QUAD CITIES CHAPTER 299 WWW.QCVVA299.ORG CHAPTER 299 MAY 2016 VETS IN CRISIS HOTLINE 1.800.273.8255 President - LARRY TSCHAPPAT 309 - 788-2729 [email protected]Vice President-RAY HAMILTON 1-563-650-7486 [email protected]Secretary-John Schneck 309-798-1255 [email protected]Treasurer-Mike Haney 309-755-7935 – [email protected]Membership - JOHN SCHNECK 1-309-798-1255 [email protected]Veteran Service Officers (VSO) Al “Butch” Huber-VSO 309.721.1453 Steve Lowther-VSO 309.737.2954 VVA National Offices 800.882.1316 VA Outpatient Clinic Bettendorf 563.332.8528 VA Med Cent IA City 319.338.0581 & 800.346.1843 IL Dept of Veterans Affairs VSO Dan Bebber 309.793.1460 RI Cty Vet Ast & VSO Todd Harlow 309.558.3546 VET CENTER (Counseling) 309-762-6955 IA Vet Affairs & VSO David Woods 563.326.8723 Honor Guard Co-Captains Dennis Laird - Funerals 309.721.7468 Andy Andersen - Parades C: 563.940.5980 IA Workforce Vet Reps Craig Norris - 563.445.3219 Jennifer Toenjes – 1-563-445-3200 EXT. 43348 [email protected]“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – MAY 2016 Our annual election is now history, and you, the membership, have spoken. It is my honor to be your new President, and I thank you all. I am also pleased that you have chosen a great mixture of members for your Chapter officers and Directors, and I look forward to our next year together leading your Chapter. My first request of you all is that the new Board & I want to hear from you. Any ideas you may have about helping our Chapter do things better, from fund-raising to reaching more area veterans, please contact us. Here’s my home phone: (309) 788-2729 and e-mail: let289@hotmail. com for starters. For the next two meetings I want to have an open discussion about keeping our monthly meetings at the Rock Island Arsenal or not. To me, the RIA has always been a somewhat equal distance for everyone in the QC area. With the new security requirements, it may be time for a change !?! Your input is needed in this discussion, as it will ultimately be your decision to stay or move. In closing, I regret to report that our Chaplin Jim Kerr’s wife Georgia died on 25 April 16. She was a RIHS classmate of mine as well. I extend our Chapter’s condolences and sympathy to Jim and his family for their loss. Respectfully, Larry Tschappat - Chapter 299 President Named a military friendly college by Victory Media 6 years running! Thanks to our service men and women and our veterans!
“We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would harm us.”George Orwell
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – MAY 2016 Our annual election is now history, and you, the membership, have spoken. It is my honor to be your new President, and I thank you all. I am also pleased that you have chosen a great mixture of members for your Chapter officers and Directors, and I look forward to our next year together leading your Chapter. My first request of you all is that the new Board & I want to hear from you. Any ideas you may have about helping our Chapter do things better, from fund-raising to reaching more area veterans, please contact us. Here’s my home phone: (309) 788-2729 and e-mail: [email protected] for starters. For the next two meetings I want to have an open discussion about keeping our monthly meetings at the Rock Island Arsenal or not. To me, the RIA has always been a somewhat equal distance for everyone in the QC area. With the new security requirements, it may be time for a change !?! Your input is needed in this discussion, as it will ultimately be your decision to stay or move. In closing, I regret to report that our Chaplin Jim Kerr’s wife Georgia died on 25 April 16. She was a RIHS classmate of mine as well. I extend our Chapter’s condolences and sympathy to Jim and his family for their loss. Respectfully, Larry Tschappat - Chapter 299 President
Named a military friendly
college by Victory Media
6 years running!
Thanks to our service men and women and our
veterans!
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER2
AS THE GAVEL PASSES… When I took office last year, the Bob Brooks Stolen Valor mess was dumped squarely in my lap. Calls came from veteran groups, POW organizations, the news media as well as our membership and all wanted definitive answers. Ray Hamilton and I began an investigation which ultimately lead to Brooks arrest, prosecution and conviction by the U.S. Attorney’s Office (see story in this STS). It was the hardest thing I had ever done involving this Chapter…but it had to be done. The next mountain to climb was getting the Chapter’s Veteran Scholarship legacy off dead center and approved by the membership. This initiative had languished without action since 2013. As of the April meeting, we now have a scholarship fund in place that will be administered by The Moline Foundation. This legacy will continue in perpetuity. After we are gone, the Vietnam Veteran Scholarship will be a living reminder we were here and we cared about our veteran brothers. Our generation of veterans truly did not forget those that are to come. In the accomplishment of any mission, there are always those that get hurt feelings and whose toes are stepped on. Leading from the front requires decisive action irrespective of the perception of others. The goals have been met. We are a better and stronger Chapter than we were a year ago. It is now time to turn the mantel of leadership over to the new administration. Leading this Chapter is a demanding job. We need to get behind our newly elected leadership and assist where we can and volunteer when needed. Let’s work as one, move forward and remember, we are all in this together. It has been my honor and privilege to be your president. With respect to all my brother veterans, Bill Albracht
OPEN HOUSESUNDAY MAY 22nd
at Healing Heroes In The Heartland
Healing Heroes In The Heartland will host an Open House May 22nd from 1 – 3 PM at 2508 – 25th Street, Rock Island. Dr. Angel Hong is the Director of ‘Healing Heroes’ and continues to receive referrals from VA Medical for the treatment of PTSD and TBI [ Traumatic Brain Injury ] . Dr. Angel is truly and “Angel” for all Veterans and a valuable sponsor for Chapter 299. Veterans suffering from PTSD / TBI are treated at no cost to the Veteran. If you’re not sure you have PTSD, go to Dr. Angel and let her make that decision for you. No DD-214 needed. Honor System is in effect. Always remember – anyone that can help you from ailment can easily “put the hurt” on a scam artist. Get to this Open House and talk with Dr. Angel and her staff.
Healing Heroes
In The Heartland
Come join our fantastic staff, dedicated volunteers,
and fellow community members to celebrate Healing Heroes
Annual Open House!
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY MAY 22nd
1:00 to 3:00 pm
2508 25th St.
Rock Island
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (309) 283-7316
or visit www.healingheroesintheheartland.org
One Life at a Time.
Vendors * Refreshments Music * Raffles
Help us continue our mission to provide compassionate, accessible integrative healing for
America’s heroes living with Post Traumatic Stress
and Traumatic Brain Injury.
We need YOU!
280 East 90th Street • Davenport, IA 52806Phone: (563)285-1914 • Fax: (563)285-1917
Thanking our Veterans for their service to our country!
Superior Tube Products Is Hiring!Positions Needed: Quality Engineer
in our Quality dept and a Project manager/Estimator. Call 562-285-1914
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 3
Phone: 309-277-8700
Thanking Our Veterans For Our Freedom!
An Unsung Hero, Hugh Thompson 4/15/43 - 1/6/2006 In March of 1968, Chief Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson, Jr., and two crewmembers, Glen Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn, were sent on a mission to draw enemy fire upon their small Raven helicopter, to assist ground troops in locating the enemy. Above the hamlet of My Lai, they saw bodies of women and children strewn over the land. Realizing that the massacre was being committed by US Troops, Thompson threw green smoke down signifying no hostiles. He communicated to the Lt. in charge of the ground troops to cease fire. US Troops continued to advance. Thompson landed his helicopter between the advancing troops and the dead and wounded villagers. He ordered his crew to train their weapons on the US Troops stopping their advance. Thompson notified superiors, evacuated a wounded child and requested assistance from area helicopters to aid other wounded villagers.
Though ostracized for many years for what he did, in 1998, some thirty years later, Hugh Thompson, Glen Adreotta (posthumously), and Lawrence Coburn were awarded the Soldiers Medal, the US Army’s highest award for bravery not involving direct contact with the enemy. I think I, maybe many other members, could have been “walking the field” or flying in the helicopter that day. My perception might be that this reflects well today on all of us in a very positive and healing way. President Bill Albracht said it very well in the October 2015 issue, “we have time (in our lives now) to sort out feelings long buried.” Thompson had a secure moral compass that I believe our military today greatly acknowledges. For more information, go to en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Thompson,_Jr - Submitted by Terry Lynch
“War is not a polite recreation but the vilest thing in life, and we ought to understand that and not play at war. We ought to accept it sternly and solemnly as a fearful necessity.” Those words are taken from Tolstoy’s -War and Peace. The My Lai massacre took place in war. It took place in a village where our troops had been taking heavy fire, which in turn caused numerous casualties. When our troops assaulted, the enemy fled but the old and the children remained. Unless you were there that day, we can only speculate. In the fog of war...in the fear and the adrenalin rush of combat…raw emotions can override our true and moral self. At My Lai, the innocents died, the children screamed and the old prayed. One man saw the horrific confusion and killing from the sky and he acted. He took a stand. This is his story from his perspective. Remember, unless you were there... Bill Albracht
Flag Disposal Louie Alongi, VVA Member 299 - (309) 786-9625 There was a note in the April STS newsletter regarding “Flag Disposal.” If you, or anyone you know, has a worn out old Flag(s) for disposal please contact me. There is a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the RI Arsenal in June each year.
The Rock Island Knights of Columbus have headed up this event for over 15 years. The Flag Retirement Ceremony is scheduled for June 11th this year. The VVA 299 Honor Guard, Scouts, and some military personnel participate with the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. If you ever have the opportunity to see this Ceremony it will charge up your “Patriotic Battery.” Thank you.
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Veteran Admits Falsifying Records To Show He Won Medals, Awards
- By Rachel Warmke, [email protected] - Mar 29, 2016 A Vietnam Veteran from Davenport will be required to forfeit over a dozen medals and awards after admitting to a federal judge Monday he purchased much of his military decorations without authorization. Prosecutors said between 1971 and 1974, while in the Army Reserves, Robert Ellsworth Brooks Jr. created a list of military awards and decorations “he thought he deserved, but had not validly been awarded.” The list was added to his military file and, since then, Mr. Brooks maintained he had legitimately received the awards. On Monday, Mr. Brooks admitted his ruse. Appearing at the Davenport federal courthouse before Magistrate Judge Stephen Jackson, Jr., Mr. Brooks pleaded guilty to one count of purchasing military awards and decorations without proper authorization. The crime carries a possible punishment of probation or up to one year in federal prison. Mr. Brooks was allowed to remain out of custody pending the Aug. 19 sentencing. According to the plea agreement, Mr. Brooks served from 1962 to 1966 in the U.S. Navy and from 1967 to 1970 in the Army, during which time he was deployed to Vietnam and served as a helicopter pilot. While serving in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1974, “Brooks engaged in a conversation with others and as a result compiled a list of Awards and Decorations he thought he deserved, but had not validly been awarded,” according to the plea agreement. Mr. Brooks “knowingly provided this list to another” and it was “falsely” added to his military file, the agreement said. He returned to the Navy in 1974, after which Navy officials obtained a copy of Army records, which stated the false additions to the list of honors Mr. Brooks, had received, records said. “The Navy relied on this form as legitimate and believed Brooks was entitled to the incorrectly listed
Awards & Decorations,” the plea agreement said. After Mr. Brooks’ discharge from the Navy in 1986, the false information was included with his DD-214, which provides information about a veteran’s military service and is used to verify such things as benefits and membership in veterans’ organizations. “Throughout the years, the only document that was checked when suspicion arose about the earned Awards & Decorations was the fraudulent DD-214,” the plea agreement said. The plea agreement listed over a dozen awards that had been added to his official record and that Mr. Brooks “knew he had not been legitimately authorized to receive.” Prosecutors said Mr. Brooks purchased several awards he knew he was not authorized to receive -- including a Silver Star with 2 oak leaf clusters, a Purple Heart with 4 oak leaf clusters and a Combat Infantryman Badge -- and repeatedly defended the lies, both “in public and private settings.” When questioned about his war record, Mr. Brooks referred to the DD-214, knowing it contained false information, the plea agreement stated. On Oct. 15, 2015, Mr. Brooks allowed FBI agents to search his home, where officers seized about 20 awards and decorations that had been “knowingly possessed by Brooks without proper support, approval and authorization.” As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Brooks agreed to forfeit approximately 18 medals, ribbons and other military decorations seized from his home. The government agreed not to forfeit approximately 14 other decorations, provided proof was shown that they had been “legitimately earned and acquired” by Mr. Brooks, the agreement stated. Mr. Brooks previously served on the board of directors for Vietnam Veterans Quad-Cities Chapter 299 and has been among veterans recognized at local events for their military service.
Article contributed by Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus, March 29th edition.
Thomas SkorepaATTORNEY AT LAW
3725 Black Hawk Road Suite 200Rock Island, IL 61201 309.788.7481
Continuing the tradition of service to those in need.307 6th Avenue E - Andalusia, IL - Phone: (309) 798-2512
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 5
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Leather Jacket Sale with Logos – See In This Issue – Last Chance !
May 14th Quad Cities Cruisers – Need Members to sell 50/50 Tickets at South Park Mall from 6 – 9 PM for a “Cruise In” and to “Fly Our Colors” Arrive at 5:30
May 22, 2016 – Healing Heroes In The Heartland – Open House – in this issue
May 26th - RI Arsenal National Cemetery – Place Flags on Gravesites 10:45 AM
May 30th, 2016 – Memorial Day – See Honor Guard Events and Fly The Flag and visit National Cemetery
May 31st – RI Arsenal – National Cemetery – Retrieve Flags – 8 AM
June 11th – Quad Cities Cruisers – Need Members to “Fly The Colors at their Car Show from 4 – 9 PM – Arrive at 3:30 PM
June 11, 2016 – Flag Retirement Ceremony – RI Arsenal – see this issue
September 10th – Quad Cities Cruisers – Need Members to participate from 6 – 9 PM and “Fly The Colors” – Arrive at 5:30 PM
May 2016 Vet 2 Vet Report Vet 2 Vet seeks Volunteers to spread good cheer to out ill and hospitalized Veterans at VA Medical Center in Iowa City – Wednesdays, June 22nd, August 17th and October 19th. We meet at The Machine Shed at 7 AM for a Chapter 299 sponsored breakfast and leave at 8 AM for VAMC. All Volunteers will return to the QCA no later than 1 – 1:30 PM on the same day. – Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves
Our Sponsors – You Support Them
When you read your monthly Shoulder To Shoulder, please take time to check out all our sponsors. Every sponsor has dedicated itself to spend their money to support each monthly issue. Your editors ask you to consider spending your money at their businesses. You may not know but every sponsor becomes a Friend. After all, the Sponsors do not “fall from the sky” – they are sought out by Chapter 299 Volunteers who must explain, Who We Are, What are Our Objectives ? – Then each sponsor must be billed at various times throughout the year. Without our Sponsors there is no “Shoulder To Shoulder” – to each Sponsor, we thank you. – JL, BA, JH
James W. VictorExecutive DirectorFinancial Advisor4300 East 53rd Street, Suite 300Davenport, IA 52807563-344-4334 or [email protected]
Ralph Smith was a small-town boy from Burnside, Kentucky, where he lived with his parents and sister Jo Anne. At age eighteen, Ralph left his small-town roots behind, joining the army and heading for Europe to fight in World War II. He proudly sailed on the largest and fastest troop ship of the time, the RMS Queen Elizabeth, which carried 15,000 troops. It sped across the Atlantic Ocean from New York City to Scotland in six days. There, Ralph took a train to Southampton, England, where he boarded another ship to cross the English Channel to Le Havre, France. He took a train to Belgium, riding in a boxcar called a “40 and 8” because it could fit forty men or eight horses. He enjoyed a four-day break in Belgium before finally joining his division in The Netherlands.
During the war, the army censored letters the soldiers sent home, checking to be sure they did not contain information that might be useful to the enemy. Ralph couldn’t tell his family back home in Kentucky where he was or what he was doing. He was glad, when the war was over, finally to be allowed to tell them all about what he had done and where he had traveled. Until the war ended, his parents had no idea where their son was in Europe, but as long as they received letters from him, they knew he was safe. They were proud that their only son was fighting for freedom against tyranny. In a letter dated May 23, 1945, Ralph wrote to his parents, “Two weeks ago I was in Niedermarsberg one day, Brilon two days, and then me and three more GI’s with three Yugoslavs went to guard Count Graf Spee’s
RALPH SMITH – A WW II “ART PROTECTOR” – FOR THE MONUMENT MEN Ralph Smith, originally from Kentucky, lives at Friendship Manor in Rock Island. When I was out speaking one day, a woman approached me asking if I would meet with Ralph, who is her best friend’s father. I went with her and met a humble man with an incredible story to tell. He served our country during WWII and after the Allies won, Ralph’s unit was assigned an unusual task. They were taken to a beautiful castle in the German countryside and ordered to guard millions of dollars worth of art. Years later Ralph would learn the story of the Monument’s Men recovering the art but as a young soldier, all he knew was he was sleeping in a comfortable bed for the first time in ages and there was fine wine in the cellar. What a story Ralph had to tell my young author and illustrator Sibya Honts. She met him on Veteran’s Day of 2014 and today, thanks to a grant from Quad City Arts, her book will go into schools in Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois. This distribution goes hand-in-hand with a summer writing program for potential young authors and artists to go with Dr. Marrietta Castle and me to Friendship Manor to meet those who lived through WWII and preserve their stories. Who knows what amazing stories will be uncovered ? Since our project is very unique and we are working on producing between 50-60 stories, we cannot afford to print extra copies of each title. Since Amazon prints on demand, it’s the answer to our prayers to make books available to family, friends and those interested. Art Protector is now available for purchase on Amazon.
We recently received a $5,000 grant from Quad City Arts to put this book in schools this spring. Through Ralph’s story, we hope to inspire other young authors to go visit Veterans at Friendship Manor and capture their stories for the A BOOK by ME series. A special thanks to Laura Dunn and the educational team at the Figge Art Museum for their assistance in proofreading and fact checking this important story entitled Art Protector. – Deb Bowen, Creator of - A Book By Me – Books Written By Children For Children 309-582-8888 *submitted by Jo-Ann Hunigan Coda: I encourage all Veterans to get their stories told no matter its significance. If a little girl can edify this man’s story through her prose then what excuses can we make not to tell our stories no matter its significance ? Ralph Smith died April 27, 2016 – Sibya preserved his story. - JH
RALPH SMITH Art Protector
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 7son’s castle. That is where I was when the war ended. We were supposed to have been guarding $10,000,000 worth of art there. I saw the Count and we gave him orders instead of him ordering us. We stayed in the castle and slept in nice beds with clean sheets. Walked on beautiful rugs and drank the Count’s champagne. Of course, [sic] I didn’t drink much but some of the guys did. I drank a little to celebrate the war being over. Don’t mind do you?” Why were Ralph and his buddies guarding ten million dollars’ worth of art? That’s an interesting story, and it has to do with Adolf Hitler and his unfulfilled aspirations. Hitler was an unsuccessful artist who had twice been denied admission to Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts. Surviving examples of Hitler’s drawings show he had moderate talent, but he considered himself a connoisseur. While the Nazis took power, they plundered priceless art and cultural treasures from every area they invaded. This was done in a systematic manner, with organizations specifically created to determine which public and private collections would be most valuable. After Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, one of his first acts was the “cleansing of the German culture,” which included burning books and labeling art “degenerate” if it did not conform to Nazi ideology. “Degenerate” art included all types of modern styles and the work of any artist who was seen as not being racially “Aryan.” Hitler made it a high priority to find and steal all degenerate art, and artists deemed degenerate were not allowed to paint. The Nazis destroyed hundreds of famous, priceless, and irreplaceable paintings, drawings, sculptures and other artworks. Some that were kept were featured in a “degenerate art show” to try to fuel revulsion against the “perverse Jewish spirit.” Artists whose work was featured in the show included Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. After the exhibit ended, the art was either destroyed or sold at auction. A large amount of “degenerate art” was destroyed in a bonfire on July 27, 1942 in Paris, France. Besides destroying and discrediting “degenerate” art, Hitler also collected priceless masterworks for his own museum. He intended to stuff the museum full of the pieces he stole during the war, essentially consolidating all of the surviving great art in Europe in a single museum that would honor National Socialism, or Nazism. What
Ralph guarded was most likely some of this art Hitler wanted for his museum, which had been stolen by the Nazis and later recovered by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives program of the Allies. The Monuments Men, as they were called, were a small group of mostly middle-aged men and a few women who interrupted their civilian careers as historians, architects, museum curators and professors to try to save irreplaceable items of art and culture. They found and recovered thousands of pieces of stolen art, traveling to areas the Nazis had occupied and searching out their art repositories. The art was often hidden in salt mines and caves. The Monuments Men also found vast amounts of gold and other precious materials the Nazis had plundered. The Allies collected the artworks and stored them at collection points until they could be returned to their rightful owners. Works of art that could be traced were returned to the countries from which they had been taken. Another of Ralph’s adventures was driving the army trucks. He didn’t have a license and didn’t even know how to drive. That didn’t matter to his commanding officer. He was given a hand-written “license” and told to drive anyway. It was a crazy way to learn to drive, he said, and at one point he sideswiped a streetcar in Germany. One of his driving assignments was to bring the bodies of dead American soldiers out of Germany into Belgium, so they could be buried on friendly foreign soil. After the war, Ralph returned to Kentucky and was able to attend college, thanks to the GI Bill. The Bill provided financial assistance to servicemen, veterans and their families to help pay for education or to buy a home. Ralph attended the University of Kentucky and became a mechanical engineer. He met Louellen, a woman with three brothers who had all served in the Navy during the war. One of her brothers was killed on an aircraft carrier; his body was never recovered. Ralph and Louellen married. Eventually they moved to the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa, where Ralph worked for American Air Filter in Moline, Illinois, and they raised their three children.
CHAPTER 299 HONOR GUARD UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2016May 07 Vietnam Memorial Vigil In Springfield, Illinois. 14 Quad Cities Cruisers “Cruise In”. Sell 50/50 Tickets. No Colors. 5:30 - 9Pm. At Southpark Mall. 23 Veterans Awareness Ride At All Vets Memorial In Davenport. Firing. 4:30Pm. 29 All Vets Memorial In Davenport. Firing. ? Quad City River Bandits Memorial Day Baseball Game. Presentation Of The
Colors. 30? Rock Island Arsenal Memorial Day Ceremony. Firing.
Jun. 05 Annawan Parade. 11 Flag Disposal On The Arsenal At Shelter #2. Firing. 11 Quad Cities Cruisers “Car Show”. Sell 50/50 Tickets. Presentation Of Colors. 3:30 - 9Pm. Jun ? Wiebler’s Harley Davidson. Presentation Of The Colors. Jul. ? Quad City River Bandits Fourth Of July Celebration. Presentation Of The Colors. 04 Fourth Of July Parade In East Moline 14 Qc Plus 60 Club At Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds In Davenport. Presentation Of The Colors. 16 Walcott Day Parade.
TAPSFollowing is a list of funerals at which military honors were performed by the combined efforts of the VVA Chapter 299, VVA Chapter 776, and the MAVA (Mexican American Veterans Association) Honor Guards. Included in the list are the dates of the funerals, names, ages, and branches of service in which these veterans served. Any Chapter 299 Members are designated by bold letters and underlined. Date of funeral Name of veteran Age Branch of service MAR. 31, 2016 MICHAEL D. MYERS 62 U. S. MARINE CORPS (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
APR. 01, 2016 WALTER CALVIN DOHL 64 U. S. AIR FORCE (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
APR. 14, 2016 DENNIS TOWNSLEY 63 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
APR. 15, 2016 ORVILLE L. “BUTCH” GRIEBEL 69 U.S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
APR. 15, 2016 RONALD L. “RON” STEWART 76 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
APR. 20, 2016 WILLIAM W. ALLISON 78 U. S. NAVY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
APR. 21, 2016 ROBERT L. ADRIAN 83 U. S. ARMY (COLD WAR VETERAN)
APR. 25, 2016 JAMES M. “JIM” RUSSEY 73 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
APR. 27, 2016 LARRY D. OSBORN 68 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR ERA VETERAN)
APR. 29, 2016 CHARLES P. MCLURKIN JR. 67 U. S. ARMY (VIETNAM WAR VETERAN)
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Marine Corps Officer Who Raised First Flag on Iwo Jima dies at 94
“Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” – Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz First Lt. John Keith Wells, the Marine commander responsible for raising the first flag atop Mt. Suribachi, died on February 11, just days shy of the 76th anniversary of his time on Iwo Jima. “He was a very warm, sensitive, spiritual man, all the way to age 94,” Connie Schultz, Wells’s daughter, told Denver Channel 7. He was also tough as nails. “Give me 50 men NOT afraid to die, and I can take any position,” Wells said during the transit to Iwo Jima. On February 19, 1945, he was ordered to lead the 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division in an assault up the base of Mt. Suribachi. In keeping with his claim, he succeeded. 1st. Lt Wells’ Platoon is believed to be the Most Decorated Platoon in Marine Corps History for a single engagement. His individual awards included The Navy Cross, The Bronze Star, and The Purple Heart. Here is an excerpt from his Navy Cross Citation: “When ordered to attack across open terrain and dislodge the enemy from a series of strongly-defended pillboxes and blockhouses at the base of Mount Suribachi, First Lieutenant Wells placed himself in the forefront of his platoon and, leading his men forward in the face of intense hostile machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire, continuously moved from one flank to the other to lead assault groups one by one in their attacks on Japanese emplacements. Although severely wounded while directing his demolition squad in an assault on a formidable enemy blockhouse whose fire had stopped the advance of his platoon, he continued to lead his men until the blockhouse was destroyed. When, an hour later, the pain from his wound became so intense that he was no longer able to walk, he established his command post in a position from which to observe the progress of his men and continued to control their attack by means of messengers.” In a 2013 interview with his daughter Connie, “He didn’t give an order. His men just followed him because they respected him so much as a leader.” Even after several wounds, including shrapnel and a chunk of his leg being severed, Wells continued to lead his men until he physically couldn’t do move because of severe dehydration. But he wasn’t down for long. He convinced a corpsman to give him sulfa
powder and morphine so he could get off the hospital ship and back to his platoon. Once Wells reached the base, one of the Flag Raisers, Charles Lindberg, helped him the rest of the way. After the First Flag was raised Wells’ commanding officer ordered him to relinquish command of the platoon and return to the aid station. Wells reluctantly passed the platoon to Sgt. Ernest “Boots” Thomas who was Killed In Action several days later. Wells remained on the island, although unable to lead his troops, until the island was declared secure. Wells’ daughter pointed out that the famous Iwo Jima flag raising photo, the one used to design the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, was actually the second flag raised on the island. “The first one caused so much emotion that [one of the commanders] ordered a bigger flag be flown,” she said. After World War II ended, Wells attended Texas Tech College and obtained a degree in Petroleum Geology. He worked in the oil industry and served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1959, retiring as a major. In 1995, he published a memoir titled: GIVE ME 50 MARINES NOT AFRAID TO DIE - “He honored and loved the Marine Corps with all his heart and soul,” his daughter Connie said. “His last words were, ‘My family.’” – Submitted by Greg McCluskey
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER10
2508 – 25TH STREET, SUITE #3 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201
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61204-6076
VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA Chapter 299 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Membership open to U.S. armed forces Veterans who served on active duty (other than training purpose) in Vietnam between February 28.1961 and May 7, 1975, or any other duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.ATTENTION: All new members must submit a copy of your DD Form-214 along with this application and dues payment.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________City: _________________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP: ___________________ Home Phone: ________________________Cell Phone________________________ Work Phone___________________e-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________Date of Birth: _____________________________ Gender: Male / FemaleOptional : SPONSOR________________________________________ VVA Membership Number___________________I am already a VVA member and would like to become a life member. My current VVA Member number is: ___________
Type of Membership: (Please circle one)
___Individual Member – 1 year: $20 (One year Membership Special $10.00)(Chapter 299 only), Individual Member – 3 years: $50, Life Member – Ages 56-60: $200, Ages 61-65: $175, Ages 66-71: $150., Ages 72+: $100, Life Member Time Payment Plan - $50 down, $25/month (until age bracket is paid in full) * (Please make checks payable to “VVA”)Associate Membership available to anyone not covered by the requirements for VVA membership. This includes family, members, friends, and Veterans not eligible for VVA Membership. (One year VVA Membership Special - $10.00 - this is only offered by Chapter 299 & must be sent to Chapter address).
If there are any questions please call (309) 788-2729 (Membership Chairman) or (309) 788-VETS (8387)(Leave message)Chapter 299 meets the third Tuesday of each month (except December) at 7:00 pm at the R. I. Arsenal Cafeteria. VISITORS WELCOME! COME CHECK US OUT BEFORE YOU JOIN! Return your completed application with payment and a copy of your DD Form-214 to:
“VVA” Chapter 299 * P O Box 6076 * Rock Island, IL. 61201-6076 Ken Stotmeister CLU LUTCF 563-349-9160 Producer/Broker [email protected] Personal & Business Insurance Solutions
17620 HUBBARD ROAD EAST MOLINE, IL 61244
FAX: 309-496-1831
Providing advice on Medicare Supplement Plans, Prescription Drug Plans & Medicare Health Plans since 1983
Helping you protect and maintain your quality of life
VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 11
VOLUME 29 ISSUE 3 SHOULDER TO SHOULDER8
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VET 2 VET REPORTVET 2 VET went to Country House Residence in February to spread good cheer to the people there. Taking part in handing out Patriotic Hats, lapel pins, Flags and playing card were, Jerry Lingard, Fred “Hammer” Swim, Dale Baker, Larry Tschappat, Steve Brenner and Frenchy Eaves. A Chapter 299 Charter member is living Country House – Jeff “Doc” Lance. “Doc” was so very pleased to see us, and his Mother, Eileen resides there too. Vet 2 Vet was very well received and all had a good time. Vet 2 Vet Chairman – Paul “Frenchy” Eaves
CATERING – HOG ROASTER UPDATEAs of the November 2013 the Catering Crew for Chapter 299 wrapped up the year with 4 Events that occurred after publication. On December 11th they met at the Viking Club to internally assess the year and make rough plans for going forward into Year 2015.The Viking Club held their annual Open House Sunday December 21st and the Catering Crew provided a minimum 4 Volunteers to help with this event. The Viking Club provides a staging area for Chapter 299 to do all the prep and clean up work throughout the year.
The Roaster and its utensils were all stowed away and put “in mothballs” in December 2014. The Roaster and the Crew will take a respite from all Catering Activities until early Springtime 2015.As always, your editors request more Member Volunteers for our Chapter’s largest fund raising vehicle. Whether you can pitch in to help stage an event at the Viking Club in Moline, assist with clean up there after an event or pitch in for any amount of time at an event, The Catering Crew needs help. If you can only spare an hour or two a few times during the Roasting Season, those hours will be greatly appreciated by the hard working – core group. Please consider Volunteering this year. JL, BA, JH
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MOLINE, IL 61265309.581.7128
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We proudly support Vietnam Veteran’s Chapter 299
309-756-2700
LEATHER JACKETS FROM EXCELLED COMPANY Owner of Excelled Company, Dennis Carreau has a limited number of new Leather Jackets for the price of $150. Check out the photos of the Jackets in this issue and decide if you’d like to get moving on your autumn apparel. In addition, the Brothers Forever Patch [ $3.50 ] and / or Never Forgotten – Vietnam Wall Patch [ $22.00 ] can be purchased separately and added to your Varsity Jacket or other favorite Patriotic clothing you might have. Other Patches are available, Large and Small. You MUST “Patch Over” the reverse, Left Upper Sleeve, and Left Breast to cover the Disney Logo. Some Members have opted to have patches applied to both shoulders and both sides of the upper chest. For Members who made purchases at the April Election Night, I still have your orders and phone numbers and will call you very soon To purchase a jacket, patches or both call Jim Hixson at [309]792-0068 for this limited time offer. These items will not last long so consider making your purchases now. -JH
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