Silicon Valley Chapter Military Ofcers Association of America
Volume XVII Issue 2The
MG Robert B. Ostenberg, USA (RET)
1st Battalion 6th Infantry “Unity is Strength” Social Hour: 11:00 AM The chapter’s February luncheon speaker Luncheon: 11:45 AM will be Major General Robert B. Ostenberg, USA (RET), who will provide an illustrated Luncheon is $30.00 presentation of his 1971-72 Vietnam War See Back Page for Reservations experiences. Following Officer Candidate Form and Directions School, he served as a platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, and the 1st Regiment, 1st Cavalry of the 23rd Infantry CALENDAR OF EVENTS (Americal) Division. The Vietnam War 6 Feb Board Meeting 10:30 AM produced strategic and moral failures. 20 Feb Luncheon 11:00 AM Memoirs are often intended to (1) help 5 Mar Board Meeting 10:30 AM cont'd pg 3 19 Mar Luncheon 11:00 AM PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Hi All, ( Please note that John was not available and our past president Chuck filled in here ) I was in the airport in Atlanta the other day. A gentleman walked to the center of the main concourse and loudly announced that soldiers were about to depart for Iraq. And, sure enough, a long line of uniformed military walked across the concourse and proceeded to their gate for boarding. The applause and cheers were deafening. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm 70 years old now. In 1969 I was 29 in this same airport. I was OFFICERS, BOARD, AND CHAIRS coming home after my second and last tour with the U.S. Army Special PRESIDENT:CAPT John Hassenplug, USN Forces. After five and a half years I decided that was enough. Walking 650-224-7638 1st VP: Vacant down a concourse a greasy haired hippy walked up and spit on my boots 2nd VP: Vacant Secretary: COL Warren Enos Interim AUS and called me a baby killer. 408-245-2217 Treasurer: CDR Carl Honaker USN I was about to do something really harsh when two Marines 408-599-8532 Past President: Cpt Charles McDougald USA walked up and each took me by my arms and escorted me away from the 415-722-1009 encounter. "Sir," one of them said, "you do not want to do what you are DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS CALMOAA thinking about doing. It would cause you problems and only delay your CAPT Gil Borgardt USN 650-342-1270 Chaplain trip home." Col Don Bradley USAF 650-592-0915 Chapter Outreach We found refreshments down the hall and, after an adult beverage CWO5 Robert Landgraf USMC 408-323-8838 Commissary/Exchange Advisory or two, we wished each other safe journeys, and went on our respective vacant Friends-in-Need (FIN) Program ways. Capt Gio Picazo USAF 669-258-5057 Navy League Liaison One of the saddest moments in my life occurred that evening. LCDR Tom Winant USN 650-678-7120 Membership/Recruitment When I got home I told my mom I could not stay here, that, if I did, I CAPT John Hassenplug, USN 650-224-7638 Personal Affairs might hurt somebody. I can still hear my mom crying in the other room CAPT Robert French USN 650-549-8896 Programs while I'm on the phone to friends in Okinawa, my last duty station, telling CAPT Paul Barrish USN 408-356-7531 ROTC a friend I need a job, any job. CWO4 Patrick Clark USA 831-402-8548 Surviving Spouse Liason A few days later I was gone, back to Asia. I would spend 14 years vacant Scholarship away. It wasn't until 1982 that I felt comfortable enough to return. Capt Gio Picazo USAF 669-258-5057 Fast-forward to the present. We love, respect, and appreciate our Travel (Space-A Advisory) vacant men and women in uniform. That is the way it should be. GOD BLESS Veteran Affairs LtCol Neil Miles USAF 408-929-1142 AMERICA. Web Master LtCol Mike Sampognaro USAF 408-779-7389 Sergeant at Arms NEVER STOP SERVING vacant Strategic Planning Chuck Capt David Down ARNG 408-202-9360 Legislation LtCol Neil Miles USAF 408-929-1142 The Chapter Board meets at the Moffett Field We are planning to order Name Badges early Museum, Moffett Federal Airfield, the first Thursday of the month at 10:30am. this February for delivery at our luncheon. If DIRECTORS EMERITUS CAPT Lloyd McBeth USN 408-241-3514 you would like to order a badge please email: RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE (RAO) [email protected] ASAP Travis 707-424-3904 www.travisaf.mil tab Programs tab RAO Bulletin Editor WELCOME NEW MEMBERS LtCol. Mike Sampognaro, USAF [email protected] 408-779-7389 CPT Matthew J. Brazil, USA LTC Gregory Unangst, USAR – Ret
In Memorium CAPT John F. Oliver, USAF – Ret August 25, 1933 – December 14, 2019 (see pg 6)
Lt Col Paul A. Smith, Jr, USAF – Ret April 7, 1929 – January 2, 2020 (see pg 11) ` - 2 - FEBRUARY LUNCHEON cont'd troops and one air cavalry troop, D Troop. 1-1 soldiers-to-be understand what they’re in for; (2) to Cavalry served in Chu Lai, Da Nang, Tam Ky, and help veterans come to terms with what they’ve seen Thach Khe. MG Ostenberg is more than capable of and done; (3) and to help policymakers know what describing the psychological, moral, and spiritual they’re asking of the men they send into combat. stresses of combat Beyond photographs, this presentation and question and answer (Q&A) period to follow, at least in some small way, have the potential to offer insights into leadership, motivation, politics and personalities. MG Ostenberg will also be presenting the 50th Anniversary for the Vietnam War Commemoration Pin to those present that served honorably in the US military from 1 NOV 1955 - 15 May 1975, regardless of location. He will also provide some newly authorized pins for family members of deceased Veterans who meet the above One veteran suggests that it would be criteria. useful for the American people to hear Vietnam The 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division was War memoirs, not only to understand the reactivated again in 1967 in the jungles of Vietnam, effectiveness and efficiency by which soldiers fight and continued to serve with distinction for the in military operations, but also to understand the remainder of American combat operations in impact of combat on the Soldier and family. MG Vietnam. The division suffered an important defeat Ostenberg just might offer an incredible window at the Battle of Kham Duc but gave a solid for a time, based on his own personal experiences, performance during the Tet Offensive; in addition, in which to see and hear about the impact of war the division became notorious after a platoon of on its participants; the presentation in part might troops from the division led by Lieutenant William well be an effort to describe the common feelings Calley slaughtered hundreds of South Vietnamese that veterans share about the things they did, the civilians in the My Lai Massacre in March 1968. things they saw, and how they could make all that mesh with their lives back in the world. In addition to his Vietnam era remarks MG Ostenberg will provide a description of his service with USNORTHCOM with a focus on homeland defense and coordination of military resources, and how military capabilities could help cope with a disaster such as a catastrophic seismic event in the Bay Area. USNORTHCOM’s civil support mission includes domestic disaster relief During the first year of combat in Vietnam, operations that occur during fires, hurricanes, more than 100 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 6th floods, and earthquakes. The command provides Infantry were killed in action while hundreds more assistance to a Primary Agency when tasked by were wounded. In August 1967, the 1st Squadron, DOD. 1st Cavalry Regiment (1-1 Cavalry) was detached Following active duty MG Ostenberg from the 1st Armored Division and sent to U.S. joined the U.S. Army Reserves, 91st Division Army Pacific. On deployment to Vietnam in 1967, (Training), 2nd Brigade in San Jose and over time the squadron consisted of three armored cavalry and through a succession of assignments was cont'd pg 4 - 3 - appointed Deputy Division Commander JANUARY SPEAKER REPORT (Training). In 1998, Major General Ostenberg was n October 6, 2011 many Canadians, appointed Deputy Commanding General of the O especially those in remote areas of the Far 63rd Regional Readiness Command, Los Alamitos, North, lost all communications after Telesat’s Calif. In 2000 he was named Acting Chief of Staff, powerful Anik F2 satellite suddenly ceased United States Army Reserve Command, Fort operating. The disruption or “loss of earth lock” McPherson, Ga. Later that year he resumed his affected services for customers including Shaw Deputy Commanding General duties at the 63rd Direct TV, government agencies, and the Canadian Regional Support Command. In 2001, he became Press news agency. Other companies that use the Commanding General of the 63rd Regional frequencies that are primarily used for Wi-Fi, Support Command and, in 2003, he became the telecommunications and broadcast services, were Commanding General of the 63rd Regional also affected. Telesat said the satellite suddenly Readiness Command. In July 2005, Major General ceased functioning around 6:30 a.m. ET and turned Ostenberg assumed the duties of Director, Reserve away from the Earth as it is programmed to do in Forces, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Peterson safety mode. Services began resuming late the same Air Force Base, Colorado. day. Failures have happened before this incident and His military education includes Airborne might well happen again. School, Jungle Operations, Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College. In civilian life, Major General Ostenberg is an Advanced Field Underwriting Consultant for Financial and Estate Planning, Metropolitan Life, San Jose. ______SOURCE: Biography
Telesat’s Anik F2 satellite failure The January luncheon speaker was chapter member LCDR Brian Kosinski, USN (RET), a 26- year veteran now retired from Space Systems Loral in Palo Alto, a past reliability/failure professional who capped his career as VP, Mission Assurance. He said he preferred assignments with commercial rather than classified military satellites in part because “I can tell my spouse details about all the projects I work on;” otherwise, apparently, it was a matter of walking into the house at the end of the workday only to be told “it’s your turn to watch the kids.” Brian provided an illustrated satellite technology overview which included a description of satellites and their orbits, satellite complexity, components, the harsh environment of geosynchronous GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, test, launch, applications, and current and
cont'd pg 5 -- 44 -- future efforts to improve the human experience. people in need, creating opportunity in a After providing a history of his company, connected age. She is a heavy duty user of Brian explained that a satellite is an object that is in computers, satellites, and other technology and orbit around the Earth; that there are high and low tells the world, “All you need to lift people out of orbit applications; that satellites are used, for poverty is a laptop, power source, and satellite example, to predict the weather and observe how connection.” well crops are growing; that with 300,000 EEE parts in a typical GEO communications satellite, there is real complexity involved; that satellites are powered by solar energy, and that they can be as tall as a house or can weigh as much as an armored truck and even have wings that can be as long as a jetliner; that the environment of orbit is harsh indeed; that satellites are tested rigorously before a flight and that they must survive launch vibrations and acoustics.
Leila Janah Satellite failure is a real concern. Brian noted that his boss once told him that a first failure can indicate a trend and that a second failure will confirm the trend. So, much of Brian’s time was spent on failure investigation and analysis. He described one “Gotcha,” how failure can result from the growth of “tin whiskers.” Galaxy IV was a telecommunications satellite that was disabled and lost due to short Satellite applications include direct broadcast circuits caused by tin whiskers, a phenomenon satellites, two-way broadband, mobile which occurs in electrical devices when metals communications, entertainment, internet access, form long whisker-like projections over time. remote and global access, digital audio radio Little things matter for the trajectory of satellites, digital multi-media satellites, our lives. When a youngster and photographed in meteorological, mobile audio and data, mobile Florida, Brian said, “I’m sure glad my parents entertainment, and weather. Satellites provide brought me to the Cape; I want to build satellites communications where wires and cables can’t reach and help the world when I grow up.” A U.S. such as cruise ships, and satellites contribute to a Naval Academy graduate with a BS in Physics, better world by means of emergency services, search Brian went on to complete 12 years in the U.S, & rescue, telemedicine, distance learning, weather Navy which included 2 surface warfare shipboard monitoring, economic opportunities in remote tours, an MSEE from the Naval Postgraduate regions, and infrastructure around the world. There School Space Systems Engineering Curriculum, are literally thousands of satellites in orbit today! and an engineering duty office tour at Naval Brian told the story of Leila Janah, founder Research Laboratory. He then spent 26 years at of two companies that share a common social Space Systems Loral as Failure Review Chairman mission to end global poverty by giving work to on GOES weather satellite program, Reliability cont'd pg 6
- 5 - Section/Department Manager, Product Reliability August 1933-December 2019 Director, and VP Mission Assurance. He left the CAPT. JOHN F. OLIVER, USAF-RET Navy because “I once had some pain in my neck ong-time chapter member Capt. John Oliver, which resulted in a 17-1/2 hour life–threatening L USAF-Ret passed away peacefully surgery,” which caused him to understand, and December 14, 2019. He was a resident of San Jose. then caution others, that life is precious. Brian is He and his wife, Mariel, participated now retired and spends much of his time in actively in chapter events and activities and on one volunteer work and sharing lessons learned about occasion could be seen at a mid-summer interlude aging and certain principles and practices leading and luncheon meeting at Morgan Hill Cellars, to good health. taking advantage of the camaraderie, having good conversation, and simply enjoying a very pleasant early afternoon and buffet with good friends and acquaintances. According to chapter leader CDR Al Mouns, USN-RET, “John was a Peninsula Retired Officers Club (PROC), later renamed Silicon Valley Chapter Military Officers Association of America, member since at least 1997. He was a tax professional, an Enrolled Agent (EA), and he advertised his tax preparation business in the SVC newsletter, The Bulletin, for many years. He joined the Board of Directors before his health declined and only served a couple of months.” ______John received a BS in Engineering from SOURCE: Luncheon speaker Illinois Institute of Technology in 1956 and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma, an international college social fraternity. He entered the U.S. Air Force and served four years on active duty and later 27 years in the Air National Guard, retiring as a Captain. He worked as an industrial engineer for IBM for more than 25 years. He worked nights and weekends as a tax professional and even had time to collect stamps, research genealogy, read history books, and watch basketball and football games. He and Mariel were active members of the First Congregational Church community for more than 35 years. Al Mouns noted, “Over the years I ran into John at local stamp shows and tax guru gatherings.” May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall softupon your fields. And until we meet again, May God keep you in the hollow of his hand—Irish blessing. ______SOURCE: Obituary
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- 7 - UNITED STATES continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico NORTHERN COMMAND and the surrounding water out to approximately 500 U.S. Northern Command nautical miles. It also includes the Gulf of Mexico, (USNORTHCOM) was established Oct. 1, the Straits of Florida, plus portions of the 2002 to provide command and control of Caribbean region to include The Bahamas, Puerto Department of Defense (DOD) homeland Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The commander defense efforts and to coordinate defense of USNORTHCOM is responsible for theater support of civil authorities. USNORTHCOM security cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and The defends America's homeland — protecting our Bahamas. people, national power, and freedom of action. USNORTHCOM consolidates under a The commander of USNORTHCOM also single unified command existing missions that were commands the North American Aerospace previously executed by other DOD organizations. Defense Command (NORAD), a bi-national This provides unity of command, which is critical command responsible for aerospace warning, to mission accomplishment. It plans, organizes and aerospace control, and maritime warning for executes homeland defense and civil support Canada, Alaska and the continental United missions, but has few permanently assigned forces. States. The command is assigned forces whenever necessary to execute missions, as ordered by the president or secretary of defense, Civil service employees and uniformed members representing all service branches work at USNORTHCOM’s headquarters located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In providing civil support, USNORTHCOM generally operates through established Joint Task Forces subordinate to the command. An emergency must exceed the capabilities of local, state and The chapter’s February luncheon federal agencies before USNORTHCOM becomes speaker, MG Robert Ostenberg, has agreed to involved. In most cases, support will be limited, include a description of his three and a half year localized and specific. When the scope of the tour serving with USNORTHCOM. In July disaster is reduced to the point that the Primary 2005 he assumed the duties of Director, Agency can again assume full control and Reserve Forces, NORAD and management without military assistance, USNORTHCOM, Peterson Air Force Base, USNORTHCOM will exit, leaving the on-scene Colo. He will focus on the civil authorities experts to finish the job. support mission, specifically how military As the storm subsided, USNORTHCOM assets might be provided in the event of a forces deployed to the region, under the direction of disaster situation occurring in the San Francisco Joint Task Force Katrina commander Lieutenant Bay Area. General Russel Honoré and conducted recovery United States Northern Command operations at the request of civil authorities. More deters, detects, and defeats threats to the United than 22,000 personnel from every branch of the States, conducts security cooperation activities U.S. military participated in the effort which with allies and partners, and supports civil included search and rescue; security assessment, authorities. Its area of operations includes air, advice, and technical assistance; evacuation; land and sea approaches and encompasses the recovery of deceased persons; health and medical support; cont'd pg 9 - 8 - debris removal; restoration of infrastructure; MAJOR RENOVATION TO logistics, including distribution of food, water, and ice; temporary shelter; long-range THE BILTMORE IN 2020 communications; housing of FEMA officials and t will be business as usual for January relief workers; and provision of geospatial I and February 2020. nd products and evaluations. On March 2 , the renovation will start In 2018 General Terrence J. with the Hops Bar & Grill and Napa Valley Room O’Shaughnessy assumed command of NORAD space. This space will be converted to staff and U.S. Northern Command from General Lori offices, storage, and our new fitness center. th J. Robinson. Two major hurricanes impacted the On May 11 they will start the lobby and eastern seaboard and gulf coast regions of the Atrium. There will be a major renovation with lots United States. Hurricane Florence struck North of demolition, as they are increasing the ceiling and South Carolina and caused major flooding height in the front desk area by demolishing the throughout the region. Later Hurricane Michael second floor. When it is done, the Atrium area struck Mexico Beach (west of Panama City) and will be our restaurant for bar/dinner. We can still also Tyndall Air Force Base, home of the 325th host your luncheons during this time, but you Fighter Wing and First Air Force. The base would be in the meeting space at the back of the suffered catastrophic damage. hotel, and you would need to access it through the ______back of the hotel since the lobby would be torn up. th SOURCE: USNORTHCOM This should be completed by October 20 . On September 22nd 2020, they will start on the meeting space, and won’t be done until December 2nd. So we would not be able to accommodate your October or November luncheon. While all of this is going on they will be renovating our guest rooms in shifts. So, when it is all said and done, we will be reopening as the Delta Hotel by Marriott. It is going to be a messy, painful year, but when it is all said and done it will be worth it. It should be beautiful.
- 9 - Grassroots Legislation behalf of ROA Santa Clara County Unified H.R. 4183 ADVANCES TO SENATE Chapter GW/063 (California), led a forum to brief Reserve Organization of America (ROA)- U. S. Congressman Ro Khanna, California’s 17th A initiated bill to study VA disability and District, on the background behind the two (2) pension benefits provided (or denied) to National resolutions. The forum included testimony from Guard and reserve members has transitioned from two injured Air Force fighter pilots and an Army the House to Senate as S. 3110. This is primarily brigadier general who served in both gulf wars. a ROA Chapter #63 effort with Capt. Jerry After hearing their testimony, Congressman Kromrey, USAFR (Ret) providing the heavy Khanna committed to introduce appropriate lifting; however, Silicon Valley Chapter has legislation. become a partner with personal experience congressional testimony provided by Lt. Col. Neil Miles, USAF-Ret and direct support provided by several chapter leaders.
Sometimes injured and not treated Lt. Col. Jim McMichael This model demonstrates the most In reaction to the letter draft Lt. Col. Jim effective approach, the preferred local chapter McMichael, USAF (ret) wrote, “What began as a lobbying effort, as recommended by national painful trickle four years ago by me…has morphed MOAA and other experienced operatives. into a stream then a river. I cannot thank Captain In an article designed for publication in Jerry Kromrey enough for his tenacious bull dog the upcoming spring issue of the ROA effort working with the Honorable Ro Khanna and Department of the Golden West publication his staff. When we briefed the Congressman back Sentinel Capt. Kromrey explains, “S. 3110 is the in August 2018, the number of injured tactical Senate’s companion to H.R. 4183, Identifying pilots with Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) was Barriers and Best Practices Study Act, which around 1,800. The number of tactical pilots passed the House of Representatives on 17 responding and claiming they have experienced December 2019. On 19 December 2019 North RSI has swelled to over 3,700. About half that Carolina’s Senator Thom Tillis introduced it in number are Reservists or in the Guard. The the Senate where it resides (at this writing) in the remainder were/are AD. The 3,700+ is a huge Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. H.R. 4183 number. The efforts of Captain Kromrey, and its companion S. 3110 began as ROA Congressman Khanna and his staff…are helping a Resolutions 17-02, In-Flight Injuries to Pilots phenomenally large number of fellow officers. and Crew Members and 18-07 In-Theater “My symptoms manifested to where…I was Destruction of Medical Records.” hospitalized for 8 days just last month and then On 25 August 2018 Captain Kromrey, on back in the hospital this month. cont'd pg 11 - 10 - For each of you on this thread, your work and FIGHTING IN VIETNAM efforts on this matter have a profound cause and n 1972 Vietnam, then a lieutenant and effect on people's lives. This is about as real as it Itoday Major General Robert B. can get. If I were back in a squadron, I would Ostenberg, USA (RET), was serving with the 1st recommend having a naming and bestow the call Cavalry, 23rd Infantry Division. sign of Bull-Dog to Captain Jerry Kromrey. Since I Vietnamization/withdrawal was underway and in am not, I will always feel in my heart to call Jerry March the major North Vietnamese Easter that. Thanks big time bro! offensive began. The total U.S. military strength “Other veteran service organizations have in the South was 95,000 military personnel, only aligned with this cause such as the MOAA. Most 6,000 of which were combat troops. The North importantly and I might add affectively is the Red Vietnamese Army (NVA) attacked on three River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (RRVA). fronts, pouring across the border from North They have established a Medical Committee with a Vietnam and threatening Quang Tri, South workgroup that has some 4+ physicians on it Vietnam’s northernmost province. studying RSI in the fighter pilot community. The ROA however will always be known as the VSO that began this and had bull dogs like Captain Kromrey to fight for it. Push it up and SAWADEE!” ______SOURCE: ROA Chapter #63
Earlier in mid-1971 an American combat medic reported, “We made another combat assault with choppers. We moved up a very wide trail. You could almost drive a jeep through it. We started up the trail thirty minutes maybe when they hit us with machine guns, rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades. The trees were so large it stopped most of the shrapnel resulting in a few mild wounds. The 2nd Platoon made a sweep up the left side and the enemy hit us again. We made it to the top of the hill and the enemy was gone.”
- 11 - cont'd pg 12 By July 12th 1971, the end of the war was a major NVA attack against Quang Tri City for the United States appeared to be in sight. with the North Vietnamese using Soviet-supplied American troop strength was 236,000 and tanks and other armored equipment. Casualties decreasing at a rate of about 14,000 per month. among South Vietnamese troops were heavy. South Vietnamese forces often were engaging A U.S. M-48 tank driver provided an in heavy combat with one soldier commenting, account of his unit’s combat experiences, “We fire “At about the same time, on the hills of A perhaps five clips—20 rounds, really far fewer than Luoi, the enemy had overrun us, and artillery we should have, but we stop when the VC barrage in was called to fire on our own position. Men front of us halts abruptly. Echoes fade, the smoke seriously wounded were left behind, becoming clears, and the ringing in my ears subsides. Purple targets for artillery fire. The lightly wounded after-images of the bright tracer flashes remain burnt rushed to open ground, waiting for airlift by into my retina. The following morning the infantry helicopters. There were too many soldiers; swept the area in front of our position. The VC had they fought each other to get on the helicopter, run away so fast that they had left unfired weapons to hold onto the skids. I hate war. I detest behind.” war.” ______SOURCE: Vietnam War History
From March to July the NVA opened a new offensive. Mike Austin, a Cobra gunship pilot, said “The strangest, and probably the most fearsome, was the flechette rocket or ‘nail.’ Each warhead contained 2,200 steel nails with fins stamped on one end, resembling tiny darts. After the solid-fuel motor propelled the rocket to supersonic speed in under two seconds, the warhead exploded. The shower of nails hit the ground over the size of a football field.” On April 15th the bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong in North Vietnam started again for the first time since 1968. In late April 1972 the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) captured the city of Dak To. So far, more than 250,000 South Vietnamese civilians fled their homes. There
- 12 - 1ST BATTALION 6TH INFANTRY Operation Nantucket Beach was a security he 1st Battalion 6th Infantry served for operation during the Vietnam War conducted by T1,492 days of combat operations during the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry the war. As a point of historical reference, in WW Division on the Batangan Peninsula from 23 July II only 335 days passed between the time the 1969 to 10 March 1971. The Batangan Peninsula troops hit the beaches on D-Day in Normandy was a Vietcong (VC) stronghold and the scene of until the German military forces surrendered frequent operations throughout the war. The 6th unconditionally on May 7, 1945. Infantry Regiment and the Army of the Republic MG Robert Ostenberg, USA (RET), the of Vietnam ARVN 6th Regiment, 2nd Division chapter’s February speaker, served as a platoon were scheduled to conduct security and leader with First Battalion 6th Infantry shortly pacification operations throughout the area. after he completed U. S. Army Officers Candidate On 5 January Company D, 1/6th engaged School and was commissioned a second 10 VC killing 1 and capturing 1 weapon. On 9 lieutenant. January Company A, 1/6th Infantry engaged 7 VC On May 17, 1967, the 1st Battalion 6th killing 6. On 11 January 1/6th killed 3 VC and Infantry was reorganized as a standard infantry captured 1 weapon. On 15 January Company D, battalion and was assigned to the 198th Infantry 1/6th engaged and killed 2 VC. On 20 January Brigade. The Battalion was the first element Company A, 1/1st Cavalry detonated two booby ashore in Vietnam, arriving in October 1967 to traps resulting in 1 US killed. On 21 January, participate in its thirty fifth battle campaign and Troop D, 1/1st Cavalry’s aero rifle platoon killed ninth war. 13 VC and captured 2 weapons and 2 suspects. On 22 January, Troop D, 1/1st Cavalry swept the same area and found 6 weapons. On 25 January while on a search and clear mission Company D. 1/6th detonated a "Bouncing Betty” Anti- personnel mine killing 1 US soldier. During the first week of February mechanical ambushes killed 2 VC. On 7 February Company C, 1/6th engaged 6 VC killing 1 and capturing 1 and 3 During the first year of combat in weapons. Vietnam, over 100 soldiers from the Battalion The operation concluded on March 10th were killed in action while hundreds more were 1971. U.S. losses were 51 killed; PAVN/VC wounded. The brave soldiers of the 1st Battalion losses were 630 killed and 38 captured and 212 6th Infantry left a legacy of sacrifice and weapons captured. dedicated service in Vietnam that will not be ______forgotten. SOURCE: 1st Battalion 6th Infantry During their participation in Operation NANTUCKET BEACH from 22 Mar 70 to 14 Jun 71, the Regulars from the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (AMERICAL) operated out of Landing Zone (LZ) Dottie, BS 630 855. The facility served as an infantry battalion base camp and Fire Support Base (FSB). - 13 - M113 PERSONNEL CARRIER paddy dikes and small streams, while crews were he M113 is a full-tracked armored trained to recover their vehicles with winches, Tpersonnel carrier (APC) and was the most cables and beams. The M113s gave squads widely used armored vehicle of the U.S. Army in greater mobility while the armor protected the Vietnam War, earning the nickname “Green anyone inside from small arms fire and shell Dragon” by the Viet Cong as it was used to break fragments. However, the carriers were vulnerable through heavy thickets in the midst of the jungle to to mines and men often preferred to sit on top of attack and overrun enemy positions. It was known their vehicle rather than sweat it out inside. Some as an “APC” or an “ACAV,” armored cavalry squads stacked sandbags inside to absorb an assault vehicle, by the allied forces. explosion but the added weight reduced speed and range.
MG Robert Ostenberg, USA (RET), the chapter’s February speaker, served in Vietnam with the 1st Regiment, 1st Cavalry, 23rd Infantry 1/1st Cavalry served with Task Force Division in 1972 and might well have been aboard Oregon before joining 23rd Division. The the M-113 during combat operations. squadron had twenty-one officers, two warrant The Vietnam War was the first combat officers and 240 enlisted men organized into a opportunity for "mechanized" infantry, a headquarters troop and three armored cavalry technically new type of infantry with its roots in troops, A, B and C. The troops were equipped the armored infantry of World War II, now using with M113A1 armored personnel carriers (APCs) the M113 armored personnel carrier. Armored for reconnaissance and M48A3 tanks (replaced cavalry squadrons in Vietnam consisted largely of by the M551 Sheridan) for firepower. Troop D M113s. The M113s were instrumental in was an Air Cavalry Squadron armed with conducting Reconnaissance in Force (RIFs), search observation, transport and helicopter gunships for and destroy missions and large invasions/ aerial reconnaissance. incursions such as the Laos Operation Lam Son in 1971, all of which used the M113 as the primary work horse for moving the ground armies. While operating with cavalry and armor units, the M113s often worked in conjunction with U.S. M-48 Patton and M551 Sheridan tanks. The M113, and its variants, was a lightweight aluminum armored personnel carrier and its low ground pressure allowed the carrier to operate in many areas of South Vietnam, even The Troop was organized into a headquarters during the monsoon season. It was able to cross and three platoons and although organization cont'd pg 15 - 14 - often varied, it had around five officers and 192 m enlisted men. Twenty-two M113s acted as ______command vehicles and personnel carriers. Nine SOURCE: Wikipedia M48 tanks gave direct close support while three M125 81mm mortar carriers gave indirect support. Each platoon was led by a lieutenant and he led six M113s, one mortar carrier and three tanks. The tank section had three M48A3s and it was led by the lead tank’s commander; his two tanks were controlled by tank commanders. All three tanks had a driver, a gunner and a loader.
______SOURCE: 1/1ST Cavalry History
“The only cure for seasickness is to sit under a tree” - 15 - LOCKHEED MARTIN SATELLITES A2100 commercial geosynchronous satellites, the ockheed Martin Space is one of the four Arabsat 6A, SaudiGeoSat-1/HellasSat-4, World Lmajor business divisions of Lockheed View-4 and JSAT-17. Arabsat-6A is a Lockheed Martin. It has its headquarters in Denver, Martin-built communications satellite operated by Colorado with additional sites in Sunnyvale, Arabsat and owned by the Arab League. The California; Santa Cruz, California; Huntsville, satellite was successfully launched from Kennedy Alabama; and elsewhere in the US and UK. Space Center by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy on April The division currently employs about 16,000 11, 2019. people, and its most notable products are commercial and military satellites, space probes, missile defense systems, NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, and the Space Shuttle External Tank. The company provides the USAF, US Navy, and allied military agencies with surveillance, early warning and navigation satellites including space-based infrared systems (SBIRS), global positioning systems (GPS), a mobile User objective system Now a critical element of U.S. national (MUOS). Heritage programs include GPS-IIR, security, military satellite communications delivers Milstar, and the defense meteorological satellite vital connectivity to armed forces around the globe, (DMSP. The global positioning system (GPS) making warfighters safer and more effective. The is a satellite-based radio navigation system Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) owned by the US government and operated by system provides vastly improved global, survivable, the United States Air Force. It is a global protected communications capabilities for strategic navigation satellite system that provides command and tactical warfighters operating on the geolocation and time information to a GPS ground, sea and in the air. receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where ______there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation more GPS satellites.
Lockheed Martin also is in the commercial space business providing a wide variety of communication and Earth observation satellite products to US and foreign commercial entities, some of which include
- 16 - AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND The RTSs provide the link between the satellites ir Force Space Command (AFSPC) is a and the SOCs. A similar relationship exists for Amajor command of the United States Air dedicated networks, which are outside the purview Force (USAF) with its headquarters at Peterson of the AFSCN. RTSs around the world are needed Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and to maintain frequent communications with the is subordinate to U.S. Space Command. AFSPC satellite. Without RTSs, the SOCs would only be supports military operations worldwide through able to contact a satellite when it came into the the use of many different types of space control center's view. Some satellites, especially operations, and is the primary space force for the those in geo-stationary orbit, never come within U. S. Armed Forces. view of their control center. The Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) provides support for the operation, control, and maintenance of a variety of United States Department of Defense and some non- DoD satellites. This involves continual execution of Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C) operations. In addition, the AFSCN provides prelaunch checkout and simulation, launch support, and early orbit support while satellites are in initial or transfer orbits and require maneuvering to their final orbit. The AFSCN provides tracking data to help maintain The AFSCN maintains the tracking stations, the catalog of space objects and distributes which are used to track (primarily) US government various data such as satellite ephemeris, agency & military satellites, as well as receive and almanacs, and other information. process telemetry and send commands to these satellites. Said facilities are intended to support all Department of Defense satellites. Most tracking stations are operated by operational detachments of the 21st Space Operations Squadron (21 SOPS) and 23d Space Operations Squadron. Many scientific and research satellites are supported as well. One such tracking station is Vandenberg Tracking The AFSCN consists of satellite control Station (VTS), California; call sign COOK. This is centers, tracking stations, and test facilities a dual-sided station which provides normal on-orbit located around the world. Satellite Operations support but also provides pre-launch checkouts and Centers (SOCs) are located at Schriever Air launch support for the Western Test Range at Force Base near Colorado Springs, Colorado, Vandenberg Air Force Base. and various other locations throughout the President Donald Trump on December 20, continental United States. These SOCs are 2019 signed into law the US Space Force, the sixth manned around the clock and are responsible for military branch and first devoted to organizing, the command and control of their assigned training, and equipping personnel to use and defend satellite systems. military space assets. The US military now has a The SOCs are linked to remote tracking Space Force and a Space Command — the latter stations (RTSs) around the world. Space vehicle will oversee space operations using personnel and checkout facilities are used to test launch assets managed by the former. vehicles and satellite platforms to ensure that the ______onboard systems operate within specifications. SOURCE: Air Force Space Command - 17 - THE WATCH but he still stood the watch. He stood the watch for thirty years. For twenty-two years, He stood the watch so that we, our families and This Sailor has stood the watch. Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety each and every night, knowing that a sailor stood the watch.
While some of us were in our bunks at night, This Sailor stood the watch. Today we are here to say “Shipmate…the watch While some of us were in school learning our stands relieved, trade, relieved by those you have trained, guided and led. This shipmate stood the watch. Shipmate you stand relieved.…..we have the watch.” Yes…even before some of us were born into this ______world, SOURCE: Retirement Ceremony This shipmate stood the watch. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT His nurse, his wife, his daughter and two sons are with him. He asks for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder in place to record his last wishes. When all is ready he begins to speak. “My son, Bernie, I want you to take the Ocean Reef houses.” “My daughter Sybil, you take the apartments between mile markers 100 and Tavernier.” “My son, Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the Marathon Government Center.” “Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the bay side of Blackwater In those years when the storm clouds of war Sound.” were seen The nurse and witnesses are blown away as they brewing on the horizon of history, did not realize his extensive holdings, and as Doug This shipmate stood the watch. slips away, the nurse says…. Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see “Mrs. Pender, your husband must have been such his family standing there and a hard-working man to have accumulated all this needing his guidance and help. property.” Needing that hand to hold during those hard The wife replies, “He had a paper route.” times, - 18 - NASA SATELLITES launched into. Common types include military o planet is better studied than the one we and civilian Earth observation satellites, Nactually live on. NASA’s fleet of 18 Earth communications satellites, navigation satellites, science missions in space, supported by aircraft, weather satellites, and space telescopes. Space ships and ground observations, measure aspects of stations and human spacecraft in orbit are also the environment that touch the lives of every satellites. person around the world. They study everything from the air we breathe, to rain and snow that provide water for agriculture and communities, to natural disasters such as droughts and floods, to the oceans, which cover 70 percent of Earth’s surface and provide food for many people around the world. Satellites and instruments on the International Space Station circle the whole globe, seeing both where people live and those remote Satellites can operate by themselves or as parts of deserts, mountains and the vast oceans part of a larger system, a satellite formation or that are difficult if not impossible to visit. With satellite constellation. Orbits vary greatly, instruments in space, scientists can get data for the depending on the purpose of the satellite, and are whole globe in detail that they can’t get anywhere classified in a number of ways. Well-known else. (overlapping) classes include low Earth orbit, polar orbit, and geostationary orbit. Satellites are launched from a land-based launch pad, from the sea off a submarine, mobile maritime platform, or even aboard an airplane. Satellites are usually semi-independent computer-controlled systems. Subsystems attend many tasks such as power generation, thermal control, telemetry, attitude control, scientific instrumentation, communication, etc. In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is During the last five decades space agencies an object that has been intentionally placed into have sent thousands of space crafts, space orbit. These objects are called artificial satellites capsules, or satellites to the universe. In fact, to distinguish them from natural satellites such as weather forecasters make predictions on the Earth’s moon. On October 4th 1957 the Soviet weather and natural calamities based on Union launched the world’s first artificial satellite, observations from these satellites. NASA Sputnik 1. Since then, about 8,900 satellites from introduced an Earth Observing System (EOS) more than 40 countries have been launched. composed of several satellites, science According to a 2018 estimate, some 5,000 remain component, and data system described as the in orbit; of those, about 1,900 were operational Earth Observing System Data and Information while the rest have lived out their useful lives and System (EOSDIS). It disseminates numerous become space debris. science data products as well as services designed Satellites are used for many purposes. for interdisciplinary education. Among several other applications, they can be ______used to make star maps and maps of planetary SOURCE: National Aeronautics and Space surfaces and also take pictures of planets they are Administration
- 19 - Book Review Ardennes offensive. Despite being vastly THE LONGEST WINTER outnumbered, they were told to hold their position he Battle of the Bulge, December 16, 1944 "at all costs." Throughout the day, the platoon T– January 25, 1945, was a major German repulsed three large German assaults in a fierce attack near the end of World War II, in Belgium, day-long battle, killing hundreds of German France, and Luxembourg. The attack surprised soldiers. Only when they had run out of Allied forces. It became the worst battle in terms ammunition did they surrender to the enemy. But of casualties for the United States. It also used up their long winter was just beginning. huge amounts of Germany’s war-making resources. After the defeat, many experienced German units lacked men and equipment. The battle involved about 610,000 American men, of whom some 89,000 were casualties, including 19,000 killed and 47,500 wounded, with 23,400 captured or missing. Eight hundred (800) American tanks were lost. It was the largest and most deadly battle fought by the United States in World War II. As POWs, the platoon experienced an ordeal far worse than combat-surviving in wretched German POW camps. Yet miraculously the men of the platoon survived--all of them--and returned home after the war. More than thirty years later, when President Carter recognized the platoon's "extraordinary heroism" and the U.S. Army approved combat medals for all eighteen men, they became America's most decorated platoon of World War II.
There were celebrations at home and abroad during the 2019 Christmas Season as Americans and Allies alike celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The 2004 book by Alex Kershaw, The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II’s Most Decorated Platoon, tells how the platoon stopped Germany’s leading assault in the Ardennes forest and With the same vivid and dramatic prose that prevented Hitler’s most fearsome tanks from made The Bedford Boys a national bestseller, Alex overtaking American positions. Kershaw brings to life the story of these little- On the morning of December 16, 1944, known heroes--an epic tale of courage, duty, and eighteen men of the Intelligence and survival in World War II and one of the most Reconnaissance platoon attached to the 99th inspiring episodes in American history. The Infantry Division found themselves directly in the Longest Winter is an intensely human story about path of the main thrust of Hitler's massive young men who find themselves in frightening cont'd pg 21 - 20 - wartime situations, who fight back instinctively, REMEDY FOR LONELINESS survive stoically, and live heroically. n mid-December 2019 Pope Francis told One reviewer wrote, “My father-in-law was I senior workers that the world’s future rests a member of the Greatest Generation and served as a on a dialogue between the older and younger trooper of the 99th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, generations, while urging seniors to engage in 99th Infantry Division, from its formation in late volunteer work as a remedy for loneliness. 1942 through the end of WWII. Part of his Recon “Members of the older generation are a Troop provided support to elements of the 394th resource and a wealth, having the memory of a Infantry Regiment, forward of Elsenborn Ridge in people,” he said. This is demonstrated by their the opening days of the Battle of the Bulge. He contribution to voluntary activities, which are never talked about the war with his family until he precious opportunities to live the dimension of reached age 75, and then I heard WWII stories from gratuitousness, suggesting that such work offers a this WWII veteran that later came to life as I read series of benefits. The pontiff also proposed that this book. He once described the 394th I&R Platoon keeping busy, or “active aging,” helps keeps the as "about 20 guys, and they were cut off, and they mind fresh while staving off loneliness. held out, and they held up the whole German “Commitment to others can counteract the advance". That was all I knew until I read this perception of loneliness, improve cognitive book.” performance, and improve mental well-being,” he And another wrote, “Alex Kershaw is a continued. “In other words, engaging in national treasure. His writings on World War II are volunteering promotes what is called ‘active aging,’ the most thoroughly researched, most clearly and helping to improve the quality of life once best written I have encountered. He is a master of important dimensions of one’s identity are no making WWII history come to life through longer present, such as the professional role after interviews and detail. If you're interested in WWII retirement.” and haven't read anything by Kershaw, The Longest “Recent growth of the presence of mature Winter is one of his best.” citizens in volunteering and associations is an The Longest Winter might be available at a optimal ground for the living an active seniority,” local library, as it is at the Sunnyvale library he said, “while allowing seniors to be effective 940.5421 KThe book is available from Amazon for agents of solidarity.” As much as possible, those $15.38 new in paperback and both new and used with wisdom and experience must continue as copies can be purchased from an Amazon second “active actors,” providing intergenerational seller from $7.07, or wherever fine books are sold. solidarity. The dreams of older generation members ______are imbued with memory and therefore are SOURCE: DaCapo Press fundamental for the journey of the younger generations. According to Pope Francis, “the older generation provides the sap which makes the tree grow, makes it bloom, and gives new fruits.” Silicon Valley Chapter board members and others are doing everything they can to invite members of the local military community into an authentic relationship, to provide opportunities for leadership and service, to volunteer to help carry out the chapter’s purposes. Life is not meant to be lived in isolation and we cannot become who we cont'd pg 22 - 21 - ID CARD RENEWAL SVC WEBSITES If you need to renew your Our Chapter website is www.siliconvalleymoaa. Military ID there is a new org, a shorter link is www.svcmoaa.org. You can Office located across the also get to it from the national MOAA site: Put the cursor over Chapters and select Chapter street from the Navy Lodge. 685 Vernon Ave Locator, CA, then Silicon Valley Chapter. From Mountain View, CA 94043 there you may link over to our primary website Commercial: (650) 526-9891 above. Our home page has links for The Bulletin and eBulletin. B
TRICARE FOR LIFE SERVICE For assistance, contact the Wisconsin Physicians Service www.tricare4u.com 866-773-0404
Members can report the death of a retiree through the Retire Activity Office (RAO). The You can make an appointment Online with phone number is at Travis 707-424-3904 You can also notify a MOAA member’s the RAPIDS Appointment Scheduler death to: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd. MOAA, Attn: MSC, mil/appointment/building.aspx? 201 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA BuildingId=408&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 22314-2539. Or: Call 1-800-234-6622 Or: E-mail: [email protected]. Notify SVC- Cont'd from pg 21 MOAA by phoning the Membership Chair– see listing on page 2 of The Bulletin. want to be without others. Being a part of community is messy and complicated at times, but FREE Membership it’s also a beautiful mosaic of diversity and unity While members 90 years of age and older are not required to pay annual dues, when done right. donations to one of the chapter funds Chapter members can offer a few hours of (Scholarship, SVC, USO, PAWS, Blue their time to assist others in need, thus enriching Star Moms, KnowAVet ) are always themselves. Volunteering is an experience that is needed and much appreciated good for both those who receive it and those who do it. The FBI's website to report a The chapter is at its best when members are Cyber Incident may be helpful to serving others, engaging in a two-way relationship, some. often discovering life-changing friendships. Those https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx who would like to become more active, meet and spend some time with other military professionals, utilize leadership and/or administrative skills, perhaps chair or serve on a committee, are encouraged to contact any officer or director listed on page 2 of The Bulletin. ______- 22 - SOURCE: Board of Directors Membership Application and Renewal Form ( Revised 4/19 ) Please complete form fully Silicon Valley Chapter Military Officers Association of America Mail to: SVC-MOAA P.O. Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035 Date______Annual Dues: $30.00 (Surviving Spouse - New member - Those over 90 - Dues are not charged, donations gratefully accepted) Enroll Me As: New Member____Renewing Member____Emeritus( over 90yrs)__Surv Spouse___ Donation to SVC Fund $______Donation to Scholarship Fund $______Donation to PAWS $______Donation to USO $______Donation to KnowAVet $____ Donation to South Bay Blue Star Moms $______(All Donations are Tax Deductible) Total: $______Make checks payable to SVC-MOAA and mail to above address. Status: Active___Reserve____ Guard___Retired____Former Officer___ If you are a new chapter member, please advise us how you learned about this chapter. ______Name:______/______/___/______/______Last First MI Rank Service Your Date of Birth______Spouse’s Name______Address:______/______Number Street (P.O. Box, etc.) Apt/Suite City______State______Zip______/______5 Digit 4 Digit Phone(____)______E-mail______SVC Dues are due 1 January and are separate from National MOAA Dues. SVC Dues support the Bulletin and Administrative functions. Luncheons are self-supporting.
- 23 - Silicon Valley Chapter of the NONPROFIT ORG Military Officers Association of America US POSTAGE P.O. Box 2 PAID Moffett Field, CA 94035 SAN JOSE CA PERMIT NO. 1223
February 2020
LOCATION – BILTMORE HOTEL -- 2151 LAURELWOOD RD, SANTA CLARA, CA DIRECTIONS: Going North on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague; then Right on Laurelwood. Going South on Hwy 101: Exit at Montague/San Tomas, then Montague, then Right on Laurelwood. ------Cut Here------Cut Here------****LUNCHEON RESERVATION FORM**** Now you can make reservations online: www.svcmoaa.org Deadline to reach SVC no later than 14 Feb. If you have not sent in your reservation form by the above date and still wish to attend, please call Carl Honaker 408-599-8532 LUNCHEON PRICE - $30.00 Times: Social Hour 11:00 AM, Luncheon 11:45 AM Please reserve ______places for the 20 Feb Luncheon A TOTAL of $______including a donation of $______for (circle one) Scholarship, PAWS, USO, South Bay Blue Star Moms, KnowAVet or SVC Fund Make checks payable to: SVC MOAA Mail to: SVC MOAA, PO Box 2 Moffett Federal Airfield, CA 94035-0002 RESERVE IN THE NAME OF: ______Missin