Newsletter - Pleiku MP Association
Transcription
Newsletter - Pleiku MP Association
Pleiku MP Association The “Pleiku M.P. Association” was incorporated January 26, 1998 by the IRS, as a tax exempt, non-profit organization, for members Who have served honorably with Company B, 504 th M.P. Battalion, in Pleiku and its detachments, during its Tour of Duty, in the Republic of Vietnam. www.pleikump.org The Pleiku MP Association’s 25th “Silver Anniversary” Reunion was held at the Crowne Plaza- Tysons Corner, McLean VA, from October 6 thru 9, 2011. Kathi and Gene Petrowski hosted this year’s meeting. With spouses and guests, there were a total of 68 people. Old-timers attending were: Karl and Thinh Klink, Gene and Kathi Petrowski, Vern and Valerie Park, Walt Caldwell, Ron and Sherrie Sledge, Joe and Kathy Horstkamp, Harry and Pat Yates, Tim and Bridget Nichols, Mike and Christi Zenisek, Daniel and Phyllis Thomason with their guests Gary (Butch) and Marcia Brendel, Ron and Donna Bonnin, Bo and Bev Scroggins, Stan and Sharon Nelms, Greg and Beverly Walter, Bill and Ann Marie Henderson, Paul and Mickie Dieterlie, Barry and Donna Stone with friends Leon and Connie Etzweiler, Don and Joyce Moore, Gary Moore, Bill and Kathleen McCook, Mike Little, Tim Oliverius, Neal and Ly Phillip, John and Rom Sipe, Tommy and Sandy Thompson, Don and Sherry Warnock, and Jack and April Williams with guest Carroll Beasley. The old-timers welcomed FNG’s Dick and Maggie Winkler, Fred and Priscilla Schultz, Bobby and Connie Ratliff, Richard and Bonnie Thompson, Charlie Wiggins, and Dale Cross. Also welcomed were three former interpreters from the Dalat Detachment, Paul Lam and his brother Minh, and Nguyen Luc aka “Lucky” Early arrivals took advantage of the discounted hotel rates as early as Monday with majority of attendees arriving on Wednesday. On Thursday, the group boarded two motor coaches for a tour of the US Naval Academy, in Annapolis MD. At the academy we were met by docents and were divided into two groups. Among the sites were the beautifully kept grounds and the many memorials dedicated to naval history. Also viewed was the Naval Academy chapel and the tomb of Captain John Paul Jones, an American naval hero in the American Revolution. During the early stages of a grueling three and a half -hour gun battle, Jones answered an enemy challenge to surrender with the memorable words, “I have not yet begun to fight!” Fall / Winter 2011 Class of 2011 (Front row, left to right) Minh Lam, John Sipe, Bill McCook and Ron Bonnin. (Second row, Left to right) Nguyen Luc, Paul Lam, Vernon Park, Gene Petrowski, Mike Zenisek and Dale Cross. (Third row, Left to right)Stan Nelms, Harry Yates, Don Warnock, Bill Henderson, Greg Walter, Don Moore, Paul Dieterlie, Fred Schultz, Jack Williams and Bobby Ratliff. (Fourth row, Left to right) Danny Thomason, Bo Scroggins, Barry Stone, Neal Phillip, Tim Nichols, Dick Winkler, Mike Little and Tommy Thompson. (Back row, left to right)Tim Oliverius, Ron Sledge, Karl Klink, Walt Caldwell, Richard Thompson, Gary Moore and Joe Horstkamp. Kathi Petrowski Photo Following the Cadets’ noon formation, some members utilized the gift shop while others took a quick trip to view the historic Annapolis city dock. The group then boarded the coaches for a trip over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Harris’s Crab House to kick back and sample some of Maryland’s eastern shore cuisine. Part of the group overlooking the Chesapeake Bay while waiting for lunch After lunch, the group boarded the coaches to visit Arlington National Cemetery. While riding aboard the coaches through the DC area, many of our national and historic landmarks were viewed. Through prior arrangements, the motor coaches were allowed to proceed to the Memorial Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There we viewed the Changing of the Guard. The Association was afforded the Honor and Privilege of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Association wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (donated by Tom and Thelma Bailey) Following the day’s tours and activities the group returned to the hotel to rest and relax. A light buffet of gourmet pizzas was served in the Hospitality Room that evening, leaving plenty of time for more camaraderie and socializing. On Friday morning, the group took a motor coach to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Activities included touring and photographing the museum’s grounds and many displays depicting the history and the hardships faced by the Marines during their long and storied past. Visiting the Museum gift shop was also an attraction. A buffet lunch was enjoyed at the museum. The group enjoying a view and oral history of the “Enola Gay” Pizza’s from Angelico’s pizza, line the wall of the Hospitality Room Dalat Detachment Lunch at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Docent- led tour and briefing John Sipe, FNG Charlie Wiggins, Harry Yates and FNG Dale Cross (front) reminisce with Nguyen Luc, Minh Lam, Ron Bonnin and Paul Lam (rear), over pizza On the road to Quantico Leon and Connie Etzweiler and Barry and Donna Stone strike a pose at the Air and Space Museum, Udvar Hazy Center Retired Ironworker FNG Charlie Wiggins takes time to check out the gift shop John Sipe, a retired ironworker, set up and displayed his rendering of the 504th MP Battalion crest. Many hours and dollars were expended to create this 50 to 60 pound, three dimensional piece of art. Well done and impressive, John! After touring, lunch and gift shopping, the group boarded the motor coach to visit the Air and Space Museum, Udvar Hazy Center. The center displays hundreds of aviation and space artifacts that are too large to exhibit in the museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The group was again split and assigned docents. Among the many war planes and relics was the “Enola Gay”, which dropped the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima, helping to bring an end to WWII. Anniversary Cake Sweet Endings Pleiku MP Association wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery - 6 October 2011 The Wreath Detail, (Left to Right) Karl Klink, Mike Little, Vernon Park, Ron Sledge and Gene Petrowski prior to the wreath laying ceremony Rendering honors Presenting the wreath Wreath on display Laying the wreath The Association assembled to witness the ceremony Minutes of 25th Annual Meeting of the Pleiku MP Association October 8, 2011. President Karl Klink called the meeting to order at 6:05pm. Chaplain Don Warnock offered the invocation. East Coast Director Walt Caldwell led the Pledge to the Flag. VP Vernon Park called the roll of officers: ALL officers present. We had six FNG's and three interpreters. West Coast Director Tim Nichols suggested that the interpreters should be granted Associate Membership. Motion by Ron Bonnin, second by Neal Phillip, motion carried. Harry Yates told the group that Paul Lam escaped without his family. Minh Lam went out on the floor of a boat. Luc Nguyen also escaped in a boat. All had bounties on their heads. A cousin who was a ST interpreter and a female cousin who was an interpreter were both held in the jungle for over 2 years. All lost everything. Harry Yates circulated two special sign-in sheets, one of which will go to Battalion Headquarters at Ft. Lewis. Dan Thomason suggested we apply to the ELKS for donations. Harry Yates also suggested the VFW. President Klink asked VP Park to check into these organizations for donations. The current slate of officers was re-elected. Bobby Ratliff suggested we employ direct deposit of funds and direct drafting of any bills we may have. Bill McCook explained how to avoid charges for the internet in our rooms. Mike Zenisek read a paper entitled "These Good men" about veterans. From the Internet Sen. Burr Introduces Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Resolution Legislation honors service members who fought in Vietnam. Washington D.C - Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced a resolution to honor veterans who served in Vietnam by designating March 30th as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." March 30th marks the anniversary of the day that combat and combat support units withdrew completely from South Vietnam. "Our soldiers served honorably and bravely in Vietnam. Unfortunately, they arrived home to a country in political turmoil, and never received the recognition they deserve," Senator Burr said. "By setting March 30th aside as a day to focus on our Vietnam veterans, we can show our unified gratitude for their service and the sacrifices that these veterans made on our behalf." Senator Burr today also encouraged communities throughout the country to take measures to commemorate this day by honoring Vietnam veterans in their area. This is the second consecutive year that Senator Burr has introduced a resolution for the establishment of "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Thad Cochran (R-MS), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) co-sponsored the legislation. The United States became involved in Vietnam because policy-makers believed that if South Vietnam fell to a communist government, communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia. The US Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961, and in 1965, ground combat troops were sent into Vietnam. After many years of combat, all US troops were withdrawn from Vietnam on March 30, 1973, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam. SINCE OUR LAST REUNION Historian Gene Petrowski encouraged everyone to use your veteran’s benefits and get enrolled in programs. Tom Wohlrab and Lucky Higgins are well versed in the process. Bobby Ratliff also offered his expertise--he retired as a VA benefits counselor. Greg Walter also advised to go to DAV, VFW of American Legion for assistance in completing the forms. Neal Phillip advised how to get a Golden Access Pass for US National Parks. Dan Thomason moved to adjourn, Mike Little seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm. Respectively submitted: Vernon C. Park, Vice-President Highlights from the 25th Annual Reunion Mike Zenisek opened the banquet with the opening prayer. Barry Stone opened the banquet with the singing of the National Anthem Bill and Kathleen McCook celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary. Entertainment by DC3 was a highlight of the banquet. Tour of the Naval Academy at Annapolis Maryland and lunch at Harris’s Crab House on Maryland’s Eastern Shore was a big hit. The laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was the emotional highlight of the reunion. The tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and mess hall lunch was enlightening. It was also an honor to meet many WWII veterans who were also there touring as members of an Honor Flight. Introduction of six FNG’s, Bobby Ratliff, Dale Cross, Dick Winkler, Richard Thompson, Charlie Wiggins and Fred Schultz. Introduction of three Vietnamese Interpreters, Paul Lam, Minh Lam and Nguyen Luc, from the Dalat Detachment, and bestowing Associate Membership was rewarding. The Gourmet pizza party featured 20 different pizzas from Angelico’s Pizza. The Chinese Auction was a rousing success with over nineteen items up for bid. Circa 1966-1968 October- 2009 GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA - Roger Monroe Adcock, 71, died Dec. 20, 2011, at Gaston Memorial Hospital. A service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Covenant Baptist Church. Interment followed with Military Honors at Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia. Roger was born Nov. 23, 1940, in Cramerton. He was the son of the late Roger Keith Adcock and Velma Lorie Shephard Adcock. He worked for the U.S. Post Office as a mail handler. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Pleiku, Vietnam, with Company B 504th MP Battalion. Roger was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. He also enjoyed gardening and golf. Roger is survived by his wife of 49 years Susie Goble Adcock; daughter, Sheila Swaney and husband Tony; brother, Marty Barker; stepfather, Jack Barker; stepson, Randy Strider and wife Debbie; grandchildren, Heath Swaney, Nicholas and Josh Strider and Brian Harrell; two great-grandchildren. Remembrances may be sent to the family at www.mcleanfuneral.com. Please keep Roger and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Gene, Bridget and I just got back to CA. and I read this e-mail. Sad news indeed. I am glad I got to see Roger at the reunion. I have many good memories of him from Vietnam. Tim Nichols, 1/6/2012 ALSO REPORTED SINCE OUR LAST REUNION JOHN JOSEPH LASUSKY MSG, US Army, Korea, Vietnam 06/24/1930 -01/21/2010 Buried at Santa Fe National Cemetery From E-mails, Facebook and Web site Guestbook Gene Petrowski We just returned from the 25th Annual reunion in Tyson's Corner, VA. A record turnout, to date. Five FNG's joined us to total 37 members present. The Friendly New Guys are Dale Cross, Bobby Ratliff, Fred Schultz, Dick Winkler, Richard Thompson and Charlie Wiggins. We also added three former Vietnamese interpreters, who worked for B Company, in Dalat, who adopted our MP detachment into their families during our tour of duty in Vietnam. They are Paul Lam and his brother Minh Lam and Nguyen Luc, aka Lucky. They were unanimously accorded Associate Membership at the annual business meeting for their service and hospitality towards the detachment during those trying years. To those first time attendees “Welcome Home”, and also a special “Welcome Aboard” to our new social members. The members in attendance assured me that they would add comments on this guest book in hopes of getting some more first timers to attend a future reunion. Kathi and I would like to thank all of the attendees for their help during the week. You all made this a great success. Looking forward to hearing from all of you on this site. Newsletter with details and photos to follow around the holidays. Thanks, Gene and Kathi. E-Mail from Kathi What a terrific reunion! And, since I'm somewhat prejudiced, I thought you might want to hear it from a completely objective source; the following comment was made by Carroll Beasley, a friend of Jack Williams. I think she very eloquently conveyed the atmosphere and the feelings of the group at the reunion "Wanted to send a special thanks and warm appreciation to all of you for the thoughtfulness and kindness that was shown to me. Jack Williams had told me about the special people that were a part of the Pleiku MP Association, but he did not tell me how special they could make a guest feel. I spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday enjoying the tours, meals and conversations with people that enjoy life and make the world a better place by practicing the art of reaching out to others. Please pass along my deep appreciation for the kindness shown and the true joy that was shared during the past three days. No wonder Jack and April spoke so highly of the meetings. I'm so proud to be a Plei-Mate, if only for a short time. God Bless you all for what you do not only for each other by those of us who are lucky enough to know someone in the Association." Carroll Beasley Jack Williams, Carroll Beasley and April Williams at Harris Crab House Our new Associate Members Minh Lam, Nguyen Luc, aka “Lucky” and Paul Lam enjoy their tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Thank you to those who attended for making the 25th Annual Reunion so special. Those who couldn't make it were missed and we hope to see you all next year as we take the first step toward the Golden Anniversary! Kathi More from E-mails, Facebook and Web site Guestbook Michael D. Zenisek Christi and I have just returned from the 25th Reunion of the Pleiku MP Assn., one of the biggest and best to date. Saw many great things around Washington DC, but one of highlights was a trip to the Wall. First time I looked up a classmate from the DGHS class of 65, John J. Adducci (Panel 16W, line 113) and the fourth time looking at panel 21E, Line 93, PFC Ronald L. Elza, Welcome Home Brothers!!!! Lynn Tate The only disappointment we have is that we were unable to attend! Gene & Kathy have always done an outstanding job.. this one really sticks out to us because not only was it the 25th, (& the largest turnout yet,) but that they were able to pull it off even with the ongoing health concerns for Kathi's parents .. "Sweetie, & Boss" ... Kathi & Gene just amaze us with their stamina, dedication, planning, & attention to detail... had no doubts that it would be yet another wonderful reunion... Sending a great big {{Huggzzz}}} & Kudos to Gene & Kathi... I don't think you two could ever disappoint even if you tried... The reunions, comradery, & friendships grow stronger, & get better with each passing year! We hope to see everyone next year, but if not, our thoughts are with each & everyone as always... We really miss all y'all & wishing everyone health so that we can enjoy the next opportunity to meet up with everyone again! Kathi Bailey Petrowski We'll take all the hugs but the success of the reunion is based on all of the attendees who bring love and friendship to it. Thanks for the kind words though! And you were missed!!! Bonnie Thompson Mike Zenisek photo We're back! It was an awesome trip. Saw the grand and great grand babies. We also went to Terry's reunion of his Army buddies, 504th MPs. We went all over! Annapolis, MD to the Naval Academy, ate lunch on the dock at Chesapeake Bay, Saw the Marine Museum, the Space Museum, the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Vietnam Wall, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and much more!. Terry even danced with me... hey, it's a milestone... last time was 1969, New Year’s eve! His reunion was like a family reunion, the guys and wives were great. We plan to attend next year. Richard Thompson I wanted to thank everyone for the great reunion and the immediate acceptance of myself and my wife into the group as though we were always friends. I seemed to know that it would be that way because of our common backgrounds. One thing, I never realized that most of you were upset because of my early out and POW escort home. LOL. Things just happen. My wife and I really enjoyed the Reunion. We will be back if nothing happens to stop us. Jennifer Biernacki Drown Catering Sales Manager Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner Good Morning Gene and Kathi, I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for bringing your extremely kind group to our hotel a couple of weeks ago. It was my pleasure to assist you and I really appreciate your continued patience as the baton was passed from Heather and we worked to get back on the same page. Our hotel loves to have large groups represented, and we are hopeful to have many more just like you come our way in the future. It was also so nice to have the wonderful encouragement of a husband and wife working so closely on a project like this together in a world that is so separated. Best wishes to you both on the road ahead! Sincerely, Jen, 10/17 /2011 William Ron Sledge Richard I was not upset at all. More power to you. It was certainly good to meet up with you after all these years. Hope you will make many more reunions. If you get up our way, call me. Karl Klink presented Jennifer Biernacki Drown a Certificate of Appreciation while Gene Petrowski looked on Paul Lam and Dale Cross- Then and Now More from E-mails, Facebook and Web site Guestbook and the Internet Juan Alvarado The school where I teach (Donna High School) had a very nice ceremony recognizing all the DHS vet for Veteran's Day and then treated us with a breakfast. There were about 20 of us from different wars & conflicts. This will be my last year there as I will be retiring in January. I will no longer have an excuse for not attending the reunions. Hope to see you guys soon. Your Amigo, Juan, Pleiku 1969 Bobby Ratliff Thanks for a wonderful time. Jack Williams What a great bunch of guys Patricia and Harry Yates What a great reunion good choice of tours and what a fun banquet was loved by us and also the three interpreters. Also meeting everyone that had not been there before or had not come for a while. Our thanks to Kathi and Gene for the hard work they did in making it one of our best. Bobby and Connie Ratliff Bobby Ratliff photo Jack Williams It was a great reunion I cannot wait for the next one Kathi you and Gene did an outstanding job April, Carroll and myself had an outstanding reunion Thank You. Kathi Bailey Petrowski Not sure we could ever top this reunion! Debating on going out on our laurels or facing certain disappointment in the future. (LOL!) But, what made the reunion was the attendees so as long as ya'll keep coming and keep the laughter and love in abundance, we don't see how we can miss regardless of where we go or what we do! Harry and Pat Yates Gene Petrowski To Pleiku MP Association - It was an honor and privilege to represent the Association at the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, on the occasion of the Association's Twenty-fifth Anniversary. Gary Moore Sr. A band is a must at the reunion. Great reunion was good to see everyone. Marcia Brendel and Sharon Nelms get a “Rocky Top” dance lesson from Gary Moore Sr. What? No Walter? At the Wall- (front row) Fred Schultz, Ron Sledge, Bill Henderson and Richard Thompson. (Back Row)Tommy Thompson, Paul Dieterlie, Mike Little, Dan Thomason, Bobby Ratliff, Bo Scroggins, Don Moore and Jack Williams Bobby Ratliff photo Pleimates- Our Little Corner of the World Pleimates 2011(Front row) Connie Ratliff, Priscilla Schultz, Kathleen McCook, April Williams, Joyce Moore, Rom Sipe, Sharon Nelms, Ly Phillip, Valerie Park, Bridget Nichols, Marcia Brendel and Donna Stone. (2nd row) Sandy Thompson, Mickie Dieterlie, Sherrie Sledge, Phyllis Thomason, Kathy Horstkamp, Christi Zenisek and Maggie Winkler (hidden). (Back row) Bonnie Thompson, AnnMarie Henderson, Donna Bonnin, Pat Yates, Kathi Petrowski, Beverly Scroggins, Connie Etzweiler, and Thinh Klink. Photo by Bobby Ratliff I recently read an article which stated that "one of the best things a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman, whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends...Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. "Women share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. . .spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym. There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged—not true. . . failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!" "So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!” We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health." (Who cares whether this theory is scientifically true or not- we’ve got each other!) We are blessed by the circle of friends we have found with the Plei-Mates. We meet each year to catch up on each other's lives and make new memories. This year we welcomed back many returning 'Mates as well as FNGs (Foxy New Gals) Connie Ratliff, Priscilla Schultz, Maggie Winkler, Bonnie Thompson, and Connie Etzweiler. We also mourned the passing of Nancy Stevens who had suffered a long and debilitating disease. Yet, each welcoming and passing serves to make our circle stronger as we meet and renew our bonds every year. On the “business” side, the Chinese Auction was a lot of fun and a huge success. Special thanks to Marcia Brendel for the beautiful handmade baby quilt and to Pat Yates for the gorgeous silver and turquoise Road Runner pins. AnnMarie Henderson suggested that each Plei-mate put together a basket representing their home state and/or their own talents. The baskets would be part of next year’s auction. Any donations along these lines would be greatly appreciated. On a personal note, I thank everyone for the extremely generous gift I was given and for the assistance everyone rendered during the reunion. It's amazing how quickly and efficiently this group manages to "git 'er done"!! Everyone pitched right in to keep the hospitality room habitable and the troops well fed. Most of all, I thank everyone for the prayers and concern for my parents -- Sweetie and Boss continue their respective recoveries and send their love and appreciation to everyone. Gene and I, as well as my parents, wish you a blessed and peaceful season of JOY! Kathi Photo Album The Sledges and Winklers enjoy some Hospitality Priscilla and Fred Schultz Maggie and Dick Winkler Donna and Barry Stone Stan and Sharon Nelms Ron and Donna Bonnin On the road to Annapolis Leon and Connie Etzweiler Ly and Neal Phillip Bill and Kathleen McCook Bridget and Tim Nichols Gary Moore Photo Album Sandy and Tommy Thompson Bo and Bev Scroggins Phyllis and Dan Thomason April and Jack Williams Thinh and Karl Klink Marcia and Gary Brendel Sherrie and Ron Sledge Sledges and Walt Caldwell Don and Sherry Warnock Bonnie and Richard Thompson Tim Oliverius Joyce, Donald and Mike Moore Photo Album Bev and Greg Walter Valerie and Vern Park Dale Cross Mike Little Rom and John Sipe Mickie and Paul Dieterlie Christi and Mike Zenisek AnnMarie and Bill Henderson Kathy and Joe Horstkamp Kathi and Gene Petrowski See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil Who’s Kilroy? A Charitable Program of the Pleiku M.P. Association. All donations are tax deductible. Call (949) 460-0443 For More Information. Stay tuned for 2012 Reunion Information on Web Site, Facebook, E-mail or Postcards due soon. To view in color and enlarge photos, go to www.pleikump.org and click on current newsletter. Support our Troops Gene Petrowski 307 Rosecrest Ct. Joppatown, MD. 21085-4707