March-April 2013

EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 70 www .axpo w .or g Number 3/4

March/April 2013

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves

National Convention ~ June 26-29, 2013 Arlington, Texas Come On Down! American Ex-Prisoners of War

To apply by mail, call AXPOW National Headquarters 817-649-2979 table of contents March/April 2013 officers/directors 4 commander 5 Hardly feels like spring in the Northeast, but...we’re heading into NSO 6 the warmer weather and that means it’s National Convention time. medsearch 7 Everyone in Texas is gearing up to show you all a great time! This andersonville 11 year, we’re featuring the Next-of-Kin -- along with Six Flags, Hurricane namPOW 12 Harbor, Cowboy Stadium and The Ballpark, the Convention committee joint committee 13 has put together activities to please POWs, their kids and grandkids. outreach 14 Andersonville is bringing an exhibit that tells the POW story...the next- civilian 15 of-kin chorus will sing their hearts out at the Commander’s pow-mia 16 Reception...there are tours of Cowboy Stadium and more. Along with events, info, looking for 17 the business of AXPOW, you and your families will enjoy the convention 18 comaraderie, the sights and sounds of Arlington. So COME ON DOWN! delegate form 21 bylaws resolution 22 AXPOW Challenge Coins - featured on the back cover: news 23 History of the Challenge Coin stories 27 During WWI, in one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medal- april 9 29 lions struck in solid bronze and presented them to his unit. It be- contributions 31 came tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion new members 32 or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the taps 33 following manner - a challenger would ask to see the medallion. If chaplain 37 the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to raffle 39 buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the voluntary funding 41 challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging mem- quartermaster 42 ber was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving Publisher members of the squadron were still alive. PNC Maurice Sharp 9716 54th Street CT West From WWI through today, the challenge coin tradition has spread University Place, WA 98467-1118 (253) 565-0444 throughout military units, in all branches of service, and even to [email protected] non-military organizations as well as the United States Congress, Editor which produces challenge coins for members of Congress to give to Cheryl Cerbone constituents. Today, challenge coins are given to members upon join- 23 Cove View Drive ing an organization, as an award to improve morale, and sold to South Yarmouth, MA 02664 commemorate special occasions or as fundraisers. (508) 394-5250 (508) 760-2008 fax UMB Credit Card [email protected] Every time a member – or member’s family or friends – signs up for Intrepid Staff Reporter the new UMB credit card (which features our marching men on the Alice A Booher face), AXPOW receives $50.00. That’s like making a $50 donation to the organization when you sign up. We also get a percentage of every Deadline for the May/June 2013 dollar spent if you use the card each month. issue is Apr. 1, 2013. We’d like to ask all members who are still using the old Bank Please send all materials to the ofAmerica card to switch over to the UMB credit card with the editor at the above address. Marching Men. Won’t you take a few minutes and apply for this card today? More information is on the facing page. EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published bi-monthly (six times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State nonprofit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement. © 2013 American Ex-Prisoners of War

Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 3 axpow officers & directors 2012-2013 National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Adjutant/Treasurer 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979 (817) 649-0109 fax [email protected] Officers Directors National Commander North East Region Mid-Central Region Charles Susino Franklin R. Koehler Becky Fisher 136 Jefferson Street 243 Torrey Pines Dr. 6319 Whims Rd. Metuchen, NJ 08840 Toms River, NJ 08757 Canal Winchester, OH 43110 (732) 549-5775 phone & fax (732) 244-4629; (732) 505-8702 fax (614) 834-7214 [email protected] [email protected] National Sr Vice Commander Laura McIntyre Deanie Schmidt James L. Lollar PO Box 475 1001 Parkview Blvd. #316 292 VZ CR 3727 Hardwick, MA 01037 Columbus, OH 43219 Wills Point, TX 75169 (413) 477-8260 (413) 477-0172 fax (614) 372-0788 (903) 560-1734; (903) 560-1705 fax [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] East Central Region National Judge Advocate Judy Lee South Central Region David Drummond PO Box 248 PNC Morris Barker 1 Crane Court Madisonville, TN 37354 710 Chapel View Manalapan, NJ 07726 (423) 442-3223; (423) 442-4702 fax Waco, TX 76712 (732) 446-4198 [email protected] (254) 732-5640 [email protected] [email protected] Southeast Region National Chaplain Edward L. DeMent Ben Garrido PNC Gerald Harvey 8735 Doral Oaks Dr., #1617 6813 W 60th Street 709 Baptist Home Lane Temple Terrace, FL 33617 Tulsa OK 74107 (951) 313-9838 Chillocothe MO 64601 (813) 985-3783 [email protected] 660-646-4301 [email protected]

Benny Rayborn Jr. Vice Commanders Northwest Region Wm “Bill” Jeffers - 459 Grady Brown Rd Lumberton MS 39455 Bonnie Sharp Eastern Zone (601) 466-1951 9716 54th Street CT West 3522 Millbrook Way Cr [email protected] University Place, WA 98467-1118 Greenacres, FL 33463 (253) 565-0444 (561) 969-6036 North Central Region [email protected] [email protected] John W Clark 1201 S Johnmeyer Ln Pam Warner Eslinger - Columbia MO 65203 Southwest Region Central Zone (573) 445-3621 Alice Gollin PO Box 117 [email protected] 37231 Turnberry Isle Hammon, OK 73650 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (580) 821-1526 David Claypool (760) 610-1271;(760) 610-1752 fax [email protected] PO Box 38 [email protected] Hampton MN 55031 Milton “Skip” Moore - (612) 245-2247 Lewis “Lew” Sleeper Western Zone [email protected] 6636 E Villa Dorado 2965 Sierra Bermeja Tucson, AZ 85715 Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 (520) 751-9628 Voice (520) 459-7295; (520) 533-3757 fax Senior Director (520) 490-1082 Cell [email protected] Carroll Bogard, Ph.D [email protected] 275 N Taft #116 Mason City IA 50401 Committee addresses appear (641) 424-4870 – Voice with their columns (641) 512-4543 - Cell documentation and follow-up. Make sure you request a copy of your route news sheet containing your medical information after each appointment and keep track of the time between from medical appointments, etc. Also, if your medication is not available hq during your appointment, it can be ordered based on criteria. The two I hope all my friends in the North key messages are documentation and have thawed out by now. As I write communication. Speak up if you feel this, all y’all are in a deep freeze. you are not receiving the proper care. Stay warm. In the end, if you are not satisfied, contact your patient representative. We are working hard on the upcom- Each VAMC has an advocate ing National Convention. It is June 27- dedicated to ex-prisoners of war. 29 at the Hilton Arlington here in Texas. The National Board will be National Commander The National Convention is coming meeting on Wednesday, June 26. It is Charles Susino, Jr. up in June. As always, it is a great an open meeting so you are all in- time to reconnect with everyone from vited to attend. all over the country. One of the main Dear Members, topics of the convention this year is This year we are focusing on the where the organization is heading in next-of-kin. We are hopeful that many Happy Passover, Happy Easter! I hope the future. I have communicated of you will attend. It’s a great loca- this Bulletin finds you and your broadly and separately to many tion for a family vacation. We are ar- family in good health. individuals about the effort ranging for a private group tour of underway by the Board of Directors the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on At this time, we are in the process to examine the organization and its June 27 in the afternoon. You will of developing my testimony to the direction. I encourage all of you to have the opportunity to have your Joint House/Senate Veterans Affairs be a part of the process and write picture taken on the 50 yard line! Committee in Washington, DC this your comments to the Board, be March. Congress has long-standing heard and give your input! We also have 6 Flags over Texas and Veterans Affairs Committees, which Hurricane Harbor nearby. There is a reach out to the various Veterans Funding is a part of this process. Like free trolley to take you to and from Service Organizations to receive all organizations, adequate funding these fun spots. feedback on veteran needs and key is essential to perform our mission, Federal initiatives. We are fortunate so please donate to the best of your Also, by coming to the convention, to have a seat at the table which ability to our direct mail programs, you get the convention rate at the provides an opportunity to submit the Voluntary Funding and others as Hilton. That is a huge savings right written comments, but more they come up. We cannot exist there. And your convention registra- importantly, to communicate face-to- without you. You help us to “help tion includes 3 full breakfasts and face with those key decision-makers. those who cannot help themselves”. 3 lunches at the hotel. Check it out In addition to the testimonies from now! the VSOs, the Senators and Representatives have a brief Q&A Thank you Although we are shutting down the period to express their opinions and merchandise store we have received get answers to their questions from God Bless Our Troops requests for several items. We have the organizations’ representatives. restocked graveside flags, 3' by 5'’ God Bless America logo flags with grommets and flash- There is nothing more important to a lights. We have a brand new item for veteran than one’s own health. The ~~~ Remember ~~~~ you. It is a Challenge Coin with our Ex-POW Bulletin recognizes the need logo on one side and the 5 Branches and includes information in several of Service on the other side. They forms. With the POW MedSearch cost $10 each. See the back cover column, topical medical issues are for a picture. explained. With your specific dealings with the VA on medical Hope to see you in June! records, Ruth Powell and Bill Jeffers Clydie, Marsha, Donna, Sally include in their columns lots of good tips for dealing with the VA medical See you in Arlington Ex-POW Bulletin facilities. Generally, it’s all about June 26-29 Mar/Apr 2013 5 these benefits are available to a nso If you need help, the VA is surviving spouse, dependent there for you. child(ren), and/or parent(s) of a deceased former POW or a former VA Benefits and Programs for POW with a service-connected dis- Ex-POWs ability.

POW Veterans Outreach Coordi- Special Monthly Compensation nators (SMC) is an additional tax-free Each VA Regional Office has a benefit that can be paid to POW Veterans Outreach Coordi- Veterans, their spouses, nator who is a direct point of con- surviving spouses and parents. tact for you to learn more about For Veterans, Special Monthly what benefits you qualify for, as- Compensation is a higher rate of Ruth Powell, Director - NSO sist you with applying for those compensation paid due to 191 Florence Road benefits, and refer you to other special circumstances such as Waltham, MA 02453 organizations and resources that the need of aid and attendance by 781-899-0726 will help you meet your needs. another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of 2013 VA Compensation Rates: Find your local POW Veterans one hand or leg. For spouses and 10% $129 Outreach Coordinator at the near- surviving spouses, this benefit is 20% $255 est VA Regional Office. commonly referred to as aid and 30% $395 Veteran Only attendance and is paid based on $442 Veteran & Spouse VA Disability Compensation the need of aid and attendance by $ 43 Additional for A/A Former POWs are eligible for VA another person. Learn about spouse disability compensation for dis- special monthly compensation 40% $569 Veteran Only abilities related to their military benefit rates by talking to a $631 Veteran & Spouse service and captivity. Certain con- National Service Officer or the $ 58 Additional for A/A ditions are presumed to be re- POW Veterans Outreach spouse lated to time in captivity. These Coordinator. 50% $810 Veteran Only presumptive disabilities are $888 Veteran & Spouse based on studies of the long-term Other Benefits: VA provides ad- $ 72 Additional for A/A effects of captivity, deprivation, ditional housing and insurance spouse trauma, and cold injury on benefits to Veterans with disabili- 60% $1026 Veteran Only former POWs. ties, including Adapted Housing $1120 Veteran & Spouse grants, Service-Disable Veterans’ $ 86 Additional for A/A VA Health Care Insurance, and Veterans’ Mort- spouse Former POWs who have a service- gage Life Insurance. 70% $1293 Veteran Only connected disability are eligible $1402 Veteran & Spouse for VA health care. This includes $ 101 Additional for A/ hospital, nursing home, and out- For AXPOW National Service A spouse patient treatment. Former POWs Officers: 80% $1503 Veteran Only who do not have a service-con- VA FORM 21-22 has been $1628 Veteran & Spouse nected disability are eligible for updated $ 115 Additional for A/ VA hospital and nursing home A spouse care without regard to their abil- The new form: “APPOINTMENT OF 90% $1689 Veteran Only ity to pay. Additionally, former VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZA- $1830 Veteran & Spouse POWs without a service-con- TION AS CLAIMANT’S REPRESEN- $ 129 Additional for A/ nected disability are eligible for TATIVE” must be used for all new A spouse outpatient care on a priority ba- claims. To get copies, go to: 100% $2816 Veteran Only sis. http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/ $2973 Veteran & Spouse forms/VBA-21-22-ARE.pdf. $ 144 Additional for A/ VA Benefits for Dependents and A spouse Survivors of former POWs There are also copies available at Dependents and survivors may be National Headquarters. Ex-POW Bulletin eligible for compensation, pen- Mar/Apr 2013 sion, health care, education, and home loan benefits. Typically, 6 pow medsearch 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40 Marsha Coke, Chairman Arlington, TX 76010 e-mail: [email protected] (817) 649-2979

POW Presumptives: The major complications of ul- Peptic Ulcer Disabilities Presumed to be Ser- cers are bleeding, obstruction due to scarring and perforation. Sur- vice Connected Under 38 CFR A peptic ulcer is a defect in the gery is usually reserved for cases 3.3.09(c) lining of the stomach or the first with complications. It com- Peptic Ulcer Disease part of the small intestine, an monly involves vagotomy (sever- area called the duodenum.

A peptic ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. An ulcer in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. See also: • Gastritis • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines is protected against the irritating ac- ids produced in your stomach. If this protec- tive lining stops working correctly and the lining breaks down, it results in inflammation (gastritis) or an ulcer.

Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole that ing the nerve which stimulates goes all the way through the Originally ulcers were felt to be gastric secretion) and procedures stomach or duodenum is called due to the action of hydrochloric to enlarge the pylorus, remove a perforation. A perforation is a acid and pepsin (thus “peptic”) on acid secreting cells from the medical emergency. the lining of the stomach or stomach or to create an opening duodenum where most occur. from the stomach to the intes- The most common cause of such There are, in fact, numerous tines. damage is infection of the stom- contributing causes to ulcers, ach by bacteria called both endogenous and exogenous. Even after surgery, ulcers may Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). Among the latter are cigarette recur and other complications Most people with peptic ulcers smoking, the use of such as dumping syndrome, di- adrenocroticosteroids and the arrhea and weight loss are not uncommon. Ex-POW Bulletin use of aspirin and other Mar/Apr 2013 nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. 7 · Hunger and an empty feel- · Difficulty swallowing medsearch continued... ing in the stomach, often 1 - 3 · Gastrointestinal bleeding have these bacteria living in their hours after a meal · Unexplained weight loss gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Yet, · Mild nausea (vomiting many people who have these bac- may relieve this symptom) Testing for H. pylori is also teria in their stomach do not de- · Pain or discomfort in the needed. velop an ulcer. upper abdomen · Upper abdominal pain Your doctor may also order these The following also raise your risk that wakes you up at night tests: for peptic ulcers: Other possible symptoms in- · Hemoglobin blood test to · Drinking too much alco- clude: check for anemia hol · Bloody or dark tarry · Stool occult blood test to · Regular use of aspirin, stools test for blood in your stool ibuprofen, naproxen, or other · Chest pain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory · Fatigue Treatment drugs (NSAIDs). Taking aspirin or · Vomiting, possibly Treatment involves a combina- NSAIDs once in a while is safe for bloody tion of medications to kill the H. most people. · Weight loss pylori bacteria (if present), and · Smoking cigarettes or reduce acid levels in the stomach. chewing tobacco Signs and tests This strategy allows your ulcer to · Being very ill, such as be- To diagnose an ulcer, your doc- heal and reduces the chance it will ing on a breathing machine tor will order one of the follow- come back. · Having radiation treat- ing tests: ments · Take all of your medications ex- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy actly as prescribed. A rare condition called Zollinger- (EGD or upper endoscopy) is a Ellison syndrome causes stom- special test performed by a gas- If you have a peptic ulcer with an ach and duodenal ulcers. Persons troenterologist. A thin tube with H. pylori infection, the standard with this disease have a tumor in a camera on the end is inserted treatment uses different combi- the pancreas. This tumor releases through your mouth into the GI nations of the following medica- high levels of a hormone that in- tract to see your stomach and tions for 5 - 14 days: creases stomach acid. small intestine. · Two different antibiotics · Upper GI is a series of x- to kill H. pylori, such as Many people believe that stress rays taken after you drink a thick clarithromycin (Biaxin), causes ulcers. It is not clear if this substance called barium. amoxicillin, tetracycline, or met- is true, at least for everyday ronidazole (Flagyl) stress at home. Upper endoscopy is also done on · Proton pump inhibitors people who are at high risk for such as omeprazole (Prilosec), Symptoms stomach cancer. Risk factors in- lansoprazole (Prevacid), or clude being over age 45 or hav- esomeprazole (Nexium) Small ulcers may not cause any ing symptoms such as: symptoms. Some ulcers can · Anemia cause serious bleeding.

Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but it doesn’t always occur. The pain can differ from person to person.

Other symptoms include: · Feeling of fullness — un- able to drink as much fluid

Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 8 medsearch, continued · Bismuth (the main in- gredient in Pepto-Bismol) may be added to help kill the bacteria If you have an ulcer without an H. pylori infection, or one that is caused by taking aspirin or NSAIDs, your doctor will likely prescribe a proton pump inhibi- tor for 8 weeks. You may also be prescribed this type of medicine if you must continue taking aspirin or NSAIDs for other health conditions. Other medications that may be used for ulcer symptoms or disease are: · Misoprostol, a drug that may help prevent ulcers in you’ll be much less likely to get Call your doctor if: people who take NSAIDs on a another ulcer. regular basis · You feel dizzy or light- · Medications that protect headed the tissue lining (such as Complications · You have ulcer symptoms sucralfate) · Bleeding inside the body (internal bleeding) Prevention · Gastric outlet obstruction If a peptic ulcer bleeds a lot, an Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, · Inflammation of the tis- EGD may be needed to stop the naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Try sue that lines the wall of the ab- bleeding. Methods used to stop acetaminophen instead. If you domen (peritonitis) the bleeding include injecting must take such medicines, talk to · Perforation of the stom- medicine, or applying metal your doctor first. Your doctor ach and intestines clips to the ulcer. Surgery may be may: needed if bleeding cannot be · Test you for H. pylori first Calling your health care provider stopped with an EGD, or if the · Have you take proton Seek urgent help if you: ulcer has caused a tear (perfora- pump inhibitors (PPIs) or an acid · Develop sudden, sharp ab- tion). blocker dominal pain · Have you take a drug · Have a rigid, hard abdo- Prognosis called misoprostol men that is tender to touch The following lifestyle changes Peptic ulcers tend to come back · Have symptoms of shock may help prevent peptic ulcers: if untreated. If you follow your such as fainting, excessive sweat- · Do not smoke or chew to- doctor’s treatment instructions ing, or confusion bacco. and take all of your medications · Vomit blood or have · Limit alcohol to no more as directed, the H. pylori infec- blood in your stool (especially if than two drinks per day. tion will likely be cured and it’s maroon or dark, tarry black)

National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 9 POW MEDSEARCH PACKETS

Packet 1~VA Claim Information $8.00

Packet 2~Stresses of Incarceration & After Effects Extreme Stress- Covers the after effects on the nerves and body organs $8.00

Packet 3~After Effects of Imprisonment-Covers arthritis, alcoholism, visual, ulcers, varicose veins, impotency, brain damage, etc $8.00

Packet 4~After Effects of Imprisonment Part 1 - covers the heart, arteries and veins; Part 2 covers cancer $8.00

Packet 5~What Every Wife Should Know Before She Is Your Widow - Social Security, insurance, burial procedures, allowances, etc. including what pathologist should look for in an autopsy (includes shipping and handling charge) $15.00

Packet 6~Micro-Film Index: Asiatic Theater - Japanese Possible help in locating POW records $3.00

Packet 7~Micro-Film Index: European Theater - Germany $3.00

Packet 8~The European Story, History of POWs in Germany, and after-effects $8.00

Packet 9~The Korea Story, History of POWs in Korea, and after-effects $8.00 Packet 10~The Japanese Story History of POWs in Japan, and after-effects $10.00

Packet 11~NSO Director Answers Your Questions $11.00

Presentation Set~(Packets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10) $60.00

The Modern Day Tragedy~medical & claims evidence in support of PL 97-37 $4.00

POW: The American Experience~overview on POW experience; reviews vitamin deficiencies, infectious diseases and service-connected statistics $6.00

Map of German POW Camps~shows location of 76 camps $3.00

Map of Japanese POW Camps~21" x 32" with camps featured in red $4.00

Check packets you wish to order and send, with payment, to: AXPOW 3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40, Arlington, TX 76010

Name Phone ( ) Address City, State, Zip

Amount enclosed $ ______(includes shipping/handling*) MasterCard and Visa accepted (circle one) ($5.00 mini- mum charge) Card Number: Expiration Date:

*Shipping / Handling fees: In U.S.A.; 1-3 packets, add $6.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $9.00; 7 or more packets, add $12.00. In Canada; 1-3 packets, add $9.00; 4 -6 packets, add $14.00, 7 or more packets, add $20.00. Overseas; 1-3 packets, add $16.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $22.00, 7 or more packets, add $30.00 Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 10 Inside the museum, attendees Andersonville prison and andersonville packed the theater to hear special Andersonville National Cemetery. guest presentations. The As always, please visit the park November event featured a website at www.nps.gov/ande or program on the Belle Isle Civil find us on Facebook at War military prison in www.facebook.com/ Richmond, Virginia by Michael J. AndersonvilleNPS to see the full Bennett, a recipient of a 2011- suite of National Park Service 2012 POW Research Grant, efforts to educate Americans funded by the Friends of about the courage and sacrifices Andersonville. The speaker for of POWs. the January event, also sponsored by the Friends of On that note, William Pebley Andersonville, was Dr. John K. recently donated 100 copies of Heroes, … Survivors: A Book about Andersonville NHS Derden, Professor Emeritus of South Carolinian Ex-Prisoner of 496 Cemetery Road History, East Georgia College. Dr. War Experiences, compiled and Andersonville, GA 31711 Derden spoke about the findings edited by James A. Eidson, III, to (229) 924-0343 documented in his recent book, the Eastern National bookstore in Brad Bennett, Superintendent “The World’s Largest Prison: the the National Prisoner of War [email protected] Story of Camp Lawton,” which focus on recent archeological Museum. This valuable collection discoveries from another Civil of accounts from former POWs Public History: Youth War military prison in Georgia lends personal insight into the Volunteers, Professors, that operated fewer than two lives of men and their families months in late 1864. who were willing to pay whatever and POWs price asked of them by their nation in wartime. Mr. Pebley is a by Eric Leonard, Chief of member of the South Carolina Interpretation & Education and Palmetto Chapter of AXPOW. A Megan Salter, Site Supervisor, former National Service Officer, Eastern National Bookstore he currently resides with his wife in South Carolina. On two recent Saturday evenings in November and January, the Says the editor of the collection: National Prisoner of War “It is my hope that future genera- Museum at Andersonville tions will be enlightened by these National Historic Site opened for eyewitness experiences to better A visit to the National Prisoner rare nighttime opportunities to understand man’s inhumanity to of War Museum is a moving view the museum exhibits and man, the horrors of warfare, and experience under any experience the Civil War prison the ability of the human spirit to circumstance. The Night site. Visitors of all ages accessed survive under the most deplor- Museum programs have created the reconstructed northeast able conditions and emerge to new opportunities and rich corner of the Confederate live lives well-lived and flourish- experiences for visitors, military prison from the ing.” Proceeds from the sale of especially members of nearby museum courtyard, their path this $25 book will serve to fund communities who may not have illuminated by candle lanterns. future programs at Andersonville made a recent visit to the Among the replica shelters were National Historic Site. Eastern national park in their own living history volunteers – National promotes the public’s backyard. The next Night including high school understanding and support of Museum event is scheduled for participants in the park’s award- America’s national parks and November 16, 2013. winning other public trust partners by providing quality educational ex- In addition to the park’s largest Historic Interpreter Apprentice annual Civil War living history periences, products, and services. Program – who helped the public special event the second gain a better understanding of the weekend in March, the Night living conditions endured by Museum programs represent an Union prisoners during the often- increasing number of activities Ex-POW Bulletin overlooked winter period from associated with the approaching Mar/Apr 2013 1864 to 1865. 150th anniversary of 11 It seems reasonable to ask, “What no direct civilian counterpart. Our namPOW news kind of idiot would join in the first service personnel are together in place?” A better way to explain it is their units 24/7 often for months at “What kind of marketing genius can a time - which is not a normal part of convince a young man to swap sev- a civilian job. With rare exceptions, eral years of his life for such disin- there’s no automatic compensation centives and only a vague promise for extra work and most of the mili- of the possibility of adventure, a ter- tary rewards are intrinsic as opposed rific experience and doing something to buying loyalty with a wad of cash. for something larger than one’s self?” There’s camaraderie and esprit de Those are great questions with sur- corps and a feeling that one is do- Paul E. Galanti prising answers. The draft went away ing something for a purpose larger 804.389.1668 (cell) more than 30 years ago. Despite than one’s self. The bonds that tie gloom and doom prophecies from military units and branches and in- [email protected] “pundits” who never wore any kind dividual services together are strong of uniform, our armed forces con- and have little counterpart in civil- tinue to do their duty and perform ian life. For the combat arms, there “Where do we well. Many voluntarily join each of is adventure and the pride of being our armed forces every year. And the best at what they do. It can be get such men?” many more reenlist to stay in. Volun- seen following the annual Army-Navy - RADM George Tarrant, tarily. football game where each team and played by Frederic March in the 1954 the Corps of Cadets and Brigade of movie, Bridges at Toko-Ri) Despite those “experts” in Holly- Midshipmen stand respectfully dur- wood, academia and the mainstream ing the singing of the other school’s So why do people join our Armed (sic) media who constantly refer to alma mater. This mutual respect Forces with so many options that our military professionals by a de- shown by teams and student bodies seem at first glance to be better rogatory “they” (as contrasted to “we,” who seconds before had been beat- choices? This comparatively low-pay- the enlightened intelligentsia), morale ing each other’s brains out is an en- ing profession is rife with danger- remains high in the day rooms, ready capsulation of all that makes our ous tasks, long periods of family rooms, bases, ships, aircraft and mili- Armed Forces great and different. separation, many hours on duty with tary vehicles of all kinds. These are no “overtime reimbursement.” Further, far and away some of the happiest, They know that after graduation our military system is enveloped by proudest individuals in the world they’ll all be playing on the same team a totally separate system of justice despite nay-saying influencers’ try- - Uncle Sam’s - but with a much more in which the majority of cases are ing to demoralize them. Morale, ironi- deadly set of rules. resolved solely by “the Boss.” It’s an cally, appears much higher than in the organization wherein individual newsrooms of many newspapers and The bond is created early in service rights are stripped away and slowly it was reported thus incredulously and remains during military tours of given back as “perks” and “privileges.” by embedded reporters during the duty and for decades afterward. This Why would anybody want to do it, race across Iraq. weekend my Navy squadron, the let alone the thousands who join ev- Black Diamonds of Navy Attack ery year? These wonderful young people – and Squadron 216 (VA-216) is meeting in the military is a young profession - Richmond to dedicate a restoration While there are risky civilian occu- are not idiots. A large percentage of one of our aircraft. Nearly every pations there are none where an in- falls into the upper reaches of intel- living member of that squadron is dividual can be ordered to perform ligence and vocational aptitude tests. here and enjoying a terrific time re- dangerous tasks with the possibility And this is despite an ongoing war – living shipboard life, liberty and our of being killed or going to jail for two wars - that will probably last for combat flying missions – harrowing non-performance. The worst financial a while. I’d bet that the average col- and humorous. And for a brief pe- manager in the world could do this lege SAT scores of military officers riod of time, each of us was trans- cost-benefit analysis in his head, con- picked at random are higher than ported to an earlier era where things clude that it has no merit and head those of the contemporary typical were simpler, “black and white” and back to his Microsoft Excel™ critics of the “military-industrial there were actual concrete stan- spreadsheets where he’ll toil until complex” who might be able to turn dards. We toasted departed com- 5:00 p.m. and go home. on a calculator – with training. rades and the young chargers who are carrying the banner now. And The reasons these volunteers join are each felt a little sorry for those Ex-POW Bulletin many and not intuitive to anyone who’ve never experienced the satis- who’s never served. There are certain faction of serving in their country’s Mar/Apr 2013 aspects of military service that have armed forces. 12 tional Former Prisoner of as we currently only have 6 POW’s War Recognition Day on left in our chapter and they are April 9, 2013. all over 90 years of age.

Our recommendation will Although these are recommenda- include stimulus to further tions we will make to our mem- implement the April 9 Rec- bership at the convention the ognition Day. time for you to act is now. Please This event is a natural in implement April 9 POW Recogni- publicizing our history. In tion Day and invite your Next of Tucson POW Recognition Kin to attend. Day is sponsored by the Southern Arizona Veterans Do not just read this article. Call Administration Health your VA and do it. Care System. Their public relations department pub- April 9 lishes the event with radio, tele- American Ex-Prisoners POW Recognition Day vision and newspaper. Our EX of War 2013 National POW’s then bring in memorabilia Convention In the last bulletin Commander to show to visitors. We talk about Susino stated that the Next of Kin our personal experiences as a As a major step to enhance the and the Strategic Planning Com- POW and have model planes, pic- transition to what will be a pre- mittee will make recommenda- tures and videos to enhance our dominantly managed Next of Kin tions at the upcoming conven- talks. In one experience a TV sta- AXPOW organization we are dedi- tion to help in the transition to a tion recorded my experience and cating our June 2013 convention predominately Next of Kin mem- ran it on their channel for two to our Next of Kin. Manyevents bership. weeks. will be for the children and grandchildren of our EX- Prisoners of In the not too distant future we War. Thus we will brain storm Our recommendation will in- see that Next of Kin will move ideas that might appeal to next clude the motivation of our Next into the operation of our organi- of kin. For example, we may have of Kin to be involved in and sub- zation. One way to help them in a trip to the 6 Flags amusement sequently take over for us on this transition is to invite them park and a tour of the Cowboy Sta- April 9. To do this time is short to attend or participate in Na- dium.

We are thinking of a special ses- June 26-29, 2013 sion for the NOKs to discuss The American Ex-Prisoners of War their ideas for the future of the organization. We plan to have a National Convention band during the Commanders will be held in Arlington, Texas at the Hilton reception along with the NOK Arlington Hotel. chorus for your entertainment. The idea here is to have as much Meet old friends and new! fun as possible, and a great opportunity for NOK to become more acquainted with each other. Take your grandkids to 6 Flags Over Membership with the National Texas...Hurricane Harbor...Cowboy POW group is not required to at- Stadium...TheBallpark at Arlington! tend the convention although it is strongly encouraged to join We’ve got a great convention planned, so now it’s our happy family. your turn to start planning to attend... ND Lew Sleeper, Chairman, Joint Fill out the registration form on page 21 and get Strategic Planning & NOK out your roadmaps! Committees Ex-POW Bulletin See you in Texas! Mar/Apr 2013 13 associated with service at Depart- tion for a service-connected dis- va outreach ment of Energy gaseous diffusion ability, are former POWs or a plants and other radiation expo- Purple Heart recipient. Otherwise, sure sites. hearing aids and eyeglasses are provided only in special circum- The VA provides readjustment stances and not for normally oc- counseling services in many com- curring hearing or vision loss. munity-based Vet Centers. These Vet Centers do not require enroll- Home improvement and struc- ment in the VA Health Care Sys- tural alterations grants are made tem. The Vet Center counselors by the VA for veterans for the provide individual, group, and continuation of treatment or for family readjustment counseling disability access to the home and to combat veterans to assist essential lavatory and sanitary JVC Bill Jeffers them in making a successful tran- facilities. VA grants up to $4100 Chairman sition from military to civilian lifetime benefit for service-con- life; counseling services treat- nected disabilities and up to This article will complete the se- ment for PTSD as well as help $1200 for non-service-connected ries addressing VA Health Care with any other military-related veterans. Such grants provide for benefits available to eligible vet- problems that affect functioning medically necessary improve- erans. within the family, work or other ments and/or structural changes areas of every-day life; other to the veteran’s residence for The VA can provide special modes psycho-social services including specificly-approved purposes. of travel to accommodate the education, medical referral, needs of certain veterans (wheel- homeless veterans, VA benefit The VA has health care benefit chair vans or ambulance) or re- referral, and brokering of non-VA programs for two special eligibil- imbursement of travel costs for services.; military sexual trauma ity situations. One is for the birth approved VA medical care. The counseling to veterans of both children of certain Korea and reimbursement is calculated on genders in any era of military Vietnam veterans diagnosed with a set amount per mile subject to service. Spina Bifida. It provides compre- a deductible of $3 for each one- hensive health care benefits for way trip and $6 for a round trip. Bereavement counseling is avail- such children, including outpa- The maximum deductible is $18 able through the VA’s Vet Centers tient, inpatient, pharmacy, pros- per calendar month. Exceptions to all immediate family members thetics, medical equipment, and to the deductible are travel to a of service members who die while medical supplies. The other is for compensation or pension exami- on active duty (including feder- veterans participating in voca- nation or travel requiring a spe- ally-activated members of the tional rehabilitation who may re- cial mode of transportation. National Guard and Reserve com- ceive VA health care benefits, in- There are eligibility require- ponents. Vet Center bereavement cluding prothetics, medical ments for travel benefits, such as services for surviving family equipment and supplies. service-connected disabilities, members may be accessed by call- scheduled pension or compensa- ing 202-461-6530. The location of There are VA services for blind tion examinations.. Vet Centers can be found by vis- and visually impaired veterans. iting www.vetcenter.va.gov/. Visually impaired veterans (not The VA maintains several Health blind) and who are enrolled in the Registries, each of which relates Veterans receiving VA care for VA health care system may be eli- to diseases or health issues which any condition may receive VA gible for services at a VA medi- have been identified as being as- prosthetic appliances, equipment cal center or for admission to an sociated with military operations and services. VA medical services outpatient VA blind rehabilita- which took place in specific ar- include VA- furnished sensory tion program. They also may re- eas during specific time periods. aids including diagnostic audiol- ceive a total health and benefits These registries are: Gulf War, ogy and diagnostic and preven- review, vision loss adjustment Depleted Uranium, Agent Orange tive eye care services. The VA will counseling, rehabilitation assess- and Ionizing Radiation The latter provide hearing aids and eye ment and training to improve includes radiation risk activities glasses to veterans who receive independence and quality of life, increased pension based on the low-vision devices and training in Ex-POW Bulletin need for regular aid and atten- their use, electronic and me- Mar/Apr 2013 dance or being permanently chanical aids. Blind veterans 14 housebound, receive compensa- may be eligible for all of the outreach, cont’d civilians Our ship stops to visit at each above, plus home improvements island – Hear stories of Old Ha- and structural alterations, spe- waii – Learn about WWII in the Is- cially adapted housing, automo- lands and the Lore of Intriguing bile grant, recommendation for Obaka Tales. Sip Fresh Island a guide dog and training in the Fruit Drinks and the Tropical Mai use of same, costs for veterinary Tai – good local Kow Kow or Pa- care and guide dog equipment, cific Rim Cuisine awaits – Visit talking books, tapes and Braille WWII Battle sights and enjoy literature. amazing sunsets. Welcome to Hawaii ! Veterans eligible for VA medical ND Alice Gollin care may also apply for general For more Stateroom Pricing and mental health treatment and spe- Chairman Cruise Information, give cialty services. For more on VA Nick a call. You will just love Mental Health services, visit him! www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ A Personal Invitation MentalHealthGroup.asp. Nick Schulz – Cruise Planners – from BACEPOW To Our [email protected] Outpatient dental care is pro- Members vided by the VA, but the extent of His Personal Phone Number Is care varies by eliigibility criteria. (707) 595-3000 GET ON BOARD THE “GRAND Former POWs fall in the category PRINCESS” that can receive any needed den- Remember: A $200 dollar de- tal care. posit will hold your Reserva- “ BACEPOW IS TAKING A CRUISE “ tion. San Francisco – Hawaii - Round Nursing home care is provided Trip by the VA through three national E’ Komo Mai -Aloha Noooooo programs: VA Community Living Sail Date – October 4th – Octo- Centers, State Veterans’ Home Sascha Jansen ber 19th – 2013 – 15 Nights Program and Contract Commu- [email protected] nity Nursing Home Program. The (707) 448-2909 general criteria for nursing home Cruise Line - Princess Cruises placement requires that the resident must be medically stable Home Port - San Francisco (not acutely ill), have sufficient functional deficits to require in- Stateroom Accommodations – patient nursing home care, and All Meals – Entertainment – is assessed to be in need of insti- Sports and tutional nursing home care. The Swimming – Night Life - All In- VA also offers a variety of other clusive on Board. long-term care services, either directly or by contract with com- Pricing - Starting at $1,414.34 munity-based agencies. The VA for limited number of Triple facilitates In-Home and Commu- Occupancy Staterooms, to nity Based Care, Respite Care, and $2,718.40 for Inside Cabin. Caregiver Training Programs. Rates / Single Occupancy. All prices are determined by each individual stateroom class. Taxes and Fees – additional. Prices are subject to Pin-up Kids from the 1950s stateroom availability. Sylvia Stone.daughter of ex-POW Preston Stone Itinerary - Visit San Francisco Ex-POW Bulletin before you sail under the Golden Gate Bridge – Spend 4 days relax- Mar/Apr 2013 6 FLAGS! ing as you sail to Hawaii 15 science is making some signifi- upset him. An Army contractor, pow-mia cant progress. Megan Smolenyak, a genealogist, was brought in to address the ID A case in point is Zoltan as a high-priority case. Problem- Dobovich. Zoltan’s mother, atic was that DNA is passed Rosalie (Rose) and his father Jo- through mitochondrial (mater- seph both came to the U.S. from nal) DNA, and the only living sur- Hungary to make a better life for vivors were the children of his their family. Settling in Allen- brother, Anthony, who died in town, PA, they had five kids. 2006. Smolenyak, who works via Zoltan would be remembered as the Past Conflict Repatriations a quiet, reserved kid who tagged Branch at Ft. Knox, KY, researched along with his brothers to skate. Zoltan’s mother Rose, who was PNC John Edwards Exactly two years after Pearl Har- one of 6 kids, 5 of whom were Chairman bor, Zoltan enlisted (along with girls, and was able to trace the 889 Randall Road his brothers Stephen and An- DNA that way. A relative who re- Niskayuna, NY 12309-4815 thony). motely had heard of Aunt Rose (518) 393-3907 phone & fax but had never heard of Zoltan On November 1, 1946, Staff Ser- Dobovich provided a sample that geant Zoltan Joseph Dobovich, allowed for a DNA match by Reading the Bones USAAC, a radioman, age 21, and 7 JPOW/MIAAC in Hawaii. by Alice A. Booher other crew members went MIA aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress enroute from Naples, Italy to Bovington, England. For months, search and rescue at- tempts were nonproductive. In 1947, a French military unit operating in the French-Italian Alps near the peak of Aiguilles des Glaciers, a mountain in the Mont Blanc region, found some plane wreckage at an altitude of As reported by the Philadelphia more than 12,000 feet. Inquirer on New Year’s Eve 2012, some 66 years after his being de- According to the POW/MIA clared MIA/DIA, Zoltan Dobovich Awareness Committee of New Jer- was flown to the Philadelphia Air- sey, the French returned what few port, escorted by Rolling Thun- remains were recovered to the der Patriot Riders, and on Decem- U.S. without individual identifica- ber 27, 2012, he was laid to rest tions, and these were buried on at the Brig Gen William Doyle For centuries and in myriad cul- October 10, 1947 in a single grave Veterans National Cemetery in tures, psychics and other mystic at Arlington National Cemetery New Jersey witnessed by veterans divinators have called upon the with a marker citing all the 8 and a newly united family he “inner meanings and outer dem- names. There was no anticipation never knew, his dog tags hanging onstrations” of natural phenom- for other remains until the gla- from the silver rail of his casket. ena, e.g. shells, pebbles, nuts or cier descended the slope. In 1972- bones to purportedly resolve life 1975, more remains were found, The family was able to memori- puzzles. Not surprisingly, there and again in 1983 the Italian mili- alize both Zoltan and his big is an authentic modern and infi- tary found more remains, but the brother Anthony who rests only nitely more scientific variation of then-state of science still pre- a few graves away. The Burlington this theme, and it is helping to vented any identifications. County (PA) Times quoted one of identify long missing American the Vietnam veterans from the soldiers. As has been and will be In 2003, investigators contacted local American Legion post at- discussed in this Bulletin, new a family member for DNA tending, “now our MIA’s will start samples, but Zoltan’s older to reappear (with DNA identifica- Ex-POW Bulletin brother, who had never gotten tion) and this is a grand, grand Mar/Apr 2013 over the brother’s death, was ill thing”. 16 and the family did not want to Convention will be held in Arling- ton, Texas at the Hilton Arlington We appreciate that the men who Hotel. We’ve got a great conven- were incarcerated are declining in tion planned, so now it’s your number, with many passing in events turn to start planning to attend. recent years, but we very much There is more information on the hope that you might be able to March 14-16, 2013. USS Hous- following pages. help us think of ways that we can ton CA-30 Survivors Associa- reach out to former POWs from tion & Next Generations Annual Oct. 1-6, 2013. The 30th Annual the war in Europe and I much Reunion will be held at: Hyatt Mukden Survivors and Descen- look forward to hearing from Regency Houston Downtown. dents reunion will be held in you. Best wishes, David Belton; Contact: John Keith Schwarz Ex- Hamburg, PA. Anyone interested [email protected]. (Editor’s ecutive Director- USS Houston in more information please con- note, if you don’t have email and CA-30 Survivors Association & tact the hosts, Terry and Dawne would like to participate, contact Next Generations; Clay ( Wayne Miller’s daughter). me (on page 3) and I’ll pass your [email protected]; 202- Dawne’s Email address is information along to David. 268-2261/703-867-0142. [email protected]. Home ad- Cheryl.) dress is: Dawne and Terry Clay, April 20, 2013. The Department 751 Garfield Rd, Mohrsville, PA SEEKING INFORMATION: of Missouri will hold their state 19541. Home telephone # 610- SIEGBURG , GERMANY – convention at the Elks Club in 926-0667. Michaelsburg Abbey / Stalag 6 G Columbia. The Elks Club is – the Lazaret/ Hospital / Monas- graciously hosting the event tery / Benedictine Monks and again this year. Final schedule is looking Nuns / on a High Hill overlook- still pending but there will be a ing the City. WALDBROL , GER- morning social, memorial MANY – Liberated in April, 1945. service, business meeting with for I am looking for anyone who was election of new officers, and a I am a documentary filmmaker a prisoner or knows anything dinner followed by installation of researching the story of Stalag about Siegburg or Waldbrol , officers and entertainment. There VIII. My interest stems from a Germany during WW2. The loca- is no charge for Ex-POWs who famous piece of classical music, tion of the POW Camp had many attend. There will be a slight Quartet for the End of Time, by different names but it was NOT charge for next of kin and other the French composer, Olivier the Stalag 6G in Bonn , Germany . guests. Missouri members will be Messiaen, which he composed Part of the Monastery was a hos- receiving more information when he was imprisoned in Stalag pital for wounded German sol- soon. If you have any questions VIII-A. I and my co-producer, Jeff diers. Another part and barracks you can contact Ray Ruetsch at Bieber from WETA, are interested were used for the wounded Allied 573-817-9332. in producing a documentary that prisoners. In addition to would combine Messiaen’s mu- wounded combat soldiers a lot of April 25-28, 2013. Stalag Luft III sic with the stories and reminis- wounded Army Airmen were Reunion (The Great Escape Prison cences of Allied POWs which we brought there when their planes Camp) will be held in Crystal would like to make to coincide were shot down. The Airmen that City, Virginia. If you would want with 70th anniversary of the end were well enough eventually went additional information on the of the Second World War. to Dulag-Luft. From there maybe program, please contact me, Val they all went to Stalag Luft 3 or Burgess at: 307.674-4080 or email: Initially, we thought that we maybe to many different Stalags. [email protected]. might restrict our research to If you have any information, I Stalag VIII-A but there is a power- would really appreciate being June 7-8, 2013. Dept of West ful argument that we should able to talk with you. My email Virginia Annual Convention will widen our search to include PoWs address is: [email protected] be held at the Best Western from all camps. The mass im- and my phone number is 786 768 (formerly Holiday Inn) prisonment affected thousands 2288. Thank you, Jean Dasburg Bridgeport, WV. For information, of men from many countries and contact Cmdr. Annette Smith, we feel that there is the potential 621 Front St., Brownsville, PA to make a powerful documentary 15417; 724-785-8536. that embraces the history but provokes a powerful message for Ex-POW Bulletin June 26-29, 2013. The American the modern era too. Mar/Apr 2013 Ex-Prisoners of War National 17 <q E#ofo#oTMPL

2401 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, Texas 76006-7503 Tel: 1-817-640-3322, Fax: 1-817-633-1430 Room Rate $119 night/free airport shuttle/free parking Hilton Arlington is located 10 miles south of DFW Int’l Airport in the entertainment district of Arlington.

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Area attractions include Cowboys Stadium, Ranger Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags and the Arlington Convention Center. Situated in a suburban business area, the Hilton Arlington is located within walking distance of many area restaurants. AD Order Form Short Agenda: Page size is 8 ½ x 11/due date May 15, 2013 Black & White Color JUNE 26 WEDNESDAY Full Page ….. $250 $500 BOARD MEETING Half Page… . $175 $300 Quarter Page… $125 JUNE 27 THURSDAY BusinessCard. .$50 OPENING CEREMONY MEDSEARCH SEMINAR Name:______TOURS Organization: JUNE 28 FRIDAY ______NSO TRAINING CONVENTION CALL TO ORDER Ad- COMMANDER’S RECEPTION dress:______

JUNE 29 SATURDAY City: ______State & Zip: CONTINUE BUSINESS MEETINGS ______NEW BOARD MEETING Telephone: ______BANQUET Ad Size: ______Amount Enclosed $______Checks Payable to: AXPOW Ex-POW Bulletin Mail Form with Ad materials and check to: Mar/Apr 2013 National Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer 18 Pkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010 <q E#ofo#oTMPL

Candidate for office of:

Name:

Address: Telephone:

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Date and Place of Capture:

Places of Internment:

Date and Place of Liberation:

Biography (Please attach, including picture):

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To be eligible to run for a national office, a candidate must have been a member for the 3 previous years.

Submit to: Milton M Moore, Jr., Chairman, 2965 Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 email:Ex-POW [email protected] Bulletin Phone: (520) 459-7925 Ex-POW Bulletin Sept/Oct 2012 Mar/Apr 2013 18 19 Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 20 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR 2013 NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE VALIDATION FORM June 26 – 29, 2013 ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Please validate the following members as delegates to the 2013 National Convention in Arlington, Texas, June 26 – 29, 2013.

______Chapter/Department Name (Please print)

Head Delegate: (Please print name and address.) ______

Other Delegates and Alternates: (Please print names and addresses.) ______Validated lists will be returned to the Head Delegates. If you are a chapter voting with your state department, do not return this form.

MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR CREDENTIALS 3201 EAST PIONEER PARKWAY #40 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76010-5396

POSTMARKED BY: June 1, 2013 Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 21 <q E#ofo#o TMPL

Resolution to change Article XIII (Voting Procedures) of the American EX Prisoners of War By Laws Whereas, the organization is suffering from a shrinking number of POW members and members in general and the number of members attending State and Chapter meetings is rapidly diminishing ; and Whereas, Article XIII. Provides for voting to accommodate a large number of members which is no longer the case; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Bylaws be changed to eliminate delegate voting and provide for voting by those members present. These changes are implemented by the changes below. Article XIII. National convention Article E. Delegates shall be removed. Article F. Voting. (Shall be revised as indicated) Shall be renumbered to Article E. Voting 1. Voting on all business at the National Convention shall be by the members present in assembly at the time a vote is called . 2. The election of officers and directors shall be by show of hands or other appropriate method. A paper ballot may requested by the majority present or one of the candidates for office or at least 3 members of the Board of Directors or the presiding officer. The counting of the paper ballots shall be done by the election committee. 3. When more than two candidates are seeking one office, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected to office. 4. All issues shall be decided on a majority vote except bylaw changes which must be by 2/3 majority vote. As a result of the above the Credentials committee shall be dissolved. Article XII Appointments and committees, Article B. Committees, 5. National Convention, b. Credentials shall be removed. d. section removed

Article XV. State Departments A. Formation and Chartering 2. All voting on business matters or resolutions, at a state department convention or annual meeting shall be by a show of hands or voice vote of duly registered members present at the time voting is taking place. A division of the house may be ordered. The election of officers and directors shall be by show of hands or other appropriate method. A paper ballot may requested by the majority present or one of the candidates for office. Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 22 As the parade turned the corner he joined the onto Colorado Avenue, the stands Reserve, and af- News arose in unison. For the first time ter North Korea in history, the Department of De- invaded the fense sponsored an imposing, 55’ South in June Briefs 1950, he was called back to active duty and Not Always a assigned to the 7th Infantry regi- Bed of Roses ment, 3d Infan- by Alice A. Booher try Division, part of the American defense at the Chosin Reservoir. On the In many ways, it was not the usual night of April 24-25, 1951, near Rose Bowl Parade that glided down Taejon-ni, he would fight ferociously, the street for the 124th time in Pasa- tend to fellow-wounded and cover dena on New Year’s Day 2013. long, 21’ tall float to honor the 60th their withdrawal, all of which would Watched by some 85 million interna- anniversary of the end of the Ko- eventually be documented in the cita- tionally, the streets were lined with rean Conflict, complete with giant tion awarding him the Medal of Honor another 700,000 bleachered specta- stunning replicas of several num- (MOH). In the interim, however, he had tors, including a large military con- bered soldier figures from the Na- been taken POW, marched for a week tingent with families. Led by a tional Korean War Memorial in without food along with 30 other unique four-band group of spit-and- Washington. Financed by funds al- POWs, and held for 28 months, during polished U.S. Marine musicians, the located by Congress to celebrate which time he had dysentery and star- parade has the usual assortment of the Korean Conflict anniversary, the vation; his award of the MOH was kept equestrian units, 40 floats, an inter- elegant float had been assembled secret for fear of further in-prison re- national assortment of bands and with love by a collage of folks in- prisals. While he was a POW of the glamorous vintage cars carrying sort- cluding many Korean-Americans Chinese, his family did not know of famous folks. As mandated, all and veterans and their families. The float surfaces were covered with “or- floral scripting said it all: “No ganic materials”, e.g., various Ameri- Longer Forgotten”, remembering can and international flowers, foli- those who went to a place they did age, grasses, bark, seeds. For the not know to defend a people that children of varied ages, some floats they know. Riding on the front in a were dragons and fairies or just group were six extraordinary vet- plain goofy, and in one case, carried erans of that Conflict: James Ferris, a young couple actually being mar- USMC sergeant in Korea and Viet- ried. But an underlying certain seri- nam; Michael Glazzy, USMC, who op- ousness of purpose was hinted at erated radar to guide Marine Cor- by the selection of the international sairs in support of ground troops; whether he was even alive, including scientific inspiration, Dr. Jane Minoru Tonai, who spent several his wife Terry. Repatriated August 23, Goodall, as Grand Marshall, while years in an internment camp for ci- 1953 at Freedom Village near even she added to the fantasy aura vilians of Japanese descent and Panmunjon, he received the MOH from of the day by reading from Dr. Seuss later served as an Army medic in President Eisenhower later that year. for the taped camera. Korea; and two Silver Star recipi- His family (wife and 3 kids) may not ents, James McEachin, distin- have known exactly what his medal But it was several other floats that guished African-American author, meant, but they knew that he began to were most extraordinary. First came producer and songwriter, but also occasionally travel to Korea at the re- the nurses float; then came the one an Army 1LT wounded at Old Baldy, quest of the government for celebra- dedicated to and carrying both rep- who met racial discrimination too tions and recognition, and would resentational and real working mili- after he returned home; and speak to veterans and community as tary dogs, “Dogs for Defense” or “Ca- Solomon Jamerson, an air observer requested. His granddaughter, Marisa, nines With Courage” including some directing artillery positions despite went to the U.S. Air Force Academy, injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. In heavy fire on his own aircraft. and became a communications officer front was a Afghanistan-deployed assigned to Scott AFB. But on New soldier named Paz, who, as it turns And finally, Hiroshi H. (Hershey) Year’s Day 2013, in his late 80’s, he out, had been brought home as sur- Miyamura, born the son of Japanese and his onboard Rose Bowl Parade prise for his wife and son flown in immigrants in NM, who joined the Army near the end of WWII and from Germany and watching in the Ex-POW Bulletin stands, and who joined him on the served with the occupation force front of the float for the remainder in Italy with the famous 442nd Regi- Mar/Apr 2013 of the parade. mental Combat Team. Discharged, 23 that date would receive their ben- Heart Transplant - Palo Alto CA, news, continued efits through the Direct Express card Salt Lake City UT, Madison WI, program. float comrades represented a com- Nashville TN, and Richmond VA mon denominator in American veter- Kidney Transplant - Portland OR, The change applied to Social Secu- ans and their long due recognition. Iowa city IA, Nashville TN, rity, Supplemental Security Income, An as the float passed by a stand Pittsburgh PA, Birmingham AL *, Veterans Affairs benefits, and any- full of some 300 special soldier and Miami FL * one who receives benefits from the guests, and the crowd roared its sa- Liver Transplant - Portland OR, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of lute, a single B-2 Spirit from Whitman Madison WI, Nashville TN, Personnel Management and Depart- AFB, MO did an elegant, gliding and Houston TX, Pittsburgh PA, Miami ment of Labor (Black Lung). swooping flyover. FL *, and Richmond VA In 2010, more than 540,000 Social Lung Transplant- Seattle WA, Security and Supplemental Security Madison WI, and Baltimore MD * Fisher House Income paper checks were reported Transplant candidates must un- The Fisher House Foundation lost or stolen and had to be replaced, dergo detailed physical, labora- recently dedicated a new home to the Treasury Department said. the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh tory and psychological evalua- Healthcare System (VAPHS). The new Phasing out paper Social Security tions to ensure proper selection 9,500 square foot Pittsburgh Fisher checks entirely is expected to save and therapy. Tests are done to House located at University Drive C, taxpayers about $120 million every confirm the diagnosis, and to as- Bldg 33 Pittsburgh, PA 15240 will year, or more than $1 billion over 10 sess the candidate’s ability to tol- serve the families of veterans years. Government officials also erate surgery. For more informa- receiving care at VAPHS. The pointed out that eliminating paper tion regarding the VA National Pittsburgh Fisher House features 10 Social Security checks will “provide Transplant Program, contact your suites, each with a private bathroom. positive benefits to the environment, VA specialist, primary care pro- For a family to stay at the house free saving 12 million pounds of paper vider, or nearest VA medical fa- of charge, they must have a family in the first five years alone.” cility. For a list of VA medical fa- member — veteran or active-duty cilities, refer to http:// service member — receiving inpatient www2.va.gov/directory/guide/ care at VAPHS and reside 50 miles VA division_flsh.asp?dnum=1. or more from the hospital. To contact call (412) 360-2030 or email: Transplant Program [email protected]. For more The VA National Transplant OW Rescued information about Fisher Houses, Program started providing solid P visit the Fisher House Foundation organ transplants to Veterans in But At A Cost website http://www.fisherhouse.org. 1961when Thomas E. Starzl, M.D. by Alice A. Booher performed VA’s first kidney transplant in Denver. Since then, Dilip Joseph, M.D., who works with lectronic Payments the Program has expanded the non-profit Colorado Springs- E services to provide Veterans with based Morning Star Development, The U.S. Department of Treasury be- heart transplant services in 1980, and two Afghan colleagues, were gan phasing out paper Social Secu- bone marrow 1982, liver in 1989, kidnapped from the village of rity checks and other federal ben- and lung in 1991. Most Jegdalek in the Sarobi district just efit checks on May 1, 2011. It re- transplants are performed in outside Kabul on December 5, 2012 quired anyone applying for Social specific VA medical centers after visiting a remote rural medical Security checks and other federal across the country. VA also clinic. They were taken to a moun- benefits on and after that date to utilizes several VA sharing tainous area about 50 miles from the receive their payments electronically. agreements with University affiliates and local emergency Those who began receiving Social contracts for critical heart and Security checks before May of 2011 liver cases. Locations where have until March 1, 2013, to sign up transplants are performed for electronic payments, the Treasury Department announced. Those who include (* indicates VHA don’t sign up to have their Social approved but not yet Security checks direct-deposited by operational):

Ex-POW Bulletin Bone Marrow Transplant - Seattle Mar/Apr 2013 WA, Nashville TN, and San 24 Antonio TX possibility of doing assessments news, continued without an in-person examination when there is sufficient information Pakistan border. Joseph has been in the record. Morning Star’s medical adviser for three years. Under ACE practices, a VA medical provider completes a Disability Morning Star was quickly in contact Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) by with the captors, although it was not reviewing existing medical clear who was responsible, Taliban evidence. This evidence can be or smugglers. Afghan residents in- supplemented with information cluding elders and tribal chiefs obtained during a telephone quickly became involved in the ne- interview with the Veteran – gotiations and talks, and Joseph’s alleviating the need for some two Afghan colleagues, one of whom Veterans to report for an in-person is also a physician and the other, a examination. driver/ administrative staffer, were released fairly quickly. The kidnap- “ACE is a process improvement that pers demanded $100,000 in ransom, will help us meet our goal to elimi- and while Morning Star paid no nate the claims backlog and pro- money, the Afghan physician’s fam- vide more timely benefits to our ily reportedly paid $12,000 to “smug- Veterans, their families and survi- glers”. vors,” said Undersecretary for Ben- efits Allison A. Hickey. “The initia- However, multiple intelligence tive also saves Veterans the inconve- sources informed the Department of team; he enlisted right after gradua- nience and costs associated with Defense that Dr. Joseph, who had not tion and served in Iraq where he attending a medical examination.” been released, was in imminent dan- earned many commendations includ- ger of injury or death, and GEN John ing the Bronze Star and two others When a VA medical provider deter- R. Allen, USMC, commander of U.S. for combat valor. He joined the East mines VA records already contain forces in Afghanistan, ordered a mis- Coast based Naval Special Warfare sufficient medical information to sion to rescue him from captivity. Command unit in 2008; it was the provide the needed documentation After several days of on and off ne- elite group that killed Osama bin for disability rating purposes, the gotiating, the Navy’s Special Warfare Laden in May 2011. Cheque’s hero- requirement for Veterans to travel to Development Group, more usually ism and that of his fellow special a medical facility for an examination known as SEAL Team Six, was noti- operators has been since praised by may be eliminated. fied. Said to have rehearsed in depth, President Barack Obama and De- the raid was successful in releasing fense Secretary Leon Panetta as re- If VA can complete a DBQ by review- Dr. Joseph from captivity. During that flecting the highest ideals of citizen- ing medical records already on file, action on the hideout where he was ship, sacrifice and service upheld. it will use the ACE process. This being held, at least 2 Taliban lead- would then expedite the determina- ers (Shah and Raza Gul) were ar- tion of disability ratings – in turn rested, and 6-7 Taliban insurgents Medical VA eliminating the wait time to sched- died, as well as an American Special ule and conduct an exam from the Forces member. Records Review claims process. The SEAL Team The Department of Veterans Affairs During a 15-month pilot test at one 6 member who has launched a new initiative that VA regional claims processing office, died in the suc- could eliminate the requirement for 38 percent of claims submitted were cessful rescue an in-person medical examination for eligible for ACE. of the American some Veterans and shorten the time physician was it takes to process Veterans’ The ACE initiative is a part of the 28 year old disability compensation claims. VBA’s agency-wide Transformation Petty Officer 1st Plan – a five-year, multifaceted orga- Class Nicholas The initiative is called Acceptable nizational change that is based on D. Cheque, a highly decorated vet- Clinical Evidence (ACE). This more than 40 personnel, process and eran from Monroeville, PA who lived initiative was developed by both the technology initiatives designed to in Virginia Beach, VA. He was a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 2002 graduate of Norwin High and the Veterans Benefits improve claims processing. School in North Huntingdon, PA, an Administration (VBA) in a joint effort Ex-POW Bulletin eastern suburb of Pittsburgh where to provide a Veteran-centric Mar/Apr 2013 he was a member of the wrestling approach for disability examinations. Use of the ACE process opens the 25 bers including on social media sites Another Positive Facet emanating from Baylor County, TX.

of New Technologies and On December 7, 2012, the body of POW/MIAs Bobby Ray King was returned to his remaining family members with burial by Alice A. Booher at the Dallas-Worth Worth National Cemetery. Also returned to the fam- In the January-February 2013 issue ily was a packet of letters from his of this magazine, you read about new mother to the Army written after he forensics and facilities related to SGT King’s status was changed from was declared MIA. Bobby Ray’s great POW/MIA Recovery both at the MIA to KIA with a date of death niece, Danna Yeates, who had been longstanding facility in Hawaii and shown as Aug. 12, 1950, but a posi- 2 years old when her Uncle Bobby at a new facility at Offutt AFB, OK. tive ID of his body remained elusive. died, accepted his Purple Heart rib- Thus, it should not come as a sur- However, there were folks who bon. Yeate’s own son just finished a prise that resolutions to some long- wanted some answers, not the least stint in the Marines. held secrets are finally surfacing. of whom was Sgt. Dylan Shaw, the One special answer recently came to Army casualty officer assigned to surviving family members of a young King’s family in Burleson, TX. His Missing/Captured man with the straight-forward name, persistence was aided by family Of the 16 million Americans who Bobby Ray King. members, including Bobby Ray’s served in WWII, more than 400,000 mother, who sent the Army a photo died during the war. At the end of Bobby Ray, all of her son smiling in his uniform. Her the war, there were approximately 114 lbs. of boy had had a tooth knocked out as 79,000 Americans unaccounted for. him on a 5 a kid, and fact which was clearly This number included those buried foot, 5inch demonstrated in the photo; that small with honor as unknowns, officially frame, was 17 fact helped in the positive ID some buried at sea, lost at sea, and miss- years old 6 decades later, in Spring 2012, when ing in action. Today, more than 73,000 when he combined with dental records and Americans remain unaccounted for. joined the U.S. enhanced X-ray technology. En- Army from hanced techniques including spe- During Operation Glory in 1954, North Seymour, TX. cialized chest radiology had initially Korea returned the remains of more Born in 1931 led the command to disinter several than 3,000 Americans. Concurrently, in Bastrop caskets containing unidentified re- U.S. Graves Registration teams recov- County, TX, to Ben F. and Drake Vada mains. ered remains from South Korean Maye King, Bobby Ray was with the battlefields. The United States iden- Battery A, 90th Field Artillery Battal- According to the Joint POW/MIA Ac- tified thousands of these remains. In ion, 25th Infantry Division as he be- counting Command, more than 7,900 1956, a total of 848 that could not came victim of what would become service personnel remain unac- be identified were buried in the Na- known in history as a war-crime, the counted for from the Korean War. tional Memorial Cemetery of the Pa- Bloody Gulch Massacre. The unit had Punchbowl itself includes more than cific, known as the Punchbowl. Oth- been surrounded when North Kore- 2,900 unknown burials from both ers were added later as unknowns. ans opened fire on them. The North WWII and Korean Conflict. Astound- Koreans rounded up 75 POWs, whom ing statistics with regard to the un- There aremore than 1600 Americans they lined up and shot. known remains and their resting places and status with Punchbowl listed by the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) as missing King was declared MIA, and while are found on the Cemetery website. and unaccounted-for from the Viet- his body was thought to have been [Punchbowl, which now almost ex- nam War. The number of Americans found in a foxhole in South Korea’s clusively accepts cremated remains, announced as returned and identi- Pongam-ni, it could not then be posi- is administered by the U.S. Depart- fied since the end of the Vietnam War tively identified. He was buried with ment of Veterans Affairs; a new, in 1975 is now 911. Another 63 US full military honors as an unknown separately administered veterans (Ha- personnel, recovered post-incident soldier, “X-216” in the “Courts of the waii State Veterans Cemetery) cem- and identified before the end of the Missing” area of Honolulu’s National etery has been built and dedicated war, bring the officially listed total Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, on the windward side of Oahu at recovered and identified to 974. known as “Punchbowl” for its con- Kaneohe that provides for in-ground figuration resting within a dormant burials of veterans and their depen- volcanic crater. Several years later dents.] US Service member reported missing or captured while supporting Ex-POW Bulletin After SGT King’s remains had been combat operations: Mar/Apr 2013 identified, the military instigated an Army Spc. Bowe R. Bergdahi, 25, 26 intensified outreach for family mem- June 30,2009, Afghanistan your interest in writing to me along She’s been interested in POWs and with many others. recording their stories ever since. — Minnie Woodward, Austin, Minn., Over time, she has built up a reputa- Your April 1943. tion, interviewing POWs across the country. It was in this way that Bur- Letters like these were all but for- gess came by the suitcase. Stories gotten — stashed in an old suitcase found in an old house — until last A woman in the 1980s bought a home fall. They tell of the Americans cap- in Sheridan. There, she found an old, tured by Japanese troops during black suitcase stuffed with letters. Letters found in a World War II and the agony of their She held onto it for years, waiting for Wyoming suitcase tell families, waiting for word of their the right person to give it to. Then story of World War II loved ones. Burgess came along. POWs They also tell of a woman sitting by A look inside the suitcase reveals a her radio, scanning the airways for jumbled stack of 3-by 5-inch By Benjamin Storrow shortwave broadcasts from Japan, in notecards tied with a red bow, hopes of hearing news of American scrolls of paper and stacks of let- POWs. ters and postcards. Together they might tell a hundred The suitcase stories, or a thousand.

Mrs. Reed Mrs. Reed is Cora Reed. Her obituary says she was born in 1897 in Denton, Texas. In 1932, she married George E. Reed in Hardin, Mont. George was a therapist with the Veterans Administration at Fort The letters came from all over. They McKenzie. He died in 1978. Cora came from small towns like Keokuk, died in 1980. The couple’s two sons Iowa, and Rockland Ill., and big ones are also dead, each dying at relatively like St. Louis and Philadelphia. Some young ages. arrived on fancy letterhead, others Val Burgess, a Sheridan resident, is on postcards. an amateur historian with a During the war, the Sheridan Press longstanding interest in prisoners of interviewed Cora about her letter Most start like this: Dear Mrs. Reed, war. Her uncle Vernon Burda was a writing. She began listening to Japa- thank you. navigator in a B-24 bomber shot nese POW broadcasts in December I wish to thank you for sending me down over Croatia during World War 1942. Whenever she heard an Ameri- the message from my husband, Col. II. He survived 10 months in a Ger- can prisoner’s name, she wrote to Thomas Austin Lynch, who is a pris- man POW camp. members of his family. oner of war in Taiwan Camp on Formosa. I have not heard from him Burda expressed a desire in 1993 since Dec. 1941 and this is the first At that time, she had received 300 to return to the place where he was message I have had. responses from families in every state once held captive. Burgess was fas- — Grace C. Lynch, Chicago, Ill., in the union except Delaware, South cinated. It was the first time her March, 1943 Dakota, Mississippi and Wyoming. uncle spoke of his experience in the war. A commercial designer, she of- She told the paper that it was some- We sincerely appreciate and thank fered to help organize a fundraising times difficult to hear the names of you for relaying the message from campaign so Burda and other survi- the soldiers because the Japanese our son… We thank God and may vors of the camp could go back. broadcaster flipped his l’s and r’s. He bless you for your kindness in Soon her phone started ringing with Noise at a construction shop across writing us. people eager to learn more about the the street from her home also made — Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Nugent, trip. Many were old POWs. Hawesville, Ky., it difficult to hear sometimes. February, 1943 “They turned into these amazing people with these stories they were We have been writing since Jan. when telling me,” Burgess said. “It was like Ex-POW Bulletin the war department sent us instruc- ‘Are you kidding me? You did what?’” Mar/Apr 2013 tions etc. but evidently the mail has not yet been received. I appreciate 27 Many of the responses received by sincere desire to render a service to letters, cont’d Reed mention other letter writers. the relatives of prisoners of war.” But, he added, “It is the policy of this “A name like Smith or Jones isn’t so office to discourage individuals in bad, but when you try to get a name Soldiers sometimes spoke during the forwarding shortwave messages. To like Uczyuski or Kondrzsiewicz com- POW broadcasts, Hochfelder said. In do so is a duplication of the service ing in Japanese phonetics with a little other instances Japanese broadcast- now rendered by government agen- static mixed in, it’s a real job to get ers read out letters composed by the cies.” it right,” Reed told the paper. prisoners. They typically listed the soldier’s name, his next of kin and a message for his family. Reed told the Press she stopped She frequently used a postal direc- writing after receiving the War De- tory with listings throughout the partment message, but that re- country to track down the right “The purpose of these broadcasts sponses from her previously written names. George filed the names of all was to draw listeners,” Hochfelder letters were still coming in from the soldiers’ families to whom she said. “They would intersperse the across the country. She never wrote wrote. On a large map of the United POWs in with the slanted news items.” the families back after hearing from States, he placed a white pin for The recordings appear accurate, he them. each card sent and a red pin for each said, noting they were designed to card received. boost the rest of the broadcast’s credibility. Listeners were urged to “Our family isn’t much to write,” she record the POW messages and inform explained. Little else is known about the Reeds, their next of kin. Burgess said. She has researched the former Sheridan couple since Octo- The future ber, when she acquired the suitcase, That made them unpopular with the Burgess hopes to make an online but has turned up little outside the U.S. government, which worried about database of all the soldiers and newspaper article. citizens listening to enemy propa- families listed in Reed’s letters. She ganda. Listening was not illegal, but spends her free time poring over the disseminating the content was. documents and researching the men It says the Reeds were longtime and women mentioned. hobby radio listeners before they started listening to the Japanese The Foreign Broadcast Intelligence broadcasts. Service attempted to discourage let- She has, for instance, located the deter writers like Reed. Sometimes they scendants of a general and his wife wrote writers asking them to stop. who were captured in the Philip- Shortwave nation Other times they sent uniformed mili- pines. The family, who lives in Con- Theirs was a common hobby, said tary personnel to writers’ homes. necticut, was exhilarated at news of David Hochfelder, assistant profes- their forbearers. sor of history at the State University of New York, Albany, who is research- “In the 1930s and ’40s radio was so ing wartime radio broadcasts from new, people didn’t understand the Yet to catalog all the letters, research Germany, Italy and Japan. social psychology,” Hochfelder said. all the individuals involved and com- “People attributed the fall of France pile that information on a website is to Nazi propaganda.” labor intensive. Burgess is request- It is unknown how many Americans ing grants she hopes will allow her tuned into these wartime broadcasts, to take on the work full time. Hochfelder said, but he knows of one family that received around 140 letters regarding an interned relative Building an online archive will allow mentioned on Radio Tokyo. people today to learn more about what their families went through during the war, Burgess said. These let- Jerry Berg, an author of three books ters represent their family history. on shortwave radio, agreed.

“These are peoples’ lives,” she said. “There were a lot of women,” Berg “Right now we are bringing so many said in a telephone interview from thousands home.” his home in Massachusetts. “This was something they could do at home and feel they were doing to help the war Cora Reed received a letter from the © Copyright 2013, Casper Star-Tri- effort.” War Department. bune Online

Ex-POW Bulletin “Dear Mrs. Reed,” Col. Howard F. Mar/Apr 2013 Bresee wrote in a letter dated April 17, 1943. “You may rest assured this 28 government is greatful [sic] for your AXPOW – Forged in Wartime…Tempered by Peace

V.H. Spensley, whose son was also Fierce Japa- captured, the Bataan Relief Orga- nese as- nization was created to provide saults be- supplies and support to the sur- gan on vivors of Bataan. Their motto: January 9th, “We will not let them down” and gradu- struck a responsive chord in ev- ally forced ery family with a child, parent, American brother or sister fighting for the and Filipino light of freedom. troops deeper into It has been a long process from the jungles. these two mothers to the very When the special organization we now US ordered have, but we have not forgotten General our roots. We are families. And MacArthur we are unique in that respect. We to leave the have no associate members or 1940’s officers Philippines auxiliaries. We believe that our in March, his armies appeared to former prisoners survived be- be holding the Japanese to a draw, It all began on December 24, 1941. cause they were loved. And they but dwindling supplies of food General MacArthur had desig- came home to stand arm in arm and medical supplies weakened nated Bataan as the center of with the ones who loved them to them. MacArthur insisted the American resistance to the Japa- help ensure that their experiences Americans could hold out until nese invasion of the Philippines. would not be forgotten next time May. They could not. On April 9, On Christmas Eve, he ordered his Americans paid with their free- 1942, they surrendered. And the forces to withdraw and prepare dom to fight for ours. most horrific death march in his- for a last stand. The conditions tory began. of the peninsula – jungle, swamp Families are our strength. It is the and mountains – that were ideal family that provides the unwaver- So too, begins our story. The idea for repelling the invaders, also ing love and support for all of us. for our organization began with made Bataan almost impossible And it is the family that makes it two mothers – Mrs. Charles W. to supply, and shortages of food possible for us to live up to our Bickford and Mrs. Fred E. Landon and medicine plagued the forces motto: “We exist to help those – whose sons were captured by throughout the siege. who cannot help themselves.” the Japanese. With the help of Dr. April 9th…uniquely ours

The Fall of Bataan and the seed that became AXPOW began on April 9, 1942.

The first National Convention was held on April 9, 1948 in Albu- querque, New Mexico. It was the beginning of the creation of a truly national organization for ex-POWs from all conflicts. To- day, membership is made up of ex-POWs and families from the

Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 29 AXPOW – Forged in Wartime…Tempered by Peace ers from both House of Con- continued gress. After Congress discontin- ued commemorative days, we began receiving Presiden- tial Proclamations. In 2012, President Obama’s latest proclamation paid tribute to all former prisoners of war…

“For more than 200 years, members of our Armed Forces have upheld an oath to protect and defend. In times of war, generations have an- swered our country’s call with courage and valor, braving the peril of combat and pressing onward in the face of tremendous adversity. Their extraordinary service reflects our highest ideals, and their sacrifice will forever live on in our national Statuary Hall April 9, 1992 memory. On National Former Sen. John McCain, Reps. Sam Johnson & Pete Peterson, AXPOW Executive Prisoner of War Recognition Day, Director Chuck Williams, Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell (at podium), we pay solemn tribute to those pa- triots who gave their freedom to House Speaker Tom Foley…what an honor! preserve our own… Revolutionary War to Desert think you have an excellent point Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, China there, too. The suggestion of As- NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK and Iraq. As future POWs come sociated Prisoners of War would OBAMA, President of the United home, we expect to meet them have been pretty good, until they States of America, by virtue of the with open arms and support. dropped an atom bomb on authority vested in me by the Con- Hiroshima, and immediately af- stitution and the laws of the United (thanks to Helen Smith): The sec- ter that there were no more pris- States, do hereby proclaim April 9, ond national convention of oners of war – among the Ameri- 2012, as National Former Prisoner Bataan Veterans Organization cans at least. Then we became ex- of War Recognition Day. I call upon held in Hollywood, CA, April 8- prisoners of war. all Americans to observe this day 10, 1949. At the afternoon ses- of remembrance by honoring all sion on April 8, the topic was On the literature, on the public- American prisoners of war, our NAME CHANGE. Several sugges- ity, on everything that we have service members, and our veter- tions were made. One suggested posted to publicize this conven- ans. I also call upon Federal, State, was Associated Prisoners of War. tion, under the name Bataan Vet- and local government officials and Kenneth Day made the following erans Organization is Former organizations to observe this day statement: Quote from April 8-10, Prisoner of War.” with appropriate ceremonies and 1949 minutes. “We are now try- activities.” ing to change the form of this The name chosen was American Ex-Prisoners of War. group. We are trying to make it a With our unique special focus on national organization of ex-pris- EX-Prisoners of War – those who April 9th was chosen by AXPOW as oners. Not prisoners. I am not a have returned to their homes OUR unique Day of Recognition. prisoner of war. I am an ex-pris- and families, and our unique ex- Until the mid-1990s, we enjoyed oner of war. I am sorry to have pertise in welcoming these Ex- annual Congressional Proclama- to disagree with you on that. I POWs and their families from ALL tions. For our 50th anniversary in wars, we expect our future mem- 1992, we were given special rec- Ex-POW Bulletin bership to be smaller, but no less ognition with a ceremony in Mar/Apr 2013 dedicated to this special group of Statuary Hall, with guest speak- 30 heroes and those who love them. In memory of PNC Gerald Francis Plumly, Barnesville OH contributions Harvey, by friends of daughter In memory of Friends and Judy Miller Comrades, by Lincoln Hanscom In memory of PNC Gerald In memory of Lt Col Grant M Harvey, by G & S Evans Bird, by Jean Bird In memory of PNC Gerald In memory of Mathew S. Martin, Harvey, by Gloria Myers by Ruth Martin In memory of PNC Gerald In memory of PNC Gerald Harvey, by James & Georgia Harvey, by PNC Carroll & Bar- Please send donations to: Chapman bara Bogard National Headquarters, 3201 East In memory of PNC Gerald James Mariano, Warren OH Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Harvey, by Nancy Hoyt John H Miller, Sonoma CA Arlington, TX 76010. In memory of PNC Gerald John J Walsh, Paradise Valley AZ Harvey, by Sally Morgan Joseph B DiJiosia, Checks must be made payable to In memory of PNC Gerald Conshohocken PA AXPOW or American Ex-Prisoners Harvey, by Southwest Iowa K ‘Kracker’ Avedisian, Cranston of War You can also make a Chapter RI donation with a credit card In memory of PNC Gerald Leonard Todd, Lompoc CA (MasterCard or Visa). Just call 817- Harvey, by Suncoast Chapter Mary Enyeart, Canon City CO 649-2979. Thank you! In memory of PNC Jim Clark, by Milton Reinke, Madison WI Sally Morgan Steve & Jean Glowacki, In memory of Robert B Hawkins, Piscataway NJ GENERAL FUND by Adeline Robinson Mahoning Valley Chapter, Ohio In memory of Roger C Fournier, The Legacy of your love In memory of Bill Dopf, by C the Suncoast Chapter can live on after… Norman Gustafson In memory of six fellow Kriegies at Luft I who were form In memory of Clinton White- An important way you can help our hometown of Oak Park IL, by head, by Mary Sue Whitehead ensure that the American Ex-Pris- John Schick In memory of Donald Powell, by oners of War is always there for Helen Powell returning POWs, their families BULLETIN In memory of Edward and their dependents is through Frank & Mae Koehler, Toms Youngers, by Adeline Robinson your will or living trust. In memory of Frank H DeVivo, River NJ Bonnie Weatherford, Loudon TN by Adeline Robinson It’s very simple to make a be- Brooklyn ‘Key’ Chapter, Brook- In memory of Jack Haus, by quest to the American Ex-Prison- lyn NY John Thacher Jr ers of War. Just add the follow- In memory of James Nichols, ing to your will or living trust: “I LEGISLATIVE FUND by Marvin & Josephine give, devise and bequeath to the In memory of Ruth E Sterling, Roslansky American Ex-Prisoners of War, by the Department of Maryland In memory of Joyce Garivay, by 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Sally Morgan Arlington, TX 76010, the sum of MEDSEARCH In memory of Louis $______or ______percent of the Mahoning Valley Chapter, Ohio Staudenmeier, by Kate & Frank rest, residue and remainder of In memory of Dale Albright, by Staudenmeier my estate.” In memory of Lynn McNew the Northwest Central Ohio Chapter Smart, by Evon Collins Please take a few minutes of your In memory of Eino ‘Stacy’ In memory of Milton Henry time to help. Littke, by Friends from Timber- Wiitala, by the Department of lands Technology R&D, Maryland Weyerhauser In memory of Miriam L Long, by In memory of Neil Overturf, by the Department of Maryland his family In memory of William Gast, by In memory of Neil Overturf, by the Northwest Central Ohio Karen Kennedy Chapter In memory of PNC Gerald Harvey, by Adeline Robinson VOLUNTARY FUNDING Ex-POW Bulletin Connie Leary, Pittsburgh PA In memory of PNC Gerald Mar/Apr 2013 Harvey, by Frank & Mae Koehler Edward Wallner, Edison NJ Elizabeth J Wilson, Sioux City IA 31 new members

National Headquarters 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010; (817) 649-2979 [email protected] New Members “Welcome Home” Joseph North, Jr Las Vegas NV USMC 3 BN 3 MC Hq Co 10/18/65, escaped 10/29/65

Certificate of Captivity

Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½” x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theater of operation. To receive this certificate from AXPOW, please order from National Headquarters. If you are ordering at Convention, you can place your order in the Merchandise Room. We will need your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations. You can call 817-649-2979 or email: Ex-POW Bulletin [email protected]. Mar/Apr 2013 You may include a 32 picture with your order. taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Past National Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Commander Doctor of Ministry at the Gerald Scott Harvey Midwestern Baptist Theological May 2, 1925 - January 1, 2013 Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He was recognized as a master photographer by the Professional Photographers of America. On August 10, 1946, he was united in marriage to Eunice

National Director, Junior Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Com- mander and National Com- Pearl Listrom in St. Louis, mander 2005-2006. He was the National Commander 2005-2006 Missouri. She preceded him in organization’s current National death on March 16, 2012. They Chaplain. Gerald Harvey, age 87, a resident served as Baptist Missionaries, of Chillicothe, Missouri, went for 24 years, in the southern Survivors include five daughters, home to meet his Lord at The African country of Rhodesia/ Judy Miller and husband Gary of Baptist Home, Chillicothe, Zimbabwe. Following their Chillicothe, Missouri, Janet Missouri, on Tuesday, January 1, missionary service they traveled Graves and husband Dudley of 2013. all over the world visiting family, Rome, Italy, Jill Owens and hus- missionary families, and seeing band Tim of Bangkok, Thailand, He was born the son of Scott and new places. After retirement Joy Simpson and husband Gertrude (Scadden) Harvey on from the mission field he worked Kendall of Olathe, Kansas, and May 2, 1925, in St. Joseph, at State Fair Community College Jennifer Wright and husband Missouri. He was a 1943 graduate in Sedalia in the media Bobby of Sedalia, Missouri; 28 from Central High School, St. department and teaching grandchildren and 11 great- Joseph, Missouri. After photographic classes. grandchildren. He was preceded graduation, Gerald volunteered in death by his parents, and wife, for the AAF and trained as a Radio Gerald was a member of the First Eunice Harvey. Operator-Gunner. Assigned to the Baptist Church, Chillicothe, Mis- 8th AF, 401st BG at Deenethorpe, souri, and a former member of Memorial contributions may be England, he was shot down and the First Baptist Church, Sedalia, made to the North Missouri Bap- crashed into the North Sea. He Missouri. He had been an active tist Home and/or American Ex- was held in prison camps in life member of AXPOW since Prisoners of War and may be left Oberusel, Wetzler, Stalag XIIID 1988. He served as Sr. Vice Com- at or mailed to Lindley Funeral and VIIA before being liberated by mander, Commander and Chap- Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, MO General Patton on Apr. 29, 1945. lain of the Missouri State Fair 64601. He attended William Jewell Chapter; as Chaplain, Jr. Vice, Sr. College where he earned his B.A. Ex-POW Bulletin Vice and Commander of the degree. He completed a Master of Mar/Apr 2013 Dept. of Missouri. He served as a Divinity at the Southern Baptist 33 of Maurice, LA; He has taps continued... eight grandchildren, . Chris Roberdeau and Past National wife Shelby of Seattle, Commander WA; Jen Roberdeau and husband Ken Schelper of James Austin Clark II LaCrosse, WI; Ashley Al- January 28, 1922-January 26, 2013 mond, Debbie Hernandez and husband National Commander 2008-2009 Leo all of Alamogordo, NM; Mark Almond and wife Penny of Captain, a successful business, Clark’s NM; Dawn Cuellar and husband Home Furnishing Center, and Tim of Fort Smith, AR; James remained an active member of the business community until his retirement 32 years later. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bastrop. Jim was a workhorse at both the local and national levels of AX- POW for the past 32 years. He organized the N.E. LA Chapter and was Commander for almost 12 years. He is also the Dept. of LA Commander – a post he’d held since 1987. Jim completed 12 years as National Director, two terms as JVC, Senior Vice Com- James “Jim” Austin Clark II mander and National Com- passed away January 26, 2013, two mander. He and his wife, Jerri, days before his 91st birthday. Mr. “Chip” Austin Clark IV and wife hosted the successful Baton Clark was born January 28, 1922 Kaysha, Dr. Jacob Scott Clark and Rouge Convention in 1998. He in Milford, Nebraska. He attended wife Roxanne all of Lafayette, LA. has also been chairman of three the University of Oklahoma and He has 13 great-grandchildren. 13 national committees. enlisted in the Army Air Corps in great-grandchildren. January, 1942. AGLER, Betty L, 83, of Van Wert, OH Jim was assigned to the 362nd died Aug. 23, 2012. She and her Fighter Group, 378th squadron, husband, Joseph who preceded her 9th Air Force, as a Fighter Pilot. in death, were faithful members of On July, 23 1944, he was shot the Northwest Central Ohio Chapter down by flak over St. Lo and he #7 since 1985. She is survived by 1 became a prisoner of war, held in daughter, 2 sons, 2 brothers, 3 Stalag Luft III, XIIID and VIIA. He sisters, 7 grandchildren and 8 great- was liberated April 29, 1945. grandchildren.

Just prior to his overseas service, ALBRIGHT, Dale E., 87, of Bluffton, Jim married Lessie Geraldine OH died Dec. 20, 2012. He was an “Jerri” Jarvis of St. Petersburg, active member of the Northwest Florida. At the time of his death, Central Ohio Chapter #7 since 1984. th they had been married for 69 During WWII, he served with the 15 AF, 775th BS, 463rd BG. Survivors years. include 1 son, 1 daughter, 4 Jim moved his family to Bastrop, Jim is survived by his wife, Jerri, grandchildren and great- Louisiana in 1961. He established and three children, Carole Ann grandchildren. Roberdeau and husband Danny of Ex-POW Bulletin Milwaukee, WI; Jerry Lee Clark of ALLEGER, Etta, 87, of Palm Harbor, Mar/Apr 2013 Alamogordo, NM; James “Jim” FL died December 3, 2012. She is survived by Charles, her husband of 34 Austin Clark III and wife Shirley 23, 1944 during the Battle of the WWII and was captured while trying taps continued... Bulge and held in Stalag IV-B until to take the Italian town of Cisterna. liberation. Glen is survived by his He spent 1 year as a POW. Survivors 68 years, 1 daughter and 3 sons. Etta wife of 64 years, Louise, 4 children include his wife of 62 years, and her husband are members of the and 7 grandchildren. Geraldine, 1 daughter, 1 son, 2 grand- Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. She was children and 1 sister a sweet, gentle lady. BUSH, Hildegard, 83 of Sun City, Ari- zona was born in Rheingonheim, Ger- FENTON, John L, of Littleton, CO ARZAGA, Eulalio “Ely”, of Killeen, many passed away on January 25, passed away Jan. 5, 2013. He was Texas, died December 12, 2012. Ely 2013. Hilda, widow of Maurice E. 89. He served in the Infantry during was a member of the Philippine Bush, was a long time member of the WWII; 83rd Div., 331st Inf., K Co. BRZSR. Scouts of the US Army and was as- Agua Fria Chapter, Sun City, Arizona. He was captured and held in 4B, 12D signed to 26th CAV Regt. A member and 4F. 5 children, 10 grandchildren, of the Cen-Tex Chapter, he was a CAPEN, Grace, E., 82, of Sacramento, 1 sister and 1 brother survive him. survivor of the Bataan Death March. CA passed away December 10, 2012. Jack was a member of the Mile High He is survived by his wife, Anna. Grace was the widow of Morris Chapter, AXPOW. Capen, civilian internee, Santo Tomas BERNS, Lawrence L., 86, of Elkader, Internment Camp/Los Banos Intern- FOURNIER, Roger C. of Stuart, FL IA passed away April 15, 2012. Dur- ment Camp, WWII, Philippine Islands. and Barkhamsted, CT passed away ing WWII, he served in the AAC on a Grace and Morris were both life December 1, 2013. He became a B24 Liberator. He was shot down members of AXPOW and former, long- POW in WWII while serving as a Tech over Hungary, captured and held un- time members of the 49ers Chapter, Sgt. /Squad Leader in the Army’s til liberation. He was a life member Sacramento, AXPOW. Survivors in- 106th Infantry Div. He is survived by of AXPOW. His first wife, Marguer- clude 2 daughters. his wife of 61 years, Loretta, two sons ite, predeceased him; he leaves 9 and one daughter, four grandchil- children, his wife Ethelyn, 2 stepchil- COLE, Robert L, died January 16, dren, two brothers, two sisters, and dren and many friends. 2013. He served during WWII in ETO, numerous nieces and nephews. 8th AF, as a B-17 Radio Operator. He Roger was a member of the Suncoast BETTS, Betty Jane passed away Nov. was shot down over Germany and Chapter, AXPOW. 5, 2012. She was 91 and was the held in Stalags VI, IV, VIIA, XIIID. He widow of Ex-POW David C. Betts. She is survived by Dorothy, his wife of GALAZIA, Charles L., 85, of is survived by 3 children, 10 grand- 65 years; 1 daughter and 2 grand- Austintown, OH died Dec. 28, 2012. children and 6 great-grandchildren. children. He was a member of the During the Korean War, he was cap- Florida Gulf Chapter, AXPOW. tured while serving in the Army; he BEVERS, Lee, of Watertown, SD died spent 28 months in a POW camp. He Jan. 5, 2013. He was 92. He was cap- DeVIVO, Frank H., of Council Bluffs, will be sadly missed by his friend tured while serving with the 8th AF, IA died Dec. 1, 2012 at the age of Norma Bichum and his extended 96th BG, flying out of England and 91. He was captured on Corregidor family and friends. he was sent to Luft I in Barth. Lee on May 8, 1942 and was a POW for 3 was a life member of AXPOW. He was ½ years in slave labor camps, forced GARIVAY, Joyce, of San Antonio, TX preceded in death by 3 wives; he is marches and a “hellship” voyage to died Jan. 17, 2013. She was the survived by his wife, Jeann, 3 sons, 6 northern Japan. Frank was a charter widow of Raul “Buster” Garivay, WWII grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, member of the first chapter in Iowa POW. Joyce was an active member 3 brothers, 3 sisters and extended and the Iowa state dept. He leaves and frequent sight at National and family. his wife of 66 years, Doris, 2 daugh- State Dept. conventions. She always ters, 2 sons, 10 grandchildren and had a big smile for everyone she met. BROWN, Forrest, of North Conway, 11 great-grandchildren. Survivors include 1 nephew, several NH passed away Nov. 13, 2012 at cousins, special friends Paul and the age of 94. During WWII, he served DEWIG, Fred J., 92, of Evansville, IN Sina Chandler and Mauro Escalante. in the Army and was a POW. His lov- passed away Jan. 9, 2013. He was She will be missed by everyone. ing wife, Elizabeth, survives him; he captured while serving with the 8th also leaves 2 sons, 1 daughter, 7 AF, 305th BG. He was held 28 months GAST, William H., 89, of St. Henry, grandchildren, 10 great-grandchil- in Stalags VIIIB, IIIB and XVIIB. His OH died Nov. 3, 2012 at the age of dren and his beloved dog, Daisy. wife of 66 years, Betty, survives him; 89. He served in the 8th AF and was he also leaves 3 daughters, 1 son, 7 a POW during WWII. He leaves his BURCHBY, Glen R., 88, of West grandchildren and 3 great-grandchil- wife, Geraldine, 4 daughters, 2 sons, Lafayette, IN (formerly of Kodak, TN) dren. He was a life member of AX- 1 brother, 1 sister, 15 grandchildren died Nov. 28, 2012. He was a life POW. and 17 great-grandchildren. member of AXPOW and former com- Ex-POW Bulletin mander of the Smoky Mt. Chapter. FEDORS, John Sr., of Berkeley Town- During WWII, he served with the 7th ship, NJ died Sept. 2, 2012 at the age Mar/Apr 2013 Armored Div. He was captured Dec. of 91. He joined the Rangers during 35 HOLDER, Clementi L., 92, of Athens, while serving with the Army Signal taps continued... GA died Jan. 23, 2013. She was the Corps in the Philippines; he survived widow of Ex-POW Howard “Boomer” the Bataan Death March and 3 ½ Holder (POW in Oflag 64 after his years of captivity. Survivors include GATERMAN, Walter N, of Missouri capture in North Africa). She is sur- 3 children, 5 grandchildren and a passed away January 4, 2013. Be- vived by four children and three large extended family. loved husband of Maxine; loving fa- grandchildren. ther of 3; cherished grandfather of RENO, William E. Jr., 93, of 6; dear great-grandfather of 11. KEARBEY, Byron Robert, of Leawood, KS passed away Dec. 17, Uncle, cousin and friend to many. He Dunnellon Florida, passed away at 2012. He was a POW during WWII. He served his country in the US Army’s the age of 88 on August 28, 2012. is survived by 2 sons and a special 28th Infantry Division in WWII. He was He was captured in the Philippines nephew, 9 grandchildren and 7 great- an ex-POW (Stalag 4B) and a charter and imprisoned at Tarlac and grandchildren. member of Veterans of the Battle of Cabanatuan #1 before being shipped the Bulge. to Niigata 5B in Japan, where he most RIZIO, Anthony J. Jr., 93, of of his 3 years of captivity, before Saratoga Springs, NY passed away GOODNO, Robert, of Parish, NY died being liberated in September 1945. Mar. 23, 2012. He was captured while December 18, 2012. He served in the He was preceded in death by his lov- serving with the 15th AF flying out of European Theater: H Co, 351st Infan- ing wife Darlene and 2 sons. He is Foggia, Italy, 773rd BS and held in try, 88th Division. He was held in survived by son Garrett, 5 grandchil- Lufts I and IV. He was a member of Stalag VIIA/Arbeit-Komm 3990/Ger- dren, and 2 great-grandchildren. the Northeast NY Chapter, AXPOW. many; Moderna, Italy; and in 3 other He is survived by his 2 loving sons, 2 camps in Italy. He is survived by his LONG, Clifton A., of Yoakum, TX grandchildren and nieces and neph- wife of 30 years, Loucile; 3 sons, 3 died Jan. 11, 2012 at the age of 91. ews. stepsons, and 2 stepdaughters. He He served in the Army during WWII was a long-time member of the and was a POW. He leaves 1 daugh- SAUNDERS, Paul Hayward, of Salt Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, AXPOW. ter, 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grand- Lake City, UT died Mar. 30, 2012. He children and 1 sister and their fami- served in the Army during WWII, 612th GUTIERREZ, Pablo P., of Bayard, NM lies. Tank Destroyer Bn. He was captured died Dec. 17 at age 93. He served in the Battle of the Bulge and held with the National Guard’s 200th/ LONG, Robert “Bob”, of Columbus, in a work camp near Chemnitz. His 515th Coast Artillery, deployed to OH died January 11, 2013. He was wife of 66 years, Edna May survives the Philippines during WWII. On April an engineer and top gunner on a B- him; also 3 daughters, 11 grandchil- 9, 1942, U.S. and Filipino forces were 17, 367th BG, 8th AF. After capture, dren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 surrendered. He survived the Bataan he was held in Lufts 6 and 4. He is great-great-grandchild. Death March and 3 ½ years of cap- survived by one son, three grandchil- tivity before being liberated. He dren and two great grand children. SCARNECCHIA, Fannie, 86, of leaves his daughter Rosemary and a Struthers, OH passed away Oct. 7, large and loving family. McMULLEN, Charles, 90, died in 2012. She was the widow of ex-POW January, 2013. Charles was with the Salvador (held in WWII). Both Fannie HALL, James Kenneth, of Arlington, 106th Infantry Div. and captured on and her husband were members of Texas, died Dec. 27, 2012 at the age Dec. 19, 1944 at the Battle of the AXPOW. She leaves 2 daughters, 5 of 80. Jim served in the US Army with Bulge. He was liberated in early May grandchildren and 8 great-grandchil- the 2nd Div., 38th FA, Charlie Battery 1945. He was a life member of the dren. in Korea. He was held in Camp 5 for AXPOW Chapter #1 of Fresno, CA. He 33 months. He is survived by his wife is survived by his wife of 64 years, STECKLEIN, Frank C., of San Anto- of 40 years, Alice, 2 daughters, 1 son, June, one son and two daughters. nio, TX died Jan. 8, 2013 just three 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grand- months shy of his 100th birthday. Af- children. He was a life member of MYERS, Charles Ervin “Chuck”, of ter graduation, he joined the Army AXPOW. Youngstown, OH passed away Jan. Horse Cavalry; then in 1941, he was 5, 2013. Chuck fought in the Battle transferred to Nichols Field, Philip- HARRIS, Betty Ruth, of Portland, OR of the Bulge and was captured and pines. He was captured on Luzon passed away Oct. 1, 2012. She was held by the Germans. He was a mem- and held for 3 ½ years in prison the widow of Ex-POW Ted (captured ber of the Steel Valley Chapter #13, camps in the Philippines and Japan. in the Korean War). Survivors include AXPOW. He leaves 2 sons, 4 daugh- Frank was a member of ADBC and 1 daughter, 6 nieces and their fami- ters, 11 grandchildren and 15 great- AXPOW. Survivors include his wife, lies and a large extended family. grandchildren and their families. Judy, 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 sister, 1 brother, 1 granddaughter, 4 step- O’RORKE, James, of Red Feather daughters and 1 stepson. Ex-POW Bulletin Lakes, CO died Jan. 6, 2013. He was Mar/Apr 2013 90. During WWII, he was captured STILL, James Edwin, 64, died De- 36 cember 26, 2012 in Lake City, FL. He TERINGO, Pete, 90, of Warren, OH Crossroads Chapter. He is sur- taps, continued died Dec. 27, 2012. He was a mem- vived by his wife of 56 years, June was the son of Homer E. Still, Jr., who ber of the Mahoning Valley Chap- Edwards, 1 brother, 1 daughter, 10 was a POW in Germany in WW II. ter, AXPOW. During WWII, he grandchildren and 1 great-grand- th Jim served as a Combat Medic in served in the Army, 5 Inf., Div., child. Vietnam and died from two Co. C. He was captured in Metz, forms of cancer caused by expo- France and held in Stalag II-A un- WHELESS, James P, of Bonham, sure to Agent Orange. He is sur- til liberation. Survivors include 3 TX, died January 9, 2013. A mem- vived by his stepmother Ann sons, 1 daughter, 5 grandchil- ber of the Dallas Metroplex Chap- Still, 1 daughter, 1 brother and 1 dren, 1 great-grandson and 1 sister, “J.P.” served in the 34th Infan- grandson. He was a member of ter. try and was held in Stalag 7A. He the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, was predeceased by his wife, AXPOW. WESTERHOLM, Leo Lyder, 90, of Thelma Jo. Victoria, Texas and long time STITT, Joseph C., of Laconia, NH resident of Port Lavaca passed YOUNGERS, Edward C., of Cala- passed away Oct. 13, 2012. He was away December 11, 2012. He was mus, Iowa passed away Jan. 18, 87. During WWII, he served in the 90. Leo proudly served his coun- 2013. He was 92. During WWII, he Army. He was held in Stalag 4B try in the Medical Detachment of served with the 98th BG, 337th BS. st after capture. the 501 Parachute Infantry Regi- He was captured and held in rd ment, 3 Battalion, I Company, Stalags 7A and 17B. Ed helped st STONE, Bruce M, of Frederick MD, First Platoon of the 101 Air- start the Mid-Iowa Chapter as well died February 26, 1012. He served borne Division. He paratrooped as other chapters in the State. Ed with the 8th AF, 351st BG, 511th BS into Normandy as part of the was the first Department of Iowa and was held in Stalags Luft 4, Normandy Invasion June 6, 1944, Commander. He leaves his wife Luft 6 and 7A. A member of the D-Day, was captured and became of 64 years, Uvonne “Sis”, 1 daugh- Chuck Williams Mid-Maryland a Prisoner of War until the end ter, 1 son, 4 grandchildren and a Chapter, he is survived by his wife of WWII. He served in all capaci- large extended family. of 65 years, Wilhelmina. ties as member of the Ex-POW lies. The stress and hardship en- for Americans from the beginning of dured by our family members and our country. chaplain friends in the military was made worse by being a prisoner of war. Just as our service personnel are cho- This unfortunately is the way it has sen to bring peace to a foreign area always been. of the world so are we chosen to bring peace to the lost soul. Perhaps II Timothy 2:3 says “Thou therefore that “lost soul” is you. As Christians endure hardness, as a good soldier we bring a message of freedom from of Jesus Christ.“ “Hardness” was a sin just as our Lord and Savior, Jesus way of life and each longed for an Christ was sent by the Heavenly fa- escape to a more peaceful place. ther to free us from our sins.

Just as our loved ones have been John 8:32, “And ye shall know the ND Benny Rayborn pressed into extreme hardness so truth and the truth shall make you also are we Christians also pressed free.” So what is the truth? We are to do the unthinkable …to give up. freed from the consequences of our It is with sadness that I write this To sink into despair and depression. wrong doing. How are we freed from article; The passing of Chaplain However, we too long for a more our bondage to sin? Romans 10:9 Harvey has left very big shoes to fill. peaceful place. A place to escape explains it perfectly, in that it says He will surely be missed. I am hon- the battles that we wage against the if you are willing to admit you that ored to assume this position and I devil. A constant battle for the hearts Jesus is Lord and that God has will do my best to honor his memory. and minds of our children and raised Him from the dead, “Thou If I can be of service please contact grandchildren as well as for our- shalt be saved.” The choice is yours. me at 601-928-9200. selves. . What will your decision be? Just as our soldiers now fight in Af- There are several things that every ghanistan to secure the freedom of service man or woman have in com- BennyBennyBenny the Middle Eastern people it is also mon; one of which is that military a fight to maintain our freedom and Ex-POW Bulletin service is not a joy ride. It is not al- safety from the cowardly attacks by Mar/Apr 2013 ways easy being a defender of our terrorists. This too has been the way country, our friends and our fami- 37 Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO 38 AXPOW OR AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR AMAZING TRUE STORY! 50/50 drawing Rosemary Stagner Flynn was born in Manila, Philippines. During November, 2012 WWII, Rosemary and her family Arlington, TX hid in the mountains, but were eventually captured by the Japa- 1st Place Vera Meinhardt, WI $160.40 nese Army. They spent three long years in a prison camp, endur- 2nd Place J.D. Griffin, NY $120.30 ing starvation, torture. BEHIND THE WALLS tells Rosemary’s in- 3rd Place Abraham Corpuz, CA $80.20 credible story including the he- roic rescue by General 4th Place Robert Fortnam, NY $40.10 MacArthur and US Army Troops. These drawings help raise money needed for our operating “It was many years later that Rosemary Flynn was expenses. They allow our members to participate in a very prompted to share her family’s war years with her worthwhile project, while giving them a chance to win. 50% children. It is our good fortune that she chose to do of the donations will be given to the General Fund and the so.” Sascha Jansen. Review from BACEPOW: Beyond other 50% are awarded as prizes. The amounts are deter- the Wire. mined after all donations are received. You do not have to be present to win. Please make copies of the tickets on the Please send $20.00 (USD) for the 221 page book, other side and offer them to your Chapter members, family which includes shipping in the United States. and friends. We are asking $5.00 for 6 tickets. These dona- Send check or money order (no cash) to: tions are not tax deductible. Fill out the tickets and send FLYNN, PO BOX 1813, SANTA CLARITA, CA 91386 them and your donations to: Make check/money orders payable to “Flynn.” National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40 International price is $30.00 (includes shipping). Arlington, TX 76010-5396

request for The 106th Infantry membership application Division Association American Ex-Prisoners of War Organized at Camp Lucky Strike 1945 active since 1946

Name: ______If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, were Address:______attached to the 106th,a relative of a 106th veteran, you City/State/Zip:______are eligible for membership in the Association.

Membership is open to US Military and Civilians captured The CUB Magazine is published three times because of their US citizenship and their per year. Published since 1946. families. Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947. Do NOT send dues with this request for an Jacquelyn Martin, Membership Chairman application 121 McGregor Ave. Mount Arlington, N.J. 07856 Mail to: 973-663-2410 American Ex-Prisoners of War E-mail: [email protected] 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40 Arlington, TX 76010-5936 (817) 649-2979 voice Ex-POW Bulletin (817)649-0109 fax Mar/Apr 2013 e-mail:[email protected] 39 American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______

Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deductible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (6/13) Thank you for your support. (6/13) American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deductible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- Thank you for your support. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Ex-POW Bulletin (6/13) Thank you for your support. (6/13) Mar/Apr 2013 40 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAM

The AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute.

All contributions are to be sent directly to National Headquarters to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each issue.

I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.

$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other

Please circle one category:

Individual Chapter State Department (If chapter or department, please give name)

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone #

Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary Funding Mail contributions to: National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010 Ex-POW Bulletin Mar/Apr 2013 41 Name Badge Order Form AXPOW Vest Order Form (for members only) (For members only) Actual size of badge is Name______size of a credit card Address______

PLEASE PRINT: City, State, Zip ______Name ______Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) ______Line 1 ______Line 2 ______Long, Regular or Short______

Name Badge with name & chapter and city: $6.00 Name on front of vest ______(includes shipping and handling) Chapter Name (back of vest) ______Ship to: Street ______Price: $55.00, includes shipping/handling City/State/Zip ______Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.

Mail orders to: Mail orders to: AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00 Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire 8.00 12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.00 Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00 (specify gold, silver or antique gold) 3x5 ft. AXPOW Flag w/3-color logo Maroon AXPOW Sport Cap 8.00 Jeweled Flag Pin 30.00 with fringe, indoor use 60.00 Black Eagle Sport Cap 9.00 USA Jeweled Pin 15.00 with grommets, outdoor use 60.00 Canvas Sport Cap (offwhite or tan) 10.00 Logo Necklace 5.00 3x5ft. blackPOW/MIA flag, outdoor use 25.00 AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00 Logo Earrings (pierced or clip) 5.00 AXPOW Metal License Plate Frame 10.00 Necktie w/logo 30.00 2” Medallion (for plaque) 6.00 Aluminum License Plate 5.00 (regular only) Vest Chainguard w/eagles 8.00 3” Vinyl Decal 1.00 AXPOW Logo Bolo Tie 25.00 3” Blazer Patch 4.00 3” Inside Decal 1.00 U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 20.00 4” Blazer Patch 4.00 8” Vinyl Decal 6.00 Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 30.00 8” Blazer Patch 10.00 12” Vinyl Decal 10.00 Barbed Wire pin 3.00 CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00 Bumper Sticker “Freedom – Ask us” 2.00 Life Member pin 5.00 Life Member · Chapter Commander AXPOW Wall Clock (includes battery) 20.00 Crossed Flags Lapel pin 5.00 Past Chapter Commander · Chapter Adj/Treas Chapter AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00 Brooch pin 5.00 Adjutant · Chapter Treasurer Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00 EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00 State Department Commander AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00 Logo pin 5.00 Past State Dept. Commander · Department Adjutant Ladies Prayer Book 1.00 POW Stamp pin 3.00 Department Treasurer · Sr. Vice Commander AXPOW By-Laws 5.00 Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00 Jr. Vice Commander · Chaplain · Historian POW DVD – ETO or Pacific 11.00 Past Department Commander pin 5.00 Service Officer · Legislative Officer “Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00 Magnetic Ribbons 5.00 Past Chapter Officer · Past Department Officer Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00 Challenge Coins 10.00 AXPOW Flashlight 12.00 We accept Master Card/Visa QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE

For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00, Shipping/Handling/Insurance: add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00 For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted. Total: $ For credit card orders: Card # ______Expiration: ______(Check one) Master Card ______Visa______Name ______MAIL TO: Address ______AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR City, State, Zip ______3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Phone ______Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 817-649-2979 [email protected] LIGHTWEIGHT WINDBREAKER All orders for products sold by AXPOW National Organization, including dues/subscriptions should be mailed to: American Ex-Prisoners of War National Headquarters 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 (817) 649-2979/ (817) 649-0109 fax Challenge Coins! e-mail: [email protected] great gifts...great hand-outs...great way to show No collect calls, please your pride in your organization AXPOW Logo on front/Five services on reverse Thank you for supporting the American Ex-POWS with including s/h your purchases of National Merchandise. $10.00 change of address form Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided.

Please print: Name______Address______City/State/Zip______Phone ( )______Email ______Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections.

Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Or fax: (817) 649-0109 Or e-mail: [email protected]