BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY: WE WILL HIRE 10,000 VETERANS

MONTAGNARDS: VIETNAM’S FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN PEOPLE 18 NEW VETS IN CONGRESS

300TH MARINE EARNS MEDAL OF HONOR No contracts No cancellation fees

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*Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Plans and services may require purchase of a GreatCall device and a one-time setup fee of $35. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can be made only when cellular service is available. 5Star Service tracks an approximate location of the device when the device is turned on and connected to the network. GreatCall does not guarantee an exact location. Car charger will be mailed to customer after the device is activated. Jitterbug, GreatCall, and 5Star are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Copyright ©2019 GreatCall, Inc. ‘THEY HELPED US AS MUCH AS WE HELPED THEM’ 34 A VFW member in North Carolina served as a Green Beret dur- BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY: WE WILL HIRE ing the Vietnam War. While living with and fi ghting alongside local 10,000 VETERANS Montagnard tribesmen, he gained a lifelong respect and admiration for these persecuted people. BY JANIE DYHOUSE

MONTAGNARDS: VIETNAM’S FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN PEOPLE 17 NEW VETS IN CONGRESS

300TH MARINE EARNS MEDAL OF HONOR MARCH 2019 Vol. 106 No. 6 COVER PHOTO: Evan Hafer, CEO of Black Rifl e Coffee Company, stands on bags of his company’s product in January 2018 at a roasting facility in Salt Lake City. Hafer, a VFW life member and former Green Beret, says Black Rifl e employs more than 80 veterans, about 55 percent of its workforce. (Photo courtesy of Black Rifl e Coffee Company) ‘STEALTH SAILORS’ READY ON THE COVER FOR DEPLOYMENT 14 Coffee 24 New Vets in Congress At the U.S. Naval Base in San Diego, sail- 26 Medal of Honor ors aboard the USS Zumwalt — the Navy’s 34 Montagnards latest, most technologically advanced surface vessel — explain how their IN THIS ISSUE smaller crew does more with less. 20 Stealth Sailors BY DAVID SEARS 20 30 Disaster Relief 32 Service Offi cer 40 Billy Terrell THE ‘HIGHEST’ TRADITIONS 46 OF MILITARY SERVICE Jack Carney Obituary Six Medal of Honor recipients received IN EVERY ISSUE recognition in the fi nal months of 2018. 2 Command Post 4 Two attended White House ceremonies Mail Call 6 for formal presentation of the nation’s Now Hear This 8 most prestigious military award. Issues Up Front 10 BY TIM DYHOUSE Washington Wire 26 48 Better Health 50 Member Benefi ts ‘WE WERE PART OF SOMETHING’ 50 Reunions and Claims 52 VFW in Action A young man put his life as a record 54 Member Corner producer on hold from 1966-67 to serve 60 Vets in Focus in Vietnam. When he returned to the music business, he helped rejuvenate Frankie Avalon’s career. BY KARI WILLIAMS 40

CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL VERSION AT WWW.VFWMAGAZINE.ORG NEW! NOW ON FACEBOOK NEED HELP? VETERANS CRISIS LINE: 1-800-273-8255

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 1 COMMAND POST FROM THE CHIEF WeÕre On Our Way to 1.2 Million Members FW is within grasp of an his- Reach out to VFW magazine is the offi cial publication of the toric achievement this year. It’s lapsed members. VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS something that hasn’t occurred Get a group of OF THE UNITED STATES in nearly a generation, and it Post leaders and STAFF V DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, would, if accomplished, re-energize our conduct wellness PUBLICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS members, recruiters and those who look checks. Contact Joe Davis to us to speak for veterans. your Department EDITOR-IN-CHIEF And we need all our Posts to help. quartermaster for Tim Dyhouse What I’m referring to is attaining 100 a full list of unpaid SENIOR EDITOR percent membership for the fi rst time members. Janie Dyhouse since 1992. My personal goal is to reach Get out of your COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR B.J. Lawrence Kari Williams 1.2 million VFW members by June 30. Post. Touch base SENIOR WRITER I want to stand before our members in with your community leaders — your Dave Spiva July at our national convention and report mayor, your police and fi re depart- ART DIRECTOR that we have more members than we did ments, your business owners. Bring a Lauren Goldman the year prior. So far, we are on track. good mix of Post representatives — dif- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT As of Jan. 1, we were actually ahead ferent ages, genders and backgrounds — Tina Clark of our record-setting pace of 27 years to show our diversity. ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Talk about our pro- GLM Communications, Inc. grams, such as scholar- Jacqueline Tobin, Vice President, Digital/Print Media “If every member 500 1st Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 ships offered through (212) 929-1300 FAX 212-929-9574 our Sport Clips partner- Email: [email protected] brought in one new ship and our own Voice EDITORIAL OFFICE Address all communications for publication to: of Democracy. Tout our The Editor, VFW Magazine 406 W. 34th St., Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111 member, we could signifi cant involvement (816) 756-3390; www.vfw.org; [email protected] in passing the Post 9/11 VFW magazine is protected through trademark reg is tra- tion in the United States and in the foreign countries where GI Bill. Describe our VFW magazine circulates. VFW magazine (ISSN 0161-8598) exceed our goal extensive disaster relief is published 10 times a year by Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Non-profi t standard efforts last year follow- class postage paid at Oklahoma City, Okla., and additional ing hurricanes on the mailing offi ces. within a day.” east coast and fi res in Publications Agreement No. 1476947 California. Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading material. ago. At the fi rst of this year, VFW as a Our national Membership team is Contact: [email protected]. whole reported a 92.558 percent mem- ready to help. They have information you SUBMISSIONS bership — some 2 percent higher than can display and distribute at recruiting Unsolicited manu scripts and pho to graphs must be ac com pa- nied by return postage and no re spon si bil i ty is assumed for safe Jan. 1, 1992. We were nearly 9,000 events. Please take advantage of these han dling. Poetry submissions not accepted. VFW mag a zine is members ahead of last year’s pace. materials. Last year, only about 500 of available in microfi lm from NA Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. Payment of membership dues Good news, but the next few months our 6,300 total Posts ordered these eye- includes $1.98 for a year’s subscription to VFW magazine. will be critical. By April 1, I want VFW catching items. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/DECEASED MEMBER to be at 97 percent membership. It’s obvious why this recruiting [email protected] 1-833-839-8387 Forward address changes to: So how are we going to meet these endeavor is important, and our presence Member Service Center, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. lofty goals? on Capitol Hill this month illustrates Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, This month, our national this perfectly. Lawmakers respect our when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address Membership Department staff will be clout, and that respect grows the larger as printed on a recent copy of VFW magazine. recruiting at the Ticket Guardian 500 our membership becomes. NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTIONS NASCAR race at Phoenix International A bigger VFW means a bigger voice U.S. and its possessions, $15 per year, $1.50 per copy. For subscription in other countries, $20 per year. Raceway and the Bataan Memorial when advocating before local, state and Make checks payable to VFW Magazine and send to: Death March in White Sands, N.M. In national legislatures. More members also Member Service Center, 406 W. 34th St., KC, MO 64111. April, they’ll recruit at the NRA national means more hands sharing community VFW OBJECTIVES To ensure national security convention in Indianapolis. service work at the Post level. through maximum military strength. Our Posts can apply these examples We can break the trend of 27 years of To speed the rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans. locally. Attend Comic Con events or declining membership in 2019. If every To assist the widows and orphans and the de pen dents of disabled and needy veterans. gaming conventions to recruit younger one of our members brought in one new To promote Americanism through education in pa tri o tism veterans. Think outside the box. member, we would exceed our goal with- and constructive service to the communities in which we live.

Remember, wherever you fi nd large in a day. Help us do that. Help us help Copyright 2019 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States numbers of people, you’ll fi nd veterans. veterans. We need members to do that. MEMBER ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA

2 • VFW • MARCH 2019 ADVERTISEMENT ASK THE EXPERT Straining to hear each day, even when using powerful hearing aids? Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the top health conditions amongst military veterans.1 Are you feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time, hearing loss can affect you physically and emotionally. Being unable to hear impacts your ability to communicate with your loved ones, hear in noisy environments, talk on the phone, and may force you to become more reliant on your family members to interpret for you. Cochlear implants work differently than hearing aids. Rather than amplifying sound, they use Thomas Roland, M.D. state-of-the-art electronic components and software to help provide access to the sounds Cochlear Medical Advisor you’ve been missing.

Dr. Roland, a cochlear implant surgeon and medical advisor to Cochlear, the world leader in cochlear implants, answers questions about cochlear implants and how they are different from hearing aids.

Q: How are cochlear implants different than Q: What does a cochlear implant hearing aids? system look like? A: Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they A: There are two primary components hear louder. Unfortunately as hearing loss progresses, sounds of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® System, need to not only be made louder but clearer. Cochlear the implant that is surgically placed Kanso Sound implants can help give you that clarity, especially in noisy underneath the skin and the external Processor environments.2,3 Hearing aids are typically worn before a sound processor. Cochlear offers cochlear implant solution is considered. two wearing options for the sound processor, one that’s worn behind Q: How do I know a cochlear implant will work for me? the ear—similar to a hearing aid, the A: Cochlear hearing implant technology is very reliable.4 In fact, Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor—and the it has been around for almost 40 years and Cochlear has Kanso® Sound Processor which is a provided more than 550,000 implantable devices, helping discreet, off-the-ear hearing solution people of all ages to lead full and active lives. For many that’s easy to use. The Cochlear people, cochlear implants may lead to an improvement in Nucleus System’s advanced technology quality of life and in overall health.5,6 is designed to help you hear better and Nucleus 7 understand conversations. Sound Processor

Call 866-477-0905 to find a Hearing Implant Specialist near you. Visit Cochlear.com/US/Vets for a free guide.

1. Hearing Health Foundation. A Salute to the Veterans [Internet]. 2016 [cited 5 December 2018]. Available from: http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/salute_to_the_veterans. 2. Balkany et al (2007) Nucleus Freedom North American clinical trial. Otolaryngol, Head Neck Surg, 136:757-762. 3. Runge CL et al (2016) Clinical outcomes of the Nucleus 5 cochlear implant system and SmartSound 2 signal processing, J Am Acad Audiol, 27(6):425-40. 4. Cochlear Nucleus Implant Reliability Report. Volume 16 | December 2017. D1175804. Cochlear Ltd; 2018. 5. Gaylor BA et al (2013) Cochlear implantation in adults, JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 139(3):265-72. 6. Manrique-Huarte R et al (2016) Treatment for hearing loss in the elderly: Auditory outcomes and impact on quality of life. Audiol Neurootol, 21(Suppl 1):29-35 Contact your insurance provider or hearing implant specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage. ©2018 Cochlear Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited. CAM-MK-PR-408 ISS1 DEC18 MAIL CALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AFGHANISTAN SERVICE INSPIRES ‘SELF-SUSTAINING’ GARDEN

This Marine is a Washington Wire Self-Made ‘Xtreme Billionaire Entrepreneur’ The COLA index does not show the SERVING VETERANS100 FOR true cost of living. While they know YEARS VFW IN WASHINGTON IN VFW I am still a user of this, veterans and senior veterans suffer

ARTISTS PAINT TO Bob Parsons’ soft- because they can’t make ends meet with BATTLE PTSD ware, Quicken. just a 2.8 percent increase. This has to During those early be shoved under Sen. Chuck Schumer’s days, it was a DOS-based applica- (D-N.Y.) nose and let him know that we tion, then became Windows-based. won’t back down. It was a pioneer in the industry. I GEORGE PFEIFFER thank you for writing about him. SUN CITY WEST, ARIZ. RON ANDERSON LANCASTER, CALIF. Trump requested a 5 percent reduc- tion for VA. I was distraught and angry When I fi rst saw the TV commer- that he would dictate such a ludicrous cial of Bob Parsons’ PXG drivers with decision aimed at veterans when it is a model number of 0811 with the tag most needed in their elderly years. As line of “Ka-boom, Baby!” I suspected a VFW life member, I request that a that there was a connection to the stern letter be mailed to our president Marine Corps MOS of Field Artillery and a meeting be set to express our Batteryman. I thought that this article Painting Away Trauma grievances concerning this issue. NO was very interesting and a very good Unknown to me, I, too, have been bat- REDUCTION. example of the very positive aspects of tling PTSD for many years using art as OSCAR TULLOS JR. being in the military. I was a draftee, the means to cope. Several years after BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS and when I came home, I found that I returning from combat in Korea, I took was much more serious about my life. advantage of VA assistance to enroll in I had a very successful career and used art school. The fi eld I chose was wood- ‘Asians Prefer the U.S.’ the GI Bill to get an MBA. carving, which led to a successful career When I read “Asians Prefer the U.S. MARC WOODS in that fi eld. No therapy could have been Over China,” I was both saddened and WESTMONT, ILL. more successful than spending countless disgusted. When asked which country hours with a knife and a piece of wood. was more likely to respect personal free- I always enjoy seeing enlisted KEVIN WOLFF doms, residents in 25 countries around Marines do well after being dis- HEPHZIBAH, GA. the world voted 51 percent for the U.S., charged from the Marine Corps. while 37 percent voted for China. Fifty Most can maintain excellent grades Enjoyed your article. Wasn’t sure years ago, when I was in Vietnam, the while carrying a full-time college if you were aware of the Veterans U.S. would have garnered 95 percent of load. They do so while simultane- Art Museum (formerly the Vietnam the vote. We should be ashamed of the ously holding a full-time job and still Veterans Art Museum) in Chicago. prestige that we’ve lost in world leader- have free time. MARGARET MCMAHON ship. We need to get that back. PAT PHILLIPS WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. JOHN FRAZIER MANDEVILLE, LA. TRENTON, N.J. Your article was excellent, and I You mentioned that he started the appreciate the artwork as well. I am Parsons Technology company, which a veteran of Vietnam and ever since ‘Carrying a Torch for Vets’ sold the “Money Country” software. I I came home in 1967, I have been I really enjoyed “Vets in Focus” on used his software, but it was actually involved in relating my art to some of Charlie DeLeo. Please keep featuring the called “Money Counts.” It was a great the things I witnessed [there] and other ordinary, everyday men and women who program for your checkbook balanc- world situations. For me, it has always have served, or are serving, our country. ing and fi nancial dealings. been a way for me to relate or comment JOHN DUMAS DAN STRANG on this ever-changing world. SKOWHEGAN, MAINE ROCK ISLAND, ILL. MICHAEL AINSWORTH BENICA, CALIF.

“Mail Call” features letters from our readers in nine issues per year. If you have questions, comments or concerns about any subject or article from our most recent issue, letters can be emailed to [email protected], with the subject line, “Mail Call,” or mailed to: VFW magazine, Mail Call, 406 W. 34th Street, Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111. Letters must be no more than 200 words, and VFW magazine reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, length and accuracy.

4 • VFW • MARCH 2019 Actual size is 30.6 mm

50th Anniversary Apollo 11 Commemorative Half-Dollar n July 20, 1969, the world sat glued to their Extremely Limited Mintage television sets. Before their very eyes, a door One-Year-Only Issue Oopened, a ladder descended, and man first set Just 750,000 of these historic U.S. half dollars will be foot on the surface of the moon. The footprints, flag and released, and they are expected to sell out fast. As a one- plaque left on the lunar surface sent an eternal message year-only issue, these curved coins will never be struck throughout the cosmos: humanity had finally reached by the U.S. Mint again. When they’re gone, they’re gone! the heavens, and America led the way. Each coin comes in uncirculated condition with an official In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, certificate of authenticity. Don’t miss this historic Congress has authorized the release of this special, release—call now and use the special offer code below! limited-edition commemorative half dollar. 50th Anniversary Apollo 11 Half Dollar - $39.95 + s/h FREE SHIPPING on 4 or More! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases. Special Curved Apollo 11 Design C all today toll-free for fastest service ForFor justjust thethe secondsecond timetime inin history,history, thethe U.S.U.S. MintMint hashas struck a coin with a curved surface. On one side is the 1-844-222-6468 indented footprint left by astronaut Neil Armstrong, Offer Code AHD272-01 along with the names of the space programs that led to Please mention this code when you call. such a historic moment: Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. Flip the coin over and you’ll see the outward curve of an astronaut’s helmet. This design recreates the close-up photo taken by Buzz Aldrin of Armstrong standing next to the landing module as seen through Buzz’s visor.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. AHD272-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a private distributor of coin and currency issues and privately licensed collectibles, and is not affi liated with the U.S. government. GovMint.com is not an investment company and does not offer fi nancial advice. The collectible coin market is highly speculative and involves risk. You must decide for yourself if you are willing to accept these risks, including the risk that you may not be able to liquidate your purchases at prices acceptable to you. GovMint.com makes every effort to ensure facts, fi gures and offers are accurate; however, errors may and do occur. GovMint.com reserves the right, within its sole discretion and without prior notice to the consumer, to decline to consummate any sale based on such errors. All facts and fi gures, and populations of graded, autographed or pedigreed coins, are deemed accurate as of the date of publication, but may change signifi cantly over time. All purchases from GovMint.com are governed by our Terms and Conditions, available at www.govmint.com/terms-conditions. All rights reserved © GovMint.com. NOW HEAR THIS NEWS YOU CAN USE Afghanistan War NASA PHOTO Hero’s Medal Upgraded U.S. ARMY PHOTO

Army Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos From left , International Space Station crew members U.S. Army astronaut Lt. Col. Anne McClain, Oleg Kononenko of the Russian space agency Roscosmos and David Saint-Jacques of the Canadian Space Agency watch as their Soyuz rocket is delivered in June at the Baikonur A soldier killed in action during one Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The trio launched in December for a six-month mission. of the Afghanistan War’s most brutal battles received a medal upgrade in December. The son of Army Staff Sgt. Justin Gallegos accepted his father’s Iraq War Vet Now an Astronaut Distinguished Service Cross Dec. 15 at a ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf- An Army pilot who served in the Army as both a follower and as a leader.” Richardson in Alaska. Iraq War is now an astronaut on McClain served in Iraq as a heli- The elder Gallegos received a Silver the International Space Station. Lt. copter pilot with the 2nd Squadron, Star for his actions at Combat Outpost Col. Anne McClain blasted off from 6th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the Keating while serving with B Troop, 3rd Kazakhstan on Dec. 3 for a six-month Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Squadron, 61st Cav, 4th Brigade Combat stay at the station. Division. She logged 216 combat mis- Team during the Battle of Kamdesh on “The biggest attributes that we can sions from June 2006 to October 2007. Oct. 3, 2009. bring to the table are leadership and team She and her fellow astronauts will His commanding offi cer, Maj. Stoney skills,” said the 39-year-old West Point conduct some 250 research projects Portis, said the upgrade to the nation’s grad, “and those traits that I learned in the while in space. second highest military award corrected “one of the greatest discrepancies” of the battle’s narrative. National Veterans Museum National Veterans According to Gallegos’ citation, he Museum Free for Vets fought valiantly with a crew-served weapon and his M4 carbine as Taliban The new National Veterans Memorial and fi ghters attacked the outpost. After Museum in Columbus, Ohio, offers free retrieving a wounded soldier, he provid- admission for all U.S. veterans and Gold ed covering fi re to protect other soldiers. Star families. Active-duty troops receive dis- “During this fi nal act, Staff Sgt. Gallegos counted admission. paid the ultimate sacrifi ce,” the citation The 53,000-square-foot, $82 million facil- reads. “[His] actions enabled a section of ity opened in October. For more informa- soldiers to regroup and provide necessary tion, visit www.nationalvmm.org. security to stave off enemy forces from the west side of the camp.” Find Help When The citation notes that Gallegos “played a critical role” in the camp’s defense Leaving the Army and allowed his unit to counterattack a Thank a “numerically superior” Taliban force. The Army has tools to help soldiers as A total of eight Americans died dur- they prepare to leave the military. Its Vietnam Vet ing the battle and 27 were wounded. online Soldier for Life program strives March 29 Two Medals of Honor have been pre- to connect soldiers and their families sented to participants, along with 37 with resources in the civilian world that March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day. Army Commendation Medals with “V” can help with education, employment, device, 18 Bronze Star Medals with “V” transition and retirement services. Off er vets of that war a “Thank device and nine Silver Stars. For more information, visit https:// You” for their service. soldierforlife.army.mil.

6 • VFW • MARCH 2019 “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

NEW Footrest extension for better support head to toe

You can’t always lie down in bed and other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to or back aches – there are dozen of reasons prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, that it’s too much. Those are the nights you’d oversized biscuit style back and unique seat give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep design will cradle you in comfort. Generously in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm raises feet and legs just where you want them, support when sitting or reclining. It even has a supports your head and shoulders properly, and battery backup in case of a power outage. operates easily. White glove delivery included in shipping Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed the exact spot in your home where you want to provide total comfort. Choose your it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and preferred heat and massage settings, for even carry the packaging away! You can even hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or customize your chair with one of five colors, in watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology rich leather or ultra-soft microfiber. Call Now! allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of setting. And best of all, it features a The Perfect Sleep Chair® powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the 1-888-874-0777 Please mention code 111261 when ordering.

REMOTE-CONTROLLED Long Lasting DuraLux Leather EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO Tan Chocolate Burgundy Black Blue A STAND-ASSIST POSITION DuraLux II Microfi ber Burgundy Cashmere Fern Chocolate Indigo

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. © 2019 fi rst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 46493 ISSUES UP FRONT CURRENT VETERANS CONCERNS Is There Really a Link Between Retired Army Master Sgt. Bradley Burkhart, an Afghanistan War veteran Energy Drinks and PTSD? and member of VFW Post 6603 in Blue Springs, Mo., said, “I hate to admit it, A Department of Defense-backed ince the wars in Afghanistan and but I did drink quite a few energy drinks Iraq, energy drinks have become while overseas.” study shows an association between a widely used remedy by troops Burkhart was a platoon sergeant as energy drink consumption and men- Swho need to stay alert after a part of the 1141st Engineer Co., 203rd minimum amount of sleep. While some Engineer Bn., during a 2009-10 deploy- tal health issues among troops who troops believe the drinks might give ment to Afghanistan. He said that ener- recently returned from deployment. them a jolt of energy for a short time, a gy drinks “were always at the ready” Although the study claims that a study published in October claims that in the war zone and having been on a energy drinks might actually cause long- counter-IED unit, he and his soldiers link exists, its scientists say more term fatigue and other maladies. would sometimes conduct operations research needs to be done. Published in the November/ for 24 hours or longer. December issue of Military Medicine, “Rip-It energy drinks were free the study, “Energy Drink Use in U.S. and made available to soldiers in BY DAVE SPIVA Service Members After Deployment: Afghanistan,” Burkhart said. “I don’t Associations with Mental Health know whether they worked or not, but Problems, I would definitely feel stimulated by Aggression, them, just like someone who drank cof- and Fatigue,” fee or smoked.” questioned While he said that it was “fair to say” soldiers of a that there was a “hard crash” after con- brigade com- suming sugary energy drinks, he doesn’t bat team after believe energy drinks contributed to his a 12-month service-connected PTSD. deployment to “My symptoms have nothing to do Afghanistan with drinking energy drinks,” Burkhart about their said. “I was drinking Red Bulls and behavior and Monsters long before they were made energy drink available to me in the military and consump- before my deployment to Afghanistan, tion. Nearly where my symptoms for PTSD started.” 70 percent of Burkhart said he believes a study stat- respondents ing that energy drinks could be linked to were junior- mental health issues among troops dimin- enlisted men ishes the “legitimacy” of those issues. between the “Personally, I think it’s pretty ridicu- ages of 18 lous,” Burkhart said. “Instead of focus- and 24, and ing on the actual reasons behind PTSD, 82 percent of the participants had just it seems as if the authors are trying to returned from their first deployment. point the blame to something that they The study also reported that about 1 in may not approve of.” 6 troops reported a high energy drink The authors of the study state that consumption. more individualized research needs to Another finding showed mental be done on energy drink consumption health problems, such as depression, to learn how “high energy drink use anxiety, PTSD and alcohol misuse, were may impact or be impacted by” men- “strongly associated” with consum- tal health, aggression and fatigue. The ing a large amount of energy drinks. study also states that messaging regard- However, the study doesn’t explain ing energy drinks “should encourage why that is or give examples of correla- moderation and highlight the associa- tion between energy drinks and mental tion” of health problems and fatigue. J health issues. EMAIL [email protected]

8 • VFW • MARCH 2019 Treating your COPD and still struggling? Chronic productive cough? Repeated antibiotic use for chest infections?

These may be indicators of bronchiectasis—a common but frequently undiagnosed condition caused by chronic inflammation of the airways.1 COPD is about four times more prevalent among veterans than in the general population.2 Half of people with serious COPD may have bronchiectasis.3

inCourage® Airway Clearance Therapy is a drug-free way to clear excess mucus from the lungs. Ask your doctor if the inCourage System may be right for you. For a bronchiectasis information kit, call 833.208.5324 or visit www.respirtech.com/be.

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1. Maselli DJ, Amalakuhan B, Keyt H, Diaz AA. Suspecting non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: What the busy primary care clinician needs to know. Int J Clin Pract. 2017;71(2):e12924. 2. Basu S, VA/DoD Issue First COPD Guideline Update Since 2007. U.S. Medicine. 2015. 3. Martínez-García MA, de la Rosa Carrillo D, Soler-Cataluña JJ, et al. Prognostic value of bronchiectasis in patients with moderate-to-sever chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;187:823–831. © 2018 Respiratory Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. 910174-000 Rev A WASHINGTON WIRE: CAPITOL HILL BRIEFS BY DAVE SPIVA Trump Signs Bill to Help Student

Mattis Out as WHITE HOUSE PHOTO Defense Secretary Veterans Two bills protecting James Mattis students using the resigned Forever GI Bill were from his signed by President position as Donald Trump late last Secretary year and early this year. of Defense. Trump signed the The former Veterans Benefi ts and Marine Transition Act of 2018 general had (P.L. 115-407) on Dec. served as the DOD PHOTO 31. The law protects head of the President Donald Trump signs a bill into law on Dec. 31 in the White Former Defense Secretary GI Bill students by Department House Oval Offi ce in Washington, D.C. Among the bills he signed that James Mattis forbidding schools of Defense day was the Veterans Benefi ts and Transition Act of 2018, which from receiving future since Jan. 20, 2017. ensures GI Bill recipients receive their owed benefi ts. GI Bill payments if the President Donald Trump appointed institution penalizes students whose change by August 2018, in time for the Patrick Shanahan, the previous deputy benefi ts were delayed by VA. beginning of the fall semester across secretary of Defense, to replace Mattis. The Forever GI Bill Housing Payment the country. However, due to technol- Mattis’ departure came after Trump Fulfi llment Act (P.L. 115-422) was enact- ogy problems with the new system, VA announced plans in December to ed Jan. 3. The law requires VA to deter- was unable to handle backlogs, which withdraw U.S. military forces from mine who was affected by delayed GI caused many delayed payments. Syria and reduce the troop presence in Bill payments to schools. It also ensures In November, VA announced it was Afghanistan. In his resignation letter, that GI Bill recipients receive the ben- delaying the change that caused the issue Mattis, highly regarded in the military efi ts they are owed, requiring VA to until December 2019. Offi cials said stu- community, told Trump, “Because establish a “tiger team” to ensure owed dent veterans would be reimbursed using you have the right to have a Secretary benefi ts are given. the old rates and not the rates specifi ed in of Defense whose views are better In 2017, the Forever GI Bill was the . aligned with yours on these and other Forever GI Bill passed and signed into law. It changed VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said vet- subjects, I believe it is right for me to the way payments are calculated, and erans would receive any retroactive pay step down from my position.” VA was supposed to implement the owed to them. VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence said Mattis, who received VFW’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Award New Law Will ‘Create Jobs’ for in 2015, ensured that the U.S. military remained “the best” and that he told Veteran-Owned Small Businesses the “unvarnished truth” to elected A bill introduced by three senators, ernment no longer has a use. It also adds offi cials. including a VFW life member, to help veterans to the list of eligible recipients “In his short, two-year hitch at the strengthen veteran-owned small busi- for federal surplus property. Pentagon, he restored military readi- nesses was signed into law by President Duckworth said in a statement that ness, built a more lethal force, changed Donald Trump in January. the act will help veteran-owned busi- the department’s business practices to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a nesses expand operations, as well as get more bang for the buck, strength- life member of VFW Post 2149 in Wood “reduce costs and create jobs” across ened overseas alliances and took care Dale, Ill., Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and the country. of our troops and their families,” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced the “When our veterans return home Lawrence said. “This great American Veterans Small Business Enhancement from their service, they deserve our made things happen, and on behalf of Act of 2018 in April 2018. The new law full support as they transition back into the entire VFW family, I salute him for (P.L. 115-416) allows veteran small- civilian life,” Duckworth said, “and his near fi ve decades of dedicated ser- business owners access to equipment that includes supporting their efforts to vice to our nation.” and property for which the federal gov- build and manage a small business.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about specifi c legislation or VA benefi ts, contact VFW’s Washington Offi ce at [email protected]. A member of VFW’s National Veterans Service staff will respond as soon as possible.

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Legislative Update ‘Blue Water’ Veterans Remain Top Priority DOD PHOTO

The USS Midway underway in the South China Sea in October 1965. Senators Question VA on Unused In hopes of reviving a bill that stalled in late December, the VFW worked Suicide Prevention Funds with Congress to reintroduce the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Senators in December wanted to know a suicide prevention public service After unanimous passage in the why VA used less than 1 percent of its announcement (PSA) on television or House, the bill was halted by Sen. 2018 suicide prevention media advertis- radio in longer than a year. Mike Lee (R-Utah) because he ques- ing campaign budget. In September, VA reported that an tioned the evidence and Sen. Mike Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and average of about 20 service members Enzi (R-Utah) due to cost concerns. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), along with 19 other and veterans committed suicide each The act would have restored bene- members of the upper chamber, called day nationwide in 2016. Veterans were fits related to Agent Orange exposure on VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to less likely to commit suicide that year to the Vietnam War’s so-called blue answer why VA spent just $57,000 of than the previous year, but the rate water veterans (troops who served the $6.2 million allotted for suicide-pre- among young veterans (18 to 34 years on ships off the coast of Vietnam), vention outreach. whose benefits were arbitrarily In a December revoked by VA in 2002. The bill letter, the sena- Need Help? also would have expanded inclusive tors stated that it dates to those who served along the is “appalling” that Korean DMZ and benefit children VA is not conduct- born with spina bifida due to a par- ing oversight of its ent’s exposure to Agent Orange- own efforts. related herbicides in Thailand. “Dysfunction “If we can afford to send veter- at VA cannot be ans to war, it’s unacceptable that the excuse for the we can’t afford to take care of them lack of a plan to when they return home wounded, ill execute suicide or injured,” said VFW Commander- prevention out- in-Chief B.J. Lawrence. “Agent reach,” the letter stated. “Regardless old) increased 11 percent from 2015. Orange made Vietnam veterans of changes in leadership and organiza- (Read more about the report in the sick. Even the former Institute of tional realignment, efforts to prevent January 2019 issue of VFW magazine.) Medicine agrees when it concluded suicide remain at the forefront of the There also has been a decrease in that there isn’t any scientific basis to Department’s care of veterans.” social media PSAs. In the GAO study, it treat blue water Navy veterans any In a November study, the was reported that VA social media pro- different in regards to Agent Orange Government Accountability Office duced 339 pieces of PSA social media exposure than their peers who (GAO) stated that $57,000 was used content in fiscal year 2016, 159 in fis- served on the land or inland.” for suicide awareness advertisements. cal year 2017 and 47 during the first 10 The GAO found that VA had not aired months of fiscal year 2018.

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COFFEE FOR PEOPLE ‘WHO LOVE AMERICA’ Vietnam veteran Bob Parsons is the founder of Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) and former CEO of GoDaddy.comA VFW. lifePXG recentlymember launched and a programformer that Army allows Green Beret founded a coffee company BY DAVE SPIVA veterans to receive a significant discount on its products. Parsons, a Marineled wounded by Iraq in theand Vietnam Afghanistan War and a VFW war member, veterans. has The entrepreneur says his $30 million donated nearly $50 companymillion to veteran-related will hire causes 10,000 through qualified the Bob and veteransRenee over the next six years. Parsons Foundation.

14 • VFW • MARCH 2019 BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY ONLINE Website: www.blackrifecoffee.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ blackrifecoffeeco/ Twitter: @blckriflecoffee ne day in 2014, Evan Hafer, a former Army Instagram: @blackriflecoffee Green Beret and life member of the VFW Department of Texas, was instructing an advanced tactics course on a shooting range. Along with his words of wisdom, Hafer also dispensed home-made coffee for the shoot- Oers. From roasting to brewing the coffee, Hafer did everything on site. While making coffee, he laid down his rifle next to his coffee roaster. Hafer recalled one of the guys asking, “Are you going to start a coffee company?” He looked down at his black service rifle and coffee. Those two things gave him an idea. Hafer laughed and told him, “Yeah, I could call it Black Rifle Coffee Company.” Later that year, he founded Black Rifle Coffee Company in Salt Lake City. Hafer, a self-confessed “coffeehead,” said his company made more than $30 million annually the past two years. Hafer’s love for coffee started about 20 years ago, and he start- ed roasting coffee beans in 2006 while he was a CIA contractor. “I couldn’t really find any coffee I wanted online that could be shipped to Iraq, so I just started roasting my own,” Hafer said. “At the time, I was doing three months there and one month home. That basically was my rotation for 10 years.” While stateside, he developed different roast profiles and tried different coffee beans to take with him overseas. He said he would let others try his coffee, and they would give him feedback. “I just wanted to take incredible coffee overseas with me,” Hafer said. “I’d have a coffee bar set up in my room, and everyone would come by and have some good coffee.” Now headquartered in San Antonio, Black Rifle Coffee Company is a “lifestyle” coffee company that “serves coffee and culture to people who love America,” according to Hafer. “But, coffee always comes first,” Hafer said. “We compel ourselves to serve great coffee to people who have taken an “We compel ourselves to obligation to serve this country in a wide variety of capacities.” (See sidebar on page 18.) serve great coffee to people PASSION FOR COFFEE AND FREEDOM who have taken an obliga- Mat Best, executive vice president and chief branding officer of Black Rifle Coffee Company, said it’s a “pro-America, pro- tion to serve this country in a Constitution” company that promotes the service of veterans and civil servants. wide variety of capacities.” “We also believe in the Second Amendment and that America is an amazing country,” Best said. “If you work hard and believe in the American dream, then you are family to us.” Evan Hafer, Black Rifle Coffee Company CEO Best, a former Army Ranger and life member of the VFW and VFW Life Member Department of Texas, provided more information about the company’s moniker, noting that firearms and coffee are a “nat- ural fit.” He said coffee is a social drink that “brings people together” and service rifles are “life-saving tools” that he and

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 15 PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY COFFEE RIFLE BLACK OF COURTESY PHOTO

Black Rifle Coffee Company Executive Vice Present Mat Best and CEO Evan Hafer (center) pose with their employees at the company’s roasting facility in Salt Lake City. Hafer said 55 percent of his company’s employees are veterans. Hafer’s goal by 2024 is to hire 10,000 veterans nationwide.

Hafer carried for a decade or longer. opportunity to become a partner for MORE VETS TAP “It was the one thing that protected us Black Rifle Coffee Company. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT and our brothers and sisters,” Best said. To promote the company online, Best “We just wanted to put together coffee produces and directs videos that have mili- Here is a list of 10 other veteran-owned and our respect for service to this coun- tary humor and jokes about politically cor- companies: try because those are our passions. We rect culture. And, lots of firearms. Admiral’s Pennant, men’s grooming products want to inspire the veterans commu- “The videos are very authentic in that www.admiralspennant.com nity and make an amazing product that you see who we are on screen,” Best said. Article 15 Clothing, apparel brings people together.” “We joke around, but we are professionals. www.article15clothing.com Best served four years with 2nd Bn., We take our business seriously.” Bottle Breacher, bottle openers 75th Rangers. While on active duty, he In 2014, Best said he started posting www.botlebreacher.com deployed four times to Iraq and once to videos to social media to make his friends Grunt Style, apparel Afghanistan. He, like Hafer, worked as laugh. Now, he has about 1.5 million follow- www.gruntstyle.com a contractor for the CIA after being dis- ers on Facebook and almost 900,000 sub- Leadslingers Whiskey, spirits charged from the military. scribers on YouTube. He has also helped www.leadslingerswhiskey.com Best said he did 15 to 20 rotations Black Rifle Coffee Company grow its social Nine Line Apparel, apparel to “hostile zones,” including Iraq and media presence since the beginning. www.ninelineapparel.com Afghanistan, with the agency. Best said the purpose of the videos are Spartan Media, web design and social media More recently, Best is known for hosting not only to promote Black Rifle Coffee www.spartanmedia.com the Drinkin’ Bros podcast, starring in inde- Company but also to “empower” veterans. TurboPUP, pet food pendent movies, producing online satirical “It’s a way for the company to provide www.turbopup.com videos and owning an apparel company, value to people’s lives,” Best said. “Maybe Warfighter Hemp, organic hemp extracts Article 15 Clothing. (See sidebar.) a veteran moved home after the military, www.warfighterhemp.com and he or she doesn’t have a support sys- Warfighter Tobacco Company, cigars ‘EMPOWERING’ VETERANS tem. They can pull up one of our videos www.warfightertobacco.com Before Black Rifle Coffee Company, Best and laugh and remember they served worked with Hafer to roast and sell cof- with people just like us. I absolutely fee for the clothing company. Working believe that was one of the things that with Hafer eventually gave Best the helped grow the company.

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US Company FDA īŽƌĚĂďůĞYƵĂůŝƚLJ^ŝŶĐĞϭϲ Owned And REGISTERED Operated Visit and Save: www.AdvancedHearing.com/V93 PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY “But what really retains [our] custom- VFW life members Evan ers is quality of our products,” Best con- Hafer (foreground) and tinued. “We take massive pride in the Mat Best (background) quality of beans, packaging and custom- of Black Rifl e Coffee er experience.” Company enjoy fresh brewed coffee. CREATING OPPORTUNITY Headquartered in San As of December, 55 percent of peo- Antonio, Black Rifl e ple employed with Black Rifle Coffee Coffee Company has roasting facilities in Company are veterans. Hafer said his Salt Lake City and company is unique because many non- Manchester, Tenn., veteran employees have to assimilate to a which provide fresh veteran culture rather than veterans hav- roasted coffee to ing to acclimate to a “corporate environ- customers across the ment.” Hafer said many veterans have a country. The fi rm has diffi cult time transitioning to civilian life grossed more than $60 because of the culture change. million over the past two “Veterans have a very high success rate years. when it comes to starting and running businesses,” Hafer said. “But, they fail at working for other companies at a higher rate. That tells me that we, as a subculture, have to help one Higgins said she believes that Black added value to the company. An example another and create opportunities for peo- Rifle Coffee Company is a great place he gave was when the Manchester facility ple to fi t in more appropriately.” to work because a lot of the people who opened in August. Best said the “No. 1” reason he loves work there have a “military mindset” for “I was there to raise the U.S. fl ag, and the working at Black Rifl e Coffee Company is fi nishing tasks. majority of the people there knew how to being surrounded by peers. “Everyone who was in the military conduct the ceremony correctly and how “I remember when I got out of the mili- was, at one time, at the bottom of the to fold the fl ag,” Hafer said. “There was a tary, I had a very challenging time because totem pole, and we all had to work our group of people around the fl ag saluting I went to work for corporate America,” way up the ranks,” Higgins said. “We it with respect. They take it down, fold it Best said. “I couldn’t tell a war story, and I are all willing to roll up our sleeves and and put it away every evening. It makes me couldn’t vent in the way military people do. say, ‘This isn’t in my job description, but proud as a business owner to know that But, I can do that now.” I’m willing to do it,’ because it furthers they take pride in their business, service the mission.” and our country. Veterans have absolutely EXPANDING FOR THE FUTURE made this company better.” ✪ In August, Black Rifl e Coffee Company ‘10,000 VETERANS’ BY 2024 EMAIL [email protected] added a roasting facility in Manchester, The plan for the Manchester roast- Tenn. Amanda Higgins, a member of the ing facility, ironically located in Coffee VFW Department of Tennessee and a County, Tenn., is to create 52 positions HONORING TROOPS AND LAW lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Air over the next fi ve years. With the new ENFORCEMENT National Guard, is the general manager expansion, the established roasting and of the new facility. screen printing facility in Salt Lake City Black Rifl e Coff ee Company Chief Marketi ng “Working with veterans is great,” and the headquarters in San Antonio, Offi cer Joe Staff el said that the company Higgins said. “We all speak the same Hafer said he now has the infrastructure strives to support troops deployed to hosti le language, but I would say we are very for the company’s next step. He said he environments. Since its establishment, the inclusive to everyone. We don’t exclude wants to give qualified entrepreneurs coff ee company has sent more than 50,000 all the hard work of the non-veteran the opportunity to own and operate a bags of coff ee to troops deployed overseas. employees here.” retail store. Currently with the 118th Wing at Berry “We are going to select highly qualifi ed Black Rifl e Coff ee Company also created a Field Air National Guard Base in Nashville, and motivated veterans to own and oper- coff ee roast called Thin Blue Line. A porti on Higgins joined the Air Force in 2000 and ate their own Black Rifl e Coffee shops,” of profi ts from sales are donated to provide was on active duty for 10 years. During that Hafer said. “It’s not going to be for every- life-saving equipment and funding to the time, she was a weapons system offi cer on one or anywhere. It’s going to be a very rig- law enforcement community that benefi ts board F-15s. She deployed to Qatar in 2004 orous selection process. At the end of all offi cers and their families. The company has and Afghanistan three times. In total, she this, my goal is to hire 10,000 veterans.” donated more than $20,000 for the cause, amassed 1,300 flying hours, including Hafer also said that having veterans Staff el said. about 300 in combat. work for Black Rifl e Coffee Company has

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‘Stealth Sailors’ at Helm of Navy’s Future

BY DAVID SEARS

ailors aboard the USS Zumwalt the top of the list of challenges here.” “We are developing the most advanced believe their guided missile Since its launch in 2013 and commis- naval warship that the world has ever seen, destroyer is a unique vessel. As sioning in 2016, the Zumwalt, named for setting the tone for the future of the U.S. Sthey prepared their San Diego- Navy Adm. Elmo “Bud” Zumwalt Jr., chief Navy,” the 41-year-old said. “We will be a based warship to join the fl eet last June, of Naval Operations during the Vietnam force to be reckoned with.” they said it combines “fi rsts and bests” that War, has faced setbacks and criticism. come with challenges. During its “shakedown” (a trial cruise DRAMATICALLY FUTURISTIC “The Zumwalt was not built like any to confi rm a ship’s sea worthiness), for The Zumwalt is indeed big: 100 feet lon- other type of ship,” said Chief Petty Offi cer example, the Zumwalt suffered several ger and 13 feet wider than today’s Arleigh Jacob Kelley, a cryptologic technician from engineering mishaps when seawater con- Burke-class destroyers, which were fi rst Los Angeles. “The equipment is not on taminated bearings linked to the ship’s commissioned in 1991. And, with its other ships. It is a fi rst-of-class in almost drive-shafts. Critics have argued that uncluttered, angular superstructure and all categories.” incorporating so many complex new sys- “tumblehome” hull (which narrows rath- Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael tems in the design creates risks. er than expands above the waterline) the Finazzo, a gas turbine systems techni- And not least, concerns about growing Zumwalt looks dramatically futuristic. cian, noted that “the Zumwalt is different costs forced the Navy to limit Zumwalt- These superstructure and hull designs, in every way. Senior and junior sailors are class construction to just three ships. combined with innovations to damp- learning how to operate the ship together.” The Michael Monsoor and the Lyndon B. en heat and sound emissions, make the According to Senior Chief Petty Offi cer Johnson, the remaining two, currently are Zumwalt a true “stealth” ship. On radar, for Chad Coutcher, an operations software under construction. example, the 610-foot-long Zumwalt looks specialist, because Zumwalt is 50 percent Because of this, ship and crew have a lot more like a 50-foot-long vessel, making it larger than other such ships with just half to prove. According to Coutcher, they are hard to detect, track and attack. the personnel, “crew size is certainly on up to the task. The Zumwalt boasts 54,000 cubic

20 • VFW • MARCH 2019 U.S. NAVY PHOTO

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Antun Skvaric sits on the bridge of the USS Zumwalt last July in San Diego. A Zumwalt “plank owner” who helped commission the ship, Skvaric praised the living conditions aboard the vessel.

the Zumwalt’s integrated power system. According to the 35-year-old Kelley, The gas-turbine-engine-driven, 80-mega- who served aboard the USS Abraham watt-producing power plant runs every- Lincoln in 2012 in the Persian Gulf, “every- thing aboard. one you meet has a different reason for As the Zumwalt’s senior enlisted engi- why they joined the Navy, but we put that neer, Finazzo, who deployed to the Persian aside and unite under the same banner.” Gulf aboard the USS John S. McCain in Perhaps no better representation of 2003, takes primary responsibility for plant this ethos is Operations Specialist 2nd Navy Chief Petty Offi cer Jacob Kelley stands operation and safety. He also acknowledg- Class Antun Skvaric. Born in Croatia, on the bow of the USS Zumwalt last July at es the role of more junior sailors. Skvaric came to America right after Naval Station San Diego. Kelley, a cryptologic “Previous ships I’ve been on have a few the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He technician, says his ship is “a fi rst-of-class in sailors [who’ve served aboard ships] of the enlisted in the Navy three years later and almost all categories.” same class and were very familiar with the deployed in 2006 to the South Arabian plant,” the 35-year-old Minnesotan said. Gulf on the USS Trenton. “But here some junior sailors are [the real] As a Zumwalt “plank owner” (he feet of onboard computer servers, which subject matter experts.” helped commission the ship), Skvaric allows its sailors to remotely monitor He added that every engineering sailor “had the honor to meet with the fam- automated systems, reducing the need has to share the load. ily of Adm. Zumwalt and privilege to to have crew members physically attend “They learn how to operate and trou- visit his gravesite.” For Skvaric, “unit- the ship’s various components. This bleshoot equipment they normally would ing under the same banner” translates to means fewer sailors are needed to run not have to,” Finazzo said. “Electrical rat- broadening his skills. the ship. For example, while 210 sailors ings know our mechanical systems, and “I have learned about anchoring, boat operate an Arleigh-Burke-class destroy- mechanics know our electrical systems.” operations, navigation, engineering, dam- er, just 130 helm the Zumwalt. age control, supply, communications and This is especially challenging for a LESS SAILORS, BUT SMARTER so much more,” he said. fi rst-of-its-class ship, said Coutcher. He The same multi-tasking even applies From a personal standpoint, Skvaric also supervises anti-air, submarine and sur- to the galley, where personnel actively quickly noted the compensatory features face warfare operations from the ship’s participate in the Zumwalt’s damage- and conveniences that go with serving mission center, a new version of the control drills and anti-terror operations. aboard a “minimally/optimally manned” combat information center found aboard “My biggest challenge has been not vessel such as the Zumwalt. previous destroyers. being in a traditional food service set- “Living conditions are much better than “We are laying the groundwork and ting,” explains Culinary Specialist 1st Class other ships,” he said. writing many of the procedures for ship- Matthew Harper, 31, an 11-year Navy vet As examples, he noted four-person board operations,” said Coutcher, who from Ocala, Fla. “All rates cross-train to staterooms with separate toilet and hails from Maumee, Ohio, and has served help out in any shortfall. It’s a unique shower facilities, bigger storage com- in the Navy for 15 years. “Every sailor opportunity for growth as an expert both partments and mini-desks for daily makes a larger impact.” in and out of rate. While it adds more administrative tasks. Outsized impacts also extend to running work, it really creates a bond.” “Every sailor also has a personally-

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 21 TOP: Senior Chief Petty Officer Chad Coutcher mans the mission center aboard the USS Zumwalt in July at Naval Station San Diego. Coutcher, an operations software specialist, says U.S. NAVY PHOTO NAVY U.S. that because of the ship’s larger size and smaller crew, “every sailor makes a larger impact.”

MIDDLE: The Navy’s most technologically advanced surface ship — the USS Zumwalt — sails between the USS Independence and the USS Bunker Hill in December 2016 in the Pacific Ocean on its way to its homeport in San Diego. The Zumwalt’s cutting-edge design — such as its angular hull and uncluttered deck that make the vessel more difficult to detect on radar – is hailed by the Navy as the prototype for 21st century warships.

BOTTOM: Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Finazzo prepares for his shift aboard theUSS Zumwalt this past July in San Diego. Finazzo, an Iraq War veteran, is the ship’s senior enlisted engineer and takes primary responsibility for the Zumwalt’s gas-turbine-engine-driven, 80-megawatt-producing power plant.

issued laptop and a cell phone for commu- nication via onboard Wi-Fi,” Skvaric said. When their ship finally slips its San Diego berth, all the hard work and multi- tasking of the Zumwalt’s 130 “stealth sailors” will finally go into forward-line practice. Having now learned to function as a shipwide team, they feel ready. “The schedule is hard,” Kelley explained. “The missions are hard. Being away from family is hard. But, if you’re able to succeed, it’s because of the broth- ers and sisters next to you.” U.S. NAVY COMBAT CAMERA PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS ACE RHEAUME ACE CLASS 1ST OFFICER PETTY BY PHOTO CAMERA COMBAT NAVY U.S. Coutcher agreed. “Not to brag,” he concluded, “but when you are good at your job, it’s very rewarding to be doing it and teaching others all that you know. The people of America need to know that the prod-

U.S. NAVY PHOTO NAVY U.S. uct we are putting out here will be well worth the wait.” J EMAIL [email protected]

Editor’s note: As of January, the Zumwalt remained in San Diego undergoing repairs while its crew continued training. The Navy has indicated that it could be 2021 before the ship rejoins the fleet. On Nov. 27, 2018, Capt. Andrew Carlson took command of the Zumwalt. He replaced Capt. Scott Tait, who retired after 26 years service. David Sears is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He is a member of VFW’s Department of New Jersey.

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A new group of 18 veterans, including five VFW members, are included in the most recent incoming congressional class. Here are some details about their military backgrounds.

BY KARI WILLIAMS

While the number of veterans in Congress decreased overall, November’s midterm election brought in the largest cohort of freshman veterans since 2010, according HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to Veterans Campaign. Voters elected 17 new veterans — including five VFW mem- JIM BAIRD MARK GREEN Republican Republican bers — to join the 116th Congress. Indiana, District 4 Tennessee, District 7 In December, Martha McSally became Branch: Army VFW Post 11160 in the 18th new veteran in Congress when Service: Clarksville, Tenn. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed her to • Vietnam: 1970-71, 523rd Trans. Co., Branch: Army the seat held by Sen. John McCain, a VFW 54th Trans. Bn., 8th Trans. Grp. Service: • Iraq: February life member who died in August. DAN CRENSHAW — June 2003; Carlos Fuentes, VFW’s National Republican Special Operations Task Force, Legislative Service director, said veterans’ Texas, District 2 160th Special Operations Aviation experience in the military will be an asset Branch: Navy Regiment as they transition to Washington, D.C. Service: • Iraq: October — December 2003; • Iraq: 2008 and Special Operations Task Force, “The camaraderie and shared experienc- 2010, SEAL 160th Special Operations Aviation es gained during military service enables Team 3 Regiment members of Congress to put aside their dif- • Afghanistan: 2012, SEAL Team 3 • Afghanistan: January — May 2004; ferences and work across the aisle to find • Bahrain: 2014, Unit 3 Special Operations Task Force, • South Korea: Special Operations 160th Special Operations Aviation common ground,” Fuentes said. “The VFW Command Korea Regiment looks forward to working with new and returning members of Congress to improve JASON CROW CHRISSY HOULAHAN the care and benefits a grateful nation pro- Democrat Democrat vides its veterans.” Colorado, District 6 Pennsylvania, District 6 Branch: Army Branch: Air Force Dates of service: Service: 1989-92; TOP RIGHT: Richmond County (N.Y.) District 1999-2007 Hanscom Air Force Attorney Michael E. McMahon swears in Service: Base, Massachusetts Afghanistan War veteran Max Rose on Jan. • Iraq: March – 5 at the St. George Theatre on Staten Island, December 2003; 82nd Airborne N.Y. Rose, a member of VFW Post 5090 on • Afghanistan: July-October 2004, Staten Island, is representing New York’s April-July 2005; 75th Ranger Regt., District 11. Joint Special Operations Task Force

24 • VFW • MARCH 2019 ELAINE LURIA MIKIE SHERRILL MIKE WALTZ Democrat Democrat Republican Virginia, District 2 New Jersey, Florida, District 6 Branch: Navy District 11 VFW member-at- Service: 1997-2017 Branch: Navy large, Department • Middle East Service: of Florida • Western Pacific • Naval Branch: Army • Arabian Gulf Academy: July 1990, commissioned Dates of Service: as an officer in the Navy in May 1996-2018 GREG PENCE 1994 Service: Republican • 1997-99: Flew on missions in • Fort Bragg: 2002-03; B Co., 2nd Indiana, District 6 Europe and the Middle East as a Bn., 20th Special Forces Grp. (Abn.) Branch: Marine Corps Sea King helicopter pilot • Afghanistan: 2005-06; B Co., 2nd Service: 1979-87 • 2003: Battle Watch Floor London Bn., 20th Special Forces Grp. (Abn.) • Beirut: 1983; 3rd in the European Theater during the • Afghanistan: 2009-10; B Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines Iraq invasion Bn., 20th Special Forces Grp. (Abn.) • Niger: 2014 and 2015; Special GUY RESCHENTHALER GREG STEUBE Operations Detachment - Africa Republican Republican Pennsylvania, District 14 Florida, District 17 STEVE WATKINS Branch: Navy Branch: Army Republican Service: Dates of Service: Kansas, District 2 • Iraq: May – October 2009; Joint 2004-08 VFW Post 1650 in Topeka, Kan. Task Force 134 (Detainee Ops), Service: Branch: Army Central Criminal Court of Iraq, • Iraq: Aug. Service: Baghdad; Navy JAG Corps 2006 – Feb. 2007; 25th Infantry • Afghanistan: 10th Mountain • Iraq: April 2010; Two-week deploy- Division Division, 2004 ment in Baghdad; Navy JAG Corps VAN TAYLOR DENVER RIGGLEMAN Republican SENATE Republican Texas, District 3 Virginia, District 5 VFW Post 4380 in Plano, Texas MARTHA MCSALLY Branch: Air Force Branch: Marine Corps Republican Service: 1992-2003 Service: Arizona • 1996: Israel • Iraq: 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co. Branch: Air Force • 1999: Operation Dates of service: 26-year military career Allied Force, WILLIAM TIMMONS Service: near the Republican • Saudi Arabia: Sept. 11, 2001 Romanian/ South Carolina, • Six deployments to the Middle East Serbian border; District 4 and Afghanistan 726th Air Control Sqdn. Branch: Army • 2000: Oman; training Omani forces Service: RICK SCOTT in air operations • June 2018 – Republican • 2001: Diego Garcia; 34th present: South Florida Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Carolina Army National Guard JAG Branch: Navy Officer, assigned to the 263rd Army Dates of service: MAX ROSE Air Missile Defense Command in 1971-74 Democrat Anderson, S.C. Service: New York, District 11 • USS Glover in the Mediterranean J VFW Post 5090 on EMAIL [email protected] Staten Island, N.Y. Branch: Army Service: YOUNG VETS IN CONGRESS • Afghanistan: December 2012 – August 2013, At least nine new Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans became members of the Recon Squadron, attached to 1st House of Representatives in 2018, according to Veterans Campaign. In addition, six Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st were elected in 2014 and seven were elected in 2016. Armored Division

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 25 MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS Recognized and Remembered

SEVERAL AWARDEES OF THE

President Trump places the MILITARY’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS Medal of Honor around the MEDAL WERE IN THE NEWS LAST neck of John L. Canley on Oct. 17, 2018, at the White House. FALL. RANGING IN SERVICE Canley earned the award in FROM WORLD WAR I TO 1968 as a gunnery sergeant at the Battle of Hue during AFGHANISTAN, THEY REPRESENT the Vietnam War. “THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS” OF U.S. MILITARY SERVICE. PHOTO BY CPL. DAISHA R. JOHNSON/U.S. MARINE CORPS MARINE JOHNSON/U.S. R. DAISHA CPL. BY PHOTO

BY TIM DYHOUSE A ‘SHINING EXAMPLE’ OF BRAVERY A Vietnam War veteran who fought cou- rageously during the Battle of Hue in January and February 1968 received the Medal of Honor at the White House on Oct. 17. Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, of Oxnard, Calif., is the 300th Leatherneck to be awarded the nation’s top military honor. On. Jan. 31, 1968, in Hue, then-Gun- Former Green Beret Ronald J. Shurer II speaks nery Sgt. Canley took charge of Alpha Co., during a Medal of Honor ceremony Oct. 2, 2018, at the Pentagon. Shurer, who earned the award 1st Bn., 1st Marines when his command- as a medic on April 6, 2008, in Afghanistan, ing officer was wounded. While leading was officially presented the medal on Oct. 1 at the company from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, Canley the White House. rallied his troops during one of the Corps’ deadliest battles. PHOTO BY SPC. ANNA POL/U.S. ARMY POL/U.S. ANNA SPC. BY PHOTO On the first day, he “rushed across the fire-swept terrain and carried several wounded Marines to safety,” according to his MoH citation. On Feb. 4, Canley, while leading his men into an enemy- occupied building, climbed onto the roof and “dropped a large satchel charge” into the stronghold. Two days later, after being wounded for the second time during the battle, he twice “leaped a wall in full view of the enemy, picked up casualties and carried them to

26 • VFW • MARCH 2019 PHOTO BY RYAN FISCHER/THE HERALD-DISPATCH covered positions.” Canley is credited with contributing “greatly to the accomplish- VFW life member and longtime veterans advocate Hershel “Woody” ment of his company’s mission.” Williams addresses a crowd Sept. 9, President Donald Trump said during 2018, at the VA Medical Center in Canley’s medal presentation ceremony Huntington, W. Va. The facility was that the 80-year-old former gunny “did renamed for Williams, a World War everything he had to do” to protect his men II Marine who earned the Medal of and carry the fight to the enemy. Honor during the Battle of Iwo Jima. “By the end of the day, John and his company of less than 150 Marines had pushed into the city held by at least 6,000 communist fighters,” Trump said. “In the days that followed, John led his company through the fog and rain and in house-to- house, very vicious, very hard combat.” Canley humbly deflected the praise. “I’m accepting this on behalf of all the Marines I had the honor of serving with in Vietnam and who continue to be an inspi- ration to me every day,” Canley said. “Their bravery and sacrifice is unparalleled.” BOSTON GLOBE PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES ‘NOT A SINGLE AMERICAN DIED’ A former Green Beret received the Medal of Honor Oct. 1. Ronald J. Shurer II, of Burke, Va., was recognized at the White House for his valor more than 10 years ago in Afghanistan. As an Army staff sergeant, Shurer earned the nation’s top military honor on April 6, 2008, while serving as the medic for C Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Special Forces Group in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley. As his unit faced withering fire as it attempted to advance up a mountainside, Shurer had two jobs: treat the wounded and return fire. According to his MoH citation, he moved among the wounded, providing “life-saving efforts” as the firefight raged. “Staff Sgt. Shurer fought his way up the mountainside, under intense enemy James Barry shakes hands with Col. Brett Conaway, commander of the Massachusetts Army fire, to the lead element’s location,” the National Guard’s 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Oct. 26 at the Guard’s armory in Natick, citation read. Mass. Barry is the nephew of WWI Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Perkins, a South Boston Then, “with complete disregard for native killed in the war for whom the facility was renamed. his own life, Shurer again moved through enemy fire” to care for another group of severely wounded soldiers. Shurer credited his fellow Green Berets. VA Medical Center in Huntington, After stabilizing them, Shurer evacuated “This award is not mine,” he said. “This W.Va. held a ceremony Sept. 18 to for- the wounded down the mountain, set up a award wouldn’t exist without the team. mally rechristen the facility. collection point at the bottom, continued If they weren’t doing their job, I wouldn’t Williams, 95, earned the award on Feb. treating them and helped load the wound- have been able to do my job.” 23, 1945, on Iwo Jima. Serving with 1st ed aboard medevac helicopters. Bn., 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Div., Cpl. “For more than six hours, Ron brave- ‘FOUGHT DESPERATELY FOR Williams “fought desperately for four ly faced down the enemy,” President FOUR HOURS’ hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire Trump said at the White House ceremo- VA renamed a medical center in West and repeatedly returned to his own lines ny. “Not a single American died in that Virginia in September for a Medal of to prepare demolition charges and obtain brutal battle, thanks in great measure to Honor recipient and VFW life member. serviced flamethrowers, struggling back Ron’s heroic actions.” Staff at the Hershel “Woody” Williams frequently to the rear of hostile emplace-

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 27 Crewmembers of the USS Thomas Hudner man the rails to bring the ship to life during a commissioning ceremony for the guided-missile destroyer Dec. 1, 2018, in Boston. The ship is named for Thomas J. Hudner, a former Navy pilot and VFW life member who earned the Medal of

PHOTO BY AIRMAN OLIVIA K. MANLEY/ U.S. NAVY U.S. MANLEY/ K. OLIVIA AIRMAN BY PHOTO Honor during the Korean War.

AIRMAN IS NAMESAKE FOR AIR FORCE JET The Air Force in October dedicated a C-32 passen- ger aircraft to a recent Medal of Honor recipi- ent. Air Force Technical Sgt. John Chapman, who was killed in 2002 during the Afghanistan War, is the namesake of a jet that will fly high-ranking officials — ent of the Battle of Iwo Jima. such as the vice president, first lady or cab- The medical facility named inet members — to various destinations. for him serves more than For more information about Chapman, 30,000 veterans in West see the November/December 2018 issue of Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. VFW magazine. A ‘SOUTHIE’ IS HONORED DESTROYER NAMED FOR IN NATICK KOREAN WAR PILOT The Massachusetts Army One of the Navy’s newest ships now PHOTO BY AIR FORCE STAFF SGT. RYAN CONROY RYAN SGT. STAFF FORCE AIR BY PHOTO National Guard in October bears the name of a Korean War vet- renamed its armory in Natick eran who earned the nation’s top mili- for World War I Army Pfc. tary award. Sailors commissioned the Michael J. Perkins. The USS Thomas Hudner, a guided-missile South Boston native served destroyer, in honor of Massachusetts with D Co., 101st Inf., 26th Medal of Honor recipient Thomas J. Yankee Div., and earned the Hudner Dec. 1 at Boston’s Flynn Cruise nation’s most prestigious Port Terminal. military award on Oct. 27, Hudner, a former life member of VFW 1918, at Belieu Bois, France. Post 6712 in Revere, Mass., was a pilot serv- On that day, Perkins ing with Fighter Squadron 32 during the crawled up to a German pill- Korean War. box, from which the enemy On Dec. 4, 1950, near the Chosin was tossing grenades at the Reservoir, then-Lt. Hudner spotted a A plaque bearing the photo and Medal of Honor citation of Air Force Technical Sgt. John Doughboy’s unit. Perkins waited until the squadron-mate whose jet had crash- Chapman adorns the cabin of an Air Force C-32 door opened and threw his own grenade landed. With “enemy troops infesting passenger aircraft. The Air Force dedicated the inside before entering himself. the area,” according to his MoH citation, plane in honor of Chapman, who was killed in “In a hand-to-hand struggle, he killed Hudner “put his plane down skillfully in action in Afghanistan in 2002, on Oct. 26 at or wounded several of the occupants,” a deliberate wheels-up landing.” Hurlburt Field in Florida. according to his MoH citation, “and cap- With “scant hope of escape or survival tured about 25 prisoners, at the time in subzero temperature,” Hudner franti- ments to wipe out one position after anoth- silencing seven machine-guns.” cally, though unsuccessfully, attempted to er,” according to his MoH citation. Perkins was killed later that day when save the downed flier, Navy Ensign Jesse Williams, a life member of VFW Post the ambulance he was riding in to get Brown, the Navy’s first black combat pilot. 7048 in Fairmont, W.Va., which also bears treatment for his wounds was struck by an Hudner died in 2017 at 93. J his name, is the last surviving MoH recipi- enemy shell. EMAIL [email protected]

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Visit www.GetMDHearingAid200.com Free 1-Year Supply of Batteries with Offer Code JF40 The Doctor’s Choice for Affordable Hearing Aids Hurricanes ravaged the southeastern U.S. and VFW MEMBERS ‘ADAPT AND caused billions of dollars in damage last fall. VFW efforts in North OVERCOME’ TO PROVIDE Carolina and Florida brought relief to Posts and communities in the DISASTER RELIEF paths of destruction.

rom Hurricane Florence in “We weren’t able to get in some areas North Carolina to Hurricane until it was safe to do so,” Baker said. Michael in Florida, VFW “That’s why we planned to have all the offered support during hurri- staged sites ahead of time, so that when BY DAVE SPIVA F cane relief efforts last year. the storm passed, we would have Posts that had supplies ready to go.” ‘STARTED WITH A SOCIAL Baker, who served in Iraq from 2009 MEDIA POST’ to 2010, said local residents and many Before Florence made landfall in VFW members donated supplies for the September, the Department of North people affected by the hurricane. Carolina designated six Posts across “We even had a truck with supplies the state as staging areas for receiving come up from Waco, Texas, because they saw our social media push for donations,” Baker said. “We are just getting donations from everywhere. It’s amaz- ing that it all just started with a social media post and media interviews.” PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW POST 7383 POST VFW OF COURTESY PHOTO POST BRINGS HOPE TO FLORIDA PANHANDLE Anna Miner, a member of Post 10555 in Panama City Beach, Fla., is a retired Army major who earned her VFW eligi- bility in Berlin in 1973- 76 and served two tours in South Korea in 1989- 90 and 1993-94. She said four of VFW’s fi ve Florida District 17 Posts were damaged during Hurricane Michael. “We had very little damage at Post 10555,” Miner said. “So our VFW Post 7383 member Doug Johnston, an Air Force veteran, hands off a case of and distributing donated items, such as commander, Susan Johnson, set up the water in September during Hurricane bottled water, diapers and food. One of Post as a distribution point to help all the Florence relief efforts in Cary, N.C. In the those Posts was VFW Post 7383 in Cary. other Posts.” aft ermath of Florence, Post 7383 was one Post 7383 Junior Vice Commander Miner said, as of early January, efforts of six Posts designated across the state as Tom Baker, a Navy veteran, said the to restore the damaged Posts in Florida staging areas for receiving and distributing efforts were much like a “logistics situa- District 17 are “ongoing.” donated items. tion in a combat zone,” because they had Post 10555 members helped in other to fi gure out how to supply victims. ways, too. Along with the HOPE (Healing

30 • VFW • MARCH 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW POST 2423 Our Patriots with Equines) Project, head- ed by Post 10555 Assistant Chaplain Dave Togdon, they created a supply distribu- tion point in Youngstown, Fla., located about 20 miles northeast of Panama City Beach in the state’s panhandle. Over a two-week period in October, the HOPE Project and members of Post 10555 helped an average of more than 170 community members each day. Distribution of supplies, such as baby wipes and food, were given to families up until the first week of December, accord- ing to Miner. She added that many VFW Posts in Florida, Alabama, Texas, Maine, Illinois and Mississippi sent supplies and money for distribution. Miner also said that the Post 10555 Auxiliary received more than $13,000 in donations to help veterans and families in the area. Post 10555 Auxiliary members, accord- ing to Miner, also provided more than 100

pairs of shoes and helped distribute coats PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW POST 7383 to school children in the area. “Our Auxiliary was a very important part of helping the communities and schools,” Miner said. “As a VFW District, we hung together and helped each other out, as well as our communities.” VFW SUCCEEDS IN ‘AUSTERE ENVIRONMENTS’ Baker believes the reason VFW is suc- cessful in conducting relief efforts with short notice in “austere environments” is because of the military experience throughout the organization. “A majority of my 20s were spent try- ing to figure out how to move men and material, and operate in denied territo- ry,” said the 34-year-old. “With every- thing our members had to take into account during their service, they now ABOVE: Commander Tim Woods, of VFW Post 2423 Indian Trail, N.C., cuts a fallen tree in September have the experience and skills that allow afterHurricane Florence ravaged the town. Post 2423 was one of the Posts in North Carolina designated as a staging area by the state’s VFW Department headquarters during Florence. Woods is them to come up with ideas of how to a Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Duluth during Operation Determined Response in 2000. solve problems in a quick manner.” Tim Woods, commander of VFW Post BELOW: Valerie Minor, VFW Post 2514 (in New Bern, N.C.) quartermaster, and former Post commander 2423 in Indian Trail, N.C., also said that John Caddle unload disaster relief supplies from Post 7383 in September in Cary, N.C., during Hurricane VFW members have the military mental- Florence. As part of the relief efforts in North Carolina, VFW National Headquarters sent $50,000 to the ity to “adapt and overcome.” Department of North Carolina for the devastation caused by Florence. Woods is a former Navy machinist’s mate who served aboard the USS Duluth during Operation Determined Response received many donated items during areas,” Woods said. “Even if we have lim- in 2000. His Post, like Baker’s, also was relief efforts. ited sleeping hours and have to drive a designated staging area for North “We’ve been in contact with our state’s hundreds of miles out of the way to make Carolina during the storm. He said his Department and Posts across the state to it to certain areas, we do it.” J Post had a lot of community support and find out who needs what in each of the EMAIL [email protected]

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 31 SERVING A MARINE MAKES A ‘POSITIVE 100VETERANS FOR IMPACT’ FOR VETS AND FAMILIES YEARS or Bob Smith, a monetary victo- roughly $1,586 per month, and, Smith said, VFW IN WASHINGTON IN VFW ry he earns for a veteran fi ling a she would be able to drop her supplemen- VA claim is not as important as tal insurance and enroll in Champ VA. what the approved claim does “That isn’t the highest monetary A VFW service offi cer F for the claimant and his or her family. award, but it’s the one that made the in Idaho relies on For example, one of his most meaning- most impact on a dependent,” said compassion and tenacity ful victories was for a surviving spouse. Smith, who remains friends with the to win for his clients. Smith, a VFW-accredited service offi cer spouse to this day. in Jerome, Idaho, said the spouse was Smith, who served as a Marine scout seeking assistance with medications. sniper during the 1991 Persian Gulf War “Her husband had passed away about with the Surveillance Target Acquisition 15 years earlier, and I had asked her if Plt., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, Task Force her husband was ever a POW, to which Grizzly, has been a state service offi cer for BY KARI WILLIAMS she had responded, ‘Yes,’” Smith said. two years. Previously, he spent fi ve years Her husband served during World as the Jerome County, Idaho, service offi - War II and the Korean War. While in cer and eight years at the Post level with Korea, her husband was shot in the leg VFW Post 2136 in Twin Falls, Idaho. and captured one week later, accord- Smith said he became a service offi cer ing to Smith. In looking at the husband’s after losing his employment “due to ser- death certif- vice-connected injuries” and wanted to icate, Smith continue expanding services to veterans saw that he in his community. Each time he made the died of com- jump to a new service offi cer position, he plications said it was simply to reach more veterans. from a heart The most rewarding part of his job is condition. that everything service offi cers do has a That being “positive impact” on a claimant, whether the case, he that be a veteran, dependent or surviving

PHOTO BY DREW NASH/MAGICVALLEY.COM DREW BY PHOTO helped the spouse. However, the most challenging, surviving according to Smith, is battling veteran spouse fi le a homelessness — most notably the lack of dependency “adequate housing” and transportation. and indem- The most common cases Smith sees nity com- — roughly 80 percent — focus on pen- pensation sions. That is due to the demographics in (DIC) claim, Jerome, Idaho, which he said is a “retire- which can ment community.” Between himself and Bob Smith has been an accredited VFW be submitted when a veteran dies from one administrative assistant, his offi ce veterans service offi cer in Idaho for two a service-connected illness or complica- handles roughly 1,200 cases annually. years. Previously, he worked as a county service offi cer for fi ve years and at the Post tion. She heard back from VA in 26 days. To anyone just beginning as a service level for eight years. “It was the fastest claim I have ever offi cer, Smith said “going the extra mile” received back,” Smith said. is important. But it wasn’t until six weeks after “There’s always one more thing that receiving her award letter that the we can do to assist veterans and their spouse reconnected with Smith. She dependents,” Smith said. ✪ told him she was “scared” of opening EMAIL [email protected] the envelope. They opened it togeth- er, according to Smith, for the surviving Editor’s note: This is the second in spouse to discover that she had received a series of feature articles on VFW’s $14,426 — one year’s worth of DIC retro accredited veterans service offi cers. In NEED HELP? pay compensation. 2019, VFW is commemorating 100 years Find a VFW service offi cer “They paid her one year, even though of existence of its National Veterans at www.vfw.org he’d been dead for 15 years,” Smith said. Service and National Legislative Service Going forward, she would receive offi ces in Washington, D.C.

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VIETNAM GIs HAIL MONTAGNARDS’

COURAGE and LOYALTY

34 • VFW • MARCH 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE CLARK Vietnam’s indigenous mountain people proved to be loyal allies during the war in southeast Asia. Here are a few refl ections by some who served with the Montagnards.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

ietnam’s Central Highlands is home to some of America’s most fiercest allies of the VVietnam War. The Degar people are comprised of more than 30 tribes, but to the Vietnam veterans who served during the war, they are known as Montagnards. Meaning “people of the mountain,” the Montagnards were recruited and trained by U.S. Special Forces. Initiated in 1965, the Mobile Strike Force Command, or MIKE Force, led these indigenous people on reconnaissance patrols and search- and-rescue missions as well as search- and-destroy missions. More than 60,000 Montagnards fought alongside American GIs before the war ended. One such GI is George Clark, who served with the 5th Special Forces Group Airborne, Nha Trang MIKE Force. He served in 1967-70 and recruited Montagnards. “I organized these people in their vil- lages,” Clark said. “We trained them so well, and they were really quick studies. They helped us as much as we helped them. And they were so fascinated by jumping out of airplanes. They would laugh and laugh and act silly after jump- ing out of a plane.” Clark said he found the Montagnards George Clark (wearing the bandana) to be “wonderful, loyal people.” But more and another Green Beret in Nha Trang, especially, he said, “they were true war- Vietnam, in 1967 show Montagnard riors” in battle. He added that he was troops how to use American weaponry. never ambushed in the entire time he The indigenous tribal people were worked with the Montagnards. trained to fi ght with U.S. troops as part of the Green Berets’ MIKE Force. “They were never defeated,” said They were recruited by men such as Clark, a member of VFW Post 1957 in Clark out of their Central Highland Hickory, N.C. “They may have been over- villages. run, but they always took it back. We had

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 35 TOP: Green Beret Bill Caldwell shows Montagnards from the Rhade tribe how to set claymore mines in 1966 near Nha Trang. Caldwell recruited more than 160 tribesmen out of Ban Me Thuot to serve with MIKE Force during the Vietnam War.

BOTTOM: A Rhade Montagnard in training

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL CALDWELL BILL OF COURTESY PHOTO with MIKE Force in 1966 outside Nha Trang during the Vietnam War. More than 60,000 Montagnards fought alongside American GIs before the war ended.

flew the recruits from Ban Me Thuot to Nha Trang. Caldwell was there waiting when they got off the planes. “I was stunned,” he said. “Those kids came out of those planes and jumped into formation as if they had been at West Point for a year. Their formations were awesome.” Caldwell said he was not briefed on the Montagnards before his introduc- tion to them, but learned quickly how good they were in combat. He added that he found them to be the “most honest” group of people he has ever known. “Without a doubt in my mind, the Montagnard people are the most wonder- ful people in the world,” Caldwell said. “They loved to celebrate, and we had an

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL CALDWELL BILL OF COURTESY PHOTO excellent time with them. We had men from age 13 to 71. And their families came with them to camp. That’s just how it was.” Caldwell was medically evacuated from Vietnam in September 1966. “I may be 76 years old,” Caldwell said, “but I still miss it. If you had to go to war, the Montagnards were, and are, the most incredible men to have with you. They always had our backs.” MONTAGNARDS WERE full faith in the Montagnards.” about the Montagnards. Serving with ‘HAPPY TO SEE US’ Clark became close to Y Diam Hmouk, MIKE Force at Nha Trang, Caldwell 2nd Lt. Don Allen arrived at Saigon’s Tan known as Charley Dot because of a dot was sent to Ban Me Thuot to recruit Son Nhut Air Base on Sept. 20, 1967, via in the center of his forehead caused by a Montagnards from the Rhade tribe. Braniff Airlines. As a forward observer, shrapnel wound. For two years, Charley “I had my interpreter, Pedro, with me Allen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, was side by side with Clark. and thank God for that,” said Caldwell, a 6th Artillery, 1st Field Force Artillery “The Montagnards were the best war- member of VFW Post 6445 in Harlem, Ga. near Pleiku. riors in the world,” Clark said. “They “We met with the tribal chief named N’yet As a forward observer, part of Allen’s were so loyal. Through their courage, and during the next two days, we were able job was to draw fire, try to evade it and they gave us courage.” to get his permission to induct more than then identify where it was coming from 160 tribesmen into MIKE Force.” so that he could call in artillery to destroy ‘MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE Caldwell said what he most remembers enemy forces. IN THE WORLD’ during the initial meeting was the tribe’s Other times, he was hitting the ground When Sgt. Bill Caldwell arrived in pet Bengal tiger breathing down his neck. with the 1st Bn., 12th Inf. Div., on vil- Vietnam in March 1966, he soon learned He also recalls the three C-130s that lage-clearing or search-and-destroy

36 • VFW • MARCH 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL CALDWELL

Children from the Montagnard Rhade tribe at Ban Me Thuot in Vietnam’s Central Highlands in 1966. Sgt. Bill Caldwell was sent to the village to recruit for MIKE Force. Caldwell said that the Montagnards are the “most wonderful people in the world.”

missions. And those were the occasions because we helped them and shared our The Montagnards liked to serve rice when he experienced camaraderie with rations and played with their children,” wine, which the Americans enjoyed only the Montagnards. Allen said. “That’s where I learned to when they felt secure in the villages, “The Montagnards were miles away appreciate them. They reminded me a Allen said. He noted that the Americans from Pleiku,” Allen said. “We would lot of American Indians.” considered it an honor to sit with the come across these villages and check Since the Montagnards always wanted tribal elders and share rice wine. them out. Sometimes, the NVA would to feed their guests, Allen shared many Other culinary delicacies, according to have already come through and took meals with them. He was in several dif- Allen, were python and monkey. their young men and raped their women. ferent villages, the names of which he “They were a warm, friendly people, and I enjoyed my time with them,” Allen said. “I never felt ill at ease around the “If you had to go to war, the Montagnards Montagnards whatsoever.” Clark said that he didn’t know one were, and are, the most incredible men to Special Forces Vietnam vet who didn’t owe his life to the Montagnards. This is have with you. They always had our backs.” why he has been working for years to relo- cate the Montagnards to North Carolina. Bill Caldwell, former Green Beret “When we pulled out of Vietnam,” Clark said, “those villages were screwed, and we knew it.” As you can imagine, they were skittish at could barely pronounce. Common in the Caldwell agreed: “I hate to think of first, but happy to see us.” villages were ducks and geese and lots of how they are being treated still today. So At 21, Allen seemed old in com- dogs. During one meal, Allen was served many still being killed all because they parison to most of the Americans the roasted dog. helped Americans. It’s not right.” Montagnards were used to seeing. He “It was considered a treat,” Allen said. Be sure to read the April issue of made fast friends with them. He said that “Another time I told them I didn’t want VFW magazine detailing the ongoing the mountain people had so much expo- dog but there was a goose. I wrung its neck efforts of Clark and others to bring the sure to English over the years, they could and its head fell off and the body was run- Montagnards and their families to the understand some of his conversations. ning around and the children were run- United States. J “They were so hospitable to us ning around chasing the headless goose.” EMAIL [email protected]

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CSLB 983603 F13000002885 13HV08744300 ‘I COULDN’T STAND TO HEAR THE BABIES CRY’

Vietnam War veteran Billy Terrell has had a successful music career, recording with artists such as Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon. The draft halted his aspirations, but also presented opportunities to help children at a Vietnamese orphanage.

BY KARI WILLIAMS

Vietnam War veteran Billy Terrell in 1973, after he began gaining traction as a music producer. Terrell would be instrumental in reviving Frankie Avalon’s career.

40 • VFW • MARCH 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY TERRELL illy Terrell created a life in the music industry. He worked with the likes of Bobby Rydell, the Duprees and Frankie Avalon. In 1966, he was drafted into the BVietnam War. When he returned, everything had changed — himself included. ‘THE REAL VIETNAM’ Terrell received his draft notice at 20 years old and said he was “proud” to serve in Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1967 with B Co., 226th Supply Service, as a supply clerk. “We all had to drop out of school for one reason or another,” Terrell said. “But now we were a part of something, and we were proud that our lives as soldiers — our lives meant something. We had a chip in the game.” Jordan Klempner served in Terrell’s unit from February 1967 to February 1968 as a supply officer and had similar sentiments about his deployment. “I kind of grew up watching the John Wayne movies where that’s what you did as an American,” Klempner said. “So I always felt very patriotic, and I always felt so proud that I served.” Terrell was stationed in Phan Rang and later at a base camp near Tuy Hoa. Everyone, according to Terrell, had perimeter guard duty, among other tasks. “I was a mail guy in the middle of the real Vietnam,” said Terrell, a member of VFW Post 3020 in Delran, N.J. One of Terrell’s tasks was to make supply runs to the North Field, a route on which he befriended the local youth. However, he also witnessed the aftermath of some children who had been burned by napalm. “Once they started to recover a little bit, the nurses and corps- men were bringing in the children to me, and kids were sitting on my lap and my bed,” Terrell said. “And they got attached to me because they felt the love. They felt that I loved those children.” Terrell visited children at the 8th Field Hospital in Nha Trang and at a field hospital near Tuy Hoa at the end of his tour. For years, Terrell said, he could not be around crying children. When his nieces and nephews were young, he had to hide in a closet and put a pillow over his head. “I couldn’t stand to hear the babies cry because what I wit- nessed with those children was something I’ll never really recov- er from,” Terrell said. ‘I STILL CALL THEM MY BABIES’ During Terrell’s deployment, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong invaded the Mang Lang Orphanage in Tuy Hoa, forcing nuns and the children they cared for to evacuate, according to Terrell. Afterward, he said, they were “crammed into a dirty hospital.” Two nuns from the orphanage, Sisters Michelle and Theresa, approached Terrell’s base camp searching for food. So Terrell and Lt. John Scheer decided to act. Between collect- ing donations from their fellow soldiers and a contribution from LISTEN TO FRANKIE AVALON Scheer’s parish in Chicago, they purchased a plot of land to build VISIT VFW MAGAZINE ON a new orphanage. FACEBOOK TO HEAR THE Klempner did not arrive in Vietnam until after Terrell’s involvement with the orphanage began, but Klempner made a DISCO VERSION OF “VENUS.” point to deliver food, as the unit’s relationship still existed. “When [one of the nuns] took me around, it was like a heart- throb just seeing how rough it was on them,” Klempner said. “So it felt good that we were doing something.” Helping the orphanage was a “tough experience,” according

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 41 TOP: VFW member Billy Terrell plays a guitar that he bought in 1967 in Tuy Hoa, while serving during the Vietnam War. Terrell had been working in the music industry prior to receiving his draft notice in 1966.

BOTTOM: Two siblings in North Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, are rescued by 101st Airborne Division

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY TERRELL BILLY OF COURTESY PHOTO troops after the Viet Cong “torched their hamlet and killed their parents,” according to Vietnam War veteran Billy Terrell. The children were taken to an orphanage the following day.

‘THE IMAGES GOT ME’ Terrell said he had to process “a ton of emotion” on the trip to the orphanage more than 45 years after his deployment. “It was OK when we were in the towns,” Terrell said, “but on the way up [to Mang Lang], there were a lot of very familiar scenes that brought a lot of the horror back.” For about a 10-mile stretch, Terrell said, he laid down in the van. “I wasn’t thinking of getting shot,” Terrell said. “I just couldn’t do it — the images got me.” When they reached the orphanage, Terrell said, it was the first time he had seen Sister Michelle since 1967. “Emotions were running deep, but I

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLY TERRELL BILLY OF COURTESY PHOTO believe that I instinctively didn’t lose it because I didn’t want to turn this into some big crying deal,” Terrell said. “I want- ed it to be joyous.” ‘I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO BE A CIVILIAN’ Terrell said he had a “difficult” transi- tion back to life as a private citizen in the late 1960s. “I didn’t know how to be a civilian,” Terrell said. Early in his return, Terrell said, he walked around Asbury Park, N.J., in his to Klempner, but also made the men in the of themselves as children,” Terrell said. uniform and encountered a woman he unit feel that they had done some good. When he discovered what the pho- knew prior to his deployment. When he “You don’t have that much purpose tos meant to the children, Terrell said, he tried speaking to her, he said she wouldn’t there, so that was one thing that had a pur- was “energized” to visit the orphanage. talk to him. pose to you being there,” Klempner said. He teamed up with his friend and film- “I just couldn’t understand it,” said After returning stateside in 1967, Terrell maker Laurence Caso and the National Terrell, who at 22 years old, returned to stored photos he took while deployed and Foundation of Patriotism to raise funds for New York to pick up where he left off in didn’t look at them again for more than 40 a trip to Vietnam. Caso and Terrell set off the recording industry. years, when he began searching for Mang on Veterans Day 2013. But he had trouble getting an appoint- Lang Orphanage. Terrell reunited with Ahn Doe — ment with his former employer, Kama In 2009, he contacted Airline who was 8 years old in 1966, born with Sutra Records. When representatives Ambassadors and met a woman in deformed feet — and three other girls he finally agreed to meet, he was told there Washington, D.C., who took some of cared for. was nothing they could do. Terrell’s photos to Mang Lang. “I can’t even begin to explain the emo- “They made me feel like I came back “[That] was the first time some of the tion of reuniting with [them],” Terrell said. dead,” Terrell said. “Like that’s it. There’s orphans who were still there saw anything “I still call them my babies.” nothing for you, and it was the way they

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He said the combination of his age, having seen “burned children screaming” and working on grave registra- tion brought on a “guilt-ridden attitude.” But it wasn’t until his brother’s wedding — June 23, 1968 — that he realized he had to straighten up. “I was supposed to be the best man, but I was the worst man,” Terrell said. He wore clothes that didn’t fit. His hair was long. He was drunk at 9 a.m. “I passed out at the wedding,” Terrell said. “It was so bad that they took me home, and I don’t remember it.” One day later, he woke up at his parents’ home. “I wasn’t really sure where I was,” Terrell said. “I stumbled into the bath- room, laid on the floor, hugged the toi- let and fell back asleep. My mother was screaming bloody murder thinking I had died. I got up, leaned on the sink and looked in the mirror. And I saw someone I didn’t recognize.” What happened next, he said, was rem- iniscent of a scene from the 1986 Charlie Sheen film “Platoon.” “I looked in the mirror, and I said, ‘You know what? You’re a fool,” Terrell recalled. “You’re really a disaster. This is not right. Your mother got her son back, and he walked in on his own two legs, and you owe a tremendous debt to Vietnam War veterans Billy Terrell and Jordan Klempner show off their guitars on the beach in the thousands of other boys — and a few 1967 at Tuy Hoa, Vietnam. Terrell, a member of VFW Post 3020 in Delran, N.J., helped raise funds women at that point.’” to build an orphanage in Tuy Hoa after it was invaded by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. That’s when a “bell” went off. He stopped drinking, rented a small apart- ment and bought a $25 broken piano. thought Avalon would be a good fit for the a “poverty-stricken kid,” Terrell said, he “The first week in July, I said, ‘I’m going label, which Terrell confirmed. earned “39 cents a side” shoveling snow to to find a niche that I can do,’ and rhythm The Vietnam vet had created an updat- buy Avalon’s follow-up record to “Venus.” and blues was it,” Terrell said. ed disco arrangement of his favorite Looking back, Terrell used the term Avalon song, “Venus,” and asked the musi- “mixed bag” to describe his dual careers. A ‘SPIRITUAL’ CONNECTION cians to play it during the last few minutes “Certainly my love and caring for Though war interrupted his musical of a recording session. If Avalon didn’t like the children and displaced civilians is a career, Terrell worked with two of his it, it would have gone no further. huge positive [from Vietnam],” Terrell three idols — Rydell and Avalon. But “And that’s what sparked Avalon,” said. “The timing of the draft brought he always felt a “spiritual connection” Terrell said. my music career to a halt, and during to Avalon. The new “Venus” was released in 1976 the gap between 1965 and ’67, music had “I remember being in the schoolyard and broke into the Billboard Hot 100 changed dramatically, making it very in 1959 and all of a sudden had this weird charts. Avalon would go on to appear in difficult to fit back into a genre I could feeling,” Terrell said. “[Frankie Avalon’s] “Grease” after its release. Before that, relate and adjust to.” image came to me, and he reminded me of Avalon planned to sing in a hotel lounge in To learn more about Terrell’s story, his my father when he was young.” Hawaii, according to Terrell. book, “The Other Side of Rock and War,’ Sixteen years later, as a producer for Playing a role in his idol’s career was, can be purchased at Amazon.com. J De-Lite Records, Terrell was asked if he for Terrell, a “great American story.” As EMAIL [email protected]

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specifi ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/26/19. advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate. Past Commander-in-Chief Jack Carney Dies ohn “Jack” Carney, who served as thereafter he moved to Florida and a most rewarding VFW Commander-in-Chief in 1992- began working as a security-safety experience there.” J93, died Jan. 1, 2019. He was 88. manager at TRW Systems Group in Outside of Funeral services were held Jan. 14 Cape Canaveral. In 1986, he joined The VFW, he helped at Davis Seawinds Funeral Home in Aerospace Corp., at the Cape Canaveral establish a Melbourne, Fla. Burial was at Cape Air Force Station, where he worked separate Florida Canaveral National Cemetery in until retirement. Department of Mims, Fla. Carney joined VFW Post 8191 in Eau Veterans Affairs Carney was born May 14, 1930, in Gallie, Fla., in 1958, and was elected Post as a member of the Solvay, N.Y. His father and brother commander the following year. He led the Florida Veterans were both VFW members. His mother Department of Florida as an All-American Advisory Council Past Commander-in- belonged to the VFW Auxiliary. commander in 1969-70. After switching from 1970-78. Chief Jack Carney Carney enlisted in the Navy on Dec. his membership to Post 4643 in Satellite Carney said that 27, 1950, during the height of the Korean Beach — his father’s Post — Carney served his experiences throughout the differ- War. Trained as a corpsman, he arrived as Florida’s adjutant/quartermaster for ent levels of VFW gave him a greater in the war zone in April 1952. He served seven years in the late 1970s. appreciation for the organization. with A Battery (later C Battery) in a Two national VFW assignments “What I learned more than anything 105mm howitzer battalion with 11th around this time were favorites of the else is that the dedicated members of Marines, 1st Marine Div. Carney’s unit past Chief. In 1978-79, he was an assis- our organization are willing to work was based near Panmunjom. tant adjutant general of administra- together to achieve whatever the goal “My responsibility was to provide tion at VFW National Headquarters may be,” he explained in 1992. emergency medical treatment and, if in Kansas City, Mo. Carney then took “There is always a willingness to required, facilitate transfer of wounded charge at VFW’s National Home for exchange ideas to make the job just a personnel to the battalion aid station,” Children in Eaton Rapids, Mich. little bit better.” he told VFW magazine in 1992. “I loved it,” he told VFW magazine. Carney is survived by his wife, Discharged on Oct. 20, 1954, Carney “One of my greatest opportunities was JoAnne; sons, Tim, Jeffrey and Donnie; returned to his job at North American serving at the National Home. As interim daughters, Suzan Shaw and Melody Aviation in Columbus, Ohio. But soon director for nine months in 1980, I had Hudson; and 11 grandchildren.

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46 • VFW • MARCH 2019 ADVERTISEMENT DOCTOR’S MEMORY BREAKTHROUGH One Simple Trick to Reversing Memory Loss World’s Leading Brain Expert and Winner of the Prestigious Kennedy Award, Unveils Exciting News For the Scattered, Unfocused and Forgetful

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And leave you feeling results were simply amazing: have electrified the International scientific community. more focused and clear-headed than you have in years! 1) PS patients outperformed placebo patients in Earth-Shaking Science In his last speaking engagement, Dr. Shinitsky All 5 Tests - 100% Success Rate Published, clinical reports show replenishing your 2) After only 45 days there was a measurable explains this phenomenon in simple terms; body’s natural supply of Phosphatidylserine, not improvement in mental function “Science has shown when your brain nutrient only helps sharpen your memory and concentration 3) After 90 days, there was an impressive and levels drop, you can start to experience memory — but also helps “perk you up” and put you in a amazing improvement in mental function problems and overall mental fatigue. Your better mood. PS as it turns out also helps to reduce everyday stress and elevate your mood by lowering ability to concentrate and stay focused becomes The group taking phosphatidylserine, not only your body’s production of the hormone cortisol. compromised. And gradually, a “mental fog” enjoyed sharper memory, but listen to this… they When cortisol levels are too high for too long sets in. It can damage every aspect of your life”. were also more upbeat and remarkably more happy. you experience fatigue, bad moods and weakness. Not only do brain cells die but they become In contrast, the moods of the individuals who took the placebo (starch pill), remained unaffected…. This drug-free brain-boosting formula enters your dysfunctional as if they begin to fade away as we no mental or mood improvement at all. bloodstream fast (in as little as thirty minutes). age. 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If Lipogen PS Plus doesn’t and phosphatidic acid”…unfortunately they are nutrient and how much it would help me with my help you think better, remember more... and believed to be critical essential nutrients that just memory I wanted to try it. improve your mind, clarity and mood — you fade away with age, much like our memories often It’s great! I have actual recall now, which won’t pay a penny! (Except S&H). do leading to further mental deterioration. is super. After about 6 weeks of taking it on a daily basis is when I began to notice that I wasn’t But you must act fast. Your order can only be As we get older it becomes more frustrating as forgetting things anymore. guaranteed if it comes in within the next 7-days. there is little comfort when you forget names… Thanks to PS for giving me my memory back. After that, supplies could run out. 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BETTER HEALTH NEWS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE Sleep Disorders Can Cause ‘Significant’ Health Consequences Military veterans are at higher risk for disorders such as insomnia, distressing dreams and fear of sleeping. BY JANICE PHELAN Nearly 60 percent of vets who fter returning from deploy- suffered head trauma in the ment, Kathy R., an Army military report sleep problems. nurse who served at a combat Asupport hospital at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan from 2004-05, began having nightmares and episodes of sleep paralysis. “The nightmares would center on a dream, usually involving some sort of bomb situation, and then there would be an explosion that I was sure was real,” said Kathy, who is still a nurse. “I would wake up screaming.” Kathy, who declined to reveal her last name, said that she felt trapped in the dream or night terror. “My heart pounds, and when I wake up I am disoriented and hyperventilat- ing,” she said. The sleep paralysis made Kathy feel disturbances even three to four months ing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea she was in a situation where she had to after returning from their tours of duty.” may help improve the symptoms of be awake without the ability to wake Shamim-Uzzaman, also president PTSD and mood disorders.” up. The sleep disorders caused her to be of the Michigan Academy of Sleep very tired the next day. Medicine and an assistant professor at ACCEPTANCE AND TAKING ACTION the University of Michigan, said that Although Kathy has not sought profes- GOOD SLEEP, GOOD HEALTH data collected in 2010 showed that sleep sional treatment for her sleep disorders, Military veterans like Kathy are at risk for disturbances were the second-most she said self-care and family support have a number of sleep disorders, said Dr. Q. common reason for referrals to mental- been important, as well as limiting caf- Afifa Shamim-Uzzaman, director of the health services following post-deploy- feine intake and screen time prior to bed. Ann Arbor Sleep Disorders Center within ment screening of Iraq War veterans. “I also have been sharing some of the VA Ann Arbor HealthCare Systems. Of the 33 percent of combat veterans my experiences with friends and co- “Sleep is an integral part of good who suffer from PTSD, insomnia and workers,” she added. “Accepting that I health, and sleep disorders can cause distressing dreams were their most may have some issues was the first step significant health consequences,” common symptoms. to dealing with them.” Shamim-Uzzaman said. A number of treatments for iden- Kathy believes these actions have The most common sleep disorders tifying and treating sleep disorders helped. She says she has averaged about in the general population are insomnia, are available, such as positive airway one episode every six months over the past few years, compared to a couple of Need Help? Find a VFW service officer atwww.vfw.org. times each week immediately following her deployment. VA Ofers PTSD Help For more informaton about PTSD, including treatment Talking to a physician and getting help optons and how to get help for yourself or a loved one, visit www.ptsd.va.gov. is important for any individual suffer- ing from sleep disturbances, Shamim- obstructive sleep apnea and restless pressure for sleep apnea and cognitive Uzzaman said. leg syndrome. Military veterans are at behavioral therapy for insomnia. “Improving their sleep can have a risk for all of these disorders, Shamim- “The treatment of sleep and mental significant impact on their overall health Uzzaman added. health disorders often goes hand-in- and well-being,” she added. J “Almost 60 percent of soldiers report hand in veterans,” Shamim-Uzzaman EMAIL [email protected] sleep problems if they experience head said. “Treatment of underlying mental- injury with loss of consciousness,” she health disorders may improve sleep Janice Phelan is a freelance writer said, “and 30 percent of soldiers returning disturbances such as insomnia and based in LeeÕs Summit, Mo. from Iraq reported complaints of sleep nightmares, and treatment of underly-

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To publicize your unit’s reunion, submit a form online at: www.vfw.org/forms/reunion-form. Submit at least four months in ad vance of reunion date. VFW members only. Good Oral Health Care is Important AIR FORCE oing to the den- 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon RTAFB Vets: George A. Hoffman tist regularly is (740) 508-0746; [email protected] critical for main- 67th TacRecon Wing All Units: Marion Edwards (570) 222-4307; [email protected] taining good oral 525th Fighter Inceptor Squadron: Frank Litt (817) 294-1136; G health as well as overall [email protected] Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association: John Terino general health. Routine vis- (703) 239-2704; [email protected] its to the dentist, and proper C123’s, South East Asia: Sue Rice (417) 872-9750; [email protected] care in between visits, can F-106 All Troops Reunion: Bob Kwiecinski (772) 571-6056; help prevent tooth decay, [email protected] bad breath and gum disease. Grissom Air Museum: Robert A. Sutero (765) 473-5251; [email protected] The better you care for your ARMY teeth now, the longer they 1st Bn., 8th Cav., 1st Cav. Div., and all attached units, Vietnam: will last in the future. • Periodontal maintenance James C. Knafel (260) 244-3864 Like health, dental insurance can cleanings. 1st Cav. 15th Medical and Medevac: Michael Smith (208) 459-9592; [email protected] help you budget for routine and unfore- Major restorative services often 1st Military Intelligence Bn., Air Reconnaissance Support: seen expenses. Despite its necessity, include the following: Don Skinner (775) 789-2000; [email protected] • Root canals. 5th Bn., 60th Inf., 9th ID: William Metzler (707) 374-1377; dental insurance can be confusing and [email protected] frustrating to secure. Here is a look at • Oral surgery. 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Ruthless Riders-Palehorse: the details of dental insurance. • Crown and restorations. Joseph Wirth (201) 390-5350; [email protected] 24th Evacuation Hospital: BJ Crookshank (706) 650-1184; • Prosthodontics, like bridges, [email protected] WHY IS DENTAL INSURANCE implants and dentures. 31st Infantry Regiment: Charlie Tapp (864) 680-9165; RECOMMENDED? [email protected] • General anesthesia and other 32nd Red Arrow Veteran Association: David Sands Dental insurance helps you budget for dental services. (608) 216-3650; [email protected] 36th and 88th Transportation Group: Hoss Taylor yearly dental care and any dental emer- (904) 335-7402; [email protected] gencies that occur. WHAT ARE YOUR PROVIDER OPTIONS? 70th Eng., Bn., Vietnam: Roger Rock (775) 623-1029; Your mouth can serve as a window Like many health care providers, [email protected] 95th Evacuation Hospital (Vietnam), 1968-73: Terry Mitchell to what is happening within your body. some dental insurance providers are a Caskey (828) 464-2610; [email protected] Trips to the dentist can even reveal early Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) 95th Infantry Division: Terry Earnest (816) 858-5967; [email protected] symptoms of systemic diseases like dia- or Prescription Drug Plan, meaning they 213th ASHC (Blackcats), PhoLoi, Vietnam: Foster Sexton betes, heart disease or kidney disease. have a network of preferred providers (361) 443-6376; [email protected] 359th Transportation Company: John Porter (432) 267-1733; Research shows that more than 90 nationwide. Often, the providers consist [email protected] percent of all systemic diseases produce of general and specialty dentists who meet 471st Transportation Company, Desert Storm: Brian Simms well-established credentialed standards. (580) 713-9864; [email protected] oral signs and symptoms. Dentists are 560th Military Police Co., Peter T. Kennerk (419) 542-8701; trained in detecting oral symptoms, Most dental insurance providers have [email protected] which can help you get proper care and an online search tool to help you find 815th Eng., Bn.: David Williams (706) 296-9128; (706) 296-9128; [email protected] treatment more quickly. an in-network dentist nearby. You also A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Div. Alumni might consider asking co-workers, fam- Association: Glen Veno (810) 599-9999 WHAT DOES COVERAGE INCLUDE? [email protected] ily, friends or a family doctor for recom- Army Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans: Stan Solin While coverage offers depend on your mendations to narrow your search. If (714) 998-1562; [email protected] C/F Btry, 26th Arty, 108th Arty Grp.: Terrence Davey insurance provider, most plans include your preferred dentist is not a part of (989) 239-1493; [email protected] preventative care, basic restorative the PPO, many providers still will allow Delta Troop Blackhawks, 7/1 Air Cav., Vietnam: Joe Vernengo services, major restorative services or you to visit them, though your out-of- (586) 337-3334; [email protected] Firebase Airborne, 101st Abn., 2/501 Inf., 2/319 & 2/11 Artillery: a combination of the three. Select your pocket expenses will be higher. Gregory Bucknor (773) 731-0137; plan based on your age, family status If you purchase insurance through a [email protected] First Transportation Bn., Corpus Christi Bay: Bruce Binns and price range. PPO, you and your family have access (269) 547-0186; [email protected] Preventative care may include: to the preferred network of dentists at a Fort Knox OCS (1965-68): John Russell (719) 481-3624; [email protected] • Cleanings. lower rate. OCS Alumni Association: Nancy Ionoff (813) 917-4309; • Fluoride. Sometimes even non-covered ser- [email protected] • X-rays. vices are more affordable through a COAST GUARD • Emergency pain treatment and PPO, too. PPO programs help you keep a CG Combat Veterans Association: Michael Placencia additional services. healthy dental regimen and reduce out- (661) 401-0609; [email protected] USCGC Edisto WAGB-284: Glenn Smith (321) 362-5284; Basic restorative services may include: of-pocket expenses. [email protected] • Fillings. If you need more information about MARINES • Non-surgical extractions. dental care coverage, call the VFW 38th & 39th OCC TBS 3-66 & 4-66: John F. Sheehan • Sealants. Member Benefits Department at 1-800- • Scaling and root planning. 821-2606, option 1.

50 • VFW • MARCH 2019 REUNIONS AND CLAIMS Infrared Compression Knee Support Helps

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MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 51 VFW IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY Social Media Sparks Pyramid Building in New York A Post on Long Island uses Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to communicate to the world. Membership at the Post is growing thanks to these efforts. BY JANIE DYHOUSE

hen members of Post ever did anything with it,” he said. “I 2913 in Patchogue, N.Y., decided I would take it over, so I just sought to build the ran with it. It’s been going great. It’s Wworld’s largest pyramid done a lot for our Post.” of toilet paper, they took to social media For the members who don’t use social to spread the word. media, they still receive letters and fly- The end result was 15,000 rolls of toilet ers in their mailboxes. paper donated and distributed. “I think the trick is to find that bal- According to Post Commander Dave ance,” Rogers said. “The last thing you Rogers, 3,000 rolls went to a battered want to do is alienate someone.” women’s shelter, and the remaining Rogers said that he uses the hashtag 12,000 were donated to homeless veter- #vfwpost2913 to help his social media ans shelters. posts reach the full audience. He also Rogers said it was brought to his is diligent in “tagging” sponsors and attention that there is no funding for businesses as a way to thank them and basic toiletry items for those living in draw attention to their generosity. Most homeless shelters. importantly, Rogers said that using Together with organizations compris- social media lets the community know ing the United Veterans of Patchogue, that VFW Post 2913 is out and about Post members took action. Rogers sent doing good things. more than 800 emails, made 200 phone “I had a guy walk up to me at an calls and visited more than 100 business- event and tell me he had seen us es. Members also launched individual online,” Rogers said. “He wanted to join efforts, like standing in front of super- our Post because of everything he had markets and asking people to donate to been seeing. the project. “Social media has allowed people to “This is the heart of what the VFW is know where our members are going to about,” said Rogers, who served in the be and what we have going on.” Army during the 1991 Persian Gulf War Rogers said that because of social and later in Bosnia in 1997. “Not wait- media, the Post had its best year in 2018 ing for others to fix the problems, but with Buddy Poppy distribution. Another getting our hands in there and making example of putting social media to work things happen.” is when they collected 500 pairs of While his Post did not beat the world shoes for homeless veterans. record of 25,585 rolls needed to build “Social media does work when used the world’s biggest toilet-paper pyra- appropriately,” Rogers said. “It encour- TOP: VFW Post 2913 Commander Dave Rogers mid, Rogers said everyone involved was ages people to get involved. And none of (right) speaks with Patchogue (N.Y.) Mayor Paul pleased with the end result. Several what we do would be possible without Pontieri as the community builds a pyramid of VFW Posts as well as American Legion community support, and a lot of the toilet paper in July. posts, church groups, Scouts and busi- community is focused on social media.” MIDDLE and BOTTOM: Members of Post 2913 nesses contributed. He added that he still prints flyers and community volunteers stack rolls of toilet Rogers added that without the use to promote events, but that he doesn’t paper in an effort to beat the world record for the of social media, it would have been have to print as many since one social largest pyramid of toilet paper. They collected much more difficult to spread the word. media post can reach 500 people. 15,000 rolls — 3,000 went to a women’s Two years ago, Rogers started building “The other really positive thing about shelter while the remaining 12,000 were his Post’s social media outlets — specifi- all of this is that it gives us the oppor- donated to homeless veterans shelters. cally Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tunity to share and receive new ideas,”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF POST 2913 — to distribute information, notices and Rogers said. “And sometimes we could updates about the Post. all use new ideas to keep growing." J “We had a Facebook page, but no one EMAIL [email protected]

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MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 53 MEMBER CORNER MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VFW Members Learn to PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS COMMANDER KEITH JACKSON ‘Conquer the World of Membership’

A September membership work- shop in VFW’s Eastern Conference proved so successful that it will likely be repeated annually.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

hen Department of Massachusetts Commander Keith Jackson was working W VFW Programs Director Lynn Rolf takes a selfie with VFW members from the Eastern Conference his way through the Department chairs, he would hear the same thing during his at a membership workshop in September at Leominster, Mass., hosted by the Department of visits to Posts throughout the state: “We Massachusetts. More than 250 people attended the event, which included presentations by VFW Sr. are having a hard time finding members.” Vice Commander-in-Chief Doc Schmitz and Membership Director Rick Butler. Jackson decided that when he became the Massachusetts commander Director Lynn Rolf present the work- B.J. Lawrence’s October member- in 2018, he was going to try and do shop to the members. ship challenge came from the Eastern something about it. “Rick saw my vision of getting the Conference. Each of the top 10 Posts “I really took to heart what I heard and conference together to work on mem- that increased their membership per- engaged National Headquarters,” he said. bership,” Jackson said. “The whole centages for the month received $500. “I asked how we could figure this out.” event turned out great. To make it “We need our members to be proud The answer was a membership even better, Sr. Vice Commander Doc of VFW and their Posts,” Butler said. “If workshop hosted by the Department of Schmitz was the national rep for my we are, we can make a difference one Massachusetts, but open to the entire homecoming. He came early and gave a veteran at a time.” Eastern Conference. great motivational speech about getting Jackson said that when he asked for In conjunction with his homecoming out and growing membership.” members to attend the workshop, he ceremony in Leominster, Mass., kick- Butler agreed that the workshop was was looking for more than the usual ing off his year as commander, Jackson a success. crowd. He said they looked beyond state scheduled the workshop for Sept. 15. “When it was over, they were excited leadership and were hoping to get new, energetic members as well. “Everyone who attended left moti- vated and ready to conquer the world “We need our members to be proud of of membership,” Jackson said. “In my opinion, it was a very successful day.” VFW and their Posts. If we are, we can One example was Robert Hardy of Post 529 in Somerville, Mass. As of Dec. make a difference one veteran at a time.” 1, he had brought in 31 new members since the September workshop. VFW Membership Director Rick Butler “And I have others out there with similar numbers,” Jackson said. “I truly believe it’s because they came to training Of 12 Departments in the conference, to get out of the Post and recruit,” he and got new tools for their toolboxes.” nine showed up, with more than 250 said. “They know that potential mem- Jackson said he hopes to see this people in attendance. bers aren’t just going to wander in off become an annual event, possibly chang- Jackson asked if he could have the street.” ing locations each year so that different national VFW Membership Director Butler added that seven of the 10 states host. J Rick Butler and national VFW Programs winners in Commander-in-Chief EMAIL [email protected]

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Ordering from the VFW Store is easy... VFW Post/Aux #______Order online: vfwstore.org Name______Order by phone: 1.833.VFW.VETS Address______ Order by fax: 1.816.968.1115  Mail: VFW Store, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 City ______State______Zip______No. Product/Description/Size Qty Price Phone______Email______CREDIT CARD MC Visa Discover AmEx ______HAND-HELD FLAGS Card # ______Product Total $ ______\ƉƽEK~ƉWXEJJ Shipping & Handling Exp. Date (MM/YYYY) ______Up to $10.00...... $4.00 MO Residents only  HS^IR $10.01 to $25.00...... $7.00 Signature ______2199 $5.00 $25.01 to $50.00...... $9.00 add 8.6% sales tax ______$50.01 to $75.00...... $11.00  HS^IR $28.50 $75.01 to $100.00..... $13.00 Shipping & Handling ______ HS^IR $100.01 to $200.00... $15.00 ______$54.00 $200.01 to $300.00... $17.00 Total $ $300.01 & Over...... $21.00 VFW0319 Prices valid through 8/31/19 Your purchase from the VFW Store supports veterans, military service members and their families! REUNIONS AND CLAIMS POST EXCHANGE (Continued from page 51) USS James Madison SSBN-627: Veronica Hix (605) 545-2075; [email protected] USS Lawrence Assoc., DDG-4/DD-250: Craig Bernat (814) 322-4150; [email protected] USS Massey: Gordon Risk; [email protected] Are You A Veteran of USS McKean DD/DDR-784: Joe Winkel (510) 589-9595; [email protected] the 17th Airborne USS Monticello LSD-35: Robert Behm (573) 207-4670; Division? Do you [email protected] know one? USS Nicholas, DD-449/DDE-449: Doug Starr (979) 324-3018; We want [email protected] to send a Veteran to USS Nimitz CVN68 Association: Bill Paschall (910) 622-0518; Belgium and Germany in March [email protected] USS Ogden LPD-5, NFZV: Mark Stephens (570) 640-1094; 2020 to visit the Battle of the Bulge [email protected] and Operation Varsity Battlefields. USS Ozbourne DD-846: Guy Posey (405) 747-0686; We are looking for a vet (and a travel [email protected] USS Picking DD-685: George Brunson (608) 290-1835; companion) physically capable of [email protected] making an 11-14-day trip to the USS Power DD-839 Association: John S. Pinto (352) 527-2352; ETO – expenses paid. We will visit [email protected] USS Proteus AS-19: Paul A. Castle (619) 240-5055; Flamierge, Houmont, Morhet, [email protected] Houffalize, Noville, Bastogne, Wesel, USS Rich DD/DDE-820: Jim Chester (937) 672-8568; Munster, and numerous other [email protected] WALKING LIBERTY places of significance to the 17th USS Roark DE-1053: John L. Caral (440) 725-0661; [email protected] HALF DOLLARS Airborne Veterans. If interested, USS Sam Rayburn SSBN-635: Larry Oiler (207) 651-5857; 1941,1942,1943, please contact us either via email at [email protected] [email protected] USS Samuel Gompers AD-37: Mary Ann Snider (510) 520-3047; AU $ FREE or call Jeff Schumacher at (612) [email protected] SHIPPING! USS Satyr ARL-23 & LST-603: Charles Steven Massey 275-9399 (410) 883-3361; [email protected] BU $ VISIT US AT 2 7PER COIN LIGALLERIES.COM USS Steinaker DD-863: Ken Kohnen (904) 654-7321; [email protected] USS Takelma ATF-113 with NAFTS Sailor’s reunion: Dick Schreifels - -260- (651) 455-1876; [email protected] or send payment to: USS Topeka CLG-8: Dan Moore (574) 295-5156; [email protected] USS Wahoo SS-565: James Van Vranken (707) 696-2578; Long Island Galleries

[email protected] NYS Residents Add Sales Tax/Prices are Subject to Change/Dates of our Choice USS Waldron DD-699 Alumni Association: Michael Montalbano, Sr (813) 977-9652; [email protected] VP-16 Reunion Association Inc.: William J. Sherman (772) 708-3173; [email protected] ALL BRANCHES All Advisors of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: Lewis Grissaffi (619) 922-8682; luisaffi @yahoo.com Distinguished Flying Cross Society: Warren Eastman (760) 985-2810; [email protected] Pleiku Air Base (all units), Vietnam: Stephen Ron Chromulak (412) 515-7247; [email protected] Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association: Robert Smith (816) 322-4712; [email protected] PROPOSED USS Surfbird ADG-383, Sasebo, Japan, 1950-1960 looking to buddy reunion with another Sasebo based ship: Mike Heiny (970) 417-4013; [email protected] CLAIMS Readers are urged to help these vet s seek ing claim substan ti a tion statements. Respond directly to the per son list ed at the end of the claim as sis tance re quest. This service is provided for VFW mem- 3 x 5’ nylon with canvas bers who are in the process of fi ling a VA claim. Please submit your claim online at www.vfw.org/ Made in the USA. forms/vfw-claim-form.

Army 20th Eng. Brigade, Dong Tam, Cam Ranh, Vietnam, Dec. 25, 1969-Nov. 1970 – Seeking anyone to substantiate left ear hearing loss from heavy mortar and incoming rockets. Melvin Joie Workman (304) 949-3559

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58 • VFW • MARCH 2019 ON SALE NOW! ‘BRUTAL BATTLES OF VIETNAM’ ONLY Genuinely a one-of-a-kind work, Brutal Battles of provides the most comprehensive battle $ 95 Vietnam 29 history of the war yet published in a single volume. Plus shipping Brimming with compelling stories, the book focus- & handling es exclusively on the perspective of the fi ghting man. Virtually all of the deadliest engagements are covered concisely. The high drama of the battlefi eld is felt through words on 480 pages and in 700 pictures, many rarely seen before, covering some 100 military actions. Easy-to-read chapters convey the essence of combat through the fi ghting to the bitter end. Special features, fascinating side- swift-moving vignettes. Stirring fi rst-person accounts reveal bars, helpful maps, numerous charts, a listing of the war’s most the raw emotions of the men at the tip of the spear. Insiders— highly decorated veterans, splendid illustrations and the most in- actual participants themselves—tell what it was like to be in depth combat chronology ever compiled complement the riveting life-and-death situations. You will learn about both elite and chapters. In all, this book contains a treasure trove of information regular units far too often forgotten. Famous battles such as backed by exhaustive research, making it a collector’s reference for Khe Sanh, Hue and Ia Drang Valley appear on these pages. But every home library. more important, numerous fi refi ghts that you should have but Filled with accounts of amazing human endurance and incred- never heard of fi nally get their long overdue recognition. ible bravery, here is a book that veterans, military historians and Unlike many histories that treat the war as if it ended by mid- family members alike can enjoy. While ensuring the legacy of 1969, Brutal Battles of Vietnam presents a complete picture of those who served, it also makes a wonderful family keepsake. USE THIS FORM TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

MARCH 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 59 SEPTEMBER 2016 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 40 VETS IN FOCUS INSPIRING PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY VETERANS WWII Vet Paints Fallen Heroes A VFW member in Pennsylvania creates portraits of troops who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The 95-year-old painter gives the artwork to the families of the deceased.

BY KARI WILLIAMS

World War II veteran has TRIBUNE-REVIEW made it his mission to paint portraits of fallen soldiers. Alex Yawor, who served in

A PITTSBURGH the Marine Corps from August 1942 to February 1950 with Headquarters Co., 3rd Bn., 25th Marines, 4th Marine Div., as a rifleman, has created 149 oil paint- ings since 2009. When he returned home from World War II, after having participated in bat- tles on the Marshall Islands, Saipan and Iwo Jima, Yawor said he did not leave MURRIN, HEIDI OF COURTESY PHOTO his house for about a year. “After that, I got a job in a steel mill that was only two blocks away from me,” Yawor said. “And then I started to date what I call my high school sweet- heart, and we finally got married. I still was not in a good mind, and I thought that I used to do a lot of drawing. [So I] said I’m going to try painting. So I start- ed painting still lifes and scenery.” Then he heard about a woman in Utah who painted portraits of “fallen Alex Yawor, 95, paints Cory Mracek, who was killed in Iraq in 2004, in his home in 2013. Yawor is a heroes” and gave them to the deceased World War II veteran who believes his purpose is to create paintings of service members who have troops’ parents. died. Since 2009, the member of VFW Post 8805 in Aliquippa, Pa., has gifted 149 portraits. “So that’s what I decided to do after the first two things I was painting,” Yawor said. “Then I decided to do some in. Then when they go into that room, I started painting on his eyes, I wasn’t portraits. I became pretty good at it. I they feel that he is still there. They talk getting the eyes right. And I looked at decided I was going to paint these por- to him.” the eyes, and his smile disappeared.” traits and give them to the parents.” Conversing with the portrait subjects Yawor questioned what he saw. A friend from the Yellow Ribbon Girls, is something Yawor relates to. “Am I seeing things? He looked like an Ellwood City, Pa., nonprofit that sends “When I paint, I talk to them,” Yawor [he was] sad,” Yawor said. “So I finally supplies to troops overseas, connected said. “And I cry. And I say to myself, got the painting with the eyes right, and him with a family for his first painting. ‘Why do they have to die?’ ” then when I looked in his eyes real good Yawor has found additional subjects Each painting takes about a week to again, they got a happy look, and the through the Gold Star Mothers, an orga- create. Yawor sketches the image first, little smile came back.” nization of parents whose children have then completes the piece with oil paints. Yawor said his motivation to keep been killed while serving in uniform. The World War II veteran said that cap- painting these troops is that he feels like “There’s a lot of mothers whenever turing the eyes is key to his work. it is his life’s purpose. I would send the painting, they would “If you don’t paint the eyes right, you “I love to do it,” said Yawor, a mem- send me back a letter and tell me what might as well throw the picture away,” ber of VFW Post 8805 in Aliquippa, Pa., a beautiful job that I’ve done of their Yawor said. “The eyes definitely have to “and I’m 95 years old, and I just hope loved one,” Yawor said, “and then be exactly right. One day I’m painting, that I live long enough that I can maybe they tell me that they would hang the and the young man that I was painting, do another 149.” J picture in the room he used to sleep he had a little smile on his face. So when EMAIL [email protected]

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