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U.S. SPACE FORCE: AT WHAT COST? FEBRUARY 2019 Vol. 106 No. 5 COVER PHOTO: Members of the Student Veterans of America are photographed on the campus of the University of Kansas in November. VFW and SVA have been offi cial ‘PROUD’ ARMY OLYMPIANS partners since 2013, and VFW magazine 22 Four Army National Guardsmen from New York represented the will profi le different SVA chapters at various United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics. They all participated universities throughout the year. through the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. BY KARI WILLIAMS (Photo by Susan McSpadden) ‘I WAS BECOMING THAT GUY’ ON THE COVER 6 Transitioning to civilian life after 32 U.S. Space Force 16 Student Vets years in the Army can be a daunting task. 26 Army Vet Hike After deployments to Iraq and Afghani- 30 Black Hawk Down Reunion stan, this VFW member hiked through the desert to contemplate his future. IN THIS ISSUE BY KARI WILLIAMS 12 Bush Obituary 26 14 Priority Goals 34 NVS Service Offi cer Profi le 36 Haband KOREA’S YONGSAN LEGACY 38 Vet Reunited with Vietnamese Woman A U.S. base since 1945, Yongsan Garrison IN EVERY ISSUE occupies an area of central Seoul that is 2 Command Post gentrifying at a rapid pace. Once GIs 4 Now Hear This relocate later this year, the former home of 6 Issues Up Front U.S. Forces Korea will become a city park. 8 Washington Wire BY JUSTIN MALZAC 44 Better Health 28 46 Book Corner 48 VFW in Action ANTELOPE HUNT ‘HUMBLING’ 50 Member Corner 52 Member Benefi ts Three veterans wounded during the 54 Reunions and Claims Vietnam War traveled to Montana last 60 Vets in Focus fall to hunt antelope. Here’s how they enjoyed this free trip, which VFW magazine has sponsored for 36 years. BY DAVE SPIVA 40

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

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 1 COMMAND POST FROM THE CHIEF VFW Opines on Supreme Court Cases he U.S. Supreme Court cur- carpeted the fi elds VFW magazine is the offi cial publication of the rently is considering three cases of Europe. VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS of particular interest to VFW. The Gold Star OF THE UNITED STATES In fact, we have issued amicus Mothers of Prince STAFF T DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, briefs to bolster our positions on each. George’s County in PUBLICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS In November, the Supreme Court the 1920s chose the Joe Davis heard oral arguments on the Republic of memorial’s shape EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sudan v. Harrison. The case concerns specifi cally for Tim Dyhouse the families of the 17 sailors killed and that reason. As one SENIOR EDITOR the 42 wounded in the bombing of the mother said, “My Janie Dyhouse USS Cole in October 2000. The families son lost his life in COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR B.J. Lawrence Kari Williams sued the country of Sudan, whom they France and because SENIOR WRITER believe was responsible for the terrorist of that I feel that our memorial cross is, in Dave Spiva act, and won a judgment in a lower court. a way, his grave stone.” ART DIRECTOR Sudan — supported in the case by VFW wants the 4th Circuit rul- Lauren Goldman Libya, Saudi Arabia and, unbelievably, ing overturned. We’ve been involved ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT with this issue since 2015 Tina Clark An amicus curiae (“friend of the court’) brief is a legal document and demand that the ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE presented to the court by an outside party with interest in the Bladensburg Peace Cross GLM Communications, Inc. case. Such a brief off ers background informati on or opinions Jacqueline Tobin, Vice President, Digital/Print Media stay where it is. 500 1st Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 that the court believes could be relevant to its decision. The third case in which (212) 929-1300 FAX 212-929-9574 we’ve provided an amicus Email: [email protected] EDITORIAL OFFICE our own government — is asking the brief is Gray v. Wilkie. At issue are Address all communications for publication to: Supreme Court to reject the multimil- U.S. Navy “blue water” veterans of the The Editor, VFW Magazine 406 W. 34th St., Suite 523, Kansas City, MO 64111 lion-dollar judgment. This is a profound Vietnam War, those sailors who served (816) 756-3390; www.vfw.org; [email protected] disappointment to us. offshore Vietnam. VFW magazine is protected through trademark reg is tra- tion in the United States and in the foreign countries where It is shocking and deeply disturb- Because of that, VA ruled in 2016 that VFW magazine circulates. VFW magazine (ISSN 0161-8598) ing that our government would stand they were not exposed to the defoliant is published 10 times a year by Veterans of Foreign Wars, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Non-profi t standard with the nation that facilitated the Cole Agent Orange, and thus, not eligible for class postage paid at Oklahoma City, Okla., and additional bombing and against the surviving compensation for conditions connected mailing offi ces. American sailors and their families. I to exposure. Conversely, “brown water” Publications Agreement No. 1476947 want those veterans and their families sailors, those who served on inland Available on recording for the blind and those with physical handicaps that preclude reading material. to know that VFW supports their case, waterways or rivers, are eligible for Contact: [email protected]. particularly when the U.S. government Agent Orange compensation. SUBMISSIONS won’t do the same. Robert H. Gray, who served in DaNang 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 The next case — Maryland- Harbor during the war, wants the ruling han dling. Poetry submissions not accepted. VFW mag a zine is National Capital Park and Planning changed and the presumption of Agent available in microfi lm from NA Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 998, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0998. Payment of membership dues Commission v. American Humanist Orange exposure extended to all Vietnam includes $1.98 for a year’s subscription to VFW magazine.

Association — regards a World War War “blue water” sailors. VFW agrees. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/DECEASED MEMBER I memorial in Bladensburg, Md. It is In addition to issuing the amicus [email protected] 1-833-839-8387 Forward address changes to: a 32-foot-tall, cross-shaped memorial brief, VFW advocated diligently for pas- Member Service Center, VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111. that was built with private donations sage of H.R. 299 — the Blue Water Navy Be sure to furnish your old address, also your Post number, and erected on then-private property to Vietnam Veterans Act this past year. Our when requesting change to new address. To ensure accuracy, please clip and enclose your present address honor the 49 men from Prince George’s National Legislative Service staff testi- as printed on a recent copy of VFW magazine. County who died in the war. The ﬁ ed before the Senate VA Committee NON-MEMBER SUBSCRIPTIONS Humanist Association contends that the in August when the bill stalled in the U.S. and its possessions, $15 per year, $1.50 per copy. For subscription in other countries, $20 per year. memorial endorses Christianity rather Senate. At press time, VFW Action Make checks payable to VFW Magazine and send to: than memorializing the fallen. The U.S. Corps members had targeted their sena- Member Service Center, 406 W. 34th St., KC, MO 64111. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in tors with more than 31,000 messages VFW OBJECTIVES To ensure national security Richmond, Va., agreed and ruled that the and calls to urge them to pass the bill. through maximum military strength. memorial be moved or redesigned. VFW will be watching these cases To speed the rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans. This is preposterous and reﬂ ects a closely this summer when the Supreme To assist the widows and orphans and the de pen dents of disabled and needy veterans. profound lack of historical understand- Court is expected to make its rulings. To promote Americanism through education in pa tri o tism ing. During and after WWI, the cross Hopefully, our support will help the and constructive service to the communities in which we live.

became a symbol of military sacriﬁ ce. veterans and families affected by these Copyright 2019 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Cross-shaped battleﬁ eld grave markers rulings prevail. MEMBER ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA

2 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 No contracts No cancellation fees

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Follow Us on Facebook VFW magazine is back on Facebook, and we want all our readers to join us on the Two students enjoy an event at the the University of South Florida. The university reports that its nation’s largest social media channel. vets had a higher grade-point average than nonveteran students. Be a part of our team. We are always looking for great story ideas that we can share with other read- Georgia Schools Good for Vets ers. Let us know if you have a topic. On In October, Military Times released its Texas, has a veterans center and a Facebook, we also target specific veterans 2019 rankings of the best colleges for veterans office on campus. who served in certain wars or areas for veterans. The publication rated schools future stories. Please engage us. based on their university culture; aca- Online and Nontraditional Schools Learn more about our content. demic quality and outcomes; policies; 1. Liberty University in Lynchburg, On VFW magazine’s Facebook page, we student support and costs; and finan- Va., was designated a Purple Heart share background information and inter- cial aid. Here are the results. University in 2017 in recognition esting tidbits that don’t make the print of its support of active-duty troops version of the magazine. We also upload 4-Year Schools and veterans. photo galleries featuring shots that add to 1. Georgia Southern University 2. University of Maryland the stories. in Statesboro, with satellites in University College in Adelphi is Tell us what you think. Savannah and Hines, counts 8 per- the second-most popular school for We are here to serve you, so let us know cent of its student body as vets. troops using transition-assistance how we are doing. Is there something 2. University of South Florida in benefits and is one of the 10 most missing from a specific story? What topics Tampa reported that its vets had a popular colleges for GI Bill users. would you like to see covered? How can higher grade point average — 3.21 to 3. Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., we improve the magazine? Your opinions 3.17 — than nonveteran students. had the highest military-student can help drive future coverage. 3. Rutgers University in New Jersey graduation rate of any online or Give us a “Like.” has campuses in New Brunswick, nontraditional school. VFW magazine is excited to be back Newark and Camden. Its student on Facebook and a part of its worldwide vet population has tripled in the Career and Technical Colleges audience of 2.2 billion users. Please past decade. 1. ECPI University is a for-profit start following us at facebook.com/ college located in Virginia Beach, VFWmagazine and give us a “Like.” 2-Year Schools Va. It offers a year-round, flexible 1. Central Community College- schedule to help troops and vets. Nebraska has campuses in 2. Savannah Technical College in Checkpoint is Now Columbus, Grand Island and Georgia counts 25 percent of its Hastings. It has topped this cat- students as veterans, service mem- an E-Newsletter egory for six consecutive years. bers or dependents who graduate VFW’s award-winning newsletter for 2. Northwestern Michigan College at a 73 percent rate. its Post, District and Department com- in Traverse City boasts an Office of 3. Gwinnett Technical College manders is now digital. Beginning with Military and Veterans Services and of Georgia has campuses in the January/February 2019 issue, the gets high marks for “culture.” Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. Checkpoint enewsletter is available 3. Tarrant County College Trinity “Student support” was its highest- only by email. River Campus in Fort Worth, ranked category.

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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 ISSUES UP FRONT CURRENT VETERANS CONCERNS Pentagon Eyes 2020 Space Force Launch President Donald Trump’s push for a Space Force has caused guesswork on what the military service would do and how much it would cost. But Congress will need to make the final decision. PHOTO BY KIM SHIFLET/NASA BY DAVE SPIVA ith no official plans for to chart a legislative and budgetary the Trump administra- pathway to create a new department tion’s proposed Space that will organize, train and equip space WForce, the cost, details forces, including both combat and ser- and even the purpose of the would-be vice support functions for offensive and service still are unknown. defensive operations,” Pence said. In June 2018, Trump signed an As of November, the Pentagon had executive order directing the Defense yet to release a cost estimate for a Space Department to create a new military Force. But speculations for the cost has service “separate but equal” from the been inconsistent. Air Force and other services. Todd Harrison, the director of While making a statement at the Defense Budget Analysis and the Pentagon in August, Vice President Mike Aerospace Security Project at the Pence called for the establishment of Center for Strategic and International a Space Force by 2020. He mentioned Studies, believes a new Space Force may Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a threats from countries such as Russia and only cost $300 million to $500 million February 2018 National Space Council meet- China as reasons to establish the service. — less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the ing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Merritt But Trump’s support for creating Defense budget. Island, Fla. In August, Pence said the establish- a new military service isn’t enough; “While the cost of a space service ment of a Space Force is expected by 2020. Congress has final say. For a Space would largely be budget neutral, except Force to become a reality, the nation’s for the additional staff needed for ing, training, planning, programming, legislators must establish a new military headquarters and secretariat functions, budgeting] and all of the leadership service in law and provide funding. this means that the existing military requirements that a department has, it’s While VFW doesn’t have a resolu- services would stand to lose personnel a major undertaking.” tion for the creation of a space-faring and budget from such a reorganiza- For fiscal year 2019, Trump proposed service, the organization is on record tion,” Harrison wrote in the bipartisan the following amounts for each service: with Res. 403 — Keep Defense Budget Washington-based think tank’s article, • $182 billion for the Army. Relevant that states: “America’s No. “How Much Will the Space Force Cost?” • $194 billion for the Navy and 1 priority is to defend herself and her Harrison stated that the Air Force Marine Corps. citizens.” could lose “more than $11 billion in • $194 billion for the Air Force. VFW National Security and Foreign annual budget authority.” This averages out to approximately Affairs Director John Towles said he This is a stark contrast to an inter- $190 billion. believes it’s important to ensure the U.S. nal memorandum obtained by several “People think that Secretary Wilson’s “has mechanisms in place” to protect media outlets, including Defense One estimate was high, but considering the the country against any threat. and The Associated Press. The Sept. current outlay for each service, a total of “But nobody has really been told 14, 2018, memo written by Air Force $190 billion to establish a new military fully what the threats are in space, only Secretary Heather Wilson estimates service seems much higher in reality,” that the force is needed,” Towles said. the cost for the Defense Department’s Towles said. “Another consideration is “There may be difficulties as an organi- new Space Force to be more than $3 that, currently, a completely separate zation to justify an investment this large billion the first year and almost $13 bil- branch of the military won’t necessarily when there are other unfunded priori- lion over a five-year period, according help the U.S. lead in space. In fact, there is ties within the Department of Defense to The Associated Press. a lot of evidence that suggests that it will that have been tossed by the wayside as During an interview with Defense create a lot of waste and duplication.” a result of sequestration.” News, Wilson said the estimated costs As of November, it is unclear where Speaking at an October meeting of the stated in the memorandum are “additive the money for the proposed Space recently re-established National Space costs.” She also said the undertaking of Force will come from. Trump’s official Council in Washington, D.C., Pence out- a new department is “a bold idea.” defense budget request is expected later lined the progress for creating the Space “They are not just the movement this month. Before then, the Pentagon is Force, saying it soon “will be a reality.” of other capabilities and consolidate expected to come up with a plan to cre- “Our administration is already work- them,” she said. “To stand up a depart- ate the new military service branch. J ing closely with leaders in Congress ment that’s responsible for [recruit- EMAIL [email protected]

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©2019 U.S. Money Reserve. The markets for coins are unregulated. Prices can rise or fall and carry some risks. 7KHFRPSDQ\LVQRWDIŵOLDWHGZLWKWKH86*RYHUQPHQWDQGWKH860LQW Past performance of the coin or the market cannot predict future performance. Prices may be more or less based on current market conditions. Special offer is strictly limited to only one lifetime purchase of 10 below- or at-cost gold coins and 20 below- or at-cost silver coins (regardless of price paid) per household, plus shipping and insurance ($15-$35). Price not valid for precious metals dealers. All calls recorded for quality assurance. Coins enlarged to show detail. Offer void where prohibited. Offer valid for up to 30 days or while supplies last. Coin dates our choice. WASHINGTON WIRE: CAPITOL HILL BRIEFS BY DAVE SPIVA Remains U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT. BENJAMIN PARSONS Recovered from Korean DMZ South Korea’s defense ministry announced in November that fi ve sets of remains from the Korean War had been recovered during mine-clearance operations at Arrowhead Hill near Cheorwon, just south of the DMZ. The discovery brings the total number of remains recently unearthed in the area to nine since Oct. 1. The recovery was the result of an agreement between North Korea and South Korea. Both countries aim to remove weapons and munitions along the DMZ and have agreed to identify and return any remains that are recovered in the process. Arrowhead Hill, otherwise known as Hill 281, was the site of several fi refi ghts A South Korean soldier searches for land mines in October on Arrowhead Hill south of the DMZ during the Korean War. near Cheorwon, South Korea. During the operation, South Korean troops found fi ve sets of human As of November, there were 7,675 remains, purportedly from the Korean War. In October 1952, South Korean, French and U.S. troops Americans who remain unaccounted for participated in a series of fi ghts against communist forces at Arrowhead Hill, also known as Hill 281. from the Korean War, according to the A total of nine sets of remains were recovered in the area in 2018. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. High Blood Pressure Linked to Agent Orange Exposure

Researchers from the National Academies MGUS to the current list of presumptive “they earned of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine diseases associated with Agent Orange and deserve.” published a report in November that links exposure in Vietnam, Thailand and the VFW encour- hypertension, or high blood pressure, demilitarized zone in Korea. ages veterans and Monoclonal gammopathy of unde- VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. who served termined signifi cance (MGUS) to Agent Lawrence said there is “no doubt” that in Vietnam or Orange exposure. Agent Orange made veterans and their Thailand, as MGUS is a condition with no symp- children ill, which has brought “pain and well as along the toms. It’s caused when an abnormal pro- suffering” to many people. Korean DMZ, to tein is present in the bloodstream. “Even though it’s been a half-century contact a VFW The report, Veterans and Agent Orange: since they were exposed, the results of service offi cer to discuss whether they Update 11 (2018), links Agent Orange that exposure is something they continue are eligible to fi le a VA claim for Agent exposure to hypertension and MGUS. The to live with daily,” Lawrence said. Orange exposure. Visit www.vfw.org/nvs fi nding about hypertension is an upgrade Lawrence also called on VA Secretary to fi nd a VFW service offi cer. from a 2014 report by the academy, and Robert Wilkie to “recognize the science” To view the current list of 14 presump- MGUS is considered a new condition in the academy’s report by adding the tive diseases connected to Agent Orange linked to the chemical’s exposure. two illnesses to the VA’s presumptive exposure, visit https://www.va.gov/ After the report was published, VFW list. Lawrence said action needs to be disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials- called on VA to add hypertension and taken, so veterans can receive assistance exposure/agent-orange/related-diseases/.

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.

8 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019

WASHINGTON WIRE, CONT. Net Worth for VA Update Needs-Based VFW Calls on VA to Benefits Fix Nursing Homes Increased VFW Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence and Brett Reistad, the national commander of the American Legion, demanded in November that VA give immediate attention to its nursing home program. About 70 percent of VA homes received failing grades by the department’s own rating system. Lawrence and Reistad called on VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to improve VA changed the way it calculates income tance. Those types of transfers might those ratings. The call came after for needs-based benefits in October. VA bar the veteran from receiving pension USA Today and The Boston Globe has new requirements for evaluating benefits until the assets are used for published articles about the failing a veteran’s net worth and assets when their living expenses. grades. Donovan Slack of USA Today determining his or her pension. VA now Veterans can transfer some funds and Andrea Estes of The Boston Globe identifies medical expenses that could be without penalty: documented poor quality of care at a deducted from the veteran’s net worth • Special needs trusts for the ben- VA nursing home in Brockton, Mass. when determining eligibility for VA’s efit of helpless children (adoles- Of the 132 VA nursing homes: needs-based benefits programs. cent and adult). • 45 received one star, the lowest VA claims the newly enforced amend- • Trusts where the veteran retains rating available. ments help “ensure the integrity” of VA’s control over the funds. • 47 received two stars. needs-based benefits programs. VA added VA’s final rule also states that veter- • 16 received three stars. that the rule change will help its employ- ans can reverse the transfer or buy back • 15 received four stars. ees offer vets more consistent decisions the asset in order to avoid a penalty. • Nine received five stars, the when determining claims for items such Some of the changes that went into highest rating. as pensions and parents’ dependency and effect on Oct. 18, 2018, allow veterans to: Both commanders said that the indemnity compensation. • Increase their net worth amount 46,000 veterans who reside in VA In September, VA published a final to qualify for a pension. nursing homes must not be forgotten. rule in the Federal Register that will • Deduct medical expenses for “These veterans earned the right establish a three-year “look-back” dementia care and third-party to receive high quality care in a fully- period when determining eligibility care providers. staffed and well-managed facility,” for income-based benefits, includ- For questions about VA benefits, Lawrence said. “Their families deserve ing pension with aid and attendance. visit https://www.vfw.org/ to know that their loved ones — their The three-year re-evaluation period assistance/va-claims-separation- heroes — are not being abandoned is intended to limit a veteran’s asset benefits to find a VFW-trained service or abused, and America needs to be transfers in order to qualify for assis- officer to assist you. reassured that the VA is honoring our nation’s promise to those who have borne the battle.” VA Rolls Out New Video Appointment App Lawrence also said VA “must improve” its delivery of quality care. Veterans enrolled in VA health care now can sched- “[VA] must recruit and retain only ule medical appointments through the new VA Video the best healthcare professionals Connect app. and support staff, and it must hold Instead of a standard in-person medical appointment, all employees accountable for their the new app provides a video connection for veterans actions or inactions,” Lawrence said. through a smartphone, computer or tablet. The app aims “It is not a right but a privilege to work to give direct access to health care. VA says Video Connect for America’s veterans, and anything has already helped “thousands” of veterans receive ser- less is unacceptable.” vices while reducing their travel and wait times.

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President George H.W. Bush waves to the crowd at VFW’s 91st National Convention in August 1990 in Baltimore. George Herbert Walker Bush 1924-2018

he 41st President of the of those veterans and families who are 20 years old, Bush was shot down dur- United States, George Herbert less fortunate than others.” ing raids on Chichi Jima, about 700 Walker Bush, died Nov. 30 at On his 18th birthday in 1942, Bush miles south of Tokyo. Of the nine men Tthe age of 94. To date, he is enlisted in the Navy and became a naval on that mission, Bush was the only sur- the last of eight presidents to hold the aviator. When he received his wings, vivor. He ditched his plane further from distinction of being a VFW member. he was the Navy’s youngest pilot. He the island than the others, who were not At the time of his death, Bush was a would go on to fly 58 combat missions able to swim ashore. life member of the Department of Texas. in WWII. The submarine USS Finback res- When he ran for president in 1988, he During one harrowing mission at cued Bush, who was awarded the was a member of VFW Post 4344 in Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery Houston, which later went defunct. in action. During his election bid for office as PRESIDENTS AND THE VFW Following the war, he held many the Republican presidential nominee, VFW has counted eight presidents positions that paved the way for his Bush saluted delegates at the 1988 VFW among its ranks, ranging from Theodore 1988 presidential run. From 1967 to National Convention in Chicago. Roosevelt, who joined in 1917 to George 1971, he served as a U.S. representative Just two years later, he appeared H.W. Bush, who left ofce in 1993. Here for Texas’ 7th District; from 1971 to as president at VFW’s 91st National they are in order of their years in ofce: 1972, he was ambassador to the United Convention in Baltimore. Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909 Nations; 1976-77, he was CIA director; On the occasion of VFW’s 100th anni- Harry S. Truman 1945-1953 and he served two terms as vice presi- versary, Bush said: “The VFW has become Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953-1961 dent under Ronald Reagan, beginning part of the fabric of our nation. For many John F. Kennedy 1961-1963 in 1981. years now, I’ve been inspired by the motto Always proud of his VFW member- Lyndon B. Johnson 1963-1969 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars — ‘Honor ship, Bush once said: “By support- Richard M. Nixon 1969-1974 the Dead by Helping the Living.’ I con- ing this nation’s veterans, VFW has Gerald R. Ford 1974-1977 gratulate all of you for the work you’ve enriched America.” J George H.W. Bush 1989-1993 done to enhance the lives and well-being EMAIL [email protected]

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Listed below are VFW’s offi cial positi ons on issues impacti ng veterans, service members and their families, as well as nati onal defense and homeland security. They are based on nati onal conventi on resoluti ons and rated as prioriti es by direct feedback from VFW members. BUDGET EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND TRANSITION To fully fund veterans and defense programs, Congress must: ASSISTANCE • Reform the dysfuncti onal federal budget process and end To ensure veterans succeed aft er leaving military service, they must sequestrati on. have access to: • Authorize VA to receive reimbursements from TRICARE and • High-quality and sustainable educati on benefi ts. Medicare. • Strong employment and training programs. • Ensure the POW/MIA Accounti ng mission is fully funded. • Vocati onal Rehabilitati on and Employment services throughout • Never reduce one veteran’s benefi ts to pay for another. their lifeti me. • Small business development opportuniti es. HEALTH CARE • Civilian credenti als or academic credit for military training that To ensure service members and veterans receive ti mely access to transfers to the private sector. high-quality health care without increasing cost shares, Congress, • Hiring preferences in the civil service and with large government VA and DOD must: contractors. • Properly implement the VA MISSION Act of 2018. • Nati onal veterans treatment court advocates. • Reduce the number of troops and veterans who die by suicide. • Educati on and training in new and expanding career fi elds. • Preserve the integrity of TRICARE. • Timely and improved transiti on assistance including access to • Modernize VA and DOD health IT systems. programs for veterans aft er they leave military service. • Strengthen health care and research for mental health and trau- • Aff ordable housing and wraparound services to avoid homelessness. mati c brain injuries (TBI). • Equitable educati on benefi ts for dependents regardless of where • Expand gender-specifi c programs and competencies. they live. • Research and eff ecti vely treat health conditi ons associated with • Improved character-of-discharge review and appeals procedures. toxic exposures. • Prevent the increase of pharmaceuti cal copayments and remove MILITARY QUALITY OF LIFE copayment requirements for preventi ve medicines. To maintain a quality, comprehensive benefi ts and reti rement pack- • Research the effi cacy of medical cannabis. age that is the backbone for an all-volunteer force, Congress and • Expand telehealth services. DOD must: • Make nursing home eligibility part of the VA health care benefi ts • Increase military base pay comparability with private-sector wages. package. • Protect and improve on-base quality-of-life programs. • Keep community care reimbursement rates competi ti ve with • Ensure that military housing is safe and free of toxic substances. private health insurance. • End the military reti rement pay and VA disability compensati on off set. DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS • Eliminate the Survivor Benefi t Plan/Dependency and Indemnity To ensure veterans and their dependents have ti mely access to Compensati on off set. earned benefi ts, Congress and VA must: • Increase the government’s Thrift Savings lP an contributi on. • Properly implement the modernized appeals process. • Eliminate sexual assaults in the military. • Consider treatment of presumpti ve conditi ons as a claim for dis- • Establish the Armed Forces University. ability compensati on. • Improve stability and support for military families. • Establish presumpti ve disability compensati on benefi ts for hearing loss, ti nnitus, TBI, and for health conditi ons associated with NATIONAL SECURITY, FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND POW/MIA toxic exposures. To fully support U.S. troops and their mission to fi ght the war on • Increase burial allowances to account for infl ati on and include terrorism and protect our nati on’s citi zens and interests around the spouses’ informati on on all headstones. world, Congress, DOD and DHS must: • Authorize more than one adapti ve automoti ve grant for disabled • Expand partnerships with host nati ons and private/public organi- veterans. zati ons to achieve the fullest possible accounti ng of U.S. military • Reform the Gulf War Illness Disability Benefi ts Questi onnaire. personnel missing from all wars. • Transfer the control of the Mare Island Naval Cemetery to NCA. • Secure America’s borders. • Update regulati ons and laws governing claims to account for • Preserve the all-volunteer force. digital claims processing. • Maintain a substanti al military presence in the Republic of Korea. • Expand VA warti me benefi ts to early Vietnam veterans.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS’ STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER AIDS OR ASSISTS VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS THROUGH THEIR COLLEGE EDUCATION. VETERANS RECEIVING THE HELP SAY SVA IS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR THEIR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL.

BY DAVE SPIVA

16 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 PHOTO BY SUSAN MCSPADDEN

ver the past few years, groups of college students across the country have made it their mis- Osion to provide military-affiliated students with the advocacy and resources needed for a successful college education and post-graduation careers. The University of Kansas (KU) Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, located in Lawrence, Kan., is one example. SVA chapters nationwide advocate for improvements to student-vet benefits while helping vets attending their specific college navigate the complexities of academic life. “SVA isn’t like any other college organization,” 2018-19 KU SVA President Omar Williams said. “We are not a fra- ternity or a sorority. We are very professional. We have the ability to network with people across the country that we otherwise might not be able to meet and have the opportunities that other student organizations don’t have available.” According to SVA, its 1,583 chapters at campuses nationwide advocate for more than 700,000 military-affiliated students. VFW and SVA have been official partners since signing a memorandum- of-understanding in 2013. The two groups attend each other’s annual conventions, and VFW selects 10 SVA members annually to participate in a fellowship program. Williams added that he is always trying to show student veterans and military-affiliated students the “value” SVA can have. He said this includes offering roles as leaders, advocates for veterans policy and the social members of various college organizations. ADVOCACY FOR VETERANS Williams, 25, was born in Arkansas and raised in Wichita, Kan. He enlisted in the Navy in 2012 after high school and became a corpsman. He served in the emergency room at Naval Hospital University of Kansas Student Veterans of America Chapter Vice President of Media Kylie Coffelt, Jacksonville in Florida for two years, USS America Vice President of Finance Mike Ellis and President then finished aboard the Omar Williams hang out on campus in front of in San Diego. He was discharged from the Campanile, a WWII memorial, in November in active-duty in July 2017, but before get- Lawrence, Kan. SVA chapters across the country ting out, he applied to KU to start attend- advocate for improvements to benefits for the more ing in the 2017 fall semester. than 700,000 student veterans on its campuses. “Initially, I was in pre-nursing — as a corpsman, it just made sense,” Williams

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 17 Alex Hinesly, University of Kansas Student Veterans of America secretary, and Vice President 2009 and the Afghanistan War in 2011. of Media Kylie Coffelt enjoy each other’s company in November in front of Strong Hall at the “I’m now in more of an advisory role University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. SVA boasts 1,583 chapters on campuses throughout with KU’s SVA,” said Cadwallader, who the country that help military-affiliated students with college life. was president in 2016-17. “I try to answer any questions that any members might have about the past few years SVA has PHOTO BY SUSAN MCSPADDEN SUSAN BY PHOTO been around.” Currently attending KU for a Master of Business Administration, Cadwallader said that being in the military gave him the “discipline” to attend college. “I never in my life thought I would go to college,” Cadwallader said. “I now see how valuable and important an education is.” SVA: NOT JUST FOR VETERANS SVA does not just serve student veterans but all military-affiliated students. This includes students who are members of the military — active-duty, reserves or National Guard — as well as students in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and PARTNERSHIP AMONG VETERANS said. “But, prior to joining the service, I students who are spouses or dependents wanted to be an attorney. So that’s what of military members and retirees. VFW and the Student Veterans of America I’m working toward.” One dependent involved in KU SVA is (SVA) established a formal partnership in Williams is now an English major and Brandon Decker, 20, who is attending KU 2013. The partnership has given student vet- said he wanted to work on his writing for degrees in political science and philos- erans the opportunity to promote causes skills before heading to law school. ophy. Decker is the son of two retired Navy important to veterans. “In the military, I learned punctuality, chief petty officers. meeting deadlines and professionalism,” “I’m involved with SVA because it advo- Former VFW Commander-in-Chief Jim Nier, Williams said. “I absolutely learned how to cates for veterans and for veterans’ rights who was serving as VFW’s director of student be a professional in the military, and that on campus,” Decker said. “When I advo- veteran outreach at the time, said “there is trickled over into my academics.” cate for veterans, it’s as if I’m advocating a high degree of synergy” between the two Williams has been married for four years for people like my parents. It doesn’t ben- groups. He explained that they have similar and has a 3-year-old daughter. But having a efit me, but it benefits people like my par- missions and can help each other. wife and child at home, as well as attending ents who served in the military.” school full-time, has not stopped Williams Decker currently is KU SVA’s student VFW offers its experience, expertise and from being heavily involved in SVA. senate representative. His role with SVA knowledge it has gained over its 119-year his- He said he has been involved with is to give the organization information on tory. SVA members have the youthful energy KU’s chapter since he started attending what other groups, as well as KU, are doing and zeal college-age veterans possess, while the university, which is one of the top on campus. offering VFW a pool of degreed members who military-friendly schools in the country. Another student, Kylie Coffelt, helps can lead the organization into the future. The University of Kansas was among the with KU SVA’s social media presence. top five for the second year in a row. Coffelt, 19, is the daughter of a retired One initiative of the two groups, the VFW- “I started really getting involved after Navy chief petty officer. She is KU SVA’s SVA Legislative Fellow program, gives stu- I went to the SVA National Conference,” vice president of media and is studying dent veterans the opportunity to advocate Williams said. unified early childhood education. with VFW on issues facing student veter- He added that the conference, which “I was asked to join because they need- ans. Fellows meet lawmakers responsible for took place in San Antonio in January ed help with their social media pages,” implementing veterans’ policy on Capitol Hill. 2018, was “inspirational” and that he was Coffelt said. “I’m here to help with SVA’s stunned by all the advocacy work SVA does mission, and to help get events going and Are you a student veteran interested in for veterans. (See sidebar, “Partnership to spread the word about them.” the fellowship? Among Veterans.”) Coffelt and Decker said they enjoy being Williams also said he receives advice around SVA students because veterans For more details, visit https://studentveter from past KU SVA presidents, such as typically take school seriously. ans.org/programs/vfw-sva-legislative-fel J.R. Cadwallader, a member of the VFW “It’s motivating to see someone like lowship. Department of Kansas and Marine Corps Omar, who has a family, getting their veteran who served in the Iraq War in school work done on top of being a

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DuraLux II Microﬁ ber Burgundy Cashmere Fern Chocolate Indigo to prevent back and muscle pain. 46488 safely on your feet! © 2018 ﬁ rst STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. PHOTO BY SUSAN MCSPADDEN “I wouldn’t be where I am today without [the Forever GI Bill], and VFW and other organizations are the reason for it.”

Omar Williams Navy veteran and KU SVA President

Omar Williams, University of Kansas Student Veterans of America president and English major, studies for an exam in November at the Watson Library on campus in Lawrence, Kan. Williams, a former Navy corpsman, said he got involved with SVA aft er attending its national conference last year. PHOTO BY KYLIE COFFELT/KU SVA parent,” Decker said. “When I see that, Since implementation of the Post-9/11 it makes me think, ‘Why can’t I get my GI Bill, which VFW helped write, and now work done, too?’” the Forever GI Bill, which VFW helped Coffelt added that since a lot of the pass, campuses and organizations have SVA members are older and have been in opened military-affi liated student centers school longer, they help her fi nd resources nationwide. At the University of Kansas, for her own needs. She said she does the the Lt. Gen. Jones Student Center opened same for newer student veterans. in March 2017 thanks to fundraising efforts Williams said he believes KU SVA takes by KU SVA. advantage of having nonveteran students The center helps military-affi liated stu- participate in the organization. dents at KU fi nd campus resources and “They just bring a completely different obtain VA education benefi ts. The center perspective to the table,” Williams said. also aims to help students transition from “Having members who are a little more the military to school and from school to involved with the younger college students post-graduation careers. and organizations helps us get the word Williams said he would not be the stu- out about our program and our activities.” dent he is today without the experience he gained from his fi ve years as a sailor, and AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER that he wouldn’t be in school without the In November, KU SVA hosted the KU GI Bill. Vets Day 5K in Lawrence. The event “It’s amazing to know that all these Soldiers from the Lawrence, Kan., Army aims to raise funds for student veterans resources are here and all these people recruiting station hand out medals to runners on campus. A record 451 participants are fi ghting for you, so we can have things who completed the KU Vets Day 5K on Veterans registered in the 2018 run and walk. such as the Forever GI Bill,” Williams said. Day. The event’s proceeds go toward the Proceeds from the event went toward “I wouldn’t be where I am today without University of Kansas Student Veterans of supporting KU SVA, the school’s veterans that legislation, and VFW and other orga- America Chapter and veterans organizations alumni network and KU’s Lt. Gen. William nizations are the reason for it.” ✪ on campus. The Veterans Day event hosted 451 K. Jones Military-Affi liated Student Center. EMAIL [email protected] participants, the most ever for the run and walk.

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Four soldiers parti cipated in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program and represented the nati on at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

BY KARI WILLIAMS

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22 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 PHOTOS BY MAJ. NATHANIEL GARCIA/U.S. NATIONAL GUARD

Matthew Mortensen has served with the 1156th Engineering Co., as an interior electrician since February 2010. As a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete lympic-level athletes have “Just those moments of, ‘I might be an Program, he also has represented the opportunity to serve Olympic medalist’… that defi nitely has the United States in two Winter their country while con- an impact on me.” Olympic Games. Otinuing to advance their Mortensen trained and competed dreams. Four New York National with the WCAP through October 2018, Guard members did just that — with but his luge career began in childhood. all of them earning spots in last year’s He joined WCAP because it provided Winter Olympics. “fi nancial stability” and an opportunity Sergeants Emily Sweeney, to focus on luge. Matthew Mortensen, Justin Olsen The military, according to Mortensen, and Nick Cunningham compet- allowed him to dedicate time to his ed in PyeongChang, South Korea, in sport, be a soldier and move life forward February 2018 as part of their service “in a positive way.” He earned a business with the National Guard’s World Class communication degree in November Athlete Program (WCAP). 2017 from DeVry University and plans In the program, soldier-athletes com- to focus on transitioning into the pete and train at the international level business world. and “keep current with Army requirements, attend military schools and stay NICK CUNNINGHAM,BOBSLED competitive with their uniformed Nick Cunningham counterparts,” according to the WCAP served as a con- website. struction masonry engineer alongside MATTHEW MORTENSEN, LUGE Mortensen with Matthew Mortensen has served with the New York the 1156th Engineering Co., out of National Guard’s Kingston, N.Y., as an interior elec- 1156th Engineering trician since February 2010 and Co., from 2011 to June 2018. represented the Army in two Winter Cunningham joined the National Olympic Games. Guard after his fi rst appearance in the “Not a lot of athletes can say they 2010 Winter Olympics. were representing their country not “I knew the way I was going to be only as an athlete but as a soldier able to attempt to do the next cou- as well,” Mortensen said. “I think it ple of Olympic runs was to join the brings a bit of responsibility … You are military and get that backing,” said an extension of them.” Cunningham, who had a childhood Mortensen’s final Olympic ven- goal of being an Olympian. ture was in South Korea in 2018, Joining the Guard and the WCAP after which he retired from had a “huge” infl uence on his training. competition. The day prior to opening “The greatest thing they afford ceremonies, doctors discovered two us is the ability to rest and recover,” bulging discs in his back. Cunningham said. “We’re pretty much “I had zero to little spinal fluid put on orders to train and compete and left in the lower portion of my back,” win medals for our country and serve Mortensen said. our country.” Through it all, his most memora- Representing the Army was ble moment was from the 2018 Winter “unique” for Cunningham because of Olympics, with his parents in atten- his prior Olympic experience. But he dance and able to see him nearly medal. felt the “same sense of pride” putting “Jayson [Terdiman] and I were able on his military uniform as he did com- to come through and put the team back peting in Vancouver, Canada, in 2010. ahead. [It was by] the closest of mar- “It’s not about me anymore,” said gins that we were able to get the lead Cunningham, a native of Monterey, back for our team,” Mortensen said. Calif. “It’s about what this represents.”

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 23 His bobsledding career began 10 years “I was the first person ago, in what began as a joke with his since my grandfathers in parents. A track athlete throughout my family on either side college in California, Cunningham to join a branch of ser- said his parents once joked after vice,” Sweeney said. a track meet that the road looked Becoming a soldier like a bobsled track. Then, as a has added a “little more “graduation gift” to himself, he flew to weight” to the notion of Lake Placid, N.Y., and tried out for the representing the U.S. in national bobsled team. competition, she said. “I came out to the tryout, and 18 “I’ve kind of grown months later, [I was at my] first Olympic up with USA on my trials,” Cunningham said. back because we start so young in our sport,” Justin Olsen is an Olympic gold medalist who also serves his country EMILY SWEENEY, LUGE Sweeney said. “I started through the Army’s World Class Athlete Program. The former Emily Sweeney was competing international- football player has served since 2011, while competing in bobsled. 7 years old when ly at 14. When [I became] she saw her sister, a part of the National Guard and the Army, gold made Olsen feel “rejuvenated,” he said. Megan, begin a luge that kind of brings it to a new level.” “I felt like I had another purpose,” career. Three years But still, there are no words to describe Olsen explained. “I was competing not later, Emily started what representing the Army means to her. just for my country, but for all those people competing herself, “I’m a very proud American, love the [who] I met face-to-face during basic with sights set on values of our country and I love the oppor- [training] and AIT [Advanced Individual the Olympics. tunity that I have to hopefully be a good Training]. And I was just representing Sweeney began her Army National ambassador for that,” Sweeney said. “I take more than what I was previously.” Guard career with the 206th MP that seriously. I don’t take that lightly.” At the 2018 Winter Games, Olsen had Company and transferred to Joint-Force Currently, Sweeney is “working surgery after suffering abdominal pains. Headquarters in Latham, N.Y., in 2016. She back” from an injury she suffered while Some 12 hours after surgery — and three joined the WCAP in 2011, after her coach, competing in PyeongChang. days before the opening ceremonies — Bill Tavares, introduced her to the pro- Olsen sent a message to his team that he gram, and currently is on active-duty, fully JUSTIN OLSEN, BOBSLED would be out for a “couple” days. assigned to WCAP. Justin Olsen served with Joint-Force “The responses I got from them, along “He was one of their first athletes,” Headquarters as a with our staff and my loved ones, were Sweeney said. “He was very well-versed human resources really inspiring,” Olsen said. “Because in the program. I had seen him around specialist in Latham, nobody questioned whether or not [I] and had known vaguely what WCAP N.Y., and has a gold could do it. They didn’t give up on me, was and how you could couple sport medal to his name and I didn’t give up on myself.” with service, but I didn’t truly know until from the 2010 Winter The team ultimately placed 14th in the I had a conversation with him about it Olympics. He now is two-man competition and 20th in the one day.” stationed in Fort Carson, Colo. It wasn’t four-man race. A former football player, Sweeney said her parents were “pretty until 2011 that he joined WCAP. Olsen dis- Olsen said he was drawn to the competi- shocked” when she told them about join- covered the program through Mike Kohn, tion and adrenaline rush of bobsled. ing the National Guard. a former roommate and now coach. “I just knew in the summer of ’08, I was “I noticed his uni- going to train as hard as I could,” Olsen form in his closet, and said. “[I would] give it my best effort, and immediately start- it turned out, the outcome was pretty ed asking a bunch good. Here we are 10 years later.” of questions,” Olsen Olsen said he still is competing said. “I have a and anticipated completing his tech- tremendous amount nical management degree from DeVry of respect for those University in December. He also [who] serve.” hopes to become a commissioned officer Attending basic in the Army. J training after winning EMAIL [email protected]

Emily Sweeney is an active-duty member of the World Class Athlete Program. She joined the Army National Guard in 2011 and first was assigned to the 206th MP Company. She has competed in luge since childhood.

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After a 32-year Army career, this retiree hiked 800 miles across Arizona last year. The months-long venture helped him transition to the civilian world.

BY KARI WILLIAMS VFW member Mike Buckley stops at Mount Lemmon along the Arizona Trail Hike that he participated in last year. Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of more than 9,000 feet. The hike is part of a program offered by Warrior Expeditions, a veteran-owned nonproﬁ t that provides hiking, boating and paddling ‘THE SOLITUDE WAS WONDERFUL’excursions for veterans.

ike Buckley served 32 years benefi ts of immersing oneself in nature. in the Army, complete with A 2015 study conducted by Shauna six deployments and three Joye and Zachary Dietrich of Georgia Mcombat tours. He watched Southern University investigated how men die in Afghanistan and Iraq. Four of “long-distance hiking and paddling” his friends committed suicide. affected the mental health of 31 veterans. Through it all, Buckley refused to “Our wilderness therapy program Warrior Expediti ons Open to take medication to manage what he had showed promise as a way for veterans Veterans of All Abiliti es witnessed. Instead, he turned to nature. to address issues related to experiencing “Sometimes it seems like things are traumatic events while deployed,” Joye Warrior Expediti ons began in 2013, initi ally kind of a swirl… [In the desert], there’s and Dietrich concluded. “We found o ff ering a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Founder and VFW life member Sean Gobin no swirl out there,” said Buckley, who significant decreases in general anxi- said he was “immediately inundated” with hiked from March 28 to May 22 last ety, anxiety related to fear or uneasi- requests to parti cipate from both veterans year on the Arizona Trail — traversing ness when in new places and around and people interested in having the program 800 miles across the state — in a ven- crowds and feelings of wariness or self- on their trails. ture organized by the veteran-owned consciousness around others.” That led to Gobin, who belongs to VFW Post nonprofi t Warrior Expeditions. University of Michigan professors 1827 in Charlott esville, Va., expanding the VFW life member Sean Gobin founded Jason Duvall and Rachel Kaplan studied trail off erings in 2014. Vets now can choose Warrior Expeditions in 2013 after he in 2013 the benefi ts of such experiences from eight hiking trails. The following year, spent four-and-a-half months hiking the among veterans and also found it benefi - Warrior Expediti ons added the Warrior Bike Appalachian Trail immediately following cial. They found that participants “were and Warrior Paddle opti ons to “support adapti v e expediti ons.” his 2012 departure from the Marine Corps. much more likely to report signifi cant “I realized the signifi cant therapeutic improvements” in psychological well- All off erings take roughly three to six months effect of spending all that time hiking being, social functioning and life outlook to complete, and Warrior Expediti ons pro- in nature,” said Gobin, who served one week after the program.” vides all the necessary equipment and cloth- in Iraq (2003, 2005) and Afghanistan “In many cases, these improvements ing. Gobin said Warrior Expediti ons connects veterans with “communiti es along the way” to (2011) as an armor offi cer with the 2nd were substantial, with the magnitude help them complete the journey. Tank Battalion. of change often 1.5 times that of par- It wasn’t until after his first-hand ticipants’ reporting less serious health Roughly 200 veterans have parti cipated in the experience that Gobin began looking issues,” Duvall and Kaplan stated. program since 2013. into research and background on the The professors did note that a small

26 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 VFW member Mike Buckley takes a break from PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE BUCKLEY the Arizona Trail Hike to rest at Manning Camp in Saguaro National Park. Buckley’s two-month-long trek covered 800 miles over six mountain ranges. sample size — 73 veterans participated in events during the study, but only 31 provided follow-up responses — does not clearly indicate if the improvements are sustainable. “However, the findings with respect to the reduction in perceived stress and negative affect, as well as the increases in feelings of tranquility and social functioning, suggest such benefits might persist and even continue to increase for several weeks after the intervention,” Duvall and Kaplan stated. CONFRONTING A STIGMA As of Aug. 1, Buckley had been retired for into it, was wonderful,” Buckley said. Being surrounded by fellow veterans one year, and he said it had been a diffi- Buckley’s experience also supports who can relate to what each other has cult “year.” other research from Joye, Dietrich and gone through — or is going through — is “It was harder than I thought it’d be… Joseph Amos Garcia, which specifical- “really beneficial,” according to Gobin. [You’re] transitioning to a culture you, ly looks at Warrior Expeditions partici- Group sizes range anywhere from two to frankly, don’t fit into,” he said. pants and was published in 2015 in the 10, depending on the type of trail. Buckley said he started having panic Journal of Experiential Education. “Since you’re spending so much time attacks in 2010, after leaving Iraq. But “The isolation of the trail gave time for on the trails, it’s like a deployment,” Afghanistan, he said, was worse. respondents to contemplate what they Gobin said. “[The people you’re with] “It was the culmination of the whole wanted and needed for their future well- become as close as family.” year,” said Buckley, an at-large member being,” Joye, et al. wrote. “Although their Community support throughout the with VFW’s Department of New York. goals were vastly different, all respon- journey also “re-establishes the basic Buckley said there is a “huge stigma” dents made decisions to improve their faith in humanity that veterans tend in asking for help, and people in his situ- lives and were confident that they would to lose” after experiencing a combat ation “don’t want to be weak.” follow through with their decisions.” deployment, Gobin said. “You don’t want to become that angry “[Veterans] tend to have a really cyn- vet that everybody whispers about,” BECOMING ONE WITH NATURE ical view of people and society and Buckley said. “I was starting to become But for Buckley, his most vivid mem- humanity,” Gobin said. “[The expedition] that guy.” ory was the “absolute primitive” auster- breaks that cycle of isolation and helps The Army veteran became aware of ity and beauty of the trail itself. The first reconnect veterans to communities.” Warrior Expeditions through Facebook 500 miles, according to Buckley, consist- Social interaction was a key component and sent his information in for considered of six different mountain ranges. of the experience, Joye and Dietrich found. ation. Though he initially wasn’t select- “It is truly astounding,” Buckley said. “Not only did respondents mention ed, an opportunity later arose to hike What brought Buckley peace from the their relationship with their fellow war- the 800-mile trail across Arizona. hike was the calmness and breathtaking rior hike hikers, but they also mentioned Buckley said he wanted to participate moments he experienced — like when he the friendship and bonding they expe- on the hike because he knew it was an walked up on a desert fox that just looked rienced with strangers along the trail,” “alternative” treatment. at him, then went back to its own business. Joye, Garcia and Dietrich wrote. “I don’t want to be addicted to the Gobin said there are three ele- A friend told Buckley the trail does not pharmaceutical industry,” Buckley said. ments related to the programs Warrior give people what they want, but what “[They] treat a symptom, they don’t pro- Expeditions offers — a chance to separate they need. vide treatment to the underlying cause.” themselves from their service, camaraderie And for him, that rang true. The biggest challenge during the hike, of other veterans and community support. “The emotion thing kind of rolls on according to Buckley, wasn’t the soli- “First is just having eight hours a day you,” Buckley said. “It happened to me tude, but, rather, swollen ankles and of hiking, biking or paddling for months multiple times. It becomes very raw.” the Arizona heat. The trail provides two on end in nature,” Gobin said. “It gives For more information, visit https:// choices, he said — “move forward or quit.” our vets time and space to decompress warriorexpeditions.org. J “The solitude, truthfully, once I locked from their wartime experiences.” EMAIL [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 27 U.S. ARMY PHOTO

YONGSAN GARRISON: A PLACE OF SHARED HISTORIES

Washington and Seoul have been negotiating the relocation of U.S. troops in South Korea for 15 years. The closing of one of the most iconic U.S. bases in Korea will take place in 2019. BY JUSTIN MALZAC

eorge Breen was a Spec. 4 Yongsan Garrison has long been the focal Perhaps it was inevitable that the United when he met the woman he point of the U.S. military presence in States would follow the historical pattern. would call “Marie” a few days Korea. But even before the U.S. took over Yongsan has been the headquarters of U.S. Gafter arriving in Korea in 1958. the space in 1945, Yongsan had been a Forces in Korea (USFK) since 1953. But all Assigned to the Army’s 570th Ordnance historical area associated with the pres- of that is changing. Company, he arrived in July of that year ence of foreign military forces in Korea. aboard the USS James O’Hara and was MOVING TO CAMP HUMPHREYS assigned as a wheeled-vehicle mechan- ‘DRAGON MOUNTAIN’ In 2004, the U.S. and Korean govern- ic for the company. Breen was based at Part of the appeal of the location was cer- ments laid out plans to transfer all U.S. the U.S. Army’s Yongsan Garrison, locat- tainly the strategy of holding the high military forces south of Seoul. The move ed in central Seoul on the north bank of ground. In the Korean language, Yongsan was supposed to have been completed by the Han River. means “dragon mountain.” Another 2008 but is still ongoing. Deadlines have Breen’s friend’s real name is Han important geographic factor was its loca- been repeatedly missed for a variety of Soon-Ah, and he is still searching for her. tion outside the stone walls of ancient reasons, such as disagreements over when During Breen’s time at Yongsan, Marie Seoul, the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. operational control will be turned over to and her two younger siblings lived nearby This allowed the King of the Hermit the Koreans and how much each coun- in a simple house with no indoor plumb- Kingdom to keep foreigners at bay. try should pay for the move. Other issues, ing and only one light bulb. That bulb Historian Harold E. Raugh has suggest- such as outright inefficiency and corrup- went dead when the Korean government ed that Yongsan was used as a logistics tion, have plagued the negotiations. turned off the electricity every night at 10 base by the Mongolian army in the 13th As of October 2018, around half of p.m. Marie’s parents had both been killed century, as well as by the Japanese during the garrison had successfully moved the during the Korean War. their failed invasions at the end of the 16th 50 miles south to Camp Humphreys. A Breen provided them candles for the century. When droughts and public anger former one-strip airfield, Camp dark nights and joined them for break- led to riots and the burning of the Japanese Humphreys has grown to become fast every Sunday. Even after departing legation in 1882, Ming China responded by America’s largest overseas military base. from Korea in July 1959, Breen stayed in deploying around 4,500 troops to Seoul, The population at Yongsan dropped touch, sending letters and money back to stationing them in the Yongsan area. from more than 22,000 in 2017 to 12,000 Marie. The two shared letters for seven This, of course, was one of the in the summer of 2018. Some think that years, as Breen tried to find a way for catalysts for the First Sino-Japanese tally will drop as low as 8,000 this year. Marie to come to the United States. His War. After Japan began the process of The major speed bump has been the efforts proved fruitless. colonizing Korea in the early 1900s, transfer of the main USFK hospital to a This exchange between local Koreans Yongsan was quickly selected as the loca- new facility at Humphreys, which now and foreign visitors was nothing new. tion for its headquarters. won’t be ready until the end of 2019.

28 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEORGE BREEN LEFT: Yongsan Garrison sits on high ground in central Seoul, South Korea. The prominent site has been used as a military base since the 13th century, and after the U.S. military returns it to South Korea this year, most of it will become a city park.

TOP RIGHT: George Breen, “Marie” and a fellow soldier of the 570th Ordnance Company pose for a photo in 1958 at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, South Korea. Breen has been trying to reconnect with Marie since he left Korea in 1959.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Spec 4. George Breen, a mechanic with the Army’s 570th Ordnance Company, takes a break from his duties at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, South Korea, in 1958. After more than 15 years of negotiations and delays, the garrison, which has housed U.S. troops since the Korean War, will be handed over to the South Koreans this year.

After the move is complete, the only want to risk los- American officials to remain in Seoul will ing that historical be U.S. embassy staff. They will occupy legacy. He started a new compound at the northern edge “Yongsan Legacy” of Yongsan Garrison, formerly called in 2013, aiming to Camp Coiner. Meanwhile, members of capture the per- the Combined Forces Command staff sonal memories, will move to the compound of the Korean stories and life Ministry of National Defense, outside the experiences of GIs garrison walls. and civilians who Roughly 90 percent of the land being served and lived on handed over to Seoul is expected to be Yongsan Garrison. turned into a central park, designed Oh believes by the Dutch landscape architectural the magnitude of firm West 8, which has developed proj- Yongsan Garrison’s ects in London, Moscow, New York, influence on the Amsterdam, Shanghai and several other development of major cities. It is a mark of Seoul’s drive modern South to be a modern global icon, a goal that Korea was remark- cannot be accomplished as long as for- able and deserves eign troops remain in the city. to be recognized. George Breen shared his story with From fashion to K-pop (South Korean Yongsan Legacy. It is the only reason we OFFER YOUR YONGSAN MEMORIES popular music), friendships to families, know about Marie and how much Breen History is all about change. The Yongsan Garrison offers a unique per- did for her family. American men and women who start spective in understanding Korea today But Yongsan Legacy is a crowd-sourced their first military tours in Korea in the that most fail to recognize and appreciate. project that relies on veterans sharing their coming years will face different circum- “Most people only see buildings built experiences of life at Yongsan Garrison. stances than previous generations. They in various periods, and this is a part of The Yongsan Legacy project needs will trade World War II-era barracks the memory,” Oh said. “But the build- the help of veterans who served in and offices for state-of-the-art buildings. ings and the places will only be empty Korea, to save an important part of They also will have to sacrifice a direct shells once USFK moves out of Yongsan history. The land will soon be returned to and intimate connection with their host Garrison. Our project is interested in the Koreans, but the legacy will always be nation for something more distant. archiving the ‘soft memories’ — human American, too. If you would like to share your And what will happen to the history stories and the interactions of people experiences at Yongsan Garrison, please visit and memories of that place when it is who spent time inside the base.” its website at YongsanLegacy.org. J inevitably reshaped, repaved and rede- The vision of Yongsan Legacy, as EMAIL [email protected] signed? Once the buildings and spaces Oh described it, “is to create a virtual are removed, the stories and memories memorial that will inspire people of all Justin Malzac is a 15-year Army veter- also might vanish. generations and remain relevant yet true an with service in Korea. He is a member Daniel Oh, a professor of architecture to the spirit of the place, the genius loci, of VFW Post 10223 in Camp Humphreys at Korea University in Seoul, doesn’t called Yongsan Garrison.” and a freelance writer.

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 29 PHOTO BY MIKE STRASSER, FORT DRUM GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC GARRISON DRUM FORT STRASSER, MIKE BY PHOTO

THE QUICK ACTING MEN OF Members of a quick-reaction force who fought one of ÒBLACK HAWK DOWNÓ the Army’s worst urban street battles in October 1993 gathered last fall for a special showing of a documentary about the mission. Here’s a first-person account of the BY A.A. FORRINGER harrowing ordeal they faced more than 25 years ago.

he Golden Dragons arrived in U.S. Embassy at the old University of three COHORT (Cohesion, Operational Somalia in July 1993. Officially Mogadishu compound on the city’s west- Readiness and Training) units from the known as the 2nd Bn., 14th ern outskirts. To this day, Golden Dragons 10th Mtn. Division’s U.S. base at Fort TInf. Regt., 10th Mtn. Div., they will sometimes refer to themselves as Drum, N.Y. The Army developed the were the lead element of a task force that “alumni” of the University of Mogadishu. COHORT program to promote strong earned fame in the 1999 book and 2001 The job of the Golden Dragons and the unit camaraderie. It kept soldiers togeth- movie “Black Hawk Down.” attached units was to find weapons caches, er through their basic and MOS training, The Golden Dragons were augment- provide security and assume responsibility as well as their first assigned unit. ed by soldiers from C Co., 41st Engineer as the U.S. quick reaction force (QRF). Bn.; 46th Fwd. Support Bn.; 2nd Bn., Early in their stay, they received BUILDING CLOSE TIES AT FORT DRUM 25th Avn. Regt.; and C Co., 1st Bn., 87th sporadic mortar attacks and sniper fire Spc. J.T. Cooper and Pfc. Jimmy Martin Inf., 10th Mtn. Div. Together, they led on the western side of the compound. of 2nd Plt., A Co., 2nd Bn., 14th Inf., were the Unified Task Force, a multinational But after they placed an automatic gre- two COHORT members who came to U.N. force conducting Operation Restore nade launcher on the roof and responded Fort Drum in September 1992. They had Hope, a humanitarian relief mission in promptly, there were no more incidents become close in basic training, and after the southern part of the country. on that side of the compound. Cooper’s younger brother drowned, his Once on the ground in Somalia, this A majority of the battalion’s junior fellow soldiers took up a collection so he group of soldiers was housed near the enlisted personnel were made up of could fly home.

ABOVE: Veterans of 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., 10th Mtn. Div., attend a special screening of “Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story,” on Oct. 4 at Fort Drum, N.Y. The screening was a part of the unit’s reunion marking the 25th anniversary of the Batte of Mogadishu in Somalia.

30 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 GOLDEN DRAGONS STORY TOLD IN NEW DOCUMENTARY

To record the story of the Golden Dragons

PHOTO BY MIKE STRASSER, FORT DRUM GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC GARRISON DRUM FORT STRASSER, MIKE BY PHOTO in Somalia, Vietnam War veteran Randall Larsen produced Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story. The hour-long documentary compiles interviews and first-hand accounts of the veterans of 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gerard Counts and retired Brig. Gen. Bill David, who as a lieutenant colonel and intersperses them with video shot dur- commanded 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., during the 1992-1993 deployment in Somalia, are introduced in ing their deployment and the battle. October after the screening of “Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story” at Fort Drum, N.Y. Both men are VFW life members — Counts at Post 11160 in Carksville, Tenn., and David at Post 3619 in Alexandria, La. Larsen debuted an advanced screening for the Golden Dragons on Oct. 4, 2018, at Fort They noticed that after Cooper prolonged and worsened the famine that Drum, N.Y., during events commemorating returned, he would go into the latrine was consuming Somalia at that time. The the 25th anniversary of the battle. to grieve, missing precious sleep to look U.N. had issued an arrest warrant for Aidid at a picture of his brother. During those after he planned a June 5, 1993, ambush The idea for such a film crystalized five times, Martin would come in and sit with that left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead. years earlier at the 20th anniversary event him. When Cooper would ask Martin at Fort Drum, home base of the Golden why he was there, Martin responded, “I ÔBLOOD ALL OVER HIMÕ Dragons (2nd Bn., 14th Inf., 10th Mtn. Div.). am not going to let you cry alone.” On Sept. 26, the QRF responded at the Lamenting that the world only knew of On Aug. 8, 1993, in Somalia, the QRF crash scene of a Black Hawk helicopter their efforts and sacrifice from a few short responded to the scene of an improvised shot down by an RPG, killing three lines uttered in the 2001 film “Black Hawk explosive device (IED) attack on an MP crewmembers. Three Golden Dragons Down,” retired 2/14 Command Sgt. Maj. Humvee that resulted in the deaths of received wounds on that mission. Gerard Counts, who is featured in the docu- four U.S. personnel. Sgt. 1st Class Domingo Ledesma, leader mentary, reassured the Golden Dragons in Just more than a month later, on Sept. of 3rd Squad, 41st Engineers, recalled 2013 that no matter what the world knew, 13, 2/14 had its first combat casualties. seeing Sgt. Christopher Reid of 3rd Pltn., they themselves knew what they had done After completing a raid of a suspected C Co., 2/14, receive his wounds. and the Rangers they saved knew what weapons cache, the unit received small- “He was lying there on the ground they had done. arms and rocket-propelled grenade with blood all over him as the medics (RPG) fire. Two soldiers were wounded. worked to keep him alive,” Ledesma said. For one Golden Dragon, the film gives his It was around this time that the task “The AT4 (anti-tank weapon) on his son, who was born two days before the bat- force requested that armored vehicles back got shot and exploded.” tle, insight into his father’s service. be deployed. Then-U.S. Secretary of On Sunday, Oct. 3, 1993, the QRF Defense Les Aspin, under President Bill received word that TF Ranger was “Now he will know it was not just some- Clinton, denied the request. going to conduct a raid at Mogadishu’s thing that happened to his father, but that TF Ranger arrived in Mogadishu Olympic Hotel to arrest two of Aidid’s I was part of this,” said Melvin Noble, a in August 1993. It consisted of Army top lieutenants. retired sergeant first class. “Now the world Rangers; Delta Force operators; pilots The raid began at approximate- will know of the events of Black Hawk and crew of the 160th Special Operations ly 3:40 p.m., with vehicles and aircraft Down from another point of view, that of Aviation Regiment; Air Force combat participating. The mission went relatively the Golden Dragons.” controllers and pararescuemen; and smoothly, but some 40 minutes later Navy SEALs. a call came over the radio that would The film is available at www.ValorousTV. Its purpose was to arrest Mohamed change everything for the Americans. com. Previews and more information can be Aidid, a Somali warlord who had been “Black Hawk down!,” was the message. found at www.randalllarsenpresents.com. disrupting U.N. food distributions and Soon after, other helicopters began stealing the provisions. Aidid’s actions taking heavy fire. Most Black Hawks

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 31 LEFT: Retired Air Force Col. Randall Larsen, producer and director of “Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story,” addresses the audience Oct. 4 at Fort Drum, N.Y., during a screening of the documentary. Nearly 40 veterans from 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., who fought in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu attended the event.

PHOTO BY MIKE STRASSER, FORT DRUM GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC GARRISON DRUM FORT STRASSER, MIKE BY PHOTO BOTTOM LEFT: Veterans of 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., sign promotional posters of the documentary, “Black Hawk Down: The Untold Story,” Oct. 4 at Fort Drum, N.Y ricades and intense small- covering fire from helicopters above. arms fire. When Martin’s APC made a wrong turn Sgt. 1st Class Dimitri and became separated from the con- Pavlov, who worked on 2/14’s voy, he got out with the other troops. S-2 (intelligence and securi- He then helped protect the vehicle ty) staff, accompanied the when its M-60 machine gun jammed. command group that night. “Martin came over as the assistant gun- Pavlov said he and Spc. Gary ner to lay down suppressive fire until the Holmes endured withering gun got back up,” said Spc. Gary Blanton, fire that held them up at the a medic with 2nd Pltn., A Co., 2/14. “I saw K-4 circle. Martin slump back against the steps and I “We were pinned down knew something was wrong.” behind a discarded refriger- Blanton tended to Martin until the bat-

PHOTO BY MIKE STRASSER, FORT DRUM GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLIC GARRISON DRUM FORT STRASSER, MIKE BY PHOTO ator that shielded us before talion surgeon told the medic to cease his the convoy withdrew back efforts. Cooper would not know about his to the airfield to regroup,” friend’s death until the next day. Pavlov said. In addition to Martin, the QRF also lost Sgt. Cornell Houston of the 41st HEROISM IN THE Engineers, who died of his wounds after FACE OF CHAOS being evacuated. Knowing that they would Sixteen soldiers from TF Ranger also need time at the crash lost their lives that day and a total of 73 site to find the dispersed soldiers were wounded. Rangers and recover the At the time it was judged to have been were able to safely make it back to the bodies of fallen comrades, U.S. com- the longest firefight the U.S. Army had airfield at Mogadishu International manders decided upon alternative trans- been involved in since Vietnam. Less Airport, but a second helicopter was shot portation back into the city. They ordered than 5 percent of 2/14 had seen com- down several blocks away from the first the QRF to load into a hastily thrown- bat before their deployment. The bat- near the Olympic Hotel. together caravan of Pakistani and talion earned the Meritorious Unit Commanders ordered the QRF to the Malaysian armored personnel carriers Commendation for their courageous and airfield, which was the Rangers’ head- (APCs) and chose a new route. extraordinary service that night. J quarters and one of the closest allied But this solution presented incredible EMAIL [email protected] bases to the crash site. The QRF, with challenges. The U.S. and foreign troops soldiers riding in open Humvees and spoke different languages and had not A.A. Forringer is a freelance writer 5-ton trucks, made an initial attempt previously interacted or trained together. based in Kissimmee, Fla. He served to reach the crash sites. But the Golden In addition, the Americans lacked any with 2nd Bn., 14th Inf., as an intelli- Dragons had to turn around at the K-4 familiarity with the foreign vehicles. gence analyst and listened to the Battle of traffic circle about a mile northeast of The mixed convoy worked its way Mogadishu from the Tactical Operations the airfield when they encountered bar- toward the downed Black Hawks with Center. Forringer is a VFW life member.

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© 2018 STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 83937 SERVING VETERANS FOR RECOVERING MONEY FOR 100 VETERANS ‘MEANS A LOT’ YEARS VFW IN WASHINGTON IN VFW or Reginald Sims, becoming of receiving what she was eligible for. a veterans service offi cer was Now, every time the woman sees Sims not something he planned. But in the community, he said, she makes a For six years, Reginald once he got started, it became point to talk to him. Sims has helped F his passion. One of the most common cases Sims veterans in his county Sims has been the accredited VFW assists with is “50/50 compensation,” in fi le VA claims. The VFW service officer at the Madison County addition to pension cases for widows. member says assisting Veterans Services in Jackson, Tenn., for “I do about 50 percent compensation, them and their families six years. He served in the 1991 Persian which requires me to look at the vet- is his life’s “passion.” Gulf War with the 10th Special Forces eran’s military service medical records Group as a canon crewmember; in and apply all issues for the veteran for Iraq and Afghanistan from June 2005 compensation benefi ts,” Sims said. to October 2006 with the 278th Field Sims and one other staffer handle at BY KARI WILLIAMS Artillery Battalion as a canon crewmem- least 500 cases annually. ber; and in Kuwait from January 2011 to For anyone looking to become a ser- February 2012 with the 278th as an auto- vice offi cer, Sims said they should make mated logistical specialist. sure it’s something they “really want to Sims, a life member of VFW Post 6496 do” and that they have a thick skin. in Jackson, Tenn., “It’s going to be challenging,” became a ser- Sims said. “Several times vets come vice officer after in and blame you for them not get- a VA assistant ting compensated, not know- commissioner in ing [that we only assist with filing Tennessee, whom claims, not granting compensation].” he knew from his By and large, the most challenging time in the service, part of the job, Sims said, is getting the suggested that he veteran into his offi ce to begin with. would be a good “It’s convincing veterans to come in fi t in that role. As because for so long they’ve had nega- Sims was retiring tive views of VA as far as service offi cers from the military, helping them,” Sims said. he chose to give The NVS staff in VFW’s Washington back to his com- Office is “willing to assist” with munity and “help any questions he might have, accord- fellow veterans” ing to Sims, and the accreditation and their families. classes NVS holds for its service offi cers “I ended up lov- are benefi cial. ing it,” Sims said. “[At the classes], I’m always learning “It became a big, something new that I can apply to a vet- strong passion.” eran’s case here, and it just helps me Reginald Sims, an accredited VFW service The most rewarding part of the job, he a lot,” Sims said. “We can always refer offi cer in Jackson, Tenn., helps a veteran explained, is when a veteran receives his to [what we learned] because we get to apply for benefi ts. Sims is a life member of or her compensation, regardless of the keep all the materials.” ✪ VFW Post 6496 in Jackson. amount. EMAIL [email protected] PHOTO COURTESY OF REGINALD SIMS “Even if it’s only 10 percent, it means a lot to someone just living off of social security Editor’s note: This is the fi rst in a series or just barely getting by,” Sims said. of feature articles on VFW’s accredited In one case in 2013, Sims assisted a veterans service offi cers. In 2019, VFW NEED HELP? widow whose husband was a World War is commemorating 100 years of veterans Find a VFW service offi cer II veteran and had been a prisoner of war. advocacy by its National Veterans Service at www.vfw.org She had not been receiving compensation, and National Legislative Service offi ces in and Sims helped her through the process Washington, D.C.

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Post 1498 in Clifton Park, N.Y., joined forces with longtime VFW magazine supporter Haband to provide winter clothing to veterans in New York.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

hose familiar with Albany, Meanwhile, at Haband headquarters in Brinkmoeller’s home for delivery to the N.Y., know how frigid the tem- Mahwah, then-CEO and president John Stratton VA. peratures can get in the win- DiFrancesco held an operational meeting October marked the fourth such deliv- Tter months, with an average where company leaders discussed how ery. Haband sent 648 clothing items to snowfall of 54 inches per year. For those Haband could support veterans. Brinkmoeller totaling more than $25,000 living on the streets of this capital city, “We wanted very much to contribute to for this delivery. Everything from coats winter can be deadly. something beyond the commercial,” said and parkas to sweaters and fl annel shirts That’s why VFW Post 1498 in Clifton DiFrancesco, who retired in 2016 after a were delivered to the Stratton VA. It took Park, N.Y., about 10 miles north of Albany, and clothing retailer Haband in Mahwah, N.J., some 33 miles north of New York “We get a tremendous amount of support from VFW City, have partnered to provide winter apparel to vets in need. and Auxiliary. Almost any day of any week, you will fi nd Post members have long been involved at the Stratton VA Medical Center in VFW members here. They are the reason we are able to Albany. On one visit a few years go, Post Commander David Brinkmoeller wit- do the service work we do.” nessed a man come in off the street in desperate search of a coat. Noney Grier, Stratton VA Medical Center Voluntary Service “I thought this is something that the government did for our veterans,” Brinkmoeller said. “Noney Grier with four-year tenure. “I’ve known Dave a very four SUVs to deliver the items. [VA’s] Voluntary Service told me that long time, and he told me what was need- Jim Keller, chief of VA’s Voluntary clothing and personal items are all donated. It was a good fi t with the kind of prod- Service at Stratton, said that last year ed from the community — there is no ucts we were able to give.” his department helped 5,917 veterans, funding for things like that.” The Post had raised about $1,200 issuing 31,991 items, including clothing, Brinkmoeller took this story back to to purchase clothing from Haband. In shoes, toiletries, snacks, meals and trans- his Post members, who decided to do exchange, pallets of clothing worth portation vouchers, as well as gift cards. something about it. “thousands of dollars” showed up at “This level of support for our veterans

36 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF POST 1498 Members of Post 1498 in Clifton Park, N.Y., donate more than $25,000 in clothing items to the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, N.Y., in October. This was the fourth such delivery made possible through the generosity of clothing retailer Haband, located in Mahwah, N.J. Incidentally, Haband is the longest-running advertiser in VFW magazine.

is only possible with the incredible support of our donors, especially organizations like VFW,” Keller said. “Over ÔITÕS VERY PERSONAL TO THEMÕ the past five years, VFW has contribut- DiFrancesco said the Haband and VFW ed more than $145,000 in monetary and endeavor is “employee” driven. material donations — $71,000 of that “I didn’t dictate that we do this,” he said. originated from Post 1498. The VFW “These are just really great people who Auxiliary contributed more than $79,000 work at Haband. They embraced this proj- during the same period.” ect because it’s very personal to them.” HABAND SUPPORTS VFW Serving 22 counties, Grier said clothing Lisa Spitz, Haband’s inventory man- FOR 50 YEARS is one of the primary needs she sees daily, ager, is responsible for organizing the 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Haband’s especially winter clothing. clothing assortment. long relationship with VFW magazine. This “Our food pantry serves about 20 vet- “I always try to pull things I think will makes the retailer the longest-running advertis- erans a day,” Grier said. “Donations come be useful for vets in need,” she said. “I er in the 109-year-old publication. from the community. The items we need try to pull an assortment of sizes since the most and have the most requests for we don’t know who will end up with the Started as a men’s necktie company in 1925 are winter coats and boots.” clothing. Our goal is to accommodate as by Max Habernickel Jr., and John Anderson, Voluntary Service has three many vets as we can.” Haband, of Mahwah, N.J., has become a mega storage rooms at the medical center to Spitz said 27 percent of the Mahwah mail-order business for all things fashion. hold donations. New patients admitted staff are veterans or have family members to the hospital are delivered a handmade who are vets. Incidentally, Spitz’s husband blanket and a bag of toiletries. is a veteran. ITEMS DELIVERED TO STRATTON VA “We get a tremendous amount of sup- DiFrancesco said his 95-year-old MEDICAL CENTER ON OCT. 30 port from VFW and Auxiliary,” Grier father is a WWII veteran, having fought Plaid flannel shirts 151 said. “Almost any day of any week, you through North Africa and into Europe. Fleece shirts 96 will find VFW members here. They are His uncles all served in WWII as well. Fleece zip sweaters 77 the reason we are able to do the service “All of a sudden, we discovered we had Winter parkas 57 work we do.” a lot of deep connections to the military,” Zip fleece shirts 46 An Army vet who served two tours in DiFrancesco said. “Everyone is very Heavy winter shirts 43 Vietnam, Brinkmoeller said his Post also proud of this program. And while most Long underwear sets 35 donates about 800 pairs of socks each of my senior staff has retired or moved Winter coat 30 year to the VA. on, new people have stepped in and Lined hoodies 29 “What they do helps so many people,” embraced this very worthy cause.” Athletic trousers 28 he said. “And not just homeless vets, but Spitz, who has been with Haband Knitted sweaters 25 those who are brought in to the hospital for three years, concurs. “As long as the Thermal shirts 23 with nothing on but their pajamas. That’s VFW wants to continue doing it, we are Hooded fleece coat 7 why what Haband is doing is really a happy to send clothes,” she said. J Leather gloves 1 wonderful thing.” EMAIL [email protected] Total 648

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 37 ‘I’ve Been Looking PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN ANDERSON STAN OF COURTESY PHOTO for You’

An orphan on China Beach stole the heart of a young GI during the Vietnam War. He and his wife longed to adopt the little Montagnard girl, but it didn’t work out. They spent the next 30-plus years in search of her.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

henever Sarah Tsuda old when her village was bombed. Her “I didn’t know then that her two aunts encounters a veteran or biological father had previously been were there with her in the orphanage. I someone in a military taken away by the Viet Cong. Her bio- had a photo of the two of us, and I car- Wuniform, she hugs and logical mother and grandmother were ried it with me every day.” thanks them for their service. Growing killed. Tsuda fondly remembers Anderson up as Dinh thi Muon in an orphanage on Two of Tsuda’s aunts, only a few and spending time with him at the China Beach in DaNang, Vietnam, Tsuda years older than her, took her and ran orphanage. She said she knew, even at has fond memories of U.S. servicemen — away. They were discovered by “a big 7, she had no future in the war-ravaged one in particular. American,” who “scooped them up” and Vietnam, yet she wanted to stay longer so In August 1966, Stan Anderson was the took them to the orphanage. that she would have more memories of Administration NCO at the Tactical Unit In November 1966, Anderson start- her home country. Operations Center at DaNang Air Base in ed going to the orphanage, and by “The incident never left me,” Tsuda Vietnam with the 366th Tactical Fighter December of that year, he was ready to said from her home in Honolulu. “He Wing. His wife, Bette, was back home in adopt Tsuda, who was 7. was persistent in trying to get me to Virginia with their two sons. Anderson “My wife and I had been married six come to America. I felt so bad in my regularly took supplies to the orphan- years and had two small sons,” Anderson heart because he was my friend, and I age, which was run by the Worldwide said. “When I told Bette about Muon didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I had my Evangelization Crusade. (now Tsuda) and that I wanted us to friends at the orphanage, but at the same A first aid instructor at the time, adopt her, she wanted that as well.” time, I really wanted to come to America. Anderson traveled the six miles once a Anderson spoke to Tsuda on multiple I remember that I hugged him a long week to address minor medical prob- occasions about taking her to America to time before he left.” lems. At Christmas, he delivered pres- be part of his family. And while Tsuda liked Anderson left Vietnam in August 1967 ents to the children. Anderson’s friendship, she felt safe at the and retired from a 20-year Air Force Tsuda’s story of survival struck a orphanage and her two aunts, who she career in 1979. But he and his wife never chord with Anderson. A member of the thought were her cousins, were with her. forgot about Muon. Catu tribe of Montagnards in Vietnam’s “I couldn’t understand why she didn’t Every two or three years, he would Central Highlands, Tsuda was 3 years want to come with me,” Anderson said. make inquiries with his network of

38 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 LEFT: Former orphan Sarah Tsuda with Vietnam PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN ANDERSON War veteran Stan Anderson in June 2011 in California. Anderson met Tsuda when she was 7 and living at an orphanage on China Beach in DaNang, Vietnam, in 1967. He wanted to adopt Tsuda, then known as Dinh thi Muon, but she wanted to stay behind at the orphanage with her two aunts. When she was 11, Tsuda was adopted and moved to Minnesota with her new family. Anderson spent more than 30 years looking for her. Though Tsuda lives in Hawaii, she and Anderson remain friends.

Vietnamese contacts trying to fi nd out what had happened to her. Meanwhile, back in Vietnam, Tsuda had another set of parents wishing to adopt her, but she still was not ready: “I thought, maybe someday I’ll go, but not this time.” A third set came along when she was 11, but she still was unsure. Then she was told by those running the orphanage that her future was grim. They said that at 18, she would have to leave the orphanage, and there wasn’t much in Vietnam for a young woman. “This scared me a little bit,” Tsuda Stan Anderson with 7-year-old Dinh thi Muon at the orphanage on China Beach in DaNang, said. “I was so lucky being asked to be Vietnam, in 1967. Anderson, the Administration NCO at the Tactical Unit Operations Center adopted more than once. I knew that at DaNang Air Base, visited the orphanage weekly and befriended Muon, who was later I wanted to have a good future. I said, adopted by an American family. Today, Muon goes by Sarah Tsuda and lives in Honolulu. ‘God, thank you, I’m going.’” At 11, Tsuda went from Vietnam to Minnesota to live with her new family. network of Vietnamese contacts. He said touch on a regular basis. While she said she had a hard time accli- his email and Internet searches took him Tsuda’s aunts who were with her in mating to the vastly different climate, from Kansas to DaNang, to Tennessee then the orphanage still live in Vietnam. One she was excited to be in America. Minnesota and on to Illinois, Ohio and of them has cancer. Tsuda hopes to get “I wondered, ‘What did I do to deserve Florida, with several stops back in DaNang back to Vietnam — the fi rst time since this?’” Tsuda said. before hitting gold in Ho Chi Minh City. she left at age 11 — to see her aunt. At 18, she told her parents that she A woman living in the former city of At 58, Tsuda said she’s living a better life wanted to go out on her own. She moved Saigon emailed Anderson to tell him she than she ever imagined because she had to Hawaii, where she would, years later, was the translator at the orphanage from been told she wouldn’t live past age 10 due meet her husband, Earl Tsuda. Twenty 1972-75. She had received an email from to health issues. Her father died, but her years her senior, Earl was a police offi cer. Tsuda’s adopted sister trying to connect mother lives in Minnesota. Tsuda has two “He’s gone now, but he was a lovely her with her family back in Vietnam. Not brothers and one sister still living. Japanese man,” Tsuda said. only was Anderson able to reconnect Because Honolulu is such an “expen- Just a few months after Earl’s death with Tsuda, he helped her get in touch sive” place to live, Tsuda works two jobs. in 2010, Tsuda got a phone call that she with her aunts. She has an adopted dog who keeps her never expected. The man on the other The Andersons invited Tsuda to come company. She loves football and says end of the phone said, “My name is Stan to their 50th wedding anniversary cele- she’s proud to be an American. Anderson, and I have been looking for bration in California in June 2011. “At 5, I almost died and had to be you for 31 years.” “Remember, we hadn’t seen each other taken to the hospital,” Tsuda said. “An When Anderson left Vietnam in since she was a small child,” Anderson American woman from the orphanage August 1967, he never thought he would said. “We met her at the airport in gave me some of her blood. I remem- see “little Muon” again. He said that in Sacramento, and she locked in on us and ber being so happy and saying, ‘I have the years that followed, he felt a certain we locked in on her and started waving.” American blood in me! I’m American!’ sense of helplessness. Tsuda stayed a week with the But now I really am.” ✪ That’s why he worked to expand his Andersons. Since then, they have kept in EMAIL [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 39 Three wounded veterans parti cipated in the 36th annual antelope hunt sponsored by VFW magazine and Doonan Gulch Outf itt ers this past October near Broadus, Mont.

MONTANA HUNTING TRIP RECOGNIZES VIETNAM SACRIFICES STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE SPIVA

very fall for more than three Outfitters has hosted veterans of every “I remember they shoved me in the decades, VFW magazine and generation since the Vietnam War. Two chopper, I had all these bloody bandages Doonan Gulch Outfi tters have decades ago, the Greenwoods opened it up on me, and the chopper pilot looked back Esponsored an antelope hunt on to wounded veterans of all eras. Here are at me and yelled, ‘Million-dollar wound!’” the great plains of Montana. During this profi les of this year’s participants. Coots said and laughed. “I was so mad.” year’s hunt, three Vietnam War veterans Coots was transported to DaNang, and not only hunted antelope, but partook in ‘VERY HAPPY’ WITH THE HUNT eventually transported back stateside sightseeing, as well as conversations about Michael “Woody” Coots is a Vietnam later that month. While on the fl ight from their Vietnam experiences. War veteran who served in the Marine Vietnam to the United States, the reality of Located 25 miles west of Broadus, Corps. He arrived in Vietnam in January his wound set in. Mont., in the southeast portion of “The 1970 and was a part of Combined Action “I remember a guy telling me, ‘OK, Treasure State,” Doonan Gulch Outfi tters Groups 2 and 3 during his tour. Marine, you are going to the Philadelphia is owned and operated by Russ and Carol Originally from Indiana, Coots received Naval Hospital. You’re going to Ward A, Greenwood, who started hosting the two Purple Hearts while in Vietnam. He the amputee ward,’” Coots said. “That hunt in 1982. Russ said they wanted to earned the first when he was hit with was the fi rst time I was told I was an honor Vietnam War veterans because the shrapnel by a mine during a patrol in April amputee, and it was the fi rst time it con- Greenwoods didn’t like the way those 1970 about 10 miles south of Da Nang. nected with me.” vets were treated when they came home Coots earned his second Purple Heart Coots stayed at the Philadelphia Naval decades ago. Russ has a twin brother — while on patrol on Aug. 17, 1970, about 10 Hospital for eight-and-a-half months. He Roger, a member of VFW Post 987 in miles south of Da Nang near Vietnam’s said some of his “fondest memories” were Baraboo, Wis. — who was a helicopter pilot Highway 1. That is where he suffered being treated there. in the Vietnam War. wounds from a booby trap. His left leg “Inside the amputee ward, there were While the hunt started as a trib- was amputated below the knee, and he about 200 to 300 amputees from Vietnam,” ute to Vietnam War veterans, it has received multiple shrapnel wounds. He Coots said. “Those were some of the best evolved to include veterans of the Iraq was taken by an Army helicopter to the people in the universe.” and Afghanistan wars. Doonan Gulch naval hospital at Da Nang. After his time in Philadelphia, Coots

40 • VFW • FEBRUARY 2019 LEFT: Purple Heart veteran John “Mick” Zingo hunts with guides Vicky Greenwood and John Smith in October 2018 near Broadus, Mont. Zingo, an Army veteran and member of VFW Post 626 in Bellaire, Ohio, said his experience during the 36th annual VFW magazine and Doonan Gulch Outfitters antelope hunt for wounded veterans was “phenomenal.”

RIGHT: Michael “Woody” Coots sights in his rifle before the VFW magazine and Doonan Gulch Outfitters annual antelope hunt in October 2018. Coots, a Marine Corps veteran and member of VFW Post 10041 in Bethel, Alaska, was one of the three wounded veterans selected for the antelope hunt near Broadus, Mont. returned home to Indiana and eventually moved to Alaska, where he currently resides. Coots worked in heavy marine construction and for the department of transportation. He retired in 2014 and now Because he was not near any medical Sanctuary, he was transported to Da Nang lives in Seward. facilities while on Hill 881, he said he was to be flown out of Vietnam. He left the next Coots, a member of VFW Post 10041 in only able to take aspirin for the pain. The day and landed in Yokosuka, Japan, where Bethel, Alaska, said he was “very happy” day after he was wounded, Erickson came he started recovering. He went through to be a part of the VFW magazine and off the hill and helped carry the dead and multiple operations there and was sent Doonan Gulch Outfitters 2018 wounded wounded with them. back stateside and eventually ended up at veterans antelope hunt. He called his time “That’s also when a corpsman dug out the Great Lakes (Ill.) Naval Hospital. in Montana “outstanding.” the shrapnel from my right arm and leg Erickson said it was about nine months “I’m so humbled, and when I say I’m and wrapped them up,” Erickson said. “It from the time he was wounded to being humbled, that means something,” Coots was a bad first 30 days. I don’t think there released from care in Great Lakes. said. “I can’t say enough about the people was a day in Vietnam that we didn’t have “When I left for Vietnam, I was about here. I have nothing but the highest praise mortars land on us.” 210 pounds, but when I was released from for everyone.” The second time he was wounded was the hospital, I was only 160,” Erickson said. during a patrol in July in the Quang Tri He was discharged in March 1968 and A ‘TOP NOTCH’ EXPERIENCE Province near the DMZ. Erickson said he married his wife, Shirley, nine months Douglas Erickson is a Vietnam War vet- ran into a “big ambush,” where most of his later. They met at a wedding shortly after eran who served in the Marine Corps platoon died. his discharge. with 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines. “It was a heavily jungled area,” Erickson “She supported me through every- Erickson arrived in Vietnam in March said. “We were just dropping like flies. We thing,” Erickson said. “She really pushed 1967. He was wounded the first time “a few fought on, but we had to retreat.” me hard.” days” after arriving in Khe Sanh. Erickson said that’s when he was hit by For more than 38 years, Erickson “Hill 881 was just full of North mortars and received a gunshot wound to worked at the Sundstrand Aviation Plant Vietnamese,” Erickson said. “For about his right side. Because of his wounds, he in Rockford, Ill. In 2000, he retired, then three or four days, we got pounded. I lost the use of his left arm. moved to Chetek, Wis., where he currently watched all my buddies fall. I remember “I got hit with artillery and mortars, resides with his wife. watching one get a rifle shot right through from the top of my head to the heel of my Erickson, a member of VFW Post 10331 his chest and another one right through foot,” Erickson said. “When they put me on in Chetek, Wis., said the 2018 antelope the center of his head.” a helicopter, they flew me to theSanctuary . hunt was “spectacular.” During one firefight, Erickson was (The USS Sanctuary was a Navy hospi- “Everyone has treated us so well here,” wounded by a grenade that landed about tal ship that was based in Da Nang during Erickson said. “They’ve done everything eight feet in front of him and exploded. Erickson’s time in Vietnam.) for me, and you can’t eat any better meals “From training, I was taught to crawl “When I finally came to my senses than they have here. Everything has been into my helmet, so I just dove down and a few days later, I was really hurting,” top notch. I really like it here.” pulled my shoulders back,” Erickson said. Erickson continued. “I had about 300 “My helmet, and my right arm and right stitches in me, but the doctors and corps- THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY leg took the brunt of the grenade. It wasn’t men took awful good care of me while I John “Mick” Zingo is an Army veter- too bad, but the trouble was the concus- was aboard that ship.” an who served in the Vietnam War with sion. That was hell.” After about 10 days aboard the 2nd Bn., 12th Cav Regt., 1st Cav Div. He

FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 41 John “Mick” Zingo and Douglas Erickson, a Marine Corps veteran and member of VFW Post 10331 in Chetek, Wis., talk about their bucks in October 2018 during the 36th annual wounded veterans antelope hunt near Broadus, Mont. Both are Vietnam War veterans who sustained severe wounds during their respective tours.

my fl esh grew ed to Japan and then to Brooke General through the Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San gauze and it Antonio. He was a patient there for more was a part of than fi ve months. me. So, for After getting out of the hospital, he the next three received orders for Fort Riley, Kan. He hours, I was applied for an “early out” in the spring of being skinned 1969 and was granted a discharge from alive.” the Army. Zingo said After returning home to Martins Ferry, the medic had Ohio, Zingo worked in the coal industry arrived in Vietnam in April 1968. to soak the bandages in peroxide to help for 30 years. He retired in 2002. Zingo was based at Landing Zone Jane soften them during the painful process. Zingo, a member of VFW Post 626 in in the Quang Tri Province near La Vang, Zingo said he remembers others around Bellaire, Ohio, said he thanks VFW maga- about 12 miles south of the DMZ. Within him holding his hand to help him through zine and Doonan Gulch Outfi tters for the a month of arriving in Vietnam, Zingo said the pain. opportunity to hunt antelope in Montana. he was wounded on May 12, 1968. “I remember telling the medic to skin “Everyone involved in this program is While on patrol that night, Zingo said he it off like he was skinning a groundhog,” just super,” Zingo said. “It’s just beyond was wounded by friendly fi re after he was Zingo said and laughed. “I don’t think he description how much I appreciate every- shot by a member of another platoon. He knew what a groundhog was. But that one here. Also, having people like Russ and was shot eight times. medic was crying taking those bandages Carol inviting strangers into their home, “They thought our platoon was Viet off of me. He didn’t want to hurt me. I wish feeding them and taking them on a hunt is Cong,” Zingo said. “Getting shot hurts I knew who he was.” just phenomenal.” ✪ like hell.” The following day, Zingo was airlift- EMAIL [email protected] After the incident, Zingo was medeva- ced out of the area. SERIOUSLY WOUNDED WAR VETERANS “They had me loaded up on morphine because of my wounds, so I don’t remember an awful lot,” Zingo said of his experi- Win a Free ence. “But I do remember that I was being held in one of those Quonset huts. I was Antelope only supposed to be there overnight, but I was there a lot longer. I was told later that Hunt they lost my orders.” to Broadus, Montana Zingo said he doesn’t have any memory of where he was, but after a week, he was As a seriously wounded war veteran, To enter, fi ll out the coupon and fax or mail by March 31, 2019. A DD-214 copy is transported by bus to the Air Force hospi- you can win, at no expense, a three-day antelope hunt in Montana. mandatory. Send to: tal in Da Nang. It includes: round-trip airfare or car VFW Magazine “That was the roughest ride of my mileage, lodging, meals, guide service and Attn: Dave Spiva fi eld dressing of the game. 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111 life,” Zingo said. “I was on a stretcher — (816) 756-3390 Fax 816-968-2767 This trip will take place in October 2019. in excruciating pain — and I was getting If you are a seriously wounded war vet, ANTELOPE HUNT tossed all over the place. I couldn’t wait to write to us, and we will enter your name in get there.” the drawing. Name ______Once in Da Nang, Zingo said he remem- Winners must have sustained their wounds in combat (Purple Heart Tel. # ______bers the hospital being “nice and clean,” recipients) and are rated highly physically which he said was a lot different than the disabled. A veteran may be confi ned to a Address ______wheelchair, but must be stable, have the conditions at the landing zone near the City ______DMZ. He said he remembers an Air Force ability to fi re a weapon and have some upper body strength. State ______Zip ______medic who cared for him at Da Nang. “I told him that [my] bandages hadn’t Transportation donated by Hunt, lodging, etc. Service ______Unit ______donated partially by been taken off in a week,” Zingo said. “[The DOONAN GULCH Nature of Wound ______Air Force medic] said, ‘We need to get OUTFITTERS Dates in Combat/War ______these off of you right now.’ At that point, 0219

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*30 days supply or more ** Standard co-pays and deductibles apply www.MensLibertyUS.com BETTER HEALTH NEWS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE VA’s Drug Abuse Stats Are Sobering The number of veterans who are addicted to opioids has doubled since 2002. Here’s how to avoid becoming a statistic and where to go for help. A is on the front lines of a garnered over the past few years, myths BY JEROME GREER CHANDLER war that exhibits few signs of persist, such as: resolution. In 2017, VA treat- • Opioids are effective for the long- Ved more than a half-million term management of pain. veterans for a slew of drug-related prob- • Developing OUD is a choice. lems. The prime culprits, alcohol and • Heroin is the only opioid that can tobacco, are legal on a federal level. trigger OUD. “Therefore, more veterans have • People with OUD will never become addicted to them,” said Dr. recover. Karen Drexler, VA’s national mental All of these assertions are false. health program director for substance Physicians know opioids are not abuse disorders. effective for long-term pain manage- Tobacco and alcohol can kill ment and that patients can develop the you slowly. A more dramatic disorder from opioids, even those and, possibly, instant form prescribed for pain. of death is the product of “For OUD, we strongly recommend opioids, the abuse of which treatment with medication,” Drexler said. can exact a deadly stran- For example, she noted that metha- glehold on users. done, when administered through an Within the VA system opioid treatment program, can be alone, Drexler said they effective. Buprenorphine, when com- track more than 64,000 bined with naloxone, also works, as does veterans with opioid injectable naltrexone. disorders. She added that the GETTING HELP prevalence of If you think that you or someone you the painkillers know has OUD, get help and get it fast. is alarming. Some signs to look for include: “We know veterans, com- • A craving and strong urge to use. pared with the general population, are • Difficulties with work, relation- at greater risk of overdose and death,” ships and everyday activities. she said. “We are very concerned about • The realization that the drug the dramatic rise in opioid use disorder you’re using is hard to control — (OUD).” even when it hurts you. VA’s tally of OUD has more than dou- Drexler said most veterans who meet bled since 2002. the criteria for a diagnosis of OUD don’t get treatment. FIGHTING BACK “Part of it is denial, such as a veteran’s The roster of opioids is long and poten- contention that, ‘It’s not that bad yet,’” tially deadly: hydrocodone, oxycodone, she said. “But, part of it is not knowing morphine, fentanyl, methadone, codeine, that effective help is available.” tramadol, oxymorphone and hydromor- If you’re experiencing any of these phone. These drugs fall into one of two symptoms, or know a vet who is, call categories: prescription medications VA’s Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273- such as hydrocodone (a.k.a., Vicodin®) 8255, Press 1. J that are usually used to treat pain, and EMAIL [email protected] illegal drugs, such as heroin. VA says OUD develops over time. It Jerome Greer Chandler is a member is neither a choice nor a weakness. It’s of VFW’s Department of Alabama. The a brain disease, one that calls for timely Vietnam War vet served as a medic with treatment, just like other diseases such D Co., 2nd Bn., 501st Inf., 101st Abn. Div. in as diabetes and high blood pressure. 1970. He is a former assistant professor at Despite the publicity OUD has Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

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BOOK CORNER RECOMMENDED READING

Veterans’ Stories Book III: The Life and Times (Ventura County Veterans STAFF PICKS Stories) By David E. Pressey, VFW Post 11461, Ojai, Calif. A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor The Ventura County Veterans’ Stories in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley series was created to help people By Bennie G. Adkins and Kati e Lamar Jackson understand what it means to serve the nation as a member of the armed forces. According to Pressey, a Korean While the rain and mist moved over the valley, War Marine veteran, his book was not then-Army Sgt. 1st Class Bennie Adkins, a Medal of designed to glorify war, its individuals, Honor recipient, and 16 other Green Berets found famous generals or battle strategies. themselves holed up in an undermanned and Rather, it recounts the average GI’s unforti fi ed positi on at Camp A Shau in March 1966. experience from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each Outnumbered 10-to-1, the Green Berets endured individual story tells the roots of the constant mortar and rifl e fi re, direct assaults, treason- service person’s actual experiences dur- ous allies and volati le jungle weather. Filled with the ing service, followed by post-service sights, smells and sounds of a raging batt le fought in life and accomplishments. According to Pressey, these are stories of ordinary the middle of a tropical forest, A Tiger Among Us is a people living through extraordinary true story about bravery, valor, skill and resilience. times. Pressey Publications Da Capo Gigs, Guns, and Guilt: A Musician’s Tour of the Korean War By Dick Slady, VFW Post 2503, Omaha, Neb. As 17-year-old Dick Sladovnik audi- Big Week: The Biggest Air Batt le tioned for the U.S. Army’s band and of World War II enlisted in the Korean War, he had no idea what was waiting for him. This By James Holland true story recounts the trouble he and his friends created that kept things In February 1944, the Allied air forces based in interesting, such as during a USO tour, Britain and Italy launched their fi rst round-the-clock ceremonies and their tumultuous bombing off ensive against Germany. Its goal: to rivalry with the honor guard. But an unexpected incident forever changed smash the main factories and producti on centers of Sladovnik and sent him home from the Luft waff e, or German air force, while also draw- Korea more cynical and disturbed than ing German planes into an aerial batt le of att riti on he ever thought possible. to neutralize the German fi ghti ng force prior to the Slady Pyramid D-Day invasion. Offi cially called Operati on Argument, Hidden Enemy — PTSD: A Puzzle u w this aerial off ensive q ickly became kno n as “Big Piece That Does Not Fit Week,” one of the turning points of World War II. Big By Jessey Munoz & Oscar Munoz, Week is both an original contributi on to WWII litera- VFW Post 7420, San Diego, Calif. ture and a piece of narrati ve history. It recaptures This real story chronicles the life of Oscar Munoz, a young Marine who a largely forgott en campaign that was a criti cally wanted to make things right in his life. w important period of the ar. Atlanti c Monthly The only things that stop him are the hidden enemies that still linger in his (Continued on page 56)

VFW magazine’s “Book Corner” features select books written by VFW members. If you have written a book or an e-book bearing an ISBN or ASIN, contact the magazine for guidelines at [email protected] or by mail at: VFW magazine, Book Corner, 406 W. 34th Street, Suite 523, Kansas City, MO, 64111. The subject of the book must relate to the military or veterans.

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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 5/29/19. 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. VFW IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY VFW Post Feeds Hungry Veterans In a partnership with a Pennsylvania food bank, VFW members in Huntingdon, Pa., use their Post’s gaming proceeds to feed 120 veterans and their families every month. BY JANIE DYHOUSE

n 2014, Feeding America reported that within its 27 county-service site, shows proper ID, opens their trunk, initiated a Hunger in America territory, 26 percent of all households and we load the food and they take off.” national study. It showed that one receiving assistance have at least one For those unable to drive, volunteers Iin five households served by the member who served in uniform. deliver food to homes. Swartz recalled Feeding America network has at least To help combat this problem, in 2015, a time when an 85-year-old woman and one member that has served or is the food bank initiated MilitaryShare, her 86-year-old husband were thrilled currently serving in the military. which offers monthly food distributions by taco shells. In Pennsylvania, that number is higher. at VFW and American Legion posts to “She calls the delivery her ‘goody The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank veterans. VFW Post 1754 in Huntingdon box,’” Swartz said. “The next time I went is one such distribu- to their home, they both told me they had tion site. never had taco shells in their lives, and According to Post that they really liked those a lot.” 1754 member Reeder Swartz said that Huntingdon County Swartz, he has about has the highest unemployment rate in 25 volunteers each the state and that many of the veterans month to distribute he helps do not have much to live on. the food. In two “When our Post started doing this last hours’ time, some January, we were feeding 32 families,” 120 families are said Swartz, who served in Vietnam in served. 1968. “I had a goal that we would feed Each family 100 families. We are now up to 120. It’s receives eggs, milk, been so heartwarming for me.” two types of meat, For Greg Stegall, MilitaryShare and 40 pounds of dry Mobile Distribution manager with the goods, 10 pounds Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, this PHOTOS BY REEDER SWARTZ of potatoes, apples, program is critical because he doesn’t onions and whatever want to see those who have served in fresh fruits and veg- the military go hungry. etables are in season. A former member of the U.S. Navy It costs the Post Ceremonial Guard in Washington, D.C., $10 per family, but Stegall’s son is a veteran, and his father Swartz said area was a WWII vet whose twin brother businesses and died in France. churches host fund- “Too many veterans feel ashamed and raising events for the don’t want to ask for help,” he said. “But it’s food distribution. not just about the veteran. It’s the spouse “Pennsylvania and the kids who are at home, too.” state law requires Stegall said that in addition to 24 that 60 percent of monthly distribution sites, a homeless ABOVE: Volunteers with Post 1754 in all gambling proceeds go back into the shelter is serviced weekly. Distribution Huntingdon, Pa., prepare to hand out food from community,” Swartz said. “The two VFW also is done on a sporadic basis with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to veterans Posts in Huntingdon County use part of National Guard units. in November. their proceeds to pay for this.” “I like working with VFW and To qualify for the distribution, each American Legion because they are BELOW: Each family receives eggs, milk, family must be pre-approved. They need committed to taking care of their own,” two types of meat, 40 pounds of dry goods, to provide a copy of a DD-214 or VA Stegall said. 10 pounds of potatoes, apples, onions and medical card and also meet certain fed- For more information on Military- whatever fresh fruit and vegetables are in eral income guidelines. Share, visit www.centralpafoodbank.org. J season. VFW volunteers do this once a month “It’s pretty simple,” Swartz said. EMAIL [email protected] and typically serve some 120 families. “Each family drives into the distribution

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FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 49 MEMBER CORNER MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VFW PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICK BUTLER RICK OF COURTESY PHOTOS

Department of South Dakota Commander Danny Frisby-Griffin and VFW Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Doc Schmitz take in the crowd at the 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. VFW was the official sponsor of Military Appreciation Day during the rally. A membership awareness booth was set up to help veterans and their families with VA claims. VFW gained 100 members from this endeavor. Take Advantage of Special Events to Promote Your Post VFW’s national membership direc- uccessful membership recruit- Schmitz said. “If we got some members ing is key to VFW’s longevity. as a result of our work there, that’s tor has a message: Get out of your And to be successful, according great. But the real gratification is know- Post and into your city to find ways Sto Membership Director Rick ing that we were there to help veterans to connect with potential members. Butler, Post members need to get out of and their families.” the Post and into the community. Schmitz had the opportunity to speak BY JANIE DYHOUSE “Contact your Chamber of to the sea of riders during the rally. VFW Commerce, go to your town hall, con- hosted a “Thank You for Your Service” nect with the mayor,” Butler said. “If you reception complete with a B-1 bomber do this, you will know about upcoming flyover. events in your city and can have a VFW VFW also distributed “guardian bells” presence.” to 500 active-duty military personnel Butler added that no matter the size and veterans who rode in the mayor’s A VFW PRESENCE AT of the town, there will be opportunities, parade. Complete with the Cross of NATIONAL EVENTS such as festivals, fairs or car shows, for Malta, the bells ward off “evil road spir- promoting your Post and potentially its” — as legend has it. Here is a sample of the many recruiting new members. “We are going to do it again this year On a larger scale, VFW was the offi- in Sturgis, only bigger,” Schmitz said. events VFW’s national Membership cial sponsor of the Military Appreciation “We’ll branch out to areas other than Department worked in 2018: Day event during the 78th Annual Sturgis to talk with veterans about what Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last August in they may be entitled to and not know.” Great American Outdoor Show (Pa.) South Dakota. Butler said that regardless of an event’s Bataan Memorial Death March (N.M.) At the event, VFW had a “member- size, the potential for VFW promotion and Space Coast Air Show (Fla.) ship awareness booth.” In addition to recruitment is always available. NRA Convention (Texas) signing up 100 new members, the VFW “Not every community event a Post team also provided a certified VFW ser- Boston Red Sox Military Appreciation attends will be a Sturgis,” Butler said. vice officer to help veterans with claims. “But every new member a Post signs up Night (Mass.) “The most important part of our mis- is a member we didn’t have before. So Oshkosh Air Show (Wis.) sion always is to take care of veterans get out there and make connections in NASCAR Race (Va.) regardless of membership in VFW,” your city.” J VFW Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Doc EMAIL [email protected]

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FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 51 MEMBER BENEFITS PERKS OF VFW MEMBERSHIP Protecting Your Pets is Easier than Ever or most, pets are part of the CAMO T-SHIRT family. They 100% polyester. Fare compan- Antimicrobial ions, cuddle buddies performance fabric. and feet warmers. They make you laugh when 7835 they fall for the laser S-XL $21.95 pointer and make you 2XL $24.95 proud when they master 3XL $27.95 a new trick. They are quick to help clean up a kitchen spill and greet you when you walk in the door. They keep their owners active with THE INS AND OUTS OF daily walks and generally keep life inter- PET INSURANCE COVERAGE esting. Even when they get in the trash (again), track in mud, scratch up fur- Depending on the policy level, a variety niture or break great-great-grandma’s of common procedures and treatments vase, pets are beloved and cherished for cats and dogs are covered. family members. When your pets are young, pet insur- It doesn’t matter if you’re more of a dog ance can cover routine vaccinations person, a cat person or love them both the and spaying/neutering. Coverage can same, having insurance to help care for include unforeseen accidents and ill- them is critical. nesses that might happen throughout their lives, from allergies to sprains. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW As your pets age, they will have dif- ABOUT PET INSURANCE ferent needs — perhaps arthritis medi- Do you remember the last time you cation or cancer treatment — and pet left the veterinarian’s offi ce spending insurance can cover that, too. less than $100? With the average cost Pet insurance makes it easier to be of quality, routine pet care increasing prepared and care for your pets. It often UNDER ARMOUR POLOS year-over-year, it is expensive to care covers these conditions and more: VFW logo embroidered on left chest. for your furry friends. • Accidents and injuries, like 95% polyester, 5% elastane. For example, an X-ray or spaying or poisons and sprains. neutering can cost hundreds of dollars, • Symptoms of common illnesses, 7869 Men’s 7870 Women’s while hip and knee replacements or such as vomiting and diarrhea. S-2XL $56.00 S-2XL $56.00 cancer care can cost thousands. • Life-threatening illnesses, like 3XL-4XL $63.00 For most Americans, these costs can cancer and diabetes. be a disruption to their fi nances or a • Chronic illnesses, such as blow to their savings, at the very least. allergies and arthritis. Like health insurance for you and • Hereditary conditions, like hip your family, pet insurance can help dysplasia and blood disorders. you budget for routine and unforeseen • Testing and diagnostics, like medical expenses. Rather than dealing ultrasounds and blood tests. with an unwelcome expense, pet insur- • Medical procedures, like ance helps you manage the costs of care surgeries and chemotherapy. PATCH CAP for your pets. • Holistic and alternative methods, Hook and loop back strap. Whether your new puppy needs vac- like acupuncture. 7173 $18.95 cinations, needs to be spayed/neutered • Wellness procedures, like vacci- or your cat needs treatment for more nations and spay/neuter. serious illnesses such as cancer, heart To learn more about the advantages 1.833.VFW.VETS disease or diabetes, pet insurance will of having pet insurance, call the VFW Prices valid through 8/31/19 help make sure you have the means nec- Member Benefi ts Department at 1-800- Plus Shipping & Handling essary to take care of them. 821-2606, option 1.

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FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 53 REUNIONS AND CLAIMS

To publicize your unit’s reunion, submit a form TBS Class 2-67, “Charlie Company”, Quantico: Juan Rodriguez (760) 985-2810; [email protected] online at: www.vfw.org/forms/reunion-form. (210) 416-2108; [email protected] Pleiku Air Base, (all units) Vietnam: Stephen Ron Chromulak Submit at least four months in ad vance of VMA (AW) 225 (Vietnam): Howard Boyd (910) 547-2767; (412) 515-7247; [email protected] reunion date. VFW members only. [email protected] Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association: Robert Smith VMA (AW) 225 Vikings (1969-71): Mo Chevalier (816) 322-4712; [email protected] AIR FORCE (252) 240-1965; [email protected] 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon RTAFB Vets: George A. Hoffman PROPOSED (740) 508-0746; [email protected] NAVY USS Surfbird ADG-383, Sasebo, Japan, 1950-1960 looking to 67th TacRecon Wing All Units: Marion Edwards Light Attack Squadron Four: Robert Peetz (425) 610-7614: buddy reunion with another Sasebo based ship: Mike Heiny (570) 222-4307; [email protected] [email protected] (970) 417-4013; [email protected] 525th Fighter Inceptor Squadron: Frank Litt (817) 294-1136; Mobile Construction Battalion-40: Bruce Cheek (563) 349-4129; [email protected] [email protected] Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association: John Terino Naval Support Activity, DaNang, Vietnam: Bernie Uhrinek CLAIMS (703) 239-2704; [email protected] (724) 353-9627 Borinquen Field, Ramey Air Force Base: E. Lanier Elton NAVELSG, Navy Customs Forward Juliet: Jim Fussinger Readers are urged to help these vet s seek ing claim (309) 698-9695; [email protected] (859) 250-4398; [email protected] sub stan ti a tion state ments. Respond directly to C123’s, South East Asia: Sue Rice (417) 872-9750; NMCB 4: Dean Jaeger (402) 499-5289; [email protected] the per son list ed at the end of the claim as sis tance [email protected] NMCB 62 and all Seabees: Norm Hahn (715) 379-8482; re quest. This service is provided for VFW mem- F-106 All Troops Reunion: Bob Kwiecinski (772) 571-6056; [email protected] bers who are in the process of filing a VA claim. [email protected] PQT Veterans Assoc., Picuda, Quillback & Trutta combined reunion: Please submit your claim online at www.vfw.org/ Grissom Air Museum: Robert A. Sutero (765) 473-5251; Larry Rose (970) 379-0734; [email protected] [email protected] Tin Can Sailors Midwest Bull Session: Greg Jensen forms/vfw-claim-form. (308) 708-2106; [email protected] ARMY U.S. Navy Minesweeper MSO: Tom Cenate (904) 860-4576; Army 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Assoc. 9th ID: William Metzler [email protected] B Co., 2nd Bn., 173rd Abn. Bde, Central Highlands, Dak To and (707) 374-1377; [email protected] USS Arctic AOE-8: John W. Flavin (757) 450-0844; Hill 875, Vietnam, Aug. 1967-Sept. 1968 – Seeking anyone 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Ruthless Riders-Palehorse: [email protected] to substantiate PTSD and migraine headaches claim. Michael T. Joseph Wirth (201) 390-5350; [email protected] USS Brownson DD-518/868: Thomas Holcomb (218) 750-1533; McCann (352) 688-4948 [email protected] 24th Evacuation Hospital: BJ Crookshank (706) 650-1184; [email protected] [email protected] USS Caroline County LST-525: Donnie Crosswhite B Co., 51st Eng. Bn., Camp Zion, Vietnam, Sept. 1966-68 – 31st Infantry Regiment: Charlie Tapp (864) 680-9165; (870) 942-3797; [email protected] Seeking Eric Schmidt, Larry Bean “Rice” or anyone in Camp Zion [email protected] USS Cogswell DD-651 Assoc.: Geroge Overman (760) 889-2216; with Jesse “Pig-Pin” Barton to substantiate an injury occurring 32D Red Arrow Veteran Association: David Sands [email protected] Sept. 1966. Jessie Barton (270) 293-1988 [email protected] (608) 216-3650; [email protected] USS Conserver ARS-39: Robert D. Carmichael (951) 795-1818; 36th and 88th Transportation Group: Hoss Taylor [email protected] Navy (904) 335-7402; [email protected] USS Donner LSD-20: Dennis Heimbach (610) 775-7539; SC 1363 Convoy Ship, Palau Islands, 1945 – Seeking anyone who 70th Engr., Bn., Vietnam: Roger Rock (775) 623-1029; [email protected] remembers me being struck in the side of the head with a shelling. A [email protected] USS Fremont APA-44: David Lape (573) 887-6100; davidlape@ finger nail size shard was removed by a ship physician three weeks 88th Transportation Company, Ankhe, Vietnam: Butch Weston live.com after the event. I am attempting to substantiate a Purple Heart (219) 363-5374; [email protected] USS Grenadier SS-525: William Robinson (575) 937-2382; claim. Commanding Officer Paul T. Seamans (ret), 111 Charlene 95th Evacuation Hospital (Vietnam), 1968-73: Terry M. Caskey [email protected] Manor, 130 Colrain Rd, Greenfield, MA 01302 (828) 464-2610; [email protected] USS Inchon Assoc., LPH/MCWS, Attn: Shipmates and Marines: 95th Infantry Division: Terry Earnest (816) 858-5967; David Fix; [email protected] LST 803, Operation Hong Kong, Feb. 1955 – Seeking anyone to [email protected] USS Iowa Veterans Association: Martin A. Palmiere substantiate a back injury claim while evacuating refugees. Alex 213th ASHC (Blackcats), PhoLoi, Vietnam: Foster Sexton (724) 816-2843; [email protected] Saeuz (818) 521-2016 [email protected] (361) 443-6376; [email protected] USS James Madison SSBN-627: Veronica Hix (605) 545-2075; 359th Transportation Company: John Porter (432) 267-1733; [email protected] [email protected] USS Lawrence Assoc., DDG-4/DD-250: Craig Bernat 471st Transportation Company, Desert Storm: Brian Simms (814) 322-4150; [email protected] (580) 713-9864; [email protected] USS Massey: Gordon Risk; [email protected] 815th Engr., Bn.: David Williams (706) 296-9128; USS Monticello LSD-35: Robert Behm (573) 207-4670; (706) 296-9128; [email protected] [email protected] A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Div. Alumni USS Nicholas, DD-449/DDE-449: Doug Starr (979) 324-3018; Association: Glen Veno (810) 599-9999 [email protected] [email protected] USS Ozbourne DD-846: Guy Posey (405) 747-0686; Army Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans: Stan Solin [email protected] (714) 998-1562; [email protected] USS Picking DD-685: George Brunson (608) 290-1835; C/F Btry, 26th Arty, 108th Arty Grp.: Terrence Davey [email protected] (989) 239-1493; [email protected] USS Power DD-839 Association: John S. Pinto (352) 527-2352; Co. D., 2nd Bn., 5th Cav., 1st Cav. Div.: John Hodge [email protected] (812) 453-7667; [email protected] USS Rich DD/DDE-820: Jim Chester (937) 672-8568; Fort Knox OCS (1965-68): John Russell (719) 481-3624; [email protected] [email protected] USS Roark DE-1053: John L. Caral (440) 725-0661; OCS Alumni Association: Nancy Ionoff (813) 917-4309; [email protected] [email protected] USS Sam Rayburn SSBN-635: Larry Oiler (207) 651-5857; [email protected] COAST GUARD USS Satyr ARL-23 & LST-603: Charles Steven Massey CG Combat Veterans Association: Michael Placencia (410) 883-3361; [email protected] (661) 401-0609; [email protected] USS Steinaker DD-863: Ken Kohnen (904) 654-7321; USCGC Edisto WAGB-284: Glenn Smith (321) 362-5284; [email protected] [email protected] USS Topeka CLG-8: Dan Moore (574) 295-5156; [email protected] MARINES USS Wahoo SS-565: James Van Vranken (707) 696-2578; 38th & 39th OCC TBS 3-66 & 4-66: John F. Sheehan [email protected] (401) 255-0387; [email protected] USS Waldron DD-699 Alumni Association: Michael Montalbano, Sr ANGLICO Association, All Eras: Joe L. Luque (661) 725-3415; (813) 977-9652; [email protected] [email protected] VP-16 Reunion Association Inc.: William J. Sherman Aviation Logistics Marines, Donald E. Davis Squadron: Wayne Miller (772) 708-3173; [email protected] (973) 441-3636; [email protected] E Co., 2 Bn., 7th Marines, 1st Mar. Div., 1965-70, Vietnam: Addison ALL BRANCHES Johnson, Jr (252) 241-1785; [email protected] All Advisors of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: Lewis Grissaffi Made in the USA flags! India Co., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines: Dennis Deibert (717) 652-1695; (619) 922-8682; [email protected] 1.833.VFW.VETS [email protected] Distinguished Flying Cross Society: Warren Eastman

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FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 55 BOOK CORNER, CONT. head and the enemies that openly cross Gulf War Ghosts Mekong Meridian: A Novel of the his path. Munoz and his brother, Jessey, By William Armstrong, VFW Vietnam War have one thing in common — their fam- Department of New Mexico By Stephen MaGuire, VFW Post ily and Hispanic heritage. These traits In this novel, troops are mysteriously 10004, Jewett City, Conn. are interwoven in the pages of this book, being killed following the Operation Set in 1969 in the Mekong Delta, this making it both interesting and enlight- Desert Storm cease fi re. Only Army novel follows an Army reconnaissance ening. Outskirts Press Maj. Walt Ransom can crack the case. platoon leader, Gavin “Mondo” Carney, Ransom assembles a team of experts to as he faces ominous dangers and bullet- May You Live in Interesting Times: track down a seemingly immortal squad quick dilemmas. A jungle infested with My 1960s! of Schutzstaffel troops created by Adolf lethal booby traps and determined com- By Calvin Seybold, VFW Post 4276, Hitler and Heinrich Himmler during munist soldiers combust in his every Mount Carmel, Ill. World War II. Follow Ransom’s team in thought and feeling in this fi ctional The author spent the entire 1960s this fi ctional account as they make hor- account of the Vietnam War. Replete following the leadership of the great- rifying discoveries about an enemy that with the infantry’s dark humor, Carney est generation — those who fought in attacks at will and vanishes with hardly also confronts challenges inside the World War II — at the Virginia Military a trace in the sand near Safwan, Iraq. wire: the battalion executive offi cer’s Institute and the Army. Seybold’s stories Gozinta machinations, uncertain trust in key are about the Cold and Vietnam wars NCOs and perplexing changes in his against international communism. It The Great Crusade: A Guide to World fi ancée back home. CreateSpace was a different world in the 1960s — War I American Expeditionary Forces more so than just through the innocence Battlefi elds & Sites Bracketing the Enemy: Forward and enthusiasm of youth. There was a By Stephen Powers and Kevin Observers in World War II real threat to America and the world Dennehy, VFW Post 1, Denver. By John Walker, VFW Department of from international communistic aggres- This book is a guide describing the Ohio sion. Self-published sites, battles and personalities associ- During the Civil War, fi eld guns were ated with the United States’ journey capable of fi ring shells out of sight of Ol’ Shakey: Memories of a Flight through World War I. The Great Crusade gun crews. But without someone for- Engineer brings forgotten Doughboys and their ward of the guns to observe the fall By Gene Fish, VFW Department of exploits back into focus more than a of shells and adjust fi re, the tactical Washington century after America’s entry into The advantages of long-range fi re were This memoir shares some of the Great War. The book also features easy- largely wasted. By World War II, small most memorable stories of the author to-follow maps and tours; photographs groups of U.S. artillerymen, known as as a fl ight engineer of a Douglas C-124 of battles and historic sites; and updated forward observer parties, accompanied Globemaster II, nicknamed “Ol’ descriptions of numerous military maneuvering infantry and provided the Shakey.” From a colorful layover on museums located in Europe and the close, spontaneous artillery support that Midway Island in the Pacifi c Ocean to United States. GTCI had been lacking for nearly 80 years. kite-fl ying at Pope Air Force Base in Bracketing the Enemy is the fi rst full- North Carolina, Fish’s stories aim to Paths Less Travelled of a Scholar length history of forward observers and entertain military personnel, aviators or Warrior (Spy) Teacher Healer their vital contributions. University of anyone enthusiastic about the romance By Hon Lee, VFW Post 8241, McLean, Oklahoma of fl ying. This book gives a glimpse of Va. the reality behind that romance. LitFire This memoir describes Lee’s adven- Navy Grass tures of growing up in New York’s By Bob Whited, VFW Post 4237, Crew Dogs: A Hero Myth of the Chinatown, being a combat Marine, Austintown, Ohio Cold War running CIA clandestine operations, This memoir describes Navy life dur- By Paul H. Gore, VFW Post 3970, teaching Chinese martial arts and prac- ing the early 1960s. Navy Grass details Sutherlin, Ore. ticing Chinese acupuncture. Growing the rigors of boot camp through duty This novel is a modern day warrior up as the youngest son of Chinese immi- stations, shipboard living and liberty saga of the Cold War. Drawing from grants, Lee gets bullied so often that he calls. It includes meeting with many Gore’s military experience, Crew Dogs: yearns to be like his kung fu heroes. He important military and government A Hero Myth of the Cold War is a story becomes a Marine to prove himself, but offi cials with whom the author came in of life and love, as well as the wasteful- the horrors of war make him wonder contact. It strongly relates to romantic ness and absurdity of the Cold War. It what it would take to achieve peace. He relations in many liberty ports and the is a story about the heroes that helped joins the CIA’s clandestine service, only many friends and crew members that America win it. Gore, a retired veteri- to see his career threatened in an ordeal Whited met. The title of the book comes narian and former military offi cer living that makes him re-evaluate his life’s from an incident in boot camp that was in Oregon, served 10 years in the Air purpose, leading him to chase his dream embarrassing, but quite typical, for a Force. Self-published to study Chinese medicine. CreateSpace Navy recruit. Page

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FEBRUARY 2019 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 59 VETS IN FOCUS INSPIRING PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY VETERANS A Shooting Star on the World Stage A VFW member’s world-class talent with a rifle propelled her to an international competition last year in South Korea. The Army vet of Korea and Somalia said her military training prepared her well. BY KARI WILLIAMS PHOTO BY JOE HEIN ying for the chance to rep- broadcasting while also shooting for resent the United States in a King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., shooting competition was a when the Army Marksmanship Unit Vhomecoming of sorts for one recruited her. VFW member. “I shot competitively with the Army Denise Loring, a life member of Post Reserve pretty much for the rest of 1503 in Dale City, Va., earned her slot on my career,” said Loring, who served in the USA Shooting Team in September Somalia from January to April 1993 with 2017 at Fort Benning, Ga., where she the 10th Mountain Division as a multi- was stationed before serving in Somalia functional logistician. in 1993. For most of her career, Loring com- “It was like coming home,” Loring peted in the international rifle (small- said about her return to Georgia. “I bore, air rifle) category. enjoy that range. I got to see a lot of During the last two years of her Army people from the unit that are still in the career, she transitioned to service rifle, area.” using a match-grade AR-15, which she After qualifying with her marksman’s still uses while shooting with the non- skills in Georgia, she competed at the profit Camp Valor Outdoors competitive International Shooting Sport Federation marksmanship program, which is based (ISSF) World Championships in South in Northern Virginia. Korea from Aug. 29 to Sept. 15, 2018. And much like her return to Fort Benning, ‘SEASONED COMPETITOR’ setting foot in Korea was nothing new. But her competitive streak began “I’ve been stationed in Korea twice, after a fellow shooter at the Fairfax (Va.) so it also felt very familiar to be back Rod & Gun Club, who had been picked in Korea,” Loring said. “I really enjoy up by the U.S. team for the world cham- Denise Loring, a life member of VFW Post 1503 the food. I enjoy the people, and even pionships in Spain in 2014, suggested in Dale City, Va., takes a break from competition though I had not been to Changwon [on she compete internationally. during the ISSF World Championships in South South Korea’s southeast coast] before, She qualified at Fort Benning in 2017, Korea, which were held Aug. 29 to Sept. 15, it just seemed very comfortable to be and it wasn’t until eight months later 2018. Loring’s shooting career began in the U.S. there for the match. It felt very exciting. that Loring learned she had made the Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Ga. “Having been out of the international World Championship team. It consisted competition realm for quite a number of of 82 people hoping to bring victories years, it can be really exciting to come back in events such as skeet, trap, pistol, Loring said her military service back and shoot an international match smallbore and 300M. helped ease the pressure of competition at that level.” “I was surprised, but I was also very that she felt when she was younger. Loring was stationed in Seoul from excited,” Loring said. “It’s exciting to be “I think being a seasoned competitor 1988-1990 (HHD, 227th Maintenance a part of the national team. You’re part [helped] and because I’m still compet- Bn.) and Daegu from 2000-02 (Combat of something that is huge.” ing, I think it was very good experience Support Coordination Team as a logis- Though Loring placed 32nd in the — a very positive experience for me,” tics liaison with the 2nd ROK Army), Women’s 300M Prone event and 30th Loring said of her time at the World during which time she was unable to in the Women’s 300M Three-Position Championships. “Nothing got me rattled. shoot. That resulted in a 10-year hiatus event at the World Championships, I wasn’t nervous. I didn’t feel a lot of from the sport. the experience stoked an eagerness for pressure, and I really enjoyed the experi- future events. ence. And I think that comes from being RECRUITED FOR THE ARMY TEAM “My score was not what I had hoped, a competitive shooter for a long time.” Loring’s shooting career began with her even though I put a lot into the train- For more information about the service in the U.S. Army Marksmanship ing,” Loring said. “I am very excited to USA Shooting team, visit http://www. Unit while stationed at Fort Benning, train for another four years and try and usashooting.org. J Ga. She was studying communications/ make the national team again.” EMAIL [email protected]

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