_______________________________________
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
. __ .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ .
. ( * \ .
. Managing Editor \ Quangtri .
. ---------------- \_/\ \_ Hue .
. G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai .
. \_* \_ .
. Distribution Manager \ * ) .
. -------------------- _/ Danang .
. Jerry Hindle \|/ ( \_*Chu Lai .
. --*-- \_ ------- \__ .
. /|\ \_ I Corps \ .
. Section Editors \ ------- ! .
. --------------- /\_____ ! .
. INCARCERATED VETS: Joyce Flory / ! \ .
. MIA/POW: Paul Bylin ! !___ \ .
. ! \/\____! .
. KEEPER OF THE LIST: Joyce Flory ! ! .
. / Dak To ! .
. / * / .
. ! \_ .
. ! Phu Cat\ .
. \ * * ) .
. \ Pleiku ) .
. -*- N A M V E T -*- \ \ .
. / / .
. "In the jungles of 'Nam, some of us ( -------- ! .
. were scared and wary, but we pulled _\ II Corps ! .
. one another along and were able / -------- \ .
. to depend on each other. That has \ \ .
. never changed. Today, free of the ! * / .
. criticisms and misunderstandings _/ Nhatrang / .
. many veterans have endured, _/ / .
. NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! .
. a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! .
. reminder that the _____( )/ ! Camranh Bay .
. lessons learned / !__ ! .
. at such a high / \ / .
. price shall not \ Bien Hoa \ / .
. be forgotten - ! Chu Chi * \ __/ .
. nor the errors \_ * --------- \ ___/ .
. repeated!!!" ____ \ III Corps \ _/ .
. / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ Duplication in .
. ! ( ___/ any form permitted .
. _____! \__ * ___/ for NONCOMMERCIAL .
. ! Saigon/ purposes ONLY! .
. \___ -------- / \/ .
. \ IV Corps / For other use, contact: .
. ) -------- / .
. / ! G. Joseph Peck (813) 885-1241 .
. / ____/ Managing Editor .
. / Mekong/ .
. ! Delta/ This newsletter is comprised of articles .
. ! ____/ and items from individuals and other .
. ! / sources. We are not responsible for the .
. ! / content of this information nor are any of .
. ! __/ NamVet's contributors or Section Editors. .
. \_/ gjp .
. .
Seventh Annual NamVet Page i
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
==================================================================
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
1. From US to YOU
Short ... but meaningful ................................. 1
Happy Birthday NamVet!!! ................................. 2
The President's Veterans' Day Proclamation ............... 3
Copyright Notice ......................................... 5
2. Keep on keeping on!
Yahrzeit '88 ............................................. 6
Maggie ................................................... 9
The Silent Warrior ....................................... 12
Murphy's list continues to grow! ......................... 13
Sermon from Mount Dong Quang ............................. 15
3. Heart to heart...
Honoring Vietnam's Hidden Casualties ..................... 16
I was there just last night .............................. 18
eterans Day at The Wall .................................. 21
Family Ties .............................................. 24
Let YOUR Congressperson KNOW!!!! ......................... 26
4. Let my people go!
MIA/POWs. Does anyone REALLY care? ...................... 27
Does one person's effort REALLY count? ................... 29
They haven't forgotten US!!! ............................. 31
How will the Vietnam war end? ............................ 32
US Government Cover-up Exposed ........................... 35
Vietnam Casualty Inscribed on Wall ....................... 36
Remember? ................................................ 37
5. The NamVet Chapel
Proper Perspective!! ..................................... 38
The Electronic Chapel .................................... 39
6. Prepared ... but not
OH, How Far It's Come .................................... 40
Imprisoned Vietnam vets have voice ....................... 42
A visit or note once in awhile? .......................... 45
Common Sense? ............................................ 46
Incarcerated Veterans .................................... 47
Vietnam Veterans ......................................... 49
7. Don't eat or drink!
Veterans and Agent Orange ................................ 55
Break out the Clearasil ! ............................ 70
8. Veteran commo from Uncle Sam and ...
DVA & Women Veterans Health Programs ..................... 71
VWMP's Sister Search ..................................... 75
VWMP's Sister Search Form ................................ 76
VWMP Products for 1994 ................................... 77
9. Bits n' Pieces
Vets Bits .......................................... 78
Been there ... done that! ................................ 81
Babykillers, that's what we were called .................. 82
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
10. VETLink BBS Spotlight
Traumatized Vet Helps Others Via Computer ................ 83
11. Eternal Vigilance ...
NamVet/IVVEC Service Department! ......................... 86
Treat Our Flag Right ..................................... 87
Our Flag - Part 2 ........................................ 88
Our Flag - Part 3 ........................................ 89
12. IVVEC Phonebook/Information
IVVEC Phonebook .......................................... 90
Happy Birthday NamVet!!! ................................. 99
Some Gave All... ......................................... 100
Seventh Annual NamVet Page ii
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
==================================================================
From US to YOU
==================================================================
Short ... but meaningful
By Gjoseph Peck
NamVet's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
Patty calls kitten-now-cat Piglet; I call her Squirt. If you've
been following our NamVet's for a time, you'll recognize the name
"LZ English" - the name given a kitten by one of the characters in
a past editorial; the kitten who, in a sense, brought to one of
our near-fictionalized Nam vet the realization that Life _does_ go
on and we _must_ "keep on keeping on" when it would be kind of
"safe" to just stay right where we are, doing things we're
familiar with. She's sitting on top of the monitor, carefully
watchin' my fingers fly across the keyboard and making SURE I'm
doing things as near right as I can (I haven't taught her how to
spell-check yet though ). Kind of looks like she _knows_
that this, our 7th Annual NamVet, won't be done until my editorial
is finally finished.
"Please don't take all night again," I can almost hear her
thinking as her bright beady eyes stare at me, ears perking when
the keyboard slows. "Please don't take all night again... there's
lots of veterans out there in cyberspace that are waiting for this
to get done..."
I thought I had a critic on my shoulder BEFORE ... THIS one
stares at me until my job is done!
Click ... click ... click ...
" .... the ultimate tragedy in life is not failure. The
ultimate tragedy is to be unwilling to take risks when significant
purposes present themselves!"
Without further ado, I present to you our Seventh Annual edition
of NamVet ... and sincerely thank all of those who have
contributed to it, who have read it, who eagerly look forward to
the next issue coming off the electronic presses.
Thank you ALL for giving SPECIAL meaning to MY life ...
'til next time
Show a brother or sister veteran
that YOU care!!!
-= Joe
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 1
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAM_VET!!!!
* * * * * * *
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
___| |___| |____| |____| |____| |___| |___| |___
| |
| Putting unity in our Veteran CommUNITY!! |
________| |________
G. Joseph Peck * John Mendes * Jerry Hindle * Ray Moreau * Doc
Megan Flom * Dave Doehrman * Joan Renne * Dale Malone * Jeff Beer
Clay Tannacore * Jim Hildwine * Lefty Frizzell * Alex Humphrey
Craig Roberts * Ray Walker * Bill Plude * Jim Ferguson * Bil Cook
Ed Brant * Mike Harris * Glenn Toothman * Carl Dunn * Don Purvis
Fred Sochacki * Sarge Hultgren * George Currie * Rick Bowman
Doug McArthur * Sam Thompson * Marsha Ledeman * David Nieuwouldt
George Fallon * Bob Douglas * Ken Knowlton * R.J. Christenson
Martin Kroll * Glen Kepler * Terry Hayes * Lydia Fish * Jim Ennes
Karen Winnett * Scott Summers * Ralph Carlson * Joe Meadors
Mike Kelley * Chick Curry * Charles Harper * David Kirshbaum
George Winters * Bob Smith * Aulton White * James Nerlinger Jr.
Gordon Giroux * Rod Germain * Todd Looney * Bac Si * Pete Farias
Brad Meyers * Max Green * Marge Clark * Ann Murrell * John Sakers
Bob Morris * Gale Barrows * Joe Roske * Ralph Feller * Jack Moore
Geoffery Setser * James Capelle * Rick McMahon * Chris Pollack
Richard Morrow * Henry Elsworth * Jesse Kitson * Jim Henthorn
Art Fellner * Harlow Campbell * Rick Kelley * Mike Readinger
Richard Wolbaum * Walt Fletcher * Mike Halley * Gary Searles
Larry Kerr * Patti Porter * Wade Fallin * Lance Cooper * Jim Fine
Bob Wieters * Ken & Joyce Flory * Mike Dacus * George Marsh
Randall Dickerson * Steve Byars * Jon Mankowski * Henry Van Leer
Chuck Reed * Paul Bylin * John Olsen * Rick Cowan * Larry Pulka
Arthur Caby * Ron Allen * David Coleman * Dave Smith * Dan Nance
Robert Johnson * Larry Easley * William G. Smith * Art Dunkle
Jeff Patterson * Eddie Shoe * Van Hoyle * Russ Terry * Bob Smith
Henry France * Gordon Roberts * Mary & John McGill * Lance Culp
Gerald Thibodeaux * Jerry Murphy * Stephen O'Donnell * Don O'Dell
________________________________________________________________jef
>>>>>>> and all the rest of us!!!! <<<<<<<
Our *-SEVENTH-* Year
" Service with Pride! "
The International Newsletter for Vietnam Veterans
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 2
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
The President's Veterans' Day Proclamation
Provided by Jeff Beer
VETLink #50 - Fairfield Bay, AR
(501) 884-6277
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_____________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 27, 1994
VETERANS DAY, 1994
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Each year, we set aside November 11 to honor the men and women
who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces. Their stories are
not only of past glory and current sacrifice; their lasting
contributions are to our future as well. Their deeds and
dedication assure us and the generations to come that America's
great promise of freedom and happiness will endure and flourish.
Fifty years ago on this day, American forces of World War II
were pushing the enemy back across the European continent,
liberating hundreds of thousands along the way. These heroic
Americans fought to win the peace, not just for themselves and for
their Nation, but for oppressed millions in many lands.
The world has changed tremendously since then. Today, the
international role of the United States has evolved from
peacemaker to peacekeeper. And still we call upon our Armed
Forces to serve our Nation and to defend the cause of freedom
everywhere. Our men and women in uniform understand that the
ideals of democracy and self-determination are larger than any
single nation. The blood of Americans spilled on battlefields
from Normandy to Korea to Vietnam and the vigilant defense of
freedom throughout the Cold War have taught us a lasting lesson:
America can only rest secure when every individual knows liberty
and all nations live at peace.
It is an extraordinary person who is willing to step in harm's
way to protect others. Our Nation has always been blessed with an
abundance of such men and women. We owe our veterans an
inestimable debt of gratitude. On this day, we recognize how much
they have done, and are doing, to make a better, safer tomorrow
for all of us.
In order that we may pay due tribute to those who have served
in our Armed Forces, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103 (a))
that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public
holiday to honor America's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, November 11, 1994,
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 3
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
as "Veterans Day." I urge all Americans to honor the resolution
and commitment of our veterans through appropriate public
ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and
local government officials to display the flag of the United
States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in
their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations,
places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to
support this national observance with suitable commemorative
expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-
seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred
and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and nineteenth.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 4
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
> * - Copyright Notice - * ____/~~\_ <
< ( * \ >
> Prepared by G. Joseph Peck \ Quangtri <
< NamVet Project \_/\ \_ Hue >
> Electronic Veterans' Centers of \_Ashau Phu Bai <
< America Corporation (EVAC) \_* \_ >
> Copyright 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, \_ * ) <
< 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 _/ Danang >
> ( \_*Chu Lai <
< All rights reserved. \_ ------- \__ >
> \_ I Corps \ <
< NamVet is a collective volunteer \ ------- ! >
> effort comprised of articles and /\_____ ! <
< items sharing veteran-related news, / ! \ >
> experiences and resources amongst ! !___ \ <
< veterans, their family members, ! \/\____! >
> concerned others and health, ! ! <
< educational and correctional / Dak To ! >
> institutions. / * / <
< ! \_ >
> ! Phu Cat\ <
< Segments of this newsletter may be \ * * ) >
> excerpted for counseling, self- \ Pleiku ) <
< help, dissemination amongst veteran \ \ >
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< scholarly purposes without further ( -------- ! >
> permission; it is requested only _\ II Corps ! <
< that proper credit be given to the / -------- \ >
> author of a particular article and \ \ <
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> _/ Nhatrang / <
< ANY OTHER USE REQUIRES THE _/ / >
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< _ __/ \ ! >
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< Corporation \ Bien Hoa \ / >
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< \_ * --------- \ ___/ >
> . ____ \ III Corps \ _/ <
< / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ >
> ! ( ___/ <
< _____! \__ * ___/ >
> ! Saigon/ <
< \___ -------- / \/ >
> \ IV Corps / <
< ) -------- / CONTACT: >
> / ! Electronic Veterans' Centers of <
< / ____/ America Corporation (EVAC) >
> / Mekong/ ATTN: G. Joseph Peck <
< ! Delta/ Managing Editor - NamVet >
> ! ____/ Post Office Box 261692 <
< ! / Tampa, Florida 33615-1692 >
< ! / VOICE: (813) 885-1241 <
< ! __/ >
< \_/ gjp <
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 5
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
==================================================================
Keep on keeping on!
==================================================================
Yahrzeit '88
Submitted Anonymously
My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains
My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk,
Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains
One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk:
- John Keats "Ode to a Nightingale"
She put them up in a brass and stained oak frame. Against the
white satin background they didn't appear so ominous, and didn't
supply a hint as to the way in which they are awarded. A pretty
color, like that on the robes of royalty; pure and deep with
majestic allusion. On a weekly basis, she polished the frame,
keeping the brass as bright as a ray of morning sunlight. The
glass was so spotless that it was possible to see quite clearly
ones own reflection. She picked a conspicuous spot for them,
and fastened them to the wall in the hallway.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
But I didn't look at them. I didn't want to see the morbid days
and endless nights that caused their arrival. I didn't want to
face the face that won these prizes through violent means. But
she kept polishing the brass and glass, commenting "They are
precious metals" to those who asked about them. And they hung
there on the wall, passed each time a step was taken in the
hall.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
Each week she would clean them, and the evening sun would cast a
reflected light ray to the end of the hall. Each week she would
polish them with a tenderness as if they were children to be
held. She never said a word about them, but it was easy to tell
she was extremely curious about their origins.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
Any appeal to remove them was met with stern disapproval. She
wanted something to remind her of what had happened, even if she
didn't know exactly what that was. She never pried, but held me
gently on the nights I would wake up soaked in sweat and tears.
She never complained, and never wanted out; instead she would
shed tears for my fears, and cry for my sorrows. And every
week, she would clean and polish them, until like a beacon they
shone.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
The sleepless nights faded into the past, the weeks melted into
months, and the months passed into years. And each week she
would polish them, not voicing a bit of curiosity. She
understood the pain, because it was evident in her eyes each
morning after a dream of return had come. Her soft touch and
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 6
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
wavering voice exposed the silent melancholy her heart felt and
she tried so hard to hide. And each week, she returned to them,
polishing them brightly.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
The tenderness, style and beauty was taken from her in an
instant she never realized. I never had a chance to explain to
her the prize was one of immense sorrow. She would polish them
as if they were the most important thing in our existence. She
held them as tenderly as she had held me on the occasions that
it was needed. She understood that the key to my welfare was
locked in that frame of brass and oak, and the only way to
release the demons was to face the face in the reflected glass.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
Her funeral was a complete shock. The realization of death I
thought had died many years ago. Death was something benign,
something that didn't affect me anymore. Yet here she was, the
Joy, Beauty and Truth of my life, lying in grassy solitude. She
was no longer there to polish the brass and oak frame, so the
dust and tarnish collected, dimming the Light they reflected in
the past.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
What the war couldn't accomplish, I thought pills could. G-d
it's such a hard life! The pills: they can fix everything. If I
take enough of them.... And like a memory hidden by time, the
brass greened and the oak cracked.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
Waking up in the hospital, I was told death had been a breath
away. My first reaction was anger for failing, then anger for
trying, and finally settled into weeks of self imposed
isolation, purging the pent up feelings in emotional
self-abasement. The questions came faster than I could possibly
answer, and I closed myself off even further. Ignoring all life
around me.
And so they hung there, waiting. Waiting.
I got home with the feeling she had deserted me; leaving me in
not so silent agony. The first thing I noticed was they were
polished, bright as any day she had cleaned them. I asked who
polished them, and everyone said they didn't know. I took them
off the wall, excused myself and went into my private chambers.
For the first time I was able to look at them since they were
hung around my neck by the powers that warranted their action.
For the first time I was able to look at the face that won them,
and realize that it was a face of an ordinary man, and not a
maniacal killer. I held them and finally the tears came. The
tears that would begin to wash away the stench of guilt and
sorrow of the years past. The tears that would finally release
me from the unbearable torments of my dreams. As I moved to
wipe the fallen tears from the polished glass, I looked and saw
her face, as clearly as she was sitting there with me. She was
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 7
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
smiling a smile of extreme serenity, and lipped the words
"Welcome home. I love you." And just as suddenly, she was gone.
I knew then who returned the lustre to them.
And they no longer hung there, waiting. Waiting.
I took the medals and wrapped them in a bedsheet and boxed them
up. The box was taken to a family storage place, where they
will be safe and cool. The brass and oak frame that she
polished so persistently will be safe from corrosion and decay
until I decide to take them out again. But for now, they have
served their purpose. The Marines gave them to me for my
conduct. My wife gave them to me for my sanity.
And they no longer hang there, waiting. Waiting.
15 years ago I finished my SEA tour. 10 years ago my wife died,
taking that beautiful smile and that full life with her. With
this, the tenth anniversary of her death, I would like to let
the world know that she was with me when all others had given up
hope, and loved me when I didn't seem to love her back. So my
continuing love for her I express poorly in these words:
You were all of life to me. Yet when I thought that you had
abandoned me in death, you still managed to pull me through
life. You gave me back that burning desire for life I had lost.
Even as you could support me in life, you saved me in death. I
cannot offer anything other than the troth I pledged before, to
reaffirm before G-d and man to love you for all eternity.
# # #
Semper fidelis
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 8
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Maggie
By Michael McCombs
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
LTC Martha Raye. Helluva lady. Hell of a woman, period. Only
stateside entertainer to ever come to our compound in Kontum. No
troupe, no lights, no microphones, no nothin' fancy. Just Maggie.
And that's the way it's best.
None of the others even tried. Not that we would've have let 'em in,
of course. The compound was sealed from pryin' civilians, and most
military, for that matter. Which was good, 'cause we never had to
look over our shoulders to see if Dan Rather was writin' it all down
to be corrupted on the six o'clock news. But it did have the
downside of never seein' a round-eyed woman without makin' the trek.
Well, I guess nothin's perfect.
But Maggie came. She had a standin' invite. Didn't even have to mail
it to her. We were there, the guys in the funny green hats. That
meant she was welcome. Don't know how old that was, but it had been
a fact of bein' SF since Training Group. Maggie was one of us. You
learned it along with the club handshake upon receipt of the magic
decoder ring. And it was just about as fundamental as which end of
your rifle pointed down range. I found out why in Kontum.
The excitement amongst the older generation (over twenty-five) was
dynamic that mornin'. Everybody was runnin' around gettin' haircuts,
clean uniforms, brushin' their teeth, and checkin' their booze
supply. I asked, and they would just grunt, "Maggie." Like maybe it
was some kinda magic formula or somethin'. Oh, I knew the name, but
damn man, this was bizarre behavior. So I did it too. Sarge didn't
raise no dummies, and I can sense a gale blowin' as well as the next
guy. Hell, I even helped clean the Recon Club - an awesome task,
flatly turned down by the maids. Whaddahell, might as well get in on
this. Never met any celebrities before, anyhow. She'd been in a lot
of those old movies I'd watched as a kid.
She arrived on a chopper from Pleiku around mid-afternoon. A couple
of the E-8's went out and got her in a jeep and brought her back
through the gates. Little woman, not too much bigger than the
'yards. Hair permed to death, wrinkles everywhere, and a smile that
could stop an incomin' 122 and make it purr. God, the smile went
from ear to ear and back again, and it dropped twenty years off her
like a shot. And she wasn't tidy with it, she spread it all over the
place. Had one for everyone of us, with plenty left for the 'yards,
ARVN, everybody. Sheee****t! This was okay, man.
She got outta the jeep in front of Recon company HQ, threw off her
baseball cap, and out came the beret.
She put it on, smiled even wider, and said, "I need a f*ckin'
drink!"
Damn straight. It didn't strike me as incongruous, then. I mean we
all talked like that, too. I wouldn't catch on to that until I got
home and had a series of folk explain to me it wasn't proper
English. Whadahell! Somebody got her a drink.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 9
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Then it was off for a tour of the compound. She'd been here before,
that was obvious. What was amazin' was that she remembered the
place. She wanted to see this and that, and she knew all the old
names, all the teams and who'd been on 'em. She also remembered
every name given to her. First time, every time.
"Maggie, this is Mike McCombs from RT California."
"Glad to meet ya, Mike, didya know Joe?"
"Damn straight, met me off the plane."
"Good man, Joe, saw him in Hollywood a couple weeks back. You the
one he called Sweet Thing?"
Shee****t! What kinda memory banks this lady got, anyhoo?
She stops and talks to everybody. The 'yards haven't seen any
American women in a while, and are dazzled by this one with the
silver leafs and the big mouth. She gets more bracelets than the
rest of us put together. Later, Weet will smile at me and say that
he now understands why alla men come to Nam. I only smacked him a
little. And at every stop she drinks. And she stays sober. Now, I've
got good capacity, but this is awe inspirin'. And it's still before
dinner.
Dinner she eats one night with us and one night in the O-club. She
admits she does have to do it cause of the rank. But she doesn't
spend a lot of time with 'em, she wants to be with the guys who hump
the boonies. Good taste. She don't mind the officers that do that
humpin', it's the staffies she don't like. After dinner, she bar
hops.
Its odd about this camp. We have maybe 100 Americans, and five
clubs. We all bar hop to an extent, spread the wealth around. But we
all have our favorites, too. Mostly it's the regular clientele.
Recon or Covey or old NCO or Officer or Mike. Maggie hits 'em all.
She concentrates on Recon and Mike. Again, 'cause we hump the
boonies. Lord only knows what she does when she goes to non-SF
joints. But that ain't my problem. The first night she holds forth
mostly in Mike. The second night, she's mostly in my AO. There ain't
no third night. She's got a schedule, and she has to get back to her
troupe and still make stops elsewhere. But that second night....
The war wasn't put on hold. Teams still came and went, the guard
changed, life went on. But Maggie managed to lace her way into the
fabric of it. She'd stop in with a team and help pack chow. She
filled sandbags, she helped a team off the pad with their rucks,
bringin' cool ones, she watched us go to the range, played pool,
walked the berm, visited Rosie's. Sh*t, she was everywhere. Ate with
the guys, and always had a kind word, a good story, and news of the
other sites the few remainin' green weenies were hangin' at. She
never said a monologue or stood on a stage. but she did her
entertainin' job to the max. Sh*t, she didn't bring a piece of home,
she brought herself, and gave remorselessly.
That second night I spent three hours drinkin' and talkin' with her
in the Recon Club. Nothin' special 'bout me, just I was from
Southern Cal., too, and we had lots to talk about. Others came and
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 10
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
went, but we stayed. I don't remember Viet Nam that night. don't
think I was there. I think we were down on the Sunset Strip, and the
band was playin', and the folks were dancin', and it was a good
date. She left, that third morning, the way she came. We stood on
the berm and waved as she flew away. Then we did a collective sigh
and went back to war.
I saw her again in '72, after I came home for the divorce. She kept
a safehouse in Hollywood for us. I was at loose ends, no home
anymore, and she took me in. She couldn't stay; off to Thailand, I
think. But I was welcome to stay. I did for a week, and then I went
off to Ft. Devens and 10th Group.
One last time, I saw her. At Arlington, in D.C. A funeral for an old
SGM who dived into a pea patch in Thailand. She was there, in dress
greens, Corcorans, beret and all. For a friend. She pulled me aside
and asked if it was true that his 'chute was fine and he just hadn't
pulled. I just pointed at the man's wife and kids, and she nodded.
She went over to 'em, afterwards, and said TheWords. Helluva lady.
I think she knew she'd heard right.
After the funeral, she and I once more held forth at a local club,
the NCO club on North Post, just outside the cemetery. The others
came by, and I somehow ended up delegated escort. Don't know how.
Maybe it was the way she said "Sweet Thing," maybe not. A young
Spec. 4 came over and begged her to come to the Acey-Deucy club,
'cause they never got celebrities. And we went. I got her back to
her hotel around 2:30, and I don't remember how the hell I got back
home. I'll bet she didn't even have a hangover....
That's about it. That's the Maggie I knew. I guess she recently got
married to some young dude in Hollywood. She's no sprin' chicken
anymore. Hope it works out.
Just a quick word for ya, dude. You'd better treat Maggie right. You
don't and your ass is grass. And I know a couple thousand lawn
mowers, all of 'em ugly as me....
.-~~-.--.
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( .- -. )
`- -.-~ `- -' ~-.- -'
( : ) _ _ .-:
~--. : .--~ .-~ .-~
~-.-^-.-~ \_ .~ .-~ .~
\ \' \ '_ _ -~
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. - ~ ~-.__`.`-.//
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/_~_ _ . - ~ ~-.~-._
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Seventh Annual NamVet Page 11
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
THE SILENT WARRIOR
By: Karen A. Winnett
S.I.R.E.N. IS CALLING - Sacramento, CA
(916) 971-0589
The fire fights have ended and the big guns no longer roar
but the Silent Warrior's fighting like he's never fought before!
No point man walks before him and no man takes the rear,
no comrade stands beside him though death is always near!
He humps no hills or valleys and he sweats no jungle heat.
He stalks no Vils or cities, yet has no road to retreat.
His field pack long abandoned and his rifle gone to rust,
The Silent Warrior battles, because, he has no choice, he must!
It's a long range operation, the objective long and hard,
to the Valley of the Shadow, where only Angels are.
The Silent Warrior battles, where no soul should have to go,
and no heart can ever reach him, for his battlefield's unknown!
Don't look to the north or south, don't look west or east, look
to home and know the truth, this is where the warrior bleeds!
His campaigns rage in silence, and he battles here at home,
his courage goes unnoticed and his valor, few have known!
Behold the Silent Warrior, lost deep within his thoughts,
his body frozen solid, never never to unlock!
What enemy could do this, what hearts could be so cold,
to do him such dishonor, a brother of our own!
I look into unseeing eyes and I wonder where he is,
and damn the souls who were taught to care, yet did a thing like
this!
Behold this valiant warrior, who never more shall speak,
curled up in a fetal ball on antiseptic sheets!
His arms and legs contracted, his body old and frail
his honor stripped away and lost where love should not have
failed!
Look gently on this old one, who battles day and night,
and let every warrior cry for him, until Valhalla's in his sights.
For such are the forgotten, not dead yet not alive,
doing battle on the Veterans wards beyond uncaring eyes!
Behold the Silent Warrior, who's stillness screams with rage,
who wars in fields of solitude, and there, til death, he stays!
I have touched the Silent Warrior, and learned to know his pain,
I have fed and I have bathed him, and cried when no one came!
I have reached down to his anger and held his ruined hands,
and I felt the battle raging, and I cursed, "God damn!"
Behold the Silent Warrior, who battles until death,
honor him and know his face, stand guard beside his bed.
For such are the forgotten, some lost and some abused,
victims of a friendly fire we never can undo.
Yes, the Fire fights have ended, and the big guns no longer roar,
but the Silent Warriors fighting like he never fought before!
Go to him, and speak his name, and understand the truth,
don't let him die behind the lines, the next warrior could be you!
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 12
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Murphy's list continues to grow!
Anonymous
A special THANKS to Dave Doehrman and Khe Sanh Vets Newsletter;
Springfield, MA VVA Chapter 111; Lt. Col Jack Finch USA (Ret.) and
members of the VIETNAM_VETS International Echo for helping us keep
Murphy's list growing! Okay... now all we need is to have our
Desert Shield/Desert Storm folks let us know how Murphy treated
them? How's about it, folks?
- An Incomplete List of Murphy's Laws of Combat Operations -
1. Military intelligence can be a contradiction in terms.
2. Recoilless rifles - aren't.
3. A sucking chest wound is nature's way of telling you to slow
down.
4. The enemy diversion you are ignoring is the main attack.
5. If the enemy is within range, then so are you.
6. Friendly fire - isn't.
7. If it's stupid and works, then it ain't stupid.
8. When you have secured an area, don't forget to tell the enemy.
9. If you're short of everything except the enemy, then you're in
the combat zone.
10. Try to look unimportant. They may be low on ammo.
11. The easy way is always mined.
12. Tracers work both ways.
13. Sh*t happens.
14. Incoming fire has the right of way.
15. Teamwork is essential. It gives them other people to shoot at.
16. Never draw fire - it irritates everyone around you.
17. No combat ready unit has ever passed an inspection.
18. No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.
19. Make it too tough for the enemy to get in and you can't get
out.
20. If both sides are convinced they're about to lose, they're
both right.
21. Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of
dangerous amateurs.
22. Fortify your front and you'll get your rear shot up.
23. When in doubt, empty your magazine.
24. In war, important things are very simple and all simple things
are hard.
25. Don't look conspicuous, it draws fire.
26. Communications will fail as soon as you need fire support.
27. Weather ain't neutral.
28. Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than you.
29. Remember, your weapon was made by the lowest bidder.
30. If you can't remember, the claymore is pointed towards you.
31. All five second grenade fuses are three seconds.
32. The only thing more accurate than incoming enemy fire is
incoming friendly.
33. If your attack is going really well, it's an ambush.
34. No OPLAN survives first contact intact.
35. If it flies, it dies.
36. When you are forward of your position, the artillery will
always be short.
37. Suppressive fire - won't.
38. You are not Superman.
39. Cavalry doesn't always come to the rescue.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 13
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
40. B-52's are the ultimate in close air support.
41. Sniper's motto: Reach out and touch someone.
42. Peace is our profession - mass murder's just a hobby.
43. Killing for peace is like whoring for virginity.
44. There's always a way.
45. Murphy was a grunt.
46. It's not the one with your name on it - it's the round
addressed "to whom it may concern" ya gotta think about.
47. Remember napalm is an area weapon.
48. Mines are equal opportunity weapons.
50. There is no such thing as the perfect plan.
51. The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions:
a. when you are ready for them.
b. when you are not ready for them.
52. Anything you do can get you shot, including nothing.
53. Marine math: 2 beers times 39 Marines is 49 cases.
54. Body Count Math: 2 VC plus 1 chicken and 3 pigs equals 37
enemy killed in action.
55. Things that must be together to work, can't be carried in the
field that way.
56. If you take more than your share of objectives, you will be
given more than your share of objectives to take.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 14
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
SERMON FROM MOUNT DONG QUANG
(as re-told by Mike Dealey)
MATTHEW five-five:
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall not be selected
for night patrol."
MATTHEW five-six:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they shall fly B-52s."
MATTHEW five-seven:
"Blessed are the merciful, for it gives you time to
grease the suckers."
MATTHEW five-eight:
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for it shall be they who
clean the sh_tters every day."
MATTHEW five-niner:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
children of God and score beaucoup acid."
[This was neatly handwritten on what appeared to be a
mimeographed copy. Circa 1969, I'd judge. Author(s)
unknown.]
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 15
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
==================================================================
Heart to heart...
==================================================================
We Honor The Hidden Casualties of War
By Al Santoli
The Tampa Tribune/Tampa Times 10/23/94
"Heads Up" By Judee & Jerry Strott
VETLink #1 BBS - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
With 58,191 names inscribed on its black granite, the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is one of the nation's most
hallowed monuments to its war dead.
Yet not all of the victims of that war died in battle. Some have
died -- or are still dying -- of exposure to herbicides like Agent
Orange, of post-traumatic stress disorders and of other war-
related conditions. Now a way has been found to honor these
hidden casualties of war.
Last year, the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a private
organization, launched a program called In Memory. It recognizes
these "lost veterans" by displaying their names on a special honor
roll at the memorial site.
"The deaths of those veterans," said Mary Meyer, the program
coordinator, "are no less tragic than casualties on the
battlefields of Southeast Asia. The lack of tribute for these men
and women has been especially painful for their loved ones. We
hope that public recognition will be a healing process to help
families find closure with the suffering they have endured."
New inductees, nominated by their families, will be added to the
list at public ceremonies every Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
All services are provided free.
Susie McDowell, 43, a mother of two teenage girls, said at the
ceremonies held last Memorial Day: "Recognition here gives
meaning to all that my husband went through."
Her husband of 17 years, Donald "Mac" McDowell - a former mailman
in Moorhead, Minn -- was awarded a Purple Heart for combat wounds
suffered in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. Exposed to
Agent Orange, he died in 1993 after a 15-year battle with
lymphoma.
One of his most cherished wishes was that his name be inscribed on
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. "Mac's best friend, Dave Holsen,
tried every way possible to get his name inscribed," said Mrs.
McDowell, "but we found that the memorial excludes most veterans
who died following their return home."
After nearly giving up hope, Holsen learned about the In Memory
program. As a result, Mac was among the first group of veterans
honored at the program's inaugural ceremony.
Each In Memory veteran is represented by a certificate and family-
donated mementos that are ceremonially placed at the base of the
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 16
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
memorial wall. Afterward, the materials are collected and
archived by the National Park Service as part of the memorial's
permanent historical record. In addition, the Friends maintain an
information booth at the memorial's entrance, where a leather-
bound In Memory album is available to the public 24 hours a day.
At the Friends' office in Arlington, VA., the executive director,
Ira Hamburg, said the program was initiated because of the high
number of post-Vietnam casualties. Veterans organizations say
that several thousand Americans involved in the fighting have died
from war-related wounds, cancers from herbicide exposure, suicides
linked to post-traumatic stress disorders and other causes.
One name added recently was that of the author Lewis Puller, Jr.,
who died by his own hand following years of painful disabilities.
He was the son of Lt. Gen. Lew "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated
Marine in the history of the corps.
The program's coordinators emphasize that helping surviving
families to heal is a foremost concern. In addition, the program
includes a tribute to civilians who were killed in Vietnam --
diplomatic employees, advisers, Red Cross volunteers and
journalists -- whose names are not eligible to appear on the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A referral service to link veterans
with In Memory families is being organized.
Wanda Ruffin, the Friends' coordinator of volunteers, is a
registered nurse and a grief counselor. Her husband, James, a
naval aviator, was killed in the war. "The families have shared
their loved one's suffering for many years," she said. "They have
been directly affected by his nightmares and by his physical or
emotional pain. It's very important for them to know that others
share their experience, that they are not alone. There is value
in honoring the veteran they loved. It's not just the loss that's
remembered, but the value of his life."
At the memorial site in Washington, D.D., Susie McDowell reflected
on coming to terms with her husband's sacrifice and finding the
strength to share with others. "So many families have felt
alone," she said. "Our husbands' being recognized here is truly
healing for those who loved them."
"Mac never begrudged the war," she added. "I don't know if he
wanted to be there. He was drafted. But, in the end, he's being
recognized for his service and for his 15 years of suffering
afterward. Without people like him, we wouldn't have the freedom
that we enjoy in this country today."
---
FOR MORE INFORMATION or an application form to honor a loved one,
contact: In Memory, Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Dept. P, Suite 106, Box 108, 4200 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20016
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 17
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
I Was There Just Last Night
by Robert Clark
Issue Nine - 1994 * The High Ground
P O Box 457 - Neillsville, WI 54456
A couple of years ago someone asked me if I still thought about
Vietnam. I nearly laughed in their face. How do you stop
thinking about it? Every day for the last twenty-four years, I
wake up with it, and go to bed with it. But this is what I said.
"Yea, I think about it. I can't quit thinking about it. I never
will. But, I've also learned to live with it. I'm comfortable
with the memories. I've learned to stop trying to forget and
learned instead to embrace it. It just doesn't scare me anymore."
A psychologist once tome me that NOT being affected by the
experience over there would be abnormal. When he told me that, it
was like he'd just given me a pardon. It was as if he said, "Go
ahead and feel something about the place, Bob. It ain't going
nowhere. You're gonna wear it for the rest of your life. Might
as well get to know it."
A log of my "brothers" haven't been so lucky. For them the
memories are too painful, their sense of loss too great. My
sister told me of a friend she has whose husband was in the Nam.
She asks this guy when he was there. Here's what he said, "Just
last night." It took my sister a while to figure out what he was
talking about. JUST LAST NIGHT. Yeah I was in the Nam. When?
JUST LAST NIGHT. During sex with my wife. And on my way to work
this morning. Over my lunch hour. Yeah, I was there.
My sister says I'm not the same brother that went to Vietnam. My
wife says I won't let people get close to me, not even her.
They're probably both right.
Ask a vet about making friends in Nam. It was risky. Why?
Because we were in the business of death, and death was with us
all the time. It wasn't the death of, "If I die before I wake."
This was the real thing. The kind where boys scream for their
mothers. The kind that lingers in your mind and becomes more real
each time you cheat it. You don't want ot make a lot of friends
when the possibility of dying is that real, that close. When you
do, friends become a liability.
A guy named Bob Flanigan was my friend. Bob Flanigan is dead. I
put him in a body bag one sunny day, April 29, 1969. We'd been
talking, only a few minutes before he was shot, about what we were
going to do when we got back in the world. Now, this was a guy
who had come in country the same time as myself. A guy who was
loveable and generous. He had blue eyes and sandy blond hair.
When he talked, it was with a soft drawl. Flanigan was a hick and
he knew it. That was part of his charm. He didn't care. Man, I
loved this guy like the brother I never had. But, I screwed up. I
got too close to him. Maybe I didn't know any better. But I
broke one of the unwritten rules of war. DON'T GET CLOSE TO
PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO DIE. Sometimes you can't help it.
You hear vets use the term "buddy" when they refer to a guy they
spent the war with. "Me an this buddy a mine . . ." "Friend"
sounds too intimate, doesn't it. "Friend" calls up images of
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 18
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
being close. If he's a friend, then you are going to be hurt if
he dies, and war hurts enough without adding to the pain. Get
close; get hurt. It's as simple as that.
In war you learn to keep people at that distance my wife talks
about. You become so good at it, that twenty years after the war
is over, you still do it without thinking. You won't allow
yourself to be vulnerable again.
My wife knows two people who can get into the soft spots inside
me. My daughters. I know it probably bothers her that they can
do this. It's not that I don't love my wife, I do. She's put up
with a lot from me. She'll tell you that when she signed on for
better or worse she had no idea there was going to be so much of
the latter. But with my daughters it's different.
My girls are mine. They'll always be my kids. Not marriage, not
distance, not even death can change that. They are something on
this earth that can never be taken away from me. I belong to
them. Nothing can change that. I can have an ex-wife; but my
girls can never have an ex-father. There's the difference.
I can still see the faces, though they all seem to have the same
eyes. When I think of us I always see a line of "dirty grunts"
sitting on a paddy dike. We're caught in that first gray silver
between darkness and light. That first moment when we know we've
survived another night, and the business of staying alive for one
more day is about to begin. There was so much hope in that brief
space of time. It's what we used to pray for. "One more day,
God. One more day."
And I can hear our conversations as if they'd only just been
spoken. I still hear the way we sounded, the hard cynical jokes,
our morbid senses of humor. We were scared to death of dying, and
trying our best not to show it.
I recall the smells, too. Like the way cordite hangs on the air
after a fire-fight. Or the pungent odor of rice paddy mud. So
different from the black dirt of Iowa. The mud of Nam smells
ancient, somehow. Like it's always been there.
And I'll never forget the way blood smells, stick and drying on my
hands. I spent a long night that way once. That memory isn't
going anywhere.
I remember how the night jungle appears almost dream like as the
pilot of a Cessna buzzes overhead, dropping parachute flares until
morning. That artificial sun would flicker and make shadows run
through the jungle. It was worse than not being able to see what
was out there sometimes. I remember once looking at the man next
to me as a flare floated overhead. The shadows around his eyes
were so deep that it looked like his eyes were gone. I reached
over and touched him on the arm; without looking at me he touched
my hand. "I know man. I now." That's what he said. It was a
human moment. Two guys a long way from home and scared sh*tless.
"I know man." And at that moment he did.
God I loved those guys. I hurt every time one of them died. We
all did. Despite our posturing. Despite our desire to stay
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 19
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
disconnected, we couldn't hep ourselves. I know why Tim O'Brien
writes his stories. I know what gives Bruce Weigle the words to
create poems so honest I cry at their horrible beauty. It's love.
Love for those guys we shared the experience with.
We did our jobs like good soldiers, and we tried our best not to
become as hard as our surroundings. We touched each other and
said, "I know." Like a mother holding a child in the middle of a
nightmare, "It's going to be all right." We tried not to lose
touch with our humanity. We tried to walk that line. To be the
good boys our parents had raised and not to give into that unnamed
thing we knew was inside us all.
You want to know what frightening is? It's a nineteen-year-old-
boy who's had a sip of that power over life and death that war
gives you. It's a boy who, despite all the things he's been
taught, knows that he likes it. It's a nineteen-year-old who's
just lost a friend, and is angry and scared and, determined that,
"Some *@#*s gonna pay." To this day, the thought of that boy can
wake me from a sound sleep and leave me staring at the ceiling.
As I write this, I have a picture in front of me. It's of two
young men. One their laps are tablets. One is smoking a
cigarette. Both stare without expression at the camera. They're
writing letters. Staying in touch with places they would rather
be. Places and people they hope to see again.
The picture shares space in a frame with one of my wife. She
doesn't mind. She knows she's been included in special company.
She knows I'll always love those guys who shared that part of my
life, a part she never can. And she understands how I feel about
the ones I know are out there yet. The ones who still answer the
question, "When were you in Vietnam?"
"Hey, man. I was there just last night."
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 20
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Veterans Day at The Wall 11/11/94
By Gustav Niebuhr - New York Times
Submitted by Jeff Beer
VETLink #50 - Fairfield Bay, AR
(501) 884-6277
WASHINGTON -- Americans have long revered places that they link to
the shaping of their national identity: the bridge at Concord, the
Alamo, the hulk of the battleship Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Few
pieces of ground are so hallowed as Gettysburg, where the Civil
War battle and Lincoln's address paired national unity and purpose
in a way that is seen as almost mystical.
But veneration occasionally imparts something more to a hallowed
site: a spiritual dimension that transforms it into something like
a sacred shrine, where pilgrims come and devotions are paid. For
generations, Gettysburg was such a place. The Vietnam Veterans
Memorial, several scholars of religion and culture say, is
becoming one now.
''It's an altar,'' said Conrad Cherry, director of the Center for
the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University-
Purdue University at Indianapolis. ''You approach it with
reverence and respect and silence. The supreme sacrifice is very
much there.''
The memorial's appearance is starkly dramatic. A pair of black
polished granite walls, devoid of all but rows of names of the
58,196 American men and women who died in Vietnam, are set into
the ground of the Washington Mall so that they are invisible from
the rear. The walls meet to form a V, its arms embracing a broad,
sloping piece of ground to create a thin boundary that narrowly
separates the living from the dead.
Controversial for its unconventional design when it was unveiled
in 1982, the memorial for years has drawn more visitors than
either the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial.
''People make pilgrimages -- which is what people do at the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- to be transformed intellectually and
spiritually at a place of power,'' said Edward Linenthal, a
professor of religion and American culture at the University of
Wisconsin, at Oshkosh, who is the author of ''Sacred Ground:
Americans and Their Battlefields'' (University of Illinois Press).
Visitors often approach the memorial in a reverential hush. Some,
park rangers say, are so overcome with emotion that they stop in
their tracks, never to come closer. Some touch names inscribed in
the walls. Many leave personal items: photographs, stuffed
animals, combat boots, or other tokens of a life.
Authorities on religion and culture liken this to people's
behavior at sites considered holy in a religious sense: Lourdes,
the Western Wall in Jerusalem, major Buddhist shrines.
''The kinds of things people do there,'' Linenthal said, ''are
acts of commemoration -- touching the names, leaving flowers,
photos, flags. Those are the things people do in sacred places.''
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 21
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
THAT IS NOT what the monument's creators envisioned, but they are
certainly intrigued by it. ''Here's essentially what is designed
to be a military memorial commemorating people who took part in a
military effort, and it's been transformed into a national shrine,
where all these feelings come alive,'' said Jan C. Scruggs,
president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the former
infantry corporal who led the campaign for a memorial to the
Vietnam dead.
Because today is Veterans Day, when attendance at the memorial is
particularly heavy, Ron Stufflebean of St. Joseph, Mo., worked
there as a Park Service volunteer all this week. He said many
people who stand for a while looking at an individual name often
say they ''can see the reflection of that person in the granite.''
His wife, Paula, said the couple had known men whose names are
listed there. Last year, she made a Christmas wreath, decorated
it with a wedding bouquet and handmade baby booties, and brought
it to the memorial. ''I typed up a letter,'' she said, ''and
framed it and put it in the wreath. It said, 'For all the men and
women, for what they missed in life.' ''
Such gifts have set the memorial apart from most secular
monuments, instead inviting comparisons to religious shrines.
''It's a way to communicate with people who died,'' said George
Mayo, a Washington lawyer who is a director of the memorial fund.
And, he said, because many visitors also bring along tracing paper
to make impressions of individual names, ''you take away part of
the memorial with you.''
Since the memorial opened 12 years ago, visitors have left more
than 30,000 items, said Duery Felton, a Vietnam veteran who serves
as curator of these objects for the Park Service, which collects,
catalogs, and stores all but the flowers, since they are
perishable.
On Wednesday afternoon, objects placed at the memorial included
several bouquets; four copies of a poem, each addressed to a
different soldier; a photograph of a young girl; and a small stack
of metal bracelets engraved with the names of prisoners of war.
Morris Brevard, a ranger at the memorial who served as a Marine in
the invasion of Panama and the Persian Gulf war, said that he had
come across athletic trophies, military medals, a tomahawk, and a
half-empty wine bottle with two glasses. Brevard said that one
woman had once brought small cans of fruit cocktail -- a favorite
of her son, whose name is among the thousands -- and that another
had brought a birthday cake and lighted a candle.
''It's a place of healing,'' he said. ''It's a place of
remembrance.''
WALKING WITH a visitor the length of the memorial, Brevard passed
its apex, where the list of names rises highest. ''You notice how
quiet it got at the center?'' he said.
Others too have commented on this. The Rev. Philip Salois, who was
an infantryman in Vietnam and is now a Roman Catholic priest,
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 22
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
likened the experience to that of visiting a cemetery. ''Everybody
speaks in hushed tones,'' said Salois, chief of chaplain services
at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Boston. ''It's that
aura of mystique, that mysticism.''
Thomas A. Tweed, a professor of religious studies at the
University of North Carolina, observed that ''almost any time you
go, someone is there grieving.'' That keeps fresh the memory of
Vietnam itself, he said.
''That's the way a lot of shrines work,'' Tweed said. ''It's very
powerful, very fundamental stuff.''
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 23
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Family Ties
By Gjoseph Peck
NamVet's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
NamVet 2-4 2 Apr 1988
Gently, so as not to make too much noise, she approaches the black
granite that rises, behemoth-like, from the grassy Washington
Mall. She feels better coming alone and at night.
On her left, appearing as if it would speak at any moment, is the
Lincoln Memorial; light seeming to come from nowhere makes it as
though a beacon in the darkness. To her right, towering high, is
the Washington Monument. She can hear the precise steps of the
military honor guard as it performs its vigilant duty at The Wall.
A National Park Service attendant, small light shining on the
Directory of Names, stands somber watch.
"Wilbee Simmons, Sir? Could you tell me where I'd find his name
listed?" The Park Attendant directs her to the west panels.
Slowly, fearfully, yet mustering every bit of her strength, Teri
looks carefully for the name of her husband.
There's something about the way the Washington lights reflect from
The Wall that remind her of the song Wilbee dedicated to her way
back when they were only in their early years of high school.
Building; preparing; steeling herself for the moment that HAS to
come, she quietly hums to herself their familiar tune: "Ca-atch a
falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away...
Ca-atch a.." - and then she came upon it.
Hand shaking almost uncontrollably, she reaches over and begins to
trace the letters... W I L . . . Eyes watering, it starts.
Release. Blessed release. She hasn't cried like this since she'd
received the telegram. She'd had to be strong for the kids sake.
Now she can let the tears - and Wilbee - go.
"Wilbee, Darling, you ARE a part of American history, a living
part. Here's John's name; and Gary's; and Jim's ... all of the
soldiers you wrote me about. Each of you followed your fathers
and family into service - and America's defense. Your brothers
and sisters who made it back took upon their shoulders the battle
begun by their grandfathers after World War I helping America to
always, always keep her promise to care for those who put their
lives on-the-line for her. Everyone says that you and all Vietnam
veterans are the toughest, most persistent and determined veterans
in all American history - and they're right! It's guys like you
and your friends who gave EVERYTHING, Wilbee, and those who made
it back, who help continue building the America we have today, and
the responsible care for America's veterans that our grandfathers
fought for.
I remember when they used to tell us how the veterans of World War
I were put on what we today would call the welfare rolls and
looked down upon - and nearly every benefit they sought was
denied. The inadequate War Risk Bureau, Board of Vocational
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 24
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Training and Public Health Services, in addition to so much more
insensitivity, denial, and corruption of the Federal Government,
made them march on Washington. I know you saw your brothers and
sisters do a similar thing when they all came here to sharply prod
the conscience of America and this monument was dedicated. I can
tell you're part of the same family - only you're tougher.
I brought the poem you wrote when you went to 'Nam, Wilbee. I
remember how much it meant to you. I've saved it all these years
- and I'll leave it here for you when I go. I've got it
memorized. It's Easter now, a time of new beginnings, a time to
get on with living my life in a way that would make you proud of
me, a time to take the best that you've given - and go forward.
I'm glad I got the chance to come here - to visit, to remember, to
use those "Falling Stars" you and I put in our pockets years ago;
many rainy days I've used them. Somehow, I have a little more
strength now to help me through my life.
Thank you, Wilbee Simmons. Remember I'll always love you and the
sacrifices you made for me and everybody."
Stepping back from the polished granite, Teri softly places a card
from her and the two children, a flag, some flowers, and the
often-read 12-line poem on the ground in front of Wilbee Simmons
name:
"America"
This is my country! So beautiful and Free!
A Land of Freedom for you and me!
Where men have fought and men have died
So that we may LIVE and share their pride;
That this Country of ours, so great and strong,
May unite again and sing a together song!
Let us be brothers and join together
To make our Nation - just a little better
May we learn to forgive and forget our hates
And never close our shining gates ...
May Liberty's torch light the world around
And in ALL the nations - may Freedom's echo resound!
Teri turned, began to walk away. A bright flash in the western
sky quickly caught her eye. A falling star - streaking, as though
an arrow, over the Lincoln Memorial.
And she remembered the words Lincoln once said: "To care for him
who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his
children."
"Maybe tomorrow I'll ask the Veterans Administration if they can
help. After all, my husband did give his life - and our children
did give their father - so that we could all continue to live in
freedom. Why didn't I think of that before?"
Humming to herself another one of their old-time favorites,
"That's the story of, that's the glory of... Love", Teri moves
along the walkway towards the Washington city lights...
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 25
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
Millions of Veterans are Counting on Congress
To make certain veterans' health-care is a partner in health-care
reform.
The personal price of war is high. It can last a lifetime. In
fact, many who served our country in time of need, now are in need
themselves. For millions of veterans VA is a vital, irreplaceable
health-care resource.
As you debate national health-care reform:
* Veterans who choose VA must be assured - just like all
other Americans - they will receive a guaranteed,
comprehensive benefits package. Congress must reform
VA's spotty and inefficient eligibility system.
* Veterans must know VA funding always will be there to
provide the services they need.
* Veterans must be assured VA will receive resources
necessary to correct years of inadequate funding and
revamp its service delivery system.
* Veterans must be confident that VA will maintain its
unique specialized missions in rehabilitation,
prosthetics, spinal cord injury, blindness, aging,
mental health and long-term care.
* Veterans must know the VA health-care system will
continue to be a major national asset in medical
education and research, and a vital back-up to
Department of Defense medicine in time of national
emergency.
The American Legion
AMVETS (American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam)
Blinded Veterans Association
Disabled American Veterans
Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Inc.
Non Commissioned Officers Association of the USA
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 26
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
==================================================================
Let my people go!
==================================================================
MIA/POWs. Does anyone REALLY care?
By Paul Bylin
NamVet's MIA/POW Section Editor
VETLink #84 - Peabody, MA
(508) 977-9756
As I write this article, I am sitting in my office enjoying a cool
breeze on one of the hottest summer days to hit this area in many
years.
The cool breeze reminds me of some of the quiet nights in Vietnam.
I can still remember being in a bunker, watching the sun go down,
and enjoying the breeze. One of the few pleasures.
I can also remember, on those same nights, when the sun was down
and the moon was high. The clearness of the sky. How bright the
stars seemed to be. When I looked at the stars, I would wonder if
my family or friends were looking at that same star as I was. It
kind of made me feel a little closer to home, where I wanted to
be. At 18 years old, I didn't know much, but I did know that I
did not want to be there. Although I was there, with some guys
that I will never forget. My brothers.
But, I survived my time in Vietnam, like many others. Only to
come home to another kind of war. A war in which, I felt I was
the enemy. People making accusations, and some refusing jobs to
us. I couldn't understand why, and I still don't. So whenever I
was asked about my military service on a job application, I would
put down my service. With one exception. I would never say I
served in Vietnam. Ashamed? Maybe.
Many years had come and gone. I had changed jobs more times than
I can remember. Then one day, I settled down with a job as an
aircraft re-fuel mechanic. Been at that job for about 18 years.
During the summer of 1991, I found myself staring at a pretty
dingy looking photograph of three flyers that were, supposedly,
still alive in Vietnam. As I read the story, what the families
had been going through since the end of the war.....I felt some of
the feelings I had when I was there. Jesus, I have to do
something....but what?
The thoughts, the smell, the "feel" of Vietnam had never left me.
Not for a day. I seldom talked about any of this with anyone. No
one cared then. They sure as hell don't give a damn now. So why
even try.
Many thoughts started racing through my mind as I stared at that
photograph. What the hell is going on? Why haven't we brought
these guys home?? What is being done??
For a few days, I guess you could say I had "gone away" in my
mind. Thinking, wondering about this...what can I do?? Can I do
ANYTHING??
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 27
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
My brother-in-law and I had not spoken in probably 15 years or so.
My wife was talking to her sister one day and was telling her
about what was happening to me. A few nights later, my brother-
in-law was at my door wanting to talk to me about what was going
on. I guess you could say he pointed me in the right direction.
We became a "team" when it came to the POW/MIA issue.
Petitions, local TV shows, hundreds upon hundreds of letters
written. None of this was having an affect on anyone. Meetings
with two Congressmen, demanding, pleading, talking with reporters,
calling radio talk shows. NO ONE really CARES. Not even the
President. He did lift the trade embargo against Vietnam. He did
this with the advice of a couple of Vietnam veterans who felt they
knew what was best for the families of the missing. After all,
what do the families know? They don't have a seat in the Senate.
One of those Vietnam veterans, is Senator John Kerry from
Massachusetts. He advised President Clinton to lift the trade
embargo because of the "cooperation" the Vietnamese were giving
us.
I wonder if the "good" Senator did that because he felt in his
heart that the Vietnamese REALLY were cooperating to their best
capability? Or, could it be that the "good" Senator has family
that is in Vietnam, handling many of the industrial real estate
deals, now that he got the trade embargo lifted?
Sitting here in my office, enjoying the cool breeze. Wondering,
still, what can I do? Does ANYONE care?? Looking outside the
window, I see the moon is high in the sky. As I look at the first
star I see, I wonder? Are any still alive? If so, are they
looking at the same star as I am? What can I do?
Paul Bylin
MIA/POW Section Editor
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 28
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
DOES ONE PERSON'S EFFORT REALLY COUNT to a POW or MIA?
By Jose Proenza Sanfiel
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
The above question has been asked by many and it has been
answered by very few the reason it seem's to be that every one has
doubts to their abilities and some few do decide to act therefore
making a difference.
Friends I'm trying to ensure that the Quote: POW's & MIA's you
are not forgotten!! Does not become a meaningless cliche.
Friends I'm trying to ensure that the POW's & MIA's message gets
carried to the doorstep of all Americans and to the hands of every
foreigner that holds a map of the USA.
My plan is simple and sure. To rename Interstates throughout the
nation that will bear the name. POW's & MIA's Interstate's one
from the South Eastern most corner of the US to the North Western
Corner of the US. The other From the South Western most part of
the US to the North Eastern corner of the US. These Interstates
would crisscross at the Imaginary Heart of America (St Louis Mo)
and in this manner we could remind ourselves and the Folks abroad
that we Really do not forget our Heroes's.
I NEED HELP FROM EACH AND EVERY ONE THAT HAS EVER ASKED.
WILL MY EFFORT REALLY COUNT?
Well friend I asked myself the question and answered it by
taking action. Such action led to my Home address (St) to be
renamed POW's & MIA's MEMORIAL DR.... THE SAME EFFORT LED ME TO
HAVE THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE NAME US-1 FROM KEY WEST TO THE
GEORGIA BORDER ALSO... POW's & MIA's MEMORIAL HWY.
My efforts also have on the Senate of the US a legislative bill
(S-900) that will make this dream of mine a reality.
BUT AND ONLY IF.... .... I could reach a few dedicated Americans
that are willing to take a few minutes and request that their
Senator's and Congressperson Unite themselves with Senator Connie
Mack(r) From Fla. to co-sponsor Senate Bill 900. This dedicated
American's must be willing to write not only one letter but to
continue bugging their Legislator until he/she does become a Co-
sponsor of the bill.
I need the Help of my fellow Americans out there to do this
because I have done everything possible that could be done so it
is really up to others. AND THAT IS YOU !!!!!
WHAT DAMN GOOD IS NAMING A FEW INTERSTATES GOING TO DO TO BRING
THE BOY'S HOME???
Then think about this.... EVEN JESUS CHRIST HAD A MESSENGER
THAT PREPARED THE ROAD FOR HIS ARRIVAL. (is in the bible look it
up if you wish ).
Friends I appreciate all the suggestions (please don't stop) but
I really have gone the whole route... regardless of how you think
I should do this or whom should I write it will all be for nothing
if you do not take it upon yourself to write to Washington D.C.
until they Co-Sponsor the Bill and if you do not take it upon
yourself to tell others in your home State.
I NEED YOUR HELP. I HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR YOUR MONEY. I HAVE NEVER
ASKED YOU TO JOIN THE INTERSTATE GROUP OR ANY OTHER GROUP.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 29
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
ALL THAT I ASK IS WRITE AND TELL OTHER'S ABOUT THE POW's & MIA's
PROJECT INTERSTATE AND ITS NEED.
TO DATE THERE ARE ONLY THREE SENATORS CO-SPONSORING THIS BILL SO
UNLESS YOU ACT NOTHING WILL BE DONE.
WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.... ONLY YOU CAN TELL....
For More information send LEGAL SIZED S.A.S.E TO:
POW's & MIA's PROJECT INTERSTATE
4230 POW's & MIA's MEMORIAL DR
ST CLOUD FLA USA 34772-8142
407-892-9006 VOICE / 407-957-MIAS Fax & data
SASE Means Self addressed Self Stamped Envelope if you don't send
one you will get an answer when ever I can spring a few beans from
my family's budget (since I don't ask for donations under guise of
POW's & MIA's sake).
You send a SASE well it gets send out in spurts but much quicker
than if you did not.
God Bless America. God bless America Again and may God Bless our
POW's & MIA's.
Semper Fi.
Cpl Pro.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 30
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
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" Bring them home --- NOW !!! "
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 31
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
How will the Vietnam War end?
By Paul Bylin
NamVet's MIA/POW Section Editor
VETLink #84 - Peabody, MA
(508) 977-9756
There have been committee's that have investigated the POW/MIA
issue, and all have come to the same conclusion..."Men were left
behind, but we have no evidence that shows any survived." If men
were left behind, do we have evidence they are NOT alive?
This country has evidence that many were alive after the end of the
war. As a matter of fact, the United States Government has
evidence that men were still alive in the late 1980's and early
1990's. The evidence they have are satellite photographs of `Pilot
Authenticator Codes'. Each pilot was assigned their own individual
Authenticator Code. The purpose was for the identification of a
pilot, if they were shot down. The pilot had been instructed to
make this code visible. They were to do it in such a manner that
it could be seen from the air, but yet, not be seen by the enemy.
Many of these locator codes had been photographed by government
satellites. These locator codes were correlated to the pilot that
was shot down. Some locator codes were photographed not once but
twice, and not in the same area. The reason could be that the
prisoner had been moved. Normal procedure for the Vietnamese. All
these photographs of locator codes were dismissed by the
government. They said they were either shadows, plant growth, or
the best one anomalies, which Websters describes as 1. departure
from the regular arrangement. (Although the government says
anomalies is "something that is not there.") Many experts that have
examined the images found in the satellite photography agree that
they are real, not just shadows or vegetation growth.
One authenticator code, the USA K code, that was found stamped into
a rice paddy in Laos, had been ignored for more that a year before
any type of investigation had been implemented.
One of Senator Kerry's trips to Southeast Asia was to investigate
this issue. He visited a prison camp, and while there, he found a
message written in English on a wall in one of the cells. It was
dated April 23, 1988, and read, "We do live under the darkness of
Socialist hands now - We don't have a chance". This was not widely
publicized and was not brought up at the senators' news conference.
So much of this evidence, however small it may seem, is exactly
what it appears to be...evidence. Even the Senate Select Committee
on POW MIA Affairs, with all the controversy that had surrounded
it, came to the conclusion that men WERE left behind after the war
ended. The committee did also say they had no evidence that any
particular American is still alive.
And so the committee ended.
Senator Kerry and Senator John McCain (another former panel member
of the Senate Select Committee on POW MIA Affairs) fought hard to
get an amendment passed by congress so President Clinton could lift
the economic trade embargo against Vietnam.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 32
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
On February 2, 1994 President Clinton was holding a press
conference at the White House. A reporter asked him if he was
going to lift the 19-year old economic trade embargo against
Vietnam. The presidents response was, "I do not know, I haven't
even read the Kerry - McCain Amendment yet." The very next
morning, President Bill Clinton lifted the trade embargo against
Vietnam. The president said he believed that Vietnam was
cooperating as much as possible.
If the Vietnamese are cooperating as much as the president, and
Senator John Kerry claim, then why won't the Vietnamese government
tell us what happened to the men that we KNOW were captured, but
never returned?
The Vietnamese have turned over, literally, thousands of
photographs of American servicemen. Some of these men were
photographed after they were killed. But, still, their bodies were
laid out, pockets emptied, and all their personal belongings were
photographed. This was for the Vietnamese records. They wanted to
be able to account for these people some day. What other reason
would there be for this type of records? They wanted to be able to
prove some of the Americans they captured had died.
But what about the Americans that they held in captivity after the
war? What type of records did they keep on them?
I am sure they are NO LESS than the records they kept on the ones
that died.
Is the United States government asking for these records? If
not...then why the hell not??
If they are asking about these records, what are the Vietnamese
telling them? Surely, if they are saying they don't have any, they
must be lying. One would have to assume that because throughout
the years, Vietnam insisted they had `no records' of any Americans.
But, they have their museums full of photographs of American POWs,
their weapons, parts of aircraft, uniforms, rings, watches, etc,
etc. The list goes on and on.
While in Vietnam investigating the POW issue, former congressman
Billy Hendon stumbled on a hidden prison. A prison that, back in
the 1980's had supposedly held American prisoners. Mr. Hendon
asked to visit and inspect that prison. Not only did the
Vietnamese deny his request, they also said his visa had expired,
and told him he would have to leave the country. The Vietnamese
not only said he (Billy Hendon) could not go inside the prison, but
also said they would NOT allow the U.S. governments MIA team inside
the facility.
But we continue to help the Vietnamese government. Why? Where is
the cooperation so many U.S. politicians speak of?
We cannot let this POW/MIA issue end in this manner. If there is
even a remote possibility that Vietnam is holding, or knowing
where, a live American is being held, we should share no expense in
bringing them home.
Ones that were known to have been captured alive, but never
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 33
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
returned, the Vietnamese government knows where their remains are.
To simply put it, If Vietnam has, or knows where any live Americans
are being held. Give them back. If all are no longer alive, then
give us their remains or a reasonable explanation why they cannot
return their remains. Once that is done, then Vietnam and the
United States can do business in whatever manner they wish, without
any noise from the families and the veteran community.
Paul Bylin
MIA/POW Section Editor
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 34
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
U.S. GOVERNMENT COVER-UP EXPOSED
By Paul Bylin
NamVet's MIA/POW Section Editor
VETLink #84 - Peabody, MA
(508) 977-9756
Talking with Joyce Flory (VETLink 13), she asked me about the
Chicago chapter of VietNow selling a video about the POW issue. It
asked that the ad for this video be made available through
Newsletters, display racks, or sales tables in offices, etc.
While I normally do not do any advertising in this Newsletter, I
felt I should at least ask what this VietNow group was all about.
I faxed a letter to them asking what they were doing with regards
to the POW issue, other than selling the video. My response was a
phone call from Billy Hendon. He told me that this video was
important in a couple of ways. First, it would convince anyone
that seen it that, 1) the Vietnamese government held hundreds of
U.S. POWs in prison long after the war; and, 2) the U.S.
government knew about it and covered it up. Plus it would help
him in his constant investigations and search's in Vietnam.
If, after you view this video, your are not convinced that the
above statements (1 and 2) are true, then simply return the video
and your money will be refunded, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
The video "U.S. Government Cover-Up Exposed", is proof that the
Vietnamese held hundreds of U.S. POWs. Many reported still alive
in the late 1980's.
Citing previously secret U.S. intelligence documents, this video
settles the question once and for all. See the shocking evidence
in a 2-hour videotaped intelligence briefing by former U.S.
Congressman Bill Hendon (R-NC) Mr. Hendon was a member of the U.S.
House POW/MIA Task Force, a Pentagon consultant on POW/MIA affairs
and an intelligence investigator assigned to the Senate Select
Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. Americas leading expert on the
Vietnamese prison system, he has appeared on 60 Minutes, Larry
King Live, 20/20, Today, Good Morning America, Donahue, Dateline
NBC, Unsolved Mysteries and on international television throughout
the world.
CALL TOLL FREE TO ORDER YOUR VIDEO TODAY BY CREDIT CARD:
1-800-POW-MIAS
Mail Orders:
POW Publicity Fund
PO Box 65500
Washington DC 20035
The cost is $19.95 plus $4.00 Shipping & Handling.
SEE THIS EXPLOSIVE INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON'S
ADVISORS "REFUSED TO SEE" AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY
15, 1994.
The declassified U.S. Government intelligence in this briefing was
acquired from the department of defense, the CIA, The National
Archives and the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Paul Bylin
Editor
(I have already ordered my copy!)
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 35
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
VIETNAM CASUALTY INSCRIBED ON WALL 25 YEARS AFTER INJURY
The Salem Evening News
Saturday, October 29, 1994
Submitted by Paul Bylin
VETLink #84 - Peabody, MA
(508) 977-9756
Eerie, Pa. (AP) - Lee R. Schaaf lived for more than two decades
carrying a piece of the Vietnam War in his heart, a bullet
eventually responsible for his death in 1990.
His widow, Mary Glass Schaaf, wanted his name added to the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. But it took her two years
to convince federal officials that her husbands death was the
result of his war wounds.
Next Month - 25 years after the enemy bullet lodged in his heart
during a jungle firefight - Schaaf's name will be added.
"He would be very upset with me," Mrs. Schaaf said. "He never
wanted any recognition, and never, ever asked for any sympathy."
The former infantryman's wife, the couple's three children and
about 30 other family members will visit Washington on Nov 11 for
a Veterans Day ceremony that will mark the additions of five
names. The actual etching of Schaaf's name is expected to be done
Wednesday.
Schaaf was wounded Sept. 5, 1969, as he walked at the head of a
patrol in the jungle near Xuan Loc, north of Ho Chi Minh City,
which then was called Saigon, Mrs. Schaaf said.
He received the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. After
he returned home, he learned to walk with crutches and married his
high school sweetheart. He led an active life but endured
repeated hospital stays until his death at age 42 of a swollen,
infected heart and fluid in the lungs.
Since the memorial was dedicated in 1982, 257 names have been
added from thousands of applications, said Libby Hatch of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which helps to maintain the wall.
The total stands at 58,196.
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 36
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
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Seventh Annual NamVet Page 37
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
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The NamVet Chapel
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Proper Perspective!!
By: Rev. Oscar Wilkie
DAV National Chaplain
In: DAV Magazine - Vol 32, Issue 5
Input by: G. Joseph Peck
NamVet's Managing Editor
VETLink #1 - Tampa, FL
(813) 249-8323
Although I have been talking much in recent columns about
"success," most people will admit that "failure" is a more common
experience.
As I thought it over, it stimulated my thinking in this whole
area of "failure" and how we deal with it. It seems to me that
the hope for success and the fear of failure are perhaps the two
greatest burdens that most of us have to carry.
Ours is a "win-lose" culture: the ethos of our society invites,
motivates, and encourages us to be winners in life. We live in an
age of executive game players, super stars, Nobel Prize winners,
bionic celebrities, and successful entrepreneurs who have captured
our imagination and attention.
We all seem to feel the pressure to win at something, sometime,
somewhere. In such a culture, there seems to be no room for
anyone who fails... whether in sports, at the office, in the
classroom, or at home. We all sense this pressure to win at all
costs. I can relate to it in my own drive to be a "winner,"
whether on the golf course, in my profession, or as your (DAV)
National Chaplain.
Losing is depressing for most of us, but life does not afford us
the luxury of choosing whether or not we are going to play. We
know what it is to fail, and what we need is a way to redeem those
failures. We need to discover whatever there is to learn from our
losses. There are a couple of things I would share with you.
First, we need to learn that failure is a part of life. No one
succeeds at every contest. We need to discover that it is alright
to fail. If the cause is important, and if our efforts represent
our best, then we can find honor in having tried. It seems to me
that the ultimate tragedy in life is not failure. The ultimate
tragedy is to be unwilling to take risks when significant purposes
present themselves!
I think if someone is keeping score and "grading" us on life,
during the times we don't quite make it He gives us an
"incomplete" rather than a "failure." This means even when we
fail on occasion, we are not "failures," just "incomplete" in the
process of "becoming."
"Incomplete" means there is still room to grow. Often we learn
more from our defeats than from our victories. If we have the
right attitude, "win, lose, or draw" in our individual endeavors,
we can be moving forward!
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 38
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
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Seventh Annual NamVet Page 39
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
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Prepared ... but not
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OH, How Far It's Come
by Joyce Flory
NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans' Section Editor
Desert Dolphin/VETLink #13 - Las Cruces, New Mexico
(505) 523-2811 (Pre-Registration Required)
Back about September of 1989 a message thread was running in IVVEC
about incarcerated Vietnam veterans. I was curious as to how a
person went about finding a veteran to write to, maybe brighten a
day or two, or maybe send copies of the NAMVET newsletter. I
asked Gjoe how to go about this and was told, "Gee, Joyce, I don't
know. Why don't you look into it and let us know what you find
out."
Little did I know what I was about to get myself into (grin). I
collected the names and addresses of any and all organizations I
thought could help. I put together a form letter and sent out a
dozen or so of them. I got discouraged when the envelopes began
returning; "No Such Person", "No Such Address", or "Moved, No
Forwarding Address". Almost as bad were the letters telling me
that though they'd like to help, they didn't have any information.
I think the worst were the letters that told me the privacy act
would not allow them to release names or addresses of the
incarcerated.
I kept sending letters and waiting for replies. Finally, in
November, a letter arrived from the a national organization in
Washington D.C. I thought it was going to be another rejection,
but NO, a name, an address, a START! They told me this address
"fell through the cracks" and though I "didn't get it from them"
maybe it would help get me started.
Did it ever!!! I wrote to Mr. Whitmarsh Bailey in Buena Vista,
Colorado, explaining what I was trying to accomplish. In his kind
response, he gave me three more names. Those three gentleman put
me in touch with other inmates in other prisons and the program
grew. Not quickly, but by dribbles. The pen-pal list expanded
with each new letter that crossed my mailbox. Soon, someone sent
me a "phone-book" for the National Incarcerated Veterans Network.
My form letters started flying across the nation, four dozen
letters in the first mailing. Soon, the replies were making their
way back to me. So many incarcerated Vietnam veterans wanting to
be on my list!!
Many were just looking for someone to write to, some saying they'd
only write to single females, others looking for long-lost
buddies. Each so different, but so much the same. Today the list
has grown to over three hundred incarcerated vets in thirty-five
prisons spanning eighteen states. Two prisons in Alabama, one in
Arkansas, three in Colorado, one in Connecticut, four in Georgia,
two in Indiana, one in Kansas, four in Massachusetts, three in
Michigan, one in Missouri, two in New York, three in Nevada, one
in Ohio, one in Pennsylvania, one in Tennessee, two in Virginia,
two in Washington, and one in Wisconsin. Just when I think my
"reach" has stopped, another inmate from another prison drops a
Seventh Annual NamVet Page 40
Volume 7, Number 1 November 12, 1994
note to me.
I've learned a lot about these gentlemen. The majority give
unselfishly of themselves and their time. Some men fill their
hours building doll houses and wooden toys to donate to Toys For
Tots or to be raffled off for local hospital funds for dying
children. Others put together fund raisers to collect monies to
buy food or wood for the less fortunate, year round, not just
during the Holidays. Still others sponsor the Special Olympics
teams in their area. I've been told of scholarship funding to
local colleges, clothing drives, and many "Scared Straight" type
programs they volunteer to take part in.
While involved in these programs, many have chosen to go back to
school. A few are finishing high school, some are taking what
college courses are available to them, a couple are lucky enough
to be able to carry a full course load in the field they'd like to
pursue after their release. They learn or teach trades; cabinet
making, woodworking, upholstering, and some construction work to
enable themselves to make a living on the "outside".
They are concerned with most of the same things you and I are.
The shrinking economy, politics, changes in world order. They put
together newsletters about VA updates, the MIA/POW issue, PTSD,
Agent Orange, relate stories, and write poems, much the same as
our NAMVET but with a much smaller readership.
I have, also, learned that they prefer to being called "Vietnam
veterans, incarcerated". They tell me they were Nam vets first,
incarcerated second. When not using that "title", they refer to
themselves as the "Forgotten Warriors", stating that once behind
bars, no one cares about them. Not their families, not their
friends, not other Vietnam veterans, not their government. They
can't get adequate health care, they are denied the counseling
they need for PTSD, their VA benefits are nowhere near what other
veterans get, if they can get them at all. And this just seems to
be the tip of the iceberg.
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