Fighting Hunger As a Young Cavalryman in Vietnam, Bob 22 Nice Try Taliban Martin Saved a Baby in a Bombed-Out 26 Vietnam Vet Saves Baby Bunker

‘NICE TRY TALIBAN’ SEVERELY WOUNDED VET RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Fighting

HungerON THE FRONT LINES

‘I CAN’T JUST LEAVE HER HERE’ A VFW member searches for a woman he saved 48 years ago in Vietnam REBUILDING MOTORCYCLES & VETS FOR THE MANY REASONS YOU SERVED, thank you.

There are many reasons why you served, and our reason to serve is you. That’s why USAA is dedicated to helping support VFW members and their families.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affi liates. The VFW receives ﬁ nancial support for this sponsorship. © 2018 USAA. 248368-0318 PHOTO BY TOM M. JOHNSON ‘NICE TRY TALIBAN’ SEVERELY WOUNDED VET RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Fighting

HungerON THE FRONT LINES

‘I CAN’T JUST LEAVE HER HERE’ A VFW member searches for a woman he saved 48 years ago in Vietnam REBUILDING MOTORCYCLES & VETS

AUGUST 2018 Vol. 105 No. 10 COVER PHOTO: Rich Synek, a member of VFW’s Department of New York, displays AFGHANISTAN VET RETURNS products available at his food pantry in After being blown up and losing parts of both legs in a 2011 IED Utica. Synek and his wife, Michele, created 22 the nonprofi t Feed Our Vets, providing explosion in Afghanistan, Justin Lane revisited the country earlier free food to veterans and their families. It this year. The trip allowed the former combat engineer to fulfi ll a goal includes a pantry in Watertown, a mobile he had carried with him for seven years. BY JIM SERVI unit in Syracuse and a gift card program that helps hungry vets around the country. REACHING FOR A REUNION ON THE COVER 16 Fighting Hunger As a young cavalryman in Vietnam, Bob 22 Nice Try Taliban Martin saved a baby in a bombed-out 26 Vietnam Vet Saves Baby bunker. Now, nearly 50 years later, the 28 Rebuilding Motorcycles and Vets VFW Post commander hopes to reunite with her or at least learn her fate. IN THIS ISSUE BY JANIE DYHOUSE 32 Habitat for Humanity 34 Veterans in the Classroom 26 36 Married VFW Department Leaders 38 ADA Compliant Park OPERATION COMBAT BIKESAVER 40 Arizona Post Renaming Mechanically minded veterans in IN EVERY ISSUE Indiana use their passion for working 7 Mail Call on motorcycles to deal with the effects 8 Now Hear This of PTSD and TBI, as well as helping 10 Issues Up Front them readjust to civilian life. They call 12 Washington Wire it “hot rod therapy.” BY JOSEPH S. PETE 44 Book Corner 46 Better Health 28 48 VFW in Action 50 Member Corner WORLD WAR II ‘THERAPY DOG’ 52 Member Benefi ts Using tricks she learned as a war dog 54 Reunions and Claims on South Pacifi c battlefi elds in WWII, a 60 Vets in Focus 4-pound Yorkshire terrier entertained wounded troops, worked in Hollywood and appeared on television in the 1940s and ’50s. Smoky also could be the world’s fi rst “therapy dog.” BY KARI WILLIAMS 42

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

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 1

Hearing loss and cognitive decline: Is there a connection?

Research shows that regular use of Oticon Opn™: a hearing aid can help slow the effects The hearing device of aging on your brain. that keeps you fully A growing body of evidence links hearing engaged in life. loss with a higher risk of cognitive decline, which can lead to serious conditions such as dementia. Most recently, a study of dementia prevention, intervention and care in the The Lancet concluded that hearing loss is the biggest modifiable risk factor for later development of dementia.(1) Another study found that people with hearing loss who used hearing aids experienced cognitive decline at a rate similar to people without hearing loss.(2) Scientists concluded that the ability to hear better played a role, but so did the fact that better hearing allowed the subjects to stay involved in life. (1) Source: The Lancet Commissions, “Dementia prevention, intervention and care,” December 16, 2017 (2) Source: Hélène Amieva, “Self-Reported Hearing Loss: Hearing Aids and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Adults: A 25-year Study,” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The Opn device uses BrainHearing™ technology to help you understand Better hearing benefits brain health. and remember more speech, even in Oticon, a leader in advanced hearing care for more than a century, believes noisy environments. Fully and naturally that more effective and widespread hearing loss treatment could result in a participating in conversations can keep substantial long-term public benefit to brain health. That’s why the company you more connected to the important continually explores new ways to make its hearing aids better, more user- people in your life. friendly, and easily accessible. Opn technology upgrades your hearing experience. Hearing loss: More than just a nuisance. ConnectClip – Transforms your Opn Hearing loss is a major device into a wireless stereo headset so public health issue, you can make hands-free calls, stream and the most common music from your smartphone or listen chronic condition to someone speaking from a distance. affecting older adults. Tinnitus SoundSupport™ – Provides • Approximately 20 percent of Americans live with some degree of relief from ringing in the ears with hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. soothing natural soundscapes. • Research indicates that 80 percent of those with hearing loss don’t seek help; usually because of denial, embarrassment, or simply Oticon ON App – Unlocks the power lack of awareness. of the Internet of Things by enabling • In addition to cognitive function, hearing loss has been shown to affect your Opn device to communicate with physical health, social skills, family relationships, self-esteem and more. other connected devices, such as • Studies show that untreated hearing loss can result in depression, smartphones, computers and home poorer job performance and diminished quality of life. appliances.

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MAIL CALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MEMORIALS HONORING NATIVE AMERICAN TROOPS AND GOLD STAR PARENTS Medics in the Boonies Post Bans Smoking Moms in the Enjoyed the story. After 50 years in Post 2951 in Santa Fe, N.M., banned medicine, I retired as a physician’s smoking, and it has been very positive. A FINAL SALUTE War Zone REMEMBERING TROOPS WHO assistant in 2016 and remember my ser- It was very bad with a lot of members MOMS IN THE DIED OVERSEAS WAR ZONE IN 2017 I received so many

tories of leavingaving vice in Vietnam. We believed in the mis- who smoked, but now it seems like Mothers share s kids at home during deployments wonderful messages sion to bring medical service to the local everyone enjoys coming to the club. from friends who VIETNAM BATTLE OF population and to build bonds of trust GILBERT ROMERO, EMAIL DAI DO AND MEDCAP received their VFW MISSIONS with the Vietnamese people. magazine for May JOHN KEARNEY, EMAIL My wife and I are both life members and were surprised to see me in and live within miles of three VFW Posts their mailbox. It was amazing to see In December 1968, Cpls. George in our area, but they are all smoking the pictures and read the articles Seli, Gaudencio Molina, Sgts. Ramon Posts. As much as we would love to drive from the other moms. Gallegos, Ronald Robyn and I transport- 10 minutes from our house, it is worth SHERA TERRY, EMAIL ed a 7- or 8-year-old Vietnamese girl to the 30-45 minute drive to our Post, the Hoa Khanh Children’s Hospital. She which voted to go smoke-free quite a few The article looks nice. Reading the had gotten her foot caught in the wheel years ago. I hope more and more Posts other stories, I realize how blessed I of a motor scooter and broken her ankle. vote to go smoke-free, as I believe it will was to have a strong family, work and The children’s hospital was operated and bring in the younger veterans. church support. Thanks for doing this. maintained by Navy doctors and corps- GEORGE WALLACE, EMAIL DONNA HERSHEY men. We Marines were very impressed ELIZABETHTOWN, PA. with the dedication and professionalism I wish every Post would follow suit. of the Navy medical personnel. I have not gone to a VFW Post for years The May issue is awesome. I love JACK STUBBS, EMAIL because of the smoke. I would love to the recognition and honoring of some re-engage with a Post. truly unsung heroes — moms, and A wonderful article about the war to MARK KAMSTRA, EMAIL especially moms in the war zone — win the hearts and minds of the people. really awesome. However, this was not the fi rst time we I’ve tried for years, to no avail, to get ED SANDRICK, EMAIL had attempted to do so. When Vietnam the Posts near me to go non-smoking. was divided, a Navy doctor named Tom The existing policy has kept me totally The words “mom” and “war” are Dooley undertook the task of caring for out. Additionally, it keeps many of the not two words people like to see or thousands of Vietnamese who lived in younger vets and their family and friends say in the same sentence. Typically, the north and wanted to migrate to the away. Time for a change or extinction. women are not even recognized as non-communist south. Those were part BOB BOWERS, EMAIL veterans at all. I can tell you that 100 of the MEDCAP missions that gallantly percent of the time, I have been mis- continued his legacy. taken as the veteran’s wife. Because Battle of Dai Do VERN MILLER women vets are an afterthought, the I was in Charlie Company 1/3. We went BROOKFIELD, WIS. resources available to us are lacking in as support. During my entire tour, I nationwide. Just wanted to say that never saw anything like Dai Do. I came I was a medic with the 101st Avn. cover meant a lot to many for endless upon dead Marines that didn’t even Grp. from 1970-71. I did MEDCAPs out reasons. Thanks for putting women have time to get their M60s off their at Vinh Hai and Vinh Loc. On a number vets out there so boldly. shoulders. I will never forget that battle. of occasions, I had to medevac civil- KIM PETTERS, EMAIL EDWARD LITTLE, EMAIL ians to the Vietnamese hospital in Hue. It looked like it was so lacking in even My concern is there is a lot of basic resources that I felt I was taking Thank you for your outstanding arti- articles about women in the service. these kids and women there to die. I’ve cle on the battle. I fi rst learned to pray Women chose to be in the service as been back twice in six years. On my fi rst as a young 18-year-old “new guy” there well as men. Men are deployed leav- return trip, I found the hospital and it with Golf Co., 2/4. Yet for many years ing family behind. I don’t remember was incredible. X-rays, MRIs, modern after, no one I ever spoke to had heard any articles telling the hardship for ambulances and computers. of the Battle of Dai Do. Thanks again for them or the return. JERRY ROSS bringing it to light. ABRAM RASBAND PERO, N.Y. GEORGE THEISS, EMAIL BREMERTON, WASH.

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

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 7 NOW HEAR THIS NEWS YOU CAN USE Former SEAL Receives Medal of Honor AP PHOTO BYSUSAN WALSH President Donald Trump presented Slabinski, of Northampton, the nation’s highest military honor Mass., organized a return to a retired Navy SEAL in May at the flight to the peak to rescue White House. Britt K. Slabinski, a for- Roberts. Upon reinsertion, mer senior chief petty officer, earned the team’s helicopter again the Medal of Honor for his actions took fire from an estimated during the Battle of Roberts Ridge in 40-100 al Qaeda fighters. 2002 in Afghanistan. One of the U.S. team mem- Slabinski, a member of VFW Post bers began moving toward 2014 in Brookville, Ind., was in charge an enemy strongpoint. of a seven-man recon unit that included “Without regard for his SEAL Team Six members and other spe- own safety, Slabinski charged cial operation troops. On March 4, 2002, directly toward enemy fire to they were airlifted to the top of the join his teammate,” accord- 10,000-foot, snow-covered Takur Ghar ing to his MOH citation. President Donald Trump places the Medal of Mountain in southeastern Afghanistan. The former Navy senior chief helped Honor around the neck of retired Navy Senior The team’s mission was to direct air assault two bunkers, maneuvered his Chief Petty Officer Britt K. Slabinski on May strikes on al Qaeda fighters battling team to a more defensible position, 24 at the White House. Slabinski led a seven- U.S. troops in the valley below during directed air strikes near his own troops man recon team against an al Qaeda force of Operation Anaconda. in the close-quarters battlefield, helped between 40-100 fighters on March 4, 2002, The recon team’s Chinook helicopter, move casualties and continued fighting atop Takur Ghar Mountain in Afghanistan piloted by a member of the 160th Special for more than 14 hours until they and during the Battle of Roberts Ridge. Operations Aviation Regiment, took reinforcements secured the peak. fire as it attempted to land at the sum- A total of seven U.S. troops — from them back, I would.” mit. One SEAL, Petty Officer 1st Class Army, Navy and Air Force units — were At press time, one of Slabinski’s Neil Roberts, fell out of the Chinook as killed in the battle. teammates — Air Force Tech. Sgt. John it lifted off to avoid the ground fire. The “There isn’t a day that goes by that I Chapman, who was killed in the battle helicopter managed a controlled crash don’t think about them,” Slabinski said. — reportedly had been approved for the landing a few miles away. “If I could give up this medal to have Medal of Honor, too.

VFW Member Awarded Soldier’s Medal U.S. Embassies Bombed A congressman hailed as a hero for his U.S. ARMY PHOTOBY STAFF SGT. PHILLIP VALENTINE Twenty years ago this month, Islamic life-saving actions in 2017 received the terrorists bombed two U.S. embassies Army’s highest peacetime award in in Africa. On Aug. 7, 1998, the nearly April. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) simultaneous truck bombs exploded first received the Soldier’s Medal on April 26 at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in Washington, D.C. Wenstrup earned and then, three minutes later, at the U.S. the award for his quick action following a Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. shooting at a congressional baseball prac- The blasts killed 224 people and tice in June 2017. wounded more than 4,000. A total of 12 Wenstrup, a life member of VFW Post Secretary of the Army Mark Esper watches Americans, including active-duty troops 6979 in Cincinnati, provided life-saving as Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) receives Marine Corps Sgt. Jesse Aliganga, a first aid to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the the Soldier’s Medal from Chief of Staff of security guard; and Army Staff Sgt. House of Representatives’ majority whip, the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley on April 26 at Kenneth R. Hobson II, a defense atta- after Scalise was hit by a bullet. Wenstrup the U.S. Capitol. Wenstrup, an Army Reserve ché, died. Both men were based at the earned his VFW eligibility as the chief of colonel and VFW life member, saved a fellow Nairobi facility. surgery with the 344th Combat Support congressman’s life after a shooting at a con- The FBI linked the embassy attacks Hospital in Iraq from 2005-06. gressional baseball practice last year. to Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden also According to the Department of the would go on to plan and finance the Army, the Soldier’s Medal is awarded to those who, “while serving in any capacity Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on U.S. soil. with the Army of the United States, including Reserve Component … distinguished U.S. special operations troops killed himself or herself by heroism not involving conflict with an enemy.” Wenstrup has bin Laden in a raid at his Abbottabad, been a member of the Army Reserve since 1998. Pakistan, compound on May 2, 2011.

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10 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 A Proud Tribute in A Classic Bomber Style

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Thailand, according to a press release Offered to If signed by President Donald Trump, from Committee Chairman Phil Roe The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans (R-Tenn.). Disabled Vets Act of 2017, H.R. 299, would extend This past June, then-VFW The VA and Education departments the presumption of exposure to Agent Commander-in-Chief Keith Harman are teaming up to simplify the stu- Orange to Vietnam War blue water vet- called the committee’s approval of the dent loan forgiveness program for bill “long overdue.” severely disabled veterans. “The VFW salutes Veterans who have total and per- the bipartisan leader- manent disability can apply to have ship of Phil Roe and their federal student loans forgiven. ranking member Tim Due to the lack of knowledge about Walz for getting this bill U.S. NAVY PHOTO NAVY U.S. the program, the departments now through committee,” said will work together to proactively Harman, who served in identify and contact eligible veterans the Vietnam War with to make them aware of the program. the 101st Abn. Div. According to the Consumer H.R. 299 would give Financial Protection Bureau, tens of Agent Orange-veterans thousands of disabled veterans are who served along the eligible for the student loan protection. Korean DMZ an earlier The USS Bon Homme Richard underway off the coast of “Simplifying the loan forgiveness start date to include Vietnam in March 1968. Its crew who served during the process and proactively identifying Vietnam War would be among some 100,000 sailors to the time period when veterans with federal student loans benefi t from the Blue Water Navy Act. various defoliants were who may be eligible for a discharge tested. The current is a small but critical way we can erans — those who served on ships off start date of April 1, 1968, will be backed show our gratitude for veterans’ the coast of Vietnam. Those who served up seven months to Sept. 1, 1967. The service,” Education Secretary Betsy in country and inland waters of Vietnam new law also would require the VA to DeVos said. already are presumed to be exposed to report on research being conducted on a Due to the VA and Education Agent Orange. As of press time, VFW broad range of conditions possibly relat- departments’ partnership, cer- Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes ed to service in Southwest Asia. This tain disabled veterans who have said Trump would “likely” sign the Blue would be important for future legisla- borrowed for school expenses Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of tive efforts to create a list of presump- will be notifi ed by mail of their 2017 into law in July. tive conditions for veterans seeking VA possible eligibility. They also The Act would restore VA benefi ts health care and benefi ts. will receive an application for a to some 100,000 “blue water” veterans All impacted veterans should contact Total and Permanent Disability who had their disability eligibility taken a VFW-accredited service offi cer for (TPD) Discharge. The Education away in 2002 after regulatory changes. assistance fi ling a claim. Department is unable to automati- The bill would require VA to start “Toxic exposure is toxic exposure, cally discharge these loans because making decisions on claims under the and denying benefi ts to any veteran just proper documentation to prove dis- new rule starting in January. The bill because of time or location denigrates ability is needed. does not require VA to auto adjudicate their service and marginalizes their suf- For more information about eligi- previously denied claims. However, fering,” Harman said. “Agent Orange bility, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/, veterans who submit new claims will made Vietnam veterans sick. It made click on “How to Repay Your Loans,” receive retroactive benefi ts to the earli- those stationed along the Korean DMZ then “Forgiveness, Cancellation, and est possible effective date, as far as 1985. and in Thailand sick — and many of Discharge,” and, fi nally, “Total and The bill also would expand inclu- their children, too. Toxic substances Permanent Disability Discharge.” sive dates to those who served along also are making many Southwest Asia the Korean DMZ and benefi t children veterans sick.”

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

12 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 “To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

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Prior to the rule and Nominations because of licensing restrictions and state telehealth The Senate approved two nominees laws, it was unclear whether for VA positions in April. VA doctors, nurses and other The Senate confirmed Paul providers could provide Lawrence as undersecretary for ben- health care to veterans in other states. The new federal rule, called the Authority of efits and Joseph Falvey as a judge on Health Care Providers to Practice Telehealth, gives VA health care providers the the Court of Appeals for Veterans authority to virtually treat patients in other states. Claims. Both positions are based in According to a VA press release, the rule will mostly benefit veterans living in rural Washington, areas of the country who would need to travel long distances, even to other states, to see D.C. a doctor face-to-face. The rule also allows veterans to access services, such as mental “We are health care and suicide prevention, in a “quicker and easier” manner through telehealth. pleased that VA also announced that a video conferencing app, called VA Video Connect, will be the Senate has able to supply the care for the patients anywhere in the country. VA Video Connect is unanimously available now. confirmed For more information about VA telehealth care, visit https://connectedcare.va.gov. these nominees to serve at the VA and on the Some Adoption Military Bases Have Paul Lawrence U.S. Court of Appeals for Expenses Now Contaminated Water Veterans Claims,” stated Sen. Johnny Reimbursable The Department of Defense (DoD) identi- Isakson (R-Ga.) and Sen. Jon Tester fied 401 active and inactive bases in the (D-Mont.) in an April press release. Veterans who have a service-connected U.S. that have at least one area of expo- VA has been without a perma- disability resulting in infertility now sure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), nent benefits undersecretary since might be eligible to receive a reimburse- which are commonly used for extinguish- October 2015. ment of adoption expenses from VA. The ing aircraft fires on military bases. Lawrence is amendment went into effect in March. Of the 401 locations, the water at or a former vice To qualify, adoptions must be near 126 of the reported bases contain president arranged by an eligible adoption agency. “potentially harmful” levels of PFCs, at Kaiser Veterans can request reimbursement for according to Military Times. PFCs are Associates, a qualifying adoption expenses incurred linked to cancer and known to be harm- strategy con- for adoptions completed after Sept. 29, ful to fetuses and infants. sulting firm in 2016, according to VA. DoD found that 61 percent of the 2,668 Washington, An application for reimbursement tested water wells on or near base com- D.C. He will must be submitted to VA no later than munities were above the Environmental Joseph Falvey serve as a two years after a finalized adoption. For Protection Agency’s recommended lev- senior official the adoption of a foreign child, veterans els, according to Military Times. overseeing benefits and services to must submit a reimbursement for no “This is a situation that should have troops, veterans and their families. later than two years after U.S. citizenship been investigated and resolved long ago,” Falvey is a 30-year veteran of the is issued to the child, according to VA. said VFW National Security and Foreign Marine Corps and former district Reimbursement is capped at $2,000 Affairs Director John Towles. “We are counsel for the Detroit District of the per adoption for a covered veteran. No doing everything in our power to get U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His more than $5,000 may be paid to a cov- some answers from DoD leadership.” approval gives the Court of Appeals ered veteran’s adoption in any calendar A list of reported contaminated sites for Veterans Claims a full bench for year. Two married veterans may claim a may be found at https://partner-mco- the first time in almost three years. reimbursement for any single adoption, archive.s3.amazonaws.com/client_ according to VA. files/1524589484.pdf.

14 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 OurOur mmenen andand womenwomen camecame fromfrom allall overover thethe country,country, fromfrom allall walkswalks ofof life,life, toto fightfight fforor ffreedomreedom o onn tthehe ototherher s isidede ooff tthehe wworld.orld. TTheyhey sservederved TheyThey ddidn'tidn't withwith honor,honor, dignity,dignity, andand courage.courage. AllAll gavegave some,some, somesome gavegave all,all, andand manymany areare stillstill missingmissing andand unaccountedunaccounted for.for. AsAs a nation,nation, wewe oweowe allall ofof hhesitateesitate ttoo pputut ourour VietnamVietnam VeteransVeterans a debtdebt thatthat cancan nevernever bebe repaid.repaid. ttheirheir llivesives oonn tthehe llineine NothingNothing aaboutbout thethe VietnamVietnam WarWar waswas easy.easy. 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Though it withinwithin 3300 ddaysays fforor a ccompleteomplete aandnd ccourteousourteous rrefund.efund. saw less use than in previous wars, it was a popular weapon for American and South Vietnamese soldiers. The Thompson was a “warhorse” which was Honor Vietnam Veterans With This Exclusive Offer relied on for its superior stopping power and dependability. IfIf youyou areare a veteranveteran wwhoho aanswerednswered tthehe ccallall ttoo ddutyuty iinn VVietnam,ietnam, oorr iiff yyouou Like the dedicated American warriors who served wishwish toto honorhonor yyourour father,father, hhusband,usband, bbrother,rother, ffriendriend oorr ootherther ffamilyamily mmember,ember, tthehe in Vietnam, the Thompson served proudly in Vietnam, VietnamVietnam VeteransVeterans TributeTribute TThompsonhompson iiss ssureure ttoo bbecomeecome a ccherishedherished aadditionddition ttoo continuing a tradition of excellence first established during youryour collection.collection. OOrderrder ttodayoday ttoo ssecureecure yyourour TTributeribute hhonoringonoring tthosehose wwhoho pproudlyroudly WWII, and later in Korea. This stunning presentation sservederved oourur nnationation iinn VVietnam.ietnam. firearm is a lasting tribute to all of America’s veterans and links them forever in time with their brothers- in-arms who fought earlier wars. ▼ BothBoth sidessides ofof thethe receiverreceiver featurefeature emblemsemblems thatthat honorhonor VietnamVietnam WarWar We know there will never be another veterans.veterans. TheThe bannerbanner reads:reads: “A“A GratefulGrateful NationNation Remembers,”Remembers,” andand American-made firearm like the insideinside thethe ovaloval isis a lonelone AmericanAmerican soldier,soldier, thethe distinctivedistinctive silhouettesilhouette Thompson submachine gun. ofof VietnamVietnam andand a pairpair ofof U.S.U.S. militarymilitary helicopters.helicopters. 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▲ RightRight sideside alsoalso featuresfeatures a soldiersoldier scanningscanning thethe distancedistance forfor enemyenemy movement.movement. A pairpair ofof M48M48 tankstanks makemake theirtheir wayway onon thethe groundground whilewhile thethe skysky isis abuzzabuzz withwith helicopters,helicopters, whichwhich playedplayed suchsuch anan importantimportant rolerole duringduring thethe VietnamVietnam War.War. OnOn thethe farfar endend ofof thethe receiver,receiver, you’llyou’ll findfind aa MMarinearine andand hishis M16.M16. AlongAlong withwith thethe Huey,Huey, thethe legendarylegendary M16M16 hashas becomebecome a symbolsymbol ofof combatcombat serviceservice inin Vietnam.Vietnam. IntroducedIntroduced toto thethe battlefieldbattlefield iinn 11964,964, thethe M16M16 waswas a lightweightlightweight assaultassault riflerifle tthathat pprovedroved iinvaluablenvaluable iinn jjungleungle fifirefights.refights. Ri gRightht si dsidee fe afeaturestures an anim aimagege of ofth ethe ic oiconicnic Re pRepublicublic of ofVi eVietnamtnam CampaignCampaign MedalMedal presentedpresented byby RepublicRepublic ofof VietnamVietnam toto membersmembers ofof thethe UnitedUnited StatesStates militarymilitary whowho completedcompleted atat leastleast sixsix monthsmonths ofof dutyduty inin thethe war,war, withwith a frameframe reading:reading: ““VietnamVietnam WarWar - AllAll GaveGave Some,Some, SomeSome GaveGave All.”All.” BelowBelow itit you’llyou’ll findfind aa bbanneranner tthathat rreads:eads: ““LestLest WWee Forget.”Forget.”

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I wish to reserve ___ of the “Vietnam Veterans Tribute Thompson”, a Name ______working Thompson semi-automatic submachine gun, at the current issue price of $2,995.* My deposit of $195 per Tribute is enclosed. I wish to pay Address ______the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included. Thirty day return privilege. City/State/Zip ______*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax. Daytime Telephone No. ( ______) ______q Check enclosed for $ . America Remembers® q Charge payment of $ to: 10226 Timber Ridge Drive H Ashland, Virginia 23005 q Visa q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover www.americaremembers.com No. Exp. To place your reservation call toll-free 1-800-682-2291 VFW MEMBER FEEDS HUNGRY VETERANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY Starting with just one hungry veteran years ago, Rich Synek launched an ambitious plan. Now he, his wife, Michele, and a team of volunteers provide nourishment to vets and families at New York food pantries and donate gift cards to those in other states.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

ince 2008, a grassroots, VFW- That’s when Synek knew what he had member-led effort has fed more to do. He retired 11 years early and found than 15,000 veterans nationwide, his calling. And so was born Feed Our Vets, Sdistributed more than 1 million a New York-based nonproﬁ t veterans-only pounds of food and donated more than food pantry. $80,000 in gift cards. And it all started With pantries in Utica and Watertown, with one postage stamp. Feed Our Vets also has a mobile unit VFW Department of New York mem- that feeds veterans monthly in Syracuse. ber Rich Synek was postmaster in Vernon Additionally, the unit takes food to Center, N.Y., when he noticed WWII vet Binghamton, Buffalo and Albany. Orley Baker purchasing one stamp at a time Numerous times, it has traveled as far because that is all he could afford to buy. away as Philadelphia. Synek soon learned that Baker and his To receive assistance at the pantries, vets wife had only enough money to buy food only need to bring in a DD-214 and a photo for two weeks out of every month. ID or a VA card. No questions are asked. “I just couldn’t get over how horrible it How vets end up at the pantry is not impor- was that a WWII veteran was going hun- tant to Synek and the teams of volunteers. gry,” said Synek, who earned the Navy One such volunteer is Vietnam veter- Expeditionary Medal off the coast of Libya an Joe Ancona. He’s been the director of in 1986. “For that matter, anyone being the Utica pantry for eight years. He retired hungry is unacceptable.” from the Army after 20 years before going Soon after learning this about Baker, to work for the state. After he retired, he Synek and his wife, Michele, took food to thought he would do some volunteer work. the vet’s home, only to ﬁ nd empty cup- “Rich married my youngest sister and boards and an empty refrigerator, other that’s how I got roped into this,” he said than a few condiments. and laughed. “It’s really like having anoth-

16 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 PHOTOBY TOM M JOHNSON

Volunteers Joe Ancona and Michele Synek stock the shelves at the Feed Our Vets food pantry in Utica, N.Y. Feed Our Vets founder and VFW member Rich Synek, far right, talks with veteran Carl Davis about healthy food choices. Since 2008, Feed Our Vets has distributed more than 1 million pounds of food and donated more than $80,000 in gift cards to veterans and their families in 38 states.

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 17 PHOTO BY TOM M JOHNSON LEFT: Veterans Carl Davis, Steve Keblish, Lewis Smith, Rich Synek and Jesse Martin visit with one another at Character Coffee in Utica in May. Synek, founder of Feed Our Vets, said the group likes to meet at the coffee shop and listen to Smith’s WWII stories. Davis, who utilizes the Feed Our Vets pantry, said the volunteers really relate to him.

BELOW LEFT: The promotional vehicle FOV 1 will be auctioned off in September to raise funds for Feed Our Vets, which receives no state or federal funding. The 1990 AM General Humvee was anonymously donated to the group and currently is on display at the Saratoga Auto Museum in New York.

FRESH VEGETABLES APLENTY Army veteran Carl Davis is one of the veterans who regularly visits the Utica pantry, which he calls a “society within a society.” Davis, who was severely injured years ago while serving as an Army welder at Ft. Ord, Calif., is 100 percent disabled and has three children. “I don’t know what I would do without this,” Davis said. “You know, they can the volunteers will give a person enough shut off the cable and that’s fine because food to get through the day and refer you don’t have to have that. But when them to other places for assistance. you don’t have food for your family, it “We’re never going to turn away a really hits home.” hungry person,” Ancona said. While talking on the phone for this Selena Dewey also volunteers her article, Davis noted that he was cooking time at the Utica food pantry. She’s been a pork roast with fresh vegetables that he PHOTO COURTESY OF RICH SYNEK COURTESY PHOTO there about a year. October will mark had received at the pantry. He added that three years since her husband died just he always gets milk, eggs, cheese, bread one month shy of retiring after 30 years and fresh vegetables. in the Air Force. “It’s not like you come in and they “People always say that the best way to give you a box of macaroni and call it er job, but that’s OK.” heal is by helping others,” Dewey said. “I good,” he said. “They really care for us Most weeks, Ancona puts in 25-40 really wanted to get involved with some- vets because they are vets, too. I pray for hours a week. While the pantry is open thing that would help veterans. This has them every day.” every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. and the truly helped my healing process.” Davis added that he appreciates the third Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. Dewey is charged with weighing the camaraderie at the pantry. They know to 11 p.m., it takes a lot of work to stock it. food as it leaves the pantry. The IRS how to relate to one another and “speak Each week sees about 50-60 veterans requires all food to be weighed both in the same language.” coming in for food, and the volunteer and out. staff of 12 makes sure everyone receives She noted that veterans from WWII to FEED OUR VETS IS A ÔLIFESAVERÕ a portion. Iraq utilize the pantry, adding that it’s par- Besides the pantries and mobile unit, “Some vets cannot make it in during ticularly sad to see WWII vets in a position Feed Our Vets sends gift cards to veter- our regular hours, and I’ll meet them of needing assistance finding food. ans in 38 states. As of May 20, more than after hours,” Ancona said. “There are a “It has been the most humbling and $80,000 in gift cards had been distribut- lot of hungry people out there, so you do rewarding experience,” Dewey said. ed around the country. what you gotta do, you know?” “Each week, we, as volunteers, thank the The family of Amber and Anthony Ancona added that some people are veterans for their service. They always Hockensmith, from Georgetown, Ky., is hungry enough that they try to con him. thank us. They are so appreciative of us. the recipient of a $75 gift card each month. They will say they were in the military But it seems so wrong that they feel like Amber said the family, which includes but cannot prove it. In those situations, they have to say thank you.” four children, was doing pretty good

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‘Thank God I Was Blown Up’

After he was nearly killed in Afghanistan, Justin Lane returned to the country earlier this year. He was determined to leave the war zone this time on his own terms.

BY JIM SERVI

wo moments stand out for for- Through its program, Operation on hold after high school graduation. mer Army Spc. Justin Lane Proper Exit, Troops First gives wounded Instead, he followed his high school when he recalls his deployment veterans the opportunity to return to sweetheart to Mexico, but the feeling to Tto Afghanistan — one he’ll never Afghanistan or Iraq and leave with serve remained. forget and one he’ll never remember. “peace of mind and closure.” More than “[My brother and I] decided that we Always happy-go-lucky with an air of 100 service members have taken part in would both sign up together the follow- optimism, Lane’s attitude became jaded the program since it launched in June ing morning, but when my brother woke and vengeful when on March 26, 2011, 2009. up, he had changed his mind,” Lane said his brother in arms, and friend from his “There were a lot of feelings inside with a chuckle. “I said, ‘Fine, but I’m hometown, Army Cpl. Justin Ross, was when I found out I was going back to going.’ My brother was the reminder I killed in Afghanistan. Less than four Afghanistan,” Lane began to explain, needed.” months later, on July 2, 2011, Spc. Lane then hesitated, remembering the journey Still living in Mexico, Lane joined the was in a vehicle that hit an improvised that brought him to this moment. Army Reserve. explosive device (IED). It nearly ended “I told the recruiter that I wanted the his life. ‘THE MOST DANGEROUS JOB’ most dangerous job at the time so that I Lane vowed to return one day and leave Like many soldiers from the Iraq could serve in the best possible way,” he Afghanistan on his terms. In April, he and Afghanistan wars, Lane was said. “The recruiter told me I’d be a 12B, got that opportunity. Another wounded heavily inﬂ uenced by the Sept. 11, 2001, combat engineer, doing route clearance, combat veteran introduced Lane to an terrorist attack. looking for IEDs.” organization called Feherty’s Troops “I remember my eighth-grade teacher With his home of record in Green Bay, First Foundation. The Laurel, Md.-based brought in a TV, and we didn’t know what Wis., Lane was assigned to the 428th nonproﬁ t supports “wellness, quality- was going on,” Lane said. “We watched the Engineer Company out of Wausau, Wis. of-life and event-based initiatives” for towers fall, and I knew at that moment that In August 2010, the 428th Engineer troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, I was going to join the military.” Company mobilized and shortly after according to its website. His plan to join the military was put deployed to Forward Operating Base

22 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 (FOB) Wilson, later renamed FOB Pasab, Irrigation wadis snaked their way the crater of the IED blast from only in Zhari District, Kandahar Province from this river and its tributaries to hours earlier, they were extra alert as they west of Kandahar City in Afghanistan. the farmland dominated by opium pop- methodically searched for IEDs. This area was the birthplace of the pies and cannabis. In between was a Taliban in the 1990s. school, long since abandoned. Grape ALIVE THANKS TO QUICK ACTION The Sangesar, a local landmark, is huts, some more than 50 feet tall, dot- In an instant, Lane’s vehicle was fl ipped located in the heart of Zhari District and ted the landscape with a small moun- in the air, ripped to pieces, and the cab named after an abandoned British stone tain range beyond. The temperature was penetrated with shrapnel. Lane remem- fort from the 1800s. It also is the infamous sweltering, even in the early morning bers trying not to smash his squad lead- location where Mullah Mohammed Omar hours, as they departed. That day’s mis- er, Staff Sgt. Daniel Kienow, then turning fi rst armed 50 of his students, or Taliban, sion was different. to fi nd their gunner, Spc. Aaron Krueger, and fought local warlords. The 428th Engineer Company would unresponsive. Moments later, Krueger Their cause grew, and before the be clearing the route of IEDs not once, snapped back to reality. Then, Lane end of 1994, Omar’s Taliban controlled as usual, but twice, in support of a 3rd looked down to check himself. Blood most of the country. Lane’s route clear- Bde., 10th Mtn. Div. operation to rid the was everywhere; his body was snapped ance patrols would go by these locations battlefi eld of IED emplacers. Just as the in half. Everything went blank. almost daily, and they still hosted a heavy patrol approached a designated danger “Waking up in Walter Reed was the Taliban presence. area, one of the vehicles was engulfed in next thing I remember,” Lane said. “My earth. An IED exploded beneath them. whole family surrounded me.” QUIET AREA MEANS TROUBLE Moments passed before the rest of the Both legs required amputation, along The route Lane and his fellow soldiers patrol could conduct their assessment. with one of his fi ngers. His pelvis was took on the morning of July 2, 2011, was Everyone was all right with no serious shattered, femur broken, arm snapped, one they frequently traveled. It also is injuries. They would CASEVAC (emer- and front four teeth knocked out. one of the same routes referenced in The gency casualty evacuation) back to base, Virtually all his internal organs had dam- Bear Went Over the Mountain by Lester deliver the wounded to medics, swap age, and shrapnel destroyed his torso. W. Grau, discussing Soviet combat tac- vehicles and continue the mission. Lane, Lane suffered immense brain trauma and tics in Afghanistan. who had been the gunner for one of the required a tracheotomy. It took multiple Leaving one of the only paved roads vehicles, now became the driver. blood transfusions, more than 20 medica- in the country, Highway 1, one side As he drove the RG-31, specifically tions and the miracles of modern medicine of the road consisted of farmland and designed as a mine-protected vehicle to stabilize him. plantations. On the other side, a large with its V-shaped hull, Lane remem- Lane credits the expert battlefi eld fi rst mud wall lined the road with mud huts bered that the route was quiet that day. aid of the 428th Eng. Co.’s combat medic beyond it. On the far eastern boundary, Afghans generally loved to watch as they Jared Warren, the life-stabilizing exper- the Arghandab River fl owed, creating the drove through, but today he didn’t see any tise of the MEDEVAC crew and the skilled border of Zhari Province. watching from the fi elds. Approaching surgeons and medical professionals at

Justin Lane sits in the cab of an RG-31 mine- resistant, ambush- protected vehicle in April 2018 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Lane, who was severely wounded while on active duty in 2011 in Afghanistan, went back to the country to inspire active-duty troops and fulﬁ ll a goal he’s had for the past seven years — walk out of Afghanistan using his “own two legs.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN LANE OF JUSTIN COURTESY PHOTO

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 23 Afghanistan War veteran Justin Lane performs in 2016 for students at Bookcliff Christian School in Grand Junction, Colo. Lane also has performed at the inaugurations of President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump, as well as alongside such famous country music artists as Lee Greenwood, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin and the Gatlin Brothers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN LANE OF JUSTIN COURTESY PHOTO “That gave me freedom, tine. While his recovery defied all odds, and when I got that I found one regret lingered for Lane. happiness and hope,” “I didn’t get to finish my mission, and Lane said. “I vowed to get I wanted to walk out of that country on strong enough and healthy my own two feet,” Lane said. “People say enough to pursue a music I conquered everything, but to me, this career.” is the last step. Knowing that I overcame Six months after he that, I know I can do anything.” nearly died in the IED On April 1, that wish came true. Lane blast, Lane found him- touched down in Afghanistan, set on self singing at the presi- overcoming that last obstacle. dential inauguration for “We toured all over Afghanistan, and Barack Obama, and four I noticed how much it changed,” he said. years later, he returned for “The Afghans are taking over their coun- President Donald Trump’s try, and I love to see that. That’s exactly inauguration. In between, what we were trying to [help them] do.” Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in he had the opportunity to sing with Lane said that the groups involved in his Germany for saving his life. country music stars Lee Greenwood, trip — Operation Proper Exit, Troops First, “When I finally came back to reality Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, the Gatlin and the military — were all “on point” and and saw myself, I saw a monster,” Lane Brothers and other artists around the “everything was coordinated perfectly.” said. “I thought that I didn’t have a future United States. He also sang for the troops and was in this world. They told me I wouldn’t be Touring began with his first band able to “show them how we [the wound- able to walk again and that I’d have trou- aptly named JP Lane and the A-Team, ed] are still living life” regardless of their ble talking for the rest of my life. I pushed and continued with his current band circumstances. everyone out and went into a hole.” Company 6. After hearing that he’d have “Putting on a uniform again was trouble talking for the rest of his life, and awesome, and they made me an hon- MUSIC AS INSPIRATION singing would be nearly impossible, Lane orary command sergeant major while Little by little, he made progress, but the defied the odds and made it his career. we were there,” Lane said. “But, sitting depression remained. Lane was search- But advocacy remains his passion. in an RG-31 again was incredible. I felt ing for a purpose to live. Support poured “God gave me music, not just for ther- empowered, like nothing could stop me. in not only from family, friends and fel- apy, but as a career to help inspire oth- And this time I left on my own two legs.” low soldiers, but also from The Purple ers,” Lane said. “I met with the victims The Afghanistan War vet added that Heart Foundation, local VFW Posts and from the Boston Marathon bombing and the trip gave him a new perspective on other veterans organizations. Still, he those who had their lives destroyed by his service. continued to fall into the figurative abyss. hurricanes. I always try to inspire them “Looking back, I thank God I was Surgeries followed by therapy were and show them the positivity.” blown up because I had such a negative his life in those initial days. To cope, mindset, filled with so much hate and Lane turned to music. Once his strength ÔNICE TRY TALIBANÕ revenge,” Lane said. “And I’m not sure I began to return, he was fitted with his Lane also has shown a knack for busi- would have been able to get out of that. first prosthetic leg. He craved the taste ness and fundraising. His motto — “Nice Now I want to help inspire others to do of freedom that it provided, but then Try Taliban” — is now his trademark. the same.” instantly returned to disappointment He owns a line of clothing that depicts Enjoying life with his new bride, when his left femur broke inside his new the saying and has since expanded Crystal, honorary Command Sgt. Maj. prosthetic. It was then he had a vision of to “Nice Try Harvey” and “Nice Try Justin Lane will no doubt keep singing returning to normalcy. Irma” to raise funds for recent hurricane and keep inspiring. J “I’m going to do this now, press on relief efforts. EMAIL [email protected] and I’m going to give it all to God,” Lane Living in his new house outside of San remembered promising himself. “And Antonio, Texas, built by Helping a Hero Jim Servi is a member of VFW Post one day I heard God answer in a song.” — a Houston-based nonprofit that serves 10203 in Hamburg, Wis. A veteran of the After several months of therapy, he was severely disabled veterans — Lane is now Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Servi also doing laps with his new prosthetics and on no medications and able to bench press authored the novel Forever Changed. received approval to get a driver’s license. 315 pounds during his daily exercise rou-

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BY JANIE DYHOUSE SEARCHING FOR SUNDAY

ob Martin recalls vivid details woman dressed all in black. I imagine zone to a waiting chopper. of the day he found Roberta she had been supporting them.” “I was so afraid of getting ambushed Sunday 48 years ago this As Martin turned to leave the bun- while getting her out of there,” Martin Bmonth. It was a typical, hot and ker, he heard a faint sound, almost like said. “I don’t know what I would have humid August day in Vietnam’s Quang a cough. He thought perhaps it was the done if we would have encountered the Tri province. A sergeant with C Troop, sound of a rat because it wasn’t coming enemy. I was grateful that she never 3rd Sqdn., 17th Air Cav, Martin was lead- from the people who were “obviously” cried once.” ing a platoon to search an enemy bunker dead. After hearing it again, he searched The baby was alert, but she was shiv- complex that had just been pummeled the bunker and discovered a naked baby ering and had a piece of shrapnel in one with U.S. bombs. girl under the woman’s body. of her thighs. At the LZ, Martin radioed “It was our job to provide a dam- “I thought, ‘Oh my God, now what? I his commanding ofﬁ cer who diverted age assessment after the strikes,” said can’t just leave her here,’” Martin recalled. the chopper to the nearby Quang Tri Martin, now commander of VFW Post “I wrapped her in one of the empty sand- Catholic Hospital. 889 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. “There bags I always carried with me.” Two nuns greeted Martin and asked were a lot of dead bodies. In one bun- He had to haul the infant some him to fill out a card with the baby’s ker, I found two dead NVA men and one 30 minutes back to the nearest landing name, location where she was found and

26 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 LEFT: Bob Martin, commander of VFW Post 889 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, sits in his kitchen earlier this year and looks at a photo of himself holding a baby girl taken nearly 50 years ago in Vietnam. Martin found the girl in an enemy bunker complex and took her to Quang Tri Catholic Hospital, where nuns asked him to name the baby. He dubbed her Roberta Sunday, since his ﬁ rst name is Robert, and he found her on a Sunday. Since that time, he has oft en thought of what happened to her. With the help of VFW Post 889 Auxiliary President Beverly Hanson, Martin is on a quest to ﬁ nd Roberta Sunday.

BELOW: Bob Martin in Vietnam’s Quang Tri province in August 1970 with Roberta Sunday wrapped in an empty sandbag. Martin hopes to ﬁ nd out what happened to her and where the now 48-year-old woman lives. PHOTOCOURTESY BOB MARTIN OF said. “We are not even sure if Save the Children New Zealand had a presence in Vietnam at that time. It is possible that New Zealand nurses were there but they may have been sent by the government.” Wanting to help, Clelland tried the New Zealand Nurses Organization, but it doesn’t hold records for individual nurses. Hanson was not deterred. She emailed the New Zealand Parliament

“That would really be something to see her and know that something “I knew after hearing this story, that this is a story that had to be told,” Hanson positive came out said. “I could see the emotion and the feeling that Bob had toward this child he knew of that war.” only for a very short amount of time.” Hanson did a Google search for Bob Martin, “Roberta Sunday and Vietnam.” Her VFW Post 889 commander search revealed an article about a blind Asian woman in her 40s who was working in New Zealand. and reached out to a nurse from New Her name was Roberta Sunday. Zealand. She tried getting in touch with Hanson didn’t print off the arti- people involved with adoption agencies cle because she didn’t see how, at the in Vietnam and reunion groups. Martin’s unit information. Of course, he time, this woman would be connected Her efforts, while noble, have not did not know her name. He was encour- to Vietnam. Now her online search produced the whereabouts of Roberta aged by his fellow soldiers to name her results cannot be duplicated. Sunday. Hanson is determined and con- “Roberta,” since his fi rst name is Robert. “What are the odds there is another tinues her search. And since it was a Sunday, he decided on woman with that name who is about the “We are going to fi nd this woman,” “Roberta Sunday” as her full name. same age?” Martin asked. Hanson said. “I just feel it in my core.” “I was only at the hospital for about Hanson’s further research uncovered Martin is not giving up hope either. fi ve to 10 minutes and then I was gone,” that nurses were sent from New Zealand He said if Roberta Sunday is found, he’ll Martin said. “Over the years, though, from 1968 to 1974 to rescue Vietnamese go to wherever she is, even if it does turn I’ve wondered and wondered what hap- orphans from Vietnam, perhaps as part out to be New Zealand. pened to her after I left her there. Where of the Save the Children organization. “If we fi nd her, I’d go in a heartbeat is she now?” According to Ally Clelland, communi- to see her,” Martin said. “That would That’s a question being asked as far cations specialist with Save the Children really be something to see her and away as New Zealand. Beverly Hanson, New Zealand, this is unlikely. know that something positive came out Post 889 Auxiliary president, decided to “Unfortunately, our archives do not of that war.” ✪ help Martin track down Sunday. go back to the Vietnam War,” Clelland EMAIL [email protected]

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 27 ‘HOT ROD

A program supported by VFW Posts in northwestern Indiana THERAPY’ gives gear-minded veterans a place to build their own custom very Sunday, veterans of the nonprofit therapeutic club in August 2017. motorcycles. Participants say wars in Afghanistan and Iraq It was featured on the second episode of the work and camaraderie with report to a cinderblock garage Mike Rowe’s show, “Returning the Favor,” other vets has been life-saving. Eflanked by metal and chrome on Facebook that same month, amassing motorcycles on a cluttered gravel lot in more than 32 million views. Cedar Lake, Ind., as rock music blares in VFW Post 7760 in Portage, Ind., located the background. in the northern part of the state on the BY JOSEPH S. PETE The veterans — mostly from the post- shores of Lake Michigan, hosted a motor- 9/11 era — gather to build custom motorcycle ride to support the charity last year. cycles from spare and recycled parts at The Post received a $500 donation from VFW Post 717 in nearby St. John, Ind. ALLEVIATING PTSD SYMPTOMS Indiana’s VFW District 1 Commander Timothy Houts said he hoped to raise funds for Operation Combat Bikesaver PHOTO BY JOSEPH S. PETE JOSEPH S. BY PHOTO from other northwest Indiana Posts, and then from other VFW Posts throughout the Hoosier State. The membership at Post 717, to which Houts belongs, unanimously approved the contribution. “It’s outstanding what they’re doing,” Houts said. “The VFW is all about helping veterans who are coming home or who have been home. I’m impressed with the amount of work that seems to be getting done. They’re all here working on stuff, working on bikes. The overall concept is to help veterans with PTSD, and I’m all for that. I would love to see Army veterans Drew Franks and Marlin Operation Combat Bikesaver. Chairman this grow across the United States.” Moseberry decide how to proceed on and President Jason Zaideman describes Communities across the world, as far construction of a custom-built motorcycle the activity as “hot rod therapy.” away as Japan, have expressed interest in last March in Cedar Lake, Ind. The two men “The metaphor that I use is the old opening chapters of Operation Combat were participating in the Operation Combat beaten-up motorcycle that’s forgotten Bikesaver after the Rowe show aired. Bikesaver program, which offers vets a chance about, sitting in someone’s shed,” the But that might not happen anytime soon to pursue their hobby with other former Army vet said. “It’s done its service back because the volunteer-run nonprofit wants military members. when it was younger. Then there’s the to first draw up franchising agreements to veteran, who’s the same way. He’s served ensure quality control with its concept. his country, and now he’s back in society For now, the mission is squarely focused but he’s a little beaten up. on helping vets at the original shop. “Put those two together and they res- “It gets their mind off the war,” Houts urrect each other. Now you’re going to said. “It’s unique. We support a lot of dif- have an amazing, cool motorcycle and a ferent charities, but I’ve never seen any- veteran who rebuilt himself in a way.” thing like it. Zaideman and his wife, Lindsey, a “Jason started it with his own time former VFW Post bartender, founded the and money and tools, and finally got a

28 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 PHOTO BY JOSEPH S. PETE lot more attention when the Mike Rowe Army veteran Jeremy Hill works on his show came out. People have donated a custom motorcycle in March at the lot of tools and stuff, and we’ll support Operation Combat Bikesaver garage in them by sending guys over here and Cedar Lake, Ind. Hill, who served as a helping them build bikes financially.” combat engineer in the Iraq War, says the work is meditative, helps him clear MIKE ROWE: ‘HEY, CHECK THIS OUT’ his thoughts and puts him in a positive Rowe helped Operation Combat state-of-mind for the upcoming week. Bikesaver on his show by painting the building’s facade, providing more equip- ment so more veterans could participate, covering rent for one year and throwing a big community barbecue. He said on the show that the original plan was just to “paint the joint, but then things got out of hand.” “I feel proud and lucky to be in the position I’m in. Facebook is a big platform, and I feel like we’re using it in a way that’s making a difference,” Rowe said. “My purpose (to the extent that I have one) is to tap the country on the shoulder every so often and say, ‘Hey, check this out. Here’s someone you should know about.’ Honestly, it’s a privilege.” The appearance on Rowe’s latest series made national exposure possible for Operation Combat Bikesaver. Since the show aired last year, the bike-building project has received 30,000 new fol- lowers on social media, more than 1,000 orders for T-shirts and calls from around the country from people who want to donate parts, come out and work in the garage for a day or open chapters where time it was out in the garage to where my “He was a miserable workaholic who they live. wife would have to text me that dinner’s always kept himself busy,” Zaideman said. Zaideman followed his father, who ready and I wouldn’t see it for two hours. “But what really stuck with me was to see served as a Marine during the Vietnam I was lost in what I was doing. It’s a dis- him interacting with other veterans. It War in 1968 and 1969, into the military. traction. When you’re wiring a motor- was this huge life experience they had He put in eight years as an Army engi- cycle, you forget about bills, you forget and they were all dumped into it. I would neer at Fort Riley, Kan., and was dis- about everything.” watch my dad and see relief whenever he charged just before Sept. 11, 2001. Zaideman also realized the idea was was sharing stories with fellow veterans. After Zaideman got out of the Army, financially possible since his first bike, He was a totally different guy.” he started building his own motorcycle. built mostly from recycled parts, cost Zaideman is convinced that building “When I was working on my bike, I him less than $1,800. He believed that a bikes offers vets much-needed escap- realized I was lost in my own little world,” nonprofit could afford such an expense. ism and self-worth, especially creating he said. “It’s hot rod therapy, working in But the larger goal was just getting veter- something that might draw compliments your garage, making something, creating ans back together to work on a mission. from strangers out in public. He hopes something challenging, functional and “There’s such a camaraderie in the Operation Combat Bikesaver can help creative, whatever it may be.” military,” Zaideman said. “It’s not there reduce veteran suicides. According to when you return to civilian society, try- VA, 20 veterans kill themselves daily. ‘YOU FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING’ ing to reintegrate yourself into society or Zaideman realized it could benefit other become a functional part of society.” ‘I WAS THINKING ABOUT veterans who returned home from the After returning from Vietnam, KILLING MYSELF’ war since it was so absorbing. Zaideman’s father became an “old Marty Gerber, an Army MP who logged “I worked for months on evenings and school” biker who loved “painting two deployments to Iraq, has suffered weekends, to where it became kind of an stripes on hot rods” and belonging to a from medical issues and struggled psy- addiction,” he said. “I lost sense of what motorcycle club. chologically since returning home. He

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 29 VFW Department of Indiana District 1 Commander Timothy Houts and Operation Combat Bikesaver founder Jason Zaideman in March in Clear Lake, Ind., discuss a $500 donation made by VFW Post 717 of St. John, PHOTO BY JOSEPH S. PETE S. JOSEPH BY PHOTO Ind., to the nonprofit. Zaideman, an Army vet, and his wife founded Operation Combat Bikesaver in 2013, and it was featured on the Facebook series “Returning the Favor” in August 2017.

“These guys are Another vet in the garage, Jeremy Hill, my true brothers,” served a year in Baghdad during the Iraq he said. “It’s almost War as an Army combat engineer. He has like being back in returned nearly every Sunday since he the barracks, jok- found out about the program a year ago ing, smoking and from a fellow veteran who happened to having a good time. be the Newton County (Ind.) Veterans was sitting in a bathtub with a gun when Every time I leave, I hear, ‘I love you Services officer. Hill said working in the he realized he couldn’t leave his wife and man,’ when I walk out their door. This Operation Combat Bikesaver garage is children. place saved my life.” like a drug. He was referred to Operation Combat “I come here to get my fix on Sunday, Bikesaver by his aunt, but he didn’t end ‘I FEEL GOOD FOR THE and I’m good to deal with the rest of the up going until he saw the Mike Rowe REST OF THE WEEK’ population for the rest of the week,” he show on Facebook. Jason Gootee knows what Gerber is said. “Every Sunday, I look at that bike, Gerber didn’t miss a single Sunday in talking about. Gootee, a Navy MA who I feel I’m one step closer. It feels good to the garage bay until he was stricken with served at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and do — I don’t want to say an honest day’s a bout of depression. now works as a VA service officer for worth of work — but a day’s worth of “I was down in the dumps, think- Lake County, Ind., turns a wrench every work you’re doing for yourself. I throw ing about killing myself,” he said. “I was Sunday. He’s also a member of the on my music and get lost. It clears your doing therapy, but it wasn’t helping. I garage’s “Gearhead Committee,” which mind of everything. It’s addictive.” was really struggling. This is what got me chooses which veterans are next to build The organization has had growing through it, this and my wife and kids.” their own custom bikes. pains since appearing on Rowe’s show, Gerber’s comrades at Operation “It’s the best therapy outside the VA,” getting flooded with more calls than Combat Bikesaver reached out to him Gootee said. “It’s one of the most tight- the small cadre of volunteers can han- and bumped him ahead on the list to knit groups out there. It’s just a really dle. Operation Combat Bikesaver has a build his own bike to get him to come good program. It’s there for people fall- growing wait list and four storage units back. They since have frequently texted ing through the cracks who might not stuffed with motorcycle parts, so it’s him to make sure he’s doing OK, espe- be eligible for VA services. It’s hard to looking to expand to a larger location. cially if he misses a Sunday. put into words sometimes, but if I miss And Zaideman has been juggling his “There’s a true brotherhood,” Gerber a Sunday, I feel in the dumps. After I responsibilities of running the garage said. “I’ll lay everything on the line for come in here, I feel good for the rest of and holding down a full-time job. them. That’s what everybody comes for. the week. I feel whole. I feel like I have “We’re willing to do larger speaking Whether it’s a veteran, a civilian or a a purpose again. Life isn’t just going engagements like national conventions wife, we have to be here for everybody.” through the motions.” to push our organization,” Zaideman He’s been helping fellow veterans Gootee had only ridden dirt bikes said. “I don’t mind speaking to get construct their dream motorcycles dur- and never worked in a shop before but the educational component out there. ing the “community build” where every- enjoyed working with his hands and see- Our program isn’t the only program for one is expected to put in time. When it’s ing a finished product. these vets, and we’ve never portrayed it his turn to build his own bike, Gerber At college, he listened to fellow stu- as such. wants to turn a 1979 Kawasaki GS 1000 dents just “talk, talk, talk,” and Gootee “Some veterans might find basket- into a “sick chopper” by cutting off the longed to surround himself with people weaving or woodworking more reward- back end and stretching it out 14 inches. who really understood what he had been ing. But there are [too many] veteran Gerber said that knowing he’s next through in the military. suicides a day, and we want to help with in line to build his own bike feels like “I liked being part of a group with a cure. We want to help get veterans back “Christmas Eve.” But he also said the like-minded people, men and women to civilian life.” J motorcycle itself is less important than who were all veterans, who all signed on EMAIL [email protected] the time he spends in the garage, wiring the dotted line, people who struggle with electric lines and tightening bolts with PTSD and know how it affects our rela- Joseph S. Pete is a member of the VFW his fellow veterans. tionships with society,” he said. Department of Indiana.

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US Company FDA Owned And REGISTERED Aﬀ ordable Quality Since 1996! Operated Visit and Save: www.AdvancedHearing.com/V88 VFW member Lynn Keller visits with a child in February during a Habitat for Humanity trip to the Dominican Republic. Keller, a member of VFW Post 3360 in Deﬁ ance, Ohio, connected with Habitat for Humanity when the organization worked with his Post to assist a local veteran in Ohio. PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNN KELLER OF LYNN COURTESY PHOTO

“[People can] forget that this is an extremely poor country,” Murphy said. “And the average person makes $300 a month, and that it is a poverty-stricken country because we’re affluent Americans that go to the fi ve-star hotels.” Keller said his service in Vietnam helped him be “less impacted” by living conditions in the Dominican Republic. “I feel I was better able to interact with the native Dominicans having been around people of another culture in Vietnam,” Keller said. Another volunteer, David “Ziggy” Ziegler served in the Air Force in England in 1984 and in Germany in 1991. He got involved with Habitat for Humanity in 1999 through his church. “Since this was not my fi rst trip, I kind of expected to see a lot of poverty, which we did,” Ziegler said, “and especially when you get out in the rural areas. In the city, obviously, things look much better.” It was rewarding, according to Keller, ‘ALMOST A WORLD AWAY’ to see the changes in the homes after the volunteers completed their work. Inspired by a service project in his hometown, a VFW member from Ohio participated “[Rosa] just got a totally different per- in volunteer efforts in the Dominican Republic. spective of living in a home by having a different type of a fl oor rather than just a BY KARI WILLIAMS dirt fl oor,” Keller said. What stood out to Ziegler about this ynn Keller watched the reac- interested in traveling with Habitat for trip compared to others was the building tion as Rosa, a woman in the Humanity because he wanted to benefi t of concrete fl oors. Dominican Republic, swept a others. “One of [Rosa’s] comments was she Lcement fl oor — that he helped While on the trip, Keller met Toni said, ‘I have never lived in a house that build — in her home for the fi rst time. Murphy, who served with the Minnesota had a concrete fl oor. I have never lived in “We showed them that we cared Air National Guard’s 133rd Medical a house that was painted, inside or out,’” about them even though we were almost Sqdn. based in St. Paul, Minn., from 1996 Ziegler said. a world away,” said Keller, a member of to 2003. She said the people in the com- The most challenging part of the trip, VFW Post 3360 in Defi ance, Ohio. munities they helped were excited to according to Keller, was simply helping Keller served in the Army in Vietnam welcome the volunteers. the population improve their living con- from 1967-68 with the 3rd Bn., 16th FA, “It was so much fun,” Murphy said. ditions and quality of life. as an artillery ballistic meteorologist. He “The kids gathered around. All the peo- “With limited resources, it is diffi- is one of three veterans who volunteered ple just really were very welcoming and cult to positively impact the lifestyles of with Habitat for Humanity in February warm and nice.” those in need,” Keller said. in the Dominican Republic. But Keller said between Habitat for The volunteers worked on four dif- ‘AN EXTREMELY POOR COUNTRY’ Humanity’s infrastructure and fi nances ferent houses, painting the interior The biggest takeaway for Murphy was and the work of volunteers, they accom- and exterior of two homes and pouring seeing how the population lives com- plished “a great amount.” cement for fl ooring. Keller said he was pared to the tourist areas of the country. “[We were able to help by] improving

32 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 PHOTOCOURTESY LYNN OF KELLER PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNN KELLER OF LYNN COURTESY PHOTO

Toni Murphy, who served with the Minnesota Air National Guard from 1996 to 2003, spends time with a boy during a Habitat for Humanity trip in February to the Dominican Republic. Murphy said she David “Ziggy” Ziegler, Toni Murphy and Lynn Keller spend time with Rosa (second from left ) was humbled by the experience. in the Dominican Republic. Rosa’s home was one that volunteers updated with a cement fl oor. Ziegler, Murphy and Keller all are veterans who met on the Habitat for Humanity trip in February. “We showed housing, sharing of ourselves and giving want to help people in our community, the Dominicans that we worked with a number one, [and] in our nation, but that them that we better hope for the future,” Keller said. also, we should be concerned about peo- Murphy said she was humbled by the ple worldwide.” cared about experience in the Dominican Republic. To Murphy, most veterans are “ven- “I’ve been in a lot of different places in turesome” people. Once they have given them even my life because of being in the military,” time and energy to their country, con- Murphy said, “and this was the poorest tinuing to serve others is “in their blood.” though we were community I’ve ever been in.” “This is an opportunity to travel and The most impactful moment of the see the world in a different way,” said almost a world trip, for Keller, was the closing ceremo- Murphy, who has worked with Habitat ny attended by the families they helped. for Humanity since her son volunteered away.” “It was a really, really moving experi- with them while he was in high school. ence for me to be able to be part of that,” The trip spurred in Keller a desire to Keller said, “just the joy that the people help others, not only locally, but through- Lynn Keller, member showed for the completion of that project.” out the nation and the world. of VFW Post 3360 in Keller connected with Habitat for “It’s easy to sit back and enjoy what Defi ance, Ohio Humanity through his Post. Habitat for we have here at home, but it takes effort Humanity built a home in 2017 for a dis- to share our resources and love with oth- abled veteran in the Defi ance community. ers everywhere,” Keller said. “Our local Post got involved in sup- To his fellow veterans, Keller would Habitat for Humanity Rebuilds porting that build fi nancially, and then say they only have “so many days” left to the Dominican Republic we also helped by providing some man- make a difference. Habitat for Humanity began its humanitar- power,” Keller said. “They should take every opportunity ian relief eff orts in the Dominican Republic to give of themselves to others around in 1986 and served 18,820 people in Fiscal ÔTAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITYÕ them, locally and elsewhere,” Keller said. Year 2016. Nearly 43 percent of people Keller said veterans volunteering for “I would like to tell all veterans, ‘Above in the Dominican Republic live below the humanitarian efforts after serving their all, do something — no matter how great poverty line, and there is a 15 percent country show that they are caring people or small — to make a positive impact in unemployment rate, according to Habitat who want to help. the world.’ Helping those in other parts for Humanity. For more informati on about “Being a veteran, a lot of times, people of the world can make a life-changing eff orts in the area, or to volunteer, email think that maybe we’re only concerned impact on them.” ✪ [email protected]. about ourselves,” Keller said, “but we EMAIL [email protected]

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 33 A Virginia educator, who VFW named one of America’s top teachers this year, brings veterans into her classroom PHOTO BY SEAN KORSGAARD SEAN BY PHOTO to speak. It’s enlightening for her students and therapeutic for the veterans.

BY SEAN KORSGAARD

Three Vietnam War veterans — Armando Flores, James Pitts (sitting) and Linda Boone — visit Caroline Middle School in Milford, Va., last year. 2018 VFW Teacher of the Year Sara Gibson Coan invited the vets to give her students ﬁ rst-hand accounts of their time in the war zone. ‘VETERANS ARE OUR NATIONAL TREASURE’

n the fi rst Friday of the new as an Army nurse. efforts from Sara Gibson Coan, a 2018 school year last year, students With all of the students on the edge recipient of the Smart/Maher VFW lined the halls of Caroline of their seats, it was clear that hearing National Teacher Award. Middle School in Milford, these Vietnam veterans speak had moved O ‘HISTORY ISN’T JUST IN BOOKS’ Va. They cheered as a group of local them. It was just as clear that having the Vietnam veterans walked down the hall opportunity to speak to the students had The work Coan has done to recognize to their classroom, shook the vets’ hands touched the veterans as well. veterans at Caroline Middle School is and thanked them for their service. After “For a lot of Vietnam veterans, we apparent as soon as visitors pull into the the veterans took their seats, the stu- didn’t get the kind of homecoming we neighboring high school’s parking lot. dents fi led in and stood next to the stu- should have returning from the war,” In front of the school is the Korean War dents’ desks, which were labeled with Boone said. “So even all these years later, Memorial Garden, the fi rst project of the the names of Virginians killed, or listed it means so much to see these kids cheer- middle school history club co-founded as still missing, in Vietnam. ing for us, to have a chance to tell our sto- by Coan in 2013. Coffee and pastries in hand, the vet- ries, maybe to teach them a thing or two. Coan learned from soldiers at nearby erans shared their stories with the class. “We did what we did because it was Fort A.P. Hill that the 38th parallel — Army veteran Armando “Recon” Flores our duty, and we only ask what every vet- which formed the border between North spoke of summers he spent stationed on eran asks of their fellow Americans: that and South Korea prior to the Korean Okinawa. Paul Pitts, an Air Force veter- they remember us, honor our sacrifi ces War and intersects the present Korean an, spoke about his time on the ground in and that they never forget us.” Demilitarized Zone that separates the Vietnam and of comrades lost during the It was an extraordinary morning two countries — also crosses the front war. Linda Boone shared photos from for those Vietnam veterans and those lawn of Caroline High School. She and her time in the fi eld hospitals of Vietnam schoolchildren. It was one of many such members of the history club then built

34 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 Sara Gibson Coan earned a 2018 VFW National Teacher Award for including local veterans in her history lessons.

the memo- ,according to Moody, was immediate. alive in her classroom.” rial garden “Having a place to talk about Vietnam, When the time came for Post 8529 to between July having these kids listen, having them look for someone to nominate for VFW’s 27, 2013 — the learn, getting a thank you, it’s like a annual Teacher of the Year contest, 60th anniversa- weight off the chest,” Moody said after James knew the Post had its nominee in ry of the signing reflecting on his visit. “Some of these Coan. Though he had never nominated a of Korean War guys, you even see them walk straighter.” teacher before, James described the pro- armistice — and Veterans Day that year. According to Coan, the impact the cess as straightforward. “When I started teaching, the first veterans have on her students is just as “We had to have a committee here to thing I wanted to show my students was apparent, from their studies to how they review the applications, and then the that history isn’t just in books, it’s all recite the Pledge of Allegiance. ones that we nominated and voted on we around us,” Coan said. “One of the first “Even if they’re running late, they sent up to the District level,” James said. things I did was start asking if there were always stand up, and they’ve said the He explained that Coan won the any local veterans who would talk to my pledge louder and louder as the year has award for Virginia’s District 3 and even- class about their experiences.” gone on,” Coan said. “It’s one thing to read tually earned the award at the state — or That earned Coan the attention of about it in a book, [but] to hear history Department — level, too. VFW Post 10295 in nearby Bowling from the men and women who lived it, the Coan received the awards in quick Green, specifically member Moody Pitts. impact on these kids can’t be measured.” succession. She won the Post and Moody, who received the Purple Heart District awards in November and the twice for his service in Vietnam, was one ÔREALLY MAKES HISTORY COME ALIVEÕ Department award in December. of the first veterans Coan approached It was through Moody, that his brother Then, in January of this year, James about speaking to her history class. James Pitts, commander of VFW Post called to tell her that she had won the “I never much talked about Vietnam, 8529 in Sandston, Va., got involved with national award, and Coan finally allowed so when Sara invited me to talk to the Coan’s classroom. He was immediately herself to celebrate. It also gave her the kids, I was a bit uneasy at first,” Moody impressed with the program. chance to express her gratitude that she said. “Once I got there, and started talk- “I’d never seen a teacher like her,” had touched the veterans whose stories ing with these kids, it just made me feel James said. “The way she runs things, had such an impact on her students. at ease, that I could talk about it, and I she just draws the kids in, makes sure “Our veterans are our national treasures, started trying to get other vets in there to they actually learn it, not just read about I truly believe that,” Coan said. “That I can talk, and it just grew from there.” it. She has displays, she brings in speak- do something for them and for my stu- The impact it had on the veterans, ers like us, she really makes history come dents at the same time, you know what I call that? A really good day at the office.” Coan received $1,000 at this year’s VFW national convention for professional development purposes, while Caroline Middle School received another $1,000. Coan said she wants to use a portion

PHOTO BY SEAN KORSGAARD SEAN BY PHOTO of that for arranging a field trip to the Vietnam War Foundation and Museum in Ruckersville, Va. Both Moody and James Pitts hope to join her. “What she has done in her classroom, it’s remarkable, it’s commendable, and I hope it’s imitated,” James said. “That you can heal some of these veterans, teach these kids, have the impact on your community that Sarah has, she’s the model of what a great teacher should be.” J EMAIL [email protected]

Sean Korsgaard is an Army veteran and freelance writer based in Richmond, Va. His work has appeared in such pub- Air Force veteran James Pitts, a member of VFW Post 8529, tells students about his service in lications as the Richmond (Va.) Times- Vietnam during a visit last year to Caroline Middle School in Milford, Va. During the visit, students Dispatch and the (Petersburg, Va.) and their teacher, Sara Gibson Coan, adorned the desks with placards bearing the names of Progress-Index. Virginians who died during the war or are still listed as missing in Vietnam.

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 35 ARE THE PATTERSONS THE FIRST? Do you know of other married couples heading a VFW Post or Department? Do you know of any in the past? Let VFW magazine know. Send a note to [email protected].

A married couple is currently leading the Department of Michigan. The Iraq War veteran duo offer young vets advice on how to be active with VFW and have a family.

BY DAVE SPIVA ‘This is a Family Organization’ FW officers in the “Great served on national VFW committees, too. their children along. Lakes State” are demonstrat- Phil said he is a member of VFW “I’ve run Post meetings with my ing that young members with because he wants to help veterans and daughter in my arms,” Phil said. “We Vfamilies can be active in all enjoys the “camaraderie” VFW members stress to everybody that this is a fam- levels of the organization. have with each other. ily organization. If you want the family Phil and Lynn Patterson, who were “All of us have something in common,” there, that includes children.” married more than 10 years ago, are Phil said. “And, not everyone has been For new, young members who want to leading the Department of Michigan through what we have been through.” get involved with VFW, Phil said having this year — Phil as commander and Lynn The couple — now life members of family support also is needed. as quartermaster/adjutant. Phil said he Post 6695 in Plymouth — met while in “Young couples need a strong family believes this is the first time in VFW his- the Michigan Army National Guard. base, as well,” Phil said. “We have done tory that a married couple has served in Both were deployed to Iraq in 2004 a lot of VFW functions, and we couldn’t those positions at the same time. with the 1073rd Support Maintenance have done it without sending our kids to “It’s great working with my wife,” Company. Lynn enlisted in the Army in their grandma’s and grandpa’s or their Phil said. “Our lives are consumed by 1996 and served 12 years, with more than aunt’s houses.” the VFW every hour of the day. We are nine years as an active-duty soldier. Phil As for staying involved in VFW, Lynn always talking about the VFW.” joined the National Guard in 1987 and said she recommends becoming a com- Before both were officers with the retired as a master sergeant in 2010. mittee chairman at the Post level in Department, they led at the Post and On top of heading the Department of order to learn about the organization and District levels of VFW, too. Both joined Michigan, the couple has four children — become involved with activities. Lynn VFW in 2009 as charter members of Post 22-year-old Bailey, 18-year-old Madelyn, also said that young members should get 12082 in Ionia, Mich. Lynn was the quar- 9-year-old Emma and 4-year-old Luke to know the members of a Post. termaster for the Post from 2009 to 2014, — and two grandchildren — 2-year-old “Ask as many questions as you can and Phil became the commander in 2010. Kaiden and 1-year-old Ivy. think of,” Lynn said. “There are so many Phil later served as commander of “We definitely keep very busy,” Phil said. things members can be involved with Michigan’s District 9 in 2011–12, quar- He added that young parents some- in VFW. You don’t have to be an officer, termaster in 2012–13, and chief of staff times can’t find or afford a babysitter, but you can have mentors that teach you in 2012–13. Lynn was the District quar- and advised that if they want to attend how to do things.” J termaster from 2011 to 2012. Both have a VFW Post meeting, they should bring EMAIL [email protected]

ABOVE: VFW’s 2017-18 Department of Michigan Commander Phil Patterson and Adjutant/ Quartermaster Lynn Patterson with daughter, Madelyn (18); daughter, Bailey (22); son- in-law, Adam McKendry (23); daughter, Emma (9); son, Luke (4); and grandson, Kaiden (2). Not shown is 1-year-old granddaughter, Ivy. The Pattersons said they have been able to maintain a family life and participate in all levels of VFW for almost a decade.

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VFW and American Legion members in Virginia worked together to build a lakeside park that is fully accessible for those in wheelchairs. They also take disabled veterans on ﬁ shing trips multiple times every year.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

nown as “Virginia’s Only Lakeside Town,” Clarksville is situated on Kerr Lake. KDubbed Buggs Island Lake entities signed a formal agreement in On July 15, 2015, the park opened with by the locals, the 50,000-acre lake on the 2010 and work was scheduled to begin. a celebration of dignitaries, military per- Virginia-North Carolina border is popu- “Before the first yard of concrete sonnel and people who worked for years lar for boating, as well as fi shing for cat- was poured, there had to be funding,” on the project. Perhaps most importantly, fi sh, bass and crappie. Post 8163 member Johnny Moye said. according to Moye, disabled vets came to Located in Clarksville, VFW Post 8163 “Members worked feverishly to adver- see what had been built for them. and American Legion Post 45 decided to tise the project and asked for donations “It was a place where they could go to construct an American with Disabilities toward the project. There were people enjoy time on the lake,” he said. “It was a Act (ADA) compliant recreational park who contributed $50 and at least one perfect time for celebration and emotion. on the lake for disabled veterans. person who contributed nearly $75,000. Many of the people who worked on this In 1992, Post 8163 members began Not only was the Island Creek Veterans project had tears in their eyes — even the working to assist disabled vets with recre- Park project working towards creating ‘old, crusty’ ones.” ational therapy. Post members took four an ADA-compliant recreation park, it While the Corps of Engineers main- paralyzed veterans from the Richmond also was bringing a community together tains the park, VFW and American (Va.) VA Medical Center fi shing on pon- for a good cause.” Legion volunteers often clean it up after toon boats on Buggs Island Lake. Three When a portion of the $175,000 needed picnics or fi shing events. A solar light were in wheelchairs and one was on a to build the park was raised, work began. that automatically illuminates at night is stretcher. All had to be lifted onto the Volunteers constructed a wheelchair- the only item that has had to be added in boats. It’s an endeavor they continue accessible pavilion, ramp and dock. This three years since the park opened. to this day in cooperation with the made it possible for those in wheelchairs “We continue to have up to fi ve fi sh- American Legion. to access boats, picnic tables and grills. ing trips a year with disabled vets,” Moye Over the years, however, it became An accessible bathroom also was built. said. “VFW and American Legion mem- evident to the veterans that a park on the Moye said the dock at the park has bers from other Virginia and North lake was needed. They fi rst needed to gates that allow pontoon boats to pull Carolina areas sometimes participate get the approval of the U.S. Army Corps alongside and wheelchairs are rolled and assist in the trips, too.” ✪ of Engineers. After a meeting, the three directly onto the boats. EMAIL [email protected]

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For your FREE information kit and our Senior Discounts, Call Today Toll-Free CSLB 983603 F13000002885 13HV08744300 1-888-380-9164 VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Ariz., updated the face of its building in March to reﬂ ect its new name. Post members voted unanimously earlier this year to rename the Post aft er James R. “Bob” Currieo, who died in October. Currieo joined An Arizona Post renamed Post 9972 in 1962 and remained a member until his death. itself to honor the memory of PHOTO BY KARI WILLIAMS/VFW KARI BY PHOTO James R. “Bob” Currieo. A former VFW commander-in- chief, Currieo was lauded as a man who dedicated his life to serving veterans.

BY KARI WILLIAMS

ÔDEFINING LEGACYÕ

ames R. “Bob” Currieo was a example of someone who is committed man who never forgot where he to “the ideas and beliefs of VFW.” The came from. rededication was as much a celebration J And to honor his 50-year com- of the Post as it was a way to give cur- mitment to VFW, members of VFW Post rent members “something to aspire to,” 9972 in Sierra Vista, Ariz., voted unani- according to Hohman. mously to rename their Post after him. “Quite frankly, in 20 years, there won’t Currieo joined the Post in 1962 and be a lot of people who remember who remained a member until his death last Bob was, but they’ll still know that he did October. During that time, he would enough to go on the front of the build- become VFW commander-in-chief (1982- ing,” Hohman said. 83) and later work on behalf of veterans Currieo died Oct. 17, 2017, at 83 years on Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) staff. old. Hohman said Currieo was the clos- The Post held a renaming ceremony est to a charter member that the Post has Watch the in March. Shay Saucedo, south- had “in a long time.” Rededicati on Ceremony ern Arizona outreach coordinator for “[He joined] four years after we start- VFW Post 9972 produced a live recording of the McCain, and Currieo’s daughter, Denita, ed the Post,” Hohman said. “But even renaming ceremony on its Facebook page. It were in attendance. beyond [his work at the Post], Bob has a can be viewed at htt ps://www.facebook.com/ Post 9972 Commander Glenn Hohman lot of accomplishments and did a lot of said that naming the Post after Currieo is things both for the VFW and his work VFW9972/videos/1663445313692957/. a “look forward” and gives members an with Sen. McCain’s ofﬁ ce.”

40 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 “To him, I don’t think the signiﬁ cance was in positions

he might have held. I think the signiﬁ cance was as a James R. “Bob” Currieo’s veteran, he was able to return service to our veterans and Legacy of Service • Earned a bachelor’s degree in our military through his work.” educati on from the University of Arizona in 1977. B.J. Lawrence, VFW Commander-in-Chief • Joined the Army in 1951. • Served during the Korean War (February 1952 – April 1953). • Served in Germany (1955-1958). • Named one of Arizona’s outstanding young men by the Nati onal Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1966.

PHOTOS BY KARI WILLIAMS/VFW KARI BY PHOTOS • Spent 10 years as a chief instructor at the U.S. Combat Surveillance School in Fort Huachuca, Ariz. • Served as chief instructor at the U.S. Army Signal Center & School in Monmouth, N.J. from 1968-71. • Reti red from the U.S. Army Combat Surveillance and Target Acquisiti on School at the rank of sergeant major in 1973. • Served on the Arizona Governor’s ABOVE: Photos of James R. “Bob” Currieo’s life and career are displayed at a March renaming ceremony for VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Currieo who died last year, served as Arizona’s Veterans Advisory Council from District 7 and Department commander, as well as VFW’s commander-in-chief. 1974 to 1976. • Appointed special assistant to the BOTTOM LEFT: Then-VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief B.J. Lawrence speaks about James R. VA Administrator Harry Walters in “Bob” Currieo at the March renaming ceremony for VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Lawrence, now serving as VFW’s commander-in-chief, said Currieo worked tirelessly as a veteran’s advocate. 1993. • Served on Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) staff from 1987-89 and Then-National Senior Vice Commander organization at the national level from from 1996-2013. B.J. Lawrence said in March the Post 1982-83. Currieo also was appointed spe- • Appointed director of the VFW renaming defines Currieo’s legacy as a cial assistant to VA Administrator Harry Politi cal Acti on Committ ee in man, a VFW member and a past com- Walters and served on McCain’s staff August 1989. mander-in-chief. from 1987-89 and from 1996-2013. • Appointed executi ve director of “He dedicated over 50 years of his life Post 9972 Quartermaster Gunner to serving veterans,” Lawrence said. “I Kent, who served as VFW commander- VFW’s Washington Offi ce in 1994. think the Post renaming itself in honor in-chief from 1994-95 and VFW adjutant of Bob Currieo will forever memorialize general from 2005-2013, said Currieo him and what he stood for.” was a “mainstay” at the Post. Currieo earned his VFW eligibility “Back in the ’70s and early ’80s, he was to return service to our veterans and our serving as a gunner with the 3rd AAA here quite a bit,” Kent said. “He was Post military through his work, and that was (Automatic Weapons) Battalion of the commander twice.” evident in the way he conducted himself 3rd Infantry Division from February 1952 Currieo’s philosophy, according to on a daily basis.” to April 1953 during the Korean War. He Lawrence, was taking care of veterans. The renaming process, according to also served with the 91st AAA Battalion “To him, I don’t think the signifi cance Hohman, was “seamless.” The fi nal vote in Germany from 1955 to 1958. was in positions he might have held,” took place Jan. 20, Department command- After joining VFW, he served as said Lawrence, who was elected VFW’s ers signed off Jan. 21 and a letter with the Arizona’s District 7 and Department commander-in-chief in July. “I think the Post’s new charter was dated Jan. 24. ✪ commander (1972-73), before leading the signifi cance was as a veteran, he was able EMAIL [email protected]

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 41 A Yorkshire Terrier, Smoky accompanied VFW life member William Wynne during his overseas WWII service and aft er he returned

PHOTO © SMOKY WAR DOG LLC LLC DOG WAR © SMOKY PHOTO home. She also became CHAMPION the 1944 YANK magazine champion mascot in the MASCOT, Southwest Paciﬁ c. FEARLESS WAR DOG

A little dog found in the New Guinea jungle during World War II accompanied service members on combat patrols on South Pacifi c islands. She also might be the fi rst known “therapy dog.” BY KARI WILLIAMS

or a four-pound Yorkie, accompanying her owner New Guinea, by driving metal stakes in the ground, making a on a 22-hour combat mission was a tall order. But as metal platform about three feet high and stretching lines of William A. Wynne told her, “It’s war, honey. You just aircraft cable for her to walk across. Once she mastered that, Fhave to stay there.” Wynne said he added the blindfold. This was one of 12 combat missions for Smoky, who was found by U.S. troops in the New Guinea jungle during World War II. THE INVASION AT LINGAYEN GULF She would go on to earn three war-related medals and become Wynne started bringing Smoky on combat missions after his an inspiration for GIs and wounded vets. unit mates asked to keep her if he got “knocked off.” On missions, she stayed in a musette bag — essentially a backpack — GETTING SMOKY that hung near cots in the aircrafts. Wynne, 96 and an at-large VFW life member with the Department Smoky also was involved in the invasion at Lingayen Gulf. of Ohio, served with the 5212th Photographic Wing from Nov. 27, Wynne’s unit was with the 26th Photo Recon Sqdn. in April 1944. 1943, to Nov. 1, 1945, during World War II. His friend, Ed Downey, From December 1943 to August 1944, he was stationed on New discovered Smoky when he stopped to investigate the cause of his Guinea, and from August to January 1945, he served on Biak. stalled jeep and heard “yapping” at the side of the road. The squadron was temporarily detached from the 5th Army Air “[He] saw this little gold head trying to jump out of a foxhole,” Forces to the 6th Army under Gen. Walter Krueger, stationed in Wynne said. the Philippines on Luzon, to prepare an airfi eld. Downey initially gave the dog to another member of their unit, A couple days after arriving, Communications Section Sgt. a sergeant by the name of Dare, because, according to Wynne, Bob Gapp started eyeing Smoky, according to Wynne, and Downey didn’t want a dog in the tent he shared with Wynne. But asked if she could fi t through an eight-inch pipe under the taxi- when Dare wanted to get back in a poker game, he sold Smoky to way to attach phone lines. Wynne for two Australian pounds, or $6.44. “If she could do it, [Gapp] knew it would save days of work When Smoky became Wynne’s responsibility, he began teach- removing the steel matting, digging up the culvert, putting in the ing her tricks. In two days, she learned to sing and play dead. Her wire and then reversing the whole process,” Wynne wrote in Yorkie most popular trick, however, was walking a tight wire blindfolded. Doodle Dandy: A Memoir. “Meanwhile, during the operation, all air- Wynne said he trained her on Biak, an island northwest of craft parking traffi c would have to be diverted to a distant fi eld.”

42 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 Did you Wynne allowed her to go through the pipe under the photo in YANK, they asked to take her on rounds. know? condition that if she got stuck, they would dig her up. For five days, nurses picked her up at 7:30 a.m. and He coaxed and called Smoky the whole way brought her back in the evening. Smoky earned through as Gapp fed the phone line into the pipe. After Wynne was released from the hospital, he the following “About 10 feet out, the dust was all around, and went on furlough to Brisbane, Australia, with Smoky military honors: I saw these amber eyes, and she ran into my arms,” in tow. She performed her tricks, going from ward to the Australian Wynne said, “Boy, we praised her.” ward in various hospitals in the country. Purple Cross, U.S. Smoky’s actions, according to Wynne’s book, took Wynne also took her to hospitals in the Philippines. Dog Handlers her from mascot to “war dog.” Wynne said he “didn’t have too much of a Association War Service and the “This was not a gimmick, because telephone poles clue” how Smoky affected patients at hospitals Defense Force with wires could be not erected near the small com- until he returned stateside, and she visited Crile Tracker and War bat air field,” Wynne wrote. “The only way to get Army Hospital (now Crile VA Hospital) in 1945 in Dog Handler wires laid was by placing them in a drainage ditch Cleveland, Ohio. Association Combat over a mile long to the other side of the 60-foot long, After visiting patients, Wynne said, he and Smoky Medal. 8-inch diameter culvert under the steel matted taxi and he returned to the day room. A man in a wheel- strip-road then following the ditch to the mainte- chair “started throwing his hands around and gur- Smoky also was fea- nance buildings.” gling” as Wynne started to speak, prompting a nurse tured on two Animal Wynne said he allowed Smoky to go through the pipe to tell Wynne to give Smoky to the patient. Planet shows, one of because it was “essential.” “I looked around, and all the nurses were crying,” which claimed she “It was a sweat because I didn’t know what was Wynne said. was the first known therapy dog. in the pipe,” Wynne said. “Would there be snakes in When Wynne asked why they were crying, he said there? Would there be scorpions? All I know is that it he was told that that was the first movement the man William Wynne was essential, and I’m going to do it if the guys would had made in two years. hopes to have a agree to dig her up if she got stuck. It was just a gam- “He had been catatonic all that time,” Wynne said. movie produced ble we [took], and it worked.” “That’s when I knew what we were doing.” about Smoky’s life. Once returning stateside, Wynne and Smoky For more informa- FIRST KNOWN THERAPY DOG performed their act — the tricks he taught her tion, visit https:// Around the same time Smoky was named YANK while deployed — at hospitals and fairs, worked in www.indiegogo. magazine’s 1944 champion mascot in the Southwest Hollywood, and also appeared on a children’s tele- com/projects/ Pacific, Wynne was diagnosed with dengue fever vision show called “Castles in the Air.” She died on angel-in-a-foxhole- and sent to the 3rd Field Hospital at Nadzab on New Feb. 21, 1957. smoky-the-wwii- therapy-dog-dogs- Guinea. His unit mates brought Smoky and the issue For more information on Smoky, visit http:// J love#/. of YANK that announced Smoky as the winner to smokywardog.com/. the hospital. When the nurses saw Smoky, and her EMAIL [email protected]

Memorials to Smoky Ohio Veterinary Medicine Association Animal Hall of Fame: “#1 Dog Hero,” Columbus, Ohio AKC Museum of the Dog, St. Louis, Mo. Hickham Air Force Base, Hawaii PHOTO © SMOKY WAR DOG LLC LLC DOG WAR © SMOKY PHOTO University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tenn. Doggy Park, Eastlake, Ohio Cleveland Metroparks, Lakewood, Ohio The Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia Norco, Calif., Veterans Park (Animals of War section of the memorial) Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital (A therapy dog memorial, featuring stones for about 100 dogs) Turkey Brook Park, Mount Olive, N.J. War Animals Memorial, Sydney, Australia (Wall plaque) Pozieres Memorial, Pozieres, France (paver memorial next to the main memorial)

LEFT: VFW life member William Wynne became the owner of Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier who was found in the New Guinea jungle during World War II. Wynne taught Smoky tricks, which she performed at military hospitals.

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 43 BOOK CORNER RECOMMENDED READING

STAFF PICK

The Frozen Chosen: The 1st Marine Division and ing events at an evacuation hospital that the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir received casualties and the release of By Thomas McKelvey Cleaver the USS Pueblo crew. CreateSpace

This book is an account of the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea by the 1st Marine A Soldier’s Story: Forever Changed: Division from November to December 1950, follow- An Infantryman’s Saga of Life and ing the intervention of Red China in the Korean War. Death in Vietnam Based on fi rst-person interviews from surviving vet- By Richard F. Hogue, VFW Post erans who came to be known as the “Frozen Chosen,” 4704, Schaller, Iowa this is the story of heroism and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. Osprey This memoir details the author’s tran- sition from life in a small Midwestern town to facing fi refi ghts and booby The Long Way Home This action and thriller novel is the traps in Vietnam. Hogue shares his By Edward Duffy, VFW Department fi rst book in the Blood & Treasure combat experiences and the emotions of Florida series. Don’t Bury Us focuses on the he encountered as his platoon mem- investigation of a burial scam that bers were killed in action, as well as his Duffy overcame poverty in the Arkansas entices military veterans to invest in a experience being seriously wounded Delta and institutional racism in the grandiose cemetery that allegedly hon- and his recovery. Richlyn military to have a successful career as ors and commemorates their service. an educator and counselor. Despite a SynergEbooks traumatic experience on the frontlines Over and Out in Vietnam and what he calls “false By James F. Jordan, VFW Post 6253, accusations” that landed him in the brig, What Price Retribution: The Wilson Berlin, N.J. Duffy overcame his experiences and Reves Story set an example for generations to come. By Phil Nichols, VFW Post 5525, This memoir is about James Jordan, bookmybio.com Stockton, Mo. who grew up in Philadelphia in the 1950s and ’60s and enlisted in the This historical fi ction novel is based on Marine Corps. He writes about his Further Adventures of the Desert the lives of Union Maj. James S. Wilson experiences from the day he landed in Sailor 1950-1951 and Confederate Col. Timothy Reves as Vietnam until 13 months later when he By James W. Fitch, VFW Post 1263, they are inexorably drawn into a bru- left. CreateSpace Renton, Wash. tal Civil War struggle that occurred in southwest Missouri’s rugged hill coun- This book is the sequel to James Fitch’s try. Self-Published Vietnam 1971: Remembering the fi rst memoir, Desert Sailor: Growing “101st” Then and Now Up in the Pacifi c Fleet 1941-1946. In By Jim Cheskawich, VFW Post 1927, Further Adventures of the Desert Sailor, 91 Bravo Medic: A Memoir of the Woodland, Wash. the author details his travels to South Second Korean War America, where he and his wife cov- By George Strejcek, VFW Post 1578, This book offers insight into what it is ered 13,000 miles across the continent. Woodridge, Ill. like to be in a war zone — and to come CreateSpace home changed, but a survivor. Vietnam This memoir is a blunt, personal 1971 spans 46 years, culminating in account of the author’s service in the the author’s newfound ability to live Don’t Bury Us Army as a medic in Korea in 1968. 91 life fully — with memories of Vietnam By J.S. Bradford, VFW Post 3586, Salt Bravo Medic contains unvarnished alongside, but not impeding, it. Rex the Lake City, Utah descriptions of several incidents, includ- Blizzard King Stories

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

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aving high cholesterol could 3. Being a smoker. be a deadly problem for 4. Having high blood pressure. some, because it increases the 5. Aging, which causes a lowering of Hrisk of heart attack or stroke. metabolism. More than one in three American Dang said she also treats many veter- adults have high cholesterol, accord- ans who are amputees, as well as veter- ing to a 2017 report from the American ans who are oxygen-dependent because Heart Association. Keeping an eye on of exposures in the field. VA OFFERS DIET ADVICE low-density lipoprotein (LDL) choles- “It’s difficult for them to do tradition- TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL terol — bad cholesterol — levels (see al exercise, but they can still do things at chart) can help lower cholesterol and home,” Dang said. Here are 10 tips from VA to help lower your improve overall cardiovascular health. “For my older patients who have cholesterol through healthier eating habits: Former Navy physician Dr. Elizabeth back pain or balance issues, I recom- 1. Start small by making gradual changes in Dang recommends that adults see a doc- mend that they do chair exercises, eating habits. tor and regularly obtain a test for cho- sitting in a hard-back chair at home. lesterol. Dang is an invasive cardiologist They can get a couple of soup cans from 2. Center meals on foods that contain fiber, with Hospital Corporation of America the kitchen and do exercises in a chair

such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat Healthcare Midwest Health at Menorah watching TV.” pasta, brown rice, beans or vegetables. Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan. While the prevalence of high choles- 3. Treat meat as a small part of the whole “It’s really important to know your terol is higher in the older population, meal. Have only three ounces of meat numbers, because when you have high Dang said a large amount of people with (about the size of a deck of cards) for a meal. cholesterol, there are absolutely zero high cholesterol levels are at risk for symptoms,” said Dang, who served cardiovascular disease. 4. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. more than 12 years in the Navy. “The “We are talking millions of Americans 5. Use fruit or sugar-free gelatin as desserts only way you would know is by getting who are at risk and should be on medi- and snacks. an annual physical or exam.” cation,” Dang said. “A lot of patients in Dang said developing high choles- their 40s and 50s who are at high risk 6. Limit alcohol consumption to one serving per terol is multifaceted. It can come from and should be on medication don’t real-

day for women and two servings per day for metabolic conditions, such as diabetes ize it. Because they feel well, they don’t men to keep blood pressure from rising. and thyroid disease. go in for an annual checkup.” 7. Use products that have low sodium or no “Those medical conditions need to be Another factor that could play a role in added salt. treated in order to improve cholesterol,” people having high cholesterol is genetics. Dang said. “Making sure to go in for an “If your family — mom, dad, brother

8. Buy fresh or frozen vegetables, and use annual exam to look for those secondary or sister — has a history of very high canned vegetables with no salt added. causes is important.” cholesterol numbers, you need to get 9. Use lemon, lime, vinegar or salt-free Other elements that might cause high checked out as well,” Dang said. seasoning blends to add flavor to food. cholesterol numbers are: For more information about prevent- 1. Being overweight. (See sidebar for ing high cholesterol, visit https://www. 10. Choose convenience foods less often, or tips on healthy eating.) prevention.va.gov/Preventing_Diseases/ focus on choices that are low in sodium. 2. Living a sedentary lifestyle, or High_Cholesterol.asp. J having little to no physical activity. EMAIL [email protected]

LDL CHOLESTEROL NUMBER Below 70 mg/dL Best for people who have heart disease or diabetes. GUIDELINES* Below 100 mg/dL Optimal for people at risk for heart disease. 100-129 mg/dL Near optimal if there is no heart disease. High if there is heart disease. *For those in the U.S. 130-159 mg/dL Borderline high if there is no heart disease. High if there is heart disease. 160-189 mg/dL High if there is no heart disease. Very high if there is heart disease. Source: Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org 190 mg/dL and above Very high.

46 • VFW • AUGUST 2018

VFW IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY ‘A Very Worthy PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW POST 7916 Cause’

A Virginia Post and several Scout groups helped Puerto Rico police officers after hurricanes ravaged the island last year. Post members collected money, clothing and other basic items for those left homeless. (From left to right) VFW Post 7916 Commander Jeff Lett, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) BY DAVE SPIVA and District 10 Commander Chuck Wilson participate in a February Post-hosted hurricane- relief drive. Post members and Scouts collected fter hearing about police funds, clothing and other personal items for officers in Puerto Rico need- police officers in central Puerto Rico who ing assistance due to the were victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September hurricanes in A September 2017. Puerto Rico, members of VFW Post 7916 in Occoquan, Va., were ready to help. The All-American Post located 25 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., held a drive in February to raise money and PROTECT YOURSELF gather clothing and personal items for THIS HURRICANE SEASON the officers. “We believe that this event was Prepare a kit: Ensure a disaster kit is ready for a very worthy cause,” Post 7916 PHOTO COURTESY OF VFW POST 7916 to go in case of an emergency. Make sure Commander Jeff Lett said. “A lot of these these kits are assembled well in advance. Scouts from Post-chartered groups pack officers don’t have a home. They still supplies for Puerto Rico police officers in Get to know your surroundings: Know have families, and they need everything February. Scouts and volunteers gathered the elevation of your house and property. everyone else does.” about 40 boxes of clothing and personal Know how you would evacuate and get to Lett, an Army veteran who served items for Puerto Rican police officers and higher ground. from 1982-2004, said that Post 7916 their families in need after hurricanes hit the Check the weather: If you’re a boater, members and members of local Scout Caribbean island — a U.S. territory — last year. groups raised $655 and packed about 14 make sure you check the weather every time you head out. Continue to monitor it large boxes of clothing and other per- throughout your time on the water. sonal items for hurricane victims in the central region of Puerto Rico. Maria devastated Puerto Rico, causing Secure your boats: Review the hurricane “We had a lot of volunteers come, and almost $100 billion in damage and leav- plan with your local marina, and ensure we had more than what we knew what ing much of the island without electricity. you have a plan to secure the craf. to do with,” Lett said. “It was a very suc- Maria is regarded as the worst natural Listen to local officials:If told to evacuate, cessful event. Almost all the leg work disaster in Puerto Rico’s history. VFW’s do so immediately. Consider evacuating if was done by our Scouts.” Unmet Needs program has provided you live in a mobile home, high-rise building Lett said Post 7916 charters five Scout $684,000 in disaster assistance grants to or near bodies of water. Community organi- organizations — two Boy Scout Troops, a help more than 2,050 military and veteran zations such as the American Red Cross will ofen set up shelters for evacuees. Girl Scout Troop, a Cub Scout Pack and a families recovering from 2017’s hurricanes Sea Scout Ship. in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. J Source: U.S. Coast Guard In September, hurricanes Irma and EMAIL [email protected]

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the speciﬁ ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 11/30/18. advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate. MEMBER CORNER MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VFW ÔWe Saved ItÕ Inactive just two years ago, a North Carolina Post is now revitalized. Hard work and a focus on recruiting young vets was the method.

BY JANIE DYHOUSE

bout 20 years ago, VFW counted nearly 10,000 VFW Posts worldwide. Today, Athat number has dwindled to about 6,300. Posts go defunct for many reasons, but according to Membership VFW North Carolina District 3 Commander Walter Pridgen, North Carolina District 7 past Director Rick Butler, it’s usually commander Willie Robertson, Department of North Carolina Membership Chairman Enrico because the members who keep the Dalimonte and North Carolina District 4 Commander Tom Toler gather at a membership recruiting Post operating eventually wear down. drive in October 2017 at Post 6651 in Wilson, N.C. Along with Elree Smith, past Department “If the core of the Post dies off or are commander in North Carolina, this group has revitalized the fl edgling Post. Pridgen also serves as in poor health, it probably seems easiest Post 6651 quartermaster. to just shut the doors,” Butler said. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.” According to Elree Smith, past Pridgen, who is serving as the Post He cited Post 6651 in Wilson, N.C. It Department of North Carolina com- quartermaster, said the members’ mili- mustered on April 8, 1946, and thrived in mander, the Post’s downfall accelerated tary service ranges from Afghanistan to its community for years. Recently, how- after that. In 2016, it became inactive. Korean War vets. ever, it has suffered. The Post command- “Wilson has a big veterans’ popu- “We are really making an effort to get er had to have his leg amputated, and no lation,” said Smith, of Post 10999 in the younger ones to join,” he said. “They one else stepped in to fi ll the role. Raleigh, N.C. “We made a decision to usually don’t want to join because they keep it going. We made the effort, and aren’t able to come to meetings. I tell we saved it.” them that just because they can’t come POST 6651 FAST FACTS The “we” refers to Smith, North to a meeting, doesn’t mean they can’t do Carolina District 3 Commander Walter other things when their time permits.” LOCATION: Pridgen, District 4 Commander Tom Time is something Post 6651 Service WILSON, N.C. Toler, past District 7 Commander Willie Offi cer Rita Glass is providing. She Robertson and Department Membership keeps hours at the Post from 9 a.m. to MEETINGS: Chairman Enrico Dalimonte. 1 p.m. every Wednesday. Furthermore, 11 A.M. ON THE THIRD WEDNESDAY The group spent more than 10 days meetings are held at 11 a.m. on the third OF EACH MONTH purging the Post home of trash and Wednesday of every month. unnecessary items. They discovered that Pridgen said having cars parked at OFFICERS: records and fi nancial documents were the Post and people stirring about is a COMMANDER JAMES ISBELL AND catalogued as far back as the late ’50s. hopeful sight. QUARTERMASTER WALTER PRIDGEN “If the commander had stayed “I’ve never been in a situation quite healthy, I’m confi dent the Post wouldn’t like this before,” Pridgen said. “It was MEMBERSHIP: have gone inactive,” Smith said. quite challenging, but we are still work- 81 AS OF MAY 11 The canteen was permanently closed ing on it.” and a decision was made for the Post to Smith said the revitalization efforts ban smoking and fi rearms. The Post’s 81 of Pridgen, Tyree, Robertson and Do you know of a Post that underwent members (as of press time) were recruit- Dalimonte went beyond initial expecta- revitalizati on or is in the process? ed from the DAV and American Legion. tions and are paying off. If so, we’d love to hear from you. “We’ve got a really good group of “This used to be a dynamic Post,” Email [email protected]. members,” Pridgen said. “They seem to Smith said. “I know it’s going to be be willing to try and do more. And they dynamic again.” ✪ seem concerned with who needs help.” EMAIL [email protected]

50 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 ®

DE A IN M

DE A IN M VIETNAM CAP Hook and loop fabric adjuster. VIETNAM CAP Hook 7760 $18.95 and loop fabric adjuster. 7753 $18.95

VIETNAM WAR 50TH USA FLAGS ANNIVERSARY PIN 1913 $10.00 TOUGH-TEX FLAGS Long lasting, heavyweight 2317 3 x 5’ $31.95 VIETNAM RIBBON VIETNAM PIN 2318 4 x 6’ $39.95 PIN 8153 $3.00 2319 5 x 8’ $61.95 8140 $3.95 NYL-GLO FLAGS Flies in the lightest breeze AFGHANISTAN RIBBON 2307 3 x 5’ $24.95 PIN 8160 $3.00 2308 4 x 6’ $34.95 NYLON FLAGS 2735 3 x 5’ $16.00 AFGHANISTAN POW-MIA FLAGS IRAQ CAP Hook and Double-sided loop fabric adjuster. NEW! ‘THE PRICE OF 2233 3 x 5’ $37.00 7260 $13.95 FREEDOM’ T-SHIRT 22342234 2 x 33’’ $$27.0027.00 NEW! 100% heavy cotton. GUARDIAN Unisex sizes. 7812 BELL S-XL $12.95 BRONZE VFW 1343 $10.95 2XL-4XL $17.95 GRAVE MARKER Double hole attachment on back for flag. 3500 $40.00

GRAVE MARKER FLAGS 8 x 12” flag, 5/16” dowel U.S. VETERANS NEW! 2150 1 dozen $12.00 GRAVE MARKER FURRY 6 dozen $64.80 Annodized zinc alloy FRIENDS 12 dozen $122.40 made to last. BANDANA 3205 $14.95 1854 $10.95 1212 x 18”18” flflag,ag, 55/16”/16” ddowoweell 2151 1 dozen $15.00 6 dozen $86.40 Ordering from the VFW Store is easy... VFW Post/Aux #______12 dozen $165.60 Order online at www.vfwstore.org Name______Order by phone: 1-833-VFW-VETS Address______VFW0818 Mail to VFW Store, 406 W. 34th St, Kansas City, MO 64111 Use separate sheet for additional space City ______State______Zip______No. Product/Description/Size Qty Price Phone______Email______CREDIT CARD MC Visa Discover AmEx HAND-HELD FLAGS ______Card # ______Product Total $ ______4 X 6” flag, 9½” staff Shipping & Handling Exp. Date (MM/YYYY) ______Up to $10.00...... $4.00 MO Residents only 2199 1 dozen $5.00 $10.01 to $25.00...... $7.00 $25.01 to $50.00...... $9.00 add 8.6% sales tax ______Signature ______6 dozen $28.50 $50.01 to $75.00...... $11.00 Shipping & Handling ______12 dozen $54.00 $75.01 to $100.00.....$13.00 $100.01 to $200.00...$15.00 Total $ ______$200.01 to $300.00...$17.00 ® $300.01 & Over...... $21.00 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 51 Prices valid through 8/31/19 Your purchase from the VFW Store supports veterans, military serviceAUGUST members 2018 and their families! MEMBER BENEFITS PERKS OF VFW MEMBERSHIP WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL Uninsured SILVER DOLLAR Veterans Fall Between the Cracks of Care

hile a majority of vet- to a review in the Annals of Internal erans can and do take Medicine, people who do not take neces- advantage of their health sary prescription medication represent Wand prescription ben- at least 10 percent of hospitalizations, efi ts, a substantial number of veterans approximately 125,000 deaths and cost and their families do not have access to the American health care system between health insurance coverage or adequate $100 billion and $289 billion a year. The United States Mint care due to eligibility and/or costs. BETTER ACCESS TO MEDICATIONS is proud to present The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that this population While not the comprehensive insurance the 2018 World War I of vets has a higher incidence of chronic coverage that veterans need, there are Centennial Silver Dollar disease than the general population, programs that help make prescription which makes the lack of access to medi- drugs more affordable. Veterans, reserv- commemorating the cal care and drug treatments particu- ists and their family members who are centennial of America’s larly concerning. not eligible for VA or TRICARE benefi ts involvement in World War I. While not a replacement for the might be able to utilize one of a number comprehensive coverage veterans of no-cost prescription savings cards A portion of every need, prescription savings programs that offer substantially discounted pre- are an important stop-gap measure for scription drug prices. purchase supports your uninsured or underinsured veterans. It They also can be utilized by enrollees fellow veterans by might provide them with access to both in high-deductible, employer-sponsored helping to build the brand and generic medications that they or ACA health exchange plans who otherwise might not be able to afford. face high out-of-pocket costs. These NATIONAL WWI MEMORIAL programs typically include a long list of in Washington, D.C. GAPS IN NEEDED CARE generic drugs and sometimes a robust For chronic health conditions, pre- selection of brand-name drugs. Visit ww1cc.org/coin scription drug therapy can be a critical In addition, these prescription sav- part of treatment. But many veterans ings cards can be used at thousands and their family members do without of retail pharmacies throughout the because of the cost. United States. According to a report by the Prescription savings-card programs Harvard/Cambridge Hospital Study should not be confused with a drug cou- founding sponsor Group, nearly 30 percent of uninsured pon program, which provides a discount veterans and 26 percent of their unin- on a single brand-name drug for a limited sured family members delayed care due period of time. While drug coupons can to cost. One-in-four uninsured veterans reduce the cost of medication, prescrip- and 16 percent of their family members tion savings programs can help with acute were not able to afford medications. medications, as well as ongoing medica- Lack of access to these drugs often tion treatments for chronic conditions. ww1cc.org/coin leads to worsening health and adverse For more information, call the VFW clinical events that generate even Member Benefi ts Department at 1-800- higher costs for the patient. According 821-2606, option 1.

52 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 Reminisce together, even when you’re far away.

Stan, remember that VFW members with day right before we deployed? you and hearing loss receive: conners were over at No-cost phone. No-cost captioning service. In-home set up available. No contracts.

Registration required.) Hearing loss shouldn’t keep you from connecting on the phone. With a no-cost Sprint CapTel phone, it’s easy to catch virtually every word. With captions on your call, you can always follow what’s being said. The phone, captioning service, and installation are no-cost, and it works with your existing home phone service. So, use the phone like you always have, and connect with your friends again. Mention code “SPRVET” when you order. 877) 207-0833 • [email protected] • vets.sprintcaptel.com CapTel is intended for use by people with hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss must complete & submit a Third Party Certification of Eligibility signed by hearing health professional to be eligible for no-cost Internet-based CapTel phone. CapTel Phone Offer: See www.captel.com/thirdparty.php for details. CapTel Captioning Svc. funded through FCC provisions. CapTel callers are responsible for their own long distance call charges. May use live operator. Sprint reserves the right to change or cancel offers at any time. See sprintcaptel.com for details. Other Terms: Offer/coverage not avail. everywhere or for all devices/networks. Restrictions apply. See www.sprintcaptel.com for details. ©2018 Sprint. All rights reserved. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 53 REUNIONS AND CLAIMS

AIR FORCE [email protected] REUNIONS B-47 Stratojet Association: Richard Pardum (402) 291-5247; 1st Mobile Comm. Gp. AACS/AFCS/CombatComm.: E.R. (Bob) [email protected] To publicize your unit’s reunion, submit a form Rainey (512) 712-6561; [email protected] C-119 Vets-60th Troop Carrier Group & “Boxcar” Vets: Paul online at: www.vfw.org/forms/reunion-form. 2nd Aerial Port Squadron: Debbie Rice (563) 386-8219; Baldwin (254) 694-2267 Submit at least four months in ad vance of [email protected] SAC MSET Association: Robert Schrader (562) 598-9238; reunion date. VFW members only. 48th Tac Hospital, Lakenheath, England: Willian Giussi, Jr [email protected] (831) 708-4041; [email protected] ALL BRANCHES 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron: David Headen (270) 258-5633; [email protected] ARMY AFLS-Vietnam: Dean Hjelle (218) 739-3148; 366th SPS K-9 Da Nang, AB, RVN: Steven G Luz [email protected] (209) 581-1922; [email protected] 1st Engr. Bn. Veterans All Wars: Jose Vargas (720) 226-1623; Americal Division Veterans Association: Ron Ellis 756th Radar Sq, Finland AFS, Minnesota: Marvin Crawford [email protected] (903) 657-5790; [email protected] (402) 571-9498; [email protected] 2nd BN 94th FA (Vietnam): Felton Dunnehoo (337) 513-8320; The National EOD Association Convention: Terry Fitzgerald 3512th, 3551st, 3389th PTS: Major A Treadway [email protected] (208) 867-1617; [email protected] (256) 585-4271; [email protected] 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade U-Tapao Alumni Association: Nick Consiglio (313) 779-1464; 6314th Security Police Sq 68-69: Jerry Williams Vietnam: Jimmie Bailey (205) 669-3572; (910) 281-4294; [email protected] [email protected] AC-119 Gunship Association: Ev Sprous (520) 979-1130; [email protected] 5th Battalion, 42nd Artillery Viet Nam: Juan Hernandez (361) 549-6142; [email protected] 5th Infantry Division (mech) all units of the Division: Thomas Grafton (314) 416-0535; [email protected] 8th Battalion 4th Field Artiller: Charles G. White (806) 670-3342; [email protected] 17th Infantry Regiment: Donald Shook (412) 983-4479; [email protected] 39th Engineer Battalion Combat: Bill Ray (817) 239-0787; [email protected] 35th Infantry Regiment (Cacti) Association: David N. Muxo (801) 360-7043; [email protected] 44th Engineer Battalion: Rex A. Hurd (816) 688-7470; [email protected] 44th Engineers Battalion Broken Heart Battalion: Kenneth Cox (636) 794-1310; [email protected] 87th Engineer Battalion: Joy Azuara (417) 338-4048; [email protected] 104th Infantry-National Timberwolf Pups Association: Andrew Lane (973) 896-3521; [email protected] 167th Signal Company (Radio Relay): Charles Widener (309) 547-2579; [email protected] 173rd Combat Military Police Platoon 65-71.VN: Richard Thomas McCarthy (413) 749-0091; [email protected] 93rd Evacuation Hospital: Pat McTague (619) 282-6063; [email protected] 249th Engineer Battalion Association: Gerald McCarthy (401) 284-0933; [email protected] 335th Radio Research Company-Vietnam: Jim Mossman (513) 520-3915; [email protected] 187th Assault Helicopter Company: James Henry (703) 319-1211; [email protected] 509th Engineer Company Panel Bridge 1965-1971: Jerry Sexton (405) 373-0354; [email protected] 577th Engineer Battalion Vietnam: Jim Stevens (704) 363-5358; [email protected] 630th Engineer (L.E.) Co. Vietnam: Cecil Brown (731) 415-6460; [email protected] 633 Engineers LE: Richard Mangi (386) 698-2112; [email protected] 504th M.P. Bn Assn: Terry Abma (815) 556-8266; [email protected] Army Security Agency COMSEC Units: Ron Draper (978) 777-1291; [email protected] Army Security Agency (Herzo Base, Germany): Joe Connelly (856) 939-4690; [email protected] ASA Chitose Association: Roy Getz (321) 259-7039; [email protected] B Co 2/327 Inf. 101 ABN Vietnam 1968-1970: Bill Spielman (402) 432-0635; [email protected] B Co. 504th MP BN Pleiku MP Association: Gene Petrowski (443) 402-0500; Criminal Investigation Division Agents Assoc: Charles Cooper (678) 994-9915; [email protected] D/2/16, 1st Infantry Division, 1967-1970: Don Dignan (734) 525-0157; [email protected] D Company, 1st BN 6th Inf, 198th LIB, Americal Division: Lynn Baker (870) 253-1591; [email protected] 864th Engr Bn (Pacemakers) and attached units: Rick Anderschat (513) 474-2831; [email protected] OV-1 Mohawk Association: John Bosch (949) 290-2748; [email protected] ARMY-AIR FORCE 93rd Bomb Group: Robert L. Marx (724) 422-2803; [email protected]

54 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 REUNIONS AND CLAIMS

483rd Bombardment Group (H): Leon Walman (818) 905-9466; [email protected] Never Lose Electricity Again! COAST GUARD All Active, Former and Retired Coast Guardsmen: Darlene Amundson (208) 292-4840 All Coast Guard Reunion: Chris Kalogerson (952) 935-9065; [email protected] CGC BIBB: Lloyd Hensley (865) 384-6254; [email protected] MARINES 1/5 1986-1992: Scott Hainline (309) 351-2050; [email protected] 1st 8 inch Howitzer Battery: Bob Biggs (330) 988-8610; [email protected] 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines: Danny Schuster (978) 302-4126; [email protected] 3rd 155s M/4/12, 3rdMarDiv: Alex Jablonowski (248) 505-2183; [email protected] 3rd 8inch Howitzer Battery (SP): Dennis O’Brien (805) 340-6286; [email protected] Own the #1 Brand in Home Standby Power. BLT 2/26: Lawrence E. McCartney (419) 340-6155; [email protected] Echo 2/5: Douglas Doughty (850) 723-9453; 7 out of 10 buyers choose Generac Home CALL for FREE Generator [email protected] Standby Generators to automatically Fifth Marine Division Association: Ray Elliott (217) 840-2121; Buyer’s Guide, DVD, and… [email protected] provide electricity to their homes during Limited Time Marine Air Group: Jerry Gipe (660) 909-4144; power outages. GENERAC Home Standby [email protected] * ParrisIsland Alumni: Ronald X. Heitzenrater (724) 630-0707; Generators start at just $1,949. BONUS OFFER! [email protected] VMFA 115: James T. Brady (202) 549-9533; jimbrady1951 TOLL FREE 800-843-4265 VMFP-3: Lou Davis (951) 295-1201; [email protected] FreeGeneratorGuide.com NAVY *Price does not include installation. 19008X © 2018 CBMU 302: Tom Vandenberg (509) 520-5396; [email protected] LPHs-Iwo Jima Class: Dena Rice (615) 585-2088; [email protected] NMCB 3: Victor Horvath (832) 722-9434; [email protected] National Association of Destroyer Veterans: Terry Miller (508) 677-0515; terry@destroyers.org Patron Four Five Association VP-45: Doug Mitchell (678) 650-7500; [email protected] RTC Orlando: Jan McClintock (210) 844-1806; [email protected] Tin Can Sailors National Assoc of Destroyer Veterans: YOUR OLD WATCH MAY BE WORTH Morgan Little (508) 677-0150; [email protected] USS Altair AKS32: Dick Stader (262) 654-9202; $10 ,000 OR MORE$$ [email protected] USS America Carrier Veterans Association: Walt Waite (610) 585-2155; [email protected] Military Issue USS Bon Homme Richard CV/CVA-10: Jim Barton (814) 652-0085; [email protected] Mechanical USS Brown DD-546/USS Bradford DD-545; Fred Korzekwa (317) 578-7736; [email protected] USS Chevalier DD/DDR-805: Dave Klein (308) 530-6300; Dive Watches [email protected] USS Chewaucan AOG-50: John Olsen (630) 323-1696; [email protected] Vietnam Era USS Chickaskia AO-54: Robert Grant (781) 249-5501; [email protected] USS Clamagore SS-343: James Griffin (850) 683-1612; [email protected] USS CVA/CV-61: Kevin Haegele (480) 543-0980; Contact: Mike Tovar, Navy Vet [email protected] USS Denver LPD 9 & CL 58: Paul Novak (727) 418-2919; [email protected] 310-683-8675 USS Edson DD-946: Tim Nightingale (586)202-2202; [email protected] USS Emory S. Land AS-39: John Martin (301) 697-2803; [email protected] www.webstorm.com USS Essex CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2: Thomas C Ferelli (602) 882-0375; [email protected] USS Everett F. Larson DD/DDR 830: Ellis Warmkessel email: [email protected] (352) 232-7655; [email protected] 1601 N Sepulveda Blvd, Unit 765, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Continued on page 58)

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 55 LET NOTHING STOP YOUª

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AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 57 REUNIONS AND CLAIMS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54

USS Frank E Evans DD-754: Steve Kraus (760) 458-4295; USSVI Submarine Vets Convention: Kim Hedges cannot receive the Purple Heart because a doctor did not treat me.- [email protected] (360) 475-3055; [email protected] or Deano Vandernoot (352) 441-1888 [email protected] USS Hawkins DD-873: Darwin Dailey (618) 965-9228; www.ussviconvention.org/2018 [email protected] USS Walk DD-723: Leon G. Lopez (951) 992-0132; C Company 122nd Maint. 3rd Armord Div. Germany Dec 1970 USS Henderson DD-785: Albert W. Meeds (704) 995-2874; [email protected] Seeking anyone that remembers the incident involving the injury to [email protected] USS Whetstone LSD-27: Everett Ward (910) 790-1995; my left ear from excessive noise from a tank engine I was inspect- USS Holland AS-32 Assoc.: Gary Stowe (573) 769-3996; [email protected] ing to substantiate a VA claim.-Paul Rusch (262) 658-8780 [email protected] USS Wiltsie DD-716: Wayne Ramsey (478) 225-8486; [email protected] USS Ingraham DD-694: Greg Miller (814) 695-3246; [email protected] gmamfl [email protected] VF-62/VA-106: Waldo E Romero (904) 845-2383; 5/7th 1st Cavalry Division, Airmobile South, Southwest of Ben USS Lofberg DD-759: Frederick Shields (856) 854-9215; [email protected] Hoa Jan 1970-Feb 1970 fj [email protected] Seeking anyone (Medics) to confi rm a fi refi ght between these USS McGowan DD-678: George L Beery, Jr (419) 483-6211; dates to request a Purple Heart due to a wound to my right arm.- [email protected] PROPOSED Robert M. Dellanini (510) 487-3133 [email protected] USS McMorris DE-1036: Jules Galbreth (972) 219-9674; 7th Psychological Operations Battalion and Packett Members [email protected] Da Nang, Vietnam Feb 1969-1970: Sgt. Robert Temples Marines: USS Nimitz CVN-68: Timothy Gildea (215) 487-1756; (813) 641-3000: [email protected] Fox Co. 2/24 1st Platoon, 3rd Squad 2004-2005 [email protected] USS Garcia Precom Detail: GMG2 Walter Brogdon Seeking anyone, specifi cally Dan Sutyak and Bill Miller who can USS NOA DD-841 & DD-343: Larry Robbins (812) 614-9339; (865) 577-2668; [email protected] recall some things I’m working on to substantiate service-connec- [email protected] tion while we were overseas in support of OIF II-2.-Tom Newell USS Perkins DD26, DD377, DDR877 Reunion Association: (262) 993-4503 [email protected] Barry Buchanan (816) 792-3040; [email protected] CLAIMS USS Ponchatoula AO 148: Sgm. Phillip Jones (803) 783-1265; Lima Co. 3rd 4th Marines Dec/1966 I Corps North Cam Lo [email protected] Readers are urged to help these vet s seek ing claim Seeking anyone from the unit who remembers when I fell off a tank USS Rainer AE-5: David Tongish (303) 229-8422; substan ti a tion statements. Respond directly to into a booby trap, injuring my left leg, to help with a Purple Heart [email protected] the per son list ed at the end of the claim as sis tance claim.-Don Mathews (609) 915-5514 [email protected] USS Ranger CVA/CV-61: Tom Ballinger (210) 722-0417; re quest. This service is provided for VFW mem- Navy: [email protected] bers who are in the process of fi ling a VA claim. USS Reeves DLG-24/CG-24: Thomas Bailey (719) 647-2872; USS Windham County LST-1170 1962-1963 & USS Cook APD- [email protected] Please submit your claim online at www.vfw.org/ 130 1963-1964 in Vietnam USS Robison DDG-12: Bill Oaks (214) 417-4968; forms/vfw-claim-form. Seeking anyone who can substantiate a claim for two cases of skin [email protected] cancer (carcinoma) removed from my right arm and a diagnoses USS Shangri-la CV/CVA/CVS 38 All Hands: Al Miller Army: of multiple myeloma, possibly Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.- (610) 588-0422; [email protected] 196th 4/31 Americal Div. Oct/1970 Marshall L. Camp (210) 698-1516 [email protected] USS Simon Lake AS-33: Jim Brown (732) 752-7534; Seeking medical staff stationed at Hawk Hill to confi rm during a [email protected] fi re fi ght outside Chu Lai, Vietnam I was wounded by a pungee stick USS Tom Green County LST-1159: Denn Evans (612) 220-6788; which went into my left knee. I have been searching for years to [email protected] fi nd the Medic, Helo Pilot, anybody that was there. I was informed I

IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIETNAM WAR ‘BRUTAL BATTLES OF VIETNAM’

Genuinely a one-of-a-kind work, Brutal Battles of Vietnam provides the most comprehensive battle history of the war yet published in a single volume. ONLY Brimming with compelling stories, the book $ 95 focuses exclusively on the perspective of the fighting 29 man. Virtually all of the deadliest engagements are Plus shipping covered concisely. The high drama of the battlefield & handling is felt through words on 480 pages and in 700 pictures, many rarely seen before, covering some 100 military actions. Order five or Easy-to-read chapters convey the essence of combat more books through fast-paced vignettes. Stirring first-person and pay only accounts reveal the raw emotions of the men at the tip $24.95 of the spear. Insiders—actual participants themselves— per book! Order from the VFW Store tell what it was like to be in life-and-death situations. (plus shipping Here is a book that veterans, military historians and and handling) www.vfwstore.org family members alike can enjoy. While ensuring the Ask for Or Call legacy of those who served, it also makes a wonderful Item #4767 family keepsake. 1-800-821-2606

58 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 VFW Membership Mail-In Application Mail form to: Membership Department, VFW National Headquarters, 406 W. 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 Questions? Call (888) JOIN-VFW (888-564-6839) or email us at [email protected]

Yes! I want to join the VFW as a member-at-large and continue serving my country, my community and my fellow man. PLEASE ENTER YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Name: ______Last First M.I. Address: ______Street City State Zip E-mail: ______Phone: ______Birthdate: ______Social Security #: ______

SERVICE INFORMATION Army Marine Corps Navy Air Force Coast Guard Eligibility (choose all that apply) WWII Afghanistan Combat Action Ribbon SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia Korean War Iraq Expeditionary Medal Imminent Danger/ Vietnam Korean Service (7/1/49 to present) Occupation Medal Hostile Fire Pay Persian Gulf War Kosovo Inherent Resolve Other: ______Dates of Service: ______to ______Service Location:______Name of Campaign Ribbon or Medal: ______LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE MEMBERSHIP TYPE (please select one) AGE as of Dec. 31st ONE-TIME PAYMENT LIFE MEMBERSHIP INSTALLMENT PLAN initial payment 11 payments of THROUGH AGE 30 $425.00 $45.00 $38.64 ANNUAL ($45.00) 31-40 $410.00 $45.00 $37.27 41-50 $375.00 $45.00 $34.09 Please bill me annually for my membership. 51-60 $335.00 $45.00 $30.45 61-70 $290.00 $45.00 $26.36 71-80 $225.00 $45.00 $20.45 I would like to enroll in the Automatic 81 AND OVER $170.00 $45.00 $15.45 Payment Plan. Automatic Payment Plan Terms and Conditions: You authorize the VFW to initiate le ectronic debit entries or affect a charge by any other commercially accepted practice to your account set forth above for the payment of dues reflected on this application. You understand such charges may be made within 2-3 business days of payment due date. For installment payments, charges will be made on or around the 1st or the 15th day of the month. This authorization will remain in full force until VFW LIFE MEMBERSHIP has received notification from you of its termination or upon completion of the installment payments. Annual dues are subject to change. By completing this authorization, you acknowledge that you will only receive notice when the payment would differ by more than $10.00 from the most recent payment. Call VFW Customer Service at 1-800-963-3180 or write to VFW at: VFW, (one-time) P.O. Box 119028, Kansas City, MO 64171 to inquire about or cancel a payment, or to report problems such as bank closures, lost or stolen account numbers, closed accounts, or unauthorized transactions. Cancellation requests must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time ten business days prior to the scheduled payment date. If you are unaware of the charge date for your account, please contact VFW. If a payment is returned by your financial institution (e.g., due to insufficient funds, incorrect account information, closed account, etc.) the VFW will contact you at the address we have on file for you, explaining why the LIFE MEMBERSHIP payment could not be processed, and providing alternate payment options. The privilege of making payments under this agreement may be revoked by VFW if any item is not paid upon presentation. You may have additional rights and responsibilities (installment plan) under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Life Membership Installment Plan Terms and Conditions: The VFW Life Membership installment plan allows any VFW member/ Please send me an invoice for my 11 applicant to purchase a Life Membership by making an initial payment of $45.00 and (11) monthly payments. The member will be issued an Annual membership card at the timeof enrollment. The member may elect to receive a monthly statement by monthly installments towards mail or may set up a payment profile to make the monthly payment automatically using a credit/debit card or bank account. A payoff amount will be printed on each monthly invoice, allowing the member the option to pay in full. A permanent Life Life Membership. Membership card will be issued upon the completion of payments. The Life Membership fee is determined from the schedule using the applicant’s age on December 31 of the year in which the application is submitted. Delinquencies will be handled as follows: I would like to enroll in the Automatic Up to 30 days – continue to bill 31 to 120 days – delinquency can be corrected through make up payment(s) or plan end date pushed forward. Payment Plan. More than 120 days – member is dropped from the Installment Plan, all monthly payments made to date, are applied to future years annual dues.

PAYMENT INFORMATION Check/Money Order Mastercard VISA Discover AMEX Card Number: ______Expiration Date: ______Cardholder’s Name: ______Amount to be charged: $______(if using Life Membership installment plan, amount is $45.00) VERIFICATION & SIGNATURE I attest that by forwarding this application that I am a citizen of the United States of America and that I have confirmed my eligibility for membership in the Veter- ans of Foreign Wars of the United States. I further give authority to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to verify my eligibility for membership. Signature of Applicant: ______Date: ______

AUGUST 2018 • WWW.VFW.ORG • 59 VETS IN FOCUS INSPIRING PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY VETERANS Tillman Award Winner Embarks on VA Career Danielle Green Byrd lost her left arm in 2004 while serving in Baghdad. the Pat Tillman Foundation. A basketball player in high school and college, she used sports during Tillman played football for the NFL’s her recovery and began serving fellow veterans at the VA. Arizona Cardinals and enlisted in the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist BY KARI WILLIAMS attacks. He was killed in action on April SPORTS BECAME A ‘GREAT MOTIVATOR’ 22, 2004. oming under attack while Green Byrd, who served in the Army “I remember when I was at Walter patrolling on a rooftop in in Iraq in 2004 with the 571st Military Reed, I was actually in my hospital bed Baghdad, Iraq, Danielle Green Police Company, underwent rehabili- when I heard what happened,” Green CByrd knelt down to grab her tation at Walter Reed Army Medical Byrd said. “My heart really went out. I M-4 and return fire. That’s when a Center from May 2004 to Jan. 13, 2005. never thought 10 years later, I would be rocket-propelled grenade hit her. “I had to learn how to write again,” connected with that award.” On that day in May 2004, atop a two- Green Byrd said. “I was left-hand domi- story police building, she thought she nant, so I had to figure out how to oper- NEW LIFE AND CAREER was going to die. She heard ringing in ate in a two-handed person world with Green Byrd left a teaching job to serve her ears as she looked up at the dusty, one hand — and my opposite hand at her country in 2004, but it was always sandy sky. She stopped feeling pain. that.” her plan to be part of the “helping pro- Then she realized she might survive. During her recovery period, she used fession.” Between her school counselor, “I remember dialing up God,” Green sports as a “great motivator,” getting Linda Kaplan, and sports psychologist, Byrd said. involved in running and disabled sports. Dr. Miguel Franco, at Notre Dame, she She prayed for the strength to survive Green Byrd, who played guard on knew it was what she wanted to do. and tell her story. Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team “I was just so inspired by him “At that point, I literally felt a surge from 1995 to 2000, learned about the [Franco],” Green Byrd said. “That’s why I of energy where I could get up… [but Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball majored in psychology at Notre Dame.” the] only thing I could move was my Team while watching “Real Sports with She earned a master’s degree in school neck,” Green Byrd said. Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. She joined the counseling in 2008 from Saint Xavier team in 2015. University in Chicago. In 2010, she began “Playing for [the softball working for the South Bend (Ind.) VA team] has been a rewarding as a re-adjustment counselor. All of the experience in terms of con- cases she worked on were “unique,” but Danielle Green Byrd, a necting with other veterans she said she felt “so honored” to be in the member of the Wounded who are once again serving presence of Vietnam veterans. Warrior Amputee Softball [or] playing for a common “Some of my more poignant cases Team, is a former left- purpose, and that is to inspire were working with Vietnam veterans handed college athlete and educate communities living with PTSD or TBI… [for] 40 or 50 who has learned to use her and people about thriving in years and just being able to be an outlet right hand on the ballfield. the face of adversity through for them to unload their experiences,” Green Byrd, an Iraq War the sport of softball and giv- Green Byrd said. veteran, now works for the ing,” Green Byrd said. After having her child, Daniel, in South Bend (Ind.) VA as a field examiner. “The pinnacle of the 2014, she switched careers within the program is of course host- VA and now works as a field examiner. ing and sponsoring two She said her 23 months in the military [disabled] childrens camps didn’t “shape or define” her, but rather to teach them the game, enhanced “a few” of her pre-existing show them that they have a personality traits. It also offered a new PHOTO COURTESY OF WWAST future beyond their imagina- career direction. tions and that their missing “It did open up the door to becoming It wasn’t until her sergeant and fel- limbs do not define who they are. What an employee with the Department of low soldiers took her to Baghdad’s counts is what’s inside the heart.” Veterans Affairs, which is something I Green Zone (the U.S. military and diplo- Also in 2015, Green Byrd received never really thought about,” Green Byrd matic center during the war) that Green ESPN’s second annual Pat Tillman said. “My goals were strictly to be a school Byrd realized she lost her arm. The Award for Service. The award honors counselor, work with K-12 [students] and former college athlete was awarded the members of the military with a “strong be a girls’ basketball coach.” J Purple Heart that night. connection” to athletics, according to EMAIL [email protected]

60 • VFW • AUGUST 2018 35 DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Situated 650 miles from mainland Japan, the small island of Iwo Jima was considered the difference between victory and defeat for the Allies in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. It was a vital link as a refueling site for the U.S. bombers and fighter escorts on their way to Japan. On February 19, 1945, U.S. Marines hit the shores of Iwo Jima after 3 days of pre-invasion bombing. Their objective was a dormant volcano named Mt. Suribachi, which rose 546 feet above the shore. Control of Suribachi meant control of the island. The climb up Suribachi was fought inch by inch. The Japanese fought from a fortified network of underground bunkers which made gunfire ineffective. The high ground had to be taken using flame throwers and grenades. Finally, on February 23, U.S. forces reached the summit. The raising of the American flag that day provided a lasting impression, inspiring not only the combatants, but also a war-weary nation. On March 26, the entire island was secured. The Allied Forces suffered 25,000 casualties, with nearly 7,000 dead. Those sacrifices led to air superiority in the Pacific . . . and victory in World War II. A LIMITED-EDITION BOWIE KNIFE COMMEMORATING THE BRAVE SOULS OF IWO JIMA This exquisite knife was specially designed to commemorate the men who fought, sacrificed, and won one of the most important battles of World War II. Available exclusively from American Mint, this handsome bowie knife is an impressive 12" long and is expertly crafted in 420 stainless steel. SPECIA • 7.125"-long polished flat-ground blade crafted in • Begins the America at War — World War II Bowie Knife L 420 stainless steel with a rugged matte black finish Collection which is limited to only 9,999 complete $ collections worldwide (If you do not wish to preview future 19.95 • The rugged handle is made of a tough, hardened issues in the collection, please x-out the Satisfaction Guarantee (a $9 9.95 v rubber wrapped with specially treated leather grips on your order form.) COLLECTOR’Salue) PRICE • Overall length: 12" • Presented in a specially fitted • Available exclusively from American Mint presentation box ACT NOW TO GET YOUR EXCLUSIVE KNIFE – A $99.95 VALUE – FOR JUST $19.95! easy ways • Mail in your completed • Call us toll-free at • Or visit us at americanmint.com/740.04 3to order: order form and payment 877-807-MINT (6468)

Yes! I want to order the Battle of Iwo Jima Bowie Knife (Item PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT IN ORDER FOR SHIPMENT TO BE PROCESSED Signature required below #527-780-1) – a $99.95 value – for just $19.95. Shipping and handling PA RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX. is FREE. Please charge my:

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Check / Money Order enclosed (made payable to American Mint) Customer Number (if known) Phone American Mint Satisfaction Guarantee E-mail By returning this form, you will have the privilege of receiving future issues in the collection through our FREE in-home approval service. No further action is required on your part. The American Mint Preferred Collector’s Price is guaranteed for you. You will be billed only for the items you decide to keep. If you pay by credit card, future shipments will Your Keycode: not be charged until 25 days after the invoice date. You are under no obligation! If you are not satisfied with any item that is shipped to you, you may send it back within 20 days at our cost for replacement, credit or refund. American Mint has Mail to: 740.04 no minimum purchase requirements. You can cancel this service at any time by calling toll-free 1-877-807-MINT. P.O. Box 10, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 All orders subject to acceptance by American Mint © 2018 American Mint LLC OUR DOWN-TO-BUSINESS PRICE AT $12 A PAIR! But not for much longer! It’s our ONE-TIME ONLY “Miracle Price”on our finest dress slacks! Why spend $45 to $85 per pair for lesser slacks? SLATE (8A) Why go to the trouble of shopping all over town? Join over 7 million demanding executives nationwide and get these universally respected Haband® Business Slacks at the low price of $12 a pair when you TAN buy 2! Your dress slacks arrive perfectly fit, most (02) impressive, fresh, sharp & all ready to wear. ORDER TODAY! Consider the Fine Details: • Deluxe Polyester Poplin Wash NAVY (03) •Full Proportion Tailoring & Wear! •NO IRON Automatic Machine Wash & Wear •100% Permanent Press BROWN •4 Deep Pockets (04) •No-Roll Waist Band •Indestructible Zipper •Hook & Eye Closure

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