• *************•••****• *AUTO** 3-DlGlT 400 6Q 00464 BN 00001 M240206 . . 11 [? NATIONAL OFFICERS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF COMMENTS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF COL Jack B. Jones Happy New Year! My wife, Joy,,'and I hope Email: [email protected] you and your families had a Merqy Christmas SENIOR VICE and that 2006 will bring you good health, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF LTC David R. Titus prosperity and close friends. Email: [email protected] As we approach the mid-term (if this VICE COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF MOWW year, we have been fortiinate to visit LTG Robert L. "Sam" Wetzel over ten chapters where we have made many Email; [email protected] new MOWW friends and were treated royally. Col James D. Elmer Email: [email protected] In early February, we have another opportu COL Jitck B. Jones COL D. Michael Duggan nity to get together for the "Good of the Order^ Email: [email protected] in Washington, D.C. for our MidwinterGeneral Staff (GS) meet CW4 Robert R. "Bob" Ozier ing. This yearwe willattempt something we have not done Email: [email protected] before and that is to "Walk the Halls ofCongress" inorder to TREASURER GENERAL make them more aware of MOWW and our concerns for COL M. Hall Worthington Email; hworthin@juno,com National Security,our positions on "Service before Self" and JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL those initiatives we undertake to demonstrate that it is "Nobler LT Stuart M. Cowan to Serve than Be Served." I respectfully invite each of you to Email: [email protected] attend the MidwinterGS meeting and "Walk the Halls" with SURGEON GENERAL Lt Col Kenneth D. Shanklin me, and the rest of the EXCOM and General Staff. VCINC COL Email: [email protected] Mike Duggan, Chair of the Resolutions Committee and VCINC
CHAPLAIN GENERAL LTG Sam Wetzel, Chair of the National Security Committee will MAJ Charlie R. Beasley provide packets ofinformation 'to take to our Representatives HISTORIAN GENERAL and Senators along with specific directions on how to under Maj John G. Brady Email: [email protected] take the task of presenting the lUoWW point of view. Begin GENERAL STAFF-AT-LARGE now to get ready for this great f'enture by contacting your
Elected Congressman's local Staff Aidejto arrange for your appointment COL Billie L.Stephens on February 2nd, between 1400-1600 hours, and join me as we Email: [email protected] walk the "Walk" and talk the "Talk" for MOWW. COL John W. Lazur Last butnotleast, bynow yqu all have received the request Email: [email protected] for the CINC's SoUcitation for fiscal year 2005/2006. We pro CAPT William W. Dibble, Jr. Email: [email protected] posed abalanced and "bare-bcjnes" budget which was LTC Michael S. George approved by the National Con^Vention in San Francisco. In that Email; [email protected] 'no-frills'budget, we included'an item predicated on donations Companion James C. Baird of funds to the Order for operations this year. Please, find it in Email: [email protected] your heartand mind to donat^ what you can to the good ofthe Appointed Order. The leadership of the Order has taken steps to move COL Richard A. Colson MOWW on asound fiscal fooiing which will pay off in the Email: [email protected] future and eliminate the need for solicitations. But as of now, CAPT Watt W. Jordan, Jr. Email: [email protected] the CINC's solicitation is the only way we can accomplish our CAPT Kent S. Webber mission and operate from day-to-day. So don't let "George" do Email: [email protected] it; let each of us donate as we can. In addition, if each of us LTC Henry A. Adams recruits one new member, it \i'ill double our membership and Email: [email protected] we will not need to solicit. CW04 Allan R. Peschek Email: [email protected] Remember, Attitude is Everything! officer Review (ISSN U736-7il7i ii published monihly except Fet)ruai>' and Augusl for SI3 byThe Mililar>' Order oi IhcWorld Wars, -<35 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodical postage paidat Front Cover: M(ip of Vietnam, TETOffens ve, 1968, from the United States Militari/ Alexandria, VA, and additional postage mailing offices. I'QSTMASTER; collection in the National Archives Send address changes to OFFICER REVIEW, 435 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA22314, Back Cover: Photosfrom the Vietnam Men orial website, design byAssistant Editor. Table of Contents
Volume 45 Number 6 TAKE TIME TO SERVE YOUR COUNTRY January 2006
4 Vietnam Experiences 14 Major League Baseball Endorses Memoria! ByLTC Harry R. Lascola Fund's Baseball Delegation to Vietnam Sun City Center, Florida, Chapter 15 Vietnam Chronicles: 6 A Coastguardman's The Abrams Tapes (1968-1972) Recollections of Vietnam By CaptLeRoy Reinburg, Jr 15 Operation Homecoming Bettiesda, Maryland,Chapter By Lt Col Thomas L. Gorham Cincinnati, Ohio, Chapter 8 VJha\ Is a Cavalryman? ByLTC Frederic J. Filbert 16 Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Headquarters Chapter, Alexandria, Virginia is a charter sponsor of the National Vietnam War Museum 9 From the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command: 17 Second National Vietnam Veterans Commerations from POW/MIA Recognition Day Homecoming Announced in Branson, MO MIAs Recovered and Brought Home Inthe Year 2005 18 The 2006 Midwinter General Staff Meeting 10 Vietnam Myths Dispelled ByCol James M. Snyder Greater Kansas City, Missouri, Chapter ByCOL Fred Marshall East Texas, Chapter Hotel, Tfansportotion, and Toui Information 18 Registration Form 19 11 Battle for Nui Chom IVIountain Plan to VIsir Your Congressmen 20 By VCINC LTG Robert L. *Som'Wetzel 2006 Midwinter General Statt Meeting Agenda 21 Columbus, Georgia,Chapter 22 YDF, Inc. Becomes YEP, Inc. 12 Vietnamese Dancing Lesson By PostCommander-ln-Chlef CAPT R. M. "Rollie" Stevens East Meets West President, Board of Directors, YEF, Inc. LTC Thornas D. Morgan Dallas, Texos, Chapter PugetSound,Washington, Chapter 23 MOWW YLC Director Training 13 Ice Cream at QuI Nhon By LtCol Peter G. Straul) ByCDR Kirt( Ferguson Chairman, Patriotic Education Committee LTG John M, V/rlgnt, California, Chapter Fort W/alton Beoch, Florida, Chapter 23 CINC Solicitation Update By Commander-in-Chlef COL Jack B. Jones iMilitary ©rbcr of tl]c fflorib Wars General Hoyt S. Vondenberg, Callfomla, Chopter 24 MOWW Approves identity Theft Shield 435 NORTH LEE STREET, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 Product for Companions Telephone: (703) 683-4911 By Companion James C. Baird Joseph H. Pendleton, Calitornia, Chapter Toil-Free number; 1-877-320-3774 Fax; (703) 683-4501 25 Patriotic Education., Inc. (PEI) E-mail; [email protected] 26 We Have Met The Enemy (and they are 'us') Web site; www.militaryorder.net By Colonel Vincent M. Locl
TheMilitmy Order of the World Wars * have seen in a lone Quang Nai, wherever that is. Then a company of mG Pearson An aside, shortly after receiving the Medal of Viet Cong emerged said -i mger that." Honor Pless was killed on his motorcycle at I never found out Pensacola Naval Station. Several years later the from tllG VlllSQB where the guns were Navy commissioned the "Stephen W. Pless," a sup firing and advancing located, who fired the ply ship for the Marines, in San Diego. I was privi mission, or even what leged to observe the commissioning. Also, Captain tOWflPd thO tlBliGOptOr callber, Iguessed that Dunagan received the Medal of Honor on a second ~ • they were 155s or 175s. tour in Vietnam. He died many years ago. And I never fired another mission. I told our artillery officer to keep a full canteen or I would kick his butt. My superb firing was pure luck, but ^ I graciously accepted the praise. Several days later we learned what had hap pened. A CH47 helicopter was taking unarmed R&R troops and five armed soldiers to Danang when its instruments faulted and it landed on the beach side of an inland waterway. On the land side was a deserted village, the pilot thought. When it landed the armed soldiers set up a perimeter. Thena company of Viet Cong emerged from the village firing and advancing toward the helicopter. Tlie CH47 took offleaving the five sol diers and radioed a May Day. Marine Major Stephen Pless, flying a gun ship, heard the mes Above: The crew, all US Marines, posed for (his picture in Da Nang following their historic mission. From left: Lance sage and arrived as the Viet Cong were beating Corporal iohn G. Phelps, Navy Cross, Captain Stephen W, and bayoneting the five soldiers. One was already Pless, Medal of Honor, Captain Rupert E. Fairfiekl, NavyCross, and Gunnery Sergeant Leroy N. Poulson, NavyCross. US Govt. dead. Major Pless repelled or killed the 30 to 50 pholo courtesy of Pless Archive attacking VietCong and courageously exposed his Pictured pg 4, top: A U.S. Air Force HH-3 helicopter crewman side of the ship while the crew was picking up the fires a mini-gun during rescue patrol over SouthVietnam, four live soldiers. However, he did much more 10/17/1968. Photo by SSgt Paul Hagerty, reprinted from (he National Archives than that and for his actions received tlie Medal of Pictured page4, lower right: Captain Kern W. Dunagan and his Honor. gravestone at the Presidio National Cemetery in San Francisco. I received the Does your Chapter have a Champlin, Dunagan, I POW/MIA Flag? and the crew, The flag is 3' x 5' and made of durable indoor/outdoor polyester with a canvas tion of header and brass grommets (eyelets). General The design is 100% authentic.Will fit any Pearson, standard flag received the pole and will Air Medal for last for years Valor. Pless' provided that it Medal of is protected Honor citation from high wind and heavy states the weather. action took place near http://www.starsandstripesshop.com Usually ships in 2-3 business days. Presidentjohnson shown awarding Capl Stephen W. Pless the Item #:S1035, $13.95 Medal of Honor. US Govt photo courtesy of Pless Archive
Officer Reviezu Janunry 2006 ACoastguardman's Recollections constantstreamdf Russian cargo ships steaming north to Hanoi Harbor with deck loads of tanks of Vietnam and trucks, and returningwith empty decks. By CAPTLeRoy Reinburg, fr According to seagoing practice, we exchanged Bethesda, Maryland, Chapter flashing light signals with ships we encountered During most of 1970, the Coast Guard Cutter in international waters, which almost always PONTCHARTRAIN (WHEC-70), of which I was returned our quqries with their name, port ofori the commanding officer, was deployed to gin and portofdestination. After establishing Vietnam as a unit of Coast Guard Squadron contact, we would frequently exchange pleas THREE, a part ofCommander, Cruiser/Destroyer antries. The Russian ships, however, never Group, US. SEVENTH Fleet. PONTCHARTRAIN answered our sij^als. While we had frequent was a 255-foot, single screw high endurance cut calls for fire in these areas, it was Area Nine ter, with a steam-driven, turbo-electric propulsion where much of (j)ur action took place. system, with a wartime complement of 230 enlist In Area Nine, there had been very few ed personnel and 25 officers. When we were attempts by Noiith Vietnamese infiltrators. We operating off the coast of the Republic of would patrol or^' arandom basis, and then usual Vietnam, we were under the operational control ly, anchor at night about 500 yards off ofSong of the Commander, U.S. Naval Offshore Ong Doc, th^ site of a U.S. Navy Riverine Patrol Force {CTF 115), code named Force Basje, and provide naval gun fire sup- MARKET TIME, tasked with interdict . port. The base was on "ammie" barges, ing North Vietnamese trawlers and which were moored to the shore, and other craftwhichwere constantly provided adock for Swift Boats and attempting to pierce the barrier patrol PBRs to moor; and galvanized iron struc- and resupply the Viet Cong with person , tures, containing an operations center and nel, ammunition and other supplies. In addi berthing siace for the off-duty boat crews. tion, we provided Naval Gunfire Support (NGF) The ammie barges were heavily sandbagged, to friendly forces ashore with our five-inch, 38- withmachine ^un emplacements, and thebase caliber, general purpose gun. We were also armed was ringed at ^ distance of about several hun with 20mm machine guns on each bridge wing, a dred yards by Acoustic, magnetic and seismic sen quad 40mm machine gun mounted forward of sors, precisely charted, to alert the base of any the bridge, and six deck-mounted 50-caliber attempt to ovetrun it. The base had armed heli machine guns. Just prior to our departure from copter support available to it from a nearby U.S. Long Beach, California, our home port, we were Army unit, but their bestdefense wasour five- directed to remove our sonar, and Antisubmarine inchgun. At night, Viet Congwould try to attack Warfare acoustictorpedoes. As I will explain the base, and ive would receive frequent calls for later, we regretted the loss of the sonar. fire on a specific sensor activation. Some nights The waters adjacent to the Republic of there would be no action, then we would get Vietnam were divided into nine patrol areas, with three or more calls. When we received these calls Market TimeArea One bordering the we would soi.|nd "general quarters, condition 11" Demilitarized Zone and Area Nine from the a modified velrsion of general quarters for shore southern tip of the Ca Mau Peninsula to the bombardmenj; (SHOBA), in which only the gun Cambodian border. This latter area covered a sub crew, combat information center, fire control and stantial portion of the Gulf of Thailand. Each of ship control would report to their battle stations. these areas extended out to 12 miles from the Astrictly forrhatted call for fire message would shore. Weboarded dozens of junks looking for include atarget description, specific coordinates, contraband and draft dodgers, answered numer and type of ammunition requested, typically ous calls for fire, and provided MEDCAPS (med HECVT (higlji explosive proximity fuse, set to ical treatment) to the villagers. Our patrols in explode abovfe the target.) Areas One through Eight do not bring forth any Thefirst few times we answered a callfor fire, we were not very fast, but after we had done it a memorable incidents, except for us watching a number of times, we got progressively better.
TheMilitary Order of the World Wars Eventually, from the sounding of the general several sailors, and causing severe flooding. This alarm, Condition II, we had rounds in the air in was a heads-up for all hands, who got the mes four minutes! This was pretty astonishing, con sage that we might be next. It wasn't necessary sidering persomiel woke up to the alarm, and from then on to make them aware that perpetual raced to their stations, acquired the target, vigilance was essential. brought ammunition to the mount, reported While we were at anchor off Song Ong Doc, manned and ready, and answered the "battery we had frequent visits from Navy Swift Boats, released" order. All during my tour, it was appar PBRs, and Coast Guard 82-foot patrol boats, ent that most of the action at sea and ashore took wanting water, fuel, materiel repair support, and place at night. We had many sleepless nights, and just a change of venue to a more stable platform I made sure that for a few hours. during the day, we CAPT LeRoy Reinburg, Jr. The CO of the had periods during was in command of the Riverine Base, a which all hands USCGC Pontchartrain Navy Lieutenant were able to stand from 1968-1970 Commander, down, rather than would come out push ourselves to from ashore to exhaustion. confer on opera Anchoring tions, and discuss close to shore at how we could night had its own improve executing hazards. The our mission. I, m enemy made fre turn, would go quent attempts to ashore to visit penetrate our Riverine Base with defenses with the ship's swimmer sappers, Operations Officer who tried to attach and Gunnery limpet mines to the side of the ship. This was Officer so that we could understand each others when I regretted the loss of our sonar. It was a strengths and limitations. very effective method of discouraging swimmers, A detachment of Navy Seals operated in the since the noise of the sonar signal was a powerful area of the Base, conducting clandestine (Black) deterrent to approaching swimmers. We found it operations against the enemy. On their many vis necessary to slide a collar up and down the its to the PONTCHARTRAIN, I engaged a num anchor chain all night at periodic intervals, have ber of them in conversations, and heard some of armed personnel roaming the decks, shooting at the most fascinating tales I had ever heard. I've anything in the water , and at random intervals listened to enough sea stories to be able to detect detonate concussion grenades alongside of the embellishment or tall tales, but these were ship. The entrance to the river off which we recounted in such a matter of fact, candid and anchored was full of floating coconuts, which at sincere manner, I was sure they were, if anything, night resembled a swimmer's head. The rattle of understated. One told me that on a recent occa gunfire and the detonating of grenades made it sion, he and his fellow Seals made one of their difficult to get to sleep. It was like trying to sleep regular forays into the local jungle, to harass, col inside a bass drum. lect intelligence, and disorient the Viet Cong,who After weeks of this, it was inevitable that the were constantly attempting to overrun local deck guards would fall into a routine, and ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) and become less vigilant. One night, we heard a deaf U.S. military bases. They stole up behind a small ening explosion to the north of us, and monitor group sitting around a tiny camp fire, silently ing the fleet broadcast, found that a Navy LST capturing two of them before the others realized moored off another Riverine Base, had a limpet what was happening. As the other Viet Cong in mine blow a hole in the engine spaces, killing the group came out of their daze from the sud-
Officer Revieiv January 2006 denness of the attack, they abandoned their I was not surpris Dd when the Seals would ask us weapons, fled to the bank of the nearby river, and if they could spend a weekend of R&R on our seemingly disappeared. After the Seals reconnoi- ship! After all, w ?had a safe, air conditioned tered the area, they noticed two reeds in the shal space for them tci sleep, hot showers, three hot low water near the bank of the river that seemed meals a day, mec.ical treatment (we had a doctor different from the surrounding growth, and con on board), and a ship'sexchange for them tobuy cluded that the missing enemy was breathing soft drinks, "pogie bait" and health and comfort through them while they were submerged. items. After the (|:rew of my ship had achance to Slowly the Seals crept up on the reeds, snatched talk tothese tou^h, combat-wise, heroes, and them from the water and waited until the VC appreciate the sdvere stress, and primitive could hold their breaths no longer and burst to conditions they jived under every day, Inever the surface, at which that time the Seals captured heard any meml!)er of our crew complaining the VC. After hearing this story, I understood the about their wording and living conditions. Ithink degree of stress these sailors lived with, day-in it was a sobering message to all of us that we had and day-out. Because of this and other like sto a pretty good dt^al compared to ourbrothers in ries, involving even more intense enemy contact. arms ashore. !
What Is a CavalrymanP roast beef, Kool Aid, powdered eggs, "Charlie," walking, or waiting in line. By LTC Frederic}. Filbert No one else is so early in the chow line, or so Headquarters Chapter, Alexandria, Virginia often at the beet cooler. When you want him he's Somewhere between the somewherein the AO. When you don't want him apple-cheeked innocence of the he's hovering over your desk with 117 reasons Combat Center and the urbane why he should oe promoted or go on a third worldliness of the Sydney R&R R&R. No one el se can cram into one fighting vehi- veteran, we find a delightful cle a double ba.4ic load ofammunition, 10 cases of creature known as a C-rations, two i oils of barbed wire, 14 shaped Cavalryman. Cavalrymen come charges, a portsble TV, onechaise lounge, three in assorted shapes and conditions, mostly "out beer coolers, five cartons of cigarettes, an empty of." You find them everywhere, but mostly riding tool bag, two tr'ansistor radios, three machine through "Indian Country" on Tanks, ACAVs, guns, a rice poljishing machine, and a pet monkey. LOHs, and Cobras. Local merchants love them; ACavalryiAan is a fabulous creature. You can "Charlie" hates them; the America! Division staff keep him out in the field, but you can't keep him tolerates them; new platoon leaders frustrate out of the "vill."You can frustrate his desires, but them; Infantrymen ignore them; and the combat you can't frustrate his drive. You can top his medics protect them. jokes, but you jran't top his combat record. He's A Cavalrymanis confusion with profanity on your conscience, your shadow, your second set of his tongue ...experience with three Purple Hearts eyes, your psychiatrist, and your despair. But on his chest... imagination with a slice of C4 in when the chipi are down and the bullets ricochet his mouth...and faith with a flak jacket on his off your track, jhe's your pride and joy, your fair- back. A Cavalryman has the appetite of an IBM haired boy; a flashing, hard-charging bundle of computer, the energy of a nuclear reactor, the nerve and she^r guts. curiosity of an old maid, the enthusiasm of a kid When you return from three days of hard in an ice cream plant, the lungs of an umpire, and fighting, trudde wearily through the mud to your the shyness of a bull elephant in the mating sea bunker, and settle down with a cup of hot coffee, son. he can bring to.ais to your eyes with those tender, He likes women, beer, ice cream. Playboy mag sympathetic, and understanding words, "I sure azine, letters from "The World," Australia, steaks, am sorry aboL^t your jeep, sir, but we were just DEROS, hot showers. Hong Kong, and hot chow. trying to beat the other tanks to the fuel pump..." He isn't much for the monsoons, RPGs, AK-47s, Illustration by W. (\ Harrington, "Following a Rainbow", spit and polish, broken torsion bars, C-rations, Vietnam, 1968; N. it'l Archives
The Military Order ofthe World Wars JPAC MIAs Recovered and Brought Commerations Home in tlie Year 2005 from POW/MIA The Department of Defense POW/Missing Recognition Day Personnel Office (DPMO) announced the return of these Vietnam Veterans whose remains were Veterans Administration, recovered and brought home in 2005. Washington, DC
A Presidential Procla They are: mation designates the March 18, 2005: CDR Thomas E. Dunlop of third Friday in Neptune Beach, Fla. September each year as March 25, 2005: Navy Lieutenant Commander J. National POW/MIA Forrest G. Trembley of Spokane, Wash. Recognition Day. The Joint POW/MIA April 13, 2005: Col Sheldon J. Burnett of Pelham, Accounting Command, N.H., and Warrant Officer Randolph J. Ard of Hickam AFB, Hawaii, West Pensacola, Fla. commemorated National April 25, 2005: Marine 2nd Lt. Heinz Ahlmeyer Jr. POW/MIA Recognition of Pearl River, N.Y.; Marine Sgt. James N. Tycz of Day at the National Milwaukee, Wis.; Marine Lance Cpl. Samuel A. Memorial Cemetery of Sharp Jr. of San Jose, Calif.; and Navy Petty the Pacific [Punchbowl], on Sept. 16th. At this Officer 3rd Class Malcolm T. Miller of Tampa, Fla. year's ceremony, the National Anthem was May 20, 2005: Air Force Maj Robert Harry played during the Presentation of the Colors. Schuler, Jr., of Wellsburg, N.Y. There was also a wreath laying ceremony, and the playing of taps conducted in honor and recogni May 31, 2005: Air Force 1st Lt Lee A. "Larry" tion of the Prisoners of War and those still miss Adams of Willits, Calif. ing in action from previous wars. June 29, 2005: Air Force Lt Col. Darel D. Leetun of The ceremony was led by the Joint Prisoner of Hettinger, N.D. War Accounting Command (JPAC) Commanding July 26, 2005: Col James W. Lewis of Marshall, General, Brigadier General Michael Flowers. Texas, and Maj Arthur D. Baker of San Antonio, Keynote speaker was U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret) Texas, both Air Force. Gerald Coffee, a former Vietnam War POW. Also August 10, 2005: Cpl Gerald E. King, of in attendance and speaking at the ceremony was Knoxville, Tenn.; Lance Cpls Joseph F. Cook, of Hawaii Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the audience was Foxboro, Mass.; Raymond T. Heyne, of Mason, invited to tour the cemetery or lay wreaths at the Wis.; Donald W. Mitchell, of Princeton, Ky; and Thomas W. Fritsch, of Cromwell, Corm., all of the monument. U.S. Marine Corps. Additional group remains are JPAC's mission is to investigate, recover and identify missing service members as a result of those of: Pfcs Thomas J. Blackman, of Racine, Wis.; Paul S. Czerwonka, of Stoughton, Mass.; our nation's conflicts. Barry L. Hempel, of Garden Grove, Calif.; Robert One American is still missing from the Gulf C. Lopez, of Albuquerque, N.M.; William D. War, more than 1,800 from the Vietnam War, 120 McGonigle, of Wichita, Kan.; and Lance Cpl from the Cold War, more than 8,100 from the James R. Sargent, of Anawalt, W. Va., all of the Korean War, and more than 78,000 from World U.S. Marine Corps. Additionally, the remains of War II. U.S.Army Sgt Glenn E. Miller, of Oakland, Calif, For JPAC mission information log on to will be included in the group burial. www.jpac.pacom.mil August 19, 2005: Air ForceCol Gregg Hartness of For a registry of all MIAs visit www.VirtualWall.org Dallas, Texas.
Officer Revieio Januari/ 2006 Vietnam War Facts: Myths Dispelled Myth: The cimmon belief is the average age of an infantryman [fighting in Vietnam was 19. By COL Fred Marshall Fact: Assuming KIAs accurately represented age East Texas, Chapter groups servirtg in Vietnam, the average age of an Isolatedatrocities committed hy American Soldiers pro infantryman (MOS IIB) serving in Vietnam to be 19 duced torrents ofoutragefrom anti-war criticsand the years old is a myth, it is actually 22. None of the news media, while Conwiunist atrocities were so common enlisted grades have an average age of less than 20. that they received hardly any media mention at all. The The average nan who fought in World War II was United States sought to minimizeand prevent attacks on 26 years of ags. civilians while North Vietnam made attacks on civilians a Myth: The common belief is that the domino the centerpiece of its strategy. Americans who deliberately orywas provijd false. killed civilians received prison sentences while Fact: The donino theory was accurate. The ASEAN Conununists zoho did so received connnendations. From (Association cf Southeast Asian Nations) countries, 1957 to 1973, the National Liberation Front assassinated Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and 36,725 Vietnamese and abducted another 58,499. The Thailand sta5'i?d free of Communism because of the death squadsfocused on leaders at the village level and on U.S. commitn"ent to Vietnam. The Indonesians anyone who improved the lives of thepeasants such as threw the Soviets out in 1966 because of America's medical personnel, social workers, and school teachers. commitment in Vietnam. Without that commitment. —Nixon Presidential Papers Communism would have swept all the way to the Myth: Common Belief is that most Vietnam Malacca Straits that is south of Singapore and of Veterans were drafted. great strategic importance to the free world. If you Fact: Two thirds of the men who served in Vietnam ask people wlio live in these countries whowonthe were volunteers. Two thirds of the men who served war in Vietnam, they have a different opinion from in World War II were drafted. Approximately 70% of the American news media. The Vietnam War was those killed in Vietnam were volunteers. the turning pcint for Communism. Myth: Common belief is that the war was fought Myth: The common belief is that the fighting in largely by the poor and uneducated. Vietnam was not as intense as in World War II. Fact:: Servicemen who went to Vietnam from well- Fact:: The average infantryman in the South Pacific to-do areas had a slightly elevated risk of dying during World War II saw about 40 days of combat in because they were more likely to be pilots or four years. Tin? average infantryman in Vietnam saw Infantry Officers. Vietnam Veterans were the best about 240 days of combat in one year thanks to the educated forces our Nation had ever sent into com mobility of the helicopter. One out of every 10 bat. 79% had a high school education or better. Americans wHo served in Vietnam was a casualty. Here are statistics from the Combat Area Casualty 58,148 were killed and 304,000 wounded out of 2.7 File (CACF) as of November 1993. The CACF is the million who SL^rved. Although the percent who died basis for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall): is similar to otjner wars, amputations or crippling Average age of 58,148 killed in Vietnam was 23.11 wounds were 500 percent higher than in World War years. (Although 58,169 names are in the Nov. 93 II ....75,000 Vietnam veterans are severely disabled. database, only 58,148 have both event date and birth MEDEVAC he icopters flew nearly 500,000 missions. date. Event date is used instead of declared dead Over 900,000 patients were airlifted (nearly half date for some of those who were listed as missing in were Americaiji). Theaverage time lapse between action) wounding to Hospitalization was less than one hour. DEATHS AVERAGE AGE As a result, less than one percent of all Americans Total: 58,148 23.n years wounded, whi survived the first 24 hours, died. Enlisted: 50,274 22.37 years The helicopter provided unprecedented mobility. Officers: 6,598 28.43 years Without the helicopter it would have taken three Warrants: 1,276 24.73 years times as many troops to secure the 800 mile border El: 525 20.34 years with Cambodi \ and Laos (the politicians thought 11BMOS: 18,465 22.55 years the Geneva Cc twentions of 1954 and the Geneva Accords or 1962 would secure the border).
For nearly 30 years, l~like many Vietnam veterans—seldom spoke of Vietnam, except v^ith other veterans, when train- ing soldiers, or in public speeches. These past five years 1have joined the hundr?ds of thousands who believe it is high time the truth be toldabout the Vietnam War and thepeople who served there. It's time the American people learn that the United States military didnot lose the War. Above, I have assembled some facts most readers will find interesting. It isn'ta longread, but it will....I guarantee....teach you some things you did not kbow about the Vietnam War and those who served, fought, or died there. — COL Fred Marshall
10 TheMilitaiy Order of the V^orld Wars and blinded. First Sgt Neely was wounded, the platoons were engaged and the RTO Spec Butch Harris was my only contact with company. We went in and medevaced Ordway and Neely and I gave directions through Harris to have the pla toons moved into fixing positions until I could move two other rifle companies up other fingers of the mountain. I felt we had run into a large unit and needed to keep the pressure on to hold the enemy in position. I had four rifle companies and always kept one on LZ Westwhere we had our dedicat ed 3/82 Artillery Battery. I borrowed a rifle com pany from 2/1 Infantry from the Col Fritz Kroesen, 196th Commander, so I could move a company up the mountain from the right flank. I also asked for and got two more direct support artillery batteries. 1 During that week we fought inch by inch up the steep slopes of the mountain, using over 4,000 -M ' •: 1: kV rounds of artillery and constant air support. We ^^.^igic|i„TAv» later counted 250 two-man bunkers with inter liPPPi Battle for locking fire and captured a hospital with nurses and doctors on top of the mountain. One of my Nui Chom gallant soldiers, Cpl Michael Crescenz earned the Mountain Medal of Honor by picking up the machine gun of his buddy, killing VCINC LTG Robert L. "Sam" Wetze! Columbus, Georgia, Chapter two in one bunker, moving up and killing two in the second bunker, In July 1968I assumed command of the 4th killing two in the third bunker and Battalion, 31st Infantry "Polar Bears", 196th killing two in the fourth bunker Infantry Brigade, Americal Division in the Hiep before he was killed. As a result A Due area west of Tam Ky and Southwest of Da Cpl Michael Company was able to move on up Crescenz Nang. The battalion operated in the most western the hill. I lost six brave soldiers and sector of the division area. The 1st Marine many wounded on this hill when we destroyed Division was on my north flank. The terrain was the 21st North Vietnamese Regiment. triple canopy mountainous terrain with an AO These gallant infantrymen will never be for (area of operations) about 30 kilometers long and gotten and theirs is a "Story that Needs to be 15 kilometers wide. The enemy was North Told." Vietnamese. There was no VC in the area. There were no roads out to the area and everything was flown in by helicopter. There How Do You Like MOWW's Web Site? were no villagers in Hiep Due as they had been run out by the North Vietnamese earlier. We had MOWW would like to know if you have any enemy contact practically every day. questions or comments about our Web page. Is it useful? Does it help you in your chapter efforts? The fiercest contact occurred from 6 to 13 Wliat would you like to see on the Web site? November 1968 on the Nui Chom Mountain. Delta Company ran into an outpost of the 21st Email any comments or questions to Ken Staples: [email protected] North Vietnamese Regiment near the base of the If you haven't had a chance to view the Order's web mountain. Platoons of the company were imme site, please do so at diately engaged in a firefight. The Company http: / / www.militaryorder.net Commander, Capt Sid Ordway was wounded
Officer Reviewjnniinry 2006 11 day's activities in a combat zone. The girls were probably a littl ?shocked at seeing so many big. hairy, and sweaty Americans. The scene reminded me of my first kh grade dance: We looked at them, and the)' looked at us and started to giggle across LBIIOcN" the dance floor We looked at each other, pointed and giggled so ne more. East Meets Wfest Finally, to treak the ice, our fearless Comman der crossed the dance floor and asked one of the By LTC Tlwnins D. Morgan young ladies tc dance. She accepted and the band Puget Sound, Washington, Chapter began to play something that sounded danceable. It was up to the rest of us to follow suit. We In 1969,1 was assigned to the staff of the 101st scanned the "dirag line" across the dance floor, Airborne Division Artillery at Camp Eagle near smirked and giggled ourselves, and crossed over Hue, Vietnam. The Division Artillery commander to ask for a dance. "Voulez-vous dancer" I asked, was from Louisiana and spoke French. We worked and the lady adcepted. But when Iput my arm closely with our artillery counterparts in the 1st around her waist, I could feel her stiffen. We must Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) have smelled tirrible from sweat, the drinks at din Division. The Vietnamese artillery commander also ner plus Occidentals give off differentbody odors spoke French, and he and my boss had a close than Asians be lause of their body hair (Vietnamese working relationship. had very little) and our meat and dairy products When my boss's tour of duty was up, his diet. ARVN artillery counterpart gave him a farewell We manage'd to tv\'o-step our way through a party. It was an evening event given at an ARVN dance set, but neither of us was very comfortable. compound near Hue and all of the 101st Airborne My fellow danil:ers obviously felt the same way. Division Artillery Commanders and their staffs Except for our age and size, we were as awkward were invited. Since the 101st was an Airmobile on the dance flI:)or as adolescents. The Vietnamese Division by this time, everyone flew to the party in soldiers at the )ase were all at the open windows helicopters, as there were few vehicles for such watching the s Dectacle with much glee. They gig transportation needs. We created quite a stir when gled and pointed their fingers at us when they all the helicopters landed in clouds of dust at the were not covei^ng their mouths with their hands ARVN base and the Vietnamese soldiers saw so because Vietnamese considered it impolite to laugh many "round-eyed" foreigners. at others. After a short while, my boss told his host We were all escorted into a dining hall where that we must return to our base camps because we there was a stage with musicians. The performers had to pursue the war in the morning. We made were local Vietnamese who had memorized the ourmanners tci ourARVN hosts, bid the ladies words and music phonetically to some popular adieu, and went back to our helicopters for the country-western songs. The female members of the return to our military duties. ensemble were appropriately attired in cowboy This whole episode reminded me of the outfits. They mimicked the western lyricsas they Duchess of Richmond's ball in Brussels for the sang with the band during cocktails and followed Duke of Wellington and his officers on the eve of by a sit down dinner. It was all very nice and the battle of Waterloo. In the words of the poet intended to be a Western-styleaffair in honor of Lord Byron, "ithe lamps shone o'er fair women our departing commander. and brave men" as Wellington's officers left the After dinner we moved to another building ball and went j)ut to face Napoleon. Well, Vietnam where there was obviously going to be dancing. was neither Belgium nor very Napoleonic, but the We entered the hall from one side, and lined up dance ended a id we went back to our posts. The facing us was a similar line-up of young dance under tbose conditions highlighted the enig Vietnamese ladies. Our ARVN counterparts had ma of Vietnam and the Orient and the incongruity obviously recruited the young ladies from a French of the war theie. I have been back to Vietnam and style finishing schoolor academy in Hue. They Hue several times since the war and I am always were dressed up as if for a Western-style prom. reminded of our Vietnamese dancing lesson there There were a few awkward moments. We were so many years ago. Kipling would have written a in jungle fatigues, hot and gritty from a normal poem about it.
12 TheMilitan/ Order of the World Wars complete the survey of the harbor's beaches, we experienced nothing but peace and quite while anchored in the middle of the harbor. We remained on a Condition III Watch while at anchor during the day, which is two degrees of readiness below General Quarters, in the event of any problems, but there were none. At sunset every night, with the UDT personnel on board, we weighed anchor and steamed in a racetrack pat tern outside the harbor's entrance, as we had done the first night of our arrival at Qui Nhon. We did not want to remain at anchor overnight in the har By CDR Kirk Ferguson, bor since every night, shortly after dark, the fire LTG ]ohn M. Wright, Cnlifornin, Chapter works would start up in the hills beyond the har I reported onboard the USS DIACHENKO bor; we had no desire to a sitting duck, at anchor, (APD 123) for duty as the Executive Officer on in the event of a mortar or artillery attack. May 1,1964, at the U.S. Naval Station, Long On the first day, while the UDT personnel Beach, CA. This classy 2,100 ton, 306 foot-long, 37 were off conducting their beach survey work, I foot-wide, high-speed transport was commis spent most of the hot, humid day on the open sioned on December 8,1944. All the ships of this bridge becauseit was cooler than inside the ship class received a turbo electric drive propulsion where it must have been ten degrees warmer, even system that made them much more responsive to with all the forced draft blowers and fans going changes in speed; the normal steam-driven full tilt. A number of Vietnamese fishing boats propulsion system was slower, since increases in were transiting in and out of the harbor, but they speed were generated by increasing the flow of gave DIACHENKO a wide berth. In the late steam into the turbine. morning, what appeared to be an amphibious The ship was named after the son of Russian craft of some sort left the town of Qui Nhon, in the immigrants. He was a sailor on a destroyer in the northern part of the harbor, and headed our way. early part of WWII that had been hit by a German We had been told there was a U.S. Army Signal torpedo. Though mortally wounded, Engineman Corps detachment located in town, and we Diachenko heroically rescued several of his ship thought this craft might be theirs, but we still eyed mates from the burning engine room before suc- it suspiciously until they came alongside. We cumbiiig to his injuries. He was posthumously could see the three or four men were Americans, awarded the Silver Star. dressed in camouflage fatigues, so we asked them In the spring of 1965, this 23.5 knot ship what we could do for them. They had never seen deployed to the Western Pacific with an a U.S. Navy ship in the harbor before, so they Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) embarked. wanted to see the ship, but more importantly they Among other duties, DIACHENKO was assigned had not had fresh water showers nor had their beach surveys at several South Vietnamese ports clothes washed in fresh water for a long time, so and harbors to determine the beach gradient for they asked if they could stay long enough to enjoy potential amphibious operations. both, even offering to wash their own clothes. The We arrived off the harbor entrance to Qhi other major thing on their minds was to know if Nhon in the early hours of the morning, one day we had any ice cream. Since we had our own ice in early June. It appeared we had found the war cream machine, we made up several gallons, since the hills in back of the harbor were illumi packed it in ice, and sent the amphibiouscraftand nated with artillery fire and flares, but we elected the elated, clean. Army signalmen back to share to remain at sea, steaming a north-south racetrack the delicacy with their buddies in town. The next until daylight. Shortly after daybreak, at General day the boat made two more trips to the ship with Quarters, DIACHENKO steamed into the harbor shower-hungry troopers and there were several ready for any contingency, but it was quiet and more trips on the third day. Gallons of ice cream serene, unlike the night before. For the three were scoffed up by the appreciate U.S. Army sig remaining days it took for the UDT personnel to nalmen before we left the harbor at Qui Nlion.
Officer Reviezv Janmrij 2006 13 VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND
Major League Baseball Endorses eventually get t lem into (the World Baseball Memorial Fund's Baseball Belegation Classic) as well. f For Graves, :hevisit has special significance. to Uiotnam He was bom in Vietnam to a Vietnamese mother Washington, D.C. — and an America 1 serviceman. The family left Major League Baseball has more than 30 years ago, when Danny was only 14 j agreed to endorse the months old, and neither he nor his mother, Tliao, Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been back s nee. Fund in Bringing Baseball to Vietnam, armounced The tour wi I also showcase the Memorial Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. Fund's Project FIENEW"^', a program launched in (Bud) Selig and Memorial Fund Founder and 2000 in partnerf hip with the Quang Tri Province President Jan C. Scruggs. People's Comni ittee to restore the environment Co-hosts Jan Scruggs and Major League pitch and neutralize t he effects of war. In addition to er Danny Graves will travel with delegates to clearing landmines and unexploded ordinance various points of interest in Vietnam from left from the Vif;tnam War, Project RENEW'^' pro January 16through 25, 2006. Highlights will vides safety and injury public awareness pro include the dedication of the first official little grams, emergency medical services, prosthetic league baseball field site in Dong Ha Town, limbs for ampu tees and job training for survivors. Quang Tri Province, and a baseball clinic con To bring attention to the continuing needs in ducted by Graves to teach local young people Quang Tri Province, the Memorial Fund has host- how to play the game. Louisville Slugger, a sub ed several gooc will delegations to the area, sidiary of Hillerich& Bradsby, has provided a including one c;o-hosted with The Honorable Pete substantial donation of equipment. Peterson, the fi]-st post-war U.S. ambassador to "Major League Baseball is pleased to takepart Vietnam and a former prisonerof war. In April in this historic endeavor," said Commissioner 2005, the Memorial Fund led a delegation of two Selig. "Oneof Major League Baseball's principal dozen veteransL educators and CEOs to mark the goals as we settle into the 21stcentury is to grow 30th amtiversajy of the end of the war. the game globally and this initiative will help us Major League Baseball (MLB) is the world's achievethat goal. I thank Danny Graves and the highest le\'el or play in professional baseball. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for making this MLB is committed to internationalizing the sport. important effort." In March 2006, MLB will host the inaugural As part of its endorsement of Bringing World Baseball! Classic, a 16-nation tournament in Baseball to Vietnam, Major League Baseball will which its best flayers will compete for their send a representative to Vietnam to participate in home countries for the first time. these and other events. It willalsoencourage Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans teams to support the delegation in numerous Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization ways. Major League Baseball'ssupport for the authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam delegation demonstrates its ongoing commitment Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, to globalize the sport, which is now played through a serie's of outreach programs, it is dedi throughout the world, although not in Vietnam. cated to preseijving the legacy of The Wall, pro Graves shares this commitment. "Talk about moting healing, educating about theimpact of the 'World Cup of baseball,' Vietnam doesn't the Viehiam V\(ar and isbuilding the Vietnam even have a team," he noted during a press con Veterans Memorial Center, an underground edu ference at RFK Stadium, home to theWashington cational facility/, near The Wall. For more informa Nationals, in September. "Hopefully, down the tion go to www.vvmf.orgp road, we can get baseball going in Vietnam and
14 The Military Order of the World \Nars Vietnam Chronicles Tlie Abrams Tapes {1968-19721 Texas Tech University Press During the four years General Creighton W. Abrams was commander in Vietnam, he and his staff made more than 455 tape recordings of briefingsand meetings. In 1994, with government approval, Lewis Sorley began transcribing and analyzing the tapes. Sorley'slaborious, time-consuming effort has produced a pictureof the seniorU.S. commander in Vietnam and his associ ates working to prosecute a complex and challenging militarycampaign in an equally complex and difficult polihcal context. The concept of thenature ofthe war and the way it was conducted changedduring Abrams's command. The progressive buildup of U.S. forces was reversed, and Abrams became responsible for turning the war back to the South Vietnamese. The edited transcriptionsin these volumes clearlyreflect those changes in policyand strategy. They include briefingscalled the Weekly Intelligence Estimate Updates as well as meetings General Creighton W. Abrams with suchvisitors as the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other high-ranking officials. In Vietnam Chronicles wesee, for thefirst time, the difficult task thatGeneral Creighton Abrams accomplished with tact and skill. For more information visit the website at www.texaspress.com
Operation Homecoming ByLt Col Thomas L. Gorhoni Cmcinnati, Ohio, Chapter My "Vietnam" story takes place in 1972 and 1973 at Clark Air Base, Philippine where I was a 1st Lt and an Air Terminal Duty Officer with the 604th MASSq (MAC). By 1972 the Paris Peace Talks were dragging on and at home the Nation had grown tired of the war. At Clark we ran a major transshipment point for cargo and passen gers going in and out of Vietnam. Through the second half of 1972 we were pressing to get more equipment into Vietnam to support the Hanoi, North Vietnam. American servicemen, former prisoners of war, are cheering as their aircraft tal Officer Review January 2006 15 THE NAriONAl^^ VIETNAM WAR MUSEUM Mineral Wells, TX April 15, 2005 Military Order of World Wars becomes Museum Sponsor Approximately three years of effort has culminated in the establish ment of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) as a charter sponsor of the National Vietnam War Museum. The MOWW joins the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, The American Legion, The Americal Division Veterans Organization and NAM-POWs as national organizations supporting the museum. The MOWW Is a patriotic nonpartisan organization, which holds that "it is nobler to serve than to be served." The order is Congressionallychartered and was established in 1919 to promote the welfare of our Nation. There are three MOWW Chapters in the LTO R: JOHN BAIN, BERT RICE, hiATE VAIL, BILL KANE. JIM MESSINGER Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. The MOWW sponsorship is the result ofthe efforts of BG Nate Vail, USA (Ret), past Commander ofthe Fort Worth Chapter of MOWW and now a member of the museum's Board of Visitors. After the MOWW Fort Worth Chapter's acceptance as a sponsor, he utilized his relationsliip with the National organiza tion's senior leadership to introduce the museum's mission and develop'ment efforts. The senior leader ship, many of which are Vietnam era Veterans, saw the need for such dn institution of learning about the era and garnered the organizations support. I On April 1, 2005, COL Bert Ricei USA (Ret), National Commander and COL John Bain, USA (Ret). iFort Worth Chapter Commander, met with members of the Board of Directors of the museum to for mally present the resolution and'accept sponsorship. [see page 16-17 ofOfficer Review magazine, January, 2005] Present at the presentation wer6: COL Bert Rice, National Commander MOWW; COL John Bain, Commander Fort Worth Chapter MOWW; BG Nate Vail, MOWW; Bill Kane, President, The National Vietnam War Museum Board of Directors; and Jim Messinger, Treasurer, The NaticJnal Vietnam War Museum. BERT RICE WITH BILL KANE AT MUSEUM SITE Following the presentation of th4 resolution, the MOWW execu tives visited the property where the museum is to be built. For more information visit their website www.nationalvinwarmuseum.org/ 16 TheMilitary Order of the World Wnrs Benefit Concerts. It's an impressive slate of talent and should guarantee a capacity crowd." "We've contracted with Neste Event Marketing, a Nashville event management company, to handle the operations end of the event," stated Frank. "Neste is the premiere man agement team for live entertainment concerts." "This year, we've brought on a National publicist to help us promote the homecoming. Webster and Associates, also out of Nashville, will Second National add a whole new dimension to reaching Vietnam Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Veterans across the nation," added Frank. The 8-day event will begin on Sunday, Announced in Branson, Missouri June 11, 2006 and run through Sunday, June 18. Founders of Operation Homecoming USA, hosts Scheduled events include a Pro/Am bass tourna of Welcome Home, America's Tribute to Vietnam ment, a golf outing, a military weapons range, a Veterans, held in Branson, Missouri in June, 2005, Native American powwow, the 2nd Annual have announced that plans are v^^ell underway for American Spirit Awards Ceremony, a homecom Welcome Home2006. "The impact on those vets ing parade, Branson On Revue Concert, and a who attended last year's event and the healing weekend Heartland Benefit Concert. Once again that occurred mandated a repeat performance/' the skies over Branson will be full of Vietnam stated Gary Linderer, Vietnam veteran and one of vintage helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Huey the founders of Operation Homecoming USA. "A rides will be available for those vets wanting to new corporation. Operation Homecoming Branson, share old thrills with their wives and children, or has been established to carry on the work started just enjoy a little deja vu. by last year's organization. We've added a num "Our Vietnam Vets and their families are in ber of new events to this year's homecoming," for a very special homecoming this year," said Linderer. "We've also simplified the registra announced Barb Linderer, executive vice presi tion process, reduced the costs for the vets and dent of Operation Homecoming Branson. their families, established a Veterans' locator ser "Everyone who attended last year's event shared vice for those attending the event, and added a a marvelous experience. It's a shame these men weapons range, a Native American powwow, and women had to wait so long to receive the and an air assault demonstrations during the homecoming they deserved. They are special, week. In addition, we expanded our Saturday and they deserve to be treated that way. That is Grand Finale concert to a 2-day Heartland Benefit why we selected Branson, Missouri, to host this Concert that will aid a number of charities, event. We know that the people of Branson will among them The Wounded Warrior Project, the treat them special. It's a way of life here." Branson Veterans Task Force, and Operation "Nashville and Branson have come together Troop Aid." in a big way to show their appreciation and sup Rob Frank, executive producer for the event, port for Vietnam veterans. We're excited about is excited about the National entertainers who Welcome Home 2006.1 only wish every Vietnam have already committed to help make this second Vet could be here for it." homecoming a huge success. "We've contacted a number of "A" List and "B" List artists for the For more information about Welcome Home Branson On Revue Concert and the Heartland 2006, go to www.welcomehome2006.org OjficerReview Jnmiary2006 17 HOTEL RESERVATIONS INFORMATION FOR THE 2006 MIDWINTER GENERAL STAFF MEETING Where: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Reservations: (703) 845-101(J) Hilton Central Reservations: 1-800-445-8667 On-line Reservations: www.alexandria.hilton.com Group Name: 2006 MOWW Winter General Staff Meeting Grot p Code: WGS Group You must inform the reservationist of the group name or code to get your special group rate. Room Rate (single or double): $99 plus fees and taxes. ROOM BLOCK CUT-OFF DATE: JANUARY 2, 2006 (Starting Janua ry 3rd, hotel rates will increase) Be sure to make your resewations prior to January 2nd to avoid higher rates or non-availability ofrooms. Caution: There is an unapproved early checkout penalty of $75. To avoid this penalty be sure you reach an understanding when you register concerning any change in planned length of stay. Check In Time: 3:00 p.m. Check Out Time: Noon Self Parking: Registered Guests: Free Others: $9 per day Valet Parking: $13 per day Transportation: Free shuttle bus from Reagan Washington National .'^.irport oniy. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center shuttle busses depart thehotel every half-hour, starting at 6 a.^n. They make a stop at Pentagon City Metro/Fashion Centre Mall on the way to the airport, then arrive at the Reagan Airport terminals at about 15 minutes after the half hour, and again at 15 minutes before e;ach half hour. Pickups at Pentagon City Metro are only once per hour (at around 7 minutes after tlie hou r) because the bus goes directly from the airport terminals to the Hilton without a stop enroute. Do you expect airline fares to go down? If not, book your flight now imd hedge against higher prices after the first of the year! Take a look at the tentative agenda (page 18) to determine the right time to arrive to participate in the very important pre-General Staffmeetings, scheduLjd for Wednesday, February 1st, and Thursday, February 2nd. Also, you may want to come early and/or s ay longer to have more time to explore this historical area of America. For questions, call or e-mail Col. Jim Snyder at (913) 685-3592 or hyper link [email protected] OPTIONAL TOURS INFORMATION FOR THE 2006 MIDWINTER GENERAL STAFF MEETING Tour #1 Illuminated Washington Tuesday, January31,5:00-7:00 p.m. $35 per perso Two-hour, narrated, driving tour of D.C. highligh (Washington Monument, Jefferson, Lincoln, Capi ol, Supreme Court (pictured left), Vietnam, Korean, 1A^WII. Tour #2 Smithsonian Museums Wednesday, February 1, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. $35 per person Guided tour of the Air and Space Museum and the National Galleryof Art Leonardo da Vinci's Giuervn de'Bendpictured right). Lunch on your own in the Smitlisonian. Tour #3 National Cathedral, Embassy Row & Georgetovs n Thursday,February 2,9:30a.m.-3:00 p.m. $38 per person Guided tour inside the National Cathedral; driving tour o Embassy Row (pictured left, the stat ue of Winston Churchill in front of the British Embassy is considered to be one of the best in the world); two-hour stop in Georgetown for lunch on your vn and shopping. Tour #3 Magnificent Mansions of the Capitol City Saturday, February 4, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $48 per person Guided tour of three historic homes: Woodrow Wilson, Mansion at O Street and DumbartonHouse (Quaker china is part of the collection at Dumbarton House, pictured right). Pentagon City Mall for lunch on your own and shop ping. (Cost includes home &museum entrance fees.) 18 TheMHitnnj Order of the World Wars Plan to Visit Your Congressman VISITING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ON FEBRUARY 2. 2006 DURING THE 2006 MIDWINTER GENERAL STAFF MEETING Companions will have the opportunity on Thursday, February 2, 2006, [between2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (see agenda on page 18 in this issue) to travel to Capitol Hill and visit wit 1 your Congressional leaders from your State or localregion. This will be a great time to raise your members of Congress consciousness about the Order, and to pass along to them the concerns and Resolutions 6f MOWW in a very personal and meaningful way. If you are attending the 2006 Midwinter General Staff Meeting in the Washington, DC, area you should plan on visiting your two Senators and/or your House; of Representatives member.Below is a sample letter you should dispatch to your members of Congress by e-mail or fax as soon as possible to schedule your visit with them or their Washington, DC, office staff. SAMPLE LETTER (Send by Fax or E-mail, DO NOT MAIL) Congressman's Name and Address Dear Congressman : The Military Order of the World Wars was founded by officers returning from WW I, in 1919. The first honorary Commander in Chief of the Order was General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Members of the Order come from alluniformed services, including NOAA and the USlfHS, and represent all components, active. Guard, Reserve and retired. Membership is just under 10,000, vith over 142 Chapters throughout the United States and territories. The Order conducts patriotic youth education seminars, and holds commemorations and patriotic gath- erings, as well as supporting a strong and consistent defense and naticnal security posture for the United States of America. In conjunction with the Midwinter General Staff Meeting of the Order in Alexandria, VA, February 1-5, 2006, general staff members will be visiting their representatives in the Congress to discuss items of mutual interest. I would bemost appreciative ifyou could spare ten minutes from youf busy schedule to meet with me in your office on February 2, 2006, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:d0 p.m. Please let me know the time you have set aside for my appointment so I can arrange my travel schedule. Respectfully, Your Name (Send by Fax or E-mail, DO NOT MAIL) Visit tlie World War II Memorial Many Companions of the Order who are coming to Washington, DC, for the EMAIL ADDRESS 2006 Midwinter General Staff meeting have expressed a desire to visit the new World War II AND WEB SITE Memorial on the National Mall. CINC COL Jones has directed the Order to rent a van to transport Companions interested in MOWW EMAIL ADDRESS IS: visiting the WW II Memorial from the hotel to ]ii\[email protected] the Mall and back for a short visit. A sign-up sheet will be available at the WEBSITE: Ijittp: //www.militaryorder.net registration desk in the hotel during the User name for Members Site is: moww 2006 Midwinter GS meeting. If you are interested in visiting this beautiful Memorial please sign up Pc ssword is: preamble 1 during your registration. i (Note: moww and preamble are both lowercase) "It is more noble to serve tlnin to be served." 20 The Mililnn/ Order of the World Wars THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE WORLD WARS 2006 MIDWINTER GENERAL STAFF MEETING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 1 - 4, 2006 Hilton Alexandria Mark Center 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, va.. 22311 (703) 845-1010 OR 1-800-HILTONS TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2006 1400-1600 Visit Congressional Members and/or their 0800-1200 National Convention Committee Workshop Staff- All scheduled visit Congress 0900-1530 Patriotic Education, Inc. (PEI) Meeting 1600-1700 Travel back to Hotel- All Attendees sched 1300-1700 Registration uled to visit their members of Congress 1700-1900 Tour #1 - Optional - Illuminated Washington 1700-1800 Open Time 1800-1930 MOWW Welcome Reception-All Attendees WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2006 1930- Dinner on your own 0800-1700 Registration 0800-0900 Budget Committee (Mid-Year Review) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3,2006 0900-1300 ExecutiveCommittee (EXCOM) Meeting 0800-1700 Registration with Lunch 0900-1600 MOWW Hospitality Room 0930-1500 Tour #2 - Optional - Smithsonian Museums 0900-0915 Opening Ceremonies 2006Midwinter 1000-1200 National Convention Committee Meeting General Staff Meeting -All Attendees 1200-1400 Lunch on your own 0915-1130 2006 Midwinter General Staff Meeting - 1400-1700 CINC's Committee Chairmen Symposium for 1st Session-all General Staff Members the Chair's of the Order's Standing and Ad 1200-1400 2006 General Staff Luncheon with National Hoc Committees, hi addition, all Elected Security Speaker-All Attendees National Officers and the CINC's five 1400-1500 Chapter Activities Committee Meeting-All appointed GSOs should attend. All Past Chapter Officers are invited to attend CINCs are invited to attend. 1500-1700 Homeland SecurityCommitteeMeetingwith 1800-2100 Youth Enrichment Foundation (YEF), Inc. guest speaker-All Attendees Board Meeting 1800-2000 Hann-Buswell Memorial Chapter Reception 1800-2200 All others-Open Evening 1800-2200 All Others-Open Evening THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2006 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4,2006 0800-1700 Registration 0900-1200 MOWW Hospitality Room 0800-0900 National Security Committee Meeting 0900-1000 Patriotic Education Committee (PEC) Meeting 0800-0900 Legislative & Resolutions Committee 0900-1000 Council of Region Commanders Meeting Meeting 0900-1000 Council of Past CINCs Meeting 0900-1600 MOWW Hospitality Room 0930-1530 Tour #4 - Optional - Magnificent Mansions 0930-1500 Tour #3 - Optional - Cathedral, Embassy Row 1000-1200 Membership Committee Meeting-AllChapter & Georgetown Officers are invited to attend 0900-1130 Prep Session-Legislative & Resolutions 1000-1200 Policy Planning Committee Meeting Committee and National Security Committee 1200-1300 Lunch on your own will co-hosta "Prep session" for Capitol Hill 1300-1500 2006 Mid-Winter General Staff Meeting - Congressional Visits- All Attendees sched 2nd Session- all General Staff Members uled to visit their members of Congress (All Elected National Officers and ten appointed 1500-1600 Ecumenical Worship Service-All Attendees and elected GSOs should attend.) All Past 1400-1800 Open Time CINCs are invited to attend. 1800-2100 CINC's 2006 Mid-Winter GSMeeting 1130-1300 Lunch on your own Formal Reception and Banquet 1300-1400 Travel to Capitol Hill-All Attendees sched SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5,2006 Departures uled to visit their members of Congress AllChapter and State Commanders are considered members of the General Staffwhile in attendance at Midwinter General Staff Meetings andare encouraged to attend andparticipate inany of themeetings (except EXCOM) listed on the agenda. Officer Review Jammry 2006 21 Development Foundation, Inc. but that name in YDF, Inc. Becomes YEF, Inc. the Commonwealth of Virginia (where we are ByPast CINC CAPT K. M. "Rollie" Stevens officially chartered) was already taken by another President, Board of Directors, YEF, Inc. non-profit corporation and thus we could not use Dallas, Texas, Chapter that name. Therefore, the name was officially The Military Order of the World Wars' Youth changed as of Se]?tember 13, 2005. Development Foundation, Inc. (YDF, Inc.), found The Board of Directors thanks all Companions ed in 2000 to assist in the funding of The Military for the support t ley have provided over the past Order of the World Wars (MOWW) patriotic edu five plus years b ^helping the YDF both financial- cation programs—Youth Leadership Conferences ly and by donati ig their time to support the (YLCs), Senior and Junior ROTC programs, and Order's YLCs efl orts to educate the youth of Boy and Girl Scout programs—has changed its America. Tlie YE F, Inc. is committed to continue name. The new name is the Youth Enrichment this effort and lo :>ks forward to your continued Foundation, Inc. (YEF, Inc.) support. As you may be aware, Mr H. Ross Perot has funded the YDF from its inception and has been Don'tForget—Submit Your Report! most generous. However, his commitment has run its course, and we thank Mr Perot for his sup All Cormnittee Chairmen, National Officers, port in our early years. Now it is time to seek and Region Commanders must submit their other sources of support. mid-year report for the 2006 Midwinter In an effort to emphasize our work with General Staff Meeting to MOWW National youth, the Board of Directors has decided to Headquarters not later than January 3, 2006. change the name to Youth Enrichment Reports from the ten General Staff Officers Foundation, Inc. When dealing with foundations (elected & appointed) are optional. and soliciting support, we want to emphasize our Please subntityour report by email or snail work with youth and we feel the best way is to mail (no faxes please) to be received at have the first word in our name "Youth". We had MOWW Headc^uarters by January 3rd. hoped to just change our name to Youth The book prepared by MOWW National Headquartersjwill be provided to all dele gates attending the 2006 Midwinter General Staffmeeting.] MOWW ''Take time to serve your Country" HANDBOOK All holders of the MOW Handbook are encouraged to WE NEED YOUR HEIP! - • - visit the MOWW web site: Have you sent MOWW National Headquarters http:/Av\\'\v.militaryorder.net an article (200 to 400 words, 600 max) and pic "Members Only" I'^aye, at least once a week to tures about your YOUTH LEADERSHIP review the Table of Contents for any changes that CONFERENCE (YLC)? have been made to the MOWW Handbook. Mailed photos, or hi-res jpgs by email, are the Check the date at the bottom of the page of each best. Officer R^viezv magazine needs both, so chapter in your MOWW Handbook against the we can tell everyone about the great work you date posted "in red" at the bottom of die page(s) are doing for the Order with the youth of for each chapter of the MOWW Handbook on the America in the April, 2006 issue. web site. Please submit your article by email to If the date on the page(s) in the MOWW Handbook moww acomcast.net or mail your article (on CD on the web site is newer than what you have in or disc only) \Vith photos, to: your MOWW Handbook, download the complete MOWW Headquarters, chapter(s) from the web site and replace the 435 North Lee Street, Alexandria, VA. 22314 chapters that arc in your MOWW Handbook. Not later than February 15, 2006! 22 TheMilitari/ Order of the World Wnrs MOWW YIC Director Training By Lt Col Peter G. Strniib IMPORTANT! Chairman, Patriotic Education Coniinittee In accordance with MOWW's Constitution and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Chapter Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 1,any Companion or Do you wish to sign-up for MOWW's YLC subdivision (Chapter, Department,State or Region) Director Training? Before a person is accepted for of the Order,may submit a proposal to amend the training to become a Military Order of the World Constitutionand Bylaws of the Order by submit Wars (MOWW) Youth Leadership Conference tingsuch proposal to the Chairman of the (YLC) Director, the Order requires they commit to Constitutionand Bylaws Committee, COL the following: Philemon "Phil" A. St. Amant II, not later than 1) Selecting a site (with MOWW's help). FEBRUARY 15, 2006. Patriotic Committee Chairman, Lt Col Peter Mail your proposal for amending the Straub has several sites (venues) on-file, especially Order's Constitution and Bylaws to: in the Eastern US. 2) Obtain speakers (using MOWW's sanc COL Philemon "Phil" A. St. Amant II, tioned curriculum as a guide). 3121 Kleinert Avenue 3) Commit to conducting a Multi-day YLC Baton Rouge, LA70806-6833 within 12 months of receiving the training. You can also submit your proposed change(s) The only way the MOWW can justify paying electronically by email; however, thesesubmittals the expenses required for the training session, must be in [.doc] or [.rtf] formats and addressed to which is, covering the trainee's hotel and meals for COL StAmant IIat [email protected] the period of their training, is to receive a commit Themembers of the Constitution and Bylaws ment to these three requirements prior to contact Committee will review all submittals and vote to ing MOWW (Lt Col Straub). recommend approval or disapproval. The In addition, any member that wishes to monitor Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chairman will the training, so as to better understand the MOWW presentthe proposals to the Orderat the annual YLC program can do so at their own expense. The National Convention. Ifthe appropriate numbers of only cost would be $50 to cover a "Director's Notebook" and to help defer the cost of contracted delegates voting recommend approval, theamend facilities. Also, these arrangements must be made ment is adopted by the Order. well in advance of the training. This is thebest opportunityfora Companion of If you have questions or wish additional the Order to recommend changes (amendments) to information contact Lt Col Straub at the way the Order operates. The Order's 1-888-269-5413 or by email at [email protected] Constitution and Bylaws canbe viewed on the MOWW websiteat www.militaryorder.net CINC SOLICITATION UPDATE By now, all Companions should have received the CINC solicitation letter. If you made a donation when you received the letter you will not receive the second or third CINC solicitation letter. Once you give, that is the end of the CINC solicitation for you for thisfiscal year. This has been the procedure used by the Order for several years. As you know, the Order is a self-sustaining organization and the CINC solicita tion helps with the overall annual operation oftheOrder. Currently, theOrder is behind schedule to meet the goal of raising $90,000 from the CINC solicitation. We are still short of the goal by $60,000, so we have a ways to go. Thanks to all Companions who have given thus far; however, ifyou haven't done so, I encourage you to give as generously as possible, for the Order will proudly accept whatever you can afford to give. Thanks for your support of our beloved Order! Officer Review January 2006 23 Identity Theft Issues are Everywhere in the News "That's how retired Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, the former cJ.airman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, became a victim: His Social Security number, along with those of other military officers, was published in the Congressional Record and later posted on a Web site. In 1999, thieves used their identities to open 273 new credit card accounts and ran up $200,000 in charges." —Parc^de Magazine, July 31, 2005 MOWW Approves Identity Theft Shield Product for Companions By Companion Jnines C. Baird Joseph H. Pendleton, California, Chapter I Identity Theft always happens to 'the other guy/ right? That's what the other guy used to think. Intelligent Identity thieves don't go after high profile net worth people. Typically they go after a large number of average consumers for small amounts of money over a long period of time...they may tap you again and again and again without getting caught. George Chant, an attorney in private practice and an independent associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., says, "We've taken a pro-active stand against Identity Th(Jft. We help in prevention, but—unlike any other company—we can actually go to work on your behalf to restore your good name." MOWW members and their families can add the IDT Shield to their asset protection plan for a One-Two VIost Common Forms of ID Theft Punch against the fastest growing crime in America. This not only protects the MOWW member, it also pro vides revenue to MOWW to help accomplish the Order's mission. For more information give 00 C George or Jim a call at 1-877-263-2380, or visit his website at www.select-benefits.com U vC Be sure to click on "View Movie." 0) Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., and CtMt(ii The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to understand your credit ratings...and to fight bacl< if an identity thief threatens your financial standings. For more information call: PPp Jim Baird or George Chant wentit Independent Associates NYSE 1-877-263-2380 www. select-benefits,com 24 The Military Order of the World Wars