1 An organization of past and present, military and civilian, staffers and employees, their families and friends of the U.S. Armed Forces daily newspaper, Stars and Stripes. NEWS Spring 2017

Above: The first World War II issue of Stars and Stripes was published in London on April 18, 1942. Left: Stars and Stripes’ European operations in Griesheim, Germany, are shown in 1952. Courtesy of U.S. Army Europe Soak up 75 years of Stripes’ history in Europe Alumni called to join diamond anniversary celebration in Germany A brief history of European 2017 marks the 75th year since rent staff about how Stripes operates Stars and Stripes’ first years Stars and Stripes began publishing today. Make sure to provide notice in Europe on April 18, 1942. A num- to Stripes Europe (contact informa- The very first newspaper called Stars ber of events are tion on Page 3) of your desire to at- and Stripes was a product of the Civil planned to com- tend so base access can be obtained. War put out by four Union soldiers in memorate the For those interested, the base dining 1861. Using the facilities of a captured anniversary of facility is across the street for lunch. newspaper plant in Bloomfield, Mo., both Stars and It is a very reasonable price of $5.55 they ran off a one-page paper that Stripes and the per person (cash only). A bus departs made just a single appearance. Other U.S. military in Europe, May 19-20, for a trip to historic , Ger- obscure and short-lived editions of the 2017, at Stripes Europe headquarters many, a fascinating city and castle, at newspaper later appeared, but the Stars and Stripes that first gained fame was in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and at 12:15 p.m. The cost of the bus trip is the World War I edition, forerunner of Ramstein Air Base. $30 per person which includes trans- today’s paper, which first appeared late Stripes will hold an open house portation, parking and admission to in the war on Feb. 8, 1918, in Paris. Friday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 12 the castle. There will be ample time The newspaper folded after the p.m., during which visitors can ex- for sightseeing, shopping and dinner war, but 24 years later, on April 18, plore the headquarters at Kleber Kas- before returning. SEE HISTORY ON PAGE 2 erne Kaiserslautern and talk to cur- SEE REUNION ON PAGE 3 2 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS Spring 2017

Stars and Stripes staff work in the editorial office in Pfungstadt, Germany, in 1948. HISTORY: From page 1 1942, Stars and Stripes was morale in the AEF. reborn in Europe amid the “We have his screeches of air raid sirens (Pershing’s) authority for and the buzz of V-1 bombs the statement that no official and B-2 rockets during control was ever exercised World War II. In a small over the matter which went room in a London print into Stars and Stripes,” shop, a group of servicemen Marshall said. “It always founded a four-page weekly, was entirely for and by the selling each copy for soldier. This policy is to “tuppence” (about 5 cents), govern the conduct of the which quickly grew to an new publication.” eight-page daily newspaper. It was a challenge to The Stripes fleet is shown in Pfungstadt, Germany, in 1948. The first edition of publish, under military Stars and Stripes published jurisdiction, a newspaper personal publicity, or as a with their protests were told during World War II representative of the headquarters directive. to call Regent 8484 and ask featured an interview with American free press. Stars and Stripes for Gen. Eisenhower. Gen. George C. Marshall, Bob L. Moora, wartime had a special friend and During the next three Army Chief of Staff. managing editor, recalled protector in Gen. Dwight years, the newspaper expanded its operations, Marshall quoted Gen. John that throughout operations D. Eisenhower, Supreme paralleling the build-up of J. Pershing, commander of the staff had to fight to Allied Commander, who U.S. forces overseas. Over the World War I American withstand the pressures of issued a hands-off policy the course of World War II, Expeditionary Force, who well-meaning but ill-advised and defended the paper Stars and Stripes published said that Stripes had been a officers to use the paper for against protest. In fact, major factor in sustaining propaganda purposes, for those who were persistent SEE HISTORY ON PAGE 10 Spring 2017 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS 3 REUNION: From page 1 Travel and lodging information There are three events scheduled for Saturday. In the The is your best option for getting morning there will be a “fun run” at Ramstein Air Base of to Kaiserslautern, Germany. A map of the Frankfurt (appropriately) 7.5 kilometers. Both runners and spectators Airport can be viewed and/or printed at: are encouraged. There is no charge to participate or to at- tend. But you may also wish to enjoy a leisurely breakfast http://starsandstripesassn.com/FrankfurtAirport.pdf and a walk in the fussgaengerzone of Kaiserslautern. In the afternoon, from 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a panel of distin- NOTE: You’ll need to depart the U.S. on May 17 guished U.S. military and political personnel, a represen- to arrive in Germany on May 18. tative from the German government, and a representative from the German media discussing the 75 years of the alli- ance as well as the future. There is no charge for this event. Transportation to Kaiserslautern The culminating event will be a formal dinner at the Ramstein Air Base Officers’ Club. There will be entertain- German Rail: (DB) ment, a keynote speaker (the speaker is recently retired U.S. Approximate one-way cost: 29 euros Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh), and presen- Info: http://bahn.com/en tations/video about Stars and Stripes in Europe over the last When you land: Look for DB signs after exiting cus- 75 years. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., including an toms elaborate display of Stripes Europe history provided by Dr. Ticketing: Buy tickets to Kaiserslautern at the DB John Provan. The dinner will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The counter (get platform numbers for both Frankfurt air- cost is $30 per person. port and Hauptbahnhof ). The closest commercial airport is in Frankfurt, Germany. • First leg: (ICE) train (long-dis- There are multiple means to travel to Kaiserslautern, which is about a 90-minute drive. The options include shuttle ser- tance train) to Mannheim Bahnhof vices, the train, or a rental car, which can be obtained from • Take the Regional Express train from Mannheim the airport. Kaiserslautern is a midsize community, so the to Kaiserslautern Bahnhof in the direction of hotel options are limited. But there are two in the downtown Koblenz. area, which makes it easy to enjoy the walking zones and life • Note the platform numbers (Gleis) of this attractive German city. Stripes will arrange transpor- tation as needed between hotels and Ramstein. Shuttle: Alex Airport Shuttle For planning purposes, if you wish to attend and if you One-way cost: 40 euros cash or 44 euros with card wish to take a trip to Heidelberg and/or attend the events on Info: http://aas-airport-shuttle.de/en Saturday at Ramstein Air Base, please notify: When you land: If you choose to use this service, Dennis Pertab, Assistant to the SSE Commander Dennis from SSE (see mainbar) will assist in arrang- [email protected] ing the shuttle pickup at the airport if you provide the 011-49-631-3615-9401 flight itineraries. Last pickup is 3 p.m. -- or -- Carrie King Rental cars: Reservations can be made at [email protected] Rentalcars.com

At a later date we will reach out for a firm commitment. Hotels in Kaiserslautern Ji Rogers at the central office can assist with logistics as well: [email protected] or 202-761-0900. Check starsandstripesassn.com/reunion for more updates. SAKS Hotel: http://sakshotels.com The Stripes family is excited about seeing everyone Approximate cost: $145 to $167 (queen-size to suite) in May! Art Hotel Lauterbach: http://art-hotel-kl.de Max Lederer Approximate cost: $90 to $162 Stars and Stripes Publisher 4 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS Spring 2017

McNamara burial held at Arlington Cemetery Burial services were held at Arlington Cemetery for William “Bill” McNamara on Nov. 22. McNamara, who is credited with personally establishing Stars and Stripes operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, passed away June 4 surrounded by family at his home in Alexandria, Va. He was 95. The funeral at Arlington Cemetery was attended by several Stars and Stripes staffers. Photos by Marie Woods/Stars and Stripes Spring 2017 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS 5

Courtesy of the U.S. Army A construction crew uncovered a suspected World War II-era bunker in November while installing a fire hydrant behind Stars and Stripes’ office building at Hardy Barrack in Tokyo. City officials decided not to investigate or preserve it. Suspected WWII-era bunker uncovered at PSS headquarters By Aaron Kidd and Hana Kusumoto Workers dug about one meter down known, he said. A worker went inside Stars and Stripes with a power shovel when the dirt sud- to take photos; however, out of cau- denly fell, exposing a deep bunker that tiousness, no one has ventured farther Officials decided not to preserve or appeared to branch off in two direc- to see where it leads. even explore a suspected World War tions, he said. The site is not a safety hazard, Ta- II-era air-raid shelter discovered re- Construction was halted and the jiri said. Before it’s filled in, a larger cently at a small Army installation in site was roped off and covered with a hole will be dug around the bunker to central Tokyo. tarp while Tokyo Metropolitan Board ensure the surrounding ground does The bunker was found in Novem- of Education officials decided how to not collapse. ber at Hardy Barracks, a former Im- proceed. They chose to fill in the bun- It’s not unusual to find bunkers, perial Japanese Army base that’s now home to a Morale, Welfare and Rec- ker and go ahead with the construction, tunnels and historical items during reation lodging facility and Stars and said Yoshihiro Tajiri, a civil engineer on-base construction projects, said Stripes’ Pacific headquarters. A -con for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tajiri, who mentioned that work at struction crew uncovered the secret Japan District. the Ikego housing area near Yokosuka behind Stripes’ office building while “It probably means that something Naval Base was suspended for several installing a fire hydrant near a road of this scale is unworthy of historical months after crews uncovered some that leads to a helipad, said Takayuki structure,” said Tajiri, who added the old earthenware at the site. Sasaki, a construction-site manager officials did not bother to inspect the During the war, U.S. firebombing for Nagayasu Kogyo, the company site in person. raids destroyed much of the city and contracted for the work. The bunker’s actual size is un- killed an estimated 100,000 Japanese. 6 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS Spring 2017 When you’re a Striper, you can always go home again Former deputy commander pays visit to Pacific office By Katie Wais Stars and Stripes, Publishing and Media Design When a vacation through Asia presented a former Pacific Stars and Stripes deputy commander the opportunity to drop by his old stomping ground, Phil Raschke couldn’t pass it up. “We just popped in unannounced,” Raschke said of visiting the Stars and Stripes office in Tokyo. “They were wonderful.” Raschke, deputy commander of Pacific Stars and Stripes from 1978 to 1981, was on a cruise in October 2016 with his wife of 51 years, Beverly. He and his friend, Nakatsukasa, a former military liaison to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, realized they were not far from Hardy Barracks in Tokyo. Raschke and Naka decided to stop in at the Pacific Stars and Stripes’ offices and say hello. Phil Raschke, right, and friend, “It brought back a lot of memories,” Nakatsukasa, pose with Pacific Stars said Raschke, who hadn’t been back to and Stripes commander Lt. Col. Brian “Coyote” Choate, above, in Asia since the mid-80s. October 2016. The two visitors were treated to a tour of the Stripes offices by current Among his responsibilities were commander Lt. Col. Brian “Coyote” marketing, overseeing the Stripes Choate and superintendent Master Sgt. bookstores throughout the Pacific, Ashlee L. Nepela. guiding commercial advertising and Raschke said he was surprised by sorting through AAFES contracting. how much the facility had changed. He Initially, he served as deputy editor in remembers the offices when they still chief. housed a Stars and Stripes bookstore “That’s just the way it was in those and a busy newsroom, as well as a days,” Raschke said. “The mornings club and cafeteria on an upper floor. were mostly the newspaper. Then the Raschke said in 1978 he was afternoons were marketing and other assigned to Stripes with an eye toward ‘housekeeping.’ helping “improve their financial “Stars and Stripes was losing money “I loved it. I couldn’t have asked situation.” and there was a lot of concern that it for a better job.” “Times were changing,” he said. was becoming a drain.” In the newsroom, Raschke recalls Spring 2017 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS 7 “We Were Soldiers” and the book “We Were Soldiers Once … And Young.” In Vietnam, Raschke racked up 1,300 combat flying hours and earned a Purple Heart, two Vietnamese gallantry awards, 48 Air Medals and a Presidential Citation for Valor. Later, Raschke joined the Coast Guard, where he flew air and sea rescue missions. He earned at least 10 lifesaving awards. Raschke went on to earn his mas- ter’s degree in mass communications from the University of Tennessee — eventually leading to his assignment at Stripes — but would later return to flying “once I convinced them I could still fly, not just write stories,” he said. After the military, Raschke served as executive director of the Washington State Elks Association and worked in Phil Raschke pays a visit to the Stripes office in Guam in 1979. marketing and training positions at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Pacific Stars and Stripes com- Europe and Fort Lewis in Washington mander Col. (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord). Robert Delaney Now retired in Lakewood, Wash., and Phil Raschke Raschke is heavily involved in his talk with author and film director community, including volunteering James Clavell in with his local theater group, arts com- the Stripes news- mission, historical association and tax room. Clavell made several commission as well as the Military Of- visits to Stripes ficers Association of America, among while filming the others. He coordinates an Asian film mini-series “Sho- festival and a Black History Month gun” in Japan. program. Last year, Raschke was Photos courtesy of Phil Raschke named Lakewood’s Volunteer of the Year. working alongside such talented He always wanted to be a pilot. He A history buff, Raschke is also in his Pacific Stars and Stripes writers as joined the Army as an armor officer fifth year of producing his “Historical Hal Drake and Bill Lopez. Local and was assigned as an “aero scout” to Phil” radio series on local station and military news as well as sports the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Air KLAY Radio, 1180 AM. The series, coverage was at the heart of the Cavalry Division (airmobile). sponsored by the Lakewood Historical newsgathering operations, but he also “Our job was to go out, to seek and Society, features three-minute recalls turning out a special edition in to find the enemy,” Raschke said of segments about the community’s June 1979 to commemorate the death flying in the air cavalry. history and people. of actor John Wayne. It was the 1/9th Cavalry that dis- For all his volunteering and Raschke was born in Chicago and covered North Vietnamese troops in activities, Raschke is most proud of his raised in southern California and the Ia Drang Valley, sparking the Bat- family. He is the father of three grown graduated from Pepperdine University. tle of Ia Drang, depicted in the movie children and grandfather of nine. 8 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS Spring 2017 William Murphy, Stars and Stripes chief financial officer, dies at 56 By Stars and Stripes panion, Mylien Nguyen, of Annan- dale, Va., and his dog, Lexi. William Aubrey “Bill” Murphy, Stars and Stripes staff members chief financial officer for Stars and were quick to recall him fondly. Stripes and a member of the town Marie Woods, director of publish- council in Dumfries, Va., died Feb. 3, ing and media design, worked with 2017, at his home. He was 56. Murphy for the last 18 years. Murphy came to Central Stars and “He was a good soul, generous and Stripes in 1997 and was promoted to thoughtful to everyone he knew. I’m CFO in 2012. grateful for having had the opportuni- “Bill believed strongly in the mis- ty to know him and count him among sion to provide servicemen and wom- my closest friends. I will truly miss en around the world with independent him.” news and information,” said Stars and He was a valued resource to many. Chris Carlson, Stars and Stripes Stripes Publisher Max Lederer. “His “For newcomers like me, Bill was publishing and media design manag- dedicated service was essential to a one-stop shop for information on er, said Murphy was respected for the successfully entertaining and inform- how to wade through the rules and work he did. “But most importantly, ing the military community. Bill was regulations of the U.S. government he was just a great guy. He will be a gentleman, a dedicated manager, and for translating ‘GovSpeak’ into missed.” committed to everything he did. He clear English,” said Robert Reid, Visitation was Feb. 12 at Owens- made a difference in all the lives he senior managing editor of Stars and touched.” Stripes. “He always did so with a Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service in Murphy was born Sept. 26, 1960, smile.” Clinton, N.Y. A funeral Mass was in Utica, N.Y. He attended Mohawk Corey Henderson, a Stars and held Feb. 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Valley Community College and grad- Stripes multimedia consultant, called Church in Clinton. His burial was in uated in 1980 with an associate’s de- Murphy “an important leader in our Deansboro Cemetery. gree. He went on to graduate from professional family.” A memorial service was held Feb. Rochester Institute of Technology in “He worked hard to make sure that 24 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in ac- our organization maintained solid Church, 18825 Fuller Heights Road, counting. While there, he was gover- stewardship of the funds that support Triangle, Va., followed by a reception nor of residence halls and played var- our servicemembers and their family in his honor at the Dumfries Triangle sity ice hockey. members.” Rescue Squad Bingo Hall, 3800 Gra- Murphy was very active in his lo- Murphy was also known for his ham Park Road, Dumfries, Va. cal community, serving on the Dum- warm nature and sense of humor. Meg In lieu of flowers, please -con fries Board of Zoning Appeals for Irish, director of member services, sider donations to St. Francis of As- five years before being appointed to recalled that “early in my time with sisi Catholic Church, 18825 Fuller the town council two years ago. He Stripes, Bill arrived in my office to dis- was also an usher at St. Francis of As- tribute our pay documents and I said, Heights Rd., Triangle, VA 22172 or sisi Catholic Church in Triangle, Va. ‘Oh, look! It’s the Paycheck Fairy!’ to a scholarship in Bill’s memory at Friends remember Murphy for And without missing a beat or crack- Clinton Central School Business Of- his devotion to community service ing a smile, Bill drew himself up and fice, 75 Chenango Ave., Clinton, NY and volunteering. He was passionate replied, ‘Please! The correct term is 13323. about hockey, loved grilling outdoors Finance Ranger.’ I’ve thought of him To offer an online condolence, vis- and was devoted to his longtime com- as our Finance Ranger ever since.” it goo.gl/2Adp6G. Spring 2017 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS 9

Former ESS city editor Judi Erickson dies Stars and Stripes Association Inc. is a California non-profit corporation with more than 300 members worldwide. Address, 1510 West Nottingham, Anaheim, CA 92802 Judi Erickson, former Stars and Stripes city editor in Europe, died Dec. 28, 2016, at her home in Marion, Ky., CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES: Calvin Posner, membership manager, 4440 Strathmore Drive, Lake Wales, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. She was 53. FL 33859 or [email protected] “Judi was city editor during the first year American troops were in Bosnia,” Brian Bowers, current Stars and In memory of Maurice (Maury) Martin, Col., USAF (Ret.), Stripes Assistant Managing Editor, said of his time work- whose efforts as co-founder made this association possible. ing with Erickson. “She was instrumental in helping us to OFFICERS switch from covering garrison communities to covering de- President: Mike Mealey, 337 Applebrook Drive, Malvern, PA ployed troops. We learned a lot in 1996 that we were able 19355, phone 610-722-0783, Fax 610-722-0784, e-mail to put into practice when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq [email protected] started.” Vice President and Secretary: Lorrie Goben, P.O. Box 502, Following her time at Stripes, Erickson worked as a Camino, CA 95709, phone 530-647-0511, e-mail business editor for The Honolulu Advertiser for five years, [email protected] according to the Los Angeles Daily News. She was hired as Membership Manager and Treasurer: Calvin Posner, 4440 the Los Angeles Daily News assistant city editor in August Strathmore Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859, phone 863-662-4410 2005 and was promoted to city editor in September 2007, or e-mail [email protected] the paper stated in a Dec. 30 obituary. DIRECTORS Later, Erickson helped start the Los Angeles Coun- ty Business Federation, an alliance of regional business Chairman Emeritus: Toshi Cooper, 15 Possum Hollow Road, groups, according to the Daily News. She left the group in Newark, DE 19711, phone 302-454-6488, e-mail tgmcooper@ 2014 and went back to Kentucky to take care of her father. comcast.net She is survived by her father, Cliff Erickson, and step Jim Hummel, 3023 Delta Road, San Jose, CA 95135, phone 408- mother, Donna Erickson. 270-2349, e-mail [email protected] Max D. Lederer, Jr., Publisher, Stars and Stripes, 529 14th St., John McPeek, former PSS photo editor, dies NW, Washington, DC 20045 [email protected] Walt Trott, P.O. Box 477 Madison, TN 37116-0477,phone 615- John O. McPeek, 90, former photo editor and assistant 868-3248, e-mail [email protected] news editor for Stars and Stripes, died Nov. 14, 2016, at his home in Lakeside, Calif. He was 90. Bob Trounson, 446 Theresa Lane, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, McPeek worked at Pacific Stars and Stripes in Tokyo phone 626-355-0570, e-mail [email protected] from 1963 to 1965. From Stripes, he joined Newsletter editor: Joe Schneider, 4053 Mount Brundage Ave., the San Diego Tribune. San Diego, CA 92111, phone 858-278-0394, e-mail aztecjoes@ He was originally from Bucyrus, Ohio. aol.com ALLIED WITH The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library Association Inc.®, P.O. Box 1861, Bloomfield, MO 63825. Phone/Fax 573-568- Join us 2055. Philip Tippen, President; Sue Mayo, Librarian, e-mail [email protected], website starsandstripesmuseum.com on Facebook! Stars and Stripes Association News Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. Editorial matter about The Stars and Stripes and Stripers should com/StarsAndStripesAssociation to stay be sent directly to the editor, who reserves the option to edit up to date on the latest news and reunion copy. Neither the association nor the editor attests to the accuracy announcements, to share photos or just to of submitted articles published. Views expressed by authors are catch up with old friends! their own. Newsletter edited and designed by Katie Wais and Chris Verigan. 10 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS Spring 2017 HISTORY: From page 2 as many as 32 separate editions, with page counts running as high as 24 pag- es per issue. At one time, there were as many as 25 publishing locations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific. Throughout World War II and the first few months of 1946, the - Euro pean editorial staff was all military. The newspaper was printed in cap- tured or requisitioned plants by in- digenous personnel under military supervision. It was distributed through ration breakdown points and message center channels. Equipment and sup- plies were requisitioned or drawn on Stars and Stripes’ art department works in Pfungstadt, Germany, in 1948. memorandum receipt from Army ap- propriated fund sources. World War II ended, but Stars and Stripes was instructed to continue to publish as long as U.S. troops re- mained abroad. European Stars and Stripes became a nonappropriated fund instrumen- tality in 1946. As wartime military Above: Stripes’ European staff began returning to the States, the headquarters are shown in Griesheim, newspaper replaced them with a full- Germany, in 1976. time civilian staff. Gradually they built Left: USAFE PIO personnel admire the a top-of-the-line team of professional four-color press during a tour of the the newspaper and to provide a source Griesheim facility. journalists and newspaper business of revenue, it was agreed that Euro- people, augmented by a small contin- pean Stars and Stripes would take over mission of providing independent gent of military journalists and manag- from European Exchange System the news and information to the military ers. The first civilian managing editor distribution and sale of newspapers, community continues to be the pri- was appointed in February 1946. periodicals, and books throughout the mary purpose. Today, the European The first newspaper plant in Germa- command. Consequently, circulation edition has been replaced by a single ny was set up in a brewery in the town district offices were organized, news- global edition of Stars and Stripes that of Pfungstadt on April 5, 1945. One stands opened and delivery routes es- is published Monday through Thurs- year later, the newspaper moved to tablished. day, with a special Weekend Edition the Bavarian town of Altdorf and took In 1961, European Stars and Stripes on Friday for Europe and Pacific, over the presses of Der Sturmer, a Nazi began converting newsstands into and a separate Mideast edition Friday newspaper. Stars and Stripes returned bookstores, providing greater display through Sunday. The Europe bureau to Pfungstdt in 1946, and moved again space for merchandise and, therefore, operates out of Kaiserslautern, Ger- in 1949 to its location at a former Luft- a larger and more varied selection of many. Stripes no longer runs military waffe training field in Griesheim on the magazines, newspapers and books. bookstores. outskirts of Darmstadt. Bookstore revenues were especially For all the changes, the paper’s On July 1, 1947, the European important to the organization, since mission remains unaltered. So long Stars and Stripes was re-designated as they offset losses posted by the daily as military men and women remain in a nonappropriated fund of the Europe- newspaper. Europe, Stars and Stripes will be there an Command. Taking advantage of the Many changes have occurred since to provide them with news and infor- circulation runs necessary to distribute that first newspaper in 1942, but the mation from around the world. Spring 2017 STARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS 11 News from the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library By Sue Mayo Stars and Stripes Museum Librarian HELP THE MUSEUM Thanks to the Stars and Stripes Do you shop at Amazon? If Association for the $1,000 donation you do, you can help out the The Stars and Stripes Museum Stars and Stripes Museum spruced up its timeline in the entrance for improvements to the barn. Mu- Library. Instead of going to room, thanks to a recent donation. seum director Laura Meyer, her fa- Amazon’s regular website, go to ther, mother and several other volun- smile.amazon.com. Then select Lynn is also painting a mountain scene teers have cleaned out the barn, made the Stars and Stripes Museum mural on the wall of the Vietnam ex- – Library Association Inc. as a weather-proof room for storage and your charity of choice. Amazon hibit. used some of the inside barn wood to will donate 0.5 percent of your On Jan. 21, the museum hosted a replace damaged panels on the outside purchase price to the museum. Trivia Night Fundraiser, raising a total of the barn. of $2,000. Items were provided by lo- Liberty Days, the fourth annual re- ects have been possible. The Stars and cal merchants for a silent auction and enactment at the Stars and Stripes Mu- Stripes newspapers have been matted food was available for purchase. seum and Library, was held in October and placed in black frames giving a January began the annual member- and was a big success with 23 camp- more professional look to the timeline ship drive here at the museum and we sites representing a timeline from 18th in the entrance room. Four iPads and encourage all present and former century to the present. On the event’s stands have been purchased to help tell Stripers to either renew or estab- Education Day, 1,078 middle school the newspaper’s story. We plan to get lish their membership. The levels of students from three counties visited present and former Stars and Stripes membership are: Friend $25, Family the campsites and enjoyed the person- employees to make videos telling of $50, Advocate $75, VIP $100, Busi- al attention of the re-enactors. Several their experiences at the newspaper. ness/Organization $150. Payments musical groups provided entertain- Volunteer Lynn Robey has been may be made by sending a check to: ment Friday evening and throughout using her artistic talents to benefit the Stars and Stripes M/L, P.O. Box 1861, the day on Saturday. museum. She has painted the Stars and Bloomfield, MO 63825, or with a Visa As the result of a $5,000 donation Stripes logo on ornaments that we are or Master Card or PayPal at stripes@ from a local businessman, several proj- selling for $10 plus $2.75 for postage. newwavecomm.net.

homes of 400 military servicemembers, mostly California National Guard members, who were deployed to Iraq and Treasurer’s Report Afghanistan, in violation of the Soldiers and Sailors Relief As of Jan. 31, 2017, we have 238 total members, including Act. The bank settled out of court for a fine said to be in the one new ESS member, Leah Larkin. Welcome, Leah. tens of millions of dollars and agreed to provide relief to Of the 238 total members, 122 are current in their annual the military families. I spoke with the G-1 of the California dues and 116 are delinquent for two or more years. Those National Guard. He assured me that the bank had made who have been delinquent since 2014 will be taken off the good on its agreement with the feds and had taken a number mailing and email lists on Jan. 17. of actions to make things right. Currently, our bank balance is $25,030.26. We have I also had both our accounts audited and they were found $5,550.88 in our business checking account and $19,479.38 to be pure with no unauthorized separate accounts formed in our money market account. We expect many delinquent or fees taken. members to renew so they can participate with us at the I also learned that several other national banks including European Stars and Stripes 75th anniversary and reunion in Bank of America and Chase had done the same thing and Kaiserslautern, Germany, in October. settled more quietly out of court. So we couldn’t move our Because of the recent revelations about our bank, Wells account to a national bank that was pure on this issue. That Fargo, the board decided to have me look into moving said, I’ve kept our current accounts in place for now. our account. Among other vagaries carried out against Calvin S. Posner their banking customers, the bank also foreclosed on the Treasurer and Membership Chair 12 Membership Renewal/ChangeSTARS AND STRIPES ASSOCIATION NEWS of Address Form Spring 2017

Below is the form needed to renew your membership, activate a new membership, or report a change of address. Current members wishing to renew their memberships should complete the form below and mail to: Association Treasurer Calvin Posner 4440 Strathmore Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859, along with a check for $20. New members should also complete the form and mail to Association Treasurer Calvin Posner with a check for $20. Make your check payable to Stars and Stripes Association. New members are asked to include a short biography and current members are encouraged to add any updates to their bios. The bios will be included in our membership directory. Change of address, e-mail, phone, fax notifications should be sent to Membership Manager Calvin Posner with no check. Note: Dues are NOT tax deductible.

Name ______Spouse’s Name ______

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City ______State ______ZIP ______

Country ______

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Email ______

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Years with Stars and Stripes (CSS, ESS, PSS) ______

Circle any of the following that you do NOT wish to be published in the Assn. Directory

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4440 Strathmore Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859 FL Wales, Lake Drive, Strathmore 4440

Stars and Stripes Association Stripes and Stars Cal Posner Cal