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Imported 99* Stretch-Twill per pair when you buy 2 Tried and True Fit,every time you JEANS 2 for 39.98 wear them. Hidden side-inserts lend 3 for 56.95 4 total inches of S-T-R-E-T-C-H Haband 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.,I9 Peckville, PA 18452 around the middle so you always FOR MAXIMUM Send ____ slacks. I enclose $______have room! Classic gent’s jeans COMFORT, ORDER YOUR purchase price plus $4.95 toward postage. tailoring 2 front pockets, 2 back USUAL WAIST SIZE! GA residents add sales tax Waist: 32 34 WHAT WHAT HOW pockets, and a coin pocket for 36 38 40 42 44 77A–06022 WAIST? INSEAM? MANY? take-alongs, plus center belt loop *Big Men 03 NAVY to make your belt stay put.They (just $5.50 more per pair): 5L BLUE HEATHER 46 48 50 52 54 wash and dry without a worry, 2T TAN HEATHER Inseams: S(27-28) fade or wrinkle! Truly jeans you 01 BLACK can wear with confidence! M(29-30) L(31-32) Order a pair or two right now! Check ® Card # ______Exp.: ______/_____ Mr. Mrs. Ms. ______Address ______Apt. # ______City & State ______Zip ______100% Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund of Purchase Price at Any Time! Duke Habernickel, Pres. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Peckville, PA 18452 JULY 2004 Vol. 157, No. 1 features 20 Judicial Jackpot Outrageous lawsuits and fear of LOONY litigation are damaging LAWSUITS 20 American culture. By Dennis McCafferty 26 Flagging Responses Readers sound off on a liberal professor’s about- face over fl ag protection. By Steven Lubet 28 ‘Until They Are Home’ Recovery teams fulfi ll FULL America’s promise to ACCOUNTING 28 account for those missing in action. By James V. Carroll 36 Continental Rift Closure of the Berlin Airlift hub symbolizes the growing divide between the United States and Europe. By Alan W. Dowd

COLD SHOULDER 36 12 Big Russ & Me “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert refl ects on his father, politics and modern media. Photo courtesy NBC departments 4 Vet Voice 42 Under the Radar 48 Legion News Army retention numbers, Georgia teen wins Commander’s Message 8 NASA’s hypersonic plane oratorical competition, CARES: Born of fl awed funding. and a retrial for the only Military & Veterans 11 Big Issues convicted Sept. 11 terrorist. Impact ’04 election campaign. Central American 44 Living Well Comrades trade agreement 51 Female veteran health care, 60 Parting Shots PTSD study for women.

The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members. These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth. July 2004 1 The American Legion Magazine

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BNDWAT-ALM-07-04 monthly by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, India- SERVICE BRANCH DIAL: (check choice) CREDIT CARD: exp.___/___ napolis, IN 46216. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, KArmy KNavy KAir Force K K K K IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. Annual non- KMarine KCoast Guard VISA MC AMEX DISCOVER member and gift subscriptions, $15 ($21, foreign); post- sponsored and widows’ subscriptions, $6; single copy, CC# ______$3.50. Member annual subscription price $3.00, which INITIALS DESIRED (3): ______is included in annual member dues. POSTMASTER: Send Signature ______address changes to The American Legion, Data Services, YRS. SERVED: __ to __ POST #: __ P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Internet address: SHIPPING ADDRESS (WE CANNOT SHIP TO P.O. BOXES) http://www.legion.org. I WISH TO PAY AS FOLLOWS: Name ______Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Data K Enclosed is my check or money order for Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. (317) Address ______860-3111. Attach old address label, provide old and new $125* per watch payable to “Veterans addresses and current membership card number. Commemoratives” as payment in full, OR City __ State Zip ______Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian K Charge my credit card $ 125* per watch as Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post office payment in full, OR Daytime Phone # ( ___ ) ______ALLOW 4-6 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY. dated Dec. 22, 1991. K Charge my credit card in two monthly * PLUS $7.95 PER WATCH FOR ENGRAVING, S& H. * PA RESIDENTS ADD 6% ($7.98) SALES TAX. installments of $62.50* each. Printed in USA ©ICM 2003. Service Medal and Ribbon watch bands and case designs have been registered by Veterans Commemoratives with the U.S. Copyright Office. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations VISIT VETERANS COMMEMORATIVES™ ONLINE AT WWW.VETCOM.COM Dynamic design and swirling clear crystalline gives you a thrilling view from any angle At dawn, the mist begins to rise from the mir- ror clear lake whose stillness seems unreal. Masterful hand-crafting Your boat rocks slightly as you watch and wait. and hand-painting THERE! A beauty of a Largemouth explodes from the water in a splen- capture the moment did leap. What a breathtaking encounter! And now it’s vividly portrayed in a richly detailed sculp- ture of remarkable craftsmanship that’s Shown slightly alluring from above, below, and for a smaller than full 360°. A pair of hand-crafted Bass— actual height of an impressive 9"! one airborne on a shimmering spout of water created from crystalline (a unique combination of clear resins chosen for brilliance), and one hidden among the lily pads and about to make a jolting strike—combine for a stunning “above and below” perspective. The breathtaking beauty reveals a “fish’s eye view” of the serene aquatic world that is the Bass’ domain. Such a distinctive limited edition is expected to attract very strong demand, and extensive hand-crafting will limit supply. To order your collectible at the $49.95 issue price, payable in two monthly installments of $24.97 (plus a total of $6.99 for shipping and handling) and backed by our 365-day money- back guarantee, just sign and return the Reservation Application—respond today!

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A do-it-yourself memorial that Congress can legislate the virtuous society; he ought to The cover of the May issue says, “A Grateful Nation know better. Virtue in a society Remembers.” Since World War II ended, we have fought a only comes from the individuals war in Korea, for which there has long been a who make it up. If enough members of a society are virtu- memorial, and another war in Vietnam, for ous, then the society itself will be which there also is an elaborate memorial. seen as virtuous. That is why the There would still be no memorial for the U.S. Constitution does not seek to legislate virtue; its purpose is largest war in history if veterans had not solely to provide a framework for pushed for it, organized the funding and put government and to protect the up most of the money themselves. The World liberties of the people. We need to keep it that way. War II Memorial is not the result of a “grateful nation” but – Wesley Hackett, Saranac, Mich. of a do-it-yourself movement on the part of the few surviv- Sell freedom ing veterans of that war. – Ralph Givens, Cedaredge, Colo. Dinesh D’Souza makes good points, but he spends an inordi- Powerful voice Don’t force goodness nate portion of the article explain- Just when I was pondering the In the May article “America’s ing the thoughts of radical Muslim excellence of the articles in your Saving Grace,” Dinesh D’Souza Sayyid Qutb. Qutb’s knowledge of April issue, the May issue arrived writes, “The highest form of American life is mostly from with the stirring commentary by patriotism is based on loving your university academia, media and Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga. (“Defi cit of country because it is good.” Hollywood. These are all unreal Decency”). Wow. We need more Absolutely true. But your country views of life in America. The sad lawmakers and ordinary citizens ceases to be good the moment it thing is, his radical rationale is to publicly speak for higher moral attempts to shove its brand of propagated to the average Muslim standards. Miller will leave a vast “morally superior” goodness by the mullahs in mosques. The emptiness in the Senate when he down the throats of others, even average Muslim has no other retires. I hope his voice will if it’s for their own good. source of knowledge than from continue to be heard other places. – Ted Corin, Austin, Texas these unsophisticated mullahs – George McClellan, San Gabriel, Calif. and from Arab television. The al- Virtue from within Jazeera TV news is not objective. Slap in the face Dinesh D’Souza misses the D’Souza calls for an intellectual We agree with Sen. Zell Miller point. No government – theoc- response. I’m not sure what that and are more than happy to racy, dictatorship, or democracy – means, but we need to sell the provide the rail, tar and feathers can legislate or impose the advantages of freedom. We have for Kid Rock’s ride out of the virtuous society. In the same Voice of America, but it does not country. What he and others have issue, Sen. Zell Miller presumes focus on the Arab world and is done to our American fl ag is a slap underfunded. It should be on the in the face to every military person air alongside Arab TV. past and present. If they think this WE WANT Donald Rumsfeld has on his is entertainment, they should take YOUR OPINIONS offi ce desk a night photo of the it to the front lines in Iraq and see The American Legion Magazine Korean peninsula taken from how long they stay onstage. welcomes letters concerning space. It shows South Korea – Janice & Larry O’Brien, Indianapolis articles that appear in the covered with lights and North publication. Be sure to include your Korea with one bright area: the No offense intended hometown and a daytime phone capital city of Pyongyang. This Sen. Zell Miller’s disdain for Kid number for verifi cation. could be posted all over Iraq with Rock is off target. I agree the All letters are subject to editing. the title “Freedom or Tyranny. entertainer’s choice of an Ameri- Send your opinions to: You Choose.” can fl ag as a shirt at the Super The American Legion Magazine – Alex Palos, Templeton, Calif. Bowl was disrespectful, but I P.O. Box 1055 Grand delusion seriously doubt he intended it to Indianapolis, IN 46206 be so. Kid Rock visited our troops I am befuddled by Dinesh in Kuwait and Iraq last summer, You also can contact us D’Souza’s assertion that our one of the few big names to risk directly via e-mail or through military response against terror- the trip. The young troops loved the World Wide Web: ism has been “reasonably effec- him. While he’s no Bob Hope, he [email protected] tive.” Far from it. We will certain- is a patriotic American. http://www.legion.org ly win our battles in Iraq. But will – Patrick J. Sullivan, via e-mail we win the hearts and minds of

4 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine IMPORTANT SAFETY AND DOSING INFORMATION LEVITRA is a prescription medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Men taking nitrate drugs, often used to control chest pain (also known as angina), should not take LEVITRA. Men who use alpha blockers, sometimes prescribed for high blood pressure or prostate problems, also should not take LEVITRA. Such combinations could cause blood pressure to drop to an unsafe level. You should not take LEVITRA if your doctor determines that sexual activity poses a health risk for you. Men who experience an erection for more than four hours should seek immediate medical attention. LEVITRA does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The starting dose of LEVITRA is 10 mg taken no more than once per day. Your doctor will decide the dose that is right for you. In patients taking certain medications such as ritonavir, indinavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and erythromycin, lower doses of LEVITRA are recommended, and time between doses of LEVITRA may need to be extended. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were headache, flushing, and stuffy or runny nose. LEVITRA is available in 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets. LEVITRA is a clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that consistently improves erection quality. SEE NEXT PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION. For most men, LEVITRA* - Works to improve erection quality Improves duration, hardness, and the ability © 2004 to attain an erection Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation All rights reserved. PD1009904 04/04 - Works fast No other oral ED treatment is proven to work faster

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*Individual results may vary. Patient Information LEVITRA® (Luh-VEE-Trah) (vardenafil HCl) Tablets 08669034IP 8/03 • medicines called nitrates (See “What important information should Iraqis and others of the Moslem you know about LEVITRA?”) Read the Patient Information about LEVITRA before you start taking it • medicines called alpha-blockers. These include Hytrin® (terazosin faith? No. We are only helping the and again each time you get a refill. There may be new information. HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), You may also find it helpful to share this information with your partner. Minipress® (prazosin HCl) or Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl). jihadists recruit more suicide This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor. You and your doctor should talk about LEVITRA when you start taking it • medicines that treat abnormal heartbeat. These include quinidine, bombers. Can we strengthen our and at regular checkups. If you do not understand the information, or procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol. have questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. • ritonavir (Norvir®) or indinavir sulfate (Crixivan®) intellectual response if we con- • ketoconazole or itraconazole (such as Nizoral® or Sporanox®) tinue on our path of pre-emptive WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT • erythromycin LEVITRA? • other medicines or treatments for ED LEVITRA can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly to an military strikes fueled by a grand unsafe level if it is taken with certain other medicines. With a sudden HOW SHOULD YOU TAKE LEVITRA? delusion that it is our destiny to drop in blood pressure, you could get dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke. Take LEVITRA exactly as your doctor prescribes. LEVITRA comes in different doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg). For most men, confer freedom on all those who Do not take LEVITRA if you: the recommended starting dose is 10 mg. Take LEVITRA no more inhabit this planet? Indeed, no. • take any medicines called “nitrates.” than once a day. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart. • use recreational drugs called “poppers” like amyl nitrate and Some men can only take a low dose of LEVITRA because of medical – C. Alex Alexander, Odenton, Md. butyl nitrate. conditions or medicines they take. Your doctor will prescribe the dose that is right for you. • take medicines called alpha-blockers. • If you are older than 65 or have liver problems, your doctor may (See “Who Should Not Take LEVITRA?”) start you on a lower dose of LEVITRA. Few converts Tell all your healthcare providers that you take LEVITRA. If you • If you are taking certain other medicines your doctor may prescribe need emergency medical care for a heart problem, it will be important a lower starting dose and limit you to one dose of LEVITRA in a In the May table of contents, the for your healthcare provider to know when you last took LEVITRA. 72-hour (3 days) period. article “America’s Saving Grace” WHAT IS LEVITRA? Take 1 LEVITRA tablet about 1 hour (60 minutes) before sexual activity. LEVITRA is a prescription medicine taken by mouth for the treatment Some form of sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to happen is previewed, “To defeat terror- of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. with LEVITRA. LEVITRA may be taken with or without meals. ED is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when Do not change your dose of LEVITRA without talking to your doctor. ism, the United States must prove a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection. A man Your doctor may lower your dose or raise your dose, depending on its society morally superior to who has trouble getting or keeping an erection should see his doctor how your body reacts to LEVITRA. for help if the condition bothers him. LEVITRA may help a man with If you take too much LEVITRA, call your doctor or emergency room Islamic fundamentalism.” That’s ED get and keep an erection when he is sexually excited. right away. hard to do, considering the LEVITRA does not: WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LEVITRA? • cure ED The most common side effects with LEVITRA are headache, flushing, exposé of the abuse of Iraqi • increase a man’s sexual desire stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, upset stomach, or dizziness. These • protect a man or his partner from sexually transmitted diseases, side effects usually go away after a few hours. Call your doctor if you prisoners by their American including HIV. Speak to your doctor about ways to guard against get a side effect that bothers you or one that will not go away. guards. As the article points out, sexually transmitted diseases. LEVITRA may uncommonly cause: • serve as a male form of birth control • an erection that won’t go away (priapism). If you get an erection we certainly are making few LEVITRA is only for men with ED. LEVITRA is not for women or that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. Priapism children. LEVITRA must be used only under a doctor’s care. must be treated as soon as possible or lasting damage can happen converts to American ideology. to your penis including the inability to have erections. – Bill Woll, Venice, Fla. HOW DOES LEVITRA WORK? • vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge to objects or having When a man is sexually stimulated, his body’s normal physical difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green. response is to increase blood flow to his penis. This results in an These are not all the side effects of LEVITRA. For more information, True virtue erection. LEVITRA helps increase blood flow to the penis and may ask your doctor or pharmacist. help men with ED get and keep an erection satisfactory for sexual activity. Once a man has completed sexual activity, blood flow to his HOW SHOULD LEVITRA BE STORED? Thank you for the article sug- penis decreases, and his erection goes away. • Store LEVITRA at room temperature between 59° and 86° F gesting how to counter the Islamist WHO CAN TAKE LEVITRA? (15° to 30° C). Talk to your doctor to decide if LEVITRA is right for you. • Keep LEVITRA and all medicines out of the reach of children. criticism of America. It clarifi ed LEVITRA has been shown to be effective in men over the age of 18 years who have erectile dysfunction, including men with diabetes or GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LEVITRA. my thinking on the clash between who have undergone prostatectomy. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions other than those freedom and religious absolutism. described in patient information leaflets. Do not use LEVITRA for a WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE LEVITRA? condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give LEVITRA to Indeed, virtue freely chosen is Do not take LEVITRA if you: other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It • take any medicines called “nitrates” (See “What important infor- may harm them. more powerful than virtue coerced mation should you know about LEVITRA?”). Nitrates are This leaflet summarizes the most important information about LEVITRA. commonly used to treat angina. Angina is a symptom of heart dis- If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare by the state. I would only add one ease and can cause pain in your chest, jaw, or down your arm. provider. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information Medicines called nitrates include nitroglycerin that is found in about LEVITRA that is written for health professionals. thought: how do you defi ne virtue? tablets, sprays, ointments, pastes, or patches. Nitrates can also be For more information you can also visit www.LEVITRA.com, or call To me, it is not virtuous for found in other medicines such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide 1-866-LEVITRA. mononitrate. Some recreational drugs called “poppers” also contain government to take from the poor nitrates, such as amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate. Do not use LEVITRA WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF LEVITRA? if you are using these drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you Active Ingredient: vardenafil hydrochloride to give to the rich. Nor is it virtu- are not sure if any of your medicines are nitrates. Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, colloidal ous to pollute the environment, • take medicines called “alpha-blockers.” Alpha-blockers are some- silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene times prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. If glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide. LEVITRA is taken with alpha-blockers, your blood pressure could sell the public interest for cam- suddenly drop to an unsafe level. You could get dizzy and faint. Norvir (ritonavir) is a trademark of Abbott Laboratories paign contributions or consign • you have been told by your healthcare provider to not have sexual activity because of health problems. Sexual activity can put an Crixivan (indinavir sulfate) is a trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. entire classes of people to second- extra strain on your heart, especially if your heart is already weak Nizoral (ketoconazole) is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson from a heart attack or heart disease. Sporanox (itraconazole) is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson class citizenship or worse. • are allergic to LEVITRA or any of its ingredients. The active ingre- Hytrin (terazosin HCl) is a trademark of Abbott Laboratories – Sue Pastin, Chicago dient in LEVITRA is called vardenafil. See the end of this leaflet for a Flomax (tamsulosin HCl) is a trademark of Yamanouchi complete list of ingredients. Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. WHAT SHOULD YOU DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE Cardura (doxazosin mesylate) is a trademark of Pfizer Inc. Bang for the buck TAKING LEVITRA? Minipress (prazosin HCl) is a trademark of Pfizer Inc. Before taking LEVITRA, tell your doctor about all your medical Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl) is a trademark of Sanofi-Synthelabo I commend The American problems, including if you: • have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heart- Legion Magazine for publishing beats, or have had a heart attack. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you Manufactured and Marketed by: TRA LEVI LEVI RA TRA VIT L LE EV IT A R the article by Vice Adm. Jim Hull R A IT V L to have sexual activity. E E L V IT A R R A T I L V E E V L

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Research Triangle Park NC 27709 the service’s founding in 1790. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ߑ Only In times of war or peace, at LEVITRA and other medicines may affect each other. Always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any medicines. 08669034IP 8/03 ©2003 Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation Especially tell your doctor if you take any of the following: 12030 Printed in U.S.A. vet voice home or in foreign waters, the used: “Slobodan Milosevic erased ists extolling the virtues of ... Coast Guard has faithfully re- the lives of 250,000 Bosnian guess who? Journalists. Any lack sponded as a vital element of Muslims and Croat Catholics in a of objectivity here? national defense. From the war of aggression,” a claim the Imagine yourself a teen-ager on beaches of Normandy to the sands ICTY has been unable to prove the other side of the world fi ghting of Iwo Jima, from the frozen after more than three years of the for your country’s interests, wastelands of the Aleutians and prosecution’s case. offering up your life in the bar- Greenland to the coasts of Viet- It is not my intent to defend gain. At the last minute, your team nam and the Persian Gulf, the U.S. Milosevic but rather to show how gets a combat photographer who Coast Guard has answered the easily public opinion can be will accompany you into the fi eld call. The new reality of domestic manipulated to support some- and share your experience. As you terrorism only underscores the thing that ultimately is not in our consider this stranger among you, increasingly critical role of this best interest. The fi gure of you can’t help but wonder what highly trained and professional 250,000 came from the Bosnian effect his presence will have on seagoing service. Muslim government of Alija your mission. He has no weapon, – Jon B. Hittle, Damascus, Md. Itzebegovic. The media ran with it so he cannot or will not help in without verifying its authenticity. any fi ghting. If he is wounded, Enforce the law The latest statistic of victims on even because of his own foolish- U.S. Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif., all sides, according to a January ness, you and your brothers will claims granting guest-worker 2002 BBC report, is 40,000. be expected to fi ght for him, status to untold millions of illegal Furthermore, both the former administer fi rst aid to him and aliens is not amnesty (Big Issues, foreign-service offi cer at the probably carry him to where he May). As a former immigration Yugoslav desk in Washington, can be evacuated – all at great risk inspector with the old INS, I know George Kenney, and David Binder to you and the guys you care most the proposal of still another guest- of The New York Times, an expert about. If, however, you or one of worker program is another insult on Balkan affairs, estimate your buddies falls, will he help and low blow to U.S. citizens and between 40,000 and 60,000 were you? Most likely, he will want to workers. Past programs and killed. However, 250,000 deaths take your picture with the expecta- amnesties have been rife with sell more copy than 40,000. tion that the resulting photo will fraud, and no meaningful at- Truth is always the fi rst victim win him worldwide acclaim and tempts of enforcement were made. of war; such is the case regarding maybe even a Pulitzer. What has changed to make us U.S. media reports on the Balkans. Ever wonder why these articles, believe our government would – George Jatras, Camp Hill, Pa. without fail, always use the same now magically decide to enforce phrase about the affection and the law? Unless aliens or unscru- Media misgivings respect these men always seem to pulous employers face even I appreciate Jeff Stoffer’s article get from the troops? I do. minimal punishment, the idea is “More Powerful Than Any Words” – Theodore Knapp, Grangeville, Idaho idiotic and an abuse of our (May). Most photojournalists do a national sovereignty. fi ne job and many do risk their Lost and found – Ernest Wade, Snellville, Ga. lives to record history as it is In the April issue, you pub- made. However, I do have to add lished an article seeking survivors First victim of war that I have never trusted those of Air Force Capt. Herman Ritchie Alan W. Dowd’s article “Tied who reported on camera to all of (Legion News, April). Thanks to a Down” (May) makes an excellent America and the world that the wondrous turn of events, our aunt case for why the International Army lost the Tet Offensive in connected me and my siblings Criminal Court is a threat to our 1968. That type of “yellow jour- with The American Legion, which national sovereignty, an argument nalism,” besides being an outright arranged for us to collect our that should be applied to the lie, should never be viewed as father’s recently discovered United Nations in general. In his anything other than aid to the citations. We were treated to a article, however, Dowd perpetu- enemy. Yet none dare call it special reception with National ates a common misconception treason. It is not without reason Commander John Brieden, where used to justify the ICC and similar that American commanders have we learned just what The Ameri- U.N.-sponsored organizations, misgivings about allowing media can Legion is about. Knowing the such as the International Criminal complete freedom. loss of our father was, and still is, Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia – Glenn Perlman, Houston appreciated by so many sincere (ICTY). The intended role of the people means more than words ICTY, also known as the Hague No soldier can say. Through this discovery, Tribunal, is to justify the concept In the 33 years since I was a and the article, we have met of the ICC. To justify its existence, combatant, I have read many several people who knew our dad the ICTY depends on acceptance articles indistinguishable from – some when he was a boy, some of shocking, intentionally infl ated this one by Jeff Stoffer, in that when he served. Thank you. claims, such as the one Dowd they all were written by journal- – Terry Eilbacher, Bricktown, N.J.

July 2004 7 The American Legion Magazine commander’s message CARES: Born of fl awed funding Legionnaire in a city destined to receive a brand-new medical center as part of the nation’s sweeping $6.1 billion VA health-care overhaul stood and asked VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi a simple question: “DoA you support mandatory funding for VA health care, and if not, why not?” Interestingly, the answer was not so simple. And that is a good thing. “I certainly think we need to look at mandatory funding for veterans health care,” Principi responded from the podium after announcing outside a suburban Las Vegas VA clinic his fi nal decision on CARES – the massive Capital Asset Realign- ment for Enhanced Services initiative. “We really need to sit down and analyze what the impact would be not this year or next year, but in the out years, look at different scenarios so we are sure mandatory funding is the right approach, how the formula should be constructed, and what is best for our nation’s veterans.” The secretary’s expressed willingness to consider it comes in National Commander a year of momentum for mandatory funding. A vast majority of John Brieden veterans organizations support it. A powerful contingent in Chase Studios Congress supports it. Veterans’ health care is too important to let sway in the winds of discretionary spending. Reformers agree VA health care should receive appropriations: memoranda n On a basis that attaches actual dollars to actual patients, indexed annually for infl ation. THE FULL CARES DECISION n With an understanding that veterans receiving care at VA with details about affected facilities is available facilities should disclose and use any private health insurance at www.va.gov. they have and that Priority Group 8 veterans, those most likely to have insurance, are invited back into the system after last INITIAL RESPONSE year’s suspension. to the May 7 CARES decision can be found at n Freeing VA to bill Medicare for reimbursement, the norm for www.legion.org under the “Press Releases” nearly all other U.S. health-care institutions, including those in button. Also visit the Legion’s Legislative Action the federally funded Indian Health Service. Center at http://capwiz.com/legion/issues/ Growing interest in mandatory funding may stem from a bills/ for updates on VA health-care legislation. realization that if VA health care had been funded on a manda- tory basis all along, the department’s galaxy of more than 1,200 AMERICAN LEGION BOYS NATION hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and domiciliaries might not is set for July 23-31 in Washington. For more have fallen into such a state that the cost of their unused information on the national youth leadership buildings reached $1 million a day. That revelation in 1999 program, visit www.legion.org/ triggered CARES and illuminated how VA had sacrifi ced boysnation/2004/ facilities management to build a network of outpatient clinics during the 1990s. Both were needed, obviously, but funding NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP was only made available for the clinics. In some communities, is set for July 23-25 at National Headquarters in capital-improvement reserves were tapped to cover patient care. Indianapolis. Call (317) 630-1321. And so today we need the multibillion-dollar fi x. History shows that no matter how badly we need funds, we never know what ASK U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES to expect when allocations are discretionary and cyclical. questions most important to veterans through That is why we must not relent in the battle to make VA Military & Veterans Impact 2004, a nationwide health-care funding mandatory. We need to remind those in voter-awareness campaign coordinated by The power that when our military orders came, there was nothing American Legion. Included is an online survey – discretionary about them. They were mandatory. We should found at www.impact04.legion.org – for expect nothing less for the health-care system built by a free veterans and military personnel to select America in gratitude to those who made them so. questions they want President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry to answer. The top 10 questions will be advanced to their campaign offi ces at the end of this month. Responses will be posted on the Impact ’04 Web site in August.

8 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine SUGAR-FREE BREAKFAST BAR

WATER CANTEEN ?

CHECKED BLOOD SUGAR 10:15

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YOU MANAGE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP PROTECT YOUR HEART?

©2004 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 20350263(1)(645C)-ZOC-CON To find out if you qualify, call 1-800-MERCK-75. who are prescribing a new medicine for you that you are taking ZOCOR® (simvastatin). ZOCOR can interact with the following: • Itraconazole • Ketoconazole • Erythromycin • Clarithromycin • HIV protease inhibitors • Nefazodone PLEASE READ THIS SUMMARY CAREFULLY, THEN ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ZOCOR. • Cyclosporine NO ADVERTISEMENT CAN PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO PRESCRIBE A • Large quantities of grapefruit juice (>1 quart daily) DRUG. THIS ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF CAREFUL DISCUSSIONS The risk of myopathy is also increased by gemfibrozil and to a lesser extent other fibrates and niacin (nicotinic WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ONLY YOUR DOCTOR HAS THE TRAINING TO WEIGH THE RISKS acid) (≥1 g/day). AND BENEFITS OF A PRESCRIPTION DRUG FOR YOU. The risk of muscle breakdown is increased with other drugs: • Amiodarone USES OF ZOCOR • Verapamil ZOCOR is a prescription drug that is indicated as an addition to diet for many patients with high cholesterol. Some patients taking lipid-lowering agents similar to ZOCOR and coumarin anticoagulants (a type of blood For patients at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) because of existing heart disease, diabetes, vascular thinner) have experienced bleeding and/or increased blood clotting time. Patients taking these medicines disease, or history of stroke, ZOCOR is indicated along with diet to reduce the risk of death by reducing coro- should have their blood tested before starting therapy with ZOCOR and should continue to be monitored. nary death; reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; and reduce the need for revascularization procedures. Central Nervous System Toxicity; Cancer, Mutations, Impairment of Fertility: Like most prescrip- WHEN ZOCOR SHOULD NOT BE USED tion drugs, ZOCOR was required to be tested on animals before it was marketed for human use. Often these Some people should not take ZOCOR. Discuss this with your doctor. tests were designed to achieve higher drug concentrations than humans achieve at recommended dosing. In some tests, the animals had damage to the nerves in the central nervous system. In studies of mice with high ZOCOR should not be used by patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. In addition to the active ingre- doses of ZOCOR, the likelihood of certain types of cancerous tumors increased. No evidence of mutations of dient simvastatin, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, lactose, magnesium or damage to genetic material has been seen. In 1 study with ZOCOR, there was decreased fertility in male rats. stearate, iron oxides, talc, titanium dioxide, and starch. Butylated hydroxyanisole is added as a preservative. Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not take ZOCOR because it may harm the fetus. Patients with liver problems: ZOCOR should not be used by patients with active liver disease or repeat- ed blood test results indicating possible liver problems. (See WARNINGS.) Safety in pregnancy has not been established. In studies with lipid-lowering agents similar to ZOCOR, there Women who are or may become pregnant: Pregnant women should not take ZOCOR because it may have been rare reports of birth defects of the skeleton and digestive system. Therefore, women of childbear- harm the fetus. Women of childbearing age should not take ZOCOR unless it is highly unlikely ing age should not take ZOCOR unless it is highly unlikely they will become pregnant. If a woman does that they will become pregnant. If a woman does become pregnant while on ZOCOR, she should stop become pregnant while taking ZOCOR, she should stop taking the drug and talk to her doctor at once. The taking the drug and talk to her doctor at once. active ingredient of ZOCOR did not cause birth defects in rats at 3 times the human dose or in rabbits at 3 times the human dose. Women who are breast-feeding should not take ZOCOR. Nursing Mothers: Drugs taken by nursing mothers may be present in their breast milk. Because of the WARNINGS potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a woman taking ZOCOR should not breast-feed. (See Muscle: Tell your doctor right away if you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tender- WHEN ZOCOR SHOULD NOT BE USED.) ness, or weakness at any time during treatment with ZOCOR so your doctor can decide if Pediatric Use: ZOCOR is not recommended for children or patients under 10 years of age. ZOCOR should be stopped. Some patients may have muscle pain or weakness while taking ZOCOR. Rarely, this can include muscle breakdown resulting in kidney damage. The risk of Geriatric Use: Higher blood levels of active drug were seen in elderly patients (70–78 years of age) com- muscle breakdown is greater in patients taking certain other drugs along with ZOCOR: pared with younger patients (18–30 years of age) in 1 study. In other studies, the cholesterol-lowering effects of ZOCOR were at least as great in elderly patients as in younger patients, and there were no overall differ- • Cyclosporine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, HIV protease ences in safety between elderly and younger patients over the 20–80 mg/day dosage range. Of the 7 cases inhibitors, the antidepressant nefazodone, or large quantities of grapefruit juice (>1 quart of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis among 10,269 patients on ZOCOR in another study, 4 were aged 65 or more daily), particularly with higher doses of ZOCOR. (at baseline), 1 of whom was over 75. • Gemfibrozil particularly with higher doses of ZOCOR. SIDE EFFECTS • Other lipid lowering drugs (other fibrates or –>1 g/day of niacin) that can cause myopathy when given alone. Most patients tolerate treatment with ZOCOR well; however, like all prescription drugs, ZOCOR can cause side effects, and some of them can be serious. Side effects that do occur are usually mild and short-lived. Only • Amiodarone or verapamil with higher doses of ZOCOR. your doctor can weigh the risks versus the benefits of any prescription drug. In clinical studies with ZOCOR, The risk of muscle breakdown is greater at higher doses of simvastatin. less than 1.5% of patients dropped out of the studies because of side effects. In 2 large, 5-year studies, Because the risk of muscle side effects is greater when ZOCOR is used with the products list- patients taking ZOCOR experienced similar side effects to those patients taking placebo (sugar pills). Some of ed above, the combined use of these products should be avoided unless your doctor deter- the side effects that have been reported with ZOCOR or related drugs are listed below. This list is not com- mines the benefits are likely to outweigh the increased risks. plete. Be sure to ask your doctor about side effects before taking ZOCOR and to discuss any side effects that occur. The dose of ZOCOR should not exceed 10 mg daily in patients receiving gemfibrozil. The combined use of ZOCOR and gemfibrozil should be avoided, unless your doctor determines Digestive System: Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, heartburn, stomach pain/cramps, anorexia, that the benefits outweigh the increased risks of muscle problems. Caution should be used loss of appetite, nausea, inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis, jaundice, fatty changes in the liver, and, when using ZOCOR with other fibrates or niacin because these can cause muscle problems rarely, severe liver damage and failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. when taken alone. Muscle, Skeletal: Muscle cramps, aches, pain, and weakness; joint pain; muscle breakdown. No more than 10 mg/day of ZOCOR should be taken with cyclosporine. Nervous System: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, tingling, memory loss, damage to nerves causing weak- The combined use of verapamil or amiodarone with doses above ZOCOR 20 mg should be ness and/or loss of sensation and/or abnormal sensations, anxiety, depression, tremor, loss of balance, avoided unless your doctor determines the benefits outweigh the increased risk of muscle psychic disturbances. breakdown. Skin: Rash, itching, hair loss, dryness, nodules, discoloration. Your doctor should also carefully monitor for any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly during the initial months of therapy and if the dose of either drug is increased. Eye/Senses: Blurred vision, altered taste sensation, progression of cataracts, eye muscle weakness. Your doctor also may monitor the level of certain muscle enzymes in your body, but there is Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions: On rare occasions, a wide variety of symptoms have been report- no assurance that such monitoring will prevent the occurrence of severe muscle disease. ed to occur either alone or together in groups (referred to as a syndrome) that appeared to be based on aller- The risk of muscle breakdown is greater in patients with kidney problems or diabetes. gic-type reactions, which may rarely be fatal. These have included 1 or more of the following: a severe gen- eralized reaction that may include shortness of breath, wheezing, digestive symptoms, and low blood pres- If you have conditions that can increase your risk of muscle breakdown, which in turn can sure and even shock; an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat with difficulty cause kidney damage, your doctor should temporarily withhold or stop ZOCOR. Also, since swallowing or breathing; symptoms mimicking lupus (a disorder in which a person’s immune system may there are no known adverse consequences of briefly stopping therapy with ZOCOR, treatment attack parts of his or her own body); severe muscle and blood vessel inflammation, sometimes including rash; should be stopped a few days before elective major surgery and when any major acute bruises; various disorders of blood cells (that could result in anemia, infection, or blood clotting problems) medical or surgical condition occurs. Discuss this with your doctor, who can explain these or abnormal blood tests; inflamed or painful joints; hives; fatigue and weakness; sensitivity to sunlight; fever, conditions to you. chills; flushing; difficulty breathing; and severe skin disorders that vary from rash to a serious burn-like Liver: About 1% of patients who took ZOCOR in clinical trials developed elevated levels of shedding of skin all over the body, including mucous membranes such as the lining of the mouth. some liver enzymes. Patients who had these increases usually had no symptoms. Elevated liver enzymes usually returned to normal levels when therapy with ZOCOR was stopped. Other: Loss of sexual desire, breast enlargement, impotence. In the ZOCOR Survival Study, the number of patients with more than 1 liver enzyme level elevation to greater Laboratory Tests: Liver function test abnormalities including elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin; than 3 times the normal upper limit was no different between the ZOCOR and placebo groups. Only 8 patients thyroid function abnormalities. on ZOCOR and 5 on placebo discontinued therapy due to elevated liver enzyme levels. Patients were started NOTE: This summary provides important information about ZOCOR. If you would like more on 20 mg of ZOCOR, and one third had their dose raised to 40 mg. information, ask your doctor or pharmacist to let you read the prescribing information and Your doctor should perform routine blood tests to check these enzymes before you start treat- then discuss it with them. ment with ZOCOR and thereafter when clinically indicated. Patients titrated to the 80-mg dose should receive an additional test at 3 months and periodically thereafter (eg, semiannually) for the first year of treatment. If your enzyme levels increase, your doctor should order more frequent tests. If your liver enzyme levels remain unusually high, your doctor should discontinue your medication. Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Tell your doctor about any liver disease you may have had in the past and about how much alcohol you consume. ZOCOR should be used with caution in patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. PRECAUTIONS ZOCOR is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Drug Interactions: Because of possible serious drug interactions, it is important to tell your doctor what other drugs you are taking, including those obtained without a prescription. You should also tell other doc- ©2004 Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. tors 20350263(1)(645C)-ZOC-CON big issues Central American trade agreement SUPPORT OPPOSE Rep. Kevin Brady Rep. Sherrod Brown R-Texas D-Ohio n A deputy whip in the U.S. n Former Ohio Secretary of House of Representatives, State Brown played a key role Brady leads congressional in Congress to defeat “fast- supporters of CAFTA. track” trade negotiating.

f we want to compete successfully against China his summer, the Bush administration and an Iand Europe for new jobs, Congress must pass the Tenthusiastic Republican congressional leader- Central American Free Trade Agreement with El ship are expected to push through legislation to Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa expand the North American Free Trade Agreement Rica and the Dominican Republic. to include Central America. If the president is re- This will level the playing fi eld for American elected, the administration likely will add the rest products competing to sell there. Enhanced trade of Latin America to the agreement. When fully with these nations means new jobs for America, implemented, CAFTA would double the size of jobs for workers in every NAFTA and quadruple the sector from agriculture to THE HEART OF THE ISSUE number of low-income workers. textiles and technology. CAFTA nations are not only Central America already is a Trade representatives signed the among the world’s poorest proven trading partner, buying U.S.-Central American Free Trade countries, they’re among its more U.S. goods than Russia, Agreement (CAFTA) in January. smallest economies. With a India and Indonesia combined. $62 billion combined economic Fifty percent of the Critics say it will cost U.S. jobs, but output, they can hardly serve goods Central America sells to supporters contend it will open as growth engines for the us were originally produced in markets for American goods by $10 trillion U.S. economy. This the United States. Even better, idea is more about access to for every dollar in products reducing trade barriers. Congress cheap labor and exporting Central America sells to the and similar assemblies of other American jobs than exporting United States, it buys back governments have yet to approve it. U.S. goods. $1.36. Compare that positive In Ohio, one sixth of manufac- surplus to our trade defi cit turing jobs have disappeared – with China, which buys back only two cents for some to Bangladesh, many to Mexico, and more to every dollar it sells us. China. In the past three years, Ohio lost 260,000 Hundreds of companies employing thousands of jobs; that's nearly 2,000 jobs every week. Americans are selling their wares to Central Gregory Mankiw, the president’s chief economist, Americans despite high tariffs and penalties. With- supports exporting jobs, saying, “When a good or out a new trade agreement, the goods and services service is produced more cheaply abroad, it makes these hard-working Americans provide will more sense to import it than provide it domestically.” continue to compete at a disadvantage over This debate about globalization and outsourcing products from nations with trade agreements. is about American values. When we send our Central America is a region long characterized military abroad, shouldn’t they expect to be treated by poverty, civil war and violence. To its credit, in honorably when they return home? Doesn’t that a little more than a decade, Central America has mean adequate veterans benefi ts and the opportu- transformed itself, embracing political, economic nity to fi nd a good-paying job with benefi ts? and labor reforms that a free-trade agreement will Policies that send U.S. jobs overseas punish those help lock in. who work hard, pay taxes and support families. Our Central American friends are committing Between 1994 and 2002, an estimated 525,094 troops and resources to uproot terrorists, a task U.S. workers were certifi ed as having lost their jobs many of our historical allies refuse to perform. to NAFTA, according to the Department of Labor. Their commitment to freedom domestically and The fl awed NAFTA model should be abandoned, preservation globally make them exactly the type not embraced. From shipping U.S. jobs overseas to of nations the United States seeks to do business exploiting poorer nations, CAFTA simply offers with and benefi ts from doing business with. more of the same.

CONTACT YOUR LEADERS The Honorable (name), U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510 • Phone: (202) 224-3121 The Honorable (name), House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-3121

July 2004 11 The American Legion Magazine interview Big Russ & Me im Russert, 54, an Irish-American product of a Buffalo, N.Y., Jesuit Tschool, is responsible for more Americans missing Sunday morning worship services than Madalyn Murray O’Hair. Believers who can’t attend a Saturday-evening service might want to program their VCRs, because, as Russert says each week, “If it’s Sunday, it’s ‘Meet the Press.’” Russert has been the show’s moderator since 1991. He is also host of “The Tim Russert Show” on CNBC and is senior vice president and Washington bureau chief of NBC News. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Russert didn’t hesitate to don a red-white-and-blue ribbon or grill a Taliban spokesman Big Russ on the air because, as he puts it, “Yes, I am a journalist, Russert’s book, “Big Russ & Me, but fi rst I am an American citizen.” While that stance Father and Son: drew the ire of The Washington Post, it came as no Lessons of Life,” surprise to his father, Timothy “Big Russ” Russert. (Miramax) is available from A World War II veteran and past commander of South most national Buffalo American Legion Post 721, Big Russ drove a booksellers. garbage truck and often worked a second job to support his family. The work ethic was passed to his son, who obtained a law degree and worked as an aide to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., and former Gov. Mario Cuomo before becoming one of the highest-paid journalists in America. The younger Russert chronicles the special relationship he shares with his father in his new book, “Big Russ & Me, Father and Son: Lessons of Life” (Miramax). Russert recently discussed his career and the book with The American Legion Magazine.

The American Legion Magazine: people like Big Russ: guys who own dads. If that happens, it will Why did you write the book? left school, went and fought be such an affi rmation of my Tim Russert: I think it’s so World War II, came home and dad’s life and his friends and important that the America I raised a family. He had two full- people like him across the know is the same America that time jobs and never complained. country. my dad introduced me to and I hope what comes from this taught me about. I have a sense book is a recognition by this TALM: You wrote an open letter to now that the older I get, the generation of what heroes our your teen-age son, Luke, as the smarter my father gets and all fathers and grandfathers were. I book’s epilogue. Do you see many the lessons that he tried to teach also hope it starts a conversation similarities between today’s young me, I now fi nd myself trying to between fathers and sons across generation and that of your father? teach my own son (those les- the country. Just as Tom Bro- TR: I didn’t plan to write the sons). And they are so ingrained kaw’s “The Greatest Generation” epilogue, but when I re-read the in my dad’s life and the way he allowed the generations to start book, I knew I had to, largely conducted himself in an honor- speaking to one another about because I see the relationship able and decent way that I the war, my hope and prayer is that Luke has with Big Russ. It’s wanted to share those with the that “Big Russ & Me” will give much different than the relation- country so that people would people the motivation and the ship that I had. My dad as recognize that what really is the ideas to start laughing and “grandpa” is much more demon- essence and core of America are crying and rejoicing with their strative and affectionate. He

12 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine ‘Meet the Press’ host discusses dad, politics and the state of the media.

spoils, which he never did for his son, thank God. But I also sense in my own son – born in 1985, who experienced the fi rst Persian Gulf War as a little boy, then Sept. 11 and the toppling of Saddam Hussein – a real patriotic passion and an understanding of the use of the American military. He very much relates to that in conversations with Big Russ. I sense that without the confusion of Vietnam there is much more willingness and readiness among Luke’s generation, that the United States is in a unique position in the world and it should not be reluctant to use power if need be.

TALM: Describe your relationship with Post 721. TR: It was the center of our social life, particularly when Dad became the commander – the same year that John Kennedy became president. And we were so proud of him because we saw the plaque “Commander Timothy J. Russert” on the board. There were 1,000 members of the post. We would go there every Memo- rial Day, where there would be an honor guard. We would run and retrieve the shells and then we were all taken in station wagons to Holy Cross Cemetery, where we would put American fl ags on the graves of veterans.

TALM: You refer to it as “our Legion post.” TR: Absolutely. New Year’s Eve my mom and dad would go over there for the party. In the glass case was the Burke brothers’ trophy (1929 American Legion World Series Champions), the only championship that Buffalo has won. It has the baseball signed by my uncle, Fran Russert … My book tour in Buffalo will end at South Buffalo Post 721, where we will have a party and a book signing on the second fl oor with free beer and free Birch NBC

July 2004 13 The American Legion Magazine interview beer and bowls of pretzels and ‘May I talk?’ who I was. The fact that I grew peanuts. I hope they crank up the Former third-party presidential up in South Buffalo and his old jukebox. candidate Ross Perot has a wonderful way of walking me reputation for dodging tough down the hall with his arm TALM: You say you prepare questions. Tim Russert has a around me and saying to me that for interviews by researching a reputation for asking them. you can learn what the kids from person’s position and then taking After Russert pointed out that Harvard know, but they can the other side. Is it diffi cult to do Perot’s economic proposals never learn what you know. I will this with someone you admire, could mean cuts in transporta- always remember that as long as like you did with the late tion funding, AIDS research and AP I live … He was a great Irish other important programs, the two Sen. Moynihan? had this memorable exchange during Perot’s patriot. He would correct your TR: Lawrence Spivak, who May 3, 1992 appearance on “Meet the Press.” memos, grade them and fi nd founded “Meet the Press” grammatical errors. He was also Perot: Now then – this is an interesting 57 years ago, told me it was the game we’re playing today. It would’ve been a great Legionnaire. He loved mission of the program to learn nice if you’d told me you wanted to talk wearing his cap. He invited my as much as you can about your about this and I had all my facts with me, dad to escort him down the aisle guests and his or her positions, but you didn’t, right? Now – of every (New York) American then take the other side. I feel Russert: Mr. Perot, you have said – Legion convention, and I know it very comfortable with that, even was one of the highest honors my Perot: Wait just a second, wait just a with Sen. Moynihan. I was second. dad ever had. always very open with the audience and say that our Russert: You have said that part of your TALM: How does Big Russ react viewers should know that I once $400 billion defi cit-reduction plan – to seeing his son interview worked for him. But the great Perot: Now what I have also told your – presidents, senators and other thing about Sen. Moynihan was Russert: – is $180 billion – world leaders? that he had an enormous respect Perot: Yes. May I fi nish? TR: There are so many thoughts for the press and our role in Russert: May I fi nish? It was a simple and emotions that I’m sure go society. He would sometimes kid question. through his mind. He gave me me and say, “I think you were Perot: Well, you’ve already fi nished. wonderful advice when I inter- extra tough on me because you Go ahead, fi nish again. It’s your program. viewed President Bush a few wanted to make sure that the You can do anything you want with it. weeks ago. He said, “Be comfort- audience understood that you Go ahead. able, because you have a longer weren’t going to pull any punch- Russert: Well, I’m trying to get a specifi c contract and will be here longer es.” I hope that’s not the case, but answer to a proposal you’ve made. That’s than he will be. But also under- I know I always did my job, and fair. stand and be respectful because he always was of good nature Perot: Well, I am trying to answer it. the Oval Offi ce will be there long and understood that when you after you’re gone.” I try to walk Russert: Please do, sir. come on “Meet the Press” it isn’t that fi ne line … He came here for always an enjoyable experience. Perot: Are you sure you’re fi nished? the 50th anniversary (of “Meet In fact, we did a book on the Russert: Absolutely. the Press”) and we interviewed 50th anniversary of “Meet the Perot: OK, may I talk? President Clinton, and then the Press” and asked Sen. Moynihan Russert: I wish you would. last time with President Bush. to write a little (passage). We Perot: Thank you. Both times he had exactly the asked, “What’s the best way to same reaction. I don’t think he prepare for an appearance on Russert: Thank you. remembers, but I can see him Source: “Meet the Press, 50 Years of History in ‘Meet the Press’?” Moynihan the Making” (McGraw-Hill) shaking his head and telling me answers, “Don’t.” Then he says, on the phone, “I can’t tell you “In the great Spivak era, the crats, Kennedy and Johnson. He what it’s like to see my own boy, program ended at the stroke of had a genuine bipartisanship to my own fl esh and blood, sitting noon, whereupon a silver tray him and a deep appreciation for there toe-to-toe with the president ladened with Bloody Marys civility … you can disagree in the Oval Offi ce.” For him, it appeared, and anxiety evanesced without being disagreeable. He underscores the extraordinariness accordingly. After which, he told me that facts and ideas of America. His favorite expres- would take you to lunch. Now matter, that you shouldn’t waste sion is “What a country!” When you get orange juice at 10 o’clock your time spewing forth emo- he says it, his heart is pounding. in the morning, as if you had just tional rhetoric but instead get given blood.” your facts straight. You can’t TALM: What was your most solve a problem until you mea- embarrassing interview? TALM: What was Moynihan like? sure it. He also had a profound TR: Sen. Bob Kerrey. By far, my TR: Unique. He had worked for impact on me when he made me most embarrassing exchange was four presidents: two Republicans, understand, appreciate and take with the decorated Vietnam Nixon and Ford; and two Demo- pride in where I came from and veteran senator from Nebraska. I

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pened, from the vice president. President Bush was traveling that day (Sept. 11), and the vice president described in extraordi- nary detail what was happening at the White House. On “Meet the Press,” he explained in a very riveting way what transpired on that day: how the Secret Service came to his offi ce and physically lifted him up and went down the stairs into a bunker beneath the White House. Most Americans had no idea that there was a bunker beneath the White House. I asked him what the most diffi cult decision he made that day was. He said it was to recommend to the president that a plane heading to the Capitol or White House should be shot Luke Russert, Timothy “Big Russ” Russert and Tim Russert. Courtesy Tim Russert down – a civilian airliner by the military – if it did not turn back asked Kerrey whether he felt that mistake, make it with a or could not be intercepted. As he President Clinton would remain Nazi.”… And then, after Sept. 11, said it, it was so somber. It loyal to the congressional Demo- I had a Taliban on from Afghani- underscored the seriousness of crats if they reformed entitlement stan and I just punched the guy’s that day and the new world that programs such as Social Security lights out. I probably shouldn’t we all now have to live in. It was and Medicare, or would the presi- say it that way, but I did. It just an amazing hour. I mentioned in dent “put you out on a limb and came roaring back, and it wasn’t my book that I called my dad saw your limb off?” Kerrey, an like I was interviewing someone afterward and he said, “Thank amputee, explained, “Someone about tax cuts, Social Security or you.” already sawed one of them off.” I Medicare. This “gentleman” and was horrifi ed. Of all of the his like supported al-Qaida and TALM: Are you pleased with the metaphors available, I chose the in a large part must be held state of the American media? absolute most joltingly inappro- accountable for Sept. 11. I have TR: I don’t think we should ever priate. Sen. Kerrey was most been unabashed in saying, “Yes, be satisfi ed with our perfor- gracious and to this day jokes I am a journalist, but fi rst I am mance. We can always be better. about the exchange. I now an American citizen.” It’s very The most important thing we can assiduously avoid any tree important … When I interviewed do is acknowledge our mistakes. I analogies. It was awful. We went Vice President (Dick) Cheney, I remember on “Meet the Press” to a commercial. I was beet-red. wore a red-white-and-blue ribbon (that) I reported what a court He was wonderful during the given to me by a family who lost decided in Georgia and (then- commercial break. He said, “I a loved one in the World Trade Attorney General) Janet Reno sent own you.” Center. I was criticized for it by me a letter convincing me that I The Washington Post, but I would was in error. I got the information TALM: Which interview was your do it again. from a New York Times article. I most hostile? shouldn’t have stopped there. I TR: David Duke. I asked him TALM: Given the issues facing the should have gone to the original what it was about the United country, was your recent interview source. The next time she was on, States of America that made him with President Bush the most I said that I want to make the want to be a Nazi. He couldn’t important you have done? record clear, (that) I said this and answer. There is no answer. And TR: Well, obviously whenever it was incorrect. I was inundated he said he wanted to be the you interview the president, with letters and phone calls from governor of “economic develop- President Clinton and President people who said they never see ment,” so I asked him to name Bush in the Oval Offi ce, it leaves that. I think we really have to get Louisiana’s three largest employ- a lasting impression. Probably it right and acknowledge our ers. He couldn’t do it. Some the most important interview I mistakes. It’s something that only people at NBC thought that I had ever did was with Vice President enhances our reputations … crossed the line from interviewer Cheney fi ve days after Sept. 11. It Second thing is we need to make to prosecutor. I asked my dad. He was the fi rst time the country sure that our newsrooms have said. “If you’re going to make heard at length what had hap- true diversity, not just ethnic or

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It’s a very interview in 2002 and to his 45 percent for Republicans important question because you credit became a much better and 10 percent undecided. can have people make editorial candidate. I think the interview We already know how about decisions almost with tunnel with President Bush was impor- 30 states are going to vote. There vision unless you have people tant and revealing. People see are about 20 states up for grabs, around the table with a multitude things through their own prism, and in those 20 states, only of experiences. So I think we and I never comment on my own 10 percent of the people are up have a lot of work to do in that opinion about how they have for grabs … I think the one state regard. done. Certainly Ralph Nader’s that has the potential to be the announcing his independent Florida of 2004 is Ohio, which is TALM: What makes “Meet the candidacy on “Meet the Press” more Republican in terms of Press” successful? was a signifi cant political devel- presidential voting but, because TR: The television industry has opment. I think there is a sense of the economy, will be a real changed a lot. Journalism has many political fi gures would battleground state. changed because of 24-hour prefer forums with softball cable. Many people believe that questions or yuk it up with late- TALM: Has the level of debate in they should be the center of night comedy shows, but they Washington declined? attention, and the country wants realize that if they want to be TR: The level of debate has to know what their views are. taken seriously and deal with gotten much more negative and The 57-year tradition of “Meet the serious issues, the best forum is simplistic. It’s almost a vicious Press” is opposite of that. The “Meet the Press.” If you are going cycle. There is no party disci- emphasis is focused on the guest. to be president or you are presi- pline. They’re all independent My job is to elicit information. dent, how can you make tough contractors … I think television You can be persistent and still be decisions without answering has played a role, and I cover civil. We don’t have screaming, tough questions? those stories on a daily basis. It’s and we don’t have food fi ghts been said that David Brinkley and interruptions. You want a TALM: Could a serious candidate was asked one time about the level of discourse that you can avoid you? importance of Sunday morning, look back at in a month or two or TR: They might try. But eventu- and he said it’s very diffi cult to three years later and say, “That ally sometime in the process they take everything that you learned was a revealing interview.” realize their credibility is at that has occurred over the course Sometimes people get emotional, stake, and they have to go before of a week and distill it to one but it’s not the kind of thing you the audience in a legitimate hour, particularly television try to feed or encourage. I much respected forum, one that’s been because television news seems to prefer to have each one take their around for 57 years. When gravitate to confl ict rather than turn and make their case if it’s a Howard Dean made his famous nuance. And to think of it this debate-type setting. I fi nd as I go “scream” speech, he opted for a way: if Moses came down from around the country a real appre- prime-time interview and a the mountaintop now, how ciation of that. Almost an endan- Letterman “Top Ten” appearance, would television news cover it? If gered species in political discus- but that wasn’t enough. It wasn’t Moses came down with the Ten sion and dialogue. I describe enough to show an emotional Commandments, you would see myself as a temporary custodian side or a humorous side. People Sam Donaldson with the three of a national treasure, and I really wanted a serious explana- most important. So our challenge believe that very deeply. tion as to what had happened is to understand and accept our that night and how it affected his limitations but not surrender our TALM: Your candidate interviews candidacy. He came forward and integrity and our values by have been nicknamed “the Russert said it was not presidential and allowing screaming matches primaries.” What impact do they he obviously regretted it. In between political fi gures and not have on the political process? hindsight, my guess is he prob- holding them accountable for the TR: I only know what others ably wished he did it a month substance of the debate rather have said. Gov. (Howard) Dean earlier, before New Hampshire. than the sizzle. If anything else, said the fi rst interview in 2002 There are lots of issues where that is what I hope will be the launched his campaign and made people are prepared and take legacy of “Meet the Press” during him a serious political fi gure and them on and – if they do well – my tenure. x subsequently his interview in are sometimes able to put the July 2003 was probably the fi rst issue behind them. Article design: Holly K. Soria

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commentary

Frivolous lawsuits cost Americans more than just money.

BY DENNIS McCAFFERTY y now, you’ve heard about Follow all that? costs in 2001 went to plaintiffs’ the lawsuits that seem, No matter how many woulds, if attorneys, adding up to $40 Bwell, just a bit out there: there’s a will, there’s a way to billion in revenues, or double the the lady who sued McDonald’s sue someone. And those on the revenues of Coca-Cola during the because she spilled hot coffee in side of tort reform are saying same period. Class-action lawsuit her lap, the fellow who sued an enough is enough: the unchecked lawyers are earning as much as amusement park because he was ability to sue, combined with $30,000 per hour, the institute hit by lightning in the parking jury members’ willingness to reports. About 72 percent of lot. (His lawyer argued that the provide absurdly enormous doctors view patients as potential park should have warned people awards, is running rampant – adversaries in malpractice not to be outside during a and sanity must be restored. The litigation, and a large percentage thunderstorm.) These kinds of suits represent an abuse of the limit their practices for fear of lawsuits grab headlines. When it original intent of the system, they being sued, according to a survey comes to creative lawsuits, argue – an abuse that the average from the Napa, Calif.-based however, you’d have to scour American pays in soaring Doctor’s Company, the nation’s through a mountain of court- insurance premiums and pass- top physician-owned medical case fi les before fi nding some- along costs to consumers. malpractice carrier. thing as convoluted as “The Case “Juries don’t realize there’s no There’s more. Torts represent of the Teen-aged, Ball-Playing such thing as something for 2.23 percent of the U.S. Gross Stock Fraudster.” nothing,” says Randy Cassing- Domestic Product, and the cost of An 18-year-old teen from ham, a Ridgway, Colo.-based torts rose to $809 per American Mission Viejo, Calif., made more researcher who has found cases in 2002 vs. $12 per American in than $1 million off the stock such as those summarized above 1950, according to Towers Perrin, market but had to return all of his and has posted them online at a Stamford, Conn.-based global profi ts because the feds ruled he Stellaawards.com. “The same professional services fi rm. earned them via fraudulent juries that award millions for a Corporate insurance liability means. The teen was an avid ridiculous case curse their premiums went up 33 percent in baseball player, too, but because insurance companies for their 2003, the fi rm claims. of the charges, he could no longer rising premiums. Well, guess Maureen Martin, senior fellow play for his high school team. what? They did it to themselves.” on legal affairs for the Heartland Naturally, the ball player sued the Institute, a Chicago-based think high school, arguing that it had Financial Costs. With his tank, cites a suit against Pent- deprived him of a potential pro “Stella” awards – named for Stella house magazine as one of the career. (With no team to play for, Liebeck, who in 1992 spilled more absurd in recent memory. obviously, no pro scouts would be McDonald’s coffee on her lap, The magazine claimed to run watching him.) As for the award sued the company and was topless photos of tennis star Anna sought? That would be $50 awarded $2.9 million from a jury Kournikova, but, as it turned out, million, or the amount that the – Cassingham is raising aware- the photos were of another teen projected he would have ness. And he’s not alone. The woman. A lawyer sued Penthouse made if he would have been New York-based Manhattan on behalf of magazine-buying discovered by scouts and would Institute for Policy Research males who paid solely for the have made a major-league club. reports that 19 percent of tort photos of Kournikova.

July 2004 21 The American Legion Magazine commentary

In another absurd case, Williamsburg, Va.-based a woman tried to commit “There are just too many people who National Center for State suicide in New York by Courts, tort fi lings have lying down on the subway expect something for nothing and too actually declined by 9 tracks. She later sued and percent since 1992. was awarded $14.1 million few people left who value integrity, Automobile tort fi lings, the because she actually majority of all tort claims, ended up being hit by a act ethically and put that above the have fallen by 14 percent. subway train. “The verdict Medical malpractice fi lings was eventually reduced to pursuit of the almighty dollar.” per 100,000 population a relative pittance of $9.9 have fallen by 1 percent. – Rochelle J. Schneider, Manhattan Beach, Calif., million because of the attorney and liability consultant for Fortune 500 companies The Washington-based woman’s ‘comparative Association of Trial negligence,’” Martin says. Lawyers of America How did it get to this point? attorney fees; caps for damages indicates that a number of the Martin points to a fl urry of classic for pain, suffering and other non- allegedly frivolous cases often moves and countermoves made by economic-based hardships; and cited in the media cannot be lawyers. For years, federal judges per-diem payments to jurors so documented or verifi ed but are could impose severe fi nancial that more educated persons can still blown up by conservative sanctions against lawyers and serve. Such proposals are gaining talk-show hosts. As for that clients for fi ling frivolous lawsuits, ground. By the end of 2003, 34 “Stella” case? The plaintiff, citing standards set by the Federal states had put punitive-damages Liebeck, really did suffer third- Rules of Civil Procedure. But a reforms in place, and 23 states degree burns. And McDonald’s reform movement softened the have modifi ed rules for giving produced documents demonstrat- standards by 1993, paving the way awards for non-economically ing more than 700 claims by for a loosened legal grip on related damages, according to the people who said they were frivolous suits. Also, many cases American Tort Reform Associa- burned by its coffee between are fi led in state courts, as savvy tion. In California, the Medical 1982 and 1992. “Wealthy and plaintiff attorneys are well aware Injury Compensation Reform Act powerful corporate interests have of the jurisdictions – most in has limited non-economically spent literally billions of dollars California and the South, where related damages against a health- attempting to avoid accountabil- juries and judges are considered care provider to $250,000 and has ity to those they injure or de- award-happy or otherwise plain- limited lawyer contingency fees. fraud,” says association president tiff-sympathetic. The act has served as a model for David Casey, a private-practice Oh, and how about those several states that have either attorney in San Diego. “Taking juries? In an idealistic world – enacted similar standards or are away the legal rights of American one resembling the kind of legal seeking to do so. “Several compa- families is not ‘reform.’ Our system that our forefathers nies I work with have seen their system of justice is one of respon- actually intended – the jury insurance costs double and even sibility and accountability. How would be a solid representation triple,” says Rochelle J. Schneider, can conservatives who so strong- of the community from which it a Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based ly support the Constitution turn was selected. That’s hardly the attorney and business consultant their backs on the Seventh case today, tort reformists say. on limiting liability for Fortune Amendment – the right to a trial “Folks just like you and me with 500 companies. “Many small by jury? They want to substitute demanding employment are businesses must either reduce the ‘one-size-fi ts-all’ judgment of probably among those granted their workforce or go without insurance-industry lobbyists and postponements or excused for coverage completely. There are politicians for that of your hardship, leaving a residue of the just too many people who expect friends, neighbors and co- unemployed or unemployable,” something for nothing and too workers who serve on juries and Martin says. “Even if you and I few people left who value integ- hear all the facts.” were not excused, we would rity, act ethically and put that Much of the problem is that the likely never be selected.” That’s above the pursuit of the al- extreme cases get all the atten- because if you seem too smart or mighty dollar.” tion. “We are, after all, talking otherwise well-spoken, the about human beings, and we can plaintiff attorney will seek to Is Tort Reform Necessary? Of fi nd examples of abuse in the remove you. You may pay too course, the debate has another area of litigation,” says Livonia, much attention to the actual legal side: limiting damages, as well as Mich.-based attorney Terry grounding of the case, instead of the ability to sue, violates our Cochran. “The proponents of being manipulated strictly on an nation’s ideological foundation. severely limiting the ability to emotional level. And some statistical evidence fi le a suit, or of reducing awards, As for solutions? Tort reformists suggests a crisis may not be brew- are just telling us a few scare suggest a capping of class-action ing at all. According to the stories. It’s not representative of

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FREE Name Address Scale 1:32 City State Zip 4½" Long Daytime Phone 1931 Ford Model A Roadster 1931 Ford Pickup Truck EmailAddress commentary our judicial system.” As for the in the microwave, and it died. economic cost passed on to Never happened. Loony Lawsuits consumers? Cochran and others And if you really want to get speaking out against tort into the details about the coffee reform are skeptical. “When case, tort reformists bring up Addicted to Cable. A West Bend, Wis., was the last time you read an these key points: 700 claims of man threatened to sue a cable company for $5,000 or three computers and a article about an insurance injury out of a total McDonald’s lifetime supply of free Internet service company fi ling for Chapter 11 consumer base of 24 million is as part of a settlement for his alleged protection?” he asks. an extraordinarily small TV addiction, his wife’s 50-pound Ken Suggs, a private-practice number, relatively speaking. weight gain and his children’s laziness. attorney in Columbia, S.C., says, It’s enough to get tort reform- The man said he plans to sue because “Multimillionaire CEOs and ists buzzing again about even his cable connection remained active insurance company lobbyists more cases they’ve heard of: the four years after he tried to get it don’t like the idea that ordinary mom who sued to bar a certain cancelled. The result was that his family people can sit in a jury box and 3-year-old from a sandbox at a received free cable from August 1999 to Dec. 23, 2003. “I believe the reason I have an impact on their deci- playground in Boston; the smoke and drink every day and my wife sions, such as recalling a student from New Jersey who is overweight is because we watched defective product. By telling a sued to be sole valedictorian TV every day for the last four years,” lie long enough and loud instead of sharing those duties the man stated in a written complaint enough, it’s possible to create an with a peer; the passenger who against the company and in a police illusion that the lie is true. In sought $200 million for emo- report. “The reason I am suing is they fact, our system is working just tional distress because she was didn’t let me make a decision as to what fi ne to help citizens who have on a Staten Island ferry that was best for myself and my family. They legitimate claims get redress crashed – even though she have been keeping cable coming into and to weed out claims that do wasn’t injured. my home for four years after I asked them to turn it off.” His name was not deserve compensation.” “Certain kinds of people removed from billing at the time of his Not so fast, tort reformists have learned that they can request but not from the cable service. contend. The number of cases bring a lawsuit pretty much He claims he called several times to get fi led has no bearing on the anytime they feel aggrieved,” the service disconnected because he amount of awards given. says Philip K. Howard, chair- felt he had become addicted. According to the Department of man of Common Good, a legal- Don’t Snicker. A woman fi led a lawsuit Transportation, automobile tort reform coalition and author of against the transit system in Juneau, fi lings are down because traffi c “The Death of Common Sense” Alaska, because a driver’s attempt to and car safety have actually and “The Collapse of the enforce the no-eating rule on a bus improved in recent years – from Common Good.” caused her at least $50,000 worth of 6.6 million crashes in 1997 to “The theories and amounts emotional distress. She was trying to eat 6.3 million in 2001, the most keep escalating because judges a Snickers bar. recent year from which statis- don’t see it as their role to draw A Bad Potato. An inmate in a jail near tics are available. Those who the boundaries of what’s a San Diego, while awaiting trial for raping compile lists of frivolous reasonable claim. As one judge an underage girl, fi led a lawsuit against the facility because of the mental stress lawsuits and distribute them, said to me, ‘Who am I to judge?’ and anguish of fi nding a fl y in his mashed like Cassingham, insist the The judges sit on their hands potatoes. cases are real, as are the cases and then wonder why the Pickled Justice. A West Virginia summarized in this article. The claims spin into outer space. convenience-store worker won amusement park case pitted a The greatest harm, however, is $2,699,000 in punitive damages after plaintiff from Laurel, Ind., not the actual verdicts but the injuring her back opening a pickle jar. She against Paramount’s Kings legal fear that now infects daily also received $130,066 in compensation Island park in Mason, Ohio. choices. Doctors squander and $170,000 for emotional distress. A The teen-aged ballplayer sued billions in unnecessary ‘defen- state supreme court justice dissented, the Mission Viejo, Calif., school sive medicine.’ Teachers don’t calling the award “outrageous.” The district. The New York subway put their arms around a crying court, however, upheld most of the case and the Penthouse lawsuit child. See-saws have disap- punitive damages: $2.2 million. are real. In fact, Cassingham peared. Fear of litigation has Can We Sue God? A federal judge has includes a link on his site point- changed our culture.” x once again rejected a lawsuit fi led by a ing out cases publicized in the Pennsylvania man who claims his life media but actually were made Dennis McCafferty is a senior was ruined by a corporation after it fi red him more than 30 years ago. The same up, in order to distinguish writer for USA Weekend from man also sued God for taking “no correc- phony cases from real ones. Herndon, Va. tive action” against his enemies, and he Among the phonies is the lady demands God compensate him by who sued a microwave manu- Illustration: Sam Minnick returning his youth and granting him facturer after she attempted to guitar-playing skills. dry off her poodle by putting it Article design: King Doxsee

24 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine U.S. GOV’T GOLD

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othing I’ve ever written has reader, charging me with making “ad Liberal readers provoked as many responses as hoc exceptions to principle.” Nmy recent article (reprinted in Let’s take a look at the principles I roiled over an the June 2004 issue of The American might have betrayed. One argument is Legion Magazine) on the proposed that freedom of expression must never unexpected fl ag-protection amendment. be restrained. That is a consistent To recap, I suggested that liberals – position, but I know of no one who position including me – ought to rethink their truly adheres to it. First Amendment vocal opposition to the amendment for law is shot through with exceptions: at least three reasons. First, the amend- child pornography, fi ghting words, on the fl ag ment would not really restrict freedom sexual harassment, cross burning, of expression in the sense that no ideas libel, deceptive advertising, some amendment. or viewpoints would be suppressed. types of hate speech, picketing within One manner of protest – fl ag burning – 100 feet of an abortion clinic, to name BY STEVEN LUBET would be prohibited, but the underlying only the most prominent. The addition sentiments could still be expressed in of fl ag burning to this list would not countless other ways. I also pointed out exactly open the fl oodgates. In any that the familiar “slippery slope” event, most liberals endorse some or argument has remarkably little force all of the existing limitations on in this instance, given the extraordi- speech, so protecting the fl ag should nary diffi culty of amending the U.S. hardly drum me out of the corps. Constitution. Finally, I noted Some absolutists may be out there, but that 80 percent of Americans I suspect they are few. are in favor of a fl ag-protec- Perhaps the point is that the First tion amendment. That is Amendment is too precious ever to be not reason enough to amended. Although many people hold support it, of course. that respectable view, it is unsustain- Majorities are often able as an ironclad principle. Ultimate- wrong. But it would ly, the First Amendment has to be not hurt for liberals to treated like the rest of the Constitu- pay more attention to tion: subject to amendment under the the preferences of the terms of Article V, if only to correct majority, especially in glaring errors by the Supreme Court. purely symbolic matters. To use a recent example, the Court I will spare you the held in Employment Division v. Smith favorable comments I re- that the First Amendment does not ceived from moderates and require a “free exercise of religion” conservatives. The more interesting exception to generally applicable responses came from fellow liberals criminal laws. Congress attempted to who were saddened or outraged by my reverse that ruling by passing the defection. My column was “a lot of Religious Freedom Restoration Act, hooey,” according to a Philadelphia which the Court promptly ruled uncon- lawyer, who reminded me that “prin- stitutional in City of Boerne v. Flores. ciples are principles.” Many scholars and activists, both liberal Others questioned my claim that I and conservative, strongly question have not lost my liberal bearings. both decisions as damaging religious “How can you tell?” asked a Chicago freedom and badly misinterpreting the

26 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine commentary

Constitution. Would it be wrong, Authority is given exclusively to ment process is political, and unprincipled or illiberal to propose Congress, not to state legislatures; politics sometimes requires a constitutional amendment to it protects only the fl ag itself, not compromises. Given that the fl ag- correct the Court’s mistake, or other red, white, and blue ban- protection amendment would have does First Amendment absolutism ners, shirts or napkins; and it no noticeable impact on the mean the Supreme Court is always applies only to physical desecra- content of free expression or public unamendably correct? tion, not manners of display or debate, I think it is prudent to I hope it is obvious that such other forms of disrespect. Draft- suggest that liberal efforts would an infl exible principle would be ers of the amendment obviously be far better spent elsewhere. far more troubling than the fl ag- took some care to make it as Needless to say, many commit- protection amendment. The specifi c and viewpoint-neutral as ted liberals see things differently. Supreme Court sometimes gets possible. Perhaps it is still too A young reader put it rather things very wrong – consider the broad, but that would be a reason eloquently: “In a time when Dred Scott case and Plessy v. for liberals to enter negotiations dissent has been demonized in Ferguson – and the Constitution over the amendment, not to fi ght the media and when patriotism therefore provides a necessary it tooth and nail. has been defi ned as uncondition- corrective in the amendment The question of over-breadth al support of our president, it is process. That does not mean the actually brings us to one of the dangerous to allow our expres- fl ag-protection amendment is a underappreciated advantages of a sive rights to be curbed.” good idea, but it is certainly fl ag-protection amendment. The Alas, I think he got it exactly within the ambit of liberalism to Supreme Court’s two fl ag- wrong. At a time when dissent is consider its potential virtues. burning cases, Texas v. Johnson devalued – it has not been Several readers voiced a less and United States v. Eichman, demonized – liberals have no sweeping and more pragmatic were both decided on 5-4 votes. reason to align themselves with objection to the fl ag-protection While Justices Antonin Scalia the angry immolations of the amendment. They argued it will and Anthony Kennedy voted with most eccentric and divisive become a precedent for further the majority, the other three – protesters. More than anything, restrictions on free speech. One William Brennan, Harry Black- our nation today needs discourse, Californian wrote that “toying mun and Thurgood Marshall – not tantrums. Sure, we have to with a basic constitutional are no longer on the Court. Given defend to the death everyone’s principle cannot help but cheapen the Court’s current membership, right to say, write, think, shout, the process of amending the and the possibility of multiple sing and signify their viewpoints. Constitution.” The slippery slope Bush appointments, it is quite But we don’t have to stake the may be a staple metaphor in the possible that the issue will be future of progressive politics on liberal lexicon, but it is not very revisited and that Johnson and the protection of fl ag burning. persuasive in this situation. Apart Eichman will be overruled. In the 2000 election, George W. from the Bill of Rights and the The Supreme Court, though, Bush carried Florida by about Reconstruction amendments, the cannot simply ban fl ag burning. 500 votes, largely on the strength fact is that constitutional amend- Instead, the opinion would have of military absentee ballots. Most ments don’t come in clusters. If to carve out a much broader of those votes were cast by one amendment were truly the exception for expressive conduct, enlisted personnel, working-class stepping stone to another, 16-year- which would necessarily be open- men and women who might well olds would be eligible to vote and ended. At the most extreme, we be Democrats. Forget about the presidency would be limited might get a decision that excludes butterfl y ballots and hanging to a single term. all sorts of offensive behavior chads. Al Gore really lost Florida Another version of the bad- from the First Amendment: goose- because of the perception that precedent argument exists, one stepping, clenched-fi st salutes, liberals are anti-defense and that does not rely on a constitu- obscene gestures and who knows insuffi ciently patriotic. Rigid tional domino effect. A Washing- what else. opposition to the fl ag-protection ton, D.C., reader observed that Unlike a Supreme Court amendment just reinforces a the eventual enabling legislation opinion, a constitutional amend- mistaken perception. Needless to could turn out worse than the ment can be specifi cally limited say, it is time for a change. x amendment itself. “The constitu- to protecting the fl ag. No further tional slope will get its incline rationale is necessary and no Steven Lubet is a professor of law at and slickness when Congress general principle would emerge. Northwestern University. His most enacts draconian prohibitions.” Indeed, the broad range of recent book is “Nothing but the Fortunately, the proposed fl ag- expressive conduct might be Truth: Why Trial Lawyers Don’t, protection amendment is pretty safer under the fl ag-protection Can’t and Shouldn’t Have to Tell narrow, providing only that “the amendment than under the the Whole Truth.” E-mail him at Congress shall have power to fragile protection of a vanished [email protected]. prohibit the physical desecration Supreme Court majority. of the fl ag of the United States.” In the fi nal analysis, the amend- Article design: Doug Rollison

July 2004 27 The American Legion Magazine Recovery teams scour the earth for remains of fallen Americans. ‘Until They Are Home’

BY JAMES V. CARROLL

he Russian-made MI-17 helicopter lifts units comprised of military and civilian off from a primitive mountainside perch. specialists who scour the earth to repatriate TThe rotor wash creates a micro-burst, and identify the remains of felled American spraying dust and pebbles at crouching warriors. The teams hack through jungles, slog onlookers trying to shield themselves from the through dangerous swamps, rappel from blast. The whop-whop-whop of rotor blades helicopters, dive into oceans and lakes, and soon fades as the helicopter descends into the slither up and down ropes along treacherous morning haze and down the valley toward Ha cliffs. They traverse bare mountain ridges and Long on the coast and eventually to Hanoi, 165 heavily forested valleys. They endure swelter- kilometers inland. ing heat and numbing cold. Newly arrived journalists at site 1912, a The men and women of JPAC carry out their remote mountain peak in Vietnam’s Quang solemn mission mindful of our nation’s Ninh Province, have come via the MI-17 to longstanding tradition to recover the remains witness efforts by U.S and Vietnamese recov- of men and women who died at war. Their ery teams dispatched to locate the remains of efforts on battlefi elds past and present give two Navy aviators whose fi ghter-bomber comfort to today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and crashed more than 30 years ago. Marines. The quest further recognizes the The U.S. team is part of a $44-million-a-year value we, as Americans, place on each indi- Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command head- vidual life and our country’s moral commit- quartered in Oahu, Hawaii. It is one of about ment to spare no effort to recover all who fell two dozen elite investigation and recovery fi ghting under the U.S. Flag.

28 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine “We write no last chapters. We close no books. We put away no fi nal memories. An end to America’s involvement in Vietnam cannot come before we’ve achieved the fullest possible accounting of those missing in action.” – Ronald Reagan

Forensic anthropologist Elliott Moore, foreground, joins a Dozens of people crowd the inhospitable 45- civilian-military work crew in the effort to close the books degree incline, working to unearth the human on a U.S. Navy fi ghter jet crash during the Vietnam War. remains of the aviators, presumed to have James V. Carroll perished here in 1972. Jagged rocks break through otherwise clean-scraped, rust-colored “It’s wonderful what these young men and earth. Staked twine divides a 130-meter-by-70- women have done over the years to fi nd and meter excavation site into a 5-meter-by-5-meter return my son to me,” says the mother of one grid. Small red pennants are of the missing pilots. “It means a lot that our positioned around the site, country has not forgotten. It’s been an up- identifying objects that could be and-down ride for a long time, but maybe of danger, interest or importance. soon I can be at ease knowing my boy is Vietnamese villagers use fi nally at home.” pickaxes to loosen barren soil. Others precariously line the steep No Stone Unturned. As members of the bank, passing buckets of exca- landing party whisk dust from their clothing, vated dirt, hand to hand, toward they move toward a pathway gouged into the makeshift tarp-covered bamboo mountainside. It leads into the forest. Sand- sifting shacks. bags, baked by the scorching sun on hardpan, Dirt from the 5-gallon plastic line a tenuous serpentine corridor through buckets is dumped into wooden Grim evidence to the fate otherwise impassible terrain. For the uniniti- and wire-mesh sifting-trays. Life- of two naval aviators. ated, the gentle climb is more like a forced support artifacts, personal effects James V. Carroll march. The thin air is fl avored with the sour, and scant bits of human remains are picked, musky taste of turned soil. sorted, catalogued and locked away. Twisted Boots slap rhythmically against manmade and shattered aircraft wreckage, few pieces steppingstones. Voices can be heard nearby. larger than a child’s lunchbox, is tossed onto a The source of the commotion is not visible pile at the base of the excavation site. until a portal in the dense underbrush slowly A Vietnamese girl, barely 5 feet tall, inter- widens, revealing the crash site. It’s a sober- rupts her tedious labor long enough to squash a ing view. poisonous millipede before it can injure

July 2004 29 The American Legion Magazine anyone. Another young girl, her legs and torso Lester, born June 19, 1946, grew up in folded into a z-shape, squats on the fl ats of her Morton, Wash. Flying was his passion. As a feet, needlework occupying her idle time. A third-grader, he drew pictures of jets, says his colorful bandanna obscures her youthful face. mother. Friends describe Lester as both a A U.S. soldier pops a new CD into his nearby serious student and a prankster. He was a battery-powered boom box. high-school class salutato- Higher on the hill, Army rian in 1964 and a topnotch Staff Sgt. Kory McDaniel, fl ight student at Whidbey the team’s mortuary-affairs Island Naval Air Station in specialist, lifts a small item Washington, where he into the air. He examines it found glee in buzzing his closely and then tosses it small hometown during aside, satisfi ed it is not low-level supersonic train- human bone. He wends his ing sorties. He welcomed way along the sifting line to the thrill and challenge of inspect another small object combat fl ying and dreamed uncovered by an elderly he would one day be an Vietnamese woman; her astronaut at the controls of a face and hands are wrinkled NASA spacecraft. with age, her teeth black- Mossman was born in ened by beetlenut juice. A Vietnamese girl relaxes during a break at the Augusta, Maine, and moved crash site. James V. Carroll Forensic anthropologist with his family to Manhas- Elliott Moore, a civilian veteran of several set, N.Y. He played football at Manhasset High excavations throughout his career, leads the School on the same fi eld dominated a decade joint team. It’s archaeology and anthropology earlier by young running back Jim Brown, who at its fi nest, practiced by the best. JPAC’s 75th later played for the Cleveland Browns and Joint Field Activity team digs for comrades became a Hall-of-Famer in the National Foot- and onetime foes who died in what seems an ball League. Mossman went to Bates College in ancient time in a faraway land. They risk life Maine where he played football and was on the and limb to bring home Lt. Cmdrs. Roderick track team. His family remembers him as a Barnum Lester and Harry Seeber Mossman. serious thinker. Mossman aspired to be a writer. He taught his young son, Tom, to play Brig. Gen. W. Montague Winfi eld is commander of poker. He would have celebrated his 61st the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, head- birthday last month. quartered at Hickam Air Force Base in Oahu, In the shade of a canvas awning back at Hawaii. base camp, team leader Marine Capt. Daniel The American Legion Magazine: Why is the Madden and Air Force Master Sgt. Billy Sasser, JPAC/CILHI mission important? the team’s life-support specialist, talk about items recovered in the past few days. They Brig. Gen. W. Montague Winfi eld: JPAC’s hard work and place metal parts of two pistols on a bamboo dedication represent the high national priority America places on table. They add a partially intact Geneva bringing home our missing. The U.S. government, the Depart- Convention card identifying Mossman and a ment of Defense and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command nylon watchstrap. They also describe bone are committed to the fullest possible accounting of all Americans fragments recently unearthed. still missing or unaccounted for, in defense of our great country. Investigators on earlier missions to site 1912 JPAC will continue to fulfi ll our nation’s promise to the POW/MIA turned up numerous artifacts, including parts families and those Americans still waiting to come home. of an ejection seat, survival kits and vests, TALM: How do you describe full accounting? zippers, buckles, snaps and buttons, part of a WMW: U.S. efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for sock and a piece of parachute. They also found all Americans missing as a result of our nation’s previous confl icts a mangled dog tag and a shredded leather means that we will do everything in our power to research, patch with a partial name on it. These are investigate, recover and identify our missing. Various circum- what remain of the men. stances such as deep-water ocean losses may preclude our achieving this for every one of the more than 88,000 still unac- Last Words. It was to be just another night of counted for, but rest assured that we will have left no stone duty for Lester and Mossman as they catapult- unturned in our search for them. ed off the USS Kitty Hawk in their A-6A Intruder fi ghter-bomber Aug. 20, 1972. It was TALM: What is most frustrating about your mission? Lester’s 144th mission, Mossman’s 125th. If WMW: JPAC identifi es on average two individuals each week, everything went well, the attack squadron roughly 100 per year. That’s a signifi cant achievement, certainly, aviators would be back aboard their fl oating but when you consider how many are still missing, we’ve still got landing strip in three to four hours, joking a long way to go. with their fellow pilots.

30 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine They dedicated their best years to keeping America strong... Decades later many would get sick from the Asbestos

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LAW OFFICES Setting the standard in asbestos litigation for over a decade 180 Maiden Lane • New York, NY 10038 1(800)476-6070 The statute of limitations of your Future verdicts or settlements cannot www.weitzlux.com respective state will help determine be predicted from prior results. Call for a free consultation & booklet your ability to file a claim. But something went terribly wrong. of a crash site on a remote mountainside near Thunderstorms broke across the skies over where Lester and Mossman disappeared. In coastal Quang Ninh province east of Hanoi. late 1999 or early 2000, the U.S. government The rugged mountains were blanketed under told their families that pieces of the aircraft 1,000 feet of overcast. Sometime during their had been found and identifi ed. The scene has low-level, armed been investigated reconnaissance fi ve times and mission, the pilots excavated seven. encountered trouble. The fi rst excavation One of them re- began in January marked in a brief 1997, the last in radio transmission October and No- heard by other Navy vember 2003. Each pilots in the area, new effort strength- “Let’s get the hell ened the theory that out of here.” Those the two naval were the last words aviators were in the anyone would hear Intruder when it from them. slammed full-bore Soon, an aircrew into the mountain- fl ying the same Scrapbooks offer little comfort to Esther Lester and her son, side some 70 feet mission saw a bright Reginald. James V. Carroll below its peak. fl ash in the sky. Poor weather made it impos- “We’ve identifi ed the aircraft,” Madden sible to pinpoint the source, and electronic explains. “We know that both pilots were in surveillance turned up nothing. Kitty Hawk the plane at the time of the crash. We can pilots conducting a visual search encountered presume identifi cation, but we will not know enemy fi re and returned to the carrier not for certain until tests are completed in Hawaii.” knowing the fate of their buddies. The Navy The words “can presume identifi cation,” declared Lester and Mossman missing in softly spoken outside a hooch on a faraway action when they failed to return to their ship. Vietnam mountainside, are words the aviators’ The fate of the two naval aviators remained families have both awaited and feared for unclear until 1994, when investigators learned more than three decades. On Jan. 15, in a solemn ceremony at Hickam The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command was created from the Air Force Base in Hawaii, JPAC repatriated merger of the 30-year-old U.S Army Central Identifi cation remains believed to be associated with the Laboratory in Hawaii and the 11-year-old Joint Task Force – losses of Lester and Mossman. They were then Full Accounting. To carry out its mission, JPAC divides its work taken to JPAC’s Central Identifi cation Labora- into fi ve areas: tory on Oahu to arrange for DNA testing that ANALYSIS. Historians and analysts use multiple human and may establish positive identifi cation. archival sources to create a loss-incident fi le for missing individu- als and provide operations and laboratory sections with informa- Waiting at Home. While thousands of Ameri- tion regarding an MIA. can families continue to hope and pray for the NEGOTIATION. JPAC carries out technical negotiations and return of their fallen heroes, the decades-long meetings with representatives of foreign governments including wait for the Lester and Mossman families Russia, Germany, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, appears to be ending. China, Papua New Guinea, Burma and others to ensure positive “After Rog (Lester) was listed as missing in in-country conditions for investigative and recovery operations. action, we believed for several years after that he was a prisoner somewhere,” said his INVESTIGATION. Investigation teams deploy to locations around mother, Esther, a retired schoolteacher. “We the world to document and survey potential sites, to generate believed he would be found.” new leads that may result in future recoveries and to assist in the Today, 32 years later, she continues to hope planning of future recovery efforts. that her son did not die on that remote moun- RECOVERY. Recovery team specialists include a team leader, tainside but rather that he is alive somewhere sergeant and forensic anthropologist. Other team members may in Vietnam. include a linguist, medic, life-support technician, explosives She sits at a Santa Rosa, Calif., dining room ordnance technician, mortuary affairs specialists, mountaineer- table, fl anked by a vase of long-stem red roses ing specialists, communication technicians and mechanics. and her older son, Reginald. She peers at IDENTIFICATION. CILHI forensic anthropologists examine scrapbooks fi lled with pictures of her youngest recovered skeletal remains. Forensic odontologists, or dentists, son, some taken of him as a boy growing up in examine recovered teeth, fi llings and crowns. Often, DNA tests Morton. She pores over high school and college are performed to identify remains. pictures and photos of him as a naval aviator. Source: Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command She examines a pile of newspaper clippings

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She reaches to pat Reginald’s hand. about him.” Esther and the entire Lester family have Among Moore’s memorabilia are two POW/ lived through years of rumor, speculation, MIA bracelets, both dated Aug. 20, 1972, one hope and disappointment. Reg, her husband inscribed with the name Lt. Harry Mossman, of 63 years, died not know- the other with Lt. ing his son’s crash site had Roderick Lester. been located. Esther hopes to Moore opens a learn the truth before “my 50-page letter time is fi nished. My heart written by his dad. aches at times,” the 87-year- It is dated Jan. 19, old widow says. “I miss Rog. 1972. The missive We all miss him.” contains fatherly On a hill overlooking the advice. Mossman countryside near Yakima, POW/MIA bracelets are a poor substitute for a wrote about missing father, Moore says. James V. Carroll Wash., Bill Moore has an ache emotions and in his heart, as well. He remembers little or values and opined that everyone has a role to nothing of his dad, Harry Mossman. His older play. His role was that of a warrior. “The brother, Tom, was 4 years old, and Bill was 2 saddest part of the job that I have undertaken,” when Mossman and Lester disappeared. Mossman wrote to his young sons, “is that the Leafi ng through old photographs and armed services by their nature, represent the newspaper clippings in a worn and dog-eared last resort, when rational solutions to the scrapbook, Moore pauses to inspect one country’s problems have failed.” particular photo. “I only know bits and pieces As Moore sorts through images of a father he about my dad,” he says. “My mom has told me does not remember, his own 2-year-old son things, but these scrapbooks, a few home pesters him to play a video game. “We named him Harrison, after his grandfather Harry,” says The bottom line on full accounting the proud papa as he heads to the living room. $44 million Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command The aviators’ families are trying to make annual budget peace with the fact that their loved ones are gone, lost decades ago in a war half a world 78,000 Americans missing from World War II away. They represent two of more than 1,800 8,000 Americans missing from the Korean War Vietnam War families who want to know 1,800 Americans missing from the Vietnam War anything they can regarding whereabouts or conditions. Another 86,000-plus are missing in 120 Americans missing from the Cold War action from World War II, the Korean War and 1 American missing from the Gulf War the Cold War. One Navy pilot is missing from 3,500 Case investigations since 1992 the fi rst Gulf War. 1,171 Sets of remains identifi ed by Central Identifi cation The men and women of JPAC toil daily to Laboratory since 1973 bring closure for families with missing loved ones – sometimes at the risk of their own lives. 600 Recovery operations since 1992 During a routine recovery mission in spring 425 Number of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and 2001, seven Americans and nine Vietnamese civilians with specialized skills assigned to JPAC perished when their helicopter crashed in the 35-60 Average days recovery teams are deployed fog into the side of a mountain near the coastal dunes in southern Vietnam. They had 35 Average days investigative teams are deployed been searching for men dead for decades, 25 Percentage of missing Vietnam War soldiers, carrying out their solemn and sacrosanct sailors, airmen and Marines recovered credo to not give up the search for America’s 10 Recovery teams dedicated to Southeast Asia fallen heroes “until they are home.” x 6 Investigative teams deployed worldwide Epilogue: Remains recovered at site 1912 5 Recovery teams dedicated to Korea have been identifi ed as those of Lt. Cmdr. 3 Recovery teams dedicated to World War II, Harry Mossman. The Navy notifi ed his family the Cold War and the Gulf War in May. Lt. Cmdr Roderick Lester is listed by 4 Forward detachments – Bangkok, Hanoi and the Navy as “killed in action, body not Vientiane. A fourth roving detachment supports recovered.” Recovery efforts are concluded. all other geographic areas James V. Carroll is an assistant editor at The 2 Average number of identifi cations made American Legion Magazine. each week Source: Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, U.S. Army Central Identifi cation Laboratory, Hawaii Article design: Holly K. Soria

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36 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine commentary

German children, opposite, cheer as U.S. Armed Forces airlift supplies to West Berlin after communists sealed off the borders. But times have changed, above, with anti-U.S. sentiment raging in Europe because of the Iraq war. Corbis/AP

BY ALAN W. DOWD of an era; it is a metaphor for weary Western allies with a fait how far apart Europe and accompli. What he didn’t realize ffi cials in Berlin have America have drifted. was that the Allies had another quietly announced their option. And so began the Berlin Ointention to close Tempel- In the Routine. Triggered by Airlift, one of the greatest military, hof Airport. The airlines are Moscow’s decision in June 1948 political and technological feats of fi ghting it because of Tempelhof’s to blockade the overland corri- the 20th century. proximity to downtown Berlin, dors between the divided city of Blending the principles of and the preservationists are Berlin and western Germany, the strategic bombing with the fi ghting it because of Tempelhof’s Berlin Airlift marked the begin- effi ciency of a Detroit assembly storied history. Politicians insist ning of the Cold War and fore- line, Lt. Gen. Curtis LeMay the airstrip is too small and too shadowed its ultimate outcome. crafted an air campaign unlike ineffi cient to be of any use. Soviet leader Josef Stalin wanted any in history. From June 1948 to That certainly wasn’t the case the Americans out of Berlin, but September 1949, Allied pilots fl ew 55 years ago, when Tempelhof he didn’t want to fi ght a war over 277,000 missions and delivered was the hub of the Berlin Airlift it. As Churchill observed, “I do not 2.3 million tons of supplies to and the symbol of America’s believe that Soviet Russia desires Berlin. Some 32,000 troops and commitment to Europe, Europe’s war. What they desire is the fruits 23,000 civilians participated in dependence on America, and of war and the indefi nite expan- the mission, which the Ameri- their common cause in the Cold sion of their power.” By blockad- cans called “Operation Vittles” War. Packing up this piece of ing Berlin, Stalin no doubt thought and the British dubbed “Opera- history marks more than the end he had checkmated his battle- tion Plainfare.”

July 2004 37 The American Legion Magazine About 75 percent of the Some say Europe’s missions were fl own by “After two world wars and decades failure to act was the Americans and as such natural byproduct of ended at Tempelhof, an of deferring to Washington, military weakness. After old airfi eld in the U.S.- all, defense spending in occupied sector of Berlin. continental Europe may simply no France is $46 billion, or Along with Gatow in the just 2.5 percent of GDP; British sector and Tegel longer have the capacity to play a in Germany it’s a scant in the French, Tempelhof 1.3 percent of GDP. The never slept. At the height leadership role on the battlefi eld.” United States, by com- of the airlift, Tempelhof parison, invests more received coal- and food- than 3 percent of a much laden planes every three minutes. The fall of the Berlin Wall in larger GDP, translating into some As Air Force Magazine detailed in 1989 awakened a long-dormant $400 billion in defense outlays. 1998, ground crews could unload dream among Europe’s policy- Of course, the European a C-54 or C-47 cargo plane in just making elite to create an identity Union’s allergy to “hard” power fi ve minutes and have it back in independent of the United States could be the result of something the air in a half-hour. “The airlift and to transform the international more fundamental: after two became almost routine,” said system from one shaped by world wars and decades of Gen. T. Ross Milton, chief of staff America’s “hard” power, which deferring to Washington, conti- for the Combined Berlin Airlift relies on the use or threat of nental Europe may simply no Task Force. “Visitors who came military force, into one shaped by longer have the capacity to play a for a look at this famous defi ance Europe’s “soft” power, which leadership role on the battlefi eld. of Stalin were slightly disappoint- relies on diplomacy and multilat- In other words, Europe’s inability ed by the orderly and measured eral institutions. As Margaret to act militarily may not be the way the airplanes came and went Thatcher concluded at the time, result of its military weakness or through Berlin.” the Germans were “losing its over-reliance on soft power, Of course, it wasn’t always their appetite for defense.” but rather the cause of them. To routine. According to Air Force Brent Scowcroft, who served as extend Pfaff’s point, soft power is Magazine, the airlift armada came national security adviser to the not just a way for Europe to under fi re 123 times; of the 77 elder Bush, noticed, “The United rationalize its inaction – it may men killed during the mercy States seemed largely absent in be the only kind of power Europe mission, 31 were Americans. longer-term French calculations knows how to apply. The crisis defi ned America for about Europe.” This was never more apparent an entire generation of Europe- When Yugoslavia began to than in the months leading up to ans. During those 15 months, the descend into civil war in 1991, the the Iraq war. Thanks to French United States showcased not just Europeans seized upon the crisis President Jacques Chirac and its military might, political as an opportunity to prove they German Chancellor Gerhard resolve and boundless economic were ready to lead. It was, as one Schroeder, it took eight weeks for capacity, but a unique ability to European diplomat declared, “the the U.N. Security Council to bring all of these to bear in hour of Europe.” Washington took agree on a resolution requiring pursuit of its national interests – the hint and stepped aside. Iraq to comply with existing reso- and an eagerness to balance Yet behind the words was little lutions. But resolving only to be those interests against the most action. As historian William Pfaff unresolved, as Churchill once basic needs of its former enemies observes in “The Wrath of said, the French and Germans in Germany. Nations,” the Europeans were refused to authorize military Just as important, the airlift “unable to act collectively and action to ensure compliance. awoke Europe and America to a refused to act individually.” In Instead, they dispatched Hans new threat – a threat that sur- Pfaff’s view, the United Nations Blix to Baghdad, where he asked rounded Berlin and menaced the and the European Union “actu- Saddam Hussein to account for rest of western Europe. It’s no ally proved an obstacle to action, his arsenal of missiles and coincidence that NATO was born by inhibiting individual national weapons of mass destruction. as British and American cargo action and rationalizing the Recall that according to the planes were streaming in and out refusal to act nationally.” United Nations – not the CIA – of Berlin. After four years of feckless 10,000 liters of anthrax, thou- diplomacy and 250,000 deaths, the sands of chemical-tipped bombs The Alliance Frays. Fast- hour of Europe had passed. The and large amounts of VX nerve forward 55 years. Berlin is United States reasserted itself in agent were unaccounted for. The united, but the transatlantic late 1995, brought the Yugoslav ensuing diplomatic showdown community is divided. As with war to a rapid conclusion and revealed that more than an ocean the decline of Tempelhof, this made sure to avoid a repeat in separates America and the didn’t happen overnight. Kosovo by leading from the outset. European Union. From the U.S.

38 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine OFFICIALLY AUTHORIZED RELEASE FIRST Legally Authorized $100 Silver Proof Coin The $100 Lewis & Clark Silver Proof represents the FIRST time an American Indian Nation has issued Hold History In itsits ownown legallylegally authorizedauthorized tribaltribal coins.coins. It’sIt’s a first for the United States, Your Hands With Native Americans and the world! The FIRST-EVER Legally Authorized Lewis & Clark 200th Anniversary Silver Proof

Authorized by Act of Congress Public Law 106-568 Actual size is 4-oz. of Pure Silver 2.5 inches in diameter

o commemorate the 200th FIRST-EVER $100 silver Proof legally pouch along with an informative storycard anniversary of the Lewis & Clark authorized by a sovereign American on the Lewis & Clark expedition and an TExpedition, a legally authorized Indian nation! official Certificate of Authenticity. The $100 four-ounce silver Proof has just been total shipping charge (including insurance) released. And just as Lewis & Clark led Experts Marvel for one Proof coin is $9.95. There is no the first expedition of the Louisiana additional shipping charge for ordering Purchase, this coin breaks new ground At Stunning Design more coins, so save by ordering more than because it is the FIRST-EVER officially The intricate design of this coin is nothing one. You must be 100% satisfied with your authorized 4-oz. silver Proof to short of fantastic. While the reverse shows order, or simply return it within 30 days commemorate the 200th anniversary. the Shawnee Tribe’s Coat of Arms, the by insured mail for a prompt refund of obverse features a design of Lewis and the purchase price. First-Ever Native Clark standing on a cliff surveying the way west as their guide George Drouillard First Crack At American Proof points the way. It’s an incredibly fitting To pay tribute to this momentous event, the design since Drouillard was half French A World’s First Shawnee Indian nation has issued a large, Canadian and half Shawnee. Measuring The historic Lewis & Clark 4-oz. Silver 1 4-oz. silver Proof coin that is one of the 2 ⁄2” wide, this large 4-oz. silver Proof was Proof is not available in stores. Do not most significant coins in American history. struck in .999 fine silver and it’s so detailed let this opportunity pass you by. 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We can only The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 acquired 14101 Southcross Drive West from France more than 800 million acres guarantee this price for 30 days due to the Dept. LCP119-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 of land—doubling the size of the United fluctuations and recent increase in silver States. And at less than 3 cents an acre, prices. Your Lewis & Clark 4-oz. Silver www.FirstFederalMint.com it had to be one of the greatest real estate Proof will be protected in a clear acrylic Note: The First Federal Mint, LLC is a private distributor deals in history! of government and private coin and medallic issues and is holder within a buckskin presentation not affiliated with the United States Government. www.FirstFederalMint.com 1-800-859-1565 perspective, Saddam was the straightest path to virtue.” because of America’s military threat. From the French and This is not to say that diploma- might, but because of America’s German perspective, war itself cy has no purpose, or that “going willingness to work with allies. was the threat. it alone” is preferable to acting in n Tempelhof should remind Hence, when Britain and the tandem with allies. Diplomacy Europeans that America is a force United States returned to the and the cooperation it promotes for good in the world. What United Nations for military are important, as we are learning American blood secured in Europe authorization in March 2003, in Iraq. Some 39 countries have and the Pacifi c in 1945, and Berlin they found the French and deployed troops to Iraq. Fully 21 in 1949, is the very same thing it German governments unwilling of the European Union’s 25 has bought in Iraq and Afghani- to compromise. In a naked bid to current or future members stan. The U.S.-led coalition has win re-election, Schroeder pre- supported the campaign in Iraq. freed 26 million Afghans from the emptively announced that The fact that Germany and France medieval Taliban and another Germany would oppose military chose not to be among that 24 million Iraqis from Saddam’s action in Iraq – with or without a number has more to do with them torture chamber. It’s a shame U.N. resolution. “We will not be than Washington. America’s old friends are unable to part of it,” he vowed. Even so, Washington is not see the similarities. The French tried to make sure blameless in this rift. By balking n Finally, Tempelhof should no one else would be a part of it at, or walking away from, a remind Europeans and Americans either. Chirac unilaterally threat- number of treaties in the past alike of what the transatlantic ened East European governments decade, the Clinton and Bush alliance can achieve when united. for siding with Washington. “If administrations raised Europe’s From Berlin to Baghdad, the core they wanted to diminish their ire. Defense Secretary Donald of the alliance remains America’s chances of joining the E.U.,” he Rumsfeld stoked the tensions in bond with Britain. With Britain snarled, “they couldn’t have early 2003 by dismissing Ger- serving as a bridge, the United chosen a better way.” He then many and France as relics of “old States and the European Union dispatched his foreign minister to Europe.” Perhaps coincidentally, are working together to keep a dozen capitals to organize an perhaps not, Pentagon planners nuclear weapons out of the hands opposition against Washington have proposed replacing Ameri- of the terrorist regime in Iran. In and, incredibly, rejected London’s ca’s permanent bases in Germany Djibouti, French and American 11th-hour compromise even with “lily-pad” bases manned by units are teaming up to dismantle before Saddam. skeleton crews, or moving the al-Qaida cells throughout Africa. bases out of Germany altogether. NATO is leading the stabilization Lessons. Doubtless, Washing- After the dust settled in Iraq, mission in Afghanistan, with ton’s diffi culty fi nding weapons Washington punished Germany Germany contributing one of the of mass destruction in Iraq has and France by cutting them out largest contingents. And after given Chirac and Schroeder of lucrative postwar contracts supporting the Polish military in reason to gloat. Yet in his post- and limiting the role of the overseeing a swath of southern war review, U.S. weapons inspec- United Nations. While this served Iraq, NATO is edging toward a tor David Kay concluded that “a to underscore the Bush adminis- more direct and more permanent lot of material went to Syria tration’s anger, it probably hasn’t role in stabilizing postwar Iraq. before the war, including some served America’s long-term Iraq and its restive neighbors components of Saddam’s WMD interests in Iraq, which brings us may not require an airlift of program.” Gen. James Clapper, back to the lessons of Tempelhof: foodstuffs and coal, but they director of the National Geospa- n Tempelhof should remind desperately need the moral and tial-Intelligence Agency, notes Americans that it takes more material support of a united that prewar satellite surveillance than weapons to defeat the forces transatlantic community. As tracked the movement of large of terror and tyranny – whether Churchill warned in 1946, if amounts of material into Syria, they are named Stalin, Saddam America and Europe “become leading him to conclude “unques- or bin Laden. As Rumsfeld divided or falter in their duty, tionably” that the Iraqi regime himself has said of the war on if these all-important years are “decided the best thing to do was terror, “Victory will require that allowed to slip away, then indeed to destroy and disperse.” every element of American catastrophe may overwhelm In other words, Iraq was infl uence and power be en- us all.” indeed in violation of U.N. resolu- gaged.” Military strength is part The architects of the Berlin tions. Of course, the French and of that power, but so is diplomat- Airlift took Churchill’s warning German diplomatic corps knew ic creativity. The U.S. military to heart. We should do no less. x that all along. But as George can crush any foe. But winning Walden, the British author and the peace requires ambidexterity, Alan W. Dowd is a freelance former member of Parliament, and keeping the peace requires writer living in Indianapolis. observed, “The group dynamics allies. West Berlin remained free of diplomacy are not always the during the Cold War not only Article design: Doug Rollison

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Another tour Afghanistan for seven months Conventional wisdom during autumn and winter suggests that the unstable, 2001 and spring 2002. After a unpredictable situation in Iraq brief respite back home at Fort should trigger a decline in re- Campbell, the division then enlistment numbers for the spent a year in Iraq beginning Army, but that conventional in March 2003. Yet, the 101st wisdom is wrong. Even in the eclipsed its mid-year recruit- midst of the bloodiest, deadli- ing goals. est month of guerrilla fi ghting Some attribute the high re- in Iraq, the Army exceeded its mid-year goal for enlistment rates to America’s shaky job market, retention: 28,377 troops re-enlisted, bringing the others to the high-dollar bonuses shelled out by target number of 56,100 by the end of the fi scal the Pentagon, but an equally important factor is year well within reach. Only the 82nd Airborne patriotism. The troops re-enlisting in the war fell short of its mid-year goal – and only by 85. zones of south-central Iraq and eastern Afghani- As Lt. Col. Franklin Childress told the stan simply will not leave their buddies – their Associated Press, “It’s a very positive retention country – in the middle of a fi ght. As one colonel picture at this point.” Positive and surprising. on leave from Iraq said, it’s something special to Some Army divisions have been deployed take or administer the re-enlistment oath within virtually nonstop in recent years. For example, earshot of enemy fi re. key units of the 101st Airborne were deployed to – A.W.D.

Hypersonic history NASA has successfully tested a so-called “hypersonic” plane. Dropped from the wing of a modifi ed B-52 bomber, the unmanned X-43A tore across the skies above the Pacifi c Ocean at 5,000 mph. That’s more than double the top speed of the now- retired SR-71 reconnaissance plane, which set the previous mark for a jet at around 2,100 mph. As The Los Angeles Times detailed in its post-fl ight analysis, “hypersonic” speeds are defi ned as “exceeding fi ve times the speed of sound.” Mounir al-Motassadek of Morocco leaves court in Hamburg, Germany, pending retrial on NASA and the Pentagon have charges of aiding the plane hijackers in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. AP been exploring hypersonic speed for decades. In fact, the Reagan With friends like these … would have been preferable to administration initially ear- The only person convicted in the keep him under detention.” marked $2.3 billion for the Sept. 11 attacks has been released Motassadek’s al-Qaida cell hypersonic program before on bail by a German court. Mounir spawned three of the Sept. 11 canceling it. However, as the al-Motassadek was serving a hijackers. To beat the rap, his Times noted, new technologies 15-year sentence for his role in lawyers cleverly argued that the that allow air to be pushed planning the attacks, as part of a testimony of another terrorist – through a jet engine at a super- German-based al-Qaida cell. But Ramzi Binalshibh, who is being fast rate of speed – thus prevent- the German court, in effect pre- detained in the United States – ing overheating – have brought empting a retrial scheduled for exonerates Motassadek. Binalshibh hypersonic fl ight within reach at summer, concluded that the earlier claims that Motassedek knew a fraction of the cost. NASA built conviction would not hold up. nothing about the Sept. 11 attacks. a trio of X-43A missile-planes for Americans and Germans alike But wouldn’t Binalshibh have less than $230 million. are all for due process and fair motive to lie about his partner in The fi rst was lost during a test trials, but as State Department mass murder and thus spring him fl ight in 2001. The second made offi cial Adam Ereli put it, “Given from prison? After all, he’s of no history in 2004. the seriousness of the charges, it use to al-Qaida behind bars. – Alan W. Dowd

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North Carolina, Illinois, Massachu- Women veterans setts and Pennsylvania. A division of the VA National earn high-quality Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder studies the impact of VA health services. military trauma on women veterans. Based at the Boston BY DR. MINDY AISEN VA Medical Center, the women’s health-science division conducts Television coverage of the Iraq research designed to improve war may be the fi rst time most of the assessment, diagnosis and us have seen American women treatment of PTSD in women serving in combat. Yet for more and provides training for health- than 200 years, women have care professionals working with played other critical roles in our the disorder. nation’s military confl icts. Today, an increasing number of women Research Targets Women. The VA are choosing careers in the research program devotes substan- military, and the number of tial resources to studies of diseas- women veterans is rising steadily. es and conditions prevalent among The United States now has more women. New strategies for treat- than 1.4 million female veterans. ment and prevention may result Our nation has more than 200,000 War in Iraq has raised awareness of the from VA scientists’ discovery that women on active duty and an growing number of women on active duty antibodies are present years before even greater number in the or in the reserves and the fast-growing symptoms develop in lupus National Guard and reserves. By female veteran population. U.S. Army erythematosus, which affects 2010, women likely will comprise mostly women. Another team of more than 10 percent of the breast cancer, cervical cancer and researchers identifi ed a synthetic veteran population. In response, osteoporosis, vocational rehabili- estrogen that reverses bone loss in VA has increased its emphasis on tation, programs for the homeless mice without harming the repro- women’s health care. and research. ductive system, as does regular VA remains committed to hormone-replacement therapy. The Women Veterans Program. ensuring that female veterans fi nding may lead to treatments to Although they have a long history receive the benefi ts they have prevent osteoporosis, which of service and sacrifi ce for our earned. The Center for Women affects 10 million Americans – 80 country, women historically have Veterans in Washington conducts percent of whom are women. An not received the same benefi ts or educational activities to inform ongoing study compares two types care as male veterans. Increasing women about programs and of psychotherapy for treating recognition of women’s contribu- services available to them. At PTSD in women. tions to our defense led VA to every VA medical center, a women American women have served establish its veterans pro- alongside men in armed confl ict Women Veter- For more info gram manager for more than 200 years, and now ans Health helps women to they are formally a part of our Program in Women with questions about VA understand their combat forces. They have earned, 1985. Legisla- health care or benefi ts may call toll- benefi ts and and will continue to earn, the free (800) 827-1000, or contact any tion passed in local VA medical center. coordinate their best care VA can provide. 1992 helped VA care. The enhance its See also www1.va.gov/womenvet manager works Mindy Aisen, M.D., is deputy programs for as an advocate director of research and development women, creating top-level pro- for women veterans and usually for the Veterans Health grams and facilities that focus on has a background in nursing, Administration. women’s health care. Medical social work or psychology. services include primary care, In addition, VA has eight com- Living Well is designed to provide reproductive health and maternity prehensive health centers focusing general information. It is not care, counseling and treatment on the special needs of women intended to be, nor is it, medical for PTSD, sexual trauma, sub- veterans at VA medical facilities in advice. Readers should consult stance abuse and domestic Minnesota, Florida, northern their personal physicians when violence, preventive screening for California, southern California, they have health problems.

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If you are a current or former occurs after a frightening event, Approximately 216,000 women military woman who suffers from such as violent assault, natural are currently on active duty, with nightmares, fl ashbacks, anxiety disaster or military combat, is another 151,000 in the reserves, or relationship diffi culties, the experienced or witnessed. says Schnurr, co-chairperson of Department of Veterans Affairs The VA study is comparing two the study. wants to know more about you. types of cognitive behavioral Women interested in participat- VA is recruiting nearly 400 therapy: prolonged exposure ing in the study should call (802) women who exhibit symptoms of therapy, in which patients repeat- 291-6225 for further information. post-traumatic stress disorder to edly relive traumatic experiences All eligible women will receive 10 test two kinds of psychotherapy through controlled conditions to weeks of free psychotherapy from for the condition. The study, help them work through it; and a trained female therapist and being conducted through 2005 at present-centered therapy, which take part in interviews several one Army hospital and 10 VA provides emotional support and times during the study. medical centers nationwide, is the helps patients cope with current Participating sites include VA largest-ever clinical trial of problems. Prior research has medical centers in Albuquerque, psychotherapy for PTSD. The yielded promising results for N.M.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; $5 million project also is the fi rst both treatments. In addition to Cincinnati; Cleveland; Dallas; multisite VA clinical trial focusing psychotherapy, antidepressants Denver; New Orleans; Portland, exclusively on women. and anti-anxiety medications Ore.; and Walter Reed Army PTSD is a psychiatric disorder have proved benefi cial. Medical Center in Washington. that affects more than 5 million Up to 25 percent of women who VA and the Department of De- Americans annually, and some served in the Vietnam War and fense jointly fund the study. 30 percent of war veterans. Gulf War developed PTSD, says Women are twice more likely Paula Schnurr, deputy director of Source: Department of Veterans than men to get PTSD, which VA’s National Center for PTSD. Affairs Mow Your Lawn Free for 6 Months on Us!

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Agent Orange committee seeks data Grant passes away In response to a congressional The American mandate, the National Academy of For more info Legion lost a Science’s Institute of Medicine For reservations, contact Joe Esparza: longtime national continues to evaluate scientifi c (202) 334-2652 leader May 3. World War II Navy data regarding association be- [email protected] tween exposure to dioxin-contain- veteran U.S. “Udie” For information about Agent Orange Grant of Post 24, ing herbicides used in Vietnam exposure, visit: and adverse health conditions of Department of Vietnam War veterans. Although www.iom.edu Kansas, passed away at age 80. A 58-year the IOM does not make compensa- (Click on “Military & Veterans.” Type “Agent Orange” in “Search” fi eld.) member of his post in McPherson, tion decisions, the Department of Kan., Grant fi lled numerous Legion Veterans Affairs considers the department and national offi ces, IOM fi ndings when making an open meeting July 7 at the including serving as a member of compensation decisions. Updates Hyatt on Capital Square hotel in the National Executive Committee are conducted every two years. Columbus, Ohio, to hear veterans’ from 1966 to 2004 and as National The most recent committee to concerns and presentations on Child Welfare Foundation presi- undertake such a review, the recent epidemiological studies. dent from 1986 to 2004. He is Committee to Review the Health The committee will not present survived by his wife, Margaret Effects in Vietnam Veterans of any fi ndings or conclusions during Jean, and two sons. Exposure to Herbicides, will have the data-gathering meeting.

48 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine legion news Georgia teen wins oratorical contest

“Wake up, stand up and speak tion’s true spirit,” he said. “I up!” cannot defend our society as With that admonition, Philip being perfect, but I have an Bishop, 18, of Albany, Ga., earned obligation to make it better.” the title of American Legion He used the illustration of an oratorical champion for 2004 and Indiana farmer, Henry Shoemaker, an $18,000 college scholarship. whose ballot in the 1800s managed The 67th annual contest took place to elect a state representative by in April at the University Place one vote. The representative was Conference Center and Hotel on Madison Marsh. In 1843, Marsh the campus of Indiana University- cast the single deciding ballot that Purdue University, Indianapolis. elected Edward Hannegan to the Bishop, a senior at Deerfi eld U.S. Senate from Indiana. Windsor School, edged out Sherif “Three years later, a sharply Girgis of Dover, Del., and Hannah divided U.S. Senate was debating Smith of Bethpage, Tenn. Girgis whether to declare war on Mexi- earned a $16,000 scholarship and co,” Bishop said. “A caucus vote Smith a $14,000 scholarship. was deadlocked until the absent Bishop was sponsored by Albany, Sen. Hannegan was summoned. Ga., Walter H. Burt Post 30. Girgis He cast his ballot in favor of war. was sponsored by Dover, Del., One of the results was that Walter L. Fox Post 2, and Smith California changed hands from was sponsored by Portland, Mexico to the United States. Tenn., Post 75. Philip W. Bishop of Albany, Ga., earned fi rst Henry Shoemaker had no idea After the fi rst round of the place at The American Legion’s National what impact his vote would make competition narrowed the fi eld Oratorical Contest in April with his speech that day. Now that you know, from 53 contestants to nine, the “Wake Up, Stand Up and Speak Up!” never assume that your one vote afternoon round brought the James V. Carroll does not count.” number of fi nalists to three. Bishop is the son of Mr. and Bishop anchored his speech on is the freedom to do nothing. Mrs. Joe Bishop of Albany. He the opportunity the U.S. Constitu- “The young people of America plans to attend Valdosta State tion gives to every citizen by must create, build and energize University in Valdosta, Ga., where noting that even in America, “there an understanding of our Constitu- he will study mass media. ‘Race to the Top’ winners announced The American Legion has For more info the National Prayer Breakfast and announced the winners in the other events leading up to the 2004 “Race to the Top” competi- Contact Bill Sloan, American Legion dedication ceremony. tion. The top district commander Internal Affairs and Membership The competition also provided in each category whose district Division: gift cards of up to $500 in value to memberships represented the (317) 630-1321 the following district command- greatest percentage over the fi nal [email protected] ers who placed second and third 2003 totals on March 31 won a in their categories: Dale Salmen, trip, along with their guests, to Department of North Carolina, Department of Nevada, 5th the National World War II Memo- 18th District, 108.13 percent District; Lyman R. Brenner, rial Dedication activities in n Category III (3,000 to 4,999 Department of Delaware, 2nd Washington. The following award members) – Harry Hicks, Depart- District; Al Sanders, Department winners were guests of National ment of Texas, 16th District, of Louisiana, 5th District; Bob Commander John Brieden: 109.59 percent Keaveny, Department of Idaho, n Category IV (5,000 to 7,499 3rd District; Paul Sleep, Depart- n Category I (15 to 1,499 mem- members) – Willie Reynolds, ment of Georgia, 7th District; Jack bers) – Lee Buchschacher, Depart- Department of Georgia, 5th Strayer, Department of Delaware, ment of Tennessee, 10th District, District, 108.32 percent 4th District; Eugene O’Grady, 121.74 percent The trip included round-trip Department of New Jersey, 15th n Category II (1,500 to 2,999 airfare, rooms at the Mayfl ower District; and Ellis Manis, Depart- members) – Johnny E. Poole, Renaissance Hotel, and tickets to ment of Georgia, 9th District.

July 2004 49 The American Legion Magazine legion news Photos sought for The Virtual Wall Almost three years with a Face,” and then ago, the Vietnam “Post a Remembrance.” Veterans Memorial Follow directions. VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND Fund and Kinko’s n E-mail scanned launched the “Put a images to VVMF. Scan Face with a Name” and e-mail photos as campaign to collect attachments (JPEG or one photograph for GIF format preferred) each of the more than to [email protected] 58,000 men and with the subject “Put a women whose names Face with a Name.” In are inscribed on The the body of the e-mail, Wall in Washington. include the veteran’s More than 2,500 name, the sender’s photographs were name, a password and collected for the any other information permanent online to be included. photo collection on The n Mail a copy of the Virtual Wall during the photograph to the four-month campaign. Memorial Fund. When Jan C. Scruggs, mailing a copy of a founder and president photo – preferably not of the Vietnam Veterans originals – to the Memorial Fund, says, Vietnam Veterans “The ‘Put a Face with a Memorial Fund, Name’ campaign displays the photo of a loved one or fellow include the information men- magnitude of those killed in veteran whose name appears on tioned above as well as the Vietnam and also shows that each The Wall is encouraged to do so. sender’s mailing address so the of those servicemembers was a Photos may be posted by using photo can be returned. Mail the human being who was cut down one of the following methods: information and photograph to: in the prime of life, protecting the n Scan and upload Vietnam Veterans American values of democracy and photos. Visit the For more info Memorial Fund, freedom. We are committed to Vietnam Veterans Attn: “Put a Face with Contact the Vietnam creating a complete online experi- Memorial Fund Web Veterans Memorial Fund a Name,” 1023 15th ence, featuring photographs of all site at vvmf.com. St. N.W., Second whose lives were lost in Vietnam.” Click on Virtual Wall, (202) 393-0090 Floor, Washington, Anyone who wishes to post a then “Put a Name [email protected] D.C., 20005. Books benefi t scholarship fund Proceeds from a book written to loved it when it was To purchase honor America’s servicemembers right and in spite of the will benefi t The American Legion’s times it was wrong. (609) 398-5252 American Legacy Scholarship Fund. And now I want to littletreasurebooks.com “Dear Daughters and Sons: Three share that love in the Cost: $4.95 per copy Essays on the American Spirit,” only way I know how: written by Harriet May Savitz, through words.” Fifty cents from each includes three essays that encour- Savitz has written book sold will be age readers to refl ect on what it more than 21 books. donated to the Legion’s means to be an American. She is a contributing American Legacy Schol- “I have lived in America for all of author of the “Chicken arship Fund. The fund my 70 years,” Savitz writes in her Soup” series, a co- provides scholarships to introduction. “I have loved this founder of the Philadel- the children of U.S. country for all that time. I have phia Children’s Reading Roundtable military personnel who died on loved it when it was bright with and a recipient of the 1981 Pennsyl- active duty on or after hope and bleak with despair. I have vania Outstanding Author Award. Sept. 11, 2001.

50 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine comrades

How to Submit a Reunion phone number and e-mail address. Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: “In Search Of,” P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, The American Legion Magazine publishes reunion notices for veter- fax (317) 630-1280 or e-mail [email protected]. ans. Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Reunions, The magazine will not publish the names of individuals, only the P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax (317) 630-1280 or e-mail name of the unit from which you seek people. Listings are published free [email protected]. of charge. Include the branch of service and complete name of the group, no Life Membership notices are published for Legionnaires who have abbreviations, with your request. The listing also should include the been awarded life memberships by their posts. This does not include a reunion dates and city, along with a contact name, telephone number and member’s own Paid-Up-For-Life membership. Notices must be submitted e-mail address. Listings are published free of charge. on official forms, which may be obtained by sending a self-addressed Due to the large number of reunions, The American Legion Maga- stamped envelope to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Life Mem- zine will publish a group’s listing only once a year. Notices should be berships, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. sent at least six months prior to the reunion to ensure timely publication. “Comrades in Distress” listings must be approved by the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation division. If you are seeking to verify an injury received during service, contact your Legion department service officer for information on how to publish a notice. Other Notices To respond to a “Comrades in Distress” listing, send a letter to The “In Search Of” is a means of getting in touch with people from your American Legion Magazine, Attn: Comrades in Distress, P.O. Box unit to plan a reunion. We do not publish listings that seek people for 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Include the listing’s CID number in your interviews, research purposes, military photos or help in filing a VA response. claim. Listings must include the name of the unit from which you seek “Taps” notices are published only for Legionnaires who served as people, the time period and the location, as well as a contact name, tele- department commanders or national officers.

AIR FORCE/ARMY AIR FORCE 9/26-30, Wayne Rebischke, 5780 Canterbury 783-3501; 3rd Bn 18th FA (1960-2004), Ave. N.E., Buffalo, MN 55313, wkreb@att. Lawton, OK, 9/15-18, Charles Martin, (918) 12th Bomb Grp 12th Tact Ftr Wing 12th net; 529th, 623rd, 624th & 851st AC&W 224-5959, [email protected]; Flying Tng Wing (All Eras), Omaha, NE, Sqdns (Okinawa), 9/26-10/1, Las Vegas, Jim 3rd Cbt Eng, Albuquerque, NM, 9/19-21, 9/22-26, Wilbur “Andy” Anderson, (919) Melton, (765) 395-7881, redwings1939@aol. Don Lloyd, 6804 Occidental, Yakima, WA, 736-3711, [email protected]; 13th AF, com; 568th Ord Heavy Maint Co (Korea, [email protected]; 6th Heli & 150th Springfield, MO, 10/6-10, Al Wright, (918) 1950-1953), Atlanta, 10/7-10, Herb Peppers, Maint (Korea, 1953), Chicago, 9/9-12, 396-1380; 19th Bombardment Assn 14th, (615) 883-1417, [email protected]; 604th, Warren Smith, (563) 659-3384; 7th Armd 28th, 30th, 38th, 93rd & 435th Sqdns, 616th AC&W Sqdn (Freising, Germany), Las Div, Harrisburg, PA, 9/9-13, Charles Barry, Philadelphia, 10/4-9, Jerry Michael, (317) Vegas, 10/19-21, Mike Torma, (219) 872-5539, (814) 333-8051, cbarry@zoominternet. 253-9265, [email protected]; 22nd [email protected]; 610th, 618th & 850th net; 7th FA Obsn Bn, Fort Mitchell, KY, Rescue Boat Sqdn (Korea), San Diego, AC&W Sqdns 527th AC&W Grp (Japan), 10/4-9, Charles Wright, (812) 925-6207; 8th 10/14-17, Joe Connor, (843) 552-4035, jjc@aol. Branson, MO, 9/12-15, Marvin Jordahl, (904) Armd “Thundering Herd,” Baton Rouge, com; 31st Ftr Officers Assn, Biloxi, MS, 739-9337, [email protected]; 874th, LA, 7/14-17, Sidney Bishop, (865) 475-2883, 10/21-24, Rocky Eubank, (512) 282-1077, 875th Abn Eng, Dekalb, IL, 9/16-19, Ken [email protected]; 11th Armd Cav [email protected]; 36th Air Police Sq K-9 Snyder, (616) 754-4558; 1625th Support Sqdn (Vietnam, Cambodia), Daytona Beach, (Bitburg AFB, Germany, 1959-1965), San (Mil Airlift Trans Serv), Lillian, AL, 10/22-24, FL, 8/6-8, Stephen Page, 396 Pleasant St., Antonio, 9/30-10/5, Jim Yarsevich, (518) 371- Ilene Brown, (251) 961-3506, ilene@gulftel. Holyoke, MA 01040, www.11thcavnam.com; 4892, [email protected]; 43rd Bomb com; 2152nd Comm Sqdn (Okinawa), Las 15th Constab Sqdn, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/16-18, Grp (H) 63rd, 64th, 65th & 403rd Sqdns 5th Vegas, 9/26-10/1, Jim Melton, (765) 395-7881, John Howard, (502) 875-4498 AF, Tampa, FL, 9/13-19, Charles Rauch, (941) [email protected] 639-6421, [email protected] 16th Armd Div, Dayton, OH, 9/13-19, Edward AC-119 Gunship Assn, Dayton, OH, 10/1-3, Krusheski, (609) 978-0490, ed16armor@aol. 46th, 72nd Recon Sqdns, Fort Walton Beach, Ron Julian, (937) 848-4064, takitus@email. com; 17th Armd Eng Bn 2nd Armd Div, FL, 10/21-24, Edward Goetz, (850) 837-1967, com; B-47 Stratojet Assn, Dayton, OH, [email protected]; 49th Ftr Grp, Las Vegas, Houston, 8/11-14, John Shields, (724) 287- 9/23-25, Dick Purdum, (402) 291-5247, 4301; 21st Evac Hosp (WWII), Plymouth, 10/20-24, Doug Melzer, (909) 793-4957; 58th [email protected]; B-66 Dest (All Models, Bomb Wing Assn (WWII), Bellingham, WA, IN, 8/5-7, Robert Murphy, (760) 728-7245, Sqdns, Personnel), Dayton, OH, 8/26-28, [email protected]; 25th Inf Div 8th 9/7-12, Earl Lind, (360) 424-7746; 91st Bomb Jim Milam, (817) 545-3554, jimmilam@aol. Grp Washington, 9/29-10/1, Ed Gates, (817) FA Bn (Korea, 1950-1953), Tucson, AZ, 9/28- com; WWII AAF Pilots Centre College 10/3, Allen Smith, (612) 529-4567; 27th FA 251-3551, [email protected]; 303rd Stat AF College Tng Grads, Danville, KY, Hosp (England, WWII), North Olmstad, OH, Rgt, Nashville, TN, 8/13-15, James Seussmann, 10/22-23, Bud Semelroth,(586) 978-9679, (973) 357-0033, [email protected]; 34th Eng 9/24-25, Rita Henne, (216) 671-7884; 312th [email protected]; China-Burma- Bomb Grp Assn, Washington, 9/29-10/2, John Bn Const (WWII-1986), Branson, MO, 7/29-31, India Hump Pilots (WWII), Denver, 9/8-12, Bryan Jackson, (706) 517-4307; 39th AAA Happy, (863) 439-6657, [email protected]; Peyton Walmsley, (806) 331-1160; Det 1 315th Bomb Wing VH (Northwest Field, (AW) Bn (U.S. & England, 1948-1958), Las 3rd Air Rescue Sqdn (Korea, 1951-1952), Vegas, 9/8-12, Kenn Hampton, (719) 636-2532; Guam), Wichita, KS, 9/8-12, Bev Green, (217) Branson, MO, 6/7-9, Bill Price, (205) 339-0960, 893-3197; 315th Trp Carrier Grp (All Sqdns & 39th Cbt Eng 404th, 643rd Bns (WWII), Paul [email protected]; Hahn AB (Germany), Knudson, (563) 242-2618; 44th Inf Div (1951- Support Units, WWII), Louisville, KY, 9/22-26, Branson, MO, 9/30-10/3, Peg Havner, (207) 212- Robert Cloer, (530) 674-3681, rlcloer@syix. 1954), Peoria, IL, 10/14-17, Charles Munie, 6902, [email protected]; Johnson (217) 423-6265, [email protected] com; 316th Trp Carrier Sqdn (WWII), Atlantic AB (Japan), Branson, MO, 10/7-10, Claude City, NJ, 10/5-8, Russell Drabold Jr., (856) 299- Clawson, (740) 342-0138, [email protected] 0452, [email protected] 45th Div 180th Inf 1st Bn D Co, Shawnee, OK, 9/13-18, Ted King, (405) 275-7766; 51st Gen North Vietnamese Language School Def Hosp (WWII), Madison, WI, 9/22-24, William 376th Bomb Grp (H) B-24 “Liberandos” Language Institute Tng School Det 2 (Biggs Peters, (608) 764-5590, whpeters@charter. & 58th Serv Sqdn (North Africa & Italy, Field, Fort Bliss, TX, 1969), El Paso, TX, 6/24- net; 68th Sig Bn, Washington, 8/20-22, WWII), Covington, KY, 9/8-12, Charlie Yates, 27, [email protected]; Pilot Class 43-D, Mike Biloz, (239) 731-6965, mpbiloz52@msn. (817) 292-5900, [email protected]; Eureka Springs, AR, 10/7-10, Frank Dutko, (850) com; 73rd AAA AW Bn SP (Karlsruhe, 379th Bomb Grp (H) (Kimbolton, England, 932-3467, [email protected]; Pilot Class WWII), Dayton, OH, 9/7-11, T. Cabanski, (303) 43-E, San Diego, 10/13-16, K.C. Growe, (818) Germany, 1951-1955), Fredericksburg, VA, 697-6265, [email protected]; 397th Bomb 989-1667; Pilot Class 43-K (All Schools, Tng 9/7-11, Raymond Webb, (540) 775-0452, Grp B-26 Marauders, Dayton, OH, 9/29-10/2, Cmds), Colorado Springs, CO, 9/15-19, Tom [email protected]; 78th Eng Cbt Ernest Lutz, (517) 676-4601; 401st Bomb Grp Schuler, (513) 539-7185, tschuler@siscom. Bn, St. Augustine, FL, 10/24-26, Bob Anglea, (H) 8th AF (WWII), Braintree, MA, 8/17-21, net; Silver Wings/Powder Puff, Hebron, KY, (706) 234-4201, [email protected]; George Menzel, (912) 598-0276; 417th Bomb 9/15-18, Don Fairbanks, (513) 732-5852 79th Div 314th Inf Rgt 79th Recon Trp, Grp, Washington, 9/16-20, Robert Kunselman, Pigeon Forge, TN, 9/23-26, Joe Campbell, (719) 574-4818, [email protected]; 463rd ARMY (423) 245-8304, [email protected]; 79th Div Bomb Grp “Swoose” Grp, Oak Brook, IL, 315th Inf Rgt (WWII), St. Charles, MO, 9/2-5, 10/27-30, Art Mendelsohn, (818) 790-3722; 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Army Amph Eng Spec Les Brantingham, (269) 657-3078; 85th Chem 502nd Tact Cont Grp 605th, 606th, 607th Bde, 10/5-8, R. Tighe, (810) 364-8849; 1st 4.2 Mortar Bn, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/6-10, and 608th AC&W Sqdns (Korean War), FA Obsn Bn (WWII, Korea), Milwaukee, R.L. Grogan, (843) 357-8421; 86th Recon 6th Colorado Springs, CO, 9/26-29, Bill Aylward, 10/7-10, Ralph Mueller, (724) 348-5359; 2nd Armd Div (WWII), Louisville, KY, 10/14-17, (703) 715-0448, wwaylward@netscape. Indianhead Div/Korean War Vets Alliance, Charles Barbour, 4342 Aqua Vista, Orlando, net; 526th Ftr Sqdn (All Eras), Las Vegas, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/8-11, Ray Pelishek, (608) FL 32839, [email protected]; 90th

July 2004 51 The American Legion Magazine comrades

Div, Alexandria, VA, 9/9-12, James Reid, (630) Bob Shamber, (713) 473-5015, schamber@pdq. MARINES 789-0204, [email protected]; net; 836th Eng Avn Bn, Tulsa, OK, 9/10-12, 91st AAA AW Bn HQ Btry (Ludwigsburg, Harry Bennett, (918) 446-7313; 838th AAA 6th Mar Div 1st Prov Mar Bde, Nashville, Germany, 1951-1954), Branson, MO, 10/12-13, AW Bn, Baraboo, WI, 10/13-17, Lee Bast, (847) TN, 9/26-10/3, Susan Parham, (310) 644-4591, Willard Edwards, (816) 587-5664; 91st AAA 587-7706; 841st Eng Avn Bn, Myrtle Beach, [email protected]; Able Co 1st Bn HQ Btry (Ludwigsburg, Germany), Branson, SC, 10/20-24, Jack Murphy, (239) 997-9940, 7th Mar (Korea, 1950-1953), St. Petersburg, MO, 10/12-13, Dave Wilkinson, (317) 861-9168; [email protected]; 3483rd Ord MAM Co FL, Richard “Doc” Burkhart, (727) 550-0354, 92nd AFA Bn “Red Devils” (Korea), Knoxville, (WWII), Nashville, TN, Sept, Doris Luther, (615) [email protected]; Anti-Tank Co 5th Mar, TN, 9/26-28, Guy McMenemy, 12027 Westover 459-2974, Charles Pomnitz, (313) 881-0601; Nashville, TN, 9/16-18, Chuck Batherson, (231) Drive, Cypress, TX 77429, reddevilbn@aol. 8125th Sentry Dog Det (Korea, 1954-1955), 839-5476, [email protected]; Avn com; 92nd Inf Div (WWII), Rockville, MD, Branson, MO, 10/14-18, E.E. Rath, (402) 571- Logistics Mar (A/C Maint, Avionics, Avn Ord 10/8-10, Howard Fletcher, (301) 622-2179; 7680; ASA 8607 DU 7th Field Unit (Wildwood & Avn Supply Personnel), Havelock, NC, 10/7- 94th Sig Bn, Merrillville, IN, 9/21-23, Stanley Stat, AK), Williamsburg, VA, 10/15-16, Jack 10, Don Davis, (252) 444-1777, greyegl@ec. Lesniak, (219) 345-4788; 103rd Inf Div (WWII), Paugh, (540) 943-5159, [email protected]; ASA rr.com; Easy Co 2-5 1st Mar Div (Korea, Schaumburg, IL, 10/6-9, Richard Ball, (703) COMSEC/SIGSEC, Baltimore/Washington, 1950-1953), Savannah, GA, 9/15-19, Evans 671-9017; 106th Inf Div “Golden Lions,” 8/5-9, Dave Hatfield, (410) 5501-6733 Kerrigan, (203) 655-3323, eekerrigan@aol. Milwaukee, 9/1-5, Marion Ray, (618) 377- com; Lima Co 3rd Bn 7th Mar Rgt 1st Mar 3674,[email protected] ASA Pacific, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/16-18, Harold Div (Vietnam Era), Seattle, 8/11-15, Al Keeton, Rumery, 535 Hunters Drive, Carmel, IN 46032; [email protected]; MAG-11, 12 & 14, 147th Eng, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/22-25, Bob Cbt Infantrymens Assn, Louisville, KY, 10/7- Branson, MO, 10/13-16, James Jordan, (417) Norwood, (317) 787-5113; 148th Ord MVA 10, Larry Eckard, (828) 256-6008, larrymlr 535-4945 Co (WWII), Davenport, IA, 9/20-24, Jerome [email protected]; Field Stat 8607 Paulson, (712) 867-4432, [email protected]; (Fairbanks/Wildwood Stat, AK), Bloomington, Mar Air Traffic Cont Assn, San Diego, 157th Inf, Denver, 9/8-12, Hugh Foster, (717) MN, 8/11-12, Robert Kaul, [email protected]; 9/15-22, Joe Medico, P.O. Box 295, Magalia, 249-6219, [email protected]; 159th Eng GHQ 1st Raider Co, Nashville, TN, 8/18-20, CA, 95954, [email protected] ; Mar Cbt Bn (WWII), Knoxville, TN, 9/9-12, Kenneth M. Lee Broussard, (337) 394-4994; HQ & HQ Aircraft Grp 24 & All Sqdns, Charleston, Boring, (706) 226-7625; 164th Inf Assn, Valley Co VII Corps (WWII), Memphis, TN, 10/5-8, SC, 10/20-23, Russ Borman, (610) 867-0364, City, ND, 9/24-26, Bernard Wagner, (701) 845- Hal Cowart, (901) 759-4657, elscowa@aol. [email protected]; Mar Barracks (Naval 0799, [email protected]; 191st Sig Repair com; K Co 386th Inf Rgt 97th Inf Div (WWII), Stat San Juan, PR), Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Co (1943-1945), Grand Rapids, MI, 9/29-10/1, Springfield, MO, 10/3-7, Robert Garrett, (573) 9/28-30, Dick Hosmeyer, (304) 265-5501; Mike Ken Maatman, (616) 949-5576; 242nd FA Bn 333-0174; Mortuary Affairs/Graves Regist, 3/7 Vietnam (1965-1970), Seattle, 8/11-15, (WWII), Kearney, NE, 8/15, C.R. Anthony, (308) Fort Lee, VA, 9/16-17, Doug Howard, (804) 734- Dave “Doc” Bryson, (360) 856-0917, dave. 324-2791, [email protected]; 264th 3831, [email protected]; Nat’l Counter- [email protected]; USMC Motor Trans FA Bn (WWII), Florence, KY, 8/19-21, Bob Latz, Intel Corps Assn, Louisville, KY, 9/9-12, A.J. Assn, Denver, 9/19-22, Hal Clapp, (910) 346- (330) 493-4657, [email protected]; 283rd Malme, (585) 243-0819; SHAEF/ETOUSA Vets 8797, [email protected]; USS Kitty Hawk CV Eng Cbt Bn (WWII), Galveston, TX, 10/13-16, Assn (WWII), San Francisco, 10/8-10, Charles 63 Mar Dets, Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/7-10, Sid LaVerne Gallatin, (512) 707-9766, phicks@ev1. Long, (703) 938-2527, [email protected]; McLaughlin, (423) 246-5276, sandsmcl@tricon. net; 304th Sig Opns Bn, Fort Mitchell, KY, X Corps & Related Units 4th Sig Bn (Korea, net; USS Kula Gulf CVE 108/AKV 8 (WWII, 9/15-18, Wayne Mueller, (219) 762-2405 1950-1953), Dubuque, IA, 9/16-19, William Korean War, Vietnam War), Knoxville, TN, Shafer, (319) 934-3575, [email protected] 9/8-12, Andrew Warade, (727) 862-3058; VMB-423 Seahorse Mar (WWII), Portage, 321st Sig Bn, Biloxi, MS, 11/4-7, Donald Romig, IN, 9/15-19, Paul Peterson, (219) 926-1008, (504) 835-1024, [email protected]; 356th COAST GUARD [email protected]; VMF(N), VMF(AW), AAA Searchlight Bn (WWII), Georgetown, KY, Bering Sea Patrol/Alaskan Vets, Niagara VMFA-531 Sqdn “Gray Ghost,” San Diego, 10/7-10, Elmer Peters, (712) 659-3684; 385th Falls, Canada, 9/27-30, Marty Kimmel, (905) 9/16-19, Roy Pearson, (858) 538-2362, MP Bn C Co (Karlsruhe, Germany, 1965- 689-3328, [email protected]; Lorain [email protected] 1968), Kansas City, MO, 10/1-3, Cecil Roberts, CG (1957-1963), Lorain, OH, 8/7-8, Jon “Pete” (972) 620-9982, [email protected]; Yeager, (419) 737-2819, [email protected]; 430th Eng Bn, Nashville, TN, 9/9-11, Nick NAVY USCGC Mendota WPG/WHEC 69, Wrightsville Sloan, [email protected]; 449th FA Beach, NC, 10/15-17, Jack Wilson, P.O. Box 1/2 Cort Div 22 — USS Gandy DE 764, USS Obsn Bn, Kinston, NC, 10/1-2, Marvin Creech, 822, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480; USCGC Peterson DE 152, USS Poole DE 151, Tampa, [email protected]; 471st AAA AW Bn, Spencer WMEC 905, Branson, MO, 9/23-27, FL, 9/22-26, Tom Lucas, (662) 489-4746, Appleton, WI, 9/21-23, Austin Peck, (636) 225- Jack Shampine, 7398 Route 31, Cicero, NY [email protected]; 2nd, 4th, 7th 9049, [email protected]; 472nd AAA AW Bn 13039, [email protected] Naval Beach Bns, Roanoke, VA, 9/4-9, Julius (WWII), Cincinnati, 10/14-16, Ray Kuntz, (513) Shoulars, (757) 853-4061, jes7rubi@infionline. 797-4390, [email protected]; 511th, net; 11th Spec Seabees LOG 57-58 Base Co 153rd Trans Port Cos (Korea & Eniwetok, JOINT 32-36 (WWII), Myrtle Beach, SC, 9/19-22, Jim 1950-1951), Reading, PA, 9/5, John “Jack” Assn of Ex-Prisoners (Korean War), Fort D-Amore, (609) 259-0631, james.damore@att. Dunkelberger, (610) 929-1972; 533rd, 534th Mitchell, KY, 9/12-17, Elliott Sortillo, (219) 762- net; 60th Seabee Bn (WWII), St. Joseph, Eng Boat & Shore Rgts, Fort Mitchell, KY, 2405; Battle of Leyte Gulf, Fort Lauderdale, MO, 9/10-12, Kenneth Kafer, (816) 232-8224; 10/5-8, Robert Jarvis, (313) 823-0854 FL, Oct, Elias Janetis, (954) 973-4241, 137th, 138th, 139th NCBs (WWII), Branson, [email protected]; Guadalcanal Campaign MO, 9/15-17, Bill Sass, (636) 397-3373; Air 553rd Eng Heavy Ponton Bn (WWII), Vets, Kalamazoo, MI, 9/8-12, Gene Keller, Task Grp 1, Pensacola Beach, FL, 11/11-14, Green Bay, WI, 8/27-28, Allie O’Connell, (920) (269) 324-3484, [email protected]; Nat’l Dewey Ferrell, (423) 745-9390, [email protected]; 438-7886; 557th FA Bn (WWII), Lynn, MA, Explosive Ord Disp Assn, Colorado Springs, All Navy Net Tender/Net Layer, Lewisville, 10/2, Bruno Stadnicki, (413) 594-4555; 569th CO, 9/29-10/1, Bud Englehardt, (413) 569-5040, TX, 10/7-9, Ed Pinson, (208) 362-2659, AAA AW Bn (WWII), Portland, ME, 9/17-19, [email protected]; Roi-Namur [email protected]; CASU-15 (Guadalcanal John Bradshaw, (401) 884-5674, apo569@cox. Vets – 109th NCB, ACORN-21, ARGUS-21, & Efate, WWII), San Diego, 10/5-8, Wendell net; 605th Tank Dest Bn, Findlay, OH, GROPAC-3, CASU-20, ASD-825, Boat Pool Hubbs, (573) 635-1579, [email protected] 9/4-6, Lawrence Montgomery, (269) 685-8729, 95, Island Fire Div, MAG-31, VFM-111, [email protected]; 630th AAA AW VFM-224, VFM-311, VFM-441, 4th Mar Div & Cmdr Fleet Air Wing 3 “Radio Gang” Bn (WWII), Santa Cruz, CA, 10/6-9, Joe Watt, Army 15th Def Bn (Marshall Islands, WWII), (Quonset Point, RI, 1954-1956), Joe Mitchell, (831) 338-2079; 630th Eng (LE), Branson, Bloomington, MN, 9/16-19, Harvey Nelson, 3880 North A1A Apt. 403, Fort Pierce, FL MO, 9/16-19, Cecil Brown, (731) 415-6460, (952) 831-8333, [email protected]; Tuskegee 34949; Fleet Airwing 7 (Dunkeswell, [email protected]; 709th MP Bn (All Cos, Airmen, Omaha, NE, 8/3-8, Bob Rose, (402) England, 1942-1945), New Orleans, 12/5-8, Era), Lancaster, PA, 9/9-12, Robert Zeller, (717) 292-8912, [email protected]; USS Bayfield APA Bob Watts, (860) 623-4084, [email protected]; 397-2038, [email protected]; 765th TRSB 33, New Orleans, 10/14-17, Marvin Perrett, GCA/ATC Assn, 9/14-19, Larry Lohse, (360) (Korea), Groton, CT, 10/16-20, Billy Hill, (423) (504) 885-7147, [email protected] 679-3391, [email protected]; GROPAC 942-2644; 780th FA Bn, Springfield, IL, 9/16-18, 11 LCU 38, Charleston, SC, 9/27-10/1, Allen George Ellis, (256) 764-5938, gjenodfdc@aol. USS Canberra, CA 70/CAG 2 (1943-1970), Bashore, (803) 345-3350, [email protected]; com; 790th QM Reclamation & Maint Co (US Louisville, KY, 10/13-17, Bryan Humphrey, (410) LCSL 1-130, Fort Mitchell, KY, 10/11-18, Walter & Korea), Appleton, WI, 10/9, Clarence Smits, 208-4911, [email protected]; USS Longhurst, (610) 494-2956; PA Tailgate Rally (920) 738-0503, [email protected]; 801st Eng Coos Bay AVP 25, Chicago, Bill Hardy, (616) for All Seabees, Lancaster, PA, 9/25, Joseph Bn (Avn), Myrtle Beach, SC, 10/12-14, Bill Dowd, 738-0765, [email protected]; USS Tack Jr., (215) 275-0044, [email protected]; (563) 569-8291, [email protected]; 807th Princeton CV/CVA/CVS 37 & LPH 5 (Crew, PBY Catalina Intl Assn, Tucson, AZ, 10/6-10, Eng Bn (Avn), Tucson, AZ, 10/14-16, Melvin Sqdns & Mar Dets), Norfolk, VA, 10/12-16, Don Mortimer, (631) 298-2685, pbydon@ Anderson, (520) 325-1471; 820th EAB (Beale Bob Butler, (563) 259-8219, bbutler100@msn. optonline.net; SLCU-32 Boat Pool 17-18, AFB, CA, 1952-1954), Nashville, TN, 9/30-10/2, com Branson, MO, 9/13-15, Leslie Ellett, (417) 277-

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INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WILL VARY. THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. AMG, 90 BRIDGE STREET, WESTBROOK, ME comrades

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From the landmark book Grow Young with body for HGH, so its regenerative and healing self-injectable and is very affordable. HGH comes the most powerful, over-the- effects are very comprehensive. counter health supplement in the history of GHR is a natural releaser, has no known side man. Human growth hormone was first Growth Hormone first synthesized in 1985 effects, unlike the synthetic version and has discovered in 1920 and has long been thought under the Reagan Orphan drug act, to treat no known drug interactions. Progressive by the medical community to be necessary dwarfism, was quickly recognized to stop doctors admit that this is the direction only to stimulate the body to full adult size aging in its tracks and reverse it to a medicine is seeking to go, to get the body to and therefore unnecessary past the age of 20. remarkable degree. Since then, only the heal itself instead of employing drugs. GHR Recent studies, however, have overturned this lucky and the rich have had access to it at the is truly a revolutionary paradigm shift in notion completely, discovering instead that cost of $20,000 US per year. medicine and, like any modern leapfrog the natural decline of Human Growth advance, many others will be left in the dust Hormone (HGH), from ages 21 to 61 (the Many in hollywood’s glamour sets, who never holding their limited, or useless drugs and average age at which there is only a trace left seem to age like you or I, have a special remedies. in the body) and is the reason why the the secret to tell, and even space pioneer and US body ages and fails to regenerate itself to its Senator John Glen stays vital with HGH. It is now thought that HGH is so comprehen- 25 year-old biological age. sive in its healing and regenerative powers The next big breakthrough was to come in that it is today, where the computer industry Like a picked flower cut from the source, we 1997 when the American Anti-aging Society, was twenty years ago, that it will displace so gradually wilt physically and mentally and a group of doctors and scientists, developed many prescription and non-prescription drugs become vulnerable to a host of degenerative an all-natural source product which would and health remedies that it is staggering to diseases, that we simply weren’t susceptible cause your own natural HGH to be released think of. to in our early adult years. again and do all the remarkable things it did for you in your 20’s. Now available to every The president of BIE Health Products, the Modern medical science now regards aging as adult for about the price of a coffee and donut American distributor, stated in a recent a disease that is treatable and preventable and a day. interview,“I’ve been waiting for these that “aging”, the disease, is actually a products since the 70’s. We knew they would compilation of various diseases and GHR now available n America, just in time come, if only we could stay healthy and live pathologies, from everything, like a rise in for the aging Baby Boomers and everyone long enough to see them! If you want to stay blood glucose and pressure to diabetes, skin else from age 30 to 90 who doesn’t want to on top of your game, physically and mentally wrinkling and so on. All of these aging age but would rather stay young, beautiful as you age, this product is a boon, especially symptoms can be stopped and rolled back by and healthy all of the time. for the highly skilled professionals who have maintaining Growth Hormone levels in the made large investments in their education, blood at the same levels HGH existed in the The new HGH releasers are winning converts and experience. Also with the failure of blood when we were 25 years old. There is a from the synthetic HGH users as well, since Congress to honor our seniors with pharma- receptorsite in almost every cell in the human GHR is just as effective, is oral instead of ceutical coverage policy, it’s more important than ever to take pro-active steps to safeguard your health. Continued use of GHR will make a radical difference in your health, HGH is particularly helpful to the elderly NEW! Doctor who, given a choice, would rather stay Recommended independent in their own home, strong The Reverse Aging Miracle healthy and alert enough to manage their own RELEASE YOUR OWN GROWTH HORMONE AND ENJOY: affairs, exercise and stay involved in their communities. 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Wilmer E. Ohlendorf 83rd Air Serv Sqd 15th AF (Italy, WWII), Vincennes CA 44/CL 64/CG 49, Vincennes, seeks witnesses to verify he was injured Steve Caloviras, (301) 460-3724, when kicked in the back in spring 1978. CID IN, 8/7-12, Bill Toth, (812) 882-7357; USS [email protected] 1461 Virgo AKA 20/AE 30, Lexington, KY, 8/25-29, 91st MP Det (Tan Sun Nhut, Vietnam, 1965- 5039th Field Maint Sqdn, Elmendorf AFB, Walt Tomlin, (254) 982-4469, wdtomlin@vm. 1968), Larry Ward, (337) 460-9018 Alaska. Joseph M. Pluskota seeks witnesses com; USS Waccamaw AO 109, Shreveport, 114th QM Graves Reg Co (Korea, 1950-1951), to verify he was injured falling off the crew LA, 10/9-10, David Cloud Sr., (985) 879-2731, William Davidson, 17 Waterford Lane, chief stand during a winter storm and [email protected] Souderton, PA 18964, [email protected] hospitalized for 10 days in 1956. CID 1462 319th ASA Bn (Rothwestin, Germany, USS Raleigh. Frank M. 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Hunter, (813) 754-9827 Memb. 1966-2004, Nat’l Child Welfare 1992-1994, Nat’l Public Relations Liaison Plt 289 (Parris Island, SC, June-Aug 1967), Foundation Director 1967-1991, Nat’l Memb. 1994-1996, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. F.X. Noe, (781) 341-4038, [email protected] Child Welfare Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1994-1996 and Nat’l Homeland Sec. Vice Plt 332 (Parris Island, SC, June-Aug 1945), 1967-2004, Nat’l Child Welfare Foundation Chmn. 1996-2004. John Sullivan, (434) 685-1373 Treasurer 1970-1979, Nat’l Children & Youth John Le Rouge Martinez, Dept. of New Plt 374 (Parris Island, SC, June-Aug 1945), Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. 1970-1981, Mexico. Nat’l Foreign Relations Cncl. Memb. Walter Burch, (641) 673-4602 Nat’l Children & Youth Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. 1975-1979 and Nat’l Cmsn. on Children & Plt 3001 (MCRD San Diego, May-Aug Chmn. 1972-1976, Nat’l Resolution Subcmte. Youth Memb. Region 7 1981-1984. 1968), Dennis Holt, (909) 798-2557, [email protected] Memb. 1972-1979, Nat’l Subcmte. on Cmte. Wilson T. Scott, Dept. of Oregon. Dept. Recruit Co 258 (NTC San Diego, 1952), Jack Nat’l Cmdr. Rep. 1975-1976, Nat’l Advisory Cmdr. 2000-2001. Streeter, (785) 246-4418 Cmte. to the Nat’l Cmdr. 1975-1976, Nat’l Russell D. Stith, Dept. of Missouri. Nat’l SS Escanaba Victory (Crew & Armed Guard, Legis. Cncl. Memb. 1975-1978 and 1991- Counter-Subversive Cmte. Memb. 1979- June-Dec 1944), Lawrence “Pete” Davis, 1994, Nat’l Finance Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. 1984, Nat’l Children & Youth Cmsn. Memb. (218) 365-3172 Chmn. 1976-1979 and 1985-2004, Nat’l Child 1990-1994, Nat’l Children & Youth Cmsn. SS William H. Webb (USN Armed Guard, Dec Welfare Foundation Vice Pres. 1979-1985, Chmn. 1995-1996, 1998-1999 and 2001-2002, 1943-Dec 1944), James Montesarchio, (914) Nat’l Finance Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. and Nat’l Children & Youth Cmsn. Vice 776-6690 1981-1985, Nat’l Child Welfare Foundation Chmn. 1994-1995, 1997-1998 and 2000-2001. STARCOM Stat 7300 Army Radio Stat ADK Saigon (Phu Lam, Vietnam, 1964), Jose Gonzalez, (787) 847-3616 Tulagi Radiomen (South Pacific, WWII), CLASSIFIED Chuck Dowd, (406) 563-6430 USS Grant County LST 1174 (Jan 1960-June 1964), George Lickteig, (620) 665-7160 SEND ADVERTISING COPY AND REMITTANCE TO: WWW.ASHESANDBUTTS.COM. Discount tax free USS Jordan DE 204 (1944-1945), Dale Randall, Joan Rizzo, Classified Advertising, The American tobacco products, (866) 362-5346. $5 off first (520) 298-8666, [email protected] Legion Magazine, c/o Fox Associates, Inc., 347 order. Quantity discounts available. 5th Ave., Suite 1110, New York, NY 10016. (212) USS Massey DD 778 (Newport, RI, 1962- MUSIC/MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 1963), John Sorensen, (847) 924-1951 725-2106, FAX (212) 779-1928. 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July 2004 57 The American Legion Magazine

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July 2004 59 The American Legion Magazine parting shots “Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” – Robert A. Heinlein

BECAUSE I’M A MAN... n ...When I lock my keys in the car, I will fi ddle with a wire hanger and ignore suggestions that we call a road service until long after hypothermia has set in. n ...When the car isn’t running well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I’m looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the other, “I used to be able to fi x these things, but now with all “Yes, we offer an early-retirement plan. these computers and everything, It’s called a stress-related heart attack.” I wouldn’t know where to start.” We will then drink beer. n ...I think what you’re n ...I do not want to visit your wearing is fi ne. I thought mother, have your mother come what you were wearing fi ve visit us, talk to her when she minutes ago was fi ne, too. calls or think about her any more Either pair of shoes is fi ne. than I must. Whatever you got With the belt or without, her for Mother’s Day is OK. I it’s fi ne. Your hair is fi ne. don’t need to see it. And don’t You look fi ne. Can we just forget to pick up something for go now? my mother, too. n ...I must hold the n ...You don’t have to ask if I liked remote control in my hand the movie. Chances are, if you’re while I watch TV. crying at the end of it, I didn’t. A MAN AND HIS WIFE argued about who should brew the coffee each morning. “You should do it,” the wife said. “You get up fi rst, and “Unfortunately, sir, your computer then we won’t have to will be diffi cult to reboot with wait as long for the coffee.” your fi st through it.” The husband shook his head. “You’re in charge of TODDLER PROPERTY LAWS cooking around here. You n If I like it, it’s mine. should do it, because that’s n If it’s in my hand, it’s mine. your job. I can just wait for n If I can take it away from you, my coffee.” it’s mine. “No, you should do it,” the n If I had it a while ago, it’s mine. wife said, glaring. “It says in n If I’m doing or building the Bible that the man makes something, all the pieces are the coffee.” mine. “Show me,” the husband n If it looks like mine, it’s mine. challenged. n If I saw it fi rst, it’s mine. The wife fetched the Bible, n If you’re playing with some- opened it to the New Testa- thing and you put it down, it “The cleaning service wants to use our ment and pointed to the top of automatically becomes mine. house as a training facility.” several pages: “Hebrews.” n If it’s broken, it’s yours.

60 July 2004 The American Legion Magazine Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors

Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras, are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.

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