the POINTMAN - LRRP.COMThe POINTMAN Company F 50th Inf LRP II This issue of the Pointman was to have...

the POINTMANNewsletter - April '95

Joseph A Aguirre * Richard C Babb * Steven Collier * Jerry D Copeland * John F Crikelair * Donald A Davis * Dwayne A De Vega

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Rog

erso

n Mack D

ennard Jr * Joseph E Fitzgerald * C

arl D Flow

ers * Alvin W

Floyd * Reid E

rnest Grayson Jr * H

oward B

Handley * K

enneth Harjo * E

arnest Heard Jr * John A

Jacovac* Raymond W Sullivan * Michael F Thomas * Robert C Thompson * Donald W Tinney * Arthur Tomaschek * John H White *

Ray Armstrong Richard Benner D a v i d B o i l a r dCharles Boyle Tom Cahill Joe CassillyScott Cook Phil Davis Nick DemongeotFred Eastman Bill Evans Bobby Ethridge Dick EwaldTom Finnie Jim Freeman Tom Fevurly Joe GentileSteve Grezik Tom Gurrobat Tom Gurrobat Tom Gurrobat Tom Gurrobat Tom Gurrobat Dennis HackamackColin Hall Bill "Bear " Hart Ron Har Ron Har Ron Har Ron Har Ron HartttttJames Hargett Ron Harrison Jay Hickey

Emmett Hiltibrand David Jacob Francis JarvisDDDDDavid Kravid Kravid Kravid Kravid Krein ein ein ein ein Gary Lemonds Joe Little Phil LoftusRich Martin Phil Mayrand John McGee Ted Miller

K e n M o s c h k e B i l l M r k v i c k abob Newsom Gene Parsons Dennis Peterson

Rod Porter Chuck ReauChuck ReauChuck ReauChuck ReauChuck Reau David RegenthalGene Reilly Robert Ross Jesse Salazar R.W.SandlinR.W.SandlinR.W.SandlinR.W.SandlinR.W.SandlinNorton Singman Joe StevensFred Stuckey Billy Thor Billy Thor Billy Thor Billy Thor Billy Thorntonntonntonntonnton Mike TurnerT i m W a l s h Ed Winkleman Ron Zellner

A Publication of Company F 50th (Inf ) LRP / 75th (Inf ) Ranger

The The The The The POINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMAN Company F 50th Inf LRP Company F 50th Inf LRP Company F 50th Inf LRP Company F 50th Inf LRP Company F 50th Inf LRP

I II II II II I

This issue of the Pointman was to havebeen in the mail in November—part ofthe delay was my move from Austin,Texas to Washington, D.C., part of itwas needing a *little* break, and stillanother part of it was having been un-employed for too long.

This will be the sixth issue of thePointman. If you’re not getting it theneither we don’t know where you are,or you moved your “CP” and did notleave a forwarding address—Don’t DoThis! Ya gotta let me know where theheck you are if you wanna get the word.

My “staff” and I welcome yourcomments, stories, and pictures forpublication in the newsletter. Your lit-erary contributions would add a lot tothe overall quality of the Pointman.

We’ll be putting together an updateddirectory for the next issue in a coupleof months. If you’re thinking aboutmoving, DON’T! If you already havelet us know, and as always, if you arehiding from someone, by all means,continue to remain anonymous.

This will be the third year that some ofus will be meeting at the Wall in D.C. Ican only inform you, encourage you,and hope you will consider making thetrip (“Ya can lead a horse to water butyou can’t make ‘em drink.”) Reasonsto be here are varied and they are yourown—you don’t have to justify beinghere anymore than you do stayinghome.

What these reunions mean is probablya little different for each of us—somecame while others opted out, bothgroups sharing some of the same

fears/concerns i.e., “How am I gonnaact?” So far, everyone said they hadthe time of their lives, that it was a goodthing, and that they’ll never miss an-other—(Reunions and trips to theWall).

Where we gonna stay? Same placeas always, the National Airport HowardJohnson’s at 2650 Jefferson DavisHighway in Crystal City, telephonenumber 703-684-7200. Call ‘em andsay your coming in for Rolling Thun-der to get the best price. Call Bill’sroom when you get in, that’s our “CP.”

When to be here? Friday night or Sat-urday and leave Monday afternoon/evening. There is always plenty to donear the Wall, music near the steps ofthe Lincoln, the “the Last Firebase” the“In Touch” tent and, so I’m told, there’sa bar in the hotel (for those of you thatwould join me in a sarsaparilla).

Word has it that some of our brotherRangers have procured computerswith modems (LRRPs too!) and, whentheir spouses will let them, are begin-ning to communicate with the rest ofthe universe. I’m not going to get intothe World Wide Web, the Internet or abunch of technical stuff. All I know isthat for $14.95 per month I can sendand receive “e-mail” to and from therest of the guys literally at will.

If you don’t already own a computerdon’t go out and spend a bunch ofbucks, but if own one already I guar-antee you it’s the way to fly! It’scheaper than a telephone call and aheck of a lot faster/more reliable thanthe Postal Service. It doesn’t reallymatter anymore which service you sub-scribe to: Compuserve, Prodigy,America On Line, etc., you can sendand receive text, files, and pictureswithout a lot of fuss and muss.

Well anyway, it’s a great way to stay intouch—to network. You may want toconsider getting on board before yourchildren (or their children) become pro-ficient at something else we don’t knowhow to do, eh?

We’re still in the “thinking” stage (asopposed to planning), but we want toput together a Company F book (highschool yearbook style). Not sure yetwho is going to head up this undertak-ing. We will need your pictures, po-ems, anecdotes, stories for the project.Hopefully there will be a lot of “then”and “now” pictures forthcoming fromeach of you. Written material can bereal diverse although original—no pro-fanity or political points of view please. . . well, perhaps a *little* political hu-mor would be appropriate. Be sure toput your name on the back upper-leftcorner of all pictures you want returned,and say who is in the picture if its notyou. If we can’t see you it might do aworld of good for some of us to to seea picture of your mug—so put one inthe mail to me for the next issue, okay?

I would like to think we can put it alltogether and be ready to send the finalto the printer by the close of ourRanger Reunion at Fort Lewis in ‘96. Iwelcome your comments and sugges-tions regarding this proposal—anyonewith experience in this departmentplease let me hear from you.

Let’s start thinking about Fort Lewis forthe next Ranger Reunion in the sum-mer of 1996. We had 56 at Benninglast summer (names shown on thefront of this issue), I’m hoping for 100+at the next one . . . Team Leaders, con-sider this your “warning order.” Needyou guys to come out and meet someof the “Baby Rangers” as friend Martincalls them—these guys are great, youwill be as proud to be associated withthem as they are of you. Be advisedthere is a “Ranger Reunion” everysummer at Benning but the real onesonly take place on even numberedyears. And for gosh sakes, don’t beafraid to bring your wife and childrenor significant other with you, we don’tbite! Well maybe we do bite, but itdoesn’t hurt that long . . .

More as things develop.

Company F 75th Inf RangerCompany F 75th Inf RangerCompany F 75th Inf RangerCompany F 75th Inf RangerCompany F 75th Inf Ranger April 1995 April 1995 April 1995 April 1995 April 1995

I I II I II I II I II I I

Mail CallMail CallMail CallMail CallMail Call½½½½½Reunion ’94

OK Dave here it comes, sure had agreat time in Columbus! Really Great!It was my first time and it didn’t evenhurt like Mom said it would. That wasone of the shortest weekends I’ve everhad, it ended far too soon! So manygreat guys and ladies in one place, andwe all started out from Cu Chi. Whereelse can you feel as if you have knownsomeone for years, but you only justmet? Guess that Ranger stuff suresticks us together, the old comrade inarms thing is forever.

I finally found people I served in F Co.with, Bill and Bobby, and only missedPineapple by about two weeks. Andwhere else can you find someone who,after ten minutes, invites you and theQueen to “ Come on over and stay atmy place, car included, whenever youare in town.” Thanks Chuck.

Chuck I am watching the side of theroad for hats, will send same if I findany good ones.

Weren’t the “Baby Rangers” impres-sive? Those guys make me feel proudknowing that they are on the job watch-ing out for our country. Speaking ofthem, what is going on about “Adopt aRanger” or “Big brother to a Ranger”,I’m sure some of them would like some-one to talk to some time.While I have your eyes, lets get morepeople to come to DC in May, this yearit starts on Friday the 26th. Same place,Airport Ho Jo’s in Crystal City, (703)684-7200. I know I will be there withmy Harley. Two years is too long be-tween F Co. Reunions, so try to makeDC, you too Norton, Bill will be thereand one of ours now lives there.

Rich MartinClass of ’68Cu Chi College of Genetic Engineering

Richard & Barbara Martin823 Stella CourtParamus, NJ 07652

Dear Dave,

Veteran’s Day, 1994 was quite memo-rable say the least. I wish we had moretime to spend with you guys. Maybethe next time?

The feelings that I felt, not only my ownfeelings, but the feelings of the peoplearound me surprised me. I neverthought that in the 90’s that people stillhad this kind of comradrery. As I waswalking along the Wall one cannot helpbut reflect.

As I looked at the Wall I saw names,names of young men that I did notknow. What I do know is these boyswere the same ages as my sons.

I looked into the Wall and saw whatcould have been, what should havebeen and will never be. I saw sons,fathers, grandfathers, uncles andbrothers. I saw unanswered letters thatshould have been answered. I thoughthow these mothers, sisters, and fathersfelt as I watched an older man try toscratch what I thought to be his son’sname from the Wall.

One cannot help being swept up inthe moment. A moment that shouldnever have to be. I cannot even fathomlosing a son. Can you imagine thestrength of these fathers and mothers?

I don’t think that I could have been sostrong. I’m sure as these people passthe Wall, each lost in his or her ownthoughts, one thought is ever presentthese young lives should not be for-gotten.

We should remember what could havebeen, what should have been and whatwill never be.

Love to Corky, Barbara (Martin)

Dave-

Just got off the phone with theguy who put the notice about theRiverine Divisions in FLASHES.If we have any space in thenewsletter and it’s not too late,please add the following:

All Co F, 50th and Co F, 75thVets are issued a special invi-tation and are welcome to attendor just drop in to the 1995 Re-union of the Mobile RiverineForce Association.

Admiral Zumwaldt (Ret) will beamong the attendees, as willmembers of other variousground units that worked withthe Riverine Forces in Viet Nam.

The reunion is being held at theGalt House, Louisville, KY fromJune 22 to June 25, 1995. Theyare booked for the weekend;reservations are now beingtaken by the Days Inn

(502-585-2200)

He also invited anyone from theLRP/Rangers who so desired,to write an article for their news-letter.

Bill


I VI VI VI VI V

SOMETHING HAPPENEDINSIDE by Ranger David Jacob

Pictures, videos, news articles etcet-eras all reflect the great fun and eventswe all had at the 1994 Reunion in Co-lumbus, Georgia. However, they didnot come close to recording “what wenton inside”.

On the Oregon coast is where this allstarted. You see, my uncles whofought in WWII, were highly respected.They were “heroes”.

On the farm, any visitors were morethan welcome. When my uncles cameto visit, is was even MORE special -They seemed 10' Feet Tall.

Therefore, it was only natural that whenI received my “Greetings” letter that Iwould go and serve PROUDLY for mycountry. I learned quickly to be a goodsoldier. My plans concerning the farmand the future with my high schoolsweetheart were forced to the backburner.

Like with many of us, I received my or-ders for Viet Nam. I was not in F Co.75th Infantry Ranger long when my girlfriends letters started to change. Shewould keep telling me that “I” waschanging, and that she did not like whatI was changing into. Being in combat,I could only see what was going onaround my friends and myself. Wewere too pre-occupied to know justwhat we were becoming inside.

No one talked openly about dying, be-coming a killer, surviving, or beingscared. I became hard and cold. Wewere Rangers! Damn good ones!

Well, when I returned home I felt verylucky to be alive and was very proudto have served. These feelings wereto be shorter lived than I ever expected.

My high school sweetheart and I weremarried shortly after my return home.Like everyone else, I only got marriedfor one reason-that was forever!

I knew for sure I was in heaven-causeI had spent my time in hell.

Then things changed. The eveningnews did not depict the Viet Nam thatI just returned from. The peace dem-onstrators had more air time thanthose who gave the ultimate sacrificefor their country.

My marriage in heaven fell apart in afew years. Yeah, she was right! I wasnot the same young farm boy who wentaway and then came back home.Moving to the big city for college tookits toll also. I found out that people didnot want to be around Nam Vets. Oth-ers would not rent houses to a NamVet. The Nam Vet stigma becamemore and more negative. I was hurt, Iwas not 10' feet tall any more. I be-came a "closet vet."

I marred my present wife, and havethree beautiful children. It has not beenan easy relationship. It seemed thatevery time things were wrong, it wasbecause I am a Nam Vet. I was reallyhurting inside. I didn’t even know it. Itell you, my wife has been through thewar with me.

I came to know Jesus as my Lord, andSavior. I savor that relationship to thisday. He took so much of my hurt andfrustration away.

There was still a turmoil inside though.Not big, yet it would not go away. Ev-erything would go along fine and thenBOOM I’d explode just like the am-bushes we used to pop, only thesewere on the ones I loved.

About June 1992, I was with JimHargett in Seattle, WA having lunch.Jim told me of a letter he had receivedfrom this Bill Mrkvicka guy in New York.

It was something about the guys in FCo. having a reunion. My emotionswent crazy. We both knew we couldnot attend the 1992 reunion. Immedi-ately I started making plans for the1994 reunion. I knew that I was go-ing, and started to do a lot of thinking.

The guys? Who was going to be there?Who wasn’t? Who had died? Will Iremember the fellows? Will they re-member me . . . will they accept me?

In August of ’94, I boarded the planefor the 75th Infantry Ranger reunion inColumbus, GA.. The hotel lobby wasfull of Rangers. I soon found a groupfrom Co. F. I started to cry. These oldfarts looked the same (my eye sightisn’t what it use to be , as you can tell).The greeting I’ll never forget. Pictures,videos, and newspapers, captured allthe fun and events.

It was so good to see and be with theguys again. All of them (you) are still“a cut above the herd”. We are Rang-ers! 10' tall! I was there with all of youagain, and again standing 10' tall.

With much laughing, crying, dreaming,and not enough time, the reunion cameto a close. With my head high, I re-turned home, to my sweetheart and ourlife together. Yeah, we’ve had ourshare of marital “discussions” in ourtimes since the reunion, butsomething’s happening.

Here 7 months after the reunion thereisn’t that turmoil down inside of me anylonger. Our “discussions” for monthsnow have been peaceful.

I’ve got friends through out the U.S. thatmean so much to me again. I can’twait to see you all in ’96. You fellasthat haven’t been to a reunion yet, planto come in 1996. You see, just as Ihad changed to hard and cold when Iwent to Viet Nam in ’69, I’ve had theblessing of changing inside to warmand soft again since the ’94 reunion.You guys that were at the reunion,A BIG “THANKS, I NEEDED THAT.”I really did, more than I ever dreamed.

I Love You Alland God Bless You

”SEE YOU AT FORT LEWIS”


VVVVV

I know I have probably missed a few,but not to publicly acknowledge theirefforts would be wrong . . .

SO TO ALL OF YOU—A HEARTFELTTHANKS!

Many of the people on active duty de-serve our thanks - all the men of HHC,3rd Battalion, 75th Rangers, CaptainFeagan (HHC CO) and his right hand,1st Sgt Neilson who put together our“Final Role Call” ceremony and did somany other things which made all ofus feel both comfortable and welcome.

Lastly, the people who are officers ofthe 75th Association especially RoyBoatman and Duke DuShane - we cannever re-pay you for your magnificentefforts.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

In my role as Representative to the75th Association, I must report to youon an issue that has been of interestto many of us - awarding of the RangerTab.

The Association officers have put liter-ally hundreds of hours of work in theeffort to get the Army to approve award-ing of the Ranger Tab to people whoserved in the Vietnam LRRP’s, LRP’sand Rangers. Initially, they asked theactive duty organization to sponsor therequest. The active duty leaders cameback and said they did not feel com-fortable making the request (for a vari-ety of reasons). The Association Of-ficers then began the larger effort ofdocumenting and submitting the re-quest directly to Pentagon officials.

That last request was submitted andapproved just prior to the August re-union. Using the Army’s standard pro-cedures, once the authority wasgranted, the active duty Ranger Regi-ment had to write the procedures forimplementing and operating the awardprocess.

To those of you who weren’t able tomake the reunion, my condolences.You missed a great time. By far, thisone was the best I have attended.

Many people at the reunion, or in callsand letters following the event, ex-pressed their thanks to me. I did dosome work on the event and believeme, your words are appreciated. Thereis however, a big reason this past re-union was such a great success. Thework done to get it together was notjust one or two people. Many guys puta lot of effort into it. There are two rea-sons I bring this up.

First, there are others who deserve alot of thanks for their work. Secondly,until I worked on a couple of theseevents, I didn’t understand how impor-tant it was to get a lot of people in-volved. When I tried to explain to oneguy on the phone how many peoplehelped, I suddenly became aware thateven I hadn’t realized how many hadbeen involved.

There were gigantic efforts and mod-est ones, but each SIGNIFICANT andthe reunion would absolutely not havebeen as successful if they had nothelped. Here are the people thatplayed a part: Dave Regenthal,Emmett Hiltibrand, Tom Cahill, RayArmstrong, Bill Evans, Gary Horse-man, David Jacobs, Phillip Loftus, Rob-ert Newsom, Richard Reader, MelRhodes, Ron Zellner, Charlie Rose,Steven Skogrand, Joe Stevens, FredStuckey, Tim Walsh, Rick Carr, BruceCraft, Tom Fevurly, Tom Finnie, FredForehand, Colin Hall, Bill “Bear” Hart,Tony Izzi, Joe Little, Rich Martin, MikeMelendrez, and Chuck Reau.

The responsibility for implementationwas given to Col Jackman, Comman-dant of the Ranger Training Brigade.Col Jackman wrote a letter to RoyBoatman stating that he would refuseto implement any procedures. The fol-lowing is a portion of the main para-graph of that letter:

“As the Commander of the RangerTraining Brigade, I take very seriouslymy responsibility to ensure that the highstandards governing the awarding ofthe Ranger Tab are rigorously and con-sistently enforced. I cannot conceiveof any argument which could be pos-ited, from either a logical or emotionalpoint of view, that could convince meto abrogate the responsibility I have toall legitimate Ranger Tab bearers, past,present or future, to be the standardbearer for the awarding of the RangerTab.”

Once again, a REMF has said that weare not “legitimate” - at least he usedthe polite word rather than “bastards”as others have done. The AssociationOfficers are now beginning the processof asking congress to intervene on ourbehalf. We will try to keep all of youposted through the newsletter.

Unfortunately we also received somebad news . . . Robert Vadnais (Co F’70) died in 1972 and Michael Willis,(8/67-10/68) died on October 3 lastyear. Our condolences to their familyand friends.

Paul Morgucz who served two tourswith Co H, 75th recently received a livertransplant. Because of this his familyhas come on extremely hard times.Nick Gibbone (who was one of theoriginators of the 75th Ranger Asso-ciation) wrote and suggested if anyonecould help that now would be the time.

Paul Morgucz7535 HanoverSummit IL 60501 (708) 458-8478

Later my friends . . .Bill Mrkvicka


V IV IV IV IV I

Moving Wall - 1995Schedule “A”

04/23 - 04/29 Davis, CA05/08 - 05/14 Ridgecrest, CA05/26 - 06/01 Fairbanks, Alaska06/03 - 06/09 Anchorage, Alaska06/11 - 06/17 Soldotna, Alaska06/22 - 06/28 Juneau, Alaska07/09 - 07/15 Missoula, Montana07/17 - 07/23 Great Falls, Montana07/25 - 07/31 Helena, Montana08/02 - 08/08 Bozeman, Montana08/13 - 08/19 Buffalo, New York08/23 - 08/29 Meredith, NH09/01 - 09/07 Pembroke, Mass09/10 - 09/16 Springfield, Mass09/19 - 09/25 West Haven, Conn09/28 - 10/04 York, Pennsylvania10/07 - 10/13 Carmel, New York10/19 - 10/25 Union, New Jersey10/30 - 11/05 Succasunna, NJ11/09 - 11/15 * * * *

Schedule “B"

03/15 - 03/21 Valdosta, Georgia03/24 - 03/30 Leesburg, Florida04/02 - 04/09 Melbourne, Florida04/15 - 04/21 Plant City, Florida04/24 - 04/30 Augusta, Georgia05/04 - 05/10 Lebanon, Penn05/14 - 05/20 Erie, Penn05/23 - 05/29 Kirtland, Ohio06/05 - 06/11 Bismarck, ND06/14 - 06/20 Defiance, Ohio06/23 - 06/29 Rochester, Penn07/02 - 07/08 Alpena, Michigan07/12 - 07/18 Waterloo, NY07/20 - 07/26 Binghamton, NY07/30 - 08/05 Milton, Penn08/10 - 08/16 Crystal Falls, Mich08/19 - 08/25 Green Bay, Wisc08/28 - 09/03 Milwaukee, Wisc09/07 - 09/13 Fort Dodge, Iowa09/15 - 09/21 Muscatine, Iowa09/24 - 09/30 Decorah, Iowa10/04 - 10/10 Bartlesville, OK10/13 - 10/19 Emporia, Kansas10/21 - 10/27 Wichita Falls, Texas11/01 - 11/07 Winnemucca, Nevada11/10 - 11/18 Buena Park, CA11/20 - 11/26 Hawthorne, CA

“MY WALL”by David Regenthal

It’s been ten long years since my first trip to the Wall—I went with my brother anda dear friend—two who made an impossible (but necessary) journey a reality forme. I have been many times since, alone, with you guys, and now with myfiancée, my very best friend, Corky.

For me, it’s never the sametwice. There are times when I“have it all together” and thereare those when I'm overcome bymy emotions and cry. I am con-vinced that it’s different for eachof us because we are individu-als and have walked differentpaths, but I have found there isone common thread betweenmyself and most of the otherVets I have spoken with--andthat is that the Wall has been avery powerful and healing expe-rience for each of us.

If you have never been to theWall in D.C. let me encourageyou to consider making the trip,or if you have and just need a“booster shot” the “Moving Wall”(a half scale replica) makes

about 50 stops across the U.S. each year. Either way, I can think of nearly60,000 reasons, plus one (you) for you to go.

I get more than just another opportunity to wrestle my demons when I go . . .Each of the past two Memorial Day Weekends and this Veterans Day I have hadthe pleasure to have been there with some of you guys. I have also had theprivilege to have met a few of the “other” survivors of the Vietnam experience,the sons & daughters, parents, and widows of those memorialized there or wholater died as a result of their service.

“My Wall” is in my heart. It is constructed out of the lifetime of my experiences.It was built from blood, sweat, and many tears—yours, mine, and “theirs.” It’sheld together by the respect and admiration that I have for each of you and the30+ young men from F Company no longer with us—that touched our lives longago in that far away place. Sure, there’s some disappointment—pain, anger,and guilt in there but, the key ingredi-ent that binds it all together is the loveand honor I have for each of them, thefamilies, and you .

Meet Me at the Wall this Memorial DayWeekend, or come anytime youwant—I’m here now and I’ll be glad togo with you. I can use your strengthand company and you are welcome toshare in mine.


V I IV I IV I IV I IV I I

PTSD

Went in for my bi-annual “C&P” regard-ing my (30%) disability for PTSD. Youknow, the one where they ask youenough questions and make you talkuntil you finally break down and cry?

Not down on the VA, really. There aresome good people there trying to helpthe Vet . . . it’s just that there are notenough of those “good people” to goaround. The letter I got back a coupleof months folowing the exam wentsomething like this:

Dear Mr. Regenthal:

We have made a decision on yourclaim for an increase in your serviceconnected disability compensation.The enclosed rating decision providesan explanation of our decision.

Please see the enclosed VA Form4107 which explains your proceduraland appeal rights.

Sincerely yours,

J.H. ShepherdAdjudication Officer

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANSAFFAIRS RATING DECISION

ISSUE: Evaluation of service-con-nected post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).

EVIDENCE: Examination conductedSeptember 1, 1993, Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center,Temple.

DECISION: The evaluation for ser-vice-connected post-traumatic stressdisorder remains at 30 percent.

REASONS AND BASES: On currentVA examination, the veteran gives his-tory of employment with the city for 21months, has been married and di-vorced four times. Mental status ex-

amination showed depressed moodwith appropriate affect, memory intact.He reported insomnia and some de-crease in energy levels, denied suicidalor homicidal ideation. Examiner evalu-ates his social and occupational func-tioning as mildly to moderately im-paired, a conclusion which is consis-tent with the 30 percent evaluation nowassigned, and does not support ahigher evaluation for considerable so-cial and industrial impairment.

Guys, I want to reiterate, I have nomajor bone to pick here but . . . Tobegin with I didn’t request an in-crease—I only went in for an examthey requested. The exam took placein the outpatient clinic in Austin, not inTemple (sixty miles away). If I weregoing to “bump someone off” (includ-ing myself) I’m not convinced I wouldbe walking into the VA and advertisingit. The four failed marriages, in myopinion, suggests something more isgoing on after twenty five years backin the land of the “Big PX” than mild tomoderately impaired social function,and 21 months at the same job are notexactly what one could call a “career”(I no longer work there, by the way).

Actually, the point to this article has littleto do with the results of my evaluation.What it has to do with is this: If youserved with Company F and knewsomeone that died (or were with themwhen they did), or had a thought at anytime that you might die, saw, thought,dreamed, tasted, or heard any of theeffects of traumatic injury, death, orwar, then you probably have PTSD.

Many of you, to your credit (and that ofthe lady in your life), have been mar-ried to the same person forever. A lotof you have probably only worked forone or two companies over the past20+ years. A few of you have prob-ably never been depressed or gottenangry . . .

Not here to suggest that if you everuttered a profane word in anger or yougot drunk and behaved in a fashion you

lived to regret that your behavior is di-rectly attributable to Vietnam. What Iam saying is that my personal behav-ior has been, at least, effected by thoseexperiences I had during my time *incountry* just as did those which oc-curred prior to military service and stillothers which took place after I cameback to *the world* . . . And so mightyours.

It’s worthy of consideration. Not for themoney, but for you (and your family’speace of mind). Not gonna give you alist of symptoms—there are plenty oflists available. Just going to say thatsometimes, even more often as wegrow older, that these “little hiccups”in our behavior can find ways of slip-ping out at inappropriate moments—my experience tells me that this seemsto occur more often in combat veter-ans, particularly those who have re-mained so “tightly wrapped” or “okay”for so many years now. You know,“Oh, ‘Nam, I dealt with that years ago.”It’s called denial and it seems like thereare a lot of our guys we just haven’tbeen able to get a hold of yet causethey’re still “hid’n out in the woods.”

Way I found out about this was follow-ing a VA physical in 1987. I happenedto speak with a nurse when I was leav-ing and asked almost in passing, “Haveyou noticed any incidence of anxietyor panic attacks in the guys my age?”Gave me this queer look, asked meabout a half dozen questions then hadme in with the chief psychiatrist beforeyou could say “fire in the hole.” Re-sulted in my entering therapy on an out-patient basis and a couple of years ofthe VA mailing me a ton of medication(not the preferred route, believe me).Eventually I stumbled across a Dis-abled American Veterans (DAV) Na-tional Service Officer (NSO) that askedme a few questions then told me Ishould file a claim—in fact, he did it forme. My “central issue” is anger—thereare others to be sure . . .

Not telling you what to do here guys—just suggesting you take a look at it . .


VI I IV I I IV I I IV I I IV I I I

“AT THE MOVIES”

"THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS"Available on video—but you should haveseen it on the big screen. Pic’s as good asthe soundtrack (recommended). YoungAmerican running around the countrysidein the late 1700's with a rifle doing noblethings despite tremendous odds. Seemsto work well in small groups, dislikescrowds and authority figures. You prob-ably will recognize him (may be the holderof Recondo certificate #1). Excellent en-tertainment.

"FOREST GUMP"By the time you read this “GUMP” willhave already swept the Academy Awards,and Tom Hanks will have repeated cap-turing the Oscar for best actor. Though alarge part, the movie is not about Viet-nam—it’s more a *touch stone* in time,your time. Few flicks will touch on issuesthat impact on our age group more. If youhaven’t seen it do yourself a special favorand go, if you have—go again. Due outthis month on video.

Read any good books lately? Try “FARE-WELL DARKNESS” by Ron Zaczek.Chronicles a Vietnam Veterans strugglewith PTSD. Ron does an excellent job ofblending “his story” with an account ofthe process through which he was able to

come to termswith himself.Easy read-ing—you willappreciate thestyle withwhich he ad-dresses issues.Should be re-quired readingfor all of us.

Ever been misunderstood or experiencedrelationship problems? Directed towardsthe women that share their lives with theVietnam Veteran. “Recovering from theWar” by Patience Mason. You don’t haveto wait for Christmas to get this book foryour lady, get it now—could be a valu-able addition to the library of your mostimportant “team member.”

the COMPANY STORE

Don’t want to turn our newsletter into an-other “Thrifty Nickel” or “Green Sheet”but if you have something of value youwant to share with the rest of us let meknow and I will see that the word gets out.Hopefully, I can impose on Emmett to takeon this project in the future, but for nowI’m your guy. Profits (however unlikely)will go toward this and other issues of thePointman. I hope no one will be offendedby the enterprise—as always your com-ments are welcome.

1994 Ranger ReunionFort Benning, Georgia (Video) $10.00Approximately 60 minutes. A little shakyin spots but otherwise okay, includes our“Final Roll Call” ceremony with HHC.Video shot at various times/places showsa lot of our guys smiling a lot—hmmmm,wonder why?

Memorial Day 1993 - Washington, D.C.Can be added to Reunion video for $5.00Memorial Day 1994 - Washington, D.C.Can be added to Reunion video for $5.00

For those who are interested please under-stand this represents a huge investment intime. It takes me (for example) nearlythree hours to put all three together on onetape, plus the cost of mailing and a videocassette.

Memorial Day 1995 - Company F Shirts$10.00 Like the previous two years I willonly have a limited number made. Toguarantee one for yourself you will needto call/write me before May 5th. I typi-cally get a couple extra in Large and XLbut don’t count on them. If you need an-other size please let me know in time—also, if you are not going to be in D.C. forMemorial Day please include another $3for shipping.

At Fort Benning a few of the guys sawour ‘93 and ‘94 limited edition CompanyF Memorial Day shirts and asked aboutthem. If there is sufficient interest I willcontact my T-shirt guy and ask him to runthese shirts again this summer. Priced asabove, I will need to know by June 15th.

Jesse Morelandwhereabouts unknown

If you want one please send a separatecheck with the words ‘93 (or ‘94) shirt andyour size written on the memo line of yourcheck—your check will not be depositedunless I can guarantee production and de-livery.

Note: There were one or two of you thatrequested a shirt last year and never re-ceived it. Unfortunately I lost that infor-mation during my move here to D.C. andcan not apologize enough. If you are oneof these Rangers I’m sorry—please dropme a note and I will replace it with thisyears shirt (size please) or return thefunds—your option. DR

Chuck Reau1419 Dominis Street #307Honolulu, HI 96822


I XI XI XI XI X

Some E-Mail Addresses:

Bill MrkvickaRich MartinShelby SwiftJim FreemanRoy BoatmanBruce CraftEmmett HiltibrandTom CahillDennis PetersonJoe StevensDave JacobDavid RegenthalCorkyFVVM

NVUB96ANVEV95ARMCV17ANGRB67AXMMP18A73532,73075462,51574367,471

[email protected]@infi.net

[email protected]@ix.netcom.com

[email protected],3126

Ted MillerPO Box 859Burney, CA 96013

Tommy Haire -whereabouts unknownTommy stepped on a "toe popper" anti-personnel mine and got sent home witha messed up foot--sure would like tofind/include him in on the fun . . .

Dennis Hackamack3651 Arville Street #225Las Vegas, NV 89103

Robert RossPO Box 65Purdy, MO 65734

David Jacob11904 S.E. TaylorPortland, OR 97216

Randy Kemp -whereabouts unknown

AGENT ORANGE

Time has run out on payment toVietnam Veterans from the AgentOrange Fund. That fund was es-tablished as a result of a class ac-tion suit and the hard work initiatedby Vietnam Veterans more than tenyears ago. The deadline for sub-mitting a claim was December 31,1994. Now all that can be done isto contact the VA to request anAgent Orange exam.

(1) If you served with Company Fin Vietnam, you were in an area thatwas highly defoliated with the toxin:Dioxin.

(2) The mere fact that you may notbe aware of any symptoms in your-self, your children (or grandchil-dren) does not guarantee that theywill not present themselves at anytime after December 31, 1994.

(3) It is unlikely that your children,their children, or their children’s chil-dren are in a position to file a claimat this particular point-You Must DoIt For Them!

Why me? If you’re still asking thatquestion please, go back and read1, 2, & 3 above.

What to do? Again, contact yourVA Regional Office or VA MedicalCenter and request an appointmentfor an Agent Orange exam.

If you have children (or grandchil-dren) that have birth defects, con-tact the New Jersey Agent OrangeCommission and request a ques-tionnaire be mailed to you for eachchild.

Do this now gentlemen—If not foryourself, for your children and thechildren of those who’s fathers wereunable to return home with us.

Clock's tick'in . . .


XXXXX

Dear Dave,

Thanks for calling me. It was great tohear from you again. It seems that Ihave known you for most of my life. Iguess LRP/Rangers really are familyin a sense!

I’m glad you asked me to write some-thing for the newsletter because foryears I have had something on mymind that I need help with. Maybe Iwill refresh someone’s memory andthey can provide me with some details:

My name is Bobby Ethridge and Iserved as the team leader of Cobra 2-3 with F Company, 50th Inf. (LRP),from May to December, 1968.

In the early summer of 1993, a friendknowing I was a Viet Nam vet, asked ifI would like to read a book he had justread. I politely told him I really didn’twant to read another Viet Nam book.Weeks later I noticed the book on hisdesk and saw that it was about LRP/Rangers. This got my attention and Iasked my friend if I could read it. Afterreading the book, I noticed on the in-side cover there was mention of the75th Ranger Regiment Association.

I immediately sent a letter to the asso-ciation seeking information. I was as-tonished to find out that there was ac-tually an organization made up offormer LRP/Rangers. You must re-member that it has been 25 years andhundreds of nightmares since my daysin Nam. I was filled with pride and ex-citement. Soon a newsletter arrivedand it gave me information on how to

join. In addition, there was informa-tion about a LRP/Ranger Rendezvousat Fort Benning that July. I figured, heythis is great! I would see some of myold buddies and maybe get some an-swers to questions that had beenplaguing me for all these years.

I was somewhat disappointed when noone showed up from our company.However, I did meet a lot of great guysand had a wonderful time. I wasamazed that there was a national or-ganization that recognized our unit.Finally, there was someone out thereto talk to, those who understood thespecial characteristics of the LRP/Rangers. I learned that this was an offyear reunion and the regular reunionwould be the following year in August,1994.

1994 became the slowest year inmemory. Finally, August arrived and Imade the short drive from Atlanta toColumbus. Boy, was I surprised! Atleast 20 members of F Company werethere, many that even rememberedme. Therein lies one of my problems.I couldn’t remember them. I had bur-ied those memories so deep I couldnot retrieve them. Slowly but surelythe memories came back. We laughedand cried. We really had a great time.I didn’t want to go home. For over 25years I had kept my Viet Nam experi-ence to myself because no one under-stood the true nature and uniquenessof LRP/Ranger operations. Now I wassurrounded by people who did under-stand.

This was the perfect opportunity to getsome answers to questions that hadbeen nagging at me for the past 25years. On October 27, 1968, Sgt.Steven E. Collier was killed in actionon a mission that I was the team leader.I had forgotten his name. Not forgot-ten I guess, but rather his name hadbeen put in some obscure compart-ment in my brain. I found out his nameat the reunion. What a relief! I couldsee his face in my mind, I had relivedthe incident it seems like a million timesin my dreams, but I couldn’t remem-

ber his name. Another LRP waswounded. I couldn’t remember hisname or anyone else on Cobra 2-3 thatfateful day. My mind had hid that in-formation from me all those years andwould not allow me to recall any of thenames. Guys I had fought beside!Maybe someone out there does re-member? I would like to know who theother team members were and talk tothem about what happened, what wentwrong, what we should have done, wasit my fault?Briefly, here is my after action report:

On 27 October 1968, Team 2-3 wasgiven a mission to check a possibleViet Cong staging area, hospital com-plex, and suspected prisoner of warcamp. We inserted with a rifle com-pany and executed a “stay-behind” af-ter the rifle company had swept thearea. After listening for several min-utes, the point man led us on our com-pass heading. Later as we continuedon our mission, the point man abruptlystopped us and gave the signal to stopand listen. Ahead, the sound of chop-ping wood could easily be heard. Wewere some distance from our destina-tion so I decided to move around thewood cutters and continue on our mis-sion.

A short time later, we came to a highspeed trail, by this time, it was late af-ternoon. We were behind schedulebecause we had taken the time to goaround the woodcutters. We neededto setup a night defensive position andsend our situation report in concern-ing the trail. I decided that we wouldmonitor the trail for awhile for any en-emy activity, then cross the trail beforedusk. The other side of the trail pro-vided better cover and good observa-tion of the high speed trail. The trailshowed signs of recent activity.Clearly, we were in “Indian” territory.

After crossing the trail, we set up andbegan to listen. I called in our positionand the location of the trail. I madewatch assignments, set out claymores,and settled in. Just about dusk all hellbroke loose! Rounds were coming in


X IX IX IX IX I

from everywhere all concentrated onour tiny position. My radio took sev-eral rounds, Collier was killed from around right between the eyes, anotherwas wounded in the shoulder and wewere hopelessly pinned down. Wecouldn’t even tell where the fire wascoming from. We blew the claymoresand opened up with all we had. Assuddenly as it started, it stopped. Aneerie silence hung over our position.

Blood was everywhere. Equipmentwas all chewed up. The wounded LRPwas groaning. The smell of cordite wasstifling. I was immediately on theRTO’s radio calling for a medivac andexplaining our situation. A night ex-traction would be dangerous, but wehad a wounded LRP and we could notstay where we were. Thankfully, anemergency extraction site had beenplotted before the firefight. We wereoff to meet the extraction slicks.

Once we arrived at the location to beextracted, we realized that the strobelight had been left at the area of con-tact. There was no way the extractionslick and the gunships could see us atnight. Since I had gotten my men intothis mess I went back to the area ofcontact and finally retrieved the strobeafter what seem like an eternity.

I have played this scenario in my mindit seems like a million times. I wouldlike to finally put it to rest. To do this Ineed to know the names of the otherteam members, specifically the soldierthat was wounded. If anyone out thereremembers this particular mission orthe team members, please get in touchwith me.

Bobby Ethridge is a 26 year veteranwith the DeKalb County Police Depart-ment in Atlanta, Georgia. He is cur-rently the Training Commander of thethird largest police training facility in thestate. His responsibilities include thePolice Academy, In-Service Training,indoor and out-door firing ranges, Re-cruitment, and S.W.A.T. He has aMaster’s degree from Georgia StateUniversity.

"IN TOUCH" by Corky Condon

Although it has been decades sinceVietnam Veterans completed their “tourof duty” many veterans are just nowbeginning to come home from Vietnam.For some, that *home coming* includesa desire to locate the family of a fallencomrade. Sometimes this desire ismotivated because there are picturesor some memento to share, sometimesit is simply to pay respect to and sharememories with families. FVVM’s InTouch locator program helps connectboth family and friends of Vietnam ca-sualties.

We hear from some veterans who arehesitant to contact the families of theirfriends because they are afraid it willopen old wounds. In the majority of InTouch “matches”, it has actuallyseemed to have had the opposite af-fect and has been healing for the fami-lies to learn that their loved one is stillremembered by others. Many familymembers (siblings and children) havelittle or no memories of their loved oneand are overjoyed to hear about theirloved one from their peers.

A recent In Touch match between adaughter and a veteran who knew herfather, brought her a priceless gift. Shehad been born while he was in Viet-nam and never got to know him. Hisfriend not only was able to tell her aboutthe father she had never met, but heshared with her an audio tape he hadmade with his bunkmates to sendhome to his parents. In listening to thetape, the daughter not only heard herfather’s voice for the first time, but sheheard him tell the guys how beautifulhe thought she was. For the veteran,sharing with the daughter was “likehaving a part of Joe back.” I was ableto tell her how her Dad took me underhis wing when I got to Vietnam andhelped me through my first Christmas.

Before making calls to try and locatethe family, we attempt to find additionalinformation to assist us when makingthese calls. Sometimes we can makean immediate connection if the family

has already registered with the pro-gram. In Touch acts as the intermedi-ary by explaining the program to thefamily members when located, and let-ting them know about the person mak-ing the request. We can then give thefamily the option of initiating contact orbeing contacted by the veteran. Mostfamilies are unaware of our programand are thrilled to learn someone thatserved with their loved one wants tobe “in touch.” If the family asks us tohave the veteran make the initial con-tact we notify the requester to let themknow we have been in touch with thefamily and how to contact them.

Although often difficult, the benefits ofthese connections is often immeasur-able in the healing process for fami-lies and veterans alike. The best testi-mony to the success of the programcomes from those who have partici-pated. A Gold Star mother wrote usabout speaking with a veteran whoknew her son; “we cried and talkedquite a bit. It did me some good and Ithink he feels better now also, thankyou and God bless.”

David Regenthal (& Corky)431 7th Street, S.E. #BWashington, D.C. 20003(202) 547-0426

For an "In Touch" application ormore information regarding otherFriends of the Vietnam VeteransMemorial programs contact:

FVVMCorky CondonDirector, In Touch Program2030 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 412Arlington, Va 22201(703) 525-1107

Thomas GurrobatPO Box 384445Waikoloa, HI 96738

Phil Mayrand7505 Anaca PointWilmington, NC 28405

Ron Harrisonwith "Ranger Rick"

Joe Gentile2 Hart AvenueYonkers, NY 10704

Billy ThorntonRte 1, Box 82ARogersville, AL 35652

(top) Jeff Sandell - Bill EvansBill Mrkvicka - Ray Armstrong

Bulk RateArlington, VA

Permit No. 5223

the POINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMANPOINTMAN431 7th Street, S.E., #BWashington, D.C. 20003(202) 547-0426

Forwarding and AddressCorrection Requested

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