Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 . __ . . -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ . . ( * \ . . Managing Editors \ Quangtri . . -------------- \_/\ \_ Hue . . G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai . . Todd C. Looney \_* \_ . . \ * ) . . Distribution Manager _/ Danang . . Jerry Hindle ( \_*Chu Lai . . \_ ------- \__ . . Section Editors \_ I Corps \ . . --------------- \ ------- ! . . AGENT ORANGE: Martin H. Kroll, Sr. /\_____ ! . . MIA-POW : Rick Stolz / ! \ . . REUNIONS: Glen Kepler ! !___ \ . . CHAPLAIN: Ed Brant ! \/\____! . . HOMELESSNESS: Lefty Frizzell ! ! . . FEDERAL BENEFITS: Jim Hildwine / Dak To ! . . INCARCERATED VETS: Todd C. Looney / * / . . Joyce Flory ! \_ . . MEMORIES: G. Joseph Peck ! Phu Cat\ . . IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau \ * * ) . . \ Pleiku ) . . -**- N A M V E T -**- \ \ . . / / . . "In the jungles of 'Nam, some of us ( -------- ! . . were scared and wary, but we pulled _\ II Corps ! . . one another along and were able / -------- \ . . to depend on each other. That has \ \ . . never changed. Today, free of the ! * / . . criticisms and misunderstandings _/ Nhatrang / . . many veterans have endured, _/ / . . NAM VET is a shining beacon, __/ ! . . a ray of hope, and a _ __/ \ ! . . reminder that the _____( )/ ! Camranh Bay . . lessons learned / !__ ! . . at such a high / \ / . . price shall not \ Bien Hoa \ / . . be forgotten - ! Chu Chi * \ __/ . . nor the errors \_ * --------- \ ___/ . . repeated!!!" ____ \ III Corps \ _/ . . / \_____) )_(_ --------- !__/ Duplication in . . ! ( ___/ any form permitted . . _____! \__ * ___/ for NONCOMMERCIAL . . ! Saigon/ purposes ONLY! . . \___ -------- / \/ . . \ IV Corps / For other use, contact: . . ) -------- / Managing Editors . . / ! Todd C. Looney (408) 947-8439 . . / ____/ G. Joseph Peck (413) 442-1660 . . / Mekong/ . . ! Delta/ This newsletter is comprised of articles . . ! ____/ and items from individuals and other . . ! / sources. We are not responsible for the . . ! / content of this information nor are any of . . ! __/ NAM VETs contributors or Section Editors. . . \_/ gjp . . . NAM VET Newsletter Page i Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. EDITORIALS Agent Orange & Uranium - A parallel??? .................. 1 Thoughts in Parallel .................................... 4 Down for the count? ..................................... 6 2. Missing!!! Herbert Eugene Smith - KIA .............................. 8 Alfons Aloyze Bankowski - KIA/BNR ....................... 10 Mark V. Dennis - KIA .................................... 12 Donald Lee Sparks - MIA/POW ............................. 13 Donald Elliot Westbrook - MIA ........................... 15 Hugh Michael Fanning - MIA .............................. 17 Evelyn Anderson - KIA ................................... 19 POW News ................................................ 20 VietNow Ceases League of Families Support ............... 21 BEFORE "Normalization" - Remember Our MIAs!!! ........... 22 "Truth Accountability Bill" Supported ................... 23 Frank J. Kiewlen - KIA .................................. 24 In Memoriam - USS Liberty Veterans ...................... 25 They haven't forgutten US!!! ............................ 26 3. Agent Orange Millions "at once"? Maybe... ........................... 27 US Dogs in Vietnam: Cancer-prone ........................ 28 VA To Compensate for Soft-Tissue Sarcomas ............... 29 Break out the Clearsil ! ............................ 30 4. Noteworthy! National Guard Units in Vietnam ......................... 31 Cute Trick, Uncle Sam!!! ................................ 32 Do You Know Where The Vietnam Veteran Memorials Are? .... 33 All Roads Lead To Indochina ............................. 34 Congress Looks Anew at Ties With Vietnam ................ 35 Paralyzed Veterans of America ........................... 37 A matter of Conscience??? ............................... 38 5. Remember Them!!! Incarcerated Vets - Winning and Losing... ............... 39 A visit or note once in awhile? ......................... 40 Missing Memorial?? ...................................... 41 What is AVIP ............................................ 43 6. The NamVet Chaplain's Corner Strong Tools for a Quiet Battle! ........................ 46 The Electronic Chapel ................................... 50 7. *- Reunions -* R E U N I O N U P D A T E ............................. 51 8. Memories n' Stuff The Spirit of The Wall .................................. 67 Deliverance ............................................. 68 In Memory of "Someone Else" ............................. 69 9. Veteran Benefits & Info 1990 Veterans Benefits Handbook Available ............... 70 Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor ..................... 71 10. Hearts n' Minds Veterans heal themselves in 'The Hootch' program ........ 74 HOW TO DEAL WITH DESPAIR ................................ 76 Mistaken Diagnosis ...................................... 86 11. IVVEC & NamVet - WHERE? NamVet Roll Call!! ..................................... 97 IVVEC Nodelist .......................................... 99 Some Gave All... ........................................ 102 NAM VET Newsletter Page ii Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= E D I T O R I A L S ================================================================= Agent Orange Update, July 1990 By: Martin H. Kroll, Sr. NamVet's Agent Orange Section Editor Fort Mountain BBS - Chatsworth, Ga. 30705 (404) 695-8703 This month I am going to get a little off topic but there are many interesting parallels to the Agent Orange issue. Rather than speaking so much about Agent Orange, I would like to present some information about another group of people that have suffered because of the alleged suppression of information by our United States Government and their callous attitude towards it's citizens. The source of information for this months update is the June 18, 1990 issue of "Newsweek". In the 1950's and 60's the nuclear weapons industry was running full speed ahead. We can rest assured that the "Cold War" and the race for superior weaponry was responsible for this. Uranium was being mined in the Southwest at breakneck speed in order to meet the demands. Please note that this is also in the era of the Vietnam escalation and eventual spraying of Agent Orange there. The relationship is not one of nuclear weapons being used in Vietnam, but rather one that reflects the attitude of our government......"Damn the soldiers, damn the miners, full speed ahead!" The story of the uranium miners is as sad a story as the one about Agent Orange. Unlike Agent Orange victims though, the uranium miners and their families are finally due to receive lump sum payments as high as $100,000. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was approved by the house recently after many years of controversy and it even makes provisions for certain cancer victims to receive as much as $50,000 because they were exposed to fallout from nuclear testing in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. US scientists discovered in 1949 that cancer could be caused by inhaling particles produced by radon gas (a byproduct of uranium) and the Public Health Service privately recommended ventilation of the mine shafts in 1952. European studies had linked radioactivity in uranium mines to lung cancer in the 1920's and 30's and had found that mine shaft ventilation could reduce the threat. Despite the findings of the Europeans and those of our own scientists and the recommendations of our own Public Health Service, the Atomic Energy Commission failed to pressure the mine owners to ventilate their mines. The approximately 15,000 uranium miners were never told that their occupation could cause cancer and be hazardous to their health. Dr. Victor Archer (a former PHS official) directed a study of over 4000 uranium miners beginning in 1954 and ending in 1960. During this period of time the Public Health Service monitored the health of these miners without telling them why. Dr. Archer said that by 1960 the miners already suffered high rates of lung cancer. Stewart Udall has said "The PHS used the miners as guinea pigs to NAM VET Newsletter Page 1 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 study the effects of radiation. Some of us have difficulty morally distinguishing between this study and some of the stuff the Nazi doctors did." Udall has crusaded for the miners in much the same way as many have crusaded for Agent Orange victims. He pursued four separate suits against mining companies and then proceeded to sue the US Government. Of course we all know how the suit against the government turned out since you have to get "permission" from the government to sue them. In 1985 an appellate court ruled that the government was protected by "sovereign immunity", thus killing the lawsuit. A judge suggested that the miners turn to Congress for help and thank goodness that we do have some sane members of Congress. Compensation is now a reality for the 15,000 miners for who the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act would establish a trust fund of $100,000,000. I am certain that given the choice, the miners and their families would much rather have their health than the money. The Agent Orange issue has run much of the same course but the results have not been anywhere near those of the uranium mining issue. We can take note that $100 million dollars will be set aside to pay off 15,000 miners while to this date there has been no such action for Agent Orange Victims. The class action suit against the chemical companies yielded only $180 million to presumably take care of the over 3,000,000 veterans and their children who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. This paltry amount wouldn't even begin to pay for initial examinations for Vietnam vets, much less provide any health care benefits. Many thousands of them have already died or are suffering from cancers and other health problems due to AO exposure. Reflecting on the Agent Orange issue though several things come to mind. We pretty much know that the chemical companies and the government knew about the hazards of Agent Orange. Dr. James Clary, an Air Force scientist who served in Vietnam, is on public record as saying "he and several others knew that Agent Orange was harmful at the time it was used." Did our government use us as Guinea Pigs also? It seems that the 50's & 60's era was chock full of experiments by a government that wanted to know about anything and everything no matter what the cost. Human lives had no meaning to many of those in power. I could only describe them as criminals of the worst kind and the thoughts that many of them are still around is not much comfort. I am glad that there is now a little hope and a small amount of justice for the uranium miners and their families. Maybe this is a signal that we are finally getting some members of Congress that are truly compassionate and believe that the government should be responsible for it's actions or inactions. I have consistently urged all of you to write letters to your Congressmen and Senators. As you can see, the miners got very little via the lawsuits against the mining companies and the government. Only when it was taken to Congress did things start to happen for them. We have been down the same route as the uranium miners and if we are to realize our goals then it looks like Congress is the answer. I ask you again to write individual letters telling your representatives just how disgusted you are with the handling of the Agent Orange issue and the continued suffering by our Vietnam veterans and their families. DEMAND as a NAM VET Newsletter Page 2 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 taxpayer and concerned citizen that the Agent Orange issue be settled in an acceptable manner. We have paid the price with more than our spilled blood! We have paid the price with the health of our children for several generations to come! Please, write now while it is on your mind... NAM VET Newsletter Page 3 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Thoughts in Parallel By: Todd Looney NamVet's Managing Editor West Vietnam Veterans Valhalla - San Jose, CA (408) 298-2740 It's taken me nearly a month to catch up on the going's on in the IVVEC since the Vietnam Veterans' Valhalla officially came back online on the 6th of last month, and I was not surprised to find the same kind of messages which were entered in the IVVEC way back when it first started. "Do the nightmares *ever* go away?" "Does the *pain* ever stop?" These are two common statements which seem to never go away. The answer to both of course, are "Yes, they do if you want them to." (I must credit someone from the echo with that response, I can't remember who that was, but you know). You need to work on them for that to happen. I was lucky enough to have come to a head with my own post traumatic stress disorder way back in 1983 which required a 6-month stay at a Veterans' Administration Mental Rehabilitation facility located in Menlo Park, California. During that stay I was part of a program called something like "Young Warriors" or "Young Vets" or the like. None of us were young, so I don't think the moniker fit, but there were ninety of us there. The program was run by a Vietnam veteran named Fred Guzman. He founded the idea and carried it through with great success, it is still operating under the auspices of the VA. That program literally saved my life. To qualify, you had to be a combat veteran as they dealt only with the problems associated with such trauma, and it was the *only* program of it's kind in the nation at that time. Now, there are several programs around the country which aid the combat veteran during the healing process of his/her PTSD problems. I found the place thorough the local Vet Center which had just opened up a year before. All this, of course, after spending almost a year walking by the Vet Center's front door, afraid to go in. I didn't know what to expect. I'm sure there are a lot of you who are experiencing the same problem today. The Vet Centers are still there and they're very active. If you haven't had a chance to get by one, I highly recommend them. They are not your typical VA outlets, run by cold, uncaring professionals whose credibility is questionable at the very least. They are run, usually, by veterans like yourself who have been where you have been and know what you are going through. If your life is still a catastrophe, then by all means you need to get down there and receive the help you deserve, and *paid* for. I won't promise that it won't be painful, it was one of the most painful experiences I've ever gone through, including Vietnam. When I first started there were several different groups for me to go through, orientation being the first. I learned there about the group process and to deal with problems of everyday life. We rarely talked about Vietnam at first, and when we did, the communication was usually put off until the "next" group I would be attending..."Recontact". Recontact Group was the most painful. It's method was that of NAM VET Newsletter Page 4 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 confrontation by the other combat veterans in the group. The therapists usually had little or nothing to do with the course in which our sessions wandered. The other combat vets, experts themselves in putting up walls and hedging the real issues, would quickly jump in and call a bluff whenever they noticed anyone trying to play the same old tapes. This was very effective in gaining trust, as well as getting the real story out. This, like I said, was a painful process, but it enabled me to start talking about the problems, and it enabled me to face the everyday crisis', or what I considered before the hospital to be a crisis. That, if nothing else, made me feel *human* again. It's been a few years since I "graduated" from that VA program, but I still feel the effects of it today. I can talk about Vietnam for one thing, something I couldn't do before that time. I can communicate with my family and friends in a constructive way. I can handle anger, and usually identify its source so as not to misdirect it on innocent people around me. My violent streaks just completely went away. The nightmares have all but disappeared. When I think about it, it takes me a few moments to remember exactly when the last episode was, and what it was about. That is significant recovery if I do say so myself. The point of all this is that if you need help, it's there. The answer is "Not until you ask", so ask. Call the Vet Center in your area. Most large cities have them. Or contact your nearest Office of Veterans Affairs and ask them about treatment programs. Better yet, write to Fred Guzman at the VA in Menlo Park, California and he can direct you to the right people. Don't give up. Remember the strength you had in Vietnam? It's still there. The determination is still there. The resolve is still there. The camaraderie is still there. Don't give up on yourself. A better life is there for those of you who need it and for those of you who want it. Just ask. NAM VET Newsletter Page 5 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Down for the count? By: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor East VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 We've survived another month! I know this issue is a tad late (arghhhh!!! - thinkin' already about the NEXT one) - and I hope our August issue can come out at or near on-time. There's just been a LOT happening up here! I just went through a terrible - yet happy - experience that I'd like to share with you... It may SEEM a tad off-topic from our normal vet-related stuff but, from speaking with many of you VOICE or chatting with you on the VETLink #1, I know the experience might just be a commonly-shared one. Just prior to when our last issue came off the presses, I received a telephone call from the attorney who's handling our very, very tough financial situation. I was told that before he could go ANY further with saving our house, I MUST have a job and MUST be bringing in an income (other than my VA Disability). Talked to a friend of mine and was given the needed position, whereupon I called the attorney back and promptly informed him that I DID have a job. THEN, I called my friend back to ask him when I'd start and was informed that he'd made a mistake and that his payroll just would not allow his taking on ANYONE at this time. Devastated, I wanted to call the attorney back and tell him what had happened with the job but, realizing that if I DID it would mean instant death-knell for our house/home, I kept busy pounding the pavements; my friend said that, technically, I DID have a job and that I was just laid off; filling out job application after job application; calling back those that I had already seen/spoken to about employment. Net result was still Zero! Fear of fear: The attorney eventually called and wanted to get the final paperwork done! The LAST thing I wanted to tell him was that I DIDN'T have a job! The night before my appointment with him, I didn't sleep at all. "What to do... What to do? I don't deliberately tell untruths and the attorney will think that that's what I've done. Oh no! What are my family and I gonna do? Where are we gonna go NOW? If I left my family, at least welfare would be able to care for 'em..." I morbidly remembered my drill sergeant's words: "Second place is a body bag..." I found out that "facing your fears" - no matter WHAT they are, sometimes prove's beneficial! At the appointed time, I went to the attorney's office - FEAR for my family and myself making it difficult to swallow. I was just gonna tell him the truth - explain to him EXACTLY what had happened and take the consequences, whatever they were. But I also did something else: I brought my resume with me - and asked the attorney, too, for work. NAM VET Newsletter Page 6 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 I'm really pleased with the results! Although the attorney didn't have any openings that I could presently fill, he did take a good, critical look at my resume - made some suggestions about how to change it and also suggested that I remove my beard and THEN give it another try ("If ya don't have a job by THIS Friday, Joe, there's just absolutely nothing at all that I can do to help."). We also called a couple of the people that I'd previously called concerning employment and set up interviews for the following day. I went home, took out the beard trimmer and trimmed right down to bare skin! Sat up half the night making changes to my resume. Next day, clean-shaven and suited in business-world cammies (also known as "a suit" ), I went to the interviews. Came home with TWO jobs - one in a supermarket, another in a department store!!! Even interviewed for another one in the evening - and have been spending a LOT of time now going to other ones! I start one of landed-jobs this Saturday (7/14/90) and the other I begin next Thursday (7/19/90). If everything continues on the path-now-started, it looks like I'll still be here for some time to come (and hopefully begin getting these things out ON TIME again!!!).. I know this should be in our CONCENTRATED SERVICE section but for this month, knowing how many of you called and left messages on VETLink #1 (and telephoned VOICE), I really decided to combine both my editorial and our Service report into one. Our issue is big this month, too. 12 July 90 Postscript: Georgia (my wife), got off work a little late - came out of her place of employment in her regular clothes rather than the workplace uniform. Said somethin' like "Remember that place on the way home that was advertising for help? Let's stop there on the way home - before I start crying. I got laid off." ... and our appointment with the attorney is 1100hrs., Friday the Thirteenth. And I thought I had mountains to climb before! Til next month... Show a brother or sister veteran That YOU care!!! Ci'ao for Ni'ao -Joe- NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= M i s s i n g ! ! ! ================================================================= Bio of Herbert Eugene Smith - KIA Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Remains Returned March 1988 Name: Herbert Eugene Smith Rank/Branch: E6/US Air Force Unit: 388th Combat Support Group, Udorn Airbase, Thailand Date of Birth: 01 March 1936 Home City of Record: Appalachicola FL (family in Cocoa Beach FL) Date of Loss: 29 July 1966 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 204300N 10454953E (VH998943) Status (in 1973): Missing In Action Category: 2 Acft/Vehicle/Ground: RC47D Other Personnel in Incident: Robert Hoskinson; Robert DiTommaso; Galileo F. Bossio (still missing) Bernard Conklin; John Mamiya; Vincent Chiarello; James S. Hall (remains returned) REMARKS: DEAD/FIR 317-09130 74 SYNOPSIS: On July 19, 1966, an RC47D aircraft departed Udorn Airfield in Thailand en route to Sam Neua, Laos. The crew aboard the aircraft included Capt Robert E Hoskinson, pilot; Maj Galileo F Bossio, 1Lt Vincent A Chiarello, Capt Bernard Conklin, 1Lt Robert J DiTommaso, SSgt James S Hall, TSgt John M Mamiya and TSgt Herbert E Smith, crewmen. The aircraft was an unarmed RC47D Command and Control airship (Dogpatch 2). When the aircraft was 10-20 miles south of Sam Neua, it was attacked by enemy fighters. Radio contact was lost and the families were initially told there was no further word of the plane or crew - that they had all been lost on an operational mission in North Vietnam. It was later learned, however, that at least one, possibly two parachutes were observed in the air from persons on the ground, and the loss had occurred not in North Vietnam, but at 201200N 1041700E, which is in Laos. Primary objective of the C-47 in Laos at that point in the war was visual reconnaissance. American forces worked closely with CAS (CIA) primarily to weaken the communist supply link to South Vietnam via the "Ho Chi Minh Trail". This particular plane, however, was working in support of the CIA's secret indigenous army which was attempting to prevent a communist takeover in Laos. The crew members on these missions were normally highly trained in electronic surveillance techniques as well as versed in codes and languages. Accordingly, and as "there was no war in Laos", certain details of the mission, such as the precise location of loss, were originally distorted. Later reports indicate that some of the crew survived the attack on July 29, 1966. According to a March, 1974 NAM VET Newsletter Page 8 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 list published by the National League of Families of POW/MIAs, Bossio survived the incident and was missing in Laos. One 1971 report states that as many as 5 of the crew were captured. Chiarello and DiTommaso were identified as survivors by Capt Adair of Project Dogpatch. US Air Force records still reflect the loss as having occurred in North Vietnam. In 1988, the remains of Conklin, Chiarello, Hall, Mamiya and Smith were returned to US control. They were positively identified and returned to their families for burial. The DiTommaso family was also notified, and Mafalda DiTommaso rushed to Hawaii to sadly welcome her son home. She was shocked to learn that no body had returned - only information which added nothing to the mystery surrounding her son's loss. The families of Bossio, Hoskinson and Di Tommaso have the right to know what happened on July 29, 1966. The communist governments of Southeast Asia can account for the large majority of the nearly 2500 Americans still missing there. The weight of the evidence shows that some of them are still being held captive. It's time the veil of secrecy was lifted on these men and the others. It's time they came home. NAM VET Newsletter Page 9 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Bio of Alfons Aloyze Bankowski - KIA/BNR Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Alfons Aloyze Bankowski Rank/Branch: E5/US Air Force Unit: 314th Air Division - Osan Airbase, Korea Date of Birth: 15 June 1930 Home City of Record: Stamford CT Loss Date: 23 March 1961 Country of Loss: Laos Loss Coordinates: 192855N 1031014E (UG081550) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 1 Acft/Vehicle/Ground: C47 Other Personnel in Incident: Lawrence Bailey (released 1962); Frederick Garside; Ralph W. Magee; Glenn Matteson; Leslie V. Sampson; Edgar Weitkamp; Oscar Weston (all missing) REMARKS: KIA - RES SHTDN/CRSH SYNOPSIS: Henry Kissinger once predicted that an "unfortunate" by- product of" limited political engagements" would be personnel who could not be recovered. On March 23, 1961, one of the first group of Americans to fall into that "unfortunate" category were shot from the sky by Pathet Lao antiaircraft guns. Most Americans at that time did not even know that the United States had military personnel in Southeast Asia. In fact, most Americans had not even heard of the name "Laos". The Geneva Agreements had yet to be signed; air rescue teams had yet to arrive in Southeast Asia. The C47 aircraft crew consisted of 1Lt. Ralph W. Magee, pilot; 1Lt. Oscar B. Weston, co-pilot; 2Lt. Glenn Matteson, navigator; SSgt. Alfons A. Bankowski, flight engineer; SSgt. Frederick T. Garside, assistant flight engineer; SSgt. Leslie V. Sampson, radio operator; and passengers Maj. Lawrence R. Bailey and WO1 Edgar W. Weitkamp. Bailey and Weitkamp were assigned to the Army Attache Office at Vientiane, Laos. The aircraft crew were all Air Force personnel flying from the 315th Air Division, Osan Airbase, Korea. This C47 was a specially modified intelligence-gathering SC-47 which took off from Vientiane for Saigon. The passengers and crew were bound for "R&R" in the "Paris of the Orient". Before heading for Saigon, the pilot turned north toward Xieng Khouangville, a Pathet Lao stronghold on the eastern edge of the Plain of Jars. The crew, experienced in intelligence collection, planned to use their radio-direction finding equipment to determine the frequencies being used by Soviet pilots to locate the Xieng Khouangville airfield through the dense fog that often blanketed the region. Pathet Lao anti-aircraft guns downed the plane, shearing off a wing and sending the aircraft plummeting toward the jungle. Maj. Bailey, who always wore a parachute when he flew, jumped from the falling aircraft and was captured by the Pathet Lao. Bailey NAM VET Newsletter Page 10 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 spent seventeen months as a prisoner in Sam Neua, the Pathet Lao headquarters near the North Vietnamese border, before being repatriated after the signing of the Geneva Agreements on Laos in 1962. The caves at Sam Neua were said to have held scores of American prisoners during and after the war. The seven men lost on March 23, 1961 were the first of many hundreds of American personnel shot from the sky only to disappear in the jungles of Laos. Four Lao sources stated that 7 of the 8 personnel on board died in the crash of the aircraft, and were buried in the vicinity. Sixteen years later, in February 1977, several Pathet Lao films were obtained by a friendly foreign government showing an ident- ification card with a photo of SSgt. Garside, and an open passport bearing 1Lt. Magee's ID number. The fact that these items were recovered in good condition is evidence that further information is available on the crew, due to the fact that the plane was not completely destroyed, and the Pathet Lao were present at the site of the crash. Clearly, someone knows what happened to the crew of the C47. Because Laos was not included in the Paris agreements ending American involvement in Southeast Asia, and because no agreement has been reached since regarding Lao-held American POWs, hundreds of Americans remain missing, including the crew of the C47. Many Americans were known to have survived, and hundreds of reports point to their survival today. NAM VET Newsletter Page 11 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Bio of Mark V. Dennis - KIA Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Mark V. Dennis Rank/Branch: HM3/USN Unit: Date of Birth: Home City of Record: OH Loss Date: 15 July 1966 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: (unknown) Dong Ha Status (In 1973): Killed In Action Acft/Vehicle/Ground: CH46 Helicopter Other Personnel In Incident: REMARKS: Not on official Missing lists SYNOPSIS: Hospitalman Mark Dennis was a Navy medic aboard a Chinook helicopter when it was shot down on July 15, 1966. All men on board were declared Killed In Action. Three and a half weeks later, a casket arrived in Ohio and was buried. In November, 1970, an issue of Newsweek carried a photograph of an "unknown POW" which his brother felt was MARK DENNIS. That, combined with an earlier report from the Navy, that "a couple of men could have gotten out of the helicopter" sparked Mark's brother to travel to Paris, Bangkok and Vietnam in search of the truth. The remains purported to be those of Mark Dennis were exhumed, and exhaustive tests made. The results proved to Mark's family beyond a shadow of a doubt that they DID NOT BURY MARK DENNIS, but some- one else, unknown to them. Mark's family continues to actively pursue answers to their question, "Where is Mark Dennis?" NAM VET Newsletter Page 12 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Bio of Donald Lee Sparks - MIA/POW Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Donald Lee Sparks Rank/Branch: E3/US Army Unit: 1st Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) Date of Birth: 07 November 1946 Home City of Record: Carroll IA Date of Loss: 17 June 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 153416N 1081737E (BT098232) Status (in 1973): Prisoner Of War Category: 1 Acft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground Other Personnel in Incident: Larry Alonza Graham (killed, body recovered) REMARKS: LETTERS FOUND; DIED IN PW CAMP SYNOPSIS: PFC Donald L. Sparks and Cpl. Larry A. Graham were serving as pointmen for their company when it was ambushed by an enemy force of unknown size on June 17, 1969 near Chu Lai, in the Tien Phuoc District, Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. Witnesses indicated that both men were wounded and fell to the ground. As the remaining members of the patrol withdrew, they observed North Vietnamese Army personnel stripping PFC Sparks of his clothing and weapon. No one was able to reach the area where they lay for almost twelve hours because of heavy enemy fire, however, several members of the platoon believed both men to be dead. Air strikes were requested, and napalm, 500 and 1000 pound bombs, were dropped on the enemy position. Later the same day, another attempt was made to reach the bodies, but again was repulsed by the enemy. On the morning of June 18, a recovery element was able to reach the site, but was unable to locate the remains of PFC Sparks. The remainder of the day was spent in digging in the vicinity of a bomb crater where witnesses had last seen Sparks. The remains of Cpt. Graham were recovered during this search. It was believed that PFC Sparks' body had been totally destroyed by the air strikes, but with no positive evidence of death, Sparks was initially listed as Missing in Action. On February 3, 1971, a Viet Cong rallier reported that during April 1969, an American POW suffering from gunshot wounds and wounds from a U.S. air strike had been held in a POW camp located near the Song Khan River in the vicinity. The American's wounds were dressed and he was transported in a northwesterly direction along the southern bank of the Song Khan River. When released in 1973, American POW Maj. Harold Kushner and two other released American POWs stated that in the spring of 1970, while en route to a new detention camp in the same province in which Sparks was lost, their Vietnamese interpreter/guard said NAM VET Newsletter Page 13 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 that a U.S. POW by the name of Don was scheduled to join his POW group, but had been moving more slowly because of foot wounds. This occurred in the spring of 1970, but "Don" never joined the other Americans. On May 17, 1970, a Viet Cong soldier was killed in fighting near Chu Lai. On his body, American soldiers from the 19th Infantry Division found two letters from Donald Sparks dated April 11, 1970. In one of the letters, addressed to his parents, he assured them that he was in good health in spite of the fact that he had not seen another American during his ten months of captivity. One of the letters mentioned having received a wound to his foot. A report from the crime lab, 8th Military Personnel Group conclu- sively proved that the letters were written by PFC Sparks. Six months later, Sparks' official status was changed to Prisoner Of War. On September 19, 1973 an ARVN returnee stated that a US POW entered a POW camp in February 1970 using a stick for support as his feet and legs were bruised. Allegedly, the POW later contracted beriberi and is reported to have died in June 1971. This report was correlated to Donald Sparks. When 591 Americans were released in 1973, the communist government of Vietnam denied any knowledge of Donald Sparks. He was one of nearly 3000 Americans who did not return. At the time, military experts were shocked that "hundreds", believed to be held captive and expected to be released, were not. Donald Sparks was apparently never held with any returning American POW. Studies of the Vietnamese prison system indicates that those POWs who returned all had been held together, moving from camp to camp within the same system, but that other systems probably existed. Perhaps Donald Sparks is one of the several hundreds that many authorities believe to be alive in Southeast Asia today, still captive of a long-ago enemy. If so, what must he be thinking of us - having bombed him, abandoned him and forgotten him? NAM VET Newsletter Page 14 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Donald Elliot Westbrook - MIA Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Donald Elliot Westbrook Rank/Branch: Major/USAF Unit: Date of Birth: 28 August 1926 Home City of Record: Sherman TX Loss Date: 13 March 1968 Country of Loss: Laos Loss Coordinates: 202600N 1034300E Status (in 1973): Missing In Action Category: 2 Others In Incident: Clarence Blanton; James Calfee; James Davis; Henry Gish; Willis Hall; Melvin Holland; Herbert Kirk; David Price; Patrick Shannon; Donald Springsteadah; Don Worley (all missing from Lima 85) SYNOPSIS: One of the most intriguing cases of the Vietnam war is the Lima Radar Site 85 at Phou Pha Thi and the men who went missing there. Donald Westbrook, involved into the incident by the luck of the draw will perhaps never know just how intriguing it was. Lima 85 was on a peak in the Annam Highlands near the village of Sam Neua on a 5860 ft. mountain called Phou Pha Thi. The mountain was protected by sheer cliffs on three sides, and guarded by 300 tribesmen working for CIA. Unarmed US "civilians" operated the radar which swept across the Tonkin Delta to Hanoi. These "civilians" were actually Air Force personnel who were temporarily relieved of active duty to take jobs with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation serving with Project Heavy Green at Lima 85. The project was so secret that the men's wives were also required to sign secrecy agreements. Absolutely no one was to know about the assignment. Laos was a neutral country and as such, US military presence was internationally prohibited. For three months in early 1968, a steady stream of intelligence was received which indicated that communist troops were about to launch a major attack on Lima 85. Intelligence watched as enemy troops even built a road to the area to facilitate moving heavy weapons, but the site was so important that William H Sullivan, US Ambassador to Laos, made the decision to leave the men in place. When the attack came March 11, some were rescued by helicopter, but eleven men were missing. The President announced a halt in the bombing of North Vietnam. Donald Westbrook was flying one of 4 A1E's orbiting on standby to search for survivors of the attack at Phou Pha Thi when his plane was shot down March 13. Westbrook was never found. Observers said there was no parachute seen, no beepers heard, and no voice contact made. The wreckage of Westbrook's aircraft was seen scattered over a wide area and smoking. Finding no survivors, the Air Force destroyed Lima 85 to prevent the equipment from falling into the hands of the enemy. Westbrook was declared Missing In NAM VET Newsletter Page 15 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Action, with a high probability that the enemy knew his fate - and had perhaps even captured him. In mid-March, the Lima Site wives were notified that the site had been overrun by enemy forces, and that the men who had not escaped had been killed. Many years later, they learned that was not the whole truth. Two separate reports indicate that all the men missing at Phou Pha Thi did not die. One report suggests that at least one of the 11 was captured, and another indicates that 6 were captured. Information has been hard to get. The fact that Lima Site 85 existed was only declassified in 1983, and finally the wives could be believed when they said their husbands were missing in Laos. Some of the men's files were shown to their families for the first time in 1985. The Lima Site wives have talked and compared notes. They still feel there is a lot of information to be had. They think someone survived the attack on Lima Site 85. Perhaps Don Westlake survived. They wonder if their country will bring those men home. NAM VET Newsletter Page 16 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Bio of Hugh Michael Fanning - MIA by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Hugh Michael Fanning Rank/Branch: Major USMC Unit: 1st Marine Air Wing Da Nang, South Vietnam Date of Birth: 12 July 1941 (Washington DC) Home City: Ft. Worth TX Loss Date: 31 October 1967 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 205000N 1061200E Status (in 1973): Missing In Action Category: 2 Acft/Veh./Ground: A6A Others in Incident: Stephen Kott (remains returned) SYNOPSIS: Hugh Fanning was born in Washington D.C. July 12, 1941. He lived in New York, where his parents later made their home, and attended college and lived in Dallas, Texas, before he joined the Marine Corps. His wife and children lived in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma when he went to Vietnam as a Marine pilot with the First Marine Air Wing based at Da Nang, South Vietnam. Fanning flew the A6A Intruder, an all-weather, low-altitude attack plane. On October 31, 1967, Fanning and bombardier/navigator Stephen J. Kott were sent on a mission over North Vietnam as number two in a flight of two aircraft on a night electronics support mission. Their radio code name was "Oatmeal". At about 1:50 a.m., Fanning indicated he was approaching the target. At 2:02 a.m., the leader observed a bright orange flash in the vicinity of the target area and in the estimated position of Fanning's aircraft which he est- imated to be about 15 miles east of Hanoi at an altitude of between 100-500 feet. Several reports surfaced concerning the crash of Fanning's plane in the ensuing years, including one account that Kott was killed in the crash, but Fanning was captured and taken away by jeep. The veracity of these reports as they relate to Hugh Fanning is uncertain. In August, 1984, remains were returned by the Vietnamese purported to be those of Fanning and Kott. Mrs. Fanning was glad the years of waiting had finally ended. Her casualty assistance officer assured her that existing dental records of her husband's matched those of the remains, an important means of identification. Moreover, he assured her that her husband had not been wounded in the skull, the focus of a recurring dream that had plagued her for years. The remains were buried with full military honors. It was not until 10 months later, when she was first allowed access to her husband's forensic file, that Mrs. Fanning learned that there had been NO skull and NO teeth in the remains purported to be Hugh Fanning. Mrs. Fanning arranged for the remains to be exhumed and examined independently. The examiner concluded that the alleged remains of Hugh Fanning could not have been NAM VET Newsletter Page 17 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 scientifically identified as his ... or anyone else's. Whether Hugh Fanning died on October 31, 1967 in the crash of his plane or was taken prisoner is not known. It can only be known with certainty when proof is obtained of his death, or Major Fanning himself is brought home alive. Meanwhile, Mrs. Fanning says, "My husband may be dead. However, until positive proof is given to me, I must entertain the possibility that he may be alive. Regardless of my husband's chances, I do believe that live Americans still remain in Southeast Asia. I will continue to search for the truth." NAM VET Newsletter Page 18 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Bio of Evelyn Anderson - KIA by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 Name: Evelyn Anderson Rank/Branch: Civilian Unit: Missionary - Christian Missions of Many Lands Date of Birth: ca 1950 Home City of Record: Quincy MI Loss Date: 27 October 1972 Country of Loss: Laos Status (in 1973): Prisoner of War Acft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground Other Personnel in Incident: Beatrice Kosin (assassinated); Lloyd Oppel (released in 1973 - citizen of British Columbia); Samuel Mattix (released in 1973) SYNOPSIS: In the late hours of Saturday, October 27, 1972, a small group of North Vietnamese soldiers invaded the southern Laotian town of Kengkok, about thirty-five miles from Savannakhet. They took prisoners, including Evelyn Anderson, Beatrice Kosin, Lloyd Oppel and Samuel Mattix. Several other Americans in Kengkok managed to escape and radioed for help. At 9:04 on Sunday morning following the capture, an American heli- copter arrived and evacuated nine Filipinos, five Lao and the Americans who had radioed for help. Less than a hour later, Sgt. Gerry Wilson returned by helicopter to try and locate the two American women. Lt Colonel Norman Vaughn immediately set rescue plans into motion. The American Embassy in Vientiane heard of the rescue plan and ordered from the highest level that no attempt be made to rescue the women. The peace negotiations were ongoing and it was feared that a rescue attempt would compromise the sustained level of progress in the talks. On November 2, 1972 a radio message was intercepted from Hanoi which ordered that the two women be executed. A captured North Vietnamese soldier later told US military intelligence that the women were captured, tied back to back and their wrists wired around a house pillar. The women remained in this position for five days. After receiving orders to execute the two, the Communists simply set fire to the house where they were being held and burned them alive. A later search of the smoldering ruins revealed the corpse of Miss Anderson. Her wrist was severed, indicating the struggle she made to free herself. The two men, Oppel and Mattix, who were captured with Anderson and Kosin were released. It is speculated that the women would have been too much trouble to care for on the long trip to Hanoi, and killed instead. Evelyn Anderson was not in Laos to kill, but to help. Her death must be blamed not only on the communists who set the fire that killed her, but also on the faceless, nameless Americans who decided she was expendable. NAM VET Newsletter Page 19 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 MIA-POW News & Updates By: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 On Tuesday, May 22, 1990, Deputy Earl McFarland, of Liberty County Texas, gave his life to protect members of the Last Patrol. Volunteering for rear safety escort, he swerved in front of an eighteen wheeler with the driver asleep at the wheel, to protect the walkers and med. van from being hurt. He was killed instantly. He was 29, the father of 2, and his widow was pregnant with their third child. The Houston Foundation for Vietnam Veterans has sent what we could. Some other groups around have discussed doing the same. An addendum to this that the Patrol continued on in memory of Deputy McFarland. At the flag raising ceremony Friday morning it was also mentioned that the dedication was to remember the POW's *and* the sacrifice of the Deputy. A trust has been set up to provide for his family. Donations can be sent to: Cleveland Bank and Trust 104 W. Crockett Cleveland, TX 77317. ----------------------------------------------------------------- On April 26th Billy Hendon delivered an EXPLOSIVE presentation on the TRUTH about American POW's in S.E.A. to a standing room only closed congressional briefing. A copy of that briefing is now available on VHS. Taped presentation is over 1 hour long. Send 21.95 plus 3.00 shipping to: POW PUBLICITY FUND P.O. Box 65500 Washington, DC 20035. NAM VET Newsletter Page 20 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 VietNow Stops Support for The National League of Families by Lamont Gaston VietNow National President Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 I need to report to you on an important step that VietNow has taken at this last National Convention in New Orleans. This deals with an emotional issue, and it is important to read this in its entirety. It was approved unanimously to delete from record a VietNow resolution that stated VietNow's support of the National League of Families. This does not change our direction on the POW/MIA issue at all. This move does not make our organization bad, rebellious, or uncaring. We felt this change was needed because we have found that our philosophies have changed and the relationship between the National League of Families and Vietnam Veterans groups across the nation has widened greatly. The League has felt that we should not let our time be taken up by the POW/MIA issue, because we have many other important issues to concern ourselves with and that they have only the one issue on their agenda. That is like telling the Vietnam Veteran to stop fighting Agent Orange because you have to die from something anyhow. Our differences are not with the families of the POW/MIAs but with the League's leadership. There have been too many questionable situations in the past years, that have went answered and if you were to question the League's leadership you were given an undesirable label. VietNow's stand on the POW/MIA issue is to do everything possible to resolve the issue and to encourage other groups and citizens to join the cause and the fight for the POW/MIAs. We believe in persistence and have the strength and will of persistence and with that direction VietNow will maintain the agonizing path of freedom for our POW/MIAs. It's the least we can do! NAM VET Newsletter Page 21 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 BEFORE "Normalization" - Remember Our MIAs!!! Input by: Terry Hayes VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 May 3, 1990 The Honorable Frank Horton U.S. Congressman, 29th District U.S. House of Representatives Rayburn House Office Bldg. Rm. 2229 Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Horton, While I am sincerely pleased that two of our hostages from Lebanon have been freed recently I would call your attention to an article recently published in NamVet Newsletter, an electronic newsletter for Vietnam Veterans. This article deals with our other "Hostages", those who have been hostages for far longer than the recently released Lebanese hostages, the Vietnam POW/MIAs. I am a Vietnam Veteran, having served honorably in the US Army in South Vietnam in 1965-1966. I find the enclosed article extremely disturbing as I was stationed near Hue. I have little doubt that the Vietnamese government continues to hold prisoners/hostages to attain their own ends. I would welcome your leadership in resisting normalization of relations with the Vietnamese government until all of our "Hostages", or the remains thereof, have been restored to their families. Thank You for your Leadership in this important matter. Sincerely, Terry L. Hayes XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Input by: Terry Hayes VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 One Hundred First Congress Congress of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Government Operations 2157 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 June 28, 1990 Mr. Terry L. Hayes XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Dear Mr. Hayes: Thank you for your letter regarding HR 3603, the "Truth Accountability Bill." As you know, this bill would release information about American servicemen listed as Prisoner of War(POW) or Missing in Action(MIA) from the Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam. Long before I was elected to Congress, there were men listed as POW or MIA. The Vietnam Conflict added many more to the list, and unfortunately, many of these men are still missing. Families of these soldiers have not been apprised of all information because the information is classified. I support the release of information regarding sightings of those POW's or MIA's. The "Truth Bill," as it is called, protects national security while allowing the release of previously classified information. Most importantly, HR 3603 will enable us to examine the issue of classifying information on American servicemen. The bill contains a clause safeguarding personal privacy and national security above all else. In addition, this legislation would help clarify the discrepancies of claims made by different government agencies about these Americans. HR 3603 in the Government Operations Committee, of which I am the Ranking Minority Member. I have written a letter to Government Operations Committee Chairman John Conyers requesting prompt hearings on this bill. Be assured that I will continue to support this proposal in Committee as well as on the House Floor. Thanks again for your personal interest in the "Truth Accountability Bill." Please feel free to contact me in the future on any matters of concern. With best wishes, Sincerely, /s/ Frank Horton Ranking Minority Member NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 INFO REQUEST: Frank J. Kiewlen - KIA Input by: Rick Stolz NamVet's MIA-POW Section Editor The Reunion BBS - Okauchee, Wisconsin (414) 567-0437 I am listing this in hope that someone may be able to help Cindy Barrows. She contacted me to find out if I could help her learn more about her brother who was killed in Nam. Sgt. Frank J. Kiewlen 9th Inf. 4th Bat. KIA 5/69 Meriden Conn. is the home town This is all that she had on him at the time, and would like to talk to anyone that might have known him. She can be reached through Reunion BBS 414-567-0437. Her home # is 414-634-7922. Address is 902 W. Lawn Ave, Racine, Wi. NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 In Memoriam - USS Liberty Veterans Input by: Joe Meadors SeaBat BBS - Corpus Christi, TX (512) 387-6638 Killed, USS Liberty (AGTR-5) June 8, 1967 * * * * * In Memoriam * * * * * William Allenbaugh Philip Armstrong Gary Blanchard Allen Blue Francis Brown Ronnie Campbell Jerry Converse Robert Eisenberg Jerry Goss Curtis Graves Lawrence Hayden Warren Hersey Alan Higgins Carl Hoar Richard Keene James Lenau Raymond Linn James Lupton Duane Margraff David Marlborough Anthony Mendle Carl Nygren James Pierce Jack Raper Edward Rehmeyer David Skolak John Smith, Jr. Melvin Smith John Spicher Alexander Thompson Thomas Thornton Phillipe Tiedke Steven Toth Frederick Walton USS Liberty Veterans Association P.O. Box 789 Woodinville, WA 98072 NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 W W M M W W M M M M W W \ / M M M M OOOO W W W --*-- M M M IIII O O W W W W / \ M M II O O W W W W M M II O O W W M M II O O II PPPPPP O O ..... 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N ::::::::::::::::::::::::' `''' ': O `::::::::::::::::::::::: \v/ \ / :'E `:::::::::::::::::::::: =========================== :' U `:::::::::::::::::::::. /^\ \ :'T `:::::::::::::::::::: .: A `:::::::::::::::::: .:'T `::::::::::::::::::. .;' R `:::::::::::::::::. .;' T `::::::::::::::::. .;' E `:::::::::gjp::: .:' O `:::::::::::::...........'' G N O T F O R " Bring them home --- NOW !!! " NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= A g e n t O r a n g e ================================================================= Millions "at once"? Maybe... Input by: Esty Dinur NineJackNine BBS - Madison WI (608) 274-1904 Brought to you by the magazine of alternative news and analysis from shortwave broadcasts from around the world. WORLD PERSPECTIVES, $17.50/year. Box 3074, Madison, WI 53704 VIETNAM US's war against Vietnam destroyed over half of that country's farmland. 2.2 million hectares of tropical forest were destroyed and the country was pitted with 25 million bomb crates. The war ended 15 years ago, but Vietnam is still struggling with the consequences of that war. Elizabeth Kemp of the Worldwide Fund for Nature, who has been studying the issue for the last 5 years, said in a BBC interview, "when I first went to Vietnam in 1985 I saw what's called 'the Agent Orange museums' - vast stretches of valley which had been defoliated, and in the delta, huge patches of swampy areas where the trees stuck out of the horizon like the rotting masts of ships. What I saw beyond that was millions of people filling in the bomb craters, converting them to fish farms and planting millions of trees. Each year Vietnam plants five million trees. These are not indigenous species because those cannot be planted directly into the soil now in many areas because of the herbicides and because the top soil has been washed away during the rainy seasons. So these trees are used for canopy and under them they plant the indigenous species." "Not far from Ho Chi Minh City there is an area where over 50,000 hectares of tropical rainforest was deliberately destroyed. There, over 11,000 hectares have been replanted with success. Now the birds are coming back and they scatter seeds and soon we will see some regeneration but it will take hundreds of years for the rainforest to come back." According to a UN study, some areas in Vietnam were so badly contaminated by US chemical warfare that agriculture will not be possible on them for at least 500 years. (BBC) NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 U.S. dogs in Vietnam cancer-prone Input by: Terry Hayes VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Reprinted from The June 20, 1990 FingerLakes Times, Geneva, NY WASHINGTON (AP) - Dogs exposed in Vietnam to the same chemical sprays as US soldiers developed almost twice as many tumors of the testicles as military dogs that served only in the United States, federal investigators report. In a study published today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers said the increased number of testicular cancers among canine veterans of Vietnam may predict the development of such tumors among American servicemen who served in the same country. "The dog is a sentinel model for man," said Howard M. Hayes, a National Cancer Institute researcher and co-author of the report. "He could be used to foretell the risks for exposure to the same chemical insults" encountered by soldiers in Vietnam. Veteran's groups have contended for years that soldiers who served in Vietnam have experienced more cancers and other ailments as a result of their exposure to chemical sprays while in Vietnam. Agent Orange, an herbicide widely used to defoliate the jungle, has come under particular attack by veterans' groups as the cause of cancers and skin ailments. NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 VA TO COMPENSATE VIETNAM VETERANS FOR SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMAS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Office of Public Affairs - News Service Washington, DC 20420 (202) 233-2741 Washington, May 18 -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward J. Derwinski is announcing his decision to have VA recognize, as service-connected, soft-tissue sarcomas based on exposure to dioxin-containing herbicides. Soft-tissue sarcomas, which are difficult to diagnose, are a group of malignant tumors found on muscles and connective tissue or in body fat. The decision follows the completion of a two-day meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards, which made the recommendation to Derwinski after reviewing the scientific literature on this class of cancers and dioxin exposure. The Committee advised the Secretary that the evidence led them to conclude that there is "at least as likely as not" a significant statistical association between exposure to a dioxin-containing herbicide and soft-tissue sarcomas. VA, by regulation, presumes exposure to dioxin by all veterans who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam Era. VA expects to publish a final regulation in early fall. An estimated 1,100 veterans or survivors are expected to receive compensation, with an additional 50 claims annually thereafter. Payments, some of which will be retroactive, are projected to cost $8 million yearly. In March, Derwinski announced a decision to grant disability compensation to Vietnam veterans for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, based on the results of a case-control study of selected cancers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control. NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 4, Number 7 July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xxx _ -. . - .-. - . . . . - XXXXXxxXXXXXXXXXXXx -. - .- . - . . XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-. .--. - .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -.- - -.- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX -. -. -. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx .g -. -. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX .- j. .- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . p .-. XXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXXX ]XXXXXXXX .- - -. XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX -.- - -- XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX -- - XXXXXXXXX X'`XXX XXXXXXX Y Y XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXX X X XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX XX X XXX XX XX XXXX XX XXX XX XX XX XXXX XXX]XXXXXXXXXXXX XXX[ XX XX XXX XXXXXXXXXX " I t ' s o n l y t e e n a g e a c n e ! " -Robert Nimmo- NAM VET Newsletter Page 30 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= N o t e w o r t h y ! ================================================================= National Guard Units In Vietnam Submitted by: Craig Roberts The Computercenter - Tulsa, Oklahoma (918) 747-0250 After doing some research concerning the thread about who/how many National Guard units saw action in Vietnam, I came up with a few things. On May 13, 1968 a federalization call-up order was issued to 20 Army National Guard units in 17 states. Eight of these units were sent to Vietnam (7000 soldiers). This does not count Army reservists or Air National Guard members -- of which entire SQUADRONs served in VN. The first Army guard unit to be sent was the 650th Medical Detachment from the Alabama National Guard. Next were artillery battalions from the New Hampshire and Kentucky National Guard, along with Company D, 151st Infantry (LRRP) from the Indiana National Guard. A Ranger company, Company D was trained prior to deployment as a Long Range Patrol company. All members were airborne and jungle warfare school (Panama) qualified prior to deployment. They arrived in Vietnam December 29th, 1968 and assigned to 199th Light Infantry Brigade and later phased into combat operations under Company F (Ranger) 51st Infantry. ON Feb 1, 1969 Company D was designated from LRRP to Ranger. Hope this clears up a few issues. NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 CUTE TRICK, UNCLE SAM!!! Input by: Frank Topping Nightline BBS - Mather AFB, CA (916) 362-1755 hehe; ... Hi Guys! We just had a bit of irony here in Sacramento today. Seems we have this state senator Doolittle that needed a bit of help with his campaign-raising so Quail comes out to give him a hand. Not bad enough they had to cross a picket line to get in the Hyatt Regency; (informational picket by Hotel/Resteraunt workers) but I guess one draft dodger _needs_ support from another or something. (?) All day on TV they showed perts of Doolittle's commercials: starting with VGA quality _beautiful_ shot of the flag, a drumroll, in the background were voices recalling courageous campaigns where American troops have been dispatched in defence of democracy and freedom -INCLUDING VIETNAM- and then Doolitle (mousey lookin' type) steps out from behind the flag and declares (in his best republican style) "wherever our flag needs defending I'll be there" ...and the commercial finishes up with a loud voice: "Doolittle; he's one of _us_ The newscasts then focused on the various protests: Featured up top was a WWII era gent holding a copy of Doolittle's Selective Service record showing his reality: a string of deferrements, 2-S & 4-D - student and missionary. The Sacramento Union headlining page 3 with: "DOOLITTLE DODGED DRAFT FOR MISSION - GROUP" went on to quote Doolittle: "I very much supported the war in Vietnam and would have gone if the war had still been going on when I got back," he said. "I have a very clear concience about what I did, and I will answer to anyone." And continued: "But Don Lefevre, spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Salt Lake City, said the church did not push its young men to serve in its missionary service during the Vietnam War "to make sure we could provide individuals for the war effort. It was a cooperative thing with the government. As a result, its number of missionaries dropped by about one-half during the war. Doolittle's only television commercial to date in his congressional campaign cites the importance of defending the American flag. It shows the flag waving in the breeze and notes that "from the Fourth of July parade ... to a place called Vietnam, Americans have honored and cherished this symbol of freedom." Doolittle then says that he would fight for a constitutional amendment to protect the flag if elected to congress. "And that's a promise," he says in the commercial. sheesh! Does anyone know where we can find any candidates for office anymore that have _any_ character? Wrapping ones self in the flag when the truth is otherwise seems to be a BLATENT LIE. Y'all c'n have Danny back now if ya want him; we got little use for him out here! Frank Topping, Sacramento U.S.S. Yorktown CVS-10 (the pilot pluckers) NAM VET Newsletter Page 32 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Do You Know Where The Vietnam Veteran Memorials Are? Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NamVet's IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA (703) 471-8010 Yo Friends!!! Frenchy here again with a world-wide request, that is, errr!!! statewide. Someone out there in the outreach has a list of all Vietnam Memorials by State, City, or County and Points-of-contact for each. If that is a fact then the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (FVVM) would sure be appreciative for that list. If the list does exist, please forward the data to this IVVEC node 1:109/316. Or, better yet, if the list is not existant, then by geez we can get the location of the Memorial location with POC's using our world-wide NAMVET Echo... geez... kinda love that logic. Thanks shipmates for your support and help. Be good to yourself and God Bless. Yours in service Ray "Frenchy" Moreau USN (Ret) but not from life.. the Wall won't let me!!! NAM VET Newsletter Page 33 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 All Roads Lead To Indochina By: Greg Kleven - Editor, Vietnam Echos PO Box 774 Concord, CA. 94522 Input by: Todd Looney NamVet's Managing Editor West Vietnam Veterans Valhalla - San Jose, CA (408) 298-2740 As the administration reaches into its bag of tricks, and pulls out the once-dethroned Richard Nixon to help sell its Indochina Policy to the American public, I'm glad that I have been able to gain access to a different source of information. I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of hearing Nixon whitewash the history of the Vietnam war with statements like, "South Vietnam today would be as prosperous as South Korea if it hadn't been for Watergate." What fools we are to back into the political arena, especially one that he played such a major role in screwing up! So if you are tired of the same old administration lines like, "it's in the best interest of our national security", or the ever popular, "God-given right to intervene", then read BULLETIN OF CONCERNED ASIAN SCHOLARS 20th Anniversary Issue on Indochina and the war. You won't have to listen to Solarz saying that "Vietnam is the stumbling block to an Indochina settlement", but you will hear Noam Chomsky say, "In 1977 when Indochina tried to send 100 buffalos to Vietnam to replenish the herds destroyed by US violence, the US threatened to cancel 'food for peace' aid while the press featured photographs of peasants in Cambodia pulling plows as proof of communist barbarity; the photographs in this case turned out to be fabrications of Thai intelligence, but authentic ones could no doubt be obtained throughout Indochina." So who is the stumbling block? How sincere was Johnson when he told the American public that the US welcomed negotiations to end the war in Vietnam. Ngo Vinh Long answers the same BCAS book that, "In January 1965, while the US was preparing the pretext for sending its troops into South Vietnam in great numbers, the Saigon regime was clever enough to see that it should respond to the NLF's call to a negotiated end to the war. General Nguyen Khanh, who was the head of the armed forces council that ruled Saigon at the time, letter confirmed that he was close to a political settlement with the NLF and an alliance with the Buddhists. When the Americans found this out, however, Khanh was removed and sent into exile in France." So much for our desire for a peaceful settlement! If you are tired of reading that the US was invited into South Vietnam, then read what Daniel Ellsberg says in the same BCAS book. He says, "In Vietnam there was a war inside the county in which one side, not the other, was entirely paid, recruited, equipped, trained and directed by foreigners. It was not a civil war. That was the real secret of the Pentagon Papers. We Americans were not just ON the wrong side, we WERE the wrong side. And the US is the wrong side again today - in Central America." There are a dozen different articles by different authors that will give you an alternative explanation about our Indochina policy. The book can be purchased from BCAS, 3239 9th Street Boulder, CO. 80304. NAM VET Newsletter Page 34 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 CONGRESS LOOKS ANEW AT TIES WITH VIETNAM by Clifford Krauss Special to The New York Times The New York Times, Tuesday, June 5, 1990 Page A11 Input by: Kathleen Kelly The New York Transfer - Staten Island, NY (718) 448-2358 WASHINGTON, June 4 -- Pushed by Vietnam War veterans, Congress is reopening a debate on normalizing economic and diplomatic relations with Hanoi. The opening salvo is a piece of legislation introduced by Representative Howard L. Berman, Democrat of California, that would remove legal restrictions on travel to Vietnam and four other nations -- Cambodia, Cuba, Libya and North Korea. Veterans groups around the country have testified in favor of the legislation and have begun to urge their members to write supporting letters to their representatives in Congress. The legislation is expected to be considered by the House Foreign Affairs Committee before the July 4 recess. "This is the first step towards Congress's getting over its trauma over Vietnam," said Representative Sam Gejdenson, Democrat of Connecticut, chair of the House Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade. "There is no reason we can't review our relationship. Veterans groups are leading the charge." Mr. Gejdenson's subcommittee, which is handling the travel legislation, is at the forefront of Congressional efforts to normalize relations. In a small gesture toward that end, the subcommittee recently removed language in PL-480 Food for Peace legislation that prohibited the sale of American food and other commodities to Vietnam. Since losing the Vietnam War 15 years ago, the United States has not pursued normal diplomatic relations with Hanoi. The Bush Administration has said it is not opposed to normalizing ties once a complete removal of Vietnamese military forces from Cambodia can be verified. The Vietnamese invaded Cambodia, then ruled by the Khmer Rouge, in 1978 and installed the Hun Sen Government. Vietnam announced the withdrawal of its troops last September, but persistent reports have indicated that elite Vietnamese combat units still back the Hun Sen Government in its war against a guerrilla insurgency consisting mainly of the Khmer Rouge. A State Department official who deals with East Asian affairs said that now would be a bad time to send friendly signals to Hanoi, given the stepped-up diplomatic activity to resolve the Cambodian conflict. "We need leverage" to make sure Vietnamese forces leave Cambodia, he said. "It would be unwise to act unilaterally to satisfy Vietnamese demands." The United States would like to see a coalition, backed by an international peacekeeping force, replace the Hun Sen Government. Currently, under the Trading With the Enemy Act, it is illegal for commercial or nonprofit tour groups to organize or advertise trips NAM VET Newsletter Page 35 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 to Vietnam. Individuals may travel legally to Vietnam on their own. But without the help of people experienced in dealing with the Vietnamese, they often have trouble arranging visas and hotels. Allied with the Bush Administration opposing the Berman bill, which is called the Free Trade in Ideas Act, are Cuban exile groups opposed to liberalizing travel to Cuba. A growing number of legislators disagree with the Administration position. Senator Mark O. Hatfield, Republican of Oregon, said that liberalizing travel and trade with Vietnam made sense "from every angle" because it would not only help moderate Hanoi's foreign and domestic policies but would also enable relatives of Americans missing in action to visit Vietnam to press their search for information. Mr. Hatfield said the Berman bill "could be a triggering action toward normalizing relationships because it does have the support of those who in previous times were against normalization, like the veterans groups." Don Mills, from Akron, Ohio, told the committee: "Twenty years ago, if I didn't go to Vietnam I was threatened with jail, and now if I want to go to Vietnam I am threatened with jail." Mr. Mills has helped organize tours of Vietnam for more than 200 veterans. The Treasury Department has warned him that he may be prosecuted unless he halts his activity. A letter sent to Mr. Mills from the Treasury Department said he could face up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. NAM VET Newsletter Page 36 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Paralyzed Veterans of America 801 Eighteenth St.. N..W., Washington, D.C. 2006 21 years ago I made a commitment to you ... ....I enlisted to serve my country. To fight for America. To safeguard everything you and I love. For 18 months I flew as a combat pilot in the central highlands of Vietnam... But, then my tour of duty came to an abrupt end. Enemy rocket fire destroyed my helicopter, crashing it out of control into the jungle. I survived! A few days later the doctors explained the realities to me. I would be paralyzed for life from the chest down. I have to admit I cried sometimes as I spent the next year in a hospital bed, wondering if I had the strength to go on. But then a group called the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) helped to turn my life around. Thanks to PVA, I received more than sympathy... they gave me the counselling, role models, assistance with V.A. red tape, and emotional support I desperately needed. PVA gave me hope when I had lost hope... help I couldn't get anywhere else. Today I have the chance to give PVA something back in return - as a member of PVA's Executive Committee. Yes, I won my biggest battle. But there are thousands more of my buddies who still need help in order to rebuild their lives. These paralyzed vets need PVA's ongoing support ... today ... every day. And PVA can't provide that help alone. They need you. Please... there are thousands of vets who made the ultimate commitment to America ... and to you. Now, these brave men and women need your commitment. Desperately. Won't you send what you can to help these men today? Sincerely yours, Jack Michaels PVA National President, 1987 - 1989 THE PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA NEED YOUR SUPPORT For rehabilitation and research into a cure for paraplegia. For barrier-free access to transportation, shopping and buildings. For the ability to land a job and get an education. For a chance to lead a full life and regain their independence. A copy of the Paralyzed Veterans of America's Annual Report is available by contacting PVA, 801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. In New York, contact the Office of Charities Registration, Albany, New York 12231. In Maryland, contact the Office of the Secretary of State, Statehouse, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, W.V. 25305. Registration with any of these governmental agencies does not imply endorsement by the state. Will You Help A Paralyzed Vet Win His Biggest Battle? Right now, brave paralyzed vets are fighting their toughest battle of all ... in hospital beds. Please, my friend, show these men you care! Jack Michaels, PVA NAM VET Newsletter Page 37 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 HISTORY PROJECT:RESISTANCE VETS Input by: Zeke Davis The NY Transfer BBS - Long Island, NY (718) 448-2358 A Matter of Conscience: Resistance WITHIN the US Military During the Vietnam War We are looking for veterans who participated in acts of resistance either individual or organized while serving in the military during the Vietnam War, for a project called "A Matter of Conscience: Resistance within the US military during the Vietnam War," a series of portraits and oral histories of resistance vets. In the recent resurgence of interest in the Vietnam war, one part of the history has been ignored: that of the widespread dissent within the military. We hope this project will fill that void and further an understanding of the Vietnam War. We are looking for veterans who took a variety of protest acts: refusing orders, desertion, working on GI newspapers, participation in organized GI anti-war groups, AWOL, sabotage, fraggings, assaults, etc. To date we have interviewed 25 veterans, whose portraits and oral histories have been widely exhibited throughout the Northeast and are currently part of a nationally touring exhibition called "A Different War: Vietnam in Art." This project has been funded in part by the William Joiner Center for the Study of War and Social Consequences at the University of Mass./Boston, the Lucius and Eva Eastman Fund, and the Cambridge Arts Council. The Addison Gallery of American Art at the Phillips Academy in Andover, MA has recently committed major funding for the completion of this project and is seeking a publisher for the project. We will be traveling the country the summer of 1990 to interview and photograph resistance vets. We need your help. Please contact us if: 1) you are a vet who resisted while on active duty and are interested in being interviewed 2) you know a vet who resisted while on active duty 3) you are a member of an organization that would be willing to help us find resistance vets by sending a leaflet to your members including a notice in your organization's newsletter or providing any other help in finding resistance vets in your area. WHO WE ARE: Bill Short was a platoon sergeant with the 1st Infantry Division who after 4 months of combat refused to fight. He is now a photographer and artist in residence at the Addison Gallery, and teaches at Bradford College in Massachusetts. Willa Seidenberg is a free lance journalist. Contact Bill Short at 69 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 (call collect) (617) 868-4132. NAM VET Newsletter Page 38 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 ================================================================= R e m e m b e r T h e m ! ! ! ================================================================= Incarcerated Vets - Winning and Losing By: Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Here's a quick update on what all I've been doing on the incarcerated beat of late. No new names or addresses have come my way, other than some women's or co-ed prisons that I've written to looking for lady incarcerated Vietnam vets. I have sent off copies of the MIA/POW stamp petition to all the prisons I correspond with. All report they have more than the thirty signatures needed and have sent the petitions to the Postmaster General. I really hope this campaign gets off the ground and gets this stamp issued. I took the liberty of copying Ray Moreau's "IN TOUCH Registration" form and sent it along too. All were delighted this service is now available. From James River CCR (VA) "Thank you for the forms, believe me, we surely can use them and will." James River will again be enjoying the Namvet Newsletter. Ken has set it up so that with a keystroke or two they can either read it on-line or print it out. The readers have asked me to tell you all "Keep up the good work. We really enjoy reading the newsletter." Through looking for addresses, I was able to put Whitmarsh Bailey (CO) in contact with N.I.V.N. (National Incarcerated Veterans Network). It looks as though the 'Nam vets there are finally going to get the help they need and deserve. On the other hand, Gardner, MA, because of budget cuts in their VA, is losing its PTSD group. I hope funding becomes available soon for them. I'm pleased that Brenda and Todd are going to be helping me with contacting more prisons. With their Valhalla letterhead, they may get a faster response than I've been getting lately. Welcome aboard to you both !! That's it for this month. Hope to have more for you soon. As always, if you have an address or an idea that may help me (us) on our quest, I can be contacted at 1:305/105 (FidoNet) or 1825 Evelyn Las Cruces NM 88001 (BTW: if you want copies of the petition for the MIA/POW stamp, let me know at either address or leave a note in the Vietnam_Vets Echo). NAM VET Newsletter Page 39 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX XXXXX.::::::::::::::.XXXXX INCARCERATED XXXX XXXXX XXXXX --------- XXXXX \ \ \ \ \ \ \XXXX XXXXX .XXXXX W W I I XXXXX. VETERANS \ \XXXX XXXXX ::XXXXX --------- XXXXX::. \ \ \ \ XXXX XXXXX :::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::. 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XXXX XXXXX.::' :: XXXXX: PREPARED TO XXXXX .'' ''.. XXXX XXXXX::' :: XXXXX`: FIGHT XXXXX.' '.XXXX XXXXX' :: XXXXX ``. XXXXX XXXX XXXXX '' XXXXX PREPARED TO XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX DIE ...'XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX `...' XXXXX XXXX XXXXX `..' XXXXX .' XXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX /\ .' .' XXXX XXXXX /\ \ . . XXXX XXXXX / \ \...' `. .' XXXX XXXXX / NOT PREPARED TO BE DESERTED XXXX XXXXX / .'.' . .`.' XXXX XXXXX / ~ | : : : . XXXX XXXXX / |`. : : . .__________ XXXX XXXXX / ~ ~ ||.` ` : || \ / XXXX XXXXX / WRITE OR VISIT AN INCARCERATED VETERAN SOON ! XXXX XXXXX / ~ || . .'. / / XXXX XXXXX/ ~ ~ ~|| ||/ / XXXX XXXXX ~ ~ ~ || || / XXXX XXXXX || || / XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX \_________XXXXX________|| XgjpX XXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXX NAM VET Newsletter Page 40 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 Missing Memorial??? Input By: Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Copied by oral permission from the author, Dottie L. Cruz "Dear Editor, The Vietnam War may be over as far as a national military action is concerned, but it is very much alive in the hearts and minds of thousands of men who have been unable to escape the horrors of their experience. The MIA/POW issue is a worthy and just one, but I am writing out of concern for the veterans who are missing and in prison right here in our own country. "THE WALL" is a remembrance and tribute for the 58,473 who lost their lives in combat fighting on foreign soil, but I have not seen a memorial for the 98,500 who are missing from suicide and/or accident on their own soil. There is no memorial for those who are daily struggling through the abuse of alcohol and drugs as a means of staying alive, of coping, with the horrors yet so vivid in their minds. And who remembers, or cares, about the "Forgotten warrior" who's inability to deal with the experience has sent him to prison? Of the 3.5 million who were ordered to SouthEast Asia, approximately 500,000 have been in trouble with the law, in prison, or on parole. THINK OF THAT!! Nearly 1/7 of these young men were so affected, so marred, so troubled, that it contributed to their incarceration all across the country. Some have been in prison as long as 20 years, since shortly after their return from Vietnam. Not only has it been a devastating waste to them as individuals and their families, but to the nation as well. Instead of these men helping to build the national economy by productive service, they are a drain on the taxpayers of each state. Yet, this class of prisoner has above average skills. Many have learned skills or earned their college degrees while in prison. As a nation, we sent these young men, of approximately 19 years of age, into the very "pit of Hell", to experience horrors that even Hollywood wouldn't film. They were trained to kill, and kill they did. And when they couldn't cope with the killing, they turned to alcohol and drugs to numb themselves so they could keep on killing... and hopefully survive long enough to get home. For many of them, when their tour of duty was over, those that survived were sent home, and in less than 36 hours, went from the jungle warfare of Vietnam to the jungle of protesting America. Can you imagine the shock, the hurt, the anger, the rage, the frustration these men must have felt? They fought in a foreign land that didn't want them only to return to their own "homeland" that didn't want them either. In most cases, the government offered no "debriefing", no opportunity for gradual readmission into society, and it has offered little understanding, or benefits since. They have felt strongly rejected and demoralized by the very country they fought for, took pride in, sacrificed their very lives for, and loved. Yes, thankfully, many have coped, survived, and gone on to live balanced, healthy and productive lives, but WHAT ABOUT THE THOUSANDS WHO HAVE NOT? What about those who couldn't find jobs, and are now living on the streets, homeless? What about those who couldn't cope without alcohol and drugs, and are still using it to survive? What about the ones who couldn't readjust, couldn't get NAM VET Newsletter Page 41 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 the help they needed and requested, and are in our prisons? The Justice System has been everything but just and merciful when it comes to sentencing these veterans who have committed crimes. There is reason to believe that many have received harsher sentencing than their non-veteran counterparts. There appears to be a special need among these Vietnam veterans, and that is for "comradeship". They know they need help, but their pain is such that they will only respond to those of "like kind", other veterans who have been there, who have experienced the same horrors that they experienced. Maybe that is why the VA Hospitals have been so ineffective, while the Vet Centers have been more effective. The same is true for the "incarcerated veteran", but many are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to establish veteran organizations behind the walls of prisons. The prison administrations are fearful their motives are to start "gangs", but they are ill-informed! Vietnam Veterans of America "(VVA) has incarcerated Chapters all over the country and approximately 120 incarcerated veterans organizations make up the "National Incarcerated Veterans Network". Incarcerated chapters of other organizations are also found in many prisons. For the most part, these organizations are led by highly intelligent men, many of them educated, who understand the effects of P.T.S.D., Agent Orange, flashbacks, nightmares, etc. They are trying to get treatment for all incarcerated veterans who need it, so they will be well-adjusted when they reenter society. These veterans groups are "self-help ", but they do need a helping hand. Initially, I would like to see "veterans groups" allowed in all prisons across the country. There are successful veteran groups in some prisons, many which are operating with very little funding or outside help. To those of you who belong to veterans organizations, why not help your incarcerated brothers by co- sponsoring an "in prison" chapter or help them begin their own. They need your assistance and expertise. They need your friendship and involvement. These groups provide self-help treatment and they are rehabilitative. Ideally, I would like to see our judicial system, our Federal government and our American citizens take some ACTIVE RESPONSIBILITY for these incarcerated veterans. While they are responsible for their own actions, I strongly believe that many were so effected by their experience that it is "criminal" of us, AS A NATION, not to come to their aid in their time of need. These men and women need to be IDENTIFIED, EVALUATED, TREATED, and GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR RELEASE!! They were there when America called, and they would be there again!! They fought, and bled, and some died. Can we ignore the cries of those who survived Vietnam, but have not survived their experiences, those living behind "THE WALL of Incarceration". Sincerely Concerned, Dottie L. Cruz NAM VET Newsletter Page 42 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 American Veterans In Prison - What is it? Input By: Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 The following was sent to me by incarcerated Namvet George Herbert, past Economics Director at Gardner prison (current director is Ron Gohn). I have further proof of this organization's legitimacy in the form of copies of certificates from Michael Dukakis (21-May-86), the Massachusetts State Senate (3-Dec-88), and other newspaper articles. "Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #294 American Veterans in Prison P.O. BOX 466 Gardner,Massachusetts 01440 Information Packet This packet is intended to give a brief background of the history and activities of VVA/AVIP chapter #294. American Veterans in Prison (AVIP) was founded at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Walpole in 1978 by several concerned incarcerated Vietnam Veterans. It expanded to NCCI-Gardner in 1984 and has since been established in correctional facilities throughout the Commonwealth and the rest of the United States. Membership in AVIP is approximately eight- hundred in the Massachusetts prison system alone. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was founded in 1981. It is the only Congressionally-chartered Vietnam veterans organization in the United States. Its membership is twenty thousand strong. In 1987, AVIP here at Gardner came together with the VVA to form VVA/AVIP chapter #294. We thus joined over two hundred local chartered chapters of the VVA - including twenty-two other incarcerated chapters - throughout America. VVA/AVIP #294 is a very active organization in dealing with all Veterans issues, especially those issues dealing with incarcerated veterans. It has been estimated that up to as many as fifteen percent (15%) of Vietnam veterans have been incarcerated or remain incarcerated throughout America. This number indicates a clear need to bring the subject of the incarcerated veteran to the attention of the veteran community, as well as to the attention of the general public. VVA/AVIP #294 is a leader in this area. Chapter President John Scuderi is a Vice-Chairman of the VVA Massachusetts State Council. Chapter Vice-President Charles Dixon has been nominated to the VVA's National Incarcerated Veterans Committee. Chapter Committee Chairman James Mickel is the State Chairman of the POW/MIA Committee. VVA/AVIP Chapter #294 strongly supports the stated purposes of the Vietnam Veterans of America which includes: to help foster, encourage, and promote the condition of the Vietnam Veteran; to eliminate discrimination suffered by the veterans and to develop channels of communication which will assist Vietnam veterans to maximize their lives and to enhance life-fulfillment; to assist disabled and needy war veterans including , but not limited to , Vietnam veterans and their dependents and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans; and most especially to promote any physical and cultural improvement, growth and development, self-respect, NAM VET Newsletter Page 43 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 self-confidence and usefulness of Vietnam-era veterans and others. Reflections of our commitment to these purposes are the various programs and projects initiated, established, and/or supported by VVA/AVIP chapter #294 here at Gardner. In addition to providing information and avenues concerning military discharge upgrading, Agent Orange and PTSD awareness, legislation and compensation, VA regulations and benefits, POW/MIA updates, and post-release assistance, VVA/AVIP #294 has been and continues to be involved in such diverse areas as: a stress support and management group, an inmate softball team, an inmate drama group ensemble, an absentee ballot voter drive, a fund drive for the Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation, and the centerpiece of our organization, our Toys For Tots Program. Founded by incarcerated veteran Robert Lee in 1984,with the help of J.D. Enterprises, Inc. who has loaned all machines and tools in our shop, Toys For Tots is a year-round project where inmates design and construct wooden toys and dollhouses to be donated to needy, underprivileged or ill children across the state, the country and even around the world. Toys have been donated to an orphanage in Beirut, Lebanon, an orphanage in San Salvador, El Salvador, pediatric wards in various hospitals including Boston City Hospital, Saint Vincents Hospital, and Tufts Medical Center, The Italian Home for Children, the Berkshire County Child Care Program, the North Hampton PTSD Unit, the HEAD START program of Massachusetts, and the Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation. These toys include wooden dollhouses, cars, trucks, jet planes, biplanes, tractor trailers, jeeps, tanks, bulldozers, doll cradles, doll beds, doll swings, doll highchairs, animals, numbered puzzles, and special motor-drive/hand and eye coordination toys. Most of the money needed to purchase wood, replace materials, and repair machinery comes from monthly donations by our membership. This is supplemented by donations of materials and equipment by a few generous sponsors. They take advantage of our tax-exempt status and we all are rewarded by the smiles and the joy on the faces of the children who receive our toys. That is a currency that transcends any and all cultural or language barriers. The following are several articles that have appeared over the past few years in various newspapers regarding some of our donations and activities. Also included are some remarks by Kathleen Mulligan, who established the Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation For Chronically Ill Children. (Statement by Kathleen Mulligan on August 1, 1988 accepting toys donated by MCI-Gardner inmates to the Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation): "First and foremost, I want to simply and sincerely acknowledge this generous gesture by inmates in the veterans and lifers groups here at Gardner. These toys and this doll house will immediately be put into the hands of severely disabled children, bringing some joy into lives that have already known enough pain to last a lifetime. These toys and this dollhouse took sustained energy and effort to design and build. They stand as a silent, but nonetheless eloquent, statement that inmates - men like John Kelleher and John Scuderi - are capable of constructive acts based on feelings of empathy. And this is not the first time that has happened. A little more than two months ago, I was here to accept a check for more than a NAM VET Newsletter Page 44 Volume 4, Number 7 July 15, 1990 thousand dollars that these same inmate groups had raised for the foundation. As severely disabled children are capable, with our help, of surviving and reaching their full potential, I would be remiss on this special occasion if I did not equally affirm that inmates - through efforts such as these - are also capable of traveling along their rough and sometimes rocky road to rehabilitation and constructive lives in our communities. On behalf of the children - some voiceless and all so terribly vulnerable - it is with enormous gratitude that I accept these gifts of your hands and heart. Thank you," (From the "Boston Globe" May 20,1988) "Party set to aid head-injury victim" The Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation of Methuen will host a party in Lawerence Sunday for head-injury victim, Philip Baldwin, 22 who is scheduled to go to a residential rehabilitation program in Dearing NH, Monday under an arrangement with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. The foundation, which has helped 16 families with disabled children since it was founded last October, will receive a Veteran's Day donation of approximately $1,000 from several inmate groups at Gardner State Prison. Writing for the Gardner Lifer's group and two veterans organizations, John M. Kelleher said, "We hope to show that even though we are incarcerated, we do care about other people and the social issues and problems they face." (And May 29,1988 (Source unknown)) "METHUEN - Inmates at Gardner State Prison raised $1,052 for a Methuen foundation that helps families with ill children. The inmates are members of Vietnam Veterans of America-American Veterans in Prison. They presented a check to Kathleen Mulligan at a Memorial Day program May 25. Mrs. Mulligan is president of the Kaileigh Mulligan Foundation, named in honor of her 2-year-old daughter, who has Down's Syndrome and major heart and stomach defects. The prisoners also presented Mrs. Mulligan with a dollhouse, made through their Toys for Tots program. "Your thoughtful action in raising funds for the foundation is a clear statement