EX-POW BULLETIN the official voice of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Volume 67 www .axpo w .or g Number 7/8
July/August 2010
We exist to help those who cannot help themselves
2010 Election Issue At the recent meeting of the Barbed-Wire Mountaineer Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, the members celebrated the 99th birthday of Paul Lovell of Bridgeport, WV. The group is planning their up- coming annual convention in June. Members in attendance who honored Mr. Lovell are: sitting L to R are Patsy Palmeri, Paul Lovell, and Okey DeRaimo. Standing L to R, Okla Edgell (state commander), Edward Young, Alfred Corbin, William Skinner, Thomas Mathews, Charles Brown, and Benjamin Portaro.
Presentation of “Four Seasons of the Smoky Moun- tains” to the Ben T. Atchley Veterans’ Home in Knoxville, TN. The presenters were Ex-POW Ralph Neal and wife, Doris, on behalf of the Smoky Moun- tain Chapter. The seasonal photographs were given to Ralph and Doris as Christmas gifts by Randy Neal with the request that they be donated to a worthy recipient. Ralph and Doris’ choice of recipient was the new Ben Atchley Veterans Nursing Home.
Identification of photos: Photo 1: Back: Doris Neal, Ralph Neal, Cmdr. Bonnie Weatherford, Activities Director Jennie Howell. Foreground: Ex-POWs Don Abernathy, Dewey Large and Ralph Galyon, members of Smoky Mountain Chapter and residents at Nursing Home.
Photo 2: From left: Ex-POW Bill Robinson, Sr. Vice Com- mander, Smoky Mountain Chapter; Ex-POW Ralph Neal and wife, Doris; Smoky Mountain Chapter Cmdr., Bonnie Weatherford.
Photo 3: From left: Ex-POWs Dewey Large, Ralph Neal and Bill Robinson and Chapter Cmdr. Bonnie Weatherford.
Photos by: Randy Neal table of contents July/August 2010 officers/directors 4 commander/HQ 5 This is the annual convention/election issue. Please see pages 22-29 outreach/success 6 for hotel/registration information, resolutions, voting procedures and medsearch 8 candidates for office. Delegate forms have been sent to chapters and namPOW 12 departments. If you are planning to vote as a member-at-large, please andersonville 13 fill out and send in the Delegate Form printed in the Bulletin. We look tiger survivors 14 pow/mia 15 forward to seeing many of you in Georgia! events, info, looking for 16 members forum 17 Convention Program Ads! It’s time to get your ad in for the 2009 voluntary funding 18 convention! Don’t miss out! The deadline is August 1, 2009. news 19 convention 22 Your Ways & Means Committee has worked with VISA and CardPartners biographies 30 to offer our members a custom AXPOW Credit Card. You can fill out contributions 32 your application on line or call National Headquarters and they’ll make taps 33 sure you get one. Commander Hanson talks about the fundraising new members 37 potential this card offers. NEW CREDIT CARD 38 raffle/Ads 39 The 2011 AXPOW Calendar, featuring camp cartoons, is ready to be quartermaster 41 mailed. Look for it in your postbox! Copy and pictures come together to make a sought-after and treasured mini-history of the prisoner of war experience and AXPOW.
Summer is in full swing! Attend your State Department conventions Publisher and picnics! Fly your flag proudly! Make plans for Albany Georgia and PNC Maurice Sharp our National Convention in September! 9716 54th Street CT West University Place, WA 98467-1118 The Memorial (253) 565-0444 Service at the [email protected] National Convention will be held at Editor Cheryl Cerbone Andersonville 23 Cove View Drive National Historic South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Site on Thursday, (508) 394-5250 September 23, 2010. (508) 760-2008 fax Join us! [email protected]
Deadline for the Sept/Oct 2010 issue is Aug 1, 2010. Here’s a great idea: Grab your grandkids and have Please send all materials to the them bring you to the most wonderful convention! editor at the above address.
EX-POW Bulletin (ISSN 0161-7451) is published bi-monthly (six times annually) by the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76010. Periodical postage paid at Arlington, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to EX-POW Bulletin, AXPOW Headquarters, 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396. Founded April 14, 1942, in Albuquerque, NM, then known as Bataan Relief Organization, Washington State non- profit corporation, “American Ex-Prisoners of War”, October 11, 1949, recorded as Document No. 133762, Roll 1, Page 386-392. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. Nationally Chartered August 10, 1982. Appearance in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the American Ex-Prisoners of War of the product or service advertised. The publisher reserves the right to decline or discontinue any such advertisement. © 2010 American Ex-Prisoners of War
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 3 axpow officers & directors 2009-2010 National Headquarters - Clydie J. Morgan, Adjutant 3201 E. Pioneer Pkwy, #40, Arlington, TX 76010 (817) 649-2979 (817) 649-0109 fax [email protected] Officers North East Region Directors Mid-Central Region Franklin R. Koehler National Commander Grover L. Swearingen 243 Torrey Pines Dr. 408 Fair Park Avenue Kenny H Hanson Toms River, NJ 08757 West Union, OH 45693 9401 Lyndale Ave S #228 (732) 244-4629; (732) 505-8702 fax (937) 544-2459 Bloomington MN 55420 [email protected] [email protected] (952) 888-2703 – Voice [email protected] Laura McIntyre Deanie Schmidt PO Box 475 1001 Parkview Blvd. #316 National Senior Vice Commander Hardwick, MA 01037 Columbus, OH 43219 Morris Barker (413) 477-8260 (413) 477-0172 fax (614) 372-0788 710 Chapel View [email protected] [email protected] Waco, Tx 76712 (254) 732-5640 East Central Region South Central Region [email protected] Judy Lee James L. Lollar PO Box 248 292 VZ CR 3727 Madisonville, TN 37354 Wills Point, TX 75169 National Treasurer (423) 442-3223; (423) 442-4702 fax (903) 560-1734; (903) 560-1705 fax Sonnie Bill Mottern [email protected] [email protected] 279 Huckleberry Road Bluff City, Tenn. 37618 Paul E. Galanti Pam Warner Eslinger (423) 542-1824; (423) 542-3469 fax 21 Maxwell Road PO Box 117 [email protected] Richmond, VA 23226 Hammon, OK 73650 (804)389-1668 (580) 473-2783 National Judge Advocate [email protected] [email protected] Dave Drummond 1 Crane Court Southeast Region Northwest Region Manalapan, NJ 07726 Wm “Bill” Jeffers Bonnie Sharp (732) 446-4198 3522 Millbrook Way Cr 9716 54th Street CT West [email protected] Greenacres, FL 33463 University Place, WA 98467-1118 (561) 969-6036 (253) 565-0444 National Chaplain [email protected] [email protected] James H. Beaver PO Box 2103 Sid Hecker Southwest Region Abingdon, VA 24212 7730 Laie Place Milton “Skip” Moore (276) 623-0875 Diamondhead, MS 39525 2965 Sierra Bermeja [email protected] (228) 493-7605 Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 [email protected] (520) 459-7295; (520) 533-3757 fax Jr. Vice Commanders [email protected] Charles Susino - Eastern Zone North Central Region 136 Jefferson Street John W Clark Lewis “Lew” Sleeper Metuchen, NJ 08840 1201 S Johnmeyer Ln 6636 E Villa Dorado Columbia MO 65203 (732) 549-5775 phone & fax Tucson, AZ 85715 (573) 445-3621 (520) 751-9628 Voice [email protected] Carroll Bogard - Central Zone (520) 490-1082 Cell 726 N. Carolina Place [email protected] Larry Dwyer Mason City, IA 50401 814 Woodlawn Ave. (641) 424-4870 Senior Director Muscatine, IA 52761 PNC Jim Clark (563) 263-5249 PNC James Cooper - Western Zone 214 Oakdale PO Box 65 Bastrop, LA 71220-2330 Douglas, AZ 85608 (318) 281-5505 phone & fax (520) 364-8582; (520) 805-9401 fax [email protected] [email protected] Committee addresses appear with their columns Good news! As many of you know, friends as well), we will painlessly Bank of America has dropped the add $200,000 to our treasury! American Ex-Prisoners of War That’s $200,000, with a percentage Credit Card. We are prompt payers also being deposited for each and good credit risks, and Bank of month’s purchases. The card has no America didn’t think they were annual fee. Please think about ap- making any money on us, so they plying for it; either on line through just stopped offering the credit the advertisement in this Bulletin, card. After much scrambling, our or by calling Headquarters and re- Ways and Means Committee has questing a paper application form. found a new bank willing – actually This is the easiest way I know to happy – to have our business. It is show your support of AXPOW and UMB Bank, which is highly rated. financially support us as well. National Commander They are offering a platinum VISA Kenny H Hanson card through CardPartners, which Hope to see you in Georgia in Sep- will pay $50.00 for each new ac- tember. I want to start this message by pay- count. Just think about it. If only ing proper homage to our many 20% of our members carry this new Til next time. hardworking National Service Offic- card, or 4,000 members (and this ers. The vast majority of our NSOs can include family members and Kenny do their work on their own nickel. Fred Campbell, our Outreach Chair- man has been working tirelessly to National Headquarters has been re- obtain benefits for our members ceiving a lot of calls and emails re- news even though he is confined to his garding and IRS letter requesting home because of disabilities. the chapters and departments to E- from File. After several telephone calls to Lately, I have been busy attending IRS, we have an answer for you. hq state conventions. Around the end Toss ‘em. of April, I attended the Missouri state convention, from there we went across to Nashville to attend the Tennessee state convention. We not matter to the IRS that left Nashville just in time to avoid you are covered under the flooding there. Then we went National’s group filing. home to attend our own Minnesota You do not have to file state convention. The first half of with IRS. If you continue June was the Arizona and Texas to receive letters about conventions. Then in August, we this, please contact Na- will travel to Columbus, Ohio for tional Headquarters and their state convention. I have had we will handle it for you. to turn down a couple of invitations (See letter at left from to state conventions because of IRS) conflicts in schedules. Clydie and Sonnie Please keep our presumptives in mind and call or write your Con- gress people to urge their support. Right now, we are especially push- ing for Diabetes as a presumptive for former POWs. Rep. Gus Bilirakis introduced the bill in the House. It is HR 944. Please ask your Repre- sentative to call Rep. Bilirakis’ of- fice at 202-225-5755. In the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray introduced the The letters were sent out to all Ex-POW Bulletin bill, S977. Have both of your sena- small non-profits to ensure that all tors call Sen. Murray’s office at 202- non-profits stayed current. It did July/August 2010 224-2621. 5 husband’s grandfather died of ALS 1. A call comes from Betty in VA Outreach at age 43 and was in the US Army in Rocky Mount, NC, her deliciously WWI. My husband’s father died of drippy southern accent bespoke, “I S*O*O*N ALS at age 55. My husband died of just had to call to thank you. It blows ALS at 43. He was never in military my mind! I read that Dear Abby col- Before it’s too late service, but I am wondering if I umn last July, 2009, and got my claim should be eligible for the DIC because in on July 27th. It’s been a long wait, of familial amytrophic lateral sclero- but…IT BLOWS MY MIND!...today I sis, ALS. It is so obvious that my hus- got a retroactive check for $20,600. band got ALS because grandfather And I’m going to receive $1,154 a got it in WWI and his father got it month from now on. Thank you so from him. What do you think?” I told much, Betty”. Diane I did not think she would be 2. Letter from Mary in Tampa, eligible for this benefit. She still FL. “After reading the Dear Abby col- thought she should apply. I referred umn in the July 18th Tampa Tribune, her to the Paralyzed Veterans of I sent my claim papers to the VA on America office, Oakland VA. God Aug. 6th. My husband died of ALS in NSO Fred Campbell, Chairman bless family ties. 1990. Now I have my DIC $1,154 per 3312 Chatterton Dr. month. I am so very thankful to you San Angelo, TX 76904 A third California note: “Dear Mr. C, for this on behalf of my husband’s 325-944-4002; [email protected] I went to the veterans office here, and service to our country!” after going back and forth many 3. Letter from Fran in Wiscon- Reaching Out Educating times Bill told me I couldn’t get any- sin. She has had her DIC widow’s A Mixed Bag! thing for ALS as my husband didn’t benefit and ChampVA for some time. sign up for this while he was alive. Is Now, “My situation has somewhat Margie calls from northern Califor- that true? I await your advice. I be- changed. Due to my son’s problems nia, “I am frustrated about my VA gan this because I read the letter in I now have total responsibility for his claim. I’ve got my widow’s benefit, Dear Abby. Thank you, Kathleen” 12-year old son; the mother is not the DIC. Also I’ve got Aid and Atten- Another referral to the PVA. involved in any way. Social Services dance because I need daily care for allows me $215 for my grandson. some things. But I can still drive. My Bob from Massachusetts, trying to Could I receive more benefit from the problem is this. Even though my DIC help his sister-in-law in Florida. “The VA? I tell her if she has legal guard- benefit includes my right to seek the VA told her she was not eligible for ianship for her grandson, she needed education benefit, the VA people a VA benefit because there is no evi- to call the Milwaukee POW Coordi- have said I’m not eligible because I dence showing her husband had de- nator for VA advice, and ChampVA am not applying for that within ten veloped Lou Gehrig’s disease while to see if he could be covered as a years after my husband got out of in the service. Is that right?” A wrong dependent. military service.” I tell her that must opinion from the VA! If ALS is shown 4. E-mail from Shirley in Mon- be an incorrect ruling by the VA. as cause of death on the death cer- tana. “Dear Fred, I am the widow of Then I asked, “Margie, how old are tificate that is the service-connected a Navy man who died of Lou Gehrig’s you?” Her answer: “I’m 87. I have evidence needed. Bill Kraus in the disease in 1973. I was very intrigued come to realize I need a bit more in- Philadelphia VARO corrects it. about the news of possible VA ben- come and I want to go to college here, efits and would love to know more to refresh my skills so I can work E-mail from Kathy: “Fred, you have about this possibility.” Shirley said part-time. In time past I worked for literally saved my life, and my home! her husband lived four years after a CPA.” After reading your note in Dear Abby diagnosis, and she cared for him I called the VA. My husband died of until he died at age 35. “We, my four I referred Margie to the POW Coordi- ALS, years after serving in the Army. boys, ages 9-13, had a very hard time, nator in the Oakland VA office and I I have now got a retroactive compen- and it looks like I’ll be working til know Dennis Uldricks will take care sation check and monthly benefits. I I’m dead. At 69, I’m still earning my of this situation. Surely an 87 year am now trying to find out if this will living as a heavy-duty seamstress. I old lady deserves her education ben- impact the social security check I did remarry and I know that might efit. It’s never too late, when you’re receive. Thank you from the bottom be a problem for this benefit. But I 87 years YOUNG! of my heart. Blessings, Kathy”. No, divorced long ago.” I told Shirley that Kathy, your VA benefit will not have since she was divorced according to Another call from northern Califor- any effect on your social security Federal Benefits book, she should be nia. Diane says she needs help. “My benefit. eligible for the VA widow’s benefit based on her first husband’s ALS Ex-POW Bulletin You never know what opportunities death. I referred her to the Paralyzed will come to meet the purpose of our Veterans office in Seattle for help July/August 2010 National Service officers. Here’s a with her claim. 6 recent day: ticle on to a friend of mine and she Charlie’s networking works for Ed outreach cont’d... also is receiving the widow’s benefits. and wife, NJ to TX. The above four cases are an example Many thanks to you again for inform- of the work that our National Service ing veterans’ families about these NSO Betty Harlan in Sudan, TX, writes officers spend time on many days. benefits.” I wanted to make sure Mrs. of claimant in Texas, just 710 miles B knew she was eligible for south. “A widow in Brownsville just Compassionate Outreach: It hap- ChampVA, the free VA Medicare got approved for DIC, husband was pened at Texas’ Big Spring VAMC. An supplement, so I called her. “Yes, I a POW, died from heart attack in example of what our slogan is all saw that but I don’t know anything 1998; when she tried to apply for DIC about. One of the doctors had been about it and haven’t applied for it.” they told her she did not qualify. She to a VA meeting of medical and so- Mrs. B got excited about it when I saw Dear Abby’s letter and re- cial service specialists in Chicago, explained it to her. She will be ap- sponded. I ended up with a claim, and and was so impressed with one of plying. It’s a wonderful benefit. this week she was approved for DIC, the speakers, Robert Fletcher, that he effective 1-1-2009. She will get a nice arranged for him to come to Big The letter about ALS being service- back pay of about $18,000 plus! Dear Spring TX to speak to the hospital connected for all veterans was in the Abby worked again! Maybe you staff on their special Black History July 18, 2009 Dear Abby column. should see if she would put a letter Month program this past February, After one year, hardly a day goes by in there every year! Regards, Betty as he was in that last Buffalo Soldier that I don’t get “thank you” notes like Harlan” unit, disbanded in 1951. Mrs. B’s and Snook’s. With over 4,000 responses to that letter, we of Ameri- Outreach that trumps all aces. NSO I learned about this when Elaine in can Ex-Prisoners of War can feel good Don Lewis writes from Dresher, PA Abilene called me. “Fred, Ed died about reaching out to so many with (Philadelphia suburb): “While playing March 19th. The last few weeks he was news that has actually changed lives bridge with a group of neighborhood in and out of the hospital.” As an NSO for widows who would not have ladies last month, my wife Ruth re- I had helped Ed get his 100% VA dis- known of this benefit. marked that I was busy representing ability rating years ago. widows of veterans whose cause of We can certainly thank Jeanne death was ALS and were applying for Elaine told me, “In February, Ed col- Phillips (Dear Abby) for reaching out DIC. One of the ladies said a former lapsed and the ambulance took him in her wonderful column – outreach neighbor of hers lost her husband to to the Big Spring VA hospital. As he to so many people across the coun- ALS, 20 years ago. She was sure he lay there in a coma, Robert and Carol try. But also, our AXPOW staff, Cly- was a veteran. So they lady called Fletcher came to my room. What a die, Marsha and Donna, plus two me the next day to be assured that blessing they were. I was alone, 100 Concho Valley Chapter NSOs Linda this was for real, before she called miles from home, holding my Ed’s Hodges and Stella Webb here for her friend who now lives in New hand as he lay comatose. Robert and great help. My wife Peggy and I could Hampshire with a daughter. I as- Carol spent two and a half hours with not have handled the over 4,000 re- sured her that if the death certifi- me, comforting me and giving me sponses otherwise. And many thanks cate states cause of death as ALS, strength, especially since I knew Rob- to the PVA, in most of the VAROs her friend was eligible to receive ert Fletcher was a former POW like countrywide, who specialize in ALS DIC. The next day the widow called Ed, and Carol a retired registered claims, to whom we’ve referred so me, and I coached her on the sup- nurse.” many of these claims. And now, a year later, calls, letters and e-mails porting documents needed. I sent I called Connie Plagens in Commu- keep coming. We’ve done good. her an application form that day. nity Relations at Big Spring VAMC Two weeks later, I received the com- and asked how this happened. She And our NSOs keep on reaching out. pleted application and all necessary said the Fletchers had just arrived Like: NSO Charles Susino in New Jer- supporting documentation. The day and I told him we had a POW who sey who calls, “Friend of Ed in Katy, after the package was received, it had come in and the doctors did not Texas, tells me about Ed who en- was on it’s way to the Philadelphia think he would make it. She said, “Mr. dured the 1945 forced march out of VARO for processing. It should en- Fletcher asked if they could go see Stalag Luft IV; he got raised from 20% counter no problem in winning an this POW family.” Robert Fletcher to 80%, and should have 100% due award of DIC.” and his wife Carol gave hands-on real to Unemployability. Needs Texas compassionate outreach. Amen. help!” I call Ed and find he filled out Good work, Ruth and Don! the proper form which the VA had Mrs. B in Louisville, Ohio, writes: sent him in Jan. 2010, but had never “Dear Mr. C, After writing you in mailed it. I called POW Coordinator August and following through with Shannon Wells in Houston VARO, the information you provided, I am who assures me she will make sure Ex-POW Bulletin now receiving the widow’s monthly Ed gets that in for his 100%. NSO pension. I passed the Dear Abby ar- July/August 2010 7 pow medsearch 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, Suite 40 Marsha Coke, Chairman Arlington, TX 76010 e-mail: [email protected] (817) 649-2979
put in separate compounds. In Oc- being captured months before. Their merican POWs tober of 1951 the officers were sent clothing was replaced with the stan- A to Camp 2 and in August of 1952 the dard Chinese uniforms. in Korea NCOs were sent to Camp 4. At that time black privates and corporals Food by John N. Powers were sent to Camp 5. Until May of 1951 prisoners at Camp W16533 Wilson Creek Ln 1 were fed sorghum balls with raw Wittenberg, WI 54499 At first there were seven companies soybeans and millet. Then in July of [email protected] of POWs. Companies 1 through 4 1951 the diet became sorghum, soy- were American and kept on the west beans, dried fish, and cabbage with Part V side of the village. Companies 5 a small amount of rice once a week. through 7 were British and kept on Meals were twice a day at 0830 and the east side. Prior to the moves to then at 1600. In the summer they Camp 1 other camps there were approxi- were fed three times a day. A noon mately 2000 POWs in Camp 1. By snack of peanuts was commonly this Chongsong (some references use the time of the armistice in 1953 the third meal. The lack of vitamins the spelling Changsong) camp held about 1400 POWs. caused night blindness until turnips Camp 1 was established in March of and carrots were added to the diet 1951, the first POWs arriving on or The POWs were organized into the and the night blindness disappeared. about Easter Sunday. Their Chinese standard companies of about 200 In the winter of 1952 a bakery was guards threw the local villagers out men, 40 men to a platoon, 10 to a set up. Barley bread would then re- of their homes and installed the pris- squad. They were kept in two or place one meal a day. When the oners. The name Chang-ni is also three room mud homes with one peace talks went well food quality im- used in reference to Camp 1 and ac- squad per ten foot by ten foot room. proved. This meant rice and greens tually appears at the location when They slept on the mud floor which once a week, meat once or twice a using Google Earth. they covered with straw mats or week. Meat meant a small piece or empty rice bags. The floor was two of meat in the soup. As peace Location 40-27-12N 125-12-43E heated with the standard Korean sys- talks progressed toward the end they This was a village on the bank of the tem. Each squad had a Chinese of- received more rice and sometimes Yongju River about 5 miles from ficer assigned to monitor their po- bean curd and canned meat. where the Yongju fed into a backwa- litical “education.” There was little ter of the Yalu where Camp 3 was or no communication allowed be- Medical located. The area, south southeast tween/among POWs outside their Initially there was a high rate of death of Camp 3, was surrounded by high specific area. Only after the armi- among the POWs at Camp 1. When hills. stice was announced in late July were they first arrived in March of 1951 the men allowed to visit with other many POWs had frozen fingers and Description companies, even though they had toes. Some had no boots. Others had The camp consisted of about sixty been in the same camp for two years. frozen feet and could not fit them to one hundred typical Korean mud into their boots. It was common for homes with tile or thatched roofs and The three hundred British POWs who frozen toes to break off. There was some barracks type buildings. Some arrived in May 1951 were kept sepa- a “hospital” in a temple on a hill at sources say the number of huts was rate from the Americans but they the edge of the village which most two hundred. There were guards at could easily observe the daily buri- viewed as a place to die. There was various points around the camp and als in Boot Hill just to the north of no medical care at all until Decem- in the hills nearby. Initially the camp camp. In one day they counted thirty ber of 1951. A pill, assumed to be included all ranks, both American eight burials and estimated two hun- aspirin, was the standard treatment and British. In May of 1951, when dred died in May and June of 1951. for almost any medical problem. In three hundred British prisoners ar- the summer of 1952 a female Chi- rived, there were six hundred Ameri- A British officer who arrived in Oc- nese doctor was at the camp and care cans already there. Some time in May tober 1951 mentioned many dirty improved. She was eventually trans- or June the officers and NCOs were and ill POWs covered with lice. The ferred. Some prisoners estimated six camp itself was described as filthy. to eight hundred died through the Ex-POW Bulletin American POWs arriving at that time spring, summer, and fall of 1951. were given soap and allowed to bathe Malnutrition, dysentery, starvation, July/August 2010 in the river, their first wash since and lack of medical care were the 8 B-29 strikes in the general area the those they caught not following their medsearch continued... Chinese asked for an appeal from the orders. POWs were usually placed in cause of almost every death. The POWs. They were told the name of the civilian jail while awaiting trial burial area on the hillside north of the village would be used in the let- for crimes such as escaping. POWs the camp was called “Boot Hill.” At ter. Many signed a letter drawn up who attempted escapes sometimes one point forty five POWs arrived by by the Peace Committee in an at- had their hands tied behind their truck. Arriving by truck probably tempt to get the camp location to UN back with a rope leading from their meant they were the sick and forces. After they signed, any refer- wrists over a beam and then tied wounded of a group which had ence to the camp’s location was re- around their neck. This forced them marched to the camp. Within a few moved from the letter. to stand on their toes or strangle weeks forty three of the forty five themselves. Escapees were some- died. For the October anniversary of the times beaten and put into solitary Chinese Revolution the POWs were confinement in boxes so small they During the summer of 1952 the open told there would be a parade and could not stand or stretch out on the ditch latrines caused severe fly prob- they would create banners with peace floor. About six such cages were kept lems. POWs were given quotas of slogans and participate. In order to in one building. Those POWs who flies to kill each day. In the spring eat they had to cooperate, but slo- experienced these cages called them of 1953 a more sanitary latrine was gans such as “Down With The Impe- dog kennels and referred to them- built and lime used. Prior to that rialist Warmongers” and “Long Live selves as the Kennel Club. Some time the latrines were open ditches The Peace-Loving Chinese People” spent months in these cages. They with a pole to sit on. found their way onto the banners would be allowed out to use the la- missing the words “Imperialist” and trine only, and sometimes not even Treatment “Chinese.” The Chinese were very that. During the entire day they were Early on the POWs at Camp 1 were pleased with the creation of a ban- made to sit erect and not lean against regularly lectured and asked to sign ner of a large-breasted female carry- any part of the cage. The guards were peace petitions or make recordings. ing a dove and the accompanying slo- quick to beat them for any infraction. Starting in the summer of 1951 they gan “We Want A Firm Front.” It ap- Handcuffs were used on the least would have to sit in the open and lis- parently appealed to the Chinese cooperative. Some were forced to ten to lectures for two to three hours sense of unity. During the parade “stand” in the cage. In a cage four each morning and afternoon. The many yelled insults rather than the feet high this meant they had to POWs were told they were students, slogans they were told to shout. Pic- stand doubled over at the waist. One not prisoners. They were also told tures taken by the Chinese made it prisoner caught relaxing from this those who adopted the wrong atti- look like the entire camp had will- pose was beaten by a guard. The tude were reactionaries. As students ingly participated. For the prisoners guard held his weapon by the barrel they were to “learn the truth.” In it simply meant a change in the bor- to beat the prisoner. The weapon addition to the lectures each squad ing routine of the camp and a meal discharged, killing the guard. That was required to respond in writing that included large quantities of po- POW was beaten almost continuously to questions from their Chinese in- tatoes, onions, eggs, and fish. Even for the next five days. Confinement structors. Inadequate responses with those very welcome rations two in these cages and beatings would caused lengthy interrogations of the ungrateful POWs escaped the follow- continue until an acceptable confes- squad leader and frequently led to ing day. In August and September sion was written for whatever the squad missing one or two meals. 1951 alone there were at least 13 “crime” had been committed. In the Group lectures were conducted in the escape attempts. Summer and fall late summer of 1951 one POW, a open regardless of the weather. The were the escape seasons. member of the Kennel Club, was instructors who led these lectures marched some distance from the were highly educated Chinese. Af- Those prisoners who did not follow camp and told that if he did not ter the spring of 1952 the lectures the regulations during the lectures immediately write a confession he were dropped except for classes the were sent to what some called the would be shot while attempting to Progressives voluntarily attended. Reconsideration Room. This was an escape. He wrote a confession. unheated space where the prisoner Quite a few members of the Ken- had to sit cross-legged without mov- The prisoners were given cards to fill nel Club were eventually trans- out with their biographical informa- ing for 16 to 18 hours at a time. ferred to Camp 2-3. During 1952 tion. They were told the senior of- There were also small cages in the prisoners would be thrown into the ficer had filled his out so many POWs jail in town where prisoners would did the same. Some used false in- be made to stand with their arms hole for 1 to 4 weeks for minor acts formation or simply refused. In July through the bars holding a weight. such as making a face at a guard. of 1951 they were ordered to send a When they dropped the weight they Hard labor was a common punish- telegram of greetings to a peace con- were beaten. Others were crammed ment. Beatings, torture, and with ference in Chicago. The officers and into filthy cells and made to sit up- Ex-POW Bulletin right or stand on one leg. Whenever NCOs refused but many of the lower July/August 2010 enlisted ranks signed. As a result of possible they ignored these instruc- tions but the guards willingly beat 9 medsearch continued... holding of food and clothing were standard treatment for individuals who were uncooperative in some way or another.
A reactionary squad of about 15 POWs was formed by the Chinese. They isolated this group at a Korean farm about a mile from the main camp. Even there, already isolated, they had two solitary confinement rooms. The British referred to this squad as the Slave Labor Unit (SLU). Men in this squad were put to work cutting down trees to be converted into lumber or fuel. Some POWs were sent there to serve sentences for vari- ous crimes and were returned to the main camp when their sentence was completed. These sentences were sometimes handed out at staged tri- als where the “defense counsel” would argue for severe punishment. Many of the men in this squad were eventually sent to Camp 2-3. The map above shows the location of the larger temporary camps and all the permanent camps. POWs in the main camp also had to There are over one hundred and fifty locations listed in official studies of go into the surrounding hills to carry collection points and temporary camps, more than thirty in and around firewood for the camp. The Chinese Pyongyang. Many of them are duplicates, called one name by one group of kept track of how much firewood prisoners and a different name by another. Some of them were christened each man brought back to camp. the Bunkers, Death House, Fourteen Day Place, Half-way House, Kangdong, There was a weight quota that had Pan’s Camp, Pike’s Peak, and Twin Peaks. Even today the actual location for to be met. Some put this quota at some of these places has not been determined. forty to sixty pounds per individual. Gathering firewood could be an 8 to Clothing ter issue of uniforms. A blanket and 10 mile round trip hike, carrying a rd heavy load on the way back. The In late July 1951 arrivals at Camp 1 comforter was given to every 3 man. poor diet and lack of medical care were deloused and issued a summer It was cold enough in the winter for made this a dangerous burden. uniform and in November they got the prisoners to scrape ice from the When on the firewood detail they their padded winter uniforms. If walls of their huts. were fed three meals a day. uniforms were ripped or torn while on work details they were not re- A British reference says they slept on When the peace talks began cards placed until the next seasonal change empty rice sacks and each squad of and ping-pong sets were supplied. was issued. Uniforms would fre- 10 POWs received 3 old overcoats. Softball equipment was brought in quently need cleaning from sitting in Both are probably accurate, depend- and music played on loud speakers. the mud listening to lectures or from ing on the time of captivity they are Books were made available, most of chronic diarrhea. When possible they referring to. them being communist oriented. would be washed in the river or even After the armistice was signed Red with rain water, but no soap was Mail Cross packages were distributed and available. They were dried simply by In the spring of 1952 the prisoners life generally improved. But that was putting them back on as they had no were allowed to send four letters a only for the last few weeks of captiv- extra clothing. This method of clean- month but whether the Chinese ac- ity. ing meant no washing during the tually sent the letters is unclear. winter. Some sources say the limit was one letter per month. Incoming mail be- POWs who arrived in Oct 51 were gan in June 1952. Ex-POW Bulletin given 2 uniforms, tooth powder, and The POWs at Camp 1 were trucked July/August 2010 soap. After a time they received a weekly ration of tobacco and sugar out of the camp mid August 1953. 10 and the standard summer and win- POW MEDSEARCH PACKETS
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Packet 5~What Every Wife Should Know Before She Is Your Widow - Social Security, insurance, burial procedures, allowances, etc. including what pathologist should look for in an autopsy (includes shipping and handling charge) $15.00
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Packet 9~The Korea Story, History of POWs in Korea, and after-effects $8.00 Packet 10~The Japanese Story History of POWs in Japan, and after-effects $10.00
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The Modern Day Tragedy~medical & claims evidence in support of PL 97-37 $4.00
POW: The American Experience~overview on POW experience; reviews vitamin deficiencies, infectious diseases and service-connected statistics $6.00
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*Shipping / Handling fees: In U.S.A.; 1-3 packets, add $6.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $9.00; 7 or more packets, add $12.00. In Canada; 1-3 packets, add $9.00; 4 -6 Ex-POW Bulletin packets, add $14.00, 7 or more packets, add $20.00. Overseas; 1-3 packets, add July/August 2010 $16.00; 4 - 6 packets, add $22.00, 7 or more packets, add $30.00 11 have never served a namPOW news day in their lives cluck-clucking over the total incompe- tence of the military leaders. But that won’t happen in this day of special opera- tions and remotely controlled drone air- craft. Indeed, there have only been a Paul E. Galanti small number of National Director, East Central POWs since the Glo- 804.389.1668 (cell) bal War on Terror [email protected] started - nearly all of whom were released or rescued in ion of the 516th Infantry Regiment nd the eat oes n. mere weeks. lost 29 of 32 young men in the first A b g o assault on Omaha Beach on D-Day On this 5th and 6th of June, at the 1944. Under the category of “Life is not invitation of Major General Robert necessarily fair,” consider this from Newman, Virginia’s Adjutant Gen- Much of the movie, “Saving Private one of World War II’s most heavily eral, your humble correspondent Ryan” is based on the awful experi- engaged units: “During World War spent several terrific hours flying ences of the 116th Infantry Regi- II, the 29th Infantry Division suf- around Virginia in a Virginia Na- ment which was the first into the fered 3720 killed in action, 15403 tional Guard Blackhawk helicopter Tiger’s Mouth at Omaha Beach. De- wounded in action, 462 missing in saluting the very few survivors of scribed as the bloodiest scene in the action, 526 prisoners of war….” this incredible sacrifice. history of movies, the first 20 min- utes of Private Ryan using incred- Staggering numbers for an infantry I spoke at Winchester, Virginia now ible cinematographic effects, re- division of approximately 20,000 the division’s headquarters, as a minded us of just how horrific war men at the start of Operation Over- conference center was dedicated to can be. And the grisly effects that lord, the liberation of Europe. To- the memory of Major Thomas D. can be felt for generations. day they would be met with sancti- Howie, the “Major of Saint Lo.” I at- monious, posturing politicians who tended an incredible ceremony at More impressive, though, were the young soldiers of the 29th who are made of the same stuff as their unit ancestors. They know what they’re doing, their units have been en- gaged for nearly ten years and still they come. The young troopers are eager, gung ho, and ooze compe- tence. From the General officers to the newly enlisted privates and spe- cialists, all were impressive.
That such events can occur in this jaded, Oh-So-Sophisticated age makes this bordering-on- geezerhood, ink-stained wretch feel grateful. There is, indeed hope in this age of “Me, first.”
And then, there’s that thumping sound, coming from the ages. And Ex-POW Bulletin the beat goes on… the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Vir- July/August 2010 ginia – a town whose National Photos: Blackhawks 12 Guard Alpha Company, 1st Battal- a public event that incorporated served in the Army for 22 years and andersonville native drum, song, and prayer. served overseas on assignments and campaigns that included Cen- On May 28th Andersonville National tral and South America, Europe, the Historic Site continued its tradition Middle East, the Balkans, and Ko- of honoring those who gave their rea. Henson presently heads the lives in service to the nation. On military history department for the Friday over 300 Boy Scouts and Army Warrant Officer Career Col- other volunteers arrived at Ander- lege at Fort Rucker, Alabama. sonville National Cemetery and placed American flags at each head- Memorial Day is always a special stone in the cemetery. The 20,000 time of remembrance at Anderson- flags served as a reminder of the ville National Historic Site but our sacrifices made by so many nation’s veterans are remembered Andersonville NHS throughout our history here every day. As the writing on 496 Cemetery Road the Wisconsin Monument pro- th Andersonville, GA 31711 On Sunday, May 30 , the historic claims, “To live in hearts we leave (229) 924-0343 site held its annual Memorial Day behind in not to die.” observance. The Fort Benning Ma- neuver Center of Excellence Band ay a onth of played for thirty minutes before Make Your Plans Now! M M park superintendent Jon Bradley Bennett opened the ceremony. Ed- Albany, Georgia Remembrance at ward DeMent, past National Direc- Sept. 21-26, 2010. tor of the Southeast Region Ameri- From the Revolutionary War to Andersonville can Ex-Prisoners of War, recognized Operation Iraqi Freedom, Ameri- veterans and former prisoners of can prisoners of war have en- war in attendance. John Bates, dured untold hardships, and by Alan Marsh President of the Friends of Ander- shown tremendous courage. [email protected] sonville, spoke about the support Andersonville NHS commemo- this organization has provided to rates the sacrifices of these the park, including its current fund- brave Americans through exhib- raising efforts for the ‘Victory From its in the National Prisoner of Within’ traveling exhibition. War Museum; preserves the site of Camp Sumter (Andersonville prison); and manages Anderson- ville National Cemetery.
National Prisoner of War Museum The 1970 legislation responsible Veterans including ex-POWs and for establishing Andersonville active duty personnel attend National Historic Site instructed Memorial Day observance. the site “to interpret the role of prisoners-of-war camps in his- Seven Native Americans, members tory” and “to commemorate the st of Company K, 1 Michigan Sharp- sacrifice of Americans who lost shooters, died at Andersonville 146 their lives in such camps.” To years ago. They are not forgotten. that end, the exhibits in the Na- On May 15th, eight members of the tional Prisoner of War Museum Anishinabe Ogitchedaw Veterans serve as a memorial to all Ameri- and Warriors Society, Saginaw can prisoners of war. The mu- Chippewa Tribe, traveled from Ed DeMent & Ester Carboni laying seum opened in 1998 and is dedicated to the American men Michigan and conducted a cer- the AXPOW wreath. emony to remember and honor the and women who have suffered seven fallen warriors. Congressman Sanford Bishop intro- as POWs. duced the event’s primary speaker, Following a private ceremony, the Sergeant Major (retired) Patrick Ex-POW Bulletin Veterans and Warrior Society held Henson. Sergeant Major Henson July/August 2010 13 and basic training at Fort Dix NJ in up a bit. My dear feet had gone dirty the middle of the winter. The Army for a long time and had become very tiger survivors did not have any boots in my size so tough like leather. my feet had to wear my civilian shoes through most of basic training. Soon Soon my feet would take me to new boots arrived and my feet were Andong where we spent the summer so happy. of 1951 and then in October both of us caught a barge to go and become In June of 1948 my feet took me to a part of the Chinese Army Prisoner of boat on the West Coast and we War Camp system. headed for Japan. I don’t think my feet liked the trip on the ocean but Now we both were housed indoors Shorty Estabrook soon both of us arrived in Japan and and warm most of the time. My feet 37645 Flora Court a new culture and life. My feet and I were happy campers from then on. went to the Southern Island of My feet and I are unhappy and sad Murrieta, CA 92563-2726 Kyushu and it was most beautiful because of the 58% of our group that [email protected] there. did not make it.
My feet and I played in that beauti- My feet took me home, then back to ful place and sometimes my feet Korea, Germany, Nebraska, Wiscon- An Ode to my Feet would not support me when I par- sin, Iowa , Massachusetts, New Hamp- I was born with my feet in Houlton took of the local liquid but they were shire, California, Philippines, Texas Maine and they have been with me always there in the morning and of- and then back to California. all these years. In fact they were born fered support to which I am eternally My feet have taken me to many first. They have taken me to far flung grateful to this day. places and they are still with me and shores and never failed me. both of us go to a gym every day and Soon my feet were taking me to an- my feet enjoy the pool the most. They are below me all the time and other land across some water called sometimes they get very tired and Korea. My feet did a lot of walking We are both retired now and doing even smell at times. In the beginning then and soon both of us were in a well. they were always bare and Mom foxhole waiting for bad people to loved them because she used to kiss come south to get us and guess what, At this time I would like to thank my them a lot. they did get us. Soon my feet and I feet for all their support over the were POWs with the North Koreans years. My feet loved to walk in mud and and my feet became very sad and un- once in a while a cow paddy. That happy because the boots that cov- was supposed to prevent against foot ered my dear feet were wanted by disease. These feet of mine got cut a several North Korean soldiers and so Open letter to that North Ko- lot and was used to shedding their my feet were out in the cold, street rean Lt who got my boots blood for me. feet so to speak. I want to thank you, whoever My feet and I walked a lot of miles in My feet would go outside bare in the you are, for taking my 5-1/ Korea which is called the Land of the middle of the winter and take a long 2EEE boots when I was cap- Morning Calm. We walked to Seoul time to thaw out. They would burn tured. I didn’t like it when you and Pyongyang , Manpo and sometimes. I had to be careful of shot me in the leg either. You Chunggang , Andong and Hanjang- getting my feet frozen. are not a very good person. ni . My poor feet suffered much dur- My feet, a size 5 ½ EEE, would carry ing those days. I didn’t get much food At that time I had a severe me to childhood play and to the so my feet suffered from lack of en- case of athletes feet and my fields for work. Sometimes on the ergy. boots were all slippery from long walk home I thought they would that. I hope you enjoyed that never make it but they always did. My feet and I were even on a Death disease and I hope you lost a During those years of hard times my March where many were shot. My foot because of that. feet usually had two pair of shoes a good old feet never failed me even year. though they were bloody from being At 16 my feet took me into the Army bare. If you are already dead then That first winter was most hard on disregard this message. my feet and they did get frostbite. Shorty the Tiger Ex-POW Bulletin My feet didn’t like that at all. AKA Sondaga Bitchie July/August 2010 But my feet were there to feel the 14 spring sun which came to warm us Peoples Republic of China territorial coast, began on May 20th and is pow-mia waters – 7. scheduled to continue until June 22nd. Four Recovery Teams (RTs), The number of Americans returned two Investigation Teams (Its) and an and identified since the end of the Underwater Recovery Team (URT) are Vietnam War in 1975 is now 864, now working throughout the coun- though another 63 US personnel were try and along the northern coastline. recovered post-incident and identi- fied before the end of the war, bring- US-LAO ACCOUNTING COOPERA- ing the total to 927. Of the 1,719 TION: Deputy Assistant Secretary unreturned veterans still unac- for POW/MIA Affairs Bob Newberry counted for, 90% were lost in Viet- visited Laos in mid-March to rein- nam or areas of Laos and Cambodia force the importance of the issue under Vietnam’s wartime control. and, in the case of Laos, raise issues PNC John Edwards that are complicating bilateral POW/ Chairman US-VIETNAM ACCOUNTING COOP- MIA cooperation in Laos and Viet- 889 Randall Road ERATION: In early April, Joint POW/ nam. A major issue deals with safety Niskayuna, NY 12309-4815 MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) certification required by the US for (518) 393-3907 phone & fax officiated at the largest turnover of helicopter transport of personnel; remains from Vietnam since the early these requirements also apply to ac- THE RIDE HOME – ANDERSONVILLE ’90s in Danang – remains that could counting efforts in Vietnam. Unless NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (NHS): be those of seven US personnel pre- resolved soon, field operations will Rolling Thunder®‘s 2010 Ride Home viously missing and unaccounted for be severely restricted, as transport – a multi-day annual activity held in in Vietnam. The field operations, of personnel on the large helicopters conjunction with the National Park working with Vietnamese counter- is currently prohibited, with an ex- Service‘s Andersonville National His- parts, leading up to this repatriation ception allowing only supplies and toric Site and Georgia Southwestern were reportedly very productive. material. DPMO and JPAC are seek- State University to recognize and Four of the seven remains came ing solutions, admirably supported honor the Nation’s Prisoners of War from joint recoveries, two from the by Ambassadors Ravic Huso in Laos (POW) and those Missing in Action Field Forensic Review of remains and Michael Michalak in Vietnam. (MIA). The Vietnam Traveling Me- turned over by Vietnamese citizens, The 114th Joint Field Activity (JFA morial Wall and the Some Gave All and one from Vietnamese unilateral 10-4LA) began April 29th and is Moving Tribute will be at Anderson- excavation in a sensitive area where scheduled to conclude on June 1st. ville NHS from September 17-26. US teams are not allowed. Vietnam- Three Recovery Teams (RTs) are The three-day Ride Home 2010 will ese and American, for their efforts excavating sites in Houaphan and once again be held on National POW/ that brought identification by JPAC’s Xiengkhoang Provinces in northern MIA Recognition Day, the 3rd week- Central Identification Laboratory will Laos, and one Phase Two Investiga- end of September. Ceremonies and be made as soon as possible. tion Team (P2T) is conducting sur- services, a dinner, a motorcycle ride veys in the southern provinces of (invited guests are provided bus In late April, MG Stephen Tom, Savannakhet, Xekong and Attapeu. transportation!) and other tributes USAR, JPAC Commander, led a US are scheduled. This year, there will delegation for technical talks with THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OFFICE be a greater number of MIA families Vietnamese counterparts, including MOVED: representing their missing loved the “new” Vietnam Office for Seek- The move was made to the new loca- ones, and the League wants to be sure ing Missing Persons (VNOSMP) Direc- tion at the end of February, and our you know what is planned. Please tor Nguyen Ba Hung, who also serves new office address is National visit www.theridehome.com. as Director-General of the Americas League of POW/MIA Families, 5673 Department, Ministry of Foreign Af- Columbia Pike, Suite 100, Falls fairs. This is his third assignment Church, VA 22041. Phone and fax AIR FORCE OFFICER IDENTIFIED: as head of VNOSMP, an interagency numbers are the same. The Defense POW/MIA Office just group formed many years ago to announced that the remains of Lt Col implement Vietnamese leaders’ de- US Service members reported miss- Henry P. Brauner, USAF, recovered cisions regarding US-Vietnam coop- ing or captured while supporting February 8, 2006, in Laos, were iden- eration on all POW/MIA accounting- combat operations. Army PFC Bowe tified December 2, 2008. There are related matters. Reports indicate R. Bargdahl 23 June 30, 2009, Af- now 1,719 Americans are still listed that the talks were productive. ghanistan. Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed by DoD as missing and unaccounted DPMO, JPAC and DIA Stony Beach K. Altaie, 44 Oct 23, 2006, Baghdad. for from the Vietnam War, though officials also participated. over 450 were at sea/over water Ex-POW Bulletin losses: Vietnam - 1,323 (VN-478 VS- A large-scale Joint Field Activity July/August 2010 835); Laos – 340; Cambodia - 59; (JFA), including an underwater inves- tigation along Vietnam’s northern 15 Sept. 22-26, 2010. The Korean War a story about landing in a tree in a Veterans Reunion will be held at small village after he parachuted the Radisson Hotel & Conference out. Some of the villagers were go- Center, Camp Hill, PA. Great side ing to shoot him but the police chief events trips to the Washington Korean stopped them and detained Dad Memorial and Arlington National until the German military took him. Cemetery have been planned. All The police chief kept his parachute August 12 - 15, 2010. The Dept. Korean War veterans welcome! Con- and was going to use it for his of Ohio convention will be held at tact: Charles or Judy Egresitz, 717- daughter’s wedding dress. My Dad the Ramada Plaza, 4900 Sinclair Rd. 652-4088 or 717-497-6971; was injured and I think he spent Columbus, Ohio. Kenny Hanson our [email protected]. some time in a hospital because National commander will be our there was some kind of record from guest. For information contact another downed servicemen that Norman Swaney - 330 726 9217 or they shared a room. I would really e-mail [email protected] like to confirm these stories and looking find out exactly where in Germany Aug. 4-8, 2010. The Third Marine he landed and his journey from Division Association’s annual fam- there to Barth I am interested in ily reunion will be held at the for where he was captured and inter- Sheraton North Charleston Hotel, rogated after he parachuted down. Charleston, SC. Anyone who served Is it possible after all this time to in, was attached to, or served in I am in a hassle with the Pentagon find this information? Thank you, support of the 3rd Marine Division as to when I was liberated by the Susie McGrew Kaiser, 3847 203rd at any time is eligible and invited Russian Army from Stalag III C. I Ave NE, Sammamish, WA 98074; to attend. Contact Jeffrey A De- distinctly remember the day as be- 425-868-6857. ment, 23830 W. Ottawa St., ing January 31st, 1945. I never see Plainfield, IL 60544; 815-436-3783; any reference in the Bulletin to Sta- I am looking for anyone who may [email protected]. lag III C, east of Berlin, and have have known Alfred C. Carroll. Dad often wondered does American Ex- was captured at Battle of Salerno Aug 11-15, 2010. The 91st Annual Prisoners of War really know of that beginning September 9, 1943. He Reunion of the Eightieth Blue prison where about 2000 American was wounded and received Purple Ridge Division Veterans Associa- NCOs were held. Heart. Believe he was captured tion will be held at the Sheraton about Sept 19. He was transported National Hotel, 900 South Orme St., In the Bulletin do we have an op- to Stalag 2B in Hammerstein Ger- Arlington, VA 22204; 703-521- portunity to contact other POWs. I’d many. He became acting Chaplain 1900. Contact: Max R. Schmidt, Re- really like to ask other Stalag III C after Bruce Meads was repatriated union Chair, 336-288-0983. POWs when they recall our libera- because of an illness I do know of. tion occurring. Since 1946 I have My Dad conducted many services August 13-14, 2010. The Lost Bat- been celebrating that date as my and went out to the Kommando talion Reunion will be held at the liberation day, and the Pentagon units for religious services. I have Omni Dallas Hotel at Park West says I was liberated March 23, 1945. copies of letters written to the (www.omnihotels.com), 1590 LBJ I traveled from III C across the Ger- mothers whose sons had died in the Freeway, Dallas TX 75234. Reser- man frontier, across Poland and camp, telling who attended and that vations - 800-843-6664. For more wound up in the Moscow freight they were given military honors as information contact Tom Ficklin, LB yards, then to Odessa on The Black could be under circumstances. He president, at Sea where I took a British ship ul- was with the 36th Infantry, trained [email protected]. timately to Naples, Italy. Robert L. at Ft. Devens in Mass. He conducted (Bob) Bearden funerals of POW’s which he noted, September 21-26, 2010. The Na- www. boblbearden.com as well as who attended. He wrote tional Convention will be held at [email protected] that not all Germans were bad. In Albany, Georgia, with opening cer- 5950 Lakeside Belton, TX 76513 his journal, many prisoners wrote, emonies at Andersonville National 254-698-6099. thanking him, French, Serbian, En- Historic Site. Registration/Informa- glish, etc. He kept a record of the tion throughout the Bulletin. My Dad, Cecil C. McGrew, was a march from Stalag 2B beginning Jan POW in WWII in Stalag Luft 1 in 29, 1945 thru Germany and noted Ex-POW Bulletin Germany. The B-24 he was flying in each town and how many KM they July/August 2010 was shot down over Germany De- marched. Thanks for any help. 16 cember 3, 1944. My Dad always told [email protected]. and we were ALL Volunteers, we were ows of veterans who died of ALS. not drafted/assigned to the para- We applied for that benefit for my members’ troops. mother, and she began receiving it a few weeks ago. She had been man- So, at this late date, those of us who aging on her Social Security income, forum are interested in veterans issues, but the VA benefit is easing her mind need to get to work to have the gov- about meeting her medical expenses ernment pay everyone of those com- and generally making her life more bat Glider Troops there “Flight Pay’ comfortable. for the days they served in Glider Outfits and were riding gliders. If you My father was a combat veteran of Cheryl: knew just how risky riding a glider WWII who suffered from the devas- Are you aware that just taking a ride was you would understand my anxi- tation of ALS from age 70 until his around the airport is a dangerous ety over these guys. Their combat death at age 82. He was and my matter. Are you aware that those men causality rate must have been ter- mother is part of that Greatest Gen- were not volunteers? The Army, dur- rible. eration who contributed so much to ing WW II, would just select an In- our country. I am pleased and grate- fantry Regiment and assign them to Think about this issue and consider ful that their contribution and be Glider Outfits. There is little ques- how AXPOW might pursue such a struggle is being recognized in this tion about the fact that on D-Day and JUST cause. practical and useful manner. days thereafter, I never saw ANY Gliders intact. All landings were Bob Beardon Thanks again for getting the word “crash” landings and there is no 5950 Lakeside Belton, TX 76513 out. We would not have had this doubt that their causalities were 254-698-6099 information without Mr. Campbell heavy. and Dear Abby. Dear Editor: These poor troops, who were much Please extend my thanks to Fred Sincerely, older than we paratroopers who were Campbell for his outreach to veter- Pam Tinsley paid $50.00 per month “Jump Pay” ans through Dear Abby last summer, Midlothian, VA. regarding VA entitlement for wid-
Past National Ralph Rodriguez Stanley Sommers Wm. E. “Sonny” Mottern Commanders 1964-1965 1980-1981 1996-1997 Rufus W. “Willie” Smith Charles Morgan Wayne Hitchcock Virgil McCollum 1965-1966 1981-1982 1997-1998 1948-1949 Calvin Graef Charles Miller Richard M. Throckmorton Kenneth Day 1966-1967 1982-1983 1998-1999 1949-1950 DC “Bull” Massey C. Earl Derrington, Jr. Zack Roberts John Walker 1967-1968 1983-1984 1999-2000 1950-1951 Chuck Towne Alfred P. “Joe” Galloway Wm. “Bill” Schmidt Ray O’Day 1968-1969 1984-1985 2000-2001 1951-1952 John Lay Orlo Natvig John W. Klumpp Robert Geis 1969-1970 1985-1986 2001-2002 1952-1953 Grady Inzer Wm. Curtis Musten Maurice Sharp William A. Berry 1970-1971 1986-1987 2002-2003 1953-1954 Juan Baldanado Albert Bland F. Paul Dallas James S. Browning 1971-1972 1987-1988 2003-2004 1954-1955 Harold Page Milton Moore, Sr. James Cooper Roger Bamford 1972-1973 1988-1989 2004-2005 1955-1956 Walter Pawlesh John Edwards Gerald Harvey Walter Yosko 1973-1974 1989-1990 2005-2006 1956-1958 DC Wimberly Francis W. Agnes Warren King Leo J. “Moose” Maselli 1974-1975 1990-1991 2007-2008 1958-1959 Joseph Perry John Krejci Jim Clark Paul Richter 1975-1976 1991-1992 2008-2009 1959-1960 Melvin Madero Charles Minietta Kenny Hanson George Coates 1976-1977 1992-1993 2009-2010 1960-1961 Joe Schisser William E. Bearisto Jack Warner 1977-1978 1993-1994 1961-1962 Joe Upton Charles Prigmore Ex-POW Bulletin Alex Salinas 1978-1979 1994-1995 1962-1963 Herman Molen Lawrence S. Moses July/August 2010 Pat Wheat 1979-1980 1995-1996 17 1963-1964 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR VOLUNTARY FUNDING PROGRAM The AXPOW Voluntary Giving Program parallels that of other VSOs, whereby the entire membership, including life members, is given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of our organization, based on ability and willingness to contribute.
All contributions will go directly into the General Fund to be used for the operation of the organization. A complete accounting of contributors will appear in the Bulletin each month.
I am enclosing my contribution to support the operation of the American Ex-Prisoners of War.
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Make Your Plans Now!
The 2010 National Convention is being held in Albany, Georgia Albany is about 40 miles south of Andersonville...you can get there from anywhere! Drive...Fly (3 fights daily into Albany)... National Convention Train (to Atlanta, then rent a car) September Ex-POW Bulletin 21-26, 2010 July/August 2010 Albany Georgia 18 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reducing the paperwork and ex- News Diabetes Legislation pediting the process for Veterans seeking compensation for disabili- Briefs Update ties related to their military service. By Mary P Rolen Legislative Co-Chair “These reductions in paperwork, ink Ribbon Cutting for along with other improvements to P HR944 has only two co- simplify and speed the claims pro- the Katherine F. Arnold sponsors…my Rep. Gerald cess, symbolize changes underway Connolly and Rep. Walt Minnick of to make VA more responsive to Vet- Women Veterans Wing Boise, ID., with whom I worked dili- erans and their families,” said Sec- gently with his people on our Leg- retary Shinseki. islative Program at the Boise, ID National Convention last year. Yes, VA has shortened application forms they co-sponsored the bill then. WE to reduce paperwork for Veterans. NEED YOU TO GET YOUR REP. & The new forms, which are being SENATORS TO CO-SPONSOR. Just made available on VA’s Web site at by making the third call and ex- www.va.gov/vaforms
Photo-left to right: Carter Conlin, USS Houston Assn... Ron Drees, Nana Booker, Vietnam War Ambassador’s daughter, Ambassa- Dear Houston friends and family, dor Beazly, Lin Drees, Ambassador’s Anniversary wife and Dak Poss Commission Nana Booker, Australian Honorary Consulate, contacted Dana Charles advising the Australian Ambassa- The Department of Defense is set- dor to the United States (out of DC) Mojave Desert ting up the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration Veteran Memorial Commission. The commission is Ex-POW Bulletin From: American Legion Congressionally mandated and July/August 2010 chartered by the Department of Less than two weeks after the U.S. Defense to plan and conduct this 20 Supreme Court ruled that, for now, Bob Filner (D-CA), the veterans’ news briefs, Flanders House committee chairman, is the chief sponsor. Chiropractic care was first Commemoration provided at Veterans Affairs De- cont’d... partment facilities in 2004 under a commemorative program which pilot program at about 25 locations, may include activities and ceremo- where the VA either hired chiro- nies to achieve the following objec- practors or contracted for care. Just tives: getting the pilot program launched (1) To thank and honor veter- after it was first authorized was a three-year effort. Expansion of care ans of the Vietnam War, in- to all VA facilities has been one of cluding personnel who were the top priorities of the Interna- held as prisoners of war or tional Chiropractic Association. listed as missing in action, Expansion of military and veterans’ for their service and sacri- treatment programs is part of what fice on behalf of the United they are calling the “Adjust the States and to thank and Vote” campaign, in a bit of chiro- practic humor. honor the families of these veterans. New York - This Memorial Day, Filner’s bill goes further than a vet- (2) To highlight the service of Flanders House commemorated all erans’ health care bill passed by the the Armed Forces during war victims and in particular those Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee the Vietnam War and the American and Canadian soldiers earlier this year. That bill, S.1237, who fought “In Flanders Fields.” contributions of Federal Homeless Veterans and Other Vet- This commemoration was held at agencies and governmental erans Health Care Authorities Act the Clinton War Memorial on the of 2010, requires that comprehen- and non-governmental or- South-East corner of De Witt Clinton sive chiropractic services be avail- ganizations that served Park, located at 11th Avenue and able in at least two locations within with, or in support of, the 52nd Street. A wreath was placed each of the 21 veterans’ integrated Armed Forces. at the foot of the Clinton War services networks. The veterans (3) To pay tribute to the con- Memorial, which is a statue of a committee passed the bill in Janu- WWI soldier with the poem “In tributions made on the ary but it has not yet been brought Flanders Fields” inscribed in its to the Senate floor for debate. Ev- home front by the people of foot. At the same time “The Last ery network has at least one center the United States during the Post” was played as a symbolic final with chiropractic services today, Vietnam War. farewell. The memorial ended with but 12 have only one location, ac- (4) To highlight the advances in the reading of the beautiful “In cording to the nonpartisan Con- technology, science, and Flanders Fields” poem by Lt. Col. gressional Budget Office, which es- medicine related to military John McCrae. timates it would cost about $8 mil- research conducted during lion over five years to provide 12 more centers. the Vietnam War; and VA (5) To recognize the contribu- tions and sacrifices made Chiropractic Care Next of Kin by the allies of the United Chorus Will Be Chiropractic care would have to be States during the Vietnam available at a minimum of 75 vet- Performing at the War. erans’ medical centers by the end National of 2011 and at all 153 medical cen- The Commission’s activities will ters by the end of 2013, under a Convention! last until 2025 and will involve Viet- bill passed on April 29th by a House Contact ND nam War Commemoration pro- subcommittee. Passed by voice vote Deanie Schmidt for grams conducted by the federal by the health subcommittee of the government, state and local govern- House Veterans’ Affairs Commit- details! ments, and international, commer- tee, the bill, H.R.1017, marks a ma- cial and private organizations. jor step in a 10-year fight in Con- Ex-POW Bulletin gress to make chiropractic care and July/August 2010 services available to veterans. Rep. 21 Decision 2010 Candidates for for for National National Senior National Jr. Vice Commander Vice Commander Commander-East MORRIS BARKER CARROLL BOGARD CHARLES SUSINO
While serving with the 15th. Air Carroll enlisted in the Air Force in Force, 451 BG, 726 Sqdn, Morris Current National Jr. Vice 1942, serving with the 8th AF, 466th was shot down near Budapest Hun- Commander 2008-2010. BG, 785th BS. He was captured in gary and was held in Stalag Luft IV. National Director August, 1944, then held in Stalag He was also on the 86 day march Budget and Finance Committee Luft VI and Luft IV. He participated through Germany. Grievance & Investigation Com- in the 87 day march across north- ern Europe before being liberated mittee After discharge from the military, by the British 7th Army at Commander, Dept. of New Jersey he graduated from Texas A&M Uni- Lauenburg, Germany on the Elbe (13+ years). versity, and later earned a MA from River. NSO-11years. the University of Texas. He has been an active member of AXPOW, He joined AXPOW in 1986 and AAC Veteran, flew B-24 European serving as Chapter Commander, quickly became an active member. theatre – hit the silk over Nord, Texas State Department Com- He has been NE Iowa Chapter Ad- France, March 5, 1944 after being mander, National Director as well jutant, Vice Commander and Com- hit by flak and fighters. Pilot gave as Jr. and Sr. Vice Commander. mander; at the Dept. level, he the order “bail out” and he was cap- Morris developed an AXPOW Vol- worked the chairs, culminating tured by two squads of German sol- untary Funding Program that has with a three-year stint as Com- diers. After being shipped to Dulag proven very successful in provid- mander when the Dept. hosted the Luft on the Rhine for 7 days of in- ing operating funds for the Ameri- 1995 National Convention in Des terrogation, he was sent by boxcar can Ex-Prisoners of War organiza- Moines. He’s reprising that role to East Prussia, Luft 6. In Jan. 1945, tion during the past two years. With again this year. he was forced marched to Memel, Morris’ help, the Budget & Finance then sent to Luft 4. After being Committee has worked to come up He has been a National Director, forced onto the 2 1/2 month-long with ways to maximize both our serving the North Central Region, “Black Hunger March”, he escaped finances and our potential. for five years. He served 2009-2010 with five other prisoners and lo- as National Jr. Vice Commander for cated a field hospital in the Ameri- Morris lives in Waco, Texas. the Central Zone. can Zone.
Ex-POW Bulletin Carroll and his wife, Barbara, life Charlie and his wife, Lillian live in Metuchen, New Jersey July/August 2010 in Mason City, IA. 22 Decision 2010 Candidates for for for National Director National Jr. Vice National Jr. Vice Northeast Commander-Central Commander-West FRANKLIN KOEHLER JAMES LOLLAR MILTON MOORE, JR During WWII, Frank was serving with the 106th Inf. Division, Company D, 424th Inf. He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He was held in Stalag XIIA, Limburg, Germany, then marched, and finally liberated from Wetzlar.
Frank has been serving as National Director for the Northeast Region since 2006. He served on the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. He has Jim is currently serving his 2nd term Skip was born in Ft. Clayton, been Chapter Commander of the as National Director for the South Panama Canal Zone in Oct. 1947. Ocean County Chapter since 2001. Central Region, Adjutant/Treasurer His father, Milton M. Moore Sr. He is a member of the Board of Di- for the Department of Texas, & his spent 27 years in the United States rectors – Dept. of New Jersey. In 2005, 3rd term as Commander of the Dal- Army and was elected as the Na- he chaired the committee to host the las Metroplex Chapter. He is the tional Commander of AXPOW in NJ State Convention in Atlantic City. Chair of the Grievance & Investiga- 1989. Skip served as National Sgt tion Committee for his 2nd term & at Arms for 6 years. He spent 22 Frank and his wife, Mae, live in Toms has served as both member & Chair years in the Army and had two River, New Jersey of the Ways & Means Committee. tours of duty in Viet Nam, retiring as a SSG (E6) in August of 1989. Life Memberships include: AXPOW, for National Director 4th Allied POW Wing (Nam-POW), Skip’s son is stationed at Ft. Hood, East Central Red River Valley Fighter Pilots As- Texas, after serving two tours in sociation, B52 Strata-fortress Asso- PAUL E GALANTI Iraq. ciation, Son Tay Raiders Associa- tion, AF Gunners Association, NCO Paul Galanti “I am extremely proud of what my Association, VFW, AMVETS, Viet- was a POW for son is doing in the military. My Now, DFC Society, MOPH Associa- nearly 7 years family has had a relative in every tion, Weber Booster Club, & NRA. in North war the United States has been Vietnam’s involved with since the Civil War.” Jim was a Tail-Gunner on a B-52 infamous Bomber & is the sole survivor on Hanoi Hilton Currently, Skip is the Commander his crew after being shot down over complex. He of the Cochise Chapter AXPOW and North Vietnam during Operation was released in Commander for the Department of Linebacker II. He was a POW at Hoa February, 1973 Arizona, AXPOW. Lo Prison (the Hanoi Hilton) until and immediately picked up his life. his release on 29 March 1973. He Skip and his wife, Margie, live in was on the last rescue flight out of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Hanoi on a C-141 Med-Evac Ex-POW Bulletin Starlifter, the “Hanoi Taxi”. July/August 2010 23 Jim lives in Wills Point, Texas. Decision 2010 Candidates In 2002, Paul was appointed as the Bill is also active in his community. Pam and Willie live in Harmon, Okla- Director of National Service Officers He has spent 11 years as a member homa. for AXPOW and currently is a service of the HOA Board of Directors – as officer. In 2003, he was appointed by President, Vice-President, Treasurer Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Editor of the community news- for National Director Anthony J. Principi to serve on the letter. On a national level, Bill has South Central Secretary’s Advisory Committee on served on the awards committee for Former POWs for the second time. the past three years; he is currently (vote for 2) Paul was named to serve on the chairman of the committee. Board of Virginia’s Department of During WWII, Bill served with the Air JAMES CLARK Veterans’ Services. He was elected Force, 401st BG, 613th BS. He was cap- Chairman of the Board of Veterans tured at Zandvoot, Netherlands and Jim has been Services in 2006. In 2006, he was held in Amsterdam, Oberursel, a workhorse honored with induction in the Wetzlar, and Stalags 13D & 7A. at both the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. In the local and na- spring of 2010, Paul was appointed Bill lives in Greenacres, FL. tional levels Commissioner of Veterans Services of AXPOW for for the state of Virginia. the past 29 years. He or- Paul and Phyllis live in Richmond, for National Director ganized the VA. South Central N.E. LA Chap- ter and was (vote for 2) Commander for almost 12 years. He for National Director is also the Dept. of LA Commander PAM WARNER – a post he’s held since 1987. Jim South East ESLINGER completed 12 years as National Di- WILLIAM JEFFERS rector, two terms as JVC, one term as SVC and was National Commander Pam became in 2008-09. He and his wife, Jerri, involved with Bill joined AX- hosted the successful Baton Rouge AXPOW at the POW in the Convention in 1998. He has also been age of 3 at the mid-1980s. chairman of three national commit- National Con- He was first a tees. member of vention in 1953. She is the Northern Serving with the Air Force during currently Vice Virginia Chap- WWII, Jim was captured at St. Lo and Commander ter (now Bill held in Stalag Luft III, XIIID and VIIA. Rolen Memo- for the Dept. rial Chapter); of Oklahoma. Jim and Jerri live in Bastrop, LA. when he moved to Florida, he joined the Suncoast Chapter where he She writes: “This organization is like served as treasurer . my second family, and I love helping my family. AXPOW has always been so special to my dad (PNC Jack Warner), and he has installed that in me. I believe I am who and what I am today because of him and my mother June.”
On a community level, Pam has There may be additional raised money to erect the Veterans nominations from the floor at Memorial, she is one of three women the National Convention in who put together the local Veterans Albany, Georgia, September program at the school on Veterans 24, 2010. Ex-POW Bulletin Day. July/August 2010 Skip Moore, Chairman Nominations & Elections 24 Committee Decision 2010 Resolutions
RESOLUTION 2010-01
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII – Convention - Paragraph D
WHEREAS: It has become increasingly difficult to find chapters willing and able to host a National Convention; and WHEREAS: It has been established that working with an outside agency to host a convention does not meet the Organization’s needs; and WHEREAS: When the Organization hosts the convention more work is done in-house, thereby increasing profits; and WHEREAS: The National Headquarters has staff that is experienced and willing to do the work necessary: therefore be it RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph D be changed to read:
D. The location for the National Convention shall be Arlington, Texas, or the vicinity, or as voted by the majority of members present and voting at National Convention.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-2
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII – National Convention – Paragraph A.
WHEREAS: The Organization would like to coordinate its National Convention with other veterans service organizations which are normally held during the summer months; and WHEREAS: Local and nationally-elected politicians are mostly unable to attend a National Convention due to their heavy work schedule in the autumn months; and WHEREAS: The Organization is trying to attract the next-of-kin members to its National Convention; and WHEREAS: Many children and grandchildren are employed by or are enrolled in schools making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to attend a National Convention; and WHEREAS: The Organization held its National Convention during the month of July until 1987; therefore be it
RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph A be changed to read:
A. The organization’s annual meeting shall be held between June 15 and September 15 of each year and shall be called the National Convention.
Submitted by National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-3
To amend the National Bylaws, Article XIII - Delegates.
WHEREAS: The credentialing of National Delegates has evolved over the years and the procedures as outlined in the Bylaws need to change to keep up with the changes; therefore be it RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph E be changed to read:
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 25 Decision 2010 Resolutions
E. Selection of Delegates 1. State departments and individual chapters are entitled to appoint delegate(s) to repre- sent and cast votes for their department or chapter at the National Convention. a. The state department and chapter adjutant shall authenticate their indi- vidual delegate(s) credentials letter to include an alphabetical listing sent to them by National Headquarters and validated by the local adjutant. The credentials letter and validated membership listing shall be submit- ted to the National Adjutant for validation no later than twenty (20) days prior to the schedules National Convention. b. The National Adjutant shall return the validated delegate letter to the des- ignated head delegate no later than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled National Convention. 2. Each delegation shall present its validated credentials letter to the Credentials Com- mittee no later than three (3) hours prior to the first business meeting of the National Convention. No delegate(s) shall be permitted to vote who presents his credentials letter to the Credentials Committee later than three(s) hours before the first business meeting of the National Convention has been called to order. The votes asso- ciated with any delegation will not be counted if the head, or designated alternate, delegate does not properly present their validated credentials letter to the Credentials Committee.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010-4
To amend the Bylaws Article XIII – Convention – Paragraph F, sub-paragraph 4.
WHEREAS: The voting on all business at the National Convention is by members present during the busi- ness meetings with the exception of the election of officers, which is done by a paper ballot and the voting on resolutions to change the National Bylaws; therefore be it
RESOLVED: That Article XIII, Paragraph F, sub-paragraph 4, and subsequent notations be changed to be in compliance with this amendment, be changed to read: Voting on all business at the National Convention shall be by the members present in assembly at the time a vote is called with the exception of voting for the election of officers and the passage of resolutions to change the National Bylaws.
Submitted the National Board of Directors
RESOLUTION 2010–5 To amend the National Bylaws Article VI – Membership – Paragraph D – Sub-paragraph 8.
WHEREAS: Clarification of the membership qualifications has been asked for; and WHEREAS: Since the Organization began keeping records, it has been interpreting the membership rules in the same fashion; therefore be it RESOLVED That Article VI, Paragraph D, sub-paragraph 8, be changed to read:
8. The spouse of 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Submitted by the National Board of Directors
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 26 American Ex-Prisoners of War 63rd Annual Convention Sept 21-26, 2010 ~~ Albany, Georgia ~~
To be held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Room rates are $109 per night, plus tax. Parking at the hotel is free. Airport Transportation is about $15 by cab from the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport. Call the Hilton Garden Inn at 229-878-4861 no later than August 20, 2010 to make your hotel reservations. COME JOIN US AS WE SHARE OLD MEMORIES AND MAKE NEW ONES!!! For More Information, contact: American Ex-Prisoners of War Phone: (817)649-2979; Email: [email protected] Or The Reunion BRAT Phone: (360)663-2521; Email: [email protected] REGISTRATION FORM YES, SIGN ME UP FOR THE AMERICAN-EX PRISONERS OF WAR 2010 CONVENTION!!!
NAME ______POW CAMP______BRANCH OF SERVICE______ADDRESS______PHONE______EMAIL______NAME OF YOUR GUESTS______PLEASE LIST ANY SPECIAL NEEDS:______IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTIFY______BANQUET MEAL SELECTION: BEEF______CHICKEN______VEGETARIAN______IS THIS YOUR FIRST REUNION? YES:______NO:______REGISTRATION FEES REQUIRED REGISTRATION FEE: # of PERSONS ______x $96 = ______BUS TO ANDERSONVILLE NUMBER ATTENDING ______x $16 = ______LADIES’ LUNCHEON NUMBER ATTENDING ______x $20 = ______TOTAL ENCLOSED = ______PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 20, 2010 PLEASE SEND PAYMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS AND MADE PAYABLE TO: THE REUNION BRAT 50721 State Hwy 410 E, Greenwater, WA 98022; (360)663-2521 ——————————————————————————————————————————— Confirmation of Registration and Itinerary will be sent out by August 30, 2010. A $20 per person cancellation fee will apply to all cancellations received within 30 days of the event. Cancellations received within 10 days of the event will be non-refundable. Call the Hilton Garden Inn at 229-878- 4861 no later than August 20, 2010 to make your hotel reservations. Be sure to mention you are with the AXPOW Convention to receive your group rate of $109 a night, plus tax. These prices are available 3 days prior to and after your event should you Ex-POW Bulletin choose to extend your stay. We’ll see you soon in Albany! July/August 2010 27 AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR 2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATE VALIDATION FORM SEPTEMBER 22 – 26, 2010 ALBANY, GEORGIA
Please validate the following members as delegates to the 2010 National Convention in Albany, Georgia, September 21 – 26. 2010.
______Chapter/Department Name (Please print)
Head Delegate: (Please print name and address.) ______
Other Delegates and Alternates: (Please print names and addresses.) ______Validated lists will be returned to the Head Delegates. If you are a chapter voting with your state department, do not return this form.
MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR CREDENTIALS 3201 EAST PIONEER PARKWAY #40 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76010-5396
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 28 American Ex-Prisoners of War Candidate for National Office 2010
Candidate for office of: Name: Address: Telephone:
Member Chapter: Military Service Organization (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or civilian):
Date and Place of Capture: Places of Internment: Date and Place of Liberation:
Biography (Please attach, including picture):
To be eligible to run for a national office, a candidate must have been a member for the 3 previous years. Submit to: Milton M Moore, Jr., Chairman, 2965 Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650 email: [email protected] Phone: (520) 459-7925
AD Order Form National Convention Page size is 8 ½ x 11 Tentative Agenda Ad Pricing Sept. 21-26, 2010 Black & White Color Full Page …..$250 $500 Half Page… .$175 $300 Quarter Page…$125 Tuesday Sept. 21: Friday Sept. 24: BusinessCard..$50 National Service Officer Past National Commanders Training Breakfast Name: ______Registration Desk Open in PM General Business Session Camp Reunions Organization: ______Wednesday Sept. 22: Hospitality Room National Board of Directors Commanders Reception Address:______Meeting Evening Entertainment Registration Desk Open City: ______Hospitality Room Open Saturday Sept. 25: Hospitality Room General Business Session & State & Zip: ______Evening Entertainment Balloting Banquet and Installation of Telephone: ______Thursday Sept. 23: Officers Daytrip to Andersonville Sunday Sept. 26: Ad Size: ______Opening Ceremonies at Devotional Andersonville National Historic National Board of Directors Amount Enclosed $______Site and the National POW Meeting Museum Checks Payable to: PSSST! 2010 Convention Fund Did you know the hotel is Mail Form with Ad materials and check to: Marsha Coke, National only 8 miles from Southwest Ex-POW Bulletin Headquarters, 3101 E. Pioneer Pkway, Georgia Regional Airport? July/August 2010 Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010 29 American Ex-Prisoners of War Website Biography www.axpow.org
If you are not a current member of AXPOW, you must submit documentation of your POW status.
Name
Nickname
Address
City/State/Zip Telephone
Conflict and Theater of Operation
Branch of Service Unit
Where were you captured? Date captured
POW camps you were held in
How long were you a POW? Date liberated
Medals received
Job in the military After military service
Submit 1 or 2 photographs (color or black and white). Biography: (please type or print)
SEND TO: American Ex-Prisoners of War 3201 East Pioneer Parkway #40 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396
Please include your check for $65 payable to AXPOW. If you have any questions, please contact Clydie Morgan, National Adjutant, at 817-649-2979; [email protected]
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 30 Certificate of Captivity
Suitable for framing, this certificate of captivity, printed on 8½” x 11” quality paper, proudly displays your history as a prisoner of war. Each certificate background is personalized to the theater of operation. To purchase this certificate from AXPOW, send your name, service number, branch of service, unit when captured, POW number (if known), camp names and locations, along with your payment of $25.00. You may include a picture with your order.
Please order from National Headquarters. If you are ordering at Convention, you can place your order in the Merchandise Room.
request for membership application American Ex-Prisoners of War
Name: ______Address:______City/State/Zip:______
Membership is open to US Military and Civilians captured because of their US citizenship and their families.
Do NOT send dues with this request for an application
Life Membership Rates Mail to: Under 35 $360 36-50 $300 American Ex-Prisoners of War 51-60 $180 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, #40 61 & over $120 Arlington, TX 76010-5936 Spouse of life member $ 40 (817) 649-2979 voice Annual Membership Rates (817)649-0109 fax Ex-POW Bulletin Single Membership $ 40 e-mail:[email protected] Husband & wife $ 50 July/August 2010 31 In memory of Carl Heimaster, by NSO contributions Patricia Roth Department of Missouri In memory of Clifton Barber, by Members of Department of Missouri Marian Barber Johnson Members of Department of Tennes- In memory of David Rashes, by Irv- see ing Lautman In memory of Edwin “Bud” Huson, by VOLUNTARY FUNDING Eleanor Huson Ben & Lila Nienart, Lafayette NJ In memory of Erwin Lange, by Birdie Bernard Kahn, Brandon MS Mae Johnson Billy Reinbeau, Thornville OH Please send donations to: In memory of Erwin Lange, by Rob- Camille Crivelli, Oceanside NY National Headquarters, 3201 East ert & Shirley Field Donald Durant, Sun City Center FL Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, In memory of Henry Sha, by Richard Edward Wallner, Edison NJ Arlington, TX 76010. You can also & Martha Carroll Ernest Smith, Wichita KS make a donation with a credit card In memory of John D ‘JD’ Collins, by Ernest Smith, Wichita KS (MasterCard or Visa). Just call 817- E R & Glenda Arledge Floyd Jarnigan, Midland TX 6492979. Thank you! In memory of John Frost Kidd, by Frank Gailer, San Antonio TX Wanda Reeves, by Illava Griffin, by Garden State Chapter #1, NJ Contributions are not Calvin & Arline Stripling, by Jim & Gerald Hanus, Milwaukee WI tax deductible at this time Linda Lindsey, by Glenda Mesinbrink Harry Crane, Las Cruces NM In memory of Keith L Shepherd, by Harry Hinkle, Barnesville OH Special Thanks to: his wife, Randine Jack Browder, Tyler TX In memory of Mary Currin, by the James Walker, Riverside NJ Albert Dixon, Orangeburg SC Magnolia Chapter John Gatens, Fairlawn NJ Frederick Irving, Belmont MA In memory of Mary Margaret Kenneth William Brown, Hardwick VT Kazmer Rachak, Casper WY Browder, by Eleanor Huson Larry & Mary Dwyer, Muscatine IA Manuel Moreno, East Troy WI In memory of Myron Swack, by Irv- Lew & Jan Sleeper Nicholas Tosques, Millville DE ing Lautman Lincoln & Mary Hanscom, for their unwavering support of In memory of Oren Hanbaum, by Somersworth NH AXPOW! Bruce Kime Lucille Whitby, Halifax NC In memory of Raymond Buerster, by M/M Edward Holler, Rogers AR GENERAL FUND Bob & Mary Botash Marilyn Hanna, Indian Trail NC Irvin Roberts, Richmond VA In memory of Ruben Parrish, by the Mary Piscitello, Pittsboro NC Joseph Bauman, Boca Raton FL Mid-Iowa Chapter Maurice Markworth, Annville PA Karen Kahrl, Columbus OH In memory of Samuel Alden Alle, by Murray Webster Jr, Charlotte NC Mahoning Valley Chapter, Ohio his wife, Shirley Paul Young, Lakewood WA Virginia Timpanaro, Brick NJ In memory of Thomas Pines Jr, by Ramon Chavez, Geneseo IL Warren Ledbetter, Midwest City OK Lincoln & Mary Hanscom Robert Haverkos, Dunedin FL In memory of all soldiers, by J. C. In memory of Virgil Scott, by the Mid- Robert Rodenbaugh, Columbia MO McCray Iowa Chapter Robert Vogler, San Diego CA In memory of Bill Jollif, by Arnold & Violet Porter Bridges, Jemison AL Donna Schuler, by Betty & Don LEGISLATIVE FUND Virginia Betz, Hilliard OH Hertel, by Bud Hofer, by Donald In memory of Steve Augerinos, by the W T Jones, Baytown TX Stang, by Emily Market, by Eugene Department of Maryland In memory of John Frost Kidd, by Nonilla Copes, by Fred Chappolow, Sally Morgan by Hoss Rade, by Imogene MEDSEARCH FUND In memory of Joseph Monteith, by Cummings, by Jim & Faye Hofer, by In memory of Annabel Livaudais, by Rita Monteith Jim & Val, Noah, Ray Farrow, by John the South Louisiana Chapter Ashley, Audrey & Ana Westerfield, In memory of Guy Martin, by the De- by Keith & Wanda Monroe, by Lester partment of Maryland Monroe, by Lowell & Joann Market, In memory of James Stengel, by the Bring your by M/M Robert Pfaff, by M/M Terry Northwest Central Ohio Chapter Shepard & Morgan, by M/M Virgil In memory of Margaret Johnson, by grandkids! Tebbe, by Mark & Laura Westerfield, the South Louisiana Chapter by Nancy Moster, by Wayne & Bar- National Convention In memory of Robert & Elizabeth bara Monroe, by Wayne & Sharon Woehlke, by the Department of Mary- September 21-26, 2010 Halcomb land Opening Ceremonies In memory of William Lamastus, by will be held at Ex-POW Bulletin the Northwest Central Ohio Chapter Mahoning Valley Chapter, Ohio July/August 2010 Andersonville National Wisconsin Indianhead Chapter 32 Historic Site taps
Please submit taps notices to: Cheryl Cerbone, 23 Cove View Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664
th th he served with the 484 BG, 826 BS. GLEESING, Jerry, of Spokane WA ALBERTSEN, Norman A “Al”, of His B-24 Liberator was shot down; he Carson City, Nevada, died in April, died April 25, 2010, at age 85. He was was captured and held in Luft IV and commander of the Spokane Inland 2010. Al served on the USS Grena- later Luft I until liberation. He was a dier and was held in Ofuna and Empire Chapter of the American Ex- member of AXPOW. Survivors in- Prisoners of War. He also served as Omori, from April 1943 to Septem- clude two sons. ber 1945. He is survived by his wife Dept. Commander. During WWII, of 64 years, Betty. Both have been Jerry was deployed to Italy as a flight CASTOR, Evelyn, of Sidney, OH officer with the 15th Air Force, 459th AXPOW life members since 1979. He passed away April 22, 2010. She was is additionally survived by 2 daugh- Bomb Group. His B-24 was shot down the beloved wife of PDC Ken Castor. and the crew bailed out over Yugo- ters, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren and a Both were charter members of the large and loving extended family. slavia and he was taken prisoner. He Dayton Chapter, AXPOW. Evelyn was was held at Stalag 13-D and 7A until a volunteer at the Dayton VAMC for ALLE, Samuel Alden, of Grand Rap- liberation. Survivors include his wife, more than 20 years. She will be Nancy, 5 sons, 2 daughters, 17 grand- ids, Minnesota, died February 15, missed by her family and friends. 2010. He was a WWII combat medic, children and 7 great-grandchildren. 80th Div., Cl L-317. A member of the DRABIK, Edward, of Muskegon, MI GRENIER, Richard, 77, of Old Town, Lake Superior Chapter, he was a POW died April 22, 2010. He was 88. In in Stalags 12A and 3C. He is survived ME passed away Nov. 28, 2009. He 1944, he was stationed in Italy with served in the Army during the Ko- by his wife, Shirley. th the 455 BG. He was captured and rean War; he was captured on Nov. held in Stalag 7A, Moosberg. Survi- BABINGTON, William F., 87, of 2, 1950 and held for 33 months un- vors include his wife of 65 years, til being released back to US forces. Franklinton, LA died March 3, 2010. Ardis, 2 daughters, 2 grandchildren th Dick leaves his loving wife, Rita, 6 He served with the 8 AF during and 2 great-grandchildren. WWII, with the 94th BG. He was shot children, 21 grandchildren, 15 great- down, captured and held in Luft 1, grandchildren, 1 great-great-grand- EDWARDS, Benjamin F., Jr., resident child, 1 brother and 2 sisters. Barth. Survivors include his loving of Oregon and longtime member of wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and AXPOW, died May 11, 2010. He was 7 great-grandchildren. GUNDY, Samuel C., beloved husband a civilian POW, held in Santo Tomas of Mary, died April 23, 2010. He was and Los Banos internment camps. BARTON, Donald E., of Portland, OR 92. He was captured while serving Ben was one of the men chosen to th th nd died May 14, 2010 at the age of 77. with the 8 AF, 388 BG, 562 BS. escape from Los Banos in Feb. 1945 His B-17 was shot down and he was Originally from OK Don served as a to contact the American forces in Medic with the 2nd Infantry Division a POW for 15 months, including time Manila and to assist them in the lib- at Stalag Luft III. In addition to his in Korea. He was captured in May eration. He is survived by 2 children, ’51, was seriously wounded while wife of 66 years, he leaves 2 children 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grand- and numerous grandchildren and being marched north and spent 28 daughter. months in a POW camp on the Yalu great-grandchildren. River. Don was active in both the Ft FIELDS, John Wilbur of HEIMASTER, Carl Verner, “Pops”, of Vancouver and the Columbia River Reynoldsburg, Ohio, died April 26, Chapters AXPOW. He is survived by Santee, California, died April 22, 2010, leaving his widow Rose Marie, 2010. Originally from southwest Mis- his wife of 57 years, three sons, two a son, two daughters, 14 grandchil- daughters, 14 grandchildren and 24 souri, he served as a Tail Gunner on dren and three great-grandchildren. a B-24 Bomber with the 451st BG, great grandchildren. st He served in the ETO with the 101 724th BS. He was captured and held Airborne and was held in Stalag 4B. as a POW by the Germans for 333 BOYLE, Glen E., of Portage, MN passed away May 15, 2010. He was days. He was a member of the San FREEDMAN, Bertram, of Diego County Chapter. He is survived 87. During WWII, he served with the Westminster, MD passed away May th by his loving wife of 7 years, Patricia, 450 BG; he was shot down over Ro- 8, 2010. He was 92. He was captured mania and captured. Glenn is sur- 2 sons, 4 step-children, 14 grandchil- on Corregidor and held for 3 ½ years dren and 23 great-grandchildren. vived by 3 children, 9 grandchildren, in POW camps in the Philippines and 4 great-grandchildren, 1 brother and Japan. He was a member of ADBC. their families. Survivors include 3 daughters, 2 step- Ex-POW Bulletin children, 1 brother, 11 grandchildren July/August 2010 BRAY, Robert, 85, of Worthington, and 5 great-grandchildren. MN died in April 2010. During WWII, 33 end of the war in 1945. A member 2010. He was 91 and one of WWII’s taps continued... of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, John leading fighter pilots – the first has been an AXPOW member since “Double Ace” in the 8th AF. Although HENRY, Colleen A., of Dunbar, WV 1979, and has served as the Com- shot down in France, he was hidden passed away April 13, 2010. She and mander of the Department of Texas. by the resistance and returned to her husband Ed were members of the American control. In Korea, he wasn’t Barbed Wire Mountaineers Chapter, KRIPPEL, William F “Krip”, of Ft. so lucky. He was shot down, captured AXPOW. Colleen is survived by her Worth, Texas, died May 18, 2010. A and held for 16 months until repa- husband, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 10 member of the Fort Worth Chapter, triation. He leaves his wife, Joan, 2 grandchildren and 12 great-grand- Bill served with the 15 AF in Foggia sons, 1 daughter, 1 stepdaughter and children. Italy, as a ball turret gunner on a B- 7 grandchildren. 17 Bomber. Shot down on his 21 mis- HOSKINS, Catherine Cotterman, of sion, he was captured and held by MARKHAM, Mabel E., 87, of Ply- Sacramento, California died May 2, the Germans. He is survived by his mouth, MA passed away April 20, 2010. She was born in the Philippines wife of 57 years, Peggy. 2010. She was the wife of ex-POW in 1921, grew up in the overseas Frederick (610th Tank Div Battalion). American community of Manila, and LAMASTUS, William, 84, of Anna, Both Mabel and Fred were life mem- was valedictorian of the American OH passed away Feb. 25, 2010. Bill bers of AXPOW and Mass Chapter #1. School Class of 1938. She was in- was a veteran of the Army during Survivors include 1 daughter, 2 sons, terned, along with numerous mem- WWII. He was a POW in Hamburg, 2 grandchildren and 3 brothers. bers of four generations of her ex- Nurnberg and Leipzig camps. He was tended family and thousands of al- a member of the NW Central Ohio MARTINDALE, Robert Rene, of San lied civilians, for three years during Chapter, AXPOW (having served as Antonio, TX died May 9, 2010. Dur- the World War II Japanese occupation commander). Survivors include his ing WWII, he served with the AAF; he of the Philippines, until liberated by wife of 62 years, Helen, 2 daughters, was shot down over the Bismarck Sea the famous flying column of the First granddaughters, great-grandchildren and was a POW of the Japanese al- Cavalry Division, lead by Company B and sisters. most 3 years. He leaves 2 daughters, of the 44th Tank Battalion, first 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grand- through the gates of the Santo To- LEVY, Robert Benjamin, 85, of West mas prison camp on 3 February 1945. son. Haven, CT died May 19, 2010. He She married Gilman G. Hoskins, a re- served with the 4th Div., 2nd Inf. Reg., turning veteran and himself the son McISAAC, Willis, of East Point, MI Co A. Bob was captured at the Battle of a casualty of Bataan, in San Fran- passed away April 9, 2010. He was of St. Lo, Normandy, on July 29, 1944. cisco in 1946, was widowed in 1979, 88. Willis was a POW in Germany, He was a POW at Chartres, 12A and and is survived by three daughters, captured while serving in the Army. 7A. Bob was a life member of Con- two sons, eight grandchildren, and Survivors include 1 son, 2 brothers, necticut Chapter, AXPOW. He leaves one great-grandchild. She was a life 2 sisters, 6 grandchildren and 4 his wife, Mary, 2 sons, 2 daughters, member of AXPOW and had held the great-grandchildren. 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grand- posts of secretary and chaplain of the daughter. 49ers Chapter in Sacramento. MONTI, Aldo Vincent, of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, died May LIVAUDAIS, Annabel Johnson, HUSBERG, Harry, of Joshua, Texas, 30, 2010. He was captured by the hardworking member of the South died April 15, 2010. Harry served Germans on October 24, 1944. A vol- Louisiana Chapter, AXPOW, died with the 13th Div, 59th Inf, Co. B, and unteer at the VA Hospital, he is sur- April 28, 2010. She is survived by her was held on a farm in the Ruhu Val- vived by his wife of 63 years, Agnes. husband, Clyde (POW in the Korea ley after capture. An AXPOW life War, captured in 1951). She leaves 2 member since 1989, he was an ac- OLECKI, Edward Joseph, of Port sons, 1 daughter, 7 grandchildren tive member of the Fort Worth Chap- Richey, FL passed away April 25, and 1 brother. ter 2010 at the age of 91. He was cap- tured in the Battle of the Bulge while MacLEAN, Robert A of Lake Wales, th nd KIDD, John Frost, of Spring, Texas, serving with the 106 Inf., 422 Div., FL died Feb. 24, 2010 at the age of passed away on May 4, 2010. He is Co D. His men called him Sgt. Lucky. 78. He was captured at the Chosin survived by his wife of 29 years, Ed was a member of FL Chapter #1, Reservoir and held POW in Korea. Suzanne. He left school at the age of AXPOW. Survivors include his wife of Bob was commander of the Greater 17 to join the U.S. Navy. He was cap- 51 years, Arline, 3 grandchildren and Tampa Bay Chapter, AXPOW. He is tured in 1942 by the Japanese on the a large and loving extended family survived by his wife, Anne, 7 chil- island of Corregidor in the Philippine and friends. dren, 21 grandchildren and 1 great- Islands and held prisoner until the granddaughter. PARRISH, Ruben, 90, of Des Moines, Ex-POW Bulletin IA died May 16, 2010. Ruben served MAHURIN, Walker “Bud”, of New- with the 781st Tank BN; he was a POW July/August 2010 port Beach, CA passed away May 11, of the Germans at Heipenheim. He 34 was a life member of AXPOW and the SELLERS, Burl, of Troy MI died April TOFFTON, Ellen Childers, 79, of taps continued... 13, 2010. He was a WWII veteran; Rocky Mount, NC died March 24, Mid-Iowa chapter. He is survived by captured in the Battle of the Bulge. 2010. She was a life member of AX- 1 daughter, 6 grandchildren, 19 Burl is survived by 1 daughter, 1 son, POW and a member of the Eastern great-grandchildren, 13 great-great- 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grand- North Carolina Chapter. She is sur- grandchildren, 2 sisters and 1 children. vived by her loving husband of 64 brother. years, James (Luft I ex-POW), 3 chil- SKINNER, Dick W., 86, of Sarasota, dren, 6 grandchildren and 9 great- PURDY, Genny J., of Fitzgerald, GA FL died May 18, 2010. During WWII, grandchildren. th rd passed away April 15, 2010 at the age he served with the 8 AF, 493 BG, st of 86. She is survived by one daugh- 861 BS. He was shot down over WALSH, Rosemary, wife of Jack ter and one grandson. She lost her Ludwigshafen, captured and held in Walsh, died April 20, 2010. She lived beloved husband, ex-POW William E. Lufts IV and I. He was a life member in Paradise Valley, Arizona. She was Purdy, Jr. in 2001. of AXPOW, past commander of the an Agua Fria Chapter member and a Suncoast Chapter and member of the National Member of the American Ex- ROBERTSON, Billy R., 84, of Gregory, Manasota Chapter. His wife of 65 Prisoners of War. Jack was in MI died Nov. 23, 2009. He was cap- years, Jean survives him; he also the 387th BG, 559th BS. tured while serving with the 305th BG, leaves one daughter. 365th BS; he spent 9 months as a POW WITT, Lawrence, 86, of Ann Arbor, in Germany. Survivors include his SMITH, Matthew J., 87, of Wesley MI died April 10, 2010. He served wife of 63 years, Maryanna, 3 chil- Chapel, FL died April 28, 2010. Dur- with the 8th AF, 96th BG; his plane was rd dren, 5 grandchildren and 3 great- ing WWII, he served in the AAC, 483 shot down, he was captured and held th grandchildren. BG, 817 BS. He was captured after in Stalag Luft IV, then force-marched being shot down over Memmingen, ahead of the Russian Army to Stalag RUNGE, Carl F., of Round Rock, TX Germany and held until liberation. 357. He was a life member of AXPOW. died Jan. 14, 2010. He was 86. Dur- Matthew leaves 6 children, 9 grand- Survivors include 3 daughters, 7 ing WWII, he served with the 486th children and a number of great- grandchildren and 1 great-grand- BG, 8th AF. He was shot down over grandchildren, nieces and nephews. child. Czechoslovakia, captured and held in He was a life member of AXPOW. Saaz and Teplitz. Carl is survived by YOUNG, Robert Alexander “Bob”, his wife, Mary, 2 children, 6 grand- SNIDER, Edward Joe, of Tours, TX life member of AXPOW and a children and 2 great-grandchildren. passed away May 11, 2010 at the age proud, longtime member of the of 90. He served with the 41st Inf. 49’ers chapter, Sacramento, died nd SCHMIDT, Dora passed away on Reg., 2 Armor Div. during WWII. He April 19, 2010 at the age of 93. April 13, 2010. Dora was the was a POW and a member of Chap- He was a civilian prisoner of war dur- widow of ex-POW Theodore ter #1. Survivors include his beloved ing the Japanese occupation of the Schmidt. Dora was a member of wife of 61 years, Eleanor, 1 son, 3 Philippines and was held at Fresno Chapter #1 and resided in daughters, 10 grandchildren, 6 great- the Santo Tomas and Los Banos in- Fresno, CA. grandchildren and many extended ternment camps. After coming to family and friends. Sacramento, he met his future wife SCHULTZ, John C., age 89, of Buf- Lucy. They married in 1956 and falo, NY died Jan. 25, 2010. He served STODDARD, Val, of Pocatello, Idaho, raised a family of 7 children. He was with the US Army, Rifleman 745 with died in May, 2010. A member of the loved by his 13 grandchildren, 12 Co. F, 411th Inf. Reg., 103rd Div. He Idaho Chapter, Val served with the great-grandchildren, and 2 great- was a POW in Stalag 9B, Bad Orb. John 358 BS, 303 BG. He was held in Sta- great-grandchildren. He will be was a member of the Western NY lag 17B. greatly missed by all who knew him. Chapter, AXPOW. He is survived by 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren. STONE, Jay E. of Ashland, VA passed ZMUDA, Alexander J., 86, of away May 28, 2010. He was 88. While Clermont, FL passed away April 4, SCOTT, Virgil, 87, of Webster City, serving with the Army, attached with 2010. He served in the Army, 36th rd IA passed away April 21, 2010. Virgil Co. B, 103 Eng. Combat Bn, he was Div., 141st Inf., Co K during WWII. He served in the AAF during WWII; with captured in the Battle of the Bulge. was captured at the Rapido River, the 301st BG, 353rd BS. He was shot He was held in Bad Orb and Berga Italy, then held in Kommando 1637 down on his 24th mission and held until liberation. Jay was a member for 18 months. Alex is survived by captive in Germany. Virgil is survived of the North Central Ohio Chapter 8, his wife of 61 years, Virginia, 2 by 4 sons, 4 daughters, 25 grandchil- AXPOW. He leaves 1 daughter, 5 daughters, 1 son and 6 grandchil- dren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchil- dren. brother and 1 sister. He was a mem- dren, 1 sister and a large and loving ber of the Mid-Iowa Chapter, AXPOW. extended family. Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 35 The Legacy of your love can live on after…
An important way you can help ensure that the American Ex-Prisoners of War is always there for returning POWs, their families and their dependents is through your will or living trust.
The gift you make through your will or trust, large or small, is crucial to the future of our organiza- tion. In just a few years, after the generations of the heroes of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent wars have passed away, there will be far fewer men and women to carry the banner of AXPOW and her service to America. It will be far easier for our non-veteran population to forget those who sacrificed their blood and their health to ensure America’s freedom.
It’s very simple to make a bequest to the American Ex-Prisoners of War. Just add the following to your will or living trust: “I give, devise and bequeath to the American Ex-Prisoners of War, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010, the sum of $______or ______percent of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
Please take a few minutes of your time to help.
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan” and “We exist to help those who cannot help themselves” are not empty phrases. They are cornerstones of our faith in our future.
Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 36 new members National Headquarters 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010; (817) 649-2979 [email protected]
New Annual Members New Life Members Gloria J West *39671 Welcome Home! Welcome Home! Midwest City OK *denotes new member to AXPOW Daughter of Warren Ledbetter, PAC Danny L McCracken Rogers AR Pamela Batia Geiser 39669 Roland A Lissner *38672 Son of Jerry Oxenreider Biloxi MS San Clemente CA Daughter of William Batia, ETO 8 AF 306 BG 367 BS Harold F Gantert Linderagen, Northern Sweden, Parsippany NJ Louis J Deslatte 39670 Hospitals USAAF 384 BG 544 BS Luftin TX 2/3/45-8/23/45 Luft 3, 13D, 7A 465 BG 781 BS 4/29/44-4/29/45 Luft 4 & 13 Meet old friends and make new ones at the National Convention in Albany, Georgia!
The Ladies Luncheon... FEATURING...Maxie the Preacher’s Wife is a character created by Elaine Brantley. Elaine, a pastor’s wife, is married to Dr. Rickey Brantley, who has dedicated his life to pastoring and teaching God’s people. She is also the mother of three children, a musician, an author and illustrator, and a lover of humor. Elaine created the Maxie character as a good, clean, wholesome form of entertainment.
You’ll do much more than just laugh as you hear about the many adventures of life as a preacher’s wife. You may even recognize some of the same people in your own congregation as she shares about the humorous side of church life.
Elaine also is very active in leading Women’s Conferences and Retreats covering many topics and issues women face today. Among those issues taught from a Biblical perspective are: When Life Gives You Lemons (a conference study of the book of Ruth and how it relates to today’s woman) Do You Really Believe What Jesus Said? (a conference study of direct encounters Jesus had with women in Scripture) Laughter…Good for What Ails You (a conference on the importance and benefits of laughter) The newest conference offered is our “for women only” Sisters’ Conference: Sisters…Or If You’re from the South…Sistahs! Elaine has recently released a children’s book, The Pesky Little Donkey, which she wrote and illustrated. She has also illustrated the first two books of a series of children’s books, The Mattie Rose Knows… series. Also just released is her new book, Raised Right in the South, a book celebrating growing up in the South, now available at Dragonfly Books in Dublin, GA and at Kema’s Bookstore in Gray, GA and as an online ebook. These and other products including DVDs and CDs will be available at the luncheon or are available at maxiethepreacherswife.com. Ex-POW Bulletin July/August 2010 37 Ex-POW Bulletin For mail-in applications, July/August 2010 please call National Headquarters at 38 817-649-2979 Life’s Journey 50/50 drawing March 2010 Authored by Cor Longiotti Arlington, Texas List Price: $17.95 1st Place Walter Riley $431.60 Dallas, TX Growing up in a small town. 2nd Place Milton “Skip” Moore $323.70 Enduring Life in the great Sierra Vista, AZ depression era. 3rd Place Ernest Smith $215.80 Attending Catholic school for Wichita, KS six years and graduating from 4th Place Sally Morgan $107.90 Public High School. Grand Prairie, TX Serving in U.S. Army with the 179th Infantry as a machine gunner in Sicily. Fighting in Italy, landing on the beaches These drawings help raise money needed for our operating ex- of Salerno and fighting our way to Casino then retreating penses. They allow our members to participate in a very worth- to make a landing at Anzio. After much fierce fighting while project, while giving them a chance to win. 50% of the getting captured, and spending time as a POW in Italy donations will be given to the General Fund and the other 50% and Germany. Returning home, getting married, are awarded as prizes. The amounts are determined after all raising a family and working to build a better life. donations are received. You do not have to be present to win. Please make copies of the tickets on the other side and offer them to your Chapter members, family and friends. We are ask- For a copy of book, go to; ing $5.00 for 6 tickets. These donations are not tax deductible. Amazon.com/life journey-cor-longiotti/dp/1449596630 Fill out the tickets and send them and your donations to: National Headquarters ~ 50/50 Drawing Or send $18.00 (shipping included) to; 3201 E. Pioneer Pkway, #40 Cor Longiotti, 522 E. Valley View Rd. Ashland, Or. 97520 Arlington, TX 76010-5396
Let’s Light Up Your Way The 106th Infantry With a NUMBERED keychain/flashlight combination Division Association (battery included). Organized at Camp Lucky Strike 1945 active since 1946 If it’s lost, the finder can return it to us and receive a $15.00 reward. We will return it to you. If you give If you are a former 106th Infantry Division vet, were this as a gift, you need to give us the name and address attached to the 106th,a relative of a 106th veteran, you of your recipient. are eligible for membership in the Association. Annual Dues $10.00 This is an attractive, silver-colored and thoughtful item. It is sent in a handy gift box and is ideal for The CUB Magazine is published three times friends and family. per year. Published since 1946. Annual Reunions held yearly since 1947. This is a fund-raising project of the Dept. of New York. Profits are being used to give Wounded Warriors Contact: Lyle Beeth, Membership Chairman and their families a “Taste of the Big Apple”. Five 2004 Golf Manor Road days/four nights airfare, hotel, food, admissions. Valico, FL 33594-7288 (813) 689-9621; fax: (813) 655-8952 Toll Free (888) 644-8952 $10 each including S/H [email protected] To: Dept. of New York, AXPOW Ex-POW Bulletin 190 Bethel Loop, #10-H July/August 2010 Brooklyn, NY 11239 39 American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (9/10) Thank you for your support. (9/10) American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______
Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Thank you for your support. (9/10) Thank you for your support. (9/10) American Ex-Prisoners of War American Ex-Prisoners of War 50/50 Drawing 50/50 Drawing PLEASE PRINT PLEASE PRINT Name:______Telephone: ( )______Name:______Telephone: ( )______Address:______Address:______City/State/Zip:______City/State/Zip:______Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Here is my donation of $5.00 for 6 chances to win the drawing. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Prize amounts are determined by the total amount donated. Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War Mail your donation American Ex-Prisoners of War and entry to: 50/50 Drawing and entry to: 50/50 Drawing 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Arlington, TX 76010-5396 You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. You do not have to be present to win. Your donation is not tax deduct- Thank you for your support. ible. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Donation not required to enter. Ex-POW Bulletin (9/10) Thank you for your support. (9/10) July/August 2010 40 The Quartermaster’s Shop order on page 42
Jeweled Flag You love your country. Our Austrian Crystal Flag and USA pins are beautiful ways to show your patriotism. They make wonderful gifts ~ for yourself or someone you love. American Flag ~ AXPOW Pocket Knife $30.00 plus s/h 11 function pocket knife includes a stainless steel Bronze Grave knife, screwdrivers and Medallion much more! AXPOW with AXPOW LOGO imprint is protected by an The Medallion is 4", Bronze/ epoxy dome, lasting a Brown with Lacquer, weighs lifetime. Rubber grip approximately 1lb 4oz, ensures easy containing 84% copper, handling...individually balance in other metals. The gift boxed...folded knife hardware for mounting is measures 3 3/4”x1” included in each packet. $13.00 plus s/h check with your local cemetery before ordering to see if medallions are AXPOW Vests! permitted. The uniform of the American Ex- $75.00 plus s/h/i POWs consists of the military cap and the vest. These vests ($15.00 for one; $20.00 for are custom-made with your name on the front, and your two or more) chapter and logo shield on the back. Orders take approxi- mately six weeks to complete. $55.00 each includes shipping/handling For pins, vest guards and other items to “dress up” your vest, or- der from the merchandise page.
AXPOW Flashlights Bright safety light when you need it! AXPOW logo in color...individually Ex-POW Bulletin gift-boxed. July/August 2010 $12.00 plus s/h 41 Name Badge Order Form AXPOW Vest Order Form (for members only) (For members only) Actual size of badge is Name______size of a credit card Address______
PLEASE PRINT: City, State, Zip ______Name ______Size (Men/coat, Women/chest measurement) ______Line 1 ______Line 2 ______Long, Regular or Short______
Name Badge with name & chapter and city: $6.00 Name on front of vest ______(includes shipping and handling) Chapter Name (back of vest) ______Ship to: Street ______Price: $55.00, includes shipping/handling City/State/Zip ______Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery.
Mail orders to: Mail orders to: AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AXPOW NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 Official AXPOW Cap (specify size) 40.00 Eagle pin w/Barbed Wire 8.00 12x18 AXPOW Graveside Flag 10.00 Vinyl Cap Bag 3.00 (specify gold, silver or antique gold) 3x5 ft. AXPOW Flag w/3-color logo Maroon AXPOW Sport Cap 8.00 Jeweled Flag Pin 30.00 with fringe, indoor use 60.00 Black Eagle Sport Cap 9.00 USA Jeweled Pin 15.00 with grommets, outdoor use 60.00 Canvas Sport Cap (tan) 10.00 Logo Necklace 5.00 3x5ft. blackPOW/MIA flag, outdoor use 25.00 AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00 Logo Earrings (pierced or clip) 5.00 AXPOW Metal License Plate Frame 10.00 Necktie w/logo 30.00 2” Medallion (for plaque) 5.00 Aluminum License Plate 5.00 (specify regular or pre-tied) Vest Chainguard w/eagles 8.00 3” Vinyl Decal 1.00 AXPOW Logo Bolo Tie 25.00 3” Blazer Patch 4.00 3” Inside Decal 1.00 U.S. Flag Bolo Tie 20.00 4” Blazer Patch 4.00 8” Vinyl Decal 6.00 Mini POW Medal Bolo Tie 30.00 8” Blazer Patch 10.00 12” Vinyl Decal 10.00 Barbed Wire pin 3.00 CLOTH STRIPES (specify which title) 3.00 Bumper Sticker “Freedom – Ask us” 2.00 Life Member pin 5.00 Life Member · Chapter Commander AXPOW Wall Clock (includes battery) 20.00 Crossed Flags Lapel pin 5.00 Past Chapter Commander · Chapter Adj/Treas Chapter AXPOW Notecards (pkg of 25) 6.00 Brooch pin 5.00 Adjutant · Chapter Treasurer Special Prayer Cards (pkg of 25) 6.00 EX-POW pin (goldtone) 5.00 State Department Commander AXPOW Prayer Book 2.00 Logo pin 5.00 Past State Dept. Commander · Department Adjutant Ladies Prayer Book 1.00 POW Stamp pin 3.00 Department Treasurer · Sr. Vice Commander AXPOW By-Laws 5.00 Past Chapter Commander pin 5.00 Jr. Vice Commander · Chaplain · Historian POW Videotape – ETO or Pacific 11.00 Past Department Commander pin 5.00 Service Officer · Legislative Officer “Speak Out” Education Packet 6.00 AXPOW Pocket Knife 13.00 Past Chapter Officer · Past Department Officer Canvas Totebag w/4” logo 15.00 AXPOW Flashlight 12.00 We accept Master Card/Visa QUANTITY ITEM SIZE / COLOR PRICE
For orders up to 4.00, add $3.00; For orders 4.01 to 7.99, add $4.00; For orders 8.00 to 25.00, Shipping/Handling/Insurance: add $8.00, For orders 25.01 to 49.99, add $13.00; For orders 50.00 to 99.99, add $15.00 For orders over 100.00, add $20.00 Checks/Money Order/Credit Card Accepted. Total: $ For credit card orders: Card # ______Expiration: ______(Check one) Master Card ______Visa______Name ______MAIL TO: Address ______AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR City, State, Zip ______3201 East Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Phone ______Arlington, Texas 76010-5396 817-649-2979 [email protected] Dedication of the POW/MIA-AXPOW Memorial in Fresno, California… Spearheaded by Rudy Giannoni, Fresno Chapter #1, AXPOW, who writes: “This was a very heart-warming ceremony with over 500 people in attendance. There were more tears flowing that day than I have ever seen at any ceremony.” The total cost was $23,000 all donated by members of Fresno Chapter#1, their wives and widows. The monument is 8 feet tall, made of polished granite. AXPOW Flashlights Bright safety light when you need it! AXPOW logo in color...individually gift-boxed.
$12.00 plus s/h
Thank you for supporting the American Ex- POWS with your purchases of National Merchandise. change of address form Include your mailing label for address change or inquiry. If you are receiving duplicate copies, please send both labels. If moving, please give us your new address in the space provided. Subscription Rates -- non members $40.00 per year Foreign subscriptions $50.00 per year Now accepting MasterCard/Visa Please print: All orders for products sold by Name______AXPOW National Organization, Address______including dues/subscriptions City/State/Zip______should be mailed to: Phone ( )______American Ex-Prisoners of War Please allow 4 weeks to make address corrections. National Headquarters 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 40 Mail to: National Headquarters, AXPOW, 3201 E. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 Suite 40, Arlington, TX 76010-5396 (817) 649-2979/ (817) 649-0109 fax Or fax: (817) 649-0109 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] No collect calls, please