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THE PROUD WARRIOR
WORLD WAR II * VIETNAM * GULF WAR * SOMALIA * IRAQ * PEACE TIME
National Newsletter of the 1/9 Network, Inc.
September 2011
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they
made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem."
PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN, 1985
The Proud Warrior
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Marines,
Normally you will
find notes and
news from the
Editor
of
the
Proud
Warrior
after
messages
from
the
President and the
Chairman.
This
month
as
the
"new editor" (Joe Heater – D Company 66-67),
I'm going to make a onetime exception and
open the September 2011 edition of The Proud
Warrior news letter with a "Message from the
Editor" to introduce myself and as well as taking
a moment to pay tribute to Dano.
I currently live in Palatine, Illinois; a suburb of
Chicago
located
Northwest
of
O'Hare
International Airport.
Palatine has been my
home since 1983.
Retiring from Honeywell
International after 30 years of service in 1998,
I've managed to stayed active by volunteering in
a local Jr. High school teaching American
History. Over the last several years a number of
teachers have invited me into their class room's
to talk about my experiences in Viet Nam, so at
least in the classes I teach, our younger
generation is getting the "straight scoop."
It would be far too easy to say that I am
replacing Dan Beckham, Dano, but replacing is
far too strong a word. One doesn't replace a
legend, a leader, the "point man."
However,
even when one of our own falls, we do carry on,
we do contiune the mission, and we do take the
objective. It is my goal to take up the banner
carried so successfully by Dano and carry on!
While never having had the pleasure of meeting
Dano, it was clear his heart and soul were in the
writing and editing of the newsletter that is the
glue holding together the 1st Battalion 9th Marine
Network. Dano's passion for his fellow Marines
and their legacy was evident to me from the
moment I read the first issue. To follow in his
footsteps is indeed an honor and a privilege of
the highest order.
To Roger Good and the rest of the Leadership
Team, thank you for honoring me with your
request to step in to the role as Editor of the
Proud Warrior.
Semper Fi,
Joe Heater
3rd Platoon
D Company "66-67"
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Brothers,
During the last 6 weeks, I have been working on reestablishing and updating the email
addresses on the Network roster. If you have not received an email from me in the last few
weeks regarding the PI Mini Reunion Sept 21-25 then we do not have your current email
address. Please take a minute and send a message to James Stogner, Membership
Chairman; [email protected] with your current information. I have also received about
40 newsletters back, returned by the Post Office. Please notify Membership when there are
changes. To date I have received 225 responses from Members requesting the Proud
Warrior newsletter
sent via email—Thank You Brothers. This saves the Network a
considerable amount of money each year in printing and postage and gets the newsletter to
you about 2 weeks sooner than snail mail. If you are still getting the newsletter through the
mail and would like to receive it online please let us know.
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We are now about 12 months away from the next National Reunion, Sept. 12-16, 2012
Town and Country Resort San Diego, CA so start making plans and dropping a few bucks
now and then in the cookie jar. The hotel contract is signed and the Reunion Committee is
working on other details. It is important that we are able to get the word out to you in a
timely manner. More importantly, the 1/9 Network is about bringing those who served with
the Battalion together-to locate and stay in touch with those you served with and others
who share the same experiences and humped the same ground you did, even if at different
times.
I also encourage you to sign up and access the 1/9 web board
http://www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net/1-9COM/index.php read what others have
to say and should you wish, jump in and post. This site is the front-line of things going on,
upcoming events, notification of Brothers who are sick and those who have gone on ahead
of us to guard the streets of Heaven.
While you are at it please check to see that you are current on your dues. The money from
dues goes to pay Network expenses, newsletter postage and printing, scholarship funding,
―Care Packages‖ for our Brother in Afghanistan etc.
Semper Fi and God Bless,
Roger Good
Marines,
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Let me start by offering the sincere condolences of the Board of Directors to the families of
two more of our brothers who have died in the last month. Robert ―Da Horse‖ Wygand and
retired Gunnery Sergeant C. Foreman both passed on to their maker and will be sorely
missed by all who knew them.
There is not a lot of activity to report as of this newsletter other than the reunion committee
is working on the activities schedule for the 2012 reunion in sunny San Diego. There is so
much to see and do there that the task is more one of choosing which activities rather than
simply finding some. First to be eliminated from the ‗to do‘ list was a nostalgic visit to
Tijuana where many a Marine has some real memories of their misspent youth (and
money). It seems that the newest fad in ―TJ‖ is kidnapping people off the streets and
holding them for months for ransom, so, in the interest of safety for the members we will
not be crossing the U.S./ Mexico border.
Hurricane Irene has come and gone and so far there are no reports of any of our members
incurring injury or property damage that would require the network to send aid. For that, we
can all be thankful.
The month brought me a reminder that our nation is still at war and that our brave men and
women are sacrificing and suffering for our freedom and that some are paying the ultimate
price to secure that freedom. On Monday, August 1st I drove to Dover AFB to meet the body
of my cousin who had been killed two days earlier in Afghanistan by an IED while on foot
patrol. It was the beginning of his fourth combat deployment. He was one of the Rangers
that jumped into Afghanistan two months after the attacks on 9/11 and then had two tours
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in Iraq. His daughter was eight weeks old on the day he died. Jered was a devoted soldier
who died doing not only what he loved but what he knew to be right. We all need to keep
out service personnel in our hearts and minds and do whatever we can to support them in
their efforts on our behalf. Don‘t wait for someone else to ask you to do something, be
proactive and find something yourself. Little things count like just picking up a restaurant or
bar tab in the airport. Find a way and make it personal.
Ric Neumann,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
1ST BATTALION 9TH MARINES
GUN RAFFLE
1. Raffle tickets are $10.00 each
2. One ticket has two chances to win. One drawing for each pistol.
3. First Pistol Raffle Prize is an engraved New Colt Model 1911 United States Marine
Corps Silver Tribute in hard nickel plate, Ser#.USMC0108.
4. Second Pistol Raffle Prize is a New Colt Model 1918 (WWI version Colt 1911) Ser.#
3919WWI
5. There is no limit to the amount of tickets one may purchase. Only 2,000 tickets will
be sold.
6. YOU MUST BE 21 years old and a legal resident of the United States to purchase a
ticket.
7. You do NOT need to be present to win.
8. The winner of each raffle has the option of accepting $1,000 in lieu of accepting the
firearm. If the cash is chosen the firearm remains the property of the 1st Battalion
9th Marines Network Inc. Once a prize is chosen the decision is final. No further
changes will be made.
9. The drawing will take place at the 2012 1st Battalion 9th Marines Reunion Banquet
scheduled to be held in September 2012.
10. Raffle is void where prohibited and ALL Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and
Firearms (BATF) rules apply. NO exceptions.
11. By obtaining a raffle ticket you attest that you are a law abiding citizen of good moral
character, may legally possess the firearm won, have intention of using the firearm
only in a legal and safe manner, and will or already have obtained instruction on the
safe use and operation of the firearm won.
12. All proceeds of each raffle will be used to help lower the cost of the Reunion. The 1st
Battalion 9th Marines Board of Directors will determine how the proceeds will be
applied to best benefit the members attending.
13. The winner will be announced at the Reunion Banquet and the name of the winner will
be published in the first Network Newsletter following the reunion and posted on the
official Network webpage.
14. All firearm transfers will be handled through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer,
and all applicable Federal and State laws will apply, including all local firearm laws for
the legal residence of the winning ticket holder.
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15. All firearms will be shipped to a local federally licensed dealer (FFL) for transfer to the
winner. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc will pay for shipping costs only. Any
additional costs for insurance or other services requested by the winner will be the
responsibility of the winner and paid by the winner. The winner is responsible to
identify and contact the local dealer requesting their assistance in completing the
transfer, Once the winner has obtained commitment from the local FFL dealer to
assist with the transfer, the winner is responsible for contacting the 1st Battalion 9th
Marines Network Inc. to supply the name and contact information of their local FFL
dealer. The Winner is responsible for any and all transfer fees charged by his/her
chosen FFL. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc will make arrangements to ship
the firearm to the local FFL dealer as required by federal law.
16. The winner of each raffle will be responsible for any Federal, State, or Municipal
expenses incurred for the registration of the weapon as applicable and is responsible
for any Federal, State, or Municipal taxes.
17. Winners are responsible to verify that ownership of the firearm won is legal in their
state, city or town prior to taking possession of the prize won. This responsibility falls
solely on the winner.
18. ALL PRIZES MUST BE CLAIMED AND TRANSFER COMPLETED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE
DATE THE TICKET IS DRAWN.
19. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc., its officers, members and business
affiliates makes no warranty, written or implied, on any of the firearms offered in this
raffle. All manufacturers‘ warranties apply. Winners are to deal directly with the
manufacturer in the event of a warranty claim or if a problem arises with the firearm.
20. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc makes no claim of the firearm suitability of
purpose of any firearm won.
21. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc sole liability is limited only to the purchase
price published on a valid ticket.
22. In the event of a dispute, all decisions by the Board of Directors of the 1st Battalion 9th
Marines are absolute final.
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1st BATTALION 9TH MARINES
GUN RAFFLE TICKET REQUEST
TICKETS $10.00 EACH
Each ticket is good for both drawings. The first drawing is for a Colt, engraved hard
nickel, USMC Silver Tribute model 1918 (WW I 1911), Reg.# USMC0108. The
second drawing is for a Colt model 1918 (WW I, 1911) Ser.#3919WWI.
FOR COMPLETE RAFFLE RULES go to the battalion website
TICKETS ARE LIMITED SO DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS. BOTH FIREARMS ARE NEW,
DONATED BY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS WHO WISHES TO REMAIN ANNONYMOUS.
SEND ME THE FOLLOWING TICKETS
(Please Print)
YOUR NAME:
_____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
PHONE:
___________
________________________________
NUMBER OF TICKETS_____________
TOTAL ENCLOSED
$____________
MAKE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO:
FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK INC.
SEND YOUR PAYMENT AND TICKET REQUEST AND A
SELF ADDRESSED
STAMPED ENVELOPE TO:
DON HANSON
1010 Camp Ranch Rd.
Alabaster, AL 35007
YOUR TICKET RECIEPTS WILL BE MAILED BACK TO YOU.
SEMPER FI
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The Proud Warrior
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Wounded Warriors Pedal on Extended Mission
By Heather Dubin | July 28, 2011 – The East Hampton Star
Soldier Ride and related events took participants from Sag
Harbor to Amagansett on Saturday JoAnn Lyles,(left) the
mother of Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter, spoke that morning in
Sag Harbor, where veterans from as far away as Israel joined
the ride.
Grueling heat last week threw a glitch into Soldier Ride, a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior project, but it was no deterrent
for the 30-plus injured veterans who took part in three days of
bicycle or hand cycle rides through Manhattan, Fire Island,
Babylon, and the Hamptons.
Over 2,500 riders and walkers participated in the New York area collectively, and well over $300,000
was raised, including proceeds from a Rock the Farm concert and party in Amagansett on Saturday
night.
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More than 1,000 riders joined the Hamptons leg of the ride, which was dedicated to Lance Cpl.
Jordan C. Haerter, a Marine serving in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, from Sag Harbor who was
killed in Iraq in 2008. The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that provides
emotional, physical, and educational support to injured war veterans.
Faced with record-breaking heat at the end of
last week, the organizers of the ride shortened
it to 20 miles in New York City last Thursday,
30 miles in Babylon on Friday, and just 10
miles on the South Fork on Saturday, as
opposed to the planned 60 miles ―due to safety
concerns,‖ said Nick Kraus, a founder of the
event and co-owner of the Stephen Talkhouse
in Amagansett. Some opted to do the full 60
miles, but they were on their own.
The idea for the rides, which are now held all
over the country (―always on the hottest day of
summer,‖ according to Mr. Kraus), originated
with Chris Carney, a bartender at the
Talkhouse, who decided to bike across the
United States to call attention to veterans. He
pledged to raise money for the vets if Mr. Kraus and Peter Honerkamp, another owner of the
Talkhouse, would support him. They agreed, holding an event at the bar and securing ―a lot of
pledges,‖ Mr. Kraus recalled. ―So now you have to do it,‖ he told Mr. Carney.
Not only did he do it, but Mr. Carney raised over $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project in 2004.
In 2005, he repeated the ride and was joined for three-quarters of his journey by Staff Sergeants
Heath Calhoun and Ryan Kelly, both Iraq veterans. ―They went riding with us with one leg between
them in the mountains in Colorado,‖ Mr. Kraus said. ―We thought it shouldn‘t be a bartender riding
across the country, but it should be warriors.‖
Now there are approximately 12 rides a year. Warriors participating in the New York rides came from
the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington,
D.C., and from the United Kingdom and Israel.
Soldier Ride is working on a United KingdomNormandy trip in October, and rides in London and
Israel after that, and plans to send about 15
wounded veterans to each event.
The Rock the Farm benefit, which began five years
ago as a charity gig played by a local band, the
Giving Tree, and has since morphed into a much
larger event, and helps make this and other facets of
the Wounded Warrior project possible. ―We started
with 200 people the first year, and it has continued
to amplify ever since,‖ said Rob Kaimowitz, founder
of Rock the Farm.
This year Toots and the Maytals were the headliners,
along with Born Again Baldwins, Rebecca Havilind,
and a surprise guest, Chris Barron from the Spin
Doctors. ―We‘re getting bigger each year,‖ Mr.
Kaimowitz said.
The behind-the-scenes work has expanded, as well. There were nine different committees with 40
people involved in planning the Soldier Ride this year, said Mr. Honerkamp.
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The Wounded Warrior project provides many opportunities for veterans beyond what the Department
of Veterans Affairs can offer. ―It‘s a good thing to empower the wounded warriors to empower
themselves,‖ Mr. Honerkamp said. ―I‘m of the Vietnam era, and we didn‘t treat our veterans well. We
do it differently now. They‘re well adjusted, they‘re carrying on normal lives.‖
Project Odyssey, which offers outdoor retreats where veterans discuss and learn to cope with posttraumatic stress, helps them do exactly that. It was a pivotal experience for Marine Lance Cpl. Nancy
Schiliro, who said the project saved her life. The Westchester native, 31, was injured during an
explosion in Al Alasad, Iraq. ―I was thrown and my head was hit,‖ she said.
In 2006 she received an honorable discharge, having lost her right eye as a result of the attack.
Following an operation in 2005 when her eye was removed, Corporal Schiliro said her life was in a
downward spiral until she connected with the Veteran Center in White Plains, and was then
introduced to the Wounded Warrior project in 2008.
―I had post-traumatic stress, disfigurement to my face,‖ she said. ―My family and I went through a
horrible struggle. I didn‘t know how to get out of the funk I was in. I wasn‘t working, I wasn‘t doing
much,‖ Lance Cpl. Schiliro said.
Surrounded at a Project Odyssey retreat by 12 other women in similar circumstances, she realized
she ―wasn‘t the only one dealing with this,‖ she said. ―It was my ah-ha moment.‖ She ended up
working as a coordinator for Project Odyssey for three years, and is now an outreach coordinator.
―My goal is not to let anyone go through what I‘ve gone through,‖ she said.
Corporal Schiliro has done the Soldier Ride for three years and was the only wounded female veteran
on this run. She has a prosthetic eye, so people can‘t tell she was wounded unless they know. ―We‘re
focusing on the wounds that people don‘t see,‖ she said. ―It‘s hard because I‘m a female, and I have
hidden scars.‖
―When you think of a soldier you think of some brawny guy standing wearing green, but what you
don‘t see is a female standing behind him wearing pink. I think Americans forget that women are
part of this war. We have to bring awareness that females are injured as well, not just physically but
emotionally.‖
Joshua Craven, a 23-year-old Army specialist originally from Asheboro, N.C., completed all three
rides last week. ―It was challenging, fun, and exhausting,‖ he said. A driver in a convoy in Najaf,
Iraq, when a roadside explosive went off on Aug. 4, 2010 — his second wedding anniversary — he
lost his left leg above the knee, and while his right limb was salvaged, he has no feeling below the
knee. ―It hurts when I walk a lot. They reconnected the nerve, and I have a lot of nerve damage,‖ he
explained.
The only person hurt in his group, the weapon at his side stopped the explosive projectile from
reaching his passenger. He was in cardiac arrest for five minutes and was on life support at Walter
Reed, where he has made a steady recovery.
His occupational therapist there introduced him to the Wounded Warrior project. ―It means a lot for
us to learn to ride a bike again, and all of this support means a lot,‖ he said.
―I was on a bike for the New York City ride, but I cracked the socket to my prosthetic right before
the Brooklyn Bridge. My leg was strapped in, but I couldn‘t feel it and I kept falling off the bike,‖ he
said. On the next two rides he used a hand cycle. While he has come a long way, Specialist Craven
has had many obstacles to overcome. ―I couldn‘t be around people or loud noises. It‘s overwhelming
sometimes; you don‘t feel like you have a transition,‖ he said. He likes to wear jeans, which provide
a sense of normalcy and also keep people from looking at him. ―I‘m going to get a shirt that says, ‗If
you stare long enough, it‘ll grow back,‘ ‖ he joked. He will start college next week, and said he
doesn‘t plan to miss any future anniversaries.
Private Ryan Hewitt, 19, of Manchester in the United Kingdom, became a double amputee after an
improvised explosive device in an alley went off in front of him last July in Sangin, Afghanistan,
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Helmand Province. Out of 12 men, he was the second one in line and the only one severely injured.
―A year has gone by and I‘m walking again, I‘m nearly running again,‖ he said.
He has hand-biked 350 miles from Normandy to Paris for Help for Heroes, a British equivalent to the
Wounded Warrior project. ―It makes me feel good, it makes me set goals in life to achieve things,‖
he said. He is training for the Paralympics. Riding has ―built my confidence up; it‘s made me socialize
more, and makes me feel better.‖
JORDAN'S INITIATIVE
A memorial foundation has been established to honor the memory and heroism of Marine LCpl
Jordan Christian Haerter by providing support to currently deployed troops and veterans of our
armed forces and their families in times of need. Jordan was tragically killed by a vehicle borne IED
in Ramadi, Iraq on the 22nd of April 2008. He has subsequently been awarded the Navy Cross for
extraordinary heroism for his actions that day. Jordan was 19 years old.
The web site is: http://jordansinitiative.com/
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"Pass in Review" -- Captain Keys Leads Delta Company.
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NOTICES & REQUESTS
My name is Jack Neeley I was with "C" co 1st 68-69. I had a book published
last Memorial Day. The book, "The Petrified Mind," contains 50 short versed
poems about the realities and mental scars of war. I will sign all copies
ordered. The book is available on amazon.com for $7.99 + $3.99 S+H. Send
orders to: Jack Neeley, 1401 South Bryon Road, Lennon MI 48449-9621.
Semper FI Jack, out
DURNGOOD SPICES
Dave Hochstrasser owns Durn Good Seasonings in North Carolina.
The website is
www.durngood.com. Dave says he can ship anywhere in the continental USA for minimal costs.
Dave Hochstrasser,
1/9 RVN 1966 Bn Comm. Hill 55
1/9 PINS, T-SHIRTS ETC.
Dave Demick has a whole catalog of 1/9 related items he is offering for sale. The catalog includes,
1/9 pins, T-shirts, hats, shadow boxes etc. His catalog is on the 1/9 Website or you can contact
Dave direct at: Dave Demick 35240 Perret Plantation Road, Callahan FL 32011, Phone (904) 8793907 or [email protected]
VIETNAM TRADING CARDS
Richard White has the Vietnam trading cards from Dart flip cards. Richard has #1 sets and sealed #2
sets numbered 0001 to 10,000! Richard also has singles to complete your set. You can contact
Richard at: Richard White, 1946 Ritter Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007 or phone 215-788-5735 (H&S
Comm 69-70)
NEW BOOK — “395 DAYS”
The book begins two days before I leave the states for Vietnam. I joined 1/9, Charlie Co., 2nd
Platoon in March 1967 up to December 15, 1967. Then I transferred to Echo Co., 3rd Recon until the
end of my tour on April 1, 1968.
You can order the book through me for $25.00 each, plus shipping Priority Mail (For 1 book- $5.50,
for 2 to 4 books - $11.00). Address: Gary Kasten, 120 Leonard Dr., Blanchester, OH 45107. Make
check payable to Gary Kasten. If you order it through a book store or on line, the book costs $32.00
plus shipping and handling.
Semper Fi, Gary Kasten ―The Hammer‖
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BATTALION COOKBOOK
Just a note that John Pastuszka is beginning the process of producing a Battalion cookbook. He
requests that you put your favorite recipe aside for inclusion in the book. A listing of recipe
categories and details as to recipe format and means of submission will appear in future additions of
"The Proud Warrior.‖
Semper Fi!
John Pastuszka
[email protected]
H&S Comm 66-67
1/9 FMF FLAGS FOR SALE
The Network is selling 1/9 FMF flags. Cost is $50.00 with $3.00 for S&H for a total of $53.00. The
flag is nylon and is 3'x5'. Money should be sent to: Bill Hesse 66 Clinton St. Meriden CT 06450-4517.
Please include a note telling Bill it's for a flag
4LIFE TOGETHER BUILDING PEOPLE
Do you want to improve your health and your wealth? You can with Transfer Factor and 4Life
Research, THE Immune System Company. Contact Susan at 330-832-3047 for more information or
email us at [email protected] see our website at: www.susanbeckham.my4life.com
MORE THAN A FEW GOOD MEN
I have just published a book, "More Than A Few Good Men," that includes the formation of the
Battalion at Camp Pendleton in December, 1964, where we were 3/1, and then became 1/9 on our
arrival on Okinawa, when we relieved the old 1/9. I was the CO of A/1/9. My book also covers the
early actions of 1/9 until I was transferred to 2/9 during the ―mixmaster.‖ The book includes my tour
as CO of H&S & E/2/9, and my 2nd tour, 1969-70 with 2/5 & 2/7. 556 pages, about 200 (including
all of the original A/1/9) pictures, maps, etc. Members can order the book from me. They are $49.95
plus $5.00 Priority Mail. Robert Driver, P. O. Box 7, Brownsburg, Va. 24415. 540-348-5969. I would
like to hear from any member of 1/9 that I served with.
Semper Fi!
Bob Driver
1/9 T-SHIRTS
Frenchy Laverriere, has the ―old style‖ 1/9 T-shirts with the original Grim Reaper look. The T-shirts
are red or black, with the Grim Reaper inside a gold shield with a banner underneath that says ―The
Walking Dead‖. Med-L-XL, $16.25 plus $3.25 shipping, XXL $18.25 plus $3.25 shipping XXXL $22.00
plus $3.25 shipping. If you‘re ordering more than one shirt, add $3.00 shipping for each additional
shirt. Thanks Billy ―FRENCHY‖ Laverriere Order from: Billy Laverriere, 5 Celia Circle, Methuen, MA
08144 His phone number is (978) 687-1992.
CAT TALES AND OTHER MEMORIES
Dan, I wanted to let you know that I have written my life story. It is called ―Cat Tales and Other
Memories.‖ I wrote it primarily for my family history, but hope others would like it. It is my first
attempt at a prose-type book. It is available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and
buybooksontheweb.com. This is the story of an ordinary, main street American. From my first
contact with the animal world, growing up a country boy in 1950s rural Wisconsin, through my
experiences in the Marine Corps and the Vietnam War, to my faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a story of
major accomplishments; just the story of one American searching to define himself in our world that
has changed from the dusty roads of his childhood to his international travels in war and peace.
Semper Fi! John "Shortround" Barrenger
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VETERANS BENEFITS
VA Information Sources
A lot of info. May help in the future or even now if there are problems with VA service.
Someone has gone to a lot of trouble. If this helps one person, then it was worthwhile. Please pass
this on to all Veterans on your e-mail list. Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans
benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain
books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please
pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and
available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about
a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors
open for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in
the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.
Appeals
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL
EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
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EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL
EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE
http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf;
or, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG
http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&As
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children <
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM <http://nasdva.com/> http://nasdva.com/
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
<http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4_124a.doc>
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and,
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi
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Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:
http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDS
http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A "Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities
due to undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGS
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&i
dno=38
Title 38§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual.
PART A "SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart "General Policy in Rating
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..9
6.11&idno=38
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U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)
http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook ¬" Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
<http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm%23310>
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives
http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans ¬(tm) Health
http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html
Print this out and save it in your VA files. There may be a time for use in the future.
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IN MEMORIAM
I sadly report the Transfer of several Brothers to Supreme Headquarters. May they Rest in Peace.
Semper Fi
Robert J. Wygand Jr., age 66, of Quinton passed away Thursday, August 18th at his home.
Robert served with Bravo Company during 1965-1966. Born in Penns Grove he was the son of
the late Robert J. Wygand Sr. and Jessie Dutton Wygand. Mr. Wygand was a millright for the E.I.
DuPont Co. in Carneys Point and later an industrial mechanic for Kerr Glass of Millville. Mr.
Wygand enjoyed fishing and hunting.
In additon to his mother he is survived by his wife the former Dianna White; his son, Mitchell
William Wygand & wife Holly of Greenwich; his daughters, Marcia Robinson & husband Michael of
Stow Creek and Michelle Browning & husband Cliffy of Quinton; sisters, Judy Spinelli of Penns
Grove and Donna Ayars of Pennsville; his grandchildren, Michael Robinson, Alexis Robinson,
Aaden Robinson, Zachary Wygand, Caleb Wygand and Elizabeth Wygand.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veteran‘s Association, PO
Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250
Colonel Jasper (Sonny) Foreman age 73, of Cocoa, Flordia died Aug. 9, 2011 after a long
serious illness. He was a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran who did 3 tours of duty in Vietnam.
Surviving are his wife of 18 years, Barbara May; children, Tracy Foreman, Dixie Davis Weldon,
Ivy Maline Davis and Vernon Dean Davis; 3 sisters; 4 brothers; 12 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren. Sonny was a retired Gunny who served with Bravo, 2nd Platoon in 1966.
Our Condolences to the families of these Marines.
OTHER PICTURES AND LETTERS
MESSAGE TO THE LADIES
“Marine Wife-The Toughest Job in the Corps!”
Hello Ladies,
We are in the final months of 2011 already and time seems to pass by so quickly,
September 2012 will be here before we know it!
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to those women who have volunteered to help with
events for the San Diego Reunion, September 12-16, 2012. We still need more help, so if
there are others that would like to assist please email me at [email protected]
or call me at 239-567-1884.
Also there are many of you that are creative and may have great suggestions or ideas for a
fund raiser for us ―gals‖ so we have some money of our own to help others or to have extra
cash to defray the cost of the ladies outing in San Diego. Roger and I have discussed San
Diego at length and our wish is for this reunion to be relaxed and fun for all!
As we are devoted to and encourage our Marines, we need a little encouragement ourselves
and a luncheon, sightseeing or shopping outing would be a great way to connect,
encourage each other and have some fun! I am sure many of you have great stories to
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share that would benefit us all. Again all suggestions are welcome on what we can do to
accomplish something special for the women and also to welcome all first time wives &
families to the reunion.
In closing, please let us all remember the precious Marine wife who is courageously running
the household alone while her husband is serving with the active 1st Battalion 9th Marines in
Afghanistan. May we also remember the woman Marine and her family as she serves our
country. May we never forget those who have lost family members while serving our
country.
God Bless You All!
Jill Good
*All the beauty in the world is in your smile* 
George & Carolyn Miller's 2011 Alaskan Trip
As many of you know from the pictures I have posted on
1/9‘s forum board we made another road trip up to Alaska
this past spring. I had worked in Alaska flying helicopters
for TEMSCO Helicopters back in 1976, 77, and 78 doing
geological survey work so I wanted to go back and enjoy
Alaska‘s beauty and share it with Carolyn.
We had gone up there in 2009 and stayed for 4-1/2
months and wanted to return this year while my health
would still allow it. Back in 2009 we found a couple
advertising on RV.Net. (Grant & Debby Chapman) and they
wanted a retired couple to come and stay at their place and
watch their dog and property on Sundays and Mondays
while they flew out to their cabin. They own a small aviation company 5 miles east of Wasilla Alaska.
We answered the ad and had a wonderful time. Tuesdays through Saturdays we did as we wanted
and explored all of Alaska by road. We traveled over 16,000 miles on that trip. Grant and Debby
supplied an RV site on their property with full hook ups for free. Since then we have become best of
friends with Grant and Debby. This year we could only spend two months there due to our son
getting married this August.
We departed Appleton, WI on May 7th. Our route of travel was west to Shelby Montana, via Fargo
ND, and Theodore Roosevelt Natl. Park, ND and then north to Calgary, Alberta Canada. We had to
go through Canadian customs at Coutts, Alberta Canada. From Calgary we headed west again to
Banff Natl. Park and from there we turned north to drive the Ice Fields Parkway from Banff to Jasper,
Alberta. From Jasper we drove to Grand Prairie, Alberta, then to Dawson Creek, BC. Dawson Creek
is where you actually get on the ALCAN (Hwy 2), now better known as the Alaska Hwy.
From
Dawson Creek we traveled the Alaska Hwy to Fort St John, BC, then Fort Nelson, BC, and on to
Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory (YT). The Alaska Hwy. then takes you to Teslin, YT, Whitehorse,
YT, Haines Junction, YT, Lake Kluane, YT and then to the American custom just northwest of Beaver,
YT. The Alaska Hwy. is paved the entire length except where they are doing repairs. The worst part
with terrible frost heaves is from Kluane Lake to the Alaskan border about 135 miles.
After going through customs, we went to Tok, Alaska, and the following morning we went from Tok
to Denali Natl. Park (Mt McKinley). We spent one night at Denali exploring the park and its wildlife
then arrived in Wasilla on May 17th.
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Some of the highlights during our travel up to Alaska follow:
The route we traveled up to AK was the same route we traveled in 2009; however, our return trip
was different this year.
Our first night on the road we spent in Fargo, North Dakota at their local park along the Red River.
The Red River was at flood stage and most of the park was underwater along with a good portion of
Fargo itself. The next evening we spent at Theodore Roosevelt Natl. Park.
It is in a remote area along the Little Missouri River and has two very nice campgrounds. The park
has a lot of buffalo roaming around along with other wildlife.
Calgary is a zoo to get through, but it is worth it when you get to Banff Natl. Park and the Ice fields
Parkway which runs north along the Canadian Rockies on the eastern slope. This is one of the most
beautifully scenic drives on the entire trip. The drive from Banff to Jasper is about 135 miles of
scenic wonderland and there are lots of campgrounds along its route.
The entire drive to Alaska is mostly remote wilderness with lots of animal sightings along nearly
every mile of it especially from Fort Nelson to Haines Junction in the spring.
Most of our trip this year we spent fishing the many lakes and rivers that
we didn‘t get to fish on our last trip. We also went halibut fishing again
out of Homer, Alaska on a charter. Homer is known as the halibut fishing
capitol of the world. Homer is a day‘s drive from Anchorage. The drive
takes you along Turn Again Arm which is another beautiful drive and
then down through the Kenai Peninsula. We also drove the original
Denali Hwy. This was the original access road to the park before the
Parks Hwy was built. It is 130 miles of gravel with the Alaska Range
Mountains to the north and the Talkeetna Mountains to the south. We
fished for grayling along this route and had fresh fish for dinner.
Just prior to our return trip we fished the world famous Kenai River at
the confluence of the Russian River. The sockeye salmon run had just
started and we had a ball combat fishing for these delicious fish.
Another big highlight for Carolyn and I was the flights Grant took us on in
his Super Cub. His Super Cub was on floats so we took off from the lake their property is on. He
took me up for over an hour and a half along the glaciers in the Chugach Mountains south and east
of Wasilla. This is absolute stunning beauty. Grant then took Carolyn on a flight about 80 nautical
miles to the northwest of Wasilla. They flew along the south side of Mt. McKinley with awesome
views of Mt. McKinley.
On our return trip we came down the Cassiar Hwy into BC. We saw 15 bears along the Cassiar Hwy.
We then went south along the Yellowtail Hwy crossing into the USA at Osoyoos, BC. After going
through customs we went to Oroville, Washington and camped there in the local park. From there
we made pretty much a straight shot back to Appleton taking the roads less traveled. We arrived
home on July 5th with 10,800 miles traveled with no mechanical problems and no flat tires.
Some of the animals we saw during this trip include numerous black & grizzly bears, moose, buffalo,
woods buffalo, lynx, wolves, caribou, Stone sheep, dahl sheep, elk, deer, coyote and ptarmigan.
Fish we caught includes rainbow trout, dolly varden trout, grayling, sockeye salmon, and halibut.
A trip to Alaska needs to be on your bucket list. I don‘t care what your interests may be, Alaska has
it all. Whether it is for sightseeing, hunting, fishing, cruising, flying, biking, hiking, or animal
watching. And much more, so just do it while you still can. One CAUTION if you go. Watch out for
the wildlife and especially the bears and the moose. They are potentially everywhere including
walking down through the middle of any town in Alaska. Alaska has gone out of their way to make
everything friendly for those of us that are disabled veterans. In fact 17% of Alaska‘s population are
veterans.
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For this trip we drove our 2008 GMC 3500 Extended Cab Dually with the 6.6L Duramax diesel. This
is the same truck we drove to Alaska in 2009. In February prior to the trip we traded in our 2007
Keystone 276rls Cougar fifth wheel trailer, which had over 50,000 miles on it, on a new 201l
Keystone 245rl Laredo fifth wheel trailer. The Laredo is a couple feet shorter than our old Cougar
but is in our opinion a better built unit. It also allowed us to camp in smaller camp sites that are
prevalent throughout Canada and Alaska.
When we travel with our RV we try to boondock as much as possible rather than stay in a
commercial campground. I have outfitted our camper with four six-volt golf cart batteries hooked
together for our 12 volt system, a solar panel, and 2000 watt inverter so that I can run my oxygen
concentrator and C-pap all night long without being plugged into anything.
We also carry two generators with us. One is a Yamaha 2800i and the other is a Honda 2000i. Both
of these generators put out 30amps which our camper requires. The Yamaha is big enough to run
the AC or microwave if needed. We also carry two spares tires for the camper and a small 110 volt
air compressor and a good supply of hand tools.
If you are truly interested in driving to Alaska purchase the book THE MILEPOST and learn how to
use it. You can also e-mail me if you have any other questions at [email protected]
NOTE: You are allowed to carry a shotgun or rifle into Canada with a Canadian permit for a fee. You
can get the proper permits online. DO NOT TAKE A HANDGUN INTO CANADA, YOU WILL GO
TO JAIL.
Words & Pictures & Sacred Honor
A Veteran’s Pledge
By
Doug Todd
I dreamed that dream again last night. That same old dream I have
dreamed so many times down the years – same picture – same jumbled
up mess of words and feelings – waking in the same cold sweat to the
knowledge that I would not sleep any more tonight.
In this dream I always see the same picture but I wake thinking of the
words and the picture is usually just background.
Words are important to me. Words mean things. I have always been
impressed by the words we started with (as a country, I mean) ―We
hold these truths…‖ and you know the rest of it right down to that part
about Divine Providence and the pledge of “our Lives, our Fortunes, and
our Sacred Honor.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident” – by my seventeenth year I
had read them so many times I could read them with my eyes (and the
book) closed.
In that year we had a young President who spoke other words – words that were, in their own way,
just as impressive. Yes I know they were not his words but were written for him by a man named
Sorensen who was paid to write – but he made them seem to be his own.
He may have been somewhat less ―Great‖ than some of us believed him to be at the time; he may
have been a womanizer and other things he has been accused of but, on that cold and snow-covered
January morning he was the man who took Mr. Sorensen‘s words and made them live!
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“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden,
meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of
liberty.
This much we pledge--and more.”
Something reminded me of that other pledge of “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor” and
I felt then that anyone hearing these words as he delivered them with such clarity and conviction –
such force – would know immediately that these too were words that would be remembered and
repeated long into the future.
Many of us (I mean us old Veterans) were young then and idealistic and some of his words (Liberty –
Freedom – Democracy) left a good taste in our mouths. Some of us seemed to know instinctively
that we held the future in our young hands and that we could shape it into something better than the
world had ever seen before!
Some of us pledged our own “Lives and Fortunes” holding up our right hands and swearing our oath:
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United
States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the
same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the
officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help
me God.
These were the words we started with – words written for us by someone whose name we didn’t
know – but we made them our words. The words we started with when we were such young men
(boys becoming men) and setting out to change the world.
We tried. We took up our burden, we fought where they sent us to fight and did what we could do to
assure the survival and success of Liberty. Some of us lived through it and are still here in a “Future”
that none of us could have imagined.
I dreamed that dream again last night. It was the same dream although some of the details were
slightly altered.
In this dream I always see a picture of a young man in uniform – he is emerging from a rice paddy
carrying a body (his best friend I always think) across his chest. A heavy blanket of smoke hangs
over the whole scene but there is a thin place in the smoke where you can see a helicopter hovering
over a tree line behind him. He is of indeterminate age; in that time and in that place young men
became old men very quickly. The body is cradled in his arms with the face turned away from me so
that I can’t even see what he may have looked like. There is a lot of blood.
The young man’s face is turned slightly skyward and the smoke and grime that covers it are streaked
with what must be tears. He wears a flak-jacket with no shirt under it so that the bulge of his biceps
is clearly visible. He may have been a weight lifter or an athlete in some other life in some other far
away world. The over-all look is simply inexpressible anguish.
The words are there almost like a caption but now they are a question; ―Any Price? Any Burden?‖
Could he have known? Back on that cold January day so long ago could he have known it would
come to this?
Could they have known when they pledged their ―several lives and fortunes‖ that it would always
come to this? That it would always be two strong young friends – one to pay the price and one to
bear the burden? Did they know, did anyone/everyone ever/always know?
Could we have known? Could we -- maybe if we had been less idealistic, if we had felt less invincible,
if we had not been so sure that the future was ours to shape and to mold and that we could leave
the world better than we found it?
If we could have known – would the words have been the same?
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The Proud Warrior
Now that we do know, now that we have lived through it and know beyond any doubt that it will
always come to the same place – where does that leave us now?
What of that Pledge we pledged – that Oath we swore?
I dreamed that dream again last night but this time it ended differently. In this dream (always
before) I am standing on slightly higher ground at the edge of a paddy and he comes toward me
with his friend’s body in his arms and that look of unspeakable anguish on his face. I can’t say
anything to him. I have no words to speak. The only words I can find are questions ―These truths?
Our lives and fortunes? Any price, any burden?‖. As I continue to wake slowly I realize that it is only
a dream and that I am not standing at the edge of the paddy (or anywhere) but am lying on my back
in bed and the picture is slowly dissolving in the darkness above me. The words are a jumbled mess
of The Declaration, the Inaugural and the Oath and they are the last to go and before I am fully
awake and aware that I will not be able to go back to sleep.
This time was different. He has never looked at me before but this time he made eye contact. He
looked straight at me and nodded “Yes”. I was jolted out of bed.
Yes! I knew instantly what he meant and knew that he was absolutely right! Yes! They were right –
the words we started with. They were right and they still mean what
they always said!
The pledge still holds – the Oath is still binding! We still hold these
truths to be self-evident! We still pledge our several lives and fortunes!
Yes! Bearing ―True Faith & Allegiance‖ to the one who died in our arms
and to the countless others who died in other arms on other fields of
fire. Keeping faith with those who still wake feeling the weight of his
body in their arms and the grief of his death in their hearts…
The pledge still holds… our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor to
assure the survival and the success of Liberty – let the word go forth
from this time and place -- that we shall pay any price, bear any burden,
meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe… to support and
defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign
and domestic;
This much we pledge-- and more – so help us God!
[email protected]
To the Marines of 1/9,
Most of you, but perhaps not all of you, know that for
the last eight years I have been devoted and
compelled to support our east coast Marines with care
packages out of my home. Becoming a part of the
Corps family back in '02 when my nephew enlisted
and served with 3/6,
was the gateway to an entirely new way of life for me
as well. Awareness of the makeup of our Corps, the
needs of those who serve far from home and the
enormous numbers of them who receive little or no
support of any kind from back home was the impetus that drove. What started as a one
deployment support project eight years ago has obviously grown to something much greater, thanks
to the hundreds of people like you....Veterans of different wars, friends all over the country....who
have contributed to my efforts.
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The Proud Warrior
Your network has, for the second time, shown me what I have known since my introduction the the
US Marine Corps. You take care of your own....and I take care of them too. Your generous
donations to the care packages I ship out each week...rotating several units out of Camp Lejeune,
have been a blessing that is hard to put into words....but we all know that actions speak
louder....and once again you have been there for me and for the Marines/Corpsmen/Chaplains that I
ship to.
Many of you I had the distinct honor to meet at your Virginia reunion last year. That was an event I
will never forget. The memories are etched in my mind for always. That you invited me to be
amongst you was truly a special event for me. A guest of the "Walking Dead" means more than I
can express.
Thank you once again for being there for me.....as I continue to support our Marines in
Afghanistan. They are my heart and my soul. Our veterans are too. The words 'Thank you' never
seem adequate....and I did get to thank some of you in person last year. Please know that my
gratitude is deep and unending.
God bless,
Semper Fidelis,
Susan Warren
Grassrootstroopsupport
CHAPLAINS MESSAGE
Greetings to all my 1/9 Brothers:
As I have said before in other messages, Jesus talked more about on the Kingdom
of God than any other subject. Why is this so important? This is the reason why
Jesus came and sacrificed and took our place on the cross and rose again. Jesus
was telling us there is life after death. He wants us to be in His new kingdom and
tells us He is the way to getting there. He is not only the way-show-er, He is the
way. (John 14:6)
We are all saddened and will all miss Dano. His dedication to country, family, and
to all of us 1/9ers is stellar. He always will be remembered as a giver. I talked to
Dano by phone often. We talked about life and the Kingdom of God. The last time
was just before going into the hospital for tests and treatment. He was upbeat and
ready for what was next. He believed in the Kingdom of God and knew that is
where he would end up one day.
My hope and prayer is that all my 1/9 brothers will be in the Kingdom of God
someday. We all answered the call when our country needed us. We pledged our
allegiance to the flag, country and to each other. We fought and died (and still
suffer today) but would do it all again if necessary.
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The Proud Warrior
I was inspired on the 4th of July, Independence Day to write another pledge of
allegiance. I hope all of us will take this pledge and live.
Declaration
I Pledge Allegiance to the Kingdom of God for which it stands.
One God eternally manifested as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
For the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink but Righteousness, Peace and Joy
in the Holy Spirit.
I pledge to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and believe that
all else will be given to me.
In the Kingdom of God there is Life, Liberty, Freedom and Justice for all.
My belief and trust is in Jesus Christ. My name is written in the Lambs Book of Life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
If any of our brothers are experiencing sickness or ill health please notify
the chaplain to have your name listed in the next Chaplain’s Article for
Prayer Requests.
Pray continually, tenaciously, & without reservation.
John 3:16
Semper Fi!
Ray Linebaugh
Prayer requests: (719) 369-5692 or
[email protected]
BEREAVEMENT
Woody Postle is asking that members contact him for any notice of death or illness of any member.
Phone: 302-678-2410
Email: [email protected]
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The Proud Warrior
On the "Lighter Side"
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The Proud Warrior
THE 1/9 NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP
2011 AWARD
The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, Inc. Scholarship Awards are granted each year to two
individuals, in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars each. These Awards are given out to
honor all the Warriors that have served with The 1st Battalion 9th Marines at any time during
their military service.
The Network is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for 2011 are Rebekah Groen
and Kyle Collison.
Rebekah is a Nursing major at Simpson University, and the
granddaughter of John Anthony.
Kyle is a Criminal Justice major at State College of
Florida, and the son of "Doc" Bruce Collison. Congratulations to both of these outstanding
students and citizens.
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The Proud Warrior
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
If you would like to apply for membership in the 1/9 Network, please return this form to:
FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK, INC.
National Membership Committee Chairman
James Stogner
217 East Park Drive
Onalaska, TX 77360
(936) 646-4648
[email protected]
Please attach DD-214,NAVMC 118 (3) and NAVMC 118 (9) confirming service with 1st Battalion 9th
Marines unless verified by an active member of the 1/9 Network, Inc. organization. In the absence
of documentation list the names of members of your fire team, squad or platoon, however, be
advised this may delay processing of your application while verifying your service with 1/9 with our
active membership rolls. Providing documentation allows much faster processing toward membership
approval.
Full Legal Name: __ ____________________________________________________
*note: If you have legally changed your name since serving in the Marine Corps you must provide
your Military Service name, and a document of proof that your name has since been legally changed
in a court of law.
SS# (Last Four)/Service # : __________________ ―Nickname‖ (if any)___________
Mandatory
Address:______________________________________________________________
City/State: __________________________ Zip Code: _____________
Company: ____________Platoon: __________ Squad: _______or Section__________
Dates assigned to 1/9: FROM:___ _________________ TO:____________________
Phone #: (____)_________________________ List in Directory? Yes____ No____
Active (Y/N) Rank:_____ Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____ Medically Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____
Email Address:__________ _______________________
Signature
Date
Don't forget to attach documentation to this application *A copy of any official document
such as Orders, SRB entry, Citation, Promotion Warrant, Letterhead paperwork, or orders
that indicate you served with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines.
A copy of your DD-214 would be appreciated to keep on file (not mandatory). Also required
is a NAVMC 118 (9) and a NAVMC 118 (3) which can be obtained from NPRC St Louis.
Please submit Membership Dues of $20.00 with your application. The IRS requires
Dues to maintain our tax status, (Mandatory).
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The Proud Warrior
2011 Dues are now due ($20.00). New membership cards are ready to go
out. Lifetime Membership are available for $250.00 which can be paid for
over one year.
Make your check payable to:
1st Bn 9th Marines Network, Inc.
Mail your check and this sheet to:
National Headquarters
1/9 Network
66 Clinton St
Meriden CT 06450-4517
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
2011 Dues
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
+
Phone:
$20.00 annual dues
Apply to Lifetime Membership
Email Address:
Please check this box if you would like to receive
The Proud Warrior by email
2011
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The Proud Warrior
NEW MEMBERS
The names submitted to the Network should not be reproduced and given to other sources for
commercial use. Please respect the privacy of our Brothers and their families.
William
E.
East
Bravo
DOC
1973-1974
--
--
Roger
D.
Pack
H&S
Comm
1968
Hillsboro
OR
Robert
S.
Sherfield
Alpha
60 mm
1968-1969
Grayling
MI
Joseph
G.
Gschwind
Bravo
1st
1966-1967
Lakeland
FL
Frances
D.
Croley
Delta
--
1969
Oxford
AL
James
E
Rushing
Bravo
--
1969
Baton
Rouge
LA
Bernard
P.
Topa
Bravo
3rd
2007-2010
Scranton
PA
William
T.
Decker
Bravo
--
1968
Estill
Springs
TN
Ray
G.
Snyder
Delta
CO
1965
Le Mesa
CA
Send address changes to: James Stogner, 217 East Park Drive, Onalaska, TX 77360
Your DI's say, it's time to "Re-Up" so mail in your dues for 2011 to
keep your membership current!
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The Proud Warrior
NETWORK OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS 2010-2011
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Bennett; [email protected]
Bob Fowles; [email protected]
Donald Hanson; [email protected]
George Malone; [email protected]
David Murray; [email protected]
Ric Neumann; [email protected]
Bob Palisay; [email protected]
Col. Mac Radcliff, Ret.; [email protected]
Louis W. Robesch, Jr.; [email protected]
James Speak; [email protected]
Marco Polo Smigliani; [email protected]
Phil Sutherland; [email protected]
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
NATIONAL PRESIDENT: Roger Good; [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT: Woody Postle; [email protected]
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Ric Neumann; [email protected]
SECRETARY: Robert Moxley, [email protected]
TREASURER: Bill Hesse, [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: James Stogner; [email protected]
REGIONAL COORDINATORS, as of August 2010
Tom (Doc) Stubbs, Regional Coordinator - South/West (602) 795-5405, [email protected]
Joe Heater, Regional Coordinator - Central/West (847) 991-2160, [email protected]
Robert Moxley, Regional Coordinator - North/West (841) 568-8203, [email protected]
George Malone, Regional Coordinator - Central/East (301) 868-4087, [email protected]
Ron Walker, Regional Coordinator - North/East (802) 263-9472, [email protected]
Johnny Beamon, Regional Coordinator - South/East (757) 627-7701, [email protected]
Robert Taylor, Regional Coordinator - Central/South (985) 228-0758, [email protected]
Chuck Olson, Regional Coordinator - Central/North (218) 838-0985, [email protected]
CHAPLAIN: Ray Linebaugh
NATIONAL NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Joe Heater, (847) 991-2160, [email protected]
WEBMASTER:
Casey Piatt, [email protected]
John Geisler, [email protected]
First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc.
National Headquarters
66 Clinton St.
Meriden CT 06450-4517
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net
NETWORK PHONE # 203-238-1999
This is a dedicated line for members to call. There is also
an answering machine for members to leave messages.
32
This newsletter is published for
the
members
of
the
First
battalion Ninth Marines Network,
Inc. Articles and comments do
not necessarily represent the
views
of
the
officers
and
members, but are those of the
author.
The editor with the
support of the President has the
right to refuse any article that
brings
discredit
to
this
organization or the United States
Marine Corps.
THE PROUD WARRIOR
% Joe Heater
1256 East Cooper Drive
Palatine, IL 60074