BAMC Homecoming ARC Residents Welcomed at Retiree Event Editor’S Notebook

The Newsletter of the Army Residence Community

VolumeThe 32 Number 12 Eagle December 2018

BAMC Homecoming ARC Residents Welcomed at Retiree Event Editor’s Notebook

Inside The Eagle Just about everyone here

December 2018 is enrolled in Medicare and is a Tricare for Life 1 Front Cover: Homecoming at BAMC beneficiary. December is a 2 Contents good time to check with 2 Editor’s Notebook Resident Services and see that their file 3 Birthdays and Passings documents (such as the Uniformed Services ID 3 Happy Birthday, National Guard Card) for you match your current ones. For 4-5 A Conversation with the CEO example, within the past two months you 6 Library should have received an updated Medicare 7 AARP Tax Aide Volunteers Needed card (above) with a Medicare Number instead 8 Pickleball – Tennis, Anyone? of your Social Security Number. This will give 8 ‘Thank You’ from Nancy and Ed Mueller you a chance to visit their office arrangement in 9 The Fall Golf Tournament Results Rooms 305 and 307. 9 Eagle Luncheons Continue in December 10-11 Homecoming at BAMC The last day to contribute to the Employee 12 Poetry Chronicling a Soldier’s Odyssey Gift Fund for the presentation in mid-December th 13 Computer and Technology Club 2018 is December 5 . Please consider and 13 Golden Diggers make your donation for this time frame.

14-15 Wall Artists of the Month: The Cut-Ups This year Bert Mitchell and Linda Sorber 16-18 November Activities have stepped up to head the High-Rise 19 November Movies Christmas decorating committee. One great 20 New Year’s Eve Celebration at the ARC way to thank them is to join in helping retire the

The Eagle continues on the ARCNet with: decorations for another year. Please contact Thanksgiving Scrapbook Bert Mitchell, 210-659-4762 or Linda Sorber at American Revolution, 240 Years Ago 210-646-5579 to let them know you’re ready to Artist of the Month, The Cut-Ups: Quilts step up, beginning Wednesday, 2 January.

WWI Centennial, Conclusion: Please check the ARCNet Eagle for some WWII: 75 Years Ago superlative articles, especially the three military Form VTR-421, Application for Military history series by Mike Huebner. The World Meritorious Service License Plates War I Centennial concludes this month. ------

This front cover of Two series were placed “on hold” this month: The Eagle is ‘All in the ARC Family’ by Karen Wallace, and another fine ‘How the Chapel Came to Be’ by Bob Mesick. creation by Grace Both series started in the paper edition, and Newton, our will continue in the January 2019 paper edition, Director of which has an absolute limit of 20 pages. Communication. This is now the This is the third month the ‘Wall Artist of the 18th Eagle front Month’ is a two-page profile of the artist and cover featuring a their work. My thanks to writer Al Bates for great cover story accepting this challenge, and to the artists for image and the sharing their perspectives and their work. powerful text font Their work has enriched our days here. Please proclaiming The check the full color continuation of the article in Eagle. The front cover articles are often the ARCNet edition. interesting accounts of Residents’ experiences. This month’s cover story of a Homecoming at Thank you for giving me the privilege of being BAMC, on page 10, continues the tradition. the Editor. --- Kevin Scott

2 The Eagle December 2018 BIRTHDAYS AND PASSINGS JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 01 Cynthia Benedict DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 01 Henry R. Palmer 01 Paul Roush 01 Gerald J. Ruder 03 Meg Alexander 02 Ginger Armstrong 03 Steve Stevens 02 Jean Stewart 05 Hatsie Meloy 06 Marilyn O’Hair PASSINGS SINCE LAST ISSUE 06 Pat Skogerboe Nov 5 Mrs. Charlotte Autery 06 Deanne Busick Nov 8 Mrs. Maryada Artiglia 07 Richard Anderegg Nov 19 Mrs. Betty Watson 07 Barbara Lowe Nov 19 Mrs. Joan Hall 08 Karen Foncannon Nov 19 Mrs. Carol Samusson 08 Bill Harris ------08 Mary Karges 08 Kateva Lafield 08 Joan Lyman 09 William Joyce 10 Ed Dallas 10 Wil Byrd 11 Judie Richtsmeier 11 Nita Whiting December 13: The 382nd Birthday 12 Judy Brockway of the National Guard. 14 Bill Hill 15 Margaret Webster 11:30 a.m. – Complimentary birthday cake 15 Harley Hartung in Front Lobby of High Rise

16 Mary Brown Each U.S. state, District of Columbia, 16 Betty Huskerson Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the 16 Barbara Robinson territories of Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands 16 Joan Stanfield maintain both an Army National Guard and an 16 Barry Winzeler Air National Guard. 17 Jim Smith 19 Joan Haley On December 13 of 1636, a declaration by 19 Fran Robbins the Massachusetts General Court established 19 Arlene Robinette an official militia. The resolution required that 21 Winona Diltz all able-bodied men from age 16 to 60 were 21 Maurine Little expected to join. This organization today is 22 John Kraus known as the National Guard. 23 Don Bartlett 24 Irven R. Cooper, Jr. After the United States was formed and the 24 Connie Handel country grew, each state established its own 25 David Brooks militia. The term National Guard was not the 27 Martha Bock official name until 1933.

28 Roberta Mitchell After World War II, the Air National Guard 29 Herbert Coleman was created as a component of the newly 29 John Frye, Jr. established United States Air Force. 29 Bill Klein 30 Doreen Jenkins Today, approximately 350,000 men and 30 Vi McBride women serve in the National Guard and the Air 31 Joan Weart National Guard, 39% of the Army’s operational force. --- nationaldaycalendar.com

December 2018 The Eagle 3

A Conversation with the CEO We’re trailing a little, but Marketing and our entire team is working hard to keep this on track. KS: Your briefing at the Resident Council meeting There have been several refunds, where newly on November 13th covered a lot of territory . . . arrived Residents elect to move out. I point out SF: The meeting here that the Army Residence Community offers a was very positive caring and generous refund policy because we and I appreciate know there are many factors in play. It’s also not the sense of unusual for a Resident who left in previous years to ownership and return when matters change. stewardship I felt KS: What else influences Entrance Fee revenue? among the group. SF: We’ve done several things to make this more My slides began positive. One is to be more flexible and reduce with the financials some of the cost a current Resident will bear when first, showing they move from their current property to a smaller Service Revenue one, for health or financial reasons or when their against Service spouse passes away. Expenses. Our service revenue comes from entrance and Another is to speed up our unit turnover process. maintenance fees, and Health Care payments from This fiscal year to date we have spent around Medicare, other insurance, and from Residents. $736,000 to bring properties up to date and move- in ready quicker. In the area of Capital Expenses, We have started the fiscal year out positively and the entire area totals $4.2 million for all of Fiscal are slightly ahead of plan, mainly due to expense Year 2019. The Unit Turnover portion is control and fundraising revenue. There’s some key $2,472,000, almost 59% of our Capital Expenses savings in our expenses. The restructuring and budget. elimination of two positions in Environmental Services, and the decision not to fill the vacant We’re concentrating on upgrading properties which (Chief Operating Officer) had an impact. We also become vacant to a contemporary standard, as well have some unfilled positions in Housekeeping, as incorporating any needs or wishes the new Dining Services, Health Care and Maintenance, but Resident gives us. Right now, we utilize both our we’re actively recruiting to fill those slots which in-house staff in Unit Turnover and outside bring direct service to Residents. contractors if needed to meet our schedule and improve the turnaround time of units. This also KS: The term “Days of Cash on Hand” means . . . helps us offer a more marketable inventory of units SF: Basically, the daily expenses of our community as well. add up to $76,742. How many days could we operate at the rate of $76,742 with the cash we KS: What sort of work does a contractor do when it have on hand? We could operate 391 days. The comes to Unit Turnover? industry standard is between 258 and 332 Days of SF: Installing new flooring, cabinets and Cash on Hand. Our position shows we have more countertops is what immediately comes to mind. cash on hand than the industry standard. Converting the old short bathtub shower enclosure Our bond payment in July totaled 44 Days of Cash to a tiled walk-in shower is also often done by a on Hand, or $3,382,525. contractor. When the work includes the overhead sprinkler system, that’s also a contractor job. KS: Can you discuss entrance fees and revenue as our occupancy is lower than budgeted…. KS: Are there any other developments within Marketing? SF: We forecast incoming arrivals (individuals or couples) of 44 per year. So, we’re anticipating the SF: Of course! I hope I’ve given you the revenue which 44 arrivals will bring. On the chart impression that Marketing is a dynamic we’re using a factor of $178,300 as an entrance fee environment with a great message. If you check for budgeting purposes. The annual budgeted the costs of Continuing Care and Retirement revenue from entrance fees totals over $7.4 million. Communities throughout the U.S., living at the Army Residence Community is a great value for

4 The Eagle December 2018 what we provide. Residents deserve and expect KS: When it comes to revenue, is Development updated floorplans and features, and it’s well worth becoming a greater player? the investment. SF: Absolutely! Anna Sweeden would be first to For example, as units become vacant, that’s the say that it’s not our Development office, but our opportunity to upgrade the floor plan of a legacy generous Donors who are the story here. In the cottage or High-Rise apartment. Occasionally a past three years the donations the Development duplex will be combined to expand the kitchen, or office received added to a bit more than $500,000. to make a laundry room for the washer-dryer area This fiscal year to date the donations total over a in the garage. We keep modernizing or updating quarter million dollars, not including pledges for the footprint of a cottage which was designed for a future donations. This is becoming an important lifestyle of 30 years ago. It’s working, because part of our revenue. some of the updated models units, especially the When there is a refined process for giving, which open kitchen concept have become a popular Anna manages, Donors are more likely to plan their choice. giving as the beautiful commitment and generous Dolores Saenz in Marketing, Sal DeLeon in Unit gift that it is, rather than donating whatever is left Turnover, along with their respective teams are and unspent. Please consider this as you enter the working hard to assist incoming Residents design Christmas Season and approach the New Year. their home, as well as Independent Living Charitable donations can help us reach our goals Residents make any upgrades or changes they while providing benefits to the donor as well. desire. If a current Resident would like to make a KS: A wiring diagram showing the ARC staff was change or upgrade, there are procedures in place circulated at the Resident Council meeting. . . to help facilitate the work and the timing. We have put in place current options to share costs between SF: I think many people have encountered the ARC and residents when making upgrades to organization charts in the past and the myriad of residences, and new options for residents wishing manners in which an organization can be to downsize. organized. The goal here is to flatten the organization and engage employees at all levels, Marketing is key for our entrance fee revenue. and make sure we provide the resources needed to We’ve formed a new marketing committee internal get the job done. to the staff to explore ways to continue increasing our occupancy. We offer prospective Residents Our co-workers, from the certified nursing trial overnight or several day stays, using our model assistants, nurses, foodservice team, waitstaff and rooms. There’s a schedule of marketing luncheons cooks/chefs, drivers of vehicles, security at the front to answer questions and to give tours. We’ve gate and throughout the campus, receptionists at developed and brought online a new website: the Front Desk, housekeepers throughout the armyresidence.com, which includes an outstanding homes and common areas, activity and social video narrated by San Antonio broadcast services staff and all the many other specialties personality and current cover story of San Antonio which form the ARC team: They maintain our Woman, Siobhain Anders community for us all to be healthy and happy. We (at right). We’ve also will continue to pursue an organization structure to taken our story to provide Residents the best that we can offer at a locations off-campus, reasonable cost. such as Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Bliss, and Let’s conclude this way: There are fine programs Fort Hood. Our goal is to to celebrate Christmas which our Activities increase our external Coordinator, Jane Winzeler, has put together. marketing efforts and Please review the calendar and help celebrate this target pockets of retired season with visits to our Residents in Assisted officers throughout the Living and Health Care, and bring them to our U.S., and greater use of community events when possible. I’m sure The technology in our Eagle will point out some of those opportunities. marketing and outreach Let’s bring the Joy and Blessings of Christmas to efforts. everyone!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 2018 The Eagle 5

ARC LIBRARY DONATION AUDIO The Raffaeli Room The Cast, Danielle Steel Library Committee The Perfect Couple, Elin Hilderbrand JoAnne Kroll, Chairman The Vineyard, Barbara Delinsky Glenna Solley, Co-Chairman Saving Faith, David Baldacci Annette Gohlke, Scheduler After Anna, Lisa Scottoline Trespasser, Paul Dorion NEW FICTION REGULAR PRINT The Poacher’s Son, Paul Dorion Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Patti Callahan The Reckoning, John Grisham DONATION DVD Where the Crawdads Sing, Truman Delia Owens Master and Commander The Witch Elm, Tana French Tender Mercies Dark Sacred Night, Michael Connelly For Whom the Bell Tolls Past Tense, Lee Child Flightplan Shakespeare in Love NEW FICTION LARGE PRINT King Tut A Spark of Light, Jodi Picoult One Special Night Silver Anniversary Murder, The Christmas Wife Leslie Meier Mary Christmas Every Breath, Nicholas Sparks Noel

DONATION FICTION The Banker’s Wife, Cristina Alger A Spark of Light, Jodi Picoult

NEW NON-FICTION Leadership in Turbulent Times, Doris Kearns Goodwin H The Library Book, Susan Orlean H

DONATION NON-FICTION Skunk Works, Ben Rich MIL H Being Mortal, Atul Gawande HEA The Old West: The Cowboys, Time Life Bedouin Jewellery in Saudi Arabia, Heather Coyler Ross ANT Flowers, Dorothy McDaniel HOR The American Woman’s Garden, Rosemary Verey HOR The Kings of Big Spring / God, Oil, and One Family’s Search for the American Dream, Bryan Mealer H

COFFEE TABLE The Golden Era, G. Harvey The Crafts of Indonesia, Seni Kriya Norman Rockwell WWII, Susan Myers

6 The Eagle December 2018

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Tax-Aide program provides tax preparation training. For new preparers, this includes about 40 hours of tax code, policies, and computer applications training. Next training class will be in January. Please reserve a space now!

Returning preparers must take an exam to be recertified each year. AARP reimburses active tax-aides for mileage.

Being a tax-aide volunteer is a fulfilling AARP’S Tax-Aide program is the nation’s experience. You share and gain new skills, largest volunteer-run tax assistance and have an impact on your community, make new preparation service for low and medium friends, have fun, and, best of all, help people. income tax-payers. Even though the program gives special attention to those aged 50 and Last year, working every Saturday from 3 up, we can provide tax assistance to most February to 15 April, in the ARC Computer and everyone. The exception is for those with Technology clubhouse (Rm 410 in Highrise), more complicated tax returns, such as those the ARC tax team assisted 125 residents and having rental incomes, depreciation, or self- employees in preparing and submitting their employed income. Tax-aides and their clients 2017 income tax returns. are not required to be AARP members. Please note that free tax preparation and free If you like working with people, numbers and electronic filing for Residents and ARC Co- enjoy working on computer software, being a workers is one amenity here that’s worth tax-aide could be right for you. This is an hundreds of dollars each year per person. important service to taxpayers. To join a great team, working with other ARC If you like working and meeting with people, Tax-Aide Volunteers at Randolph AFB, but not so involved with computers and taxes, Universal City and/or the ARC, contact Bob maybe being a tax-aide greeter and intake Hirtle (646-5724) or Wiley Taylor (646-5844). counselor is your calling.

Last year’s Tax Team: Back row, left to right: Wiley Taylor, Bob Haley, Phil Mallory, Bob Casanova, Tom Crumal. Front, l to r: Helga Parks, Bob Hirtle, Dee Hirtle. Volunteers during the season, but not available for this photograph: Ernest Samusson, Jerry McCarthy.

December 2018 The Eagle 7

PICKLEBALL – TENNIS, ANYONE? Editor: The US Pickleball Association shows this description of the sport invented in 1965: The season for gaining weight is upon us. Thanksgiving dressing and Christmas fruitcake Pickleball (above) is much like tennis but with a are guaranteed to pack on a pound or two. For few modifications, such as a smaller court (20 those trying to prepare for Christmas dinner or feet wide, 44 feet long, divided by a 3-foot high to unload Thanksgiving dinner, there are two net) and the use of solid wood or composite groups here at the ARC who can help. paddles to hit a plastic ball over a net.

The ARC’s tennis group plays coed social The ball is served underhanded, diagonally to tennis Monday and Friday morning at 9:00. the opposing side. Points are scored by the It’s an easy format for those just starting or serving side only. trying to get back into tennis. Depending on Players must follow the double bounce rule – the number, players will play a shortened four after the ball is served, the receiving team must game set, then sit out and heckle while another let it bounce before returning, and then the group plays a four-game set. Play continues serving team must let in bounce before rotating until players are heckled out. returning.

The pickleball group is a little more strenuous The first side scoring 11 points and leading by for a less strenuous game – so they say. The at least two points wins. group can set up four pickleball courts and ------handle up 16 layers at a time, so the heckling time is limited. The pickleball group meets Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:00.

Questions about pickleball? Please contact Bruce Holliman (210-452-1468) or Kevin West (210-260-9314). “Nancy and I would like to thank all the residents who contributed to the “ALS Walk for In addition to the social programs noted above, a Cure” as well as those who completed the a court reservation system is operated through walk around the lake at Woodlawn Park. And a the main desk for those purists who like to play special thank you to Sue Bushey, Gloria a serious singles or doubles match with other Magruder, Mary Beth Ziegler and Ann Hilton ARC residents or guests from the local who orchestrated the event. The love and community. Court reservations are made in compassion shown to Nancy by the residents person at the main desk and are available on a of the ARC is truly overwhelming. And once first come basis. Only residents can make again the ARC was the top contributor to the reservations for themselves and their guests. San Antonio event.

If you are interested in further details on either “Thanks again for all your support, not only for program – just wander out some Monday, the Walk, but every day here at the ARC”. Wednesday, Friday or Saturday morning at 9:00. New players are welcome! Nancy and Ed Mueller 8 The Eagle December 2018

The tournament roster included these ladies and gentlemen, from left to right: Bill Hill, OK Lewis, Jane Rushmore, Bill Klein, Mike Cassidy, Gary Halgunseth, Jack Charles, Dick Rushmore, Dale Offield, Hugh Boyd, Garry Thompson, Richard Toth, Randy Perkins, Ron Stull, Jim Rose, Carol Smith, Lee Dorger, Sharan McCall, Gerry Ruder, John Hamilton, Dorothy Crancer, Lawson Magruder, Nancy Joseph, Bob Hirtle, Bob Cairns, Ken Hankins, Stainton Smith.

Fall Golf Tournament was a Great Success job in putting together a fun and competitive

After a one week delay due to rain, the Fall event! Committee members were Phil Mallory, Golf Tournament was held on Monday October Dick Rushmore, Randy Perkins, Dick Toth and 29th at the Windcrest Golf Club. Twenty-six John Hamilton. John has agreed to head up players participated on a very nice day for golf. the committee for the nest event in the spring.

Seven teams competed for the bragging rights A big ‘Thank You’ to the Windcrest Golf Club that will have to last until our next event in April staff for a job well done in preparing the 2019. In addition to the golf, we had a lovely course. It was in a very good condition. lunch provided by the Windcrest staff and volunteers. We enjoyed hosting several past We look forward to seeing all the ARC Golfers players at the luncheon. Thanks to Anita at our next event scheduled for Monday, April Whiting, Joe Eikenberry, and Dick Toth for 15, 2019. joining us. Dick also served on the tournament Eagle Luncheons continue in January committee and helped with the check in and scoring. For over three years, monthly Eagle Luncheons have set the standard for programs The following are the results and winners: and cuisine. Often the speaker is a Resident 1. Winning Team with a 7 Under Par Score of or San Antonio personality. The meal is an 61 - OK Lewis, Sharan McCall, Stainton Smith, awesome creation of Executive Chef Julian Bob Hirtle Flores, for an $8 charge to your meal account.

2. Second Place Team with a 6 Under Par To attend, make reservations when the Score of 62 - Lawson Magruder, Bob Cairns, luncheon is announced in The Eagle for that Nancy Joseph month, with event host Kevin Scott. Looking ahead, January’s speaker (Tuesday, 8 3. Closest to the Pin Hole #5 - John Hamilton January) has earned the title of senior vice president for life, of the San Antonio Stock 4. Straight Drive Hole #9 Women - Nancy Show and Rodeo: Jackie Van de Walle. Joseph February’s (Tuesday, 12 February) is a

5. Straight Drive Hole #9 Men - Bill Klein medical doctor and research scientist at the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Thank you to the Golf Committee for a super Studies: Sara Espinoza, M.D.

December 2018 The Eagle 9

Sinclair’s career as an Army nurse had multiple assignments to BAMC, including to the Army Institute for Surgical Research (Burn Unit) and later as the Chief, Perioperative Nursing Services at both the BAMC Main Hospital and Beach Pavilion. Huebner specialized as an intensive care nurse, and her final assignment was as Chief Nurse, Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston and formerly Chief, Medical- Surgical Nursing at BAMC Main Hospital.

Their opportunity for a homecoming event was graciously offered by BAMC’s current leadership team: BG In the foreground, MG Bill Moore. From left to right, Army Residence Community CEO George “Ned” Steve Fuller, COL Janie Sinclair, CSM Thomas R. Oates, BG George Appenzeller, COL Mike Appenzeller and CSM Ludwig, and COL Carol Huebner. Thomas R. Oates, who also welcomed nearly a thousand visiting Retiree Appreciation Day at BAMC becomes retirees to BAMC on Saturday, October 20th, a Homecoming for three Neighbors at the during the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Retiree Army Residence Community Appreciation Day event hosted by BAMC. To make the welcome even more special for Autumn is the traditional season for retired nurses Sinclair and Huebner, COL Mike homecomings, usually to the campus of a Ludwig, the now Chief Nursing Officer at university during a home football game SAMMC, also welcomed them. weekend and social get-togethers. This October, Brooke Army Medical Center was the The Retiree Appreciation Day included “get- site of a special homecoming for three former acquainted” tables by BAMC clinics and members of BAMC’s leadership team: MG Bill customer service offices, and military and Moore, COL Janie Sinclair and COL Carol retiree service organizations from the greater Huebner, all retired Army, who served at San Antonio area. The Army Residence BAMC in the final years of their active duty Community manned a table to introduce our careers. Moore, Sinclair, and Huebner live at premier continuing care and retirement the Army Residence Community, a continuing community to event-goers. ARC CEO Steve care and retirement community for retired Fuller, Communications Director Grace military officers. Newton, and Marketing Director Dolores Saenz explained the ARC story to many prospective Moore commanded BAMC in early 1990 new residents. Grace Newton shot the photo during his 33-year career, which included which became our December front cover. multiple assignments in Special Forces.

10 The Eagle December 2018 Janie Sinclair retired from active duty in 1985, and returned to her native Manitoba, Canada, to reconnect after her career began as a nursing student at the University of Minnesota hospital. Janie decided to come back to San Antonio to be with friends, after realizing she had little in common with people who had never left home.

Carol Huebner had studied and travelled extensively. She received her nursing COL Janie Sinclair, who served as the Chief, Perioperative Nursing Services at BAMC prior to degree from her retirement in 1985, describes the work in the Main Hospital and the Beach Pavilion to COL Mike Ludwig, the current Chief of Nursing Services. Ludwig was the Deputy Whitworth College in Commander for Inpatient Services at the time of this photograph. Spokane, WA under the Army Student Whenever military congregate, the Nurse Program. She has advanced degrees in conversation gravitates to ‘what did you do education and nursing from Pepperdine after this assignment?’ It was the same while University and the University of Texas, and her chatting with the current BAMC command PhD in Nursing from the University of Maryland team, BG Appenzeller and CSM Oates. All at Baltimore. three BAMC alumni travelled different paths. Following retirement in 2001, she joined the

After Bill Moore retired from active duty in faculty of the University of Texas Health 1994, he became a Clinical Professor of Science Center at San Antonio, retiring as Infectious Disease at Vanderbilt University. In Professor Emerita in 2013.

1995, he became the Tennessee State The three different paths for the BAMC Epidemiologist. He subsequently served as alumni ultimately came back to San Antonio, to Chief of Staff in the Tennessee Valley Health the Army Residence Community, the premier System which included the VA Medical Center continuing care and retirement community for of Nashville. Upon returning to the Department retired military officers of all branches of of Health Moore was in Quality Assurance for service. Both Bill Moore and Carol Huebner, all Long-Term Care facilities in Tennessee. and their respective spouses, live in

A serious accident required the amputation of Independent Living in the ARC’s High-Rise, his left leg, and Bill returned to BAMC as a and Janie Sinclair lives in assisted living in the patient several years ago, to the Center for the Lakeside Villas part of the campus. BAMC’s Intrepid, for special therapy. With a prosthetic proximity, and other top medical treatment leg Moore can enjoy golf, one of his hobbies, destinations, and the many amenities of San which also includes fishing and piano playing. Antonio, make the ARC an ideal location. It’s a He can do both at the ARC. great destination for years to come!

December 2018 The Eagle 11

Golden Diggers by Joan Howey Wonderful things are happening in our gardens! One beautiful Tuesday morning eleven volunteers showed up and planted 13 shrubs in the upper level of the bed behind B Wing. The construction part of phase 2 of the beautification project, a large bed behind Crestway Assisted Living, is complete, with retaining walls, new soil and sprinkler system.

Left to right: Anne Magruder, Steve Stevens holding the gift computer, and Dorothy Arnold.

Residents Helping Residents with Computers and Tech Issues The Computer & Technology Club (C&TC) recently received a request: Could resident members of the Club reset a computer and prepare it as a gift for a neighbor? The Diggers planted three flats of irises, The answer was yes! Anne Magruder snapdragons, and ornamental cabbages in the generously offered to give an extra computer to new bed (above). When the weather warms, her neighbor Dorothy Arnold. To accomplish they will plant three Pride of Barbados, two that, Carol Huebner reset and cleaned the hardy hibiscuses, several Cape daisies and computer; then Steve Stevens helped set up agapanthus bulbs. These plants are already the computer next door for Dorothy. Both purchased or donated and are ready to go in. Steve and Carol spent time helping Dorothy Annette Gohlke donated three luscious get comfortable with this special gift. asparagus ferns. Two of them are in the Health This is one example of what resident Care Courtyard. One found a happy home in a members of the C&TC can do to help each large blue ceramic pot donated by Karen other. Additional examples of residents Wallace, another is in an organic looking pot helping residents include help with Windows resting on a tree stump. The third is on the 10, setting strong passwords, cleaning out e- Assisted Living patio. Agapanthus bulbs were mail accumulation, help with printers, and planted in the HCC and several flats of pansies learning WorxHub. in the Oaks. The Club has many members with computer We protected the tender plants from the and tech expertise to help residents with freeze with frost blankets, sheets and more computer issues! Come to the Clubhouse blankets. Ferns and hanging basket plants Monday-Wednesday-Thursday, 0930-1130, were moved into the greenhouse for the winter. and Thursday afternoons, 1330—1500. We Thanks to generous donations from several are here for you! Room 410 in the High-Rise. residents, our dream of a lovely view from There is a bulletin board showing current every room in all three areas is coming true. club activities at the High-Rise mailroom, and Donations may be made through the ARC at the Lakeside Landing mailroom. Development office, Anna Sweeden, Director. 12 The Eagle December 2018 Christmas 1944 The 87th was pulled out of the Saar Valley two days before Christmas At first we didn’t believe our good fortune – how could the Army be so amorous But we were soon to know it was not a gift they were to bestow General Patton promised our asses and he made sure they were aglow We waited on a windblown hilltop for trucks to pick us up Close behind the front lines there was no smoke, loud talk or fockup It was hours before the trucks came so we played the wait game I have been in some cold places but this was the worst – I acclaim The cold wind blew as we huddled and it froze our asses to boot As we bonded together without one another it would have been acute I will always remember this as one of the worst nights of my life But soon things would get worse and there would be more nightlife The trucks finally came and hauled us away while we were still biped After several hours we detrucked and were shown a warm bed It was Christmas Eve with fires and a roof to look up at Our morale improved over 100% - where was the caveat Christmas morning the regiment was in high spirits with no ordeal Thoughts of Medelsheim were eradicated by turkey for noon meal After our bellies were filled and we rested a while To a warehouse we were taken where there was another smile The warehouse was empty and we were told to strip to our buffs Raincoats were provided and we stood in line without earmuffs They told us only five minutes were allowed Any sucker who didn’t believe them soon bellowed out loud The shower stay was controlled by turnoff after five minutes and a whistle Some GI’s were evicted with soap in their eyes – it was not amiable The last time we washed our bodies was 24 November We were dirty to no end after 30 days we had bad smell armor It was good it was cold because of the smell No way to get upwind wherever you went it befell Phew, phew, phew was all that was heard Until all was cleanliness it was absurd Our final Christmas present from Uncle Sam, Amigos Was all new uniforms and under clothes for his heroes But our war was yet for its expends For up north 100 miles lay the Ardennes

A WW II Poem by Charles Rowe Stout, A Company, 345th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division

Editor’s note: This Christmas will be the 74th anniversary of the action described in this poem.

December 2018 The Eagle 13 Art Wall Artists of The Month Multiple individuals in this group can share with The Cut-Up’s - Quilting Art you emotional scenes they have personally experienced when presenting lap robes to our healthcare residents. In some cases, the by Alfred W. Bates recipients are overcome with emotion for their This month’s Art Wall features a Christmas deep appreciation of the work and caring of the theme of quilts made by members of The Cut- Cut-Up’s. Up’s. Some of the group are pictured below. These ladies meet at Lakeside on the second Organized three years ago, the group is led by Wednesday of each month. Each member Jo Cape. Call 210-646-2805 to join them. takes a turn hosting the meeting. The host presents an example “block” that each member will work on at home. After all the required blocks are prepared to make a lap robe, the Cut-Up’s come together again for a sewing day to assemble the special designed robe. The group purchases backing and batting material. Normally, each member has a stash to pull from to make the top design for each robe. (Since this article is focused on the Christmas theme, lap robes are not pictured.)

Those present for the above photo, front row left are: Anne Blake, Helen Bartlett, Victoria Summy, Jo Cape, and Doreen Jenkins. Back row from left are: Dain Franks, Dori Stevens, Nancy Klaerner, and Andrea Martin. Members unavailable for photo: Joan Howey, Sue Taylor, and Sharan McCall.

These ladies have lived at the ARC for several years, ranging from three all the way up to nineteen. Of the ladies present, the most number of years anyone has been quilting is thirty-five. Collectively, they have been quilting approximately 213 years. During that time, they have made approximately 1,200 quilts of various types and sizes, including lap robes, bed quilts, baby quilts, and wall hangers.

Although the Cut-Up’s make a variety of quilts, they especially enjoy making lap robes. Some Helen Bartlett’s – Christmas Scene Hanger of these are given as gifts to family and friends, Technology has over taken the days of old but most are donated twice a year to our own when quilters had to sew by hand with the quilt healthcare residents and others to the Fisher lying in their lap or fastened in a frame hanging House at BAMC. from the ceiling. Those days are gone for the

14 The Eagle December 2018 Cut-Up’s. Each member uses an electric sewing machine, and some are computerized. Two of the ladies have a long-armed quilter like the one pictured below.

8 ft Long- armed Quilter

Nancy Klaerner’s – Snowman Wall Hanger

Jo Cape’s - Winter Landscape Quilt Andrea Martin’s - Christmas Story Quilt Take time to stop by the Art Wall in the lobby of the High-Rise, and enjoy the unique designs You can see additional photos of the Cut-Up’s and beautiful colors of Christmas quilts and Art in the full color version of The Eagle at: wall hanger Arts on display by the Cut-Up’s. armyresidence.net

December 2018 The Eagle 15 NEW CLASSES AND GROUPS FORMING: SPECIAL ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER! ELECTRONIC DARTS! Attention Dart game ARC CHRISTMAS enthusiasts! An electronic DANCE, FRIDAY, dart board has been DECEMBER 7TH. purchased and installed in One of the ARC’s the Activities Room in the favorite dance High Rise thanks to Gary bands “Two for the Halgunseth. Reserved Road” will play all of game time will be on Mondays from 1:30pm – your favorite dance tunes and some holiday 3:30pm. Questions? Contact Gary selections from 7:00pm to 9:00pm! Enjoy Halgunseth at (210) 487-9872. special holiday desserts and egg nog. Purchase wine, beer and soft drinks on ART CLASSES BEGIN AGAIN IN JANUARY! account. Thursdays from 1:00pm—4:00pm in the Activities Room starting January 10th, 2018 (8 classes total; Jan. 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. Feb. 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.) Supplies—See Jane in Activities for Maren’s supply list. Cost— $144.00 for 8 classes ($18.00 each 3- hour class). Sign-up on the Activities bulletin board. DO YOU LIKE DICE ANNUAL ARC “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GAMES? ENTERTAINMENT” is underway! Have you ever heard of It’s actually 13 days of Christmas music, but 12 “Farkle”? It’s a fun and just sounds better! A schedule of the choirs easy dice game. If you’re and groups that are coming was put in your in- interested in joining a house mailbox. Attend as many performances group to play Farkle or have questions, contact as you can and you’ll find yourself in the Resident Sigrid McShane at (210) 566-1098. Christmas spirit! Christmas Decorating Committee TUESDAY MORNING Take-Down/ Room Closures COFFEE For decoration TAKE-DOWN, note the DOCUMENTARY following closures: SCHEDULE Every Tuesday at 9:30am in the • Wednesday, 2 January – Tuesday, Activities Room. 8 January the ACTIVITIES ROOM Coffee & pastries will be closed. provided. • • Wednesday, 2 January – Friday, 4 12/4/18 – January CRESTWAY PBS AUDITORIUM will be closed. documentary “The Gilded If you should decide to move your group Age” Part to another room during the closures, One (Approx. please notify Jane in Activities at 646- 60 min.) The 5305 so that a notice can be placed on Gilded Age presents a compelling and complex the CIC for you in advance.

16 The Eagle December 2018 story of one of the most convulsive and Theatre. Bus will leave the ARC at 6:30 p.m. transformative eras in American history. Friday 16th – S.A. Symphony Pops Series presents “Holiday Pops” at the Tobin 12/11/18 - PBS Center. Bus leaves the ARC at 7:00 p.m. documentary “The Saturday 15th – The Public Theatre presents Gilded Age” Part Two “All is Calm: Christmas Truce of 1914”. (Approx. 60 min.) Bus leaves the ARC at 6:30 p.m. th rd 12/18/18 – History Sunday 16 – 323 Army Concert Band: Channel documentary Fort Sam’s Own” presents “Let the Bells “Christmas Unwrapped: Ring” at the Aztec Theatre. Bus leaves the The History of ARC at 2:30 p.m. Christmas” (Approx. 50 Monday 17th - Lunch at “El Bucanero” with min.) (at left) the Luncheonaires. Bus leaves the ARC at 11:00 a.m. GET YOUR ACTIVITIES CALENDAR! Stop by the Activities office by the photo wall Saturday 29th - Mannheim Steamroller at the down the hall from the High Rise mail room Majestic Theatre. Bus leaves the ARC at 7:00 and pick up a copy of this month’s Activities p.m. Calendar and the Lakeside Theater movie schedule. Can’t stop by? Call Jane Winzeler at IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES ext. 5305 to have one dropped into your th mailbox. Tuesday 4 – “Hearts Indwelled” harp & piano duo at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. ARC EXCURSIONS (Get details and sign-up Everyone is invited! on the Activities bulletin board.) Thursday 6th –Christmas Card workshop & Caroling for Assisted Living & Health Care Sunday 2nd - Musical Bridges Around the with St.Thomas More Elementary School at World presents “Phantasmagoria” at San 8:45 a.m. in the Resident’s Lounge. Get Fernando Cathedral Bus will leave the ARC at details and sign-up on Activities bulletin board. 6:00 p.m. th Monday 3rd – Lunch at “Pappadeaux” with Thursday 6 – the Luncheonaires . Bus will leave the ARC USAA Chorus at 11:00 a.m. at 7:30 p.m. in Auditorium. rd Monday 3 – Holloway Tours “Lights Part of the 12 Spectacular” tour of Texas Hill Country Days of Christmas lights. Charter bus will leave the Christmas ARC at 4:00 p.m. music. Wednesday 5th – Dinner Night Out at “Biga- Friday 7th – ARC on-the-Banks” on the Riverwalk. Bus will Christmas Dance at 7 leave at 5:00 p.m. p.m. in Auditorium. Saturday 8th –– USAF Band of the West Music by Two for the presents “Holiday in Blue” at the Edgewood Road and holiday Theatre. Bus leaves the ARC at 2:00 p.m. refreshments. th Monday 10 - Lunch at “Sorrento’s Italiano Saturday 8th – Ristorante” with the Luncheonaires. Bus will Army/Navy Game at leave the ARC at 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. in Resident’s Wednesday 12th – Broadway S.A. presents Lounge. Everyone “Phantom of the Opera” at Majestic welcome! December 2018 The Eagle 17 Thursday 13th – Girl Scout Troop #66 Christmas Carols at 6:30 p.m. in Front Lobby. Part of the 12 Saturday 8th - Fiesta Flutes at 7:00 p.m. in Days of Christmas music. Auditorium. Part of the 12 Days of Christmas th music. Monday 17 - River City Ringers hand bell choir at 7:00 p.m. in Auditorium. Part of the 12 Days of Christmas music.

Sunday 9th – County Line Band at 3:30 p.m. in Auditorium. Part of the 12 Days of Christmas music.

Tuesday 18th – Highland Lakes Men’s Chorus at 6:30 p.m. in Auditorium. Part of the 12 Days of Christmas music.

Thursday 20th – N.E. Lakeview College Choir at Monday 10th – Imagine Dance Academy 7:30 p.m. in Auditorium. presents “The Holiday Image” at 7:00 p.m. Part of the 12 Days of in Auditorium. Part of the 12 Days of Christmas music. Christmas music. Monday 31st – ARC New Year’s Eve Party Tuesday 11th – Boy 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m in Auditorium / Scout Pack #157 Christmas Carols at 10:00 6:30 p.m. in Front p.m. – Lobby. Part of the 12 12:00 Days of Christmas a.m. music. Sing in the New Year Thursday 13th – Happy with Birthday U.S. National Karaoke Guard! Birthday cake in in the High Rise Front lobby at Sky Lounge. Everyone is invited. You only 11:30 a.m. need to sign-up for the Sky Lounge party due to limited room capacity. THANKS to your Resident Special Events Committee and John & Angela Smith for making these events possible! 18 The Eagle December 2018 The Guernsey Same Kind of Literary and Different as Me Potato Peel (2017) 1:30 p.m. / 2 hrs./ Rated PG- Society (2018), 13. An art dealer TV-14, 2 hr. 4 min. befriends a In 1946, a writer dangerous man researches and in order to save writes a book about his struggling the wartime marriage to his experiences of the wife, a woman English living on the whose dreams Channel Island, will lead all three Guernsey, which of them on the had been occupied journey of their by the Germans. lives. Bernie (2011) 1:30 The Rider (2018) 1:30 p.m. / 1 hr. 44 min./ p.m./ 1 hr. 45 min. / Rated PG-13. In Rated R for language small-town Texas, and drug use. After an affable mortician suffering a near fatal strikes up a head injury, a young friendship with a cowboy undertakes a wealthy widow, search for new though when she identity and what it starts to become means to be a man in controlling, he goes the heartland of to great lengths to America. The separate himself from her grasp.

National LAKESIDE MOVIE SCHEDULE—DECEMBER Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Saturday, 1 December, 1:30 PM: The Guernsey (1989) 1 hr. 40 min./ Literary and Potato Peel Society. Rated PG-13. The Griswold family's Friday, 7 December, 1:30 PM: Same Kind of plans for a big Different As Me. family Christmas predictably turn into Friday, 14 December, 1:30 PM: Bernie. a big disaster. Friday, 21 December, 1:30 PM: The Rider. Saturday, 22 December, 1:30 PM: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Movie descriptions taken from imdb.com.

19 The Eagle December 2018 Whether you’re celebrating in New York City or San Antonio, Texas, New Year’s Eve follows a pretty similar script: People dress up in their best duds, break out the bubbly and sing "Auld Lang Syne".

Here at the ARC you will have two venues to celebrate the New Year.

AUDITORIUM, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm (No Sign Up Sheet)

Pay as You Go Dancing Food Bar Service • Drugstore • Shrimp Cocktail • Champagne Cowboys • Chicken • Wine • 5 piece band Drummies • Beer • Asst. Finger • Sodas Sandwiches

SKY LOUNGE, 10:00 – midnight ( Room capacity 75 people – Sign Up Sheet)

Thanksgiving 2018 at the ARC was a fabulous event. From the magnificent ice sculpture to the custom culinary creations! Great setting from the front lobby, the main dining room, and the auditorium. This was a truly festive atmosphere, which included the great chefs, cooks and servers of Dining Services, plus the irrepressible Bistro waitstaff in the auditorium.

December 2018 The Eagle 21 More than just a tactical organization, the regiment was home to the officers and men who filled its ranks, a refuge from the callous indifference and basic contempt of civilian society. The camaraderie and fraternal bonding of both the officers’ mess and the barracks engendered a sense of loyalty to the regiment that often superseded loyalty to Army, King, and Country.

While officers might transfer from regiment to regiment over the course of a career – usually to seek opportunity to purchase a higher rank – most soldiers spent their entire career in a single regiment. There were occasions, however, when men would be “drafted” from a regiment to fill an understrength regiment on orders to deploy overseas, a practice deeply resented by those forced to serve in the new regiment.

Prior to 1751, most regiments were identified THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by the name of the colonel commanding. A “SOLDIERS OF THE KING” royal warrant in that year introduced numbering THE BRITISH ARMY IN AMERICA of the regiments, with precedence based on Part IV: King George’s Regiments the founding date for each regiment. Still, many regiments retained an unofficial by Mike Huebner designation reflecting their territorial affiliation (a designation that became official in 1782, [As we noted in an earlier article in this toward the end of the War for American series, George Washington was most familiar Independence). For example, the 5th Regiment with the character and structure of the British of Foot (infantry) was sometimes referred to as Army, and sought to model the American Army the Northumberland Regiment. The 23rd on the best qualities of that army. Here we Regiment was the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (or take a look at the basic building block of the the Warwickshire) Regiment. th British Army – and almost all armies of the 18 century – the regiment . . .] As a tactical unit, each regiment of foot consisted of one battalion of eight to twelve The regiment was the heart and soul of the companies. Each company was commanded British Army. Each regiment was an insulated, by a captain, assisted by two lieutenants, two self-contained little world within the army as a sergeants, and three corporals. Each whole. It was a microcosm of English society, company also had a drummer and two fifers, a well- defined social hierarchy of gentlemen who usually combined with those from the officers and deferential enlisted men. other companies to serve the regiment as a Regiments had their own history and traditions, whole. some stretching back to the 1600s. Each regiment had its trophies, its own symbolic The regimental commander – the colonel talismans, its mascots. Many had distinct commanding -- was an honorary position, uniforms or uniform accessories. usually awarded to a member of the royal household, a distinguished noble, or a retired

22 The Eagle December 2018

Grenadiers were the tallest, strongest, best trained men of the regiment. Used primarily as “shock troops,” grenadiers often got the most difficult missions and usually suffered the heaviest casualties. Still, it was considered an honor to be in the grenadier company. During the War for American Independence, grenadier companies from several regiments were often combined in an ad hoc “grenadier battalion” for special missions.

One company in each regiment was designated the light infantry company. British experience with guerrilla warfare in Europe, Scotland, and North America in the eighteenth century had shown the value of well-trained, lightly-equipped troops operating as irregular forces. “Rangers” – the most famous of which was Robert’s Rangers – combined wilderness survival skills, individual marksmanship, and unconventional warfare tactics. More traditional British officers, though, deplored the often ill-disciplined ranger forces, and insisted senior officer. Day-to-day command of the that light infantry units be incorporated into regiment – in both peacetime and on campaign regular formations under regular army – devolved to the second-in-command, a discipline. lieutenant colonel or senior major. The rest of the headquarters staff consisted of the The light infantry company in a British regimental adjutant, quartermaster, chaplain, regiment was composed of hand-picked men – surgeon, and a surgeon’s mate. smaller, wiry, athletic – trained in scouting and reconnaissance, skirmish formations, and Authorized regimental strength in 1775, on marksmanship. While light infantry had proven the eve of the American Revolution, was 477 its worth in the French and Indian War, many officers and other ranks. In August of that of those lessons had been forgotten by the year, with increasing commitments to the war War for American Independence. Too often, in the Colonies, Parliament authorized each the light infantry company was used as regiment twelve companies of fifty-six privates conventional infantry or as a “dumping ground” each, a regimental strength of 811 officers and for misfits and trouble makers! But, like the men. Few deployed regiments, though, ever grenadiers, light infantry companies from had their full authorized contingent of 672 several regiments might be combined to form a privates. light infantry battalion for special missions.

One company in each regiment was Of the seventy infantry regiments in the designated the grenadier company. In the British Army during the time of the American sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Revolution, fifty-two served in North America at grenadiers actually threw a primitive version of some point during the war. The officers and the hand grenade but, by the eighteenth men of those regiments – the Soldiers of the century, grenadiers were simply the elite King – deserve to be honored and company of a regiment. remembered just as much as the stalwart Minutemen of Concord and the ragged Continentals of Valley Forge.

December 2018 The Eagle 23

“This contains the policy of the United States in WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL Russia which you are to follow.” “Watch your INTERVENTION IN RUSSIA step,” he added, “you will be walking on eggs “WALKING ON EGGS LOADED loaded with dynamite . . .” WITH DYNAMITE” Inside the envelope was a seven-page “aide- by Mike Huebner memoire,” personally typed by President Woodrow Wilson, spelling out, in rather obtuse In the summer of 1918, Major General diplomatic language, his rationale against William Graves was at Camp Fremont in American involvement in Russian affairs. But California, preparing the 8th Division for then, in the final paragraphs, he unexpectedly deployment to Europe. On 2 August he reversed himself, authorizing the United States received a rather cryptic telegram from the War to participate in an Allied intervention while “. . . Department: “Take the first and fastest train out assuring the people of Russia . . . that none of of San Francisco and proceed to Kansas City.” the governments uniting in this action in Siberia, or in Northern Russia, contemplates Graves arrived at the Kansas City railway any interference of any kind with the political station on 4 August. To his surprise, the sovereignty of Russia, any intervention in her Secretary of War, Newton Baker, was waiting internal affairs, or any impairment of her for him. Baker told Graves to get ready to territorial integrity . . .” depart at once for Siberia, where he would command the American contingent of a What, exactly, was the situation in Russia? proposed multinational force. As to the specific Following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas in mission of that force, the Secretary was rather March 1917, Allied leaders, Wilson in vague, handing Graves a sealed envelope: particular, had welcomed the establishment of

24 The Eagle December 2018 the Provisional Government, a quasi- on the docks in Vladivostok, Archangel, and democratic regime committed to keeping Murmansk. If those supplies fell into German Russia in the war. America’s involvement in hands . . . the war on the side of autocratic Tsarist Russia had always been rather unpalatable to And then there were the Czechs. With the Woodrow Wilson, given his vision of the war as Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, hundreds of thousands a conflict to “make the world safe for of prisoners of war inside Russia had been democracy.” freed, left to fend for themselves. Among them were some 70,000 Czechs and Slovaks. But the overthrow of the Provisional Never willing subjects of the Austro-Hungarian Government by the Bolsheviks in November Empire, the Czechs and Slovaks saw the 1917 changed everything. Russia’s exit from pending collapse of that Empire as an the war seemed imminent. More than a million opportunity for the creation of an independent German soldiers would be free to re-deploy Czech and Slovak nation. from Russia to the Western Front. The British and French initially considered sending troops The well-organized POWs designated to Russia to bolster the crumbling Russian themselves the “Czech Legion” and offered armies and keep that nation in the war. But their services to the Allies in return for support when Germany and the Bolsheviks signed a for their nationalist aspirations. But the Czech peace treaty at Brest-Litovsk in early 1918, Legion was deep inside Russia with no viable officially ending Russia’s involvement in the way for the Allies to get them to the Western war, any plans to re-establish the Eastern Front. So the Czechs took it upon themselves Front were moot. to seize control of the Trans-Siberian Railroad and fight their way across Siberia. From Allied efforts then concentrated on securing Vladivostok, Allied ships could transport them the thousands of tons of military supplies that to France. had been sent to Russia, supplies now sitting

December 2018 The Eagle 25 Unfortunately for Graves, the Allies had a far different interpretation of their mission in Siberia. The British and French were more intent on finding and supporting viable anti- Bolshevik leaders. The one they chose to support, Admiral Alexander Kolchak, was a virulent anti-Bolshevik who had unilaterally declared himself the “Supreme Ruler” of Russia.

Kolchak and his “White” armies ranged across southern Russia and Siberia, killing and pillaging, with extreme brutality, anyone suspected of being “Red.” Of course, the Bolsheviks were equally brutal with any considered “anti-revolutionary.” American soldiers, mostly apolitical but probably inclined to be anti-communist, were appalled at the atrocities committed by both sides.

As for Japan – whose component of the intervention force would eventually number more than 70,000 men – they had their own territorial aspirations in Siberia and incited the political and military instability that served to further those aspirations. Graves found Siberia was in a state of absolute chaos, with himself far too often at odds with the Japanese, open warfare between “Reds (Bolsheviks) and as well as with the British and French. He was “Whites” (anti-Bolsheviks), various independent hard pressed to maintain American neutrality, warlords and opportunistic outlaws, Cossack especially when some in the United States bands of dubious allegiances, thousands of diplomatic corps were working behind the former POWs, and the Czech Legion. And scenes to undermine the Bolshevik regime. now, the Allies were planning to intervene For Graves and his Siberian expeditionary there as well. It was into this chaos that force, it was a no-win situation. Graves was being sent, with nothing more than Wilson’s nebulous “aide-memoire” to guide While Graves and his doughboys were trying him! to make sense out of the chaos in Siberia, a second American contingent was facing its Graves would have two U.S. Army regiments own challenges in north Russia. The 339th th st from the Philippines, the 27 and 31 , parts of Infantry Regiment – mostly draftees from which had arrived in Vladivostok on 16 August. Wisconsin and Michigan – along with an Graves, who arrived on 1 September, would engineer battalion, an ambulance company, th later get a regiment from his own 8 Division and a field hospital, had been detached from from Camp Fremont along with a field hospital, the 85th Division enroute to France and an ambulance company, and an engineer diverted to Archangel. Colonel George company, a total strength of about 9,000 men. Stewart, commanding the force of about 5,700 The mission of the American Expeditionary men, had no more guidance as to his mission Force, Siberia, was to guard the war materiel than Graves had. stored at Vladivostok and help secure the Czech Legion’s line of communications (the Ordered to report to the senior British officer Trans-Siberian Railway) for their exit from in the sector, Major General Frederick Poole, Siberia.

26 The Eagle December 2018 The 339th Infantry Regiment – mostly draftees from Wisconsin and Michigan – along with an engineer battalion, an ambulance company, and a field hospital, had been detached from the 85th Division enroute to France and diverted to Archangel.

Stewart and his men soon found themselves figures for the Siberian expeditionary force was engaged in a shooting war with the Bolsheviks. 137 killed in action, 43 died of wounds, and Most of the American troops had received only 173 died from disease, accidents, and other the most rudimentary basic training before non-battle causes. shipping overseas, and none of them were prepared for the brutal war or the harsh The bodies of some of those killed in action conditions they were facing in Russia. in both Northern Russia and Siberia were never recovered. Others were officially Relations between the British and Americans missing in action, but declared dead. There were strained. Brigadier General Edmund were rumors, some based in fact, that a Ironside, who replaced Poole, had nothing but number of Americans had been captured by contempt for the American troops, their the Bolsheviks and were held in Soviet prisons training, and the officers commanding them. for years afterwards.

Of course, the Americans came to despise the All those who served in Russia and came British, believing they were “mere toys in the home safely were just happy to have survived. hands of the Englishmen,” too often given the Senator Hiram Johnson of California probably most dangerous, impossible assignments. said it best: “They served under conditions that were the most confusing and complex that any Brigadier General Wilds Richardson arrived American army was ever asked to contend in April 1919 to take command of all American with, but they did their duty.” forces in Northern Russia and begin organizing their extraction. By June, the 339th Infantry [Postscript: Throughout the Cold War, and all the supporting troops had been American Presidents often claimed that withdrawn. The final casualty count was 144 American and Russian soldiers had never killed in battle or died of wounds, another 78 actually fought each other, and had, in fact, died of disease or non-battle causes, and 305 been allies in both world wars. It was Nikita wounded. Khrushchev who reminded Americans: “We remember the grim days when American In January 1920, President Wilson ordered soldiers went to our soil . . . to help the White the evacuation of all American forces from Guard combat the new revolution. . . Never Siberia. The last of those troops finally have any of our soldiers been on American departed on 1 April. The official casualty soil, but your soldiers were on Russian soil.”]

December 2018 The Eagle 27 of 1 December, Air Vice- Marshall Sir Arthur WORLD WAR II: 75 YEARS AGO Coningham assured a group of reporters: “I AIR RAID ON BARI: DECEMBER 1943 would regard it as a personal affront and insult DISASTER, MYSTERY & COVER-UP if the Luftwaffe should attempt any significant action in this area.” Those words would come by Mike Huebner back to haunt him.

The city of Bari on Italy’s Adriatic coast (above, circled in yellow) had been liberated by the British Eighth Army in September with little damage. It now served as the principal port and supply base for both the Eighth Army and the dozens of Allied airfields in and around Foggia. Major General Jimmy Doolittle, commander of the newly created Fifteenth Air

Force, had established his headquarters in Bari Just after sundown that evening, a squadron on 1 December. of Ju-88 bombers (Ju-88 bomber shown above) swept in over the harbor. British anti-aircraft The German Luftwaffe had been all but gunners hesitated to fire, assuming the planes driven from the skies over Italy. Most fighter were “friendlies.” The harbor was well lit, squadrons had been withdrawn to defend the exposing the more than forty merchant vessels German homeland, and only a few bombing at the piers or waiting to dock. The German raids had been flown against Allied targets, bombers could hardly miss. mostly against Naples. Late on the afternoon

28 The Eagle December 2018

One of the first bombs ruptured the oil Hundreds were killed in the bombing and pipeline on the petroleum dock where several ensuing explosions, Italian civilians and Allied tanker ships were unloading. Burning fuel servicemen alike. Hundreds more were spewed from the line, spreading across the wounded, many of them horribly burned by water and engulfing nearby ships (above). The flaming fuel. Military and civilian hospitals John L. Motley, a munitions ship with more were overwhelmed by the number of than 5,000 tons of ammunition, exploded, casualties. Doctors and nurses worked destroying the John Bascom, berthed nearby. throughout the night to triage and treat the wounded.

Just after the Motley exploded, the John As dawn approached, doctors were Harvey went up in an even greater blast, becoming mystified, seeing symptoms sending flames hundreds of feet into the sky. inconsistent with oil burns. Patients were The nearby freighter Testbank was blown unable to open their eyes, claiming intense apart, and the U.S.S. Aroostook, carrying pain and burning. Some doctors even found 19,000 barrels of aviation fuel, went up in their own eyes watering and burning while flames. Windows more than seven miles away treating patients, some of whom were still were shattered by the blast. wearing their water- and oil-soaked clothing. Rescue workers pulling survivors from the By the time the last of the German bombers harbor also reported burning eyes. One sailor finished their run, seventeen ships had been noted an odor of garlic, wondering why “the sunk, with another eight severely damaged. It Americans would be shipping garlic to Italy?” was the greatest loss of Allied shipping in a surprise air attack since Pearl Harbor. But there was worse to come.

December 2018 The Eagle 29 temperature. Exposure to the liquid or vapor blistered the skin and severely burned the eyes. Inhaled, it burned and blistered the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory failure. There was little known treatment.

Once aware of what they were dealing with, though, doctors and nurses could treat the symptoms and provide some palliative care. But too many of the casualties had spent hours wearing their oil-soaked clothing contaminated by the mustard agent from the John Harvey, their symptoms made worse by that prolonged exposure. The first fluid-filled skin blisters started showing up on many patients later that morning, along More than 1,000 Allied servicemen were with signs of extreme respiratory distress. For killed or went missing at Bari. Of the wounded, many, death followed in a just few hours. A 617 were confirmed as “mustard gas Royal Navy surgeon suggested that some sort casualties.” Eighty-three of the deaths were of chemical agent exposure might be the cause attributed to mustard. As for Italian civilians, but, in the chaos, his theory was ignored for casualties and deaths may have been several crucial hours. Not until later that day comparable, but precise numbers are was a U.S. Army doctor from the theater unknown. Italian doctors were never advised of what they were facing. surgeon’s office, one knowledgeable in the treatment of chemical agent casualties, The attack on Bari, shipping losses, and dispatched to Bari. He confirmed the numbers of casualties were all officially suspicions, but senior officers ordered acknowledged, but any reference to chemical censorship of any such speculation. agents was censored. An investigative board,

But if some chemical agent was the cause, convened by Eisenhower, confirmed that the what was the source? Had the Germans used John Harvey was the source of the agent chemical agents during the bombing raid? It exposure. But that report, along with all was known that Germany had a sophisticated medical records, was classified. Churchill chemical industry, and there was concern that, himself directed that all British records be purged of any reference to mustard. if desperate, Germany might resort to chemical warfare. After all, Germany had been the first Eisenhower’s 1948 post-war memoir, to employ chemical weapons in the First World Crusade in Europe, mentioned the Bari attack War. and obliquely acknowledged that mustard gas

Allied leaders had publically warned had been carried on one of the sunken ships. Germany that any use of chemical weapons But he also claimed that “the wind was offshore would be met by retaliation in kind. As such, and the escaping gas caused no casualties.” Allied forces maintained a significant – but Not until 1959, though, were the official reports secret – stockpile of chemical agents in the declassified. The U.S. Naval Institute Mediterranean theater. That information was published an article on the incident in 1967, known only to a few at the highest levels. and author Glenn Infield’s Disaster at Bari was published in 1971. Still, the chemical disaster The John Harvey had been carrying a secret at Bari remains one of the lesser known events cargo, known only to those few: 1,350 tons of of the Second World War. bombs loaded with a toxic substance, dichlorethyl sulfide. Army Chemical Corps [Editorial Note: Starting next month, we will officers knew that as HS – or mustard gas. have two articles on World War II in each issue First used in the First World War, mustard gas of The Eagle, one on the war in the Pacific, the was an oily liquid that vaporized at ambient other on the war in Europe.]

30 The Eagle December 2018 Art Wall Artists of The Month Multiple individuals in this group can share with The Cut-Up’s - Quilting Art you emotional scenes they have personally experienced when presenting lap robes to our healthcare residents. In some cases, the by: Alfred W. Bates recipients are overcome with emotion for their This month’s Art Wall features a Christmas deep appreciation of the work and caring of the theme of quilts made by members of The Cut- Cut-Up’s. Up’s. Some of the group are pictured below. These ladies meet at Lakeside on the second Organized three years ago, the group is led by Wednesday of each month. Each member Jo Cape. Call 210-646-2805 to join them. takes a turn hosting the meeting. The host presents an example “block” that each member will work on at home. After all the required blocks are prepared to make a lap robe, the Cut-Up’s come together again for a sewing day to assemble the special designed robe. The group purchases backing and batting material. Normally, each member has a stash to pull from to make the top design for each robe. (Since this article is focused on the Christmas theme, lap robes are not pictured.)

December 2018 The Eagle 31 Cut-Up’s. Each member uses an electric sewing machine, and some are computerized. Two of the ladies have a long-armed quilter like the one pictured below.

8 ft Long- armed Quilter

Nancy Klaerner’s – Snowman Wall Hanger

Jo Cape’s - Winter Landscape Quilt Andrea Martin’s - Christmas Story Quilt

Take time to stop by the Art Wall in the lobby of You can see additional photos of the Cut-Up’s the High-Rise, and enjoy the unique designs Art in the full color version of The Eagle at: and beautiful colors of Christmas quilts and armyresidence.net wall hanger Arts on display by the Cut-Up’s.

32 The Eagle December 2018 Above, Helen Bartlett: Christmas Wreath Hanger At Right, Helen Bartlett: Christmas Tree Hanger

Above, Jo Cape: Christmas Quilt (2) At Right, Jo Cape: Bed Runner Quilt

December 2018 The Eagle 33 At Left, Jo Cape: Christmas Quilt (1)

Above, Jo Cape: Sweetheart Handkerchief

Below, Jo Cape: Wall Hanging Quilt “Be Still and Know”

34 The Eagle December 2018 At left, Jo Cape: Western Boot Christmas Hanger Above, Jo Cape: Wife’s Handkerchief

Those present for the photo below, front row from left: Anne Blake, Helen Bartlett, Victoria Summy, Jo Cape, and Doreen Jenkins. Back row from left: Dain Franks, Dori Stevens, Nancy Klaerner, and Andrea Martin. Members unavailable for photo: Joan Howey, Sue Taylor, and Sharan McCall.

December 2018 The Eagle 35

For County Use Only Application for Military License No Meritorious Service Mo/Yr of Exp License Plates Date Issued

Instructions

Submit the completed application; payment (if personalized) in the form of a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check; and proof of eligibility to the department at the following address: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Titles and Registration Division Specialty Plates Unit 4000 Jackson Avenue Austin, TX 78731

There are no registration or specialty plate fees for the first set of plates. To order additional sets of plates, the annual registration fee must be paid to your local county tax assessor-collector. There is no specialty plate fee for additional sets.

Plates may be personalized for an additional $40 fee; make your choice on page 2. Do not mail cash. The personalization fee will not be refunded once the application is submitted. Contact the Specialty Plates Unit at (512) 374-5010 if you have any questions. Applicant Information First Name Middle Name Last Name Suffix County

Address City State ZIP

Email Phone Number

Vehicle Information Vehicle Identification Number Current TX Plate Year Make Body Style

Empty Weight (lbs.)  Passenger Car  Truck (up to 18,000 lbs.)  Motorcycle/Moped

Plate Type – All plates are available for passenger cars, trucks (up to 18,000 lbs.), and motorcycles/mopeds.

 Air Force Cross  Distinguished Flying Cross  Legion of Merit  Air Medal  Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor  Meritorious Service Medal  Air Medal with Valor  Distinguished Service Medal Air Force  Navy and Marine Corps Medal  Airmen’s Medal  Distinguished Service Medal Army  Navy Cross  Army Distinguished Service Cross  Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard  Prisoner of War Medal  Bronze Star  Distinguished Service Medal Navy  Silver Star  Bronze Star with Valor  Distinguished Service Medal Dept. of Defense  Soldier’s Medal  Defense Meritorious Service Medal  Distinguished Service Medal Dept. of Homeland Security  Coast Guard Medal  Defense Superior Service Medal  Distinguished Service Medal Dept. of Transportation

Certification – State law makes falsifying information a third degree felony. I meet the eligibility requirements as listed on page 2 of this application and am providing proof to that effect. Indicate if you are an unmarried surviving spouse:  Unmarried Surviving Spouse

Signature Date

Form VTR-421 Rev. 9/2017 Form available online at www.TxDMV.gov Page 1 of 2 General Requirements • Texas title and vehicle registration must be in your name. • If the plate is to be registered to a vehicle that is not titled in your name, attach a statement to this application stating that you have legal right of possession and control of this vehicle at all times. • If you recently filed an application for title, attach a copy of the title application receipt (VTR-500-RTS). • Joint vehicle ownership between you and a spouse is permissible. • Submit a separate application for additional vehicles to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office with the annual registration fee. • If the vehicle is leased, attach a copy of the lease agreement. • Vehicle is for personal use only. Eligibility Requirements - This application is for non-Disabled Veteran registration. • Active members must provide a copy of their military ID and proof that they are a recipient of the medal being applied for, such as an Officer Record Brief or Enlisted Record Brief. • Former members must provide proof of their honorable discharge and proof that they are a recipient of the medal being applied for, such as, a DD214. • Prisoner of War Medal applicant must provide an official United States government document or certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs certifying or identifying the applicant as a former prisoner of war. • As an unmarried, surviving spouse of a veteran who had or was eligible for Meritorious Service license plates, you are eligible to register your vehicle with a plate featuring the same military emblem. To apply, you must enclose a written statement that you are unmarried and provide proof your spouse is deceased. A new plate will be issued with the same emblem and a new plate number. Indicate your eligibility as a “Surviving Spouse” by checking the box on page 1. Personalize Your Plate – If you would like to personalize your specialty plate, there will be a $40 fee per year, in addition to the annual registration fee (if required). • Show personalizations exactly as you want them to appear on your license plate(s). You may list more than one option in the event the personalization you have chosen has been issued. • A personalization that has been issued, is deemed offensive, or conflicts with the regular license plate numbering system cannot be approved. • Enter your desired personalized letters, numbers, and/or symbols in the blocks below. The available symbols include: a period, a dash, a blank space, a Texas silhouette (use an asterisk “*” to indicate), a heart (use an at “@” to indicate), and a star (use an ampersand “&” to indicate). • Passenger car and truck plates are limited to six (6) characters total, including punctuation characters. • Motorcycle/moped plates are limited to four (4) characters total, including punctuation characters. • You are not required to use all the blocks provided.

• The International Symbol of Access “ “ counts as two (2) characters and will be located at the beginning of the plate number. If you are disabled and applying for personalized specialty plates, use a percent “%” to indicate the International Symbol of Access.

Personalization fee will not be refunded once the application is submitted.

1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Vehicle 1

Vehicle 2

International Symbol of Access To display the International Symbol of Access on your license plate, attach a signed Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate (Form VTR-214) to this application to show your eligibility. Contact your county tax assessor-collector’s office if you have questions.

Form VTR-421 Rev. 9/2017 Form available online at www.TxDMV.gov Page 2 of 2