in the 111 th Congress and 280 in the 110 th Congress. Also, it is important to remind your Reps. if they signed on in the past. OUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES ARE IN OFFICE TO REPRESENT US, THE PEOPLE!!! THIS IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO!!! If you need sample letter, information, addresses, etc, contact me and I will get the information to you..You should familiarize yourselves w/ your area Representative as well as their leadership role and stance on Veteran and POW/MIA issues. LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

Current issues for the 112 th Congress are as follows:

The Backlog of VA claims. There are 800,000+ claims over 125 day old with a “surge” of Vets returning from Iraq by the end of the year.

Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011 (H.R. 812) . S-1939 and S-1940 were not re-introduced in the 112 th Congress. However, over 500,000+ veterans are affected by this situation. We need to get these re- introduced as soon as possible.

Gold Star Mothers National Memorial Act of 2011 (H.R. 1980)

For more information and up to date information on H. Res. 111 go to: www.nationalalliance.org .

Other bills that we are currently working on are as follows:

H.R. 812 and S-1629 The Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011. Representative Bob Filner sponsors H.R. 812 with forty-five (45) cosponsors and Senator Gillibrand sponsors S-1629 with two (2) cosponsors.

Please refer below to what bills each Congressman has and has not signed on as cosponsor:

Congressman Peter Visclosky (D-01) Has not signed on as cosponsor H. Res. 111, H.R.1980 or H.R. 812.

Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-02) Signed on as cosponsor H.Res. 111. Has not signed on as cosponsor of H.R. 812 or H.R. 1980.

Congressman (R-03) Has not signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111, H.R. 1980 or H.R. 812.

Congressman Todd Rokita (R-04) Has not signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111, H.R. 1980 or H.R. 812. Congressman Dan Burton (R-05) Has signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111 and H.R. 1980. Has not signed on as cosponsor of H.R. 812.

Congressman Mike Pence (R-06) Has not signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111, H.R. 1980 or H.R. 812.

Congressman Andre Carson (D-07) Signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111, H.R. 812. Has not signed on as cosponsor of H.R. 1980. Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-08) Has not signed on as cosponsor of H. Res. 111, H.R. 1980 or H.R. 812.

Congressman Todd Young (R-09) Has signed on as cosponsor of H.R. 1980 and H. Res. 111. Has not signed on as cosponsor of H.R.812.

NOTE: Ask Senators Lugar and Coats to cosponsor S-1629 and assist with getting S-1939 RE-INTRODUCED!!

POW/MIAs from Iraq and Afghanistan

Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie, age 41, Army reservist assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Baghdad. Spc. Altaie is from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

On October 23, 2006 was categorized as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown when he allegedly was kidnapped while on his way to visit family in Baghdad, Iraq. The Pentagon changed his status to missing-captured on December 11, 2006.

Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl, age 23, 1 st Battalion, 501 st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4 th Brigade Combat Team, 25 th Infantry Division. Pfc. Bergdahl is from Ketchum, Idaho.

Captured in Pakitka province, Afghanistan, on June 30, 2009. The Pentagon declared him Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown on July 1, 2009 and his status was changed to Missing-Captured on July 3 rd , 2009.

Please keep these heroes and all of our American Patriots close to your heart and one day bring them home!!!

"America's POW/MIA's will never die until they are forgotten."

FREEDOM NOW!!! “We Will Never Forget”

WWI 3,344 WWII 78,537 Cold War 120 Korea 8,104

Vietnam 1,706 Iraq 1 Afghanistan 1