QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG
“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit
violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell
Vietnam Veterans Scholarship
Assistance For Veterans
Quad Cities Chapter 299 of
Vietnam Veterans of America has
established a Veteran Scholarship
Fund. It is being administered
by The Moline Foundation which
is located at 817-11th Avenue,
Moline, IL, 309.764.4193. The
fund is called Vietnam Veterans
Scholarship
Assistance
for
Veterans. The Moline Fund
charges a modest two percent
annually to administer ALL aspects
of the scholarship. Additionally,
donations can be made directly
to The Moline Foundation in the
scholarship’s name.
Monetary grants will be
awarded to qualified area Veterans
who have served in the armed
forces and have received a
discharge (other then dishonorable)
from active duty. The scholarship
will be awarded based primarily
on need and it will be paid directly
to the college, trade school or
technical training facility to help
defray the veteran’s educational
expenses. Chapter 299 established
the scholarship by depositing
$47,500 in the fund. The initial
goal is to raise matching funds
so that the scholarship awards
can be substantial and the funding
continues to grow. The stated goal
of this scholarship is to serve the
Quad Cities Veteran Community
now and in perpetuity. Further, it
is the intention of all involved that
this scholarship be a living reminder
that our area Vietnam Veterans lived
and worked in this community and
when called upon by our country,
served with Honor.
The fund is a 501C-3 and
all donations are a tax deductible
under IRS regulations.
We are asking our sister
veteran organizations, civic clubs &
organizations as well as individuals
to please consider donating to this
most worthwhile cause. We would
also suggest that this fund be a
point of consideration in your will
and estate planning. No donation
is too small and most certainly none
will be too big!
Please consider this an
investment in our collective future
and a tribute to all who have served
- then and now.
With respect to all and with
allegiance to our Veteran Brothers,
We remain, the Members of
Vietnam Veterans of America, Quad
Cities Chapter 299.
We went to Vietnam as Strangers
and came Home as Bothers.
SEPTEMBER 2016
CHAPTER 299
VETS IN CRISIS
HOTLINE
1.800.273.8255
President - LARRY TSCHAPPAT
309 - 788-2729
[email protected]
Vice President-RAY HAMILTON
1-563-650-7486
[email protected]
Secretary-John Schneck
309-798-1255
[email protected]
Treasurer-Mike Haney
309-755-7935 –
[email protected]
Membership - STEVE BRENNER
563-355-6499
[email protected]
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Al “Butch” Huber-VSO
309.721.1453
VVA National Offices
800.882.1316
VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf
563.332.8528
VA Med Cent IA City
319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843
IL Dept of Veterans Affairs
VSO Carla Waibel
309.793.1460
RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO
Todd Harlow
309.558.3546
VET CENTER (Counseling)
309-762-6955
IA Vet Affairs & VSO
David Woods
563.326.8723
Honor Guard Co-Captains
Dennis Laird - Funerals
309.721.7468
Andy Andersen - Parades
C: 563.940.5980
IA Workforce Vet Reps
Craig Norris - 563.445.3219
Jennifer Toenjes –
1-563-445-3200 EXT. 43348
[email protected]
2
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
QUAD CITIES VETERANS PRESENT THE
COLORS AT BUSCH STADIUM
On Sat; Aug. 27th Saturday Members of the
Honor Guards of Vietnam
Veterans of America (VVA)
Chapters 299 and 669
and Mexican American
Veterans
Association
(MAVA) Chapter 4 proudly
presented The Colors at
Busch Stadium during the
National Anthem before
the St. Louis Cardinals Oakland Athletics interleague baseball
game. Those proud Veterans are, in alphabetical order: Fred
Barks of Rock Island, Jim Bell of Sherrard, Al Bradley of Taylor
Ridge, Tom Courtney of Hampton, Dennis Johnson of Moline,
Jim Loveless of Rock Island, Ken Madden of Davenport, Leonard
Peters of East Moline, Gunter Terronez of Silvis and Gary White
of Bettendorf.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2016
Vet 2 Vet trip to VA Medical Center - Iowa City – See info in this issue
Welcome Home Dance – Friday November 11, 2016 – Jumer’s Casino / Hotel
To read the August Board or Membership Minutes – Please Attend The
September 20th membership Meeting for a copy
Healing Heroes In the Heartland Event – Oct 1st – see promo this issue
Remember: Membership Meetings Now Occur at the Moline Vikings Club in
Moline The 3rd Tuesday of each month – No Membership Meeting in December
– Do Not Go To The RI Arsenal – No one will be there but the Guards
Proceeds to
Healing Heroes in the Heartland
a 501c (3) non profit
Games
12 games for $10
Raffles
Saturday, October 1,
2016
Faith Lutheran Church
1611 41st Street
Moline
Doors Open at 5:30 pm
Silent Auction
HHH
Healing Heroes
in the Heartland
Casey's
General Store
Chicago Cubs
Whitey’s Ice
Cream
Arthur’s Garden
Deli
Panera
Faith Lutheran
Church
provides FREE, accessible
alternative medicine to active
military, veterans, police/fire,
and medical personnel
who suffer from
PTSD and/or TBI.
Chicago Cubs
Jason Hammel autographed baseball
(authenticated)
White Sox
Avisail Garcia autographed
photo
Chicago Bears Donation
Panera
Quilt
& Much More !!
Chicago
Bears
Quad City Mallards
Quad City
Botanical Center
Two Rivers YMCA
Meridian
Chiropractic
&
Acupuncture
Quad City Botanical Center
1 year Membership
Quad City Mallards
4 tickets
Whitey’s Ice Cream
1910-1958
Wheat Pennies
Two Rivers YMCA
One month membership ($120)
TAPS
Following is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the
VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor
Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service
in which these veterans served. Any Chapter 299 Members are designated by bold letters and
underlined.
Date of funeral
JULY 28, 2016
AUG 08, 2016
AUG 08, 2016
AUG 11, 2016
AUG 11, 2016
AUG 12, 2016
AUG 12, 2016
AUG 15, 2016
AUG 26, 2016
AUG 26, 2016
AUG 29, 2016
SEPT 01, 2016
Name of veteran
Age
RICKY HOSCH
JOANN NORALS
38
GRAHM GEIGLE
31
JOAN M. GERISCHER
72
DONALD BAER
84
JOHN T. AHERN
80
JACK N. BEAVERS
81
JONATHAN L. MYERS
33
ROMANE L. NUNN SR. 29 LOWELL HOY
85
CECIL M. RITTER
76
KAZEL M. WILLIAMS
55 Branch of service
U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
U. S. ARMY (WAR ON TERROR)
U. S. NAVY (IRAQI FREEDOM)
U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN, NURSE)
U. S. ARMY (KOREAN WAR VETERAN)
U. S. MARINE CORPS (KOREAN WAR VETERAN)
U. S. ARMY (KOREAN WAR VETERAN)
U. S. AIR FORCE (ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM)
U. S. ARMY (IRAQI FREEDOM)
U. S. ARMY (KOREAN WAR VETERAN)
U.S. MARINE CORPS (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
U. S. NAVY (COLD WAR)
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
3
Chapter 299 Picnic
September 11, 2001 – Never Forget
Members: take time to reflect upon
that beautiful Tuesday September 11th,
2001 when our world went upside down.
Though it’s been 15 years since
America was attacked, we still have armed
forces “humping” in the Middle East. Policy
makers may state we are not at war but
until America recognizes radical Islamic
terrorists are at war with us, that Isis’ goal
is a worldwide caliphate, our “special
operators” will continue to fight.
With sound, long term leadership,
planning and the use of various ploys,
tactics and strategies America defeated
the Nazi regime, the imperial Japanese
army and navy and the communist U.S.S.R.
and its various satellite “states”. We are
engaged with the same type of protracted
evil that demands the best qualities of our
leaders and military minds.
As Vietnam War/ Era Veterans we
are obliged to never abandon our brothers
serving in the field today and every day
until the last Islamic terrorist is vanquished.
Our civilization depends upon the defeat of
a global totalitarian enemy and defeat Isis
and jihadists. - JH
We are going to have a picnic on Sunday – 18
Sept 16, and it will run from 1 pm to 6 pm. We will provide
pork chops, chicken breasts and hotdogs for you to start
grilling at 4:30 pm. If you need help cooking, we’ll provide
that too. The location of our picnic is the Indian Bluff Golf
Course shelter, 6200 – 78th Ave (Indian Bluff Road – runs
along the South side of the QC Airport) Milan, IL The
shelter is past the Clubhouse parking lot South 1 block &
on your left. Besides the meat, the Chapter will provide
buns, beer, pop, water and potato salad, as well as
plates, cups, eating utensils and napkins. We do ask you
to bring a side dish or dessert (with a serving utensil) to
share, along with a big appetite. Very Important: Jerry
Goodwin needs to know how many people are coming
with each member. So please call him at (309) 230-1392
no later than 16 Sept to give him your totals. Optional:
bring your own lawn chairs in case you don’t like sitting
on picnic table benches. Please come enjoy one of the
last lazy days of summer with us.
SAVE THE DATES: September 14, 21, 28,
2016 VVA Advocacy Call in Days - Supporting
Passage of S.2921, the Veterans First Act Let your voices be heard loud and clear on the hill
that you support passage of S.2921, the Veterans First
Act in September. This legislation includes S. 901, the
Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015, extend caregiver
benefits to catastrophically injured veterans who served
prior to 9/11, and it will grant the necessary leasing
authority so that development of the West LA Veterans
Affairs Campus can proceed apace in providing housing
and other services for homeless veterans, men and
women who, for decades, have needed these services.
This bi-partisan bill with 44 cosponsors was introduced
in the Senate by Senator Isakson, Chair of the Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee and Senator Blumenthal,
Ranking Member.
So check your emails and be on the lookout for
VVA call in alerts on September 14, 21, and 28 supporting
passage of S.2921, the Veterans First Act. And make the
CALL
S.2921 -- Cosponsors
- S.2921 - Noncosponsors - Submitted by Larry Tschappat
4
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
STARS AND STRIPES
AN EIGHTH AIR FORCE BOMBER STATION,
ENGLAND - After literally losing the nose of his
B-17 Flying Fortress as the result of a direct hit by
flak over Cologne , Germany on October 15, 1944,
1st Lt. Lawrence M. deLancey, 25, of Corvallis ,
Oregon returned to England and landed the crew
safely at his home base. Each man walked away
from the plane except the togglier, Staff Sergeant
George E. Abbott, Mt. Lebanon , Pennsylvania ,
who was killed instantly when the flak struck.
It was only the combined skill and teamwork
of Lt. DeLancey and 2nd Lt. Raymond J. LeDoux,
of Mt. Angel , Oregon , navigator, that enabled the
plane and crew to return safely.
“Just after we dropped our bombs and
started to turn away from the target”, Lt. DeLancey
explained, “A flak burst hit directly in the nose and
blew practically the entire nose section to threads.
Part of the nose peeled back and obstructed my
vision and that of my co-pilot, 1st Lt. Phillip H.
Stahlman of Shippenville , Pennsylvania . What
little there was left in front of me looked like a scrap
heap. The wind was rushing through our feet were
exposed to the open air at nearly 30,000 feet above
the ground the temperature was unbearable.
“There we were in a heavily defended flak area
with no nose, and practically no instruments.
The instrument panel was bent toward me as the
result of the impact. My altimeter and magnetic
compass were about the only instruments still
operating and I couldn’t depend on their accuracy
too well. Naturally I headed for home immediately.
The hit which had killed S/Sgt. Abbott also knocked
Lt. LeDoux back in the catwalk (just below where
I was sitting) our oxygen system also was out so I
descended to a safe altitude.
“Lt. LeDoux who had lost all his instruments
and maps in the nose did a superb piece of navigating
to even find England .”
During the route home flak again was
encountered but due to evasive action Lt. DeLancey
was able to return to friendly territory. Lt. LeDoux
navigated the ship directly to his home field.
Although the plane was off balance without
any nose section, without any brakes (there was no
hydraulic pressure left), and with obstructed vision, Lt.
DeLancey made a beautiful landing to the complete
amazement of all personnel at this field who still are
wondering how the feat was accomplished. The
other members of the crew include:
1.
Technical Sergeant Benjamin H. Ruckel,
Roscoe, California, engineer top turret
gunner;
2. Technical Sergeant Wendell A. Reed,
Shelby, Michigan, radio operator gunner;
3. Technical Sergeant Russell A. Lachman,
Rockport, Mass., waist gunner;
4. S
taff Sergeant Albert Albro, Antioch ,
California , ball turret gunner and
5. S
taff Sergeant Herbert D. Guild, Bronx ,
New York , tail gunner.
DeLancey and LeDoux received decorations
on December 11, 1944 for their parts in the October
15 drama. DeLancey was awarded the Silver Star
for his “miraculous feat of flying skill and ability”
on behalf of General Doolittle, CO of the Eighth Air
Force. LeDoux for his “extraordinary navigation skill”
received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
5
Vettes on the River Car Show - Vettes Supporting Vets
On 27 Aug 16, Chapter members helped
the Mid-west Corvette Club put on their annual car
show at the levee park in LeClaire, Iowa. Despite
the threat of showers, 388 Corvettes registered for
the show. And with 20 some club member cars on
display, gave them a grand total of more than 400
‘Vettes for the day. This was their biggest show to
date. We also provided our Honor Guard for their
opening ceremonies, helped sell 50/50 and raffle
tickets all day, and provided security for their prizes
and money taken in during the show.
At the end of the day, Event Co-Chairman
Randy Huber presented to me, along with all
Chapter members present, a check for $11,780
dollars to our Chapter. I thanked Randy and all of
the Mid-west Corvette members for their generous
donation to Chapter 299.
I want to recognize and thank everyone who
helped make this a successful fundraiser for our
Chapter. This includes members Dennis Laird,
Dennis Wohlford (who also brought 7 tables &
was one of our two judges), Dennis Johnson, Tom
Hickson, Richard VanderLeest, Gary Andrews (our
other judge), Richard Trout, Fred ‘Hammer” Swim,
Kirk Gustafson (who also won the 50/50 Drawing),
Brian Alm, Terry Lynch, Len Spindel, Andy
Andersen, Carl Green, Bill Biggs, Ben Woolley and
Jim Bell. I also want to thank VVA 669 members
Richard “Scruff” Rohlfs and Gary Porter for all their
help.
All in all, it was a great day for our Chapter.
Thank you all for being there and helping to
make this our biggest fundraiser to date this
year. Respectfully submitted – Larry Tschappat –
Chapter 299 President
Earn The CI.B. ? NEW ILLINOIS LAW PASSED
FOR LICENSE PLATES Earlier this year, the Chicago Chapter of the
Combat Infantrymen’s Association (CIA) petitioned
the State of Illinois to issue a IL State License Plate
with the CIB logo on it. At the July 21st, 2016
CIA Executive Board meeting, State Senator Julie
Morrison presented Commander Jerry Adler with
a copy of the IL CIB License Plate that may/will be
available sometime in October or November 2016.
For those of you who have not filled out a
copy of our “Contact Information Form” so we can
up-date our “State Members Master Rosters” we
have again included it in this mailing. If you have
previously submitted this form, please disregard. We have also included copies of the “Change of
Address” form and the “Permanent Change of
Status (PCS)” form, if necessary. Please fill out all
of these forms that apply to you (the member) and
return them to us at the address listed below. Once
we have up-dated our rosters, we will forward a
copy of these forms to National Headquarters so
they can up-date their records. If you have any questions or comments,
you can reach the undersigned at any of the
addresses or phone numbers listed below. If you
know of anyone that did receive the CIB, and is
not a member of our association, give them our
name, addresses and phone numbers, as listed
below, or contact us with their information and we
will contact them.
FOR THE COMMANDER: George A.
Hitzman – PSG, IN {Ret.} – Adjutant Admin Officer
5719 W. Pensacola Avenue * Chicago, IL
60634-1722 * Office: (773) 283-4085 * FAX: (773)
283-3987 * E-mail: [email protected]
6
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
Bob Brooks Receives Probation,
$5,000 Fine For Stolen Valor
A Davenport man was sentenced Tuesday to
probation and a fine for misrepresenting his Military
Service.
Robert “Bob” Brooks Jr., 70, was sentenced
by U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose to
five years’ probation and a $5,000 fine after pleading
guilty in March under the Stolen Valor Act for Buying
Medals without proper authorization, according to U.S.
Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. He also was ordered to
forfeit the unauthorized medals and pay a $25 special
assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Mr. Brooks served in the Navy from November
1962 to September 1966 and in the Army from May
1967 to September 1970. From September 1970 until
September 1974 he served in the Army Reserve. From
September 1974 until Jan. 31, 1986, he again served
in the Navy; he was discharged under “other than
honorable conditions,” according to a release from Mr.
VanderSchel.
The DD-214 military record file for Mr.
Brooks, dated Sept. 10, 1970, listed his Awards and
Decorations as the National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal,
Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge, 30/S Service
Bars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal
with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medal (14th award
with “V” device).
Between 1971-1974 and during his service in
the Army Reserves, Mr. Brooks compiled a list of other
awards and decorations he thought he deserved but
had not validly received. He provided that list to another
person and the information was falsely added to his
official DD-214 -- the only document later checked
when suspicion arose about his awards, according to
Mr. VanderSchel’s release.
In March, Mr. Brooks admitted the DD-214
had false information. Most significantly, it falsely said
Thomas Skorepa
ATTORNEY AT LAW
3725 Black Hawk Road
Suite 200
Rock Island, IL 61201
309.788.7481
he received a Silver Star Medal with two Oak Leaf
Clusters, a Purple Heart with four Oak Leaf Clusters
and the Combat Infantry Badge [ C.I.B. ].
He also admitted his record falsely included nearly 30
other awards and decorations, and that he knowingly
bought the unauthorized awards and decorations.
The release states he repeatedly and falsely affirmed
he was entitled to and received those awards and
decorations; when others questioned his record,
he referred to the DD-214 knowing it held false
information.
At his sentencing hearing, it also was noted
his claims of being a Prisoner Of War after being shot
down during the Vietnam War were not credible. The
court also noted a “Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s
Soul” story about flying through enemy fire to save a
group of Marines, based on information Mr. Brooks
provided, also apparently was not true.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s
Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Brooks previously served
on the Board of Directors for Vietnam Veterans QuadCities Chapter 299 and has been among Veterans
recognized at local events for military service. * Reprinted with permission from the Dispatch / Argus,
August 31, 2016 Edition
James W. Victor
Executive Director
Financial Advisor
4300 East 53rd Street, Suite 300
Davenport, IA 52807
563-344-4334 or 800-553-1871
[email protected]
© 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
CRC897541 05/14
Ken Stotmeister CLU LUTCF
Producer/Broker
Personal & Business Insurance Solutions
563-349-9160
[email protected]
17620 HUBBARD ROAD
EAST MOLINE, IL 61244
FAX: 309-496-1831
Providing advice on Medicare Supplement Plans,
Prescription Drug Plans & Medicare Health Plans since 1983
Helping you protect and maintain your quality of life
Continuing the tradition of service to those in need.
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
Daughters of the American
Revolution (DAR): Distinguished
Citizen of the Year Award Ceremon
Date: Saturday, October 15th, 2016
Location: Butterworth Center; 1105 8th Street,
Moline, Illinois. 309-743-2700
Arrival: 0900 Hrs. - Breakfast brunch: 0930 Hrs. Ceremony Starts: 1000 Hrs.
After opening remarks & introduction of distinguished
guests, Pledge, American, Creed and National
Anthem, Regent Karin Ciaccio with introduce Mr.
William (Bill) Albracht for his program, which is 2025 minutes.
Followed by a short Q&A.
The DAR request that we provide them with the
names of those who wish to attend, so appropriate
seating can be made, and there will be enough
breakfast for everyone.
For further information or questions contact, Kitty
Humphry: 309-373-0214, or Ken Moffett: 309-2350545.
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
7
SEPTEMBER 2016
VET 2 VET REPORT
Our Vet 2 Vet Volunteers made the trip to VAMC –
Iowa City last month to spread good cheer to our
hospitalized and ill Veterans. Standing Tall last month
were Jim Stanbary, Gary White, Bill Howard, Fred
“Hammer” Swim, Doug Holmgren, Ken Madden,
Tom Scoria, Don Theesfeld and Frenchy Eaves.
We were very well received and Jim Stanbary is very
close to having his Therapy / Service Dog Certified
which means he’ll be able to visit some of the most
ill patients especially helpful to those on the 9th
Floor suffering from PTSD and its affects.
Our next Vet 2 Vet trip to VAMC / Iowa City is
Wednesday, October 14th. If you care to Volunteer,
show up at Denny’s near the Machine Shed at 7
AM – we’ll leave at 8 AM and return to the QCA @
1 – 1:30 PM the same day. Vet 2 Vet Chair Paul
“Frenchy” Eaves
CHAPTER 299 HONOR GUARD UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2016
Aug. 27 Presentation Of The Colors At The St. Louis
Cardinals/Oakland Athletics Baseball Game.
Sept. 01 Presenting Colors At The River Bandits Game
04 Rock Island Grand Prix Parade.
05 Labor Day Parade In Rock Island.
10 Quad Cities Cruisers “Cruise In”. Sell 50/50 Tickets. 5:30 - 9Pm.
10 Andalusia Parade.
24 Nami Walk In Moline. Presentation Of The Colors And Some Will Walk.
Phone: 309-277-8700
Thanking Our Veterans
For Our Freedom!
8
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
Heroes of the Vietnam Generation
by Senator James Webb (VA)
The rapidly disappearing cohort of
Americans that endured the Great Depression and
then fought World War II is receiving quite a sendoff from the leading lights of the so-called 60s
generation. Tom Brokaw has published two oral
histories of “The Greatest Generation” that feature
ordinary people doing their duty and suggests that
such conduct was historically unique.
Chris Matthews of “Hardball” is fond of writing
columns praising the Navy service of his father
while castigating his own baby boomer generation
for its alleged softness and lack of struggle.
William Bennett gave a startling condescending
speech at the Naval Academy a few years ago
comparing the heroism of the “D-Day Generation”
to the drugs-and-sex nihilism of the “Woodstock
Generation.” And Steven Spielberg, in promoting
his film “Saving Private Ryan,” was careful to
justify his portrayals of soldiers in action based on
the supposedly unique nature of World War II.
An irony is at work here. Lest we forget, the World
War II generation now being lionized also brought
us the Vietnam War, a conflict which today’s most
conspicuous voices by and large opposed, and
in which few of them
served. The “best
and brightest” of the
Vietnam age group
once made headlines
by castigating their
parents for bringing
about the war in which
they would not fight,
Named a
which has become
military friendly
the war they refuse to
college by
remember.
Victory Media
6 years running!
Pundits back then
invented a term for
Thanks to our
this
animus:
the
service men and
“generation
gap.”
women and our
Long, plaintive articles
veterans!
and even books were
written examining its
manifestations. Campus leaders, who claimed
precocious wisdom through the magical process
of reading a few controversial books, urged fellow
baby boomers not to trust anyone over 30. Their
elders who had survived the Depression and
fought the largest war in history were looked down
upon as shallow, materialistic and out of touch.
Those of us who grew up, on the other side of the
picket line from that era’s counter-culture can’t
help but feel a little leery of this sudden gush
of appreciation for our elders from the leading
lights of the old counter-culture. Then and now,
the national conversation has proceeded from
the dubious assumption that those who came of
age during Vietnam are a unified generation in the
same sense as their parents were and thus are
capable of being spoken for through these fickle
elites.
In truth, the “Vietnam generation” is a misnomer.
Those who came of age during that war are
permanently divided by different reactions to
a whole range of counter-cultural agendas
and nothing divides them more deeply than
the personal ramifications of the war itself. The
sizable portion of the Vietnam age group who
declined to support the counter-cultural agenda,
and especially the men and women who opted to
serve in the military during the Vietnam War, are
quite different from their peers who for decades
have claimed to speak for them. In fact, they
are much like the World War II generation itself.
For them, Woodstock was a side show, college
protestors were spoiled brats who would have
benefited from having to work a few jobs in order
to pay their tuition, and Vietnam represented not
an intellectual exercise in draft avoidance, or
protest marches but a battlefield that was just as
brutal as those their fathers faced in World War II
and Korea.
Few who served during Vietnam ever complained
of a generation gap. The men who fought World
War II were their heroes and role models. They
honored their father’s service by emulating it,
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
and largely agreed with their father’s wisdom
in attempting to stop Communism’s reach in
Southeast Asia.
The most accurate poll of their attitudes (Harris, 1980)
showed that 91 percent were glad they’d served
their country, 74 percent enjoyed their time in the
service, and 89 percent agreed with the statement
that “our troops were asked to fight in a war which
our political leaders in Washington would not let
them win.” And most importantly, the castigation
they received upon returning home was not from
the World War II generation, but from the very elites
in their age group who supposedly spoke for them.
PAGE 1
PAGE 2 – HEROES OF THE VIETNAM GENERATION
by Senator James Webb - Virginia
Nine million men served in the military during
Vietnam War, three million of whom
went to the Vietnam Theater. Contrary
to popular mythology, two-thirds of
these were volunteers, and 73 percent
of those who died were volunteers.
While some attention has been paid
recently to the plight of our prisoners
of war, most of whom were pilots;
there has been little recognition of
how brutal the war was for those who
fought it on the ground.
Dropped onto the enemy’s terrain
12,000 miles away from home,
America’s citizen-soldiers performed
with a tenacity and quality that may
never be truly understood. Those
who believe the war was fought
incompletely on a tactical level should
consider Hanoi’s recent admission
that 1.4 million of its soldiers died on
the battlefield, compared to 58,000
total U.S. dead.
Those who believe that it was a “dirty
little war” where the bombs did all the
work might contemplate that is was
the most costly war the U.S. Marine
Corps has ever fought: five times as
many dead as World War I, three times
as many dead as in Korea, and more
total killed and wounded than in all of
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
9
World War II.
Significantly, these sacrifices were being made at a
time the United States was deeply divided over our
effort in Vietnam. The baby-boom generation had
cracked apart along class lines as America’s young
men were making difficult, life-or-death choices
about serving. The better academic institutions
became focal points for vitriolic protest against
the war, with few of their graduates going into the
military. Harvard College, which had lost 691 alumni
in World War II, lost a total of 12 men in Vietnam
from the classes of 1962 through 1972 combined.
Those classes at Princeton lost six, at MIT two. The
media turned ever more hostile. And frequently the
reward for a young man’s having gone through the
trauma of combat was to be greeted by his peers
with studied indifference of outright hostility.
*****submitted by Greg McCluskey – Part Two to appear next month
10
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 9
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER
VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA Chapter 299 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership open to U.S. armed forces Veterans who served on active duty (other than training purpose) in
Vietnam
between February 28.1961 and May 7, 1975, or any other duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.
ATTENTION: All new members must submit a copy of your DD Form-214 along with this application and dues
payment.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP: ___________________
Home Phone: ________________________Cell Phone________________________ Work Phone___________________
e-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________________ Gender: Male / Female
Optional : SPONSOR________________________________________ VVA Membership Number___________________
I am already a VVA member and would like to become a life member. My current VVA Member number is: ___________
Type of Membership: (Please circle one)
___Individual Member – 1 year: $20 (One year Membership Special $10.00)(Chapter 299 only), Individual Member – 3 years: $50, Life
Member – Ages 56-60: $200, Ages 61-65: $175, Ages 66-71: $150., Ages 72+: $100, Life Member Time Payment Plan - $50
down, $25/month (until age bracket is paid in full) * (Please make checks payable to “VVA”)
Associate Membership available to anyone not covered by the requirements for VVA membership. This includes family,
members, friends, and Veterans not eligible for VVA Membership. (One year VVA Membership Special - $10.00 - this is only offered by
Chapter 299 & must be sent to Chapter address).
If there are any questions please call (309) 788-2729 (Membership Chairman) or (309) 788-VETS (8387)(Leave message)
Chapter 299 meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 pm at the R. I. Arsenal Cafeteria.
VISITORS WELCOME! COME CHECK US OUT BEFORE YOU JOIN! Return your completed application with payment and a copy of your DD Form-214 to:
“VVA” Chapter 299 * P O Box 6076 * Rock Island, IL. 61201-6076
2508 – 25TH STREET, SUITE #3
ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201
Go to voicemail? Leave a message.
307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512
MCA
The Eastern Iowa - Western Illinois
Mechinical Contractors Association of America
Thanking our
Veterans for their
service to our country!
280 East 90th Street • Davenport, IA 52806
Phone: (563)285-1914 • Fax: (563)285-1917
Salute America
and Our Veterans!
563-345-6450
[email protected]
CATERING – HOG ROASTER UPDATE
As of the November
2013 the9
Catering Crew for Chapter
299 wrapped up TO
the year
with 4 Events that 11
VOLUME
30 ISSUE
SHOULDER
SHOULDER
occurred after publication. On December 11th they met at the Viking Club to internally assess the year
and make rough plans for going forward into Year
2015.
The Viking Club held their annual Open House
Sunday
December
21st and theToCatering
With
Respect
and Admiration
All WhoCrew
Served.
provided a minimum 4 Volunteers to help with this
event. The Viking Club provides a staging area for
Chapter 299 to do all the prep and clean up work
throughout the year.
The Roaster and its utensils were all stowed away
and put “in mothballs” in December 2014. The
Roaster and the Crew will take a respite from all
Catering Activities until early Springtime 2015.
As always, your editors request more Member
Volunteers for our Chapter’s largest fund raising
vehicle. Whether you can pitch in to help stage an
event at the Viking Club in Moline, assist with clean
up there after an event or pitch in for any amount
of time at an event, The Catering Crew needs
help. If you can only spare an hour or two a few
times during the Roasting Season, those hours will
be greatly appreciated by the hard working – core
group. Please consider Volunteering this year. JL,
BA, JH
VET 2 VET REPORT
SAM’S
CLUB
VET 2 VET went to Country House Residence in February to spread good cheer
to the people
there.#8238
Taking part
in handing out Patriotic Hats, lapel pins, Flags and playing card were, Jerry Lingard, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale
3845
AVENUE
Baker, Larry Tschappat, Steve Brenner and Frenchy Eaves. A Chapter 299
CharterELMORE
member is living
Country
House – Jeff “Doc” Lance. “Doc” was so very pleased to see us, and his Mother,
Eileen
resides
there
too.
Vet 2
DAVENPORT,
IA
Vet was very well received and all had a good time. Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves
563.355.3939
www.waterparkcarwash.com
"Satisfaction Guaranteed"
SAM’S CLUB #4061
6600-44 AVENUE
Purchase
of a Dinner Entree
MOLINE,includes
IL 61265
1 house drink of your
choice. Present this coupon
309.581.7128
when ordering.
Compliments of
Bud Canfield!
SERVING OUR
VETERANS & OUR
COMMUNITY
Offer expires 04/30/15
61204-6076
Chapter Sponsor & Marine
Corps Veteran Receives
Certificate of Appreciation
My old friend, Fellow Chapter Member and Marine Corps
Veteran, Ken Stotmeister was presented a Certificate of
Appreciation from Bill Albracht and Chapter 299.
Without Sponsors there is no monthly Shoulder To
Shoulder. Ken is a Producer / Broker and can attend
to both Personal or Business Insurance needs. Ken
provides expert advice on Medicare Supplement Plans,
Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Health Plans. If you, a Family Member or a Friend is in need of
Ken’s advice – call him at [563] 349-9160.
We proudly support Vietnam
Veteran’s Chapter 299
309-756-2700