THE OUTPOST Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, Tampa Fl.

Transcription

1 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2007 THE OUTPOST Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, Tampa Fl. NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2001, FLORIDA STATE COUNCIL, CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 FOR INFORMATION CALL BOB SILMSER (813) OR (813) WEB SITE: First Chapter Meeting at our New Location, Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa Fl. Chapter Officers President: Jim LaGarde Vice President: Carl Harris Secretary: Bob Silmser Treasurer: Bob Silmser Board of Directors: Ron Schott Tom Hall Kevin Ruhl Jon Mueller State Council Delegate: Kevin Ruhl Newsletter Editor: Jon Mueller, ParaSF68@aol.com The first chapter meeting at our new location, the Hillsborough County Veterans Park & Museum, located at 3602 Hwy 301 North, Tampa Fl. Pictured L-R (standing) Bob Hannan, Hillsborough County Veterans Council President and chapter member Dave Braun, chapter VP Carl Harris, Richard Nye, John Kieffer, chapter President Jim (Rambo) LaGarde, Steve Williams and chapter Secretary and Treasurer Bob Silmser. Sitting L-R, John Kieffer s daughter Jorden, Tony Towers and Mickey Taylor. Everyone agreed that it was a real pleasure to remove our selves from the old Brandon Veterans Hall location. Meetings Chapter Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month. Time: 7:00 PM Location: Veterans Memorial Park 3602 Hwy. 301 N. Tampa Fl See Map on last page. Mailing address: P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl

2 THE THE OUTPOST OUTPOST VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, Page 2 The OUTPOST, chapter 787 s newsletter, will have it first regular columnist. President Jim LaGarde, set up a meeting with Hillsborough County s Veterans Affairs representative, Tom Meattey. Tom has agreed to send us items of interest to our chapter members each month. You can see him and what he has to say on page 10 of the OUTPOST each month. Thanks to Tom for his input and thanks to Rambo for this great idea. Pictured below, L-R, Tom Meattey and chapter President, Jim LaGarde. Music of Our Time, Top 20 Sept Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire 2. Hang On Sloopy - The McCoys 3. You Were On My Mind - We Five 4. The In Crowd - The Ramsey Lewis Trio 5. Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan 6. Help - The Beatles 7. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers 8. Catch Us If You Can - The Dave Clark Five 9. Yesterday - The Beatles 10. I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher 11. It Ain't Me Babe - The Turtles 12. California Girls - The Beach Boys 13. Tracks of My Tears - The Miracles 14. Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - James Brown 15. Baby Don't Go - Sonny & Cher 16. Some Enchanted Evening - Jay & the Americans 17. Action - Freddy Cannon 18. We Gotta Get Out of This Place - The Animals 19. You've Got Your Troubles - The Fortunes 20. Baby I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis

3 Submitted By: Tom Hall VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 Chapter Member Ken Leland Earns Award Page 3 Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Michael E. Di Yeso President and CEO August 3, 2007 Kenneth Leland 7331 Floral Circle West Lakeland, FL Dear Mr. Leland, Congratulations! Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to receive the George Washington Honor Medal for your entry in this year's Freedoms Foundation National Awards Program. Your work as a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Speakers Bureau exemplified the essence of the National Awards by promoting an understanding and appreciation for our country's rich heritage and unique freedoms. Since 1949 Freedoms Foundation's National Awards Program has honored exceptional work. Through a selection process based on quality and content, recipients are chosen to become part of an historically prestigious group of American citizens that advance the American ideal. Your George Washington Honor Medal will be presented to you at an awards ceremony to be arranged by the Freedoms Foundation Volunteer Chapter closest to your area. An invitation will be extended to you to attend and receive your award at a ceremony conducted this fall/winter, or the award will be mailed to you if you are unable to attend the awards ceremony. Best wishes in your future endeavors. Michael E. Di Yeso President and CEO 1601 Valley Forge Road, PO. Box 706 Valley Forge, PA Telephone: ext. 240' Toll Free: ' Fax: mdiyeso@ffvf.orgâ Congratulations Ken, from all of us at Chapter 787 Pictured above from our January 2006 chapter Christmas Party, is L-R chapter President Jim LaGarde & Ken Leland Submitted By: Bob Silmser V.V.A. Chapter 787 Honors WW II War POW Raymond VanDuzer, was a Tech. Sgt. 4th grade, combat Medic. He was in the US ARMY during WWII, and was a POW in Germany for 7 months, from Nov till May During his service he received a Silver Star and a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster. He is a lifetime member of the VFW. He is a National Service Officer for AMERICA EX-PRISONERS OF WAR, also National Director for AMERICAN EX-PRISONERS OF WAR. He and his wife Janet, both volunteer at the EX-POW office at Bay Pines VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg. September is National POW/MIA Recognition Day

4 THE OUTPOST Page 4 This Month During the Vietnam War September 1965: The 9 th Marine Regiment initiated and developed several tactics and techniques that would, because of their success, become adopted by units throughout Vietnam. The first of these new techniques was a means of protecting the rice harvest. Code named "Golden Fleece," these operations, which began in September, 1965, was designed to protect the Vietnamese in harvesting their rice and denying the enemy of a source of food and income. Emphasis was placed on controlling the movement of rice by conducting search and clear operations in the vicinity of the harvest and also provide security for the villages. September 1966: 25th Infantry Division soldiers claimed more than 1,000 communists were killed in 43 days of bitter fighting, but the most significant result of Operation Attleboro was the severe blow struck against the communists' supply system. The operation was officially ended Friday. The Reds lost some 2,400 tons of precious rice that was to feed their troops for months. They also lost more than 25,000 grenades, 127 individual weapons, 19 crewserved weapons, more than 1,000 pounds of ammunition, bombs, clothing, cooking oil, bicycles, tobacco, fifth and other food supplies Troops of the 196th Light Inf. Brigade first began uncovering stockpiled Viet Cong supplies about Oct. 1, two weeks after Operation Attleboro began. Day after day, as they advanced through the thick jungle forests, they came upon VC camps and storage areas. At first it was considered a joke when a unit would stumble onto a large rice cache. Later, such a discovery was turned into drudgery, since the captured supplies and equipment had to be loaded and evacuated. September 1968: HAWK HILL -- A bloody three-day showdown between Americal Division soldiers and two NVA regiments near Tam Ky left a badly mauled enemy force limping off the battlefield, leaving behind 473 dead. Spearheaded by the division's mobile armored strike force, the 1st Sqdn., 1st Cav., the Aug action began as a single platoon encounter before raging into a full-scale battle in Operation Burlington Trail. The 2nd Plt. of the Cav.'s A Trp., commanded by 1LT Thomas M. Gintz, along with the ARVN 3rd Sqdn., 4th Cav., came under heavy RPG, recoilless rifle, and automatic weapons fire to start the initial contact. September 1971: Following the failure of the Communist 'Third Offensive' in late August, III MAF forces in southern ICTZ pursued enemy forces, attempting to defeat them in detail, until Typhoon Bess brought most offensive operations to a halt. During the first week in September, 60-knot winds and 20 inches of rain battered the Da Nang area. Rivers swelled, flooding low-lying areas and carrying away bridges. Trenches and bunkers collapsed, mud slides closed Route l over Hai Van Pass, and aircraft remained grounded. In consolation, III MAF Marines had the satisfaction of knowing that the typhoon brought misery to the enemy, as well, flooding their many underground caches of food and arms. September 1971: U.S. Navy SEALS from SEAL Team 2, capture three NVA high ranking officers in the Mekong delta. It took many days of tracking and the team ran out of food and fresh water but they got their man (men). September 1974: President Gerald Ford offers clemency to draft evaders and military deserters. Quotes Do not touch anything unnecessarily. Beware of pretty girls in dance halls and parks, who may be spies, as well as bicycles, revolvers, uniforms, arms, dead horses and men lying on roads - They are not there accidentally. From Soviet Infantry field manual, 1930 At present we are paying 8 million pounds a year for the privilege of living on an ungrateful volcano Winston Churchill on Iraq, 1922

5 Submitted By: Kevin Ruhl & Jon Mueller Wannabe s VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 Page 5 Fake Marine Sentenced to Tend Graves Associated Press July 31, 2007 TACOMA, Wash. - A man who posed as a decorated Marine Corps captain for two years will tend graves at a military cemetery as part his sentence to serve 500 hours of community service, a federal judge ruled. Reggie L. Buddle, 59, of Puyallup pleaded guilty in April to unlawful wearing of U.S. military medals and decorations. He told U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly J. Arnold at his sentencing Monday that he was ashamed of his conduct. Buddle never served in the Marines. He bought the uniform at a military surplus store, and the medals belonged to his brother, a Marine who died in Vietnam. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Friedman told the court in his sentencing memo that the publicity had been punishment. "Mr. Buddle has been appropriately made to answer before a great many people, and he has been shunned by a great many others," Friedman wrote. Buddle posed as a Marine Corps captain in 2005 and 2006, wearing a uniform with medals intended as awards for extraordinary contribution to national defense and heroism in combat. He even gave the opening prayer for the Washington state Senate in 2006 and posed as a chaplain and reverend, including officiating at weddings and funerals of servicemen. Buddle wasn't ordained, however Friedman has said the marriages he presided over would still be lawfully recognized. The judge said Monday that Buddle would serve his community service tending graves at the Tahoma Military Cemetery in Kent. Phony hero & fake Green Beret, may go to prison for 31 years. Army Times, August , By Michelle Tan A former soldier charged with felony bank fraud and two misdemeanor counts of falsely claiming military awards or decorations pleased guilty August 9 to two of the three charges against him. Richard David McClanahan, 29, admitted committing bank fraud and falsely claiming a Medal of Honor. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution dropped the other charge against McClanahan, in which he was accused of falsely claiming he had three Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit. McClanahan, who was initially in the Navy, then moved to the Army to become a medic, also continually lied about civilian life, military career, education and experiences and he displayed poor judgment by falsifying military documents, according to the factual resume. Army records show that McClanahan never received an award for valor, and his only overseas assignment was a yearlong tour in South Korea from 2003 to McClanahan was kicked out of the Army spending time in prison and taking a reduction in rank and a other-than-honorable discharge on his way out. Some additional decorations he wore, beside those mentioned above, that he did not earn were the Special Forces and Airborne tabs, CMB, jump wings and corporals strips.

6 THE OUTPOST Page 6 Medal of Honor Winners of the War in Vietnam The Bravest of the Brave NASH, DAVID P. Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 29 December Entered service at: Louisville, Ky. Born: 3 November 1947, Whitesville, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Nash distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company B, in Giao Duc District. When an ambush patrol of which he was a member suddenly came under intense attack before reaching its destination, he was the first to return the enemy fire. Taking an exposed location, Pfc. Nash suppressed the hostile fusillade with a rapid series of rounds from his grenade launcher, enabling artillery fire to be adjusted on the enemy. After the foe had been routed, his small element continued to the ambush site where he established a position with 3 fellow soldiers on a narrow dike. Shortly past midnight, while Pfc. Nash and a comrade kept watch and the 2 other men took their turn sleeping, an enemy grenade wounded 2 soldiers in the adjacent position. Seconds later, Pfc. Nash saw another grenade land only a few feet from his own position. Although he could have escaped harm by rolling down the other side of the dike, he shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive. Absorbing the blast with his body, he saved the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. By his gallantry at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service, Pfc. Nash has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. Submitted By: Jim LaGarde Women In the Military Grunts Love These POG s* *(POG = Personnel Other then Grunts)

7 Page 7 THE OUTPOST Submitted By: Kevin Ruhl Vietnam Veterans of America, National Convention, Springfield Ill. Chapter 787 Board member and State Council Delegate, Kevin Ruhl submitted these pictures from the convention, which he attended as the representative for our chapter, in July. From top, L-R, Kevin Ruhl and Nancy Sinatra, Plaque presented to the Hilton and Abe Lincoln hotels. Second row, Marines have their own Bank in Springfield, Ding-a-Lings singing group. Other groups like Big & Rich, & Arlo Guthery were there. Bottom row, V.V.A. National President John, with unidentified men, present the plaque to the two hotels, truck painted to honor the men of the 173d Airborne Brigade, in Vietnam. The names of all 1700 of their, KIA s are listed on the outside of the cargo area.

8 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 9 Page 8 Calendar of Events Date Event Time September th Thursday Board of Directors Meeting, Jon s House 6:30 PM 27th Thursday Chapter Meeting, Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa Fl, New Location 7:00 PM October th Thursday Board of Directors Meeting, Jon s House 6:30 PM 20th Saturday Chapter Picnic, Veterans Memorial Park, Tampa Fl. 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 25th Thursday Chapter Meeting, Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa Fl, New Location 7:00 PM Chapter Picnic will Celebrate our 10th Anniversary President Jim (Rambo) LaGarde asked that chapter 787 hold a picnic for all members and their families so set your calendars for Saturday October 20th from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, Tampa Fl. The same location as where we now hold our chapter meetings. President LaGarde says the chapter will provide a catered barbeque for all so be sure everyone brings their children and grandchildren out to the event. Submitted By Jon Mueller Florida All Airborne Days LaQuinta Inn, Clearwater Fl. Thursday, Oct 25 th to Sunday Oct 28 th The Army s 82 nd Airborne Division will sponsor and welcome all past and present, US Military and foreign qualified paratroopers to this annual event. There will be a number of activities that are geared to those select few who get to work by jumping from a perfectly good airplane or helicopter. During the Saturday Dinner, a CZ automatic pistol will be raffled off. Many attendees are Vietnam Vets. For details or to get a registration form, contact Jack Nolan by at: JNOLAN7@TAMPABAY.RR.COM, or by phone at: You can contact the hotel by phone at: or Financial Status of Chapter 787 as of August Checking Account $10, (Moving Wall Fund..$4,692.80, Available Funds $3,935.91, Holiday Meals Fund $2,330.66*) Household Goods.$ Convention Fund $1, All Accounts Total: $13, Thanks to our Treasurer Bob Silmser *It is estimated that we will need $3,540 to cover this years Veteran Holiday Meal Program.

9 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 Submitted By: Bob Silmser Taps Page 9 John Hasselback, US Air Force, Senior Master Sergeant, died on August in Brandon Fl. He was 64 years old. MSgt. Hasselback was a Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 787 member along with being a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4340 and AMVETS Post H served two tours of duty in Vietnam mostly at Phu Cat. He was survived by his wife of 37 years, Lee; son, Harold; and brother, George and wife, Adrian. By Anne Perry The Cab Driver Submitted By: Kevin Ruhl Frank Tadpole Perry had a really poignant few minutes on Memorial Day. We needed to go to The Wall early, and he chose to go via cab. The cab driver was obviously Asian, and there were a few long moments of silence after we got into the car. Then the driver held up a cardboard sign on which he had written "Thank You ALL vets...our heroes." After another long moment, he added, "especially Viet Nam vets." It was very emotional for all of us... I was crying, and so was he, as he told the story of being a SVN Marine working in VN, Laos, and Cambodia. After the war, he spent five years in jail and then, after one failed attempt, managed to get 19 members of his family out of the country via boat. He was a very proud man, and it was a wonderful experience, especially for the two veteran Marines. Since this happened, and we have shared the story with others, some of our friends have said that they rode with the same cab driver. We wonder if he wasn t working our hotel in particular in order to share his own memories and thankfulness and love with our veterans. If you were so blessed, we hope you think this was a gift from God. Submitted By: Harold (Kit) Carson USAF Memorial, Washington DC We spent an interesting day in the DC area, visiting the new Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. I was impressed as never before. Perhaps it's my age, experience or whatever, but I have to say the military does it right. The memorials are impressive. The quotes and statements inscribed in stone are inspiring when you read and reflect on what they are saying. The new AF Memorial is physically inspiring, especially when you stand at the base and look up the curving arch. You need to be holding on to the arch so you don't lose your balance. Then, there is Arlington. I've been there before, even attended the funeral of a friend years ago. But this time, during a perfect summer day, it was more meaningful. In spite of the crowds, commercialism is minimized. No vendors, even though there is a guaranteed good crowd. Paid parking is a downside, but provides employment for some of DC's finest, and an ever-increasing number of immigrants in this area. The highlight was the ceremony of The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It is military precision and tradition at it's finest. They change every 30 minutes around the clock in a 10 minute ceremony. If you've seen it before, go again and realize what they are doing. If you've never seen the ceremony, try to get there. Very impressive day, very inspiring.

10 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 9 Page 10 From the Desk of Tom Meattey, Veterans Affairs, Hillsborough County To Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 787 I wish to introduce our office, Hillsborough County Office of Veterans Affairs, to you. Our main office is located at the following address: 1101 East 139 th Ave Tampa Florida. Phone number is Office Hours are Monday-Friday 7am-5:30 pm. Walk-In Basis. We have a number of satellite offices throughout the county. I wish to let you know that one of these offices is located at the following address: Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Museum & Park 3602 Hwy 301 Tampa Florida Tuesday morning only, 7am to noon Walk-In Basis. Our mission is to support all Veterans and Surviving Dependents of Veterans with issues concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs. Please call our office for any questions you may have concerning VA issues. Chapter 787 Members Staff the Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Museum The Veterans Memorial Museum, where our chapter now holds it s meetings, located on Hwy 301 in Tampa has been open to the public on weekends. Chapter member and Hillsborough County Veterans Council President, Dave Braun asked if chapter 787 could have one member each Friday staff the museum so that they could add that extra day to allow the public more access time. President Jim LaGarde and other members agreed immediately. Now each Friday, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. you can view the excellent collection of military memorabilia that the museum has to offer. Thanks to all our members who are donating their time. Anyone who wants to volunteer for this duty, contact Jon Mueller at (813) or at ParaSF@aolcom. War Dogs Honored A bill to establish the National War Dogs Monument is expected to clear the U.S. Senate and be signed into law this fall. The non profit behind the effort originally sought to place the monument in Washington D.C. but was forced to change venues over concerns about the already monument-choked National Mall. The new proposed location at Ft. Belvoir, Va. Is subject to approval by the secretary of defense. Chapter Membership Rewards Any member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, in good standing, who sponsors a new V.V.A. or A.V.V.A member to Chapter 787 will be rewarded with his or her yearly dues paid for up to a maximum of three years. Therefore, if you know of any Vietnam Vet, Era Vet, or any other person (non-vet) who may be interested in joining our select group under the General Membership or A.V.V. A. program, now is the time to contact them and save some money on your next annual due s payment.

11 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 9 Membership Application Membership is open to U.S. armed forces veterans who served on active duty (for other then training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28th 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, Page 11 Vietnam Veterans of America Send to: VVA Chapter 787, P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl Name: Male: Female: Date of Birth: Address: Apt. # City: State: Zip: Home Phone: Work or Cell Phone: Chapter #787 Sponsor Membership Type: Individual: 1 year $20 3 years $50. Associate: 1 year $20 3 years $50 Life Member Options: Life Member Ages 49 and Under: $250, Life Member Ages 50-55: $225, Life Member Ages 56-60: $200, Life Member Ages 61-65: $175, Life Member Ages 66 +: $150 I am already a V.V.A. member and want to become a life member. My V.V.A. Member number is. Optional Time Payment plan: $50 down, and $25 per month until paid in full. Payment Method: Check Money Order Visa MasterCard If using a credit card: Card Exp. Date: Signature This newsletter is not the official publication of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 787, Tampa Bay Florida. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Chapter 787, the VVA State Council, the VVA National or the Chapter members. You can receive a copy of the OUTPOST each month at no cost. Contact Jon Mueller via at JonMue@aol.com and provide your address. You will need to have an Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC to open the newsletter. You can also receive it by US mail. The cost is $12 per year. Make your check payable to V.V.A. Chapter 787 and mail it to P.O. Box 89247, Tampa Fl Make sure you identify the payment for the OUTPOST.

12 THE OUTPOST Help Your Chapter Grow Bring a New Member to the Next Chapter Meeting. Come and Join Us. Give us your Ideas. Chapter meetings are held at the Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, 3602 Hwy. 301 N. Tampa Fl Contact Addresses: President Jim LaGarde: clagarde@tampabay.rr.com VP Carl Harris: c-e-harris@tampabay.rr.com Secretary & Treasurer Bob Silmser: Rafkirk64@tampabay.rr.com State Council Delegate Kevin Ruhl: MSgtMCRet@aol.com Board of Directors Ron Schott: RonD1120@aol.com Kevin Ruhl: MSgtMCRet@aol.com Jon Mueller: ParaSF68@aol.com Important Web Sites Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 787, Tampa Bay Florida Vietnam War Statistics.. Vietnam, Yesterday & Today.... Vietnam Veterans Legacy Foundation... National League of Families of American POW s/mia s.... V.V.A. National Office on the World Wide Web.... U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.... OPM Veterans Hiring Preference.... Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP).... U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.... Children of Vietnam Vets. The Center for Women Veterans Vietnam Women Memorial Foundation, Inc (formerly Project ) The Moving Wall Vietnam Combat Veterans LTD The Virtual Wall Get a Copy of your DD-214 on-line.. Florida State Council web site...