VFW Commander-In-Chief Richard Eubanks Recognizes Pacific Areas Member with Life Saving Award

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1 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pacific Areas Commander Jim Oden Military Order of the Cootie Grand of the Pacific Commander Orville Humfleet Volume VI Number 06 A non-profit official publication 20 December 2010 The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what is happening locally throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information from outside the Department, in the various programs that both support. Inputs are due no later than the 15 th of the month. VFW Commander-In-Chief Richard Eubanks Recognizes Pacific Areas Member with Life Saving Award The CINC of the VFW Richard Eubank recently honored a Life Member of Post in Songtan, Korea with the VFW Valor Life Saving Citation for an act of heroism in saving the life of two people while Keith was on active duty with the US Air Force. Colonel Keith Andrews is currently assigned to 7 th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Korea. All the more impressive, he performed his act of heroism while on duty with the USAF s Air War College regional study trips to Zambia, Africa. His act of heroism was recognized with the award of the President s Medal for Gallantry by the President of Zambia. Here are the words from the President s Citation: Whereby you saved two teenage girls from sure death by drowning in the Zambezi River and being swept over the Victoria Falls. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1

2 The statement that specifically warranted the VFW Valor Life Saving Award is also found in the President s Citation with: Disregarding the danger to your own life posed by the swift strong current and the slippery rocks just above the falls, you jumped into the river and were able to pull the two girls to the shore. The following citation was received by the US Air Force from the US Ambassador to Zambia. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 2

3 Zambian President Rupiah Banda awards Col. Keith Andrews the President s Medal of Gallantry May 25, for the rescue of two Zambian women in the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls a year earlier. Andrews was visiting the area as part of a U.S. Air Force Air War College regional study program tour May 8, The VFW Department of Pacific Areas adds our own congratulations to Colonel Keith Andrews for the honor he has bestowed upon the Veterans of Foreign Wars as one of our members. Colonel Andrews will be presented the VFW Award at the next VFW District III Meeting in February. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 3

4 DISTRICT II AND III COMRADES PERFORM COMBINED REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY AT CLARK CEMETERY Story and photos by Joe Mortimer, Commander, District 2 Mainland Japan and Doc Higgins Department Surgeon ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES After the 2010 Department of Pacific Areas Mid-Term Council of Administration comrades of District 2 Mainland Japan and District 3 Korea teamed up to take time to remember comrades from District 2 and District 3 who are buried at Clark Cemetery. In attendance were from District 2 were District Commander Mortimer, District Senior Vice Commander Moses and District Quartermaster Johnson. From District 3 Korea were Commander Doc Higgins, Adjutant Keith Michael, and Life Member of VFW Post Shay Shaman Carnes. This started as a District 2 tradition when District Commander Joe Mortimer was District Junior Vice Commander. Upon the death of Gene Gann (a Past District 2 Commander) Joe made visits to his gravesite and planted a U.S. flag each time he was in Angeles City attending an Annual Convention or Council of Administration. It gradually spread to an unofficial District 2 event and last year, Joe was joined by Doc Higgins of District 3 Korea. The ceremony commences with a moment of silence at the 100 kilometer marker of the Bataan Death March then an honors salute to all who are buried at Clark Cemetery. From there proceed to the location where known District members are buried and remember them with an honors salute and flag planting. The remembrance for comrades of District 2 was lead by Joe Mortimer and Doc Higgins lead the remembrances for District 3 comrades. While there, we also paused to pay respects to Al Mitchell (Past Grand Commander) who was also recently buried there. Joe stated, I had only met Gene Gann a couple times before he died, however he impressed me very much. I felt it was important to make a visit since he was a District 2 Commander that someone from District 2 should take a moment while in Angeles City to visit him. Virgil Eugene Gene Gann was a retired Commander in the U.S. Navy and a Past Commander of District 2 Mainland Japan who later moved to the Philippines. He was laid to rest in Clark Cemetery in Recently in August 2010, sitting District 2 Commander Kirk McKnight was laid to rest here. Kirk was a legend in District 2 Mainland Japan and I had known him for about 3 years. As other people I know from the Department of Pacific Areas are laid to rest here, it makes this small ceremony even more important for me to do, said Joe. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 4

5 In Memoriam Remembering Gene Gann of District 2 Mainland Japan. Remembering Earl Dodge of District 3 Korea. Remembering Kirk McKnight of District 2 Mainland Japan. VFW Post Commander Doc Higgins and Post members pay respects and honor VFW Post members who were buried there. He was accompanied by Adjutant Keith Michael and Life Member of VFW Post Shay Shaman Carnes in planting an American Flag and a remembrance ceremony for Earl Dodge and Lewis Baker. Remembering Lewis Baker of District 3 Korea. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 5

6 era. The Clark Air Base Cemetery was formed between 1947 and 1950 by moving the headstones/markers and remains from at least four other U.S. military cemeteries (Fort Stotsenberg 1 and 2, Fort McKinley and Sangley Point Naval Cemetery) to the new acre, 12,000 plot cemetery located just inside the Main Gate of Clark Air Base. All WWII dead were moved to the American Cemetery, Manila. The cemetery contains the remains of U.S. Veterans from the USA, USN, USMC, USCG, USAF, Philippine Scouts (PS) and their dependents. Some, but not all, were veterans of the Spanish/American, Philippine Insurrection, WWI, WWII (died after the war), Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq Wars. The largest category interred is civilian, mostly U.S. and Filipino, all of whom worked for the U.S. Government, and their dependents. In addition, nationals from France, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam and India are buried there. Joe paid respects to fallen comrade MSgt Albert Mitchell. ABOUT CLARK CEMETERY VFW Post 2485 of Angeles City manages the Grave Diggers help to raise funds to support and maintain the Clark Cemetery. Additional contributions can be made by sending a check made out to "VFW Post 2485" with a memo of "Cemetery Maintenance Fund" and sent to: VFW Post 2485, PSC 517, Box RCV, FPO AP If you desire to participate during our next VFW event in Angeles, contact Joe Mortimer or Doc Higgins and join us on this memorable visit. This cemetery is the final resting place for some 2,250 fallen American soldiers including at least 642 Philippine Scouts from the pre-wwii District 2 Mainland Japan DISTRICT 2 COMMANDER MEETS WITH BOY SCOUTS Story and photos by Joe Mortimer, Commander, District 2 Mainland Japan NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN On 23 November 2010, Comrade Joe Mortimer, of VFW Post 9612 and Commander, District 2 Mainland Japan, attended a Cub Scout Pack 22 meeting on NAF Atsugi and gave a presentation on how to properly fold and care for the U.S. Flag VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 6

7 District 7 Philippines At the invitation of U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas, the top three chairs of Post 9892 all traveled to Baguio City on Friday, December 17, 2010, to attend the Ambassador s annual Christmas Party. This year the party was celebrated as a garden party. In attendance were local dignitaries, including two Congressmen, the Mayor of Baguio City, and a few cadets of the Philippine Military Academy. Seen below are: (l-r) SVC Sonny Dozier, Cdr Frank Hilliard, Mrs. Brink, Mary-An Flores, Lina Hilliard, Ambassador Harry Thomas, Daisy Dozier (front), Dennis Brink VA-OPC Dir., Imelda Darkus, and JVC Tom Darkus. At left: Post 9892 Commander Frank Hilliard is seen with Baguio City Mayor Maricio Domogan (left), and Congressman Bernardo Vergara. Commander Hilliard the Mayor and Congress-man related to the many times they had met over the years as they worked together on the former Camp John Hay. Hilliard was with the Public Affairs Office on the base and worked closely with both the Mayor s office and the Congressman. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 7

8 VFW Post 9892 s 19 th Annual Chili Cook Off went off without a hitch on Saturday, November 27, While the number of participating teams was dismal this year, compared to 28 teams last year, a great time was had by all. Seen at right is Glenda and hubby Floyd Whaley, who won the best booth decoration Commander s Plaque. (Last year Glenda won the best chili award.) Below are seen the gorgeous carved plaques, and Best Chili Trophy on display during the competition. Above right is seen the Pup Tent 11 Team from Barrio Barretto, who won the coveted Great Blue Louse trophy for the fourth year in a row. Also seen in the photo are Past Supreme Commander Marty Ellingwood, (2 nd fm l front row), and MOC Grand of Pacific Commander Orville Humfleet, (behind Marty). Both were visiting for the Chili Cook Off and then went on to attend Scratches of all Pup Tents in the Philippines. Pup Tent 11 also went on to win the overall Best Chile award. Pup Tent 15 Team from Angeles City won Second Place in the Chili contest, while VFW Post 9892 won Third Place. This was VFW Post 9892 s eighth award from the Chili Cooking. At left: one of the perks of command, presenting the Miss Chili Pepper award to Hershey a sixteen year old high school student. We had a total of 17 young ladies who participated this year. At right is the cooking booth of Bali Hai, our host resort for the Chili Cook Offs for the past 17 years. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 8

9 POST 2485 BANQUET JV-CINC Hamilton making presentation to Post Commander Bob Chesko JV-CINC John Hamilton addressing Comrades at the banquet VFW National JC-CINC Hamilton Visits Department of Pacific Areas C of A National JVC-in-Chief John Jamilton and John Strouds candidate National JVC-in-Chief 2012 and Pup Tent 15 Seam Squirrel Tom Aldrich laying a wreath at the Clark cemetery, Clark Field Philippines. National JVC-in-Chief John Hamilton and John Strouds, candidate for National JVC-in-Chief 2012, visiting the Collin Kelly monument at Clark Field, Philippines. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 9

10 National JVC-in-Chief John Jamilton and John Strouds, candidate for National JVC-in-Chief 2012 and Post 2485 Commander Bob Chesko laying a wreath at the Clark Cemetery, Clark Field, Philippines. District VII Commander Jimbo Correll presenting a memento on behalf of District VII Comrades to DPA Commander Jim Oden at the Commander's recognition night Mid-Term, Oasis Hotel, Angeles City. DEPARTMENT of PACIFIC AREAS COUNCIL of ADMINISTRATION JV-CINC Hamilton speaking to membership Commander Oden displaying the Department All-American penant for Past Supreme Commander Marty Ellingwood VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 10

11 Presentations and Recognition Awards VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 11

12 VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 12

13 DEPARTMENT C of A BANQUET VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 13

14 GRAND OF PACIFIC MID-TERM C of A Private Scratch???? What are their Cootie Numbers???? Have they completed their Degree Work???? Where is their Duffle for Fines???? Provost Marshall!!!!!! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 14

15 SUPREME AWARDS for GRAND of PACIFIC AREAS SUPREME ALL-STAR PUP TENT AWARD PRESENTATIONS Pup Tent 1 Pup Tent 6 VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 15

16 Pup Tent 7 Pup Tent 303 Pup Tent 8 #1 VFW Recruiter-Invividual Cootie Ken Swierzewski AWARDS and RECOGNITION VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 16

17 Department and Grand Announcements POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS All members please submit! Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month MOVING, TRANSFERRING, OR LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST? DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY If moving, be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss any of your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other VFW benefits VFW BUDDY POPPY DONATIONS Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help. If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. Donations for Buddy Poppies are greatly appreciated and accepted. Please see your Post Buddy Poppy Chairman for details. VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 17

18 DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS GRAVE DIGGERS VFW Cootie Corner Announcements MOC PADDY DADDY PROGRAM M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website. Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log: - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to: VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster. The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends, Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up! Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause. The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the application to me along with a check made out to Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to bthaney@vfw10223.org. Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman If you make a donation or become a member, we thank you very much and ask you to please inform your Pup Tent s Custodian of the Crummy Duffle Bag and be quick about it! VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1