Purple Heart MAGAZINE July/August 2018

2018 NATIONAL CONVENTIONS Spokane, Washington Purple Heart Magazine© ISSN: 0279-0653 July/August 2018 2IÀFLDO3XEOLFDWLRQRIWKH MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART OF THE U.S.A., Inc. Chartered by Act of Congress

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2 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Purple Heart 4(.(A05, 6ɉJPHS7\ISPJH[PVUVM[OL4PSP[HY`6YKLYVM[OL7\YWSL/LHY[VM[OL<:(0UJ

TABLEOFCONTENTS Vol. LXXXIII, Number 4 July/August 2018

4 National Commander’s Briefi ng 6 National Jr. Vice Commander’s Briefi ng 8 National Service Director’s Briefi ng 10 Region VI Events 12 Suicide Awareness: Know the Facts 14 National Chaplain’s Briefi ng 20 18 15 Legacy & Trail Program Update 16 Mail Call MOPH MISSION STATEMENT 17 A Warrior On and Off the Ice THE MISSION OF the Military Order of MOPH Pays Tribute to America’s the Purple Heart is to foster an environ- 18 ment of goodwill and camaraderie Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day among Combat Wounded Veterans, promote Patriotism, support necessary 20 MOPH Provides Disaster Relief to legislative initiatives, and most impor- Puerto Rican Veterans tantly, provide service to all veterans 22 and their families. 22 Brendan Looney: A Life of Service Before Self MOPH VISION STATEMENT “MOPH is to undertake a Pro-Active Rep- 24 Some Statistics From the Vietnam resentation in all forums of public opinion Memorial Wall that will consistently seek to improve the status and stature of its Veteran Members, 26 2018 Scholarship Recipients their dependents, families and survivors.” 30 News & Gatherings ADVERTISEMENT POLICIES Acceptance of advertising contained 42 40 MOPHA National President’s Note herein does not imply endorsement nor attest to the effi cacy of advertised prod- 42 MOPHA National Jr. Vice President’s ucts by the Military Order of the Purple Note Heart or any of its members or staff. 43 MOPHA National Chaplain’s Note MATERIAL SUBMISSIONS and MOPHA In Memoriam Article, photos, or comments for publication in the Purple Heart Magazine 44 MOPHA Region VI President’s Note should be e-mailed to: [email protected] 45 MOPHA Region VI Events 30 Cover photo by Kidron Cool, Riverfront Park, 46 Taps Spokane (fl ic.kr/p/asaJWg)

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 3 National Commander’s Brieﬁng by Neil Van Ess

A Year of Signiﬁcance in Challenges & Accomplishments

AS I PREPARE THIS FINAL ARTICLE as your National Commander, I reﬂect over a year of great accomplishments, along with a couple of unexpected challenges. We were faced with several challenges: A series of natural disasters—Hurricanes Har- A vey, Irma, and Maria, along with fires in California and Montana—and the shooting in

Las Vegas all affected our membership. It was a year bership, concerns and issues, and hope for the future of of working together by renewing and regenerating our this great Order, was the highlight. I was totally amazed purple spirit, a coming together of prayers, love, finan- by the magical Purple Heart spirit of volunteering. cial aid and assistance to all our victimized brothers and A highlight of the year for the Order was our participa- sisters, as well as their families. Through a number of tion in the Rose Bowl Parade, with an audience of 70 mil- nationwide teleconferences, you, the membership— lion worldwide viewers and 1.2 million in attendance. For through chapters, departments and leadership— our Order, it was a great once-in-a-lifetime partner- came through, raising well over $90,000 ship with the Independent Order of Odd Fellow while also establishing, for the first time, a and Rebekahs group, and we won the coveted national relief fund. With every storm we Director’s Trophy. emerged for the better. Other significant accomplishments includ- The other challenge was the financials of the ed calling each and every chapter officer shortly Foundation. We are now informed that there ap- after their ordeal in Texas and Florida, as well as pears to be more funding, $6.4 million instead of $3.6 over 50 members in Puerto Rico and several members million, and the continuation of our service program will in California. A number of them couldn’t believe the Na- stay intact with adjustment for future leadership. We must tional Commander would actually call them. Also meet- continue to devote our efforts to supporting and preserving SSG. Charles Edwards, a USAF Air Policeman and ing the existence of our National Service Program. With Purple Heart recipient recovering from serious wounds, every storm there always emerges the rainbow/sunshine. and of course signing him up as member at Walter Reed But for me, reaching out to you through video telecon- Medical Center. Another was testifying to a Joint Ses- ference, to the individual chapter members and the de- sion of Congress on behalf of membership and getting partment members, was the most significant event of the applause when mentioning the widow tax. Another was year. Hearing directly from you, the members, regarding establishing and creating the Legacy Member Program to chapter doings, events, accomplishments, serving mem- become more self-reliant and to preserve our legacy.

4 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 There is only one regret. I selected a team to go to As we close on a year of wonderful accomplishment Puerto Rico and Texas and personally purchased tickets to and ﬁ nancial challenges, we will weather the storms and go, but all heck broke loose and I had to back out the day be stronger in the sunshine. before traveling. But I wish to thank my team of JVC Fe- I want you all to know how humble I am that you en- lix Garcia, Region V Commander Paco Elizalde, Region IV trusted me as your National Commander. I kept my word Commander Lee Brown, Fla. Commander Richard Hunt to tell you the truth and kept my commitment and loy- and Public Relations Director John Bircher, who all trav- alty to you, our membership. It’s been my absolute honor eled at their own expenses for the Order. Thank you, our to represent you, and that will live with me all my days. brothers in purple. I do plan to go to Puerto Rico and to Thank you, my brothers and sisters in purple. I enjoyed Texas as a Past National Commander. being your commander during these times.

Join the Legacy Member Program

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Thank You For Helping To Preserve The Legacy Of The Purple Heart

Legacy Member Program Military Order Of The Purple Heart 5413-B Backlick Road Springﬁ eld, VA 22151 Phone: 703-642-5360 (Membership) Fax: 703-642-1841 Email: [email protected] Join here: bit.ly/LegacyProgram

“HONORING OUR PRESENT, REMEMBERING THE PAST AND PRESERVING THE LEGACY!”

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 5 National Jr. Vice Commander’s Brieﬁng by Felix Garcia

Looking Forward, Much Works Still Needs to be Done

IRST, I WANT TO CONGRATULATE all the new chapter, department, elected and ap- pointed ofﬁcers. With only a few weeks away to our 86th national convention, I want each of you to re-read our constitution preamble: “We, combat veterans of the wars of the United F States and recipients of the Purple Heart medal, awarded by the United States Government and founded by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, at a critical time in our history,

drawn together by bonds of respect and mutual suffering, one another and our respective wars. 3) “served as a bea- have established the Military Order of the Purple Heart, con of hope” We all have been to the edge of hell and chartered by the Congress of the United States, in order death. Instead of negativity, let’s use the Purple Heart first to perpetuate the principles of patriotic allegiance to the as a beacon of hope within the Order; then we can start United States of America, fidelity to its Constitution and re-branding to the public, which is much needed given our laws, the security of civil liberty, and the permanence of financial straits. free institutions. Through this organization and our mem- Now, the inevitable six letter word: B-U-D-G-E-T. bership in it, we hope to be able to preserve and perpetu- I hope that when I meet you in Spokane, Washington, that ate those ideals of liberty, justice, and the general welfare the funding has been solved. I am hopeful, however we all which are the very foundation of our way of life. We further must be realistic; the current model needs to be revamped pledge to foster and enhance those principles which, from and we must look for outside assistance. I’m not a finance the beginning of our national history, have served as a bea- person by trade, but I have been studying [and asking con of hope and salvation to the peoples of all nations.” questions] over the past year. I realize that more is being I want to focus on three points of the constitution. 1) paid out than is being received. I have heard great ideas “We, combat veterans” We are the only organization re- from members, and now is the time for action. The word gardless of race, sex, orientation, or belief that are bound action is an operative word; two years from now we should by blood. As I mentioned before, I will reinforce account- be back on our feet with a steady cash flow. We must pre- ability, but we all need to look in the mirror and ask, “Why serve our national service officer program—bottom line. do I want to belong to this organization?” 2) “drawn As I close out my National Junior Vice tenure, I would together by bonds of respect and mutual suffering” like to take a moment to reflect on the good that the Order This is an area that you and I will work on together. We all does for our members, families, and the public. We have have suffered to earn the Purple Heart, and we have lost survived multiple hurricanes, wildfires and mudslides. The too many that made it home to suicide. Remember when Order, along with the leadership of the region, department we were active duty and the respect we had for our “battle and chapter commanders, assisted and aided. Funds were buddy? Respect has been lost and will be a primary focus donated by our very own members and the public to defray during my tenure, both as a national officer and a patriot. the cost to members. We have been in constant commu- We don’t have to be best of friends, but we must respect nication with the Service Foundation to find the right fit

6 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 for both. Please note that we will never agree completely, as most of the Past National Commanders can attest, but we all agree that real change is necessary for the survival of our con- gressionally chartered organization. I had the distinct honor of visiting Puerto Rico months after the devastation left behind by Hurricane Maria. Much work still needs to be done and we need to be their voice. We all had the opportunity to reflect on the fallen on Memorial Day, because their past ultimate sacrifice allowed our nation to celebrate their lives. Patriots, much work still needs to be done. If the members allow me to continue to serve in the capacity of National Se- nior Vice Commander, the charge will only get stronger and the bridges of communication shorter. During this past year, I have been reading more military history and I will end with a quote that resonated with me. I’m not a service academy graduate or officer, I am an enlisted warrior of the greatest military on this earth and have fought and served with the best of the best. And “discipline” is the common denomina- tor for every member of the armed forces, regardless of rank. “The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruc- tion and give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice as to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. “The one mode or the other in dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander. He who feels the respect which is due to others cannot fail to inspire in them respect for himself; while he who feels, and hence manifests, disrespect toward others, especially his subordinates, cannot fail to inspire hatred against himself.” Major General John M. Schofield Address to the Corps of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy August 11, 1879

I ask each of you to reread LTG Scoﬁeld’s quote and send me your thoughts on the deﬁnition of discipline. Best to you, your families and friends, and to our beloved Order. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces at our national convention.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 7 National Service Director’s Brieﬁng by Angelo Wider

National Service Program Year in Review FY2017/2018

T’S TIME TO LOOK BACK at the challenges and opportunities the National Service Program was faced with during the past year. The focus of early 2017-18 was to solidify the National Ser- vice Program, address staffing issues and implement program efficiencies. Despite the previous Ibudget and staffing cuts, emphasis was placed on replacing administrative support with trained NSOs and providing the NSOs with training and tools to help them perform at higher levels. The management structure was modified, with new titles, added responsibilities, as well as new geograph- ic boundaries. We went from six regions to three designated areas.

2017-18 Accomplishments senior NSOs to cover New York, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Systems Upgrade—The VETRASPEC Implemen- California, Washington and Alaska. Administrative assis- tation replaced the outdated MOPH Virtual Claims tant positions were eliminated and NSP Board of Veter- Management System (VCMS), no longer supported by ans Appeals staffing was put under review. the original contractor (Leidos). This was a high-risk sys- There is continued emphasis on Team Building, Plan- tem and became a top priority. System failure would have ning, Cost Controls and Training. NVLSP provides le- brought the National Service Program to a halt. VETRO- gal services, consultation and training support to the NSP. SPEC provides a unique opportunity with D2D capability Contracted services were reviewed and modifications (digital forms submittal to the VA), annual cost avoidance made, resulting in a cost avoidance and annual savings. and reduced administrative staffing requirements, and With regards to the national training site, I renegotiated gave us documentation online. the contract to reduce hotel room nights. I cut back train- NSO Office Automation/Paperless was successfully ing by one day. For greater consistency and standardiza- piloted in Region I and has set the stage for national im- tion, the onboarding, basic training and human resource plementation. All NSO offices were targeted for comple- orientation was shifted to area responsibility allowing tion by year end. Original documents belonging to veter- more time at national training to address updates and re- ans are returned to the veteran and excess non-essential view of VA issues and claims processing. documents are destroyed. The MOPH NSP Fifty State Review resulted Staffing—Organizational structure, staffing and from looking at survival of the NSP and possible compensation had previously received marginal consid- funding scenarios. Seven scenarios were identified. eration, due to prior years’ funding cuts and contributed The ideal and most desirable was the PH Foundation to minimal pay increases, limited job growth opportuni- fully covering all NSP costs. The least desirable was ties and double-digit turnover (21%). A critical needs as- that the PH Foundation would fold and the MOPH sessment of NSO locations resulted in a restructuring, would then become a membership-only organization six regions field supervisors to three area managers, seven and cease to provide claim services to veterans. The

8 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 interim proposal focused on a hybrid scenario where NSP Closure Plan Rescinded—I rescinded the basically all parties pursue funding. This scenario was NSP Closure Plan on May 14 and advised NSOs to presented to both the MOPH leadership team in St again accept POAs and process veterans’ claims. I will Louis and the PH Foundation in Orlando. continue to work with the MOPH leadership team, and The PH Foundation Meeting focused more on the the area managers on program optimization and effi - NSP pursing state grants and state employees assuming ciencies. Fundraising is still a major issue and I encour- MOPH NSO work and giving credit to MOPH. We de- aged the area managers to work with local MOPH de- veloped a questionnaire/survey to use to collect data on partments and chapters to identify potential sources of MOPH departments, grants, state directors of VA inter- funding, state grants, donations (no direct solicitations est and funding allocations. A major concern is whether from veterans’ clients) or contributions from depart- funds targeted for NSP are fairly allocated by departments ments and chapters. I will, however, continue to work receiving grants directly from the state. I am pursuing full with the MOPH leadership team, and the area managers disclosure and full transparency of the fi nancial reports, on program optimization and effi ciencies. However, we allocation of grant funds and any agreements with the will continue to look at our locations, functions and re- state on allocations. Regardless, the area managers and I sources. Changes will be made where it is economically will continue to pursue any possible leads or opportuni- benefi cial to do so. ties with the states. I would be remiss not to acknowledge, commend and At the Leadership Meeting, regional commanders express my appreciation to the area managers, national talked about collaboration, support and having service service offi cers and the NSP executive assistant for their offi cers volunteer to help NSOs. I also emphasized with patience, support and contributions during this past year. regional commanders that the NSOs and area managers We started the year strong, making positive changes. would be happy to attend conferences and meetings as Then we had to shift gears when faced with the stress of a long as their cost was covered by the region, department threat of shutdown. and or chapter. The regional commanders understood and Thank you to Commander Van Ess, Senior Vice Com- concurred with the need for the policy change and agreed mander Middleton and Junior Vice Commander Garcia to assume costs for participation at meetings, conven- for their strong advocacy and support for the National tions inclusive of reporting and training. Service Program. Four Phase NSP Closure Plan—Communications It is my intent for the NSP to focus on our mission to relative to lack of funding for the National Service Pro- provide quality service to veterans and their families. The gram resulted in the Four Phase NSP Closure Plan. The program will continue to pursue effi ciencies, optimiza- National Commander put the Closure Plan on tions and cost savings while providing our team, our val- hold and deferred any action pending resolution ued employees with the training, tools and support they PH Foundation funding issues. need to perform their duties.

CHANGES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Please send ADDRESS changes, DEATH of a Member & SUBSCRIPTIONS to:

MOPH: MOPH National Headquarters [email protected] 5413-B Backlick Road, Springﬁ eld, VA 22151 • Voice (703) 642-5360 • Fax (703) 642-1841

MOPHA (Address & death changes): Tara Waugh [email protected] 190 E. Olmstead Dr. C-12, Titusville, FL 32780

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 9 Patriot Message From REGION VI CHANGE OF COMMAND Ceremony Schoﬁeld Barracks, Hawaii, on June 8, 2018 (L to R): Roy Sugiyama, “Mr. William “Billy” Weldon Hawaii” Tommy Tana- MOPH National Region VI Commander ka, Rob Cox, two-star General Clark, General CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL Region Brumblum, Billy Wel- VI members. Billy Weldon, Region VI don, Commander Orly Commander, has been very busy trav- Keller, WW II/Korea eling throughout the region servicing veteran Lucia Sanico chapters and Patriot members in several states and a U.S. Territory.

EVENTS Guam Hawaii

BRIG. GEN. Johnny Davis, assistant division commander for operations, belatedly presents the Purple Heart to Rainbow Hawaii Chapter 483 MOPH Department of member Tommy Tanaka in a recent Guam Ladies Auxiliary ceremony in Honolulu. Looking Members on is Patriot Robert Cox, also of

COURTESY 25TH INF. DIV. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIV. COURTESY 25TH INF. Chapter 483.

RAINBOW HAWAII Chapter 483 members (from left) Henry Lee, Tommy Tanaka, Robert Cox, Orly Johns and Romeo Ubaldo ap- pear before the Ha- MOPH Department of Guam Convention congratulating waii State Senate Nick Francisco, Department Commander.

Public Safety and REGION VI Military Affairs Com- mittee to speak in favor of a bill to have STANDING WITH Billy Weldon is Hawaii proclaimed a “Purple Heart State.” The bill passed Terri Shimizu, wife of the late Re-

COURTESY HAWAII STATE SENATE STATE COURTESY HAWAII in committee. gion VI Commander Jack Shimizu, honoring Jack’s service to MOPH in Guam. DEPARTMENT, CHAPTERS, AND PATRIOT members along with Ladies Auxiliary during Hawaii Department Convention on June, GUAM DEPARTMENT 9, 2018. Dept. Com- Commander Nick Fran-

mander Dale Wilson EVENTS cisco, Tony (the Tiger), along with “Mr. Ha- Region VI Commander waii” (Tommy Tanaka), Billy Weldon, spend Hosted by Commander time with Patriot Fran- Orly Keller. cisco C. Lizama, the Master Blacksmith of Guam, all Purple Hearters.

10 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 California REGION VI Utah

JUNIOR VICE Felix Garcia, FRONT row (L to R): National & State Women’s Wes Hiraoka, Mark Dirr, Auxiliary, Region VI Com- NSO Crystal Newbold, mander, Billy Weldon Commander Dee Gib- and California State Com- son, Region VI Com- mander Jim Anderson mander Billy Weldon Back row (L to R): Don Furgeson, Jay Wells, Van Sessions, Henry Orosco, Ken Moffat

COMMANDER Dee Gibson EVENTS presents Cold War Medal to a Patriot Member.

CALIFORNIA MIDWINTER Conference with Patriots and National Jr. Vice Commander Felix Garcia

COMMANDER MOPH Cali- REGION VI Commander Billy Wel- fornia Jim Anderson & Aux- don and Mark Derr USMC Combat iliary President Department Wounded Vietnam Veteran enjoy- of California MOPH, Susie ing the Rodeo. Seydel Pitman receive gav- els for 2017/2018.

Arizona Nevada COL. DON PRICE Retired MAC ROWELL (left) and Billy USMC, Founder of the Sierra Weldon observe while Len Vista Chapter getting inducted

Yelinek shows a Purple Heart REGION VI into the Arizona Veterans Hall of medal to Mitchell Yetter of Fame. the Basic High School Marine Corps JROTC and discusses the history of the medal, dur- IN MEMORY OF Past Com- ing the Western Regional College Finals Rodeo in Las mander Jerry Crosby (left) Vegas, May 5th. Weldon, Region VI MOPH Commander, standing with MOPH 793 Pa- installed Yelinek as Commander of the Dept. of Nevada for triot Member Simon Sandoval 2018-2019. Rowell is the Adjutant of Las Vegas Chapter at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 711, Recipients of the Purple Heart were saluted during in Sedona, Arizona. the rodeo.

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION May 2, 2018 Las Vegas, EVENTS Nevada Las Vegas & Reno LELAND JONES representing Camer- Chapter Patriots hard at on Veterans presents a beaded Purple work every day. Heart medallion to Billy Weldon at the 12th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade Flagstaff, Arizona.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 11 Suicide Awareness: Know the Facts by John Flener, MOPH National Suicide Awareness Ofﬁ cer

S I HAVE TRAVELED TO VARIOUS VETERAN FUNCTIONS over the past few years I have repeatedly heard several statements made about the veteran suicide crisis. One is that “22 younger Aveterans a day are killing themselves; they are weaker than us and need our help.” FALSE. The most recently released study from the Veterans Administration shows that they were able to study over 50 million records from 1979 to 2014, which greatly expanded its 2010 report of only 10 million records. Over this period, a few facts stand out. Suicide affects all age groups, however 65% of veteran suicides are over the age of 50. Veterans are 19% more likely to take their own lives than a civilian. Female veterans are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than a female civilian. Veterans separated from the military less than 18 months are twice as likely to die by suicide. The next statement I have heard is that “Suicides while serving are only happening among active duty service members.” FALSE. The recently released report from the Department of Defense for its fourth quarter of 2017 shows that 83 suicides were reported. Sixteen were in the Reserves, 19 were in the National Guard and the remain- ing 48 were active duty. The last mistruth I constantly hear is “This crisis is only among our service members.” FALSE. This crisis is reported by several NATO allies. This is not just an American crisis; it is a veteran crisis.

What has your Suicide Awareness Program been doing to help with this epidemic? • Building a resource list of assistance programs for those in crisis by state. • Speaking with several state and national senators and congressional representatives about the Wisconsin Green Alert System that will allow law enforcement to use the same means as the Amber Alert System to help locate veterans in crisis. • Successfully had state senators put bills on ﬂ oor in their state for implementation of this Green Alert System. • Working on the ability to be able to have suicide prevention professionals instruct chapters and departments during their meetings to be able to help our members know what to look for and how to help.

How can you help? Keep the veteran crisis contact information on you at all times. You never know when someone you meet may need this number. Simply saving it in your phone contacts could save a life.

12 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART OF THE U.S.A NATIONAL OFFICERS 2017-2018

NATIONAL COMMANDER NATIONAL SERVICE NATIONAL PUBLIC NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS NEIL VAN ESS DIRECTOR RELATIONS DIRECTOR COMMITTEE CHAIR CELL: (973) 930-3079 ANGELO WIDER JOHN E. BIRCHER III NICK MCINTOSH [email protected] 5413-B BACKLICK ROAD HOME: (352) 753-5535 CELL: (502) 494-0256 SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 [email protected] [email protected] NATIONAL SENIOR VICE WORK (703) 642-5360 X: 103 COMMANDER FAX: (703) 642-1841 NATIONAL VETERANS DIRECTOR – MOPH MEDAL DOUGLAS “DOUG” MIDDLETON [email protected] ADVOCACY GROUP RECOVERY PROGRAM CELL: (404) 664-2559 [email protected] REPRESENTATIVE ZACHARIAH L FIKE [email protected] WENDY BUCKINGHAM CELL: (315) 523-3609 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CELL: (267) 403-0621 [email protected] NATIONAL JUNIOR VICE DIRECTOR [email protected] COMMANDER ALEKS MOROSKY NATIONAL ASSISTANT FELIX GARCIA III 5413-B BACKLICK ROAD NATIONAL SURGEON SERGEANT-AT-ARMS CELL: (386) 793-8065 SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 RICHARD B. SMALL GARY A. WITT [email protected] WORK (703) 642-5360 X: 117 CELL: (702) 513-0215 CELL: (434) 258-1808 FAX: (703) 642-1841 HOME: (702) 233-4410 [email protected] COMMANDER – REGION I [email protected] [email protected] Zachariah L Fike NATIONAL SUICIDE Cell: (315) 523-3609 NATIONAL FINANCE NATIONAL CHAPLAIN AWARENESS PROGRAM [email protected] OFFICER ROBERT G. CERTAIN OFFICER ANTHONY KOHL CELL: (770) 639-3313 JOHN FLENER COMMANDER – REGION II CELL: (513) 706-1390 [email protected] CELL: (229) 425-8770 RICK CHERONE HOME: (513) 385-3613 MWÀHQHU#\DKRRFRP CELL: (262) 786-9663 [email protected] NATIONAL POW/MIA [email protected] COORDINATOR NATIONAL ROTC OFFICER NATIONAL FINANCE ROBERT G. CERTAIN ROGER NEWALL COMMANDER – REGION III COMMITTEE CHAIR CELL: (770) 639-3313 CELL: (505) 610-1533 BARRY GASDEK DENNIS WALLOT [email protected] [email protected] CELL: (307) 399-0545 CELL: (734) 545-0934 [email protected] WORK: (734)-595-6040 NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP NATIONAL BYLAWS [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIR COMMITTEE CHAIR COMMANDER – REGION IV WENDY BUCKINGHAM DOUGLAS “DOUG” MIDDLETON LEE R. BROWN III NATIONAL JUDGE CELL: (267) 403-0621 CELL: (404) 664-2559 CELL: (904) 999-7701 ADVOCATE [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MAUREEN WOOD [email protected] [email protected] 5413-B BACKLICK ROAD COMMANDER – REGION V SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 NATIONAL AMERICANISM NATIONAL WELFARE / FRANCISCO “PACO” ELIZALDE WORK: (703) 642-5360 OFFICER HOMELESS VETERANS PH: (303) 748-3888 FAX: (703) 642-1841 WILLIAM J. ROUSH OFFICER [email protected] [email protected] CELL: (269) 804-9126 JAMES G. HOLLAND III HOME: (269) 945-2605 CELL: (850) 545-9576 COMMANDER – REGION VI NATIONAL INSPECTOR [email protected] [email protected] WILLIAM “BILLY” WELDON EVERETT L. KELLY CELL: (928) 301-8698 CELL: (417) 766-5419 PURPLE HEART LEGACY & NATIONAL VIOLA [email protected] [email protected] TRAIL COORDINATOR CHAIRMAN MATT BRIDGES ROBERT “BOB” CONNOR NATIONAL ADJUTANT NATIONAL SERGEANT-AT- Cell: (229) 569-0915 CELL: (612) 369-6491 JACK LEONARD ARMS [email protected] WORK: (651) 227-4456 5413-B BACKLICK ROAD KEN SWORDS FAX: (651) 290-0624 SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 CELL: (404) 374-8971 NATIONAL VAVS DIRECTOR [email protected] WORK: (703) 642-5360 X: 119 [email protected] DEL “BULLDOG” TURNER FAX: (703) 642-1841 HOME: (256) 837-3474 NATIONAL HISTORIAN [email protected] FAX: (256) 837-3474 FDOO¿UVW JOHN E. BIRCHER III [email protected] so he can hook it up) HOME: (352) 753-5535 [email protected] [email protected]

NEWS, PHOTOS & ARTICLES: EDITOR – PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE MAILING ADDRESS: RAELYNN MCAFEE MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART TO: [email protected] NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 5413-B BACKLICK ROAD MAGAZINE COMMENTS: SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151-3960 TO: [email protected] PH: 703-642-5360 FAX: 703-642-1841 MEMBER NOTIFICATIONS TOLLFREE: 888-668-1656 (Address changes, obituaries, WEBSITE: www.purpleheart.org subscriptions) TO: [email protected] National Chaplain’s Briefi ng by Robert Certain Preparing for Spokane N A FEW SHORT WEEKS we will gather in Spo- tance: to turn from our own pride and back to God and I kane, Wash., to chart the course of our Order for to our founding principles. the next year and beyond. Our Order, along with As we celebrate 86 years as the Military Order of the most other VSOs, has been faced with very difficult Purple Heart, let us recommit ourselves to the princi- decisions related to the economy in the past several ples on which we were founded. Let us also years. Income from our traditional efforts, as well recommit ourselves to the nation we served as from our investments, has been significantly re- in uniform, to the families we have pledged duced, creating a “perfect storm” of crises. I urge all to love for all of our lives, to the faith com- Patriot and Auxiliary members to pray daily for our munities that nurtured us in our youth, and leadership team. to the God who gave us life and liberty. We can look at our Order and our Foundation and O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all fi nd lots of fl aws and feel bad about ourselves and deny the world: We commend the Military Order of the good that is there. We can look at those same orga- the Purple Heart to your merciful care, that, being guided by nizations and see only good and deny the fl aws. Or we your grace, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the can look at our history and see balance—God’s hand at Commander of the Order, the Vice Commanders, and to all work in our broken and sinful world. in authority in both the Order and our Foundation, wisdom The unpopularity of the last choice comes from a and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the misguided understanding of who we are as a “brother- love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of hood/sisterhood of blood” within the amazing people their calling to serve this Order in your fear; through your Most of this great nation. We are an Order in need of repen- Holy Name. Amen.

as of June 11, 2018

Member Chapter No Recruited National Service Ofﬁ cer State No Recruited

Neil Van Ess 0366-NJ-1 64 NSO Nickolas Easterling MI 4 John A Lunkwicz 1513-TX-5 35 NSO Joseph LaRocca PA 3 Ryan M Sabinish 7110-MN-2 21 NSO Kevin Ott OH 3 Joseph S Schaler 0159-IL-2 18 NSO Dave Srock MN 3 Leonard Lazzara 0639-NC-4 12 NSO Seth Janisse MI 2 Kenneth L Teunissen 5355-DK-3 8 NSO Paul Kaiser MI 2 Brian W Willette 0875-MA-1 7 NSO Charles Robles CA 2 Tom Cunningham 0148-OH-2 6 NSO Troy Westphal MN 2 Charles W Dykes 0717-FL-4 6 Charles P Gallagher 0103-CT-1 6 Thomas Y Tanaka 0483-HI-6 6

14 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Legacy & Trail Program Update

by Matthew S. Bridges MOPH National Purple Heart Legacy & Trail Coordinator

HIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN GREAT for the Legacy & Trail Program. We have added close to 250 different entities around the United States and its ter- Tritories. There have also been a few fi rsts this past year, one being a Purple Heart VFW Post #4815 in San Antonio, Tex., and the other the American Legion Post 597 in Carrollton, Tex. These post members expressed to the offi cers of the Department of Texas that they wanted to honor not just their members that had received the Purple Heart, but Purple Heart recipients everywhere. The Department of West Virginia is well on its way to proclaiming its state Purple, meaning that all counties in the state are proclaimed “Purple Heart Counties.” They are less than 10 away and I foresee them joining the ranks of Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina very shortly. Currently, we have around 2,000 different Purple Heart Entities listed on the Legacy & Trail list, which consists of cities, counties, states, businesses, airports, roadways and much, much more. I encourage of you to visit the site and take a look at all the entities that are listed, which can be found by going to www.mophhq.org/purple-heart-trail-and-legacy-program. As we move forward with this program, one thing I would like to add to the national list is all the various Purple Heart monuments we have across the United States and its territories. I am asking everyone to please send me pictures and locations of these monuments so that I may begin compiling a list for all Patriots to utilize. Please remember that in order to have your entity listed, I must receive a copy of that proclamation. Also, there is a Facebook page, which you can fi nd at PurpleHeartTrail. This is where pictures of ceremonies, signs, etc., are posted, so that all may see who is honoring the Purple Heart. This highlights the hard work of all our Patriots across our Order! If I can ever do anything to help assist any of you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

SOME IMPORTANT STATISTICS OF THE PROGRAM: 91 different schools, colleges and universities 123 different routes, including Purple Heart bridges 9 different sports teams have been proclaimed Purple Heart Teams 4 Purple Heart Islands 2 Purple Heart Reservations 3 States are proclaimed Purple: North Carolina, South Carolina & Arizona. 24 out of 50 states have been proclaimed Purple Heart States. They are as follows: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California (1st in nation), Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia

@PurpleHeartTrail

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 15 Mail Call

Refl ections on because they bore the greatest bur- If you allow this writer a small Memorial Day den of any of our fellow soldiers. In indulgence, I would be remiss if I my experience there was no risk too did not say a few words about my MY OLDEST DAUGHTER, Camey, great to help them out of a jam, and crew chief Mike Wilcox and my was on the phone with her mother, the dust-off crews were the bravest of door gunner Dave Clements, both and as I stopped to say hello, she us. No matter how bad the weather, gone before their time due to Agent wished me a happy Memorial Day. no matter how many bad guys, if you Orange. As I have stated before I I thanked her, but indicated it is not called they would come. Many times could not have gotten a better crew. a happy day for veterans like myself during the rainy season, I would hear They were very kind and patient to who have lost friends in combat one of the dust-off birds cranking up a 20-year-old inexperienced air- fighting America’s wars. Today has in the middle of the night, and think craft commander. In the end they been a quiet day, a day of reflection to myself, “Glad that’s not me going helped make me a better leader and and mixed emotions, as I remember out.” Joe Galloway, the famous Viet- soldier. You are with me always, the names of my friends lost almost nam reporter, once called helicopter and know that as long as I am alive, 50 years ago when my war started pilots “God’s own lunatics.” You you are not forgotten. in Vietnam. need not look any further than the Well done, guys. Rest in peace, I believe they are the best of dust-off crews. know that your brothers who America, for they are willing to serve Why do I laugh out loud in my fought beside you so many years America when it counted the most, sadness? Because they were some of ago fully understand, and know in and in the end they gave everything the funniest guys I have ever been their hearts the true meaning of they had. No man can give more for around. About midway through my Memorial Day. his country or fellow soldiers. During tour, our swimming pool got fi xed LTC Ken Donovan my refl ections I was sad, but then I and we could actually go for a swim. US Army Retired discovered something else: I missed The guys started to complain there 155th Assault Helicopter Company them. Seems crazy that even in my were never any girls around. So two sadness, I laugh out loud. You see, of the gun pilots ordered blow-up they were the best I have ever known. dolls and would bring them to the First, they were really smart, smart pool as their dates. enough to master one of the greatest I also miss the sense of brother- SEND LETTERS TO: aircraft in the world, known to all in hood we shared. The one thing they The preferred submission procedure for Vietnam as simply the “Huey.” They pounded into us in fl ight school was letters are via email to: were also brave beyond words and “you will die as individuals, you will [email protected]. more than a little crazy. survive as a team.” No risk was too Letters can also be submitted by regular mail to: RaeLynn McAfee, 2037 Warner As crazy as we were, we all had great to save a fellow brother. This Drive,Chuluota, FL 32766. The Magazine the greatest respect for two groups: sense of brotherhood I believe is reserves the right to edit letters as it the infantry and dust-off crews. We something not fully understood by deems necessary. had great respect for infantry, simply my fellow citizens.

16 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 A Warrior On and Off the Ice by Sarah Lazo (Gross)

ITH AN ASSIST IN THE THIRD PERIOD of the Warrior Division championship game, Michael COURTESY PHOTO Vaccaro, defenseman and U.S. Army Corps of Michael Vaccaro, bottom second from right, with the Capital Beltway W Warriors at the 14th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival in Dundee, Engineers, Baltimore District, safety engineer, helped the Illinois, April 2018. Capital Beltway Warriors beat the Duluth Warriors 5 to 3 at the 14th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Festival. The diagnosis. “I was hit with an RPG round that blew up the event, and only the second tournament for Vaccaro’s team, wall we were fi ghting behind in a fi refi ght in Ramadi, Iraq, was held at the Leaf’s Ice Center near Chicago in Dundee, in 2006,” said Vaccaro. Ill., on April 8. The recent championship game was less about the victory The Warrior Division comprised 12 teams from across and more about healing for Vaccaro. the country and consists of ice hockey players who are vet- “Hockey means a lot to me; it has helped me get through erans with disabilities. The festival—the largest of its kind— what happened in Iraq, and I want to pass it along to help also includes an event for 130 teams with players who have other veterans,” he said. “It was great to win, but it was more vision and hearing impairments, and/or other special needs. about getting together and helping other veterans and using hockey as an ice therapy.” Vaccaro is also an accomplished coach, having instructed three players who won gold medals in the Paralympics sled hockey event in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Vaccaro and his wife Amanda are both Level 5 USA Hock- ey coaches, the highest attainable level. He has coached both sled and standing hockey and, for the past six years, has been invited to the USA Hockey Development Sled Camps in Buffalo, N.Y., where the USA National Sled Team is selected. “Six players on the U.S. National Paralympic Team are COURTESY PHOTO Michael Vaccaro, age 16, pictured top right, with Regals teammates in service members with amputations, and that is what inspires Buffalo, New York, in 1978. me, to see these young individuals fi ght through their challenges and then compete at the highest level,” said Vaccaro. In 2017, Vaccaro formed the Capital Beltway Warriors, If that wasn’t enough, he also coaches his three children: which now consists of 20 players from across the Washing- twins Antonio and Nico, and daughter Cassandra, who plays ton metropolitan region. on an all-girls team. “I have been playing hockey my whole life,” said Vaccaro, Vaccaro has certainly found his passion, and he encour- who is also the national warrior representative for USA Hock- ages other veterans with disabilities to fi nd theirs. ey’s Disabled Section. “I came back from Iraq in 2006 and “I would tell other veterans to fi nd something they like and got with a local veterans’ hockey program. I met some fellow work on it to keep their minds free and clear; hockey might hockey coaches who are also veterans with disabilities, and not be their thing but something else is.” we started our own team.” Based out of Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s Vaccaro served in the United States Marine Corps for a County, Md., Vaccaro performs quality assurance for several decade starting in the late 1970s, deploying to Lebanon military construction projects on base. He also volunteers to during his tenure. He joined the U.S. Army Reserve in drive Corps emergency management rapid response vehicles 2001 following 9/11, and continues to serve the nation as that deploy during disasters. Vaccaro began his career with sergeant fi rst class, even after a deployment led to shrap- the Corps in 2008 at the National Geospatial-Intelligence nel wounds, a Purple Heart and a traumatic brain injury Agency on Fort Belvoir. 17 Patriots Ford and Vaccaro

MOPH Delegation at the World War II Memorial

VSO Flag Procession by John Bircher MOPH Public Relations MOPH Pays Tribute to America’s Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day 2018

EMORIAL DAY IS A DAY SET ASIDE for all Americans to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacriﬁ ce in defense of our country. It is their Mservice and sacriﬁ ce that guarantees continuation of the freedoms all Americans are able to enjoy and those freedoms are the basis of our American way of life. On this sacred day, let us never forget—freedom is not free.

On May 29, 2017, President Donald J. Trump, joined his speech, the President said, “We are gathered here on by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph F. the sacred soil of Arlington National Cemetery to honor Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, laid the lives and deeds of America’s greatest heroes: the men a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arling- and women who laid down their lives for our freedom. ton National Cemetery. They each then addressed the Today, we pay tribute to their service, we mourn along- audience assembled in the National Amphitheater. In side their families, and we strive to be worthy of their

18 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 President Trump on Memorial Day

Jr. Vice Commander Garcia with Gary Sinise

MOPH Delegation laying a wreath at the World War II Memorial MOPH Ofﬁ cial Delegation

sacrifi ce.” During the fl ag procession at the start of the the Korean War Memorial. ceremony, the National Purple Heart fl ag was carried by As a major sponsor of the Memorial Day Parade, the Patriot Mike Vaccaro, and the U.S. fl ag was carried by Purple Heart Foundation was honored to have a beautiful Patriot Cornell Ford, both members of MOPH Chapter fl oat in the parade, with members of the Departments of 2222 in Maryland. Virginia and Maryland riding on the fl oat and marching National Commander Neil Van Ess, Senior Vice Com- in the parade. mander Doug Middleton, and Auxiliary President Glo- In his Memorial Day message to all members, asso- ria Sanchez, assisted by National Sergeant at Arms Ken ciate members and Auxiliary members, National Com- Swords, paid tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes by laying mander Neil Van Ess said, “I ask all Americans to join me a Purple Heart wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Sol- in saluting not only those who have given their all, but dier at Arlington National Cemetery. also those who continue to serve at home and in foreign During the day, Junior Vice Commander Felix Gar- lands. The fallen heroes we pause to honor on this day cia, Legislative Director Aleks Morosky and National represent the very character of a nation with a long history Service Director Angelo Wider also laid wreaths at the of patriotism and honor -- they, and you, are the ones who World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial fought to keep our country free from threats of terror. For Wall. They were later joined by Commander Van Ess those of us who bear the scars of war, yet survived, Memo- and Sr. Vice Commander Middleton, and National Ad- rial Day has special meaning and sentiment as we honor jutant Jack Leonard for a special wreath ceremony at those who fought at our side but did not return.”

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 19 Total destruction of priest’s house

All Chapter 660 and 661 in attendance Military Order of the Purple Heart Provides Disaster Relief to Puerto Rican Veterans

by John Bircher, MOPH Public Relations

OR THREE DAYS IN LATE APRIL 2018, National Junior Vice Commander Felix Garcia led a small team of Patriots to Puerto Rico on a fact-ﬁ nding and disaster relief visit with Patriots Fliving on the island who were affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria. Joining Vice Commander Garcia were Region IV Commander Lee Brown, Region V Commander Paco Elizalde, Department of Florida Commander Richard Hunt and Public Relations Director John Bircher, all of whom had been affected by the series of hurricanes in September 2017 that included Harvey, Irma and, ﬁ nally, Maria, the worst national disaster in Puerto Rico’s history. Originally, National Commander Van Ess had planned to lead the visit himself, but had to cancel at the last minute. Each member of the team traveled and stayed in Puerto Rico at their own personal expense.

On the morning of April 25, the team traveled to the the many departments, chapters and individual Patriots San Juan VA Medical Center to meet with the Department of the Order who selﬂ essly answered the call for disaster of the Caribbean Commander Ramon Fontanez-Torres relief, and that the team was in Puerto Rico to provide and the Patriots of Chapters 660 and 661. At the meeting, some limited ﬁ nancial assistance to Patriots still in need. JVC Garcia explained the purpose of the visit, and each Almost every Patriot in attendance rose to express their member of the team had the opportunity to speak with deep appreciation for the visit and the generous support individual Patriots who are still trying to cope with the ef- of their fellow Purple Heart recipients on the mainland. fects of the hurricane. Still today, months later, many parts In the afternoon, the team joined Zorimar Betancourt, of Puerto Rico remain without electricity or running wa- founder of the Stefano Foundation, and Richard Lopez, ter. Garcia explained that the team was there on behalf of son of Past Department Commander Lopez, for a tour

20 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Food and clothing for the homeless

Patriots of Chapter 622

Visit to Purple Heart Monument Distributing disaster relief funds

SVC Garcia briefs Chapter 622

of some of the poorest and most devastated areas of San Patriots for their wellbeing. Juan. Accompanied by a local priest, the team assisted After distributing the disaster relief funds to the Pa- with distribution of clothing and food to many who found triots, all adjourned to the home of Patriot Joey Rivera, themselves homeless after the hurricane. At the end of the founder of Chapter 662, for lunch and some wonderful ca- tour, they stopped to view the home of a man from the maraderie and fraternalism. Before returning to San Juan, church who was assisting the priest, which had been com- the team stopped in the town of Yauco to visit the Veteran’s pletely destroyed by the storm. Park and the island’s one Purple Heart Monument. On April 26, the team traveled from San Juan to the Throughout the visit, all members of the team were town of Yauco to visit with the Patriots of Chapter 662. struck by the amazing resilience, courage and optimism Greeted by Chapter Commander Isidoro Santiago and of the Patriots of Puerto Rico. They all made clear that, Past Department Commander Richard Lopez, the team ﬁ rst and foremost, they were proud to have served in the met with about 20 Patriots of the chapter. Yauco is located Armed Forces of the United States, and constantly re- at the southwest corner of Puerto Rico, one of the regions minded us that they too were patriotic Americans. They that is still suffering the effects of the hurricane’s devas- were especially grateful to Commander Van Ess and all the tation. Again, the Patriots relayed their stories of survival Patriots of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for car- and recovery, and each expressed their appreciation for ing about their welfare and support as they try to rebuild the team’s visit, and especially the concern by their fellow their lives.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 21 BRENDAN LOONEY A LIFE OF SERVICE BEFORE SELF

by Cameron Lynn • Event Marketing Manager, The Purple Heart Service Foundation

INCE MAY WAS MILITARY APPRECIATION Month, many stopped to take time out of their day-to-day schedules and Srefl ect on the sacrifi ces made by the men and women who have served this country and those who still do. Military Apprecia- tion Month came to a close with Memorial Day weekend. Memo- rial Day weekend is a vacation for most, and in the midst of our enjoyment, the meaning of Memorial Day is oftentimes forgotten. play D1 football. To do that he had to get a waiver for Navy (due to color Many do not realize the level of his passion while growing up. Bren- blindness). He started at NAPS [Na- sacrifice that our brave service men dan loved trying out different sports, val Academy Prep School] and con- and women make for our country and his work ethic and determina- tinued onto the Academy.” In the fall to protect our freedoms. Memorial tion led him to succeed in most that of 2001 Brendan had just begun his Day is about showing your appre- he tried. Football and baseball were sophomore year at the Naval Acade- ciation for those who have made Brendan’s favorites, but after seeing my. The horrifi c terrorist attacks that the ultimate sacrifice for something his younger brothers play lacrosse occurred a few months into his soph- much bigger than themselves. The he decided to take up it up during omore year on 9/11 was what really Purple Heart Foundation is proud his college years at the United States pushed him to want and be more.” to share one man’s story, Brendan Naval Academy. Don’t let the casual Brendan graduated from the Na- Looney, and remember the brave nature of that sentence fool you; val Academy and was commissioned sacrifice that he made for this coun- Brendan tried out and played on Na- as an ensign. He began his naval ca- try. The Purple Heart Foundation is vy’s nationally ranked team, and they reer as an intelligence offi cer. Bren- grateful to have had the chance to went to the NCAA National Champi- dan’s fi rst deployment was to Korea speak with a few members of the onship. Brendan always worked hard, and then Iraq. Upon his return he Looney family: Bridget, Kellie and striving to be the best in all that he wanted to make a change. “He could father Kevin Looney. They opened did. “There wasn’t anything he shied have stayed in intel but to him that up and helped us get to know just away from or backed down from.” would have been the safe and easiest who Brendan was. (All quotations Brendan’s hard work and deter- route. So, he felt the call to challenge are from family members). mination ultimately transitioned himself.” Brendan went on to join the Brendan Looney was the oldest to his commitment to serving this Navy SEALS. of six siblings, always looking out country. We asked the Looney family Brendan earned a spot to attend for his younger brothers and sisters. how Brendan made the decision to Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal Family was extremely important to serve our country, and they explained training, BUDS. If you aren’t aware, him. He was a natural leader, leading that, “Brendan’s decision to serve our BUDS is considered the most de- by example to those around him. This country just sort of happened. He manding and grueling military train- ability to lead transferred to sports, went to Navy because he wanted to ing. Each training class starts with

22 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 close to 300 men, and on average 10 men make it all the way through to graduation. “Brendan joined his fellow BUD/S selectees in Coronado, Calif., as part of Class 265 in 2007. Brendan graduated from BUD/S in June 2008 and was bestowed with the highest honor a BUD/S graduate can receive, being named “Honor Man.” This distinction is given to the best graduate in each class. Upon ACADEMY PHOTO NAVAL graduation from BUDS Brendan was mountains of Afghanistan. “On that thing for this country. assigned to SEAL Team Three.” day, Brendan gave his best self to our The Looney family remains very Shortly after Brendan earned his country. He was 29.” connected to the military. They have Seal Trident he married the love of his “His legacy was his life. His life many family members who proudly life. It was just two days after the wed- was his gift.” serve this country. Brendan’s mom, ding that Brendan was deployed to Brendan’s service, dedication and Maureen Looney, created the Brendan Iraq. When he returned from this de- sacrifi ce to this country, did not go Looney Foundation. This “ultimately ployment, it was a short turnaround unrecognized. His military awards became a way for our family to thank time before he left for his third, and fi - and commendations include a all those brave men and women who nal, deployment. Brendan was a Troop Bronze Star with Valor, Navy Com- have heard the call to serve and help Commander for this deployment and mendation Medal, Army Commen- aid them through supporting their was responsible for developing strat- dation Medal with Valor, Navy and sons and daughters. Although we egies. “What he loved about serving Marine Corp Achievement Medal. cannot help everyone we try to help was the challenge. It really was about Brendan was given “full military one kid/one family at a time.” On Me- making him the best he could be. He honors and is interred with his fellow morial Day, to honor Brendan’s mem- also felt a sense that this was his way brothers-in-arms at Arlington Na- ory, the Looney family visits Arlington to give back and it was him again pro- tional Cemetery. His grave is along- National Cemetery and participates tecting his family.” side his fellow fallen hero and USNA in a group workout, or something During this deployment, Brendan roommate Travis Manion. He truly that will challenge them. and his SEAL Team Three brothers lived a life of service before self.” Remember the sacrifi ces that have completed 59 missions in less than Brendan is a hero. He gave every- been made. Realize that every mo- seven months. Brendan’s Command- ment is a gift, and one that has been ing Offi cer wrote that, “His great and is currently being protected by the qualities as a man and a diplomat brave men and women who serve our ensured the delivery of humanitarian country, and the heroes like Brendan assistance and medical treatment for Looney who have given everything. children and a representative gover- Take a minute to say thank you, not nance to an embattled society.” just on Memorial Day, but every day. Ten days prior to Brendan’s ex- There may be just one day set aside for pected return to the States, his SEALs remembering our fallen heroes, but team helicopter went down in the that will never be enough.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 23 Some Statistics From the Vietnam Memorial Wall

> The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us, by date, and within each date the names are alphabetized. The ﬁ rst known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth, Mass., listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the wall with that of his son, Marine Corps LCpl Richard B. Fitzgibbon Ill., who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.

> There are three sets of fathers and sons on the wall

> 39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger

> 8,283 were just 19 years old

> The largest age group, 33,103, were 18 years old

> 12 soldiers on the wall were 17 years old

> 5 soldiers on the wall were 16 years old

> One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock, was 15 years old

> 997 soldiers were killed on their ﬁ rst day in Vietnam DAVID L. CROCKETTDAVID

> 1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam

> 31 sets of brothers are on the Wall

> 31 sets of parents lost two of their sons

> 8 women are on the wall, nursing the wounded.

> 244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of them are on the wall.

> The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968: 245 deaths; the most for a single month was May 1968: 2,415 casualties were incurred.

Most Americans who read this will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters.

THERE ARE NO NOBLE WARS, JUST NOBLE WARRIORS.

24 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 I SERVED FOR my family’s safety

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WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN. 1 Savings figure based on 2016 savings earned when members combined USAA auto and home insurance products. Multiple product savings do not apply in all states or to all situations. Savings subject to change. Restrictions apply. Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. Property and casualty insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and USAA, Ltd. (Europe), San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Military Order of the Purple Heart receives financial support from USAA for this sponsorship. © 2018 USAA. 251249-0818-MOPH 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Lieutenant Michael Murphy, Cade, Cristin Dewyse, Macie US Navy SEAL Memorial Grandchild, Patriot Allan Carpenter Child, Patriot John Dewyse Scholarship Calderon, James Dostie, Bayleigh Reid, John Paul Grandchild, Patriot Miguel A. Santiago Child, Patriot Shawn Dostie KIA Member Clark, Chrisian Edano, Jess Mark $2,500 MOPH Scholarship Grandchild, Patriot Norman A. Step-child, Patriot Brian Bartlett Award Recipients McDaniel Edwards, Abigail Coco, Caroline Allis, Nicholas Patriot Robert Hogfeldt Grandchild, Patriot Robert Louis Grandchild, Patriot David A. Allis Smathers Fields, Adam Anderson, Peyton Grandchild, Patriot Bob Fields Colbert, Alyssa Grandchild, Patriot Marion Wehmeyer Child, Patriot Mark Colbert Fitzpatrick, Shannon Andrews, Kaylee Andrews Grandchild, Patriot William O’Brien Collins, Hanna Child, Patriot Jack Trotter Grandchild, Patriot Phillip Collins Flores, Jaden Ashman, Emily Grandchild, Patriot Gregory Flores Corey, Alison Grandchild, Patriot Ward Miller Child, Patriot Theodore Dillion Forker, Grace Baisden, Brittney Jennings Child, Patriot Anthony Forker Grandchild, Patriot Joseph Andry Cornelius, Andrew Gahafer, April Berman, Rebecca Grandchild, Patriot Bernard L. Child, Patriot Jerome Virgil Just Grandchild, Patriot Edgar Tobachnik Lucassen Jr. Garibay, Angel Bischof, Luke Crocker, Natalie Member Grandchild, Patriot David Keiser Patriot Robert Swenck KIA Gates, Jordan Bleyl, Donald Daughtry, McKayla Grandchild, Patriot William Gates Member, Chapter 2226 Grandchild, Patriot David Vann Daughtry Grover, Matthew Brazytis, Emily Grandchild, Patriot Arlyn Olson Grandchild, Patriot Vincent Brazytis Dennis, Carson Grandchild, Patriot Joseph S. Grams Guidry, Hannah Brenner, Gillian Patriot Carl Cain KIA Grandchild, Patriot Gordon Brenner Delamater, Amelia Grandchild, Patriot William Delamater Hall, Harrison Grandchild, Patriot Mark Williamson

26 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Hatch, Aleksis Justice, Elizabeth Mani-Kelly, Laura Child, Patriot Josef Hatch Child, Patriot Chris Justice Child, Patriot Samuel Mani Hemphill, Grant Keating, Samantha Mankin, Eric Grandchild, Patriot Thomas Zaputil Grandchild, Ernest Sehlmeyer Member Hiebert, Michael Kelley, Davis Marner, Natalie Child, Patriot Thomas Hiebert Grandchild, Patriot Benjamin Mastridge Grandchild, Patriot Paul D. Calcaterra Howell, Shelby Kluesner, Taylor McCane, Kristina Child, Patriot William T. Howell Grandchild, Robert Kluesner Grandchild, Patriot Dennis Valdner Hughart, Abigail Krupa, Haley McCarthy, Lauren Child, Patriot Edward Hawk Grandchild, Patriot John Davy Child, Patriot Daniel Jaime Janusz, Sheridan Kulpa, Colin McCauley IV, Andrew Spouse, Patriot Thomas Janusz Patriot Kenneth Scott Child, Patriot Andrew J. McCauley III Johnson, Alexica Lee, Daniel McRae, Taylor Child, Patriot Aldrick Johnson Member Child, Patriot Andrew McRae

2018 Lieutenant Michael P Murphy, US Navy SEAL Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Scholarship Award Recipients: Reid, John Paul Lieutenant Michael Murphy, US Navy SEAL Memorial Scholarship Member

SERGEANT JOHN PAUL REID SERVED in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2007 to 2012. During his enlisted service, he served as a machine gunner and infantry squad leader. He received his Purple Heart for wounds received in Afghanistan on Oct. 23, 2011. He also received the Navy and Marine Corps Com- mendation Medal with Combat V device for his heroism in combat while serving as a squad leader during a seven-front ambush, where he continued to direct his men in response to the multi-pronged attack, despite sustaining a debilitating gunshot wound to his right arm. He is currently enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado, where he is majoring in Sports and Exercise Science with a focus on K-12 Physical Education. He also serves as the Senior Vice Commander for Chapter 434.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 27 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Mersch, Micaela Raney, Zoe Solimini, Jack Child, Patriot Albert Mersch Step-child, Patriot Robert Lighty Grandchild, Patriot James Nasto Jr Moore, Cameron Rayburn, Timothy Smith, Wilson Grandchild, Patriot Leroy Caughey Grandchild, Patriot Earl Rayburn Grandchild, Patriot Danny Vancel Murrey, Christian Reeves, Seth Snider, Kylie Child, Patriot Ken Murray Grandchild, Patriot Thomas R. Bonner Grandchild, Patriot Davis Snider Nott, Elissa Richmond, Riley Strittmatter, Ashlyn Patriot Steven Nott Grandchild, Patriot Jay Maples Spouse, Patriot Jeffery Musgrave Ouart, Brady Rivera Ruiz, Andrea Tewksbury, Allison Child, Patriot Russell L. Quart Grandchild, Angel Rivera Grandchild, Patriot Jan Tewksbury Padgett, Hunter Rodriguez, Addison Tiede, Keziah Grandchild, Patriot James Hauser Grandchild, Roberto Rodriguez Grandchild, Patriot Michael Tiede Palmer, Taelour Rozanski, Kayla Tonsmeire, Christopher Grandchild, Patriot Donn Palmer Grandchild, Patriot Jean Paradis Member Payne, Kelsey Sayre, Elizabeth Turocy, Alaina Patriot Charles Payne Child, Patriot Samuel J. Russell Grandchild, Patriot Joseph Murray Phillipsen, Gina Shidel, Christian Turpin, Madeline Grandchild, Patriot Wilfred Phillipsen Grandchild, Terrence J. Shidel Child, Patriot Michael Turpin Jr Pokorney, Taylor Shoemaker, James Vedvick, Christopher Child, Patriot Frederick E. Pokorney Grandchild, Patriot James T. Member Shoemaker Sr. Proper, Aleyah Wellman, Evan Grandchild, Patrick Joseph Mahoney Siler, Megan Child, Dan Wellman Step-child, Patriot Ross Keeding Ramirez, Declan Richard West, Perry Grandchild, Patriot Frank Ramirez Member

Scholarship Evaluation and Award Results 270 Applications received by MOPH 264 Applicants qualiﬁ ed for committee review 6 Applications rejected for various reasons 99 Scholarships Awarded

28 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 2018 Scholarship Recipients

Williams, Kristen Zerfas, Allysen Grandchild, Patriot Kevin Williams Grandchild, Patriot Stephen Zerfas 2018 Scholarship Committee Members Wyatt, Hunter ALTERNATES Sonya Broadway Dr. Alex Waigandt Grandchild, Patriot William Wroolie Meiers, Christina Charles Gatlin Ed Lampkin Wyatt, Sydney Child, Patriot Richard Meiers Wendy Buckingham Eddie Harrison Child, Patriot Colby Wyatt Turner, Faith Maureen Wood Barbara Hale-Ray Yoshida, Tevor Grandchild, Patriot William Cross Child, Patriot Alan Yoshida Zachariah Fike David Andrews Zamora, Michael Ken Swords Emanuel (Vess) Lawbaugh Grandchild, Patriot William Thornton KIA

Recipients of Memorial Donations in Honor of the Late Patriot Arthur “Art” Peters:

Collins, Hanna Grandchild, Patriot Phillip Collins Arthur “Art” Peters

PATRIOT ARTHUR “ART” PETERS came to Alaska with his family in the early 1950s and grew up in Moose Pass, Seward and Anchorage. As a young boy, he thoroughly enjoyed all there was to do in the territory of Alaska. In the early 1960s, Patriot Peters joined the U.S. Army and went into the Special Forces after basic training. He trained as a medic and served two tours in Vietnam. After his last tour in Vietnam, he was able to start his training as a Physician Assistant (PA). He served as a PA for the rest of his 23 years in the Army. After retiring from the Army, he worked in remote areas of Alaska like North Slope, Bradley Lake project and Norton Sound. Patriot Peters became active in the MOPH and Chapter 830 in Soldotna. He served as a Chapter Commander for three years. Out of all the honors and medals that he received, he was most proud of his Purple Heart. The education that Patriot Peters received in the Army enabled him to have a career after his military service and he strongly believed in a good education for all. After his passing, Patriot Peters’ family felt that donations made to the MOPH Scholarship Program would be a wonderful way to honor his memory and help applicants from either Alaska or Arizona receive an education. Donations in Patriot Peters’ honor total $1,000 and are directed to a scholarship recipient from Arizona this year.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 29 NEWS Sumter, S.C., Purple Hearts Special Recognition of in Iris Festival Parade Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School JROTC Cadets by John Bircher, MOPH Public Relations & N MAY 2, Richard Hunt, MOPH Department of

GATHERINGS OFlorida, assisted by the Dept. of Florida JROTC Coordinator Patriot John Brunton and 1SG John Na- varra, Army JROTC Instructor, presented a special “Dis- tinguished Service Award” to ﬁve JROTC cadets at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Each of the cadets had been wounded while assisting their fellow classmates during an attack on the school by SUMTER, S.C., CHAPTER 817 participated in Sumter’s a lone gunman on Feb. 14. Iris Festival Parade on May 26. The parade was held in conjunction with the City of Sumter’s Iris Festival and Sumter County Memorial Day activities. Pictured above aboard the chapter ﬂoat (L to R) are Patriots Dave Nes- bitt, Johnny Williams, Ron Harvin, Don Kellum, Jamie O’Neal, Chapter Adjutant LeRoyThompson and Chapter Commander Harry Thompson.

HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE Alaska Events

(L-R) Richard Hunt, Ashley Baez, John Brunton, & MAJ Mahmood

Students receiving this special award included Saman- tha Fuentes, Justin Colton, Kyle Laman and Aditi Gopal. Because of their injuries and continued treatment, only Cadet Ashley Baez was able to attend the ceremony and receive her award in person. PATRIOT Dave Dean receiving a “Quilt of Valor” from the Fairbanks Lions Club Quilters

PATRIOT Monte Erwin speaking on behalf of MOPH CHAPTER 21 MEMBERS had the honor of march- Chapter 675 during the ing in the Memorial Day parade in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., Fairbanks 2018 Memo- on May 28. L to R: Military Order of the Purple Heart Sr. rial Day event at Northern Vice Commander Eugene Lang, Commander Dale Novak, Light Cemetery Adjutant Neil Gross.

30 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 NEWS Purple Heart Ceremony at the Wall DURING THE MEMORIAL DAY holiday Washington DC Patriots were able to attend the GI Film Festival and remember those who have passed during wars and those who wear the great Purple Heart. The GI Film Festival is dedicated to preserving the stories of American veterans past and present through ﬁlm, television and live & special events. GATHERINGS

ON MAY 3, the Adjutant General of the Maryland Na- tional Guard and Purple Hearts Reunited, with the help of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Military Order of the Purple Heart, pre- Patriot Charles Eggelston (middle) with Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos sented a Purple Heart to from the movie 15:17 to Paris. U.S. Army Specialist 5th Grade Edward J. Niemen- ski Jr. for wounds received in Vietnam in 1969, while

serving with Company A, HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Service Forces. The ceremony took place at the Vietnam Veterans Memo- rial in Washington, D.C. Patriot Eggelston with Joe Mantegna Patriot Niemenski is a from the TV show Criminal Minds Life Member of the Valley Forge Chapter 1777, PATRIOT ROGER D. ROY was recently awarded a Cer- Dept. of PA. tificate of Pride in Public Service by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The certificate was presented to Mili- tary Order of the Purple Heart Department of West Virginia Service Adjutant General Linda Singh and MOPH National Legislative Director Aleks Morosky with Edward J. Niemenski Jr. Officer Roy by Dr. Glenn S. Snider, Jr., the Direc- tor of the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, W.V. The certificate was bestowed upon Service Officer Roy, by Dr. Snid- er, for his dedication to Adjutant General Singh, Edward Niemenski Jr. and Director, MOPH Medal veterans. Recovery Program Zachariah Fike.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 31 NEWS & GATHERINGS

ON APRIL 14, Patriot (Chaplin) Raymond Warren of MOPH Chapter 730, Henderson, Nev., received the Pa- triot of the Month of April 2018 by Governor Sandoval. Warren was recognized for his volunteer services to the Henderson Veterans Center, where he works the front ON APRIL 19, the Chapter 31 MOPH Honor Guard had desk three days per week, answering phones, helping the honor of helping Lowell Freeman celebrate his 100th veterans get the services they need and assisting the birthday. In WWII, Pvt. Freeman, a U.S. Army Rang- staff of the Veterans Center. Beside being the chaplain er, was assigned to the 88th Division, 350 Infantry. On for Chapter 730 he is heavily involved in the various August 16, 1944, during a fierce battle at Mt. Battaglia, activities of Chapter 730. He is also involved in other Italy, Pvt. Freeman, not a medic, grabbed a first aid kit, Veteran Organizations; VFW and Marine Corp League and crawled through a mine field under heavy enemy fire, of Henderson. twice, to rescue two wounded soldiers. Even though he Warren is now the sixth person from Chapter 730, a was wounded himself, he returned for the second sol- HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE small chapter with less than 100 Patriots, to receive this dier. For his courage and valor in combat, he was awarded honor. Others include Daniel Peterson (Commander), Art the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Dis- Cozad (Past Commander), Richard Keirn (Jr. Vice Com- tinguished Service Cross, two Purple Heart medals and mander and Veterans Service Advocate), John Heintzel- more. Pictured with Freeman (L to R) are Dave Bauer, man and Dallas Croft. Charlie Tobe, Randy Howson, Victor Cook, Mike Reenan. Kneeling, Jerry Ferris and Glenn West.

DUANE TUNNYHILL, LIFETIME MEMBER of Chapter 260, Omaha-Western Iowa, was recently honored and awarded a “Quilt of Valor” for his U.S. Marine Corps service to our country during WWII. The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors. Flanking Tunnyhill in the photo are fellow Chapter 260 Patriots Don Kemper, WWII, and Terry Minarik, Vietnam.

WASHINGTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, Orange County, N.Y., Chapter 1782 Commander Rich Drago and Wash- ingtonville resident Patriot Carl Parlatore present the MOPH JROTC Leadership Award to Cadet Kyle Thomp- son at the High School ARMY JROTC Awards Night on April 18.

32 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Purple Heart Regulation NEWS CAPS 2IÀFLDO9HQGRU·V 6XSSO\/LVW Cap prices include the cap patch and the lettering “Military Order of the Purple Heart” and “U.S.A.” On the left side, and Chapter number on the front right, if requested.

CO B 2 / 327 INF. 101ST ABN VIETNAM & 68–70 1$7,21$/&$3 Men’s and Ladies’ Style September 20–23, 2018 GATHERINGS All white with purple piping & Branson, MO letters: $24.75 each Contact: bspiel7607@ aol. com or '(3$570(17&$3 Bill Spielman, (402) 432-0635 Men’s and Ladies’ Style Purple with white top, gold piping & white letters: $24.75 each 1ST BATTALION 3RD MARINES 1/3 REUNION, ALL ERAS &+$37(5&$3 Men’s and Ladies’ Style September 11–16, 2018 All purple with white piping & Colorado Springs, CO letters: $24.75 Contact: Don Bumgarner, 3853/(+($57%(5(7 $20.00 [email protected], (Lettering not available) (562) 897-2437 /LIH0HPEHU$QQRWDWLRQ Includes direct embroidery ³/LIH0HPEHU´DURXQGÀDSFXUYHRQ REUNION AND REMEMBRANCE front right side: $6.00 CEREMONY FOR BLT 2/26 Associate Member Annotation: $9.50 September, 14–16, 2018 HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE (in addition to cap price). 50 years after the Battle of LZ Margo. Additional letters: For more information about BLT 2/26 $0.60 each and our reunion and remembrance Remove/replace letters: ceremony visit www.dmzrats.com $1.50 per letter Plastic zippered cap bag: $4.00 each DELTA COMPANY 1/7 MARINES Winter baseball caps: VIETNAM 1965-1970 REUNION: “THE $15.00 each GRAND GATHERING OF D-1/7 MARINE Dress Tie: $15.00 each* GRUNTS 2018” Purple tie – 100% polyester with white-bordered MOPH patch August 23–26, 2018 (specify standard tie or clip-on) Indianapolis, Indiana *ONE SIZE FITS ALL Embassy Suites Hotel by Allow approximately four (4) ZHHNVIRUGHOLYHU\ Hilton-Downtown For shipping & handling, Contact: George Schneider add $8.00 per order (931) 265-9590 or With your order, include the [email protected] following when ordering: website: d17marines.com (Please print clearly) Your Name Your Address ‘B’ CO 504TH MP BN Your Chap. # Cap Size PLEIKU MP ASSOCIATION Your Tel No(s) October 4–7, 2018 VISA/MC No. & Expiration Date Compute the Total Amt. of your Order and Branson, MO email, phone or mail check or Money Order to: Contact: Gene Petrowski, (443)402-0500 KEYSTONE 81,)250&$3 )UDOH\6WUHHW 3KLODGHOSKLD3$ 3+21( )D[ FDSV#NH\VWRQHXQLIRUPFDSFRP ZZZNH\VWRQHXQLIRUPFDSFRP023+ July/August 2018 PLEASE NOTE: ALL RUSH ORDERS WILL INCUR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE/FEE NEWS Honoring the Fallen IN WASHINGTON, D.C., on April 17, Patriots joined Con- gressman Sean Patrick Maloney in advocating for spon- PON LEARNING OF the National Purple Heart Hall sorship of the Congressman’s bill called the Purple Heart Uof Honor, Patriot Robert F. Flaige, SSG (USA Ret.), Commemorative Coin Act. enrolled himself and his uncle, Pvt. James H. Mohr Jr., a member of the 17th Airborne Division, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, who was wounded in Germa- & ny at the Siegfried Line on Feb. 7, 1945, in the hall. GATHERINGS Subsequently, Patriot Flaige learned that he could also enroll deceased Purple Heart awardees without their orders by submitting the enrollment form along with a photograph of their military headstone, provided it bared the Purple Heart inscription. He proceeded to enroll two of his fellow Jean Ribault Sr. High School classmates by researching the Find a Grave website, going to their ﬁ nal resting place and photographing their markers.

From L to R: MOPH Past National Commander Bruce McKinty, MOPH Current National Commander Neil Van- Ess, MOPH Past National Asst Sgt At Arms Rich Ger- beth, MOPH Legislative Ofﬁ cer Aleks Morosky, Stepha- nie Keegan (Congressman Maloney’s Legislative Ofﬁ cer),

HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE Eddie Meeks (U.S. Army Nurse, Vietnam), Congressman Maloney, Brian Maher (Executive Director, National Pur- Patriot Bob Flaige has been enrolling those on our wall whose gravesites ple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc.), MOPH Dept. of N.Y. Com- indicate a Purple Heart and will continue to do so. mander Willy Nazario, MOPH Chapter 1782 Commander Rich Drago, Jordan Bell (Congressman Maloney’s Legisla- As time passed, Patriot Flaige began to enroll deceased tive Intern), Richie Lay (President, National Purple Heart members of his unit, Echo Co., 3/60 Inf., 9 Div. (Mobile Hall of Honor, Inc.) Riverine Force), whose markers he could locate on the internet. In doing so, he was able to contact several of their relatives and provide them with documentation of their enrollment in the Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Unfor- tunately, some markers had no PH inscription, however, Patriot Flaige found veterans of other conﬂ icts and proceeded to enroll them. All family members he contacted have been very appreciative that someone remembered their loved ones. Since Jacksonville, Fla., is the home of the largest war memorial outside of Washington, D.C., dedicated to all known Duval County residents who made the ultimate NATIONAL CONVENTION sacriﬁ ce, Patriot Flaige has continued his goal to research and enroll as many of these individuals that he is able to locate and document. SPOKANE, WA Flaige has also recorded interviews with several veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars for the Library of Monday, July 30th – Friday, August 3rd, 2018 Congress’ Veterans History Project. Patriot Flaige is a member of the MOPH Robert C. Padgett, Jr. Memorial Chapter, Chapter #524 in Jacksonville, Fla.

34 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 35 eld MAGAZINE provides grants provides grants PURPLE HEART rst team of drivers: Justin Burdette of Palm rst team of drivers: Justin Burdette of Palm www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGI_7WFcEbc. After to pick up all their passing by the MOPH HQ eld Marriott Courtyard to deliver the 2018 Purple Heart eld Marriott Courtyard to deliver the 2018 Purple who have been wounded, injured or killed during com- killed during injured or wounded, have been who bat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in in our casualties suffer The families of bat operations. and psychologically, some nancially, some fi many ways: the overwhelming of the recovery stress process can include: a tear a family apart.threaten to Programs to provide vacation retreats, free family retreat program respite program that provides re- of charge; a caregiver servicesspite and supplemental nationwide to the care- of wounded war veterans; and the givers and families program, which “Mobility is Freedom” veterans for the purchase ed combat-wounded to qualifi adapted to suit veterans who vehicle, specially of a Ford lost legs or arms. are paralyzed or have American Legion Post 176. Commander Brandon Hughes American Legion Post of MOPH Chapter 353 were on hand to and the Patriots bid farewell to the drivers as they set out on a 7,800-mile National Legislative Director journey across the nation. and guests for coming the Patriots Aleks Morosky thanked and all participants were out for the departure ceremony, given the opportunity wishes on the truck for to sign well the ultimate recipient. Circa News was on hand to do a Hardy, Also there was Ken interview. live, on-air Facebook a videographer from Stars & Stripes, who produced this report: READY TO LAUNCH! On June 18, John Folsom, found- On June 18, John Folsom, TO LAUNCH! READY Support Foundation Family Warriors er of the Wounded F-150 truck to the Military (WWFS) and donor of the Ford Heart arrived at the Spring- (MOPH), Order of the Purple fi to the fi Truck Marietta, Ga. Fla., and Johnny Hawes of Bay, Americanism materials and other equipment for the run, the team moved to the launch location at the Springfi Purple Heart Truck Run Run Heart Truck Purple eld, Virginia in Springfi NEWS&GATHERINGS HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE WITH OUR SERVICE eld, re while on a dis- 2018

of Combat-Wounded Veterans Veterans of Combat-Wounded 7,800-Mile Truck Run Launches Launches Run Truck 7,800-Mile

N ESTIMATED 1.8 MILLION Purple Heart recipi- Purple 1.8 MILLION N ESTIMATED in action or wounded in ents were either killed The mission of Wounded Warriors Family Support Family Warriors The mission of Wounded The focus of the 2018 “Purple Heart Truck Run” will Run” Heart Truck “Purple The focus of the 2018 the Purple Driven exclusively by amputee veterans, by the On its way across America, the truck, provided Burdette was three months On June 9, 2013, Patriot

to Raise Awareness of Mobility Needs of Mobility Awareness to Raise A (WWFS) is to provide supportto the families of those mounted patrol in Wardak province. Burdette was hit with mounted patrol in Wardak and the blast caused him to lose both a 107 mm rocket, was awarded the his injuries he legs below the knees. For Heart medal. Purple combat or by an act of international terrorism. Those of international terrorism. Those combat or by an act combat-wounded service members who have transi- ces life have made great sacrifi tioned back into civilian but they oftento ensure our freedoms, go unrecognized. The road to recoveryand reintegration into their com- for both the cult struggle and diffi munities can be a long their families. wounded warriors and by the Mil- Sponsored jointly be “Mobility is Freedom.” itary Heart (MOPH) and Wounded Order of the Purple Heart Truck Support (WWFS), the Purple Family Warriors F-150 2018 Ford features a mobility-equipped, Run vet- truck, adapted to accommodate combat-wounded and/or arms. erans who are paralyzed or have lost legs a for mobility, Our belief is that, given the right vehicle to live a combat-wounded veteran will have the freedom family. productive and quality life with his or her its way from coast-to-coast on will make Run Heart Truck rallying communities across Ameri- a 7,800 mile odyssey, militaryca to thank our nation’s veterans and support this began in Springfi Heart Run The Purple great mission. will stop Support Foundation, Family Warriors Wounded of the at MOPH chapters to demonstrate the capabilities signs that mark truck and to distribute special parking Heart recipients. spaces to be used exclusively for Purple the keys Run, Heart Truck At the conclusion of the Purple to the truck will be presented to U.S. Army Sergeant (Ret.) Bay, Heart recipient from Palm Justin Burdette, a Purple Fla., who was chosen from a nationwide search of eligible and deserving nominees. into his third deployment to Afghanistan when his platoon fi received incoming mortar and rocket Va., on June 18, and will traverse the nation to California Va., on July 30 at the MOPH and end in Spokane, Wash., National Convention. July/August TO APPLY ONLINE GO TO Application for Life Membership www.purpleheart.org Military Order of the Purple Heart or CLICK HERE

Purple Heart Recipient Eligibility: Any person of good moral character who is serving in or has served in one of the Armed Forces of the United States, or any foreign country, who can show proof of the award of the Purple Heart for wounds. Evidence of the award of the Purple Heart must be submitted with the application. Certificate alone does not constitute proof of award. If discharged, discharge document such as a DD214 must be provided reflecting character of service as honorable or general. For active duty, provide PCS orders, Purple Heart Orders and Purple Heart Certificate. There is no posthumous membership. All applications are subject to verification with the National Personnel Records Center and/or Service.

Associate Member For a parent, spouse, sibling, lineal or adopted descendant (child, grandchild or great-grandchild) of either a living or deceased Purple Heart recipient, evidence of the award of the Purple Heart and the relationship must be submitted with the application. If the Purple Heart recipient is living, the recipient must be a member in-good-standing of the MOPH and he/she must sign to acknowledge the relationship and consent for membership.

Dues Schedule Life Membership – $50.00 Associate Life Membership – $50.00 Fees submitted with Application for Membership are NON-REFUNDABLE. (Effective 6/15/17) See above for eart Orders Dues schedule. MOPH use only Personnel cument such as

Great-Grandchild agazine.

ship. Payment for dues is not Payment ship.

Evidence of the award Purple Casualty Report Other Grandchild te Chapter# Chapter#

OND WD AGO 53-55 Child Date Departed Service/Discharged

OIF Coast Guard Marriage Certificate Sibling WD AGO 53-55 Member# Chapter# American Express CVV #(required)______American Express

Typing my name will constitute as signature Typing Marines Marines OEF Spouse Orders plus PH Certificate

Associate Life Member Discover Adoption Papers Parent Air Force Air Force Vietnam Active Duty (Provide PCS orders) Location of Engagement DD215

Mastercard Mastercard Navy Korea DD214 copy of documentation submitted will be retained on file for future reference. Birth Certificate Orders plus PH Certificate Orders plus PH Certificate

MOPH Bylaws require that a copy of the document supports award Purple Heart medal must I acknowledge the relationship and consent for associate membership (if applicable)

Commissioning source: Life Member VISA Army WW2 DD215

DD214 Purple Heart Recipient Associate Member Date wounded Heart must be submitted with the application. Certificate alone does not constitute proof of award. If discharged, discharge do provide PCS orders, Purple H a DD214 must be provided reflecting character of service as honorable or general. For active duty, and Purple Heart Certificate. There is no posthumous membership. All applications are subject to verification with the National Records Center and/or Service. War Wounded Wounded War deductible as a charitable contribution according to the Internal Revenue Code. Dues include subscription to the Purple Heart M Dues include deductible as a charitable contribution according to the Internal Revenue Code. Date entered service Documentation of relationship and proof Purple Heart award required. Name of Purple Heart Recipient Member# & Signature Purple Heart documentation Relationship of Applicant to PH Recipient Altered documents constitute automatic denial of member Adjutant will make the final determination on eligibility. The National Service accompany each application. A Relationship documents All information and requirements are subject to change without notice. (required even if not paying by credit card) Credit Card # Applicant Signature Da Expiration Date 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151 www.purpleheart.org [email protected] 888.668.1656 22151 www.purpleheart.org 5413-B Backlick Road, Springfield, VA PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION Applicant Name Address Phone(H) Recruited by (Print Name) Next of Kin (Print Name) Check one (Work/Cell) Date of Birth Relationship City All applicants must complete form below and send with payment to: MOPH National Headquarters FAX Zip State Email Credit Card NEW Price List HEADQUARTERS SUPPLY LIST

Effective January, 2016 Prices Include Shipping & Handling All Orders Must Be Pre-Paid – VA Residents Add 5% Sales Tax NOTE: Check Return Fee of $45 per Returned Check Orders can be placed online through your Netforum Membership Portal Questions: [email protected]

Chapter & Department Flags & Banners Please Note: Custom Orders are screen print

Item #S3000 Department Flag – White & US Color Set 4 1/3 x 5 1/2 Complete set with accessories to include: $450.00 stands, ﬂag poles, gilt eagle & gold spear, fringed chords, dust covers & ﬂag carrying belts

Item #S3001 Department Flag – White 4 1/3 x 5 1/2 (Nylon) Complete set with accessories to include: $320.00 stand, ﬂag pole, gold spear, fringed chord, dust cover & ﬂag carrying belt

Item #S3002 Chapter Flag – Purple & US Color Set 4 1/3 x 5 1/2 Complete set with accessories to include: $450.00 stands, ﬂag poles, gilt eagle & gold spear, fringed chords, dust covers & ﬂag carrying belts

Item #S3003 Chapter Flag – Purple & 4 1/3 x 5 1/2 (Nylon) Complete set with accessories to include: $320.00 stand, ﬂag pole, gold spear, fringed chord, dust cover & ﬂag carrying belt

Item #S3004 US Flag Fringed 4 1/3 x 5 1/2 Complete set with accessories to include: $210.00 stand, ﬂag pole, gilt eagle, fringed cord, dust cover & ﬂag carrying belt

Item #S3010 Banner – Purple & Gold Includes all accessories $275.00

Outdoor Flags Please Note: Custom Orders are screen print

Item #S3005 Custom Outdoor Flag – 4’ x 6’ – Purple Flag with white screen printed lettering – $300.00 custom order item

Item #S3006 Custom Outdoor Flag – 4’ x 6’ – White Flag with white screen printed lettering – $300.00 custom order item

Item #S3007 Outdoor Flag – 3’ x 5’ – Purple Flag with white screen printed lettering $70.00 Application for Membership Auxiliary Military Order of the Purple Heart

Parents, grandparents, spouses, widows, widowers, siblings, children, and grandchildren of persons who have been awarded the Purple Heart by the Armed Services of the United States and to those who served in the Armed Forces and have received the Purple Heart decoration in their own name.

Such membership is subject to conditions set forth in Article 1 of the bylaws of the MOPHA. Life and Associate Memberships are available. Contact the National Secretary.

Membership of the Patriot must be verified through certified evidence of the Purple Heart Award. Dues include subscription to the Purple Heart Magazine.

Dues Schedule Life Membership – $50.00 Associate Life Membership – $50.00 Fees submitted with Application for Membership are NON-REFUNDABLE. Payment for dues is not deductible as a charitable contribution according to the Internal Revenue Code Life Associate Check one: Check Must be signed by the * Chapter or Department Adjutant to certify that the Patriot listed above is/was eligible for membership in the MOPH.

(is not) an Active Member of MOPH Chapter # (is) FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY—DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES. FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY—DO Date Received Member Type Certification by Amount Paid Member # Name Name Address City Email Name) I am the of (Medal Holder’s who was awarded the Purple Heart Medal by U.S. Government. He/she Phone State Zip Membership must be certified* by CHAP. ADJ or Copy of Award must accompany this application. ADJ or Copy of Award Membership must be certified* by CHAP. Signature Applicant’s Sponsor *Certified by Witnessed by Date Unit # Birthdate FL 32780 C-12, Titusville, 190 E. Olmstead Dr. Waugh, Complete and mail to: Tara Email: [email protected] PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART AUXILIARY SUPPLY LIST 2017-2018

CURRENT ITEMS AVAILABLE 101 MOPHA LOGO PIN 1 or 2 pins $6.00 each, 3 or more pins $5.00 each per order

204 PATCH – Life Member, embroidered ¾ x 3 inch $ 3.00

205 PATCH – Associate Member, embroidered ¾ x 3 inch $ 3.00

401 FLAG SET – American and MOPHA 4”x 6” on 10” pole w/stand 3 piece set $15.00….MOPHA FLAG only $8.00

402 CHARTER – Department or Unit, includes 10 names (add $1.00 per additional name) $50.00

403 CBL – Constitution, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, Rituals, and Standing Rules – Specify Large or Small $13.00

405 DIRECTORY 2017–18 $ 5.00

406 CONVENTION MINUTES on Disc $ 5.00

407 MEMBERSHIP CARD REPLACEMENT (Contact Membership Ofﬁcer) $ 5.00

409 BOOKMARKS package of 25 (prewrapped) $ 5.00

ALL prices include shipping charges. No tax. ALL other items are in the works and will be released when available.

Make check or money order payable to: MOPHA Orders should be sent to: Judy Fiddler – National Secretary MOPHA 1231 – 13th St. SE Massillon, OH 44646 Phone: 330-481-4731 • Email: [email protected]

MOPHA caps are ordered through Keystone Uniform Cap Corporation 2251 Fraley Street, Philadelphia, PA 19137 • Phone: 215-821-3434 • Fax: 215-821-3438 Online orders can be processed at: www.keystoneuniformcap.com/MOPHA Auxiliary National President’s Note by Gloria Sanchez

A Retrospective View From the Perch

S I APPROACH THE END OF MY TENURE as President of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary, I offer my heartfelt thanks to each of you who has devoted so much of your time and effort to render loving, compassionate services to America’s A Purple Heart veterans. There have been inevitable distractions along the way, We must never give up. We must believe that every- but those distractions pale into insigniﬁcance when com- thing is going to be OK, provided we know where we pared to the work of love and gratitude we have been able are headed and work hard to get there. This is a great to shower upon those who not only gave of their time but organization with many superlative people, so we can endured separation, danger, pain and suffering to keep achieve great results for our veterans. That is our focus, America free and shining. and should be our only focus. Those who have read my missives know that there In MOPH and the Auxiliary, we meet people who will- has been a theme and thread that I have woven through ingly, even eagerly, give their valuable time, and of their each of them. The theme is hope, and the thread that binds treasure on behalf of others. It is indisputable that our them is never to give up, most especially in our capacity of actions do matter and can bring about positive change supporting the Military Order of the Purple Heart. in the lives of others. In this regard, I hope each person We have worked hard together to bring to fruition the who reads this will resolve to become the most positive transition from “Ladies Auxiliary” to “Auxiliary.” We have person in the room. completed the administrative actions that now enable I want to extend special thanks to Neil Van Ess, MOPH this organization to move forward with conﬁdence and National Commander; Jack Leonard, National Adjutant; energy, doing greater things for veterans. and, Jennifer Pereyra, Wilhelmina (Pick) Thichangthong, In a personal vein: this past year has shown me that we Publication Committee and all the staff at MOPH head- can do more than we think we can. That has repeatedly quarters for the support and kindness you extended to me been illustrated to me and, as one who was stretched to throughout the year. the limit, I discovered that I was able to do more than I I also want to thank my husband and best friend, ever thought I could do. Washington, for his untiring support of our endeavors Readers may recall the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me this year. I know of no one who is more committed than the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage he is to the well-being of veterans. to change the things I can and wisdom to know the differ- And finally, I thank God for the opportunity to have ence.” There is an old adage that states “When the going served this great organization in this capacity. God gets tough, the tough get going.” I learned that I am a lot bless each of you, especially my successor and the new tougher than I thought I was. national officers.

40 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 2222 A U X I L I A R Y 2222 NATIONAL OFFICERS 2017-2018

PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP OFFICER/ REGION VI PRESIDENT FINANCE I YEAR HISTORIAN GLORIA SANCHEZ (Washington) WEBMASTER VICKY MANJARREZ (Ronald) CAROL LANCE (Robert) EVELYN MORRISON 2229 Gates Dr. TARA WAUGH PO Box 337 909 E. Lexington Ave. P.O. Box 441, Morven, GA 31638 Tallahassee, FL 32312 190 E. Olmstead Dr. Pioneer, CA 95666 Gretna, LA 70056 Phone: 404-429-0326 Phone: h 850-907-0442 C-12, Titusville, FL 32780 Phone: h 209-295-1611 Phone: 504-394-7305 [email protected] c 850-212-3260 Phone: 321-307-0989 c 408-691-0458 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] MUSICIAN FINANCE 2 YEAR (CHAIR) ARDIS KEIZER (Herman) SR VICE PRESIDENT REGION I PRESIDENT MARSHAL JAN KNAPP (Ron) 6875 Dale Hollow Dr. SE, DIANE PETRINI (Joseph) SEE SR. VICE PRESIDENT BARBARA BURR (Robert) P.O. Box 150, Six Lakes, MI 48886 Catedonia, MI 49316 17607 Montero Rd. DIANE PETRINI 1680 Hanover Rd. Phone: 231-881-0735 Phone: 616-656-5956 San Diego, CA 92128 Delaware, OH 43015 [email protected] Phone: 619-379-2513 REGION II PRESIDENT Phone: 740-369-0652 PUBLIC RELATIONS [email protected] CHRIS COLE (Jack) [email protected] FINANCE 3 YEAR BARB CHERONE (Rick) 1306 Lancaster NW MARY LIZ (M.L.) HYNES Phone: 262-424-4379 JR VICE PRESIDENT Grand Rapids, MI 49504 PARLIAMENTARIAN 4163 Cinnamon Run [email protected] CHERYL PEREZ Phone: c 616-240-7159 JAN KNAPP (Ron) New Bern, NC 28562 PO BOX 120085 [email protected] P.O. Box 150, Six Lakes, MI 48886 Phone: 252-240-9672 VAVS REPRESENTATIVE Chula Vista, CA 91912 Phone: 231-881-0735 [email protected] MOLLY WARE Phone: c 619-426-5501 REGION III PRESIDENT [email protected] 3314 Hills Rd. [email protected] SEE SR. VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE 4 YEAR Augusta, GA 30906 DIANE PETRINI PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR TERI SHATTUCK (Bill) Phone: 706-294-2823 CHAPLAIN LINDA VAREJCKA (Jim) P.O. Box 84, Mio, MI 48647 [email protected] DAR SCHUFF (Lee) REGION IV PRESIDENT 450 Conestoga Ave. Phone: 989-390-4956 742 Millbrook Dr. AMANDA FLENER (John) Hickman, NE 68372 [email protected] VAVS DEPUTY Neenah, WI 54956 220 El Harris Rd. Phone: h 402-792-2144 MARY JONES Phone: 920-725-2780 Fitzgerald, GA 31750 c 402-580-2549 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 816 Grace Ave. [email protected] Phone: 229-325-8106 [email protected] VANESSA DUETT (Benny) Hattiesburg, MS 39401 DÀHQHU#JPDLOFRP 4807 – 13th St. Phone: 601-545-8109 SECRETARY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Meridian, MS 39307 [email protected] Judy Fiddler (Mike) REGION V PRESIDENT LINDA VAREJCKA (Jim) Phone: 601-483-5153 1231 – 13th St. SE GWENDOLYN GILLIARD (Isaac) 450 Conestoga Ave. [email protected] VIOLA CHAIR Massillon, OH 44646 102 Norland Ave. Hickman, NE 68372 LISA JANISSE Phone: 330-481-4731 New Orleans, LA 70131 Phone: h 402-792-2144 COMMUNITY SERVICES P.O. Box 490 [email protected] Phone: h 504-391-1127 c 402-580-2549 JOSEPHINE MAYS Indian River, MI 49749 c 504-481-1003 [email protected] 1408 Greenwood Ave. Phone: 231-437-4909 TREASURER [email protected] Austin, TX 78721 [email protected] TRACY DERR (Doug) INSPECTOR Phone: 512-928-9238 21500 Nowlin St. SEE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT [email protected] Dearborn, MI 48124 DIANE PETRINI Phone: 734-837-7412 [email protected]

VIOLAS AND GRAVE MARKERS Military Order of the Purple Heart Viola Program c/o Robert Connor 65 Winthrop St N, St. Paul, MN 55119 Phone 612-369-6491 • [email protected] Enclose payment in full making checks payable to: MOPH Viola Program Prices include shipping & handling. Orders cannot be sent to a Post Ofﬁ ce Box.

Violas, assembled per 1,000 ...... $125.00 Viola Donation Cans per 12 ...... 20.00 Additional can labels each ...... 00.12 Window Display Cards 50 ...... 16.00 Grave Marker (Bronze) ...... 65.00 Purple Heart Apron ...... 20.00

Payment in full must be received before order may be shipped.

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 41 Auxiliary National Jr. Vice President’s Note by Cheryl Perez

Service

Preparing for Ways and Means at the National Convention

ONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED unit and department ofﬁ cers! The units are the heart of the Auxiliary and where all the excellent work we do is centered, the new and creative ideas for projects and events start and where our future leaders will come C from. National leadership is here to support you and available to help with any questions you might have, or information you may need. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The year has fl own by and it’s time to start preparing Gift cards are always for Ways and Means at Convention. Please remember Na- a good donation idea tional Ways and Means depends on the generosity of our and can be used in members, units, and departments to make our fundrais- creative ways for the ing efforts that benefi t veterans successful! Donations for raffl e and auction. the Convention raffl e and auction are greatly appreciated This year, to of- and very much needed. Since many of us will be fl ying to fer our members Spokane, please take into consideration that people will who can’t make it to need to be able to transport items you donate back home. Spokane an opportunity to join in the fun of a Conven- tion raffl e, tickets for a “Money Does Grow on Trees” $100 Gift Card Tree (four $25.00 Visa or Mastercard gift cards) can be purchased for $1.00 each (winning ticket will be drawn at Convention). Flyers with information about purchasing tickets will be sent to region, department and unit presidents, or you can email or call me at the contact information below. Please join in the fun and support National Ways and Means! I would like to thank the members, units and departments that have bought MOPHA rhinestone pins! The pins will be available through National Convention or until the inventory on hand (about 100 pins) sells out. See you at Convention!

42 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Auxiliary National Chaplain by Dar Schuff

Her Name is Sherry…and She is Home ER NAME IS SHERRY, and like the Marys, Nan- Many of us are complainers—too much to do, not H cys, Gails and Dianes, she served LAMOPH for enough time, too busy and, even, “not interested.” May many years. Some serve out of patriotism, some serve we all give thanks for the Gwens, Joans, out of need, and some serve, like Sherry, to honor her Glorias, Judys and Sherrys who make giv- dad Lee’s Marine Corps service in Korea and Vietnam. ing back a priority when asked to serve. Her strong faith was a testimonial to her 13 years of Yes, Sherry is our daughter and she service as Department Chaplain. She performed her has gone home to be with her Heav- many duties, despite her failing health, disabilities and enly Father. A dear friend gave me this being tied to a machine 24/7. And she did so without comforting poem. complaint, through heartbreak and pain. Countless people have told me how inspiration- I MADE IT HOME al her Purple Hearter columns were, how comfort- I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. ing the messages when they lost a loved one, how Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh, so new. blessed they felt with her note or prayer added to a I wish that you could close your eyes so you could see it too. card she sent, how thoughtful she was, always con- Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand. cerned but hopeful. God is taking care of me…I’m in the shelter of His hands. Sadly, she had absolutely no idea of the magnitude Here there is no sadness, and no sorrow and no pain. her impact was on their lives, and how far-reaching Here there is no crying, and I’ll never hurt again. her love was. I wish they had told her then and not Here it is so peaceful, when all the angels sing. me now. Don’t put off your nice thoughts of others, I really have to go for now, I’ve just got to try my wings. even for a day. P.S. I’ll be the ﬁ rst face you see when you get here!

MOPHA In Memoriam Reported April 1 – May 31, 2018*

Name DEPT Unit Deceased Name DEPT Unit Deceased Davene ALFORD, Tulsa OK 589 28 August 2017 Vernonica KMETZ, Gladstone MI SC 402 21 July 2017 Billie ALLEN, Sulphur LA 177 17 January 2018 Maxine KROTKY, Omaha NE 260 16 January 2018 Sherry Lee BAYER, Two Rivers WI 164 3 April 2018 Mary Margaret MARTIN, Tucson AZ DML 1 October 2017 Linda BEAVER, Spring City TN OK 589 17 December 2017 Beverly PORTNOY, Oshkosh WI 162 5 May 2018 Betty CHARN, Stratford TX 423 30 June 2017 Kandus SCHATLER, Gaylord MI 1985 28 April 2018 Wilma CORNELL, PNP, Columbus OH 31 15 April 2018 Mary SLATER, Big Rock TN 457 12 April 2018 Deborah CROSBY, Lincoln NE 200 25 November 2017 Debbie SWEET, Fresno CA 106 18 January 2018 Francis DAVIS, Baker LA 177 10 March 2018 Barbara TEAR, Wyandotte MI 127 9 October 2017 Lorene EDWARDS, Pt. Wentworth GA 596 Unknown LaVonna VAN DUSEN, Lincoln NE 200 23 January 2018 Josephine HAYNES, Monticello FL 823 24 May 2018 Twila HETRICK, Macksburg OH 743 30 November 2017 “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, also believe in me. If it Doris HOFFMAN, Eatonton GA 425 7 February 2018 were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” Ruth HUISENG, Colorado Springs CO 423 1 July 2017 John 14:1-2 Doris MANLEY, Colorado Springs CO 423 23 November 2017

* As reported to the MOPHA National Chaplain, per Bylaws Article VIII, Section 6 requirements

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 43 Auxiliary Region VI President’s Note by Vicky Manjarrez

Service

Region VI Report The Traveling Heart

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING there are so many great things to reﬂect on when speaking of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. Number one is the support the Auxiliary provides to our Patriots in the MOPH, and countless hours of aid and projects for all veterans. There is also I a great and unique closeness between auxiliary members, a “sisterhood of the traveling heart.” Those with the biggest traveling heart, to me, are the widows within the Auxiliary.

Though they have lost their loving Patriot, who now for them without their Patriot. These members are to be peacefully rests with memories of war finally behind treasured and thanked for their continuing support every them, these widows continue to stay active in the MO- day. Remember, they too need support, ours. I personally PHA. Sometimes we tend to forget these members are know some of these members and must say they are some struggling without their Patriot, and yet they continue to of the strongest women I know. I would just like to say to work side by side with others in the Auxiliary, serving vet- these members, and I think I speak for many others, thank erans, volunteering, as well as holding an office at unit, you for your continuing dedication and patriotism to all department or national level. I have seen these members veterans and the MOPH/MOPHA. Bless these Ladies and at unit meetings and conventions, and it can be difficult all auxiliary members with the huge traveling hearts.

ARE YOU ENROLLED ON THE ROLL OF HONOR at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor? he National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in New TWindsor NY is the only facility in the nation dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing the stories of our nation’s service men and women who have been killed or wounded by enemy action while serving in the United States military.

We rely on family, friends and Purple Heart recipients to share their stories with us. We need your help to build the Roll of Honor database containing these stories.

To learn more about the Hall of Honor, sharing your story and free enrollment please visit our website at: www.thepurpleheart.com or call the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at 845.561.1765.

The Hall of Honor is part of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission which administers 27 parks, parkways and historic sites for the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation in NY.

44 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Region VI Unit Installation of

2018-2019 Ofﬁcers REGION VI

UNIT 750, SANTA BARBARA/VENTURA, CA Auxiliary and Patriots installation during a picnic at Patriot Jon Williams’ home.

EVENTS GUAM UNIT 1315 L-R: Roselyn Kosaka (Musician), Lillian Gumabon (Sec- retary), Jane Sasai (Pres.), Teresita Shimizu (Treasurer), Dorothy Lukeala (Chaplain), Joleen Castro (Patriot In- UNIT 106, FRESNO, CA structor) and Teresita Gleason (Marshal) From left: Lydia Lowe, Juanita Perez, Elizabeth Rivera, Elaine Costello, Sylvia Cain, Maxine DeLaPena, Gina Cantu and Debbie Lombrano

Department of California Installation of 2018-2019 Ofﬁcers

ARIZONA UNIT 572 L-R: Nancy Fyffe (Chap- REGION VI lain), Barbara Blanken- ship (President) and Al- lyne McFalls (Secretary)

L-R: Shirlee Horne (Sgt.-at-Arms), Regina Henry (Trust- ee), Insook Gay (Historian), Vicky Manjarrez (Treasurer), Sherri Anderson (Jr. Vice), Susie Seydel-Pitman (Sr. Vice), Peggy Hughes (President). Installation performed by National MOPHA President Gloria Sanchez.

EVENTS

UNIT 385, FOLSOM, CA Back L-R: Rochelle Franco (Sr. Vice), Peggy Hughes (Secretary) Front L-R: Barbara Hughes Colunga-Padilla (President & Vicky Manjarrez presenting PDP pin to Susie Seydel- Historian), Sherri Anderson (Jr. Vice), Vicky Manjarrez Pitman. Susie turning over the gavel to newly installed (Treasurer), Rebecca Dugan (Trustee), Susan Lambert President Peggy Hughes (Chaplain & Trustee)

July/August 2018 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE 45 Taps

Please note that Taps are organized by department and then alphabetized by last name. Dept Chapter Name Service War Dept Chapter Name Service War IN-2 0728-IN-2 Minnie Robert Burns AR W2 AL-4 2212-AL-4 Arthur H Garnett MC VN IN-2 0728-IN-2 William J Muller AR W2 AL-4 2213-AL-4 Balcie J East Jr AR W2 IN-2 1922-IN-2 Arnold F Schuldt MC W2 AZ-6 0608-AZ-6 James R Smith AR VN IN-2 1995-IN-2 Verland L Devon AR W2 AZ-6 0691-AZ-6 James D Adams AF VN IA-2 0462-IA-2 Douglas W Grems AR VN AZ-6 0790-AZ-6 Jerry L Crosby AR VN LA-5 0177-LA-5 Gerald P Needham MC W2 AZ-6 0790-AZ-6 David D Sweeney MC W2 LA-5 0331-LA-5 Challie B Griggs AR W2 AZ-6 0793-AZ-6 Robert S Delsi MC VN LA-5 0504-LA-5 Lloyd A King Jr AR VN AZ-6 DML-AZ-6 Ben Johnson MC VN LA-5 1955-LA-5 Frank W Beadle AR W2 AR-5 0431-AR-5 J Ed Smith AR W2 LA-5 1994-LA-5 Henry D Dekeyzer AR W2 AR-5 0431-AR-5 James G Speir AR W2 MD-1 0122-MD-1 Roger M Crassweller AR VN AR-5 0460-AR-5 Ricci D Scott AR IF MD-1 0577-MD-1 Millard F Dougherty AR W2 AR-5 0460-AR-5 Robert L Worst NV VN MA-1 0205-MA-1 Charles Kady Sr AR W2 AR-5 0467-AR-5 Ernest L Powers AR W2 MA-1 0205-MA-1 Arthur Nelson Jr AR W2 AR-5 0633-AR-5 Dale E Rogers AF W2 MA-1 0240-MA-1 David G James AR VN AR-5 0633-AR-5 Howard Williamson AR W2 MA-1 DML-MA-1 Everett John Nygard Jr AF W2 AR-5 0678-AR-5 E Glenn Huffman NV W2 MI-2 0041-MI-2 Dean N Madsen NV KR AR-5 0678-AR-5 Otto Arthur C Samson AR W2 MI-2 0110-MI-2 Alcides Esquivel AR VN CA-6 0106-CA-6 Saul De La Pena Associate MI-2 0110-MI-2 John F Moore AR W2 CA-6 0210-CA-6 Lewis J Allsop MC W2 MI-2 0180-MI-2 Larrie Walter Sauer MC VN CA-6 0210-CA-6 Paul A Garcia AR KR MI-2 DML-MI-2 Leroy Collins AR KR CA-6 0493-CA-6 Kenneth L Doyle MC VN MN-2 0005-MN-2 Daryl Allen Imholte AR VN CA-6 0493-CA-6 Daniel L Spalding MC W2 MN-2 0005-MN-2 Gary M Krutke AR IF CA-6 0493-CA-6 Nick J Vultaggio MC VN MN-2 0268-MN-2 Carl E Goodermont NV W2 CA-6 0549-CA-6 William E Kaping AR W2 MN-2 0268-MN-2 Robert A Ries MC W2 CA-6 0549-CA-6 Leodis Leake AR KR MS-4 0801-MS-4 Dick F Atencio AR VN CA-6 0549-CA-6 Roy C Reyes AR VN MS-4 0806-MS-4 Johnny White Jr AR VN CA-6 0549-CA-6 Ramon A Santiago AR VN MS-4 DML-MS-4 Austin M Lindsey NV VN CA-6 0750-CA-6 Alexander Bravo AR KR MO-2 0115-MO-2 Everett C Bailey MC VN CA-6 1850-CA-6 Herbert R Kenyon AR W2 MO-2 0115-MO-2 David L Trottman AR VN CT-1 0001-CT-1 Henry J Komornick AR W2 MO-2 0125-MO-2 Donald E Jones Jr AR VN CT-1 0001-CT-1 Edward W Phillips MC KR MO-2 0125-MO-2 James R McCallister MC VN DE-1 1787-DE-1 Paul A Pusey AR W2 MO-2 0621-MO-2 Larry D Willoughby MC VN FL-4 0087-FL-4 Terry Dykes NV W2 MT-3 2015-MT-3 Gary J Bleek MC VN FL-4 0316-FL-4 Eugene D Connell AR W2 MT-3 2016-MT-3 David W Ries AF VN FL-4 0316-FL-4 Kirby L Hunter Jr AR VN NE-2 0200-NE-2 Richard L McCurdy AR VN FL-4 0400-FL-4 Ray E Moon AR W2 NE-2 0681-NE-2 Emil A Hledik AR VN FL-4 0466-FL-4 Theobald C Schlueter AR W2 NV-6 0711-NV-6 Joseph E Fina AR W2 FL-4 0535-FL-4 James T Farrior Sr AR VN NJ-1 0027-NJ-1 Thomas E Kubes MC VN FL-4 0717-FL-4 James E Leopold AR W2 NJ-1 0033-NJ-1 James L Mussi AR W2 FL-4 0758-FL-4 Leon A Jedziniak AR W2 NJ-1 0527-NJ-1 Isidore A Beckerman AR W2 FL-4 0776-FL-4 Henry C Norman Jr MC W2 NM-5 0372-NM-5 Robert E Valdez AR VN GA-4 0465-GA-4 George M Deloney MC VN NY-1 0120-NY-1 Gerald T Jerry Donnellan AR VN GA-4 0531-GA-4 John B Bagley AR VN NY-1 0187-NY-1 Stuart F Osborne AR W2 GA-4 0531-GA-4 William C Moncus MC KR NY-1 0405-NY-1 Peter V Scalera AR W2 GA-4 0576-GA-4 Steven K Dunaway AR VN NY-1 0405-NY-1 Anthony F Vanacore AR W2 IL-2 0144-IL-2 David P Justin AR VN NY-1 0406-NY-1 James E Yelverton AR W2 IL-2 0159-IL-2 William E Craine MC VN NY-1 0417-NY-1 Angelo L Pioli AR W2 IL-2 0159-IL-2 Leroy E Ewald MC KR NY-1 1782-NY-1 Sol Spielfogel AR W2 IL-2 0159-IL-2 Lee V Fox AR W2 NC-4 0634-NC-4 William R Cassels AF VN IL-2 0159-IL-2 Kenneth D Johnson AR KR NC-4 0634-NC-4 Robert M Santmire AR VN

46 PURPLE HEART MAGAZINE July/August 2018 Taps

Dept Chapter Name Service War Dept Chapter Name Service War NC-4 0637-NC-4 Hal L Scott AR VN TX-5 0814-TX-5 Edward W Earnest MC VN NC-4 0637-NC-4 Bradley A Westerdahl MC KR TX-5 0867-TX-5 Abel A Rodriguez MC KR NC-4 0638-NC-4 David T Ulmer AR DS TX-5 1513-TX-5 Ted Short AR KR NC-4 0657-NC-4 Gaspar R Gonzalez AR VN TX-5 1836-TX-5 Wenceslo Corky Armendariz Jr NV VN NC-4 0657-NC-4 Edward A Hooker AR KR TX-5 1836-TX-5 Henry M Green Jr MC W2 NN-1 0614-NN-1 Donald R Knight AR W2 TX-5 1836-TX-5 Wilburn M Kitchen AF W2 NN-1 0804-NN-1 Charles H Elwood Jr NV W2 TX-5 1836-TX-5 Thomas J Terry Sr AR VN NN-1 DML-NN-1 Robert E Reel AR KR TX-5 1876-TX-5 Bobby J McFarland AR VN OH-2 0031-OH-2 Harold H Staugler AR KR TX-5 1876-TX-5 Albert Novak Jr AR W2 OH-2 0606-OH-2 Angelo J Dellanno AR W2 TX-5 1919-TX-5 Robert A Hefford AR VN OH-2 0606-OH-2 Meter Fromel MC KR TX-5 1919-TX-5 Hector A Pena AR W2 OH-2 0606-OH-2 Tom P Vouvounas AR W2 TX-5 1919-TX-5 Charles O Reed AR VN OH-2 0699-OH-2 Allen E Selders AR VN TX-5 4077-TX-5 William K Dodd AR VN OH-2 0743-OH-2 Daniel W Brumbaugh MC VN TX-5 4077-TX-5 Mary L Stecher Associate OH-2 0743-OH-2 Calvin W Thomas AR W2 DK-3 5354-DK-3 Curtis D Boyd AR KR OH-2 0840-OH-2 Robert M Ewing AR W2 DK-3 5355-DK-3 Dennis J Brady AR VN OH-2 1981-OH-2 John J Smith AR W2 DK-3 5355-DK-3 Merle F Lamp AR W2 OH-2 3620-OH-2 Anthony J Murphy AR KR DK-3 5355-DK-3 Ordell A Winterton AR W2 OK-5 0568-OK-5 Clayton O Barnwell AR W2 VA-1 0353-VA-1 Anthony R Luggiero AR W2 OK-5 0568-OK-5 Richard M Cavanaugh Jr AR W2 VA-1 0510-VA-1 Robert O Gray AR KR OK-5 0568-OK-5 Larry K Schoemann AR VN VA-1 1607-VA-1 George Mercer Brooke III MC VN OK-5 0589-OK-5 James L Owens AR W2 WA-3 0407-WA-3 Johnnie Burian Bragg AF VN OK-5 0602-OK-5 Peter M Bailey AR VN WA-3 0407-WA-3 Bob H Coalson AR VN OK-5 0602-OK-5 Bert F Lawrence MC KR WA-3 0407-WA-3 Lionel Guerra MC VN OR-3 0072-OR-3 Donald E Marshall AR KR WA-3 0407-WA-3 Sherwood D Marx AR W2 OR-3 0147-OR-3 Edward M Athey AR W2 WV-2 0415-WV-2 Raymond W Spradling AR W2 OR-3 0551-OR-3 William N Santone AR W2 WV-2 0418-WV-2 Robert L Moore AR KR PA-1 0190-PA-1 Frank Kutash MC KR WI-2 0162-WI-2 Walter G Bubolz AR W2 PA-1 0197-PA-1 Anthony M Ceglia NV W2 WI-2 0164-WI-2 Sherry L Bayer Associate PA-1 0455-PA-1 Conrad J Stinogle AR VN WI-2 0164-WI-2 Alfred S Hanson MC KR PA-1 0455-PA-1 John G Turner AF IF WI-2 0165-WI-2 Albert J Oleson MC KR PA-1 0519-PA-1 Joseph M Ondo AR W2 WI-2 0550-WI-2 Francis J Algeo NV VN PA-1 0529-PA-1 James Traglia AR W2 WI-2 0550-WI-2 John A Breske AR VN PA-1 0656-PA-1 Robert J Jansen Sr MC VN WI-2 0550-WI-2 Vernon Quagon AR VN VA-1 1777-PA-1 Stanley A Wojtusik AR W2 WI-2 0770-WI-2 Leo Bassetto MC W2 PA-1 1983-PA-1 Roger M Morgenthal AR VN WI-2 0770-WI-2 Roger D Lewison AR KR SC-4 0354-SC-4 Erwin R Sweetman AR W2 SC-4 0845-SC-4 David L Massey AR IF TN-4 0457-TN-4 Delbert H Powell AR VN TN-4 0484-TN-4 George M Crawford AF VN TN-4 0484-TN-4 George S Demas AR W2 TN-4 0484-TN-4 Joe Wade Lee AR VN TN-4 0484-TN-4 Daniel Tyrone Williams Sr MC VN TN-4 0888-TN-4 William B Richardson AR KR TN-4 0888-TN-4 Richard D Toivonen AR VN TX-5 0542-TX-5 Joseph P Harris Sr MC KR TX-5 0542-TX-5 James F Youngblood MC VN TX-5 0723-TX-5 Broughton L Hand AR W2 TX-5 0723-TX-5 Robert D Trail AR W2 TX-5 0740-TX-5 Thomas H Ament AF VN TX-5 0744-TX-5 Alvin C James Jr MC VN

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