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VOLUME 2 NUMBER 5 JULY/AUGUST 2012

Reporting From the Front

Inside: Marguerite Higgins: 4 White Sands 6 Jobs for Vets She Knew More About War !an 12 Marine Week Real Dogs, Real Hearts the Men Who Fought !em 15 By Ailsa Craig

California, ma- named chief of the Tribune’s joring in French, bureau. Shortly after her arrival in Assignment: Combat then earned a war broke out in . One master’s degree of the "rst reporters to arrive, she in journalism was quickly ordered out of the coun- reporters killed in from Columbia try by General , who Iraq and Afghanistan University. argued that women did not belong She joined the at the front and the military had no New York Herald time to worry about making separate of reporters who, in Tribune and after accommodations for them. previous wars, braved two years, per- Higgins went over Walker’s head the intense horror of suaded her edi- and appealed to his boss, Gen. Doug- tors to send her las MacArthur, who agreed with her, overseas as a war even sending a telegram to the Herald correspondent. Tribune: “Ban on women correspon- !e year was 1944 dents in Korea has been lifted. Mar- arguerite Hig- and after short stints in guerite Higgins is held in the highest gins earned a and , went professional esteem by everyone.” It master’s de- to in the spring was there Higgins did the work that The Cleveland Plain Dealer assigned M gree in journalism from of 1945. won her, along with "ve male war Columbia University, In 1950, she was correspondents, the Pulitzer Prize served as a war correspon- named bureau chief for for international reporting. dent in WWII, Korea, and the Tribune in Tokyo, In 1955, she was named chief of . She died in 1966 and when war broke out the newly-created bureau and is buried at Arlington in Korea, she was there. for the Tribune, and in 1963 joined National Cemetery. She Marguerite Higgins with Not for long, if Gen. Wal- Newsweek and took an assignment Gen. MacArthur (above) jammed a great deal of liv- and arriving at the Front. ton Walker had his way. to Vietnam. After visiting villages Vietnam: ing and working into 46 He ordered her out of the throughout the country and inter- years, including winning country and said women viewing hundreds of major "gures, a Pulitzer Prize in 1951 for interna- didn’t belong anywhere near the she wrote, “Our Vietnam Nightmare.” : tional reporting. front lines. Plus, he added, he wasn’t After two years in Vietnam, she She was three years old before going to provide separate accommo- was fatally struck with a tropical dis- she saw the U.S.; Higgins was born dations for a woman. ease that resulted in her death on World War II: in , where her father She was there was Dachau was lib- January 3, 1966. She was survived worked at a shipping company. She erated and later covered the Nurem- by her husband, Lt. Gen. William E. World War I: graduated from the University of berg war trials. In 1950, Higgins was Hall and a son and daughter. PUBLISHER Terence J. Uhl

EDITOR John H. Tidyman Contents 11 BRAVO 40 3 (216) 789-3502 [email protected]

4 White Sand of Tarawa ASSOCIATE EDITOR Harry Besharet 5 CHAPLAIN 5 Rev. Ralph Fotia OUTDOORS John Barbo

6 New Hope for Veterans ART DIRECTOR 6 Job Opportunities Laura Chadwick OFFICE MANAGER 7 Gerald Mason, RTA and War Annabelle Lee Dowd For advertising 8 information, call: in Westlake 9 4 Terence J.Uhl 10 (216) 912-2863 [email protected] DD 214 Chronicle 11 is published by Terence J. Uhl Principal The Uhl Group 12 Another Take on 700 West St. Clair Avenue Suite 414 Marine Week Cleveland, OH 44113 [email protected] 13 The Dangerous Veteran Phone: (216) 912-2863 14 Golf Fax: 11 (216) 771-5206 14 The GI Bill 15 Real Dogs, Real Hearts

2 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com STAND AT EASE By John H. Tidyman, Editor

Welcome Home, Trooper. Now Hit the Books!

irst let’s take o# our hats, lift education. open, and it’s a fool who leges and universities are up to the Four beer mugs, and say a prayer The original GI Bill doesn’t accept the in- academic challenge. of gratitude for the GI Bill, one of sent returning veterans vitation. Let’s face it: ttt FDR’s most lasting, important, and to college in numbers no !e American economy Gary Goldman was my "rst captain vital pieces of legislation. fortune teller might have needs educated men and in Vietnam. He recently posted this He said, “With the signing of this predicted. !ousands and women. on the B Co., 1/52nd Infantry, Ameri- bill a well-rounded program of spe- thousands of veterans Colleges and univer- cal Division web site. “Today is the cial veterans’ bene"ts is nearly com- became the "rst in their sities in DD 214 Chron- 68th anniversary of the D-Day inva- pleted. It gives emphatic notice to families to hang a sheep- icle’s area of operations sion of Normandy, June 6, 1944. One the men and women in our armed skin on the wall --- and then use the have done exceptionally well on hundred sixty thousand allied forces forces that the American people do education to create an economy and behalf of our veterans. O$ces and took part, and there were approxi- not intend to let them down.” lifestyle never seen before. o$cers have been created to help mately 10,000 allied casualties. !e What do the following men have Not all veterans were so well veterans become students. !e re- night parachute assaults, the glider- in common with thousands of area treated; veterans from Vietnam sponsibilities, opportunities, and ex- born assaults and the beach landings college students: Johnny Carson, found their bene"ts to be so skimpy pectations of these schools will grow rank among the largest, most di$- Harry Belafonte, Gene Hackman, that going to college was problematic. as our young, battle-scarred veterans cult and terrifying military opera- and Joseph Heller? But with the 9/11 GI Bill, the return home. !is time to stay. tions in our history. It also marked Each took advantage of the GI gates of academia are again thrown Based on recent history, our col- the beginning of the end for Hitler’s Bill. Some people would say the GI military and the eventual liberation Bill is directly responsible for Amer- Some people would say the GI Bill of Europe. And yet, at least so far, I ica’s rise to prominence. I would be haven’t seen a word about this anni- one of them because no weapon --- versary in any media this year. !ese no machine gun, grenade launcher, to prominence. men and women were heroes. How missile --- is more powerful than soon we forget.”

www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 3 White Sand of Tarawa by Tina Mathis

hrough my e#ort to locate next information and ed a photo of her next of kin and family DNA. Tof kin and DNA donors for the photos. meeting with Ann Tears "lled my eyes when I saw Ohio Marines lost during the battle Recently, Shir- Munro from Ros- his name on the list and quickly re- of Tarawa, I have had the opportu- ley George, whose eville, Ca. who alized that he also served in the 2nd nity to speak with countless family husba nd a lso also requested Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 8th members who hold vivid memories fought on Tara- sand. Ann had Marine Regiment, Company C, Criss of the days surrounding the loss of wa, posted a public decided to place Reece’s Company. their loved one. o#er. She had two the sand at her Considering the 18,000 Marines Mary Ross of Camden, Ohio is the bottles of white parent’s grave and sent to Tarawa, the coincidence only living sibling of Sgt. Criss Reece, sand from Red ful"ll one of her seemed nearly impossible. !e gra- 2nd Marine Division, 1st Battalion, Beach Two; the mother’s "nal re- cious o#er from a stranger and a 8th Regiment, Company C. As part beach where many quests; not to for- handful of sand united the sisters of Operation Galvanic, Reece died Mar ines were get Jack. of Reece and Mathew, two Marines on Tarawa, November 21, 1943. Al- killed. After much !e photo cap- who served and died together. Mary though she was only "ve years old soul searching, she tion mentioned Ross believes this connection is Criss’ when Criss was killed, Mary has o#ered to share it that Munro’s way of making sure his men are not never forgotten him; proudly dis- with anyone inter- brother, Pvt. Jack left behind. playing his Marine photo. ested. !e timing A. Mathew was Ann Munro has since contacted Sgt. Criss Reece As I scoured hundreds of web- seemed perfect; I killed on Tarawa, the Marine Casualty O$ce and sub- sites for any information that may knew that Reece’s November 21, mitted her DNA in the hope that one be helpful, I stumbled across a site sister would greatly appreciate this body not recovered. Immediately, day her brother, Jack will be brought called Tarawa on the Web. !e site small connection to her brother’s I scanned the Joint POW/MIA Ac- home to rest beside their parents. includes a message board allowing "nal resting place. counting Command database to see Sgt. Reece and Pvt. Mathew, your subscribers to exchange stories, Several days later, Shirley post- if Pvt. Mathew was listed as needing families are waiting.

Attention VFW, American Legion, Maintaining the Health of Veterans and other Veteran Organizations Now that DD 214 Chronicle is on its way to its third birthday, we’re able to expand our service to additional VFW and American Legion posts DD 214 Chronicle is Available at More Than 120 Locations. Free. in northeast Ohio. DD 214 Chronicle is delivered free to the following locations as well as mailed If you have news, important or interesting "rst class to subscribers (see Page 15 to subscribe). To add your organization programs, or events you’d like to publicize to the free delivery list, call o$ce manager Annabelle Lee Dowd at (216) 789- with the northeast Ohio veteran community, 3502. Here is a partial list of locations where DD 214 Chronicle is available. we want to partner with you. !e newspaper for veterans is also delivered without charge to many VFW, American Legion posts, four Summa Hospital locations, city halls, Democrat- ic and Republican o$ces, all advertisers, recruiting o$ces, co#ee houses, and Post number, plenty more. Complete address, Colleges and Universities Name of event, Kent State University, University of Akron, Cleveland State University, Lakeland Community Date and time of event, College, Lake Erie College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain Community College Contact person and telephone number, Libraries Prices, if any, Cleveland Public Library (30 branches), East Cleveland Library, Cleveland Heights/University Reservation information, if necessary. Heights libraries: Lee Road, Coventry Village, Noble Neighborhood, University Heights. Shaker Heights libraries: Bertram Woods and Main, also Lakewood Library, Westlake Library, Medina Because we publish every other month, your Library (6 branches), Wickli#e Library, Avon Library, She$eld Lake Library, Lorain Public Li- information must be received 30 days prior to brary (3 branches), Akron Library (18 branches), Kent Free Library publication. Here are examples: Issue Deadline Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, Lorain, Medina September October August 1 VA Health Care Facilities November December October 1 Cleveland VA Hospital, Wade Park VA Clinic, Brookpark Road Send your information to: forgedirons@yahoo. VA Outpatient Clinic, 55 W. Waterloo, Akron com or call (216) 789-3502 Golf Courses Skyland, Manakiki, Sleepy Hollow, Seneca, Big Met, Shawnee Hills

4 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com The Rock of the Marne A Year in the Life of George Murphy

!e late Sgt. George Murphy was a young infantryman in World War Two. He served as a mortarman in Co. L, 7th Infantry, !ird Division. He kept a cryptic diary of combat in Italy. !e diary was provided by Patrick, one of George’s four sons. Here are excerpts:

th st st th

Proudly serving our veteran heroes.

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Shelter Transitional Housing Mental Health Treatment Skyland Golf Course Job Training & Employment Help Outpatient Services 2085 Center Rd s Hinckley, OH 44233 Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (330) 225-5698 Homeless Veteran Services For more information visit www.voago.org. www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 5 Opening Doors: New Hope for Veterans Improving Outcomes !rough Collaboration

deal of progress. !e number of veter- ans living on the streets now hovers below 100,000. at Wade Park !at is success. But, there are many fragile vet- his month marks the "rst anniver- erans who still face environmental, Tsary of the opening of the Veter- psychological, medical, and legal ans Domiciliary at Wade Park. Since challenges. Con'ict with the judi- then, we have grown into our part- cial system is a big one. !ese barriers nership with the VA, and have housed infringe upon their ability to reinte- over 500 veterans right here in this grate back into society. Understand- facility. !is building exists because ing this is key to helping veterans people took a “leap of faith.” !ey met help themselves. !ey want to work, a need by working in new and innova- to be productive, and to continue to tive ways involving many stakehold- serve their country. ers, and collaborative partnerships. For many, the "rst hurdle is walk- For the past 20 years I’ve worked ing through the door. For them, ask- Photo: Nannette Bedway Nannette Photo: to help the homeless in Cleveland. VOAGO’s Dennis Kresak is joined by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Stratton, Sue Fuehrer, ing for help is a sign of weakness. !e number of veterans we saw was director of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Jack Hetrick, FACHE, director, The same mentality that served alarming. Because I met so many vet- VA Healthcare System of Ohio at the one year anniversary celebration of the opening of the them well in the military does not erans in our shelter we looked for Veteran’s Domiciliary at Wade Park make it easy for them to switch back better ways to meet their unique we overcame, and we did it through 2 out of 3 homeless veterans have to civilian life. In the military you needs. !at’s why today Volunteers partnerships and by joining forces drug or alcohol problems; are assigned a speci"c role and with of America is invested in helping vet- and "nding supporters. We all have Veterans are more than twice as that role you are assigned a number erans through innovative outcome a stake in ending homelessness – es- likely to be homeless as non-veterans; called a military occupational spe- based programs. pecially for veterans. Why are there If you are a female veteran, you cialty MOS. !e MOS for an infan- Homelessness is one of those so many homeless? We don’t have are 2 ½ times more likely to be home- try ri'eman is 11B. If you’ve served problems that cries out for unconven- all the answers to that question, but less as non-veteran females; three deployments to Iraq and have tional solutions. !rough necessity we keep searching. We want to know Veterans, age 18 to 30, are more MOS 11B on your resume, imagine we’re forced to become innovative. more about the challenges veterans than twice as likely to become home- how that may be di$cult to transi- !ere is an old military adage that confront. !e challenges they face less as a non-veteran of that same tion to civilian life. So they struggle. states adapt, improvise, and over- involve us all because we live in this age group; Bad credit, evictions, and other hous- come. Teamwork and collaborations community. Unemployment among veterans ing barriers only aggravate matters. become imperative for successful We want you to know that we are is almost twice as high as unemploy- Incarceration. Depression. outcomes and the byproduct of all working to bring the whole communi- ment among non-veterans; Justice Evelyn Stratton under- this is an entrepreneurial spirit that ty together to combat the problem – You get the picture. stands the challenges veterans face needs to become all consuming in the VA, the courts, the mental health You can see why ending homeless- from the other side of the bench. !e nature. agencies, whoever holds a stake. !e ness among veterans is a priority. !e courts are another stakeholder and Who would have thought that cost of not combining forces is too honorable Eric Shinseki, Secretary together we are opening doors and seven years ago this building could great when: of the U. S. Department of Veterans providing new hope for veterans. become a reality. We encountered Nearly half of all homeless vet- A#airs set a 5-year goal of ending Working together, we will improve many impediments to our mission erans suffer from mental health homelessness for veterans. !is is the lives of veterans. but we adapted, we improvised and problems; year number 3. !ere has been a good — Dennis Kresak

Job Opportunities

he commanding o$cer of the USS !e Sullivans !e CO didn’t last long, having taken command on T(named after the "ve Sullivan brothers who died November 7. He is hardly alone. Last year, the Navy re- together in WWII,) has been relieved of command. In lieved 23 commanding o$cers for a variety of reasons, a news release, the Navy said Commander Derick Arm- referred by the Navy as, “varying levels of inappropri- strong created, “an unprofessional command climate ate conduct.” that was contrary to good order and discipline.” !at In WWII, Lt. Commander Quinton McHale lasted description covers a lot of open water. four years, but being marooned on a South Paci"c is- !e USS !e Sullivans is a guided missile destroyer. land might have had something to do with his tenure.

6 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com Gerald Mason, RTA, and War By Sean Grady erald Mason has worked at Gthe Greater Cleveland Region- Newest RTA bus route al Transit Authority (RTA) for 17 serves Parma VA Clinic years, but also served his country CLEVELAND in the Army for 25 years. As part of the 112th Engineering Battalion for the Ohio National Guard, First Ser- geant Mason was called to serve for one year in Afghanistan in August, 2010. RTA supported his training schedule and his service to country. As a service quality supervisor, Man- son ensures buses arrive and leave at the correct time, as well as checking that drivers are o#ering customer Services for RTA, “My day to day And the Caissons keep rolling along, assistance. a massive job with In Cleveland and Afghanistan back on American When Mason returned in Au- 1,300 active shel- soil is a whole dif- gust 2011, he came back to RTA with ters in the system. ferent world than the honor of his service and a pas- He works in coordination with main- military service abroad, but I was sion for his job. In October, he pre- tenance teams to keep shelters clean happy to return home to my family, sented an American 'ag and medal and in working condition. With a my "ancé, and to RTA,” said Mason. from his service in Afghanistan to small sta# and miles of area to cover, “I have a new challenge with main- RTA’s Board of Trustees and General strategy is important. taining shelters in the RTA system Manager. After leading his team of 80 and I enjoy working for a company He was recently promoted to troops conducting roadside bomb that cares about those serving in the be Acting Supervisor of Janitorial sweeps, he understands strategy. military.”

Southern Cross Andy’s Shoe & Résumé Service

Luggage Service A Veteran Owned Business “SFor More Than 60 years, Heeling and Saving Soles. You Need a Professional Résumé if: A Second Generation Veteran-Owned Business You want to change your job or career; You’re eager to return to the job market; 27227 Wolf Road Graduation is on the horizon and you’ll be competing in the Bay Village, Ohio 44140 job market. (440) 871-1082 At Southern Cross, it begins with a detailed interview. We want to know your strengths, your accomplishments, and your plans for the future. When Weekdays: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed Wednesdays for a Day of Rest 216-789-3502 Southern Cross Résumé Service Official Distributor of DD 214 Chronicle “My Dad has a DD 214, I have a DD 214, and now I have DD 214 Chronicle to carry my advertising message. Five new customers have walked through my doors, and I have no doubt it’s only the beginning.” — Greg Rusnak www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 7 Hospice of the Western Reserve Unveils New 40,000-Square-Foot Home Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake

Hospice of the Western Reserve’s new Ames Family Hospice House is full of cozy spaces for families to gather and spend quiet time together, and is sited to take full advantage of its scenic wooded lot. Thirty-two private patient suites, a great room, screened porches, family kitchens, art and music therapy rooms, a children’s playroom and a teen activity room are just a few of its many features.

ocated on 30 wooded acres near are just a few of its many features. Lthe corner of Crocker and Clem- !e long drive back to the house ens Roads behind Bonne Bell and feels park-like, winding along the the Holiday Inn, the new $23 mil- woods. Some of the property had lion Ames Family Hospice House, been the Jesse Bell Memorial walk- 30080 Hospice Way, Westlake, o#ers ing paths. Hospice of the West- Hospice of the Western Reserve’s pa- ern Reserve has re-established the tients and family members peace and paths and now invites the commu- tranquility when they need it most, nity to once again enjoy the tranquil and provides a home away from home grounds for walking and running. for seriously ill patients in western !e grounds preserve a number Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. of wetland areas. Deer, numerous The focus of the new migratory birds and other wildlife 40,000-square-foot Craftsman-in- make their homes here. Porter Creek spired hospice house is on symptom runs through the property and pro- management and the care of patients vides a tranquil setting for relaxing, with limited life expectancies. State- re'ecting and enjoying nature. of-the-art technology is incorporated Ames Family Hospice House is an into the 32 patient suites, includ- eco-friendly building. Silver LEED The 30-acre grounds at Hospice of the Western Reserve’s new Ames Family Hospice House in ing hidden medical equipment for a Westlake include a Veterans Walk of Honor leading to a large, sunny Veterans Garden. An American certi"cation is being sought. Recy- homelike, non-institutional environ- flag waves atop a 30-foot flagpole in the center of the garden. Both Veterans and those currently cling areas are integrated through- ment, large doorways and 'at screen serving in the Armed Forces are honored in this section with special commemorative engraved out the café, kitchen and work areas, bricks purchased by families and loved ones. Brick donations benefit patients and families. TVs with virtual visiting capabilities as are large areas in which to store in all suites. therapeutic massage and volunteer pice House, Hospice of the Western recyclables for pick up. Other green “Hospice of the Western Reserve services, for example, are available to Reserve’s East Side residential care features include bio-swales around provides care to patients whose life is family members as well as patients.” facility on the lakefront. Private pa- drives, parking lots and paths to "lter measured in months, weeks or days Finn said the new house is full tient suites, a great room, screened and clean runo# water, a retention rather than years,” explained Wil- of cozy spaces for families to gather porches, family kitchens, art and basis to collect rainwater to water the liam E. Finn, Chief Executive O$cer. and spend quiet time together, and music therapy rooms, a children’s lawns and gardens, and a rain garden “We’re focused on enabling patients is sited to take full advantage of its playroom and a teen activity room near the front entrance. and families to celebrate life, be com- scenic wooded lot, with colorful pe- fortable and enjoy the time they have rennial gardens, native landscaping together. !is allows individuals to be and abundant screened porches and About Hospice of the Western Reserve in control of their care and to live out courtyards bringing the outside in. the "nal stage of their lives in dignity. wInput on the house’s design and “Our support encompasses not features was solicited from numer- only the patient, but also extends ous sources, including medical sta#, to the caregiver and the entire fam- community members, and patients ily unit. Our art and music therapy, and families at David Simpson Hos-

8 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com Q: How do we know Mother Nature loves us? A: Because Lake Erie is "lled with perch.

ome people believe Mother its unique 'avor and texture ingredients necessary for their S Nature created Lake Erie wonderful, it’s as accessible as perch fry. Perch are best when Perch so Friday "sh fries would a trip to Lake Erie. they go from cooler to frying pan be anticipated with watering !e day before the DD 214 the same day. Here are a couple palates. If She did, She was Chronicle "shing team heads for ways the "shing team serves the right. Not only is perch, with the lake, members stock up on tasty Perca 'avescens:

Get the butter hot but not ½ teaspoon salt Whisk together the egg and In one bowl, whisk the egg and the

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Comfort from pain and difficult symptoms Emotional support for caregivers and loved ones Spiritual care with attention to remorse and regret Recognition for service Opportunities to share military experiences Resources to help navigate benefits for dependents Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer pairing

To volunteer with fellow Veterans, call 800.707.8922,

or visit hospicewr.org/volunteer Follow us on:

www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 9 Making a Di#erence: Cuyahoga County Veterans Commission President Frank Pocci By J. Clark West

eterans Commission President a new member and he applied. !e sel given. He hits the road to preach the gospel of the Commission wher- VFrank Pocci is one of those guys Commission meets every week, and the Commission gospel at VFW and ever two or more veterans gathered. who dispel the myth about old dogs every other week, the meeting is Legion meetings, AMVETS, and the “!ere were a lot of problems, being unable to learn new tricks. open to the public. In addition to thrice-yearly meetings in Columbus. and I was part of the solution. Today, !e Vietnam veteran and AM- reviewing client appeals, acting on He’s more preacher than salesman, we’re one of the top Commissions in VETS member is about to wrap up his all Commission proposals and pro- and wants the Commission’s mis- the state,” said. !ere are 87 other career with the Commission. Terms grams, and ful"lling the responsi- sion to be known by every Cuyahoga county commissions. !e pride in are usually "ve years and appoint- bilities of the president, he hits the County veteran. his voice is clear. ments are made by a federal judge. That’s not to say it was easy, If he is not reappointed, it will be because it wasn’t. It took Pocci a the Commission’s loss. He clearly en- half year to fully understand the joys the part-time job and is tireless mission and all the moving parts, in promoting Commission services which included the laws governing to veterans. mission to be known by every the agency. If Pocci is relentless in helping Today the Commission serves veterans with "nancial problems, it Cuyahoga County veteran. more veterans than ever and does may have something to do with his more outreach. Satellite offices own history. Pocci is familiar with [ ] have been created at Wake Park and "nancial di$culties. !e steel "rm road on a regular basis. He joined the Commission after Parma VA hospitals. where he served in the accounting His position is officially part the state reviewed operations and or- “I can help veterans,” he said. department went bust. So, he’s been time, but he’s available full time dered wholesale changes. Pocci was “You get to see the di#erence we there and done that. when problems need to be ad- part of the team that changed poli- make in their lives. !at’s the joy In 2003, the Commission sought dressed, or help provided, or coun- cies, improved sta#, and preached of it.”

Code sku=CPDD214 www.clevelandmetroparks.com

10 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com All Aboard the USS Ohio; Female O$cers on Nuclear-Powered Submarines by Ann Stasko

t’s been an interesting couple of Iyears for the USS Ohio, the nu- clear powered submarine based in Bangor, Maine. First, Captain Ron- ald Gero, commanding o$cer, was forced to walk the plank. In Navy- speak, it was due to a loss of con- "dence in his ability to command. Before he was made to walk, inves- tigators looked into allegations of, “… inappropriate personal behavior that eroded good order and discipline.” But the good news is women of- "cers on submarines. (!e only area still o# limits to women sailors is the SEALS.) Twenty-"ve female ju- nior o$cers have joined the subma- rine 'eet and problems are rare. Lt. Megan Bittner of the USS Getting on board was more dif- Training Unit, and nine weeks at more than my "rst deployment, but I Ohio said, “It was quick. There "cult than sailing. !e submariners Submarine O$cer Basic Course. never thought twice about it because were no big problems. No stum- prepped at the Naval Academy or Bittner said, “It’s not just the en- everybody’s in the same position.” bling blocks along the way. It was ROTC programs, then spent six gine room or ship control. You have Like family members, the 15 just learning as a junior o$cer how months at the Nuclear Power School, to be a jack of all trades. I’ve never o$cers on board share the same you "t on the boat.” six months at the Nuclear Power worked harder, slept less or learned bathroom.

Welcome home to where futures beginSM Tri-C’s commitment to veterans

MISSION READY Whether you are a discharged veteran, on active duty, or a member of the Guard and Reserve, know that you and your family are welcome home at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®).

Opportunities include fast-track certification, degree programs, apprenticeship programs and support services.

Other resources include: Veterans Upward Bound program Veterans Club Assessment and Counseling Career Planning Distance Learning Opportunities Scholarship Opportunities Access to Community Resources

To learn more contact: Veteran Services & Programs, Cuyahoga Community College 216-987-3193 www.tri-c.edu/veterans/ www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 11 Another Take on Marine Week By Louis Pumphrey, Guest Columnist

don’t know about you folks, but “Bobs” working on the USS Cod with I said in my goodbye to him, “Take nal Tower. I wanted as many people II was absolutely incensed, infuri- him has a name tag at the end of his care. Life is fragile.” He said, “You’re as possible to see the combination of ated, outraged and otherwise hugely lanyard that says “Plumber Bob.”) right. I’m 73.” I said, “I’ll be 70 in my military service and peace 'ag. As pissed o# when I saw the Plain Deal- Turns out Hungarian Bob was an September.” you might imagine, while standing er with its over-the-top pu# pieces Army veteran and Air Force veter- About a minute later, now with my for about 45 minutes, a few people and photos covering the opening day an who served in Korea. We talked 'ag unfurled, I was pleasantly sur- stopped to chat. No one stopped to of Marine Week in Cleveland. I got about how war is a business, with Bob prised to get a very friendly greeting complain. !e Marines walking by “my Irish up,” and as Peter Finch said saying there is evidence FDR made from a Marine Sta# Sergeant wear- who did not like what they saw said in the movie Network, I got “mad as moves to provoke Japan into attack- ing his summer dress-blue uniform nothing. If they did not like the 'ag, hell and I’m not going to take this ing the United States Navy at Pearl (short sleeve khaki shirt, dark blue I suspect they at least respected the anymore!” Harbor, thereby ending the Great slacks and white dress cap.) He spoke uniform and the service it represent- Luckily, I was o# work, so after Depression. Bob also said that JFK to me "rst, saying, “Good afternoon, ed. So they kept their, well, peace. doing a bit of house painting I wanted to wind down our presence sir. How are you?” I replied, noting A bald businessman in a dark suit, donned my extremely tight--wait, in Vietnam but that after LBJ be- the insignia on his shirt sleeve, “I’m red tie and white shirt--probably in scratch that--”form-"tting”--dress came president, the war escalated. "ne, sergeant. How are you?” He said, his 70s--stopped to shake my hand green 44-year-old U.S. Army uni- Bob said relatives of LBJ’s wife, Lady “good”. and thank me for my service. I gave form, grabbed my furled peace 'ag Bird, were defense contractors mak- However, a couple of minutes him my stock answer, “You’re wel- and jumped on the Rapid. ing ammunition, later, a man come. I wish I could say it was my I got downtown about 3:30 and among other wearing a Ma- pleasure, but it really wasn’t.” I told walked through Public Square with war-related ma- rines tee shirt him one of my lieutenants was killed my furled peace 'ag, noting vari- teriel. Bob and I who could stand three days after his 23rd birthday ous military land vehicles and two agreed it always to lose more than during the Tet O#ensive, one of my helicopters --- one being a pristine comes down to a few pounds, classmates from Miami University “Huey” which I 'ew in on several oc- money and that yelled at me, say- was killed when his Navy jet went casions in Vietnam. war is good for ing my 'ag ought down over North Vietnam and the My objective was to visit the rep- business. to be thrown in the lake. (At least husband of one of my cousins was lica of the Vietnam Wall Memorial Sensing Hungarian Bob and I that’s what I think he said. Or maybe killed in an ambush in Vietnam when laden with the names of more than were very much “on the same page,” he told me to go jump in the lake. I he was with the 101st Airborne Divi- 58,000 men and women killed in I thought it safe to unfurl my peace dunno.) At any rate, I said, “!ank sion. What a waste. !eir whole lives Vietnam. I was friends with three 'ag, prefacing that action with this you. That’s very kind of you.” He ahead of them, gone in a 'ash. None men whose names are on that wall, anecdote: “A few years ago, a Marine turned away and kept walking. of those guys got to see their 25th which was erected near the tip of Voi- spoke to me after I had walked with Old friend Tim Musser, active in birthday. War is the most insane in- novich Park at the end of East Ninth my peace 'ag in the Shaker Heights the Catholic Worker and Pax Chris- vention of man.” Street, next to Lake Erie. Memorial Day Parade. He objected ti organizations, had hailed me as Another supportive man, a ci- As I walked away from the exhib- to the combination of my military I walked toward East Ninth Street vilian worker for the Department it, still with my 'ag furled, a man uniform and peace 'ag, saying to and was standing with me when he of Defense, said to me, “You’ve got wearing a baseball cap embroidered me, ‘No one wants peace more than heard my exchange with the guy in courage to be out here like this. Have with U.S.S. Cod approached me and I do.’ I said, ‘If that’s true, then why the Marine tee shirt. I said to Tim, the Marines been a problem?” I said, we struck up a friendly conversation. do you have a problem with my peace “I don’t think I want to be walking “Not at all.” He was wearing an ID tag around 'ag?’ !e Marine said nothing and down a dark alley with a bunch of During my time standing in front his neck with the name “Hungarian walked away.” Marines behind me. My goal is to be of the Terminal Tower, a Marine in Bob.” Turns out he is one of several I then unfurled my peace 'ag, home before dark.” his desert camou'age uniform took “Bobs” who work as tour guides on which probably surprised Bob, but I then walked up East Ninth my picture with his cell phone and the USS Cod submarine, docked near he smiled and I extended my hand to Street, eventually making it to the gave me a thumbs up. !at probably Voinovich Park. (One of the other shake his, and he extended his hand. broad sidewalk in front of the Termi- was the highlight of my day.

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12 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com From Vantage Point: Dispatches from the U.S. Department of Veteran A#airs !e “Dangerous” Veteran: An Inaccurate Media Narrative Takes Hold by Kate Hoit

f you’ve read the news lately, you health problems, the rates remained ently understand that occupation or veterans and civilians. Imay have seen one of several stories higher among civilians as well. work experience doesn’t typically fac- “Overall this creates at most a describing recent veterans as “tick- When the survey was conducted in tor into a propensity for murder. !en hostile and at least an uncomfort- ing time bombs” or as “dangerous” 2004, the Veteran population in the again, headlines that scream, “Man able situation for veterans in school on account of post-traumatic stress. U.S. was 24 million. America’s prisons Yielding Concrete Mix Charged with or the workplace,” said Hawthorne. It’s a narrative that has persisted for were home to 140,000 Vets—of which Murder: Hint of a Larger Problem?” “Teachers may not encourage vets decades, but the connection between 21,000 had been convicted of murder. are likely not as pro"table. to share their opinions in the class- disturbed murderers and their ser- And while those numbers seem large, Unfortunately, this rehashed room out of fear of creating a negative vice in combat is weak—despite what this accounts for less than 1/10 of one portrayal of PTSD, reminiscent of environment.” media reports and popular culture percent of the entire Veteran popula- the Vietnam era, has the power to Dr. Sonja Batten, the Deputy would have many believe. And such tion. A far cry from what some in the deter veterans from openly speak- Chief Consultant for Specialty Men- rhetoric, when solidi"ed in the public media would lead us to believe. ing about their service—especially tal Health in the Department of Veter- consciousness, can have negative con- While a small fraction of veter- in today’s economic climate—when ans A#airs added, “!e truth is, PTSD sequences for both Veterans and so- ans have been convicted of murder, unemployment among younger Vets doesn’t have to and shouldn’t impede ciety—like causing Veterans to avoid it often matters little in a media at- hovers between 20 and 30 percent. success in everyday life for veterans. seeking help or employers to avoid mosphere which can place a premium !at concerns Iraq Veteran Ryan Gal- Years of research have demonstrated hiring them. on sensational lucci, now with again and again that most people re- “!is is a huge misrepresentation headlines. In the veterans of cover naturally after experiencing po- of Veterans,” said Rich Blake, an Iraq such an envi- Foreign Wars. tentially traumatic events, and we have War Veteran and psychology doctoral ronment, vet- “Vietnam e#ective treatments for those who de- student at Loyola University Mary- erans are often veterans were velop more signi"cant problems with land. For the past two years, Blake stereot y ped stereotyped as PTSD. I think what gets lost in these has worked with Veterans who have by those with the crazy Vet- stories are the amazing strengths that PTSD in the residential trauma recov- an unclear un- eran, but over our nation’s veterans have.” ery program and the women’s men- derstanding of the years we’ve In "scal year 2011, over 476,000 tal health clinic at the Baltimore VA what it means proven that veterans received treatment at VA Medical Center. He doesn’t shy away to live with isn’t the case,” medical centers and clinics across the from the obvious—that combat and PTSD. And the said Galluc- country for PTSD. Of those, 99,000 wartime experience can have mental fact is, there is ci, the VFW’s were Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. health consequences—which can con- no limit to the number of reasons National Legislative Service Deputy Dr. Batten expects more Vets to seek tribute to some Vets acting out. But he why a person might choose to be- Director. “What concerns us are to- treatment in the coming years. throws caution to the idea that this come violent. day’s veterans sitting down for a job “We have made progress in the is an epidemic. “!e headlines are irresponsible,” interview and once they mention their fight against PTSD stigma,” she “[!ese incidents] are like shark said Brian Hawthorne, an Iraq War military service, the tone of the con- said. “Veterans are now more likely attack stories,” said Blake. “People are Veteran and board member of Stu- versation changes.” to recognize if something is wrong scared of shark attacks but they don’t dent veterans of America. “Murder While most can discern between and come forward so that they can happen that often.” should be talked about but shouldn’t sensationalized news stories, the re- move on with their lives.” In a 2007 report on Veterans in be centered on the instability of a few ality is that less than one percent of While the country has slowly state and federal prison—the most in our military population.” the population serves in uniform— begun to recognize post-traumatic current report of its kind—research- According to Gerhard Falk’s Mur- leaving many with a slim exposure stress—from “soldier’s heart” to “shell ers at the Bureau of Justice Statis- der: An Analysis of Its Forms, Con- to today’s Vets. And this is the image shock” to “combat fatigue”—there are tics worked to demystify the vagaries ditions, and Causes, the occupations they are fed—as seen in a January still barriers preventing veterans from surrounding veterans and crime. As most likely to include murderers are issue of !e Week: seeking help. According to one survey it turned out, during the past three laborers, service workers, and stu- “Blackouts, 'ashbacks, night ter- of OEF/OIF veterans, there is still le- decades, the number of veterans in dents. A comparison of those "nd- rors, and sudden rages are common gitimate concern over asking for care. state and federal prison had actually ings with the FBI’s Most Wanted list among veterans; suicide, alcoholism, With imbalanced portrayals of declined. And when the mental health for violent crimes in 2012 shows a and drug use have surged. PTSD has PTSD, these ideas will continue to fuel of veterans in prison was compared similar occurrence of occupations. been cited as a factor in many acts of misunderstandings like the type seen to that of their civilian counterparts, Overwhelmingly, the top three of- vets running amok.” in San Diego. But we have the leverage there seemed to be a trend: Civilians fenders by occupation are general As long as such language remains to change this—to make a conscious reported a higher rate of “any men- laborers, construction workers, and prevalent and acceptable, college ad- decision to understand what it means tal health problems” than veterans— gang members. mission o$ces, future employers, and to live with PTSD. And to give those both in state and federal prison. Of course, we rarely, if ever, see ar- those alike can peg today’s veterans who have served a fair shot by strip- When it came to psychotic disor- ticles hinting at a larger problem with- as “running amok” with the tendency ping away those unwarranted stereo- der, which represents the more ex- in the laborer "eld or the construction to burst into “sudden rages”—quietly types and seeing veterans for whom treme end of the spectrum of mental "eld. Likely, this is because we inher- widening the divide further between they really are. www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 13 !e Path to Golf Joy is Not !rough the Golf Store: It’s !rough Your Local PGA Teacher By John H. Tidyman

GOLF

he fortunes of golf, long stagnant, ball, which is, according to golf com- Tcontinue to fade. !ere are alleg- pany 'acks, one of the longest dis- edly 26 million golfers, give or take tance balls on the market. Spending a million or two, in the U.S. $45/dozen on something like this is Counting golfers is di$cult and a good idea if, 1.) You play to a sin- the number includes: people who play gle digit handicap, or, 2.) You love to only once a season, problem drink- spend much of your golf game in the ers who go to outings, those who talk woods and have no regard for play- a good game, private club members ers behind you. who use the game as an excuse to Allow me to back up a bit. If the get away from the old lady, burglars number of golfers is upwards of 20 caught trying to sell 14 clubs and a million, we know it’s not a rich man’s nice bag, plus lots of players who re- game. Rich men play, of course, but I ally love the game. always found golf to be solidly middle Not long ago, there were allegedly class. Poor people don’t play golf. If 30 million. Probably included kids the choice is between paying rent and using the old man’s irons for sword- buying a Blue Rage 350, the landlord cutline "ghts in the garage. gets the nod. For new players, the game can Just my opinion, but if we’re to be daunting: Not just shoes, gloves, share the glorious and fascinating slacks, and golf shirts, all of question- game with others, encourage inter- Low and slow and able value and worth, but clubs, as well. watch it go. ested parties to follow this sign: “Golf The price/value ratio for new Lessons Given Here.” !ey can buy a sticks is seriously out of whack. !e T-Zoid after learning how to swing it. terminology fails, too. Pretend you imported motorcycle or a golf club: Flex.” Cutline: Warning to Squirrels, don’t know anything about the game “For Sale: Mizuno T-Zoid Blue Rage The perfect accompaniment Rabbits, Robins, and Groundhogs: and tell me if I’m trying to sell you an 350 CC 9º Driver w/ Graphite Sti# would be the Bridgestone B330-S You’re in the line of "re.

The High Cost of Education is “GI Bill for Cuyahoga County” Set to Start Not So High with the GI Bill Federal Reserve Bank of New York, uyahoga County Cuyahoga Workforce C veterans, whose Investment Board unemployment rate to provide priority is substantially for high-skill worker student loan debt in the United higher than non- training programs. veterans, are about The county also to get some worth- promises to work dollars, and default rates for while job training. with the Army in The county is an effort to recruit working with area veterans for county hospitals to retrain positions, including veterans who often highly-skilled and expe- sheri#’s deputies and corrections o$cers. Vets rienced, but lack the education for nursing will get preference for training programs and requirements. county jobs. The Cuyahoga County Veterans Service It is all part of a “GI Bill for Cuyahoga Coun- Commission will partner with the Cleveland- ty,” which will include scholarships for veterans.

14 DD 214 Chronicle July/August 2012 www.dd214chronicle.com Real Dogs, Real Hearts By Edward Senko

ut of the goodness of their hearts, OFrank and Jen DeLorenzo have taken the dog by the leash and cre- ated a non-pro"t organization, Wag- s4Warriors, which provides dogs to our vets who su#er PTSD, TBI, and other service-connected di$culties. !e pair works with local rescue organizations to match dogs with veterans, and provides all the nec- essary training. !e service dogs can be trained for all sorts of tasks, each helping the veteran have a much bet- ter day. Isn’t that something? First a dog is rescued by a local organization, then Good campanions need good breakfasts. the dog is rescued by the DeLorenzos, then the dog rescues the veteran. Its website is wags4warriors.org and It "gures, doesn’t it, that it was Frank and Jen DeLorenzo the organization depends on men a dog who inspired the DeLoren- and women like you and me for con- zos? Yup, and her name is Sophie, Sophie joined the household, DeLo- DeLorenzo refers to dogs as a sort tributions. If your heart is anywhere a big-hearted, sympathetic, under- renzo found some relief. !e beauti- of medication, and history backs up near as big as a dog’s, send a check standing, helpful pal picked up at a ful pit bull reminds his friend to take the veteran. Maybe because dogs ex- and a note to: Cleveland kennel. the proper medication at the proper hibit the virtues we wish we prac- Frank DeLorenzo is a veteran time, wakes him when he su#erers ticed: unquestioning friendship and Wags 4 Warriors and he came home from Iraq with nightmares, and at all times, watches loyalty. P.O. Box 41191 the confusing pain of PTSD. When his back. Wags4Warriors is in Brecksville. Brecksville, Ohio 44141

“A dog is the only thing that can mend a crack in your broken heart” –Judy Desmond

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