U S S R E E V E S (DLG-24/CG-24) A SSOCIATION

Winter 20132013----20142014 Volume 6, Issue 4

The Ironman—A Double Ender’s Newsletter

Membership Scorebox Punchbowl Is Not At Capacity Current 22 USS REEVES was first homeported at these casketed gravesites were not made Past Due 144 Long Beach in 1964. She was forward de- known to us," said William Thompson, presi- ployed to Yokosuka 1966-1967. After return- dent of the 442nd Veterans Club, in a 31 DEC Snail Mail Ad- letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric dresses Only 285 ing to Long Beach, she was moved to Bath, ME, in 1968 to undergo a major AAW up- Shinseki. The veterans group said it had no Email Address 467 grade. Once recommissioned in 1970, idea, until recently, that the grave sites were REEVES moved to the Hawaiian Islands from open. Thompson added that it "seems that Total Shipmates 3,222 1971-1980, and 1989-1993. When not at such information has been deliberately with- Pearl, she was forward deployed to Task held from us and other veteran organizations" Dues Notice! Group ALFA in Yokosuka, Japan. Due to by the VA and that former cemetery Director Please be sure to check your mailing label or email nota- spending more than 20 years of her active Gene Castagnetti, who retired 30 SEP, was tion. service life west of buoy Papa Hotel , genera- prevented by higher-ups from disseminating If it doesn’t say Current tions of crew members have a close associa- news of the graves' availability. "I am certain above your name at the top tion with and the Punchbowl. This im- that the families of recent veterans of the of the label, you should re- portant article follows: 442nd Regimental Combat Team who have new your annual dues. To reach the greatest number of For more than two decades, word was that died would have chosen one of these open shipmates, we will publish the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacif- casketed gravesites had they known of this," the complete Association ic at Punchbowl was at capacity for in-ground Thompson, 89, said in the letter. Castagnetti newsletter to any valid email declined to comment on the situation. or snail mail address. Your burials. The grand veterans cemetery atop an dues payments make this extinct volcanic cinder cone was established The 100th Infantry Battalion and possible. in 1949 and contains 29,342 grave sites for 442nd Regimental Combat Team of mostly burial of caskets, 3,994 for in-ground cremat- Japanese-Americans, many from , be- Inside this issue: ed remains and 11,380 spaces in columbarium came the most decorated units for their size in walls for inurnment of cremated remains, ac- Army history in World War II for valor at a President’s Message 2 cording to the Department of Veterans Affairs, time when the nation questioned their loyal- Shipmates’ Deck Log 3 which oversees Punchbowl. But the reality is, ties. Most of the surviving nisei veterans, Punchbowl has 99 open in-ground grave sites some of whom live on the mainland, are in Vet’s High Water Mark 4 — information never shared by the VA with their upper 80s and 90s. Brad Phillips, West Our Next Reunion: Portland 5 local veterans service organizations such as Coast director of the VA's National Cemetery the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Le- Administration, said word of the grave open- Financials 6 gion or the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd ings was passed to Oahu funeral homes over Grass Roots Advocacy 6 veterans clubs, officials said. Those organiza- the summer but to no one else. "Our thought Tricare Centers Close 6 tions could have spread the word to their was that broader communication in the members around the nation that some Punch- (veterans) community would have led to a Retail Job Myths 7 bowl graves were open, officials said. The misperception that the cemetery was open to graves have become available through the all burials — which wasn't in fact the case," Shipmate Passes 7 ongoing disinterment and identification of Phillips said. What is generally known to still Agent Orange Update 8 "unknowns," families relinquish- be available at Punchbowl are "niches" for ing plots and the removal of dead trees on the cremated remains. "At the time, also, we felt ZIPPO Story 10 cemetery's grounds, which has freed up burial that the local demand for the grave sites would space. quickly overcome the available sites," Phillips Reversing Pension Cut? 11 (Continued on page 8) "We are puzzled and disturbed that PageP a g e 222 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter The President’s PagePage————OnwardOnward to Portland Greetings to the some of those shipmates you haven’t seen memorable association members, and Reeves Association in years and get them interested. It’s nev- Reeves plank owner. As you’ll read fur- Family: er too early to get started, particularly ther into this issue, you’ll see the memori- when thinking in terms of air fares. Air- al for Ronald “Red” Redfield. Ron actu- The “polar express” lines provide fairly good discounts for ally passed away in September, but none winter of ‘14 has early ticket purchases, and even those of us were aware of it until we received a kept most of us try- fortunate enough to have a surplus of Christmas card back from his sister noti- ing to stay warm airline miles to burn can get far better fying us of his passing. Her message though this has to be deals by ticketing early. included the memorial letter that was in one of the most bru- the local paper, and a note from her say- tal winters in recent memory, and it’s Read up on Portland and all she has to ing that Ron spoke of his Reeves ship- only January. I guess Mother Nature has offer. You’ll find that it has plenty of mates all the time, and was very proud to re-aimed her jet stream to get us caught good local restaurants, tax-free shopping, be part of our association. Red has been up for the last few years of mild winters. and lays claim to being “home to more to all of our reunions, and has proven to Come on springtime! craft-breweries than any other city on be a true friend and shipmate to everyone earth”. Locals call it “Beervana”. Port- he engaged. You could just tell that there The only advantage that the weather has land is located right on the Columbia Riv- was no place in this world that Red would right now is that I’m inclined to look for- er, and is only a 35 minute drive from the rather be than with his Reeves shipmates. ward to warmer weather and fun things to very scenic Columbia River Gorge. The do in the New Year, which brings me Columbia River valley is known for its He was part of the Reeves legacy for a right up to Portland for the 2014 Reeves many excellent wineries, which Mary and long time, first as part of the commission- Association Reunion. The plans are I had a chance to check out a few years ing crew in 1964, and later as the deck made and the dates are set for our next ago. It’s beautiful country with plenty of chief on the USS Oldendorf (DD972) opportunity to get the Reeves Family things to see and do. Our favorite was the when they went with the Reeves to back together for our west coast tour. “Maryhill” winery. Check it out on line Quindao China in 86. The Oly was out- Our in-house staff of highly trained reun- and you’ll see why. board of us and both crews struggled to ion planners has assured me that this is erect large entertainment tents that com- going to be one of the best reunion ven- As far as logistics go, Mike has included pletely covered both fantails. Chief Red ues we’ve ever had, and the accommoda- an entry form to get you started on the worked with both deck crews to get the tions are exactly what we need to enjoy registration process. We really don’t tents rigged and functional for the big our stay in Portland. need that information back yet, but it does CINCPACFLT hosted party on the two give you a good idea of the dates, times, fantails. I mention it because Red always While it may seem that month of October and costs associated with the reunion for enjoyed bringing that story up at the reun- and the City of Portland are both pretty planning purposes. We really want to ions. He obviously loved his ties to the far away, let me assure you that it’s right make this our best reunion yet, and we’ve Reeves, and we were his shipmates and around the corner from a planning per- got our work cut out for us to make it chosen family. We all lost quite a friend spective. This is the ideal time to start better than our past reunions. with his passing. that planning process. Take a look at your year and pencil in our dates in to get Okay, I’m all done with the sales pitch. Godspeed Red the process started. Talk to you signifi- cant other and get them thinking towards On a more somber note, I’d like to say hanging out with us in October. Contact something about the loss of one our most TomTomTom Remembering Payday in 1962 --- We used to "let it ride" on the books (just last guy who counted, compared, then gave let, there always seemed to be a few bucks draw off what you wanted to have until the you the money. When you left the pay line for liberty...... if you could get your liberty next pay day). The Pay lines started with a you might head to the post office to buy card. [Source: Old Antarctic Explorers pay list showing the entire crew and how money orders to pay your bills (or send Assn | Henry Storm | 3 Jan 2014 ++] much money they had coming, you would some home to Mama). There were always then fill out your "pay chit" with the guys with "wheel books" (little green cov- amount you wanted to draw, then you got ered note books) waiting to receive their into the pay line. Officer with a sidearm 45 cash they had loaned at rates of $5 for $7, cal.1911 stood next to the line watching $10 for $14. The slush funds ran through- over the Disbursing Clerks , 1st one took out the Navy.. Finally, the guys with the your chit, compared it to the pay list, noted wheel books who used to stand a watch or how much you were drawing, handed it to take a duty day were waiting for their pay the next DK who counted out the cash and ($5.00 a duty day seemed about right). then handed the cash and the chit to the Good news was that, even after that gaunt- 1958-1962 Pay Schedule Volume 6, Issue 4 PageP a g e 333 Mail/eMail/Decklog From Our Shipmates ——— HR543 and you might have an answer or two or sure. Thank you for what you do it is This bill passed the House. Going to the perhaps can ask for input in your next well received. Senate for vote. If approved and signed newsletter. by Pres. the Blue Water Vets might have Mark Wadlow (72-76) a shot for disability. My advocate is a bit I feel blessed that at 65, I am only dealing negative because this a Defense bill and with high blood pressure, high cholesterol Ed: There’s more… the VA will not approve. I do not see it and type 2 diabetes, but all three are con- this way. There is about 174,000 Blue trolled with medication. I have attempted Michael, water vets left. This Nation needs to to connect these three with my stay Sorry for a short turnaround email, but know this. Do you know if Paul Rich- aboard the USS REEVES and the USS wanted to respond to your request for mond has heard about this? Take care Long Beach, both spent time in the Ton- funds for the endeavor of researching the kin Gulf running . The Tony Borba (70-71) Reeves exposure to Agent Orange to get VA has declined my claims because I did the VA to recognize the claim. Please let Ed: Paul’s on it as best he can. At the not show signs while in the Navy (I don"t me know how I can do that, donate, and it moment, he’s working five . remember having any physicals after boot might be a good idea to add to the web camp) except for my departure and I page as well. don’t remember how intense that physical Hi, I need a little info for the VA medical was. I also did not see a doctor during After completely reading the web page on staff. my first year after discharge, and I'm sure Agent Orange exposure I wanted to add you understand at 21-22 yrs of age, who that we in "M" Division were the ones I served on the Reeves 1966-68. the heck is thinking about a doctor unless who made the "fresh water" for the something very major happens. So, did ship. This entailed all the testing of the I need the date that we visited Hong we ever get close enough to land to be water for salinity content, and when the Kong... might have been a 3 day vis- considered brown water rather than blue ship went on "water hours" we in the En- it... Most likely it was in 1967 but I am water, if so the desalination of our drink- gine-room never lacked shower wa- not sure. ing water and the water we used for ter. We use to fill up a 1 1/2 gallon buck- showering was exposed to Agent Orange et from the evaporator to take our com- Thanks for your help. which was not filtered out? Are there any plete shower. Look forward to hearing other guys that were aboard the ship dur- back from you. Mann (66-68) ing this time that have cancers and and Aloha, Mark Wadlow 727 504 0176 related issues that I have? Thanks for Ed: Somehow, Mark managed to retire whatever help you can assist with. [email protected] to Kihei, HI, just north of Wailea-

Makena, due west of Haleakula caldera William C. Thompson (67-69) on the south shore of Maui. I’m truly

Michael, envious! Ed: We have recently started up a cam- I hope all is well. My name is Peter Le- paign to get the REEVES on the Agent I am only asking for funds to help pay for otsakas I served on the Reeve from 1983- Orange list. Keep an eye on our progress Paul Richard’s trips to the Navy Archives 1985. I was a MM3 when I transferred to in issues of this newsletter. in Washington D.C. Several ship’s asso- the USS England CG-22. ciations and individuals have stepped up I am unable to locate my name on any of Michael, to the plate to support this effort. I’ve the rosters. committed us to helping Paul with his I believe those of us on the Reeves for 72 research efforts for the REEVES. So far, Can you please look into this and get -73 WESPAC were exposed to Agent Paul doesn’t want any help until he is back to me, if there is and documentation Orange. Remember getting up in the successful in getting REEVES on the ap- you may morning and going to the fantail to relax proved DOD/VA Agent Orange list. Need please let me know. before watch, and seeing large amounts To help with the cost of research and Thank you, of an "oil" sheen all over the deck. Being gathering documents, you can send a in Engineering I thought we may have check to the USS Reeves Association, Peter Leotsakas MM2 had an oil leak somewhere in the boiler memo to the Agent Orange Fund. It will Ed: Peter has been added to the roster rooms. Checked out - no. Thus, my be put aside for our strictly accountable and email list. thought it was the chemical Agent Or- research costs. ange that drifted over our ship, and ex- See update article on Page 8 of this news- posed us all. letter. Michael, I filed a claim with VA in May 2007 for I was aboard the USS REEVES from 14 this exposure, as I now have Type II Dia- July 67 until 5 April 69. I was a GMM3 betes, and no genetic markers making in the TE division. I’ve got a couple of myself predisposed for it. Please add me questions that you might have heard from to any mailings on this subject, or adding others aboard the ship during that time, my name to the VA list for expo- P a g e 4 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Was 2013 Vet’s High Water Mark?

As it came to a close, 2013 seemed package swiftly enacted before most unanimous consent a mammoth package to leave a kind of high-water mark on lawmakers realized that the military of new benefits and services for veterans the wall of more than a decade of COLA cap would spark a firestorm of and surviving spouses. The Veterans steady, impressive gains to military and protests. Health and Benefits Improvement Act veterans’ pays and benefits. Will those Worried lawmakers immediately of 2013 (S 944) cleared his committee gains now begin to recede? The mili- held news conferences, sponsored roll- in July. This day, Sen. Tom Coburn, R- tary this month is getting its smallest back bills or issued news releases prom- Okla., put a hold on the bill. annual pay raise in 50 years — 1 percent ising to replace the COLA cap with an Coburn explained his reasons two versus 1.8 percent needed to match pri- alternative. Even Ryan and Murray days later in letter to Sen. Mitch vate sector wages. No big deal, pay offi- agreed the cap at least should be modi- McConnell (R-KY) and Senate minority cials contend. Military pay still exceeds fied before it takes effect in 2016 to leader. One more expansion of veterans’ earnings for 90 percent of civilians of spare 100,000 veterans who have been health and education services can’t be like age and education level, thanks to medically retired by their branch of ser- justified, Coburn said, given that the the string of raises that, starting in 2001, vice. Ryan, however, defends the COLA Department of Veterans Affairs can’t exceeded private sector wage growth. cap in general, saying the idea came administer all benefits previously enact- Also, recruiting is strong, and average from the Department of Defense and ed or keep all past promises made to housing allowances rose 5 percent Jan. only modestly trims a generous retire- veterans and their families. He also ar- 1. Military careerists and younger retir- ment plan that provides, on average, 40 gued that S.944 isn’t fully paid for with ees got a harder hit in December when years worth of inflation-protected annui- budget offsets elsewhere, as proponents the first “bipartisan” budget in years ties in return for 20 years of service. claim. And some offsets identified included a cap on annual cost-of-living Veterans affairs committees also won’t save money for years while near- adjustments for retirees below age 62, term VA spending, already up 58 per- starting in January 2016. Projected sav- came up short in 2013. Most years, around Veterans Day, Congress has cent since 2009, would climb by at least ings — $6.3 billion over just the first another $77 million and “likely much decade — helped Congress ease auto- passed a new package of initiatives to strengthen veteran benefits and services. more,” he said. “At a time of runaway matic defense spending cuts set for 2014 deficits and a crippling national debt, it and 2015. In 2013, the only noteworthy law enact- ed was no bigger than a rounding error. is inappropriate to add even one dime to But advocates for military folks For nearly 20 years, Congress has saved our national debt,” Coburn added. One worry the COLA cap signals that law- taxpayers a little money on inflation key initiative of S.944 would force makers, who continue to oppose tax adjustments to VA disability compensa- states to grant in-state tuition at state-run increases or cuts in more popular entitle- tion and survivors’ indemnity and de- colleges and universities to recently ment programs, no longer view military pendency compensation by requiring separated veterans using GI Bill educa- compensation promises as sacrosanct. that, after the yearly COLA is applied, tion benefits, a move Coburn sees as “The COLA (cap) is huge,” said retired new VA pay rates get rounded down to violating state rights. The House, as well Army Col. Robert F. Norton of Military the nearest dollar. The rounding didn’t as Coburn, must agree to any new gains. Officers Association of America. happen in 2013, thanks to Sen. Bernie Coburn seems set against, even pointing “Because contrary to public assertions Sanders (I-VT), chairman of the Senate to “needless” recent deaths of three vet- from the president, the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. When a erans at the VA hospital in Augusta, joint chiefs, (Defense Secretary Chuck) veterans’ COLA of 1.5 percent took Ga., for lack of timely, promised care. Hagel and leaders on Capitol Hill, this effect Dec. 1, compensation charts “It is shameful for Congress to claim retirement cut is a hit on currently serv- showed cents as well as dollars, a ges- credit for providing new benefits while ing career members.” Initially praised ture that added an average 49 cents to old promises are forgotten” and for shaping a modest budget deal on monthly payments. Sanders had hoped “heroes” die as a result, Coburn wrote. deadline, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and to achieve much more. On Dec. 18, he [Source: The News Tribune | Tom Phil- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the leaders tried to get the full Senate to approve by pott | 4 Jan 2013 ++] of their budget committees, saw their Ship’s Store Update In past issues, we have started adver- really maintain a large supply of embroi- cial ordered and shipped. Photos and chal- tising mail order items available from the dered shirts and photographs. While we lenge coins are readily available. Association ship’s store on Page 9. Due to keep a limited supply of XL sizes on hand We will increase inventory as the the number of shipmate’s who renew an- and can ship immediately, please allow treasury can afford it. nually and support our activities, we can’t two weeks to have embroidered items spe- Volume 6, Issue 4 PageP a g e 555 Our Next Reunion: Portland, Oregon The venue has been selected and registration form as it is not included So much to do, so few days to do the hotel chosen. We will be meeting in the reunion registration fee. it all! and staying at the Sheraton Airport Our reunions aren’t large enough Hotel in Portland. The hotel is a short to guarantee full buses and interest in ride from the airport arrivals using a certain venues. The requests for tour hotel-provided shuttle. opportunities already exceed the days of the reunion. We are going to set up a “tours” table in the hospitality room where those with and those without transportation can band together for their mutual tour destinations. These can include easy drive day Portland has been described as trips to Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. America’s most European city. If that A trip to Mt. St. Helens could include means a great walking city with tons visits to the observation platforms at Our reunion dates are October 9- of public transportation, a progressive the Forest Learning Center and the Oct 13, 2014. (Arrival on 9 Oct, atmosphere that celebrates the arts, a Johnson Ridge Observatory. departure on 13 Oct). We have culture of great food, artisan coffee, This activity was discussed by negotiated a room rate of $99 per beer and wine and neighborhoods Tom Bailey in the last newsletter. night, including a three-day rate chock full of shops selling handmade So, if your tour destination is the extension for early arrivals and clothes, crafts and furniture, then we’d vineyards on Mt. Hood, the 30 departures. A block of rooms have have to agree. different breweries in downtown Portland, the Columbia at Astoria, or the Cheese Factories at Tillamook, there are destinations aplenty and shipmates looking for the same places. Meet and coordinate in the Hospitality Room over a cool brew, a glass of wine or a soda/pop. Pre-Reunion Cruise…. Mt. Hood east of Portland On the Willamette River... We have received information from the As fantastic as Portland is to Portland Spirit Cruise people that they are already been set aside for our group. spend time in, it’s one of the easiest planning a 2014 cruise on the Columbia Contact the Sheraton at 508-281-2500 cities to spend time outside. The River from Portland to Astoria on October for reservations. Be sure to include mountains, waterfalls, wine country 8th your group information of USS and other assorted outdoor goodies REEVES REUNION to receive the Oregon is so famous for are all a short block rate. drive away. Reunion activities organized by Heeding the call of the “Women’s the association are included in the one Auxiliary” at the 2012 reunion, -time registration fee of $110 per Portland is a perfect base for wine and person. This includes the hospitality vineyard tours west of Portland. room, beer/wine/soda/snack refreshments throughout the reunion, the Welcome Reception on Friday and This is a full day narrated cruise to the the banquet on Sunday. mouth of the Columbia, with a continental Due to tour diversity found in the breakfast, a full buffet lunch and bus Portland area, there will be a single transport back to Portland. For us, it will scheduled reunion activity – the be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the waters explored by the Lewis & Clark Portland Spirit Cruise Dinner offered Company, and the fishing grounds of on Saturday evening on the many native tribes before Capt Cook ar- Willamette and Columbia Rivers. A rived 1792. separate sign-up is required on the Multnomah Falls at the Columbia Gorge See the reunion registration form. P a g e 6 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Financials Grassroots Advocacy Needed FY 2014 Operating In 2013, the VFW Action Corps gen- must remain vigilant and remind Congress Income erated well over 100,000 messages to eve- that cutting any benefits earned by veter- ry congressional office on critical issues ans, service members and their families is Dues $220 like the budget, tuition assistance, military not acceptable. Pass the word for others to Donations $252 awards, healthcare and the new retiree join Action Corps and help us to create COLA penalty, but more still needs to be and protect those benefits, as well as to Interest $0 done. Of tremendous assistance to the defeat those proposals we deem detri- Ship’s Store $231 VFW's national legislative work is the mental to veterans, service members and Cost of Goods -$139 grassroots advocacy provided by veterans their families. Join Action Corps today at and veterans' advocates who reside in eve- http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm . Total Income $563 ry state and congressional district of all [Source: VFW Washington Weekly 3 Jan Expense 535 members of Congress. In 2014 we 2014 ++] Advertising $0 TRICARE Stateside Centers to Close 1 APR Newsletters $374 Postage/Delivery $21 TRICARE Service Centers are cus- service centers have been around since the Program Expenses $500 tomer service outlets that are operated by 1990s, and contractors staff them, Warren TRICARE regional contractors. They are said. “This is being driven by the fact that Total Expense $896 usually located in military hospitals and technology has gotten so much better,” he clinics. TRICARE military health plan added. Customers who need the type of Net Income -$332 service centers will end administrative assistance that was being done in these FY 2014 Assets walk-in services in the United States on 1 walk-in service centers can quickly and Cash Assets $3,664 APR, Pentagon officials said 13 JAN. efficiently receive help online or via Because our overseas areas are unique, phone, he said. Beneficiaries can get more Liabilities $0 walk-in service at TRICARE Service Cen- information and sign up for updates at Net Equity $3,664 ters in all overseas areas will continue. http://www.tricare.mil/tsc . The North, While the 189 facilities will stop taking South and West regional contractors pro- walk-ins, beneficiaries can accomplish vide customer service for all plans except Charitable/Educational Objectives any administrative task online or by TRICARE For Life (TFL) and the US The USS Reeves Association is an edu- phone, said Pentagon spokesman Army Family Health Plan (USFHP). cational, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- Col. Steve Warren. “The change will not tion registered with the Internal Reve- (You may notice that this newsletter – let me repeat that – will not affect any and other publications are now filled with nue Service, FEIN 86-1163983. For TRICARE medical benefit or health care that purpose at the 2010 business meet- these “closing” notifications. This is all ing, it was recommended that future service,” Warren emphasized. “What it part of the Administration’s and DOD excess funds be used for donations and will do is allow the department to save assault on the 2014/2015 and beyond De- scholarships as determined at business $250 million over the next five years, al- fense Budgets as expendables to finance meetings starting in 2012. lowing TRICARE to invest in more im- social engineering.) portant services.” Fifty percent of the vis- Shift Colors its to the centers are for in- and out- This newsletter is published by: processing and requests to change primary To receive the Navy‘s Shift Colors The USS Reeves Association care providers, and the rest involve billing newsletter via email send the following 15709 N Sycamore St information to -related questions, officials said. Mead, WA 99021 [email protected] -- First The Defense Department spends name; Last name; E-mail address; Title roughly $50 million a year on these ser- (Mr., Mrs., rank, etc.); and Military vices, and this type of customer service Newsletter Editor - Michael Robertson affiliation (retiree, surviving spouse, can be handled more efficiently by phone veteran, other). There is no longer any Phone: 509-315-8107 funding for hard copies to be printed or online, they added. TRICARE gets E-mail: [email protected] and mailed. To receive Shift Colors it about 38,000 hits per day on its website. All comments, suggestions, submissions does not matter whether or not you‘re Officials have run tests to ensure the web- and criticism are welcome. My email is retired, active duty, a veteran, a surviv- site and call center can handle the ex- always open... ing spouse, or just someone who‘s in- pected increase in volume. The TRICARE terested in receiving the newsletter. Volume 6, Issue 4 PageP a g e 777 10 Myths on Working Retail Jobs Working retail during the holidays, or retail work, it effectively cannot serve as a to influence or change their schedule. during any transitional period, comes with stepping-stone to every individual. While Reportedly 13% of retail workers working some advantages. The work is usually many people do use it as a financial stop- part time would take more hours if they relatively easy to find, and it can provide a gap or combine retail experience with could get them. boost to your income while you attend other qualifications to hop industries, it is school or look for another job. However, unlikely that every person out of the 8. Most retail workers are lazy. Every it's important to understand the reality of roughly 15 million currently employed will industry and place of work has its share of the industry. The Guardian reported 10 transition. workers who aren't up to standard, but that myths about working in retail which are doesn't mean everyone else is too. Many covered below: 5. Retail jobs are good because the retail workers report enjoying the work environment is safe and climate itself and want to do well. Some 1. Most retail workers are young people controlled. Despite a handful of positive companies impose very strict policies who don't need the money. In reality, aspects to retail work, many component which make it difficult for workers to the average age for retail workers is 37 pieces required for job satisfaction are actually engage with customers, rather than years old. Furthermore, they're usually missing. The Department of Labor pushing contributing a large portion of their reported that the median wage for retail household's total finances. work is $9.53 for sales associates and 9. Raising retail worker salaries would $9.13 for cashiers. While this may be mean increased costs for consumers. 2. Retail workers are unskilled. viable for many, 15% of retail workers While it sounds logical that increased retail According to the Guardian, 28% of retail currently live below or near the poverty worker earnings would translate to large workers have earned some college credits line. price hikes, studies show otherwise. and 15% hold a degree. Employers are also According to a study from Berkley, if reporting that they want employees who 6. If retail workers ever encountered Walmart paid every employee $12 an hour have both hard and soft skills, including legitimate issues, they could easily instead of the minimum wage and 100% of the ability to use technology to understand approach their employer for a raise or the cost was passed to consumers, prices and facilitate online shopping. report them to the government for would only increase by about $0.46 per infractions. There are a few legal paths shopping trip. Further actions could be 3. Most retail workers are working for retail workers to take when it comes to taken, such as decreasing the pay of temporarily so they can be promoted or fighting for their rights. However, executives. find a job in another industry. Although effectively it is very difficult to take them. the retail industry experiences a higher The Guardian reports that studies show 10. Most retail workers want to work turnover rate than many others, many retail employers will frequently penalize, punish, holidays for increased pay. Retail workers do stay in their job for the long- and harass workers who legally protest or companies are not legally required to offer run. They typically stay with their organize, and that asking the government increased pay for holiday hours. Although employers, but will switch to other for assistance is a lengthy and difficult many of them bill holiday working hours companies if the pay is particularly bad or process. as voluntary, since many workers simply they aren't receiving satisfactory need more money they're more likely to scheduling. 7. Most retail workers prefer part-time take what they can get. work. Although part-time work can be [Source: Military.com | Job Hunting | Dec 4. Retail work is meant to be entry-level. advantageous for employees who have 2013 ++] Despite the qualifications needed for most other obligations, most of them aren't able

Plank Owner “Red” Redfield Passes BMC Ronald L “Red” Charleston. commissioning crew. He was a BM3 Redfield passed on 18 Red was born in Spokane, WA, on 1 when the ship was commissioned on 15 September 2013 in Jul 1941. He joined the Navy in late-1958 May 1964, and served onboard until trans- Billings, Montana. Red or early-1959. His first ship was the fer in 1967. was a charter member of Fletcher-class USS WEDDERBURN (DD Red retired from the navy as a Chief the USS Reeves Associa- 684) where he probably served from 1959- Boatswain’s Mate (BMC). He subsequent- tion and attended every 1963. He then reported to the USS ly moved to Billings, MT, in 1992 where reunion, including the REEVES (DLG-24) in Bremerton, WA, in he remained until his passing in 2013. 2012 Reunion in 1963/1964 as part of the pre- P a g e 8 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Punchbowl Is Not At Capacity (continued)

(Continued from page 1) coming weeks, we hope to coordinate hometowns. JPAC, as it's known, has with the NCA to help share this infor- stepped up those efforts and now ex- said by phone from California. That mation." humes between four and eight sets of thought was bolstered, he said, by a Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran, Korean War remains a month from smaller number of in-ground grave sites sent a letter dated 3 JAN to Joan Punchbowl, an official said. The military — 52 — that were available in May. Phil- Mooney, assistant secretary for congres- command, based at Joint Base Pearl Har- lips also said the notification to funeral sional and legislative affairs with the VA, bor-Hickam, would like to exhume and directors was more than the VA had done in which she noted the concerns being identify more than 330 crew members in the past. raised and asked the agency to conduct a who died on the USS Oklaho- There was no rush to secure open review of the process used to select veter- ma on Dec. 7, 1941, and are also buried grave sites — perhaps because the veter- ans for burial at Punchbowl. Gabbard also as unknowns. ans groups didn't know about them — asked for additional information, includ- Of the 99 in-ground graves that and as the number of available graves ing the guidance used by the National are now available, 63 would accommo- has grown, so has the controversy. "We Cemetery Administration to determine date a full-casket burial, Phillips said. The ask that you take immediate and firm the number of in-ground sites reserved at remaining 36 represent 3-by-3-foot plots steps to correct the present situation," Punchbowl for active-duty service mem- for cremated remains, he said. Phillips Thompson said in his letter to Shinseki. bers killed in action. Phillips said the VA confirmed that approval for use of the in- "A hallowed ground such as the (National is reviewing the in-ground graves issue. ground sites has to come through him or Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific) should "We are working with the congressional the National Cemetery Administration's not operate in secrecy or become delegation on perhaps expanding our out- central office — rather than from Punch- someone's personal domain." reach, and we should be completed with bowl's director. But he said there is no U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. that soon, with possibly a new outreach "special consideration" given to Iraq or Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, two of Hawaii's con- strategy for the Punchbowl," Phillips said. Afghanistan veterans. gressional delegation members, were in- "I'm not sure what the strategy will be." Special burial accommodations are formed and also started asking questions. Several years ago, when the Iraq made for service members killed in ac- "Punchbowl serves as a memorial to hon- and Afghanistan wars were at their tion, however. "It is our policy to provide or those men and women who serve in the height, casualties from those conflicts a burial site for all of the soldiers, sailors, United States Armed Forces, and those occasionally received in-ground casketed airmen and Marines who were killed in who have given their lives in doing so," burials at Punchbowl using the handful of action at the cemetery of their choice — Hirono said in a statement. "If more graves that became available as a result of even if it's a closed (to additional burials) gravesites are made available, people efforts by the Joint POW/MIA Account- cemetery," he said. "These members have should be aware." She said her office has ing Command to identify Korean War given their last measure of devotion, and urged the National Cemetery Administra- veterans buried as "unknowns" at the they deserve this honor." [Source: The tion to advertise the availability of in- cemetery. Those identified individuals Honolulu Star-Advertiser | William Cole | ground sites "more broadly, and in the often were reburied by families in their 6 Jan 2014 ++] Agent Orange Update

On the gridiron, progress is often anchor in Danang harbor for briefings at the three SAR stations in Tonkin Gulf. To measured in inches. Working with the “Monkey Mountain” in early July 1966— date, we have received personnel logs for VA, progress seems to be measured in maintaining small boat operations during shipmates who deployed in 1966. It is steps, one forward, two back. the entire visit. very probable that shipmates who went In the last year, we have received It has been reported that REEVES had ashore in Danang are included in those many emails from REEVES shipmates a second visit to Danang for the same pur- rosters. who have been diagnosed with diseases pose in 1971 upon arrival in the Tonkin We need to obtain copies of the deck that are directly attributable to Agent Or- Gulf op-area. That has not been docu- logs for 1966 as well as other conclusive ange, except for one issue—REEVES was mented yet. information to prove REEVES eligibility assigned to the “blue water” segments of Researcher Paul Richmond, Historian for VA Agent Orange benefits. Once we 75 (Surface) and Task Force 77 for the USS WILLIAM V PRATT (DDG have established eligibility, we will need to (Air) during deployments to the South Chi- 44), has taken on responsibility for gather- present complete documentation and per- na Sea and Tonkin Gulf. ing and dissiminating ship’s log and roster (Continued on page 10) REEVES spent more than 24 hours at data for several ship’s that spent time on Volume 6, Issue 4 PageP a g e 999 Ship’s Store

P agea g e 10 1 0 The IronmanIronman————AA Double Ender’s Newsletter Agent Orange Update

(Continued from page 8) inclusion in VA Ship’s List. VA will help Paul makes visits to Washington, DC, determine qualifying service in Vietnam to gather information. We need a sonal confirmation of the presented evi- after you file a claim for compensation REEVES coordinator to work with Paul. dence. benefits. - See more at: Please contact me it you are interested in The VA is not going to take any ef- http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ helping us to successfully finish this chap- fort to search for eligible commands for agentorange/shiplist/index.asp ter in the ship’s history.

The Zippo Lighter Story GIs soldered coins or unit insignia to them or even scratched or engraved maps and In 1932 George G. Blaisdell invented with the famous Zippo click. On sever- names of places they had been to personal- the Zippo lighter in his garage. He wanted al occasions, a Zippo lighter in a shirt or ize their prized Zippos. to design a lighter that was sturdy and that pants pocket even saved a life or prevented According to collectors, over 200,000 you could light in the wind using one a wound by deflecting enemy bullets or Zippos were used by GI's in Vietnam. The hand. He named his windproof lighter shrapnel. It would be nice to say that Zippo played a part in almost every daily after the word "zipper" because he thought George Blaisdell sent all his lighters to the activity. The shiny top provided a handy it sounded "modern". The first Zippos military because he was super patriotic, mirror and the lighters flame warmed their were square cornered and formed from but that was only part of it. George, being food at meal time. GI's kept salt in the bot- rectangular brass tubing with the top and the smart guy that he was, didn't want the tom cavities, called canned bottoms, of bottom pieces soldered to the hollow tub- Zippo Manufacturing Plant shut down for their Zippos, to replenish lost body salt. ing to form the lid and bottom of the the war's duration as "unnecessary to the Other legendary Zippos were used to trans- case. The hinge was soldered to the out- war effort" or refitted to make parachutes mit signals or even provided a shield side and the lighter was chrome plated. It or fatigue caps. By working with the gov- against enemy bullets. Staff Sergeant sold for $1.95 and came with a lifetime ernment, he could keep his factory at full Naugle, who was saved because he was guarantee. The original design called for a production levels. able to signal his position to the rescue shiny metallic nickel-plated case, but with Blaisdell became "Mr. Zippo" with the helicopter, had a Zippo in his hand. WW II came shortages, including the brass help of war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who Among men that had a close call with and chrome used for Zippo lighters, so hung out with the front line troops in Eng- death, one of the luckiest was Sergeant porous steel coated with black paint was land, Italy, Sicily, Africa and later in the Martinez, who kept a Zippo in his chest used instead. The result was a black, Pacific. Pyle's columns dealt mostly with pocket. A bullet struck his chest, only to be crackled paint job, so today's collectors the civilian soldiers and their day-to-day stopped by his Zippo. This was reported in refer to these rare models as "black crack- lives. Blaisdell enjoyed the column and Life magazine and also appeared in vari- le" lighters. sent the correspondent a Zippo lighter with ous advertisements attesting the Zippos From 1943 through 1945, Zippo light- Pyle's signature engraved on the side. He finest attributes ers, with that distinctive click they made sent 50 more for Pyle to give away, even Zippos were also used in military op- when flipped open, were available only to though as George wrote in his letter, "You erations, where Marines and Soldiers Military personnel at U.S. Army exchang- probably know nothing about the Zippo would spray gasoline over the area to burn es and naval ship stores around the lighter." Fact was, Pyle knew all about the enemy compounds and dwellings. A sol- world. Soldiers liked to personalize their Zippo, as did every other American GI. "If dier would usually carry a Zippo in the Zippos by scratching the surface of the he only knew how soldiers coveted chest pocket of his jungle fatigues. Some lighters with their names, places they'd them! Why, they're so popular I had three would insert one in the camouflage band been, messages to loved ;ones or simple of them stolen from me in one year," wrote of the helmet or put one into the magazine pictures. The lighter was so popular that it Pyle in his column. He finished the col- pouch of an M-16. Alcohol, diesel oil and was named "the GI's friend", and after the umn by giving Blaisdell his nickname: even gasoline were substitutes for lighter war, the vets came home to civilian life as "The fifty other lighters went like hot fluid when this was not available. Zippos dedicated Zippo customers. The company's cakes. I found myself equipped with a were made of tough stuff! Zippos were archives are filled with letters from wonderful weapon for winning friends and also used as IDs and canvasses. Post Ex- GIs detailing the services a Zippo lighter influencing people. All fifty-one of us changes in Vietnam carried a large amount was called to perform, such as heating were grateful to Mr. Zippo." The tradition of Zippo lighters, which explains the rea- rations in a helmet, lighting campfires, from WW 1 of decorating lighters with son why there were so many Zippos in sparking fuses for explosives, hammering coins and crude engravings, or "trench art" nails and even signaling to fellow soldiers continued on the Zippo in WW II. The (Continued on page 11) Volume 6, Issue 4 Page 1 11 1

Should Congress Reverse Pension Cut?

One of the best things Ronald ductive. It drains defense money from at 40 with 20 years of service would col- Reagan did as president was to revamp today's troops and weapons. And while lect a pension of $24,828. By the time he federal pensions. Reagan foresaw the the system encourages some people to or she reached 61, it would have risen to problems that unaffordable public bene- consider the military who otherwise $39,507, and now would rise to $32,464. fits would cause over time — the same might not, it also encourages them to The following year, it would be $40,496 problems now afflicting many cities and leave early, taking their first-rate training under both formulations, and would re- states — and was determined to act. As a to go double-dip by moving into a civil- ceive the full COLA thereafter. This ap- result, most federal workers hired after ian government job. In any case, they can proach would save taxpayer money and 1986 look forward to a very modest pen- collect pensions — intended as old-age help reach budget targets. It also would sion, one that is significantly reduced for protection — in the prime of their work- discourage people from leaving early people leaving before age 62. But one big ing lives. The deal, crafted by House after the government has invested so group was largely untouched by Reagan's Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan much in them. The change would also overhaul: members of the military. They (R-WI). and Senate Budget Committee make military pensions less wildly out of are still on a plan so generous that it al- Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) line with most Americans' experience. lows them to retire in their late 30s or would not alter those basics. After 20 Private-sector pensions, to the extent that early 40s and collect a pension, with cost- years of service, regardless of age, a mili- they exist at all, are routinely scaled back of-living increases, for the rest of their tary retiree can expect a pension equal to or frozen in ways much more dramatic lives. This is accompanied by lifetime 50% of final pay, with an additional 2.5 than these changes. health coverage whose premium, $460 percentage points for each year of service Certainly, protecting veterans im- per year for a family policy, has not risen beyond 20. 40% of servicemembers have paired by their service is a different sort since 1995 even as costs for everyone never seen a combat zone. of issue. But the current system rewards else have skyrocketed. The "cuts" come in the form of a all equally, including the 40% of service- In last month's bipartisan budget reduction in cost-of-living adjustments, or members who have never seen a combat deal, Congress made some defensible COLAs, by 1 percentage point each year zone. If Congress doesn't have the forti- trims in military pensions, prompting a until age 62. At 62, the full COLA would tude to stand by even this small tweak in howl of complaints from veterans groups. come back, and pensions would shoot up military pensions, it doesn't bode well for They protest too much. Way too much. to where they would have been had the the far bigger, tougher budget decisions The military pension system is not only full COLA been in effect from the start. that loom ahead. [Source: USA Today | extremely generous, it is also counterpro- For example, a first sergeant retiring now Editorial | 1 Jan 2014 ++] The Zippo Lighter Story Valuable News Sources

(Continued from page 10) around. Today the company produces As I have said before, the semi-monthly several lighters for all the branches of the RAO Bulletin is an invaluable source of Vietnam. By this time, Zippo merchandise services and for all the specialty units such USN/DOD news for this newsletter. I quickly found its way onto the black mar- as SEALs and Rangers. Every Navy ship strongly recommend every Veteran sub- ket. Soldiers were able to buy brand new has had its own lighter that includes a pic- scribe to this informative and timely Zippos without having to go to the PX ture of the ship, its name, and its number. source: store. Vietnamese craftsmen would en- Zippos commemorate leaders and Battles Lt. James “EMO” Tichacek, USN (Ret) grave anything from pictures to phrases of WW II, the Wartime surrenders, the onto the Zippo. The most popular motif Civil War, the Korean War, the Vietnam Editor/Publisher RAO Bulletin engraved on a Zippo was the map of Vi- War, Operation Desert Storm and the more RAO Baguio, PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO etnam. recent Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. AP 96517 The Zippo company has produced [Source: www.windsweptpress.com/ Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915 more that 325 million lighters since its zippo.htm & AL Newsletter | Har- -361-3503 in the . old Ratzburg & David N. Greaux | Jan founding in 1934, so there are plenty to go Email: [email protected] 2014 ++] Web Access: http://www.veteransresources.org , http://frabr245.org or http://vets4vets.zymichost.com/rao.html

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