October/November/December 2019

EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War 501(c)3 Veterans Service Organization Volume 76 www.axpow.org Number 10/11/12

We exist to help those who cannot help themselves

Christmas in Camp

table of contents October-December 2019

Officers/Directors 4 CEO 5 Ownership Statement 5 Medsearch 6 Legislative 10 Andersonville 11 NamPOW 13 POW/MIA 17 Civilian 18 Events 20 News 20 Stories 24 Wilbert Rolves 26 New members 27 Inside front cover: National POW/MIA Recognition Day Poster 2019. Contributions 28 Taps/Chaplain 29 Inside back cover: Veterans Day Poster 2019 Voluntary Funding 34 To commemorate the ending of the“Great War” (World War I), an “unknown soldier” was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France ( (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Publisher Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, PNC Milton M Moore Jr celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 2965 Sierra Bermeja 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 became known internationally as “Armistice Day”. In 1921, the United (520) 459-7295 States of America followed France and England by laying to rest the [email protected] remains of a World War I American soldier — his name “known but to God” — on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Editor Unknown Soldier,” and today is called the “Tomb of the Unknowns.” Cheryl Cerbone Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb symbolizes dignity 23 Cove View Drive and reverence for the American veteran. In America, November 11th South Yarmouth, MA 02664 officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress (508) 394-5250 in 1926. It wasn’t until 12 years later, through a similar act that [email protected] Armistice Day became a national holiday. Deadline for the Jan-March 2020 Renewal Notice! Annual Members! issue is Dec. 1, 2019. Please send all materials to the The Jan/Feb/Mar, 2020 issue will be the last one you receive if editor at the above address. you don’t renew. Take a minute and send your 2020 dues to National Headquarters. Don’t miss out on all the benefits membership in AXPOW offers!

EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published quarterly (four times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State nonprofit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement.

National Headquarters PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445 (817) 649-2979 [email protected]

National Commander ~ Robert Certain 5100 John D Ryan Blvd, Apt 1801, San Antonio, TX 78245 (770) 639-3313 [email protected]

operations board of directors Edward “Ted” Cadwallader Sally Morgan Elk Grove, CA Grand Prairie, TX Chief Executive Officer (916) 685-5369 (972) 896-7252 [email protected] [email protected]

David Eberly Jim 'Moe' Moyer Williamsburg, VA Lake Wales, FL (757) 508-8453 (407) 448-1181 [email protected] [email protected]

Pam Warner Eslinger Mary Schantag Chief Operations Officer Hammon, OK Branson, MO Clydie J Morgan (580) 821-1526 (417) 336-4232 PO Box 3445 [email protected] [email protected] Arlington TX 76007-3445 (817) 300-2840 - Cell Ben Garrido Charles A. Susino [email protected] Tulsa, OK Piscataway, NJ (951) 313-9838 (732)221-0073 [email protected] [email protected] Chief Financial Officer Marsha M Coke Alan Marsh Jan Williams 2710 Charon Court Lizella, GA Guthrie, OK Grand Prairie TX 75052 (478) 951-9247 (580) 821-2376 (817) 649-2979 – Office [email protected] [email protected] (817) 723-3996 – Cell [email protected] Milton ‘Skip’ Moore Sierra Vista, AZ (520) 249-7122 [email protected] behind the president, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the United States Postal Service Unknown Soldier and marked the Statement of Ownership, Management, day solemnly and with great and Circulation respect. We carried the Colors and marched into the EX-POW BULLETIN Pub. # 0161-7451 Amphitheatre bowl. In 1997, we filing date 9/19 even hosted the ceremonies with Frequency: quarterly (4 issues annually) a reception for all the $40.00 annual subscription price, or as part of participating VSOs. membership dues Pub. Office: PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007- Forty years after my first 3445 involvement, I still attend, but Marsha M. Coke, CFO also take time to visit my parents (817) 649-2979 Headquarters: PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX who are both buried at Arlington. 76007-3445 from the When my dad died, he was Publisher: Milton M. Moore, Jr., 2965 Sierra interred on Eisenhower Drive, Bermeja, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 about halfway up the hill, near a Editor: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, CEO small tree. A couple years later, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 all the places between my dad Managing Editor: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View and the street were filled with Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Cheryl Cerbone Owner: American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box others who had passed away. By 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445 the time my mother died in 2011, Known bondholders, mortgagees, other security the sapling had become a large holders: NONE tree, providing shade to both Tax status: Purpose, function and non-profit status visitors and those beneath it. And of this organization and the exempt status for last year, paying respects at the federal income tax purposes has not changed We’re in the final quarter of 2019, funeral of PNC and National during the preceding 12 months. and a lot is going on with AXPOW. Commander Charlie Susino, Jr., Publication Title: EX-POW BULLETIN Our Education Committee is a whole new section had been providing input to both our opened up . Our heroes may have Circulation Data: budget and fundraising passed away, but at Arlington Issue July/Aug/Sept 2019 Since last file date 9/2018 committees for the money and other cemeteries, their Average-12 months Single Issue Jul-Sep 2019 needed next year to best present stones provide a reminder of who Total copies printed: YOUR stories to as wide an we are as a country and who we 7481 7250 audience as possible, both at Total paid/and or requested: should be as people. The Bible 7303 7042 Andersonville and in classrooms says in John 15:13, “There is no Free distribution outside the mail: throughout the country. greater love than to lay 55 130 down one's life for one's friends.” Total distribution: 7358 7172 Every Veterans Day, I go to At Arlington alone, there are Copies not distributed: Arlington Cemetery. When I was more than 400,000 who have 123 78 younger, my parents took me to done just that. Total: 7481 7252 see those they felt it was Percent paid/requested circulation: 98% 97% important that I honor. In my This Veterans Day, if you are thirties, I began going to the able, visit a National Cemetery Publication Statement of Ownership Form 3526 Veterans Day ceremonies at the and honor those who have gone filed with the Postmaster, United States Postal Amphitheatre, listening to before. Service, Arlington, TX. Copy held at National presidents speak of the trials and Headquarters, Arlington, TX hardships that were taken by all The Board of Directors and I wish American Ex-Prisoners of War is a non-profit veterans – heroes unsung and each of you a healthy and happy corporation, incorporated in Washington state, known. The American Ex- holiday season. October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. Prisoners of War began their long 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. involvement with the National Veterans Day Committee. Our Cheryl Commanders sat on the dais pow medsearch nso Marsha Coke, Chairman Ruth Powell, Director e-mail: [email protected] 665 NC Hwy 121 PO Box 3445 Greenville, NC 27834 Arlington, TX 76007-3445 781-296-6307 cell (817) 649-2979 [email protected]

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)

What is Lupus? erythematosus (lupus). Lupus is parts of your body. Symptoms may more common in African American also come and go over time. women than in white women and Systemic lupus erythematosus is also more common in women of Some of the most common (lupus) is a disease that can Hispanic, Asian, and Native symptoms of lupus include: damage many parts of the body, American descent. African • Painful or swollen joints such as the joints, skin, kidneys, American and Hispanic women are (arthritis). heart, lungs, blood vessels, and also more likely to have active • brain. You can’t catch lupus from Unexplained fever. disease and serious organ system • another person. Extreme fatigue. involvement. In addition, lupus can • Red rashes, most often on run in families, but the risk that a If you have lupus you will have the face. child or a brother or sister of a periods of illness (flares) and • Chest pain upon deep patient will also have lupus is still periods of wellness (remission). breathing. quite low. • Hair loss. • Sensitivity to the sun. What happens in Although lupus usually first affects • Mouth sores. people between the ages of 15 and Lupus? • Pale or purple fingers and 45 years, it can occur in childhood toes from cold and stress. or later in life as well. Lupus occurs when the immune • Swollen glands. system, which normally helps • Swelling in the legs or protect the body from infection and Symptoms of Systemic around the eyes. disease, attacks different parts of Lupus the body. Other symptoms could include: • Each person with systemic lupus Anemia (a decrease in red Who Gets Systemic erythematosus (lupus) has slightly blood cells). Lupus? different symptoms that can range • Kidney inflammation, from mild to severe. You may have which typically requires symptoms in only one or in many drug treatment to prevent We know that many more women permanent damage. than men have systemic lupus • Headaches, dizziness, Treatment of infusion. The risk for side effects depression, confusion, or increases with the length of seizures if the disease Systemic Lupus treatment. affects the central nervous system. Treatments for systemic lupus have B-lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS)- • Inflammation of the blood improved dramatically in recent specific inhibitors reduce the vessels. decades, giving doctors more number of abnormal B cells thought • Decreased number of choices in how to manage the to be a problem in lupus. white blood cells or disease. Because some treatments platelets. may cause harmful side effects, Alternative and complementary • Increased risk of blood you should immediately report any therapies may improve symptoms, clots. new symptoms to your doctor. You although research has not shown • Inflammation of the heart should also talk to your doctor whether they help treat the or the lining that before stopping or changing disease. Examples include: urrounds it. treatments. Special diets. • Heart valve damage. Nutritional supplements. Treatments for Lupus Fish oils. Ointments and creams. Causes of Systemic include: Chiropractic treatment. Lupus Homeopathy. Medications: No one completely understands Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory In many cases you may need to what causes systemic lupus drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat take medications to treat problems erythematosus (lupus). Studies joint or chest pain or fever. related to lupus, such as high suggest that a number of different Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium cholesterol, high blood pressure, or genes may determine your risk for are available over the counter, infection. developing the disease. whereas other NSAIDS are available by prescription only. Who Treats Systemic Some environmental factors also appear to play a role in lupus. In Antimalarials prevent and treat Lupus? particular, scientists are studying malaria, but doctors have found the effects of sunlight, stress, that they also are useful for Most people will see a hormones, cigarette smoke, certain treating fatigue, joint pain, skin rheumatologist for their systemic drugs, and viruses. rashes, and inflammation of the lupus treatment. A rheumatologist lungs caused by lupus. These drugs is a doctor who specializes in may also prevent flares from rheumatic diseases (arthritis and Diagnosis of Systemic recurring. other inflammatory disorders, often Lupus involving the immune system). Corticosteroids, which are strong Clinical immunologists (doctors Diagnosing systemic lupus inflammation-fighting drugs, may specializing in immune system erythematosus (lupus) can be be taken by mouth, in creams disorders) may also treat people difficult and may take months or applied to the skin, by injection, or with lupus. even years. Although there is no by intravenous (IV) infusion single test for lupus, your doctor (dripping the drug into the vein As treatment progresses, other may do the following to diagnosis through a small tube). Because professionals often help, including: • you with the condition: they are potent drugs, your doctor Primary care doctors, such • Ask you about your medical will seek the lowest dose required as a family physician or internal to achieve the desired benefit. history. medicine specialist, who • Give you a physical exam. coordinates care between the Immunosuppressives restrain an • Take samples of blood, different health providers and overactive immune system and treats other problems as they arise. skin, kidney, or urine for laboratory may be prescribed if your kidneys • tests. The most useful tests look for Mental health professionals, or central nervous systems are certain antibodies in the blood. who help people cope with affected by lupus. These drugs may difficulties in the home and be given by mouth or by IV workplace that may result from Develop and maintain a good identify genes that make someone their medical conditions. support system of family, friends, more at risk for the disease. • Nephrologists, who treat medical professionals, community • A registry to collect kidney disease. organizations, and support groups. information and blood samples • Cardiologists, who from children affected by neonatal specialize in the heart and blood lupus, as well as their mothers. This vessels. Research Progress will help improve diagnosis, • Hematologists, who prevention, and treatment of lupus. specialize in blood disorders. Related to Systemic • Lupus Federal Working • Endocrinologists, who treat Lupus Group, which gathers experts problems related to the glands and Recent research on systemic lupus across various public health hormones. erythematosus (lupus) has focused agencies, pharmaceutical • Dermatologists, who treat on: companies, and professional skin problems. • Genetics: A number of organizations. • genes associated with lupus risk National Institutes of Health Living With Systemic and severity have been discovered. (NIH) Accelerating Medicines • Sex differences: Partnership, which aims to reduce Lupus Researchers are trying to the time and cost of developing understand the biological bases for new diagnostics and therapies for Dealing with a long-lasting disease sex differences in immune and diseases, including lupus. like systemic lupus erythematosus inflammatory systems to better (lupus) can be hard on the understand why are women more Points To Remember About emotions. You might think that likely than men to have the disease. Systemic Lupus • your friends, family, and coworkers • Biomarkers such as certain Lupus can affect many body do not understand how you feel. proteins or genes could help parts, including the joints, skin, Sadness and anger are common doctors predict flares in lupus. kidneys, heart, lungs, blood reactions. • Disease processes: vessels, or brain. • researchers are exploring possible You will have periods of Besides working with your doctor triggers for lupus. Examples illness (flares) and wellness. to determine a treatment plan, • include: Anyone can get lupus, but there are a few things you can do o Biofilms, or it most often affects women. Lupus to help you live with lupus: protective coatings that surround is also more common among Learn to recognize the warning some bacteria. African American, Hispanic, Asian, signs of a flare so that you and your o TREML4, a protein and Native American women. doctor might reduce or prevent • Genes play an important found on certain immune cells. them. These warning signs include: role in lupus, but other factors are o Viruses. o Increased also involved. o Hormones. tiredness. • Most people will see a • Treatment: Scientists are o Pain. rheumatologist for their lupus o Rash. exploring how lupus develops and treatment. Treatment generally how therapies impact the course of o Fever. consists of a team approach. the disease. They are also exploring o abdominal pain • Learning to recognize the drugs to prevent or delay kidney o warning signs of a flare can help Headache. failure, one of the most serious and with reducing or preventing the o Dizziness. life-threatening complications of flares. lupus. Eat a proper diet, exercise, and learn relaxation techniques to help Experts are also collaborating to cope with stress. A healthy lifestyle, develop registries and working as well as quitting smoking, will groups, such as: Source: also reduce your risk for heart • Lupus Registry and National Institutes of Health disease associated with lupus. Talk Repository, which gathers medical Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 to your doctor before starting an information, as well as blood and exercise program. tissue samples from patients and their relatives. This will help

PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE 15. ATYPICAL ANXIETY DISORDER CONNECTED DISABILITIES This is a category that is used for diagnosis when the affected Public Law 97-37 individual appears to have an anxiety disorder that does not meet the by William Paul Skelton, Ill, MD F.A.C.P. criteria for entry into any of the other known anxiety disorders.

All ex-POWs should keep these. Whenever you open your claim, 16. DEPRESSIVE NEUROSIS/DYSTHYMIC DISORDER take them with you and make sure the adjudication officer sees them Characterized by depressive periods in which the patient feels sad and have him read them! Make sure he knows all about them. Tell and/or down and has a loss of interest in the usual activities that him your own story as it relates to your problem..... cause pleasure or involvement in usual pastimes.

1. ARTHRITIS, TRAUMATIC 17. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY Also known as articular trauma. Literally Greek for the suffering of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. 2. AVITAMINOSIS The total lack of vitamins in the diet. 18. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the 3. BERIBERI intestines that leads to crampy pain, gas, bloating, and changes in Caused by a severe lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet. bowel habits.

4. DYSENTERY, CHRONIC 19. PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE A disease characterized by frequent and watery stools, usually with A peptic ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or blood and mucus, and accompanied by rectal and abdominal pain, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). . fever, and dehydration. 20. CIRRHOSIS 5. FROSTBITE Scar tissue replaces normal, healthy tissue, blocking the flow of The actual freezing of tissue. blood through the organ and preventing it from working as it should.

6. HELMINTHIASIS 21. STROKE & COMPLICATIONS Infection with any type of worms that parasitize the human. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood 7. MALNUTRITION into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Merely means bad nutrition. 22. HEART & COMPLICATIONS 8. PELLAGRA Heart disease includes atherosclerotic heart disease, and hypertensive It is caused by a virtual lack of vitamin B3 (niacin) in the diet. vascular disease (including hypertensive heart disease, and hypertension). 9. ANY OTHER NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY The lack of protein and calories in the diet generally produces no 23. OSTEOPOROSIS lasting side effects. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. 10. PSYCHOSIS A generic term for any of the insanities. Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are determined by VA to be disabled by an 11. PANIC DISORDER injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during Characterized by discrete periods of apprehension or fear. active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service connected. To be eligible for compensation, 12. GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER the Veteran must have been separated or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. 13. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER This may be either obsessions or compulsions. Monthly disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of eligible dependents. 14. POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible The re-experiencing of a trauma of a past recognized stress or that for additional special monthly compensation (SMC). can produce symptoms of distress. Disability compensation benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.

veterans who have not filed to do environment by providing critical so prior to the deadline of January housing adaptations. This draft bill Legislative 1, 2020. expands eligibility and dollar amounts for each grant. On an item relative to spending, the As we do each year, we ask for Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow your support for surviving spouses the Trump Administration to with an increase in Dependency reassign $6.1 billion in Department and Indemnity Compensation of Defense (DOD) funding to (DIC). The flat rate DIC has not expand the barrier (Border Wall) been increased since 1993. Com- that divides the U.S. and Mexico. pared to other Federal survivor The bulk of the funding will be programs, DIC lags behind almost taken from military construction, 12%. The current DIC flat rate is overseas contingency operations, 43% of the compensation of a fully drug interdiction, and military disabled single veteran. Other Fed- Charles Anthony Susino personnel funds from service eral survivor programs provide a member pay and compensation, 951 Gates Ave. survivor annuity of 50-55% of re- retirement benefits, food, and Piscataway, NJ 08854 tirement pay to the surviving moving expenses which were lower (732)463-8355 spouse. We propose a 12% in- than originally budgeted. While (732)221-0073-Cell crease once or a “Sunset Provi- there are little details regarding sion” of 3% each for 10 years for [email protected] which military construction projects DIC to become equitable with oth- will be impacted it is concerning Despite the many international er Federal survivor programs. this quantity of funds can be issues facing Washington, Congress redirected from our defense and the President have spent some budget. National Defense Budget- both the of their limited time examining the Senate and the House have passed challenges facing our Nation’s Regarding pending legislation, we their own versions of Bills for the veterans. This article provides the offer the following for your support: National Defense. The Senate status of recent events and H.R. 485, Veterans Reimbursement passed its version of the National upcoming issues believed to be of for Emergency Ambulance Services Defense Authorization Act S1790 interest to you. Act would decouple ambulance (how money is spent) for Fiscal reimbursement from pyament for Year 2020 and the appropriations Previously reported was the emergency room health care by a vote of 86-8. The bill, which continued ongoing struggle for the services. The Department of must still be conferenced with the veterans exposed to herbicide Veterans Affairs (VA) emergency House of Representatives, provides agents in south Asia. Those agents transportation reimbursement $750 billion in total defense have impacted the veteran and process is cumbersome and tends spending, a 3.1 percent military their families. The Blue Water Navy to take unreasonably long. pay raise, and reforms the Military Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 has Veterans who believe they are Housing Privatization Initiative for been passed and signed by the experiencing an emergency must military families, among many President. It treats those veterans not be delayed or deterred from other enhancements. It is who have served from 1962 to contacting 9/11 for emergency important to note the Senate 1975 on land, air or sea to have assistance because they are version does not contain the been exposed as a presumptive for concerned VA will refuse to cover amendment that would end a the purposes of disability to them the cost of emergency dollar-for-dollar offset that and their children suffering from transportation. continues to financially penalize spina bifida. These benefits were some 65,000 military widows and taken away from the veterans back Specially Adapted Housing (S widowers from simultaneously in 2002 and as EX-POWs, our 2022). This draft legislation is in its receiving Survivor Benefits Plan members know what a dramatic early stages however it is designed (SBP) payments from the Defense change this presumptive provides to expand the VA Specially Department and Dependency and as opposed to proving your Adaptive Housing Grant Programs Indemnity Compensation (DIC) individual case one by one. This Bill (SAH), which help veterans with from the Department of Veterans has been long overdue and service-connected disabilities to Affairs. encourages those remaining live independently in a barrier-free

provide liners for veterans buried provide an understanding of the Andersonville in Andersonville National overall prisoner-of-war story of the Cemetery; the 20th Anniversary of Civil War, to interpret the role of the National Prisoner of War prisoner-of-war camps in history, Museum; a dramatic increase from to commemorate the sacrifice of 3,000 wreaths to 15,000 wreaths Americans who lost their lives in sponsored for Wreaths Across such camps, and to preserve the America; and many other monuments located therein”. That challenges and achievements. mission was reinforced and While he expressed his sorrow in summarized in the park’s 2014 leaving a park and mission to which Foundation Document, which states he felt a deep personal connection “The purpose of Andersonville and commitment, an unexpected National Historic Site is to preserve opportunity to move closer to the resources and stories that family drove his departure. He also illustrate the experiences of asked me to express his regret in American prisoners of war not being able to personally thank throughout U.S. history and to the American Ex-Prisoners of War educate the public about the for their wonderful partnership and deadliest ground of the Civil War.” Andersonville NHS support of the park during his 496 Cemetery Road tenure. We wish him well in his new The park will recognize this Andersonville, GA 31711 position as Superintendent of milestone with special Cumberland Gap National Historical programming, both in the park and (229) 924-0343 Park. in area communities, throughout Acting Supt. Jody Mays 2020. The first Saturday of each [email protected] It will take anywhere from 5 to 12 month we will offer a special months for a new permanent program, such as a ranger-led Park Superintendent Charles Superintendent to be selected and cemetery tour or a special guest Sellars accepted a position at start on duty. During that interim, speaker. Other planned activities Cumberland Gap National Historical two or more individuals will serve and programs include a Junior Park in August. He devoted 5 years as Acting Superintendent. I have Ranger “Escape Room” youth of service to Andersonville National the privilege of being Acting activity; a “Civilian Staff Ride” Historic Site, beginning in 2014. Superintendent until October, when conducted by Fort Rucker; Superintendent Sellars guided the another individual is scheduled to “Appreciation Sunday” inviting park through the 150th Anniversary be detailed into that position. The visitors to write thank you cards to of the Civil War and the Funeral for next months will be a time of active duty military personnel 13,000; passage of legislation to transition for the park, but we have deployed overseas; a special night an outstanding team of employees, showing of the TNT movie interns, volunteers, and partners “Andersonville” projected onto the who will help me and following stockade wall in the prison site; and Acting Superintendents maintain much more. and continue the successful work and projects begun by The park’s 50th anniversary in Superintendent Sellars. 2020 coincides with the 75th anniversary of the end of World In 2020, the park will celebrate its War II in 1945; the 60th 50th anniversary. On October 16, anniversary of the start of the 1970, Andersonville National Korean War in 1950; the ongoing Cemetery and Andersonville Prison 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Park combined to form War; and the 30th anniversary of Andersonville National Historic Site. the start of the Persian Gulf War in In passing H.R. 140, the Act that 1990. We would like to invite one authorized creation of the park, or more former POWs from each of Superintendent Sellars with AXPOW Congress declared that the park those wars to come to the National member Sy Lichtenfeld was to be established “in order to Prisoner of War Museum and talk

to visitors about their experiences Planning for December’s Wreaths at the park this past summer. She as a prisoner of war. Share your Across America event at split her time between helping our stories and help us ensure that your Andersonville National Cemetery is Museum Curator manage the park’s sacrifice and legacy is remembered moving along at a steady pace. So museum collection and greeting and shared with today’s young far we have 5,396 Wreaths for our visitors at the museum’s front adults and children. If you are Cemetery. Our goal for 2019 is desk. She also helped develop a interested please contact Jennifer 15,000 Wreaths, and we still have new park brochure focused on Hopkins, Lead Park Ranger, at until the end of November to reach female POWs. This new brochure 229-924-0343 extension 201. that. Hopefully with everyone’s will be distributed next year in continued support we can honor a honor of the 100th anniversary of This month the park will record number of veterans buried the 1920 amendment that gave commemorate National POW/MIA in the cemetery with a wreath. Our women the right to vote. Local Recognition Day in partnership with Cemetery Administrator and volunteers Teri Surber and Jerri Robins Riders, The Ride Home, and Education Technician will be Shack have been terrific help at the Georgia Southwestern University. attending a special event in museum. Local college student Robins Riders will help the park September with our Wreaths Jessica Lane and resident raise the Avenue of Flags on Friday, partner group Bennett Motors to try volunteers Jerry and Rosemary and help us reach our goal of Higgs and Karen Robert will also be September 6th. At 11:00 a.m. on placing at least 15,000 wreaths on helping out this fall. Wednesday, September 18th, at graves in Andersonville National Georgia Southwestern University’s Cemetery on December 14th. The park’s museum collection annual Convocation, your very own continues to grow. All objects AXPOW National Commander, Please join us for one or more of donated to the park’s collection are Colonel Robert Certain, will speak these commemorative events: preserved and cared for in to university students and the perpetuity. They will help preserve general public about his The “Victory From Within” traveling and share the stories and legacy of experiences as a prisoner of war exhibit is now on display at Heroes American POWs for future and about AXPOW. On Friday, Hall in Costa Mesa, California, but generations. But with thousands of September 20th, The Ride Home will soon move to the Old State objects and not enough space to will escort former Prisoners of War Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. display them all, the park is (POWs) from World War II, Korea, Anyone in those areas is invited to working on multiple fronts to share Vietnam, and other conflicts to the stop by and see this mobile exhibit these objects and their stories with National Prisoner of War Museum telling the stories of American the public. We take photos of for a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. POWs. objects and share them and the Featured speakers will include information about them through National AXPOW Commander and Roads in the park have been social media, such as Facebook and former Vietnam POW Colonel resurfaced and are now in great Twitter, to reach younger Robert Certain, former WWII POW condition, making for a more audiences. We provide access to Bill Grafton, and Sharon Streetman positive and enjoyable experience researchers who write about them. Ray, whose brother went MIA for visitors. The park is also We display objects in the museum during the Korean War. Bagpiper working to install new lighting through temporary exhibits. We are Dan Gillean will provide music for controls that will improve lighting working to create a virtual exhibit the ceremony. conditions in the museum. We are of objects on the park’s website, hoping that the end result will be where they could be viewed by On Friday November 8th, from 6 better directed lighting to help anyone around the world. And we p.m. to 9 p.m., the park will offer visitors view exhibits and also more are planning to remodel the visitors the opportunity to focused and possibly even motion- museum so that we can rotate experience the museum and activated lighting that will help exhibits and display different historic prison site after dark during preserve the museum’s artifacts. artifacts in our permanent display our annual Night Museum event. cases. If you are interested in Exploring the museum and prison Volunteers and interns continue to donating an item to the National site at night is a completely give critical support to the park. A Prisoner of War Museum for different experience, and we invite youth volunteer from Michigan permanent preservation, please anyone in the area to participate. State University, Erika Cardinal, contact our Museum Curator at completed a university internship 229-924-0343 ext. 113.

Seated on folding chairs scattered At the urging of American peace between the two anchor chains, we groups, the communists decided namPOW followed along with the new order they needed some favorable under the guidance of our Priest propaganda around Easter time of news chaplain figuring that he would not 1967. One spring evening they lead us astray. dressed me up in their “mess dress” striped pajama prisoner Circumstances reached a uniform (the uniform of the day confluence where I had the was black boxer shorts and T shirt) opportunity to shoot myself down and at bayonet point marched me in January 1967. Mike had the off to the interrogation room. This opportunity to Martyr himself, timing was not unusual as the most taking the mission of a new kid the feared interrogations occurred after day before they were to come dark. They sat me down on an home, and never returning in July interrogation stool and told me that 1967. Mike had volunteered for his I was to meet a priest and make hop and strangely enough, I had my “Easter Duty”. volunteered to take Mike’s hop when I was shot down. He had a critical shipboard meeting to attend the morning I took his hop. We did not get to attend Mass that day. Richard A. Stratton Atlantic Beach, FL The North Vietnamese communists [email protected] were a brutal, inhumane, power hungry group of misanthropes. Americans captured by them in Southeast Asia were tortured, liturgy of the Mass – at the beaten, starved, isolated, denied medical care and humiliated beginning - but not beyond belief except when it served corrupting the core. the interests of the communist In the Old Catholic Church the propaganda machine. It was not a “Easter Duty” referred to the law of By the time that I deployed for my racial thing. They meted out the the church that required each war – the Vietnam War – on the same treatment to their own people practicing Catholic to go to USS Ticonderoga, Carrier Air Wing who dared to dissent as well as the communion once a year. To do so Nineteen, Attack Squadron One Republic of Vietnam patriots who normally meant that one also had Ninety Two (CVA-14; CAW 19; dared oppose them. They inflicted to go to confession unless he was VA-192) there were not too many and continue to inflict the same free of mortal sin. The practice in noticeable changes. My best friend, punishment on Chinese- my day was that everyone went to Michael Estocin (MOH) and I Vietnamese, native populations and confession and communion at attended Mass every day we were those of mixed race. Easter time no matter what. In not on the flight schedule on the retrospect, the communists had in forecastle of the Ticonderoga. mind that I would confess my “war crimes” and receive communion as a visible sign of my repentance.

USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 Lcdr. Mike Estocin (MOH)

internal and international assaulted in the vehicle and driven Last Mass, communist position was that off to the Plantation Prison. Continued… American fighting men were “The Blackest of Criminals”, “Air Pirates” This time I disembarked, as I found and not entitled to any protections out later, at the Hanoi Catholic The interrogation room was under international law. However, Cathedral. decorated for Easter as only an the Hanoi government recognized atheist could imagine – with a that the war was going to be won bunny rabbit. The guards trotted by turning the American people an elderly Vietnamese gentleman against their own government. As dressed in priestly garb into the a result the communists had to put interrogation cell. on a propaganda front acceptable to the American dissidents. I asked him: “Ubi est domus tui?” [Where do you live?] He replied: Christmas 1967 was the next “Hanoi”. At that point the opportunity. Sometime in interrogators burst into the room December, well after dark, I was obviously telling him to “shut told to suit up in my “Mess Dress” mouth”. His reflexive response to striped pajama prison garb. my crummy Latin convinced me Nothing good ever happened after that he was a Catholic Priest. dark.

The Priest appeared to be startled at the intrusion of the interrogator and aghast at the follow-on film crew. The Priest via sign language offered me the opportunity to I was marched into a side door at receive Communion. I accepted the the rear. They placed me half way invitation and dropped to my down the nave on the Gospel side knees. He placed a host on my isolated from anyone else. The tongue; the cameras rolled; the place looked like it could hold about lights went out; the Priest got the 800 to 1,000 congregants. There hook; I was marched back to my were maybe 100 people in the cell. At least I received the host on church. There were perhaps 10 my tongue – the last time as a other POWs all in their Mess Dress normal protocol. garb scattered about. The cameras were there.

At bayonet point I was marched off into a weapons carrier sized This was obviously a Roman The propaganda war was heating vehicle. I was very nervous. The Catholic house of worship. [One up in respect to the Communist last time a night time trip like this could never expect to find such an mistreatment of prisoners in North happened, Doug Hegdahl and I automatic identification in this day Vietnam. The Red Cross was denied were similarly mounted up, driven and age except by accident.] Jesus, entrance to the prisons; Amnesty to a soccer stadium, exposed to a Mary and Joseph were in their International never even tried. The howling, out of control crowd, appointed places. The tabernacle

Last Mass, Continued… was centrally located with the burning red candle clearly visible indicating the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. There was a crucifix. It was where it belonged, centrally located above and behind the altar. Various and sundry Saints (Peter, Paul, Teresa, Francis Xavier, etc.) were all visible and identifiable. The sanctuary exuded the tradition and magisterium of over 400 years. I was in a spiritual refuge. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, super resistors were under the jiggle, dance, listen to guitar based I will fear no evil.” shadow of the walls of the Ministry protest songs, watch pagan dances of Defense opposite our jail, the on the altar, listen to the priest play An interrogator barked at me: “Go Plantation Prison main gate (17 Ly the flute, raise my arms in an visit the barn!” I was initially non- Nam Dai). Jim reaffirmed the “alleluia”, stomp my feet, clap my pulsed, then I realized he meant resistance posture advanced by hands, or listen to the latest the crèche at the altar rail these leaders. bloviation of the Bishops’ regarding [remember that?]. I had no desire their personal version of current to contribute to the success of their The Mass started and progressed fads in political correctness or all propaganda effort. However, since according to rubric of the Roman inclusiveness. I was in a losing situation, I should Ritual (Pre-Vatican II). After the try to get some benefit out of it. I Priest read the gospel of the day When Mass was over, the POWs saw one of our guys approaching and gave a brief homily in were held in their places to be the altar rail so I took off to join Vietnamese, one of our more removed in such a way that they him. The VC were trying to keep us malicious interrogators, The Rabbit, could not come in contact with each separated; but they could not over took the pulpit, and gave his other. We had had one more shot react in front of the cameras. The English “Communist Christmas to communicate at the Communion other guy was Jim Mulligan. Sermon”. The essence of the Rail after “the barn” visit but then sermon was that baby Jesus, a we were on our own. I was good communist of a working class marched back up the center aisle family, being born into poverty, towards the back doors and the was persecuted by the capitalists. pushed off to the left to exit a side He and his family were forced to door. There were a group of flee Bethlehem for their lives in Vietnamese crowded into the inside their Jeep into Egypt to avoid the main entrance. American Imperialists and the Yankee Air Pirates. It indeed was A woman pushed a ten-year-old a most inspiring sermon; it made child towards me as I turned left. one weep with laughter. He came over and held my hand as I walked towards the left exit. My We knelt there side by side and The rest of the Mass went as it had guard backhanded the youngster swapped information as to where according to the Church of my away from me. I went off by myself we thought we were located, who youth, my seminary days (six into the darkness not realizing that was our SRO (Senior Ranking years) and until Vatican II. It was I had just attended my last Officer), who were in our prisons invigorating, reinforcing, inspiring, traditional Roman Catholic Latin and when we thought the war reassuring, encouraging and Mass – December 1967. would be over. This is where I inspirational. I was not required to found out that a small group of sing, shake hands, swap germs,

succession of the prevailing Post Script: Last Mass, Catholic entertainment fads and In 2007, I finally discovered a Continued… circuses in the round being passed traditional Tridentine Mass, 0800 at off as “The Holy Sacrifice of the the Immaculate Conception Fast forward to March 1973. Among Mass”. My Church had either left Church, downtown Jacksonville, the reception team of Operation me in my absence or had been high Florida and have been attending Homecoming at Clark Air Force jacked. with great appreciation most Base was a selection of a Chaplain Sundays of the year. (It only took of your choice. I don’t remember I had in fact, at bayonet point, forty years!) the name of the guy I was talking attended my last Catholic Mass of to except that he was a Jesuit. He the “Old Dispensation” in St. was playing the role of the “good Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, ole boy”, using his first name and Hanoi, Democratic Republic of wearing sports clothes. I made a Vietnam, December 1967. general confession, received Communion and was left with a How about those sour apples! I great deal of confusion in respect guess this marks me as a to the lack of specifics provided in traditionalist. response to my expressed interest in the state of the Catholic Church Richard A. Stratton as of that date. October 14, 2005 Atlantic Beach FL It took only six months after my return to figure out that the In Honor of: Catholic Church of my youth had Rev. Charles Costello OMI, Novice gone the way of the world and was Master no more. The Episcopal High Church and Lutheran liturgies were RAS…December 25, 2009 more traditional than the

Mike Christian’s Flag~Vietnam

later. How many times do they go identified. At least 5300 are known back to the same site for more to be missing in North Korea. Most pow/mia bones? Do they not return all of what Korean War families have DNA on file is found the first time? How many for identification efforts. Mary Schantag, Chairman funerals can one family be asked to P.O.W. Network hold? We do fund two labs. How many [email protected] remains are on lab shelves waiting If POW/MIA files were finally for identification? declassified (a fight going on for So many questions decades) would answers be contained Will 5 or 6 generations from now within to give families peace? understand the cost our generations “DPAA recently updated the paid for their freedom? Will they care approximate number of recoverable We all know this effort is running out enough to continue the mission to individuals from 34,000 to 38,000 of time. Many of those missing in SE “leave no man behind?” Will they unaccounted-for. We use a case Asia are lost where they fell or remember any of those that fought categorization system and an crashed. Acidic soil is destroying and died on foreign soil before they ongoing review process to manage evidence, and remains. were born? case progress and keep track of the recoverable cases. Each individual’s DPAA has so far this yr concluded 21 Maybe the question should be “Can file is updated and maintained by Joint Field Activities in Vietnam, and this effort be privatized?” assigned DPAA analysts. Cases are 6 in Laos. No information is yet reviewed and sorted in one of the available to know if any remains were Can universities, non-profits, and following categories: under review, located, some 40 years later, out of private foundations, do it faster and active pursuit, deferred, or non- the 1500 still officially missing. less expensively than DPAA? recoverable. These analytical reviews are updated so family members and Meanwhile, exhumations continue at Can the enormous amount of private other stakeholders are kept informed the Punchbowl, Manila, and the research, private databases and of the status.” DPAA, 07/2019 Philippines for WWII and Korea War information, be a useful information losses. USS Oklahoma exhumations source? These numbers do not include many continue, with less than half the “non-combat” casualty losses. project completed after 4 years. In light of all this, it doesn’t take much effort to find and appreciate We truly understand the financial Due to family pressure, DPAA is now success like those of History Flight, costs to bring our missing home. At disinterring all Korean War losses Inc. this point in time, while DPAA MAY buried in Hawaii – but the timeframe meet the required ability to “identify shared allows for nine years to In 2017, History Flight turned over 200 remains per year,” how long identify the almost 800 unidentified 24 sets of remains from the Battle of must we wait for accurate remains. Tarawa This was “ the second-largest identifications, with all remains single recovery of U.S. battlefield returned to family members? A private researcher and Korean War remains since the Korean War, family member, John Zimmerlee, has topped only by History Flight's 2015 The co-chair of Honor, Release, already matched those “unidentified recovery of 35 sets of remains, Return, Inc. Jim “moe” Moyer, has remains in Hawaii with the logical including those of Medal of Honor the numbers. With possible I.D.s of candidates and eventual recipient U.S. Marine 1st 200 per year, looking at more than identifications.” Lt. Alexander Bonnyman, Jr., also on 82,000 on the official lists, will we Betio” according to a PRNewswire ever know what happened to loved Families still wait, like that of Medal story on July 26, 2017. one? WHEN? In 2419? At what cost? of Honor recipient Alexander R. The budget for DPAA is $140 million “Sandy” Nininger Jr., killed in action To date, History Flight, with a private per year. At $140 million a year, in the Philippines, and officially noted data base, and a private effort, has another 400 years, that comes to $56 as Missing In Action. He is believed brought home 272 individuals from BILLION dollars. Right now the to be buried as an unknown in the the battle fields of Tarawa, since approx. cost per identification is Manila American Cemetery Grave 2015. $700,000. J-7-20 according to relatives. The family sued the US Government in If they can do it – does it not stand Have you noticed how many “remains 2017 for refusing to exhume and DNA to reason that either the United identifications” are “repeats?” test the remains. States Government needs to do it too Remains buried years ago, are – or turn it over to those who can? announced again in DPAA press Only 7 of the remains received from releases for services many years North Korea in 2018 have so far been

civilian time, the crate was slowly raised a a group of us, hostages, in the Ed small way off the truck bed. building, another story). Curtis Brooks [email protected] The area of the front grounds And there, amidst all the near where this little exercise was taking chaos that followed, sat, unmoved, place looked solid but definitely was the hero of our story. One large After the attack on Pearl Harbor, not. Particularly after the Philippine Japanese soldier-deposited Japanese forces invaded all of rainy season. As the efforts to raise wooden crate. About a week or so Southeast Asia, including the the crate were going on, the truck after liberation curiosity prompted Philippines. Manila was occupied had gradually sunk axel-deep in the me to try to find out what was in on January 2, 1942. Nearly 4000 unstable muck. Once lifted the that crate that had sat all these American and Allied civilians were problem now became that of months in front of our building. rounded up and imprisoned at the getting the truck out from under There were cracks in the crate’s internment camp established at the the crate. As I watched, the wooden sides and I could peer University of Santo Tomas in soldiers pushing, and the wheels through. Inside was a large, radial, Manila. Of the two main buildings spinning, only mired the truck aircraft engine. One might in the camp, the smaller, the further in the ground. A pause. presume that somewhere on some Education Building (commonly, the Soon another truck appeared to Japanese airfield an airplane sat Ed Building) faced directly the front rescue the first. A rope was waiting for a replacement engine grounds. attached but the ground under the that never came. It couldn’t fly its second truck was no more stable missions against the Americans than that under the first. Tugging because of the mushy grounds of ONE WAY and pulling, once again with wheels Santo Tomas spinning, it, too, dug itself axel A WAR IS WON deep in mush.

After American air raids on Manila Meal time came and I had to leave began in September, 1944, the the spectacle. Later, in time for Japanese began dispersing material roll-call, both trucks were gone, BACEPOW and supplies away from possible apparently somehow freed, and the target areas. Santo Tomas was not crate had been lowered to the Bay Area Civilian exempt from these efforts. From ground. I thought if it took that Ex-Prisoners of War. time to time trucks brought in much time and effort and many items, including weapons on equipment to unload the truck, Membership is open to occasion. The internees protested loading one would be a real but were told, in effect, to mind our challenge. So, there it sat and sat, all former prisoners own business. One day, from my awaiting redemption. Didn’t of the Japanese, their perch in our room in the camp happen. Education Building, Ed building for families, and friends. short, a truck with a large wooden In the grinding months in the last crate in its back, pulled up in front of our internment, with hunger and There is an active of us and then moved off the road illness stalking all our waking descendents group. onto the portion of the front hours, there, unmoved and grounds and parked. They were seemingly forgotten, the crate there to unload, but how? waited along with other dispersed www.bacepow.net supplies. On the night of February A group of Japanese soldiers who 3rd, 1945, of always fresh and Cmdr, Angus Lorenzen had accompanied the truck set fervent memory, troops of the 1st about putting up a large A-frame Cavalry Division, spearheaded by over the truck and crate. It took tanks of the 44th Tank Battalion, time. Eventually the apparatus was liberated Santo Tomas and freed its sufficiently in place so the soldiers nearly 4,000 American and other could start raising what the truck Allied civilian prisoners. (except for had brought. Heave and ho. In

Diamond Jubilee of Liberation 75 Years of Freedom from Japan’s Domination

BACEPOW is Planning a Gala Celebration We encourage you to join us for this very special reunion

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade Thursday February 6 to Sunday February 9, 2020 Preliminary Program

Thursday Reunion Registration 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Embassy Suites main lobby Friday Reunion Registration 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Embassy Suites main lobby Morning session 9:00 AM — 12:15 PM Lunch break 12:15 PM — 1:30 PM Afternoon session 1:30 PM — 4:30 PM Saturday Reunion Registration 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Embassy Suites main lobby Morning session 9:00 AM — 12:00 N Panel discussion of liberation at each camp and the impact of the Battle of Manila Jim Zobel of the MacArthur Memorial and Jim Scott author of Rampage about the Battle of Manila will participate with ex- prisoners from the internment camps, and audience participation will be encouraged. Lunch break 12:00 N — 1:30 PM Afternoon session to include tours to various historical museums and for descendants there will be a special meeting for planning the future of BACEPOW and how the descendants will take a leadership role. Sunday Authors’ book discussions 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM Main Lobby Board of Directors’ meeting – 9:00 AM Authors’ work in progress meeting chaired by MaryBeth Klee –10:30 AM Banquet – 12:00 N Keynote speaker — William Paris—1st Cavalry Adjourn – 3PM

Reservations at the Embassy Suites Riverfront Sacramento Hotel should be made early to obtain the special BACEPOW rate of $189. Reservations can be made on the Internet at www.sacramento.embassysuites.com using our group code BCE. Or call (916) 326- 5000 or toll-free 1-800-EMBASSY and ask for the Bay Area Civilian Ex-POW’s code BCE rate. Your reservation includes a complimentary hot cooked breakfast and the managers cocktail party. Valet parking is available at a discount rate of $25 or use self- parking nearby. Free airport pickup call (916) 326-5000. The deadline for reservations is January 16, 2020.

News & Information

Bob Levine at National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, on June 6, 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (Department of Defense photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Nov. 9, 2019. Ensuring our injured heroes are not alone on their road to recovery. The DAV 5K Cincinnati is a walk, roll, run, and ride that thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. This year’s 5K Cincinnati will start at The Banks, Downtown.

March 6-7, 2020. USS HOUSTON CA-30 SURVIVORS' ASSOCIATION & NEXT GENERATIONS 77th Anni- versary USS Houston CA-30 Day of Remembrance will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria 5353 Westheimer Veteran Bob Levine Honored 75 Road, Houston, TX 77056; 713- Years After D-Day 961-9000. Two days after Bob Levine’s 94th birthday on June 4 this year, he and his family were in Washington, DC, where he was honored at the June 22-27, 2020. Madison World War II Memorial in the morning and at the Pentagon in the Wisconsin. The National Veterans afternoon. The occasion was the 75th anniversary of D-Day, when Golden Age Games is the premier U.S. and Allied forces landed at Normandy in German-occupied France. senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and During the D-Day honors, Bob and family were welcomed by an the only national multi-event sports assistant Secretary of Defense and the vice-chairman of the Joint and recreational seniors’ Chiefs of Staff, as competition program designed to Bob represented improve the quality of life for all veterans of older Veterans, including those with Operation a wide range of abilities and Overlord, the code disabilities. The VA Challenges and name for the encourages senior Veterans to be invasion, which proactive in embracing a healthier ultimately led to lifestyle, thus achieving the NVGAG the liberation of “Fitness for Life” motto. The Games Europe from the are open to Veterans, ages 55 or Nazis. Bob’s story older, who receive health care from is remarkable the U.S. Department of Veterans partly because of Affairs. the what happened to him shortly after

News, continued… “My favorite word is perspective,” U.S. Naval Undersea Bob said, a positive attitude he also Museum Celebrates his 19th birthday in 1944 and partly shared during a videotaped because of how he and Ede, his wife interview at the Pentagon during 25th Anniversary of 68 years, have responded to the the D-Day anniversary events. events of that long-ago day. Bob’s joy, and the honors bestowed By June 10, 1944, when Bob and on him, were not limited to his the rest of his infantry division experiences in Washington, D.C. As by landed at Normandy, the beach had he was traveling there on June 5, been secured. They moved inland. he and Ede received word that their The following month, while first great grandson had arrived at overtaking Hill 122 in a fierce fight Lenox Hill Hospital in the Bronx. His with German forces, an exploding name? Robert. grenade injured Bob’s right leg and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd he was taken prisoner. In a German Class Allen Lee, Navy Public Affairs field hospital at a nearby Support Element, Det. Northwest farmhouse, a German doctor preparing to operate on Bob’s leg For 25 years, the U.S. Naval asked him about the H (for Hebrew) Undersea Museum (USNUM) in on his dog tags. Silently, Bob “said Keyport, WA has strived to connect goodbye to any hope of a 20th veterans, Sailors and the local birthday,” he recalled. community with the history, technology and operations of the When he woke up in the barn—the undersea Navy. recovery room—his dog tags and As Bob’s namesake learns the story the bottom half of his leg were of his great-grandfather’s honors The Undersea Museum opened as gone, his surgeon’s efforts to save on the day after his birth, he will a preview center in 1991, and his life. There was a note in his have an important memento of the proceeded to open as a fully pocket, in German, signed by the day. Before they left Washington, operational museum in 1994, with doctor, Edgar Woll, explaining why Bob and Ede were given a U.S. flag the goal of keeping the community he had had to amputate part of and a document reading in part: connected and educated with its Bob’s leg. “This is to certify that the undersea Navy. accompanying flag was flown over After re-visiting Normandy in the the Pentagon on June 5, 2019, for “The undersea Navy is something 1980s, Bob tried to contact the Robert M. Levine in the majority of people in our doctor to thank him. The surgeon commemoration of the 75th country are not familiar with,” said had died but his widow and children anniversary of D-Day.” Olivia Wilson, operations manager were glad to meet Bob and Ede. for the USNUM. “We want to “Now, we are like extended family,” Joining Bob and Ede in Washington provide the community with a basic said Bob, who has hosted Woll were their daughter Nancy Harney understanding of what the Navy family members in his home and of Seattle, daughter and son-in-law does undersea through exhibits and been a guest in theirs. Two months Jane and David Powers of Ithaca, educational opportunities, free of ago, on POW Recognition Day, the NY, and grandchildren Sarah and charge.” surgeon’s granddaughter, Daniela, Andy. who was temporarily in New York, Some of the museum’s biggest visited Bob’s POW group in North attractions include the acquisition Jersey “and made a beautiful of the attack submarine USS speech,” Bob said. Daniella’s Theresa Forsman Sturgeon’s (SSN 673) sail, located husband visited Bob and Ede in Ethical Cultural Society of in front of the museum, and the Teaneck earlier this month. Bergan County (NJ) Greenling control room that was constructed with real equipment from the Cold War-era fast attack

museum connects visitors to more Agent Orange exposure claims News, continued… than 150 years of naval undersea for “Blue Water Navy” submarine USS Greenling (SSN history and technology. Veterans who served offshore of 614). the Republic of Vietnam between The Naval History and Heritage Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The museum also offers hands-on Command, located at the learning opportunities for children Washington Navy Yard, is These Veterans may be eligible for in the local community through the responsible for the preservation, presumption of herbicide exposure museum’s educational programs. analysis, and dissemination of U.S. through Public Law 116-23, Blue naval history and heritage. It Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act “Over the life of the museum, we’ve provides the knowledge foundation of 2019, which was signed into law grown our educational offerings to for the Navy by maintaining June 25, 2019, and goes into effect weekly and monthly science, historically relevant resources and Jan. 1, 2020. They may also quali- technology, engineering and products that reflect the Navy's fy for a presumption of service mathematics (STEM) programs,” unique and enduring contributions connection if they have a disease said Valerie Johnson, a USNUM through our nation's history, and that is recognized as being associ- educator. supports the fleet by assisting with ated with herbicide exposure. and delivering professional “We’ve partnered with regional research, analysis, and interpretive The bipartisan Blue Water Navy schools and community services. NHHC is composed of Vietnam Veterans Act gives VA organizations to enhance K-12 many activities including the Navy until Jan. 1, 2020, to begin decid- experiences, both onsite with Navy Department Library, the Navy ing Blue Water Navy related STEM (science, technology, Operational Archives, the Navy art claims. By staying claims decisions engineering and math) days and and artifact collections, underwater until that date, VA is complying offsite with Camp Create. We’ve archaeology, Navy histories, ten with the law that Congress wrote expanded our outreach capabilities museums (including USNUM), USS and passed. throughout Puget Sound and are Constitution repair facility, and the serving roughly 10,000 learners a historic ship Nautilus. “VA is dedicated to ensuring that year.” all Veterans receive the benefits For more about the Naval History they have earned,” said VA Secre- Since 1999, the museum has been and Heritage Command, visit tary Robert Wilkie. “We are work- the venue for more than 7,000 www.history.navy.mil. ing to ensure that we have the retirements, changes of command, proper resources in place to meet meetings, trainings, field trips and the needs of our Blue Water Veter- other education programs. SVAC Chair Resigns an community and minimize the Sen. Johnny Isakson, the chairman impact on all Veterans filing for “We’re more than just a museum,” of the Senate Committee on disability compensation.” said Wilson. “We provide an Veterans’ Affairs and a longtime auditorium for local, state and voice for veterans and Blue Water Navy Veterans are en- federal entities to rent out for servicemembers in the halls of couraged to submit disability com- whatever events they have going Congress, announced his plan to pensation claims for conditions on. We have about 20,000 people resign his Senate seat at the end presumed to be related to Agent a year using our facility spaces.” of the year, citing health concerns. Orange exposure. Veterans over The museum will host an event age 85 or with life-threatening ill- Aug. 10, 2019 to celebrate its 25th The Georgia Republican has served nesses will have priority in claims anniversary. on the key committee he now processing. chairs since entering the Senate in The Naval Undersea Museum is one 2005. Veterans who previously were de- of the largest maritime museums nied for an Agent Orange related on the West Coast and holds the presumptive condition can file a country's most comprehensive “Blue Water Navy” new claim based on the change in collection of undersea-related law. Eligible survivors of deceased artifacts and documents. Through Update Blue Water Navy Veterans also education programs and an 18,000- The U.S. Department of Veterans may benefit from the new law and square foot exhibit hall, the Affairs (VA) is preparing to process

volunteer support for the News, continued… The GPD case management grant organization’s outstanding work. may file claims for benefits based program funds community on the Veterans’ service. organizations that provide these In addition to transportation, DAV Veterans with resources, referrals provides free professional The new law affects Veterans who and services, such as home visits assistance to veterans and their served on a vessel operating not to monitor their tenant families in obtaining VA benefits, more than 12 nautical miles sea- responsibilities. This can include and advocates for the rights of ill ward from the demarcation line of help with managing finances, using and injured veterans on Capitol Hill. the waters of Vietnam and Cambo- public transportation, planning dia, as defined in Public Law 116- meals and more. The grants were Champions in Action is part of 23. An estimated 420,000 to open to applications from Citizens Helping Citizens, the 560,000 Vietnam-era Veterans organizations in all 50 states, the bank’s initiative designed to help may be considered Blue Water Na- District of Columbia and Puerto local communities prosper. It vy Veterans. Rico. provides support for nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities VA to award more DAV Department of throughout Massachusetts. than $30 million in Massachusetts “By providing free transportation and professional assistance, DAV new grants to named Champion in ensures veterans have access to services they need and deserve,” support formerly Action for Veterans said Jerry Sargent, President, homeless Veterans & Military Families Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “The work that DAV does to help The U.S. Department of Veterans Citizens Bank and necn provide veterans lead high-quality lives Affairs (VA) will award $30 $35,000 in funding, public relations with respect and dignity makes million under the new Grant and and volunteer support them our Champion in Action for Per Diem (GPD) program Oct. 1, to Veterans & Military Families.” 128 organizations to provide Disabled American Veterans wraparound supportive services to Department of Massachusetts , a “The Champions in Action award Veterans who were previously nonprofit operating a fleet of 26 will support our Transportation homeless or at-risk of losing their vehicles transporting veterans at Program, which ensures that housing. no charge to and from medical appointments at VA Medical Center veterans do not have to choose between essentials like paying a bill The GPD case management grants facilities, has been named a 2019 or purchasing food and covering improve housing retention among Champion in Action® in the the cost of a ride to medical formerly homeless Veterans by category of Veterans & Military appointments. This gift will help providing an array of individualized Families. The award, announced DAV continue its mission to fulfill services that promote housing jointly by Citizens Bank and necn, our promises to those who stability. includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding, as well as promotional and served,”said Daniel P. Stack, DAV Department Adjutant/CEO. “When Veterans transition from homelessness to permanent housing, some may need help readjusting to the routines and responsibilities of managing their household affairs,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The case management grants announced today will help ensure that formerly homeless Veterans have the tools to remain in stable housing and successfully reintegrate back into their communities.”

Special Red Cross parcel received at Christmas in Stalag Luft I

CHRISTMAS PARCEL

A Small Enemy Gesture

I don’t believe this was the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received, but this one left an impression that has lasted a lifetime. I was given 1 CAN TURKEY, 12 OZ. a cooked (though cold when brought to me) drumstick from a bird. 1 CAN BUTTER, 3 ¾ OZ. Not a turkey, a bird. Now why? 1 CAN CHEESE, 4 OZ. 1 CAN DEVILED HAM, 4 OZ. I had been shot down over North Korea and captured in 1952. On Christmas Day, after being kept for six months by myself in a hole 1 CAN VIENNA SAUSAGE, and grass lean-to, talking or seeing no one and losing much weight, 4 OZ. my captors brought this couple of bites and a dish of rice. 1 CAN CHERRIES, 4 OZ. 1 CAN JAM, 4 OZ. I had not tasted meat for six months. The weeks before Christmas, 1 CAN NUTS, 4 OZ. the food was particularly bad, only wormy rice. I’m sure the Chinese 1 CAN CANDY, 12 OZ. guards were fed the same thing, as they had become impatient as 1 CAN PLUM PUDDING, they stood behind a tree to ward off the wind as they guarded me. 12 OZ. A few days later an interrogator informed me that the Christians in 1 PACK DATES, 1 LB. the Peoples Liberation Army did that for their Christian prisoners. 1 PACK TEA, 1 3/8 OZ It had snowed October 6th, and from then on the ground was covered 1 BOX BOUILLON CUBES, with snow or frozen solid, so everything was miserably cold through 12 CUBES Christmas. It was not much, but being so hungry and then the effort 2 FRUIT BARS, 2 OZ. EA. some “enemy soldiers” had put out to share, left a lasting impression. 1 WASH RAG 1 PIPE After eight additional months alone, I saw two other Americans and 1 PACK PIPE TOBACCO was eventually returned to the American forces. 3 PACKS CIGARETTES 4 PACKS GUM Gene Evers 1 DECK CARDS 39439 NW Osterman Rd 1 GAME, 2 PICTURES Forest Grove, OR 97116

in Hanoi. Last year my squadron martyred by the criminal Christmas in Hanoi and ship had been at sea flying invaders. Moral. We are all the combat missions off the coast of same. Only the U.S. government (x7) South Vietnam but we’d had a exploiting its lackeys in South “stand-down” for Christmas day, Vietnam, like the Roman Heartbreak Hotel interrogation itself. The meal aboard ship had imperialists, are attempting to prison, Hanoi, December 25, been a traditional Christmas enslave the heroic “Vietnamese 1966. dinner. And now with delightful people.” aromas emanating from the It was bitter cold and damp. I’d usually pungent cellblock, my A long diatribe against “Johnson, been a POW for a little more than morale skyrocketed – and mouth McNamara and Dean Rusk” would six months with much of it in a watered. My emaciated 100 lb. follow, followed by exhortations sweltering solitary confinement. frame longed for something that to “side with the Vietnamese tasted as good as the aroma that people” as opposed to following Fifty of us had been paraded drifted through the window blindly “The U.S. Government.” through Hanoi’s city streets as boards. thousands of Vietnamese chanted Each year the Christmas obscenities and threw various When the meal came, it was a “celebration” in four or five objects at us at the urging of their small chunk of turkey flavored different prisons went about the communist political commissars. with nuoc mam, the Vietnamese same. In 1972, several hundred I’d had severe, brutal fish sauce. And some white rice. of us were in a mountain camp interrogation sessions that had And a banana. And even a few near Lang Son near the Chinese left my emaciated body sips of beer. It’s obviously a good border. It was somehow different. screaming in pain. Our daily sign. We’d be going home soon! I remember thinking about the meals of watery pumpkin gruel And I was never going to last eight Christmases – 1965, and rice had recently changed to complain about food again. 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, sewer greens and rice twice a day. 1971, 1972 — all of them in We didn’t go home that year but, WESTPAC on cruise or in POW A mouth-watering scent wafted for whatever reason, the Camps. I thought, “You know, through the boarded up windows communists went through this I’ve been here a long time. (But momentarily eclipsing the harsh, charade every year. It served as felt better when I realized that I sewer smell of the toilet bucket. a way to mark time. Infrequently, was a newcomer. Good grief, Wow… What was that? The smell they’d bring in their “Catholic Alvarez has been here 22 months of onions? Of actual meat? Of an priest” who’d serve communion longer than I have.) exotic oriental smelling aroma of to a few “believers” (as the fish sauce? Communists called them) while This is really a good sign.” I dutifully recording the event with thought, for the thousandth time, To digress slightly, and for their propaganda cameras. “We should be out of here in six purposes of total disclosure, I am months to a year.” I was wrong. and have always been an In the Son Tay prison camp, I We were home in less than two optimist. Totally, remember hearing the Christmas months. The next Christmas was story according to Marx and Lenin much better! unrepentantly and without any on the camp P.A. system. hint-of-shame optimist! From the Summarized here with apologies Paul Galanti day in June 1966 when I’d for a 50+ year-old memory: 804.389.1668 parachuted into North Vietnam [email protected] from my burning A-4 Skyhawk Jesus was a poor working man and been immediately captured, who was being exploited by the I was convinced my internment capitalistic foreign invader would last six months to a year Pontius Pilate, but Jesus rallied (at most). So now I was the masses against the imperialist approaching my first Christmas colonialists and for that he was

Wilbert Vince Rolves. Carlyle, Illinois. 45th Infantry, Company C … held in 13D, 2B. Vince tells his story in schools, historic societies and colleges. A true patriot! new members Request for membership application National Headquarters American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3445 Arlington, TX 76007-3445 Name: (817)-649-2979 Address: [email protected] City: State/Zip: Keith H Lewis Jasper AL Membership is open to US Military USAF and Civilians captured because of Hilton, Zoo 10/5/72 to 3/29/73 their US citizenship and their families/descendents. Gail Russell Fort Myers FL DO NOT send dues with this Daughter of William J Russell, request for an application. ETO Mail to: American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3445 Arlington, TX Jeanne Cooper - 76007-3445 (817) 649-2979 Associate Member email: [email protected] Branson MO

Mike Maloney - Associate Member Kendall Park NJ

Certificate of Captivity $25.00 Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½ x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theatre of operation. We will need your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations. You may also include a picture with your order. To receive this certificate from AXPOW, please order from National Headquarters by calling 817- 649-2979 or email: [email protected].

Contributions The Meaningful Gift A number of years ago, one of our members made the decision to establish a bequest to the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He felt strongly that he truly cared about our future and wanted to leave a legacy to us. He and his wife are now gone, but their generous gift enabled them to demonstrate in a very meaningful way their commitment to AXPOW. More recently others have done the same. Support for our programs became the beneficiary of their please send donations to: generosity.

National Headquarters, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX You, too can take action today to help 76007-3445. Checks must be made payable to AXPOW or ensure that the American Ex-Prisoners of American Ex-Prisoners of War. War remains through your will or living trust. This gift can be funded with cash or securities, mutual funds or other investments that are not serving your current needs. This special gift will benefit future generations as well as we continue GENERAL FUND our transition to a true legacy In memory of Gene Keck, by Marge Milbrodt organization. In memory of Jesse Bier, by Edward Bier In memory of John ‘Jack’ Shortt, by the Shortt Family It’s very simple to make a bequest to the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Simply In memory of John H Schick, by Harry A Merlo share this sentence with your attorney or Foundation financial planner and they can add the In memory of John H Schick, by Kathy & John Campbell following to your will or living trust: In memory of John H Schick, by Mary L Schick In memory of my beloved husband, Robert, by Margaret “I give, devise and bequeath to the Zimmerman American Ex-Prisoners of War, PO Box In memory of my husband, Irving, by Dorothy Bailey 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445, the sum In memory of William ‘Bill’ Ungemach, by Rich & Janice of $______or ______(named Ungemach investment) or ____percent of the rest, In memory of William A Chittick, Jr., by Mary Chittick residue and remainder of my estate.” Gardner Your generous support of our programs VOLUNTARY FUNDING over the years has made a tremendous Irving Lautman, Norristown PA difference to ex-POWs and their families. Please take a few minutes of your time Maumee Valley Chapter, Ohio to help ensure our future. And feel free Robert R Smith, Tomahawk WI to contact CFO Marsha Coke at [email protected], or CEO Cheryl Cerbone at [email protected]. Phone #817-649-2979. Thank You!

taps

Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

PNC James Renrick Cooper II his wife of 58 years, Alice Elizabeth years, and a number of other Cooper. service organizations.

Jim worked in the mining industry for almost 50 years in Arizona, PNC Fred Pauldee “Paul” Dallas Mexico, and Nevada. He was highly regarded for his metallurgical skills, and published numerous technical papers, and held several patents. During World War II he served as a navigator in a B-24. He was assigned to the 712th squadron, 448th BG, 8th AF, and his airplane was damaged on a bombing run over Magdeburg, Germany on June 29, 1944. The plane crash landed in Holland and he and the others in JAMES R. COOPER, age 103, a the crew were captured. They were long-time resident of Douglas liberated on April 29, 1945 after Arizona died May 20, 2019. He was 304 days as POW’s. born in Hubbell Michigan on May 18, 1916 to Claudius and He is pre-deceased by his first wife Francieska Cooper. His father, Alice, his eldest son James R. grandfather, great grandfather, Cooper, III, and his brother Philip PAUL DALLAS, of Fayetteville, NC and several generations more were B. Cooper. He is survived by his passed away June 18, 2019. He copper, iron, and tin miners; first second wife Consolación Hernandez was born on July 2, 1924 in in New York in the early 1800’s Cooper, son Jerry P. Cooper of Neshoba County, Mississippi. before moving to Michigan’s upper Houston, Texas, daughter-in-law peninsula in the 1840’s. Hubbell is Corinne E. Cooper, son William C. Left to cherish his memories are his a small township located in what Cooper of Littleton, Colorado, wife, Doris Cole Dallas; four sons, once was Michigan’s copper country daughter-in-law Jane Brown, his Dudley Dallas, Gerald (Debi) – an area that was the first major daughter Maria Victoria Armendariz Dallas, David Dallas, and Joe (Vicki) copper mining region in the United of Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico, and Dumas; one daughter, Anne Plutt; States. His grandfather, James two step-daughters. He is also nine grandchildren; nine great Renrick Cooper I, was general survived by an extended family that grandchildren, and three siblings. manager of the Calumet and Hecla includes six grandchildren, five Mine. step-grandchildren, and 16 great He was an active member of Trinity grandchildren. Methodist Church and the 71st After earning a degree in Ruritan Club in Fayetteville. Paul Metallurgical Engineering in 1939, Jim was a life member of the was a loving husband, doting father he moved to Arizona where he American Ex-Prisoners of War and grandfather and enjoyed obtained work from the American Association, a past National spending time with his family. He Smelting and Refining Company. Commander, a 76-year member of had a passion for helping others He was hired by ASARCO in the Benevolent and Protective and his integrity is the legacy he Douglas, AZ that summer and went Order of Elks, a member of the left behind. Paul was loved by many to work at one of their mines near American Legion for more than 70 and will be missed by all whose Morenci, AZ. It was there he met lives he touched..

The following Autobiographical • Four years as Commander of the COCHRAN, RAYMOND W., of Military Sketch was written by Paul Department of North Carolina Panama City Beach, FL died April on August 28, 2008: American Ex-Prisoners of War. 4, 2019 at the age of 94. He was Paul served in the United States • Four years on the North Carolina captured while serving with the US Army during World War II, from Governor’s Advisory Committee for Army – 3rd Div., 7th Inf. Reg. – and November 1943 through November Veterans Affairs. marched across Europe during the 1945. He was sent to Italy when •Two years as National Director, winter of 1945. Ray leaves his wife he joined 45th Infantry Division, one year as National Junior Vice of 74 years, Ruth, 1 son, and a which was one of the three Army Commander, one year as National large extended family. Divisions that made the invasion of Senior Vice Commander and was Southern France on Aug. 15, 1944. elected National Commander of the COON, HARLEY J., of Beavercreek, American Ex-Prisoners of War OH died August12, 2019, at the age On November 28, 1944, after more organization on October 2, 2003 of 88. He was preceded in death by than three months in combat as a and served one year as National his wife Sylvia. Surviving are 2 rifleman and squad leader, Paul Commander. daughters, a son and, their families was captured near Mulhouse, •He then served one year as Senior of 7 grandchildren and 2 great France. He was held in POW Camps Director on the National Board of grandchildren. He was captured in in Germany for six months. Four- Directors of AXPOW. Korea on November 27, 1950 while and one-half months was spent in a member of "B" Co., 35th Inf. a forced labor camp. He was In 1998, Paul was accredited by the Reg., 25th Inf. Div., and liberated by the Russian Army and Department of Veterans Affairs in repatriated August 31, 1953. In was sent to Russia for a brief period Washington, D.C., as a National 1994 he was inducted to the "Ohio of time and then was returned to Service Officer. He presented Veterans Hall of Fame". He held Germany. He was repatriated to several hundred successful claims various positions in AXPOW, and the US Army on May 20, 1945. He to the Department of Veterans was a Past President of the Korean then spent 6 ½ months in the U.S. Affairs for benefits for veterans and War Ex-POW Association. Army Hospitals before being widows. discharged. BROWN, CHARLES H., 94, of KECK, GENE, of Washta IA, died Dallas received several awards for Kingwood, WV died June 6, 2019. July 8, 2019. He joined the Army his military service including the He served with the US Navy during Air Corps in 1944, and served as a Bronze Star, the Combat WWII, Airgroup 12, VB12, B-24 nose gunner, 15th AF, in Italy. Infantryman’s Badge, Good Divebomber Squadron. He was shot His plane was shot down March 22, Conduct Medal and the POW Medal. down, captured and held in Ofuna, 1945 and he was held in Yugoslavia. Omori, Honshu POW camps in After his discharge from the Army Japan until the end of the war. MERRILL, JOHN W. 95, of he entered school at Mississippi Charles’ wife of 70 years, Betty, Manchester, NH passed away State University where he received predeceased him; he leaves 2 December 19, 2018. He joined the a BS in Business Administration. daughters, 2 grandchildren, 1 Army Air Corp and served as a B-24 He relocated to Fayetteville, North brother, and their families, and a pilot in England. On a bombing Carolina where he held the position host of friends. mission over Magdeburg, Germany, of Assistant Manager for the Public he was shot down, captured and Works Commission of the City of CASCIO, PHILIP THOMAS Sr., of held in Luft 9C until liberation. Fayetteville until April 1975, when Greenville, MS passed away Nov. Family includes his beloved wife of he accepted a position with Lumbee 2, 2018 at the age of 99. He served 72 years, Genevieve, 2 daughters, River Electric Membership with the 8th AF, 303rd BG, 358th 4 grandchildren and 5 great- Corporation as District Manager. BS during WWII. He was captured grandchildren. after being shot down off the coast Paul has been an active member of of France and held for 2 ½ years. MOHRMANN, PATRICIA A. died the American-Ex-Prisoners of War His wife, Cherry, predeceased him; Monday, June 3, 2019; widow of Organization for more than 25 he is survived by 2 daughters, 2 the late Walter Mohrmann, former years. He served in the following sons, 8 grandchildren and 3 great- POW (4th Inf. Div. and D-Day offices: grandchildren. Veteran - Utah Beach). Pat was the •Four years as Commander of the longtime Treasurer of the St. Louis Greater Fayetteville Chapter # 1. Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners

of War, as well as a longtime daughter and two sons. He is predeceased by his wife, Marian. Member of the Veterans of the survived by 1 sister, 1 daughter, 2 Both were AXPOW life members Battle of the Bulge and Disabled sons, 12 grandchildren and 12 since 1982. He is survived by his American at Jefferson Barracks great grandchildren. He was a son, two daughters and five grand- National Cemetery. She leaves 2 gifted craftsman who could make children. sons, 1 daughter, 6 grandchildren, anything, and a proud member of 8 great-grandchildren, many the Korean War Ex-Pow Association. SCHICK, JOHN HENRY, 94 passed nieces, nephews and friends. away June 23, 2019 in Seattle. He was captured while serving in the RUSSELL, WILLIAM J., 96 of Zeph- USArmy, fighting for the liberation PETERSEN, DONALD W., of Des yrhills, FL passed away August 3rd of France. He was held in Luft I, Moines, IA passed away August 14, 2019. He was an aerial gunner Barth. John is survived by his wife 2019. He was 89. Don was a truck with 726 Squadron, 454th Bomb of 70 years, Lois, 4 daughters, 2 driver in the 24th Quartermaster Group in Italy and was shot down sons, 4 grandchildren and 2 great- Company, 24th Infantry Division July 3rd 1944. He was held as a grandchildren. As part of the when he was captured April 25, POW in Stalag Luft IV and survived Greatest Generation he loved his 1951 in Korea. until repatriated in the “Black March” - 86 days and family, Church, country and August 18, 1953. He was preceded 600 miles - until liberated by the friends. He never forgot a face and in death by his wife Bonnie, his British 8th Army on May 2nd 1945. made friends easily. parents, two brothers, a sister, a ______Remembrance of a hero…by the family and friends of Raymond J. Merritt

Raymond J. Merritt, age 89, Colonel (Ret.), USAF, died July 8, 2019 in Washington state, surrounded by family. Raymond had an extraordinary and distinguished military career spanning 32 years, followed by many years of service on the local, state, and national levels in AXPOW during his retirement.

Raymond enlisted in the US Naval Reserve in July 1947, and was honorably discharged to enter the Aviation Cadet Program in August 1950. He was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in March 1952. Raymond flew 100 combat missions as an F-84 pilot in the Korean

War and upon returning to the U.S., he became an instructor in fighter-weapons training, and later in aerial refueling “Boomer” training. He completed his bachelor’s degree in 1961 at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Texas. In September 1965, while on his 39th combat mission over North Vietnam, his F-105 was hit by ground fire and disabled. Raymond was forced to eject and was immediately captured by armed North Vietnamese civilians and was taken as a prisoner of war. After 7 ½ years in captivity, Raymond was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. Soon after his return to the U.S. he completed F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training, then served as Assistant Director of Operations for the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing at Bitburg AB, West Germany, from 1974 to 1976. This was followed by service as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations with Headquarters 17th Air Force at Sembach AB, West Germany from 1976 to 1978. His final assignment was with the A-10 Thunderbolt II Program Office, Air Force Material Command, at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, from 1978 until his retirement from the Air Force in October 1979. During his remarkable career, Raymond received numerous military awards, including the Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

During retirement, Raymond and his wife Dorothy were long-time members of AXPOW and Raymond served as chapter commander in Washington and California. He served as state commander in California for two terms, leading the organization out of a serious financial crisis, developed thorough state bylaws, and worked to pass legislation for free license plates/registration for California POWs. Raymond was also a member of NAMPOW, an organization of those held as prisoners in Vietnam and other veterans organizations.

Raymond is survived by his wife Dorothy, as well as 4 of his 6 children: Dana, Diana, Judy and Barbara. His son, David, preceded him in death, and his son, Jim, died a few weeks after Raymond. Raymond also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and many friends. He was a true hero and a gentleman, and will be missed by all who loved him.

Ex-POW or not, it is inevitable that close to the broken-hearted, those you are going to hurt. Your feelings “down in the dumps”, the emotionally chaplain will be hurt. Some “hurts” are so distressed, even the worried…Psalm deep that literally your heart will 34:18 says, “The Lord is nigh unto Benny ache. Unfortunately, it is not if…it’s them that are of a broken heart; and Rayborn when and to what extent. An amazing saveth such as be of a contrite thing (to me) is that some of our spirit.” Do you feel you are at “the 1111 emotional and physical hurts are bottom of the barrel”? God is there Highway caused by ourselves, not someone with you. He is “nigh”, meaning right 29 else. Some of these actions are what there. No matter your mental state, we call “sin”. To define “sin” it is an God wants to help you. You can seek Wiggins, action or word against the will of God. Him and receive God’s healing power. MS Some are actions or words against 39577 us, individually. A sin against you or I am closing with a special prayer just me. for you, in the blank line, insert your name: [email protected] However, if you are a worshiper of God, I have some good news for you: Heavenly Father, You are the Healer. You and I live in what is called a Exodus 23:25 “And ye shall serve the I pray for someone who needs that “fallen world”. Simply said, where we Lord your God, and He shall bless thy healing, whether physical or live is less than perfect…sometimes bread, and thy water; and I will take emotional or mental. I ask You to it is a lot less than perfect. Our sickness away from the midst of heal ______, Father. Ex-Prisoners of War can vouch for the thee.” God is a healer of our I ask that his or her faith in you fact that many places are less than sicknesses, our bodies. deepens so that he or she may know perfect. The situations they faced as I know, you are able to do this wee worse than any had dreamed. In God is concerned about people who because you are the Creator and fact, many did not survive. Many of are physically ill or injured, including Preserver of the universe and all those who did are scarred both those who need the basics of life such things and people in it. You deserve physically and mentally. as food, and He is concerned about our worship and our praise. AMEN our emotional feelings. God feels very

American Ex-Prisoners of War MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTION To honor a loved one or a former member (Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law)

Please feel free to make copies of this form and use when making donations

IN MEMORY OF:

______

Date of Death ______

GIVEN BY:

______Name

______Address

______City/State/Zip Code

To be contributed to the ______Fund

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE SENT TO:

______Name

______Address

______City/State/Zip Code

Contributions should be sent to: American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3445 Arlington, Texas 76007-3445

All Checks must be made payable to AXPOW or American Ex-Prisoners of War

AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAM

The AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute. All contributions are to be sent directly to National Headquarters to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each issue.

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

$20.00 $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other

Name Address City/State/Zip Phone #

Please make checks payable to American Ex-Prisoners of War - Voluntary Funding Mail contributions to: National Headquarters, American Ex-Prisoners of War PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445

JEFFERSON BARRACKS POW-MIA MUSEUM JEFFERSON BARRACKS POW-MIA MUSEUM

N is {or Never Forget is a child -friendly book that takes readers on a compelling journey through wartime history. Poignant illustrations and stories capture key people, concepts, and memorials to help readers understand and honor the sacrifices endured by men and women prisoners of war and missing in action on behalf of freedom .

Proceeds from books purchased through JBPMM, Inc. (501c3) go directly to restoring \ renovating the former 1896 Officers Quarters Building into the Jefferson Barracks POW-MIA Museum. $21.95 including S/H. Contact Paul Dillon at [email protected]; 314-609-9037.

Challenge Coins Bronze Grave Medallions

$13.00 includes S/H/I $100.00 includes S/H/I

All orders for products sold by AXPOW, including dues/subscriptions should be mailed to: American Ex-Prisoners of War, National Headquarters, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445; [email protected]

CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM

Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space below. Name______Address______City/State/Zip______Phone______Email______Please allow 4 weeks to make address changes.

Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, PO Box 3445, Arlington, TX 76007-3445. Email: [email protected]