VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Pacific Areas Commander Jim Oden Military Order of the Cootie Grand of the Pacific Commander Orville Humfleet Volume VI – Number 06 A non-profit official publication 20 December 2010 The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what is happening locally throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information from outside the Department, in the various programs that both support. Inputs are due no later than the 15 th of the month. VFW Commander-In-Chief Richard Eubanks Recognizes Pacific Areas Member with Life Saving Award The CINC of the VFW Richard Eubank recently honored a Life Member of Post 10216 in Songtan, Korea with the VFW Valor Life Saving Citation for an act of heroism in saving the life of two people while Keith was on active duty with the US Air Force. Colonel Keith Andrews is currently assigned to 7 th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Korea. All the more impressive, he performed his act of heroism while on duty with the USAF’s Air War College regional study trips to Zambia, Africa. His act of heroism was recognized with the award of the President’s Medal for Gallantry by the President of Zambia. Here are the words from the President’s Citation: “Whereby you saved two teenage girls from sure death by drowning in the Zambezi River and being swept over the Victoria Falls”.
Transcript
VFW Department of Pacific Areas Page 1
Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States Department of Pacific Areas
Commander Jim Oden
Military Order of the Cootie
Grand of the Pacific Commander
Orville Humfleet
Volume VI – Number 06 A non-profit official publication 20 December 2010
The Around the Pacific newsletter showcases what is happening locally throughout the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and the MOC Grand of the Pacific through articles, photos, etc., and the Department Editor, may provide information from outside the Department, in the various
programs that both support. Inputs are due no later than the 15th
of the month.
VFW Commander-In-Chief Richard Eubanks Recognizes
Pacific Areas Member with Life Saving Award
The CINC of the VFW Richard Eubank recently honored a Life Member of Post 10216 in Songtan, Korea with the VFW Valor Life Saving Citation for an act of heroism in saving the life of two people while Keith was on active duty with the US Air Force. Colonel Keith Andrews is currently assigned to 7
th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Korea. All the more impressive, he performed his act of
heroism while on duty with the USAF’s Air War College regional study trips to Zambia, Africa. His act of heroism was recognized with the award of the President’s Medal for Gallantry by the President of Zambia. Here are the words from the President’s Citation: “Whereby you saved two teenage girls from sure death by drowning in the Zambezi River and being swept over the Victoria Falls”.
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The statement that specifically warranted the VFW Valor Life Saving Award is also found in the President’s Citation with: “Disregarding the danger to your own life posed by the swift strong current and the slippery rocks just above the falls, you jumped into the river and were able to pull the two girls to the shore”.
The following citation was received by the US Air Force from the US Ambassador to Zambia.
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Zambian President Rupiah Banda awards Col. Keith Andrews the President’s Medal of Gallantry May 25, for the rescue of two Zambian women in the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls a year earlier.
Andrews was visiting the area as part of a U.S. Air Force Air War College regional study program tour May 8, 2009.
The VFW Department of Pacific Areas adds our own congratulations to Colonel Keith Andrews for the honor he has bestowed upon the Veterans of Foreign Wars as one of our members. Colonel Andrews will be presented the VFW Award at the next VFW District III Meeting in February.
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DISTRICT II AND III COMRADES PERFORM COMBINED REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY AT CLARK CEMETERY
Story and photos by Joe Mortimer, Commander, District 2 Mainland Japan and “Doc” Higgins Department Surgeon
ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES – After the 2010 Department of Pacific Areas Mid-Term Council of Administration comrades of District 2 Mainland Japan and District 3 Korea teamed up to take time to remember comrades from District 2 and District 3 who are buried at Clark Cemetery. In attendance were from District 2 were District Commander Mortimer, District Senior Vice Commander Moses and District Quartermaster Johnson. From District 3 Korea were Commander Doc Higgins, Adjutant Keith Michael, and Life Member of VFW Post 10216 Shay “Shaman” Carnes.
The ceremony commences with a moment of silence at the 100 kilometer marker of the Bataan Death March then an honors salute to all who are buried at Clark Cemetery. From there proceed to the location where known District members are buried and remember them with an honors salute and flag planting. The remembrance for comrades of District 2 was lead by Joe Mortimer and “Doc” Higgins lead the remembrances for District 3 comrades. While there, we also paused to pay respects to Al Mitchell (Past Grand Commander) who was also recently buried there.
This started as a District 2 tradition when District Commander Joe Mortimer was District Junior Vice Commander. Upon the death of Gene Gann (a Past District 2 Commander) Joe made visits to his gravesite and planted a U.S. flag each time he was in Angeles City attending an Annual Convention or Council of Administration. It gradually spread to an unofficial District 2 event and last year, Joe was joined by “Doc” Higgins of District 3 Korea. Joe stated, “I had only met Gene Gann a couple times before he died, however he impressed me very much. I felt it was important to make a visit since he was a District 2 Commander that someone from District 2 should take a moment while in Angeles City to visit him.” Virgil Eugene “Gene” Gann was a retired Commander in the U.S. Navy and a Past Commander of District 2 Mainland Japan who later moved to the Philippines. He was laid to rest in Clark Cemetery in 2007. “Recently in August 2010, sitting District 2 Commander Kirk McKnight was laid to rest here. Kirk was a legend in District 2 Mainland Japan and I had known him for about 3 years. As other people I know from the Department of Pacific Areas are laid to rest here, it makes this small ceremony even more important for me to do,” said Joe.
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In Memoriam
Remembering Gene Gann of District 2 Mainland Japan.
Remembering Kirk McKnight of District 2 Mainland Japan.
VFW Post 10216 Commander Doc Higgins and Post members pay respects and honor VFW Post 10216 members who were buried there. He was accompanied by Adjutant Keith Michael and Life Member of VFW Post 10216 Shay “Shaman” Carnes in planting an American Flag and a remembrance ceremony for Earl Dodge and Lewis Baker.
Remembering Earl Dodge of District 3 Korea.
Remembering Lewis Baker of District 3 Korea.
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Joe paid respects to fallen comrade MSgt Albert Mitchell.
ABOUT CLARK CEMETERY This cemetery is the final resting place for some 2,250 fallen American soldiers including at least 642 Philippine Scouts from the pre-WWII
era. The Clark Air Base Cemetery was formed between 1947 and 1950 by moving the headstones/markers and remains from at least four other U.S. military cemeteries (Fort Stotsenberg 1 and 2, Fort McKinley and Sangley Point Naval Cemetery) to the new 20.365 acre, 12,000 plot cemetery located just inside the Main Gate of Clark Air Base. All WWII dead were moved to the American Cemetery, Manila. The cemetery contains the remains of U.S. Veterans from the USA, USN, USMC, USCG, USAF, Philippine Scouts (PS) and their dependents. Some, but not all, were veterans of the Spanish/American, Philippine Insurrection, WWI, WWII (died after the war), Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq Wars. The largest category interred is civilian, mostly U.S. and Filipino, all of whom worked for the U.S. Government, and their dependents. In addition, nationals from France, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam and India are buried there. VFW Post 2485 of Angeles City manages the “Grave Diggers” help to raise funds to support and maintain the Clark Cemetery. Additional contributions can be made by sending a check made out to "VFW Post 2485" with a memo of "Cemetery Maintenance Fund" and sent to: VFW Post 2485, PSC 517, Box RCV, FPO AP 96517-1000. If you desire to participate during our next VFW event in Angeles, contact Joe Mortimer or Doc Higgins and join us on this memorable visit.
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DDiissttrriicctt 77 PPhhiilliippppiinneess
At the invitation of U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas, the top three chairs of Post 9892 all traveled to Baguio City on Friday, December 17, 2010, to attend the Ambassador’s annual Christmas Party. This year the party was celebrated as a garden party. In attendance were local dignitaries, including two Congressmen, the Mayor of Baguio City, and a few cadets of the Philippine Military Academy.
Seen below are: (l-r) SVC Sonny Dozier, Cdr Frank Hilliard, Mrs. Brink, Mary-An Flores, Lina Hilliard,
Ambassador Harry Thomas, Daisy Dozier (front), Dennis Brink VA-OPC Dir., Imelda Darkus, and JVC Tom Darkus.
At left: Post 9892 Commander Frank Hilliard is seen with Baguio City Mayor Maricio Domogan (left), and Congressman Bernardo Vergara. Commander Hilliard the Mayor and Congress-man related to the many times they had met over the years as they worked together on the former Camp John Hay. Hilliard was with the Public Affairs Office on the base and worked closely with both the Mayor’s office and the Congress-man.
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Above right is seen the Pup Tent 11 Team from Barrio Barretto, who won the coveted “Great Blue Louse” trophy for the fourth year in a row. Also seen in the photo are Past Supreme Commander Marty Ellingwood, (2
nd fm l front
row), and MOC Grand of Pacific Commander Orville Humfleet, (behind Marty). Both were visiting for the Chili Cook Off and then went on to attend Scratches of all Pup Tents in the Philippines.
Pup Tent 11 also went on to win the overall Best Chile award. Pup Tent 15 Team from Angeles City won Second
Place in the Chili contest, while VFW Post 9892 won Third Place. This was VFW Post 9892’s eighth award from the Chili Cooking.
VFW Post 9892’s 19th
Annual Chili Cook Off went off without a hitch on Saturday, November 27, 2010. While the number of participating teams was dismal this year, compared to 28 teams last year, a great time was had by all. Seen at right is Glenda and hubby Floyd Whaley, who won the best booth decoration Commander’s Plaque. (Last year Glenda won the best chili award.)
Below are seen the gorgeous carved
plaques, and Best Chili Trophy on display during the competition.
At left: one of the perks of command, presenting the Miss Chili Pepper award to Hershey a sixteen year old high school student. We had a total of 17 young ladies who participated this year.
At right is the
cooking booth of Bali Hai, our host resort for the Chili Cook Offs for the past 17 years.
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POST 2485 BANQUET
JV-CINC Hamilton making presentation to Post Commander Bob Chesko
JV-CINC John Hamilton addressing Comrades at the banquet
VFW National JC-CINC Hamilton Visits Department of Pacific Areas C of A
National JVC-in-Chief John Hamilton and John Strouds, candidate for National JVC-in-Chief 2012, visiting the
Collin Kelly monument at Clark Field, Philippines.
National JVC-in-Chief John Jamilton and John Strouds candidate National JVC-in-Chief 2012 and Pup Tent 15 Seam Squirrel Tom
Aldrich laying a wreath at the Clark cemetery, Clark Field Philippines.
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National JVC-in-Chief John Jamilton and John Strouds, candidate for National JVC-in-Chief 2012 and Post 2485 Commander Bob Chesko
laying a wreath at the Clark Cemetery, Clark Field, Philippines.
District VII Commander Jimbo Correll presenting a memento on behalf of District VII Comrades to DPA Commander Jim Oden at the Commander's recognition night Mid-Term, Oasis Hotel, Angeles City.
DEPARTMENT of PACIFIC AREAS COUNCIL of ADMINISTRATION
Commander Oden displaying the Department All-American penant for 2009-10.
JV-CINC Hamilton speaking to membership
Past Supreme Commander 1999-2000 Marty Ellingwood
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Presentations and Recognition Awards
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DEPARTMENT C of A BANQUET
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GRAND OF PACIFIC MID-TERM C of A
Private Scratch????
What are their Cootie Numbers???? Have they completed their Degree Work????
Where is their Duffle for Fines???? Provost Marshall!!!!!!
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SUPREME AWARDS for GRAND of PACIFIC AREAS
SUPREME ALL-STAR PUP TENT AWARD PRESENTATIONS
Pup Tent 1
Pup Tent 6
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Pup Tent 7
Pup Tent 8
Pup Tent 303
#1 VFW Recruiter-Invividual
Cootie Ken Swierzewski
AWARDS and RECOGNITION
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DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt aanndd GGrraanndd
AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
POST COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORTS
All members please submit! Reminder to submit your Monthly Volunteer / Community Service Reports to your Post Junior Vice Commander as directed by your Posts. Reports are due on the Department Website on or before the last day of each month for that month.
--------------------------------------------------------------- MOVING, TRANSFERRING, OR LEAVING THE LOCAL AREA OF YOUR POST?
If moving, be sure to let your Post Quartermaster / Adjutant know and provide your change of address, so you will not miss any of your VFW Magazine subscriptions and other VFW benefits.
Donations for Buddy Poppies are greatly appreciated and accepted. Please see your Post Buddy Poppy Chairman for details.
_______________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF PACIFIC AREAS CLARK CEMETERY
Clark Cemetery Maintenance Fund donations accepted to support the maintenance of this cemetery, which is completely dependent on individual and group donations. VFW Post 2485, located in Angeles City, Philippines, is the caretaker of Clark Cemetery for the VFW Department of Pacific Areas and is in need of your help.
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/cemetery.htm If you make a donation, we thank you very much and ask you to please
Become a member and support the Department of Pacific Areas Grave Diggers Program which is open to anyone who has a desire to support the Clark Cemetery. To use our PDF "fill-able" application form log:
http://www.vfwpost2485.com/grave_diggers.pdf - Please mail your application and membership fee, as well as any future donations to: VFW Post 2485 Attn: Grave Diggers PSC 517, Box RC-V FPO AP 96517-1000
If you make a donation or become a member of the Grave Diggers, we thank you very
much and ask you to please inform your Post Adjutant / Quartermaster.
VVFFWW CCoooottiiee CCoorrnneerr
AAnnnnoouunncceemmeennttss
MOC PADDY DADDY PROGRAM M.O.C. Grand of the Pacific is asking you to help support the Paddy
Daddy Program. Applications are available online on the VFW Department of Pacific Areas website.
The Paddy Daddy Application for signing up Comrades, Cooties, Friends,
Family, and yes, even your Pets can be signed up! Please fill out as many applications as you like for a very good cause.
The VFW National Home Special Project is the recipient of the proceeds from our very own program in the Pacific Areas. Send the application to me along with a check made out to “Ee CHI GAE Pup Tent #2, in the amount of US$25.00, and I will promptly prepare your Certificate, Card and Pin and mail them to you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to e-mail [email protected].
Yours in Comradeship, L.O.T.C.S. Billy Haney Seam Squirrel Pup Tent #2 Military order of the Cootie Paddy Daddy Chairman
If you make a donation or become a member, we thank you very much and
ask you to please inform your Pup Tent’s Custodian of the Crummy Duffle Bag and be quick about it!
