Fall 2011 - Saint Joseph Health System
Transcription
Fall 2011 - Saint Joseph Health System
o.4 Vol.1 N e Apr-Jun 2011 Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another The President Notes: League Detachment 95, VFW Posts 1167, 360 and 982, Disabled Americans Veterans Post 19, American Legion Members from Posts 50 and 303. Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans were also on hand for this WTC Ceremony. 9/11 Memorial in Mishawaka Frank Piontek, President, VVA #1027 Hospital officials have not announced where the Tower 1 wreckage will be housed or when the official community ceremony will take place. Turn to page 5 to see more photos and coverage of this memorial. As we all recalled 9/11 a few weeks ago, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), our sole support for this newsletter, once again extended their service to the community. Please note the very important announcement about our raffle in the Treasurer’s Report on page 13. On September 15, 2011, a 2.5-ton piece of steel and concrete wreckage from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center (WTC) was guided along the way from its former habitat at Hanger 17, JFK airport in New York City to SJRMC in Mishawaka. Another important move has taken place in our VVA Chapter 1027. Recently, we changed our meeting site from VFW 1167 to the Marine Corps League (MCL). We were kindly greeted by retired GySgt Brown, USMC, prior to our meeting start. An escort of Military Motorcycle Riders from The MCL is located north, our Vietnam Veterans of across from the St. Joseph America Chapter 1027 and Representatives from our Military Motorcycle Riders included, from River and due west from Marine Riders from the left, Brian Reppert, Red Knights; Tom Martin, Marine Riders; the Farmer’s Market, on Nick Nicodemus, Marine Riders; Pepe “Hambone” Lapham, VVA; Marine Corps League #95 539 Parry Street in South Jack Wilkes, Motor City Hogs and Brian “Bonehead” Balog, Marine Riders. accompanied the WTC Bend. Another kind note piece to the hospital. A from the Past Commander, of VFW 1167, Christian private ceremony was held on the hospital campus that Luciani (and VVA 1027 Member) can be found inside on was attended by veterans groups including our Vietnam page 8. Veterans of America Chapter 1027, the Marine Corps Bridging the Gap: From WWII to Vietnam When he returned to the States, Tom earned his B.A. from the University of Florida. He served 30 years in the US Army, spanning WWII, and the Korean and VietNam wars. His time in the Army included tours in Italy, Germany, England, Japan and Korea. Rising through the ranks Tom was promoted to Colonel by 1962. Among his many military awards, he received the Legion of Merit twice and a Bronze Star. Colonel Finneran (Retired), Life Member, VVA #1027 Thomas Finneran was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 27, 1920. He moved to South Bend while in the 6th grade. At the age of 21, Tom received his induction orders to join the Army. This draft notice came in January 1942, just after the Pearl Harbor attack. Tom says, “My proudest moments were when I was the representative of the United States at official functions at the court of St. James in England. It was a tremendous feeling and (Continued on pg. 9) Design and publication of HEROES is sponsored by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. www.sjmed.com 1 V V A C h a p t e r # 1 0 2 7 • S t . J o e s p h C o u n t y • P. O . B o x 4 • S o u t h B e n d , I N 4 6 6 2 4 - 0 0 0 4 Upcoming Events Board Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month at the Marine Corps League 539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN 574.233.0253 6:30 PM EST All meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Marine Corps League TAPS 539 Parry Street, South Bend, IN 574.233.0253 7 PM EST Terry S. Monroe Sr., 67, one of our charter members died, May 9, 2011. Veterans Day Ceremony VFW Post 9820 November 11, 2011 Call 574.293.0761 or any officer listed for details. Dennis L. Smith, 65, died on August 12, 2011. He was a Charter Member, and our Sgt-at-Arms and also our State Delegate to the Indiana VVA State Council. Contact Information for Other Veterans’ Events American Legion Post 303 219.287.2696 Mess Call VFW Post 360 www.vfwpost360.org VVW Post 9820 www.vfwwebcom.org/in/post9820 Marine Corps League #95 www.mclstjoevalley.org The Disabled American Vets 574.293.0761 Rolling Thunder Chapter #2 www.pcsource.biz/in2rollingthunder Both will be greatly missed by all of us. Lunch with the Vietnam Veterans 2nd Thursday every month Noon at Yakety Yak Café 701 W. 4th St., Mishawaka 574.255.8601 All Navy/Marine Lunch Brunch 1st Wednesday every month Noon at Allie’s Café 2323 W. Mishawaka Ave., South Bend 574.232.9520 Seadogs 3rd Wednesday every month Noon at Honkers 211 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka 574.259.3000 2 Message from the Vice President Dave Martin (66’-67’ In-Country) Your chapter continues to grow. For those reading this and not yet members, you are certainly welcome to come join and be part of something that is, and will make a difference to all Veterans. Those that are members, we thank you and look forward to your continued support. Chapter 1027 is now more then 80 members strong, with lots of room for many, many more Veterans in our area that will benefit from joining. approach to developing our own poppy; with a theme of Agent Orange. Also, we have embraced a new theme for our Chapter, named “We Bridge The Gap.” The underlining current is our strong believe and support for the saying that Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another. Our desire is to “Bridge The Gap” between our wartime and before, with those involved in Desert Storm to current veterans. The more we help each other, the easier the load becomes. Seriously, forget the old adage we learned while in the service which was “never volunteer.” It IS ok to take that step forward and lend a hand. We have a solid combination of new and reoccurring projects that set us apart from other groups. Some examples of reoccurring projects are: continuing participation in local parades; various breakfast and lunch groups; and support for the Military Appreciation Day at South Bend’s Coveleski Stadium. A somewhat new and exciting project is we are taking a forward thinking Remember, you, personally CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE to another Veteran. Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedom. Welcome Home! Respectfully written, Dave About VVA Chapter 1027 St. Joseph County, IN Officers & Board of Directors President: Frank Piontek Phone: 574.335.2441 Email: [email protected] Vice President: Dave Martin Phone: 574.289.9428 Email: [email protected] Secretary/Founder: Earl Simon Phone: 574.277.1255 Email: [email protected] Treasurer: C. David Guzicki Phone: 574.233.8594 Board: Jerrol Satterfield Phone: 574.259.3222 Board: Christian Luciani Phone: 574.271.7584 Email: [email protected] Board: Charles McDonald, Jr. Phone: 574.271.9945 Email: [email protected] Board: Darwin F. “Buzz” Stock, Jr. Phone: 574.257.4797 Email: [email protected] Board & Sgt. of Arms: Harold (Spider) Draves Email: [email protected] Chaplain: Dennis Porter Phone: 574.243.9193 Historian: Ralph Bakle Email: [email protected] Want to receive HEROES ? If you would like to receive a co py of HEROES, simply provide one of our officers w ith your address and we will add you to th e mailing list. Membership not necessary. 3 VA Extends Agent Orange & Gulf Wars/Afghan Benefits Agent Orange: Diseases Related to Agent Orange Exposure Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses: Infectious Diseases VA assumes that certain diseases are related to qualifying military service. These are called “presumptive diseases.” VA has recognized certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/infectious_ diseases.asp VA presumes certain infectious diseases are related to military service in Southwest Asia or Afghanistan. Eligible Veterans may receive disability compensation and health care for these diseases. Also, VA presumes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans with 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service. Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation and health care benefits for diseases that VA has recognized as related to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. VA presumes the following infectious diseases are related to military service in Southwest Asia theater of operations during the first Gulf War starting August 2, 1990, through the conflict in Iraq and on or after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan. Veterans must have the diseases within the time frames shown above and have a current disability as a result of that disease in order to receive disability compensation. Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and died as the result of diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. • Malaria • Brucellosis • Campylobacter Jejuni • Coxiella Burnetii (Q Fever) • Mycobacterium Tuberculosis • Nontyphoid Salmonella • Shigella • Visceral Leishmaniasis • West Nile Virus Veterans’ Diseases Related to Agent Orange Exposure • Acute and Subacute Peripheral • AL Amyloidosis • Chloracne (or Similar Acneform Disease) • Chronic B-cell Leukemias • Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) • Hodgkin’s • Ischemic Heart • Multiple Myeloma • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma • Parkinson’s Disease • Porphyria Cutanea Tarda • Prostate Cancer • Respiratory Cancers • Soft Tissue Sarcoma (other than Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or Mesothelioma) For more information contact your local veterans service officer on page 8 of this issue. 4 We honor life A piece of history is forever with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. SJRMC was privileged to receive a World Trade Center memorial piece, a combination of concrete and steel weighing over three tons from Tower 1, that will permanently be installed and displayed on the campus. It is a tremendous honor to have this piece to serve as a permanent remembrance. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a special ceremony to accept and bless the memorial on September 16, 2011. sjmed.com 5 Photo Album in George Wach on the door gun Bong Son Mike Bella & Jeep in Saigon ek ship? Piont r e d a e L A VV , July 1969 k o k g n a B R (age 19) R& 6 any George Williamson in Germ Sitting is my young er brother, SP5 Terry L. Nimtz. He served most of his time in Germany, came home remain ed in the Reserve s then spent one year in Desert St orm. In the VA Ho spi tal in Saginaw, MI, they discovered bone cancer. Three months later he passed on to anoth er term of service forever. He was 62 years old. Standin g is SP5 Roger C. Nimtz., Roger Served in Viet N am from 1966 - 196 7 at the Bien Hoa Air-force base. Wa s Crew Chief and Gunner on both the “B” and “D” hel icopters. Roger is a Life member of our VVA. Ralph Balke in Vinh Te, 10 November 1969 Bridging the Gap: C.David Guz icki (center, our 1027 Treasure r) with Tim Jones (New York) and Bra ndon Young (Indiana) at Kokomo (9/17/ 2011). The younger Marines served in Ira q and Afghanistan with 1-2 Bravo, lst Plt. 7 Note from Our Members Message from the Past Commander As Commander of VFW Post 1167 until June 18, 2011, I would like to thank the organization of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1027 and the following individuals for their participation and financial support of Post 1167: Earl Simon, Frank Piontek, Dave Martin, Dave Guzicki, Buzz Stock, Denny Smith, Dennis Porter, Charlie McDonald, Dave Rottenhoffer, Jerry Satterfield, Ralph Bakle and a special thanks to Kevin Kelsheimer for his tireless dedication, long hours and hard work in helping the Michiana area veterans and their families. it. Thanks again to every one of our veterans for serving our country and being part of a VVA chapter. I am glad that the VFW was able to provide a place for the VVA meetings and that both groups were able to work together in bridging a gap for past injustices to returning Vietnam veterans. On a social note, the lunches at Yakety Yak Café on the 2nd Thursday (at Noon) of the month are a great way to get together, enjoy comradeship and share war stories. I hope to see as many of you there as can make Christian Luciani, Past Commander, VFW 1167 President’s Note: Christian is first-rate leader, a terrific guy and IF anyone needs any Quartermaster Gear from any branch of the military from any war, Christian knows how to find and deliver it to you. Veteran Service Officers JD Swift President’s Note: If you need to know anything about Local, National or Obscure Veterans Issues, JD is your Logistics Officer. Picture is JD’S LZ BETTY IN 1969 Please see the following for the names telephone contact information for the 2nd District County Veteran Service Officers. These are the point people to get your VA claim started: St Joseph....... Kevin Kelsheimer . ..... 574.233.9978 Elkhart ......... Drew McClain ............ 574.523.2342 LaPorte . ....... John Wantuch ............. 219.326.6808 x 216 Porter ........... Louis Stanko . ............. 219.465.3587 Starke............ Golden Richie . ........... 574.772.9132 Marshall........ Josh Wakeland ............ 574.935.8543 Fulton........... Bernie Holloway ......... 574.233.2217 Cass.............. Larry Lowry ................ 574.753.7861 Howard......... Bob Ladd . ................... 765.456.2511 Miami........... Jay Kendall . ................ 765.472.3901 x 217 or x 271 White............ Tom Carter ................. 574.583.5937 Carroll.......... Larry Leach . ............... 765.564.2502 Pulaski.......... Steve Seifert ................ 574.946.3751 8 100 Years & 10, 000 Miles Ralph Bakle, Historian In 1967, 10,000 miles from the banks of the muddy Mississippi, US Army infantrymen of the 9th Division and the Navy’s Task Force 117 were combined in a river warfare mission using tactics based upon strategies deployed in the Civil War. These 2 units were known as the MRF (Mobile Riverine Force). The North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong owned the southern region of Vietnam. The mode of transportation was not roads or highways but waterways. In Vietnam, General William Westmoreland found himself faced with the same types of geographic obstacles that confronted General Ulysses Grant during the 1860’s in sections of the American South. In Vietnam, the combat elements of the MRF had to secure 26,000 miles of the Mekong Delta with hundreds of waterways. 9th Infantry Embarking on a MRF Mission VVA Chapter 1027 members Mike Bella, Dave Rothenhofer, Joe Focosi and Ralph Bakle served with the 9th Infantry Division and Task Force 117 basic boat handling instruction was all that was needed. The kill ratio for these troops was 11 to 1 in favor of the MRF. The 9th Division left MRF operations around 22 August 1969 as most rotated home. The Navy turned it’s last boats over in late November 1970. The first Riverine assault took place on 15 May 1967 in the Cam Son Zone where 9th Division troops met head on, and crushed, the 514th Viet Cong Local Force Battalion. On this marshy battlefield, 2nd Brigade firepower, supporting the Naval craft and Allied Units killed over 113 enemy soldiers. Undeterred by these losses, the enemy remained in this Area of Operations for battles and other encounters over the next 24 months. President’s Note: Ralph “The Admiral” Bakle is the chapter historian. Ralph is also a computer digitalized image expert. No Admiral - no pictures in our newsletter. See Ralph for all your photo needs, particularly when converting Nam polaroids. The Army discovered no special training was required for soldiers to deploy into Riverine combatants. Five hours of Bridging the Gap: From WWII to Vietnam Junior ROTC at Airport High School for 4 years. He and his wife currently reside in Newberry, South Carolina. They have been married 68 years. Colonel Finneran is a life member of our VVA Chapter 1027. (continued from page 1) a great honor to ‘show the flag’ at official functions; meeting members of the royal family and high ranking dignitaries from the other nations of the world. Those four years were the highlight of my military service.” Our member Tom says, “The worst periods of my career were the loss in combat of my relatives and close friends during WW II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. One can put many of the incidences of war aside: But the loss of close friends will never be forgotten.” His advice to all veterans is to “Look at the good things you experienced in the military and do not mull over the bad.” After Colonel Finneran retired in 1972, he settled with his family in West Columbia, South Carolina. There he taught 9 The Scoop Special Notice Marine Veterans Stationed at Camp Lejeune If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, please call this toll-free number 1-800-273-8255, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential. If you were stationed or worked at Camp Lejeune before 1987, you may have been exposed to contaminants in the drinking water supply. Visit this site for more information and to register for water testing notifications: https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/clwater/Site/background_information.html Aint It The Truth “The problem with the Vietnam War is that too many survivors are dying.” Retroactive Traumatic Injury Benefits No Longer Just For OEF/ OIF Injuries “The Uneducated, were leading the Unwilling, to do the Unnecessary for the Ungrateful.” The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is extending retroactive traumatic injury benefits to Servicemembers who suffered qualifying injuries during the period Oct. 7, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2005, regardless of the geographic location where the injuries occurred. Visit this site for more information: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease. cfm?id=2169 Authors Unknown Fathers Words to Their Sons & Daughters Statement from VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki on the American Jobs Act On September 12, the President sent the American Jobs Act to Congress for consideration. With the American Jobs Act, the President is again demonstrating unwavering support of Veterans and of business by putting forward an aggressive plan that will help create new jobs for Veterans and boost the American economy. Visit this site for more information: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease. cfm?id=2163 Share your intimate story. VVA 1027 Member and Writer seeking anecdotes communicated from your father to you before he or you left for Vietnam. I am working on a research project and intend to consider your input as part of my research publication. Be a part of this. Asbestos Exposure President’s Note: Lets all support the Major in his research project. Contact: Ralph W. Berry, Maj. USA (Ret) at 574.292.2413 or [email protected]. Any veteran transported or serving aboard a navy ship/dry dock from 1940 to 1979, visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/occupational_environmental/asbestos.asp#how For a listing of Naval Ships with high risk for asbestos exposure visit: www.asbestosclaims.org/virginia-shipyardsasbestos.html 10 Remember Your Indiana Veterans Benefits President’s Note: Mayor Dave Wood and the Mishawaka City Council were the only city in the State of Indiana to recognize National Vietnam Veterans Day (on 30 March 2011). Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood reminds all Hoosier Veterans that the State of Indiana offers significant Veterans Benefits. Some of the State benefits that may apply include: • Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery • Motor Vehicle License Plates • Peddlers, Vendors, or Hawkers License • Property Tax Abatements • Remission of Some Fees and Tuition for the Child/ Children of a Disabled Veteran • Remission of Fees for Indiana Purple Heart Recipients • Resident Veteran Hunting & Fishing License • County Veterans Service Officers • The Indiana Soldiers & Sailors Children’s Home • Employment Assistance • Vital Documents For Veterans Benefits • Golden Hoosier Passport • High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veterans Update from Congressman Donnelly This month, I have several updates to share about my work on behalf of veterans both nationwide and here in north central Indiana. First, I’m pleased that the House of Representatives voted to authorize $6.7 million for a new veterans’ health facility in South Bend. This authorization is the most significant step toward improving care for veterans in the South Bend area since the VA announced approval of a larger South Bend VA facility in April of 2009. This new health facility will mean that Hoosier veterans in the South Bend area will not need to travel as frequently to Fort Wayne, Marion, or Indianapolis to get the kind of care that most Hoosiers get close to home. The legislation authorizing this funding is now pending before the Senate. Also, earlier this year, I reintroduced The Rating and Processing Individuals’ Disability (RAPID) Claims Act, H.R. 2377, which would improve the turnaround time and efficiency of the VA’s disability claims process. I first introduced The RAPID Claims Act in June 2010 and it passed by voice vote as a part of The Veterans Benefits and Economic Welfare Improvement Act of 2010, but the 111th Congress adjourned without the Senate holding a vote on the bill. I will continue to work hard to improve the claims process this Congress. In addition to the RAPID Claims Act, I introduced The Ensuring Servicemembers’ Electronic Records’ Viability (E-SERV) Act, H.R. 2470, which would improve the efficiency of the current electronic health record system for military personnel and veterans. To help veterans obtain and keep jobs, I signed on as an original co-sponsor of The Wounded Veteran Job Security Act, H.R. 2875, which would ensure that our veterans are not discriminated against in the workplace for time spent receiving treatment for injuries caused by their service. I also I hosted a Job Seeker Workshop in July and one of the breakout sessions, titled “Veterans: Re-entering the Job Force After Serving your Country,” focused on helping veterans get good jobs here at home. I am dedicated to continuing my work to see that military personnel and veterans receive the respect and dignity they have earned. I encourage you to contact my office to give me your opinion on veterans’ issues or to let me know if there is any way I can assist you. Congressman Joe Donnelly VVA Chapter 1027 does not endorse any political party/group or individual. We do provide information relevant to Veterans from our local elected officials. 11 Message from The Honorable Joe Kernan who served, and a special congratulations to the leadership of Post #1027 who made this all happen. Welcome Home, and I look forward to seeing you soon. For all of us who spent any time in Vietnam, it has been at least 37 years, and in many cases longer, since we came back. Our individual experiences all had some similarities. At the same time each of us had experiences that were unique and intensely personal. And it was not just what happened while we were in-country; it was also what occurred after we came home. There were a lot of wounds that would never qualify for a Purple Heart, but wounds that still pose challenges for many of us even after all these years. The best thing about my time in prison was that when I was down there was always someone to lean on; and when someone else was down I could return the favor. That’s why the opening of VVA Post #1027 is so important. We now have an organization in St. Joseph County where we can reestablish old relationships and build new ones – a place we can call home. My thanks to each of you 12 Governor Joe Kernan 114 E. Pokagon, South Bend, Indiana 46617 Message from the Treasurer C. David Guzicki, USMC Support Our Fundraiser We are in the midst of our first official fundraiser. That is a joint venture with our friends at VFW 9820 and VFW 1167. Our goal is to sell over 2,500 tickets. To achieve this we need every members help in selling or buying the tickets. organizations: Hacienda, The Skillet, LePeep, Logan’s Roadhouse, Sonic, Meijer, Red Lobster, Martin’s SuperMarkets, Chili’s, Four Winds Casino, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Claeys Candy, Grid Iron Wine & Spirits, South Bend Silverhawks, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, local Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine recruiters and active duty/ROTC/Reserve Units, CJ’s Pub, Yakety Yak Cafe, Quality Dining and Joe’s Liquor Store. If you get a chance - please support these folks and thank them! This raffle would not have been possible without the numerous donations we received from the following Semper Fi Message from the Secretary Earl Simon Recognition for Original Charter Members Going back a little bit with the history of our Chapter, we would like to recognize the original Charter members who signed our Vietnam Veterans of America petition at those first two organizational meetings in May and June 2009. In order to form a chapter, we needed 28 members to sign up, pay dues and give us a copy of their DD 214. In two months, we had 35 members sign the petition. Special thanks are given to the following charter members. Those names are presented here in order of signing the petition. Earl Simon Michael Martin Clifford Nelson James Cole Frank Struck Terry Monroe Steve Wujcikowski James Harman Ronald Bobelenyi David Rothenhoefer Ken Morse (Deceased) Jerrol Satterfield Keith Petty (Deceased) Joe Swift Debra Barajas Christian Luciani Harold Draves Robert Barajas Daniel Aaron Christopher Pich William Simon David Dudick Charles McDonald John Kirk Dennis Porter Terry Fournier David Andrysiak Dave Martin Joe Focosi James Colson Vernon Helminen David Harrington Dennis Smith (Deceased) 13 David Dean Frank Piontek We also welcome our Newest Life Member, Roger Nimitz. All Veterans are always welcome. We thank you all for your Service. Support our VVA Chapter 1027 Donations of cash and property to VVA Chapter 1027 are tax deductible. Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans Abandon Another We’re helping the veterans who are coming home wounded or disabled get the medical care they need. We’re also assisting Gulf War, Afghan War and Iraq War veterans with benefits counseling and other essential services to help them rebuild their lives after wartime service. And we’re making sure the VA healthcare and other benefits aren’t the victims of shortsighted budget cuts that forget the service of our new veterans, and neglect the sacrifices they continue to make even after they come home. I hope you will continue to support all veterans by sending a gift to the VVA today. Contact Frank Piontek or Dave Martin for details. Find us on Facebook Be sure to “Like” our new HEROES VVA #1027 Facebook page. We hope that this new method of communication will be a place where we can connect, share photos and information. www.toysfortots.org 14 THE CHAPLAINS CORNER Chaplain Dennis Porter Reflects In the spring of 1968, I was with the 212th Military Police Company as a sentry dog handler. The detachment I was with walked the perimeter of an ammo dump at night. Sometimes, after getting off duty in the morning, we would get cleaned up and go into town. There was a favorite restaurant that we liked to go for lobster tail, a small dish of butter and a loaf of French bread that had small black pieces of protein baked in. This was always washed down with a few bottle of domestic brew. There was a radar/communication station located on the top of a large hill in Vung Tau. One day after lunch, two other men and I came out of the restaurant and noticed halfway up the hill there was a line of white dots circling the hill. Being inquisitive policemen, we felt it was our duty to find out what these dots were…so we decided to climb the hill. When we reached the dots we found out that they were information signs. The signs read: DANGER THIS AREA MINED”. The Bible is God’s instruction book for mankind. My favorite verse is John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Replace the word WORLD with your name. That is how much God loves you no matter what you have done. Just something to think about as you may encounter your own minefields. Having superior previous knowledge of mine fields (HEROESNewsletter - Volume I, #2, May-Sept 2010), I informed the other men that it would be a good idea to vacate the area. The Warrior’s Pledge Oh warrior, my brother, my sister: We once prepared for battle, and served our causes as best we could. Perhaps we are stained by blood shed by others, or carry scars from our own wounds. Yet our task is not complete until we have acknowledged one another. Oh warrior, my brother my sister, I offer to you the following: I will honor your experience of service, recognizing that while your cause may not be mine, the terrors of war bind us together. I will listen to your story, and share with you my own, for without each other we cannot know the truth, nor can we tell the story to our children. I will value your life, even though in the past we may have sought to destroy one another and may indeed have destroyed lives precious to each other, today your life is precious to me. I will give you the gift of my presence, that we may know each other as the warriors we are, complete our task, and welcome each other into our homes. Allan Cutter, 1999 These reflections do not reflect the sentiments of our entire chapter. 15 Vietnam Veterans of America VVA Chapter #1027 St. Joseph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN 46624-0004 VVA Chapter #1027 is open to all eligible veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 2/28/1961 OR in any duty location between 8/5/1964 and 5/7/1975. Regardless of race, creed, sex, extraterrestrial status, et al. VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICAN, CHAPTER 1027 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans who served on active duty (for other than training purposes) in the Republic of Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. Name: Date of Birth: Address City: Home Phone: State: Zip: Work Phone: 1)VVA Internet Access Internet access to information and the scoop on our local Chapter # 1027 can be found at www.vva.org. How to access our chapter: On the left side, scroll down and click on “Locate Your Local VVA Chapter.” Then click on “IN” and find “VVA Chapter # 1027.” Click on that link and you are there. 2)Local Chapter Updates Route all changes, content and suggestions to: Frank Piontek, [email protected]. 3)Link to Numerous Popular VA Forms www.Hadit.com Veteran to Veteran * Knowledge is Power Veterans Helping Veterans thru the VA Maze Email: Include: Copy of DD214 – Discharge Document Payment (Check payable to VVA Chapter #1027) 1 Year Membership...$20 3 Year Membership........ $50 (save $10) Life Membership: Age 29 & Under.....$250 Age 50 – 55.................. $225 Age 55 – 60.............$200 Age 61 – 65.................. $175 Age 66 & Over........$150 Mail to: Important Numbers & Links Vietnam Veterans of American, VVA Chapter #1027 St. Joseph County P.O. Box 4 South Bend, IN 46624-0004 16 4)South Bend VA Outpatient Clinic 5735 S. Ironwood Road South Bend, IN 46614 Phone: 574.299.4847 or 866.436.1291 Fax: 574.299.9073 5)Online Memorial www.vitualwall.org 6)Agent Orange: Alphabetized Ships List VA has released a list of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships associated with military service in Vietnam and possible exposure to Agent Orange based on military records: www.publichealth. va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/ list.asp.