DOCSLIB.ORG

Strawberry Bulletin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Strawberry Bulletin FEATURES IN THE BULLETIN Page 12 Our Town Strawberry Bulletin Volume I, Number 6 Serving the 500,000 Veterans Living in Greater Los Angeles November 2011 This regular feature of the Strawberry Bulletin generally records current events that occur in the lives of some of the citizens of the place we claim as Our Town: the West Los Angeles Soldiers Home held in trust as a home for veterans in perpetuity. It is currently managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the second largest cabinet department in the United States, smaller only than the Department of Defense. In this special Veterans Day issue, distributed in Washington D.C. as well as the Los Angeles area, we devote this space to an overview of events concerning veterans, housing, and Los Angeles since World War Two. Sep 1, 1939: World War Two (WW2) begins in Europe. Mis-ter President you Can Can Dec 7, 1941: The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor and the U.S. enters WW2. Jun 22, 1944: GI Bill provides WW2 veterans Give them back their Land Land with college funds, unemployment insurance, Guy Hatzvi, of the Metabolic Studio’s Optics Division, on Governor’s Island. The Liminal Camera is pointed at lower Manhattan’s skyline on 9/11. housing, and a new VA mortgage program. If you order change: it’s simple to arrange 1945: Germany surrenders in May and Japan 1 1 in September. 16 million U.S. citizens serving in the military begin to return home. A Homecoming Strategy Enforce the Deed of 88 and Nov 1, 1945: Homeless Marine corporal There is no question in my mind that the we manage for veterans on the campus. By being David Mizrahi (23), his wife Sophie (23), and thirteen empty buildings located on well- here we have continued to learn about the VA their son Bobby (2) camp in L.A.’s Pershing irrigated lawns on the north side of the West of WLA, about how the property is managed, You can change their fate and Square. Los Angeles campus of the Department of where the water systems are, what happens Jan 5, 1946: Army trailers for homeless Veterans Affairs (VA of WLA) will once again, to which buildings when it rains—all the very You will be a first rate Head of State! veterans are delivered to a Burbank site. in the not too distant future, be a home for practical things that large, centrally managed Feb 7, 1946: U.S. government: “2,900,000 veterans. bureaucracies operate. married veterans will need housing by the end Strawberry Flag was a deployable aquaponic The Garden of Defiance has been the wildest Court Focuses on Breach of Trust October 7 filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, of the year.” strawberry farm operated by a team of of the mavericks in our Metabolic Studio stable. claiming that the plaintiffs have no legal standing The federal judge hearing the class action suit activity of the Annenberg Foundation, led 1946: Government-guaranteed mortgages veterans who worked for the Metabolic Studio “Maverick” because its presence has been a and the court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case. challenging land use at the West Los Angeles VA by artist Lauren Bon, entitled ‘Preserving a prompt private commercial builders to start as part of the VA of WLA’s Compensated Work key unlocking the gates of the north side of the This motion argues that even if the plaintiffs’ has directed the parties to file additional briefs Home for Veterans.’” “allegations about discrimination, breach of 937,000 new homes. Therapy (CWT) program. A whole culture campus, a place we at the Studio call “Our Town.” “pertaining specifically to the arguments about The complaint seeks an injunction trust, and procedural error” are all true, “this Feb 15, 1946: California validates use of grew to surround the object of the farm. Daily Co-managed by Andrew Douglas and Korean the creation of a charitable trust.” The court directing the VA to provide permanent case must be dismissed.” Although the motion public parkland for temporary housing. “Tea at Three” and a vibrant kitchen were keys War veteran Bobby Shelton, who also managed continued the pending hearing on the VA’s supportive housing on the West L.A. VA says the VA “has as a top priority the resolution of Apr 27, 1946: Rodger Young Village (RYV) to de-alienating the site. A Veterans’ Print intensive care for our weakest strawberries motion to dismiss the case, Valentini v. Shinseki, campus, an order mandating the VA to the housing needs of homeless Veterans,” it also opens in Griffith Park to house homeless Studio was created and became a go-to place at Strawberry Flag, the Garden of Defiance has faithfully execute its obligations under the says that actually providing that housing is not its from November 14 to December 5 to allow for the veterans. 750 Quonset huts each house two for veterans in treatment on the VA campus turned a median strip between the western edge 1888 deed to use the donated land solely to responsibility. filing of the additional briefs. families, with over 5000 people at peak. and others who came through word of mouth. of the property and the back roadway of the new provide a home for disabled veterans, and a In opposition to the motion, plaintiffs’ This follows the first round of briefing in which Feb 4, 1952: RYV residents ask L.A. to keep Stories were told around the kitchen table, on CalVets Home into a productive garden. declaration that the land transferred under lawyers argued that federal district courts “have the court received written arguments not only RYV open. It remains until Feb 1954. The site is the farm, and in the Print Studio, and we put Like Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town, our the 1888 deed created a charitable trust and jurisdiction to review challenges, like Plaintiffs’, from the parties, but also from the Metabolic now the L.A. Zoo. them into a newspaper. The very paper you story is influenced by the ghosts of the past. the VA is in breach of that trust. to ‘systemic failures’ in [VA] service-delivery Studio and the City of Santa Monica who filed Oct 28, 1952: McCarthyism positions are reading emerged from the conversations Through the vigil her family members continue While the case was still in its infancy, systems, and that the limitation on federal- friend-of-the-court briefs in support of plaintiffs’ Judge S. James Otero pushed the VA court jurisdiction … on which the Government public services as socialist. The L.A. Housing we had at Strawberry Flag and our desire to keep for their ancestor Arcadia, we touch the claims against the VA. toward settlement talks, appointed a relies here, applies only to attacks on ‘individual Authority’s (LA-HA) Frank Wilkinson refuses to to communicate with the more than half residual heyday of the National Soldiers’ Home. The suit was filed June 8 against VA personnel mediation officer to handle the case, and Continued on page 4 testify before the Committee on Un-American a million veterans who live in Los Angeles Over a century ago Arcadia intended that the by the ACLU of Southern California and other ordered government lawyers to name a VA Activities, and he is fired and jailed. County. land would provide a home for veterans, and by prominent lawyers, including Harvard Law official with the authority to participate Sep 1971: West L.A. VA property’s function Since our second Memorandum of “home” she meant a real home with color and in settlement negotiations. Judge Otero 11/11/11 (a.k.a. 11-11-11); Friday, November 11, 2011: Mathematics School professor Laurence H. Tribe, on behalf of changes. Chief of Staff for VA Extended Care: Understanding (MOU) with the VA of WLA warmth. Her family has tried to steward the land ignored protests from the VA’s Justice The number eleven is the sixth prime number. disabled homeless veterans in order to enforce “The original intention of the donor…was ended in October last year and we were denied along Arcadia’s vision, but real contingencies Department lawyer, who argued that the 1888 deed restrictions. The plaintiffs in the The base numeric number system lends itself to some to establish a home for disabled veterans. a third, Strawberry Flag has had to leave the relating to the immense financial value of the appointing a mediation officer and having case have charged that “the VA has eliminated interesting peculiarities as relates to the number eleven. However, now as an actual hospital, the quad between WLA-VA Buildings 205, 208, property have arisen. settlement negotiations at this early stage of permanent housing for disabled veterans, many admission requirements … [are] not only and 209. However, while you can take away Several generations of VA asset managers the litigation was premature. In response, of whom now literally sleep outside its walls, and Base 10 for example: that he be a veteran, but he must have an an MOU, you cannot take away the spirit of have not, for example, always served the deed’s Judge Otero said that he was not going to it now leases portions of the property to private let the federal government hide behind (2 digits) 11 x 11 = 121 identifiable medical condition which needs Strawberry Flag and the culture it stimulated. requirement that the land now occupied by (6 digits) 111111 x 111111 = 12345654321 companies.” bureaucracy, stressing the case’s potential attention in a hospital … ” The form that spirit has taken can be read, in the VA of WLA be used for the sole benefit of (9 digits) 111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321 A statement issued by plaintiffs’ counsel importance to needy veterans.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Fighting 69Th Infantry Division Association, Inc. Vol. 53 No. 3 May
    nGHTING 69rH INFANTRY DIVISION ****fissoC'iaiion, Ina. VOLUME 53, NO.3 MAY - JUNE - JULY-AUGUST 2000 "THE THREE B'S" P.O. BOX 69 BOLTE'S BIVOUACING BASTARDS CHAMPION, PA 15622-0069 7241455-2901 bu.lletin OFFICERS 1999-2000 Harold Ruck, President 622 Melville Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37412-2645 .. ...... .. 272 Checkpoint at the Mulde River Bridge William Taylor, Sr., Vice President 1019 S.E. 19th Avenue Submitted by: George Gardin, Co_ C, 273rd Infantry, June 1945. See Story on Page 44 Cape Coral, FL 33990 .. ......... 271 Ralph Goebel, Secretary 5417 Halifax Lane Minneapolis, MN 55424-1438 ..... ..... 272 William Matlach, 'Ireas"rer PO. Box 474 West Islip, NY 11795-0474 ............... 273 Robert Kurtzman, Membership Chrrn. P.O. Box 105 Wilmot, OH 44689-0105 ................... 272 Edward Lucci, Auditor ................ 273 William Snidow, Chaplain. ... 661 Paul Shadle, Co-Chaplain . .. 27 1 Bernard Zaffren, Legal Aduisor ....... 272 LADIES' AUXILIARY Gloria Czyzyk. President Wally Richard son, Vice President - tatlach, Secretary " Goebel, Chaplain t. ... £ .. d ZafTern, Sunshine Lady BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1999-2000 George Wolff .. 271 Edgar Parsons .............. 272 Mulde River Bridge: Clarence Orr, Stan Sutkowski, Terry Jonethis (playing mandolin), Eugene Mischke ..... 273 Henry Putala .. .......................... ....... 777 Sgt, Granger, Sgt_ Szetela, Russian Soldier, James Dye, George Gardin, John O'Connor ................................. 880 2000-2001 Charles Walsh .................................. 271 Chester Yastrzemski ...................
    [Show full text]
  • Fall 1990, Regarding Tor As: "A Wise and Trusted Counselor Or I Left That Sergeant Major After Two Short the Fl Ash Flood Disaster in Shadys Ide
    ~~~~~~~....... - Desert Shield pages 16-19 ~o All members of ~he ~hio Army ana Air Na~ional Guara Christmas 1990 ~he holiaay season is a ~ime of peace, love ana happiness; a ~ime ~o join wi~h family ana frienos; a rime to cherish. A rime ~o remember ~he pas~ ana con~emplate-~he fu~ure. Cooking back over ~he pas~ year, we, as ~hioans, have much ~a be proun of. We workeo ~oge~her, cHhen-solOiers ana civilians, ~·a come ~o ~he aio of ~ha~ysioe ana o~her communi~ies oevas~a~eo by spring ana summer's severe s~orms. ~hrnugh programs like ~pera~ion feeo, llni~eo Way ana ~he Combineo feoeral Campaigns, we ga_ve generously of ourselves ~o ~hose in ne.ea. ~ymbols of our concern ana suppor~ are everywhere. Reo ribbons oisplay our involvemen~ in ~he JDar on orugs, ana orange ribbons proclaim our priae ana apprecia~ion for ~hose Americans serving ~he call af freeaom in ~he miaole Eas~. ~his spiri~ of coopera~ion, aeoica~ion ana volun~eerism has fos~ereo an overwhelming sense of communi~y prioe ~hroughou~ ~hio. We have workea hano-in-hano ~o achieve ~his sense of prioe over ~he years ana to keep ~hio ~he fines~ s~ate in the union. for ~his, I am prouo ana thankful ~o have represen~eo ~he ~hio Air ana Army Na~ional Guaro, ana to have servea as Governor of ~his great state. As we enjoy ~he ~ogetherness of our. holioay celebrations, let us pause ~a remember those ~hioans who are serving ~heir sta~e ana naHan far from home on foreign soils.
    [Show full text]
  • A Boy Named Rodger Young
    TirE ATUnOAY EVEN I ' G POST 11 Jlv• (';1¥O J!: ••T. RAHN • BIRTH OF A LEGEND The United tates, like C\'cry nation'" ilb n fo lk I rudilion. cherishes its ballads bn1'ed on the (Iccd~ of heroes-John Brown's nody. Cusc~ Jones. The 1.)01.llh of Floyd Collins . llut! others. The central fa~urc in each of ,hc..~ is a dcnd mun ~ Ibol lt whnm. ",ilh lhe paM ing of lhe years, fact and ICA:c Jul h t",c l>CCHIllC in­ scpurubly nwrgcd. In the war just e nded. an A lllc ri cull dutlg hhoy ,"'us immorltl.lizt.... l in so u~ - n od gcr YoulI~. ~ lIbjCCl of .'rc. Frank Loes~c r' s new illfnntry bullud. Rodger Young IlU:!! been dead for ''''0 Jcur~. hut the m emory of his he roism is deslined to Ih'c on. This is his SLOI"). -TIle Editors. Shines the name, Rodger Young, Fought alld died for the men he marched among: To the everlasting glory of the infantry, Lives the story of Private Rodger Young.* • BODY bas ever s ucceeded especiaUy well in defining the qualities that make a man a l;1ero. In the infantrY7 where, merely to survive, a soldier had to do things that, by lesser standards, would be considered remarkable, gallantry was commonplace. But even the infantry had its special heroes, and the long list of their names is beaded by o-.AWI~O .y IIOIt.aT alOo. that exclusive group-one out of every 50,000, Portrah of Hodger Young, idol of th e infantry, who modestly asked de molion from sergeanl to say-who have been awarded the Congressional .
    [Show full text]
  • The Battling Buckeyes of the 37Th Infantry Division Research Thesis
    Webb 1 The Battling Buckeyes of the 37th Infantry Division Research Thesis Presented in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with research distinction in history in the undergraduate colleges of The Ohio State University by Tyler R. Webb The Ohio State University March 2018 Project Advisors: Dr. Peter Mansoor & Dr. David Steigerwald Department of History Webb 2 The Battling Buckeyes of the 37th Infantry Division On September 3, 1945, Major General Robert Sprague Beightler stood with other American commanders at the High Commissioner’s House in Baguio as General Tomoyuki Yamashita officially surrendered his forces.1 For Beightler, the surrender was the culmination of a military career that began with the Ohio National Guard in 1911. To the GIs of the 37th Infantry “Buckeye” Division, Yamashita’s surrender meant the mission was accomplished – the war that had devastated the world was over. It was a victory precipitated in part through their four years of warfare across the Pacific and meant that their fallen comrades’ sacrifice was not in vain. Unfortunately, most of the men who began their journey to war with the division on October 15, 1940 were no longer present. Only one-third of the soldiers in the division had experienced any combat with the unit when it returned to the United States.2 Many had been wounded and transferred to other organizations or invalided out of the service. Some had acquired enough “points” to rotate home ahead of the division. Others had given their lives in New Georgia, Bougainville, and the Philippines. The citizen soldiers of the 37th Infantry “Buckeye” Division won their achievements because of a special bond with one another, the National Guard, and the state of Ohio.
    [Show full text]
  • A Historical Analysis of the FFA During World War II
    Winning the War: A Historical Analysis of the FFA During World War II Kattlyn J. Wolf, Assistant Professor James J. Connors, Associate Professor and Chair University of Idaho Abstract The United States’ participation in World War II affected millions of men, women, and children, both at home and around the world. The war effort also affected the Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA members, agriculture teachers, and national FFA officers all volunteered to serve their country during the war. Local FFA chapters and individual FFA members joined with other citizens to support the war effort. The national convention of the FFA and local FFA chapter operations were affected during the war years. Thousands of former FFA members left their homes and farms to enlist in the armed forces. Many gave the last full measure of sacrifice, their own lives, to the call of liberty. The gallantry of several FFA members was recognized with military honors, media features or commemorated in song following the war. This historical study researched the activities of local FFA chapters, the national FFA organization, and individual FFA members during World War II. Historical events were documented with primary and secondary sources including books, magazines, personal letters, personal communications, and reports available from the National FFA Archives. Introduction No other period of American history was as tenuous as World War II (WWII). This war was a fight for freedom, ideals, and humanity. No conflict before or since has called for the mass uprising of all citizens to engage in war efforts. It became the responsibility of the nation to win the war by conserving resources, producing food, and buying war bonds to finance military efforts.
    [Show full text]
  • 1989: Vol.13, No.2
    SOLDIER BY GEORGE l. SKYPECK I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness .... should I fail. I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped ... but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was ... a soldier. VOL. 13, No. 2 ~~ GUARD Features: BUCKEYE GUARD Magazine is an un­ official, bimonthly offset publication in which the views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army or the Adjutant General of Ohio. The magazine, published in accor­ dance with AR 360-81, is a product of the Public Affairs Office, Ohio Adjutant General's Department, 2825 W. Granville Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085-2712; (614) 889-7000; AV 273-7000. Letters to the editor, questions or comments about the magazine should be directed to the above address. STATE OF OHIO ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT State Commander-In-Chief Gov. Richard F. Celeste Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Raymond R. Galloway Asst. AG, Army Brig. Gen. Thomas D. Schulte Task Force 16: the mission is over. Ohio Asst. AG, Air Brig. Gen. Robert E. Preston guardsmembers return from home after six Public Affairs Officer/Editor 8 months with fond memories of Honduras.
    [Show full text]
  • Through the Lens Week in Review
    July 26 - August 1, 2021 THROUGH THE LENS July 30, 1918 American snipers of the 166th Infantry, 42d Division can be seen picking off Germans on the outer edge of Villers-sur-Fère, France. WEEK IN REVIEW: July 28, 1918: The 166th infantry, on the left of the 42d July 31, 1943: Pfc. Frank Petrarca of the Medical Division, attack German defenses along the Ourcq River. Detachment, 145th Infantry and Pvt. Rodger Young of Company B, 148th Infantry, are both killed during the July 31, 1876: Troop C, 2d Squadron, 107th Cavalry Battle for Munda Airfield on the island of New Georgia. Regiment is organized in Hillsboro as the Scott Dragoons. Both would be awarded the Medal of Honor for their final heroic deeds. August 1, 1943: Col. Addison Baker, formerly of the 112th Observation Squadron, is shot down in his B-24 Bomber over Ploesti, Romania and is later awarded the Medal of Honor. IN THEIR OWN WORDS “I MARCHED WITH RODGER YOUNG” BY TECH. SGT. WALTER RIGBY “I first knew Rodger Young when I was nine years old. I went to school with him in Green Springs, Ohio. He and I were in the National Guard together, took our training together, sailed overseas together, and went into combat together. I’m one of the men he marched among. I guess you could say he fought for me and I know, he died for me – me and the other men in the rifle platoon I was leading that day on New Georgia in the summer of 1943. I know he died for us because I saw him die.
    [Show full text]
  • Ohio's Extraordinary Heroes
    OHIO’S EXTRAORDINARY HEROES MARGARET BOURKE-WHITE AND RODGER YOUNG BETTE LOU HIGGINS OHIO’S EXTRAORDINARY HEROES BY: BETTE LOU HIGGINS © 2006, 2014 Eden Valley Enterprises 1250 East River St. Elyria, Ohio 44035 Copyright 2006 MARGARET BOURKE- WHITE GOES DOWN WITH THE SHIP From: “Ordinary People In Extraordinary Times: Stories of WWII By: Bette Lou Higgins MARGARET BOURKE-WHITE GOES DOWN WITH THE SHIP From: “Ordinary People In Extraordinary Times: Stories of WWII By: Bette Lou Higgins Based on the Eden Valley program MEET MARGARET BOURKE‐WHITE by Shelley Pearsall Illustration by: Mary McHale Copyright 2004 Eden Valley Enterprises 1250 East River St. Elyria, Ohio 44035 © 2004 Margaret Bourke-White was the first accredited female war correspondent. During World War II, she set out to get a real picture of war. Along the way, Margaret was torpedoed with 400 nurses off the coast of Africa. None of it would have happened if the top military brass had not made the decision to send her by troop ship to Africa. Margaret wanted to fly with the heavy bomb group, but they were determined that she should travel with the troops and nurses in a convoy of ships. “Who knows what kind of resistance we'll encounter in the air,” they argued. If she wanted to go to the front, she would have to travel by sea. The decision was final. So, she was billeted on the flagship vessel with 6,000 British and American troops and 400 nurses. There were several troop ships, an aircraft carrier, and a number of destroyers in the convoy.
    [Show full text]
  • Winged Victory Book with Casko Diary
    from the desk of Mr Rlchard F Potter 31 1 Route 197 ~%B& Woodstock CT 06281.1634 '"3 1 860 928-4733 April 22, 2009 ... Selectmen Town of Putnam Church Street Putnam, Connecticut 06260 ATTN: Town Clerk Dear People: In observance of my 90th birthday this date, I am bjjl pleased to provide for the Town of Putnam archives, a copy of the roster showing the names of soldiers who were members of Headquarters Company, 43rd Infantry Division of the Connecticut National Guard upon its induction into World War I1 February 24, 1941, including two who were KIA in the South Pacific War area. Today, there are but half dozen alive who were on duty at the disbandment November 1, 1945. Inclosed is a brief story of the 43rd Infantry Division for placement with , and in memory of those who sp nobley served. Sincere best wishes, Richard F. Potter P.S. There has been added hure a battle diary kept by Robert E. Casko telling of his extraordinary experiences while engaged in the Solomon Islands campaiggn. ?I t r; ,, - HEAWUARTERS COFfF'AR!, 430 INFANTRY DIVISION ~E-F::., f.;<-; T,, , ' ! ! - Z/r February1941 rr'-,l f,! .! , ,, ,, ROSTER FUR EIITIAL bK)RNmG EPORT ' I? JY /I<.,~,, .i ,? - / I..! .(; + , I I., cAPT 'I'TENCE J. McCARRY "' - ' ' 1ST LT ERTW L. HN.Pa3ND ; !, ,, ;. , , . ! a ' ; ;.. ZD LT JCSEPH W. CONOVAN ,,.,. 7 2D LT PIiILIP S. ST. ONCE 25 & t.2 &GI 1STSGTROHERTW. BUU;ERn,... .'- ..f WTARTHUR J. EERTHIAW S/SCT JOSEPH E. JOYAL a PVT IEONARD A. BONIN SCT JZROFUIIIE J. CORCORAN .:? P -.:.a PVT ALBERT E.
    [Show full text]
  • 1994: Vol. 18, No.2
    Spc. David Corey explains the Huey's role in transport and observation to a Junior ROTC class. Lessons in today's cavalry Story and photos by quainted with various helicopters and Staff Sgt. Douglas Nicodemus their missions, as well as the support 121st Air Refueling Wing equipment required. The students were scheduled to take orientation rides in Hueys, but winds of25-35 knots were too much to allow Students from Tecumseh High safe operation. School in New Carlisle got a close-up Nonetheless, the students were im­ view of Ohio Army National Guard pressed by the opportunity to see an aviation assets during a recent trip to aviation unit in action. Enjoying any Rickenbacker Air National Guard opportunity to learn more about the Base in Columbus. military, the class makes frequent Through the coordination efforts of trips to the Wright Patterson Air Capt. John Siles, aviators from Com­ Force Museum under the guidance of pany N of 4/107th Armored Cavalry retired Col. Ernest Peirolo. introduced the school's Junior ROTC Like many of the students, Jed (Reserve Officers Training Corps) class Baker plans to join the military after to a history of the cavalry from its graduation. "I'm going to earn my start to the present day. Following commission as an Air Force officer the video presentation, Warrant Offi­ through college ROTC," said the high cer Edward Helwig demonstrated the school freshman. Warrant Officer Edward Helwig illustrates workings of night vision goggles and The Tecumseh High School JROTC the operation of night vision goggles to allowed students to look through them program instructs students on lead­ Tecumseh High School students during in a darkened room.
    [Show full text]
  • Rodger Young
    OHIO HERO THE STORY OF RODGER YOUNG BETTE LOU HIGGINS OHIO HERO BY: BETTE LOU HIGGINS © 2006 Eden Valley Enterprises 1250 East River St. Elyria, Ohio 44035 Copyright 2006 Ohio Hero During World War II, many remarkable Ohioans became heroes and this story is a tribute to all of them. When Rodger Young of Green Springs joined the Ohio National Guard with his brother in 1939, it was simply a part-time job to provide a little extra income. Born with an abnormally large heart, suffering from worsening sight and hearing from a high school basketball game, Rodger was an unlikely soldier, but the National Guard provided him a way of helping to support his family and an opportunity to serve his country. But the part-time job suddenly became full-time with the attack on Pearl Harbor. By the summer of 1943, Rodger and most of the rest of his former Ohio National Guardsmen were sent to Guadalcanal for planned assaults on the Solomons. By this time, Rodger had worked his way up to Staff Sergeant, but the preparations for war in the jungle made it clear to him that his physical problems could put his fellow soldiers in jeopardy. Though he was proud of the yellow sergeant stripes he wore, he knew he needed to do something to protect his men. So in late June, 1943 Staff Sergeant Young went to talk to his Regimental Commander. “Sir, I would like to request permission to be reduced to the rank of private.” The commander was a bit shocked at the request and asked why the Sergeant wanted to be busted.
    [Show full text]
  • 1976: Vol.1, No.5
    Commentary AG Speaks TALK FROM THE TOP We are about to mark the end of the Bicentennial Year and I would like to thank all Guard personnel and their fam­ ilies for the extra time and effort devoted to those special Go Guard events in which the National Guard participated. A special project for the coming year will be to improve our recruiting and find ways to increase retention of trained personnel. Recruiting incenitives (state) are back in force and Recruiters All the new drive, "GO GUARD," will begin 1 January 1977. (See The Ohio Army National Guard is story in this issue.) You will be hearing more about this from launching a new campaign that will affect commanders. Emphasis is on each of us becoming more in­ the daily lives of its current 13,000 plus volved to bring in the good people we believe should be in members. the National Guard. "Operation Go-Guard," scheduled for A second special project for the new year is the Public formal kick-off on January 1,1977, is an in­ Affairs Program. Purpose is to let the people of Ohio know tensified recruiting effort which will tem­ what the Guard is doing for them and to let Guard personnel porarily alter weekend training drills. receive credit for their service to the state and nation. Take For at least a two-month period, pride in your unit and your contribution to national defense. guardsmen and women will be manning You're special. local armories six days a week, from 7:30 To each and every one of you, your wives and families, I a.m.
    [Show full text]