JUNE 2004 Vol. 156, No. 6 features 12 The Greatest Legislation The -created GI Bill laid the MORE THAN foundations for civil rights and a middle class. BENEFITS 12 By Kenneth E. Cox 34 Not Child’s Play Violent fi lms and video games battle for the soul of America’s youth. By Jay Stuller

38 The Invasion That Changed the World The amphibious operation known as D-Day secured freedom and spelled doom for the Axis powers. 40 ‘Toward Purposeful Dissent’ BLOOD A liberal professor makes the case for not opposing FEUD 34 the fl ag amendment. By Steven Lubet 42 ‘Make a Difference’ Legionnaires gather on Capitol Hill for fl ag hearing, launch of Impact 2004 voting initiative.

BEGINNING OF THE END 38 22 Agent Orange: Haze of Deception New evidence gives War veterans the ammunition needed for a defi nitive federal study on the defoliant and its effects. By James V. Carroll

Cover illustration: Steve Stone departments 4 Vet Voice 50 Under the 52 Living Well Perspective on , VA committed to solving ’s Message 8 Green Berets in Mali Agent Orange puzzle. Brace yourselves for and the Pentagon memorial. ‘Impact 2004’ 56 Comrades 10 Big Issues 64 Parting Shots Federal funding for the arts

The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members. These wartime veterans, working through 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national security; adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans; community service; and the wholesome development of our nation’s youth. June 2004 1 The American Legion Magazine

EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED TO HONOR VIETNAM VETERANS MILITARY VIETNAM SERVICE RINGS Featuring the Official and Ribbon, The Vietnam Memorial Wall and Your Service Branch Emblem 700 N. St. P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 630-1200 http://www.legion.org National Commander John A. Brieden III Published by The American Legion EDITORIAL Editor John Raughter Managing Editor Jeff Stoffer Contributing Editor Steve Brooks Assistant Editor James V. Carroll Assistant Editor Matt Grills Assistant Editor Elissa Kaupisch Editorial Administrator Patricia Marschand General Administrator Brandy Ballenger General Administrator Robin Bowman Enameled Service GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Ribbon & Official Graphics/Production Director Jon Reynolds Art Director Holly K. Soria The Vietnam Service Medal Designer Douglas Rollison Memorial Wall Designer King Doxsee ADVERTISING Inner band Advertising Director Diane Andretti engraved with Advertising Assistant Sara Palmer your initials & Advertising Assistant Leslie Hankins years served The American Legion Magazine P.O. Box 7068 Indianapolis, IN 46207 FOX ASSOCIATES, INC. American Made, Handcrafted Publisher’s Representatives in Solid Sterling Silver and Chicago: (312) 644-3888 New York: (212) 725-2106 22 karat Antiqued Gold Finishes Los Angeles: (213) 228-1250 Detroit: (248) 543-0068 e proudly present our Official Vietnam Vietnam Veterans rings. On one side a Veteran : (404) 497-7690 Veterans Military Service Rings to visits a lost friend and hero at the Vietnam Email: [email protected] THE AMERICAN LEGION Whonor those who served our Country. Memorial Wall, echoing the inscription “You Are MAGAZINE COMMISSION Not Forgotten”. On the other side the powerful Dennis J. Henkemeyer, Chairman, Sauk Rapids, MN; The top of the ring bears the words “Vietnam Samuel Barney, Vice Chairman, Lancaster, OH; Charles Veteran” in high relief letters and frames a Vietnam Service Medal stands below the Vietnam E. Hartman, National Commander’s Representative, Eau beautifully sculpted Military Service Emblem of Service Ribbon, as a permanent tribute to Claire, PA; James J. Charleston, Consultant, Island Lake, your service. IL; Robert A. Corrigan, Consultant, Bronx, NY. Com- your choice (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or mission Members: Harold F. Arnold, Statesboro, GA; Coast Guard). YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT J.O. Berthelot, Gonzalez, LA; Vincent E. Blank, Vinton, IA; Donald R. Conn, South Bend, IN; James W. Conway, The sides of the ring are highly detailed, original TO WEAR THIS SPECIAL RING. 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Memorial Foundation. The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published ORDER FORM monthly by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, - Or, Mail to: napolis, IN 46216. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Veteran's Commemoratives Vietnam Rings 1250 Easton Road, Suite 290, Horsham, PA 19044 IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. Annual non- member and gift subscriptions, $15 ($21, foreign); post- K YES. I wish to order the following Exclusive SHIPPING ADDRESS sponsored and widows’ subscriptions, $6; single copy, (We CANNOT ship to P.O. Boxes) Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Service Ring: Check () choice: $3.50. Member annual subscription price $3.00, which RESERVE RESERVE is included in annual member dues. POSTMASTER: Send K VIETNAM K Korean MINE NOW! K WW2 MINE NOW! Name ______VIETRIN-ALM-0604 address changes to The American Legion, Data Services, K Service Branch: Check () choice: P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Internet address: K Army K Navy K Air Force Address ______http://www.legion.org. K Marine K Coast Guard Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Data Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. (317) City _____State _ Zip ______K Initials Desired (3): ______860-3111. Attach old address label, provide old and new addresses and current membership card number. K Service Yrs: ______to ______Signature ______Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered I NEED SEND NO MONEY NOW. Bill me in three Phone # ______second-class mail matter at Central Post office monthly installments of $55* each, with the first dated Dec. 22, 1991. * Plus $9.95 for engraving, shipping, and handling. payment due prior to shipment. A custom ring sizer will PA residents add 6% ($10.50) sales tax. be sent to me before shipment to assure my correct fit. © ICM 2002-2003 These rings have been registered with the Printed in USA And my satisfaction is completely guaranteed. United States Copyright Office, as sculpture. Member Audit Bureau of Circulations VISIT VETERAN’S COMMEMORATIVES ONLINE AT WWW.VETCOM.COM Presenting U.S. ARMED FORCES COMMEMORATIVE .45s ™ The first Commemorative .45s ever issued to honor the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force.

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Name ______The grips are of select exotic wood and are custom- Personalized engraving available on right side of slide. fitted to your pistol. Inset as the focal point of both Address ______grips are custom fired-enamel cloisonnés of the official History Channel. Satisfaction is guaranteed or you may symbol of your service branch. And to make your pistol return within 30 days for a full refund. Daytime Telephone ( ______) ______a lasting, personal memorial, we can engrave your name If you do not have an Federal Firearms License, we will help coordinate delivery through your local The American Historical Foundation or that of a family member on the reverse side of the 1142 WEST GRACE STREET RICHMOND, VA 23220 slide, along with other data. firearms dealer, after your reservation is received here. 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Eyes on the board immigration. Since both political parties are shamelessly pandering “Corporate Greed Rises From the Depths” (April) is an to the so-called Hispanic vote, I excellent article. I have served on six boards of directors and think a strong grassroots move- found serious fl aws. CEOs often attempt to control the board ment is needed to reverse this rush to national suicide. It is hard by presenting trivial information that to fi nd a politician who will take overwhelms the board’s ability to digest it. an opposing stand, though he or Important matters are often not addressed, she may see the danger in our “come-on-in” policy. Few legisla- or insuffi cient information is given to the tors are brave enough to fi ght board for decisions. Committees are not rewarding these scoffl aws, who established, and audits are not conducted are aided by our own government in their fl agrant violation of to determine whether expenditures are immigration laws. proper for the organization’s health. – Art Aragon, Albuquerque, N.M. Investors should pay more attention to the Tough choices composition and conduct of the board of directors than the Michelle Malkin’s hard-hitting, CEO. If the board does its job, the CEO should not be able to accurate commentary portrays a manipulate resources to his or her advantage. bleak future for our children and grandchildren if we do not enact – Lewis R. Ireland, Clarksville, Tenn. real immigration reform in America now. We have a U.S. On deaf ears Care for our own military presence in 125 foreign Michelle Malkin’s article (“No Most Americans don’t realize countries, but we refuse to defend Divine Right,” April) is 100 – how many billions of dollars are our own borders because corrupt, percent on target, but how do we spent on illegal aliens – that’s cowardly politicians want cheap convince elected offi cials? Even right, billions. All one has to do is labor for their corporate campaign our president is on the side of the cross the border and he becomes contributors. Let’s face it: the illegals. We have courts reading our responsibility. I would rather whole world would come here if into the Constitution what even a see my tax dollars spent on a we let it. We take in more immi- grade-school student could tell veteran who has served our grants than the rest of the world you was never meant to be the country. Charity begins at home. combined, on track to eventually writers’ intent. Beyond prayer, – Richard Engwiller, Okeechobee, Fla. surpass and India in what can we do? population. We must insist on an – Jim Bahe, Faribault, Minn. National suicide immediate moratorium on all I was pleased to read “No Divine immigration, deportation of all Don’t coddle illegals Right,” as well as an explanation illegal aliens now here, jail and My parents emigrated from of the Legion’s position on illegal heavy fi nes for employers hiring Germany in 1930. At the time, a illegal aliens, troops at our quota was in place, and sponsors borders and the complete repeal were required. We were told to WE WANT of Sen. Ted Kennedy’s 1965 learn the language or go back to YOUR OPINIONS Immigration Act, the chief source Germany. We came legally and The American Legion Magazine of our immigration problems. learned the language, and we are welcomes letters concerning – Chris Smith, Somerville, N.J. proud to be Americans. In fact, articles that appear in the my brother and I are both World publication. Be sure to include your Illegal, period War II veterans. I would like to hometown and a daytime phone Has our society changed the see legal immigrants from Mexico number for verifi cation. meaning of the word “illegal”? be required to learn English. I, for All letters are subject to editing. How do we grant amnesty to a one, am sick and tired of hearing, Send your opinions to: person who has broken the law? If “Press 1 for English, 2 for Span- The American Legion Magazine I rob a bank, which is illegal, can ish.” I am tired of buying products P.O. Box 1055 I upon prosecution seek amnesty and seeing instructions in both. Indianapolis, IN 46206 and be granted it? Punish the Why not in Polish, Korean and wrongdoers, especially those who other languages? Could it be that You also can contact us hire them. immigrants from those countries directly via e-mail or through – Albert Hess Jr., actually learn our language? the World Wide Web: Perhaps we are patronizing [email protected] Too late Mexican immigrants too much. http://www.legion.org “My Heart’s Content” (April) – Joe Schneider, Lansing, Mich. makes me angry and sick to my

4 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine ...

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To be removed from our mailing list, call 1-800-471-0959. For official rules write: Electric Mobility Corporation, P.O. Box 156, Sewell, NJ 08080, or visit us online at: www.ultralite.biz. This is a solicitation. UltraLite Vehicles, A Division of Electric Mobility, Two Electric Ave., You are under no obligation to pay. ©2004 Electric Mobility Corp. Dept. 9827 P.O. Box 7025, Bellmawr, NJ 08099 vet voice stomach. Pat Conroy’s mea culpas 227 years. We had no need for a servicemen: when you signed the ring hollow. Like Jane Fonda, he PATRIOT Act after the USS dotted line, you signed on for has blood on his hands. I spoke blew up in or after the service to your country, not just to an Air Force pilot who, shot Japanese attacked . the benefi ts you desired. down and captured over North This act puts in place procedures – James J. Hamm, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Vietnam, was a prisoner of war for dealing with “terrorists” that for years. His body bears scars in some ways remind me of how False pretenses from the torture he endured Japanese-Americans were treated In April’s Big Issues, I certainly while Conroy was blasting our during World War II. We look agree with the more accurate efforts. I asked him what effect back on that with shame and say summation of Sen. Harry Reid, D- he thought Jane Fonda and her it should never have happened. Nev., that the Medicare prescrip- allies had on his captivity. “I Terrorists can do nothing to us tion bill that barely passed the believe we would have been out that cannot be dealt with by the House and Senate will leave six months sooner had the North Constitution. millions of seniors worse off. Vietnamese not been encouraged Toensing admits these laws can His statement was more de- by their efforts,” he said. Six be used for good or bad. If they tailed than Rep. Tom DeLay’s, months. How many sons, hus- can be used either way, then they noting that the bill prohibits bands, fathers and brothers lost at some point will be. Medicare from negotiating to their lives in combat or captivity – Byron E. Sherfy, Cottage Hills, Ill. obtain lower drug prices and during those last six months disallows drug imports from before hostilities ended? None too kind Canada. Drug fi rms and insur- – John J. Mozart, Brick, N.J. Well, whoop-de-do for the ance companies are the big Yankees (“Surrender at Appomat- winners. A new respect tox,” April). Too bad they didn’t – Dean Finney, Lexington, Va. “My Heart’s Content” says so maintain their charitable outlook much in only two pages. I wonder when they raped the South during Each day counts how many others who didn’t the Reconstruction and when they Editor’s note: American Legion serve our country during the wouldn’t allow Confederate Department of New York Com- Vietnam era feel that way. Conroy veterans to honor their fallen mander Charles Herschlag received the writer has had my respect for comrades at Sharpsburg. My the following letter from an Army a long time. Now I respect him as forefathers from the 3rd Reservist and Legionnaire currently a man. would take offense at this article. serving in Iraq. – Edward Croxall, East Liverpool, Ohio – O.E. Williams, Ocean Springs, Miss. I am in the Army Reserve, currently stationed in Iraq More to the story Weak gesture with B Company 489th Engineer When I started reading Pat So planted a garden in Battalion. Conroy’s book excerpt, I won- honor of Fleet Adm. Chester W. We’ve been in country since dered why the magazine would Nimitz (“An Honored Adversary,” Easter Sunday 2003, and you may print an article by a April). That’s a rather small know we’ve been extended for draft-dodger. But I fi gured that if reparation for Pearl Harbor, the another six months. My wife, the Legion decided to print it, Bataan Death March, Corregidor, Jackie, sent me the calendar. I there had to be more to the story, and the 90 percent of haven’t seen or looked at a and there was. In the end, I see American POWs butchered in calendar in more than seven courage in the author’s act of Japanese prison camps. months. We try not to count the publicly acknowledging his – Barry C. Fain, Sonoita, Ariz. days and instead make each day disloyal acts. It is a good story count. But I have to tell you, sir, from which those wavering in Read the fi ne print since I hung the calendar in this their support of the war on While I agree with a lot of what old, crumbling building me and terrorism can learn. I imagine this Alan W. Dowd had to say in his my buddies live in, we all fl ip article is going to get you some article (“To Make Men Free,” through the pictures and months. hot criticism from readers, but for April), I take exception to his I have to agree with you that our my part, thank you. statement that “every soldier, favorite is that of the beautiful – James G. Jaborek, Lompoc, Calif. sailor, airman and Marine wants lady, our Statue of Liberty. to serve.” I can’t tell you the Thank you so very much for the Scrap PATRIOT number of offi cers who have told gift and, as always, I will con- Victoria Toensing may be an me that a lot of Guard and tinue supporting The American expert on terrorism, but it is my Reserve personnel request Legion and the great post I belong belief that the PATRIOT Act was transfer back home, as they “did to back home, Greece Post 468 in ill-conceived and is totally not sign up to fi ght but to get Rochester, N.Y. They’ve been unnecessary (“We Need These money to go to college.” I was giving me great support since I’ve Laws,” April). Our Constitution proud of the answer that each been away. God bless America. has served us well for more than offi cer gave these so-called – Staff Sgt. George A. Dadson Jr., Iraq

6 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine Why calling 9-1-1 just isn’t enough.

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©2004 Philips Electronics North America Corp. Andover, MA commander’s message Brace yourselves for ‘Impact 2004’ he American Legion is not a partisan organization. It does, however, engage in the legislative process. We exist to respond to quality-of-life needs of veterans and their families, teach youth the obligations ofT U.S. citizenship, work for a strong national defense and uphold the Constitution. To do so requires consistent infl uence in Washington. To best serve veterans, we must stay connected to elected offi cials and maintain a vigilant presence on Capitol Hill. From the creation of the GI Bill to veterans benefi ts to fl ag protec- tion, our organization has worked with leaders of all parties. The American Legion does not endorse candidates. We do endorse causes. And the 2004 elections overfl ow with issues concerning military personnel and veterans: military pay, the disabled veterans tax, the fl ag amendment, veterans health care, illegal immigration and national security, among others. In these matters, the president and Congress decide America’s course. But we decide who will be the president and Congress. National Commander The right to vote is part and parcel of the freedoms for which John Brieden we fought and for which many died. Veterans, above all, know Chase Studios the privilege of having a say in who governs these United States. America remains at war. Our votes will determine the future of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the quality of memoranda life for those serving. Extended deployments have resulted in hardships for many reservists and Guardsmen. IMPACT 2004 Just as important, those fi ghting the war on terror deserve a Educate your community about issues of strong VA health-care system. When they return home, will importance to veterans and military personnel. they face the same obstacles at VA as do the soldiers and Posts are encouraged to sponsor candidate sailors of past wars? VA has virtually shut out Category 8 debates, voter registration drives and town-hall veterans from health-care access, and Congress is unwilling to meetings. Get started at the Impact 2004 Web allow veterans to pay their own way with Medicare. The 1996 site. www.impact04.legion.org legislation opening VA’s doors to every U.S. veteran is all but forgotten. Meanwhile, retired military personnel are the only WHERE THEY STAND retired government workers not entitled to receive full disabil- America’s armed forces and veterans must be ity compensation. informed voters. Visit the Legion’s Legislative More than any press release or congressional testimony, our Action Center online, where you can enter your greatest hope for change is the individual vote. Strength in ZIP code and review the voting records of your numbers: that’s what The American Legion’s Impact 2004 senators and representatives. The site also campaign is about. We have an opportunity to impact this includes contact information for local cam- year’s races by educating veterans and military personnel on paigns. http://capwiz.com/legion/home/ the issues that most concern them, helping them to cast informed and responsible ballots. SEND US YOUR SUCCESS STORIES Don’t tell me your vote doesn’t make a difference. Fewer Has your post, district or department hosted a than 600 votes decided the 2000 presidential election; that’s candidate debate or town-hall meeting? Are you one one-hundredth of 1 percent. working to get out the vote? E-mail us your Legion posts can emphasize the importance of voting by success stories. [email protected] encouraging veterans, military personnel and their families to vote at the polls or by absentee ballot. Host candidate debates. JUNE 14, FLAG DAY Conduct voter registration drives. Write letters to the editors of Where do your legislators stand on fl ag protection? local newspapers, sending copies to senators and representa- www.house.gov, www.senate.gov tives. These are effective ways to persuade candidates to take pro-military and pro-veteran positions. 60 YEARS OF THE GI BILL Individually and collectively, know that you can make June marks the anniversary of the Servicemen’s an impact. Readjustment Act of 1944. The GI Bill was a driving force for postwar prosperity. See Page 12

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BY KENNETH E. COX he GI Bill – or more prop- writes Michael J. Bennett in the In reaction to this run on the erly, the “Servicemen’s book “When Dreams Came True: treasury by Civil War veterans, TReadjustment Act of 1944” – The GI Bill and the Making of enough resentment was created is lauded by many in Congress as Modern America.” that servicemen the greatest legislation passed in The GI Bill has created social were discharged with only $60. the 20th century. The late author options and expectations far Ultimately, World War I veterans James Michener went even beyond its initial intention. In collected about $700 in bonus further, calling it “one of the two doing so, the bill laid the founda- money, but only after they or three fi nest (laws) Congress tions for the civil-rights cam- marched on Washington and has ever passed since the Consti- paigns for blacks in the 1960s, were routed by troops under the tution took effect.” However, if women in the 1970s and the command of Gen. Douglas one examines its gestation, the act disabled in the 1980s. MacArthur. In 1935, Congress was far from universally support- passed the bill providing for the ed by many in government, Historical Precedents. The immediate cash payment of the academe or even veterans organi- history of how America cared for war bonuses; however, President zations. Only with the passing of its veterans is not a pretty one. Franklin D. Roosevelt twice time has the GI Bill been accepted Revolutionary War soldiers lost vetoed congressional legislation for what it was: a piece of land- their farms to pay back taxes. authorizing payment. Congress mark legislation that affected the veterans under overrode his second veto, and United States in multiple ways, Capt. Daniel Shays, in what was full payment was authorized as from a profound impact on racial characterized as “Shays’ Rebel- of June 15, 1936. To preclude and ethnic integration to the lion,” attacked the Springfi eld similar occurrences and graver democratization of higher educa- Arsenal and were subsequently consequences when the GI Bill tion and spread of suburbia. Of routed by the state militia. was under consideration, its particular note was the part President James Monroe did not primary author – Harry W. played in its development and fi nally settle the claims of Revolu- Colmery, a past national com- passage by The American Legion. tionary War veterans until 1817. mander of The American Legion “The GI Bill turned loose Civil War veterans mobilized a – reminded Congress: “After the forces that quietly but dramati- powerful lobby, the Grand Army last war, except for , this cally transformed America. It of the Republic, and received is the only country where men originated in the blurred vision pensions within 15 years. By the who wore uniforms did not of a handful of legislators, end of 1883, 1 million survivors overthrow the government on journalists and veterans who out of the 2.2 million who served either side of that confl ict.” could not foresee the results,” were drawing $150 million annually in pensions from the The Legion’s Role. Bennett says OPPOSITE: Keith Peterson poses with his family in 1947. At the time, Peterson was a government whose total budget three converging factors are 20-year-old war veteran attending Iowa that year was $385.6 million – a responsible for the GI Bill. The University and living in a GI Bill-fi nanced budget-buster, if there ever were fi rst was the revival of the home. TimeLife Pictures one. Jeffersonian belief that Ameri-

June 2004 13 The American Legion Magazine cans should be yeomen farmers. These Americans were educated citizens and independent prop- erty owners, two major features of the GI Bill. They were neither rich nor poor, neither powerful nor wealthy, but self-sustaining, self-respecting people who took care of themselves and could be counted on by their neighbors. The second was the force of common American values that transcended ethnic, economic and class backgrounds forged among members of The Ameri- can Legion who fought in World War I. These men believed the government owed war veterans the fi nancial resources to make them yeomen. The third force was a coalition of Republican and conservative members of Congress looking for a way to help veterans without making them clients of big government, minions of big unions or wage slaves of big business. The American Legion is credited with designing the main features of the GI Bill and push- ing it through Congress. The Legion overcame objections by other organizations that argued that the bill was too sweeping and could jeopardize the chances of veterans getting any help at all. In November 1943, The Ameri- can Legion formed a committee to develop a master plan for post- World War II veterans. Colmery, the Legion’s 1936-1937 national commander, wrote the actual Four veterans organizations sent this open letter to Congress opposing the GI Bill. Past legislation for the GI Bill in VFW Commander-in-Chief Pat Kearney later played a key role in its passage. File longhand at Washington’s Mayfl ower Hotel Jan. 6 to 8, result of war service, but also that an undertaker if they didn’t back 1944, with input from a Legion upon their return, they should be off. If his writers had not been planning committee. The plan, aided in reaching that position threatened, it is unknown if originally named “The Bill of which they might normally have Hearst would have thrown the Rights for GI Joe and Jane,” was expected had the war not inter- full resources of his enormous announced by the Legion on rupted their careers.” newspaper empire into the battle Jan. 9 and introduced as a bill in The strongest media supporter for the bill or if the bill in its fi nal the House on Jan. 10. The by far was William Randolph form would have been enacted following statement by the Hearst, one-time presidential when it was. Legion accompanied the bill: aspirant and instigator of the Hearst thought that earlier “The American Legion pro- Spanish-American War. Bennett administration plans for return- posed this bill fi rst because we has attributed as an accidental ing veterans were inadequate. believed it to be the duty, the catalyst for the GI Bill’s enact- An isolationist, Hearst could responsibility and the desire of ment the fact that Rep. Andrew embrace the GI Bill as a popular our grateful people to see to it Jackson May, D-Ky., in reaction to cause with which he could that those who served actively in adverse publicity, warned two “couple” alternatives for resourc- the armed forces in this war Hearst newspaper reporters that es that would hinder Roosevelt’s should not be penalized as a they would need the services of internationalist schemes.

14 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine Hearst’s primary agent was his leaders expected after the war. In May, after giving the original bill editor, Walter Howey, who their opinion, most veterans strong verbal support, drafted a signifi cantly contributed to the would simply be unable to meet revision paying no more than passage of the GI Bill by his academic standards. As the GI $300 and went home to Kentucky adroit use of the media. Bill was in the fi nal stages of to celebrate Christmas. He passage, Conant declared, “In refused to report the bill out of Opposition. Early on, veterans education, as in all matters, we committee in time for action on groups became far greater must guard the doctrine of local the fl oor before the holiday. obstacles to the passage of the GI responsibility.” Reportedly, 56 American Legion National Bill than any competing interest educational institutions and 10 Commander Warren Atherton group or government entity. governors called the GI Bill “the used information provided by Upon introduction of the bill into most serious threat to the exist- Hearst’s editor, Walter Howey, to the House, Veterans of Foreign ing state and local control of bring the stories of the 1,536 Wars complained that the education that has yet appeared members of the Forgotten Legion’s proposed rates of in this country.” Col. Francis T. Battalion to Congress. This mustering out pay were too high. Spaulding, a former dean at the information, Atherton said, “took In lieu of an education bill, VFW School of Graduate Education at the concerns of veterans out of advocated a program of demobili- Harvard, suggested giving the providence of planners and zation pay and compensation veterans a three-month furlough. into the world of politics.” In his similar to the deferred compensa- After that, if they were jobless, testimony, Atherton bluntly tion for World War I veterans. they could return to the military warned members of Congress, Part of the compensation would for a training program. “I should not like to face the be paid upon discharge, the rest wrath of 11 million veterans in monthly installments. The Role of Congress. Congres- after this war if our treatment of Specifi cally, VFW, along with sional proponents were white, their disabled has been as the Disabled American Veterans, middle-class, small-town Repub- shabby, indifferent and lax as the Military Order of the Purple licans or conservative Democrats the story of the last two years Heart and the Regular Veterans with diverse backgrounds, would indicate.” Association, expressed concern operating in a liberal Democratic On Jan. 10, 1944, Rankin fi led to Congress about educational administration. Members of the “Bill of Rights for GI Joe and benefi ts under the GI Bill. In a Congress instrumental in the Jane” proposed by The American classic “rice-bowl” confrontation, enactment were Rep. John Legion in response to May’s they warned that the bill’s Rankin, D-Miss., a segregationist refusal to act on the bonus bill for educational component was so and anti-Semite; Sen. Joel disabled servicemen. The $300 broad in scope and potential cost Bennett Clark, D-Mo., an isola- bonus bill fi nally cleared a House- that its enactment would prob- tionist and consistent opponent Senate conference on Jan. 21, and ably not only prevent any consid- of the Roosevelt New Deal, who May’s earlier confrontation with erations of several more equitable had briefl y opposed Social Hearst reporters set the wheels in proposals, but might also subse- Security; and Rep. Edith Nourse motion. Hearst offered all the quently jeopardize the entire Rogers, R-Mass., who served with facilities of his organization to structure of veterans’ benefi ts. the Red Cross in during help the Legion ensure passage of These groups indicated that they World War I. Rogers was respon- the pending GI Bill. The stakes were not opposed to educational sible for the legislation that were higher now: not only was benefi ts, per se, but rather they created the Women’s Army Corps there the issue of a bonus, but would go too far and be the and had spoken out against also there was a much more far- “golden egg that killed the Hitler’s persecution of the Jews. reaching piece of legislation as goose.” VFW favored a more Rep. John Gibson, D-Ga., who proposed by the Legion. piecemeal approach to veterans caused a stalemate when the bill benefi ts rather than a large was in joint conference, played a The Role of the Administration. omnibus bill that many felt had dramatic role in the fi nal passage In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt – little chance of passage. of the bill. at an American Legion conven- University of Chicago President In December 1943, the House tion in Chicago – told the as- Robert Maynard Hutchins and leadership charged the Military sembled Legionnaires, “… no Harvard President James B. Affairs Committee Chairman person because he wore a Conant were outspoken in their Andrew Jackson May with uniform must thereafter be initial opposition to the educa- writing a World War II bonus bill placed in a special class of tional provisions of the GI Bill. for those who were discharged benefi ciaries over and above They saw it as a misguided due to service-connected injuries. other citizens.” He would change substitute for a public-works The target population was his position during World War II. program that would far more popularly known as the “Forgot- After much political maneuver- effectively deal with the massive ten Battalion.” The American ing by Congress and the adminis- unemployment they and business Legion proposed a $500 bonus. tration, Roosevelt signed a

June 2004 15 The American Legion Magazine veterans vocational rehabilitation furlough and one year’s voca- combined the inputs of the NRPB act on March 24, 1943. It includ- tional training for all veterans, and another planning group ed two provisions covering and three years of college educa- under Brig. Gen. Frederick C. training that would later be tion for a carefully selected few. Osborn that recommended using extended to the able-bodied in By June, several members of the Wisconsin and Canadian the GI Bill: training could last as Congress – responding to pres- programs as models. It was long as four years, and all those sure from veterans organizations reported out of committee on Feb. in training would receive a – had introduced bills with more 7, 1944. By that time, however, monthly stipend equivalent to extensive and varied benefi ts. the Legion-sponsored GI Bill full disability pay. A third Ultimately, 640 bills were intro- pre-empted any consideration of provision, that all recipients had duced. Harry Hopkins, the the administration’s proposal. to have an honorable discharge, president’s closest adviser, was modifi ed in the GI Bill to “an warned Roosevelt, “Unless Passage. Clark introduced the GI other-than-dishonorable dis- something is done soon on the Bill into the Senate on Jan. 11, charge.” legislation of returning soldiers, 1944. A co-founder of The Ameri- The passage of the vocational the opposition may steal the can Legion, Clark viewed opposi- rehabilitation act forced the thunder.” On July 28, 1943, in a tion by some veterans groups as administration to focus on fi reside chat titled “First Crack in an excuse for members of Con- servicemen as veterans, not just the Axis,” Roosevelt said: gress to oppose the bill. He took as disposable cogs in a war “While concentrating on action accordingly. By the inclu- machine. The National Resource military victory, we are not sion of a specifi c amount of money Planning Board, anticipating a neglecting the planning of things for VA hospitalization in the bill, signifi cant wave of unemploy- to come, the freedoms which we VFW withdrew its earlier objec- ment with returning servicemem- know will make for more decency tions and lent its full support for bers re-entering the work force, and greater justice throughout the the GI Bill. Now the bill had the initially recommended holding world. Among many other things support of the two largest veterans veterans in the service after the we are, today, laying plans for the organizations. DAV remained war. VA Administrator Gen. return to civilian life of our opposed, as it took particular Frank T. Hines, remembering the gallant men and women in the exception to the “52-20” Club plight of World War I veterans, armed services. They must not be unemployment provision of the argued, “In the long run, it was demobilized into an environment bill. The “52-20” Club would better socially and cheaper of infl ation and unemployment, provide $20 per week for a year to economically to keep the men in to a place on a bread line, or on a veterans in making their adjust- service than to create a period of corner selling apples. We must, ment to civilian life. After log unemployment which would this time, have plans ready – rolling with Sen. Robert Wagner, necessitate large expenditures for instead of waiting to do a hasty, D-N.Y., concerning the employ- relief and welfare.” ineffi cient, and ill-considered job ment provisions of the Wagner On the positive side, the NRPB at the last moment … Act, the Senate version of the GI plan later included in its propos- “But the members of the Bill was approved without a als a variation of the Wisconsin armed forces have been com- dissenting vote on March 24, 1944. Educational Bonus Law of 1919. pelled to make greater economic Rankin, the chairman of the That law provided any veteran sacrifi ce and every other kind of House Committee on Veterans who had served for three months sacrifi ce than the rest of us, and Legislation, introduced The prior to Nov. 1, 1918, $30 per they are entitled to defi nite American Legion-drafted GI Bill month to attend any nonprofi t action to help take care of their in the House on Jan. 10, 1944. elementary or high school, special problems.” Rankin was known to be diffi cult technical institution, college or Roosevelt’s speech created the to get along with, especially for university in Wisconsin. If a public impression that the liberal New Dealers. It was program was not provided in administration had a comprehen- conjectured that earlier disability Wisconsin, the veteran could go sive veterans program and had legislation had been sent to May’s to school in another state. The cleared the fi rst hurdle in getting Military Affairs Committee NRPB also considered, but a bill through Congress. Although owing to Rankin’s reputation. But rejected as too expensive, a Roosevelt had repudiated his 1933 once in charge, Rankin fi rmly Canadian law passed in October position, no specifi c legislative refused to allow others to take 1941 that provided educational proposals actually had been nego- control of the legislation. benefi ts up to the post-graduate tiated nor real consideration given The GI Bill was a classic turf level, as well as unemployment to guiding any proposals through battle: the Education and Labor benefi ts and business assistance. the congressional labyrinth. In committee wanted control of the By early 1943, the Roosevelt November 1943, the administra- educational aspects of the GI Bill, administration had come up with tion through Sen. Elbert D. and the administration also little more than a rudimentary Thomas, D-Utah, a loyal New wanted to link educational proposal for a three-month Dealer, introduced a bill that opportunity with a national

16 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine employment policy. When the bill fi nally got to the House-Senate conference, pressure built to vest responsibility for job placement and unemployment titles in the Labor Department’s Employment Service, overseen by a board headed by the VA administrator. Rankin was concerned that blacks would take undue advan- tage of the unemployment provisions of the bill, the so- called “52-20” Club. In a letter to a constituent, he said, “We have 50,000 negroes in the service from our state, and, in my opinion, if the bill should pass in its present form, a vast majority of them would remain unem- ployed for at least another year, and a great many white men would do the same.” No one mentioned publicly that providing the same $20 a week stipend to black as well as white veterans would weaken, if not entirely President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the GI Bill into law before a group of Legionnaires break down, pay scales deter- and members of Congress on June 22, 1944. File mined by race. These were not only sanctioned by custom but were legal under the National GI Bill by era Recovery Act. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 was innovative in its scope, but it was In mid-April, a month after only the fi rst of several different “GI Bills” to follow. Senate passage of the GI Bill, World War II GI Bill House Minority Leader Joseph Martin, R-Mass., queried Rankin Eligibility: 90 days of other-than-dishonorable military service after Sept. 16, 1940 about when it would be reported Benefi ts: Education and training; loan guarantee for a home, farm or business; out of his committee. Rankin unemployment pay for $20 per week for 52 weeks; job-fi nding assistance, top responded, “This is the most far- priority for building materials for VA hospitals; military review of dishonorable discharges. reaching and most explosive bill Cost of education benefi ts: $14.5 billion ever to reach Congress. The committee is not going to be Korean War GI Bill stampeded into bringing out a Eligibility: 90 days of other-than-dishonorable military service after June 27, 1950 half-baked bill.” At this point, the Benefi ts: Education and training based on length of service; loan guarantees for editorial pages of The New York home, farm or business; unemployment compensation became a state function. Times, Washington Post, Chicago Cost of education benefi ts: $4.5 billion Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Chronicle remained Post-Korean Vietnam-era GI Bill aloof. Only the Hearst papers and Eligibility: 180 days of other-than-dishonorable military service (any part of which The Army Times took cognizance was after Jan. 31, 1955) of the stalled bill in the House. Benefi ts: Home, farm and business loan guarantees (now a permanent benefi t Using newspapers, movies, and awarded to veterans regardless of era served, although minimum requirements for radio orchestrated by the Legion days served must be met); education and training benefi ts kicked in retroactively and the Hearst papers, a subse- after June 1, 1966, and also applied to those still on active-duty. quent public affairs blitz fi nally Cost of education benefi ts: $42 billion convinced the members of the Montgomery GI Bill House Veterans Committee to take an unusual action and Eligibility: Honorably discharged active-duty and selected reserve and Guard veterans with high school diplomas or GEDs, who fall into four specifi c eligibility override Rankin. One Hearst categories. To determine eligibility, call 1-888-GI-Bill-1 or visit Gibill.va.gov. reporter said Rankin was willing Benefi ts: Up to 36 months of education and training benefi ts. Servicemembers to sacrifi ce the whole bill rather must contribute to the program while on duty in order to receive benefi ts. than grant the new veterans Cost of education benefi ts: $12.9 billion (through 2003) unemployment compensation. Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

June 2004 17 The American Legion Magazine The House subsequently ap- in American history.” commented, “will be several proved the bill without a dissent- In its enacted form, the GI Bill times the cost of GI education.” ing vote. provided six benefi ts: n Education and training. Impact on Academe. When the Final Law. Although fi nal agree- n Loan guaranty for a home, initial program ended in July ment was reached on the educa- farm, or business. 1956, about 7.8 million out of tion and loan provisions of the n Unemployment pay of $20 a 15.4 million veterans had en- bill, the House-Senate conference week for up to 52 weeks. rolled in some sort of education- deadlocked 3-3 on the House side n Job-fi nding assistance. al or training program. Total over the job placement and n Top priority for building college and university enroll- unemployment titles. The tie- materials for VA hospitals. ment leaped from 1,676,856 in breaker would be Rep. Gibson, n Military review of dishonor- 1945, with 88,000 veterans who was back in his Georgia able discharges. attending, to 2,078,095 in 1946 home recovering from an illness. with veterans accounting for Gibson instructed Rankin to Cultural Ramifi cations. The GI 1,013,000, or 48.7 percent, of the register his vote by proxy in favor Bill was color-blind. Social total. In 1947, veteran enrollment of the Senate position, which Security had excluded farmers peaked at 1,150,000, 49.2 percent supported equal unemployment and domestics, the jobs most of total attendance. benefi ts for all veterans. Rankin likely to include blacks. If some- The GI Bill overturned the later refused. Deadlock would one was good enough to fi ght and social and economic structure by doom the bill unless closure was possibly die for America, he or shattering forever the idea that reached when the conference she was good enough to enjoy all those who were not already was scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. the rights of an American. The GI members of the middle class June 8. Rep. Pat Kearney, R-N.Y., Bill enabled Oliver could go to college. a past VFW commander-in-chief Brown, the plaintiff Notable GI Bill It also reshaped and a staunch advocate of the bill, in Brown v. the Benefi ciaries what was being boldly spelled out what was at Board of Education taught in college, as stake. of Topeka, Kan., to The GI Bill impacted Americans veterans demanded “Get John Gibson up here from buy his own home; from all walks of life. Whether that course material Georgia,” Kearney told John it paid for the law- one was a struggling wage- be more realistic. Stelle, head of The American school education of earner applying for a mortgage That Sgt. Henry Legion’s GI Bill Committee and a Edward W. Brooke, or a college student needing Kissinger went to former Illinois governor. “He’ll the fi rst black to tuition assistance, veterans Harvard, rather relied on the benefi ts to help vote the right way. He’s the only serve in the Senate them achieve their version of than returning to one who can save the bill.” since Reconstruc- the American dream. the accounting It was June 7, and time was tion; and it provided program at CCNY, running out. Stelle tried to call the stimulus for Among the famous recipients can be partially Gibson’s home only to be notifi ed James Meredith to of GI Bill benefi ts were: attributed to the by an operator that calls to break the race President George H.W. Bush GI Bill. Georgia were being delayed fi ve barrier and attend President Gerald Ford “Through the GI to six hours, a common practice the University of Vice President Al Gore Bill, we pursued in wartime America. Gibson was Mississippi. Sen. Robert Dole higher education, fi nally reached at 11 p.m. and The total educa- Sen. John Glenn and after graduat- driven 200 by a U.S. Army tion cost of the Sen. Daniel Inouye ing we became vehicle to Jacksonville, Fla., World War II bill Chief Justice William involved in our where he was placed on a was $14.5 billion, Rehnquist communities and specially cleared Eastern Airlines with the per-capita Clint Eastwood the political pro- fl ight. He arrived in Washington expense running at Ed McMahon cess,” said Sen, at 6:37 a.m. to cast the deciding $1,858. The Labor Paul Newman Daniel Inouye, D- vote at 10 a.m., clearing the GI Department esti- Jonathan Winters , a World Bill from the joint conference. mated that the War II Medal of The Senate and House approved government actually profi ted, Honor recipient. the bill on June 12 and June 13, since veterans earned more and, Perhaps the major impact on respectively. therefore, paid higher taxes. The higher education is that it was President Roosevelt signed the Labor Department estimated that fi nanced through students, rather bill June 22 in the presence of the a male college graduate could be than through institutions. Clark many Legionnaires who were expected to make $250,000 more Kerr, former president of the intimately involved in all aspects in a working lifetime than a University of , re- of it. “Both the dimensions of the high-school graduate and, of marked that the precedent set by legislation and the speed with course, pay taxes on the extra the GI Bill would take permanent which it was developed were income. “The federal tax on this form in the Higher Education Act unprecedented and unparalleled added income alone,” the V.A. of 1972, despite the opposition of

18 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine Attention AsbestosVictims MESOTHELIOMA • LUNG CANCER • ASBESTOSIS

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Please know that you are not considered a client of our firm until your case has been accepted by us, and you have signed a formal “retainer agreement.” Future verdicts or settlements cannot necessarily be predicted from prior results. Resolved: The American Legion wants a better GI Bill The American Legion, pivotal to the creation of the original Perhaps the most ambitious resolution pertaining to the GI Bill, continues to fi ght for better veteran educational benefi ts. GI Bill is No. 267. It notes that GI Bill benefi ts have not kept up There are currently seven national resolutions passed by The with the cost of education and that other programs such as American Legion pertaining to the GI Bill that are still in effect. Americorps and Pell Grants offer greater benefi ts. It resolves, Resolution No. 11, passed in 1994, marked the among other things, that the dollar amount of the entitlement 50th anniversary of the GI Bill by recalling “the wisdom, be indexed annually to the average cost of education, that a foresight and leadership of (American Legion) members in monthly tax-free subsistence be indexed and that the current the creation of this legislation.” military payroll deduction of $1,200 be terminated for those Five of the resolutions were passed at the 2002 National who wish to participate. Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Resolution 260 notes that a Resolution No. 284 calls for the current GI Bill to reimburse presidential commission identifi ed 105 military professions for veterans for correspondence courses at a rate of 90 percent of which civilian credentialing is required. It resolved that the tuition. The Charlotte convention also produced Res. No. 284, Montgomery GI Bill pay for all necessary civilian license fees, which resolved that The American Legion support the develop- certifi cation examinations and necessary preparatory courses. ment of on-the-job training opportunities for eligible veterans Although Resolution No. 266 supports retaining the through the Montgomery GI Bill. 10-year expiration period to use Montgomery GI Bill benefi ts to Last year, the National Executive Committee passed encourage recently discharged veterans to complete their Res. No. 27, which called for a $1,200 death benefi t to be education in a timely manner, it also resolves that VA “provide awarded when veterans pay for Montgomery GI Bill eligibility a waiver to any eligible veteran beyond the 10-year limit on a but die before using the benefi ts. case-by-case basis.” the then-Carnegie Commission not have been possible a genera- ber 1989. The VA spent more on Higher Education and the tion earlier. It also enabled than $42 billion on this bill, far Department of Health, Education educational institutions to teach more than the $4.5 billion for the and Welfare. Kerr suggests that before a wider and more diverse Korea-era bill or the $14.5 billion by choosing to fi nance higher student body. for the original. Two contributory education by giving money to Over the years, the GI Bill programs, the Post-Vietnam Era individuals rather than institu- changed the face of America. It Veterans Educational Assistance tions, Congress discouraged has had a ripple effect: education Program and the Montgomery states from reducing institutional became a necessity; mortgage GI Bill are currently in force, as fi nancial support for their lending was altered to the point are bills for Selected Reservists colleges, and universities; that home ownership is a nation- and survivors of servicemembers sidestepped problems of federal al goal. The Levittowns and other who meet certain conditions. fi nancial aid to church-supported housing developments through- The American Legion can colleges and universities; and out the United States were refl ect with pride on its involve- avoided internecine warfare over directly attributable to the loan- ment in the GI Bill. In identifying competitive and changing guaranty section of the bill. And, the specifi c developments and formulas for aid, that is, bills as the suburbs grew, so did the events that have most infl uenced favoring small institutions or interconnecting highway system the development of the post- ones strong in science. Since the and a different way of working, capitalist and postsocialist societ- bill paid full tuition at any shopping and living. It laid the ies, Peter Drucker wrote, “My college, many veterans opted for foundation for blacks hardened own candidate would be the the top Ivy League schools that by war and educated by the American GI Bill of Rights after otherwise would have been GI Bill, to demand equal treat- World War II which gave every beyond their reach. ment under the law. returning American soldier the The GI Bill would create a money to attend a university – new – and largely unrecognized A Living Law. Subsequent something that would have made – mechanism through which the GI Bills have been enacted. The absolutely no sense 30 years government would regulate and Korean War GI Bill, more limited before. The GI Bill of Rights – provide, but not do. It would in scope than its World War II and the enthusiastic response to take nearly 50 years before the predecessor, was approved by it on the part of America’s success of that mechanism would President Truman in 1952 and veterans – signaled the shift to be recognized by social thinkers. ended in January 1965. Unlike the knowledge society. Future The GI Bill has only lately been the federally funded unemploy- historians may consider it the recognized as a seminal social ment allowance for World War II most important event of the 20th program, like the British Health veterans, it made payment of century.” x Service, which also came into unemployment compensation a existence as a response to social state function. The Post-Korea The late Kenneth E. Cox, Ph.D., demands after World War II. Vietnam Era GI Bill was approved wrote this article in 2002. The GI Bill empowered individu- by President Lyndon Johnson in als to make decisions that would March 1965 and ended in Decem- Article design: Holly K. Soria

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of

Illustration: Steve Stone Vietnam War veterans possess new evidence to press Washington for a major study of troop exposure.

BY JAMES V. CARROLL More than 30 years after coming home, scores of Vietnam War veterans still ask: “Why are we ill?”’ Thousands have gone to their graves without answers. Standing in the way is the U.S. government’s unwillingness, as yet, to produce a defi nitive study on Agent Orange and the chemical defoliant’s longterm effects on those exposed to it during the war. Time has passed. Evidence has mounted. Still, no study. New research, however, adds critical mass to the case veterans can make, once again, for a conclusive epidemiological study to determine the truth and establish accountability. The U.S. military used Agent Orange to poison thick vegetation that concealed enemy locations during the war. The defoliant also is believed to have poisoned many of the people who handled it or passed through sprayed locations. After the war, a conspicuous percentage of veterans contracted various cancers or diabetes, and birth defects occurred at a high rate among their children. VA compensation and care were denied. The reason: no proof that anyone’s illnesses were linked to exposure. Absent a defi nitive study, that reason stands today. VA now compensates and cares for veterans suffering from a short list of conditions whose link to Agent Orange is described as “presumptive” by the Institute of Medicine. Dozens of other conditions await serious study. Until that happens, veterans will continue to die wondering if their lives were indeed wrecked by the toxic chemicals that came in those orange-striped barrels, or if some other explanation exists. Either way, Vietnam War veterans want the truth, and they want it now. They want to know when the study is coming.

June 2004 23 The American Legion Magazine VA and other government In the Beginning. Scientists Not everyone at VA during that agencies have maintained that objected to the use of defoliants era was tuned to the company scientifi c conclusions regarding early in the Vietnam War. The line. Maude deVictor, a VA ben- Agent Orange are impossible Federation of American Scientists efi ts counselor in Chicago, decided without large epidemiological urged the government to not to educate herself about Agent studies of cause and effect – commit “ecocide” in Vietnam Orange after veterans told her they studies they appear unwilling to through indiscriminate spraying suspected the defoliant was the undertake. Despite spending of defoliants. The American cause of their ailments. She pored more than $200 million on Agent Association for the Advancement over maps. She tried to determine Orange research, VA, the Air of Science petitioned Department if Operation Ranch Hand aircraft Force and other government of Defense Secretary Robert sprayed ground troops. She talked agencies have failed to provide McNamara to initiate a study on to chemical companies that answers about whether exposure the short-term and long-term manufactured Agent Orange. VA’s caused specifi c health problems. consequences of Agent Orange on top brass ordered her to stop The closest thing to an admission the Vietnamese environment. asking questions. of responsibility by the govern- Other scientists urged President Frustrated by her agency’s ment are presumptions that Johnson to adhere to an interna- disregard for Vietnam War certain adverse health conditions tional ban on chemical warfare. veterans, deVictor went public. are likely to be linked to Agent Early in 1967, more than 5,000 She contacted Chicago television Orange exposure. scientists – a number of them reporter Bill Kurtis. His report, But now, as this controversy Nobel laureates – delivered a “Agent Orange: Vietnam’s Deadly nears its fourth unresolved second petition asking Johnson to Fog,” aired March 23, 1978. decade, there is hope that things end Agent Orange use in Vietnam. The report horrifi ed VA, which will change. Stung by the swarm of criti- shifted blame for the growing New papers published by a cism, DoD lobbed a 37-word Agent Orange controversy onto Columbia University research fusillade intended to quell the media. Journalists were more team may provide veterans the domestic opposition. “Qualifi ed interested in sensationalism than ammunition they need to force scientists, both inside and outside facts, said Vern Rogers, VA’s the government to honor a government, and in governments Chicago spokesman. decades-old congressional of other nations, have judged that VA leaders began to worry and mandate to produce the study. serious adverse consequences met behind closed doors with The Columbia University re- will not occur,” the DoD pro- two consultants, Drs. Walter search produced computerized claimed. “Unless we had confi - Melvin and Ben Holder. Melvin exposure methodologies that dence in these judgments, we was a former scientifi c director have recently prompted IOM to would not continue to employ for the Air Force. Holder was urge quick action. these materials.” medical director for Dow Chemi- Elected offi cials are speaking The war ended. Soldiers came cal, the major producer of Agent up, as well. Congressional home. But the Agent Orange saga Orange. According to Severo and leaders recently sent a bipartisan had only just begun. Previously Milford, witnesses at the meeting letter to VA Secretary Anthony J. confi ned to academia, the White said Melvin made it clear he did Principi insisting the department House, DoD and VA, the debate not believe Agent Orange was contract out the large-scale study expanded from the health of harmful to humans. veterans have sought for nearly jungles to the health of veterans VA rewarded Melvin’s support 40 years. who fought in them. The struggle by appointing him to do a study “If scientifi c evidence suggests spilled into the streets as Vietnam on an industrial disaster involv- Agent Orange exposure is War veterans began to appear in ing dioxin. Dr. Gerrit Schepers of somehow related to degenerative greater numbers at VA hospitals VA’s Washington offi ce, a former conditions that they suffer later and outpatient clinics, blaming researcher for Monsanto Chemi- in life, then they should be Agent Orange for their illnesses. cal (one of the Agent Orange awarded disability compensation VA’s top-level offi cials rejected manufacturers), was chosen to and treatment for those condi- any claims that Agent Orange lead VA’s new Agent Orange tions at VA,” American Legion made veterans sick. Their ill- Policy Group. The appointments National Commander John nesses were not recognized; their gave veterans little confi dence Brieden says. claims rendered no compensation that VA desired to fi nd objective “The compensation is meager or care. What appeared to matter evidence linking Agent Orange to in comparison to the price they most to the government was that their unexplained illnesses. paid. The next logical and long- veterans’ unexplained illnesses Media pressure mounted. A overdue step, which The Ameri- not be linked to Vietnam or to series of articles addressing the can Legion and the IOM strongly Agent Orange, according to claims and counter claims urge, is for the U.S. government authors Richard Severo and between Vietnam War veterans to fund an epidemiological study Lewis Milford in their 1989 book, and VA was published in The New of Vietnam veterans’ health.” “The Wages of War.” York Times on Memorial Day

24 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine weekend, 1979. The newspaper prostate cancer at such a high Congress also was losing report, according to a number of rate that even this too-small patience. House Veterans Af- veterans, stirred activity. Soon study has found positive effects. fairs Committee Chairman G.V. after publication of the articles, “Sonny” Montgomery asked VA the U.S. Air Force announced it Congress Intervenes. By the end to transfer the Agent Orange would conduct a health study of of 1979, Congress appropriated study to the Centers for Disease 1,000 or more Operation Ranch nearly $100 million for VA to Control. VA soon did so, but Hand pilots and other handlers. conduct its own Agent Orange while protocol was still being Veterans and The American study. Dr. Gary Spivey, a profes- developed, Rep. Thomas Daschle, Legion were skeptical. So, too, sor of public health at UCLA, D-S.D., introduced a bill to was the National Academy of was chosen to design it. Spivey recognize a service-connection Sciences, which announced that soon proved himself less than presumption for some of the the objectives and parameters of objective when he publicly illnesses veterans described. the Air Force study were fl awed. attacked proposed California Daschle’s move was prompted by It had too few study subjects. legislation intended to provide his belief that enough scientifi c Most serious adverse health veterans information about literature existed to at least give effects could not be identifi ed in possible health effects from them the benefi t of a doubt. a group so small. NAS also Agent Orange exposure. More than fi ve years after the suggested a confl ict of interest. By 1981, The American Legion fall of Saigon, Vietnam War After all, the Air Force could fi nd was fed up with the foot-drag- veterans fi nally felt they were itself liable to compensate ging. Veterans were dying of being heard. But soon, they were victims if results of the study conditions suspected to be disappointed. Daschle’s bill died. suggested or confi rmed a link. related to Agent Orange expo- And a few years later, CDC told The Air Force Health Study on sure while VA’s inconclusive Congress it was scientifi cally Agent Orange – the Ranch Hand studies continued to forestall its impossible to develop a defi nitive study – continued, however, and inevitable responsibility. Del- protocol to determine the ad- data from the study is still egates at the 1981 American verse health effects of exposure analyzed by the Air Force today. Legion National Convention to Agent Orange, even though Ranch Handers have been called for an immediate inde- the CDC itself had already developing Type II diabetes and pendent study. published an Agent Orange study

Terms of Impairment

Agent Orange: A chemical cocktail containing nearly equal activities designed to improve the health of the people of the parts 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 2,4,5-T (2,4,5- United States. It abandoned the major epidemiological study in Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid). the late 1980s. The U.S. military used a number of herbicides in Vietnam Dioxin: Manufacture of 2,4,5-T produces the contaminant between 1961 and 1971. Agent Orange was sprayed between 2,3,7.8-tetracholordibenzo-p-dioxin. TCCD, commonly known as 1965 and 1971. Far smaller amounts of herbicides used before dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known. combat troops arrived in 1965 were much more heavily contami- Epidemiology: The study of the relationships of various factors nated with dioxin, at least double previous government estimates, determining the frequency and distribution of diseases in the according to a study authored by Jeanne Mager Stellman and a human community. team at Columbia University and published in the journal Nature. IOM: The Institute of Medicine is one of the National Academies Agent Orange got its name from the orange identifying stripe on and provides science-based advice on matters of biomedical 55-gallon drums used to store and transport it. It was most science, medicine and health. The nonprofi t Institute provides a often sprayed from fi xed-wing aircraft. Near U.S encampments, vital service by working outside the framework of government to Army helicopters sprayed defoliants and ground troops also ensure scientifi cally informed analysis and independent sprayed on foot with backpacks. Trucks equipped with sprayers guidance. (buffalo turbines) were used for hard-to-reach targets and National Academies: The National Academies perform a engineering work. public service by bringing together committees of experts in all Agent Orange was intended to deprive the enemy of cover by areas of scientifi c and technological endeavor. These experts killing plants and stripping leaves from trees along supply routes serve pro bono to address critical national issues and give and around U.S. military encampments. Herbicides – mostly the advice to the federal government and the public. Four organiza- arsenic-containing Agent Blue – also were used to destroy crops tions comprise the Academies: the National Academy of intended to feed the enemy. Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Untold numbers of Americans, as well as Vietnamese combat- Medicine and the National Research Council. ants on both sides of the war, were directly or indirectly exposed Operation Ranch Hand: The military code name for spraying to Agent Orange and dioxin. Up to 4 million civilians, living in or herbicides from U.S. Air Force aircraft in Southeast Asia from near more than 3,000 Vietnamese villages, also were in the direct 1962 through 1971. The spray fell mostly on the forests of South line of spray, according to the Stellman study published in Nature. Vietnam. The purpose for using herbicides on non-cropland was CDC: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the lead to remove vegetation cover used by the enemy for concealment. federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people – Presumptive Service Connection: Authority for VA to at home and abroad. CDC serves as the national focus for establish entitlement for diseases without the necessity of developing and applying disease prevention and control, medical evidence to establish an etiological nexus between environmental health, and health promotion and education military service and a disease.

June 2004 25 The American Legion Magazine on birth defects in Vietnam War CDC and the Air Force. A 1987 Orange Working Group was at the veterans’ children. CDC report noted that fi ve years center of a massive campaign to Believing that government after the end of the war, veterans manipulate research conclusions could not – or would not – do a who served in Vietnam were or alter unfavorable fi ndings major study, The American dying at a rate 45 percent higher regarding Agent Orange, accord- Legion decided in 1983 to collabo- than those who did not serve in- ing to a report released in 1990 by rate with Jeanne Mager Stellman country. VA even downplayed a a subcommittee of the House of the Columbia University School revelation it made on its own, that Government Operations Commit- of Public Health, and Steven D. Marine ground troops fi ghting in tee. The report charged that Stellman, then with the American Vietnam died of lung cancer and offi cials in the Reagan adminis- Cancer Society. The Stellmans cancers of the lymph system at tration purposely “controlled and and John Sommer Jr. of The higher rates than Marines who obstructed” a federal Agent American Legion, along with did not serve in Vietnam. The Orange study in 1987 because it thousands of volunteer Legion- government preferred to label the did not want to admit government naires, rolled up their sleeves and reports “statistical fl ukes.” liability in cases involving the went to work. The Columbia By the end of 1989: toxic herbicides. University-Legion research team n Veterans knew little more The veterans organizations published fi ndings in 1988. about their unexplained illnesses lost their legal battle to force VA “We found that veterans than they did when they came to undertake the mandated exposed to Agent Orange exhib- home, and had faint hope for study, but not before the case ited higher rates of non-cancerous compensation. went all the way to the U.S. fatty tumors, skin rashes with n A group of veterans settled a Supreme Court. blisters and adult acne,” Jeanne $197 million class-action lawsuit Although the case did not Mager Stellman said in 2003. “We against a number of chemical achieve a concrete victory for discovered higher rates of fatigue, companies that manufactured veterans, Ron Simon, a Washing- physical depression, colds and Agent Orange. Of the 105,000 ton attorney representing the body aches. In addition, we found claims received after the suit, Legion, recalled recently, “Some- that wives of Vietnam veterans approximately 52,000 Vietnam times a loss is as good as a win. who had been exposed to Agent veterans or their survivors The suit was a strategic move Orange suffered from higher rates received payments that averaged intended to keep the Agent of miscarriages.” $3,800 each. Orange issue alive. We wanted to The Stellmans also looked at n The Veterans Administration keep the pressure on the govern- how Vietnam War veterans were was elevated to cabinet-level ment to produce its epidemiologi- doing in civilian life. “We status, and top-level administra- cal study. We lost the battle but discovered that men engaged in tors of the new Department of won the war.” high levels of combat during the Veterans Affairs wanted to bury Vietnam War veterans may not Vietnam War appeared less the Agent Orange controversy, have gotten the study they happy and satisfi ed with their according to Severo and Milford. wanted, Simon says, but they did lives,” Steven Stellman said. As 1990 neared, thousands of get affi rmation and a process “They were at greater risk for bad Vietnam War veterans continued that permitted them access to VA marriages and showed to suspect they were health care and compensation higher levels of VA's Commitment ill, diseased or crip- for illnesses and diseases pre- anxiety.” on Agent Orange pled by chemicals sumed to be a result of their The team also sprayed from U.S. Air service in Vietnam and exposure concluded that combat see Page 52 Force planes. to Agent Orange. Vietnam War veterans In 1991, Congress enacted were prone to greater use of Veterans Fight Back. In 1990, The Public Law 102-4. The measure alcohol, cigarettes and prescrip- American Legion and Vietnam transferred review of scientifi c tion drugs than those who did Veterans of America – angered by literature on Agent Orange from not see action. They earned less years of delay and a growing VA to the National Academy of money than those soldiers who suspicion that the White House Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. did not fi ght in Southeast Asia. was behind the foot-dragging – The law established a mechanism The 1988 study was subjected to sued to force the government to for VA to recognize service rigorous peer review and pub- comply with the 1979 law man- connection on certain illnesses lished in Environmental Research dating a major epidemiological among Vietnam War veterans at about the same time CDC was study of Vietnam War ground exposed to the defoliant, based on arguing its case that an epidemio- troops. The Legion and VVA had IOM recommendations. Under the logical study was not possible. learned, among other things, that measure, the VA Secretary must VA sidestepped the Columbia the White House had set the take into account the IOM reports University-American Legion study wheels in motion as early as 1986 and all other sound medical and much the same as it did a number to cancel the mandated CDC scientifi c information to deter- of research reports released by study. The White House’s Agent mine “positive association.”

26 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine

Three years later, IOM estab- The Aftermath. Thirty-seven veterans,” Simon explains. “For lished four categories of fi ndings years ago, with its scant 37-word the , VA got doctors to determine the amount and statement, the U.S. government who really cared. quality of scientifi c evidence discounted warnings and com- If the Agent Orange mystery is linking Agent Orange to specifi c plaints that Agent Orange might ever to be solved, it will be diseases in exposed veterans: be harmful, even deadly. For because of the 1988 and 2003 n Category 1: Suffi cient nearly a quarter century, VA Stellman studies, as well as The evidence of an association. ignored scientists inside and American Legion’s unrelenting n Category 2: Limited/suggestive outside its own ranks. At times, it pressure on VA to fulfi ll its evidence of association. even seemed VA was attempting statutory and moral responsibili- n Category 3: Inadequate/ to pollute the debate with inaccu- ties to veterans, Simon says. “The insuffi cient evidence to deter- rate science. American Legion has kept the mine if an association exists. “For the Agent Orange studies, issue alive for decades. Every n Category 4: Limited/suggestive VA found scientists who could be time the government thought it evidence of no association. expected by their prior work to had buried the Agent Orange VA considers conditions listed conclude that veterans had not issue, the Legion resurrected it. in categories 1 and 2 as presump- been harmed by When VA said a tively recognized service- Agent Orange,” Call to action study could not be connected illnesses. Veterans Simon says. “The done, The Ameri- with one or more of these fi rst one they hired Recent scientifi c fi ndings show can Legion teamed conditions need not show proof – a professor from that more of Vietnam was with Columbia their illnesses are related to UCLA, who was sprayed with Agent Orange, and University re- Vietnam War military service to supposed to plan more people were exposed to it, searchers in 1983 receive disability compensation. the fi rst study – than previously suspected. That to begin a study. In NAS made its fi rst recommenda- was quoted in The research amplifi es the need for 1991, The Ameri- tion in 1993. New York Times all veterans to call upon their can Legion and The IOM reviewed the avail- that Agent Orange elected offi cials and VA leader- Vietnam Veterans ability of military records to never hurt any- ship to produce a defi nitive of America resusci- conduct a major epidemiological body, before he government-funded epidemio- tated the Agent study of Vietnam War veterans even did the study.” logical study to resolve the Orange controversy and concluded that CDC was Today, VA treats mystery once and for all. by suing to force probably wrong when it said Vietnam War Legionnaires are urged to lead the government to military records couldn’t be used veterans for nearly the veterans in their communities abide by the 1979 to assess exposure, says Richard a dozen illnesses to demand follow-through on a law and conduct a congressional mandate made Christian Jr., former deputy linked to Agent more than 20 years ago to major epidemio- director of the Legion’s Veterans Orange exposure, determine the extent to which logical study of Affairs and Rehabilitation but that develop- their illnesses can be positively Vietnam ground Division, a retired Army lieuten- ment, long in linked to Agent Orange exposure. troops. If it were ant colonel who directed the coming, occurred not for unbending DoD Environmental Support too late for many pressure by the Group that was charged with veterans. The lesson shouldn’t be Legion, Agent Orange would long gathering data on troop move- forgotten, Simon says. ago have been relegated to the ments and defoliation areas for Not wanting a repeat of the history books.” scientifi c studies. Agent Orange fi asco, The Ameri- If an object lesson is to be Congress ordered VA to con- can Legion immediately hired a learned from the decades-long tract with NAS for a study to test physician to study the health Agent Orange experience, maybe the feasibility of developing concerns of returning Gulf War it’s that VA should listen to “exposure characterization veterans. And when VA started veterans, the Legion’s Sommer methods.” The Stellman team putting together a study, it hired says. “Ill veterans streamed into successfully bid on the contract doctors who were more objec- VA hospitals and clinics, and VA and carried out the job to the full tive. While many Gulf War looked right past them as if they satisfaction of IOM. veterans dispute government did not exist. Well, they did exist, Congress also passed Public conclusions, the government has they do exist, and they will always Law 97-72, “authorizing priority tried to fi nd answers by funding exist as long as there are wars.” x health-care services in all VA research by non-government medical centers for the treatment scientists. That didn’t happen James V. Carroll is an assistant of health conditions in Vietnam after Vietnam. “With Agent editor at The American Legion veterans that may be related to Orange, the government selected Magazine. Agent Orange exposure.” Hun- scientists and others who had dreds of thousands of Vietnam been doing work for the chemical Illustration: Steve Stone War veterans received care under industry for decades and were those provisions. not likely to fi nd any harm to Article design: King Doxsee

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00 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine AGENT ORANGE interview

of

or more than two decades, Jeanne Mager Stellman and The American Legion Magazine: Steven D. Stellman have been unraveling the mysteries How does your new research differ from earlier studies? Fof Agent Orange and pushing the government to Steven D. Stellman: Our new determine responsibility for adverse health conditions of work has developed a rapid veterans exposed to it during the Vietnam War. system that uses the HERBS fi le, an electronic record that con- The Stellmans are widely acknowledged as leading nation- tained data on nearly 10,000 al experts on Agent Orange and have written numerous missions, including fl ight paths, peer-reviewed reports about it. She is a professor of clinical herbicide agents and volumes used to estimate exposure health policy and management, while he is a professor of opportunities to the spray. Our epidemiology, both at Columbia University’s Mailman work with military records also School of Public Health. helps us fi ll in the missing data on the spraying and the locations In the 1980s, The American Legion and a Columbia Uni- of troops. versity research team led by the Stellmans collaborated on a Jeanne Mager Stellman: Work- study to determine the health effects to veterans who had ing with the daily logs fi led by pilots after their missions, I been exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam noticed that some of the project and who also showed the long-term effects of the Vietnam numbers on the logs resembled combat experience. numbers on a couple of columns in the HERBS data that we never The research team Agent Orange on the Web really looked at before. It was discovered a number n To read the new Stellman report, sort of like, “Wow.” With a lot of of conditions that visit www.nature.com and search for help from DoD’s Center for “Agent Orange.” Research on Unit Records and appeared to be linked people at the National Archives, Monthly VA Agent Orange Reviews are n we were able to fi nd new infor- to exposure. available at www1.va.gov/agentorange. In 2003, another mation to draw maps of spraying n The Institute of Medicine Veterans and Agent patterns, show target zones, and Columbia University Orange Update series is at www.iom.edu. when, where and how much team led by the Stell- n Also, visit www.legion.org and click on herbicide was sprayed. mans developed a “Veterans” and then “Vietnam Veterans Information” for Agent Orange updates. TALM: What is most signifi cant computerized method in the new studies? for evaluating exposure to herbicides that provides scientists JMS: It is now possible to analyze the relationships between herbi- with the means for conducting a long-awaited large-scale cide spraying, geography, popula- epidemiological study on Vietnam War veterans. tion and troop location. Up to The methods correlate all available information, matching now, the lack of such a measure was the reason given by the spray missions, troop locations and other data. The research government for not being able to team also cleared up many of the old records and found do a major epidemiological study. new ones showing far more deadly dioxin had been sprayed Now that our work is published in scientifi c journals and has met than had been previously known. Institute-of-Medicine standards, The Stellmans were awarded The American Legion Distin- some barriers to research have guished Service Medal at its 2003 National Convention in really been lowered. SDS: Our research pinpoints St. Louis. The award recognizes the couple’s lifelong body areas likely to be hotspots, so of research that has helped expedite medical treatment and that now, additional studies on compensation to Vietnam War veterans suffering from the health effects of these exposures, which are very much exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. needed, can be done.

June 2004 31 The American Legion Magazine interview

TALM: How did you become to epidemiological studies of involved in the Agent Orange issue? “We found that veterans Vietnam War veterans were JMS: In the early 1980s, we feasible. We got the NAS contract helped put together a question- exposed to Agent to develop the models. naire for a small activist veterans JMS: But we didn’t look at simple group that suspected Vietnam Orange exhibited higher models. We felt strongly that any War veterans had been exposed health study had to look at the to Agent Orange. At fi rst we were rates of non-cancerous whole picture – all the experi- skeptical. After all, we wouldn’t ences of the Vietnam War expose our own guys, would we? fatty tumors, skin rashes veterans. Working with the As I started looking at the Legion, we went back to the questionnaires, I started to see with blisters and adult original study group and now symptom patterns we didn’t we’ve shown that there are still a expect, and I said to Steve, acne. We discovered lot of veterans continuing to “Maybe these guys were ex- suffer long-term effects of their posed.” We also did a survey higher rates of fatigue, combat experiences. The Colum- with the National Center for bia University-American Legion Veterans Law and became physical depression, and study is now the largest long- convinced that further research term study of Vietnam veterans. on Agent Orange was needed. colds and body aches.” It’s just too bad it isn’t big We later hooked up with The enough to answer more of the American Legion, by accident. I Agent Orange questions. That’s was riding in a cab one day and scale epidemiological study to get only possible with major govern- heard Legion National Adjutant answers. Unfortunately, politics ment support and cooperation. Bob Spanogle talking about Agent and money seem to be playing a Orange on the radio and thought bigger role than science. TALM: What are some of the to myself, “He’s absolutely on lessons you’ve learned from your target about everything he’s TALM: What did you conclude Agent Orange studies? saying.” I wrote him a letter, and from that fi rst report? SDS: First, persistence pays. he told me to talk to John Sommer, JMS: We found that veterans Second, the only way to do a who was director of the Legion’s exposed to Agent Orange exhib- successful health study on people Veterans Affairs and Rehabilita- ited higher rates of non-cancerous is to work hand in hand with tion division in Washington. fatty tumors, skin rashes with those most affected – not to It was a real meeting of the blisters, and adult acne. We manipulate fi ndings, but to fi gure minds, and clearly the Legion and discovered higher rates of fatigue, out the right questions to ask and we were on the same track. We physical depression and colds and to get the cooperation you need decided to put together the fi rst body aches. We found that wives to make a study successful. health study. At that time in 1983 of Vietnam War veterans who JMS: Finding the truth can be the likelihood of fi nding relation- had been exposed to Agent frustrating. It took a lawsuit by ships to diseases like cancer was Orange suffered from abnormally The American Legion to try to pretty remote because the guys high rates of miscarriages. get a study mandated by law were just too young. We decided SDS: We also discovered that under way, but even with that to set up a broad study, including men engaged in high levels of action, here we are, right back looking at PTSD, so that we could combat during the Vietnam War where we were in 1988 when we get a fuller picture of what was appeared less happy and less published the fi rst Legion study. going on. satisfi ed with their lives. They It took Vietnam War veterans were at a higher risk for bad more than 20 years to get the TALM: What impact did your marriages and showed higher fi rst accepted exposure measure, 1988 report have on the debate? levels of anxiety. Vietnam War which today, quite frankly, is not SDS: It was a pretty contentious veterans exposed to Agent far different from the one we time. Our report came out about Orange were prone to greater use proposed in 1986 and from the the same time the Centers for of alcohol, cigarettes and pre- one that the National Academy of Disease Control was telling scription drugs, and earned less Sciences had developed in 1974. Congress that an Agent Orange money than soldiers who did not It’s like back to the future, but health study was impossible. The fi ght in Southeast Asia. I’m pretty hopeful that at last White House Agent Orange truth and simple justice will Working Group put an end to the TALM: What prompted the 2003 prevail. All the vets are asking big epidemiological study needed study? for is an honest commitment to to answer questions, but our work SDS: In 1996, Congress told VA to look at the facts – I don’t think helped to keep the debate alive. contract with National Academy that’s too much to ask. x JMS: Today, two decades later, of Sciences to determine whether there has still not been a large- exposure models that could lead Article design: King Doxsee

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Masterfi le, Brand X Pictures Child’s Play Today’s youth are in the crosshairs of a violent fi lm and video-game marketing war.

34 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine BY JAY STULLER ries of real confl ict – to protect that are different from non- their children and grandchildren aggressive adolescents,” said Dr. n the beginning, there was from such things – it is bitterly William Kronenberger, an Pong. Its little ball of light ironic that American media today Indiana University associate Ibounced back and forth across are so awash in blood. professor of psychiatry. “There a dark screen. No more than a appears to be a relationship stone tool in the evolution of A Public-Health Issue. To Daphne between the way the brain computer technology, Pong White – founder and executive responds to experiencing video helped give birth to the modern director of the Lion and Lamb violence and the amount of past . Novel back in the Project, a national parents’ exposure to violent games, early 1970s, the game was bland organization based in – movies and television.” as cottage cheese and less the epidemic of media violence is While Kronenberger says the challenging than checkers. nothing less than “a public-health fi ndings deserve much more Today, video games are a issue.” Once an education journal- study, his supporters at the Center $12-billion-a-year industry, ist, White points out that the for Successful Parenting are not offering titles that pose strategic, United States has the industrial surprised. Center President Steve ever-changing and intellectually world’s highest rate of violence. Stoughton says, “We’ve long stimulating challenges for players. “The effects show up in road asked ourselves if something The graphics in some are amaz- rage,” she explains. “Now we’re could be done to get physical ingly realistic. However, like too hearing reports of children in day- evidence of the impact of media many popular movies and televi- care centers and grade schools violence. This study starts to sion programs, a striking number imitating the violent acts they see confi rm what we’ve suspected.” of video games – including the in video games and movies.” ones most played by teen-agers What children see are heroic Acting Out. The violent media and kids even younger – include fi gures who act outside the law, verdict has been in for decades. horrifi c images of brutality, assaulting and killing people More than 1,000 studies have destruction and death. without consequences. “I’m not overwhelmingly demonstrated a Consider fi lm director Quentin suggesting that all kids who play connection between media Tarantino’s latest movie, “Kill video games will end up abusing violence and aggressive behavior Bill,” which hit theaters last Octo- pets or re-creating Columbine,” in some children. The American ber. Featuring 90 minutes of White says. “But kids are being Medical Association, the Ameri- rapes, beatings, a scalping, desensitized to violence, and can Psychological Association, stabbings and wild swordfi ghts, their behavior is changing.” the National Institute of Mental its signature image is of severed New research confi rms that Health, the American Academy arms and legs, with the camera media violence has a physiologi- of Pediatrics and the U.S. Sur- lingering on stumps gushing cal impact on child development. geon General have all made fountains of blood. Rated R A recent study at the Indiana statements linking media vio- instead of the more stringent NC- University School of Medicine, lence to real violence in society. 17, “Kill Bill” drew enough teen- sponsored in part by the Indiana- “It’s as clear as the warning on a age ticket buyers to earn more based Center for Successful pack of cigarettes,” White says. than $43 million in just two Parenting, used functional “So what’s not to believe?” weeks of screening. magnetic resonance imaging Certainly not the research. In One of the best-selling video (MRI) to measure brain function. last April’s Journal of Personality games on the market is “Grand The device revealed distinct and Social Psychology, two studies Theft Auto: Vice City.” An differences in the brain patterns showed that violent video games interactive marvel that’s wildly of adolescents while they played increase a viewer’s aggressive popular with teens, “Vice City” violent video games. thoughts, feelings and behavior in brings players into “a town In a study of 38 teen-agers, half lab settings and real life alike. A brimming with delights and with no history of problems and study of 227 college students degradation.” It also enables half with records of disruptive found that those who played more them to randomly run over behavior disorder, the latter violent video games in junior high pedestrians, make drug deals showed less activity in their and high school not only engaged and patronize a prostitute to earn frontal lobe areas while watching in more aggressive behavior, they “health points,” with the option violent fi lms. That area of the also had worse grades than others to then kill the hooker to get the brain is largely responsible for in college. In another study of 210 money back. impulse control and decision- university students, half played a There’s no delicate way to making, the stuff of good behav- violent game and the other half a describe this disturbing turn of ior in a civilized society. game that was simply an intellec- morality, technology and culture. “This is the fi rst evidence that tual challenge. Shortly thereafter, Moreover, in a society for adolescents with aggressive, students were asked to “punish” which soldiers fought, died and disruptive behavior disorders an opponent with noise blasts of silently endured terrible memo- have brain-activation patterns varying intensities. The violent

June 2004 35 The American Legion Magazine commentary viewers laid on distinctly more zines with ads for games that Perhaps the time has come to painful applications. claim to be “more fun than place media violence in the same A study of 219 children in a shooting the neighbor’s cat,” and category. Few laws have real Minnesota junior high found a that will allow you to “kill your teeth, and clear labels that warn similar correlation between friends guilt-free.” parents of the decapitations, video-game violence and what Until about age 6, children have eviscerations and shootings in researchers call “relational diffi culty distinguishing fantasy games aren’t that apparent. aggression,” or threats and name- from reality. Learning about the While tougher restrictions are calling. Sponsored in part by the endless lives of Santa and the one thing, so is more vigilant nonprofi t National Institute on Roadrunner is part of growing up, parental control. In early 2003, Media and the Family, the study Grossman says. “And now all of a a Stanford University study of showed that even mild aggression sudden children are supposed to third- and fourth-graders in can be a precursor to worse. keep a grip on reality?” nearby San Jose showed that “Long before kids throw a With titles such as “Doom” and when parents sharply reduced punch or pick up a weapon, they “Mortal Kombat,” video games are their children’s exposure to are probably treating others in a not subtle about the bloody alterca- violent television and video games relationally aggressive way,” says tions found within. In some for just fi ve months, it produced a David Walsh, who co-authored the games, one can even sever an 50-percent decrease in verbal study and heads the institute. opponent’s head and use it to aggression and a 40-percent drop “This is the kind of thing that bludgeon yet another victim. Given in physical aggression. becomes the breeding ground for that kind of “fun,” teen-age boys Few societies in this world more overtly violent behavior as are the obvious target market. could not be improved with an kids get older,” he told Reuters. While First Amendment rights increase in civility and restraint. Hundreds of video games are clearly protect fi lm and game Best learned at a young age, that nonviolent. Some even encourage makers – and plenty of adults kind of grace is seriously com- strategic thinking, which offers watch and play violent media – promised when artifi cial violence tremendous educational potential. what troubles activists is how becomes so common that the For example, “Zoo Tycoon” gives adult-level violence is so brazenly distinction between it and real children a budget and all the marketed directly at children. “If suffering and death grow makings of a zoo from which to you are a 12-year-old girl or boy, blurred. Consequently, media choose, including animals, you must go see ‘Kill Bill,’ and violence is anything but child’s fences, food, snack shops, adver- you will have a damn good play, and the blood fl owing tising and caretakers. time,” said director Quentin across their video screens isn’t “There are a lot of really good Tarantino, in a widely publicized remotely similar to reality. video games for kids,” White statement made at the movie’s In a nation that prizes, protects says. “Later this year, we’ll be premiere. “If you are a and then grumbles mightily listing our top 20 on our Web cool parent out there, go take about the consequences of free site, www.lionlamb.org.” your kids to the movie.” speech, government actions to The Center for Successful If conscience and morality don’t completely prohibit media Parenting also has a Web site restrain such comment, the violence probably are not in the that reviews the content in games ratings system hasn’t been much best interests of protecting and movies: www.sosparents.org. help either. The “independent” rights. Package warnings and “What’s always of concern to us ratings boards for fi lms and video age limits for purchases are fi ne. is that many parents don’t know games alike are largely sponsored But far more important are the what is in some of the more by the media industry. And the daily decisions and behaviors popular fi lms and games,” industry, Grossman says, is of parental groups, parents and Stoughton says. “It’s a lot worse concerned with one thing: profi t. individuals. The choice not than most realize.” “I don’t think the makers to purchase or watch a vio- deliberately desensitize kids to lent product – or not to allow a Marketing for Kids. David Gross- violence any more than the minor child to buy and watch it – man is well aware of the grue- tobacco industry intentionally is the most powerful measure of some content. A retired lieuten- gives people cancer, or the protection. It is the marketplace, ant colonel and former professor alcohol industry intentionally above all, that will most effec- of psychology at West Point, gives people traffi c accidents,” he tively choke off the fl ow of media Grossman travels the country says. “Like alcohol and tobacco, violence by making it unprofi t- speaking to media, law-enforce- they have found an addictive able. Such good choices are the ment offi cials and school dis- substance that sells well, and all mark of a civil society. x tricts. He’s likened some video they want to do is make money.” games to “military-quality Americans long ago decided Jay Stuller is a freelance writer murder simulators.” In a recent that it wasn’t right to allow the living in the San Francisco Bay area. “ABC News” interview, Gross- marketing of cigarettes, alcohol man described children’s maga- and pornography to minors. Article design: Doug Rollison

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BY STEVEN LUBET Byron White, Sandra Day fearing that no good can come of O’Connor and John Paul Stevens any effort to limit freedom of his is a story about one (yet another small surprise). expression. As a lifelong liberal, liberal’s newly discovered Congress reacted swiftly, my initial view was that it was a Tappreciation for the pro- overwhelmingly passing the Flag big mistake to modify the First posed fl ag-protection amend- Protection Act of 1989 (a pre- Amendment, which has served ment. But fi rst, a little history: existing federal fl ag-burning us so well for more than 200 During the 1984 Republican statute had been uncomfortably years. But now, surprising even National Convention in , a similar to the unconstitutional myself, I have come around to protester named Gregory Lee law), which made it a the position that the proposed Johnson doused an American crime to deface, physically defi le, fl ag-protection amendment might fl ag with kerosene and set it on burn or trample the American not be quite so bad after all. fi re, while a surrounding crowd fl ag, other than for the purpose First, national opinion polls chanted “America the red, white of disposal. By making it fl atly consistently show that nearly and blue, we spit on you.” He illegal to burn a fl ag, regardless 80 percent of Americans would was arrested and charged under of expressive intent, it was vote in favor of such an amend- a Texas statute prohibiting thought that the Flag Protection ment. Of course, widespread “desecration of a venerated Act could survive a constitution- public support does not justify object.” Convicted at trial and al challenge. It did not. By the the elimination of essential sentenced to a year in prison, same 5-to-4 margin, and in the personal freedoms. Protest, Johnson appealed, setting into same alignment, the Supreme especially by minority groups, is motion a rather surprising series Court in United States v. Eichman often unpopular. That’s why we of events. First, the Texas Court ruled that the statute was invalid have the Bill of Rights. On the of Criminal Appeals – not under the First Amendment other hand, public sentiment is exactly a haven of bleeding because it “suppresses expression an important value that liberals hearts, even in the pre-Bush era out of concern for its likely all too often seem to overlook. At – reversed the conviction, noting communicative impact.” the very least, the overwhelming that “the right to differ is the Recognizing that no fl ag- approval of the fl ag amendment centerpiece of our First Amend- burning statute could ever meet should cause us to ask just how ment freedoms.” But then Texas’ the constitutional test articulated much damage it would really do petition for certiorari was in Johnson and Eichman, various to civil liberties. granted, leading to speculation groups began promoting a fl ag- It turns out that the fl ag that the U.S. Supreme Court protection amendment to the amendment would not limit would reinstate the guilty Constitution, providing that, freedom of speech very much at verdict and uphold the fl ag- “The Congress shall have power all. No words or beliefs would be desecration law. to prohibit the physical desecra- prohibited; no opinions would be In surprise No. 2, however, the tion of the fl ag of the United suppressed. A single manner of Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. States.” The amendment has protest would be enjoined, but Johnson that fl ag burning is passed the House of Representa- the ideas behind the protest indeed expressive conduct tives fi ve times, most recently by could still be expressed in a protected by the First Amend- a lopsided vote of 300 to 125, but multitude of ways. As a liberal, I ment. The greatest surprise of all, it has never quite managed to am in favor of broad forums for of course, was that Justices obtain the two-thirds vote in the free speech, but I can still Antonin Scalia and Anthony Senate necessary to send the recognize a fairly negligible Kennedy joined in Justice Wil- amendment to the states for restriction when I see one. Had liam Brennan’s majority opinion ratifi cation. It will likely come to the original First Amendment (though Kennedy also wrote a the Senate fl oor again some time included a fl ag exception – separate concurrence, expressing this year. “Congress shall make no law his unhappiness at having to Conservatives are almost abridging the freedom of speech, reach that result, compelled as it uniformly in favor of the fl ag- except for fl ag burning” – there was by the “fundamental mean- protection amendment, arguing is little doubt that the subsequent ing” of the U.S. Constitution). that it is necessary to preserve a history of popular democracy Chief Justice William Rehnquist great symbol of national unity. would have been entirely unaf- dissented, joined by Justices Liberals tend to be opposed, fected. A few more protesters

40 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine might have gone to jail endangered by fl ag burn- by choice, a few more ing, legal or otherwise. fl ags probably would The ideals that make up have been burned out of America can easily frustration, and the survive the most vitriolic tradition of dissent forms of protest. There- would have been other- fore, I am not enthusias- wise unchanged. tic about the fl ag amend- The classic “slippery- ment and, all things slope” argument, a considered, I think the staple of liberal analysis, nation would probably posits that small restric- be just as well off tions may lead to bigger without it. ones. But in this case, But a powerful argu- that is not true. It is ment exists for the tremendously diffi cult to importance of a unifying amend the Constitution, national symbol. Just requiring a two-thirds recall the spontaneous vote in each house of fl ag displays around the Congress and ratifi cation country in the wake of by three-quarters of the the Sept. 11 terror states. So it is extremely attacks. People take unlikely that the fl ag great comfort in our fl ag, amendment will be and that devotion ought quickly followed by to be respected – espe- others. About 11,000 cially by liberals, who amendments have been are often unfairly proposed since the accused of disrespect, adoption of the Bill of and worse. So, in a time Rights, yet only 17 have of increasing challenges been adopted. Constitu- to real civil liberties, this tional amendments are is one battle that needs not dominoes. The fl ag- not be engaged. It would protection amendment is Comstock make far more sense to not the fi rst step on a spend our limited long march toward political capital on thought control. “It turns out that the fl ag amendment amending the Patriot Act Finally, consider a or fi libustering right- concept that we might would not limit freedom of speech wing judges, rather than call the “integrity of on facilitating fl ag protest.” The Supreme very much at all.” burning. Court’s legalization of Liberals could show fl ag burning may have legitimat- the ignition of a small piece of great good faith, while dispelling ed fl ag abuse as a First Amend- paper, that helped convince the some shabby right-wing myths, ment right, but it also deprived nation of the seriousness of the by acknowledging that the fl ag- the gesture of much of its expres- movement. The draft-card burn- protection amendment will do sive punch, making it now more ings added fuel to the antiwar no harm. x of a tantrum than a demonstra- campaign precisely because they tion of deep conviction. It means were illegal. Actions can be more Steven Lubet is a professor of law at very little to say, “I can burn a persuasive when they are taken at Northwestern University. His most fl ag and you can’t stop me, nyah, personal cost. That is the power recent book is “Nothing but the nyah, nyah,” as compared with “I of true civil disobedience. At Truth: Why Trial Lawyers Don’t, am so committed to the righ- some point, we liberals might Can’t and Shouldn’t Have to Tell teousness of my cause that I am want to worry less about enabling the Whole Truth.” Contact Lubet at willing to risk the penalties for every single expressive outburst [email protected]. fl ag burning.” and more about the vitality and When thousands of antiwar content of purposeful dissent. © Copyright 2003. The American protesters burned their draft cards I haven’t completely lost my Lawyer, Section: DICTA; Vol. in the 1960s, they faced the very liberal bearings. No matter how October 2003. ALM Properties, real threat of prosecution and much conservative activists Inc. All Rights Reserved. imprisonment for as long as fi ve fulminate, I remain quite aware years. It was that fact, not merely that the republic is hardly Article Design: Doug Rollison

June 2004 41 The American Legion Magazine National Commander John Brieden urges Legionnaires to make sure their elected offi cials and those seeking offi ce in the fall know “why our legislative priorities are important.” James V. Carroll

Commander to Washington Conference: ‘Make a difference’ to visit their senators and repre- what stand is being taken. We Flag hearing, sentatives on Capitol Hill. “Make are going to make a difference. sure Congress understands why We want to get out the vote and Impact 2004 our legislative priorities are make sure that The American important.” Legion is part of registering and dominate gathering. Brieden also launched the encouraging people to vote. We “Impact 2004: Military & Veter- want candidates to state specifi - ational Commander John ans Vote” campaign. The initia- cally what their views are, so we Brieden implored Legion- tive is intended to educate voters all know where they stand,” Nnaires at the 44th annual and candidates about veterans Brieden said. “We encourage Legislative Conference in Wash- issues and encourage turnout. posts to have town-hall meetings, ington March 7 to 10 to “make “It’s called ‘Impact 2004’ meet-the-candidates nights and a difference.” because every vote counts,” he get candidates on the record so “Whether it’s more money for said. “The American Legion we can cast informed votes. You VA, pay raises for the troops or doesn’t endorse candidates. That’s can make a difference.” supporting Old Glory, the voice of not the purpose. We endorse The commander presented the The American Legion is loud and issues, and we believe voters 2004 American Legion Distin- clear. I challenge you to make a should cast an educated vote. guished Public Service Award to difference,” Brieden told Legion- “So often, it’s hard to under- the chairman of the House naires before encouraging them stand what is being said and Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep.

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Bryant, who also has repeatedly taken stands based The American Legion that was testifi ed in favor of the amend- on principle,” Brieden said. “He’s the primary moving force behind ment. “The administration believes one of those fi ghters who takes making the Gulf War syndrome a that this Congress should allow his licks but never loses focus of national priority.” the ultimate decision of whether to what his objective is … Mr. Clinton said Congress should amend the Constitution to lie with Chairman, you are truly a cham- make funding VA health care the individual states by passing pion to The American Legion.” mandatory. “We were able to add this resolution and sending the Smith used the opportunity to nearly $1.2 billion to last year’s amendment to them for ratifi ca- plead for some grassroots lobby- VA budget. We will have another tion,” Bryant said. ing by Legionnaires. “The VA battle this year, which is why I Chairman of the Judiciary health-care system is an out- think we should have mandatory Committee Sen. Orrin Hatch, R- standing system that needs to be funding. We shouldn’t have to Utah, stressed the importance of improved in terms of money,” fi ght these battles every year.” allowing states to decide the Smith said. “Remind my col- Although he did not join the issue. “If the Senate passes the leagues, as you lobby the Hill, of call for mandatory funding, VA fl ag amendment this year, the the complexity of care issues. As Secretary Anthony Principi nationwide debate over state an aging veteran population confi rmed that the system’s ratifi cation will be one of the utilizes VA health care, some of patient load continues to grow. greatest public discussions in the end-of-life episodes or late “Enrollment for VA health care American history,” Hatch said. episodes of health care are more has grown to almost 7.6 million “It will encourage a deeper study expensive than when you are 30, veterans, up from 6 million of our nation’s history and 40 or 50.” He also said medical veterans just four years ago,” values. It will inspire our young infl ation poses a serious problem Principi said. people to understand and appre- to the VA budget. He called for greater coopera- ciate the heroic selfl essness Smith’s call for tion between the displayed during this and increased VA fund- Department of previous generations. And it will ing echoed the Defense and VA. “Our cause many Americans to renew sentiments of Sen. cause requires their faith in – and commitment Hillary Rodham reinforcing our to – the ideals and values of Clinton, D-N.Y, one partnership with the America that are greater than of 31 congressional Department of anyone’s personal self-interest.” members The Defense. The wall Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., American Legion separating VA and the a sponsor of the amendment, named “Unsung Department of contradicted claims often made by Heroes” for their Defense must come fellow Democrats that the measure work on behalf of down once and for is a political diversion by Republi- veterans. all,” he said. cans. “I realize that by supporting “We often think The drive to consti- a constitutional amendment to of veterans as tutionally protect Old protect the fl ag, I am choosing a having served in Glory gained momen- different course from many of my World War II, tum when members of fellow Democrats in Congress, and Korea and Viet- Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., The American Legion quite frankly, from many of my nam, but we have addresses Legionnaires before and Citizens Flag close friends for whom I have the receiving the American Legion’s to think about the Distinguished Public Service Alliance attended a greatest respect,” she said. “But Gulf War, Afghani- Award in Washington March 9. packed Senate Judi- my support for this amendment stan and Iraq James V. Carroll ciary Committee refl ects my broader belief that the veterans,” Clinton hearing on the fl ag time has come for the nation to said. “These young amendment March 10. begin a major debate on its people are serving in dangerous CFA Chairman and Medal of values. We need to ask ourselves times. During the previous Honor recipient Patrick H. Brady what we hold dear. Is there administration, I looked into (See “Precious Enough to Protect,” anything upon which we will not complaints of ailments being Page 46), NASCAR driver John cast our contempt?” suffered by the Gulf War veterans. Andretti and Harvard Law The Senate is expected to vote There weren’t any answers at that Professor Richard D. Parker on the proposed amendment this time. Young men in the prime of testifi ed for the proposed constitu- summer. Legionnaires are encour- their life came home with breath- tional amendment, which says, aged to contact their senators and ing and respiratory problems and “The Congress shall have power to ask them to support S.J. Res. 4. x nervous disorders. The strongest prohibit the physical desecration ally I had after my husband asked of the fl ag of the United States.” Article design: Doug Rollison

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For information or to order call Free Shipping Included Dept TL | 10211 W. Emerald Boise, ID 83704 1.800.416.0758 Ph 208.323.9577 | Fax 208.377.1528 www.videoeye.com Precious enoughg to PROTECT The following testimony was to protect the fl ag, we are defend- delivered before the Senate ing the Constitution. The Supreme Committee on the Judiciary in Court made a mistake by calling Washington on March 10, by fl ag burning “speech,” and it is retired Army Maj. Gen. Patrick the duty of every American to Brady, a recipient of the Medal of correct any error by our govern- Honor and chairman of the ment. Flag desecration is not Citizens Flag Alliance. speech, and it desecrates our Constitution to say so. A review of e realize that there are the magnitude of great Americans good and great Ameri- who support this fact confi rms it. Wcans on both sides of this Baseball great Tommy Lasorda issue, and some who think it is spoke to common sense, the hokey, a waste of time. It would be dictionary and for three of four hokey if our fuss was about fl ag common Americans when he burners or fl ag burning itself. No said, “Speech is when you talk.” matter how emotionally it affects Justice Hugo Black spoke for most people, fl ag burning is a every chief justice of the United petty act, surely done to attract States and justices on fi ve attention, to attack our country, Supreme Courts in the last our traditions and patriotism – but century when he said, “It passes petty nonetheless. So I want to make it clear from the beginning that our “I believe in government of primary concern is not the people, by the people and fl ag-burners. They are for the people. Senate Joint with us always, along with others who hate America. Resolution 4 returns the business Our concern is the of government to the people, Constitution and those by restoring to the democratic who have amended the Constitution – without process the power to protect

James Carroll V. the approval of the the most powerful symbol of our people, by inserting fl ag democracy: the United States fl ag.” burning in the Bill of ‘Any fi fth-grader Rights – and others who – Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas would deny the people knows the the right to decide this issue. my belief that anything in the This struggle for our fl ag has federal Constitution bars ... difference between been long and fatiguing, but we making the deliberate burning of are energized in this effort by our the American fl ag an offense.” contract with patriotism, the oath U.S. Rep. John Murtha spoke a fl ag and a bikini.’ we took to protect and defend our for 70 percent of the Congress Constitution, an oath that defi nes when he said, “Burning and BY MAJ. GEN. patriotism. All Americans take destruction of the fl ag is not PATRICK H. BRADY this same oath when they recite speech. It is an act, an act that U.S. Army (Ret.) the Pledge of Allegiance. infl icts insult – insult that strikes And that is the bottom line: by at the very core of who we are as defending the right of the people Americans and why so many of

46 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine “The American fl ag serves as a symbol of our great nation. The fl ag represents, in a way that nothing else can, the common bond shared by an otherwise diverse people … We need to pass the Flag Amendment because in 1989, the Supreme Court abandoned the history and intent of the First Amendment to embrace a philosophy that made no distinction between oral and written speech about the fl ag, and extremist, disrespectful destruction of the fl ag …” – Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah us fought, and many died, for political dialogue, but it is tion as embodied by our fl ag. this country.” certainly protected by our Yet, despite the enormity of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Constitution. What he did – evidence, we believe it is impor- spoke for our warriors when he burning our fl ag – is not. tant to address the concerns of said, “I regard the legal protec- We could go on, but Walter those who are confused or tion of our fl ag as an absolute Berns said it very well in “Mak- disagree on this issue, and we necessity and a matter of critical ing Patriots” when he wrote, have done this in some detail. importance to our nation.” “The First Amendment protects First, there are those who have We have heard from opponents freedom of speech, not expres- said fl ag burning is speech and of the fl ag amendment that our sion, and, whereas all speech should be protected by the Consti- troops fi ght for the rights of fl ag may be expression of a sort, not tution but say they want a statute burners. Who among them would all expression is speech, and to protect the fl ag. The Supreme stand before these men and there is good reason why the Court has made it clear that they women and tell them they are framers of the First Amendment will not allow a fl ag-protection fi ghting and dying on the streets protected the one and not the statute. It has been tried. of Iraq so that their fl ag can be other.” The good reason is not It is important to know that the burned on the streets of America? diffi cult to see: the Constitution fl ag amendment does not protect Add to this mighty armada the cannot pick and chose between the fl ag; it simply takes control of legislatures of all 50 states and actions that are speech and those the fl ag away from the judges and our president, and no reasonable that are not. Then, too, common returns it to the people, where person could deny that the court sense tells us that if the framers they can protect it if they choose. made a mistake. meant expression, the protection Those who want a fl ag-protec- James Madison, the author of of the press and assembly tion law can have it simply by the First Amendment, also become redundant. voting for the fl ag amendment. condemned fl ag burning, as did But legalized fl ag burning goes But how can those who say fl ag Thomas Jefferson. The framers beyond desecration of our Consti- desecration is speech support a intended to protect political tution; it also desecrates our law forbidding fl ag desecration? speech – the persuading power values as a nation. Burning the (Secretary of State) Colin Powell that moves people to the ballot fl ag is wrong, but what it teaches is often quoted by those who box and those elected to the will is worse. It teaches that the support legalized fl ag burning of the people. Flag burning is the outrageous conduct of a minority when he said, “I would not amend persuading power of the mobs. is more important than the will of that great shield of democracy to What the communist Gregory the majority. It teaches that our hammer a few miscreants.” Johnson said when he burned the laws need not refl ect our values, Powell completely misses the fl ag – “Red, white and blue, we and it teaches disrespect for the point. Our goal is not to hammer spit on you” – may not add to the values embedded in our Constitu- miscreants who desecrate the

“Being the father of three, it is very important for me to teach my children respect and honor, not only for individuals, but also on a whole, and the fl ag is a means to that end. Our faith is our foundation, but there must be more, and it must be tangible, and it is found in the fl ag.” – John Andretti, NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Driver

June 2004 47 The American Legion Magazine “I support this amendment because I believe fl ag burning is conduct, not speech, and can be regulated as such. But to my friends who would argue otherwise, I remind them that even the right to free speech is not unrestricted. For example, the government can prohibit someone from yelling ‘fi re’ in a crowded theater.” – Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

fl ag; it is to hammer miscreants Some distrust the will of the with prayer, with the Ten Com- on the courts who desecrate the majority, even fear a tyranny of mandments, with the Pledge, with Constitution by calling fl ag- the majority. They worry that the the Boy Scouts and with marriage. burning “speech.” If we do not do majority may exercise its will on a There have been more than so, we violate our oath to protect more virtuous minority. To them, 11,000 attempts to amend the the Constitution and will soon we ask if the minority on the court Constitution, and only 27 have have no shield of democracy. who voted to protect the fl ag was succeeded. The people take this To those who say the fl ag more virtuous than the majority responsibility very seriously. amendment would amend the Bill who voted for fl ag burners, or if An amendment that addresses of Rights, we ask if the Supreme the minority that voted for their the Bill of Rights could start a Court in 1989 had voted to protect opponent was more virtuous than great debate and awaken the the fl ag, would they then have the majority that voted for them. people to what is being done to amended the Bill of Rights? Some have actually said that their Constitution. Once the To those who have diffi culty since dictators protect their fl ag, people are aware, they will be defi ning the American fl ag and protecting our fl ag aligns us with outraged, and they will act. We express concern over prosecuting dictators. have seen their outrage after the people who burn bikinis embroi- We wonder how any American Super Bowl and their impact on dered with the fl ag or toilet paper can compare Old Glory, designed the moral midgets in the media. marked with the fl ag, we ask if by the father of our country and And we saw the people’s outrage they would put toilet paper or a protected according to the will of in California. They fi red their bikini on the coffi n of a veteran, a free people, to the hammer and governor, and that sent a mes- or their own coffi n. For over 200 sickle or swastika, protected sage to all politicians. We need to years we had laws defi ning fl ag according to the will of a dictator. send a message to the courts. desecration, and our courts had Jefferson and Madison believed The fl ag amendment will no problem defi ning a fl ag. Any our fl ag should be protected. energize the people and could fi fth-grader knows the difference Does that align them with Stalin help stop the slippery slope of between a fl ag and a bikini. or Hitler? constitutional desecrations. To those who say the fl ag is Some are concerned with the The Constitution is too impor- precious to them but oppose number of efforts to amend the tant to be left to the courts, and protection, we ask if they have Constitution. Why? Why is there so is the fl ag. They both belong anything that they love or that is no concern when the courts to the people, and it is time for precious to them which they amend the Constitution? They do this body to let the people decide. would not protect. Is there any it frequently and illegally. If that fl ag is precious enough other precious symbol in Ameri- Why does the majority count to cover the coffi ns of our dead ca that is not protected? Pat only when it wears black robes warriors, it is precious enough to Boone said that was like saying, and not when it wears working be protected. x “I love my mother, but it is OK to clothes? Look what the majority on bat her around.” courts has done with pornography, Article design: Doug Rollison

“My own hero, Sen. Robert Kennedy, would never have doubted the value of public patriotism. He would never have dismissed it as trivial, dangerous or ‘right-wing.’ I believe that he would have voted – as his son did in 1995 and 1997 – to restore to the First Amendment the meaning it had, in effect, for two centuries of our history.” – Richard D. Parker, Professor, Harvard Law School

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Perspective on Iraq And the bad news: The good news: n Far more U.S. troops have n Saddam Hussein is in a been killed since the fall of prison cell. Some 25 million Baghdad than during the air- Iraqis are free. land-sea blitz that decapitated n Iraq has already penned an the regime in April 2003. interim constitution and will n Although the coalition has conduct elections in December. found WMD programs, the n The Iraqi contribution to weapons themselves have postwar security includes more proven elusive. Some believe than 200,000 men, nearly doubling the U.S. Saddam spirited his chemicals and biotoxins off commitment. to Syria just before the war. n No refugee crisis has occurred. In fact, all of n Innocent Iraqis continue to be targeted and Iraq’s 240 hospitals have reopened, and 90 percent killed by foreign terrorists and regime leftovers. of Iraqi children are now immunized. n No unifying fi gure or group has emerged to n New water-pumping stations are up and lead Iraq’s restive populace. In other words, Iraq running, and Iraq’s oil pipelines are pumping has no Hamid Karzai, as Afghanistan does – 2.5 million barrels a day. Iraq’s oil wealth has another indication of how total Saddam’s generated $5 billion in the past year to support tyranny was. Iraqi reconstruction efforts. – A.W.D.

“but all that matters to consumers is infl ation-adjusted cost.” By that measure, the prices are the same as the normal postwar average. Easterbrook says, “The actual U.S. record price for gasoline occurred in 1981, when regular unleaded cost $2.80 in today’s money.” In terms of the average Ameri- can’s buying power, gas is now half the cost it was in the 1950s. The other memorial Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the organization charged with raising funds for a Pentagon memorial has only been able to U.S. Special Forces train Malian soldiers in Timbuktu on the fringe of the Sahara desert collect $1 million toward its March 17. U.S. experts have already started training soldiers in Algeria and Mali, as well as $20 million goal. As a consequence, helping Mauritania, Niger and Chad combat perceived security threats. Corbis the opening of the memorial project may be pushed back to 2006, even To Timbuktu in late 2003. By deploying a though the design has been chosen When President Bush said small detachment of troops in and the architects are ready. America would track down the Mali, the Pentagon hopes to Some survivors and relatives of country’s terrorist enemies, no prevent the region from becoming victims wonder if the memorial matter where they try to hide, he like prewar Afghanistan, which could be delayed into obscurity. As meant it. U.S. Green Berets was a breeding ground for terror. Brian Donovan, who lost his recently arrived in Timbuktu to brother in the Pentagon attack, told train and equip the armed forces Pain at the pump The Washington Times, “If we’re of Mali as they battle an obscure In response to reports that gas talking fi ve years after the fact, the Islamic terrorist group known as prices hit record highs this spring, memorial will lose its edge.” the Salafi sts. Gregg Easterbrook of The New As planned, the memorial will As part of a $7 million program, Republic conducted a comparative include 184 metal benches and the United States has sent trucks, analysis of gas prices over several pools of water to recall each communications and navigation decades, factoring infl ation and victim of the Pentagon attack. For equipment, uniforms, body armor real-dollar valuation. more information about the and intelligence data to Mali. The Easterbrook concedes that the Pentagon Memorial Fund, visit Green Berets reportedly arrived in national average of $1.75 in March Memorial.pentagon.mil. the uncharted deserts of northwest for unleaded gas was a record high, – Alan W. Dowd

50 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine ChooseChoose LifeLife GrowGrow YoungYoung withwith HGHHGH

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DR. JONATHAN B. PERLIN War veterans concerned about Agent Orange Links. Vietnam War the health effects of Agent Orange veterans with medical conditions Agent Orange was one of receive comprehensive medical linked in studies to Agent Orange – several herbicides used in Viet- examinations. Offered at every or any herbicide – are entitled to nam to defoliate trees and remove VA medical center, the exam medical treatment and hospital plant life that provided cover and includes a series of questions care from VA. They also may be food for the enemy. Its name came about a veteran’s possible expo- eligible for disability benefi ts. It is from orange stripes on the 55- sure to herbicides. Veterans important to note that under VA gallon drums in which the provide medical policy, every Vietnam defoliant was stored. histories and War veteran is assumed The chemical blend contained undergo physi- Info Online to have been exposed traces of dioxin as a manufactur- cal exams and Learn more about Agent to Agent Orange. ing byproduct. Dioxin has since lab tests, such Orange and VA policy at: Decisions on which been shown in laboratory studies as a urinalysis va.gov/agentorange medical conditions to cause a number of illnesses, and blood tests. vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefi ts/ may be the result of including various cancers. Results of the herbicide exposure to herbicides Since 1978, the Department of examinations in Vietnam are based Veterans Affairs has operated the are entered into on extensive research Agent Orange Registry health- a national computer database by VA’s Environmental Epidemiol- examination program. More than that helps researchers identify ogy Service and many other 320,000 Vietnam War veterans problems associated with herbi- federal bodies: the Centers for have participated in the program, cide exposure. Additionally, Disease Control and Prevention, and the number of applying veterans who register receive the Air Force, the National Cancer veterans has increased substan- periodic updates about Agent Institute, the Environmental tially in recent years. Orange and other Vietnam- Protection Agency and others. Through the program, Vietnam related issues. Since the s see Agent Orange next page

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VA has recognized as associated eligible for benefi ts, as are chil- [Agent Orange] 1980s, with, but not necessarily caused dren with a wide range of other investigators have received more by, exposure to Agent Orange and birth defects who were born to than $7.4 million in funding from other herbicides has expanded female Vietnam War veterans VA and from a variety of other considerably. The conditions now who served in Vietnam. governmental and academic recognized as service-connected Keep in mind that each VA institutions to study questions for war veterans with service in medical center has a physician concerning Agent Orange. Vietnam Jan. 9, 1962, to May 7, responsible for conducting Agent Relevant studies are reviewed 1975, include: chloracne, a skin Orange Registry examinations. In by the Institute of Medicine of the condition that resembles acne; honor of the great sacrifi ces made National Academy of Sciences, an acute and subacute porphyria by the men and women who independent body. This organiza- cutanea tarda, a disorder involv- served in Vietnam, VA is tion publishes a report every two ing liver and skin problems; committed to continuing to years and advises the VA secre- peripheral neuropathy, a nervous pursue knowledge in this area tary. The IOM’s most recent system condition that causes and providing the best medical report, from last year, is available numbness and tingling; type II care possible. on the Internet at Nap.edu/books/ diabetes, added in 2001; and 0309086167/html. It also is numerous cancers, including Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., is available at the IOM’s new Web Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s deputy undersecretary for health site dedicated to the health of lymphoma, certain soft-tissue and acting chief research and veterans and deployed forces at sarcomas, multiple myeloma, development offi cer in the Veterans iom.edu. Click on the military prostate cancer, respiratory cancer Health Administration. link. The site contains a wealth of (cancer of the lung, bronchus, reports and other information for larynx or trachea), and chronic Living Well is designed to provide veterans of all major confl icts lymphatic leukemia (the most general information. It is not since World War II. recent addition, in 2003). intended to be, nor is it, medical Furthermore, children of advice. Readers should consult Eligible Conditions. Over the past Vietnam War veterans with the their personal physicians when decade, the number of diseases birth defect spina bifi da are they have health problems.

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How to Submit a Reunion phone number and e-mail address. Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: “In Search Of,” P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, The American Legion Magazine publishes reunion notices for veter- fax (317) 630-1280 or e-mail [email protected]. ans. Send notices to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Reunions, The magazine will not publish the names of individuals, only the P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, fax (317) 630-1280 or e-mail name of the unit from which you seek people. Listings are published free [email protected]. of charge. Include the branch of service and complete name of the group, no Life Membership notices are published for Legionnaires who have abbreviations, with your request. The listing also should include the been awarded life memberships by their posts. This does not include a reunion dates and city, along with a contact name, telephone number and member’s own Paid-Up-For-Life membership. Notices must be submitted e-mail address. Listings are published free of charge. on official forms, which may be obtained by sending a self-addressed Due to the large number of reunions, The American Legion Maga- stamped envelope to The American Legion Magazine, Attn: Life Mem- zine will publish a group’s listing only once a year. Notices should be berships, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. sent at least six months prior to the reunion to ensure timely publication. “Comrades in Distress” listings must be approved by the Legion’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation division. If you are seeking to verify an injury received during service, contact your Legion department service officer for information on how to publish a notice. Other Notices To respond to a “Comrades in Distress” listing, send a letter to The “In Search Of” is a means of getting in touch with people from your American Legion Magazine, Attn: Comrades in Distress, P.O. Box unit to plan a reunion. We do not publish listings that seek people for 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Include the listing’s CID number in your interviews, research purposes, military photos or help in filing a VA response. claim. Listings must include the name of the unit from which you seek “Taps” notices are published only for Legionnaires who served as people, the time period and the location, as well as a contact name, tele- department or national officers.

AIR FORCE/ARMY AIR FORCES Colorado Springs, CO, 8/18-22, Ralph Conte, Norfolk, VA, 9/22-26, William R. Thomas, (972) (573) 817-9247, [email protected]; 434th Trp 387-1247, [email protected]; 1st Air Commandos, Peoria, IL, 9/1-5, W.S. Carrier Wing/Tact Ftr Wing/Air Refuel Wing, 3rd Bn 1st Inf 11th LIB Americal Div (Hawaii & Mitsdarffer, (815) 223-7515; 1st, 7th Emerg Grissom ARB, IN, 7/31-8/1, Jeff Mercier, (765) Vietnam, 1967-1968), Orlando, FL, 12/3-5, Tim Rescue Sqdns, Peoria, IL, 9/9-11, Chuck Dill, 689-8865; 464th Bomb Grp (H) (Pantanella, Cook, (701) 774-0598, thirdfirstreunion@yahoo. (309) 263-8288, [email protected]; 4th Air Depot , WWII), Mobile, AL, 10/20-24, Tony com; 3rd Inf Rgt “Old Guard,” All Eras & Grp, Fairfield, OH, 9/18, George Smith, (513) Schneider, (717) 755-6729; 467th Bomb Duty Stats, Arlington, VA, 9/8-12, Brett Reistad, 856-8233, [email protected]; 6th Bomb Grp, Covington, KY, 10/6-11, Marvin Ralph (703) 963-8636, [email protected]; 3rd Wing, Roswell, NM, 9/24-25, Wanda Williams, Davis, (937) 426-2988; 501st Tact Cont Grp Sqdn 17th Air Cav Rgt, Atlanta, 9/3-6, Brian (505) 623-4039; 7th AF 11th Bomb Grp (H) Assn, Branson, MO, 10/17-20, Ron Anderson, Piggot, (941) 474-4399, [email protected]; 5th Assn, New Orleans, 9/17-21, Gus Petros, (701) 293-5472, [email protected]; 508th Armd Div Assn, Covington, KY, 9/30-10/3, (800) 255-4666; 8th Ftr Cont Sqdn (WWII), Air Refueling Sq KB-29s, Boosier City, LA, Joseph Abraham, (513) 791-1039; 5th Inf Div, Alexandria, LA, 10/26-28, Louis Hamilton, (318) 9/30-10/2, Dutch Ehrlinspiel, (318) 965-0420, Indianapolis, 9/3-6, Jim Landry, (317) 834-6463, 346-6280; 9th AF 402nd Ftr Sqdn, Las Vegas, [email protected]; 555th Civil Eng [email protected]; 6th Inf Div, Branson, 10/3-7, Paul Rosenquist, (541) 563-5307; 10th Sqdn Heavy Repair “Red Horse,” Las Vegas, MO, 8/11-15, Russ McLogan, (517) 437-2768, Tact Recon Wing (Spangdahlem, Germany, 10/28-30, Lynn Ferrone, (805) 524-9507, [email protected]; 10th Div Support Grps 1953-1959), Branson, MO, 10/14-17, Jerry [email protected]; 610th, 618th, 850th ACW (Germany, 1955-1958), Branson, MO, 9/17-19, Graham, (210) 658-5962, nodaktwointx@att. Sqdns & 527th ACW Grp (Japan), Branson, Ray Martineau, (603) 622-6243, xpunm@aol. net; 21st Ftr Bomb Wing (Chambley AB, MO, 9/12-15, Marvin Jordahl, (904) 739-9337, com; 11th Spec Forces Grp Abn, Fort Meade, France, 1954-1958), Washington, 6/18-21, Bob [email protected] MD, 8/7, Pete McDermott, (410) 544-3083, Sisk, (903) 473-2272, [email protected]; 48th FS, [email protected] FIS & FTS, Hampton, VA, 10/20-24, Joe Onesty, 763rd AC&W Sqdn, Lockport, NY, 10/3, Vince (562) 431-2901, [email protected] Burolla, (315) 524-8286, vburoll1@rochesterrr. 13th Inf Rgt, Fort Jackson, SC, 7/14-16, R.T. com; B-47 Stratojet Assn, Dayton, OH, Sonneborn, (516) 805-2518, pathfinder8thid@cs. 52nd Ftr Grp 5th Ftr Sqdn “Spitten Kittens,” 9/23-25, Dick Purdum, (402) 291-5247, com; 13th Inf Rgt 8th Inf Div (WWII), Travers City, MI, 9/12-14, John Hughes, (989) [email protected]; Chanute AFB Mil & Columbus, OH, 9/24-26, George Krist, (440) 732-5641, [email protected]; 63rd TCW, Civ Alumni 1917-1993, Rantoul, IL, 7/3, Don 235-9862; 19th Tank Bn 9th Armd Div, Savannah, GA, 9/25-28, Keith Holmquist, Weckhorst, (217) 893-1613; Graham AB, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/9-11, John Mogus, (724) (864) 226-6869, [email protected]; 79th FBS Marianna, FL, 10/8-9, Chuck Guise, (814) 899- 325-2770; 24th Inf Div Assn, Albuquerque, (Woodbridge, UK, 1952-1955), Baton Rouge, 3552, [email protected]; Gunners Assn NM, 9/22-26, Wes Morrison, (831) 883-2156, LA, 9/16-18, Ray Gautreaux, (225) 357-8198; (AFGA), Charleston, SC, 9/22-25, Dan Danish, [email protected]; 25th MP Co (WWII, Japan, 86th Ftr/Bomb Grp (WWII), Branson, (201) 520-1517; HQ 48th Ftr Grp 492nd, 493rd Korea, Vietnam & Hawaii), Asheville, MO, 8/11-14, Sid Howard, (714) 992-2504, & 494th Ftr Sqdns (WWII), Tucson, AZ, 10/14- NC, 9/23-26, Ken Mulkey, (276) 988-2137, [email protected]; 87th Airdrome Sqdn 7th 16, Jake Cooper, (716) 633-6056, jco0128@aol. [email protected]; 28th Div 12th Inf & 20th AAF, Dearborn, MI, 10/2-5, Ray Rogers, com; Pilot Class 58-E, Bainbridge, GA, Rgt Assn, Erie, PA, 9/16-18, Dick Brinker, (814) (419) 734-4702, [email protected]; 90th 9/30-10/2, Dick Feaster, (209) 536-9106, 825-3553, [email protected]; 28th SRW, Savannah, GA, 10/27-30, Chuck Hale, [email protected]; Pilot Tng Classes Gen Hosp Assn, Hot Springs Nat’l Park, AR, (785) 865-5794, [email protected]; 52-G/H, Covington, KY, 9/18-22, Patrick Hazel, 10/6-10, Joe Lott, (870) 836-3725, wayx@seark. 91st Strat Recon Wing – 91st, 322nd, 323rd, (541) 673-3422; Red Horse Roundup, Harpers net ; 34th Div Sig Co (WWII), Watertown, SD, 324th SRS/91st ARS, FMS, AEMS, PMS, RTS, Ferry, WV, 6/25-27, Roger Miller, (814) 943- 8/27, Melvin Otto, (605) 886-3930; 34th Eng Supply Sqdn, HQSQ (McGuire, Barksdale, 0141, [email protected] Bn Const (WWII-1986), Branson, MO, 7/29-31, Lockbourne AFBs & Yokota AB), New Bryan Jackson, (423) 488-9223 London, CT, 9/16-20, Jim Bard, (410) 549-1094, Sampson AFB Vets Assn, Waterloo, [email protected] NY, 9/9-10, Chuck Giles, (716) 693-2080, 36th Mech Cav, New Orleans, 9/15-18, [email protected]; Shepherd’s Grove John Brewer, (985) 641-7657; 46th Eng 98th Bomb Grp/Wing Vets Assn, Arlington, AFB, Branson, MO, 11/7-12, Charles Lee, Bn Const (All Eras), Omaha, NE, 9/10-12, VA, 9/7-11, Dennis Posey, (770) 509-7734, (540) 721-2747, [email protected]; MerriAnn Anderson, (616) 361-5973; 47th Eng [email protected]; 99th Bomb Grp USAFSS Vietnamese Language Tng School Camouflage Bn (Fort Riley, KS, Nov 1950- (WWII), Baltimore, 9/8-12, Jim LaVey, (410) Class 02VN47B2469 3345th Tech School Nov 1952), Grand Island, NE, 9/21-23, Ted 252-5688; 100th SRW (SAC), Tucson, Det 2 (Biggs Field, Fort Bliss, TX), El Paso, George, (308) 382-6278; 51st Ftr Interceptor AZ, 6/5-6, John Loggins, (520) 498-9907, TX, 6/24-27, Lee Hawkins, (434) 237-2429, Wing Assn, Albany, NY, 9/9-11, Harold [email protected]; 301st Bomb Grp/Wings [email protected]; Westover AFSPPF/ Bauser, (845) 246-5818, [email protected]; Assn, Las Vegas, 10/28-30, Frank Riggsby, 6594th, 8th RTG/Weisbaden-Shierstein 51st Sig Bn, Nashville, TN, 9/14-16, Tommy (702) 254-0203, [email protected]; 307th 7499th/497th RTG, Bay St. Louis, MI, 10/3-8, Thompson, (817) 326-4773, tom@itexas. Bomb Wing/Grp (1946-1954), , 9/29- Jim Grimm, (352) 483-3772, [email protected] net; 52nd Cbt Avn Bn & Camp Holloway 10/3, Cyrus Johnson, (805) 495-3518; 343rd Assn, St. Louis, 10/7-10, Vern Gano, (636) SRS (1950s & 1960s), Topeka, KS, 9/9-10, Paul 441-3590, [email protected]; 59th Dolby, (260) 356-1761, paul68n@netscape. ARMY Armd FA Bn, Fort Chaffee, AR, 9/16-18, Robert net; 368th Ftr Grp 9th AF (WWII), Chicago, 1/77 Armor Bn/Rgt Assn “Steel Tigers,” Stella Sr., 314 Cool Springs Blvd. Suite 102, 9/30-10/3, Randolph Goulding, (678) 333-0241; Louisville, KY, 7/15-18, Tom Miller, (703) Franklin, TN 37067; 62nd Tank Bn (Kitzingen, 376th Bomb Grp, Covington, KY, 9/9-12, 476-1798, [email protected]; 1st Eng Cbt Germany, 1955-1958), Branson, MO, Charlie Yates, (817) 292-5900; 388th Med Bn, Springfield, MO, 9/12-15, Larry Blair, (505) 9/17-19, Sonny Vanderpool, (270) 725-4214, Depot, Hayes, KS, 9/16-19, O.M. Windholtz, 821-1386, [email protected] ; 2nd Chem [email protected] (785) 625-9492, [email protected]; 416th Mortar Bn, Norfolk, VA, 9/22-26, William & 531st Tact Ftr Sqdns 45th Tact Recon Thomas, (972) 387-1247, jnickerson@ 63rd Inf Div Assn, Falls Church, VA, 8/11-16, Sqdn “Polkadotters” 4th FIS (Misawa AB, capitalsouthwest.com; 2nd Eng Special Bde, Catherine Forrest, (610) 489-9523; 65th Field 1959-1964), Austin, TX, 10/6, Les Frazier, Anaheim, CA, 10/1-4, Paul Lieberman, (561) Hosp 3rd Army, Washington, 9/12-14, Dwaine [email protected]; 416th Bomb Grp (L), 482-9862; 2nd Chem Mortar Bn 461st Inf Bn, R. Lewis, (909) 676-8541; 68th AAA Gun

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Bn, Midland, TX, 9/23-26, Cliff Schlesinger, F Co 39th Inf Rgt 9th Inf Div (WWII), Wichita, Blondin, (360) 379-0736; 63rd NCB, Columbia, (432) 694-6653; 73rd AAA AW Bn (SP), KS, 9/23-26, James Brown, (316) 524-3780; MO, 9/9-12, John Morris, (262) 569-0770; 123rd Fredericksburg, VA, 9/7-11, Raymond Webb, G Co 119th Inf 30th Inf Div, Luray, VA, NCB, Williamsburg, VA, 8/5-8, Dan Sullivan, (540) 775-0452; 76th Cav Recon Grp, Fort 9/16-18, Jack Mace, (770) 590-7945; K Co (716) 826-4688; AGC All Ships Reunion, Mitchell, KY, 9/16-19, Harold Rowan, (919) 872- 387th Rgt 97th Div, Syracuse, NY, 9/9-11, Hebron, KY, 9/16-18, W. Ted Brandhoover, (412) 5693; 83rd Inf Div Assn (WWII), Pittsburgh, George Schmid, (315) 463-8765; L Co 411th 884-2650; Chuting Stars Navy Parachute 9/15-19, Sal Scicolone, (412) 441-5245; 89th Inf 103rd Div, Detroit, 9/23-25, Ralph Sulek, Teams (El Centro, Pensacola & Lakehurst), Chem Mortar Bn, Akron, OH, 9/10-12, Richard (313) 389-2365, [email protected]; Merrill’s Colorado Springs, CO, 9/23-26, Ed Kruse, McLennand, (412) 331-3802; 94th AAA AW Marauders, St. Louis, 9/3-5, Ray Lyons, 11244 (952) 322-1954, [email protected]; Co Bn (SP), Warrenton, OR, 8/14, Glenn Hawley, N. 33rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85028; Ret Army 158 (Great Lakes NTC, May-Aug 1961), Curt (360) 733-0433, honeybrownhhr@comcast. Finance Officers, Las Vegas, 10/8-11, J. Claud Taylor, (330) 966-3835, [email protected]. net; 96th Div Assn, Salt Lake City, 7/26-8/1, Wallace, (903) 983-2834, [email protected]; oh.us; DESLANT Baseball Team (1952-1956), Steve Melnyk, (801) 363-6781; 101st Abn Div Ret Army Finance Noncom Officers, Las Pensacola, FL, 9/9-12, Ken Spencer, (850) 492- “Screaming Eagle,” Hampton, VA, 8/4-8, Vegas, 10/8-11, Harry Miller, (303) 841-7091, 8384, [email protected]; Dest Escort Jim Shamblen, (757) 838-5654, slick77@cox. [email protected]; VII Corps LRRP Co Abn Sailors Assn, Fort Mitchell, KY, 9/26-30, Dori net; 104th Inf Div “Timberwolf,” St. (Nellingen, Germany, 1961-1969), Tacoma, Glaser, (386) 738-6900; Dest Div 59/60 – USS Louis, 8/30-9/6, Glen Lytle, (316) 636-5334, WA, 7/31-8/4, Joe Chetwynd, (781) 826-2259, Bernadou DD 153, USS Cole DD 155, USS [email protected]; 167th Eng Cbt Bn (Europe, [email protected]; VIII Corps 29th Dupont DD 152, USS Ellis DD 154, USS Dallas WWII), Branson, MO, 10/6-9, Jesse Hicks, (865) Inf Rgt 1st Bde Cbt (Fort Benning, GA), DD 199, Omaha, NE, 9/9-12, Louis Segal, (310) 922-2473 , TBA, Roy Young, (713) 942-2066 391-0825, [email protected] 213th ASHC, San Antonio, 11/7-11, Lorinda Escort Carrier Sailors & Airmen Assn, Boyle, (888) 750-7447, lorenda@sunsetcruises. COAST GUARD Braintree, MA, 9/19-22, John Smith, (515) com; 224th Heavy Mortar Co, Las Vegas, USCGC Androscoggin WHEC 68 (1967-1968), 289-1467, [email protected]; MCB 7, Toledo, 9/19-23, Bob Humble, (626) 966-6897, Charleston, SC, 9/16-20, Jim Bridges, (843) OH, 9/23-26, Denny Blaisdell, (419) 241-3000, [email protected]; 254th FA Bn, Fremont, 766-1060; USS Arthur Middleton APA 25, [email protected]; Mich USS OH, 9/3-5, Earle Schwark Sr., (440) 884- Frankfort, KY, 10/21-24, Len Suter, (502) 695- LCI Vets, Dearborn, MI, 9/28-29, Sam Rizzo, 4323; 260th Arty Grp 260th, 340th, 380th 4029; USS Leonard Wood Grp, New Orleans, (313) 886-5374, [email protected]; NAS (Twin AA/CA/AAA (WWII & Korea), Silver Spring, 10/4-8, Gene Hoski, (734) 254-0844; USS Cities), Minneapolis, 8/28, Jack Iverson, (952) MD, 10/16, E. Wayne Brizendine, (301) 770- Merrill DE 392, Milwaukee, 9/14-18, Robert 322-1249, [email protected]; Navy Mail 7876, [email protected]; 264th FA Bn (WWII), Fanello, (847) 272-2391 Serv Vets Assn, Arlington, VA, 9/7-12, John Florence, KY, 8/19-21, Bob Latz, (330) 493- Smerdon, (415) 333-6865, bjsmerdon@aol. 4657, [email protected]; 280th Eng Cbt JOINT com; USS Adirondack AGC 15, Erlanger, Bn, Washington, 9/9-12, Marlin Kreighbaum, KY, 9/15-19, Ted Branthoover, (412) 884-2650, (309) 691-9410, [email protected]; 313th 2nd, 4th & 7th Beach Bns, Roanoke, VA, [email protected]; USS Alcor AD 34, Inf 79th Cross of Lorraine Div, Pittsburgh, 9/4-9, Julius Shoulars, (757) 853-4061, Savannah, GA, 9/26-29, Janet Statts, (770) 7/19-20, Joseph Napoli, (410) 668-8469; 325th [email protected]; Nat’l Assn of Atomic 443-3583; USS Anderson DD 411, Lacrosse, Glider Inf Assn, Sandusky, OH, 9/29-10/2, Vets, San Diego, 9/26-29, William Harper, WI, 9/10-12, Richard Taylor Sr., (608) 847-5618; Leonard Weinstein, (216) 382-5132; 330th FA (480) 895-0676, pbharper@mindspring. USS Arizona BB 39, Tucson, AZ, 12/1-6, Joe Bn, Auburn, IN, 9/14-16, Raymond Krider, (260) com; Northeast USA Vietnam Vets Assn, Campbell, (520) 529-7494, rcmpbll@comcast. 745-4412, [email protected] Freehold, NY, 7/30-8/1, John Kellegher, net; USS Arlington AGMR 2, Mobile, AL, 10/6- (518) 634-7748, [email protected]; Project 10, Ken Cox, (517) 639-7376, [email protected] 337th-1338th Cbt Eng (Italy, WWII), SHAD/112 (1962-1970), , 6/26-27, Frank Wheeling, WV, 8/12-15, James White, (727) Tetro, (360) 876-0352, [email protected]; USS Baham AG 71, Savannah, GA, 9/1-3, 942-3179; 407th Cbt Eng Bn, Columbia, MO, Tan Son Nhut Assn, Bourbonnais, IL, 7/21-25, George Usher, (912) 754-6930; USS Belet APD 9/23-26, Louis Van Drie Sr., (573) 442-4234, Dean Gard, Robert Need, (757) 627-7746, 109, Covington, KY, 9/12-14, Erma Chasteen, [email protected]; 428th Mil Police Escort [email protected]; USS Mount (817) 292-5900; USS Bell Assn, Fort Mitchell, Co, Atlanta, 9/24-26, J.W. Burson, (770) 786- McKinley AGC/LCC 7, Branson, MO, 9/8-12, KY, 9/29-10/3, Michael Diveronica, (954) 2219, [email protected]; 434th, 435th, Patrick Tracy, (989) 687-6288, paddytom1@aol. 970-7329; USS Belleau Wood CVL 24/LHA 3, 532nd, 900th AA 473rd Inf Rgt, Wichita, KS, com; Vietnam Vets, Freehold, NY, 7/30-8/1, San Diego, 12/22-25, R. Fread, (727) 848-5409, 9/3-5, LeRoy Good, (765) 659-1256; 461st Inf John Kellegher, (518) 634-7748, jjk2897@aol. [email protected]; USS Billfish SSN 676/SS Bn, Norfolk, VA, 9/22-26, William Thomas, (972) com 286, Groton, CT, 11/4-7, Joe Damm, (860) 387-1247, [email protected]; 464-9295, [email protected]; USS Blue 489th Port Bn, Rock Island, IL, 9/14-16, John MARINES DD 744, St. Louis, 10/5-8, Ray Broussard, (706) Reynolds, (309) 788-8810; 508th AAA Opns 548-4788, [email protected]; USS Bristol Det, Midland, TX, 9/23-26, Cliff Schlesinger, 1st Armd Amph Bn (WWII), Oklahoma DD 857, San Antonio, 9/30-10/3, Edward C. (432) 694-6653; 509th Eng (PB) (Vietnam), City, 10/6-9, Robert Schwaninger, (405) Lynch, (732) 363-3846, [email protected]; St. Charles, IL, 8/6-8, Gary A. Beck, (630) 354-3173; 2nd Bn 1st Mar Rgt 1st Mar USS Brush DD 745, Branson, MO, 9/22-25, Joe 377-4355, [email protected]; 538th Ord Div (Korea), Seattle, 8/25-28, R.L. Payne, Rowland, (660) 433-5637, [email protected]; MAM Co (Korea, 1950-1955), Las Vegas, 6319 89th Ave. W., Tacoma, WA 98467, USS Bryce Canyon AD 36, Tucson, AZ, 10/14- 9/13-15, William Olynyk, (702) 434-1606, [email protected]; 3rd Bn 1st 17, John Seagrove, (520) 762-9424, kanejay@att. 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Branson, MO, Ken Paulson, (763) 261-2333; 12th Mar 3rd 155 Howitzer Btry 3rd Mar com; USS Corporal SS 346, Saratoga Springs, A Co 1st Bn 31st Inf 7th Inf Div, Branson, Div FMF, Las Vegas, 9/20-23, Joel Schuette, NY, 9/17, Terry Whitfield, (304) 845-6627, MO, 9/24-25, Howard Payne, (870) 863-9261, (760) 471-9756, [email protected]; [email protected]; USS Corson AVP 37, [email protected] Tri-State Mar Det 494 Mar Corps League, Branson, MO, 9/27-10/1, Robert Poole, (540) Youngstown, OH, 8/21, Frank Griffiths, (330) 343-4906, [email protected] AZ Army Sec Agency, Payson, AZ, 8/13- 533-2314; USS Philippine Sea CV 47 Mar 15, Jack Waer, (928) 476-2327, jackwaer@ Det, Harbor Springs, MI, 9/12-16, Ralph Lund, USS Cowpens CVL 25/CG 63, Cowpens, SC, cybertrails.com; B Co 9th AIB 6th Armd (215) 345-6430, [email protected]; VMF(N)-541 6/16-20, Carswell Wynne, (478) 923-8211; USS Div, Williamsburg, VA, 7/22-25, Ralph Grogan, “Bateye Sqdn,” San Diego, 9/19-21, John G. Cumberland Sound AV 17 (WWII Atomic (757) 898-5803; B Co 503rd MP Bn 3rd Army Devine, (570) 875-0898 Tests), Peoria, IL, 9/16-18, Gilbert Luckhardt, (WWII), Peter Joseph, (207) 872-2225; C Co (734) 428-9765; USS Damato DD/DDE 871, 31st Eng Bn (Vietnam, 1968-1970), Branson, Fort Myers Beach, FL, 9/16-18, Jack Allen, MO, 8/12-15, Forrest Pearish Jr., (417) 781-2584, NAVY (239) 466-4748; USS Damon M. Cummings [email protected]; 3rd Bn , Seattle, 9/29-10/2, Dwayne DE 643, Indianapolis, 10/3-7, James Hood,

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Bole DD 755, Reno, NV, 9/19-22, Mike Burke, (732) 849-0471, [email protected]; 931-7790, [email protected]; USS Wilhoite Springer, (715) 536-1526, mikelorrie755@msn. USS Point Cruz CVE 119, Chattanooga, DE/DER 397, Rogers, AR, Bobby Rider, (479) com; USS John Land AP 167, Port Angeles, TN, 10/13-16, Thomas Hart, (352) 753-2318, 968-6659, [email protected]; USS WA, 9/12-15, Dan Michalski, (360) 681-3556, [email protected]; USS Pollux AKS 2/4, Wright Assn AV 1/AG 79/CVL 49/CC 2 [email protected]; USS Jonas Mobile, AL, 10/20-24, Dudley Crawford, (619) & All Sqdns, Vancouver, WA, 9/15-19, Ed Ingram DD 938, Baltimore, 10/28-31, Gary 267-2247; USS Power DD 839, Savannah, Harvey, (229) 872-3940, edgin@caironet. Weiss, (352) 241-8582, [email protected]; GA, 9/12-15, Bob Pulaski, (843) 842-3381, com; USS Yancey AKA 93, San Francisco, USS Juneau CLAA 119, Norfolk, VA, 9/8-12, [email protected]; USS Proteus AS 11/4-7, George Clifton, (708) 425-8531, Edwin Cox, (843) 537-5848, edcox@adelphia. 19 (1943-1992), Lake Buena Vista, FL, 11/4-7, [email protected]; USS Zellars DD 777, net; USS Kiska AE 35, San Diego, 7/8-11, Bill Bentley, (407) 933-2480, wlbent@aol. Florence, KY, 9/23-26, Howard Blessit, (504) Dina Coffey, (828) 256-6008, dinamlrs@aol. com; USS Rankin AKA 103/LKA 0103, 770-1064 com; USS La Porte APA 151, Portland, Norfolk, VA, 10/28-31, Lou Sander, (412) OR, 9/15-19, Tom Turner, (503) 624-4971, 367-1376, [email protected] VAL-4 “Black Ponies,” Pensacola, FL, [email protected]; USS Lowndes APA 154, 10/15-17, Gary Rezeau, (321) 255-3655, Branson, MO, 9/30-10/3, William Kautz, (815) USS Rehoboth AVP/AGS 50, Boulder, CO, [email protected]; VC-94, Twin Falls, 344-6326, [email protected] 9/10-12, Ross Carlson, (740) 363-4605, ID, 9/19-22, Jack Lythgoe, (208) 733-4999, [email protected]; USS Reid DD [email protected]; VP-45 (VP-205) Assn, USS LSM 312, Clarksville, IN, 9/27-30, Don 369 & Other “Reiders,” Charleston, SC, Jacksonville, FL, 10/14-17, S.R. Riddle, McCarthy, (630) 762-0312, demccarthy@ 10/11-14, Rusty Pickett, (888) 497-2227, (817) 244-2703, [email protected]; VR-22, ameritech.net; USS LST 384, Mason City, [email protected]; USS Rich DE 695, Minneapolis, 8/18-22, Gene Shonkwiler, (863) IA, 9/8-12, Karl Zimmerman, (641) 423- Lynchburg, VA, 6/5-8, Roy P. Hudson, (434) 665-8463, [email protected]; X-107th 1585, [email protected]; USS LST 385-7513, [email protected]; USS Seabees, Williamsburg, VA, 9/16-19, Frank 525/USS Carolina County, Myrtle Beach, Rigel AF 58/AR 11, Colorado Springs, Kullmann, (201) 825-9465 SC, 10/4-8, Albert Tuner, (910) 215, 0707, CO, 9/23-26, Bill Short, (315) 252-5838, [email protected]; USS LST 569, Mystic, [email protected]; USS Rudyerd Bay CT, 10/24-28, Nat Collura, (914) 667-0220, CVE 81 & VC-77, VC-96, Portland, OR, COMRADES IN DISTRESS [email protected]; USS LST 907, Oct, William Mitchell, (909) 677-4382, Jacksonville NAS, Cook & Bakers School. Savannah, GA, 10/7-10, Inman Milton, (912) [email protected]; USS Sabine Paul M. Morgan seeks cook strikers or 826-5184; USS LST 912, Chicago, 9/6-8, Bob AO 25, Philadelphia, 9/9-12, John Clancy, other witnesses to verify he suffered Pfister, (812) 235-9965, [email protected]; (513) 731-5463; USS Saginaw Bay CVE 82 & serious sinus injuries when caught in a USS LST 1027, Mystic, CT, 10/24-28, Nat VC-78, VC-88, Portland, ME, Rita Homman, corrosive chlorine cloud near the pool Collura, (914) 667-0220, nat_collura2000@ (740) 654-1651, [email protected]; USS area sometime between January and June yahoo.com; USS Lunga Point CVE 94, Salamaua CVE 96 & Sqdns VC-70, VC-87, 1945. CID 1460 Braintree, MA, 9/19-22, Warren Hoffpauir, Salt Lake City, 9/1-4, Calvin Brown, (801) (337) 783-1332, [email protected]; USS 359-3214 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS Lyman K. Swenson DD 729, Springfield, MO, 9/30-10/3, Donald Snider, (619) 421- USS Sample DE/FF 1048, Pensacola, FL, Post 96, CT: Clifford R. Liljedahl 3651, [email protected] 10/21-24, Dina Coffee, (828) 256-6008, Post 69, MI: Dave A. Greiner [email protected]; USS Samuel Post 130, NY: Joseph J. Guidice Sr., William USS Makassar Strait CVE 91 & VC 97, Chase APA 26, Washington, 10/14-17, T. Mayer, John F. Ramundo Jr. Branson, MO, 9/22-25, Gene Pfeifer, (641) Jay York, (317) 849-1283, ymudcreek@aol. 423-0610; USS Mars AFS 1, Annapolis, com; USS San Marcos LSD 25, Mystic, IN SEARCH OF MD, 9/10-12, John Pierce, 11628 VFW Road, CT, 9/30-10/3, Ray Willis, (419) 331-4699, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827; USS McNulty [email protected]; USS Saugus LSV 4 2/17th Arty 1st Cav Div (Ankhe, Vietnam, DE 581, Washington, 9/24-26, Robert (WWII), Abilene, KS, 9/20-22, George 1965-1966), John Melvin Tinsman Jr., (540) Muffly, (570) 437-2262, aerosight@aol. Hasten, (217) 826-2784; USS Seacat SS 399, 869-2394, [email protected] com; USS Mississippi EAG 128, St. Louis, Savannah, GA, 9/19-24, Roy Goodwin, (919) 2nd Msl Bn 81st Arty Firing Btry 9/30-10/3, Roger Moscone, (619) 423-5847, 776-6440, [email protected]; USS (Erlangen, Germany, May 1962-Dec [email protected]; USS Monitor Selfridge DD 357, Reno, NV, 9/27-10/1, Leslie 1963), Phillip Cross, P.O. Box 1, Irvington, LSV 5 (WWII), Abilene, KS, 9/20-22, George Johnson, (402) 334-8340; USS Sheridan APA VA 22480, [email protected] Hasten, (217) 826-2784; USS Montauk LSV 6 151 (WWII), New Orleans, 10/17-20, Robert 3rd Air Trans Sqdn (Charleston AFB, SC, (WWII), Abilene, KS, 9/20-22, George Hasten, Rodriguez, (504) 831-6762; USS Simon Jan 1964-July 1966), Tracey Crozier, (423) (217) 826-2784; USS Monticello LSD 35, Lake AS 33, Charleston, SC, 11/3-7, Gordon 421-6833 Las Vegas, 6/24-26, Robert Behm, (209) 772- Sanders, (757) 588-2023, usn3030@aol. 3rd Amph Recon Co 3rd Mar Div (Guam & 0543, [email protected]; USS Mount Katmai com; USS Sirius AF 60, Augusta, GA, , 1943-1945), Ken Neuman, (320) AE 16, Portland, OR, 9/5-7, Mickey Ganitch, Sept, Charles Wilson, (706) 855-5242, 679-1337, [email protected] (510) 352-1257, [email protected]; USS [email protected] 3rd Inf Rgt “Old Guard” (All Eras), Brett Mountrail APA 213, Biloxi, MS, 9/30-10/3, Reistad, (703) 963-8636, reistadbp@aol. Don DiCoio, (973) 696-3275, d-dicoio@webtv. USS Somersworth PCER/EPCER 849, com net; USS Nassau CVE 16 Assn, San Diego, Somersworth, NH, 7/17, Bill Devine, (248) 4th Eng C Bn (Hanau, Germany, 1950- 9/15-18, Sam A. Moore, (909) 795-6070 628-1845, [email protected]; USS Susan 1955), Dick Taylor, (702) 878-1742, B. Anthony AP 72 & USS Mona Island, [email protected] USS Nastrona APA 214, San Diego, 9/22-26, Roanoke, VA, 9/30-10/3, Claude Newman, 4th FA Bn “Mule Pack” (Fort Carson, CO, Hoyt Ambrosius, (909) 766-4990; USS (540) 890-1448; USS Strong DD 467/DD 1953-1955), G. Gooch, (636) 947-1379, Natoma Bay CVE 62, San Antonio, 9/12-15, 758, Baton Rouge, LA, 9/14-19, Ed Semoneit, [email protected] Al Alcorn, (661) 245-3869; USS New Kent (732) 721-8732; USS Sylvania AKA 44/AFS 8th Inf Div H Co 61st Rgt (Fort Carson, CO APA 217, Savannah, GA, 9/29-10/3, Lovett 2, Annapolis, MD, 9/10-12, John Pierce, 11628 & Germany, 1956-1958), Wilson Hoffman, Briggs, (478) 454-1138, [email protected]; VFW Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827; USS (610) 845-2443 USS Niagara AFS 3, Annapolis, MD, 9/10-12, Tattnall DD 125/APD 19, Chicago, 10/6- 10th Inf Div C Co 86th Rgt (Schweinfurt, John Pierce, 11628 VFW Road, Eaton Rapids, 10, Anthony De Marco, 31 Buxton Court, Germany, 1955-1958), Doug Hilbrands, MI 48827; USS Noble APA 218, Portland, Southampton, NJ 08088; USS Theodore E. (712) 475-3400, [email protected] OR, 5/13-16, Vince Clarke, (717) 774-3172, Chandler DD 717, Biloxi, MS, 10/7-9, James 24th S&T Bn (Augsburg, Germany, 1966- [email protected]; USS Oak Hill LSD Crouch, (505) 748-3909; USS Thomas J. Gary 1970), Robert Hines Jr., (781) 828-8099 7, New Orleans, 10/21-24, Pat Patterson, DE/DER 326, Branson, MO, 11/9-12, Ron 43rd Div HQ Finance Sect (Augsburg, (928) 337-2670, [email protected]; Day, (315) 344-8823, ronday@westelcom. Germany, Jan 1952-Dec 1953), Thomas USS Oberon AKA 14 (1944-1955), Indian com; USS Thomaston LSD 28, Reno, NV, Kujala, (906) 293-5859 Rocks Beach, FL, 9/16-18, Pete Agnello, 10/6-8, Dave Hammock, (319) 396-5065, 44th CB (Pacific, WWII), Addison Jones, (727) 392-0089, [email protected]; [email protected] (706) 663-4851 USS O’Callahan DE/FF 1051, Pigeon Forge, 50th Ord Co (Kaizerslautern, Germany, TN, 9/24-26, Ed Boruff, (865) 681-6187, USS Tomich DE 242, Fort Mitchell, KY, 1959-1960), Frank Kemper, (732) 634-2413 [email protected]; USS Ogden LPD 5, 9/26-30, Harold Roth, (618) 576-2606, 67th AAA Gun Bn (El Paso, TX, & Pensacola, FL, 9/30-10/3, W. Joe MacFarlane, [email protected]; USS Trathen DD Germany, 1949-1954), Dale Minor, (559) (781) 331-5511, [email protected]; USS Osage 530, San Diego, 9/30-10/2, Ron Keeler, (540) 582-6185 LSV 3 (WWII), Abilene, KS, 9/20-22, George 459-7272, [email protected]; USS Trinity AO 90th Strat Recon Wing (Forbes AFB, Hasten, (217) 826-2784; USS Pascagoula 13, Seattle, 9/8-11, Peter Schmidt, (206) 522- Topeka, KS, 1950-1961), Chuck Hale, (785) PCE 874, Omaha, NE, 6/3-6, Harry Kalbach, 5333, [email protected]; USS 865-5794, [email protected]

60 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine 101st Abn Div Movement Cont Ctr Firemen, Vietnam, Jan-May 1971), Keith Memb. 1983-1985 and Nat’l Public (Camp Eagle, Vietnam, 1969-1971), Rich Grimme, (859) 781-4031 Relations Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. Hosking, (480) 802-9032 USS Rankin AKA/LKA 103 (1945-1971), Lou 1983-1985. 144th Sig Bn A Co 4th Armd Div (Cooke Sander, (412) 367-1376, [email protected] Tillson L. Gorsuch, Dept. of Colorado. Barracks, Geoppingen, Germany, 1962- USS Satterlee DD 626, Bernard McNaughton, Nat’l Mbrshp. & Post Activ. Cmte. Memb. 1965), Bill Middlestate, (315) 543-2793 (301) 725-3505, bernieka3vuw@ aol.com 1956-1957 and 1961-1963, Nat’l Trans. 146 Hosp Ship Tasman (WWII), Bruce Keyser, USS Towhee AGS 28 (1965-1969), Larry Cmte. Vice Chmn. 1960-1961, Nat’l (215) 362-2942, [email protected] Pellegrino, (907) 696-1825, larry.pellegrino@ Distinguished Guests Cmte. Vice Chmn. 440th ASF Band (Halloran Gen Hosp, elmendorf.af.mil 1984-1985, Nat’l Foreign Relations Cncl. Staten Island, NY, Jan-June 1946), J.C. USS YMS 303 (South Pacific, 1943-1946), Vice Chmn. 1986-1987, Dept. Cmdr. Bennett, (602) 279-2030 George “Sparky” Matthis, (919) 676-9436, 1987-1988, Nat’l Homeland Security Cncl. 458th Ord Evac Co (Europe, Aug 1943-Nov [email protected] Vice Chmn. 1988-1989, Nat’l Veterans 1945), Glenn Halloway, (660) 963-2295 VIII Corps 29th Inf Rgt 1st Bde Cbt Motor Affairs & Rehab. Cmsn. Exec. Sect. Memb. 517th Ord HM FA (US & Pacific, 1943- Patrol (Fort Benning, GA, 1959-1962), 1989-1995 and VA Volunteer Serv. Rep. 1946), Joseph Menegus, (908) 475-2895 Roy Young, (713) 942-2066 2002-2004. 523rd Eng Pipeline Co (Korea, 1953-1954), Yankee Div 101st FA Serv Co (WWII), Bruce Percy, Dept. of New York. American Harold Echternacht, (660) 762-4233 William Warner, (269) 795-7017 Legion Endowment Fund Corp. Memb. 525th FIS (Landstuhl & Bitburg, Germany, 1948-1952, Nat’l Distinguished Guests 1955-1970), Albert “Mike” Mikuski, (802) TAPS Cmte. Memb. 1950-1951, Dept. Cmdr. 254-6297, [email protected] 1952-1953, Alt. Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. 585th, 36th K-9 (1960-1965), Jerry Zill, (702) Don S. Banks, Dept. of Washington. Nat’l 1952-1954, Nat’l Sec. Cmsn. Memb. 1953- 896-1909, [email protected] Defense Preparedness Cmte. Nat’l Cmdr.’s 1971, and Nat’l Sec. Cmsn. Vice Chmn. 595th SAW Bn (Pandi, , 1944- Rep. 1986-1991, Dept. Cmdr. 1991-1992 1962-1963 and 1968-1970. 1945), Robert Miller, (315) 762-4255 and Nat’l Naval Affairs Cmte. Memb. Edward Wysocki, Dept. of New Jersey. 708th Ord Bn C Co (Mannheim, Germany, 1999-2004. Nat’l Rehab. Cmsn. Advisory Board 1961-1964), Paul Kline, [email protected] Willard H. Dunn, Dept. of Washington. Memb. 1958-1960, Dept. Cmdr. 1960-1961, 934th Sig Bn 5th Comm Grp (Korea, Nat’l Conv. Cmsn. Advisory Board Memb. Nat’l Vice Cmdr. 1961-1962, Nat’l Public 1950-1953), Chuck Siegismund, 1400 1978-1979, Alt. Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. Relations Cmsn. Liaison Cmte. Memb. Foxwood Drive, Jacksonville, AR 72076, 1981-1983, Nat’l Res. Assignment Cmte. 1961-1962 and Nat’l Aerospace Cmte. [email protected] Memb. 1981-1984, Nat’l Exec. Cmte. Memb. 1962-1986. 3317th Tng Sqdn Class 19092A Airframe Repair (Amarillo AFB, TX, Sept 1962-Jan 1963), Tracey Crozier, (423) 421-6833 3380th Student Tng Sqdn (Biloxi, MS, Mar- Oct 1954), Dwaine Palm, dwaine_palm@ yahoo.com CLASSIFIED 7508th Air Police Sqdn (Brize Norton, England, 1952-1955), Fred Boring, (863) 299-0361, [email protected] SEND ADVERTISING COPY AND REMITTANCE TO: (877) 945-0862. Volume discounts, free shipping, A Co 1st Bn 31st Inf 7th Inf Div “Bearcats” Joan Rizzo, Classified Advertising, The American free lighters. (Camp Casey, Korea, 1967), Howard Legion Magazine, c/o Fox Associates, Inc., 347 Payne, (870) 863-9261, paynehoward@ 5th Ave., Suite 1110, New York, NY 10016. (212) WWW.ASHESANDBUTTS.COM. Discount tax free hotmail.com 725-2106, FAX (212) 779-1928. All classified tobacco products, (866) 362-5346. $5 off first B Co 3rd Bn 77th Armor 5th Div “Red advertising is payable in advance by check or order. Quantity discounts available. Diamond” (Fort Devens, Camp Drum & money order. Please make remittance payable INVESTMENTS Fort Stewart, 1962-1964), Douglas “Dick” to “The American Legion Magazine.” RATES: Dixon Sr., (812) 825-9759 $24 per word. Count street addresses and box MONTHLY-QUARTERLY CHECKS, Track record C Co 370th Eng Bt Bn (Panama & numbers as two words; all city, state and zip plus tax benefits. Oil and gas royalty income Labrador, 1951-1953), Quent Kottsick, codes as three words. CIRCULATION: 2,550,000 also. Contact L.J. Sabean, World Financial, (888) (320) 532-3390 per month. DEADLINE: Advertising copy must 667-4550, [email protected]. Co 343 (Great Lakes NTC, Sept 1950), be received 60 days before cover date of issue Russ Riley, (740) 983-9835, barbarariley@ desired. All advertisements are accepted at the MUSIC/MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS earthlink.net discretion of the publisher. C Trp 3rd Sqdn 8th Cav 8th Inf Div DEERING BANJO COMPANY offers discounts to vet- (Coleman Barracks, Mannheim, erans on quality banjos from $299. American made. Germany, 1969-1972), Paul Heitritter, (563) APPAREL Free catalog, (800) 845-7791 Ext. Am. Legion. 245-1424, [email protected] OF INTEREST TO ALL D Co 1/12 Inf 4th Inf Div (Vietnam, SUSPENDERS. Patented “no-slip clip.” Catalog, 1967-1968), Don Hiemstra, (262) 728-2842, (800) 700-4515 , www.suspenders.com. WWW.UNDOCINSIGNIA.COM. [email protected] BANNERS Flt 2696 USAF Basic Tng (Lackland AFB, AT LAST: A PICTURE OF GOD, www.gibrob.com. San Antonio, Jan-Apr 1948), Jim Roe, HOOORAH ! FULL COLOR PHOTO QUALITY BAN- NERS for all military units, any location/event. BETTER THAN VIAGRA? Works immediately. (254) 836-4074, [email protected] Buy 2, get 1 free, (800) 458-1613. 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Howitzer Btry 3rd Mar Div FMF, Joel PERSONALS Schuette, (760) 471-9756, burntorangjoel@ BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. Ivy House Pub- aol.com lishing Group. Write: 5122 Bur Oak Circle, Dept. WWW.MILITARYVETCHAT.COM. Nav Tng Class 55-07 (Harlingen AFB, TX), AL, Raleigh, NC 27612, (800) 948-2786. Jim Mach, (509) 935-6860, jandmmach@ MEET NICE SINGLES. Free catalog, (931) 879-4625. inwi.net BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WANTED Plt 1096 (MCRD San Diego, Nov-Dec 1943), F.E. “Rick” Reichert, 19037 Sombrero ENTREPRENEUR’S DREAM. Seeking leaders. Hi- CAMERAS: Leica, Rolleiflex, Nikon-Canon Range- Circle, Sun City, AZ 85373 tech wind powered roof top energy system. finder, SLR, Alpa, Contax. Modern-unusual, Ger- Staff Judge Advocate (HQ Fort Bragg, NC, Home/commercial models. American/German man, Japanese, (800) 956-9132. 1978 & Frankfurt/am Main, 1978-1982), technology. Exclusive distribution, (888) 286-6192. Bill Mackowiak, (630) 889-1660, bill. 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June 2004 61 The American Legion Magazine

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June 2004 63 The American Legion Magazine parting shots Every town has gossip. If you don’t hear any, you’re it.

TWO BOYS from the city were on a camping trip. The mosqui- toes were so fi erce that the boys had to hide under their blankets to keep from being bitten. Then one of them saw some fi refl ies and said to his friend, “We might as well give up. They’re coming at us with fl ashlights!”

ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD n The ventilation system of any building is the perfect hiding place. No one will ever think of looking for you inside, and you can travel to any other part of the “Wow. I hope it didn’t ram the boat.” building without diffi culty. n You’re likely to survive any electronic timing battle of any war unless you devices with large red make the mistake of showing readouts so you someone a picture of your know exactly when sweetheart back home. they’re going to n All beds have special L-shaped go off. cover sheets that reach up to n A detective can armpit level on a woman but only solve a case only to waist level on the man lying when he has been beside her. suspended from n If being chased through town, duty. you can usually take cover in a n Medieval peasants passing St. Patrick’s Day parade had perfect teeth. at any time of the year. n Any person waking n All bombs are fi tted with from a nightmare will “I have to admit – you do a great bolt upright and pant. impression of the man.” n It is always possible to park directly outside needed immediately. Big bucks any building you are visiting. possible!” n When paying for a taxi, don’t n At a golf course: “Putt an end look at your wallet as you take to your troubles.” out a bill. Just grab one at n On a tire company: “Our tires random and hand it over. It will will give your car good traction always be the exact fare. on wet roads. We skid you not!” n At a taxi company: “We drive A MAN slowly hobbled into the away all our customers.” doctor’s waiting room, bent n On an oil rig: “We do a fuel almost double, grasping a cane in day’s work.” one gnarled claw. Another patient looked on sympatheti- HOW DO YOU get a man to do cally. “Arthritis with complica- sit-ups? Put a remote control tions?” the patient asked. between his toes. “No,” the man replied. “Do-it- yourself with cinderblocks!” HOW MANY surgeons does it take to remove a lightbulb? None. “I need time to consider your SILLY SIGNS You don’t need it out today, but if fabulous offer. Give me your n On a barbecue restaurant: it continues to give you trouble, number, and I’ll call you back “House of Grill Repute” you should consider having it tomorrow night during dinner.” n On a rodeo gate: “Bronc riders removed.

64 June 2004 The American Legion Magazine Asbestos Cancer Hits Former Sailors

Many sailors who served their country proudly aboard ships in the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War eras, are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers.

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