Bulletin Board

Bugles Across America – EchoTaps Worldwide Project Director for Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Bugles Across America are jointly conducting EchoTaps Worldwide on Armed Forces Day 2007 (Saturday, May 19). I have volunteered to coordinate the event at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. I am contacting Minnesota representatives of each of the Veterans Service Organizations chartered by the U.S. Congress to ask you to recommend a Color Guard that will volunteer to carry your organization’s flag at the event.

Please forward this e-mail to the appropriate person or unit in Minnesota.

In order to keep this e-mail as brief as possible, I have inserted links to relevant information. Here is the “Minnesota page” for EchoTaps Worldwide ...

http://home.att.net/~militarysalute4/index.html

The Director of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery has approved our preliminary program, which is available here ...

http://militarysalute.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=schedule&action=display&thread=1155695655

We will post the unit’s information in two sections of our Reference Forum ...

1) Announcements & Publicity for the Minnesota event

http://militarysalute.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=fortsnelling&action=display&thread=1154522861

2) Confirmed Color Guards and Honor Guards

http://militarysalute.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=volunteers&action=display&thread=1154479612

I would very much appreciate it if you would forward this e-mail to an appropriate Color/Honor Guard unit of your choosing within your organization. I can then work directly with the unit to answer questions, provide additional information, etc.

Also, any of your members who are Horn players or Bagpipers and wish to participate in rendering Cascade Taps at the event can find out more information here ...

http://militarysalute.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=fortsnelling&action=display&thread=1154455202

Respectfully,

Jeff Seeber – On behalf of The Minnesota Platoon
Military Salute Project – http://condocat.home.att.net

MY HUSBAND OF 42 YEARS DIED 3 MONTHS AGO AT THE AGE OF 63.HE WAS A VIETNAM VETERAN. GREEN BARRET SPECIAL FORCES. I HAD TO PAWN OUR TRUCKS TITLE TO HAVE HIM CREAMATED SO WE COULD BURY HIM IN CHATTANOOGA MILLITARY CEMETARY. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTRY HE LOVED SO MUCH DISRESPECTED HIM AFTER ALL HE DID. EXPOSED TO AGENT ORANGE AND BECAUSE OF IT HAD ALOT OF SUFFERING SINCE HE CAME HOME. A VERY LONG AND SLOW DEATH. THEY SAID GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY $250.00 AND A BURIAL PLOT BUT I HAVE NEVER RECIEVED THE MONEY.I AM LEFT ALONE WITHOUT THE MOST WONDERFUL MAN I EVER NEW.ONLY ALL THE DOCTOR NURSING HOME AND HOSPITAL BILLS WHICH I DON'T KNOW HOW I WILL EVER PAY FOR. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW HOW I CAN GET HELP? WENT TO THE V.A. OFFICE AND BROUGHT HIS DEATH CERTIFICATE AND THE MAN WORKS THERE SAID HE WILL TRY TO HELP ME GET A PENSION FOR HIM BUT GUESS I BETTER NOT HOLD MY BREATH. THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE OR WHAT EVER.

NANCY BENNETT
2010 LAUREL SPRINGS DR.NW
CLEVELAND,TN. 37311

HUSBAND WAS: CLIFTON S. BENNETT,JR
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: 411-70-2377

Larry Dwayne Piggee passed away on July 17,2006 in Benton Harbor,Mich.He was my friend and I will miss him.Larry served in Vietnam from November,1966 to November,1968 and was the recipient of the Purple Heart

[email protected]

Hello, I am a widow of a vietnam veteran. I applied for widows benefits. I have been denied. They said I had to married for a year which I was not but I lived with my husband for 25 YEARs before his death. I want to find out where it says you have to married a year. Can you help me? I am going to appeal this. Please let me know where I can get help. Thank-You,

Barbara Damelio [[email protected]]

Hello,

My name is John Anthony and I am an Australian Veteran and I served in Vietnam in 1966 with the 1st Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers,

at Nui Dat. I am coming to Washington to see the Vietnam Memorial wall in mid October this year [2006]. Is anyone interested in meeting myself and son, while we are in Washington DC ?

If so, I'd appreciate it.

j[email protected]

Don't throw that American flag into the trash!

Do you have a old and frazzled flag that's laying around your office or home and you just don't know what to do with it? Then send it to us! We will properly dispose of it according to federal laws.

Who are we? Visit our website at http://www.kitchentablegang.org for details about us and what we are doing to help veterans and our soldiers overseas, and giving proper respect for ol'glory.

The Kitchen Table Gang Trust will retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags with honor! Anything else is desecration!

Just send your flags to the non-profit Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors and dignity pursuant to the United States Flag Code Section 8K (PL93-344). The Kitchen Table Gang (formed 15 years ago) is a "rag-tag" bunch of patriotic military types helping hospitalized veterans and soldiers overseas.

Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by GySgt Dan Kelley USMC and an all volunteer military honor guard with Boy Scouts assisting. The Kitchen Table Gang Trust also has a nationally recognized educational program for our young people and students, teaching them the history, traditions and respect for our national emblem.

When you send us a flag, we'd sure appreciate it if you would enclose a tax deductible donation for this service which allows us to continue and expand our many programs. We do good things with your contributions.

We are located at the junction of Highway 41 and Avenue 12 just down from the world famous red, white, and blue barn on the way to Yosemite National Park.

Send us your flags!

Charles Taliaferro

[email protected]

i am a veterans service officer searching for a Lt.J.G. Hull (fuel officer) or Weber serving aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard cva31 in approx 1966 who witnessed a fuel hose hitting AN/E-3 James Williajm Dighans right knee. He went to sick bay 3/4 days and lite duty. His knee was very swollen and bruised. His smr's were destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire. please contact me at [email protected]. thank you djarosz

Gentlemen and Ladies who served in Vietnam,

I am a producer/director, honored to be working in partnership with a true American hero and legend, Dave Rabbit, creator of the now infamous "Radio First Termer" underground radio show broadcast for 21 Days during the Vietnam war.

Dave and I are collaborating on his story, but also on the impact of radio during battle, during leisure time and during the war in general.

To that end, I am beginning the process of finding those stories for a film that Mr.Rabbit and I planning to make in the next year.

What I would like to do is extend an open invitation to anyone who served in Nam in those years around 1970-1972, to do any of the following:

1) write me a brief paragraph about your knowledge or recollection of The Dave Rabbit Show

2) write me if you have any memories of the impact of music and/or radio in Nam

3) contact me and let me know if you have ever heard of Dave Rabbit prior to this year

4) contact me or write me with any stories/info/memories about "radio in Nam, acid rock in Nam, Dave Rabbit, censorship, underground music etc.

What I am trying to do is collect the research surrounding a living legend, Dave Rabbit, and at the same time tell a powerful story of the importance of music during wartime, and in particular, the Vietnam war.

Any thoughts from any veterans would be appreciated and considered for use in the film.

I am looking for individuals who would like to be interviewed for this project as we move forward.

Please send all info to: [email protected]

Many thanks ahead of time to anyone who can assist us in telling Dave Rabbit's story with the honor and respect it deserves.

Thanks to all:

CMRagz

Christopher Ragazzo [[email protected]]

Hello I am Anna McClellan a disabled vet, I worked for AmeriCorp for 2200 hours, but they only put down 900 hours. but I would like to ask how I could become a national service officer. I loved what I did and loved working with the different vets. I have at least 40 veterans that got their disabilities raised and I would like to do this more. I had worked with Michael lay and Mac -v and the AmeriCorp. I was also the first female vet to hold office in the V V A CHAPTER 633. I REALLY LIKED WORKING AND IT HELPED ME. WE REALLY DON'T HAVE A GOOD SERVICE OFFICE HERE IN THIS AREA. IF YOU CAN HELP ME I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP IN THIS WAY.

ANNA MCCLELLAN 5583

PO BOX 450

WAYNESVILLE MO 65583

573 336 2795

I ALSO WONDERED WHO ICAN TALK TO ABOUT MY CASE IN WASHINTON DC I HAVE TRUIED TO GET MY CASE RAISED BUT I AM IN A SLOW STREAM AND HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS CASE FOR 30 YEARS AND NOW HAVE PTSD AND BI POPLOR AND ETC. NO ONE REALLY WANTS TO HELP ME. I SEE SOME OF THE OTHERS I WORKED WITHAND THEY ARE LIKE ME NOTHING IS GOING ON. MY DOCTORS ARE AWARE OF MY NEEDING LETTERS AND THINGS BUT BECUSE I CAN'T GET A C&P DONE FOR PTSD OR MY BACK AGAIN I AM NOWHERE. BUT THE VA DOCTORS ARE WILING TO HELP ME. SO CAN ANY ONE HELP ME????

Hello!

I wrote this 6 years ago, and it goes around every Memorial Day. Thought you might be interested in reading it, and perhaps passing it on this Holiday.

Hope you have a wonderful 3 day weekend.

LT Bobby Ross

www.nam-vet.net/Bobby-Ross.htm

What Is Memorial Day?

LT Bobby Ross

My years whirl past me. Swirling. Dry, broken grass hovering in a spring breeze. Can I remember my experiences in war? Hardly. Fighting for my country, my youth invested, seems such a long time ago, and so unimportant.

The calendar this year marks Memorial Day on the 29th of May, 2006. Have I lost something? The traditional Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, is on the 30th of May. This observed Memorial Day on May 29th coincidentally allows for a national three day holiday. Such is commercialism?s capitalistic American display. But why do I feel so stricken, like I have abandoned old friends from long ago? Their ghosts consort with my floating years, and their spirits coast around my presence.

Another three day holiday! Memorial Day! Maybe me and the kids can go camping? Or, to the beach? Memorial Day is fun! This is the inconsiderate, thoughtless approach to this meaningful, and consecrated moment representing one three hundred and sixty-fifth of our year. What is the meaning of Memorial Day? Is it merely a three day escape from our worldly duties? Or, is it the official beginning of summer? Is selling more hot dogs at the ballpark the overriding clarification?

Many souls, sacrificed in war, in duty to America, are wandering. They drift in a heavenly place, minus their future here upon earth. Tomorrows were

forfeited. Given up so our nation would invigorate free souls, aspire them to

freedom, and justly allow their lives lived as they prefer. Raising offspring above restrictions, as they desire. Those lost lives giving we, the living, what we want freely. Those are the souls we respect on Memorial Day. This means it is a sacred day.

Without retrospect, sacrifice is mute. Old Glory does not wave by accident.

It flutters in the spring air revealing honor. The color red represents the blood bloom from those who fell, those who clawed, those who cried in horrible pain. Those who died fast. And, those who died ever so slowly. They did their duty. When I see Old Glory waving on a sunny, end of May day, the pigment red gushes from millions of souls, floating, not with us, anymore.

They are amongst our heroes, cajoling with angels with their champions, conquerors and commanders. Friends and loved ones gather, over the grave, witness to those who gave more than anyone should be required to relinquish.

They did not want to yield. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and when the moment harshly struck them their fatal blow, they cried for their mother, or their friend. Then there were those, many of those, who knewexactly what they were giving. They moved forward knowingly. They lost theirlives so their mission would be accomplished.

Fools! Some intellects can say that. One would have to be an imbecile to give up life, no matter what the cause. For a flag? Futile! For a country! More pointless! For freedom! What freedom is there in mortality? Yes, fools they may have been, but their numbers add up in an awesome display of American loss!

Veterans? Cemeteries, white badges sailing row after row after row upon green grass, almost never ending, creeping onto the horizon. Constant reminders of the devastation of our human treasure. Mothers? tears, enough to fill an ocean to overflow. Sweethearts, broken hearted, reading telegrams.

Sons and daughters, many unborn, wakening at birth to a devastated family suffering from a victim of war there no more. And what does all this macabre math equal? Memorial Day is the correct answer.

Few Americans know a person who died in war. Their family trees have lost some leaves, falling as they fought in one of America?s wars, or discarded in the peacetime military. We are a busy people. We have business to capture. Our kids are in school. We have chores. Mundane, or surrealistic. We are a spirited society, seeking applications to improve ourselves and our communities. We are a helpful populace, always there when the going gets tough to help those who have suffered the tragedies of nature, whether a hurricane or a famine. Americans are always the first on the scene worldwide bearing their gifts of human spirit and abundance. This is why it is so puzzling that the meaning of Memorial Day seems to lack substance to many of our own people.

Even with the day itself. Put back to accommodate a holiday schedule fixed by some organism no one knows, yet powerful enough to do so, the day itself lacks consequence to too many. Many who never knew a person who died in service to America are wrought with the invisible pain of not feeling for those who do.

Americans take things for granted. We have so much. So very much. Endless choices. These options are not available worldwide. Our shelves are full.

Unlike many in other nations of the world. So many are empty or offer very limited selections. Those American fighting men and women killed in battle whose souls are floating actually made available these wondrous choices we have every day of our American lives. Yet, most of our youngsters have no idea whatsoever what this means. They don?t learn this in school. We must teach them. For without knowledge, they may end up thinking, or believing, all these marvelous selections came without circumstance. Minus anything. Equaling no meaning.

Our nation needs to halt and perceive the flags and flowers on our Veterans graves on this consecrated holiday. We need to lift a common voice of adoration to those floating spirits of our onetime American Warriors, and extol them with a salutation. We have not come that far with our technological miracles of this millennium to become crass. We still need respect. Our backs can not turn from formality. Our eyes can not look away from custom. Our voices must not resonate in silence against honor and glory. To do so will leave us hollow, only to fill us with that which is desolate and lacking potential. This is not the true meaning of Memorial Day. The heartfelt significance requires reminding. Story telling. Wisdom being passed on from our Veterans to our younger generations. An interpretation certified by those who remember the horrors of war. Without this core, our society can not remain genuine. It becomes contemptible. It rots from within. These floating souls of our lost American Warriors are a powerful force, for they live within our hearts. They constantly seek justification for their contributions, and they are real within us. Such is what our American substance stands for, where character is developed, individually is guaranteed, and a community, a nation, survives.

America enters the 21th Century as the most powerful entity humankind has ever experienced. America permeates this next century with vast responsibilities.

Our children must bear this promise. We can not turn our backs on these bygone descendants, nor can we do so upon ourselves. Memorial Day offers us the opportunity to express a moment of solitude where each of us can personify in our own way what we feel. I only speak for my myself, as one who has bared

his soul to the dread of war. So my father did, and his father?s father before him, and their souls float amongst the multitudes. My mother and her mother held their Veterans after they returned from war, tears streaming down their cheeks in gratitude for their safe return. And there were those in my ancestry who did not return from war. And their mothers? tears soaked the pillows on beds for generations to sleep upon. Their souls are the dreams that drift amongst the floating, gathering at the end of May in the breeze of summer?s coming, in the cool glass of lemonade at the child?s street side stand, in the cheers at the ball game from the crowd rooting their team to victory and enjoying the best hot dogs in the world. Let us all stop for a moment, whether it is on the traditional day, or the observed Memorial Day, or even at the end of May, and reach for those floating souls. Let us reveal to them how much we cherish their sacrifice for our free people. Let these memories harvest our recognition of the meaning of Memorial Day in a very simple word. And let that word, simply stated be: Thanks.

copyrighted 2000

Permission to reproduce granted freely and unconditionally

In Memory of all who have passed, the current command of the 864^th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) is trying to organize an Alumni Association, for all past and present members of the 864 ECB(H). The Unit is very interested in connecting between the Soldiers of the 864^th ECB(H) with those who came before, in the forum of a non-profit Veterans Organization. It would be a chance for the new to meet the old, to find out about our past, and for the past to find out about our future. Our Intent is to include all family members of past and present Soldiers. Some of the benefits we see to establishing such an organization include: the ability to fund reunions, take care of association members and families in times of emergency and deployments, and scholarship funds.

We don't want to forget the stories of the past, of the Soldiers who came before, and gave their lives.

The 864^th ECB(H) have been doing research on how to become a tax-exempt Veterans Organization through the IRS. We have an understanding on what needs to be done, however, we need former members of the battalion who might be interested in acting as representatives for the organization. We realize that as active duty members our participation is somewhat limited based on our deployments and the PCS cycles.

Anyone who is a past member or a family member of the 864 Engineer Battalion please contact me at [email protected]

Thank you very much
CPT Augusta G. Derrick
AUGUSTA G. DERRICK
CPT, EN
864th ECB(H) Asst. S-4

Stars and Stripes Museum/Library

17377 Stars and Stripes Way
P.O. Box 1861
Bloomfield, MO 63825

Phone: (573) 568-2055
Email: [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.starsandstripesmuseumlibrary.org

On November 9, 1861, soldiers of the Illinois 8^th, 11th, 18^th, and 29th Regiments, after forcing the Confederates south, set up camp in Bloomfield, Missouri. Upon finding the newspaper office empty, they decided to print a newspaper for their expedition, relating the troop's activities. They called it The Stars and Stripes. This was the beginning of the "Soldier's Newspaper" 145 years ago.

Today, the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper through exhibits that tell the story of those who have served in America’s wars. The Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the current war in Iraq are represented in our displays. Poster size copies of the newspaper tie the newspaper stories to the items in the museum.

Special events are held at the museum to note D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and other notable historic military events. This year the museum is planning a Vietnam Living History Day to remember those who served in Vietnam. This will take place on July 22, 2006, and we invite all veterans and their families to visit us and share in this remembrance.

Among other events, there will be an awards ceremony of the Order of the Silver Rose to qualified Vietnam veterans suffering from exposure to Agent Orange.

We also ask veterans and their families to consider donating items from that war for permanent display in the museum. In the 10 years of the Vietnam War, tactics and operations changed to adapt to the enemy as well as the terrain differences from the Delta to the DMZ. The Marines differed from the various Army units. The Navy operations included ships offshore, aircraft, and in-country personnel. The Air Force flew a wide range of aircraft from bases in Vietnam as well as numerous bases outside of Vietnam. It was a complicated war, and our mission is to preserve the history and to educate future generations about those who served.

Monetary donations to continue the operations of the Museum/Library are always appreciated.

Any organizations wishing to participate in this day of recognition may contact the museum/library for more information.

Are you a Veteran, or know of one who would like to be adopted? At Angels 'n Camouflage, our pre-approved members make sure that "No Veteran will be left behind" by sending them weekly letters and periodic care packages...

If the idea of having a pen-pal and receiving "Mail Call" appeals to you, please visit our website at www.angelsncamouflage.org

God Speed,

Melissa Remy, Founder
Angels 'n Camouflage, Inc.
www.angelsncamouflage.org
[email protected]

WELCOME HOME, My name is Charles Murawski, I was with the 1st. infantry division 1/4 CAV. C-Troop 2nd PLT. Would like to hear from any troopers from 2nd plt or 1/4 from April 67 - April 68. Can be contacted at [email protected] PREPARED AND LOYAL. GOD BLESS ALL AND PEACE BE WITH YOU

My husband, Richard L. Grove, Vietnam Vet USAF 1966-1969, died of esophageal cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. I have filed a claim with VA and was turned down. I have asked for a DRO Hearing with the group that made the decision to turn down my claim. I am in search of anyone that has had success at a DRO Hearing. Also, looking for anyone that has esophageal cancer or do you know of anyone that has died from this? My hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2006. Any help for anyone will be greatly appreciated. When this is over, perhaps I will be able to help you.

email me at [email protected].

My name is Roberta Jones and I am writing on behalf of my brother-in-law, Kirby E. Jones. He served in the Army and was in Vietnam. He was recently diagnosed with Esophageal cancer and our family had to move him into an in-patient Hospice Facility. I would like to make a request that anyone who went to Vietnam and is willing to help, send a card to Kirby to let him know other vets out there care. His mailing address is:

Kirby Jones
Hospice House of Mid-Michigan
1210 West Saginaw
Lansing, MI 48915

Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.

Roberta [[email protected]]

I am a Vietnam Veteran that served as a Marine Corps "Grunt" in-country 1965-66-67-68. Recently I wrote a book about these experiences, and it has just been released by the publisher. The title is: Born in the 40s--Raised in the 50s--Died in the 60s ISBN# 1-4241-0214-6. It can be ordered through all major bookstores, as well as online through Amazon.com, where it has recently been reviewed.

Semper Fi

George Brondsema

e-mail: [email protected]

SERVED IN DELTA CO 3/22ND INF 1968-69 LOOKING FOR GUYS WHO SERVED WITH ME AT FIREBASE CROOK. DENNIS STERRETT HARPER,IA. 52231 E-MAIL [email protected]

My name is Richard Chalifour and I was a Sgt. sent to the 173rd upon arrival in Nam in 1969.I am posting to see if I can obtain some background information for a VA appeal.
Can anyone tell me where Co C 2 BN 503 Inf 173 Abn Bde was stationed during the spring and summer of 1969. I am currently being treated for stage 4 small cell lung cancer which I contend was Agent Orange related. I need to know if the Camps or LZs the unit was stationed at had a record of AO being used and if anyone else has been diagnosed with cancer from this same time period. Any information might prove to be the pivotal point in my battle with the VA
Please reply to [email protected]
Thank You

I was with the 84th Engineers in the central highlands of Vietnam. Recently, I had a book published about my experience while serving in Vietnam. It's called The Other Casualty Of War.

This is a true account of my service and PTSD.

"A No-Holds Barred Memoir of a PTSD Vietnam Veteran"
Bill MacDonald - President of The Military Writers Society of America

"The Vietnam War was a very stormy period in our history and Paul Bylin takes you honestly and brutally into the very eye of the hurricane."
B. Davis Greer
MSgt. USAF Retired

Paul Bylin’s The Other Casualty of War is an honest account not only of his experiences in Vietnam, but also of his experiences trying to recover from this event.
Amey S Tippett

Author of Alison's Journey

"I had awakened into in a nightmare when I arrived in Vietnam. I was in a place where there was no respect, no decency, only chaos and confusion. This is not where I wanted to be. It was a constant fear that overcame me. Later, that fear turned to something else. I'm not sure what it was, maybe hatred, or maybe survival mode kicked in. No matter what it was, it was something that brought me from my boyish thoughts of girls and cars to a man, killing and surviving. This is not how I had pictured my life to be. "

Paul is available for book signings and interviews.

For more information, Please see my web site (http://home.comcast.net/~paulbylin/index.html) for more details and reviews.

Thank you!

Paul Bylin

Author: The Other Casualty

I am trying to find out the name of the Air force Supply organization I was stationed with while in Cam Ranh Bay from 9/68 to 9/69. That would be terrific.

Thank you

Thom Collini

Dsn 557-2280 Com 508-968-3280

[email protected]

Searching for anyone who may have known WWII Veteran, USMC, Francis Charles Johnson (Fran Johnson) (a.k.a. “Big John”).

He started the war in the 1^st Marine Division, finished the war in the 6^th Marine Division as a sergeant, member of a Browning Machinegun platoon. He was one of the very first group of young men who joined the war effort from Butte, Montana; at the very beginning of the War in the Pacific.

Please contact Ron Johnson, at my email: [email protected]

About 5 years ago my father, a two tour duty Vietnam Vet was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The VA said it was related to Agent Orange exposure and he received 40% benefits. In August, he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma - cancer of the tonsil and surrounding lymph nodes. Has anyone else experienced the same? The VA has denied his claim for more benefits, but his doctors seem to believe there is a connection between the two cancers and Agent Orange. He has received all treatments at a VA Hospital. Looking forward to any responses. Thanks.

Lorrie Sunday [[email protected]]

Hello, my name is James Young. As a highschool student one of the class I have is American History. Recently we have covered the vietnam War and I wish to knew more about the war.

So if any Vietnam Veteran has time and is comfortable answering a few questions concerning the Vietnam War, I would like to ask a few questions.

Thank you for your time,

Please contact me at [email protected]

I am Bill Engle Jr. I have retired from the US Navy April 1994. as I am looking for anyone who was attached to HM-121 or HM-124 during 1968 to 1970 as I am currently 100% disabled with the VA and I have been told that I can get my Retired Pay back if I was in combat well I was with HM-121 and HM-124 as a Navy Aircrewman (AC) but it appears that the Navy messed up as I was the only child and my Father was in Country with 1st Cav mobil at the same time I was there as I know this cause I drank with him in DaNang. Big Mistake I Guess. ?

So if you know of anyone who knew "Teddy Bear" or Wild Bill"

Contact me : @ [email protected]

Thank You , Bill

Hi I am looking for survivors from the Korean War 3 Inf. 4th Bat. Who may have went over to Korean on the USS Queen Savoy. My father served in the Korean war, and I was hoping to find some of the what I call "HEROS" who served with him so if anyone is out there then e-mail me at [email protected]. My name is Sandi. Thank you so much

Hello

I am looking for information pertaining to an establishment called,"Phil's Place" ...1965-1969 would be about the correct time frame. Any info at all would be helpful.

D. Wilson

AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT

Do you have a old flag that's laying around and you don't know what to do with it? Then send it to us! We will properly dispose of it according to the law.

The Kitchen Table Gang Trust can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags.

military types helping hospitalized veterans and soldiers overseas.

Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by an all volunteer military honor guard. The Kitchen Table Gang Trust also has a nationally recognized educational program for our young people and students, teaching them the history, traditions and respect for our national emblem.

What does it cost? Nothing! But donations are greatly appreciated and allows us to continue and even expand this program.

Thank you,

Charles Taliaferro

[email protected]

THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST

http://www.kitchentablegang.org

hi my name is jerry womack, I NEED HELP ESTABLISHY MY V.A. CLAIM !

I WAS EXPOSED TO A CHEMICAL WEAPON THEN , I WAS SHOT 2 TIMES IN RIGHT RIBS , AND 1 TIME IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD : AT PARRIS ISLAND , S.C. U.S.M.C. IN 1973 , FROM SEPTEMBER ,11TH TO OCTOBER 17TH OF 1973

IF ANYONE WHO WAS STATIONED AT OR TAKING BASIC

TRAINING AT , p.i.s.c. u.s.m.c. (2 mp's who offered me a ride to

hospital , sergeant of rest platoon , medic who bandaged the back of my head , sniper traines , (I HOLLERED OUT CAPTAIN THEY SHOT ME , HE

REPLIED IF YOU DON'T SHUIT YOUR '''''' MOUTH , I'LL SEND YOU OUT AND LET THEM SHOOT YOU AGAIN), medical personel at ( p.i. base hospital

) who removed some scrapnel out of thre top of my head , navy doctor at beaufort , s.c. naval hospital , OR ANYONE WHO REMBERS THIS SHOOTING INCIDENT ?? AT ( parris island , s.c. in 1973) , DO YOU

remembers this incident? i need someone to

verify that it did happen , to establish my V.A. CASE !! PLEASE REPLY TOO ; [email protected] , jerry womack 140 mahan lane albertville,

al.35950 or 256-891-1708 THANK YOU SINCERLY !! jerry womack ( a

cardiologist saw the bullet in my ribs lately , with a sonogram , it was white glowing ! )

Greeting's anyone from B-2-3 Ft Ord Cal Sept 1969. Henry Jastrzebski

(Ski) , have Yearbook but don't remember all the names.

[email protected]

I believe the people who represent the DAV in West Virginia all needs to be replaced. This is the second go round for me…..They sent the van to the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center which is located in Clarksburg, WV….The first time….the man said he would represent me and would get in touch with me..I called for nearly 6 months and he never did get back to me…The second man came and told me that he would get back to me on Friday…this has been two weeks….and still nothing….Give these clowns a van and they just drive around an look pretty….

I have two doctors recommending 100% disability….and as usual the VA system is dragging their feet, I guess waiting for us to die…playing the odds….The first man in the van told me that I would be seen in July by the traveling reps…..I cancelled my vacation in July to get out of this hell hole…and never was seen…I called the VA Hospital in Huntington, WV…and they told me that the DAV has nothing to do with us being seen, that this jerk overstepped his authority by getting my hopes built up….I suffer each day and night and many veterans do, because of people like him….Now it looks like the next guy is doing the same thing..I wrote Senator Byrd from West Virginia with hope he can do something…..

I am very disappointed and was told by the VA that my biggest mistake was letting the DAV handle my case…..It was on the front burner, now who the hell knows where it is…..

Thank You

Dennis R. Mazza

Clarksburg, WV

[email protected]

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE BETTER REPS IN YOUR AREA…

LOOKING FOR JIMMIE SMITH (SMITTIE) – SERVED WITH THE 120^TH TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IN VIET NAM ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TAN SON NHUT IN 1965 TO 1966. MY NAME IS MARTY MANSFIELD (MANNY) – SERVED IN HHD, 11^TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION IN TAN SON NHUT, SAIGON, LONG BINH. SMITTIE LIVED IN GEORGIA/ALABAMA PRIOR TO HIS MILITARY SERVICE. SMITTIE AND I WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LOCATE HIM SINCE 1975. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS: [email protected]. I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION, ABOUT SMITTIE, THAT YOU CAN OFFER. I WISH TO SEE HIM BEFORE I DIE. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT I CONTACT HIM OR HE CONTACTS ME. THANK YOU!

I am looking for any information about my father,Phil Wilson. He was in Viet Nam from 1965-1969. He may have had a small "watering hole" known as Phil's place. There a re also stories that he may have been a POW. Any information at all would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

[email protected]

My name is Brian Jefferson I was at Monteith BKS HC 123rd maintenance BN from 1981 to 1982. I want to have the patch that goes with the batallian I was in. I cannot seem to get ay info on how I can get this patch. The patch was rectangular and green. If anyone knows how i can get the patch, please e-mail me. [email protected]

Hi,

I used have the name of a web site where you could type in the name of a Vietnam Veteran and it would tell you when they served, where and which unit they served with. Do you know the name of the web site?

I found my husband's name on it and other men that he served with.

Thank you,

Sharon

My Veterans Music Ministry travels to traveling walls, Rides, Rallies, Tributes and Reunions for Vietnam Veterans. I sing “welcome home” belatedly and sing other songs…and give healing heart medals to ‘big brothers’ I never had. I’m looking for a grant, endowment, some support to get me off my feet. I do not have a fee.

I try to find motels with Ministry discounts. I can give you more information if you reply

Monica Harvey

Stapleton, NE

www.veteransmusicministry.com

www.veteransmemorialhighway83.com NE pres

the Vietnam Vets’ little sis (they named me that)

Wow! I have been searching for a site just like this one. I have a brother who served in Viet Nam. I don't know where because he never talks about it. All I know is that he is severely depressed and suffers from Lupus and Peripheral Neuropathy, both of which I am thoroughly convinced, are results from his stint in Viet Nam. He, like thousands of others, who served diligently in that war, is awaiting a decision for benefits. He has attempted suicide several times to escape both the debilitating mental and physical pain. Each time, someone finds him in the nick of time. He is addicted to morphine as a result of his pain for that is all the Vets Clinic will do for him. No therapy, no rehab, no counseling. Nothing. His plight sounds so insignificant to those of you who have lost your loved ones to the cancers CAUSED by Agent Orange, but nonetheless his are a result too, and I am determined to keep him alive until he gets his just due. I am so sorry for those of you who've lost y!

our loved ones. It seems the government waits just long enough....waits until we are placing our men/women to rest before giving the final decision on benefits/compensation. My brother is still in the hospital. I don't know what will happen to him when he gets out. He is street bound like so many of our vets are....all it takes is for some human compassion and empathy to stop this endless cycle of neglect. Our vets are not just SS#'s, they are people who stood up to the enemy for US and democracy, no matter if they wanted to or not.

I am looking forward to becoming involved in this group. It seems to be offering our vets a great deal of hope. I also run a board on Care2.com for vets called "Standing up for our Vets". Just a place to brainstorm, keep our eyes open for news, volunteer opportunities, benefit information, anything that is pertinent to our vets, and those serving now.

Nancy Durham [email protected]

214th Aviation Battalion, COUGARS
I was one of the first to set foot in the dust in Bear Cat.
Jan1966, it was nothing but dust and tree stumps, I helped clear it
with backbone and sweat.
First there were only 17 of us, sleeping in a barrack building, can remember how the building got there, but soon we were joined by 18 TDY from Vung Tua.
We spent day and night clearing the area, pitching tents, laying forms and pouring cement, pulling guard duty, and sweating.
I designed a LOGO for the company, but withdrew my design, because one of the fellas did one much nicer...LOOKING FOR ANYTHING YOU MAY HAVE.

[email protected]

If you know of some 2006 Vietnam Veteran reunions in the central states, I’d like to know about them, to hand out healing heart medals

www.veteransmusicministry.com

www.veteransmemorialhighway83.com NE pres

Monica Harvey

Stapleton, NE

I was a Shake-n-Bake squad leader, also known as Instant NCO, with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam during 1969-70. I have written a book about my experiences titled NAM SENSE, which my editor calls the saddest comedy he has ever read. NAM SENSE is not a war story, it is not about tactics or strategy, but rather it is a story about being in Vietnam. I wrote it so the general public could understand what Vietnam Veterans had to deal with during the war, as well as the bizarre situations I often found myself in, which includes the battle for Hamburger Hill.

I am asking that you take a look at my www.namsense.com web site to see what the book is about. Or, take a look at the favorable reviews in amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, etc.

Thanks,

Arthur Wiknik, Jr.

Hi, my name is Patsy Chambless. I am a Military Advocate who helps Veterans if needed by a true Veteran. We have had Veterans, who served at Khe Sanh, come up with stomach bleeds. I have been told many times there was white powder in a box delivered by the Air Force. All anyone knows is, at the time of the Viet Nam War, that the Air Force was hauling salt. Now, we all know it was not salt because too many Veterans are bleeding from the haul regardless if the Veterans Affairs wants to recognize this or not. My question is can you please tell me the name of the rat poison being hauled in boxes that resembled white powder and all of the herbicides dropped on Viet Nam and at Khe Sanh? Our Veterans truly have a right to know. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me back at [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you so much for your time.

Patsy Chambless

Hi....I was stationed in Phu Bai from late May '68 until early May '69 with 1st MIB(ARS). My unit was billeted in Camp Hochmuth (off Highway 1) near the Headquarters of XXIV Corps (or 'Provisional Corps Vietnam' before they changed the name to XXIV). I am hoping someone out there can recall--or help me find records of--any enemy mortar or rocket attacks that occurred during that time period. My recollections of that year of my life are all pretty vague; and I don't trust my memory.

I have filed a claim with the VA for PTSD; but I need more documentation of stressors than my foggy memory can dredge up. Any help from anybody who was there during that time period would be much appreciated.

In Comradeship,

Bill T.

Kindest Regards:

Although I am not a Veteran (draft # 256), my brother is (draft # 1 Dec 4) and is suffering with severe chemical dependency / alcoholism. In my attempt to reach him, I am seeking a "rubbing" from The Wall of the name of his once closest friend. Killed in Action November 9, 1967 was Peter Anthony Schrader, USMC / CPL. Peter's name appears on Panel 29E - Row 062. He was killed by hostile fire (Other Explosive Device) in Quang Nam Province. I believe this may help me reach my brother. However, I am unable to visit the memorial myself to obtain a "rubbing." I would be ever so grateful should someone obtain one for me to present to my brother. Basically, I'm trying to reach and save a life of my brother who served.

Sincerely, Tom ([email protected])

Thomas J Potts
Tel. 248-442-7053
Cell 248-877-6053

Hello,

I am writing in response to a message that I just read. I am also a widow of a vietnam vet who died of esophageal cancer due to agent orange. I have been corresponding with other widows who have also lost their husbands to this dreaded cancer. We would like to gather any and all information that may help us all to obtain approval for our claims. If you would be willing to help please responsed to [email protected]

Thank you

I am looking for anyone who can help me find information about Vietnam ...my father served in '63-66 and I have gotten his records and am trying to figure out all the medals and ribbons and bars that he should have had and purchase them on -line. He was with the 19th Ord.Co.in Vietnam and the 63rd Mnt. Bn.in Vietnam, My Daddy passed away in '87 and I have no way to find out about his service there. Any help would be appreciated. My Daddy's name is Richard Moore . Thank you , Proud Daughter of Vietnam Veteran...Leanne
I can be reached at [email protected]

Hi - your website is beautiful and thank you for the pleasure of posting this on your website.

I was wondering if you can pass this message to Vietnam Veterans who would be interested in purchasing Vietnam and Bangkok souvenir dolls. They are absolutely beautiful and they are in pristine condition. They are female dolls dressed in their native dress. They are original and they are straight from Vietnam brought over from a family member. I would like to sell them. They can reach me by e mail at [email protected]

Hello Fellow Veterans: My name is Chaplain Howard Flexer. I'm am a Vietnam Veteran who served in the MARINES. I went over by ship (Thank you USN) with RLT7 on a FO team in Aug.65. Flew out in June 66 Right now I am the Chaplain AmVets Dept. of CT, AmVets post 45, VFW post 4908 and also my own "Vietnam War Veterans Flagstaff & Memorial" I invite all to visit our Web Site at www.geocities.com/[email protected] It will tell you more than I can here. While I has not been updated in awhile due to a Motorcycle last Oct. A careless driver made a left turn in front of me and costing me my left leg. During the first few hours I had almost visited my Boss, but He decided that I was needed here. Please feel free to contact me at my Email address if I can help in any way. Semper Fi, With God, Then&Now Chaplain Howard Flexer

Hello, I am writing on behave of widows who have lost their husbands to esophageal cancer. We know that this was caused by agent orange. On the VA website in the search decisions section their are a great number of claims from vets or their widows(mostly widows) all have been denied. We need help in many areas we would like to get in touch with as many families that have been affected by this cancer we are all working very hard for each other and we are trying to get our claims approved and we also want the recognition that our husbands deserve they also died because of this war it took them longer but they died because of agent orange and Vietnam. Any help that you can provide would be appreciated Thank You so much

Dear Vietnam Vets,
My name is Cindy Nguyen. I am posting in this guestbook today to ask everyone a favor. My grandfather was a warrant officer who was in charge of the mess hall at Headquarters 23rd, 13th Artillery Group, 2nd Battalion, Phu Loi, Binh Duong. My grandparents lost contact with each other after the war ended. Most of the information that my grandmother had of my grandfather were destroyed when the VC came. All that I know about my grandfather is that his last name was Smith (which is not really helpful since its very common). He was of average height and was in his late 20s to early 30s. He may also be part German. My father and I are not looking for any benefits or advantage when we set out to search for my grandfather. We only want to know who my dad's father is, and if my grandfather is deceased then where he is lay to rest so we can at least leave him some flowers on holidays. Please if you have any information or know of any ways to help me and my father please contact me at [email protected]. Knowing who his father is means a lot to my father. I have attach a url that leads to a baby picture of my dad when he was one years old. I was told that my grandfather himself took that picture and still has a copy of his own.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/JewelArts/newbabypic.jpg

Thank you
Cindy

We are looking for servicemen that served in Company "A" 82nd (combat) Engineers in Germany between 1960 and 1965. If you served during those times in Company "A" 82nd {combat) Engineers please go to our website. http://82ndengineers.net/ and sign in on our guest page. You may also see some names that you recognize. Also there is a list of names we're looking for. Thanks the webmaster. http://82ndengineers.net/

My friend Ralph Rickett was a VietNam veteran, who served his country proudly. When I met him six years ago, he had just gotten off the street from being one of thousands of homeless veterans. During our time together, he always looked to having someplace where other homeless vets could come to so they would not be on the street. When he heard of the Beacon House Project, he was very pleased that something was being done to help in a small way.

He had this idea for me to crochet a 9 foot x 7 foot American Flag blanket(fits a king-sized bed), raffle/auction it off, and use the proceeds to help purchase a piece of property here in Martinsburg,WV for a Beacon House. Well, the blanket got made, and it sits waiting for Motorcycle Mania here in WV next week. It will go in the Charity Auction during the event. Last year, Ralph and I became very close, and three months ago, he asked me to marry him. I'm not as sure as he how the Beacon House works, but he believed in it with a passion. I believed in HIM and his passion for the program. The best tribute I can give to a man I loved and lost just a few weeks ago is to keep working toward his dream. I am only one person, and it takes me 5-6 weeks to make one blanket,but I'm hoping my small contribution will open the way for others to help his dream come true.He was the finest man I ever met, proud, caring, very intelligent, fiercely loyal to his few friends, artistic- he painted the most beautiful works of art, and gave them to others to appreciate. He never asked for anything, just a companion to care for him as his diabetes progressed along with all the complications that brought. It was my honor to be that companion even for so short a time as we had together. Anyone wanting to help with this project, please contact me at [email protected] or [email protected]. I will be making another blanket, and anyone can order one-it just takes me a few weeks to get it done. ALL proceeds will be going towards the Beacon House project that Ralph dreamed of being here. My time and effort is a donation to those who watched over me, even when they did not know I existed.By spending time with Ralph helping other veterans, I came to appreciate the great sacrifice you all made for me. I am a non-member volunteer for my local VVNW post,and Bill Carlson is my VVNW contact person.

Charlotte Bowers [email protected] 05 July 05

I am a veteran of the army reserve and Operation Iraqi Freedom I hope to make a documentary about my experiences. Here's an early pitch and my basis for a documentary:

At its highest point, up to 40% of the troops in Iraq are or were members of the reserves or National Guard. It is not easy being a member of the National Guard (a servicemember who can also be activated within their state due to a natural disaster) or reserve (after this point, whenever I mention “reservists” I also mean “guardpersons.”) As far as civilian jobs are concerned, very few employers will hire reservists as they may be deployed for long periods of time. Exceptions to this reality are usually civil service agencies, which often pay deployed reservists their salaries. Reservists can be legally fired from their civilian jobs after one year. It has even happened to those with civil service jobs. Deployments have usually lasted longer than one year. Many reservists are deployed again after 3 months. One employer that I have heard welcomes reservists and does not terminate employment after one year are well as continuing to pay salaries, is Wal-Mart.

The reserves and guard used to be an as-needed supplemental force. If needed, they would perform some of the functions that were also found in the active duty components. As some military functions are needed only in an all-out war, many functions were taken away from the active duty component and were made reserve/guard-only. Unfortunately, the reserves and guard do not get the money or equipment they need to operate in dangerous areas. Most notably: armored vehicles and ammunition.

I was told by a fellow reservist of a soldier in his unit who was ordered to man a weapon that was attached to the top of a Hummvee. The unit had no ammunition for the weapon. The soldier was used merely as a bluff. Units have been forced to insulate their vehicles with wood and sand bags. Sometimes they can scavenge a piece of armor from a disabled coalition or Iraqi vehicle. A retired officer in the Marines who’s son is in the area told me that some units are so desperate for transportation, they order some of their troops to steal any type of vehicle they can.

Weekend-a-months drills are usually devoid of training. Some units never train. Drills are spent trying to find and repair equipment (some of which is not in the unit’s possession or irreparable) that the military has deemed necessary for units to have, or to have administrative matters cleared up. Fighting bureaucracy is usually the order of the weekend.

When an active duty troops deploy, their family members gain supports wherever they turn. Most other families around them have family members who are or were deployed. They communities around military posts are heavily reliant on servicemember patronage and feel economic repercussions. Many people who live near military posts are themselves former servicemembers. There are many support groups and organizations on military posts. Unless family members of deployed reservists come together themselves, there is no support available. There is what is know as Family Support for reservists, but it is for those who’s family members are minors or disabled and have absolutely no other source of help.

Deployed reservists have a more difficult time adapting to being deployed, as they do not work as servicemembers 40 hours a week and are already away from home as active duty troops usually are. Many reservists are out of shape (many are left behind or return early or are discharged for medical reasons,) undisciplined, and unmilitary. Many units do not enforce the importance of fitness, discipline, competence, and protocol. During deployments, the troops that do well are those who have conscientiously kept on top of what is expected of them as servicemembers and to what their particular job demands. Others "sort-of" remember what to do. If they end up working with active duty units, the active duty troops give reservists little respect until they prove themselves.

Reserve and guard units are forced to sit at their mobilization sites or in theater waiting to get missions, then get missions that they are not trained and equipped to do. Sometimes, when it is discovered that many individuals within reserve or guard units hold similar functions in their civilian jobs, the units are often pressed to do missions that are not in their unit’s mandate which is the function assigned to them by their branch of service.

Housing and medical care at mobilization sites are sub-standard. There is a shortage of doctors at mobilization sites. A sick servicemember is given treatment, but is expected to continue with their training regimen. Oftentimes, troops get sicker – which is what happened to me. I developed acute bronchitis. I was taken to a civilian hospital where there was a chance of my being admitted. Upon leaving, the doctor recommended for me to take it easy and stay indoors. That was not possible for me. A group of soldiers contacted CNN about the conditions at Fort Stewart and were featured on a television report. It caused an internal scandal. Some servicemembers have returned from theater to their mobilization sites and have not received any answers to mysterious health problems that were caused by being in unsafe environments.

Reservists sign an eight-year contract. It is too long. With the greater freedoms and the different demands of a civilian job and life, more changes can happen in those eight years than in the lives of active duty personnel. Upon their return from deployments, reservists have fewer benefits and fight more red tape to obtain benefits.

My solution? Return most reserve and guard functions to active duty components and utilize the reserves and guard as an as-needed force. Provide the reserves and guard with the money and equipment they need and force the servicemembers to get the training in order to do their jobs and stay alive. More money needs to be put into mobilization sites and more doctors are needed. Either that, or more civilian hospitals need to be utilized. The enlistment contract needs to be reduced to no more than six years.

Studies of the U.S. Postal Service have concluded that conditions within that agency are so bad, it's a wonder that more of their workers don't "go postal." Perhaps then, a post office reserve could be formed, and all those hoping for extra monies and a pension after 20 years in the army reserve can be transferred and appeased, and the conditions within the USPS ameliorated.

Louis Menchise [email protected]

Need help putting a charity together for disabled Vets in Detroit Tri-county area please contact
steve at [email protected] or frantzracing.com@AOL

Hello, I did volunteer work during the latter Vietnam war years from 1970-74 at the Servicemens Center in Anaheim, CA. We served food, had dances, provided free phone calls for servicemen to call home, had games, etc. We also would visit the hospital at Pendleton. I am hoping to find some of the people I met as I wonder often how their lives turned out. Here are a few names: Dennis Baites, Steve Manis, Armand Rosario Collins aka Bob, Randy Fergeson, Robert Marion Price. If anyone remembers visiting the center and girls named Rose, Sue, Joanie and Maria, I would like to hear how you are doing.

Rose [email protected]

Looking for Korean War Causality Robert Dickerson,598302-C,USMC BT-B if there anything reported please let me know or report directlly too [email protected] thankyou.

Gysgt Angelo Vitalone Sr. [email protected] 25 June 05

COMPANY (A) 82nd ENGRS.

BAD KISSINGEN GERMANY

FROM 1960 TO 1965

HUNTING OLD BUDDYS FROM THEM DAYS

THERE IS A GROUP OF US NOW, ABOUT 50 IN ALL WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND SO FAR.

IF YOU SEE THIS MESSAGE AND WAS THERE IN THAT TIME FROM 1960 TO 1965 PLEASE GOT TO OUR NEW WEB SITE AND SIGN IN.......YOU WILL SEE THE LIST OF GUYS WE HAVE FOUND SO FAR THERE AND PHOTOS OF MOST OF THEM.....
www.82ndengineers.net/
.....or e-mail me at

[email protected]

GOD BLESS ALL AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

EDDIE J. COZART JUNE 26TH 2005

Robert D Whittington

Service # US 54609099
1817 Decatur
Houston, TX 77007
713 – 862 2613
Email: [email protected]

Re.: File # 28-967-413 Sunday, June 19, 2005

I am requesting information regarding the assigned Company Commander from the 128th Signal Company (Co.) Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam, from Sept. 1968 until 1969. I was transferred in 2nd quarter of 1969 to 557 Light Maintenance Co., Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam.

One of my superiors of the 128th Signal Company was Spec. 6 Paul Ferguson, who documented events about me engaging in Hand–to–Hand combat and the capturing of Viet Cong inside the 128th Signal Company Area Mess Dept.
I need detailed documentation about dates the American Red Cross (ARC) notified me about an event regarding my wife having a nervous breakdown at the time I was assigned at the 128th Signal Company at Cam Rahn Bay. I was then granted emergency leave. I need to know the dates I was notified and granted the leave. I was severely stressed and anxious, as there was a five-day waiting period before I could go home to see my wife who at this time was at a psychiatric facility in Jackson, La. I also need to know the date I returned back to 128th Signal Company and copie(s) of transfer records from 128th Signal Company to 557 Light Maintenance Co., Cam Rahn Bay.
In addition I also request any documents and/or records concerning disciplinary actions taken for being absent without leave (AWOL) while stationed at Fort Polk, La., undergoing basic combat training and advanced individual training in spring of 1968. My reason for AWOL was because of the fact that I had a young wife and a newborn baby girl. At that time I was not aware of the fact that I was actually exempt from military service because of me being married with newborn baby girl. I was drafted despite of this fact.
My US Army Reserve assignment after returning from Vietnam was to report to Fort Carson, Colorado, to complete the remainder of my service time in USAR.
I request any documents and reports of character of service while stationed at Ft. Carson.
Shortly after arriving at my assigned duty unit I requested to be allowed Christmas Holiday leave time. My 1st Sergeant denied for reasons unknown to me.

Being emotionally and psychologically devastated over Vietnam and family events I had no other choice but to go AWOL. Upon being brought back to my unit in Ft. Carson, I was charged with a special court marshal.

My defending counselor persuaded me against being represented by a military lawyer. Telling me he presented a plea bargain to the judge in court, he told me that if I was willing to except the plea bargain, all I had to do was make up for the days that I was AWOL and pay a fine which I happily agreed to. As it turned out, the judge ruled against the plea bargain and sentenced me to the maximum 6 months in Ft. Carson stockade at hard labor.
When I heard the verdict, I felt like the worst person to have ever walked the earth. After being in Ft. Carson stockade for a couple of months I was offered the opportunity to go to Ft. Riley, Kansas, into a correctional training facility where I had to go through basic training all over again.
After completion I was given orders to report to Ft. Bliss, TX, to finish the remaining 3 months of active duty.

After completing my 1-year tour of Vietnam service I was granted my 30-day leave. A few days after returning home I was notified by my mother that my wife was in hospital giving birth to our second baby girl. Upon seeing my wife in the hospital she was asking for a divorce while flashing a new engagement ring in my face, which was very devastating and emotionally painful for me especially after what I went through and experienced in Vietnam.
At this point I want to stress specifically that my reason to go to Vietnam was my beliefs and principles toward my family and country to fight for our rights and freedom from communism. While confronted with these heartbreaking and devastating news, I lost all my determination, as I did not see any further reason to fight because I had nothing left to fight and fend for.
You need to understand that I am a very patriotic individual and always will be and all I am asking for is to help me overcome my present lifestyle and psychological torments so I can get on with my life. Just by simply writing these words I am walking through all those events as if I was back in Vietnam.
To this day I am guilt written and suffer immensely over my service time in Vietnam and what I had to face when I came back home, having no wife, no children and being mistrusted by my family because of me winding up in stockade.

Conclusion

My reason for requesting the above mentioned documents and papers is not for materialistic gain as it may seem, but in order for me to get on with my life to get the justly due, respect and recognition for my time served.
Lives were saved during my special assignment in Vietnam.

But one of the most hurtful and in my opinion most outrageous experiences happened to me just a few years ago after being psychologically screened several times at different VA Hospitals: I was told by Doctors that I was evaluated as not being eligible for the Trauma recovery program because I was told by those doctors that I was fantasizing and making up all these events after being asked to just tell one event that happened to me in Vietnam.

I am looking forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely yours,
Robert D. Whittington [email protected]

First of all, let me say thank you for this site, its wonderful! I wish I’d found out about it earlier. My name is , I am a Veteran Service Officer in NC. I am trying to assist a veteran with his VA claims. He has given me his permission to give out his name and information to see if I can find anyone that served with him or in the same locations and times as he did.

Veteran: DeConja Alexander
Born: Dec. 1947 in Summit, Mississippi

Served in the US Army as a driver with the Transportation Companies:

363^rd“Road Runners” from 2-06-69 to 6-10-69
630^th from 6-11-69 to 7-18-69
805^th from 7-19-69 to 1-30-70

And, as a Compound Gate Guard for the 26^th General Support Group, Phu Bai.

He remembers being in Cam Rahn Bay, DaNang, Quang Tri, Phu Bai, Dong Ha, Bastongne, An Hoa, Chu Lai, Hi-Von Pass and the DMZ.

According to the VA, “the office list of Army Combat Units in Vietnam from 1966 to 1973, shows the 363^rd Transportation Company at Dong Ha in February and March 1969 and at DaNang in June 1969 and the evidence they have does not show that he or his unit came under enemy attack or engaged the enemy in combat.”

Mr. Alexander left Seattle, WA for Vietnam in a plane that caught on fire and they had to land in Hawaii. Once they got the fire out they had to get back on the same plane. That same plane caught on fire again while they were over the ocean and they landed in Guam. Once again, the fire was put out and they had to board the same plane, which luckily finally got them to Cam Ranh Bay. However, when it was time to land in Cam Ranh Bay, Charlie was tearing up the airport and they say tracers flying everywhere. When they finally landed they had to dive for the shelter of the bunkers. He said that at Cam Ranh Bay they had a destroyer out in the bay that had 16 inch guns that would shoot back at Charlie.

After his orientation in Cam Ranh Bay he was sent to DaNang. His first night in DaNang they were under mortar attack. He said they pretty much had nightly mortar attacks in DaNang.

He was also stationed in Quang Tri (probably middle to latter part of 1969). He said there were a lot of mortar attacks and the VC trying to get in at Quang Tri. He pulled a lot of bunker duty. One night a “duster” (little tank), shot off 45 rounds of mortar that night.

Also, he was hit in the head in the motor-pool by the hood of an 18 wheeler with a transfer case. This injury occurred in 1969 in the motor-pool at either Quang Tri or Phu Bai. A Sgt. Freeman was over the motor-pool. The guy he was working with didn’t lock down the hood and the wind caused the hood to come down on top of him, knocking him unconscious. When he woke up he was in a helicopter being medivaced to Cam Ranh Bay Hospital. While at the hospital he saw Rene Arrendale, whom he’d gone to basic training with at Fort Ord. Arrendale was working at the hospital.

He also had to travel through an area called “Blaze”, because Charlie was always shooting in this area. On one occasion it was getting late & the Lt. wanted out of there so he and the convoy left him behind to finish up and then he had to drive back to either Phu Bai or Quang Tri by himself. The whole time he was driving back he had Charlie shooting at him.

He has a picture of him and the guys from the 363^rd “Road Runners” and he remembers the names, “Mazaratti”, “Garcia”, and “Paul”.

He also has another picture that looks like it was probably taken in DaNang and he remembers the names, “Beetle”, “Jonesy”, “Currie”, “Kendricks”, and “Doc” (He remembers that “Doc” was from Chicago).

He also had a friend, Johnnie Cummings from Wyatt, MO, that he served with when they had to do Gate Guard Duty at Phu Bai (or Quang Tri).

I desperately need to see if I can find any veteran that served in these areas or with Mr. Alexander that would be willing to write a “lay statement” (a letter) that we can send to the VA. (The letter can be done via e-mail and sent to me…I will submit the letter as evidence for his claim). You need to have served in these areas sometime during 1969 to Feb. 1970 and can verify by writing a letter stating who you are, serial #, & where you served and that you were in fact hit by nightly mortar attacks or hit once a week, or once a month…however often you remember this occurring…or if you served with him and remember any of the above,…anything to help back up Mr. Alexander’s memory, since VA doesn’t seem to have any of this information. I’m sorry this is so long, but I figured the more info I gave the better the chances I have of finding someone! If you read this and you don’t fall in any of the above time periods and locations, but you know someone that does, please pass this info on and see if they’d be willing to help. We greatly appreciate any and all assistance!

I would also like to thank all the veterans out there for their sacrifice and duty to our country. You are so often overlooked and even forgotten about and without you; we would not be where we are today. Thank you and God Bless you!

Anita Hartsell [email protected] 22 June 05

There is a nut, http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/jun2005/20050613_ied-dover-air-force-base.pdf , http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=ID%20Westboro%20Protest

who is traveling the country protesting at the funerals of soldiers who have been killed. He is disruptive and disturbing the families of the honored dead.

I propose a cordon of Veterans around every funeral wherever this nut were to appear. Any suggestions. I do plan on going to Dover with my Nitwit sign!

thanks

Bigjohn

http://adoptasoldier.bigjohnmiska.com/nitwit/

John Miska

www.adoptasoldier.us

4347601940

My brother past away today and he was a veteran of the vietnam war, I remember when I was ten years old and hearing him fighting and crying in his room when he came back from vietnam I will never forget what it sound like that night. My mother tolfd me not to go in there because he could hurt me without knowing it. My brother loved me with all his heart and I know that if he would have not been sleeping and having a nightmare he would not hurt me. My sister-in-law is having my brother creamated because she can not afford a funeral for my brother and I know that a man that stood up for our country and fought and went through what he did the people in our country would not let this happen. I have no idea about the benefits the veterans of the vietnam war have so please can someone inform me. I loved my brother and I remember when he came home from over there he looked horrible. H e was also treated horrible when he came back. He would never talk about the war only thing I remember when he was asleep was him shouting about the bombs. Please e-mail me to let me know if I can give my brother a funeral that he deserves.

Elizabeth Stoffel [email protected]

My husband is 100% disabled Viet Name Vet. Shot in the leg. Has knee replacement and hip replacement. Needs a scootre. What brand does the VA provide? Thanks Jeff Blevins [email protected]

You can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags without cost to you. Send your flags to the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors and dignity pursuant to the United States Flag Code Section 8K. We have been providing this free service for he past seven years. Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by an all volunteer U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard led by GySgt. Dan Kelley USMC (Ret.).

Thanks,

Charles Taliaferro
[email protected]
THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST
http://www.kitchentablegang.org

I am a student looking for anyone who would like to share their experiences with me about the Vietnam War. I have a few questions I would like to ask. Anyone who would be willing to share would be greatly appreciated email me back at [email protected].

Thanks!

I am a Vietnam Veteran who was stationed at the Vinh Long Army Airfield from 12/69 to 12/70 I would like to hear from any personnel serving there anytime during the war. I am writing a book about the Airfield. Also looking for Donald Higgins from California he has some movie film of us at the base and on the way to Can-Tho. Also would like to hear from any personnel serving with the 292nd Finance anywhere in Vietnam, writing a book about the unit.

contact me at [email protected]

Thanks
Dennis

I am a wife of a VNV who joined the local Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle club as a prospect in September 2004. There was so much secrecy and he has alternately excluded and included me in activities. He left home in September and that became his life. He said he wanted to come home a couple of times but has not. He was a recovering alcoholic as I am and had 11 years of sobriety. He relapsed in October 2004 and is still in a relapse. Because I am a recovering alcoholic with 21 years sobriety it has been heartbreaking and extremely difficult to stand by him. He has put us in financial jeopardy and by getting a DUI and having his truck repossessed my credit is bad now. He got fully patched in April 2005. He and another member once told me that if he drank he would be out of the club (they know he is a recovering alcoholic)....so this makes no sense to me. I would like to know as much as possible about what he is into. Please help me here. Thank you

[email protected] 20 May 05

Dear Veterans,

I am a high school student looking to learn more about Vietnam. If anyone would like to share their experiences and knowledge with me I would be very grateful. You can reach me at my e-mail address, [email protected].

Thank You,

Michael Wu

Hello,

I am looking for information on a WWII veteran or more specifically his units operations and campaigns in the Pacific Islands. I am looking for information about PFC William (Bill) G. Morse, US Army, 12th Calvary. His military records were destroyed in the St. Louis, Mo National Archive fire. I am looking for my father-in-law who wants to find out what his brother did in WWII.

His records did indicate 4 battle campaign stars and a Bronze Star. He served from 1944 thru January of 1946. I am hoping a WWII Veteran who served in the 12th Calvary might be able to tell us what campaigns they were in and if anyone remembers Bill and why he won the Bronze star.

Thanks you,

Alex Rhinehart

[email protected]

We will miss You, I considered you a personal friend and the Friend of every Soldier in America, To "Hack's " family I hope you are proud of him, He was one fine man. I was Honored to be his friend. For his family and close friends, If you wish a Silver Rose for the Colonel, Please contact me and it's a done deal, sadly he was another Victim of Agent Orange, one of the more than 300,000 who have been killed by it since the war.

Gary Chenett
National Director
The Order of The Silver Rose
http://silverrose.org
810-714-2748

Steve Abshire, 82^nd Airborne contact Paul Tanner at 708-524-2289 or [email protected] I would like to talk to you about Ashau Valley operations

Paul Tanner [email protected] 07 May 05

Hi Some years ago, I brought a matter to the asttention of U.S. vets, and the matter was largely ignored because of the intervention of an Australian veteran "leader", Frank Grady. The matter concerned a local council at hellharbour that refused to alow six vets aplaque at a ground where we'd planted more than 230 trees as a living "commemorative walk". I was vilified by the general manager of that Council- Brian Weir, and a lot of vets dcided not to buy into the matter, because it was dificult to know all the facts. I have now placed all the correspondence on the web at my site, so that all veterans can see for themselves what gutless bureaucracy is capable of- and how vets themselves can destroy a fellow vet. The site is http://www.members.tripod.com/warvet_69/
or "The Perspective of the Baggy-Arse Infantryman" -the view of an Australian infantryman who fought alongside you blokes, and was wounded in action.

Regards,
Don Tate [email protected] 07 May 05

http://www.2ndbattalion94thartillery.com/mvm.htm

THIS EVENT IS A GRASS ROOTS MOVEMENT

CALL TO ARMS

Million Veteran March

ON WASHINGTON, DC

June 8, 2005

WE NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WE CAN COUNT ON. IF YOU WOULD EMAIL GLENDA or KARYN WITH YOUR NAME AND HOW MANY ARE COMING WITH YOU EVEN IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO CARAVAN WE WILL TRY AND KEEP A RUNNING LIST OF ATTENDEES. PLEASE JOIN US IF YOU CAN. VA FUNDING IS TOO IMPORTANT TO VETERANS FOR US TO DO NOTHING.

Caravan Info DC Links

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MARCH IS TO DEMONSTRATE OUR ANGER AT THE LACK OF ADEQUATE VA FUNDING, VA PERFORMANCE AND VETERAN BENEFITS IN GENERAL

I am currently a member and wanting too really learn as much as I can about helping veterans after looking at your map coverage your really big. Thanks for being who you are

Gysgt Angelo Vitalone, Sr.

My name is Erica Mer and I would like to know, from any soldier:

Where she/he served - What she/he did in the military - What she/he experienced during the war - If she/he survived the war - What she/he is doing now - If she/he suffered any ill effects from this military service

I don't have to have a specific baseforce or anything! Thank You

I can be emailed at [email protected]

My book, Of Their Own Accord, is finally in print! It details the heroics of our Ranger unit in Nam. See http://oftheirownaccord.com. I have a favor to request. My publisher wants me to coordinate purchases through Amazon to potentially catapult my book to be a "Best Seller," if only for an hour or a day, so that the publisher can advertise that status through its national sales force. Consequently, I request you support this Ranger Request to submit your purchase through Amazon (the lowest price) on May 27th, preferably between the hours of 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time).
Of course, I would also appreciate you mentioning this request to anyone else you know who might enjoy obtaining a copy of my book. I will proudly send an autographed bookplate to affix to the inside cover to anyone who requests it.
Gary "28" Dolan
C/75th
USMA '69Gary Dolan
[email protected]

Anyone out there from I Co 3rd Batt 2nd Reg 2nd Division from 1953 to 1956 e-mail [email protected]

William Strohm [email protected] 28 Apr 05

HI i am a student of Richmond Hill High and i have an assignment for history where i have to interview a veteran of the Vietnam war and i was wondering if any one would like to help me. I already have the questions written out to ask and my email address is [email protected]. Thanks in anticipation.

Sincerely yours

Tandika Boatswain [email protected]

Is there a website posting all of the people who received the Purple Heart? Thank-You Brenda

Brenda [email protected]

I served with the 17th CAG in Nha Trang in 1969 and have written a book about my experiences during that year. It includes over 40 photos, including friends I made and haven't seen or heard from since. It is titled 'REMF "War Stories" 17th CAG - Nha Trang, Vietnam - 1969.' To preview or buy a copy just google my name and take a link from there to where this can be done.

Thank you very much,

Dean Muehlberg Rapid City, SD

I just read an article about a Michael Dean Smith of Gladstone MO, a Marine who served in Viet Nam in the 70"s who last night went to a book signing of Jane Fonda's stood in line for over an hour and when he got up to her he had been chewing tobacco and had a mouth full of spit and let her have it right in the face. May God bless this hero. Hanoi Jane should have been tried for treason.
Bennett Gottlieb LI 3 USN, Viet Nam Vet [email protected]

I am a Viet Nam era veteran --wife of Freddie Vaughan, who died from agent orange in 2002--mother of agent orange affected son, Shon Rene'
Vaughan. We are in the battle to have the children who are affect with other than SpinaBifida have a chance for medical at the V.A. hospitals.
As one of the Doctors who served in Nam and debriefed veterans and North Viet Nam prisoners , he has confirmed the agent orange as being in the sperm at time of conceiving with his father and I. My son is affect with his front brain lobe and is unable to perform sexually and has no short term memory and lived his first five years trying to die in a oxygen tent and survive all the things he was not allow to see,touch,hold,use, or eat.He was save by the doctors in Germany but has had a life that no one even as a veteran would want to live with daily. I am a rated 160% service connected disable veteran and my life lacks a lot in a good life any day. Thus I am devoting my time and efforts to confirm my son's disabilities from his father's agent orange and some of my messes "so all the children that are suffering from tumors,lack of functions and loss of brain can be approved even tho they turned 18 plus before we knew about agent orange and the horror it gave our children. The V.A. or Regional state that since we did not claim him as agent orange affected before his 18th birthday we have no right to claim him now that my son is 38 years old. I have an attorney that says he will take the case as soon as the final refusal is done thru the VA....He then will take it to the Supreme Court of the USA and get it accepted as there is medical and ongoing medical to prove that my son will never be better but will get worse with age and face the same risk to die as any agent orange affected veteran. My plea is this----"If you or yours have any of the proof as we have from the VA that your vet is agent orange and you have children that have had tumors, brain loss, in -ability to have motor movements normally, depression so bad they try to die, and anger so bad they want to kill you or them, then please contact me and I will use all of it to get Shon's thru the courts and then give you his lawyer and his decision and his doctors to help you with yours. The Head of the State of Arkansas Health Dept. was assisting in the disposal of agent orange at Jacksonville, Ar. before he died and he stated he would go to court with me as they had discovered that heavy sprayed and exposed veterans could with in one year conceive and have a son but that he would have more female hormones and two years after exposure the veteran would only be able to sire GIRLS. If this has happen to you and yours then please write to me and give me the right to use any medical or proved handicaps or disabilities to open this up so children injured by agent orange will be aided by the V.A. since we did not know it before age 18. It was only after to late and after they were to old (past 17
years) that V.A. states you can open a claim for a disable or handicap child. These children will need lots of medical care and medicine and we will soon die leaving them to try and fend for themselves and they are not able to this as affected that most them are now and will be in the future." Shon's father was a professional soldier and my son saw him 6 times in 38 years for a hour or day or week but he loved him until now. I would like to restore his faith in the flag and country and help him learn to live with my mistake in having him when Fred came home from Nam in early 1966. God has blessed him with a woman who loves him as he is but fears what his future will be, as agent orange continues to work it deeds on his body. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! and thank you for any help you can give to us.

Melba A. Burks
Shon Rene'Vaughan
Shona Renee" Schwab
Randy E. Barter aka Andrew My son
[email protected]

Dear Friends:
I have just read and signed the petition:
NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND MANDATORY ANTHRAX VACCINE INVESTIGATION I BELIEVE MY OWN SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITIES ARE A RESULT OF ANTHRAX INOCULATIONS AND OTHER EXPOSURES IN THE GULF WAR 1990 - 1991.
http://www.thePetitionSite.com/takeaction/346670507
Please help by signing this petition. It takes 30 seconds and will really help. Please follow this link:
The system centralizes signature collection to provide consolidated, useful reports for petition authors and targets. Please forward this email to others you believe share your concern. To view additional petitions, please click here:
http://www.thePetitionSite.com
Thank you

To add your name to this petition go to:

http://www.thePetitionSite.com/takeaction/346670507

*Signers may choose to hide their identity to the public. Such names will appear as "Anonymous" on the PetitionSite.com and advocacy emails similar to this. (The signature number above may not match the number assigned to your signature on the first page of the petition.) To view additional petitions, please click here:
http://www.thePetitionSite.comLooking for and anyone who served in Vietnam with the Second Battalion, First Marines Regiment, First Marine Division? I can help.

David "Doc" Johnson, Hotel Company 67-68 EMail: [email protected] 12 Apr 05

The person looking for info on the USS Cook, their email bounced, can you post the info in case they come back to visit.

USS COOK APD 130

AE -- Armed forces Expeditionary Ribbon.
the I is for Vietnam
AE 18-JAN-1960 19-JAN-1960 G
25-JAN-1960 11-FEB-1960 I
19-MAR-1960 30-MAR-1960 G
06-JAN-1962 28-JAN-1962 I
08-NOV-1962 05-DEC-1962 C
04-SEP-1963 12-SEP-1963 I
27-DEC-1964 11-FEB-1965 I
20-FEB-1965 27-FEB-1965 I
12-MAR-1965 29-MAR-1965 I
07-APR-1965 27-APR-1965 I
04-MAY-1965 21-MAY-1965 I

CR _- Combat Action Ribbon
CR 21-APR-1965
23-APR-1965
12-MAR-1969
01-JUL-1969

Meritorious unit award
MU 29-JUL-1966*
31-JUL-1966
16-AUG-1966*
30-AUG-1966

Navy "E" Ribbon
NE 01-JUL-1974 21-APR-1976
02-APR-1976 30-JAN-1977

Republic of VN Cross of Gallantry Award
RG 10-APR-1965 19-APR-1965
18-JUN-1966 02-JUL-1966
16-AUG-1966 30-AUG-1966
01-OCT-1967 15-OCT-1967
30-OCT-1967 14-NOV-1967
15-DEC-1967 24-DEC-1967
12-JAN-1968 06-FEB-1968

Vietnam Service with dates
VS 15-JUL-1966 17-JUL-1966
12-AUG-1966 17-AUG-1966
28-SEP-1967 16-OCT-1967
29-OCT-1967 14-NOV-1967
14-DEC-1967 23-DEC-1967
12-JAN-1968 06-FEB-1968
08-JUN-1968 12-JUL-1966
11-MAR-1969 25-MAR-1969
08-APR-1969 22-APR-1969
20-MAY-1969 28-MAY-1969
20-JUN-1969 06-JUL-1969
01-AUG-1969 06-AUG-1969

Ben Youmans [email protected] 11 Apr 05

Dear Veterans of the Vietnam War,
The Long, Long Ago Oral History Project is a multilingual, multicultural oral history project based at Suva Intermediate School in Bell Gardens, CA. We research, record, preserve, publish, and disseminate the history of the American west in a series of student-done, award-winning oral history magazines.
We are in the process of interviewing Vietnam War veterans and would love to interview some of your Vietnam War veterans either in person or by e-mail. How do we contact your membership? Thank you in advance for your help.

Michael A. Brooks [email protected] 5 Apr 05

My Name is Tracey Davis and my Grand father was in the 2nd Marines during W.W.II, He did the full campaign. I have many photos I would like to share with his unit, but I don't know what it was. My grand father has passed away and never talked about his service to us. My Grand Fathers name was Gerald Konst. Any help finding his unit and a contact would be appreciated.

Tracey Davis [email protected] 4 Apr 05

I am looking for members of A Battery, 7th of the 9th Artillery, 35th Artillery Group, Viet Nam. I was in Nam from Oct. 1967 to May 1969. I would be interested in hearing from these members. Please contact me.

Alfred Parrett [email protected]

My name is Teri Stinson. I am the ex-wife of a Vietnam
Veteran, and mother of our four daughters ages
8,12,19 and 20
The girls' dad is a Vietnam veteran , discharged in 1969. George De Angelis. He suffers many physical and emotional disabilities and is unable to financially support our girls . i am writing this letter and sending it out to as many people and advocates that I can find on the internet. We are seeking anyone who can remember him, or who may have served with him.
He was in Vietnam from 7/31/67 to 3/31/69 he was assigned to :
527th personnel service co,
518th personnel service co
854th transportation co
127th military police co.
he served during tet offensive phases III-V

When George was a teenager, he underwent hip surgery that could have excluded him from joining the Military or being unwillingly drafted. He successfully petitioned his local government and signed a waiver to join the Army. He also extended his mandatory tour of duty, again going above and beyond what many other his age were doing at the time. Out of his sincere desire to serve his country. He was only 19 years old, the age of our older children!!!!
This was also when many protesters were burning their draft cards and doing whatever they could to avoid being drafted. He gave generously, as many others have, of his life, and his duty to country has never been recognized.
As we all know, Vietnam Veterans were not given the "Hero s Welcome" that our Veterans enjoy today

George has been trying unsuccessfully for many years to obtain benefits for PTSD. Despite being diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria by several
psychiatrists.. He exhibits many symptoms : Severe depression , history of polysubstance abuse, emotional isolation , and detachment . Physical ailments ,such as liver disease ,a compromised immune system leading to multiple infections and impaired wound healing. Degenerative bone disease leading to over 22 surgeries over the last 20 years. These numerous health problems have left him financially and emotionally destitute .He is clinically depressed, unable to work and function in the real world and relies on disability payments to support himself, and our children. Our 18 year marriage ended amicably 3 years ago, and
we continue to raise our girls together.

George is currently incarcerated at Hocking correctional facility in Nelsonville Ohio. he was arrested and sentenced a year ago on drug seeking/doctor shopping offenses. I sincerely believe that his symptoms and difficulties stem from PTSD. He meets all criteria from DSM IV ,yet government officials deny the claims and the appeals that have been pending for over 9 years. we have had assistance from our local vets service center with no success. George also has a history of suicide attempts. one following active duty and several more throughout
our marriage I am an eyewitness to the physical and emotional deterioration that developed over the 23 years that I have known George. despite the physical and emotional abuse that the children and I suffered during our years together, we
remain committed to helping George to help himself and to be a better father to our girls. I am writing this to ask for help for him, and for our daughters.
Is there any other way we can help George? Any information would be much appreciated.

Please, if you can, forward this email to anyone who might remember him.
bless you and thank you for your time,
sincerely,

teri stinson
[email protected]
marysville oh

Hi Folks.

There is an effort underway to try to pursuade congress to authorize free mailing of items to our soldiers in combat zones.

Please go the following website and send the form letter. It is self explanatory.

http://capwiz.com/naus/issues/alert/?alertid=7207041

Thank you for all that you do.

Don 23 Mar 05

Looking For Members of the 687th Land Clearing Company from 1969 to 1971! We have a company roster and some address.. We want to get everyone name, address and home town so that we can get in contact with everyone! There is a Land Clearing Association and we would like to see each and every 687th LC guy join the Association. Please contact me at [email protected] Hope to hear from you.. Would also like to contact any member of the 173rd Airborne unit that were our combat support unit... Thanks to you all for watching over and taking care of us Engineers!

J. C. (Jimmy) Topps, Michigan [email protected] 18 Mar 05

I am looking for any Marine that served in either H&S (Engineers) @Parris Island during 1962 or in pest control during 1964-66. I am doing some research for my father for prostrate and lung cancers due to agent orange or herbicide exposure at Parris Island. Also possible exposure at Camp Legume. Please contact Cindy at the above email Thank you

Cindy Lloyd [email protected] 17 Mar 05

I am looking for info. on the USSCOOK APD 130 between the yrs. of 1965-1967. Locations that the ship traveled to, list of some crew members, anything would be helpful. I am writing for my dad. He is trying to locate this information. It is very important to him, and me so if there is anyone out there that has any info. or knows where I can locate these items please let me know! You can e-mail us @ [email protected] Thanks again, and God bless all of you.

16 Mar 05

Greetings:

I am a volunteer member of the PTSD Alliance Organization. Our Internet website is as follows: http://www.ptsd-alliance.org/ or http://www.focus-on-veterans.com. The Alliance is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization established to advocate and serve sufferers of PTSD. My particular focus is to offer support both men and women currently serving in the military, as well as Veterans affected by PTSD. Given the current situation in Iraq, and so many afflicted with PTSD from previous conflicts, we are working very hard to increase our profile, Thus, I am contacting you to see if you might be interested in distributing our poll. No one may vote twice, and the data will be compiled to objectively present to decision-makers in Congress.

Veterans Healthcare Benefits Survey

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?id=83902

Thank you for your time, and, I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Patrick Smith

[email protected] (AZ)

or Kathy at [email protected] (CT)

or Butch at [email protected] (TX)

15 Mar 05

Whom or where can a WW II, Korean and Vietnam War retired Veteran turn to for effective legal pro-bono legal assistance? Congressman Terry Everett, R-Al has made no effective moves against the VA's autocratic empire to cause applicable Public Laws to be enforced. Even though, federally paid public defenders are abundant in number willing to represent Missouai, the alledged terrorist Shoe Bomber's case.
Certantlu, neither of the national veteran organizations: DAV, VFW or American Legion are willing to offer representation before the Court.
NSO's tell me they dio not have 10 grand necessary to develop my case to be litigated before the US Court for Veteran Appeals. Thusly, they have comprmised themselves as incapable of providing effective representation as they cozzly exist in a convient atmosphere amongst a den of theives..

Since 1970 era , VARO has denied ten appeals of which 5 are service incurred injuries and 5 are a result of VA MD systemic malpractice omissions from drug overdose resulting in permanently insidious chronic disabilities. . Appeals are intentionally complicated by VARO on it's own has imposed changes to individual appeal issue to be adjudicated under exclusive statutes that prohibit granting of service connection, or has wrongfully adjudicasted the 5 VA medical malpractice omissions as service incurred impairments, or supporting army health records are fraudulently omitted or concealed from consideration at "INITIAL" and at "subsequent" tribunal adjudication hearings. Consequently, veterans Notices of disagreements to VARO's autocratic changes of appeal issues, Statement of Case wrongfully adjudications with concealment of material evidence are autocratically ignored. VARO's "INITIAL and subsequent adjudication hearings are in fact KANGAROO COURT sham legal proceedings in which my rights are totally disregarded and in which the results are a foregone conclusion because of the bias within VARO tribunal adjudications. VARO's subsequent adjudications (Statemnent of Case), referrals to Board of Veteran Appeals continue to be sanctified. VARO's illegal but legal appearing denied decisions are artfully and cunningly crafted to satisfy VARO's Incestuous Bastereds that are those who are produced by the illegal connection of two or more persons who are relations within the degrees prohibited by law (Page 685 Black's Law Dictionary).

Surprisingly, after all ten appeals were mysteriiusly thrown out as MOOT Appeals, I visited VARO in August 1998, when Director Courtney's personal representative, Mr. Roibert Barton unexpectedly meet me when openly confessing the Director personally responded to my request the MOOT and
denied appeals be investigated. Mr Barton stated the Director
reprimanded the case worker and supervisor for malfeasance admininstration of appeals. The supervisor elected early retirement, and the incomming Director reportedly advanced the reprimanded caseworker's career. . That's at best 50--50 jusdtice. In yeqr 2000 Case was referred to BVA where it was sanctified and referred to COVA.
Thankfully, a proBono Counselor represented my case and the Court in a joint morion returned the appeals to VA in 2002 where BVA remanded 14 specific paragraphs citing the VARO "SHOULD" afford veteran with 11 special VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of impairments. When typicially 3 biased amd restricted VA exams were administeredwhen ion 9 and 10 November VARO again issued it's SSOC that excluded all submitted factual evidence from record of consideration.
But, BVA's remand on it's own pretentiously claimed to satisfy my arguments against VARO's imposed appeal distoritions that changed the character of every appeal issue to be adjudicated as a service incurred impairment which is in fact double jeopardy. Certantly, appeal decisions are set in Granit as the imperviously autocratic empire is immune from compliance with issue applicable Public Laws and can selectively conceal that material evidence that conflicts with the desires of employees who are rewarded a bonus for cheating of veterans and survivors from equitable benefits in crafted legal appearing appeal decisions the average veteran accepts as representative of a fair and legal hearing decisions that has considered all applicable case evidence in making their decisions. .

Out of exasperation, after waiting 2 months for NVLSP to reply to my letter, on 7 March 2005 the Court was requested to issue and extraordinary Writ ordering the VA to expeditiously complete the processing of appeals. This action was made because recently Former VASecretary Principi was advised by VARO averaged 183 days from the time an appeal is received until it is completed. At that time, more than 550 ndays had expired since my appeals were remanded from BVA. Thusly, it was obvious the VARO's self cultivated protective measures had deliberatley abused any reasonable effort to timely complete the processing of remanded appeals. In-Turn on 8 March 2005 the Court served notice Case No. 05-0327 on VA Secretary to answer within 30 days to address my alledged claims and will apprise the Court of the status of my case. Unfortunately, the Courts applications of my allegations was erroneously misstated. I feel certain such Court tactics will serve to favor the VA's resolve to deceitfully deny any and all allegations. .

Since my request for an extraordinary WRIT was released to NON-PRO-BONO Attorneys, I've receieved scores of letters soliciting my selecting my lock-up signature for one of them to represent my case before the Courts.
Most of all the additonal fees they extract if successful is in effect Financial Double Jeopardy. Evey counselor has demanded my commitment with no assurance he or she will effectively fulfill his or her agreement as counsel. The Court normally pays a handsome salary for their services, when the attorney demands a comitment to extract an unreasonable share of denied rewards. That's Congressionally imposed veteran judicial hypocrisy.

Charles J. Lewis [email protected] 14 Mar 05

AMERICAN FLAG RETIREMENT

You can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags without cost to you. Send your flags to the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors and dignity pursuant to the United States Flag Code Section 8K. We have been doing this for he past seven years. Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by an all volunteer U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard led by GySgt. Dan Kelley USMC (Ret.).

Thanks,

Charles Taliaferro

[email protected]
THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST
http://www.kitchentablegang.org

I wish to express my views pertaining to the comments being made about our present leadership. I met Forbes in1991, Mike & Nancy, since 1988 all these folks&board. Helped me out when I had no help from anyone else. I gave as much time as I could to our projects, even this area has never been kind to our vets. Peter is a pushy individual - sometimes someone has to be. Mike was having health problems back then. Forbes began helping out & supported Mike in all activities. Being an active leader is not easy. All this squabbling is not a good thing for vets who may consider joining. One last thing, I myself was caught up in such this issue its not good for the VVnW image. If National has not been to your post keep calling. I am an at large member but my efforts are small. I knew many of the former board, some very well, but I too was not too popular with others. Thank you Mike, Nancy & Peter. This is not a paid commercial.

RICK [email protected] 23 Feb 05

Does anybody know of any British pilot that has been invited to the USA to receive a medal for his part in Vietnam the name of the person is Howard Foxe. I would be grateful if anybody has any info regarding this.

[email protected] 23 Feb 05

I'm trying to locate veterans, who were located in Thailand and were associated with the F105 THUNDER CHIEF aircraft. I was in the 388fms ,engine shop, flight line in 66-67,can you help me? ,ve also put a proposal in the VFW magazine for reunion.

[email protected] 20 Feb 05

My husband, Dennis Poole, US Army Sergeant was with the 92nd Assault Helicopter Division during the Tet offensive...He spent 2 years being exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides. As a result for his service, he has Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy that the VA admits is Service Connected. Now, he has Stage IVb Squamous Cell Tonsil Cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes....he has endured the pain and disfiguration from a left tonsilectomy along with a Radical Neck Dissection and is currently receiving 7 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatments at our VA Hospital. This type of Cancer is most commonly found in smokers and heavy drinkers! But my husband never smoked, and still he has to fight the VA who doesn't want to admit this cancer is service connected. Yet, still we send our boys off to war today...and they have no idea of what they are getting themselves into...No wonder that the boys who fled to Canada during the days of the draft were given amnesty...bet the VA was glad not to have to take care of them....

Marcie Poole [email protected] 21 Feb 05

My husband was is Vietnam, The VA is saying that his cancer is not recognized as agent orange related and the kids birth defect are not recognized yet. How ever doctors have told me that agent orange is suspected. but there is nothing they can do. Because of my husbands cancer he cannot work and with no money coming in we are being evicted.

Thank You, Carol Perone

FROM A WIFE OF A VIETNAM VET--FACING HOMELESSNESS AND MEDICAL CRISIS WITH WHOLE FAMILY,,,HER DAUGHTER WAS FEATURED AS THE GIRL WHO COULDN'T SMILE...... Their story is just one of hundreds I hear all the time. When is this country actually going to prove how much they care about the veteans and their families? Over 300,000 homeless veterans right now and the numbers are going up, not down. Cut backs while more need help. Please read.
Here is the info:
Flory Perone Jr.
Venous malformations Kidney, Bladder,urethra
(age 19) A-typical heart murmur, Poor eye sight, osteo osteoma in right foot(tumor), no enamel on teeth, osteo chodritis. Asthma

Adam Perone
Osteo chondritis both legs 7 surgeries to trick
Age 17 the bones into growing. Fatty liver.

Jonathan Perone
Right eye enucleated Rare fetal tissue tumor
Ostoe chondritis 4 surgeries to trick bone
into growing. no enamel on teeth
end stage glaucoma. Asthma severe headachs

Arianna Perone
Facial aplasia. No muscle in right elbow,
adhd,tourettes syndrome, no enamel on teeth
poor eye sight.

Flory perone sr.
Came home from nam with boils on his lower body that bleed. Alcoholic, high blood high bllod pressure. oct of 04 diagnossed
with stage 4 esohagel cancer the spread to
Liver lung lymph.
PTSD all signs.

He was navy speacial ops was in country (nam) 1964 for 18 months. Cannot get service records because of this. Need fellow veterans to back up claim before it is too late.

Carol Perone [email protected] 21 Feb 05

Oy mates, a national welcome home event is scheduled in Branson, MO from 13-19 June info @ www.operationhomecomingusa.com. It should be big!! end of message

Rick Cast [email protected] 16 Feb 05

Post PA-61 Philadelphia lost one of our brothers last week. On February 10, 2005 Mr. Paul Gouse a life member of our post passed away. Our condolences go out to his family. A viewing will be held at Cavanagh Funeral Home in Nowood, Pa. on Tuesday 2/15/05 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM.

John Allen [email protected] 15 Feb 05

I am trying to help my Uncle to find out any info about his unit, HQ HQ 2nd Signal Support Group, he was there from 67 to 68. Cannot find anything, its like this unit never existed!

Thanks!

B. Broach [email protected] 27 Jan 05

Hi, We are looking for anyone who served in Viet Nam and has or had Tonsil Squam ous Cell Carcinoma (cancer), or if you know anyone that has. We are trying to find out if this type of cancer is connected to Agent Orange. Thanks for your help.

D. & K. Morgan [email protected] 23 Jan 05

Hello all and welcome home. I am no longer affiliated with the veterans of Vietnam motorcycle club. Also If anyone was in K Co 75th Inf 69-70 attached to the 4th division please contact me and specify that is the reason for the e-mail

[email protected] 30 Dec 04

Hi my name is Bobby Caswell and I am looking for a person who was in the U.S. Army in the years off 1966,67and 68 and did a tour in Vietnam in the 3rd Bde, 25th ID out off Pleiku. My Telephone number is (207)4534134, call me collect if you need to. My e-mail is [email protected]. I also have a cellphone, (207)314-4036 or (207)399-0308. I sure hope someone can help me. Thank You.

Bobby Caswell [email protected] 30 Dec 04

VVnW Post PA-61's Honor Guard on January 1, 2005, will be marching with the Broomall String Band in the Mummers Day Parade. TV coverage will be carried on channel WB-17. Please watch and support your brothers and sisters on this New Years day.

John Allen

Commander PA-61

[email protected]

Great work on the site. My heart goes out to all veterans and active military.

Kathie Costos

www.namguardianangel.org

To all of you veterans during this holiday season. God bless you for your many sacrifices to preserve our freedom and your dedication and honorable service to this great nation of ours. You are all heroes!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Charles Taliaferro
THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST

http://www.kitchentablegang.org
26 Dec 2004

A remarkable site well worth visiting and supporting. If you have any plans of returning and visiting Vietnam take a minute to look it up.

Jack Kitchura at [email protected] 25 Dec 2004

First off I want to say to all you veterans, "You are totally awesome!" "You deserve to be treated like royalty. You are the reason we have freedom of speech, religion and the freedom to be who we want to be. My hats off to you! Thank You! I am looking for anyone who was in the army, 1st Infantry, Paratroopers Div. My bother-in-law, (David Hash) served in that div. I think it was around 1968. I will have to check on that. I started out doing a basic family history but as I started reading about my dad's unit in WWll and all the suffering they endured I knew I had to continue with all veterans in my family who had served in these horrible wars. All veterans deserve to be honored and respected by all that are around these courageous people.Please email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

Mary [email protected] 25 Dec 2004

I received a message from a very good friend of mine and a great Marine, Red Dog, I was shot down in 1966 and spent some time on the ground with Delta 1/4 on Mutters Ridge, bad ambush and a lot of Marines gone. I went to their reunion a few years ago and met with the 30 or so survivors, one of them is Larry Curnutte, met him there again, he is trouble with colon cancer and if you go to the site you will see for yourselves what is needed.

http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid5871449

Semper Fi, Ron Luks
USMC 1963/67 VIET NAM 1966/67
HMM263
OFTEN TESTED, ALWAYS FAITHFUL, BROTHERS FOREVER

I will help any Veteran living in S.E. PA restore his or her credit report for free. Call me at 888-VET-LOAN or email me at [email protected] Jim Jr.

I am working on a Soldiers Memorial / Tribute it will have several themes including PTSD awareness. I am looking for ideas on how to fund this project. For more info please go to www.warbirdcentral.com, then Dust Off

Dennis Withers [email protected] 4 Dec 04

6 year old grandson of a Vietnam disabled veteran rides in memory of the 58,169 comrades who died and the 1842 that are classified as MIA (missing in action). Dylan Richardson is the 50cc motocross first place champion for north Alabama going on for the second year. He has a passion for the Vietnam veterans' orphans, spouses, parents, grandparents and siblings whose love ones fell prey to the enemy while serving in Vietnam. If you would like to see him race or would like some pictures or if you who like to help or have us to post the name of a loved one. Contact us:

E-mail [email protected]

or write: "Riding For Vietnam Veterans"

Dylan Richardson 50cc MX

9575 wood Knoll Lane

Warrior, AL. 35180

or call: (205)681-5509 or (205)680-4629.

CRYPTOLOGIC VETERANS REUNION

Organization: New England Chapter, Naval Cryptologic
Veterans Association
Dates: 15 and 16 April 2005
Place: Saratoga Springs, NY
Point of contact: Bob Marois
Tel: 518-237-0015
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.NCVA-NE.org

Thank you,
Ken Cadran
Publicity Chair, NCVA-New England
( [email protected] )

My name is Mariana, visited this site, and founded it nice. However, I am interested on an unsual topic, songs during -and about- Vietnam War. Currently, I am working on a US History site, and for the entrance animation I was thinking to add a Vietnam song, came to the conclusion that "the bonnie rat" song was the best option. I listened to this song ages ago I think, but alas, I don't have the song at hand, and I was wondering if anyone happens to have the lyrics and file of this song, as well as the background.
Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Mariana Dollahan [email protected] 31 Oct 04

Dallas Chapter TX - 03 will participate in the 2004 Veterans Day Parade, Thursday, November 11th.in down town Dallas. All Veterans, supporters and family members welcomed to attend and enjoy a great time with our chapter. Contact person is:

Jr. Reyna 972-285-8691. [email protected] 30 Oct 04

Just a hello and Thank you to the Veterans of the Vietnam war inc. for the great webpage, and their assistance to nam vets in locating long lost brothers. Ones that were a close and trusting friend. That kind of a friend only comes along once in a lifetime and is of an untold worth......Thanx again Veterans Of The Vietnam War, Inc. With respect

Howard "Shakey" Burns VoVMC Nomad (Prospect)
[email protected] 15 Oct 04

VETERANS HELPING HOSPITALIZED VETERANS AND OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS!

Attention military veterans . . . having problems getting your veteran's benefits? Check out the Kitchen Table Gang's website at
http://www.kitchentablegang.org
It's a great resource, and might be able to give you direction towards the right answers you have been searching for.

Charles Taliaferro [email protected] 14 Oct 04

Bernard Maurer( bud) looking for anyone that served with the 2/9 marines 2d/ bn.echo co. Vietnam late 68-70 having a hard time finding some one.

Bernard Maurer [email protected] 12 Oct 04

William G Williams was in Vietnam 68-69 at Vung Tau the 535TAS Carabous.I was in refueling POL am looking for any one who was there at the same time.Especially Cas Castellio,Sorenson or any one else .My nickname was Willie,also looking for the gi who we all knew as new gie He was called this all the time he was there .thank you .I served for 20years&23 days and am disabled due to agent orange.Other basesSelfridge,Eielson,Wurtsmith,Raf Bentwaters,and Scott.

William G. Williams [email protected] 09 Oct 04

If you served in the Marine Corps in vietnam from 1960-to-1975 you can obtain your unit records on line at www.thevietnamfiles.com. The unit index alone is 291 pages long. Semper Fi.,

David Prendergast [email protected] 08 Oct 04

I was one that shoveled the first dirt Jan 1967-Nov1967, first there were only 20 of us, then we got some15 guys from Vung Tau, so we could prepare the compound for the incoming battalion.

[email protected] 03 Oct 04

Thanks for posting information about the surgery cancellations at the Portland VA hospital. Today, Military.com published the second in a series of articles about the budget woes at the Portland VA. Find it here: http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,092204_VABudget,00.html

Thanks for your good work.

Larry Scott
Your VA Benefits .org
http://www.yourvabenefits.org 22 Sep 04

While reviewing my coin collection with my daughter, I came across some old Viet Nam paper money that a family friend gave to me when I was a boy. The Viet Nam bill that caught my interest was one that had been signed by a man named Sgt. Oren C. Tucker. I thought your Find a Vet website might help locate him so I may return the money to him. Please tell me if there is family relation or contact to Oren C. Tucker. It also has the notation "Feb. 3, 1968 "TET" Feb. 3, 1969" on it. Do you know what this means? Please contact me so I may return this Viet Nam bill to its former owner.

Thank you, Carl A. Parten [email protected] 19 Sep 04

My name is henry kiker, eure, nc I am looking for anyone that serve 1/8th A btry 25th Inf Div Cu Chi. my email address: [email protected]. I served Nov. 69-Nov.70

Henry Kiker [email protected] 16 Sep 04

If you served with 3rd plt Cco 1/6 198 in1969. I would like to hear from you and how you have been doingcontact @

[email protected] 14 Sep 04

I just wanted to inform you guys of a new Veterans Resource site. It just started so it is a little small, however it is growing each day. Please feel free to stop by and ask questions or give advice.

http://www.veteransresources.org

Donald La Curan [email protected] 09/10/04

PLEASE CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE WERE ANY LAMMERTS WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR, THEY WOULD BE OF BRITISH, GERMAN, OR AUSTRIAN OR AMERICAN NATIONALITY, I HAVE READ MANY BOOK ON THE WAR AND I WONDER IF YOU THINK THERE ARE STILL GI'S THAT ARE STILL POW OUT THERE AS MANY MEN WERE NOT ACCOUNTED FOR, I FEEL THAT IS SOMETIMES WORSE THAN REALLY HAVING IT CONFIRMED THEY ARE DEAD, AT LEAST YOU HAVE SOME KIND OF CLOSURE, EVEN IF IT IS HEARTBREAKING, BUT TO NEVER KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM MUST BE INDESCRIBABLE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER. REGARDS

[email protected] 09/10/04

If anyone served in the 173rd Airborne, or was in Bihn Dihn during 7/69-8/69 and remembers E4 Rodney Glenn Oxendine from Yorktown, VA, please contact his cousin Luanne, [email protected] Thank-you and God Bless ALL of you

Luanne [email protected] 09/06/04

Looking for anyone who served in the HHB 2/12 Arty 23rd Arty Group @ Phu Loi from 12/1969 to 6/171. Rap

Herb Raprager [email protected] 9/01/04

Does anyone know if AO was used at Parris Island? I was there in 1974 and am wondering about some health problems. Thanks

[email protected] 08/31/04

America's Tribute To Vietnam Veterans. OPERATION HOMECOMING USA. This is the homecoming you never received. Over 150,000 Vietnam Veterans Expected to attend. Branson Missouri June 13-19 2005. Now, 30 years after the Vietnam War, it is time, as a nation, to "welcome home" the Vietnam Veteran. All the information including administration, logistics, Command & signal, events and registration is available at http://www.uppins.com

Susan Cooper [email protected] 08/30/04

I need to hear from any of whom I had the honor of serving with in 1969, no matter your opinion of me.

Rick Cast [email protected] 08/28/04

For those veterans served by the Portland, Oregon / Vancouver, Washington VA facility. Non "life-or-limb" surgeries have been canceled. The facility does not have the funding to keep their operating rooms functioning at a proper level. Canceled surgical procedures include hernia repair, carpal tunnel release and many others. This is a travesty! This underfunding of the VA has to stop!

To view the letter being sent to veterans you can go to my vets help website http://www.yourvabenefits.org and go to the NEWS ARTICLES page. Please feel free to copy this letter and send it to other vets, politicians and radio / TV outlets. Obviously, the VA is not publicizing this.

Larry Scott [email protected] 08/24/03

My name is Edward Burns. I was searching for anyone who knew me in Vietnam or stateside. Would like to get together with all my ol' buddies from Co. B 4/503rd 173rd ABN. Vietnam LZ English. Or Ft Bragg NC with Co C 2/325 325th inf.82nd Abn. 1968-1971 Welcome home Brothers!!!!

ED BURNS [email protected] 08/23/04

As a member I would like to see the VVNW take a stance against ANY group of veterans being used to attack other vets.

Vets should remember that we have been the subjects of abuse by every political party at one time or another in our nation that took their unhappiness out on vets rather than the politicians who made the decision to send us to fight. We don't need another skirmish that divides us and invites vets to form up sides where under any outcome one or another group of vets lose the spat.

While it is true that our freedom of speech gives us the right to speak whatever we need to say, vets can be voices for positive support of politicians of our choice because positive support is another way toward respect for all vets. To tear down anything in this country ultimately serves to take something away from every one of us.

Rick Bloyer [email protected] 08/22/04

I am the widow of Gilbert Ray Lish who served and died in Vietnam on February 1, 1968. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart posthumously. I am looking for anyone who served with him and remember him. I am wanting more detailed information regarding his death. He was with the 69th Engineer Battalion working on Hwy 1, I believe, I was told. He was killed defending Vinh Long Airfield.

Yvonee Hilton [email protected]. 08/22/04

I would like to contact a man from Cu Chi, wolf hounds, named David Hale, of the mortar platoon, I think from Dallas Texas, I was attached to 125th Signal Battallion, some time around 1970.

Ronald Vaughn [email protected] 08/21/04

I was in Vietnam from Nov 69-Feb-72, I have been collecting artifacts, and need field medic wounded tags , the one that were filled out and attached to the victim before evacuation. I would accept any other relics of the period also.

Ronald Vaughn [email protected] 08/21/04

I am looking for anyone whom may have served with General George William Casey, Lt. Michel, Major Hottell, MSG Cooper, Sp4 Fuller, Sp4 Smolik or Sp4 Christenson. These men were members of the 1st Cav and were killed in a helicopter crash in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, on July 7, 1970.

I would appreciate contact as soon as possible. I also would like to find out who the "blues" team members were whom retrieved the remains of the above soldiers. I am a fellow vet and have recently returned from Vietnam. Having been in Lam Dong Province, I came across information that may shed some light on this incident.

[email protected] 08/21/04

My name is Amado Reyna, am the Commander of TX 03 Dallas Chapter. I am looking for bros that served with me 1968, B Co. 1/502nd 101 ABD. Also anyone that served with me in G-Troop 2/11 ACR from Oct.70 to Oct 71. 1968 I was Turkey, 1970 to 1971 I was Commando. To all Vietnam Veterans that made it home WELCOME HOME BROTHERS and SISTERS.

Amado Reyna (Commander TX 03) [email protected] 8/21/04

MY NAME IS CLARK LOHMANN, I SERVED WITH BRAVO COMPANY 2-22 INF MECH 1967-1968 I AM LOOKING FOR ALL BRAVO MEN OF THE TRIPLE DEUCE OR ANY 222 PEOPLE OF ANY COMPANY 66-70. ALSO LOOKING FOR A FRIEND JAMES TRACY HE WENT TO CHARLEY COMPANY 2-22 IN 67-68 LAST US ADDRESS WAS BOSTON, MA

Clark Lohmann [email protected] 8/18/04

My name is David Norman

I served in HHC 228th ASHB 1st Air Cav Div in the Republic of Vietnam during 1966, 67 and 68. As HHC flight operations specialist. . .call sign "Thunderbird 65" ... anyone desiring to make contact send your emails to [email protected]. After my return to states I was assigned at Ft Rucker Ala to the Department of Tactics as operations sergeant for the helicopter gunship pilot training school. Note, after discharge and returning to Oklahoma I was asked to join the Air Force reserve program as an active air reserve tech acting as flight operations sergeant for the 465th Tac Fighter Squadron.

[email protected] 8/10/04

I am looking for John Allen or Allan Meyer. We served together in San Diego in the Navy in 1968.

Tommye Willberg [email protected] 8/8/04

I am searching for my father, Dusty Johnson. Served in the Navy in 1956. Was stationed at Norfolk Naval Base at the time.Anyone with any information can contact me @ [email protected] you and God Bless.

Nan McGibbony [email protected] 8/7/04

My name is Jim Dugan. Served in Vietnam with the U.S.Army(69-70). I started with heart problems at age 42, and had a massive stroke at age 49 which left me disabled. I now believe it was all caused by Agent Orange exposure. Has anyone experienced the same problems? If so, we should mass together and have such problems added to the VA's list of AO caused diseases.

[email protected] 8/5/04

My name is James Owens, my nickname in Nam was Specs because of the thick lenses in my eye glasses or Jimmy. I am looking for anyone who served in or around Quan Trea and/or the USS Saratoga, in the years 1972-73. Who was in on the mining of Hyphong Harbor in 1973. I am looking for anyone who might remember me while in country. The VA has lost all my records from while I was serving on the USS Saratoga and TAD to Quan Trea and Go Cong. The military records that the VA has show me getting on the USS Saratoga in 1972 and off in 1973. Absolutely nothing in between. Anyone who was with me when training on certain types of bombs, booby traps and recon while at these stations. Anyone who was with the evac unit that fished me out of the swamp about 15 clicks east of My Tho in the Delta during these timetables.

Any help would be appreciated. Contact me at [email protected] 8/3/04

Looking for Dennis Duke who stationed out Mare Island 1969-70. He had a best friend Vinnie from New York. I think his home town was Salinas or Monterey Ca. Can anyone help me? I've been looking for months.

Thank You....Susanna [email protected] 8/2/04

This is in memory of my best friend Gregory Ross West (Bellman) who served in Nam around 1965 to 1970. He was awarded the purple heart through injuries received while serving in the Marines. Greg died on April 11, 2000 and we buried him at the National cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. He was from the Roseburg area where he was raised by an aunt and uncle. We were friends for 30 years and I felt the rest of his friends should be given a chance to say goodbye.

[email protected] 7/28/04

I HAVE SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL FELLOW VETS WHO SERVED BACK IN 1968-1969 ON THE DMZ IN KOREA.

IF YOU GUYS DON'T KNOW BY NOW----AGENT ORANGE AND OTHER HERBICIDES WERE SPRAYED CONSTANTLY ALONG THE STRETCH OF THE DMZ BY SOME OF OUR SOLDIERS AND KOREAN SOLDIERS (KUTUSAS).

I SEEN IT WITH MY OWN EYES AS WELL AS OTHER FELLOW SOLDIERS. I WAS ATTACHED TO THE 7 TH.INF.DIV..3/32. I WAS IN THE STRIKE FORCE PLATOON, WE CONSTANTLY PATROLLED THE FENCE AND WALKED IN A LOT OF WEEDS/VEGATATION, OUR FATIGUES SMELLED AWFUL.

I KNOW I WAS EXPOSED THOROUGHLY BECAUSE MY SON HAS SPINA BIFIDA AND OTHER RELATED ILLNESSES THAT WERE DUE TO PARENTAL EXPOSURE TO AGENT ORANGE AND OTHER HERBICIDES.

I MYSELF HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES AND A LIST OF OTHER ILLNESSES.I AM STILL FIGHTING THE VA ON AN APPEAL BUT NO WORD YET. SO,IF YOU GUYS HAVE ANY ILLNESSES THAT ARE ON THE LIST,PLEASE PUT IN A CLAIM
WITH AN ORGANIZATION, WHO IN TURN CAN REPRESENT YOU AND FORWARD YOUR PAPERWORK TO THE VA.

I HAD MY EXPERIENCES WITH THE VA IN WHICH THEY SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE MY RECORDS AND THE NEXT MINUTE THEY HAVE THEM.
MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING PERTAINING TO YOUR CASE. GOOD LUCK.

JOHN J. RUZALSKI [email protected] 5/05/2004