I V Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pacific Areas Commander Darin Combs II III IV VI VII The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases local activities throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas through articles, photos, etc. The Department Editor may provide articles on the various programs and activities. DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS 2012 CONVENTION BARRIO BARRETTO, SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES Emcee Watson introduced the following VIPs: Barry Hirshbein, Commander, Department of Pacific Areas; Past Commander in Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Edward Banas; representing the Veterans Affairs Commission of Republic of China, Deputy Secretary General, Vice Admiral Shih, Hui-min(Ret), accompanied by Col Liao; James Oden, Commander, Grand of the Pacific and Supreme District 15 Council Member Ronald Teets. Special VIPs recognized attending the convention Our Military Active Duty Members Department of Pacific Areas Page 1
Officer of the Day Sonny Dozier Presenting the Colors Department Officers Department District Commanders I through VI Department of Pacific Areas Page 2
and hanging in there: District VII Commander Chesko - No table, but he does have his nameplate! Department Convention attendees settling in for the business session. Department of Pacific Areas Page 3
Pacific Areas All-American Team 2011-12 Posts 1054, 8180, 10216, 10223, 1509, 2917, 3457, District VI and Department of Pacific Areas All-American Commanders receiving their Department All-American pins from PDC Bob Zaher. This program was conceived and implemented by PDC Larry Lyons a few years ago. Well Done Commanders and thank you Larry and Bob. All-American Post 1054 Commander Homer Kemper All-American Post 10216 Commander Pat Higgins Department of Pacific Areas Page 4
District VI All-American Team All three Posts and the District earned All-American honors. Unique distinction that does not happen often. Congratulations Comrades and Officers of District VI! All-American Post 1509 Commander Brian Merenda All-American Post 3457 Commander Mariano Fajardo (Not attending Convention) All-American Post 2917 Commander Bill Bradford All-American District VI Commander Jerry Kraus Also, now a Triple Crown Commander Department of Pacific Areas Page 5
VIPs addressing the convention Veterans Affairs Commission of the Republic of China, Deputy Secretary General, Vice Admiral Shih, Hui-min (Ret) Past VFW Commander-in-Chief Ed Banas VFW Commander-in-Chief s Presentation VFW Commander-in-Chief s National Recognition presented to Pacific Areas Richard Keeley for his many years of dedication and service as our Department Adjutant. Presented to him by VFW National representative Past CINC Ed Banas and Department Commander Barry Hirshbein. Department of Pacific Areas Page 6
Awards Banquet Presentations Outstanding Post COL Lewis L. Millet Hill 180 Post 10216 Outstanding Post Commander Homer Kemper, Post 1054 Outstanding Post Adjutant Michael Lutman, Post 1054 Outstanding Post Quartermaster Frank Hunter, Post 1054 Outstanding Member Ernie Lee, Post 10216 Outstanding Post Service Officer Michael Castro, Post 1054 Outstanding Contributor Business NMSI Mobile Ship Repair, Post 2485 Outstanding Contributor Individual Jerry Mills, Post 1509 Outstanding Contributor Individual Jerry Mills, Post 1509 Outstanding Post Service Officer Michael Castro, Post 1054 Outstanding Contributor Business NMSI Mobile Ship Repair, Post 2485 Outstanding Post Quartermaster Frank Hunter, Post 1054 Outstanding Post Adjutant Michael Lutman, Post 1054 Outstanding Post Commander Homer Kemper, Post 1054 Department of Pacific Areas Page 7
National Military Services Chairman Ken Swierzewski and Commander Barry Hirshbein presenting NMS Award Certificates to Commander s Chesko, Post 2485; Kraus, District VI and Higgins, Post 10216 VFW Past CINC Ed Banas with a special presentation to Vice Admiral Shih, Hui-min(Ret) Veterans Affairs Commission of the Republic of China, Deputy Secretary General Department of Pacific Areas Page 3
Department VIP Luncheon Hungry Eyes Like the old country song by Merle Haggard Hotel VIP Luncheon Staff Thank you Ladies! Department of Pacific Areas Page 4
Another Food Line Just like Old Times for you Veterans! Mess Deck Master-at-Arms Mortimer Comrade Joe Mortimer is either directing traffic or protecting his place in line. Department of Pacific Areas Page 5
AAAHHHH! Boy that was good meal! Looks like Dennis is leading the Band! Department of Pacific Areas Page 6
PDCs Oden, Wichmann and Kraus enjoying the get-together Department of Pacific Areas Page 7
Past CINC Ed Banas presenting Oath of Office to Commander-Elect Darin Combs Department of Pacific Areas Page 8
As our Commander is sworn in we are looking forward to the new VFW year! PDC Jerry Kraus presenting Commander Combs with his Commander s cap. Department of Pacific Areas Page 9
PDC Kraus pinning Commander Combs with his Department Commander s Pin Department of Pacific Areas Page 10
Jr. Past Commander Barry Hirshbein passing the gavel to Commander Combs Commander Combs addressing the membership as our new Commander 2012-13 Department of Pacific Areas Page 11
Looks like Commander Combs is telling PDC Keeley That was not funny Dick! Department of Pacific Areas Page 12
Then again, maybe it was funny Department of Pacific Areas Page 13
A proud moment for PDC Jim Malott seeing his friend and comrade Commander Darin Combs assuming the duties and responsibilities as our Department Commander. Department of Pacific Areas Page 14
District I Okinawa VFW Post 9723 Memorial Day Remembrance Memorial Day the 28th of May 2012 when a few members from Post 9723 VFW laid a Wreath and said a Prayer at the International Cemetery Tomori Port Naha Okinawa. Department of Pacific Areas Page 15
Commander Stan Stewart leading the way Department of Pacific Areas Page 16
Department of Pacific Areas Page 17
Commander Stewart and Comrades fulfilling the time honored tradition of remembering veterans and fallen comrades during Memorial Day ceremony. Thank you Post 9723 comrades for standing tall for those who have served! Department of Pacific Areas Page 18
Commander Stewart and Post 9723 Comrades taking time on a special day to remember veterans Department of Pacific Areas Page 19
District II Mainland Japan VFW Post 1054 Yokosuka Comrades assist during the 2012 BSA Summer Camp Photos by Jon Way, VFW Post 1054 Boy Scouts of America Far East Council - Japan District Summer Camp 2012 TAMA HILLS, JAPAN Comrades Jon Way and Kim McCann, both from Post 1054 at Yokosuka, took time from their busy schedules to volunteer as leaders during the recent Japan District Boy Scout Camp. Comrade Way was Program Director, with Comrade McCann leading the First Class Trail program. Over 225 Scouts and leaders attended this week long event. Department of Pacific Areas Page 20
Comrade Kim McCann from Post 1054 Youth Staff member Nicholas Dyer (3 rd from the left) of salutes as 1st Year Scouts conduct Troop 13 instructs new Scouts on the proper way to opening Flag Ceremony. conduct a Flag Ceremony. Post 1054 sponsors Troop 13. SAJ/BSA Net Fishing at Miura Beach! Photos by Jon Way, VFW Post 1054 MIURA BEACH, JAPAN Comrades of the Yokosuka VFW Post 1054, along with several U.S. and Japanese Boy Scouts, recently spent a day Net Fishing at Miura Beach, located about 15 kilometers South of Yokosuka Naval Station. Comrades Kim McCann and Jay Conde of Post 1054 assist fellow Scouts with retrieval of a Fishing Net during the recent SAJ/BSA sponsored event. Comrade Jon Way from Post 1054 and granddaughter take a moment to enjoy the view at Miura Beach. Department of Pacific Areas Page 21
Comrade Kim McCann and Jon Way of Post 1054, Boy Scouts sponsored by Post 1054 participating in recent Fishing event. lead Scouts in a motivational cheer. Yokosuka Boy Scouts conduct Flag Retirement Ceremony Photos by Jon Way, VFW Post 1054 YOKOSUKA, JAPAN POST 1054 and FRA Branch 103 joined together with Troops 13, 35, Crew 13, and Pack 33 to retire over 50 worn and tattered U.S. Flags. The Ceremony was conducted along the Yokosuka water front, with several members of both organizations in attendance. Scouts from the Yokosuka area observe as Adjutant Mike Lutman and Comrade Jon Oliver of VFW Post 1054 demonstrate the proper procedure for conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony. Department of Pacific Areas Page 22
Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members watch as Junior Scouts conducting Flag Retirement Ceremony. Vice Commander David Singer of Post 1054 addresses those in attendance. ******************************* VFW DISTRICT II MAINLAND JAPAN HONORS THOSE RESTING IN CLARK VETERANS CEMETERY From left to right Joe Mortimer, Robert Moses, and Homer Kemper of District II Mainland Japan at the main entrance of the Clark Veterans Cemetery, Angeles City, Philippines. ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES On the hot sunny afternoon of Saturday, 16 June 2012, Department Safety Officer Homer Kemper (VFW Post 1054), Past District Commander Robert Moses (VFW Post 9555), and National Scouting Team Leader Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612) of District II Mainland Japan, traveled to Clark Veterans Cemetery while in Angeles City after the DPA Annual Convention in Subic Bay Barrio Barretto, Philippines, to pay their respects to Kirk Mr. Mac McKnight, Master Chief Electronics Technician, U.S. Navy Retired, Past Commander District II Mainland Japan, who passed away on 23 July 2010 while serving as District Commander, District II Mainland Japan. We also paid respects to Virgil Eugene Gene Gann, Commander, U.S. Navy Retired, Past Commander District II Mainland Japan who passed away on 10 October 2007 while serving as Commander VFW Post 11447, Barrio Barretto, District 7 Philippines. While at Clark Veterans Cemetery Kemper, Moses, and Mortimer took time to remember the fallen from the Bataan Death March and all others buried at the Clark Cemetery. Department of Pacific Areas Page 23
Honoring Kirk McKnight, ETCM, USN (RETIRED) Past Commander, District II Mainland Japan From left to right Robert Moses, Joe Mortimer, and Homer Kemper of District II Mainland Japan perform the flag planting remembrance ceremony Kirk Mr. Mac McKnight, Master Chief Electronics Technician, U.S. Navy Retired, Past Commander District II Mainland Japan. Honoring Virgil Eugene Gene Gann, CDR, USN (RETIRED) Past Commander District II Mainland Japan From left to right Robert Moses, Joe Mortimer, and Homer Kemper of District II Mainland Japan perform the flag planting remembrance ceremony for Virgil Eugene Gene Gann, Commander, U.S. Navy Retired, Past Commander District II Mainland Japan. The ceremony commences with a moment of silence at the location where known District members are buried and remember them with an honors salute and flag planting. The remembrance for comrades of District II Mainland Japan was led by Joe Mortimer. This remembrance ceremony started as a District II tradition when Joe Mortimer was District Junior Vice Commander. Upon the death of Gene Gann (a Past District II Commander) Joe made visits to his gravesite and planted a U.S. flag each time he was in Department of Pacific Areas Page 24
Angeles City attending an Annual Convention or Council of Administration. It gradually spread to an unofficial District II event and last year, Joe was joined by Comrades of District III Korea. 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 II Commander that someone from District II 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 II Mainland Japan who later moved to the Philippines. He was laid to rest in Clark Cemetery in 2007. Recently in August 2010, sitting District II Commander Kirk McKnight was laid to rest here. Kirk was a legend in District II Mainland Japan and I had known him for about three 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. I am now considering on having Clark Veterans Cemetery as my final resting place, so I may be in good company with my fellow comrades. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW POST 9612 VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED DURING APPRECIATION PICNIC ON NAF ATSUGI Always the volunteer, Joe Mortimer, National Scouting Team Leader and Department Chaplain (above), getting on the grill to cook burgers and hot dogs for the NAF Atsugi Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. Department of Pacific Areas Page 25
NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN On 29 June 2012, Joe Mortimer volunteered as BBQ Cook for the base-wide NAF Atsugi Volunteer Appreciation Picnic where he cooked over 200 burgers and 100 hot dogs. During the picnic Joe Mortimer was awarded a Volunteer Appreciation Certificate for devoting 1,631 volunteer hours to the community on NAF Atsugi. Joe received $100.00 cash award and immediately made a donation of the $100.00 to the Friends of Fleet and Family Support Center for community projects / events they support on NAF Atsugi. Joe Mortimer whips up a special burger with melted cheese for Captain Wieman, Commanding Officer, NAF Atsugi Japan. Other members of VFW Post 9612 who were recognized were: Joseph F. Mortimer, Jr. John F. Johnson, Jr. Randell E. Himes Dora Weddermann David Wykes Glen Steward 1,631 Hours 541 Hours 54 Hours 47 Hours 32 Hours 28 Hours VFW POST 9612 AND SCOUTS MARCH DURING INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE ON NAF ATSUGI Photos by Laura Bloodshore-Elder, resident, NAF Atsugi, Japan Representatives of various service organizations carry respective flags for the Independence Day Celebration parade held on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The celebration included a parade, free food, games, live entertainment and a fireworks display later that evening. VFW Post 9612, Venturing Crew 22, Boy Scout Troop 22, Cub Scout 22, and Girl Scouts march during NAF Atsugi Independence Day Parade 04 July 2012. Flag bearers Vern Sato of Boy Scout Troop 22, Joe Mortimer of VFW Post 9612, David Wykes of VFW Post 9612, Nathan Payne of Venturing Crew 22, and Scout Michael Wilson of Boy Scout Troop 22 fight the strong wind while marching in the parade. Department of Pacific Areas Page 26
VFW Post 9612, Venturing Crew 22, Boy Scout Troop 22, Cub Scout 22, and Girl Scouts march during NAF Atsugi Independence Day Parade 04 July 2012. Marchers line up for the start of the parade (left) and end on the Reid Field in time for the opening ceremony. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VFW POST 9612 AND VENTURING CREW 22 WORK ON BSA VENTURING RANGER QUALIFICATIONS Photos by Sibei He, Crew President, Venturing Crew 22, Japan District, Far East Council, BSA From left to right Crew President Sibei He, Chartered Organization Representative Joe Mortimer (VFW Post 9612), Assistant Crew Advisor Amanda Payne, Baby Crew Member Maddie Payne, Crew Advisor Nathan Payne, Crew Member Brennan Astorga, and Crew Secretary Darianna Lafayette. Department of Pacific Areas Page 27
NAF ATSUGI, JAPAN Members of Venturing Crew 22 took the weekend to work on parts of their Venturing Ranger qualifications to include Basic First Aid, Swimming, and the best part was Outdoor Meals Preparations without the use of utensils. Joe Mortimer, Chartered Organization Representative VFW Post 9612 and National Scouting Team for the Department of Pacific Areas, assisted in the preparation / instruction of making breakfast without using utensils. First you carefully open and eat an orange being careful not to tear the rind. Once you have eaten the orange, hold the inside of the rind over the fire enough to sear the inside. Then pour some biscuit mix and water into one half of the rind and stir using your finger until well blended. Place on the fire and wait a few minutes checking it periodically. Remove from the fire, let it cool, and carefully remove the biscuit and eat! Do the same with an egg. Place a seared rind over the fire, crack open an egg, and pour it in. When completed, remove and eat! The egg ends up with a fantastically unique hint of orange taste! Joe Mortimer, Chartered Organization Representative VFW Post 9612 making breakfast without using utensils baking biscuits, cooking sausage, and eggs using orange rinds over an open fire (left) and later takes a break from the action and prepares some hot spiced apple cider (right)! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Pacific Areas Page 28
District III Korea Task Force Smith honored at ceremony in South Korea The Task Force Smith Memorial Ceremony is held each year and the VFW are special guests. OSAN, South Korea (July 3, 2012) -- The lightly armed and heavily outnumbered task force that fought in the first U.S. ground battle of the Korean War was honored here today, at a 62nd anniversary ceremony. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10216 participated in this year s event as part of our Americanism Program. Each year our members are invited by Osan City as guests of honor. This year the VFW was represented by Department of Pacific Areas Surgeon Patrick Doc Higgins, Post 10216 Commander Ernie Lee, District III Chaplain Billy Q. Quintero and Post 10216 member Bob Frace. The day before America's 236th birthday and a week after the 62nd anniversary of the start of the Korean War, U.S. and South Korean government officials, military leaders and veteran organizations gathered on the ridge line where Task Force Smith made its gallant stand against enemy forces on July 5, 1950. Arriving by air from Japan, Task Force Smith was the first U.S. combat unit to take on invading North Korean forces. With 540 U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry and A Battery, 52nd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, the combat task force was named after its commander, Lt. Col. Charles B. Smith. VFW members lay flowers at the ceremony at Osan City, Republic of Korea Department of Pacific Areas Page 29
American Soldiers were outnumbered almost 10 to 1 in that first fight, called the Battle of Osan. U.S. Soldiers attempted to stop a Goliath-sized force of nearly 5,000 advancing enemy soldiers and 34 Soviet-built tanks, with a limited amount of anti-tank weaponry. Hastily assembled, ill-equipped and inadequately trained, Task Force Smith dove head-long into the breach, fighting tanks with weapons that couldn't pierce their armor. Task Force Smith eventually had to withdraw south to Taejon where it merged with the 24th Infantry Division and reengaged the enemy. Their brave stand delayed the enemy advance and bought United Nations forces much needed time. Post 10216 Commander Ernie Lee and Department Surgeon Doc Higgins share the moment; while Billy Q records for history his attendance at the ceremony. Following the six-hour battle, nearly a third of Task Force Smith, 165 Soldiers were killed, missing or wounded. Osan City Mayor Kwak Sang-wook said the city will soon open a United Nations Forces First Battle Memorial Hall next to the UN monument where the ceremony was held to remind future generations about the sacrifices of the American task force. "By reliving the value of their sacrifice, we hope to utilize this memorial site to build and strengthen the national security awareness of the future generations to prevent any further acts of war on the Korean Peninsula and around the world," said Kwak. Department of Pacific Areas Page 30
District V Thailand / Cambodia Dear Comrades, A Grateful Son Thanking VFW Post 10217 I would like to share a heart-warming story with you. About 21/2 years ago I was contacted at my Commander s email address at DPA by a young man who said his father had flown missions out of Korat in F-105s during the Vietnam war and was killed in an air crash in the States shortly after completing 100 missions over here. He was only 3 years old when his father died and was looking for more information on his father. Some of you might remember me sending an email out to all our Posts members at that time. I also gave him some info on squadron web-boards. I had completely forgotten about him until I received the email below from him telling me what had happened during the past 2 years. The picture is of Steve sitting in the pilot s seat of his dads F-105 at Hill AFB museum. Yours in Comradeship, Byron Petrides Commander Commander Byron, ************** I think of you often and thought I d send you an update from my original request for information regarding my Father, Clyde Falls Jr. It s been approx. 2.5 years since my first request was sent to you. As a direct result of your help by forwarding my initial email, I was put in touch with the 34th TFS. It s been quite a whirl wind ever since! Just after you forwarded my email, several 34th TFS members started emailing me. Within 2 weeks I found myself buying airline tickets to go and meet the group at a reunion they just happened to be having in Fort Worth. I found myself surrounded strangers I had just met, and after 4 days with them, we left as Family member s. Here I was among guys that there my hero s...and they were the one s honoring me! Since then, I ve hooked up with their historian, Howard Plunkett, where he has been a treasure chest of information. I met Dad s hooch mate from Korat, seen a few more pictures of him, heard stories about fun times, sad times and personal times from his fellow pilots. This year was the second 34th reunion I attended, and this time I brought my wife. I tell you, the guys and their wives showed a level of love, compassion, humor and kindness towards my wife that she has never experienced before! The last night at the hotel she turned and looked at me and said, For the first time, I finally feel like the daughter-in-law of your Father. We ve been married 9 years. I was going through some mission cards with Howard and noticed a tail number (#59-1743) Dad flew on a Dec 20th, 1967 mission. Howard looked the number up and found it to be on static display at the Hill AFB Museum in Utah. Guess where I m going for Father s Day!! I contacted the Museum and the Director contacted me back and wants to meet me there this Sunday and give me a tour. He said he d like to see me in the cockpit of that plane with my Father...that s just plain magic to me! Department of Pacific Areas Page 31
I have been so blessed to have been put in touch with ALL of these guys...i cannot even describe it. I have received sooo much information, far beyond what I could have ever dreamed. And I owe it all to you. If you had not taken the time to read my email and to forward it on asking for assistance... It s hard to imagine my life without this information. I get asked quite often how did I ever find out about these guys? And I love telling them the same story... You see it all started on day when I sent an email out to a complete stranger... Thank you so very much for your kindness. I will forever be indebted to you for what you did for me. Now I can say, For once I finally feel like the Son of my Father, Major Clyde L. Falls Jr. Sincerely, Steve Falls I hope this finds you well Son Steve Falls sitting in an aircraft his Father flew in December 20, 1967 See you in the next edition, September 2012! Department of Pacific Areas Page 32