Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 . __ . . -*- N A M V E T -*- ____/ \_ . . ( * \ . . Managing Editor \ Quangtri . . ---------------- \_/\ \_ Hue . . G. Joseph Peck \_Ashau Phu Bai . . \_* \_ . . Editorial Assistants \ * ) . . -------------------- _/ Danang . . Pete Farias \|/ ( \_*Chu Lai . . Sarge Hultgren --*-- \_ ------- \__ . . /|\ \_ I Corps \ . . Distribution Manager \ ------- ! . . ------------ /\_____ ! . . Jerry Hindle / ! \ . . ! !___ \ . . Section Editors ! \/\____! . . --------------- ! ! . . IN-TOUCH: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau / Dak To ! . . INCARCERATED VETS: Joyce Flory / * / . . COAST GUARD: Jack Hawkins ! \_ . . NEED-TO-KNOW: Lefty Frizzell ! Phu Cat\ . . \ * * ) . . \ 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: . . ) -------- / . . / ! G. Joseph Peck (413) 442-1660 . . / ____/ Managing Editor . . / 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 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 1. Editorials Without a miracle... .................................... 1 2. Remember Them!!! Reaching Out - Again! ................................... 5 A visit or note once in awhile? ......................... 9 Not prepared to be forgotten ............................ 10 3. Ol' Glory n' Shiftin' Sands A Desert Storm Rages .................................... 15 To Veterans Of All Wars: Thank You ...................... 16 She Flies Ever High!!! .................................. 18 My Symbol ............................................... 19 Hands Across Time ....................................... 21 Homecoming III .......................................... 22 4. Veteran Groups Vietnam Veterans Locator ................................ 23 Berkshire Veterans Center - What is it? ................. 24 Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans - Membership Info ...... 26 Berkshire Veterans' Center Membership Form .............. 28 5. In-Touch Kudos For Ray "Frenchy" Moreau! ......................... 31 In-Touch: What is it??? ................................. 34 IN-TOUCH Registration/Request Form!!! ................... 37 6. The NamVet Chapel Laos - Rebuilding and Helping ........................... 39 The Electronic Chapel ................................... 40 7. Of National Interest Soldiers' and Sailor's Relief Act ....................... 41 They haven't forgotten US!!! ............................ 43 8. Hearts n' Minds Short History of PTSD ................................... 44 Finally Here!!! ......................................... 53 Vets Hospital Echo is now on-line! ...................... 54 Break out the Clearasil ! ........................... 56 War Comes Home - Again! ................................. 57 9. Veteran info you want to know Ask the Veterans' Affairs Counselor ..................... 58 Benefits for NY Veterans and their Families ............. 59 Bring them home - NOW!!! ................................ 68 Common Reenlistment Codes ............................... 69 10. U.S.S. Liberty Analysis of Attack on the Liberty ...................... 71 11. Concentrated IVVEC/NamVet Service Congressman Adds Effort to Veterans Plight ........ 77 VA Director Assures Vet's Fair Treatment ................ 79 American Legion and Job Help for Veterans ............... 80 Research Help Requested - Site-85 ....................... 86 12. Look who's talking! BBS-Participants in VIETNAM_VETS EchoConference ......... 87 Some Gave All... ........................................ 91 NAM VET Newsletter Page ii Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= Editorials ================================================================= Without a miracle by G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 43 editions; over 3000 pages; hours and hours of putting together text-only graphics, hoping that somewhere, somehow we'd be able to provide the information and outreach many of our veterans need. Hoping that each editorial would, like AT&T, reach out and touch you , I put a lot of my heart and soul into ALL of NamVet. I remember clearly the invitations from close friends and requests from my kids to go fishing which I declined because "I gotta do my editorial for NamVet" - "Have too many folk a waitin' for NamVet. Gotta get it out for 'em!" I remember, too, the super-great help of all our Section Editors and THEIR many phone calls; THEIR many hours of putting together articles and information, and THEIR efforts to continue the UNITY in our veteran commUNITY. Saying "Good-bye" isn't easy, folks... especially when its saying good-bye to something I love so dearly. But, unless a miracle happens, this MUST be the goodbye I've so long dreaded and hoped would never come. Many of you out in NamVetLand "told" me that I was digging a grave for myself as I continued in my efforts to provide a SERVICE that, I felt, all our veterans NEED: NamVet and our VIETNAM_VETS international echoconference. "Forget it, Joe. Leave it behind and do something more productive, more useful with your time." Of course, I ALWAYS responded: "Not so! I'm not digging a grave! I'm constructing one of the finest foundations for 24-hour-a-day, nation- even world-wide veteran service that you can imagine!" Second Mortgage on my house/home; hundreds of dollars of telephone bills annually, and utility bills now into the thousands didn't phase me. I kept doggedly persisting, KNOWING that what I've been doing IS important to at least one of you. 26 years ago today, 13 Mar 65, continuing in MY proud military service, I was thrown from an Army jeep (ya know: the M151). Everything then seemed to come crashing down. My abilities and capabilities all seemed to disappear. A few months later, wrongfully diagnosed, I was Honorably discharged from something else I loved dearly: the US Military. I never stopped serving, though - nor trying to rebuild what was lost in the accident. 18 and a half years later, after thorough VA testing and evaluation, the original diagnosis - made after nearly a month lapsing in and out of coma - of "Unsuitable - due to conditions pre-existing original enlistment" was finally corrected to state "a misdiagnosed post-traumatic confusional state and a mild form of temporal lobe epilepsy." - and the VA graciously allowed me to participate in a program of Vocational Rehabilitation. (Little did I realize that, after the education was completed, I would fall through other cracks in the system: "You're overqualified!"; "Sorry, Joe, but Gramm-Rudman-Hollings has eliminated your NAM VET Newsletter Page 1 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 position here at the Veterans Administration"; "Sorry, Mr. Peck. The U.S. Post Office can't hire you. The VA says you're too disabled to be a Postal Carrier."; "What have you been doing the last few years, Mr. Peck? Aren't you a little old to be going to school?") With the reports of diagnosis/evaluation in-hand, I sought an attorney who would properly represent me before the ABCMR (Army Board of Correction of Military Records). He requested a $1500 retainer fee. I begged and borrowed (privately - NOT in the echo or through any veteran organization), took out a Student Loan and paid the attorney $750 of his requested retainer - the balance to be paid when I actually saw some positive results of his efforts. In over five years (diagnosis was corrected in 1983, attorney was hired in 1984), the attorney filed not even ONE affidavit in/on my behalf, gave me not even ONE positive indication that he was DOING anything in/on my behalf and, in 1990, I took his lack of actions before the Bar Association of the state in which he was initially licensed to practice law. The Board found that the attorney had done nothing wrong in doing nothing for five years - or in requesting a retainer for a case which, at the time, a fee in excess of $10 was not permitted ). In 1989, the bank who held the second mortgage on our house/home (the one I took out to help purchase our initial software and equipment) was going to foreclose and take possession of our premises. One of the alternatives I was presented with was declaring "Wage Earner's Bankruptcy" which would allow my family and I to keep our house/home and pay each creditor over a longer period of time. I continued my search for employment, hoping to have at least a WAGE in addition to my VA Disability Compensation that I could make payments with. I'm a firm believer in OPTIONS and ALTERNATIVES: If one doesn't work, try another and then another until, finally, something DOES. In 1983 I began my efforts to have a Vet Center established here in Pittsfield, MA. In 1984, after organizational and town meetings, Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. was formed - and officially registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in January, 1985. In May of 1985, Pittsfield opened its Vet Center and Berkshire Veterans' Center took on a grassroots type of veteran service which continues even today. In 1987, after local and CompuServe efforts as "VETLink - the POINT MAN", VETLink #1 went on-line as a computer-based veteran center. Finally, in 1990, Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. and its outreach effort of VETLink #1 were granted Federal NonProfit Status. VETLink #1 has been joined by VETLink #2 in Herndon, VA and VETLink #3 in Cape Girardeau, MO. Although, as President of Berkshire Veterans' Center and sysop of VETLink #1, I received a few donations in equipment, software and monies for operating expenses, a salary (or even partial repayment for any of what I've done to get it off-the-ground) just wasn't feasible if we were to continue providing the service and camaraderie that had begun. I have approached many local persons - both in the private and public sectors - regarding funding VETLink #1 and the service it provides. There have also been both NAM VET Newsletter Page 2 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Federal and State requests for help - but all resulted in negative responses. VETLink #1 has continued for the last two months only thanks to some of YOU who have helped with your donations. In fact, the last two months were the FIRST two months that Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc. was able to pay its OWN telephone bill! Throughout the latter part of 1990, after successfully passing the US Postal Exam for a custodian's position, I appeared for a couple of interviews. One I was turned down for; the second was a positive and I had to go again to the Medical Department of the Post Office for a physical. The doctor requested information from the Veterans Administration concerning any of my disabilities. The VA didn't hurriedly respond and, just last Friday (3/8/91) I got some good news and some bad news. The GOOD news: I learned that the USPO doctor had determined that I COULD work for the Post Office if I wore my neck brace and reported at 30-day intervals for checkups at his office. The BAD news: the position for which I'd applied had been filled and there are no more openings. I've also been interviewed by the Veterans Administration in Albany, NY for a supply clerk's position. Wouldya believe THEY tried to talk me OUT of the position? (Statements such as: "With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and quite an extensive background in electronics, don't you think you're a little overqualified for this position?" - and - "What guarantees do we have that you're going to STAY in this position?" - and - "Why is it that you're coming all the way over from Pittsfield (MA) to work? Don't you think you'll have problems in winter weather?" It seems it didn't matter to them when I told them I HAD to have a job, HAD to feed my family, HAD to save our house/home. I got a letter two weeks later telling me that I was not the person selected for the position. I received another from them about three weeks later asking me if I was available for a Clerk Typists position to which I promptly responded. Haven't heard a WORD from 'em - although I responded by their deadline date.) On 2 Jan 1991, I brought most - if not all - of the above to the attention of the Veterans Administration at a personal hearing in Boston, MA where I repeated and emphasized my VA claims with supporting documentation and statements. (There are a few years of service-connected entitlements they've conveniently "forgotten" to compensate me for - in addition to some other items.) To date, I have still heard nothing concerning my efforts - and the "private sector" employers still seem a tad reluctant to hire. And now, 26 years after volunteering for a mission and then having my whole life turned upside down and inside out, it kind of looks like another door is closing for me. We've received many final notices from our utility company's; HUD and the bank are standing in line to take our house and home; the registration on my car has been revoked 'cause I haven't been able to pay for the insurance (required here in Massachusetts), and if a job EVER happens with the Post Office, its going to come WAY TOO LATE to help anything. Very selfishly, perhaps, I've tried to use my OWN personal experiences with federal and state agencies, with various employers and veteran counseling services as a means of helping each of you out here in NamVetLand. Most of what has happened in MY life over the past few years is somewhat documented here in NamVet and in the VIETNAM_VETS echoconference. I can look back through all the echo-messages, through all the editorials and all NAM VET Newsletter Page 3 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 the NamVets and, perhaps, find another way I COULD have done things - but, if I had the chance, I don't think I'd do anything other than what I've already done. I have tried my best, have not focussed my energies in only ONE direction, kept on keeping on - in the BEST and the WORST of all circumstances. First, foremost, and last - I sincerely give thanks to my wife, Georgia, and our children for their patience as I've continued on with NamVet and all that I've tried to do with VIETNAM_VETS and our VetNet echoes. A son in the military; another son who'd entered prematurely and is now a civilian again; a brother, a niece and a nephew in Saudi Arabia; another niece now joining the military; a brother-in-law in school at Moffet Field NAS; and all of you out here have kept me going, kept me reaching; kept me searching for new avenues of outreach, new ways to show that "America DOES care!" All of NamVet's Section Editors, too are sincerely to be thanked for the work THEY'VE done! To all of you who continuously reminded me that I was digging a grave for myself with all of my efforts, I STILL say: "Not so! I'm not digging a grave! I'm constructing one of the finest foundations for 24-hour-a-day, nation- even world-wide veteran service that you can imagine!" To those others who might feel that this editorial might be an appeal for funding: It is NOT (although help would NOT be refused - just hard to accept ). I have ALWAYS held high the IMAGE of my brother and sister Vietnam Veterans and would not knowingly jeopardize, corrupt, nor taint it in even the remotest instance. I might have made some wrong moves (my wife would be the first to agree ), and I could have done things differently - but I've also SHARED what's happened so that we may ALL learn from it. THAT's what NamVet and VIETNAM_VETS is all about: SHARING and MAKING THE NEXT PERSON's JOURNEY A LITTLE EASIER! If I'm not back next month and there's no NamVet, you'll know I just didn't make it folks. Sorry - but I HAVE tried my best! The "footprints" I've left here should be easy to follow... They're footprints of a Vietnam Vet: One of the proudest, toughest, most persistent and determined veterans in all of American history! I'm proud I am one - I've worked hard to pay my dues! 'til next time Show a brother/sister veteran ... That YOU care!!! Ci'ao for Ni'ao - Joe - Managing Editor: NamVet 1988-1991 Moderator/EchoMail Coordinator: VIETNAM_VETS President: Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. P O Box 2056 Pittsfield, MA 01202 NAM VET Newsletter Page 4 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= Remember Them!!! ================================================================= Reaching Out - Again! By Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Hi to you all; I'm sorry there was no up-date on the incarcerated Nam Vets in the February issue, but to be honest, there was nothing to up- date. Since then, thanks to Mike Harris, I have been able to contact a few more prisons and have had super success in getting replies. The following names and addresses are new: William McCall #8031 ICH - 404 Karl N. Robison #852525 CCH - 343 James L. Davis #892971 E-Dorm W-5 Lowell K. Idle #893265 DCH - 424 Larry Lisenby #853325 CCH - 149 Steve Swafford #874932 CCH - 148 J. Michael Ensley #28828 F-Dorm W-84 Joe DeRado #902975 E-Dorm E-42 Richard Martin #9634 CCH - 164 Pat McGuire #892476 DCH - 153 Danny W. Hamby #892631 E-Dorm W-93 Scotty Hammack #10422 ACH - 148 Richard Kirby #31358 DCH - 262 Dinzel Miller #23977 CCH - 370 PO Box 41 Indiana State Prison Michigan City, In. 46360 Terry Snyder #193889 Alex Beaudine #145559 Bill Hammes #204434 Adrian Temp. Corr. Fac. PO Box 1900 Adrian, Mi 49221 Myer Pettyjohn #90722 Unit 9 NAM VET Newsletter Page 5 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Bobby Tate #123531 Unit 5 John Cobb #126878 Unit 12 Stanton Easley #86354 Unit 2 Charles Sprinkle #109200 Unit 4 Grant Henderson Unit 4 Johnny Ottinger Unit 14 Kenneth Teaque #112717 Unit 4 John Slate Unit 8 James Eades Unit 4 William Harris #77891 Unit 8 PO Box 2000 Wartburg, Tenn. 37887 Robert Dennstaedt #147258 G. Robert Cotter Facility PO Box 3003 Jackson, Mi. 49204 Robert White #182002 Chaplin, PMI/OP #39 Andy Cascarelli #201886 Eddie Stenton #198136 Antonio Lyte #165094 Earl Lord #196758 Tim Grassmyer #206270 Rick Isbell #207512 David Fox #200406 Charles Ray #205764 8201 N. Crosswell Rd. S.T.F. St. Louis, Mi. 48880 The following are new names to an already exsisting list from New York: Thomas Delmonte 86-C-1021 A-1-20 Robert T. Smith 81-A-2188 A-5-10 Thomas H. Harlowe 83-C-0834 E-9-16 Donald W. Knapp 88-C-0072 A-3-8 Ed Beaufort Cutner 89-C-1606 C-13-6 Gary Emry 89-C-1315 A-7-24 Ervun L. Armlin 84-C-0782 D-6-6 Ferdinand Quiles 83-A-5609 A-4-38 Elwood H. Fields 88-A-4043 D-8-13 Micheal Mantice 90-A-7640 B-7-18 135 State St. PO Box 618 Auburn, New York 13024-9000 I am also in contact with Larry DuBois 940561 Out Post Leader, Point Man Ministries International President, VVA #186 PO Box 1000 C2f3 Steilacoom, Wash 98388. He is the first to request my sending a disc and postage to send it back. I'm waiting on his reply. As always, I urge you to put that pen to paper and write just one of the many incarcerated veterans that I have listed. These guys (sorry no gals,YET) aren't out to "fleece" you, con you, or try to take advantage of you. All they want is some contact with the outside world and maybe a new friend. I, personally, write steadily, to 18 guys in 14 different states and never once have I been asked for ANYTHING other than to pass on this newsletter (I could get it they couldn't). I've been sent NAM VET Newsletter Page 6 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 a book of stamps (to cover MY postage), got a pin and patch sent to Gjoe, had offers of stationary, and a bunch of big " thank you for taking the time to write me" 's, not to mention a bunch of laughs and giggles that accompany most of the letters. Give it just ONE shot. It really is painless. From Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter # 205 Monthly Flyer for February 1991, sent to me by Alexander Michael Marathon: "FROM 1st. V.P. J.H. McAULEY, (MITCH): Our Letter Writing Campaign to the guys in "THE GULF " letting them know that "WE", the membership of "205" are behind them "200%" is going well. FROM OUR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, A. M. MARATHON: Our Outgoing Flyer Circulation List has grown to 25. Another list of names of potential candidates for a Pen- Pal Venture with THOSE WHO CARE in Las Cruces, N.M. has been sent out recently. FROM OUR POW/MIA DIRECTOR, D. ZORMAN: Those interested in expressing their feelings at the way that our soldiers are being treated as POW's by Iraqis can direct comments or suggestions to the Iraqi Delegation c/o The United Nations, 405 E. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. " Again,if there is any avenue I've missed in order to contact incarcerated Vietnam veterans, please contact me on the Echo, Netmail me at 305/105, or snail-mail me at 1825 Evelyn Las Cruces, NM 88001. Later,Joyce ________________________________________________________ This article literally fell into my lap one day. Though it was written in early 1989 (I think), it's still timely. "V.V.A. CHAPTER #161 Mr. David E. Piper, N. I. V. N. Reg. Dir. P. O. Box #14 Concord, N.H. 03302-0014 James River Veterans Group c/o James R. Rashid, Pres. James River Corr. Inst., State Farm, Va., 23160 'VETERANS CAN HELP' The purpose of Vietnam Veterans banding together, both inside and outside of prison, is for mutual support, self-help, and working towards our goals. We, the Incarcerated Veterans, are seriously in need of the programs and counselling of the Vet Centers. We are the segment of Vietnam-Era veterans nationwide who have had the hardest problems and, therefore, need assistance. It is being held back from us because of the Vet Center and Veterans Administration policy. The Vietnam Veterans of America are finally getting the respect and recognition that this country has owed them. Yet there remain the incarcerated veterans, the majority of whom have Honorable Discharges. Many of those with "Bad Papers" are eligible for upgrades, because of policy changes, yet these men can't get help NAM VET Newsletter Page 7 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 because the bureaucracy has washed its hands of them. Many Combat Vets couldn't find jobs, but saw the draft-card burners and those who sneaked off to Canada get amnesty!! Incarcerated Vets are a serious problem. They have skills and need your support. VVA is helping them to readjust and gain self-respect in order to become productive citizens again. Support your VVA Incarcerated Chapters. We worked together then; let's pull together again !! C. McLaren, The Eagle Speaks, Vol. II, No. 2" NAM VET Newsletter Page 8 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 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:::. XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX K O R E A XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX V I E T N A M XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX ------------- XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::::::::::::::::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX::' `::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX:: ::XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX `..........''`XXXXX:::: XXXX XXXXX ::::XXXXX .:(O) . (O):. XXXXX:::' XXXX XXXXX ::' XXXXX .. XXXXX:: XXXX XXXXX .:' XXXXX . .. XXXXX: XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX . .. ` XXXXX XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX ' '.. ` XXXXX. XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ' ` XXXXX . XXXX XXXXX ``. XXXXX ' . . . ` XXXXX '. ........., XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX'' ..''.'''. XXXXX .' '.XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX" ':.:'' XXXXX .'' .:::'XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX:.. .:XXXXX.'' .::::' .XXXX XXXXX :: XXXXX '.. ..:' XXXXX ..:' . .:::'XXXX XXXXX ....::'XXXXX ':::::;' XXXXX .:''. .:::' XXXX XXXXX .:::::' XXXXX .: XXXXX :'. ..:... 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 9 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Not Prepared To Be Forgotten By Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veteran Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 Thought you'd like the most recent listings of the addresses. Whitmarsh Bailey #56715 Chris S.Crespin #45523 Dennis E.Prentis #43497 Jerry Baack #57098 PO Box R Buena Vista,Colo 81211 Thomas Adams (don't write unless single female,I'm told,Grin) Dwight L.Lyons Donald E. Head EG 172282 RCI Box 8409 Columbus,Ga 31907- 8409 George Herbert (not a Namvet,but good people) Ron Gohn T2-rm 273 Lance Koren now at PO Box 1069 Concord, Mass. 01472 Arthur Coy Richard Ortiz Tyrone Smith Kevin M Pennell Robert Thompson Leslie Gomes now at PO Box 565 Billerica, Mass. 01821 Frank Komnenus PO Box 466 Gardner,Ma 01440 Billy Borkman #125740 (O-221) (not seeking pen-pal,but willanswer) Van Burton #108483 (A-120) M Davenport #155165 (N-321) M Donati #150219 (D-71) Joe Grace #136189 (B-108) M Glennon #140901 (O-101) (non-vet that likes to write) J Heidinger #102513 (O-421) Charles Ladison #138228 (O-330) G Magno #112810 (N-418) William Merriman #131789 (A-66) L Rainsford #126380 (B-108) Abdul Shah #101250 (O-417) Gerald Stovall Jr. #98899 (O-328) R Sutton #141041 (O-317) PO Box 488 Burkeville,Va. 23922 Jamal R Rashid #110781 D-2 Joseph Huggins #99433 D-6 Preston Parker #118311 D-5 William Moran #131271 D-2 Le'roi Mason #104969 D-5 David Bailey #153526 D-2 Oliver Mayfield #106330 HA-2 John Harris #133342 HA NAM VET Newsletter Page 10 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Robert Hall #148001 HA James Moody #160399 D-4 William Simmons #106399 D-4 Charlie Sherman #128403 D-6 Carlton Heflin #170297 D-5 Matthew Sanders #166545 D-4 Micheal Kay #136567 D-5 David Swink #157682 D-6 Gordon Cawthron #135734 D-6 Curtis Wright #125330 HA Roger Baxter #157594 D-2 Thomas Hawley #139294 D-1 Luther C Beasley #110375 D-2 James River Corr. Ctr. State Farm,Va. 23160 George W. Burd AJ2110 Vernon E. Miller Sr. AJ1004 Darryl Houseman AJ1063 Drawer A Old Route 22 Cresson,Penn. 16630-0010 David M. McCook (DA-118) EF 183542 Jack T. Ruthledge C.I. PO Box 8409 Columbus,Ga. 31907 Willi Henderson-Bey 128457 Richard Sheff 180946 Tony Slusarski 131661 Ronald Kramer 181007 Ronald Triplett 132615 Teddy Stephens 182636 Danny McKay 147064 Edwin Zimmerman 184779 Boyd Blair 156418 William Letzgus 187075 Herschel Davis 163765 David Oates 190210 Thomas Siemoneit 179536 David Prieto 193367 Leonard Pikaart 179858 Wendell Neview 196387 David Martin 180065 Teddy McCray 200255 James Wilson 180186 Tim Shagen 203886 2400 South Sheridan Rd. Muskegon,MI. 49442 A. David Baez #57020 Box 100 Somers,Conn. 06071 Harold Mize 863934 Cory Naples 901359 Westville Correctional Center P.O.Box 473 NAM VET Newsletter Page 11 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Westville,Ind. 46391-0473 Jeff Weil 28242 Cecil Williams 23818 James McGee 31489 Earl Grissom 27536 Roy Fudge 29966 Eddie Sanchez 26895 George McIntyre 25124 Eddie Romero 22115 Eugene Perry 29647 Brook De Nault 29594 Harold Weaver 17624 Harry Lilly 29894 Claude Theriault 11872 Dan Richmond 15601 Ken Jezierski 30790 James Raines 31445 John Doane 14686 Robert Turner 30473 James Bishop 31347 Brain Hern 14535 Nevada State Prison PO Box 607 Carson City,Nevada 89702 Sam Howard 18329 Pete Huertas 15239 Jake Reynolds 21763 Paul Stadtlander 23389 Ely State Prison PO Box 1989 Ely,Nevada 89301 Johnny Chadwick 110520 Holman Unit 5-U-5 Holman 37 Atmore,Ala. 36503-0037 Alexander Micheal Marathon 79-D-0127 B-2-7 Ron Chamberlain 81-C-0459 C-17-41 Giacomo A. Frascone 89-A-3512 A-6-22 William L. Hargrove 83-A4292 D-8-18 Andrews S. Tenny 81-B-2137 E-10-19 Thomas Delmonte 86-C-1021 A-1-20 Robert T. Smith 81-A-2188 A-5-10 Thomas H. Marlowe 83-C-0834 E-9-16 Donald W. Knapp 88-C-0072 A-3-8 Ed Beaufort Cutner 89-C-1606 C-13-6 Gary Emry 89-C-1315 A-7-24 Ervun L. Armlin 86-C-0782 D-6-6 Ferdinand Quiles 83-A-5609 A-4-38 Elwood H. Fields 88-A-4043 D-8-13 Micheal Mantice 90-A-7640 B-7-18 PO Box 618-135 135 State St. Auburn,New York 13024-9000 William R. McCall 8031 ICH - 404 NAM VET Newsletter Page 12 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Karl N. Robinson 852525 CCH - 343 James L. Davis 892971 E-Dorm W-5 Lowell K. Idle 893265 DCH - 424 Larry Lisenby 853325 CCH - 149 Steve Swafford 874932 CCH - 148 J. Michael Ensley 28828 F-Dorm W-84 Joe DeRado 902975 E-Dorm E-42 Richard Martin 9634 CCH - 164 Pat McGuire 892476 DCH - 153 Danny W. Hamby 892631 E-Dorm W-93 Scotty Hammack 10422 ACH-148 Richard Kirby 31358 DCH-262 Dinzel Miller 23977 CCH-370 PO Box 41 Indiana State Prison Michigan City,In 46360 Larry DuBois PO Box 1000 C2F3 Steilacoom,Wash. 98388 Terry Snyder #193889 Alex Beaudine #145559 Bill Hammes #204434 PO Box 1900 Adrian,Mi 49221 Myer Pettyjohn #90722 Unit 9 Bobby Tate #123531 Unit 5 John Cobb #126878 Unit 12 Stanton Easley #86354 Unit 2 Charles Sprinkle #109200 Unit 4 Grant Henderson Unit 4 Johnny Ottinger Unit 14 Kenneth Teague #112717 Unit 4 John Slate Unit 8 James Eades Unit 4 William Harris #77891 Unit 8 PO Box 2000 Wartburg,Tenn. 37887 Robert Dennstaedt 147258 G. Robert Cotton Fac. PO Box 3003 Jackson, Mi 49204 NAM VET Newsletter Page 13 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Robert White #182002 Andy Cascarelli #201886 Eddie Stenton #198136 Antonio Lyte #165094 Earl Lord #196758 Tim Grassmyer #206270 Rick Isbell #207512 David Fox #200406 Charles Ray #205764 8201 N. Crosswell Rd. S.T.F. St. Louis, Mi 48880 NAM VET Newsletter Page 14 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= Ol' Glory n' Shiftin' Sands ================================================================= A Desert Storm Rages January 29, 1991 By: Dale E. Malone Freedom Line BBS - Orlando, FL (407) 423-2111 Just a word in these troubled times, Writing lines, and constructing rhymes, If you're tired of watching the war, Unplug your set 'tis easy to ignore. But whate'er you do, I must implore, Our Sons and daughters on a distant shore, The hardest thing about being a vet, Returning home to hate and hurled epithet. Stand up for right, as is only just, The troops deserve our sacred trust, They're off in Arabie, rife with sand, Far from home in a barren land. Ordered in harm's way, not their choice, But Americans each, they have a voice, Not to raise against their peers, Nor to suffer from dissident's jeers. To particpate in a bigger thing, To right a wrong, let freedom ring, Suffer the heat, and probably pain, To end the pillage of Saddam Hussein. We all exault, all nations stand firm, Iraq misjudged us, look at them squirm, So out of travail there comes a gift, Leaders of Earth have healed their rift. Let the scribes record for all who follow, The U.N. stood tall, their conclave not hollow, Weep not mothers, for your sacrificed lambs, Blood 'twill be spilt but sheep become rams. From this date forward, mark ye well, You'll suffer our wrath, hear deaths knell, The planet moves forward into the light, We welcome depots and will willingly fight. Moving forward from division, into unity, Coalescing our might, in one whole community, So consider my words, Mr. Hussein, Or from the sky, death will rain. NAM VET Newsletter Page 15 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 To veterans of all wars: Thank you By John Laird New Mexico Section of 3/10/91 Issue of El Paso Times Submitted by Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 We rejoiced that the war is over, that this nation's military objectives were met, that the ground war lasted only 100 hours and that casualties were far fewer than we feared. That was Friday, March 8, 1990. When our troops began arriving home from the war. Remember, though, that on any date the door to war can swing both ways. Ironically, it was March 8, 1965, when the first U. S. ground troops arrived in Vietnam. As I've anticipated this homecoming celebration, I've also wondered: How much of this is celebration, and how much of it is the purging of our guilt? Are we only interested in welcoming home troops who are allowed by politicians to WIN wars? I hope not. But consider the differences between Vietnam and Mideast wars. The difference was affirmed early, when President Bush said this war would not be another Vietnam, that it would be waged relatively quickly and that a great majority of Americans would support the action. He was right on all counts. Perhaps a greater difference in the two wars: In the Persian Gulf several white-hat nations fought one tyrant of undisputed evil. In Vietnam, the military knew what it should do, but we back home never were sure. FOLLOWING THE WRONG STAR I was a junior in high school on March 8, 1965; lost, as I've written before, in the fog of adolescence. Later, in the war, though, I found inspiration in a John Wayne movie, "Green Berets." In college, I decided that mt future surely must be in a helicopter, waging war in the jungle with the same skill - met with the same adoration back home - that we were to observe 26 years later in the deserts of the Mideast. My older brother got wind of my John Waynesque scheme. He advised me to wait and reassess my ambitions. This I read in his letters... from Vietnam. Was he clairvoyant? Did he know there would be no glory in Vietnam? No parades, no rallies back home? Fortunately, my crude diet in college had created a stomach condition that caused me to fail the Army physical. Instead of protecting freedom in the tropics of Southeast Asia, I returned to reporting on high school football games in the Texas Panhandle. A CERTAIN GRATITUDE I'm about halfway sorry I never fought in Vietnam, just as I am about halfway sorry that I didn't get to work as a war correspondent in the Persian Gulf. But, I'm whole-way sure about one thing: From now on, every time a veteran mentions Vietnam, I plan to say, simply, "Thank you for going." About 57,000 U. S. troops will never hear our gratitude. They paid the ultimate price in Vietnam. And to this day, many more suffer the psychological scars of having gone there. Let our rejoicing grow and last for months. But, let us leave no one out. NAM VET Newsletter Page 16 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 To the soldiers of the Mideast: Welcome home. And to ALL who have served in the U. S. military: Thank you for stepping out. It is the American soldier - not some star of a war movie - who becomes the real hero for the rest of us." NAM VET Newsletter Page 17 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 NMNMNMNMNMNMNM\ Operation Desert Storm MH * * * HN/NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNM\ NH * * * HM/MH * * HMNMMNMN/MMMMMMMMMMMMM\ MH * * * HN/NH * * * H////////MMMMMMMMMMMMM/MMMMMMMMMMMMMMH NH * * * HM/MH * * H//////////////////////MMMMMMMMMMMMMMH MH * * * HN/NH * * * HNMNMMNM/////////////////////////////H MH * * * HM/MH* * * HMNMNNMN/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H MH * * * HN/NH * * * H////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNHH NH * * * HM/MH * * H//////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH MH * * * HN/NH * * * HMNMMNMN/////////////////////////////H H//////////////MH * * HNMNNMNM/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H H//////////////////////////////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH NNNNNNNNNNNNNN///////////////////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NNNNNNNNNNNNNN/NMNMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNM/////////////////////////////H H//////////////MNMNMNMNMNMNMNMMNMN/NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H H//////////////////////////////////MNMNMNMMNMNMN/NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH MNMNMNMNMNMNMN///////////////////////////////////MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NMNMNMNMNMNMNM\NMNMNMNMNMNMNMMNMNM/////////////////////////////H \NMNMNMNMNMNMNNMNMN\NMNMNMNNMNMNM///////////////H \MNMNMNMMNMNMN\NMNMNNMNMNNMNMH WELL DONE !!! \MNMNMMNMNMMNMNH NAM VET Newsletter Page 18 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 My Symbol Submitted by Joyce Flory NamVet's Incarcerated Veterans Section Editor Desert Dolphin BBS - Las Cruces, NM (505) 523-2811 This is a reprint from the February 22, 1991 issue of the Missle Ranger (the local post newspaper here in New Mexico). I did not have an answer To ease their angry pain Editor's Note: The following poem was recited by Col. Jerry D. Autry at the WSMR (Joyce's note: White Sand's Missle Range) Prayer Breakfast in the Officers' Club on Feb. 13. The poem was composed by SSgt. Michael R. Conner of Fremont, Calif., and sent to his family at Christmas. Conner was killed in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 25, 1991. *** MY SYMBOL I had a dream near 3 a.m. That crashed into my night A multitude of warriors Standing in full sight On their anguished faces Were grim and hateful glares; They wore Marine Corps blouses Yet all they did was stare. I saw wounds of Belleau Wood, I saw the scars of Guam, The dead were there of Heartbreak Ridge And a company from 'Nam. Then, one spoke out and asked me A question loud and strong: "Can they burn the flag we died for?" How can it NOT be wrong? I did not have an answer To ease their angry pain I could only give excuses For a country gone insane... I saw the flag on Iwo Just before I died I saw that lead pole lifted Where the flag was safely tied. I know it's just a symbol That flies above our graves, But, let it be a symbol Of what these men and I have gave. With that, the dream was over, And I woke with fear and shame. NAM VET Newsletter Page 19 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 To think a FOOL can trample The flag that bears OUR names... " With that said, I close and belatedly head to Hallmark to buy some black ribbon. Joyce NAM VET Newsletter Page 20 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 . . . For Information on our Saudi Soldiers: . . . . ARMY: 1-703-614-0730 . . 1-800-626-1440 . . 1-800-642-9254 . . NAVY: 1-800-732-1206 . . 1-800-255-3808 . . 1-202-746-5915 . . MARINES: 1-800-523-2694 . . AIR FORCE: 1-800-253-9276 . . COAST GUARD: 1-800-283-8724 . . . . Support Groups: . . National Guard Families: 1-800-356-2794 . . Army Reserve Units: 1-800-874-8451 . . . . . . xxxxx XXXXxxxxx, . . xx''xxxxxxX XX xX XXx . .xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXX x xX' x'' XXXx . . x x xX xXX Xx . . 'x' X XXxx . . xxx X. . xX . . xX . . VIETNAM x x x xX . . VETERANS x xX X x X IRAQ . . X X X X x < VETERANS . . X X X X X Xx . . xxxxxxxxxX X X X x Xxx . . XXX'' /__X__ XX__X___xXX xXxxxxx . . xXXX 'Xxxxx xX Xxx . .XX WE SUPPORT YOU XxxxxxxxxxxxX X. .X BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN SERVICE . . . . . . "We are with you . . Wherever you may be . . We are sailing . . With you on every sea . . We are standing . . With you on desert sand . . We're your country . . Together we stand!" . . . . . . The Staff of NamVet . . . . and participants in . . . . The International Vietnam Veterans EchoConference . . . NAM VET Newsletter Page 21 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 HOMECOMING III by G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Silvery waters and a big yellow moon I'll be home friend, home very soon. I have seen the wars Watched other men die . . . Held their pain-wracked bodies Their existence - GONE in a sigh. A tear, a hug, a long last look "Hold my hand... read me the Book" ... and LIFE slips away. Who did they cry for with their last look at Earth? Who will miss them - and what's it worth? What's it worth when men fight and die, Never wanting to - never really knowing why? What's it worth when the bombs fall, Not killing one - but killing all: Newborn children, sisters and brothers Happy families - fathers and mothers? ... and LIFE slips away. So loudly that you, too must hear Those battlefield cries ring in my ear: "Rivers of white. Rivers of red. How hard we fought - how freely we bled! We gave 'em all that we had We fought for the good - not for the bad; So that children could grow to be old, Never going hungry - never being cold, For Tomorrow - America - promises that are true For Love - for Freedom - and especially YOU!!!" ... and LIFE slips away. An American Soldier From one battlefield I am free. I watch ... and remember: " Eternal Vigilance . . . " . . . the PRICE of Liberty!" NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= Veteran Groups ================================================================= VIETNAM VETERANS LOCATOR Return To: Rickard Stolz 34248 RD. Q Okauchee, WI 53069 Tel: 414-567-5833 Home of Reunion BBS Data 414-567-0437 Last Name: ______________________________________________ First : ______________________________________________ Address : ______________________________________________ City : _____________________________________ State : _____ Zip: _________ Phone # : ____-____-________ Primary Unit : ___________________________________________ Second. Unit : ___________________________________________ Year :______ - ______ Branch : _________________ Notes:_____________________________________________________ Notes:_____________________________________________________ Above information is not for profit. The above information will be transfered into a database file by Reunion. This is not just a list it is a querrying database. Just trying to help Vets find Vets. Reunion BBS also has databases on POW/MIA'S which include Bio's on over two thousand POW/MIA's. We will also be adding a Reunions Database in the near future. NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION of Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc. From IRS From 1023 (Rev. 12-89) Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor President - Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. was initially created to meet the needs of Berkshire County, MA Vietnam and other veterans as well as their family and friends through the operation(s) of a storefront-type Vet Center. Adequate, timely, funding to provide the quality and type of services envisioned in its original corporate charter (attached) did not materialize and the corporation, after assuring that Vet Center Services would be available for local veterans, then concentrated its efforts on grassroots veteran service and the linking together throughout the nation of veterans, their dependents, and others desiring veteran service and/or information. Via its computer-based bulletin board service, VETLink #1, the corporation began its pioneer efforts at bringing veteran-related services to the homes of deaf, blind, house/homebound disabled veterans and their close others. In March, 1987 the corporation commenced providing on-line camaraderie, support, guidance in completing claim forms for VA Medical, Educational, Burial, Dependency benefits, Agent Orange Exposure claims and medical testing, Employment searches and help for the homeless through the sponsorship of the International Vietnam Veterans Echo Conference (IVVEC) for the computer-using general public. The corporation, through its nationally placed members, continues to provide 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week coverage of the IVVEC alert to aid and/or assist any veteran and/or his/her immediate family in the event of any crisis. In addition to the heretofore mentioned areas of service, the corporation, on 11 November 87, co-developed and co-produced NAMVET - an electronic publication which aids in readjustment situations, coming to terms with life beyond the military, educating others from the experiences of Vietnam veterans, and generally strives to promote unity throughout the veteran community. Published monthly, NAMVET is distributed through a network of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS's) and is also made available in hard-copy form to various educational and penal institutions throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia. Presently, the corporation is concentrating its efforts towards developing its computer-based bulletin board service to include the capability of offering veteran-related items, to INCLUDE books, patches, hats, bumper stickers, and other memorabilia, and to EXCLUDE any form of weaponry or arms for sale, to its users. Additional separate sections of the computer-based bulletin board service, VETLink #1, will be allocated to accepting on-line membership applications for various local and national veteran organizations and groups. User/Member orders and membership applications shall be processed upon receipt of funds and/or chargecard authorization from the user/member to the home office of the corporation. The corporation is also presently developing a membership maintenance system which will allow authorized members of a NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 veteran group or organization to access, enter, maintain, produce mailing lists, labels and manipulate data concerning their respective members. Authorized in May, 1986 by the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. to reproduce, in computer form, any and all of the VA Claim and other forms in the public domain, the corporation shall endeavor to receive federal accreditation of its representatives authorizing them to act in and on a veteran or dependent's behalf in matters before the Veterans Administration for consideration. The future activities of the corporation include refinement and streamlining of the above-mentioned activities, continued production of NAMVET, and the development of personnel and methodology which will allow other Vet Centers and veteran groups to provide the same or similar services to veterans and others in their respective areas; the installation of a facsimile machine for rapid transmission of important documentation; multiline operation of VETLink #1; laser printing of NAMVET and other veteran-related information for distribution to incarcerated, hospitalized, house/homebound disabled veterans and to various educational and informational institutions and facilities. Wherever and whenever possible, as an adjunct to its self- sustaining, self-perpetuating methods of providing assistance, support and camaraderie to disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans, the corporation will seek grants and other funding in order to continue providing benefit information, care and assistance with a patriotic orientation which was EARNED by virtue of service in the United States Armed Forces. NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 BROTHERHOOD OF VIETNAM VETERANS VETERANS HELPING VETERANS HELPING VETERANS HELPING VETERANS Submitted by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 Q-- What is the Brotherhood ? A-- The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans was founded in spirit on the battlefields of Hue and Khe Sanh, in the steaming jungles of the Ia Drang Valley, north of Da Nang on National Route 1, in the Mekong Delta south of Saigon, in a thousand other places whose names they never knew, where they fought for their lives, for America, but ultimately, they fought for each other. It lives today as well, accepting all vets as members as comrades-in-arms in struggles in the Middle East, the Far East and throughout the World. The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans was founded, a Brotherhood which surpasses any other. Loyalty to country, loyalty to their beliefs and loyalty to each other. The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, Inc. is a non-profit (501(c)(19) veterans health and service organization, founded in September 1980, in Austin, Texas. Originally, the "Brotherhood" was started by a Vietnam Combat Veteran, his wife, the widow of a Vietnam Veteran and a retired Sergeant Major. From these humble beginnings, the organization has grown to a group with nationwide membership and influence. Now approaching 80,000 members, the Brotherhood's Main Office is now located in Houston, Texas. With 2 offices in Houston, the Brotherhood is guided by President, Sibley Cooley, and Vice President, Michael L. Moore, LUTCF. The BVV was the first (1st) Vietnam Veterans group to effect state legislation providing direct aid to Texas Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Still ever important, the Agent Orange issue is not dead. President Sibley Cooley and fellow member David Clayton, Oklahoma, have been working with a California Medical Team to stem the effects of Agent Orange, soon to be discussed on "Donahue". The BVV aided in passing the Texas State Veterans Land Program. The BVV worked in Washington, D.C. on passage of the "Atomic Vets-Agent Orange" Act. The BVV performs daily acts of direct aid to Vietnam Veterans, from visits to the VA Hospitals to clothing and food drives for needy veterans. Although we are proud of what we have accomplished, we are very aware of the many problems that still exist for Vietnam Vets and ask your support so that these problems can be addressed. Your membership in BVV is Vital To You! If you would be interested in knowing more about the Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, or how you might assist or participate in the association, fill out the information below and return it to: NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans 2909 Hillcroft, Suite 538, Box 20, Houston, Tx 77057 Or Re-Zip this file with your application filled out and call 713-995-0420 to arrange for Modem Transfer. Or call 713-977-5222 for more information on how you can join. Name______________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________City___________________ State_____ZipCode________Plus4_______Telephone_________Bus._______ Thank you in advance for your support. NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Berkshire Veterans' Center Membership Form BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC. was initially created to meet the needs of Berkshire County (MA) Vietnam and other veterans as well as their family and friends through the operations of a storefront-type Center. Adequate funding to provide the quality and type of services envisioned in its original corporate charter did not materialize and the corporation then focused its efforts on both quiet grassroots veteran-service and the linking together of veterans throughout the nation via its computer-based bulletin board, VETLink #1. During its existence, VETLink #1 (aka Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc.), through its System Operator, has provided on-line comraderie, support, and various forms of crisis intervention, as well as provided guidance in completing claims for VA benefits (Educational, Medical, Burial, etc.), Agent Orange testing, Employment searches, and help for the homeless. This has all been accomplished with nonexistent funding. Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. has now reached the stage where "funding" and "grants" will allow it to develop further its monthly electronic publication entitled "NamVet" (initally published 11/11/87), as another method of aiding in readjustment by Job Counseling, Family Counseling, and generally coming to terms with life outside of the military. These same benefits will be extended to veterans in the Berkshire County (MA) area. Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. also provides others who have not experienced the war in Vietnam an opportunity to interact and learn first-hand from Vietnam veterans about the war and the veterans experience. Through "NamVet", Berkshire Veterans' Center provides input to various educational institutions and has recently intensified efforts of outreach to the incarcerated veteran community. Since its creation, Berkshire Veterans' Center has continued to exist only because of the totally volunteer efforts of its members. Would you like to help us continue in what we began in 1985? Would you like to help VETLink #1 and NamVet continue in its outreach efforts to the veterans of our nation, their dependents and families? Would you like to be a member of the nation's FIRST national organization dedicated and committed to the veterans of our nation and the issues that concern them (Agent Orange, PTSD, Incarcerated Veterans, Homelessness, etc.)? Your membership, whether you're a veteran, wife/husband of a veteran, child or dependent of a veteran - or just care about veterans - is welcome. We would like YOU to take part in providing a very-needed service to the quiet heroes and heroines of our nation. THANK YOU for accepting this application for MEMBERSHIP in Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. - our county's OLDEST veteran center dedicated and committed to helping the veterans of our nation and bringing the outside world in to those who are NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 housebound through an international computer communication network. The membership "dues" are fifteen dollars ($15.00) - this is just about the smallest we could make them and still stay on-line. We hope to continue providing the nation's BEST in veteran service and advice with YOUR help... As a member of Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc., the sponsor of VETLink #1, you will have a part in making available to veterans everywhere our monthly publication entitled "NamVet" - an electronic publication by, for, and about the veterans of our nation and the issues that concern them. Eventually we hope to obtain electronic printing media and make NamVet available to all those who request it for only the cost of its mailing. You will also have a part in continuing what we've helped begin here: an international support and crisis intervention network where those who served in the military can share that time of their life - and share with those who haven't had the same experience. Members of our Board of Directors are located in key cities throughout the continental U.S. As they become available, there will also be some "extra's" that you, as a member, will be receiving (ie: a monthly BVCI newsletter, ways that YOU might be able to help in a situation near YOU - or that others may help you in return, etc.). As soon as you possibly can, please complete the form below and mail with your tax-deductible Membership Amount: ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBER APPLICATION / DONATION FORM (Receipt and a THANK YOU will be returned to you) BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC. ATTN: Membership Department Post Office Box 2056 Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202 Dear Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc.: I would like to: __ be a member of Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. and help in providing veteran information and services to those who request and/or need it. __ donate funds to help in VETLink #1's continued operation. Full Name_______________________________ Amount enclosed $______ Street Address___________________________________________________ City, State, and ZIPcode_________________________________________ Birthday __/__/__ Business Telephone #_______________ Home Telephone #_____________ I am a Veteran __; Spouse of a Veteran __; Child of a Veteran __; NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Non-Veteran __; Relative of Veteran __; I understand that the opinions expressed on VETLink #1 are those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal or State governments, the SYSOP or others who make use of this sytem. I explicitly acknowledge that all information obtained from VETLink #1 is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and that I accept responsibility for any risks that may arise from acting on information obtained from VETLink #1, including the entire costs of all necessary remedies, and that I absolve all other users and the SYSOP of VETLink #1 and/or Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. from any such responsibility. Comment(s): ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________ Date____________________ NAM VET Newsletter Page 30 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= In-Touch ================================================================= (Our Washington DC mole just managed to come up with a text-file copy of some letters about our Frenchy that many of you will be interested in. ) (Letter One) January 21, 1990 Mr. Raymond J. Moreau Program Manager Navy Projects Electronic Data Systems Corp. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX M/S A5S-C54 Herndon, VA 22071 Dear Mr. Moreau Federal Computer Week and National Trade Productions Inc. are pleased to inform you that you are among FCW's second annual Federal 100, the group of 100 executives from government, industry and academia nominated by our readers and found by an independent panel of judges to have had the greatest impact on the government systems community in 1990. You were selected from scores of nominees for the difference you have made in the way agencies and companies develop, acquire and manage information technology in the federal world. A list of the 100 is enclosed. NTP, producers of FOSE, and FCW would like to recognize you for your achievement in a special supplement to the February 25 issue of the newspaper and at a reception and dinner to be held during FOSE at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March 5. Highlighting the evening will be the presentation of the FOSE Award, given to the two officials among the 100 -- one from government and one from industry -- who are judged by NTP and the FOSE Advisory Council to deserve special recognition for their influence on the federal government's effective use information technology. In addition, we will be presenting you with a personalized award at the dinner and would like know whether your name as it appears on this letter is the way you would like it to appear on the award. Finally, a member of FCW's editorial staff will contact you in the next few days to conduct a brief interview for your profile in the supplement. We look forward to seeing you on March 5. Until then, please accept our congratulations for being among this year's Federal 100. (Letter Two) (Our Frenchy is the 1991 FOSE Award Recipient!!!) "Dear Mr. Moreau: It is with great pleasure that I am able to inform NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 you that you are one of the two recipients of the FOSE Award for 1991. The Award will be presented to you at the Federal 100 Dinner on Tuesday, March 5, being held at the Capitol Hilton. The recipient of the Award is selected by a large panel of judges, all of whom are involved in the information technology market. The Award is presented to the vendor and government employee who have had the greatest impact on the federal government's effective use of information technology. I am proud to announce that you have been chosen to receive this Award from a field of 100 designees. Congratulations! I look forward to meeting you at the Federal 100 dinner. Sincerely, Mark N. Sirangelo Executive Vice President" (Frenchy's Acceptance Speech - after all, what's a mole worth if all the information cannot be provided ) "I am extremely proud and deeply touched to be nominated and to receive the '1991 FOSE Award'. I want to thank Federal Computer Week's readers and the judges for this honor. My special thanks to the 58,175 brothers and sisters, Vietnam Veterans. For these men and women 'In Touch" is theirs. The Wall is and now represents a living memorial - for we shall never forget them. My deepest thanks to all our veterans of past wars and especially to our men and women of Desert Storm - We are very proud of all of you, "WELCOME HOME'. My thanks to the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and their heart warming and much needed volunteer service. They provide the comfort and comradery to our Vietnam Veterans searching and seeking to reach out. The Friends provided the seed for the development of the 'In Touch' tree of healing. One can never forget our teaming partners. Thank You Zenith Data Systems, Philipe Kahn of Borland International, Bob Dennis of FASTCOMM Communications, Terry Myers of Quarterdeck Office Systems, Rod Coleman of Hewlett Packard and Fifth Generation Systems for your generous donations to the Friends for this project. My deepest thanks to EDS and its Public Affairs office for their support - WE HAD A VISION THAT WENT BEYOND COMPUTERS, HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. Special thanks to those EDS eagles - Chuck Pross and Chuck Funderbert - Programmers Extraordinaire, George DeBourde and Hebert Henri for their support in documenting the system. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the 70 EDS NAM VET Newsletter Page 32 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 facilities and the countless EDS volunteers who have taken 'In Touch' to their hearts to support our veterans by helping the Friends. My deepest thanks to my wife Jane for her undying love, constant understanding and support during the 'In Touch' development. Thank you Lord for this beautiful, wonderful and courageous United States of America and its Allies. Thank You. Congratulations Frenchy!!! From ALL of the NamVet staff - and IVVEC participants. Well done, bro' - WELL DONE!!! (Our thanks, too, to the mole ) NAM VET Newsletter Page 33 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 In-Touch. What is it ??? Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA (703) 471-8010 ================================================================= |+++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN TOUCH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++| | There are some 43 million people in the United States whose | | lives were directly and irrevocably touched by the Vietnam | | War. | | | | Almost four million people served in Vietnam -- the longest, | | and perhaps most difficult, war in our history. More than a | | quarter of a million were seriously wounded. 58,175 are dead | | or missing. | | | | Each of those who returned recognizes the true cost of war. | | But so too do the families and friends, wives and lovers of | | those listed on the Wall. They too paid a tremendous price, | | not always recognized... many still do. | | | | Though twenty years have passed, it seems that is the period | | people have needed to get the distance necessary to begin to | | address the unresolved, deeply personal issues that have | | been haunting them since the war. Perhaps that is a measure | | of the pain. | | | | But, the "healing of a nation" that was intended by the | | building of the Memorial, has begun. | | | | In the office of the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans | | Memorial, we hear them on the other end of the phone on | | any given day, and far into the night, they call from all | | corners of the country. | | | | "If only I could find out..." | | "I need to find his family so I can keep my promise..." | | "I just want to talk to someone who was with him... " | | "Please, can you help...?" | | | | At the Wall, we find them every day. Veterans who have not | | spoken of their experiences even to their most intimate | | family members are now beginning, tentatively, to seek a | | responsive ear. What's it worth when the bombs fall, Not killing one - but killing all: Newborn children, sisters and brothers Happy families - fathers and mothers? ... and LIFE slips away. So loudly that you, too must hear Those battlefield cries ring in my ear: "Rivers of white. Rivers of red. How hard we fought - how freely we bled! We gave 'em all that we had We fought for the good - not for the bad; So that children could grow to be old, Never going hungry - never being cold, For Tomorrow - America - promises that are true For Love - for Freedom - and especially YOU!!!" ... and LIFE slips away. An American Soldier From one battlefield I am free. I watch ... and remember: " Eternal Vigilance . . . " . . . the PRICE of Liberty!" NAM VET Newsletter Page 22 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= Veteran Groups ================================================================= VIETNAM VETERANS LOCATOR Return To: Rickard Stolz 34248 RD. Q Okauchee, WI 53069 Tel: 414-567-5833 Home of Reunion BBS Data 414-567-0437 Last Name: ______________________________________________ First : ______________________________________________ Address : ______________________________________________ City : _____________________________________ State : _____ Zip: _________ Phone # : ____-____-________ Primary Unit : ___________________________________________ Second. Unit : ___________________________________________ Year :______ - ______ Branch : _________________ Notes:_____________________________________________________ Notes:_____________________________________________________ Above information is not for profit. The above information will be transfered into a database file by Reunion. This is not just a list it is a querrying database. Just trying to help Vets find Vets. Reunion BBS also has databases on POW/MIA'S which include Bio's on over two thousand POW/MIA's. We will also be adding a Reunions Database in the near future. NAM VET Newsletter Page 23 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION of Berkshire Veterans Center, Inc. From IRS From 1023 (Rev. 12-89) Input by: G. Joseph Peck NamVet's Managing Editor President - Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. VETLink #1 - Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-6313 Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. was initially created to meet the needs of Berkshire County, MA Vietnam and other veterans as well as their family and friends through the operation(s) of a storefront-type Vet Center. Adequate, timely, funding to provide the quality and type of services envisioned in its original corporate charter (attached) did not materialize and the corporation, after assuring that Vet Center Services would be available for local veterans, then concentrated its efforts on grassroots veteran service and the linking together throughout the nation of veterans, their dependents, and others desiring veteran service and/or information. Via its computer-based bulletin board service, VETLink #1, the corporation began its pioneer efforts at bringing veteran-related services to the homes of deaf, blind, house/homebound disabled veterans and their close others. In March, 1987 the corporation commenced providing on-line camaraderie, support, guidance in completing claim forms for VA Medical, Educational, Burial, Dependency benefits, Agent Orange Exposure claims and medical testing, Employment searches and help for the homeless through the sponsorship of the International Vietnam Veterans Echo Conference (IVVEC) for the computer-using general public. The corporation, through its nationally placed members, continues to provide 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week coverage of the IVVEC alert to aid and/or assist any veteran and/or his/her immediate family in the event of any crisis. In addition to the heretofore mentioned areas of service, the corporation, on 11 November 87, co-developed and co-produced NAMVET - an electronic publication which aids in readjustment situations, coming to terms with life beyond the military, educating others from the experiences of Vietnam veterans, and generally strives to promote unity throughout the veteran community. Published monthly, NAMVET is distributed through a network of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS's) and is also made available in hard-copy form to various educational and penal institutions throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia. Presently, the corporation is concentrating its efforts towards developing its computer-based bulletin board service to include the capability of offering veteran-related items, to INCLUDE books, patches, hats, bumper stickers, and other memorabilia, and to EXCLUDE any form of weaponry or arms for sale, to its users. Additional separate sections of the computer-based bulletin board service, VETLink #1, will be allocated to accepting on-line membership applications for various local and national veteran organizations and groups. User/Member orders and membership applications shall be processed upon receipt of funds and/or chargecard authorization from the user/member to the home office of the corporation. The corporation is also presently developing a membership maintenance system which will allow authorized members of a NAM VET Newsletter Page 24 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 veteran group or organization to access, enter, maintain, produce mailing lists, labels and manipulate data concerning their respective members. Authorized in May, 1986 by the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. to reproduce, in computer form, any and all of the VA Claim and other forms in the public domain, the corporation shall endeavor to receive federal accreditation of its representatives authorizing them to act in and on a veteran or dependent's behalf in matters before the Veterans Administration for consideration. The future activities of the corporation include refinement and streamlining of the above-mentioned activities, continued production of NAMVET, and the development of personnel and methodology which will allow other Vet Centers and veteran groups to provide the same or similar services to veterans and others in their respective areas; the installation of a facsimile machine for rapid transmission of important documentation; multiline operation of VETLink #1; laser printing of NAMVET and other veteran-related information for distribution to incarcerated, hospitalized, house/homebound disabled veterans and to various educational and informational institutions and facilities. Wherever and whenever possible, as an adjunct to its self- sustaining, self-perpetuating methods of providing assistance, support and camaraderie to disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans, the corporation will seek grants and other funding in order to continue providing benefit information, care and assistance with a patriotic orientation which was EARNED by virtue of service in the United States Armed Forces. NAM VET Newsletter Page 25 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 BROTHERHOOD OF VIETNAM VETERANS VETERANS HELPING VETERANS HELPING VETERANS HELPING VETERANS Submitted by: Lefty Frizzell NamVet's Need-To-Know Section Editor The Executive Washroom - Katy, Texas (713) 347-2558 Q-- What is the Brotherhood ? A-- The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans was founded in spirit on the battlefields of Hue and Khe Sanh, in the steaming jungles of the Ia Drang Valley, north of Da Nang on National Route 1, in the Mekong Delta south of Saigon, in a thousand other places whose names they never knew, where they fought for their lives, for America, but ultimately, they fought for each other. It lives today as well, accepting all vets as members as comrades-in-arms in struggles in the Middle East, the Far East and throughout the World. The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans was founded, a Brotherhood which surpasses any other. Loyalty to country, loyalty to their beliefs and loyalty to each other. The Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, Inc. is a non-profit (501(c)(19) veterans health and service organization, founded in September 1980, in Austin, Texas. Originally, the "Brotherhood" was started by a Vietnam Combat Veteran, his wife, the widow of a Vietnam Veteran and a retired Sergeant Major. From these humble beginnings, the organization has grown to a group with nationwide membership and influence. Now approaching 80,000 members, the Brotherhood's Main Office is now located in Houston, Texas. With 2 offices in Houston, the Brotherhood is guided by President, Sibley Cooley, and Vice President, Michael L. Moore, LUTCF. The BVV was the first (1st) Vietnam Veterans group to effect state legislation providing direct aid to Texas Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Still ever important, the Agent Orange issue is not dead. President Sibley Cooley and fellow member David Clayton, Oklahoma, have been working with a California Medical Team to stem the effects of Agent Orange, soon to be discussed on "Donahue". The BVV aided in passing the Texas State Veterans Land Program. The BVV worked in Washington, D.C. on passage of the "Atomic Vets-Agent Orange" Act. The BVV performs daily acts of direct aid to Vietnam Veterans, from visits to the VA Hospitals to clothing and food drives for needy veterans. Although we are proud of what we have accomplished, we are very aware of the many problems that still exist for Vietnam Vets and ask your support so that these problems can be addressed. Your membership in BVV is Vital To You! If you would be interested in knowing more about the Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans, or how you might assist or participate in the association, fill out the information below and return it to: NAM VET Newsletter Page 26 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans 2909 Hillcroft, Suite 538, Box 20, Houston, Tx 77057 Or Re-Zip this file with your application filled out and call 713-995-0420 to arrange for Modem Transfer. Or call 713-977-5222 for more information on how you can join. Name______________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________City___________________ State_____ZipCode________Plus4_______Telephone_________Bus._______ Thank you in advance for your support. NAM VET Newsletter Page 27 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Berkshire Veterans' Center Membership Form BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC. was initially created to meet the needs of Berkshire County (MA) Vietnam and other veterans as well as their family and friends through the operations of a storefront-type Center. Adequate funding to provide the quality and type of services envisioned in its original corporate charter did not materialize and the corporation then focused its efforts on both quiet grassroots veteran-service and the linking together of veterans throughout the nation via its computer-based bulletin board, VETLink #1. During its existence, VETLink #1 (aka Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc.), through its System Operator, has provided on-line comraderie, support, and various forms of crisis intervention, as well as provided guidance in completing claims for VA benefits (Educational, Medical, Burial, etc.), Agent Orange testing, Employment searches, and help for the homeless. This has all been accomplished with nonexistent funding. Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. has now reached the stage where "funding" and "grants" will allow it to develop further its monthly electronic publication entitled "NamVet" (initally published 11/11/87), as another method of aiding in readjustment by Job Counseling, Family Counseling, and generally coming to terms with life outside of the military. These same benefits will be extended to veterans in the Berkshire County (MA) area. Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. also provides others who have not experienced the war in Vietnam an opportunity to interact and learn first-hand from Vietnam veterans about the war and the veterans experience. Through "NamVet", Berkshire Veterans' Center provides input to various educational institutions and has recently intensified efforts of outreach to the incarcerated veteran community. Since its creation, Berkshire Veterans' Center has continued to exist only because of the totally volunteer efforts of its members. Would you like to help us continue in what we began in 1985? Would you like to help VETLink #1 and NamVet continue in its outreach efforts to the veterans of our nation, their dependents and families? Would you like to be a member of the nation's FIRST national organization dedicated and committed to the veterans of our nation and the issues that concern them (Agent Orange, PTSD, Incarcerated Veterans, Homelessness, etc.)? Your membership, whether you're a veteran, wife/husband of a veteran, child or dependent of a veteran - or just care about veterans - is welcome. We would like YOU to take part in providing a very-needed service to the quiet heroes and heroines of our nation. THANK YOU for accepting this application for MEMBERSHIP in Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. - our county's OLDEST veteran center dedicated and committed to helping the veterans of our nation and bringing the outside world in to those who are NAM VET Newsletter Page 28 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 housebound through an international computer communication network. The membership "dues" are fifteen dollars ($15.00) - this is just about the smallest we could make them and still stay on-line. We hope to continue providing the nation's BEST in veteran service and advice with YOUR help... As a member of Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc., the sponsor of VETLink #1, you will have a part in making available to veterans everywhere our monthly publication entitled "NamVet" - an electronic publication by, for, and about the veterans of our nation and the issues that concern them. Eventually we hope to obtain electronic printing media and make NamVet available to all those who request it for only the cost of its mailing. You will also have a part in continuing what we've helped begin here: an international support and crisis intervention network where those who served in the military can share that time of their life - and share with those who haven't had the same experience. Members of our Board of Directors are located in key cities throughout the continental U.S. As they become available, there will also be some "extra's" that you, as a member, will be receiving (ie: a monthly BVCI newsletter, ways that YOU might be able to help in a situation near YOU - or that others may help you in return, etc.). As soon as you possibly can, please complete the form below and mail with your tax-deductible Membership Amount: ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBER APPLICATION / DONATION FORM (Receipt and a THANK YOU will be returned to you) BERKSHIRE VETERANS' CENTER, INC. ATTN: Membership Department Post Office Box 2056 Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202 Dear Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc.: I would like to: __ be a member of Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. and help in providing veteran information and services to those who request and/or need it. __ donate funds to help in VETLink #1's continued operation. Full Name_______________________________ Amount enclosed $______ Street Address___________________________________________________ City, State, and ZIPcode_________________________________________ Birthday __/__/__ Business Telephone #_______________ Home Telephone #_____________ I am a Veteran __; Spouse of a Veteran __; Child of a Veteran __; NAM VET Newsletter Page 29 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Non-Veteran __; Relative of Veteran __; I understand that the opinions expressed on VETLink #1 are those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal or State governments, the SYSOP or others who make use of this sytem. I explicitly acknowledge that all information obtained from VETLink #1 is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and that I accept responsibility for any risks that may arise from acting on information obtained from VETLink #1, including the entire costs of all necessary remedies, and that I absolve all other users and the SYSOP of VETLink #1 and/or Berkshire Veterans' Center, Inc. from any such responsibility. Comment(s): ____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________ Date____________________ NAM VET Newsletter Page 30 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 ================================================================= In-Touch ================================================================= (Our Washington DC mole just managed to come up with a text-file copy of some letters about our Frenchy that many of you will be interested in. ) (Letter One) January 21, 1990 Mr. Raymond J. Moreau Program Manager Navy Projects Electronic Data Systems Corp. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX M/S A5S-C54 Herndon, VA 22071 Dear Mr. Moreau Federal Computer Week and National Trade Productions Inc. are pleased to inform you that you are among FCW's second annual Federal 100, the group of 100 executives from government, industry and academia nominated by our readers and found by an independent panel of judges to have had the greatest impact on the government systems community in 1990. You were selected from scores of nominees for the difference you have made in the way agencies and companies develop, acquire and manage information technology in the federal world. A list of the 100 is enclosed. NTP, producers of FOSE, and FCW would like to recognize you for your achievement in a special supplement to the February 25 issue of the newspaper and at a reception and dinner to be held during FOSE at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March 5. Highlighting the evening will be the presentation of the FOSE Award, given to the two officials among the 100 -- one from government and one from industry -- who are judged by NTP and the FOSE Advisory Council to deserve special recognition for their influence on the federal government's effective use information technology. In addition, we will be presenting you with a personalized award at the dinner and would like know whether your name as it appears on this letter is the way you would like it to appear on the award. Finally, a member of FCW's editorial staff will contact you in the next few days to conduct a brief interview for your profile in the supplement. We look forward to seeing you on March 5. Until then, please accept our congratulations for being among this year's Federal 100. (Letter Two) (Our Frenchy is the 1991 FOSE Award Recipient!!!) "Dear Mr. Moreau: It is with great pleasure that I am able to inform NAM VET Newsletter Page 31 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 you that you are one of the two recipients of the FOSE Award for 1991. The Award will be presented to you at the Federal 100 Dinner on Tuesday, March 5, being held at the Capitol Hilton. The recipient of the Award is selected by a large panel of judges, all of whom are involved in the information technology market. The Award is presented to the vendor and government employee who have had the greatest impact on the federal government's effective use of information technology. I am proud to announce that you have been chosen to receive this Award from a field of 100 designees. Congratulations! I look forward to meeting you at the Federal 100 dinner. Sincerely, Mark N. Sirangelo Executive Vice President" (Frenchy's Acceptance Speech - after all, what's a mole worth if all the information cannot be provided ) "I am extremely proud and deeply touched to be nominated and to receive the '1991 FOSE Award'. I want to thank Federal Computer Week's readers and the judges for this honor. My special thanks to the 58,175 brothers and sisters, Vietnam Veterans. For these men and women 'In Touch" is theirs. The Wall is and now represents a living memorial - for we shall never forget them. My deepest thanks to all our veterans of past wars and especially to our men and women of Desert Storm - We are very proud of all of you, "WELCOME HOME'. My thanks to the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and their heart warming and much needed volunteer service. They provide the comfort and comradery to our Vietnam Veterans searching and seeking to reach out. The Friends provided the seed for the development of the 'In Touch' tree of healing. One can never forget our teaming partners. Thank You Zenith Data Systems, Philipe Kahn of Borland International, Bob Dennis of FASTCOMM Communications, Terry Myers of Quarterdeck Office Systems, Rod Coleman of Hewlett Packard and Fifth Generation Systems for your generous donations to the Friends for this project. My deepest thanks to EDS and its Public Affairs office for their support - WE HAD A VISION THAT WENT BEYOND COMPUTERS, HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. Special thanks to those EDS eagles - Chuck Pross and Chuck Funderbert - Programmers Extraordinaire, George DeBourde and Hebert Henri for their support in documenting the system. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the 70 EDS NAM VET Newsletter Page 32 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 facilities and the countless EDS volunteers who have taken 'In Touch' to their hearts to support our veterans by helping the Friends. My deepest thanks to my wife Jane for her undying love, constant understanding and support during the 'In Touch' development. Thank you Lord for this beautiful, wonderful and courageous United States of America and its Allies. Thank You. Congratulations Frenchy!!! From ALL of the NamVet staff - and IVVEC participants. Well done, bro' - WELL DONE!!! (Our thanks, too, to the mole ) NAM VET Newsletter Page 33 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 In-Touch. What is it ??? Input by: Ray "Frenchy" Moreau NAM VETs IN-TOUCH Section Editor Herndon Byte eXchange - Herndon, VA (703) 471-8010 ================================================================= |+++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN TOUCH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++| | There are some 43 million people in the United States whose | | liclearly recognized they were psychologically spent from previous battles. "They had no heart for the fight and were unwilling to take their share of the danger." ()Herodotus tells of another Spartan named Aristodemus who was so shaken by battle he was nicknamed "the Trembler" - he later hung himself in shame.) One thousand years later, things had changed very little at the front. The ANGLO SAXON CHRONICLE recounts a battle in 1003 A.D. between the English and the Danes in which the English commander Alfred reportedly become so violently ill that he began to vomit and was not able to lead his men. We also know PTSD doesn't confine itself strictly to the war experience. Samuel Pepys was an Englishman who lived in London during the 1600s. His surviving diary provides an excellent record of the development of PTSD. In writing of the Great Fire of London in 1666, Pepys recounts people's terror and frustration at being unable to protect their property or stop the fire. Pepys writes: "A most horrid, malicious, blood fire.... So great was our fear.... It was enough to put us out of our wits." NAM VET Newsletter Page 44 Volume 5, Number 3 March 14, 1991 Although his home was untouched, Pepys was unable to sleep for days after the fire. He scrawls: "Both sleeping and waking, and such fear of fire in my heart, that I took little rest." Two weeks later, Pepys writes: "[M]uch terrified in the nights nowadays, with dreams of fire and falling down of houses." The diary reports general feelings of anger and discontent over the next four months. Pepys then records that news of a chimney fire some distance away "put me into much fear and trouble." It appears Swiss military physicians in 1678 were among the first to identify and name that constellation of behaviors that make up the acute combat reaction or PTSD. Nostalgia was the term they used to define a condition characterized by melancholy, incessant thinking of home, disturbed sleep or insomnia, weakness, loss of appetite, anxiety, cardiac palpitations, stupor, and fever. German doctors diagnosed the problem among their troops at about the same time as the Swiss. They referred to the condition as HEIMWEH (homesickness). Obviously, it was strongly believes the symptoms came about from the soldiers longing to return home. In time, French doctors termed the same symptoms MALADIE DU PAYS, and the Spanish, confronted with the same reactions among their soldier, called it ESTAR ROTO (literally, "to be broken"). During the siege of Gibraltar in 1727, a soldier who was part of the defense of the city kept a diary. In it, there is mention of incidents in which soldiers killed or wounded themselves. He also describes a state of extreme physical fatigue which had caused soldiers to lose their ability to understand or process even the simplest instructions. In this state, the soldiers would refuse to eat, drink, work, or fight in defense of the city, even though they would be repeatedly whipped for not doing so. The French surgeon Larrey described the disorder - what we now call PTSD - as having three different stages. The first is heightened excitement and imagination; the second is a period of fever and prominent gastrointestinal symptoms; the final stage is one of frustration and depression. During the American Civil War, military physicians diagnosed many cases of functional disability as the result of fear of battle and the stresses of military life. This included a wide range of illnesses now known to be caused by emotional turbulence, including paralysis, war tremors, self-inflicted wounds, nostalgia, and severe palpitations - also called "soldier's heart" and "exhausted heart." It was reportedly surprising to some Civil War physicians that soldiers on normal leave often collapsed with emotional illness at home, even when they had shown no symptoms of mental debilitation before they had left the fighting. Many consider the Civil War the first step on the road to modern warfare. Civil War soldiers made the first frontal assaults into repeating rifles and pistol