The Newspaper for Veterans and All Who Love Them.
Volume 8 Number 3 March/april 2018
Heartbreak Hotel to Hell on Wheels Tri-C’s Veterans Initiative — It’s All Ahead Full!
ow entering its sec- workforce/transportation-cen- ment 2006 Citizen Heroism ond decade of ser- ter or call 216-987-3226. Award for helping to subdue an vice, the Cuyahoga N Finally, DD214 salutes Tri-C armed gunman at Cleveland Community College (Tri-C®) Veterans Initiative Executive Hopkins Airport. Veterans Initiative sees no Director Rick DeChant on his DeChant is co-chair of slowing down. In fact, it’s induction into the Ohio Veter- the Northeast Ohio Veter- all ahead full! ans Hall of Fame in November ans Community Task Force, For the ninth year in a 2017. A retired commander, which focuses on leveraging row, Tri-C’s Veterans Initia- DeChant served in the U.S. VA resources, and is active in tive has been awarded the Coast Guard, including tours the Greater Cleveland Fish- Military Friendly designa- in the Gulf War and Opera- er House and NEOVETS. He tion by Victory Media (GI tion Iraqi Freedom. He has also also helped to co-author Ohio Jobs Magazine). Tri-C was Program (VEAP). An ex- are also available two days been recognized for his work House Bill 488, which requires one of 1,500 institutions tended version of what was per week or on Saturdays. with the TSA, receiving the De- all state colleges to establish of higher learning to par- known as the Veterans Up- VEAP is a one-stop shop partment of Homeland Secu- veteran service offices and re- ticipate in this year’s survey ward Bound program, VEAP for the educational, career rity Heroism Award in addition view military training for col- and one of only 700 com- allows for the inclusion of and re-entry support needs to the Cleveland Police Depart- lege credit. Job well done! munity colleges. Tri-C’s Vet- more individuals. of veterans and their fami- erans Initiative ranked No. “Beyond just veterans, lies. For more information 2 in the nation among par- VEAP allows us to serve in- on how VEAP can assist in ticipating community col- dividuals who are on active establishing a career path- leges for 2018, up from its duty or in the reserves and way or helping with your fifth-place rank in the 2017 National Guard, as well as educational success, visit survey. their children and spouses,” www.tri-c.edu/veap or call “We are thrilled with this said VEAP Director Marjo- 216-987-4938. honor,” said Rick DeChant, rie Morrison. “Current Tri-C Tri-C’s Truck Driving executive director of Tri-C’s students also benefit greatly Academy is a great option Veterans Initiative. “This from VEAP services.” for veterans looking for national recognition is a These services are free to employment. A recently se- reflection of the College’s participating students and cured grant from the De- commitment to veterans include academic tutoring partment of Transportation and represents the tremen- for general education cours- (DOT) provides training, dous effort of the entire es, financial aid advising testing and the physical ex- team.” (including GI benefits), col- amination required to re- Other big news from the lege admissions assistance, ceive a CDL-A and covers Veterans Initiative is the academic advising and ca- the entire $5,495 cost for availability of expanded ed- reer assessments. Refresher veterans. For more informa- ucational services under the courses in math, English tion about the DOT Veteran Veterans Education Access and computer technology Grant, visit www.tri-c.edu/
Combat veterans suffering from same brain disease as concussion victims CTE, the brain disease that has feed himself. “The thing I didn’t know effects on the brain are not readily seen been found in 110 of 111 deceased NFL was that his brain was continuing to on images, she says, “This has been players, has been found in 65 percent of die,” she says. Kiefer notes the irony what everyone calls an invisible injury.” studied combat vets. of her son’s situation, who had warned Dr. Sam Gandy, of Mount Sinai They did not lose limbs, but many her he might come home missing limbs, Hospital in New York City, is hoping to veterans exposed to blasts in combat or be blind or die on the battlefield. change that. He is using new technology will eventually lose their minds. Just like “Nobody ever said he could lose his to find the markers of CTE in the living athletes who endured repeated blows to mind,” she says. in order to inform those who may have the head, veterans are suffering from Boston University has been studying the disease and help find a way to the same degenerative brain disease. CTE for many years, running a leading stop its deadly progress. These images Sharyn Alfonsi reports on chronic edge program that recently found the will be crucial in his work with drug traumatic encephalopathy and its disease in 110 of 111 brains of deceased companies to find a treatment. “That’s impact on combat veterans. NFL players. The Boston VA has teamed step one,” he tells Alfonsi, “Just to stop “Nobody ever said he could lose his mind.” up with BU in a program focusing on it dead in its tracks. And then we can As America’s enemies continue to vets. Ash directed that his brain be worry about making people feel better.” make roadside bombs or improvised donated to the VA-Boston University- Veteran Tom Bates, an Army explosive devices a central battlefield Concussion Legacy Brain Bank for study. Sergeant exposed to four blasts in tactic, more combat veterans are The program’s neuropathologist Dr. Ann Afghanistan and Iraq is experiencing expected to come home like Sgt. Kevin McKee found CTE, which so far can only symptoms similar to Ash’s. Working with Ash. “His whole personality changed… be confirmed by brain autopsies, in the Dr. Gandy, he has learned his brain has he had just become hardened… He was brains of 65 percent of the brains she the markers for CTE. He hopes Gandy having blackouts… it frightened him,” has seen of deceased veterans exposed and others can eventually help prevent says Ash’s mother, Joy Kieffer. Ash had to combat blasts. his symptoms from getting worse. Right been exposed to 12 combat blasts, many Dr. McKee explains how a blast wave now, he realizes the war on CTE has of them roadside bombs, over three can damage the brain the same as a just begun. “My hope is that this study deployments in the Army Reserves. physical blow. “This blast injury creates becomes more prominent… so that we Despite medication and therapy, he a tremendous… ricochet or whiplash can actually get a reflection of what slowly lost his ability to talk, walk and injury to the brain inside the skull.” The population actually has this.” www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩3 Chairwoman and New Members Appointed to Some Headlines, Some Comments VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans FBI supervisor wakes 83-year-old psychologist Budweiser wants Steve Bannon Is On WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Iowa, is a U.S. Air Force Veteran. She to find handgun, Rolex accused of sexually to brew up ‘micro- A Juice Cleanse And Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pursuing a doctorate of philosophy The Newspaper for swiped by 'exotic dancer' assaulting patient gravity’ beer on Mars Avoiding Doritos To announced the appointment of a new degree in higher education and chairwoman and four new members student affairs, with a specialization in Rolex? Said he was just practicing Great companion brew Prepare For 'Battles,' Veterans and All Who Love Them. to the Advisory Committee on Women higher education administration and How much are those whore ‘tough love.’ for their micro-flavored Book Says Veterans, an expert panel that advises policy. mongers making? beer here on earth. Hmmm. Pentagon the VA Secretary on issues and • Keronica Richardson, of CBS sued by widow of baffled by wars won Publisher Emeritus programs of importance to women Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a U.S. Half of American adults are employee who died during Heidi Fleiss Says by Doritos and juice Terence J. Uhl Veterans, their families and caregivers. Army Veteran with deployments health-care illiterate auto-erotic asphyxiation Ex-Boyfriend Tom cleanse. “As VA continues to work toward in support of operations Enduring modernization, the committee’s Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She And half of those are plain Film at 11 (mature content.) Sizemore ‘Should Be Publisher and Editor illiterate. Castrated’ guidance will assist the department in serves as the assistant director for Ohio State University John H. Tidyman How Walmart plans to woo Fleiss to start precision accuses 83 students of meeting the important and evolving Women and Minority Veterans Retirement planning: Top fashion lovers knife company. using app to cheat (216) 789-3502 needs of women Veterans,” said VA Outreach at the American Legion. Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “The • Wanda Wright, of Tempe, 6 things no one tells you At gunpoint. 83 cheating OSU [email protected] new chairwoman and new appointees’ Arizona, is a retired U.S. Air Force about ISIS Beheads 15 of students use new app Managing Editor deep and broad perspectives are colonel, currently serving as the No. 7: Not many people Why are so many Ohioans Its Own Fighters In to get reinstated. invaluable in anticipating these director of the Arizona Department of are going to attend your in prison? The state is Afghanistan Ann Marie Stasko needs.” Veterans Services, where she is a state funeral. trying to find out See? If everyone is Upstate church (216) 704 -5227 Established in 1983, the committee cabinet member, providing leadership Uh, might that be because wearing a black hood, encouraging provides policy and legislative and direction for administering you put them there? you make identity worshippers to Art Director recommendations to the Secretary. benefits and services to Veterans and mistakes. bring guns Laura Chadwick Current member Octavia Harris, their dependents. I went to jail Ammo to be sold at a retired U.S. Navy command In addition, committee members for leaving my Ex-PTA treasurer in next bake sale. Contributing Editors master chief petty officer from San Dr. Kailyn Bobb, a U.S. Air Force Antonio, Texas, is appointed as the Veteran, from Plumas Lake, California, baby outside Maryland pleads guilty JC Sullivan new chairwoman of the committee. and Commander Janet West, of the a restaurant to embezzlement Journalist alleges gay Eli Beachy The following are new members of U.S. Navy, are reappointed for an “Hey, they said Claimed he was going sex in Vatican youth Jerri Donohue the Advisory Committee on Women additional term. Members Only!” to use the money to seminary Darlene Johnson Veterans: For information about VA’s benefits pay for lottery tickets, Journalist said he • Moses McIntosh, of Hephzibah, and services for women Veterans, Drunk cop left which ultimately allegedly had sex Nancy Peacock Georgia, is a retired U.S. Army chief visit www.va.gov/womenvetor contact Walmart with $830 supports education. with an alleged young Barry Goodrich warrant officer and immediate past the Women Veterans Call Center in unpaid groceries seminarian who national commander of the Disabled at 855-829-6636. The call center Greeter alarmed ‘My sons love hunting, allegedly wanted to DD 214 Chronicle is published by American Veterans, where he is available to address concerns of when asked to I don’t’: Trump’s soft remain anonymous, John H. Tidyman served as the official spokesman and women Veterans, their families and provided leadership to the National caregivers from Monday to Friday, 8 help with seven spot for elephants allegedly. 3280 Glenbar Drive Executive Committee. a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST), and Saturday, 8 shopping carts. According to Trump, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126 • Yareli Mendoza, of Iowa City, a.m.-6:30 p.m. (EST). In deer hunting news: “Elephants are the Escort says she shot Hunter charged with Dr. Samadi: 7 reasons greatest things some of client because he was For subscription information shooting truck he mistook why men experience pain those shithole countries bad at oral sex call (216) 789-3502 for deer during intercourse have.” Bet he doesn’t testify. Ram Charger to change 8. Because she’s yawning. hood ornament. Taxing college sports is Fast food worker who A proud supporter of our veterAns... Alcohol vs. marijuana: one good thing about put body fluids on Editorial Statement Kindergartner bags Which one is safer? Republicans' tax plan: burger sentenced DD214 Chronicle is committed to its readers: massive deer under new Yes. Bloomberg View That’s not special sauce hunting age law Legion baseball is and he ain’t working in Veterans of every generation and all who love The Mission of the Community West Foundation is to advance Kid needs help for Show Brawl over birthday cake next. the prison kitchen. them. The printed newspaper is delivered and Tell. leads to deadly stabbing across northern Ohio without charge: More the health and well being of our community. Somebody got his Vatican investigating If your child asks if you than 60 libraries, colleges and universities 1,800 Gallons of Vodka birthday wish. sex abuse claims smoked pot, the best Stolen From Distillery in against teen altar boy answer is the truth that welcome veteran students, VFW and Downtown Los Angeles Convicted killer: Cutting turned priest But don’t tell them a American Legion posts, city halls, Veteran Tonic sales dramatically my dreadlocks violates Keeping it all in the dime bag costs only Administration offices and health care Join us. rise. my rights family. ten bucks. Hearing scheduled right facilities, organizations in support of veterans, Mining exec convicted in after his execution. Man accidentally Strangers caught in advertisers, political offices, and Veteran deadly explosion is mulling shoots himself and a sex act on Delta Service Commissions. DD214 Chronicle also a Senate run Heart attacks and sex are a his wife at a church, flight could face felony maintains dd214chronicle.com and DD214 Felt that being a convicted lethal combination for men shortly after a charges, authorities say felon before becoming Research shows 91 per discussion on shootings Woman says, “Not Chronicle/Facebook. a senator would be a cent of men would enjoy Praise the Lord and fair, I faked the • refreshing change. leaving that way. Pass the Ammunition. orgasm.” The Chronicle would not exist without its advertisers. Make the effort to patronize them. John H. Tidyman, editor Mail call 198th Light Infantry Brigade Editor, Americal Division 440-360-7370 (216) 789-3502 216-476-7060 I very much appreciate the review and sending me the DD214 Chronicle. I am always pleased www.communitywestfoundation.org when Tony’s sacrifice is acknowledged (Last to Die in World War II, Jan/Feb 2018). My family and I forgedironstidyman@gmail thank you very much for caring. God bless you. Theresa Marchione Sell, Pottstown, PA.
✩4 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩5 All American in the Korean War The Soldier’s Greatest Battle By Eli Beachy By Lawrence Forbes o on a crisp, cool, but not-un- so he took big thrown out. The out the frequent booms and whumps t was too bad about Captain Friendships with guys named Even the Pinkertons didn’t seem Just days before his death in comfortable day, we set up a swings and got hitter bitterly of incoming and outgoing artillery Nickerson, at least the lads had Hayes and Garfield paid off. Am- to take to the notion, especially 1910, Nickerson achieved his objec- S baseball diamond as best we his chance for complained that in the cheers and laughter of men at I thought that hot afternoon bition and luck conspired to get when they had to chase Nickerson all tive and, as a war hero should be, could in a vacant field that was fairly beer. The bat- he should have play. For many of us, it worked. of July 3rd, 1863. At their mo- Nickerson the position of Assis- the way to Canada in an attempt to was buried in Arlington. At least level for Korea. ters who didn’t another beer be- There were an awful lot of happy ment of glory, as the 8th Ohio rose tant Adjutant General of the Army bring him back for civil trial. the Army had a sense of humor A chaplain was found to act as um- get hits had a cause he would guys staggering after the game. The up out of a swale and crushed the while just a major, complete with Details, but at least they didn’t about it all. pire, we chose up sides, and we were better chance as have been on next day, as the hangovers wore off, left wing of what would be known all the Washington politics that slow down Major Azor Nickerson. They made damn sure eight years all ready to play a nice, normal game. the game pro- second. But the I started to feel a little bit better as Pickett’s Charge, the captain makes today look tame. For twenty-plus years Nickerson later the wife was buried right beside From then on, nothing in the gressed, because umpire/chap- mentally, a little more at ease with had taken a Confederate mini ball Even that wouldn’t be his great- lobbied for reinstatement to a retired him. game was normal. the pitching and lain thumbed myself. through both lungs. est fight. It was a woman. officer status after all the smoke had Now let the battle begin, all the A jeep drove up stacked high with fielding became him back to the I couldn’t tell you today who got As they carried him off the field After all, Washington was a cleared from his stupidity. way to Eternity. cases of canned beer. We were told more erratic. bench amid howls of laughter. the big hits or who passed out from in a blanket, the boys knew it was lively place and he was a hand- to unload them at every base. The Two managers sat on the sidelines, We were all having so much successive beers gulped too quickly, the end of Captain Azor Nickerson; some fellow. The wife had to have captain, his officers and sergeants drinking whiskey and cheering their fun nobody really cared about the or even how the game ended. I don’t nobody survived a wound like that. the right outfits and there was this must have used their entire weekly teams. score, least of all the two manag- know which team finally won the But he did and that was not his dressmaker. Young, good looking beer ration. The game seemed to last forever, with ers, who were getting well-oiled game and I don’t really care. After greatest battle. dressmaker. Very good looking In the rear we were allowed to buy frequent substitutions on both sides so themselves, along with the officers fifty years, my memory, especially Neither was it his greatest battle dressmaker. They married. weekly cases of beer at cost, which everyone got a chance to play. and sergeants on the sidelines. for names, is getting pretty sketchy. when he returned to service and So good-looking that Major worked out to ten cents a can. It didn’t take long before guys were Even the umpire/chaplain was I also know that for a short, peace- finished out the war. Nickerson proceeded to come up I don’t know how Capt. King came running into each other, falling down, taking a few nips between innings. ful time that day, playing a wild and From there it was off to the west- with a moronic plan to send the up with this new twist on base- and laughing like crazy. By today’s standards, I guess carefree game from our old neigh- ern frontier, fighting the tribes wife and daughter on vacation to ball, but the way that game went It was like a three-ring circus, with it wasn’t the ‘politically cor- borhoods, with the added delight of in the Manifest Destiny. He was Europe, sue the wife for desertion was this: If a batter got on base, he several different acts going on at the rect’ standards, but the idea be- letting go with a few beers, I lost the on the Rosebud before Custer. He and then live happily ever after. had to chug a beer at first before he same time. hind the whole thing was likely mingled feelings of fear and horror fought Apaches before Geronimo. Azor Nickerson just didn’t count could proceed to second base, and At one point I found myself pitch- psychological. we had to live with every day. The battles Nickerson fought had on a few things getting in the way. another going to third base, and an- ing and the batter smashed one to The game got us relaxed so we And I know I was a more stable few would survive; he did, but that Small points like the wife coming other before he could score. left. The runner on first tripped on could forget for a while the war person afterward, when we had to go was not his greatest battle. home early and taking a dim view In those days the pitcher hit, a beer can rounding second and was going on around us. It drowned back again into the line. Nor was it when Nickerson real- of the concept. About as dim as the ized officers can be political hacks military that had this thing about and still be in the military. conduct unbecoming an officer.
Beer, Bands & Bowling For Veterans AFFORDABLE HOMES All proceeds from the eventsupport housing, job assistance, and personal support for Veteransand other men transitioning from poverty and homelessness to independence and self-sufficiency. FOR HEROES 6th Annual Beer, Bands & Bowling Friday, May 4th, 2018 ••• Mahall’s Twenty Lanes Affordable home options for Lakewood, OH 6:00 – 9:00 pm Veterans. ƒ15% off purchase price $ Admission is only 40 per person in advance ƒPortion of closing costs paid ($50 per person at the door) and includes: ƒHome warranty included • Three hours of bowling (shoes included) • Delicious food throughout the evening ƒBuild wealth through home ownership • All-you-can drink domestic bottled beer, soda and water (cash bar available for other drinks) • Live music by Cats on Holiday • Exceptional silent auction items • 50/50 raffle Find out more about the Cuyahoga Land Bank Advance Tickets call (216) 351-0655 or HomeFront Program today! email [email protected] www.cuyahogalandbank.org OR CALL 216.698.8853 For information on Sponsorship Opportunities, email us: [email protected]
✩6 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩7 The Post: A History of Errors Built on Lies By James Banks, Ph.D.
f one had to choose an alterna- book Secrets: A Memoir of relied on by Department of De- tive title for the movie, The Post, Vietnam and the Pentagon fense, he had both the highest secu- I my choice would be The Source. Papers. rity clearance at the Pentagon and Daniel Ellsberg (played by Mat- One humorous omis- intellectual stamina to work a 70- thew Rhys,) has access to top secret sion from the movie is hour week sifting and writing com- documents. Equally important, his Ellsberg’s realization he’s mand and control procedures for in-country experience, as part of the going to need help copying nuclear weapons. Pentagon’s civilian assessment of “paci- the full history —70,000 In 1962 he was assigned to John fication” in Vietnam, qualifies him as pages — of Vietnam since McNaughton working with Secretary the seldom-seen star of the film. 1945. He enlists his 13- of Defense Robert McNamara. Col- The film’s narrative prompts ques- year old son Robert one league Henry Kissinger referred to tions and deeper study, but for the week-end to help. him “as the most dangerous man in book-shy, The Post is a good primer. On a 1960’s Xerox ma- America.” President Nixon ordered The first few minutes of the film, chine, it is one page at a I met Daniel Ellsberg in 2003 when his psychiatrist’s office robbed in set in 1966, establishes the context of time. The young teen had no idea he he visited the Western Campus of hopes of finding damning evidence. this compelling drama: has the deploy- was aiding and abetting a violation of Cuyahoga Community College. At a Now in his late eighties, one can 1230 N Abbe Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 • www.LorainCountyVeterans.com ment of an additional 100,000 troops the federal statue on espionage. luncheon in his honor, he discussed speculate on Ellsberg’s character. He brought any progress in Vietnam? The piercing green light of the scan- his latest book, Secrets. remains the canary in the deep mine Secretary of Defense Robert McNa- ner as it slowly swept the document, of nuclear weapons. When Ellsberg VA CLAIMS ASSISTANCE TRANSPORTATION I had him sign the book, and we ex- Our Veterans Service Officers (VSO’s) Transportation is provided to and mara (played by Bruce Greenwood,) under the protective cover, to protect changed a few comments about cur- first offered the trove of documents is heading back to Washington after the operator from “radiation,” was an rent issues. He dismissed a scholar of to J. William Fulbright, chair of the serve as a liaison to the Department from the VA Medical Facilities in a fact-finding trip to Vietnam when adventure. When asked by his mother diplomacy and friend, Walter LaFe- Senate Foreign Relations Commit- of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). VSO’s advise Wade Park & Parma and the VA Clinic he calls Ellsberg to the back of the what he did over the weekend, “Just ber, of Cornell, as a palace historian. tee and staunch critic of the war, the and assist Vets and their family in Sheffield Village. Availability is on plane asking for his assessment. helping dad copy some papers,” was In spite of that, I found him engag- senator seemed very interested, but members of their rights and/or Despite more US troops, things his answer. ultimately Fulbright dismissed the a first-come, first-serve basis. ing, very bright, and opinionated. obtaining possible benefits through are “just about the same,” Ellsberg Other aspects of the film offer a A Harvard Ph.D. at 27, from 1954- papers, as “only history.” A morning shuttle is available to the VA, the State of Ohio and Lorain replies. McNamara concludes things quaint time-capsule for those of a 57 a Marine infantry officer, and Yes, Senator Fulbright, but a his- Wade Park & Parma. Home pick-ups are actually “worse.” When the plane certain age: pay phones, no inter- tory of error built on lies, costing County. then part of President Kennedy’s are provided for appointments at lands, McNamara, facing the press net, no tweets, just holding the pa- “best and brightest” fraternity, more than 58,000 American lives assures them, “I’m glad to tell you per’s text from “hot type,” seeing placed him at the center of policy and 3 million Vietnamese lives. Services include processing claims for: the VA Clinic in Sheffield Village. we’re showing great progress in every how news used to be produced, as James Banks Ph.D. is History Pro- • Non-service Connected Pension for formation. Wheelchair accessible service is dimension of our effort.” the paper snakes it way through the As a tireless research analyst at fessor Emeritus at Cuyahoga Commu- Wartime Vets (Aid & Attendance/ This brief scene from the movie press room and out to the delivery RAND, the non–profit think tank nity College and co-author of Cleveland available. is nearly verbatim from Ellsberg’s trucks. in World War II with Brian Albrecht. Housebound Pension, and Survivors Pension). TO SCHEDULE A RIDE CALL • Service Connected Compensation. 440.284.4624 • Ohio War Orphans Scholarship. • Notice of Disagreements & Appeals. Departs LCVSO ...... 7:15 a.m.*1 VSO’s also submit application for: Departs JFS...... 7:30 a.m.*1 Honoring Our Veterans • Military Awards and Medals. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Departs Valor Home ..... 7:45 a.m.*1 • H.S. Diploma for Wartime Vets. Temporary financial assistance may Departs Elyria ...... 8:00 a.m.*1 • Upgrading Discharges. be available to Veterans or their Arrives W/P ...... 9:15 a.m.*2 AT HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE, WE HONOR OUR • Requests for Discharge (DD 214). widow who show a need and meet Departs W/P ...... 3: 00 p.m.*3 eligibility requirements. VETERANS EVERY DAY. Through our Peaceful & Proud initiative, Benefits may include but not limited to: Arrives LCVSO ...... 4:30 p.m.*3 hospice veterans can receive care from staff members trained • Education Benefits Assistance may be given for rent, PICK-UP & DROP OFF LOCATIONS on how the unique life experiences of veterans shape end-of- • VA Home Loan mortgage, property tax, utilities, car LCVSO: 1230 Abbe Rd., Elyria payment, insurances, and food or life preferences. Through specialized, quality care, patients and • Burial Benefits JFS: 42495 North Ridge Rd. personal items. Valor Home: 221 W 20th St., Lorain. families live their lives with dignity. Elyria: Admin. Bldg., 226 Middle Ave. Household income, living expenses, *1 May depart earlier if all riders are present. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic or available assets, medical expenses, *2 Approx. time, add 20-30 min. if shuttle goes to Parma. serious illness and you need help, insist on Hospice of the and the special needs of each *3 May depart earlier if all riders are done with their appts. applicant are considered when Western Reserve. Your journey to compassionate care begins at VETERAN ID CARD ID CARDS are ISSUED ON determining eligibility. hospicewr.org/veterans. THURSDAY & FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Veteran must have been discharged • REQUIREMENTS • under honorable conditions and RESOURCE ROOM RESIDENT OF LORAIN COUNTY served on active duty for purposes Clients are welcome to utilize the HONORABLE DISCHARGE or other than training. Applicant must printer and computers (with internet UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS also be a resident of Lorain County access). We also send faxes and have DD214 • VALID PHOTO ID for 90 days prior to application. a notary available for our Veterans.
NORTHERN OHIO’S HOSPICE OF CHOICE 800.707.8922 | hospicewr.org/veterans
✩8 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com Elvis: He left us his legacy Elvis Presley was many things to many people. He understood his music and his audience as few artists did. The creator of rockabilly, as well as film star, singer of spirituals, husband and father, confidante to President Richard Nixon, U.S. Army soldier, and lots more. To say he packed a lot of living into a brief life would be an understatement. Before his early and tragic death, his music would be the background for a generation, and the man would be the dream of millions of young women. For hot and heavy making out, his was the background music. Here is an arbitrary list of his greatest songs as well as a list of movies and the characters he played. Elvis #1: THAT’S ALL RIGHT (recorded: July 5 or 6, 1954 / single released: mid-July 1954) in the #2: HOUND DOG (recorded: July 2, 1956 / single released: July 13, 1956) #3: HEARTBREAK HOTEL (recorded: Jan. 10, 1956 / single released: Jan. 27, 1956) #4: HOW GREAT THOU ART (recorded: May 25, 1966 / released on LP: February 1967) Army #5: IT’S NOW OR NEVER (recorded: April 3, 1960 / single released: July 5, 1960) #6: ALL SHOOK UP (recorded: Jan. 12, 1957 / single released: March 22, 1957) By Barry Goodrich #7: GUITAR MAN (recorded: Sept. 10, 1967 / released on LP: October 1967) #8: RECONSIDER BABY (recorded: April 4, 1960 / released on LP: April 8, 1960) ixty years ago this month, #9: GOOD LUCK CHARM (recorded: Oct. 15, 1961 / single released: Feb. 27, 1962) Elvis Presley walked away #10: JAILHOUSE ROCK (recorded: April 30, 1957 / single released: Sept. 24, 1957) from a phenomenally suc- #11: SUSPICIOUS MINDS (recorded: Jan. 22, 1969 / single released: Aug. 26, 1969) cessful entertainment career #12: I NEED YOUR LOVE TONIGHT (recorded: June 10, 1958 / single released: March 10, 1959) to join the U.S. Army. For #13: CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (recorded: March 23, 1961 / single released: Nov. 21, 1961) Sthe next two years, Presley was the #14: DON’T BE CRUEL (recorded: July 2, 1956 / single released: July 13, 1956) most famous enlisted man in the #15: VIVA LAS VEGAS (recorded: July 10, 1963 / single released: April 28, 1964) world, his already mythic reputation allowing him a military life unlike #16: BURNING LOVE (recorded: Jan. 28, 1972 / single released: Aug. 1, 1972) that of any of his fellow soldiers. #17: IF I CAN DREAM (recorded: June 23, 1968 / single released: Nov. 5, 1968) Presley, who by the end of 1956 #18: LOVE ME TENDER (recorded: Aug. 24, 1956 / single released: Sept. 28, 1956) had already had more Top 100 hits #19: CRYING IN THE CHAPEL (recorded: Oct. 31, 1960 / single released: April 6, 1965) than any other performer, was as- #20: SUCH A NIGHT (recorded: April 4, 1960 / released on LP: April 8, 1960) signed to Fort Hood, Texas and the a Jeep for his battalion and a sports car Second Armored Division’s “Hell on in his free time, the first and only time Movies Wheels” unit, once led by General Presley was placed on guard duty, he was George Patton. After completing mobbed by fans. 1956 1962 1966 basic and advanced training, he was “When his unit went out on maneu- Love Me Tender Girls! Girls! Girls! Paradise, Hawaiian Clint Reno Ross Carpenter Style sent overseas to Germany and joined vers, Elvis went out on maneuvers,” said Rick Richards the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, Guralnick. “He had an acute sense of rejec- 1957 1963 32nd Armor. tion. He wanted to be a regular guy.” Loving You It Happened at the 1966 It was in Germany that Presley’s Presley’s infatua- Jimmy Tompkins World's Fair Spinout (Deke Rivers) Mike Edwards Mike McCoy life was forever changed in several tion with drugs also 1967 ways – he would meet his future began in Germany. 1957 1963 Easy Come, Easy Go wife, a 14-year-old girl by the “Amphetamines were "Many of Elvis’s Jailhouse Rock Fun in Acapulco Lt. (j.g.) Ted Jackson handed out at the PX biggest hits were Vince Everett Mike Windgren name of Priscilla Beaulieu, have technically 'cover' 1967 his first exposure to both karate and everybody was songs. In fact, 1958 1964 Double Trouble and drugs and fulfill his sense of taking them,” said at least 8 of the King Creole Kissin' Cousins Guy Lambert duty to his country. Guralnick. “It turned 20 songs on the Danny Fisher Josh Morgan / Jodie following list were Tatum 1967 “Elvis was someone who was out to have a big af- 1960 Clambake recorded by other genuinely patriotic and he had great fect on his life.” G.I. Blues 1964 Scott Heyward respect for the military,” said Peter Presley left active acts before Elvis Tulsa McLean Viva Las Vegas made them his own." Guralnick, author of the 1999 best- duty on Mar. 5, 1960 Lucky Jackson 1968 1960 Stay Away, Joe seller Careless Love: The Unmaking and was discharged Flaming Star 1964 Joe Lightcloud of Elvis Presley, which includes from the Army Pacer Burton Roustabout Presley’s years in the service. “It Reserve on Mar. 23, 1964. In an interview Charlie Rogers 1968 with Armed Forces Radio and TV, he 1961 Speedway (Army) was not an insignificant ex- Wild in the Country 1965 Steve Grayson perience by any means. He had a real said, “People were expecting me to mess Glenn Tyler Girl Happy sense of civic duty.” up, to goof up in one way or another… Rusty Wells 1968 On the other hand, Presley was they thought I couldn’t take it and I was 1961 Live a Little, Love a Blue Hawaii 1965 Little worried about leaving a career that determined to go to any limits to prove Chad Gates Tickle Me Greg Nolan had skyrocketed. “He felt utter de- otherwise.” Lonnie Beale / Pan- spair that he wouldn’t have anything Guralnick added, “I don’t think he 1962 handle Kid 1969 thought it (service) was unfair. He partici- Follow That Dream Charro! to come back to,” said Guralnick. “But Toby Kwimper 1965 Jess Wade Colonel Tom Parker was very canny pated in it with great enthusiasm.” Harum Scarum and kept making deals for Elvis.” As for Presley’s career, his original 1962 Johnny Tyronne 1969 Presley may have been in the army concerns were unfounded. “As soon as Kid Galahad The Trouble with Girls Walter Gulick / Kid 1966 Walter Hale but he lived the life of a well-heeled he went home, Elvis went into the studio Galahad Frankie and Johnny civilian, bringing his father, grand- and recorded some of the greatest mate- Johnny 1969 mother and friends to live with rial he ever did,” said Guralnick. “It was Change of Habit off-base in a rented home. Driving astonishing.” Dr. John Carpenter
✩10 DD 214 Chronicle January/February 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com
Medina VFW Commander Multi-tasks as Business Owner, Full-time Mom By Nancy Peacock Injured Medic I Understand t the Veterans of Foreign didn’t have everybody, weekend?” Whether it is playing bingo with Wars Post 5137 in Medina, we would have prob- After skiing in the the veterans at the VA Wade Park or Your Benefits. A Commander Nicole Mollohan lems. But it’s our veter- Black Forest, going providing the 21-gun salute honor Has No Regrets is the first person to point out that ans and their families to Oktoberfest in guards at the Western Reserve times have changed. and the members who Munich, traveling National Cemetery, Post 5137 is By Jerri Donohue “Most people think the VFW is a volunteer and spend to the Netherlands, committed to supporting veterans. Let’s Get You A bar filled with men, drinking and their time and help us Austria, Switzerland and “Any veteran who comes and complete airborne training once she New Home! smoking and telling war stories,” she grow.” Lichtenstein, Mollohan’s knocks on our door, we help them,” healed, and transferred Stavrenos to said. “That’s not what it is. We have Taking on a chal- worldview had changed. Molloran said. “It doesn’t matter. Fort Hood. a canteen that is non-smoking, we lenge is nothing new to “The world is big and If they can show us that they’re a Still on crutches, she helped with Regan Longstreet
have a dining room, we have a bar Mollohan, who enlisted everybody needs to see veteran and they’re in need, then we sick call and women’s health exams. Army Veteran and canteen that’s full of men and in the Air Force after it,” she said. help them.” She assisted doctors with procedures such as ingrown toenail removal, a Mobile: 216-205-9973 women. And it’s not all war stories.” high school in 1989. Two years in Germany Junior Vice Commander Scott Fax: 440-331-2840 Mollohan speaks with the as- “I wanted to be was followed by two years Kopfstein is a retiree and a former common ailment for soldiers. Nicole Mollohan Each ERASM Office is Independently Owned and Operated [email protected] surance of someone who upholds someone in my family at McConnell Air Force Base Commander who by his own admis- Meanwhile, she witnessed other the military code of stepping into who did something,” she said. “Get in Wichita, Kansas, another overseas sion spent seven days a week on medics deploy, and longed to go the breach for a fallen comrade. out of town and see the world.” six-month tour in Saudi Arabia, and the job. He describes Molloran as “a with them. Shortly after Mollohan was elected Senior Airman Mollohan’s the last three years at Warren Air good kid, very smart. She’s come up In time, she realized the value of senior vice commander last July, first overseas assignment was Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. with a lot of great ideas just in the her work in medical readiness, keep- Commander Chuck Heller died un- Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfort, In 1997, after almost eight years, past couple months.” ing men and women healthy and expectedly. Mollohan immediately Germany. She was a supply special- Mollohan left the Air Force. On July 21, the VFW will host its checking out those who returned became the post commander. ist and worked with the civil engi- “My job was gone,” she said. “I was first Medina Community Days with from deployment. Unlike previous commanders who neering squadron. going to have to cross train into some- an open house. There will be free A few times, she helped thwart served after they had retired from “I did supply for the squadron thing else because supply was being food, games and representatives suicide. full-time jobs, Mollohan is in the and I also did all the snow removal, taken over by civilians and contracted from the Civil Air Patrol and the Sea “I sat with soldiers who had dark thick of her dual role as a business heavy equipment operating, all the out. I just decided it was time to come Cadets. Mollohan said she wants to thoughts until someone from their owner and mother. fun stuff, all the guy stuff,” she said. home.” open the doors and educate the com- command came to take them for “I told the guys ‘Look, I’ll do this,’” “I learned a lot in those two years.” She joined the VFW in 2009 but munity about the role of the VFW in specialized care,” she said. she said. “But at six o’clock at night, Adjusting to life overseas started didn’t become active until 2013. She the community. After several months, doctors you won’t find me here, sitting at the out rocky, turning 21 without close noticed that her fellow veterans from “Our World War II and our Stephanie Stavrenos discovered an injury to Stavrenos’s bar. I’m at home, feeding my kids or friends in a foreign land. Her com- the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Desert Vietnam veterans are passing away,” bones, and they also found a tear I’m at the soccer game. I’m a mom manding officer told her that if Storm era were still at home, raising she said. “It is up to us and if we in her hip that required surgery. to a 12 and 13-year-old. I’m doing she still hated it in six months, he their children, instead of joining the don’t support the VFW, if we don’t espite injury and a medi- She learned she would be medically other duties and I still work 40 hours would let her go home. Then it all VFW. help it grow, it won’t be here for our cal discharge, Stephanie discharged. a week.” changed. “I see them every year at Veterans kids. And we won’t be there to help D Stavrenos harbors no regrets Although Stavrenos was disap- How is she able to juggle all that “I got on the softball team at the Day, so I know they exist in Medina the community.” about her military service. pointed, she now realizes she probably responsibility? base, started traveling Europe, see- County,” she said. “I just need to find For more information, contact “It gave me an opportunity to would sustained a worse injury had “Everybody helps and does their jobs ing the world,” she said. “Where else them and teach them who we are and Mollohan at [email protected] do something selfless,” the former she proceeded with airborne training. and makes the post run,” she said. “If I can you go to Paris for $39 for the how we need their help, too.” or visit the website at medinavfw.org medic said. “I feel like I had a guardian angel At Ft. Sam Houston, she com- making sure I didn’t jump,” she said. pleted EMT and “whiskey training” After her discharge in 2014, in battlefield trauma and limited Stavrenos enrolled in St. Xavier Local organization helping homeless women veterans primary care. Because she wanted University in Chicago where she By Barry Goodrich to qualify for airborne training, she eventually became president of did numerous push-ups and sit-ups its chapter of Student Veterans of he plight of homeless women service branch. They State University in Xenia, affiliation with the city’s Land Bank, a in her off hours. America. In 2016, the organization veterans is rarely addressed in are the fastest grow- worked for an engineer- second home is in the works. “I didn’t want to be riding on the chose her to be one of its repre- T the general discussion of home- ing demographic of ing firm in Atlanta before “Not everyone needs a home but minimum,” Stavrenos said. sentatives at the White House cer- less veterans. Dealing with military the homeless veterans’ returning to her hometown they all need support,” said Locatelli. She scored high on the subsequent emony in which President Obama sexual trauma, joblessness and addic- population. Female in 1998. Her passion for “I’m also a believer in communities, physical fitness test, becoming one of honored the NBA Champion tion, women vets often describe them- veterans are 3-4 times helping women in transition living in an area where you have five, only 12 medics chosen for airborne Cleveland Cavaliers. ESPN posted selves as “invisible” as they deal with more likely to become has its roots in her church six or seven families like yours. We training. a photo of Stavrenos, a longtime their own unique challenges. homeless than female work for the Community want to develop a community like Just one week into the program Cavs fan, with the team and First Cleveland’s Sheila Locatelli is try- non-veterans and many Bible Fellowship in Cleveland that for military families.” at Ft. Benning, Georgia, however, Lady Michelle Obama. ing to change that. As founder of of them are plagued with Heights, where she helped Locatelli hopes for an increased Stavrenos was sidelined in the mid- Stavrenos stayed in Chicago Women of Hope Inc., Locatelli has unemployment, low self- single mothers and incarcer- awareness of the issues faced by dle of a run. She had been ignoring where she now teaches seventh mentored, coached and facilitated esteem, substance abuse Sheila Locatelli ated women. women veterans, who have lived in pain in her hip, but it forced her to graders. self-development classes for women and sexual trauma. Women of Hope Inc.’s goal the shadows for years. “The military slow down. An observant sergeant In addition to finishing her edu- of all ages, backgrounds and economic “Lots of these women have been is to provide safe housing and sup- is now attempting to understand the sent her for medical help. cation on the G.I. Bill, she benefit- levels (many of them incarcerated). home for some time and even portive services to women veterans challenges these women face. It’s a When doctors identified her prob- ted from military service But connecting with homeless women though their issues have been con- in order to empower them toward a process. lem as stress fractures, Stavrenos in unexpected ways. veterans is never an easy process. tinuing, they think they’re okay,” healthy lifestyle and self-sufficiency. “The public thinks these veterans spent a month in a wheelchair and In June she will marry a former “Our challenge is to find them,” said said Locatelli, a certified Chemical The organization’s “Strengthening the are well taken care of and they get another six months on crutches. Marine she met at the campus’s vet- Locatelli. “It’s an invisible population; Dependency Counselor Assistant. Inner Me,” an eight-week program checks every month,” Locatelli said. The Army promised that she could erans center. a lot of women are staying with friends “Eighty-five percent of them have ex- for women residing at the Veterans “Those with physical disabilities get or couch surfing. Our goal this year is perienced military sexual trauma and Administration Domiciliary, is now in checks. Emotional disabilities are a community outreach to find women the majority of that happened in boot its third year. And Women of Hope’s harder to prove ; it takes years.” veterans who need our services.” camp. Some of them are traumatized “Ariya’s House” is the only supportive (Those interested in the program’s Please Like DD214 Chronicle on Facebook! Ten percent of the nation’s 21 mil- even before they go in to the service.” home for homeless women veterans services are urged to visit www.wom- lion veterans are women from every Locatelli, a graduate of Central in Cuyahoga County. Thanks to an enofhopeoh.org.) ✩12 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩13 Churchill’s Darkest Hour is Illuminating Father Peter Whelan, A Chaplain of the Confederacy By Nancy Peacock By J.C. Sullivan istory often seems predict- uncertainty and fear Prime Minister seem all gauging their responses to a German o describe the life and times of The Fort, on the Savan- Wartime conditions per- tion Church in Macon, accidentally able – in retrospect. And that hung over the the more improbable. invasion. one immigrant to the Ameri- nah River, guarded the ap- sisted for prisoners and came upon Andersonville Prison and Hnever is that more true British people. The The film does not have One of the defining events in the can South could also be aptly proaches to the city. It was Father Whelan, through stopped to learn how many Catholics than in Darkest Hour: How Churchill movie is beautifully pho- the book’s advantage of 25 days was the rescue of 300,000 T Brought England Back from the Brink, tographed and true to its laying out the entire his- British soldiers who were stranded titled “Holy Men in Modern Times.” thought to be impregnable the office of Father Wil- were there. His experience led him to One chapter would describe Wexford- as no artillery shells could liam Quinn, pastor of St. petition the Vicar, suggesting a priest a novel (HarperCollins) and a movie title, shot in the shad- torical backdrop, or flesh- on the French beaches at Dunkirk, born Peter Whelan. be directed at it from any Peter’s Church, Barclay St., be provided; Father Whelan was asked. that has already won several film ows of underground mil- ing out Churchill’s political trapped by a harbor blocked with Oh, he was human, to be sure, but nearby land. New York, applied for the He arrived at Andersonville on June awards, and is nominated for six itary bunkers, gloomy foes Neville Chamberlain burning British ships and threatened his devotion to God and his fellow Part of the garrison position of Prison Chap- 16, 1864. Even though other priests Oscars. interiors of Churchill’s and Lord Halifax. Instead, by advancing German forces. In a man is evident in the way he chose to there were Catholic troops, lain so he could offer daily and the Bishop visited briefly, Whelan Although there were many country estate in Kent, the film offers a superlative war cabinet meeting, Churchill sug- live his life. He was also a Confederate in particular the Mont- Mass at Castle William. remained for four months. Although heart-stopping moments during and the Prime Minister’s performance from Gary gested that “the admiralty should Chaplain to Irish-Americans in the gomery Guards, mostly Through Father Quinn he never penned his feelings, a pas- the rise and fall of Nazi Germany, a residence at 10 Downing Oldham, who portrays assemble a large number of small Montgomery Guards, part of the 1st Irish from Savannah. The he was discharged and put tor from Macon did. “I found the particularly pivotal 25 days in May Street. The film exudes a Churchill conducting busi- (civilian) vessels” to rescue those Georgia Volunteers. militia unit was organized on August on parole. Father Whelan could have stockade extremely filthy; the men all of 1940 helped to decide the fate of genteel shabbiness that feels authen- ness in his pajamas while still in bed; troops. McCarten gives full credit Peter Whelan was born in 1802 in 20, 1861. Not having their own ban- left but he chose to remain with his huddled together and covered with Great Britain and ultimately, the tic of its time. sipping scotch and smoking a cigar to Churchill as “the father of this vermin. Tey had nothing under them free world. The German war machine For those who enjoy history meted while eating eggs from his breakfast colossally risky idea.” More than County Wexford, Ireland. He attended ner, Captain Lawrence J. Guilmar- men and minister to them. Birchfield College in Kilkenny for two tin contacted the Sisters of Mercy in He eventually returned to Savan- but the ground.” rolled over Belgium, Luxembourg, out chronologically, the book offers tray -- even dictating speeches and 800 small, privately owned boats years, where he received classical and Savannah. nah where the Vicar General assigned At the fall of the Confederacy, Fa- Holland and France in rapid succes- a better context with which to view letters in the bathtub or on the toilet. answered the call and ferried the mathematical education. Private Bernard O’Neill was ap- him the task of overseeing the spiri- ther Whelan returned to Savannah sion, leaving the British people star- those first 25 days of Churchill’s Where the movie oversells itself British Expeditionary Force across He may have been influenced by the pointed standard-bearer and Major tual needs of the confederate military and served there until 1868. Now ing at the face of Nazi domination. leadership. It takes us back to World is in the need to portray Churchill the English Channel, saving it from desperate appeal of John England, the John Foley presented it to him. posts in Georgia. aged sixty-nine and in failing health The leadership fell to Winston War I, when as First Lord of the as a man of the common people. annihilation. bishop of the new diocese of Charles- Father Whelan was present on April On one occasion another Confed- from his wartime tribulations, he ad- Churchill, a British politician with Admiralty, Churchill’s disastrous The real Churchill reveled in his McCarten quotes Franklin Delano ton, South Carolina. 10, 1862 when Federal forces began erate chaplain, the Reverend James ministered his last baptism in 1871 a bad track record for military blun- decisions in the Gallipoli campaign own aristocracy – he was born in Roosevelt on Churchill’s political Priests were sorely needed, particu- an artillery bombardment of the Fort. Sheeran of the 14th Louisiana, on and died in February of the same year. ders, whose own government lacked resulted in the needless sacrifice of Blenheim Palace, the grandson decisions: larly in the South. He was ordained Using new ‘rifled’ artillery, the rounds leave from Virginia, visited him. In The funeral procession was report- confidence in his leadership abilities. 73,000 British and Irish casualties. of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke “He has a hundred ideas a day. a priest of the Benedictine Order in were able to reach the outer walls from his diary he observed, “He stands ed in the Savannah Evening News Novelist and screenwriter Anthony Churchill lost his job and spent many of Marlborough – and embraced Four are good, the other 96 down- Charleston on November 21, 1830. Tybee Island, more than a mile away. nearly six feet with drab hair, coarse ill as the longest ever seen in the city. McCarten vividly describes those years as a political outcast, trying to his blue blood as the natural order right dangerous.” Luckily for the He offered his first Mass in the Thirty hours later, with one wall shaped countenance, round or swing- After a 10:00 a.m. Mass a procession terrifying 25 days, and Churchill’s work his way back into a position of of things. The film unnecessarily British people, and the world, state of Georgia in 1835 in the home breached by the shot, it was deter- ing shoulders, long arms, short body of eighty-six carriages and buggies of ascendancy to power. leadership. The book details these invents a scene that shows the Prime Churchill marshaled his best ideas to of Robert Semmes. In 1854 a yellow mined that the entire ammunition and long legs, with feet of more than civilians, religious societies and Irish Where the book and the movie setbacks in an entertaining way that Minister riding the subway, chat- lead the British people through some fever epidemic claimed the life of Sa- magazine was in danger of exploding, ordinary size. One day he met a broth- organizations escorted his mortal both excel is in portraying the makes Churchill’s eventual rise to ting with working class folks, and of its darkest hours. vannah’s first Bishop, Frances Gart- if that happened the entire garrison er priest, to whom nature was no more remains through Savannah’s crowd- land. Father Whelan was summoned would be killed. liberal than to himself. “Well,” said lined streets. to Savannah and was stationed there Colonel Charles H. Olmstead agreed he, “Your mother and mine must have Colonel Olmstead led Confederate for the remainder of his life. to surrender. Now prisoners-of-war, been women of great virtue because Army and Navy veterans. An officer In September 1861 Bishop Augus- Father Whelan and the Montgomery they did not drown us when they first who knew Father Whelan said, “I fol- tine Verot was named the third Bish- Guards were transported to Governor’s saw us. None but mothers of great pa- lowed this good old man to his grave op of the Savannah Diocese, which Island, New York. Bernard O’Neill hid tience would have raised such ugly with a sense of exultation as I thought was formed in 1850. Arriving at his the banner on his person. After Mass specimens of humanity.” of the welcome that awaited him from new post from Florida, he was asked on Saint Patrick’s Day,1862,a presenta- During May of the same year Fr. the Master whose spirit he had caught to send a chaplain to Fort Pulaski. tion ceremony was held. William Hamilton, pastor of Assump- and made the rule of his life.” VETERAN STUDENT DD 214 Subscription Form + Are you ready to continue your education? BW offers a great adult learning community and all If you love a veteran, give him the gift he deserves the resources of one of “America’s Best Colleges.” 1 year (6 issues) $12.00 Lifetime • Choose from programs for bachelor degree completion, $ accelerated BSN, Physician Assistant, MBA, or MAEd. 2 year (12 issues) 20.00 $55.00 • Classes are offered in Berea and at Corporate College East. Send DD 214 Chronicle to: Send Some courses are available online. check • Your DD214 gives you up to 25 hours of college credit. Other made out to: Name ______military training and previous college credit may count toward J.H Tidyman degree requirements. Address ______3280 Glenbar Drive, • Post 9/11 Veterans: BW is proud to be part of the Yellow Fairview Park Ribbon program. Your G.I. Bill benefits may make your BW Ohio 44126 City ______educationtuition free! Contact an admission counselor today! State ______Zip Code ______Go to www.bw.edu/military or call 440-826-8012.
Baldwin Wallace does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, age, disability, national origin, gender or sexual orientation in the administration of any policies or programs.
✩14 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩15 arm, dry socks are Help the Homeless Vietnam Experience Influences Wa true gift for someone Did you know that: will supply 10 pairs of Socks, $100 will supply a backpack filled Director of LCCC Veterans Service Commission struggling to survive $40 $10 will supply 10 pairs of Socks. gloves, a hat and shoes. with 10 pairs of Socks plus By Jerri Donohue outdoors. Community $30 will supply 10 pairs of Socks, will supply 10 pairs of Socks, gloves, a hat, shoes and West Foundation $60 gloves and a hat. gloves, a hat, shoes, and heavy- heavy-duty winter boots. ven though he adopted a “I was just a boy,” he and there was a lot of the University of Arkansas and launched the duty winter boots. Vietnamese child, translated said. “I was from the emotion surrounding Old Dominion University and SocksPlus Initiative Vietnamese poetry and trav- working class. I was it,” he said. “We [vets] spent many years as an English to help collect Socks PLUS other E We encourage you to contribute in your own way by sharing your time, support, ideas, and SOCKS. eled to Vietnam several times since doing what we were learned very quickly not professor at Pennsylvania State essential items needed by the the war ended, Bruce Weigl couldn’t supposed to do.” to talk about it.” Visit communitywestfoundation.org or call 440-360-7370 to make your donation today! University. homeless. And, for thousands watch Ken Burns’ recent series on His arrival in He enrolled in classes When his mother was diagnosed of Cleveland’s homeless men, the Vietnam War. Vietnam jolted him at Lorain County with Alzheimer’s disease in 2000, “I wanted to,” Weigl said. “[But] into life-altering Community College. Weigl returned to Ohio to help his women and children, socks are I have to stay away from that kind situations. “I know that a “I came out here to elderly father care for her. He also a gift that’s never taken for of thing. There are too many things “The first thing I lot of them are school and was im- began teaching at LCCC. granted. In fact, they are the that I would see that would be a thought was, ‘What mediately welcomed Meanwhile, the veteran was ad- item most requested by anyone trigger for me.” the hell am I doing experiencing by the people here,” he dressing his wartime experiences living outside and in shelters. The The Vietnam veteran speaks here?’” Weigl re- said. “Although there in award-winning poetry, and he items collected are distributed candidly about his PTSD. His called. “It was kind of things that are wasn’t much of an or- still meets regularly with other immediately to the Northeast background enables him to empa- other-worldly.” going to change ganization in terms of Vietnam vets who write. Weigl thize with the men and women he After a year working veterans’ services, they and his wife adopted Hahn, an Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. serves as director of Lorain County in forward commu- their lives did help me obtain my 8-year old Vietnamese girl, after The SocksPlus initiative is a Community College’s Veterans nications and intel- forever.” benefits from the G.I. one of his trips to Vietnam. He source of great encouragement Service Center. ligence, he returned Bill and were there for relates their story in his memoir, and it is remarkable to witness “I know that a lot of them are home with a Bronze Bruce Weigl me at every turn.” The Circle of Hahn. the generosity of this wonderful experiencing things that are going Star, PTSD and hear- Weigl completed He is enjoying his current posi- community. Over 150 “Tribes” to change their lives forever,” Weigl ing loss caused by his his bachelor’s degree tion at LCCC. of individuals, churches, clubs, said. “Things that are going to proximity to an exploding 122 mm at Oberlin College and then earned “I love working with veterans,” schools and businesses have haunt them forever. The least I can rocket. a master’s degree at the University Weigl said. “I think too easily and do is help them achieve their aca- Weigl endured negative encoun- of New Hampshire and a PhD in too often they are forgotten once joined this movement which has demic goals.” ters with other Americans because British and American literature their duty is done. And so it’s a raised over a half million dollars Weigl enlisted in the Army in he served in Vietnam. at the University of Utah. During great opportunity to help them in monetary and in kind donations 1967, right out of high school. “That was a very unpopular war, his academic career, he taught at find their way after the military.” for our homeless neighbors. Community West Foundation places the health and well being of our community above all else and we hope you will join in the It’s Your Future. Get Started Now! efforts to help the least fortunate among us. The need is urgent and ongoing in our community. The winter months are the most Veterans Service Center extreme, both in terms of the weather conditions and the at Lorain County Community College growing needs. Every dollar you give through the SocksPlus The Student Veterans and Military Members Center at LCCC assists all veterans, initiative can also bring hats, guardsmen, reservists and their dependents transitioning to a successful educational gloves and more to the homeless. career. You’ve done your duty, now let us help you prepare for your future.
LCCC’s Veterans Service Center is a one-stop shop where you can: Richard G. Lillie, Ph.D. • Learn how to maximize your veteran’s benefits “LCCC was my best choice because I knew there was a military and veterans Lawyer • Learn about other scholarships available presence here.” Specializing in the following: • Talk with a Veterans Certifying Official Anna Lupson, Navy veteran and LCCC Grand Jury Defense and • Meet with a Counselor psychology student who is using her Investigations • Explore all that LCCC has to offer veterans benefits to attend school. She Criminal Defense plans to continue her education through White Collar Criminal Defense Call LCCC’s Veterans Service Center at 440-366-7685 LCCC’s University Partnership program. Commercial Litigation 216-861-1313 or visit www.lorainccc.edu/veterans Email: [email protected] 75 Public Square, Suite 213 or email our office at [email protected]. Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2011 www.lillieholderman.com
LCCC Veterans ad July August 2016 ad.indd 1 6/6/16 2:21 PM ✩16 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩17 Landscaper Salutes Veterans at Home and Garden Show Ides of March By Jerri Donohue h WW II Airman Praises “Remarkable” B-29 Bomber Here is where we were and By Jerri Donohue he middle-aged man’s because he wanted exhibit at the 2010 Home cap identified him as experience as a mili- and Garden Show, a show what we were doing (along with drian Keefe is honest about “I did not want to be a foot soldier snow, out in the rain. Who a former Marine. He tary policeman. Right manager noticed his work and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day) his reason for joining the in Germany,” the 92-year old said. “If wanted that?” Tpaused on the walkway wind- after the terrorist invited him to do an exhibit Army Air Corps right out you got drafted, you were going to Keefe had been follow- ing through the “God Bless 1904 - King C. Gillette attacks of September for the 2012 show. Williams patents the Gillette razor of high school. Germany. You’re going to be out in the ing the progress of the war the U.S.A.” garden and smiled 11, 2001, he was sent has continued ever since. blade A through newsreels at Euclid’s broadly at a wall studded with to Ft. Bragg, North One year the theme was Shore Theater. medallions of the military Carolina. celebrations. Williams 1969 - An estimated “We didn’t have TV then,” 2 million people take branches. “At that time, ev- promptly chose Mother’s Day, part in the Vietnam War he said. “You would go to the Brian Williams, owner erything was ques- appropriate since he and his Moratorium demonstration movies to see what the hell of Williams Landscaping tionable,” Williams wife, Brandy Williams, have across the United States was going on.” and Pavers in Grafton, said garden and around the patio. said. “We helped make the eight children and will soon 1992 - Richard Petty drove Not quite 18 years old, Keefe veterans responded with sur- In the wooden pergola built base more secure.” welcome a ninth. in the final race of his 35- knew nothing about airplanes Adrian Keefe prise and appreciation to his by Buncher Construction, he A neck injury prevented This year’s exhibit was spe- year career. but scored well on qualify- exhibit at the 2018 Great Big included a food preparation him from serving in a combat cial, too. ing tests. He then trained at Because he always had good meals 1993 - A judge in Mineola, Home and Garden Show in area with red lighting on the zone, and his unit eventually “Everybody in my family NY, sentenced Joey Sheppard Field in Wichita Falls, and a decent night’s sleep, Keefe the IX Center February 2 – 11. counter top. In addition to deployed to Iraq without him. has helped me build my busi- Buttafuoco to six months in Texas and Lowry Field in Denver. avoided hardships experienced by This year’s theme was songs. traditional path lights, the Two soldiers from his company, ness,” Williams said. jail for the statutory rape Because he flew exclusively on B29s, infantrymen. On the other hand, “I did Lee Greenwood’s exhibit featured glass pavers Sgt. Todd Bates and Staff Sgt. Like Williams, who left the of Amy Fisher. Fisher was serving a prison sentence Keefe’s only experience with “thin every mission meant flying over ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ because Williams Landscaping produc- Aaron Reese, died there. National Guard in 2006, most for shooting and wounding air” was his hike up Pike’s Peak vast expanses of water with no of my military background,” es with RGB LED light bulbs. Williams went to Italy with of his helpful relatives are vet- Buttafuoco’s wife, Mary Jo. when he was stationed in Colorado. discernable landmarks to help chart Williams said. “I designed it The company also makes the a group assigned to provide erans. Guy Sliter, Williams’s Unlike airmen on other bombers, he a course. The crew depended on the to honor the members of all controllers and transformers. 1995 - Texaco agreed to security for a small U.S. Air father-in-law and Columbia pay $176 million to settle a never had to don an oxygen mask. navigator to get them to their target branches of the military.” Although Williams stuck with Force base. In the meantime, he Station’s “Lawn Guy,” is a for- race-discrimination lawsuit. “The B-29 was a remarkable and then back to base. A “bubbler rock” or pillar the colors of the flag for his switched his major to business. mer Ranger. Williams’s broth- ship,” Keefe said. “It could go way “The navigator was the most impor- of water flowed above each exhibit, the lights’ colors can He had a part-time job with ers served in the Air Force 1999 - Representatives higher than any other plane. It had tant person on the plane,” Keefe said. from China and the of the plaques. Williams be changed. a landscaping company and and Army National Guard. United States signed a supercharged engines. We could On one occasion, Keefe was se- planted red, white and blue Williams was studying realized he preferred to work Williams enjoyed creating major trade agreement go up to 30,000 feet. We were lected with the officers (minus bom- tulips and hyacinths to form criminology at Cuyahoga outdoors. He launched his own this year’s exhibit. that involved China’s pressurized.” bardier) and a couple of crewmates a floral flag. The landscaper Community College when business in 2002. “I like doing things that are membership in the World veteran Trade Organization The Army made Keefe a fire con- to ferry a general to a meeting on used the same color scheme he joined the Ohio Army When Williams helped meaningful and close to us,” (WTO). owned trol gunner. Tinian. Keefe didn’t mind serving as in lighting throughout the National Guard in 2000 another contractor with an he said. “They sent us to a school where orderly. you learn electronics,” Keefe said. Keefe’s crew flew no further raids “I loved that! It was all brand new.” after the bombing of Nagasaki, and We provide two basic services: Keefe was assigned to a crew at he returned to Euclid not long after Davis-Monthan Field in Tucson, Japan surrendered. He immedi- 1. Temporary emergency financial aid Arizona. As part of the 20th Air ately enrolled in Fenn College [now and assistance to eligible veterans and th th Force, 30 Bomb Squadron, 19 Cleveland State University] on the family members who have demonstrated Bomb Group, they ended up on G.I. Bill and graduated with a degree Guam. Their missions included in mechanical engineering. a need as set forth by the Commission. bombing factories and power Keefe proudly considers himself 2. Assist veterans, family members and plants throughout Japan. Keefe an Air Force veteran, even though survivors when applying to the U.S. said the goal was “to put them out it didn’t become a separate branch Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of business, whether they were of service until 1947. He thinks it for benefits. making planes or ships.” should have become independent of It was late in the war and the the Army even before World War II Our assistance includes but is not limited to: Japanese had limited resources. ended. • Financial Assistance: Our Pledge “They had no fuel,” Keefe said. “That war was won by planes,” • Rent and mortgage payments “We never saw an enemy plane.” he said. When you come into the County Veterans Service Office you will be • Utilities: Gas, Electric and Water assisted by one of our knowledgeable associates. The people that work • Food and personal Hygiene items in the Medina County Veterans Service Office have a compassionate • Certain Medical understanding of the problems which confront veterans, widows, • Transportation to and from VA Medical Centers in Cleveland (Louis Stokes widowers, and their families. He served his country with honor, Hospital), Parma and Akron CBOC’s, Ohio Sincerely, • Grave markers and flags Veterans Service Staff now he needs your help. • Free Notary for Veterans & Families Service Assistance: Community Service Alliance serves northern Community Service Alliance • Preparations of forms and paperwork Ohio veterans emerging from homelessness. Fulton House • Documentation of claims and pertinent data These veterans need our support. 3387 Fulton Road • Proper submission of claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs thru a Cleveland, OH 44109 service organization Contact us: This holiday season, help a veteran by donating 216.351.0655 • Submission for awards decorations and medals to Community Service Alliance. Your gift is 100% • Notary Public & DD 214 Certification 210 Northland Dr. ‐ Medina, Ohio 44256 For more information or to tax deductible. donate online, you can visit [email protected] Our services are FREE of charge! No veteran should be homeless. comservealliance.org www.medinacountyveterans.org
✩18 DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 www.dd214chronicle.com www.dd214chronicle.com DD 214 Chronicle March/April 2018 ✩19 GrowinG StronGer CommunitieS.
we’re putting down deep roots and giving back to the communities we serve.
we think it’s only natural to cultivate meaningful relationships volunteering over 130,000 hours of their time. From refurbishing in the communities where we live and work. And at Dominion, homeless shelters to replenishing local food banks to cleaning that means we do more than write checks. So while we’re up parks to helping soldiers and their families, we’re donating very proud to invest more than $20 million in our communities the most precious resource of all: our energy. Learn more by annually, we’re even prouder of Dominion’s employees for visiting dom.com/foundation.